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 Private firms getting more policy boost 08:29, August 19, 2024 By Fan Feifei and Cheng Yu ( China Daily Workers lay the track of the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou high-speed railway in Wenling, East China's Zhejiang province, on June 22, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua] The Hangzhou-Taizhou High-Speed Railway in Zhejiang province, China's first high-speed railway controlled by private capital, has proved to be a milestone in the Chinese government's efforts to attract private funding to key infrastructure construction and local transportation development. The railway, which began operating in January 2022, has a designed speed of 350 kilometers per hour and connects a number of well-known scenic spots. It has handled more than 20 million passenger trips so far. It is among the country's first rail projects funded by a public-private partnership, with 51 percent of the railway's shares held by a consortium of eight private enterprises. The safe and smooth operation of the 266.9-km rail line is a vivid example of how China has been pushing ahead with the market-oriented reform of its high-speed railway investment and financing system. The project also demonstrates how private enterprises have the ability to invest and participate in major national projects, according to experts and entrepreneurs. They noted that the country's latest measures for comprehensively deepening reform will create a favorable environment for the nonpublic sector, and said that bolstering the growth of the private economy will significantly shore up market confidence, stabilize expectations and revive the momentum of economic recovery amid challenges and external uncertainties. The measures will further motivate private enterprises to beef up their innovation capabilities and achieve breakthroughs in crucial technologies, the experts and entrepreneurs said, adding that this will promote industrial upgrades and high-quality economic development. They also called for efforts to increase financial support for private enterprises and optimize policies on tax and fee reductions. The comments came after the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which concluded last month, adopted a resolution on further comprehensively deepening reform to advance Chinese modernization. The country will continue to implement principles and policies that help foster a favorable environment and create more opportunities for the development of the nonpublic sector, while formulating a law to promote the private economy, according to the resolution. China's top leadership has placed great emphasis on bolstering the growth of the private sector. During last year's two sessions, the annual meetings of China's top legislative and political advisory bodies, President Xi Jinping called for proper guidance for the healthy and high-quality development of the private sector. Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the CPC Central Committee always unswervingly consolidates and develops the public sector and encourages, supports and guides the development of the nonpublic sector. He also said the CPC Central Committee always believes that private enterprises and entrepreneurs "belong to our own family". Zhou Maohua, an analyst at China Everbright Bank, said, "The private sector has become an important force for promoting Chinese modernization, and plays an increasingly vital role in stabilizing economic growth, creating job opportunities and bolstering technological innovation." The country has sent a clear signal that it is dedicated to boosting the high-quality development of the private economy through rolling out targeted measures to deal with the difficulties and issues faced by private enterprises, he said. Noting that some private enterprises have been facing mounting pressures, such as rising production costs and financing difficulties, Zhou said, "It is important to encourage financial institutions to step up support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, deepen reform to eliminate barriers that hinder the development of the private sector, and support private enterprises in enhancing innovation capacities." Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the e-commerce research institute of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said the country's push to draft a law on promoting the private economy reflects its firm determination to support the private economy, with a specific focus on strengthening protection of private companies' property rights, as well as the rights and interests of entrepreneurs, via legal means. The recent move signals a significant step toward creating a more transparent, stable and predictable business environment, he said, adding that "the legislative efforts will not only remove systemic barriers and address the pressing concerns of private enterprises, but also invigorate the dynamism of market entities and bolster the development of new quality productive forces". Saying that the private sector serves as a primary engine for economic growth, Hong called for more efforts to expand financing channels and reduce financing costs for private enterprises, strengthen financial assistance to private investment projects, continuously optimize the market environment for fair competition, and reinforce intellectual property protection. Gao Zicheng, chairman of the All-China Lawyers Association, said that in order to reduce the burden on private enterprises, more detailed measures may include implementing tax policies that benefit small and micro private enterprises, like deferred, reduced or exempted corporate income taxes and value-added taxes for eligible enterprises. Intrinsic element The private economy has become an intrinsic element of China's economic system and a significant force in sustainable and healthy economic development. Private companies contribute more than 60 percent of gross domestic product, 70 percent of technological innovation and 80 percent of urban employment, according to official data. In July last year, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a top-level guideline detailing 31 measures, such as facilitating private enterprises' access to funding, reducing market entry barriers and promoting fair competition, to promote the development of the private sector. The third plenary session's resolution said that efforts will be made to remove barriers to market access, improve the long-term mechanism for private enterprises to participate in major national projects, support capable private companies in leading significant national technological and innovation projects, and provide private enterprises with greater access to major national scientific research infrastructure. "These reform measures will provide more opportunities for the private sector's participation in key national projects, further stimulate the vitality of private investment and consolidate the economic recovery trend," said Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy. Recent years have seen an increasing number of private companies playing a role in major infrastructure projects in transportation, water conservancy and railways. Previously, these areas, which used to be dominated by State-owned enterprises, were seldom open to private enterprises. Thanks to recent efforts to promote the private sector's participation in major projects, Chongqing One-Tale Electric Co has received special support from the National Development and Reform Commission, the nation's top economic regulator, to establish a sensor technology service platform, said Tian Yongchao, head of research and development at the company, a private-sector provider of electrical equipment. "After the platform's completion in June next year, it is expected to help improve the sensor industry chain in Chongqing and Southwest China as a whole," Tian said. Li Dongsheng, founder and chairman of consumer electronics maker TCL Technology Group Corp, said, "The authorities' supportive attitude toward the private sector has greatly boosted the confidence of private enterprises and stimulated the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation vitality of entrepreneurs." TCL will stick to an innovation-driven development strategy and strive for breakthroughs in key technologies and bolster the transformation and upgrading of the high-tech manufacturing industry, he added. Zhou Hongyi, founder of Chinese cybersecurity company 360 Security Group, said the key plenary meeting has sent a clear message of further efforts to comprehensively deepen reform. He added that this has inspired and encouraged him, and said his company will focus on digital security and artificial intelligence and bolster digital and intelligent upgrades in traditional industries. Nan Cunhui, chairman of Chint Group, a leading industrial electrical equipment and new energy company, said the latest commitment to developing the nonpublic sector has put private enterprises at ease, because they see that such support has been and will be consistent. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) The opportunities for face-to-face debates between Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Republican nominee Hung Cao have dwindled to one. Cao declined last week to participate in a debate proposed by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and an in-person candidate forum that AARP Virginia had proposed with a Richmond television station. That leaves only one debate a televised faceoff on Oct. 2 at Norfolk State University and a pair of potential tele-town hall conference calls to allow AARP members to hear from the candidates on issues important to Virginia seniors. The Virginia Bar Association canceled its proposed debate at The Omni Homestead Resort in Bath County last month after Cao did not respond to its invitation. Neither campaign agreed to the AARPs proposed Peoples Debate on Oct. 8 at the Richmond studio of WTVR, although Kaine had offered a potential date to participate in a candidate forum instead. Kaines campaign said Monday that it had accepted invitations to three debates and the AARP candidate forum, at which the candidates would appear in person separately before the same audience. He is disappointed that his opponent has refused to participate in the first three, spokesman Michael Beyer said. Caos campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday. AARP State Director Jim Dau said the organization is trying to arrange two evenings within several days of each other in mid-September to give its members a chance to hear from both Senate candidates on issues that matter most to them. Both campaigns have expressed interest in participating, he said. Good luck to the candidate who ignores the issues of importance to voters who are 50 and older, Dau said in an interview on Monday. Those issues include strengthening the financial solvency of Social Security; supporting unpaid family caregivers for seniors in their homes; expanding access to health care; and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. AARP said it had notified the Republican and Democratic state parties early this year of its interest in sponsoring a debate between the Senate candidates. Dau said it extended formal invitations on June 20, the same day that Kaine announced he had agreed to participate in three debates proposed by the Virginia Bar Association, the Northern Virginia Chamber and Norfolk State. At that point, Caos campaign said it had not received invitations to any of the debates. The bar association formally asked him to participate the next day, but said his campaign never responded. Northern Virginia Chamber President and CEO Julie Coons said Cao declined on Friday afternoon to participate in the proposed debate in Fairfax County. However, Caos campaign announced last week that he would participate in the debate at Norfolk State, which Nexstar Media Group will air statewide. Dau said Kaines campaign said it could not accommodate another debate, but agreed to a candidate forum that AARP would host instead. He said Caos campaign notified him on Friday that the Republican nominee would not participate in the forum but expressed interest in the tele-town halls, held within 48 to 72 hours of each other. The work we do with candidates has to be done evenly, he said. PHOTOS: 1964 and the dawn of modern politics in Virginia Amid ongoing civil rights debates, the presidential campaign marked a new era in Virginia, one whose political formula resonates today. Read: 1964 and the dawn of modern politics in Virginia Uploaded Photos 20150802_MET_VOTE ORIGINAL CAPTION: Long line of negroes at Mosque waits to register to vote on September 8, 1964. 1975 caption: Black voter strength doubled af Uploaded Photos 20150802_MET_VOTE William Richardson (left) gives name to Earl Carter, NAACP worker along 25th street on October 3, 1964. The group took names of persons left w 20150802_MET_VOTE_18 CAPTION: Lady Bird Johnson and and her daughter Lynda Bird, greet a crowd assembled at Broad Street Station on October 7, 1964. -Lynda Johnson Uploaded Photos 20150802_MET_VOTE Voting at Highland Park house on November 3, 1964. ELECTIONS, CIVIL RIGHTS Uploaded Pdfs Seibel10-25-64 1964 political cartoon cropped CHICAGO The Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday in Chicago, just four weeks after President Joe Biden shuttered his campaign and made way for Vice President Kamala Harris to ascend to the top of Democrats' ticket. The political transformation just months ahead of the general election matchup with the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, has meant a rapid succession of changes for Democrats' 2024 calculus in general making the convention all the more noteworthy. Here's what to watch on the first day: Biden will speak Monday night Up until a month ago, Biden had been expected to take the convention stage Thursday night, as is tradition for the party's nominee. Now, Biden will give a speech on the convention's opening night of Monday, as will his wife, first lady Jill Biden. Biden is expected to use his keynote address as a symbolic handoff of his party to Harris, capping five decades in Democratic politics and pressing the case for what he says is the threat to the country if Trump returns to the White House. Harris will be on hand to watch the president's speech. Signs in the arena will feature a regular Biden-ism: Spread the faith. While Harris is expected to stick around through the week's events, ahead of her own speech, officials say Biden isn't planning to be in Chicago past his own appearance. A focus for the people According to convention organizers, the theme for Mondays events is For the People, a callback to the theme of Harris 2020 presidential campaign, and a phrase shes been incorporating into her new one, starting with a fundraising email the very night Biden departed the race. The phraseology hearkens to her 2019 launch, at which Harris a longtime prosecutor and California's first woman to serve as attorney general recalled introducing herself in court as Kamala Harris, for the people," adding, In my whole life Ive only had one client, the people. Throughout that campaign, Harris returned to the phrase time and again, in speeches but also on signs and T-shirts, and as part of her principal campaign committee's official nomenclature. At the convention's opening night, organizers note that speakers will aim to make the argument that, while Donald Trump puts himself first, Democrats are fighting for the American people, something they say is reflected in Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. In addition to the elected officials and party leaders, Democrats also plan to showcase everyday Americans and some performers during each night. Protests are planned around town Thousands of activists are expected to converge on Chicago, hoping to call attention to abortion rights, economic injustice and the war in Gaza. Demonstrations are expected every day of the convention and, while their agendas vary, many activists agree an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is the priority. There have been months of preparation for the tens of thousands of activists expected in town. Chicago police have undergone training on constitutional policing, county courts say they are opening more space in anticipation of mass arrests and hospitals near the security zone are beefing up emergency preparedness. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is among the speakers expected to take the stage on the convention's opening night, said on ABC's This Week on Sunday that the city was prepared for the thousands of activists expected to participate in protests around the DNC. Our local police department has worked with the Secret Service as well as other local agencies to ensure a safe, peaceful yet vibrant, exciting convention, he said. Trump's counterprogramming As Democrats laud their top-of-the-ticket selectees, Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, have a full week of their own events stumping across battleground states. Like the Democrats and like at their own convention last month the Republicans are adding a theme to each day's events, with Monday intended to focus on the economy. On Monday both Trump and Vance are in Pennsylvania, the Rust Belt battleground where both men have stumped in recent days. Each day of the DNC, Trump's allies will also be holding a news conference in Chicago, a prebuttal to what's expected from the stage at the United Center. This article was originally featured in Foreign Policy, the magazine of global politics and ideas. Twenty years ago, a 42-year-old state senator named Barack Obama delivered a stirring address at the Democratic National Convention in Boston that galvanized the party. In his speech, which lasted approximately 17 minutes, Obama laid out a bold vision of progressive patriotism. Even though the Democratic nominee that year, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, lost to President George W. Bush, Obamas ideas provided a strong foundation for his own victory as president four years later. As Vice President Kamala Harriswhom former President Donald Trump, her Republican opponent, is attacking as a radicaland fellow Democrats prepare for the DNC in Chicago, they would do well to look back at what Obama had to say. His keynote address remains as relevant in 2024 as it was when he was still a relatively unknown figure on the national stage, because it continues to offer a compelling framework to connect a progressive agenda, steeped in traditional Democratic ideals, to positive, forward-looking patriotism. Rather than a total focus on the existential threat a second Trump term would pose to the country, the Obama speech provides a solid foundation for the politics of joy that Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, hope can keep their momentum going. Not every state senator gets a keynote address at the DNC. Kerrys team, led by Jack Corrigan and Robert Shrum, had considered other high-profile Democrats, including New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano. The parties had traditionally reserved the keynote spot for emerging stars, using the time as a moment to energize the party by showcasing exciting new voices. Although these speeches could often fall flat, there had been several notable historical milestones. In 1976, Texas Rep. Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman to deliver a keynote at either convention, captured the Democratic imagination by speaking about the need to revitalize a sense of community and common purpose after the fractures from Vietnam and Watergate. Eight years later, New York Gov. Mario Cuomo punctured the myth of President Ronald Reagans euphoric Morning in America message by talking about economic inequality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obamas road to Boston took shape in early July 2004, when Mary Beth Cahill, Kerrys campaign manager, called to invite him to deliver remarks in prime time on the second night. Cahill finally made the call to Obama after her team had narrowed it down to him and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, whose no-nonsense oratory, centrist politics and movie-star good looks have Democrats looking to her as their partys savior, as Eleanor Clift noted in Newsweek. Cahills was an ask seemingly out of left field, and while Obama was surrounded by a talented group of advisers who knew they had someone special on their hands, including David Axelrod and Robert Gibbs, to the rest of the country, he was barely known. Advertisement Obama on paper was an awkward choice to tout Kerry because he had come out strongly against the Iraq War, which Kerry as senator had voted to support. But the Democratic nominee had heard Obama speak at a campaign event in Illinois in March and had been impressed by him. His team believed Obama, who was running to replace retiring Republican Sen. Peter Fitzgerald in Illinois, could make a splash. The campaign was also eager to make sure there was high turnout among Black voters, who would be critical to defeating Bush, still riding high on his aggressive response to 9/11 and the issue of national security. Obama could showcase how much more representative the Democrats were in contrast to a Republican Party that was justifiably perceived as white, male, rural, and insular. The Democrats also knew that Illinois would be an important open Senate seat. Advertisement Related From Slate What the Polls Tell Us About How Long Kamalamentum Can Keep Rolling Read More With his hard work ethic, Obama went to work. He insisted that he wanted to write the first draft on his own, one that would be intensely personal. I know what I want to doI want to talk about my story as part of the American story, Obama told Axelrod. He wanted to stress the need for government to help provide a foundation of opportunity, as well as the stories of the people he had met on the campaign trail. The best of the American spirit, he recalled in his 2006 memoir, The Audacity of Hope, was having the audacity to believe despite all the evidence to the contrary that we could retore a sense of community to a nation torn by conflict; the gall to believe that despite personal setbacks, the loss of a job or an illness in the family or a childhood mired in poverty, we had some controland therefore responsibilityover our own fate. It was that audacity, I thought, that joined us as one people. Advertisement Advertisement On July 26, Obama flew from Chicago to Boston at 4 a.m. so he could spend the morning appearing on the news shows. He also practiced the speech three times, each session an hour long. Advisers worried that Obama had never spoken from a teleprompter. Initially, his team worried; Obama seemed stiff and choppy. His speech was also far too long. Advertisement Advertisement Throwing him off as the evening approached, Kerrys 23-year-old speechwriter, Jon Favreau, told Obama that he had to remove a line from the speech that was too close to what the senator was going to say. Obama expressed his frustration at this man who looked barely out of college telling him what to do, but Axelrod pulled Favreau aside and negotiated a compromise. (Favreau would go on to become the top speechwriter for Obama when he ran for the presidency in 2008 and later co-founded the hit political podcast Pod Save America.) In the end, the speech would inspire and provoke. Advertisement Obamas address has been remembered as a piece of soaring oratory, but it is also now regarded as somewhat naive and nostalgic in its call to recognize the unifying elements of the nation. Still, those memories downplay the real significance of the message Obama offered Democrats. In his keynote, Obama took on the strain of patriotism that was being promoted by Bush and the Republicans, one that revolved around aggressive militarism and bombastic nationalism. There were several key components to his argument. The first was the significance of his own background. Obamas cosmopolitan and international origins reflected the essence of the United States at its best. I stand here today, grateful for the diversity of my heritage, aware that my parents dreams live on in my precious daughters, he said. We gather to affirm the greatness of our nation, not because of the height of our skyscrapers or the power of our military or the size of our economy. Our pride is based on a very simple premise, summed up in a declaration made over 200 years ago, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. In a nation that was made, and perpetually remade, by immigrants, a nation that has grown more diverse, and a nation that is increasingly rooted in global networks, Obamas story symbolized the strength of American identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second component of his nationalism was the importance of government to ensuring fairness in the marketplace. While acknowledging its limits, Obama insisted that government had an important role to play in ensuring safety and security for all citizens. Dont get me wrong. The people I meet in small towns and big cities, in diners and office parks, they dont expect government to solve all their problems. But they sense, deep in their bones, that with just a change in priorities, we can make sure that every child in America has a decent shot at life and that the doors of opportunity remain open to all. Kerry, Obama told the crowd, would offer tax incentives to businesses that created jobs at home and he would make sure Americans could afford decent health insurance. Obama advocated an understanding of government-market relations that fits into a classic Democratic refrain that the historians Michael Kazin and Lizabeth Cohen have termed moral capitalism. The idea of moral capitalism was that federal policies were necessary to make certain that the market was fair and just and that all individuals had a chance to become self-sufficient actors. Advertisement Finally, there was the most famous part of his keynote, the section where his delivery and words proved to be most powerful, in which Obama challenged the reality of a red and blue America. But he did not simply mean to magically wish away polarization and political differences; he knew these were intensely real. Rather, Obama wanted to argue that the communal tradition in U.S. history was equally powerful. Advertisement Advertisement The country, he said, was shaped by a belief that we are connected as one people. If theres a child on the south side of Chicago who cant read, that matters to me, even if its not my child. If theres a senior citizen somewhere who cant pay for her prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if its not my grandmother. According to Obama, the collective was what allows us to pursue our individual dreams yet still come together as a single American family. E pluribus unum. Out of many, one. This was the rhetorical framework that led Obama to famously note that there were citizens in red states who had gay friends and citizens in blue states who didnt like federal agents poking around our libraries. His message to Democrats, and to the entire nation, was that theres not a liberal America and a conservative Americatheres the United States of America. Advertisement Advertisement Out of those commonalties emerged a driving sense of optimism, rather than the politics of cynicism, anger, and despair. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope? he said. Im not talking about blind optimism here. Its the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores; the hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta; the hope of a millworkers son who dares to defy the odds; the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. The audacity of hope! (This was a phrase he heard from his preacher, Rev. Jeremiah Wright.) In the end, Obama said, that is Gods greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation; the belief in things not seen; the belief that there are better days ahead. Advertisement By the time Obama finished, after having been interrupted 33 times for applause, with delegates shedding tears as they listened, a star was born. I am proud, as a Black man, one Illinois delegate said to the press, to see him give a speech like the one he gave. It was inspirational. The delegates roared in approval; the pundits agreed that they had just seen the future. They were right. Rooting his understanding of Democratic politics in a patriotic vision, Obama had reminded Americans that a person could wave the flag proudly while leaning to the left. As Democrats prepare to celebrate the nomination of the first Black and South Asian woman presidential candidate, they have shown signs that they are still listening to what Obama had to say as they move to take ownership of patriotism rather than conceding love of country to the Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Harris has made this a centerpiece of her message. Toward the end of her address introducing her running mate in Philadelphia, Harris returned to some of the core themes that Obama put on the table 20 years ago. She said the basic question for voters was clear: What kind of country do we want to live in? A country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear, and hate? She has made freedom a framework for her message, reclaiming a term that, as the historian Eric Foner has shown, Republicans have made a centerpiece of their own. While Republicans attempt to demonstrate their patriotism by attacking statements that Walz has made about his 24-year military career, Harris has the opportunity to offer a positive vision, without vitriol, about how to make our nation stronger. In November, the voters will decide. But at least for now, Democrats have been enjoying some good vibes, supported by some better polls. Perhaps they can finally again feel some of Obamas audacity to hope for a better America. The 2024 Democratic National Convention starts this week, but the date lurking in the back of everyones mind is 1968. Comparisons to that disastrous party gathering 56 years ago have been a topic of conversation for the better part of a year, and for good reason. The number of technical similarities heading into the convention have been uncanny. But with a new presidential ticketand a gigantic surge of excitementDemocrats are holding their breath and hoping that the end result of this convention will be wildly different. First, the comparisons: The 2024 convention is being held in Chicago, just as it was in 68. (This years event will be at the United Center; then, it was at the International Amphitheatre, which was demolished in 1999.) And the elevation of Harris and Walz to the top of the ticket is part of a political climate that has parallels with 1968s confab: Both feature a late-breaking vice presidential replacement for an unpopular incumbent president who was driven to step down. Back then, it was Vice President Hubert Humphrey taking the mantle from President Lyndon Johnson after just one term. Johnson, a Senate stalwart, had passed sweeping, ambitious legislation on domestic issues, expanding the welfare state and committing major resources to infrastructure spending. But his stubborn support for a calamitous war effort abroad in Vietnam led to impassioned public protest, an approval rating in the 30s, and, eventually, his withdrawal from a checkered reelection effort. (Oh, also, he was challenged by one Robert F. Kennedy.) Advertisement Swap in Biden for Johnson and Harris for Humphrey, and the stories have identical structure. But there are critical differences as wellnot least that this time Democrats are fired up about their late-breaking candidate. Humphrey arrived at the 1968 convention with the nomination functionally sewed up, having won more delegates than he needed to secure the presidential nod. Harris arrives in the same position, but her road to securing those delegates was much, much smoother. Humphreys main Democratic opponent, Robert Kennedy, was assassinated after winning the primary in California. And the process that led Humphrey to secure the necessary delegate count was seen as so undemocratic that it resulted in major changes to the partys nominating process in subsequent elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Humphreys secured position, there remained a substantial bloc of uncommitted delegates within the party. Indeed, there remain uncommitted delegates this time around too, but they were initially uncommitted to Joe Bidennot Harrisas a result of his support for the very unpopular Israeli war in Gaza. Humphrey was seen as a pro-war candidate in the mold of Johnson, despite being vocally softer on the issue. Harris, who is rumored to be less in thrall to the far-right Netanyahu government than Biden, is in a similar position: She has not articulated a pro-peace position that is satisfactory to anti-war protesters. Obviously, there are major differences between the two wars and the nature of the protests against them. In 1968 the draft was still active, and young Americans were being forced to fight, which added a personal life-and-death urgency to the demonstrations. Israels war effort wouldnt be possible without U.S. military aid, but Americans are not being conscripted to fight in Gaza. Advertisement Still, potential protests are a big question mark this week, and the history of DNC anti-war protests looms large. Because, of course, what happened inside the International Amphitheatre mattered less in the long run than what happened outside it. Advertisement The 1968 convention is remembered primarily for the riots that raged over the course of five days, as protesters battled with an astonishing force of police and military stationed around the event site: 11,900 Chicago police; 7,500 Army troops; 7,500 Illinois National Guardsmen; and 1,000 Secret Service agents. On the night before the convention began, anti-war protesters, who had set up an encampment in Chicagos Lincoln Park, 10 miles from the amphitheater, were besieged by police wielding billy clubs and tear gas. Many people were injured, including 17 members of the press. Advertisement Advertisement The police violence escalated throughout the week and crested on the conventions penultimate day, in what has been called the battle of Michigan Avenue. There, cops severely assaulted a number of innocent bystanders, medical professionals and doctors, members of the press, and anti-war protestersall of which was recorded live and broadcast on national television. So stunning was the scope of the violence from the police riot that it led to an official commission to investigate its causes. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, known widely as an authoritarian, gave the Chicago PD a raise in the aftermath.* Meanwhile, the Vietnam War raged on for another brutal seven years, and Humphrey lost the presidency to Richard Nixon in an Electoral College landslide that was nevertheless very close in popular vote count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this weeks convention, it is a certainty that there will be a large number of anti-war protesters outside the buildingand likely inside as well. The police presence will be substantial. The 2020 national reckoning with police violence has resulted in no major reforms to American policing; precincts all across the country responded to cease-fire activists with startling violence on college campuses earlier this year. Still, with Biden stepping aside, the convention has been changed. There is more willingness to embrace the youth vote, rather than antagonize it, as far as campaign strategy goes. Harris has an opportunity to address some anti-war concerns with the release of her platform and her public address. She has been more forward-looking than her 81-year-old counterpart during her very brief presidential run. And her rise, plus the addition of Walz to the ticket, has created a preponderance of good feelings that have already mended some of the fractures within the party: Walz was the preferred VP pick for progressives who felt most alienated by Bidens late-term gestures. Those positive vibes have radiated down the ballot as well. Although it seemed as if Biden would drag Democrats down in numerous House and Senate races, recent polling shows everyones arrow now pointing up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Chicagos Brandon Johnson may well be the most progressive big-city mayor in the country, having been elected in 2023 on a police-reform platform. In other words, hes nothing like Daley, and despite the citys fierce restriction on granting permits for protests, Johnson is unlikely to encourage his police to act in a way that will once again make the city the national face of antidemocratic brutality. History still shadows this event. In many ways, the 1968 convention marked the end of New Deal politics in the Democratic Party; it took until the 2020 election of Joe Biden to bring them back. Now Harris and Walz are tasked with building on that legislative legacy, putting forward a political vision that brings even unhappy Democratic voters back into the fold and making good on the positive feelings, with a real gesture toward establishing the unity that has become central to the promise of their campaign. As Democrats gather for their national convention in Chicago this week, all of the partys leading lightsformer presidents, ambitious senators, rising stars, and the ticket itselfwill await their speaking time slots, wondering how a rousing moment could change the trajectory of the race and the course of their own careers. One figure, thoughwhos never been a great oratorwill give a speech on Wednesday, a few slots ahead of Tim Walz. Its a relatively modest role for the woman who many Democrats and Republicans alike believe holds the partys direction in the palm of her hand. If not for her maneuvering, there might not have been a Harris-Walz convention at all. How, exactly, did Nancy Pelosi shoo President Joe Biden offstage in the 2024 presidential election? We may never know the full ins and outs. But once Pelosi made a determination that Biden could not win reelection, a view she signaled on a now-infamous Morning Joe appearance, his days were numbered. Once her view became clear, things just started happening. House Democrats representing different elements of the Democratic coalition would call on Biden to resign, one or two at a time. The president would hunker down, and it would become two or three at a time. When it was time to ratchet things further, a major name like Rep. Adam Schiff, who happens to be a close Pelosi ally, would issue his statement. Both Pelosi and Schiff would deny any coordination. Hm. Advertisement The forecast would only look worse. New names, bigger names, and in bigger batches, were sure to come. Major donors, many of them suspiciously from California, would cut off the money supply. Biden would eventually find himself with one choice left to avert certain further embarrassment. Pelosi would deny the details of her handiworkshe didnt place a single call!though not the narrative that she played a decisive role in pushing Biden out. Biden knows. The overall arc of the 24 days between Bidens disastrous June debate and his announcement that hed exit the race made me recall a line Pelosi told a group of reporters at a roundtable in 2019, just after shed forced then-President Donald Trump into caving on a lengthy government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You always start with a feather, she said, until you get to the sledgehammer. Thats about as much as shell ever give regarding the nuts and bolts of her method, one thats produced a legacywhether its your cup of tea or notsubstantial enough for the naming rights to a House office building. All we really know is that, with rare exceptions, once shes surveyed the horizon and determined that she will do something, it typically gets done. The space in between is filled with a well-marketed, intimidating mystique. Pelosi preserves that mystique in The Art of Power, her newly released memoir about her 20-plus years in House Democratic leadership. The book opens with her first thorough recounting of the 2022 attack on her husband, Paul Pelosi, and proceeds to describe some of her more memorable episodes: opposing the Iraq War, responding to the 2008 financial crisis, passing the Affordable Care Act, dealing with Trump, and her experiences on Jan. 6, 2021. Its a relatively slight recounting, coming in around 300 pages, when a proper cataloguing of Pelosis tenure atop House Democrats could run into the thousands. Scores of episodes in which she played a vital roledebt ceiling crises, government shutdowns, leadership races, COVID relief bills, endless short- and long-term spending battles, and the legislative flurry of the first two years of the Biden administrationeither get short shrift or no mention at all. Advertisement Advertisement Those unfamiliar with key moments in Pelosis career, in which there may be some new interest given the publicity shes earned this summer, will learn much. And the central placement she gives the chapter on a less conspicuous thread running through her time in Congressher opposition to and enmity from the Chinese governmentis instructive in and of itself. Advertisement For those whove either closely followed or covered any of her distinct eras, though, stories like the one in which she said to Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, I didnt know you were Catholic, when he got on his knees begging her not to let TARP fail in 2008, can only be reheard so many times. I was hoping The Art of Power might get more into the brass tacks of power. Instead, in Pelosis presentation of her leadership, wonderful people find the courage to make the difficult choices she puts to them. The ever-rising water temperature theyre in, with an unseen Pelosi turning the dial, goes unmentioned. Advertisement Pelosi has said she didnt use a ghostwriter much, and her distinct patoisincluding, as she puts in the acknowledgements, my not always understandable humoris on display in every sentence. She notes, for example, that the 1990s House of Representatives, as run by Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich, was not a healthy place for children and other living things. One favorite saying of hers thats been making the rounds during her current media tour is stylized thusly in the books opening pages: When youre in the arena, you have to be able to take a punch, and sometimes you have to be able to throw a punch For the Children. Advertisement Advertisement But at the core of wielding power, as she describes it, is a sort of omniscience. Advertisement A successful Speaker cant ever be surprised by anything. You must know what all the possibilities are, all of the time, she writes. Every challenge you face requires a decision, and youre not always given much time to make that decision. Anticipation is the order of the day. If any of this sounds familiar to parents steeling themselves before a lengthy flight, consider that Pelosi often cites her raising of five childrenborn within six yearsprior to her election to Congress as being crucial to her leadership abilities. Advertisement Another ability that she doesnt spell out, but which is impossible to ignore in the often zigzagging tone of her book, is compartmentalization. She has plenty to say in one chapter about the professionalism of George W. Bush and his negotiators. In other chapters, she reiterates the compelling arguments that the Bush administration lied its way into the Iraq War, a generational geopolitical mistake, and kept hidden the dire state of financial markets, working to paper everything together until after the 2008 election. She enjoyed the company of George H.W. Bush, whom she blisters for working against a forceful U.S. response to the Tiananmen Square massacre. On the same subject: Bill Clinton, a wonderful presidentexcept for when he abandoned all American leverage over Chinas human rights abuses, and got the American economy inextricably linked to Chinas, by pushing for permanent normal trade relations. Barack Obama, such a historic, inspiring, and wonderful speaker, who had a gross Senate bias and disrespect for the House. Grudgesor worse than thatcant impede a successful speaker from pursuing legislative opportunities as they arise. Advertisement Advertisement That even includes Donald Trump, whose administration she worked with on plenty of legislation. Not that she has anything whatsoever nice to say about him personally. Her telling of her relationship with Donald Trump is among the books more page-turning matchups of author and subject. There is no relationship now, beyond mutual disdain. But in those early days of the Trump administration, Pelosi looks at him through an almost anthropological lens. She describes, in her first phone call with him following Hillary Clintons concession, how confused he was that she had gotten his phone number. She notes, upon their first White House meeting, that the new president had also opted to serve everyone in attendance pigs in a blanket (small hot dogs wrapped in pastry), which he would assure Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer were kosher. She was mystified at the rather unusual statement that Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, made to her before the meeting: Hi, arent you so excited about everything that is happening? Is everybody excited about whats happening now? Though she wont admit it, Trump and Pelosi are most similar in their need for translators to make sense of their scattered diction. Pelosi, though, is dryly fascinated by Trumps lack of stateliness. She describes, for example, a contentious 2019 phone call in which Trump started by saying that he was up here at the UN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That call was to dissuade Pelosi from launching the first impeachment inquiry, when their relationship turned from one of wary, mutual curiosity to hardened battle, where it remains today. Her disgust with him courses through her chapter retelling the events of Jan. 6, and sears when describing members of his family making jokes in the aftermath of the attack on Paul Pelosi. There was nothing surprising about Pelosi moving as hard as she did against Joe Biden, once the data became clear that he wasnt a sturdy enough barrier to block Trumps reentry to the White House. Something needed to happen. She did her part. Pelosis signature vote-gathering feat was passage of the Affordable Care Act in March 2010. This was an unpopular bill at the time; anger about it had fuming crowds outside the Capitol spitting on members as they made their way in to vote. Many members knew that they would be signing their resignation letters from Congress by voting for it. These were not easy conditions for mustering majority support. Advertisement In the book, Pelosi gets from A to Backnowledging the difficulty, and being in awe of the courage of the House Democrats when she brought down the gavelwithout delving too far into the grimy business of how the votes were won. One taste she does give is how, in order to win the vote of Indiana Rep. Joe Donnelly, she sicced a former president of the University of Notre Dame on his case. When she walked into the cloakroom that day, she overheard members comparing stories of how I got their votes. Some with humoras was the case with Donnellysand some not. We dont read about the nots. Advertisement Pelosi would also observe, in the sort of aside thats common in the book, that the same Notre Dame president had sent her a beautiful statue of the visitation of Mary that sits in her office. God truly blessed America with the life, leadership, and legacy of Father Hesburgh, she writes. Advertisement Advertisement A sentence like that made me think: Did she do something to Father Hesburgh? Because throughout the book, much of her laudationlike the excess praise shes heaped on Biden in the past few weeks, after smoking him out of his lifes achievementgoes to those shes felled. Steny Hoyer, whom Pelosi defeated in the ever-consequential 2001 race for House Democratic whip, is described as her longtime friend. Oh? Longtime colleague with whom shed had a successful working relationship might have been more apt. But they were never exactly sharing mozzarella sticks at Applebees. I wouldnt have been surprised to see his name omitted from the index entirely. Pelosi tried to take Hoyer out as a rival once and for all following the 2006 midterms by supporting the majority leader bid of her powerful ally, Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha. (Hoyer, of course, won that race, and the strength of his own power base that served him for a couple of decades in leadership is best exemplified by the time that Pelosi came at him and missed.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate This DNC Will Be a Show We Havent Seen Before Read More Much love is shown to former Rep. John Dingell, the stalwart, long-serving representative from Michigan who showed important leadership throughout the discussion of our health care bill. Dingell, in that 200910 Congress, was recently out of his long-held job atop the Energy and Commerce Committee after California Rep. Henry Waxman had been elected by the members to take the committees gavel. This matter-of-fact description of how Dingell lost his gavel is Pelosi, and much of her book, in a nutshell, in how it elides the grisly details. For comparison, heres a description of this sequence of events from the memoir of another recent ex-speaker, John Boehner. When Waxman announced he was leading what at first seemed like this nutty suicide mission against Big John, Pelosi stayed officially neutral. But anyone with two peas between their ears knew that Henry wouldnt have dared to challenge Dingell without Nancys approval. He certainly would not have won, which he did, without her tacit support. She didnt have to say much, and she didnt show her hand in public. Nancy is one of those people who doesnt leave a lot of fingerprints. But she was all over this. I could just smell it. Waxmans 15-vote victory made all of our necks snap upright. Pelosi had gutted Big John Dingell like a halibut she found floating around San Francisco Bay, then calmly sat back and had a cup of coffee afterward. His entrails were left on display for everyone in the House of Representatives to seeand to remember. I dont think Nancy relished mounting Dingell on her wallshe certainly didnt brag about itbut thats not the point. The point is she did it, and I have no doubt she slept just fine that night. Advertisement Advertisement Pelosi would no doubt find this colorful language grotesque, For the Children. And its a depiction of events that she would deny. But she wouldnt mind seeing it out there. It raises the question of how much the Pelosi mystique in 2024at yet another apex just when shed convinced the world she was semi-retiredis based on a sound foundation or self-perpetuating. For every difficult vote shes wrangled by instilling the fear of God, there are dozens of others shes earned by making a persuasive case, trading a separate favor, or simply asking politely. In most touchy situations where shes called the play, the numbers moved because people trusted her instincts. As time went on, did torn members fall in line because they were fearful of her methods? Or because they were loosely aware of this general idea that Pelosi always gets her way? Did Biden know that Pelosi would make his life hell for each additional day that he stayed in the raceor was he going by a narrative that Pelosi had not discouraged? Advertisement Pelosi would call these questions stupid. The job got done. Why do you have follow-ups? Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support. Stefan Osusky fought tooth and nail for every square metre of Czechoslovakia. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share You can read this exclusive content thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm, which assists American people with Slovak roots in obtaining Slovak citizenship and reconnecting them with the land of their ancestors. This article was compiled from following sources: The Dejiny Podcast, Musil, M: Stefan Osusky priekopnik Spolocnosti narodov a zjednotenej Europy. The United Nations Museum Geneva holds only a few portraits of figures who made an impact on the organisation's predecessor, the League of Nations. Among them is Slovak Stefan Osusky, one of the most prominent diplomats of the fledgling Czechoslovakia. His path to this exalted position was a long and unlikely one. In early 1905, while Osusky was studying at the Lutheran Lyceum in Bratislava, the school was visited by Count Albert Apponyi, who as minister of education was later responsible for a series of laws intended to "Magyarise" the non-Hungarian populations of the Hungarian Kingdom (of which Slovakia was at that time a part). During the visit, Osusky had a Latin class, a subject that he liked very much. After the class Apponyi asked him where he came from, to which Osusky replied Brezova (now Brezova pod Bradlom), a town that was known for its strong Slovak feelings. However, that didn't stop Apponyi from saying that hopefully the young man would become a good Magyar (i.e. Hungarian). Osusky remained silent, which the count interpreted as defiance. He asked the school and later all others in the Austro-Hungarian Empire to dismiss Osusky. A year later Osusky emigrated to Chicago, in the United States, where a strong Czech-Slovak community was present, and pursued his studies in theology, philosophy, natural sciences and law. In 1920, Osusky met Apponyi once again during discussions about the Treaty of Trianon, which would establish Hungary's post-WWI borders. However, this time around it was the former who had the upper hand. Influence on Woodrow Wilson Despite moving to the US, Osusky was still interested in what was happening in his homeland. Because of that, he participated in expatriate organisations including the Slovak League, eventually becoming its vice-chair, and started publishing "Slovenske Noviny" (Slovak Newspaper). Interestingly, he did not know any English to begin with, but was lucky enough to have a knack for learning foreign languages. In 1915, he co-authored the Cleveland Agreement, a five-point programme of Slovak and Czech cooperation which reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to fight for self-determination; at the time, both were part of Austro-Hungarian Empire. Osusky was a strong proponent of a Czech-Slovak statehood and believed that Slovaks themselves could thrive as part of a bigger state. He was then sent back to Europe to ensure acceptance of the agreement, and to establish ties with members of Czechoslovak foreign resistance. His first stop was London, but he was quickly sent to Paris where the Czech National Council, an umbrella organisation promoting the creation of Czechoslovakia, was based. However, Osusky was adamant that the Czech National Council be renamed the Czech-Slovak National Council, otherwise he would return to the US and tell Slovaks the council was not interested in working with them. In the end, the name was changed. Once again, Osusky came to France not knowing any French; and, once again, he quickly picked up the language. Osusky's path then took him to Switzerland, where he established a newswire. Utilising his knowledge of German and Hungarian, he sought to combat Austro-Hungarian propaganda that sought to obfuscate the true situation of minorities in the empire. This activism caught the attention of the US Embassy in Bern. When Switzerland sought to expel Osusky, the embassy stepped in and stopped it from doing so. This connection eventually put Osusky in a position of great power he was able to influence US President Woodrow Wilson's idea of postwar Europe and acquaint him with the position of the Slovaks and Czechs. For example, Osusky was able to warn Wilson's advisor George Herron, who was holding talks with Austro-Hungarian emissaries in 1917 and 1918, that many promises of autonomy for nations within the empire had been made since 1848, but none had ever been fulfilled. In other words, he knew more about the circumstances in Europe than diplomats from the US. After WWI ended and Czechoslovakia was created in late 1918, Osusky represented the country at important conferences, including the Paris Peace Conference, during which he led the Czechoslovak delegation. He proved crucial in delineating the country's borders in discussions about the Treaty of Trianon, fighting tooth and nail for every square metre, including the status of the mouth of the River Vah, which flows entirely through Slovakia before emptying into the Danube, as well as the biggest river island in Europe, Zitny ostrov. It was in Paris that he again met Apponyi, the man who had inadvertently set him on his diplomatic path some years earlier. This time, however, it was Osusky who had the upper hand. Ensuring the continuity of Czechoslovakia In 1920, Osusky became the Czechoslovak delegate to the emerging League of Nations; his 16-year stint in the Control Commission set a record, with 14 years as its chair, and he also worked with the Reparations Commission, representing several nations in addition to Czechoslovakia. As part of the organisation, he was engaged in settling the Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay in 1932-35. Stefan Osusky. (Source: TASR) At the same time, Osusky served as Czechoslovakia's ambassador to France from 1921 all the way until 1940. His work greatly contributed to the development of relations between both countries; for example, he played a fundamental role in drafting and concluding a treaty of alliance and friendship between the two. After the breakup of Czechoslovakia in March 1939, Osusky refused to relinquish the Paris embassy and kept it functioning. He also took a leading role in ensuring the continuity of Czechoslovakia after the country's breakup. When World War II started, he helped organise the Czechoslovak resistance abroad. Unfortunately, Osusky was a victim of his own success; his activity in the League of Nations as well as his diplomatic successes would often put him at odds with Czech statesman Edvard Benes, who at the time led the Czechoslovak government in exile and who later removed Osusky from all his positions. The two men had differing opinions when it came to restructuring of the republic after the war, as well as the organisation of the resistance. Osusky subsequently withdrew from active involvement in public affairs. Proponent of a united Europe In 1945 Osusky moved to Hamilton, New York, where he became a university professor. Three years later, when the Communist Party took power in Czechoslovakia in a putsch, he became active in the Council of Free Czechoslovakia. However, he never returned to his homeland and died in the USA in 1973. Throughout his life, Osusky was a proponent of a pan-European federation. "Until the nations understand that their interests go beyond their national borders, until they decide to organise themselves in Europe, no new institution can remove the evil from which this old continent suffers... If Slovakia is my closest homeland, Czechoslovakia is my homeland, and Europe is my great homeland, just as it is the great homeland for those I turn to." Osusky was posthumously awarded the Czechoslovak Order of T. G. Masaryk, 1st Class, and Slovakia's Order of the White Double Cross, 2nd Class. His legacy endures in the form of the Stefan Osusky Summer School of Diplomacy, organised by the Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry. Spectacular Slovakia travel guides Video shared by Russian embassy and television. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Members of Brat za Brata, a pro-Russian Slovak motorcycle gang, visited the eastern Slovak village of Dargov on Wednesday, August 14. Their mission: to remove Ukrainian flags painted on Soviet military equipment at a victory monument on the Dargov Pass. The flags, a gesture of support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict launched by Russia in February 2022, had been added by unknown individuals, reports the Sme daily. At the turn of 1944 and 1945, the village of Dargov became the centre of bloody battles between the Nazi German and Soviet armies. Approximately 22,000 soldiers died, and the small village was destroyed. Ukrainians also took part in the liberation of Slovak territory in the Red Army ranks. After the Second World War, locals raised a monument featuring military equipment as a sign of gratitude for the gesture. Story about pro-Kremlin vandals on Russian TV Now, members of the pro-Russian group Brat za Brata (Brother for Brother) visited the memorial to remove Ukrainian flags painted on the equipment. The group published a video, showing their boss Matus Alexa covering the Ukrainian flag on the Soviet T-34/85 tank with green paint. Other members then sprayed a red star on the tank as well as the SU-100 tank destroyer. An uncut video was published by the Russian embassy in Slovakia, and later the Russian state television Rossiya 1 also aired a short report about them. This is not the first time that support for the contemporary Russian army was supported in this way. In the summer of 2022, an unknown perpetrator sprayed the letter Z on military equipment. Spreading Kremlin-aligned propaganda The pro-Russian group, which was established in 2014, spreads pro-Kremlin propaganda. For example, in 2022 they visited the village of Ladomirova, eastern Slovakia, after Russian ambassador Igor Bratchikov accused the then village mayor of defaming the military cemetery. The bikers also published the name and photo of the former mayor, who subsequently received death threats. Members of Brat za Brata were also spotted a few months ago in occupied Crimea. They were part of a delegation monitoring the Russian presidential elections, effectively legitimising the process. Not long ago, Meta blocked their Facebook and Instagram accounts, with almost 120,000 followers on the former social media platform. However, the US tech firm restored the accounts within 24 hours, refuting Alexa's claim that the European Parliament had ordered Meta to block Brata za Brata's accounts. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240818/mass-rally-begins-in-chicago-ahead-of-opening-of-us-democratic-party-convention-1119820184.html Mass Rally Begins in Chicago Ahead of Opening of US Democratic Party Convention Mass Rally Begins in Chicago Ahead of Opening of US Democratic Party Convention Sputnik International Protesters have begun to arrive in Chicago ahead of the Democratic National Convention on Monday. 2024-08-18T23:38+0000 2024-08-18T23:38+0000 2024-08-18T23:38+0000 americas newsfeed us democratic national convention michigan protest chicago gaza strip 2024 us presidential election https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0f/1115613021_0:303:2728:1837_1920x0_80_0_0_b302f77c9196f20169ebaefb1848b912.jpg A Sputnik correspondent reported that hundreds of participants were gathering in the city center, many of whom are speaking out against military action in the Gaza Strip and with pro-Palestinian slogans.Green Presidential candidate for President Jill Stein was also seen in Chicago, meeting with Socialist candidate Claudia De la Cruz.As a representative of the local police department told the agency, the demonstrators are expected to march through the city center, from the Chicago River along Millennium Park along one of the city's main streets, the Michigan Avenue. To ensure security, numerous police units have been lined up along the route, including foot guards, bicycle groups and units in cars. The Democratic National Convention opens in Chicago on Monday, which will give the final nod to Kamala Harris' nomination as the US presidential candidate and Donald Trump's main rival. The convention will run from August 19 to 22. americas michigan chicago gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International chicago protests, chicago dnc protests, 2024 dnc https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/beirut-files-complaint-to-un-over-israels-alleged-violation-of-lebanese-air-space-1119831177.html Beirut Files Complaint to UN Over Israel's Alleged Violation of Lebanese Air Space Beirut Files Complaint to UN Over Israel's Alleged Violation of Lebanese Air Space Sputnik International Lebanon's permanent mission to the United Nations filed a complaint to the United Nations on Monday regarding actions committed by the Israel air forces which allegedly violated Lebanese air space. 2024-08-19T17:29+0000 2024-08-19T17:29+0000 2024-08-19T17:29+0000 world israel lebanon beirut the united nations (un) hezbollah gaza violence gaza strip israel defense forces (idf) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/13/1119831251_0:369:2986:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_d6ed718be1c04d1d13ca5f56ea0f0404.jpg "[These violations] constitute a flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and airspace, and of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (issued in 2006)," according to the complaint quoted by Lebanese national news agency NNA. The Israeli actions also go against some provisions of international humanitarian law which ban "all methods of collective punishment and psychological intimidation" allegedly carried out by the Jewish state "through terrorizing all civilians and spreading panic," especially among the most vulnerable parts of society, such as children, the mission added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240818/hezbollah-has-150-bln-in-israeli-infrastructure-in-its-sights-may-have-flown-uav-over-bibis-house-1119813041.html israel lebanon beirut gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International irael vs lebanon, israeli lebanese tensions, israel lebanon border https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/black-sea-fleet-marines-capture-19-ukrainian-saboteurs-in-kursk-region-1119824709.html Black Sea Fleet Marines Capture 19 Ukrainian Saboteurs in Kursk Region Black Sea Fleet Marines Capture 19 Ukrainian Saboteurs in Kursk Region Sputnik International The Russian Black Sea Fleet's marines have captured a sabotage and reconnaissance group of 19 Ukrainian servicepeople near the village of Olgovka in the Kursk Region, the Russian security agencies told Sputnik on Monday. 2024-08-19T09:06+0000 2024-08-19T09:06+0000 2024-08-19T09:51+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine vladimir putin valery gerasimov russia ukraine ukrainian armed forces russian defense ministry kursk https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/13/1119825461_92:0:1331:697_1920x0_80_0_0_ede60c2b057e210b4afcbc695998853f.jpg Those captured belong to the 22nd separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces.On August 6, Ukrainian Armed Forces units launched an offensive to seize territory in the Kursk region, and their advance was stopped, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov said. He emphasized that the operation in the Kursk region would be completed by defeating the enemy and reaching the state border.The Russian Defense Ministry reported that during the fighting in the Kursk direction, the Ukrainian Armed Forces had lost up to 3,460 soldiers and 50 tanks.Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Kiev regime had carried out a provocation and was firing indiscriminately, including at civilian targets. Putin said that the enemy would receive a worthy response, and all of Russia's goals would be achieved.A counter-terrorism operation regime is in effect in the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions to ensure the safety of citizens. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240818/russian-troops-eliminate-group-of-16-ukrainian-military-in-kursk-region---spokesperson-1119810407.html russia ukraine kursk Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 A large group of Ukrainian saboteurs was captured in the Kursk region Sputnik International A large group of Ukrainian saboteurs was captured in the Kursk region 2024-08-19T09:06+0000 true PT0M13S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian black sea fleet, black sea fleet's marines, captured a sabotage and reconnaissance group https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/chinas-restrictions-on-antimony-exports-could-cripple-us-military-industrial-complex-heres-why-1119827925.html Chinas Restrictions on Antimony Exports Could Cripple US Military-Industrial Complex: Heres Why Chinas Restrictions on Antimony Exports Could Cripple US Military-Industrial Complex: Heres Why Sputnik International China has slapped export controls on antimony metals, ores and oxides effective September 15. Companies seeking to export these materials will have to apply for export licenses for dual-use products. That's potentially bad news for American arms manufacturers. 2024-08-19T14:02+0000 2024-08-19T14:02+0000 2024-08-19T14:02+0000 economy china russia us international trade commission pentagon metals rare-earth metals precious metals exports restrictions https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/13/1119827722_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a68da17b7d3da4cdfe5e146523a87aab.jpg In its explanation of last Thursday's decision to introduce export controls on antimony, China's Commerce Ministry said the measure was not aimed against any country, but at assuring Chinas national security and fulfilling the PRCs non-proliferation obligations. But with China accounting for nearly half of global antimony ore production in 2023, and the US a top buyer, its not hard to discern who the restrictions may hit the hardest.The US International Trade Commission considers antimony critical to economic and national security similar to rare earth elements, plus cobalt and uranium. US business media have described it as the most important mineral you never heard of.Thats because in addition to a long list of civilian uses ranging from flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, and plastics, to ceramics, consumer electronics and safety clothing, antimony has a dizzying array of military applications, from armor-piercing bullets and tracer ammo to night vision goggles, laser sights, communications equipment and even components in nuclear weapons.China has the largest known reserves of the tough, heat and corrosion-resistant material in the world, boasting 640,000 metric tons in 2023. Russia is second, with 350,000 tons, and Bolivia is third, with 310,000 tons. US allies Australia, Turkiye, Canada are also in the top ten, with their reserves at 140,000, 99,000 and 78,000 tons, respectively. US reserves stand at 60,000 tons.China mined at least 40,000 tons of antimony in 2023, and together with Russia and Tajikistan reportedly controls up to 90% of the global antimony supply chain. The US closed its last antimony mine in 2001, leaving it totally dependent on imports.The US Defense Department backed the reopening of an abandoned antimony mine in Idaho in 2023, with Perpetua Resources receiving a $1.8 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank, the official export credit agency of the US federal government, to develop it in April. The mine is expected to come back online by the late 2020s.A mining powerhouse, China has moved to gradually tighten its control over its strategic and rare earth minerals. Increasingly fierce global economic competition and decades of deindustrialization at home have left the US and its allies scrambling for alternative sources of critical minerals, with conflicts and coup attempts across the globe, from Ukraine and Bolivia to Venezuela and Africa attributed at least in part to growing 'great power competition' for strategic resource riches.US media have warned that China could singlehandedly ground US military aircraft, halt American tanks in their tracks and stop the countrys most advanced surface-to-air missiles if it halted its rare earths exports, with the US nowhere near ready to replace Chinese imports with domestic or friendly country sources. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240701/china-tightens-control-over-rare-earth-resources-with-new-regulations-1119205402.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240704/exclusive-bolivian-natural-resources-could-be-root-of-failed-coup--president-1119243112.html china russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov what is antimony used for, does us have antimony, how much antimony does china have, what's behind growing resource competition https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/egyptian-authorities-say-russia-fulfills-its-wheat-supply-commitments-to-utmost-1119831001.html Egyptian Authorities Say Russia Fulfills Its Wheat Supply Commitments to Utmost Egyptian Authorities Say Russia Fulfills Its Wheat Supply Commitments to Utmost Sputnik International Russia upholds its wheat supply commitments to Egypt to the utmost, Egyptian Supply and Internal Trade Minister Sherif Farouk said on Monday. 2024-08-19T17:19+0000 2024-08-19T17:19+0000 2024-08-19T17:19+0000 economy russia egypt russian agriculture ministry wheat wheat exports grain supply https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/07/1112446599_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_2a4ef1e8d03d10483363af7fb836c752.jpg "We pay tribute to Russia. Over the past period its commitments were [fulfilled] at the highest point," the minister said during a press conference, when asked by Sputnik about Russia's wheat supplies to Egypt.Egypt is seeking to diversify wheat imports from Russia, addressing both the public and private sectors, the official said. In June, the Russian Agriculture Ministry said that Russia had exported over 3.5 million tonnes of wheat to Egypt between January and April 2024, marking a 20% increase year-over-year. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240524/russias-share-in-global-wheat-export-to-surpass-25-in-2024-1118617085.html russia egypt Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian wheat supplies, russian grain supplies, russian food supplies to africa, russia supplies wheat to egypt https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/info-on-nord-stream-blasts-in-media-instead-of-provided-by-germany-would-suggest-set-up---lavrov-1119826856.html Lavrov: Fact That Info on Nord Stream Blast We Expect From Germany Appears in Media Suggests Set-Up Lavrov: Fact That Info on Nord Stream Blast We Expect From Germany Appears in Media Suggests Set-Up Sputnik International Germany should answer all the questions about explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines and stop refusing to provide the facts requested by Russia that consequently appear in media reports, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday. 2024-08-19T12:09+0000 2024-08-19T12:09+0000 2024-08-19T13:26+0000 world nord stream pipeline russia sergey lavrov germany moscow german foreign ministry berlin https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/1c/1101300397_0:94:1800:1107_1920x0_80_0_0_c57b09b7699abd78e61ecd94a183ef53.jpg "They have to answer all the questions. First, they must stop categorically refusing to present the facts that they could not help but discover, and when at least some information required by us is not provided via official channels, but appears in newspapers ... this suggests that all this is staged ... and the whole operation is designed to somehow direct public opinion ... from the true performers, perpetrators, customers," Lavrov said. Russia will insist on conducting a transparent international investigation, the top Russian diplomat said. Berlin is exchanging data with Russia on the Nord Stream bombings, but is not providing information on the interim results of the investigation, German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sebastian Fischer said on Monday.Oleg Tyapkin, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Third European Department, said in an interview with Sputnik that Russia had officially filed a claim against Germany regarding the investigation into the Nord Stream bombing and is seeking to hold talks on Germany fulfilling its international obligations in the fight against terrorism.The Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines, built to deliver gas under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Europe, were hit by explosions in September 2022. The Russian Prosecutor General's Office opened an investigation into it as an act of international terrorism. Russia has repeatedly requested information about the explosions but has not received any, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/russia-files-claim-against-germany-on-nord-stream-blasts-probe---foreign-ministry-1119821034.html russia germany moscow berlin Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International explosions on the nord stream pipelines, russian foreign minister sergey lavrov, questions about explosions https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/moscow-would-be-happy-to-help-sign-nagorno-karabakh-peace-deal---putin-1119825267.html Moscow Would Be Happy to Help Sign Nagorno-Karabakh Peace Deal - Putin Moscow Would Be Happy to Help Sign Nagorno-Karabakh Peace Deal - Putin Sputnik International Moscow would be happy if it could do something to help sign a peace agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday. 2024-08-19T09:49+0000 2024-08-19T09:49+0000 2024-08-19T09:49+0000 world vladimir putin ilham aliyev nikol pashinyan azerbaijan moscow russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/13/1119825079_0:160:3073:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_39b7f0aaaba93250854b468a0dffe96b.jpg "If we can do something to move ahead with signing a peace agreement, to bring things to demilitarization and demarcation of the border ... we would be very happy about that," Putin said at a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev. It is known that Azerbaijan is aiming to resolve the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Putin said, adding that he plans to tell Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan about the results of the negotiations in Baku.Russia and Azerbaijan have many areas for joint work, including issues of industrial cooperation, transport and logistics, and light industry, Putin said.Aliyev's visit to Moscow gave a good impetus to relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, the Russian leader added.The president added that they discussed on Sunday the issue of settling the situation in the South Caucasus and will continue discussing it on Monday.Additionally, Putin said that Moscow attaches great importance to the attention Baku is paying to the development of the Russian language and is ready to expand cooperation in the humanitarian area. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231001/transportation-of-nagorno-karabakh-residents-to-armenia-coming-to-end---armenian-govt-1113845178.html azerbaijan moscow russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International vladimir putin, nagorno-karabakh, peace agreement https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/nearly-every-second-german-feels-less-safe-in-country-than-5-years-ago---survey-1119828177.html Nearly Every Second German Feels Less Safe in Country Than 5 Years Ago - Survey Nearly Every Second German Feels Less Safe in Country Than 5 Years Ago - Survey Sputnik International Almost 50% of Germans feels less safe in their country today than five years ago, a new survey conducted by the INSA Institute revealed on Monday. 2024-08-19T13:12+0000 2024-08-19T13:12+0000 2024-08-19T13:12+0000 world germany europe crime crime rates crime wave knife crime https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/04/1117741854_0:114:1786:1119_1920x0_80_0_0_b4cc86c605cfa9b1a66aff2b9917756c.jpg According to the survey, 45% of respondents said their sense of security has decreased, but only 15% feel safer than they did five years ago. Nothing has changed in the sense of security over the past five years for 38% of Germans, and 2% refrained from answering. Up to 52% of German residents do not feel safe at train stations, INSA said. The survey was conducted from August 15-16 with a total of 1,003 respondents. The margin of error is not provided. Media has reported that more than 80% of German residents would support a ban on carrying knives in public places after a spike in knife attacks. On May 31, a high-profile incident involving a knife attack occurred in the city of Mannheim. An Afghan citizen, Suleiman Atai, assaulted a well-known critic of Islamism, Michael Sturzenberger, with a knife during a demonstration organized by the right-wing PAX Europa group. As a result, six people were injured, and a policeman later died of wounds sustained. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240603/german-interior-chiefs-urge-deportations-to-afghanistan-after-police-stabbing---reports-1118757248.html germany Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International germans feels less safe, survey, crime rate https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/ohchr-ready-to-send-group-of-international-experts-to-russias-kursk-region---deputy-head-1119829868.html OHCHR Ready to Send Group of International Experts to Russia's Kursk Region - Deputy Head OHCHR Ready to Send Group of International Experts to Russia's Kursk Region - Deputy Head Sputnik International The Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is ready to send a group of international exports to Russia's Kursk Region, which is under attack from Ukraine, Deputy UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif told Sputnik on Monday. 2024-08-19T16:51+0000 2024-08-19T16:51+0000 2024-08-19T16:51+0000 russia nikolai patrushev valery gerasimov kursk russia ukraine the united nations (un) nato kursk kursk region https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/13/1119829708_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_92344a2abdb4b6f31307f7dd32786325.jpg "We need access [to Kursk Region] to be able to publish reports, we do not use third-party information because we have a specific approach. With a team on site, we are confident that everything we publish in our reports will be credible and verified. We need to talk to a lot of people on the ground, not only with governments or local authorities, but also with NGOs and human rights defenders. We then verify each information. If we send a team [to Kursk Region], it will be composed of international experts, who will be supported by nationals," Al-Nashif said.On August 6, Ukrainian forces launched an incursion into the Kursk region, which was slammed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a large-scale provocation. The Kiev regime planned the attack with the participation of the US and NATO, Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev said. Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov underscored that the operation in the Kursk region would be completed by defeating the enemy and reaching the state border. kursk russia ukraine kursk region Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukraine attacks russia, ukraine attacks russian region, kursk incursion, kursk under attack, ukraine breaks into russia, whats happening in kursk, russian regions attacked by ukraine, ukrainian aggression in russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/palestine-asks-israel-for-permission-for-mahmoud-abbas-to-visit-gaza---reports-1119834156.html Palestine Asks Israel for Permission for Mahmoud Abbas to Visit Gaza - Reports Palestine Asks Israel for Permission for Mahmoud Abbas to Visit Gaza - Reports Sputnik International The Palestinian National Authority have asked the Israeli government to give leader Mahmoud Abbas permission to visit Gaza, according to reports. 2024-08-19T23:07+0000 2024-08-19T23:07+0000 2024-08-19T23:07+0000 world mahmoud abbas middle east benjamin netanyahu palestine gaza strip israel hamas israel-gaza conflict palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/07/1119664761_0:53:3138:1818_1920x0_80_0_0_b130eb1821338f9a752042acc72620a6.jpg Abbas announced on August 15 that he intended to visit the Gaza Strip. According to the portal, the Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein al-Sheikh sent a corresponding letter to the head of the Israeli National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi. The Palestinian side has requested that Abbas enter the city through one of the Israeli checkpoints, but not through the Rafah checkpoint on the border of the enclave and Egypt. As Walla specified, Abbas is counting on a refusal from Israel in order to "use this to criticize" the Jewish state in the future. At the same time, according to the portal, permission from Israel to enter Gaza will be a "significant political victory" for Abbas over the Palestinian movement Hamas and will serve as a signal of the possible return of the PNA to the Palestinian enclave. This decision will be made personally by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but no comments have yet been received from his office, the publication said. Netanyahu has previously stated on numerous occasions that after the end of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, Israel will not allow representatives from the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank to come to power there. The Palestinian leader has not visited the Gaza Strip since Hamas came to power in 2007. The PNA does not carry out any activity in the Palestinian enclave, except for some civil issues. The last time PNA representatives visited the enclave was in 2018, when an explosive device was used to attack the motorcade of then-Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240813/putin-holds-talks-with-palestinian-president-abbas-1119748112.html palestine gaza strip israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International palestinian president, pla in gaza, pna in gaza, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/photos-american-military-veteran-enlists-in-russian-army-to-fight-ukraine--1119824843.html Photos: American Military Veteran Enlists in Russian Army to Fight Ukraine Photos: American Military Veteran Enlists in Russian Army to Fight Ukraine Sputnik International Will "Boston" Puello, who has become a Russian citizen, serves in Battlegroup Tsentr. He used to be a sergeant in the US Air Force, guarding military bases. 2024-08-19T12:00+0000 2024-08-19T12:00+0000 2024-08-19T12:00+0000 multimedia photo russia boston massachusetts us air force https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/13/1119824107_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_1caadc7f63b3a7b34fb2551ef22f21b1.jpg This Battlegroup Tsentr soldier, who goes by the call sign Boston, is a native of Massachusetts. He served in the US Air Force for 10 years, then worked as a city councilor for two years. He came to Russia in January and visited Moscow. Later, he decided to serve, became a Russian citizen, and then went to Donetsk to serve in a drone unit. The Ministry of Defense noted that in Russia, Boston lives in the city of Ekaterinburg. He has a girlfriend and plans to start a family and stay in Russia after the special military operation. Take a look how Will Puello serves in Russian army in Sputnik's gallery: 3 russia boston massachusetts Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International american participates in special military operation, russian citizen https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/protests-in-support-of-palestine-continue-to-grow-as-dnc-convention-nears-1119820810.html Protests In Support of Palestine Continue to Grow as DNC Convention Nears Protests In Support of Palestine Continue to Grow as DNC Convention Nears Sputnik International Protesters rallied in support of Palestine ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago 2024-08-19T02:19+0000 2024-08-19T02:19+0000 2024-08-19T09:36+0000 americas democratic national convention chicago palestine kamala harris dnc israel 2024 us presidential election palestine-israel conflict israel-gaza conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/13/1119820649_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_4fb6151ae5c5ffd46321018b11ae3e57.jpg Vice President Kamala Harris is planned to be officially nominated as the Democratic candidate for President at the convention.The demonstrators marched in an organized column along one of the central streets of the city Michigan Avenue under the close supervision and escort of law enforcement officers. A spokesperson for the city's public safety service told Sputnik that about 600 people had taken part in the civil action. The police did not try to impede the march of the column, and no violations of the law or provocations were registered during the rally. Some protesters have gathered at the park following the march.The bulk of the participants were pro-Palestinian activists, many of whom shouted slogans condemning Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip. Others carried posters demanding an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine, condemnation of Israeli actions at the international level, and an end to the supply of funds and weapons to the Jewish state. Some of those present carried photographs in their hands, which, according to them, showed Palestinian children killed as a result of the Israeli military operation. The protest is planned to continue in Union Park at 9 am local time (2 pm GMT) and will march towards the DNC, according to anti-war group Code Pink, though it is unclear how close they will be able to get to the event.At the delegate welcome event at Navy Pier, a protester jumped on stage and interrupted the event.Ahead of the Democratic National Convention starting in Chicago, law enforcement agencies have stepped up security measures, bringing in additional forces from other parts of Illinois and beyond. In total, over 50,000 guests are expected to arrive here next week, including delegates, federal officials, and journalists from around the world. Lawmakers are warned against contact with protesters, as well as from visiting certain areas of the city where the likelihood of new unrest is the highest. Traffic on the streets, especially closer to the DNC site, is planned to be limited, a police officer, who arrived along with his colleagues from another area of the state to maintain order during the event, told Sputnik.He stressed that in recent months, law enforcement officers had undergone intensive training with their federal partners to ensure the safety of the venue and ensure a presence in every area throughout Chicago.Meanwhile, local media recalled that in November 2023, participants of one of the events of the US Democratic National Committee had to be evacuated due to protests by supporters of a ceasefire in the Middle East. Journalists also draw parallels with the events of 1968, when Chicago also hosted the Democratic Convention, during which police brutally suppressed protests against the Vietnam War. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/echos-of-1968-how-protest-suppression-at-the-dnc-led-to-violence-and-could-again-1117676373.html americas chicago palestine israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International protests in chicago, gaza protests, pro-palestine protests, dnc protests, democratic national convention 2024 protests, riots, rally, march https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/russia-files-claim-against-germany-on-nord-stream-blasts-probe---foreign-ministry-1119821034.html Russia Files Claim Against Germany on Nord Stream Blasts Probe Russia Files Claim Against Germany on Nord Stream Blasts Probe Sputnik International Russia has officially filed a claim against Germany over the investigation into the Nord Stream Pipeline bombing, a Russian official told Sputnik in an interview. 2024-08-19T02:58+0000 2024-08-19T02:58+0000 2024-08-19T09:36+0000 world germany russia ukraine nord stream ag nord stream sputnik https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/0c/1117285675_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_71ec0928f82b4eedb8cbf3857f39c30a.jpg Russia is seeking to hold talks on Germany fulfilling its international obligations in the fight against terrorism, Tyapkin added."The German authorities have put one of the alleged perpetrators of terrorist attacks in the Baltic Sea, who is a citizen of Ukraine, on the wanted list. Judging by the fact that the German media has long and methodically promoted the narrative that these individuals were not associated with any state, the German investigation will also be closed without identifying the true order givers of the Nord Stream bombings. That is, in fact, Germany will let it slide," he said. Russia does not intend to put up with this state of affairs, Tyapkin said. German media reported earlier that the German prosecutor's office had issued an arrest warrant for Ukrainian citizen Volodymyr Z. in the case of the gas pipeline explosions. One of the publications published his photo, which made it possible to establish that he was a diver Volodymyr Zhuravlev from Kyiv. It is also alleged that his accomplices were a married couple Svetlana and Yevgeny Uspensky. The Wall Street Journal reported that the German investigation into the explosions at Nord Stream was focused on the former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valery Zaluzhny, and his aides. The publication said that the CIA had allegedly demanded that Volodymyr Zelensky cancel the order to sabotage the pipelines, which he had agreed to, but Zaluzhny had disobeyed. At the same time, the publication also said, citing sources, that the idea of blowing up the Nord Streams came to senior Ukrainian officers under the influence of alcohol. The explosions on two Russian export gas pipelines to Europe Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 occurred on September 26, 2022. Germany, Denmark and Sweden did not rule out deliberate sabotage. Nord Stream AG, the operator of Nord Stream AG, said that the destruction of the gas pipelines was unprecedented, and it was impossible to estimate the repair time. The Prosecutor General's Office of Russia initiated a case on an act of international terrorism. Russia has repeatedly requested data on the explosions on the Nord Streams, but has never received it, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240816/western-governments-sell-farfetched-nord-stream-tale-to-wary-public-1119787937.html germany russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International nord stream pipeline, nord 2, who blew up the nord stream pipeline, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/russia-to-respond-properly-if-poland-attempts-to-intercept-russian-missiles-over-ukraine-1119821483.html Russia to Respond Properly If Poland Attempts to Intercept Russian Missiles Over Ukraine Russia to Respond Properly If Poland Attempts to Intercept Russian Missiles Over Ukraine Sputnik International Moscow will give a specific and adequate response if Poland attempts to intercept Russian missiles over Ukraine, Oleg Tyapkin, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Third European Department, said in an interview with Sputnik. 2024-08-19T05:59+0000 2024-08-19T05:59+0000 2024-08-19T05:59+0000 world ukraine russia warsaw nato poland missiles missile https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/01/1097987754_0:0:3314:1864_1920x0_80_0_0_6fed9bb091cdee1f2c1966c274bd50ab.jpg "If official Warsaw succumbs to an adventurous impulse and decides to attempt to intercept long-range weapons legally used by our armed forces to neutralize military threats emanating from Ukrainian territory to Russia, then the response to them will be adequate and quite specific. Russian diplomacy has repeatedly pointed out the risks that potential direct participation of Western states in military actions on the side of the Kiev regime entails," the Russian diplomat said. Earlier, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that Warsaw was considering the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles over Ukraine. Kiev previously called on Western countries to shoot down missiles over Ukraine from their territory. French media, citing Ukrainian officials, reported in late June that Kiev was pushing European allies to create a no-fly zone in western Ukraine by deploying air defense systems in Poland and Romania. Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin said its goal was "the protection of people who have been subjected to abuse and genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years." He noted that the special operation was a forced measure, Russia "was left with no chance to act differently, the security risks were such that it was impossible to respond by other means." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240813/poland-to-churn-out-launchers-for-us-patriots-as-ukraine-proxy-war-drains-stocks-1119747891.html ukraine russia warsaw poland Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian missiles over ukraine, russian foreign ministry, poland attempts to intercept https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/russias-primorsky-regional-court-upholds-sentence-of-us-soldier-black-1119821190.html Russia's Primorsky Regional Court Upholds Sentence of US Soldier Black Russia's Primorsky Regional Court Upholds Sentence of US Soldier Black Sputnik International US Soldier Gordon Black's appeal to Russia's Primorsky Regional Court was rejected, upholding his three year and nine month prison sentence for murder threats and theft. 2024-08-19T03:16+0000 2024-08-19T03:16+0000 2024-08-19T03:16+0000 russia vladivostok russia south korea crime https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/11/1118993921_0:65:2804:1642_1920x0_80_0_0_ce4274618277371eb15b9a9ba32e4ff1.jpg Blacks lawyer Inna Kirichenko stated at the court hearing that the defense had not agreed with the sentence, considering it illegal and unfair, and asked that Blacks criminal case be sent for a new trial. According to the defense, the trial court issued the sentence without relying on the case materials, ignoring a number of pieces of evidence confirming Blacks innocence, and incorrectly interpreted his actions towards the victim. The prosecutor's office representative Anastasia Yaroshenko reported that the trial court's verdict was fair and based on the case materials. According to the prosecution representative, the court correctly classified Black's actions on both counts of the charge, the punishment was imposed correctly, and there are no grounds for mitigating it. She asked that the court's verdict be left unchanged and the appeal be dismissed. In June, the Pervomaisky District Court of Vladivostok sentenced Black to 3 years and 9 months in a general regime penal colony in the case of threatening to kill his girlfriend, with whom he lived with in Vladivostok, and stealing 10,000 rubles ($113) from her. Before that, the defense asked to acquit him of all charges. Black himself stated that he fully supported the defense's position and refused to give his final statement. The prosecutor asked to sentence the defendant to 4 years and 8 months in a penal colony. According to the prosecution, Black, came to Vladivostok in April to visit a girl after meeting her in Korea. During an argument he "grabbed the girl by the neck by force, which she perceived as a real threat to her life," then stole 10,000 rubles from her wallet. The soldier, according to NBC News, was serving as part of the US contingent in South Korea and traveled to Russia on his own initiative. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240619/russias-court-sentences-us-soldier-black-to-3-years-and-9-months-in-penal-colony-1119017770.html vladivostok russia south korea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International gordon black, us soldier in russia, us citizens in russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/turkish-reporter-injured-in-israeli-shelling-in-gaza-strip---reports-1119820314.html Turkish Reporter Injured in Israeli Shelling in Gaza Strip - Reports Turkish Reporter Injured in Israeli Shelling in Gaza Strip - Reports Sputnik International Turkish reporter Sami Berhum was injured by an Israeli shelling of his crew's car. 2024-08-19T00:17+0000 2024-08-19T00:17+0000 2024-08-19T00:44+0000 world middle east recep tayyip erdogan turkiye israel gaza strip committee to protect journalists (cpj) newsfeed israel-gaza conflict palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/10/1119386772_0:209:3072:1937_1920x0_80_0_0_4d5f92d006645257e1c03f6c29cfb7bd.jpg Last November, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans office accused Israel of deliberate attacks on journalists working in the enclave. A total of five bullets hit the crew's car, CNN Turk reported. The journalist was slightly injured. On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. The Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave. The enclave's health ministry says that the death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has exceeded 40,000.According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 113 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240728/erdogan-says-turkiye-could-enter-israel-to-help-gazans-1119549991.html turkiye israel gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International sami berhum, journalists in gaza, turkish journalist injured, israel targets journalists https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/ukraine-attracted-foreign-media-for-staged-filming-of-prisoners-in-sumy-hospital---source-1119822295.html Ukraine Attracted Foreign Media for Staged Filming of Prisoners in Sumy Hospital - Source Ukraine Attracted Foreign Media for Staged Filming of Prisoners in Sumy Hospital - Source Sputnik International Employees of the Center for Information and Psychological Operations of Ukraine (CIPSO) attracted foreign journalists for staged filming with Russian prisoners in Sumy regional hospital in order to accuse Russian military of shelling their own civilian population in Kursk region, an informed source on the spot told Sputnik. 2024-08-19T06:53+0000 2024-08-19T06:53+0000 2024-08-19T10:26+0000 world vladimir putin valery gerasimov ukraine russia ukrainian armed forces kursk media https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/13/1119825867_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_c36e66a2e6be3aebdea116aef24a062d.jpg "On Saturday, Russian prisoners from among the military and civilians were brought to Sumy regional hospital. They were staged to be distributed among beds and provided assistance in front of foreign journalists' cameras. Afterwards, the prisoners called on the Russian military not to fire on villages in Sudzha district and on the regional hospital in Sumy," the source said. According to the source, the prisoners were required to say words of gratitude for their "liberation." Some of the prisoners who were involved in the video production were then taken away from the hospital after filming. In fact, the medical facility itself contains a large number of wounded Ukrainian soldiers. He also said that the purpose of the staged reports was an attempt to accuse the Russian army of attacking its own population and to show Western audiences the mood of the residents of the Kursk border region, who were allegedly grateful to the Ukrainian military for their help. On August 6, Ukrainian forces launched an incursion into the Kursk region, which was slammed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a large-scale provocation. The Kiev regime planned the attack with the participation of the US and NATO, Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev said. Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov underscored that the operation in the Kursk region would be completed by defeating the enemy and reaching the state border.In the Kursk, as well as the Belgorod and Bryansk regions, a counter-terrorism operation regime is in effect to ensure the safety of citizens. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240813/ukrainian-prisoners-say-they-were-captured-in-kursk-region-on-2nd-day-of-invasion-1119744969.html ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukraine attracted foreign media, staged filming, prisoners in sumy hospital https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/us-democratic-party-platform-references-second-biden-term-19-times---document-1119831537.html US Democratic Party Platform References Second Biden Term 19 Times - Document US Democratic Party Platform References Second Biden Term 19 Times - Document Sputnik International The US Democratic Partys 2024 platform references a potential second term for US President Joe Biden despite him having dropped out of the race, according to a copy of the document released Monday. 2024-08-19T17:34+0000 2024-08-19T17:34+0000 2024-08-19T17:34+0000 americas joe biden kamala harris donald trump chicago democratic national convention republican 2024 us presidential election presidential race presidential campaign https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/0e/1119769485_0:99:3070:1826_1920x0_80_0_0_2847741b264845dbc74c29fe1f373feb.jpg The platform repeatedly mentions what Biden would do in a second term as president, including his plans to support abortion access, reform the immigration system and advocate for the safe development of artificial intelligence. However, Biden is not running for a second term in office, having ended his reelection bid after a poor debate performance against Republican nominee Donald Trump. Biden threw his support behind US Vice President Kamala Harris, who secured the partys nomination. The references to Biden in the partys platform could be a reflection of Harris quick path to the nomination in the wake of Bidens departure from the race. Delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago are set to vote on the platform later on Monday. americas chicago Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International trump-2024, is trump running for president, why is trump banned from election, who's banning trump from election, why is trump banned from election, who's against trump in presidential election, was trump behind january 6, who organized january 6, why is trump banned from election, trumps court case, why is trump investigated, republicans vs democrats at the elections, who will win in 2024 elections, trump vs harris, trump harris debate, presidential debate, biden drops out, joe biden dropped out of presidential race, kamala harris replaces biden, biden quits, harris new democratic candidate, vice president jd vance, vice president tim walz https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/war-with-iran-would-bring-global-economic-collapse-isolate-the-united-states-1119833971.html War With Iran Would Bring Global Economic Collapse, Isolate The United States War With Iran Would Bring Global Economic Collapse, Isolate The United States Sputnik International A war between the United States and Iran would wreak havoc on the global economy and isolate the United States, Mohammad Marandi, a professor at the University of Tehran told Sputnik's Fault Lines. 2024-08-19T22:41+0000 2024-08-19T22:41+0000 2024-08-19T23:06+0000 analysis mohammad marandi ismail haniyeh iran israel tehran hezbollah hamas iran-israel row palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/0e/1108370426_0:296:2590:1753_1920x0_80_0_0_6b261c12599a3352600b8699f80c21ca.jpg Nearly three weeks after the assassination of Shukur and Haniyeh, the world is still waiting for Irans retaliation against Israel for the attacks. It inevitably will, but the more pertinent question is what comes next.Marandi explained that a war between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other would expand regionally and include the US-allied dictators who would be seen as complicit with the United States.Iran has no choice but to respond more forcefully than it did after an Israeli airstrike struck the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. That attack, in which Iran utilized hundreds of drones to overwhelm Israeli air defenses and then hit military targets with missiles, was described as restrained outside of Western and Israeli media. Still, less than four months later, Israel struck Iran again.By definition, [that] means it was inadequate for a permanent solution. So, the Iranians are going to have to hit harder, explained Marandi.Despite a letter signed by the US and a few European countries telling Iran to stand down, most of the world understands that Iran has been restrained and reasonable compared to their Israeli counterparts. That will further isolate the United States if it joins Israel in a war with Iran, which will exacerbate its economic issues if there is a global collapse.The point is that they are dragging the world towards a catastrophe. This genocide will have consequences. And an expanded war will have enormous consequences, he concluded. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240813/iran-says-retaliation-on-israel-will-guarantee-regional-stability-as-media-talks-potential-targets-1119754989.html iran israel tehran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino iran-us war, iran-israel war, iran's response to israel, mohammad marandi interview Workinitonbroadway headlined the first Preferred event of the 2024 Leamington Raceway meet on the Sunday, Aug. 18 matinee for trainer/driver Don Rankin Jr. With the inside post assignment in the afternoon's featured $4,800 Preferred Handicap Trot, Workinitonbroadway and Rankin protected pylon position and pocketed the leaving Zack To The Max (Andy Moore) through a :28.2 opening quarter then cruised to the half in :59.4 before facing another challenge from Shouldaknownbetter (Anthony Hamlin). Workinitonbroadway kept that first-over rival at bay as they raced by three-quarters in 1:30.2 and strutted away through the stretch to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 2:01.1. Hot Fudge Sundae (Alfie Carroll) closed off cover to take second place over favourite Wrap And A Hooey (Garrett Rooney), with Shouldaknownbetter fading to fourth. A six-time winner this year, Workinitonbroadway has won 49 races and $394,461 in his career. Rankin co-owns the eight-year-old son of Broadway Hall with Chris Hadrian of Lasalle, Ont. Workinitonbroadway paid $6.60 to win as the 2-1 third choice. To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Leamington Raceway. (Standardbred Canada) Introduction India and Mauritius have signed a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) that includes the introduction of a principal purpose test (PPT) rule, the proposed protocol aims to close tax loopholes, prevent tax avoidance, and align domestic tax practices with international norms and best practices. In this article, we will explore the protocols pros and cons and future aspects of the FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) and FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) of Mauritius in India. What is a Double taxation avoidance agreement? History The DTAA has its origin from the Austro-Hungarian Empire (present-day Germany) as the first treaty related to DTAA was signed in 1899, during that period tax treaties were based on the principle of reciprocity where certain commercial advantages were granted to countries or citizens on an equal basis. After many considerations and amendments, in the year 1928 the League of Nations renewed its interest in concluding DTAAs due to the excessive burden of double taxation, through the introduction of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) which laid the groundwork to develop its own Model Tax Convention, which further became the basis of most modern tax treaties including DTAA. About The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) is an agreement entered into by India with other nations. It secures the flow of revenue for individuals who work in one nation but are residents of another so that they do not have to pay taxes on the same income twice. DTAA works on two principles they are: The Source Rule: It is that when the income is taxed in the country of origin whether you are a resident of the country or not. The Resident Rule: It specifies that the income would be taxed in the country where you reside, irrespective of the incomes origin. In India, the resident rule is followed. India-Mauritius Tax Treaty In the year 1983, the Government of India and the Government of Mauritius signed the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), the treaty aimed to promote bilateral trade and investment by ensuring tax certainty for investors, thereby preventing the double taxation of the same income by both countries. Moreover, the agreement offers a list of benefits that the residents of the contracting states will get like: Exempting tax on income in the resident country which has been earned in another country. Lower with-holding tax rates for the taxpayers, and lower TDS rates on incomes like interest, dividends, and royalties in India. The tax treaty establishes specific rules that the contracting states must follow when applying taxes on the international income of residents from the respective countries. This tax treaty includes an anti-abuse provision that restricts the benefits of the convention to only the bona-fide residents of both contracting countries. Over the period of time, India has become an attractive investment destination to many foreign investors, and being such, it makes it very important for India to capture such tax revenues happening from economic activities. In 2016, the Government of India came up with an amendment that gave India a right to tax capital gains arising from the alienation of shares in Indian companies. Only such gains, which arise from the transfer of shares acquired on or after April 1, 2017, are taxable in India. Investments made prior to this date were grandfathered and hence not subject to Indian tax. Concerns in India-Mauritius Tax Treaty The India-Mauritius tax treaty has been the subject of ongoing controversy and debate since its inception. At first, Article 13 of the treaty excluded capital gains from selling shares in Indian companies. But with the 2016 amendment, those gains were also taxed; this had great implications on how the treaty was used. The primary issues highlighted by the income tax department revolve around two main points: misuse of the treaty and round-tripping. There have been instances where illicit funds left India only to return through investments benefiting from tax exemptions allowed by the treaty. The absence of an anti-abuse clause in the India-Mauritius tax treaty has facilitated the investments to exploit the treatys tax benefits and avoid taxes. India-Mauritius Trade Relations The India-Mauritius Tax Treaty was a significant factor that drew a large number of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and other foreign entities to route their investments into India through Mauritius. Data from the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) indicates that, up until 2023, Mauritius was the second-largest source of investments; however, since then, Singapore has eclipsed it. After Singapore, Luxembourg, and Ireland, Mauritius is currently ranked fifth in terms of foreign portfolio investment (FPI), having notably reduced from India. On the other hand, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into India have fallen in recent years. Still, Mauritius continues to be a major contributor, making up 25% of the total FDI received by India from April 2000 to March 2024. Yet change is afoot: Singapore is blazing trails as Indias rapidly growing source of FDI, currently providing approximately 24% of the total amount received. Experts attribute this change to the fact that before 2016, Mauritius was the preferred jurisdiction for foreign investment in India due to the tax advantages offered under the bilateral tax treaty. However, the 2016 amendment to the India-Mauritius tax treaty eliminated many of these benefits, leading investors to route their investments into India through Singapore instead. Singapore has become a favorable destination because of its tax regime and efficient regulatory environment, in fact, many multinational companies have also established their regional headquarters or holding companies in Singapore for a smooth route to invest in India. The Protocol between India-Mauritius: A significant event occurred on the 7th of March, 2024 when India and Mauritius came together to sign a protocol that would see an amendment made to their current Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the protocol has not yet been notified by the relevant authorities. The modifications proposed by the protocol are as follows: Introduction of a New Preamble The old tax treaty will now be substituted with a new one. The replacement preamble unambiguously declares the purpose of removing dual taxation without presenting any avenues for non-taxation or lesser taxation by tax evasion or avoidance which also covers treaty-shopping agreements intending to be achieved through it. Principal Purpose Test There is the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) under the protocol as a provision for anti-abuse. According to the PPT, benefits of tax treaties will not be granted if by the reasonable conclusion it can be shown that one of the principal purposes of an arrangement or transaction was obtaining those benefits unless it can be demonstrated that granting the benefit would fall within the object and purpose of the treaty. The aim behind introducing this PPT is because concerns have been raised over misuse of the India-Mauritius tax treaty for purposes of tax evasion and avoidance, which includes round-tripping of funds although signed, the protocol has not yet been officially notified and comes into force. Until then, existing provisions in the India-Mauritius tax treaty such as capital gains tax exemption for investments made before April 1, 2017, will continue to apply. Article 27B In the protocol, Article 27B has been introduced in the treaty with the name entitlement to benefits where the PPT will deny the benefits like reduction of withholding tax on royalties, interest, and dividends where it is found that one of the purposes of investing is to claim the benefits under the tax treaty. Indias Attempt to align with the Global efforts The recent amendment to the India-Mauritius tax treaty reflects Indias commitment to align with global efforts to combat treaty abuse, as part of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)[1] framework. This framework aims to prevent multinational enterprises from using aggressive tax planning strategies, such as shifting profits to lower-tax jurisdictions, to avoid paying taxes in higher-tax jurisdictions. To align itself with the worldwide minimum tax system under Pillar 2 of the OECD, which prohibits multinational companies from transferring profits to low or no-tax jurisdictions in order to avoid paying taxes in higher-taxed ones, there was an amendment to the India-Mauritius tax treaty. Through Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules that were issued in December 2021, a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% will be implemented for MNCs earning more than 750 million in revenue whereby top-up tax will be charged on earnings made in areas whose effective rate is less than such threshold; this could raise additional annual taxes of about $150 billion. The adoption of revised treaties and enforcement of GloBE regulations by more countries demonstrates a significant shift towards a more coordinated and equal international taxation regime through the implementation of the global minimum levy. Tax Authorities can probe based on Intent. Under the protocol, it has given more powers to tax authorities of India and Mauritius to investigate transactions and deals by looking at the intention behind them rather than just being technical complaints. The introduction of the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) gives authorities the power to deny a treaty benefit if it is determined that one of the reasons for a taxpayers action was to obtain such benefits. This change in emphasis shifts the onus on taxpayers to demonstrate that their structures are legitimate and were not primarily aimed at the exploitation of loopholes in treaties in order to avoid payment of taxes. These greater investigative capabilities therefore signify an important tightening up of rules against abuse, which reveals the governments willingness to fight the misutilization of tax treaties and cultivate a fairer international taxation regime. Conclusion The bilateral tax treaty has indeed made Mauritius an attractive destination for investors wishing to route their investments into India, as it provides favorable tax treatment. The recent protocol to this treaty has raised concerns amongst investors especially due to the introduction of the Principal Purpose Test (PPT). This means that there could be a further decline in FPI from Mauritius. FPIs made a net outflow of about Rs. 8,671 crores from Indian equities in April 2024 after the protocol was signed between India and Mauritius. As per the Indian tax authorities, notification is yet to be given of the protocol amending this treaty with suggestions that the PPT model could apply retrospectively or not, meaning investors will have to justify the commercial rationale behind their structures located in Mauritius which may lead to higher legal disputes since no exact effective date and grandfathering rules on existing investments are provided by the authorities leaving the investors in an uncertain state. [1] Base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) https://www.oecd.org/tax/beps/ References: 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: Data management and interoperation of tunnel fire digital twin system. Credit: 2024 Research and Innovation Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. All Rights Reserved. The increase in high-rise and densely populated urban development has heightened the demand for safety and resilience solutions against emergencies, such as fires. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has created advanced technological solutions to enhance firefighting and urban resilience. Prof. Asif Usmani, Chair Professor of Building Sciences and Fire Safety Engineering, and Dr. Huang Xinyan, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering at PolyU, hosted the 2nd International Smart Firefighting Workshop (SureFire 2024) at PolyU, which aimed to tackle future urban fire threats and enhance smart firefighting capabilities. This workshop is a component of the "SureFire: Smart Urban Resilience and Firefighting" project. Under the research of Prof. Usmani and Dr. Huang, the SureFire System adopts complex data-generating networks to enable real-time monitoring of urban environments and hazards. Proper AI-based analysis of the data can provide information that continuously assesses the state and evolution of systems, diagnoses emerging pathologies, and supports decision-making. The increasing occurrence of fires in high-rise buildings globally demonstrates how the evolution of the built environment has altered the nature of fire threats. At the workshop, over 70 international research experts and scholars presented emerging topics in fire safety, covering areas in fire safety design, thermal safety management for battery systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) fire forecasting. Dr. Huang said, "Together with a multidisciplinary research team, we are uncovering answers to fundamental research questions necessary for developing the foundational technology of a smart firefighting system. This system leverages the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber-physical technologies." To improve fire safety management during emergencies, Dr. Huang and his research team have recently introduced an intelligent digital twin system. This system couples an Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) system and a computer vision model to enable real-time fire risk assessment. Prior to a fire event, this digital twin can map the distribution of vehicles with different fire risks inside the building in real-time. In the event of a fire incident, the AI engine not only assesses the current fire scene but also forecasts the future fire progression to support fire fighting, evacuation and rescue efforts. An overview of digital twin systems and their application fiels. Credit: 2024 Research and Innovation Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. All Rights Reserved. The overall Digital Twin framework for tunnel fire safety management. Credit: 2024 Research and Innovation Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. All Rights Reserved. To demonstrate the system's performance, the SureFire team has conducted multiple large-scale fire tests in tunnels in Sichuan and multi-story buildings in the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy (FASA) of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department. Leveraging advanced computational fire modeling techniques, the SureFire system can forecast the fire scene 13 minutes in advance with an accuracy exceeding 90%. Dr. Huang said, "This developed SureFire system has the potential to be installed in all future buildings and infrastructures, enhancing public safety, providing early disaster warnings, and optimizing emergency evacuations." This research is a great leap towards achieving true intelligent public safety and emergency response. The PolyU SureFire team has dedicated the past five years to developing intelligent solutions for fire safety. The latest research progress for tunnel safety include "AIoT-enabled digital twin system for smart tunnel fire safety management" published in Developments in the Built Environment, and "Smart real-time evaluation of tunnel fire risk and evacuation safety via computer vision" published in Safety Science. The latest system provides an intelligent emergency management system framework for public fire emergencies. Also, the team is currently collaborating with multiple property management companies in China and overseas to implement the SureFire system in metro stations, tunnels, and high-rise buildings. Functions and data flow of the digital twin system for firefighting. Credit: 2024 Research and Innovation Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. All Rights Reserved. Generation of the database for model training. Credit: 2024 Research and Innovation Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. All Rights Reserved. Powered by the SureFire system, a Smart Dynamic Exit sign system can be implemented into the building to guide people during fire evacuations. This system has been developed and communalized by the PolyU start-up, GABES. Not only does the SureFire system reduce fire casualties by facilitating fire evacuation, but it also holds great potential to empower firefighting robots, leading to fully automated and causality-free firefighting operations. Currently, Dr. Huang and his team are developing the next generation of autonomous firefighting robots to support firefighters and minimize fire causalities. The integration of this new technology will position Hong Kong as the world's leading smart city. More information: Xiaoning Zhang et al, AIoT-enabled digital twin system for smart tunnel fire safety management, Developments in the Built Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.dibe.2024.100381 Xiaoning Zhang et al, Smart real-time evaluation of tunnel fire risk and evacuation safety via computer vision, Safety Science (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2024.106563 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 Four years ago this week, California's power grid was so strained by a heat wave that rolling blackouts hit hundreds of thousands of residents over two days. It nearly happened again two years ago, when state officials issued 11 "flex alerts" asking businesses and homeowners to voluntarily reduce electricity use to avoid power disruptions. But this year when a record heat wave scorched the state over three weeks from mid-June to Julysending temperatures across the Bay Area and the Central Valley soaring over 110 degreesthere was plenty of power. No warnings. No shortages. No flex alerts. A big part of the reason, experts say, is a boom in the construction of giant battery projects. California's high-tech battery centers, built with thousands of lithium-ion batteries similar to the batteries in cell phones and electric cars, are solving the main shortcoming of the push for more renewable energy: the fact that the sun doesn't shine at night. Battery storage has increased seven-fold in the past five years in California, from 1,474 megawatts in 2020 to 10,383 megawatts now. A megawatt is enough electricity to run 750 homes. Before, when the sun went down every summer evening, giant solar farms stopped producing electricity, sometimes leading to power shortages statewide in the early evening. Now, the growing number of battery storage plants across the state can store that solar power during the day when it is plentiful. The battery storage plants then release it back to the power grid in the evening as the sun goes down, but hot weather keeps electricity demand high because millions of Californians are running air conditioners. "Think of it like an energy bank account," said Elliott Mainzer, president and CEO of California Independent System Operator, an agency in Folsom that manages the state's power grid. "In the middle of the day, you are making big deposits. At the end of the day, we withdraw from that account." Since 2020, companies in California have built more large-scale battery storage projects than any place in the world except China. Five years ago there were 36 such plants in the state. Today there are 175, with dozens more planned or under construction. "It's definitely been a game changer in improving reliability," Mainzer said. The shift has taken many people by surprise. "These facilities are not sexy. They are not visible," said David Hochschild, chairman of the California Energy Commission. "They are out of view. The footprint is very small. They are out of sight, but not out of mind." "They have been the difference maker," he added. "They are the reason we haven't had flex alerts. These storage facilities have provided an incredible cushion." Many of the largest battery plants are in the Southern California desert, near Palm Springs, Blythe and Lancaster. But two of the biggest are in Monterey County, located on the site of the old PG&E Moss Landing Power Plant. That natural gas-fired plant, built in 1950 and famous for its two 500-foot-tall concrete smokestacks, is now home to a 750-megawatt battery storage plant owned by Vistra, a Texas company, and a 182-megawatt plant owned by PG&E. They are two of the largest such plants in the world. Vistra says its plant is the world's largest. The PG&E plant has 256 Tesla "Megapack" units. The gleaming white steel boxes, each about the size of a shipping container and weighing 56,000 pounds, were built at Tesla's Gigafactory near Reno. Arranged in neat rows and sitting on concrete pads, they are cooled by fans that hum in the background. The battery storage plant opened in 2022, and its storage provides enough electricity for 136,000 homes. "This is a strategic location to connect to the grid," said PG&E spokesman Paul Doherty during a visit Thursday. "All of the wires and substations are here. And there's room to expand." Tesla opened a new battery factory in Lathrop, south of Stockton, in 2022 that can produce about 13,000 Megapacks per year. But the technology is not without controversy. Fires broke out at the Vistra plant on Sept. 4, 2021, and Feb 14, 2022. Investigations showed that they were caused by a malfunction in a fire sprinkler system, which released water and caused several of the units to overheat. Then in September 2022, a fire broke out at the PG&E Elkhorn battery plant. Police closed Highway 1 for 12 hours. An investigation found it was caused by an improperly installed vent shield on one of the 256 units, which allowed rainwater to get in and short out the batteries. There were no injuries to firefighters, PG&E employees or the public. Afterward, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law requiring battery storage plants in California to draw up emergency response plans with local fire departments and increase fire safety. "Increasing the state's battery storage is essential to reaching our clean energy goals," said State Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, who wrote the bill. "But we also have to ensure that these facilities have safety systems in place to protect the health and well-being of workers and surrounding communities." Last month, after two fires occurred at San Diego County battery storage facilities, San Diego County supervisors required county officials to draw up tighter rules that would restrict battery storage plants near homes, schools and other facilities. And when Vistra proposed building a large battery plant in Morro Bay, citizens there put a measure on the November ballot on whether to allow it. Such fires are rare, said Mark Jacobson, a professor of environmental engineering at Stanford University. And by helping the state's renewable energy to keep growing, they are reducing the amount of electricity generated from natural gas, which in turn reduces soot and smog. "There are 12,000 people a year in California who die from air pollution," Jacobson said. "Nothing is perfect, but if we want energy, this is the best way to do it." In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, California political leaders have increasingly mandated that big utilities like PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric produce more and more of their electricity from renewable energy. In 2018, former Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law requiring that 100% of the state's electricity come from carbon-free power like solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric and nuclear by 2045. Today the state is at 61%. To make renewable energy more reliable, state regulators have required utilities to build battery storage or sign contracts with companies for it. Now the utilities are making money by buying power at cheap prices in the middle of the day when it is plentiful and selling it at a higher price in the early evening. On some days this year, battery power has become the largest source of electricity on California's power grid. On Wednesday, a record 8,320 megawatts of battery power was on the grid at 7:35 p.m., the equivalent of 16 natural-gas-fired power plants running full power, or four nuclear power plants the size of Diablo Canyon running at peak capacity. "It's happened so fast," Jacobson, the Stanford professor, said. "Only a couple of years ago nobody was talking about batteries on the grid. California really demonstrated for the first time how beneficial they can be." 2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A renewable energy company has signed an agreement with a Homer utility that opens the door for the construction of what will become Alaska's largest solar farm by a significant amount, people involved in the project say. The solar farm, once it's up and running, will also be a small step toward reducing the need in Southcentral Alaska for the Cook Inlet natural gas that could begin running short as early as next year, they say. Jenn Miller, with Renewable IPP, says the new solar farm will be built near Puppy Dog Lake in Nikiski on the Kenai Peninsula. With 45 megawatts of capacity, it will nearly triple the solar energy output in Alaska, counting both rooftop solar and existing solar farms, she said. It will provide power for about 9,000 homes on the Peninsula, and will be more than five times larger than Renewable IPP's project in Houston. That solar farm launched last year, at 8.5 megawatts, making it the state's largest for now. "There will be over 60,000 solar panels and it will be across 300 acres," she said. The board of the Homer Electric Association unanimously agreed this week to buy the solar farm's power, the utility announced in a statement. That sets the stage for the project to soon seek approval from the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, Miller said. The solar farm could begin operating in late 2027, Miller said. It will double the renewable power produced by the utility, to 24% of its overall generation, said Keriann Baker, the utility's chief strategy officer. Along with new plans by the utility to replace a gas-generation unit with a more efficient turbine, the solar farm will reduce the natural gas used by Homer Electric by more than 15%, Baker said. The new gas turbine could also be up and running as early as late 2027. The utility's reduced dependence on natural gas will help conserve Cook Inlet natural gas needed across Southcentral Alaska, she said. Enstar, the gas utility for the region, has warned that local supplies of gas from the aging Cook Inlet basin could begin falling short sometime next year. The looming shortfall has sent utilities scrambling to support new renewable projects. They're also looking at importing natural gas to Alaska, a move that's expected to sharply boost electric and heating prices. "Any gas that we can leave in the existing supply ... is more gas for others to use," Baker said. Baker said the deal will allow Homer Electric to purchase solar power from the project for less than the cost of natural gas today. The price will be fixed for decades, benefiting ratepayers by reducing dependence on gas that can fluctuate in price, she said. "For us, it's a no-brainer," she said of the utility. Renewable IPP and Homer Electric have been working on the project for about three years, Miller said. She said the project will sit on land owned by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, under a long-term lease. Miller declined to provide the estimated project cost, but it will be in the tens of millions of dollars, she said. "Our mission is to diversify the Alaska generation mix, and we want to do it in a way that suppresses prices," Miller said. "These larger and larger projects are the vehicle to allow us to do that." 2024 Anchorage Daily News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Sarasin & Partners LLP purchased a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 118,100 shares of the restaurant operators stock, valued at approximately $7,399,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. raised its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,260.5% in the second quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 3,132,332 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $196,241,000 after acquiring an additional 3,060,498 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,732,471 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $7,942,665,000 after purchasing an additional 25,238 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates raised its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5,217.4% in the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 1,528,604 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $95,767,000 after purchasing an additional 1,499,857 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors raised its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 1,125,974 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $2,575,057,000 after purchasing an additional 8,541 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Swedbank AB lifted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5,270.8% during the second quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 997,350 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $62,484,000 after purchasing an additional 978,780 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.31% of the companys stock. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CMG has been the topic of several recent research reports. Raymond James decreased their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $70.00 to $62.50 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $59.72 to $62.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 25th. KeyCorp decreased their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $68.00 to $66.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. StockNews.com cut Chipotle Mexican Grill from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 4th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $71.00 to $69.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $62.36. Insider Transactions at Chipotle Mexican Grill In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, insider Curtis E. Garner sold 17,394 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.68, for a total transaction of $951,103.92. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 358,300 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,591,844. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.02% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance Shares of CMG traded down $1.50 on Friday, hitting $52.47. The companys stock had a trading volume of 21,302,928 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,212,807. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $122.52 and a 200 day moving average price of $80.72. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $35.37 and a fifty-two week high of $69.26. The company has a market capitalization of $72.06 billion, a PE ratio of 55.82, a PEG ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 1.24. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The restaurant operator reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.32 by $0.02. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 44.01% and a net margin of 13.23%. The company had revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.94 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $12.65 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 18.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.09 EPS for the current year. Chipotle Mexican Grill Profile (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sarasin & Partners LLP cut its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report) by 27.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 61,006 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 22,940 shares during the quarter. Sarasin & Partners LLPs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $2,670,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Webster Bank N. A. boosted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.0% during the second quarter. Webster Bank N. A. now owns 21,629 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $946,000 after purchasing an additional 222 shares during the last quarter. Well Done LLC boosted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Well Done LLC now owns 25,740 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,126,000 after buying an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. Silicon Valley Capital Partners grew its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 33.3% in the 1st quarter. Silicon Valley Capital Partners now owns 952 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 238 shares in the last quarter. Fairman Group LLC increased its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 4.7% in the first quarter. Fairman Group LLC now owns 5,554 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $232,000 after acquiring an additional 248 shares during the last quarter. Finally, L.M. Kohn & Company raised its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 3.3% during the first quarter. L.M. Kohn & Company now owns 8,054 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $336,000 after acquiring an additional 254 shares in the last quarter. Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Up 1.0 % Shares of NYSEARCA:VWO traded up $0.46 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $44.73. The stock had a trading volume of 3,570,705 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,476,058. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 12 month low of $37.46 and a 12 month high of $45.72. The company has a market cap of $80.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.50 and a beta of 0.80. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $43.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is $42.79. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Profile The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vista Investment Partners LLC grew its position in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 0.4% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 13,186 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 56 shares during the quarter. Accenture accounts for about 1.3% of Vista Investment Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest position. Vista Investment Partners LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $4,001,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Signet Investment Advisory Group Inc. grew its holdings in Accenture by 11.1% in the second quarter. Signet Investment Advisory Group Inc. now owns 10,401 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $3,156,000 after purchasing an additional 1,043 shares during the period. Marietta Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Accenture by 3.8% in the 2nd quarter. Marietta Wealth Management LLC now owns 19,991 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $6,065,000 after acquiring an additional 735 shares in the last quarter. Boomfish Wealth Group LLC lifted its holdings in Accenture by 17.8% during the second quarter. Boomfish Wealth Group LLC now owns 4,821 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,463,000 after purchasing an additional 728 shares in the last quarter. TCW Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Accenture by 3.5% in the second quarter. TCW Group Inc. now owns 11,471 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $3,480,000 after purchasing an additional 392 shares during the period. Finally, Unique Wealth LLC raised its position in shares of Accenture by 18.4% during the 2nd quarter. Unique Wealth LLC now owns 6,633 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,013,000 after purchasing an additional 1,031 shares during the last quarter. 75.14% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Accenture alerts: Insider Activity at Accenture In other Accenture news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 8,145 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $331.05, for a total value of $2,696,402.25. Following the sale, the general counsel now owns 22,849 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,564,161.45. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 8,145 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $331.05, for a total value of $2,696,402.25. Following the transaction, the general counsel now owns 22,849 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,564,161.45. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $329.82, for a total value of $1,649,100.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 8,989 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,964,751.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 21,421 shares of company stock worth $6,912,635. Company insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock. Accenture Stock Up 0.6 % Shares of ACN traded up $1.79 during trading on Friday, reaching $326.92. 2,292,799 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,881,293. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $311.12 and a 200-day simple moving average of $327.53. Accenture plc has a twelve month low of $278.69 and a twelve month high of $387.51. The stock has a market cap of $204.88 billion, a PE ratio of 29.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.66 and a beta of 1.23. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.15 by ($0.02). Accenture had a net margin of 10.79% and a return on equity of 27.48%. The firm had revenue of $16.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.55 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.19 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Accenture plc will post 11.95 EPS for the current year. Accenture Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 11th were paid a $1.29 dividend. This represents a $5.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 11th. Accentures payout ratio is currently 47.25%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have commented on ACN shares. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on Accenture from $395.00 to $340.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Accenture in a research note on Monday, June 24th. They issued a neutral rating and a $335.00 price objective for the company. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Accenture from $390.00 to $350.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, June 17th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on shares of Accenture from $340.00 to $275.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Accenture from $419.00 to $365.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $351.82. View Our Latest Stock Report on ACN Accenture Profile (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ON24, Inc. (NYSE:ONTF Get Free Report) Director Dominique Trempont sold 34,133 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.22, for a total value of $212,307.26. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 283,250 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,761,815. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. ON24 Stock Up 2.4 % ONTF stock traded up $0.15 during trading on Monday, hitting $6.37. 97,278 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 198,243. ON24, Inc. has a 52 week low of $5.37 and a 52 week high of $8.35. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $6.02 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $6.57. Get ON24 alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On ON24 Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its position in ON24 by 856.5% in the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 469,544 shares of the companys stock worth $3,351,000 after buying an additional 420,455 shares during the period. Circumference Group LLC acquired a new position in ON24 during the 4th quarter valued at about $2,303,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC grew its position in ON24 by 413.1% in the 1st quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 244,032 shares of the companys stock worth $1,742,000 after purchasing an additional 196,472 shares during the last quarter. Horrell Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of ON24 by 32.5% during the first quarter. Horrell Capital Management Inc. now owns 387,196 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,765,000 after buying an additional 95,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its position in shares of ON24 by 12.9% during the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 726,434 shares of the companys stock worth $4,366,000 after buying an additional 83,000 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.93% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently issued reports on ONTF. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of ON24 from $8.00 to $7.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a hold rating on shares of ON24 in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Read Our Latest Stock Report on ON24 ON24 Company Profile (Get Free Report) ON24, Inc provides a cloud-based intelligent engagement platform that enables businesses to convert customer engagement into revenue through interactive webinar, virtual event, and multimedia content experiences worldwide. The company provides ON24 Elite, for live and interactive webinar experience; ON24 Breakouts, for live breakout room experience that facilitates networking, collaboration, and interactivity between users; ON24 Forums, for live and interactive experience, which facilitates video-to-video interaction between presenters and audiences; ON24 Go Live, for live and interactive video event experience that enables presenters and attendees to engage face-to-face in real-time; and ON24 Virtual Confrence, for live and large scale managed virtual event experience. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ON24 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ON24 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CCL Industries Inc. (TSE:CCL.B Get Free Report) Director Geoffrey Martin sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$77.62, for a total transaction of C$465,702.00. CCL Industries Trading Down 1.0 % Shares of CCL Industries stock traded down C$0.78 during trading hours on Monday, reaching C$77.41. 136,484 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 260,513. The firm has a market capitalization of C$12.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.26 and a beta of 0.56. The company has a fifty day moving average of C$72.68 and a 200-day moving average of C$69.94. CCL Industries Inc. has a 52-week low of C$52.82 and a 52-week high of C$79.06. The company has a current ratio of 1.96, a quick ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 48.08. Get CCL Industries alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have weighed in on CCL.B shares. Raymond James upped their target price on CCL Industries from C$84.00 to C$87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of CCL Industries from C$80.00 to C$84.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on shares of CCL Industries from C$79.00 to C$83.00 in a research report on Friday, May 10th. TD Securities lifted their price objective on CCL Industries from C$90.00 to C$92.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on CCL Industries from C$81.00 to C$83.00 in a research note on Friday, May 10th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, CCL Industries has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of C$84.78. CCL Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) CCL Industries Inc manufactures and sells labels, containers, consumer printable media products, technology driven label solutions, polymer bank note substrates, and specialty films. The company operates through four segments: CCL, Avery, Checkpoint, and Innovia. The CCL segment offers pressure sensitive and specialty extruded film materials for decorative, instructional, functional, and security applications in the consumer packaging, healthcare, chemicals, consumer electronic device, and automotive markets. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for CCL Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CCL Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:IQI Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 75,200 shares, a decline of 8.2% from the July 15th total of 81,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 145,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Price Performance Shares of NYSE:IQI traded down $0.03 during trading on Monday, reaching $10.18. 85,297 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 139,823. Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust has a 12 month low of $8.05 and a 12 month high of $10.33. The company has a 50 day moving average of $10.04 and a 200-day moving average of $9.73. Get Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust alerts: Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 16th will be issued a $0.0631 dividend. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.44%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 16th. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Company Profile Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its position in shares of Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust by 40.9% during the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 1,115,833 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $10,801,000 after purchasing an additional 323,878 shares in the last quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust by 54.4% during the second quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 842,239 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $8,355,000 after buying an additional 296,661 shares in the last quarter. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. grew its position in Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust by 488.3% in the first quarter. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. now owns 356,298 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,449,000 after buying an additional 295,738 shares during the last quarter. Karpus Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust by 8.8% in the first quarter. Karpus Management Inc. now owns 2,983,991 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,885,000 after buying an additional 242,204 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rothschild Investment LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,803,000. (Get Free Report) Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Invesco Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Invesco Advisers, Inc, INVESCO Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, INVESCO Asset Management Limited, INVESCO Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, INVESCO Senior Secured Management, Inc, and Invesco Canada Ltd. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Means Investment CO. Inc. cut its position in iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (NYSEARCA:IHI Free Report) by 13.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 154,504 shares of the companys stock after selling 23,040 shares during the quarter. iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF accounts for 1.0% of Means Investment CO. Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest position. Means Investment CO. Inc. owned 0.16% of iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF worth $8,658,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of IHI. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its holdings in iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF by 91.1% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 516 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 246 shares during the period. BNP Paribas bought a new stake in iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF during the first quarter valued at $35,000. Mather Group LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF during the first quarter worth $39,000. Finally, Livelsberger Financial Advisory bought a new position in shares of iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $39,000. Get iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF alerts: iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:IHI traded up $0.37 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $57.62. 443,080 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 961,973. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.18 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $55.81 and a 200 day moving average price of $56.33. iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF has a twelve month low of $43.96 and a twelve month high of $59.14. About iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF The iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (IHI) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the DJ US Select \u002F Medical Equipment index, a market-cap-weighted index of manufacturers and distributors of medical devices in the US. IHI was launched on May 1, 2006 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IHI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (NYSEARCA:IHI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, August 6th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 20th will be given a dividend of 0.12 per share by the energy company on Tuesday, September 3rd. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.65%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 20th. Ormat Technologies has raised its dividend by an average of 2.9% annually over the last three years. Ormat Technologies has a payout ratio of 18.8% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect Ormat Technologies to earn $2.58 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.48 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 18.6%. Get Ormat Technologies alerts: Ormat Technologies Price Performance Ormat Technologies stock opened at $73.75 on Monday. Ormat Technologies has a 12 month low of $58.73 and a 12 month high of $78.51. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $73.61 and its 200 day simple moving average is $69.41. The company has a market cap of $4.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.22, a PEG ratio of 3.56 and a beta of 0.51. Insider Transactions at Ormat Technologies Ormat Technologies ( NYSE:ORA Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The energy company reported $0.40 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.37 by $0.03. Ormat Technologies had a return on equity of 5.40% and a net margin of 14.89%. The business had revenue of $212.96 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $214.07 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.40 earnings per share. Ormat Technologiess revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Ormat Technologies will post 2.04 EPS for the current year. In other news, Director David Granot sold 686 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $73.46, for a total value of $50,393.56. Following the transaction, the director now owns 4,832 shares of the companys stock, valued at $354,958.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ORA has been the topic of several research analyst reports. UBS Group upped their price objective on Ormat Technologies from $95.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Ormat Technologies from $69.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Oppenheimer increased their target price on Ormat Technologies from $85.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Barclays dropped their target price on Ormat Technologies from $75.00 to $73.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, May 13th. Finally, TD Cowen increased their target price on Ormat Technologies from $70.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, May 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $81.67. Get Our Latest Stock Report on ORA About Ormat Technologies (Get Free Report) Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ormat Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ormat Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Ouster, Inc. (NYSE:OUST Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the five research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $13.40. Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Westpark Capital reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $17.00 price target on shares of Ouster in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Rosenblatt Securities reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $17.00 price target on shares of Ouster in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Craig Hallum reduced their price target on shares of Ouster from $13.00 to $11.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reduced their price target on shares of Ouster from $13.00 to $12.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Get Ouster alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Ouster Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other news, Director Virginia Boulet bought 10,000 shares of Ouster stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 13th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $10.30 per share, with a total value of $103,000.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 163,089 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,679,816.70. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . In other Ouster news, CFO Mark Weinswig sold 7,159 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.72, for a total value of $83,903.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 232,641 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,726,552.52. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . Also, Director Virginia Boulet purchased 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 13th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $10.30 per share, with a total value of $103,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 163,089 shares in the company, valued at $1,679,816.70. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders sold 16,168 shares of company stock valued at $184,264. 7.81% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in OUST. Van ECK Associates Corp bought a new position in Ouster in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $56,000. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. bought a new position in Ouster in the 4th quarter worth approximately $70,000. Psagot Value Holdings Ltd. Israel bought a new position in Ouster in the 4th quarter worth approximately $76,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Ouster by 667.0% in the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 9,894 shares of the companys stock worth $76,000 after purchasing an additional 8,604 shares during the period. Finally, Bison Wealth LLC bought a new position in Ouster in the 4th quarter worth approximately $79,000. 31.45% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Ouster Price Performance NYSE OUST opened at $8.01 on Monday. Ouster has a 52 week low of $3.67 and a 52 week high of $16.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $362.25 million, a P/E ratio of -1.44 and a beta of 2.42. The company has a quick ratio of 2.83, a current ratio of 3.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $11.46 and a 200-day moving average price of $9.19. Ouster Company Profile (Get Free Report Ouster, Inc provides lidar sensors for the automotive, industrial, robotics, and smart infrastructure industries in Americas, the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Its products include high-resolution scanning and solid-state digital lidar sensors, analog lidar sensors, and software solutions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ouster Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ouster and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Allurion Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ALUR Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 564,900 shares, a decline of 12.8% from the July 15th total of 648,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,280,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 1.4% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Allurion Technologies A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Allurion Technologies stock. CVI Holdings LLC purchased a new position in Allurion Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ALUR Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 521,440 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $520,000. Allurion Technologies makes up 0.5% of CVI Holdings LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest holding. CVI Holdings LLC owned approximately 1.09% of Allurion Technologies at the end of the most recent reporting period. 21.39% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Allurion Technologies alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Chardan Capital restated a buy rating and issued a $5.00 price objective on shares of Allurion Technologies in a report on Wednesday, May 15th. Allurion Technologies Price Performance Allurion Technologies stock traded up $0.00 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $0.66. 41,559 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 933,982. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.69 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.17 and a beta of -0.30. The firms 50 day moving average price is $1.08 and its 200 day moving average price is $1.85. Allurion Technologies has a 52-week low of $0.64 and a 52-week high of $6.43. About Allurion Technologies (Get Free Report) Allurion Technologies Inc focuses on ending obesity with a weight loss platform to treat people who are overweight. Its platform, the Allurion Program, features swallowable and procedure-less intragastric balloon for weight loss (the Allurion Balloon), as well as offers access to AI-powered remote patient monitoring tools, a proprietary behavior change program, secure messaging, and video telehealth that are delivered by the Allurion Virtual Care Suite. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Allurion Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Allurion Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL (NYSE:ELP Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 592,200 shares, a drop of 14.0% from the July 15th total of 688,500 shares. Currently, 0.7% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 190,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.1 days. Institutional Trading of Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of ELP. Creative Planning boosted its position in Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL by 44.5% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 57,924 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $388,000 after purchasing an additional 17,852 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its holdings in Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL by 11.7% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 72,216 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $483,000 after buying an additional 7,540 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its position in Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL by 43.0% during the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 28,647 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $192,000 after buying an additional 8,618 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new stake in Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL during the second quarter valued at $281,000. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC purchased a new position in Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL in the second quarter valued at $167,000. 3.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Companhia Paranaense de Energia - COPEL alerts: Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ELP traded up $0.18 during trading on Monday, reaching $7.82. 74,759 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 306,507. The stock has a market cap of $4.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.20 and a beta of 1.02. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $7.12 and its 200 day simple moving average is $7.47. The company has a current ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL has a 12-month low of $6.10 and a 12-month high of $8.91. About Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL engages in the generation, transformation, distribution, and sale of electricity to industrial, residential, commercial, rural, and other customers in Brazil. The company operates through Power Generation and Transmission, Power Distribution, Power Sale, and Gas segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Companhia Paranaense de Energia - COPEL Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Companhia Paranaense de Energia - COPEL and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smith Douglas Homes (NYSE:SDHC Free Report) had its price target upped by Bank of America from $30.00 to $36.00 in a report published on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the stock. A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on SDHC. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Smith Douglas Homes from $25.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday. Wedbush reiterated a neutral rating and set a $20.00 target price on shares of Smith Douglas Homes in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $26.00 price objective on shares of Smith Douglas Homes in a report on Thursday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $29.70. Get Smith Douglas Homes alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Smith Douglas Homes Smith Douglas Homes Stock Down 0.5 % Shares of Smith Douglas Homes stock opened at $34.30 on Thursday. Smith Douglas Homes has a 12 month low of $20.55 and a 12 month high of $37.74. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $26.92 and its 200 day simple moving average is $27.82. Smith Douglas Homes (NYSE:SDHC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported $0.40 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.37 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $220.90 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $208.02 million. The firms revenue was up 21.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Smith Douglas Homes will post 1.67 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Smith Douglas Homes Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. SYSTM Wealth Solutions LLC bought a new position in Smith Douglas Homes in the first quarter valued at approximately $76,000. RiverPark Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Smith Douglas Homes during the second quarter worth $120,000. Sandia Investment Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Smith Douglas Homes during the first quarter worth $178,000. Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV bought a new stake in shares of Smith Douglas Homes during the first quarter worth $331,000. Finally, Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky bought a new stake in shares of Smith Douglas Homes during the first quarter worth $565,000. Smith Douglas Homes Company Profile (Get Free Report) Smith Douglas Homes Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family homes in the southeastern United States. It also provides closing, escrow, and title insurance services. The company sells its products to entry-level and empty-nest homebuyers. Smith Douglas Homes Corp. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Smith Douglas Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smith Douglas Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Toyota Motor Co. (NYSE:TM Free Report) by 37.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,625 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 990 shares during the period. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Toyota Motor were worth $743,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Toyota Motor in the 2nd quarter valued at $960,000. 1858 Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Toyota Motor by 50.7% in the second quarter. 1858 Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,111 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,048,000 after purchasing an additional 1,719 shares during the period. Raelipskie Partnership increased its stake in shares of Toyota Motor by 1.5% during the second quarter. Raelipskie Partnership now owns 10,147 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,080,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the period. Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in Toyota Motor by 240.7% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 4,368 shares of the companys stock worth $895,000 after buying an additional 3,086 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cordatus Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Toyota Motor during the 2nd quarter valued at $581,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 1.48% of the companys stock. Get Toyota Motor alerts: Toyota Motor Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of TM traded up $1.03 on Monday, reaching $183.70. 242,341 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 308,121. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $247.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 0.68. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $194.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $217.97. Toyota Motor Co. has a 12 month low of $159.04 and a 12 month high of $255.23. Analyst Ratings Changes Toyota Motor ( NYSE:TM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $6.35 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.01 by $2.34. The business had revenue of $75.94 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $72.48 billion. Toyota Motor had a net margin of 10.70% and a return on equity of 14.28%. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $7.05 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Toyota Motor Co. will post 17 earnings per share for the current year. Separately, Erste Group Bank reiterated a hold rating on shares of Toyota Motor in a research report on Friday, June 14th. View Our Latest Report on TM About Toyota Motor (Free Report) Toyota Motor Corporation designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells passenger vehicles, minivans and commercial vehicles, and related parts and accessories in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. It operates in Automotive, Financial Services, and All Other segments. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Toyota Motor Co. (NYSE:TM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Toyota Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toyota Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM Get Free Report) CEO David W. Gibbs sold 7,069 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $137.92, for a total transaction of $974,956.48. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 159,132 shares in the company, valued at $21,947,485.44. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Yum! Brands Stock Performance NYSE:YUM opened at $137.40 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $38.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 1.07. Yum! Brands, Inc. has a one year low of $115.53 and a one year high of $143.20. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $132.56 and a 200 day simple moving average of $135.50. Get Yum! Brands alerts: Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The restaurant operator reported $1.35 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.33 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $1.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.80 billion. Yum! Brands had a negative return on equity of 18.90% and a net margin of 21.96%. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.41 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.62 EPS for the current fiscal year. Yum! Brands Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 27th will be issued a dividend of $0.67 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 27th. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.95%. Yum! Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.52%. Yum! Brands announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, May 15th that allows the company to buyback $2.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the restaurant operator to buy up to 5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Yum! Brands Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Quarry LP raised its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 191.3% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,512 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $200,000 after purchasing an additional 993 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in Yum! Brands by 1.1% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 23,256 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $3,081,000 after buying an additional 254 shares during the period. Silver Lake Advisory LLC bought a new stake in Yum! Brands in the second quarter valued at $261,000. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Yum! Brands during the second quarter valued at $451,000. Finally, Creative Planning grew its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 3.1% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 94,575 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $12,527,000 after acquiring an additional 2,803 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.37% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently issued reports on YUM shares. TD Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $156.00 price target on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on shares of Yum! Brands from $135.00 to $130.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Yum! Brands in a research report on Thursday, June 13th. They issued a neutral rating and a $150.00 price target on the stock. Evercore ISI downgraded Yum! Brands from an outperform rating to an inline rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $160.00 to $145.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, Robert W. Baird upped their target price on Yum! Brands from $150.00 to $154.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $145.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on YUM About Yum! Brands (Get Free Report) Yum! Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division segments. It also operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Yum! Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yum! Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cybersecurity researchers have discovered new infrastructure linked to a financially motivated threat actor known as FIN7. The two clusters of potential FIN7 activity "indicate communications inbound to FIN7 infrastructure from IP addresses assigned to Post Ltd (Russia) and SmartApe (Estonia), respectively," Team Cymru said in a report published this week as part of a joint investigation with Silent Push and Stark Industries Solutions. The findings build on a recent report from Silent Push, which found several Stark Industries IP addresses that are solely dedicated to hosting FIN7 infrastructure. The latest analysis indicates that the hosts linked to the e-crime group were likely procured from one of Stark's resellers. "Reseller programs are common in the hosting industry; many of the largest VPS (virtual private server) providers offer such services," the cybersecurity company said. "Customers procuring infrastructure via resellers generally must follow the terms of service outlined by the 'parent' entity." What's more, Team Cymru said it was able to identify additional infrastructure linked to FIN7 activity, including four IP addresses assigned to Post Ltd, a broadband provider operating in Southern Russia and three IP addresses assigned to SmartApe, a cloud hosting provider operating from Estonia. The first cluster has been observed conducting outbound communications with at least 15 Stark-assigned hosts previously discovered by Silent Push (e.g., 86.104.72[.]16) over the past 30 days. Likewise, the second cluster from Estonia has been identified as communicating with no less than 16 Stark-assigned hosts. "In addition, 12 of the hosts identified in the Post Ltd cluster were also observed in the SmartApe cluster," Team Cymru noted. The services have since been suspended by Stark following responsible disclosure. "Reviewing metadata for these communications confirmed them to be established connections. This assessment is based on an evaluation of observed TCP flags and sampled data transfer volumes." Next spring, people can combine visits to the new Baristas and Big Red Treats, whether theyre traveling by car, on foot or on bicycle. Like Baristas Coffee House, Big Red Treats is building a second location in the Prairie District, which is near Prairie Commons, north of Highway 34. The businesses will be next door to each other. Juliet Wright, co-owner of Big Red Treats, believes a hike and bike path will be nearby. Juliet and her husband, Dana, hope to open the second Big Red Treats in the spring. The Railside location will continue to operate at 223 W. Third St. Grand Islanders will be able to enjoy the fruits of the Baristas-Big Red Treats collaboration this week. From 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, the two shops will together give away 500 cold brew floats. Big Red Treats is providing the ice cream and Baristas will contribute the cold brew coffee. The free treats will be handed out at a tent set up where the new locations will be. The setup will let people know where their new locations will be. The drive-thru collaboration is just our way to say thank you to the community for supporting us and just kind of celebrating our new locations together, Wright said. Baristas and Big Red Treats are separate businesses. But the Wrights are friends with Nate and Emily Frew, who own Baristas. The couples were talking to Scott Rief, the Prairie District developer, at the same time. The Wrights and the Frews kind of ran it by each other because they thought it was a good idea. So its been fun to plan a second location together, Wright said. Todd and Angela King opened Big Red Treats in 2016 in Northwest Crossing. The Wrights bought the ice cream shop in January of 2020. They navigated through the pandemic and moved the business downtown, Wright said. In the beginning, Big Red Treats was a seasonal business. The Wrights added gourmet popcorn and homemade fudge, which made it possible to stay open year-round. That move also allowed the business to handle corporate orders, she said. The company is happy to serve customers who want to buy locally made gifts for the holidays or for their clients, she said. Big Red Treats is always looking to give back, she said. In addition to donating to schools, the shop serves as a great place for book clubs to meet and a good place for grandparents to come with young ones. Wright says the business has become a place to celebrate. She pointed out the stores slogan is Always celebrate! The Wrights are also the owners of Tally Creative. Their marketing background has probably also helped Big Red Treats, she said. The Railside location is actually the third site for Big Red Treats. Its first Railside home was in the former Harmony Building at 224 W. Third St. The Prairie District sounds like something thats good for the city, she said. The Wrights are happy about Grand Islands expansion. Were just excited to be a part of Gran Island and really support the town that has supported us, she said. They hope the district will be the next thing that this town needs and (are) excited to be a part of it. The expansion of Big Red Treats is not over. The Wrights plan to open more shops in Nebraska. We dont have our third location identified yet but were excited to start expanding around the state, she said. A state agency projects that Bamberg, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties will see their populations decline, but local officials reject the predictions. Not possible, Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said. The state Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office projects that South Carolina will add another 1 million people between now and 2042. That 19 percent jump will bring the states total population to 6.4 million. During the same period, Orangeburg County's population is projected to decline 19 percent. The office believes it will decline from 82,259 people to 66,244 people in 2042, a drop of 16,015 residents. The current population numbers are based on 2023 U.S. Census estimates. Orangeburg County Young doesnt believe the numbers account for the growth Orangeburg County is seeing. "We have seen a lot of growth in Santee and in other places," Young said. Currently, about 9,000 houses are listed and ready to be built, with new subdivision developments popping up all over the county. With an average of two people per household, Young said there could be almost 20,000 more people coming into the county in the next few years. Orangeburg County has more affordable land than Charleston, Columbia and Lexington, he said. Thats leading to the interest in local housing developments. We are seeing a boom in housing growth, Young said. Some examples of recent housing or subdivision projects that have come before Orangeburg County Council for approval include: In addition to questioning the projections, Young said he also believes more recent census numbers are not accurate. I think those numbers are being used based upon the census done during the height of COVID, Young said. Orangeburg County was undercounted during COVID. Many people were afraid to engage with census takers during the height of the pandemic and were not counted, Young said. He believes the census also did not capture the transient population. People did not even want to touch envelopes during COVID, Young said. While he does not believe the population projections, he said the county is working to ensure the figures do not become reality by developing a countywide sustainability plan that will ensure it has a smart growth plan going into the future. The study will show how we can take advantage of the growth and benefit from it, he said. The county continues to work with its Development Commission to attract new companies and highlight the county's location and workforce. We are putting money into infrastructure and creating new opportunities for education, Young said. The county is in the process of renovating its S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control building in Holly Hill to make classroom space for Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. Educational opportunities and workforce training will enhance the county's workforce, making it more attractive for new companies to locate, he said. Orangeburg County has seen its population decline since the 2010 census, when it was at an all-time high of 92,501. The 2020 census calculated a population of 84,223, or a fall of about 9 percent. Orangeburg County has the 17th-largest population of the state's 46 counties. Calhoun County The state office is projecting Calhoun County's population will decline almost 16 percent by 2042. The county currently has an estimated 14,080 residents. Its projected to lose 2,212 residents by 2024, leaving it with 11,868. Calhoun County saw its population reach high of 15,185 in 2000 before declining slightly to 15,175 in 2010. Calhoun County was the 43rd most populous of the state's 46 counties in July 2023. County Administrator John McLauchlin questions the accuracy both of the 2020 census and the projections. From what I have read and understand, I do not believe the final results of the 2020 census numbers are accurate and was undercounted, McLauchlin said. This was due to a number of unprecedented challenges and issues so, therefore, I do not know the accuracy or validity of those projections. With the natural growth that we have been seeing in Calhoun County and surrounding counties, I cant help but think that those projections for Calhoun County will be incorrect by 2042, McLauchlin said. McLauchlin said there are ways to ensure the projections do not become reality, such as smart diversified growth. We are currently and have been seeing population growth through migration into Calhoun County primarily in residential and industrial, he said. This natural growth is what we believe is due to our rural nature with little congestion, reasonable tax base/utility rates and our location being sandwiched between larger urbanized markets, McLauchlin said. Bamberg County The Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office is projecting Bamberg Countys population will decline by 38 percent by 2042. The population is projected to decline from 12,629 to 7,806, a drop of 4,823 people. Fairfield County is also expected to see a 38 percent drop. Only Allendale County is projected to see a larger percentage drop at 50 percent over this time period. If this comes true, only Allendale County will have a smaller population than Bamberg County in 2024. Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston said projections are just projections. Consider everything that has happened in our world since 2004. Has anything we've experienced in the last 20 years been predictable or accurately projected from that time period to now? Preston said. While county leadership should be mindful of trends or scientifically arrived at estimations, local governments must primarily focus on the here and now and the immediate needs of the communities they serve. While the future is important, planning for it only happens by serving our citizens today, Preston said. Today, we are not experiencing anything like the decline that's been referenced here, Preston said. In fact, Bamberg County is experiencing a shortage of available housing for prospective buyers. According to what area Realtors and our assessor are seeing right now in real time, there isn't enough inventory on the market to meet demand and houses are selling as fast as they hit the market, Preston said. This, in turn, spurs area developers to build more homes and apartment complexes to meet the demand. Also, the county is entertaining new industry prospects all the time, he said. A growing housing market and incoming businesses could call into question any projections as far into the future, Preston said. Additionally, a decline in population does not automatically equate to reductions in area investment or growth. Bamberg County and its municipalities are working together to attract new opportunities to the area, he said. None of us can look into crystal balls or turn to handwringing over projections so far into the future when the need to focus our resources and efforts exist in the county and community we are living in today, Preston said. Bamberg County's population in 2020 was 13,311. Bamberg County has seen its population decline over the past four consecutive decades. It reached a population high of 18,118 in 1980. The county's population dropped 6.7 percent in 1990, 1.4 percent in 2000, 4 percent in 2010 and 16.7 percent in 2020. It has dropped an estimated 2.5 percent from 2020 to July 1, 2023. Bamberg County through July 2023 was the 44th most populous of the state's 46 counties. Projections Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office Director of Data Integration and Analysis Division Chris Finney said the projections are based on recent trends in population estimates, births, deaths and migration. It may be that Orangeburg is on the verge of seeing population growth, but there is no way for the model to know that as the numbers that feed it have shown recent decline, Finney said. Population projections presented here are based on current trends and do not account for potential future developments or changes in policy, technology, or social behavior that could significantly alter these trends." Migration and the aging population are playing a significant factor in in the growth/decline we are seeing in many parts of the state. He said population predictions should be interpreted as indicative rather than definitive, providing a possible scenario of population changes under existing conditions. We will continue to update these projections as annual numbers on population estimates, births, deaths and migration are released. Statewide Other counties in the state are expected to see a population boom. About 21 of the state's 46 counties are projected to see an increase in population, with most of the growth being along the state's coastal counties and in the Upstate. Horry County, which is home to Myrtle Beach, is projected to see the largest percentage growth in the state over the next 18 years, increasing by 53 percent to a county total of 621,700. The county is also expected to see the largest numeric growth in the state during this time period. Berkeley and Jasper counties are both expected to see a population increase of 51 percent through 2042, with Berkeley County's population reaching 388,071 and Jasper's population increasing to 50,977. The most populous county in the state is projected to be Greenville with 718,139 residents, an increase of 27 percent. The Midlands area of Columbia is projected to see more modest growth. Richland County is projected to see a 6 percent population increase for a countywide total of 452,035. Lexington County is projected to see its population increase 13 percent for a countywide total of 350,359. Statewide, the population continues to increase as part of an ongoing trend. South Carolina saw the largest percentage population growth in the nation in 2023 at 1.7 percent. The state saw about 90,600 new residents move into the area in 2023. South Carolina had a slightly negative birth rate, with more deaths than births, so the population increase was entirely due to people moving to the state. The growth continues what has been a trend in the state since 1980. Each decade since then has seen the state's population growth exceed 10 percent. The state's population for the 2020 census was 5.1 million. On July 1, 2023, the state's population was estimated to be about 5.4 million. South Carolina currently ranks as the 23rd most populous state in the nation behind Minnesota and ahead of Alabama. (TBTCO) - Gia xe SH moi nhat thang 10/2024 tai ai ly ang giam soc, mot so phien ban ang uoc ban re hon gia e xuat, ay la ieu hiem co cua dong xe Honda. Trong khi o, gia xe Vision tai ai ly ang o muc thap chua tung co, tinh trang oi gia cao gan nhu a khong con. (TBTCO) - FTSE Russell duy tri Viet Nam trong Danh sach Cho xet nang hang trong ot cap nhat anh gia hang nam thang 9/2024. Cung voi viec ghi nhan no luc va ho tro lien tuc cua Chinh phu, co quan quan ly oi voi cac cai cach cua thi truong, To chuc nay anh gia tich cuc ve cac giai phap cua Viet Nam, trong o bao gom mo hinh thanh toan Khong yeu cau co u tien (NonPrefunding) uoc quy inh tai Thong tu 68/2024/TT-BTC va nhieu quy inh khach uoc cap nhat trong Thong tu nay. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez) has announced the launch of Workers Protection Insurance Programme, a key initiative in partnership with Rakinsurance. This programme is set to significantly enhance the financial security and welfare of workers within the Rakez-registered companies, and aligns with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisations (MoHRE) focus on enhancing financial security for employees. The new insurance solution will replace the current visa deposit requirements, offering comprehensive insurance coverage that includes due and unpaid salaries, end-of-service gratuity, repatriation costs, and coverage for work-related injuries. Secure and thriving environment This initiative underscores Rakezs commitment to fostering a secure and thriving business environment, aligning with the UAEs strategic goals for employee rights and corporate governance, as well as Ras Al Khaimahs vision to enhance the quality of life for its workers. The official signing of the partnership, attended by Rakez Group CEO Ramy Jallad and Rakinsurance CEO Sanjeev Badyal, highlights the collaborative efforts to enhance worker protections and support Ras Al Khaimahs economic and social development. At Rakez, we are deeply committed to the well-being of the workforce within our community. The launch of the Workers Protection Insurance Programme marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide a secure and prosperous environment for employees of the companies registered with Rakez. This initiative is not just about compliance, but about going above and beyond to ensure that our business community is supported at every level. By safeguarding the interests of these workers, we strengthen the foundation of trust and stability that Rakez is built upon, Jallad said. Badyal said: "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Rakez. Together, we are launching a Workers Protection Insurance Scheme to ensure a safer and more secure future for all workers employed by businesses in Rakez. This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to employee welfare."--TradeArabia News Service The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RakBank) has reached an agreement with Bitpanda Technology Solutions to provide a robust platform that will enable UAE residents to effortlessly manage digital assets. When fully launched, RakBank customers will be able to pursue various digital assets use cases unlocking one of the most complete offerings available in the UAE market. This is however subject to CBUAE approval. The partnership positions RakBank and Bitpanda at the forefront of the digital financial breakthrough in the UAE, while fostering growth in the digital assets sector. This allows banks to participate in the virtual asset economy without needing to develop their own in-house virtual asset capabilities. Platform for digital assets Dongjun DJ Choi, Group Chief Customer Officer of RakBank, commented: We believe digital assets represent one of the future ways for customers to manage their finances more efficiently and securely. This partnership is poised to fill the gap in the market for a trustworthy and regulated banking platform to deal in digital assets. By merging our expertise, we aim to revolutionise the traditional financial landscape for the benefit of our customers, enabling them to explore a broader range of digital assets opportunities. Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad, CEO of Bitpanda Technology Solutions, added: RakBank has a long history of pioneering crypto innovation in the UAE, and we want to support their ambitions. Bitpanda Technology Solutions is fully modular, enabling us to tailor products to our partners' needs. This partnership exemplifies the importance of that flexibility. Together, we will transform crypto access for millions in the UAE and lay the groundwork for future innovation. Bitpanda Technology Solutions stands as one of the most scalable digital assets infrastructure providers globally. As a highly regulated leader in the industry, it boasts a worldwide footprint and is already trusted by some of the world's foremost financial institutions, banks, neobanks and fintechs.--TradeArabia News Service Musanadah, a leading provider of integrated facilities management solutions and manned security services, has signed a new service delivery agreement with Efaa. Efaa is the Charitable Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Disabled in the Eastern Province - Prince Sultan Rehabilitation Complex. The agreement was signed in the presence of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Efaa, Eng. Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Zamil with Rami Alturki, President and CEO of Alturki Holding, parent company of Musanadah, together with Ahmed AlHakeem, Senior Human Resources Manager, and Hameed Alshabrami, Security Manager at Musanadah. Manned security services Under the arrangement, Musanadah will provide manned security services to the not-for-profit organisation to support their limbs and orthosis center providing valuable services for people with disabilities. Efaa is one of the largest charitable organisations working in the humanitarian field to serve people with disabilities for more than twenty-five years, offering the latest educational, medical and industrial methodologies and equipment. Nigel Wright, Managing Director at Musanadah Security Services: We are delighted to support EFA Association to provide manned security services as part of our commitment to corporate social responsibility across the kingdom. This new agreement aligns with our objective to support the community and give back to those in need. By ensuring a safe environment for Efaas operations, we are not only supporting their vital community work but also reinforcing our dedication to making a positive impact in society, all part of Musanadahs ongoing commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Musanadah recently renewed its official security services licensing, enhancing its ability to meet the evolving needs of clients. Saudi Arabias High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS) is the licensing body and national regulatory agency for security, safety & fire protection requirements at industrial facilities and designated critical infrastructure in the kingdom. Stringent requirements Applicants must meet stringent requirements overseen by a central government authority in the kingdom with ongoing compliance requirements. This high level of statutory regulation is intended to provide the utmost protection for citizens and critical assets in Saudi Arabia. Musanadah provides a wide array of security services tailored to the unique requirements of its clients. These services include on-site security personnel, monitoring advanced surveillance systems, access control solutions, risk assessment and management, and comprehensive security consulting. Musanadah also offers comprehensive and customised facilities management solutions to clients in the critical infrastructure, governmental, commercial, educational, leisure, residential, hospitality and retail sectors across Saudi Arabia.--TradeArabia News Service Business solutions provider Transguard Group has announced it is seeking 1,000 motor bike riders to join its workforce. This is an exciting opportunity for experienced food delivery drivers to join one of the most trusted companies in the UAE, said Allan McLean, Head, Transport, Transguard Group. To be considered, applicants must have a UAE driving license issued in or before February 2024. Benefits include a fixed monthly salary, tips, a company-provided motor bike, mobile phone, SIM card, accommodation, medical insurance, an annual flight ticket and 30 days paid leave. Transguard will also reimburse fuel expenses up to AED300 ($81.7). Open Days Starting August 19, 2024, applicants are invited to attend one of Transguards Open Days at its Jebel Ali 6 and Sonapur 11 accommodations, Monday to Thursday, 8am to 1pm. This is Transguards second major recruitment announcement of 2024. In May, the business solutions provider announced a series or Open Days at Emirates Headquarters for chauffeur drivers.--TradeArabia News Service Bahrain's Labour Fund (Tamkeen) has announced its support for the career development of over 150 Bahraini employees at Midal Cables Company. This support comes through the Wage Increment Programme, which covers up to 20% of the salary increases for employees for two years. Midal Cables is one of the leading Bahraini companies in the aluminium manufacturing industry, with 47 years of standing in producing rods, wires, and electrical cables for transmitting electricity worldwide. The company exports its products to more than 60 countries, including the US and Europe. Developing local talent Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Tamkeen Chief Executive, said: We commend Midal Cables for its strong focus on developing local talent within the company. This support will encourage local talents to strive for excellence and work diligently to advance the growing manufacturing sector in the kingdom. The manufacturing sector contributed 13% to the GDP in 2023, making it the second largest contributor to the national economy after the financial services and insurance sector. Group Chief Executive of Midal Cables, Khaled Abdul Latif, added: We look forward to promoting our employees benefiting from Tamkeen's career development support programmes. This will lead to increased employee loyalty and productivity, which will positively impact the company's revenues and output in the long term. Since 2017 Midal Cables Company has been committed to developing the skills of national talents and enhancing their growth opportunities by utilising various Tamkeen support programmes. This support has included various courses and training programmes. The company aims to provide more new job opportunities for Bahrainis in the future.--TradeArabia News Service Marking a major milestone, Thumbay Group celebrated 26 years of business operations in the UAE in August 2024, marked by consistent innovation, high standards of quality, and a dedication to community betterment. Founded by Dr Thumbay Moideen in 1997, the group has expanded across diverse industries over the years, and has grown into a major force in the UAE's healthcare and medical education sectors, with Gulf Medical University as its flagship venture. Reflecting on the journey, Founder President Dr Moideen said: Our 26-year journey in the UAE affirms the strong bilateral relations between India and the UAE, and the tremendous support we have received from the UAE government and its visionary leaders. Their encouragement has created an ecosystem where Indian entrepreneurs can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nations progress. At Thumbay Group, we remain committed to advancing healthcare and medical education while scaling a culture of innovation. As of today, Thumbay Groups ventures, including Gulf Medical University, have grown to become the largest private medical university operated by an Indian businessman, contributing to 60% of the UAEs healthcare professionals. Recognised as an Academic Health System, the university excels in healthcare, education, and research. Thumbay Group's growth is marked by an extensive portfolio, encompassing the UAEs largest private academic hospital network, clinics, pharmacies, and various hospitality ventures. With over 110 touchpoints across the seven emirates and partnerships with 70 global institutions, the Group has treated 11 million patients and graduated 4,000 students from 102 nationalities. Dr Moideen added: As we look ahead to Vision 2028, we are motivated about the opportunities to further expand our global footprint and introduce new initiatives that will continue to set benchmarks in the industry. The groups forward-looking Vision 2028 aims for fivefold growth, with plans to introduce new institutes and expand globally through franchising in markets like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Gulf Medical University will continue to innovate with new degree programs and international partnerships. The healthcare divisions are planning a comprehensive Oncology Center, an advanced Cosmetology Center, and initiatives in alternative medicine, all while enhancing long-term care facilities. In 2024, Dr Moideen was awarded an honorary doctorate by Mangalore University, and under his leadership, Gulf Medical University has achieved global recognition, ranking in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and receiving the Excellence in Research award from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. The Thumbay Healthcare Division, recognised globally for its excellence, earned the prestigious JCI Enterprise Accreditation, making it the fifth healthcare entity worldwide to receive this title. The Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital, the UAEs largest and most advanced CARF-accredited facility, exemplifies the Groups commitment to healthcare excellence. TradeArabia News Service KBR announced that it has been awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract by the US Navy for continued development of space science instrument systems at the Naval Research Lab (NRL) in Washington, DC. Under the terms of the Space Science Instruments and Experimental Payloads (SSIEP) 3 contract, KBR will provide personnel, equipment and facilities to support engineering and research activities for the Navy's Space Science Division. Their focus will be on the design, development, analysis, fabrication, inspection, assembly, integration, testing and documentation of sophisticated space science instruments and experimental payloads. Over five years This work is expected to be performed over five years and involves advanced efforts in various forms of engineering, including thermal systems, contamination, optical and radio frequency, instrument systems, mechanisms, mechanical and electrical. This follow-on contract maintains KBR's presence at NRL where it has supported SSIEP 1 and 2 since 2015. "At KBR, we lead the way in technical innovation from space hardware to digital engineering projects worldwide. This win reflects the tireless efforts of our talented engineers, whose seamless fusion of creativity, precision and practicality sets us apart and ensures mission success for our valued customers," said Byron Bright, President of KBR Government Solutions US. KBR has more than 50 years of comprehensive design engineering experience in various industries.--TradeArabia News Service German sensor company SICK and the Swiss measurement and automation technology specialist Endress+Hauser have agreed on a strategic partnership. Endress+Hauser will take over worldwide sales and service of SICKs process analyzers and gas flowmeters, with a joint venture to be established for their production and further development. The aim of the partnership is to provide customers with even better support in increasing their efficiency and sustainability. SICK and Endress+Hauser signed a joint memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership in October 2023. Since then, the project has been examined and plans for implementing the cooperation have been drawn up. Following approval by the respective supervisory bodies, representatives of both companies have now signed a corresponding agreement. The closing of the transaction is planned for the turn of the year 2024/2025 and is subject to approval by antitrust authorities. Endress+Hauser takes over worldwide sales and service As a key aspect of the strategic partnership, Endress+Hauser will take over sales and service for process analysis and gas flow measurement technology completely. Around 800 specialized sales and service employees in 42 countries will transfer from SICK to Endress+Hauser. Customers will benefit by receiving more products from a single source. The global Endress+Hauser sales network will enable additional customers to be acquired, more industries to be reached and new applications to be developed. Joint venture for development and production From 2025, the production and further development of process analyzers and gas flowmeters will be the responsibility of a joint venture in which each partner will hold a 50 percent stake. It will employ about 730 people at several locations in Germany. The joint venture will work closely with Endress+Hausers competence centers to drive product innovations forward efficiently. Complementary offerings for process automation The two companies offerings in process technology complement each other perfectly. SICKs products are currently used in particular in waste incineration plants, power, steel and cement plants, in the oil and gas industry, in chemical and petrochemical plants and in shipbuilding, for example for analyzing emissions in flue gas cleaning or for measuring the flow of natural gas and hydrogen. Focus on mutual benefit This strategic partnership opens up opportunities for growth and development for SICK and Endress+Hauser. We are taking this path because by collaborating and networking we can achieve more together in a reasonable amount of time than either side could on its own all this for the benefit of our customers, employees and both companies, says Dr Peter Selders, CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group. Driving forward sustainable transformation Our aspiration is to drive the sustainable transformation of the process industry and to support our customers in leveraging the opportunities presented by decarbonization. That is why SICK and Endress+Hauser are combining their technological and market expertise. In the interest of our customers and employees, we look forward to the strategic partnership and to shape the future of process automation together, says Dr Mats Gokstorp, Chairman of the Executive Board at SICK. Strategic partners with many things in common Both companies see the sustainable transformation as a business opportunity. Together, they want to provide even better support to customers in important areas such as energy and resource efficiency and climate and environmental protection as well as assisting with the decarbonization of their production processes. SICK and Endress+Hauser have worked together frequently on an order, project and customer basis. The two family-owned companies also share a long-term corporate approach. Focusing on people Endress+Hauser and SICK are committed to maintaining attractive working conditions for all employees. We look forward to welcoming the new colleagues with their valuable expertise to the Endress+Hauser team. The planned transition will be carefully prepared so that we can continue to grow together from day one, says Selders. -TradeArabia News Service SYDNEY, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Voters in Kiribati on Monday went to cast their ballots for the second round of voting in the parliamentary election of the Pacific island country. Voters will cast their ballots to elect 19 members of parliament in the second round of voting, after 25 seats were confirmed following the first round on Wednesday, according to the country's Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs. The polls opened at 7 a.m. local time and will close at 6 p.m. Results are expected to be released on Tuesday. A total of 114 candidates competed in the first round of voting for 44 parliamentary seats. A candidate is elected if receiving more than 50 percent of the ballots cast and a second round is held when not all seats are filled. The Kiribati parliament has 45 members, 44 elected for a four-year term in 23 single-seat and multi-seat constituencies and one as a non-elected delegate from the Banaban community on Rabi Island in Fiji. Kiribati president and leader of the Tobwaan Kiribati Party Taneti Maamau retained his seat in the Onotoa constituency in the first round of voting with 83 percent of the votes. The opposition leader Tessie Lambourne, the leader of the Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party, also retained her seat in the Abemama constituency with 51 percent of the votes in the first round. The new parliament will nominate no more than four presidential candidates among its members. The Kiribati president, who is both head of state and head of government, is to be elected in a presidential election by universal adult suffrage. Kiribati's new parliament is scheduled to sit on Sept. 13 to select a shortlist of candidates for president. The national popular vote for the president of Kiribati is expected later in the year, possibly in October. Kuwait Authority For Partnership Projects (KAPP) has announced that it has shortlisted consortiums led by top global utility project developers for the Al Dibdibah Power and Al Shagaya Renewable Energy (Phase III) Zone 1 Solar PV Independent Power Project (IPP). These shortlisted bidders are French utility Total Energies Renewables and Vietnamese group Trung Nam Construction Investment Corporation as well as consortiums of Saudi-based Acwa Power Company with partner Alternative Energy Projects Company; Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) with partner Fouad Alghanim & Sons General Trading and Contracting; French group EDF Renewables with partners Abdullah Al Hamad Al Sagar and Brothers Company and Korean Western Power Company as well as Chinese group Jinko Power with Japanese partner Jera. In collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity & Water & Renewable Energy (MEWRE) of Kuwait, KAPP had in May this year issued requests for qualification (RFQs) to the developers/developer consortia for the Al Dibdibah Power and Al Shagaya Renewable Energy IPP. The Al Dibdibah Power and Al Shagaya plant lies within the administrative boundary of Jahra Governorate in the west of Kuwait City, approximately 100 km from the capital. On completion, it will boast a net power capacity of 1,100 MW. KAPP said in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 39 of 2010 regarding the establishment of Kuwaiti joint-stock companies, the winning bidder will undertake the construction and implementation of power, electricity and water desalination stations in Kuwait. It will also be responsible for the development, financing, design, procurement, engineering, construction, testing, commissioning, operation, maintenance as well as transfer of the key Al Dibdibah Power and Al Shagaya Renewable Energy project. KAPP said the project will export the output from the plant to Kuwaits electricity grid and transmission network. It will benefit from power purchase agreement (PPA) with MEWRE as the offtaker for a 30-year term. As the main body responsible for implementation of the public-private-partnership projects, KAPP aims to utilise private sector skills and expertise to maximise value for money and service quality. Both KAPP and MEWRE were assisted in the project by Ernst & Young as lead and financial advisor, DLA Piper as legal advisor and DNV as technical and environmental advisor.-TradeArabia News Service Airport International Group has announced that Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) welcomed 952,177 passengers in July 2024, down 7.5% over the same period last year. During the same month, it registered 7,592 aircraft movements (ACM) and handled 6,924 tonnes of cargo, down 6.8% and up 32.1%, respectively, against the previous year. Since the start of the year, QAIA passenger figures dropped 5.1%, reaching 5,104,710 PAX compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, QAIA reported 43,154 ACM and 45,348 tons of cargo, indicating a 5.0% decrease and a significant 24.7% increase, respectively, against the same period last year. The ongoing Gaza war continues to adversely impact airline operations and tourism flow, thus affecting our traffic numbers for the month of July, said Airport International Group CEO, Nicolas Deviller. Nonetheless, our dedication to operational excellence and passenger satisfaction drives us forward. Amidst these challenges. We remain committed to diversifying our airline and destination networks by introducing top carriers and new direct routes to bolster inbound tourism and meet the varying needs of passengers, while shaping a travel experience that feels like home for everyone passing through Jordans prime gateway to the world. TradeArabia News Service MORE than 100 years ago, during the era when Trinidad and Tobago was still under Crown Colony rule, Elahie Baksh, the child of Indian indentured labourers, stumbled upon a unique recipe for making candies. Bakshs recipe was born out of his worries for his five children and his prayers for the future of the generations to come. THE theme for this years World Sight Day: Love your eyes, kids, is a call to action, says co-founder of the Trinidad Eye Hospital (TEH) and Hummingbird Medal Gold recipient, Dr Ronnie Bhola. One of the main problems affecting our young population that is causing concern among health care professionals like Bhola is myopia a condition in which people can see close objects clearly but objects farther away appear blurred. 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. The Germans know a thing or two about not being funny If youre reading this and youre over 30, heed our advice: protect your frontal lobe at all costs. A damaged frontal lobe can result in impulse control issues, a shortened attention span or even fatal unfunniness. Here are a few ways a medical professional can diagnose you with being clinically lame 4 Moria The first known entry into the canon of clinical cringe comes from German doctor Moritz Jastrowitz. In 1888, he described a patient of his a servant named Panja as displaying rampant merriment and silliness for no discernable reason. Like, the guy didnt find a stray Deutsche Mark, or eat a berry, or otherwise experience anything that might put him in a good mood. He just turned into a goofy lil guy one day, to the extent that his boss was like: You need to get out of my face and go see a doctor. Don't Miss We can deduce two things from the OG unfunny diagnosis. Panja probably wasnt a cut-up (moria is Greek for stupid and vulgar), and Jastrowitz probably wasnt a great doctor (Panja died). His autopsy revealed a tumor in his frontal lobe, which will be a common theme here. 3 Witzelsucht German neurologist Hermann Oppenheim took a look at the 13 cases of Moria that Jastrowitz studied, and refined the diagnosis. He described a condition characterized by awkwardness, lack of manners and unacceptable physical boundaries. In my day, we called that adorkable, but Oppenheim called it Witzelsucht. Witzelsucht delves deeper into the specific crimes against comedy that its victims commit, specifically calling out puns, hypersexual jokes and an inability to detect sarcasm. There are two modern case studies: a 30-year-old theologian who suddenly turned uncharacteristically bawdy and gluttonous, and a 56-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital after a stroke. Advertisement Both of them had been relatively mild-mannered beforehand, but subjected their physicians to an exhausting barrage of puns and innuendos. And, once again, both were found to have had significant damage to their frontal lobes. 2 Foersters Syndrome Sir, a third German brain doctor has hit the listicle. In 1929, German neurosurgeon Otfrid Foerster described a case of relentless punning he encountered while operating on a brain tumor. As he was fiddling around deep inside a patients lizard brain, the guy suddenly transformed into a 21st-century British alt comedian, launching into a stream-of-consciousness tirade of puns and wordplay, all relating to knives and butchery. Advertisement Advertisement Similar to Witzelsucht, people experiencing Foersters Syndrome are obsessed with cracking wise, but theyve short circuited in a way that prevents them from connecting multiple thoughts. They recognize surprise as essential to humor, but theyre all punchline, no set-up. Their brains become a prix fixe menu of puns, slapstick and random outbursts. The term Foersters Syndrome was actually coined by journalist Arthur Koestler, who wrote that those knife jokes were told by a man tied face down to the operating table with his skull open, which frankly is how all puns should have to be delivered. China, Fiji agree to deepen partnership 08:33, August 19, 2024 By Cao Desheng ( China Daily Premier Li Qiang meets on Sunday with Sitiveni Rabuka, prime minister of the Republic of Fiji, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Rabuka is on a 10-day official visit to China that started on Aug 12. WANG JING/CHINA DAILY China and Fiji signed multiple agreements on Sunday on bilateral cooperation in fields including trade and infrastructure construction as part of a wide-ranging partnership between China and Pacific island countries. Premier Li Qiang and visiting Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka witnessed the signing of the documents following their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Rabuka is on a 10-day official visit to China that started on Aug 12. Highlighting that Fiji was the first Pacific island nation to establish diplomatic relations with China, Li told Rabuka that China has always regarded Fiji as one of its most important partners in the South Pacific region. He said that China consistently supports the Fijian people in choosing their own development path, and is willing to take next year's 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and continue being true friends who trust and support each other. Li called for enhancing high-level exchanges and interactions at various levels between China and Fiji to promote the healthy and stable development of their comprehensive strategic partnership. The premier underlined the need for both countries to further leverage their advantages in economic complementarity to deepen partnership in infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, light industry, education, tourism, poverty reduction and other areas within the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, in order to promote shared development. China is willing to import more high-quality products from Fiji and support Chinese enterprises in investing and establishing businesses in the Pacific island country, Li said. Noting that both China and Fiji are members of the Global South, Li expressed China's willingness to enhance communication and coordination with Fiji and other Pacific island countries, actively implement initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as inclusive and universally beneficial economic globalization. Rabuka expressed his admiration for China's achievements and growing influence under the leadership of Xi, emphasizing that Fiji always regards China as its reliable partner. He said that Fiji firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports China-proposed initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Fiji is ready to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as trade and infrastructure construction, and promote cooperation between Pacific island countries and China, he added. In July last year, Xi, while expounding on China's policy toward Pacific island countries during a meeting with Manasseh Sogavare, prime minister of the Solomon Islands, made it clear that China fully respects the sovereignty and independence of Pacific island countries, fully respects their will, fully respects their cultural traditions, and fully respects their unity and self-reliance. Rabuka met with Xi for the first time in November in San Francisco in the United States on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting. He is set to meet with Xi again during his stay in Beijing. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) VIENTIANE, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province for in-depth discussions on matters related to ASEAN Community-building efforts, Lao National Radio reported on Monday. The eighth meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) discussed key aspects of ASEAN's external relations, focusing on strengthening existing partnerships with ASEAN dialogue partners, sectoral dialogue partners and development partners, as well as international and regional organizations. In addition, the meeting reviewed the outcomes of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings. The meeting also discussed preparations for the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting and related meetings. Tim Stanley Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Tim Stanley Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today With over two years of planning and partnership-building now behind it, a Tulsa-based effort by the University of Oklahoma to supply more job-ready technology graduates says its ready to start delivering on its promise. OU Polytechnic Institute, located on the OU-Tulsa campus, will start its first semester this week, with its inaugural class meeting for the first time Tuesday. The 27 students will pursue a bachelors of science in cybersecurity, the schools first and so far only degree program, offered in partnership with Tulsa Community College. Admission just opened last week for two other degree programs in applied artificial intelligence and software development integration that will be added for next fall. Teri Reed, institute director, said shes excited to finally get things started after months of buildup. Its like anything that you work to create and put together, when the day is finally here, it feels pretty good, she said. OU Poly, as its become known informally, was first announced in May 2022, with its first degree program approved exactly one year later. The school fell short of its initial goal, which was to start with 50 students. But Reed predicts a big increase in demand as word continues to spread about the school, and as the two new programs are added for next year. Were still in the process of making ourselves known as a new entity, Reed said. People have an opportunity here to change directions that they didnt have before, something that they hadnt been able to consider prior. That can take time. So were working hard to continue to get the word out. If the first group of students is any example, though, the school has a good idea of what the future and the people it will serve might look like. With an average age of 31, the group includes a number of working adults, including those who are interested in either changing industries or just moving upward in their current one. Some are looking to earn their first college degree, while others are looking to add a second one. Other things that stand out about the group, Reed said, is that almost 50% are first-generation college students, and a third are women. Thats a really good percentage for women in a technology-related field, Reed said. So were pleased with that. Additionally, four of the students are from out of state, she said. As different as the students backgrounds are, though, they are brought together by a common hope, she said: That the field of cybersecurity can give them a better future. Cybersecurity is in high demand with our industry partners, and in this region and across the state, Reed said. Many students see it as a way to go a new direction. And were excited to be that new direction. Listening to the companies Polytechnic schools are gaining in popularity around the country. Like others, built around the economic needs of their regions, OUs will offer students innovative learning methods and real-world experience. Oklahoma State University, meanwhile, has it own polytechnic aspirations. The school announced the OSU Polytech initiative last year. The systemwide initiative coordinates and highlights the STEM-related offerings they already have across all OSU campuses as well as their plans to build on that. As part of the initiative, OSU formed a council of industry leaders to provide guidance and help develop new curriculum. Support from industry leaders and industry partnerships are critical to how polytechnics work, Reed said. Key for us is we have to listen to these companies if we really are going to fulfill the mission of being a 21st century polytechnic, Reed said. We want to be industry-informed in everything that we do. Our big goal is trying to address the economic development need and the industry hiring needs for our region. The school announced just last week that its original industry donor, Google, is once again stepping up. The company is giving the school $250,000, which along with two previous grants, makes $750,000 it has contributed so far to OU Poly. They were our first donor and have been just a great partner for us, and they give us their input, Reed said. Theyre helping us to achieve state-of-the-art facilities and computer systems so that our students are being trained in todays environment. Williams, another key partner, has provided a technology fund that helps students pay for the laptops that are required for their classes. Reed said: Especially for these first-generation students, its a whole new world and its not free, and so for helping our students achieve these goals financially, we cant say thank you often enough. Among other key contributors are the George Kaiser Family Foundation and Bank of Oklahoma, along with the Pamela S. and Terry L. Carter Scholarship Fund, which donated $1 million toward scholarships earlier this year. For more information, go to ou.edu/polytechnic. With American retirees now living longer, becoming more active and ranking tops in disposable income, Tulsa is preparing to make a serious bid to bring more of them here. The city of Tulsa will officially announce a resolution this week declaring Tulsa a retirement destination city, while stepping up efforts at the same time to better support the communitys existing retirees and aging adults. One of the key pieces of that broader effort, officials said, will be to achieve an Age-Friendly City designation. The designation, from AARP, recognizes communities that adapt their services and physical structures to be more inclusive of older people and improve their quality of life as they age. There are over 600 AARP Age-Friendly communities in the U.S. today. None are currently in Oklahoma, although Duncan and Guthrie have begun the process. While the process to achieve the designation can take up to five years, the larger initiative in Tulsa wont wait on it to get started. It begins now, officials say, and will start with building a coalition and partnerships locally to promote Tulsa as a retirement destination. Wise strategy Tulsa City Councilor Jayme Fowler believes retirees are already discovering Tulsa, and that an organized effort to recruit them can build on whats begun. A day doesnt go by I dont run across someone (whos recently moved to Tulsa), Fowler said. Theyll be like, we just got tired of this or that, you fill in the blank, about our previous city or state. Or we wanted to be closer to our parents or our children. The organic migration to the city is already occurring. And I think through this process here it will continue to heighten. Build some branding around it, and its just a natural. Scott Nield, president and CEO of Tulsas Montereau retirement community, is leading the effort with Fowler. I think this is the next big thing and next best thing for Tulsa, and I think its a wise strategy for not only our city, but our state, Nield said. Nield said the economic clout of seniors they have most of the nations disposable income and contribute trillions to the economy and the fact that they are living longer, more active lives thanks to medical advances make them a logical solution to some of the states challenges, including its needs for population and economic growth. Neither Tulsa nor Oklahoma as a state are projected to grow very much in population over the next few decades, he said. Tulsas population growth over the last dozen years has only been 0.7%. Thats going to put a lot of economic burden on people, and so we do need to attract people, he said. And where retirees go, younger people usually follow, Nield said, adding that migration patterns bear this fact out. People want to be close to their family, he said. If we can attract their parents, we are going to attract that youth. An easy sell The Tulsa initiative has found a big supporter among the states top leaders. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell praised the effort and said he hopes the city can lead the way in helping make the state a destination for retirees. The best state, the it state for retirees, was Florida for decades. And I think Oklahoma can be that place, Pinnell said. Promoting Tulsa to retirees is an easy sell, Pinnell said. Here in Tulsa, we compete with any major city in America when it comes to quality of life that any senior citizen is going to look for. We have so much more to offer. The arts programs are truly world-class. We have world-class health care. The timing is also right for Tulsa, officials said. Americas aging population is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The migration of retirees from oversaturated traditional havens, like in Florida, has already begun and will continue. Cities and states bordering Oklahoma are already trying to benefit from this migration and promote themselves to retirees. Were a little bit behind the curve, but I think we have time to catch up, Nield said. With a coordinated effort, Tulsa is positioned to not only make up ground on its neighbors, but also put itself in a leading place in attracting retirees, he added. Aging population The new effort to recruit more retirees to Tulsa comes as the state is already facing challenges to support its growing aging population. With adults over 60 expected to outnumber youths under 18 by 2034, Oklahomas Department of Human Services recently announced Aging Our Way, a 10-year plan to improve the states ability to respond to the challenges presented by that growth. Tulsa leaders say recruiting more retirees on top of the seniors already here wont impede that effort, though. The kind of target person that would migrate to Tulsa as a retirement destination would be upper middle (class) to affluent, Fowler said. They have a much higher amount of disposable income. And then, not only that, you can spread health care costs across more people. Moreover, supporters say, the Age-Friendly designation process will ultimately benefit all Tulsa seniors both those who relocate here and those already here. The process to achieve the Age-Friendly designation includes assessing community needs and aspirations, developing a plan of action, and implementing and measuring impact. The movement started with the World Health Organization in 2010. The WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities currently includes 1,114 cities and communities in 44 countries. Great citizens Joy McGill, AARP associate state director of advocacy, said: The Age-Friendly program seeks to ensure that we are looking at every avenue possible from policy to civic engagement to social inclusion to make sure that everyone is being taken care of, especially as they age. McGill said Tulsa is already doing well in some of the age-friendly areas, giving it a head start toward achieving the designation. The process will look at the infrastructure that is existing, and the opportunities that we see to grow some of those things and to truly be age-friendly, she said. Pinnell said he will do what he can to support Tulsas initiative on the state level, including identifying possible funding as warranted. I commend Tulsa for stepping up on this, he said. As statewide elected officials we need to be honest with ourselves about where we are and where we want to go, and where we want to go is be the No. 1 state in the country for retirees. Other communities are getting aggressive on this, Pinnell added. They are courting senior citizens because they know senior citizens are great citizens. They volunteer, they go back to work there. And we want those citizens here, but it is going to take a commitment. OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation faces the possibility of state park closures or service reductions after the Legislature only delivered a tenth of the funds needed for maintenance and repairs. The department submitted a plan for an emergency maintenance fund at the beginning of the past session, which was adapted into House Bill 3972. The bill includes an eight-year plan for the department listing all the maintenance and repairs needed in the state parks, going from greatest to least concern. There are projects that if not fixed within the next 12 months, will likely lead to us having to shut down part of the park or the entire park because there would be a danger to our visitors or our staff, said Shelley Zumwalt, the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Wildlife. The most desperately needed repairs are for potable water lines, sewer lines, natural gas lines and electrical upgrades along with remodeling or repairing over 26 different restroom locations across the state parks. Other concerns include an unrepaired cave-in at Alabaster Caverns and exterior repair of cabins at Lake Murray and Beavers Bend. Almost all of these concerns are listed under the priority category Health and Safety. The estimated cost of all these urgently needed repairs is $75 million. The appropriation for the coming year, through the new Oklahoma Capital Assets Maintenance and Protection Fund, is $12.5 million. This appropriation, along with the $9.5 million from sales and use taxes the department receives yearly, gives the department $22 million for deferred maintenance, only 30% of the funding needed to pay for the first year of repairs in the eight-year plan. Money from the OCAMP Fund will also go to pay for deferred maintenance projects at colleges and state-owned buildings. Because the money is split up, no agency got full funding for needed repairs. This is the first time that I can think of in recent history that we really started to address and recognize the real deferred maintenance needs in this state, and there are a lot but I think the Legislature took a giant step in starting to address these needs, said Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, who sponsored the OCAMP Fund bill and chairs the Appropriations Committee. Paying to maintain state assets has not previously been a big priority for Oklahoma, but Hall says this is changing. He believes that the Legislature has tackled deferred maintenance, and it will be able to continue in the coming session. Its been my approach from day one that if the state of Oklahoma has an asset we need to fix it, or we need to sell it, or we need to repair it. Its important that we take care of these state assets and prepare a long-term maintenance plan, Hall said. Without full funding for the long-term maintenance plan the Department of Tourism and Recreation have made, important projects, like replacing sewage lines at Sequoyah State Park, will have to be balanced against many other urgent concerns. Sequoyah is one of our largest parks not just in visitation, but also in the fact that our lodge there is the largest out of anyone in the state. And then also the, just the sheer number of cabins, RV sites and tent camping sites, said Zumwalt. Its a park that has a lot to do. Its the closest park we have, I would say, to a resort. Theres a pool, theres a splash pad and the lake. Theres just a ton of stuff to do there, and with that comes a lot of maintenance. The sewage lines at Sequoyah were installed over 30 years ago and ceramic pipe was used, which over time has crumbled. Emergency maintenance was done last year, but there are still more repairs required. Even creating a list of the problems that need to be addressed was difficult, as the agency has been existing for decades without proper funding for maintenance costs. So state park employees had given up on reporting maintenance concerns to the department, knowing that the problems would not be handled. When I got to the agency, there was not a list of the deferred maintenance, said Zumwalt. And it was terrifying because Im going to visit these parks and all these managers are telling me about all these things that are imminently breaking. Without proper funding to fix issues immediately, the department and the parks end up addressing issues only when they become actual emergencies. This agency has been in a reactive posture for decades now, as opposed to a proactive posture, said Zumwalt. Until everything is properly funded, the agency will have to come back to the legislature each year with requests for larger and larger appropriations. This is not only because problems that cannot be repaired immediately will be more expensive to fix as they worsen, but also because the cost of everything is increasing. You know, were competing for resources, said Zumwalt. And so essentially that $350 million list, if we were to get the same amount of money next year, there would be things that would need to fall off of it to keep to that total. Besides the increasing price, some of the most urgent repairs needed are less than glamorous, which Zumwalt admits is another hurdle in getting funding for them. We have some beautiful lodges that have been redone recently, right? And of course, Im not going to question that investment, because obviously I get to talk about them, said Zumwalt. But underneath those lodges, there is a ton of infrastructure that is not exciting, and were not going to cut any ribbons for them. The things that actually make the pretty things function, theyre too easy to ignore, until they become a crisis. Without proper funding the agency will have to choose which parks to close so it is possible to budget for the maintenance of the remaining assets. Starbucks Vietnam has announced the closure of its only Starbucks Reserve store in Ho Chi Minh City, effective from August 26. This store, known for its more premium and immersive coffee experience compared to regular Starbucks stores, has been operating on Han Thuyen Street in District 1 for seven years. Starbucks Reserve Han Thuyen is the U.S. coffee chains first and only Reserve store in the city, which introduces high-grade coffee served by coffee masters. The announcement on the shutdown of the location quickly drew attention from its customers as the store is associated with many of its loyal clients. It came as a shock to many, as the shop is always bustling with customers. However, the coffee chain also revealed that a Starbucks Reserve store will soon open at a new location. In 2021, Starbucks Vietnam closed a store which stood on a prime location near Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Once the Starbucks Reserve store in the southern metropolis closes, only one Starbucks Reserve store will remain in Vietnam, located on Nha Tho Street in Hanoi. As of May this year, the renowned coffee chain has operated 108 stores across Vietnam, marking 11 years since its entry into the Vietnamese market. Last year, Starbucks Vietnam named Ho Mai Ho as its first Vietnamese CEO, who replaced Patricia Marques after she retired. During her tenure, Marques affirmed that a hike in prices aimed at making up for land rents was not the coffee chains strategy. Vietnam is home to some 500,000 coffee stores, according to statistics recently released by Mibrand Vietnam Joint Stock Company, a market research and brand consultancy. The high demand for coffee consumption in Vietnam is evident from the numbers. Coffee in Vietnam is more than just a beverage; it is a lifestyle, a means of networking, and a way to relax. By the end of 2023, the Vietnamese coffee market was dominated by five major brands, Highlands Coffee, Trung Nguyen E-Coffee, The Coffee House, Phuc Long, and Katinat, together commanding around 42.5 percent of the market share. The coffee chain model boomed in Vietnam between 2017 and 2019. Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, several new coffee chains have thrived in Vietnam, although The Coffee House has had to close a series of stores in some areas. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Sixty-seven Vietnamese trainees of a course under a training program jointly run by Vietnams National Innovation Center (NIC) and its Vietnamese and American partners have recently received their semiconductor engineering certificates. The course was conducted in Hanoi as part of the chip design training cooperation between NIC and two American partners namely TreSemi and Cadence, along with Vietnamese collaborators, including tech giant FPT Corporation, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, and the Da Nang City Peoples Committee. All the 67 chip design engineers have been highly appraised by American experts, said Dr. Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director of NIC. Among them, 20 have been recruited by chip design giants such as Synopsys, Faraday, Marvell, FPT, and others, while most of the rest have been granted scholarships for overseas training. It is expected that each year, about 540 chip design engineers will be trained under this program. Dr. Hoai affirmed that NIC and its partners can now train graduates from domestic universities in related fields, such as mechanics, electronics, and information technology, into semiconductor engineers or microchip designers after three-to-six-month training courses. In addition to Tresemi and Cadence, NIC has actively coordinated with many other leading hi-tech firms such as U.S. giants Qorvo and Google, ARM of the UK, Siemens of Germany, and Samsung of South Korea, as well as with the Vietnam Innovation Network in Silicon Valley in the U.S., to open semiconductor training courses, said Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung. On Thursday, NIC will cooperate with Siemens to launch a semiconductor engineering training class, and at the same time announce a support program for universities through the use of Siemens' chip design software copyright. The semiconductor human resource training plan, initiated and led by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, has received strong support and participation from various localities, enterprises, and universities, the minister said. He commented that such active responses will help the plans goal of training 50,000 chip engineers, including 15,000 for the design stage, for the semiconductor industry by 2030 will be met soon. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! When Emmanuel Chongwan was 16, he sensed God leading him to do something life changing for prisoners who he felt were being treated as slaves. Later in life, that nudge led him to serve as a full time pastor in his home country, Cameroon. My father served as a prison guard for 33 years and we used to have some inmates who would come work in our house and I developed compassion for them, recalled Chongwan, who serves with Bread for Life International (BFL) as the Prison Pastor. But since embracing his call 32 years ago, Chongwan has had to deal with a huge task restoring prisoners lost dignity and speaking for them in a very hostile context. Cameroon has about 26,300 prisoners incarcerated in some 84 prisons across the central Africa country, according to a 2023 study on Cameroons health services. Out of the 8,115 prisoners in 10 jails sampled in the study, 6,091 were on pre-trial detention. Like elsewhere in Africa, prison predicaments go beyond just the long pre-detention period, to horrible prison conditions. The incarcerated in Africa are treated very poorly - more like slaves, Chongwan told Christian Daily International in an interview. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up They only have a right to a single meal a day and the quality of the meal is horrible, their cells are terribly overcrowded, as well as the prison environment itself, the prison minister adds. The Kondengui neighborhood in Yaounde is known for one thing it hosts one of the most densely populated prisons, the Kondegui Principal Prison (KPP). Built to contain just about 1,000 inmates, Jurden Noeskes study found that it had 3059 people incarcerated in 2021, including 111 women and 57 minors. The total number of inmates can often reach 4,000. On paper, Cameroon has good prison laws that advocate for the better treatment of inmates, but unfortunately, they are not put into practice. Almost all of Cameroons major prisons were built during the colonial era, presenting signs of poor maintenance officials say they lack funds for their upkeep. They undergo torture in many forms, and have limited access to basic social services like electricity, water, and medication, said Pastor Chongwan. The prison minister adds that this is further compounded by a very slow judicial process that keeps people in pre-trial detention for more than three years. To assuage their plight, prison ministers in Africa have been lobbying the government and development partners to improve the living conditions of prisoners. We are calling on organisations to help our prisons build rehabilitation centres where prisoners can learn skills that will help them reintegrate into the community after prison Chongwan said. Despite the treatment given to prisoners, Jesus hand remains extended to them and those working to bring this news through evangelism and discipleship. My joy is complete each time I see prisoners surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. I feel privileged that God called me to serve in this unique ministry, said Chongwan. Over three decades, they have preached to 30,000 inmates in 52 prisons, where they have planted 17 churches. Chongwans team has been reinforced by three pastors, all of whom came to believe in Jesus Christ while in prison, and through the same ministry. Remarkable among them is Pastor Baring Rodrigue of the Full Gospel Mission in Cameroon. He was charged and imprisoned for robbery with violence before he met Chongwan who preached to him. For Rev Baba Andre, his life in crime and in prison ended when Jesus redeemed him through pastor Chongwans prison ministry. Pastor Chongwans ministry offers a holistic sermon, as they provide basic needs of prisoners like food, soap, clothing, medication, sanitary towels, toothbrushes, toothpastes, underwears and Bibles. We also provide school requirements to reformed parents in prison who invite their children and hand these items to them at the start of the school year, said Chongwan. The team organises and hosts several weekly activities at the Kondengui prison including Sunday worship service, Bible study as well as meeting the physical needs of the inmates. The prison ministry also organizes outreach and mission programmes in other prisons in Cameroon such as the Douala Central Prison, Ebolowa Central Prison, Kribi, Akonolinga and Mbalmayo prisons. To attain their objective of reaching the 84 prisons of Cameroon with the gospel of Jesus Christ, Pastor Chongwan urges the church to pray, give and to get involved in prison ministry. He also prays that the church and the community may love and accept ex-inmates, without stigmatizing them. Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his spouse chaired a grand welcome ceremony at Chinas highest level for Vietnam's Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday morning. Lam's ongoing state visit to the northern neighbor, taking place from August 18 to 20, is made at the invitation of the Chinese Party general secretary. The top Chinese leader and his spouse reached the car of Vietnamese Party chief and State President To Lam and his spouse to welcome them. The two leaders shook hands before heading to the platform of honor. The welcome ceremony was held with a 21-cannon salute. They also reviewed a guard of honor. China's Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his spouse leave the Great Hall of the People to welcome Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse in Beijing, August 19, 2024. Photo: Nguyen Hong This is Lams first official visit to China since assuming his posts as Vietnamese state president in May and Party leader earlier this month. After the welcome ceremony, the two leaders held talks. Lam is scheduled to meet with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji, and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo said in Beijing on Monday. Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse, along with their entourage, arrived in Guangzhou City of Chinas Guangdong Province on Sunday before reaching Beijing on the evening of the same day. China's Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping (L) and his spouse welcome Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse in Beijing, August 19, 2024. Photo: Nguyen Hong China's Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping (R) and Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam head toward the platform of honor in Beijing, August 19, 2024. Photo: Nguyen Hong China's Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping (R) and Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stand on the platform of honor in Beijing, August 19, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency China fires a 21-gun salute to welcome Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation in Beijing, August 19, 2024. Photo: Nguyen Hong China's Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping (L) and Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam review a guard of honor in Beijing, August 19, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency Many children wave flowers and Vietnamese and Chinese flags to welcome Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in Beijing, August 19, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (R) introduces China's Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping to high-ranking Vietnamese officials in Beijing, August 19, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (L, 2nd) and his spouse (L) pose for a photo with China's Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his spouse in Beijing, August 19, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency A view of the talks between Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and China's Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping in Beijing, August 19, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation left Chinas Guangdong Province for Beijing on Sunday evening, commencing their official activities in the Chinese capital. Lam's ongoing state visit, taking place from August 18 to 20, is made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping. This marks his first official visit to China since assuming his posts as Vietnamese state president in May and Party leader earlier this month. They were welcomed at Beijing Capital International Airport by Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador of China to Vietnam Xiong Bo; several high-ranking Chinese officials; a large number of Chinese citizens; staff from the Vietnamese Embassy in China; and Vietnamese citizens in China. Wang Yi (L, 1st), member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, receives Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse at Beijing Capital International Airport in China, August 18, 2024. Photo: The World and Vietnam Report Later on the same day, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse, and the high-ranking delegation visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing where they met with its staff, representatives of the Vietnamese community, and Vietnamese students in China, the Vietnam News Agency reported. He expressed hope that the embassy would enhance the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, propose new mechanisms that align with international law and benefit both nations, strengthen bilateral relations, and encourage people-to-people exchanges. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and his spouse wave their hands at members of the Vietnamese community in China at Beijing Capital International Airport, August 18, 2024. Photo: The World and Vietnam Report He affirmed that the Vietnamese state is committed to providing all necessary support for overseas Vietnamese communities, including those living in China. Lam is set to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Monday, along with meetings with other key Chinese officials. Participants are seen at a welcome ceremony for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam, his spouse, and his entourage at Beijing Capital International Airport in China, August 18, 2024. Photo: The World and Vietnam Report Earlier, General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse, along with their entourage, laid a wreath of flowers in honor of martyr Pham Hong Thai at his grave in the Huang Hua Gang Memorial Park and visited the relic site of the headquarters of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League in Guangdong Province, after arriving in the provincial city of Guangzhou on Sunday. The top Vietnamese official also had a meeting with Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangdong Huang Kunming and the provincial Party Committees Standing Committee in Guangzhou during the first day of his ongoing visit to the neighboring country. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing on Sunday evening and met with its staff, representatives of the Vietnamese community, and Vietnamese students in China. Society -- According to the Ministry of Health, Vietnam has reported over 3,000 new cases of dengue fever in the past week, bringing the total for the year to 52,957 cases, including six deaths. Compared to the same period in 2023, the number of cases has decreased by 15 percent and the number of deaths has dropped by 10. -- A five-seater car was traveling on Provincial Road 176 in Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam when it suddenly plunged into a deep abyss and caught fire, resulting in one death and another person suffering serious burns on Sunday. -- Vietnams Level 2 Field Hospital No. 5 announced on Sunday that it has given health checkups to 30 Ghanaian female police officers currently participating in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. Business -- Starbucks Vietnam has announced the closure of its only Starbucks Reserve store in Ho Chi Minh City on Han Thuyen Street in District 1, effective August 26. This store, known for its more premium and immersive coffee experience compared to regular Starbucks stores, will soon reopen at a new location. Education -- The National Innovation Center has recently awarded semiconductor engineering certificates to 67 chip design engineers. Of these, approximately 20 have secured internships or job offers with leading technology companies worldwide. Lifestyle -- According to travel agencies, many tours to mainland China, South Korea, and Taiwan during the upcoming National Day (September 2) holiday, which coincides with the beginning of autumn in Northeast Asia, have been fully booked since the end of July, as Vietnamese tourists are eager to experience the vibrant autumn foliage and cool weather in these destinations. Sports -- Martial arts enthusiasts, especially aikido fans, enjoyed a fantastic Sunday at the first Ho Chi Minh City Open Aikido Martial Arts Festival 2024, held at Ho Xuan Huong Indoor Stadium in District 3. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Tho Xuan District, Thanh Hoa Province, north-central Vietnam have arrested a three-man gang for stealing close to 100 dogs from local households in the past two weeks. The trio were identified as Le Doan Thuc, 36, Le Duc Chung, 27, and Ngo Van Tuan, 40, all residing in Tho Xuan, the districts police agency confirmed on Monday. A police report showed that Thuc had conspired with Chung to steal dogs at night in lots of areas throughout the province in order to get money for their personal expenses. To carry out the dog thefts, Thuc and Chung posed as night-time fishers or frog hunters to avoid detection. They used electric prods or rope slings to capture dogs roaming the streets, then brought the animals to Tuan's home for sale. On average, the gang stole between five and seven dogs each night, totaling around 50 kilograms. Between August 1 and 17, they snatched approximately 100 dogs in districts such as Tho Xuan, Ngoc Lac, and Lang Chanh. An investigation into the case is currently underway. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 5, part of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has conducted free health examinations for female members of the Ghanaian Formed Police Unit under the UNMISS. The field hospital on Sunday said that it had organized a check-up and health consultancy program for 30 women of the Ghanaian police unit, as a move to strengthen the friendship and solidarity between the hospital and the police unit. The health examinations included blood tests, abdominal endoscopy, thyroid checks, obstetric exams, cardiopulmonary X-rays, electrocardiograms, general internal exams, and teeth scaling. Doctors and health workers at the hospital also provided consultations on dental and other health issues to the female police officers. The hospital's management then guided the officers on a tour of the facilities, including the dental examination room and the ward for functional rehabilitation and physical therapies, where traditional Vietnamese medicine and acupuncture are used in treatment. According to the hospital's leaders, the program was launched in celebration of the 79th Traditional Day of the Vietnamese Peoples Public Security Force on August 19. The event also aimed to honor and acknowledge the contributions of women in the UN peacekeeping forces. During the occasion, the hospital presented gifts to the 30 officers and briefed them on the tradition, role, and significance of the Vietnamese People's Public Security Force. Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 5, which consists of 63 members including 11 females, was deployed to South Sudan in July 2023 to replace Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 4, Nhan Dan (People) newspaper reported. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Professor Vo Tong Xuan, honorary rector of Nam Can Tho University in Can Tho City, southern Vietnam passed away in Ho Chi Minh City at 7:00 am on Monday. Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung, chairman of the board of Nam Can Tho University, said that the honorary rector died of illness. Peoples Teacher Prof. Xuan was revered as a leading expert and an active contributor to Vietnams agricultural research and science. He was Vietnams agricultural master who helped many nations in the region with food security. Born in An Giang Province in the Mekong Delta region in 1940, Xuan secured a scholarship to study at the University of the Philippines Los Banos College of Agriculture and Food Science in 1961. In 1966, he graduated from the university and earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural chemistry. He then served as a postgraduate at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines. While his career was at its peak at the Philippines-based institute, he decided to return to Vietnam for work in June 1971. After going back to his country, he worked at Can Tho University, teaming up with Japanese researchers to carry out multiple projects related to rice-growing techniques and debuting numerous scientific articles to popularize agricultural techniques and policies. In 1974, he traveled to Japan to study rice-growing techniques in tropical areas at Kyushu University. He completed his agronomy curriculum there and earned his PhD in 1975. In addition to his expertise in agriculture, he was also a dedicated and talented educator. Professor Dr. Vo Tong Xuan is pictured at an educational event in 2019. Photo: Trong Nhan / Tuoi Tre He compiled a slew of textbooks and reference books as well as documents that are useful for agriculture at home and abroad. He authored multiple research projects on the use of acid sulfate soil in the delta, hybrid rice production, and an agricultural mechanism transition system between 1980 and 1992. In 2003, he authored two books, co-authored another, published a series of scientific reports, and mentored 150 agricultural engineers, eight PhD students, and 12 postgraduates. Notably, he popularized the IR36 and MTL30 rice varieties in the 1980-85 period. The Japanese government bestowed the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon on Labor Hero Vo Tong Xuan in 2022 for his great contributions in various fields. He held many key positions, including serving as a Vietnamese National Assembly delegate in the seventh, eighth, and ninth terms. Speaking at a seminar themed Water Resource Security in the Mekong Delta Region held on June 29, 2024, Prof. Xuan pinpointed some challenges over water resource security and presented several measures to help Vietnams agriculture develop sustainably. Prof. Xuan served as vice-rector of Can Tho University from 1982 to 1997. He was the rector of An Giang University from December 1999 to November 2007. He worked as a member of the State Council for Professor Titles of Vietnam, now the State Council for Professorship, between 1996 and 2006. He served as rector of Tan Tao University in Long An Province, just outside Ho Chi Minh City, from 2010 to October 2013. Before his passing, he was the honorary rector of Nam Can Tho University. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! TCN News New Delhi: The Bombay High Courts Aurangabad bench has recently determined that minority educational institutions cannot enrol students under the 25% quota designated for economically and socially disadvantaged children as outlined in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act), even if they wish to do so voluntarily, Bar and Bench reported. Support TwoCircles This ruling, issued in the case of Izak English Medium School and Anr v. State of Maharashtra, emphasized that permitting such admissions would violate the constitutional protections that exclude minority institutions from the RTE Acts requirements. The court stressed that permitting such admissions would violate the constitutional protections that shield minority institutions from the RTE Acts requirements. The dispute involved Izak English Medium School in Ahmednagar and Anand Medical and Education Foundation, both operating minority-run English-medium schools. These institutions contested a government directive, linked to a circular issued on March 15, 2013, which explicitly excluded minority schools from the RTE Acts 25% quota. They argued that they should be allowed to admit students under this quota voluntarily and sought reimbursement for students admitted under the quota in previous academic years. The court, however, rejected these arguments, stating that minority institutions cannot opt into the RTE quota without breaching their constitutional rights. In their judgment, Justices Mangesh S. Patil and Shailesh P. Brahme remarked, Given that the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court has deemed the RTE Act ultra vires Article 30(1) of the Constitution, this Court, under Article 226, cannot permit minority institutions like the petitioners to subject themselves to the RTE Acts provisions. Even if the minority institutions are willing to admit students under the RTE quota, doing so would necessitate applying the RTE Act to them, which is prohibited by the Supreme Courts ruling in the Pramati Educational and Cultural Trust case. The courts decision was grounded in Section 1(5) of the RTE Act, which specifically exempts minority institutions from its provisions. Furthermore, the Bench cited the Supreme Courts ruling in the Pramati Educational and Cultural Trust case, which determined that extending the RTE Act to minority institutions would be ultra vires Article 30(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees minorities the right to establish and manage their own educational institutions. The petitioners also challenged the validity of certain RTE Act provisions and the 2011 Rules framed under it, arguing that these violated their constitutional rights under Articles 14, 19(1), and 30. However, the court dismissed these claims, ruling that the petitioners could not contest the validity of the RTE Act or the Rules. Dismissing the petitions, the court acknowledged that Izak English Medium School had previously admitted students under the RTE quota but had not received reimbursement for the academic years 2017-18 to 2019-20. The court directed the government to undertake scrutiny of the claim and to reimburse the school within six weeks. TCN News Desk New Delhi: Demolition of the home belonging to the family of a Muslim teenager accused of stabbing his Hindu classmate in Rajasthans Udaipur district has sparked significant controversy. The Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has condemned the action as an example of goonda raj and has called for urgent judicial intervention in a letter to the chief justice of the Rajasthan High Court. Support TwoCircles The dispute began when Rajasthans forest department issued a notice to the family of the accused on August 17, citing encroachment on forest land. The notice, which was dated August 16, allowed the family until August 20 to vacate the premises. Despite this, the authorities proceeded with the demolition on the same day, prompting criticism. According to the PUCLs letter, the demolition was an unjust and discriminatory action, as it targeted only the accuseds family in an area with numerous similar constructions. The organization argued that the family was denied the opportunity to seek redress from the court, thus violating their fundamental rights and principles of natural justice. The PUCL has urged Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava to intervene, demanding the rehabilitation of the affected family and accountability for the officials responsible for the demolition. They also called for the high court to oversee the investigation of the stabbing case, citing concerns of bias within the local police and administration. The stabbing incident, which involved a 15-year-old Muslim boy and his Hindu classmate, has further intensified communal tensions in Udaipur. Following the incident, local Hindu groups protested, leading to market closures, arson and stone-pelting. In response, authorities imposed a curfew and temporarily suspended internet services to curb the spread of misinformation. Reports indicate that the family of the accused was tenants, and the demolition was carried out by a joint team from the forest department and the Udaipur Municipal Corporation. The landlord reportedly failed to provide ownership documents, which led to the decision to demolish the property. Bulldozer Justice This case has drawn attention to a troubling trend of bulldozer justice seen across several states, where demolitions and forced evictions are used as punitive measures, often in the context of communal disputes and allegations of encroachment. This approach has been notably associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led governments handling of justice and enforcement. Initially observed in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who earned the nickname Bulldozer Baba, the concept of bulldozer justice has now extended to Assam, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Characterized by demolitions in the wake of communal riots and forced evictions due to encroachment claims, this approach has come to symbolise the administrations method of dispensing justice during the Prime Minister Narendra Modi era. TCN Special Correspondent Jaipur: Rajasthans Udaipur district is gripped by unrest as a student altercation at a local government school ignited a surge of communal violence on August 16. What began as a schoolyard fight escalated into arson, stone-pelting and vandalism, leading to market shutdowns and a flood of tourists fleeing the City of Lakes. Support TwoCircles As per the orders of the Udaipur District Collector Arvind Kumar Poswal, all schools and colleges will remain closed until further notice. The administration has imposed Section 144 in the area, mandating that religious activities like prayers be conducted at home. He said the incident involves one student attacking another with a knife. The house of the student accused of the stabbing has been demolished, with the Udaipur Municipal Corporation and the Forest Department citing it as an illegal construction. This demolition took place in the presence of the police. Notices were posted on the house by both teams on the morning of August 17. Prior to this, the house had been vacated and its electricity connection cut off. What Fuelled the Violence? On the morning of August 16, around 10:30 am, a dispute occurred between two students at a government school in Udaipur. During the altercation, one student attacked the other with a knife. The injured student was admitted to the district hospital a few kilometers away, attended to by the schools teachers. Upon receiving news of the incident, Hindutva organisations took to the streets and began protests. This led to crowds gathering in various parts of the city, engaging in stone-pelting, arson and vandalism. Several vehicles were set on fire and damaged, and disturbances occurred at places of worship. Many videos of the incidents have surfaced, showing crowds chanting provocative slogans while vandalising property. A senior journalist from the district said, This was a childrens dispute that has been exacerbated by communal elements. There was administrative failure as well because when the incident became known early in the morning and there were fears of escalating violence, prompt action should have been taken, which was delayed. He added, Those with influence are the ones who caused the damage. To prevent such incidents in the future, the troublemakers need to be identified and given strict punishment. The police have all the CCTV footage. The public desires peace, but those causing trouble are either driven by personal interests or are politically motivated. Action should be taken against them. A resident of Udaipur, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, The vandalism and arson were carried out by identifying specific people. Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP) U.R. Sahu said, The city is currently peaceful, and the situation is under control. Those involved in vandalism, arson and stone-pelting will be identified and action will be taken against them. He further said, Additional police forces have been deployed. The situation is under control. The minor student has been detained, and his father has also been arrested. Action will be taken against those involved in vandalism and arson. No unpleasant incidents have occurred since last (August 16) night. The atmosphere is peaceful, he said. He further stated, A team of doctors has been appointed to treat the injured student. We receive hourly updates on his health, which is improving. The state government has sent a special team of doctors (nephrologists) from Jaipur. All necessary arrangements have been made. For communal harmony, we have engaged in dialogue with both sides. All have been asked to conduct religious activities at home. Discussions have also been held with Hindu community members. Everyone wants to avoid such incidents, he added. Four IPS officers and 3,000 police personnel are stationed, said Udaipur Range IG Ajay Pal Lamba, adding that barricades have been set up throughout the city, and efforts are being made to educate the public. Political Reactions In a statement, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said, The Udaipur Superintendent of Police has been instructed to maintain peace and law and order at all costs and to ensure strict action against those spreading unrest. Five companies of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) have been sent to Udaipur by the police headquarters, reads the statement. Additionally, officers of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Inspectors and a large number of constables from neighboring districts have been made available. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has appealed to people to maintain peace, stating, The situation in Udaipur due to communal tensions is concerning. I urge people from all communities to remain peaceful and not pay attention to rumors. Dr. Manna Lal Rawat, Udaipur MP from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said the stabbing incident occurred because the accused student is influenced by extremists. The entire case is serious. The two students are in the same class, but one is influenced by extremist elements, which led to the stabbing. This is a serious issue for the citys peace. He added, After the Kanhiya Lal murder case, a major communal tension in Udaipur again is a cause of concern. The police need to ensure that this is not part of a larger pattern. The injured student used to portray Lord Rama during school cultural programs. Therefore, it seems necessary to examine the situation more deeply. Justifying the bulldozing of the accused house, he stated that he had been informed that the construction had been carried out on illegally occupied land. However, Dungarpur-Banswara MP Rajkumar Rot has raised questions about the legality of the bulldozer action, saying, The stabbing incident involving school children in Udaipur is condemnable, and the perpetrator should face legal consequences. However, the BJP government has further fueled communal discord by demolishing a minors house with a bulldozer. Using a bulldozer based on caste and religion only serves to push the future of the country into hatred, he said. TCN News New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Independence Day call for a uniform civil code, asserting that such a move would be unacceptable to Muslims as it conflicts with Sharia law. Criticising him for describing religious personal laws as communal, the board labeled the stance as highly objectionable. Support TwoCircles PM Modi, during his Independence Day address, remarked, A significant portion of society believes that the current civil code is essentially a communal one. It fosters discrimination, divides the country along religious lines and perpetuates inequality. AIMPLBs spokesperson Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas expressed disbelief at the prime ministers characterisation of religious personal laws, such as Sharia, as communal. He emphasised that Muslims in India are entitled to follow their religious laws, a right enshrined in the Shariat Application Act of 1937 and Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to practice and propagate ones religion. He pointed out that family laws in other communities are also rooted in their respective religious and cultural traditions and that separating religious laws is seen as an unwelcome imitation of Western practices. He criticized the Prime Ministers use of the term secular civil code instead of the constitutionally recognized uniform civil code, accusing Modi of misleading the public by focusing solely on Sharia law and neglecting the broader implications on class, caste and tribe. The AIMPLB urged citizens to reflect on the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the vision of a fair and peaceful India, rather than succumbing to the religious divisiveness stirred by the prime ministers remarks. The boards press release concluded with a call for unity and a reminder of the values that underpin the nations constitutional framework. The Vatican has removed the archbishop of the biggest Catholic diocese in Pakistan after an inquiry found him at the center of financial corruption, illegal sale of church property, and involvement in sexual abuse, according to reliable sources. Rumors have been circulating since last month that the Vatican had decided to suspend Lahore Diocese Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw but the Pakistani Catholic leadership reportedly hushed up the issue. However, Lahores Archdiocesan Vicar General Father Asif Sardar announced on Aug 15 that 66-year-old Shaw was going on a sabbatical and Karachi Diocesan Archbishop Benny Mario Travas would be taking charge of the Lahore Diocese as the apostolic administrator. Catholic Advocate Morris Nadeem told Christian Daily International that Father Sardar made the announcement during the Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore on Thursday evening. Shaw was in the US in July when the rumours regarding his removal started making rounds in the community. However, the congregation members and clergy were dismayed when the archbishop returned to Pakistan and resumed his routine work. His removal has sent a wave of joy and relief in the Catholic congregation of Lahore, said the lawyer who was present at the Thursday mass. Christian Daily International contacted Shaw for comment on the allegations against him but he did not respond to phone calls and text messages. Bishop Samson Shukardin, the president of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference, and Father Sardar were also contacted but declined to make a statement regarding the charges against Shaw. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up A senior leader of the Catholic church on condition of anonymity told Christian Daily International that the Vatican had been receiving complaints from priests and other church leaders against Shaw for a very long time. There is documentary evidence of the former archbishop selling church property by misusing his authority; his brothers and other family members were also actively involved in financial fraud in the Catholic Education Board. The final straw that broke the camels back and forced the Vatican to launch an inquiry against Shaw came when a Catholic priest accused the archbishop of pressurising him for a sexual relationship, the source said. In a video, Father Rashid Alfonse accused Shaw of being a homosexual bishop and narrated graphic details of happenings during his pastoral work at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore. I denied. My faith and spirituality were shattered. We want to get rid of this leadership, Alfonse had said in the viral video posted on his Facebook wall on Aug 4, 2022. The bishop threatened me. I lived under pressure but didnt refuse my vocation. I am ashamed to admit that a homo bishop ordained me. He repeatedly pressurised me to sodomise him and threatened me with transfer and losing a chance to become a parish priest, Alfonse had alleged in the video. At that time, Father Sardar, the archdiocesan vicar general, rejected the allegations levelled by the priest, instead accusing him of having an unsound mind. The source claimed that Shaw had tried his best to keep the Vatican from announcing his removal, pleading that he would clear his name. But the evidence against him was irrefutable. The Pakistani Catholic church did not want to embarrass itself further which is why they decided to let Shaw leave quietly on the pretext of a sabbatical. However, many in the church believe that he must be held accountable for his crimes to set an example for other bishops, said the source. Shaw took charge of the Archdiocese of Lahore in 2013, but his tenure has been tainted with several controversies. In 2017, he faced public condemnation for permitting a political party to use the central cathedral in Lahore for an election campaign. He is also accused of keeping silent on crucial issues like the abuse of the blasphemy laws and abductions and forced conversions of underage Christian girls, a majority of whom are Catholic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home TN Paramedical (Degree) 2024 Merit List Published - Check Here Tamil Nadu Paramedical Degree Merit List 2024, also called as Rank List, in PDF, and having a total of 2,235 pages has been released today on the official website tnmedicalselection.net Monday August 19, 2024 2:20 PM , ummid.com News Network TN Paramedical Degree Merit List 2024: The Selection Committee, Directorate of Medical Education Tamil Nadu has published on its official website tnhealth.org and tnmedicalselection.net today i.e. Monday August 19, 2024 TN Paramedical Degree Provisional Rank List for Admission in various courses. Tamil Nadu Paramedical Degree Merit List 2024, also called as Rank List, in PDF, and having a total of 2,235 pages has been released today on the official website tnmedicalselection.net. The list contains the names of 65,038 candidates who have registered for Tamil Nadu Paramedical Counselling for Degree courses in the year 2024-25. Steps to check TN Paramedical Degree Rankt List Click here to go to the official website: tnmedicalselection.net . Clcik on the link "PROVISIONAL RANK LIST FOR PARAMEDICAL DEGREE COURSES 2024-25 Session" in the Notifications area of the home page. TN Paramedical Medical List 2024 in PDF having 2,235 pages should open in PDF. Check your name and Merit List status. Candidates should note that TN Medical Selection Committee has not released counselling schedule which will be held Rank Wise along with the Rank List (Merit List). It will however publish the schedule soon. TN Medical Counselling for Paramedical Degree is held for admission in B.Pharm, B.P.T., B.ASLP, B.Sc. (Nursing), B.Sc. Radiography and Imaging Technology, B.Sc. Radio Therapy Technology, B.Sc. Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusion Technology, B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology, B.Sc. Operation Theatre & Anaesthesia Technology, B.Sc. Cardiac Technology, B.Sc. Critical Care Technology, B.Sc. Dialysis Technology, B.Sc. Physician Assistant, B.Sc. Accident & Emergency Care Technology, B.Sc. Respiratory Therapy, B.OPTOM, B.O.T, B.Sc. Neuro Electro Physiology, B.Sc. Clinical Nutrition and other courses. The complete list of degree courses, available seats and name and address of colleges are given in the prospectus. Candidates can also refer the prospectus for eligibility, fees, list of documents to be uploaded and other admission related queries. Candidates should note that the date of release of Paramedical seat allotment result, choice and option filling and complete counselling schedule will be published on the official website soon. [The featured image used here for representation is generated by DALL-E3 AI.] Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. U.S., India both lost their influence in Bangladesh The United States was in a dilemma regarding diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh vis-a-vis keeping India in good humour. Monday August 19, 2024 9:14 PM , Saleem Samad A bombshell article published in The Washington Post on August 15 claimed that India had lobbied with the United States to tone down its criticism of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and to scuttle any fresh sanctions against her neighbouring Bangladesh. The article jointly by Gerry Shih, Ellen Nakashima and John Hudson says that both countries must fall back, whether they mishandled Bangladesh. The story goes a year before Hasina government was toppled in the first week of August in a student uprising, Indian officials began to lobby their U.S. counterparts to stop pressuring Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years with an iron fist. American diplomats had publicly warned 76-year-old Hasina for jailing thousands of her rivals, critics, dissidents and journalists ahead of the parliamentary elections held last January. Earlier, the Biden administration had sanctioned Bangladeshs elite anti-crime police unit Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) accusing it of committing enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings of suspects and had threatened to impose visa restrictions on those who undermined democracy or committed human rights abuses. In a series of parleys, Indian officials asked the United States to tone down its pro-democracy rhetoric. If the opposition were allowed to gain power in a free, fair and inclusive election, Indian officials argued, Bangladesh would become a breeding ground for "Islamist militancy" posing a security threat to India. In several engagements, Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in November in New Delhi. Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval also played a key role in presenting the Indian case during a visit to Washington that autumn. These diplomatic engagements stirred a magical potion in the cooking pot. Soon after some White House officials considered the downside of antagonising India, which made a series of appeals to the U.S. that it moderate its pressure on Hasina, writes the U.S. daily publishing for 147 years. You approach it at the level of democracy, but for us, the issues are much more serious and existential, said an Indian government adviser on the condition of anonymity. The American foreign policy bigwigs concluded that after the private parleys between top officials of the United States and India: This is a core concern for us, and you cant take us as a strategic partner unless we have some kind of strategic consensus. Finally, when Biden visited New Delhi in September 2023 for G20 Summit , he took a selfie with Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed, several analysts got a message of thaw between Dhaka and Washington. Well, the Biden administration substantially softened its criticism and shelved threats of further sanctions against Hasinas autocratic regime after the flawed January election, disappointing several civil societies in Bangladesh. Now, after protesters defied the armys curfew orders and marched on Hasinas official residence, compelling her to flee to India, policymakers in both New Delhi and Washington went backstage to preview whether they mishandled Bangladesh. The policymakers in the U.S. State Department believe that the ground reality often fails the balancing act in Bangladesh, as there are many places where the situation on the ground is complicated, and you want to work with the partners you have in a way not inconsistent with what the American people expect. The United States was in a dilemma regarding diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh vis-a-vis keeping India in good humour. Biden administration viewed India as a crucial partner in countering China. Its smaller neighbours in South Asia increasingly view India itself as a meddling, aggressively nationalist power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indias meddling in Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka backfired. Several sources in Washington told the writers of the article that in the months leading up to the January elections, divisions emerged within the U.S. government over how to handle Bangladesh. Many former senior diplomats, who were assigned in Dhaka, and the State Department recommended a tougher stance against Hasina, particularly since President Joe Biden had campaigned on restoring democracy in Bangladesh. Other U.S. officials felt there was little to be gained from further alienating Hasina and risking the safety of U.S. diplomats, including Ambassador Peter Haas, who had received threats from Hasinas political henchmen. The Post journalists wrote that for India, the dramatic developments in Bangladesh have turned a spotlight on its decade-long, all-in bet on Hasina, even as she grew autocratic and unpopular. In January, after Hasina claimed victory in a flawed election , keeping thousands of opposition leaders in jail or hiding, Indian officials did not hesitate to hail the election results, fuelling calls from the opposition and like-minded groups for a boycott of Indian imports. Jon Danilowicz, a retired U.S. diplomat who served as deputy chief of mission in Dhaka said: New Delhi and Washington have to show some humility and acknowledge they got Bangladesh wrong by not siding with the Bangladeshi people and their democratic aspirations. After the elections, which were neither free nor fair, some criticised the U.S. for not imposing more restrictions on Bangladeshis, falsely attributing this to Indian influence, remarked Danilowicz. The anti-quota movement spearheaded by the students of Dhaka University spread to all state universities and scores of private universities, and the Helmet Bahini [vigilante recruits from Awami Leagues students and youths] backed by riot police attacked the street protests. The street protests turned violent and turned into anti-government uprisings which killed more than 600 people. Hasina made a hasty decision to flee the country and took refuge in India, at a military base near New Delhi. After Hasinas ouster, Indian officials have publicly changed tack and expressed willingness to work with the inventor of Micro Credit Dr Muhammad Yunus. Last week, Modi sent his best wishes to Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Prize-winning banker who took charge of Bangladeshs interim government, even though he criticized India for backing Hasina. Yunus has called for new, free, and fair elections once the country's stability is restored. As India grapples with the shock of suddenly losing one of its closest allies, Indian foreign policy circles and media have been awash with speculation that Washington orchestrated the removal of Hasina, who has long had a chilly relationship with the United States. U.S. officials have staunchly denied the claim. [The writer, Saleem Samad, is an award-winning independent journalist based in Bangladesh. A media rights defender with the Reporters Without Borders (@RSF_inter). Recipient of Ashoka Fellowship and Hellman-Hammett Award. He could be reached at saleemsamad@hotmail.com; Twitter (X): @saleemsamad. The above article is first published in the Northeast News, Guwahati, India on 18 August 2024.] Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. HA NOI Starting August 1, 2024, three key laws - the 2024 Land Law, the amended Housing Law, and the amended Real Estate Business Law came into effect. These laws are expected to significantly boost the land, housing and real estate markets by improving legal frameworks, enhancing policy mechanisms, removing obstacles, and better allocating resources for economic growth. Phan uc Hieu, a Standing Member of the National Assembly's Economic Committee, told a conference held in Ha Noi last week that the enactment of the three laws is timely and necessary. The 2024 Land Law addresses five key areas: protecting land users' rights, ensuring market transparency and fairness, improving land use efficiency, updating land finance policies and enhancing State management, he said. For acquiring land for production and business, there are three options: the State can reclaim the land, change its use, or negotiate if reclamation is not pursued. The law drafting committee and the Government have reviewed these provisions to prevent overlaps, discrepancies and loopholes, he added. When the State reclaims land for allocation or lease to businesses, it generally uses auctions or bidding, with limited exceptions for direct land allocation. For these crucial laws to be effectively implemented, its essential that the related Decrees, Circulars and guidance documents are thorough, clear and detailed to prevent overlap, misapplication, and legal loopholes, he added. Nguyen Thuy Duong, Editor-in-Chief of Business Magazine said the amended Land Law is garnering significant attention from all levels of government, sectors, localities and, especially, the business community. This is because it intersects with 22 other laws and codes, making it a major legislation with a profound impact on economic and social life as well as on the rights of businesses and individuals. The National Assembly's adoption of the amended Land Law, along with the amended Housing Law and Real Estate Business Law, which all took effect on August 1, fulfilling the need for a comprehensive overhaul of land management and use policies. These laws align with the development goals of a socialist-oriented market economy, aiming for efficient, sustainable land use and promoting industrialisation, modernisation, fairness, social stability and national defence, she said. The new laws are expected to positively influence the market, driving recovery and providing a solid legal foundation for the Vietnamese real estate sector's healthy and sustainable development, she added. To ensure these laws are effectively implemented, it is crucial that the related decrees, circulars, and guiding documents are thorough, clear, and precise to prevent overlap and misuse. ao Trung Chinh, Director of the Department of Planning and Land Resources Development under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said that businesses and real estate investors should focus on land access methods, particularly auctions and bidding. When land is allocated or leased without an auction and if the State provides land without charging fees for certain years of basic construction, businesses must be aware that the law requires specific land designation for such cases, Chinh said. Nguyen Van inh, Vice Chairman of Viet Nam Real Estate Association said that the 2024 Land Law has been revised to put people first and protecting homebuyers' interests. In response to the issue of abandoned resettlement housing that fails to meet people's needs, the new law mandates that resettlement arrangements must be completed before any land recovery decisions are made, he said. Additionally, Decree 102/2024/N-CP sets out detailed regulations for land recovery due to law violations. It states that if a project investor fails to use the land within the extended period, that is up to 24 months, the State will reclaim the land without compensation for the land, any assets on it, or remaining investment costs. This regulation aims to end the practice of companies speculating on and hoarding prime commercial and service land to await price increases or changes in land use. It will help better utilise land resources and improve the real estate market, inh added. VNS HCM CITY Global industry players will take part in the International Travel Expo HCM City (ITE HCMC) to take place in HCM City from September 5 to 7. This years expo will see for the first time the participation of prominent international travel businesses such as Flight Centre Travel Group, a Fortune 500 company with a presence in more than 90 countries, and Intrepid Travel, recognised as one of TIME magazines 100 most influential companies in 2023. The presence of industry heavyweights is set to boost the expos global prestige, Le Truong Hien Hoa, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Tourism, told a press conference held in HCM City on Thursday. ITE HCMC 2024 is set to become one of Asias most influential travel expos. The event aims to elevate its regional stature, fostering greater collaboration with key domestic and international partners. More than 450 exhibitors have registered for the event and 200 international buyers from 33 countries and territories have confirmed participation in the expos International Hosted Buyer Programme. ITE HCMC is supported by more than 40 media agencies from 10 countries and territories. CNN will cover it for its Marketplace Asia programme, the first time it will dedicate extensive resources to a Vietnamese tourism event. The three-day expo continues to attract a diverse group of international buyers, including industry leaders, tour operators, travel and tourism professionals, destination management companies, travel technology firms, and airlines. The expo will facilitate 10,000 B2B meetings tailored to participants business needs, ensuring optimal matchmaking and maximising outcomes. A number of conferences and forums will be held to offer practical solutions and propose effective policies and strategies for promoting sustainable tourism. The topics of discussion will include Net Zero Travel & Tourism - Creating future, Empowering local communities through sustainable tourism, Orienting sustainable tourism development through ESG, The power of communication in fostering sustainable development, and Promoting responsible tourism associated with wildlife protection and no ivory trade. Furthermore, to create a strong link between shopping and tourism, and to position HCM City as a premier luxury shopping destination, its Department of Industry and Trade will host the Shopping Season 2024 City Sale programme in conjunction with the expo. The programme will run from August 30 to September 8 at Union Square, Saigon Centre and SC VivoCity, offering a diverse range of products with discounts of up to 80 per cent. The expo, to be held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, will be organised by the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, HCM City Department of Tourism, CIS Vietnam, and Le Bros. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) said on Monday that frozen durian, fresh coconuts and crocodiles from Viet Nam are now authorised for export to China. The protocols, signed by MARD and the General Administration of Customs of China, were conducted during the state visit of Party General Secretary and President To Lam to China. The signing of these protocols marks a pivotal advancement in the agricultural trade ties between the two countries, with profound implications for Viet Nams agricultural sector, said MARD. Frozen durian, designated as a priority product, is poised to significantly boost agricultural export revenues. The formal access to the Chinese market for this product is anticipated to unlock substantial opportunities for the countrys durian industry. In 2023, Viet Nam exported approximately 500,000 tonnes of frozen durian, generating a turnover of US$2.3 billion, with China accounting for a predominant 90 per cent share. According to MARD, frozen durian represents a new product offering higher value compared to fresh durian. The market opening for this item is set to diversify processing, alleviate seasonal harvesting pressures, and foster greater value addition within the durian sector. The export of frozen durian may hit $400 - 500 million this year, positioning it for the billion-dollar export club by 2025. Fresh coconuts also see huge export potential after gaining access to a market of 1.4 billion people. Viet Nam, a major coconut producer, is expected to witness a $200-300 million boost in fresh coconut exports to China this year, fostering sustainable industry growth and quality enhancement to meet global standards. Meanwhile, MARD highlights China's market opening for crocodiles as a major opportunity. The move not only benefits the economy but also drives sustainable growth in Viet Nams crocodile farming, ensuring environmental and animal welfare standards. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan sees the signed protocols as a result of positive negotiations. We anticipate a substantial boost in agricultural exports, particularly with the newly signed products entering the Chinese market, making a significant contribution to Viet Nams agricultural sector growth, said Hoan. The ministry pledges to work closely with Chinese customs for seamless exports, supporting Vietnamese enterprises in entering the Chinese market. VNS HA NOI -- On social media, people in provinces and cities across the country enthusiastically responded to the trend of painting their roof the colours of the national flag as a way to celebrate the 79th National Day of Viet Nam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2024). Around the end of July, the idea of painting the Viet Nam flag on the roof emerged on social media and quickly gained traction. Numerous families in Nghe An, Yen Bai and Gia Lai Province have meticulously painted the national flag on their home. Several families have used the red roof that was already there, drew a star shape using a tape measure, and painted the star shape yellow to create the national flag on their roof. It not only makes the roof stand out, but it additionally showcases people's appreciation of patriotism and pride in their country. These photos and videos attracted millions of views, thousands of comments and shares on social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. It became a craze in the internet sphere when a large number of people have eagerly invited one another to participate. A group of three young men from Phu Yen Province completed the flag on a 50m2 roof in nearly a day. Tran Thanh Hung, 22 years old from Phu Yen, said: "We are very proud to have completed the work of painting the Vietnamese flag on the roof together." "I think the most difficult step is to measure the shape of the yellow star to make it as accurate as possible." Thirty five year old Nguyen Van Nam, from Ha Noi completed the painting of the national flag on his roof in less than a day. "We are proud of this work. Not only does it show our patriotism, it is also an opportunity for family members to join hands and strengthen our bonds," said Nam. -- VNS TRA VINH Sa Ruol's family in Binh Phuc Commune, Cang Long District in the southern province of Tra Vinh, no longer has to worry when heavy rains come. After living for 10 years in a dilapidated leaky home, the Khmer family has been supported to move into a new solid, well-constructed house - a change that has transformed their living conditions. They are one of the first families in the province to receive and move into 1,300 houses being constructed and provided as assistance to local disadvantaged households, including policy beneficiary families, the Khmer ethnic minority and those with contributions to the revolution and the movement of 'All People Protect the Homeland Security'. Sa Ruol's family has three children. Their breadwinner is Sa Ruol who works as a construction worker, while his wife sells lottery tickets door-to-door. Their former house, with a metal sheet roof and leaf walls had fallen into serious disrepair. "The Sa Ruol family lives as a model household, getting along well with their neighbours. The local authorities have supported the construction of a new home for the family, and the local people are very happy about this," said the Secretary of the Nguyet Lang B Hamlet Party cell, Thach Sa Phach. Tra Vinh, a province with over one million people, currently has around 3,400 poor households and 6,700 near-poor households, largely concentrated in border areas, coastal areas and Khmer ethnic minority communities. To implement the National Target Programme for Sustainable Poverty Reduction from 2021-2025, the province has disbursed over VN240 billion (US$10,435) in loans to almost 4,800 disadvantaged households, enabling them to invest in production to improve their livelihoods. In 2023, Tra Vinh supported the construction of new homes for 475 poor, near-poor, and newly-escaped-poverty households, and provided nearly VN6.6 billion ($287,000) in additional loans to 135 poor households to help them build decent houses. The province aims to reduce the poverty rate by 0.3 per cent this year, with the Khmer ethnic minority poverty rate decreasing by over 0.5 per cent and the near-poverty rate dropping by 0.5 per cent, according to the national multi-dimensional poverty standards. In recent years, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, in line with the governments policy of 'Joining hands for the poor - Leaving no one behind', has mobilised resources to support the construction of over 15,000 houses and many boarding schools in the provinces of Son La, ien Bien, Cao Bang, Lai Chau, Tuyen Quang, among others. Tra Vinh Provincial Police proposed the Provincial Party Committee to request and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to agree on the construction of 1,290 new houses for local vulnerable households. With additional contributions from benefactors, the budget has exceeded 10 houses, increasing the total number of houses built to 1,300 houses. The beneficiaries of the housing assistance programme in Tra Vinh include households with housing difficulties, who are families with revolutionary merit or social policy beneficiaries and individuals who have actively participated in the movement of 'All People Protect the Homeland Security'. Notably, the programme has specifically targeted the Khmer ethnic minority group, with 760 out of the 1,300 total houses (over 58 per cent) being allocated to Khmer households. Another Khmer family receiving a new house is Thach Thi Mais also in Binh Phu Commune. They did not have a house, taking shelter in her uncles. Mai and her husband used to work as factory workers and cared for their two young children. However, Mais health gradually declined after contracting tuberculosis. Having a home of their own was a dream for the family with extreme challenges. When moving into the new house, Mai was overwhelmed with happiness as her dream had become a reality. It marked a new beginning and motivation for me to focus on my medical treatment. My husband now also feels reassured and can concentrate on working to support the family, she said. According to Venerable Thach Sok Xane, Chairman of the Patriotic Clergy Solidarity Association of Tra Vinh Province, the housing assistance programme, launched by the Ministry of Public Security and Tra Vinh Province, has brought joy and happiness to households facing difficulties in the province. The Khmer ethnic people will continue to promote the spirit of national unity, lead a good life and contribute together with the Public Security forces to effectively ensuring social order and security, thereby helping to build Tra Vinh Province into an increasingly prosperous and beautiful homeland, he said. VNS Kenya police mission in Haiti have been holding regular prayer and fellowship meetings at the base camp in the countrys capital Port-au-Prince. The contingent of special police officers were seen attending a prayer service in a social media post shared by CNN Africa Correspondent, Larry Madowo. Led by one of the police officers, the group of about 60 Christian security officers affirmed their faith in God to protect them and grant them success in their mission in Haiti. The unnamed police officer reminded his colleagues that their trust is in God. In this mission, we are trusting God 100%. In this mission we are trusting the Lord with all our hearts, with all our soul and with all our minds, said the officer. Kenya security forces are in Haiti to help the government restore control of the capital Port-au-Prince that has been in the hands of armed gangs. Haitis main airport, which was under gang control, was reclaimed and is now under the government. However, the security forces have their work cut out to reclaim 85% of Port-au-Prince that is in the hands of several gangs. By mid-July, 600 police officers from Kenya had arrived in Haitis capital. Another 2,000 officers from 12 countries are expected to join the security mission in Haiti by the end of the year. Since we came here, we have only seen the hand of God. Many things have been said against us but God has been so faithful, said the preaching officer. He commended his colleagues for creating time to have fellowship in the barracks amidst the sensitive nature of the mission. The mess for the multinational security support mission in Haiti houses the contractors building the base, support staff and the Kenyan police force who will be joined by the international team later. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up The preaching officer further encouraged his fellow officers from the book of Acts of Apostles 2:42; ...and they continued steadfastly in apostolic doctrine, in fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayer. Even in this mission, as we perform our mandate, the Word of God is with usour expectations will not be cut off he added. The fellowship also committed the interim Prime Minister Garry Conille to prayer together with the transitional council and the cabinet. Conille had earlier told CNN that the government was in need of more and urgent support to restore order and enable Haiti to provide essential services to the citizens. We know that there are a lot of emergencies around the world and we understand, to a certain extent, that there is Haiti fatigue but the good news is that there is now hope, said In addition to providing close to 1,000 special police officers to the US-backed mission in Haiti, Kenya also included a faith-based intervention, endorsed by President William Rutos wife, Rachel. She was on record in June saying that the country will not allow the police officers to travel to Haiti without prayer after meeting a team of evangelical pastors from Kenya, the US and Haiti tasked with developing and executing a spiritual strategy for Haiti. We have come together to say we want to form a prayer strategy, and we would like you to join us in prayer for this great country of Haiti because we know the Lord can transform Haiti, said Mrs. Ruto. BANGKOK Thailands tourism industry expects the new direct flight route between Kuala Lumpur and Chiang Mai will help the country attract more than 5 million Malaysian visitors this year. The inaugural Malaysia Airlines flight, MH772, took off from Kuala Lumpur on August 15, marking the start of five weekly services on the route using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a capacity for 297 passengers. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), expressed her enthusiasm for the new route, emphasising that the direct link between two major Southeast Asian cities will significantly enhance travel convenience for Malaysian tourists. Opening new direct flight routes is part of TAT's strategy to expand the quality tourist market by collaborating with airline networks, with the aim of positioning Thailand as a hub for ASEAN tourism, she said. Thapanee said that TAT is keen to capitalise on the growing Malaysian market, known for its high spending power and repeat visits. According to Thai authorities, 80 per cent of Malaysian tourists to Thailand are independent travellers, with 69% returning for multiple visits. Their popular activities include experiencing Thai cuisine, spa treatments, exploring historical sites, and enjoying beach holidays. Thailand has welcomed more than 3 million Malaysian tourists this year, up 27.65% over the same period in 2023. TAT said it remains committed to further boosting visitor numbers through targeted marketing campaigns and by working closely with industry partners. VNA/VNS BRUSSELS The Berlin Zoo has announced that its 11-year-old female giant panda Meng Meng is pregnant again with twins and, if everything goes well, could give birth by the end of the month. The announcement was made after zoo authorities conducted an ultrasound examination that showed the developing fetuses. Giant panda experts from China arrived in Berlin to assist with preparations for the ultrasound. Meng Meng was artificially inseminated in March. According to the zoo, female giant pandas are only fertile for approximately 72 hours each year. One heartbeat could initially be made out on the ultrasound equipment, and shortly thereafter a second as well, the zoo announcement said, adding that the fetuses are now 2.5 centimetres long, but will grow significantly by the end of the month. Gestation generally takes three to six months, but the zoo said that dormancy a period of up to several months in giant pandas during which an egg remains suspended in the mothers uterus and does not continue to develop was the reason for the delay in confirming Meng Mengs pregnancy. Zoo veterinarian Franziska Sutter told the media that the pregnancy was still at a risky phase. Amid all the enthusiasm, we have to realise that this is a very early stage of the pregnancy and that a so-called resorption, or death, of the embryo is still possible at this stage, she said. If everything goes smoothly, the cubs will be the first in five years to be born at the Berlin Zoo after Meng Meng gave birth to twin cubs, Pit and Paule, in August 2019. They were the first giant pandas born in Germany and became stars at the zoo. Both Pit and Paule, whose Chinese names are Meng Xiang and Meng Yuan, returned to China in December to join the breeding programme under an agreement with the Chinese government. Their parents, Meng Meng and Jiao Qing, arrived at the Berlin Zoo in 2017. In early July, Ouwehands Dierenpark, a zoo in the Netherlands, announced that its giant panda Wu Wen gave birth to a cub. A second cub that was born about an hour later died shortly after birth. The surviving cub is the second born at the Dutch zoo after Fan Xing was born in 2020. Fan Xing, a female, returned to China in September last year to join the breeding programme. In Spain, the Madrid Zoo Aquarium formally introduced a new pair of giant pandas, Jin Xi and Zhu Yu, in May in a ceremony attended by Queen Sofia, who has been a giant panda advocate since the 1970s. The arrival came after panda couple Bing Xing and Hua Zui Ba, accompanied by their three Madridborn cubs Chulina, You You and Jiu Jiu, returned to China on February 29. In Austria, the Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna is expecting the arrival of a pair of giant pandas from China under a 10-year cooperation agreement on giant panda conservation that was signed in June. The giant pandas Yuan Yuan and Yang Yang, who are now in Vienna, will return to China after the expiration of an agreement this year. The two sides have applauded their successful cooperation in giant panda breeding, scientific research, technical exchanges, personnel training and public education. Yang Yang, a female, and Long Hui, a male, have had four litters in Vienna totaling five cubs through natural mating, which is a European record. On August 8, giant panda twins Bao Di and Bao Mei in Belgiums Pairi Daiza zoo celebrated their fifth birthday in a ceremony attended by new Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao. The twins and their elder brother Tian Bao, born in 2016, will leave for China this autumn to join the breeding program. THE CHINA DAILY/ANN TOKYO Isao Shirahata, a visually impaired man who trained to distinguish the sounds of fighter planes during World War II, still feels the loss of his friend who was killed in an air raid during the war that ended on this date 79 years ago. Shirahata, 88, who lives in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, still remembers the sounds American warplanes made as they flew over Japan. Grumman and Curtiss fighters had a light sound, while B-24 bombers had a heavy sound, he said. Shirahata lost sight in his left eye in a bicycle accident when he was 7 years old, and his vision in his right eye also deteriorated. In 1944, when he was 8, he entered the Kyoto Prefectural School for the Visually Impaired in Kyoto City. In class, students repeatedly listened to a record of a collection of enemy aircraft sounds assembled by the Japanese Imperial Army. The record contained sounds of various aircraft models at different altitudes. It also explained the differences between them. He remembers a teacher telling them, Remember these sounds and use what you remember to serve your country or to protect yourself. [The training] may have been intended to mobilize [the students] as air defense surveillance personnel to quickly detect enemy aircraft attacks at a time when the country was running short of soldiers due to the worsening war situation, said Hiromi Kishi, 75, of the Japan Society on the History of Blind Education. There was a case of a visually impaired person in Ishikawa Prefecture who actually worked in air defense monitoring. People with disabilities who were exempted from the draft tended to be discriminated against as moochers or useless. They were probably trying their best to serve their country in any way they could, Kishi said. In March 1945, Shirahata returned from a dormitory to his parents home in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture. On July 30, Shirahata was catching cicadas with a friend in the hills behind his house when he noticed a sound he had heard on recording many times before: approaching Grumman planes. The two fled to a bomb shelter, but fragments of the bomb flew into the shelter and hit his friend, killing him instantly. I could distinguish the sound of the aircraft, but I couldnt do anything about it, he said. He also lost sight in his right eye at the age of 14. After graduating from the school for the visually impaired, he taught acupuncture and moxibustion at the school for about 30 years. After retirement, he did further study on acupuncture and moxibustion at Toho University, where he received a doctorate in medicine at the age of 64. The war was the worst experience of my life. There is no logic to war, he said. Today, while systems and services for people with disabilities have been established, I feel alienation. I wonder if we are living in a society where we can truly help each other. -- THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN/ANN HA NOI The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee is scheduled to hold the 36th meeting in Ha Noi from August 19 to 22, the NA Office announced. During the meeting, the committee will scrutinise the draft revised Electricity Law, a draft law revising some articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations. They will also be looking at amendments to the Law on Officers of the Viet Nam Peoples Army and the draft Law on the Peoples Air Defence. Participants will consider and make decisions on the addition of a draft law revising some articles of the Law on Health Insurance along with the draft Law on Disease Prevention to the law and ordinance building programme. They will look into the supervisory delegations report and vote on the NA Standing Committees resolution on the specialised supervision over the implementation of policies and legislation on reforming the organisation and management system and improve the performance of public non-business units during 2018 - 2023. A report on the NAs settlement of peoples opinions and aspirations in July will also come under discussion, the NA Office said. The committee is set to discuss the organisation of an NA forum on supervisory activities, a draft supervision plan and a draft report by the NA Standing Committee on the implementation of policies and legislation on developing and using human resources, especially high-quality ones, to meet socio-economic development requirements. A question-and-answer session will be held after a day and a half of debates and broadcast live on television and radio channels. In addition, participants will consider and approve the Prime Ministers proposal on the appointment of Vietnamese ambassadors. They are also expected to deliberate and make decisions about the increase of this years state budget estimates for the Ministry of Health; along with a draft resolution stipulating some contents related to the NA Standing Committees resolutions on the classification of urban areas, the standards and classification of administrative units, and the arrangement of district- and communal-level administrative units to serve the arrangement of administrative units in the 2023 - 2025 period, according to the NA Office. - VNS GENEVA The 79th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of Vietnam (September 2) was celebrated with a ceremony held in Bern on August 18. The event saw the presence of Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva; representatives of the Vietnamese People Association in Switzerland and the Switzerland - Viet Nam Friendship Association; and nearly 500 guests who are Vietnamese people and international friends from across the European country. After the flag saluting ceremony, participants also observed a minute of silence in commemoration of late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, a particularly outstanding leader of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), the country, and the Vietnamese people. In his remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to Switzerland Phung The Long underlined the significance of the August Revolution in 1945, led by the CPV and President Ho Chi Minh, along with the Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (now Socialist Republic of Vietnam) delivered by the then President on September 2, 1945. He informed participants of the homelands developments along with fruitful partnerships between the two countries so far this year. Since the start of 2024, many high-level meetings as well as trade and investment promotion activities have taken place. Some Vietnamese localities such as Can Tho, Vinh Long, Bac Giang, Thai Binh, and Lang Son have organised trade and investment promotion events in Switzerland while exchanging socio-economic development experience with partners in the European nation. Long also appreciated the contributions by the Vietnamese community and Swiss friends to the communitys solidarity as well as the preservation and popularisation of the Vietnamese culture. In particular, after years of the communitys efforts, the administrations of Geneva and Zurich agreed to include Vietnamese among the optional foreign languages at public schools in these states, he added. VNS HA NOI Seventy-nine years ago, the August Revolution ushered in a new era for Viet Nam. Led by the visionary Ho Chi Minh and the Indochinese Communist Party, the Vietnamese people united against a formidable foe, overcoming immense hardship to achieve independence (September 2, 1945). To commemorate this historic moment, we present a collection of iconic images capturing the spirit of the revolution. BUENOS AIRES A delegation of Ha Noi led by Deputy Secretary of the municipal Party Committee and Chairman of the municipal People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan paid a working trip to Chile from August 16-18 to beef up the cooperation between Ha Noi and Chiles localities as well as between Viet Nam and Chile. At a meeting with President of the Communist Party of Chile Lautaro Carmona in Santiago, Tuan expressed his gratitude for the international solidarity that the Chilean party and people gave to Viet Nam during its national defence and construction. He hoped that the two sides will strengthen experience sharing in Party building, and help to boost investment, trade, tourism and cultural exchange cooperation activities between Ha Noi and Chilean localities. Carmona, who actively participated in protests against the war in Viet Nam, expressed his respect for President Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of the Vietnamese people, and emphasised that the Communist Party of Chile always supports and follows the development process of Viet Nam under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam. He also informed the guests about preparations for the 27th national congress of the Chilean Communist Party, scheduled to be held in December this year. Within the framework of the Ha Noi delegations visit to Chile, an event was held to promote trade, investment and business connections between Ha Noi and South American country. Speaking at the event, the Ha Noi official emphasised the significance of the signing of the Viet Nam - Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on November 11, 2011 which opened up great opportunities for businesses of the two countries. He introduced the favourable investment environment of Viet Nam, as well as of Ha Noi, to foreign businesses and investors. Vietnamese Ambassador to Chile Pham Truong Giang said that Viet Nam is currently Chile's fifth largest trading partner in Asia, and the largest trading partner in ASEAN. Meanwhile, in Latin America, Chile is Viet Nam's fourth largest trading partner, after Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Since the Viet Nam-Chile FTA was ratified and officially took effect in 2014, import-export turnover between the two countries has grown significantly, reaching a record of US$2.2 billion in 2022, double that of 2018. Bilateral trade stood at $1.57 billion in 2023, of which Viet Nam's exports were valued at nearly $1.2 billion. In 2024, their trade exchanges showed signs of recovery with trade turnover reaching $756.1 million in the first five months of the year, up 8.5 per cent year on year. During the period, Viet Nam's exports to Chile increased by 23 per cent, reaching $615.27 million. VNS BEIJING The official welcome of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and President To Lam and his spouse, along with the high-level Vietnamese delegation, was solemnly held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday with the highest honours reserved for heads of state. General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), President of China Xi Jinping and his spouse presided over the ceremony. The Vietnamese leader is on a State visit to China from August 18-20. Attending the ceremony on the Chinese side were: Cai Qi, member of the Politburo Standing Committee, Secretary of the Secretariat, Director of the General Office of the CPC; Wang Yi, Politburo member, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Wang Xiaohong, State Councilor, Minister of Public Security; Liu Jianchao, Head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee; Zheng Shanjie, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission; Jin Zhuanglong, Minister of Industry and Information Technology; Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce, along with many leaders of various central departments, national committees, the National People's Congress, and Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam Xiong Bo. The motorcade carrying General Secretary and President To Lam, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation entered the Great Hall of the People. General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his wife warmly welcomed the Vietnamese leader and delegation. Both sides introduced the officials present at the welcome ceremony. General Secretary and President Xi Jinping invited General Secretary and President To Lam to ascend to the honorary podium, while the military band played the national anthems of Viet Nam and China. A 21-gun salute was fired in their honour. The two countries' top leaders then inspected the honour guard of the People's Liberation Army of China. The two General Secretaries, Presidents, and their spouses took a group photo in front of the national and party flags of the two countries. Immediately following the welcome ceremony, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping led the high-level Chinese delegation, and General Secretary and President To Lam led the high-level Vietnamese delegation in formal talks. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received visiting Lao Minister of Planning and Investment and Chairman of the Laos-Viet Nam Cooperation Committee Phet Phomphiphak in Ha Noi on Monday. The Government leader commended the Viet Nam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam cooperation committees for their efforts in the first half of 2024, helping the countries tackle numerous challenges in key cooperative projects and step up joint work in various fields. Bilateral trade neared US$928 million in the period, an annual increase of 11.1 per cent. Viet Nam remains Laos third-largest foreign investor, boasting 255 projects worth $5.5 billion in total registered capital. Noting that both governments are taking decisive actions to resolve difficulties faced by some Vietnamese-funded projects in Laos, PM Chinh urged the two committees to focus on thoroughly reviewing and effectively implementing the sides high-level agreements and the outcomes of their 46th meeting, as well as making thorough preparations for the upcoming 47th meeting. He requested that the Lao Government continue to improve its business environment and promptly address challenges faced by Vietnamese investors, and pointed to the need to carry out administrative reforms and facilitate the implementation of ongoing projects and the launch of new ones, particularly in areas such as energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, and education. Additionally, he stressed the importance of accelerating the progress of strategic cooperation projects and those on infrastructure connectivity, as well as of enhancing locality-to-locality collaboration, particularly between border ones. Viet Nam keeps a close watch on Laos' socio-economic developments with a view to providing the nation with effective and practical support, the PM stated. Acknowledging the complex and unpredictable regional and global situation, which necessitates solidarity among nations, he said the two countries should strengthen their cooperation to address shared challenges in ways that suit their respective conditions and needs. VViejetNam is ready to assist Laos in successfully fulfilling its international responsibilities this year, including its ASEAN chairmanship. Agreeing with his host, the Lao minister affirmed that the Laos-Viet Nam Cooperation Committee will continue to work closely with the Vietnamese side to implement high-level agreements, deepening and enhancing the nations special solidarity toward effectiveness and practical outcomes. The official noted that Laos is actively improving its business climate to facilitate the effective operations of foreign companies, especially those from Viet Nam. He also reported that Laos is advancing key infrastructure connectivity projects that Viet Nam and Laos have agreed upon, such as the Ha Noi-Vientiane expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway. VNS BEIJING General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam and his Chinese counterpart, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President Xi Jinping, conducted official talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on Monday, following the grand welcome ceremony. China's top leader Xi Jinping welcomed the Vietnamese delegation on the State visit and congratulated To Lam on his election as the Party leader and President of Viet Nam. General Secretary and President Xi Jinping once again expressed his deep condolences on the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He highly valued the significant and important contributions of the late leader to Viet Nam's revolutionary cause, Viet Nam-China relations, and the development of socialism globally. Xi Jinping expressed confidence that the Party and State of Viet Nam would continue to inherit the legacy of the late General Secretary Trong, achieving even greater successes in the renewal process and the construction of socialism. General Secretary and President Xi Jinping underscored that the first state visit to China by General Secretary and President Lam, as well as his first abroad trip as the head of Viet Nam's Party and State, held tremendous significance. It reflected the high regard and top priority that both Parties and countries place on Viet Nam-China relations, marking a pivotal moment to elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights and deeper, more substantive dimensions across all areas. He affirmed that Viet Nam remained a top priority in China's foreign policy and reiterated Chinas support for the country's steadfast leadership under the Party in promoting the Socialist cause. On behalf of the Party, State and people of Viet Nam, Vietnamese leader To Lam expressed his sincere and heartfelt thanks to the CPC for sending profound condolences and displaying numerous special gestures following the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. These acts strongly underscored the high-level relationship between the two countries, as well as the special bond between Xi Jinping and Nguyen Phu Trong. The Vietnamese leader expressed deep gratitude to his Chinese counterpart and Chinese people for their warm reception, which vividly reflected the comradeship and fraternity between the two Parties and nations. He sincerely thanked Xi Jinping for the congratulations and expressed a desire to work closely with him and China's leadership to continue fostering the friendship and jointly promote the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and the Viet Nam-China community of shared future with strategic significance. Highlighting the importance of the visit, To Lam affirmed that Viet Nam always prioritised its friendly neighbour and partnership with China. In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two leaders exchanged views on the situation in their respective Parties and countries, as well as the relations between the two. The Vietnamese leader congratulated the significant and important achievements made by the Chinese Party, State, and People under the "core" leadership of Xi Jinping over the past decade of the "new era," especially since the 20th National Party Congress, as well as expressed confidence in the success of Chinas Socialist cause. He briefed Xi Jinping on Viet Nam's recent situation, particularly in economic and social development, Party building, political system reforms, anti-corruption efforts, national defence, security and foreign policies. He emphasised that Viet Nam would harness its spirit of "self-reliance, confidence, self-sufficiency, national pride" to successfully implement the resolutions of the 13th National Party Congress and prepare for the successful organisation of the Party's 14th Congress in 2026. General Secretary, President Xi Jinping congratulated Viet Nam on its achievements and expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the CPV, more successes would be coming in the oi moi (renewal) process and the pursuance of socialism. He reiterated China's support for Viet Nam's goal of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045, as outlined in the 13th National Party Congress. Recalling the meaningful events during his first stop in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, the Vietnamese leader underscored the significance of the visit, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minhs arrival in Guangzhou, after 13 years of looking for a way to save the country. This visit demonstrated Viet Nam's appreciation for Chinas valuable support during key historical periods. Xi Jinping stressed that President Ho Chi Minhs illustrious years forged a deep bond of comradeship and brotherhood between Viet Nam and China. The two General Secretaries and Presidents expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations, especially following the historic visits of the top leaders of both Parties in 2022 and 2023. These visits resulted in many positive outcomes, following the 'six enhancements' approach, including higher political trust, deeper substantive cooperation in national defence and security, more solid social foundations, closer coordination on multilateral platforms and more effective management and resolution of differences. Amid complex and unpredictable global and regional developments, To Lam reaffirmed Viet Nam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, while pursuing diversification and multilateralism in foreign relations and maintaining the 'Four Nos' defence policy. Xi Jinping strongly affirmed that China remained committed to friendly relations with Viet Nam, always regarding Viet Nam as a top priority and strategic choice in its diplomatic strategy with neighbouring countries. The two leaders engaged in extensive discussions on major directions to further strengthen trust, solidify friendship, enhance the effectiveness of practical cooperation in various areas, maintain peace and stability at sea and advance the Viet Nam-China relationship healthily, stably and sustainably, in line with the 'Sixteen-Word Guideline' and the 'Four Goods' spirit. The two leaders reached a high level of consensus on enhancing political trust, maintaining regular exchanges between the high-level leaders of the two Parties and nations and emphasising the strategic guiding role of the Party channel in the overall bilateral relationship. They also agreed to deepen theoretical cooperation through mechanisms such as the theoretical seminars between the two Parties, sharing latest theoretical and practical achievements of each Party and country, contributing meaningfully to their respective causes. The two leaders highlighted the importance of fostering and expanding substantive cooperation in key areas. They agreed to continue strengthening cooperation in security and defence, promoting economic and trade cooperation, and enhancing connectivity between the 'Two Corridors, One Belt' initiative and the 'Belt and Road Initiative'. Furthermore, they agreed to advance infrastructure connectivity, particularly in rail and road, strengthen supply chain cooperation and foster economic cooperation between border provinces, while promoting exchanges in state-owned enterprise reforms. General Secretary and President To Lam proposed that both sides enhance cooperation in constructing large, symbolic projects that are commensurate with the level of political trust and reflect China's advanced technological development. He called on China to provide concessional loans, transfer technology, support human resource training and invest in key transportation infrastructure projects in Viet Nam. Xi Jinping affirmed that China was ready to increase imports of Vietnamese agricultural products and expand trade promotion offices in China, facilitating access for high-quality Vietnamese goods into the Chinese market. As the two nations approach the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations in 2025, the two General Secretaries and Presidents agreed on the necessity of further promoting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two peoples, particularly among the younger generations. They also agreed to designate 2025 as the 'Year of Viet Nam-China Cultural Exchange'. The two leaders engaged in deep discussions on various international and regional issues of shared concern, highlighting mutual coordination and support in multilateral forums and international mechanisms, based on the legitimate interests of both nations and positive contributions to the global community. Regarding maritime issues, the two sides engaged in sincere and candid discussions, agreeing to implement well the high-level common understandings and striving to manage and resolve differences more effectively. General Secretary and President To Lam proposed that both sides must respect each other's legitimate interests, resolve differences through peaceful means, and adhere to the United Nations Charter, international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) and fully and seriously implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) (DOC) while promoting a substantive, effective Code of Conduct (COC) in line with international law and UNCLOS 1982. On behalf of the Party and State of Viet Nam, General Secretary and President To Lam extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit Viet Nam again soon and Xi Jinping graciously accepted the invitation with thanks. After the talks, General Secretary and President To Lam and General Secretary and President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between the Parties, ministries and localities of both countries in areas such as Party schools, agricultural trade, broadcasting and journalism, healthcare, infrastructure, trade and industry and banking. The Chinese leader cordially invited General Secretary and President To Lam to join him for a tea party. This is a special form of engagement that has been established and maintained during many recent high-level visits between the top leaders of the two Parties and countries, demonstrating the importance and the 'comrades and brothers' spirit between the leaders of both nations. In a joyful, warm and friendly atmosphere, the two General Secretaries and Presidents reminisced about the tradition of friendship between the two Parties and countries, had a sincere exchange about tea culture in each country's customs, reviewed the common understandings reached during their talks and emphasised the importance of further developing bilateral relations to new heights. VNS One year after one the worst attacks on Christians in Pakistan, Christians on Friday (Aug. 16) called for justice regarding the rioting in Jaranwala as most of those arrested have been discharged or released on bail, sources said. More than 25 churches and 85 homes of Christians in Jaranwala were ransacked and looted on Aug. 16, 2023 by a frenzied mob of thousands of Muslims after two Christian brothers were accused of writing blasphemous content and desecrating the Quran. The attack drew nationwide condemnation. Only a dozen suspects of the more than 300 people arrested are facing trials in an anti-terrorism court, said the chairman of the Minorities Alliance Pakistan, attorney Akmal Bhatti. A majority of the suspects have either been bailed out or were discharged from the cases due to defective police investigation, Bhatti told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News from Faisalabad. The attorney and political leader said that denying justice to Christians made a mockery of Pakistans constitution, which guarantees security and protection to religious minorities. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up The Jaranwala incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, he said. The governments failure to bring the perpetrators to justice shows its [lack of] interest in protecting religious minorities from future violence. Amnesty International found that of 5,213 suspects, 380 were arrested while 4,833 remained at large. Of the arrested suspects, 228 were released on bail and 77 others had the charges against them dropped, Amnesty stated, based on information from police after filing a Right to Information Request. Trials of suspects have not started, and about 40 percent of victims who lost property are still awaiting government compensation, according to Amnesty. Despite the authorities assurances of accountability, the grossly inadequate action has allowed a climate of impunity for the perpetrators of the Jaranwala violence, Babu Ram Pant, Amnesty Internationals deputy regional director for South Asia, said in the statement. Blasphemy accusations are common in Pakistan, and those found guilty of insulting Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, can be sentenced to death. While authorities have yet to carry out death sentences for blasphemy, often the accusation alone can spark riots and incite mobs to violence. The two Christian brothers in Jaranwala were acquitted of the blasphemy charges earlier this year after an anti-terrorism court found that they had been framed by another Christian following a personal dispute. Ostracization Two Christian residents of Jaranwala said that area Christians continued to face intimidation and exclusion after the Aug. 16, 2023 attacks. The situation has worsened as our Muslim neighbors and other people have stopped talking or doing business with us, Salim Masih told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. I used to run a tailoring shop and had three or four Muslim apprentices, but after the incident my Muslim landlord told me to vacate the shop, and my staff also refused to work under me. He added that he was unable to provide for his family as he receives a fraction of the orders he used to get before the attacks. Resident Yaqub Gill said that he was one of the complainants in the 17 private cases filed by Christians, along with five registered by the state. I was constantly threatened by local Muslims to withdraw my complaint, Gill said. I informed the police, but instead of taking action against those people, they framed me in a fake case. Christian residents are hard-pressed following the attacks, he said. A lot of our people worked in nearby factories but after the incident, many were fired from their jobs, Gill said. Those having small businesses have suffered financial losses because the local Muslims are not doing business with them. Soon after the police crackdown, Christians started getting threats from members of extremist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to withdraw from the cases, he said. Due to the threats, many Christians refused to stand as witnesses in court, leading to bails for the suspects, he said. Salman Farooq of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said that among those bailed out in recent months were Younis Machhi, who made the announcement on the mosque loudspeaker for people to gather. Theres clear video evidence of Younis Machhi inciting the people to attack Christians, yet he too has walked free on bail, Farooq said. Almost all those who have been freed from custody have been hailed as heroes on their return. A fact-finding visit to Jaranwala found many Christians complaining of police detention and torture, Farooq said. Apart from this, the families have not been completely rehabilitated, and while the government promised compensation money, not every household has managed to acquire this because in some households there are multiple families staying after their homes were destroyed, and the less powerful residents of that household have not been able to take the money. At least 50 families have not received the money. When they go to the local administration, they receive no help, he said. He endorsed the claims of the two Christians that social relations between the Christian and Muslim community soured after the Jaranwala attacks. Christian workers are being fired from their workplaces, including factories in and around that tehsil and in Faisalabad as well, Farooq said. Children are facing discrimination in schools from other children as well. Its a sad situation. Church leaders and rights activists say that the governments failure to implement a 2014 landmark judgment by former Chief Justice Tassaduq Jillani has left religious minorities communities vulnerable to repeated acts of violence and persecution. The Jaranwala incident questions the effectiveness and enforcement of legal protections for minorities, said Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshall. The state could have prevented the attacks in Jaranwala and other places if it had fully implemented Jillanis recommendations, he added. The judgment condemned violence against minorities and laid out comprehensive recommendations to protect minority rights and promote religious tolerance. These included creating a special police force for protecting places of worship, establishing a National Council for Minorities Rights, and reforming educational curricula to foster religious harmony. Despite the urgency of these recommendations, implementation has been sluggish and incomplete. Efforts to bolster security for places of worship have been inconsistent, and the nationwide establishment of a dedicated special police force as envisioned in the Jillani judgment remains unfulfilled. The senior church leader said he regretted that his demand for accountability from police and the administration was stonewalled by the Punjab government. We filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incident and hold the negligent officials accountable, but the provincial government fiercely opposed it, Marshall said. We feared that the suspects would not be prosecuted, and this is exactly what has happened. With the rise of threats from extremist groups like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, tensions demand immediate and decisive action by the government, he said. The path forward for Pakistan involves not just the protection of minority rights, but the promotion of an inclusive and tolerant society where all citizens can live without fear of persecution, Marshall said. The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction could be dire. Pakistan must act now to ensure a future where all its citizens can live in peace and harmony. In 2023 alone there were at least 193 attacks on minorities, including assaults on individuals, properties and places of worship, according to the Centre for Social Justice. An increase in blasphemy cases has seen at least 350 persons behind bars in Punjab Province as of June, of which 103 were accused of blasphemy since January, according to the centre. There has also been an upsurge in killings related to blasphemy allegations in the past two years. At least six persons or individuals were killed by private persons after blasphemy accusations in 2023, according to the report. Along with two extrajudicial killings, another three persons accused of blasphemy died in jail between June 2023 and 2024. Thus a total of 11 persons accused of blasphemy have lost their lives in the past 18 months, it stated. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. BEIJING Party General Secretary and President To Lam and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of 14 cooperation documents between ministries, agencies and localities of the two countries on Monday as part of the Vietnamese top leaders state visit to China. The documents include a memorandum of cooperation (MoU) between the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and the Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (National Academy of Governance); an MoU on industrial cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China; an MoU on healthcare cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Health Commission of China; an MoU between the State Bank of Viet Nam and the People's Bank of China on enhancing cooperation and information exchange in banking operations; an MoU between the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Viet Nam and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) on promoting development cooperation projects in the social and livelihood fields; and a certificate of the handover of the results of the aid project for Viet Nam in the Lao Cai - Ha Noi - Hai Phong standard gauge railway planning between the two governments. There are also three protocols on plant quarantine and food safety for frozen durian, plant quarantine requirements for fresh coconuts, and quarantine and health requirements for farmed crocodiles exported from Viet Nam to China between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) of Viet Nam and the General Administration of Customs China (GACC); an official letter between the Ministry of Transport of Viet Nam and the CIDCA on the feasibility study of the technical aid project for planning two standard gauge railway routes of Lang Son - Ha Noi and Mong Cai - Ha Long - Ha Noi; an agreement on professional cooperation between the Vietnam News Agency and China's Xinhua News Agency; an MoU on strengthening cooperation between the Vietnam Television and the China Central Radio and Television; an MoU between the MoH and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine on cooperation in traditional medicine; and an MoU on press and media exchange programme for 2024-2029 between the Viet Nam Journalists' Association and the All-China Journalists Association (ACJA). The MoUs on enhancing economic and trade cooperation between the MoIT and the authorities of Hainan and Shandong provinces of China were also announced at the signing ceremony. The relationship between Viet Nam and China has recorded rapid, intensive and comprehensive progress across fields after more than 30 years of normalisation, especially after over 15 years since the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in 2008. Since the beginning of 2024, the bilateral relations have maintained a positive development momentum, with a strong cooperation atmosphere spreading among various sectors, agencies and people of the two countries. The two sides have shared the view that the bilateral relationship is at the deepest, most comprehensive and substantive level ever. VNS BEIJING Viet Nam considers the strengthening of cooperation and friendship with China a consistent policy, a strategic choice, and a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations, said Party General Secretary and President To Lam. During a meeting in Beijing on Monday with member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji, Lam affirmed that leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State commit to inheriting and upholding the political legacy of late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He expressed readiness to work closely with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and other key Chinese leaders, including Chairman Zhao, to build a fine and reliable working relationship with the same orientations for the continuous development of ties between the two Parties and countries. Lam congratulated China on its remarkable achievements, notably its success in reaching the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Zhao affirmed that China views Viet Nam as a priority in its policy of neighbourhood diplomacy. The Chinese Party, State and people wish to continuously strengthen, maintain and foster the friendly neighbourliness and fraternal ties with Viet Nam, actively build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, contributing to the modernisation of socialism in both countries, he said. Thanking Lam for his congratulations and positive assessment of the results of the third plenary session of the CPC Central Committee, he also shared the importance of the session in deepening comprehensive reform and advancing Chinese-style modernisation in the near future. In reply, Lam invited Zhao to visit Viet Nam soon to co-chair the first session of the Viet Nam-China inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanism with Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man. He suggested that the Vietnamese NA and the National People's Congress of China continue facilitating the exchange of all-level delegations, including interactions among members of specialised committees, friendship parliamentarians groups, local People's Congresses of China and municipal and provincial People's Councils of Viet Nam. That, he believed, would solidify the friendship and cooperation between the two legislatures and ensure the effective implementation of cooperation agreements. Additionally, he called for increasing the sharing of experience in law building, and further upholding the role of supervising and hastening the two governments to realise common perceptions and agreements reached by high-ranking leaders, and improve the effectiveness of substantive cooperation in various fields. The guest also stressed the need for mutual support at global and regional inter-parliamentary forums, and close coordination in implementing international treaties to which both sides are members, for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. Zhao agreed with Lams views on developing the relations between the two Parties and States, enhancing the exchange and cooperation between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Chinese National Peoples Congress, and carrying out the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. He suggested both sides unceasingly improve transport connections, particularly railway and road, and promote cross-border cooperation area building, affirming that China stands ready to import the agricultural products of Viet Nams strengths, accelerate projects to improve peoples livelihoods, organise various friendship activities to mark the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations in 2025, and rationally handle issues related to border and territory. The host also affirmed that the National Peoples Congress of China is willing to step up and further deepen the friendship exchange and substantive cooperation with the Vietnamese National Assembly, contributing to building the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future to bring practical benefits to the two nations and their people. VNS BEIJING China consistently considers its relationship with Viet Nam a priority in its policy of neighborhood diplomacy, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a meeting with visiting Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam in Beijing on Monday. Welcoming Lam on his first state visit to China, which is also his first overseas trip in his new role as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee, Li said that the visit reflects the high importance and top priority that the Vietnamese Party and State place on the bilateral relationship. He believed it will provide a strong impetus for the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future to enter a new phase with more substantive outcomes. The Chinese Party and Government remain steadfast in supporting Viet Nam to comprehensively promote its reform, accelerate industrialisation and modernisation, and successfully build socialism suited to Viet Nam's conditions, he said. Lam said Viet Nam always considers the development of friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation with China a consistent policy, a strategic choice, and a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations. The country will continue upholding the significant achievements and common perceptions reached by high-ranking leaders of both sides to elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and build the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Both sides expressed pleasure that the relationship between the two Parties and countries has reached a historic development to the most intensive, comprehensive and substantive level ever seen, with significant results such as reinforced political trust, elevated relationship, regularly maintained exchanges and contact at all levels, thriving trade collaboration, strongly growing Chinese investments in Viet Nam, strong tourism recovery, and enhanced locality-to-locality cooperation and people-to-people exchange. Holding that the two countries boast huge potential for cooperation, the two leaders agreed to make joint efforts to bolster political and economic confidence, effectively build the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, taking the bilateral ties to a new development period in the direction of the six major orientations, maintain regular contact at all levels, and promote exchanges and cooperation via Party, Government, National Assembly/National Peoples Congress, and Fatherland Front/People's Political Consultative Conference channels. They concurred to expand cooperation in such key areas as foreign affairs, defence and security, enhance substantive collaboration to carve out further achievements, step up locality-to-locality connection and people-to-people exchange, well arrange activities to mark the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations, consolidate a solid social foundation, create new motives for the development of the bilateral ties, and maintain close coordination and cooperation as well as support each other at multilateral forums and mechanisms. Party General Secretary and President Lam welcomed Chinas engagement in developing three standard-gauge railway projects that connect the two nations, the Vientiane Vung Ang railway, and the metro system in Ha Noi. He went on to ask China to continue opening up its market for high-quality farm produce from Viet Nam, and create favourable conditions for the country to set up its Consulate General in Chongqing, and trade promotion offices in China. He also suggested China accelerate its large-scale and high-quality investment projects with modern technologies in Viet Nam, soon pilot smart border gates, consider cooperation in payment in local currencies, and step up collaboration across the areas of science-technology, innovation, green transition, digital transformation and high-tech agriculture. Lam also said that he hopes the two sides will boost cooperation in education, culture, tourism, and natural disaster prevention and mitigation, rescue and urgent response. Agreeing with Lam, Li held that the two countries need to stay consistent with their cooperation structure and win-win development, expressed his readiness to maintain exchanges at all levels, promote the role of the China Viet Nam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in enhancing the bilateral relations following the six major orientations, improve rail connection between Viet Nam and Europe via China, accelerate the feasibility study of the Lao Cai Ha Noi Hai Phong railway, make planning for the ong ang Ha Noi, and Mong Cai Ha Long Hai Phong railways, and facilitate Vietnamese high-quality agro-fishery products entry into China. He suggested both sides continue enhancing their neighbourliness and friendship, bolstering people-to-people exchange, implementing peoples livelihood projects, working together in the fields of vocational training, and promoting the role of the Viet Nam China Friendship Palace. He laid stress on the persistence of the genuine multilateralism, and open regionalism, adding China stands ready for enhanced cooperation at multilateral forums. The two sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. They agreed to jointly control and satisfactorily settle disagreements, maintain peace and stability at sea, and consolidate a favourable environment for the development of each nation. Lam suggested the two countries seriously carry out the high-level common perceptions, and the Viet Nam-China agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues, respect international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), respect each others legitimate rights and interests, promote the efficacy of the negotiation mechanisms on the sea-related issues, satisfactorily handle issues relating to fishing vessels and fishermen, well control the situation at sea, and maintain the stable, positive development momentum of the bilateral ties, as well as peace and stability in the region. VNS HA NOI The Politburo, the top decision-making organ of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, has urged educational institutions to focus on improving students' foreign language abilities, with the goal of gradually making English the second language in schools. This directive was part of the Politburo's conclusion last week regarding the implementation of the Party Central Committees Resolution 29 from 2013. This resolution focuses on comprehensive and fundamental reforms in education and training to meet the demands of industrialisation and modernisation in a market-oriented socialist economy and international integration. The conclusion highlights that after ten years of implementing the resolution, significant progress has been made in education and training. To build on these achievements and address existing shortcomings, the Politburo has asked the Party committees, authorities, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and other socio-political organisations to promote international integration in education and training to meet the needs of developing a high-quality workforce for the country's new development phase. Efforts should be concentrated on enhancing students' foreign language proficiency, gradually making English the second language in schools. The Politburo has encouraged domestic educational institutions to collaborate with advanced educational institutions worldwide. It has suggested creating breakthrough mechanisms and policies to attract foreign experts and scientists, as well as overseas Vietnamese, to teach, conduct research and work at educational institutions in Viet Nam. Additionally, the Politburo has advocated for attracting international students to study in Viet Nam and encouraged reputable international universities to open branches in the country. Furthermore, it has stressed funding the training of high-quality human resources abroad, especially in training PhD-level lecturers and experts in advanced technology and engineering fields. The Politburo has called for the ongoing enhancement of the national education system, emphasising an open, flexible and interconnected approach that promotes lifelong learning and a learning society. The Politburo has also urged a strong push towards transformation in education and training. A key focus is on reviewing, reorganising and expanding the network of preschools and general education institutions to ensure adequate schools and classrooms, particularly in large cities, industrial zones, densely populated areas and mountainous regions. This effort aims to ensure equal access to education for all. Additionally, the development of a non-public education system that aligns with global trends and Viet Nams conditions, along with investment in high-quality education, is encouraged. The Politburo has also stressed the importance of planning and organising the network of higher education, teacher training and vocational education institutions to ensure efficiency and alignment with the development goals of various socio-economic regions and the whole country. Priority should be given to allocating sufficient land for building preschools, general education institutions, vocational training centres and universities. Accelerating the digital transformation in education and training is another key objective, with a focus on developing digital education, smart education, personalised learning, creative education and education that adapts to the development of artificial intelligence. Students should be equipped with essential skills to learn and work effectively and safely in the digital space. The Politburo has encouraged the development of open training methods, open online teaching and learning platforms and open online learning resources. New school models, such as digital schools, smart schools and happy schools, are also encouraged. VNS Thu Trang CA MAU Le Thi Lien, 42, is so happy to live in her newly-built house, which has been a long-term dream of her family. Earlier, her previous home, in Khanh Lam Commune, U Minh District, the southern province of Ca Mau was seriously rundown and unsafe. Her family remember terrible times and have sad memories from rainy and stormy seasons, when leaks in the roof of her home left it partially submerged almost all of the time. Lien is a housewife and all of her familys income depends on her husbands insecure work. Her first daughter had to quit school at grade 7, while her second son had to leave school at grade 4 because of their poor health and the family's living conditions. Income from my husbands fishing is not enough for daily use, so we did not even dare to dream for a solid house, said Lien. Now, with support from sponsors and local authorities, Liens desire for a safe and dry home has been fulfilled. Lien is among more than 20,000 poor people who received 4,966 solid houses from the programme 'Improving the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change-related impacts in Viet Nam' known as Project GCF. The project started in 2017 across Nam inh, Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai and Ca Mau provinces. Its total budget is US$41.9 million, of which monies from the Green Climate Fund accounted for $29.5 million, the Vietnamese Government contributed $10.8 million and it was topped up with a fund from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), $1.6 million. The objective of the project is to improve the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change-related impacts in Viet Nam through safe housing, to protect vulnerable communities from increased flooding and storms, ensure robust mangrove coverage to provide a natural buffer between coastal communities and the sea and to improve climate risk information to guide climate-resilient and risk-informed planning. To date, the projects results include 4,966 resilient homes constructed, 4,260ha regenerated mangroves installed and more than 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide avoided and more than 62,000 people with access to climate change and resilience information. Safe houses were built in Ca Mau Province in compliance with the Ministry of Construction's housing standards, added with resilient features, suited to the landscape and the way of life of coastal residents. Each house is designed with a peak height of 4m, a usable area of 18-40sq.m and can withstand a wind speed of 118-133km per hour. The house's foundation is at least 0.5m higher than the highest water level. Each house is worth VN80 million ($3,100), of which half is supported by the project and the remainder comes from the local budget. Hope Le Van Su, Deputy Chairman of the Ca Mau Province Peoples Committee, said that Ca Mau was the latest province to join the project, starting from the beginning of 2024. With determination to overcome difficulties of the project management board, the provincial authorities and beneficiary families, the project has so far completed the goal of building 425 safe houses in Ca Mau, said Su. He said that people in coastal communes of the province still have to cope with storms, high tides and harsh conditions of climate change every year. Support from the Project GCF has helped a large number of poor households have safe accommodation. With a coastline of 254km, 41 coastal and near-coastal communes and towns, Ca Mau has many poor households who do not have houses, he said. Su hopes that ministries, donors and community will continue to partner with the the province to support poor households, allowing them to stabilise their lives and be safe from natural disasters. Households that have been helped to build houses must cherish the affection and support, use it effectively, strive to escape poverty, not only to have safe housing but also to have a prosperous and happy life, he said. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, emphasised that the houses had made the dream for the poor in coastal areas come true. This was their motivation to confidently develop their livelihoods, she said. A house was a valuable asset for individuals and families. Therefore, building safe houses was the foundation for enhancing the ability to adapt to climate change of households living in coastal areas of Viet Nam, she said. Livelihood support Nguyen Huu Quyen, Deputy Director of the Legal Inspection Division of the Ca Mau Forest Protection Department and also project supervisor, said that Ca Mau is the only province in the country that has three sides bordering the sea, with a length of 254km, often faces landslides and salinity intrusion. With an area of 3,168ha of new planting and additional restoration planting of forest supported by the Project GCF along the province's coastline, it has significantly contributed to improving the ability to protect against waves and protect sea dikes, he said. Specifically, 1,389ha of additional planting and restoration forest under the charge of the at Mui Protective Forest Management Board have created a 'green wall' defending 12km of coastline, 2,000ha of ecological shrimp farming under the forest canopy, and supported the lives of 577 local households. Ca Mau has favourable conditions for aquaculture development and is the locality with the largest shrimp farming area in the country with nearly 280,000ha, said Quyen. Currently, Ca Mau has nearly 40,000ha of ecological shrimp farming under the forest canopy, most farms concentrated in Ngoc Hien District with nearly 23,000ha. Of which, about 20,000ha of shrimp area are certified according to international standards. In recent years, the project has supported 11 ecological shrimp farming models under the mangrove canopy for 978 households to achieve certification according to international standards, supplying exports and bringing farmers a stable income. In 2023-2024, among the households implementing the aquaculture model under the forest canopy, the project selected 500 households in Nguyen Huan Commune, am Doi District to participate in the aquatic traceability system for ecological shrimp. The results have increased the economic value of shrimp farming activities, while protecting mangrove forest resources, said Quyen. Aquaculture under the forest canopy is a form of farming associated with forest protection with many farmed species such as shrimp, fish, crabs and snails. Today, this model is also considered a measure to absorb carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the green development trend in the world, bringing stable income to local people, he said. Viet Nam is considered one of the six countries at most extreme risk to climate change. According the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), climate change has contributed to temperature increases of more than 0.5 degree Celsius and a 20cm rise in sea level over the past 50 years in Viet Nam. Extreme climate events also have been increasing. Over the last two decades, Viet Nam has reported 226 extreme weather events, which have killed on average 286 people per year and caused annual economic losses of $2 billion, according to the MoNRE. In Viet Nam, more than 500,000 people live within 200m of the coast. Their homes are usually affected by typhoons and many of them live in unsafe housing, in part due to rapid urbanisation and persistent poverty. The absence of rigorous climate risk information places considerable limitations on climate-resilient planning and adaptation investments. Access to climate damage and loss data and early warning information helps communities to reduce disaster risk and build more sustainable socio-economic development in the context of climate change. VNS HA NOI A surge in dengue fever cases across Viet Nam has led to several fatalities, health officials warned. With nearly 53,000 cases reported nationwide since the beginning of the year, authorities are grappling with a more severe outbreak compared to previous years. The situation has been particularly dire in certain regions. The Central Highlands province of ak Lak has seen a sharp increase in cases since late July, with more than 1,400 infections reported. An 11-year-old boy in Buon Ma Thuot City became the first dengue-related death in the province this year. The boy's rapid deterioration of health despite medical intervention highlights the potential dangers of severe dengue. In the northern city Hai Phong, another fatality was attributed to dengue shock. Hospitals in major cities, including Ha Noi's Bach Mai Hospital, are overwhelmed with severe cases. o Duy Cuong, Director of the Bach Mai Hospital's Tropical Diseases Centre, said what is alarming this year is the early onset and increased severity of cases, particularly in northern provinces such as Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Thai Binh. He explains that dengue typically progresses through three distinct phases: fever, danger and recovery. It's during the the danger phase, which occurs after the fever subsides, that patients are most at risk. "Patients may appear to be improving during the danger phase, but without proper hydration, they can experience life-threatening complications," said Cuong. Ha Huy Tinh, Deputy Head of the Infectious Diseases Department at ong a General Hospital, warned that many patients mistakenly believe they are in the clear once the fever breaks. "But with dengue, the period after the fever breaks is actually the most critical," said Tinh. He expressed concerns over people's tendency to self-medicate with high doses of fever-reducing drugs, which can lead to severe complications like liver and kidney failure. He urged anyone with suspected dengue fever to seek professional medical evaluation and avoid self-treatment. Early diagnosis and proper management are crucial for preventing complications and ensuring a safe recovery. The aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary carrier of dengue fever, thrives in urban environments, breeding in stagnant water sources near human habitation. Health officials are urging residents to take proactive measures to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by clearing dark, damp areas and removing any standing water. They also recommend using insecticides, mosquito repellents and installing window screens and sleeping under bed nets to reduce the risk of transmission further. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday issued an urgent directive to provincial and city Peoples Committees, Hygiene and Epidemiology Institutes, Pasteur Institutes and hospitals specialising in infectious diseases, urging them to ramp up efforts to prevent and control the spread of mpox. The directive follows the WHOs declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern. Since Sept 2022, Viet Nam has recorded 202 confirmed mpox cases, along with eight deaths associated with the viral disease, primarily in HCM City and southern provinces. The ministry has urged local authorities to strictly follow Government and Prime Minister directives, emphasising the need for enhanced mpox monitoring, prevention and clear guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and infection control in healthcare facilities. Localities must intensify surveillance at entry points, border gates, and healthcare facilities, integrating these efforts with ongoing HIV/AIDS prevention, particularly in gynaecology, dermatology, and related health services. The ministry has further advised that training sessions be organised for healthcare workers at all levels, focusing on the monitoring, prevention, care, treatment, and infection control of mpox. Localities have been directed to update response plans, ensuring that medications, equipment, personnel and funding are ready for outbreak management and disease prevention. The Ministry is also emphasising the importance of increasing public communication about preventive measures, particularly targeting high-risk groups. Local authorities are expected to enhance inspections, monitoring, and guidance for disease control efforts in their areas. Any suspected or confirmed mpox cases must be reported immediately through the website https://macabenh.vncdc.gov.vn/?mod=monkey or via the hotline at 0387525938. Hygiene Institutes, Pasteur Institutes, and hospitals must closely monitor mpox, promptly identifying cases and unusual pathogens. They are to report to MoH and advise on preventive measures. The ministry also emphasised the need for ready diagnostic tools, ongoing training, and local support for outbreak management. In the last two months, WHO has reported an unusual spike in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since the start of the year, the country has recorded approximately 15,600 cases, including over 537 deaths. The Clade Ib strain of the mpox virus is predominant in this outbreak, displaying some epidemiological differences from the 2022-24 outbreak in Europe and other regions. These differences include a younger affected population (about 50 per cent under 15 years old and about 39 per cent under five years old), transmission among female sex workers (7.5 per cent), and household transmission. Four neighbouring countries, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda have reported their first mpox cases linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sweden and Pakistan have reported cases of the Clade Ib strain outside of Africa. VNS HA NOI Professor Vo Tong Xuan, a leading agricultural expert in Viet Nam, passed away on Monday morning in HCM City. He was 84. Xuan, a People's Educator and Honourary Chancellor of the Nam Can Tho University, died of serious illnesses at 7am on Monday, said Tran Huu Xinh, the university's vice chancellor, said. As a leading expert in agricultural science, he made contributions to international research. He was the inventor of many Vietnamese rice varieties in the Mekong Delta region. Xuan played a key role in popularising IR36 rice variety in areas frequently attacked by pests in the Mekong Delta region and collaborating with farmers in applying advanced grafting techniques. The professor was born in 1940 in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang. In 1961, he received a scholarship to study abroad at the Philippine Agricultural University in Los Banos and was an excellent international student in his studies. In 1966, he graduated from the university with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Chemistry and was accepted as a PhD student at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). In 1971, he returned to Viet Nam with the desire to train a team of agricultural engineers for his homeland at the invitation of the director of Can Tho University with the message "the country really needs people like you". At the end of 1974, he went to Japan and defended his doctoral thesis one year later. He compiled many valuable textbooks, books and reference materials serving agricultural production not only domestically but also internationally. He was awarded an honourary title of professor of agronomy in 1980 and the Labour Hero award in 1985. He was also elected a National Assembly delegate for three tenures. His last public appearance was his attendance at the workshop for water security in Mekong Delta held on June 29, 2024. His funeral is expected to be held at Can Tho Funeral Hall in Can Tho City, per the family's request. The leadership of Can Tho City Party Committee, People's Committee, People's Council has proposed to preside over the funeral as Xuan was the National Assembly delegate for the city for three consecutive tenures. VNS BEIJING Viet Nam and China will step up collaboration in social affairs and peoples livelihoods under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Luo Zhaohui on Monday. The signing took place as part of the ongoing state visit to China by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President To Lam and his spouse. The MoU aims at materialising the common perceptions reached by high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and States on boosting economic cooperation, including development collaboration, and the implementation of the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Accordingly, both sides agreed to study and carry out projects in the above-mentioned domains to better socioeconomic conditions, thus improving the livelihoods of people, particularly those living in mountainous, remote, and ethnic minority-inhabited areas. In the coming time, the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment and the CIDCA will take specific actions to effectively implement projects using the aid from the Chinese Government, and other aid projects within the GDI. They will focus on carrying out those using the CNY600 million (US$83.74 million) aid provided by the Chinese Government for the Vietnamese Government. VNS How does NIQ evaluate the current alcoholic beverage market in Vietnam, and who are the major players dominating the sector? Beverages contribute nearly half of the total value sales in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in Vietnam, and this category maintains a strong position with long-term growth. Le Minh Trang, associate director of the Retail Measurement Service at NielsenIQ (NIQ) Vietnam Among them, beer is considered the key category, accounting for the largest value percentage share, representing over 21 per cent of revenue among eight FMCG categories in Vietnam, which include beer, non-alcoholic beverages, tobacco, dairy, staple food, impulse food, home care, and personal care products. The beer sector has rebounded strongly, achieving double-digit growth following the pandemic period, with the reopening of restaurants and eateries. However, in 2023, the sector saw a long-term decline in consumption due to government control measures, economic pressures, and reduced demand across all regions. In the past 12 months, the beer sector has decreased by 6 per cent compared to the same period last year, especially in major cities. Nevertheless, Vietnam remains a promising market in the region due to its demographic advantage, consumer habits, and competitive product prices. NIQs retail data indicates that there are currently over 180 beer producers in Vietnam. However, over 90 per cent of value sales and volume sales in the sector is attributed to the top four leading producers, which include both domestic and foreign-invested beer manufacturers. Given the potential yet unstable market environment, what trends are expected to have a significant impact on the future of the alcoholic beverage sector? From NIQs retail data, we observe a shift in consumer behaviour adapting to new circumstances. This change is evident in four factors: sales channels, products, packaging, and price segments. Modern sales channels such as supermarkets, minimarts, and convenience stores are becoming increasingly important for the beer sector and are also promising channels for manufacturers. According to NIQs consumer behaviour report for Q2, reducing unnecessary expenses, including dining out, and increasing home cooking are common practices adopted by half of consumers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This change has directly impacted the revenue of restaurant chains and eateries since the start of 2023. Over the past 12 months, nationwide revenue from beer in the restaurant chains and eateries has decreased by 6 per cent, with a decline of 11 per cent in the six major cities. Economic pressures, combined with changing consumer habits, have also made canned packaging, which already had a leading position, increasingly popular. NIQ has recorded a 4 per cent increase in the contribution of canned packaging to revenue over the past three years since 2022. Our report also indicates that health is one of the top three concerns for Vietnamese consumers, similar to other Asia-Pacific markets such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan. This mindset has directly influenced consumer habits and product choices across most sectors, including beer. NIQ notes a nearly 35 per cent increase in the volume of low-alcohol beer products over the past 12 months compared to the previous year, particularly in the six major cities and modern sales channels in Vietnam. Finally, our retail data shows that most consumers are opting for the affordable beer segment. However, a segment of consumers still prefers premium beer for a better experience. What are your predictions about changes in consumer behaviour towards alcoholic beverages? Current drink-driving rules, which increased fines for drivers using alcoholic beverages in traffic, has impacted the revenue of restaurants and eateries distributing beer, and its effects are expected to persist. Consumers will reduce their frequency of drinking beer outside, affecting the premium segment. NIQ Vietnams retail data also shows a decline in beer volume and consumption since Q1 2023, with a recovery only beginning in early Q2 of this year. The polarisation of consumer preferences regarding product price segments has been evident in the beer sector over the past two years, with growth in both the mainstream and premium segments. While the mainstream segment has developed strongly due to economic factors, the premium segment is driven by a segment of consumers willing to pay more for new experiences. Under the impact of increased special consumption tax, according to NIQs long-term data, the budget segment is likely to maintain its position as the main segment, contributing about 55-60 per cent of the sectors volume, while the contribution of the premium segment will need more time to be observed. Nevertheless, this segmentation in consumer behaviour also presents many growth opportunities for businesses with products in the respective segments. Alcoholic beverage groups urged to track trends The alcoholic beverage industry is expected to continue facing hiccups until 2024 as revenue and profit of many brands remain on the decline. Changing trends in alcoholic beverage consumption in Vietnam Vietnamese consumers are increasingly favouring drinks brands that prioritise health and environmental sustainability. Keep sharing Jesus within a 'circle of love' to peoples in the Pacific region was a key theme of the Assemblies of God, as they commemorated the 50th anniversary of gospel witnessing in the Cook Islands. Commenting to Christian Daily International, Paul Kauri, AOG General Superintendent for Cook Islands, explained the unique missional challenges for believers who are based in the heart of the Pacific Ocean with 15 atolls spread out over two million square kilometers. The Polynesian Triangle, a geographic triangle connecting Hawaii to New Zealand to RapaNui, also known as Easter Island, presented a formidable challenge due to the sheer vastness and remoteness of the area, according to Kauri. The Polynesian Triangle measures at 40 million square kilometers, he explained. However, the Pacific Rim of the pacific ocean is not only the largest tectonic plate but it is also the largest area at 166 million square kilometers. It connects Polynesians, Micronesians, Melanesians, Asia, Australasia, South and North America, including Europe due to the French and Spanish ruled countries. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Kauri highlighted the practical challenges of churches reaching out to the peoples living across the Pacific islands. God has called us to reach to places that are only accessible by boat and once on those islands you cant leave for at least a month, unless the boat has been specially chartered. The isolation of some of these islands makes even internet connection incredibly challenging. But the greatest challenge that we face at this moment is the faith to go! Kauri referenced the decision of Paul and Peter to set out in differing geographical areas of mission, as recorded in Galatians 2:8. That is why the Jubilee celebrations have been a launchpad for the AOG community and co-pilots in the mission work, giving a response to Gods call to us to the Pacific rim, to launch the Vakas again [Vaka is a Polynesian boat]. Meanwhile, the celebrations have seen events heralding the historic five decades of the AOG church network serving the region, including a national retreat in May, and quarterly celebration services hosted by four churches in Rarotonga island. Arepua Gateway Church in Happy Valley Road, Takuvaine Tapere, of Rarotonga, pastored by Kauri with his wife Tania, hosted the main National Jubilee Conference under the banner His Vision Our Mission, a four-day event at the end of July, with an AOG womens combined retreat. The main conference had a lineup of speakers in honor of 50 years of Gods goodness, faithfulness and blessings. The event advertised together advancing Gods Kingdom across generations, fulfilling His Will, according to His Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Speakers included New Zealander pastors Michael and Alison Nicholas, of Faith City Church in Manukau, and compatriots Cliff and Nova Cherry of Redemption Point Church in Havelock South; and Paul and Monika Zanardo, pastors of Melbourne Lights Church in Melbourne, Australia. The first evening of the conference, led by Paul Zanardo from Melbourne Lights Church, taught on the fivefold gifting for leadership noted in Ephesians 4:11 and launched a circle of love mission focus, according to Arepua Gateway Churchs Facebook page, encompassing islands in the Pacific, bound by a three-stranded rope that conveys freedom, unity and the message to share the gospel. There was a stirring in people's hearts to receive what Jesus died to give us, freedom and restoration, the Arepua church said in a social media post. Freedom from sin and bondage, and restoration of identity in Christ. God is awakening a fearless, courageous next generation, raising generals and prayer warriors to bring revival. Hungry to see God's kingdom advance and to co-labor with Him to see sons and daughters restored into Sonship. There is revival in the body of Christ, marked by confession and repentance in the hearts of people. Kauri referred to the AOG Cook Islands newsletter, written after the main conference, in which testimonies from participants were recorded. Murielle Poheroa from Tahiti watched the event online and received healing for neck pain. Mama Ina went forward to receive prayer for her painful knees. Nothing seemed to happen until she took a tissue to someone crying and she noticed herself walking normally. Three girls from Rotorua Girls High School also received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Sunday evening of our Jubilee Celebration, felt like we went into another realm of Gods presence and glory that even a few of the worship team members, and speakers of the conference could not play, sing or stand in His presence, Kauri noted in the newsletter. Kauri cited deaf ears opening, miraculous healing of limbs, a seismic shift in peoples spirits, various other miracles, moments of salvation, alongside songs and dances, our children, the hospitality, the fellowship, Tahiti & Moorea, the food, people surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus. Kauri praised youthful joy returning to the elderly and reverent awe in the hearts of the young. Partnerships from six different ministries for the celebrations were also lauded by the AOG general superintendent. These were listed as AOG Cook Islands, Aretanutanu Church, Celebration Church, Melbourne Lights, Faith City Church, Moorea AOG, and Edualdo and Aline Cicero in Tahiti. The National Assembly in recent months approved the pilot of a free trade zone (FTZ) model in Danang, which is a basic legal framework for the city to build the nations first such zone. According to the resolution, the Danang FTZ will be established in association with the Lien Chieu seaport and, according to the Peoples Committee of Danang, the exact location as well as any adjustments or expansions of the FTZ will be determined at a later date. Danang stakes claim with first free trade zone plans The city is now making efforts to complete documents to establish the FTZ to submit to the government in early 2025. Le Thi Kim Phuong, director of the citys Department of Industry and Trade, at a press conference in early August said the city is specifically determining the location, boundaries, and specific functions of each functional area in the FTZ. To prepare for the implementation of the FTZ, Danang will conduct promotional activities to call for investors. Those interested in FTZs will enjoy policy mechanisms such as policies in economic zones and non-tariff zones. The selection of investors for the FTZ will only be implemented after the decision to establish it, Phuong said. The fact that Danang was approved to pilot the establishment of Vietnams first FTZ has contributed to increasing the reputation of the city, making investors pay attention and spend time researching and learning, Phuong added. There are a number of parties interested in seeking information about the policies and proposed locations for establishing an FTZ here, she said. According to Phuong, in an effort to form a strong trade ecosystem, the city will deploy the construction of a comprehensive and synchronous chain of solutions, including improving the business environment and quality of infrastructure, as well as promoting attractive preferential policies for investors. Danang will strengthen promotion activities, and promote the image and potential of the FTZ to international partners, thereby creating a strong attraction in the context of a constantly changing global market, she said. Ready for establishment "There is a deep-water seaport and an international airport, both with strong connections, so the city could easily establish a free trade zone." Previously in June, the Department of Industry and Trade of Danang sent an official dispatch requesting relevant departments and Lien Chieu districts Peoples Committee to consider and give opinions about four proposed locations for FTZs surveyed by the municipal Peoples Committee. It is expected that location 1 will form a logistics and production area of about 536 hectares located west of the southern bypass of Hai Van tunnel to the end of Truong Dinh village in Hoa Vang district. The second location forms a production area of about 540ha in the expanded high-tech zone area in Hoa Vang district. Location 3 forms a commercial and service area of about 130ha in an area oriented as a non-tariff zone in Hoa Vang district. The fourth location is a proposed sea reclamation, expected to be as much as 1,000ha in Danang bay, which is not yet oriented in the construction planning. Regardless of final location, functional areas in the Danang FTZ will be separated from the outside area by hard fences, ensuring supervision and control of customs and state management activities in respective fields of relevant agencies. The FTZ will apply a series of preferential policies. In particular, the operating term of projects on construction and infrastructure business of functional areas in the FTZ, and projects of investors subleasing land is applied as a 50-year venture in an economic zone according to the provisions of law. Foreign investors establishing economic organisations in the FTZ do not have to have a project and do not have to carry out procedures for granting or adjusting an investment registration certificate before establishing an economic organisation. Incentive levels, exemption periods, reductions in land rent, corporate income tax, and taxes on goods and services will be applied as incentives for ventures in economic zones according to the provisions of law. In addition, businesses with initiatives in functional areas of Danang FTZ will be entitled to priority regimes if they meet conditions for applying the priority regime according to the provisions of customs, tax, finance and relevant laws, except for conditions on export and import turnover. New opportunities Ho Ky Minh, Vice Chairman of Danang Peoples Committee, said, Compared to other FTZs in the world, the Danang FTZ is proposed to be piloted with outstanding preferential policies. It will include a commercial production area, logistics port, and commercial and service area. The first phase will be completed in an open direction, softening boundaries based on research and application of an integrated business urban model. According to the proposal, the Danang High-Tech Park and Industrial Park Management Board will perform state management functions for the FTZ, it has management authority according to the one-stop, on-site mechanism in all fields, facilitating the settlement of investment procedures for businesses. Architect Vu Quang Hung, head of the Management Board, said that the FTZ will be an area adjacent to the port. In particular, goods can be stored for a long time without being subject to customs or other taxes, and are guaranteed to pay taxes on inventory. It will not impose limits on the time of storage, dismantling, repackaging, assembly, distribution, or other factors. According to Hung, there is both a deep-water seaport and an international airport, both with strong connections, so the city can establish an FTZ. There, foreign businesses and investors can bring goods and organise production, preliminary processing, packaging, and labelling before exporting to other countries, or then bringing them into Vietnams domestic market. This area is associated with the Lien Chieu seaport, which is the top favourable factor for an FTZ. Moreover, this area currently has mainly industrial zones and clusters, high-tech zones, and low population density, so planning into an FTZ is relatively easy, Hung said. At that time, the entire northwest area of the city will become a giant bonded warehouse. Goods brought to warehouses and yards here will not have to pay taxes, and can continue to be processed, assembled, and separated, he added. A summertime rendezvous awaits in Danang Summer is almost here, bringing with it plenty of reasons to travel in Vietnam. Danang is one of the top choices for summer travellers looking forward to a few relaxing days of rest, rejuvenation, and beachside leisure. Danang makes global connection with festival Returning to Danang this summer from June 8 to July 13, the Danang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF 2024) is entertaining visitors from all over the world. Free trade zone becomes lever for FDI attraction in Danang The central city of Danang will have opportunities to draw in more investment following approval to establish a free trade zone, with pilot preferential mechanisms to woo high-tech projects. Traditional companies like Hanobaco, Huu Nghi Food, Hai Ha Confectionery, Kinh Do Bakery, and KIDO, among others, are eagerly setting up large booths along main city streets to exhibit mooncakes for sale. Luxury hotels will also join the vibrant market with fruitful collections inspired by traditional legends of prosperity and luck, or East-meet-West creativities. If traditional mooncake makers focus on their tastes of past memories, hoteliers aim to delivery high-quality products with amazingly luxurious and elegant box decor motifs to customers. Their products are not purely a gift but reflect the richness and vibrancy of traditional cultural heritage. Mooncakes now are not just a treat for the palate, but a celebration of the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival, fostering connections and creating cherished memories. Le Meridien Saigon presents City of Stars collection Inspired by the beauty of Ho Chi Minh Citys night sky and its most renowned and picturesque locations, the City of Stars collection features three stunning mooncake boxes. Each box is named after a famous star in the galaxy and designed to capture the essence and charm of these beloved landmarks. Each mooncake in the collection is a testament to chef Ducs culinary artistry and dedication to excellence. Crafted with the finest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, these mooncakes promise an unforgettable Mid-Autumn Festival experience. The collection, highlighted by the Venus Box, Saturn Box, and Mars Box, is a luxurious blend offering both health benefits and exquisite taste as well as capturing the essence of a traditional family feast Special offers include a 25 per cent discount on the public rate when purchasing 201 boxes or above, a 20 per cent discount when purchasing 51-200 boxes, a 15 per cent discount for 11-50 boxes, and 10 per cent off for 5-10 boxes. A custom logo for an order of a minimum of 100 boxes is also available. Prices start from $50 per box. Hanoi Hotel unveils authentic Hong Kong mooncakes Indulge in the splendour of literature and puppetry this mid-autumn with the Hanoi Hotel Mooncake Collection 2024, which features the ethereal beauty of ChangE, the Moon Goddess, and her lunar rabbits portrayed in a classical theatre of mixed Baroque and Renaissance style. Every intricate stage element is gracefully depicted in an elegant jade-green palette, creating an intriguing collection where east meets west, and featuring seven elegant box designs with a variety of refined options for gifting. Each box is exquisitely crafted using 3D printing technology and adorned with opulent gold patterns on lacquered wood, with prices ranging from $34 per box. Hanoi Hotel was one of the first hotels in Vietnam to launch its very own mooncake collection, and its reputation has since been built through its meticulously crafted authentic mooncake of Hong Kong flavours. The hotels pastry artisans, under the expert guidance of Chinese executive mooncake chef Li Jian Chuan, have diligently worked to preserve the distinctive cultural essence of each mooncake, available in three sizes, ensuring the best taste is redefined each year. The quintessence of Hong Kong cuisine is defined by the golden crust made from a secret recipe, perfectly baked to result in a thin and shiny golden crust. Each mooncake, when sliced, reveals the specially selected salted egg yolks, resembling the shape of a full moon. The balanced savoury and sweet flavours create an irresistible and enchanting taste experience. Mai House Saigon gifts symphony of tradition and creativity This Mid-Autumn Festival, Mai House Saigon Hotel presents a unique collection mooncake inspired by the legendary tale of Carp Transforming into Dragon that is a symbol of prosperity and luck. The mooncake collection offers a product that is both a traditional gift and a heartfelt wish to loved ones and business partners. With its luxurious and refined design, the box is adorned with elegant dragon motifs, reflecting the richness and vibrancy of Vietnamese cultural heritage. With four distinct flavours, each mooncake in the box is a testament to creativity and pride in Vietnamese cultural heritage. Crafted from exquisite ingredients, every mooncake embodies meticulousness and the desire to bring joy and luck to its recipients. Prices are $49 per box or $7 per piece. Traditional toys indispensable at Mid-Autumn Festival Amid the abundance of colourful modern toys displayed in Hanois Old Quarter during the Mid-Autumn Festival, traditional offerings till have their place in the hearts of Vietnamese children. Let's celebrate Mid-Autumn festival at Pandanus Resort The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families and children of all ages to come together in celebration and there is no better place to do that than at Pandanus. Full-moon festival in full swing Despite the social distancing measures currently active nationwide, many hotels in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are still trying their best to promote their festive collections of mooncakes and preserve one of the countrys most cherished traditions. President extends Mid-Autumn Festival wishes to children President Vo Van Thuong on September 26 sent a letter extending his best wishes to Vietnamese children inside and outside the country as well as foreign children living in Vietnam on the occasion of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival 2023. These laws align with the development goals of a socialist-oriented market economy, aiming for efficient, sustainable land use, and promoting industrialisation, modernisation, fairness, social stability and national defence. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi - Starting August 1, 2024, three key laws - the 2024 Land Law, the amended Housing Law, and the amended Real Estate Business Law came into effect. These laws are expected to significantly boost the land, housing and real estate markets by improving legal frameworks, enhancing policy mechanisms, removing obstacles, and better allocating resources for economic growth. Phan Duc Hieu, a standing member of the National Assembly's Committee for Economic Affairs, told a conference held in Hanoi last week that the enactment of the three laws is timely and necessary. The 2024 Land Law addresses five key areas: protecting land users' rights, ensuring market transparency and fairness, improving land use efficiency, updating land finance policies and enhancing State management, he said. For acquiring land for production and business, there are three options: the State can reclaim the land, change its use, or negotiate if reclamation is not pursued. The law drafting committee and the Government have reviewed these provisions to prevent overlaps, discrepancies and loopholes, he added. When the State reclaims land for allocation or lease to businesses, it generally uses auctions or bidding, with limited exceptions for direct land allocation. For these crucial laws to be effectively implemented, its essential that the related Decrees, Circulars and guidance documents are thorough, clear and detailed to prevent overlap, misapplication, and legal loopholes, he added. Nguyen Thuy Duong, Editor-in-Chief of Business Magazine said the amended Land Law is garnering significant attention from all levels of government, sectors, localities and, especially, the business community. This is because it intersects with 22 other laws and codes, making it a major legislation with a profound impact on economic and social life as well as on the rights of businesses and inpiduals. The National Assembly's adoption of the amended Land Law, along with the amended Housing Law and Real Estate Business Law, which all took effect on August 1, fulfilling the need for a comprehensive overhaul of land management and use policies. These laws align with the development goals of a socialist-oriented market economy, aiming for efficient, sustainable land use and promoting industrialisation, modernisation, fairness, social stability and national defence, she said. The new laws are expected to positively influence the market, driving recovery and providing a solid legal foundation for the Vietnamese real estate sector's healthy and sustainable development, she added. To ensure these laws are effectively implemented, it is crucial that the related decrees, circulars, and guiding documents are thorough, clear, and precise to prevent overlap and misuse. Dao Trung Chinh, Director of the Department of Planning and Land Resources Development under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said that businesses and real estate investors should focus on land access methods, particularly auctions and bidding. When land is allocated or leased without an auction and if the State provides land without charging fees for certain years of basic construction, businesses must be aware that the law requires specific land designation for such cases, Chinh said. Nguyen Van Dinh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Real Estate Association, said that the 2024 Land Law has been revised to put people first and protecting homebuyers' interests. In response to the issue of abandoned resettlement housing that fails to meet people's needs, the new law mandates that resettlement arrangements must be completed before any land recovery decisions are made, he said. Additionally, Decree 102/2024/ND-CP sets out detailed regulations for land recovery due to law violations. It states that if a project investor fails to use the land within the extended period, that is up to 24 months, the State will reclaim the land without compensation for the land, any assets on it, or remaining investment costs. This regulation aims to end the practice of companies speculating on and hoarding prime commercial and service land to await price increases or changes in land use. It will help better utilise land resources and improve the real estate market, Dinh added. Land Law 2024 disseminated to Vietnamese community abroad The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV) in coordination with the Hanoi Bar Association organised a conference on June 27 to popularise regulations and laws regarding the Land Law 2024 of Vietnam to overseas Vietnamese (OVs). Geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, international sanctions, piracy incidents, missile strikes, cyberattacks, sanitary restrictions, and soaring insurance premiums are presenting the international shipping industry with unprecedented challenges. Patrick Lenain, senior associate at the Council on Economic Policies Despite these headwinds, the movement of goods across the worlds oceans remains steady. According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development, which monitors global shipments of bulk freight and containers, international shipping rebounded in 2023 with an estimated growth of 2.4 per cent, and it is projected to grow at a pace of 2-3 per cent per year in the near term. Managing the rapid growth in shipments requires an efficient logistics chain capable of seamlessly moving bulk freight and containers across oceans, ensuring timely delivery. This efficiency is crucial for the global manufacturing industry, which relies on just-in-time delivery, as demonstrated by the significant bottlenecks experienced in global shipping hubs during the pandemic. Highly efficient deep-sea ports are the backbone of international shipping. In Asia, the port of Singapore consistently ranks among the best, featuring prominently on Lloyds list of 100 ports and the World Bank S&P Global Container Port Index. Not all ports are equally effective in handling cargo. The most competitive ports can load and unload a container in under one minute, while it can take several minutes at others. Automation across cranes and yards plays a significant role in cargo handling performance, but not all ports are equipped with such technology. Delays at ports can also result from administrative and institutional bottlenecks during the clearing of goods. Customs clearance is essential to ensure compliance with tax, sanitary, environmental, and financial regulations. These procedures can be expedited by trade facilitation measures such as single administrative window systems, electronic data exchange systems, pre-clearance of goods, and advanced screening technologies. Singapore has maintained its competitive edge through investments in advanced infrastructure, automated technologies, efficient customs and regulations, and state-of-the-art management practices. In 2023, the port handled 39 million containers, the second-highest volume globally after Shanghai, marking significant growth from the previous year. Red Sea attacks and congestion Singapores port mainly functions as a transhipment hub, where cargoes are unloaded and reloaded onto different ships for their final destinations. Transhipment accounts for 80 per cent of the ports activity. Rather than proximity to a consumer market, this requires proximity to international shipping lines, ample storage space, and highly efficient container handling. Singapore is a preferred destination for liners managing large volumes of shipment boxes. However, Singapores attractiveness has also led to challenges. As container ships reroute to avoid attacks in the Red Sea, they bypass Middle Eastern ports and instead dock at Singapore, leading to increased congestion. This has resulted in vessels waiting at anchorage for up to seven days before unloading, incurring significant costs for shipping companies. To mitigate these delays, Singapore port authorities have taken measures, including reopening closed berths, to reduce waiting times to a more acceptable two days. Additionally, international shippers have started diverting their container ships to other regional ports, such as those in Malaysia and Vietnam, which have the capacity to handle more traffic. International shipping companies now have a growing array of options for unloading cargo in Southeast Asia, thanks to substantial investments in infrastructure development along deep-sea routes. Malaysia offers attractive port facilities at Tanjung Pelepas near Singapore and Klang near Kuala Lumpur. Thailand provides port services at Laem Chabang, while Vietnam offers ports in Ho Chi Minh City and Haiphong. Cargo traffic is increasing at Vietnams deep-sea ports, although these ports remain mid-sized players in international shipping. In 2023, Cat Lai port in Ho Chi Minh City handled 7.9 million containers, while Haiphong processed 5.6 million. Although these marine terminals have some capacity to handle additional cargo, a lack of infrastructure could quickly become a constraint. Vietnam is currently benefiting from congestion in Singapore, but this advantage may be short-lived unless long-term improvements in trade logistics are made. Aligning Vietnams trade facilitation processes with international best practices will be key. According to the Trade Facilitation Indicator 2022, Vietnam was ranked 62nd, well behind leaders like South Korea, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore. A 2021 report by the US Agency for International Development encouraged Vietnam to accelerate its reforms and prepare for the anticipated growth in cargo shipments at Cat Lai terminal. Key areas for reform include customs, data processing, judicial processes, border cooperation, governance, and digitalisation. Significant progress has been made since then, exemplified by the ratification of the World Trade Organizations Trade Facilitation Agreement. The government has introduced an integrated information system and a single window compatible with ASEANs systems. Additionally, the various free trade agreements ratified by Vietnam include commitments to trade facilitation. However, much work remains. Border clearance procedures by line ministries are time-consuming. Managing trade procedures is particularly challenging for small- and medium-sized enterprises, which would benefit from greater stakeholder engagement with government agencies. While the costs and fees associated with port services in Vietnam are low, this alone will not suffice to compete with major hubs where international shippers expect automated handling, electronic customs clearance, cross-border cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and impartial governance. As other shipping hubs continue to enhance their infrastructure and procedures, Vietnam must demonstrate its commitment to remaining a key player in international deep-sea logistics and supply chains. Ports poised for more growth amid ferocious competition, Photo Le Toan Sustainable shipping In response to government actions and public pressure, industries across the board are intensifying efforts to reduce their carbon footprints. Deep-sea transportation and logistics must also rise to the challenge. Traditionally exempt from environmental regulations, the shipping industry could account for 10 per cent of global emissions by 2050 if no action is taken. While international waters are beyond the jurisdiction of national legislations, international shippers are facing growing demand for clean transportation. Multinational companies are increasingly reporting their Scope 3 emissions, which include downstream and upstream emissions, and they are keen to ensure that their products are transported by environmentally friendly ships. International maritime hubs must prepare for this shift. Ports that excel in reducing their carbon emissions and offering low-carbon services to ships while at berth will attract more business. A critical first step is to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of port operations. Port authorities should mandate the use of electric-powered equipment and vehicles within ports. Electrifying cranes, forklifts, and other machinery could significantly reduce emissions, as would upgrading to more energy-efficient lighting and equipment. Another key step is enabling ships to connect to the electric grid while docked, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel power generators. Ensuring that ships do not spend several days waiting at anchorage and burning fuel before unloading is also necessary. Additionally, preventing trucks from idling for hours before entering port facilities is crucial. Good planning and the use of AI can help achieve these goals. The shipping industry has yet to determine its definitive path to decarbonisation. Various experiments with liquefied natural gas, methanol, biofuels, hydrogen, hybrid engines, lithium batteries, and ammonia are underway, but the future direction remains unclear. Port authorities must closely monitor these developments and be prepared to adapt when a clear trend emerges. As part of Vietnams commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, maritime ports should develop pathways to become low-carbon hubs. A good starting point would be ensuring that the electricity used within port premises is generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. An immediate opportunity is to directly contract electricity from a 100 per cent renewable energy supplier, now possible thanks to a decree on the direct power purchase agreements issued by the government of Vietnam in July. Located in the fast-growing Southeast Asia, well integrated into global supply chains, and in close proximity to deep-sea shipping lines, Vietnams maritime ports have the potential to expand beyond their current mid-size status. A shift towards low-carbon port activities, automated infrastructure, and best-practice trade facilitation will be critical. Competition is fierce, with other hubs also moving quickly, but Vietnam has shown that it can succeed when it is determined to achieve its national objectives. Seaport investment creates new promise The seaport industrys evolution in Vietnam continues to be driven by the governments development strategy towards 2030 and beyond. Vietnamese seaports to handle 1.2-1.4 billion tonnes of cargo by 2030 Vietnam's seaport cargo throughput is set to reach 1.2-1.4 billion tonnes by 2030, with container cargo expected to range from 46.3 to 54.34 million TEUs, according to a detailed plan for the development of seaport groups, wharfs, jetties, buoy berths, and water areas in 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. Some adaption efforts paying off at seaports After various setbacks, joint venture seaports in Vietnam came out of the shadows in the first half of 2024, but many still worry about prolonged challenges. Representatives of EVNNPT and related units at the ceremony to send electricity to the Quynh Luu - Thanh Hoa 500kV Circuit-3 transmission line. (Photo: VGP) As part of the 500kV Circuit-3 power transmission line project, which runs from Quang Trach in the central province of Quang Binh to Pho Noi in the northern province of Hung Yen, the line is invested by the EVNNPT, managed by the CPMB, and operated by Power Transmission Company 1 (PTC1). The 92-km line passes through the central provinces of Nghe An and Thanh Hoa. Its construction began on January 18. It is expected to reduce the load and avoid overloading of existing 500kV lines and help improve transmission capacity, thus contributing to strengthening capacity from power sources in the north-central region to the load centre in the northern region. The completion and commissioning of the project meets the Prime Minister's directives, serving as a significant motivation for completing the entire 500kV Circuit-3 power transmission line project in the coming days. Feasibility is a must for successful DPPA mechanism A July government decree permits many kind of renewable energy projects to engage in direct power purchase agreements without using Vietnam Electricity transmission line. Tran Dang Khoi, general director of Hero Future Energies Vietnam LLC under Hero Group, told VIRs Oanh Nguyen about the impact of the policy on renewable energy firms and offered some proposals. Ministry investigates wrongdoings at 32 solar and wind farms The Ministry of Public Security has instructed Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to hand over documents related to 24 wind farms and eight solar power projects as part of an investigation into abuse of power among public officials. On August 2, KCN Vietnam Group broke ground for the second phase of KCN Deep C Haiphong. This phase of the warehouse and factory project at Deep C Industrial Park in Haiphong, upon completion in Q1 of next year, will add over 80,000 square metres of high-quality ready-built factories (RBFs) and ready-built hybrids (mixed-use warehouse and factory), bringing the total leasable floor area of the entire project to more than 150,000sq.m. Ready-built factories aim for official green certifications, illustration photo The inaugural project by KCN aims to achieve LEED Silver certification. It will ensure optimal energy and resource use, potentially saving up to 25 per cent in energy and reducing water consumption by 10 per cent, while significantly lowering carbon emissions compared to traditional projects. This initiative would potentially offer financial advantages, while also enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity, ultimately benefiting the community. KCN aims to have two LEED-certified projects by the end of 2025. In Vietnam, LEED standards developed by the US Green Building Council have primarily been applied to commercial properties. Hardy Diec, COO of KCN Vietnam Group, said, Developing green industrial areas, associated with circular economy, cleaner production, and the efficient and economical use of resources, is increasingly becoming a mainstream trend. We believe in and aspire to embed environmental values, social principles, and governance into the core of our companys DNA. Standardising projects to meet green certification standards certainly presents many challenges; however, we have full confidence in our strategic partners with experience in developing green buildings, as well as in the long-term environmental, economic, and welfare benefits it brings to our employees, customers, community, and the overall development of the nation, he added. As Vietnam actively aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, the industrial property sector plays a crucial role in promoting a green economy. Thus, several other RBF developers are targeting green buildings that meet renowned international standards such as LEED, Lotus, or EDGE. Frasers Property Vietnam, a Singapore-headquartered multinational real estate developer, manages more than 180 hectares of industrial land in key strategic locations in Vietnam. A year ago, its Eco Logistics Centre in My Phuoc 3 IP in Binh Duong province was the first RBF project in Vietnam to be certified as a LEED green building. Moreover, its industrial and logistics expansion into north Vietnam is aimed at a minimum certification of LEED Silver. The rising demand and implications of environmental, social, and governance norms are prompting real estate developers in Vietnam to invest in green assets. For example, LOGOS, SLP, Emergent, and other RBF developers are increasingly incorporating energy-saving measures such as proof lighting, solar energy, and other features to make their buildings greener. SLP, a member of GLP Group, owns many LEED-certified projects in northern localities such as Bac Ninh and Haiphong. SLP places a premium on environmental protection and green building certifications throughout the development and asset acquisition process. Internally, the company invests in enhancing service quality, including the installation of energy-efficient equipment and the creation of open spaces. SLP aims to have at least half of its projects LEED-certified, said Edwin Chee, COO of SLP Vietnam. Dao The Anh, chairman of RSL Group a promotion and consulting service provider said almost all foreign investors in Vietnam are small in size, and are very interested in the pre-built, RBF model. However, they also have strict requirements for this model. When discussing with investors about their demand on facilities in Vietnam, several require their buildings and factories reach international qualifications. Therefore, buildings and industrial property owners must adapt the green and environmental protection criteria into their projects to create competitive advantages, Anh said. Green credentials garner a boost for industrial property Sustainable real estate development is becoming a core component for investors in industrial property. Industrial developers honoured for green transformation strategies 17 industrial infrastructure developers were honored for their green transformation strategies in 2024 at the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2024, held on July 30 in Ho Chi Minh City. Whats in store for green industrial goals Vietnam is at a pivotal moment in its industrial development. Do Ngoc Diep, lead for the Green Building and Climate Resilience Programme under the International Finance Corporation in Vietnam, looks at the direction of green industrial growth and the tools required to help such development reach its potential. Green capital flowing into industrial real estate in Vietnam With billions of US dollars poised to invest in green industrial real estate projects, Vietnam has a significant opportunity to stand out and attract these green capital flows. Green trends at the fore in industrial real estate sector Green transformation refers to a shift towards a more sustainable future in the industrial sector. The transformation of industrial parks (IPs) into sustainable green ones is achieved by promoting green production, the efficient use of resources, and the exchange of energy and by-products among enterprises within the parks. The department emphasised that only companies with strong business performance and strict adherence to regulations can sustain long-term listings on the stock market. The warning follows recent mandatory delistings and highlights the importance of understanding the regulations that govern such actions. "Mandatory delisting contributes to a fair and transparent market environment. Only companies with solid business operations and legal compliance can remain listed for the long term," the department stated. This regulatory approach aligns with practices in other developed markets. For instance, South Koreas KOSPI market uses 11 criteria to evaluate mandatory delisting, while Japan applies six groups of criteria to ensure that only qualifying companies stay listed. Investors were urged to thoroughly assess the market, financial health, and future prospects of companies before making decisions about stocks. "Investors should exercise caution when selecting stocks, paying close attention to the company's overall legal compliance, particularly in relation to securities laws, as well as the adherence of its management team," the SSC advised. Under current regulations, stocks that undergo mandatory delisting can still trade on the Unlisted Public Company Market (UPCoM) market, where the trading band of 15 per cent is more than double that of the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange's (HSX) 7 per cent. These stocks must trade on UPCoM for a minimum of two years before they can apply for relisting on the exchange, provided they meet all necessary conditions. Recently, the HSX announced the mandatory delisting of two stocks: HBC of Hoa Binh Construction Group and HNG of Hoang Anh Gia Lai Agricultural International, effective from September 6. The delistings were prompted by years of poor financial performance. Hoa Binh Construction Group reported a cumulative consolidated loss of VND3.24 trillion (approximately $130 million) by the end of 2023, surpassing its charter capital of VND2.74 trillion (around $110 million). The company has recorded losses for two consecutive years, worsened by a 'frozen' real estate market, which led to declining revenues and a surge in bad debts, requiring substantial provisions. Additionally, the company faced internal conflicts that further destabilised its operations. Similarly, HNG has experienced three consecutive years of losses, with the parent company's shareholders recording post-tax losses of VND 1.12 trillion ($45 million) in 2021, VND 3.58 trillion ($143 million) in 2022, and VND 1.1 trillion ($44 million) in 2023. Following the HSX announcement, both stocks experienced significant market volatility. In the first trading session after the news, HBC and HNG saw heavy sell-offs. HBC's stock price fell by more than 30 per cent in just over two weeks. HNG's stock also dropped by more than 20 per cent at one point, but has since rebounded. In response, Hoa Binh Construction Group contested the grounds for its mandatory delisting in a letter to HSX. Meanwhile, Tran Ba Duong, chairman of HNG, had previously assured shareholders that the delisting scenario had been anticipated and was not a cause for concern. "Despite the shift in trading venues, the company will maintain transparent information disclosure, and if managed well, the stock price could still see improvement," said Duong. Vietnam and Singapore ink MoU to promote development of stock markets The Singapore Exchange signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vietnam Exchange to boost the development of Singaporean and Vietnamese stock markets. Singapore strengthens security in finance sector, Illustrative photo (Photo: Unsplash) Singapore - The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has cooperated with banks to seek solutions on quantum security in finance sector. Accordingly, the MAS on August 14 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DBS, HSBC, OCBC, UOB, SPTel and SpeQtral to embark on quantum security collaboration and study the application of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in financial services. QKD is considered a potential tool to help financial institutions (FIs) protect the exchange of cryptographic keys to address the cybersecurity threats posed by quantum computing. Quantum computing technology has been developing rapidly and has demonstrated potential to break commonly used cryptography and encryption algorithms. This poses a major cybersecurity concern. Early this year, the MAS issued advice to all FIs on the cybersecurity risks associated with quantum technology, and provided recommendations for them to safeguard themselves against the identified threats, including carrying out proof-of-concept trials with quantum security solutions. In addition, the MAS has launched a quantum track under the Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Grant Scheme (FSTI 3.0) to provide funding support for quantum projects and capabilities. This MoU builds on these initiatives and provides a collaborative framework for trialling the application of quantum security solutions in financial services provided by SPTel and SpeQtral. Cooperation scales up with Singapore Vietnam and Singapore have long enjoyed a robust bilateral relationship, characterised by deepening cooperation in economics, trade, and investment, strengthening political and people-to-people ties. Pang Te Cheng, consul-general of Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City, explains how both countries have strategically positioned themselves to leverage various developments for mutual growth. Trade boding well for Singaporean upgrade The flourishing trade and investment ties between Vietnam and Singapore are expected to make bigger strides when the two countries elevate their strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic one in the near future. New Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at a press conference following the appointment ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 18, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images/VNA) Hanoi - Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Prime Minister of the country on August 18, two days after her election by the House of Representatives. The King's approval, a formality, was read out by Secretary of the House of Representatives Apat Sukhanand at a ceremony in Bangkok, paving the way for the formation of a cabinet in coming weeks. As reported by the Bangkok Post, at the ceremony, the 37-year-old knelt in homage to a portrait of the King before giving a short speech thanking him and the people's representatives for endorsing her as Prime Minister. She promised to do her duty to the best of her ability, show loyalty to the royal institution and act with honesty for the utmost benefit of the public and the nation. The countrys youngest PM said that in the remaining three years of the House term, she, as head of the executives, would cooperate with the legislature with an open mind to develop the nation. I, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as the prime minister, will do my duty to the best of my ability and make Thailand the country of equal opportunity and happiness for all fellow Thai people, the premier declared as quoted by the Bangkok Post. Thai banks introduce measures to cope with bad debts Thailands major financial institutions are preparing for a difficult second half of 2024, as a struggling economy and high household debt force banks to take a more conservative approach to lending. Thailand - bright spot in global gold market Demand for gold in Thailand is on the rise despite the global trends of record high prices, according to the latest report released by the World Gold Council (WGC) on August 13. What is AEON Vietnam doing to keep up with the green development trend? We have set out two strategies for greening and digitising retail operations, promoting modern consumption habits for customers to align with the specific nature of the retail business model. For years, AEON has been making gradual efforts to transition from single-use plastic packaging to more environmentally friendly materials such as biodegradable bags, sugarcane bowls and trays, while also discontinuing the display and sale of single-use plastic products as part of its green transformation strategy. Corporate sustainability and external relations manager of AEON Vietnam, Nguyen Bang Lang We have also converted plastic membership cards to mobile applications and paper vouchers to electronic vouchers. Our Topvalu private brand products in Vietnam are also developed according to COC standards with strict environmental regulations. As a bridge between manufacturers and consumers, AEON Vietnam also collaborates with customers to promote green consumption behaviours and modern consumption habits in shopping activities. We have refused to provide nylon bags if customers use them for food at the store, and implemented a programme to rent environmental bags to help customers establish the habit of using eco-friendly bags. Could you share some of the company's activities related to green transformation, and explain how they have supported business and development goals in the Vietnamese market? Since 2019, AEON Vietnam has been actively involved in a project to reduce single-use plastic waste by supporting customers and employees in changing their behaviours and operational practices. The total number of single-use plastic bags has been reduced in that time by over 12 million bags, equivalent to 133 tonnes, with more than six million bags reduced in 2023 alone. The total number of customer transactions refusing single-use plastic bags is nearly 4.1 million. Several new activities have also been implemented, such as the Rent a bag initiative, which lets consumers borrow environmental bags when shopping, and the Plastic Bag Free Day from 2023, for every first Monday of the month at cashless payment counters. We are ready to collaborate with suppliers to develop environmentally friendly products. For students and the community, AEON also organises environmental bag design competitions to increase interaction, spread messages, and enhance awareness of green consumption. What are the pros and cons for retailers when implementing green goals in Vietnam? Advantages always come hand in hand with challenges for any business in the dual green-digital transformation journey. AEON enjoys advantages in the large and potential consumer market. The rapid development of the middle class in Vietnam, expected to account for 26 per cent of the population by 2026 and double compared to last year, has created a significant demand for digital and green products and services. Meanwhile, young Vietnamese consumers are increasingly favouring digital products and sustainable solutions. We also benefit from the preferential policies and financial support from the Vietnamese government. Programmes such as the national digital transformation strategy and green growth strategy also create a favourable environment for retailers to carry out the transformation. Vietnam is heavily investing in IT infrastructure, especially in the development of 5G technology and e-commerce platforms. This is also a path to narrow the gap and drive businesses like AEON to participate in the dual transformation journey. Do you have any suggestions for government agencies to address these challenges? We hope that government agencies will soon develop policies on digital and green transformation in retail, formulating tax and financial incentives for businesses to implement it. The training and quality improvement should focus on this transformation, encouraging universities and educational institutions to integrate training programmes on digital technology and sustainable development into their curriculum. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen collaboration among agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organisations to share experiences and resources, as well as promote public-private partnerships and international cooperation. Learning from and applying successful transformation models from advanced countries is also essential to promote international cooperation in this field. Businesses also need to collaborate with regulatory agencies to carry out communication campaigns to raise consumer awareness of the benefits of dual transformation. What are AEON Vietnams plans to increase investment and prioritise green development activities in the future, as its business model continues to expand? Going green is one of the main goals in AEON Vietnams sustainable development journey. In the upcoming time, AEON will expand this strategy with suppliers and partners in the supply chain, not only including goods suppliers but also transportation, delivery, e-commerce service providers, and partners implementing programmes for AEON Vietnam. To bring these goals closer to the future generation and enhance their awareness about green consumption habits, AEON Vietnam will also launch the AEON Cheer Club programme this year to educate elementary school students about the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals in a friendly and understandable way. AEON Vietnam kicks off AEON Ekiden 2024 Building on the success of the past two years, AEON Ekiden combined with the Vietnam-Japan Cultural Festival has kicked off its third running event, attracting nearly 3,000 participants. AEON Vietnam strives to promote green consumption Retail corporation AEON Vietnam has significantly contributed to promoting green consumption through various activities related to green transformation and accelerating digital methods. Younger generation gravitates to green initiatives Campaigns promoting environmental protection and encouraging a shift towards green consumption are gaining significant traction among young people. Evangelicals make up a far smaller share of the United States population than expected due to a misunderstanding of the term, a new research report states, finding that the lack of a uniform biblical worldview among Evangelicals has negative implications. The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, led by longtime Evangelical pollster George Barna, released the fourth installment of its American Worldview Inventory 2024 last week. The report, focusing on "The Limitations of Christian Evangelicalism in American Society," concluded that "Evangelicals are far fewer in number than typically reported, often are far less biblical in their thinking than one might assume, and tend to vote in far fewer numbers than expected." The data in the report is based on the American Worldview Inventory, a survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Arizona Christian University in January 2024. The Cultural Research Center estimates that Evangelicals constitute 10% of adults in the U.S., between 25 and 30 million people. The report uses the National Association of Evangelicals' definition of Evangelicals as "people who recognize their sinful life, rely upon Jesus Christ for their redemption, and receive practical life guidance and wisdom from the Bible in their quest to live under the lordship of Jesus" and ties data from the American Worldview Inventory. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up The report contrasted its findings with frequently cited estimates that place the Evangelical share of the U.S. population at 25% to 40% and suggested that other reports rely heavily on self-reporting, which results in counting people who merely describe themselves as Evangelical, even if they do not meet the criteria. "Media reports generally mislead readers by reporting data representing self-reported Evangelicals, most of whom do not meet the kind of theological criteria used in our research," CRC Director Barna said in a statement. Barna said they may also "report on people who attend what the individual considers to be an Evangelical church." "This research, however, points out that most of the people who qualify theologically as Evangelicals do not attend what might be deemed an Evangelical church," he added. The report focused specifically on the views of theological Evangelicals. The Cultural Research Center noted that there is near-unanimous agreement among Evangelicals that "God is the all-knowing, all-powerful, just and perfect Creator of the universe who still rules the world today" (97%) and "is the basis of all truth" (96%). More than 90% of Evangelicals also believe that "the purpose of life is to fully know, love, and serve God with all your heart and soul, mind, and strength" (92%) and that God created the universe (97%). Belief in Satan, Jesus Christ as "an important guide" in life, and the idea that "all humans are born into sin and can only escape the consequences of sin through Jesus Christ" are also shared by more than 90% of Evangelicals. Large shares of Evangelicals also view same-sex marriage (86%), fornication (84%), abortion (82%) and telling lies (81%) as "not morally acceptable." However, the report highlighted a number of beliefs embraced by Evangelicals that are at odds with biblical teachings. Majorities of Evangelicals believe that married couples "can be bonded to each other for eternity" (76%), "it is always in your best interest to follow your natural instincts" (71%), treatment with kindness and respect should not be automatic but earned (65%), humans are "supposed to live in harmony" with animals, plants and nature as opposed to dominating them (54%), and "people are basically good" (54%). Just 35% of Evangelicals subscribe to what the CRC considers a biblical worldview. In contrast, a majority of Evangelicals (64%) embrace syncretism as their worldview. The report defined syncretism as "a worldview that combines core beliefs and behaviors from a variety of well-defined worldviews, such as Marxism, Secular Humanism, Eastern Mysticism and Postmodernism, into an individualized, customized blend." Meanwhile, less than half of Evangelicals read or study the Bible daily "other than at church services/events" (41%), describe themselves as "very active in their Christian faith" (42%), "pay 'a lot' or 'quite a bit' of attention" to news about politics and government (42%), and meet the qualifications for a Spiritually Active, Governance Engaged Conservative Christian (44%). While two-thirds of Evangelicals (67%) "vote in all general and all/most primary elections," the report considers Evangelicals' level of participation in elections as inadequate. Other "biblically correct beliefs/behaviors embraced by too few evangelicals" include a refusal to "buy specific products or services because of the company's position on an issue that matters to you" (52%) and the view that "animals, plants, wind, and water have a unique spirit, just like human beings do" (60%). The report attributed the failure of Evangelicals to embrace a biblical worldview as a major reason behind "the decadence of American society and the demise of the United States." It also found that "most theologically-defined evangelicals do not even attend what are considered to be evangelical churches." Barna expressed concern about "the influence of unbiblical or, at a minimum, non-Evangelical perspectives taught to Evangelicals in non-Evangelical churches that alter the theological beliefs and lifestyle choices of Evangelicals." Statistics included in the report demonstrated that just 35% of those who meet the definition of an Evangelical attend Evangelical churches, while 21% go to independent or non-denominational churches, 15% attend mainline churches, 14% frequent Pentecostal churches and significantly smaller shares attend Catholic (3%) and traditionally Black churches (2%). At a seminar on August 16, focusing on the carbon credit market and the workforce required to operate it, experts shared their insights into this promising sector. Vietnam reached a significant milestone last year by successfully transferring over 10 million carbon credits, generating more than $50 million in revenue. This achievement has fuelled growing interest among organisations, individuals, and local governments in the countrys emerging carbon credit market, which is widely recognised for its vast potential. To capitalise on this momentum, the Vietnamese government, along with relevant ministries and agencies, is actively working to establish a robust legal framework for the carbon credit market. In tandem with these efforts, stakeholders are placing increasing emphasis on training and developing the necessary human resources to support this evolving sector. Dr. Nguyen Trung Dong, principal of the School of Public Policy and Rural Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted Vietnams progress in this area. "Vietnam has already issued key regulations, such as Decree No.06/2022/ND-CP dated January 7, 2022 on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and ozone layer protection," said Dong. He further explained that the ministry is currently implementing initiatives like the ERPA forest credit trading agreement and a sustainable high-quality rice development scheme, both aimed at reducing the nations carbon emissions. However, Dong also noted the challenges ahead, remarking, "Despite the enormous potential of Vietnams carbon credit market, we are currently facing numerous challenges. Each industry and sector within this market has its unique characteristics, making it imperative to educate and enhance understanding of the carbon absorption and emission reduction capabilities of different plant species." This sentiment was echoed at a recent forum by Prof. Vo Xuan Vinh, director of the Institute for Business Research. Vinh reaffirmed the government's commitment to reducing GHG emissions, citing Vietnam's active role in global climate initiatives. "Vietnam demonstrated its determination to tackle climate change at COP26 in 2021, and continues to fulfil regional energy obligations through participation in international organisations such as the Greater Mekong Subregion Cooperation, APEC, and the Asia Climate Action Alliance," Vinh said. "To achieve green development, human beings must be at the centre," he added. Vinh went on to call for strategic communication and the development of human resources across various sectors to support this vision. In the same vein, Cao Tung Son, director of the Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Monitoring at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment, underscored the pressing demand for specialised expertise in reducing carbon emissions as the city pivots towards a green economy. "To meet our ambitious goals for emissions reduction and sustainable development, Ho Chi Minh City requires experts in areas such as emissions assessment and reporting, energy management, emissions reduction technologies, green finance, and regulatory frameworks," Son remarked. He noted that Ho Chi Minh City is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, flooding, and sea-level rise. These challenges necessitate significant investments in financial resources, technology, and skilled personnel to achieve the city's Low Carbon Action Plan objectives. "The development of a skilled workforce for low-carbon initiatives is both an urgent and strategic priority," Son emphasised. "Investing in human capital is not only crucial for reducing carbon emissions but also essential for driving the transition to a sustainable green economy," he concluded. Looking ahead, Vietnam is preparing to take a significant step in the carbon credit market by piloting a carbon credit trading platform sometime next year. Dr. Le Hoang The, CEO of The VOS Ecosystem Company, stressed the urgency of building a skilled workforce to support this initiative. "We need to train approximately 150,000 professionals with in-depth knowledge of appraisal mechanisms, documentation processes, and the assessment and declaration of various carbon credits," said The. The identified the training of internationally certified carbon appraisers as a critical element in ensuring the effective operation of Vietnams carbon credit market, while underscored the necessity of establishing a cadre of professional brokers to facilitate carbon trading. "Businesses looking to participate in the carbon credit market must prepare knowledgeable human resources capable of handling carbon inventory, declaration, and related issues, " The added. Given the nascent and unprecedented nature of the carbon market in Vietnam, experts agree that companies entering this arena must approach it with thorough preparation. Moreover, if Vietnam is to successfully develop its carbon credit market in the future, prioritising human resource training will be essential. The path forward may be challenging, but the rewards for early movers in this sector could be substantial. Investment in Vietnams carbon market: the opportunities and the challenges The growing demand for carbon credits ranks high in Vietnam. As global awareness and regulatory pressures on climate change increase, the demand for carbon credits is expected to rise. WATERLOO An Evansdale teen has been sentenced to prison for shooting at a man in Waterloo and breaking into a house the following day. Isaiah Jordan Ricketts, 19, was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison on charges of intimidation with a weapon, second-degree burglary, assault while participating in a felony and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Authorities allege Ricketts was driving a van when he began shooting at Donshay Johnson in the area of Florence Street and Independence Avenue around 8:30 p.m. on July 12, 2023. Johnson returned fire, and the van drove off. The following day, Ricketts allegedly broke into a house at 87 Sycamore St., cutting his hand in the process. He then threatened the resident with a gun when she returned home. Police followed the blood trail to an area where Ricketts was given a ride home, according to court records. Police found more than 42 grams of marijuana and a 9 mm Glock 43 handgun when they searched his home while investigating the burglary, court records state. New research finds young gun violence survivors experience lasting physical and mental trauma Firearms are the leading cause of death among children New research finds young gun violence survivors experience lasting physical and mental trauma How sending agencies are trying to bring overseas workers off the perfect Christian pedestal and into a counseling chair. Illustration by Mallory Rentsch Tlapek / Source Images: Getty The long-standing stigma around mental health care has faded from many American churches, but has the shift made its way to the ends of the earth? When youre an overseas missionary, a season of deep depression, panic attacks, or chronic anxiety can seem to put your ministry in jeopardy, keeping you from the work you are being called and paid to do. Yet missions workers are extra susceptible to such conditions. They experience culture shock. They witness trauma and fear persecution. And they often live in places where access to mental health professions is difficult to impossible. Sign up for CT Pastors Each weekly CT Pastors issue equips you with the best wisdom and practical tools for church ministry. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. For years, supporters have been trying to open up more conversations about mental health and to get workers on the field the help they need, but missionaries still fear the repercussions of coming forward with their struggles or their family members. Just over half of missionaries say they have an issue they worry could jeopardize their work in the field, according to a survey conducted this year by Global Trellis, an organization that supports cross-cultural workers. Emotional and mental health struggles were among their top concerns. The ministry asked nearly 400 missionaries, many of whom had spent 20-plus years in the field, How do we keep senders from putting missionaries on the pedestal, and keep missionaries from feeling like they have to stay on the pedestal? We help people have language to talk about things. So, normalizing rest, normalizing growth, and just normalizing change, said Amy Young, the founder of Global Trellis and a former missionary to China. Other research has shown that missionaries stress levels are double to triple those of the average American, reaching levels that can lead to major health issues. Sending organizations have seen missionaries leaving the field in crisis. From their view, improving mental health care is a way to better support those sent out to fulfill the Great Commission and to ensure their work is sustainable. Some agencies are advising missionaries to include a budget for mental health care when theyre fundraising. They are also hiring and deploying more trained counselors who can be availableonline and in personto help work through the specific complications that come with missionary life. There used to be a strong belief that if you are really right with the Lord, you shouldnt need counseling; you have the Holy Spirit, said Penny Phillips, who served with Wycliffe Bible Translators. There was some degree of shame associated with seeing a counselor, and that has changed. Over decades as a missionary counselor with Wycliffe, based at its Orlando headquarters, she saw missionaries grow more open to seeking counseling. Phillips and fellow professional counselors were available to travel to remote locations to minister to missionaries in many different countries. We were willing to see missionaries from any missionary organization, said Phillips. Wycliffes goal, she said, was to serve all missionaries before, during, and after their time on the field. The main idea is for counseling to always be an open option to people serving all over the world. While Phillips experienced and recognized the convenience of virtual counseling sessions, she still placed a high value on traveling to visit families in person. It is easier to develop a trust relationship in a face-to-face situation, she said. John Leverington, also a longtime Wycliffe staff counselor, echoed Young in the importance of releasing missionaries from the pedestal on which they have stood for so many years. Those expectations are impossible to live up to and can lead to isolation, presenting a false self of competence while emotionally questioning ones own faith, and, at some point, coming to a crisis that cant be resolved on your own without support. With the particular dynamics of missionary work, mental health has proven to be a tough issue to navigate. In some cases, even when provided with mental health support, missionaries would rather suffer in silence than risk their sending organization declaring them unfit for their role. When missionaries are expected to go straight to their employers with health concerns, and when the help received is coming primarily from the ones in charge, a culture of distrust, fear, and secrecy can ensue, Catherine Allison, who previously served in Malawi, wrote last year for The Gospel Coalition. Even when set with the best intentions, the structures to protect missionaries might inadvertently cause harm when mental illness comes knocking, especially if missionaries fear the potential loss of their careers, homes, and ministry dreams. In the Global Trellis survey, respondents described a range of self-reported mental health struggles and clinical issues: anxiety, depression and loneliness, PTSD from exposure to violence, and even suicidal ideation. One missions worker saw health issues as the main way the Enemy attacks families on the field. Some said pastoral counseling and member care helped but wasnt enough. One said they are transparent with their organization so they can get the care they need, but they couldnt be as open with supporters. Another said being open about her mental health has been a connecting point with supporters. This fear that a missionary would be removed from the field due to emotional health can exacerbate the disconnect between many missionaries and the ones who send them, the Global Trellis report read. This can lead to hiding how their emotional health is really going. Sending organizations are trying to anticipate the potential for mental health needs and better incorporate trusting and supportive relationships throughout their ministries, so that missionaries and their families feel less isolated and leaders can be better positioned to help along the way. The Southern Baptist Conventions International Mission Board (IMB), with 3,590 overseas personnel, takes a team approach. Its five-member care teamsone in the US and four abroadinclude around 80 employees, a combination of clinically trained professionals and pastoral care staff. They serve as relational connections and support partners for those on mission fields. We focus on supporting individuals, familiesand we care for people, not only regarding what might be typically associated with counseling or psychological needs. Our focus is more holistic in terms of what people need spiritually, emotionally, and relationally, to be well and to be able to thrive in their places of assignment, said Chris Martin, IMBs director of member care. As the agency continues to improve the ways that they serve their missionaries, Martin says he appreciates the cohesion among the different pieces of member care. Ideally, we would have routine contact with our personnel. Not only through our member care consultants but through team leaders and other leadership in our organizationand also team members who see and know enough about whats going on with one another to be mutually caring and supportive, he said. As a past missionary himself, Martin understands the high stress of overseas living as well as the fact that no matter where someone is, life is not perfect. With that in mind, he talked about the idea that one of the most important goals for IMB member care is to promote well-being within each individual and between their teams across the globe. Connie Dunn went through her own mental health struggles when serving as a missionary with Antioch Missions International. She brings that perspective and understanding into her work as a kids advocate for Antiochs missionaries. Antioch assigns its adult missionaries a pastoral overseer who is not necessarily licensed in counseling but is committed to encouraging and caring for each person. Additionally, it also encourages all their missionaries to include a budget for professional mental health care as they raise support for their time on the field. Dunns job is to check in with families and children to make sure that they are receiving the mental health care that they need. Its not just a kid counselor, but its also a kid counselor that understands the hardships that third culture kids and missionary kids face, she said. When parents see their kids suffering or in crisis, its difficult and can be hard to get them help. But the mission field context adds another layer of difficulty. Young at Global Trellis noted: The missionary may wonder, If it gets bad enough, are we going to have to leave the field? Could we lose our home and community? How will this affect our other kids schooling, education, and friends? How will this impact our childrens relationship with God? How will it impact our livelihood? Phillips at Wycliffe also expressed a need for more counselors for young people. She herself had spent 17 years as a teacher to missionary kids before deciding to become a licensed mental health counselor specifically for kids on the mission field. Phillips said its important to be able to intervene early when kids are facing trauma, anxiety, and depression so they can learn tools for navigating mental health challenges before entering adulthood. IMB recently implemented a program for kids and teenagers on the field called TCK (third-culture kid) focused member care. IMBs goal is to be available both to the kids as well as to their families for advice and consultation. As missions groups seek to bring the good news of Christ to the nations, they are also learning how best to care for the people they have sent out. Counseling, said Phillips, is for courageous peoplewho have the courage to come and ask for helpand for [people who] are willing to say, I dont have it all together. None of us do. Illustration by Elizabeth Kaye / Source Images: Getty / Wikimedia Commons In a year seeing over 50 countries at the pollshalf of which could shift geopolitical dynamicsthe timing of Jesus and the Powers release was no accident. A few years ago, N. T. Wright (author of Surprised by Hope) and Michael F. Bird (Jesus Among the Gods)who had collaborated on The New Testament in Its Worldrealized there was a lack of biblical guidance on how Christians should engage with politics, and they decided to do something about it. We both had the sense that most Christians today have not really been taught very much about a Christian view of politics, Wright said. Until the 18th century, there was a lot of Christian political thought, which weve kind of ignored the last 200300 yearsand its time to get back to it. Sign up for CT Books Each issue contains up-to-date, insightful information about today's culture, plus analysis of books important to the evangelical thinker. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. The gateway to political theology, Wright believes, is the idea that, until Christs return, God wants humans to be in charge. And while all political powers have in some sense been ordained by God according to Scripture, he says, Christians are called to take the lead in holding them accountable. The church is designed to be the small working model of new creation, to hold up before the world a symbolan effective sign of what God has promised to do for the world. Hence, to encourage the rest of the world to say, Oh, thats what human community ought to look like. Thats how its done. And as the global church becomes a community worshiping the one God and doing justice and mercy in the world, this is a sign to the caesars of the world that Jesus is Lord and that they are not and a sign to the principalities and powers that this is the way to be human. In an interview with CT, Wright discusses the need for more theological collaboration around political issues, the skewed eschatology behind Christian abdication from the political sphere, and how the global church should engage with the various forms of empire let loose in our world today. Id heard from a couple people at the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) conference last fall that theres not a lot of scholars doing work in political theology right now. Would you agree with that? Yes, let me give you an example. When the Ukraine scenario broke two years ago, I wrote to two or three leading Christian thinkers in the US and said, Okay, guys, you work on this front more than I do. What should we be thinking about this? If we had the ear of President Volodymyr Zelensky, let alone Vladimir Putin, what should we be saying to them? And it was quite clear from their responses that theres a lot of cautionthat this is a hugely difficult area, and were not quite sure how to get into this. I think that reflects the fact that even among those whove written books about political theology, when a crisis happens, Im not sure any of us have a clear roadmap for how we would address that. My point is, weve hardly begun to think through all these things and how we structure our politics wisely. An awful lot of Christians have been told, in so many words, that politics is a dirty game. We leave it to the politicians and the social workers while were teaching people how to say their prayers and go to heavenand never the twain shall meet. I think weve got to the point, now, where most Christians realize that split simply doesnt reflect the Bible in general or Christian witness. Particularly when you start thinking about what Jesus meant by the kingdom of God on earth as in heaven. At the end of Matthews Gospel, when Jesus says, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, what does that lead us to think of Jesus having authority on earth? It looks, in the New Testament, like Jesus delegating tasks through the Holy Spirit to the church. Not that the church should be running the world, but that the church has a vital role to play in speaking truth to powerin holding up a mirror to power and in modeling what Gods new creation should look like. In your introduction, you referenced previous works of yours and Mikes have partly inspired this book. But I was wondering if you could speak more about its biblical or theological underpinnings? One of the things thats really come strongly to me over the last couple of decades has been the role of human beings within Gods good creation. The idea in Genesis 1, the creation of humans in Gods image, means that God is committing himself to working in the world through human beings. In Western theology, we often read Genesis 12 as Gods setting human beings up to a moral examination, which they then fail. That gets the whole conversation off on the wrong foot, instead of around the question of how is God going to wisely rule his world through obedient, responsive human beings if theyve messed up and if theyre worshipping idols? The answer is that God has rescued them from their idolatry so that they can run his world as his vice regents in the way that he wants. For me, one of the key texts that jumped out to me when I was first working on this is from John 19, where Jesus says to Pontious Pilate, You could have no authority over me unless it was given you from above. So, Jesus acknowledges that this second-rate Roman governor has a God-given authority. In other words, yes, rulers have a God-given authority, and God will hold them to account for what they do with it. The early church, like the Jews, thought it was their responsibility to critique them. Its like the prophetic witness of John the Baptist saying to Herod, Youre out of line here, or Jesus himself telling the rulers and authorities that when they were misstepping. Faithful Christian engagement with politics isnt saying to political leaders, You dont have God-given authority. Its saying, Were going to be your critics in how youre using that God-given authority. I suspect most people in most churches in the Western worldlet alone anywhere elsehave never even begun to conceive of it like that. But until we do, we wont understand what the churchs responsibility should be. How should Christians hold the government accountable and ensure those in public service use their powers responsibly? And how do you envision that happening in a pluralist society where people hold different religious views and may have different standards for justice? When I read, say, Psalm 72which I go back to again and again, the great Messianic psalmsome people have objected to the royal psalms, because its all in service of empire. But, actually, if you look at Psalm 72, it says, Lord, give your justice to the king, so that he will look after the widows and the orphans and the strangers, etc., and it repeats that again and again. Then, at the end, it says, and so the earth, the whole earth shall be full of his glory. This is how God wants to be glorified. There is something that you could call a kind of natural theology of global ethics. Most traditions would say looking after the weak and vulnerable sounds like a good idea. And unfortunately, vested interests get involved, because if the weak and vulnerable happen to be migrants who are coming into your country, and you dont want any more people in your country, then you say, No, tell them to go away, go somewhere else. But we need wise, thought-out policies on migration, because not all countries can support the thousands of people who want to come and live there. The church needs to train people to think wisely about all those relevant issues. We shouldnt be leaving it to the professional economistsor, at least, we need Christian professional economists. We need Christian people to look at issues of development or migration or the huge issues that are facing us globally and to advise the church wisely, so that the church can speak truthfully. Not just in sound bites, as Im doing now, of course, but with real depth and authority on serious issues. What would you say to Christians who are like, Well, this world is going to hell in a handbasket anywaythose who dont get involved in government because theyre thinking, Well, the church is separateits a bastion away from the world? Right, and its very interesting, the transition was in the early 18th century. So much in Britain and America was almost triumphalist in the sense that We are now taking over the world, and the gospel is going to ruleand Handels Messiah, He shall reign forever and ever, you knowwhich sounds great in the 1740s. But interestingly, by the 1790s, something has turned, and Epicureanism has wonthe French Revolution has happened, people are getting frightened and wondering whats going on. I think it does go back to the Enlightenment, where you get that split of religion and politics. The Epicureanism of the 17th and 18th centuries basically split heaven and earth miles apart. This leaves people to run earth the way they wantwhich usually means for their own advantage, by keeping anything religious out of the question. And that has been a disaster. Then you get the dispensational movement, particularly in America, and other similar movements with a very negative eschatologythat the only way anything can happen is if God ditches this whole project and starts again from scratch. So, many Christians turned back to Plato to say, Well, actually, we have souls that are going to escape from this place anyway and go somewhere else. But as I never tire of saying to students, the word heaven in the New Testament is never used for the place of our ultimate destiny. And the word soul is never used for the beings we will be in our ultimate destiny. People have come with the assumption that the biblical story is about how human souls can find their way up to the beatific vision in heaven. Whereas the entire biblical narrative runs the other wayits about how God comes to dwell with humans here. The strapline in Revelation chapter 21 isnt that the dwelling of humans is with Godits that the dwelling of God is with humans. The older I get, the more I realize Acts 2, the descent of the Spirit filling the house, is a temple scene; it goes straight back to 1 Kings 8 or Exodus 14. Its a way of saying, This is what God always intended to do. God, the Holy Spirit, always intended to live with and inand be operative throughhuman beings. And wow, its actually happening. This is a totally different way of doing theology. The old idea of God throwing the present creation awayso why would we bother to put it right?simply does no justice. We urgently need as a global community to think more Christianly, more biblically, about the whole scenario. N.T. Wright is Research Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Early Christianity at St Marys College in the University of St Andrews and Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. His most recent book, co-written with Michael F. Bird, is Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies. The Democratic National Convention begins Monday in Chicago with roughly 50,000 people expected to arrive in the Windy City. That includes thousands of anti-war activists who plan to demonstrate near the United Center where Vice President Kamala Harris will officially accept the partys nomination for president. Earlier this month, delegates made Harris their nominee in a virtual roll call. The party will still conduct a ceremonial roll call vote at the convention mimicking the look of a traditional roll call where state delegations announce their votes from the convention floor. Follow the APs Election 2024 coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024. Heres the Latest: Pro-Palestinian supporters to hold a rally and march Pro-Palestinian supporters from across the nation descended on Chicagos Union Park early Monday in anticipation of a rally and march to near the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention is taking place. Taylor Cook, an organizer with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, traveled from Atlanta for the Chicago march. Cook said the group was pushing all Democrats to call for an end to aid to Israel, with a particular focus on Vice President Kamala Harris. Were saying to Kamala, she has been complicit in this. People think its just Joe Biden, but she is vice president, Cook said. So were saying, you need to stop if you want our vote. Cook also anticipated that the march would be incredibly historic. Ive been an organizer for a few years now, and I have never been to a march that is predicted to be this big, Cook added. Walz appears at the Wisconsin delegations breakfast Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz appeared at the breakfast of the Wisconsin delegation, declaring to cheers, I cant say enough about my neighbors. Walz, whos governor of Minnesota, was set to make the rounds at key early meetings on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention, which opened Monday in Chicago. Returning to a theme hes frequently used throughout the campaign, Walz promised that he and Vice President Kamala Harris would hustle through the races remaining weeks, saying hard work will take precedence over personal comforts and that the Democratic ticket can sleep when were dead. The governors of Illinois, Pennsylvania and Michigan hopped from one delegate breakfast to another Which resulted in roaring crowds of Democrats vying for selfies and handshakes from the Democratic leaders. We are on the cusp of electing an administration that will take us the next step forward, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told Florida delegates Monday morning. Will there be any suspense in the roll vote? Convention roll call votes havent had much drama in more than 40 years. Since then, a single candidate has always emerged in each party as the presumptive nominee well before the convention, making the vote itself a foregone conclusion. Thats especially true in the 2024 Democratic convention, since the ceremonial vote is non-binding and cannot undo or modify the results of the earlier, official vote to nominate Harris held over five days in the first week of August. Thats not to say there cant be some attempt to stage a protest vote from the convention floor, but it wont have any effect on the outcome. The result from the official nomination vote from early August was 4,563 votes for Harris and 52 for present, the only other option on the ballot. An additional 79 delegates did not cast votes. Convention delegates will nominate Harris, again. Heres how it works Its been nearly two weeks since Vice President Kamala Harris officially won the Democratic presidential nomination in an online vote, the first time a nominee was named prior to a partys convention. But the approximately 4,700 delegates charged with picking a nominee to lead the ticket did so from locations around the globe on their laptops and devices in relative isolation from one other. There was none of the pomp and fanfare that usually accompany the process of selecting the partys standard-bearer. In other words, it wasnt very fun. Democratic party leaders hope to make up for that by holding a ceremonial vote at the Democratic National Convention, which begins Monday in Chicago. Among the major agenda items will be whats essentially a re-staging of the official presidential nomination vote from early August, mirroring the sometimes-festive, sometimes-raucous roll call votes that have been a staple of in-person party conventions for nearly 200 years. The Democratic National Committee calls it a celebratory Roll Call and said in a statement the event would give delegates the opportunity to celebrate the nomination of Harris, whos the first woman of color to lead a major party presidential ticket. Chicago mayor urges Harris to embrace agenda that would push for economic stability and growth for working people Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson urged Vice President Kamala Harris to embrace an agenda that would push for economic stability and growth for working people. Shes off to a great start already, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said of Vice President Kamala Harris emerging economic platform during an interview with The Associated Press. Johnson, whos emerged as a surrogate for Harris among progressives and at events for Black male outreach in cities like Detroit, emphasized Harris upbringing and record as attorney general as potential strengths on the campaign trail. Showing up for working people is what the vice president has done her entire career, Johnson said. The economic stability of our country really requires someone who understands the interests of working people, he contended. She knows what it is like to struggle, along with Governor Walz. Like myself, he is a former social studies teacher, Johnson said of the Minnesota governor. Johnson, who on Sunday described Chicago as one of the most diverse communities in the country, defended the citys record on race and inclusion as it grapples with historic challenges like the migrant crisis and debates over racial equity. Democrats kicked off their convention Monday morning with a series of delegate breakfasts At the Florida delegation breakfast, Democrats started the session by making note of the turmoil that rocked their party in the last few months leading up to the convention. We are here today, in this moment, because President Joe Biden made one of the greatest sacrifices to save this nation, Nikki Fried, the state Democratic party chair, told delegates. Democrats in Florida have recently become bullish about their chances in the Sunshine State despite serious doubts among some national operatives. Democrats open convention transformed by Harris ascendance but facing lingering questions A refreshed Democratic Party reintroduces itself to a divided nation this week, having been transformed by the money, momentum, relief and even joy that followed Vice President Kamala Harris rise to the top of its ticket. The whiplash of the last month culminates in a convention that begins Monday in Chicago. Above all, the four-day gathering of thousands of activists and party leaders from across the nation is designed to celebrate and strengthen Harris as President Joe Bidens replacement and boost her campaign to defeat Republican Donald Trump in November. Just beneath the surface, real questions loom about the depth of Harris newfound support, the breadth of her coalition and the strength of her movement. Not even a month ago, Democrats were deeply divided over foreign policy, political strategy and Biden himself, who was holding on after his disastrous debate by suggesting he had a better chance than any Democrat including Harris of beating Trump. Trump will campaign across the country this week as he struggles to adjust to Harris As Democrats kick off their convention in Chicago, Donald Trump s campaign is trying to regain its footing after weeks of struggling to adjust to Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the opposing ticket. Trump will attempt to undercut the Democratic celebration with a jam-packed schedule that includes daily events in battleground states tied to subjects where Republicans think they hold an advantage. Its his busiest campaign week since the winter, when he faced challengers in the Republican primary. But when Trump has held events billed as policy speeches throughout the campaign, they have often resembled his usual, rambling rally remarks. And as has long been the case during his political career, Trump has undercut his own message with outbursts and attacks that drown out anything else. Protesters plan large marches and rallies as DNC kicks off Crowds of activists are expected to gather in Chicago for protests outside the Democratic National Convention this week, hoping to call attention to such issues as economic injustice, reproductive rights and the war in Gaza. While Vice President Kamala Harris has galvanized the party as she gears up to accept the Democratic nomination, activists say their plans to demonstrate havent changed. Theyre ready to amplify their progressive message before the nations top Democratic leaders. Their issues cover climate change, abortion rights and racial equality, to name a few, but many activists agree an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the overarching message of the demonstrations. Theyve likened it to the Vietnam War of their generation. The Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation and buses are bringing activists to Chicago from all over the country. The Democratic National Convention begins Monday in Chicago with roughly 50,000 people expected to arrive in the Windy City. That includes thousands of anti-war activists who plan to demonstrate near the United Center where Vice President Kamala Harris will officially accept the partys nomination for president. Earlier this month, delegates made Harris their nominee in a virtual roll call. The party will still conduct a ceremonial roll call vote at the convention mimicking the look of a traditional roll call where state delegations announce their votes from the convention floor. Follow the APs Election 2024 coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024. Heres the Latest: Pro-Palestinian supporters to hold a rally and march Pro-Palestinian supporters from across the nation descended on Chicagos Union Park early Monday in anticipation of a rally and march to near the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention is taking place. Taylor Cook, an organizer with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, traveled from Atlanta for the Chicago march. Cook said the group was pushing all Democrats to call for an end to aid to Israel, with a particular focus on Vice President Kamala Harris. Were saying to Kamala, she has been complicit in this. People think its just Joe Biden, but she is vice president, Cook said. So were saying, you need to stop if you want our vote. Cook also anticipated that the march would be incredibly historic. Ive been an organizer for a few years now, and I have never been to a march that is predicted to be this big, Cook added. Walz appears at the Wisconsin delegations breakfast Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz appeared at the breakfast of the Wisconsin delegation, declaring to cheers, I cant say enough about my neighbors. Walz, whos governor of Minnesota, was set to make the rounds at key early meetings on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention, which opened Monday in Chicago. Returning to a theme hes frequently used throughout the campaign, Walz promised that he and Vice President Kamala Harris would hustle through the races remaining weeks, saying hard work will take precedence over personal comforts and that the Democratic ticket can sleep when were dead. The governors of Illinois, Pennsylvania and Michigan hopped from one delegate breakfast to another Which resulted in roaring crowds of Democrats vying for selfies and handshakes from the Democratic leaders. We are on the cusp of electing an administration that will take us the next step forward, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told Florida delegates Monday morning. Will there be any suspense in the roll vote? Convention roll call votes havent had much drama in more than 40 years. Since then, a single candidate has always emerged in each party as the presumptive nominee well before the convention, making the vote itself a foregone conclusion. Thats especially true in the 2024 Democratic convention, since the ceremonial vote is non-binding and cannot undo or modify the results of the earlier, official vote to nominate Harris held over five days in the first week of August. Thats not to say there cant be some attempt to stage a protest vote from the convention floor, but it wont have any effect on the outcome. The result from the official nomination vote from early August was 4,563 votes for Harris and 52 for present, the only other option on the ballot. An additional 79 delegates did not cast votes. Convention delegates will nominate Harris, again. Heres how it works Its been nearly two weeks since Vice President Kamala Harris officially won the Democratic presidential nomination in an online vote, the first time a nominee was named prior to a partys convention. But the approximately 4,700 delegates charged with picking a nominee to lead the ticket did so from locations around the globe on their laptops and devices in relative isolation from one other. There was none of the pomp and fanfare that usually accompany the process of selecting the partys standard-bearer. In other words, it wasnt very fun. Democratic party leaders hope to make up for that by holding a ceremonial vote at the Democratic National Convention, which begins Monday in Chicago. Among the major agenda items will be whats essentially a re-staging of the official presidential nomination vote from early August, mirroring the sometimes-festive, sometimes-raucous roll call votes that have been a staple of in-person party conventions for nearly 200 years. The Democratic National Committee calls it a celebratory Roll Call and said in a statement the event would give delegates the opportunity to celebrate the nomination of Harris, whos the first woman of color to lead a major party presidential ticket. Chicago mayor urges Harris to embrace agenda that would push for economic stability and growth for working people Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson urged Vice President Kamala Harris to embrace an agenda that would push for economic stability and growth for working people. Shes off to a great start already, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said of Vice President Kamala Harris emerging economic platform during an interview with The Associated Press. Johnson, whos emerged as a surrogate for Harris among progressives and at events for Black male outreach in cities like Detroit, emphasized Harris upbringing and record as attorney general as potential strengths on the campaign trail. Showing up for working people is what the vice president has done her entire career, Johnson said. The economic stability of our country really requires someone who understands the interests of working people, he contended. She knows what it is like to struggle, along with Governor Walz. Like myself, he is a former social studies teacher, Johnson said of the Minnesota governor. Johnson, who on Sunday described Chicago as one of the most diverse communities in the country, defended the citys record on race and inclusion as it grapples with historic challenges like the migrant crisis and debates over racial equity. Democrats kicked off their convention Monday morning with a series of delegate breakfasts At the Florida delegation breakfast, Democrats started the session by making note of the turmoil that rocked their party in the last few months leading up to the convention. We are here today, in this moment, because President Joe Biden made one of the greatest sacrifices to save this nation, Nikki Fried, the state Democratic party chair, told delegates. Democrats in Florida have recently become bullish about their chances in the Sunshine State despite serious doubts among some national operatives. Democrats open convention transformed by Harris ascendance but facing lingering questions A refreshed Democratic Party reintroduces itself to a divided nation this week, having been transformed by the money, momentum, relief and even joy that followed Vice President Kamala Harris rise to the top of its ticket. The whiplash of the last month culminates in a convention that begins Monday in Chicago. Above all, the four-day gathering of thousands of activists and party leaders from across the nation is designed to celebrate and strengthen Harris as President Joe Bidens replacement and boost her campaign to defeat Republican Donald Trump in November. Just beneath the surface, real questions loom about the depth of Harris newfound support, the breadth of her coalition and the strength of her movement. Not even a month ago, Democrats were deeply divided over foreign policy, political strategy and Biden himself, who was holding on after his disastrous debate by suggesting he had a better chance than any Democrat including Harris of beating Trump. Trump will campaign across the country this week as he struggles to adjust to Harris As Democrats kick off their convention in Chicago, Donald Trump s campaign is trying to regain its footing after weeks of struggling to adjust to Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the opposing ticket. Trump will attempt to undercut the Democratic celebration with a jam-packed schedule that includes daily events in battleground states tied to subjects where Republicans think they hold an advantage. Its his busiest campaign week since the winter, when he faced challengers in the Republican primary. But when Trump has held events billed as policy speeches throughout the campaign, they have often resembled his usual, rambling rally remarks. And as has long been the case during his political career, Trump has undercut his own message with outbursts and attacks that drown out anything else. Protesters plan large marches and rallies as DNC kicks off Crowds of activists are expected to gather in Chicago for protests outside the Democratic National Convention this week, hoping to call attention to such issues as economic injustice, reproductive rights and the war in Gaza. While Vice President Kamala Harris has galvanized the party as she gears up to accept the Democratic nomination, activists say their plans to demonstrate havent changed. Theyre ready to amplify their progressive message before the nations top Democratic leaders. Their issues cover climate change, abortion rights and racial equality, to name a few, but many activists agree an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the overarching message of the demonstrations. Theyve likened it to the Vietnam War of their generation. The Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation and buses are bringing activists to Chicago from all over the country. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.) The Royal Albert Hall has issued a warning ahead of the "Last Night of the Proms," urging attendees not to bring flags that are associated with protest or hatred to the event on September 14, 2024. Recently, the venue clarified its position on flags, stating that while its policy has not changed, the language used in its regulations has been updated for greater clarity. According to the Royal Albert Hall's website, "Flags are permitted at the Proms and are traditionally part of the 'Last Night' celebrations, provided they do not interfere with the smooth running of the concert." The statement continued, "Some flags will not be allowed in the auditorium, including those from proscribed groups, flags related to protest, hatred, or advertising, or flags that are larger than 0.5m x 1m." A Rich Tradition of Music and Speeches Since Malcolm Sargent took over as chief conductor in 1947, the "Last Night of the Proms" has followed a familiar format. Sargent aimed to broaden its appeal, which led to the inclusion of well-known pieces like 'Rule Britannia,' Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 'Land of Hope and Glory,' and Parry's 'Jerusalem' in the lineup. The practice of giving speeches during the "Last Night" became established through Sargent's influence. The first speech was delivered by Sir Henry Wood in 1941, at a time when the festival's future was uncertain. Although it wasn't originally a yearly event, it has since become a tradition for the conductor of the "Last Night" to address the audience on a topic of their choosing. Spotlight on Sakari Oramo and Special Guests Taking center stage at the upcoming "Last Night" is Finnish conductor Sakari Oramo. Leading the BBC Symphony Orchestra, which is known for its performances at both the grand finale and opening night of the annual gala, Oramo has held the position of chief conductor since 2012. This event marks Oramo's sixth time conducting the "Last Night" performance. In 2023, conductor Marin Alsop led the "Last Night" event. This marked her second time conducting the "Last Night," following her historic debut in 2013 as the first female conductor of the "Proms." Oramo and the BBC Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with soprano Angel Blue, who will showcase her talent with a selection of arias by Puccini and other composers. The evening's program will feature a variety of compositions, including a performance of Sir Henry Wood's "Fantasia on British Sea Songs." Im scared to drive with my father because there have been so many close calls lately. How do I convince him to give up the car keys? This is a huge issue for plenty of older people. Driving means independence, and giving it up is a tough milestone. When you discuss the possibility with your dad, he will probably be resistant, maybe even get angry. But no matter how the conversation goes, try not to get confrontational. Ask Dr. Adam Adam B. Rosenbluth, M.D., is an internist and cardiologist in New York City. Each Monday, hell weigh in on your questions about how to make your body work better for you. His AARP book will be published in 2027. Email your questions for Dr. Adam to dradam@aarp.org Youll want to be compassionate but also confident about your position. So lets begin by looking over a checklist of signs that indicate your dad should no longer be driving. For instance, have you noticed when youre riding with him that hes missing full stops or red lights? Does he pull out of the driveway or change lanes without looking? Does driving after dark make him anxious? Overall, do you notice that his driving is causing him more anxiety or exhaustion? Has his reaction time slowed? Or has he been getting lost more often? Has he gotten tickets for speeding or reckless driving? Finally, has he been in an accident recently or have you noticed fresh dents and scrapes on his car? Theres no definitive time when someone must stop driving. But I can tell you from my experience that most older people who are dealing with health issues usually stop driving too late after an accident. That is exactly what you want to avoid. Members only When my patients tell me theyre worried about a parent or partners driving, Im supportive, but I always stress that they need to introduce the subject in a way that doesnt assign blame. I suggest they say something like, Dad, what do you think of your driving? Your father may answer, Oh, I think its fine. Now its your turn. Dad, I dont. Ive noticed your reaction time has slowed. Do you have any thoughts about how we can handle this problem? Because Im really worried that either you or somebody on the road could get hurt. Social Security numbers are the skeleton keys to identity theft. And what better way to get someones Social Security number than by pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA)? With the announcement that there are new login requirements for those who created My Social Security online accounts before Sept. 18, 2021, experts warn that scammers may take advantage of Social Security recipients who may be confused by the switch. (See here for updated step-by-step instructions) Criminals take advantage of these big changes. We would urge people to be suspicious of any call offering to help you change your login credentials, says Amy Nofziger, director of victim support at AARPs Fraud Watch Network. Social Securitys Office of the Inspector General (OIG) received 73,626 reports of Social Security impersonators and related scams in fiscal 2023. Thats up from 64,773 the previous year, a 13.7 percent increase. Although those numbers are down dramatically from 2020s record-breaking statistics, its not for scammers lack of trying. Of the more than 40 billion scam calls flagged by T-Mobiles customer security tools in 2022, the most recent year for which a breakdown was available, around 13 percent or more than 5.4 billion were from Social Security impostors. And now impostors have artificial intelligence as a tool to make their communications more convincing. Scammers embrace of AI has made things exponentially worse, says Shawna Reeves, special projects consultant for Legal Assistance for Seniors in Oakland, California. Because of AI, scam calls, emails and texts have become more personalized, and thus, harder to detect. Warning signs of a Social Security scam The scam starts when crooks call or send you a text, a letter or a social media message, in which they claim to be officials from the SSA or the SSAs Office of the Inspector General. In an effort to seem authentic, they may use the name of an actual SSA employee or send what looks like an official SSA letterhead attached to an email or text message. To feign legitimacy, they may recite badge numbers or even create counterfeit versions of the IDs federal workers use to gain entry to government buildings. They might text or email images of the fake credentials to prove theyre Social Security representatives. SSA employees will not send images of their IDs. Then criminals may try various other scams. AARP is urging Congress to permanently remove the upper age limit on a tax credit program that prevents claims by some workers 65-plus. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit mostly available to lower-income workers that are taking care of children, grandchildren or other relatives who meet certain criteria. In certain cases, however, lower-income workers not taking care of such relatives may also be eligible for the benefit. But the current catch is they must be between the ages of 25 and 64. Members only That represents a blatant form of age discrimination, according to Bill Sweeney, the senior vice president for government affairs at AARP. On Aug. 13, AARP endorsed a new bill, the EITC for Older Workers Act, that would remove the age cap. In a letter to its co-sponsors, U.S. Reps. Mike Carey (R-Ohio) and Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), AARP praised the bipartisan bill for the relief it would bring to lower-income older workers, plus the positive boost it would have on Americas labor force and economy. This bill is a true win-win, wrote AARPs Sweeney. Easing the tax burden for older workers Removing the EITCs upper age cap would specifically help the growing number of workers 65-plus not living with children, grandchildren or other qualifying relatives, and earning up to $18,591 (or $25,511 if married filing jointly). Those workers would become eligible for credits of up to $632 in the 2024 tax year, if they meet other criteria as well. Learn How AARP is Fighting for You AARP is your fierce defender on the issues that matter to people 50-plus. Read more about how were fighting for you every day in Congress and across the country. In 2021, when the age cap was temporarily removed under a pandemic relief law, roughly 1.6 million older workers benefited, noted AARPs letter. Today, the number of older workers who would qualify for a credit is roughly 2 million, Davis said in a statement. And that number is likely to keep growing. Workers 65-plus represent the fastest-growing segment of the labor force, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They account for more than 60 percent of the projected labor force growth over the 202030 decade. The workforce has changed significantly since the EITC was established in 1975, said Carey in a statement. Many of us are working longer, and a rising retirement age should be reflected in the program. Join Our Fight for Tax Relief for Older Adults Sign up to become an AARP activist on tax relief and other issues important to people 50 and older. Removing the tax increase that occurs at 65 due to the EITC cap may also entice older workers to remain on the job longer, which could address current labor shortages, we noted in our letter. The EITC has an added benefit of bringing in revenues to businesses, states and local communities, which has a ripple effect throughout the economy, wrote AARPs Sweeney. These dollars help to sustain local companies and workers by creating jobs, wages, and salaries immediately and in the future. Keep up with AARPs financial coverage and if you need help with your taxes, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide can assist at no cost. 2 Un padre vende a su bebe de 11 meses por 900 euros a traves de Facebook para usar ... Chinese scientists leaving US, study finds 08:40, August 19, 2024 By May Zhou in Houston ( China Daily Scientists of Chinese descent in the United States have been leaving the country because of "pull factors" from China and the "push factor" of the US' 2018 China Initiative, according to major research findings published in an American scientific journal. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, applied Microsoft Academic Graph to analyze trends in the migration of US-based Chinese scientists between 2010 and 2021. The data used for the analysis was extensive, and the trends suggested a brain drain. Microsoft Academic Graph is a comprehensive database that tracks over 200 million scientists from more than 25,000 institutions worldwide. A brief on the study, published in July by the Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions at Stanford University in California, concluded that the discontinued China Initiative "provided scientists of Chinese descent in the US with higher incentives to leave and lower incentives to apply for federal grants". The purported objective of the China Initiative, launched in 2018 by the US Justice Department under former US president Donald Trump and halted in 2022 by the administration of President Joe Biden, was to reduce economic espionage. The study identified the working countries of researchers through their academic affiliations in publications, and tracked those with Chinese surnames who initially published in the US but later changed their affiliations to institutions abroad. It identified 19,955 scientists of Chinese descent who began their careers in the US but left for other countries, including China, between 2010 and 2021. The researchers said that contributing to the trend were "pull factors" from China, including the country's large and rapidly growing investment in science, its high social prestige and the attractive financial rewards connected to positions in Chinese institutions. The analysis also revealed a significant "push factor" in the US.Following the implementation of the China Initiative, departures of US-based, China-born scientists increased 75 percent. As of 2021, the proportion of scientists of Chinese descent who left the US and moved back to China increased to 67 percent, up from 48 percent in 2010. The life sciences field witnessed the most significant exodus abroad, with more than 1,000 such scientists leaving in 2021. The researchers also conducted an online survey of 1,304 US-based scientists of Chinese descent between December 2021 and March 2022 to find out why more were leaving. The results revealed the chilling effects of the China Initiative. About 35 percent of the respondents said they felt unwelcome in the US, 72 percent didn't feel safe as academic researchers, 42 percent were fearful of conducting research, and 65 percent were worried about collaborations with China. Of the five possible reasons for "not feeling safe as an academic researcher in the US", most survey respondents 67 percent of them pointed to fears of "US government investigations into Chinese-origin researchers". The largest single source of funding for basic research in the US is the federal government. However, 45 percent of the respondents said they now avoid federal grant applications, while 61 percent said they have considered leaving the US. MIT professor Gang Chen, who faced espionage charges under the China Initiative until they were dismissed in 2022, publicly admitted that he was avoiding federally funded research out of fear after undergoing a lengthy legal process, which damaged his reputation and forced many of his students to adjust their career paths. China has been one of the most important sources of US-based scientists for more than two decades. Of the 34,000 doctoral degrees in science and engineering awarded in the US in 2020, around 5,800, or roughly 17 percent, went to foreign students from China. A vast majority of these students chose to stay in the US back then. A professor in Houston told China Daily on the condition of anonymity that it is "unfortunate that the China Initiative turned out to be a government-sanctioned persecution of people of Chinese heritage". The professor said the federal government was wrong to prosecute people primarily based on race. "It is not a surprise that such a practice has created fear in the community." An analysis by Race, Racism and the Law, a civil rights group, concluded that of the 148 defendants across 77 cases in the FBI database, 130 defendants were of Chinese descent. Only 25 percent of them were convicted, and few of the convictions were related to espionage. The conviction rate was dramatically lower than the Justice Department's 91 percent overall conviction rate. In June, Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences, said that while the US still spends more money than any country on research and development, China is set to soon outpace such investment. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Lex The Movie, in collaboration with Red Theater, presents the upcoming theatrical production Within A Shadow. BroadwayWorld has reported that the script, written by LaRose Washington and recognized by Austin Film Festival, ScreenCraft, and Stage 32, is set to premiere at The Den Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, from September 5 until October 13, 2024. Aside from writing, Washington has a background in performing in professional stage and film productions in cities including Los Angeles and Chicago. A Journey of Culture and Identity Cultural Exploration and Identity Themes Telling a tale deeply rooted in culture, Within A Shadow follows the journey of a Black university senior as she explores unreciprocated love, strong friendships, and clashes of tradition within the predominantly White campus she calls home. The production combines high-contrast lighting methods, intricate choreography, and witty humor, aiming to provide audiences with a gripping and reflective journey that seeks to leave a lasting impression. According to production details, a mix of established Jeff Award recipients and rising stars will come together to create a dynamic cast and crew. Washington said in her Instagram announcement, "@withinashadow is about a quirky Black college senior who juggles awkward crushes, fierce friendships, and cultural clashes at her predominantly white university, all while fighting a battle of self-worth and cultural identity." She added, "I can't express how excited I am, and how honored I am to have the amazing team I do! I promise you don't want to miss this!" Ensemble Cast and Crew The ensemble includes LaRose Washington, Theresa Liebhart, SaniaFaith, Lydia Moss, Matt Chester, Tanner Sabol, Will Colley, Jeffrey David Thomas, Margo Harper, and Jeanne Scurek. Understudies include Tierra Matthews, Sophie Civetta, Garrett Wiegel, Clarence Young, and Shakira Reedus. Clare Brennan, Co-Artistic Director at Red Theater, stated, "LaRose is a valued member of Red Theater's artistic community, and we are so excited to help bring her moving, hilarious play to life." "After reading the script, we couldn't wait to help share this impactful story with our audience and beyond." The show is scheduled to feature evening performances from Thursday to Saturday at 8:00 PM, along with Sunday matinee shows at 3:00 PM. Memorializing eighty-five years since the outbreak of World War II By Mark Wegierski web posted August 19, 2024 On August 29, 2004, just before my departure from Poland (after a three-month stay) I attended an important ceremony at the small, historic town of Nieszawa which lies near the Vistula River, about 200 kilometers north-west of Warsaw, in the Kujawy-Pomorze (Kuyavia-Pomerania) region or voivodeship (wojewodztwo). It was a sunny and rather hot day. Currently with about 2,200 residents, the town has been in existence since the 15th century. Before World War II, Poles and Germans had lived side-by-side in Nieszawa for centuries. During the time of the Partitions (1795-1918), when Poland was under the occupation of three foreign powers, the town lay close to the border between Prussia/Germany and Czarist Russia. With an independent Poland reborn in 1918, the town became a county seat (miasto powiatowe), and attracted some illustrious residents. Nieszawa is the first municipality in Poland to unveil a monument to both Polish and German victims of the Second World War. Like all cities, towns, and villages in German-occupied Poland, Nieszawa suffered extensively at the hands of the Germans. Many of the town's Polish residents especially its intellectual and political leaders -- were either executed outright, sent to concentration camps, or conscripted locally for slave-labor. In April 1945, in the aftermath of war, those Germans who had chosen to remain (mostly women, children, and old people) were murdered (by drowning in the frigid waters of the Vistula) at the instigation of the Communist security police. In the early 1990s, the parish priest of Nieszawa, Father Wojciech Sowa, a highly educated and cultured man, began to lay the groundwork toward the eventual construction of the monument. The monument is a testimony to voluntary, people-to-people initiatives between once-hostile nations, which are often the best road to any meaningful reconciliation. The ceremony on August 29 was the culmination of many years of endeavor. The ceremony began in the over 500-year-old church of St. Jadwiga, with a Remembrance Mass followed by a Lutheran service. There was then a procession to the shores of the Vistula, to the very spot where the murders had taken place in 1945. Subsequently, the crowd gathered around the actual monument, also near the shores of the Vistula, and various sonorous speeches were given. Nieszawa was represented by its then-current Mayor, Andrzej Nawrocki, and there were representatives of the county (powiat) such as Janusz Chmielewski, the Chief Executive of the County Council. Along with most of the town's current residents, Dr. Gustave Bekker (a German expellee whose father had been murdered near Nieszawa in 1945), Stephan Hilsberg, a member of the Bundestag, and Julia Hilpner, a Cultural Attache of the German Embassy, as well as over 250 other Germans World War II survivors or their descendants -- were at the ceremony. It was Dr. Bekker who had initiated and carried forward the idea of the monument, as part of his long-time activism on behalf of German-Polish reconciliation. That the Roman Catholic Church takes up such activities of reconciliation is entirely apposite. Indeed, the inscription on the monument reads (in both Polish and German): "we forgive and ask for forgiveness." In response to a German Lutheran initiative in 1965, the Polish Roman Catholic Hierarchy, in its "Letter of the Polish Bishops" (November 18, 1965) had uttered that magnanimous phrase. Five million Christian Poles had perished during World War II (as well as three million Polish citizens of Jewish faith, part of the Holocaust's six million dead). Although Stalin's regime was clearly genocidal toward Poles in 1939-1941, at least three million Polish Christian deaths during World War II can be attributed directly to the exterminatory policies of Nazi Germany rather than, for example, military casualties. Also, even before the outbreak of the war, the Polish minority within the Third Reich was severely persecuted, and few survived. The Polish-German conflict was exacerbated further in the aftermath of the war by the Stalin-mandated shift of Poland's boundaries westward while Poland lost huge territories in the east to the Soviet Union, it gained considerable lands in the west at German expense. In Stalin's conception, these would bind Poland forever to a pro-Russian orientation, because of Polish fear of German revanchism. The new boundaries were also coincidentally roughly similar to those of early medieval Poland. Much of the German population had fled with Hitler's retreating soldiers before the arrival of the Soviet armies, whose behavior toward German civilians was without question savage. Some of the Germans who had remained may have felt that they had behaved comparatively decently during the war, and so would be shielded by their Polish neighbors from persecution. Nevertheless, the boundary shift created its own imperative, as destitute, homeless Poles streamed in from the East, and the expulsion of the German population was seen as rightful retribution. It was also abundantly clear that whatever reservations some Poles might have had about the expulsion of the civilian German population -- Stalin himself wanted the expulsions to happen. Much of the brutality which accompanied the expulsions should be properly credited to the Communist security apparatus, a significant portion of which did not at that time consist of Poles. Another factor to be considered is that the civilian German population was indeed probably comparatively better treated than the Polish nationalist resistance against Soviet Communism. In fact, a civil war raged throughout Poland until the late-1940s. It has been all-but-forgotten that over 100,000 Poles died resisting Soviet Communism after 1945. Furthermore, tens of thousands of Polish resistance fighters (who had fought against Hitler since 1939) were rounded up and sent to the Soviet Gulag, from which most of the survivors were not released until 1956. Although the Polish Communist Party tried to use the Polish Bishops' Letter to stir up Polish nationalist feeling against the Church, it undoubtedly played an important role in the 1970 normalization of relations between Poland and West Germany, including the recognition of the new Polish frontiers (the so-called Oder-Neisse/Odra-Nysa border) by West Germany. As far as the future of German-Polish relations, there are at least three factors that weigh heavily on it. First of all, there is the inherent asymmetry of relations between one country whose economy is ten or eleven times larger than that of the other, and whose population is more than twice as large. In such a situation of economic contrast, many Poles express the fear that the Germans will simply be able to "buy up" Poland. There is also a troubling asymmetry between the very robust advance of German minority claims in Poland driven of course by the superior German economic position -- and the unfortunate situation of Polish minorities in the East, especially in Ukraine and Belarus. Secondly, there is a climate in Western Europe (as well as in North America) today where the vast extent of Nazi Germany's evil against Slavic countries and peoples is curiously de-emphasized. This leads to a situation where some Germans may feel that, while they are obligated to defer to other groups, they are allowed to express pronounced disdain for the Poles. Indeed, the motives for some Germans' condemnation of Poles as hidebound reactionaries are rather suspect. This leads to the third main point, the problems with the establishment of the European Union. As a country with pronounced traditionalism, nationalism, and conservatism, Poland may indeed be ill out of sorts with the kind of European Union envisaged by the French, German, and Benelux socialists. Polish critics of the European Union sometimes refer to it as "the Fourth Reich" (i.e., a covert vehicle for German hegemony over Europe), or as a new "Soviet Union" (i.e., a bureaucratic socialist nightmare). The admission of the Eastern European countries into the EU, however, has, it could be argued, changed the dynamics operating in its structures, so that the possibly dystopic outcomes presaged by the dominance of Western European "progressives" have become less likely. It is sometimes fascinating to watch how long-held animosities are impacted by the massive transformations and transmogrifications through which most Western societies have been wrenched in the Twentieth Century. For example, the reasons for which some ethnic groups are held in disdain have shifted from an ostensibly "traditional" to an ostensibly "progressive" basis. So-called "Eastern Europeans" are often considered today as "backward" irredeemably "unprogressive" and as suitable targets for "enlightened" re-education projects. The underlying feeling is that people "from there" "holding those sorts of views" simply cannot be permitted to hold responsible positions in society. Hence, we see the phenomenon of what could be called to borrow the term from another context -- "respectable bigotry." The Polish nationalist perspective on Germany is rather ambiguous. On the one hand, there is the fear of an aggressive, economically superior Germany. On the other, there may be some recognition that Germany is today much different from what it was before and is indeed facing like most Western countries -- an impending demographic and socio-cultural crisis. Surveying the Polish political spectrum, one finds convergences and divergences in attitudes toward Germany that cannot be predictively tied to partisan affiliation. The pre-World War II National Democracy movement, now frequently pilloried by the politically-correct Left in Poland, was in fact dynamically anti-German. In the 1930s, the Polish National Democrats perceived with clarity the dangers of Hitler, and argued for a close alliance with Czechoslovakia. Among most "progressives" today, the Polish National Democrats have an unwarranted reputation as Nazi sympathizers. Although the National Democrats certainly had pronounced elements of anti-Jewish disdain, they were also among the most courageous anti-Nazis in occupied Poland and suffered disproportionately to their numbers for the resistance they mounted. On the other hand, one finds among some sectors of the Polish politically-correct Left today, an exaggerated Germanophilia views which are sometimes expressed in Adam Michnik's Gazeta Wyborcza, the largest and most profitable mass-newspaper in Poland. As far as possibly helpful elements in German-Polish relations, one might be the recognition by Poles of the conceptual possibility of the existence of a German "conservative anti-Nazi" outlook during World War II and its aftermath. It seems clear that in a situation like today, where German conservatism, nationalism, and traditionalism is largely proscribed by "political-correctness," whatever German national feeling that remains will have a tendency to seek expression in pathological forms, or to desperately seek current-day political legitimacy by blackening the Poles through "progressive"-sounding condemnations. In fact, in most Western countries, it could be argued that it is precisely by giving political scope and legitimacy to authentic conservative traditions that various Nazi-like aberrations of the fringe can be reduced. As far as the German view of Poles and Poland, there must be a resistance to falling into unreflective anti-Polish and anti-Slavic stereotypes, regardless of whether or not they have an ostensibly leftist, "progressive" provenance. That the German-Polish dialogue has been led by the Christian Churches is not at all surprising: it is precisely the Christian ideal of forbearance and forgiveness that can be an answer to ever-spiraling cycles of hatred, resentment, and crude vengeance. (This article is based on the author's article that originally appeared in Chronicles (Rockford, IL) (April 2005), pp. 37-38.) Mark Wegierski is a Toronto-based writer and historical researcher. He was born in Toronto of Polish immigrant parents. Home Business Todays most anticipated event of the year, the Adani Business Today India@100 Summit, returns on August 20, 2024, at the Leaders Lounge in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the first Business Media summit to be held at this venue. The third edition of the summit, themed A Future-Ready India: Decoding the Megatrends for Mission 2047, promises an engaging exchange of ideas among top business leaders, policymakers, politicians, and academics. This premier event will offer invaluable insights into Indias strategic future, and feature pivotal discussions on the nations path forward. The summit will focus on critical issues including the middle-income trap, advancements in green energy, and sustainable infrastructure development. With a new government implementing ambitious reforms and India establishing itself as a global influencer, the summit will examine the country's progress in artificial intelligence, employment, consumption, and agricultural modernization. The event will highlight India's leadership and growing role in the global economy. The upcoming summit will host a distinguished line-up of speakers, including leading figures such as Ruchir Sharma, Chairman of Rockefeller International, the asset management division of the Rockefeller Foundation; Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF); Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission; and N.K. Singh, former Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission. The summit will present panels with influential policymakers, including Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture; and Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Industry leaders such as Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Ltd.; Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestle India; Manish Sabharwal, Vice Chairman of TeamLease Services; and Bhavish Aggarwal, Founder of Ola. Other notable business figures such as Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of NTPC Ltd.; Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO of ReNew; Nivruti Rai, Managing Director and CEO of Invest India; Saurabh Kumar Sahu, Managing Director and Lead - India Business at Accenture; and Professor Vikram Gandhi of Harvard Business School will also provide valuable insights. Laveesh Bhandari, President & Senior Fellow, CSEP; Dhiraj Nayyar, Chief Economist at Vedanta; and Members of Parliament Karti Chidambaram, Shashank Mani Tripathi and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, will also participate in the discussions. The summit will focus on economic growth, technological innovation, sustainable development, and geopolitical strategy, providing actionable insights for stakeholders and promoting a cohesive vision for Indias global role. Canon India has announced the onboarding of Sudeep Chatterjee, a luminary in Indian cinematography, as the latest Canon Cinema EOS Ambassador. This significant inclusion to the Canon Ambassador Program highlights the companys ongoing dedication to nurturing the videography industry by bringing renowned artists into its fold. By consistently expanding its program with industry stalwarts like Chatterjee, Canon fosters a deep passion for filmmaking, inspiring both seasoned and aspiring filmmakers to explore the limitless possibilities of visual storytelling. Sudeep Chatterjee, celebrated for his dynamic and diverse body of work in Hindi and Bengali films, stands as one of Indian cinemas most influential cinematographers. With a career that commenced at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, and spanning over two decades, he has delivered some of the most visually compelling films in Indian cinema. His portfolio includes grand period dramas like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Padmaavat, and Bajirao Mastani, as well as the fast-paced, handheld cinematography of Chak De India. His exceptional contributions to the craft have earned him two National Awards, along with numerous other accolades. Vishesh Magoo, Assistant Director, Imaging Communication Business Centre, Canon India, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, Over the years, filmmaking has undergone a remarkable evolutionfrom the technology used to the visions that come to life on screen. As someone who has been at the forefront of this transformation, Sudeep Chatterjee embodies the spirit of innovation that Canon champions. We are thrilled to have him on board, as his expertise and creativity will undoubtedly amplify the possibilities of our cutting-edge technology. Together, we look forward to creating unparalleled cinematic experiences and inspiring a new generation of visual storytellers. Sharing his excitement about joining the program, Sudeep Chatterjee remarked, I am truly honoured to become part of the Canon EOS Ambassador Program, which represents a perfect blend of artistry and innovation. Canon has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in visual storytelling, and I am eager to explore new creative horizons with their technology. This partnership marks an incredible opportunity to share my journey with aspiring filmmakers, helping them leverage Canons technology to tell powerful, compelling stories. Sudeep Chatterjees artistry has been further demonstrated through his nuanced work in films like Guzaarish and indie treasures such as Dor, Iqbal, and Chotushkone. His versatility is also evident in the blockbuster action film Dhoom 3, where he adeptly navigated various styles and genres, solidifying his reputation as a master of cinematography. "The recently aired web series 'Heeramandi' has been celebrated for its artistic excellence, with notable praise coming from Sudeep, the series' cinematographer. The Canon EOS Ambassador Program unites creative professionals and industry experts who are trailblazers in the photo and video community, both online and offline. These ambassadors serve as trusted voices, offering product validation, consultation, and insight to a wide-ranging audience across diverse genres and demographics. The program is a cornerstone of Canons commitment to cultivating a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the art and craft of visual storytelling. From our first frenemies to our oldest friends, siblings hold a very special place in our hearts. A relationship that transcends borders and time but rarely wavers. Godrej Industries Group (GIG), through its owned media platforms Godrej LAffaire and Godrej Vikhroli Cucina, unveils two digital films celebrating Raksha Bandhan featuring Godrej Jersey. These films honour sibling bonds by blending tradition with modern values, highlighting themes of love, and connection, while subtly challenging gender stereotypes. Godrej LAffaire celebrates the spirit of Raksha Bandhan with a heartwarming film that unconventionally intertwines the values and traditions of the festival with #RespectAllBandhans, the third in its series. Historically, the roles of protector, breadwinner, and decision-maker were assigned to men; But times have changed and so why not celebrate our bonds with a new perspective? Raksha Bandhan highlights the sacred bond of protection and love between siblings, and this film takes a unique approach showcasing a role reversal in the traditional Raksha Bandhan ritual. Godrej LAffaire subtly challenges gender stereotypes and invites viewers to join them in celebrating the beautiful bond of siblingship. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Godrej L'affaire (@godrejlaffaire) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vikhroli Cucina (@vikhrolicucina) Godrej Vikhroli Cucinas digital film, "#SweetBonds," hits a little closer to home, it is a nostalgic journey into the heart of siblinghood. It humorously rewinds time to capture the playful banter, to bickering over trivialities, and cherished moments that have shaped their bond. The film beautifully portrays how distance cannot dampen the love and connection shared between siblings. As the video unfolds, it culminates in a heartwarming Raksha Bandhan celebration, where a sister surprises her brother with a thoughtful 'sweet' gift. This gesture symbolizes the enduring sweetness of their relationship and the power of shared memories to bridge any gap. Godrej Jersey Mysore Pak becomes a metaphor for the sweetness of their bond, reinforcing the idea that love knows no distance. Talking about the campaign Tanya Dubash, Executive Director & Chief Brand Officer, Godrej Industries Group said, This Raksha Bandhan, our films celebrate the deep and enduring bonds that define sibling relationships while embracing an unconventional perspective. These stories highlight the timeless love between siblings. From food wars to playful ribbing, all shared moments between siblings have now become Sweet Bonds. Resonating with the idea that distance cannot diminish the sweetness of shared moments the video reminds us to cherish these little moments, for they are gone in a blink of an eye. Our films reflect our commitment to honouring these invaluable connections, ultimately celebrating the strength and love that unite us. Commenting on the campaign, Bhupendra Suri, CEO, Godrej Jersey said, Sweets play an essential role during festive celebrations in our country. A day of celebration and spending time with your loved ones, it adds up to festive delights. At Godrej Jersey, we have always focused on building trust and forging strong bonds with our consumers. Hence on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, we are hopeful that our sweet products Godrej Jersey Mysore Pak and Godrej Jersey Doodh Peda will allow our consumers cherish the traditional values of this auspicious occasion, he further added. By blending tradition with modern values, the campaign invites viewers to appreciate and honour diverse relationships, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and empathetic world. This Rakshabandhan, Pune Police, in collaboration with Schbang, launches a unique initiative to promote road safety, titled "Surakshe Chi Rakhi" a specially designed rakhi that looks like a seatbelt. Pune's women traffic police officers play a crucial role in this initiative by distributing these rakhis to safety offenders at traffic signals across the city. This campaign uses the festival's theme of protection to promote seatbelt use and road safety, reminding citizens that true protection starts with self-safety. Rakshabandhan is a festival that symbolises the promise of protection, traditionally exchanged between brothers and sisters. However, this campaign reimagines this sacred promise in the context of road safety, emphasising that real protection begins with following essential traffic rules. In India, the importance of wearing seatbelts is often overlooked, resulting in a staggering number of road fatalities. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), 16,715 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2022 alone due to not wearing seatbelts. Maharashtra, which ranks second in road accident fatalities, is a significant focus of this campaign. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatality by 40-65% for front-seat passengers and 25-75% for those in the rear seats. Through the "Surakshe Chi Rakhi" campaign and its specially designed seatbelt-inspired rakhi, Pune Police aims to address this issue by encouraging more drivers and passengers to buckle up in both Hindi and Marathi languages. The campaign aims to bring about a behavioural change among car drivers and passengers, emphasising the life-saving importance of seatbelt use. By collaborating with Pune Police, the initiative seeks to reinforce the message that protecting oneself by wearing a seatbelt is the first step towards protecting loved ones. The TVC opens with a female traffic cop stopping a driver who, in his rush forgot to wear his seatbelt. Expecting a bribe, the driver is surprised when the officer ties a seatbelt-style rakhi on his wrist instead, reminding him that only by staying safe can he protect others. The film concludes with the message: "Happy and Safe Raksha Bandhan - Pune Traffic Police dwara janhit mein jaari." In addition to Raksha Bandhan, female traffic cops from Pune Police distribute the specially designed seatbelt rakhis to drivers at specific signals across the city. Harshil Karia, Founder, Schbang expressed, "Our creatives, Ratnadeep and Mohammed, have brilliantly captured the essence of this campaign with the simple yet powerful insight that a seatbelt is the best Rakhi gift a woman traffic police officer can give to citizens, symbolising protection and care. Kudos to them for conceptualising this idea, and a special shout-out to Ratnadeep for his efforts in ensuring Pune Police's enthusiastic participation in bringing this initiative to life." As the city of Pune prepares to celebrate Rakshabandhan, the "Surakshe Chi Rakhi" campaign serves as a timely reminder that the actual essence of protection resides in proactive measures to maintain road safety. Gun violence statistics 2024: A comprehensive look at the data By Cassandra McBride web posted August 19, 2024 America has more civilian-owned guns per capita than any other country in the world. However, only 0.0084% of the country's estimated 500,000,000 firearms are used to end a human life. "Gun violence" is a broadly defined term that encompasses the relationship between firearms and death, crime, or injuries. Unfortunately, this vague terminology can divert conversations from concrete data and hinder the development of effective solutions. Defining Gun Violence The term "gun violence" is controversial and often misunderstood. Before we delve into the statistics, let's clarify how this term is used and what the public needs to know about gun-related deaths and injuries in the U.S. Many Americans associate gun violence with a general threat. However, the media and politicians often use the term more broadly to refer to any incident involving a firearm. For example, suicides are included in gun violence statistics, even though they pose no direct threat to others. Some reports also include cases of brandishing, which can be subjective and may involve situations where no real threat is present. To provide a clearer picture, let's break down firearm-related deaths and injuries in 2023: 58% of firearm-related deaths were suicides 38% were homicides 3% involved police shootings, accidental shootings, or were undetermined In the following sections, we will use specific terms to accurately describe the intent behind firearm-related incidents, helping our readers better understand the impact of firearms on injuries and deaths. Gun Violence Statistics in 2024 According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there were 5,847 firearm-related homicides, unintentional shooting deaths, and defensive use cases resulting in death in the first four months of 2024. Additionally, this source, which gathers information from 7,000 newspaper publications, reported 10,674 firearm-related injuries before May 2024. Examining shooting incidents in early 2024 can help identify future trends when compared to previous years. For instance, if the Gun Violence Archive's data is accurate, the 5,847 firearm-related deaths between January and April 2024 represent a significant decrease. In contrast, the first four months of 2018 saw over 13,000 firearm-related deaths, with this number increasing to a peak of 15,572 deaths by April 2022. Furthermore, after a sharp rise in firearm-related deaths during 2020 and 2021, the numbers have started to trend downward. Gun Violence and Gun Ownership Statistics Wyoming has more firearms per capita than any other state, with 245.8 per 1,000 people. In 2023, Wyoming had 107 firearm-related deaths, of which 89% were suicides and 9% were homicides. In contrast, New Jersey has the fewest firearms per capita, with 1.1 per 1,000 people, yet 337 people died from gun-related incidents in 2023. Only 31% of these deaths were suicides, highlighting a stark difference from Wyoming. Thus, by the definition of gun violence, New Jersey, with fewer firearms, experiences more gun violence. The United States experienced 40,627 firearm-related deaths in 2023. Of these, 59% were suicides, 38% were homicides, and 3% were due to legal intervention, unintentional shootings, and undetermined causes. Examining gun-related deaths further reveals that states with higher gun ownership have a lower percentage of firearm-related homicides. Conversely, states with fewer guns have a higher proportion of homicides in their gun death totals. For instance, only 16.7% of Maryland residents own firearms, yet 80% of the state's gun deaths are homicides. On the other hand, 65.7% of Montana residents own firearms, and only 19.3% of gun deaths are homicides. Regarding suicides, higher gun ownership states tend to have a greater proportion of firearm-related suicides within their total gun deaths, although gun ownership does not directly influence overall suicide rates. Ultimately, the data indicates that firearm ownership does not necessarily lead to more gun violence, homicides, or suicides. Instead, it suggests that the availability of firearms may influence the method of suicide but not the overall suicide rates. Gun Violence Deaths by Year in the U.S. Homicide rates in the United States dropped by 21% from 2022 to 2023, with firearm-related homicides decreasing by 25% during the same period. As a result, firearm-related homicide rates returned to pre-2020 levels at 4.7 per 100,000 people. Nationally, there was a 16% decrease in the total number of firearm-related deaths. Firearm-related suicides declined by 13%, while firearm-related homicides dropped by 20%. In 2023, 78% of all homicides were committed with a firearm, compared to 79% in 2022. Despite 56 consecutive months of over 1,000,000 firearm sales in the U.S., gun violence appears to be returning to lower levels. Non-Fatal Gun Violence in the U.S. In 2021, 1,958,273 individuals visited an emergency room for an injury related to violence. According to the FBI NIBRS, in 2022, 231,878 of the 815,580 violent crimes reported involved a firearm. (Source 5) Tracking firearm-related injuries from violence is challenging. For example, the CDC WISQARS compiles data on the number of ER visits but doesn't specify the nature of the injuries. The FBI UCR collects crime report data, but not all incidents involving firearms are classified as violent. A study estimates the average number of non-fatal firearm-related emergency room visits to be 84,581 incidents per year from 2010 to 2015 (Source 3). However, in 2020, the number of ER visits for firearm-related injuries increased by 37%, while other injury-related visits decreased. This trend continued with a 36% increase in 2021, but firearm-related ER visits declined by 20% in 2022. (Source 4) Similar to homicide rates, firearm-related injuries and violent crimes increased during the pandemic but have declined since 2022. Despite millions of gun sales, the passage of permitless carry legislation in several states, and soft-on-crime policies, the threat of non-fatal gun violence has been trending downward as of 2023. Gun Violence by Demographics While race does not cause gun violence, there is a significant correlation between the race of victims and higher rates of gun violence. For example, Black Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are 70% more likely to be victims of gun violence than other demographics. (Source 2) Gun violence, particularly assaults with firearms, is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including inner-city violence, reduced policing, lower incarceration rates, and soft-on-crime policies. In 2022, Black Americans were killed with guns at a rate of 20 per 100,000. For Hispanics, the rate was 4.4 per 100,000, and for Native Americans, it was 4.3 per 100,000. In contrast, Asian and White Americans had rates of 0.9 and 1.6 per 100,000, respectively. The pattern changes only slightly when excluding firearms: White Americans were killed at a rate of 0.8 per 100,000, Hispanics at 1.4 per 100,000, Native Americans at 4.5 per 100,000, and Black Americans at 3.4 per 100,000. The reasons why Black Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans are more likely to be victims of gun violence are not fully understood, but the data clearly shows severe racial disparities in violence-related victimhood in the United States. Trends and Decline: Navigating the Fluctuations of Gun Violence in 2024 "Gun violence" is a polarizing term because it often includes incidents where no individual was threatened or harmed. Nonetheless, the fluctuation of gun violence statistics remains a concern for many Americans. Gun violence rates increased in the 1960s, peaked in the 1980s, decreased in the 1990s, and rose again during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, gun violence statistics in 2024 indicate that this problem is now declining. Cassandra McBride spends her free time reading classic literature, kayaking, fishing, and spending time on the range with her husband and four children. She continues to grow her knowledge of firearms and ammunition while taking immense pride in educating others on a passion sparked in childhood and maintained in adulthood. Reprinted with the kind permission of Ammo.com. Home Raksha Bandhan, being celebrated today, marks the beginning of the extended festive season in India. Over the years, this festival celebrating the eternal bond between brothers and sisters has become a huge opportunity for brands to connect with consumers on a personal level. In recent years, e-commerce platforms and gifting brands have increasingly woven themselves into the fabric of Raksha Bandhan. By offering a wide range of products and services tailored for the occasion, these brands have not only facilitated the exchange of gifts but have also created new traditions in the digital age. Theyve capitalized on the festival's emotional appeal, crafting campaigns that resonate with consumers sentiments, and driving engagement and sales. Additionally, brands are launching creative campaigns that go beyond mere advertising, aiming to create memorable experiences and deepen their connection with the audience. These efforts underscore the importance of Raksha Bandhan in the marketing calendar, as companies seek to blend tradition with innovation to capture the hearts of consumers. Several brands have launched special marketing campaigns to seize this festival one of them is FlowerAura. FlowerAura launched an extensive new Rakhi collection available in more than 30+ countries, celebrating the enduring threads and unconditional sibling love. Each rakhi from the new collection such as Meenakari, Kundan, Precious Stones, and Mauli Rakhis, is handcrafted by local artisans to add a touch of traditional elegance, complete with limited edition packaging. Another one is Bonjour. Bonjour has curated a special range of socks adorned with festive patterns and colours. Each pair is designed not only to offer exceptional comfort but also to symbolize the unique and unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters. This collection is all about making sure your sibling feels cherished and loved. Zepto is giving the age-old Shagun ka Lifafa a Zepto-style makeover. Inside this Raksha Bandhan special Zepto lifafa, both the brother and sister get a special scratch card with a chance to win prizes worth Rs 5 crore, including cars, a luxurious trip to Dubai, iPhones, TVs, speakers, washing machines, and many more exciting gifts! And heres the best part: everyones a winner no lifafa goes empty, not even for the brothers! Zepto is also gearing up to deliver over 3.5 million orders. This article explores how brands are leveraging digital mediums, traditional media, and innovative campaigns to make the most of Raksha Bandhan. The focus on personalized, targeted messaging through social media and influencer marketing is stronger than ever, reflecting the evolving landscape of festive marketing. Consumer engagement mediums Avi Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, FNP, noted, Most brands are increasingly focusing on digital mediums for Raksha Bandhan campaigns. Social media, influencer marketing, and online ads allow for personalized, targeted messaging, making digital the top choice. Its all about engaging directly with consumers, creating interactive content, and tracking results in real-time. Emphasizing the importance of traditional mediums, he said, TV still plays a crucial role, especially for mass reach during prime time. It continues to be a go-to for brands aiming to make a big impact quickly. Print media is becoming more niche, with investments shifting to digital, but its still valuable in regional markets where traditional media has strong roots. In essence, brands are blending digital and TV to maximize reach and engagement, with digital leading the way due to its flexibility and measurable impact. Vidita Kochar Jain, Co-founder, Jewelbox, pointed out, Raksha Bandhan is a significant occasion for gifting, and brands are keenly aware of the need to reach their audience effectively during this period. Digital platforms are receiving the lions share of investment because they allow for precise targeting of specific demographics, provide measurable outcomes, and offer flexibility in campaign execution. This makes digital an ideal medium for brands looking to maximize their reach and engagement. Rakhi Sharma, VP - Marketing and E-Commerce, Jovees, too, said, Digital mediums have experienced a significant upsurge in the festive times! All though it depends on the category for example for automobile or white goods print is something which really works having said that digital platforms are proving to give better ROI and better insights. At the same time, traditional media such as TV and print continue to remain vital in the Indian context, especially for reaching a broader and more diverse audience. According to experts, these mediums are trusted and have deep penetration across various regions, making them effective for campaigns that aim to resonate with a wide spectrum of consumers. Influencer marketing & social media campaigns When asked whether brands are increasing their budgets specifically for influencer marketing or social media campaigns for Raksha Bandhan, Avi Kumar replied in the affirmative and said, The reason is simple: these platforms offer direct access to target audiences and allow for highly personalized, authentic content that resonates with consumers. Influencers, in particular, help brands tap into niche communities and build trust quickly, which is crucial during festive seasons. Social media campaigns are also more adaptable and can be quickly optimized based on real-time feedback. Today, brands are not only allocating more resources to these areas but also seeing them as essential for driving engagement and conversion during Raksha Bandhan. Vidita Kochar noted, Were seeing a marked increase in budgets allocated specifically for influencer marketing and social media campaigns during Raksha Bandhan. Many brands are launching their festive and gifting collections through collaborations with influencers. By leveraging the follower base of these influencers, brands can not only enhance their credibility but also drive sales more effectively. Social media campaigns, when strategically planned, allow brands to engage with their target audience in a more direct and personalized manner than traditional formats. This trend reflects the growing importance of digital channels in festive marketing strategies. Rakhi Sharma said, In the beauty and skincare space influencers are working beautifully! The idea is to choose them wisely. Look at the audience they are catering to and the SOV in the process point the brand is functioning. With great tools available these days a brand can make an informed decision basis the same. Will natural calamities impact the festive mood? Avi Kumar pointed out that when such events occur, consumer priorities often shift towards essentials and safety, leading to a dip in discretionary spending, including festive shopping. He also added, But this brings with it a noticeable shift towards online shopping. Consumers opt to purchase gifts and festive items online, seeking convenience and safety. Brands also tend to adjust their messaging and campaigns to be more sensitive and empathetic, aligning with the changed sentiment. Overall, while these conditions can dampen immediate spending, they also push brands to innovate and adapt to maintain engagement with consumers. Vidita Kochar said, Yes, adverse weather conditions or natural calamities can have a significant impact on consumer spending and the overall festive mood. Disruptions in the supply chain can lead to reduced availability of products, which in turn affects sales. Moreover, economic uncertainty and psychological factors that arise in the aftermath of a calamity can diminish consumer intent to purchase, dampening the festive spirit. Brands need to be mindful of these factors when planning their campaigns during such times. Rakhi Sharma believes that the e-commerce sites see an exponential growth during the treacherous monsoon conditions as consumers tend to spend more time online than offline. She added, Rains definitely contribute to lesser footfalls in the stores! The kind of weather conditions our country experiences in monsoons bring the numbers down from offline sales having said that the online numbers experience a good upsurge in these months, the doorstep delivery is something which has a great impact on the online numbers. From conversing with Mayan people to creating a virtual travel guide to debating the effectiveness of capital punishment, educators are using artificial intelligence n numerous ways to spice up classroom activities and assignments. The University of Alabama is embracing the usage of AI in the classroom with the Artificial Intelligence Teaching Enhancement Initiative , which guides faculty on incorporating the technology in the classroom. Initially classes started out at around a dozen faculty members. Now interest has ramped up and classes max out at 20 faculty members, with many more showing interest, according to the campus. The program also partners with UA Teaching Academy to host workshops about how to create innovative assignments while maintaining academic integrity. University of Alabama associate professor of history Lawrence Cappello and assistant professor of anthropology Katherine Chiou founded the AI Teaching Enhancement Initiative in 2023. The two were intrigued as to how AI could be used to address student disengagement after the pandemic. Naturally, were instructors, first and foremost, Chiou said. We come from different disciplines. We think that were able to contribute by basically telling other faculty how we have found it useful and how we have decided to begin to incorporate things into our own classes. UAs policies on using AI include that students shouldnt use AI to substantially generate an assignment. For instructors, AI should not be the primary method for grading work. Generative AI, if used at all, should be an aid to rather than a substitute for learning in the classroom, whether in-person or virtual, the policy states. Cappello said educating faculty will encompass more than in-person classes. There are plans to have online modules on assignment generation, and how to AI-proof assignments as well as AI experts available to faculty who have questions. Educators must understand that artificial intelligence isnt a fad. Cappello said AI is one of the most transformative things thats happened to education in 100 years, and were on this brink of a new era where employers are going to be expecting that anyone with a college degree, regardless of their major, will be at least somewhat familiar with how AI is used. Chiou artificial intelligence is in the classroom and the academy to stay. A June study from Pearson indicated students are using AI to help them get better grades. Students are using AI tools to help them understand more complex topics and study better. However, that doesnt mean students are using the technology to cheat. An anonymous survey by Stanford University in 2023 showed students cheating more because of artificial intelligence. The truth is, regardless of whether or not we ban AI in our classrooms, the students are using it, and thats what the research is showing, she said. Chiou said AI shouldnt be seen as a threat but as an opportunity to enhance pedagogical aims. Educators shouldnt be afraid of AI. Instead, the first steps to embracing AI are playing with the technology and having thoughtful discussions. Chiou said teachers need to learn how generative AI has developed over the last several years, how data is obtained, and how its trained. We teach workshops for faculty across UA to upskill them on AI and how to use AI in generating assignments and assessments and help with lecture prep, while also teaching how not to use AI for certain things, Chiou said. Theres no need to be an expert, but being conversant with these tools is expected regardless of major, Cappello said. One of the main components educators need to understand is the need for extensive policies and strategies about privacy and ethical usage. It is adapt or die time, Cappello said. One recent creative application Chiou read is how an anthropologist used AI to develop a visitor guide to certain periods in time. She said image generation technology can help students bring art history to life. Cappello believes incorporating AI into lessons can increase student engagement lost during the pandemic. It makes students think differently about the kinds of material that theyre dealing with in perhaps less of a of a passive way, Chiou said. Cappello created a chatbot to advocate for one particular viewpoint in a debate. Students interact with the chatbot to discuss subjects like whether or not capital punishment is cruel and unusual punishment. To complete the assignment, students must engage using three different counterpoints and present evidence. Artificial intelligence can serve as opposing counsel in mock trials. For example, a chatbot can create jury selection questions that students must answer verbally. While understanding and learning AI is essential, ensuring students are still learning using traditional methods is also important. Its absolutely crucial that we make sure students are still learning these old-school problem-solving skills that have been taught for generations that have nothing to do with tech, Cappello said. Blending traditional assignments with artificial intelligence can be an innovative way of introducing students to the technology. Cappello said these methods include conducting independent research, considering objections, making conclusions, learning trial and error, and learning how to think for themselves. He said this is important to prevent AI from being a crutch or a tool used for plagiarism. Some of those old school methods include asking students to put tablets away and using pen and paper or standardized testing booklets like Blue Book. Teachers can employ oral testing for students or use technology like web browser blockers. Adjustments need to be made to classroom and homework assignments. He said teachers would be irresponsible to assign students a paper to take home and hope that they dont use AI because you told them not to. Cappello suggested students keep an artificial intelligence log. For a take-home assignment, students take home three questions they must answer and show how they interacted with AI for the final paper. Because AI has a tendency to hallucinate, meaning it can create incorrect answers that sometimes smacks of the truth, students must verify the research to figure out whats wrong. Chiou said its important to put students in the drivers seat so they can control and verify the information they glean from AI. Because AI isnt foolproof, Cappello creates history assignments where 25 percent of the text from ChatGPT is incorrect. Students must determine where the errors are and make the correct changes. So thats the challenge right now for teachers and students in this moment, Cappello said. How do we balance teaching old-school critical thinking skills without the use of tech because its so important but also recognizing that we have this ethical duty now to integrate AI into the classroom on at least some level because we do have to prepare students for the future? Artificial intelligence may not be needed for instructors in foundational or introductory subjects. Cappello used mathematics as an allegory for how AI is an added tool for student mastery. Elementary school students must learn multiplication tables. However, in higher-level courses like trigonometry, students must use calculators. Chiou and Cappello said AI is not the devil, and students arent looking for the easy way out. AI is not the death of learning and expertise. If you give this to good teachers, it can make them great teachers, Cappello said. New teachers can create innovative curricula, and more experienced teachers can connect easier with their students. Teachers can use AI to repackage material into more creative or humorous assignments. A two-hour lecture can be broken down into shorter, more digestible segments to accommodate students learning capabilities. Chiou said teachers can guide students in transforming lesson content into podcast segments or social media posts. Cappello calls AI a force multiplier. It just allows me to do a lot more in the same amount of time, he said. During CNNs coverage of this weeks Democratic National Convention, Jason Isbell could be heard sound checking in the background. Isbell was running through Something More Than Free, the title track to his 2015 album. According to Variety, Isbell is set to perform tonight during the conventions opening night, which will also include a speech from President Joe Biden. Folk/rock musician Isbell, who grew up in Green Hill and Muscle Shoals and is a longtime Nashville-area resident, has won six Grammy Awards, including two this year. In addition to his singing, songwriting and guitar playing, Isbell is known for his left-leaning (OK, more than leaning) politics. In addition to posting on his social media, Isbell has put his music where his political beliefs are before. In 2020, he posted on Twitter if Biden carried Georgia in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, hed record an album covering songs by Georgia artists to raise funds for charity. After Biden won Georgia, Isbell made good on his promise. In 2021, Isbell released Georgia Blue, which included his versions of songs by the likes of the Allman Brothers, James Brown, Gladys Knight and R.E.M. In 2017, Isbell played a solo acoustic show at the since-shuttered SideTracks Music Hall in Huntsville to raised funds for Democrat Doug Joness campaign. He supported Jones again in 2020, with another fundraising solo show, this time at Birminghams Lyric Theatre. Isbells next concert is set for Sept. 5 at Charlottes Ovens Auditorium. Before then, hell return to Huntsville for an Aug. 26 event at which he and fellow Alabama native and Grammy winner Brittany Howard will receive Alabama Humanities Fellows, the highest humanities honor bestowed in the state. The Alabama Humanities Fellows event will center around a moderated, in-depth conversation between the two musicians. Howard and Isbell will also perform one song each. Muscle Shoals native and (Isbells former bandmate in Southern rock outfit Drive-By Truckers) Patterson Hood will present Howard and Isbell with their Fellows awards. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has obtained temporary restraining orders against five illegal gambling facilities in Selma. Marshalls office on Friday filed for the TROs against Joker 777 on East Highland Avenue, Mini Bingo on Dallas Avenue, which is the former Big Star Groceries building, Selma Charity Bingo on Highway 14 East, Selma Bingo on Hickory Road and Lucky Duck on Highway 80 West. Dallas County Circuit Judge Don McMillan granted the AGs request on Monday. With the restraining orders in place, according to Marshall, the facilities must cease all operations and there can be no further financial transactions connected with the facility or those operating the facility until further orders from the Circuit Court of Dallas County. Marshall also sought and executed six search warrants at each of these gambling facilities as part of the ongoing criminal investigation. One of the search warrants was carried out at an address on Lewis Street. Court documents allege the facilities contain slot machines, gambling devices and illegal gambling. Records show authorities located 24 slot machines at Mini Bingo. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Dallas County Sheriffs Office and the Dallas County District Attorneys Office assisted Marshall with the investigation. Marshall said the law is clear gambling in Alabama is illegal. These facilities are operating with complete disregard to Alabama law, Marshall said in a press release. I applaud Dallas County Sheriff (Mike) Granthums dedication to combat this blight, and willingness to invite our team to assist in addressing these criminal enterprises. Shomari Figures, the Democratic candidate in Alabamas highly contested 2nd Congressional District, will speak at the Democratic national convention Thursday night in Chicago, his campaign announced. I am honored to be chosen to speak on behalf of Alabama and the voters of District 2, Figures said in a press release from his campaign. Now is the time to energize our party, educate and organize our communities, and encourage people to vote on November 5th. Figures speech will come on the final night of the convention before Vice President Kamala Harris gives her speech to accept her partys nomination for president. Figures worked in the Obama administration and was an official in the Justice Department under President Biden before returning to his hometown in Mobile to run for Congress. Figures faces the Republican nominee, Caroleene Dobson, an attorney from Montgomery, in the Nov. 5 election in the 2nd District, which incorporates all or part of 13 counties and stretches from Montgomery to Mobile. A federal court redrew the Republican-leaning district to favor Democrats after ruling that Alabamas congressional map most likely violated the Voting Rights Act by packing Black voters into a single district majority Black district, District 7. If Figures wins, he would be the second Black and second Democrat in Alabamas seven-member U.S. House delegation. Birmingham firefighters battled a large blaze Sunday night on Birminghams eastside. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service was dispatched at 10:22 p.m. to an apartment fire at 5700 Second Ave. North next to Woodlawn High School. Battalion Chief Clay Hendon said the first crews to arrive found heavy fire and smoke with a partial roof collapse. There were no reports of injuries. Birmingham firefighters battle a large blaze at a vacant apartment building near Woodlawn High School.(Jarrell V. Jordan/Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service) The apartment building is believed to have been vacant. Hendon said the fire was under control by shortly after 11 p.m. Firefighters will remain on the scene for an undetermined amount of time. Multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed against a Coral Springs, Florida-based data firm following disclosures that a massive data breach might have compromised millions of Americans personal information, including Social Security numbers. Eight separate lawsuits have been filed in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale since Aug. 1 against Jerico Pictures Inc., which does business as National Public Data. National Public Data has acknowledged the breach on its website, calling it a data security incident that stemmed from an attempted hack by a third-party bad actor in December 2023 and involved potential leaks of certain data in April 2024 and summer 2024. The companys statement did not say how many individuals data was stolen or which of its databases were hacked. But it said information that was stolen includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers and mailing addresses. The companys website advertises that it conducts background searches for employers and investigators for some of the lowest fees in the industry. You will be able to run criminal records, background checks, vital records, assets and much more and out data is updated regularly, a statement on the site says. News of the breach came to light on Aug. 1 in a lawsuit filed by Christopher Hoffman, a California resident. The suit said a cybercriminal group by the name USDoD posted a database on a dark web forum in April claiming to have personal data of 2.9 billion people, Bloomberg Law reported. The group put the database up for sale for $3.5 million, the lawsuit said. In addition to the information that National Public Data admits was involved, Hoffmans lawsuit says hackers also obtained information about relatives and past addresses dating back at least three decades. Hoffman found out about the breach in late July, when his identity protection service notified him that his information was compromised as a direct result of the " nationalpublicdata.com " breach. Hoffmans lawsuit accuses the company of negligence and breaches of fiduciary duty, among other allegations. It demands monetary relief and a court order requiring the company to take measures to prevent further data breaches. Since Aug. 1, seven other proposed class action lawsuits have been filed against the company. The companys statement about the breach urges potential victims to take action to minimize or eliminate potential harm. Preventive measures include: Closely monitoring financial accounts for unauthorized activity. Obtaining a free credit report from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion by logging onto www.annualcreditreport.com. Placing a fraud alert on your credit files that tells creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or changing existing accounts. Consider placing a credit freeze on your files that prevents potential creditors from accessing your credit report. ________ 2024 South Florida Sun Sentinel. Visit at sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A former Trussville physician who tried to be a 17-year-old patients sugar daddy has been sentenced to prison. Dr. Janaki Earla, 60, pleaded guilty in May to two counts of possession or child pornography and one count of first-degree human trafficking. Earla, whose medical license was suspended shortly after his 2022 arrest, was sentenced Monday morning to 15 years in prison with three years to actually serve behind bars by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Shanta Craig Owens, who was assigned to preside over the case after a Blount County judge recused himself. Court documents said Earla will receive credit for time served since Oct. 11, 2022. His immigration attorney told the court he will be removed from the U.S. following his prison release. Blount County Assistant District Attorney Scott Gilliland prosecuted the case. Earla was represented by attorney Victor Revill. Earla was booked into the Blount County Jail Monday immediately after sentencing. Earla was initially arrested almost two years ago when he had sexually explicit text conversations with the teen patient and then showed up to meet her at a Days Inn. Once at the motel, however, Earla was met by law enforcement officers instead and taken into custody on a charge of first-degree human trafficking of a minor. At the time, he was the doctor at the Wellness Center in Trussville. The Blount County Sheriffs Office launched the investigation Oct. 5 of that year when the mother of the 17-year-old female contacted investigators, according to court records. On the previous day Oct. 4 - her daughter was seen Earla. The teen girl told her mother that Earla had put the stethoscope on her breasts instead of above her breasts. After the physical exam, authorities said in charging documents, Earla took the victim to his office and told her how beautiful she was and how pretty her hair was. He then had the teen put her cell phone number in his cell phone. He texted her, you can text me whenever you feel like. The next afternoon, the doctor texted the girl and asked her how she was feeling. He also texted, Please promise me that you wont tell anyone. I mean it. He also said, Lets keep it a secret and I wont tell anything to anyone I promise. I respect your mom and dad, and this is between you and me. On Oct. 5, the girls mother gave law enforcement consent to search her daughters IPhone. The following day, the mother gave investigators permission to assume the teens identity online and on her electronic devices. An undercover investigator with the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force continued to communicate with the doctor pretending to be the teen victim, telling him, please dont tell my parents. Over the course of the next two days, Earla corresponded with the undercover investigator whom he believed to be the teen, telling her that their conversations with top secret and asking that she delete the texts. During the conversation, Earla told the teen that he would be her sugar daddy and take care of her. He even sent the definition of sugar daddy, which read an older man who supports/provides for a younger woman (ex: financially) in return for companionship and/or sexual favors. The investigator, still pretending to be the teen, texted Earla, So are you my Suggar daddy? Earla responded, Yes. Love you baby. The investigator asked Earla, again via text, what he wanted to do to her, and what he wanted her to do to him, documents show. I want you to play with me and own me. You can treat me like a lover, the doctor replied. He went on to write, I took a risk and asked you to be my sugar baby. I was afraid to say, and you may freak out. I am a middle-aged sad man and youre a bubbly senior in high school and about to (go to) college and one of my friends said that he had a sugar baby who is also a senior in school and she made a big difference in his life, and they had fun together and said that you will see a huge, nice experience. Earla, authorities said, tried to set up a location to meet with the teen. He suggested a movie theater where a non-English movie could be seen so there would not be many people there. He said he couldnt meet over the weekend but could on Monday or Tuesday. He suggested the Trussville Regal Theatre and sent a screenshot of the times a movie would be playing. Earla, authorities said, initiated and engaged in long and detailed discussions about sexual things he wanted the teen to do to him. He talked about taking trips to Destin and supporting her financially. He then said a movie theater may not be private enough, and suggested they meet at a Days Inn in Oneonta, records show. He made arrangements to meet the teen there at 6 p.m. after he closed his office, and promised to bring condoms, a pizza, alcohol and money for her. Authorities said Earla knew the teen was 17 years old. On Oct. 11, Earla traveled to the Days Inn to meet what he thought would be the teen girl. He brought with him a box of condoms, HPNOTIQ, Jose Cuervo, Jagermeister and a 12-pack of White Claw. He also had $386 in cash. Authorities said he had promised to give her $50. Instead of finding the teen girl, Earla was met by law enforcement, where authorities say he admitted to the crime. Earla was then arrested two months later on the child pornography charges. Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey previously said the joint investigation was carried out by the Blount County Sheriffs Office, the FBIs Internet Crimes Against Children, an FBI Online Covert Employee, the Oneonta Police Department, the Homewood Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. In spite of a state agency finding that Freedom Preparatory Academys new Birmingham school needs renovations, state officials told the Alabama Public Charter School Commission the school will have all issues resolved and will open as planned on Sept. 3. The public charter school planned to open in the former Our Lady of Fatima school campus in the Titusville community. Planned renovations have not been completed, so kindergarteners, the first group of students, will begin classes in temporary portable buildings. Opening a new school in a historic building has turned out to be quite a challenge, Freedom Prep CEO Roblin Webb wrote in an email to AL.com Friday. We are dedicated to serving the Titusville community, so we have decided to move to portables, she added. The Alabama Division of Construction Management, which inspects public school buildings, said in a letter dated Aug. 7 that there were numerous issues with the facilities that needed to be resolved, including a lack of exit signs at all doors, needing assurance that all fire alarms are wired and programmed properly. The agency also wants the two portable buildings to be approved by the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission. Logan Searcy, executive director of the state charter commission, told officials in a meeting Monday that school officials are hard at work to resolve all of the issues. Quite a few were done this past week, Searcy said. They have received a conditional approval to open with a few remaining items that they needed to complete As long as they are completed by Sept. 3, they are back on track to be open for kindergartners on Sept. 3. Webb told AL.com the schools current goal is to start with 75 kindergarten students. In a review of the schools facilities, reviewers wrote that the school was not approved for occupancy and must respond to each of its concerns and resubmit a complete set of plans and specifications. Freedom Prep is a college preparatory charter network that currently runs five schools in Memphis, where it leads most schools in the system in achievement scores. The network is also known for its schoolwide emphasis on African tradition and cultural practices. Tyler Barnett, with New Schools for Alabama, which helps charter schools get up and running, said securing and readying a facility for opening can be difficult because of the way Alabama funds schools. There is not any state money to speak of until the schools open, he said, and [charter schools] have no local tax base to pull from. When last-minute problems with facilities come up, he said, there is no pool of money to access to fix those problems. Freedom Preparatory Academy, a charter network out of Memphis, was approved by the Alabama Public Charter School Commission in May 2022, after the Birmingham City School System rejected its application five months earlier. In its initial application to the Birmingham Board of Education, Freedom Prep planned to open in 2021 with 345 students in kindergarten through second grade, but have since gained approval from the Alabama Public Charter School Commission to open with fewer students and only one grade, kindergarten. The network gained conditional approval to open a Montgomery campus in 2025. Freedom Prep will join two other state-authorized charters in Birmingham: Legacy Prep in West Birmingham and i3 Academy in East Birmingham. Three more charter schools operate in nearby cities of Homewood and Bessemer. The commission set an Aug. 30 meeting date, the Friday before school opens the day after Labor Day out of an abundance of caution, attorney Lane Knight said, in case all issues are not resolved. Searcy said she is working closely with Freedom Prep officials and will keep commissioners updated. This is a guest opinion column Last Friday was like many days of the past five years. I received an early morning call to report to Labor and Delivery, where I had the honor and privilege of delivering a healthy baby boy named Malachi. I couldnt help but smile as Brahms Lullaby played throughout the hospital, as it always does with the arrival of a newborn. And then on Monday, for the first time in 30 years, I sat in my office and had nowhere to go. Thats because at 6:00 p.m. last Friday evening at Grove Hill Memorial Hospital, the labor and delivery unit closed its doors for good. Its the third rural hospital in Alabama to stop delivering babies this year. Sadly, we can expect more rural hospitals to shutter their obstetrical departments in the coming months. Many rural hospitals are desperately rushing to convert to providing only emergency room services, in order to obtain the funding coming from the federal government to remain operational. But the loss of labor and delivery units isnt just a rural problem. Even Birmingham and suburban Shelby County hospitals have closed their obstetrical units in recent months. When a hospital closes its doors to delivering babies, its not just a wing of a hospital shutting down. The physicians and the vital care they provide disappear from the community, and the community loses the lifeline to its mothers and babies. Its not just a rural problem or an urban problem. Its an Alabama problem. After the closure of the labor and delivery unit where I worked, the nearest hospital where women can give birth now is an 80-minute drive. Thats assuming they have transportation immediately available. The fact is many do not. Waiting for other transportation could make the trip more than two and even up to four hours away. No one wants this. Every extra mile between a laboring woman and proper care can turn one of lifes most beautiful moments into an unspeakable tragedy in a matter of minutes. Its also not just about the distance. Its about the critical, physician-led care mothers and babies need, especially in emergencies. Without the leadership and expertise of Ob/Gyns and a dedicated and trained obstetrical team readily available, risks to mothers and babies multiply. Women will start delivering their babies in ERs if they can get to one in time. And if theres a complication such as a premature birth with no neonatal ICU or obstetrics team both mother and child face grave risks. Physicians like me Ob/Gyns are specially trained for these situations. I used to say that in this situation, medical outcomes would get worse. But that is a gentle euphemism for what will actually happen. Babies will die. Mothers will die. There are a lot of reasons that contribute to the limited access to care. One that can be readily addressed right now in our state is the current Medicaid coverage gap in Alabama. I was born and raised in Alabama. Im a proud Alabamian and a United States Marine Corps veteran. I love this state, its hardworking people, its pro-family values, and its respect for life. That is why I cannot understand, for the life of me, why we are not closing this coverage gap in Alabama to ensure, among other things, that more pregnant women can have healthy babies. Expanding this coverage is not just about access to hospitals. Its also about ensuring access to medical doctors and the specialized care they provide. As 40 other states in this country have already done, closing this coverage gap would provide lifesaving health insurance to thousands of Alabamians. These are hardworking people who, through no fault of their own, earn too much for Medicaid but not enough for private insurance. For the sake of honesty, this additional coverage may have kept my small, but critically located hospital, providing needed maternity services. And this isnt about my ability to make a living. I am very blessed to have options, and I will go on to deliver babies elsewhere. Its just going to take a lot of mothers a whole lot longer to get to where I am. Expanding this coverage to more families means better healthcare options for everyone, hope for rural medical care, and healthier babies. It means that mothers and babies in Alabama will have more access to the physician-led care they deserve, and, hopefully, the return of Brahms Lullaby. It is so very simple: Its the right thing to do. Dr. Max Rogers, a resident of Mobile, has practiced medicine for the past 30 years in obstetrics and gynecology. For the last five years, he served pregnant women and their babies at a rural hospital in southwest Alabama. Prior to his medical service, he was an officer and pilot in the United States Marine Corps. Dr. Rogers currently serves as Chair of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. Tradition and liberty in science fiction and fantasy: Part Six Some notable SF works By Mark Wegierski web posted August 19, 2024 One can find a surprising number of politically interesting works in science fiction, if one will only look a little. For example, John Maddox Roberts' Cestus Dei features an interstellar empire based explicitly on religious principles, of an alliance of Earth religions. It portrays the Pope, the Dalai Lama, and other religious leaders as cooperating yet somewhat competing galactic administrators, centered on Earth. The novel concerns a Jesuit who intrigues his way up to the highest circles of a human society, on another Earth-like planet, described as "the Rome of the Caesars -- with atomic weapons." Saberhagen's Berserker series features malevolent machine intelligences, known as "the Berserkers", sworn to destroy all organic life. Only young humanity is a serious threat to them, as the old races of the galaxy are decadent and impotent. It is an obvious critique of out-of-control technology. Saberhagen has also written a story with manifestly conservative overtones, portraying a dystopic future of regimented birth-control and the near-death of religion. Patrick Tilley's Cloud Warrior, a paradigmatic postnuclear-holocaust story portrays primitive mystical barbarian tribes living on Earth's surface (with extrasensory powers), defending themselves against the Amtrak Confederacy, who are more-or-less "techno-authoritarian" descendants of the U.S. military in MX tunnels. It raises interesting ideas about the conflict of "magic" vs. technology. Piers Anthony has written the Bio of a Space Tyrant series (with the garish covers). Set in a relatively near-future time span, it chronicles the rise of Hope Rodriguez as the dictator of the moons of Jupiter. When he is young, his family is attacked. He becomes a mercenary captain, then overthrows the system, instituting personal dictatorship, and finally becomes an extravagant despot in old age. The works' interesting subtext is the mirroring of the history of modern Mexico, and partly also of the Hispanic experience in America (at least as some might see it). F.M. Busby has written the Rissa and Tregare series, which has been characterized as "intelligent space opera". Rissa is a genetically perfect female rebel leader fighting against the U.E.T. (United Energy and Transport), an evil corporate solar empire. This is a nearfuture, Solar System-centered scenario. Tregare is her lover and fellow rebel, once a U.E.T. mercenary commander. Gordon R. Dickson is renowned for the Dorsai series - the humanity of the future has compartmentalized on different planets into several "races" focussed on different functions - war and politics, art and aesthetics, philosophy, business, etc. A precarious balance exists between them, but the Dorsai, as the warrior part of the race, seek to reunite and reintegrate humankind. The older author, H. Beam Piper, has written the Imperium series, with a great deal of verve. This is the basic politicalmilitary empires with stardrives in conflict scenario. Examining (as a sample) the August 1985 issue of Analog, one can find two interesting short stories. The first is "Les Mortes d'Arthur", by Eric G. Iverson. This is a semi-prescient future history scenario where Siberia is a White Russian state (while the Moscow area remains Red Russian), and Eastern Europe is an independent federation. The story is set at Arthur Crater near Jupiter, where a future Olympics is taking place. The second is "YGames", by Eric Vinicoff. This story concerns how a very modern society can (or cannot) deal with the problem of psychically interactive "videogames" which include graphic sex and violence, but which also leave the personality, especially of a young person, permanently scarred. It is perhaps silly in that it assumes that human values will not get any worse before the twentythird century, given the extension of current patterns. Robert G. Collins' Tolerable Levels of Violence may be read as a basically conservative critique of a dystopian future where civilization has devolved into ceaseless violence and anarchy. The reason for this dissolution is mostly the unwillingness of the government to enforce and uphold law and order. The Galactic Empires anthology is a particularly good example of the so-called spaceopera genre - spaceopera being the genre which most often combines "feudal values with hightechnology". Some might say it is really a transposed historical romance. "The Rebel of Valkyr" (Alfred Coppel) - "horses in the starship hold" -- should be noted in particular. The premise is that a galactic imperial civilization attacks Andromeda. The even more-advanced Andromedan counterattack destroys all sophisticated technology - except for starships. Advanced technology is therefore considered cursed - and its exploration is confined to "warlocks" and "witches", i.e., scientists working in secret. Society is thus almost entirely medieval - with the exception that interstellar travel is possible on the hulktype starships, which are manned by a highly prestigious guild of navigators - quasipriests. Through established rituals and memorization, they are somehow able to guide the starships to their destinations. Although the premise may seem ridiculous, the story is nevertheless a celebration of valor, heroism, loyalty, etc. -- all those traits that seem to be increasingly disappearing today. Arthur C. Clarke, one of the best-known science-fiction authors, has made the provocative statement that, "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." There are many interpretations one could put on this phrase, ranging from something like the fact of the putative enslavement of most human beings to technologies of which they have no understanding; to something like a suggestion that humankind's powers can be almost infinitely extended through technology. Perhaps these two are not even entirely contradictory interpretations. There may be an argument to be made that a return to older forms of human organization in the future may not be as unlikely as some might think. During the debate over the nuclear winter theory, the respected popular scientist Carl Sagan suggested that the reason why the universe is not teeming with intelligent life (as some astronomical theories had proposed to be the case), is that as every intelligent species develops technology, it is faced by a developmental crisis, which in most cases results in its extinction. Sagan had suggested that it was nuclear war that was probably the vehicle for this extinction. This is an interesting argument, however, it can also be turned in a quasi-traditionalist direction. If we do not deal with the hypertechnology overwhelming our planet in an orderly fashion, an order that only some form of neo-traditionalism and/or neo-authoritarianism can provide, our human societies are doomed to fly apart and into oblivion from the disintegrating force of too-rapid technological advancement. So "feudal values plus high-technology" may indeed be one possible future for humankind (or for other intelligent species who have to surmount a similar developmental crisis). Whether that planet-wide "feudal" element can be provided by distinctly more humane or rather ferocious religious and national traditions, remains to be seen. To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home English News My strong connection with China Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 14 Aout 2024 In my view, the best way to understand a country is to go and see it for oneself, as a long journey always starts with a single step. For me, my connection with China has changed the trajectory of my life and enriched my experience. I hope that more people in New Zealand will see China's remarkable development for themselves and feel the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people. By Kevin Watkins Ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi once said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." My connection with China began in just this way. On March 4, 1981, my hometown Hastings, New Zealand, and Guilin, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, became the first New Zealand-China sister cities. In early 2003, I attended a reception held for a visiting delegation from Guilin and became friends with many Chinese people. The following year, I visited China with a delegation from Hastings District Council, taking my first step on the "thousand-mile journey" to understanding the country. We visited Shanghai, Beijing, Guilin and other places. I was pleasantly surprised and enchanted by Guilin's stunning natural landscapes and diverse ethnic cultures. On my last evening in the city, I went to a cultural performance at the Children's Palace, where I was deeply attracted by the gorgeous costumes and movements of the Chinese dancers. After several routes, a dancer came down from the stage to interact with the audience of over 200 individuals. Later, she slowly approached me and asked, "Would you like to dance?" I accepted the invitation though I was not skilled at dancing. As the music kicked in, we started the bamboo pole dance, gracefully moving slender bamboo poles in sync with the rhythm. Once the dance was over, the dancer who brought me on stage placed a beautiful garland around my neck, and we took a photo together after the show. As I made my way back home, I could not stop thinking about the performance and was filled with regret for not expressing my gratitude to the dancer who gave me the garland. Upon my return to Hastings, I bought a New Zealand jade bangle for the young lady, even though I did not know her name. Therefore, I decided to send a letter to Guilin with the photo attached. Maybe it was a fateful coincidence, or what the Chinese people often refer to as yuanfen, that led my letter and gift to reach the dancer, building a bridge of friendship between us. To this day, we still treat each other as brother and sister, often swapping stories about our lives. In 2005, I went back to Guilin to re-encounter its unique charm. By Ronghu Lake, I came across two young Chinese women and we exchanged email addresses. Through our correspondence, I learned that they came from rural areas, and their parents had made every effort to provide them with educational opportunities. This stirred deep emotions within me and sparked a bold idea: I had once connected with the woman who invited me to dance through a photo; could there be more instances of such yuanfen? I asked for a picture of the two women in their traditional costumes. Then, I initiated a "challenge," asking students in Hastings to find and identify them with only the photo as a clue. The first to accomplish the "challenge" would win a free trip to Guilin. This garnered significant attention from Hastings media and the public. Students flocked to libraries and computers, searching for any information about Guilin. During their search, they gained a deeper understanding of China's history, geography, culture and our sister city. Eventually, two students managed to find the women just a week later, despite the distance and language barrier. Later, they went to Guilin and met the two women, who were also given the chance to visit New Zealand. They toured some local attractions and schools in Hastings and other cities, and even participated in the annual Hastings Blossom Parade, riding on the float I specially designed for them. I was pleasantly surprised by how well we did in this "challenge" and felt extremely accomplished. Thereafter, I became more enthusiastic about the activities that facilitate friendly exchanges between Hastings and Guilin, and other parts of China. For instance, I led a small singing group from New Zealand to perform in Guilin, participated in expos held in Guilin and Nanning, and the Shanghai World Expo, and was invited to deliver a speech in Hengshui, North China's Hebei province. I also invited an equestrian team from Beijing and monks from the Shaolin Temple in Central China's Henan province to perform in New Zealand, and gave speeches about China in multiple Hastings communities. To celebrate the anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Hastings and Guilin, we designed window displays and exhibitions in the central business district, the council building, and other venues in Hastings to showcase images of China and decorative Chinese lanterns. The belief in promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples has been driving me to move forward, and I was delighted to see the burgeoning relationships between the people of both countries. In my view, the best way to understand a country is to go and see it for oneself, as a long journey always starts with a single step. For me, my connection with China has changed the trajectory of my life and enriched my experience. I hope that more people in New Zealand will see China's remarkable development for themselves and feel the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people. (Kevin Watkins QSM is a councilor of the Hastings District Council) Dans la meme rubrique : < > Prospering telemedicine a reflection of China's rapid internet development Immersive cultural, tourism activities on the rise across China Fruit trade between China, ASEAN thrives Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) For an ideology born in a library to an loathsome scholar, Marxism has never shied from world conquest. Its earliest proponents, Marx and Engels included, were committed to inciting revolution in all countries. And Lenin, a man of praxis and internationalism, believed that besides revolution and warfare, the way to defeat capitalism was through propaganda. To that end, the Left in America has engaged in cultural warfare a whole of society revolution to destroy Western civilization. Critical Theory, wokeism, DEI, and ideas about gender fluidity these are all distortions of reality deployed to change our system of values, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences. Leftists believe that by doing so, they will cause existing social structures to crumble. They think anarchic socialism will then become viable, emerging from the chaos of a society without order and values. The following ten are among the techniques of influence the Left uses regularly. The list is by no means exhaustive, nor without a degree of overlap. Some methods are as old as time, but some are unique to Marxists. Awareness of them could help thwart the Lefts malign intentions. Manipulation of language: In his essay Politics and the English Language, as well as in the novel 1984, George Orwell described how communist dictatorships have used language for controlling people by manipulating perception. Examples abound in America today. Abortion supporters are described as pro-choice, sanitizing the extinguishing of a life. Illegal border-crossers are called undocumented migrants, absolving them of criminal intent. New sets of pronouns, laughable concepts such as sex assigned at birth, and dangerous euphemisms like gender affirming care disrupt reality while pretending to preserve human dignity. Convenient labelling is also used against those who question the Left. Hate speech, white supremacist, right wing extremist, Islamophobe, and similar terms are freely used to condemn skeptics and cancel them. Rewriting history: The first battlefield is to rewrite history. Take away the heritage of a people and they are easily persuaded, Marx wrote. Its a chillingly true observation, and explains why Leftists lay so much stress on presenting history so that it molds public opinion in their favor. The Left wants Americans to believe that this great country and its heritage are defined by two great evils racism and slavery. That is why they proclaim that America was founded when the first slaves arrived in 1619, not when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. The Biden administration backs this blasphemy, aimed at destroying a traditionally sanguine, forward-looking culture by inducing guilt and self-loathing. Gaslighting: This psychological maneuver uses cognitive dissonance to sow doubt and guilt, and makes people question their memories, perceptions, judgment, and reality. When President Biden was repeatedly described a few months earlier as sharp as a tack, and on top of his game, those who suspected his fitness for office were bound to feel they had been cruel and judgmental. His dementia became obvious, however, during the presidential debate in June. Gaslighting was also used to hide the truth about Hunter Biden and the evidence of corruption that turned up on his laptop. The whole affair was described as Russian disinformation. DARVO (or, Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender): This is a technique typical of cultural Marxists. When parents objected to drag queen story hours in schools, Leftists responded by saying drag queen hour only engages children in meaningful activity (denial). They described protesters as bigots perpetrating LGBTQ hatred (attack). They also claimed they felt threatened by the transphobia, which could turn violent (reversing victim and offender). Similarly, parents who opposed pornography in school libraries were accused of censorship and LGBTQ-phobia. Identity politics: This involves claiming power or entitlement based on race, ethnicity, sex, or sexual identification, and is usually accompanied by loud assertions of victimhood. Merit, effort, innovation, grit, individualism virtues that transform lives and cultures are negated as undesirable bourgeoisie, white, or capitalist traits. Intersectionality, a posited cousin of identity, has invaded the evaluation process for public and private institutions, job candidates, academic performance, and so on. Based on the notion that a person may be marginalized or victimized by any aspect of his or her identity or experience, intersectionality demands compensation through relaxed standards. Identity politics is also used to coerce support. In the last election, black supporters of Trump were told they aint black if they arent voting for Biden. Disinformation and obfuscation: This may take the form of outright institutional lying, a norm in the erstwhile U.S.S.R. It has become a prominent feature of American institutions. After the assassination attempt on Trump, missteps in planning, communication, staffing, and reconnaissance were covered up with lies. Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle claimed that the building used by the shooter wasnt secured because it had a dangerous sloped roof, which the shooter could nevertheless scale and repeatedly fire from. Witnesses saw the shooter and asked law enforcers to act, but agents later claimed they werent able to eliminate the threat in time. Oppressor vs. Oppressed: This technique is used to seek revenge by inducing guilt for an alleged privileged status. Its commonly used against whites and Western capitalist countries, but not limited to them, as the propaganda against Israel shows. The Jewish nation is maligned as a genocidal oppressor indiscriminately killing innocents in Gaza never mind that the Islamic terrorist group Hamas massacred more than 1,200 Israeli civilians and took more than 200 people hostage. Entryism: This is a classic Leninist strategy of gaining control over organizations, especially centrist or non-hardline leftist political groups, by gradually infiltrating them and lying low until the crucial takeover. Such a takeover, of the Labor Party in Britain, is well-described in Frederick Forsyths The Fourth Protocol, a meticulously researched thriller praised for verisimilitude. An example closer to home is the Leftist takeover of humanities departments at American universities, once famous for their classical liberal education. Entryism is also deployed by pressuring or shaming organizations and businesses for not employing people of certain groups say blacks, or Hispanics, or transgenders. The aim is to eventually transform these organizations to foster Leftist policies. Degrowth: By pushing goals such as sustainability, ESG, net-zero emissions, and so on under the guise of saving the planet, Marxists aim to contract Western economies. Meanwhile, China continues to pollute and grow. Eventually, standards of living will deteriorate in the West, populations will decline, and the potential for communism to take root will accelerate. Playing the victim: To garner support, the Left has always created victim groups it claims to fight for. It demeans individuals by making them believe that they are not responsible for their actions or lack of action. For example, low math scores of black students are blamed on systemic racism, not on lack of parental involvement, bad teaching, or lack of motivation. In summing up, it might be worth pointing out that if cultural Marxist ideology seems muddled with contradictions, it is by design to sow confusion and division, making it easier to gain influence and control. An example of such a contradiction is the putative ideal of feminism: advancing equality for women in all spheres of society. But if Marxists care about women, why would they put them in harms way by forcing them to share bathrooms with biological men posing (or identifying) as women? Why would they revile women who object to the intrusion as transphobic? The truth is that the endgame is not about the issue womens rights, saving the planet, protecting transgenders/people of color, or whatever. Its about fundamentally transforming American society and preparing the soil for communism. Its all about the revolution. Image: Darkcloud2222, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed One of the most fascinating things about Elon Musks interview with Donald Trump was the audience demographic. According to X data, 77% of the people who tuned in were aged 34 or younger. This supports what a young man told me, which is that his generation is uninterested in old peoples media and looks only to alternative media for information. Now, it turns out that Barron Trump, working behind the scenes, and his friend Bo Loudon, who is the face of the duo, are working hard to show these young voters that Donald Trump may be old, but Kamala Harris is the one stealing their futures. The moment that Trump stepped into the political arena in 2015, Melania went full Mama Bear, protecting Barron from public scrutiny. This was absolutely the right thing to do. However, now that hes turned 18 and left high school, the 69 Barron seems to be breaking out of the protective barrier his mama created for him. In July, the previously camera-shy Barron enthusiastically waved to a cheering crowd in Florida: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: MY FRIEND BARRON TRUMP GOT A STANDING OVATION FROM 45,000 PEOPLE IN DORAL, FLORIDA LAST NIGHT! This is Barron's FIRST TIME at a rally and first time being announced! Quite the big deal. Congrats bro! Share to make this go viral! pic.twitter.com/eXjFx2Io9I Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) July 10, 2024 While Barron is still keeping a low public profile, hes working with his friend Bo behind the scenes to change the election dynamic among young people. The mainstream media are ignoring them, but Fox and non-American media outlets are starting to notice. The Daily Mail, a schizophrenic outlet that swings between supporting Trump and attacking Kamala and attacking Trump and supporting Kamala, wrote that, ...Donald Trump has a secret weapon in his bid to reach Gen Z voters his youngest son Barron, 18, and the teen's influencer best friend Bo Loudon, 17. The tech-savvy teens are busily briefing the 78-year-old former President behind the scenes on the new landscape of streamers and YouTube stars with millions of followers. They are now acting as a de-facto social media outreach team, according to DailyMail.com sources, wooing online stars who older aides might have never heard of to the Trump cause. It was Barron and Bo who lined up his 90-minute interview last week with Kick influencer Adin Ross which was watched live by 500,000 people or 100 million total listeners if you believe the figures promoted on Trump's Truth Social account. The duo have also pressed the Republican nominee to forge close links with their favorite content creators, from YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul to billionaire business mogul Patrick Bet-David, host of the PBD podcast. Bo Loudon, the face of this youthful dynamic duo, describes himself as a 17 year old pro-Trump influencer who has reached millions through social media. Bo is a prominent user on Instagram, Twitter, and Truth Social. Bo is an ambassador for Turning Point USA, Students for Trump, and Today Is America. Bo has 120,000 followers on X and another 134,400 followers on TikTok. Bo frequently appears on Fox, as he did just yesterday with Laura Ingraham: Rightful President Trump's X space with Elon Musk has been seen by over 3 BILLION PEOPLE! 74% of the 25 MILLION that watched LIVE were under age 34! Kamala can't pay her way out of this and must FACE REALITY: GEN-Z STANDS WITH TRUMP! Share to make this go viral! pic.twitter.com/KUn6E3sH52 Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) August 19, 2024 If you scroll down Bos feed, his reach far exceeds his permanent followers. For example, his tweet about the number of Millennials, Gen Xers, and Gen Zers tuning in to the Musk-Trump conversation got almost 850,000 impressions: JUST IN: 77% OF THE 27 MILLION PEOPLE THAT TUNED IN TO TRUMP'S SPACE WITH ELON MUSK WERE YOUNGER THAN 34! This is why the mainstream media is in MELTDOWN MODE! Trump has the GEN-Z VOTE! We know the FAKE NEWS won't report this. Share to make this go viral! pic.twitter.com/M6Y8hBzwHo Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) August 13, 2024 According to an April poll from the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School, only 9% of Americans aged 18 to 29 think the country is heading in the right direction, with 58% believing its heading in the wrong direction. Bo, Barron, and their followers, along with the 77% of young people in America who watched the Musk-Trump conversation, represent a real yearning for something other than the Democrats obsessions with race and sex. Bo speaks for these youngsters: .@BoLoudon talks about the main issues Gen Z are focusing on and the Trump campaign connecting with young voters pic.twitter.com/3Bi52oJSgo Fox & Friends First (@FoxFriendsFirst) August 14, 2024 Trump is smart to turn to the experts in his family circle to reach the youth vote because that vote is there for the taking. Lets hope that this effort makes a difference as the election nears. Image: X screen grab. Anne Milgram, a former New Jersey attorney general and current Administrator at the Drug Enforcement Agency, went on CBSs Face the Nation yesterday, revealing that for the first time, transnational drug cartels, namely the Sinaloa and Jalisco syndicates, were trafficking fentanyl under the guise of prescription medication. Per Milgram, via a report at Newsmax: [F]or the first time, the cartels are hiding fentanyl in other drugs. Theyre making them look like real prescription medicines, which are all fentanyl and filler. And so this is just a dramatically changed landscape that weve now pivoted to address and take head on. [T]his is the cheapest drug we have ever faced. And the only limit on the amount of drugs that can be made are the chemicals that are being sourced by the cartels from China and essentially the reproduction, which again, costs pennies for these two cartels to make, she said. Milgrams revelation comes on the heels of the news that the state of California recently seized 2.2 million illicit cannabis packages all with a forged state seal, and marketed in packaging that resembled popular food and candy brands that could appeal to children, like Twinkies and Sweet Tarts; according to the press release from Gavin Newsoms office, the seizure is part of a mission to deprive transnational criminal organizations of illicit revenue like those south of the border and beyond. For reference, much of the illicit imported marijuana in the U.S. comes from Mexico, and Chinese criminal networks are often behind illicit domestic growers. Too bad weve got Chinese Communist Party friendlies in the White House instead of our tough-on-China guy! But I digresswithin the medication supply chain, between pharmaceutical company and pharmacy, there are distributors who act as intermediaries, negotiating drug sales to get the product to the customer. This is not to imply any criminality on behalf of these middlemen at this moment in time, but to simply identify that there is an extra layer in the chain of custody, and therefore another point of vulnerability. How can we trust that this distributor industry maintains integrity in its products? Whos to say that bad actors dont infiltrate, and deliver fentanyl-laced products to pharmacies? How do we exclude ignorance from the equation, especially if the fraudulent drugs look identical to the legitimate products? There are a lot of concerns, all exacerbated by a non-existent border which facilitates the trafficking of drugs north, and soft-on-China policies from the executive and legislative branches (both state and federal). American institutions and society are so decayed under progressive rule and policyin this case the de facto elimination of a southern boundary and a blind eye to foreign adversariesthat we cant even trust a pharmacy anymore, or state seals, or even packaged treats! Image generated by AI. The environmental and economic impact of one downed turbine cannot be overstated, but one Iowa farm is reeling from the destruction caused by three downed turbines, in a span of less than 18 months. Here are the details, from a report published by a local outlet: A farm in Mechanicsville must clean up its third wind turbine fire in less than a year and a half. Lightning strikes caused all three. Now the farms owners are trying to figure out whats next. A Cedar County ordinance requires wind turbines that arent producing energy must be taken down within the year. While the turbines owners have to take care of that, the damage left behind is the responsibility of the land owner. According to the farmers, the turbine fires have left literal tons of debris (wires and fiberglass), scattered across the (corn) crop and soil, meaning the produce is unsellable and so are the corn stalks used for animal bedding, and the land is severely compromised; theyre also concerned about the detritus becoming caught up in farming equipment, destroying it too. All in all, the damage is estimated to be in the millions, affecting at least 1,000 acres of farmland. Now, my heart truly goes out to this family, because this is their livelihoodhowever, not only do I take issue with the growing presence of wind turbines because of their environmental impacts and how much theyre costing the American taxpayers (like myself) in subsidies, but I also take issue with farm owner Sally Freemans response: Freeman said she isnt against wind energy, but she said there needs to be legislation to speed up the cleanup process. After the second turbine caught fire in May of this year, Freemans father said that the turbine leasing income had always been a good dealI didnt see any of that income though, so why would I foot the bill for disastrous consequences when it all goes south? If Freeman and her family choose to cash-in on handouts, then theyre assuming the risk, right? I mean, thats what more legislation means. I hate to be insensitive, but theyre the ones who leased out their land, trying to make a buck on a faulty productinformation on the limitations of turbines isnt exactly a secretso why should I as a taxpayer be on the hook? Its tragic, and I absolutely regret all the damage done, but again, why does that warrant using the government to compel me, or any other uninvolved party, to pay for the fallout? Because of course thats who always pays when theres new legislation, in one way or another. The taxpayer always loses, even more so when the industry is an integral part of the progressive agenda and is already so heavily subsidized. For reference, this is from the industry itself, encouraging wind turbine infrastructure: State subsidies for wind power are equally generous and can often be combined with Federal programs resulting, in some instances, in government funding equivalent to 80% of a wind power systems total cost. No one would argue that socialists arent generous with other peoples money, but thats not real generosity, and this progressive wind turbine agenda needs to die a quick and painful death, for everyones sake. Image generated by AI. Democrats claim to be the party of inclusion and tolerance, but not if you're Jewish. That's what Sen. John Fetterman, who's Jewish and an outspoken friend of Israel, has concluded. He's steering clear of the Democratic National Convention like a bad smell. According to the Free Press: John Fetterman is skipping this weeks Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and, to hear it from him, it has nothingliterally nothingto do with him scotch-taping photos of the Israeli hostages to his Senate office walls. Or attacking fellow Democrats Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar for falsely blaming a hospital bombing in Gaza on Israel. (Its truly disturbing that Members of Congress rushed to blame Israel for the hospital tragedy in Gaza. Who would take the word of a group that just massacred innocent Israeli civilians over our key ally?) Or comparing the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia to a neo-Nazi rally (Add some tiki torches and its Charlottesville for these Jewish students, he tweeted). Yeah, sure. All about spending time with his family at the top event for Democrats held every four years. Cenk Uygur, who's a leftist commentator, lays out how dramatic it is: Fetterman cant show up at DNC because hes so hated by so many people. A strident, pro-Israeli right-wing position has NEVER hurt anyone in American politics before. It was standard for every Republican and Democrat. The fact that its a political liability now is a sea change. Cenk Uygur (@cenkuygur) August 19, 2024 It's not just the pro-Hamas maniacs outside the convention hall. It's what's inside the convention hall, too: The Democrat National Convention started last night, exactly how you'd expect.pic.twitter.com/DQvdF6tL3D Brenden Dilley (@WarlordDilley) August 19, 2024 And Fetterman is far from the only one who's avoiding this Jew-hating sh**show. According to CNN: A trio of Democratic senators running in some of the most competitive races in the country are opting against attending the Democratic National Convention this week in Chicago, even as their party looks to display a heightened level of enthusiasm and unity for newly minted presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Jon Tester of Montana, and Jacky Rosen of Nevada are all not planning to attend the four-day gathering, their offices said. Other Democrats in battleground state races, including Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Sen. Tammy Baldwin of neighboring Wisconsin, are planning to attend at least some of the gathering. Brown and Tester represent states that Donald Trump carried by comfortable margins in 2016 and 2020, while Rosen represents Nevada, one of the most heated battleground states in the country for any Democrat. The absence of Brown, Tester and Rosen comes as Democrats attempt to preserve their narrow Senate majority with the possibility that a Republican pickup in any of these races could swing control of the chamber in November. That's right, they want to win their Senate races, so they can't politically afford to be seen mingling with rabid Jew-haters on a party platform that is sure to please Hamas. It would lose them mainstream votes. But just think of this -- this is their own party, both for Fetterman and for the three senatorial no-shows. They all know the party is being devoured by antisemitic Jew haters. It's not even close, not even open to interpretation. So besides having to swim through the gauntlet of screaming pro-Hamas protestors and getting blamed and beaten for the actions of Israel, just to get into the place, they know it's just as bad on the inside, where the vast majority of Democrats are with the street creeps screaming from the sidelines into the buildings. And poor Fetterman can't even rely on the staff around him to support him. Look at this bounder on payroll: So Carrie Adams, the Fetterman comms director who called @petersavodnik of @TheFP to criticize her boss John Fetterman's less "nuanced" view of Israel than her own, has protected her tweets. She's a communications director. Whom you cannot reach. Or read. pic.twitter.com/GOGrP8L37k John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) August 19, 2024 Why any self-respecting Jewish person would want to be part of that party is beyond me. The Democrats aren't even trying to defend them, let alone encourage them to come to their convention. And Fetterman could actually do them a lot of good with the nation as a whole, if they could put him out there as proof they aren't antisemitic. But they are way past trying to put on those gaslights to the public. They're going naked in their antisemitism now. This convention is shaping up to be a nest of vipers, a veritable rats's nest of hate. No self-respecting Jewish person should go there. That tells the rest of us a lot about this party, and it's not pretty. Image: Twitter video screen shot Federal judge, James Donato, has warned Google that Play Store changes are coming. In other words, those changes will be forced on Google by the state. This warning came during a three-hour hearing last week in San Francisco. Federal judge warns Google, as Play Store changes are coming These changes will be forced on Google as the US believes changes are necessary due to monopoly fears. Google lost the trial, as many of you remember, and these changes wont be the only ones. In any case, one change that Google will have to make is related to third-party Android app stores. Google will need to give its users the opportunity to install third-party app stores (from the Play Store), should they choose to do so. The billing platform enforced by Google also seems to be problematic. It has made it difficult for developers to direct consumers to alternative payment platforms. Google has, of course, brought up the security issue with third-party app stores. Thats something similar to what Apple did. Google claims that without the ability to scan apps in third-party app stores, the potential security threat is much higher. It could cost Google around $600 million to put all the required changes in place Judge Donato said that Google will be required to make the changes to the Play Store even if they end up costing a ton. Google estimated that the costs would be $600 million, but the Judge doesnt seem to be affected by that. Furthermore, Judge Donato wants to see the framework of the changes by teh Labor Day weekend. Google, on the other hand, wants 12 to 16 months to put any changes in place. Either way, it seems like some major changes are coming to the Google Play Store. Considering Judge Donatos request, we may get more information in early September, depending on how much ends up being revealed, of course. Qualcomm will launch the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip in October during the upcoming Snapdragon Summit event. Previous leaks have revealed key details about the SoC. Now, a new report claims that Qualcomm is prioritizing efficiency over raw power in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The Smartprix report shows an alleged Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 datasheet with several specs and confirms that it will be available in two variants. Over the past couple of years, Samsung has been getting a slightly overclocked version of Qualcomms latest flagship mobile SoCs for its Galaxy Ultras. It seems that the company will stick to its strategy with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The standard model has the model number SM8750, while the for Galaxy variant is labeled as SM8750P. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 would focus on efficiency and AI According to the source, while the chip will bring a decent power boost, it wont revolutionize things. This is in line with a leaked Geekbench listing where the chipset scored lower than previously expected in multi-core tests. For reference, the latest benchmark shows a multi-core result of 8,840 points, while initial expectations were for over 10,000 points. So, at some point during development, the company would have decided to focus on efficiency and sustained performance. Still, its latest benchmarks put the chip above the more powerful Apples Bionic one. Qualcomm will use TSMCs 3nm process to produce its new flagship SoC. Plus, the company will once again implement custom cores for the first time in years. More specifically, we will find the Oryon cores debuted in the Snapdragon X lineup for ARM laptops. The report also claims that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will raise the bar in terms of AI processing. There will be an improved Qualcomm Sensing Hub for audio, camera, and sensor features, as well as for on-device generative AI tasks. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4s CPU is said to use a 2+6 architecture with 2x premium cores (4.0 GHz) and six efficiency cores at 2.8 GHz. It is also said to feature a new Adreno 830 GPU and a new Qualcomm FastConnect 7900 modem. Xiaomi is expected to debut the chip in the flagship Xiaomi 15 series. Profile of Stolen Valor: MSG Tim Walz By Mark Alexander web posted August 19, 2024 Military men and women serving today, Veterans, and family members who honor their service especially those who have perished in combat consider stolen valor an egregious offense and its perpetrators a profound disgrace. If you are not familiar with the term "stolen valor," it describes the action of those who falsely claim military service they did not perform and/or ranks they did not earn. Most often, such claims are made by those with no public profile, which is disgraceful but mostly inconsequential. But when documented and deliberate stolen valor claims remain unreconciled by a high-profile individual, that is as enormously disgraceful as it is consequential. Cases of stolen valor by national politicians are rare, and until two weeks ago, the highest-profile case was that of Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), whose stolen valor claims were exposed when he ran for the Senate in 2010. In that campaign, news reports and videos called out Blumenthal's false claims to have served in Vietnam. He later offered a faux apology for what he called language that was not "clear or precise." It was clearly and precisely a lie. Astoundingly, Connecticut Demos not only elected Blumenthal, but they have since reelected him twice, thus spitting in the face of Veterans nationwide. Now, another well-documented case of stolen valor has emerged one that is much higher profile because the guilty party is Tim Walz. He's the previously unknown "Bernie Bro" governor of Minnesota, the "folksy socialist" whom Kamala Harris tapped as her VP candidate. Walz spent more than two decades with the Nebraska and Minnesota Army National Guard before launching his bid for Congress in 2006, and that is where his trail of stolen valor starts. His fellow Guardsmen confirmed he abandoned his Battalion, knowing it was going to deploy to Iraq, despite his assertion a month before departing, "As Command Sergeant Major I have a responsibility not only to ready my battalion for Iraq, but also to serve if called on." Walz went outside the chain of command to ensure he would not have to deploy with his National Guard Battalion to Iraq. Abandoning his men is disgraceful. But it's his record of lies regarding combat service and rank in the years since that clearly constitutes stolen valor. He has claimed to be a combat Veteran and implied he served in Afghanistan, as well as claimed to have earned the rank of Command Sergeant Major none of which is true. I assume Walz's stolen valor lies were known by Harris campaign strategists, but they concluded they could bury the evidence with the help of their Leftmedia publicists. That is a reasonable conclusion given the long record of unchallenged bald-faced Biden/Harris lies, Joe Biden being the leader of the "lying dog-faced pony soldier" cavalry. Harris has avoided any media interviews since Biden withdrew from the campaign, thus avoiding any tough questions about their disastrous record of domestic and foreign policy failures. Now, she and Walz are avoiding questions about his stolen valor claims. Of course, many of their dullard constituents can't spell "valor," much less define it, so the campaign is moving forward as if it never happened. But distinguished Veterans are shining a bright light on Walz's record. This week, SSG David Bellavia, an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, strongly condemned Walz for abandoning his Battalion ahead of their Iraq deployment: "Here's what I can't forgive, what no combat Veteran can forgive. ... One of the first soldiers to die in the battle of Fallujah was Steven Faulkenburg. That was my Command Sergeant Major. He died at the tip of the spear. ... He blocks the sun. That's the pedestal we put our Sergeant Majors on. It's unfathomable that you would let your boys go without you." Moreover, asked about Walz's claims to have served in combat, Bellavia said: "That's the unforgivable sin. ... [Democrats] don't understand the warrior class in America, which is why President Trump overwhelmingly has support of combat Veterans. ... I just find the whole thing disingenuous. Hold a press conference, explain what the record is. [Walz's] failure to do so, to me, speaks volumes." Bellavia concluded: "We have an oath and a creed, an NCO creed. We will not use our grade or position for ... personal safety. That is part of every creed a non-commissioned officer recites." Walz violated his oath on all counts, and he used his "grade" to ensure his "personal safety." Retired Minnesota Guardsman Thomas Behrends, an actual Command Sergeant Major who took over command when Walz abruptly departed, says that Walz went above his senior sergeant leadership to secure a quick retirement: "On May 16th, 2005, [Walz] quit, betraying his country, leaving the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion and its Soldiers hanging; without its senior Non-Commissioned Officer, as the battalion prepared for war." Doug Julin, who was Walz's senior Battalion command sergeant, confirms: "Tim Walz knew the processes and the procedures. He went around me and above and beyond me, and went to get somebody to back him, to get him out of there." Fellow Guardsman John Kolb noted of Behrends's assessment: "I do not regret that Tim Walz retired early from the Minnesota Army National Guard, did not complete the Sergeants Major Academy, broke his enlistment contract and did not successfully complete any assignment as a Sergeant Major. Unwittingly, he got out of the way for better leadership. Thomas Behrends was the right leader at the right time." Retired Captain Corey Bjertness, chaplain for Walz's Guard Battalion, said of Walz leaving his men, "In our world, to drop out after a WARNORD [warning order] is issued, is cowardly, especially for a senior enlisted guy." Tom Schilling, who served with Walz, added: "We did the right thing, and [Walz is] dishonorable. What he did was he left somebody else to take over his spot. He just ditched us." As for Walz's disgraceful record of stolen valor... Again, his false claims, both about his combat service and rank, are well documented. In 2004, while still in the National Guard, Walz participated in a war protest, carrying a sign noting "Enduring Freedom Veterans for Kerry." That would be the traitorous John Kerry who, after his failed 2004 presidential campaign, would become the embarrassing secretary of state under Barack Obama. So you understand Walz's claim, Operation Enduring Freedom was the military designation for the War in Afghanistan. Walz's DD 214 service record indicates he never served anywhere near Afghanistan or any other combat theater of operation. But he continued to make that claim. After Walz abandoned his NG Battalion to launch his congressional campaign, his official announcement asserted he was "a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom." That was a lie, and he knew it. Soon thereafter, Iraqi War Veteran David Thul, who was a sergeant in the Minnesota National Guard, called out Walz's campaign lie, saying then: "Operation Enduring Freedom is limited to Afghanistan and the airspace directly above. Congressman Walz is clearly claiming ... to be an Enduring Freedom veteran. Nobody disputes the fact that he is not an Afghanistan or Enduring Freedom veteran. So this represents a fairly serious issue." "Fairly serious," indeed. Walz's replacement, CSM Behrends, added, "Tim Walz has embellished and selectively omitted facts and circumstances of his military career for years." Aggravated about being caught making false military service claims in his first congressional election campaign, Walz published a letter in 2006, asserting it was a "ridiculous claim that I am misleading voters." Of his accusers, he added: "When you dishonor a veteran, you dishonor all soldiers and veterans. You owe an apology to all those who serve honorably." Ironically, given what we know now, that sums up the apology Walz owes all Veterans for his stolen valor claims, especially to the families of the four members of his Guard Battalion who were killed during the deployment Walz dodged. In fact, Walz repeatedly made or affirmed stolen valor combat Veteran claims once in Congress, including in a recorded candidate forum and media interviews, and was even recognized by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who publicly praised Walz, saying, "We appreciate his service on the battlefield." Walz did not correct the record. And Walz declared in one of his more recent leftist rants calling for gun confiscation, "We can make sure that those weapons of war, that I carried in war, is [sic] the only place where those weapons are at." That prompted Marine Veteran JD Vance, who actually did deploy to Iraq, to ask, "Tim Walz, when were you ever in war? ... What was this weapon that you carried into war, given that you abandoned your unit right before they went to Iraq and [you] have not spent a day in a combat zone." Walz's combat claim even got a "fact-check" smackdown from CNN's Tom Foreman, who kindly noted: "There is no evidence that at any time Governor Walz was in the position of being shot at, and some of his language could easily be seen to suggest that he was. So that is absolutely false..." I say "kindly" because Walz's claims don't "suggest" he served in combat; he declared he carried a weapon in war. Walz's silence, and that of the Harris campaign, is deafening. The Harris/Walz campaign issued a brief statement declaring Walz "misspoke" about his military service. You know, kinda like Blumenthal failed to use "clear or precise" language. But unlike Blumenthal, Walz continued to "misspeak" for the last decade. And about Walz's false claims about being a Command Sergeant Major... In campaign promotions, and repeatedly since then, Walz claimed that he is a retired "Command Sergeant Major" despite not completing the requirements for that rank. He temporarily held the rank until he was officially demoted to Master Sergeant. Walz's final military rank was Master Sergeant, effective before his retirement. The only claim he can legitimately make is that his highest rank was Master Sergeant, and that would have been commendable if not for all the lies. Retired Sergeant Major Jason Jaskula says of Walz's rank claims: "He was a conditionally appointed sergeant major but never earned the rank and literally no one would understand that except for a few military members and/or sergeant majors. ... As an actual retired sergeant major it pisses me off and minimizes what I actually did." The Harris/Walz campaign is banking on its constituents not understanding Walz's lies about his rank. However, the Harris/Walz campaign quietly altered his military background on its website from "a retired Command Sergeant Major" to "served as a command sergeant major." On Walz's own official campaign website, the "retired command sergeant major" claim was updated to read he "once served at the command sergeant major rank." Furthermore, we just discovered that the Congressional Challenge Coins that Walz produced after going to Congress in 2007 still showed his rank as Command Sergeant Major. Walz knew that was not true. A reporter did ask Harris about Walz's stolen valor claims in a fleeting tarmac moment, but she dodged the question with a scripted reply: "I praise anyone who has presented themselves to serve our country, and I think that we all should." Uh, "we all should" serve; she didn't. JD Vance cracked back, "Kamala Harris has done as many tough interviews as Tim Walz has battlefield deployments." For the most authoritative assessment on Walz's plethora of fabrications, I turned to the highest-ranking Army Veteran among my friends and colleagues, GEN B.B. Bell (USA, Ret.). He summed up Walz as follows: "Like many Patriot Post readers, I served to the best of my ability and did what the military asked of me as best I could for the 39 years I was honored to be an active-duty Soldier. That's all our nation asks, and all one's fellow Service members or fellow Veterans expect. In the case of Governor Tim Walz, this bond of steeled brother and sisterhood has been crushed by his disgraceful embellishment and lies regarding his military service. They are real, they are irrefutable, and they are an affront to any Service member or Veteran who ever wore the uniform, in peace or war. It fully and irrevocably disqualifies Governor Walz from serving as our Vice President or President. He should withdraw his candidacy now, seek the forgiveness of his fellow Service members, and ask our Lord for His Grace and Mercy. Nothing else is acceptable." Before closing, allow me to circle back for a moment to Walz abandoning his Battalion before it was deployed to Iraq in 2005 the same year JD Vance, who served four years active duty in the Marine Corps, was deployed to Iraq. Because many Americans have little understanding of the distinction between serving in the National Guard and serving on active duty with one of our military branches, consider the following. The National Guard generally involves a commitment of two days a month and two weeks per year, which is why Guard members are often referred to as "weekend warriors." Unless called up for a rare deployment, Guard members maintain their civilian family and job lives and can receive benefits from their part-time service, including supplemental income, education, low-cost healthcare, etc. To be clear, serving with the Guard is honorable, when served honorably. The Guard and its components are critical to our nation's military readiness and national defense. Many Guard units were deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 482 Guard members perished in those theaters. But regarding the accolades about Walz's 24 years of Guard service while he was a student and school teacher, before abandoning his Battalion ahead of what would have been his one and only deployment to a war zone, consider this: An estimate of Walz's total days served in the Guard, including his temporary deployment to Italy in 2003/04, is about 1,180 days. The estimate for JD Vance's four years of active duty, including his six-month deployment to Iraq in 2005, is about 1,460 days. Of his service and deployment, Vance said: "When the United State Marine Corps, when the United States of America asked me to go to Iraq to serve my country, I did it. I did what they asked me to do, and I did it honorably and I'm very proud of that service. When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, you know what he did? He dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him." Conversely, how does now-Gov. Walz really view his Minnesota National Guard as its commander-in-chief? Recall that during the Demo-sponsored Summer of Rage ahead of the 2020 election, when Walz was cheerleading for the rioters, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and his police chief were pleading with Gov. Walz to send in the National Guard. Walz responded, "I don't think the mayor knew what he was asking for," adding that his Guard had a bunch of "19-year-olds who are cooks." In other words, "Let it burn!" And as rioters burned the MPD's Third Precinct, Police Sergeant Anna Hedberg testified, "I heard the Governor say, 'give it up.'" Those three words were the catalyst for almost two weeks of chaos and rioting. But we can't send in the "cooks." Finally, Walz is absolutely guilty of stolen valor, fraudulently making claims about his military service and rank. But again, the Harris/Walz campaign, in conjunction with its adoring Leftmedia publicists, is doing everything it can to bury his stolen valor claims ahead of the DNC's Kamalafest coronation convention next week. Undoubtedly, the Demos will round up a few former MN Guard members seeking their moment of fame claiming Walz was a great military leader. I know of only one Medal of Honor recipient who they might get on stage to praise Walz. But no military endorsement at that confab reflects the sentiments of the vast majority of combat Veterans. Though some political analysts say Walz is Harris's first unforced error, the facts notwithstanding, if Democrat strategists are correct, Walz's stolen valor record will have little impact on the Trump v Harris matchup. Shame on any American who gives Walz's stolen valor disgrace a pass. FOOTNOTE 1: Ironically, then-Rep. Walz voted for the Stolen Valor Act of 2013. The federal Stolen Valor Act makes it an offense to fraudulently make rank or military service claims in order to receive financial compensation or other tangible benefits. Walz is not being accused of violating the Stolen Valor Act, unless making a false claim of rank and service as part of your campaign to get elected to Congress is considered receiving financial compensation or other tangible benefits. FOOTNOTE 2: Of interest, in the current 118th Congress, there are 80 House Veterans and 17 Senate Veterans, less than 10% of whom served in the National Guard. Predictably, about 75% of those Veterans are Republicans, and a majority (40 Republicans) served deployments in combat zones, as did 12 Democrats. Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post. At its latest Made By Google event last week, Google introduced a handful of new Pixel smartphones and the Pixel Watch 3. During the event, Google also announced that it will soon roll out an offline Google Maps feature for Wear OS devices. As promised, the search titan has finally started rolling out the new feature to the Pixel Watch series smartwatches. In addition, the new offline Google Maps functionality is available for Samsungs Galaxy Watch series devices. Wear OS smartwatches are finally getting support for offline Google Maps Google has finally released the much-awaited offline Google Maps feature for Wear OS smartwatches, including the new Pixel Watch 3. The new functionality is also showing up on the Google Pixel Watch 2. Notably, Samsungs Galaxy Watch series is also getting support for the new offline Google Maps feature. The offline Google Maps feature is available in the beta 11.140.0701.W version of the app on the Pixel Watch 2. Once updated to the new beta version of the app, you will see a new Offline maps menu above the Settings option. SamMobile reports that select Samsung Galaxy Watch series device users can also use Google Maps offline. The support is reportedly rolling out to the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Ultra smartwatches. It is available through the same beta version of the Google Maps app for Wear OS wearables. Google is expected to roll out the new feature to other Pixel series and Wear OS smartwatches in the coming days. Youll be able to navigate around using your Wear OS smartwatch without connectivity Once the new feature update reaches your device, opening Google Maps will bring a new message regarding offline Google Maps support. It will mention Offline maps on the phone are auto-downloaded to the watch. Thanks to the new feature, you will be able to easily navigate around using your smartwatch without any connectivity. Notably, the new feature notes how much space the offline maps will take up on your smartwatch. Also, you will be able to easily delete the maps you dont need anymore directly from your wrist. That means if you have a Wi-Fi-only smartwatch without a connected phone nearby, youll still be able to navigate offline. It works the same way for a Wi-Fi+LTE Wear OS smartwatch that doesnt have a cellular signal. There's nothing cuter than watching a baby animal (or human!) with a ton of confidence go up against something or someone bigger than they are. Take for instance this hippo calf who - on their own - goes up against a herd of elephants to keep them away from the herd's watering hole. The calf has more confidence than they know what to do with! Explore.org shared a video on Thursday, August 15th from one of their live cams in South Africa, and it's the cutest thing you'll see today. The video shows the hippo calf approaching four elephants that are trying to get down to the watering hole. The hippo's not having it though and refuses to let them near the water's edge. While the elephants put up a good fight, even swinging their trunks around, they give up after a few minutes. Watch how proud the little hippo is that he defended his herd's water! The hippo even walked back down to the water with a little swagger and head held high! Explore.org says in the video's overlay that normally it's the most dominant hippo that runs other animals off. I cracked up when they said that dominance is loosely based on size, "very loosely based, in the case of this hippo calf." Proof that size doesn't always matter! Commenters also got a kick out of the cute video. @girlfrommars kissit had it all figured out and made a good point, "The elephant knew it was a baby and did not want to get the mothers attention." and another commenter added, "Love how the elephant was using its trunk to say Shoo! Shoo tiny creature! haha!" @Rearviewmirror wasn't wrong when they said, "Confidence is everything!" and @Lee Lee agreed, "He understood the assignment." I laughed at @Tony Zamboni's comment, ""We just wanted a sip of water bro, don't be a Karen" LOL!" Related: Baby Hippo Adorably Refuses to Get out of the Pool at Wildlife Park Facts About Water Loving Hippos Hippos spend the majority of their time in the water; up to 16 hours a day. They spend so much time in the water with their bodies submerged to keep their skin cool and moist. Hippos eyes and ears are extremely sensitive, and they excrete a reddish-orange antibiotic fluid that absorbs UV light; it works like sunscreen does. If you ever see a hippo that looks like it's crying bloody tears, don't freak out! It's just them producing their own sunscreen. Adult hippos can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes at a time, but calves and young hippos need to surface more often. While hippos can move fast in the water, they're actually not swimming (they don't know how!) Instead, they walk along the bottom of the water. Hippos are known to be highly aggressive animals and are only slightly more even-tempered on land than when in water. If you ever come across one in the water, they're ready to defend their territory and chances are not good that you'll win the battle. Don't let hippos' massive size fool you, they're extremely fast on land and in the water. On land, hippos can run up to 30 miles per hour and can easily outrun a human. They can move about 5 miles an hour in the water, while an average human only swims about 2 miles an hour. Whether on land or in water, it's always best to admire these enormous animals from a distance and to never approach them...not even a cute little hippo calf like the one in this video. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter are among six tourists missing after a luxury yacht sank in a tornado off the coast of Sicily, sources said. A body, believed to be that of the vessels cook, has been found and police divers are trying to reach the hull of the ship, which is resting at a depth of 50 metres. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Reppublica stated. Sicilys civil protection agency told the BBC that 18-year-old Hannah Lynch was among those missing with her father, along with the yachts chef, Ricardo Thomas. The yacht was carrying 10 crew members and 12 passengers. Fifteen people including Mr Lynchs wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued, according to local media. The British-flagged superyacht, named Bayesian, capsized at about 5am local time off the coast of Palermo when the area was hit by a tornado. (PA Graphics) Mr Lynch, who founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, was made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. In June, he was cleared of conducting a massive fraud relating to an 11 billion dollar (8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard. A spokesperson for Mr Lynch said there was no comment. The yacht sank as a fierce storm battered the area overnight. The daily Il Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported that the vessel had mostly British passengers on board, but also people from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and British-French citizens. Rescue operations in the stretch of sea near Palermo (Italian Coast Guard/AP) Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency said: They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. One of the survivors, British tourist Charlotte Emsley, told la Reppublica she held her one-year-old daughter, Sofia, to stop her from drowning. She said: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Charlotte and Sofia are being treated in hospital, as is Sofias father, James Emsley. Karsten Borner, captain of a nearby boat, told journalists those missing included the Bayesians owner and a child, news agency Reuters reported. He said his crew took on board some survivors who were on a life raft, including three who were seriously injured. Fisherman Francesco Cefalu said he sailed from the shore to the scene after seeing a flare at about 4.30am, but by the time he arrived Bayesian had already sunk, with only items such as cushions and wood floating in the water. The Bayesian, left, was built in 2008 (Fabio La Bianca/PA) He added: I think they are inside, all the missing people. A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch said four of its inspectors were being deployed to Palermo. A basic assessment of the scene will be made by the team, with no investigation launched at this stage, the PA news agency understands. Bayesian completed a number of sailings in recent days, calling at various ports in Sicily, according to ship-tracking website VesselFinder. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites, and is listed for rent for up to 195,000 euros (166,000 ) a week. She was built in 2008 by Italian company Perini Navi. Her registered owner is listed as Revtom Ltd, which is based on the Isle of Man. Mr Lynch is of Irish heritage his father was a fireman from Co Cork, and his mother was a nurse from Co Tipperary. In a 2015 radio interview, Mr Lynch confirmed that he was born in Ilford in London, despite a number of reports that he was born in Ireland and raised in England. He said during the same interview that he spent childhood summers in Carrick-On-Shannon and Tipperary and has family who still live there. The clock is ticking on the transfer window with less than two weeks remaining for Premier League clubs to strengthen their squads. The window shuts on Friday, August 30 at 11pm BST. Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the high-profile transfers that might be completed before the deadline. Ivan of Arabia? Could Brentfords Ivan Toney swap the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League (Rhianna Chadwick/PA) Ivan Toney appears to have played his last game for Brentford after being left out of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. The England striker missed Sundays 2-1 win with Bees boss Thomas Frank revealing his absence was due to transfer interest and that Brentford opted to leave him out. Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are reportedly keen and 60million might secure the services of the 28-year-old who has one year left on his contract. It remains to be seen if the Saudi speculation smokes out potential Premier League interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. Chelsea exits likely Raheem Sterlings Chelsea future is in doubt after being left out of their opening league game against Manchester City (Adam Davy/PA) After a summer of yet more arrivals at Stamford Bridge, it seems inevitable there will be departures in the final days of the window to reduce the numbers of Enzo Marescas squad. Raheem Sterlings future was placed into sharp focus when he was left out of the Blues squad for Sundays 2-0 defeat by Manchester City and his representatives released a statement questioning the decision. While Sterlings camp called for further clarity on the future of the England international, Conor Gallagher remains in limbo. The England midfielders name was omitted from the matchday programme squad on Sunday, with Chelsea and Atletico Madrid due to hold a new round of talks to break the deadlock over Gallagher and Joao Felixs potential move in the opposite direction. Sancho saga to end? Jadon Sancho was omitted from Manchester Uniteds opening Premier League matchday squad (Zac Goodwin/PA) Jadon Sanchos future at Manchester United has been in doubt ever since he fell out with Erik ten Hag almost 12 months ago, claiming on social media that he had been made a scapegoat following criticism from the manager. The England winger spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund before resolving his differences with Ten Hag. Sancho came off the bench in the Community Shield at Wembley but was omitted from the matchday squad for Uniteds league opener against Fulham. Paris St Germain are keen on Sancho with Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte who did not feature in the French clubs Ligue 1 opener at Le Havre possibly moving the other way, while Fulham reportedly remain interested in United midfielder Scott McTominay. Guehi in demand Marc Guehi captained Crystal Palace in their opening Premier League game of the season despite speculation over his future (John Walton/PA) Marc Guehi stepped into the shop window at Euro 2024 and dazzled during Englands march to the final. The centre-back was always going to be in demand after the tournament and so it has proved with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe identifying the 24-year-old as his top summer signing. Newcastle have reportedly had four offers rejected by Palace, with the latest said to be worth 60m plus 5m in add-ons. Guehi showed his continued commitment to Palace by captaining the side at Brentford, but Eagles fans will remain nervous that they could lose him and fellow defender Joachim Andersen, a Fulham target, before the window closes. Another Mikel at Arsenal? Spain midfielder Mikel Merino has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal (Bradley Collyer/PA) There could be a familiar name at Arsenal if manager Mikel Arteta gets his way. Arteta is seeking the final piece in the Gunners jigsaw after pushing champions Manchester City all the way last season, and the Basque could return to hometown club Real Sociedad for a spot of late transfer business. Mikel Merino was impressive during Spains Euro 2024 triumph, featuring in all seven games and scoring the quarter-final winner against Germany. The 28-year-old has a year left on his current Sociedad deal and, standing at 6ft 2ins, would add further aerial strength to that provided by Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, William Saliba and new recruit Riccardo Calafiori. Dan Lawrence is confident he fits the mould of an England Test opener in 2024, despite taking up the role just a handful of times in his first-class career. It is nearly two-and-a-half years since Lawrence won the last of his 11 caps but he will finally get the chance to add to his tally in Wednesdays series opener against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford. Zak Crawleys fractured finger has opened up a vacancy at the top of the order and, although Lawrence has headed up the innings on just seven occasions in a decade of county cricket, England have backed him as Ben Ducketts new partner rather than drafting in a specialist. Two changes We've named our XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka #ENGvSL | #EnglandCricket England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 19, 2024 Lawrence started out as an opener in his early days with Essex, and scored a half-century for Surrey in April in a rare return to the top, but has made his name as a free-flowing middle-order strokemaker. In years gone by that might have marked him out as a poor fit to see off the new ball but Englands priorities have changed in the Bazball era, with Crawley given licence to go after the bowlers from the word go. I think thats the style of cricketer that Baz McCullum and Ben Stokes are generally after and my general way of going about it is to try and be quite aggressive, said Lawrence. I always try and take the game on and score runs. I think I fit the mould more in that aspect. When I heard about Zak the first thing I thought about was, am I going to open? and I found out very quickly that I was so Ive had had a couple of weeks to get my head around that and get some practice in. Throughout my whole career Ive played a certain brand of cricket and that has served me well so Im just going to do the same thing. Im just going to go out there and try to be as free as possible. Matthew Potts is back in the England team (John Walton/PA) Ive had a couple of messages from Cooky (Sir Alastair Cook), who I played with for a number of years at Essex. I think my style of batting is going to be quite different to Cookys. Ill try to do it my own way. England have made one other change to the side that completed a 3-0 series sweep over the West Indies last month, with Matthew Potts replacing injured skipper Stokes, who tore his hamstring playing in the Hundred. Like Lawrence, Potts is back after a spell out of the side. After a breakout summer in 2022, the Durham seamer played just one Test last year, but gets the opportunity to make his case after being chosen ahead of Olly Stone. Ollie Pope captains the team in Stokes absence, with Harry Brooks status as an emerging leader underlined after he was promoted to vice-captain. Stokes was with the team as they reported for duty in Manchester and is expected to be part of the dressing room throughout the three-match series. I think its obviously quite important for Ollie not to try and be Ben Stokes, because hes obviously a very dominant character, said Lawrence who captained Pope recently at London Spirit. Not having Stokesy is obviously a big loss for the team, but its another great opportunity for Ollie to step up and get some practice as captain and for us younger players to go out there and put on a performance. Im sure Popey is going to have very similar messages to Stokesy. I think the general game plan is going to be exactly the same. Can excess sweat lead to hair loss? Experts wade in. (Getty Images) (Getty) If weather reports are to be believed the UK is due for another heatwave. While we are rejoicing at the welcome return of summer, we're not looking forward to the inevitable sweatiness that is likely to ensue. Sure there are some health benefits to sweating, but the same can't be said about the impact the extra moisture has on your hair and scalp, with experts explaining how excess perspiration can actually lead to hair loss. In basic terms our sweat contains salt content which is not actually all that good for our hair and scalp and can potentially cause dryness and potential shedding. But there's a little more to the science of summer hair. How sweat can cause hair loss According to experts when we sweat more than normal there is a risk of increased hair loss and this can happen for a number of reasons. "Firstly, sweat contains lactic acid, which binds to the Keratin in your hair follicles, causing strain to the hair," explains Dr Balwi from Elithair. "Lactic acid can also cause inflammation, bacteria growth, build up and, in some instances, scalp infections." Moisture and humidity on the scalp also provide the perfect environment for bacterial or fungal infections which can result in temporary hair loss. Another reason why sweat can result in hair loss is because sweat contains minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium, all of which get left behind on the scalp after the sweat evaporates," Dr Balwi continues. "Salt build-up can cause the hair to feel dry, brittle and prone to breakage." There are a number of ways excess sweat can cause hair loss. (Getty Images) (Getty) Dr Balwi says the impact of sweat on overall scalp health is key to the correlation between sweat and hair loss. "The accumulation of dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria can clog the hair follicles, therefore preventing the growth of healthy hair," he explains. "This is why knowing how to treat your scalp in sweaty conditions is so important." According to Anabel Kingsley, brand president and trichologist at Philip Kingsley sweating during the summer months, or when exercising can also cause oils to accumulate on your scalp, which can lead to inflammation and irritation. "You are also more likely to experience scalp conditions, like dandruff, if your scalp is overly oily," she explains. "This is because the yeasts responsible for dandruff thrive in an oily environment." Thankfully there are a few ways to manage excess sweat during the summer to maintain scalp health and reduce chances of sweat-related hair loss. How to prevent summer sweat causing hair loss Care for your scalp Dr Balwi says it is important to properly clean the scalp to prevent a build-up of lactic acid, sweat and dirt. "This can be done using sulfate-free or purifying shampoos," he explains. Products with the following ingredients are effective in thoroughly cleaning the scalp: Tea tree oil: "This has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is good for keeping the scalp free of irritation and is effective in preventing hair loss," Dr Balwi explains. Peppermint oil: Dr Balwi says this has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to clean the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. It is also important to nourish the scalp, especially after using ingredients with stripping agencies which can be found in purifying shampoos," he adds. "Using hair masks or hair oils will help to prevent dryness and stimulate hair growth." Argan oil: This contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that promote overall hair health. "It absorbs quickly into the hair shaft, helping to hydrate, nourish and tame frizz," Dr Balwi explains. Vitamin E: This helps to moisturise the hair and scalp, preventing dryness and enhancing shine, it promotes healthy circulation to the scalp, which can stimulate hair growth. "It also has antioxidant properties that help to protect the hair from environmental damage and free radicals, which can cause dullness and breakage," Dr Balwi adds. Experts say excess sweat can lead to hair loss, but there are ways to combat it. (Getty Images) (Getty) Stay Hydrated Dr Balwi says it is important to drink lots of water to maintain a good balance between sweat and natural oils on your scalp. Protect your scalp Avoid colouring your hair. If you have a sweaty scalp you should avoid adding any excess damage caused by bleach or colouring your hair," Dr Balwi explains. Change your pillowcase Cleaning your bedding regularly can help to prevent a sweat build-up as bacteria and minerals caused by sweat can linger on your pillowcase. Swapping to a silk pillowcase is another good way to improve hair health as silk is less harsh on the hair and does not absorb the hair's natural oils," Dr Balwi adds. How often should you wash your hair during the summer? Whilst it is tempting to wash your hair more frequently during the summer due to increased sweating, Dr Balwi says it is important to strike a balance between cleaning your scalp to avoid any build-up, and not stripping your hair of its natural oils. "Therefore, you should not wash your hair any more than 2-3 times a week," he explains. If you want to wash your hair more than that, he recommends rinsing the hair without using shampoo to help freshen it up without over-washing. "Shampooing the hair too often can dry out the hair," he adds. Should you wash your hair more or less during summer? (Getty Images) (Getty) Other factors that can increase hair loss As well as sweating from exercise, other factors can also increase the oiliness of your scalp, such as being stressed, during menstruation etc. "During these times, make sure to shampoo more frequently and keep the scalp as clean as possible, reducing build up," Kingsley recommends. "Focusing on your scalp (shampoo twice) can also help to reduce the oil build up and therefore improve hair health and reduce hair loss," she adds. Having a flaky or itchy scalp can contribute to hair loss, so Kingsley says it is important to keep your scalp clean, which can be done by cleansing regularly with targeting products. "I recommend our Flaky/Itchy Shampoo and Conditioner range," she adds. Read more about health and wellness: Watch: Hair loss: What causes it? Fashion chain Ted Baker set to close all remaining UK stores by end of Tuesday Fashion chain Ted Baker is set to close all its stores in the UK by the end of Tuesday, bringing an end to its position on high streets and putting more than 500 jobs at risk. Its 31 remaining stores in the UK and Ireland will close before the end of the day on Tuesday and the website has also been pulled. Ted Baker was founded by Ray Kelvin, who opened his first shop in Glasgow in 1988, and the brands clothing and accessories are widely recognised for their patterns and florals. Its future was put at risk when the firm behind its UK shops, No Ordinary Designer Label Limited (NODL), collapsed into administration in March. A different American company, Authentic Brands, which owns Ted Bakers intellectual property, said that despite tireless efforts it could not overcome the financial issues the business faced. Authentic blamed the process on damage done during a partnership with Dutch company AARC Group, and the significant level of arrears that had built up during the association. Ted Baker had also flagged economic challenges in recent years, having faced weaker consumer demand and difficulties in its supply chain, after being among the luxury retailers to take a hit during the Covid pandemic. The failure to save the shops puts hundreds of jobs at risk. Some 513 employees across the UK and in its head office, and 78 in Ireland, are expected to be affected by the remaining closures. About 245 staff were made redundant after 15 shops were shut earlier in the year. Ted Bakers UK website has also been pulled, and customers told it is not taking orders right now, and that they have 14 days to return orders made online. Authentic previously said it was hoping to find new UK and European operating partners to run the Ted Baker brand, which is currently sold through department stores and retailers such as John Lewis and House of Fraser. All Ted Bakers UK and Ireland shops will be shut by the end of the day on Tuesday (Alamy/PA) There had been reports that a licensing partnership could be struck with Mike Ashleys Frasers Group, but it is understood that the two companies are no longer in talks. Authentic, the US-based firm also behind global brands including Juicy Couture and Reebok, bought Ted Baker for 211 million in 2022. It did not comment on the confirmation of shop closures this week. Ted Baker continues to have more than 30 licensing partners globally that are unaffected by the UK and Ireland administration, including in North America, Asia and the Middle East. A Tesla Cybertruck tows a flatbed trailer carrying a giant bust of tech mogul Elon Musk. Its the latest project of a French entrepreneur who goes by Louis. Courtesy Louis A giant bust of Elon Musk is seen in front of the Starship launch tower at Boca Chica Beach. Like a Musk mural unveiled earlier this year on the route to Starbase, the bust is the brainchild of a French tech entrepreneur who prefers to be known simply as Louis. Courtesy Louis French entrepreneur who goes by "Louis" commissioned the construction of a wall and painting of a mural of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on land along Texas 4. Completed less than a month before Starship's fourth launch in June, the mural is becoming a popular stop for photos on the way to Starbase. Brandon Lingle The Elon Musk mural in Brownsville. Courtesy Sandra Helena Garcia Chris Lerma, 58, stands in front of a mural of Elon Musk on his land. A French entrepreneur who goes by "Louis" commissioned the construction of a wall with a mural painting of the SpaceX CEO on a plot of land along Texas 4 outside Brownsville. The mural is based on a viral meme called "Elon, I drew you." Brandon Lingle French entrepreneur who goes by "Louis" commissioned the construction of a wall and painting of a mural of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on land along Texas 4. Completed less than a month before Starship's fourth launch in June, the mural is becoming a popular stop for photos on the way to Starbase. Brandon Lingle A Cybertruck towing a giant bust of tech mogul Elon Musk has been spotted across South Texas, where its raising questions and going viral online. In a video posted Saturday, the bronze-colored bust is seen standing upright on a flatbed trailer. It towers over the Tesla-branded pickup with personalized Texas license plate 3LEKTRK pulling it along a Brownsville street. Yellow straps crisscross the statues misshapen head. They framed a stern-looking Musk staring back at the vehicles following him. A French tech entrepreneur who prefers to be identified only as Louis who earlier commissioned a three-story-tall mural of Musk along the route to Starbase is behind the bust thats been spotted across Cameron County. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 38-year-old Parisian confirmed via text Sunday that the statue is another of his projects. He said hes doing an official unveiling Sunday at a Brownsville event called ElonDay and will eventually install the bust near Starbase, SpaceXs Starship production and launch facility. Musk is CEO of the commercial space company and Tesla Inc., and the owner of social media site X. Louis said he wanted to keep word of the bust low profile but realized he cant help the virality. ElonDay is a free event for 250 people that will celebrate art, technology and memes on Aug. 25 at Pluton Brewery in Brownsville. An advertisement for the event lists several sponsors including media and cryptocurrency websites. ElonDay is not just a tribute to Elon Musks accomplishments but also a celebration of the meme culture that continues to entertain and influence, the events website says. The event is designed to be a space for meaningful discourse and community connection, catering to both Musk enthusiasts and critics alike. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The bust is based on the Elon, I drew you meme, an image that first appeared online March 8, 2019. What began as an odd sketch of Musk eyes too close together, swollen cheeks, a tilted mouth became an internet phenomenon. There were also sightings of the bronzed CEO in Bayview in the past week, drawing online comments ranging from dictator vibes to that doesnt look anything like him, to we love ya man! In a June interview, Louis said he came to Texas in May with the idea to commission the mural and the bust. Why not push the craziness, he said. He rented a plot of barren land along Texas 4 from Chris Lerma for $300 a month, paid a local builder several thousand dollars to build the cinder block structure and hired area artist Carlos Manuel Guerrero to do the painting. They completed the project a few days before Starships fourth launch. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the time, Lerma, 58, said he wasnt ready for the immediate attention the mural drew. Now he has plans of his own, including building a parking lot for folks stopping for selfies and, maybe, food trucks. I need to clean up in here and this and that, but its a work in progress, he said. Its gonna be nice, were gonna put our heart and soul into it. In June, Louis said he hopes the project will help people learn more about cryptocurrency and digital art, though its unlikely many who stop for selfies will make the connection. Jay Blades and Judi Dench explored their friendship in new documentary film The Odd Couple. (Channel 4) (Channel 4) What did you miss? There aren't many circumstances in which the 89-year-old acting legend Dame Judi Dench would become best friends with The Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades, who's just 54 years old. However, that's the driving force behind Channel 4 documentary Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple. The documentary followed Dench and Blades as they carried out something of a cultural exchange, showing each other locations and experiences crucial to their lives. They also answered perhaps the most important question: how did they become friends in the first place? What, how and why? Jay Blades took his pal Judi Dench on a road trip on the documentary The Odd Couple. (Channel 4) (Channel 4) Blades and Dench addressed the unusual status of their friendship in the very first moments of the documentary. In voiceover, Blades said: "Why is Jay Blades, who fixes furniture on the telly, now in the home of Britain's best-loved actor, Dame Judi Dench?" Dench then took up the story, adding: "Well, ever since we met at The Repair Shop three years ago, we've become the very best of friends." The legendary thespian appeared on a special episode of The Repair Shop filmed at the Edinburgh TV Festival in 2022, having previously handed over a broken pocket watch she had gifted to her late husband Michael on their first anniversary. Watch: Judi Dench appears on The Repair Shop The show's talented team of restorers were able to get the timepiece working again, which left Dench overcome with emotion as she said the restoration was "more than I could possibly hope for". Since then, the duo have remained in touch. "There's a lot we don't know about the very different journeys that have brought us together," said Blades of his friendship with Dench. "Me and Judi come from completely different worlds. I don't think we've got anything in common, to tell you the truth." As for Dench, she was on typically mischievous form when asked to describe the differences between herself and her new friend. She said: "He's very tall. I'm amazed we can hear each other, he's so tall. He was born in something like 1970... pathetic." What else happened on Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple? Judi Dench had a chance to work on a market stall with the help of Jay Blades. (Channel 4) (Channel 4) The documentary saw both Dench and Blades end up in fish out of water scenarios as they experienced some of the most important places to each other. Blades took Dench to Ridley Road Market in Hackney where she had a go at selling plantains from a stall, while Dench encouraged Blades to perform a Shakespearean soliloquy at The Old Vic theatre in the West End. Throughout, the duo's adorable chemistry kept the documentary running and it proved to be a terrific mix of generations. There likely wasn't a dry eye in any household watching the show. Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple is available to stream on Channel 4. Read more: This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/judi-dench-jay-blades-friendship-origin-203713174.html An elephant in Thailand is celebrating the sweet taste of freedom. Mare Noi was rescued from captivity recently, and luckily for us a new viral video shows her taking her first steps without chains in 41 years. Aaron Jackson has been documenting the many elephants that he's worked tirelessly to save. And Mare Noi's rescue is nothing short of miraculous. Elephants are beloved, gentle creatures. Which is why when you see one get abused it's so upsetting. Thankfully, that's no longer the case for Mare Noi. The video Jackson shared shows the elephant practically strolling down a road. No more chains for this girl, she's a free woman now. Related: Cute Video of Rescued Elephant Playing Like a Kid Is Making Everybody Smile "You are looking at the newest free elephant in the world," Jackson said in the clip. "This is her first time walking free." "She's walking really, really fast because she's used to having chains around her feet," he added. Infuriatingly, Mare Noi was used as a "logging and breeding elephant," before her rescue. "She has been waiting for this day for a long time," he added in the caption. This is a happy day for everyone, including the people in the comments section. "Her happy ear flaps. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful moment," wrote one person. "You can see her relief and serenity in her face. That's awesome," someone else added. "Can you please give her a hug from me? Shes beautiful," one person praised. "Forty-one years?!?!?!!! Makes my heart hurt! I cannot wait to watch her transform into the happiest elephant she deserves to be!" exclaimed another commenter. Mare Nois Rescue Was a Long Time Coming Jackson first posted about the elephant last week when he shared that Mare Noi was free. As Jackson explained, none of Mare Noi's children survived while she was in captivity. "She had two miscarriages and one stillbirth," he added. "That ends today." But it's not enough to simply free Mare Noi. They have a plan for the elephant and will be sending her to her new home soon. "Planting Peace raised the funds to buy her freedom," he explained in the caption. "Once the chains come off, she will go to Boon Lott Elephant Sanctuary to live out the rest of her days." "She will have 500 acres to roam and call home," the caption continues. It's a far cry from the life that she's been living. It's enough to bring a tear to our eyes and it definitely touched the animal rescuer too. "This is what elephant rescue is all about," he wrote. "I am so excited to see these chains come off! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. A young mother pushing a pram and a man who claimed he wore a balaclava because he is an introvert are among the latest defendants to appear in court after widespread rioting across the UK. Nevey Smith, 21, of West Street, Oldham, will be sentenced in September for violent disorder outside an asylum hotel while she was pushing her child in a stroller. She previously admitted the offence after she was seen in footage throwing liquid from a bottle towards police officers who were trying to maintain order outside the hotel in Newton Heath, Manchester, on July 31. Judge Patrick Field KC warned Smith that she could still face jail before releasing her on bail until sentencing at Manchester Crown Court on September 23. Hundreds of people have so far been charged over unrest that broke out after three girls were stabbed at a holiday club in Southport on July 29, apparently fuelled by false information spread about the alleged killer on social media. Anti-racism protesters gathered in Walthamstow, east London, after unrest involving far-right groups broke out across the UK following the fatal stabbings in Southport (PA) Those who appeared in court on Monday include Tom Sedbury, 29, who brought a bag of knives to an anti-racism demonstration in Walthamstow, east London, on August 7. In police interview he told officers he had been on his way to a friends house when he saw the protest and kept his balaclava on because he did not wish to be caught on camera because he is an introvert. He admitted five counts of possessing knives as well as obstructing a police officer, and will be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on October 2. Mother Kelly Wildego, 41, from Greenwich, south-east London, was given a four-month suspended sentence after she charged at police officers and called them f****** c**** during a demonstration in Whitehall. Kelly Wildego during the Whitehall demonstration (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Inner London Crown Court heard that she had thrown foul-mouthed abuse at the police and rushed towards them without explanation after most of the violence had subsided at around 8.45pm on July 31. She was given a suspended sentence for assaulting an emergency worker because she is a full-time carer for her son. Another Whitehall protester was jailed for 20 months after chanting Youre not English any more at police. David Notley, 67, of Buckhurst Hill, Epping Forest, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to violent disorder and causing religiously aggravated distress. Police officers clashed with protesters during the Enough is Enough protest in Whitehall (Jordan Pettit/PA) The court heard Notley made his way to the front of the crowd and confronted police in a fighting pose, surging back and forth. Notley, who was previously jailed for 20 years for drug smuggling in 2009, also joined in the chants Youre not English any more and Who the f*** is Allah?. Defending himself, he told the court that he got swept up in the demonstration and was not violent towards police officers. Judge Freya Newbery told him: You regard yourself as an asset to society, but look at your criminal record. Elsewhere, Dean Groenewald, 32, was jailed for 26 months at Newcastle Crown Court for throwing a brick at police after getting carried away during riots in Sunderland on August 2. Dean Groenewald was jailed after getting involved in disorder in Sunderland (Northumbria Police/PA) Mother-of-six Donna Conniff, 40, was sentenced to two years for violent disorder after she also threw a brick and a rock at officers in Murray Street, Hartlepool on July 31. Conniff, of Alford Court in Hartlepool, Co Durham, was seen handing a brick to a boy and encouraging him to do the same. Judge Francis Laird KC told her: Your behaviour and the behaviour of others around you was truly disgraceful. Grandmother Amanda Walton, 52, of Ashling Way, Middlesbrough, and her daughter Megan Davison, a 24-year-old mother of two, wept as they appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court accused of violent disorder in Middlesborough. Walton, who was walking her dog, is accused of throwing a stone at a building and damaging a car wing mirror while it is alleged that Davison jumped on the roof of a car when disorder broke out in Parliament Road on August 4. They were remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 29. Davisons partner, Jake Wray, 23, who lives with her at Seaton Street, Middlesbrough, appeared in a neighbouring courtroom charged with violent disorder and arson with intent. Wray is accused of stopping cars to ask if the driver was white or English during the disorder in Middlesbrough, and setting a wheelie bin alight during the trouble in the town centre. He was also remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 29. Trouble flared during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire on August 4 (Danny Lawson/PA) Two men who took part in an ignorant mob attacking a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers were also jailed in separate hearings at Sheffield Crown Court. Niven Matthewman and Nathan Palmer had pleaded guilty to violent disorder over the August 4 unrest and were each sentenced to two years and eight months imprisonment. The court heard on Monday how Matthewman, 19, of Swinton, threw a chair at police and yelled Yorkshire, Yorkshire outside the Holiday Inn hotel after it was on fire. Video footage earlier also showed him draped in an England flag by a police van, which had a police constable, sergeant and police dog inside, being kicked and rocked by others blocking its path. The court heard how 58 police officers were injured that day, alongside three police dogs and a police horse. Meanwhile, Palmer, a self-employed home renovator, was said to be on the front line of a large mob which became increasingly violent towards police and the hotel. The court heard how Palmer, of Hemingfield, was on licence for drug offending when he grabbed a police shield which was then passed around after an officer fell around an embankment. (PA Graphics) At Hull Crown Court, William Riley, 64, was jailed for 18 months after punching a police officer and handing out eggs for people to throw during riots in the city. The court heard the conviction for violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker was a massive fall from grace for Riley, who is involved with veterans charities who had attended the city centre that day to lay a wreath for the victims of the Southport stabbing. In a separate case, father-of-three Stuart Randall, 55, who took a sledgehammer to cars at a garage belonging to a foreign national while the terrified owner cowered inside with his family, was jailed for three years. Hull Crown Court heard he danced in front of a police line while waving a riot shield and smashed the front windows of two shops during a day of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence in the city on August 3. Randall also smashed the glass of a BMW that had contained three Romanian men who were forced out of their vehicle by an angry mob, although the court heard he was not directly involved in that incident. He pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated criminal damage, violent disorder, criminal damage to two shops, burglary of the O2 store and Lush, and possession of cannabis. Merseyside Fire & Rescue service help repair a broken window at Southport Islamic Centre Mosque in Southport (James Speakman/PA) Three men who threw missiles at police officers outside a mosque in Southport were also jailed on Monday. David Engleby, 29, of Scarisbrick New Road, Southport, gave a thumbs up to the judge after he was jailed for two years and four months at Liverpool Crown Court for violent disorder. Self-employed joiner Paul Dryhurst, 33, of Gale Road in Litherland, was sentenced to two years for violent disorder after the court heard he was recognised on footage by a police officer who had gone to school with him. Luke Summerfield, 33, of Mansfield Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, was jailed for two years and two months. Father of five Thomas Ward, 35, of Colliery Street, Manchester, was jailed for 32 months after waving his penis at female police officers during disorder in Manchester. He admitted violent disorder and exposure last week at Manchester Magistrates Court. Ward was seen in social media footage stamping on fencing and throwing a plank of wood towards police officers in Piccadilly Gardens in the city centre on August 3. Ward, appearing via video link from HMP Birmingham, also deliberately targeted female police officers, reaching inside his shorts, taking out his penis and waving it at them, Manchester Crown Court heard on Monday as he was sentenced. Joe Biden delivers the keynote address on the first day of the Democratic national convention in Chicago, Illinois on Monday. Photograph: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images Joe Biden took centre stage for perhaps the last time on Monday night when he addressed the Democratic national convention in Chicago as the US president faces a backlash over one of his most complex legacies. Thousands of protesters are converged in the host city earlier in the day to demand that the US end military aid to Israel for its ongoing war in Gaza. Activists have branded Biden Genocide Joe and called for the vice-president, Kamala Harris, to change course. Harris herself made a surprise appearance at the convention Monday night, thanking Biden for his lifetime of service to the country and previewing the week ahead. The crowd in the Chicagos United Center got on their feet and enthusiastically cheered and chanted. Bidens wife Jill and daughter Ashley spoke shortly before the president, speaking of his support for them and his decision to pass the torch to Harris. Weeks ago, when I saw him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek re-election and endorse Kamala Harris, Jill Biden said. With faith and conviction, Joe knows that our nations strength doesnt come from intimidation or cruelty, it comes from the small acts of kindness that heal deep wounds, from service to the communities that make us who we are, from love of a country that shines with promise and renewal. Kamala Harris knows that too. Other prominent Democrats took the convention stage, including Hillary Clinton, a former secretary of state who backs Bidens Gaza policy, and congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive star who has criticised the administration and called for a ceasefire. Something is happening in America. You can feel it, said Clinton, who was the first female presidential nominee of a major party. Jamie Raskin, a representative from Maryland who served on the January 6 committee and led Trumps second impeachment, said reelecting Trump would bring America back to the days of election suppression and violent insurrection. He suggested making Harris victory so large that even Trump and his allies cant try to steal the election. Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky who was a vice-presidential contender, focused his speech on Harris and Tim Walz support for reproductive rights. Republican abortion policies give rapists more rights than their victims, he said. And Senator Raphael Warnock from Georgia spoke about the need to protect democracy, invoking his faith to denounce Trump. I saw him holding the Bible, and endorsing a Bible, as if it needed his endorsement. He should try reading it, Warnock said. It says, do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God. He should try reading it. It says, love your neighbor as yourself. Many speakers pointed out the differences between Trump the convicted criminal and Harris the prosecutor. Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas called Trump a career criminal, fraudster, and cheat, and contrasted him with Harris, who has always worked for the people. Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, wore a T-shirt calling Donald Trump a scab during his speech, saying that this election comes down to one question: which side are you on? On one side we have Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, who have stood shoulder to shoulder with the working class, he said. On the other side, we have Trump and Vance, two lap dogs for the billionaire class who only serve themselves. So for us in the labor movement, its real simple. Kamala Harris is one of us. Shes a fighter for the working class, and Donald Trump is a scab. Lauren Underwood, a 37-year-old representative from Illinois, touted Biden and Harriss role in helping pull the country out of the coronavirus pandemic, reminding viewers early in the programming Monday that four years ago, it wasnt safe to hold a convention like this. Democrats this week will dedicate time to highlighting concerns about Project 2025, the blueprint for a potential second Trump administration. A state senator from Michigan, Mallory McMorrow, held up a copy of the policy manual and read from its proposals Monday. That is not how it works in America, she said about the plans for Trump to weaponize the department of justice to his advantage. Thats how it works in dictatorships. Women who suffered because of abortion bans in a post-Roe v Wade America or who obtained an abortion shared their stories from the convention stage, saying that Harris will fight for the rights of women and girls. Just over a month ago Biden had been expecting to give Thursdays closing speech as he accepted the Democratic nomination for 2024. But his withdrawal from the race last month, and the partys consolidation around Harris, means that Biden will speak on opening night and then set off on a holiday. The president has been reportedly working on his address with his long-time adviser Mike Donilon and chief speechwriter Vinay Reddy. He is expected to return to a familiar theme the defence of democracy against Donald Trump and tout Harris as the ideal successor. It will be a bittersweet moment for the 81-year-old, who is still reportedly irked by the role that the senior Democratic figures Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer played in pressuring him to step aside amid questions about his mental fitness. Still, the mood among Democrats is buoyant as opinion polls show Harris leading or tied with Trump in crucial swing states. The Illinois governor, JB Pritzker, told CNNs State of the Union programme that the convention would be like a rock concert. Singers Jason Isbell and James Taylor performed Monday. But the party is eager to avoid any repeat of their Chicago convention in 1968, when anti-Vietnam war protests and a police riot led to scenes of chaos that stunned the nation and contributed to the partys defeat in November. But the protests in Chicago on Monday have so far been peaceful and smaller than anticipated. The biggest protest group the Coalition to March on the DNC planned demonstrations for Monday and Thursday to coincide with Biden and Harriss speeches. Organisers said they expected at least 20,000 activists to demonstrate, including students who protested against the war on college campuses. The switch at the top of the ticket has given some activists pause but others contend that Harris is part of the Biden administration and so complicit. Her speech on Thursday will be watched closely for signs that she is willing to take a harder line against the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. We need to hear from Vice-President Harris, said Abbas Alawieh, a national uncommitted organizer and an uncommitted delegate from Michigan. We need a plan. Organizers said they needed something concrete to relay back to voters in their communities to convince them to turn out for Harris. The convention has drawn an estimated 50,000 people to Americas third-biggest city including delegates, activists and journalists. Security is tight, with street closures around the convention centre, while police have undergone de-escalation training. On the eve of the convention, Democrats released their party platform, a document of more than 90 pages presenting their policy priorities. The platform was voted on by the conventions platform committee before Bidens exit and repeatedly refers to his second term. Speaking to the Guardian, former Barack Obama adviser David Axelrod said he saw the race as a dead heat and that the Harris campaign should fight against a sense of complacency in the party. Yes its largely tied across the battleground and shes a point or two behind in the sun belt states, he said. And given where we were a few weeks ago, thats a fantastic place to be. This race is now very close. On Monday, the convention is focusing on the Biden administrations policy accomplishments; Tuesday will contrast Trumps and Harriss visions for America; Wednesday will emphasise the importance of protecting individual freedoms; Thursday is entitled For Our Future, underlined by Harriss speech. Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, will spend the week counter-programming the Democratic convention with a tour of battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona and Georgia. Andrew Roth and Rachel Leingang contributed reporting The British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch is missing after a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily during a violent storm. The British-flagged Bayesian, a 56-metre sailboat, was carrying 22 people and anchored just off shore near the port of Porticello when it was hit by a tornado in the early hours, the Italian coastguard said in a statement. One man, understood to be the vessels chef, was confirmed dead and six others, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, remained unaccounted for on Monday evening. The coastguard said the missing had British, American and Canadian nationalities. Fifteen people were rescued, including Lynchs wife, Angela Bacares, who owned the boat, and a one-year-old girl who was saved by her mother. A spokesperson for Lynch declined to comment. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said: We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Sicily, and are in contact with the local authorities. Lynch co-founded Autonomy, a software firm that became one of the shining lights of the UK tech scene, in the mid-90s. Once described as Britains Bill Gates, Lynch spent much of the last decade in court defending his name against allegations of fraud related to the sale of Autonomy to the US tech company Hewlett-Packard for $11bn. The 59-year-old was acquitted by a jury in San Francisco in June, after he had spent more than a year living in effect under house arrest. Upon his acquittal, Lynch told reporters: I am looking forward to returning to the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field. In a separate development on Monday, Lynchs co-defendant at that trial, Stephen Chamberlain, died after being hit by a car while out running in Cambridgeshire. Chamberlain, the former vice-president of finance at Autonomy, was hit on Saturday morning and had been placed on life support, Reuters reported. In a statement Chamberlains lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, said he had died after being fatally struck by a car while out running. Lincenberg added: He was a courageous man with unparalleled integrity, and we deeply miss him. He fought successfully to clear his good name, which lives on through his wonderful family. Lynch was awarded an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006, and appointed in 2011 to the science and technology council of the then prime minister, David Cameron. He was elected as a fellow to the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2008 and the Royal Society in 2014. The Italian coastguard said: This morning at about 5am, following a violent storm, a 56-metre yacht called Bayesian flying the British flag sank near Porticello. The boat had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, it added. Rescue divers are trying to reach the hull, which sank to approximately 49 metres. The public prosecutors office in Termini Imerese was investigating the incident. Ten of those rescued, including the one-year-old, were transferred to hospitals and were all in a stable condition. Domenico Cipolla, a chief physician at the Di Cristina hospital in Palermo where the one-year-old girl and her mother were admitted, said: The baby is doing well. The mother is also in good condition, albeit with some minor abrasions. The father will also be discharged from the hospital soon. They have said that most of them were colleagues who worked for Lynch. They are deeply traumatised. As time passes, they realise more and more that this morning they lost many friends. The mother of the one-year-old child, Charlotte Golunski, 36, reportedly said she kept her daughter afloat by keeping her arms outstretched upwards to prevent her from drowning. It was all dark, she said, according to Italian media. In the water, I couldnt keep my eyes open. I was screaming for help, but all I could hear around me were the screams of others. She told Italian media that the passengers all colleagues of Lynchs had travelled to the Aeolian Islands, Milazzo and Cefalu. The coastguard said the yacht was built by the Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008. The luxury vessel had an aluminium hull, could reach a maximum speed of 15 knots and could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on 14 August and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, with a navigation status of at anchor, according to the tracking app VesselFinder. Reports in the local media said a waterspout had hit the vessel. A waterspout, which roughly resembles a mini-tornado, is a column that descends from a cloud to form a rotating mixture of wind and water over a body of water. Some fishers reported spotting a small tornado off the coast at about 3.55am. Shortly after, they witnessed a distress flare allegedly launched from the vessel. The fishers approached but recounted seeing only scattered remains of the sailboat floating in the water. Storms and heavy rainfall have swept through Italy in recent days, with floods and landslides causing severe damage in the north of the country after weeks of scorching heat. The captain of a nearby boat said that when the winds surged, he had turned the engine on to keep control of his vessel and avoid a collision with the Bayesian, which had been anchored alongside him. We managed to keep the ship in position and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone, Karsten Borner said. The other boat went flat on the water, and then down, he added. He said his crew then found some of the survivors on a life raft including three who were seriously injured, and a baby girl and her mother and took them onboard before the coastguard picked them up. Thousands marched against Gaza war - SGSAN Click here to view this content. Police have warned they will not tolerate violence or intimidation as thousands of pro-Palestine protesters marched in Chicago on the opening day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Monday. Joe Biden was due to kick off the four-day gathering on Monday night with the first prime time address, before party grandees formally pass the torch to Kamala Harris, his vice-president. Mr Bidens address, originally planned to serve as a launchpad for his re-election bid at the conventions closing night, was relegated to an opening act for a gathering now focused on Ms Harris. The US president is expected to remind voters of the pandemic-plagued country and economy he inherited in 2021 and make a forceful case for his accomplishments in office. Asked if the night was bittersweet, Mr Biden said his speech would be a memorable moment. A protester with police during the demonstration - AP White House aides said he would focus on his domestic achievements, with reference to low unemployment and high job creation figures, as well as bipartisan infrastructure legislation. Mr Biden would also tout his leadership in gathering a Western coalition to defend Ukraine in the face of Russias invasion. However, demonstrators angered by the president and his partys stance on Israels war in Gaza vowed to continue with their plans to protest despite the switch at the top of the Democratic ticket. Protesters march to the Democratic National Convention after a rally at Union Park - AP Chicago and its suburbs are home to one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation, and buses brought activists from all over the country for a mass demonstration in the citys Union Park. Several thousand people marched through the streets around the convention site on Monday, but the numbers fell short of the 20,000 organisers had predicted. We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end US aid to Israel and stand with Palestine, said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesman for the Coalition to March on the DNC. Chicago police have had extensive training to handle the expected 20,000 pro-Palestine protesters - Laura Brett/Zuma/Shutterstock Officers monitor pro-Palestinian demonstrators during the Democratic National Convention near the United Center - Bloomberg Larry Snelling, Chicagos police superintendent, said the city was on high alert with a huge police presence deployed on the streets. At a press conference on Monday, he said his officers have undergone extensive training on de-escalation to ensure the demonstrations remained peaceful. What we will not tolerate is intimidation. We will not tolerate violence, he warned. Some local businesses had boarded up their windows in anticipation, while local courts said they were prepared to process mass arrests. Brandon Johnson, the mayor, said the city had been preparing for potential unrest for months. We are ready, he said. Donald Trump highlighted the protests on his social media platform, writing: The radical Left protesters in Chicago are going after the Democrat Party because they know they are weak and ready to break into a full-blown party of socialism. The Democrats stance on Gaza threatens to be the one issue that could divide the party, which hopes to project an image of unity as it gathers to support Ms Harris, the first woman of colour to top a major partys presidential ticket. Ms Harris and Minnesota governor Tim Walz, her running mate, have made joy the unofficial theme of their campaign, but progressive voters said their votes could not be taken for granted against the backdrop of Israels war in the Gaza Strip. Images of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are seen at the United Center in Chicago - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Mere weeks ago, the party had been preparing for a very different convention with Mr Biden, 81, intending to formalise his re-election bid in Chicago. He dramatically withdrew from the 2024 race on July 21 following an internal pressure campaign, leaving organisers scrambling with just weeks to revise their convention plans. References to a second Biden term remained littered throughout the official party election platform released ahead of the DNC following the hasty change. Mr Bidens address, originally planned to serve as a launchpad for his re-election bid at the conventions closing night, has been relegated to an opening act for a party gathering now focused on Ms Harris. The president is expected to remind voters of the pandemic-plagued country and economy he inherited in 2021 and make a forceful case for his accomplishments in office. White House aides said he will focus on his domestic achievements, with reference to low unemployment and high job creation figures, as well as bipartisan infrastructure legislation. Mr Biden will also tout his leadership in gathering a Western coalition to defend Ukraine in the face of Russias invasion. While it will be his last major speech of the year, White House sources suggested it would not serve as a farewell address. He intends to deliver that in January before he leaves office. Instead, aides said Mr Biden will use Mondays appearance to argue that Ms Harris, who served at his side for the past four years, is best placed to continue his legacy. Click here to view this content. His closest allies have pushed back on the suggestion Mr Biden is still smarting after being forced from the race, insisting he was focused on helping Ms Harris secure victory over Trump. I think that he looks ahead and sees his role in this campaign as volunteer-in-chief, Anita Dunn, a senior Biden adviser, told CBS Mornings. Nancy Pelosi, the former Democratic House speaker and a leading lobbyist for Mr Bidens withdrawal from the 2024 race, said Monday night would offer the party an opportunity to thank him for his very selfless decision. I have my relationship with the president, and I just wanted to win this election. So if [Democrats are] upset, Im sorry for them. But the country is very happy, she said. Hes one of the greatest, most consequential presidents in our countrys history, she added. All is in readiness at the Chicago venue for the Democratic national convention - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Delegates from Mr Bidens native Pennsylvania and home state of Delaware will be seated directly before the stage at the United Center in Chicago to ensure warm tributes to the president. Mr Bidens keynote speech will be preceded by appearances by his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, and Hillary Clinton, the partys 2016 presidential nominee. The Bidens appearance at the DNC will be brief. The president and First Lady will head to southern California for the start of a two-week break immediately after Mr Bidens speech in Chicago. The move is intended to keep the spotlight on Ms Harris as she formally accepts the Democratic nomination. Critics have pointed out that Ms Harriss campaign website has yet to add a policy section outlining her agenda with less than three months before election day on Nov 5. Pro-Palestine protesters said they would continue to push for the party to call for an end to aid to Israel, and would maintain pressure on Ms Harris in particular. Were saying to Kamala, she has been complicit in this. People think its just Joe Biden, but she is vice-president, said Taylor Cook, from the Freedom Road Socialist Organisation. Were saying, you need to stop if you want our vote. Click here to view this content. Aircraft carriers are central to US foreign policy, directly expressing American military power and symbolising the USAs economic might and diplomatic clout. When an international crisis arises, wheres the nearest carrier? is normally the first question. Without any need for anyone to offer bases ashore or give permission, a carrier can move into the region. It needs no local support it has its own logistics. On its own, its air wing will typically be capable of overpowering small-to-medium national air forces to dominate the skies and deliver striking power ashore. This capability is backed up by the scores of Tomahawk cruise missiles in the launch cells of its escorting warships. Those warships also provide an impenetrable shield against missile and air attack, which can be extended to help protect local allies. Covered by a carrier group, a US amphibious group one of these will not be far away, also can conduct significant Marine operations ashore without benefit of a port or harbour and again, without requiring any local support. The carrier groups unmatched ability to handle a wide spectrum of tasks, from small special operations to low-intensity conflict though deny-flight to surgical strike to full-blown sea-air-land warfare, makes it an invaluable asset. Carriers have their critics, of course. Their cost and star power draw both envy and exaggerated claims of their vulnerability from the other military services, especially during budget reviews. USS Abraham Lincoln, pictured in 2019 in company with British and American destroyers. Today the Lincoln is on her way to the Middle East in response to the escalating crisis there, leaving the Western Pacific empty of US carriers - Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Pearson/US Navy/AFP And to be fair, the cost is substantial. The latest US Navy carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, came with a price tag of around $16 billion and thats just for the ship. Factor in the aircraft, escorts, support ships and submarines, and you quickly find yourself in US-only territory if you want the full package. Even the US budget is creaking under the burden. The old saw that the USN is an 11-carrier navy in a 15-carrier world, has been around for years, but it is now starting to be very clearly true. For example, the USS Dwight D Eisenhower recently departed the Red Sea after an extended nine-month deployment aimed at countering the Houthi threat. The US Navy did not immediately replace her, not because of a lack of concern for the regions strategic importance, but because no ship was available to fill the gap. The Pacific-based USS Theodore Roosevelt was hastily deployed to cover the Middle East, depleting the Pacific Commands carrier presence. Even more recently, the once-again escalating situation in and around Israel prompted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to order another carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, also from the Pacific Fleet, to head towards the Middle East. This decision left the western Pacific without an operational US carrier for the first time in years. This is not normal US messaging at all and for those who believe that China constitutes Americas main effort and that the Middle East is a distraction, this is a problem. Inevitably, the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) carrier Shandong is at sea to fill the vacuum: China, for the moment, rules the waves in the western Pacific area. With Chinas behaviour elsewhere in the region the South China Sea and the waters around Taiwan in particular becoming ever more aggressive and illegal, this is significant. Meanwhile, Chinas newest carrier Fujian is starting to look more like a near-match for a US carrier every day, conducting sea and flying trials and progressing towards Initial Operating Capability at a blistering pace. Of course the US still has other ships and submarines at sea in the Pacific. The missile threat against carriers is over-egged, often by those who either want their budget (army officers) or dont like the competition they offer (air force officers). Carriers are, however, genuinely menaced by well-run enemy nuclear submarines the more so as the US Navy does not currently have any specialist anti-submarine warships. Americas Aegis cruisers and destroyers are the best anti-air ships in the world, but their anti-submarine equipment is basic and for them, sub-hunting is a secondary mission. I was the anti-submarine commander for a US carrier strike group in the Gulf of Oman once and a single Royal Navy submarine acting as the enemy kept us honest for days at a time. The best of the Russians a newer sub with a special picked crew would be almost as dangerous. China isnt yet at this level, either in equipment or skill, though it will get there given time. The thing to remember here, however, is that America has a lot of nuclear submarines and they are the finest, most powerful ones on the planet by a large margin. It has been said by the Americans themselves that British sub captains might have an edge on US ones probably due in large part to the savagely demanding Perisher course they have to get through but excellent equipment and numbers count for more. There is always at least one US nuclear submarine about if youre anywhere near a US carrier, and that means extreme danger for an enemy sub captain. The carrier, therefore, remains the star player without whom the team will have a bad game. Lose enough games because you couldnt field star players and you will have a bad season. For the US, the answer to this is a return to a 15 carrier navy. Now, as in the 1980s, most military thinkers agree that this is the right number to guarantee persistent and surge presence in the Atlantic, the Middle East and the Pacific. The problem is how to get there. In both the US and the UK, the peace dividend has made Defence an easy target for decades now. Even now as we are so clearly being forced out of this complacency, cries of Our military is achieving everything we ask of it and you cant have more money until youve learnt how to spend it better are drowning out voices urging a reversal. Of course, there is plenty of money in both the US and the UK. As has been pointed out only partly tongue in cheek, the widely-reported $451 billion taxpayer cost of the US illegal migrant crisis could buy 28 new carriers, or a smaller number of fully equipped carrier strike groups. Thats simplistic but the macro point is valid. There is plenty of money, we just choose to spend it on other things. And now we come to the biggest problem. Even if 15 is agreed upon and then funds miraculously found to build them, the US lacks the support infrastructure to do so. Everything has been eroded from shipyards, docks and technical build expertise, to the extra ships, submarines, tankers, fighter jets and finally the people required to make them work. Depressingly the whittling down has gone beyond the reduction from 15 carrier groups to 11. The Abraham Lincoln, on her way to the Middle East right now, is escorted by three destroyers and has aboard four strike fighter squadrons plus support aircraft. Back in 1992, the Lincoln group included five cruisers, four destroyers and two anti-submarine frigates. Her air wing included six strike and fighter squadrons plus support aircraft. Here the comparison with China is alarming with the Chinese ship-building industry currently exceeding the US by a factor of 230 and boasting more than 50 drydocks that could accommodate an aircraft carrier. The UK has its own problems here Im merely pointing out how difficult it would be for both nations to increase their naval power even if funds were there. This is why the importance of alliances cannot be overstated even for mighty America. In general maritime terms, the US has excellent partners, some of whom have developed specific platforms and capabilities that rival theirs. With carriers though, there is a problem. Despite the Royal Navy, France, Italy, India, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand and Turkey all having either aircraft carriers or helicopter carriers, and despite the decent quality of them, it cant be denied that they arent replacements for US carriers. That said, right now the Italian Cavour is the only carrier in the South China Sea. If the rules-based international order should need to be upheld there in the immediate future, it will be to Rome, not to Washington, that Western-aligned nations in the area would look. Theres just been another ramming incident between Chinese and Philippine coastguard vessels, as it happens. Could we in Britain do more with ours? There is a tendency to dwell on the things they cant do (normally in harsh comparison to a US task group) without looking at what they can. HMS Prince of Wales has just loaded up with munitions earlier than expected. We could put a group of fifth-generation F-35B fighters aboard her and assign one destroyer, one frigate and one submarine. That is a powerful little group which could take some of the strain off the USN somewhere. Maybe short, sharp operational deployments closer to home (North Atlantic, Eastern Med, Red Sea) would be a better plan than long-haul global deployments, at least until the British support ship debacle has resolved itself and the Royal Navy has a few more ships and subs available. The other threat to our carriers is from the Treasury so maybe HMS Queen Elizabeth should be docked now and Project Ark Royal in which she will be equipped to operate unmanned aircraft of serious capabilities accelerated. Deploying one carrier now to help with the US issue, whilst taking bold early action to future-proof the other one strikes me as being a good way of heading into the current Defence Review. In conclusion, the US Navys dwindling numbers and overworked fleet present a strategic vulnerability. China currently has 40 per cent of the global commercial shipbuilding market: the US, 0.5 per cent. We shouldnt allow the same transition to happen in the military sphere. The solution is as clear as it is difficult decide on 15, then find the money and build the infrastructure to make it so. In the meantime, the UK, France, Italy and anyone with a carrier should assemble genuine deployable groups and do all they can to help. The School Library Association identified a trend of censorship targeted at books written by queer authors or featuring queer characters. Photograph: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images More than two dozen school librarians in the UK have been asked to remove books many of which are LGBTQ+ titles from school library shelves, according to new survey data. The Index on Censorship survey found that 28 of 53 librarians polled 53% said that they had been asked to remove books. In more than half of those cases books were taken off shelves. Among the titles complained about were This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson, Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love, and ABC Pride by Louie Stowell, Elly Barnes and Amy Phelps. More than 50% of the requests to remove books came from parents. Censorship is definitely something that theres quite a lot of concern about from some of our members, said Alison Tarrant, chief executive of the School Library Association (SLA), which helped administer the survey along with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. The survey was also distributed via a school librarians Facebook page. There appears to be something of a trend of censorship targeted at books written by queer authors or featuring queer characters, Tarrant said. Censorship can take many different forms one clear example is a teacher seeing a book in the library and asking the librarian to remove it. At other times, it is less clear: librarians might be told that the library can have a book, but it should not be on display. There could also be a level of self-censorship, Tarrant said. Though nobody has told her this directly, it might be the case that certain books are not being bought in the first place to avoid complaints being made. These UK bans may be influenced by book censorship in the US, which reached record highs last year. Weve seen a couple of cases where things have been stirred up or initiated by groups or people in America its no one actually in the school community itself, said Tarrant. The SLA suggests that school libraries have collection development policies laying out the kinds of complaints that will be acted on, the types of books that will be stocked, and the aim of the school library. Sometimes, school senior leaders dont understand the need for that paperwork, said Tarrant. Therefore, when these situations come about, theres no one in school who knows how to deal with it. School library staff may not be trained or properly supported, and senior leaders might not understand the role or the pressures of a school librarian, she added. There is an intense pressure for librarians to get it right when it comes to dealing with books that have been flagged, because there are often conflicting opinions from different parties about what should be done, and censorship issues can turn into a very big discussion quite quickly, said Tarrant. This has an emotional impact on librarians and can be very isolating. Related: Utah outlaws books by Judy Blume and Sarah J Maas in first statewide ban The school library is the only place that deals with every single year group, every single subject and every single cohort, so by the very definition, youre going to have some books in a school library which arent appropriate for some children whether thats GCSE curriculum textbooks [not being] suitable for a year seven, or whether its about personal development so I think there needs to be an understanding of that, Tarrant added. If a pupil is wanting to know more about sex or sexuality, I would much rather they went to their school library and explored the resources there than they went to the internet and explored whats there, because that isnt written with children in mind, and its not written with an educational purpose, said Tarrant. If LGBTQ+ books are not visible, it is exclusion and otherness by a more subtle means, she added, and may affect the extent to which pupils looking for LGBTQ+ books see themselves as readers. It is troubling to see reports that LGBTQ+ books are being removed from school libraries as we know that many students find great importance and reassurance in seeing themselves reflected in books and media, said a representative from LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall. Preventing LGBTQ+ young people from seeing themselves represented in inclusive resources and books at school can often make them feel ashamed and feel the need to hide who they are. Labour has pledged to give workers 'the right to switch off' - Peopleimages/iStockphoto Companies that repeatedly contact workers out of hours could face having to pay thousands of pounds in extra compensation at employment tribunals. Labour has pledged to give workers the right to switch off, which would ban bosses from requiring staff to respond to emails when they have signed off for the day. The Government is reportedly looking at how it could strengthen the policy. One option under discussion is that employers found to have repeatedly broken an agreement not to contact staff outside agreed working hours could be punished with higher compensation bills. It is one of a number of proposed workplace reforms set out in the partys New Deal for Working People. The switch-off policy was not mentioned in the Kings Speech, but Downing Street has insisted that it intends to press ahead with it. It sits alongside measures including a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts, and is intended to prevent homes from turning into 24/7 offices in the aftermath of the pandemic. The Times reported that repeatedly contacting a member of staff outside work hours would be unlikely to be sufficient to trigger a tribunal on its own. But it said that, under proposals being considered by the Government, such a breach could be cited by an employee as an aggravating factor as part of a broader claim, potentially triggering extra compensation. A government source told The Times that the exact way forward was still being hammered out, adding: It has to be specific to each workplace, and therefore it has to be something that businesses and their workforce agree among themselves rather than a diktat. Were conscious of the disproportionate impacts of these sorts of policies on smaller businesses. Labour has stressed it is seeking to adopt a balanced approach when implementing the policy. It said it wanted to take action to promote a positive work-life balance for all workers to create a more productive and motivated workforce. There have been warnings that a ban on out of hours emails could risk pushing down wages, with the extra cost burden on businesses passed on to workers. Mike Lynch, the British tech tycoon, is among the missing - Simon Dawson Guests were celebrating the acquittal of Mike Lynch, the British tech entrepreneur, on the superyacht Bayesian when the vessel sank off the coast of Italy. One person has died and six others, including four British nationals, are missing after the Bayesian capsized at around 5am on Monday. Mr Lynch is among the missing after the boat sank in a tornado off the village of Porticello, in Palermo, Sicily. One mother aboard the yacht, who survived the sinking, said she had held her baby child aloft to save her from drowning. Mr Lynch had gathered guests from Clifford Chance, the legal firm, and Invoke Capital, his own company, after being cleared in June of fraud over the multi billion-dollar sale of Autonomy. He was found not guilty on all counts of an accusation of inflating the value of the company, which he sold to the US tech giant Hewlett-Packard for 8.6 billion in 2011. A survivor leaves the coast guard headquarters on Monday - Igor Petyx/Reuters The father of a Clifford Chance lawyer who survived the sinking confirmed that the trip had been intended as a celebration of the court victory. Lin Ronald said his daughter Ayla, 36, is a lawyer who was part of the successful legal team who were invited to go sailing Mr Ronald said: I have texted with my daughter and she hasnt given me any updates about missing personnel or saved personnel. She has only said to me that there are deaths, and she and her partner are alive. There were 15 survivors, rescued by the Italian coast guard from a life raft put to sea as the 183ft yacht went down. Among the survivors was a one-year-old British baby called Sofia who was saved by her mother, named by one Italian newspaper as Charlotte Golunski. Ms Golunski, an Oxford graduate and a senior associate at Invoke, fought to prevent her child from drowning. Charlotte Golunski saved her one-year-old baby, Sophie, by holding her afloat before they were rescued She told Republicca: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Mother and baby were saved when they were able to get on to a lifeboat with others. Speaking from the Giovanni di Cristina paediatric hospital in Palermo, she said she can still hear her little girl crying in her ears as they floated in the waves and their holiday sailing boat sank. She said she was amazed that the child, who had just turned one, had emerged from the water unscathed. The violent storm had struck without warning. The Bayesian had been moored offshore from Porticello. It had sailed to Porticello from Cefalu, another historic seaside village on Sicliys northern shore. Pietro Asciutto, a fisherman who watched the disaster unfold from his home in Porticello, told a local news agency: I was at home when the tornado hit. I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat. It had only one mast, it was very large. I saw it sink suddenly. I think the tornado came from Porticello. Shortly after I went down to the Bay of Santa Nicolicchia to get a better look at what was happening. The boat was still floating, then suddenly it disappeared. I saw it sink with my own eyes. Click here to view this content. As the yacht began to sink, a member of the crew fired a distress flare, its red trail alerting boats nearby. Karsten Borner, a captain on a Dutch-flagged sailing ship also moored off Porticello, went to the rescue, pulling survivors from the lifeboat. He had at first struggled to keep his own yacht under control as the storm hit. This morning we got this strong hurricane gust and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position, and we watched the ship behind us not to touch them and we managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone, said Mr Borner. And then we saw a red flare, so my first mate and I went to the position, and we found this life raft drifting. Fifteen people inside. Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship. Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time the coast guard came and later picked up injured people. Click here to view this content. Emergency divers, according to the local rescue centre in Sicily, found wreckage at a depth of 187ft, where through the portholes they saw corpses. Vigili del Fuoco, Italys fire and rescue service, confirmed the body of a male had been recovered from the yacht. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, it said the lifeless body of a man [has been] recovered from the wreck by the divers. It posted the statement alongside a clip of the rescue effort with footage showing helicopters, boats and divers carrying out a search operation. Investigators will now try to work out why the Bayesian sank when other ships in the vicinity remained afloat. The yacht had the worlds tallest aluminium mast at almost 250ft. It is owned by Revtom, a company registered on the Isle of Man. According to company documents filed in April, Revtoms legal owner is Angela Bacares, Mr Lynchs wife. Click here to view this content. A former chief stewardess who had previously crewed the Bayesian said the boat had always previously withstood the choppiest of seas. Monica Jensen, 48, told The Telegraph: It seems a bit strange. We have been in bad weather with it, crossed the Atlantic. Its been all over. These things definitely dont happen very often. Ms Jensen worked on the superyacht from November 2018 to October 2020 for a private owner, and said it had since been sold. She was with it on two Caribbean seasons and cruised around Italy, Malta, Greece and the Balearics. Shen said the crew would have been well-drilled on the evacuation process, adding: You cant work on a boat without the right certificates, training and you do drills monthly. In a statement, the Italian coast guard said: This morning at about 5am, following a violent gale, a 56-metre yacht named Bayesian and flying the UK flag sank off Porticello. The first shipwrecked were rescued by a boat in the immediate vicinity and brought ashore by four coast guard vessels, which promptly responded to the scene from Porticello, Termini Imerese and Palermo. Initial information received from the yacht crew indicated that 22 people, 10 crew members and 12 passengers, were on board the yacht. There are currently 15 people rescued and seven missing, one crew member and six passengers, of British, American and Canadian nationality. Of the people recovered, eight were transported to local hospitals. The vessel is reported to have sunk on a seabed of about 50 metres. The search continues unabated with naval, air and underwater resources, including the Messina coast guard diving unit. The last photo thought to have been taken of the superyacht (on the left) off Porticello at 10pm on Sunday Bartolomeo Lo Coco, who owns the Tosto Chiosco cafe in Porticello, said it was common for rental yachts and boats to sail through the fishing village, adding that the captain should not be blamed for what had occurred because the weather had been so unpredictable. This was a terrible misfortune that no one could have foreseen. It is nobodys fault, the captain should not be blamed, he said. We are in mourning here, all of us are in mourning. We have never seen anything like this, ever. There is a very serious tragedy. His kiosk, which serves snacks and sandwiches, overlooks the water in Porticello. He said the tornado had not only caused the tragic accident, but also widespread damage in the port. He added: This wasnt a thunderstorm, this was a whirlwind. It happened all of a sudden. There is a lot of damage here. Boats were dislodged from their moorings and restaurant tables were broken within minutes and sent flying several metres. Tony Quesada is the deputy editorial page editor for the San Antonio Express-News. He can be reached at tony.quesada@express-news.net. He joined the Express-News in 2021 as an assistant city editor and later became deputy business editor. He has been a reporter and editor at newspapers in Florida, California and Texas, including the El Paso Times and business journals in Jacksonville, Fla., San Diego, Austin and San Antonio. He is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who served aboard submarines. He has masters degree in journalism from Temple University in Philadelphia. Chicago. We want the attention and we dont want the attention. Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images As Maria Hadden spoke about the intricacies of political life in Chicago, the 43-year-old alderwoman was sitting in her car near East Rogers Park, watching a stranded garbage truck on the north-south street get towed, backing traffic up on the block. She was contemplating which person to call, because she figured someone was likely to call her. Haddens ward on Chicagos north-east corner is a little more than 2 sq miles small enough for her to know every inch of it. As she strategized, one of Haddens constituents who was tired of hearing cars honking had taken matters into her own hands. So she comes out and shes got two brightly colored poster boards like [a] 16x24 poster board and she literally taped to the front and the rear of the stranded garbage truck handwritten signs that say broken, so that people would just be able to see its broken, and dont come here and dont honk your horn. This is Chicago politics: famously retail, famously local, famously personal. Chicago is the Hollywood of politics, Hadden said. Because I feel like Chicago politics, theres, you know, a bit of notoriety, theres the hint of glamor, theres power, theres corruption, theres all the, like, really interesting elements in the history of Chicago politics. This is the city, of course, of Democratic giants Barack Obama, Rahm Emanuel and Richard Daley. As thousands of delegates descend on to the checkerboard streets of the windy city for the Democratic national convention, they will find themselves in a city struggling to reinvent its politics after decades of control by the citys famous Democratic machine. That machinery has been breaking down for a generation, starting with the election of Harold Washington, the citys first Black mayor, in 1983, said Dick Simpson, professor emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a former Chicago alderman. Obamas ascent is a product not of the Chicago machine, but of Washingtons appeal as a reformer, Simpson said. Obama came to Chicago to work on community issues, seeing a light in the doorway with Washingtons victory over the machine. Obama talked the city into opening an employment training office on Michigan Avenue in Roseland, then a voter registration project, before seeking public office himself. Once, the political machine served to knit Chicagos disparate communities together. But a series of court orders in the 70s undercut the use of patronage hires campaign workers given government jobs as an act of loyalty by a politician to buy political support at the neighborhood level. Theres a remnant of the machine in the Democratic party, Simpson said. The Democrats still do have ward committeemen. But their patronage jobs have declined from over 35,000 to less than 5,000. Its fragmented. Emanuel, Obamas former chief of staff, ambassador to Japan and two-term mayor of Chicago, was probably the last person to wield the full force of the Chicago machine. His withdrawal from a third run opened the door for Lori Lightfoot, who then lost re-election in a bruising third-place finish 18 months ago. Her loss was the first in 40 years for an incumbent mayor. Reform has become the dominant force in the citys politics today, Simpson said. There are two factions now in Chicago, Simpson said. Theyre what might be called the moderate Democratic, or pragmatic Democratic faction and the progressive reform faction within the Democratic party. Mayor Brandon Johnson, one of those progressive reformers, has been beset by woes left and right since assuming office in 2022. Fallout from the corruption conviction of Ed Burke, a fixture in Chicago politics for six decades and a longtime Democratic party boss, continues to unfold as his co-conspirators cases make headlines. Chicago is also still struggling to absorb migrants sent from southern states in an act of partisan political gamesmanship. Though the number of migrants crossing the Texas border has declined sharply over the last year, the Texas governor, Greg Abbott, vowed last month to continue bussing them to Chicago. Another central issue, both political and personal, is crime. Violence has receded since the start of the pandemic in Chicago. The rolling 28-day average for homicides is at a five-year low right now, according to city statistics. But the city still has an annualized homicide rate of about 21 per 100,000 for 2024, about four times larger than the national average and a source of continuous bad publicity. And Johnson, a former organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union, is watching contract negotiations with the union break down in acrimony over how to address a huge budget deficit and underfunded schools. Chicago politics are fractured in ways that wither anyone in the spotlight, said Don Rose, 94, press secretary to Martin Luther King in Chicago and a venerable political consultant. Just as they got pissed off at Lori Lightfoot the current mayor, he probably wont last a second round either, Rose said. He started making rookie mistakes. He made himself unpopular very early, and hasnt been able to quite recover. Republicans live in Chicago too, of course. I see red hats everywhere, said Susan Patel, executive director of the South Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois and a Democratic delegate from Chicagos Sauganash neighborhood. No more than eight of the citys wards might elect a Republican, she said. Gentrification and immigration complicate the citys politics, she said. Neighborhoods dont sit still. Change in a city of 2.7 million people is constant. Each ward tends to have political and ethnic conclaves that make neighborhoods distinct. Complaints about crime, or the quality of policing, or traffic or taxes or anything else are unlikely to change that, she said. Failure to hustle, however, is a political death sentence. Its in front of this backdrop that the the DNC will descend, bringing more and more attention, but also more traffic blocks. Most events at the convention will take place at the United Center in the middle of Chicago in the Near West Side neighborhood. Other events will be held at McCormick Place, south of downtown and just east of the citys Chinatown neighborhood. Organizers began fencing off the blocks around the convention areas in ways that have already begun to rile up the neighborhoods. Chicago. We want the attention and we dont want the attention, Hadden said. I think thats us. Kamala Harris is charging five times more than Joe Biden for a signed photo - Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS Click here to view this content. Kamala Harris is charging five times more for a signed photo than Joe Biden as part of a fundraising drive ahead of Novembers election. The vice-president, 59, has seen a major increase in support from big-ticket and small-dollar donors since she took over the partys nomination last month. Her team, redubbed the Harris-Walz campaign, charges $50,000 (38,500) for a signed photo with the candidate five times the $10,000 charged by Mr Bidens team when he was the nominee. The Democratic campaign has attracted more voters from various demographics, including black and Latino Americans who had begun to drift away from the party under Mr Bidens leadership. A mural in Chicago outside the United Center where the Democrats will ratify Kamala Harris's bid for the presidency - CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images A new White Dudes for Harris campaign, which takes the unusual step of targeting the majority ethnic group in the US, has raised more than $4.5 million since it launched on a video call with Mark Hamill, the Star Wars actor, at the end of July. Ross Rocketto, the groups founder, told The Telegraph: Theres a silent majority of people who are not MAGA. They dont ascribe to far-Right ideology, and theyre gettable we just have to go out and try. We have to go out and meet them where they are, from a place of dignity and respect and have real conversations with them. The fundraising drive has included several appearances by Doug Emhoff, Ms Harriss husband, and a star-studded event with the vice-president herself in San Francisco which raised $13 million in an evening. That same event saw her campaign selling the $50,000 pictures with Ms Harris. Deomcratic National Committee projects a message onto Trump's hotel in Chicago - Jeff Schear/Getty Images for DNC Donald Trump, her opponent, had more money at the end of the first six months of this year, but provisional figures suggest Ms Harris has erased that advantage. Her campaign said it had raised $310 million in July, with $377 million in cash. The Trump campaign said it raised $138 million and had $327 million in cash. The cash boost comes ahead of this weeks Democratic national convention in Chicago, where Ms Harris, Mr Biden, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will address supporters. On Sunday, Democrats projected messages of protest on to the Trump Hotel in Chicago. A message lit up on the side of the building read: Trump-Vance weird as hell. Click here to view this content. Workers who are consistently contacted outside of working hours could receive thousands of pounds in compensation - 10'000 Hours Sir Keir Starmer has backed more working from home after No 10 warned that a culture of presenteeism is bad for productivity. The Prime Ministers spokesman suggested plans to introduce a new right to switch off should mean that staff have to spend less time in the office. It follows reports that workers who are consistently contacted outside of working hours could receive thousands of pounds in compensation. The Government wants to introduce a right to switch off as part of a package of workers rights reforms that has been drawn up by Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister. Under the proposals, ministers would publish a code of practice which would include guidance on contacting employees out of hours. Burning out Downing Street said the plans were part of a wider push to improve Britains low productivity levels and prevent workers from burning out. Asked about the proposed right to switch off reforms, Sir Keirs spokesman said: The focus behind that is on improving productivity. Good employers understand that for workers to stay motivated and productive they do need to be able to switch off and a culture of presenteeism can be damaging to productivity. So its about making sure we have the right balance between making the most of the flexible working practices that we saw following the pandemic, with also having appropriate arrangements in place to ensure that people can stay productive. No 10 said there would not be a one-size-fits-all approach given that companies have different requirements and peoples roles will vary. But they warned that the culture of presenteeism was damaging both in relation to after hours or to an extent that means that you develop burnout. Its about ensuring that were not inadvertently blurring the lines between work and home life and about ensuring that people have some time to rest, the spokesman added. Obviously the pandemic led to a step change in the kinds of technologies that enabled more flexible and remote working practices that enabled more people to work from home. But also in doing so, it means that you can deliver more of your work whenever and you dont need to be in the office. The Prime Minister and Ms Rayner are supportive of flexible working - Jordan Pettitt Sir Keir said before the election that he would not work past 6pm on a Friday pretty well come what may so he could spend time with his family. But since entering No 10, the Prime Minister has faced numerous crises and was recently forced to cancel his holiday because of the riots. No 10 could not say whether he had yet managed to finish at 6pm as he promised. Needless to say the demands of being Prime Minister are unique, a spokesman said. Sir Keirs stance marks a significant shift in rhetoric from the previous Tory government, which repeatedly sought to discourage home working. The Conservatives brought in tough measures to try and force civil servants back into the office which have been quietly watered down by Labour. Ms Rayner is said to have told staff at her Housing, Communities and Local Government department that she is supportive of flexible working. Hollinrake: Labour must listen to businesses Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow business secretary, said: The Government must listen to the concerns of businesses before pressing ahead with their French-style union laws that could stunt growth. So far, Labour have failed to strike the right balance between flexibility and productivity and as usual, it will be businesses picking up the bill. We urge Labour to give businesses a seat at the table, not just their union paymasters when making these hugely expensive changes. It came as ministers suggested that the new right to switch off may not apply to civil servants and advisers working in No 10. Sir Keir was pressed by the Tories over whether he would grant to his own staff the same rights that he plans to impose on businesses. Georgia Gould, a Cabinet Office minister, replied: Expected working hours are set out for all Cabinet Office employees in their terms and conditions of employment. The number of students from less advantaged backgrounds has fallen at the University of Oxford - iStock Unreleased/benedek The lawyer who led the inquiry into Sarah Everards murder has vowed to increase the number of disadvantaged pupils applying to Oxford if she is elected as the universitys chancellor. Lady Angiolini said the Russell Group university has always attracted very strong students, but she would work to improve access if she replaces Lord Patten of Barnes, who will step down this year after two decades as University of Oxford chancellor. What would I want to change about Oxford? Not very much, to be perfectly frank, other than to continue widening the range of students who are coming in from more challenged areas in society, she told The Telegraph. Lady Angiolini has been principal of St Hughs College, Oxford, for the past 12 years, and had intended to retire from the role next year until she was approached to apply for Oxford chancellor. Voting will open in October to more than 250,000 Oxford alumni, when the election to select the universitys next figurehead will be held online for the first time. St Hughs College was founded in 1886 to increase access to an Oxford education for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, which Lady Angiolini said struck a chord with her own upbringing. Im very fond of [Oxford], and particularly my college which was funded to educate poor women, so that has a certain resonance with me, she said. Click here to view this content. I watch in awe at some of the students who come here. They are just outstandingly clever, and I think [to myself] was it just some sort of exotic fraud that I perpetrated that allowed me to get here? Lady Angiolini grew up in the shipbuilding area of Govan, in Glasgow, where her father was a coal merchant and she was the first in her family to go to university. Oxford announced in 2019 that it would offer places with lower grades to students from disadvantaged backgrounds in a sea change for the universitys admissions. Universities have been under pressure to boost diversity of students, with Ucas announcing reforms to personal statements earlier this year in an attempt to encourage a broader range of applicants. But despite efforts to widen access, latest admissions data from Oxford showed the proportion of disadvantaged pupils being admitted to the university has fallen. The share of students given offers from the two most socio-economically disadvantaged groups fell to 14.4 per cent last year, down from 15.5 per cent in 2022 and 17.3 per cent in 2021. Meanwhile, the proportion of pupils living in postcodes with the lowest progression to higher education also declined last year to 13.3 per cent, down from 16.6 per cent in 2022 and 17 per cent in 2021. Lady Angiolini, a prominent Scottish lawyer whose inquiry into the abduction, rape and murder of Ms Everard reported its initial findings earlier this year, is the only frontrunner not to have studied philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) at Oxford. Lady Angiolini was due to retire from Oxford until she was encouraged to apply for role of chancellor - Carl Court/Getty Images She instead did a law degree at the University of Strathclyde in her hometown of Glasgow, and success for her would make Lady Angiolini the first female Oxford chancellor in the roles 800-year history. She will go head to head against Lord Hague, Lord Mandelson and former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, who are all Oxford PPE alumni. Lady Angiolini told The Telegraph: I suppose studying PPE at Oxford would have been wonderful, but at that time going to university was like flying to a different planet altogether. I was the first in my family to go to university. When I was at university, I was working in Marks and Spencer at the food tills on a Saturday and at a disco, as they used to be referred to, working behind the bar in the evenings And I didnt really venture outside Scotland until later in my life. [So] my experience is very different to my predecessors. The former Lord Advocate in Scotland said she would also continue to juggle the next phase of the Angiolini Inquiry alongside Oxfords chancellorship if she were to take up the role. The first phase of the investigation concluded in February that Wayne Couzens, the police officer who murdered Ms Everard, should never have entered the police and opportunities to stop him were missed. Part two, which is now underway, will look at broader national issues, such as police culture, vetting, recruitment, and the safety of women in public spaces. Theres a saying we have in Glasgow which is that if you want something done, you get a busy woman, said Lady Angiolini. Lets put it this way: I wouldnt do something that overstretches me, but Im a much more pleasant person to know when Im busy, according to my husband. Restrict social media It means the role of Oxford chancellor could be a more vocal one if Lady Angiolini were to win, with the Scottish lawyer calling for greater restrictions on social media after witnessing its toxic effects within UK police forces. Social media is an exclusive form of rapid communication, and Ive never seen anything like it before, she said, making reference to a WhatsApp group where Couzens shared offensive messages with fellow police officers. There has to be something done which prevents that horrible osmosis that sometimes takes place where people who go in [to the police] generally wanting to do a good job [but] become jaundiced because of the influence of others who are slightly more senior to them or more dominant in the group. She is running to replace Lord Patten, the former politician and final governor of Hong Kong who will step down as Oxford chancellor this year having held the position since 2003. Previous holders of the role, which is seen as one of the most venerable in British public life, include Harold Macmillan, the former Conservative prime minister, and Oliver Cromwell, the 17th-century statesman. But Lady Angiolini insisted the job of Oxford chancellor, which is unpaid, is not just decorative - its not just ceremonial. Chris Patten is a hard act to follow, because hes a lovely man. Hes a very, very sage, gentle individual who has been wonderful as chancellor here. I think that the role of chancellor is one which is about being a listener, and about being an official representative, she said. The only thing I could say about me is Ill certainly be a bit of an iconoclast. Thats what Ive said all my life. Previous attempts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza have failed. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Mediators said they were hopeful about brokering a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war after two days of talks in the Qatari capital, Doha, last week, announcing that a bridging proposal had been agreed. However, previous optimism that a deal was close at hand proved to be misplaced. Joe Biden said in February that he believed a ceasefire agreement was imminent, while the beginning of Ramadan in March, and intense diplomatic efforts before Israels invasion of Rafah in May, were also touted as last chances. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, said on Monday during a visit to Israel that the latest talks represented probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to secure a truce and hostage release deal. Negotiations are expected to resume in Cairo on Wednesday or Thursday. Hamas is not directly participating; the group is being briefed on developments by mediators Qatar and Egypt. Why the flurry of diplomacy now? Blinken has made nine trips to the Middle East since the war broke out, and has come away empty-handed almost every time. Negotiations aimed at brokering a truce in the 10-month-old conflict are now considered to be even more urgent after last months back-to-back assassinations of a top Hezbollah commander and the Hamas political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, during a visit to Iran. It is hoped a ceasefire will reduce tensions in the Middle East and dissuade Iran and Hezbollah from retaliatory action that could cause the war in Gaza to slide into a region-wide conflict. Washington is also keen to broker a deal before its focus inevitably turns towards Novembers US elections. Last month Hamas and Israel agreed in principle to implement a three-phase framework publicly proposed by Biden in May. Hamas has since said the latest version of the proposal diverges significantly from the initial plan because new Israeli demands have been added, including a permanent Israeli military deployment along the Gaza-Egypt border and the Netzarim corridor, the new Israeli-controlled barrier cutting off Gaza City from the south of the strip. What is on the table and why are there conflicting messages about the likelihood of a deal? The plan would involve an initial six-week ceasefire, during which a limited number of Israeli hostages would be freed in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, and an increase in the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Unlike the week-long truce that collapsed at the end of November, this ceasefire would be indefinitely extendable while negotiators thrash out details of the next stage, so an impasse would not necessarily trigger a return to hostilities. In its first official statement on the new round of talks, Hamas said on Sunday night that the bridging proposal under discussion was too close to the Israeli line, negating further agreement on a deal. What are the sticking points? There are many, but the most important is that Hamas would consider a ceasefire to be a prelude to ending the war, and Israel has refused to rule out a return to fighting. Since the beginning of the conflict, the identities and numbers of hostages and prisoners to be exchanged have been in contention. Israel does not want to release senior political leaders such as Marwan Barghouti, or people convicted of violent crimes. Hamas has claimed at times it does not know the whereabouts or condition of many of the hostages: the November ceasefire broke down after Hamas could not or would not produce any more female captives to swap. Another major issue is how Israeli troops withdraw, and from where. Israels apparent insistence on maintaining a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border is a red line for both Hamas and Egypt. Who is negotiating for the parties? Israels delegation usually includes David Barnea, the Mossad chief; Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet, or internal security services; and the reservist Maj Gen Nitzan Alon, the militarys representative for hostage affairs. Ophir Falk, an aide to the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has also attended some of the talks as the prime ministers eyes and ears. In previous rounds, members of the negotiating team have reportedly refused to include Falk in meetings. Netanyahu has been accused by critics at home and abroad of stalling on a deal for personal gain. Hamass team is led by Khalil al-Hayya, Hamass unofficial foreign minister, who is based in Qatar. Hayya was close to the political chief, Haniyeh, who was assassinated last month. The groups decision to make its embattled leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, the new head of the politburo has little practical effect on the talks, but is indicative of a more hardline position from the group overall. The talks have been mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt. The director of the CIA, William Burns; Qatars prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani; and Abbas Kamel, Egypts intelligence chief and right-hand man of the president, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, have attended most of the negotiations. Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, is reportedly missing - arrowglobal.net Jonathan Bloomer, the chairman of Morgan Stanley International, was on Monday night reported to be among the missing from the sunken yacht Bayesian. He was confirmed missing by Italian authorities, according to The Times. Mr Bloomer is a close friend of Mike Lynch, the owner of the yacht, who is also missing alongside his 18-year-old daughter Hannah. Salvatore Cocina, head of the Civil Protection in Sicily, said Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance, was also missing. The vessel is thought to have been hit by a tornado while anchored off Sicily. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian newspaper la Repubblica stated. Italian media said the man who died was the yachts onboard chef. Mr Lynchs US fraud trial, which ended two months ago with him being cleared by a San Francisco jury, saw Mr Bloomer take the stand as he had led the audit committee at Mr Lynchs firm Autonomy. Mike Lynch is missing after the Bayesian superyacht sank off Sicily It was alleged that he had overseen fraudulent accounting at Autonomy that wildly inflated the former FTSE 100 companys value before it was sold to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion (8.7 billion) in 2011. Mr Bloomer claimed that Mr Lynch had largely ignored Autonomys accounting, in evidence which was critical to his defence. Mr Bloomer claimed: Mike was mostly interested in the strategy, new products, new areas to look at, potential acquisitions. For example, he didnt come to the audit committee and wasnt particularly interested in the finance side. According to his Linkedin profile, Mr Bloomer is currently the chairman of insurance provider Hiscox and was the chief executive of Prudential before being ousted in a boardroom coup in 2005 following the dotcom crash. 11:57 PM BST Lawyer and chairman among those missing Salvatore Cocina, head of the Civil Protection in Sicily, said Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance and Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, were also among the missing people. Meanwhile, Italian media said the man who died was the yachts onboard chef. 09:03 PM BST Did Bayesian superyachts 237ft mast cause it to sink? Bayesians 237ft metal mast may have played a part in the sinking of the superyacht off the coast of Sicily, experts have suggested. The yacht, seemingly named after the mathematical theory which Mike Lynch used to make his millions in the tech industry, foundered in the small hours of Monday morning. Key among potential reasons for the loss of the vessel will be its most striking feature the aluminium mast. Read our latest here 08:48 PM BST British inspectors deploy to Sicily Britains Marine Accident Investigation Branch said four of its inspectors were being deployed to Palermo. A basic assessment of the scene will be made by the team with no investigation launched at this stage, the PA news agency understands. 07:47 PM BST Lynchs co-defendant in fraud trial died in car crash on weekend Mike Lynchs co-defendant in his US fraud trial died in a road accident on Saturday days before the tycoon went missing off the coast of Sicily. Stephen Chamberlain was hit by a car during the accident over the weekend in Cambridgeshire. Chamberlain faced the same charges of fraud and conspiracy as his former boss Lynch for allegedly scheming to inflate the value of his company Autonomy before it was sold to Hewlett Packard. A source told The Telegraph: Our dear client and friend Steve Chamberlain was fatally struck by a car on Saturday while out running. He was a courageous man with unparalleled integrity, and we deeply miss him. He fought successfully to clear his good name, which lives on through his wonderful family. 07:08 PM BST Pictured: Search mission continues Divers 06:47 PM BST A holiday day at sea turned into a tragedy At around 4:30 in the morning it was gone. A beautiful vessel where there had been a party. A normal holiday day spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy, a witness told Italian news agency ANSA. He continued: The vessel was not far from the port. It would have taken very little to raise the anchor and head for the port. Evidently they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid the sinking. 06:26 PM BST Rescue operation will continue overnight The rescue operation for the missing six passengers will continue overnight, Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency has said. A specialist caving search and rescue diving team has also arrived and hoped to achieve results overnight or early tomorrow morning, the BBC reported. 06:24 PM BST Pictured: Survivors leave the Porticello Coast Guard headquarters Survivors leave the coast guard headquarters 05:48 PM BST Superyacht guests were celebrating Mike Lynchs acquittal when disaster struck Guests were celebrating the acquittal of Mike Lynch, the British tech entrepreneur, on the superyacht Bayesian when the vessel sank off the coast of Italy. Mr Lynch had gathered guests from Clifford Chance, the legal firm, and Invoke Capital, his own company, after being cleared in June of fraud over the multi-billion-dollar sale of Autonomy. He was found not guilty on all counts of an accusation of inflating the value of the company, which he sold to the US tech giant Hewlett-Packard for 8.6 billion in 2011. Read the full story here Pictured: The Bayesian in a promotional video - PERINI NAVI PRESS OFFICE/Shutterstock 05:46 PM BST We should have found something by now Francesco Venuto, the spokesman for Sicilys civil protection agency, has told the BBC that they think [the missing people] must be there [in the boat]. Weve been searching all day with helicopters and boats, weve found nothing. That wouldnt make sense, in these conditions we should have found something by now, he added. 05:21 PM BST Lynchs wife in wheelchair following incident According to La Repubblica, Bacares is in a wheelchair, with abrasions on her feet that prevent her from walking and bandages on other parts of her body. The newspaper said that she told doctors that at 4am the boat tilted and she and her husband woke up. At first, they were not worried but then there was a scene of confusion as glass shattered and everything slipped. Picutred: Italian firefighters at the scene - Igor Petyx/REUTERS 05:18 PM BST Lynchs 18-year-old daughter also missing Mike Lynchs 18-year-old daughter Hannah is among those missing in the superyacht sinking, The Telegraph understands. Italian media early reported that Angela Bacares, Mr Lynchs wife, told doctors that her husband and daughter were missing. 05:10 PM BST Pictured: Previous waterspouts and tornados in Italy A downburst reported near Sicily in 2018 Click here to view this content. A tornado reported at Licata, Sicily, in 2021 Click here to view this content. A waterspout in Apulia, Italy, in 2024 Click here to view this content. 05:02 PM BST In the wrong place at the wrong time The boat sank after a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency. One body has been recovered, and police divers were trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello, near Palermo, where it had been anchored. The Italian coast guard said the yacht had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers. A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and struck where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, Cocina said, noting that another superyacht nearby wasnt as badly damaged and was able to rescue some of the 15 survivors. 04:40 PM BST Who is Mike Lynch? Britains Bill Gates who was acquitted of 8bn fraud just two months ago Mike Lynch Just weeks ago, Mike Lynch was walking out of a San Francisco courtroom a free man with tears in his eyes. The technology tycoon known as Britains Bill Gates had improbably beaten the odds in a bitter US legal dispute with technology giant HP, convincing a jury that he was not guilty of claims of massive fraud. Cleared after a 13-year legal fight, the entrepreneur vowed to fight to reform Britains extradition laws after he was flown to San Francisco to face trial and kept under house arrest. Read the full profile here 04:33 PM BST Pictured: Rescue teams search the water Rescue teams search the water 04:22 PM BST Pictured: A diver leaps into the sea during search for victims Diver 04:19 PM BST I held her afloat with all my strength: British mother describes rescuing her baby from drowning Among the 15 survivors is a one-year-old British baby called Sofia who was saved by her mother, Charlotte Golunski. Ms Golunski, an Oxford graduate and senior associate at Invoke, had fought to prevent her child from drowning. While all around her she could hear the screams of the terrified passengers and crew, she kept her grip on her baby to stop her from slipping beneath the waves. The childs mother told Republicca, the Italian newspaper: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Read the full story here 04:07 PM BST Mike Lynch was awarded an OBE for services to enterprise Mike Lynch was made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. That same year, he was appointed to the board of the BBC, and was later elected to then-prime minister David Camerons council for science and technology in 2011. He advised Mr Cameron on subjects including the opportunities and risks of the development of artificial intelligence and the governments role in the regulation of these technologies. Mr Lynch is among six tourists missing after the luxury yacht sank in bad weather off the coast of Sicily, sources said. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Repubblica stated. 03:39 PM BST UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch sending team The UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch is sending a team of four inspectors to conduct a preliminary assessment into the sinking of the Bayesian, a government spokesman said. The Bayesian was registered in London and flew the Red Ensign, meaning UK authorities will be involved in the investigation into why she foundered. 03:17 PM BST Specialist divers are being flown to Sicily from the Italian mainland Specialist cave divers are being flown to Sicily from the Italian mainland to assist in the search for survivors of the superyacht as hopes fade of finding any of the six alive. Luca Cari, spokesman for the firefighting service, told The Telegraph firefighter divers from Palermo and the Sardinian towns of Cagliari and Sassari had been working tirelessly at a depth of 50 metres since the early hours of Monday morning when the alarm was sounded. But Mr Cari said the spaces inside the luxury yacht were so small that specially trained cave divers and their equipment were required to access the cabins. We are working non-stop with our divers and our helicopter. But we are talking about very small confined spaces inside the yacht so we need the specialist cave divers and their equipment, he said. He declined to say whether divers had identified bodies through the portholes of the sunken yacht but said as time went on it was increasingly unlikely that the firefighters would find any more survivors. 03:12 PM BST Divers search for bodies after superyacht sinks in Sicily Divers involved in the rescue operation for the missing passengers of the Bayesian have been captured entering the water as part of the search effort. Three divers in orange wetsuits are seen in the water off the coast of Sicily before they commence an underwater search for those that are missing. Click here to view this content. 03:08 PM BST Mike Lynch has been called the British Bill Gates Mike Lynch, the British technology tycoon, is one of six tourists missing in a superyacht sinking. Mr Lynch founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, and made his name as one of Britains most influential entrepreneurs through the company. He has been described at points as the Bill Gates of Britain, for founding the company which became one of the biggest enterprise software firms on the planet. He negotiated an 11 billion dollar (8.64 billion) sale of Autonomy to Hewlett Packard, which generated a more than 800 million US dollar windfall for him. But the sale also kicked off a 13-year legal saga. It was only in June this year that Mr Lynch was cleared of charges alleging he orchestrated a fraud and conspiracy leading up to the deal, which turned into a costly albatross for HP. He faced more than 20 years in US prison if convicted of the fraud and conspiracy allegations, and the Times reported that he spent 13 months under house arrest awaiting the trial that ended in June. 03:00 PM BST Bayesian superyacht specs The Bayesian is 56 metres long (183ft) and has a 75m (246ft) long mast. The vessel was in front of the port of Porticello, in the province of Palermo, when the severe weather struck. Its anchor was down and the strong gust would have caused the vessel to lose balance which is believed to have led to the shipwreck. 02:55 PM BST Who is Mike Lynch? Mr Lynch, 59, founded the software company Autonomy in 1996 and became one of Britains most high-profile businessmen when he sold it to Hewlett Packard for 7bn in 2011. He spent more than a decade seeking to clear his name after HP accused Autonomy executives of illegal accounting practices in 2012. Mr Lynch was charged with fraud in the US in 2018 and was found not guilty in June in a stunning legal victory. He had only recently returned to the United Kingdom and had planned to defend wrongfully convicted Britons. Ms Bacares holds much of his fortune. The couple have had two daughters, who are 21 and 18. 02:54 PM BST Survivor leaves coast guard headquarters after sailboat sank off Sicily A survivor leaves the coast guard headquarters after a superyacht sank at around 5am in front of Porticello in the province of Palermo on Monday. The 50-metre vessel reportedly had mostly British nationals on board and 15 people were saved by coast guard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child. Earlier today the coast guard issued a statement saying it had rescued 15 people from the yacht that had 22 people onboard. Survivor leaves coast guard headquarters after sailboat sank off Sicily - Igor Petyx/REUTERS 02:50 PM BST The term Bayesian explained The term Bayesian refers to a branch of statistics pioneered by Thomas Bayes, an 18th century mathematician and vicar. Much of modern artificial intelligence and computer analysis is underpinned by Bayesian inference, which involves updating the probabilities of various scenarios based on ongoing evidence. The statistical model was crucial to Autonomys technology, which searched through large amounts of corporate data to find information. In 2021, Mike Lynch said that: Bayes deserves far more historical credit for the place he occupies among the forefathers of information theory Mr Lynch has often used playful naming conventions. Conference rooms at Autonomy were named after James Bond villains, another interest of his, while his dogs have named after engineering terms such as Valve, Tappet and Switch. 01:22 PM BST Doctor describes mothers ordeal Dr Domenico Cipolla, head of emergency room at the Giovanni di Cristina paediatric hospital in Palermo, has described the experience of Charlotte, the British mother who was onboard the Bayesian when it sank. DrCipolla said: She told me that while they were sleeping, at a certain point the yacht overturned due to the tornado, and they found themselves in the water. Some of them immediately managed to get onto the lifeboat. And some, evidently, didnt make it. She told me that she was in the water for no more than two, three seconds, and she managed to save the baby, to keep her arms up, and then, with the others, they were able to get on the lifeboat, and then, I think, they were rescued by the coast guard. They are all in good condition. We managed to get the parents to talk (to each other) on the phone, all the doctors and nurses were all very moved, also because the little girl is fine, the prognosis is good and we are carrying out tests just to be careful. 01:15 PM BST British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch missing in superyacht sinking British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch is missing after the sinking of a superyacht off the coast of Sicily, The Telegraph understands. 01:03 PM BST Watch: Captain who rescued passengers from yacht sinking interview The captain who rescued passengers from the Bayesian has spoken to media about the ordeal. Click here to view this content. 12:58 PM BST Captain of another boat describes saving 15 Bayesian passengers The captain of a nearby boat that rescued the 15 people has described the conditions in which the Bayesian sank last night. Karsten Borner said his own vessel, the Sir Robert BP, was battered by very strong gusts in the early hours of the morning, managing to stabilise it while anchored by using the engine. He said as they were doing this, they noticed the Bayesian nearby and manoeuvred to avoid hitting it. We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone. Passengers of the Bayesian were reportedly rescued by the crew of a Dutch-flagged sailing vessel 12:48 PM BST Details of the superyacht The Bayesian is 56 metres long (183ft) according to ship tracking website VesselFinder. The luxury super yacht is said to have a 75m (246ft) long mast. She was built in 2008 by Italian company Perini Navi with an initial asking price of 35 million euros (30 million) according to Nautic Link. According to the leasing company Yacht Charter Fleet, the boat is furnished with a Japanese-style interior. It has been designed to accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites, along with ten crew members. The Bayesian was awarded the best exterior styling at the 2009 World Superyacht Awards. 12:31 PM BST Male body recovered, Vigili del Fuoco confirms Vigili del Fuoco, Italys fire and rescue service, has confirmed a male body has been recovered from the yacht. In a post on X, it said the lifeless body of a man recovered [has been] from the wreck by the divers. It posted the statement alongside a clip of the rescue effort with footage showing helicopters, boats and divers carrying out a search operation. #Palermo, naufragio imbarcazione a Porticello: recuperato dai #sommozzatori dei #vigilidelfuoco il corpo senza vita di un uomo, all'esterno del relitto. Proseguono le operazioni di ricerca con il coordinamento in mare della @guardiacostiera [#19agosto 11:30] pic.twitter.com/Y2m9o5ohCe Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024 12:19 PM BST Four Britons missing after yacht sinks off Sicily One person has died and four British nationals are missing after a yacht sank off the coast of Sicily, Italian media has reported. The 50-metre boat, which is called the Bayesian, sank at around 5am in the stretch of sea in front of Porticello in the province of Palermo. The vessel reportedly had mostly British nationals on board and 15 people were saved by coast guard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child. 12:14 PM BST One-year-old survivor called Sofia, local media reports The one-year-old English girl who was saved from the shipwreck has been named as Sofia, local media reports. 12:04 PM BST Map: The superyachts journey before it sank The Bayesian sank at around 5am in the stretch of sea in front of Porticello in the province of Palermo. Below is a map of its journey before it went down. 11:55 AM BST A mother saved her one-year-old from drowning, local media reports A mother has told of how she kept her one-year-old daughter alive after a yacht sank off the coast of Sicily. Charlotte, a survivor of the incident said her child is now being treated in the Di Cristina hospital, in Palermo, following the ordeal in which the Bayesian sank due to severe winds. The mother, who is said to be a British tourist, told la Repubblica, a local news website: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Charlotte said her husband James has been taken to Civico hospital in Palermo after suffering minor injuries. La Repubblica said that the father asked about his daughters health during a phone call with his wife. According to the paper, he said: How is the little girl? Is she there with you? His wife reassured him and they promised to hug each other again soon, the site reported. 11:22 AM BST Shadow foreign minister pays tribute to those involved in incident Alicia Kearns, shadow foreign minister for Europe, wrote on X: Desperately sorry to hear of the capsizing of the Bayesian - a heartbreaking incident. My thoughts are with all the families of those lost at sea, and those recovering following the rescue operation, Im sure the foreign office will be providing consular support to British Nationals and their families. 11:15 AM BST Foreign Office statement The Foreign Office said in a statement: We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected. 11:02 AM BST I saw it suddenly disappear, says Porticello fisherman Pietro Asciutto, a fisherman from Porticello who witnessed the sinking, told ANSA: I was at home when the tornado hit. I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very large. I saw it sink suddenly. He added: I think the tornado came from Porticello. Shortly after I went down to the Bay of Santa Nicolicchia to get a better look at what was happening. The boat was still floating, then suddenly it disappeared. I saw it sink with my own eyes. Fire Brigade and Coast Guard units search for missing people - Shutterstock 10:56 AM BST Sinking of Bayesian strange, says former chief stewardess A former chief stewardess of the Bayesian has described news of the yachts sinking as strange because the boat had withstood the choppiest of seas. Monica Jensen, 48, told The Telegraph: It seems a bit strange. We have been in bad weather with it, crossed the Atlantic. Its been all over. These things definitely dont happen very often. Ms Jensen worked on the 56m superyacht from November 2018 to October 2020 for a private owner and said the boat had since been sold. She accompanied the boat on two Caribbean seasons and cruised around Italy, Malta, Greece and the Balearics. Ms Jensen said the crew would have been well-drilled on the evacuation process. She said: You cant work on a boat without the right certificates, training and you do drills monthly. 10:48 AM BST Pictured: Emergency services carrying bodybag following shipwreck Emergency services are pictured carrying a bodybag to shore after local media reported a mans body had been recovered from the shipwreck off the coast of Sicily. Emergency services carry a body bag after a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Porticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy - Igor Petyx/REUTERS 10:44 AM BST Coast guard statement The Italian Coast Guard said in a statement: This morning at about 5am, following a violent gale, a 56-metre yacht named Bayesian and flying the UK flag sank off Porticello. The first shipwrecked were rescued by a boat in the immediate vicinity and brought ashore by four coast guard vessels, which promptly responded to the scene from Porticello, Termini Imerese and Palermo. Initial information received from the yacht crew indicated that 22 people (10 crew members and 12 passengers) were onboard the yacht. There are currently 15 people rescued and seven missing (one crew member and six passengers), of British, American and Canadian nationality. Of the people recovered, eight were transported to local hospitals. The vessel is reported to have sunk on a seabed of about 50 metres. The search continues unabated with naval, air and underwater resources, including the Messina Coast Guard Diving Unit. Picture taken from video released by the Italian Coast Guard on Monday - Italian Coast Guard 10:39 AM BST Mayor makes statement about incident Filippo Tripoli, the mayor of Bagheria in Sicily, said: This morning, off the coast of Santa Flavia, a foreign boat sunk due to bad weather, 15 people recovered and seven missing. Already all the police forces and emergency services are operational and our Red Cross volunteers are present. 10:32 AM BST Captain should not be blamed, says local businessman Bartolomeo Lo Coco, who owns the Tosto Chiosco cafe in Porticello, said it was common for rental yachts and boats to sail through the fishing village, adding that the captain should not be blamed for what had occurred because the weather had been so unpredictable. This was a terrible misfortune that no-one could have foreseen. It is nobodys fault, the captain should not be blamed. Lo Coco said Carabinieri police, coast guard and firefighters were still searching the port. He stressed that the yacht was at a depth of 50 to 60 metres. 10:30 AM BST People in mourning, says local business owner Bartolomeo Lo Coco, who owns the Tosto Chiosco cafe in Porticello, said those in the port were in mourning following the deeply shocking incident. He said no one could have predicted the storm and the whirlwind that appeared to have caused the accident. We are in mourning here, all of us are in mourning, he told The Telegraph. We have never seen anything like this, ever. There is a very serious tragedy. His kiosk, which serves snacks and sandwiches, overlooks the water in Porticello. He said the whirlwind, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, had not only caused the tragic accident but also widespread damage in the port. He added: This wasnt a thunderstorm, this was a whirlwind. It happened all of a sudden. There is a lot of damage here. Boats were dislodged from their moorings and restaurant tables were broken within minutes and sent flying several metres. 10:24 AM BST Body of man recovered in search, local media reports The body of a man has been recovered from the seabed in the search for missing people following a shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, according to il Fatto Quotidiano. The local news website said: A body was found and recovered by rescuers on the seabed. Firefighters and the coast guard are looking for six other passengers, while fifteen have been rescued. Among the survivors is a one-year-old girl who is being treated in the Civico hospital with her mother, the site said. According to witnesses, the vessel was in front of the port of Porticello when the severe weather struck. The anchor was down and the strong gust would have caused the vessel to lose balance which is believed to have led to the shipwreck. 10:12 AM BST Storm in Palermo Footage shared by the BAIA Santa Nicolicchia restaurant shows the storm hit the port. The violent weather causes damage outside the restaurant, knocking over chairs and plant pots. Click here to view this content. 10:10 AM BST Yacht designed for luxury travel The Bayesian was designed for luxury travel, according to local media. Tgcom24 described the yacht as an elegant 56-metre sailing boat weighing 473 tons. It was said to be flying a United Kingdom flag when it sank. The online newspaper said it was built by the Perini Navi Viareggio shipyard in February 2008, before being refitted in 2020. The boat had arrived in Porticello after a stop in Milazzo and a passage in front of Cefalu, Tgcom24 reported. 10:09 AM BST Watch: Search underway Aerial footage of the search has been posted on social media by Vigili del Fuoco, Italys fire and rescue service. The post on X, formerly Twitter, said: A Palermo boat wreck off the coast of Porticello, 15 people saved, seven reported missing. Since dawn firefighters and divers have engaged in the search. The wreck has been identified 50 metres deep. Click here to view this content. 10:09 AM BST Vessel caught middle of a hurricane The BAIA Santa Nicolicchia restaurant in Porticello wrote on its Facebook page that the yacht sank at around 4am after being caught in a hurricane. They called it an unbelievable tragedy, adding that they were lost for words. The post read: Last picture I took at 10pm. The yacht on the left sank at 4.05am, caught in the middle of the hurricane 300 metres from the port of Porticello, next to another sailboat that provided rescue. It looks like there are 22 on board but unfortunately seven missing, theyre still afraid inside the hull. Unbelievable tragedy tonight. Im out of words. 10:07 AM BST Pictured: Last photo of boat The last photo thought to have been taken of the yacht at 10pm on Sunday in Porticello. The boat on the (left) 10:06 AM BST Four Britons missing Four Britons are reported to be missing after a yacht sank in a stretch of sea in front of Porticello. Seven people are missing in total, including four Britons, one Canadian, two Americans and the ships cook. The vessel reportedly had mostly British nationals on board and 15 people were saved by coast guard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child. 10:04 AM BST Welcome to our live coverage Hello, were bringing you the latest news after a yacht sank off the coast of Sicily. Police Frontline police officers and detectives routinely show courage when confronting the violent, dangerous and heinous. So youd think police chiefs might be willing to really ask themselves whether their force is as impartial as many of them claim. Putting aside relatively complex operational matters, such as the policing of protests and the response to crime itself, perhaps we can just examine the track record of the administration in some forces. In just the last five years, British policing has plenty of examples of veering off course. Weve seen Cheshire Constabulary found guilty of discrimination on the basis of not just race, but sexual orientation and sex too. The force rejected a prospective police officer because he was put simply a white heterosexual man. The British Transport Police is funding a scholarship covering the tuition and living costs of a three-year degree in law at Kings College London. Its worth 75,000 to the lucky recipient who must be of black heritage and who is expected to use their degree to fight injustice. Weve also seen a Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent in 2022 state his desire for the Met Police to set up a charity and employ fundraisers to siphon off millions from businesses to fund minority-owned businesses. Even in the last week weve seen Thames Valley Police widely regarded as being progressive found guilty of discrimination on the basis of race, when the force promoted an Asian Sergeant to Detective Inspector, without even giving a number of white Inspectors the chance to apply. If you discuss these stories with experienced police officers, many shake their heads and roll their eyes before remarking upon the fact that it happens all the time. What explains these occurrences? Are they just a series of random one-off events, or are they reflective of policings problematic and uncritical embrace of divisive identity politics? The decision by the National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing two taxpayer-funded quangos to create a Police Race Action Plan in the wake of the death of George Floyd didnt help. The fact that George Floyds death happened many thousands of miles away, in a different country and with no involvement or contact from British policing was seemingly irrelevant. The most progressive and activist officers were quick to embrace the moment. Even today, the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement are viewed as having been opportunities. The national director of the Police Race Action Plan currently a Commander in the Metropolitan Police recently struggled to put into words just how great an opportunity both provided for policing. But as if one national plan was not problematic enough, every force in the country has seemingly created their own flavour some intent on out-doing each other. Never mind that they occupy precious police officer and staff time that would be much better spent fighting crime and protecting the public. None of this is to necessarily deny the existence of racial or other disparities in policing or across the wider criminal justice system or society. These were the subject of examination by Labours David Lammy in 2017. Commissioned by the Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron and with the support of Theresa May, Lammy would go on to demand that if criminal justice agencies could not provide an evidence-based explanation for apparent disparities between ethnic groups then reforms should be introduced. This explain or reform approach may sound reasonable, but not when you consider that the path of least resistance for policymakers and senior leaders is to opt for reform, rather than explanation. Where once the mantra ran nobody gets fired for hiring IBM, in our public services today nobody gets called racist for promising reform. The instant and reflexive dismissal of concerns about woke and two-tier policing suggests asking most police chiefs to examine, never mind reject, the divisive identity politics in their forces is the equivalent of asking turkeys to vote for Christmas. If we dont see a few courageous chiefs break ranks soon, then we shall know that the problem in police leadership is even more serious than feared. Tackling such serious problems will likely need the commanding heights of policing to be completely rebuilt. A protester holds a Kenyan flag during nationwide demonstrations in June 2024. Photograph: Katie G Nelson/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock The youth-led protests that have broken out in several African countries over the past weeks should, say observers, serve as warnings that a disillusioned generation blame the elders of the ruling political classes for missed economic opportunities. From mid-June to early August, young people in Kenya hit the streets protesting against what they described as runaway corruption and high taxes levied by President William Rutos regime. In Uganda, what was shaping up as protests against the government in July were nipped in the bud by police after President Yoweri Musevenis warning that those thinking of such protests were playing with fire. Nigeria saw short-lived protests against the poor handling of the economy by President Bola Tinubus government. But beyond these protests, Africas demographic bulge finds itself at a crossroads; distrustful of the ruling class but seemingly unable to drive the change. Last week, more than 400 young people, mostly in their early to mid-20s, converged at the UN offices in Nairobi for the Africa Youth Forum 2024 in order to stimulate an intergenerational dialogue that promotes the perspectives of all age groups in a continent where older ones viewpoints are rarely questioned. We are here to share our values, our challenges and harmonise the potential within the young people in Africa, says Mohamed Abdulhalim from the coastal Kenyan county of Lamu. The continent has the youngest population in the world with more than 400 million people aged between 18 and 35 and by 2030, it is estimated that 42% of all young people entering the workplace will be African. Abdulhalim says the generational gap that exists between the youth and Africas leadership denies young people a chance to show their abilities, energy, and their contribution to the continents economy, hence the widespread protests in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa. We are saying our voices must count, that we must be part of the decision-making process Look, we have the capacity, but we dont have a platform to showcase [our abilities], says Abdulhalim. And that is the reason we went to the streets. We are saying our voices must count, that we must be part of the decision-making process, including those of us from far away in Lamu. After the protests in Kenya, the government was forced to drop the contentious finance bill that contained harsh taxation measures. Ruto also disbanded his cabinet hoping the measures would appease the young protesters, or the generation Z. His pleas for dialogue were shrugged off as they demanded that he too, step down. The young protesters in Kenya styled themselves as leaderless and tribeless, thus complicating government efforts to arrange any dialogue. Without dialogue, however, organisers of the Nairobi meeting say Africas youth will have no meaningful contribution to state affairs and will always be at the mercy of crafty politicians. Dialogue is not being naive, says Kjell Magne Bondevik, the former prime minister of Norway and founder of the Oslo Center that convened the Nairobi forum. Dialogue is about listening and learning from each other. It is about identifying common values and strengthening the youths participation in political parties. Faith Norah Lukosi, a youth representative in a national fund meant to assist young Kenyans set up commercial enterprises has in the past tried to get young people on the negotiating table with mixed success. In 2021, she wrote a scathing piece in the the Daily Nation, where she castigated the youth for sitting on the fence and waiting for handouts from politicians. Kenya is ripe for revolution led by youth, read the title of her article. But they have failed to portray themselves as the solution, instead flocking around political heavyweights for financial expediency and other short-term goals easily swayed by the highest financial bidder in the market, regardless of what one stands for, she wrote. Related: Unlock the door or well kick it down: why South Africas youngest politician is in a hurry for change Lukosi says: I received so many negative reactions from people thereafter. Some said, Do you want us to burn our country down? But I am happy my sentiments have been vindicated in 2024. A revolution is building up and young people are ready for it. Kenyas gen Zs have led the way. I believe we are on the right trajectory. Rwanda has not witnessed the kind of political and economic protests seen in Kenya or Uganda, as young people in the country still feel the best way to forestall such chaotic scenes is by continued government engagement, something that we have been mentioning over and over again, says Deborah Mukundwa from the capital, Kigali. I think we also need to understand our leaders, Mukundwa says. What are they up to and how can the youth contribute into that thought process? For example, I have the privilege of accessing quality education, a privilege of expression and being informed about national matters, but I recognise the majority of young people are lacking such privileges. Not just education but digital access is a major challenge for many in 2021 only 43% of Africans had access to the internet, below a global average of 66%. As of January 2024, about 74% of web traffic in Africa was via mobile phones, over 14 percentage points higher than the world average. This is down to cost and the availability of infrastructure needed for computers with fixed-line internet connections. Youths in Africa lack internet accessibility and have an education system that doesnt really serve them in order to execute the different agendas and matters that we are talking about at this meeting, says Mukundwa. Without physical and intellectual infrastructure, she says Africas youth will not reach their potential, will not have any tangible input in the global, regional, or national agendas, nor will they understand what really matters to them and how policies formulated at the highest levels affect them. We are lacking that meaningful youth engagement, an engagement that goes beyond inviting young people to forums, inviting them to speak. They need an engagement that enforces that collaboration and partnership to the execution of different projects and agendas, an engagement that is more meaningful and that says, We see you, we see your project, and we support you with resources. We are not only present at these forums, but have safe spaces for such engagement, she says. Kalonzo Musyoka, a former vice-president and key opposition figure in Kenya, says it will no longer be business as usual. Young people, he says, are offering the continent a new viewpoint and a desire to innovate as long as they are spared state-sanctioned brutality. Scottish Conservative Tory Leadership candidate Russell Findlay - James Chapelard The frontrunner in the Scottish Tory leadership election has challenged his opponents to say they will support him if he wins as he dismissed their calls for the contest to be suspended over allegations of a stitch-up. Russell Findlay said that last weeks furore over allegations that Douglas Ross had plotted to have him installed as the new leader had shown our party in a poor light and warned that the infighting would turn off voters. Speaking at the official launch of his campaign, he admitted that there were legitimate questions to be answered over claims that Mr Ross had attempted to replace his local council leader as a general election candidate last year. Mr Findlay gave short shrift to the disappointing calls from four other candidates for the contest to be suspended and Meghan Gallacher, another candidate, resigning as deputy leader over her concerns about the allegations. He made clear he would accept the result of the contest and give his full support to the victor if he lost, before challenging his five opponents to make the same pledge. The candidates, clockwise from top left: Meghan Gallacher, Liam Kerr, Murdo Fraser, Brian Whittle, Jamie Greene, Russell Findlay - PA & Alamy In a plea for unity, Mr Findlay said the contest was about all of us rebuilding the party. He concluded: If I do get the job, I know that the very first thing I need to do is try and bring the group together and repair some of that damage. Murdo Fraser and Ms Gallacher, two of the other frontrunners, said they would accept the result but made clear they each considered themselves the best candidate. Mr Findlay also used his launch to reiterate that there would be no loosening of ties between the Scottish and UK Tories if he succeeded Mr Ross as leader. Warning that the party had lost that Ruth Davidson mojo that it had under its popular former leader, he pledged to bring back some sunshine, positivity and hope ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election. On Friday, The Telegraph disclosed claims that in July 2023, Mr Ross tried to persuade Kathleen Robertson to let him take her place as the partys general election candidate for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey. Douglas Ross has been accused of "plotting" to have Russell Findlay installed as the new leader - Michal Wachucik/PA It was alleged that he told Ms Robertson, the leader of Moray council, that he would quit immediately as party leader and he wanted Mr Findlay to replace him. However, she was said to have rejected his proposal. Ms Robertson told The Telegraph the account of the meeting was accurate and Mr Ross did not deny backing Mr Findlay during their discussions. Mr Findlay, the shadow justice secretary and a close ally of Mr Ross, is viewed as the favoured candidate of the party establishment in the current leadership contest. Senior Tories said the conversation buttressed allegations that the party establishment was attempting a stitch-up to ensure Mr Findlay succeeded him. They also said the talks raised fresh questions over the partys last-minute decision to replace David Duguid with Mr Ross as the Tory candidate in the neighbouring Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat. David Duguid was replaced as MP for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East by Russell Findlay - Hollie Adams/Bloomberg Mr Duguid, the incumbent MP, had been hospitalised for two months with a serious spinal injury but he vehemently denied the partys claim that he was too sick to stand. Ms Robertson and Mr Ross failed in their attempts to be elected as MPs last month, with the SNP winning both seats. The furore over Mr Duguid prompted Mr Ross to announce during the campaign that he would quit as leader. Speaking at his campaign launch at the Glasgow Science Centre, Mr Findlay said: I accept that the past week has shown our party in a poor light. Legitimate questions need answers. But its crucial that we dont turn inwards and lose sight of whats really important. There is an audience beyond our own ranks who are looking to us. Those conservative-minded voters deserve so much better. Pressed to specify the legitimate questions he had, the West Scotland MSP argued there should be further examination of what Mr Ross told Ms Robertson about her candidacy and how he came to replace Mr Duguid. We dont want in-fighting Asked about the joint call by four candidates - Mr Fraser, Liam Kerr, Brian Whittle and Jamie Greene - for the contest to be suspended and Ms Gallachers resignation, he said: Myself and many of my MSP colleagues who supported my campaign were quite disappointed. We dont want to see in-fighting, the public arent remotely interested in seeing infighting. If anything, its going to turn people off at such a critical time when we need to be coming together and rebuilding. Describing himself as a fighter, he pledged to spare no effort over the coming weeks to convince members that he was the best leadership candidate. But if Im not elected, Ill work with whoever is. And I hope others will say the same. Because at the end of the day, its not about me. Its about us. All of us, the former investigative journalist said. Mr Fraser has called for a commission to be set up to examine loosening links with the UK Tories after the Scottish party won only 12.7 per cent of the popular vote in the recent general election. He said the group would be tasked with examining all the potential ways forward, including his plan for a new centre-Right party to fight Holyrood elections. Party members would have the final say over any changes. Ultimate irony But Mr Findlay said it would be the ultimate irony if the Scottish and UK Tories split just as the threat of independence was in retreat. I dont believe we should turn inwards and debate our partys structure for years to come. Or split away from the UK party. Or form a new party as some suggest, he said. Lets resolve this here today by saying no thanks to all of that. We are better together as one party. We are stronger together as one party. With me as leader, there will be no split, no separation. Mr Findlay said he strongly opposed decriminalising drugs for personal use but refused to answer whether he had taken Class A drugs, other than alluding to a holiday he had in Ibiza in the 1990s. Mr Fraser said he would support whichever candidate wins, adding: I have served on the front bench under five previous Scottish Conservative leaders. But I am in this race to win it as the candidate with the most experience and the one best placed to build a united team. Ms Gallacher said: My number one priority is ensuring the members of the party are listened to and respected. Whoever members choose, I will accept the result of the contest and support my colleague in leading the party to success in 2026. Angus Robertson, Scotlands external affairs secretary, said the governments position on Gaza had been made clear to Israel. Photograph: Ken Jack/Getty Images A senior Scottish minister has said his government will refuse to meet with Israeli officials until there is peace in Gaza after furious criticisms of a meeting earlier this month. Angus Robertson, Scotlands external affairs secretary, apologised on Monday after senior figures in the Scottish National party reacted angrily to his decision to hold a secret meeting with Daniela Grudsky Ekstein, Israels deputy ambassador to the UK. Critics called for Robertson to be suspended and demanded an urgent debate at next months SNP conference, accusing him of trying to normalise relations with Israel. One veteran Holyrood backbencher, Christine Grahame, reportedly protested to John Swinney, the first minister. She said her constituents were shocked the meeting had happened, and described Robertson as a liability. The crisis intensified on Monday after another SNP minister, Ivan McKee, told the BBC that Robertson should reflect on what he said to the diplomat, and agreed the government should clarify its stance on the Gaza crisis and Israels conduct. Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Monday, Robertson said he agreed to the meeting because it was a chance to express his governments clear and unwavering calls for a ceasefire. In a short statement issued four days after the meeting took place, his officials said it included discussions about rising antisemitism, renewable energy cooperation and culture. They said the meeting was held in secret at Israels request. Robertson said on Monday that in hindsight he should have restricted the meeting solely to discussions about Gaza. Robertson said: No one intended that this meeting be presented as legitimatising the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. The Scottish government has been consistent in our unequivocal condemnation of the atrocities we have witnessed in Gaza. The reality, however, is that this meeting has been taken by many to represent a normalisation of relations between the Israeli and Scottish governments. As such, it is clear that it would have been better to ensure that the meeting was strictly limited to the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the appalling loss of life in the region. I apologise for the fact that this did not happen. Going forward, it is clear that, having now spoken direct to the Israeli government and making them aware of our position on an immediate ceasefire, it would not be appropriate to accept any invitation for a further meeting. Critics suggested Robertsons decision to hold the meeting appeared to mark a significant change in approach for the Scottish government. Swinneys predecessor Humza Yousaf is married to a half-Palestinian SNP councillor, Nadia El-Nakla, whose parents and siblings were trapped in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes. Yousaf took a very robust and critical line on Israels conduct. McKee said it was unclear how vigorous Robertson had been in his meeting, and said Swinney should consider restating the governments full position on the Gaza crisis. McKee told BBC Scotland: I think there is absolutely no harm in us providing more clarity on what was discussed at that meeting. But also restating our position, again, as the first minister has done, on ceasefire, on humanitarian aid, on recognition of the state of Palestine. And on those other issues that Ive mentioned, about genocide and about detention and torture of Palestinians, about the arrest warrants, about the illegal settlements, about Israels behaviour in Gaza. The Israeli embassy has been approached for comment. Sara DiNatale covers energy, the Texas grid, ERCOT, CPS Energy, and labor for the San Antonio Express-News. She can be reached at (210) 446-3358, sara.dinatale@express-news.net, or @sara_dinatale. Sara joined the staff in 2023. She spent six years in Florida at the Tampa Bay Times, where she covered breaking news before settling into business reporting. She also covered labor, the economy, and health care at Mississippi Today, where her reporting was recognized by the Green Eyeshade Awards and the Mississippi Press Association. Shes a graduate of the University at Buffalo (2015) and a native of Western New York. Suella Braverman was paid 25,000 to speak in South Korea in May. Photograph: Omar Havana/Getty Images Suella Braverman is the latest senior Tory to be cashing in on the international speaking circuit, as it was revealed she was paid nearly 60,000 for making speeches around the world, the highest of any current MP. The former home secretary received 25,000 to speak in South Korea in May, according to the first register of MPs financial interests of this parliament, and she received 20,000 for another speaking engagement in India in March. Braverman also declared that she received 14,000 for articles she wrote for the Telegraph, and she also had an all-expenses trip to Israel worth 27,800 paid for by the National Jewish Assembly. Last month Braverman declared she received 11,800 for a five-hour talk to a financial intelligence and risk control firm in London, and she also made a speech in Washington during which she was paid 6,500 in expenses for the trip by the Edmund Burke Foundation. Braverman had been hoping to become the next Conservative party leader until recently. She would have been the only Tory leadership hopeful who had registered income from making speeches during the year. Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Robert Jenrick had senior government jobs that stopped them from taking outside work. The former prime minister Liz Truss made 250,000 the year after she was ousted from No 10, including 80,000 for one speech in Taipei, Taiwan. Rishi Sunak, who remains an MP but stood down as prime minister last month, has not registered any speaking engagements for the year. Boris Johnson in 2023 declared an income of 4.8m within the first six months of leaving No 10, including an advance payment of 2.5m for an unspecified number of speeches. In the same register of interests, Nigel Farage appears to have become the highest-earning MP. The Reform UK leader declared that he was being paid 97,900 a month as a presenter for GB News, the channel co-owned by the hedge fund billionaire Paul Marshall. In addition to his work with GB News, Farage received 16,597.22 from the video app Cameo and 4,000 for writing articles for The Telegraph. Previously, the highest-earning MP was Geoffrey Cox, a Tory who also works as a barrister. He was paid 293,400 by the law firm Withers, and also collected a payment of 379,000 from an Indian chambers in July for work carried out in 2016 to 2018. Braverman and Farage have been approached for comment. The Minsk on fire Click here to view this content. A former Soviet aircraft carrier that became a popular tourist attraction in China caught fire in a lagoon near Shanghai. Footage shows The Minsk, once a jewel of the Soviet Pacific Fleet, engulfed in a huge blaze over the weekend, with thick smoke and large flames lighting up on the night sky. Firefighters spent more than 24 hours trying to contain the fire, which Chinese state media said started during renovations for it to become the centrepiece of a new military theme park. There were no casualties reported and the cause of the fire is still being investigated. Pictures later showed extensive damage to the warships superstructure, with charred metal protruding from its main deck. Click here to view this content. The Minsk was the second of four Kiev-class aircraft carriers built by the Soviet Union between 1970 and 1987. It was decommissioned by the Russian Navy in 1993, and eventually sold to China as scrap. After being decommissioned by the Russian Navy in 1993, The Minsk became a tourist attraction in China, as seen here before the fire - Getty Images The blaze created extensive damage to the warship's superstructure The carrier had been the main attraction for 16 years at the now-defunct Minsk World theme park in Shenzhen, before being moved to its current site in a waterway close to Nantong in Jiangsu province. Masha Gessen is due to speak at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney this weekend but is yet to be granted a visa. Photograph: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen has had their visa application delayed by Australia with the Department of Home Affairs reportedly asking for police checks from Russia that were not possible to produce. Gessen, an outspoken critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, is based in the US and was due to arrive in Australia in recent days to speak at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney this coming weekend. Gessen was charged in Russia on charges of spreading false information about the military and was sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison in July. Their Australian visa was delayed after home affairs initially demanded Gessen produce police checks from Russia, festival organisers said. Related: Russian American journalist Masha Gessen put on Kremlins wanted list After being informed that such documents would be impossible to produce, home affairs asked for police checks from the FBI and state police in the US a jurisdiction in which Gessen has never been charged or convicted of an offence, the organisers said. Gessen criticised the Australian government for the delay, claiming it had functionally denied a visa, aiding in Russian attempts to silence them. The Russian governments persecution of me has one purpose: to make me feel unfree even though I am living in exile and they cant currently jail me, the writer said in a statement. I am shocked that the first allies the Russians have found in this quest to constrain me are the Australian authorities who have functionally denied me a visa. Gessen applied for their visa on 21 June 2024 but home affairs only requested the documents from the US on Friday, the festival organisers said. To obtain them, Gessen would need to be fingerprinted and would need to attend a face-to-face meeting, a requirement that might be impossible to meet in time. The Festival of Dangerous Ideas, which is presented by the Ethics Centre, said it did not have an update as of Monday afternoon and was still seeking to secure a visa before Gessens events. The director of the Ethics Centre, Simon Longstaff, said the situation was a kafkaesque misapplication of the law. He asked what would have happened had Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny applied for the same visa. Navalny died in a Russian Arctic penal colony in February. Just imagine if Alexei Navalny had lived and one day applied to come to Australia. The whole world knows that his conviction was a sham simply a way for Vladimir Putin to silence a critic. On current form, home affairs would require Navalny to obtain a police certificate from the Russian authorities or perhaps from those where he might be living in exile, Longstaff said. This is a kafkaesque misapplication of a law that was intended to capture people who have been convicted of real crimes like robbery, murder, and fraud. The Australian courts would never recognise the conviction of Navalny as either safe or valid. The same holds for Masha Gessen who has been convicted of the crime of expressing the views of the Australian government. The criminal case against Gessen was launched after they discussed alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces during the invasion of Ukraine in an interview. They were found guilty of disseminating knowingly false information about Russian military personnel motivated by political hatred. Gessen, a dual US-Russian citizen, lived in Russia until 2013 when the country passed legislation against the LGBTQ+ community. The author of The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin applied for a temporary work visa on their US passport. The Guardian contacted Australias home affairs department for comment as well as the office of the home affairs minister, Tony Burke. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has personally thanked police officers who were injured during recent disorder, for their service. During a visit to Belfast on Monday, the Prime Minister also met representatives from minority ethnic communities who had been targeted in violence in which a number of businesses were destroyed and a mosque attacked. At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents in early August in Northern Ireland, after anti-immigration protests. Road blocks in Belfast after an anti-Islamic protest outside Belfast City Hall on August 3 (PA) Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to areas such as Londonderry. Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said some of the officers are due to undergo surgery, and that he expects them to be OK, but the nature of what they faced, even for some of those seasoned officers, has taken them aback. He said there had been some really near misses to very serious injuries. Abdelkader Mohamad Al Alloush, owner of the Sham Supermarket on Donegall Road in Belfast (PA) Sir Keir, with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, was by Mr Boutcher and Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones. The Prime Minister said it had been quite an intense few weeks, to agreement from Ms Jones, who played a leading role in the PSNIs response to the disorder, and referred to some long days. With police numbers in Northern Ireland about 1,000 below the recommended strength, about 80 officers from Police Scotland have been in the region over the last week to support the PSNI. Mr Boutcher told the Prime Minister they had been a breath of fresh air, and said they had fitted in really well with our staff and understood the importance of it. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (PA) The Prime Minister next met injured police officers, including Constable Josh Elliott, discussing with him how the community had rallied round each other. Sir Keir added: Thats the real Northern Ireland. He later met leaders from a number of organisations which represent the minority ethnic community in Northern Ireland. Among them was Nisha Tandon, the founder and director of ArtsEkta, which runs Belfast Mela, a major community festival which celebrates diversity. She said the meeting had been very positive, and she was delighted to have had the opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister. It was more engagement than a lot of us have had with Stormont politicians and we very much welcomed it, he seemed to be in listening mode as we spoke to him, she said. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met community leaders during a visit to PSNI College at Garnerville in Belfast (Charles McQuillan/PA) It was good to get that opportunity. The Prime Minister said at the end of his visit that one of his purposes had been to thank those police officers who had been on the front line and meet communities most affected by the disorder. My purpose was to say to them thank you for what they have done. We make big asks of the police officers, they step up and they deserve our thanks, he said. I have also had the chance to speak to the PSNI senior leadership, and third, and very importantly, to speak to some of the communities most impacted about the fear, the anxiety that they have about the recent disorder. The disorder is intolerable. It is incapable of justification. Its clearly racist and it does not represent the modern forward-looking Northern Ireland that I know that this place is. I do think its very important to come and say thank you, very important for the Prime Minister to come here to talk to the frontline officers face to face and humbly say thank you for what they and their colleagues have done. It comes as the PSNI released images of eight people they want to speak to in connection with their investigation into incidents of disorder and attacks on police officers since Saturday, August 3. Ange Postecoglou has revealed Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is conscious and communicating after a sickening head injury in their 1-1 draw at Leicester. Bentancur left the pitch on a stretcher after he fell to the ground and appeared to smash his head into the turf following a James Maddison corner in the 71st minute of the Premier League match. Spurs players immediately signalled to the touchline for assistance and after seven minutes of treatment, Bentancur was eventually able to sit up before he was taken off on a stretcher while being given oxygen. Archie Gray replaced Bentancur in the 78th minute as a concussion substitute and it proved to be another painful visit to King Power Stadium for the Uruguay international after he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage at the same venue in 2023. I dont have a lot of information but I do know he is up and is communicating, so he is fine from that point of view, but a head injury and Ill leave it in the hands of the medical team now, Postecoglou reflected. The key thing is he is definitely conscious and communicating. Asked if Bentancur who started in place of the suspended Yves Bissouma after the latters laughing gas incident had lost consciousness, Postecoglou said: I dont know. Whenever its a head injury and you see a player go down, I think nowadays were always cautious in that moment and I dont know the actual circumstances but I know it was a head collision. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is to explore the death of rapper Tupac Shakur in docuseries The Misinvestigations Of Romesh Ranganathan. The three-part BBC Two programme will see the presenter delve into the stories of entertainment figures who have been a source of fascination to him: Shakur, punk rock figure Nancy Spungen, and musician Jimi Hendrix. Ranganathan, 46, previously fronted four series of The Misadventures Of Romesh Ranganathan which won a Bafta TV award in 2020. Romesh Ranganathan and Dr Julia Shaw discussing the Tupac Shakur case in a diner (BBC/Rumpus Media Ltd/PA) Speaking about the programme, Ranganathan said: We wanted to find a fun way of doing a celeb biopic while also doing a true crime style show. This ticked all (both) of the boxes. He added: I believe that, regardless of whether you like the music of these individuals, you will definitely leave the shows with an understanding of how culturally important each of them were. The stand-up comic, who also hosts The Ranganation and The Weakest Link, spoke about why he chose the three celebrities. He said: They are all people who moved the cultural needle and also passed away in circumstances that are still being speculated about today perhaps as a result of the manner in which they were idolised. The Misinvestigations of Romesh Ranganathan (BBC/Rumpus Media/PA) Ranganathan explores Shakurs death in episode one where he meets journalists, a former police officer, and one of the rappers closest friends. Widely considered one of the most influential rap artists of all time, Shakur died after being shot in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1996 at the age of 25. Though his career lasted just five years, he remains one of the most complex and prolific artists of his generation, with more than 75 million records sold worldwide. Episode two will focus on Spungen, who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend and Sex Pistols member Sid Vicious, who died less than a year after her. The last episode, which originally aired as a pilot in 2022, focuses on 1960s guitarist Hendrix, who died of a drug overdose at the age of 27 although there are rumours of foul play. The Misinvestigations Of Romesh Ranganathan launches on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on August 25. Scotlands External Affairs Secretary has apologised after holding a meeting with an Israeli diplomat which he said was taken by many to represent a normalisation of relations between the two countries. Angus Robertson said his meeting with Israels deputy ambassador Daniela Grudsky two weeks ago should have been limited to the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the appalling loss of life in the region. He apologised for those limits not having been enforced and said further meeting invitations would not be accepted. Speaking about the meeting, earlier described as necessary by Scotlands First Minister John Swinney, Mr Robertson said: My view was that given the Israeli UK deputy ambassador had requested a meeting it was an opportunity to express the Scottish Governments clear and unwavering position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and I did exactly that. No-one intended that this meeting be presented as legitimising the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. The Scottish Government has been consistent in our unequivocal condemnation of the atrocities we have witnessed in Gaza. The reality, however, is that this meeting has been taken by many to represent a normalisation of relations between the Israeli and Scottish governments. As such, it is clear that it would have been better to ensure that the meeting was strictly limited to the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the appalling loss of life in the region. I apologise for the fact that this did not happen. Going forward, it is clear that, having now spoken direct to the Israeli government and making them aware of our position on an immediate ceasefire, it would not be appropriate to accept any invitation for a further meeting. This will remain our position until such time as real progress has been made towards peace, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance is provided and Israel co-operates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes. The Scottish Government does not support any normalisation of its relations with the Israeli government during this period. Mr Robertson faced a backlash over the meeting, including from members of the SNP. SNP MSP John Mason, who backed the decision to hold the meeting, had the whip removed over comments he made about Gaza. On Friday, Mr Mason posted a tweet saying: If Israel wanted to commit genocide, they would have killed 10 times as many. Speaking on BBC Scotlands Good Morning Scotland radio programme on Monday, he said I completely stand by the tweet. He told the BBC: I thought about it for a long time, and I would like to see Scotland, the UK, acting more as a peacemaker, rather than cheering on either side. But I put out that tweet because I do feel strongly. Israel, and the Jews in this country as well, feel very much threatened and under pressure. John Mason said he stood by his comment (Andrew Milligan/PA) Israel is a tiny country surrounded by some very hostile states. The Glasgow Shettleston MSP said he had not expected to lose the whip but it had been necessary to do the right thing. SNP public finance minister Ivan McKee told the broadcaster Mr Masons comments were deeply offensive and he should educate himself. The SNPs Dalkeith branch has reportedly submitted a motion of censure against Mr Robertson ahead of the party conference starting at the end of the month. SNP MSP for Cunninghame South Ruth Maguire told The Herald: I share in the anger, hurt, frustration and frankly embarrassment felt by many party members that a Scottish Government Cabinet secretary has allowed themselves to appear to legitimise a genocidal, apartheid regime who continue to commit war crimes. Last week, Mr Swinney said the meeting was necessary and that Mr Robertson had pressed Ms Grudsky on the killing and suffering of innocent civilians. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said the meeting between Mr Robertson and the Israeli diplomat had not been discussed by the Scottish cabinet when it met on Monday. She said: The cabinet met this morning, it wasnt discussed at cabinet this morning and the First Minister has made his view on this clear that the meeting had to go ahead, and it was an important opportunity for the Scottish Government to put our case in terms of our view about what has happened in terms of that ceasefire we require to see for the people of Palestine. Mr Robertson has spoken about his views about the meeting and the opportunity it presented him to put forward the Scottish Governments very clear position in our support for the people of Palestine and our calls for an immediate ceasefire. Search continues for missing tycoon and daughter after yacht sank off coast of Sicily The search for British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter continues after a luxury yacht sank in a tornado off the coast of Sicily. Mr Lynch and his daughter Hannah are among six tourists missing after the yacht, named Bayesian, was battered during intense storms off the coast of Palermo in the early hours of Monday morning. A body, believed to be that of the vessels cook, has been found and police divers are trying to reach the hull of the ship, which is resting at a depth of 50 metres. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Repubblica stated. Sicilys civil protection agency told the BBC that 18-year-old Hannah Lynch was among those missing with her father, along with the yachts chef, Ricardo Thomas. The yacht was carrying 10 crew members and 12 passengers. Fifteen people including Mr Lynchs wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued, according to local media. The British-flagged superyacht capsized at about 5am local time on Monday morning off the coast of Palermo when the area was hit by a tornado. (PA Graphics) Mr Lynch, who founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, was made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. In June, he was cleared of conducting a massive fraud relating to an 11 billion dollar (8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard. A spokesperson for Mr Lynch said there was no comment. The yacht sank as a fierce storm battered the area overnight. The daily Il Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported that the vessel had mostly British passengers on board, but also people from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and British-French citizens. Rescue operations in the stretch of sea near Palermo (Italian Coast Guard/AP) Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency said: They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. One of the survivors, British tourist Charlotte Emsley, told la Repubblica she held her one-year-old daughter, Sofia, to stop her from drowning. She said: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Charlotte and Sofia are being treated in hospital, as is Sofias father, James Emsley. Karsten Borner, captain of a nearby boat, told journalists those missing included the Bayesians owner and a child, news agency Reuters reported. He said his crew took on board some survivors who were on a life raft, including three who were seriously injured. Fisherman Francesco Cefalu said he sailed from the shore to the scene after seeing a flare at about 4.30am, but by the time he arrived Bayesian had already sunk, with only items such as cushions and wood floating in the water. The Bayesian, left, was built in 2008 (Fabio La Bianca/PA) He added: I think they are inside, all the missing people. A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Monday: We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch said four of its inspectors were being deployed to Palermo. A basic assessment of the scene will be made by the team, with no investigation launched at this stage, the PA news agency understands. Bayesian completed a number of sailings in recent days, calling at various ports in Sicily, according to ship-tracking website VesselFinder. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites, and is listed for rent for up to 195,000 euros (166,000 ) a week. She was built in 2008 by Italian company Perini Navi. Her registered owner is listed as Revtom Ltd, which is based on the Isle of Man. It has since emerged that the co-defendant of Mr Lynch in his US fraud trial, Stephen Chamberlain, died after being hit by a car whist out running on Saturday. Gary Lincenberg, Mr Chamberlains lawyer, said in a statement provided to the PA news agency: Our dear client and friend Steve Chamberlain was fatally struck by a car on Saturday while out running. He was a courageous man with unparalleled integrity. We deeply miss him. Steve fought successfully to clear his good name at trial earlier this year, and his good name now lives on through his wonderful family. Mr Lynch is of Irish heritage his father was a fireman from Co Cork, and his mother was a nurse from Co Tipperary. In a 2015 radio interview, Mr Lynch confirmed that he was born in Ilford in London, despite a number of reports that he was born in Ireland and raised in England. He said during the same interview that he spent childhood summers in Carrick-On-Shannon and Tipperary and has family who still live there. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has held discussions with Northern Irelands police chief over concerns that the organisation is chronically underfunded. Sir Keir met Chief Constable Jon Boutcher at the Police Service of Northern Irelands training college in Belfast on an engagement that also saw him speak with officers involved in responding to the recent bouts of race related violence and disorder in the region. The Prime Minister also met with representatives of ethnic minority groups living in Northern Ireland to hear their concerns amid the upsurge in hate crime attacks. The Labour leader branded the violence as intolerable and not representative of the Northern Ireland he knows. Prior to the disorder of recent weeks, Mr Boutcher had been flagging grave concerns about the PSNIs financial situation, insisting he does not have the necessary resources to police Northern Ireland effectively. Those funding pressures have intensified following the race related unrest, with the PSNI facing a sizeable bill after making a mutual aid request for backup for 80 officers from Police Scotland. Mr Boutcher has insisted Stormont does not get enough money to sustain public services in Northern Ireland, including the PSNI. His officer headcount remains more than 1,000 officers below recommended levels. Those issues were raised during his meeting with the Prime Minister at the Garnerville college on Monday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher meeting police officers during a visit to PSNI College at Garnerville in Belfast (Charles McQuillan/Getty/PA) Sir Keir said one of the main purposes of his visit was to say thank you to the frontline officers involved in quelling the disorder. Its very important for the Prime Minister to come here to talk to the frontline officers face-to-face and humbly say thank you for what they and their colleagues have done. As I say, many of them injured, he said. But, of course, weve also had discussions about resourcing, about capability. Mainly, of course, thats a devolved issue, as I think everybody understands, but, nonetheless, weve had that discussion about what further support can go in, whether thats financial or whether its in other ways, in terms of making sure the system works better. But my main purpose was to come and say thank you. But, of course, those discussions have been had, as you would expect them to be had about the wider support, both immediately and in the medium and long-term. At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents across early August in Northern Ireland. Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to thank PSNI officers who helped quell the disorder (Liam McBurney/PA). Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to areas such as Belfast and Londonderry. Cars were set alight and a number of businesses were severely damaged. Elsewhere, a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards. Dozens of people have been arrested and charged with offences such as rioting and racially-motivated hate crimes. Young children were also involved in some of the street disturbances. Sir Keir said big asks had been made of the police dealing with the violence. They step up and they deserve our thanks, he said. Ive also had the chance to speak with the PSNI senior leadership about the challenges that they face and the support that they need. And then, third, and very importantly, to speak to some of the communities most impacted about the fear that they have, the anxiety that they have about the recent disorder. The disorder is intolerable. It is incapable of justification. Its clearly racist and it does not represent the modern, forward-looking Northern Ireland that I know that this place is. The Prime Minister said he would work with the PSNI and all communities to address the disorder and its consequences. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Boutcher warned that the violence that occurred in Belfast in recent weeks could flare up again, as he made a fresh plea for more funding. He insisted he would not allow the PSNI to decay. By highlighting the issues, as in the numbers of officers we have lost or the budget that we have now got, the arguments are compelling in themselves, he said. By continually making those arguments and how challenging it was to deal with the disorder, I think we held our own. Had we got more, had it (disorder) continued, and it might still, we cant keep pace with other forces in England and Wales because they have had a 20% uplift in resources. We have been left so far behind. We have to get the resources in to allow us to police Northern Ireland our police officers are from our society in the way that everyone deserves. Asked about the condition of the injured police officers, Mr Boutcher said: The injured officers are okay. There are some surgeries to occur and I think the nature of what they face has, even for some of those seasoned officers, taken them aback. But theyll all be okay. There were some really near misses to very serious injuries. Jon Boutcher said the PSNI would not be able to keep up with police forces in England and Wales without additional resources (PA) The chief constable said the PSNI needed another 1,200 officers. Ive had some real issues around the wellbeing of police officers, so what I am trying to do, with every bone in my body, is to explain the seriousness of the situation, of the PSNI police officer numbers, to those that can make the difficult decisions around making sure that we are funded appropriately to get the officers that we need, he said. We should be at 7,500 and we are 1,200 below that. We have to arrest this decline because if we dont the consequences could be dire. We are dangerously beyond the point of where we should be. Asked if the PSNI can continue to deliver the current service without more funding, he said: No, we cant, quite simply. Mr Boutcher also said he wanted to see the same speedy justice dealing with riot offences in Northern Ireland as that seen in courts in England. He said a total of 39 people have been arrested in relation to the recent riots and disorder in the city. My concern, and its not a criticism, its an observation, is the criminal justice aspect, the police chief said. Its much slower here and I want to see the same speedy justice that we have seen in England with regard to these riot offences. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused the UK of slowing down its support for the war effort as he called for a removal of restrictions on donated weapons being used inside Russian territory. A Government spokesperson said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer maintains unwavering support for Ukraine, adding that the position has not changed since Ukraines incursion into Russia. The Government has previously stated its support for Ukraines clear right of self-defence against Russias illegal attacks provided they are in accordance with international humanitarian law, while maintaining that equipment provided by the UK is intended for the defence of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a military incursion into Russias Kursk region since August 6, which Mr Zelensky revealed on Sunday evening was aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border. The UK has pledged 12.5 billion in support to Ukraine since February 2022, of which 7.6 billion is for military assistance. This includes 3 billion for military assistance in 2024/25. I received a briefing from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, covering the situation in the eastern part of Ukraine, operations in the Kursk region, the exchange fund, and the equipping of our brigades, particularly the reserves, with ammunition and weapons. In every direction, our pic.twitter.com/sNQYb9JJ3k Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) August 18, 2024 In a post to X, formerly Twitter, Mr Zelesnky said: We are doing everything possible to provide our warriors with the necessary weapons and reinforcements. It is crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands. Long-range capabilities are the answer to the most critical strategic questions of this war. Smoke billows in what is said to show the destruction of a key bridge in Russias Kursk region by Ukraine (Ukrainian Armed Force via AP) The bravery of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades compensate for the lack of essential decisions from our partners. We could decisively deprive the occupiers of any ability to advance and cause destruction if our long-range capabilities were sufficient. He added: Throughout this war, weve seen the UK demonstrate true leadership in arms, politics, and support for Ukrainian society. This has saved thousands of lives, reflecting the strength of the UK. Unfortunately, the situation has slowed down recently. We will discuss how to fix this because long-range capabilities are vital for us. The whole world sees how effective Ukrainians are how our entire nation defends its independence. A Government spokesperson said the Prime Minister has been clear that UKs support for Ukraine is unwavering. They said: That is why he committed to 3 billion a year of support to Ukraine, for as long as it takes, within his first week in office. Further lethal aid was also accelerated to Kyiv within hours of this Government being elected, bolstering the 12 billion of UK support already pledged, and ensuring the vital military equipment reaches Ukrainian soldiers on the front line. The new package of lethal aid for Ukraine includes a quarter of a million of 50-calibre ammunition, 90 anti-armour Brimstone missiles, 50 small military boats, 40 de-mining vehicles, and 10 AS-90 artillery guns. Ukrainian forces have also received 61 bulldozers and support for previously gifted AS-90s, from the UK. USAA CEO and President Wayne Peacock plans to retire in 2025. Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer Longtime USAA executive Wayne Peacock is retiring as president and CEO amid a major leadership shake-up at the San Antonio-based insurance and financial services giant. The first chief executive without a military background to lead the company, Peacock told employees Monday that he plans to retire in the first half of 2025 after a new CEO is selected. His exit comes amid changes to USAAs leadership after the recent and impending departures of other top executives. Peacock, 65, has worked for USAA for 36 years in positions across the companys business lines. He led strategy, marketing, member service, technology, shared services and corporate real estate and served as president of the companys property and casualty insurance group before taking the reins as CEO in 2020, when he replaced retiring President and CEO Stuart Parker. Advertisement Article continues below this ad FROM 2019: USAA names Wayne Peacock to replace Stuart Parker as CEO In his email to employees, Peacock said he and his wife, Ginny, had talked about the CEO role being a three- to five-year assignment and have now decided its time to take the next step forward. This moment is one of reflection for me, he wrote. As I studied all those who came before me, I understood clearly the power of USAAs legacy. I felt the enormity of the challenge to sustain it, as well as build on it in a way that our founders, members and teammates would be proud. In separate statements, the company and Peacock highlighted his navigation of the pandemic, increasing pay and benefits for USAAs roughly 37,000 workers, founding a philanthropic effort called Face the Fight to end veteran suicide, developing new technologies and expanding the companys membership by nearly a million people. USAA also said it has returned about $2 billion in distributions, dividends, and bank rebates and rewards to members annually during Peacocks tenure. I stand proud of all weve accomplished together, Peacock told employees. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lawsuits, loss, bank troubles But USAA has also seen turmoil under Peacocks command. In 2022, it posted its first loss since 1923, the year after the company was founded, as inflation pushed up the cost to repair and replace cars, more drivers returned to the roads after the pandemic, investment returns declined and natural disasters increased claims. USAA reported a loss of $1.3 billion in 2022, down from a profit of $3.3 billion in 2021 and $3.9 billion in 2020. It returned to profitability in 2023 with a profit of $1.2 billion. USAAs net worth assets minus liabilities was $29.1 billion, up from $27.4 billion in 2022 but down from $40.1 billion in 2021 and $40 billion in 2020. Executives consider net worth a measure of the companys financial strength. USAA Federal Savings Bank has had its share of troubles. It lost hundreds of millions of dollars in three of the past four years, which it has blamed on declining loan volume, soaring deposits and record-low interest rates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The bank has also come under regulatory scrutiny in recent years. In 2022, it agreed to pay $140 million in fines for failing to make timely reports of thousands of suspicious transactions by its customers. The bank admitted to violating federal law, which requires financial institutions to be vigilant for signs that depositors might be laundering crime proceeds, financing terrorism or committing other misdeeds. This month, the bank agreed to pay about $64.2 million to settle a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging it wrongfully imposed fees on military members and veterans for products that were useless or not requested. USAA strongly disagreed with the allegations. The bank also has made some positive changes for members under Peacock. Last year, it eliminated the ATM usage fees it charged members expanding its network of surcharge-free ATMS to more than 100,000 locations around the country. It also began providing access to paychecks up to two days earlier to members who have them directly deposited into a USAA account. Advertisement Article continues below this ad USAA is one of San Antonios biggest employers, with about 19,000 workers based in the area. It has laid off at least 1,200 employees over the past two years in several rounds of cuts, decisions it has attributed to changing business needs, a sluggish national housing market and a slowing global economy. It has hired more than 8,100 people this year, a company spokesperson said. Leadership changes Peacocks announcement comes amid several other changes in USAAs top ranks. Chief Risk Officer Neeraj Singh is leaving the the company this week, and Executive Vice President and Chief Audit Executive Gilbert Gitiche exited earlier this summer. The company spokesperson said USAA is grateful for their work but did not provide reasons for their departures. Singh became USAAs chief risk officer in 2021 after working in the same role for U.S. consumer banking and head of global consumer risk modeling at Citigroup. George Stamatelatos, senior vice president of enterprise risk management, will serve as USAAs chief risk officer while the company conducts a search for Singhs successor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gitiche joined USAA in 2020 from mortgage giant Freddie Mac, where he was chief audit executive. Chief Financial Officer Jeff Wallace replaced Gitiche in July, and Brett Seybold took Wallaces role after working as senior vice president and senior financial officer for USAAs property and casualty business. Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer Jason Witty left USAA in May. Hed joined the company in 2022 after working as chief information officer of cybersecurity and technology controls and global chief information security officer at J.P. Morgan Chase. Hes now executive vice president and chief information security officer at Fidelity Investments, according to his LinkedIn profile. Wittys new job allowed him to be closer to his family and provided him with career growth, the USAA spokesperson said. Witty was replaced as chief security officer by Jeff Kennedy, who previously was USAAs chief privacy officer and head of business continuity. The head of USAA Federal Savings Bank departed this spring as well. President Paul Vincent left the bank in May after working there for about 10 years. USAA did not offer any reasons for his exit. Vincent, Gitiche and Singh were part of USAAs executive council. Leadership change is a part of every large, dynamic organization. Each situation is unique, as individuals gain other opportunities and as USAA adapts, which at times means adding different talent to meet the evolving needs of our membership, the company spokesperson said. A trampoline park where a 10-year-old child became fatally unwell has offered condolences to the grieving family and said it was profoundly saddened. Emergency services were called to Flip Out in Southcroft Road, Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, on Sunday morning. The 10-year-old boy was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow but later died. Police said the death was being treated as unexplained but was not thought to be suspicious. The trampoline park pledged to co-operate with the police investigation. Flip Out Glasgow posted on Facebook: Yesterday morning, a 10-year-old child became unwell at Flip Out Glasgow just after 9am. Emergency services were promptly contacted and the child was taken to the Royal Hospital for Children, where, sadly, they were later pronounced dead. The Health and Safety Executive have been informed and at this time there are no indications of suspicious circumstances. We are fully co-operating with Police Scotland in their investigations. We are profoundly saddened by this tragic event and our deepest sympathies go out to the childs family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Inquiries are ongoing after a child took unwell at a premises in Southcroft Road, Rutherglen shortly before 11am on Sunday August 18. The child, a ten year-old boy, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hospital for Children where he was pronounced dead. The childs death is being treated as unexplained, although there are not thought be any suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal. The relevant authorities have also been notified. A South Lanarkshire Council spokesperson said: Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the child following this tragedy. The council will be providing any support required by fellow pupils and others at his school. We are also involved as the relevant health and safety enforcing authority, but any further comments regarding the incident should be sought from Police Scotland. Outgoing Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Doug Beattie always sought to act in the best interests of Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State has said. Mr Beattie quit on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences with party officers. Senior political figures have paid tribute to his leadership and constructive approach to relations with other parties. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn thanked Mr Beattie for his commendable leadership. I wish to thank @BeattieDoug for the commendable leadership he has demonstrated over the past few years. It is clear that he has always sought to act in NI's best interests and I know he will continue to do so. I look forward to working closely with his successor. Hilary Benn (@hilarybennmp) August 19, 2024 In a statement, Mr Benn said: It is clear that he has always sought to act in NIs best interests and I know he will continue to do so. I look forward to working closely with his successor. DUP leader Gavin Robinson said that while he differed from Mr Beattie on tactics, there was no doubt that Doug is a committed Unionist. Mr Robinson criticised UUP electoral strategy and said divisions within unionism had handed seats to non-unionists. He added: Top of my priorities for the new leader will be discussions about how we maximise the pro-Union vote in future elections. DUP leader Gavin Robinson (Liam McBurney/PA) Sinn Feins vice president Michelle ONeill said the party will take a constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP. Ms ONeill said: I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP. We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the Executive and institutions at the beginning of this year. The First Minister added: I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post. Sinn Fein will continue to work together with all parties in the Executive and Assembly to ensure we deliver for all. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said unionists must move forward, as she wished Mr Beattie well for the future. I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP. We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the executive and institutions at the beginning of this Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) August 19, 2024 The DUP MLA for Lagan Valley said: Unionism moves forward into a new chapter, one in which we must seize the opportunity to secure and strengthen our Union, together. UUP MLA and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the announcement came as a shock, adding: Ive been very supportive of him during the years, and Im very sorry to see him step down. Mr Nesbitt, who is also a former UUP leader, said the party faces a challenge in addressing internal matters. He told RTE radio he had not given the possibility of returning to leadership a milliseconds thought. Irish premier Simon Harris expressed well wishes to Mr Beattie. In a social media post, he said: I would like to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he steps down as UUP leader. Doug has been a responsible and constructive leader in Northern Ireland during times of great challenge in recent years. On a personal level, I have always found him to be engaging and decent. I would like to wish @BeattieDoug & his family well as he steps down as UUP leader. Doug has been a responsible and constructive leader in Northern Ireland during times of great challenge in recent years. On a personal level, I have always found him to be engaging & decent Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 19, 2024 Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said Mr Beattie led his party through numerous challenges. Mr Martin said: Ive always appreciated his emphasis on making politics work & the constructive relationship we built. I know he will continue to lead by example whatever the future holds. A strong relationship between this government and political leaders in Northern Ireland is vital I look forward to building the same ties with Dougs successor. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood paid tribute to Mr Beatties dedication to serving the people of Northern Ireland. In the past three years @BeattieDoug has led his party through numerous challenges. Ive always appreciated his emphasis on making politics work & the constructive relationship we built. I know he will continue to lead by example whatever the future holds. (1/2) Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 19, 2024 He said: Doug and I have different politics but Ive always admired his candour and commitment to working together in the interests of the people we represent. I know this wont be the end of his political contribution but hope he enjoys some more time to spend with his loving family. Alliance leader Naomi Long wished Mr Beattie well for the future, and deputy leader Dr Stephen Farry added: He will no doubt continue to make a significant contribution to politics and public life. Irelands former deputy premier Simon Coveney said he was sorry to see Mr Beattie step down. Mr Coveney, who was Irish foreign affairs minister during Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU, said: I always found Doug to be fair, tough when needed, reasonable and positive. Of course we didnt agree on everything, but Doug was someone I trusted and respected as a strong unionist leader. Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock 5 Steps to Hiring an In-Home Caregiver for a Loved One Most seniors wish to age in place for as long as possible, but many require additional support to do so. Finding the best in-home care starts by understanding your loved ones care needs and budget. From there, you can either hire an in-home caregiver directly or through an agency. Meet with and interview your options to find the best fit for your loved one, then create a contract and develop a care plan. As you go, regularly evaluate whether your loved ones needs are still being met, and communicate with your care provider to make any necessary adjustments. DepositPhotos.com Key Takeaways The first step to hiring an in-home caregiver is to identify your loved ones needs, which can help you determine a budget and choose the right in-home caregiver. In-home caregivers usually work for either an agency or are independent, which often impacts the hiring process, caregiver management, and cost. Using a home care agency may reduce your liability because agencies are typically regulated and required to be licensed and insured. Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock 1. Determine your loved ones needs and budget The first step in hiring an in-home caregiver is knowing what youre looking for. Take stock of your loved ones daily needs and make a detailed list of the tasks they require help with. The more specific your list is, the easier it will be to find home care that checks all the boxes. Knowing your loved ones needs will also help you estimate how much in-home care will cost, which is typically charged by the hour. While rates vary from state to state, the national median cost for an in-home caregiver is $30 per hour. Home care offers opportunities for personalization, explains Lori Eberly, a consultant for A Place for Mom and former owner-operator of a home care franchise. From part-time companionship to 24/7 assistance, in-home care aides provide different services based on each familys unique needs. To help determine your loved ones care needs, consider the following questions: Does your relative need help with activities of daily living (ADLs)? If so, which ones? Needing assistance with ADLs is a major sign its time for home care. Some seniors whove chosen to age in place only require help with a few daily activities, like dressing, bathing, and meal prep. Others may need full-time assistance using the restroom, eating, and drinking. Do they need transportation? If your aging parent cant drive, they may require help getting to and from doctors appointments, family visits, events, and activities. Can your loved one move independently? If they have impaired mobility, your relative will need a caregiver who can safely assist with transfers and manage mobility aids. Do they need housekeeping? If so, which tasks should be completed? Does your aging loved one just want help with basic tasks, like laundry, or are they looking for an aide who will perform all household chores? Take special note of all housekeeping preferences and needs. Does your aging parent have pets to care for? Its important to notify home care aides and agencies about pets, due to possible allergies and phobias. You should also clarify your expectations for pet care. Do they need companionship? If your aging relative is independent but experiencing loneliness or isolation, home care can be a way to increase social interaction. If their primary need is companionship, include your loved one when interviewing potential care providers. Do they need medical care? Home care aides generally dont have nursing degrees and arent able to provide injections, wound care, or other medical assistance. If your loved one has a chronic condition or requires medical care, look into home health care instead of home care. Inside Creative House / iStock 2. Decide if you want to hire an in-home caregiver directly or through an agency There are two ways families hire an in-home caregiver through a home care agency or privately through independent caregivers. Agencies simplify the process by taking care of the hiring and administrative tasks such as payroll and scheduling. Families who hire a private caregiver act as the caregivers employer and are responsible for all hiring and management tasks. monkeybusinessimages / iStock Hiring a caregiver through a home care agency When choosing a home care agency, its important to leverage your local network of trusted sources, friends, and family for referrals. Additionally, A Place for Moms Senior Living Advisors can provide you with a list of local agencies that fit your loved ones budget and care needs. You can then speak with home care agency representatives to learn more about their services, procedures, and availability. PeopleImages / iStock Hiring an independent caregiver Independent caregivers work independently from a home care agency. Families often find these caregivers through personal connections, staffing services, and private registries. Hiring an independent caregiver may give you more control over personality and schedule, but it can also add an extra level of responsibility and present some risk and liability. Deposit Photos Writing a job description for hiring a private caregiver Agencies take care of all caregiver hiring tasks, but if your family decides to hire a private caregiver, writing a job description will help you communicate what youre looking for in a caregiver. Consider including the following topics and requirements in your job description: Certification and licenses. Would you like a caregiver to be a certified nursing assistant, have a homemaker certification, CPR certification, etc.? Experience. Do you prefer an in-home caregiver who has five, 10, or even more years of experience in home care? Do they need experience in certain forms of care, e.g., mobility assistance or dementia care? Housekeeping. What tasks need to be completed? If meal preparation is requested, what types of food can they cook? Mobility assistance. Can the caregiver provide mobility assistance? Vehicle operation. Will the caregiver be using their car or yours? Will you provide mileage reimbursement? Wages. How much are you willing to pay? Work schedule. Do you have specific hours or times of day that the caregiver is required to be present? You may want to consult a local attorney as you draft your job description to learn more about legal requirements, rules, and local or state laws. insta_photos / iStock 3. Interview or meet with providers and compare If your family has chosen to hire a caregiver through an agency, you will likely meet with a director or care coordinator who will gather information about your loved one. This may include an assessment of your loved ones needs and their living situation to help in matching them with a caregiver. The process for hiring an independent caregiver differs, as the family is responsible for leading interviews and comparing caregivers to find a good match. This may include verifying the caregivers experience, certifications, and availability. The family will also be responsible for checking references and doing a background check. insta_photos/iStock Interview questions for hiring an independent caregiver Before interviewing, its a good idea to speak to an attorney to understand laws and regulations related to fair hiring practices. The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) recommends asking these specific questions when interviewing an independent caregiver: Why are you interested in this position? Can you tell me a little about yourself? Where have you worked before? What were your duties? What is your favorite kind of client? Are there any people you feel uncomfortable working with? Is there anything in the job description that you are uncomfortable doing? How do you deal with someone living with memory problems? Give an example. Describe your experience making meals for other people. How do you handle people who are angry, stubborn, and/or fearful? Do you have a car? Would you prefer to drive your own car or our car while transporting? Ill need to see proof of insurance and a current drivers license. What is your experience transferring someone out of bed or a chair and into a wheelchair? What is your availability? Days? Hours? In addition, you should request the following items from a potential caregiver: Two work-related references and one personal reference to contact Drivers license and/or a work visa documenting the caregiver can legally work Proof of licensing or certifications Personal information for a background check Signed waiver allowing you to perform a background check Depositphotos 4. Write a contract for in-home care This step will vary based on your choice to work with a home care agency or an independent caregiver. The process is usually more involved for those who have chosen an independent caregiver, as you may need to prepare your own contract. Halfpoint / iStock Home care agency contracts Agencies will most likely have a standard contract and other documents for you to fill out and sign prior to starting service. Make sure to read all documents in their entirety. You may want to have a lawyer review these documents for you prior to signing. Depositphotos Independent caregiver contracts The independent caregiver may have pre-written contracts of their own. Read over these contracts carefully or consult a lawyer before signing. If the independent caregiver does not have a template contract, you may have to create one. A home care contract should typically include the following information: A thorough description of job duties agreed upon by both parties Full names of the caregiver, care receiver, and employer Contact information of the caregiver Wage information, including hourly rates, holidays, sick days, and insurance Reimbursement policies for mileage, groceries, etc. Expectations for behavior, such as smoking, being on time, etc. Paperwork requirements, like daily updates, medication logs, and other reports A thorough description of any grounds for termination and severance information Dated signatures from all parties The contract formalizes your agreement and defines both parties obligations. It should be signed by both you and the caregiver, and it should be notarized. If disputes arise, the contract can offer potential solutions which may save you from having to go to court. If youre unsure about creating a contract yourself, consider hiring a local attorney to draft a contract. Legal experts may be able to provide specific suggestions to protect yourself and your loved one. Families should also consider consulting with an accountant to learn about the tax procedures when hiring and paying an independent caregiver. Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock 5. Create a care plan A care plan summarizes a persons specific care needs and highlights their current services. It can help organize and prioritize caregiving activities and create clear expectations between the caregiver, the care recipient and their family. In many states, home care agencies are required to create a care plan, which may take place during the first meeting. The agency will provide all the necessary care plan documents and many will write care plans in partnership with the client and their families. Care plan requirements differ for independent caregivers depending on where your loved one lives. As the caregivers employer, you will be responsible for providing all necessary care plan documents. Consulting with a lawyer will help to ensure you have the correct documents. Whether youre using an agency or an independent caregiver, a care plan should at minimum include the following information: Schedule Caregiver duties and expectations All health conditions the client may have Clients medications, dosages, and how often they are taken ADL support needs Home chores to be completed, if relevant Information about the senior, such as preferences, likes, and hobbies Contact information for health care providers and family members Emergency contacts Communication and trust between families and caregivers are essential to building a strong relationship. A care plan should clearly outline when and how updates will be communicated with the family and their loved one. Its also important to make sure the care plan is updated annually or more frequently, if your loved one needs changes. Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock 6. Start care, evaluate, and adapt as needed If your family chooses to use a home care agency, its important to maintain regular communication with the caregivers and the agency. This is an important step because it helps ensure that everyone involved is on the same page. It will also help to maintain organization and keep everyone informed of any changes that may have occurred with your loved one. Families who hire an independent caregiver will begin by orienting and training the caregiver. It is important to keep in mind that hiring a private caregiver makes you their employer. Regular communication is essential to ensure expectations are clear and any questions are addressed. This article originally appeared on APlaceforMom.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org. monkeybusinessimages / iStock More from MediaFeed The Democratic National Convention is about to get underway Monday after a whirlwind month in which the party rallied around Vice President Harris as the presumptive presidential nominee. Its a convention few were expecting a month ago, when President Biden was the expected nominee. Since then, Biden has dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris. The party and Democratic voters have seemed to swing overwhelmingly behind Harris since she stepped up to replace Biden. Now eyes will be on Chicago to see if the Democratic convention can help spur on her momentum. Here are five things to watch. How disruptive are the protests? Some level of protest activity is typical for the parties nominating conventions, as they often attract those most passionate in favor and opposed to a party or specific candidate. But more attention than normal has been paid to potential protest activity throughout the convention amid a split in the party over the Israel-Hamas war and the Biden administrations handling of the conflict. The split was most prominently on display through a protest vote that occurred during the Democratic primaries. Although Biden did not have serious competition for the nomination, some Democratic voters rallied around an effort to vote for an uncommitted option in protest of Bidens support for Israel. Harris may have an easier time distancing herself from Bidens record and entrenched feelings about his handling of the conflict, but she also has faced pressure from pro-Palestinian protesters in the weeks since she entered the race. A few protests have already been scheduled throughout the week, some near the United Center, where the convention will take place. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other Democratic officials have expressed confidence that the party will be able to have an orderly convention and respect peoples right to protest. Hanging over the event is the chaos of the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago, when anti-Vietnam War protesters were beaten by police. Democrats went on to lose that presidential election, when then-President Johnson dropped out of the race and his vice president, Hubert Humphrey, became the Democratic nominee. How does Harris do? Harris has quickly coalesced Democratic support behind her candidacy. Just more than one day after launching her bid, enough delegates had publicly declared their support to make her the likely nominee. Other Democrats who might have been rivals, along with top party leaders, backed her as the nominee. Harriss rise has been quite impressive for a vice president who at one time was viewed as a possible drag on the ticket because of her formerly poor approval ratings. Her address accepting the presidential nomination scheduled for Thursday will be the pinnacle of the nominating process that began months ago. It will also serve as an opportunity to share her vision with a national audience. Over the past few weeks, Harris has spoken to sold-out crowds across the country. Thursdays address, and the convention in its entirety, is an opportunity for her to get her message out to an even larger audience at a time when the political spotlight will be fully on her. Do Democrats stay on script? The exact speaking schedule for the convention has yet to be released, but most major party leaders are expected to appear. Biden is set to help kick off the convention with a speech Monday night, while former President Obama, former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are also expected to speak. Vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, is expected to formally accept his nomination in a speech Wednesday, and Harris will address the convention Thursday. These types of speeches are almost always planned down to the word in advance, allowing speakers to stay on script and message when all eyes are on them. But that doesnt stop them from ad-libbing in the moment, either on their own accord or in response to a chant from the crowd. Those moments could provide huge sparks for Harris, though they can also be dangerous. The speakers at the convention will almost certainly have some zingers designed to go after former President Trump and Republicans and declare their position on certain issues. But a spontaneous moment might also prove memorable and carry beyond the convention. How do the speakers address the Israel-Hamas war? Harris has a bit of distance from Biden on the war as she was not the one making decisions on aid and weaponry. But that doesnt mean she is entirely out of the woods with disgruntled Democrats who want policy shifts on Israel. Members of the Uncommitted National Movement have expressed hope that Harriss candidacy could signal that shift. She said at a rally in Arizona this month that now is the time for a deal that frees the hostages held in Gaza and achieves a cease-fire. But groups like the Abandon Biden Campaign have said they see Bidens and Harriss policies as essentially the same. The convention could be an opportunity to bring these Democrats back into the fold. Democrats hoped to do that in 2016 after a fierce primary between Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) exposed rifts in the party, but those tensions lingered through November. Addressing the war in a way that does not alienate Democrats on either side could be key to ensuring the party stays unified. Are there any big surprises? Nominating conventions are among the most well-choreographed events in politics, with every speech and the roll-call nomination vote planned in great detail. But that doesnt mean unexpected developments never happen. Protests are scheduled for outside and arent supposed to get into the arena, but some could find their way into the United Center. A handful of uncommitted delegates will be present at the convention, and they could create waves over the war. On the other side of the spectrum, a surprise appearance from an unannounced guest could spark further enthusiasm among attendees and supporters watching at home. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we believe in. Pricing and availability are subject to change. 7 flattering dresses to take you from summer to fall all under $50 Summer is winding down and although the temps haven't dropped just yet, our eyes can't help but drift to our fall wardrobes. That's why we love a dress that takes us right through these summer days into the fall, seamlessly transitioning from a summer frock to a fall fashion staple. Right now, Amazon has a plethora of flattering fits for all sizes that will meet any of your outfit needs. From short and sleeveless to a midi-length sweater dress, we've rounded up seven of our favorite looks to take us through to fall. BTFBM BTFBM Halter Neck Sleeveless We'll admit this one feels more like a summer dress, but the crochet detailing at the top was too pretty to pass up. The tiered a-line shape makes it flattering (and comfortable!) for all sizes. Plus, with a jean jacket or cardigan, this dress can easily transition to fall. $31 at Amazon BTFBM BTFBM Women Boho Swiss Maxi Dress We love this option for wedding guest dresses with the soft dot texture. The puff sleeve and ruffle bottom detail give it a feminine and delicate finish that makes it just fancy enough for a party. $20 at Amazon Angashion Angashion Long Sleeve Crewneck Dress Available in four shades, this long-sleeve, ruffled hem maxi dress has an empire silhouette that flatters all types of figures. Available in sizes S-XL. $14 at Amazon Dokotoo Dokotoo Long Sleeve Eyelet Dress At 100% cotton, this long-sleeve eyelet dress comes in this stunning shade of blue plus five equally fun colors with a fun ruffle sleeve and comfortable length. Bonus: It's 100% machine washable. $42 at Amazon Yousify Yousify V-Neck Striped Ribbed Dress An easy fit made of soft, breathable fabrics, this v-neck ribbed knit dress is suitable for all seasons. The modest fit and fun color block stripe give it a casual vibe while still looking polished. $28 at Amazon BTFBM BTFBM Flowy Tiered A-Line Midi Dress If you're looking for a more tailored look, it's recommended to go down a size in this tiered midi dress. It has a modest v-neck and cap sleeves and is made of lightweight material that won't be too clingy. $50 at Amazon Kevin Dietsch // Getty Images When will we see an emotional support pig on an airplane again? When pigs fly, according to the policies of major airlines ever since the Department of Transportation declassified emotional support animals as service animals. The change, issued on Dec. 2, 2020, limited the definition of a service animal to dogs specially trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability. This removed the requirement for airlines to permit animals aboard that were pre-registered as ESAs, holding them instead to the same policies, restrictions, and fees as other pets. In years past, claims of emotional support horses, monkeys, and ducks seemed to undermine the legitimacy of ESAs in the eyes of the public, leading more than 20 states to enact new laws in an effort to curb passing off emotional support animals as service dogs by 2019. Airlines followed suit, leaving pet owners contemplating travel to wonder, "What now?" To analyze which major airlines are the most ESA-friendly, Pettable reviewed and compared the major airlines' policies regarding pet travel in the cabin. Major airlines are defined as those with the highest passenger-mile volume over the past year, per the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Despite the skepticism, ESAs are thought to be life-changing for their owners. Pet owners display lower blood pressure in high-stress situations, are less likely to be depressed, and even live longer. In a first-of-its-kind longitudinal study published in 2022, Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach and her colleagues at the University of Toledo found that the 11 participantsall of whom dealt with serious mental health issues such as PTSD and bipolar disorderreported improvements in their levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness after a year with ESAs. Benefits aside, the DOT's guidelines continue to be in effect, making it challenging for ESA owners to fly. Pet parents should make travel arrangements early and confirm the space for their pets, as most only take a certain number of pet carriers on a first-come, first-served basis. Major airlines differ in which types of pets are allowed aboard. Kennel sizes also vary, which may limit ESAs that can fly in the cabin. To help guide travel decisions, here's a breakdown of policies among major airlines. Tsuguliev // Shutterstock United Airlines United Airlines considers emotional support and therapy animals to be pets, offering no additional accommodations for ESAs from its pet policy. The airline allows cats and dogs that can fit in a carrier that slides under a cabin seat and up to two pets per passenger at $150 each way. However, a second pet requires purchasing another seat on the flight beside yours so owners can care for both pets simultaneously. United also does not allow pets to fly to, from, and even through some countries and states, like the United Kingdom or Hawaii. There are even some cases where you could bring pets to a country but not on the way back, such as a trip from Guam to Tokyo. It's important to ensure your destination allows pets so no one gets stranded. Pets must stay in their carrier under the seat ahead of you throughout the entire flight. Unlike other airlines, United does not have breed restrictions for brachycephalicshort-nosed cats and dogswhich face more health risks during air travel. ESAs that do not meet the cabin's size restrictions are out of luck as well since United restricted its PetSafe cargo program to fliers traveling as active-duty military or with the State Department. nadisja // Shutterstock American Airlines American Airlines allows emotional support cats and dogs to travel as standard pets in the cabin. Pets in the cabin must stay in their carriers, with a maximum size of 18" x 11" x 11", if soft-sided, and under the seat in front throughout the entire flight. Pets are only allowed on flights that last up to 12 hours and from select locations. Like United, fees for carry-on pets have increased to $150 as of February 2024. American also allows one pet carrier to be considered a carry-on under its baggage fee policies as long as size, age, and destination requirements are met. Fur babies that exceed the airline's cabin size restrictions may be able to tag along via cargo depending on the destination if they are not brachycephalic. However, the airline only accepts checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and State Department Foreign Service personnel with official orders. Jeffrey Greenberg // Getty Images Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines also considers ESAs to be pets, but the airline has a more inclusive definition of allowable pets compared to other major airlines. While it may seem redundant to put a bird on a plane, those with emotional support birds can fly with their feathered friend in the Delta cabin on domestic U.S. flights. The airline also permits small cats and dogs. Carry-on pet fees are $95 one-way for U.S. and Canada destinations. International destinations go up to $200, though Brazil is only $75. However, each passenger is only allowed one pet carrier. Delta also limits which cabin or seats these carry-on pets occupy, so owners may have to say goodbye to some of their own creature comforts. No pets are allowed in cabins with flat-bed seats, international business class, international Delta One, or Delta Premium Select. Carry-on pets must be in soft-sided kennels with a maximum size of 18" x 11" x 11" and be stowed under the seat in front of you. Pets must stay in their kennels with the door closed throughout the flight. Masarik // Shutterstock Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines considers ESAs to be pets, offering no additional accommodations. The airline's pet policy permits small, vaccinated cats and dogs in the cabin if they stay in their approved carriers throughout the entire flight under the cabin seat in front of you and do not exhibit disruptive behavior. Pet fares for mainland U.S. flights are $125 per way and no pets are allowed on international flights. Southwest considers carriers a carry-on or personal item. The maximum kennel size allowed in the cabin is 18.5" x 13.5" x 9.5". The airline does not offer cargo services for animals, so those exceeding the cabin's size restrictions must fly elsewhere. yar-andy // Shutterstock Alaska Airlines Emotional support rabbits can hop aboard Alaska Airlines to join their dog, cat, and household bird counterparts as pets under the airline's policiesthe most flexible policy among those reviewed. However, only cats and dogs may travel to Hawaii and international destinations. Small pet fees are $100 each way. Alaska allows two pet carriers in the cabin but requires a second ticket purchase for a seat beside its owners. While the airline does require that animals stay in their carrier throughout the entire flight, they only have to be stowed under a seat during takeoff and landing. The maximum allowable pet carrier size, if soft-sided, is 17" x 11" x 9.5". The airline also allows other rodents, reptiles, tropical fishand indeed, even pigsto fly, albeit in the cargo hold for $150. They shouldn't be brachycephalic and must have a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass and Elisa Huang. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Pettable and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Amazon is facing complaints about noise from its delivery drones in College Station, Texas. JOSEPH PREZIOSO/Getty Images Amazon faces pushback from residents in Texas, where it's testing its delivery drone program. Residents are complaining about the level of noise as Amazon seeks to expand the project. Amazon's Prime Air drone program wants to increase flights in the area from 200 to 469 a day. Amazon's delivery drone robots once seemed like a futuristic joke. But now, as the company seeks federal approval to expand its drone program, it's facing a fundamental challenge: They're too loud. Drones are generally loud machinery. Anyone who has tried to relax on a beach while someone flies their drone can relate. Australians have for years complained about the noise level from Alphabet-owned drones used by Wing, a food delivery service in the area. And even locals in Nepal say the drones Sherpas plan to start using to clean up trash from Mount Everest sound like "a swarm of bees." John Case, an orthodontist from College Station, Texas, where Amazon's delivery drone experiment is taking place, told CNBC that he recently encountered an Amazon delivery drone that "sounds like a giant hive of bees." "You know it's coming because it's pretty loud," Case said. Amazon is seeking approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to expand its drone delivery operation beyond College Station into Tolleson, Arizona, according to CNBC. College Station's city manager, Bryan Woods, ran tests on one Amazon drone and found it emitted noise in the range of 47 to 61 decibels, according to the report. Decibel levels of 40 to 65 are similar to a typical suburban area at night, a household refrigerator, or a business office, according to the decibel level comparison chart from Yale Environmental Health and Safety. In May, Amazon submitted a proposal to the administration to increase deliveries in College Station from 200 to 469 flights a day. Shortly after, College Station Mayor John Nichols wrote in a letter that residents were getting fed up with the noise. "Since locating in College Station, residents in neighborhoods adjacent to Prime Air's facility have expressed concern to the City Council regarding drone noise levels, particularly during take-off and landing, as well as in some delivery operations," Nichols wrote, according to CNBC. Amazon and Mayor Nichols did not immediately return Business Insider's request for comment. Amazon said in a statement to CNBC that it is "proud of the thousands of deliveries we've made and the hundreds of customers we deliver to" through its Prime Air drone program. "We appreciate the community of College Station and take local feedback into account wherever possible when making operational decisions for Prime Air," the statement said. Read the original article on Business Insider Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who announced support for Blinken's "bridging proposal" aimed at creating a cease-fire tied to the release of Hamas-held hostages and Israeli-held militants. Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying the prime minister was committed to "the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs." Blinken, speaking to reporters in Tel Aviv, said negotations were at a "decisive moment" and urged Hamas to accept the proposal. "The next important step is for Hamas to say yes," Blinken said. "And then, in the coming days, for all of the expert negotiators to get together to work on clear understandings on implementing the agreement." The meeting, however, came hours after Hamas dismissed the plan as little more than a reflection of Netanyahu's demands. Months of sporadic talks have hit roadblocks over Israel demanding Hamas be destroyed as a military and political force and Hamas demanding a permanent cease-fire rather than a temporary one. Another major issue is Netanyahus demand, rejected by Hamas, that the Israeli military remain deployed along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza. The deployment was not part of Israel's May proposal that has been the baseline for negotiations since. Blinken was undeterred by the apparent obstacles that remain. "These are still complex issues, and theyre going to require hard decisions by the leaders," he said. "There is, I think, a real sense of urgency here, across the region, on the need to get this over the finish line and to do it as soon as possible." Hamas rejects proposed cease-fire plan: Had drawn hope that a deal was near Developments: The Scottish government said Monday it won't normalize relations with Israel until its government provides unimpeded access to humanitarian aid in Gaza and "cooperates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes." The main U.N. agency in Gaza, UNRWA, said 207 of its staff had been killed since the war began. "They were engineers, teachers, medical staff. They were humanitarian workers," UNRWA said in a statement. Israeli airstrikes in Nuseirat camp and in Khan Younis in southern and central Gaza Strip killed at least six Palestinians and wounded 15, the Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stands with Israeli President Isaac Herzog ahead of their meeting in Tel Aviv on Aug. 19, 2024. Families of hostages press for deal Blinken met with families of Israeli hostages, who have been putting extensive pressure on Netanyahu to cut a deal. Ayelet Levy-Shachar, whose 20-year-old daughter, Naama, is among those held, pleaded on Isreali Kan Radio for the government not to "sacrifice my daughter and the dozens of helpless hostages." Inside Gaza, some Palestinians expressed little optimism that Blinken's visit would bring a cease-fire. "They are lying just to destroy us more and more," said Hanan Abu Hamid, who was displaced from her home in Rafah. "Kill us and kill our children, starve us and make us homeless. Blinken is useless, his visit will harm the Palestinian people." News from abroad, made sense for you. Sign up for USA TODAY's Israel-Hamas War newsletter. Israeli officer killed in friendly fire missile strike An Israeli officer was killed and six soldiers wounded by an errant missile during an Israeli airstrike Monday, the military said. Shahar Ben Nun, 21, who led a paratroopers brigades reconnaissance unit, was promoted from the rank of sergeant to lieutenant after his death. Nun was from Petah Tikva, a city of almost 250,000 a few miles outside of Tel Aviv. Three soldiers were moderately wounded and three others were described as "lightly" wounded, the military said. The statement said Air Force F-15 fighter jets were striking several targets in the Khan Younis area when one of the missiles failed to glide to the intended target, instead striking a multi-story building where the paratroopers were stationed. Hamas says it was behind Tel Aviv explosion Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsiblity Monday for a suicide bombing Sunday in Tel Aviv that killed the bomber and wounded an Israeli passerby. The Brigades issues a statement saying "martyrdom operations ... will return to the forefront as long as the occupation massacres" civilians and continues its policy of assassinating Hamas leaders. The statement said the bombing was an joint operation with another militant group, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Israeli police said the bomber was walking down a street when his backpack exploded. The Israeli security agency Shin Bet said it was working to confirm the identity of the bomber, a man in his 50s. Some Israeli media outlets reported that he was believed to be a Palestinian from the West Bank. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel war updates: US urges Hamas to accept truce plan By Humeyra Pamuk and Nidal al-Mughrabi JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Monday that the latest push for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was probably the best and possibly last opportunity, urging Israel and Hamas towards an elusive agreement. However, with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas announcing a resumption of suicide bombing inside Israel after many years, and with Israeli airstrikes still pounding Gaza, there was little sign of conciliation. Hamas and another militant group, Islamic Jihad, said they were behind a blast near a synagogue in Tel Aviv on Sunday that killed the bomber and wounded one other person. Suicide bombings "will return to the forefront" while the Gaza war continues, Hamas said in a statement. The talks in Qatar last week paused without a breakthrough, but the negotiations are to resume this week based on a U.S. "bridging proposal". Blinken met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday morning. "This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," Blinken told reporters before meeting Herzog. Netanyahu's office said the prime minister "reiterated Israel's commitment to the latest American proposal regarding the release of our hostages - taking into account Israel's security needs". Months of on-off talks have circled the same issues, with Israel saying the war can only end with the destruction of Hamas as a military and political force and Hamas saying it will only accept a permanent, and not a temporary, ceasefire. There are disagreements over Israel's continued military presence inside Gaza, particularly along the border with Egypt, over the free movement of Palestinians inside the territory, and over the identity and number of prisoners to be freed in a swap. Despite U.S. expressions of optimism, both Israel and Hamas have signalled that a deal will be difficult. Hamas accused Netanyahu on Sunday of "thwarting the mediators efforts" and Turkey said Hamas envoys had told it that U.S. officials were "painting an overly optimistic picture". Netanyahu told Israel's cabinet on Sunday that "we are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give", his office said. However, a U.S. official, asked if Hamas' comments amounted to a rejection of the deal, said Washington believed the bridging proposal it outlined last week addressed various concerns and would iron out difficult implementation aspects. Egyptian security sources said further ceasefire talks in Cairo this week were contingent on agreement over a security mechanism for the so-called Philadelphi Corridor between Egypt and Gaza. The U.S. has proposed an international presence in the area, a suggestion that could be acceptable if it was limited to a maximum of six months, the sources said. REGION ON EDGE The current war in Gaza began on Oct. 7 last year when Hamas gunmen stormed across the border into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies. Israel's military campaign has since levelled swathes of Gaza, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing at least 40,000 people according to Palestinian health authorities. Blinken's visit comes as U.S. President Joe Biden faces mounting pressure over his stance on the conflict, with his Democratic party holding its national convention on Monday amid worries about Muslim and Arab-American votes in swing states. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri was dismissive of the chances that Blinken would press Netanyahu to accept a deal. "Blinken acts as if he was a minister in Netanyahu's government," Zuhri told Reuters. Families of Israeli hostages, who have staged protests urging a deal, spoke out again on Monday. "Don't sacrifice my daughter and the dozens of helpless hostages," said Ayelet Levy-Shachar on Kan Radio. Her daughter Naama, 20, was captured at an army base. Inside Gaza, Palestinians said they had little optimism that Blinken's visit would bring a ceasefire. "They are lying just to destroy us more and more. Kill us and kill our children, starve us and make us homeless. Blinken is useless, his visit will harm the Palestinian people," said Hanan Abu Hamid, who was displaced from her home in Rafah. The conflict has put the entire Middle East region on edge, triggering months of border clashes between Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, and threatening a wider escalation drawing in major powers. Blinken warned against any provocations. "It's also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process." Israel's military said there had been more Hezbollah drone strikes on the country's north near the frontier with Lebanon on Monday. Blinken is to meet Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant after meeting Netanyahu. In the latest Gaza fighting, Israeli military advances north of Khan Younis on Monday reached the coastal road, effectively cutting access between the city and areas to the north, residents said. They said fierce clashes could be heard. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Maytaal Angel in Jerusalem, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ahmed Mohamed Hassan in Cairo; Additional reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Writing by Angus McDowall and Alison Williams; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Conor Humphries) The solution is simpler than you may think. Food & Wine / Getty Images Ive tried all the old tricks to keep my tears at bay when cutting onions: sunglasses, swimming goggles, sticking out my tongue, running the sink faucet, and slicing them straight out of the fridge. But nothing seemed to really stop the sobfest until I invested in new, sharper knives. This is no coincidence. A sharp knife allows you to slice through an onion cleanly and efficiently, according to Henry Liu, founder and CEO of Cangshan Cutlery. Liu explains that when you use a dull knife, you end up crushing more of the onion, which releases more tear-inducing compounds. A sharp knife makes precise cuts, which keeps the onions juices contained and minimizes irritation, says Liu. Related: The Best Knives for Cutting Vegetables, According to Our Testing Why a sharp knife reduces tears A razor sharp blade will be minimally invasive on bruising the cell walls of the onions, which release the sulfuric acid [that causes tears], says Boston-based chef and restaurateur Jason Santos. Additionally, a sharp knife reduces the amount of time spent cutting, says Chelcea Dressler-Crowley, vice president of Messermeister. This means less time exposed to the onion gas and juices, and therefore a reduced likelihood of tears. Home chefs should invest in at least one quality chef knife for their kitchen. Santos says that the brand isnt as important as the chefs preferences. For example, he points to HexClad because the blades are ultra-thin. You can control your cuts with more precision, which will give you a more consistent product, he says. A sharp knife makes precise cuts, which keeps the onions juices contained and minimizes irritation. Henry Liu, founder and CEO of Cangshan Cutlery Regardless of the brand, the knife should always be razor sharp. In addition to preventing tears, its simply safer. There is nothing more dangerous in a kitchen than a dull knife, and I think you realize that fast and early on in your career, says Santos. When you use a sharp knife, youre able to exert less force, and thereby reduce the chance of slipping and cutting yourself, adds Liu. There are a couple handy ways to test how sharp your knife is. The first is the paper test, says Dressler-Crowley. Slowly pull the knife down the length of the paper until you cut through it, she says. If your cut is jagged and uneven, your knife is not sharp. If your knife makes a clean cut all the way down, then your knife is properly sharpened. Liu points to the tomato test as a practical way to test knife sharpness in the kitchen. Try cutting through a ripe tomato, he says. A sharp knife will glide through the skin effortlessly, while a dull one will struggle. How often to sharpen your knife There are two ways to maintain the sharpness of your knives: honing and sharpening. Think of honing as maintenance and aligning the blade, says Liu. Sharpening, meanwhile, actually restores the blades edge. Regular sharpening depends on how often a home cook uses their knives, but in general, you should aim to professionally sharpen your knives at least once a year, with regular honing in between, says Liu. Regular honing with a honing steel before each use helps maintain the edge between sharpenings. Related: How to Sharpen Your Kitchen Knives, According to a Knife Expert For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. EUs new protectionist move set to impede its green development 08:48, August 19, 2024 By Wang Cong and Chen Qingrui ( Global Times The EU continues to take protectionist actions against Chinese products, with biodiesel becoming the latest Chinese product targeted by the bloc in a move that will further escalate tension between China and the EU amid the dispute over the EU's additional tariffs against Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The EU's protectionist actions will not protect the bloc's businesses from normal market competition, but instead will undermine the competitiveness of EU industries and slow the bloc's transition toward green development, the experts noted. In the latest example of the EU's growing protectionism against China, the bloc imposed provisional anti-dumping tariffs of between 12.8 percent and 36.4 percent on Chinese biodiesel starting on Friday, according to media reports. China's exports of biodiesel to the EU have dropped sharply since mid-2023, with the volume in the first half of 2024 plunging 51 percent amid the EU's protectionist actions. The EU is one of the largest destinations for Chinese biodiesel exports, accounting for 90 percent of the total export volume in 2023, Reuters reported. This is just the latest example of the EU's growing protectionism against Chinese products and companies. The EU has announced so-called anti-subsidy tariffs of up to 37.6 percent against Chinese EVs after what Chinese officials and experts said was a discriminatory investigation into Chinese EVs. The EU has also targeted Chinese companies' involvement in some projects in EU member countries. Chinese officials have repeatedly criticized the EU's actions and Chinese industry groups have warned of grave consequences for bilateral economic and trade cooperation as well as the EU's plan to transition toward green development. Zhao Junjie, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of European Studies, said that the EU's latest actions against Chinese biodiesel is just another example of the bloc's growing protectionism. "The best way forward is cooperation," Zhao told the Global Times on Sunday, "however, the current political environment in the EU has become inward. The EU's protectionist actions, including the so-called anti-dumping investigations, are very unwise." Chinese officials have vowed to take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. As part of China's efforts to protect its rights and interests, the Ministry of Commerce earlier this month announced that it has initiated dispute settlement proceedings against the EU's provisional anti-subsidy measures against Chinese EVs at the WTO. The EU's protectionist moves against Chinese products and companies have already caused damage to trade in relevant industries. In the first half of 2024, Chinese EV exports to the EU plunged by 15 percent year-on-year to 221,000 units, according to Chinese official data. In June alone, EV exports fell below the level of 30,000 units, a decline of 31 percent year-on-year and the lowest in the year, the data showed. Negative impact Meanwhile, the EU's additional tariffs have caused significant uncertainty within the bloc. According to the latest data, the share of Chinese EVs among newly registered EVs in the EU reached 12.4 percent in June, compared with 10.4 percent a year earlier. Commenting on the data, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) said that the change most likely reflects fluctuations created by the EU's plan to impose additional tariffs on Chinese EVs. "The data highlights the nervousness and uncertainty in European markets caused by the EU's protectionist measures," the CCCEU said in a statement shared with the Global Times. The EU's protectionist actions against Chinese EV and biodiesel may led to declining exports to the EU in the short term, however, the moves will also have negative impacts on the EU's development, particularly its transition toward green development, experts said. "The EU's protectionist actions may be only targeted at certain Chinese products, but it will hurt more industries," Zhang Jian, a vice president at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times. "Chinese exports of biodiesel are in line with the EU's energy policies because the EU plans for its green transition are about cutting the consumption of fossil fuel. Biodiesel is conducive to the EU's green transition and its goals of cutting carbon emissions." In addition to the additional tariffs against Chinese products, the EU has become increasingly hostile toward Chinese investments. Under its so-called Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), Brussels has launched so-called investigations and even raids against Chinese companies, some of which led to Chinese companies to withdraw from projects in EU member countries. Since the beginning of this year, the EU has launched five investigations under the FSR into Chinese companies. In one of the striking examples, in March, Chinese train maker CRRC withdrew from a 610 million euro ($660 million) public tender for a Bulgarian railway project, after the EU launched an investigation into the bid under the FSR framework. The EU's moves have created great uncertainty for Chinese businesses operating in the EU and it will lead to a decline in Chinese investments, even as some EU member countries are seeking to attract Chinese investments, Chinese industry groups and experts have warned. On Friday, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products warned that EU members' backing of anti-subsidy measures targeting Chinese EV manufacturers will inevitably lead to a loss of investment in Europe. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Paul Stephen is a food writer for the Express-News. He can be reached at pstephen@express-news.net. He moved to San Antonio from North Carolina in 2017 to join the Express-News Taste team. In that time, hes cooked through about 1,000 recipes, noshed at more than 200 restaurants and seriously considered getting a map of the citys grocery stores tattooed on his arm for easy reference. He cannot be trusted around your cookbook collection. JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility on Monday for a bomb blast near a synagogue in Tel Aviv that Israeli police and the Shin Bet intelligence agency described as a terrorist attack. A man who was carrying the bomb was killed and a passerby was injured in the incident late on Sunday, according to police at the scene in Israel's commercial capital. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said the man was carrying a backpack loaded with explosives that detonated "before he managed to reach a more heavily populated area". In a joint statement, the two Palestinian militant groups said their "martyrdom operations" inside Israel would return to the forefront as long as the "occupation's massacres and assassination policy continue". This was an allusion to Israel's offensive in Gaza and the July 31 killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has neither claimed nor denied responsibility for Haniyeh's death in the Iranian capital. The war in Gaza began on Oct. 7 last year when Hamas gunmen stormed across the border into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies. Israel's military campaign has since levelled wide swathes of the Gaza Strip and killed at least 40,000 people, according to the enclave's health authorities. Sunday's explosion in Tel Aviv came about an hour after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to push for a ceasefire in Gaza to end the 10-month-old war between Israel and Hamas. There has been increased urgency to reach a ceasefire deal amid fears of an escalation across the wider region. Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel after the assassination of Haniyeh. (Reporting by Jana Choukeir in Dubai, Maytaal Angel and Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; editing by Sharon Singleton and Mark Heinrich) Ernesto picked up strength as a hurricane early Monday as it headed farther out in the Atlantic toward easternmost Canada, but the storm is expected to stay offshore, causing powerful swells, dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast, the National Hurricane Center said. Ernesto's maximum sustained winds increased Monday to near 90 mph (150 kph), with higher gusts, the hurricane center said. It is expected to weaken and become a post-tropical storm by Tuesday, the center said. The storm was centered about 375 miles (605 kilometers) east of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was expected to pass near southeastern Newfoundland late Monday and early Tuesday, the center said. Some coastal flooding in Canada was possible. People all along the Northeast's coast should remain careful, the center said. We would certainly encourage anyone going to beaches, really, anywhere along the U.S. East Coast to just pay attention to whatever flags are up, whatever lifeguards are saying, and stay out of the water if it's not safe, David Zelinksy, lead meteorologist with the hurricane center, said Monday. Swells generated by Ernesto were affecting portions of Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, as well as the Canadian Atlantic coast. Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are likely in these areas during the next couple of days, the hurricane center said. The weather service posted a coastal flood advisory and warned of a high risk for rip currents along the Atlantic coast through Monday evening, saying they can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. A warning extended from Florida to the Boston area and portions of Maine. Forecasters, citing local emergency management, said a 41-year-old man drowned Saturday in a rip current at Surf City, North Carolina. And two men drowned off South Carolinas Hilton Head Island on Friday where rip current warnings were posted. They were identified as Ralph Jamieson, 66, of South Euclid, Ohio, and Leonard Schenz, 73, of Loveland, Ohio. It could be weeks before autopsy results can determine whether the deaths were related to Ernesto, Beaufort County Coroner David Ott said. Over the weekend, Ernesto initially had weakened to a tropical storm late Saturday after bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Bermuda, but no injuries were reported, Bermuda Security Minister Michael Weeks said Sunday afternoon. Ernesto previously battered the northeastern Caribbean, leaving tens of thousands of people without water in Puerto Rico. After cleaning up and removing debris, the Virgin Islands Department of Education said all public schools would resume operations Monday. Public school classes also were slated to start Monday in Puerto Rico, nearly a week after the original opening date. Flooding in Connecticut from a storm that dropped as much as 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) of rain Sunday was unrelated to Ernesto, weather officials said. The rain washed away roads, flooded basements, and led to rescues and at least one death. In the eastern Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Gilma strengthened but was forecast to remain away from land this week. The governor of Connecticut declared a state of emergency after historic flooding left two dead and prompted hundreds of evacuations over the weekend, he said in a Monday news conference. This declaration can help expedite some of the resources needed for us to respond, including potential federal support, Gov. Ned Lamont wrote in a post on X. Hundreds of evacuations and swift water rescues were necessary to remove people from dangerous areas and shelters were opened. The two people were found dead in the town of Oxford, Fire Chief Scott Pelletier told CNN Monday. The town is about 15 miles northwest of New Haven. One female victim was swept away in floodwaters while firefighters were trying to perform a rescue Sunday afternoon, Pelletier said at the Monday news conference. The other was in a vehicle and was clinging to a sign as firefighters in high-wheel vehicles tried to reach her. The racing water was too much and swept her away, he said. Both victims were Oxford residents, according to Connecticut State Police. Brenda Bergeron, deputy commissioner at the state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, described how the rain produced historic, unprecedented flooding. We are talking about rainfall in some areas in the 1,000-year level, Bergeron said at the Monday news conference, meaning it was so intense that on average it should only happen every 1,000 years. A flash flood emergency issued Sunday was later downgraded to a flood warning in the cities of Waterbury, Danbury and the town of Fairfield. First responders rescued 19 people and a dog Sunday night from an Oxford restaurant and nearby apartment, Jeremy Rodorigo, Beacon Falls emergency management director, told CNN. The Brookside Inn was surrounded by rushing water with about 18 people inside, Rodorigo said. We were concerned that the restaurant was compromised and was going to get washed away, he said. We had a very short window of time to get over there, set up a ladder truck and extend our ladder 100 feet to rescue them. Responders also rescued an older woman and her dog from the apartment connected to the property, Rodorigo said. No one was injured, he added. First responders rescued 19 people and a dog from an Oxford restaurant surrounded by floodwater. - Beacon Hose Co/AP We will continue helping towns with any resources they need to immediately respond and keep the public safe, Lamont said. Southwestern Connecticut saw 6 to 10 inches of rainfall in about six to nine hours Sunday, David Stark of the National Weather Service in New York told CNN. Monroe, Connecticut, received 9.98 inches of rain a one in 200-year event for the city. Additional rain is expected across the Northeast Monday afternoon, with a level 2 out of 4 risk of excessive rainfall in place for parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York state. About 1-2 inches of accumulated rain are expected in the region, with some areas expecting up to 3 inches. Emergency management is continuing to report ongoing water rescues, several mudslides, numerous washed out roadways and bridges as well as swollen rivers taking place from Central Fairfield County into Northern New Haven County. In addition, emergency management official are assessing the integrity of several dams in the area, the weather service said late Sunday. Our infrastructure is broken Oxford, where the two women were found dead, has been particularly hard-hit by the rain and flooding. The town got sucker-punched yesterday and then taken out at the knees, state Sen. Eric Berthel said at the Monday news conference. Our infrastructure is broken, our main highway that runs through this town is broken, we have loss of life, we have a loss of businesses, we have people who have significant damages to their homes, he said. We will need the full strength of the local government and the state government and the federal government to fix this beautiful town and get it back running in the right direction again. Nearby Seymour, a town of almost 17,000, also saw heartbreaking and gut-churning devastation, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said at the news conference. There was severe damage not just to the physical infrastructure, roads, bridges but also to the small businesses, who have suffered damage they cannot recover, he said. Blumenthal noted many of the affected businesses did not have flood insurance, as flooding is relatively uncommon in the area. The senator linked the extreme weather to climate change and highlighted the importance of making the state more resilient. Resilience against climate change is not just for the coast line, he said. Flash flooding and other disasters affect all of Connecticut. We all have a stake in planning and preparing. Flash flooding affects local transit In neighboring New York, nearly 1 million people in the Suffolk County area were under a flash flood emergency early Monday, the weather service in New York City said. About 2 to 4 inches of rain had fallen, with an additional 1 to 2 inches possible, the weather service said, warning of flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. The heavy rainfall also created dangerous driving conditions in Connecticut, prompting several cities and towns including Stamford, Danbury, Southbury and Naugatuck to close roads. Multiple roads in town are flooded due to heavy rainfall. We are advising residents to stay in their homes, if at all possible, Southbury Police said. Crews are working around town, responding to emergencies and road closures. New York area airports were impacted by the severe weather, with ground stops on Sunday. - Fatih Aktas/Anadolu/Getty Images A good number of roads in the western portion of the state are closed and are expected to remain closed for an extended period, Lamont said in his statement. Train service was also suspended in some areas. A mudslide near Seymour, Connecticut, resulted in suspended train service in both directions on the Metro-North Railroad Waterbury Branch. On Sunday afternoon, heavy rainfall also triggered a mudslide, leading to a gas leak near an apartment complex in Danbury, which had to be evacuated, Danbury Public Information Officer Erin Henry told CNN. Another Danbury apartment complex on Main Street also had to be evacuated due to flooding, Henry added. Connecticuts emergency operations center is monitoring the situation and has deployed an urban search and rescue team to Southbury, the states Emergency Management and Homeland Security Department said in a post on X. At least two state parks were closed due to flooding, according to posts on the Connecticut State Parks X account. Meanwhile, more than 700 flights were canceled at the three major airports near New York City on Sunday as thunderstorms hit the area on Sunday evening. JFK, Newark and LaGuardia airports all experienced ground stops Sunday due to the weather, according to FAA.gov. CNN Meteorologist Elisa Raffa and CNNs Amanda Jackson, Susannah Cullinane, Zoe Sottile and Christina Zdanowicz contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., who was expelled from the House of Representatives after being indicted on 23 federal counts including fraud and misusing campaign funds, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to two of the charges. The Long Island Republican faces a mandatory two-year minimum sentence after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. But Judge Joanna Seybert estimated the term could range from six to eight years behind bars when he is sentenced on Feb. 7, 2025. Santos also agreed to pay nearly $374,000 in restitution and to forfeit $205,000. Santos had faced trial in September on charges including laundering campaign funds to pay for his personal expenses, charging donors' credit cards without their consent, and receiving unemployment benefits while he was employed. "I deeply regret my conduct and the harm it has caused and accept full responsibility for my actions," Santos said in a shaky voice in court. George Santos, who was expelled from the House of Representatives, reads a statement after pleading guilty to criminal corruption charges at Central Islip Federal Courthouse in Central Islip, New York, on Aug. 19, 2024. Prosecutors said Santos told the truth about his criminal schemes for what seemed like the first time since campaigning for Congress. He admitted to lying, stealing and conning people, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement. His flagrant and disgraceful conduct has been exposed and will be punished." Christie Curtis, acting assistant director of the FBI's New York field office, said when public officials place their self interest above those they serve, they undermine confidence in the government. Today, George Santos admitted that he did in fact lie, cheat, and steal his way to elected office," Curtis said. George Santos, who was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives, leaves court alongside his attorney Andrew Mancilla in Long Island in Central Islip, New York, on Aug. 13, 2024. The House voted 311-114 in December to expel Santos after a House Ethics Committee report found substantial evidence he misused campaign funds on Botox and luxury apparel brands such as Hermes, and that he committed federal crimes. Lawmakers who voted against the expulsion voiced concerns about ousting Santos before he had been convicted. "Moving forward, I am dedicated to making amends for the wrongs I have committed," Santos told reporters outside the courthouse. "This plea is not just an admission of guilt, it is an acknowledgment that I need to be held accountable, like any other American that breaks the law." Santos had been controversial since he joined Congress as a Republican freshman in January 2023 after flipping a seat in the New York City suburbs. He was found to have fabricated parts of his resume and biography, including claims he worked at Goldman Sachs investment bank and that his grandmother was a victim of the Holocaust. The criminal charges included wire fraud, making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, falsifying records, aggravated identity theft, money laundering and making false statements to the House. As alleged, Santos is charged with stealing peoples identities and making charges on his own donors credit cards without their authorization, lying to the FEC and, by extension, the public about the financial state of his campaign, Peace said when he was indicted. Santos falsely inflated the campaigns reported receipts with nonexistent loans and contributions that were either fabricated or stolen. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Rep. George Santos pleads guilty to wire fraud, identity theft An adorable German Shepherd Happy monkey via Shutterstock When you already have pets of your own, taking in a stray cat can be tricky. Not only do you often have to quarantine the stray until all their shots and tests are in order, but there's also a good chance you'll have to spend time slowly acclimating the unfamiliar animals to each other, lest they get aggressive or just plain anxious. Of course, that isn't always the case. In fact, sometimes a family pet ends up "adopting" a stray as fast as their humans do, just like Nina the German Shepherd "adopted" this tiny stray kitten her mom rescued! Is there any pet combination more perfect than a gentle giant dog and a little kitten? It's a complete cuteness overload! Nina's human mom, @floofdoge90, was amazed at how quickly her German Shepherd took to the tiny stray kitten she found hiding in her car's hood. Nina was incredibly gentle and protective of the baby cat, who, in turn, seemed very fond of her giant new mom! Related: German Shepherd Gets Annoyed With the Family Cat and Hilarity Ensues Though these two animals have apparently only known each other for a few days, they're already best buds, as Nina's mom proved by uploading several more videos of the pair hanging out together. Immediately taking on her new role as adoptive mama, Nina loves giving her itty bitty pal affectionate nose nuzzles, and her kitten returns the favor by "making biscuits" on Nina's paws. The "cat distribution system" really knocked it out of the park by putting this perfect pair together! German Shepherds Are "Pawesome" Protectors Due to their size and their frequent use as police K9s and guard dogs, German Shepherds can come off as an aggressive, scary breed. But behind that tough exterior lies a heart of gold, as German Shepherds are loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and fiercely protective, with the American Kennel Club describing them as "gentle family pets and steadfast guardians." Though all dogs have unique personalities and temperaments regardless of their breed, many German Shepherds respond well to kittens, seemingly recognizing that they're baby animals who need care and gentleness. In the original video's comments, other German Shepherd parents shared similar stories, proving that Nina and her soon-to-be-named adoptee's instant friendship wasn't a fluke! "I raised a kitten with my German Shepherd. And now the cat barks and growls and loves that dog so much," shared @heystrangerfriend. "Shepherds are so loving to kittens. Ours has been a surrogate mom three times. Who knew they were such gentle giants??" @chulavista1221 remarked. Gentle giants, indeed! Of course, pet parents shouldn't take these positive examples as a universal constant. One should always be careful when introducing a kitten to a pet dog, especially when there's a considerable size or age difference. That said, this was clearly a case of love at first sight, and I've no doubt that Nina and her kitten will be best friends for life! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. The world of tacos is hardly defined, as its elements are always evolving. Here's a snapshot of what tacos in America look like today. Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik Everyone's abuelita prepares real Mexican food. This is the Abuelita Principle, a term I coined to describe an argument I often hear when debating the legitimacy of certain Mexican foods. It points to a fallacy of authenticity that simultaneously informs and undermines the dynamic culinary culture that we know as Mexican food. Abuelita means little grandmother, a term of endearment for elderly matriarchs, but in this context it also stands in for authentic Mexican cook, and so the Abuelita Principle is both true and not true: true in that every family tweaks recipes according to their tastes, creating a new, distinct Mexican food that changes with the home address; not true in that the kind of authenticity it espouses is limited and ignorant of history. Abusing the Abuelita Principle has serious consequences, for the cuisine in general and for tacos in particular. It offers a cramped view of a gastronomy that is kinetic and expansive. It restricts Mexican food to an imaginary, rigid ideal, one confined to specific borders and bloodlines, one that cannot account for how diverse and delicious Mexican cuisine is today. If we were to apply the Abuelita Principle rigidly, tacos al pastor, one of the most famous Mexican dishes, couldnt be called authentically Mexican. Setting aside the fact that pork isnt indigenous to the Americas, or even that tacos al pastor were invented in the mid-20th century, the Abuelita Principle would necessarily exclude the Lebanese immigrantsor Iraqi immigrants, depending on who you askbehind the creation of spit-roasted pork tacos arabes on pita-like flour tortillas in Puebla, which evolved into the pineapple-topped tacos that everyone loves today. The taco does not recognize borders; the taco doesnt accept the limits of a finite toolbox, nor does it recognize the iron rule of elderly matriarchs. I know this because Ive traveled the continent, Ive visited 38 cities, eaten at more than a thousand taco spots, and listened to countless taqueros, cooks, and scribes to chronicle the stories of the tacos native to the United States and the people behind them, how they connect to Mexico, and how they might be developing in the future. The culmination of this work was my book, American Tacos: A History and Guide, published by the University of Texas Press in the spring of 2020. The books main section outlines several stateside taco styles, all of them dominated by fried tacoscrispy delights that remain the most commonly consumed tacos by Americansbut there are others. Some began as regional specialties now available across the United States; others will forever be anchored to their geographical area. Ive put together a list of brief summaries of a range of taco styles that exist in the United States. This is not an exhaustive list, and it isnt prescriptive; think of it as a snapshot of the current taco moment in this country, but remember that tacos are always evolving and expanding, and while I wont vouch for any one styles authenticity, there are probably some abuelitas out there making tacos exactly like the ones described below, and will be for some time to come. Breakfast Tacos Serious Eats / Robert Strickland Region: Texas, with outposts in California, New York, Denver, and a handful of other cities. Type of tortilla: Mainly flour; occasionally corn. Although breakfast tacos are an iconic food of Texas, their roots reach south across the Rio Grande and into northern Mexico, where they originated and continue to exist as tacos de guisados. This Mexican style is a wide-ranging category consisting mostly of fillings like slow-cooked stews, braises, and homey dishes that can be as distinct from one another as mole, cauliflower fritters, liver and onions, or chorizo and eggs in corn tortillas. Moreover, at the earliest and the most basic, breakfast tacos were simply tacos that you ate for the first meal of the day. Breakfast tacos as Texans and Americans know them, which were first served in the mid-20th century in the Lone Star States Rio Grande Valley, are generally stuffed with a scrambled egg-based filling: the aforementioned chorizo and eggs, bacon and eggs, machacado (dried and pulverized salt beef) and eggs, or weenies (sliced hot dogs or sliced Vienna sausages) and eggs. There are, however, exceptionswhole, bone-in pork chops are a popular filling in San Antonio. The most commonly employed tortilla is the flour tortilla, which has been typical of tacos served in the borderlands of northern Mexico, the American Southwest, and Texas for centuries. The size and thickness of the flour tortilla vary by region. In Brownsville, Texas, on the US-Mexico border, breakfast tacos are served in large, flaky tortillas that spill over the sides of platters. In central Texas, the tortillas are smaller, thick, and dusty with flour clinging to the surface after being rolled out. Depending on the restaurant or taco spot, corn tortillas might be an option, especially outside of Texas. In many cases, the use of corn can be attributed to the misconception that a corn tortilla is more authentic. As we say in Texas, bless their hearts. Whatever you do, please dont call them Austin-style. (Im looking at you coastal media elites parachuting in for SXSW.) There is only one taco Austin can call its signature taco, and thats the migas taco. Its a mixture of scrambled eggs, fried tortilla strips, pico de gallo, and cheese in a flour tortilla. In the pantheon of breakfast tacos, its a minor one, and usually under-seasoned and soggy. Breakfast taco nomenclature is also slightly complicated by the city of Laredo, where breakfast tacos were once commonly referred to as mariachis, although the term, the origin of which involves a prankster cook, is falling out of favor. Crispy Tacos (taquitos, flautas, tacos dorados, fry bread tacos, San Antonio-style puffy tacos) Serious Eats / Robert Strickland Region: Across the United States. Type of tortilla: Corn, with some flour. The first English-language recipes for tacos, which date back to the turn of the 20th century, call for frying a corn tortilla. As late as 1950, the Brownsville Herald newspaper declared that the traditional taco is fried. I prefer to call this style of taco an old-fashioned taco; please dont call it a Taco Bell taco. While that California fast-food chain likely did more to popularize the fried taco across the US than any other restaurant, in doing so, it took the taco doradoliterally golden taco, what fried tacos are labeled in Spanishand mutated it into a prefab, boxed, mega mart commodity. Makers of the old-fashioned taco, with its freshly fried shell, continue to practice their craft everywhere from the Southern border to Southern California, to the Midwest, and beyond, and they dont just offer one style. There are the classic old-fashioned tacos made with the familiar U-shape shell. One example of this is the Kansas City-style taco, which is prepared by folding the tortilla and sealing it with toothpicks. Once fried, the toothpicks are removed, and the tacos are garnished with lettuce and grated parmesan. Then there are the rolled variety: taquitos (little tacos) and flautas. Flautas are generally longer than taquitos, but are usually stuffed with beef, chicken, mashed potatoes, or a combination of chicken and potatoes. Taco ahogados (drowned tacos) are a subset of these rolled tacos, but served submersed in a red or green salsa, and theyre especially popular in El Paso, home of Chico's Tacos. At the nearly 70-year-old restaurant, the signature tacos are served drowned in a thin tomato salsa and topped with a pile of brilliant orange, shredded processed cheese. Taquitos ahogados are also the signature taco at Cielito Lindo in Los Angeles and have been since 1934, where theyre served blanketed in a salsa verde. Puffy tacos, which came out of San Antonio, Texas, start with raw corn masa that's deep fried and crimped as it inflates. Theyre best when served with ground beef, lettuce, chopped tomato, and cheese. In Texas and Whittier, California, the first family of puffy tacos are the Lopezes. One branch owns Henrys Puffy Tacos in San Antonio. The other owns Rays Drive Inn and Arturos Puffy Tacos in San Antonio and Whittier, respectively. Lopez family tacos are light and almost buoyant, with a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. There is one non-corn exception to crispy tacos: the fry bread taco. It developed from the forced displacement by the US government of the Indigenous people of the Southwest in the 19th century, who were imprisoned on military forts and provided with the (often putrid) commodity foods of lard, flour, and cheese. They created frybread, a fried, fluffy, flour-based flatbread that is traditionally topped with chili beans, ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese. The dish is a staple of powwows and community fairs across the West, and is as much a symbol of colonialism as it is of perseverance. Barbacoa and Barbecue Tacos Serious Eats / Robert Strickland Region: Mainly Texas, the American South, and California, but also found across the country. Type of tortilla: Corn and flour. Barbacoas origins lie in the Caribbean, where Spanish conquistadors encountered Indigenous Tainos, who cooked on a stick framework they called barbacoa. In Mexico and as far north as what is now Texas, barbacoa became a technique in which an ingredient is cooked in a covered earthen oven. Post-conquest that meant lamb, goats, cowwhatever could withstand and benefited from the process. In Texas, that has manifested mostly as cow head meat, usually beef cheeks. Veras Backyard Bar-B-Que in Brownsville is the only restaurant in the state thats permitted to pit cook their beef heads, a grandfathered-in exception to health regulations prohibiting the use of brick- or earthen-walled pits. Cooked above mesquite burned down to coal overnight, the meat is ever-so-slightly smoky with a predominantly roasted beef-like flavor. In the US, other barbacoa is prepared in steamers or pressure cookers, and its traditionally served as a special weekend meal. Although Indigenous in origin, the word barbacoa literally translates from the Spanish to barbecue in English and was influential in the development of American smoked meat traditions, especially in Texas. It was in the Lone Star State in the 21st Century where pitmasters replaced the typical accompaniment of white bread with tortillas. They next began to apply Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking techniques to brisket-heavy Central Texas barbecue, creating whats now known as Tex-Mex barbecue. But ask a Tejano (a Texan of Mexican heritage) about this trending style of cue and theyll tell you theres nothing new about it: Their families have been cooking like that for decades. K-Mex Serious Eats / Shutterstock Region: Los Angeles, nationwide. Type of tortilla: Corn. Although relatively new, K-Mex tacos offer a template for the codification of a regional style on a national scale. The K-Mex taco godfather, Roy Choi, is credited with jump-starting the gourmet food truck movement with his Los Angeles-based Kogi BBQ trucks in 2008, and his leveraging of Twitter was crucial to his success. Its also via social media that his followers saw the popularity of Korean preparations like kalbi (or galbi) in tortillas take off, inspiring others to open similar businesses. Within two years, K-Mex restaurants and trucks were slinging Korean-style meats in tacos across the country, and suddenly Korean tacos were wedged into the canon due to customer demand. But it wasnt Choi who cemented the K-Mex in the American taco pantheon; rather, it was the entrepreneurs and chefs who were quick to capitalize on Chois cooking. And it should be noted that none of this would have been possible without the communities of Koreans and Mexicans living side by side and naturally trading ingredients in the late 20th century. Without them, there wouldnt be K-Mex. Sur-Mex (Southern) Serious Eats / Green Olive Media Region: Gulf Coast, American South. Type of tortilla: Corn and flour. Like Tex-Mex tacos and, really, all American tacos before it, Sur-Mex tacos are a regional variation born from population shifts, as well as industry and ingredient availability. Although it can be traced back to at least 1990s Atlanta, Georgia, and the Sundown Cafe, this taco style remains in the earliest stages of development and codification. In that way, Sur-Mex is a Southern drawlits taking its sweet, sweet time. The most emblematic Sur-Mex taco is the fried chicken taco with a creamy and bright lime-jalapeno mayo from the successor of Sundown Cafe, Taqueria del Sol. Restaurateur Mike Klank and executive chef Eddie Hernandez, a native of Monterrey, Mexico, established the Sundown Cafe 20 years ago as a way to reflect the growing Mexican population of the South. Since then, Sur-Mex chefs and taqueros have gone on to integrate not only elements of the worlds greatest corn cultures but have also taken locally sourced ingredients and used them to make Mexican dishes. Think albondigas en chipotle (Mexican meatballs stewed in chipotle with collard greens) and lamb barbacoa prepared with components from area farmers and markets. But the Sur-Mex taco is more than just Southern dishes given a south-of-the-border kick. It also incorporates the cuisines of immigrant and regional populations as distinct as South Asian and Cajun, with offerings like bold boudin and tikka masala tacos, and promises to eventually be fully representative of the regions many cuisines. Deli-Mex (Jewish/Kosher) Serious Eats / Robert Strickland Region: New York, Los Angeles, American Southwest, Miami. Type of tortilla: Corn, flour, and crunchy. There would be no Latinidad without Jewish immigration to the New World, which began during the Spanish Inquisition and has been informing Latin American cuisines ever since. Many of these early immigrants were referred to as conversos (the converted) or crypto-Jews, as they publicly professed to be Catholic while secretly practicing their faith. Many of them settled in what is now the borderlands of the US and Mexico. We wouldnt have the Northern Mexican specialty of sweet and gamy mesquite-smoked cabrito (young goat meat) al pastor without Jews. Jewish immigrants living alongside Mexican immigrants and Chicanos in East LA in the early to mid-20th century also led to the creation of pastrami tacos and burritos. Using pastrami in Mexican dishes is typical of Deli-Mex food, but kosher spins on tacos can take myriad forms. This style of cuisine came to prominence late in New York, mainly in the last 10 years or so, with tacos like pastrami with a smoked mustard seed salsa on a flour tortilla at Delicatessen Taco in Brooklyn. However, there is one problem with this kind of taco, in my view: A pastrami taco cant be perfected without a rye tortilla. Alta-California Tacos Region: Southern California. Type of tortilla: Different types and colors of corn. Put on those ruby red zapatos and say, Theres no place like home. Theres no place like home. Theres no place like home wrapped in an heirloom corn tortilla, and youll be transported to a time when Alta California was the name of the state of Mexico until the signing of the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. After that, it was just regular ol California. But the name was used by Los Angeles-based food writer Bill Esparza to describe a regional Mexican cuisine developed by Southern California Chicano chefs, who blended classic culinary techniques and the flavors of their youth. The base of this cuisines tacos is the heirloom Mexican corn tortilla, typically sourced from Masienda, a Los Angeles-based purveyor of masa harina. Blue corn, such as chalqueno azul, is commonly used, and its also typical for restaurants to source tortillas from artisan tortillerias that use the ancient nixtamalization process. Those tortillas are topped with native ingredients farmed and fished from Southern California, as in the spicy chorizo tacos with sunchokes and date palm mole served at Taco Maria in Orange County, California. Some newer trends include the infusion of tortillas with color-changing ingredients, such as chiles, chocolate, and greens, and the growing popularity of Santa Barbara uni as a filling. El Taco Moderno Serious Eats / Debby Wolvos Region: Nationwide. Type of tortilla: Corn and flour, but absolutely not lettuce*. *A lettuce wrap is not a taco. Tacos require tortillas. A lettuce wrap is a sad, wet heresy. Everyone notices the best-dressed person in the room, but not everyone can pull off a double-breasted pinstripe suit. Modern tacos are often dismissed as fancy (or muy fancy) hipster tacos or, in the same manner as crispy tacos, white people tacos, the latter appellation often paired with charges of cultural appropriation. Heres the thing: Those elements exist, but the category of el taco moderno, sometimes also described as chef-driven tacos, includes the aforementioned K-Mex, Sur-Mex, and Alta California styles. The category also refers to a smattering of chefs, predominantly Mexican and Mexican-American, who are using high-quality ingredients, classical technique (both Continental and Mexican), and flair to push the boundaries of what the taco can be. Among them are Carlos Salgado at Taco Maria; Silvana Esparza Salcido at Barrio Cafe in Phoenix; and Regino Rojas of Revolver Taqueria and its spinoffs, Purepecha Room and La Resistencia, in Dallas. Between the vanguard this small handful of forward-looking chefs represents and the many established styles that exist and are celebrated across the country, I can say with some confidence that there's never been a more exciting time to eat tacos. Read the original article on Serious Eats. Protesters in Tel Aviv demand a deal to free the Israeli hostages - AMIR LEVY/GETTY IMAGES Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, has publicly backed a US plan for a ceasefire with Hamas. The so-called bridging proposal includes conditions for the return of hostages but it is not clear whether it allows Israel to maintain control of the Philadelphi corridor, a buffer zone separating Gaza from Egypt. Following a three-hour meeting on Monday with Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, Mr Netanyahu approved the latest US proposal for the first time, saying it had met Israels security needs. Hamas has so far rejected the deal as it continues to push for stronger guarantees that Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza. Click here to view this content. The prime minister reiterated Israels commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israels security needs, which he strongly insists on, Mr Netanyahus office said. The deal has been shared with both Hamas and Israel but has not been published. Mr Blinken, who is on his ninth trip to the region since war broke out on Oct 7, hailed his meeting with Mr Netanyahu as very constructive after he confirmed Israels approval of the deal and called on Hamas to do the same. He emphasised that the US is committed to getting it done now ahead of his trip to Cairo on Tuesday, where talks are expected to resume this week. Mr Blinken struck a no-nonsense tone at his first meeting of the morning with Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president. He said it was a decisive moment; probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire, and to put everyone on a better path. A wall in Tel Aviv displaying posters of hostages - FLORION GOGA/REUTERS However, as mediators worked to get the ceasefire agreement over the line, Hamas and its partner the Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for an attempted suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. Israeli reports suggest the bombers device, stored in a backpack, malfunctioned and exploded on a near-empty street. The attack on Sunday night killed only the bomber and injured one other person. The near-tragedy underscored the huge risk of escalation as an Israeli official told The Telegraph that the ceasefire talks had reached a critical moment, with Israel understanding that now is the time to strike a deal. However, the issue of the Philadelphi corridor, a strategically important strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border, remains sensitive and is still the subject of negotiation with Hamas and Egypt, neither of which want an Israeli presence there. A poster of hostage kidnapped in Oct 7 attack by Hamas - FLORION GOGA/REUTERS The issue could still collapse the talks, according to some close to the negotiations. A senior Israeli official told The Telegraph: Netanyahu is looking for any excuse not to sign the deal. He understands that if there is a deal to stop the war, his government will fall. The worst thing that could happen from his perspective is if Hamas suddenly agrees to the terms, they added. Hamas, which didnt participate in the talks in Doha last week, held Mr Netanyahu responsible for thwarting the mediators efforts and obstructing an agreement, claiming that the prime minister sets new conditions and demands. Delegations from the US, Qatar, Egypt and Israel are scheduled to meet in Cairo this week to continue talks, but its unclear if Hamas will decide to join. Polls in recent months have consistently shown that most Israelis favour a ceasefire deal with Hamas that would free the 115 remaining hostages. Both Mr Netanyahu and Hamas have been accused of deliberately torpedoing the talks, a claim both deny. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Actor John Aprea, who had notable roles in "The Godfather Part II" and "Full House," has died at 83. John Aprea, the actor who played John Stamos' character's father on "Full House" and Sal Tessio in "The Godfather Part II" during a Hollywood career that spanned nearly 60 years, has died at 83, according to his manager. Aprea died of natural causes Aug. 5 in Los Angeles while surrounded by loved ones, manager Will Levine announced in a statement to NBC News. One of Aprea's most famous roles was as a younger version of mobster Salvatore "Sal" Tessio in one of the greatest movie sequels of all time, "The Godfather Part II," in 1974. John Aprea (left) as Salvatore "Sal" Tessio in "The Godfather, Part II" in 1974. He played another gangster character in the 1991 classic "New Jack City." Aprea portrayed mob boss Don Armeteo, who goes to war with the murderous gang headed by Nino Brown, played by Wesley Snipes. Aprea was also known for his role as Nick Katsopolis, the father of Stamos' Uncle Jesse on "Full House." He appeared in the show's original run from 1988-91 and for one episode of the Netflix reboot "Fuller House" in 2017. Aprea was born in 1941 in Englewood, New Jersey, as the son of Italian immigrants. His first big acting break came as a killer in the Steve McQueen action classic "Bullitt" in 1968, followed by his role in "The Godfather II." Star Abe Vigoda, who played Tessio in "The Godfather," told Aprea that when it came to playing Tessio, to "just have a good time, kid," according to Levine. Aprea also appeared in the television series "The Montefuscos" in 1975 and made appearances over the years on hit shows like "NYPD Blue," "The A-Team," "Melrose Place," "The Sopranos" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." His last acting appearance was on the British crime drama "The Bay" from 2020-23, according to IMDb. Aprea is predeceased by his sister, Rosanna Sole, and survived by his wife and partner of 25 years, Betsy Graci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage, and stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Graci, according to his manager's statement. This article was originally published on TODAY.com While the kids are already headed back to school, we still have a month or so of summer left, and it is still very hot here in Atlanta! Apparently, it's still hot in Tennessee too because the Memphis Zoo posted a video of their bears enjoying pool time, and it looks like they're beating the heat by splashing around. The Zoo shared a video on Sunday, August 18th with some of the pool rules they put in place for their 'beary' excited pool guests. From reminding the bears to use floatation devices as needed, to no horseplay (uh, I mean bear play!), and more, the Zoo came up with some rules that not only apply to the bears, but that we can apply to our kids too! Watch on to hear the rest of the rules, and to watch some adorable bears enjoying pool time. Which was your favorite? I think mine was the one with the bear's wrestling in the water - it's something I yell at my kids to stop doing every time they're in the pool! I also liked the reminder about not eating in the water, something that all kids seem to enjoy doing. While the Zoo hasn't received many comments on the video yet, I couldn't help but laugh at @scarletOPenguin's comment, "Very respectful, very demure"...a nod to the currently viral TikTok trend going on! Related: Lake Tahoe Photographer Catches Black Bear Going for a Leisurely Swim in the Sun Polar Bears Love to Play in the Water Now I want to head to Memphis to visit the zoo and see all of these cute bears, and you probably do, too! I enjoyed watching all the different bears splash around, but polar bears hold a special place in my heart. I visited the San Diego Zoo years ago, and a friendly polar bear swam up and was interacting with me. She then turned around and 'mooned' me and I got a picture of her 'bear butt'! It's still hanging up on a board of random pictures in our garage. Polar bears love playing on land and in the water. According to Polar Bears International, polar bears use vocalizations and body language to let others know they're ready to have some fun. One way that they say, "Come on! Let's go play!" is by wagging their heads from side to side. Then they hop in and get the party started. Polar bears have been spotted playing with things that they've found lying around. Things like sticks and rocks, and in captivity, they'll play with balls to keep themselves entertained. Check out these two friends playing on a raft - it's the second one that they've gotten because they destroyed the first one because they had so much fun with it. These two sisters at the Oregon Zoo love playing tug of war with each other. Bears often initiate play by mock battling. They stand on their hind legs, lower their chins to their chest, and let their front paws hang by their sides. These fights are important because they're learning how to defend themselves during future battles in the wild and honing their skills to become fierce fighters. I can't wait to see what the bears do to keep themselves busy later this year in the fall and winter. I hope the Zoo shares their antics because they're just too cute and a joy to watch! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Six people remain missing after a luxury superyacht sank off the coast of Palermo in Sicily, Italy on Monday, including British technology entrepreneur Mike Lynch. Lynch, 59, was aboard the Bayesian, an 184-foot-long British-registered sailboat that sank into the water right before sunrise. While six individuals are missing including American, British and Canadian nationals one person has been confirmed deceased from the sinking that capsized the yacht's 22 passengers, Italy's coast guard said in a statement. Of the 15 rescued passengers, eight were taken to a local hospital for treatment and were in stable condition, CNN reported. A 1-year-old was among those rescued. The large vessel sank after heavy rainfall from strong storms caused flooding and landslides in parts of Italy. Prosecutors in a town near Palermo have since opened an investigation into the events leading up to the sinking, which may shed some light on why Lynch was aboard the superyacht. Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, was one of the rescued passengers, the BBC reported. Here is what we know about Lynch. Mike Lynch, Founder and Chairman of Autonomy Corporation, poses for photographers at an awards ceremony in central London March 13, 2008. What companies did Mike Lynch found? In 1996, Lynch co-founded the Autonomy Corporation, an enterprise software company now known as HP Autonomy. He also founded Invoke Capital, a venture capital fund. Through Invoke Capital, Lynch became a co-founder of Darktrace, a British cyber security company established in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, England. Why was Mike Lynch charged with fraud? Soon after Lynch sold Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $11 billion in 2011, a sale in which he made around $800 million, he was hit with civil and criminal charges. In November 2012, HP announced an $8.8 billion writedown of assets and claimed Autonomy artificially inflated its value by hiding "serious accounting improprieties, disclosure failures and outright misrepresentations," the Guardian reported. Although the UK Serious Fraud Office ended its investigation of the sale due to insufficient evidence, Lynch and Stephen Chamberlain, former vice president of finance at Autonomy, were indicted for fraud in the U.S. in November 2018. Sushovan Hussain, Autonomy's former finance chief officer, was found guilty of fraud in 2018 and sentenced to five years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California. HP won a civil action in the High Court in London in January 2022 against Lynch and Hussian, the BBC reported. Damages were to be decided later, with the judge saying the amount would be "significantly less" than the $5 billion claimed by HP, according to the outlet. British entrepreneur Mike Lynch leaves Westminster Magistrates Court, in London, Britain, February 9, 2021. Was Mike Lynch found guilty? Lynch was extradited to the US in May 2023 to face 16 counts of wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy. He and Chamberlain, who was charged with 15 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy, pleaded not guilty. On June 6, 2024, the men were found not guilty of all charges. Lynch told BBC Radio 4 in August that although he knew he was innocent at the onset of this 11-week trial, he felt his wealth allowed him to prove his case in U.S. court. "You shouldn't need to have funds to protect yourself as a British citizen," he said. British entrepreneur Mike Lynch leaves the High Court in London, Britain March 25, 2019. Stephen Chamberlain on life support On Saturday, two days before Lynch's disappearance, Chamberlain was seriously injured in a road accident, Reuters reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. Chamberlain was struck by a car in Cambridgeshire on Saturday morning and was placed on life support, the person said, per Reuters. Contributing: Reuters and Cybele Mayes-Osterman/ USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Lynch aboard yacht Bayesian that sank off the coast of Sicily Melissa Manno is a reporter covering education for the San Antonio Express-News. She can be reached at melissa.manno@express-news.net. She graduated from Penn State University in 2022 with a bachelors degree in journalism and minors in geography and digital media trends and analytics. She is also the 2021 Hearst National Journalism Writing Champion. Carl Icahn at the 6th annual CNBC Institutional Investor Delivering Alpha Conference in New York in 2016. The Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday said it fined billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn and his company $2 million, settling allegations that he failed to disclose billions of dollars worth of personal margin loans pledged against the value of his Icahn Enterprises stock. Icahn and the publicly-traded company that bears his name settled those charges without admitting or denying wrongdoing. They agreed to pay $500,000 and $1.5 million in fines, respectively, the SEC said in a press release Monday. The SEC said that Icahn, who established himself as a ruthless corporate raider before adopting the friendlier mantle of activist investor, pledged anywhere from 51% to 82% of Icahn Enterprises, or IELP, shares outstanding to secure billions worth in margin loans without disclosing that fact to shareholders or federal regulators. Icahns cumulative personal borrowing was as much as $5 billion, according to an SEC consent order. As the effective controlling shareholder of IEP, Icahn would have been expected to make what are known as Schedule 13D filings, which typically detail what a controlling shareholder expects to do with their influence over a company. They also would have had to include information about any encumbrances, like margin loans, on a stake. The federal securities laws imposed independent disclosure obligations on both Icahn and IEP, Osman Nawaz, a senior SEC official, said. These disclosures would have revealed that Icahn pledged over half of IEPs outstanding shares at any given time. More from CNBC British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch reported missing after superyacht sinks off Sicily 8 5-year-old mom who co-signed daughters student loan years ago now fears lender may take her house GM lays off more than 1,000 salaried software and services employees Icahns margin borrowing was highlighted in a May 2023 report issued by short-seller Hindenburg Research, which put pressure on Icahn Enterprises stock after alleging that the holding company was, among other things, not estimating the value of its holdings correctly. Icahn amended, consolidated and disclosed his margin borrowings in July, according to the SECs consent order, two months after the Hindenburg report. The government investigation that followed has resulted in this settlement which makes no claim IEP or I inflated NAV or engaged in a Ponzi-like structure, Icahn said in a statement to CNBC. We are glad to put this matter behind us and will continue to focus on operating the business for the benefit of unit holders. Hindenburg Research wrote on X on Monday that IEP is still operating a ponzi-like structure and reiterated that it remains short the stock. Rescuers were on Monday searching for six people including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch who went missing after a luxury yacht was hit by a tornado and sank off the coast of Sicily, killing one of the 22 people on board. The vessel was hit by the tornado at around 5 a.m. Monday, according to a spokesperson for Italys Coast Guard. The yacht was anchored about a half a mile from the port of Porticello on the Mediterranean island. Four Britons and two Americans are among those missing, the spokesperson said. A source told CNN that Lynch, the founder of software giant Autonomy, was a passenger on the yacht. The source spoke to CNN on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak to the media. Fifteen people were rescued, including Lynchs wife Angela Bacares, and one child was airlifted to the childrens hospital in Palermo. Eight people were hospitalized in total, according to the mayors office. One body was found on the hull of the yacht, the Coast Guard said. A small waterspout one of several types of tornadoes developed over the area Monday morning, according to a report from the European Severe Weather Database. Other strong storms across Sicily brought torrential rainfall late Sunday, dumping more than 4 inches (100 mm) of rain in less than four hours in Brolo, east of Palermo. The weather forecast had warned of potential strong winds, with storms across the entire southern region of Italy Sunday, the Coast Guard spokesperson added. One survivor, Charlotte, 35, described how she battled to hold onto her one-year-old daughter, Sofia, reported Italian news agency ANSA, as a barrage of waves sank the yacht. In two seconds I lost the baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amidst the fury of the waves. I held her tightly, close to me, while the sea was stormy, she told journalists. Many were screaming. Rescue workers near Palermo, Italy, close to the scene of the incident. - Igor Petyx/Reuters The captain is among the survivors, the spokesperson for Italys Coast Guard said. The 56-meter yacht called the Bayesian, which flies under a British flag, had mostly British passengers and crew, in addition to two Anglo-French, one Irish and one Sri Lankan, the spokesperson told CNN. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told CNN two of its citizens were involved in the incident, but were not among those still missing. The nationality of the dead person has not been disclosed. The Italian fire brigade said its divers had reached the yachts hull 49 meters (160 feet) below sea level, according to a press statement. The brigade also dispatched helicopters to bolster the search operation. Emergency services conduct search operations in Porticello Santa Flavia, Italy, on August 19, 2024. - Alberto Lo Bianco/LaPresse/AP The captain of a nearby boat said he turned on his engine to avoid crashing into the Bayesian, Reuters reported, as fierce gales swept the area. This morning we got this strong gust and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position, he told reporters on Monday. After the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone. The UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is deploying a team of four inspectors to Palermo to conduct a preliminary assessment of the yacht, a source familiar with the operations told CNN. The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not say when the team is expected to arrive in Sicily. British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, pictured on March 18, is among the six passengers missing. - Yui Mok/PA British tycoon among those missing Lynch, the British entrepreneur missing from the yacht, had been plagued by legal woes since 2011, when he sold his company to tech firm Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $11 billion. In June, he was acquitted of fraud by a jury in San Francisco, after prosecutors accused him of trying to inflate Autonomys revenue in the latest chapter of the legal saga. He turned ground-breaking research at Cambridge University into the foundation of Autonomy, which became Britains biggest software company and a member of the blue-chip FTSE 100 index. Emergency services conduct search operations in Porticello Santa Flavia, Italy, on August 19, 2024. - Alberto Lo Bianco/LaPresse/AP Lynch was lauded by academics and scientists and asked to advise the British government on technology and innovation. Ownership records held by maritime information service Equasis show that the yacht is owned by the Isle of Man-registered Revtom Limited company. Revtom Limiteds latest annual return from April lists Bacares as its owner. This is a developing story and will be updated. CNNs Catherine Nicholls, Benjamin Brown and Eve Brennan contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com We're fired up to try this again. Lecia Landis/Dotdash Meredith Photo: Getty Images Fast food news has been taking over our feeds recently. From value meal deals to nostalgic throwbacks, there is no shortage of tempting choices at the drive-thru. But when we need something different from the typical burger and fries, we head to Panda Express. And it's getting in on the action with news of its own. Back in May, Panda Express spiced up its classic orange chicken, which made fans salivate due to the heat and the flavor. Now, the Chinese-American go-to is bringing yet another spicy item that once hit menus for a short time and left fans wanting more. Panda Express Brings Back Blazing Bourbon Chicken Last year, Panda Express and Hot Ones collaborated to bring one seriously spicy dish to the menu for a limited time: Blazing Bourbon Chicken. This wildly popular recipe has a Taiwanese influence and a real kick, thanks to the actual hot sauce used in the Hot Ones show. Fast-forward to now. The fast-casual restaurant has teamed up with Hot Ones again to bring back its Blazing Bourbon Chicken nationwide starting Sept. 4. Panda Express/Hot Ones In case you missed it last year, this dish is made with boneless chicken bites crisped to perfection with fresh vegetables that are wok-tossed in a sweet and spicy bourbon sauce made with Hot Ones Last Dab Apollo hot sauce. Everything is then topped with sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Our team at Allrecipes tried the chicken dish last year and found it definitely packs a spicy punch without being too overwhelming to actually enjoy. It is served with rice to help cut the heat, which we believe is necessary. The Blazing Bourbon Chicken is said to be the restaurants spiciest dish ever, so its a must-try for spice fans. Its already been dubbed as a favorite among customers as many took to Instagram to express their love for the new menu item last year, saying this was a Collab I never knew I needed and Im so exciteddddddddd. If you want to give the Blazing Bourbon Chicken a try, you better make your way to a location near you sooner rather than later. Similar to the last time this hit the menus in 2023, this dish will only be available for a limited time. Read the original article on All Recipes. CHICAGO A group of uncommitted delegates to the Democratic National Convention and their allies warned Vice President Kamala Harris Monday that her chances of winning the presidential election are still threatened by her failure to embrace calls for an arms embargo and immediate Israeli cease-fire in Gaza. They also could not guarantee an absence of disruptions inside the convention hall this week. "We want our voices to be heard in a way that moves us forward," said Layla Elabed, a Palestinian-American from Dearborn, Michigan, who helped found the Uncommitted National Movement that sprung up as a way to push President Joe Biden's administration toward demanding an Israeli cease-fire by withholding their votes in this year's primaries from his renomination. Ultimately, only about 30 delegates out of 4,995 less than 1% were seated as being uncommitted, representing a handful of states. But since Biden stepped aside and Harris secured the votes to become the Democratic nominee late last month, the uncommitted delegates and their allies have been lining up Harris delegates to declare themselves cease-fire delegates and demanding they be given time and space to be heard this week. Protest groups took to the streets of Chicago to protest a myriad of issues as day one of the Democratic National Convention began. As of Monday morning, leaders said more than 160 Harris delegates had also committed to considering themselves cease-fire delegates, which doesn't require them to take any formal vote it's not part of the party platform but means they will sign letters in support of a cease-fire, wearing pins or other cease-fire slogans and could potentially make themselves heard more loudly if chants do break out on the convention floor this week. They have won some concessions. A space was provided in McCormick Place, a huge convention hall which the Democratic Party is using for briefings and other events outside the convention main stage at the United Center, for news conferences, testimonials from doctors and others, and a vigil to those who have died since Israel began its counter-offensive to Hamas' attack last October. More significantly, a panel discussion in McCormick Place was set to be held Monday afternoon, involving Elabed, who is the sister of U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, and the only Palestinian-American woman in Congress; Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric intensive care surgeon who has worked in Gaza; Hala Hijazi, a Democratic Party organizer who has had relatives killed in Gaza; Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison; and others discussing Palestinian human rights. The event attracted more than 150 people, man nearly 200 people, many wearing kaffiyehs saying, Democrats for Palestinian Rights. The organizers said it was the first time the Democratic Party has held such a panel as an official part of its convention. The organizers said it was the first time the Democratic Party has held such a panel as an official part of its convention. So far, however, a request for a Palestinian-American leader to speak on the convention's main stage hasn't been granted, despite several names being suggested. "They haven't said no," Elabed said hopefully. Biden was set to address the convention Monday night from the main stage, even as his secretary of state, Antony Blinken, was in the Middle East pushing for what he said "maybe the last opportunity" for a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas to be brokered. Meanwhile, Harris has engaged with pro-Palestinian organizers ahead of the convention, meeting briefly with Elabed and Alawieh before a metro Detroit rally recently. Last week, she sent her campaign manager and others to meet with Arab-American and Jewish leaders in southeastern Michigan. A group of the uncommitted delegates and one Harris delegate who has signed on as a cease-fire delegate, Illinois State Rep. Lilian Jimenez met with reporters Monday morning, with strong words for both the Biden administration and Harris. While they haven't joined with the large group of protesters meeting outside the United Center this week and engaging in marches against Biden's Israeli policy, members of the group argued that Harris has not described a plan to urgently address the killing of civilians in Gaza. Absent that, they said, they can't lobby for voters to support her. Protesters march ahead of DNC in Chicago Abbas Alawieh, also co-founder of the uncommitted movement and an uncommitted delegate from Dearborn, said "trust us" is not an adequate response from the Harris campaign, particularly in Arab-American and Muslim communities like his. "We need Vice President Harris to tell us how she would act differently (than the Biden administration, which has called for a cease-fire but not used U.S. aid to Israel as leverage to demand one)," Alawieh said. Elabed, who is not a delegate, said Harris' chances of winning Michigan and other swing states is hurt by her failure to adopt a more clear cease-fire policy and stopping arms shipments to Israel, the latter of which Harris has refused. But Harris' polling has been far better over the last month versus the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, that Biden's was, including in battleground states. And it is far from clear whether a move to take a more pronounced stance against Israel's counter-attacks wouldn't backfire against Harris' election chances. One uncommitted delegate, Yaz Kader, suggested Monday that Democrats as a party are all but unanimous in their support for a cease-fire and arms embargo. "Everyone is supportive of these two things," he said. Polls, however, have shown lower levels of support. A national survey by The Economist/YouGov done last May showed 81% of Democrats supported a cease-fire compared with 19% who were opposed or unsure. When asked if they supported a cease-fire even if Hamas did not release its remaining hostages, Democratic support fell to 43%, with 57% opposed or unsure. Alawieh, who said he was called a name several weeks ago when he suggested a more humane Gaza policy during a virtual meeting of Michigan delegates, said that sort of dismissiveness "is not an isolated incident" and is connected to a belief on the part of some that it's permissible to "dehumanize Palestinians." "Those are real people (who are dying in Gaza). That needs to stop now," Alawieh said. "In my opinion, this is a change Vice President Harris can begin to address immediately." At the Monday afternoon meeting, Haj-Hassan, described how she treated a severely injured boy whose family, including his sister, died in a bombing, telling her, Everyone I love is in heaven. I dont want to be here anymore. Breaking down, Elabed had to leave the room momentarily. Hijazi, her described herself as a moderate Democrat from northern California, became emotional as she talked about dozens of relatives who have died. A naturalized American, she said she felt guilty for not taking the plight of her Palestinian relatives more seriously before the counterattacks following Hamas raids last year, describing how, when she spoke to them, they said they were fine. They were never fine, she said on the verge of tears. Im a failure, Im a fraud for not speaking up more for the past 25 years. As for Harris, who she said she has known for decades, Hijazi said, Shes trying. We have to hold her accountable but we have to give her a chance. Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pro-Palestinian delegates demand to be heard at Democratic convention Ukraine appeared to have blown up a number of key bridges in the Kursk region over the weekend as its troops pressed on with a daring incursion into Russia that Kyiv now says was aimed at creating a buffer zone to stop attacks across the border. Ukraines air force reported Sunday that a second bridge was destroyed in the Kursk region, saying it deprives the enemy of its logistical capabilities and significantly affects the course of hostilities. Minus one more bridge, said the countrys air force chief, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, sharing a video of what appears to be a strike on one of the ends of the span. NBC News was able to geolocate the video to the village of Zvannoye on the Seim River in the Kursk region. That comes after Oleshchuk released a video Friday of an airstrike that cut a bridge in two. Acting Kursk Gov. Alexei Smirnov confirmed the bridge attack in a post on his Telegram channel. As a result of an attack from Ukraine, a road bridge across the Seim River in the Glushkovsky district was destroyed, the Russian lawmaker said Friday. Destroying the bridges over the Seim River could be a crucial step in disrupting supply lines to Russian forces trying to stop the Ukrainian advance in Kursk. A satellite image shows a bridge collapsed over the Seim River on Saturday near the town of Glushkovo. Another satellite image shows a different bridge over the Seim River that has been blown up in Zvannoe, Kursk, on Sunday. Kyiv says its forces are still advancing and in a post on X Monday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his forces had seized over 480 square miles of Russian territory in the surprise assault launched two weeks ago that has shaken up the dynamics of the war and posed a new challenge to the Kremlin. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine also controls 92 settlements inside Russia. It appears to have taken Russia completely off guard after months focused on a push in Ukraines east and the rest of the 600-mile front line. Russia's defense ministry said its forces seized another settlement in the embattled Donetsk region Monday, where military observers have raised the alarm over Ukraine's position in key towns like Pokrovsk and Toretsk. Local authorities there launched the mandatory evacuation of families with children from Pokrovsk on Monday. Ukrainian officials had hinted at a number of motivations for the surprise offensive, including shifting Russian attention from the east, but on Sunday Zelenskyy revealed what he said was the main goal of the operation in Kursk. It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions, Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressors territory our operation in the Kursk region. The comment was his first official explanation for the operation, after days of speculation by military analysts about what objectives Ukraine might be pursuing in its risky assault. The idea of creating a buffer zone was first voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin after Moscow launched its own offensive on Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region in May, meant to protect the very border regions Ukraine has since swept into. Instead, it now appears to be Zelenskyy who is pursuing a buffer zone to prevent Russian attacks on Ukrainian towns and villages across the border. Putin has vowed to squeeze out the Ukrainians but faced growing questions over his response to the crisis. He is visiting Azerbaijan for a two-day state visit to discuss strategic partnership and allied relations between the two countries, according to the Kremlin, in a likely effort to project an image of stability. For months before Ukraine's surprise offensive, the Kremlin had pushed for peace talks while it held the battlefield initiative. But on Monday, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov ruled out negotiations for the time being after what he called Kyiv's gamble in Kursk, state news agency Tass reported. Moscows foreign ministry on Sunday denied a Washington Post report that the Kursk attack had derailed indirect talks with Kyiv for a landmark deal to halt strikes on critical infrastructure. Ukrainian soldiers patrol the streets of Sudzha, a key town now under Kyiv's control in Russia's Kursk region. Zelenskyy, emboldened by the advances on Russian territory, also doled out criticism for his Western partners. There is a need for faster delivery of supplies from our partners, he said. We strongly ask for this. There are no vacations in war. Decisions are needed, as is timely logistics for the announced aid packages. I especially address this to the United States, the United Kingdom and France. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told NBC News the U.K.s support for Ukraine is unwavering, with further lethal aid accelerated for Kyiv. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) U.S. and South Korean troops kicked off a large-scale exercise Monday aimed at strengthening their combined defense capabilities against nuclear-armed North Korea, which again accused the allies of practicing an invasion. The annual summertime exercise comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula as the pace of both North Koreas weapons demonstrations and the U.S.-South Korea combined military exercises have intensified in a cycle of tit-for-tat. The exercise began hours after North Koreas Foreign Ministry issued a statement repeating the North's contention that such exercises are provocative war drills for aggression. It said the Norths nuclear ambitions are thus justified, adding that it is crucial to "constantly maintain the balance of power for preventing a war by stockpiling the greatest deterrence. The United States and South Korea described their joint drills as defensive in nature and have been expanding and upgrading their training in recent years to cope with the Norths evolving threats. The U.S. and South Korean militaries did not immediately react to the North Korean Foreign Ministry statement. The Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which continue for 11 days, through Aug. 29, include both computer-simulated war games and more than 40 kinds of field exercises, including live-fire drills. The allies said this years program is focused on enhancing their readiness against various North Korean threats, including missiles, GPS jamming and cyberattacks and will also reflect lessons learned from recent armed conflicts. About 19,000 South Korean military personnel will participate in the drills, which will be held concurrently with civil defense and evacuation drills from Monday through Thursday that will include programs based on North Korean nuclear attack scenarios. The U.S. military has not confirmed the number of American troops participating in the drills or said whether they will involve U.S. strategic assets. The United States in recent months has increased its regional deployment of long-range bombers, submarines and aircraft carrier strike groups to train with South Korean and Japanese forces. The drills could trigger a belligerent response from North Korea, which has been flaunting its growing weapons program and issuing verbal threats of nuclear conflicts against Washington and Seoul. Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un staged a huge ceremony in the countrys capital, Pyongyang, to mark the delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline military units and called for a ceaseless expansion of his militarys nuclear program. The event added to concerns about Kims weapons program as he demonstrates an intent to deploy battlefield nuclear weapons along the Norths border with South Korea and claims that his military could react with preemptive nuclear strikes if it perceives the leadership as under threat. Analysts say Kim may seek to dial up pressure in a U.S. election year as he advances his long-term goals of forcing Washington to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and negotiate economic and security concessions from a position of strength. During last years Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, North Korea conducted ballistic missile tests that it described as simulating scorched earth nuclear strikes on South Korean targets. The North in recent weeks has also flown thousands of balloons carrying trash toward the South in a psychological warfare campaign that has further deteriorated relations between the war-divided rivals. A deputy was killed while responding to a domestic dispute in northwestern Georgia on Saturday evening. This is the first time the Paulding County Sheriffs Office has lost a deputy in the line of duty, Maj. Ashley Henson said in a news conference Saturday. Deputy Brandon Cunningham. Deputy Brandon Cunningham and another deputy responded to a home at around 6:13 p.m. regarding the dispute. Upon their arrival they were met with gunfire from a suspect who was inside a home, said Henson, who called it an ambush. Cunningham was struck and killed. The alleged gunman's wife tried to leave in a vehicle immediately after Cunningham was shot, but the shooter struck her as well, the sheriff's office said in a statement Sunday evening. The woman was identified by the sheriff's office as Kim Thao Vu, 52. She was stabilized at an Atlanta-area hospital, where she was in serious condition. Deputies who wanted to render aid to Cunningham, including his partner, were thwarted by "the hail of gunfire that was being rained down upon them," the sheriff's office said in its statement. The deputy didn't have a chance to return fire, it said. "Cunningham was shot as he exited his patrol vehicle, never even seeing the threat before being executed," the office said. Sheriff Gary Gulledge held back tears at Sunday's news conference. Tonight, weve lost a hero, he said. Deputy Brandon Cunningham has succumbed to a gunshot wound at the emergency room over here at Paulding. He continued, I ask that you please keep his family in your prayers, everybody even if youre not in this county, I ask that you pray for this family, both blood and blue. Everybody here is hurting, our whole staff is hurting. Cunningham began his career with the Paulding County Sheriffs Office in 2020 and was in the uniformed patrol division for around two years, Henson said. He was a great deputy, good young man. He was 30 years of age, Henson said. Brandon leaves behind two children. The male suspect who allegedly fired the shots was found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Henson said. Officials did not identify the suspect. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will continue to investigate the incident. CHICAGO From Julia Louis-Dreyfus to John Legend, Octavia Spencer to Leon Bridge, the stars will be out for this week's Democratic National Convention, and with good reason: A new Harvard University study shows that celebrities and influencers can play a major role in, well, influencing voters. "This is just how our information ecosystem works now," said Ashley Spillane, the study's author and former leader of Rock the Vote. Celebrity endorsements already encourage consumers to buy specific cars, eat at particular restaurants or wear certain clothing. Using them in politics is merely an extension of that, Spillane said. Both parties use celebrities to reach potential supporters and engage voters. During last month's Republican National Convention, organizers featured Hulk Hogan, Kid Rock and Jason Aldean. Celebrities can use their influence in ways ranging from registering voters to endorsing specific candidates, and lending their audiences to candidates to help raise money. Megan Thee Stallion performs at a presidential campaign event for U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign rally at the Georgia State Convocation Center on July 30, 2024, in Atlanta. Republicans earlier this year signaled their fear of what could be the most powerful celebrity endorsement of all, Taylor Swift, who has supported some Democrats in her home state of Tennessee while also criticizing Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Trump in July griped about Vice President Kamala Harris' star-studded Atlanta rally that featured a performance by rapper Megan Thee Stallion and an appearance from rapper Quavo. "I dont need concerts or entertainers, I just have to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! Trump wrote on his TruthSocial network. His comments came a week after Kid Rock, Lee Greenwood and Brian Kelley performed during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump accepted the party's presidential nomination. Spillane interviewed 15 managers, publicists, advisors and celebrities for her study, reflecting the experiences of Swift, Hailey Bieber, David Dobrik, Billie Eilish, Trevor Noah, Kerry Washington and Questlove. "While some polling shows that people claim they arent influenced by celebrity voices when it comes to politics, more rigorous evidence indicates that these voices are incredibly powerful," Spillane found. Hulk Hogan, professional entertainer and wrestler, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024. The final day of the RNC featured a keynote address by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. After an Instagram post by Swift last fall, a record of more than 30,000 people signed up through Vote.org during National Voter Registration Day, many of them teens who will be eligible to vote in this fall's election. Among the top states for those new registrations: Texas, California, New York, Illinois and Florida. Experts say celebrities, if they want to stay out of partisan politics, can still play an important role in encouraging first-time voters by helping them understand how to register and cast a ballot. Research shows many young people don't vote simply because they don't understand the process. Youth voting turnout has long been a concern for experts who note that millions of potential voters just don't bother: In the 2020 election, about 48% of eligible voters ages 18 to 29 cast a ballot, compared with 73% of people ages 65 to 74. In 2016, only about 40% of young people voted. Swift fans interviewed by USA TODAY said they wouldnt blindly follow any endorsements she made, but that her music and success give her opinion significant weight. True or false? Sign up for USA TODAY's Checking the Facts newsletter. Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Eras Tour at Johan Cruijff Arena on July 4, 2024, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (For editorial use only.) "When you have someone registering 30,000 votes at a time, it absolutely can have an impact," Andrea Hailey, CEO of nonpartisan Vote.org, told USA TODAY earlier this year. Celebrities who endorse specific candidates may risk alienating fans, but Spillane said many fans see endorsements as the natural extension of their brand. Swift, for instance, has long sung about sexism, gender-based double standards and how it's possible to be both kind and strong simultaneously. The idea, said Spillane from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School, is that celebrities can help voters realize that it's "culturally acceptable" to care about politics. Further, she said, people who vote become influencers in their own right: Politicians tend to respond most often to people who actually vote. "You've got to be on the voting rolls to be a person that candidates care about," she said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DNC hopes its celebrity lineup will influence voters This is one of the fundamental issues our industry needs to address moving forward. Microsoft has committed to being carbon-neutral and water-positive by 2030 as part of our sustainability strategy, and were on track to meet that goal, he stated to the senate inquiry. According to Worrall, this commitment was made in 2020 before the software giant fully understood the energy demands of these AI models. Were adapting to these changes, both in Australia and globally, he said. By 2025, all of our data centres will be powered by renewable energy, which is crucial for fulfilling our commitment. The entire sector needs to consider similar approaches to power their data centers sustainably. According to Senator David Shoebridge, to get an idea of the scale, Bloomberg recently analysed the number of data centres globally; the number has increased from 3,600 in 2015 to 7,000 by the end of last year. Additionally, data centres themselves have grown in size and energy demand, which according to Worrall was in line with growth of historical technological revolutions. Weve seen similar patterns where governments and investors rush to build infrastructure in anticipation of future demands, he added. I expect a similar trajectory here, though it doesnt diminish the concerns youre raising. Over time, well likely see a closer alignment between infrastructure development and the value it brings to the community. Sig Christenson is a senior reporter for the Express-News covering the military and has been with the news organization since 1997. He can be reached at sigc@express-news.net. He embedded with the 3rd Infantry Division during the Iraq invasion, and reported from Baghdad and Afghanistan seven times since. A University of Houston graduate, he covered the Branch Davidian siege, the 2003 space shuttle breakup, the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and its subsequent legal proceedings, as well as hurricanes, tropical storms and floods. He's won awards from Hearst Newspapers and the Associated Press, was named "Reporter of the Year" by his peers in 2004 and is a co-founder and former president and board member of Military Reporters & Editors, established in 2002. by Vladimir Rozanskij Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan the two countries in the region from which the largest number of labor migrants come. But the approach is quite different: the former seems to be abandoning its compatriots, while the latter operates a more careful policy, considering expatriates crucial to its economy. Pressures against Tajiks after the Krokus City Hall bombing in Moscow. Moscow (AsiaNews) - Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are the two Central Asian countries from which the largest number of labor migrants travel to Russia; at the same time, they are also two very different ethnic and political realities, with different approaches and historical conflicts that are also reflected in the condition of compatriots seeking their fortunes. Restrictions on migrant entry and activity in Russia continue for all, but the reactions of state bodies differ considerably.Tajiks stranded by the dozens at Moscow airports complain about the total absence of representatives of their embassy in Russia, who do nothing to help them solve the problems. Authorities in Tajikistan say the pressures on migrants are not attributable to Russian policy but are effects of media campaigns, while those in Kyrgyzstan are making formal protests to protect their compatriots. Bishkek's deputy foreign minister, Almaz Imangaziev, complained about this to the Russian ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Sergei Vakunov, while expressing understanding for Russia's concerns about guarantees to the country's security. The impression is that Kyrgyzstan has a migration policy that is more attentive to the needs of its own migrants, who are considered crucial to the country's economy, by invoking Eurasian Economic Union (EAES) rules to guarantee their rights. The Kyrgyz diaspora within Russia appears to be much more organized than the Tajik diaspora, both in mutual support among compatriots and in its relations with Russian institutions and its own consular representations, proving to be more pliable and effective in its various initiatives. Tajikistan's system is more centralized, both at home and abroad, and any decision requires the approval of authorities at the highest level. Tajiks in Russia have their hands tied, consulates do not intervene to settle various conflicts, and from Dushanbe it does not seem that labor migrants are considered so important to the economy; in fact, statistics about them are often distorted and put on the back burner. Kyrgyz citizens who have received Russian citizenship, according to official figures, currently number about 600,000, and there were over a million before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while labor migrants number about 400,000. When added up, the number of Kyrgyz on Russian territory reaches one million. According to Eaes regulations, all of them enjoy full labor rights. Hence the protest of Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister Edil Bajsalov, who expressed disappointment against the latest Russian restrictions that prevent migrants from accessing the sectors of health, education and goods courier services when the salary exceeds 100 thousand rubles (about 1,000 euros). The amount of Tajik citizens and migrants in Russia, however, remains debated in relations between Dushanbe and Moscow; Russians speak of more than two million, while Tajiks say it does not go beyond a few hundred thousand. According to Tajikistan's Ministry of Labor, in the first six months of 2024 the flow of migrants to Russia dropped by 16 percent, remaining under 400,000 people, mainly due to pressure against Tajiks after the attack on Moscow's Krokus City Hall in March, attributed to Tajik Isis-K terrorists from the Velayat Khorasan. Tajiks have also protested to the Russians, such as during the meeting between Emomali Rakhmon and Vladimir Putin, when the Tajik president stated that terrorism has no nationality, without leading to an improvement in the conditions of Tajik migrants in Russia. Tajikistan nevertheless receives from its migrants a flow of money close to billion annually, about twice the value brought in by the Kyrgyz, who seek to more carefully defend this crucial sector of their social and economic life. A video of three activists denouncing decades-old land concessions triggered a new crackdown on dissent. Capital armored to prevent demonstrations that exiled opposition leaders had called for Aug. 18. Hun Manet: We will not tolerate protests against the government like those that took place in Bagladesh. Phnom Penh (AsiaNews) - The Defense Ministry in Phnom Penh rejoices at the failure of the opposition's attempt that from abroad had called for protest. But the other side of the coin is the dozens of activists arrested last weekend to prevent any demonstration in the Cambodian capital. Turning into yet another showdown by Hun Sen and his son Hun Manet against all forms of dissent is the controversy surrounding the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Triangle Development Area (CLV), the special economic zone established in 2004 that many Cambodians say is turning into a danger of new despoliation of their lands. Triggering the clash was an 11-minute video posted on Facebook last month by three Cambodian activists - Srun Srorn, Peng Sophea and San Sith - who were speaking, precisely, about general concerns about the CLV. In response, Hun Sen himself-now president of the Senate, after handing over leadership of the government to his son Hun Sen last year once he liquidated all opposition in the country-announced in a televised address that he had ordered the arrest of the activists on July 23. And he warned everyone against making comments about the potential loss of Cambodia's territorial integrity to Vietnam. Hun Manet had then recoiled on Aug. 2, warning Cambodians against the thought that they might carry out protests against the government similar to those that took place in Bangladesh (which led to the deposition of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ed.). I do not want to see this kind of situation happen in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh, the prime minister said. The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Triangle Development Area is an agreement aimed at encouraging economic development and trade between five border provinces in Vietnam, four provinces in Laos, and Cambodia's four northeastern provinces of Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Kratie, and Stung Treng. The arrangement - strongly desired by Hun Sen - allows the free flow of people for trade and investment. But some Cambodians are concerned that multi-decade concessions of farmland to Vietnamese or Laotian investors will result in a loss of control over large tracts of Cambodian land. The CLV is a cover for further illegal deforestation, land evictions and exploitation of natural resources for foreign gains, wrote exiled opposition leader Mu Sochua on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter. Demonstrations by exiles in solidarity with the three activists arrested July 23 were held in South Korea, Japan and Australia, with a call for Cambodians to also protest at home on Aug. 18. It was an invitation that the Phnom Penh government nipped in the bud once again: the Cambojanews website speaks of more than 20 arrests among political figures, human rights activists and young people in the days leading up to the planned August 18 demonstration in Phnom Penh, while strict checks were carried out on travelers entering the capital. Again on Sunday morning, the website reports, police picked up four members of the Khmer Student League Association (KLSA) at their office. General Chhum Sucheat, spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, was thus able to report that there was no sign of any movements or rallies in the country on August 18. The Cambodian people and youth, he added, are not fools; they understand the situation and have chosen not to participate in or support opposition activities. While from exile Sam Rainsy, one of the opposition's best-known faces commented, Terrible but familiar overreaction in Cambodia to protests over CLV. The regime would rather imprison innocent citizens than take public responsibility on any issue. Today's news: Blinken in Israel over cease-fire agreement, but Netanyahu and Hamas accuse each other. Protests in Kolkata over the rape and murder of a female doctor in a hospital. Pakistan denies plans to activate firewall to control internet. A case of mpox in the Philippines as well. CHINA-VIETNAM Chinese President Xi Jinping praised Vietnam today during talks with Vietnam's new leader To Lam in Beijing on his first state visit since taking office as general secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party last month. The meeting is a sign of the close ties between the two neighbors, who have well-developed economic and trade relations despite occasional border clashes in the South China Sea. Lam arrived Sunday in China's southern province of Guangzhou for a three-day visit that includes meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other senior Chinese officials. MIDDLE EAST. While U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has arrived in Israel to press for a Gaza cease-fire agreement and hostage release, there is a long-distance clash between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leadership, who accuse each other of boycotting the deal. Meanwhile, at least nine Palestinians have been killed in Israeli raids in Gaza, while new Hezbollah drones from Lebanon have been intercepted in northern Israel. INDIA Hundreds of women took to the streets in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal last night, demanding justice for an alleged rape and murder of a female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a state-run hospital, last week. Doctors also went on strike for 24 hours in solidarity. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has come under pressure for its handling of the crime. The victim's parents have criticized alleged attempts to stifle the protests. The CBI-the federal investigative agency-continues its investigation of the case after taking over from the Calcutta police by order of the Calcutta High Court. PAKISTAN The Pakistani government has denied claims that it is building a firewall to control the Internet, causing a slowdown in connections in recent weeks. Instead, it claims the slowdown is due to the massive use of VPNs (virtual private networks). The statement comes after business groups warned that poor connectivity could lead to a mass exodus of IT companies. Shutting down the Internet to crush dissent is a familiar move in Pakistan and other parts of Asia : after riots sparked by former Prime Minister Imran Khan last year, the government had blocked social media platforms and reduced the speed of connections. PHILIPPINES A new case of mpox (the so-called monkeypox) has also been recorded in the Philippines, The Health Department reports that it is a 33 year-old from the Manila metropolitan area with no history of traveling outside the country. This is the first case recorded in the Philippines this year; the last was in December 2023. Manila has alerted tracking and prevention systems to reduce the risk of infection. RUSSIA The memory of Russian pianist Pavel Kusnir, who died at the age of 39 in the Birobidzan prison camp last July 28 after a hunger strike, is becoming increasingly widespread. Convicted of inciting terrorism for his anti-war appeals and videos, he also left behind writings that are being picked up by media around the world, making him an increasingly sharp figure in expressing the sentiments of true pacifism. KAZAKHSTAN Almaty's museums in Kazakhstan were awarded the Best Museum of the Turkic World award by the international organization Tjurksoj, whose secretary Sultan Raev recalled how museums in the southern Kazakh capital have put on excellent exhibitions in the past two years in Istanbul, Prague, and Seoul, connecting with the experiences of the world's best museums. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. Jonathan Linares Lumbreras, owner of Pollos Asados "El Gordo," was indicted last week along with two others as part of an FBI investigation of organized crime. Monte Bach / Staff Jonathan Linares Lumbreras, owner of Pollos Asados "El Gordo," was indicted last week along with two others as part of an FBI investigation of organized crime. Mike Sutter /Staff The owner of a popular San Antonio restaurant has been charged with trafficking cocaine. Jonathan Linares Lumbreras, 32, was indicted last week along with one of his alleged distributors as part of an FBI investigation of organized crime, court records show. Lumbreras, of Converse, is the owner of Pollos Asados El Gordo on Pinn Road on the far West Side. His restaurant, which opened in 2022, has been featured on KSATs Texas Eats segment, which highlights eateries in San Antonio and elsewhere in Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Meticulous preparation, high-quality ingredients, and a great attitude are the primary forces that drive the success of the team at Pollos Asados 'El Gordo,'" the restaurant's website said. "We aim to not only provide amazing food, but to also be a positive force in the food-service industry and community as a whole!" According to court documents, an FBI source was communicating with Lumbreras through an encrypted app called Threema, on which Lumbreras went by the user name George. The FBI had been investigating Lumbreras since at least April. The court documents said agents secretly watched two cocaine deals that took place at a McDonalds at Interstate 35 and Walters Street after the FBI source set up the transactions with Lumbreras. Each of the deals involved half kilograms of cocaine, and the drugs were delivered by one of Lumbreras alleged runners, identified only as co-conspirator 1. On July 9, the source reached out to Lumbreras on Threema to arrange a larger buy 2 kilograms of cocaine to be handed over at the same McDonalds, according to a criminal complaint affidavit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The affidavit said the source told Lumbreras, Need one asapbefore my guy goes somewhere else. Lumbreras replied, I got you like by 12thats when they here. They continued to message to set up a delivery time. After Lumbreras told the source the drugs would be late, he added, There about ready I got for sure just got here a little lateits A1 Player cocaine, the affidavit said. Meanwhile, agents were watching as co-conspirator 1 met with Edward Clinton Smith in front of a home on the East Side and exchanged a package. The agents then had a state police trooper in a marked vehicle stop Smiths car. After searching Smiths car, the trooper found a bundle of cocaine weighing about 1.2 kilos and 40 smaller packages of the drug, the affidavit said. Smith and Lumbreras were both arrested and charged at the time with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. They were indicted last week in San Antonio's federal court on additional drug charges, along with a third defendant, Roxanne Marie Herrera, who was identified later in the investigation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Besides drug charges, Herrera was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. It was not immediately clear what happened to co-conspirator 1. Court records show Lumbreras was previously charged in a major drug investigation targeting several people in South Texas. Lumbreras was among 13 people indicted in the case, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. During that investigation, law enforcement officers seized 25 kilograms of cocaine, 35 firearms, two silencers, a grenade, body armor and $265,000 in cash, according to a news release issued Feb. 4, 2021. Lumbreras pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 months in prison, records show. After his release, he was placed on federal supervision. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Besides bringing new charges against Lumbreras, prosecutors are also moving to revoke his supervised release, which could add up two years in prison, court records show. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and his entourage have been toying with the idea of an EU membership bid amid increased tensions with Russia, Armenias longtime ally. Pashinian discussed the idea with his political allies in February after some of them publicly voiced support for it. Pashinians team brought the issue back to the political agenda in June, holding a parliamentary hearing in Yerevan featuring leaders of the fringe groups loyal to the premier. They urged the Armenian government to hold the referendum within the next three months. Pashinian afterwards voiced misgivings about the wisdom of such a vote. He said his government should first clarify whether the EU is ready to admit the South Caucasus country. Nevertheless, the pro-Western forces continued to campaign for the conduct of the referendum. Meeting with journalists in Gyumri, their leaders announced the impending launch of a relevant ballot initiative. Armenian law requires the parliament to debate any initiative backed by at least 50,000 citizens. A petition signed by at least 300,000 Armenians must be put on a referendum. The pro-European ballot initiative is aiming for 50,000 signatures for now. Its leaders would not say what they will do if they secure that number but see a resulting petition rejected by the National Assembly controlled by Pashinians party. If they dont accept it after 50,000 [signatures,] we will gather, think, again come to Gyumri and again consult with our people, one of them, Aram Sarkisian, said. Mainstream opposition figures maintain that Armenia has a near-zero chance of being ever admitted to the EU. They claim that Pashinian wants to use the issue to trick Armenians into endorsing his appeasement policy towards Azerbaijan. Pashinians administration has also faced warnings from Russia, Armenias main trading partner and supplier of natural gas. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said in June that Armenia will lose tariff-free access to the Russian market and other economic privileges granted by Moscow if its government does seek EU membership. 19 August 2024 22:57 (UTC+04:00) The Armenian leadership is sabotaging the agreement on the opening of communications in the South Caucasus, Azernews reports that the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said this in an interview with "First Channel" of the Russian Federation. "We are in favor of the soon conclusion of the peace agreement and the opening of communications. Unfortunately, it is the Armenian leadership that is sabotaging the agreement signed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan when it comes to communications passing through the Syunik (Gafan) region of Armenia. It is difficult to understand the meaning of such a position. I am sure that the foundation laid within the framework of tripartite documents remains fully relevant," Lavrov said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 August 2024 10:19 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Following the order of President Ilham Aliyev, the BE-200CS amphibious aircraft from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) Aviation Unit, deployed to Turkiye to assist in battling severe forest fires, continues its firefighting operations, Azernews reports citing the MES press service. The aircraft has been actively engaged in the Mugla-Ula region. Over the past day, it conducted 12 water-dropping missions, releasing a total of 114 tons of water onto the fires. Firefighting efforts are still underway. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A woman struck by vehicle while crossing a North Side street early Monday morning has died from her injuries, San Antonio police say. Oliver Helbig/Getty Images A woman hit by a vehicle while she was crossing a North Side street early Monday has died from her injuries, San Antonio police said. When police arrived at the scene just after 3:30 a.m. in the 12600 block of Vance Jackson Road, they found the woman in the street with head injuries. A dented shopping cart, empty and on its side, was nearby, according to a preliminary police report. The woman was crossing the street outside a crosswalk when a vehicle struck her, the report states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she died, police said. KENS-TV reported that the woman was homeless, but San Antonio Police Department officials would not confirm this. The driver of the vehicle, who did not appear to be intoxicated, remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation, police said. No charges have been filed. Police did not release the names of the deceased or the driver. 19 August 2024 11:45 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Chairman, Ramin Mammadov, will attend the G20 Interreligious Forum (IF20) in Brazil from August 19-22, Azernews reports. The Forums agenda covers critical global issues such as sustainable development, poverty and inequality, global governance reforms, conflict resolution, economic challenges, food security, and climate change. Approximately 300 participants are expected. Since its inception in 2014, the G20 Interfaith Forum has been a key platform for religious institutions and research institutes to address the UN's sustainable development goals. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 August 2024 12:22 (UTC+04:00) Russian Azerbaijanis have sent another aid package to the residents of the Kursk region, the local community leader Gasim Karimov wrote on the social network, Azernews reports. The publication notes that Azerbaijanis of Russia did not stay aside and from the first days began to help Kursk residents. The affliction united not indifferent citizens of different nationalities and religions of our country. The humanitarian convoy contained 56 items of various goods - bedding, food, hygiene products, household chemicals, and others. At present, we are preparing the next action to help the residents of Kursk region, the publication says. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 August 2024 14:07 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more On August 19, around 09:50, Armenian armed forces attempted reconnaissance flights using a quadcopter from their positions near the Brun settlement in the Gorus district, targeting Azerbaijani Army positions across the border, Azernews reports citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The Azerbaijani Army's vigilance led to the successful interception of the drone using specialized technical measures, which effectively neutralized the threat and redirected the drone away from the area. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 August 2024 12:50 (UTC+04:00) President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin visited the Alley of Honors to pay tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the architect and founder of the modern and independent Azerbaijani state, and laid a wreath at his grave, Azernews reports. The Russan President also placed flowers at the grave of renowned ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 August 2024 15:30 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more According to the joint plan signed between the Ministries of Defense of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the joint tactical-special exercise "Altn Kran - 2024" ("Golden Eagle - 2024") is being conducted at the "Koktal" training ground located in the city of Zharkent in Kazakhstan's Almaty region, Azernews reports. It was noted that a group of military personnel from the Azerbaijani Army has traveled to Kazakhstan to participate in the exercise. The joint tactical-special exercise "Altn Kran - 2024" will continue until August 24. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 August 2024 14:20 (UTC+04:00) We are very pleased with the level of mutual cooperation between our countries, Azernews reports, citing President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, as he said during a limited-format meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. The head of state noted: I would like to emphasize that we are very pleased with the level of mutual cooperation between our countries. The Declaration on Allied Interaction, which we signed in February 2022, is being successfully implemented, and we are observing very positive developments and favorable figures in both political and economic spheres. Of course, we collaborate in the energy and transportation sectors, and we also place special emphasis on humanitarian relations and many other areas. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 August 2024 19:55 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Azerbaijan today is a significant event in terms of further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and deepening cooperation on regional issues. This visit also indicates that the Russia-Azerbaijan relationship is entering a new phase amid the changing geopolitical landscape in the region. It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan's policy aimed at reinforcing peace, security, and cooperation in the region is particularly notable in the context of its relations with Russia. Azerbaijans independent policy and balanced foreign relations strategy are aimed at enhancing regional stability and cooperation. Baku prioritizes ensuring peace and security in the South Caucasus and developing mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring countries. Azerbaijan's relations with Russia are also part of this strategy. As one of the major and influential countries in the region, Russia is an important partner for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan-Russia relations are based on the principles of independence, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. There is a high level of friendship and dialogue between the two countries, which creates favorable conditions for the development of economic ties. Thanks to Ilham Aliyev's skilled diplomacy and the established relations with Russia, Azerbaijan has restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Azerbaijan's independent policy has ensured that it does not become a battleground between the West and Russia. Although the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused turmoil among world countries, Azerbaijan has managed to maintain close relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has the potential to mediate between these two countries. It is important to note that Azerbaijan is recognized as a dialogue platform that could play a potential role in the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Todays visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Baku can be seen as a result of Azerbaijan's balanced policy. Azerbaijan proved to be one of the major power structures in the region with its victory in the Garabagh conflict in 2020. Compared to other countries, Azerbaijan, as a younger nation, quickly attracting attention in the region and the world guarantees that official Baku will achieve even greater successes in the future. The relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are of special importance to the Russian leadership today. Alongside political and economic ties, social relations are also manifesting in the dynamic of development. For instance, during his visit, President Putin expressed his special gratitude for Azerbaijan's attention to the development of the Russian language. President Putin thanked the Azerbaijani President for the Russian Culture Days event held in Azerbaijan this June and commended the Azerbaijani leadership. It should be noted that President Putin is expected to become acquainted with Azerbaijans White City project during his visit today. The White City project, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, symbolizes Azerbaijan's modernization and reconstruction strategy. The project represents the transformation of a previously polluted and underdeveloped area into a modern, ecologically clean, and urban center. Ilham Aliyevs aim with this project is not only to change the external appearance of Baku but also to modernize the way of thinking and living of Azerbaijani society. As a significant step aimed at positioning Azerbaijan as an internationally recognized brand, the project takes into account historical, economic, and ecological factors to ensure the countrys future development. The White City project represents Ilham Aliyevs vision for Azerbaijan and demonstrates how this vision is being implemented in the form of Baku. This reconstruction, starting from a polluted area, is one of the important steps Azerbaijan is taking toward becoming a modern and developed country. President Putins interest in this project also proves that the White City is a part of Bakus successful management system. It is also worth noting that countries such as Japan, Italy, and Turkey, in addition to Russia, are showing serious interest in the projects implemented in Azerbaijan. The ongoing reconstruction and restoration work in the liberated Garabagh, particularly using methods that could contribute to green energy, attracts the interest of world states and elevates Azerbaijan's position on the international stage. The COP29 event to be held in the country in November this year already reflects Azerbaijans status as a trusted partner among world countries and its potential to support green energy. Recall that Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will host the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) for the first time in the region from November 1122, 2024. The decision was made at the plenary session of COP28 on December 11. Azerbaijan successfully participated in the COP28 held in Abu Dhabi last year. Azerbaijan will take the opportunity to bring heads of state and governments, civil society organisations, business, and international institutions together in the South Caucasus to discuss climate change, measures to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and focus on long-term climate strategies and goals. It is worth noting that Azerbaijan confirmed its commitment to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 35 percent by 2030 and increase this target by 40 percent by 2050. Fulfilling the commitments under the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 and actively working in this regard are priority issues for the government of Azerbaijan. The Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been held annually since 1995. The event aims to assess the progress made in combating climate change around the world. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 August 2024 17:41 (UTC+04:00) The growth in trade volume between Azerbaijan and Russia highlights the significant potential for cooperation, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated during a joint press briefing following meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azernews reports. "The increase in trade volume, both last year and in the first six months of this year, indicates substantial potential for cooperation. We surpassed the $4 billion mark last year, and (during todays meetings ed.) we shared our opinions that this is certainly not the limit," the Azerbaijani leader said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 August 2024 16:56 (UTC+04:00) For the first time in its history, Azerbaijan sold crude oil to a South American country, Azernews reports. Access to paid information is limited Find the plan that suits you best. 19 August 2024 19:21 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The collision of the boats of the Maritime Police of the People's Republic of China and the Philippines occurred off the Xianbin Reef (Sabina) in the South China Sea, Azernews reports. "The Philippine vessel number 4410 ignored the repeated serious warnings of the PRC, in an unprofessional and dangerous manner deliberately rammed the Chinese boat number 21551, which carried out regular law enforcement activities," the statement said. It is clarified that the emergency occurred on Monday at 03:24 Beijing time (23:24 Sunday Baku time) in the waters where two Philippine vessels "illegally invaded". According to Gan Yu, Beijing places all responsibility for the incident on the Philippine side. "The Chinese Coast Guard has taken control measures in accordance with the law," the statement said. Beijing has been arguing with several countries for several decades over the territorial affiliation of individual islands in the South China Sea, where significant hydrocarbon reserves have been discovered offshore. First of all, we are talking about the Paracel Islands (Xisha), the Nansha Archipelago (Spratly) and the Huangyan Reef (Scarborough) - these issues concern Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net. Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023. 19 August 2024 21:18 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva South Korean President Yun Seok-yel called for increased readiness to repel North Korea's provocations in the "gray zone" and a hybrid war with the North, Azernews reports. "We must strengthen our readiness to respond to North Korea's provocations in the gray zone, such as the dissemination of false information, fake news and cyber attacks," the agency quoted Yun Seok-yeon as saying during a cabinet meeting. The South Korean president warned that the DPRK may try to create social instability through violence, propaganda and agitation in the early stages of the conflict. "We must actively seek methods to prevent a split and increase people's determination to resist," the head of state said. "In order to maintain national security and increase our readiness for war, we must reliably protect transport, communications, water supply, social infrastructure and important state facilities," the South Korean leader said. On Monday, the country began the annual military exercises of South Korea and the United States Ulchi Freedom Shield, which will last until August 29. Seoul and Washington have said the exercises are defensive in nature, but Pyongyang has long condemned the allied maneuvers as a rehearsal for an invasion of the DPRK. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Lincoln City Gets More Accessibility: Curb Ramp Construction Begins on Central Oregon Coast Published 8/15/24 at 5:47 a.m. By Andre' GW Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection (Lincoln City, Oregon) As previewed a few times this year, Lincoln City is now getting into the thick of its street and sidewalk remodeling to make for more accessibility. Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said construction work is now beginning for the additions of ADA curbs and other accessibility features, which will mean some minor traffic delays in some areas of the central Oregon coast town and just outside of it. First, they start a ways south of town, near Gleneden Beach. You may have seen us in the area preparing to start construction on the ADA curb ramp project, ODOT said. We're working on making U.S. 101 in your community more accessible no matter how you get around. We're planning to start at the south end of Lincoln Beach on the east side and will work north. Expect shoulder and lane closures starting about now, with crews working Sunday night through Friday morning. Flaggers will be helping with traffic and expect some noise and delays. All businesses will be open. ODOT said ADA curb ramps make things easier for just about anyone to move from road to sidewalk, but especially for those in wheelchairs or those who have trouble stepping up and down high curbs. It's also helpful for people using wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, hand carts and bicycles, ODOT said. These ramps make it easier for everyone to get around, whether they have a disability or not. It's all part of a larger effort on the Oregon coast to really up the levels of accessibility for all. Much of that greater project was aided by a partnership between Travel Oregon, Explore Lincoln City and Wheel the World, with a lot of funding coming from Travel Oregon. Their efforts included more Mobi-Mats in town, with a total of four access points now. These are ADA-compliant, temporary pathways that provide a non-slip surface for wheelchair users to have easier beach access. There's also free beach wheelchair rentals, enabling individuals with mobility challenges to traverse the sandy shores effortlessly. For those with color vision deficiency, Lincoln City offers EnChroma glasses, allowing individuals to experience the vibrant coastal scenery in full color, Travel Oregon said. Several local parks and recreational areas have also been upgraded with accessible trails, picnic areas, and restrooms, making Lincoln City a welcoming destination for all visitors. See the Explore Lincoln City site for more. Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Now that Kamala Harris has been coronated the Democratic Socialist designee for nomination as their candidate for President of these United States, after that political party's contrived primary process "democratically" elected Joseph R. Biden: What are your feelings about this party's progressive posture within their self-styled exercise of "Saving Democracy for America," and how truly critical the outcome of this presidential election will be? 8.7% I am ecstatic that this "Democracy's" First partially Black, First partially Indian, First female Co-Parent, and this nation's primary necessity is to her elect our First woman president.26.09% I really do not care about all these "Firsts." I will continue to pray, and work for this Representative Republic to elect someone competent, and brilliantly patriotic to be our next president.65.22% I will never vote for any politician that "first" does not have the core values to understand how dire this Constitutional Republic's situation has become. Physicians Pierre Kory, MD, and Paul Ellis Marik, MD, have had their certifications revoked by The American Board of Internal Medicine for leading an organization that promotes ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19, according to an Aug. 15 report from Medscape. Dr. Kory is no longer certified in critical care medicine, pulmonary disease and internal medicine and Dr. Marik is no longer certified in critical care medicine or internal medicine. Dr. Marik is the chief scientific officer and Dr. Kory is president emeritus of the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, a group they founded in March 2020 that advocates for ivermectin. The group now promotes regimens of supplements to treat "vaccine injury" and also offers treatments for Lyme disease. The board classies license revocation as the "loss of certification due to disciplinary action for which ABIM has determined that the conduct underlying the sanction does not warrant a defined pathway for restoration of certification at the time of disciplinary sanction." "We believe this decision represents a dangerous shift away from the foundation principles of medical discourse and scientific debate that have historically been the bedrock of medical education associations," Dr. Marik and Dr. Kory said in a statement to Medscape. The physicians were notified in May 2022 that they were facing potential disciplinary action. An ABIM committee recommended the revocation in July 2023, saying the two men were spreading "false or inaccurate medical information." Dr. Kory and Dr. Marik lost an appeal to keep their licenss. In a 2023 statement, the physicians called the ABIM action an "attack on freedom of speech." Dr. Kory is licensed in California, New York, and Wisconsin and "does not require this certification for his independent practice but is evaluating next steps with attorneys," according to a statement from FLCCC. Dr. Marik, whose Virginia medical license expired in 2022, "is no longer treating patients and has dedicated his time and efforts to the FLCCC Alliance," the statement said. A physician in Middletown, N.J., has agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve allegations he did not maintain adequate drug registrations for multiple medical practices he owned or operated, Bucks County Courier Times reported Aug. 16. Between 2021 and August 2023, Joseph Kepko, DO, allegedly failed to maintain adequate Drug Enforcement Administration registrations at his skincare clinics. Dr. Kepko also allegedly failed to maintain receiving and dispensing records, failed to perform inventories every two years and allegedly possessed presigned prescriptions. Along with the settlement, Dr. Kepko agreed to enter a three-year monitoring agreement with the DEA. He must report all patient requests for controlled substances that give rise to suspicion that the patient is engaging in or attempting to engage in illegal drug diversion. A woman from Dayton, Ohio, was arrested in Texas months after being indicted for allegedly stealing $1.5 million from Ohio Medicaid. Janay Corbitt was indicted May 14 for eight felony charges, including aggravated theft, identity fraud and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, the Ohio Attorney General's office said in an Aug. 16 news release. Ms. Corbitt allegedly stole multiple peoples' identities to open and operate sham behavioral health counseling agencies in Ohio. She also allegedly stole the identities of several licensed counselors and used their credentials to bill Medicaid. In 2018, she was convicted of theft in a separate Medicaid scheme and was ordered to pay more than $204,000 to Medicaid, according to the report. She has paid $6,255 to date. Ms. Corbitt was arrested Aug. 15 at a bus station in Dallas, according to the release. A bankruptcy judge has approved the sale of financially troubled Steward Health Care's 175-physician group to Nashville, Tenn.-based Rural Healthcare Group, part of private equity firm Kinderhook Industries, for $245 million in cash. Here are five things ASCs need to know: 1. "The deal that's on the table is the best one," U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez said during an Aug. 16 bankruptcy hearing, adding that "it's the highest and the best." 2. The proposed transaction will now progress to a review by state and federal regulators for final approval. 3. With the deal, Rural Healthcare Group, which comprises 17 clinics across the U.S., would take on Stewardship's system an integration of Steward Health Care Network and the Steward Medical Group, a primary-care network of around 5,000 employed and affiliated providers. Stewardship is also offered to Medicaid and commercial populations. 4. A representative for Humana expressed concern over the deal regarding its contracts, saying "if our contracts are rejected, which they have the right to do, we need a transitional period to ensure that we can provide and find new primary physicians, especially physicians for our membership and patients." 5. In June, Optum, parent company of ASC chain SCA Health, backed out of plans to acquire the 175-physician Stewardship Health. Read more from the original report on Becker's Hospital Review here. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg addresses the Texas delegation on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Jeremy Wallace/Houston Chronicle CHICAGO San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenbergs tenure as the citys leader may be coming to a close, but his political star nationally may be taking off thanks to growing ties with Vice President Kamala Harris and the White House. On the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Nirenberg used a speech before Texas Democrats to tout Harris credentials for the presidency, jab at U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and blast former President Donald Trump as a clown that America cant allow a second term in office. READ MORE: These are the key Texas Democrats to watch at the DNC in Chicago Advertisement Article continues below this ad Our message to Republicans is clear, Nirenberg, 47, said in a hotel ballroom where the states delegation is staying. Stay out of our bedrooms. Keep your politics out of our exam rooms. Keep your weirdness out of classrooms. And importantly, keep your clown out of our White House. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg addresses the Texas delegation on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Jeremy Wallace Even before Harris became the Democrats' presidential candidate, Nirenberg was developing a relationship with the former California U.S. senator. In early July, Nirenberg flew to Las Vegas to kick off a rally for Harris focused on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Nirenberg, who was first elected mayor in San Antonio in 2017, has roots in the Filipino, Malaysian and Indian communities. Hes also been a guest of the White House at official state dinners with world leaders and is an official delegate for Harris at the convention this week when she will become the partys official nominee. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In Chicago on Monday, Nirenberg used his speech to praise President Joe Biden for getting the American Recovery Act passed during the COVID-19 pandemic. That included rental and utility payment assistance that Nirenberg said helped keep 65,000 families in his city from becoming homeless. He also told the crowd that he formally endorsed Democrat Colin Allred for the U.S. Senate over the weekend. Allred is running against Cruz in the Nov. 5 election. RELATED: Ted Cruz warns Texas Republicans of tough matchup with Colin Allred Nirenberg got a big laugh when he later took a jab at Cruz, though not by name. Nirenberg was talking about how Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who led the state during deadly flooding two years ago, would address the full convention on Monday night during a prime-time speech. During the historic and tragic floods in his state he didnt jump on a flight to Cancun, Nirenberg said. Gov. Beshear stood up for the people of Kentucky no matter how they voted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2021 during the deadly winter storms in Texas, Cruz went to Cancun as millions of Texas were without power. Cruz returned and eventually apologized for leaving the state. Kerry Stevens, a Democratic delegate from Austin, said he had never heard Nirenberg speak before but found him funny, forward-thinking, and energetic. Stevens said he hopes Nirenberg runs for higher office someday. I feel like he was a leader I could follow, Stevens said. Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the rest of the nation may be starting to see what hes seen for years. He described Nirenberg as a leader not just for San Antonio, but someone who has gone to bat for other big cities in Texas when the Legislature tried to pass legislation stripping authority from local governments. Being mayor of San Antonio is not going to be his final stop, Turner said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nirenberg, whose term as mayor ends in May, said hes not sure what is next for him. For now, he said hes just focusing on finishing his tenure as mayor and doing everything he can to help Harris become president. Colonoscopy demand is on the rise, and some ASCs and endoscopy centers are seeking new avenues to meet the growing need for qualified staff. The Houston Community College Coleman College for Health Sciences is seeking to fill that need with its endoscopy technician program, the only one of its kind in Texas and one of only three in the nation, The Katy News reported Aug. 17. The center trains endoscopy technicians through a two-semester certificate program, equipping them to perform outpatient endoscopy procedures and aims to fight the shortage of qualified endoscopy professionals in the region and nationwide. Gottumukkala Raju, MD, an endoscopist and a professor of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition with University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, reached out to HCC in late 2015 with a proposal to develop the standardized endoscopy technician program. He helped create the 35-hour, evening curriculum course alongside an advisory group of physicians, nurses, endoscopy technicians, educators and other industry partners. "Not every endoscopy technician at every hospital has the same level of expertise," Dr. Raju said in the report. "Even now, people are recruited into a hospital endoscopy unit and receive a few weeks of on-the-job training before assisting doctors. That is not the best way to build a top-quality team." According to the report, students of the program have seen successful job placements and the program has caught the attention of physicians throughout the area. "I know the students are very well trained with extensive knowledge about endoscopy and the tools we use in both regular and advanced procedures," said Karen Woods, MD, a gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist Hospital, told The Katy News. "I would strongly consider any graduate from the HCC program to work in my hospital unit or outpatient center." Portland-based Legacy Health reported a $41.7 million operating loss (5.9% margin) for the quarter ending June 30, compared to a $10.1 million operating gain (1.4% margin) for the same quarter in the prior fiscal year, according to financial documents published Aug. 15. Legacy said its financial performance was significantly affected by a challenging labor market that resulted in a steep increase in contract labor and premium pay. Additionally, higher patient acuity as well as constraints in subacute care facility capacity led to increases in hospital length of stay across all facilities. Operating revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 increased 0.9% year over year to $709.3 million while expenses grew by 8.4% to $751.1 million. Labor costs increased 4.5% year over year to $453.5 million and supply expenses rose 5.3% to $115.2 million. "We have sustained and continued to improve length of stay but increases in staffing related to regulatory requirements as well as continued pressure in market rates for contract services are putting pressure on operating improvement made in FY24," the health system said in its financial report. "Contract labor and premium pay stabilization will be dependent on successful hiring of new roles required by House Bill 2697." After accounting for nonoperating items, such as investment returns, Legacy ended the first quarter of fiscal 2025 with a net loss of $18.7 million, compared to a net income of $61.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Kathryn Correia recently retired as Legacy president and CEO, and George Brown, MD, returned to lead the system July 1. Legacy and Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University in May signed a definitive agreement to unite as one health system under OHSU Health. OHSU plans to invest about $1 billion over 10 years to support primary- and community-based services that will be part of the combined, 10-hospital system. Contrary to the rumors, there are no plans to close Asante Ashland (Ore.) Community Hospital, a spokesperson for the hospital told Becker's. During the Ashland City Council meeting last week, three employees at the hospital raised concerns about a possible closure amid an expiring contract with an anesthesia provider, the failure to renew contracts with orthopedic surgeons, staff shortages and the closure of the hospital's intensive care unit, dailytidings.com reported Aug. 19. Asante Ashland Community's contract with an outside anesthesia provider will expire Sept. 1, but it will continue to have anesthesia coverage after that date, a spokesperson for the hospital told Becker's. CEO Brandon Mencini told hospital employees in an email that rumors of a potential closure are "unfounded" and leaders are developing a plan to continue to provide surgical operations and anesthesia services after Sept. 1, according to the report. "We are developing a strategic plan for the hospital, as we do periodically across the health system for every hospital and many service lines," Asante said in a statement. "We are excited to complete our strategic planning efforts that are currently underway so we can invest in the facility and plan for the future needs of our community." Medford, Ore.-based Asante Health is a three-hospital system with more than 30 primary care and specialty clinic locations. Greenville, S.C.-based Prisma Health, an 18-hospital system, reported an operating income of $217 million (4.4% margin) for the nine months ended June 30, compared to an operating loss of $31.2 million (-0.7% margin) for the same period in the previous fiscal year, according to financial documents published Aug. 16. Revenue for the nine-month period increased 13.1% year over year to $4.96 billion while expenses grew by 7.4% to $4.74 billion. Overall labor costs increased 3.1% year over year to $2.67 billion, but were mitigated by decreased length of stay and reduced contract labor, according to the health system. After accounting for nonoperating items, such as investment returns, Prisma ended the nine-month period with a net income of $455 million, compared to a net gain of $201 million in the prior year-period. The unrestricted portion of cash and investments was $2.65 billion at June 30, 2024 and $1.97 billion at September 30, 2023, representing 158 and 125 days cash on hand, respectively. In July, Prisma announced plans to acquire Blount Memorial Hospital, a 304-bed community hospital in Maryville, Tenn. Under the proposed deal, Prisma would commit to investing $364 million into Blount Memorial. The deal, which is expected to close in late 2024, would cement Prisma's expansion into the Tennessee hospital market. Chris Squire, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, Mich., is leaving the organization to pursue a new opportunity in Wisconsin. "We will be forever grateful for our time in this community. I value the engagement I've experienced personally in the community and professionally among those I've had the good fortune to work alongside. I can't express the depth of my gratitude to all of those I've collaborated with over the years," Mr. Squire said in a news release shared with Becker's. His last day with OMH is Aug. 23. "As a Wisconsin native, this move will allow him to live closer to his immediate family," the release said. Mr. Squire joined OMH in June 2013 as the vice president of professional and ancillary services. He has served in the top leadership role since 2021. During his tenure, one of his key achievements was the construction and redesign of the emergency department and perioperative environment, according to the release. Rob Richardson, Munson vice president of MMC surgery and system support services, will step in as interim president and CEO of OMH. Munson Healthcare is an eight-hospital health system based in Traverse City, Mich. Kathy Kuepers, RN, will retire next year as CEO of Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington, Wis. Ms. Kuepers has been with the hospital for more than 42 years, according to a news release shared with Becker's. She has held roles including registered nurse, director of nursing, and COO. She has served as CEO since 2018. During her tenure, Ms. Kuepers has played a key role in the building of a new 80,000-square-foot replacement facility, which is scheduled to open in the spring 2025, according to the release. The replacement facility will allow MHLC to offer a specialized MRI service and establish an electronic intensive care unit in collaboration with UW Hospital in Madison, Wis. Osteopathic physicians are significantly underrepresented on federal boards that determine research funding and healthcare policy, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine told Becker's Aug. 15. Of the National Institute of Health's 3,233 study section reviewers in 2022, 493 were allopathic physicians and none were osteopathic physicians. In addition, only one DO sat among the 462 National Advisory Council members, compared to 213 MDs in 2022. This year, two DOs sit on councils. DOs' underrepresentation on federal boards is causing osteopathic medical schools to miss out on important research funding, according to AACOM. In an analysis shared with Becker's, the association found osteopathic medical schools only get 0.1% ($55.6 million) of all active NIH grant funding. In contrast, allopathic medical schools receive 41% of funding, or $22.91 billion of the NIH's $55.4 billion research budget. At present, NIH's website lists 99 active research projects in schools of osteopathic medicine, compared to 37,723 for allopathic medical schools. "Osteopathic medical schools currently educate a quarter of all U.S. medical students, and that will grow to one third of all students by 2030," AACOM told Becker's. "Severely limiting the research opportunities for these students and schools will only weaken our nation's healthcare network and hinder our ability to respond to future medical challenges. In addition, whether intentionally or not, this disparity in representation on federal boards and commissions continues to perpetuate a bias against osteopathic doctors [that] has been proven to be unwarranted and uninformed. We need every perspective possible at the table when charting the course of our nation's healthcare policy and research." Compared to other service industries, the prevalence of no-show fee policies in healthcare is difficult to gauge. But one thing is clear: No-show rates are a challenge affecting resource utilization, costs and patient access. On average, missed appointments can cost physicians $200, though this varies by specialty. The average no-show rate across primary care and various subspecialties was roughly 20% over a 12-year period ending in 2008, according to a 2016 study. It has since likely become a larger issue, with up to 50% of medical groups reporting an increase in no-show rates in recent years. Across industries, no-show fee policies have emerged as a way for businesses to make up for lost revenue when there is an unexpected opening on the books and deter inconvenient behavior. From 2019 to 2024, the number of restaurants on the reservation platform Resy that charged at least one cancellation fee more than quadrupled, according to data cited by The Wall Street Journal. It is more difficult to gauge just how common no-show fee policies are in healthcare, given there is no one overarching platform to track such fees and they are largely discretionary policies that vary by organization. "It's more common than it used to be," Arthur Caplan, PhD, founder of the division of medical ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, part of New York City-based NYU Langone Health, told Becker's. "But this is an area you're always operating by anecdote." Lowering no-show rates is critical, especially when the average wait time for the next available medical appointment across 11 specialties is nearing 40 days, but how to best go about doing so is complicated in healthcare, experts told Becker's. Healthcare leaders have high-stakes factors to consider before imposing monetary penalties on patients, such as whether their policy may widen healthcare disparities. "You want to make sure that you are not so punitive" that patients do not come back, said Rick Gundling, senior vice president of professional practice at the Healthcare Financial Management Association. What to consider Comprehensive data on common reasons for missed appointments is hard to come by, though one study from 2020 showed financial issues were often at play. Some portion of missed appointments is beyond a person's control: an illness, bad weather, transportation issues, etc. For some, a $100-plus fee to reschedule may be enough to prevent them from coming back. Instead, they may avoid the fee and not return as a patient. Such scenarios represent a loss for both the patient and the practice, as the business is not recovering any potential lost income from the appointment, and a patient's health may suffer from missed or delayed care, Dr. Caplan said. "I don't think the penalty system captures that, nor is it solving the problem," he said. In other cases, fees may stand to make no-shows even more prevalent. Patients who are not as burdened by the fee may rather pay out of convenience to skip their appointment last minute instead of missing another commitment. Putting a price on late cancellations may make the practice more acceptable, as demonstrated by a study in 2000 that found late pickups significantly increased at a daycare center after a fee policy was imposed, which was cited by The Wall Street Journal in a May report. The experts Becker's spoke to encouraged leaders to think outside the box on ways to deter no-shows that do not involve fees. At Peoria, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare, leaders are constantly considering new ways to address the issue among patients who consistently do not show up for primary and specialty appointments, said Amanda Mishler, senior vice president of clinical operations at the health system's medical group. OSF Healthcare does not charge patients for missed medical appointments and is instead experimenting with a patient agreement in certain high-demand specialties, including behavioral health. "The agreement highlights the patient's commitment to showing up to appointments," Ms. Mishler said. "If they repeatedly no-show, we will remove them as an established patient. In order to re-establish with the practice, they would need to go through the new patient process again, however, there is not a monetary impact to the patient." No-shows will always be a challenge in some capacity, but addressing the underlying factors behind why it is a habit for some patients is the only long-term and reliable way to mitigate the issue, leaders said. Missed appointments should increasingly be used as an opportunity to initiate conversations with patients about the potential barriers they face in accessing healthcare and address social determinants of health. "Social determinants of health is something that needs to be understood as it may be a key driver for continual no-shows," Ms. Mishler said. "Taking the time to have a conversation with patients about barriers to showing up for appointments is important as they may not understand the importance of their appointment, or the impact not showing up has on access for others." Knowing what factors are at play also allows the organization to offer potential alternatives when appropriate, such as a virtual visit. If access to reliable transportation is a barrier, a fee will not prevent the same problem down the line, and organizations should instead determine what resources they can offer patients. "Maybe it's getting an Uber voucher" or sharing other options, Mr. Gundling said. "It's about great customer service and getting a better understanding of the patient," he said. "Don't make it punitive. Make it a way to engage." A California Superior Court judge dismissed a lawsuit from a bankrupt health system accusing the data analytics firm MultiPlan and national insurers of using their influence to deny providers billions of dollars since 2012, according to an Aug. 9 court filing. The liquidating trust for Redwood City, Calif.-based Verity Health filed the lawsuit against MultiPlan in 2021. The lawsuit accused MultiPlan of forging a "hub, spoke, and rim" agreement with major payers to artificially reduce out-of-network reimbursement for providers. MultiPlan then allegedly received a cut of money saved on the lower reimbursement rate. Verity Health declared bankruptcy in 2018, selling business assets through much of 2020. The lawsuit alleged that MultiPlan's practices violated California's Cartwright Act and Unfair Competition Law and cost providers, including Verity, a collective $10 billion annually since 2012. The superior court judge sided with MultiPlan's argument that reimbursement rates are not prices that can be fixed under the Cartwright Act. The judge also found that Verity did not sufficiently allege unlawful exchange of competitively sensitive business information. Allegations made by Verity are similar to those made in more recent federal proposed class-actions against MultiPlan in federal court by health systems and other providers. Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth and Shreveport, La.-based Allegiance Health Management are among those that have filed lawsuits against the data analytics firm. In its May 8 lawsuit, CHS alleged, "MultiPlan has created, and continues to orchestrate, an ongoing cartel agreement with competing health insurance companies throughout the United States to bilk healthcare providers out of billions of dollars per year." The lawsuits filed by the three health systems, along with suits from three other providers, were centralized Aug. 1 in an Illinois federal court. A federal judge said in the order that the centralizing of the lawsuits "will serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and promote the just and efficient conduct of this litigation." A MultiPlan spokesperson told Becker's in a statement, "We have consistently stated that these lawsuits are without merit and would ultimately increase prices for patients and employers. We were pleased to see that last Friday the Superior Court of California granted MultiPlans motion to dismiss against the Verity Health System Liquidating Trust, in a case raising antitrust claims similar to those in the multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of Illinois." Dallas-based Steward Health Care filed a lawsuit Aug. 19 against its landlord Medical Properties Trust claiming that the efforts to sell its remaining hospitals to new operators have been disrupted by "parties who have refused to follow the clear ground rules." In the lawsuit, obtained by Becker's, Steward shared that 30 of its 31 hospitals are under master leases with Medical Properties Trust and that the two parties have "competing interests" regarding the value attributed to Stewards operating assets versus "the value allocated to the real estate owned by MPT or the proposed terms of a new lease with MPT." "MPTs sales process interference and brinksmanship jeopardizes the future of dozens of hospitals, tens of thousands of jobs, and the safety of patients not to mention wrongfully taking value from the estate," Steward said in the lawsuit. Steward also shared that its sale process for the hospitals has been successful in bringing bidder interest, but that in "virtually every case," Steward and Medical Properties Trust have had a dispute over the hospital's value which have prevented sales from occurring. "The Debtors can be expected to lash out at MPT and try to blame MPT for the poor progress of these cases and the delays in the sale process," a Medical Properties Trust emergency motion filed Aug. 19, and obtained by Becker's, said. "In reality, it is the Debtors who have prevented sales from going forward, not to protect public health or the like but to attempt to force MPT to transfer real-estate value to the Debtors and their lenders as the price of allowing sales to go forward that are necessary to avoid closures." Medical Properties Trust's emergency motion also argued that the global bidding procedures do not give Steward the green light to sell its landlord's property. "The procedures make clear that MPT alone (as the fee owner) will negotiate any disposition of its real estate, confirming expressly that MPT will 'discuss and negotiate directly with any Potential Bidder regarding the treatment of any lease pertaining to the real estate owned by MPT Lessors,'" the Medical Properties motion said. The lawsuit comes after Steward filed a motion Aug. 16, also obtained by Becker's, asking U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Chris Lopez to reject 144 "Master Lease I" agreements with its landlord Medical Properties Trust in an effort to help the system sell its remaining hospitals. The agreements are tied to Steward's hospitals in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana, Arizona, Arkansas, Texas and Florida, according to an Aug. 16 motion filed by Steward and obtained by Becker's. The system's "Master Lease II" agreements pertain to Steward's Massachusetts hospitals. "Even setting aside MPT's interference with the sale process, the terms of Master Lease I are expensive and burdensome, with significantly above-market rental obligations," the motion said. "The rent and other payment obligations under the Master Leases are substantial and have crippled the Debtors' operations for years." The motion claimed that Steward has paid Medical Properties more than $870 million between its two master leases, with $605 million under Master Lease I and $265 million under Master Lease II. Steward also claimed that MPT had "disappointedly" communicated with hospital bidders without its consent and violated the bidding procedures, directed bidders to distribute bid values to Medical Properties' real estate and pressured Steward, which has "limited liquidity runway" to consent to MPT's demands that "all value be siphoned" to the landlord, putting the for-profit health system at risk of maintaining and selling its operations in a "safe and value-maximizing manner." A Medical Properties spokesperson told Becker's in an Aug. 19 statement that the company has been "collaborative and accommodating" to help ensure that Steward's hospitals stay open, and that it rejects any acquisitions that MPT has interfered with sale and marketing efforts for the health system. "We have proactively worked with potential bidders to address real estate-related matters," the spokesperson said. "Steward's lawyers are wrongly blaming MPT for holding up sales when in fact Steward has refused to sell hospitals in order to extract value from MPT. The rent that Steward agreed to pay in the leases with MPT is a small fraction of Stewards revenues, and in fact is dwarfed by the fees being charged by the professionals in this bankruptcy case. Despite Steward's recent attempts to rewrite history, their own statements at the outset of the bankruptcy process make clear their financial stress is a product of their own operating failures not rent obligations." News of the lawsuit and motion comes as Steward, which sought Chapter 11 protection May 6, received approval during an Aug. 16 hearing to sell its physician group, Stewardship Health, to Nashville, Tenn.-based Rural Healthcare Group for $245 million. Orlando (Fla.) Health also recently entered into a binding asset purchase agreement for Steward's Northern Florida assets for $439.42 million. In Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey shared that deals "in principle" have been reached for four Steward state hospitals. Under the deals, Providence, R.I.-based Lifespan will take over Taunton, Mass.-based Morton Hospital and Fall River, Mass.-based St. Anne's Hospital, Boston Medical Center will operate Brockton, Mass.-based Good Samaritan, and Lawrence (Mass.) General Hospital will acquire Holy Family Hospital in Methuen (Mass.) and Holy Family Hospital in Haverhill (Mass.). The state of Massachusetts will take over Brighton, Mass.-based St. Elizabeth's Medical Center through eminent domain and plans to make Boston Medical Center the new owner. Steward's Boston-based Carney Hospital and Ayer-based Nashoba Valley Medical Center received bankruptcy court approval to close by Aug. 31. "The Governor has used the power of eminent domain to keep St. Elizabeth Medical Center open," an Aug. 19 Mass-Care news release shared with Becker's said regarding the two state hospital closures. "That leaves Carney Hospital in Dorchester and Nashoba Valley Hospital waiting to be taken over so they can continue to serve the local populations. If the State can take one, they can take the other two hospitals." Editor's note: This story was updated Aug. 20 at 9:40 a.m. CT. A pair of Alaska state troopers have been charged with misdemeanor assault following a case of mistaken identity when investigators said they pepper-sprayed, tased and unleashed a police dog while arresting a man on a warrant that was meant for a different person. Sgt. Joseph Miller and K-9 handler Jason Woodruff were charged with fourth-degree assault for the May 24 incident, James Cockrell, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Public Safety, announced at a news conference Thursday. Cockrell said he was "totally sickened" by what he saw on the troopers' body cameras. "I've been with this department for 33 years, and I've never seen any action like this before by an Alaska state trooper," he emphasized. "Because of their actions, there were significant injuries to the person who went to the hospital." Cockrell added: "Let me be clear: the actions of these two individuals are not acceptable to me, not in line with our training and policy, and I know they are not acceptable to the Alaskans we serve." The confrontation occurred when Miller and Woodruff responded to a report of a car parked in a public right-of-way in Soldotna on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, southwest of Anchorage. The car was registered to a man whose name was linked to an active misdemeanor warrant, according to Cockrell. The troopers ordered the driver out of the vehicle, but broke the car's windows and dragged him out when he refused, saying there was no warrant against him. They then pepper-sprayed and tased him, and Woodruff sicced his police dog on the driver and ordered the animal to "bite the man," said Cockrell. Miller then placed his foot on the man's head, "pushing it into the ground covered in broken glass," causing his "face or head" to start bleeding, Cockrell recounted. After the man was taken to a local hospital for treatment, the troopers realized they had actually arrested the cousin of the man they were looking for, according to the commissioner. The men share a last name. "There should have been some additional questions," Cockrell noted. Miller and Woodruff have since been placed on administrative leave, and the dog is no longer in service. The troopers will next be in court on September 10. G. Dean MacEwen, MD, a pioneer in pediatric orthopedic surgery, died at 96, according to an Aug. 16 obituary published in Delaware Online. Dr. MacEwen first began practicing in 1958, joining Wilmington, Del.-based Nemours Childrens Hospital. Over the next 30 years, he developed and made modifications to devices for the treatment of scoliosis and congenital hip dysplasia. He also established screening protocols for hip dysplasia in newborns and scoliosis in children. He was also a charter member and president of several key orthopedic societies, including the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and the Scoliosis Research Society. After he retired from Nemours Childrens in 1987, Dr. MacEwen continued working at the Childrens Hospital in New Orleans and later joined St. Christophers Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Retailer Ted Baker shut its Belfast store last week, with 30 others around the UK to follow suit on Tuesday Ted Baker has closed its store in Belfasts Victoria Square with its 30 remaining units around the UK to follow suit, putting 500 jobs at risk. Sky News reported that talks between Ted Bakers owner, Authentic Brands, and retail tycoon Mike Ashleys Frasers Group have stalled, with all stores expected to have shut by the end of Tuesday. However, the retailer closed its Belfast store at Victoria Square shopping centre last week. The business behind the fashion brands UK shops, No Ordinary Designer Label Limited (NODL), fell into administration in March. It has since shut 15 shops in the UK, resulting in about 245 staff being made redundant. Staff working at the remaining stores were told last month that they will lose their jobs when the shops close. Ted Baker had 46 UK stores and employed around 975 people prior to the insolvency. Authentic Brands, the US-based firm behind Juicy Couture and Reebok, is still the owner of Ted Bakers intellectual property. It was hoping to find a new partner to run the Ted Baker retail and online business in the UK and Europe. The collapse of the UK stores could mark the end of its position on high streets, after being founded in 1988 by Ray Kelvin and becoming recognised for its patterned and floral clothing. However, the brand is currently still sold through some department stores and retailers. Authentic Brands and Frasers Group have been approached for comment. News Catch Up - Monday 19th August Harland & Wolff has confirmed that a new intake of apprentices due to begin work at its Appledore site in North Devon next month has been cancelled. The news comes less than a week after the chairman and two other non-executive directors of the Belfast-headquartered shipbuilders resigned with immediate effect, as the company continues to seek additional funding. A spokesperson for the company said that current apprentices in Northern Ireland have not been impacted by the latest announcement. No, just Appledore [is] affected, they told the Belfast Telegraph. "Current apprentices already on their apprenticeships continue unaffected, its just the new intake at Appledore which was due to start next month. "New intakes at our other sites are starting this week. Last Monday, it emerged Harland & Wolff had suspended work on its 2023 accounts. The following day, the changes at board level were announced. Russell Downs, interim executive chairman, said: "On behalf of the board, I wish to thank our outgoing non-executive directors for the time and hard work that they have put in over the years in support of the company and wish them well in their future endeavours. The shipbuilder confirmed the appointments of two new board members as it seeks to complete a recapitalisation intended to give the company a sustainable financial footing. Mr Downs has joined as interim executive chairman, and Alan Fort has joined as a non-executive director. Mr Downs has a background in restructuring and refinancing and worked for 30 years at PwC. He said: We remain focused on working with interested parties and key stakeholders to ensure that we can navigate through this uncertainty preserving the underlying value in the yards and the FSS contract for its employees and other stakeholders. Mr Fort is a qualified chartered accountant who also worked for PwC, and is described as having experience at, providing support and challenge to management teams to ensure that goals are clearly defined and performance is transparently monitored. BBC NI also reported that a group of Harland & Wolff shareholders fear the business is being lined up for a "pre-pack" administration. That would see the company enter administration and its trading assets would immediately be sold to a pre-determined buyer. The company said last week that it was unable to finalise its 2023 accounts on a going concern basis. This means that the company is not confident that, if it submitted its accounts currently, it would be presented as able to stay in business for the foreseeable future. News Catch Up - Monday 19th August Harland & Wolff has been experiencing financial problems in recent months. It had an application for a Government guarantee of a new 200m loan turned down. The Government said there was a very substantial risk that taxpayer money would be lost on such a guarantee. The company is part of a consortium that has been contracted by the government to build new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Ships for the Royal Navy. The company says that delivering this project remains a priority and that it has built significant scale and capability in its yard in recent years to fulfil this and another programme. It further said that it remains in active discussions on the FSS programme, and is continuing work on its existing order book. A company statement confirmed its recently announced 19m loan increase from existing creditors Riverstone is providing short-term liquidity for the company. It added that the company remains reliant on Riverstones support. But a group of shareholders have expressed concerns that the company is being run in the interests of the companys creditors as opposed to those who hold equity. A spokesperson for the group said that shareholders have not been consulted about changes at the company. Rothschild & Co, which has been appointed as a financial adviser for the company, is continuing to assess strategic options for Harland & Wolff. The company said that its resources are being focused on the Rothschild process while the work to publish the accounts for 2023 is suspended. Classic films enjoyed at reduced price by east Belfasts senior community Some east Belfast residents enjoying the Silver Screenings at the Strand Arts Centre The senior community will have the chance to reminisce about their favourite films of days gone by with the continuation of the Strand Arts Centres Silver Screenings programme. The popular programme will see films screened at a reduced price at their new location at Connswater Shopping Centre. It has earned the Eastside Award for Community Impact and offers an affordable outing with tickets priced at just 4, including free entry for carers. Guests also enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits, adding to the overall experience. With help from the kindness of the community, almost 400 has also been raised in the past week to help fund taxi fares to and from the cinema so there is no need to worry about travel expenses. www.gerrymcnallyphotography.com Mimi Turtle, CEO of Strand Arts Centre, said: The Strand is excited to see such a diverse range of ages coming together to enjoy these classic films. The Silver Screenings programme is about more than just films its about building community and celebrating shared memories, whether attendees are 20 or 80. We are thrilled to continue these screenings at Connswater Shopping Centre, ensuring this important community initiative remains accessible to everyone. The initiative has been run by Northern Irelands oldest operational cinema since 2017 and has proved to be popular with residents from care homes in the area. Paula Tabakin from Fairholme Nursing Home said that attending Silver Screenings is the highlight of the week for many residents and carers. Many of our tenants would frequent the cinema in their youth and this is a lovely opportunity to relive this experience as for many its a rare opportunity to go out, she said. Even the drive up has become an experience as has brought up memories of east Belfast for some of our tenants. Rachael Corry from Towell House said it also offers an opportunity for nostalgia. Silver Screenings allow audiences to reminisce about their early film experiences and relive fond memories, she said. Its a refreshing afternoon out for the residents and feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. Due to popular demand, the Strand is also planning to introduce Cinematic Sundays, offering classic film showings for those who love the genre but cannot attend the Thursday screenings. These screenings are not exclusive to care home residents and more recently, the programme has attracted a varied audience, including younger viewers discovering and enjoying films from the 1940s. Emma Hart is Marketing Manager for the Strand Arts Centre. She explained that the same film is played for two weeks in a row to allow for residents who perhaps were unwell or unable to make the first viewing, to make the second one. We love to see the residents come and visit and its all about bringing the community together, she told this newspaper. Connswater is very accessible and its a great space for everyone to meet because the magic of cinema should be enjoyed by everyone. The cinema has screened a number of genres from romantic comedies and musicals to westerns. With the Strands funding from Arts and Older People Programme ACNI ending this September, they are currently looking for donors and corporate sponsors so that they can continue paying for film license costs, taxis and refreshments for this incentive. A successful online crowdfunding campaign raised almost 400 in just a week to cover travel costs to and from the care homes for residents to avail of the Silver Screenings. They are still appealing for donations, with 10 covering a single taxi journey and 20 covering a return. If you would like to donate you can do so via the https://localgiving.org/appeal/silverscreenings link. Michael Gillies, lecturer and course director for the BSc Culinary Arts Management at Ulster University Ulster Universitys reputation for producing excellence in culinary arts has been recognised after the man behind the management programme at the university has become the first professional chef and hospitality lecturer in Northern Ireland to be inducted into the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. Michael Gillies, lecturer and course director for the culinary arts management programme, was nominated to the UKs leading hospitality association by Gary Maclean, former MasterChef champion and National Chef of Scotland, and Chris McClurg, chef de cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurant Paul Ainsworth at No6. He now joins the UKs finest head chefs, pastry chefs and restaurant managers as an academician at the Royal Academy, which exists to support the future of the hospitality industry through education and training. It is a privilege to be inducted into the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and an honour to be the first person in Northern Ireland to have this recognition, Michael said. The Royal Academy is about collaboration and networking with the best in the industry and I have no doubt it will be beneficial for myself and my students as we seek to move hospitality education forward in Northern Ireland, open up new opportunities and show young people that a career in hospitality can offer an exciting, rewarding and balanced lifestyle. It was my pleasure to nominate Connor Johnston to be the second local chef to join the academy and I hope to see many others nominated down the line, he added. A huge thank you to Gary Maclean and Chris McClurg, two renowned chefs I have worked with throughout the years from cooking together in Buckingham Palace to competing against each other for the nomination. During his time in the industry, Michael held several senior chef roles in five-star hotels and Michelin Guide-listed restaurants. Now, his research focuses on consumer perceptions of food, outreach programmes, food safety and the use of digital technology in teaching. In the universitys popular Academy Restaurant, Michael leads the planning and delivery of the production side of the Culinary Salons, a series of dinners hosted by some of the UK and Irelands most admired chefs and food writers for a series of one-off set-menu events. Guest chefs at the Culinary Salon in recent years have included Jeremy Lee, chef proprietor of Quo Vadis, the renowned restaurant and members club located in the heart of Soho, London; wine, food and travel writer Marc Millon; and husband-and-wife duo Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich, owners of London-based Honey & Co. Michael hopes his position within the Royal Academy will support the enhancement of the culinary arts management course at Ulster University, ensuring it remains in line with industry trends, securing continued placement opportunities at Northern Irelands finest dining locations and producing industry-ready graduates. Following his acceptance to the Royal Academy, Michael nominated current Ulster University part-time student Connor Johnston, now head chef at Belfast restaurant Deanes Meat Locker, to be the second Northern Irish individual to join the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. Michael now intends to visit schools and colleges across Northern Ireland, promoting careers in hospitality. A man charged with a gangland murder in west Belfast allegedly made online inquiries about getting a one-way flight to America before handing himself in to police, the High Court heard today. How to get away with murder: The 1922 killing of a Catholic pub owner that shocked Belfast... and may now be solved A teenager has been arrested after members of the public were shoved and furniture kicked in a racially-motivated hate crime in south Belfast. The incident occurred in the Bradbury Place area after police received a report that a young man was pushing and shoving members of our minority ethnic community and kicking the furniture outside restaurants. He was then tracked using police camera operators and located in the Wellington Place area where when confronted he became aggressive and was arrested for disorderly behaviour. A police spokesperson said the 17-year old could be connected to two further reports of abusive behaviour and he was then arrested on two counts of common assault, alongside a second count of disorderly behaviour and one of resisting police. A police spokesperson said: He remains in custody at this time. Chief Inspector Conway also appealed to the local community for information and support. He said: Anyone who may have witnessed this series of incidents or has any information that could assist police in their enquiries, please contact 101, quoting reference 1157 of 18/08/24. Hate crime continues to be a priority for your local policing team and we will relentlessly pursue those who commit such offences. My message is please report every single incident of hate crime. Targeting anyone because of who they are is wrong, and must be called out. "We will do everything we can as a Police Service to ensure that everyone, no matter what their background, feels safe in their community, free from the fear of attacks motivated by hate. A 21-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with attempting to import drugs worth an estimated 700,000 into Northern Ireland, according to police. The National Crime Agency said Xaena Bursey-Duff from Calgary, Canada was detained by officers on Saturday evening after Border Force staff at Belfast City Airport seized 36 kilos of cannabis from baggage that had arrived on a flight from London Heathrow. Bursey-Duff was questioned after being transferred off a flight from Calgary in London and charged with importing controlled drugs and supplying controlled drugs, the NCA said. At a hearing at Belfast Magistrates on Monday, she was remanded in custody until her next hearing at the same court on September 16. The NCA released an image of around a dozen evidence bags containing the seized cannabis. Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a woman who has been missing for three months. Sofi Johanssons family have not heard from her since the end of May, and reported her missing to police on August 9. Sofi, aged 56, is described as being around 5ft 7in tall and of slim build, with long grey hair normally dyed blonde and hazel eyes. She has an American accent. Local policing Sergeant Rooney said: Sofi is known to frequent Belfast and Banbridge. She was last known to be staying in Belfast. "We are appealing to anyone with information in respect of her whereabouts to contact us on 101 or via psni.police/report, quoting serial 1348 of 09/08/24. Sofi may be camping in a wooded area of south Belfast, and we would ask the local community to check their outbuildings, sheds and any derelict buildings that may be accessible, if it is safe to do so. Vice President Kamala Harris' surging campaign has her competing with former President Donald Trump in four key Sunbelt states and holding a narrow nationwide lead, according to a series of new polls. Harris is comfortably leading Trump among likely voters in Arizona, 50% to 45%, and is also slightly ahead in North Carolina, 49% to 47%, according to polling by the New York Times and Siena College. Trump leads Harris in Georgia, 50% to 46%, and is barely ahead of her in Nevada, 48% to 47%, the Times reported Saturday. All the surveys involved head-to-head matchups and all but the Arizona results fell within the polls' margins of error, the Times said. The polls were conducted from Aug. 8 to 15, ahead of this week's scheduled Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Harris is set to deliver an acceptance speech on Thursday after securing enough delegate votes earlier this month to ensure her nomination. The poll results represent a stark turnaround in all four states, which Trump appeared to have locked up before President Joe Biden abruptly dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Harris less than a month ago. They also show Harris consolidating her support among younger, nonwhite and female voters who had been shying away from Biden, the Times said, with Harris holding a 13-point advantage among TikTok users in Arizona, Georgia and Nevada. By comparison, the same group supported Biden over Trump by just 3 points in May, the Times said. The Sunbelt could provide a potential path for Harris to win the 270 Electoral College votes needed to capture the White House and the latest polls pose a potential problem for Trump, for whom the Sunbelt is essential to victory, the Times said. Last week, Times/Siena polling showed Harris narrowly leading Trump in the nation's three other core battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Washington Post-ABC-News-Ipsos poll results released early Sunday showed Harris leading Trump, 49% to 45%, among registered voters in a head-to-head matchup. When other candidates were added to the choice, Harris led Trump, 47% to 44%, with 5% favoring Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Washington Post said. The poll has a margin of error of 2 percentage points, meaning that Harris' edge isn't statistically significant, according to the Post. Her 3-point lead in a race with third-party and independent candidates is also smaller than Biden's 4.5-point margin over Trump in the 2020 popular vote, the Post noted. Helicopter footage shows cars parked on the Westlink and people walking on the motorway. The PSNI has issued a reminder to motorists that it is illegal to stop or park on the hard shoulder of motorways after several motorists were issued with penalty tickets for this offence at the weekend. The issues arose after concerts took place at Boucher Road in south Belfast when large numbers of people were making their way home from the venue. Chief Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay, area commander for Belfast, said: It appears that motorists were stopping to collect concert goers on the M1 Motorway and its slip roads. The hard shoulder is neither a safe place to park, nor is it legal. It is for emergency use only. Our officers issued several motorists with penalty tickets, and many more were moved on by roads policing. Fixed penalty tickets can also be issued to pedestrians for walking on motorways and hard shoulders. Officers observed pedestrians walking along the hard shoulders and on-slips to meet their lifts and had to stop them from doing so for their own safety. This is an extremely dangerous practice which must stop. This weekend sees another music festival in Belfast, and organisers will have traffic restrictions in place. The area in and around the M1 at Stockmans Lane junction, Stockmans Lane and Boucher Road will be extremely busy. We would urge all those attending to make their travel arrangements in advance. Make sure your pick up point is in a safe place. We want people attending to have a great night and to remember these events for all the right reasons. News Catch Up - Monday 19th August Eight more images of people being sought by the PSNI over their investigation into disorder and attacks on police officers earlier this month have been released to the public. Three of the images were subsequently withdrawn after the individuals were identified. The police issued an initial statement which said: Can you help us identify the individuals in the images? Anyone who may be able to identify any of these individuals or provide any information about them such as their name, address or age is urged to contact detectives at Musgrave Police Station on 101. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Earlier this month, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher issued a warning to all those who had been involved in what he branded despicable scenes of violence and which resulted in 20 police officers injured. Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to areas further afield, such as Londonderry. Mr Boutcher vowed to continue to release images of anyone being sought in connection to riots as he delivered a message to the minority who think they can get away with violent hatred of any kind. "You cant, you wont and we are coming after you, he warned. The top policeman also appealed to everyone across all communities here to continue to publicly and loudly condemn this behaviour. "Stand with us in saying, this is not ok and it must stop, he pleaded. "These people should not be louder than us. "We will not allow hatred and mindless violence win. A policewoman who sustained severe facial injuries and a policeman who suffered a broken leg are among the officers who have been wounded. In total, 15 pictures have been released to the public by the PSNI, of people wanted in connection with the ongoing probe into serious public order which has taken place in NI over the past month. Mr Boutcher promised to keep making arrests as he previously confirmed half the injuries inflicted upon officers occurred in Derry on Saturday, August 10. He said a number of incidents have resulted in officers being hospitalised as he praised the incredible men and women who put their lives on the line. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck continued: By releasing these images I am hopeful that the wider community will help us identify these individuals. It is in everybodys interest as well as in the interest of justice - that those responsible are dealt with appropriately and I would urge anyone who may have any information to bring it forward. I also encourage the persons within these pictures to contact police directly. In doing so they will minimise the impact on themselves, their family and their community. News Catch Up - Monday 19th August Police suggest operation to make the area safe could take up to five days Army and police deal with a suspected World War Two bomb which was discovered on a building site in the the Rivenwood housing development area of Newtownards, Co. Down. Pic by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye. Army and police deal with a suspected World War Two bomb which was discovered on a building site in the the Rivenwood housing development area of Newtownards, Co. Down. Pic by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye. Joan McCabe (63) is worried about the new home she just bought located 'right beside' a 1,100lb WW2 bomb. Joan McCabe (63) is worried about the new home she just bought located 'right beside' a 1,100lb WW2 bomb. A woman who lives just outside the perimeter of a police cordon erected following the discovery of an unexploded Word War II bomb in Newtownards has expressed concern about her new house situated right beside the 1,100lb device. It comes as police confirm that residents refusing to leave their properties have been warned of the risk of death or serious injury and police have suggested the operation to make the area safe could potentially take up to five days. Instead of breathing a sigh of relief that she was not among the occupants of 450 homes forced to evacuated on Saturday, Joan McCabe is worried about the new house she is due to move into next month. The 63-year-old said she, and all the other residents, are braced for any outcome following the discovery of suspected munition last Wednesday morning. The device has been found right beside my new house, Mrs McCabe told the Belfast Telegraph. "I am not expecting to have to evacuate where I live now, which is just outside the cordon. "We have not been told anything other than if they do not knock your door, and if you do not get a letter, you do not have to leave. "But I suppose the experts will know more the longer they work on the device and if a total evacuation is necessary, then so be it. These people know what they are doing and I trust them. Its understood a number of residents have refused to leave their properties after being instructed to do so by the PSNI including one occupant who is unable to do so as a result of serious illness. Mrs McCabe said most residents followed advice after being told their safety is at risk. I asked the police to go and speak to this gentleman who has complex needs due to cancer and requires 24 hour care, she said. "I feel for him and I wish I could something." Army and police deal with a suspected World War Two bomb which was discovered on a building site in the the Rivenwood housing development area of Newtownards, Co. Down. Pic by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye. Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing & Leisure Complex has been set up as an emergency support centre for stranded residents. However, most of those who have been displaced have sought refuge with family or friends. Just one person slept at the leisure centre on Sunday night which is providing bedding, food and hot drinks to anyone in need. Council officials have stressed that it will remain open for the duration of the ongoing operation should anyones circumstances change. "If we were evacuated we would have to stay there, because my sister lives in a two bed apartment and there are five of us, Mrs McCabe said. "People are stressed and worried they dont know if their windows are going to be blown out or if its going to be muffled. "My primary concern at this point is my new house, not the windows of this house. "But there is no point guessing what will happen, Ill need to wait and see and deal with it then. The discovery of a similar wartime bomb forced the evacuation of thousands of people in Plymouth back in February causing disruption for four days. The device was safely removed before being detonated at sea at a depth of at least 46 feet. However, soldiers are using diggers in Newtownards to pile sand on top of the device ahead of an expected controlled explosion. Police said no final decision has been made on such a move. Dr James ONeill, from the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum, said it would be too dangerous to move the explosive which he believes is a remnant of the Belfast Blitz the city and surrounding areas was bombarded by the Luftwaffe on four occasions between April and May 1941 in a devastating aerial campaign that claimed nearly 1,000 lives. "It was likely dropped on the night of April 15 1941 or the morning of April 16, he explained. "A total of 13 soldiers from the 70th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were killed in Newtownards during air raids. The town has the most fatalities outside of Belfast. Army and police deal with a suspected World War Two bomb which was discovered on a building site in the the Rivenwood housing development area of Newtownards, Co. Down. Pic by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye. The collections officer, who has included a number of German devices found in Newtownards in the museums gallery, said inaccurate targeting during blackouts and Strangford Lough being mistaken for Belfast Lough means bombs would have landed anywhere. "Normally they have two fuses, but because its been in the ground so long it would be subject to corrosion, Dr ONeill said. "The blast range of a bomb like this would be considerable which is why they are putting in as much sand as possible to absorb it and mitigate the risk. "It is an extremely dangerous device and ATO will know full well the apparent dangers it poses to them as they carry out this operation. Strangford MP Jim Shannon urged residents to listen to the PSNI as he said the priority is minimising injury and loss of life. "This would certainly be a powerful blast if it were to go off, he told this newspaper. "Its a big bomb and the hope is that it can be neutralised. "I know that pets are causing problems for some people, but over 500 offers have been received from people willing to foster animals. "Some people have complex needs and I have informed the police of one man who is very, very ill. "Those issues will need to be dealt with and decision will need to be made, its a very difficult scenario. At a press conference on Monday, PSNI District Commander for Ards and North Down Johnston McDowell said police will not take any risks as thanked residents for their patience and understanding. He said there is no definite timescale on the ongoing military operation which has now moved into the mitigation phase. "If your home hasnt been attended by police and the police havent spoke to you directly it is unlikely that you will be impacted by the clearance operation at this time, Superintendent McDowell added. The policeman said typical operations of this nature normally take five days and that a final decision on a controlled explosion will be taken following examination of the device. He said that residents who have refused to leave their homes have been warned that the sheer size of the World War Two bomb means we have to put in place a 400m cordon. Superintendent McDowell added: Anyone within that [zone], without the mitigation, there is a serious risk of death or injury. He also said police are working with partner agencies including the NHS trust which is liaising closely with vulnerable residents and that steps are being taken to move them into suitable accommodation. News Catch Up - Monday 19th August The Hyde Park and Regent's Park bombings were carried out by the IRA in July 1982. The explosions killed four soldiers of the Blues and Royals at Hyde Park, and seven bandsmen of the Royal Green Jackets at Regent's Park. Seven of the Blues and Royals' horses were also killed in the attack. The UK Government has said it is up to Stormont to decide on expanding compensation to include relatives of Troubles victims. The victims campaign group Wave is sending a report to Secretary of State Hilary Benn on the long-delayed issue of spouses, partners and carers of victims being left in limbo. Westminster set up the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme (TPDPS) in 2020 in the absence of the Assembly. It is open to those who have been permanently physically or psychologically disabled as a result of an injury related to the Troubles. However, many relatives of people killed and injured during the Troubles have been turned down. They include a man whose brother receives payments as a UK resident while he is denied because he was born in Dublin. Kenny Donaldson Another man whose brother was killed in the Hyde Park bombing has also been denied, as well as the brother of an RUC man who was denied payments because he was not present at the death. A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said: We recognise the terrible pain experienced by those who were bereaved through Troubles-related incidents and the impact their loss continues to have. The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme was established by the UK Government in the absence of an Executive in 2020, and is specifically intended to acknowledge permanently injured victims. Support for victims is a devolved matter, and it is right that the Executive considers how best to acknowledge and support people who have lost loved ones during the Troubles. Kenny Donaldson from the victims group the South East Fermanagh Foundation, which includes membership in the Republic, Great Britain and Europe, hit back at the NIO. TPDPS as provided for in law was never going to be the answer for the overwhelming majority of the bereaved, he said. There was and is a need for a new scheme to be developed and we do not see this scheme being possible with our politics in NI, it will require to be administered for nationally. The pathway through it is for the establishment of a separate reparation scheme. Secretary of State Hilary Benn Wave CEO Sandra Peake said: We remain of the view that a scheme focused on degrees of disablement is not appropriate for many of those bereaved and, of course, the question of proximity to the incident means many, particularly women, are ruled as ineligible which causes hurt and compounds the trauma. This question of proximity in some cases has split families. We have a paper which is being updated and will be forwarded to the SoS who has indicated he would like to consider this issue. We will be making the case for the bereaved to be recognised as a matter of urgency. In terms of the bereaved, this scheme was never designed or intended to cover their experience. The title of the scheme refers to disablement. Claimants are assessed on degrees of disablement either physical or psychological or both plotted on a scale between 20% and 100%. Frankly it is invidious to apply that to the bereaved. There will be limited circumstances in which someone who was bereaved will be eligible to apply to the scheme; for example, if they were present at the death of their loved one. The Executive Office said: We will ensure that these are included in the development of a new Victims Strategy for consideration by ministers. Stormont and the UK Government were at loggerheads for years over how the scheme aimed at disablement should be funded, with estimated costs over the next 20 to 30 years potentially topping 1.2bn. But the stand-off came to an end when in a landmark ruling the Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan said there was a legal duty on the Executive Office regarding the funding. An ever-decreasing respect for international law must be addressed by the United Nations, the President has said. Michael D Higgins said it was as if the world has become so desensitised to a daily loss of life, that it had descended into a passivity around international law. He said: Indeed, the prospects as to whether international law can survive, and any of the institutions associated with it, means that the forthcoming United Nations meeting in New York is by any standard a crisis meeting. The domination in the discourse, both internationally and regionally, by the politics of fear and by the definition of power as capacity to access weapons of destruction is another indication of the crisis we face. The UN is to hold a high-level week of engagements on global conflicts and other crises at the end of September. Without explicitly referencing the war in Gaza, Mr Higgins echoed the words of Palestinian-American poet Hala Alyan where she said: We must not believe for a second that relentless dehumanisation is only the problem of the dehumanised. They pay the unimaginable cost, but it is a multidirectional phenomenon. What oppressive systems dont realise is that to engage in dehumanisation in thought, in speech, in action, in policy is a slow and isolating exercise in the siphoning of your own humanity. Mr Higgins made the comments for World Humanitarian Day on Monday. The President said releasing a statement to mark the occasion was extremely challenging, adding: In almost every aspect of our shared lives, there is less and less space for a discussion as to how we might reduce what are ever-increasing humanitarian disasters. Mr Higgins added: However difficult, we must all remain positive and seek to encourage hope. He said the search for peace, climate action and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas global campaign to end hunger and poverty were sources of hope. Mr Higgins also said the world cannot continue to ignore the debt burden hanging around the necks of the poorest in the world. He added: Overcoming these crises, and building a world based on humanitarian values, is a task which must now be addressed with the utmost urgency by all countries and by all of our international institutions. Farmers are being warned of a greater risk of the animal disease bluetongue following a rapid increase in cases in Europe. While officials say there is no evidence that bluetongue is circulating in midges which spread the disease in Britain, the Government warns the insects can be blown long distances on the wind from mainland Europe. Officials said there has been a rapid increase in cases in the Netherlands and Germany, and new cases in France, Luxembourg and Denmark, which means Britain is at greater risk of the disease in susceptible animals. Bluetongue is an animal disease that affects livestock including cattle and sheep, as well as goats, deer and llamas, with symptoms including a blue and swollen tongue, fever, reduced milk yield, and, in the most severe cases, death. It does not affect humans or food safety. Sheep are at risk from bluetongue (Jacob King/PA) Livestock owners were already being urged to be vigilant for signs of the disease in their animals, because of a very high probability of a new introduction of a new strain of the virus known as BTV-3 through infected midges blown over from northern Europe. The last case of bluetongue in Britain was confirmed on March 8 2024, and between November 2023 and March this year there were 126 cases 119 in cattle and seven in sheep in England on 73 premises in four counties. During that period, the BTV-3 strain was found in Kent, Norfolk and Suffolk, officials said. It was the first outbreak of bluetongue in Britain since 2007, when farmers were also battling bird flu and foot and mouth disease which affected cattle after leaking from a laboratory in Surrey. Farmers are being reminded free testing is available for animals moving from high-risk counties Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex, which are at highest risk of midges blown from Europe to elsewhere in Great Britain. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meeting First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan during a visit to Cathays Park in Cardiff (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The Prime Minister and First Minister of Wales have discussed the Welsh steel industry in their first meeting since taking over their respective roles. Sir Keir met Eluned Morgan, who was sworn in earlier this month, in the Welsh capital Cardiff. Baroness Morgan said croeso, the Welsh word for welcome, before shaking hands with the Prime Minister on the steps of the Welsh Government building at Cathays Park. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Both the British and Welsh governments are now run by the Labour Party. We can actually start working together, a smiling Sir Keir told his Welsh counterpart. Baroness Morgan is the third leader of the country this year. She succeeded Vaughan Gething, who lasted less than 140 days as first minister, having presided over a turbulent period in office, beset by rows over donations and sacked ministers. Baroness Morgan was health secretary from 2021 until she succeeded Vaughan Gething himself a former health secretary as leader of Welsh Labour on July 24. Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said everything is on the table when it comes to negotiations with Tata Steel (Tejas Sandhu/PA) Joined by the new Welsh secretary Jo Stevens, the trio discussed the countrys troubled steel industry. Were going to need more steel, Sir Keir said, adding that there were massive opportunities in the sector. My concern is that were going to lose the capacity to make the steel, he said. Ms Stevens previously said everything is on the table when it comes to negotiations with Tata Steel. The company is switching to a greener form of steel production at its plant in Port Talbot, South Wales, which will lead to thousands of job losses. The trio are meeting to discuss resetting the relationship between the governments of the UK and Wales. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused the UKs support for their war effort as having slowed down (PA) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused the UK of slowing down its support for the war effort as he called for a removal of restrictions on donated weapons being used inside Russian territory. A Government spokesperson said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer maintains unwavering support for Ukraine, adding that the position has not changed since Ukraines incursion into Russia. The Government has previously stated its support for Ukraines clear right of self-defence against Russias illegal attacks provided they are in accordance with international humanitarian law, while maintaining that equipment provided by the UK is intended for the defence of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a military incursion into Russias Kursk region since August 6, which Mr Zelensky revealed on Sunday evening was aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border. The UK has pledged 12.5 billion in support to Ukraine since February 2022, of which 7.6 billion is for military assistance. This includes 3 billion for military assistance in 2024/25. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content In a post to X, formerly Twitter, Mr Zelesnky said: We are doing everything possible to provide our warriors with the necessary weapons and reinforcements. It is crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands. Long-range capabilities are the answer to the most critical strategic questions of this war. Smoke billows in what is said to show the destruction of a key bridge in Russias Kursk region by Ukraine (Ukrainian Armed Force via AP) The bravery of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades compensate for the lack of essential decisions from our partners. We could decisively deprive the occupiers of any ability to advance and cause destruction if our long-range capabilities were sufficient. He added: Throughout this war, weve seen the UK demonstrate true leadership in arms, politics, and support for Ukrainian society. This has saved thousands of lives, reflecting the strength of the UK. Unfortunately, the situation has slowed down recently. We will discuss how to fix this because long-range capabilities are vital for us. The whole world sees how effective Ukrainians are how our entire nation defends its independence. A Government spokesperson said the Prime Minister has been clear that UKs support for Ukraine is unwavering. They said: That is why he committed to 3 billion a year of support to Ukraine, for as long as it takes, within his first week in office. Further lethal aid was also accelerated to Kyiv within hours of this Government being elected, bolstering the 12 billion of UK support already pledged, and ensuring the vital military equipment reaches Ukrainian soldiers on the front line. The new package of lethal aid for Ukraine includes a quarter of a million of 50-calibre ammunition, 90 anti-armour Brimstone missiles, 50 small military boats, 40 de-mining vehicles, and 10 AS-90 artillery guns. Ukrainian forces have also received 61 bulldozers and support for previously gifted AS-90s, from the UK. The King pats Shetland pony Cpl Cruachan IV, mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (Jane Barlow/PA) The King made friends with a Shetland pony at a ceremony marking his official arrival at Balmoral. The mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV, was part of the guard of honour welcoming Charles as takes up residence at the castle during his summer break. The pony formed part of the guard of honour (Jane Barlow/PA) Charles patted the pony as he inspected the troops. The ceremony was held outside the gates of Balmoral Castle on Monday, with a guard of honour formed of the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, under the command of Major Neil Cargill. The King inspects the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, at the gates of Balmoral (Jane Barlow/PA) The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals performed traditional tunes including Highland Cathedral and The Rose of Kelvingrove. The King spoke to some in the crowd of about 50 who gathered to watch the ceremony. A protester yells during a demonstration before a march to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. (Alex Brandon/AP) Thousands of protesters marched toward the site of the Democratic National Convention on its opening day to voice their opposition to the war in Gaza, as Chicago officials said they were committed to keeping the demonstrations peaceful. Protesters said their plans have not changed since US President Joe Biden left the race and the party quickly rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who will formally accept the Democratic nomination this week. Activists said they were ready to amplify their progressive message before the nations top Democratic leaders. Progressive activist Cornel West watches a demonstration prior to a march to the Democratic National Convention (Alex Brandon/AP) We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end U.S. aid to Israel and stand with Palestine, said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesman for the Coalition to March on the DNC, which includes hundreds of organisations. Protesters marched along a mile-long route ending at a park near the United Centre, where the convention is being held, as hundreds of police officers lined the streets. The heavy police presence at the march included Chicago Police superintendent Larry Snelling, who walked in a group of officers ahead of the protesters. Biden, you cant hide. We charge you with genocide, they chanted amid the beating of drums. Protesters march to the Democratic National Convention after a rally at Union Park (Noah Berger/AP) Harris, you cant hide. We charge you with genocide. Mayor Brandon Johnson said authorities were well prepared. The city of Chicago is really good at things like this, he told a news conference. We are ready. Organisers said they hoped the turnout for Mondays rally and march would be at least 20,000 people. It appeared a few thousand were present at the start of the march, though Chicago city officials declined to give a crowd estimate. Hatem Abudayyeh, of the US Palestinian Community Network, speaks prior to a march to the Democratic National Convention (Alex Brandon/AP) The Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation, and buses were bringing activists from all over the country. Medea Benjamin, who travelled to Chicago from Washington DC with a women-led group of protesters calling for peace, said she was shocked that the Biden administration recently approved an additional 20 billion dollars in weapons sales to Israel. Theres an incredible discrepancy in what people are calling for in this country and what the administration is doing, she said ahead of the rally in Union Park. Were so disgusted by this. Activists say they learned lessons from last months Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. They expect bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations in Chicago. Pro-Palestinian supporters descended on the park, west of the Loop business district, for the rally. Prior to the march, independent presidential candidate Cornel West addressed the crowd, which welcomed him with cheers. This is not about some Machiavellian politics or some utilitarian calculation about an election, he yelled into a microphone. This is about morality. This is about spirituality. Around 40 pro-Israel supporters walked around the park during the rally. Protesters demonstrate at Union Park before a march to the Democratic National Convention (Alex Brandon/AP) Remaining mostly silent while waving Israeli flags, they were accompanied by about 20 police officers on bicycles. Although tensions flared at times, there were no physical altercations. Josh Weiner, co-founder of Chicago Jewish Alliance who walked with the pro-Israel group, said their intent was to make our presence felt. Mr Weiner said the group applied for permits that were not approved by the city. The pro-Palestine protesters have gotten multiple permits, including a march, which seems to be a little bit weighted on one side, Mr Weiner said. Protester issues also include climate change, abortion rights and racial equality, to name a few, but many agree that pressing for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is the top message of the demonstrations. Counter protesters arrive at Union Park before a march to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Frank Franklin II/AP) They have likened it to the Vietnam War of their generation. Chicago, which has hosted more political conventions than any other US city, has been unable to escape comparisons to the infamous 1968 convention where police and anti-Vietnam War protesters violently clashed on live television. Some businesses boarded up their windows as a precaution, and county courts said they would open more space in case of mass arrests. Chicago police say officers have undergone extensive training on constitutional policing and de-escalation tactics. Israeli strikes throughout Gaza claimed the lives of 29 Palestinians, including young quintuplets, overnight and into Sunday, just as Anthony Blinken was arriving in Israel for peace talks. The news comes on the heels of newborn twins killed in Gaza last week by an Israeli strike while their father registered the births. U.S. officials, along with mediators from Egypt and Qatar, have said they are close to reaching a deal following two days of discussions in Doha. Israeli officials have also expressed cautious optimism, according to the Associated Press. On Sunday, however, Hamas released a statement accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of setting new conditions involving his refusal of a complete withdrawal of forces from Gaza. The drawn-out proposal allegedly calls for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its Oct. 7 attack, while in return, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. Israel's war on Gaza has killed some 40,000 Palestinians since it launched its offensive following Hamas' October attack. The vast majority of the enclave's 2.3 million residents are now displaced amid warnings of famine and polio outbreaks. "It is as if we live a primitive life," said Sanaa Akela, a displaced Palestinian in the central town of Deir al-Balah, where sewage floods numerous streets. The latest Israeli assault included a strike on a home in Deir al-Balah that killed a woman and her six children, according to a reporter from the AP. Mohammed Awad Khatab said his daughter was a teacher, and his youngest grandchild was 18 months old. The others were 10-year-old quintuplets. "The six children have become body parts. They were placed in a single bag," Khatab explained to reporters. "What did they do? Will this provide security to Israel?" he asked. Another strike in the southern city of Khan Younis killed four people from the same family, including two women. Meanwhile, Israel continues to maintain that it only targets militants, and blames civilian deaths on Hamas, accusing militants of hiding in residential areas. The Israeli bombardment has wiped out entire extended families and orphaned thousands of children, according to AP. Following the targeted killing of two top militants last month, both initiated by Israel, negotiation efforts have heightened in urgency as promises of revenge from Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah cause greater fear of a war across the Middle East. An Israeli delegation was reported to have traveled to Cairo Sunday for further talks, while Blinken is due to meet with Netanyahu on Monday. Blinken will also travel to Egypt on Tuesday for negotiations with officials there, said the State Department. Ukrainian local authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation order for families with children from the eastern city of Pokrovsk, where about 53,000 people still live. They say Russian forces are advancing so quickly that it is compulsory for families to leave the city and other nearby towns. Russian troops have been pushing toward Pokrovsk for months. Residents cheer Ukrainian soldiers near Chasiv Yar town, in Donetsk (Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukrainian 24th Mechanised Brigade via AP) Russian troops are advancing at a fast pace. With every passing day there is less and less time to collect personal belongings and leave for safer regions, officials warned last week, saying that the Russian forces were just six miles from the outskirts of Pokrovsk. Pokrovsk residents have just two weeks to leave the city safely, officials said in an interview with the US-funded Radio Liberty. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that Pokrovsk and other nearby towns in the Donetsk region are facing the most intense Russian assaults. Russias slow drive across Ukraines eastern Donetsk region this year has been costly in terms of troops and armour, but its gains have mounted. Pokrovsk, which had a pre-war population of about 60,000, is one of Ukraines main defensive strongholds and a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region. Its capture would compromise Ukraines defensive abilities and supply routes and would bring Russia closer to its stated aim of capturing the entire Donetsk region. Pokrovsk officials were meeting with the residents to provide them with logistical details on the evacuation. People were offered shelter in western Ukraine, where they will be hosted in dormitories and separate houses prepared for them. Matthew Perrys battle with addiction a familiar tale for NI people Deaths from drug misuse have been increasing over last decade Tragic: Friends actor Matthew Perry Allison Morris Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 08:13 When Friends actor Matthew Perry was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home last year, I wasnt overly surprised. The Portadown womans body was found a year after she went missing, the bodies of three IRA men who the IRA itself accused of her murder were found three days later For a year, her disappearance remained a mystery, but her family and friends believed she had been murdered by local IRA members. Then, on July 2 1992, her body was found in a shallow grave over the border in Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. Three days later the bodies of three IRA men were found in south Armagh. The IRA accused the men - Gregory Burns, John Dignam and Aidan Starrs - not only of Margarets murder but of being informers, even agents. They had been shot by the IRAs notorious nutting squad, its internal security team. Freddie Scappaticci, the agent known as Stakeknife, was a leading member of that group. Why was Margaret murdered? Who were her murderers and is it possible that one British agent killed three other agents? Ciaran Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris. This episode was originally published in January 2024. The BelTel is revisiting three stories from Northern Irelands Murder Triangle an area which became infamous for brutal murders perpetrated during the Troubles by both Loyalist and Republican paramilitaries. It was humbling, says NI Specsavers boss of his work treating patients at makeshift clinic in Kenya Antrim optician provided life-changing eye care to more than 200 during two-week visit Tony said the experience was humbling and rewarding and he will definitely return in years to come Aine Toner Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 08:28 An Antrim optician has recently returned from a two-week visit to Kenya, where he was setting up an eye-testing clinic. Im no conman: Belfast driving instructor denies allegations as complaints from young learners begin to mount He admits he owes 12k back in refunds as DVA launch investigation into his business Belfast Driving Academy director Gary Connolly Brett Campbell Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 08:00 A Belfast driving instructor has insisted hes not a conman amid an investigation into his business following complaints from teenagers and young adults. Lightstock The entire Christian faith hinges on one question. Did Jesus Christ rise from the dead? If He did, then the Christian faith is true at its foundation. Individual pieces of doctrine would still be up for debate, but the most basic tenet of the Christian faith would be truthful. If Christ was not resurrected, however, then the entirety of the Christian faith is based on a lie. The souls of billions are on the line with this question. The debate over the Resurrection has arguably the highest stakes in existence. When it comes to the question of whether or not the Resurrection occurred, the Christian Bible has often been dismissed as a legitimate source of evidence. Indeed, the New Testament cannot be the sole source used to answer the question of whether or not Christ rose from the dead, but it is just as legitimate a source as any other ancient document. Without the Bible, historians would have no idea where to begin looking for proof to confirm or deny the Resurrection. The Bible records names of individuals, dates and locations that can be scoured for evidence. From there, the historical record can be examined for indications that Christ did or did not rise from the dead. Thankfully for Christians, the historical record often favors faith. Here are six historical arguments supporting the Resurrection of Jesus. Records confirm He was crucified and died. Rising from the dead requires that the person is actually dead. Some skeptics argue that Christ never actually died, and thus, the Resurrection was merely Jesus healing or coming out of hiding. This idea, however, is almost impossible to uphold. Non-Christian sources confirm that there was a man named Jesus who came from Nazareth and was believed by His followers to be the Christ. Pontius Pilate in Judea then killed this man. Among those sources are the Jewish historian Josephus and the Roman senator Tacitus, both of whom are considered some of the most reliable sources for first-century events. Both Josephus and Tacitus lived either at the same time or within less than a century of Christs life. There are also letters between Roman governor Pliny and Emperor Trajan that confirm the existence and zealotry of the early Church as well as early Christian beliefs. The existence of Pontius Pilate has also been repeatedly proven both in textual sources and in inscriptions found by archaeologists, despite some skeptics claiming that he was not a real man. There has also been enough evidence uncovered over the decades for historians and scholars to reconstruct what happened during a Roman crucifixion. The consensus among historians, scholars and medical professionals is effectively unanimous: surviving a full Roman crucifixion was impossible. The method of execution was so brutal that many people died during the scourging and never even reached the cross itself. Records also show that crucifixions were relatively common in first-century Israel, which had been a hotbed of rebellion and an almost ceaseless source of trouble for Rome. A potential Messiah would have been far too great a threat for Rome to leave alive. Indeed, the revolt Rome was so concerned about broke out a mere 30 years after Christs death. He was buried, and His tomb was empty. Since the beginning, the Christian faith has hinged on the idea that Christ rose from the dead and rose in the fashion that the Jews believed in, that is, an actual physical resurrection. Were the Resurrection a myth, it would have been painfully easy for Roman and Jewish authorities to disprove. All they needed to do was display Christs dead body on the fourth day, and the Christian religion would have been killed in the crib. Christs execution was extremely public. People knew He died, and both Christian and Jewish sources show that followers and enemies of Christ alike knew the location of His tomb. Evidence also implies that the tomb was empty. Once again, had Christs body been in the tomb, killing the Christian movement would have been easy. The fact that it flourished shows that the tomb was empty. If the women mentioned in the New Testament simply went to the wrong tomb, as some skeptics suggest, it would have been simple for authorities to point believers to the correct tomb. Beyond that, early Jewish polemic against the young Christian religion involves claims that the Apostles stole the body, implying that the tomb was empty. Some skeptics claim that, as an executed criminal, Christ would never have been given a tomb to begin with. The bodies of many crucified criminals were indeed left to rot on the crosses as a warning to all who saw them, but this was not always the case. A Jewish ossuary from roughly a century before Christs death was found to contain the bones of a crucified man. In fact, one of the crucifixion nails was still embedded in his heel bone, and the nail itself had slivers of olive wood stuck to it. Whoever the man was, he had been crucified but was still given an honorable Jewish burial. There is no reason that Christ would not have been given the same treatment, especially when Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin and a high-ranking man of Jerusalem, requested Jesus body. Women were the first witnesses. First-century Israel was overwhelmingly patriarchal. Men were in charge of all areas of political, social, and religious life. Women were second-class citizens. Their treatment may have been better in Israel than in many other places in the ancient world, but that does not mean that they ever saw anything even remotely approaching equality. Despite this fact, the first people to learn of the Resurrection were women. Each of the Gospels agrees on this fact. Women saw the risen Christ or heard from the angel that He rose from the dead long before the male disciples did. From a first-century perspective, this is beyond embarrassing. Not only did the men abandon their God, but they were not even the first ones that He appeared to when He returned. Instead, the men had to find out about it from the women. This would be not unlike a person today who had campaigned steadily to become mayor, had all the necessary qualifications and had spent years serving in other political capacities being passed over in favor of the illiterate and brain-damaged clown who threw their name in the ring three days before the election. In short, it looks about as bad as possible for the disciples that women found out first, and no one likes to tell stories that paint them in an unflattering light. If the Gospels were lies created by the Apostles, they would not have included this detail unless they had a sword at their throats. Even then, they might have decided a quick death was preferable to the abject humiliation of being passed over in favor of women. The Gospels agree on the core story but disagree on secondary details. Skeptics love to make a big deal about how the details of the Gospels do not agree with each other when it comes to the Resurrection. The Synoptic Gospels claim that the women came to the tomb in the morning or at dawn. John says it was still dark. Matthew says there were two women. Luke claims there were more than three. Mark states that there was one angel at the tomb. John says there were two. It is possible to reconcile many of the differences between the Resurrection accounts. Matthew, after all, never specifically says there were only two women and near dawn, it is often still very dark outside. Although it is good that Christians can fit the Gospels together, the minor differences in details actually make the Gospels more believable. If four witnesses to a crime gave precisely the same story in court, including details such as what color shoes the accused was wearing, people would understandably be suspicious that the witnesses collaborated and agreed on a specific story before the trial. The truth is that people notice and remember different things. As such, the fact that the four Gospels have slightly different accounts implies that they were all written separately instead of taken from a single source. This means that rather than one source in four places that points to the authenticity of the Resurrection, four sources claim the same thing happened. When four witnesses claim that a man murdered someone, people tend to believe them even if the four disagree on what color shirt he was wearing. Why should the same not be true of four accounts of Christs Resurrection? The Bible mentions specific, still-living people by name. There are over 3,200 people who are listed by name in the Bible. Clearly, the writers of the Bible had no issue with naming names, and at the time the New Testament was written, many of the people referenced in the books were still alive. People who had seen the risen Christ were referenced by name. Those who had been at His crucifixion were specifically identified. The writers of the Gospels and various Epistles were practically daring readers to confirm their stories. Just as with the empty tomb, the Christian movement could have potentially been killed off by supposed eyewitnesses simply denying that they had ever seen anything at all. It would, admittedly, be far more difficult for a Greek reader to reach an eyewitness in Jerusalem at that time then than it is today, but that does not mean that it was impossible to corroborate stories. Phoebe traveled more than 700 miles to deliver one of Pauls epistles to Rome. A serious skeptic could certainly have traveled from Samaria to Jerusalem to speak with someone who claimed to have spoken to the risen Christ. It is for this exact reason that those who study the creation and spread of folklore and legends agree that the Gospels were written too early for them to be legendary. Legends have to wait until all the eyewitnesses are dead to begin to spread truly. Otherwise, some too many people can and will contradict the more extraordinary details. This can actually be seen in later apocryphal books that add additional and more traditionally legendary details surrounding the Resurrection of Christ. They involve angels descending, Christ exiting the tomb, bathed in light and appearing in all His glory to those who condemned Him. The canonical Gospels, on the other hand, tell a rather simple tale. The women went to the tomb, saw it was empty and were told by an angel in the form of a man that Christ was risen from the dead. If one were to create a legend, a little more excitement would have been added to the most important scene in all of human history. Christians suffered and died rather than recant. Early Christians rapidly gained a well-earned reputation for being almost alarmingly zealous. They were not attacking others as the Jewish zealots did during the Maccabean Revolt or the First Jewish-Roman War, but early Christians were seen as approaching fanatical. Even when facing torture and death, they continued to insist that a man no one had heard of from a tiny town in a backwater country that was nothing but trouble had somehow come back to life and saved the world. The story seemed ridiculous to the Romans, but it spread with terrifying speed, and those who believed it earned their reputation for refusing to give up on their beliefs no matter what authorities threatened to do to them. Some Christians folded in the face of torture, but many, far too many in concerned Roman eyes, continued to insist that an executed Galilean carpenter was God. Contrary to what many modern Christians believe, early Christians were not just the poor and the refuse of society. Many early Christians were the ancient equivalent of middle or upper class. It was these Christians who were able to help finance the disciples travels and keep ancient churches running smoothly. Paul himself would have been a person of means in the ancient world. He was a Pharisee, a Roman citizen and the student of a highly respected Jewish scholar. He had an overwhelming amount to lose by converting to Christianity. Indeed, his conversion eventually cost him his life, but Paul never hesitated. Neither did many other early Christians. Gentiles risked losing their homes, their lives and the lives of their families. Jews abandoned the traditions that had survived numerous invasions and at least two exiles. Christians of every background clung to their beliefs under the worst of Roman tortures. People do not take such extreme actions for things they know or suspect to be lies. There might be the odd individual who would continue a charade to pull one over on the Romans even in death, but there are far too many Christian martyrs to explain away in this manner. Skeptics have thrown down the gauntlet for centuries. Both believers and nonbelievers are well aware of the fact that the largest faith on the planet hinges on a single event that happened more than two millenniums ago. If the Resurrection can be disproven, the entire Christian faith collapses. As such, skeptics and Christians alike have dug furiously into the historical record in order to find proof to uphold their side of the argument. Although skeptics and believers continue to debate whether or not Christ was truly raised from the dead, skeptics face something of an uphill battle. History certainly seems to favor the idea that Jesus Christ really rose from the dead and left behind an empty tomb, a burial cloth, and a group of men and women who truly believed. Stephanie Hertzenberg is a graduate of the College of William and Mary where she majored in Religious Studies and minored in Creative Writing. She maintains an avid interest in health, history and science. PITTSFIELD If theres one thing that Davide Manzo cherishes, its history. Manzo, the owner and head chef of Trattoria Rustica, 27 McKay St., grew up surrounded by it in Italy, in the shadow of the storied Mt. Vesuvius in Pompeii. His roots in the restaurant business began there his grandmother ran her own trattoria, catering mostly to sailors and limestone miners in the old country. Even though he never ate there, he always wanted his own place to follow suit. It took years before he was able to realize that dream. Manzo was a construction worker first, then worked in a nuclear power plant before he got the opportunity to open Trattoria il Vesuvio in Lenox with his mother, sister and her husband in 1992. But when it came time to open his own place in 2001, he studied. He dined at trattorias up and down Italy from Milan all the way to Sicily in search of the best cuisine, ultimately settling on Cucina Napoletana. Manzo took note of what made the small, intimate eateries so special, and every year like clockwork, hed go back to Italy and research more to improve his own establishment. The word trattoria means to take care of you, Manzo said. For a quarter of a century, Manzo took care of loyal patrons, summer tourists and anyone who popped in the door. Now, hes taking care of himself. Trattoria Rustica closed its doors indefinitely on March 31, after a health scare sent Manzo first to Berkshire Medical Center, then Baystate Medical Center for further treatment. After he recovered, Manzo decided to retire from the business to relax and enjoy life. As Manzo put it, the restaurant business added stress keeping things running smoothly and trying to make it through volatile, low-traffic winter months took its toll, he said. The health scare he suffered in late March was just the straw that broke the camels back. This was a warning for me, Manzo said, adding that hes not sure what hes going to do next. Though Trattoria Rustica has closed its doors, the space on McKay Street wont be empty for long. The owners of Sibaritas, another Italian restaurant, announced last month that it was going to be moving from its current location at 1264 East St. some time in September. Trattoria il Vesuvio, named for the volcano in the Manzos hometown, also closed in September 2023. But Manzo will always have the history and the hard-fought success of nearly 25 years in Pittsfield with a restaurant he made from scratch. Manzo considers himself a ground-breaker in the downtown neighborhoods revitalization effort. Im a pioneer, Manzo said. Im one of the pioneers of downtown Pittsfield. Manzo first rented the McKay Street venue from Berkshire Housing Authority, transforming it from an unfinished basement into a cozy, familiar eatery. Manzo invested $380,000 into the property, calling on his experience in construction to dig down into the foundation, rebuild the walls and add a rustic wooden door to grab the eyes of any passerby on the street. Manzo even recalls calling his cousin in Italy to get instructions on how to build the trattorias brick oven although neither of them had ever built one before. Brick by brick, he shaped the fiery hearth where countless meals were prepared. Manzo spent time, money and effort to make the restaurant a place where diners would come year after year. In the comments of a Facebook post announcing the trattorias closing, Manzo thanked his patrons for entrusting him with their most treasured events and the support that made the business possible. The diners, in turn, thanked Manzo for his years of food and friendship. Manzo navigated it all with no fear, he said. He never asked for profit, and felt a sense of familiarity from his familys time in the business. I just did it, Manzo said. Something inside was telling me. Simple as that. Even though its over now, Manzo has something that nobody can take from him. Ive got to relax, Manzo said. I dont think I can work anymore, but I dont mind because I got history. PITTSFIELD West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito sample this week taken at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport. According to the state Department of Public Health, the city is one of 15 Berkshire communities at moderate risk for the virus. The virus can spread to humans via mosquito bites, but there are no confirmed human cases in the city. The positive result was confirmed by the DPH, according to a Friday news release from the city. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the country. There are no vaccines to prevent it or medicines to treat it. About one in five people develop symptoms like a fever, with serious illness being much rarer, affecting about one in 150 infected people. West Nile was found in the city at least six times last year. In addition to Pittsfield, Hancock, Lanesborough, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Richmond, Lenox, West Stockbridge, Washington, Becket, Tyringham, Otis, Monterey and Sandisfield are at moderate risk, which DPH defines as infection with [West Nile virus] is likely or has already occurred. The rest of Berkshire County is considered low risk for the virus. In September, more than half of the communities in Berkshire County were at moderate risk for it. Only two human cases of West Nile virus have been reported this year in the state, according to DPH, which occurred at the end of July in Hampden and Middlesex counties. Protecting yourself In order to avoid mosquito bites that might contain the virus, city health officials encourage residents to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outside. "This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin," the release reads. Residents should also use mosquito repellent and follow its manufacturer instructions. Holes in insect screens should also be repaired and the screens should be "tightly attached to all your doors and windows." Other tips include: Look around outside your house for containers and other things that might collect water and turn them over, regularly empty them or dispose of them. Clean clogged roof gutters. Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of rainwater. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Change the water in birdbaths every few days; aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish. Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers. DPH also encourages residents to dump standing water twice weekly. According to the CDC, cases of West Nile virus occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and ends in the fall. China deploys advanced warplanes to Thailand for joint military drill 08:59, August 19, 2024 By Liu Xuanzun ( Global Times A fighter bomber attached to a naval aviation brigade under the PLA Northern Theater Command pierces into the stratosphere through clouds and mist during a round-the-clock flight training exercise in late July. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Li Mingxi and Liu Xuhong) The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has sent some of its main combat aircraft to Thailand as the two countries' air forces ready to kick off a joint exercise on Sunday, with experts saying that friendly and confrontational exchanges between pilots from the two sides will boost military mutual trust as well as enhance skills. Ahead of the Falcon Strike-2024 joint air force training exercise, scheduled to be held from Sunday to August 29 according to the Royal Thai Air Force, all participating Chinese forces have arrived at the Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base and conducted adaptative flight training sessions on Friday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported. According to the CCTV report, the PLA Air Force has sent multiple types of military aircraft including the Y-20 large transport aircraft, the J-10C fighter jet, the J-10S fighter jet and the JH-7A fighter bomber. Observers said that these warplanes are some of the PLA Air Force's mainstays in air transport, air-to-air combat and air-to-ground combat. It is expected that the two countries' warplanes will hold confrontational exercises, and pilot exchanges between the two air forces are anticipated to deepen mutual trust and enhance skills, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, told the Global Times on Sunday. In the exercise, the Thai side will likely deploy the Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet of European origin, according to Fu. While not shown in the CCTV report footage and thus not knowing the exact type, the report said that the Chinese side also sent helicopters. When the Chinese Defense Ministry announced the joint exerciselast week, it noted that there would be Chinese special operations forces taking part in the drill. It explains the deployment of helicopters, as the special operations units will likely practice aerial assaults on valuable ground targets such as air fields, air defense positions and command centers during the joint exercise, observers noted. Falcon Strike-2024 marks the seventh joint training exercise between the Chinese and Thai air forces, CCTV reported. The exercise is aimed at enhancing the tactical levels and skills of both sides' participating forces, as well as strengthening pragmatic exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' militaries, the Chinese Defense Ministry said. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Ukraine said Sunday that it bombed a key bridge in Russia's Kursk region after destroying another span earlier. The move reportedly left just one bridge intact for the delivery of supplies to Russian forces battling the surprise Ukrainian cross-border incursion that began Aug. 6. Ukraine's air force commander, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleschuk, posted an aerial video clip on the Telegram messaging website that showed a mushroom cloud billowing over a bridge at a bend in a river. A close-up image also showed a gaping hole in the span's charred deck. "Kursk direction. Minus one more bridge!" Oleschuk wrote. "Aviation of the Air Force continues to deprive the enemy of logistical capabilities with precise strikes from the air, which significantly affects the course of hostilities!" Neither Oleschuk nor other officials said where the bridge was located, but messages posted on Russian Telegram channels said it crossed the Seim River in the village of Zvannoe, the Associated Press reported. The attack was the second on a Russian bridge since Friday, when Ukraine said it used Western rockets to sever a span over the Seim near the town of Glushkovo. A satellite image made public Friday showed that bridge cut in two, with a large section missing near one of the riverbanks. Russia's Foreign Ministry acknowledged the first bridge was "completely destroyed" and claimed that an unspecified number of "volunteers who were assisting the evacuated civilian population were killed." There were no reports Sunday of a Russian statement regarding the second bridge strike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during his nightly televised address Sunday that the incursion into the Kursk region was intended to forestall further cross-border attacks by Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022. "It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions," he said, according to AP. "This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressor's territory - our operation in the Kursk region." His comments marked the first time Zelenskyy said Ukraine wanted to demilitarize the area, after initially saying the incursion into Russia was meant to protect Ukrainian communities in its Sumy region from constant shelling, AP said. Zelenskyy also urged Ukraine's allies to speed up the delivery of promised military aid, saying, "War has no holidays," according to Reuters. The Massachusetts Broadband Institute announced last month that its implementation proposal for federal funding was approved, opening the door for $147 million to address the digital divide. GREAT BARRINGTON State Rep. Carmine Gentile says he wishes he could ban all products containing glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. But it isnt that simple, says Gentile, a Democrat from Sudbury, who represents the 13th Middlesex District. Gentile has done what he thinks will at least help curb glyphosate, the health effects of which have cost manufacturer Monsanto $11 billion in settlements. The lawmaker sponsored a bill (H.813) last year with seven other legislators that would confine the use of glyphosate better known as an ingredient in weed killer Roundup to trained applicators licensed by the state. The bill is now being studied in the House Ways and Means Committee before it continues to move through the Statehouse. Gentile will introduce a screening of the documentary Into the Weeds at The Triplex Cinema on Tuesday. The documentary, directed and written by Jennifer Baichwal, is about glyphosate, and asks whether "the most widely used weed killer in the world" causes cancer. The film tells the story of a California school groundskeeper Dewayne "Lee" Johnson, who sued the Monsanto Co. now Bayer after developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma that he alleges was caused by his frequent use of the companys product, Roundup, over many years. Blending interviews, testimonials, trial footage, news coverage and verite, film materials say, the film follows the progression of this groundbreaking lawsuit, while also stepping back to consider the systemic impact of glyphosate-based herbicides on human health, our food systems, and the biodiversity of our planet. It is a free screening, sponsored by a gift from the Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn foundation, which is based in Sheffield. After the screening, Gentile will participate in a panel discussion with research pathologist and activist Dr. Stephen C. Frantz, Berkshire Environmental Action Team Deputy Director Brittany Ebeling, and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Bobby Houston, who wrote a screenplay about the effects of glyphosate. Gentile successfully helped spearhead a bill to restrict the use of neonicotinoids, insecticides harmful to honeybees and other pollinators. He noted that at least 21 countries have either banned or limited the use of glyphosate in some way. Cities and towns in the state have imposed their own restrictions. Great Barrington in 2023 banned use of glyphosate products on town-owned property by anyone other than licensed contractors. The regulation notes that the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer published a report stating that glyphosate was probably carcinogenic to humans. Gentile compared glyphosates to PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl, chemicals, noting the strong stance government has taken on the substances that have been used in a number of products like cookware and makeup. Scientists have found a connection between PFAS and cancers, thyroid problems and a slew of other health issues. The public and politicians havent had the political will, Gentile said, to press against glyphosate in the same way theyre pressing against PFAS. Fareed Zakaria writes a foreign affairs column for The Post. He is also the host of CNNs Fareed Zakaria GPS. Reach him at fareed.zakaria.gps@turner.com. Caring for the planet has become a political issue. People on the left generally associate with pro-environmental concerns, while some conservatives dont seem to prioritize the planet as much. Misinformation and agendas abound on both sides, yet fear-based perspectives and propaganda shouldnt keep Christians from seeking Gods truth on the topic. Our relationship with the planet has both a biblical and theological history. From scriptural themes, ancient Christians and theologians believed caring for the environment was a sacred duty. They viewed the natural world as a creation of God, deserving respect and stewardship. St. Francis of Assisi believed preaching the Gospel to every creature (Matthew 28) included nature. Saint Patrick, often associated with Irelands rich natural landscape, also preached about the importance of living harmoniously with nature. He and other early Christians saw the environment not just as a resource but as a reflection of Gods glory. These theological beliefs were rooted in the idea that all of creation was interconnected, and harming nature would ultimately harm humanity. Along with Scripture, Jesus followers have a duty to steward creation. Here are seven Bible verses about nature that encourage us to care for the planet. God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. God gives humanity stewardship over the earth, emphasizing our responsibility to care for the planet. In this mandate, God grants humans dominion over all living creatures and the environment. However, dominion does not imply exploitation or abuse. God intended responsible stewardship. The word subdue in the context of Genesis implies bringing godly, good order and harmony to creation, reflecting Gods own care and love for what he has made as his earthly representatives. By commanding humanity to rule over nature, God entrusts us with the duty to manage and protect the environment. Remember, Jesus taught servant leadership, not abusive or coercive rule (Matthew 20:25-28). In addition, Jesus taught humble servant leadership when he washed the disciples feet before the Passover meal, the Last Supper (John 13:4-5). Humanitys responsibility includes ensuring the well-being of all living things and maintaining the ecological balance. The notion of stewardship stems from the understanding that the Earth is Gods creation, and we are caretakers who must honor his work. By fulfilling this mandate, we honor Gods command and demonstrate our reverence for his creation, acknowledging that we are part of a larger, interconnected system designed by God. How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number living things both large and small. These verses celebrate the diversity and complexity of Gods creation, emphasizing the intricate wisdom behind it, inspiring us to care for the planet. This psalm reveals Gods craftsmanship, creating a world rich with life. The phrase in wisdom you made them all reveals the intentional design and careful planning that went into every aspect of nature. Acknowledging the vastness and richness of Gods works, we recognize the profound value of each element in the ecosystem. The authors admiration for the sea and its countless creatures teaches the importance of every part of creation. The sea, described as vast and spacious, serves as a habitat for various life forms, illustrating the interconnectedness of all living things. This interconnectedness calls for a respect and responsibility towards nature, as the health of one part affects the whole, just as the New Testament uses our physical body to symbolize the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). In appreciating Gods wisdom and creations beauty, we are encouraged to protect and preserve the environment. Caring for the planet becomes an act of worship, honoring the Creator by maintaining the integrity of his works. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of nature rejoicing, inspiring us to care for the planet, seeing Gods activity through Creation. Mountains and hills bursting into song and trees clapping their hands personifies nature, illustrating its active participation in the celebration of Gods creation. The prophet reminds us, the natural world is not merely a backdrop for human activity but a vital, dynamic part of Gods creation that expresses joy and peace. By portraying nature as joyous and harmonious, Isaiah 55:12 emphasizes the interdependence between humans and the environment. The verse suggests when humanity lives in alignment with God's will, peace and joy will flow not just through people but through all of creation. This harmonious relationship calls us to actively care for and protect the environment, ensuring it remains a source of joy and peace. When we engage in conservation efforts, reduce our ecological footprint, and promote sustainability, we contribute to the ongoing symphony of natures praise. Isaiah 55:12 inspires us to foster and maintain an environment where the natural world can thrive, ensuring that the mountains, hills, and trees continue to sing and clap, glorifying God in harmony with humanity. I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable. Although much later than the command to Adam and Eve, Jeremiah reiterates the responsibility humans have to care for the environment, now emphasizing the consequences of neglect and exploitation. God speaks through the prophet, telling Israels people he provided them with a fertile and abundant land. This provision was not only a blessing but also a trust. The fertile land symbolizes Gods generosity and his creations bountifulness, meant to be enjoyed and sustained by its inhabitants. However, the verse also highlights human failure to honor this trust. The people defiled the land and made Gods inheritance detestable through their actions. The defilement began with idolatry, worshipping other gods than Yahweh, which led to oppression, violence, and sexual sin. As God created the planet, rebellion against him spiritually effects the land physically. The Bible mentions several times how violence defiles the earth (Genesis 6:11-13, Numbers 35:33, Isaiah 24:5-6, Hosea 4:1-3). We can only properly perform our stewardship over the earth in submission to God, with his ways and care. Otherwise, through sin, we will not only abuse ourselves and others but the physical earth as well, despite how we try to support an environmental agenda. Without God as King, we fail. Our righteousness and proper spiritual worship properly guides human stewardship. For since the creation of the world Gods invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. The New Testament continues to point to nature. Nature reveals Gods character, urging us to care for the planet as a means of honoring and preserving divine revelation. As designer, the creator can be seen through his wonderful creation. Nature testifies to Gods eternal power and divine nature. Through the beauty, complexity, and order of creation, we witness tangible evidence of Gods invisible qualities. Mountains, oceans, forests, and the vast array of living creatures all reflect Gods creativity, wisdom, and sustenance. By observing and experiencing nature, we gain a deeper understanding of the Creator. Given this profound connection, caring for the environment becomes an act of reverence toward God. When we protect and preserve nature, we maintain the clarity with which Gods displays his qualities. Environmental degradation, pollution, and exploitation not only harm the planet but also obscure the revelation of Gods divine nature through his creation. Romans 1:20 reminds us that we are without excuse when it comes to recognizing Gods presence in the natural world, which carries a responsibility to steward the earth thoughtfully and sustainably. By engaging in practices that protect ecosystems, conserve resources, and reduce harm, we uphold the integrity of the natural world as a reflection of Gods power and divinity. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time (Romans 8:22). Further in Romans, Paul personifies nature like Isaiah does. Here, the apostle vividly illustrates the suffering and longing of nature, encouraging us to care for the planet as part of our Christian duty to alleviate creations groans. Since God gave Adam and Eve authority over the planet, their fall (and ours) subjected the whole earth to entropy and death. Thankfully, through Christ, humanity can be redeemed, and as we are born again, our reconciliation also ultimately leads to the earths renewal, as well (Romans 8:19). The imagery of creation groaning like a woman in childbirth emphasizes the intense suffering and anticipation for renewal. It reflects the consequences of human sin and the resulting environmental degradation. Pollution, deforestation, and climate change are modern manifestations of these groans, showing how the natural world suffers due to human actions. Paul calls Christians to acknowledge the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment. We fulfill our role first to live as reborn believers, in submission to Christ, and then alleviating the groans of creation through sustainable practices and environmental conservation. Romans 8:22 also conveys a message of hope. The pains of childbirth suggest creation awaits a future transformation that will come with the full revelation of Gods kingdom. By caring for the environment, we participate in this redemptive process, aligning our actions with Gods ultimate plan for restoration. The nations were angry, and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small and for destroying those who destroy the earth (Revelation 11:18). Even the Bibles final book speaks concerning the connection between earth and humanity. Here, Gods judgment includes consequences for those neglecting the duty to care for the planet. As Babylon abuses all life spiritual, physical, financial, governmental that evil kingdom also abuses the planet. God holds them accountable. The phrase destroying those who destroy the earth signifies how environmental degradation is not just a physical issue but a moral one. It reflects a profound disrespect for Gods creation, which he entrusted to humanity. Oppression over others rebels against Gods created image within humanity, which organically follows to abusing all Creation. By highlighting this aspect of divine judgment, the verse calls Christians to a serious reflection on how their actions impact the environment. Ignoring this responsibility leads to severe consequences and wrath, as harming the environment is as an affront to the Creator. On the other hand, the verse also mentions the reward for God's servants and those who revere his name. Christ returns in Revelation to redeem all Creation, including those who believe. Faithful stewardship of the earth is part of righteous living. By protecting and nurturing the environment, we demonstrate our reverence for God and align with his will. Photo credit: Getty Images/Andrew_Mayovskyy Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non -iction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight. Rest is a word that we often associate with guilt. We see it as a privilege, an activity that most people do not have the time to engage in. Thus, we are reluctant to take the time to cease from activity and find strength. If we do, we feel like we are not being productive. Yet God gave us rest as a gift, not something to make us feel ashamed or guilty. Our Lord chose to cease from His work on the seventh day of creation, which is the basis for the Sabbath. On the seventh day of each week, the people of Israel were to stop their work in honor of God. This day testified to their trust in the Lord to provide what they needed that the daily enterprises of life did not depend on them alone. When Jesus came, He shook the assumptions of the religious leaders by healing on the Sabbath. They had turned the day into another box to check off on their lengthy list of legalistic rules. But Christ came and showed us that He fulfilled the Sabbath, for in Him, we can cease our rule-keeping and religious striving, and rest in the salvation He offers. Because of what Jesus did, one day believers will enter the rest that was promised long ago (Hebrews 4:9-11). The Bible invites us into the stories of several key people to show us how we, too, can benefit from the rest that the Lord provides. It is a wonderful blessing and gift, but also a discipline we must practice. Intentionally resting is countercultural, as it resists societys worship of busyness and the temptation to measure our worth by productivity. Photo credit: Getty Images/Photoboyko BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia Russia's prosecutor general on Monday said it had banned a humanitarian foundation started by film star George Clooney and his human rights lawyer wife Amal Clooney. "The activities of The Clooney Foundation for Justice are declared undesirable on the territory of our country," it said in a statement. The organization "conducts extensive work aimed at discrediting Russia, actively supports false patriots and members of banned terrorist and extremist groups," the statement added. "Under the guise of humanitarian ideas, these 'warriors for justice' ... advance initiatives of criminal probes against the highest Russian authorities," it said in the statement mockingly entitled "The Russian Prosecutor General's Office Appreciates Hollywood Activists' Acting Talent." After Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 Russian authorities have upped repression of dissent to levels not seen since the Soviet Union. In July, the Clooney Foundation, along with several other non-governmental organizations, filed a case with the UN Human Rights Committee accusing Russia of violating the human rights of Ukrainians killed in a 2022 missile attack on Vinnytsia. In early August, Russia's prosecutor general banned as "undesirable" German pro-democracy foundation Konrad Adenauer, and in July did the same with the Moscow Times news outlet. The "undesirable" status forces organizations to shut down in Russia, and means Russians that work for, fund or collaborate with them can also be liable to prosecution. 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. The market is best placed to deal with financial difficulties faced by Belfast shipbuilder Harland & Wolff, the British prime minister has said. The UK government has decided not to offer financial support to the troubled firm over concerns of losing public money. Advertisement The company had applied for a 200 million (235 million) loan guarantee from the British government as part of efforts to restructure its finances. However, the British government decided not to act as a guarantor on the lending while also ruling out direct funding to maintain the companys liquidity. Speaking to reporters in Belfast, Keir Starmer said the decision will be kept under close review. He said: Weve obviously looked at that very carefully, the business secretary has made a decision about it. Of course, we will keep that under close review. Advertisement We do think the market is best placed to deal with the current situation, but well keep it under review because the work particularly in the defence realm is very, very important to us. Harland & Wolff, which famously built the Titanic, has four sites one in Belfast, two in Scotland (Methil on the Firth of Forth and Arnish on the Isle of Lewis) and one in England (Appledore in north Devon). The company has said it will seek alternative new debt facilities. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is warning that this may be the last chance to secure a peace deal and cease-fire agreement that would return hostages and bring relief to Palestinian suffering after more than 10 months of fighting in Gaza. This is Blinken's ninth visit to the Middle East since October 7, and just days after mediators, including the US, expressed optimism that a deal was close. However, Hamas has conveyed their discontent with the latest proposal, and Israel stated there are issues on which it is unwilling to compromise. "This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire, and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," Blinken said as he began talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv on Monday. Negotiation efforts have heightened in urgency as promises of revenge from Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah cause greater fear of a war across the Middle East. It's also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process," he stated in a veiled reference to Iran, according to The Associated Press. In return, Herzog thanked Blinken for the Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel. "This is the way we are living these days," described Herzog. "We are surrounded by terrorism from all four corners of the earth, and we are fighting back as a resilient and strong nation," he added. Blinken is traveling to Cairo on Tuesday to meet with mediators in the hope of finally negotiating a permanent ceasefire. On Monday, he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu privately for 2 hours and with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant later in the day. The three mediatorsEgypt, Qatar, and the UShave presented a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its Oct. 7 attack, while in return, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. In a cabinet meeting prior to Blinken's arrival in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu announced, "We are conducting negotiations, not a scenario in which we just give and give." In a statement on Sunday, Hamas countered that Netanyahu has continued to set obstacles to a deal by demanding new conditions, accusing him of wanting to prolong the war. "The new proposal responds to Netanyahu's conditions," Hamas said. Blinken is calling on both sides to take this opportunity to reach a deal. "It is time for everyone to get to 'yes' and to not look for any excuses to say 'no,'" declared Blinken. A 21-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with attempting to import drugs worth an estimated 700,000 (820,000) into Belfast, according to police. The UK National Crime Agency said Xaena Bursey-Duff from Calgary, Canada, was detained by officers on Saturday evening after UK Border Force staff at Belfast City Airport seized 36kg of cannabis from baggage that had arrived on a flight from London Heathrow. Advertisement Bursey-Duff was questioned after being transferred off a flight from Calgary in London and charged with importing controlled drugs and supplying controlled drugs, the NCA said. At a hearing at Belfast Magistrates on Monday, she was remanded in custody until her next hearing at the same court on September 16th. The NCA released an image of around a dozen evidence bags containing the seized cannabis. Fashion chain Ted Baker will close its stores on Grafton Street, Dublin and in Kildare Village outlet this week. Its 31 remaining stores in the UK and Ireland will close before the end of the day on Tuesday and the website has also been pulled. Along with its own stores, the company operates concessions in Arnotts and Brown Thomas stores. Advertisement Some 513 employees across the UK and in its head office, and 78 in Ireland, are expected to be affected by the remaining closures. About 245 staff were made redundant after 15 shops were shut earlier in the year. The company behind the fashion chain collapsed into administration in March. Ted Baker was founded by Ray Kelvin, who opened his first shop in Glasgow in 1988, and the brand's clothing and accessories are widely recognised for their patterns and florals. Its future was put at risk when the firm behind its UK shops, No Ordinary Designer Label Limited (NODL), collapsed into administration in March. Advertisement A different American company, Authentic Brands, which owns Ted Bakers intellectual property, said that despite tireless efforts it could not overcome the financial issues the business faced. Authentic blamed the process on damage done during a partnership with Dutch company AARC Group, and the significant level of arrears that had built up during the association. Ted Baker had also flagged economic challenges in recent years, having faced weaker consumer demand and difficulties in its supply chain, after being among the luxury retailers to take a hit during the Covid pandemic. Advertisement The failure to save the shops puts hundreds of jobs at risk. Ted Bakers UK website has also been pulled, and customers told it is not taking orders right now, and that they have 14 days to return orders made online. Advertisement Authentic previously said it was hoping to find new operating partners to run the Ted Baker brand, which is currently sold through department stores and retailers such as John Lewis and House of Fraser. All Ted Bakers UK and Ireland shops will be shut by the end of the day on Tuesday (Alamy/PA) There had been reports that a licensing partnership could be struck with Mike Ashleys Frasers Group, but it is understood that the two companies are no longer in talks. Advertisement Authentic, the US-based firm also behind global brands including Juicy Couture and Reebok, bought Ted Baker in 2022. It did not comment on the confirmation of shop closures this week. Ted Baker continues to have more than 30 licensing partners globally that are unaffected by the UK and Ireland administration, including in North America, Asia and the Middle East. The Government will reflect on calls for a public inquiry into alleged sexual abuses by prolific abuser Michael Shine, the Taoiseach has said. Simon Harris described Shine as a vile paedophile who has brought pain and misery to many of his victims. Advertisement Shine worked as a senior registrar at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda in Co Louth from 1964 to 1995. A number of men who were allegedly sexually assaulted by Shine told the Journal.ie that they want a public inquiry into the cases. Many of the survivors claim that the Medical Missionaries of Mary religious order, which was in charge of the hospital, was aware of the alleged abuse for years. Advertisement Shine (93) was convicted of assaulting nine boys at two trials in 2017 and 2019. More than 200 victims have settled civil actions against the Medical Missionaries of Mary. Advertisement Belfast firm Phoenix Law has formally written to the Minister of Justice Helen McEntee seeking a commission of investigation to be opened into the actions of Michael Shine. Speaking at the opening of a new bypass in Co Kerry, Mr Harris said: Michael Shine is a vile paedophile, prolific abuser who has brought pain and misery to many. His victims have today spoken with courage and in a vivid manner, and I want to thank them for that. I think their intervention is really important. Im conscious that there have been matters before the court, civil and criminal. Advertisement Im conscious that there have been reports and consideration given by government departments, but in light of the very strong comments by the victims of Shine today, the Government will no doubt reflect on this and see what what actions are appropriate. Phoenix Law, instructed by several of the victims, have formally written to the Minister of Justice seeking a Commission of Investigation to be opened into the actions of Michael Shine. Our @DiarmuidBreck acts. More below https://t.co/jn7wJLZ19G Phoenix Law Belfast (@PhoenixLawHR) August 19, 2024 Advertisement Mr Harris said he understands how the victims feel upset and frustrated over how the allegations of abuse were handled. I am conscious, though, that when certain court processes are under way and criminal investigations are under way, that can cut across other processes that understandably people may wish to explore, the Fine Gael leader added. There is always that balance between not wishing to do anything to prejudice a matter that is before the court or indeed subject to investigation. Having said that, I think the victims request that we would now take stock of where we now at, and as a Government, to consider these matters is something we will now reflect on. He added: My message to everybody, the Government that I lead, to all organisations, to all agencies, to all [religious] orders, is that we must always take a victim-led approach. We saw children experience significant horror and abuse. We obviously have a court system, we have a criminal justice system, we have obviously seen a criminal sentence given out in some cases as well. But it is important that any actions that are taken next are victim-centred. A Dublin man accused of attacking his father and violently coercing him into carrying out financial transactions and handing over 25,000 has been granted bail with strict conditions. Niall Murphy (39), who had an address at Carysfort, Downs, Blackrock, Co Dublin, was ordered to live at a new address when he was granted bail on Monday. Advertisement He appeared at Dublin District Court facing two charges under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act: assault causing harm and coercion of his 79-year-old father. Detective Garda Shane Donovan objected to bail and told Judge Michael Ramsey that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed trial on indictment, meaning the case should go to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers. The coercion charge alleges that between February 1st-July 25th, 2023, he wrongfully and without lawful authority used violence to intimidate the complainant into doing an act which he had a lawful right to abstain from doing. Mr Murphy was also charged with assault causing harm to his father at their home on July 24th, 2023. Advertisement He was also accused of violent behaviour at Blackrock Garda Station on August 18th, 2024. Detective Garda Donovan said the complainant was an elderly man in poor health and had been subjected to demands for money. It was alleged that the father was compelled to go to his bank to apply for a loan but was refused. Detective Garda Donovan claimed that the pensioner had to carry out financial transactions and give 25,000 to the accused or face whatever consequence Niall had for me. According to the detective, the assault happened after Mr Murphy allegedly became aggressive and knocked the complainant to the ground, and the father was in fear. Advertisement The officer said the elderly man was vulnerable and could be subject to threats and intimidation from his son to withdraw his statement. Cross-examined by defence solicitor Tracy Horan, Detective Garda Donovan accepted the accused had remained living with the complainant, and there had been no further allegations in the last 13 months. Ms Horan questioned the officer about the delay of over a year in bringing the case if he was so concerned. In reply, Detective Garda Donovan said he had to await directions from the DPP, which had been out of his control. Pressed further, he accepted that he could agree to bail with several conditions. Judge Ramsey granted Mr Murphy 500 bail and ordered him to provide gardai with a contact mobile phone number, reside at an address in Dublin 8, have no direct or indirect contact with the complainant or witnesses, and sign on three days a week at a Garda station. Judge Ramsey adjourned the case pending the preparation of a book of evidence and ordered him to appear on September 23rd at Dun Laoghaire District Court. Mr Murphy has yet to indicate a plea but was granted legal aid. UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has personally thanked police officers who were injured during recent disorder, for their service. During a visit to Belfast on Monday, the British prime minister also met representatives from minority ethnic communities who had been targeted in violence in which a number of businesses were destroyed and a mosque attacked. Advertisement At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents in early August in Northern Ireland, after anti-immigration protests. Road blocks in Belfast after an anti-Islamic protest outside Belfast City Hall on August 3 (PA) Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to areas such as Derry. Advertisement Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said some of the officers are due to undergo surgery, and that he expects them to be OK, but the nature of what they faced, even for some of those seasoned officers, has taken them aback. He said there had been some really near misses to very serious injuries. Abdelkader Mohamad Al Alloush, owner of the Sham Supermarket on Donegall Road in Belfast (PA) Advertisement Mr Starmer, with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, was met by Mr Boutcher and Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones. The prime minister said it had been quite an intense few weeks, to agreement from Ms Jones, who played a leading role in the PSNIs response to the disorder, and referred to some long days. With police numbers in Northern Ireland about 1,000 below the recommended strength, about 80 officers from Police Scotland have been in the region over the last week to support the PSNI. Mr Boutcher told the prime minister they had been a breath of fresh air, and said they had fitted in really well with our staff and understood the importance of it. Advertisement UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (PA) The UK prime minister next met injured police officers, including Constable Josh Elliott, discussing with him how the community had rallied round each other. Sir Keir added: Thats the real Northern Ireland. He later met leaders from a number of organisations which represent the minority ethnic community in Northern Ireland. Advertisement Among them was Nisha Tandon, the founder and director of ArtsEkta, which runs Belfast Mela, a major community festival which celebrates diversity. She said the meeting had been very positive, and she was delighted to have had the opportunity to speak to the prime minister. It was more engagement than a lot of us have had with Stormont politicians and we very much welcomed it, he seemed to be in listening mode as we spoke to him, she said. UK prime minister Keir Starmer met community leaders during a visit to PSNI College at Garnerville in Belfast (Charles McQuillan/PA) It was good to get that opportunity. The UK prime minister said at the end of his visit that one of his purposes had been to thank those police officers who had been on the front line and meet communities most affected by the disorder. My purpose was to say to them thank you for what they have done. We make big asks of the police officers, they step up and they deserve our thanks, he said. I have also had the chance to speak to the PSNI senior leadership, and third, and very importantly, to speak to some of the communities most impacted about the fear, the anxiety that they have about the recent disorder. The disorder is intolerable. It is incapable of justification. Its clearly racist and it does not represent the modern forward-looking Northern Ireland that I know that this place is. I do think its very important to come and say thank you, very important for the Prime Minister to come here to talk to the frontline officers face to face and humbly say thank you for what they and their colleagues have done. It comes as the PSNI released images of eight people they want to speak to in connection with their investigation into incidents of disorder and attacks on police officers since Saturday, August 3rd. British prime minister Keir Starmer is to discuss the recent riots in Belfast with the head of the Norths police service during a visit to the city on Monday. At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents in early August in Belfast. Advertisement Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to the city. Cars were set alight and a number of businesses were severely damaged. British prime minister Keir Starmer (Toby Melville/PA) Advertisement Elsewhere, a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards. Dozens of people have been arrested and charged with offences such as rioting and racially-motivated hate crimes. Young children were also involved in some of the street disturbances. Mr Starmer will arrive in Belfast on Monday, where he is expected to be briefed by PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on operational details relating to the recent unrest. Advertisement The pair will also discuss wider policing challenges in Northern Ireland as part of their second engagement since the Mr Starmer took office. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher during a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Boutcher has described the PSNI as an outlier in terms of funding when compared to police services in England, Scotland, Wales or the Republic. Advertisement The PSNI requested the support of scores of officers from Police Scotland to help with the response to the unrest. It came as PSNI numbers remain more than 1,000 officers below recommended levels. Mr Starmer will also meet with rank-and-file PSNI officers from across the community who have been directly involved in responding to the violent disorder seen in parts of Belfast. Additionally, the Prime Minister is expected to undertake a meetings with those involved in the provision of community services which support vulnerable people and families in Northern Ireland. UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has held discussions with Northern Irelands police chief over concerns that the PSNI is chronically underfunded. Mr Starmer met chief constable Jon Boutcher at the Police Service of Northern Irelands training college in Belfast on an engagement that also saw him speak with officers involved in responding to the recent bouts of race-related violence and disorder in the region. Advertisement The UK prime minister also met with representatives of ethnic minority groups living in Northern Ireland to hear their concerns amid the upsurge in hate crime attacks. The Labour leader branded the violence as intolerable and not representative of the Northern Ireland he knows. Advertisement Prior to the disorder of recent weeks, Mr Boutcher had been flagging grave concerns about the PSNIs financial situation, insisting he does not have the necessary resources to police Northern Ireland effectively. Those funding pressures have intensified following the race related unrest, with the PSNI facing a sizeable bill after making a mutual aid request for backup for 80 officers from Police Scotland. Mr Boutcher has insisted Stormont does not get enough money to sustain public services in Northern Ireland, including the PSNI. Advertisement His officer headcount remains more than 1,000 officers below recommended levels. Those issues were raised during his meeting with the UK prime minister at the Garnerville college on Monday. UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher meeting police officers during a visit to PSNI College at Garnerville in Belfast (Charles McQuillan/Getty/PA) Advertisement Mr Starmer said one of the main purposes of his visit was to say thank you to the frontline officers involved in quelling the disorder. Its very important for the Prime Minister to come here to talk to the frontline officers face-to-face and humbly say thank you for what they and their colleagues have done. As I say, many of them injured, he said. But, of course, weve also had discussions about resourcing, about capability. Mainly, of course, thats a devolved issue, as I think everybody understands, but, nonetheless, weve had that discussion about what further support can go in, whether thats financial or whether its in other ways, in terms of making sure the system works better. Advertisement But my main purpose was to come and say thank you. But, of course, those discussions have been had, as you would expect them to be had about the wider support, both immediately and in the medium and long-term. At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents across early August in Northern Ireland. Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to thank PSNI officers who helped quell the disorder (Liam McBurney/PA). Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to areas such as Belfast and Derry. Cars were set alight and a number of businesses were severely damaged. Elsewhere, a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards. Dozens of people have been arrested and charged with offences such as rioting and racially-motivated hate crimes. Young children were also involved in some of the street disturbances. Mr Starmer said big asks had been made of the police dealing with the violence. They step up and they deserve our thanks, he said. Ive also had the chance to speak with the PSNI senior leadership about the challenges that they face and the support that they need. And then, third, and very importantly, to speak to some of the communities most impacted about the fear that they have, the anxiety that they have about the recent disorder. The disorder is intolerable. It is incapable of justification. Its clearly racist and it does not represent the modern, forward-looking Northern Ireland that I know that this place is. The prime minister said he would work with the PSNI and all communities to address the disorder and its consequences. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Boutcher warned that the violence that occurred in Belfast in recent weeks could flare up again, as he made a fresh plea for more funding. He insisted he would not allow the PSNI to decay. By highlighting the issues, as in the numbers of officers we have lost or the budget that we have now got, the arguments are compelling in themselves, he said. By continually making those arguments and how challenging it was to deal with the disorder, I think we held our own. Had we got more, had it (disorder) continued, and it might still, we cant keep pace with other forces in England and Wales because they have had a 20 per cent uplift in resources. We have been left so far behind. We have to get the resources in to allow us to police Northern Ireland our police officers are from our society in the way that everyone deserves. Asked about the condition of the injured police officers, Mr Boutcher said: The injured officers are okay. There are some surgeries to occur and I think the nature of what they face has, even for some of those seasoned officers, taken them aback. But theyll all be okay. There were some really near misses to very serious injuries. Jon Boutcher said the PSNI would not be able to keep up with police forces in England and Wales without additional resources (PA) The chief constable said the PSNI needed another 1,200 officers. Ive had some real issues around the wellbeing of police officers, so what I am trying to do, with every bone in my body, is to explain the seriousness of the situation, of the PSNI police officer numbers, to those that can make the difficult decisions around making sure that we are funded appropriately to get the officers that we need, he said. We should be at 7,500 and we are 1,200 below that. We have to arrest this decline because if we dont the consequences could be dire. We are dangerously beyond the point of where we should be. Asked if the PSNI can continue to deliver the current service without more funding, he said: No, we cant, quite simply. Mr Boutcher also said he wanted to see the same speedy justice dealing with riot offences in Northern Ireland as that seen in courts in England. He said a total of 39 people have been arrested in relation to the recent riots and disorder in the city. My concern, and its not a criticism, its an observation, is the criminal justice aspect, the police chief said. Its much slower here and I want to see the same speedy justice that we have seen in England with regard to these riot offences. Gardai have charged the two men who were arrested following an assault that occurred in Dunmanway, Co. Cork on Saturday evening. Two men, aged in their 30s, who were taken to Cork University Hospital on Saturday night with serious injuries, remain in a serious but stable condition. Advertisement Two men, aged in their 30s and 70s, were arrested on Saturday and are due to appear before Bantry District Court on Monday afternoon. The scene has been examined by a Garda Forensic Investigation team and gardai are appealing for information. The state care system for children requiring change and the stabbing of two men in Cork makes the front pages of Monday's papers. The Irish Times reveals the care system for children may require complete overhaul, as officials from the Department of Children warned it is not fit for purpose. Advertisement The Irish Examiner leads with the details of politicians homes were leaked by far-right agitators in an online chat. The Echo leads with the two men in Cork who suffered serious injures after they were assaulted in Cork. Advertisement The Irish Independent reveals County Councils have paid out 54 million for slips and trips claims last year. The Irish Daily Mail leads with quotes from Stephen Donnelly, as he says the public health system is bad for patients. Advertisement The Irish Daily Mirror leads with warnings from Taoiseach Simon Harris that Ireland is not immune from terrorrism. The Irish Daily Star leads with the Wolfe Tones bringing Kellie Harrington on to the stage at Electric Picnic. Advertisement British papers Foreign tensions in Gaza and Ukraine feature on Mondays front pages. The Daily Telegraph reports the Prime Minister is under pressure to lift restrictions on Ukranian use of Storm Shadow missiles supplied by Britain. Advertisement The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Starmer accused of weakening support for Ukraine'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/ChC6SidF56 The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 18, 2024 US secretary of state Antony Blinken has arrived in Israel for Gaza ceasefire talks, according to The Guardian. Back on British soil, Metro says Labour plans to treat extreme misogyny as a form of terrorism. Tomorrow's Papers Today WAR ON WOMEN HATERS Misogyny to be treated like terrorism#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/PjASL2D41S Metro (@MetroUK) August 18, 2024 All candidates vying to be the next Conservative leader want the government to scrap plans to rethink the winter fuel payment, the Daily Express reports. NEW: All 6 Tory leadership contenders have united this evening behind the Express campaign demanding a u-turn on Rachel Reeves winter fuel cuts #TomorrowsPapersToday https://t.co/yYTolCkPMd pic.twitter.com/kvqipScC9G Calgie (@christiancalgie) August 18, 2024 The i splashes with reports that almost 3000 children and teenagers have been spiked with dangerous drugs in the last three years. The Times front page reports workers who are consistently contacted by their bosses could be awarded compensation at employment tribunals. TIMES: Big payouts for workers contacted out of hours #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/owjYylAg2R Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 18, 2024 The Daily Mirror says a British mother has died in Turkey after a cosmetic procedure went wrong. MIRROR: Brit mum dies after Brazilian Butt Lift #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/5a7aOt861z Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 18, 2024 The Daily Mail claims more than half of Labour MPs received campaign donations from unions in the last election. MAIL: Half of Labour MPs in pay of unions #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/rTguv8n5T7 Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 18, 2024 Finally, the Daily Star leads with a special report on alien mummies from Peru. US secretary of state Antony Blinken has said the time is now to conclude a Gaza ceasefire agreement that would return hostages held by Hamas and bring relief to Palestinian suffering after 10 months of devastating fighting in Gaza. Mr Blinkens ninth urgent mission to the Middle East since the conflict began came days after mediators, including the United States, expressed renewed optimism a deal was near. Advertisement But Hamas has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the latest proposal and Israel has said there were areas it was unwilling to compromise. The trip, days ahead of new talks expected this week in Egypt, comes amid fears the conflict could widen into a deeper regional war following the killings of top militant commanders in Lebanon that Iran blamed on Israel. US secretary of state Antony Blinken. Photo: Kevin Mohatt/Pool Photo via AP. Advertisement This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security, Mr Blinken said as he opened talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, he said in a veiled reference to Iran. And so were working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way move us away from getting this deal over the line, or for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. Mr Herzog thanked Mr Blinken for the Biden administrations support for Israel and lamented a spate of recent attacks against Israelis in the past 24 hours. Advertisement This is the way we are living these days, Mr Herzog said. We are surrounded by terrorism from all four corners of the Earth and we are fighting back as a resilient and strong nation. Mediators are to meet again this week in Cairo to try to cement a ceasefire. Mr Blinken will travel to Egypt on Tuesday after he wraps up his Israel stop in meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant later on Monday. The war began on October 7th when Hamas-led militants broke into Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. Of those, some 110 are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities say around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a week-long ceasefire. Advertisement Israels counterattack in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and devastated much of the territory. Posters of hostages taken on October 7th. Photo: Tsafrir Abayov/AP. Late last week, the three countries mediating the proposed ceasefire Egypt, Qatar and the US reported progress on a deal under which Israel would halt most military operations in Gaza and release a number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages. Advertisement Shortly before Mr Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday, Mr Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting there are areas where Israel can be flexible and unspecified areas where it will not be. We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give, he said. The evolving proposal calls for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its October 7th attack. In exchange, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. Hamas accuses Israel of adding new demands that it maintain a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent arms smuggling and along a line bisecting the territory so it can search Palestinians returning to their homes in the north. Israel said those were not new demands, but clarifications of a previous proposal. Officials said the US has presented proposals to bridge all the gaps remaining between the Israeli and Hamas positions. Formal responses to the US outline are expected this week and could lead to a ceasefire declaration unless the talks collapse, as has happened with multiple previous efforts. A 4-year-old Oklahoma boy is reportedly recovering from a rare medical condition that left him near death while vacationing in Mexico with his family which faces hospital bills of up to $8,000 a day for his treatment. Griffin Brothers of Tulsa and his parents all came down with a stomach bug that unexpectedly turned serious for the youngster, local TV station KTUL-TV reported. "We had recorded a video saying hello to the grandparents and he was very lethargic," father Andrew Jones-Brothers said. "And I hadn't really realized it because I think we had been with him but my mother called me very upset and she said, 'He looks yellow. There's something wrong with him. Please take him back to the doctor.'" At a local hospital, Griffin began suffering kidney failure and related complications, prompting an emergency transfer to a pediatric hospital in Guadalajara, according to an message posted Aug. 8 on the GoFundMe website. There, a doctor told his parents, "When you brought him to us he was extremely near death," Jones-Brothers said. The boy was diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, KTUL said. The rare condition usually affects children under 10 after a digestive tract infection that's caused by a type of E. coli bacteria found in raw milk, unwashed raw fruits and vegetables, contaminated juice and undercooked meat, according to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Nothing can stop the syndrome from progressing but treatments include medications, intravenous fluids and a feeding tube, blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. Griffin has received multiple dialysis treatments and the doctors treating him "are saying it's miraculous how far he's come," Jones-Brothers said. The most recent update on his GoFundMe page, posted Aug. 14, said Griffin had been moved out of the pediatric intensive care unit and "his numbers are continuing to show improvement every day." Jones-Brothers said it was unclear how much longer he'd have to remain hospitalized. Griffin's doctor also said he should remain in the area for daily blood tests after he's discharged, according to the GoFundMe update. US secretary of state Antony Blinken said that Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge differences holding up a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, and he called on Hamas to do the same, without saying whether it had addressed concerns cited by the militant group. Mr Blinken spoke after holding a two and a half hour meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day, and was expected to travel to Egypt on Tuesday. Advertisement The US, Egypt and Qatar have spent months trying to broker an agreement, with the talks repeatedly stalling. He did not say whether the so-called bridging proposal addressed Israels demands for control over two strategic corridors inside Gaza, which Hamas has said is a nonstarter, or other issues that have long bedevilled the negotiations. In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel supports the bridging proposal, Mr Blinken told reporters. The next important step is for Hamas to say yes. Advertisement Mr Blinken had earlier said the time is now to conclude a Gaza ceasefire agreement that would return hostages held by Hamas and bring relief to Palestinian suffering after more than 10 months of devastating fighting in Gaza. Mr Blinkens ninth mission to the Middle East since the conflict began came days after mediators, including the US, expressed renewed optimism that a deal was near. But Hamas has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the latest proposal, and Israel has said there were points on which it was unwilling to compromise. The trip, days before new talks expected this week in Egypt, came amid fears that the conflict could widen into a deeper regional war following the targeted killing of two top militants in Lebanon and Iran that were attributed to Israel. Advertisement This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security, Mr Blinken said as he opened talks with Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, he said in a veiled reference to Iran. And so were working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way move us away from getting this deal over the line, or for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. Mr Herzog thanked Mr Blinken for the Biden administrations support for Israel and lamented a spate of recent attacks against Israelis in the past 24 hours. Advertisement This is the way we are living these days, Mr Herzog said. We are surrounded by terrorism from all four corners of the earth and we are fighting back as a resilient and strong nation. Mediators will meet again this week in Cairo to try to cement a ceasefire. Mr Blinken will travel to Egypt on Tuesday for meetings in the Mediterranean city of el-Alamein after he wraps up his Israel stop. Advertisement He met one-on-one with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for two and a half hours on Monday and with defence minister Yoav Gallant later in the day. The war began on October 7th when Hamas-led militants broke into Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 others. Of those, about 110 are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities say around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire. Israels counterattack in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and devastated much of the territory. Late last week, the three countries mediating the proposed ceasefire Egypt, Qatar and the US reported progress on a deal under which Israel would halt most military operations in Gaza and release a number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages. Shortly before Mr Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday, Mr Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting there are areas where Israel can be flexible and unspecified areas where it will not be. We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give, he said. The evolving proposal calls for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its October 7th attack. In exchange, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. Hamas accuses Israel of adding new demands that it maintain a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent arms smuggling and along a line bisecting the territory so it can search Palestinians returning to their homes in the north. Israel said those were not new demands, but clarifications of a previous proposal. Officials said the US has presented proposals to bridge all the gaps remaining between the Israeli and Hamas positions. Formal responses to the US outline are expected this week and could lead to a ceasefire declaration unless the talks stall, as has happened with multiple previous efforts. Late on Sunday, Hamas said in a statement that Mr Netanyahu has continued to set obstacles to a deal by demanding new conditions, accusing him of wanting to prolong the war. It said the mediators latest offer was a capitulation to Israel. The new proposal responds to Mr Netanyahus conditions, Hamas said. Blinken said on Monday that both sides should take this opportunity to reach a deal. It is time for everyone to get to yes and to not look for any excuses to say no, he said. An Israeli delegation held talks with Egyptian officials as part of the truce efforts, an Egyptian official said on Monday. The hours-long meeting on Sunday focused on the Philadelphi corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, but did not achieve a breakthrough, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing negotiations. The official said that Israel still insists on keeping control of the border and the east-west route that bisects Gaza. He said that the delegation did not offer anything new in their meeting. A former Saudi official has alleged that Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged the signature of his father on the royal decree that launched the kingdoms years-long war against Yemens Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the allegations made without supporting evidence by Saad al-Jabri in an interview published by the BBC, though the kingdom has described him as a discredited former government official. Advertisement Mr al-Jabri, a former Saudi intelligence official who lives in exile in Canada, has been in a dispute with the kingdom as his two children have been imprisoned to try and lure him back to Saudi Arabia. The allegation comes as Prince Mohammed now serves as the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, often meeting leaders in place of his father, the 88-year-old King Salman. His assertive behaviour, particularly at the start of his ascension to power around the beginning of the Yemen war in 2015, extended to a wider crackdown on any perceived dissent or power base that could challenge his rule. Advertisement Houthi supporters in Sanaa, Yemen. Photo: Osamah Abdulrahman/AP. In Mr al-Jabris remarks to the BBC, he said a credible, reliable official linked to the Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed to him that Prince Mohammed signed the royal decree declaring war in place of his father. We were surprised that there was a royal decree to allow the ground interventions, Mr al-Jabri said. He forged the signature of his dad for that royal decree. The kings mental capacity was deteriorating. A US-based lawyer for Mr al-Jabri did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement The Yemen war against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, launched with promises by the prince it would quickly be over, has ground on for nearly a decade. The war has killed more than 150,000 people and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters, killing tens of thousands more. Prince Mohammed was the defence minister at the time. The Houthis also since the start the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip have launched attacks on shipping that have disrupted traffic through the Red Sea and led to the most intense combat faced by the US Navy since the Second Word War. Mr al-Jabri once worked for former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, a trusted confidant of the US in the battle against al-Qaeda militants in the kingdom after the September 11th attacks. Advertisement King Salman replaced the crown prince for his son in 2017 and Prince Mohammed bin Nayef is believed to have been held under house arrest after. Mr al-Jabri had sued Prince Mohammed bin Salman in US federal court, alleging the crown prince sought to have him killed after he fled abroad. Speaking to the BBC, Mr al-Jabri again alleged Prince Mohammed considered assassinating former King Abdullah with a poison ring from Russia something he claimed in a 2021 interview with CBS News. He also described his fears that the crown prince still wanted him killed as his children remain imprisoned in the kingdom. Advertisement He planned for my assassination, Mr al-Jabri said. He will not rest until he sees me dead. I have no doubt about that. Vice President Kamala Harris is entering the Democratic National Convention (DNC) with increased excitement from Democrats and a steady rise in her favourability ratings among Americans as a whole. About half of US adults 48 per cent have a very or somewhat favourable view of Ms Harris, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research. Advertisement That is up from 39 per cent at the beginning of the summer, before President Joe Bidens poor performance in his debate against former president Donald Trump ultimately led him to drop out of the presidential race. That is not just an improvement for Ms Harris but also from where Mr Biden stood before he dropped out when 38 per cent said they had a favourable opinion of him. It is also somewhat better than the 41 per cent of adults who say they have a favourable opinion of Mr Trump. Advertisement Kamala Harris greets members of the Aliquippa High School football team during a campaign stop at their school Photo: Julia Nikhinson/AP. The rise in favourability for Ms Harris comes as more Americans overall have formed an opinion about her while the Harris and Trump campaigns rush to define her nascent candidacy. The share saying they do not know enough about her to have an opinion has halved, from 12 per cent in June to six per cent now. The latest measurement is in line with how Americans viewed Ms Harris in early 2021 when she and Mr Biden first took office. It suggests renewed positivity towards Ms Harris the share of Americans who have a very favourable opinion of her has also increased over the same period but she risks hitting a ceiling as she approaches her previous highest rating. Since June, Ms Harris favourability has slightly risen among some groups that generally already favour the Democratic Party. She has seen slight increases in favourability among Democrats, independents, women and young adults under age 30. Advertisement There has been no significant movement from black adults or Hispanic adults other constituencies Ms Harris will likely need the support of in November. Half of adults under 30 have a very or somewhat favourable view of Ms Harris in the latest poll, up from 34 per cent in June. That comes as more young adults have formed an opinion about her, with the share of adults who say they do not know enough to say shrinking from about two in 10 to roughly one in 10. The number of young adults with an unfavourable view of her has not changed significantly. Ms Harris has relatively high levels of favourability among black adults, though it has been relatively steady over the last month. Around two-thirds of black adults have a very or somewhat positive view of Ms Harris. Advertisement That includes around four in 10 who say their opinion of her is very favourable. Black adults are more likely than Americans overall to have a favourable impression of Ms Harris. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris greets supporters at a campaign event in Rochester Photo: Julia Nikhinson/AP. About six in 10 non-white men and women have a positive view of Ms Harris. Advertisement Johnita Johnson, a 45-year-old black woman living in North Carolina, said she plans to vote for Ms Harris in November, but she wants the campaign to be honest and realistic about what it can promise. She has a problem with politicians, generally, who overpromise what they will be able to accomplish in office. If (Ms Harris) was able to do exactly what she wants to do and what she says she would do, she would do an awesome job, Ms Johnson said. Well, we all know that is not going to go like that. She may get to do some of the things that she wanted to do. Will she do everything? I cant say that she will. And she cant promise me that. Ms Johnson noted that while Ms Harris is a historic candidate because of her race and sex, it is not something thats factoring into her support. It wouldnt matter who it was. As long as they are good and good to us, thats what matters to me, Ms Johnson said. Yes, of course, to a lot of people, its exciting because shes Black and shes the first woman. But Im not looking at it. Scotlands External Affairs Secretary has apologised after holding a meeting with an Israeli diplomat which he said was taken by many to represent a normalisation of relations between the two countries. Angus Robertson said his meeting with Israels deputy ambassador Daniela Grudsky two weeks ago should have been limited to the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the appalling loss of life in the region. Advertisement He apologised for those limits not having been enforced and said further meeting invitations would not be accepted. Speaking about the meeting, earlier described as necessary by Scotlands First Minister John Swinney, Mr Robertson said: My view was that given the Israeli UK deputy ambassador had requested a meeting it was an opportunity to express the Scottish Governments clear and unwavering position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and I did exactly that. Advertisement No-one intended that this meeting be presented as legitimising the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. The Scottish Government has been consistent in our unequivocal condemnation of the atrocities we have witnessed in Gaza. The reality, however, is that this meeting has been taken by many to represent a normalisation of relations between the Israeli and Scottish governments. As such, it is clear that it would have been better to ensure that the meeting was strictly limited to the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the appalling loss of life in the region. I apologise for the fact that this did not happen. Advertisement Going forward, it is clear that, having now spoken direct to the Israeli government and making them aware of our position on an immediate ceasefire, it would not be appropriate to accept any invitation for a further meeting. This will remain our position until such time as real progress has been made towards peace, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance is provided and Israel co-operates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes. The Scottish Government does not support any normalisation of its relations with the Israeli government during this period. Advertisement Mr Robertson faced a backlash over the meeting, including from members of the SNP. SNP MSP John Mason, who backed the decision to hold the meeting, had the whip removed over comments he made about Gaza. Advertisement On Friday, Mr Mason posted a tweet saying: If Israel wanted to commit genocide, they would have killed 10 times as many. Speaking on BBC Scotlands Good Morning Scotland radio programme on Monday, he said I completely stand by the tweet. He told the BBC: I thought about it for a long time, and I would like to see Scotland, the UK, acting more as a peacemaker, rather than cheering on either side. But I put out that tweet because I do feel strongly. Israel, and the Jews in this country as well, feel very much threatened and under pressure. John Mason said he stood by his comment (Andrew Milligan/PA) Israel is a tiny country surrounded by some very hostile states. The Glasgow Shettleston MSP said he had not expected to lose the whip but it had been necessary to do the right thing. SNP public finance minister Ivan McKee told the broadcaster Mr Masons comments were deeply offensive and he should educate himself. The SNPs Dalkeith branch has reportedly submitted a motion of censure against Mr Robertson ahead of the party conference starting at the end of the month. SNP MSP for Cunninghame South Ruth Maguire told The Herald: I share in the anger, hurt, frustration and frankly embarrassment felt by many party members that a Scottish Government Cabinet secretary has allowed themselves to appear to legitimise a genocidal, apartheid regime who continue to commit war crimes. Last week, Mr Swinney said the meeting was necessary and that Mr Robertson had pressed Ms Grudsky on the killing and suffering of innocent civilians. Protestors unfurled a huge banner telling tourists on a packed Costa Blanca beach on Sunday to "Go home". The activists let off pink flares to make sure holidaymakers relaxing on the sand or cooling off in the sea received the message. Advertisement They appeared to be directing themselves at English-speaking visitors with the language they used in bright-red capital letters, although they also used the local Valencian language to appeal to residents with a message above it on the banner which said: Aturem La Turistificacio - 'Stop Touristification.' The beach protest was carried out by a group called Garrot and took place on Sunday at Barraca Cove, also known as Portixol Cove, near the Costa Blanca tourist hotspot of Javea close to Benidorm. The banner was unfurled on rocks to the north of the cove where it was clearly visible to those in the sea and on the beach. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Garrot (@garrotaccio) A spokeswoman for the protesters said afterwards: We did it on Sunday because its market day and the main avenue is used as an arrival point by nearly all the tourists. Advertisement It was organised by activists from the same group that held a huge anti-mass tourism demo in the Majorcan capital Palma last month, which halted traffic in Alcudia in the north of the island in a surprise and unannounced action. Around 20 people from platform Menys Turisme, Mes Vida, which in English means Less Tourism, More Life occupied the main avenue and held up banners, causing large traffic jams. The group responsible was the same that organised a July 21st demonstration in Palma attended by an estimated 15,000 people, the second large anti-mass tourism protest in the Majorcan capital so far this year. That day demonstrators used Spains Euros final win to poke fun at English tourists as they branded British holidaymakers drunks. The banners they were carrying included one which said in a gloating play on words over a picture of Kyle Walker: The only thing coming home is you followed by the 2-1 scoreline printed between England and Spain flags. Advertisement The twin actions came two days after residents of a Menorcan village dubbed the Spanish Mykonos rejected a feared tourist ban, although one in three of the 195 homeowners favoured a prohibition 24/7. The holidaymaker veto was said to be on the cards ahead of the vote after locals chained off the 22 entrances to their community at night-time earlier this year. Residents voted to put restrictions in place after visitors flocked back to Menorca following the end of the Covid pandemic. Some selfie-hunting holidaymakers ended up trampling through private properties in tourist attraction Benibeca Vell, a privately-owned community, although it is widely described as a village, and interrupting residents' rest times. Advertisement Since May 1st visitors were only allowed to access its streets between 11am and 8pm and a tightening of restrictions had been talked about. In the end a modification of visiting times was agreed. Confirming the result of the vote at an annual general meeting Oscar Monge, President of the Community of Property Owners in Binibeca Vell on Menorcas southern coast, said late last Friday: The result by unanimity is for a visiting timetable of 10am to 10pm with no entry charge. As well as certifying the tourist mecca would remain open during the daytime for the estimated 800,000 tourists a year who visit, Mr Monges announcement also put any possibility holidaymakers could be charged for touring Binibeca Vell on the back burner. He added in comments early on Saturday: The new visiting times will be brought in immediately. Although he described the vote as unanimous after the end of the meeting, he admitted later: Around 30 per cent of the owners wanted to close permanently to tourists but the civic behaviour of visitors helped persuade people that the current partial closure is sufficient. The vote took place following a summer of discontent in the Balearic Islands which have seen thousands of people take to the streets in two major demos in the Majorcan capital Palma to protest at some of the problems caused by mass tourism including overcrowding and difficulties accessing affordable housing. Other smaller protests have taken place in other parts of Majorca as well as Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. On July 27 around 250 protestors impeded tourist access to a picture-postcard Menorcan beach in a surprise action. Activists boasted of filling a car park by Cala Turqueta, a beautiful cove on the islands southern coast, with residents cars. They then used towels and their own bodies to shape the message SOS Menorca on the sand by the waterline. The unannounced protest, by environmental non-profit organisation GOB Menorca, resulted in the car park being blocked to holidaymakers for around six hours from early morning according to local reports. Anti mass-tourism protests have also taken place in the Canary Islands, where thousands took to the streets in co-ordinated April 20 demos across the Atlantic archipelago, as well as places like Alicante and Malaga. Graffiti targeted at tourists has appeared in both Tenerife and Majorca. Thousands of protesters marched toward the site of the Democratic National Convention on its opening day to voice their opposition to the war in Gaza, as Chicago officials said they were committed to keeping the demonstrations peaceful. Protesters said their plans have not changed since US President Joe Biden left the race and the party quickly rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who will formally accept the Democratic nomination this week. Advertisement Activists said they were ready to amplify their progressive message before the nations top Democratic leaders. Progressive activist Cornel West watches a demonstration prior to a march to the Democratic National Convention (Alex Brandon/AP) We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end U.S. aid to Israel and stand with Palestine, said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesman for the Coalition to March on the DNC, which includes hundreds of organisations. Advertisement Protesters marched along a mile-long route ending at a park near the United Centre, where the convention is being held, as hundreds of police officers lined the streets. The heavy police presence at the march included Chicago Police superintendent Larry Snelling, who walked in a group of officers ahead of the protesters. Biden, you cant hide. We charge you with genocide, they chanted amid the beating of drums. Harris, you cant hide. We charge you with genocide. Advertisement Mayor Brandon Johnson said authorities were well prepared. The city of Chicago is really good at things like this, he told a news conference. We are ready. Organisers said they hoped the turnout for Mondays rally and march would be at least 20,000 people. It appeared a few thousand were present at the start of the march, though Chicago city officials declined to give a crowd estimate. Hatem Abudayyeh, of the US Palestinian Community Network, speaks prior to a march to the Democratic National Convention (Alex Brandon/AP) Advertisement The Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation, and buses were bringing activists from all over the country. Medea Benjamin, who travelled to Chicago from Washington DC with a women-led group of protesters calling for peace, said she was shocked that the Biden administration recently approved an additional 20 billion dollars in weapons sales to Israel. Theres an incredible discrepancy in what people are calling for in this country and what the administration is doing, she said ahead of the rally in Union Park. Advertisement Were so disgusted by this. Activists say they learned lessons from last months Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. They expect bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations in Chicago. Pro-Palestinian supporters descended on the park, west of the Loop business district, for the rally. Prior to the march, independent presidential candidate Cornel West addressed the crowd, which welcomed him with cheers. This is not about some Machiavellian politics or some utilitarian calculation about an election, he yelled into a microphone. This is about morality. This is about spirituality. Around 40 pro-Israel supporters walked around the park during the rally. Protesters demonstrate at Union Park before a march to the Democratic National Convention (Alex Brandon/AP) Remaining mostly silent while waving Israeli flags, they were accompanied by about 20 police officers on bicycles. Although tensions flared at times, there were no physical altercations. Josh Weiner, co-founder of Chicago Jewish Alliance who walked with the pro-Israel group, said their intent was to make our presence felt. Mr Weiner said the group applied for permits that were not approved by the city. The pro-Palestine protesters have gotten multiple permits, including a march, which seems to be a little bit weighted on one side, Mr Weiner said. Protester issues also include climate change, abortion rights and racial equality, to name a few, but many agree that pressing for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is the top message of the demonstrations. Counter protesters arrive at Union Park before a march to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Frank Franklin II/AP) They have likened it to the Vietnam War of their generation. Chicago, which has hosted more political conventions than any other US city, has been unable to escape comparisons to the infamous 1968 convention where police and anti-Vietnam War protesters violently clashed on live television. Some businesses boarded up their windows as a precaution, and county courts said they would open more space in case of mass arrests. Chicago police say officers have undergone extensive training on constitutional policing and de-escalation tactics. Ukrainian local authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation order for families with children from the eastern city of Pokrovsk, where about 53,000 people still live. They say Russian forces are advancing so quickly that it is compulsory for families to leave the city and other nearby towns. Advertisement Russian troops have been pushing toward Pokrovsk for months. Residents cheer Ukrainian soldiers near Chasiv Yar town, in Donetsk (Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukrainian 24th Mechanised Brigade via AP) Russian troops are advancing at a fast pace. With every passing day there is less and less time to collect personal belongings and leave for safer regions, officials warned last week, saying that the Russian forces were just six miles from the outskirts of Pokrovsk. Advertisement Pokrovsk residents have just two weeks to leave the city safely, officials said in an interview with the US-funded Radio Liberty. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that Pokrovsk and other nearby towns in the Donetsk region are facing the most intense Russian assaults. Russias slow drive across Ukraines eastern Donetsk region this year has been costly in terms of troops and armour, but its gains have mounted. Pokrovsk, which had a pre-war population of about 60,000, is one of Ukraines main defensive strongholds and a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region. Advertisement Its capture would compromise Ukraines defensive abilities and supply routes and would bring Russia closer to its stated aim of capturing the entire Donetsk region. Pokrovsk officials were meeting with the residents to provide them with logistical details on the evacuation. People were offered shelter in western Ukraine, where they will be hosted in dormitories and separate houses prepared for them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the military incursion into Russias Kursk region aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border. It was the first time Mr Zelensky clearly stated the aim of the operation that began on August 6. Previously, he had said the operation aimed to protect communities in the bordering Sumy region from constant shelling. Advertisement Mr Zelensky said it is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressors territory our operation in the Kursk region. This weekend, Ukraine destroyed a key bridge in the region and struck a second one nearby, disrupting supply lines as it pressed the incursion, officials said. Russian soldiers fire towards Ukrainian positions (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service photo via AP) Advertisement Pro-Kremlin military bloggers acknowledged the destruction of the first bridge on the Seim River near the town of Glushkovo will impede deliveries of supplies to Russian forces repelling Ukraines incursion, although Moscow could still use pontoons and smaller bridges. Ukraines air force chief, Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, on Friday released a video of an airstrike that cut the bridge in two. Less than two days later, Ukrainian troops hit a second bridge in Russia, according to Mr Oleshchuk and Russian regional Gov Alexei Smirnov. As of Sunday morning, there were no officials giving the exact location of the second bridge attack. But Russian Telegram channels claimed that a second bridge over the Seim, in the village of Zvannoe, had been struck. Advertisement According to Russias Mash news site, the attacks left only one intact bridge in the area. The Associated Press could not immediately verify these claims. If confirmed, the Ukrainian strikes would further complicate Moscows attempts to replenish its forces and evacuate civilians. I received a briefing from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, covering the situation in the eastern part of Ukraine, operations in the Kursk region, the exchange fund, and the equipping of our brigades, particularly the reserves, with ammunition and weapons. In every direction, our pic.twitter.com/sNQYb9JJ3k Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) August 18, 2024 Advertisement Glushkovo is about 7.5 miles north of the Ukrainian border, and approximately 10 miles north west of the main battle zone in Kursk. Zvannoe is located another five miles to the north west. Advertisement Kyiv previously has said little about the goals of its push into Russia with tanks and other armoured vehicles, the largest attack on the country since the Second World War, which took the Kremlin by surprise and saw scores of villages and hundreds of prisoners fall into Ukrainian hands. The Ukrainians drove deep into the region in several directions, facing little resistance and sowing chaos and panic as tens of thousands of civilians fled. Ukraines commander in chief, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, claimed last week that his forces had advanced across 390 square miles of the region, although it was not possible to independently verify what Ukrainian forces effectively control. Booktopias new owner, Shant Kradjian, says he wants to preserve the Australian-owned identity of the online bookseller, which will delist from the local stock exchange. Kradjian said he had admired Booktopia for years after founding online camera store digiDirect in the mid-2000s, adding the two ecommerce businesses shared many qualities. Consumer electronics retailer digiDirects founder Shant Kradjian is the new owner of Booktopia. As it [Booktopia] was declining, I kept a closer eye on it. As soon as it went into administration, I reached out [and thought] there could be something there, he said. Kradjian said he had met book publishers and authors, who had expressed it was important that Booktopia remained in local hands. It has also come as China is looking to safeguard its strategic reserves of antimony a critical mineral used extensively in solar panels, military applications and electronics given its significantly reduced domestic production in recent years. Demand has also surged, particularly for armament manufacturing in the western world. China, the worlds biggest producer of antimony with a 56 per cent market share, has revealed it will impose export controls on the metal starting from September 15. The decision has been viewed, in part, as a tit-for-tat response to the increasingly pugnacious stand by the United States Biden administration against China gaining an upper hand in the AI and chip manufacturing sectors. However, the company has also made its own luck, purchasing the Hillgrove mine in New South Wales six months ago for $8 million, including a $5 million environmental bond, and management is adamant that is also playing a factor in the renewed investment interest. Larvotto Resources has cited Chinas recent decision to install export bans on antimony as a key reason for its 100 per cent share price surge and increased trading volumes since Fridays ASX market open. The timing of Chinas policy shift has coincided with Larvottos recent release of its maiden gold-antimony ore reserve and a positive prefeasibility study (PFS) for its Hillgrove project. Purchased by Larvotto from administrators in December, the Hillgrove underground mine boasts the biggest antimony deposit in Australia and one of the most significant in the world. The project sits 23km east of the major regional city of Armidale in northern NSW and is ideally placed close to existing highways, rail links and regional airports. According to the companys recently-delivered PFS, the mine has a seven-year life with a global resource of 600,000 ounces of gold equivalent in antimony and gold running at a combined grade of 6 grams a tonne. Using extremely conservative price assumptions of US$2000 (AU$3075) per gold ounce and US$15,000 (AU$23,100) per tonne of antimony, the operation is expected to make an EBITDA of $93 million per year. However, at todays prices of US$2503 (AU$3840) per ounce of gold and US$23,700 (AU$36,450) per tonne of antimony, the mine will produce 41,000 ounces of gold and 5400 tonnes of antimony for an EBITDA of $154 million. The estimated capital expenditure (capex) to bring the mine back to life is a modest $73 million, meaning that the payback period could be as little as 11 months with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 114 per cent. At current prices, the net present value (NPV) of the project has been put at $584 million using a discount rate of 8 per cent. And just to add a little extra icing on top of the cake, historic recoveries at the project have been in excess of 90 per cent for both gold and antimony. The forecasts are all the more remarkable given that the $8 million price tag six months ago included an infrastructure and processing plant at site, which is considered to have a replacement value of more than $150 million. Regency Centers designed Jordan Ranch Market as a neighborhood gathering area with shaded outdoor seating areas and patios. Regency Centers Elements such as barn doors will be incorporated into the modern farmhouse design at Jordan Ranch Market. Regency Centers Jordan Ranch Market, a project of Regency Centers in Fulshear, will feature a modern farm design. Regency Centers Initial tenants will at Jordan Ranch Market will open in the third quarter of 2025, according to Regency Centers. Regency Centers The number of H-E-B grocery stores in the Houston area will move closer toward 100 when a new shopping center opens at Johnson Development's Jordan Ranch community in Fulshear. H-E-B, which will anchor the center, declined to provide information about store size or projected opening. The grocer's 96th store in the Houston market is scheduled to open this fall at the Bridgeland community in Cypress. The planned Fulshear location would be part of Jordan Ranch Market, a project by Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers, an owner, operator and developer of suburban shopping centers. With architecture inspired by the lands history as a family farm, the center will be part of the 1,350-acre Jordan Ranch master-planned community being developed on former rice farms originally purchased by Chester and Bess Jordan in 1937. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We really wanted to pay some homage to the Jordan family, said Abe Pacetti, senior vice president of investments at Regency Centers who has been working on the land acquisition for more than four years. Jordan Ranch Market in Fulshear will have 15 to 18 tenant spaces plus an H-E-B, according to Regency Centers. Regency Centers Regency bought 22 acres at the southeast corner of Texas Heritage Parkway and Jordan Crossing Boulevard, about 1.5 miles south of the Katy Freeway, in July. Site preparation is underway for the development, which is planned for about 162,000 square feet of retail across four buildings and the H-E-B. The plan focuses on creating experiences for visitors, with patios between buildings, shaded walkways and seating areas and lawns next to restaurants where kids can play. It will feature elements such as barn doors, tin roofs for shade structures and various textures and materials in the store fronts such as brick, aluminum and ceramics that look like wood. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jordan Ranch Market is being designed as a destination not only for neighbors but large groups of bicyclists. When theyre done with a 30-mile ride on a Saturday, they can stop and have a drink or grab a burger or a taco, Pacetti said. Jordan Ranch Market will bring an H-E-B, restaurants and shops to Texas Heritage Parkway and Jordan Crossing Boulevard in Fulshear. Regency Centers The Jordan Ranch master-planned community, which is expected to have 3,000 homes when complete, is among the best selling in the country, according to consulting firm RCLCO. The area is home to Tamarron and Cross Creek Ranch, two other master-planned communities that will have a total of almost 16,000 homes. INSIDE LOOP 610: New center will bring shops to area near Meyerland Plaza Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jordan Ranch Markets four retail buildings will contain 15 to 18 tenants, Pacetti said. The spaces will range from about 1,300 square feet to 4,000 square feet. There will be two charging station areas for visitors to power up electric vehicles while they shop, plus an outparcel for another building such as a bank. The first small shop spaces will be delivered to tenants in May of next year with openings starting in the third quarter, Pacetti said. Tenants signed so far include Pacific Dental Services, Milano Nail Spa, Sport Clips and Twin Liquors. About 40% to 50% of the space could be restaurants. Award-winning journalist and author Masha Gessen has been unable to enter Australia for scheduled events this week, in a delay that is believed to relate to convictions handed down by a Russian court in absentia. Gessen was due to lead a seminar at Melbournes Wheeler Centre on August 21 before heading to Sydney to speak at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas on the weekend. But a last-minute decision from the Department of Home Affairs means they are unable to arrive as planned. An in absentia conviction in a Russian court is believed to have stalled Masha Gessens visa process. Credit: Alamy A Russian court convicted the dual Russian-US citizen in absentia on July 15 of knowingly spreading false information about the countrys military forces. This judgement is believed to have stalled the normally straightforward visa application process, with the Australian government department requesting further documentation on short notice. Gessen is an outward critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The eight-year prison sentence they received is thought to be related to their coverage of the countrys war with Ukraine. Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Good Food columnist honoured at prestigious awards (and here are 20 of her best recipes to try) A beloved cook and author and pioneers in non-alcoholic drinks, fine dining and Filipino gelato were among those inducted into this years Melbourne Food and Wine Hall of Fame. Daniela Frangos August 19, 2024 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 A Filipino food pioneer, non-alcoholic drinks innovators, a beloved Melbourne cook and author, and the duo behind The Age Good Food Guides 2024 Restaurant of the Year are among 12 local food and drink identities named in this years Melbourne Food and Wine Legends and Trailblazers awards. Julia Busuttil Nishimura has been named one of Melbournes food and wine trailblazers. Emily Weaving Good Weekend and Good Food columnist and master of wholesome home cooking Julia Busuttil Nishimura was recognised as a trailblazing food communicator for her cookbooks, columns and recipes, which are informed by her Maltese heritage and devotion to the Mediterranean. Shes just so encouraging, says Pat Nourse, creative director of Melbourne Food & Wine and a member of the judging panel. Everything about the way she communicates makes you not only think you can do it but want to do it right now. I think shes one of the most exciting newer voices in food and recipes in Australia, if not the world, and a style icon to boot. Recipe collection 20 crowd-pleasing Julia Busuttil Nishimura recipes for every occasion Advertisement Brothers Chayse and Blayne Bertoncello were honoured for their finely tuned, deeply personal approach to their buzzy, bijou Beaconsfield fine diner O My, which was named Restaurant of the Year in The Age Good Food Guide 2024. I have so much time for their style of hospitality and food, says Nourse, who describes Chayses service as effortless, incredibly charming, yet really detailed. He nails a very Australian brand of incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent service that is nonetheless absolutely down to earth, completely approachable and super fun. Fellow inductees recognised at the awards dinner, at upscale restaurant Societyon Monday, include Kariton Sorbetes John Rivera, whos expanded Melbournes notion of gelato with Filipino flavours such as ube fudge, turon and durian chiffon; Imogen Hayes and Christina Trabucco for their game-changing non-alcoholic drinks under the T.I.N.A. label; and chef Tom Sarafian, who founded a food company that has had him dubbed the crown prince of hummus. The annual awards have been going since 1993 and recognise those who have broken new ground, or inspired and nurtured the local food and drink industry. Previously only one trailblazer was named alongside the six legends. But this year, Melbourne Food and Wine has named six, a reflection of the rising influence of young visionaries in Victorias food and drink scene. There was a lot of new talent we wanted to nominate that didnt qualify for our conditions for capital L legends status, and we wanted to find a way to shine a light on them, says Nourse. Those conditions include completing at least 15 years of service in Victorias hospitality industry. Advertisement Natalie Paull has been named one of the 2024 Melbourne Food and Wine legends. Emily Weaving Among the long-serving Legends named are chef and food writer Natalie Paull, whose debut cookbook, Beatrix Bakes, became an instant classic; acclaimed chef-restaurateur Dan Hunter, of three-hat Brae; and Gerald Diffey, who defined the quintessential Melbourne neighbourhood bar 19 years ago with Carlton North icon Geralds. This cocoa sour cream layer cake is beloved Melbourne bake shop Beatrixs most requested recipe (and weve got it) The Legends and Trailblazers we celebrate are the players whose forward-thinking, courage and contributions to hospitality are both the foundations and the future of the world-class food scene Victoria enjoys today, said Anthea Loucas Bosha, CEO of Food + Drink Victoria, the parent company of Melbourne Food & Wine. Chayse Bertoncello (left) and brother Blayne Bertoncello at their restaurant O.My. Chloe Dann Advertisement The 2024 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Legends and Trailblazers Food Producer/Retailer/Advocate Legend: Judy Croagh, Western Plains Pork Trailblazer: John Rivera, Kariton Sorbetes Communicator/Educator Legend: Natalie Paull, Beatrix Bakes Trailblazer: Julia Busuttil Nishimura Advertisement Drink Producer/Retailer/Advocate Legend: Mac Forbes, Mac Forbes Trailblazers: Imogen Hayes and Christina Trabucco, T.I.N.A Chef/Restaurateur/Hospitality professional Legend: Dan Hunter, Brae Trailblazer: Tom Sarafian Local Hero Advertisement Victorias top cop says the force isnt in discussions with the state government about measures to make policing protests easier ahead of a major rally planned for next month. Speaking on 3AW Chief Commissioner, Shane Patton said he believes that Victoria has more protests than any other state or territory. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. Credit: Chris Hopkins There are people who protest about the opening of an envelope down here, he said. Some of the things people are protesting about. you feel like saying, get a life. Thats not to belittle some people who have significant grievances and are really passionate about some matters, but there are some things that you go, really, youre protesting about that? Victoria Police is currently preparing for a really, really big anti-war protest that is set to converge on the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in September. Patton last week said it had received intel that several thousand demonstrators have pledged to disrupt the Land Forces 2024 International Land Defence Exposition which will be held from September 11 to 13. Patton said the force isnt considering advocating for a NSW-style permit-for-protest system. Were very happy to support peaceful protest, but when it steps over the boundaries we will enforce, he said. Crossbench senators want the prime minister to be stripped of the power to determine fellow parliamentarians staffing levels, arguing the current system is unfair and prone to abuse. Independent senator Fatima Payman, who quit Labor last month, revived a long-running debate about staffing allocations in Parliament House by saying last week that she had written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seeking an extra two staff, in line with staff numbers received by other crossbench senators. United for now: Crossbench senators (from left) Ralph Babet, Jacqui Lambie, Fatima Payman, David Pocock and Lidia Thorpe. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Payman said her workload was so intense she would be forced to abstain from voting on complex legislation unless she received more support. Her call for extra staff was backed by United Australia Party senator Ralph Babet, who sits at the opposite end of the ideological spectrum to the progressive West Australian. The Memorial City Mall Uniqlo, set to open on Oct. 11, will be the brand's first in Texas. Uniqlo Shoppers walk at a Uniqlo store in the Glendale Galleria shopping mall in California. The brand is expanding into Texas with stores in Houston and Dallas. Mario Tama/Getty Images Uniqlo's Pine Street location in Seattle opened in 2022 as part of the global apparel retailer's expansion in North America. Uniqlo Uniqlo, a global apparel retailer based in Japan, announced the opening dates for its first Houston stores as it enters the Texas market. The new stores at Memorial City Mall, opening Oct. 11, and First Colony Mall, opening Oct. 18, will be joined by three in the Dallas area. The stores are part of a push to expand in North America with more than 20 locations planned in 2024. Half of the stores are already open with Texas and California leading the growth. Designed to be affordable, the company said, Uniqlo's LifeWear brand of everyday clothing is rooted in Japanese values such as simplicity, quality and longevity. Uniqlo, which makes attire for all ages, has opened more than 50 stores in the U.S. since 2005. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In North Texas, the Galleria Dallas store will open Oct. 18, followed by locations at the Parks Mall in Arlington and Stonebriar Centre in Frisco on Oct. 25. COMING SOON: New shopping center set to bring retail and restaurants on former Aramco site across from Meyerland Plaza The openings will be marked with promotions, giveaways and events. The Houston stores are partnering with Harmony House, a nonprofit focused on housing and health care needs of Houstons homeless population, as part of its RE.UNIQLO circularity program, which emphasizes sustainability and giving back. Uniqlo will open at Sugar Land's First Colony Mall on Oct. 18. Uniqlo Founded in 1984, Uniqlo has more than 2,400 stores worldwide. It is a division of Fast Retailing Co., a Japanese retail holding company based in Tokyo. It's the largest of eight brands including GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang. Chennai-based Murugappa Group has posted a 15.2 per cent rise in net profit during the financial year 2023-24 to Rs 7,885 crore, compared to Rs 6,846 crore during the same period in 2022-23. During the period under review, the market capitalisation of the nine listed companies of the group aggregated to Rs 3,44,626 crore, versus Rs 2,25,320 crore in the previous financial year. The group registered a growth of 4.9 per cent in turnover to Rs 77,881 crore during 2023-24, compared to the previous years Rs 74,220 crore. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) grew by 10.8 per cent to Rs 11,554 crore, compared to Rs 10,426 crore in 2022-23. Profit after tax (PAT) was Rs 7,885 crore (previous year Rs 6,846 crore), registering a growth of 15.2 per cent. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp During the year, the groups return on equity for its financial services businesses improved marginally to 19.2 per cent from 19 per cent in the previous year. Return on capital employed for the manufacturing entities declined to 21.3 per cent from 27.9 per cent in the previous year. The manufacturing entities of the group generated a free cash flow of Rs 1,229 crore, which stood at 31 per cent of their net profit. Aggregate capital expenditure programmes towards expansion, debottlenecking, modernising, digital initiatives, and infrastructure facilities across group companies, excluding M&A, were approximately Rs 3,129 crore during the year, compared to Rs 1,592 crore in 2022-23. During the year, Coromandel International Limited commissioned a state-of-the-art sulphuric acid plant at Visakhapatnam to further strengthen its backward integration capabilities. The plant was set up with an investment of Rs 400 crore, with a production capacity of 1,650 metric tonnes per day. This new facility increased Coromandels sulphuric acid capacity to 11 lakh tonnes per annum from 6 lakh tonnes per annum, supporting its requirement towards downstream processes involving phosphoric acid and phosphatic fertiliser production. Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company purchased 4.67 acres of land in Chennai from DLF IT Offices Chennai Private for Rs 735 crore. Breaking news Houston Chronicle A woman, her adult son and his girlfriend were found dead in a house fire Sunday in northwest Harris County that investigators believe was intentionally set, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Monday. Kelly Masciarelli, Kolin Foster and Cameryn Richard were found dead after the blaze, Gonzalez said. Its not yet clear if anyone else had been living in the home at the time of the fire. MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Houston police officer who fatally shot a man outside gas station killed an unarmed man earlier in her career Advertisement Article continues below this ad Arson investigators suspect someone used an accelerant to start the fire, Gonzalez said. Detectives as of Monday morning were still working to narrow down a suspect in connection to the fatal fire. The Cy-Fair Fire Department around 7 a.m. Sunday was called to the 14600 block of Plains River Drive in the Cypress Mill Park neighborhood, officials said. Constables from the Harris County Precinct 4 Office and the Harris County Fire Marshals Office, in addition to the sheriffs office, were called to assist with the investigation. A spokesman for the sheriffs office did not immediately have any additional updates about the status of the investigation as of Monday morning. Advertisement Article continues below this ad External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar interacted with the Indian community in Kuwait and representatives of various professional and community associations. Jaishankar commended their achievements and contributions to relations between India and Kuwait. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "EAM met a cross-section of prominent members of the Indian community in Kuwait as well as representatives of various professional and community associations. The large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait continues to be a living bridge between the two countries." Jaishankar was on an official visit to Kuwait on August 18. In a post on X, he stated, "A good interaction with the vibrant Indian community in Kuwait. Commend their achievements and contribution to India-Kuwait relations." During his visit, Jaishankar called on Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He thanked Kuwait's leadership for their guidance in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. Jaishankar also met with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and discussed avenues to further deepen bilateral relations in all spheres, including through greater exchanges of visits at various levels. In a press release, MEA stated, "The meeting of EAM with Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, provided an opportunity to discuss avenues to further deepen bilateral relations in all spheres, including through greater exchanges of visits at various levels. There was a strong interest on both sides for giving more content to the economic partnership, both in trade and investments." "They also discussed new areas of untapped potential for further enhancing collaboration, particularly in pharma, technology, education, etc. Further stream-lining of labour and manpower issues and their implementation was stressed. Both Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," it added. MEA noted that Jaishankar's visit was instrumental in imparting fresh momentum to bilateral ties and preparing a framework for forthcoming exchanges and concrete deliverables. Representative Image: Doctors and locals from Mumbai on Monday held a protest at Azad Maidan amid the ongoing protest. (Photo: PTI) Doctors and locals from Mumbai on Monday held a protest at Azad Maidan amid the ongoing protest over the rape-murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital. One of the protesting doctors urged the government to ensure that every organisation has a safety audit. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "We request the government that every organisation should have safety audit...What is the point if we are not safe even after more than 70 years of independence?. Doctors always first think of the patients and not their safety. The workplace has to be safe for us," Dr Prerna Gomes from Jaslok Hospital told ANI. Earlier, on August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, sparking nationwide strikes and protests by the medical community. The West Bengal Governor's office on Sunday alerted medical colleges in the State to beef up security and ensure that women doctors and paramedics are provided with adequate protection. "Today Raj Bhavan contacted Medical Colleges in the State and alerted them to beef up security and ensure that women doctors and paramedics are provided adequate protection," Raj Bhavan Media Cell said in a post on X. Earlier, the CBI team investigating the case conducted 3D laser mapping of the emergency ward at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the case. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, will hear the case on August 20. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing prosecution over alleged irregularities related to land allocations by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The controversy centers on the allocation of compensatory land parcels to BM Parvathi, Siddaramaiahs wife, during his previous term as the chief minister of Karnataka. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a campaign accusing CM Siddaramaiah and his administration of a land scam, calling for his resignation. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp What is the MUDA land scam? Social activists have alleged that the allotment of 14 premium sites in Mysuru to Siddaramaiahs wife as compensation for acquired land was unlawful and resulted in a loss of Rs 45 crore to the state treasury. The land in question is a 3.16-acre parcel located in Kesare village. Originally owned by another party, it was transferred to Siddaramaiahs brother-in-law, Mallikarjuna Swamy Devaraj, in 2005. Activists alleged that Mallikarjuna illegally acquired the land in 2004 using forged documents with the aid of government officials, though it was recorded as having been purchased in 1998. In 2014, during Siddaramaiahs tenure as chief minister of Karnataka, his wife Parvathi applied for compensation for this land under MUDAs 50:50 scheme, which provides 50 per cent developed land to those who lose undeveloped acquired land. Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has approved the prosecution of Siddaramaiah by the Lokayukta based on petitions from activists TJ Abraham, Pradeep Kumar, and Snehamayi Krishna. Previously, the Governor had issued a show cause notice to Siddaramaiah, questioning why he should not be prosecuted. However, the state government recommended withdrawing the notice. Siddaramaiah has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, saying that his wife received rightful compensation while the BJP was in power. What did Siddaramaiah say in his defence? CM Siddaramaiah asserted that the land for which his wife received compensation was a gift from her brother Mallikarjuna in 1998. However, activist Krishna contended that Mallikarjuna had unlawfully acquired the land in 2004 and registered it with forged documents, aided by government and revenue officials. Siddaramaiah refuted these allegations, calling them politically motivated, and said that his wife was granted compensation during the BJPs rule, asserting that it was her entitlement. They (BJP) are the ones who gave the site, now if they call it illegal. How should one respond? the Chief Minister had earlier said. BJP demands CM Siddaramaiahs resignation The BJP has launched a campaign against Siddaramaiah, accusing him of involvement in the alleged MUDA scam, which they claim resulted in a loss exceeding Rs 3,800 crore, and has demanded his resignation. Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi has called for a CBI investigation into the issue, alleging that the former deputy commissioner sent 15 letters about irregularities, yet no action was taken. In response, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has rejected the accusations of a scam, asserting that all such issues occurred during the BJPs tenure. Breaking news Houston Chronicle A massage therapist at a spa in The Woodlands is accused of sexually assaulting a client, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. Deputies went to the business at 3759 FM 1488 around 1:50 p.m. on Aug. 14, after a client claimed Kirinde Saddhanusari, 43, sexually assaulted her during a massage session, a news release states. Saddhanusari was arrested shortly after and fired by the owners of the spa, the sheriff's office reported. The spa was named Oasis Massage Spa in the news release, but representatives of the spa on Monday said the name is Living Water Massage & Spa. There was no further comment from the spa or from the sheriff's office on Monday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During an interview with police, Saddhanusari said he had sexually assaulted other customers, the release states. Deputies want to speak with any other people who may have experienced inappropriate sexual contact during a massage with Saddhanusari. Saddhanusari was charged with sexual assault, a second-degree felony, and was being held at the Montgomery County Jail Monday on $50,000 bond. Anyone who wishes to share their experience as it relates to this case may call 936-760-5800, dial option 3 and refer to Case No. 24A232867. There have been persisting concerns over high airfares, especially during peak and festival seasons. | Representative Picture Airfares are heading northwards for the festival season, with the average one-way ticket price on key domestic routes being 10-15 per cent more for Diwali and 20-25 per cent higher for certain flights to Kerala cities for Onam, according to an analysis. An analysis done by travel portal ixigo for PTI showed that the average one-way economy class fare for non-stop flight on Delhi-Chennai route during October 30-November 5 period is 25 per cent higher at Rs 7,618. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp This is in comparison to the fare during November 10-16 period last year. For the given comparison period, the ticket price is 21 per cent more at Rs 5,162 on Mumbai-Hyderabad route and 19 per cent higher at Rs 5,999 and at Rs 4,930 on Delhi-Goa and Delhi-Ahmedabad routes, respectively. On certain other routes, fares are higher in the range of 1-16 per cent, as per the analysis. ixigo's Group Co-CEO Rajnish Kumar said travel demand for Diwali is on the rise with airfares higher than last year. "Popular routes like Delhi-Chennai, Mumbai-Bengaluru, and Delhi-Hyderabad are seeing average one-way fares ranging between Rs 4,000-5,000, marking a 10-15 per cent Y-o-Y increase as the festival approaches," he said. On the other hand, fares have also dropped in the range of 1 per cent to 27 per cent on certain routes for the given comparison period. While the ticket price for Mumbai-Ahmedabad flight has declined 27 per cent to Rs 2,508, the fall is 25 per cent at Rs 4,890 for Mumbai-Udaipur flight. In the case of Bengaluru-Hyderabad flight, the fare has dropped by 23 per cent to Rs 3,383 and by 21 per cent to Rs 7,826 for Mumbai-Jammu flight, the analysis showed. Also, an analysis of airfare trends on select routes for the upcoming festival in Kerala showed that prices have increased in the range of 1 per cent to 25 per cent on certain routes. At the same time, ticket prices have fallen around 6-35 per cent on some routes. The figures are average one-way fare for non-stop flights for departure during the September 6-15 period this year compared to August 20-29, 2023 period when Onam was celebrated. A 30 per cent rise in fare to Rs 4,102 has been registered for Hyderabad-Thiruvananthapuram flight for the given comparison period. A similar quantum of increase is there for Mumbai-Calicut flight to Rs 4,448. "Travel demand for Onam festivities has surged this year, with flight bookings and searches for travel to Kerala in the second week of September doubling compared to last year. Average airfares to key cities like Cochin, Calicut, and Thiruvananthapuram have risen by 20-25 per cent year-on-year," Rajnish Kumar said. There have been persisting concerns over high airfares, especially during peak and festival seasons. Against this backdrop, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, earlier this month told Lok Sabha, that the ministry was planning to introduce an online mechanism to address grievances to ensure passengers were not exploited by unnecessary fare hikes. Under current regulations, airfares are neither established nor regulated by the government after the repeal of the Air Corporation Act in March 1994. Last month, the ministry told Rajya Sabha that airlines have been advised to self-regulate as well as sensitised to exercise moderation in pricing of air tickets. Campus leaders of HIDS North Division schools celebrate after Superintendent Mike Miles announced the HISD's results on the unofficial Texas Education Agency 2024 accountability ratings at Hilliard Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Houston ISD state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles announces the HISD's results on the unofficial Texas Education Agency 2024 accountability ratings at Hilliard Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Houston ISD reported that nearly 150 campuses earned a higher letter grade in the Texas Education Agencys 2024 annual accountability ratings compared to the unofficial 2023 ratings. After providing an overview of the districtwide scores last week, HISDs state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles, division Superintendent Orlando Riddick and other district leaders announced the unofficial individual campus-level results from the Texas Education Agencys 2024 annual accountability ratings Monday at Hilliard Elementary School. The district previously reported that 41 schools earned D or F ratings in the preliminary 2024 ratings, which is down from 120 in the unofficial 2023 ratings, and the number of A- and B-rated schools increased from 93 to 170. In 2022, prior to the most recent overhaul of the state accountability system, nine HISD campuses received D's or F's. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston ISD Board Member Angela Flowers reacts as Superintendent Mike Miles shares the districts results on the unofficial Texas Education Agency 2024 accountability ratings at Hilliard Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Of the 264 rated schools, the district reported that 193 campuses improved their scores, 18 maintained their score and 53 saw their scores drop compared to last years unofficial ratings. In total, 149 rated schools earned a higher letter grade compared to last year, 29 schools earned a lower grade, and the remaining 86 kept the same grade, according to a Chronicle analysis. HISD reported that 59 schools earned A's, 111 earned B's, 53 earned C's, 30 earned D's and 11 earned F's. Miles said three of HISDs campuses went from an F to an A rating Wainwright, Hilliard and Hobby elementary schools and seven schools went from a D to an A rating. He said 21 schools went from an F to a B and 26 went from a D to a B rating. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston ISD state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles talks to the media after he shared the HISD's results on the unofficial Texas Education Agency 2024 accountability ratings at Hilliard Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer We are incredibly proud of what weve been able to achieve in one year, Miles said in a media release. Across the district, schools delivered significant improvements in student achievement on state assessments. Together with our dedicated teachers, principals, and everyone at HISD, we will continue to provide high-quality instruction that builds on this growth. The TEA typically assigns annual A to F ratings to each public district and campus based on standardized test performance, student growth, and progress on closing racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps, although it hasn't done so for all campuses since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and legal challenges. The official ratings provide families, district leaders, and other community members with a method to evaluate their local schools and school district, and can also trigger a state takeover of a district if one school earns repeated failing grades. HISD must keep all schools from earning consecutive Ds or Fs to end the state takeover and restore an elected board. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston ISD state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles talks to the media after he shared the HISD's results on the unofficial Texas Education Agency 2024 accountability ratings at Hilliard Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer The agency planned to officially release scores for the 2023-24 school year on Aug. 15, but a judge temporarily blocked them from doing so after several school districts filed a lawsuit alleging the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness tests were unfair due to the use of an automated computer system to grade essays and improperly designed. Although the TEA can not release the ratings directly, it provided school districts with the underlying data from the 2023-24 school year to calculate and release the accountability ratings themselves. HISD has joined Dallas and Garland ISDs as the only districts in the state so far that appear to have publicly released their scores. Dallas ISD, which did not release its 2023 ratings, reported that about 45% of its campuses had earned A's or B's, while approximately 29% had earned D's or F's in the 2024 ratings, according to the Dallas Morning News. HISD data shows that 63% of its schools earned A's or B's and 16% had earned D's or F's in the same year's ratings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hilliard Elementary School principal Erika Kimble speaks during an HISD presentation on the results on the unofficial Texas Education Agency 2024 accountability ratings at Hilliard Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Under the new rating system, the percentage of schools earning a D or F rating in Dallas ISD has tripled between 2022 and 2024, going from 9% to 29%, while the percentage of schools earning failing ratings quintupled in HISD, increasing from 3% to 16%. The TEA updated the formula last year to calculate ratings, which was expected to lead to declines statewide in the scores compared to the 2022 scores. Among other changes, the agency raised the threshold for high schools to prove college readiness and phased out certain industry certifications that schools could use. However, the TEA was blocked from issuing ratings under the new formula in 2023 after more than 100 school districts successfully argued that the agency did not provide them with enough advance notice about the changes, meaning it has not officially issued scores since the changes to the rating calculations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston ISD state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles talks to the media after he shared the HISD's results on the unofficial Texas Education Agency 2024 accountability ratings at Hilliard Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Despite the lawsuit, HISD released unofficial 2023 ratings for all of its campuses in January using the TEAs methodology and data, unlike other large urban school districts in Texas. It required 26 schools that earned an F or low D in the unofficial ratings to join the New Education System during the upcoming school year. A Marshall Middle School student makes their way to the building for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Alexis Payton speaks to the media at the Hattie Mae White Educational building on Friday, August 16, 2024, about the death of his son, Landon at Marshall Middle school yesterday. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Alexis Payton speaks to the media at the Hattie Mae White Educational building on Friday, August 16, 2024, about the death of his son, Landon at Marshall Middle school yesterday. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Alexis Payton speaks to the media at the Hattie Mae White Educational building on Friday, August 16, 2024, about the death of his son, Landon at Marshall Middle school yesterday. Karen Warren/Staff photographer HISD vowed Monday to repair the 170 automated external defibrillators that aren't working and to inspect all 1,038 of the life-saving machines located on campuses, following last week's death of a Marshall Middle School student. The district noted that about 85% of AEDs are functional and that every campus has an operating machine, according to a news release Monday. The district also plans to update part of its AED policy. 'VERY DIFFICULT DAY': Houston ISD student dies after medical emergency at Marshall MS Advertisement Article continues below this ad Marshall Middle School student Landon Payton died after a medical emergency in the school's gym Wednesday. Shortly after, the Houston Federation of Teachers reported that Marshall Middle School staff said the gym's AED was not working at the time of the emergency. This oversight is entirely unacceptable and highlights a significant lapse in safety protocols, the Houston Education Association wrote in a letter to the Texas Education Agency. Division superintendents confirmed the availability of each AED on its campuses Sunday, according to HISD. Of 1,038 AEDs in its schools, 868 are working, the district said, with an average of three functional AEDs per school. Texas law requires at least one functional AED per school campus. On Aug. 1, the director of the Health and Medical Department reported that 100% of Houston ISD's AEDs had been inspected, and each AED will be reinspected before the end of August, the district said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The district has an AED maintenance contract with SafetyMed, which provided an inspection report for all AEDs at unconfirmed dates prior to Aug. 1, chief of public affairs and communications Alex Elizondo said. Houston ISD did not confirm whether nonfunctional AEDs remain on school walls. "I cannot speak to if they remain on the wall. What I can tell you is that the campus nurses perform routine inspections of their AED machines monthly," Elizondo said. Not all HISD campuses have nurses, according to district records. Some school nurses reported issues with reordering batteries and other replacement parts for campus AEDs due to budget constraints. The district said it has ordered replacement parts for the 170 non-functioning machines, per the release. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The district did not confirm a timeline on when orders would be filled. Previously, the district said principals and work location supervisors were responsible for ensuring that AEDs are working and available. After Payton's death, the district said it would amend that policy to place authority and responsibility within its central office. After reviewing footage, Payton's father called the school nurse's experience into question. The district said in a Saturday statement that the nurse was actively registered with decades of experience. "Every campus in HISD has staff trained in medical emergencies and in life-saving techniques such as CPR," the district said in a statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The district did not provide additional comments on Payton's death due to the expectation of impending litigation, Elizondo said. Texas Health and Safety code requires that owners and lessees of AEDs maintain and inspect the devices monthly to ensure that they reasonably appear to be ready for use. In early August, the district said it began adopting a health and safety platform to record AED inspection and maintenance information. Tibetan antelope "kindergarten" in China's Hoh Xil rescues 10 calves Xinhua) 09:32, August 19, 2024 XINING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- A total of 10 Tibetan antelope calves are in good condition after being rescued in July near Zonag Lake in Hol Xil Nature Reserve, northwest China's Qinghai Province, according to the local conservation station. Zonag Lake is known as the "delivery room" of Tibetan antelopes, attracting tens of thousands females from Qinghai and neighboring Xizang and Xinjiang to give birth from May to September every year. When encountering bad weather or natural enemies, newborn calves can easily be separated from their mothers, said Lodro Tsegyel at the station, adding that four of the rescued calves this year are male and six female. The calves are bottle-fed three times a day, and kept in a warm room at night. They will receive wilderness reintroduction training and then be released into their original habitat. The Hoh Xil conservation station stands over 4,600 meters above sea level, and has rescued more than 600 wild animals since its establishment in 2002. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Icelandic ice sculptor Otto Magnusson adjusts a headstone he created for the world's first glacier graveyard, on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula near Reykjavik, Iceland on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Josh Okun An ice headstone for the "critically endangered" glacier that tops Mount Kilimajaro sits at world's first glacier graveyard, on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula near Reykjavik, Iceland on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Josh Okun An Icelandic choir performed at the world's first glacier graveyard, on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula near Reykjavik, Iceland on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Josh Okun A eulogy is read at the world's first glacier graveyard, on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula near Reykjavik, Iceland on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Josh Okun Mourners listen to eulogies at the world's first glacier graveyard, on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula near Reykjavik, Iceland on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Josh Okun Ice-sculpted headstones commemorate dead and dying glaciers on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula near Reykjavik, Iceland on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Josh Okun Rice researchers Cymene Howe and Dominic Boyer take a selfie with the ice headstones at world's first glacier graveyard, on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula near Reykjavik, Iceland on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Josh Okun In the Olympic Mountains of Washington State, rare Quinault Blueback salmon choke on silt that runs into a river once fed clean by precious freshwater from the now-melted Anderson Glacier. The glacier's untimely death by 2015 starved the river, and members of the Quinault Indian Nation have since been forced to abandon their largest village in the face of a changing climate that has pulled the glacier's waters into rising seas. The lost glacier was one of 15 eulogized this weekend by a pair of Rice University scholars and their collaborators in Iceland. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The pace of the loss of glaciers is accelerating. Over 260 glaciers have been lost in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Over 1,000 glaciers have been lost in Tajikistan. Over 8,000 glaciers have been lost in China. And those numbers go up every year," said Dominic Boyer, a cultural anthropologist at Rice. Boyer worked with colleague Cymene Howe to expand their viral 2019 glacier memorial for Iceland's disappeared Okjokull glacier into a graveyard and casualty database that included icy losses from countries less known for their frozen tundras. To grieve the global phenomenon, the pair returned to the "one country that has ice in the name," as Boyer put it. Braving a windy Saturday, 100 black-clad mourners hiked a grassy Icelandic peninsula, donning their Sunday best. The group stood amid a circular array of melting headstones, creations of the country's singular ice sculptor Otto Magnusson, looking like somber visitors of a short-lived Stonehenge. A choir sang. Admirers spoke. "Hofsjokull eystri is a place that reindeer love. During the summer, its slopes are a haven for the herds seeking higher ground ... here in the Icelandic highlands," said glaciologist Oddur Sigursson as he eulogized a mountaintop closer to the audience's home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Like its cousin Okjokull to the west, Hofsjokull eystri is facing a crisis: the persistent heat made by humans," he said. Icelandic ice sculptor Otto Magnusson adjusts a headstone he created for the world's first glacier graveyard, on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula near Reykjavik, Iceland on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Josh Okun Forecasting glacier survival Sigursson should know. The scholar, who observed the mountains for years from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, was the one to announce in 2014 that Okjokull had been lost to climate change. "Jokull," the Icelandic word for glacier, was stripped from its name. Now, it was just Ok. That status mattered to the Nordic country with 269 named glaciers covering over a tenth of its land area. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Iceland each year, many for attractions like glacier hiking, ice caving and snowmobiling. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Named glaciers even make their way into school curricula. In a 2018 documentary on the disappearance titled "Not Ok," also directed by Boyer and Howe, Iceland's former environment minister Bjort Olafsdottir remembered learning about the ice cap as a child: "It was the smallest glacier, and with a funny name." In countries like the U.S. where the loss of glaciers such as Anderson in Washington dont usually garner national headlines, their disappearance is still harmful, according to the researchers. These postcard-perfect mountain caps double as the world's largest source of freshwater, with ecosystems and communities that depend on them for sustenance. With its dying breath, Anderson made its own splash on glacier research. Scientists looked at the Washington disappearance to help build a visual model for forecasting glacier survival. Now, glaciologists in the business of prediction think all 255 of the remaining glaciers in the Olympic Mountain range will disappear by 2070 if current warming trends continue. The impact of melting glaciers As the world's glaciers melt faster than they can replenish, they contribute to global sea level rise and increase flooding risk along existing shorelines. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since Howe and Boyer started working on glaciers' disappearance over six years ago, they have seen a shift in knowledge and attitude among people in less ice-covered countries. "I think in places like Houston, we're really super insulated from nature in a way. We have lots of buildings, and air conditioning, (but) more and more of us in the United States are actually physically feeling the effects of climate change," Howe said. She thinks that has come with more knowledge about glaciers disappearance. Information does not always bring connection, though. Strengthening the relationship between people in the steamy energy capital and faraway snow caps was central to the researchers' plans for an ice sculpture graveyard and online memorial. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Netanyahu has previously insisted that the Israeli army remain stationed along the strategic Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors. Image: Bloomberg By Marissa Newman and Courtney McBride Israel and Hamas blamed each other for impeding a cease-fire and hostage deal as the top US diplomat arrived in Tel Aviv to press for an agreement. Mediators say the current round of negotiations have brought the two sides closest to an official pause in fighting in months. But objections from both sides on Sunday raised the chances of renewed stalemate. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday at the start of his cabinet meeting. There are things we can be flexible on and there are things that we cannot be flexible on, which we will insist on. We know how to distinguish between the two very well. Hamas released a statement shortly afterward detailing what it said were Israels new demands that the militant group said would prevent a deal. We hold Netanyahu fully responsible, the statement read. While in Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was set to meet with Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, according to a senior State Department official. Blinken, who has made nine trips to the region since the conflict erupted, heads to Egypt on Tuesday. During high-level negotiations at a two-day summit last week in Doha, Israel and the US worked to narrow gaps with Egyptian and Qatari officials serving as intermediaries for Hamas. Talks are set to resume in Cairo later this week, though no official date has been set. The war in the Palestinian enclave broke out after Hamas fighters swarmed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people. Israel responded with an air and ground assault and more than 40,000 people have died, according to health officials in Hamas-run Gaza. US officials have said efforts to reach an agreement on ending the conflict are nearing the final stages and Israeli negotiators over the weekend expressed to the prime minister cautious optimism regarding the possibility of progress on the deal, in accordance with the updated American proposal, according to a statement from Netanyahus office. The proposal resembles a previous three-phase plan unveiled in May by US President Joe Biden, calling for a suspension of hostilities, the swap of hostages for prisoners, some withdrawal of Israeli forces and the return of Palestinian civilians to return to the northern Gaza Strip. Netanyahu has previously insisted that the Israeli army remain stationed along the strategic Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors in Gaza to prevent arms smuggling from Egypt and block Hamas gunmen from returning to northern Gaza alongside civilians. Another sticking point in the talks has been the number of Israeli hostages who would be freed in the first round of an exchange for Palestinian prisoners. In a possible signal of flexibility, the Netzarim route, which bisects Gaza, went unmentioned in a statement Netanyahu issued after Blinkens arrival. But Hamas suggested in its statement that in fact Israel continues to insist on a military presence at Netzarim and has placed new conditions on an exchange of hostages for prisoners. On Saturday, two Israeli army reservists were killed in a bomb and gun ambush on the Netzarim route, the Israel Defense Forces said. Since the first Gaza ground incursion in October, the IDF has lost 332 personnel in action in the Palestinian enclave and on other fronts. In the earlier statement Sunday, Netanyahu accused Hamas designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union of being completely obstinate. He said international pressure should be directed at Hamas and its key commander, Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be in hiding in Gaza. Israel sent an advance working team to Cairo on Sunday to provide the logistical framework for the follow-up principals meeting, according to a government official who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive information. The case is based on a probe by the NAB into the Al-Qadir University Trust in March 2023. | Photo: Reuters A high court in Pakistan Monday temporarily barred a trial court from issuing its verdict in an alleged case of corruption against jailed former premier Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. An anti-corruption court has been hearing the Al-Qadir Trust case against the former first couple which is based on the charges that Khan caused a loss of over Rs 50 billion to the national exchequer. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp A two-judge bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), comprising Justices Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb and Babar Sattar, heard Khan's petition requesting the submission of records from the National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) previous decision to close the case. Barrister Salman Safdar, representing Khan, highlighted that the case originally included eight accused, of which six were currently at large. "A total of 35 witnesses have testified so far, with the cross-examination of the final witness in progress," Safdar informed the court. After arguments, the bench restrained the trial court from announcing its verdict while allowing it to continue its trial as per schedule. The case is based on a probe by the NAB into the Al-Qadir University Trust in March 2023, upgrading it to an investigation on April 28. It accused that Khan and his wife acquired substantial sums of money and large tracts of land for the real estate tycoon, Malik Riaz of Bahria Town, in exchange for Rs50 billion. This amount had been paid as part of a settlement with the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and was subsequently adjusted against a fine imposed on Riaz by the Supreme Court, instead transferred to the account of the government of Pakistan. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office is investigating CenterPoints conduct during Hurricane Beryl, which wiped out power to millions of the utilitys Houston-area customers. Christopher Lee How CenterPoint failed Regarding Texas AG Ken Paxton will investigate CenterPoints response to Hurricane Beryl (Aug. 13): Do people really not understand that its the hurricane preparations, whether tree trimming or installing poles capable of withstanding high winds, not the response to the hurricane, that warrants an investigation? Not looking into that likely means the root cause of CenterPoints collapsing infrastructure will not be identified, and therefore wont be addressed. One thing the politicians cant deny or obfuscate is that repeatedly, whatever they are doing to prepare us for storms clearly isnt working. Carolyn Fahey, Houston Why is 'voter fraud' still a thing? Regarding Millions spent on few voter fraud cases (Aug. 15): Before the 2020 election, Donald Trumps preemptive lie that he would lose due to millions of illegal mail-in ballots (just one of many fact-checked lies and misstatements over his four-year term) planted a propaganda seed in the GOP that Republicans could not lose elections, they could only be the victims of voter fraud. In reality, Trump knew all along he had lost to Joe Biden. Given his extreme narcissism, this was unbearable, roughly the equivalent of forcing a person with a great fear of heights to stand on the edge of a cliff. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So now in every red state we must deal with routine claims of voter fraud. Democracy itself is viewed with great suspicion. Elections across the country are conducted by officials of both parties who take great pride in the integrity of the election process. Trump personally subjected these citizens to unwarranted criticism. It is appalling that someone like Trump would be allowed to undermine the credibility of elections. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump demonstrated on Jan. 6 that if necessary, he would forcibly take over the country to thwart democracy. Imagine what a second Trump term has in store for us. Ronald Reagan said that one of the unique strengths of American democracy was the peaceful transfer of power after an election. One cannot be both a Reagan Republican and a Trump Republican. Michael Douglas Gilbert, Houston Prisoner exchange Regarding the letter to the editor Its time for Kamala Harris to start talking to the media (Aug. 14): Like Mr. Dan James, I look forward to a news conference when Vice President Kamala Harris explains why we should elect her. Id also like clarification about a statement from her opponent, former President Donald Trump. On Aug. 1, 16 prisoners held by Russia were released in exchange for eight held by the West. Television showed a joyous scene, with the American prisoners families on the phone to them at the White House. The returnees were met at the airport by the president, vice president and their families. Trump could have expressed relief that innocent Americans were free. Instead, he chose to praise their captor, warmonger and tyrant Vladimir Putin. He called it a great deal for Putin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Can someone explain how giving up 16 people and getting eight in return is a good deal? Nancy Perich Daly, Houston Replacing Jackson Lee Regarding Houston-area Democrats choose former Mayor Sylvester Turner to replace Jackson Lee on November ballot (Aug. 14): While Sylvester Turner is a competent candidate to fill the late Sheila Jackson Lees seat in Congress, it is time to hand the baton over, as our president did, to the younger generation. Seniors do have a lot to offer, I know. However, it is time to hand over the reins and mentor those who will someday represent all of us. We know the good work the boomer generation has done. Now its time to trust the newer generation with building on that foundation. We saw Nancy Pelosi do it, President Joe Biden do it and now, Houston Democrats, it is your time to do it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While Turner will serve until November, that would have been the perfect opportunity to support a younger generation to develop relationships and build a bench for the future. Lets not be nostalgic but forward-thinking about both the talent and the times that we face. By Cillian Sherlock, PA British prime minister Keir Starmer is to discuss the recent riots in Belfast with the head of the Norths police service during a visit to the city on Monday. At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents in early August in Belfast. Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to the city. Cars were set alight and a number of businesses were severely damaged. British prime minister Keir Starmer (Toby Melville/PA) Elsewhere, a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards. Dozens of people have been arrested and charged with offences such as rioting and racially-motivated hate crimes. Young children were also involved in some of the street disturbances. Mr Starmer will arrive in Belfast on Monday, where he is expected to be briefed by PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on operational details relating to the recent unrest. The pair will also discuss wider policing challenges in Northern Ireland as part of their second engagement since the Mr Starmer took office. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher during a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Boutcher has described the PSNI as an outlier in terms of funding when compared to police services in England, Scotland, Wales or the Republic. The PSNI requested the support of scores of officers from Police Scotland to help with the response to the unrest. It came as PSNI numbers remain more than 1,000 officers below recommended levels. Mr Starmer will also meet with rank-and-file PSNI officers from across the community who have been directly involved in responding to the violent disorder seen in parts of Belfast. Additionally, the Prime Minister is expected to undertake a meetings with those involved in the provision of community services which support vulnerable people and families in Northern Ireland. By Cillian Sherlock, PA A 40-year-old man has been extradited to the Republic from the North to stand trial for various offences. The man is accused of offences of assault causing serious harm, threats to kill, possession of a firearm and possession of knives. The offences are alleged to have occurred in the Dublin area in 2014 and 2015. The man was arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland on July 24th 2018. Proceedings to extradite him completed on Monday. Sergeant Davey, from the PSNIs International Policing Unit, said: We continue to work closely with An Garda Siochana to track down fugitives believed to be in Northern Ireland. Our message is clear that we will relentlessly pursue those that are trying to delay or deny justice to victims of crime. Shakari Briggs is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at shakari.briggs@houstonchronicle.com. Before joining the Chronicle in November 2023, she worked for Spectrum News as a digital journalist based in her hometown. Shakari comes to the Houston newsroom with experience in broadcast reporting and producing as a former multimedia journalist and associate producer. The Dallas native has also worked at small to medium-sized newspapers throughout her career. Her reporting on the rise and fall of a shopping mall won an Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors Contest award. She also earned an Arkansas Press Association award for freelance reporting. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Outgoing Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Doug Beattie always sought to act in the best interests of Northern Ireland, the UK Secretary of State has said. Mr Beattie quit on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences with party officers. Senior political figures have paid tribute to his leadership and constructive approach to relations with other parties. Northern Ireland Secretary Hillary Benn thanked Mr Beattie for his commendable leadership. Hilary Benn paid tribute to Doug Beattie as he stepped down from the UUP (Niall Carson/PA) In a statement, Mr Benn said: It is clear that he has always sought to act in NIs best interests and I know he will continue to do so. I look forward to working closely with his successor. Sinn Feins vice president Michelle ONeill said the party will take a constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP. Ms ONeill said: I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP. We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the Executive and institutions at the beginning of this year. The First Minister added: I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post. Michelle ONeill said Sinn Fein worked constructively with Doug Beattie. Photo: Mark Marlow/PA) Sinn Fein will continue to work together with all parties in the Executive and Assembly to ensure we deliver for all. Tanaiste Michel Martin said Mr Beattie led his party through numerous challenges. Mr Martin said: Ive always appreciated his emphasis on making politics work & the constructive relationship we built. I know he will continue to lead by example whatever the future holds. A strong relationship between this government and political leaders in Northern Ireland is vital I look forward to building the same ties with Dougs successor. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood paid tribute to Mr Beatties dedication to serving the people of Northern Ireland. Micheal Martin praised Doug Beattie for leading by example. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. He said: Doug and I have different politics but Ive always admired his candour and commitment to working together in the interests of the people we represent. I know this wont be the end of his political contribution but hope he enjoys some more time to spend with his loving family. Alliance deputy leader Dr Stephen Farry wished Mr Beattie well for the future, adding: He will no doubt continue to make a significant contribution to politics and public life. Former Tanaiste Simon Coveney said he was sorry to see Mr Beattie step down. Mr Coveney, who was foreign affairs minister during Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU, said: I always found Doug to be fair, tough when needed, reasonable and positive. Of course we didnt agree on everything, but Doug was someone I trusted and respected as a strong unionist leader. The state care system for children requiring change and the stabbing of two men in Cork makes the front pages of Monday's papers. The Irish Times reveals the care system for children may require complete overhaul, as officials from the Department of Children warned it is not fit for purpose. The Irish Examiner leads with the details of politicians homes were leaked by far-right agitators in an online chat. The Echo leads with the two men in Cork who suffered serious injures after they were assaulted in Cork. The Irish Independent reveals County Councils have paid out 54 million for slips and trips claims last year. The Irish Daily Mail leads with quotes from Stephen Donnelly, as he says the public health system is bad for patients. The Irish Daily Mirror leads with warnings from Taoiseach Simon Harris that Ireland is not immune from terrorrism. The Irish Daily Star leads with the Wolfe Tones bringing Kellie Harrington on to the stage at Electric Picnic. British papers Foreign tensions in Gaza and Ukraine feature on Mondays front pages. The Daily Telegraph reports the Prime Minister is under pressure to lift restrictions on Ukranian use of Storm Shadow missiles supplied by Britain. The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Starmer accused of weakening support for Ukraine'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/ChC6SidF56 The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 18, 2024 US secretary of state Antony Blinken has arrived in Israel for Gaza ceasefire talks, according to The Guardian. Back on British soil, Metro says Labour plans to treat extreme misogyny as a form of terrorism. Tomorrow's Papers Today WAR ON WOMEN HATERS Misogyny to be treated like terrorism#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/PjASL2D41S Metro (@MetroUK) August 18, 2024 All candidates vying to be the next Conservative leader want the government to scrap plans to rethink the winter fuel payment, the Daily Express reports. NEW: All 6 Tory leadership contenders have united this evening behind the Express campaign demanding a u-turn on Rachel Reeves winter fuel cuts #TomorrowsPapersToday https://t.co/yYTolCkPMd pic.twitter.com/kvqipScC9G Calgie (@christiancalgie) August 18, 2024 The i splashes with reports that almost 3000 children and teenagers have been spiked with dangerous drugs in the last three years. The Times front page reports workers who are consistently contacted by their bosses could be awarded compensation at employment tribunals. TIMES: Big payouts for workers contacted out of hours #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/owjYylAg2R Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 18, 2024 The Daily Mirror says a British mother has died in Turkey after a cosmetic procedure went wrong. MIRROR: Brit mum dies after Brazilian Butt Lift #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/5a7aOt861z Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 18, 2024 The Daily Mail claims more than half of Labour MPs received campaign donations from unions in the last election. MAIL: Half of Labour MPs in pay of unions #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/rTguv8n5T7 Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 18, 2024 Finally, the Daily Star leads with a special report on alien mummies from Peru. Page Not Found The address you tried is either incorrect or the page no longer exists. You can try retyping the address or visiting one of these helpful pages instead: Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. She can be reached at jen.rice@houstonchronicle.com. A native Houstonian, Jen graduated from Barnard College at Columbia University and earned a master's degree from University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs. Before coming to the Chronicle, Jen spent three years covering City Hall for Houston's NPR station. Her reporting has aired nationally on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Here & Now. Born on April 14, 1975, to Bernardine Thompson and Michael Brown, Tamecea Michelle McClendon was the epitome of selflessness. Tamecea passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 6, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Growing up, she was of Christian faith, going to church with her mom and her grandmother, Charles Etta Chubbs. Her education history goes from grade school in Chattanooga to obtaining her LPN license from Chattanooga College in 2015. Any and every chance she was able to, she was helping someone. She was able to extend her love and passion for helping beyond her home and immediate family and made sure her job and patients knew she cared just as much. Whether it was making sure the new girl was heard or standing up for a patient when a family member overstepped boundaries. You could count on Tea to advocate for you. Her grandparents, Charles Etta Chubbs and Samuel L Chubbs, along with her best friend Nikesha Chambers, preceded her in death. When she wasn't helping someone with something, it's almost guaranteed that she would be listening to a podcast or watching murder mysteries and chowing down on a tall cup of ice. You could also catch her running downtown on the Walnut Street Bridge at times. She was eager to look for ways to improve all that she did, always striving to do better. The people that will carry on her legacy include her mother, Bernadine Thompson; father, Michael Brown; daughter Natoka Schofield; son, Marcus McKibben, Jr,; uncles, Antonio Chubbs, Calvin Chubbs, and Tyrone Chubbs; boyfriend, Jarquell Wooten; sister Ciara Brown and her two beautiful nieces, Chloe and Marley, along with other family members, mainly in Chattanooga. She knew the right thing to say at times to lift you up with laughter and to bring you back from broken pieces to being whole again. She will be missed greatly and her love and selflessness will forever be irreplaceable. RIP to the GREATEST to ever do it. I love you Mommie... from your son, daughter, boyfriend, and family along with friends, we all love you so much and miss you dearly. Public viewing will be held from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, followed by a funeral service at noon in the chapel of the funeral home. Interment will take place at Forest Hills Cemetery. Arrangements are by John P Franklin Funeral Home 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995. On behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga and the entire Jewish community, thank you to the nearly 1,000 community members who attended our first Jewish food festival Nosh-A-Nooga this past Sunday afternoon. It was wonderful to see such a diverse attendance sharing new flavors, tastes and culture with each other. With the growth and intensity of antisemitism on the rise, our Jewish community can sometimes feel isolated and alone but not Sunday. We are fortunate to live in Chattanooga where people understand that sharing each others culture through food (or music, film, art, and more) is safe, fun and educational. These types of events bring our city closer together while building understanding, respect and friendships. Thank you for sharing this experience with us, as we are feeling an incredible sense of pride, in our Jewish community and for all of Chattanooga. We are already looking at dates for 2025 more food, live music and more friendships. Lastly, a huge thank you to Nosh-a-Nooga volunteer chair, Randi Weiss, as well as the nearly 50 volunteers who helped make this event a tremendous success. The Jewish Federation is grateful for your time and investment. Michael Dzik Executive Director Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga Police said a man who was brought back to Chattanooga from Mexico to stand trial for a 2011 murder beat a former girlfriend in the head. Jose Angel Lopez Hernandez, now 41, is charged with first-degree murder. Police said on Aug. 2, 2011, he took 34-year-old Jeimy Esperanza Baquero to 4103 Shady Oak Dr. The affidavit says, "Once at the scene the suspect killed the victim by applying blunt force trauma with a weapon to the victim's head and body. The victim had fatal severe trauma to the head. The victim was identified by her husband from her tattoos. Police said Hernandez and Ms. Baquero "had a prior domestic relationship." Police said Hernandez was observed at the residence on Shady Oak Drive by a neighbor during the time frame of the homicide. The female neighbor knew Hernandez from when he lived as a roommate at the residence. That was coorobated by a man who was also at the residence with Hernandez, and who provided him a ride afterwards, police said. He was taken to a shuttle for a ride to Atlanta, it was stated. Police said, "Physical evidence recovered from the crime scene includes a possible murder weapon, blood evidence and evidence to link the victim to the suspect. The family of Ms. Baquero said, "She was from Colombia and she was a Christian person. She had a charismatic, kind and generous spirit, and was a big supporter of Blood Assurance." Both the prosecution and defense plan appeals of a ruling by Criminal Court Judge Boyd Patterson in the case of former EMT Justin Whaley, Whaley was earlier sentenced to serve nine years in state prison for the wrong-way traffic death of James Brumlow on July 2, 2018. He had faced 8-12 years in prison after a Criminal Court jury found him guilty of vehicular homicide by intoxication and other charges. The defense asked for a new trial based on the conduct of a key witness in the case. The judge granted Whaley a new trial on the vehicular homicide by intoxication and DUI counts. He did not give him a new trial for the reckless homicide count or the traffic infractions. It was noted that for the remaining felony case of vehicular homicide that no specific sentence had been given. It was merged into other cases on the nine-year ruling. That is one of the legal issues remaining. Attorney Lee Davis said it could be not until the summer or fall of 2025 that an opinion is received from the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals on the legal issues. Attorney Davis earlier said the state failed to turn over an Internal Affairs report about a key state witness in the trial - a Soddy Daisy Police officer. A hearing is set for Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m. on a request for bond for Whaley while the case is being appealed. Judge Patterson has thus far denied bond. Whaley has been in jail since last October. BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 1: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks during a press conference regarding new gun legislation at City Hall on August 1, 2024 in Bloomington, Minnesota. Walz is thought to be on a short list of potential vice presidential running mates for Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Stephen Maturen/Getty Images Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz reacts as he speaks at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Convention in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Jae C. Hong/AP The claim: Tampon Tim. Allies of former President Donald Trump coined this nickname for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz the same day Vice President Kamala Harris tapped him to be her running mate. Hes sick, Fox News host Jesse Watters said on his Aug. 6 show, hours after Harris announcement. Walz forced schools to stock tampons in boys bathrooms. Tampons in fourth-grade boys bathrooms. What a freak. What do boys need tampons for? This guy is not Minnesota nice. Hes Minnesota nuts. The narrative quickly spread across conservative social media. Fox News host Sean Hannity, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Newsmax host Greg Kelly made similar claims. Advertisement Article continues below this ad PolitiFact ruling: Mostly False. A Fox News spokesperson pointed PolitiFact to a law requiring schools to provide access to free menstrual products for all students in grades four through 12. But the claim about schools being forced to provide period products in boys bathrooms exaggerates the laws requirements and reveals a lack of understanding of the law and its practical application. Discussion The Minnesota Legislature approved the provision in May 2023 as part of a larger education bill that passed 35-32 in the Senate and 70-62 in the House. Walz signed it into law on May 24, 2023. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We contacted Walz and Minnesotas Department of Education with questions about the laws goals, interpretation and implementation. We received no response from Walz and no specific answers from the Education Department, whose spokesperson reiterated the text of the statute. The law, which took effect Jan. 1, requires schools to provide access to menstrual products such as pads, tampons or other similar period products in restrooms regularly used by students in grades 4 to 12 according to a plan developed by the school district. As adopted, the law does not distinguish by sex or gender. It says the products must be available to all menstruating students. This means transgender boys and nonbinary students who might menstruate and are permitted to use boys restrooms also must have access to the menstrual products. That does not mean menstrual products must be stocked in boys restrooms, legal experts told PolitiFact. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As written, the law does not require products to be put in mens restrooms, said Lacey Gero, director of government relations at the Alliance for Period Supplies, a nonprofit organization. The law leaves it up to the local school districts to create a plan for providing products in restrooms but does not specify which restrooms. Some states with similar laws specify that period products should be provided only in girls restrooms, said Suzanne Herman, a lawyer and legal director at Period Law, a legal group that advocates for making menstrual products free. Minnesota does not. Its more inclusive than other laws, but it certainly doesnt mandate that they be in all boys restrooms, Herman said of Minnesotas law. For example, the law would allow a school administrator who knows there are trans or nonbinary students who use only the boys restrooms to provide menstrual products in those bathrooms, she said. But they dont have to, Herman said. They could just put (the products) in the unisex ones. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Herman, who has been reviewing states laws that require schools to provide menstrual products, said the Minnesota laws wording leads her to believe that, in practice, period products are probably in all girls bathrooms and unisex ones." Republicans tried to amend the Minnesota law so it would require providing menstrual products only in restrooms regularly used by female students, but the proposed change failed to win enough support. When the law passed in May 2023, Minnesota became the 16th state to require that schools provide free menstrual products, said Sarah Howard, vice president of marketing at Aunt Flow, a company committed to ensuring access to period products. Herman said these state laws typically start either in fourth or sixth grade and that the states that provide products to students as early as fourth grade help include students who start menstruating at an early age. Students advocated for free menstrual products to help address period poverty, reported MPR News, Minnesotas public radio station. Period poverty refers to insufficient access to the menstrual products, education and sanitation facilities that would allow people to manage their menstrual health. Its unclear exactly how many Minnesota public school students in grades four to 12 are transgender or nonbinary, but by the best available data, the number is small. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A 2022 report by the Williams Institute, a public policy research institute at the UCLA School of Law, found that 0.94% of Minnesotas 13-17 age group was trans, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2017 to 2020. Nationally, among adults, 2022 survey data found that 0.5% to 1.6% of U.S. adults are transgender or nonbinary. Meanwhile, 2023 aggregated data from Gallup found that 0.9% of U.S. adults reported that they were transgender. Some districts, such as Minneapolis Public Schools, require schools to provide improved bathroom access for transgender and nonbinary students, including more accessible all-gender bathrooms, MinnPost, a local news organization, reported. The Minnesota Department of Education said it wasnt tracking school districts implementation of the laws, and we were unable to determine how each district has done this. In an Aug. 8 editorial, the Star Tribune reported that a spokesperson for Anoka-Hennepin schools, the states largest school district, said free menstrual products arent found in male-only bathrooms but are provided in nongendered bathrooms, in girls bathrooms or from health staff. Lawson Electric Company is partnering with Dragon Wings to produce the worlds first and fastest product to provide portable, clean power. The portable units are being produced in Chattanooga and provide an industrial strength solar generator that meets the challenges of weather, natural disasters, EV charging, events, construction and more. The clean technology that generates electricity to empower communities and industries arrives in a portable unit which is fully charged and ready to go to work, said officials. Delivered to any location, the portable units take five minutes to set up with Dragon Wings opening within two minutes to provide power. Easy to maintain and remotely manage, the wings auto fold at night or in extreme weather. Tested at construction sites and festivals as well as providing power and shade in parking lots, its ability to stack on top of a shipping container opens the door to infinite uses, said officials. Lawson Electric President and CEO Bill Crawford shared that the relationship started from an introduction in a peer group with Dragon Wings founder Ryan Wartena. Because of Lawsons pre-fabrication capabilities, they were a natural fit to assemble, weld, wire and paint the units. Were excited to provide a product that can open in less than 10 minutes and immediately start producing electricity. Weve found a great partner in Dragon Wings and look forward to what the future holds. Were ready to make a difference not only for electrical needs but also for our environment, said Mr. Crawford. Mr. Wartena noted, The Lawson team has all of the skills necessary for production, including a great workforce. As an early-stage heavy equipment start-up, we have the ability to scale up with Lawson. It takes around a week and a half to get a unit from pre-fab to operational. Were pleased with the progress were making with our product and our partnership with Lawson. Dragon Wings parent company is Southern Beams Builds is based in San Francisco. The first units are headed to the Burning Man Festival in Nevadas Black Rock Desert. Mr. Wartena said, Burning Man is a perfect use of Dragon Wings. Attendees can hang out under the solar wings for shade, to charge a phone or power the bands. The uses for this clean technology are limitless. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti on Monday joined the United States Department of Justice in welcoming the Attorneys General of Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah and Vermont to our historic lawsuit against Ticketmaster-Live Nation. These additional states bring the total number of plaintiffs in the lawsuit to 41. "The ticketing industry has been broken for decades by Ticketmaster's exploitive monopoly, harming both consumers and the talented people across Tennessee who work hard to provide live music experiences, said Tennessee Attorney General Skrmetti. We welcome these 10 additional AGs and look forward to making our case. I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division in this great bipartisan effort, coming on the heels of our historic win against Googles search monopoly. In addition to these 10 states joining the lawsuit, Tennessee and the U.S. Department of Justice have filed an amended complaint alleging new details of anticompetitive conduct from Ticketmaster-Live Nation. Read the amended complaint here. On May 10, 1849, thousands of people flooded the streets of New York City in a protest that was incited by a feud between two popular Shakespearean actors. A mob had gathered at the Astor Place Theatre, an upscale opera house, and the situation quickly grew bloody. It became one of the most violent public outbursts in the history of New York City and was called the Astor Place Riots. Over 20 people were killed, and many more were injured when soldiers tried to contain the crowd. The incident was triggered by a bitter rivalry between William Charles Macready, a famous British actor, and Edwin Forrest, an American actor. However, the root of the dispute ran much deeper than just a debate over which actor was better. The Astor Place Riots revealed the deep class divisions in America during an era when economic inequality was widespread, and the two actors basically represented opposite sides. In the mid-19th century, Shakespeare was read by everyone, no matter their societal status. Edwin Forrest was well-loved for his bold stage presence and muscular aesthetic. He was a hero among Americans, a symbol showing that America had finally gained independence from the British. On the other hand, William Charles Macready was considered too stiff, prim, proper, and, most of all, too English. He was a trained actor known for playing the role of Hamlet. Although many working-class Americans came from different backgrounds, they all had one thing in commonhating the English. Once upon a time, the rivalry between Forrest and Macready had been pretty friendly and good-natured. But one day, Forrest showed up at Macreadys performance of Hamlet in England, hissing at him from the audience. He blamed Macready for a low turnout rate during his tour in England. From then on, their feud turned hostile. Supporters of Macready in England made sure that Forrests performances received lukewarm reviews from the British press. At the same time, fans of Forrester would appear at Macreadys performances in America to cause a disturbance, preventing him from giving a good show. As the controversy between the two actors went on, the class divide in America became apparent. The upper class in New York sided with Macready, and the lower classes rooted for Forrester. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Home News Greg Laurie reveals powerful message From Billy Graham, how generation hungry for God is responding to the Gospel Pastor Greg Laurie has helped lead tens of thousands of people to the Christian faith, calling his decades in ministry a true "privilege." "I can't believe that God allowed me to do this and to be doing it for 35 years," Laurie recently told CBN News. "[When] we started these Harvest Crusade [events], never did we think we would be doing them 35 years later, but we are, and they're going strong, and it's a whole new generation." With so much chaos unfolding in culture, the preacher said he believes recent positive reactions to the Christian faith show there's a "spiritual hunger" among Gen Zers and millennials. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "They're searching," Laurie said. "They're looking for answers, and I find myself in these crusades being simpler than I've ever been. I just feel my job is to make this information accessible and understandable." He continued, "It is my belief that most Americans have never [encountered an] accurate, understandable presentation of the Gospel. They've heard the word 'Gospel.' They've heard variations of Gospel preaching, but have they actually just heard the simple Gospel message presented in a way that they can comprehend?" Listen to Laurie discuss this issue on CBN's Newsmakers podcast (subscribehere): Laurie said he believes this simple message is one found at the heart of the biblical narrative. "The power of our message is in the death [and] resurrection of Jesus Christ," he said. Laurie recalled a dinner he had years ago with the late evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham. During the conversation, Laurie asked what Graham would say to a younger Billy Graham, if given a chance. "Billy said, 'I would preach more on the cross of Christ and the blood that's where the power is,'" Laurie recalled. "So, now, at this point [in] ministry, I find that I'm really simplifying my message." With the preacher focusing his attention on helping people make a decision to follow Jesus and then build upon that relationship the results are truly compelling. At Laurie's most recent Harvest Crusade held July 20 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, he saw 50,000 people show up in person. "The fire marshal literally shut the doors and there were people outside ... worshiping," Laurie said. Ultimately, 3,500 people made a decision to follow Jesus during the live, in-person event, with 1,500 more making the same decision while tuning in online. Then, one week later, Laurie saw 2,000 people show up to get baptized during a separate baptism event. That baptism follows last year's first Jesus Revolution baptism, which saw 4,500 people be immersed. "In a 12-month span ... we have baptized 6,500 people," Laurie said. "And, so, to me, that's just remarkable." Listen to the full episode for more from Laurie This story originally appeared on Faithwire. Home News Have false gods infiltrated American politics? 'Politics in the Pews' podcast explores Get your tickets today to Politics in the Pews with speakers Sam Brownback and Ralph Reed, among others, at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, on Aug. 27. Learn more here: politicsinthepews.com In the most recent episode of The Christian Post's new podcast "Politics in the Pews," host and Christian Post reporter Ian Giatti explored the concerns some Christians might have regarding the faith of the candidates running for president and the potential spiritual dangers of religious syncretism in politics. Listen to Politics in the Pews here Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In the third episode, titled "Kamala, Waheguru, and Other False Gods: The Identity Campaign of 2024," Giatti discusses these issues with GOP official Harmeet Dhillon, British Catholic cleric Fr. Calvin Robinson, Family Research Council Senior Fellow Meg Kilgannon, Pastor Rob Ketterling of River Valley Church in Minnesota, CatholicVote.org president Brian Burch and political consultant Ryan James Girdusky. Giatti begins with the backlash to Dhillon's formal invocation of Waheguru the supreme deity of Sikhism at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last month. The last prayer offered during the convention's opening night featured Dillon warbling a Sikh prayer to Waheguru while dressed in traditional Indian garb. A Dharmic religion that originated in India, Sikhism claims approximately 25 million adherents worldwide, though only about 500,000 live in the United States, according to the Sikh Coalition. Dhillon's prayer to the Sikh god, whom she described as "the one true god" during the prayer, drew backlash from some who accused the pro-Trump attorney of effectively invoking a demonic entity masquerading as God, prompting Dillon to claim to detractors that "we all believe in the same God." Dillon also pushed back on her critics during an interview with CP, rejecting the notion that her prayer was a symptom of encroaching multiculturalism and diversity. "We need all the blessings we can get," she said. "This country is in dire circumstances right now. President Trump was just shot. My husband and I prayed together when he was shot, and that is what we do, faithful people in this country." Noting how her prayer to Waheguru was preceded at the convention by Christian prayers, she said, "If you're Christian, I don't know how you could feel left out. There was something for everyone in that program, and I have bobbed my head and said 'amen' literally thousands of times at Republican events because I respect all people of faith." "My faith respects all people of faith. We don't proselytize. It does not bother me that the majority of Americans pray differently than me," she added. British Catholic cleric Calvin Robinson, however, warned that any attempt to conflate false gods with the biblical God ignores the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ and risks leading people into error and damnation, even if done so in the name of political unity. "We've reached an age of universalism, where everyone thinks that all gods the same, all religions are the same; we're all worshiping the same thing, it doesn't really matter," said Robinson, who left the Church of England over its increasing liberalism to join the Old Catholic Church. Noting how Christ claims to be "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," and that nobody comes to the Father except through Him, Robinson said that "the loving thing to do is to challenge these pagan ideas of universalism and Hinduism, Sikhism, Mohammedanism all of all of the -isms. As good Christians, as faithful Christians, as loving Christians, we should be challenging them." Ketterling, the founder and lead pastor of River Valley Church in the Minneapolis area, said he was discouraged to see GOP leaders "promoting the prayer in the name of a false deity." "But then I realized that I could share the platform with somebody who has a different view of me, even religiously, even somebody who I believe would be worshiping an idol or a false god," he added, noting the importance he would place on having his own ideas represented on the platform too. He noted, however, that had he been at the RNC Convention, he would not have bowed his head during a prayer to another god and would likely have started to make for the exit. Giatti went on to note how just days after the Sikh invocation at the RNC, President Joe Biden stepped aside as the presumptive Democratic nominee to be replaced by Vice President Kamala Devi Harris, whose given names also allude to goddesses of the subcontinent. Giatti noted that for her supporters, Harris' diverse background "represents a historic opportunity when it comes to identity politics," but noted her support for far-left legislation such as the Equality Act. Meg Kilgannon, who serves as a senior fellow for education studies at Family Research Council, suggested supporters of the Equality Act such as Harris try to use civil rights as a "skin suit" to enshrine sexuality and gender identity protections into law, which she warned would infringe upon religious liberty. "It's not just that we want to go to church on Sunday, it's that our faith informs every part of our lives, and so it's impossible for us to segregate our beliefs from our everyday life," Kilgannon said. "We can't do that, not if we're living authentically, right? And do we get to be who we are? Do we get to love who we love? I love God, right? I love my fellow man." Noting how The Associated Press has described Harris as "Baptist with a Jewish husband and a faith that traces back to MLK and Gandhi," Giatti said that Harris used the Bible in an attempt to buttress her radically liberal position on abortion. CatholicVote.org President Brian Burch described Harris as "the most anti-Catholic nominee in history" because of her views on abortion and other key issues. "Kamala Harris represents the most vile anti-Catholic threat of any leading candidate for president in American history. She is a candidate of the hard left, and her record and her words demonstrate a gross anti-Catholic bias and bigotry," Burch said. Ryan James Girdusky, a political consultant and Roman Catholic who worked for the Protect Ohio Values PAC that helped elect Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, maintained to CP that he questions whether Harris has a deep faith at all. "I don't even know if Kamala is Christian, I actually don't know that answer," he said. "She is obviously in an interfaith marriage with a Jew, which is fine, but she is also somebody who said she has celebrated Kwanzaa, although that is clearly a lie, because the years when she said she had celebrated, it wasn't invented yet it's a completely made-up Afro-nationalist holiday." Girdusky pointed out that Harris "has never hinted really around faith very much whatsoever," and that such was likely unnecessary in the liberal San Francisco political world from which she emerged. "But I don't believe Kamala Harris has a deep faith, nor has she ever hat tipped to people of faith. I don't believe Trump has a very deep connection to faith, either. However, he knew where the voters were, so he had no problem making peace with their issues. I don't think Kamala is going to do that," he added. Girdusky also touched on the far-left radical views of Harris' running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a member of the liberal Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He said Walz's views reflect the "lunatic" concerns of "the online left, people who say insanely nutty things" such as demanding tampons in high school boys' restrooms. "There's nothing that he doesn't try to chase the most lunatic, insane portion of the left down, and that's extremely problematic." Ketterling remembered how his church was straining under the boot of Walzs authoritarian COVID-19 mandates, prompting him to join forces with Catholic Archbishop Bernard Hebda to declare their churches essential and reopen regardless of gubernatorial decree. "What I told the church, I said, 'We're not defying our authority. We're defying the governor who has stepped out from authority,'" Ketterling recalled. "When I think about him on a national level, it was very authoritarian. It was not bipartisan." Ketterling also suggested that Harris is the epitome of religious syncretism, which he defined as the "false belief [that] all roads lead to God and everything is good." If she is elected, he said, "I do think that it'd be a step in the direction of saying we're rejecting the things of God." Harmeet Dillon, however, suggested that part of the political process necessitates the "building of relationships" even among people with differing theological beliefs. Calvin Robinson echoed Dillon by asserting that Christians can by all means work together with those of other beliefs insofar as they align on their politics, but warned against compromising on the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ as an expression of "one, universal truth." Closing on the idea of "universal truth," Giatti observed that "in an election chock-full of political and theological syncretism one in which politicians often strive to be all things to all people it just may be the one thing that could inspire Christians to cast their vote this November." Home News Im sorry: Drunk driver who killed pastor in wrong-way crash speaks to wife, kids at sentencing Marcel McMillan, sentenced to 22-and-a-half years for causing a fatal crash in Michigan that claimed the life of 63-year-old Pastor Dean Elliott, addressed Elliotts grieving family during his sentencing, expressing remorse for his actions. This tragic event unfolded when McMillan drove the wrong way on US-131, leading to the deadly collision. McMillan, who pleaded no contest to operating while intoxicated, causing death, spoke directly to the Elliott family, saying, I just want to apologize to the family, because its not purposely done. I know I got to put you guys through a lot. I didnt mean to do it. Im sorry, as reported by 13 On Your Side. His statement came during an emotional moment in the courtroom where Elliotts wife, Brenda, and their children were present. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Brenda Elliott recounted the harrowing experience of learning about her husbands death. She described checking a news app for traffic updates only to discover a report of the fatal crash. This led her to the crash scene, where she eventually learned of her husbands death from a state trooper, a moment she described as being like a tragic and sad movie. Dean Elliott, who was en route to preach at a local church, was a beloved missionary and pastor associated with the ministry Abounding Hope, which he ran with his wife. His ministry, according to a statement on their website, involved extensive travel across 58 countries, predominantly focusing on evangelizing Eurasia. During the sentencing, Brenda Elliott addressed McMillan, acknowledging her forgiveness but underlining the need for justice and societal protection from such dangerous behaviors. She expressed hope that McMillan would use the time in prison to change the direction of his life. Elliotts children also shared the personal toll the loss of their father had taken. His son lamented his absence at critical family moments like his wedding, where a sign replaced his father. His daughter spoke of her diminished ability to focus and maintain emotional energy, which had significantly impacted her life since the tragedy. The pastor was driving to Manistee Assembly of God on the day of the accident. The Michigan Department of Transportation has implemented measures like additional signs and wrong-way detection systems, especially on interchanges known for such incidents. Pastor Patrick Pointer, who had recently stepped down from leading the church, said at the time, Dean celebrated his own triumphal entry into Heaven and the arms of Jesus! He reflected on Elliotts dedication to his faith and his passionate pursuit of serving others. Pastor Joe Coffman of Northpoint Assembly of God described Elliott as a missionary evangelist who loved his family and church. M. Wayne Benson, from Paraclete Ministries, remembered Elliott for his spiritual growth and commitment to missions evangelism, which significantly influenced many, including the establishment of a congregation in Kentwood, Michigan. Home News Jordanian citizen charged in Florida for anti-Israel attacks, causing over $700k in damage A Jordanian citizen residing in Florida has been charged with attacking and threatening multiple businesses for their perceived support of Israel and vandalizing an energy facility that reportedly caused over $700,000 in damage. Prosecutors say Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 43, wore a mask and smashed the glass doors of several businesses in Orlando, leaving behind warning letters. He addressed the letters to the United States government, threatening to "destroy or explode everything here in whole America. Especially the companies and factories that support the racist state of Israel." According to a Thursday statement from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Middle District of Florida U.S. attorney's office, Hnaihen faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for each threat offense and up to 20 years imprisonment for destroying an energy facility. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe He has been charged with one count of destruction of an energy facility and four counts of threatening to use explosives. "We allege that the defendant threatened to carry out hate-fueled mass violence in our country, motivated in part by a desire to target businesses for their perceived support of Israel," Attorney General Merrick Garland said. "Such acts and threats of violence, whether they are targeting the places that Americans frequent every day or our country's critical infrastructure, are extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated by the Justice Department." In late June, Hnaihen allegedly broke into a solar power generation facility in Wedgefield, Florida, and vandalized solar panel arrays before leaving behind two more copies of a threatening demand letter. Authorities arrested Hnaihen in July after discovering another warning letter at an industrial propane gas distribution depot in Orlando. In the letter, the suspect threatened to "destroy or explode everything." Hnaihen's arrest resulted from a multi-agency investigation by the FBI, the Orange County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies. "Under the guise of expressing his beliefs, the defendant allegedly attacked a power facility and threatened local businesses, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages," FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement. "Violence and destruction of property to threaten and intimidate others will never be tolerated. The FBI and our partners will work together to pursue and hold accountable those who resort to violence." Hnaihen entered a not-guilty plea earlier this week, according to ABC News. He is currently being held pending an upcoming trial. According to prosecutors, Hnaihen purchased a gun and ammunition in February, but it was discovered during the background check process that he lied on the paperwork. Hnaihen falsely claimed on the paperwork that he was not a foreign citizen. Israel's military campaign launched in response to the terror group Hamas's Oct. 7 attack has resulted in various anti-Israel protests and encampments on college campuses in the U.S., driving lawsuits related to antisemitic incidents. The Anti-Defamation League has tracked a rise in antisemitic incidents across the United States since the Oct. 7 attack. The Jewish rights group reported 3,283 antisemitic incidents between Oct. 7 and Jan. 7 in the United States, a 361% increase. Home News Prolific Church of England hymnist Timothy Dudley-Smith dies at 97 Timothy Dudley-Smith, a former bishop in the Church of England and the prolific hymn writer behind such songs as "Lord, Through the Years" and "Tell all, my Soul," has died at age 97. Dudley-Smith, credited with having written the lyrics for approximately 400 hymns, died in the early hours of Aug. 12, according to the Diocese of Norwich. He is survived by three children and four grandchildren. The Rt. Rev. Graham Usher, bishop of the Church of England Diocese of Norwich, said in a statement that Dudley-Smith was "much-respected" and "particularly involved with education and vocations within the diocese." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "When I became Bishop of Norwich, Bishop Timothy wrote a most warm and encouraging letter, and we corresponded further about his passion for the environment," said Usher. "Of course, he was a well-known hymn-writer, including the blockbuster 'Tell out my soul' which has encouraged many people in their Christian faith or to add their 'yes' to God's call in their lives and make a commitment to following Jesus." Born Dec. 26, 1926, in Manchester, Dudley-Smith was educated at Cambridge and ordained in 1950 to a curacy at Northumberland Heath in Kent, according to an obituary posted by The Church Times. He would later serve as archdeacon in Norwich and bishop of Thetford. Dudley-Smith supported the evangelistic efforts of the Rev. Billy Graham, actively helping with the American preacher's effort when he came to London in 1954. In addition to being bishop of Thetford from 1981-1991, Dudley-Smith also served as general secretary of the Church Pastoral Aid Society from 1965-1973 and director of the Evangelical Alliance from 1987-1992. Dudley-Smith said that he did not have "musical ability," noting that he only wrote the lyrics for the hundreds of hymns credited to him. Nevertheless, for his widely popular sacred music, he would be awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2003 for his "services to hymnody." "It is the hymn writer's privilege to offer to the worshippers words in which to clothe and express the aspirations and emotions of the heart," said Dudley-Smith, as quoted by The Christian Institute. He believed that a good hymn "must be true to divine revelation and true to Christian experience," and this included being "true to the revelation of the Bible whether a revelation of the nature of God, of the person and work of Christ, or the dignity, degradation and destiny of men and women." To mark his 80th birthday in 2006, fellow hymnist Canon Michael Saward wrote about the extensive accomplishments of the former bishop. "Everyone knows Tell out my soul (May 1961) and Lord, for the years (February 1967)," said Saward, as quoted by The Living Church. "Yet, of all today's hymn-writers, he is probably alone in producing the highest percentage of Rolls Royce texts and a very small scrap-yard of old bangers." Home Opinion The Christian case for backing Israel The Bible vividly portrays Israel as a central theme in God's plan for humanity. It is woven historically through the covenant of Abraham to launch a nation, maintained through the promises given to King David and his ancestors, and ultimately consummated in redemption through Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Today, millions of Protestants and Catholics find the biblical significance of Israel compelling and enduring, influencing their perspectives and steadfast support for the nation. One of the most significant sources of controversy and division in recent times has been the debate over distinguishing between supporting Israel as a nation and supporting the Jewish people as God's chosen ones. This debate has led to considerable confusion and has attracted significant attention. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe However, it's essential to recognize that the two are deeply intertwined. Our support should be approached from a spiritual perspective, not merely as a political issue. But what does it mean to say we support Israel in todays geo-political climate? I agree with my colleague, Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries and author of Should Christians Support Israel? that supporting Israel does not mean Christians are obligated to endorse every policy or action the nation commits around the world. As Christians, we have theological and practical reasons to stand in solidarity with Israel. But let us remember that our unwavering devotion is not directed at Israel but towards God Himself. Reason #1: Stand for the promises given by God to Israel From the rise of Abram (later Abraham) in Genesis 12:1-3, 13:14-17, 15:18-21, 17:7-8, to the calling of Moses by God to deliver His people from the Egyptians, to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land (i.e., Israel) (Exodus 3:8), the Jews have a God-given right to the Holy land. In Deuteronomy 1:8, Moses conveys the word of the Lord to Israel, See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them. Furthermore, God announced to Israel, I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). Clearly, through the prophet Isaiah, God chose Israel to be a beacon of hope, truth, and divine revelation to the entire world. Israel was intended to demonstrate Gods justice, mercy, and holiness to other nations through their devotion, worship, and distinctive laws. Reason #2: Stand against antisemitism Another crucial reason is to oppose the antisemitism directed at Israel and Jews globally. As we speak up for Israels right to exist and defend herself, we are also fighting against the hate speech, discrimination, and violence that is being directed at the Jewish people as a religious and ethnic group all over the world (see Proverbs 31:8-9; Isaiah 40:1-2; Matthew 10:32-33). The Economist referred to the invasion of Israel by Hamas soldiers on October 7, 2023, as the bloodiest in Israels history. With the carnage of victims, from infants to women with their breasts cut off and burned alive, we have seen incidents of antisemitism surge globally with no end in sight. And yet, despite the surge of antisemitism after October 7 by Hamas, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has maintained its strict orders of engagement. Dr. Myers, in his book, Should Christians Support Israel, sheds some light on this, In its defense at the ICJ, Israel said that not only did it not intentionally target Palestinian civilians in Gaza but that hostilities were decreasing as Israel achieved its stated war goals. It said that in addition to its strict rules of engagement, it had actively provided humanitarian assistance in Gaza through opening a dozen bakeries that produced two million loaves of bread a day, delivering its own water to Gaza through two pipelines and facilitating six field hospitals and two floating hospitals with more being constructed evacuating the ill and wounded through the Rafah border crossing and has distributed tents, winter equipment, fuel, and cooking gas. Despite the widespread misinformation alleging that the IDF is engaging in genocide, it's essential to recognize that Israel's conflict with Hamas (not with the Palestinian people) is primarily a matter of self-defense and is consistent with international law. Reason #3: Stand for democracy in the Middle East Israel is a strategic ally of the United States and the only country in the Middle East that shares our values and freedoms and seeks to advance the human rights of all people. And yet, Israel is bombarded (almost daily) by attacks from terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, al-Qaeda, and others, who fire rockets and incite violence against Israeli civilians in an attempt to wipe out Israels existence and for any hope of democracy to take root in the Middle East. Israel is frequently criticized, condemned, and isolated by the international community for its defense actions, while the aggression and atrocities of its enemies are often overlooked or justified. It's often overlooked that in 2005, Israel ceded control of the Gaza Strip in an attempt to ease tensions among Palestinians and foster peace in the region. However, shortly after that, Hamas took charge of Gaza, using it as a base for launching terrorist attacks against both Israel and the Palestinian people. Amjad Taha, an expert in Strategic Political Affairs in the Middle East, said this in an interview with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, The Muslim Brotherhood is where the al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, Hamas in Gaza, and ISIS in Syria emerged from They are against womens rights, promoting antisemitism, and they are against diversity in all of our countries, and they glorify death. Hamas, al-Qaeda, ISIS, and all other forms of The Muslim Brotherhood, unfortunately, were allowed to govern in Gaza. And when they did so, they waged war against their own people. Kidnapped members of the Palestinian Authority when they came into power and killed 500 Muslims from the Fatah Palestinian movement. By advocating for Israels rights as a nation, you are acknowledging its sovereignty and defending its right to protect itself from such threats from its bordering neighbors and terrorists. Reason #4: Stand for peace for Israel in the Middle East Psalm 122:6 reads, Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you! In his letter to the Romans, Paul declared that his hearts desire and prayer to God was for the Jews to be saved (10:1). Although Israel has not always fulfilled its purpose as a conduit of Gods truth, it will one day become a vision of future glory (Isaiah 60:3) that will house Gods presence and divine blessing to all the world. According to the prophetic scriptures Zechariah 14:1-21, Revelation 19:11-16, and 22:12-13, it is affirmed that Jesus will return to Jerusalem in the future to establish His Kingdom on earth. We must never lose sight of this as we pray for the salvation of Jews! That's why it's crucial to show support, offer prayers, and advocate for the peace and stability of Israel as it strives to thrive in a challenging region surrounded by enemies intent on its destruction. By supporting Israel, we are obeying God's will and aligning ourselves with His promises, purposes, and plans for the world. May we not abandon our call to do what is right and stand with Israel by obediently following the written words of the prophet Isaiah, who declared: " For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch" (Isaiah 62:1). Home News Blinken meets Netanyahu, Herzog to discuss hostage deal in 9th trip to Israel since start of Gaza War Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a three-hour meeting on Monday afternoon. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the discussion was "positive and was held in a good atmosphere." The PMO also noted that Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on. After the one-on-one meeting, Blinken participated in an expanded meeting with Netanyahu and senior officials, including Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, IDF Secretary Brig.-Gen. Roman Gofman, political advisor Ophir Falk and hostage point-man Gal Hirsch. U.S. Ambassador Jack Lew also participated in the meeting. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Earlier on Monday morning, Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Herzog said: Good morning, Mr. Secretary, Welcome again to Israel. I must say that we feel that you are part of our nation, coming here again and again and again, and showing such great friendship and support for the State of Israel, and we are indeed grateful for that. Herzog mentioned the ongoing terror attacks in Israel, including on Sunday, when an Israeli security guard was killed in Samaria in one attack, and a botched bombing attack in Tel Aviv that resulted in the death of the terrorist, rather than causing a mass casualty event as planned by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). We are surrounded by terror from four corners of the earth, and we are fighting back as a resilient and strong nation, Herzog told Blinken. Herzog also blamed Hamas for the lack of a hostage release deal. It starts with the refusal of Hamas to move forward, he claimed but said that Israel is still very hopeful that we can move forward in the negotiations. There is no greater prayer, no greater hope, and no greater effort, said Herzog in regards to the release of the Israeli hostages in Gaza. Blinken responded: Mr. President, thank you very much. It's always good to be with you and good to come back to Israel. Highlighting that this was his ninth visit to Israel since Oct. 7, Blinken described it as a decisive moment and cautioned that it might be the final opportunity to secure the return of the hostages. This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire, and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security, Blinken stated. "I'm here as part of an intense diplomatic effort ordered by President Biden to try to get this agreement to the line, and ultimately over the line, he added. The U.S. secretary of state noted: Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process. So we are working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line. Blinken concluded his remarks by referring to the tense situation vis-a-vis the Iranian regime and its proxies. "I know that this is a fraught moment in Israel. With deep concern about the possibility of attacks coming from Iran, coming from Hezbollah, and other sources, he said. He confirmed that additional U.S. forces were deployed to the Middle East to deter any attacks, and if necessary to defend [Israel] against any attacks. Blinken stated, The focus of my visit is intensely on getting the hostages back, getting the ceasefire done. It is time for everyone to get to yes and not look for excuses to say no, he stated. This piece was originally published by All Israel News. Home News Christian college develops political philosophy of the Bible course to combat college antisemitism A Christian university is partnering with the Herzl Institute in Jerusalem to develop a course on the political philosophy of the Hebrew Bible to help students better understand Jewish traditions following a wave of anti-Israel and antisemitic protests on college campuses throughout the United States. Colorado Christian University, located in Lakewood, intends to teach students about the Israelites' exodus from slavery and Hebraic political concepts, among other topics. According to an announcement, students who take the course will also learn about the Mosaic rule of law and the Biblical conception of the family. The university highlighted the horror of Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, massacre, antisemitism and the various protests that have arisen in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza against the terror group as one of the reasons for offering the course. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "In these dark times, universities contribute to the illiteracy of the Jewish tradition and its importance to Western nations," the announcement states. "The Bible is not studied as a source of ideas on university campuses. While the Hebrew Bible is taught as a religious text in Christian institutions, no university offers an introductory course in the political teachings of the Hebrew Bible that can be studied alongside other political theories. And yet these ideas deeply influenced the Western world as well as the American founding fathers." CCU Chancellor Donald W. Sweeting told The Christian Post that the Bible has shaped Western civilization more than any other book, but academia often disparages it. The university leader contends that curricula at most schools typically do not include the Bible. "It is rare for a university to offer a course where students can learn about the thought of ancient Israel," Sweeting said in a statement. "If there are courses, they are often hostile." "What usually happens when we teach politics is that you begin with the Greeks Plato and Aristotle. We operate as if political thought was born in Athens. But before the Greeks, the Hebrews were thinking deeply about politics and making extraordinary contributions to our world," he continued. "Yet the omission of a biblical perspective is often due to an Enlightenment rationalist hostility to the Bible. Furthermore, the omission of teaching about the place of the Jews and Judaism in civilization is often driven by a hidden antisemitism." Earlier this year, anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University established a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment," forcing the school to switch to remote learning because students particularly Jewish students did not feel safe on campus. The encampment at Columbia University inspired activists at other campuses, including Harvard University and UCLA, to set up one of their own. Jewish students at multiple schools reported that they experienced antisemitic harassment and intimidation from the activists. The demonstrators' actions on various college campuses resulted in thousands of arrests. Sweeting told CP that the Jerusalem-based research center Herzl Institute has begun to conduct a survey of professors in politics and philosophy at leading universities in America and Britain about a course on the Hebrew Bible. While many professors expressed an interest in teaching such a course, many felt they didn't know enough about it. "The goal is to design a course and hand it to any professor of any university. It can be adapted to the undergraduate or graduate level, to secular or Christian colleges," the CCU chancellor stated. Sweeting said that the course will be made available to any student who signs up for it at a university that offers it with no special application process. The chancellor believes that the course will benefit not only Christian schools but secular institutions as well. Christians have a tendency not to think about what Sweeting calls "the bigger parts of the Bible," such as the Old Testament. When they do think about it, he argues Christians usually think of it "devotionally" instead of focusing on the political wisdom Sweeting argued is embedded within. "Just as you will find wisdom about relationships and piety there, you will also find wisdom about politics," the chancellor stated. Regarding the politics of the Hebrew scriptures, Sweeting noted that they teach concepts like "God is Lord, not the state" and that government should be limited. He also stressed that the scriptures teach that rulers are "not absolute" and nations will be judged. "The monotheism of the Bible had a massive influence on the Western world," he explained. "So did God's moral law as embodied in the ten precepts. The Hebrews also promoted a unique view of human nature." "While it promoted freedom, it was an ordered liberty," the university leader added. "The Bible's view of nationhood was utterly unique. In fact, the very idea of 'one nation under God' harkens back to Israel." Home News Christian convert unlawfully imprisoned in Egypt denied medical treatment as health fails An unlawfully detained Christian convert awaiting trial for more than three years in Egypt has been denied medical treatment despite his deteriorating health. On Dec. 15, 2021, Yemeni refugee Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo was arrested inside his home after Cairo police stormed his property. During the raid, no one was shown necessary legal warrants or required paperwork, and authorities locked Abdos children and wife away in a room. He was not told the reason for his arrest, said a Coptic lawyer and rights activist who has worked on Abdos case for several years and spoke with Global Christian Relief on the condition of anonymity. They did not allow him to contact a lawyer. They refused to show any official papers or answer any questions. They searched the house and seized their laptops, phones and documents. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe After the arrest, Abdos wife went to several police stations asking about his status but was unable to locate him. For more than two weeks, the family was unable to obtain any new information until they received a call identifying which prison Abdo was housed in and were told they wouldn't be allowed to visit. Abdo was placed in a high-security underground prison in Giza and brought before prosecuting lawyers without a defense attorney. He was first accused of being an apostate, then later of proselytizing and contempt of religion. Abdo was eventually charged with joining a terrorist group, contempt of Islam, and discrimination against Islam. Since his arrest, Abdo has been subjected to multiple rights violations, including frequent interrogations by the prosecution, and being forced to sign documents that he did not fully understand. His detention has been lengthened three times by the courts, most recently on April 6, during rulings that were decided without his presence. Abdo has exceeded the maximum limit of pretrial detention allowed by our criminal codes, said his attorney. His continued imprisonment constitutes unlawful detention. Abdos poor health has reportedly deteriorated further while in prison, as authorities have failed to provide him with adequate care for his heart and liver conditions. In April, he was denied medical treatment after reporting chest pains. He has also been locked away in the prison ward reserved for the most severe criminals, where he has dealt with beatings and threats. An Arabic teacher, Abdo first became a Christian in 2008 in Yemen. He practiced his faith in secret for several years, concerned by the dangers of leaving Islam in the country. However, as a passionate follower of Jesus, he used his skills to translate the Bible and other Christian literature into the local Arabic dialect. In 2013, Abdos community learned of his conversion, and persecution immediately followed. He was fired from his job and his car was damaged. His house was set on fire, causing the death of his first wife and injury to one of his sons. Afraid for his familys safety, he and his five children moved to Egypt, and applied for asylum and refugee status. Due to Egyptian law, Abdo was unable to change his religion to Christianity on official papers and ID cards, leading to mistrust with the church. Abdos arrest followed an appearance on a Christian TV channel where he discussed his conversion and the persecution faced by Christians in Yemen. He was also involved with Facebook groups for Christian converts. Home News Robert Morris son-in-law, Ethan Fisher, renames Gateway Church Houston in wake of scandal Further distancing himself from the Gateway Church brand in what he describes as a call from God, Ethan Fisher, senior pastor of Gateway Church Houston, who is also the son-in-law of embattled Gateway Church founder Robert Morris, announced Sunday that his church has been renamed Newlands Church following the child sex abuse allegations against his father-in-law. I believe that during this season, as a church, that God is once again calling us into something new, and I simply want to follow, Fisher, the husband of Morris' daughter, Elaine, told his congregation as he directed them to watch a recorded announcement of the rebranding. We believe the Lord has given us a new name. This next chapter is about obedience and stepping out in faith to be who God has called us to be. In Scripture, when God changed a name He was speaking prophetically to who that person was to become. I believe today God is speaking to us to look forward to who we are to become. I am excited to announce that Gateway Houston is becoming Newlands Church, Fisher revealed in the video. I am full of hope and expectation that God has amazing things in store for you, your family, and our church, and I believe the best is yet to come. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Fishers announcement follows the revelation of allegations from 54-year-old Cindy Clemishire that Morris began sexually abusing her when she was 12, on Dec. 25, 1982, then continued with the abuse for four-and-a-half years after that. Morris resigned from Gateway Church on June 18. Without naming Clemishire, Morris admitted to CP that he had engaged in "inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady" while he was a pastor in his early 20s. Elders at Gateway Church had initially told CP that Morris was transparent about his past and believed he had been biblically restored to ministry. However, after Clemishire's report was made public, they said Morris did not tell them the "young lady" was 12 years old at the time. Reacting to the scandal in late June, Fisher said he was left at "a loss for words" after the news broke. "This past week, we have been obviously grieved and shocked over the child sexual abuse allegations that have been brought to light regarding Robert Morris," he told his congregation, which he said is not a campus of Gateway Church but an independent, autonomous operation. "For years, he has shared about a moral failure early on in his marriage. But prior to this past week, the leadership, including myself and even Elaine, for the leadership here at Gateway Church Houston, did not have all the facts regarding the allegations." After Morris resigned from Gateway Church, Fisher said he was also removed as the apostolic and overseeing elder of Gateway Church Houston. "Elaine and I, we're processing it, obviously, as family. Elaine is a daughter, and I've done my best to be there for her. Me, as a son-in-law, we're processing the pain in real-time in the same way I know many of you are," Fisher told his congregants. On Sunday, Morris son-in-law explained that his church is more than a name on a building. It is full of people who are willing to say yes to God, to pray consistently, give generously and serve sacrificially, to see people everywhere know God, belong to family, discover purpose, and build the kingdom, he said. In Hebrews 12, it tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. A pioneer is one who sets the path for others to follow. As God's people, He is calling us to be not mere spectators but participators in this journey of faith. Every path we have walked has been following the voice of God as He builds His Church, he added as he explained how God had been speaking to the congregational leaders for more than a year about creating a distinct localized identity. Over the next few months what you're going to see is, you'll see Gateway and kind of Newlands walking parallel, and by 2025 it will shift 100% to that, Fisher noted. So you'll see signage at locations going up and you'll just see some changes as we navigate this. But really, I'm excited for the future and all that God is going to be doing. Home News Indonesia VP pushes back on plan to make it easier to build churches SURABAYA, Indonesia Opposition has emerged to a proposal by Indonesias Ministry of Religious Affairs to do away with the role of a Muslim-dominated body that has complicated efforts by minority religions to build houses of worship. Indonesias vice president last week warned against the effort to end the role of the Muslim-dominated Interreligious Harmony Forum (Forum Kerukunan Umat Beragama, or FKUB). Vice President Maruf Amin, whose term ends in October, told reporters on Aug. 7 that the minister of religious affairs should not have made the proposal. The rule of establishing houses of worship is an agreement from religious councils, he said, as reported by detik.com. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Maruf Amin said the Ministry of Religious Affairs should review the basis for FKUB recommendations to establish houses of worship, saying ministry officials should listen to the parties who were involved in formulating the regulation. First, take a look at the reasons for what and why the regulation occurred there are reasons why the regulation was made, he said. And listen to many opinions from those involved at that time. Maruf Amin helped establish the FKUBs role. The agreement was made after four months and in 11 meetings, he reportedly said. I remember I was the one who gave birth to it. From the results of those discussions, an agreement was made and then stated as a joint regulation of the minister of religion and the minister of home affairs. Indonesia Minister of Religion Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumashad had announced that the government was planning to change regulations for construction of houses of worship to make it easier for religious minority groups to establish them, according to detik.com. Speaking at the National Dialogue and National Working Meeting of the Greater Indonesia Christian Movement (Gekira) at the Bidakara Hotel in Jakarta on Aug. 3, Yaqut said that under the new regulations only recommendations for worship building construction by local branches of the Department of Religious Affairs would be considered. The government, to show its presence among the religious minority groups, considers the recommendation for the establishment of a house of worship is sufficient only with the ministry of religion, and from now on revokes the role of FKUB, Yaqut said. Stating that taking recommendations from the FKUB into consideration complicates efforts by minority religious communities to build houses of worship, Yaqut then promised that the regulations would be issued soon. There are two requirements under current law that religious groups must meet, he said. Of course, this makes it difficult for all of you, especially when there are many Muslims and the majority there, Yaqut said. Yesterday, the coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs agreed with us and the minister of home affairs for this to be made into a presidential regulation. So, in a moment, hopefully, the establishment of these houses of worship will no longer be difficult. The last-minute appeal by the vice president of Joko Widodos administration, however, concerned Bonar Tigor Naipospos, deputy chair of rights organization Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace, who said he was worried that rejection would delay implementation of the new regulation. The problem is, Maruf Amins statement could represent a great power behind him the power of Islamists who are not always in line with moderate Indonesians, Bonar told Morning Star News. Maruf Amin is the leader of the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (Indonesian Ulema Council, or MUI), the countrys top Islamic scholarly body, which tends to be conservative. Maruf was a key figure in several fatwas issued by the MUI that promote intolerance and fuel violations of the constitutional rights of minorities by vigilante groups, Bonar said. These fatwas include rulings against secularism, pluralism and religious liberalism in 2005, the heresy of Ahmadiyah in 2008, and blasphemy against the Quran and clerics in Basuki Tjahaja Purnamas (Ahok) speech in 2016. Bonar said that many of the views of Maruf Amin and the MUI impede the advancement and fulfillment of the constitutional rights of minority groups. Christian support Two Indonesian leading organizations hosting hundreds of Christian denominations responded positively to the new regulations. The head of the Communion of Indonesian Churches (Persatuan Gereja Indonesia, or PGI), Pastor Gomar Gultom, said the proposed policy is in line with the longstanding proposal PGI submitted to President Widodo, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut and Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian. It is extremely absurd that the states authority to grant or not grant a permit to establish a house of worship can be canceled by the FKUBs recommendation, while its not a state apparatus, Gomar told CNNIndonesia.com on Aug. 4. He added, however, that he doubted whether the change would make it easier to establish houses of worship. But anyway, the new regulation is an effort to fulfill the mandate of Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution, he said. The chairman of the Setara Institute concurred. I see the step as compatible with Indonesias diversity system consisting of various religious identities and beliefs, Hendardi, who goes by a single name, said last Tuesday. Setara has long pushed the government to simplify the process of establishing houses of worship and take progressive measures to eliminate discriminatory provisions in the joint decree that gave rise to difficulties for minority religions to obtain building permits, according to Hendardi. The Indonesian Bishops Conference (Konperensi Wali Gereja Indonesia, or KWI) stated that it appreciates the plan, saying it would streamline bureaucracy. The KWI also asked the Ministry of Religious Affairs to review other requirements for building houses of worship, in addition to revoking the FKUB recommendation. Indonesia ranked 42nd on the Christian support organization Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it's most difficult to be a Christian. Indonesian society has adopted a more conservative Islamic character, and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to the WWL report. Originally published at Morning Star News Home News Pro-life Democrats counter Planned Parenthood's mobile abortion clinic at DNC As Planned Parenthood plans to offer free vasectomies and chemical abortion drugs through a mobile van at the Democratic National Convention, a Democratic pro-life organization is conducting a fundraising campaign to support Chicago families. Kristen Day, executive director of Democrats for Life, revealed in a Monday X post that the group has launched a diaper drive in response to Planned Parenthood Great Rivers' mobile van initiative. Planned Parenthood Great Rivers in St. Louis announced an X post last week that it will park a mobile van in Chicago's West Loop on Monday and Tuesday near the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The corporation revealed it is working alongside the Chicago Abortion Fund and the popular Chicago hot dog stand The Wieners Circle to offer free abortion drugs and vasectomies during the convention. The Americans for Contraception, known for displaying giant inflatable intrauterine devices in cities throughout the country, also plans to set up an inflatable IUD near the convention. The 20-foot tall inflatable IUD named "Freeda (Womb)" will be on display from Monday to Thursday. Democrats for Life condemned the corporation for offering free abortion drugs during the convention, stating that this "disrespects women and is an attack on human rights." "Providing free abortions at the DNC is a concerning display of disrespect towards human life and motherhood, as it overlooks the need to provide support and options for a pregnant woman," Day said in a Sunday statement. "We expect no less from Planned Parenthood. It's just shameful how low Democrats have sunk." Democrats for Life of America released a statement Saturday urging fellow party members to "stop doing business with Planned Parenthood" and abortion activist groups and return to what the group believes are the party's "true roots," which include standing up for the "little guy" and the vulnerable. "Instead of funding abortion, we firmly believe in funding alternatives to abortion," Democrats for Life stated. "This radical act of violence against preborn children and pregnant and parenting persons must be met with radical acts of non-violence in support of those [want] to choose life for their children and families." The Planned Parenthood Federation of America did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment. The Democratic nominee for president, Vice President Kamala Harris, has been an avid supporter of abortion and Planned Parenthood throughout her career. Earlier this year, pro-life advocates condemned Harris' decision to tour a Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Minnesota instead of visiting one of the state's numerous pro-life pregnancy centers. The vice president also made it clear that she opposes the U.S. Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide. During a September 2023 interview with CBS' Margaret Brennan, Harris called for restoring Roe v. Wade, but she did not specify whether she supported gestational limits on abortion. While the 1973 Supreme Court ruling allowed for abortion limits after viability, the court believed this point to be anywhere from 24 to 28 weeks gestation. In a Monday statement, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser accused Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, of being the "Shout Your Abortion Party." The leader of the national pro-life group also asserted that the convention in Chicago puts the "extremism" of the current Democratic Party on full display. "Everyone should be asking Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and all the Democrats' candidates the question: What are your exceptions?" Dannenfelser stated. "Harris and Walz won't name a single limit on abortion they support not in the seventh, eighth or ninth month of pregnancy when unborn babies clearly feel pain, and not even when a child is born alive following an abortion attempt." "They stand for eliminating the most basic protections for women and girls, such as informed consent and parental involvement, and seek to shut down alternatives to abortion," she added, calling on Democrats to "stop ignoring the real needs of women nationwide." Home News South Carolina church secretary accused of stealing $404K from congregation A financial secretary and wife of a Southern Baptist pastor has been accused of stealing $404,000 from a South Carolina church. Shelley Strickland, who served as financial secretary for Ware Shoals Baptist Church, was arrested by authorities earlier this month, having allegedly stolen $404,414 from multiple accounts belonging to the church, including the emergency fund. Strickland also worked as a financial secretary for other congregations, according to a report by FOX Carolina. Authorities are contacting the other churches, while Strickland faces additional charges in Greenwood County. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe David Little, director of missions for Lakelands Baptist Association, told the South Carolina-based publication The Baptist Courier that Strickland worked for his association until earlier this summer when she was fired for misappropriating funds. Shelley is also suspected of stealing around $58,000 from the LBA, with the association filing a complaint with the Greenwood County Sheriffs Office, according to Little. [Shelleys husband is] a pastor of one of our churches, so we were surprised and disappointed, Little said. When you steal from a church, its bad. But when you steal from an association, you steal from all the churches in that association, and thats really hard to swallow. People make bad choices, and those choices affect a lot of good people. We will pray for this family, but she has brought a lot of pain on a lot of people and churches and her own family. Its just sad. A member of the Ware Shoals leadership addressed the matter of Stricklands arrest during a worship service on Aug. 11, explaining that its been a hard time for all of us. It was a shock to everyone, he said. It's just tough. A lot of people were hurt, upset about it, and we just have to continue to try to have faith and carry on. Our church will be OK. Were just going to need to continue to pray that God will be with us and lead us. Stricklands husband has not been implicated in her crimes at present, according to The Roys Report. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison. Home News Vatican removes Pakistani archbishop amid financial corruption, sexual abuse allegations The Vatican has removed the archbishop of the biggest Catholic diocese in Pakistan after an inquiry found him at the center of financial corruption, illegal sale of church property and involvement in sexual abuse, according to reliable sources. Rumors have been circulating since last month that the Vatican had decided to suspend Lahore Diocese Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw but the Pakistani Catholic leadership reportedly hushed up the issue. However, Lahores Archdiocesan Vicar General Father Asif Sardar announced on Aug. 15 that 66-year-old Shaw was going on a sabbatical and Karachi Diocesan Archbishop Benny Mario Travas would be taking charge of the Lahore Diocese as the apostolic administrator. Catholic Advocate Morris Nadeem told Christian Daily International that Father Sardar made the announcement during the Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore on Thursday evening. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Shaw was in the U.S. in July when the rumors regarding his removal started making rounds in the community. However, the congregation members and clergy were dismayed when the archbishop returned to Pakistan and resumed his routine work. His removal has sent a wave of joy and relief in the Catholic congregation of Lahore, said the lawyer who was present at the Thursday mass. Christian Daily International contacted Shaw for comment on the allegations against him, but he did not respond to phone calls and text messages. Bishop Samson Shukardin, the president of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference, and Father Sardar were also contacted but declined to make a statement regarding the charges against Shaw. A senior leader of the Catholic church, on condition of anonymity, told Christian Daily International that the Vatican had been receiving complaints from priests and other church leaders against Shaw for a very long time. There is documentary evidence of the former archbishop selling church property by misusing his authority; his brothers and other family members were also actively involved in financial fraud in the Catholic Education Board. The final straw that broke the camels back and forced the Vatican to launch an inquiry against Shaw came when a Catholic priest accused the archbishop of [pressuring] him for a sexual relationship, the source said. In a video, Father Rashid Alfonse accused Shaw of being a homosexual bishop and narrated graphic details of happenings during his pastoral work at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore. I denied. My faith and spirituality were shattered. We want to get rid of this leadership, Alfonse had said in the viral video posted on his Facebook wall on Aug 4, 2022. The bishop threatened me. I lived under pressure but didnt refuse my vocation. I am ashamed to admit that a homo bishop ordained me. He repeatedly pressurised me to sodomise him and threatened me with transfer and losing a chance to become a parish priest, Alfonse alleged in the video. At that time, Father Sardar, the archdiocesan vicar general, rejected the allegations levelled by the priest, instead accusing him of having an unsound mind. The source claimed that Shaw tried his best to keep the Vatican from announcing his removal, pleading that he would clear his name. But the evidence against him was irrefutable. The Pakistani Catholic church did not want to embarrass itself further which is why they decided to let Shaw leave quietly on the pretext of a sabbatical. However, many in the church believe that he must be held accountable for his crimes to set an example for other bishops, the source said. Shaw took charge of the Archdiocese of Lahore in 2013, but his tenure has been tainted with several controversies. In 2017, he faced public condemnation for permitting a political party to use the central cathedral in Lahore for an election campaign. He is also accused of keeping silent on crucial issues like the abuse of the blasphemy laws and abductions and forced conversions of underage Christian girls, a majority of whom are Catholic. This article was originally published by Christian Daily International. Home Opinion Evangelicals for Harris, Evangelicals for Satan The Evangelicals for Harris campaign is a contradiction in terms. Evangelicals for Harris is as absurd as Jews for Pharaoh, Christians for Emperor Nero, or Evangelicals for Satan. There is no such thing as Evangelicals for Harris. If youre voting for Kamala Harris, you are not an Evangelical. Everyone knows this, including Evangelicals for Harris. Earlier this week Evangelicals for Harris held a Zoom meeting hosted by Ekemini Uwan, an anti-white and pro-abortion public theologian who has said: Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Lets be honest, Evangelical really means white Christians. The term has always been problematic because it is narrow in that sense. I dont classify as an Evangelical because its tightly bound to whiteness. When I see Evangelical I know they are not talking about me or my kinsmen. Ive never considered myself an Evangelical. So why would a person who doesnt consider herself an Evangelical, host a meeting for a campaign called Evangelicals for Harris? As Megan Basham says in her bestselling book, Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda, leftists know the best way to lure Evangelical voters away from conservatism is to fund Evangelical leaders who will frame leftist policies as biblical precepts. In the book, Basham writes: [in 2012, a left-wing cause named Atlantic Philanthropies] issued a report on its failing efforts to break down opposition to gay marriage in Ireland the report highlighted the resistance of Irelands devout Catholics and Protestants. Organized religion is at the heart of the LGBTI oppression and needs to be deconstructed, the authors wrote. But they quickly identified the roadblock they would face in achieving the aim: How can one deconstruct an institution that provides hope and comfort to millions of desperate people? Rather than go on opposing churches, the gay lobby would need to co-opt them. An engagement needs to come from groups within the churches, the report advised. LGBTI organizations need to appropriate Christian values for a progressive rights agenda. This is why Evangelicals for Harris exists. This is why they are encouraging people who hate Evangelicalism to pose as Evangelicals. They know the best way to deceive Evangelicals is to present ungodly people as one of our own. And frankly, one of the reasons why theyre confident that this is an effective strategy is because its worked with Donald Trump. Just as some shepherds are for sale for a leftist agenda, many others have sold their souls for Donald Trump. If I were an American citizen, I would vote for Donald Trump. But too many of us have become unequally yoked with him. Rather than partnering with him for righteousnesss sake, too many Evangelicals have partnered with him for lawlessnesss sake. Therefore some Evangelicals refuse to rebuke him for his recent position on abortion. This position has conditioned Republicans to become lukewarm on abortion for this election, which could lead to disaster for the abortion amendments in eight states in November. So we Evangelicals cannot criticize the Evangelicals for Harris campaign while overlooking Trumps evil. Voting for the lesser evil in Trump can be a righteous act, but its unrighteous to ignore the evil, even if its lesser than Kamala Harris greater evil. Donald Trumps position on abortion is deplorable and Kamala Harris position is demonic. Despite his great track record on abortion when he was president, Trump isnt campaigning against abortion. Kamala Harris, however, is campaigning for abortion. Essentially, between the two candidates, one wants to maintain the current abortion laws in America and the other wants to make it even worse. However, on the Evangelical For Harris website, Kamala Harris positions herself as a Christian. She says: I can trace my belief in the importance of public service back to learning the parable of the good Samaritan and other biblical teachings about looking out for our neighbors and understanding that our neighbors arent just those who live in our ZIP code, but include the stranger, too. Over the course of my career, Ive always tried to be an advocate for the voiceless and vulnerable Shes right that our neighbors arent just those who live in our ZIP code. What she refuses to acknowledge is that her neighbors include people who do not yet have a ZIP code. Her neighbors include people who live in their mothers womb and the people who attempt to be their good Samaritans. But shes committed to injustice for both of these neighbors. She supports abortion up to birth and as the attorney general of California, she charged pro-life activists with 15 felonies after they exposed Planned Parenthood for selling the body parts of aborted babies. Just as Satan masquerades as an angel of light, Kamala Harris is an anti-Christ politician masquerading as a Christian. So Evangelicals shouldnt vote for her. The word evangelic means good news. But if Kamala Harris wins the election, it will be bad news for America. The Bible says we Evangelicals should have a life that is worthy of the good news (Philippians 1:27). That includes a vote that is worthy of the good news. Meaning, we cannot vote for Kamala Harris. Therefore, if you vote for Kamala Harris, you are not an Evangelical. Originally published at Slow to Write. Home Opinion Kamala Harris is a mean girl She is a cold, calculating, mean-spirited career politician. Her track record demonstrates this clearly. As San Francisco District Attorney, Harris refused to seek the death penalty for the man who brutally murdered police officer Isaac Espinoza. Espinoza left behind his three-year-old daughter and his beloved wife, Renata, who claimed that Harris never once contacted her to offer her condolences. Instead, just three days after Espinozas murder, she held a press conference in which she made sure to let the press know: the death penalty wasnt on the table. As Californias Attorney General, Harris ordered law enforcement to raid the home of a young pro-life journalist, David Daleidon. Daleidons undercover work had revealed that Planned Parenthood executives were illegally selling aborted baby body parts for profit. Instead of investigating her donors at Planned Parenthood, Harris sought to silence Daleidon for uncovering horrifying corruption. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Harris has a history of controlling the speech of pro-lifers. While Attorney General, she pushed hard for the passage of the Reproductive FACT Act, which attempted to require pregnancy centers to prominently advertise for abortion. The Supreme Court overturned this law in 2018, rightly deeming it a violation of the First Amendment. GovTracks non-partisan report card rated Senator Kamala Harris as the furthest-left congressperson, even further left than self-avowed socialist, Senator Bernie Sanders. Harris continued her pro-abortion and even pro-infanticide rabidity while serving in the Senate, voting against the Born Alive Infant Survivors Protection Act, which simply required babies who survived abortion to be given medical care. The bill did not restrict abortion at all. Even so, Senator Harris voted no. Theres no other way to say it: Kamala Harris is mean. And like any mean girl, she enjoys calling those she doesnt like weird. Thats her moniker for Trump and Vance beloved fathers who, unlike Harris, have spent years building things bigger and better than political careers. Trump is a successful businessman and an adored grandfather. Vance is a veteran, entrepreneur, acclaimed author and family man whose story typifies the American Dream. Kamala Harris is a vengeful, power-hungry bully who calls normal weird. Whats much worse than a weird guy? A mean girl. Kamala Harris has proven, over and over again in her career, that she will trample on the weak and the vulnerable to get what she wants. That includes you. Because, at the end of the day, Kamala sees you pro-lifer, Christian, patriot, hardworking parent as weird. And, more than that, she sees you as a threat. And weve seen what she does to those she perceives as a threat. Kamala Harris the calloused mean girl is the last kind of person we want as President. Home Opinion Why do the prosperity preachers seem to prosper? The life of a prosperity preacher can be pretty good. Just ask Benny Hinns nephew, Costi Hinn. Hinn writes, Prosperity theology paid amazingly well. We lived in a 10,000-square-foot mansion guarded by a private gate, drove two Mercedes Benz vehicles, vacationed in exotic destinations, and shopped at the most expensive stores. On top of that, we bought a $2 million ocean-view home in Dana Point, California, where another Benz joined the fleet. Before college, Hinn worked as a catcher (someone who catches the people who are slain in the spirit) for his uncle. He describes that year as a whirlwind tour of luxury: $25,000-a-night royal suites in Dubai, seaside resorts in Greece, tours of the Swiss Alps, villas on Lake Como in Italy, basking on the golden coast of Australia, shopping sprees at Harrods in London, and numerous trips to Israel, Hawaii, and everywhere in between. The pay was great, we flew on our own private Gulfstream, and I got to buy custom suits. All I had to do was catch people and look spiritual! Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Nice work if you can get it. The truth is a lot of professing Christians want to get it. Some years ago, Christianity Today reported that the prosperity gospel is taught to 40% of churchgoers. Thats about 21 million adult people each week considering the current rate of weekly church attendance in America. Yikes. Almost no professing believer seems immune to the prosperity preachers siren song. Witness the recent story about the late Christian music artist Mylon LeFevre who sowed a seed offering to Kenneth Copeland in the form of a Bentley with a Breitling clock in the hopes of overcoming his cancer. LeFevre died of the disease on September 8, 2023. And yet, Copeland is still going strong at 87, as are other prosperity preachers like him such as Hinn, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, John Hagee, Creflo Dollar, Paula White, and Joyce Meyer. This raises a rather interesting question: Even though many Christians decry the prosperity gospel, why do so many of that gospels preachers seem to, well, prosper? Who serves who? The prosperity proclaimers often ask innocently: Is wanting to be successful and have monetary gain come from that success really wrong? After all, doesnt John say, Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 2)? And werent various people in the Bible, like Abraham and Solomon, who were blessed by God wealthy? On the one hand, no, theres nothing wrong with working hard and succeeding in life from that labor. There is a decent volume of biblical content that points in that direction such as Proverbs 14:23 which says: In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. But on the other hand, when thats the sole focus of life and God becomes only a wishing well to get a big payoff, there be dragons. David W Jones gets to the heart of the issue when he says: In light of Scripture, the prosperity gospel is fundamentally flawed. At bottom, it is a false gospel because of its faulty view of the relationship between God and man. Whether theyre talking about the Abrahamic covenant, the atonement, giving, faith, or prayer, prosperity teachers turn the relationship between God and man into a quid pro quo transaction. The prosperity message distorts the real gospel by turning spiritual truths into here-and-now channels of financial blessings. Jones traces the prosperity path through five checkpoints: 1. The Abrahamic covenant is a means to material entitlement; 2. Jesuss atonement extends to the sin of material poverty; 3. Christians give to gain material compensation from God; 4. Faith is a self-generated spiritual force that leads to prosperity; 5. Prayer is a tool to force God to grant prosperity. These fly in the face of numerous biblical admonitions such as Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions (Luke 12:15) and [be] free from the love of money (1 Tim. 3:3). Moreover, the Bible tells us these false prosperity doctrines are not new and that there were those in the early church who were teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain and in their greed they will exploit you with false words (Titus 1:11; 2 Peter 2:3). So far so good on the prosperity gospel being out of sync with Scripture. All that said, though, lets return to the question of, if this is true, why do the prosperity preachers seem to live the high life? Isnt that a sign of God blessing their work? Costi Hinn struggled with such issues saying. Despite the questions, I trusted my family because we were so successful. So, what are we to think? First, lets remember the old saying that goes, Theres a sucker born every minute. Whether its prosperity preaching or other get-rich-quick schemes that arent religious, all of it is directed at everyones greedy desire to accumulate things we think will make us happy. And lets face it when the scammers are telling you theres a transcendent hand ready and willing to deliver and they supposedly back it up with divine words on a page, the temptation can be overwhelming. Before long, all those seed offerings fill up the prosperity preachers pockets. That being true, lets not forget this is very much a spiritual struggle on the giver's end; as James says: each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust (James 1:14). Paul adds, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth (2 Tim. 4:34). OK, fine, understood but still why does God allow for such teaching to continue and allow the prosperity preachers to maintain their plot of ground on easy street? Well, lets uplevel the question and ask why God allows any false teaching to continue. After all, the prosperity gospel is just one of countless false religious frameworks. Scripture tells us that It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come (Luke 17:1) and that they come even from within the Church: From among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them (Acts 20:30). Moreover, were told that such false teaching must come to shine the light on the truth and those who follow it: For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you (1 Cor. 11:19). But in the end, all false teaching and its proponents whether theyre selling the prosperity gospel or something similar meet divine justice, if not in this life, then in the next. They think theyre safe and say, How does God know? And is there knowledge with the Most High? (Ps. 73:11), but David goes on to tell us Then I perceived their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; you cast them down to destruction. How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when aroused, You will despise their form (Ps. 73:1720). And why does God do this? Because the prosperity gospel creates a false god and idol to be worshipped just as Paul says, greed amounts to idolatry (Col. 3:5). I dont know about you, but such a disastrous end doesnt seem worth a Bentley with a Breitling clock to me. Christian charity reaches milestone in combating blindness in Rwanda CBM UK has announced the successful end to their three-year See the Way project, saying that they had been able to raise 845,000 in donations from supporters, pushing the final total over 1.8 million after it was matched by the UK government, as part of the UK Aid Match scheme. The funds raised by the appeal contributed to their work preventing and treating avoidable blindness in Rwanda and saw a marked increase in the quality of life and medical care available to thousands of Rwandans. When the project started, only 17.5 per cent of eye health consultations met quality standards, but comprehensive training, mentoring, and essential equipment that was provided through the project propelled that figure to a staggering 73 per cent. CBM UK partnered with Kabgayi Eye Unit and the Catholic Diocese of Kabgayi to provide 35,608 individuals with essential eye health services that included screenings, treatments, and surgeries for various eye conditions. Over the course of the three-year project, it also performed 2,487 cataract surgeries, enabling the blind to see again, and increased the accessibility of four hospitals through the addition of wheelchair ramps, tactile walkways, and accessible toilets. Part of CBM's work in Rwanda has been to equip the local population with the tools needed to ensure they can continue developing the nation's ability to provide its own eye health services at a high standard of quality by strengthening the capacity and training of local healthcare staff and running education programmes to raise awareness of the critical importance of eye health and early intervention. Liliane Ingabire, Ophthalmic Clinical Officer at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare in Rwanda, highlighted the impact: "We learned to be inclusive in our service provision. We now have staff trained in sign language and a specially designed tactile walkway leading to the Ophthalmology Department. Facilities have been re-designed to meet these needs." Kirsty Smith, CBM UK Chief Executive, said, "The See the Way project has revolutionised the quality and accessibility of eye health services for some of the poorest people across four rural districts in Rwanda. "Not only was the cost of sight-saving treatment funded, but by improving local services, people no longer need to travel long distances for treatment, a journey often too costly for many. Thank you to all our incredible supporters, partners and the UK government who made this project possible." For locals, the project has been life-changing, offering fresh hope to many who had been literally living in darkness. "I can now recognise my wife, my children and my neighbours. I am so happy to be back here. I feel like I am now in a new world. I am free to do anything," said Cyprien, who had been living with cataracts for three years unaware that the condition could be treated, said on returning home where he embraced his wife. "I can now recognise my wife, my children and my neighbours. I am so happy to be back here." Christians asked to pray for areas affected by mpox Christians are being asked to pray for areas affected by the outbreak of mpox and advocate for the distribution of vaccines to limit the spread of the deadly virus. The World Health Organisation has declared mpox a global health emergency and travellers to affected areas are being urged to consider getting vaccinated. Steve Fouch, of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said the virus risked becoming a "major health crisis" among poorer nations in Africa unless steps are taken to halt its spread. He wants to see countries with vaccine stocks like the UK share these with nations already grappling with the outbreak, like the Democratic Republic of Congo. "Is mpox something we should be worried about in the UK? Yes, but not because there is currently a real risk of a significant outbreak here," he said. "This is an issue of justice and care for the poor because it will cause a major health crisis among the poorer nations of Africa, in particular, if it is not controlled. And it can be controlled by vaccination and by keeping those with symptoms physically separate from others until the symptoms clear up. "Christians should be concerned about keeping our neighbours in the global south safe." Mr Fouch added that Christians have a role to play in the dissemination of "accurate" information about the virus and "not the hysterical stories and conspiracy theories that will inevitably circulate on social media in the coming weeks". "It's crucial that we counter misinformation with accurate information," he said. He cautioned against alarm and asked Christians to pray and trust in God instead. "Many Christians, both Congolese and Western expatriates, work in the affected areas we should be praying for them as they care for and minister to those infected with mpox," he said. "Above all, we should stay calm and trust the Lord such outbreaks have happened countless times before and will happen again, but we need not fear if we trust in Him." Christians in Pakistan 'terrified' of more violence Christians in Pakistan are living in fear of more violent attacks a year after a wave of severe anti-Christian persecution. Friday marked the one-year anniversary of violence against Christians in Jaranwala when 25 churches and at least 85 were ransacked by a thousands-strong mob. Churches wanted to mark the anniversary by holding services, but Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) says they were warned against doing so by the authorities. Father Yaqub Yousif, the parish priest of Jaranwala, said that Christians in the area feel "scared". "People are disturbed by the lack of justice," he said. "They feel very insecure. If the institutions responsible for providing justice cannot help what can the people do as weak minorities?" Despite the scale of the devastation committed on 16 August 2023, Christians are upset that no one has been held accountable and some feel tempted to take matters into their own hands. Bishop Indrias Rehmat of Faisalabad said: "People are frightened and feeling hopeless because so far justice has not been given to them. "Some people are angry and want to agitate. "They demand that we act for justice but what can we do? Justice can only be given by the government. The culprits are mostly out on bail and this is upsetting the community." While 305 were arrested over the atrocities, the Catholic Church's National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) says that only five remain behind bars. Only one person was sentenced in connection with the violence and that was a Christian man, Ehsan Shan. He was sentenced to life for blasphemy after being found guilty of sharing a blasphemous image on social media that sparked the rampage. Father Yousif expressed scepticism about Shan's conviction: "I would like to make it clear that Christians never have any thought of showing disrespect either to the Quran or the prophet and would see absolutely no value in acts of desecration." Christians who initially tried to have charges pressed against perpetrators of the violence have been intimidated into dropping their claims, ACN reports. Father Boniface 'Bonnie' Mendes, a senior priest of Faisalabad diocese, shares the sense of grief about the lack of justice a year on. Visiting the UK offices of ACN recently, he said that Christians feel increasingly like they want to leave the country and that the Pakistani government has to share some of the blame. "Justice has not been served in the last 12 months. The right people should have been sentenced but this has not happened," he said. "The government has been so weak. It is afraid to act. We feel more and more that the government is helpless. It means the Christian community tends to be more and more inward-looking and want to leave the country." NCJP executive director Naeem Youssif Gill outlined some practical measures that could be taken to protect Christians. "Justice should be implemented with a spirit of justice, equality and based on the law," he said. "Steps such as stopping provocation through loudspeakers, banning extremist outfits and seizing the hate-mongering literature must be intensified and evaluated, and their success must be ensured." Why evangelizing the nations must start with American Gen Zers (Photo: Getty/iStock) The US and Europe have been world leaders in global evangelism for decades and continue to send 53% of cross-cultural missionaries today. The United States alone is estimated to send two million short-term missionaries a year. However, repeated studies have shown that American Christianity, and its interest in evangelism, is in decline, especially among younger generations. A 2021 Gallup poll found that church membership has now dropped below 50%, and the Pew Research Centre has repeatedly found that Gen Z is the nation's least religious generation, with about a third having no religion at all. In addition, 47% of practicing Christian Millennials believe evangelism in today's society is wrong, and 51% of US churchgoers say they don't know the term "the Great Commission." If nothing is done to address this, we will lose our place as the global leader in Christian evangelism and our claim to being the world's most Christian nation. It is that simple. How can we evangelize to the world if we cannot even evangelize at home? We can't expect to export what we don't live out locally. The Bible itself is pretty clear on this, originating the term 'get your house in order' (Isaiah 38:1-5). Replicating past generations of American missionaries will require new generations of missionaries, and that means evangelizing to the future of our churches Gen Z. However, evangelizing to Gen Z is easier said than done, and sometimes the idea itself can feel daunting even to those of us who regularly evangelize to them like I do. We know that we can be met with hostility, treated as irrelevant, and even be made out to be immoral in our beliefs. But Romans 1:16 tells us not to be ashamed of the Gospel. If we truly love someone, we can't help but tell them about Jesus, and how He has transformed our lives. Many of us may avoid evangelizing to younger generations out of fear that it will only further alienate them from God. But I believe that it's not evangelism that alienates younger generations, but politics. When we prioritize talking and strategizing about politics in our preaching instead of sharing the Gospel, it can alienate the lost and young, and distract from the true message of Jesus. It is from the Gospel that our politics should flow, not the other way around. The desire that younger generations feel to disassociate themselves from Christianity, I believe, is also a product of not having taught them a biblical worldview. If we aren't sharing the Gospel with them, then they won't know their Bible, the source of truth, and young people will instead gravitate to what sounds good rather than what is good and true. Sometimes the truth hurts. Sometimes the truth isn't what we want to hear. Don't have sex until marriage. God created us male and female. God instituted marriage between one man and one woman. These truths are truth whether we want them to be or not. God's truth keeps us safe. His truth leads to healthy homes. His truth leads to a productive and fulfilling life. We must preach, teach and disciple young people in the Truth of the Word of God so they can filter out the lies of culture and society today. Because of this, we mustn't abandon the preaching of the Gospel just because it isn't culturally or societally accepted. When speaking about the Gospel to young people I often use humor, as I find that it breaks down their defenses and opens their hearts to receive. I also speak into current issues they face and relate them to biblical truths that can help them. For me, my personal testimony is a big way I connect with young people, and that goes for all of us. It is hard to argue with a personal story of transformation through Christ. Gen Z can spot disingenuous Christians. They are not interested in hype; they are looking for a real God with real answers. We must be authentic. As my story is so visual, having no arms or legs, Gen Z can see my brokenness visually. It helps me as I connect with them and their internal brokenness. It helps them trust that I can sympathize with and understand what they are going through. And I'm not the only one. Hope for the Heart whose Hope Together Conference I will be speaking at this September have created a Keys for Living library with short, helpful books speaking into over 100 real-life issues that we face, providing clear answers from God's Word to help those who feel broken. Though our culture has changed dramatically in the last 50 years and become far more digital, preaching the Gospel to large groups of people will always be effective. Jesus ministered to people both one-on-one as well as to crowds. That being said, we do have to be aware of generational, cultural and communication issues and adjust our approach appropriately when we preach to crowds. At NickV Ministries we have leaned into digital evangelism, both directly through our ministry and with evangelism partners. We are finding many people coming to Christ and being encouraged through different media platforms. But we also haven't stopped preaching to crowds. This is actually the most fruitful season we have ever experienced in preaching both to live audiences and broadcasting the Gospel to entire nations. Since December 2023, 45 million people have heard the Gospel and 47,000 have given their lives to Christ in person. Sharing our faith with others should be a joy not a burden. Certainly, we need to train Christians to defend their faith, refute false religions, understand the pure Gospel, memorize key Scripture verses, and to prepare to share their personal testimony. But in the end, the greatest thing we can do to spur on the Church in evangelism is to fall more in love with Jesus. Jesus came to earth as a man, to be with us, relate to us, and die as one of us both fully God and fully human. If we live our lives as authentic followers of Christ and are bold in preaching the Gospel and sharing our story, we will see Gen Z in the US and the world come running to Jesus. The Gospel, Jesus' birth, death and resurrection, is the most powerful message ever told we just need to keep telling it. If you are looking for biblical training and resources to aid and equip you for evangelism, sign up for September's Hope Together Conference, and visit www.hopefortheheart.org. Originally published at The Christian Post For small- and medium-sized businesses, meeting the demand for up-and-coming skills can put a strain on resources, causing delays on digital transformation projects vital to company growth. Girl Power Talk aims to help solve this by offering unique services that can help businesses meet target goals for projects, while empowering and uplifting young women in tech in the process. The organization is split into two halves: a non-profit side called Girl Power USA and a corporation side called Girl Power Talk. The two work in tandem, with Girl Power USA focused on philanthropic work, and Girl Power Talk on being a social enterprise, providing a litany of services. Girl Power Talk, specifically, offers services around client engagement, community management, digital marketing, custom software development, website and application design, system integration and optimization, and risk mitigation. But what makes it a true force is its on a mission to galvanize women in tech while helping businesses grow by giving them the chance to work directly for organizations partnered with Girl Power Talk, and gain experience, opportunities, and skills for a future career in tech. By Revital Kremer, CTO, SupPlant The global agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges as climate change disrupts traditional farming practices. Unpredictable weather patterns, extreme temperature fluctuations, and shifting seasons threaten crop yields and food security. Experts predict that by 2050, up to 370 million people could face food insecurity due to these changes. AgTech startup SupPlant is working to tackle these challenges through innovative AI-driven solutions. The companys mission is to provide farmers with real-time insights derived from plant data, enabling them to optimize water usage, improve crop yields, and adapt to changing climatic conditions. One of SupPlants groundbreaking developments is the AI Doctor, which is part of its new generative AI solution. This system uses large language models (LLMs) to combine a vast library of agricultural data with expert knowledge. The AI Doctor doesnt just provide recommendations; it empowers farmers to make informed decisions that enhance crop health and productivity. It scans raw data and provides straightforward diagnostics to identify any issues across a week of data. It identifies any problems and offers recommendations. For example, if theres a severe decline in trunk growth combined with dry and hot temperatures during a critical phenological stage of the crop, the tool will recommend adding an extra irrigation session during the day. Similarly, if the nights are very humid for crops with thin shells, it will suggest halting irrigation until late morning to prevent fruit cracking, which can lead to yield loss and pest diseases. Real-time data for enhanced agricultural efficiency Real-time data collection and analysis are critical to SupPlants approach. IoT sensors deployed in fields worldwide collect vital information on crop and weather conditions every 30 minutes. This data, along with satellite thermal and imagery data, is immediately processed and synthesized, providing farmers with early warnings and tailored recommendations. This system has a significant impact; it can save farmers an average of 30% on water usage and boost crop yields by 5-10%. The backbone of SupPlants data operations is DataStax Astra DB, a managed service for Apache Cassandra. Astra DB offers the high availability, scalability, and performance necessary for our ambitious data requirements. The database manages 1.5 billion data points collected from sensors on plants and in the soil. This robust infrastructure ensures that SupPlant can process and analyze data in real time, providing farmers with the necessary, timely insights. SupPlants extensive data powers our Plant;) product, a sensorless solution that relies on satellite data, regional weather data, and models built on SupPlants sensor data. Its tailored for smallholder farmers, providing irrigation recommendations and weather alerts via WhatsApp messages at minimal cost, eliminating the need for sensor installations. SupPlant recently adopted advanced vector search technology within Astra DB to enhance our data retrieval capabilities. This feature enables efficient querying of vast databases, ensuring that the most relevant information is instantly available for analysis by LLMs. This improvement helps address real-time user issues more effectively, supporting SupPlants mission to provide timely and actionable insights. Providing precise, real-time data and actionable insights enables farmers to optimize water usage, improve crop yields, and adapt to weather variability. Efficient irrigation strategies reduce water waste and ensure crops receive the proper moisture at the correct times. Timely insights help farmers address potential issues before they become serious problems, resulting in healthier crops and higher yields. Real-time data enables farmers to respond quickly to changing weather conditions, minimizing the impact of extreme events. SupPlants use of AI and real-time data, powered by Astra DB, is helping farmers worldwide combat the effects of climate change and improve food security. By leveraging AI, were making agriculture more efficient, resilient, and sustainable. As climate challenges continue to grow, solutions like these will be essential in ensuring a stable and secure food supply for the future. Learn more about how DataStax powers AI-enabled success stories. About Revital Kremer DataStax Revital Kremer is leading the charge for ag-tech to help farmers overcome water scarcity as climate change continues to challenge growing conditions around the world. She joined SupPlant, a precision ag-tech company, after more than two decades working with technology teams in military, gaming, and other software domains. SupPlants system gathers data from sensors placed on the plant trunk, on the fruit, and in the soil, collecting and transmitting measurements in real time. Learn how Revital and her team help farmers grow healthier plants through AI-powered irrigation, backed by real-time data. Agents come in many forms, many of which respond to prompts humans issue through text or speech. Yet as organizations figure out how generative AI fits into their plans, IT leaders would do well to pay close attention to one emerging category: multiagent systems. In such systems, multiple agents execute tasks intended to achieve an overarching goal, such as automating payroll, HR processes, and even software development, based on text, images, audio, and video from large language models (LLMs). Eighty-two percent of leaders surveyed by Capgemini said they expect to integrate them into their businesses to help automate such tasks as generating anything from emails to software code to analyzing data within the next one to three years. How multiagents operate depends on the tasks and goals theyre designed to accomplish. All aboard the multiagent train It might help to think of multiagent systems as conductors operating a train. Youll have a lead conductora boss if you willwho doles out tasks to a series of other conductors, or subagents. A human user might query the lead conductor through a classic user interface, such as an LLM prompt window, thus setting off a chain of events as each subagent handles a different task. The agents may collaborate with each other, other digital tools, systems, and even humans, tapping into corporate repositories to gain additional organizational knowledge. Importantly, these systems learn from their task history, human feedback, and other inputs to regularly improve their performance as well as adapt to changes in their environment. Essentially, they are self-governing and iterative, not unlike human employees. At a time when organizations are seeking to generate value from GenAI, multiagents hold perhaps the most promise for boosting operational productivity. The value that agents can unlock stems from their potential to automate complex use cases characterized by highly variable inputs and outputsuse cases that have historically been hard to automate. Multiagents make automation actionable McKinsey landed on an excellent example: booking business trips. Think of all the logistical planning and steps to navigate as you secure various travel arrangements, lodging, meals, etc. Sure, some of this has been automated in some capacity, but it still requires a wide variation in inputs and outputs that have historically proven too costly or technically challenging to automate. Now imagine a business using agents for actionable automation, across sales and marketing, HR, IT operations, and other functions. An agent could create a net new sales analysis, working with other agents to scan the various sales inputs and outputs for relevant information, draft a document, review it, vet it against corporate standards, and revise it accordingly. McKinsey cites loan underwriting, code modernization, and marketing collateral among other potential knowledge work use cases. However, multiagent automation neednt be limited to the digital realm; agents might also manage electrical systems, from elevators to HVAC, controlling temperatures and lighting across zones. Such systems are already highly automated. These cases are largely conjectural; your use cases will depend on your business needs. However, automating such work would free human employees to focus on running some of the softer aspects of the business, including collaborating more with colleagues and interacting with customerstasks that could improve employee and customer promoter scores. Of course, ensuring digital resiliency remains a challenge with multiagent systems. That is, if one agent fails, will the entire system break down? This is something the tech industry has seen time and again with robotic process automation, where bots taking their cues from rules-based programming got stuck when a variation presented itself. Truly autonomous agents must correct themselves so they can achieve their goals. Until then, having a human-in-the-loop who can initiate kill switches or execute rollback capabilities as you begin to experiment with multiagent systems will be critical. Preparing your organization for a multiagent future Ultimately, the key is ensuring that multi-agent systems operate in alignment with organizational goals to achieve the desired business outcomes. As an IT leader, you must be ready to support agentic systems should you and your business stakeholders elect to pursue the option. From your front-line coders to your DevOps practitioners and hardware engineers, your organization must be ready to adapt to dynamic changewhether its implementing single digital assistants or fleets of autonomous agents. Distributing tasks across multi-agent systems requires a modular approach to system architecture, in which development, testing, and troubleshooting are streamlined, reducing disruption. A similar approach to infrastructure can help. Dell Technologies offers the Dell AI Factory, which brings together AI innovation, services, and a broad ecosystem of partners to help organizations achieve their desired AI outcomes. Dells professional services team will help organizations prepare and synthesize their data and help them identify and execute use cases. Learn more about the Dell AI Factory. Aboneaza-te la rubricile dorite si primeste zilnic notificari pe email cu link-uri la articolele care au fost adaugate in ultimele 24 de ore. Notificarile vor fi expediate la adresa indicata mai jos. Daca doresti sa schimbi adresa - o poti modifica editand informatia de profil aici. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Maybe its the sixties again. The Democratic National Convention will open today in Chicago, and there will be protests. (Its fair to say that the press has noticed the parallel, including us here at CJR.) Or maybe, as my sometime CJR collaborator Bill Grueskin suggested yesterday, its the seventies. The Republican candidate for president is labeling his opponent a communist, complete with hammer-and-sickle iconography, and seems obsessed with Time magazine. (This could all be out of the fifties as well, but theres talk of price controls in the air, too, to go with all the communism.) Or maybe its the nineties. The DNC will open today in Chicago, and there will be okay, there probably wont be the Macarena. But we can dream. But surely its more like the noughties are back? Invocations of Obama-like levels of political energy are in the headlines, as is Shepard Fairey, the artist behind the iconic Obama HOPE poster who is now the artist behind a similar poster featuring Kamala Harris. Ezra Klein is a breakout media star of this political cycle, in the words of Semafors Max Tani. (Bustles Maggie Bullock asked last week, Is Everybody Horny for Ezra Klein?) The actor Martin Sheen, a/k/a President Bartlet from The West Wing, was at the White House last week, then on MSNBC yesterday, tearing up as he was shown a scene that depicted him alongside his late costar John Spencer (who died in 2005, while The West Wing was still filming). As Jen Psaki, the host of the show on which Sheen appeared, put it, the scene in question featured a fictionalized DNC at which the historically successful, but aging, Democratic president prepares to step aside from public life and throws his support behind a young, impressive, diverse, inspiring successor. But dont be sillyits actually the 2010s all over again! As I scrolled Twitter (sorry, X) this morning, I saw a clip of the Psaki-Sheen interview, but not before Id seen a post confirming the four celebrity hosts for the (real life) DNC this week, two of whomKerry Washington and Tony Goldwynstarred on Scandal, a more recent (if still somewhat dated) political drama. I also saw a report from CNN confirming that Hillary Clinton will appear at the convention tonight; a source familiar with her thinking said that she will talk about how many cracks have been put in the glass ceiling. If Donald Trump depicting Harris as a communist felt very fifties/seventies, the fact that he did so on Twitter (sorry, X)and that his post drove coverage in sections of the political pressfelt very 2016. (Until last week, Trump had largely stayed away from the platform since he was banned by its old owners in the wake of January 6even after its new owner, Elon Musk, invited him back.) The communism attack line shows how terminally online Trump and his allies are, the journalist Noah Shachtman argued (also on X). But if this is true, surely its the 2020s? The media climate around the DNC further proves the point. Last week, Axios reported that the organizers plan to stream the event on social platforms that use (or allow) vertical videoTikTok, Instagram, YouTubein the hopes of drawing in a young digital audience. To the same end, the organizers have, for the first time, credentialed hundreds of influencers and content creators as if they were old-timey journalists, while setting up a VIP creator platform occupying prime real estate on the convention floor and giving a handful of them formal speaking slots. (One, John Russell, is a self-described dirtbag journalist who says he is biased for the working class.) Semafor wrote yesterday that the national media is old news at the DNC, which is all about digital. As the media historian Michael Socolow suggested to my colleague Kevin Lind recently, journalists often find comfort in historical references at moments that are otherwise uncharted or hard to explain with certainty. (We all like history, Socolow said. We believe in it almost spiritually.) Yesterday, CNNs Jake Tapper put the perceived 1968 parallel to J.B. Pritzker, the governor of Illinois. I know reporters like to harken back to 68 because theres a lot of good footage you get to point to, Pritzker replied, but 2024 is a whole different ball game. (Tapper interjected that CNN had harked back to 96 as well, by playing the Macarena.) In saying this, Pritzker echoed Socolow and other historians who find such comparisons inexact. As you might have guessed by now, Ive been struck, in recent days, by how many nuggets in the pre-DNC news cycle have echoed media moments pastbut the fact that they dont recall any one moment in isolation itself testifies to the inexactness of historical precedent. And the meat in each nugget is new. The tagline on Faireys Harris poster is explicitly future-facing: FORWARD. The recent West Wing media tour has actually been a function of the shows datedness, pegged to a book that is coming out on the twenty-fifth anniversary of its debut. As Bustle noted (emphasis mine), Ezra Klein is not some breakout star; indeed, its hard to recall a mediascape without him. Two months ago, I explored the contours of the present media moment and concluded that it was a muddled one, of palpable disorientation and tirednessthe result of a wild political landscape, but also sharply declining finances and readership at various traditional outlets, and (as I explored more recently) growing claims of their obsolescence, including from those inside the fold. In many ways, the pre-DNC nuggets I included aboveand many otherscrystallize this sense, perhaps more clearly than those around any other single news event this year. Sign up for CJRs daily email Going in, Harris has still yet to submit to a formal interview with a traditional outlet, a fact bemoaned as a bad sign for civic health by many journalists and media-watchers but openly cheered by others, including in some establishment-y precincts. As noted above, influencers appear primed to take over the DNC. (Ed OKeefe, of CBS, told Deadlines Ted Johnson that one convention subplot to watch will be how the Democratic Party allows access for them versus the nonpartisan press corps.) If Klein got his start as a liberal influencer of sortshe was an early blogger, part of a pack known as the juicebox mafiahe now helps set the Democratic Party weather from inside the New York Times, that most establishment-y of precincts. Butat least according to Semafors Tanieven Kleins growing profile and the attendant commercial success of his podcast poses a dilemma for the Times, which has been trying to steer its brand away from perceptions of progressive voiciness. And yet, in some ways, it feels like a different media moment has come into focus since I wrote in Juneor, at least, a more complicated version of the one I outlined. Here, too, the DNC helps us to see it more clearly. Harriss dramatic ascent to the top of the Democratic ticket has provided political coverage with a jolt of energy. (How to watch the Democratic National Convention? the Arizona Republic media critic Bill Goodykoontz asked last week. With about 10,000% more interest than a month ago.) If envoys of the traditional media must share access with envoys of the new this year, there will still be an awful lot of the former in Chicago. Per Deadline, traditional outlets, which have already benefited from a spike in audience engagement amid all the recent drama, are expecting an uptick in interest around the convention, too. The last few weeks have been something people will be reading about for the next 100 years, Seni Tienabeso, the executive director at ABC News Live, told Johnson. We believe in history almost spiritually, including, apparently, when it is unfolding in front of our eyes. What to make of all this, as we grasp to make sense of this moment, for our audiences and for ourselves? The best course, perhaps, is to embrace the muddleor at least to avoid exaggerating our way out of it. We should listen to, even enjoy, historical echoes where they appear, without overstating their prescience. We should, of course, be concerned about the longer-term financial decline of the news business, but without buying into premature reports of our irrelevance. (We still have a lot of power, as I wrote recently.) Most immediately, at the DNC, we can bring an appropriately skeptical eye to proceedings; this, after all, is what separates the value of journalism from many other forms of content creation. The protests outside notwithstanding, this will be a stage-managed event, as all conventions are. We shouldnt oversell the stagecraft. Four years ago, the Democratic convention was a virtual affair due to the pandemicitself a highly disorienting moment, for the media and everyone else. In many ways, of course, this was a radical departure from the normal, in-person conventionbut as the historian Heather Hendershot noted at the time, it was perhaps less helpful to see the digitized 2020 proceedings as a divergence from the regular way of doing business than a culmination of that approach, in which total control has finally, theoretically, been achieved. (Separately, Hendershot appeared on CJRs podcast The Kicker last week to talk 1968; you can listen here.) As I noted in 2020, some political reporters saw the lack of a real convention as an opportunityto focus on substance over pageantry, and to interrogate whether conventions are valuable news events at all. To use a very 2020s word, maybe this was just cope. But it remains sound advice, even post-COVID. There will be plenty of substance to care about at the DNC, and in the streets outside, this week: stories that may echo the past, but are specific to the present, and look FORWARD. Other notable stories: Perry Bacon Jr., of the Washington Post, weighed in on the debate over whether Harris should do more formal interviews, arguing thatwhile many of the questions asked at the White House briefings and on the campaign trail arent particularly sharpengaging with the press is a democratic imperative, and that Harris can speak to journalists who specialize in policy reporting. The media is not just campaign trail reporters, Bacon writes, noting that Harris could sit down with journalists who specialize in foreign affairs, the economy, or immigration. Reporters at Chalkbeat (which specializes in education), Capital B (issues affecting specifically Black Americans), Bolts (democracy at the local and state level) and the Marshall Project (criminal justice) would almost certainly not ask Harris about whatever Trump said that day if she sat down with them. The New Yorkers Stephania Taladrid spoke with Jorge Ramos, the legendary Univision anchor, about his career and journalistic philosophy. When Im talking with someone who has a lot of power, and especially those who abuse their power, I have to be intensely visible, Ramos said. It doesnt mean that being invisible in certain situations as a reporter isnt the right thing. I took that role when I was in Ukraine, and recently in Israel. But if Im talking with Hugo Chavez or Carlos Salinas de Gortari, or Fidel Castro, or Nicolas Maduro, or Donald Trump, I have to take a stand. And thats something that I understood late in my career as a journalist. For many, many years, I was concentrated only on the reporting side but not on questioning those who are in power. The Posts Will Sommer recounts what happened after Malcolm Harrisa Marxist journalist with a sense of humor and three books critiquing capitalism to his namefound a Project 2025 duffel bag from the right-wing Heritage Foundation on the street in Washington. Harris found documents inside the bag; they were not that crazy, he said (they appeared to be part of a Heritage internship program), and yet, after he posted about the bag on X, a Project 2025 staffer reported to the police that it had been stolen. In the end, Harris returned the bag. And John Lansingwho served as head of the US Agency for Global Media, then as chief executive of NPR before stepping down from the broadcaster earlier this yearhas died. He was sixty-seven. Lansing oversaw a significant shift in workforce hiring and notable changes in demographics for NPRs workforce and leadership team, NPRs David Folkenflik writes, though the networks audiences have not yet diversified in the same way. Despite implementing layoffs last year, he won praise from the head of NPRs union. He did the best he could, the union leader said. Crisis after crisisoh my God. ICYMI: Reflections on 1968from journalists who were there Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. The creeks around East Palestine, Ohio, were so badly contaminated by last years disastrous Norfolk Southern derailment that some workers became sick during the cleanup. Workers who reported headaches and nausea while shooting compressed air into the creek bed, which releases chemicals from the sediment and water were sent back to their hotels to rest, according to a report obtained by The Associated Press about their illnesses. The findings were not released to the public last spring, despite residents concerns about the potential health effects of exposure to the long list of chemicals that spilled and burned after the disaster. The workers symptoms, as described in the report, are consistent with what Centers for Disease Control and Prevention workers going door-to-door in town had reported shortly after the Feb. 3, 2023, derailment. Since then some residents have also reported unexplained rashes, asthma and other respiratory problems, and serious diseases including male breast cancer. Researchers are still determining how many of those health problems can be linked to the derailment and how the disaster will impact the long-term health of residents in the area near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Many wonder whether there will be cancer clusters down the road, which of course wont be clear for years. In the meantime, residents have until Aug. 22 to decide whether to accept up to $25,000 as part of a $600 million class action settlement with the railroad to compensate them for any future health problems. Accepting that money though means giving up the right to sue later, when the cost of health care coverage and specific treatments needed will become more clear. Norfolk Southern spokesperson Heather Garcia said none of the workers who got sick during the cleanup reported lingering or long-term symptoms. The health and safety of our employees, contractors, and the community has been paramount throughout the recovery in East Palestine, Garcia said. The creek cleanup work continued, but nearly three weeks later, another worker got sick. This time, it was halted altogether. While thereve been other cleanup projects since then, theyve stopped using high-pressure air knife tools. Independent toxicologist George Thompson who has been following the aftermath of the Ohio wreck said the cleanup contractors, overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency, should have known the work they were doing would release chemicals from the sediment into the air and water. In fact, that is what CTEH was monitoring while the project was underway. And with one of the main streams, Sulphur Run, going directly through town and in culverts under homes and offices, Thompson said those chemicals could have infiltrated buildings. Youre just spreading out the chemicals for exposure, Thompson said. And I just think that it was not an informed decision to use air knifing at all. Resident Jami Wallace said she lost her voice for two weeks after she got too close to one of the air knifing machines, which was placed near her driveway. She said when the machine was turned on, it felt like being hit by an invisible wall emitting a sweet chemical smell much like when the train derailed. The report from CTEH was submitted to Unified Command, the group overseeing disaster response which included federal, state and local officials along with Norfolk Southern but no one released it despite significant public interest. CTEHs principal toxicologist Paul Nony confirmed the report was given to the command center, and officials there were alerted about the illnesses. When CDC workers got sick also with headaches and nausea it generated headlines nationwide. Related: Norfolk Southern Reports $156M in Insurance Payments Following Ohio Derailment East Palestine resident Misti Allison said not enough is being done to monitor long-term health effects on the community, and this report substantiates their health concerns. She said this report should have never been kept from the public. Its absolutely egregious, and that shouldnt happen. I think that any type of information like that just like when the CDC workers came to the area and got sick that should be disclosed instead of diminished, Allison said. Especially when it comes to human health, nothing should be swept under the rug. The East Palestine derailment that happened on the night of Feb. 3, 2023, was easily the worst rail disaster since a crude oil train leveled the small Canadian town of Lac Megantic and killed 47 people in 2013. It prompted a national reckoning with rail safety and calls for reform although proposals for new industry rules have stalled in Congress. Thirty-eight cars derailed, including 11 carrying hazardous materials such as butyl acrylate and vinyl chloride. After the crash, a fire burned for days. Fearing the five vinyl chloride cars would explode, officials then needlessly blew them open, and intentionally burned the toxic plastic ingredient. That created a massive plume of thick black smoke over the area. The NTSB determined that the decision-makers that day never received the key opinion that the cars were not likely to explode from the chemical manufacturer. The major freight railroads responded by pledging to add hundreds more trackside detectors nationwide to help spot mechanical problems. They also reevaluated the way they respond to alerts and even before alerts, the way they track rising temperatures from an overheating wheel bearing. This summers completion of the NTSB investigation into the crash brought renewed hope that Congress might pass a rail safety bill, but little action has been taken outside of a House hearing on the subject last month. CTEH said that its environmental testing around the creeks confirmed there were elevated levels of an assortment of chemicals in the air and sediment. Still, the group didnt find either of the two chemicals of greatest concern: vinyl chloride or butyl acrylate. Sediment testing at nine locations along the creeks where cleanup workers reported strong odors did show 37 different chemical compounds that were primarily either hydrocarbons or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Because of that, CTEH said it was clear that some of the contamination in the creeks came from industries that operated in the area years before the 2023 derailment. Still, those compounds could have also been created from chemicals burning after the train crash. Nony, the head CTEH toxicologist, said that his companys responsibility during the air knifing operation was primarily to monitor air quality. The EPA has said that it doesnt believe people are being exposed to any toxic chemicals on an ongoing basis because concerning levels of chemicals havent been found in their air and water tests since the evacuation order was lifted. In follow-up testing this year, the agency did find small amounts of vinyl chloride and other chemicals at the crash site, but citing only small amounts and the fact that the contaminated soil was removed, the agency said they dont represent a risk to human health. The overall clean up effort in East Palestine is expected to be completed sometime later this year. Top Photo: Debris from a Norfolk Southern freight train lies scattered and burning along the tracks, Feb. 4, 2023, the day after it derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Two U.S. lawmakers want the Biden administration to probe Chinas TP-Link Technology Co and its affiliates for potential national security risks from their widely used WiFi routers over fears they could be used in cyber attacks against the U.S. Republican Representative John Moolenaar and Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, who lead the House Select Committee on China, requested a Commerce Department probe in a Tuesday letter seen by Reuters. According to research firm IDC, TP-Link, which focuses on the consumer market, is the top seller of WiFi routers internationally by unit volume. In calling for an investigation, the U.S. legislators cited known vulnerabilities in TP-Link firmware and instances of its routers being exploited to target government officials in European countries. ...We request that Commerce verify the threat posed by (China-affiliated small office/home office) routers particularly those offered by the worlds largest manufacturer, TP-Link, according to the letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. They called it a glaring national security issue. The Commerce Department said it would respond to the letter through appropriate channels. The Chinese Embassy said it hopes authorities will have enough evidence when identifying cyber-related incidents, rather than make groundless speculations and allegations. TP-Link, founded in China in 1996 by two brothers and based in Shenzhen, said in a statement that the company does not sell any router products in the United States and that its routers do not have cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Related: Health Systems Increasingly Targets of Cyberattacks But They Can be Ready The letter is a sign of mounting concerns that Beijing could exploit Chinese-origin routers and other equipment in cyber attacks on American governments and businesses. The U.S., its allies and Microsoft last year disclosed a Chinese government-linked hacking campaign dubbed Volt Typhoon. By taking control of privately owned routers, the attackers sought to hide subsequent attacks on American critical infrastructure. The vast majority of affected routers, however, appeared to be from Cisco and NetGear, the Justice Department said in January. Last year, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency said TP-Link routers had a vulnerability that could be exploited to execute remote code. Around the same time, U.S. security company Check Point reported that hackers linked to a Chinese state-sponsored group used a malicious firmware implant for TP-Link to target European foreign affairs officials. The Commerce Department has broad powers to ban or restrict transactions between U.S. firms and internet, telecom and tech companies from foreign adversary nations like China, Russia, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela if their products pose a national security risk. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper; Additional reporting by Eduardo Baptista. Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Sonali Paul) China upholds fairness, justice, promotes world multipolarity 10:03, August 19, 2024 By He Yin ( People's Daily In today's turbulent world, power politics and bullying practices are causing severe harm, and the international security landscape is fraught with chaos. As a responsible major country, China always upholds fairness and justice. Upholding fairness and justice has been a fine tradition and unwavering commitment of Chinese diplomacy. From putting forth the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence over 70 years ago to actively advancing the building of a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind in the new era, China has taken concrete actions to contribute its strength in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. In developing international relations, China is committed to equality among all countries, big or small, and adheres to the principle of combining justice with interests while prioritizing justice. China does not seek major-power competition or geopolitical spheres of influence. It does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries or force them to take sides. Faced with surging hegemonism and power politics, China has always been defending justice. It has resolutely pushed back against a handful of countries' attempts to dominate international affairs, demanded increased representation and voice of developing countries in the global governance system, supported addressing the historical injustices done to African countries as a priority, and urged the lifting of all illegal unilateral sanctions. With these efforts, China has firmly upheld the common and legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and made the international order more just and equitable. Defending justice in defiance of hegemonic power is certainly also about safeguarding China's sovereignty, national dignity and territorial integrity. In the face of external interference and provocation, China fought back resolutely and forcefully. In response to various acts of unjustified suppression, China took legitimate and reasonable countermeasures. In international affairs, China consistently upholds fairness and justice while seeking solutions to pressing issues, in an effort to promote equity and justice, and contribute to lasting peace and stability. On May 30, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. He stressed that China firmly supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. It supports Palestine's full membership in the UN, and supports a more broad-based, authoritative and effective international peace conference. Leaders of countries attending the opening ceremony highly appreciated China's fair and just stance on the Palestinian question. They expressed willingness to work closely with China to help ease tensions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On July 4, Xi delivered a speech when attending the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, where he called for building a common home of fairness and justice. The SCO Summit has issued the Astana Declaration and the SCO initiative on world unity for justice, harmony and development. It was a strong message of the new era, one that calls for solidarity, cooperation and justice rather than division, confrontation, and hegemonism. China unites with the Global South on the basis of equality, openness, transparency and inclusiveness, strengthening the power of fairness and justice in the international community. As an important member of the Global South, China forms its stance based on the merits of each issue when handling international affairs, abides by the basic norms of international relations, and safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, especially developing countries. China supports deepening cooperation under the expanded BRICS and the SCO, and supports Brazil and Peru in holding the G20 Leaders' Summit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting respectively to jointly create a shining "South moment" in global governance. China is accelerating the implementation of the eight initiatives to better support Global South cooperation, working to ensure the success of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) that will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6, developing the "five cooperation frameworks" with Arab states, upgrading its relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and deepening cooperation with Pacific island countries. China will stay committed to the development and revitalization of the Global South. Promoting world multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations is part and parcel of upholding fairness and justice. China advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world, which means every country can find its place in a multipolar system and play its due role pursuant to international law. China advocates that the multipolar world should be equal, that is, to insist on the equality of all countries, oppose hegemony and power politics, oppose the monopoly of a few countries in international affairs, and effectively promote greater democracy in international relations. China believes that multipolarity should be a historical process in which countries choose solidarity over division, communication over confrontation, cooperation over conflict, and win-win results over lose-lose situations. To achieve this goal, all countries should uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, safeguard the universally recognized basic norms governing international relations, and practice genuine multilateralism. No matter how the international landscape evolves, China always stands on the right side of history and upholds fairness and justice. It will always be a firm builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. China will continue to uphold fairness and justice, adhere to true multilateralism, safeguard the authority and role of the UN, make the global governance architecture more balanced and effective, and build an equal and orderly multipolar world. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) 60 32 One thing you hate is when a shibboleth that's meant to exert and exact discipline actually loses you money. That's how I have been feeling about the idea that giving up on value is a sin. Since the late '80s, I have held that if you think that a company, or its brand, is valuable, you must fight to "keep it on your sheets," the genuine Wall Street gibberish for holding on to the stock. But lately it's been a bear for my Charitable Trust, the portfolio we use for the Investing Club, and I would apologize except it's worked for so long I don't know what to apologize for. Consider the case of now-former Club holding Wynn Resorts . The casino chain had been a strong-performing stock for years when Steve Wynn ran it. But it has become an unmitigated disaster because any company with China exposure has been horrendous, regardless of how good it is. We didn't give up on Danaher despite the life science firm's Chinese business. We thought it was too valuable. Same with GE Healthcare , although I am perturbed at myself for not recognizing its interest-rate sensitivity, and that if I wanted a medical device maker that emphasized science, I should have just bought Intuitive Surgical. But Wynn Resorts was intractable, and it has seen its valuation plummet on a number of metrics from price-to-earnings to enterprise value to EBITDA. It's traded like the casinos are considered off limits to people in China. Nothing matters; it has to go down. We ultimately sold out of Wynn Resorts on Aug. 5 to raise cash to buy higher-quality stocks. Nothing has been worse than Club holding Estee Lauder , which reports its latest earnings report before the bell Monday. I have owned this stock for the Trust for years, watching longtime CEO Fabrizio Freda navigate cosmetics around the world. He seemed to have everything figured out everything except something that seems a lot like the cultural revolution. Of course, one could argue that there is no value to be had in the stock. Even after the decline of mammoth proportions, the stock can't find a footing. Because of the collapse of its Chinese business, it has become an extremely expensive growth stock that will most likely miss its numbers. It's not protected by its 2.78% dividend yield. Alas, it is a first-class disaster, and we stayed invested because Freda, who has served as CEO since July 2009, had been able to bring out value before. He obviously can't now. That is why Estee Lauder stock soared 6.6% Tuesday, the day Club holding Starbucks announced Laxman Narasimhan was out as CEO and Brian Niccol, the bankable Chipotle CEO, was taking over the top job next month . I like Freda, but to say that he's distinguished himself here is to be a houseman for the executive. I am not. I can't believe how flatfooted he was caught by the change in China. I am sure, like everyone else, when you talk critically in this business, the CEO in question unabashedly regards you as a doofus who doesn't know anything, like a critic can't speak unless he played professionally. I am not buying it; I am now certain that one needs a fresh pair of eyes. But it is a family-run business, which adds a layer of complexity to the situation and could make change more difficult. Why not get rid of it? We did trim some in late July. Now we are just hoping that we do get leadership change, and sticking around means we won't kick ourselves because of what happened to Starbucks. And what exactly did happen? Last night, my wife Lisa and I were out with my "Squawk on the Street" co-host Carl Quintanilla at a lovely benefit for the Sag Harbor Cinema, a not-for-profit gem that makes the little Long Island town into a destination beyond a pretty port and some excellent restaurants. Everyone was incredibly nice, as is always the case when the cause is good and true. At one point, a terrific gentleman in the news business came over to me and congratulated me for getting Narasimhan fired, a reference to my May 1 interview with the executive after the coffee chain's disastrous quarterly results. I quickly corrected him by saying Narasimhan was responsible because he offered up the answers that sounded like some sort of lecture and retreaded the same ideas as he's been using since the fall, even as it was so clear that was not working. I can tell you that I didn't expect what I got when he appeared on "Squawk on the Street" that day. I expected some contrition; we got none. I expected a recognition that the turnaround was not working; silly me, didn't I know it was? I wanted a plan that addressed the need for a low-price latte; actually, no need. I wanted to discuss the idea that there are just too many new drinks on the menu; it was not open for question even as my daughter, a one-time barista, was bewildered with a tenth of the choices, and she defaulted into being the person who put designer hearts in the latte's top layer. Suffice it to say that at any given moment, the "Fugitive"-style train wreck could have been avoided. But the Rubicon got crossed at roughly the second minute of the horror show. So, it was a pretty natural thing to see activists investors like Elliott Management show up as I wrote in May that they might because Starbucks is a phenomenal brand and, as frail as it seems, people still love it. I wasn't privy to what happened and don't pretend to know how much three-time CEO and founder Howard Schultz played a role. I do know that he was justifiably angry watching its performance disintegrate under Narasimhan. It's the third time that Schultz, who remains a major shareholder, has been unhappy with his successor. But the numbers justified a change. My colleague David Faber asked me the other day what I thought Niccol could do at Starbucks. I was glib and just said something like, "Fix it." The truth, though, is that Niccol is a fixer. He know food. He knows service. He knows the most important quality of this kind of business is order throughput. He's battle-tested. He's ridiculously qualified, and he will get the job done. Should the stock really have surged 24.5% on the announcement Tuesday? It's a big change, and he's a winning executive. More important, the market had lost all faith in Narasimhan and didn't care for his consultant-like ways. Among the questions going forward: Can Niccol work with the lingering presence of Schultz, who now comes off as someone who won't let go? Does Starbucks' board know that there is no one better than Niccol so it won't be easy to dislodge him if, at first, it doesn't work out? But here's the good news: There is a way to work it out. Ron Shaich, the man who built Panera Bread into an institution before stepping down as CEO in 2010, saw it at one time starting to flail. In his excellent autobiography, he tells the story of returning to the company first as co-CEO then as sole CEO to help boost growth and modernize its operations in the digital age. He knew it would be very hard to do. He knew that the chain was in an existential crisis. So, he set in motion "Panera 2.0," which included some test stores in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he could tinker with what was needed. It took forever. A year later, I was begging him to come on "Mad Money" to talk to me about the result; he said they weren't ready yet. It took more than a year, but when Panera 2.0 was ready, it took the country by storm. If Niccol does it this way, I am confident today's stock will look cheap. Was Narasimhan that bad? No, Niccol is that good. Narasimhan didn't have the restaurant skillset. He was from packaged goods, a minor portion of the job. Dishwasher detergent and coffee? Who thought of that. Now, in fairness to Narasimhan, he had to deal with a boycott of Starbucks by pro-Palestinian supporters. This was a tough one. The fact that it took a stand against all violence is noble. Most important, though, there was seemingly nothing that Narasimhan could have done, and it really did hurt sales. Still, the fact is that sales were going down anyway as stores struggled with throughput and some customers took issue with prices. Here's an interesting question: What exactly is the value of Starbucks? Right now, there isn't a complimentary word on anyone's lips about the place. I would say that, in some ways, is the value. The bar is so low, the situation so bad, Niccol has the world's greatest cover. He can tinker and make significant changes all over the globe. He can come up with a strategy if there is another boycott. He can figure out labor as he did at Chipotle. He knows throughput better than anyone on earth. Go read his last few conference calls. He's the maestro. Lots of things had to go right to get this stock back in the $90s per share. You needed no dallying and a clean break with Narasimhan. You needed to find the best guy in the business and be sure he would even take the job given the history of people who have tried to run the place independent of its legacy. You needed activists who concentrated the minds of the board. You needed a belief that it can saved and that Niccol is the person to do it. All of these boxes were checked. That makes me want to continue to own it. But, in the end, this was a highly unusual set of circumstances not easily duplicated in an Estee Lauder or a Wynn. I am not holding my breath on those. But for Starbucks? Let's just say that for the first time since we bought it , shortly before Narasimhan was named incoming CEO, I can actually breathe. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long SBUX and EL. 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 Starbucks store in Manhattan, New York City, on July 16, 2024. Beata Zawrzel | Nurphoto | Getty Images Philippine Coast Guard law enforcement command personnel stand aboard the BRP Bagacay during a send-off ceremony in Manila on May 20, 2024. China on Monday accused Philippine vessels of "illegally" intruding and colliding with one of their ships in waters near the Escoda Shoal, in the latest territorial spat between the two countries. According to a statement by the Chinese Coast Guard, one of the Philippine vessels acted in an "unprofessional and dangerous" manner, ignoring repeated warnings and deliberately colliding with a Chinese ship. "We warn the Philippines to immediately stop its infringement and provocation, otherwise all the consequences arising from this will be borne by the Philippines," the statement said. Videos posted to the Chinese Coast Guard's website appeared to show the collision. The Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal and Xianbin Reef, is located in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. It has been the site of a standoff between China and the Philippines since April, when one of the Philippine Coast Guard's largest ships, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, was sent there. On Friday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said that Beijing had warned the Philippines to "stop its infringement activities" and withdraw its vessel from the waters. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela disputed Beijing's claims on social media, responding to a post from Chinese state-controlled outlet Global Times that challenged Manila's presence in the waters. "Escoda Shoal is located within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral award," Tarriela said. "Our Philippine Coast Guard vessels have the right to operate within the lagoon of Escoda Shoal for as long as necessary, without requiring permission from any other country," he added. US President Joe Biden delivers the keynote address on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024. Biden denied reports that he harbors resentments against Democratic party members calling on him to drop out of the presidential race. "All this talk about how I'm angry at all the people who said I should step down that's not true," Biden said. "It's been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. I love the job, but I love my country more." Instead, he said he was focused on finishing out the remaining five months of his term: "I've got five months left in my presidency. I've got a lot to do. I intend to get it done." At the end of his almost hour-long speech, Biden was joined on stage by his family, including Jill Biden, along with Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff. Rebecca Picciotto In another sign of cracks forming in the U.S. labor market, a New York Federal Reserve survey Monday showed a slide in people reporting they are employed, a surge in those looking for work and growing dissatisfaction with pay. The thrice-yearly measure of labor activity, confidence and satisfaction reflected growing concern in July about job security and an increase in those expecting to work past typical retirement age. Workers are still looking for higher starting salaries but are getting lower offers. The results come with the unemployment rate ticking higher and Wall Street and Fed policymakers watching the developments closely for clues about where things are headed for the U.S. economy. Among the findings was that, of those who were employed at the time of the last survey in March, 88% still had jobs, the lowest in data that goes back to 2014. Similarly, those who expected to become unemployed rose to 4.4%, a 0.5 percentage point increase from a year ago and the highest in the survey's history. Moreover, the level of those searching for a new job in the previous four weeks popped to 28.4%, up 9 percentage points from a year ago and another historic high going back to March 2014. On wages, satisfaction with current compensation dropped to 56.7%, down more than 3 percentage points from the same period in 2023. Satisfaction with benefits tumbled to 56.3%, off more than 8 points from a year ago, while satisfaction with opportunities for promotion slid to 44.2%, down from 53.5% last year, and was most pronounced among women, those without a college degree and respondents with household incomes less than $60,000. The typical wage offering for full-time jobs in the past four months declined slightly to $68,905 while the average "reservation wage," or the minimum level workers would accept for a new job rose to $81,147, up about $2,500 from a year ago but fractionally below the record high in the last survey. Finally, the expected likelihood of working past age 62 nudged up to 48.3% of respondents and increased to 34.2% of those saying they expect to work past 67, an increase of more than 2 percentage points. While the unemployment rate of 4.3% would be considered low by historical standards, it has been on the rise lately and spurring fears of a broader erosion in the economy. July saw a gain of just 114,000 in nonfarm payrolls, so the August report, to be released in early September, will be closely watched. Following their most recent meeting, Fed officials described job growth as having "moderated." The central bank is widely expected to reduce its key borrowing rate by a quarter percentage point at its next meeting in September, the first move lower in more than four years. George Santos, who was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives, arrives for his corruption trial at Central Islip Federal Courthouse in Central Islip, New York, U.S., August 19, 2024. Former New York Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Long Island to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos, a Republican, had been set to begin trial next month on a 23-count superseding indictment accused him of wire fraud, identity theft, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission. The 36-year-old disgraced ex-congressman, whose audacious lies about his personal and professional background were exposed a month before he first took office in January 2023, is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 7. He faces a minimum possible sentence of two years in prison and a maximum of 22 years behind bars for his crimes, which involved filing fraudulent FEC reports, embezzling funds from campaign donors, charging credit cards without authorization, stealing identities and obtaining unemployment benefits he was not entitled to, prosecutors said. As part of his guilty plea, Santos must pay nearly $373,750 in restitution and forfeit more than $205,000. "I deeply regret my conduct, I fully accept responsibility for my actions, and I understand my actions have betrayed the trust of my supporters," Santos said during his plea hearing. "I made misrepresentations so that the NRCC [National Republican Congressional Committee] would spend money on my campaign," Santos said. Assistant US Attorney Ryan Harris during the hearing said that Santos' victims included donors, members of his family, as well as state and federal officials. A former fundraiser for Santos and the former treasurer for his congressional campaign separately pleaded guilty last fall to federal criminal charges related to Santos. "Today, for what may seem like the first time since he started his campaign for Congress, Mr. Santos told the truth about his criminal schemes. He admitted to lying, stealing and conning people," said Breon Peace, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, whose office prosecuted Santos. Santos was expelled from the House of Representatives last December by a vote of 311 to 114. Santos, who had been elected in 2022, was the first member of the House in modern history to be expelled by that chamber without having first been convicted of a federal crime. He had announced a month earlier that he would not seek reelection to represent New York's Third Congressional District in 2024. Santos' decision came after a damning House Ethics report found "substantial evidence" that he had committed campaign fraud and other violations. That report found Santos "blatantly stole from his campaign" and "sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit." Among other things, Santos used $4,000 in donor funds from his campaign to make a purchase at the luxury clothing store Hermes, and to make smaller purchases at OnlyFans, the online site known for adult content. Santos was under fire shortly after his election in November 2022. In December of that year, The New York Times published an article with the headline: "Who Is Rep.-Elect George Santos? His Resume May Be Largely Fiction." The Times' story detailed how neither Citigroup nor Goldman Sachs, two major firms where Santos claimed to have worked, had no record of ever employing him, and how a number of other claims he made were not backed up when reporters checked on them. Santos' lawyer, Joe Murray, in a statement to The Times for that article, said that it was "no surprise that Congressman-elect Santos has enemies at The New York Times who are attempting to smear his good name with these defamatory allegations." Last October, Santos' ex-campaign treasurer Nancy Marks pleaded guilty to conspiring with him to commit wire fraud, making materially false statements to the FEC, and aggravated identity theft. A month later, Samuel Miele, who had raised money for Santos' campaign, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with impersonating a top aid to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy while soliciting donations for Santos. Miele also admitted to charging the credit cards of donors for personal expenses. - Additional reporting by Adam Reiss of NBC News This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. "It was the start of the next era," Grimes said. "Google [and other megacaps that followed] changed the way that we work, live and play. They did it in bigger ways than we all thought and now these are trillion-dollar companies right up at the top." The cumulative market value of companies Grimes has taken public is in the trillions of dollars. Some were more tumultuous, like Facebook 's IPO in 2012, and some pioneered innovative new structures, like Spotify 's direct listing in 2018. But Google's was groundbreaking. He calls the IPO of Google, which has increased by 7,600% over the last two decades, "momentous." Grimes told CNBC he does regret passing up the email address. But the IPO helped cement his reputation as "Wall Street's Silicon Valley whisperer," just as the tech industry began to reshape investing globally. Sergey Brin, Google's co-founder, chimed in. Grimes remembers Brin telling him, "Oh no, you don't want that. Gmail is going to be big. You'll be spammed forever." Twenty years ago, as Morgan Stanley banker Michael Grimes was helping lead the public offering for the young company behind the Google search engine, one of the most anticipated IPOs of the decade, he was among the first people offered a new email service. He had his pick of any identifier he wanted, so he asked for michael@gmail.com. Now operating under parent Alphabet, the company is worth more than $2 trillion. No longer just search and advertising, the tech giant counts YouTube, Pixel smartphones, cloud computing, self-driving cars and generative artificial intelligence among its many business units. It's a technology company so expansive that the Department of Justice may be looking to split it up. Alphabet wasn't immediately available to comment. At the time of Google's IPO 20 years ago, the tech industry was still reeling from the dot-com burst of the early 2000s and investors were cautious. Rather than going with a traditional offering, Google decided on a process called a Dutch auction, intended to democratize the IPO process by allowing a broader range of investors to participate. The founders' IPO letter began: "Google is not a conventional company. We do not intend to become one." It also introduced Google's "don't be evil" philosophy. Grimes said Brin and Larry Page wanted a level playing field for their IPO: "Their point of view was: Wait, if a young engineer sold some of her vested stock from Cisco or wherever and she wants to put $10,000 into Google, why should she get told she only gets $500 worth or none? Especially if she's willing to pay one dollar more than the institution." "The auction allocations," Grimes said, "would be determined by price and size. Not by who you are, and that was the fun. That was the fundamental breakthrough." Grimes added that some banks and institutions cautioned Google's co-founders against the unusual process and told them it wasn't the way things were done. But others, like his team, said they'd build with them. Winning the coveted "left lead" on the IPO was and still is a competitive race. The Morgan Stanley team embraced the format, built a prototype and tested for a billion bids. For the road show, they split into three different teams. Co-founders Brin and Page each led their own, and CEO Eric Schmidt led the third. By most accounts, the IPO was successful. Google overcame a weak IPO market and an unproven offering model to generate a solid first-day return and a market capitalization of over $27 billion. From there, the stock kept appreciating. But it would take more than a decade for the principles behind Google's IPO to take off. Consumer technology brands like Facebook (now Meta), Twitter (now X) and LinkedIn (now owned by Microsoft) would go the traditional IPO route. But several of the high-profile listings between 2019 and 2021 did incorporate elements that aligned with Google's democratizing intent. Airbnb offered hosts the opportunity to buy shares at the IPO price. Uber and Lyft made shares available to its drivers, and Robinhood gave customers access to its IPO. Assessing the impact of Google's "don't be evil" credo and how it's aged is more complicated. Grimes declined to reflect on the Google of today, saying he can't talk about clients. Google now stands accused of stifling innovation by U.S. and European regulators, and although the company is at the forefront of the generative AI platform shift, search and advertising still its bread and butter is facing its biggest existential threat in decades. Singapore's new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong makes a speech after being sworn in at the Istana in Singapore on May 15, 2024. SINGAPORE The Lion City is set to launch an unemployment support scheme for workers who have been laid off or are involuntarily unemployed. The country's prime minister, Lawrence Wong, made the announcement during his National Day Rally speech, in which he spoke of Singapore's economy, education and housing policies. The scheme, titled the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, is aimed at helping lower- and middle-income workers and will provide involuntarily unemployed workers a total of up to 6,000 Singapore dollars ($4,561) for six months, subject to conditions. Wong said the qualifying worker has to go for training, career coaching, as well as job matching services during the time, saying "these are essential investments that you need to make in yourself to find better jobs." Workforce Singapore, the workforce development agency under Singapore's Ministry of Manpower said on its website that the scheme will provide financial support to lower to middle income retrenched Singapore citizens while they searched for a new job. "Eligible individuals who demonstrate active job search to seek new employment and meet the monthly activity points target will receive monthly payouts, up to a maximum of $6000 over six months," it added. Earlier on Monday, the WSG site said the scheme will provide financial support to retrenched Singapore citizens, who were previously drawing an average monthly income below SG$5,000. The SG$5,000 figure was later removed on Monday, with WSG telling CNBC that details will be announced later by the ministry. The move marks a notable policy shift for the city-state, which has long resisted calls for unemployment insurance out of fear such schemes would encourage citizens to opt for welfare rather than work. Mike Lynch, former chief executive officer at Hewlett-Packard Co.'s Autonomy unit, speaking at a conference on Thursday, April 25, 2013. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images LONDON British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch is missing after the sinking of a superyacht off the coast of Sicily, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC. The sources, who preferred not to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation, said that Angela Bacares, Lynch's wife, was confirmed as having been rescued. The superyacht, called the Bayesian, capsized at around 5 a.m. local time while anchored off the coast of Porticello, a small fishing village located in the province of Palermo in Italy, according to various media reports. Bayesian, a 56-meter-long sailboat, which later sank off the Sicilian capital Palermo, is seen in Santa Flavia, Italy August 18, 2024 in this picture obtained from social media. Baia Santa Nicolicchia | Fabio La Bianca | Via Reuters The vessel was reportedly struck by an unexpectedly violent storm. At least one man has died and six others were reported missing, while 15 people were rescued including a 1-year-old baby, NBC News reported, citing local officials. The yacht "suddenly sank" most likely "due to the terrible weather conditions," the City Council of Bagheria said, according to NBC. A carabinieri vehicle parked near the harbor where search continues for missing passengers after a yacht capsized on August 19, 2024 off the coast of Palermo, Italy. Vincenzo Pepe | Getty Images Who is Mike Lynch? Lynch, 59, is the founder of enterprise software firm Autonomy. He became the target of a protracted legal battle with Hewlett Packard after the U.S. tech giant accused him of inflating Autonomy's value in an $11 billion sale. HP took an $8.8 billion write-down on the value of Autonomy within a year of buying it. Lynch was extradited from Britain to the U.S. last year to stand trial over the HP allegations. In June, he was acquitted of fraud charges following the trial, which lasted for three months. Lynch was born in Ilford, a large town in East London, in 1965 and grew up near Chelmsford in the English county of Essex. He attended the University of Cambridge, where he studied natural sciences, focusing on areas including electronics, mathematics and biology. After completing his undergraduate studies, Lynch completed a Ph.D. in signals processing and communications. Toward the end of the 1980s, Lynch founded a firm called Lynett Systems Ltd. which produced designs and audio products for the music industry. A view of the MarineTraffic app (a website that tracks vessels using their publicly-available onboard transponders) on a mobile phone showing the last known location of the yacht Bayesian. Yui Mok | PA Images | Getty Images Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Monday: Goldman Sachs reiterates Nvidia as buy Goldman says it's bullish on the stock ahead of earnings next week. "From a stock perspective, we believe the set-up for NVDA is constructive with the stock trading at 42x NTM [next twelve months] consensus EPS or a relative premium of only 46% and our updated Bull/Bear framework indicating a favorable risk/reward balance." RBC upgrades Gates to outperform from neutral RBC said in its upgrade of Gates that it sees a slew of catalysts ahead for the power transmission manufacturer. "We are particularly enthused about the multi-year upcycles in personal mobility, China auto aftermarket, expansion in India, and chain-to-belt conversion." Morgan Stanley reiterates Salesforce as overweight Morgan Stanley said it's sticking with its overweight rating heading into Salesforce earnings next week. "Stable partner checks, an unchanged macro & the close of slipped deals likely prove enough against low investor expects and a prudent guide." Morgan Stanley reiterates Amazon and Walmart as overweight Morgan Stanley says Amazon and Walmart are "leading the way" in retail. " Amazon & Walmart command 40 cents of every incremental dollar of retail sales. The big are getting bigger at an accelerating pace and there isn't anything in their way for the time being." KeyBanc reiterates Apple as sector weight Key said it's survey checks show caution ahead of the iPhone 16 launch in September. " AAPL growth expectations looking out to FY25/FY26 have never been higher, while we continue to have concerns that there will not be a large increase in upgrade rates, which we expect will still be down." Bernstein reiterates Tesla as underperform Bernstein says Tesla is a laggard in to the robotaxi space. "While Tesla is clearly focused on launching a robotaxi, Waymo and Cruise are already operating robotaxis in the US today. The available data is clearly imperfect, but as of today Tesla appears to be lagging behind the leaders in the space." Goldman Sachs upgrades Bradesco to buy from neutral Goldman upgraded the Brazilian financial services company following earnings. "We upgrade Bradesco to Buy on the back of better than expected results in 2Q24." Morgan Stanley initiates Lineage as buy Morgan Stanley named the warehouse company a top pick and says it's a "cash compounder." "LINE is the global leader in the temperature-controlled warehouse space with the highest quality assets and a differentiated tech-enabled platform to drive efficiencies & margins." Morgan Stanley downgrades Hewlett Packard to equal weight from overweight Morgan Stanley said in its downgrade of Hewlett Packard that it sees "limited upside to valuation." "Our OW thesis was based on the belief that the market was under-appreciating a return to PC rev growth, stable print margins, and accelerating capital returns." Morgan Stanley reiterates Dell as overweight Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Dell heading into earnings next week to $142 per share from $155 but says it's sticking with its overweight rating. "A time to ignore the noise and refocus on fundamentals, which we believe continue to point to upside vs. consensus." Piper Sandler downgrades Shake Shack to neutral from overweight Piper says it sees a more balanced risk/reward for Shake Shack shares. "With that said we think the menu pricing component piece of this gets a little harder moving forward, and as analysts tasked with picking stocks, we think the Risk-Reward has become more balanced at current levels, hence the rating change." Piper Sandler downgrades Sweetgreen to neutral from overweight Piper says it sees a more balanced risk/reward for Sweetgreen . "With that said, as analysts tasked with picking stocks, we think the Risk-Reward has become more balanced at current levels, hence the rating change." Piper Sandler downgrades Dutch Bros to neutral from overweight Piper downgraded the coffee chain on valuation. "With that said, we have always viewed BROS as a higher-risk / higher-reward situation given the segment of the industry it participates in, as well as its balance sheet positioning relative to certain Fast Casual unit growth peers." Goldman Sachs initiates Concentra as buy Goldman says it sees "strong execution in a stable market" for the healthcare company. "Concentra is a healthcare services company operating with market leadership in the Workers' Compensation market." Loop upgrades Prog Holdings to buy from neutral Loop says it's getting bullish on shares of the fintech company. "We are upgrading PROG Holdings to a Buy from a Hold rating while raising our price target to $55 from $41, implying 26% upside from current levels." Citi initiates Clearwater Analytics as buy Citi called the stock an "attractive vertical software" play. "We are initiating coverage of Clearwater Analytics (CWAN) with a Buy rating and a $28 target price. Evercore ISI reiterates McDonald's as outperform Evercore raised its price target on the stock to $320 per share from $300. "We are increasingly bullish on McDonald's US business for 2025 with some relative market share trend improvement occurring recently which we believe will continue through 2H24." Piper Sandler initiates Rubrik as overweight Piper says the cloud-based data protection platform is a top idea. "We are initiating coverage of Rubrik with an Overweight rating and $42 PT , marking it as one of our top ideas." JPMorgan initiates OneStream as overweight JPMorgan says the software provider for the office of the CFO is well positioned for share gains. "We are initiating coverage of OneStream with an OW rating and $30 Dec-24 price target." BTIG upgrades Taylor Morrison to buy from neutral BTIG upgraded the homebuilder on valuation. "We are upgrading TMHC to Buy and establish a $78 target price based on 1.5x current book value/share after hosting virtual investor meetings with mgmt last week." Needham upgrades Onto Innovation to buy from neutral Needham says the semis company is undervalued. " ONTO (upgraded to Buy) is a classic example of underperforming in China but outperforming in ex-China. The setup going into next year favors names like ONTO, in our opinion." MoffettNathanson initiates Apple as neutral Moffett says AI is already priced in to Apple . "There are execution risks as well. To be clear, we have every expectation that Apple will execute its strategy very well. But that, too, is what is priced in. We are left only to decide whether the upgrade cycle that Apple Intelligence is crafted to trigger will be larger or smaller than anticipated (and priced in)." The World Health Organization declared the spread of mpox a global health emergency last week. Countries in Asia are closely monitoring for mpox cases after the World Health Organization recently declared an escalating outbreak in Africa as a global public health emergency. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is classified into two distinct groups: clade 1 and clade 2. It is transmissible through direct contact with an infected person, animal or contaminated items. Clade 2 was responsible for the 2022 outbreak, which has led to around 100,000 cases worldwide, NBC News reported, but now, a version of clade 1 has spread internationally, after starting in the Democratic Republic of Congo in January 2023. In making the declaration, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said "it's clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives." On Thursday, Sweden reported the first known case of clade 1 outside Africa. Then on Monday, the Philippines reported its first case of mpox since December of last year, although it has not yet identified the strain. Here's how the four largest economies in Asia have responded so far: A soldier fixes a drone underground in a Ukrainian military position, and former Russian military position, in Ukrainian-controlled territory on August 18th 2024, in Kursk, Russia. Ukrainian forces operating in Russia's Kursk Region have destroyed a second key bridge, the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force said, as they attempt to push further into Russia. The Washington Post | The Washington Post | Getty Images Ukrainian forces say they've blown up a second strategically significant bridge in the Kursk region of Russia as Kyiv continues its incursion, while Moscow has yet to mount a robust response to the ambitious cross-border operation. As many as 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers are taking part in the incursion into Russian territory that began almost two weeks ago, The Wall Street Journal reports. Kyiv claims it has taken control of 82 settlements in the region over an area of 1,150 square kilometers (444 square miles) since the border raid began. Ukrainian forces have concentrated a number of their assaults on key transport and fuel infrastructure in Kursk in a bid to make it harder for Russia to resource and resupply its troops fighting in eastern and southern Ukraine. Last Friday, Ukraine said its forces had destroyed a key bridge over the Seim River in Kursk, with the bridge reportedly used to transport equipment to the front line. Russian officials confirmed the attack took place and said the bridge's destruction would hamper efforts to continue evacuating thousands of citizens in the region. Citizens being evacuated from border settlements to safe areas as clashes between the Russian and Ukrainian armies continue in the Kursk region, Russia on August 17, 2024. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations is carrying out the evacuation with the help of Russian Railways and the volunteer organizations. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images On Saturday night, Ukrainian forces struck a Russian oil depot in the Rostov region that supplies oil to the Russian military. Ukraine's General Staff commented on the attack that "measures to undermine the military and economic potential of the Russian Federation continue." Ukraine's air force on Sunday claimed it had destroyed a second bridge in Kursk, which Russia used to supply its troops. Aerial footage posted on social media purported to show the blast creating a large hole in the bridge near the village of Zvannoe. CNBC could not independently verify the footage. "Minus one more bridge," Ukrainian Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleschuk commented on Telegram. Ukraine's air force "continues to deprive the enemy of logistical capabilities with precise strikes from the air, which significantly affects the course of hostilities," he added, in comments translated by NBC News. On Monday, a Russian investigator claimed Ukraine had struck and damaged a third bridge over the Seim River, Reuters reported. Neither Russia nor Ukraine has confirmed that report, however. Ukrainian servicemen operate a Soviet-made T-72 tank in the Sumy region, near the border with Russia, on August 12, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Roman Pilipey | Afp | Getty Images Russia has yet to mount a robust counteroffensive against the Ukrainian incursion, and even Russian military bloggers have criticized the military's failure to anticipate the incursion, and the sluggish response to the operation. Defense analysts say the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk continues to force Russia to redeploy forces from elsewhere in the theater of war, and analysts at the Institute for the Study of War think tank noted that it's likely that "subsequent phases of fighting within Russia will require more Russian manpower and materiel commitments to the area." ISW analysts further said Sunday that Russian redeployments to Kursk have allowed their forces to slow the initially rapid Ukrainian gains in the region and to start containing the extent of the Ukrainian offensive. However, they stressed, "containment is only the first and likely least resource-intensive phase of the Russian response in Kursk." A Ukrainian military vehicle drives from the direction of the border with Russia carrying blindfolded men in Russian military uniforms, in the Sumy region, on August 13, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Roman Pilipey | Afp | Getty Images "Russian forces will likely launch a concerted counteroffensive effort to retake territory in Kursk Oblast [region] that Ukrainian forces have seized, although it is too early to assess when Russian forces will stop Ukrainian advances in Kursk Oblast completely and seize the battlefield initiative to launch such an effort," the ISW said. "This likely future Russian counteroffensive effort will very likely require Russia to commit even more manpower, equipment, and materiel to Kursk," the ISW added, outlining that the exact extent of the elements needed for sustained counteroffensives to push Ukrainian forces back across the border will depend on how heavily Kyiv's military defends occupied positions in Russia. Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Sunday that Ukraine's primary aim was to destroy "Russian war potential" and to create a "buffer zone" to prevent Russian attacks on its border regions. "It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressor's territory our operation in the Kursk region," Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. "Everything that inflicts losses on the Russian army, Russian state, their military-industrial complex, and their economy helps prevent the war from expanding and brings us closer to a just end to this aggression a just peace for Ukraine," he added. A pickup truck with Ukrainian soldiers in the back moves towards the border with Russia on August 16, 2024 in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. The fighting in the Kursk Oblast began on August 6, 2024, when the Armed Forces of Ukraine crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border near the city of Sudzha and began to advance deep into Russian territory, and in a few days took control of dozens of settlements in Kursk region. Global Images Ukraine | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images Check out the companies making headlines in premarket trading: AMD Shares added nearly 3% before the opening bell following news that the semiconductor company would acquire ZT Systems in a $4.9 billion deal. Estee Lauder The cosmetics stock pulled back 4% after the company issued a disappointing first-quarter earnings and full-year outlook, although it was not clear if the figures are comparable to FactSet estimates. Dutch Bros Shares of the coffee chain company were nearly 4% lower after Piper Sandler downgraded the stock to neutral from overweight, with analyst Brian Mullan asserting that the stock's risk/reward skew is currently adequately balanced. Lineage Shares of the warehousing firm inched 1% higher after Morgan Stanley listed the company as a top pick within its North America coverage universe. Analyst Ronald Kamdem highlighted the company's M & A track record as well as its efforts to reduce debt. Taylor Morrison Home The homebuilder stock moved 1.5% higher. BTIG upgraded Taylor Morrison Home to buy from neutral on Monday, citing increased confidence in the company's long-term goals and the stock's compelling valuation. HP Shares dipped 2% after Morgan Stanley downgraded HP to equal weight from overweight, saying the tech company has limited upside. CNBC's Michelle Fox and Sarah Min contributed reporting. Republican Presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Aug. 17, 2024. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images Former President Donald Trump is countering the kickoff of the Democratic National Convention, and Vice President Kamala Harris' recently unveiled economic agenda, by laying out his own plan to boost the U.S. economy, the Republican's campaign said Monday. The announcement is just the latest indication of the Trump campaign's efforts to refocus his message on policy after Harris became the Democratic nominee, neutralizing many of Trump's attack lines against his former opponent, President Joe Biden. Trump will announce a plan "to unleash American energy and lower costs for American families," the campaign said in a press release Monday morning. That agenda includes preserving the tax cuts he signed into law in 2017, the release said. Those reforms are set to expire after 2025. watch now Trump more recently has championed a slew of tax-cutting measures, including eliminating taxes on service workers' tips and ending taxes on Social Security for seniors. He has also promised to slash Americans' energy prices in half, and he recently suggested implementing sweeping tariffs of up to 20% on imported goods. He has not detailed how these policy goals will be implemented or how they will be paid for. The Constitution gives Congress the power to levy taxes, meaning any plan to overhaul the tax code will have to go through the legislative branch. Trump is scheduled to hold an economy- and energy-focused campaign event at an equipment manufacturer in York, Pennsylvania, on Monday at 3 p.m. ET. Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, will also speak about energy and the economy earlier Monday afternoon, in Philadelphia, the Trump campaign said. The bulk of Monday's press release was focused on attacking Harris, rather than outlining Trump's economic agenda. Among other claims, the campaign accused Harris of wanting to let the Trump-era tax cuts expire and of seeking to ban gas-powered cars. Both accusations included links to articles from 2019, when Harris was a Democratic presidential candidate. The Biden administration does not seek to ban the sale or ownership of cars with traditional gas engines. The Trump and Harris campaigns have each claimed that the other's plans would raise costs on average Americans. "Donald Trump may hope that no one notices his plan to increase costs on middle- and working class Americans while he lies about Vice President Harris' agenda, but he needs to be held accountable for it," said Brian Nelson, a Harris campaign senior policy advisor, in a statement to CNBC. Nelson's statement cited a recent study from the Center for American Progress Action Fund, a progressive advocacy group, that Trump's tariff plans would amount to a $3,900 tax increase on middle-income families. A bank employee count Chinas renminbi (RMB) or yuan notes next to U.S. dollar notes at a Kasikornbank in Bangkok, Thailand, January 26, 2023. BEIJING The U.S. and China last week signed agreements for cooperating on financial stability, according to a People's Bank of China readout Monday. A Treasury readout described the two sides as "exchanging letters in support of coordination." The agreement was part of a meeting of the U.S.-China Financial Working Group in Shanghai on Thursday and Friday. Brent Neiman, deputy under secretary for international finance at the Treasury Department, and Xuan Changneng, deputy PBOC governor, co-lead the working group. The two sides also exchanged a list of people to contact in the event of financial stress or risk events, the PBOC readout said. Representatives from the Federal Reserve, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, National Financial Regulatory Administration and China Securities Regulatory Commission also attended, the PBOC said. The readout described the conversation as "professional, pragmatic, candid and constructive," according to a CNBC translation of the Chinese statement. Topics discussed included capital markets, cross-border payments and the two countries' monetary policy, especially in the context of China's recently concluded Third Plenum meeting, the PBOC readout said. If Vice President Kamala Harris wins the U.S. presidency in November, her administration could be less hostile toward crypto than President Joe Biden's has been, says TD Cowen, but the comparison to a potential second Donald Trump presidency is more challenging. Vice President Harris, who is set to accept her party's presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention this week in Chicago, has been rising in the polls since she entered the race . This has made much of the crypto industry feel ill at ease given the anti-crypto crusade in recent years led by Biden-appointed U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. Harris has not publicly expressed a view on the crypto industry. Meanwhile, former President Trump swiftly changed his tune on bitcoin this summer and has embraced the community as a voting bloc, agreeing to appear at one of the industry's largest conferences in Nashville and adding it as a priority in his Republican Party Platform . "We view Kamala Harris as more open to crypto and digital assets than Joe Biden, though we do not view this as a priority and believe the industry could continue to face hostile regulators," TD Cowen's Jaret Seiberg wrote in a note Thursday. "Trump in recent months has reinvented himself as a crypto advocate as he courts the industry. Yet history tells us that this does not guarantee that Trump's regulators in the second term will be more accommodating to crypto than during his first term." It is important "not to confuse candidate rhetoric with actual policy progress," he added. He emphasized that although Harris would be "more receptive" to the industry and more willing to support policy initiatives that encourage crypto industry growth, it is hard to see her opposing efforts to enhance crypto investor protections. That means there is probably "a continued role" for the SEC in overseeing most tokens and trading platforms. The agency under Gensler has become notorious for its refusal to provide clear guidance for crypto businesses keen to operate by the rules, instead opting to regulate by enforcement actions. "We believe both Trump and Harris would sign crypto market structure legislation if it is able to emerge from Congress," Seiberg said. "We believe such a bill may be slightly tougher on investor protection with Harris in the White House, though perhaps not in a way that is enough to matter." Many consider it a longshot for Congress to pass crypto legislation in an election year. Still, last week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said his goal "is to get something passed out of the Senate and into law by the end of the year, and I believe we can make that happen," speaking on the "Crypto4Harris" virtual town hall. Democratic lawmakers have been seen as less friendly toward crypto due largely to Warren's openly anti-crypto stance and Gensler's seeming attempts to hold the industry back than Republicans. That is changing quickly , however. The crypto industry sees itself as nonpartisan, and in recent weeks, bipartisan support for crypto in Congress has been growing. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting. The recent ban on Kaspersky security software is a reminder that we all need to review the source and coding processes of all software used in our organizations, and not just those with a government mandate. Do you know where the software is coded up? Who maintains the code? Is there any chance that malicious actors could have injected something into your applications? The answer to that last question is most decidedly yes, considering how the Solarwinds attacks unfolded. While those backdoor attacks were discovered by a firm that specializes in cybersecurity investigation, everyone should be taking the time to review the typical software found in an organization and take a really close look at who produces its code. Janet Fash on the lifeguard chair in the Rockaways in 1983. Photo: Janet Fash Janet Fash has been working as a New York City lifeguard for nearly half a century and became the first woman chief lifeguard in 1988, putting her in charge of drilling new recruits. As the city faces an ongoing lifeguard shortage that has meant closed beaches and reduced pool hours, Fash has been one of the most vocal critics from the inside, calling out the nepotism and corruption in her union and the way it sometimes staffed the field with lifeguards who couldnt swim well enough to do the job. But before all this, Fash was living in the Rockaways as a teen, breaking into a male-dominated lifeguard culture, and chugging kegs on the beach. We spoke to Fash about her early years as a lifeguard, how the food scene in the Rockaways has changed, and the time she saved a swimmer after drinking one of Connollys famous pina coladas. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. I grew up near Prospect Park. One of our neighbors took us to the Prospect Park YMCA. It was $25 per year for the whole family. Myself and my siblings, there were seven of us, we were on the swim team there, so swimming was early for us. We went to Coney Island as kids, but then my parents got a bungalow in Rockaway on 93rd Street and, ironically, that year I was 17 and I didnt want to go to Rockaway. I wanted to stay in Brooklyn with my friends. My friend Barbara talked me into lifeguarding. The first year I was a weekend lifeguard was 1979. The next year I worked full time and my sister Helen and I got assigned to my brothers shack and he wasnt happy. We were cramping his style. I rented a bungalow down from 101 Deli that was $600 for the summer. And it was the time when it was new to have women lifeguards. Now theres a separate female and male locker room, but at that time we shared the locker room with the guys. I walked into the shack one day and a male lifeguard dropped his pants right next to the front door when I was entering. It was designed to rattle me. But I told him, I wouldnt be showing that off if I were you its no prized package. As a female lifeguard, you never got to take a shower without your bathing suit. And sometimes they would rip the curtain down. So we survived a lot of things. We were breaking into a male-dominated field at the time, and we proved ourselves in the ocean. That year I went in for a rescue and I wound up saving my chief right near the 86th Street rocks, which still is a crazy place for rip tides. Fash doing an exercise drill on a catamaran in 1986. Photo: Janet Fash My mother didnt want me to be a lifeguard because of all the wildness at that time. They had these big parties on the beach they called Caveman Conventions and I have a memory of going to one of those parties then coming home and sleeping right outside on the porch so I didnt wake them up. There were tons of kegs. You had to finish the keg, just like I have to eat everything on my plate. So those were terrible. They were fun times, but Im surprised that we got up in the morning. When I started, there were two shifts. There was 9 to 5 and 11 to 7. And you sat by the chair or you went for your training drill, which for me was running then going for a swim. You had to lock the lifeguard station after-hours. At times if we felt like something was going to happen, we hung around down the block at Connollys. We had to go to the bar first to get overtime. It was bizarre to me. I remember at 97th the cops would be there and I said to one, Listen, were leaving because we have to. Were down the bar at Connollys. If something happens, come get us. We knew something was going to happen, and I have a memory of drinking a pina colada when he came and got us, then we were diving and getting someone out of the water. And the thing is, its a two-minute window of opportunity for someone to actually be alive when you can get them from a submersion. The beach is never really closed there is no door. Why wouldnt you just put crews of people in trucks spread out down the peninsula downtown, midtown, and uptown to patrol the beach when swimming is not permitted, able to spring into action and make a rescue? But we have been under the stranglehold of these union managers, and they were forever at their own self-serving interests, not of the interests of the public or the lifeguards. Theres so much more that could be done. Fash at Connollys drinking a pina colada with the late chief lifeguard Pat Rocourt. Photo: Janet Fash Fash (lower right) on the NYC All Women Lifeguarding Tournament team in 1985. Photo: Janet Fash I remember one time, in the late 1980s, they sent me a lifeguard. Anytime a lifeguard was sent to me, I wanted to see how they swam. And I called up the borough coordinator and I said, He cant be in the shack. He cant swim. And he says, Oh, hes so-and-sos brother. I said, Yeah, well, he cant be a lifeguard. That lifeguard could swim but not like a lifeguard, more like a patron with his head out of the water swinging it back and forth. So for years theyve been doing that. Now I think it is good that the Parks Department and the union went to arbitration and negotiated the 300-yard untimed swim for the shallow-water pools. They just have to get that out of the union guys hands, the lifeguard school, then they can really get the lifeguard force staffed up. There used to be large crowds arriving on the trains from East New York, Brooklyn; Queens; and the Bronx. The beaches were packed. The crowds have changed in that there are more people now coming from Manhattan, Long Island City, and Williamsburg. There used to be a lot of broken glass on the beach. As a chief lifeguard, I was always telling the lifeguards, Its a 4-year-old whos going to get cut theyre going to play in the sand with their fingers. But that is something that I think is better now, although there is still a lot of garbage that citizens throw on the beach. For the first two weeks what I would do is pick up along the high-tide line. Its food that changed in Rockaway the most. I never liked to get the burgers and the greasy fries; I didnt eat at the concessions at the beach. I would bring a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or they would have these heroes at the 101 Deli that were unbelievable, they were so big. You could also cash your checks there. Then in 2008, all of the food changed. I remember Conrad, now from Umas restaurant, brought these dumplings up to this coffee shop that was there right at 97th. And I followed him. I saw him go with some food, and I was like, Whoa, whats that? What is oil trading? Oil trading is the buying and selling of oil with the aim of making a profit. This can be done by buying the physical commodity, or speculating on its price. As oil is a finite resource, its price can see massive fluctuations due to supply and demand changes. This volatility makes it extremely popular among traders. The three main ways you can trade oil are the oil spot price, oil futures or oil options. With us, you can use spread bets or CFDs to take any of these positions, without having to own any actual oil. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Charlie Sheen's daughter Sami shocked fans when she revealed last week she went under the knife for her 'dream' nose job. The OnlyFans model, 20, worked with Beverly Hills-based surgeon Dr. Deepak Dugar, who specializes in what he calls the 'Scarless Nose' job. It's a closed rhinoplasty that involves making incisions inside of the nose so that none of the cuts are externally visible, and provides more natural results when done correctly. Open rhinoplasties can sometimes lead to scarring on the underside of the nose, especially on the columella, which is the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. A scarless nose job costs roughly between $19,000 and $24,000, and healing can take as little as a week. Charlie Sheen 's daughter Sami (pictured) shocked fans when she revealed last week she went under the knife for her 'dream' nose job The OnlyFans model, 20, worked with Beverly Hills-based surgeon Dr. Deepak Dugar (pictured), who specializes in what he calls the 'scarless nose job' Speaking out about the procedure, Dr. Dugar told DailyMail.com that he took a 'finesse approach' to rhinoplasty in order to give patients the most natural results possible. 'The nose that they should have been born with is already there. I just want to refine it and bring it out. I don't want to recreate some TikTok/Instagram nose on their faces,' he explained. Dr. Dugar estimates that the vast majority of celebrities who have had nose jobs have done so with a closed, scarless approach. 'I'm part of an 80-year legacy practice here in Beverly Hills doing celebrity nose jobs and I can tell you that most celebrity rhinoplasty is closed scarless rhinoplasty because of the discretion,' he explained. 'They don't want people to know they had a nose job. There's still a taboo and a stigma no matter who you are. They want very natural results that look like it could have been what they were born with,' he continued. 'The cookie cutter, TikTok, Instagram, Turkish upturned nose job, the "Barbie nose" as they call it, everyone knows you can't really be born with that. 'So it's kind of like extremely white veneers. It's almost like a status symbol, but everyone knows those are fake. And so the problem is, if you're a very elite actor or a celebrity, you don't want people to know that you have a fake nose. You want to look as good as possible, of course, but you want to look very natural.' Sami, 20, who is the daughter of actors Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards, announced on Tuesday that she'd undergone a nose job 'It's going to be stunning and she's going to be stunned with how beautiful it is,' Dr. Dugar told DailyMail.com When it comes to treating Sami, Dr. Dugar said that the model was nervous about going under the knife. 'Sammy is a beautiful girl who was plagued by the droopiness of her nose for years,' he said. 'She saw several consults before she decided to do her surgery with me. I know that she was very anxious about doing surgery because she's young and she's also very aware of stigmas around plastic surgery. 'And being the daughter of two very famous parents, of course she was nervous to do this, but she was also very excited.' Dr. Dugar said that the surgery itself was 'phenomenal' and he's looking forward to everybody seeing the final results. 'It's going to be stunning and she's going to be stunned with how beautiful it is,' he gushed. 'I know that she was very anxious about doing surgery because she's young and she's also very aware of stigmas around plastic surgery,' Dr. Dugar explained Sami said that she'd wanted the procedure done for five years and she was forced to Photoshop her selfies because her natural nose (pictured) 'photographed horribly' A scarless nose job costs roughly between $19,000 and $24,000, and healing can take as little as a week Shortly after the surgery, Sami took to TikTok to share her joy at going under the knife. 'I'm so happy I finally did this! Thank you for everything @deepakdugarmd, you are seriously the best surgeon out there!' she wrote. Sami also confessed that she'd been dying to get her nose done for the past five years. 'I would have to Photoshop every single photo I took because it photographed horribly,' she wrote. 'Just so droopy and too big for my face.' Sami, who currently works as an OnlyFans creator, first went under the knife last year for a boob job Before and after: Sami is pictured before her boob job (left) and then after (right) Sami said that she met with multiple surgeons before settling on Dr. Dugar for the procedure, which she had done on August 12. 'It's only day two of my recovery but I already feel like a new woman and I'm so happy I finally got my dream nose.' Some of Dr. Dugar's previous celebrity clients include TikTok sensation Madi Monroe, adult film star Mia Khalifa, and Vanderpump Rules alum Dayna Kathan. Madi said that she decided to get her nose done after having it broken several times as a child. 'I had the worst deviated septum, I couldn't breathe,' she explained. Some of Dr. Dugar's previous celebrity clients include adult film star Mia Khalifa (pictured) The 31-year-old shows off the before and after photos of her scarless nose surgery Vanderpump Rules alum Dayna Kathan (pictured) came to Dr. Dugar for a scarless nose job after being trolled by viewers of the hit series Meanwhile, Dayna admitted that she wanted to change her nose after seeing herself on TV and being trolled by Vanderpump Rules viewers. 'Obviously we don't want to pay any attention to trolls or anything like that, but yeah, people really noticed my nose,' she confessed before her surgery. Dayna was almost brought to tears after seeing the results of the procedure for the first time. 'I don't even know what to say - I want to start crying!' she gushed. 'It's exactly what we talked about,' she told Dr. Dugar. 'It looks so much like me, this is literally what I dreamed of. I can't even believe that it's just natural and amazing.' Seven years after college student Timothy Piazza died in a hazing incident at Penn State University, his grieving parents have shared more about the devastating night that changed their lives forever. In a new docuseries titled Houses Of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life, which premiered on A&E on August 12, the dark - and often toxic - side of fraternities and sororities at universities across the country has been exposed. Episode three, which premieres on Monday, focuses on the tragic death of 19-year-old Tim Piazza in 2017. Tim, who was studying engineering at Penn State, was one of 14 pledges brought to the house where they were ordered to consume 18 drinks in less than 90 minutes in a Beta hazing ritual called The Gauntlet. The teenager, from New Jersey, collapsed and fell down a flight of stairs during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event. He died on February 4 after he was rushed into surgery with a ruptured spleen and Class IV hemorrhagic shock. In a new docuseries titled Houses Of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life, which premiered on A&E on August 12, the dark side of fraternities and sororities has been exposed The university enacted more than a dozen changes to its oversight and compliance rules for Greek life following Timothy's death at the fraternity on campus, with the teenager's parents, Evelyn and James Piazza, advocating for desperately needed changes. Tim's parents have gone on to speak to thousands of students at college campuses across the country in a bid to end hazing, with Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law passing in 2018, making hazing a felony in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Jim and Evelyn, along with Tim's brother Mike and Beta Theta Pi member Kordel Davis - who tried to help Tim after he fell, were interviewed for the series, in addition to anti-hazing attorneys and Greek life experts. Tim's father told the DailyMail.com that the university 'lacked enforcement,' as hazing was a known problem at Penn State at the time. 'They had a task force, and it was very clear in that task force findings that hazing was happening. It was a problem, but nothing was ever done with the results of that task force until Tim died,' Jim explained. He heartbreakingly added that Tim would not have thought it was even 'plausible' that he would be put in danger the way he was, nor would he stand to see someone else suffer how he did. 'I can't imagine Tim would have ever thought that he would be entering a room of chaos like that, and be put in harm's way, and that no one would care if he was in need of help,' he said. Jim added: 'That's not the type of guy he was. I mean, if somebody needed help, he would get them help.' Tim's parents - Evelyn and James Piazza - have been advocating for desperately needed changes advised parents to 'just talk about the forms of hazing' Tim, who was studying engineering at Penn State, was one of 14 pledges brought to the house where they were ordered to consume 18 drinks in less than 90 minutes in a Beta hazing ritual The Piazza family: Evelyn, Mike, Jim and Tim pictured together. Tim died from injuries he suffered during initiation night for the pledges of Penn State's Beta Theta Pi The parents added that most fraternities were aware of what happens behind closed doors and had banned hard alcohol from fraternity houses. 'There was a whole host of changes that were put in place by the university right after Tim's passing,' Jim explained. 'A lot of it is met with objection but it's to their credit that Penn State has held those changes up, and as far as we know, they will continue to and hopefully it deters the hazing a bit,' the passionate father added. Some of the changes Penn State made to Greek life after Tim's passing include limiting the amount of socials that students could have, requiring a bartender to serve alcohol and reiterated that hard alcohol wasn't allowed. 'We want people to know that the laws have been changed in a number of states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey in Tim's name, that will make it a felony if someone dies or experiences severe bodily injury [from hazing],' Jim explained. The case prompted the Timothy Piazza Antihazing Law, which introduced felony offenses for serious injuries or deaths caused by hazing, and has been signed into law by the governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The house's elaborate video security system recorded Tim stumbling to a couch on the first floor before falling down 15 steps after opening a door to the basement. Video showed that Tim collapsed just before 11.30pm and no one came to his assistance. He was then seen repeatedly collapsing as he attempted to crawl, rolled around the floor, vomited in his sleep, and went in-and-out of consciousness over the course of the next eight hours. Tim's father, Jim Piazza, told the DailyMail.com that the university 'lacked enforcement,' as hazing was a known problem at Penn State at the time As the hours passed he was body-slammed into a couch by one frat member, had a beer or multiple beers dumped on him by another, and later lay comatose while one young man threw his shoes at the visibly inebriated college student. Some frat members had already left for class by the time Piazza was carried to a couch a little after 10am, but it was another 45 minutes before 911 was called. Three frat members were sentenced to between 30 days and nine months in prison in April 2019 for their roles in the death. In 2024, Beta Theta Pi president Brendan Young and vice-president Daniel Casey pleaded guilty to 15 counts of hazing and reckless endangerment. They will be sentenced on October 1. Jim and Evelyn said they hoped the docuseries could help bring more attention to the dangerous hazing that happened in colleges and to spur a conversation between parents and children. 'We're really hoping that parents and their kids can talk about [hazing] and have the open conversation and and say this is not okay, don't let this happen to you, don't you dare do this to another person,' Evelyn said. She advised parents to 'just talk about the forms of hazing,' with their kids and educate them on what to look out for and how to report it and to call for help. 'There is no acceptable form of hazing, and hazing is always meant to hurt and demean and embarrass somebody,' Evelyn pointed out. 'There is nothing positive or bonding about it.' 'If somebody needs help, just call for help. It's not hard, and it could save a life,' he said. Houses Of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life episode 3 Hazed To Death premieres Monday, August 19 at 9pm ET/PT. A young woman has revealed why living in Sydney wasn't for her - and why life in Melbourne is so much better. Jen Rothwell returned to the Victorian capital after three and a half years of experiencing the disappointing reality of life in the harbour city. She blamed social media lies, a cliquey culture and the fast paced city life as reasons why Sydney isn't the best place to live. 'Prior to moving to Sydney, everyone on social media gives this perception of living by the beach and having that really nice sort of beach lifestyle,' Jen said. But Jen, who resided in the Sydney Inner West suburb of Newtown, said the reality isn't constantly 'walking around Bondi' - and the 'weather isn't even that amazing'. 'The life you see on social media isn't actually the lifestyle you lead,' she added. The young woman also pointed to Sydney's notoriously clique-y social scene, where everyone sticks to their own groups, as being a difficult place to make new friends. What's more, Ms Rothwell thinks that the NSW capital is just too fast paced, and that while Melbourne has a great urban vibe, it still manages to offer a 'relaxed, slowed down lifestyle'. Many agree with the Melburnian that life in Sydney isn't as great as it seems, especially with rising costs making the city now too expensive for most The Melburnian concluded that Sydney isn't the best city for creative-types and introverts: 'It's is a very and 'up and get it' sort of place...it's super social and suited to extroverts.' While she admitted that calling Sydney home isn't necessarily wrong for everybody, for her, 'Melbourne is definitely it.' Many Aussies agreed with Jen about the reality of life as a Sydneysider - and no one more than people still calling the city home. 'I lived in Sydney for a few years (also Newtown) and resonated with this a lot! I think living by the beach would be amazing but it's sadly so, so expensive,' one former resident said. 'Most of Sydney lives out West - the reality (for most people) has nothing to do with a coastal lifestyle,' another person agreed. Jen moved back to her home city of Melbourne, which has the benefits of city-living without the hectic pace and expense that has now become a reality of life in Sydney 'I moved to Melbourne last year after seven years in Sydney, you're definitely spot on,' one man chimed in. Aussies also disliked Sydney for being 'full of social climbers', for raining more than it does in Melbourne during both summer and winter, and public transport that 'just ain't it'. Jen isn't the first person to argue that Sydney seems better to live in than it actually is. Llani Belle, who moved to Sydney from Adelaide, had to leave the city after the cost of living and the fast paced lifestyle became too much for her. She blamed how hard it is to get together with friends, a culture of social climbing and a dating scene she called the 'land of Peter Pans', as reasons why she would never again call the city home. 'There were just so many things that morally contradicted my values,' she said. Many agreed with Llani about the reality of life in the NSW capital. 'Accurate! I currently have an opportunity to leave Sydney and I'm hoping it comes together so I can get the heck out,' one man said. 'I've been living in Sydney my whole life and I still don't vibe with it,' another added. When I found out I was pregnant aged 22, the first person I told was my colleague Emma. It made sense, given that Nick, the person who got me pregnant, was also a colleague. Indeed, a great deal of that relationship the flirting, the snogging, the analysing of every detail had taken place in or around the office. Emma and I had been close ever since I got the job in a top management consultancy firm. Wed go to the gym together after work, and often have drinks in the pub round the corner, too. Come on, we need wine, she said after I showed her a photo of the pregnancy test Id taken in the ladies after the end of my shift. Emma grabbed my hand and led me to the bar around the corner where we swiftly sank two bottles and took turns calling abortion providers to try and get an appointment. I wouldnt tell any of my other friends for another week. Our workplace was a social environment probably because most of the people we worked with were, like us, in their early 20s. It was 2016, the year before #MeToo, and we hung out together regularly, invited one another to each others birthdays, and often got drunk together. And at those drunken gatherings, the subject on everyones lips was almost always sex. How many people wed been with. The electrifyingly good shags. The mortifyingly bad ones. Wed even rank our other colleagues in terms of who wed most (and least) like to have sex with. In hindsight, it was not the most professional of environments, but the majority of us were single, fresh from university, and frankly too naive to know any better. Im now in my 30s and working in a very different sort of office, but I was reminded of that time when I heard about Charlotte Tilley, the recruitment consultant whose frequent conversations about her gold star sex life at work led to a disciplinary investigation, which in turn resulted in her resignation and claim for constructive dismissal. Tilley, who is 29, boasted to colleagues about her Johnny Depp lookalike lover also a colleague and even showed them a sex tape, according to reports of her employment tribunal this month. She displayed photos of naked male torsos on her laptop at work and kissed another woman at the office Christmas party. Tilley denied the sex tape and Christmas party allegations. After Tilley resigned, she sued the company for sex discrimination and victimisation on the grounds that colleagues asked her a barrage of intrusive questions about her sex life. Yet the judge dismissed her claims, saying she had a high tolerance of matters of a sexual nature, and the conversations about sex matters were not unwanted. It was 2016, the year before #MeToo, and in hindsight, the office was not the most professional of environments, but the majority of the staff were single, fresh from university, and frankly too naive to know any better My first reaction to hearing all this was sympathy. Frankly, I wondered why a young woman was being singled out for behaviour that seems relatively normalised among young men. My male colleagues in the mid-2010s often behaved in similar ways, and nobody batted an eyelid yet women were censured for it. I remember hearing some of the men criticising a new female hire, calling it inappropriate for her to be talking about her dating life. The hypocrisy was staggering. It was also normal for colleagues in my office to date one another. There were, at one time, around five official couples. And while there was a rumour that dating colleagues was frowned upon by senior staff, nobody ever imposed any rules on us. This is in spite of the fact those relationships sometimes crossed serious boundaries: people sleeping together despite being on the same team. Junior women dating their more senior male bosses. And so on. Some men in the office would acquire mythic status. One, James, was particularly sought after. All the women fancied him and he had a reputation for dating multiple people at once. For those of us not involved it made for entertaining watercooler chat, but I cant imagine it was much fun for the two women who discovered hed been dating them both for four months, even as they sat side-by-side in meetings. Thankfully, my relationship with Nick didnt cross any of these lines. He worked in a separate department to me and was also my age. We dated for around six months and it was fun for a while. Sneaking around together in the stairwells. Dragging him into the bathroom at the office Christmas party for some secret snogs. That changed when I got pregnant. When I told Nick, he reacted terribly, blaming me for failing to buy proper condoms and not being on the Pill. I woke up to the fact that he wasnt a very nice person and our relationship wasnt going to progress. So I ended things. In fact, I did it at the pub that night with Emma, who helped me draft the text. I would never have got through that break-up and abortion had it not been for Emma. Not only did she patiently listen and hold my hand as I cried (and drank) my sorrow away that night, she took two days off work to come with me to the clinic, where I had to take two pills a day apart for a medical termination. Charlotte Tilley, the recruitment consultant whose frequent conversations about her gold star sex life at work led to a disciplinary investigation, which in turn resulted in her resignation and claim for constructive dismissal Tread carefully with workplace romances, because in my experience, they are rarely worth it Emma drove me there and back, cooked for me, comforted me, and helped me through the following few months, which were just as painful. Thankfully, Nick quit not long after and I didnt have to endure any further office awkwardness. To this day, Emmas behaviour back then was the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me. I understand why talking about sex at work is frowned upon of course I do. It undermines your professionalism and blurs the boundaries of work and play. But while people have suggested the response to #MeToo should be a total ban on workplace relationships and all conversations related to personal lives in the office, its just not realistic. To prohibit all talk of dating and sex suggests men and women arent capable of having these conversations in a non-exploitative manner, which (I hope) is not the case in most places. Discussing your personal life forms strong bonds. It certainly did for me. Emma and I are still best friends, even though we now live in different parts of the country. After all, what better way is there to cement a friendship than to gossip about each others love lives? About the person you just went on a date with who isnt texting you back, or the chap you fancy in the gym, whether someones a keeper or not, and so on. Its normal, isnt it? Im not saying people should start showing their colleagues nude photos, although for Millennials like me and Gen Z, its very normal to send them to the people you date (often I show them to my friends first to check they think I look good). You need to be judicious about who youre vulnerable with (ideally not anyone whos significantly above or below you in rank). Its important to maintain boundaries, something therapy-speak-fluent Millennials and Gen Z are accustomed to doing. And as for workplace romances, Id tread very carefully with these. In my experience, they are rarely worth it. But merely talking about sex? A bit of a gossip about everyones love life brings people together, forges friendships and adds to the joy of the world. Dont ban that. All names have been changed. I was 24 when I met the man I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with. He completely swept me off my feet, showering me with attention and gifts and, when we had only been together for three months, he sealed his commitment by proudly revealing a tattoo of my name on his arm. It seemed rather an extreme gesture but, after going through a string of toxic relationships, I was delighted to have found a man who clearly loved me. However, he did have a dark, cold side to his nature, and as we prepared for our wedding two years later I remember feeling twinges of doubt and wondering whether it was normal for your true love to be so distant and disconnected. I should have listened to my instincts. The 14 years we spent together turned out to be a toxic roller-coaster of abuse and manipulation which inflicted lasting damage, driving me to self-harm and ultimately to have suicidal thoughts. It was only when a marriage counsellor told me I had married a person with narcissistic tendencies that the pieces fell into place. Through research, I discovered that theres an important distinction between overt narcissists who exhibit grandiose behaviours and really dont care what other people think of them like Vladimir Putin or Donald Trump and covert narcissists who are skilled at hiding their true nature behind a facade of vulnerability and victimhood, which means you may not realise you are being abused until its too late. The intensely romantic gestures and that crazy tattoo? All classic signs of love bombing, a big red flag for narcissistic behaviour. His manipulative nature, frequent use of gaslighting and violent mood swings? More red flags. If I crossed any imaginary line, the arguments would be furious and I lived on eggshells, never knowing how he was going to react or what would inflame him. Caroline Strawson was 24 when she met the man of her dreams, but she had twinges of doubt as her wedding day drew closer, wondering whether it was normal for her true love to be so distant and disconnected Overt narcissists exhibit grandiose behaviours and really dont care what other people think of them while covert narcissists are skilled at hiding their true nature behind a facade of vulnerability and victimhood. Posed by a model I now consider myself very lucky to have survived those years, and when I eventually recovered, I retrained as a therapist specialising in a form of nervous system regulation which integrates trauma-informed practice with positive psychology. I now use this in my work to educate, inspire and teach people how to recover from deeply damaging relationships with narcissistic men. Given that my podcast Trauma & Narcissism Redefined has had more than five million downloads and my YouTube channel has had over two million views, I have clearly struck a chord. Although official medical statistics show that narcissists make up around 6 per cent of the population, Im convinced that the problem is much bigger. Theres no point trying to count up the narcissists because they are the last to admit they might have a personality disorder, and they would never seek psychiatric help. In their minds, it is other people who are the problem. Never them. I met my husband when we were working as cabin crew. Some of our colleagues tried to warn me off him, saying he was a player (he was only two years older than me, but already had one divorce under his belt), but he was extremely persistent. When I became pregnant with our son in 2003, his mood swings seemed to intensify. I gave up my job to focus on motherhood because it brought me so much joy and the sense of fulfilment made it easier to cope with this mans irrational behaviour. He reassured me that I wouldnt have to worry about money because he would look after me, but Ive since learned that manipulating things so your partner is financially reliant on you is another red flag for narcissism. It soon became clear that my husband was an outrageous and accomplished liar who specialised in generating drama for maximum attention from the sycophants he gathered around him. To work colleagues he painted an elaborate (and false) picture of himself as a fantastic father and husband. But at home he was deeply jealous of the attention that was directed towards the baby rather than him. One night when he was very late back from work (I was so worried, Id called the police), he spun a fantastical story about a passenger who had tripped and died despite his desperate and heroic attempts at CPR. When I asked him a few questions he became angry and said he was too upset to discuss it. I put a discreet call into the airline who confirmed that they had no record of a death. His response? Guess what? The team have just called me that lady survived! Another time when I was really very unwell, I begged him to take a day off work to look after me and keep an eye on our son. I knew the airline protocol you just had to send an email saying you were unavailable for work, no explanation required. But, after much resistance, he phoned his boss and right in front of me told them our son was desperately ill and on a life support machine in hospital. He had zero scruples and was willing to use complete fabrication for maximum impact. Caroline met her husband when they were working as cabin crew. Some of our colleagues tried to warn her off him, saying he was a player To work colleagues, Caroline's husband painted an elaborate (and false) picture of himself as a fantastic father and husband. But at home he was deeply jealous of the attention that was directed towards his son rather than him. Posed by a model As a covert narcissist (one of the most dangerous types a wolf in sheeps clothing), my husband would throw in just enough good days to keep me keen and to fire up my urge to keep him happy and avoid conflict. Narcissists often swing between kindness and cruelty, and studies show these cycles trigger the release of brain chemicals in a pattern which can be addictive. A few kind words can stimulate dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward; and anger or abuse will stimulate the stress hormone cortisol. The science now shows that the extreme highs and lows of stress-reward-stress chemicals swimming around the body can become addictive which helps to explain why women, like me, stay in toxic relationships (its called the trauma bond). I was also deeply insecure, and, like so many women in my position, I convinced myself that his crumbs of affection were better than none. We spent many years trying for a second child but suffered the agony of four miscarriages. I gained quite a bit of weight and took to wearing baggy grey tracksuits and would often drink wine and eat unhealthy food in a bid to numb myself. Then I fell pregnant with our daughter. Six months into that pregnancy I discovered he was cheating. When I confronted him, he made elaborate excuses about feeling so helpless when I was going through the miscarriages that he had turned to another woman for support. Stupidly, I found myself comforting him and we went for marriage counselling. Of course, he put on a great show, heavily implying (through clouds of fake compassion) that all our relationship problems were caused by me, not him. Luckily, the therapist saw through his charms. On one solo visit I became really upset about my husbands flat refusal to say sorry for his affair. The counsellor put his hands on my shoulders and said Stop waiting for him to apologise he never will and then he told me to look up narcissistic sociopath. As I started to read about narcissism, lightbulb after lightbulb went on in my mind. I learned that a narcissist is only happy when you are feeding their ego, and living with them means you morph into a strange version of what you think they want you to be, suppressing your emotions in a bid to keep things harmonious between you. Your typical narcissist will be a deeply insecure and wounded individual who projects their pain outwardly through various abusive behaviours. Every article I read advised me to leave but I felt trapped we had children together, I had no income, and the constant stress of our relationship had left me weak and depressed. Then, in August 2010, when the children were six and two, he announced he was leaving me. He assured me there was no one else (I didnt believe him) and within five minutes of telling my son, he had left under the guise of not wanting to put me through any more pain because clearly I was unhappy the classic false altruism of a narcissist. Only after he had gone did I start to find out the state our finances were in. We were in over 70,000 worth of debt. I was now a single mother with barely any income in a house with a big mortgage. Over the next two years I sank deeper and deeper in debt. In 2013 this culminated with me being made homeless with my two children. I was so angry that this man had robbed me of my best years, and utterly ashamed that my life had become such a train wreck. My mother had died the year before and I really did feel desperately alone. My heart felt empty and numb. I began self-harming cutting the tops of my thighs. This continued for around 18 months. I confess that there were times when I felt like my life was over, perhaps everyone would be better off without me, and, on many occasions, in the darkness, I thought about ending it all. There was a constant struggle with an internal battle of not wanting to be here but desperately wanting to stay for my children. No matter how awful I felt, I knew I could never leave them. On my 40th birthday I felt I was at a crossroads: I could either feel angry at the world and blame everyone else or I could do something about it even though I didnt know what I could do. I had gone back to my previous career as a podiatrist and took on a bit of extra work doing phone sales for healthcare products. I started listening to podcasts, watching YouTube videos and seeking out support groups for women like me. I had a zero credit rating, so begged my father to be my guarantor and found a tiny three-bedroom terrace to rent. I worked really hard earning money to chip away at my debts and building my confidence, bit by bit. But it struck me that there was a huge lack of professionals who properly understood the impact of narcissism from a victims point of view. So I decided to retrain as a therapist. Through my studies and nearly a decade of working with other trauma survivors, I now understand that you can never change the narcissist, but you can change how you respond to their methods. You can heal the damage and trauma they instigate. By recognising those behaviour patterns and seeking support, survivors can break free from the cycle of abuse, reclaim their sense of self, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. I hope to help women escape their toxic relationships but, even if thats impossible, there are exercises and toolkits which can provide pockets of safety, a means of controlling your stress response to mitigate the damage that can have on your mental and physical health. It can help you start to build confidence. And, thankfully, I am living proof that there is life after a narcissistic relationship. It look me a long time to trust anyone but six years ago I married a lovely, kind and thoughtful man. He is a brilliant stepfather to my children, now 16 and 20, and a positive male role model in their lives. Their father remarried within a week of our divorce and now has two young children. I feel sorry for his new wife. I can only assume the pattern continues for them. How To Heal After Narcissistic Abuse by Caroline Strawson (Hay House UK, 12.99) is out now. Caroline Strawson 2024. To order a copy for 11.69 (offer valid until September 2, 2024; UK P&P free on orders over 25) go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Adapted by LOUISE ATKINSON A 'brave' young woman has been praised by thousands of Aussies for her honest, brutal and 'educated' take on life Down Under. Lawrence, the creator behind Surgen TV, gave the Aussie traveller in London a pop quiz on facts about Australia which she passed with flying colours. But the interview took a surprising turn with his next question: 'Tell me something most people don't know about Australia.' And her now-viral response was something that nobody saw coming. 'We actually had a thing called The Great Emu war, which involved people in the army fighting against emus - and it lasted about a month,' the unidentified Aussie said. She was referring to a little-known 1932 gun battle in WA that waged war on huge mobs of emus that destroyed crops of wheat on their annual coastal migration. The resilient native birds survived the skirmishes leading the government to build the State Barrier Fence: a 1200 km railing that protected the farms and their crops. But the Aussie didn't stop at the Great Emu War, and continued to impress Lawrence - and thousands of Australians - with an 'outstanding history lesson' on Aboriginals. Lawrence from popular TikTok account Surgen TV interviewed the unidentified Aussie traveller on all things Australia The 'brave' woman did Australians proud with her 'hard truths' responses that didn't shy away from darker aspects of Australian-Aboriginal history 'The indigenous population of Australia only makes up three per cent of the total population due to colonisation and the Stolen Generation,' she continued. 'The Stolen Generation started when British and European colonisers decided they wanted to breed out indigenous culture and would start trying to make half-caste babies, so they could eventually wean out the indigenous population. 'It was a very cruel time in Australia, a very bad part of our history.' Her clear and concise account of the government policy, which occurred from 1910 until the 1970's, was praised by thousands of Aussies. People commenting on the video were quick to applaud the intelligent and brave woman for being so truthful, 'educated' and well-spoken. 'Thank you for making Australia proud and explaining our history in a little nutshell so eloquently,' one Aussie said. 'Beautiful job representing our country, sister,' another chimed in. Many were impressed with the young woman's mature understanding and sensitivity when it came to speaking about the darker aspects of Australian-Aboriginal history. 'I can't completely describe how relieved I am to hear this nuanced response from a young Australian,' one woman said. 'She's beautiful, smart, and respectful,' another agreed. 'You make me proud to be an Australian' a third chimed in. Several indigenous Australians also celebrated the young woman for her informed and sensitive response: 'We love sis and appreciate her voice.' One voter suggested that the Aussie traveller might want to consider a future career in politics: 'This babe for Prime Minister.' Other people were still recovering from being 'schooled' on the existence of The Great Emu war - which they had never even heard about. 'The funniest part of it is that Australians went to war with the emus... and lost,' one woman quipped. Meghan Markle stunned in green as Prince Harry was presented with a gift on stage during the couple's latest stop of their 'quasi-royal' Colombia tour. The Duke, 39, and Duchess, 43, of Sussex were welcomed by the country's vice-president Francia Marquez and her husband Rafael Yerney Pinillo after arriving on Thursday. After enjoying a very steamy salsa dance together on Saturday, Harry and Meghan jumped on stage and thanked guests for their 'warm welcome.' Meghan's effortless beauty was on display in a printed strapless maxi-dress as she spoke in Spanish to the crowd, while her husband, dressed in navy pants and a blue button down, graciously accepted a musical instrument. In an Instagram post on the Festival Petronio Alvarez account, Meghan and Harry were said to be in '#Petrionio2024 mode' as the loud crowd cheered them on. The Duke, 39, and Duchess, 43, of Sussex were cheered on my a crowd during their Colombian tour as Harry was gifted a musical instrument Meghan, Harry, Colombia Vice President Francia Marquez and her husband Yerney Pinillo are all smiles at the Petronio Music Festival In a separate post, Colombian politician Alejandro Eder, who joined the Sussexes on stage, shared a picture of them with him and his actress wife, Taliana Vargas 'We are a reference for the world, a meeting point and obligatory stop for locals and tourists. Proud of the way our Pacifica culture falls in love!' In a separate post, Colombian politician Alejandro Eder, who joined the Sussexes on stage, shared a picture of them with him and his actress wife, Taliana Vargas. 'How do you see this visit by Dukes Harry and Meghan to #Petronio2024? What a joy that the world is watching us! #CaliEsDondeDebesEstar,' Eder wrote. On Saturday, the couple beamed as they headed to the historic city of Cartagena and the traditional Afro-Caribbean village of San Basilio de Palenque. There they were spotted embroiled in a steamy salsa dance, hugging and touching each other as they whirled around the dance floor. Meghan, looking typically chic in a white linen skirt which she paired with Princess Diana's 17,800 ( about $23,000 USD) Gold Tank Francaise Watch, reached out to grab Harry's face with both hands, pulling him in for a smooch on the lips. Harry and Meghan beamed on stage as they were given a warm welcome during their tour The Duke and Duchess of Sussex receive an award from singer Nidia Gongora (pictured here second from the right) during the closing of the festival On Saturday the loved-up couple enjoyed a steamy salsa dance, hugging and touching each other as they whirled around the dance floor But the loved-up couple did manage to keep their hands off each other long enough to dance with local residents. The Duchess shimmied with a Colombian man in a white t-shirt before allowing another woman to spin and dip her in the middle of the room. Meghan, who luckily had ditched her heels for black sandals, laughed and smiled as she swayed to the music. Prince Harry looked smart in a breezy light blue linen shirt which he paired with cream trousers and brown shoes. Ahead of their arrival, some locals said they hoped Harry will use the visit to apologize for the British crown's role in the colonial slave trade. The Duke of Sussex has previously discussed the 'unjust' system that saw 'enslaved people' generate wealth for the Crown. However, he has not apologized for his family's role in the oppressive system. #NoticiasCali | Harry y Meghan, duques de Sussex, bailando salsa en el oriente de Cali pic.twitter.com/EGaq5cXsR5 TUBARCO (@tubarconews) August 18, 2024 Prince Harry and Meghan arrive in San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia, on day three of their visit Harry and Meghan salsa dancing during their tour of Colombia this week Colombian singer-songwriter Cynthia Montano performs during the Afro Women and Power conference Prince Harry looks back while in the audience to watch his wife Meghan speak at a talk on 'Afro women and power' Meghan beams on stage alongside VP Ms Marquez. The Duchess opened her intervention at the debate speaking in Spanish Harry and Meghan held hands as they walked through the village square where stalls with traditional handicrafts had been set up as they chatted animatedly to onlookers. The village was set up by freed African slaves almost 300 years ago and has been described as a 'little corner of Africa'. The stop was particularly significant for Meghan, as when she visited Nigeria in May she said she was '43 per cent Nigerian.' On the final day of their faux-royal tour, Meghan spoke at the 'Afro Women and Power' conference in Cali. She proudly retold her go-to tale about how she wrote to Procter & Gamble aged 11 to ask the brand to change its sexist soap commercial. The Duchess also paid tribute to her mother and gushed over her three-year-old daughter Lilibet. '[I] encourage our daughter [...] at three she has found her voice and we are so proud of that,' she said. 'For me I find inspiration in so many of the strong women around me. My mother being one of them. Life is full of surprises and can be quite complex.' Meghan and Harry lift their hands up as they attend the Afro Women and Power event Yerney Pinillo, Ms Marquez, Meghan, and Harry stand and applaud during the Afro-Descendant Women and Power conference Harry looks adoringly at his wife Meghan who smiles warmly back during the conference Meghan Markle on stage for the Afro women and power debate in Cali Harry was full of smiles during his exciting tour of Colombia last week Meghan opened her intervention at the debate speaking in Spanish and calling Ms Marquez a 'my friend' before going on to pay tribute to Harry as she carried on in English. To a huge cheer she said:' I would like to begin in Spanish because we are in your country, my husband and I, and I can feel this embrace from Colombia. 'It's incredible, so many, many thanks, because the culture, the history, everything has been like a dream on this trip. 'Sorry if my Spanish is not perfect because I learned it 20 years ago in Argentina, but I'm trying here because I can feel this community and this feeling which is the best in the world.' She added: 'So thank you very much to the vice president, my friend, many thanks.' Meghan notably neglected to mention the Princess of Wales and the late Queen Elizabeth in her speech, although she has praised both royal women in the past. Once a fashionable and desirable brand, Ted Baker is set to close its remaining 31 UK stores this week, with 500 people at risk of losing their jobs. It comes after the firm behind Ted Baker's UK shops, No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), fell into administration in March, with administrators closing 15 shops and cutting 245 jobs. According to the Wall Street Journal, the decision to shutter the remaining shops was triggered after the Authentic Brand Group - which acquired Ted Baker in 2022 - stopped paying its suppliers. After opening in Glasgow in 1988, Ted Baker enjoyed some considerable successes, including picking up impressive celebrity endorsements including Amal Clooney, Holly Willoughby, and Emma Stone. The Princess of Wales famously wore a navy Ted Baker trench during the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Canada tour in July 2011. So what went wrong? According to UK fashion expert Rochelle White, a number of factors contributed to the once-thriving brand becoming the latest high street casualty, from struggling to keep up with the trends to issues with leadership, among others. The then-Kate Middleton was snapped wearing a navy Ted Baker trench on several occasions (pictured attending the last day of the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival meeting in 2008) Holly Willoughby is another celebrity who has been snapped wearing Ted Baker designs - including this floral printed frock Rochelle told FEMAIL: 'I feel that Ted Baker is one of those brands that just got comfortable in what they knew and to certain extent lost who they were marketing too. 'I feel that their target customer and audience has changed over the years and they haven't really learnt that or moved with that.' The expert added that although Ted Baker was a British retails, it 'really did start to look and feel like a Ralph Lauren'. She continued: 'It was losing the Britishness about the brand and styles. 'The brand Holland Cooper, is a great example of tapping into British culture in a modern way, who are very clear on their customer.' According to Rochelle, the also brand suffered as a result of not moving with the times. She explained: 'Creator/ influencer partnerships and collaborations is something that they lacked. High-profile lawyer Amal Clooney looks extremely stylish sporting a pale blue mini dress from Ted Baker 'Also, their communications were not consistent across their channels. 'Their Instagram had a very different look and feel to their TikTok. They are different platforms, with a need for different content and target audience.' Another factor many have cited in the breakdown of the brand are accusations aimed the founder Ray Kelvin. North Londoner Kelvin had started working in his uncle's Enfield menswear shop aged 11 and gone on to found the Ted Baker brand after success with a men's shirts shop in Glasgow. The range of shirts in the Glasgow store - in every colour of the rainbow - became a huge hit in the 'acid house' era of the 1990s, as clubbers wanted to stand out under the strobe lights. More shops quickly followed - in Manchester's King Street and Nottingham Exchange Arcade - and as the 90s rolled on, the brand quickly branched out into other departments, eventually selling everything from womenswear, childrenswear, shoes, fragrance and watches to glasses, wedding attire, bedding and lingerie. A Ted Baker store on Regent Street in London is festooned with posters advertising its closing down sale in July 2024 Ted Baker founder Ray Kelvin (pictured in London in 2019) stepped down from the brand after facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour It also had a strong presence in department stores including concessions in House of Fraser, Fenwick, Selfridges and over 20 locations in John Lewis stores. By 1998, Ted Baker had opened its first store in the US, with a shop in New York - and carved out a partnership with American department store Nordstrom. There are now 500 stores and concessions globally. That same year, Kelvin took a leave of absence when the company was forced to launch an independent investigation into his alleged behaviour following a petition from staff - which he denies. He was accused of stroking people's necks and making sexual innuendos and promptly stepped down in March 2019, saying 'It is the right thing to step away'. Kelvin said at the time: 'Difficult though this decision is given that Ted Baker has been my life and soul for over 30 years, I've decided that the right thing to do is to step away from Ted and allow the business to focus on being the outstanding brand it is so it can face 2019 with fresh energy and renewed spirit.' However, by December that year, bosses of the firm quit after profits plunged to less than 10million after its 'worst ever year of trading'. The group said at the time that chief executive Lindsay Page who took over from founder Ray Kelvin after he quit had been replaced by an interim director. The brand suffered another major blow in 2020. 'Lockdown was a tough year for brands if they didn't pivot,' explained Rochelle. 'So, now four years on, they haven't recovered as they didn't invest in areas that could have helped them stand the test of time.' The issue of keeping up with moving trends is one she highlighted again, telling FEMAIL: 'When brands have heritage and legacy, it is really important to not only uphold, but to also move forward with the times. 'You have to be able to keep the brand story in the forefront of consumers minds, but also be speaking to the ones who could be potential customers in the future. 'The brand should have really kept up with trends, understood the market they're in, and where fashion is going.' She explained that the longevity of a brand 'has to come from the top as well as the bottom, with clear plans of actions for being able to adapt and move quickly'. According to Rochelle: 'When brands get comfortable and don't investment in campaigns, collaborations and partnerships, as well as content that resonates, they fall behind. 'This is the case for Ted Baker. They didn't listen, learn, adapt and move with the times. Ted Baker is closing all 31 of its remaining stores by Tuesday after the brand fell into administration earlier this year 'Also, the leadership was under pressure and strained and as a results cracks and issues appeared.' Commenting on the brand's decline, John McNamara, chief strategy and transition officer for Authentic Brands Group, previously told Fashion Network: 'We wish that there could've been a better outcome for the Ted Baker employees and stakeholders.' Announcing the brand's bankruptcy last month, joint administrator Benji Dymant said: 'Ted Baker is an iconic British brand with strong partners around the world. 'These store closures, whilst with a regrettable impact on valued team members, will improve the performance of the business, as Authentic continues to progress discussions with potential UK and European operating partners for the Ted Baker brand to bring the business back to health. 'We would like to thank Ted Baker team members and partners for their ongoing efforts and support at this difficult time.' Meghan Markle has showcased her love for all things Hispanic and Spanish over the years, as she appeared very much at home during four day tour of Colombia. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, who learned Spanish in 2002 when interning at the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, showed off her language skills at a talk in Cali on Sunday. Meghan studied at Northwestern's School of Communication where she took Salsa dance classes and graduated with a bachelor's degree as a double major in theatre and international studies. She studied abroad in Madrid in 2002, during which time she developed her Spanish speaking skills after taking five courses which were mainly taught in Spanish while she stayed with a host family. Over the years the duchess also developed a love for Hispanic designers and has showcased her support for Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz on many occasions, as well as Venezuela born Carolina Herrera and brand Juan De Dios, which was founded in Cali. Meghan Markle has showcased her love for all things Hispanic over the years, as she shows off her Spanish in Colombia Yesterday, Meghan showed off her ability to speak Spanish as she addressed the audience during her 'Afro women and power' talk in Colombia. The duchess spoke at the event in the city of Cali's theatre, accompanied by her husband Prince Harry who watched from the crowd. The duke sat with a translator earpiece as his wife kicked off her talk with a segment in Spanish, calling Vice President Francia Marquesa 'my friend'. After opening in Spanish at her talk in Cali, Meghan gave a gesture of relief as she managed to speak the language after many years. She said: 'I would like to begin in Spanish because we are in your country, my husband and I, and I can feel this embrace from Colombia. 'It's incredible, so many, many thanks, because the culture, the history, everything has been like a dream on this trip. 'Sorry if my Spanish is not perfect because I learned it 20 years ago in Argentina, but I'm trying here because I can feel this community and this feeling which is the best in the world.' She added: 'So thank you very much to the vice president, my friend, many thanks.' She studied abroad in Madrid in 2002, during which time she developed her Spanish speaking skills after taking five courses which were mainly taught in Spanish while she stayed with a host family (pictured in her early 20's) Over the years the duchess also developed a love for Hispanic designers and has showcased her support for Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz on many occasions Meghan's former classmate shared a throwback snap from her days at University, as the royal couple spent their final day of their trip in the home of salsa dancing in Cali Meghan spoke in Spanish during the Afro women and power debate in Cali, Colombia Meanwhile it appears her love for the Spanish language is brushing off on Prince Harry. For their final royal engagement in Colombia, the pair made an appearance at Petronio Alvarez Pacific Music Festival in Cali. The prince jumped up on stage alongside his wife, and Colombia's vice president, Francia Marquez, and first addressed the crowds in Spanish, wishing them a good evening, and then thanking the vice president. Harry then turned to Meghan and asked 'can you help me translate?' with Meghan nodding and adding 'of course'. In English, Harry addressed roaring crowds and said: 'Thank you for your beautiful culture, and thank you, thank you for your incredible hospitality.' After each sentence, Meghan took hold of the microphone and translated Harry's words into Spanish. Yesterday, it was revealed that the duchess took salsa classes while at Northwestern University. Meghan's former classmate shared a throwback snap from her days at University, as the royal couple spent their final day of their trip in the home of salsa dancing in Cali. A former classmate of the duchess, Iris Amador, took to Instagram to share the nostalgic snap from the dance class. She captioned the nostalgic snap: 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Colombia, including Cali, the world's salsa capitala dance Meghan Markle and I enjoyed together during our university days. Salsa lessons with the future Duchess of Sussex back in college!' In the snap, Meghan looked typically stylish in denim jeans which she paired with a black jumper. Her brunette locks were swept back into a chic bun and the future duchess perched on the side of a couch with her classmates. Dancing has become a distinctive characteristic of Cali, with millions of people traveling to there to learn to dance Cali salsa every year, according to Colombia travel. Meghan was filmed dancing enthusiastically with locals during an engagement on Thursday night Meghan kept cool in a 2,275 Johanna Ortiz striped sundress as she and Prince Harry toured Africa Wearing another gown from Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz, it appears that Meghan was able to put her dancing skills to the test It appears that Meghan was able to put her dancing skills to the test during her trip to Colombia. Meghan was filmed enthusiastically dancing while attending a special cultural event as Prince Harry watched on. Harry and Meghan were treated to theatre, music and dance performances at the Delia Zapata National Centre for the Arts in Bogota on the first day in South America. During the theatre performance a clip showing Meghan taking part in a dance session with locals went viral. On Saturday the Sussexes beamed as they headed to the historic city of Cartagena and the traditional Afro-Caribbean village of San Basilio de Palenque. There the couple were spotted embroiled in a steamy salsa dance, hugging and touching each other as they whirled around the dance floor. But the loved-up couple did manage to keep their hands off each other long enough to dance with local residents. The Duchess shimmied with a Colombian man in a white t-shirt before allowing another woman to spin and dip her in the middle of the room. Meghan was first spotted in a Johanna Ortiz gown as she accepted a Women of Vision award at a glitzy New York gala with Prince Harry by her side last year Meghan, who luckily had ditched her heels for black sandals, laughed and smiled as she swayed to the music. Meanwhile Meghan has also developed a love for Hispanic and South American designers and has opted to wear their brands to high profile events and tours. During her tour of Colombia the beauty showcased her support for Johanna Ortiz, South American designer Carolina Herrera and Cali brand Juan De Dios. The mother-of-two debuted the burgundy Navajo Weaver Metallic Tweed Maxi Dress by Johanna Ortiz, who has Colombian heritage, as she met with vice president Francia Marquez on day one of her trip last week. The colourful gown, which the duchess donned featured removable ruffle sleeves that could transform it from a one-shoulder to a strapless design. It was crafted from a mixed-tweed fabric with intricate embroidery and metallic fibres into a tailored, column silhouette. On the second day of the tour, the 43-year-old stepped out in style wearing a skirt designed by Colombian brand Juan De Dios for a trip to the Centro de Rehabilitacion Inclusiva in Bogota Although there was a special significance in wearing the dress for a trip to the designer's home country, it is far from the first time that the Duchess has worn Ortiz's dresses, with the designer's work. Meghan was first spotted in the gown as she accepted a Women of Vision award at a glitzy New York gala with Prince Harry by her side last year. She donned the strapless version of the gold Johanna Ortiz dress, which had scalloped pattern detailing. It marked the first time the royal had ever worn the metallic shade in public, and appeared to mark a new era for Meghan, who is relaunching herself in the US. She paired the gown with some strappy $1,350 gold heels from Tom Ford and a matching $1,100 clutch bag by South American designer Carolina Herrera, who's accessories are all hand-crafted in Spain. Meanwhile earlier this year, the duchess donned Ortiz's Tropicana Nights dress, which featured a black and cream palm leaf style design, while on a tour of Nigeria. She complemented her ensemble with bold gold jewellery, including statement circular earrings and a variety of matching bracelets. On the second day of the tour, the 43-year-old stepped out in style wearing a skirt designed by Colombian brand Juan De Dios for a trip to the Centro de Rehabilitacion Inclusiva in Bogota. Meghan oozed confidence in Amaime Silk Martellato Midi Skirt in Ivory Green Chintz and she paired it with a white button-down shirt. Juan De Dios is run by entrepreneurs Maria Fernanda Valencia and Isabella Gutierrez with stores in Bogota and Cali. The brand is committed to social responsibility and gives back to the local area. Their website reads: 'All of our pieces are made in Colombia by women head-of-household using artisanal methods and recyclable yarn fabrics. 'To represent Latin American design across the globe; to exemplify effortless sophistication; to blend Colombia's artisanal heritage with versatility, fine quality, innovation and environmentally friendly practices.' Five percent of online sales are donated to the El Banco de Alimentos Cali Foundation, which provides meals to those in need in the Cali area. Prince Harry allowed himself to relax into a state of zen as he sat onstage with Meghan Markle during one of the opening events of their Colombia tour. As the Duke and Duchess enjoyed a colourful tribal dance at the Delia Zapata National Centre for the Arts in Bogota, the nation's capital, they exhibited very different body language as spectators. While Meghan, 43, remained demure and displayed impressive posture during the performance, Prince Harry, 39, appeared somewhat more slouched in his chair. As he sat between the Duchess and the couple's English to Spanish translator, Harry even felt chilled out enough to rest his arm on the back of the translator's chair - and royal fans certainly had plenty of jokes to make about his gesture. Prince Harry looked uber-relaxed as he watched a tribal dance in Bogota, Colombia alongside his wife Meghan Markle on Thursday He appeared distracted as he looked behind him and appeared to gesture to someone out of shot while Meghan and the translator seemed engrossed in the 'Kiss of the Hummingbird' performance. Eventually, a woman came over to speak to the Duke, who quietly says something to her before turning his attention back to the performance. After the clip was posted online, royal fans joked the Duke was risking a telling off from his wife, who was sitting on the other side of him. Meanwhile, however, Meghan seemed unfazed by her husband's informal gesture as she remained focused on the performance and chatted to vice president Francia Marquez and pointed to some of the costumes, before shaking hands with the dancers at the end of the performance. She looked stylish as she changed into her second look of the tour - a colourful maxi dress by Johanna Ortiz, who has Colombian heritage. The Duke of Sussex, 39, appeared distracted as he rested his arm on his translator's chair during the performance at the Delia Zapata National Centre for the Arts The Duchess opted for the $2,150 burgundy Navajo Weaver Metallic Tweed Maxi Dress, and styled her hair into loose waves after her earlier up-do. She wowed in the look, which boasted a slit up the thigh and featured a stylish cut-out in the middle. Though the dress itself appeared to be new, Meghan wore a very similar look on her 'quasi-royal' tour of Africa back in May, wearing a 2,275 striped sundress also by Johanna Ortiz. She kept the same jewellery from earlier in the day, but also appeared to add her $12,800 Cartier juste un clou necklace, which she has sported many times before. She gave a sweet nod to the hosting country, as the dress is made in Colombia itself. Meghan remained demure as they watched the performance and displayed good posture while appearing focused on the dance At one point during the performance Prince Harry turned to someone out of shot to speak to them It's also practical - featuring removable ruffle sleeves and being cool for the climate, as well as stylish in nature. Meghan was beaming as she watched the performance, with the couple holding hands and showing much affection. Earlier, Meghan proved her fashion prowess once again today as she stepped out in Colombia alongside Prince Harry to begin their four-day tour of the South American nation. She put on a stylish display in a 596 collared vest from New York-based brand Veronica Beard. Looking effortlessly elegant, the mother-of-two teamed her sleeveless, buttoned garment with matching navy, ankle-grazing trousers from the designer, priced at 349.33. Cinched at the waist to flatter the Duchess' slender figure, the smart ensemble was paired with black Manolo Blahnik high heels and a cream $4,700 handbag from Italian company Loro Piana. Harry and Meghan were met in the capital Bogota by Colombia's vice president Francia Marquez and her husband Rafael Yerney Pinillo on Thursday. They spent around half an hour at the vice president's residence, where they exchanged welcome gifts and were offered tea, coffee and traditional pandebono - Colombian cheese bread. The Sussexes were given a full security detail throughout their visit alongside Ms Marquez, who had invited the couple to travel to Colombia for what has been dubbed a DIY royal tour. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Meghan Markle's smooch with Prince Harry at the end of their steamy dance in Colombia was 'more than just a moment of Salsa-fuelled passion', a body language expert has claimed. As the Sussexes concluded their faux-royal tour of the South American nation on Sunday, they delighted fans with a kiss at the end of their dance in a PDA rarely seen among royals. However, according to UK-based body language expert Judi James, there may have been more behind the kiss than the pair getting caught in the moment. Speaking to FEMAIL, she suggested the kiss was 'bestowed' upon Harry, 39, by Meghan, 43, as part of a 'ritual' which involved 'Meghan's hands placed tenderly around Harry's face'. She suggested the public display of affection, which sealed a series of very loved-up appearances from the couple during their Colombian tour, was a 'powerful statement of gratitude' from Meghan to Harry after the couple appeared to be a hit in the nation. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a moment of passion in Cali on Sunday as they concluded their Colombian tour with a Salsa dancing class Judi said: 'The hands put [Meghan] in control of the brief kiss but they are also an announcement gesture to her royal husband that she is only creating a sweet touch on the lips. 'With the eyes of the world on them she might have remembered that royals traditionally only lip-kiss in public on their wedding day.' She added: 'This kiss looks like the frosting on the cake in terms of the were in love narrative Meghan has been sending out on this very public tour, the topping-off of their PDAs at the end of a hectic-looking dance. Body language expert Judi James described how the couple lost their inhibitions during a 'hectic' dance and were not restricted by traditional royal body language conventions 'The Salsa can be known as a stirring dance with all the hip-swivels and the sexy shines or breaks where each one of the couple gets to show off their moves to the other. 'It's clear to see that Harry and Meghan begin to lose some of their inhibitions out there on the dance floor, laughing with their mouths open and throwing themselves into the beat and so Meghans smacker looks like part of this sudden shucking off of the more regal-looking body language restrictions. 'But it also looks like a reward ritual. Meghans brief kiss seems to have made a powerful statement of what looks like gratitude to her husband at the end of this tour. Its a confirmation gesture that hints at Thank you for the dance and thank you for coming on my tour with me.' The steamy smooch comes at the conclusion of the couple's tour during which they repeatedly swooned over each other and looked incredibly loved-up. During their time in Colombia, Harry and Meghan often held hands, shared intimate moments together and displayed incredibly affectionate body language towards each other in displays that are at odds with how other members of the royal family behave during public engagements. On Saturday, as the royal couple visited an historic village in Cartagena, Judi noted how Meghan took the lead in 'boosting Prince Harry's confidence by showing signals of 'bonding, affection and ownership', according to a body language expert. She said Meghan and Harry looked deeply affectionate towards each other during their visit to the Afro-Caribbean village San Basilio de Palenque. However, despite their obvious joy, Judi said Harry appeared 'wary' and 'in protective mode' at times. In other moments the prince appeared to 'mirror' Meghan and gave a more relaxed enjoyment display with a 'wide smile on his face'. During one particularly tender moment between the pair, Meghan pulled Harrys hand close to her body while placing her free hand over his wrist. Judi told FEMAIL the act was a 'tie-sign of bonding, ownership and affection' from Meghan towards Harry. Meghan Markle 'boosts Prince Harry's confidence' while also showing signals of 'bonding, affection and ownership', according to Body language expert She said: 'Their walkabout did involve Harrys body language signals fluctuating between some undisguised wariness as he placed his hand in a protective position in the hand clasp and walked ahead of Meghan with some signs of tension showing around his lips, to this more relaxed enjoyment display with an alpha chest splay; his arms held out from his sides, and a wide smile on his face as he waved or even performed a thumbs-up to the people watching. 'It looks as though Meghan might have prompted and inspired this more confident, relaxed and royal performative mode as she performs the kind of loving body language rituals on her husband that we first saw her use during their engagement press call. 'Pulling Harrys hand in their hand clasp close to her own body she places her free hand over his wrist in a double-up signal of bonding, affection and ownership. 'This double-clasp is a powerful tie-sign that she also uses to boost Harrys confidence. 'She pairs it with some intense eye contact which Harry reciprocates, which is less easy that it looks when youre in motion walking together. The result is the way that Harry then mirrors her smile and even her open-mouth laughter as they now walk in step and very visually in love.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex beamed as they made the most of the third day of their four day trip to Colombia and headed to the historic city of Cartagena. Plenty of photos show the loved-up pair holding hands while walking through the village beaming, although at some points Harry appeared 'wary' and 'in protective mode' The Duchess of Sussex, 43, looked more loved-up than ever with her husband, 39, during a visit to traditional Afro-Caribbean village San Basilio de Palenque on Saturday However in other moments the prince appeared to 'mirror' Meghan and gave a more relaxed enjoyment display with a 'wide smile on his face' During one particularly tender moment between the pair, Meghan pulled Harrys hand close to her body while placing her free hand over his wrist Body language expert Judi James said the hand holding is a 'tie-sign of bonding, ownership and affection' from Meghan towards Harry The pair appeared carefree and affectionate towards each other, as Meghan gripped Harry's arm during a walk through the village. Meghan looked typically chic in white linen skirt, which she paired with a sleeveless tank top and Panama hat. She accessorised with stylish aviator sunglasses, Princess Diana's 17,800 Gold Tank Francaise Watch, a 5800 Cartier Love Yellow Gold Bracelet and she completed her ensemble with black sandals. Prince Harry looked smart in a breezy light blue linen shirt which he paired with cream trousers and brown shoes. They were met with a warm welcome as locals clapped, cheered and waved at the couple who were accompanied by their security team. Harry and Meghan walked through the village square where stalls with traditional handicrafts had been set up as they chatted animatedly to onlookers. The village was set up by freed African slaves almost 300 years ago and has been described as a 'little corner of Africa'. The stop was particularly significant for Meghan, as when she visited Nigeria in May she said she was '43 per cent Nigerian'. Today the quasi royal tour will end with a trip to the city of Cali where the couple will attend a music festival and meet local youngsters. Meghan's speech in Cali will touch on the theme of 'Afro Women and Power' and is due to be held at the city's main theatre. At the village of San Basilio de Palenque, local rapper Andris Padilla Julio, 32, performed for the Duke and Duchess after they toured the area. Meghan accessorised with stylish aviator sunglasses, Princess Diana 's 17,800 Gold Tank Francaise Watch, a 5800 Cartier Love Yellow Gold Bracelet and she completed her ensemble with black sandals The pair looked appeared carefree and affectionate towards each other, as Meghan gripped Harry's arm during a walk through the village Meghan looked typically chic in white linen skirt, which she paired with a sleeveless blouse and Panama hat Prince Harry looked smart in a breezy light blue linen shirt which he paired with cream trousers and brown shoes Known by the rap name Afroneto, Padilla is the creator of a style known RFP or Folkloric Palanquero Rap. He said: 'I spoke with Harry and his wife and Francia Marquez about our plan to build an arts performance centre here. 'I gave them a document with what we want to do and now all they need to do is put in the money that we need. 'They said they would help. Harry complemented me on my RFP flow and my outfit.' Josefa Hernandez, 38, a contractor for Colombia's Ministry of Culture who served as master of ceremonies for the visit, said: 'This visit has been very symbolic for us. 'The Duke and Duchess broke their protocol to thank us for opening the doors of our community to them. 'They told us that they understood the importance of San Basilio de Palenque for the history of Colombia and the world. 'First they visited San Basilio de Palenque's cultural centre where Franca Marquez spoke and the national anthem of Columbia and the anthem of Palenque were played. Meghan and Harry walk through the streets of San Basilio de Palenque in Columbia Members of a children's choir wave as they wait for the arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Prince Harry and Meghan arrive in San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia Speaking at the village Meghan said: 'We understand very well the importance and meaning of what this town is, it has become very clear to us. We understand what Palenque represents for Colombia and for the world, we thank you for sharing with us everything you showed to us' 'A local wise woman performed a ritual predicting prosperity for the Duke, the Duchess and the Vice President. 'Then they were given a tour by a local historian explained the story of how the town was created.' Columbia has the third largest population of African descent after Nigeria and Brazil and the trio host vice president Francia Marquez is the first black woman to hold the position. Speaking in 2014 to Amnesty Ms Marquez said Colombia's Afro women 'must keep going', despite the risks they face. She believed women have a key role to play because their 'caring instinct' drives them to protect not only their children, but also their territory, the environment and their communities. 'We need to feminize politics and fill humanity with maternal love. 'War has always been driven by machismo, by the patriarchy and by business between men. I think these men need to stop being so aggressive in life and think about feminizing themselves.' Earlier in the day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Cartagena, the historic town which sits on the Caribbean Sea, and looked chic as they stepped off the plane The couple got into the spirit of the music festival as they played the bongo drums at a school The couple appeared to be wearing earpieces, perhaps to aid translation from Spanish to English, as they took part in the class The Sussexes also looked cosy during the music class as they shared a sweet moment when Harry whispered into Meghan's ear The Petronio Alvarez music festival Harry and Meghan attended yesterday is the largest Afro-Colombian celebration in the country and held every August. In the village today, Harry and Meghan were treated to a show of singing and dancing by locals wearing traditional African themed outfits. Sadly for the couple, the encroaching sunset meant they only had around twenty minutes in the square before leaving in their convoy. They did pause briefly to admire a statue of San Basilio's founder, Benkos Bioho. After freeing himself from his Spanish rulers, Bioho, originally from modern-day Guinea Bissau, established the town, which has Unesco heritage status, as an 'enclave of liberation' for emancipated slaves. Access was strictly limited and only the Sussex approved media team was able to get anywhere near the couple. Meghan opted for a two piece from one of her favourite designers, Johanna Ortiz, as she attended the workshop A spokesperson for the vice president's office said: 'The event was a special meeting to reconnect with African roots; to learn about the experiences and living conditions of black, Afro-descendant, Raizal and Palanquero peoples in the region and to strengthen human and cultural development programs that promote the guarantee of cultural and collective rights in this territory.' Speaking at the village Meghan said: 'We understand very well the importance and meaning of what this town is, it has become very clear to us. We understand what Palenque represents for Colombia and for the world, we thank you for sharing with us everything you showed to us.' Prince Harry told the crowd: 'It feels like we have already seen the whole country.' He added: 'What we are seeing here is everything that is a community, do not forget the message of the Vice President, they are stronger together, they are stronger united as one.' Earlier, Harry and Meghan had kicked off the third day of their quasi royal tour of Colombia with a visit to a Caribbean drumming school. Meghan looked demure as she and Harry sat at the drums ahead of the workshop Giving it a go! Harry appeared to try his hand at playing the drum while Meghan watched on The Sussexes were joined at the workshop by the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Marquez Meghan and Harry walked off the plane hand-in-hand as they arrived in the city Meghan looked chic in her Johanna Ortiz two-piece as she chatted to a police officer on arrival at the airport The Sussexes, along with Ms Marquez and her husband, participated in a drum lesson led by the students, followed by a performance from some of the locals which brought all the VIPs to their feet. School director Rafael Ramos was ecstatic to see the duchess's reaction to the performances and said: 'I love seeing Meghan's big, big smile I can tell she's excited!' Following the performance, Ms Marquez gave an impassioned speech about the inherent importance of tradition when it comes to preserving Colombian heritage. Speaking to the crowd, which included members of her own family who she brought along for the day, she expressed that towns like Cartagena represent the heart of Colombian culture and how the art of drumming in particular symbolizes freedom for Black communities around the world. She also acknowledged that part of her decision to invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Colombia was because she views them as a joint symbol of resistance and two vital voices against injustice. 'The Duke and Duchess came to Colombiathis is Colombia. This is where the roots of our ancestors and our forefathers are from, ' said Vice President Marquez. 'A community like this cannot be displaced.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved from the capital Bogota to the coastal town of Cartagena with a usual heavy security detail. Meghan says her letter to P&G led them to changing the 'sexist' advert Meghan Markle shared one of her favourite tales as part of her 'Afro women and power talk' on the final day of her quasi-royal tour to Colombia last night. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, was keen to share one of her best-loved anecdotes - describing how she persuaded manufacturing giant Procter & Gamble to change a 'sexist' advert in 1993 by writing a letter when she was just 11 years old. It's one of Meghan's go-to tales, which she has previously credited with starting her life's 'trajectory' of speaking up against 'inequality'. The Duchess often uses the childhood tale in her speeches and interviews, despite some questions being raised about its validity. Indeed, when Meghan tried to reference the letter her 11-year-old self wrote to P&G in her 2017 Vanity Fair cover, it was reportedly cut after it failed to pass the magazine's fact-checking. Meghan Markle referenced her notorious Procter & Gamble tale in her 'Afro women and power talk' last night Speaking last night, Meghan recalled: 'I was very, very fortunate at a young age to feel as though my voice was being heard. 'And I think that is a luxury that a lot of young girls and women aren't often afforded. 'I was 11-years-old, and you may know this story, I had seen a commercial that I felt was sexist, and I wrote a letter, several letters, about it, and the commercial was changed. 'When you're 11-years-old, you realise very quickly that your small voice can have a very large impact. 'I think it creates the framework to feel empowered to use your voice, because you know you're being listened to.' Aged 11, Meghan wrote to Procter & Gamble to object to sexism in a dish soap advert which included the line: 'Mothers around America are fighting greasy pots and pans.' She asked them to change the advert to 'people all over America' and the company subsequently amended the language. She subsequently appeared in an interview on Nick News in 1993, saying she was 'furious' at the advert for P&G's Ivory Clear. Meghan appeared in an interview on Nick News in 1993, saying she was 'furious' at the advert for P&G's Ivory Clear The Duchess said she'd also addressed a copy to Hilary Clinton - but her claim she received a reply has question marks over it She added: 'When they heard this, the boys in my class started saying, ''Yeah, that's where women belong - in the kitchen''.' 'I don't think it is right for kids to grow up thinking that mom does everything,' Markle told Nick News in 1993. 'If you see something that you don't like or offended by on television or any other place, write letters and send them to the right people and you can really make a difference, not just for yourself but for lots of other people.' Young Meghan also sent the letter to famed civil rights lawyer Gloria Allred, then-first lady Hillary Clinton, and Nick News anchor Linda Ellerbee. After Ellerbee received the letter, she and a camera crew from her show went to meet Markle. Meghan said she received letters of encouragement back from all three, including Clinton, and said it felt 'amazing' during her 2015 speech at the UN. But the account was stripped out of a Vanity Fair cover story in 2017 after 'fact checkers raised questions about its accuracy,' a biography claimed in 2022 - as no evidence could be found of Meghan receiving a response from Clinton. The anecdote was cut from the cover story 'after consulting P&G and advertising historians,' according to Tom Bower's book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors. In an extract from the book printed in The Times, he added: 'They could also find no evidence, as Meghan claimed, that she received a reply from [Hilary] Clinton. Meghan speaks as part of the panel at the Afro women and power forum in Cali Prince Harry on stage with his wife Meghan for a group photograph following her speech Meghan appeared on Nick News after lobbying the manufacturing company to change a TV ad for dishwasher liquid in 1993 'Unknown to Kashner, Thomas Markle knew Clinton and P&G had not replied to Meghan. The success of her 'campaign' was fictitious, invented by an adoring father. It's also unclear whether Meghan's letter alone persuaded P&G to change the advert. Nevertheless, it's a story Meghan loves to tell - and was the first subject of her Archetypes podcast with Spotify, spending four minutes on the recollection before turning to her guest, Serena Williams. Recalling the letter in 2018, she said: 'Truth be told, at 11 I don't think I even knew what sexism meant.' She continued: 'I just knew that something struck me internally that was telling me it was wrong. 'And using that as my moral compass and moving through from the age of 11, at that age I was able to change this commercial.' She added: 'It really set up the trajectory for me to say, if there was a wrong, if there is a lack of justice, and there is an inequality, then someone needs to do something. And why not me?' In March this year, Meghan told the tale once more during a celebrity-studded panel at SXSAW to mark International Women's Day. Meghan re-lived the exchange as she proclaimed to the audience: 'Your voice is not small it just needs to be heard.' In 1993, Meghan appeared on Nick News, an educational program for children that aired on the popular cable network Nickelodeon. In a video previously unearthed by Inside Edition, Markle is seen on the show while she and her classmates were watching a television commercial for Ivory dish washer soap. Speaking directly to camera crews, the 11-year-old said: 'I don't think it's right for kids to grow up thinking these things that just mom does everything. 'It's always mom does this and mom does that.' She concluded at the time: 'If you see something that you don't like or offended by on television or any other place, write letters and send them to the right people. 'You can really make a difference for not just yourself but lots of other people.' In 2015 recalled the incident during a speech at the United Nations - again to mark International Women's Day. 'I remember feeling shocked and angry and also just feeling so hurt,' Markle said in the speech. 'It just wasn't right and something needed to be done.' 2015: Markle recalled the incident during a speech at the United Nations - once again to mark International Women's Day 2019: Meghan once again discussed the exchange during a panel discussion hosted by King's College London for the annual celebration of women She said at the time that her father, Thomas Markle, had inspired her to bring about change. 'He encouraged me to write letters, so I did to the most powerful people I could think of,' Meghan shared. And, once again in 2019, she discussed the exchange during a panel discussion, alongside musician Annie Lennox and former Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard, hosted by King's College London for the annual celebration of women. Meghan, who was pregnant with son Archie at the time, dished: 'Truth be told, at 11 I don't think I even knew what sexism meant. I just knew that something struck me internally that was telling me it was wrong, and I knew that it was wrong. 'And using that as my moral compass and moving through from the age of 11, at that age I was able to change this commercial.' She added: 'It really set up the trajectory for me to say, if there was a wrong, if there is a lack of justice, and there is an inequality, then someone needs to do something. And why not me?' Despite the disagreement between P&G and a young Meghan, any rift seemed to be put to bed in 2021, when Meghan and Harry's Archewell Foundation joined forces with the US consumer goods giant. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden ditched her tiara for a cap as she began her special officer training in Stockholm today. The royal, 47, looked in high spirits as she arrived at Karolinska University Hospital on the first day of her special officer training with the Swedish Armed Forces. Victoria looked as though she meant business, sporting the green camouflage-print Swedish Armed Forces uniform. The mother-of-two proudly donned the practical cargo trousers and an oversized shirt with the Swedish flag on it and chose to roll the sleeves up. She matched her ensemble with a pair of black polished lace-up combat boots and opted to wear minimal jewellery - just a simple silver chain bracelet and her engagement ring. Princess Victoria looked in high spirits as she arrived at Karolinska University Hospital on the first day of her special officer training with the Swedish Armed Forces The future Queen swept her brunette tresses into a practical low-bun as she sat down with other students in a lecture theatre. She opted for natural makeup, keeping her look minimal with a touch of eyeliner, mascara and foundation. It is thought that Princess Victoria wanted to deepen her training and understanding of the military by taking this course. The training is part of preparations for her future role as head of state, the Royal Court said in a statement in April. 'The Crown Princess will during autumn 2024 begin special officer training to acquire a deeper understanding of tactics, military science and military strategy,' it said. The course involves both theoretical and practical learning. Sweden joined NATO in March, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine forced it to rethink its national security policy. Victoria was seen listening intently to those speaking along with taking notes on what was being taught in the lecture. She even smiled and posed with Emma Bjornehed, the lecturer and Anders Widen, director of the primary education program. Victoria looked as though she meant business, sporting the green camouflage-print Swedish Armed Forces uniform The future Queen swept her brunette tresses into a practical low-bun as she sat down with other students in a lecture theatre Sweden joined NATO in March, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine forced it to rethink its national security policy Victoria even smiled and posed with Emma Bjornehed, the lecturer and Anders Widen, director of the primary education program She opted for natural makeup, keeping her look minimal with a touch of eyeliner, mascara and foundation The training is part of preparations for Victoria's future role as head of state, the Royal Court said in a statement in April It is thought that Princess Victoria wanted to deepen her training and understanding of the military by taking this course Other European royals have also undertaken military training and donned camouflage uniforms. Crown Princess Leonor of Spain, 18, began her intense three-year military training last year. She was just 17 when she started learning the ins and outs of defence at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza in Northern Spain. In her second year, Leonor moved to a naval academy and will then experience at the General Air Academy in her third and final year. Once Leonor takes to the throne, her title will also be Commander in Chief of the armed forces and has fully immersed herself in the role. But this isn't Princess Victoria's first course, as she donned camouflage makeup during her three-week basic military training at the Swedish Armed Forces International Centre in 2003. Once Victoria becomes Queen, it is thought her eldest child, Princess Estelle, will go through the same processes as she is the second-in-line to the throne. King Charles looked dashing today in a traditional kilt as he arrived in Scotland in preparation to take up residence at Balmoral Castle. Upon arriving at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire on Monday, the King paused to inspect the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland as well as their mascot Shetland pony, before readying for a his summer residence in the castle. During the inspection, Charles has the pleasure of greeting the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the cheeky Shetland pony, Cruachan IV. Charles donned a traditional kilt complete with shades of purple, green and brown, alongside a matching tie, immaculately polished boots and natural red stockings. The look was completed with a tweed blazer and waistcoat and a sporran pouch traditionally worn as part of Scottish Highland dress. King Charles arrived at Balmoral castle today to commence his summer stay at the Scottish residence The King pictured sharing a sweet moment with Shetland pony, Cruachan IV, (pictured) who is the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland Balmoral was the favourite home of the late Queen Elizabeth and where she died in September 2022. She spent three months every summer at the Scottish castle. The King has decided to continue the tradition - and the trip comes as a well-earned break for the monarch after returning to public duties amid his ongoing treatment for cancer. Upon arriving, the King enjoyed an adorable moment where he gave the Regiment's mascot, Cruachan IV, a stroke on the nose. The King reached a cautious arm out to the pony who proceeded to lift up his lip in an attempt to nibble his fingers - fortunately Charles' escaped just in time. Cruachan IV is a jet black shetland pony who was first presented to the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2012. The petite Scottish pony donned his usual fineries - the four legged mascot is entitled to wear the operational medals awarded to the Regiment during his role. He arrived from Clothie Stud in Dyce and was gifted to the regiment when he was four-years-old, later resulting in him having the nickname, Four. After being presented to and approved by the queen, the adorable little pony undertook his first official engagement in 2013. The King reached a cautious arm out to the pony who proceeded to lift up his lip in an attempt to nibble his fingers - fortunately Charles' escaped just in time Charles donned a traditional kilt complete with shades of purple, green and brown, alongside a matching tie, immaculately polished boots and natural red stockings The King The completed the look with a tweed blazer and waistcoat and a sporran pouch traditionally worn as part of Scottish Highland dress Pictured: Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, before an inspection by King Charles Members of The Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion awaited inspection from the King of England The Royal Regiment of Scotland greeted the king upon his arrival at Balmoral castle Cruachan is often seen at the head of many of the Regiment's ceremonial events as well as serving as a regular visitor to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Royal Guard at Balmoral. The cheeky pony had met the late Queen on a number of occasions including a few in which a brazen Cruachan made a grab to nibble on Her Majesty's flowers. In 2017, the cheeky chap made a beeline for the queen's flowers as she walked past though he was quickly put in his place by the firm voice of Elizabeth who exclaimed 'he always eats the flowers' before giving him an affectionate scratch on the muzzle. At another meeting in 2018, Cruachan managed to restrain himself in front of the late queen, leaving her flowers untouched. ] When not dressed in his fineries to serve as the Scottish regiment's mascot, Cruachan can be found with his companion and fellow Shetland pony, Nightcap. The two live Redford Barracks in Edinburgh where both are cared for by the Regiments Pony Major. Yesterday, Charles and Camilla, 77, were snapped heading to Crathie Kirk - a regular place of worship for the royal family while staying at their summer residence in Scotland. Charles looked smart in traditional Highlands wear as he arrived at Balmoral before taking up his summer residence in the castle The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals march before King Charles inspects the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion Members of the public gathered to watch the royal inspection as Charles arrived at the estate in Scotland Charles greeted members of the public upon his arrival Charles pictured greeting Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals The King is currently on his summer break but has been updated daily on the unrest in the country and recently spoke out to praise people's 'resilience' in countering aggression The King is currently on his summer break but has been updated daily on the unrest in the country and recently spoke out to praise people's 'resilience' in countering aggression. The arrival to Scotland comes amid tensions with his brother. The Duke of York may have been set an autumn deadline to leave Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion he shares with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. The ultimatum has come from the monarch, who has long been trying to his disgraced younger brother out of the property with previous reports claiming he wants to rent it out for 1million a year. However, Andrew has been reluctant to do so, having signed a 75-year lease with the Crown Estate when he moved in in 2003 on condition of making a 1million down payment and paying 260,000-a-year in rent. There is also the added complication of much-needed repairs to the buildings on the property, some of which have fallen into disrepair and the bill for renovations already rising to 7million. Charles's overtures to get Andrew to leave appear to have taken a new twist after it was reported he had told his brother's security team their services will no longer be required. The monarch has been funding private guards at the mansion since Andrew's armed cops - costing 3million a year - were removed in 2022 amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Charles looked smart as he completed the inspection The King stood proudly while observing the playing of the national anthem The King has decided to continue the tradition of a royal summer stay in Balmoral - and the trip comes as a well-earned break for the monarch after returning to public duties amid his ongoing treatment for cancer Balmoral was the favourite home of the late Queen Elizabeth and where she died in September 2022. She spent three months every summer at the Scottish castle Charles stood and observed during the National Anthem before inspecting the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland A Palace insider told The Sun on Sunday: 'Everyone is speculating this means the Duke will have to leave the Royal Lodge because what other reason could there be to take his security away?' The source added that the team have not left their roles straight away, but will continue to work until their contract expires at the end of October, with no replacement lined up. They added: 'It isn't a secret that the King wants him out.' The same publication reported earlier this year that Charles could even cut off Andrew from the 4million-a-year he gives his younger brother to stay afloat. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Andrew had rejected the opportunity to move to Frogmore Cottage, which is nearby and used to be the UK home of Harry and Meghan. The King is reportedly eager to generate commercial revenue from the mansion as soon as he can boot out the Duke. Andrew - who remains an outcast from public life amid the fallout from his relationship with paedophile Epstein - has reportedly already spent nearly 7million carrying out extensive renovations and repairs to the property. He has refused all requests by his brother to move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage. Andrew downsizing to live at Frogmore Cottage would make a significant saving, with friends of the King saying he would continue to pay for mobile security, but would not have to provide static security for the building. Despite his possible money worries, sources close to the Duke said back in January: 'Andrew is going nowhere. He has a cast iron lease.' If you are still hankering for a touch of all things Parisian in your life now that the Olympics has left our screens, then dont fret. The hit Netflix series Emily In Paris returned to our screens last week for its much-anticipated fourth series, with its comfortingly intoxicating cocktail of drama, love triangles and spectacular costumes. But if youve always thought these costumes were zany high fashion that only the shows protagonist played by Lily Collins could pull off, this series sees a shift. Of course, Emily hasnt ditched her signature style of pattern-clashing and bright colour, but now we see these interspersed with looks that are more mature, more French the shows costume designer, Marylin Fitoussi, is from Toulouse, after all. Think tailoring, Katharine Hepburn-inspired trousers and Audrey Hepburn-inspired ballet flats. Emilys in her revenge-dressing power era and her wardrobe reflects this. Certainly, theres no better place to find some inspiration for your autumn wardrobe so read on for how to incorporate just the right amount of Emily chic, whatever your age. Classics for a reason The perennially stylish Audrey Hepburn (pictured) is one of the inspirations for the new Emily In Paris series Dress, 130, monsoon.co.uk Shoes, 27.99, newlook.com I dont like fashion, I like clothes reads a quote on Marylin Fitoussis website and nowhere is this mantra more evident than in her inspiration for the new Emily In Paris series, the perennially stylish Audrey Hepburn. Emilys modern homage to Hepburn in My Fair Lady sees her attending a masquerade ball in a bespoke head-to-toe striped catsuit under a belted open-front skirt by Harris Reed for Nina Ricci, topped off with a wide-brimmed hat. Very Eliza Doolittle. For those whose life doesnt involve lavish balls, you can incorporate some similar chic through the elegance of monochromes. Try Monsoons Sicily dress (130, monsoon. co.uk). Pair with ballet flats by day for an Emily-approved look. Remarkably, in this series she wears flat shoes for the first time. Hers are Miu Miu and crystal-drenched and one of 2,500 pairs of shoes used this series! Faux fur adds luxe note Unlike her multi-coloured faux fur creation, Emily's beige faux fur coat (pictured) is a more accessible style inspiration Coat, 109, issylondon.co.uk L-r: Hat, 35, collar, 20, both helenmoore.com A shortcut to autumn glamour? Faux fur is the answer. While the multi-coloured faux fur creation Emily wears in the series four trailer might be a bit outlandish for offscreen, look to her beige faux fur coat worn in another episode for more accessible style inspiration. Emilys is by French designer Isabel Marant and comes in at 795, but independent brand Issy London has a similarly sumptuous coat (109, issylondon.co.uk). For faux fur accessories like the hat that Emily wears in a recreation of an Audrey Hepburn look in the 1963 film Charade, Helen Moore (helen moore.com) does the best. Grandpa chic L-r: Emily adds her own print-clashing aesthetic to the 'grandpa chic' trend; shirt, 109, karenmillen.com Miu Miu and Chloe spearheaded a grandpa chic aesthetic on the Autumn/Winter catwalks think loafers, cardigans and sweater vests in nostalgic prints. Naturally, Emily adds her own print-clashing aesthetic to the trend, pairing a striped shirt and built-in tie with a sleeveless printed cardigan in camel; and a monochrome windowpane shirt with a monochrome floral tie. Karen Millen has an organza shirt with built-in tie (109, karenmillen.com). The fact the tie and shirt dont clash a la Emily but are the same shade of blue makes the look less scary. Accessorise a la Emily Emily is never one to scrimp on an accessory witness the Twiggy-inspired head-to-toe yellow ensemble (pictured) she wears in one episode Sunglasses, 197, blackeyewear.com L-r: Earrings, 80, pinarozevlat.com; bag, 49.99, zara.com Emily is never one to scrimp on an accessory witness the Twiggy-inspired head-to-toe yellow ensemble she wears in one episode. As if the yellow coat, skirt and shirt werent enough, a tasselled bag and knee-high socks in the same hue complete her look. Emilys bag is by Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi and costs 532, but colourful bags abound on the High Street see Zaras satsuma clutch (49.99, zara.com). Accessories are an easy way to add a dose of Emilys zaniness to any outfit, so indulge in a whimsical clutch or pair of earrings. Fashion is supposed to be fun, after all. Power moves Emily's new love of power suits is reflective of her new-found confidence at work: shes wearing the trousers literally and metaphorically L-r: Jacket, 156, trousers, 96, jigsaw-online.com Emily begins series four heartbroken. But rather than take the Bridget Jones pyjama-wearing approach, she goes for something more Princess Di. Revenge-dressing. While dresses were a mainstay, now suits take centre stage. I think what will define the new season is this masculine-feminine twist that we never had before, says Marylin Fitoussi. And this new love of power suits is reflective of Emilys new-found confidence at work: shes wearing the trousers literally and metaphorically. Most notable is the vivid cobalt blue trouser suit Emily wears in one episode. Jigsaw has an equally show-stealing suit thats in the sale (jacket, 156, trousers, 96, jigsawonline.com). And for extra power dressing factor, colourblock head-to-toe a la Emily, who pairs her cobalt suit with a shirt in a matching hue. Queen Camilla appeared in high spirits as she enjoyed lunch in the picturesque Scottish village of Ballater with members of her family today. The King's wife, 77, smiled broadly and waved goodbye to her children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopez, along with a number of her grandchildren, before stepping into her waiting car. Looking tanned and casually dressed, she opted for jeans, a shirt and jumper with a green quilted jacket and loafers for her outing in Ballater, which is the nearest village to Balmoral Castle, where the King arrived today to start his summer residence. The photographs of the happy family gathering emphasise just what a close relationship Camilla has with her two children by her first marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles and her grandchildren - who call her Gaga. In 2022, she told the Mail how they kept her in touch with modern trends such as Instagram and TikTok. She also chatted with them on House Party during lockdown. Queen Camilla (pictured) appeared in high spirits as she enjoyed lunch in the picturesque Scottish village of Ballater with members of her family today The King's wife, 77, smiled broadly and waved goodbye to her children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopez, along with a number of her grandchildren, before stepping into her waiting car Like Charles, Camilla adores the peace of Royal Deeside and hugely looks forward to their summer break, spending hours outdoors walking with her dogs and catching up on some of her favourite reads. Earlier today, King Charles looked relaxed as he officially arrived at Balmoral Castle for his annual summer stay today. His Majesty appeared to be thriving in the Highland air despite his ongoing cancer treatment. Following in his late mothers footsteps, Charles also met with The Royal Regiment of Scotlands Shetland Pony mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV. The animal was on his best behaviour for the monarch, 75, having previously tried to eat Queen Elizabeths posy, forcing her to tell him admonishingly: Go away! His official arrival at the private royal estate was a fortnight later than usual as some of the castle rooms have been opened to the public this year for the first time as a cash-generating exercise. The 100-a-time tickets were so popular that they sold out with hours. During the small ceremony outside the Castle Gates, the King dressed in traditional tartan inspected a Guard of Honour formed of Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, under the command of Major Neil Cargill. The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Pipes and Drums of The Royal Corps of Signals performed. Charles has been staying with Camilla at their Birkhall home until now but will be joined by family and friends over the next few weeks at Balmoral. Like Charles, Camilla (pictured) adores the peace of Royal Deeside and hugely looks forward to their summer break, spending hours outdoors walking with her dogs and catching up on some of her favourite reads The photographs of the happy family gathering emphasise just what a close relationship Camilla has with her two children by her first marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles and her grandchildren - who call her Gaga King Charles arrived at Balmoral castle today to commence his summer stay at the Scottish residence The King pictured sharing a sweet moment with Shetland pony, Cruachan IV, (pictured) who is the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland Charles greeted members of the public upon his arrival The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected with their three children as is, potentially, the Duke of York, which could lead to awkward scenes given the latest salvo in the so-called siege of Royal Lodge. The King wants his brother, Prince Andrew, to quit the 30-room mansion in Windsor now he is no longer a working royal, but he has flatly refused to move. This week it emerged that Charles is pulling arrangements to pay for his brothers security team privately from October, in another attempt to force Andrew to downsize. He is keen for him to relocate to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs old five-bedroomed home, but Andrew feels this is a demotion too far. Woolworths has launched a new Scan&Go Trolley trial in Sydney Woolworths has been slammed by customers for introducing a new way to shop in stores using a digital trolley. The supermarket giant launched the Scan&Go Trolley trial in Sydney, which allows shoppers to scan their items as they shop using a tablet device. Before shopping, customers can unlock a tablet by scanning their Everyday Rewards card and placing it on a trolley. The groceries can be tracked easily and paid for in one transaction without the need to remove any items. The new offering is being trialled at Woolworths Windsor in Sydney's North West with plans to also launch in Warringah Mall, The Ponds, Kellyville North, Lane Cove, Kellyville, Oran Park, Kellyville Grove, Schofields Town Centre and North Parramatta. But shoppers on TikTok were outraged and claimed the new feature makes them feel like they're Woolworths employees. 'So do we get discount since we do all the work for Woolies?' one wrote. 'Adding "Woolies employee" to my resume,' another said. Woolworths has launched the Scan&Go Trolley trial in Sydney which allows shoppers to scan their items as they shop using a tablet device Before shopping customers can unlock a tablet by scanning their Everyday Rewards card and placing it on a trolley. But shoppers on TikTok were outraged and claimed the new feature makes them feel like they're Woolworths employees A third added: 'So do I work at Woolworths now?' 'Woolworths turning us into iPad kids,' someone else joked. One more said he 'just wants cheaper groceries' rather than another feature in store. 'Our customers are looking for us to deliver both value and convenience,' Woolworths Group's Faye IIhan said in a statement. 'Scan&Go Trolley is a market-leading innovation that will help them both save time and balance the budget on their supermarket shop. 'Pending feedback from our customers, we hope to introduce Scan&Go Trolley in more of our supermarkets nationwide.' The latest technology is an extension of the Scan&Go mobile feature offered at selected locations. The Scan&Go mobile feature is available across 74 supermarkets. It was a complete shock to the whole family when Theresa Garcia learned her coughing fits were the result of a rare cancer normally suffered by miners and construction workers. The 53-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, had worked in offices and spent most of her down time at home raising her six children. It wasn't until the family started seeing news coverage linking Johnson and Johnson's talcum powder to the formation of tumors that things started to make sense. Ms Garcia was a lifelong user of talc, using it from a child right up until her diagnosis. She also used it on her children, who now face an anxious wait to see if they too will face health consequences as a result. Ms Garcia was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, cancer that grows in the lining of the lungs and is caused by repeated exposure to asbestos, a now-banned, highly toxic mineral that used to be prevalent in building materials. Theresa Garcia, 53, is pictured above at a family meal. She died in July 2020, just six months after being diagnosed with the fast-moving cancer mesothelioma Ms Garcia is pictured above in family photos shown in court. Her daughter Stephanie said Ms Garcia was 'family-orientated' and a mother first and foremost Describing her mother's story for the first time, her daughter Stephanie Salcedo told DailyMail.com that Ms Garcia was very family-orientated and always on the lookout for ways to help others. 'Everything she did was for someone else,' her daughter said, 'so if that meant being active and playing volleyball, hosting cook-outs or making and customizing t-shirts for us, she did it it was for the happiness of her family'. 'I remember that during Halloween she would make personalized trick-or-treat bags for the grandkids and cousins, and was always on hand to volunteer to help with a school project.' After suffering from a mysterious cough that 'just didn't sound right' for months, Ms Garcia was diagnosed with cancer in January 2020. Known as pleural mesothelioma, it was commonly diagnosed among miners and builders until asbestos-laced products were banned in 1989. There are now around 2,000 cases per year. After learning of the link, Ms Garcia's family launched a court case against J&J and won, being awarded $45million. But Ms Garcia didn't live to see the verdict passed, as she died in July 2020 just seven months after being diagnosed with the cancer. She was engaged at the time and had been planning to have her dream wedding that same year. The above family photo shows a bottle of talc powder positioned in the background The first warning sign the family had that something was amiss was when she started to suffer from a persistent cough. 'It would have been Christmas of 2019, we were at her house and she kept coughing and coughing. She didn't seem sick, but the sound of her cough just wasn't right. 'It was like a painful, harsh sound, like, it wasn't normal, it really sounded like it was coming from her lungs and not the average just clearing your throat. 'I remember one of us asking her, like, mom, like, you need to get that cough checked out. 'And she was like, "I know I've had this cough forever. It won't go away". 'But she said she thought it was just like a regular cold or cough that was just hard to get rid of.' The above pictures demonstrate how much Ms Garcia used the powder. They show her children smothered in it from head to toe The following month Ms Garcia was overcome with a coughing fit while driving home from work at an executive postal service that was so bad she was left struggling to breathe. It prompted her to head to the ER. Studies showed that the mineral talcum powder was made from could be contaminated with asbestos, which could become aerosolized when the powder was used. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled into the lungs, where they become trapped and do not break down irritating the organ's lining and eventually causing cancer. By mid-January 2020, Ms Garcia had been diagnosed with an advanced form of pleural mesothelioma, which was effectively a death sentence. Penn Medicine says that patients with this type of cancer typically only survive for four to 18 months after diagnosis. Statistics show that only 12 percent of patients survive for five years after the disease is detected. Later that year she became one of the 54,000 people who filed lawsuits against Johnson and Johnson accusing the company of causing a multitude of cancers, also including ovarian, as well as other ailments. After her diagnosis, Ms Garcia initially tried to get surgery to have the lining of her lungs removed and cut out the cancer. Ms Garcia is pictured above in hospital during her seven-month battle with the cancer A date was scheduled, but when she arrived on surgery day and had a scan she was told her disease was inoperable and the surgery was canceled. She was then put on chemotherapy and went through four rounds of treatment. But it took a heavy toll on her body, leaving her in constant pain and barely able to get out of bed leading doctors to recommend hospice care. She died on July 27, 2020. Describing her mother's battle, Ms Salcedo told DailyMail.com: 'It was devastating, watching my mom go through that and be in excruciating pain. She was basically dying before our eyes. 'But even at that time, she was all about making other people comfortable and happy she was a mom first and she was concerned about how we were feeling even though she was the one in pain and the one suffering. 'You could see on her face and hear in her voice how much pain she was in, but she kept saying "I'm fine, I'm going to be okay", and worrying about us instead.' Pleural mesothelioma is a slow-moving cancer that takes about two decades to form following exposure to asbestos. It may not cause any symptoms in the early stages, before triggering warning signs like a persistent cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. It is difficult to treat because the cancer tends to only be diagnosed when it has already spread to other areas of the body and affects the lining of the lungs first, which are difficult to operate on. Ms Garcia is pictured above in a family photo And shown again in another family photo taken during the Christmas period Other members of the family are now also worried that they too could develop the same cancer after using Johnson and Johnson's products. Ms Salcedo said: 'It's a concern always at the back of our heads, of course, and it was something that was a concern for my mom when she first started her trial. 'But as of right now, we're all healthy thankfully and hopefully, it stays that way.' It was during the early days of her illness that the family instructed Texas-based Dean Omar Branham Shirley lawyers to fight Ms Garcia's case. The pharma company fought hard against them in court, turning over every stone they could find to prove their powder had not caused the illness. Ms Salcedo explained how they had even reached out to Ms Garcia's first husband and family friends to find an alternative asbestos exposure. In court, they even went as far as to suggest that the family had been buying a fake version of their product from the local bodega. But the jury eventually sided with the family, although the pay-out is yet to be received and lawyers say they could still appeal the ruling. Ms Salcedo said: 'I feel like we did this for her and I wish that she was here to have experienced it. 'The whole time, I just thought that maybe now she can rest peacefully she always asked us to continue her case if something happens to her.' Ms Garcia was born in Chicago, the fifth out of eight children, and grew up sharing a single bedroom with her five sisters. She married her first husband in the 1980s, with whom she had six children with Johnson and Johnson's powder being a mainstay in the family home before the pair divorced in the 2010s. She then met her partner Carlos at the same mailing center where she worked, although the pair had known each other from childhood. At the same time, as her children moved out she also found herself the grandmother to a posse of some 13 grandchildren. Ms Garcia was quiet about the engagement after Carlos proposed on Christmas Eve, waiting until the family came over and one of them spotted a ring on her finger. Her first question to the children upon them finding out was, 'do you mind?'. J&J is now set to make one of the biggest payouts in history over claims its talcum powder caused cancer and other ailments, after offering a $6.5billion deal to those who filed lawsuits against the company. Early reports suggest more than 75 percent of claimants have voted in favor of the deal, which was the threshold needed. Thinking back to our adolescence, most of us recoil at the horror of it all. Hormones all over the place, a body that seems out of control, uncertainty about what you want in life and where you fit in the big scheme of things. Few of us would choose to go through all that again. Particularly if you consider youd also have to relive the horror of exams all over again. Last week, the media was full of lovely stories of students celebrating their A-level successes, but for every happy picture, there will be other teenagers currently in despair, their hopes and plans overturned by disappointing results. The story will be repeated this week with GCSE results too. No matter what well-meaning family and friends may say about exams not being the be-all and end-all, for many youngsters this may be the first big hurdle they have faced and it can seem overwhelming. Last week, the media was full of lovely stories of students celebrating their A-level successes, but for every happy picture there will be other teenagers currently in despair, their hopes and plans overturned by disappointing results Your browser does not support iframes. But how can you best help as parent if your child is struggling with bad news? Its important to remember that your role is not only to console and literally provide a shoulder to cry on if need be but also to help put things into perspective. Over the years Ive seen many teenagers spiral after setbacks like poor exam grades. Often the first sign is starting to self-isolate they stop going out, seeing friends and spend more time at home, often in their bedrooms. Parents, understandably, often dont want to interfere, or are wary of making the situation worse. Yet in fact this is often when a timely, kind intervention can nip things in the bud. Rather than simply trying to downplay their upset, or provide them with a ready-made set of solutions, help them come up with a plan themselves. It can be very tempting to rush in and try to make things better. Yet however well-motivated such an approach may be, do try not to be too directive you may end up pushing them down a route they dont really want to take. Its also important that they feel in control and learn that they can find a way through adversity themselves, if they put their mind to it. Setbacks like these can, in fact, be positive learning experiences. And you can back this up with a bit of gentle guidance, reassurance and encouragement. The reason that teenagers can struggle with such stressful situations is all down to the fact their brains are not yet fully developed. There are certainly those such as the neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, a professor of psychology at Cambridge University who believe such exams should be scrapped as its wrong to burden adolescents with pivotal exams at a time when their bodies and minds are already going through so much other emotional and physical change. While I am not sure how feasible ditching exams is, Professor Blakemore touches on an important point. While teens themselves would doubtless disagree, however grown-up they may appear, they are still quite immature, at least as far as their brains are concerned. Of course theres always an exception, but evidence from brain scans shows that their brains are far from fully formed. In particular, the prefrontal cortex the area that deals with impulse control, delaying gratification, consequences and inhibiting inappropriate conduct continues to develop well into their early 20s. Evidence also shows this is particularly true for boys, whose prefrontal cortex generally takes longer than that of girls it can be 25 before this area of a young mans brain is fully mature. This means that although they know a behaviour is wrong or inappropriate, they lack the hardwiring in their brains to process the consequences as most adults would. So stressful events like GCSE results can be particularly tough. How can you expect them to realise that what may seem earth-shattering now can be a tiny blip in only a few years? But theres also another positive aspect to the fact the teenage brain is still a work-in-progress and this is something Id encourage parents and young people to hold on to. I have often seen teenagers struggling with mental health problems who, astonishingly, get better simply given time. Although mental health support can help, whats really happened is their neurological development has caught up and enabled them to better manage and regulate their emotions. It may sound unbelievable, but I have seen that time, and a supportive environment, can enable a troubled teenagers brain to continue to grow and eventually develop neurological connections so they can successfully deal with overwhelming emotions, rather than experiencing them as catastrophic. Looking back, it can seem nothing short of miraculous to see the transformation that time and perspective can bring to a young adult. Im all for Martina adopting Ill admit I initially wrestled with the ethics of Martina Navratilova adopting two young boys at the pensionable age of 67. Surely, I pondered, this is too old to keep up with the physical demands of childhood (something Id wonder about older dads, too). Martina Navratilova and her wife Julia Lemigova would offer stability to any child they adopted But then I thought a bit more. Shes been married to her wife for nearly ten years, so they offer stability. And with her sporting history, she could probably out pace many of the unfit-looking parents half her age I see at a school near me. Apart from that Ive known many children brought up by grandparents and its been the making of them. Being brought up by someone that bit older, wiser, more confident and less bothered about fads, can be a hugely positive experience. Less attractive people live shorter lives than those deemed more attractive, research shows. This adds insult to injury for those not blessed with beauty studies have shown the lovely-looking are likelier to be thought intelligent and to earn more. But those of us who fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch shouldnt despair its not all good news in the land of the lovely. Studies have also shown people tend to attribute their success to looks, not talent or intelligence. Good-lookers also often wonder if people are only attracted to them for their beauty and astonishing as this may seem can suffer low self-esteem. Perhaps we shouldnt be too jealous. Research suggests sunbeds can lower the chance of an early death, with the benefits of ultraviolet light outweighing skin cancer risks. As someone who has had skin cancer surgery, I advise caution. Take a vitamin D supplement rather than go on a sunbed. Dr Max prescribes: A neck fan The latest trend this summer to help cope with the hot weather is a neck fan, which directs a steady stream of cool air up on to the face Ive just come back from staying with a friend in the South of France. One afternoon two chic ladies joined us for lunch. Both had strange devices dangling from their necks, which turned out to be neck fans the latest trend. They direct a steady stream of cool air up to the face. Absolutely genius. Cant get hold of one? A classic fold-away fan is always an elegant option too. Thailand has confirmed Asia's first case of the new deadlier strain on mpox, making it the second country outside of Africa, and the first in Asia, to be hit by the variant. It joins Sweden, which reported its first case of clade 1b monkeypox last week, meaning the virus has now reached two other continents in addition to Africa. Thailand's patient landed in Bangkok on August 14 and was then sent to hospital with mpox systems. The country's Department of Disease Control said laboratory tests on the 66-year-old European then confirmed he was infected with the mpox strain causing global alarm. 'Thailand's Department of Disease Control wishes to confirm the lab test result which shows mpox Clade 1b in a European patient,' the department said in a statement. Your browser does not support iframes. Thailand has confirmed Asia's first case of the new deadlier strain on mpox, making it the second country outside of Africa,and the first in Asia, to be hit by the outbreak Your browser does not support iframes. It added: 'We have monitored 43 people who have been in close contact with the patient and so far they have shown no symptoms, but we must continue monitoring for a total of 21 days.' Current rules in Thailand state anyone travelling to the country from 42 mpox 'risk countries' must register and undergo testing on arrival. It makes Thailand the second country outside of Africa to report a clade 1b mpox case. Though Pakistan the Philippines had suspected cases last week analysis later revealed these were cases of the milder clade 2 strain which emerged in 2022. Cases of the new mpox variant, which kills up to one in 10 people it infects, have swept through central Africa killing hundreds since the outbreak began. While no cases have yet been confirmed in the UK experts suspect the new variant is already in Britain. Infectious disease specialists told MailOnline that with it taking up to 17 days from infection for symptoms to start showing, there was a decent possibility Britain's first case is only a few days or weeks from being confirmed. This long incubation time also means such cases are unlikely to be spotted by border officials meaning airport screening is incredibly unlikely to be effective they added. Adding further to the confusion is that another kind of mpox is enjoying a resurgence in the UK. Latest official data shows there were double the number of the less deadly clade 2 mpox cases recorded in July this year compared to the month prior. July's total of over 40 cases is the highest number tallied in over a year. And as this website's maps shows, cases of the clade 2 variant which is much less fatal than the clade 1 of global concern, are also being recorded around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing mpox outbreak across several central African nations a 'public health emergency of international concern' earlier this month. In the 2022 outbreak, thousands of cases were recorded in the UK, mostly in London Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral infection which people usually pick up in the tropical areas of west and central Africa. Pictured, a colorized transmission electron micrograph of monkeypox particles (green) found within an infected cell (pink and purple) This is the same designation the WHO gave Covid in late January 2020, just a few weeks before the virus ripped across the world, and some scientists have compared the current outbreak to the 'early days of HIV'. The UK Health Security Agency has said no cases have yet been detected in Britain and the risk to the population remains 'low'. But rapid testing is being made available and GPs and hospitals have been told to isolate those with potential symptoms. The Government is said to have enough vaccines and treatments to deal with a potential outbreak. Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases from the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline the new strain of mpox was likely already in the UK. 'Given that it can take up to 17 days for symptoms to develop and then another week for the diagnosis to be confirmed, then it is certainly quite likely, though not certain, that we have this clade here already,' he said. He added that, similar to the clade 2 variant, sexual contact remained the primary way that the new strain was spreading and therefore groups like men who have sex with men would be at increased risk. '1b was first detected in sex workers and is mainly spreading through sexual contact,' he said. 'So I think it likely that this new clade will spread most effectively in the same population.' An outbreak of mpox clade 2 which spread through Europe in 2022 mainly spread through sexual contact, particularly among gay and bisexual men. This led to these groups being offered a mpox vaccine by the NHS, alongside other at-risk groups, such as those who work in sex-on-premises venues as well as NHS workers who might be treating potential patients. Nearly 100,000 people were infected in 2022 during that global outbreak of the disease. The United States reported as many as 32,063 cases, with 58 deaths during the period as cases were reported in significant numbers in North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. However, the outbreak only killed an estimated 183 people, with this strain only having an estimated fatality rate of y about one in every 500 people infected. In comparison, the new 1b strain kills an estimated one in 20 adults and one in 10 children. But experts have said these fatality rates, which are from central Africa, are unlikely to be replicated in developed nations due to better access to higher quality healthcare. Cases of the 2022 mpox strain continue to circulate however, with over 5,000 cases recorded globally since the start of the year. For around five days every month, some nine million British women are battling intense and enduring pain that leaves some unable to work, look after children and even move. I'm talking about period pains, or menstrual cramps, which are severe for two thirds of those who have a monthly bleed, according to the most recent polls. As a gynaecologist, it's my job to offer patients treatments that will help their condition and, ultimately, improve their quality of life. But when it comes to period pain, family doctors and other healthcare professionals don't seem to be taking the same approach. Most women have never been told that there is a pill that can reduce the amount of blood loss by half, which cuts pain dramatically. Studies show that two thirds of UK women who have periods describe their pain as severe Called tranexamic acid, it's a tablet taken three times a day for up to four days, and is available both via prescription and over-the-counter. It's far cheaper on prescription, with GPs offering up to 60 tablets for 9.90, compared to a 15 pack of 18 tablets from Boots. It's also cheap-as-chips for the NHS, costing the health service less than ten pence per tablet. But so few women know about it, because medical professionals rarely mention it, from what I hear from patients. And that's exactly why I decided to write about it last week as part of my weekly newsletter, The Vajenda. A 2023 report by the Wellbeing of Women charity found that half of women who suffer severe period pain feel healthcare professionals fail to take it seriously. Most of this stems from the widely-held attitude that periods are 'no big deal' and women are 'used' to putting up with it. Dr Philippa Kaye, GP and resident This Morning doctor, agrees. 'For far too long there's been a perception in society that women have to put up with pain,' she says. 'It's not just that healthcare professionals might not be telling patients about the options available, but many women and girls won't seek help in the first place. 'They think being afraid to be far from a toilet while on their period is normal.' But you don't have to put up with it. Not only are heavy, painful periods a nuisance, they can have serious consequences. That's because a large amount of blood loss can lead to anemia, or iron deficiency. Dr Jen Gunter is often described as the internet's favourite gynaecologist, boasting 293K followers on Instagram. Iron deficiency is a precursor to anemia, which is when a the depletion in iron results in a lack of healthy red blood cells, affecting energy levels, breathing, heart rate and a host of other bodily functions. But many women have their anemia dismissed as 'not that bad', or iron deficiency ignored altogether. However, iron deficiency is a medical condition in its own right and needs to be treated whether there is anemia or not. Research shows that about 17 per cent of teens and women between the ages of 14 and 50 are iron deficient, primarily due to due to heavy menstrual bleeding. For girls and young women between the ages of 12 and 21, its a staggering 40 per cent. As heavier periods are more common during the menopause transition, iron deficiency should also be on the radar for anyone over age 40. The symptoms of iron deficiency (see box below) overlap so much with those experienced by many women in the menopause transition, that I believe its essential for women with any of the above symptoms to be tested. If you arent menstruating, for example, because of a hysterectomy or a hormone IUD, the risk of iron deficiency is certainly less, but its still worth checking. There are a variety of therapies that can reduce menstrual blood loss including tranexmic acid. Tranexamic acid is available over the counter and is taken three times a day. These include hormones, like The Pill and the IUD (or Mirena coil), as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, like ibuprofen. However, many women don't want to take hormones, and NSAIDs can't be taken by a lot of people with certain underlying conditions. They are also not as effective as tranexamic acid, studies show. Tranexamic acid is a synthetic type of the amino acid lysine and reduces bleeding by slowing the body's breakdown of blood clots. It is also used in other situations where bleeding is a concern, such as in some surgeries and as treatment of postnatal hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid is taken three times a day during menstruation (each dose is usually two 500mg tablets). In studies, it reduces menstrual blood loss by up to 50 per cent compared with placebo. Trial participants who take the medicine have what is considered a 'clinically meaningful reduction in bleeding', which essentially means most people find it very helpful. There is a theoretical concern that tranexamic acid could increase the risk of dangerous blood clots in the lungs, but most studies havent shown this to be true. Tranexamic acid has been over the counter in Sweden for over 20 years, where 1 per cent of menstruating people use the medication, and yet observational data has not identified an increased risk of clots. Other safety data comes from using tranexamic acid for postnatal bleeding. In one study, more than 10,000 women received the drug, and there was no increase in blood clots. However in Denmark, where researchers tracked the records of women prescribed tranexamic acid, a very small increased risk of blood clots was identified, meaning for every 78,549 women who take the medication for five days, one might have a blood clot. THE SIGNS OF IRON DEFICIENCY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW Fatigue Exhaustion Brain fog Muscle weakness Shortness of breath Feeling Cold Dizziness Anxiety Heart palpitations Irritability Hair loss Trouble sleeping Dry skin Headache Brittle nails Joint pain Restless less Muscle pain Depression Advertisement But given this is observational data, we dont know if this is a true effect or an artifact, and proving this to be a true effect will be almost impossible given the number of people who would need to be enrolled in a clinical trial. What does this mean for you? Most studies show no increased risk, but if there is one, it is likely very lowat most, about one in almost 80,000, which is considered very rare. What about combining tranexamic acid with estrogen-containing oral contraception like the combined pill? As estrogen-containing contraceptives do increase the risks of blood clots and stroke, its a reasonable question. According to the package labeling in the United States, 'women using hormonal contraception should use tranexamic only if there is a strong medical need and the benefit of treatment will outweigh the potential increased risk of a blood clot.' But it's important to remember package labels are legal documents and dont always align with evidence-based medicine for a variety of reasons. Also, the benefits of treatment should outweigh the risks for EVERY medication. In one survey of obstetricians and gynaecologists in the US, where the medicine is only available on prescription, 64 per cent had prescribed tranexamic acid in conjunction with estrogen-containing contraceptives in the previous year. Half of these medics said at least 50 per cent of the women who were treated this way had a resolution in their symptoms and only one reported a blood clot. Admittedly, this isnt the most accurate way to get the data, but its clear many doctors are comfortable prescribing the two together. The potential risks need to be put in perspective because heavy bleeding can also have serious medical consequences. In general, most experts dont believe that combining tranexamic acid with estrogen-containing hormonal contraception significantly increases the risk of blood clots. However, if someone has other risk factors for blood clots in addition to taking an estrogen-containing contraceptive, that might require further discussions with a GP. Those with a history of blood clots, or who are considered high-risk for clotting shouldn't take tranexamic acid. I suspect a lot of people with heavy bleeding could benefit from the drug, but are missing out because no one has told them about it. Meanwhile, a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction is somewhat of a household name. The disparity is, well, peak patriarchy. A Newcastle man died from cancer just three months after mistakenly believing his stomach pain was a sign of getting older. Dave Smith suffered pain in his abdomen and changes to his bowel movements for more than a year before agreeing to see a doctor in 2023. But tests confirmed he did not have a condition that would affect his gut. It was only in January when the 58-year-old suddenly woke up in the middle of the night fearing he was suffering a heart attack that tests showed he had multiple tumours on his liver and pancreas. After doctors diagnosed him with pancreatic cancer in February, he lost four stone in just two months and decided he was too unwell to receive chemotherapy. He died weeks later at home on May 28. Dave Smith suffered pain in his abdomen and changes to his bowel movements for more than a year before agreeing to see a doctor in 2023. But then tests confirmed he did not have a condition that would affect his gut. Pictured, Rachael and David Smith In January the 58-year-old suddenly woke up in the middle of the night fearing he was suffering a heart attack, New tests showed he had multiple tumours on his liver and pancreas and he lost 4 stone in weight His wife, Rachel, a 36-year-old biologist, now hopes her husband's experience will encourage people to take their health seriously and raise awareness about the 'minor symptoms' that could help people catch this deadly illness early. Recalling her husband's heartbreaking ordeal, she said: 'Dave is one of those who never got poorly. His health was something that I never worried about. 'But Dave's blase attitude to his health cost him his life.' She first noticed 'changes' to his bowel movements around two and a half years ago when the smell worsened. 'We laughed about it to begin with because whenever he went to the toilet, he would absolutely stink out the utility room, to the point where it made me feel a bit sick,' she said. Over time, however, she also noticed a change in Mr Smith's physical appearance and said he would often complain about indigestion. 'There was a 23-year age gap between us but he was very, young looking man,' she added. 'Then in the last year, I really started to notice that he was just looking older.' Alarm bells also went off when Mr Smith, who usually had a big appetite, stopped finishing his meals, even his favourite dishes like fillet steak and chips. An initial visit to the doctor ruled out bowel cancer. A second said he likely had diverticulitis, a condition which can cause abdominal pain and commonly affects people as they get older, Mrs Smith said. But in January, he woke up in the middle of the night and said: "I'm in agony I feel like I'm having a heart attack"', she added. An ultrasound found a lump near his liver while CT scans confirmed he had lesions on his pancreas. She said: 'Pardon my language, but it was just a complete s***show after that.' Tests later showed he had multiple tumours on his liver and pancreas that were pressing against his bile ducts and preventing his liver from filtering bilirubin, a waste product which is known to cause jaundice. 'We went back to the hospital and he didn't come out for two months,' she added. He died weeks later at home on May 28. His wife, Rachel, a 36-year-old biologist, now hopes her husband's experience will encourage people to take their health seriously and raise awareness about the 'minor symptoms' that could help people catch this deadly illness early Alarm bells also went off when Mr Smith, who usually had a big appetite, stopped finishing his meals, even his favourite dishes like fillet steak and chips. An initial visit to the doctor ruled out bowel cancer. A second said he likely had diverticulitis, a condition which can cause abdominal pain and commonly affects people as they get older, Mrs Smith said 'Whenever anybody looked at his CT scans and I looked at their faces, I knew it was bad. 'I'm a biologist and I didn't appreciate when all the doctors told us it was a fast-moving cancer, just how quick it was it was literally just growing and growing every day.' Dubbed the 'silent killer' due to its subtle symptoms which mean it is frequently only spotted in its final stages, pancreatic cancer kills about 10,000 Brits every year. This is equivalent to one death every hour in the UK. A number of celebrity diagnoses within the past 12 months have thrown the disease into the spotlight. Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, 75, revealed earlier this year that he is dying from pancreatic cancer. Meanwhile, last May it was revealed that The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke had died from the illness. Other famous victims include legendary actors Patrick Swayze and Alan Rickman as well as Apple's iconic founder Steve Jobs. Brits in their 80s are most likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, with the risk of getting the disease, much like other cancers, broadly increasing with age. Other known risk factors for the disease include smoking and obesity. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the least survivable forms of the disease and worryingly its on the rise. Source for data: Cancer Research UK Apple founder Steve Jobs died of complications relating to pancreatic cancer in 2011 at the age of 56. Here he is pictured in 2009 Figures from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) shows pancreatic cancer incidence rates have risen 17 per cent since the early 90s. It now means that about 17 people out of every 100,000 will get the disease in one calendar year. This is up from 14 people per year some 30 years ago. After Mr Smith's diagnosis in February, his weight plummeted from 12st 7lbs (79kg) stone to 8st 7lbs stone (54kg). Mrs Smith said: 'I didn't think that he could possibly lose any more weight, but he did, and it was so upsetting to see, because I was just looking at a skeleton to be honest,' said Rachael. He was offered chemotherapy but declined after being told his condition was severe, and if he lost any more weight he would not be eligible. She added: 'He said he wanted to die at home with me by his side. On May 28, she was at home with her mother when Dave, who was in bed, became restless. 'I came up and I lay next to him, and put my head on his head, and he calmed down,' she added. 'Dave started nudging my head and I was like, well this is weird, he's never done this before. 'I decided to just look at him because I just thought, he's nudging me, maybe he's trying to get my attention. Pancreatic cancer has been dubbed a 'silent killer' due to its subtle signs that are often only spotted too late 'His eyes were just wide open and he was just staring straight at me, I could see myself in his eyes, and he just took his last breath. 'They say people wait to die in the moment they want to die, and I actually think there's some truth in that he wanted me there and he wanted me to look at him when he was going. 'I held his hand and said that I loved him it was traumatic but it was also a relief that he wasn't in pain anymore.' Now she hopes her husband's experience will encourage people to take their health seriously. She added: 'Take your health seriously and be an advocate for your own health. 'I really hate it when people say pancreatic cancer is a silent killer. 'It was a collection of minor symptoms that really raised alarm bells for me and if I can see the problems, other people have got to be the same. 'The problem with pancreatic cancer is it just doesn't make you unwell enough that you can't do your job. 'You are better than any GP, it doesn't matter how much experience they've got, you know your own body.' The number of children believed to have fallen victim to vape-spiking has soared seven-fold since 2021, a shock investigation revealed today. More than a dozen kids last year were found to have puffed devices laced with substances including Spice a dangerous synthetic narcotic dubbed a 'zombie drug' because it can leave users temporarily paralysed. Rates recorded in the first five months of 2024 alone show reported vape spiking incidents have almost reached the levels seen during the entirety of 2023. Meanwhile, 3000 children have fallen victim to spiking in the last three years after using either a contaminated vape, or drinking a liquid laced with Spice. The investigation also featured testimony from headteachers that told of children being rushed to hospital after inhaling spiked vapes experiencing 'dissociation, paranoia, [and] a kind of psychosis.' In 2023, Chloe Hammerton, then 26, collapsed at a festival and started having bouts of fits after she was 'duped' into taking a puff on a stranger's vape Chloe, who lives in Southampton, was attending the festival with her partner and her brother when she was approached by a man who encouraged her to try his vape Your browser does not support iframes. The figures, from police forces in England and Wales, obtained by The i under freedom of information laws, found the number of recorded vape spiking incidents has also quadrupled since 2022. Just two incidents were reported in both 2020 and 2021, with three in 2022. This soared to 14 last year. Ten incidents were logged between January and May alone this year. One headteacher told of incidents at his school where children's heart rates went up to 150bpm and they had to be rushed to A&E. Another warned of a case involving two 14-year-olds who collapsed after using spiked vapes and had to be treated by paramedics. Ben Davis, headteacher at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Salford said his school is 'dealing with children who consumed substances they were unaware of through their vapes'. He added: 'The children described really odd symptoms: cartoon hands, being dissociated, paranoia, a kind of psychosis. 'The child who hallucinated that his hands had changed said he felt he couldn't control them and they felt like they didn't belong to him.' Many teenagers believe they are purchasing vapes or vape fluid containing THC a compound found in cannabis plants or nicotine. In February, five teenagers were also rushed to hospital after they were thought to have used a vape spiked with the illegal drug Spice at a school in Eltham, data showed. Meanwhile one child in Teesside had to be treated for an opiate overdose after using a 'potentially fatal' spiked vape. According to the charity Stamp Out Spiking, signs of vape spiking can include shortness of breath, nausea, coughing, or fatigue shortly after inhaling. Those experiencing such symptoms or worried they may have been spiked are urged to seek medical attention. Experts have long warned vape users that fake devices also lack key production details including manufacturing and packing dates, a license number and batch number. It comes amid growing reports nationwide over the last year of vapes which have reportedly been spiked with drugs including GHB, ketamine, and rohypnol, as well as types of synthetic cannabis Black Mamba and Spice. In 2023 one festival goer told how she collapsed and started having bouts of fits after she was 'duped' into taking a puff on a stranger's vape. Chloe Hammerton, then 26, who lives in Southampton, was attending the Isle of Wight festival when she was approached by a man who encouraged her to try his vape. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. She claimed that within a minute of taking a puff she collapsed and began drifting in and out of consciousness and was unable to speak or move any part of her body. Friends also claimed she started fitting, while her pupils kept constricting and dilating. Spiking, however, is not a standalone offence. This means it makes collecting and analysing data on incidents difficult. A recent survey by Stamp Out Spiking also suggested around 97 per cent of spiking incidents are not reported to the Police. Police sources suggested to i that incidents involving such young children could be child protection issues and may not fit the more general understanding of a spiking attack. Children are much more likely to be spiked after they start secondary school, and further still once they enter sixth form or go to college. Figures have long shown how the proportion of kids using e-cigarettes has exploded amid the decline of traditional smoking, with more than a third of 16 to 18-year-olds now regularly inhaling them. For comparison, less than one in ten were doing so a decade ago. This is despite sales of vapes to under-18s being banned, with anyone caught flogging them to children threatened with fines and prosecution by Trading Standards. Campaigners have long blamed predatory manufacturers for the ever-growing crisis, claiming they are intentionally luring kids in with colourful packaging, compared to highlighter pens, and child-friendly flavours such as bubblegum and cotton candy. It comes as a shock study last month also found one in six vapes confiscated from school children in England were laced with 'zombie drug' Spice. Testing hundreds of confiscated vaping devices from 38 schools revealed the alarming prevalence of the illegal synthetic street drug, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. Police, schools and researchers believe the substance is being substituted into vapes which are sold as containing cannabis oil. In efforts to stamp out the UK's child vaping epidemic, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year pledged to ban disposable e-cigs completely. In July new PM Keir Starmer also vowed to hand ministers power to restrict the flavours and promotion of vapes. Campaigners have long blamed predatory manufacturers for the ever-growing crisis, claiming they are intentionally luring kids in with colourful packaging, compared to highlighter pens, and child-friendly flavours such as bubblegum and cotton candy As of February, a total of 1,009 reactions to vapes have been recorded by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Here are the 10 most common reports This could change how nicotine-laden vapes are displayed in shops, moving them away from other products such as sweets. They would be limited in flavours and sold in plain, tobacco-style packaging. Council officers will also be given powers to dole out 100 on-the-spot fines to shops caught breaking the rules. Both Germany and Ireland have outlined their own proposals to place restrictions on vapes, with Berlin chiefs currently considering an outright ban on disposable e-cigs. Separately, Australia has put in place measures to make vapes available only to those who have prescriptions. Meanwhile, New Zealand has also set out restrictions that ban vape shops from being within 300 metres of a school and which ensure all vapes must have removable batteries. E-cigs allow people to inhale nicotine in a vapour which is produced by heating a liquid, which typically contains propylene glycol, glycerine, flavourings, and other chemicals. Unlike traditional cigarettes, they do not contain tobacco, nor do they produce tar or carbon two of the most dangerous elements. A shocking MailOnline investigation last year even uncovered vapes resembling sweets and high street stores selling the devices next to chocolate and fruit gummies Nicotine's effect on the brain is well known within 20 seconds of inhalation, it triggers the release of chemical messengers such as dopamine, associated with reward and pleasure. But it also increases heart rate and blood pressure and makes blood vessels constrict. This is because nicotine triggers the release of the hormone adrenaline. Earlier this year, MailOnline also discovered the number of adverse side effects linked to vaping reported to UK regulators has now eclipsed 1,000, with five of them fatal. The extensive list includes everything from headaches to strokes. These reports are made via the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's Yellow Card system, for adverse events linked to medical devices or drugs in the UK. Members of the public and medics can submit them. All five deaths were linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health problems. A Georgia man is suing a hospital after staff allegedly lost part of his skull during brain surgery. Fernando Cluster, 62, was admitted to Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta in September 2022 for an intracerebral hemorrhage, also known as a brain bleed. Doctors planned to remove a saucer-sized piece of his skull to reduce pressure in his brain, according to a lawsuit. But when Mr Cluster returned to the hospital two months later to have the 4.7in by 6in chunk replaced, the hospital claimed it had been lost in a pile of other unidentified bone fragments from other patients. Fernando Cluster, 62, was admitted to Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta in September 2022 for an intracerebral hemorrhage. He hospital allegedly lost a chunk of his skull in the process Mr Cluster is now suing Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta for medical bill compensation and emotional damages A note from hospital staff in Mr Cluster's file read: 'We inspected the freezer where bone flaps are stored and could not find a bone flap with Mr Cluster's patient identification.' 'There were several bone flaps with incomplete or missing patient identification, but we could not be certain which if any of these belonged to Mr Cluster.' Without the piece, Mr Cluster was left with a dent in his head known as skull depression, According to the lawsuit, obtained by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, it took several days of waiting before the hospital had to order a synthetic replacement in the exact shape of the missing piece. In November 2022, doctors placed the flap, but the hospital allegedly charged Mr Cluster $19,000. And shortly after, he developed an infection, which the lawsuit claims is a known complication of synthetic replacements. This is because certain materials used to make the components, such as hydroxyapatite, acrylic, and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), may not always be compatible with tissues in the brain. When the materials are not compatible, they can set off an immune overreaction in the brain, leading to infection. The infection left him unable to work, and by the end of the ordeal, Mr Cluster's bill totalled $146,800. The hospital allegedly did not offer any discounts for the treatment. Mr Cluster and his wife are now suing the hospital for medical bill compensation and emotional damages. 'It is shocking that a medical provider like Emory would lose part of one of its patient's skulls and then refuse to accept responsibility,' Mr Cluster and his wife said in a statement. 'We now have to live with the consequence of Emory's negligence, including daily fear about another infection in my head and medical costs.' 'We want to know if this has happened to other patients to see if they have been given an explanation by Emory. Our goal is to make sure this never happens to another patient again.' Chloe Dallaire, Mr Cluster's attorney at Atlanta-based Hornsby Law Group, told the Atlanta-Journal Constitution: 'While my clients are obviously upset that they and their insurance company were billed for the costs related to Emorys negligence, Im sure you can understand that their focus is on the egregiousness of Emory losing a part of his body and then having a flippant attitude about it afterwards.' Mindfulness has been touted as a solution to everything from anxiety to depression, but according to new research, it might also help chronic pain. Veterans who took mindfulness classes for a year were able to deal with their pain better than veterans who only had traditional treatments for chronic pain, such as painkiller drugs and therapy. This meditative practice, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, includes breathing deep and focusing on the moment, asking participants to let thoughts and emotions come naturally without acting on them. 'Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can improve chronic pain and comorbid conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders, depression, and substance misuse, and are now recommended as a first-line treatment,' study author Dr Diana Burgess, a social psychologist at the VA Health Care System, wrote. Mindfulness could help people deal with chronic pain and associated problems, like depression, PTSD and fatigue, the study found Chronic pain plagued an estimated 51million US adults in 2021, according to the CDC, and is defined as an ongoing pain that lasts longer than three months. It has been linked to dementia, an increased risk for suicide and substance abuse. Veterans are more likely than the average adult to deal with the condition. Since chronic pain can be caused by almost any part of the body, treatment for it varies. It sometimes includes physical therapy, psychological therapy and drugs. The drugs that they use can range from acetaminophen to antidepressants to opioids. , looked to see if low-cost mindfulness programs could help people deal with pain. Researchers are often looking for better ways to address this pervasive and difficult-to-treat condition. The new study, which It sorted the 694 participants into three groups. The first group received traditional pain care, the second group had eight 90-minute group mindfulness classes and the third group had eight self-led mindfulness classes. These classes included videos and workbooks which explained mindfulness as a concept and encouraged participants to use it to manage their daily pain and emotions. The group classes also included discussions. After one year, the groups who took the mindfulness classes had less intense pain, less anxiety, fatigue, depression, and PTSD symptoms, as well as increased physical function than the group who took traditional therapy. They mindfulness groups reported between 30 percent and 50 percent improvement in symptoms after just ten weeks in the program. That improvement stayed consistent throughout the rest of the study. This could help reduce the amount of people dependent on drugs to manage their chronic pain. Before doctors pulled back on prescribing pain medications, opioids were dispensed to as many as 900,000 veterans annually. Overdose deaths in veterans increased 53 percent from 2010 to 2019, according to 2022 research from NYU. These trends have sparked a wider movement within veterans administration to develop programs that treat chronic pain without the drugs. Previous studies have shown mindfulness can help people deal with anxiety and depression. In addition, one 2015 study from anesthesiologists at University of California San Diego suggested that mindfulness could reduce how strongly someone felt pain. But sometimes, mindful meditation practices are expensive and time consuming. That's why this new study looked to see if lower-cost methods for mindfulness could still help people deal with pain. Between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of chronic pain among American adults ranged from about 20 percent to nearly 22 percent iThere was little to no difference in outcomes between the group that took classes alone and the group that took classes as a collective. Dr Burgess wrote that this was 'somewhat surprising' because normally, studies on psychological wellbeing of veterans suggests that social support is important. The study authors noted that they weren't able to rule out the affects of other treatment, and it's unclear if people within the mindfulness groups were also using traditional therapies, like counselling or drugs. But they wrote, most treatments for chronic pain incorporate multiple strategies. So this could be an important way to help people manage their pain, Dr Burgess said. She concluded: 'relatively low-resource telehealth-based MBIs could help accelerate and improve the implementation of nonpharmacological pain treatment in health care systems.' You know what they say about men with big hands and feet... Not a lot, according to a sexual health expert, who says you should be looking at men's noses instead if you want a better idea of the size of their penises. Dr Rena Malik, a urologist in California, said on a podcast recently there is some convincing evidence that men who have bigger noses also have bigger members. She also highlighted how young men's penises are more than an inch longer today than they were just three decades ago. Dr Rena Malik, a urologist in California, said that the size of a man's nose could predict his penis size Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast, the expert at the VA Medical Center said: 'There's one study, it's a Japanese study, where they looked at only Japanese men, so there are some limitations but essentially they measured all these body parts and penile length. 'And what they found was that nose length was correlated with penile length, not hand length or foot length.' She was likely referring to a 2021 study published in Basic and Clinical Andrology which involved 126 men aged 30 to 50 years old. It found that nose size was more closely correlated with stretched penile length than height or body weight in the group surveyed. Other studies have also backed up the assertion, including a 2023 study from China involving 420 men aged 20 to 56 years old. This also found that erect penile length was more closely correlated to nose size than ear or testicle size. The other methods of looking at hands and feet have not stood up to scrutiny in scientific studies, with researchers instead suggesting that the length of a man's index finger or first finger can indicate penis size. Dr David Shafer estimated he performs between four to five Shafer Width and Girth (SWAG) procedures daily at times at his clinic Dr Malik added during the podcast: 'While we've seen sperm quality change over the last 50 years, we have also seen penile length change. 'And they've actually seen that penile length is increasing, and they think that this is because the onset of puberty is changing and boys are getting exposed to factors that are making them go through puberty earlier. 'And, hence, they are getting more exposure to testosterone and developing longer penises, so that's a sort of interesting theoretical thing.' A 2023 study from Stanford University which analyzed data on the penises of 55,700 men from 1942 to 2021 found a surge in length over the last three decades. The meta-analysis found the average erect penis jumped 25 percent in length from 1992 to 2021 from 4.8 to 6 inches. Although many may see this as good news, the researchers warned the sudden shift was 'concerning' and suggested 'something powerful is happening to our bodies'. They suggested the surge could be due to chemicals from pesticides and hygiene products interacting with the body's hormones. About 55 percent of men are thought to be dissatisfied with their penis lengths, according to surveys. But, for comparison, surveys show the majority of partners consider their partner to have the ideal penis length. An Illinois woman who was told she couldn't have children has become a mother to rare 'twiblings' - after giving birth weeks before her surrogate. Rachel Storch, 36, suffered severe scarring on her uterus from the birth of her first child. After a subsequent miscarriage, doctors believed she would have just a one in 100 chance of having another baby. To spare themselves the trauma, Mrs Storch and her husband, Michael, decided to hire a surrogate in the summer of 2023. But within a few weeks, Mrs Storch learned she was pregnant. Babies Sydney and Remi were born this spring just 18 days apart, becoming 'twiblings,' two children born to the same parents but carried by different people. Rachel Storch, 36, gave birth her daughter Sydney just 18 days before her surrogate delivered a second daughter, Remi Mrs Storch duffered an amniotic fluid embolism, a rare and 'unusually catastrophic' complication that occurs when a fetus' amniotic fluid enters the mother's bloodstream, during Sydney's birth 'Theyre just 18 days apart,' Mrs Storch told TODAY.com. 'Its funny at this age were able to see the difference a few weeks makes.' Like normal siblings, twiblings are conceived using two embryos and sperm from the same two parents. Most twiblings are born through two different surrogates anywhere from days to months apart. It's unclear how rare this circumstance is, though surrogacy itself makes up about one in 20 US IVF cycles and accounts for 750 to 1,000 births per year. Experts estimate twiblings make up a small percentage of that number, but there are no firm statistics. Mrs Storch sought help from a surrogate after complications from the birth of her first daughter, Olivia. Though the delivery in 2020 went smoothly, Mrs Storch was rushed to the hospital with 'terrible cramps' that lead her to curling up on the floor and heavy blood clots. Doctors performed two dilation and curettages (D&Cs), a procedure to remove excess tissue. A year later, tests revealed that scar tissue covered about 70 percent of her uterus. Though doctors were able to remove it, the couple got pregnant and miscarried weks later, leaving them unsure if they could safely get pregnant again. In August 2023, Mrs Storch had one of her viable embryos transferred to a surrogate, but just a week before, she learned she was also pregnant. 'We just couldn't believe it. We didn't think it was real,' she said. They waited 20 weeks to tell their surrogate, as doctors estimated Mrs Storch's pregnancy had just a one in 100 chance of lasting. However, the pregnancy continued normally, leaving Mrs Storch due on April 27 and the surrogate due on May 16. But when she was induced on April 22, Mrs Storch suffered an amniotic fluid embolism, a rare and 'unusually catastrophic' complication that occurs when a fetus' amniotic fluid enters the mother's bloodstream. Occurring in just one in 40,000 US births, AFE can lead to heart and lung failure, as it results in a lack of oxygen-rich blood in the mother's bloodstream. Dr David Ouyang, a maternal fetal medicine specialist who worked in a room near Mrs Storch's, told TODAY.com: 'When amniotic fluid enters the patients circulation [it] essentially triggers an overreaction of the immune system, similar to an allergic reaction.' 'The reaction causes two life-threatening events. First the heart and lungs fail, and second, the bodys clotting system goes into disarray, causing severe and persistent bleeding.' In Mrs Storch's case, her heart stopped beating for 30 seconds due to cardiac arrest. Doctors also found seven liters of blood in her abdomen from a laceration in her liver. Dr Ouyang said there is no clear cause for the condition, and it's so rare that 'you're literally more likely to be struck by lightning twice.' Sydney, meanwhile, was born completely healthy, along with her 'twibling' Remi. Sydney and Mrs Storch returned home on May 16, and the family picked Remi up three days later. 'It's pretty surreal to be all home together,' Mrs Storch said. 'I still have limitations. I'm exhausted, but I've recovered pretty quickly. Sometimes it's hard to remember where we were a few weeks ago.' A new implantable device regulated by a person's brain activity could provide round-the-clock personalized care for those suffering from the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The approach, called adaptive deep brain stimulation, can treat movement problems during the day and insomnia at night, researchers said. Typically, deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves implanting fine wires called electrodes into the brain at specific locations that deliver electrical signals to help mitigate symptoms. However, conventional techniques provide a constant level of stimulation and can lead to unwanted side effects because the brain does not always need the same strength of treatment. Experts believe the device is an improvement on current techniques that have been used for years to treat Parkinsons, a neurodegenerative disease experts speculate President Joe Biden is suffering from. Symptoms can include uncontrollable tremors, slow movements and muscle stiffness, but experts say they often only appear when about 80 percent of the nerve cells have already been lost This new device uses data taken directly from a persons brain and learns to adjust the level of stimulation in real time effectively intervening when needed to manage symptoms. For example, a patient suffering from slower movement will show reduced signals in the brain linked to motion. The device will detect when these brain signals drop below a certain threshold, and respond with precisely calibrated pulses of electricity. This stimulation, in turn, will immediately improve the patients movement speed. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes the impairment and death of nerve cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates body movements. Without dopamine, patients have balance issues, tremors throughout the body, stiff limbs, and slow movement. According to the Parkinson's Foundation, roughly 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease every year, and 10 to 20 percent are under age 50. Experts are still unsure what causes Parkinson's disease, though evidence suggests that genetic factors and environmental triggers like exposure to strong chemicals and pesticides could be to blame. Several doctors have told DailyMail.com they suspected Biden, 81, had Parkinson's, though many insisted on remaining anonymous for fear of backlash. However, Dr W. Chris Winter, a neurologist in Virginia, and Dr Abhi Kapuria, a neurologist based at the University of North Carolina, told this website they suspected the president was experiencing neurological issues. Experts have speculated President Joe Biden is suffering from the neurodegenerative condition Parkinson's disease A stiff gait can also be a symptom of Parkinson's disease Difficulties walking affect approximately 90 percent of Parkinson's patients Both did not want to perform an 'online diagnosis' and reiterated that they had not examined him in person. They did, however, say they suspected neurological issues. Dr Winter said the president had a 'laundry list' of the hallmark symptoms of the condition, from a stiff gait and balance problems to a quiet voice and mixing up his words. The president and White House have repeatedly denied that Biden has Parkinson's disease. As part of a trial, which was published in Nature Medicine, four Parkinsons patients already receiving DBS were asked what they felt was their most bothersome symptom. In most instances this was either involuntary movements - tremors - or difficulty in initiating movement. The participants were then set up to receive the new treatment alongside their existing DBS therapy, alternating between the two every few days. Analysis revealed the new device improved each participants most bothersome symptom by 50 percent compared to conventional DBS. This is the first time a so-called closed loop brain implant technology has been shown to work in Parkinsons patients as they go about their daily lives. Senior author Dr Philip Starr, from the University of California in San Francisco, said: This is the future of deep brain stimulation for Parkinsons disease. The researchers said their findings mark a big step forward towards developing a system that adapts to what the individual patient needs at a given time. Dr Simon Little, who also worked on the device, said: The big shift weve made with adaptive DBS is that were able to detect, in real time, where a patient is on the symptom spectrum and match it with the exact amount of stimulation they need. 'Boy Meets World' actress Danielle Fishel is urging other women to get mammograms after revealing her breast cancer diagnosis. The 43-year-old from Arizona said on her podcast she had ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, a type of breast cancer that affects the milk ducts. It is stage 0, has not spread to other areas of her body and is set to be treated via surgery with Fishel thought to have a good prognosis. But the mother-of-two says the cancer, which caused no symptoms, would not have been detected if she hadn't gone to her mammogram appointment. Fishel has been hosting Pod Meets World with Will Friedle and Rider Strong, her former Boy Meets World co-stars, since 2022; pictured 2022 The above graphic shows the difference between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer Fishel said: 'The only reason I caught this cancer when it is still stage 0 is because the day I got my text message that my yearly mammogram had come up, I made the appointment... and they found it so, so, so early that I'm going to be fine. 'If it's time for your appointment, if you've never had an appointment before, get in there. If you have to find out that you have cancer, find out when it's at Stage 0, if possible.' The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) which sets testing guidelines says all women should get screened for breast cancer with a mammogram - imaging of the breasts - once every year from age 40, with the American Cancer Society saying they should be screened every year from the ages of 45 to 54 years. Mammograms can help detect breast cancers in their early stages when they are more treatable. If cancers are not detected until later, this raises the risk of them spreading to other areas of the body and becoming harder to treat. Below, DailyMail.com reveals what DCIS is and how it is treated: What is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)? This is a type of breast cancer that emerges in the cells lining the milk ducts. It can appear in either one milk duct, or several, and is caused by cells mutating and dividing uncontrollably. It is normally diagnosed using a mammogram which picks up calcium deposits in the breasts' milk ducts, indicating the cancer. The cancer is called DCIS until it starts to spread, and situ refers to 'stays in place,' but if the disease does spread, it is called invasive breast cancer. About 56,000 people are diagnosed with DCIS every year, on average at 54 years old. It accounts for one in five breast cancer diagnoses. What are the warning signs? The Mayo Clinic says online: 'DCIS doesn't typically cause symptoms. It is usually only found on a mammogram.' With a lack of symptoms, DCIS may be missed until it has spread to other areas of the body and become harder to treat. In some cases, it may cause lumps or nipple discharge prompting someone to visit a doctor. But in the majority of cases, it can only be detected by a mammogram where it appears as a small cluster of white spots. Are you likely to die from DCIS? The American Cancer Society says nearly all women who are diagnosed with the disease can be cured. This is because the cancer has not spread to other organs in the body, and can be treated via surgery to remove the disease. Patients may have a lumpectomy with radiation therapy, where the cancerous area of the breast is removed and treated with radiation to treat any remaining cancerous cells. In cases where it is in several milk ducts, patients may be offered a mastectomy where the breasts are removed to stop the cancer. Chemotherapy is not typically offered to patients after surgery. About 98 percent of patients survive for more than five years after their diagnosis, statistics show. Only about five to 15 percent of patients have their cancer recur following treatment. If someone has a mastectomy, the risk of the cancer returning is less than two percent. How do you prevent the disease? Experts say the best way to stop DCIS progressing is to stay on top of your mammogram schedule. One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, statistics show, with bi-annual check-ups helping to detect cancers early. Dr Bonnie Sun, a breast surgeon at Johns Hopkins medicine in Maryland, says: 'Get your mammograms on time. 'Mammograms themselves do not prevent DCIS, but can catch it early. Early detection can mean a better outcome with less treatment.' London-listed defence stocks fell on Monday following reports that Germany is planning to slash military aid to Ukraine. German newspaper FAZ said Germany's Defence Ministry plans to reject additional requests for assistance after providing previously-agreed aid. The reports drove defence stocks across Europe lower, with the FTSE All-Share aerospace and defence sector falling as much as 1 per cent in early trading. BAE Systems shares are among those flying high this year in response to geopolitical conflict BAE Systems shares led losses approaching midday, falling 2.5 per cent, while Rolls-Royce was down 1.3 per cent, and Melrose, Babcock and Chemring were also down between 0.5 and 1 per cent each. Earlier this summer, the German government announced it would halve funding for Kyiv from a current level of 8billion (6.8 million) to just 4billion by 2025. A draft budget reportedly seen by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper reveals further cuts, with spending slashed to just 500million in 2027. But Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has dismissed the reports, describing them as a 'manipulation' to local news agency Ukrinform. The Ukraine war has proved a major tailwind for the defence sector, with greater geopolitical driving military spending higher globally. The FTSE All-Share aerospace and defence sector is up 68.8 per cent over the last year. READ MORE: Tradies wrestle alleged thief who tried to steal their ute A young tradie is devastated after thieves stole his $60,000 ute and he couldn't claim insurance because of a simple mistake. Billy, 24, a plumber from the Sunshine Coast, had his Isuzu D-Max ute stolen when thieves broke into his home on July 12. They entered through the garage, stole the car keys, and drove off with the vehicle. The ute was discovered weeks later dumped in Deception Bay, about 70km south of the Sunshine Coast. The vehicle had been set on fire, and parts of the front exterior were torn apart. In a devastating blow, Billy was denied his insurance claim because he was unaware his policy had expired on May 31. He is now without a car and has lost more than $30,000 worth of tools. Cassie Griffiths, who manages Pipewise Plumbing on the Sunshine Coast where Billy works, has launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds for a new ute. 'Billy is more than just an employee with us at Pipewise Plumbing,' Ms Griffiths wrote. Billy, 24, a plumber from the Sunshine Coast, had his Isuzu D-Max ute stolen when thieves broke into his home on July 12. The ute was discovered weeks later, dumped in Deception Bay, about 70km south of the Sunshine Coast Thieves entered the home through the garage, stole the car keys, and drove off with the vehicle 'Hes hardworking, selfless, and always ready to lend a hand. Seeing him devastated by this senseless act absolutely breaks our hearts'. Recent statistics have highlighted Queensland's troubling position as Australia's crime capital. According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 289,000 Queenslanders were victims of crime in 2023. The state experienced increases in assaults, sexual assaults, kidnappings, robberies, and blackmail. Some of the most vulnerable Democrats are planning to skip out on their party's convention where they'll formally nominate Kamala Harris - in an act that is sure to put daylight between them and the top of the ticket. Democratic incumbents Jon Tester of Montana, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jacky Rosen of Nevada will all be staying out of Chicago next week, they told Axios. They are all running tough reelection campaigns back home. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., however, is not up for reelection. He's skipping the four-day affair to spend time with his family. 'I've got three young kids, and they're out of school,' Fetterman told the Free Press. 'Thats four days I can spend with my children.' Fetterman was one of Biden's biggest defenders as the walls began to close in after his debate with Trump. But he has vastly differing views from Kamala Harris over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, Mont., will not be attending the convention and has not endorsed Kamala Harris Harris and VP pick Tim Walz are running a campaign to the left of the vulnerable, moderate Democrats. Brown and Tester both represent states Donald Trump won twice and Nevada is a top target pickup for Republicans this year. In an effort to win support in Nevada, Trump announced at a Las Vegas rally that he would push for no taxes on tips. A few months later, Harris followed suit and announced in Nevada she'd support the same policy. Brown has endorsed Harris and Rosen has appeared alongside her at an event in Nevada. Tester has not endorsed the vice president. Brown is running ahead of his GOP opponent Bernie Moreno by five points - 46.8 to 41.8 percent, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average. Rosen is even further ahead of Republican Sam Brown in Nevada, 48.5 to 41 by the same polling average, and Montana Republican Tim Sheehy is running ahead of Tester 49.7 to 45.3. Over in the House, frontline Democratic Reps. Yadira Caraveo, Colo., Jared Golden, Maine, Josh Harder, Calif., Marie Gleusenkamp Perez, Wash., all told Punchbowl they won't be at the convention. Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Alaska, Mitt Romney, Utah, Susan Collins, Maine, and Rand Paul, Ky., all sat out the Republican National Convention (RNC). Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown is running ahead of his GOP opponent Bernie Moreno by five points - 46.8 to 41.8 percent, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average Jacky Rosen is even further ahead of Republican Sam Brown in Nevada, 48.5 to 41 by the same polling average The four-day convention will draw in top Democrats for keynote speeches from Monday to Thursday. The Republican convention featured Hulk Hogan ripping his shirt off, Kid Rock belting out a song, former Trump trade adviser making out with his wife on stage the day he got out of prison. Organizers estimate some 50,000 people will descend on Chicago for the Democratic event. Typically the convention would include a roll call to formally select the nominees for president and vice president. Not this time: Harris and Walz were already formally nominated in an online roll call vote. Democrats are tearing into the 'sham' Republican-led impeachment report, saying its a futile effort to try and distract Americans from Kamala Harris' growing momentum with just 77 days before the election. House Republicans released a sprawling new report Monday that they claim proves President Joe Biden, 81, committed 'impeachable offenses.' The nearly 300-page report compiled Republican findings over the last two years about the Biden family allegedly profiting off Hunter and James Biden's shady business deals by over $27 million through 'influence peddling.' It also details claims that the Justice Department slow-walked federal probes into Hunter for gun and tax crimes. Now, Democrats are criticizing the timing of the report, released just hours before Biden is set to address the Democratic National Convention and pump up his successor Vice President Kamala Harris. With just 77 days before the election, House Republicans released a sprawling new report that they claim proves President Joe Biden committed 'impeachable offenses' Former Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., staffer Jimmy Williams called it a 'sham' report published on Day One of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. 'THIS is how you idiots think youre going to steal Harris thunder? Soooooo JV. Lame cant even describe this move,' he wrote on X. 'For 20 months, Republicans have been conducting an investigation that was motivated by Donald Trumps rage about being held accountable for his demonstrable constitutional crimes in office and his desire for matching political retribution against his successor,' said top Oversight Democrat Jamie Raskin, Md. 'Every lie, distortion and dirty trick thrown at Joe Biden in the 118th Congress has sharply boomeranged and imploded, making our Republican colleagues look inept and absurd. Their compulsive flailing about has not only proven, once more, that President Biden committed no wrongdoing.' 'After wasting nearly two years and millions of taxpayer dollars, House Republicans have finally given up on their wild goose chase,' said White House spokesperson Sharon Yang. 'This failed stunt will only be remembered for how it became an embarrassment that their own members distanced themselves from as they only managed to turn up evidence that refuted their false and baseless conspiracy theories.' Impeachment leaders are presenting the report to the full House, and GOP leadership will have to decide whether or not to put an impeachment vote on the House floor. Speaker Mike Johnson praised the report - while not revealing whether he'd put impeachment up for a vote. 'House Republicans commend the thorough, diligent, and thoughtful work of the Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means Committees. We encourage all Americans to read this report, which details the extent of President Bidens corrupt practices and the extent to which the Biden-Harris Administration and the Democratic Party have attempted to conceal these facts from the American people,' he said in a statement. 'Overwhelming evidence demonstrates that President Biden participated in a conspiracy to monetize his office of public trust to enrich his family,' reads the report obtained by DailyMail.com. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy first announced the impeachment inquiry nearly a year ago in September 2023 giving the reigns to the Judiciary, Oversight and Ways and Means committees. The House voted to formally authorize it in December and in the months that followed there was a constant trickle of new findings about the Biden family business deals. Still, it's not believed that the narrow Republican majority has enough votes to impeach the president. Impeaching Biden could be even less of a priority after he dropped out of the running for 2024. The House already voted to refer Hunter and James Biden to the DOJ for criminal prosecution. Oversight Chairman James Comer told DailyMail.com he believes the DOJ would take up those referrals if Donald Trump wins the election. DailyMail.com breaks down highlights of the report as House members will decide whether or not they would support a vote to impeach the president: Joe was repaid after James closed business deals The report highlights some $27 million that Biden family members and their companies took from foreign entities and traces the shell companies they say were set up to evade scrutiny. 'The Biden family used proceeds from these business activities to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars to Joe Bidenincluding thousands of dollars that are directly traceable to China.' James Biden wrote two checks to his brother Joe, one for $200,000 and one for $40,000, both of which were marked 'loan repayment.' James admitted during testimony that he used money made in a deal with Chinese energy firm CEFC to pay back his brother for the smaller sum. He stated there were no proper loan documents attached to the two checks and he did not charge interest on the money because it was between 'family.' Republicans release new report on Joe Biden's 'impeachable offenses' Joe had come into money from a book deal after the vice presidency and James and his wife had bills they needed to pay, according to James. Bank records seen by DailyMail.com indicate wires from Joe to James weeks before the repayments were made. Biden's involvement in family business deals The report also claimed Joe 'used his status as Vice President to garner favorable outcomes for his son's and his business partners' foreign business dealings.' Hunter associate Devon Archer told lawmakers that Joe sat and had dinner in-person on at least two occasions with Hunter and his foreign business partners, who then wired money almost immediately after to Biden-affiliated companies. In the spring of 2014, Joe joined Hunter and a handful of his business partners for dinner at Cafe Milano in Washington, D.C. Those at the dinner included Kazakh businessmen Kenes Rakishev and Karim Massimov and Russian oligarchYelena Baturina and Eric Schwerin. Archer confirmed that Joe was present long enough to eat dinner with the group. Around the time of the dinner, $3.5 million was wired from Baturina into Rosemont Seneca Thornton on February 14. Months later, as Hunter was trying to close another deal with Baturina, Joe said hello to her on a call and allegedly added, 'you be good to my boy.' 'Based on the totality of this evidence, it is inconceivable that President Biden did not understand that he was taking part in an effort to enrich his family by abusing his office of public trust,' the report read. On April 22, $142,300 was wired into the Rosemont Seneca Bohai account from Kenes Rakishev, a businessman from Kazakhstan, who was also at the Cafe Milano dinner. The payment was made as a gift to Hunter, who used it to buy a Porsche. Hunter, meanwhile, had a $50,000-a-month board seat at Ukrainian energy firm Burisma as his father pressured the nation to fire a prosecutor probing the company. During another dinner with Burisma executives at the Four Seasons in Dubai, Hunter said he would be able to get 'help from D.C.' in order to relieve some 'government pressure' on the company. Archer testified that Burisma was 'getting pressure' and as a result, they 'requested Hunter, you know, help them with some of that pressure.' He said it was 'government pressure' from the ongoing Ukrainian investigation into the company at the time - led by top prosecutor Viktor Shokin. In March 2016, Joe Biden threatened to withhold $1 billion in aid to Ukraine if Shokin was not fired for corruption, which he eventually was. The report also highlights Hunter's now-infamous WhatsApp message with Chinese energy company CEFC official Raymond Zhao. Zhao and Hunter were negotiating a deal on a joint venture on a $300 billion financial services company closely tied to the CCP. When the deal did not materialize, Hunter resorted to threats. At one point Hunter messaged the Chinese associate: 'I'm sitting here with my father, and we would like to understand why the commitment has not been fulfilled.' Shortly after $5 million flowed from CEFC affiliates to companies connected to Hunter and James Biden. But Hunter claimed he sent that message to the wrong 'Zhao.' 'The Zhao that this is sent to is not the Zhao connected to CEFC,' Hunter claimed. He 'had no understanding or even remotely knew what the hell I was even Goddamn talking about.' Phone records of Hunter Biden's WhatsApp account show that he only ever communicated with one Zhao - Raymond Zhao - and he continued to send messages with that same 'Zhao' about CEFC matters for months afterward. 'Biden's participation in this conspiracy to enrich his family constitutes impeachable conduct. By monetizing the Vice Presidency for his family's benefit, he abused his office of public trust, placing the welfare of his family ahead of the welfare of the United States,' the report reads. 'He also put foreign interests ahead of the interests of the American people. Indeed, precedent set by House Democrats in 2019 in their impeachment of President Donald J. Trump establishes that 'abuse of office,' defined as the exercise of 'official power to obtain an improper personal benefit, while ignoring or injuring the national interest,' is an impeachable offense.' A new court filing this week in Hunter's federal tax case revealed the younger Biden was hired by a Romanian oligarch in an 'attempt to influence U.S. government agencies,' earning around $1 million for work that was structured to avoid 'political ramifications' for Joe Biden, who was then vice president. It marks the closest prosecutors have come to tying President Biden to his son's overseas business deals. Gabriel Popoviciu, a real estate tycoon, was facing bribery and corruption charges in his home country. In an attempt to avoid the charges, Popoviciu hired Hunter Biden and his business associates in late 2015 to help his case. Joe Biden's alleged mishandling of classified information The report also gets into Biden's alleged misplacement of classified documents and how he shared them with ghost writer Mark Zwonitzer. Special counsel Robert Hur ultimately decided not to charge him for because he deemed him 'elderly' and 'forgetful.' 'The Special Counsel's report, as well as the Committees' inquiry, disclosed how President Biden caused White House employees to conceal his conduct and mislead the American people about his actions,' it reads. Claims DOJ 'slow walked' Hunter probe Former IRS agents Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler have alleged the DOJ dragged its feet in the probe into the president's son's taxes and Ziegler said Hunter 'received preferential treatment.' The report found that the DOJ had allowed the statute of limitations to run on two serious charges facing Hunter Biden, including failing to pay taxes on $1 million in income from Ukrainian energy firm Burisma in 2014 and 2015. The DOJ also tipped off the Biden transition team about the FBI's plans to interview Hunter, the whistleblowers had said. In December 2023 the DOJ indicted Hunter on nine tax charges. In June of this year he was found guilty of three felonies for lying on a form about a gun purchase. 'The special treatment for Hunter Biden, which only ceased at the onset of congressional attention on the Department's investigation, may be a basis for impeachment, as the distortion of an official investigation was a basis in the prospective impeachment of President Nixon in 1974.' Obstruction of Congress Republicans charge that during their investigation, the administration 'failed to fully cooperate.' They say they hid certain 'key fact witnesses' and 'disregarded' subpoenas from the Committees. 'The Biden-Harris White House has obfuscated facts and denied the Committees access to witnesses,' the Republicans accuse in the report. ''[W]here the President illegally seeks to obstruct such an inquiry, the House is free to infer that evidence blocked from its view is harmful to the Presidents position. 'Applying the precedent here, the House is free to conclude that the witnesses and information currently withheld from the Committees are adverse to the President.' The report's main conclusion 'The totality of the corrupt conduct uncovered by the Committees is egregious. President Joe Biden conspired to commit influence peddling and grift. In doing so, he abused his office and, by repeated lying about his abuse of office, has defrauded the United States to enrich his family. Not one of these transactions would have occurred, but for Joe Biden's official position in the United States government. This pattern of conduct ensured his familywho provided no legitimate serviceslived a lavish lifestyle.' 'The Constitution's remedy for a President's flagrant abuse of office is clear: impeachment by the House of Representatives and removal by the Senate. Despite the cheapening of the impeachment power by Democrats in recent years, the House's decision to pursue articles of impeachment must not be made lightly. As such, this report endeavors to present the evidence gathered to date so that all Members of the House may assess the extent of President Biden's corruption.' The report will now circulate among the full House. Impeachment leaders have tossed the decision to GOP leadership on whether or not to hold a vote to impeach Biden before the election. An adored street cleaner who was snubbed from going on a dream holiday by jobsworth bosses raises a cold pint in sun-soaked Portugal, telling supporters: 'I'm having the time of my life.' Elvis-loving Paul Spiers, 63, stepped foot on the golden sands of the Algarve just days after waste firm employers Veolia pulled the plug on a community crowdfunded trip - claiming strict rules prevent workers from accepting gifts. More than 200 neighbours in Beckenham, south-east London, had raised more than 3,000 to send beloved Paul on only his second ever foreign getaway before Veolia managers cruelly stepped in. Hard-working Paul, who cheers up locals by playing Elvis and Motown classics through a portable speaker while tidying the streets, captured the nation after his plight was exclusively revealed by MailOnline - prompting a travel firm to step forward with a 'competition' that only he could win. Package holiday company, On the Beach, said the winner of the contest 'must love Elvis, be between the ages of 62 and 64, have a surname of Spiers, be a street cleaner in Beckenham and be loved by your local community'. Paul Spiers, 63, (pictured) hopes to visit Albufeira's cobblestone old town for a few beers - and to grab some souvenirs to take home on Saturday Paul sunbathes by the pool during his dream trip to Portugal Paul enjoys a beer at a beach bar in sunny Albufeira Paul, a street cleaner from Beckenham, south-east London, on holiday in Portugal Paul is 'adored by all' in the local community, according to his friend Lisa Knight, who hailed him for 'lifting everyone's spirits' with his 'positive presence' Paul Spiers pictured with his friend and the organiser of the fundraiser: Lisa-Marie Knight Paul (left) has only been abroad once, to Portugal, and has dreamed of going back ever since Clutching his first lager at the Monica Isabel Beach Club in scorching holiday hotspot Albufeira, and unbuttoning his Hawaiian shirt, Paul told MailOnline: 'I'm having the time of my life. 'I can't thank people enough for their support and for what they've done for me. 'I'm just an ordinary road sweeper doing a job - I can't believe that people would think that much of me. I can't express my thanks enough. 'A normal holiday for me would be Great Yarmouth or Kent. They're lovely places but it's a bit nicer in Portugal. 'I just can't put it into words what it means to be here and how kind everyone has been. 'I never thought that I'd have another foreign holiday in my lifetime. 'So this beer is for everyone back home who's helped make this happen - and the next one, too!' Locals in Beckenham each chipped in small sums to send beloved Paul to Portugal in a heartwarming gesture of appreciation, raising more than 3,300. But Veolia then prevented Paul from taking the gift, claiming doing so would be in breach of its street cleaning contract with Bromley Council, which prohibits staff from taking monetary gifts or incentives. The HR decision sparked fury from members of the public who labelled the decision 'absolutely senseless' and 'vile', and led to an MP demanding answers from council bosses. Paul Spiers, 63, relaxes by the pool at the Monica Isabel Beach Club in Albufeira Paul tries on sunglasses at a shop while on holiday in sunny Portugal Paul goes shopping while on holiday in sunny Portugal Paul holding up a bat and ball during his dream trip to Portugal But Paul was finally on his way to Portugal on Saturday afternoon with brother Dave, 66, after On the Beach stepped in with its bespoke all-inclusive prize. The Crystal Palace fan boarded his WizzAir flight from Gatwick to Faro after enjoying a taste of luxury in a VIP airport lounge. Paul, who had never flown until turning 60, joked: 'I wasn't nervous on the plane, probably because we'd had a couple in the airport lounge beforehand. 'I was looking out of the window the whole way, taking it all in. The captain said we were doing 500mph - but it looked about 5mph. It was so smooth.' Paul Spiers, who turned 63 last week, has been cleaning the streets of Beckenham since 2017 Beckenham's clean streets (pictured) which Paul has been working on for the last seven years The gofundme page has raised almost 3,000 for Paul through kind donations from people in the community Paul and his friend Lisa-Marie in Beckenham Paul said he didn't realise he was that well-liked by the local community After landing, Paul and Dave enjoyed a private airport transfer to the three-star Monica Isabel Beach Club, overlooking the shimmering ocean. Paul selected the resort after visiting in 2021 - in his first taste of foreign soil. He said: 'I enjoyed it here so much last time. It was my first ever foreign holiday, and I dreamed of coming back ever since. The weather, the beach, the beer - it's just paradise.' The brothers toasted their arrival with a bottle of complimentary Champagne in their sea-view suite - before heading to the bar for a celebratory pint. And after a restful night's sleep, Paul wasted no time making the most of the 34 celsius sunshine - paddling in the sea and delving into the all-inclusive menu. Clutching an espresso at a courtyard bar, Paul told of a mix-up at the buffet bar - thinking the calamari were onion rings and mistaking the breaded pork escalopes for hash browns. Paul Spiers, a street cleaner from Beckenham, south-east London, on holiday in Portugal Paul enjoys a beer at a beach bar in Albufeira during his holiday to Portugal Paul has a good time on holiday in Portugal He said: 'It's the first time for a lot of things. I've never had an espresso before - it's not bad, is it? It might take a bit of time to get used to it. 'Last night, I thought I put onion rings on my plate - but it turned out it was squid. But it was pretty nice - a nice surprise. We had a couple of plates from the buffet. We overate but I guess that's what you do on holiday. 'The food is great - I'm used to cod and chips, really. There's so many dishes that I've never tried but I'm going to give them all a go.' Paul, who told how he has been stopped for selfies and FaceTime chat with strangers after going viral last week, revealed plans to take a boat to go dolphin spotting in the Atlantic and explore the coastline's hidden coves. He also hopes to visit Albufeira's cobblestone old town for a few beers - and to grab some souvenirs to take home on Saturday. He said: 'We've not got anything planned, we're just going to play it by ear. Mostly, I just want to relax by the beach. 'I've got an app and it says that usually at work I do 22,000 steps a day, which is around ten miles. 'So it's nice to put my feet up for a week. 'Don't get me wrong - I love my job. But if you're asking me now if I'm excited to go back to work, then the answer's no. 'I'm planning on doing as little walking as possible.' Paul does some shopping while on holiday in Portugal Paul initially thought he would not be able to go on the dream trip to Portugal Dave revealed how managers at Veolia - stinging from a public backlash - generously handed Paul an extra week's paid leave for the foreign getaway. He said: 'Paul didn't even have a passport until a couple of years ago. Going abroad on holiday was something other people did. It just wasn't on his radar at all. 'I'm hoping this trip will open Paul's eyes and that he'll get the travelling bug. It would be lovely to go and explore more of Europe with him. 'Going viral has brought Paul out of his shell. He's always been a quiet guy, who just gets on with things. 'But to know how loved he is by people has put a bounce in his step. It's been wonderful to see.' Beckenham estate agent Lisa Knight, who set up the fundraising drive, said she was thrilled to hear of Paul's holiday bliss. Ms Knight, who was named Lisa Marie after Presley's daughter, said: 'I'm overjoyed that Paul is finally on a beach enjoying his dream holiday. When I started the fundraising this is all I wanted to happen. 'So to know he is in the sunshine enjoying some well-deserved relaxation makes me and I'm sure the rest of the UK incredibly happy. 'I want to say a huge thank you to the local community in Beckenham who have been so generous and have supported this cause right from the very start it is a true testament to what a special place it is.' Paul enjoys a beer at a beach bar in Albufeira during his trip Locals in Beckenham each chipped in small sums to send beloved Paul to Portugal in a heartwarming gesture of appreciation, raising more than 3,300 Paul tries on a pair of sunglasses during his dream trip to Portugal Paul sunbathes by the pool on a sunbed surrounded by stunning views Paul said he had no bitterness towards his bosses, telling MailOnline: 'It's all fine' Veolia said it had 'no objection' to Paul accepting On the Beach's 'competition' prize. The company also offered to match the crowdfunded total and donate it to Cancer Research. Bosses had also appeared to give Paul, who works a 1pm to 10pm street cleaning shift five-days-a-week but often starts early out of goodwill, a new cap to wear while going about his work. Paul said he had no bitterness towards his bosses, telling MailOnline: 'It's all fine. 'My boss has loved all the attention and the company has donated 3,000 to Cancer Research which is very generous of them.' He added: 'I'm planning on working until 70 so the community has got at least another seven years of me and my music.' 'I didn't realise how much they loved me but they do. I just like to make people happy - that's why I bring my speaker out and play music.' Paul also told of hopes to travel abroad more in the future - as long as his more travelled brother comes along as a helping hand. Paul added: 'I wouldn't want to travel on my own because I'd get flustered at the airport. 'But I would like to see more of the world with my brother. Maybe Spain or something, or up the road to Lisbon.' Paul enjoys a beer at a beach bar in Albufeira surrounded by stunning views Paul tries on a pair of oversized sunglasses during his trip to Portugal The company later said it had no issue with Paul receiving his 'competition' prize Manchester-based On the Beach sent Paul and Dave on their way to Portugal promising 'all the food and drink their hearts desire'. Chief customer officer Zoe Harris said: 'The people of Britain can breathe a sigh of relief, Paul Spiers is on a beach in Portugal at last. 'It's been a rollercoaster of emotions for us all but we're so happy knowing that millions of people will have a smile on their face looking at pictures of Paul living his best life on a Portuguese beach.' Veolia insisted its contract with Bromley Council 'does not permit our staff to accept any monies or incentives outside of agreed pay structures.' The company later said it had no issue with Paul receiving his 'competition' prize. A Veolia spokesperson said: 'We understand that Paul has won a competition and we can confirm that we have no objection to him accepting his win. 'We are very grateful for the support and recognition shown by the community to Paul, who alongside a hardworking street cleansing team, does a fantastic job keeping Bromley's streets clean. 'Our position regarding the funds raised by the community has not changed and the decision about what happens to that money is a matter for the fundraiser. 'Veolia has matched the amount raised as of Friday 9th August and this will be donated to Cancer Research, a charity close to Paul's heart.' Like any parent who worries about their childs choice of romantic partner, Julie Dale heaved a sigh of relief when her daughter Ashley ended her relationship with her boyfriend, Lee Harrison. Penniless, jobless and with friends, everyone suspected, in rather low places, he couldnt drive. He didnt even have a bank account. Neither Julie, nor her husband Robert, could understand what Ashley saw in him. Nevertheless, Ashley, a beautiful, charismatic, 28-year-old university graduate, with a good job as an environmental health officer for the local council, was determined to help him turn his life around. She was striving so badly for him to become something that he was never going to be, Julie, 47, recalls. Then suddenly, three years ago, Ashleys lightbulb moment finally came. She was heading for 30, she wanted to get married and have children, and she couldnt do that with him. So she ended it, says Julie. We were delighted. Sadly, their jubilation was short-lived. Within six months Ashley and Lee were back together, and eight months after that, Ashley was dead. Slaughtered, in cold blood, in a hail of bullets meant for her hapless boyfriend. A balaclava-clad gunman stormed into the home the couple shared in Liverpool in the small hours, one morning in August 2022, armed with a submachine gun, seeking revenge over some gang-related slight. Lee wasnt even home when it happened. Undeterred, the gunman, James Witham, fired indiscriminately at Ashley as she desperately tried to flee. It is hard to imagine the terror and helplessness she must have felt and bewilderment. Ashley was no gangsters moll, but a respectable young woman with dreams of starting her own family. Her only mistake was falling in love with the wrong man. Today, two years on, her grieving mother and stepfather, Robert Jones, not only have to come to terms with the fact that their daughter lost her life so senselessly, but also that her boyfriend has shown not a single drop of compassion or remorse at her death. The police have been brilliant, but the fact is Lee is still strutting around, and my beautiful daughter is gone. Its still hard to take in, says Julie. Well never get over what happened. Within eight months of Ashley Dale getting back with her ex, Lee Harrison, the young woman was dead. Slaughtered, in cold blood, in a hail of bullets meant for her hapless boyfriend Last November, following a seven-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court, four men: Witham 41, plus his accomplices Sean Zeisz, 28, Niall Barry, 26, and 29-year-old Joseph Peers, were found guilty of Ashleys murder and conspiracy to murder, and were sentenced to a total of 173 years in prison. None of them will be released for another 41 years at the very least. It is some consolation for Julie and Robert that justice has been served, although, of course, it will not bring Ashley back. Their heartbreaking story one which will surely send shivers down the spines of any loving parent is told in a compelling four-part Channel 4 series, Merseyside Detectives: The Murders Of Ashley And Olivia. The documentary examines the painstaking work of police in the shocking aftermath of the deaths of both Ashley and the unrelated case of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, another innocent who was killed in cold blood by a masked gunman in ruthless pursuit of his intended victim, in a gangland hit. The murders, within 24 hours and just a couple of miles apart, shocked the nation and today, at the Liverpool home Julie shares with Robert and their two daughters Nancy, 14, and nine-year-old Connie, disbelief still looms large. Whatever we didnt like about Lee, I dont think anyone could ever remotely envisage what would happen. How can you? says Julie. Mother and daughter were particularly close: Ashley was born when Julie was only 16 still a child herself in many ways and Julie worked hard to escape the low expectations that can accompany teen pregnancy, studying as a mature student and becoming a midwife. In her late 20s she met her long-term partner Robert, a businessman, and he became a father figure to Julies friendly and popular little girl. She was always very mature for her age, very level-headed, says Robert, now 39. Its bittersweet saying this now, but she always seemed to make the right decisions about things like her friendship groups. After A-levels Ashley ultimately went to Liverpool John Moores University to study environmental health, graduating in 2017, after which she was offered a job with the local council. Shed been promoted to environmental health officer just before she died, and was described as a rising star by colleagues. We used to giggle as Ashley was so glamorous, but she had no problem getting her hands dirty, diving into bin bags, says Julie. Indeed, as far as Julie and Robert were concerned, there was just one shadow over Ashleys life and that was Lee. Ashley had met him in Liverpool on a night out the year she graduated. When she introduced him to Julie and Robert, they were underwhelmed to say the least. He didnt really have a job to speak of, although Ashley said he worked with his dad in the building trade, says Julie. He was always respectful and never rude, but still, he was no match for Ashley. Robert felt the same. I couldnt see what she saw in him, but Ashley seemed content enough, he says. By 2018, theyd set up home together in a house Robert had bought as an investment and which the family renovated together notably without Lee lifting a finger. Ashley at five years old Two years on, her grieving mother Julie Dale not only has to come to terms with the fact that their daughter lost her life so senselessly, but also that her boyfriend has shown not a single drop of compassion or remorse at her death Still, Julie and Robert remained puzzled by Ashleys ongoing attraction, particularly as time went on and they began to suspect that he was on the fringes of the drug trade. I dont think I ever directly asked Ashley what he did for a living, but I knew he wasnt a nine to five, says Julie. Whatever he did it wasnt big time. There was no Range Rover, no million-pound house. Ashley was funding him, paying the bills and for their holidays. Besides, as any parent to adult children will tell you, you interfere in their relationships at your peril. Id say, Im not happy with him at all and shed say, Bobby, I love him. Its hard, but Ashley was a grown woman, says Robert. We had to wait for her to see it herself because the more you try and control someone, the more shes going to slip through your fingers and then youve got zero relationship. The police later confirmed they did not think Ashley had any idea as to the extent of her boyfriends criminality. Then, in the spring of 2021, it seemed Ashley had finally come to her senses. She broke up with Lee, and even dated a couple of other men. But by December that year, to Julie and Roberts dismay, Ashley revealed that she was accompanying Lee to London on a birthday trip. Julie tried to reason with her, but was just brushed off. Over the subsequent few months, Ashley worked hard to set her partner on a straighter path. Shed got him a bank account, she was trying to get him to drive, she was encouraging him to go and get a proper job and he had an interview at a factory, says Robert. Whether or not he got the job Julie and Robert will never know, because two days later, four gang members were dispatched to her house, looking for Lee. They would later learn it was the result of an historic dispute over stolen drugs between rival Liverpudlian gangs which had been rekindled at the 2022 Glastonbury Festival. Ashley had gone to the festival with Lee, where hed got into an altercation with someone from his past. As far as we are aware, the reason why this happened stems back to something that took place years ago, and related to stolen drugs, says Julie. Lee didnt steal them, but he stuck by the lads who did steal them, and thats why this has happened: thats the crux of what came out in court. The altercation unsettled Ashley enough for her to tell friends in a series of voice notes later played at trial that she feared for Lees life. I just have a bad, bad feeling about everything, she said in one. In another, she said she had asked Lee to be honest about everything so she could prepare for the worst. Ashley did not confide in her mother about her worries. I now wonder if she was trying to protect me, she says. On the night of August 20, Lee was out for the evening and Julie and Ashley were exchanging text messages, as they commonly did. Ashley texted about 10.30pm, saying something had spooked the dog, maybe a rat, which was a little bit of a running joke with us, because she was terrified of them, even though she had to deal with them all the time in her job, says Julie. Lee Harrison (left) with Niall Barry, who was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 47 years for the murder of Ashley Dale, conspiracy to murder Lee Harrison, conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon with intent to endanger life Ashley was a beautiful, charismatic, 28-year-old university graduate, with a good job as an environmental health officer for the local council The 28-eight-year-old was killed when James Witham fired a Skorpion sub-machine gun in her house in Liverpool in the early hours of August 21, 2022 Later, Ashley also messaged her mum to say her car alarm had gone off, set off, she assumed, by the torrential rain outside. Only later did Julie and Robert learn that the alarm had actually been prompted by two gang members slashing Ashleys car tyres in an attempt to lure Lee who they did not realise was not in from the house. Ive tormented myself with why she didnt go out and look maybe things would have been different. But why would you? Youre on your own, your car alarms going off, its bouncing down with rain, youd just have a quick look out the window and that would be it, says Julie. After a final exchange of text messages, Julie went to bed around midnight, to be woken at 3.45am by two police officers knocking at the door with the worst news imaginable. They said there had been an incident at Ashleys property and she had died. And all I could think of was there had been a fire, says Julie. And then they said shed been shot. She pauses, tears in her eyes. You cant really comprehend it. Only later would Julie and Robert learn the full horrifying facts: 45 minutes after her tyres were slashed, Witham kicked the door down before entering the house and firing 15 shots from his submachine gun. Footage from police bodycams shows the myriad bullet holes in the walls, while one detective describes how she had never seen a scene where someone is so determined that no one escapes alive. Chillingly, Julie and Robert were told how Witham had even fired five shots into the spare bedroom where Nancy and Connie routinely slept over. They had been there the week before for a sleepover with their big sister, that was their bedroom, says Robert, his head shaking in disbelief. In the initial bewildering aftermath as the couple grappled to confront what had happened, one thing stood out: Ashleys boyfriend Lee the intended target could barely have been less emotional or less willing to help. Mother and daughter were very close Ashley was born when Julie was only 16 The family arriving at Liverpool Crown Court for the trial of Ian Fitzgibbon, Niall Barry, Sean Zeisz, Joseph Peers and James Witham, from left: Ashley's sister (who has requested not to be named), mother Julie, stepfather Rob Jones and father Steve Dunne Moreover, when Julie and Robert visited Lee ten days after Ashleys murder Lee has not elected to visit them once ever since he spun a load of lies about what could have happened to his innocent girlfriend. He sat on the sofa saying hed heard it was a burglary gone wrong, or a psycho ex-boyfriend, says Robert. This was what he also told police when they asked him in for questioning. He knew full well the reasons behind what had happened, but he didnt sit there in silence he was actually giving them wild goose chases to go on, says Robert. He lied and lied and lied. Those lies were quickly unravelled, and arrests made. Julie and Robert attended every day of the eight-week trial, during which none of the accused showed a smidgen of remorse. They were smirking in the dock, and there was one instance where we heard them singing on the way up from the cells, says Robert. Lee was not called as a witness, and didnt bother to attend court. Understandably, the heartbreak of hearing Ashleys voice from beyond the grave in court in those haunting WhatsApp messages was also an ordeal for them both. We were warned, but it was hard, really hard, says Julie. Nine months on from the trial, and two years since Ashley lost her life, the impact remains devastating. Nancy and Connie went to bed as normal little girls, then they woke up in the morning and their big sister had gone, says Robert. Their whole lives will be shaped by her absence. As, of course, are her parents. Its with you all the time, says Julie. Its not necessarily those big birthdays, anniversaries, its the little things all the times I would have just picked up the phone to her. All gone, for the heartbreaking reason that, as Robert says, Ashley fell in love with the wrong boy. Merseyside Detectives: The Murders Of Ashley And Olivia is on Channel 4 at 9pm tonight, and for the next three days. Detectives will be given full access to the Infected Blood Inquiry files as a minister pledges full cooperation with police in any future criminal investigation into the tainted blood scandal. The paymaster general Nick Thomas-Symonds has offered to share all relevant information with the police after the public inquiry concluded in May that the disaster could have been averted. The findings condemned successive governments and the NHS for a chilling cover-up of the scandal which saw some 30,000 people recklessly infected with HIV and Hepatitis in the 1970s and 1980s. Mr Thomas-Symonds has now written to the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) to offer full co-operation with any future criminal investigation, according to the Sunday Times. The NPCC is reviewing the five year long inquirys findings to establish what offences may have been committed and who may have been involved. Nick Thomas-Symonds (pictured), the Paymaster General, has written to the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) offering to share all relevant information over the Infected Blood Inquiry Campaigners calling for compensation for the contaminated blood scandal. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 80s. More than 3,000 have died Its findings will be considered by the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper next month when a decision is expected on whether a major police investigation should be launched. Survivors and campaigners have expressed fears that the passage of time means it is too late to hold individuals to account over the scandal which is known as the worst treatment disaster in NHS history as many have since died. However, the General Medical Council (GMC) has identified 19 doctors currently on its register who were criticised in the inquirys report. A GMC spokesman said: We are also actively considering the information the report contains about individual doctors who remain on the GMC register. Where concerns have been raised about a registered doctors fitness to practise we will consider if there is a risk to patients or to public confidence in the profession and take appropriate action. Senior crime commissioner Donna Jones requested a criminal investigation into the scandal after meeting with former pupils of Lord Mayor Treloar College in Alton, Hampshire. Haemophiliac children at the boarding school were subjected to secret trials at an onsite NHS clinic which saw more than 120 being infected with deadly diseases. Just 30 are still alive today. Ms Jones, police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, wrote to the home secretary last month seeking her backing to direct a national police investigation. No one has ever been held accountable for the disaster despite a 10billion compensation scheme for the victims and their families being announced by the government. More than 3,000 people have died after being treated by contaminated blood at the hands of the NHS. The products were cheaply imported from the US where blood was collected from paid donors including prisoners, drug addicts and homeless people on skid row. (bold section said in Spanish) On lessons in her life, Meghan Markle said: 'I'd like to start in Spanish because we are in your country, my husband and I, and because I feel the embrace in Colombia. It's incredible. 'So thank you, thank you very much, because the culture, the history, everything has been like a dream on this trip. 'And I'm sorry that my Spanish isn't perfect, because I learned it in Argentina 20 years ago, but I'm trying [it] here because I can feel this community and this feeling is the best in the world. 'So thank you very much to the vice president, my friend, thank you very much. Well, now in English. 'I would say, from my standpoint, that I was very fortunate that from a very young age to feel as though my voice was being heard. And I think that is a luxury that a lot of young girls and women aren't often afforded. 'I was 11-years-old, and you may know this story, I had seen a commercial that I felt was sexist, and I wrote a letter, several letters, about it, and the commercial was changed when you're 11-years-old, and you realise very quickly that your small voice can have a very large impact. 'I think it creates the framework to feel empowered to use your voice, because you know you're being listened to. It doesn't ever feel good to use your voice and no one hears you. That's not ideal. 'So for us and the work that we do with our Archewell Foundation, certainly the work that we do as parents, as I do as a mother, is ensuring that young girls feel as though their voices are being heard, and also that young boys are being raised to listen and to hear those young women as well. 'And the same goes for adult women and men. This isn't something that can be solely responsible and in the hands of just women. 'Yes, we work incredibly well together as a team, but as my husband is great testament to, the role of men in this of empowering women, of allowing them to know that their voices are heard, starting at a young age all the way through adulthood, is key. 'So at the Archewell Foundation, we are very, very dedicated to creating a sense of community, but also one in which women are heard and that their ideas are really felt and implemented in the programming that we do. 'So we just recently launched a programme called The Parents Network, which is for parents who have lost children or have encountered the worst possible challenges and level of grief as a result of online harms, and allowing those mothers, those parents, to be heard, is very key to the work that we're doing. 'We also have something called The Welcome Project where we are working with women, specifically, who have been displaced. 'And really giving them projects and work that are comparable to the work that I have done in the UK with something called the Hub Community Kitchen which was also women and community hearing each other, supporting each other. 'You know, you might be cooking together, you might be doing a craft together, but what are you doing at the same time [is that] you're working on your mental health, you're working on your emotional healing, you're working towards supporting each other with micro finance and business building and partnership. 'So these are all the ways in which I see the spirit of community and of us supporting each other as women play themselves out in so many different facets of our lives.' After being asked about what inspires her, the Duchess said: 'For me, I think I find inspiration in so many of the strong women that are around me. My mother being one of them. 'I think life is full of surprises and can be quite complex. And we (as Meghan turned to the Colombian vice president) have talked about over the past few days you finding your inspiration and this fighting spirit and for me, we talked about the power of words as well. 'So much of how I approach things is through the lens of [it's] less about the fight, that's not interesting to me, and more about how do we show up in this space and wash things over with love and kindness and generosity. 'And we talked about this the other day and of course that is part of that same spirit that you have in you. That you see something wrong and you go to fix it. Maybe that's just a very female thing. Whether it's a fan or something else. 'That's what we do. As women we are multi-taskers and we are fixers. And so when I try to look at the conditions in which we'll make women most comfortable in the space, that's multifaceted. 'And that includes finding ways to create political space, where women's voices can be heard. 'In business, where women can have a seat at the table and be in positions of leadership, having examples as you do with your vice president. 'We all know how much representation matters. We all know that if you see someone who looks like you, who talks like you, who comes from a community like yours, that you can believe it's possible to also be in a similar position of power so you're not underestimating yourself, you're not underestimating your worth, you're not underestimating your future. 'Instead, you're leaning into the possibility that every single thing can happen because you have conditions surrounding you and examples in front of you that indicate that you, too, can help to change the world. 'And I think in the small ways that women are doing that each day and the larger ways that we are doing that as a community, those are the elements that continue to inspire me to use my voice. 'Because I also recognise how small it feels when you don't. It doesn't feel great to suffer in silence or even just sit in silence if in those moments you want to be heard or if you have something to say. 'So I think part of the role-modeling that I certainly try to do as a mother is to encourage our daughter - at three she has found her voice and we are so proud of that, because that is how we, as I was saying, create the conditions in which there is a ripple effect of young girls and young women knowing that if someone else is encouraging them to use their voice and be heard, that's what they are going to do. 'They are going to create a very different environment than so many of us grew up in, where our voices were meant to be smaller and now, in raising them, we're changing the conditions and the environment where everyone has space to be the best version of themselves.' Making her final remarks to the panel, Meghan Markle said as Prince Harry listened from a seat in the audience: 'I think when we really look at how we can continue to inspire and create change, all of the examples I was listing earlier from our standpoint, certainly through the Archwell Foundation, are key elements in doing that. 'And I can start at the very grassroots level, I do believe that also starts at home, modelling that behaviour very young and seeing it work its way through. 'From my standpoint, how I will continue to express this, both through our foundation and through being able to move through the world, I suppose, is just looking at this as my chapter of joy. 'And the more that you are able to look at your life and really, truly, recognise that if you're going to be grateful for your life, you have to be grateful for all aspects of it. 'The parts that were opportunities of growth and may have felt very difficult as well as the parts that feel inspiring, joyful and full. 'I think part of the role-modelling doesn't necessarily need to be a large plan, it just needs to be an intention and my intentionality is to enjoy this chapter and to be able to move through every piece of that as best as I can, modelling that if we are in the spirit of gratitude and of generosity, how we are able to connect with each other as women and how we are able to move through the world in a much freer way, I think is part of how we continue to create the conditions that I was speaking about earlier. 'And you may have noticed, my husband and I were talking about it this morning, I just really relaxed on this trip - that's probably because it's Colombia and you all know how to have fun. 'There is something so liberating about being able to be yourself and be comfortable in your skin and be surrounded in a space that is excited to see you exactly the way that you are. 'I think that is part of the chapter for me, of joy, that will hopefully continue to inspire and allow me to keep doing the work that we love to do, which is to just be of service and to see other people live their lives through that same joyful spirit.' Thunderstorms are forecast to smash the east coast of Australia as a massive weather system moves across the country. A complex low-pressure system near Western Australia's coast will begin to weaken on Monday, but its effects will continue to push strong winds, storms and cooler conditions across the country's south. Weatherzone meteorologist Maryam Al-Ansari said the system was forecast to cross over South Australia on Monday. 'There's a front currently crossing South Australia which is going to reach Victoria on tomorrow,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'That would mean it will reach the east coast about late Tuesday, going into Wednesday.' While the system is losing momentum as it tracks east, it's possible it could re-gain some strength and cause thunderstorms in Sydney and Melbourne. 'Looking at Sydney, Tuesday evening could potentially bring thunderstorms but it looks like most of the activity will be seen on the Wednesday,' Ms Al-Ansari said. 'Thunderstorms are most likely going to be along the coast and maybe the suburbs along the east. A front driven by a massive system over Australia's west is set to drive cool temperatures and showers to the east 'Melbourne is likely to start seeing the storms tomorrow. 'The areas which are most likely at risk would be the northern and the eastern suburbs going all the way down to the Mornington Peninsula.' Much of inland Australia is expected to see above-average temperatures and generally dry weather. Meanwhile, Australia's Top End is expected to swelter through increased overnight humidity with patchy showers likely in Queensland's north. Ms Al-Ansari believed the incoming warmer conditions towards the end of the week could indicate an early start to spring. 'We will be seeing some nicer weather but whether to say that's going to be the end of winter, I can't say for sure,' she said. 'I can say, we've got a few systems crossing this week and then it looks like the sun's going to be out again. 'Melbourne has a few days in the twenties. Adelaide is looking to warm as well. 'It does look like an early spring could be coming over the weekend but I can't say that nothing's gonna come later.' The low-pressure system (pictured on Monday) is set to begin weakening from Monday as it pushes eastward Sydney Tuesday: The chance of morning fog in the west. Mostly sunny day. Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the evening. Light winds becoming north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day. Min 10. Max 22. Wednesday: Slight chance of a shower in the morning. Mostly sunny day. Winds northerly 15 to 20 km/h tending northwesterly during the morning then becoming light during the afternoon. Min 14. Max 25. Thursday: Partly cloudy. Light winds. Min 13. Max 23. Friday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds. Min 11. Max 21. Melbourne Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Very high chance of showers. Winds northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h turning northerly 25 to 40 km/h during the day then decreasing to 20 to 30 km/h during the evening. Min 11. Max 19. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Winds northerly 15 to 25 km/h turning northwesterly during the morning. Min 12. Max 19. Thursday: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely during the morning. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h. Min 10. Max 17. Friday: Cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning north to northeasterly during the day. Min 8. Max 17. Brisbane Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Light winds. Min 14. Max 23. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Min 14. Max 26. Thursday: Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog in the west. Winds north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending north to northeasterly during the day. Min 15. Max 27. Friday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day. Min 15. Max 27. The weather for the east coast looks uneventful with only small showers forecast between Sydney and Coffs Harbour Perth Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending westerly 20 to 30 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. Min 11. Max 20. Wednesday: Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Light winds. Min 11. Max 19. Thursday: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then tending north to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the afternoon. Min 9. Max 21. Friday: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h. Min 14. Max 21. Adelaide Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Very high chance of showers. Winds northwest to northeasterly 25 to 35 km/h becoming northwesterly 30 to 40 km/h in the middle of the day then tending westerly 25 to 35 km/h in the early afternoon. Min 12. Max 18. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds west to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h. Min 12. Max 18. Thursday: Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds westerly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the morning. Min 10. Max 17. Friday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds easterly 15 to 25 km/h. Min 8. Max 21. Hobart Tuesday: Partly cloudy. The chance of morning frost in the east. High chance of showers, most likely in the late afternoon and evening. Winds north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the morning then becoming northerly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day. Min 3. Max 17. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds northerly 15 to 20 km/h turning northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning. Min 9. Max 17. Thursday: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h. Min 8. Max 15. Friday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely during the morning. Winds westerly 25 to 35 km/h. Min 9. Max 16. Showers are forecast along the country's south (pictured, rain accumulation forecast between Monday and Friday) Canberra Tuesday: Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. High chance of showers, most likely in the late afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day. Min 3. Max 18. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h becoming light during the evening. Min 6. Max 17. Thursday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending westerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Min 4. Max 17. Friday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds. Min 1. Max 17. Darwin Tuesday: Sunny. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon then tending north to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon. Min 21. Max 34. Wednesday: Sunny. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then tending northwest to northeasterly during the afternoon. Min 22. Max 34. Thursday: Sunny. Light winds becoming northeast to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then tending northwest to northeasterly during the afternoon. Min 23. Max 34. Friday: Sunny. Light winds becoming northwest to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day. Min 23. Max 34. Two babysitters are accused of beating an infant girl so badly she was bleeding from her rectum before her death. Kiya Moore, 21, and her boyfriend Dejon Smith, 34, were charged with first-degree murder after Moore's one-year-old niece Kali Moore was found dead. The baby girl was rushed to LeBonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis about 3am on Saturday and pronounced dead at 4.01am, police said. Doctors said she had a skull and neck fracture, massive bruising on her back, and rectal bleeding when they examined her body. Further examination discovered a brain bleed, bruised kidney, high enzymes in her liver consistent with abdominal trauma, and blood in her lungs. Kali Moore was pronounced dead after she was was rushed to LeBonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis about 3am on Saturday Kiya Moore, 21, and her boyfriend Dejon Smith, 34, were charged with first-degree murder. Moore is the baby's aunt Moore's sister Kyera Moore, in a series of heartbreaking Facebook posts, insisted her sister was innocent and explained the bruises and rectal bleeding. 'Please, my sister didn't do it... my baby has birthmarks on her back that never went away and rectal bleeding is caused from her being constipated,' she wrote. Kyera explained that the constipation was so bad that she she used Vaseline and frequently fed Kali green vegetables so she could go to the toilet. 'My sister ain't did s**t, that's just the n***a she live with,' she insisted. Police declined to comment on her claims. Kyera left her daughter, who only turned one in June, with the couple about 5pm on Thursday in what was believed to be her home. Detectives found no baby food in the home on University Street in Memphis, and it was not clear where the baby was sleeping. Moore's sister Kyera Moore, in a series of heartbreaking Facebook posts, insisted her sister was innocent Doctors said she had a skull and neck fracture, massive bruising on her back, and rectal bleeding when they examined her body Moore and Smith gave conflicting statements to police blaming each other for Kali's death after they were arrested, as detailed in a charging affidavit. Smith claimed he heard Moore yelling in the back room and the baby crying, then her slam Kali into the floor, walls, and wooden furniture six to 10 times. He told police that when he asked her what she was doing, she said it was nothing and that the baby was crying too much and getting on her nerves. When Smith entered the room, he claimed, Moore stopped and he saw Kali was unresponsive and began CPR, stopping to pour cold water on her. When Kali didn't wake up, Moore called a family member to take her to hospital. Smith claimed Moore told him Kali was injured when she fell off the bed and hit her head on the nightstand. Smith has two children of his own from an earlier relationship, one about to start kindergarten. Moore (pictured) claimed she went out and left Smith alone with Kali and when she came home, the infant was unresponsive and he refused to tell her what happened Smith (pictured) claimed he heard Moore yelling in the back room and the baby crying, then her slam Kali into the floor, walls, and wooden furniture six to 10 times Moore claimed she went out and left Smith alone with Kali and when she came home, the infant was unresponsive and he refused to tell her what happened. Instead, he allegedly told her to say she fell asleep holding Kali and the child fell out of the bed and hit her head on the nightstand - just as he claimed she told him. Moore agreed that it was she who called a family member to take Kali to hospital. Police decided to charge both of them with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and aggravated child neglect. Kyera appeared to have learned of her daughter's death later on Saturday morning when she began a series of mournful Facebook posts. In several posts she begged for God to kill her and let her daughter live instead. 'Please take me lord please I'll do anything pleaseeeeeee god pleaseeeeeee take me,' one of them read. 'My heart my literal heart in tiny human form is gone... why god please tell me why help me understand why. 'My reason for not giving up on myself is gone... what [am I] supposed to do now?' Kyera appeared to have learned of her daughter's death later on Saturday morning when she began a series of mournful Facebook posts Kyera's brother died only last month, and she posted this photo with them together on Sunday night, captioned 'both of y'all together now' Kyera's most recent post wondered if her daughter's death meant she didn't deserve her, and explained how Kali kept her depression at bay. 'I swear I was great to her I loved her with my whole heart she wanted and needed for nothing,' she wrote. 'She knows she was loved by everyone and made anybody she came into contact with happy y'all, I swear she was a angel and didn't deserve this.' Kyera's brother died only last month, and she posted a photo with them together on Sunday night, captioned 'both of y'all together now'. A British diplomat has resigned from the Foreign Office as he believes the department 'may be complicit in war crimes' for continuing to allow arms sales to Israel. Mark Smith, listed as a second secretary in the British embassy in Ireland, wrote in a resignation letter to colleagues that was posted online that members of the Israeli government and military have expressed 'open genocidal intent'. Mr Smith also said that it was 'deeply troubling' that the department had 'disregarded' his concerns on the illegality of continued arms sales. In a letter to colleagues, he wrote: 'It is with sadness that I resign after a long career in the diplomatic service, however I can no longer carry out my duties in the knowledge that this Department may be complicit in war crimes.' Mr Smith said he is a former penholder on the arms export licensing assessment in the Middle East and North African Department, experience he said makes him a 'subject matter expert' on arms sales policy. While in opposition the now Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged the Foreign Office (FCDO) to publish its formal legal advice as to whether Israel was complying with international humanitarian law An FCDO spokesperson said: 'There is an ongoing review process to assess whether Israel is complying with international humanitarian law, which the Foreign Secretary initiated on day one in office' He said: 'Each day we witness clear and unquestionable examples of war crimes and breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza perpetuated by the state of Israel. 'Senior members of the Israeli government and military have expressed open genocidal intent, Israeli soldiers take videos deliberately burning, destroying and looting civilian property and openly admit to the rape and torture of prisoners.' He added: 'There is no justification for the UK's continued arms sales to Israel and yet somehow it continues. I have raised this at every level in the organisation including through an official whistle blowing investigation and received nothing more than 'thank you we have noted your concern'. 'Ministers claim the UK has one of the most 'robust and transparent' arms export licensing regimes in the world, however this is the opposite of the truth.' He concluded the letter: 'I hope that we can look back on history and be proud.' While in opposition the now Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged the Foreign Office (FCDO) to publish its formal legal advice as to whether Israel was complying with international humanitarian law. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa meets with David Lammy on August 16 An FCDO spokesperson said: 'This Government is committed to upholding international law. 'We have made clear that we will not export items if they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. 'There is an ongoing review process to assess whether Israel is complying with international humanitarian law, which the Foreign Secretary initiated on day one in office. 'We will provide an update as soon as that review process has been completed.' Since 2008, the UK has licensed arms worth more than 576 million to Israel, according to analysis of Government export data by the Campaign Against Arms Trade. In June this year the Government published data on licences granted to Israel since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which showed it had issued 42 licences between October 7 2023 and May 31 2024. Mr Lammy visited Israel last week alongside French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne, releasing a joint statement on Sunday in which they expressed a 'commitment to working ever more closely together in a new spirit of co-operation'. The war has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, displaced the vast majority of the territory's 2.3 million residents and led experts to warn of famine and the outbreak of diseases such as polio. (Bold indicates speech was made in Spanish) On lessons in her life, Meghan Markle said: 'I'd like to start in Spanish because we are in your country, my husband and I, and because I feel the embrace in Colombia. It's incredible. 'So thank you, thank you very much, because the culture, the history, everything has been like a dream on this trip. 'And I'm sorry that my Spanish isn't perfect, because I learned it in Argentina 20 years ago, but I'm trying [it] here because I can feel this community and this feeling is the best in the world. 'So thank you very much to the vice president, my friend, thank you very much. Well, now in English. 'I would say, from my standpoint, that I was very fortunate that from a very young age to feel as though my voice was being heard. And I think that is a luxury that a lot of young girls and women aren't often afforded. 'I was 11-years-old, and you may know this story, I had seen a commercial that I felt was sexist, and I wrote a letter, several letters, about it, and the commercial was changed when you're 11-years-old, and you realise very quickly that your small voice can have a very large impact. 'I think it creates the framework to feel empowered to use your voice, because you know you're being listened to. It doesn't ever feel good to use your voice and no one hears you. That's not ideal. 'So for us and the work that we do with our Archewell Foundation, certainly the work that we do as parents, as I do as a mother, is ensuring that young girls feel as though their voices are being heard, and also that young boys are being raised to listen and to hear those young women as well. 'And the same goes for adult women and men. This isn't something that can be solely responsible and in the hands of just women. 'Yes, we work incredibly well together as a team, but as my husband is great testament to, the role of men in this of empowering women, of allowing them to know that their voices are heard, starting at a young age all the way through adulthood, is key. 'So at the Archewell Foundation, we are very, very dedicated to creating a sense of community, but also one in which women are heard and that their ideas are really felt and implemented in the programming that we do. 'So we just recently launched a programme called The Parents Network, which is for parents who have lost children or have encountered the worst possible challenges and level of grief as a result of online harms, and allowing those mothers, those parents, to be heard, is very key to the work that we're doing. 'We also have something called The Welcome Project where we are working with women, specifically, who have been displaced. 'And really giving them projects and work that are comparable to the work that I have done in the UK with something called the Hub Community Kitchen which was also women and community hearing each other, supporting each other. 'You know, you might be cooking together, you might be doing a craft together, but what are you doing at the same time [is that] you're working on your mental health, you're working on your emotional healing, you're working towards supporting each other with micro finance and business building and partnership. 'So these are all the ways in which I see the spirit of community and of us supporting each other as women play themselves out in so many different facets of our lives.' After being asked about what inspires her, the Duchess said: 'For me, I think I find inspiration in so many of the strong women that are around me. My mother being one of them. 'I think life is full of surprises and can be quite complex. And we (as Meghan turned to the Colombian vice president) have talked about over the past few days you finding your inspiration and this fighting spirit and for me, we talked about the power of words as well. 'So much of how I approach things is through the lens of [it's] less about the fight, that's not interesting to me, and more about how do we show up in this space and wash things over with love and kindness and generosity. 'And we talked about this the other day and of course that is part of that same spirit that you have in you. That you see something wrong and you go to fix it. Maybe that's just a very female thing. Whether it's a fan or something else. 'That's what we do. As women we are multi-taskers and we are fixers. And so when I try to look at the conditions in which we'll make women most comfortable in the space, that's multifaceted. 'And that includes finding ways to create political space, where women's voices can be heard. 'In business, where women can have a seat at the table and be in positions of leadership, having examples as you do with your vice president. 'We all know how much representation matters. We all know that if you see someone who looks like you, who talks like you, who comes from a community like yours, that you can believe it's possible to also be in a similar position of power so you're not underestimating yourself, you're not underestimating your worth, you're not underestimating your future. 'Instead, you're leaning into the possibility that every single thing can happen because you have conditions surrounding you and examples in front of you that indicate that you, too, can help to change the world. 'And I think in the small ways that women are doing that each day and the larger ways that we are doing that as a community, those are the elements that continue to inspire me to use my voice. 'Because I also recognise how small it feels when you don't. It doesn't feel great to suffer in silence or even just sit in silence if in those moments you want to be heard or if you have something to say. 'So I think part of the role-modeling that I certainly try to do as a mother is to encourage our daughter - at three she has found her voice and we are so proud of that, because that is how we, as I was saying, create the conditions in which there is a ripple effect of young girls and young women knowing that if someone else is encouraging them to use their voice and be heard, that's what they are going to do. 'They are going to create a very different environment than so many of us grew up in, where our voices were meant to be smaller and now, in raising them, we're changing the conditions and the environment where everyone has space to be the best version of themselves.' Making her final remarks to the panel, Meghan Markle said as Prince Harry listened from a seat in the audience: 'I think when we really look at how we can continue to inspire and create change, all of the examples I was listing earlier from our standpoint, certainly through the Archwell Foundation, are key elements in doing that. 'And I can start at the very grassroots level, I do believe that also starts at home, modelling that behaviour very young and seeing it work its way through. 'From my standpoint, how I will continue to express this, both through our foundation and through being able to move through the world, I suppose, is just looking at this as my chapter of joy. 'And the more that you are able to look at your life and really, truly, recognise that if you're going to be grateful for your life, you have to be grateful for all aspects of it. 'The parts that were opportunities of growth and may have felt very difficult as well as the parts that feel inspiring, joyful and full. 'I think part of the role-modelling doesn't necessarily need to be a large plan, it just needs to be an intention and my intentionality is to enjoy this chapter and to be able to move through every piece of that as best as I can, modelling that if we are in the spirit of gratitude and of generosity, how we are able to connect with each other as women and how we are able to move through the world in a much freer way, I think is part of how we continue to create the conditions that I was speaking about earlier. 'And you may have noticed, my husband and I were talking about it this morning, I just really relaxed on this trip - that's probably because it's Colombia and you all know how to have fun. 'There is something so liberating about being able to be yourself and be comfortable in your skin and be surrounded in a space that is excited to see you exactly the way that you are. 'I think that is part of the chapter for me, of joy, that will hopefully continue to inspire and allow me to keep doing the work that we love to do, which is to just be of service and to see other people live their lives through that same joyful spirit.' More than half of patients do not know what a 'physician associate' is despite NHS plans for them to deliver more care, a study reveals. Doctors have opposed a mass rollout of PAs in GP surgeries and hospitals, warning they have insufficient training and put patients at risk. More than 3,500 are already deployed in England, with plans to train 1,000 more each year to take the total up to 10,000 within 12 years. The workers do not go to medical school but are usually expected to have either a science degree or a clinical qualification before they embark on a two-year postgraduate course to train to become a physician associate. Their duties include taking medical histories and conducting physical examinations. More than half of patients do not know what a 'physician associate' is despite NHS plans for them to deliver more care, a study reveals (file image) Doctors have opposed a mass rollout of PAs in GP surgeries and hospitals, warning they have insufficient training and put patients at risk (file image) However, some universities offering the course have admitted to accepting students with first degrees in the likes of geography, human resources and English literature. The Ipsos poll of 1,127 people over the age of 16 found 57 per cent had either never heard of PAs or had heard of the role but knew nothing about it. This is compared to 3 per cent who said they knew a great deal about PAs while 15 per cent said they knew a fair amount and 22 per cent said they knew a little. PAs have been under scrutiny following high-profile mistakes, including the death of 30-year-old Emily Chesterton, who was misdiagnosed by a PA twice before eventually dying of a blood clot in 2022. Leading GPs said it is important people have more information on physician associates, and stressed that it should be made clear to patients being treated by them that they are not doctors. The British Medical Association (BMA) also warned that 'efforts to cut waiting lists must not come at the cost of patient safety'. However, only a quarter of people surveyed said that, at every appointment in the past year, they have known the role of the healthcare professional they interacted with at their surgery, be it a GP, nurse or PA. Some 23 per cent said they knew the role most of the time, 19 per cent some of the time, 11 per cent not many times and 4 per cent answered never. The majority of people - 77 per cent - said they feel it is important for them to know the role of the member of staff they are dealing with. The Ipsos poll of 1,127 people over the age of 16 found 57 per cent had either never heard of PAs or had heard of the role but knew nothing about it (file image) Only a quarter of people surveyed said that, at every appointment in the past year, they have known the role of the healthcare professional they interacted with at their surgery, be it a GP, nurse or PA (file image) After being given a brief description of the role, 40 per cent of people surveyed said the NHS should use funding to recruit and train more PAs to support GPs, so the wait for an appointment is shorter, even if a patient is less likely to see a family doctor. This is compared with 30 per cent of people who agreed with the NHS recruiting a smaller number of GPs so that patients are more likely to speak to a doctor even if they have to wait longer. Medical associate professions (MAP) roles, which includes PAs and anaesthesia associates (AAs), were introduced to the NHS workforce in the early 2000s to bolster access to care for patients. Professor Phil Banfield, the chairman of the BMA council, added: 'It is incredibly concerning, but not at all surprising that so many people know so little about physician associates, even though they are working in GP practices and hospitals across the country. 'PAs are not equivalent to doctors. They must always work under close supervision from a doctor and should never be used in their place. 'We believe that PAs should see only those patients already triaged by a GP who has many years more training as efforts to cut waiting lists must not come at the cost of patient safety. The Royal College of GPs said it was a 'red line' that patients should know 'whether they are being treated by a physician associate, what their role is and that they are not a doctor' (file image) 'It takes over 10 years of training to become a GP, PAs study for two years and although they have a role in the NHS, they must not be used as a substitute for qualified staff.' Elsewhere, 62 per cent of those who responded to the survey said they found the availability of GP appointments for non-urgent conditions, which are usually booked in advance, to be poor. More than half (55 per cent) said the availability of urgent appointments was also poor. Dr Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, vice chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'This poll shows how important it is that more information for patients is available about this role - and that it is made very clear to any patient who is being treated by a physician associate what their role is and that they are not a doctor; this is one of the college's red lines for PAs working in general practice. 'GPs are as frustrated as our patients when they struggle to access our care and services. 'Simply recruiting other healthcare professionals, including PAs, in general practice, must not be seen as the answer.' An NHS spokesperson said: 'The NHS has always been clear about the role physician associates play in supporting clinical teams to provide high-quality care for patients - they are not replacements for doctors, but support with specific tasks they are trained to do, under supervision.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Physician associates have an important role to play but should always work with doctors, not replace them. 'This government will fix the NHS and ensure it has the staff it needs to be there for all of us when we need it.' Qinghai-Xizang Plateau a vital carbon sink: scientific research Xinhua) 10:10, August 19, 2024 LHASA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau ecosystem absorbs approximately 120 to 140 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, accounting for 10 to 16 percent of China's total ecosystem carbon sink, according to the findings of the second Qinghai-Xizang Plateau scientific expedition and research released on Sunday. Given that the plateau currently emits 55 million tonnes of CO2 annually, its carbon surplus exceeds more than 65 million tonnes per year, said Yao Tandong, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and leader of this scientific research survey, at a press conference in Lhasa. Yao added that the plateau's 1.4 million square km of permafrost holds around 37 billion tonnes of organic carbon, accounting for over 60 percent of the plateau's total soil carbon stock. "However, the potential thawing of deep permafrost due to future climate warming could pose a risk to its carbon sequestration capacity," Yao said. The Global Observation-based System for Monitoring Greenhouse Gas (GONGGA) system, developed independently by the scientific research survey team, is an essential tool for estimating natural carbon sinks. It integrates atmospheric transport modeling, CO2 concentration observations, and CO2 emission inventories to accurately assess the carbon sink capacity of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau ecosystem. This system not only supports China's "dual carbon" goals with important scientific data but also provides valuable Chinese data and methodologies for international carbon accounting and assessments. "Going forward, the carbon sink function of the plateau can be enhanced further by improving the quality of grassland and forest ecosystems," Yao said. China initiated the second scientific expedition and research of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in August 2017, intending to reveal the mechanism of environmental change and provide scientific support for the ecological security of the plateau. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A driver was left shocked after being slugged with a massive fine while waiting for another motorist to pull out of a parking space. The driver was slapped with the $302 parking fine at Hurstville Aquatic Centre, in Sydney's south, on June 15. The motorist labelled Revenue NSW 'idiotic' after his attempt to appeal the fine was shot down. A Revenue NSW spokesman said the organisation acknowledged the circumstances that led up to the fine but was still 'unable to cancel' it. The authority argued this was because the driver had been double parked - which is an offence. Revenue NSW is not responsible for handing out the fines, only collecting them. 'You cannot wait for another car to exit a space as parking must be immediately available,' Revenue NSW wrote to the driver in response to the appeal. 'Double parking can create blind spots for motorists and pedestrians, as well as cause other drivers to travel on the opposite side of the road.' The driver was then told they must pay the $302 fine. A motorist was shocked to receive a fine for double parking while they waited for another car to exit a parking bay. The decision was upheld on appeal (pictured the motorist double parked) Although it is unknown how long the driver had been double parked for, they posted about the fine online - with Aussies stunned it was considered an offence. Adding to the other motorists' shock was the fact the driver had stayed in their car the whole time. 'Contest it again. That is absolutely ridiculous,' one wrote. 'Absolutely ludicrous,' one said. Another added: '(There is not) a single person on this planet that hasn't done exactly this on dozens of occasions'. Georges River Council, which issued the fine, defended its decision, saying it had increased patrols at the aquatic centre because there were 'vehicles being observed parking illegally'. 'Double parking is an issue that the NSW State Government has identified as requiring a strong deterrent across the state,' a spokeswoman told Yahoo. '[This is] due to the safety risk it creates for the community and obstruction to traffic, hence a penalty of over $300 is applied.' Daily Mail Australia contacted Georges River Council and Revenue NSW for comment. A man has been charged with murder and having sex with a dead body after a woman was stabbed to death in Kent. Ernestas Juska, 20, from Dartford, has been arrested following reports of a disturbance at a property on Henderson Drive, Dartford, at 6.50am on Saturday, August 17. Officers and paramedics attended the property where a woman was found with injuries consistent with a stabbing. She was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Juska was known to the victim. He remains in custody after being charged with murder and committing a sexual offence against a deceased female. Juska will appear in Medway Magistrates' Court today. The suspect was taken into custody following reports of a disturbance at a property on Henderson Drive (pictured), Dartford, at 6.50am on Saturday, August 17 Local residents reported hearing emergency sirens throughout the Saturday morning. An air ambulance car was among the vehicles called to the scene and forensic officers in protective clothing have been seen entering and exiting the property. One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: 'You do not expect this on your doorstep. This is something major. I think the police will be here all day. It is more than just a disturbance.' Speaking of the forensic officers, another resident said: 'They have got the blue gloves and white suits on. There are around six forensic officers there. They added: 'I never seen so many law cars go down the hill. I was born in Dartford and I have never seen anything like this.' Jim Dickson, MP for Dartford, said: 'My thoughts are with the victim and all those affected by this morning's tragic incident in Temple Hill. 'I would like to thank the police for their swift response and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact them.' A spokesman for Kent Police said on the weekend: 'A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following an incident in Dartford, Kent. 'Officers attended with colleagues from South East Coast Ambulance Service and a woman was found with injuries consistent with a stabbing. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. 'A man in his 20s, who was known to the victim, has been arrested and taken into custody. Officers remain at the scene making enquiries and Henderson Drive is currently closed between the junctions with Marsh Street and Cavell Crescent.' Councillor Kelly Grehan, Ward councillor for Temple Hill, said on Saturday she had been made aware of a 'very serious incident' and asked people not to speculate on the circumstances. Senator Linda Reynolds would have 'struggled' to get her name on the ballot for the next Federal Election, a senior figure in the Liberal Party WA branch has told a court. Senator Reynolds is suing her former staffer Brittany Higgins and her husband David Sharaz over a number of social media posts the pair made in 2022 and 2023. The posts were critical of Senator Reynolds' handling of Ms Higgins' allegation she was raped in Parliament House in 2019 by her then colleague Mr Lehrmann. He was charged with rape and faced trial in 2022, but the trial was aborted due to juror misconduct. The charge was dropped and Mr Lehrmann continues to maintain his innocence. Mr Lehrmann lost a subsequent civil defamation case in April this year when the Federal Court determined, on the balance of probabilities, that Mr Lehrmann had raped Ms Higgins at Parliament House. He is appealing this decision. SENATOR MAY HAVE STRUGGLED IN NEXT ELECTION Selection committee of Liberal Party WA chairman Jeremy Buxton told the court on Monday that when a senator made themselves a story it usually went against them, and the Senator would have 'struggled' to get her name on the ballot for the next election. Senator Linda Reynolds' defamation trial against Brittany Higgins has entered its third week Senator Reynolds is suing her former staffer Brittany Higgins (pictured) and her husband David Sharaz over a number of social media posts the pair made in 2022 and 2023 Mr Buxton was giving evidence about whether allegations made by Ms Higgins could have potentially jeopardised the senator from running again for the Liberal Party. He said even if the issue was not a criminal matter, if serving members were seen to have messed up, it worked against them. He said there were cases in the past where senators had been demoted within the Liberal Party in WA. Mr Buxton told the court while he did not discuss the matter with his Liberal Party colleagues, he said there could have been an adverse feeling among some of them. He said some people may have judged the senator more harshly as a woman who did not support a young female colleague. 'It would have put her at a disadvantage to other colleagues who did not have to answer those questions,' he said. 'She would have been struggling to get the third position (on the ballot paper).' Party elder Jeremy Buxton said the senator would have 'been struggling' to get her name on the ballot for the Liberals SENATOR'S HEALTH IMPROVED IN 2022 Senator Reynolds' GP in Canberra, Dr Antonio Di Dio, gave evidence in the senator's defamation case which has now entered its third week. Dr Di Dio first saw Senator Reynolds at Parliament House on February 23, 2021, saying she was very anxious and stressed. 'I was asked to see her because of her acute anxiety,' he said. Dr Di Dio said the senator was experiencing chest pain so he arranged an urgent referral to Canberra Hospital. He said there was some concern that she would be seen with urgency so he arranged for a local cardiologist to see her. When he saw her again five days later, her blood pressure had returned to normal, he told the court. He also referred her to a clinical psychologist and psychiatrist because he was concerned about her high levels of anxiety and the profound effect it was having on her at the time. He said it was causing her great distress. While being questioned by defence lawyer Kate Pedersen, Dr Dio said the senator's mental health improved in 2022. Dr Di Dio told the court there was no doubt the senator was far better than the 'awful acute period from when we first met'. 'She was still on a significant amount of medication, but there are notes in the record that she was stable and self-caring and looking after herself,' he said. Dr Di Dio said reports he received about the senator's heart condition after she was hospitalised would not be enough to tell if you a person was at risk of dying. Ms Higgins' lawyers Rachael Young and Kate Pedersen HUGE CALL LOOMS ON FIONA BROWN EVIDENCE Justice Tottle will decide if the senator's former chief of staff Fiona Brown will have to give evidence during the trial in person. Ms Brown's senior counsel Dominique Hogan-Doran provided the court last week a confidential report and medical certificate requesting that Ms Brown be excused from giving evidence in court. It is anticipated Ms Brown may be able to give her evidence in the form of a written statement. Ms Higgins' lawyer Rachel Young said they had no difficulty with the order being proposed by Ms Brown and did not want to cause her distress by calling her to court to give evidence. Senator Reynolds' lawyer Martin Bennett She said as long as what they had been told by Ms Brown's lawyers was consistent and accurate with what was provided to the court then they would not oppose Ms Brown being released. Senator Reynolds' lawyer Martin Bennett said he did not anticipate an argument and agreed a suppression order should be imposed. He also told the court they may move through the witness list earlier than expected which could result in Ms Higgins giving her evidence earlier than August 26. But that is likely to be opposed by her defence team and Justice Tottle who said it might be difficult for her logistically. The trial continues. A boomer has complained she doesn't want her pension reduced even though she has almost $500,000 in assets and owns her house. The 75-year-old woman told The West Australian she feared her fortnightly age pension payments would be slashed because she was set to inherit $300,000. She explained she had $160,000 in a superannuation account-based pension fund. 'As my age prevents me from topping up my super, could you advise me on what options I have to optimise my cash flow inclusive of my aged pension and if there is any grace period to decide how to restructure my finances?' she asked. Columnist and financial planner Nick Bruining calculated the woman would also have car and contents, adding $30,000 to her assets. He said the $300,000 inheritance would bring it up to $490,000. 'This puts you about $176,000 over the single homeowner asset test threshold of $314,000 and you will likely lose about $528 a fortnight from the full rate of $1116.30,' he wrote. Mr Bruining suggested the woman can use the money to make investments such as renovating her home to exploit a loophole where the family home is exempt from the assets test. A boomer has complained she doesn't want her pension reduced even though she has almost half-a-million dollars in assets and owns her own house (stock image) 'By spending money on your home this way, you are effectively shifting money from an assessed asset (a bank account) to an exempt asset (your home),' he wrote. Mr Bruining said the woman could also spend the money on a lavish holiday or fund the cost of her funeral. 'You can also invest money into a special funeral bond fund where the money is only released upon your death,' he wrote. 'Up to $15,500 invested this way is exempt from Centrelink means testing'. A single age pensioner is now eligible to receive $1,116.30 per fortnight if they make less than $212 within the same time period. An income of more than $212 a fortnight automatically reduces the pension by 50 cents for each dollar over this figure. 'You might also consider upgrading your car. While the value of the new car is still an assessable asset, the value depreciates immediately,' Mr Bruining said. 'You can use the private sale value of the car for Centrelink purposes which may be as much as 20 per cent less than the amount you pay for it.' A single pensioner is currently eligible to receive $1,116.30 per fortnight (stock image) Super Consumers Australia data calculates $279,000 is enough for a modest retirement for a single person - as long as they own their own home and limit their yearly spending to $41,000. The figure is slightly higher for couples, with $371,000 needed if $60,000 is expected to be spent each year. Someone's family home, also known as their principal place of residence, is exempt from the assets test if they live in it or have been away from the house or apartment for less than two years. But once they sell, the money from the sale is considered as part of the assets test. Investment properties, including those that are rented out, are also included in the government's assets test. Conservatives and even a Donald Trump campaign official have claimed Kamala Harris appears drunk during speaking engagements. There is no suggestion Harris has any sort of drink problem, although her VP pick Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota was arrested for drunk driving in 1995. But pundits on the right are now suggesting booze is to blame for Harris' 'lunatic' laughter and what many describe as 'word salads' from the vice president when she veers off script. DailyMail.com has contacted reps for Harris for comment. One commentator posted two clips of Harris, one introducing Joe Biden at a recent speech in Maryland, the other the vice president's infamous re-telling of her mother's 'coconut tree' story. In it, Harris bursts into laughter after uttering the question 'you think you just fell out of a coconut tree?', while giving a speech on equality and advancement for Hispanic people. Conservatives and even a Donald Trump campaign official have started to spread claims about Kamala Harris appearing inebriated during speaking engagements Pundits on the right seem to see it as a way to understand what Donald Trump calls Harris' 'lunatic' laughter and what many describe as 'word salad' speaking from the vice president when she veers off script She appeared to be trying to explain the need to focus on the wider community, adding that 'nothing exists in a silo'. After a clip of the speech went viral earlier this year, it became a popular internet meme that was widely circulated by her supporters, who are informally known as the 'K-hive'. Another clip was posted by multiple commentators Sunday, showing the vice president giving a speech in Pennsylvania where she repeats the word 'democracy' three times in thirty seconds. 'And that's what our election is about,' she says in the clip. 'Our election is about understanding the importance of this beautiful country of ours in terms of what we stand for around the globe as a democracy.' She continues: 'As a democracy, we know there's a duality to the nature of democracy. On the one hand, incredible strength when it is intact. What it does for its people to protect and defend their rights, their liberty, and their freedom, incredibly strong and incredibly fragile.' Collin Rugg wrote: 'Not a good look when everyone on X is calling you a drunk'. Rob Smith added: 'The 'Kamala is a drunk' theory makes more sense every second I think about it.' Even James Blair, political director of the Trump 2024 campaign, suggested there were rumors about the vice president. 'A lot of rumors out there about Kamala having a serious drinking problemapparently coming into focus as campaign heats up,' he wrote. One Democrat wrote in reply: 'You Republicans really have nothing against Kamala Harris do you?' Others posted jokingly that if Harris were to be found out as a drunk, it would help her win key swing states in the Midwest. DailyMail.com has also reached out to the Trump campaign for comment. Biden was plagued with rumors about his failing health and mental acuity throughout his president, with his poor performance at a June debate against Donald Trump ultimately ending his re-election hopes. Trump is no stranger to claims about his own health, with some onlookers suggesting the former president also displays signs of cognitive decline. On Sunday, Harris plans a bus tour starting in Pittsburgh, with a stop in Rochester, a small town to the north. The engagement came as Democrats prepare for their four-day national convention that kicks off Monday in Chicago and will mark the party's welcoming of Harris as their nominee. Her replacement of Biden less than four months before the November election has reinvigorated Democrats and their coalition. It has also presented a new challenge for Trump. The vice president is scheduled to debate Trump in Philadelphia on September 10. QUESTION: Was Tarzans famous call invented by Edgar Rice Burroughs in the books or by film-makers? Edgar Rice Burroughs described the Tarzan animal cry in Tarzans 1912 debut, Tarzan Of The Apes. Here, a Belgian describes it as the cry of a great bull ape who has made a kill.In The Return Of Tarzan (1913), Jane witnesses: The man [Tarzan] placed a foot upon the carcass of his kill, and, with his handsome face raised toward the full moon, gave voice to the most frightful cry that ever had smote upon her ears. However, the famous ululating cry that we used to shout in the school playground was likely developed by Johnny Weissmuller, the actor most associated with the character. He explained: My parents came from Austria and I used to yodel with them when I was a kid... When it came time to do the yell I just yodelled.Over the years there were suggestions that the cry was augmented by various animal sounds, but Weissmuller strenuously denied this. Lou Johnson, York The famous ululating cry that we used to shout in the school playground was likely developed by Johnny Weissmuller (pictured), the actor most associated with the character Simon and Garfunkel were originally known as Tom and Jerry, even releasing a record under this name in 1957 TOMORROW'S QUESTIONS... Q: Was Sean Connerys role of Zed in Zardoz the most bizarre piece of movie casting ever? Emily Hopkinson, Devizes, Wilts Q: Is it possible for volcanoes to spew precious metals? Vic Smith, Birmingham Q: When and why did the white flag become the universal sign of surrender? Tony Levy, Wednesfield, West Midlands Advertisement QUESTION: What is the origin of the saying the world is your oyster? This comes from William Shakespeares play The Merry Wives Of Windsor, written around 1602. The exact line from Act 2 is spoken by the character Pistol: Why then the worlds mine oyster. Which I with sword will open. In this context, Pistol is suggesting that he can take whatever he wants from the world by force, much as one would open an oyster to get at the pearl inside. Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean that the world is full of opportunities and possibilities for those who are willing to seize them. Gillian Short, Shrewsbury, Shropshire QUESTION: Black Sabbath were formerly the Polka Tulk Blues Band. What other famous groups started out with terrible names? Further to previous answers, Simon and Garfunkel were originally known as Tom and Jerry, even releasing a record under this name in 1957. If they had remained Tom and Jerry, I dont think theyd have been taken as seriously. Janne Kerr, Peterborough Two children have been taken to hospital following a firebombing in Melbourne. Police were called to a Bay Street hair salon in Port Melbourne just after 1.30am on Monday morning following reports a Porsche had crashed into a shop. Both the car and the shop have been left totally destroyed by the fire, with a resident living above the store having to evacuate They weren't injured in the incident, however two small children from a neighbouring residence were taken to hospital for observation from possible smoke inhalation. Police have been told someone was seen running from the incident as the fire is being treated as suspicious. A crime scene has been established. The city was rocked by two other fires overnight, including an apartment block in Richmond. Officers were called to a Clark Street apartment block about 9.15pm, where it's believed a resident set fire to his own apartment. Two children have been taken to hospital following a firebombing in Port Melbourne Police were called to a Bay Street hair salon in Port Melbourne just after 1.30am on Monday morning following reports a Porsche had crashed into a shop Four other units were damaged in the fire and a 37-year-old was arrested at the scene. He is set to be interviewed following the fire. There were no injuries reported in the incident, however police report several people were displaced from their homes. Another fire broke out about 1.20am at an abandoned Patterson Lakes retirement village on Gladesville Boulevard. The fire is being treated as suspicious and a crime scene guard has been placed on the property. An arson chemist and detectives are set to attend the scenes on Monday morning. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward. Federal Independent MP Zali Steggall is standing by her view that calls for a ban on Palestinians fleeing war-torn Gaza is 'racist' in the face of possible legal action. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton last week called for people leaving Gaza to be blocked from arriving in Australia until security vetting processes were tightened, claiming terrorist sympathisers could be let into the country. His comments were widely condemned by Muslim and Palestinian advocacy groups. Ms Steggall, who holds the NSW seat of Warringah, was heckled in parliament last week during a debate, before telling the opposition benches to 'stop being racist'. Asked about reports Mr Dutton was seeking legal advice about her comments, Ms Steggall doubled down. 'I would view that as again, true and tried part of the playbook of Mr Dutton of bullying and intimidating people from calling out his policy and behaviour,' she told ABC radio on Monday. 'I stand by (my view that) this policy proposal is inherently racist, and it's designed to foster fear and hatred of a minority group.' The crossbench MP said that 'the sake of our social cohesion' it needed to be called out. Peter Dutton said allowing Palestinians to enter Australia without proper vetting was a national security issue Teal MP Zali Steggall (pictured in the House on Thursday) slammed Mr Dutton as 'racist' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese once again labelled Mr Dutton 'deeply divisive', but declined to say the Opposition Leader was racist during an interview with the ABC. 'I think Peter Dutton is deeply divisive and well that creates a risk to the nation,' he said. 'I was astounded that last week when we welcomed home our Olympians, a moment of national unity that once again showed that there's no moment too big for him to show how small he is. 'It's always about politics. With Peter Dutton, everything's about politics, and everything is about division. 'Peter Dutton knows full well that the same security agencies, indeed, the same personnel, in many cases, are looking after national security issues. If he doesn't have confidence in them, he should say so.' Mr Albanese said people weren't able to leave Gaza, after the Rafah crossing was closed by Israeli authorities. Opposition foreign spokesman Simon Birmingham rejected all claims Mr Dutton was trying to whip up fear. 'What we're seeing from the prime minister and some of the teals like Zali Steggall - who all promised some sort of kinder, gentler politics - that they are really quite happy to play the man rather than the ball,' he told ABC radio. 'They are happy to go on personal attacks against Peter Dutton rather than focus on the policy debate here.' Senator Birmingham said the coalition held the view that the strongest possible screening should be applied to ensure people resettling in Australia weren't terrorist sympathisers. 'Our view is that all should have full checking out of a situation in Gaza that is incredibly complex, that is a tragedy in terms of the loss of life that is occurring, but where also research indicates that there is significant community-wide support for Hamas,' he said. Department of Home Affairs figures showed 7100 visas from Palestine had been rejected, and of the 2922 people approved 1300 had arrived safely in Australia. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's bombing campaigns and ground offensives, according to the Hamas-controlled local health ministry. Last week, Mr Dutton told Sky News 'I don't think people should be coming in from that war zone at all at the moment'. 'It's not prudent to do so, and I think it puts our national security at risk.' Kamala Harris claims her economic policy will 'pay for itself'... eventually - if you take a long view of the 'return on investment'. The vice president gave the rambling response when asked how she would pay for the agenda outlined in North Carolina on Friday. Harris announced $6,000 payments for newborns and expanded Child Tax Credits, $25,000 down payments for some first-time homebuyers, relief from medical debt, and other measures for her first 100 days in office. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget claimed the new policies would blow out the budget deficit by $1.7 trillion. The Harris campaign said any additional costs above the 2025 Biden-Harris budget would be offset by increased taxes on corporations and high earners. Vice President Kamala Harris gave the rambling and convoluted answer when asked how she would pay for her economic policies, at a press stop in Moon Township, Pennsylvania But when asked, Harris went on for a full minute about the future tax income that would hypothetically be generated by a healthier and better-educated population. 'The return on investment in terms of what that will do and what it will pay for will be tremendous,' she said at a press top in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on Sunday. 'We've seen it when we did it in the first year of our administration, we reduced child poverty by over 50 per cent, so that's a lot of the work.' Harris said the expanded tax credits would also produce a 'great return on investment', without explaining how, then took an even longer view. 'When we increase home ownership in America, what that means in terms of increasing the property tax base, what that does to fund schools, again return on investment,' she continued. Harris appeared to argue it was a 'mistake' to only think about short-term expenditure, and not the long-term effects, but wasn't clear in her answer. 'I think it's a mistake for any person who talks about public policy to not critically evaluate how you measure the return on investment,' she said. The VP argued strengthening the economies of communities and 'and investing in a broad based economy' would reap long-term rewards. 'Everybody benefits and it pays for itself,' she concluded. Harris rambled for a full minute about the future tax income that would hypothetically be generated by a healthier and better-educated population The press only had about three minutes to speak to Harris after she got off the campaign bus alongside her running mate Tim Walz and so moved on to a question about the latest polls The press only had about three minutes to speak to Harris after she got off the campaign bus alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and moved on to a question about the latest polls. Harris and her entourage then moved inside Primanti Bros Restaurant and Bar to meet voters, hear their concerns, and ask for their support. The press has been given very little time to question the VP about her plans and vision for the country since she took over from President Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate on July 21. Harris claimed during her speech on Friday that her proposals would provide relief for millions of families while reducing the federal deficit, but did not get into specific details on how it would be paid for. 'Think what that means, that is a vital, vital year of critical development of a child,' Harris said of the new tax credit for children in their first year. Two girls hold a tablet reading 'Harris' as US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris makes a bus campaign tour stop at Primanti Bros Restaurant and Bar in Moon Township, Pennsylvania Harris and her entourage then moved inside Primanti Bros Restaurant and Bar to meet voters, hear their concerns, and ask for their support On housing, the vice president called for three million new units over her first four years in office, one million more than were called for under President Biden. She also wants to provide incentives for companies to build starter homes and is urging Congress to pass laws preventing large companies from buying up and jacking up the price of rentals. Harris also called for $25,000 down payments for some first-time homebuyers, an expansion of a proposal under the Biden administration for assistance to first-generations homebuyers. When it comes to prescription drug prices, the vice president called for expanding the cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drug pricing at $2,000 not just for seniors but everyone. She also called for accelerating the speed of Medicare prescription drug price negotiations and for further transparency in the industry. Harris steps off the bus during her tour of critical swing state Pennsylvania Democratic presidential candidate, US Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks with a young girl in Primanati Bros Restaurant in Moon Township, Pennsylvania Earlier this week, the vice presidents campaign unveiled Harris plan for a federal ban on price-gouging. Its a controversial policy that has received pushback from some economists who warned such policies would not bring food costs down. Economist Jason Furman who served in the Obama administration told the Washington Post it could mean 'bigger shortages, less supply and ultimately risk higher prices and worse outcomes for consumers' if enforced in a real way. During her remarks, Harris said food prices remain too high. She argued as president she would 'go after the bad actors' and claimed competition is the 'life blood of our economy.' Fridays address was the first time the vice president outlined her own administration priorities and setting herself apart from the president since Biden's exit from the presidential race Top GCSE grades could drop by up to 71,000 to reverse easy Covid marking, but more 'feel-good results' may also be on the cards, analysis suggests. Alan Smithers, professor of education at Buckingham University, said grades of 7 and above are due to fall when pupils pick up their results this Thursday [22nd]. The drop could be up to 1.2 percentage points, bringing those getting at least a 7 - the equivalent of the old A - down to 20.8 per cent, or one in five. This is because marking across the UK is due to return to 2019 levels this year, after it was vastly inflated during the Covid years. However, Professor Smithers acknowledged we could also see a repeat of last week's surprise bumper A-level results, which were a record high for non-Covid times. Carolina Quintino from Ukraine reacts with her mum Iryna as she receives her GCSE results at the City of London Academy on August 24, 2023 in London Following the national lockdowns, exams were cancelled in 2020 and 2021, with teachers instead doing assessments - leading to inflated grades. Pictured: Students receive their GCSE results at the City of London Academy on August 24, 2023 He said: 'I do think we will see fewer top grades in 2024 than 2023, but I am not sure how many because the Department for Education (DfE) is currently giving the impression of wanting 'feel-good' results.' He added that there may be a 'change in the political mood' affecting outcomes this year. Following the national lockdowns, exams were cancelled in 2020 and 2021, with teachers instead doing assessments - leading to inflated grades. England's results did not return to pre-Covid levels last year, even though they were scheduled to. In addition, Wales and Northern Ireland are due to return to pre-Covid levels this year for the first time. Last year, 22.0 per cent of entries were graded 7 and above, lower than the high of 28.9 per cent in 2021 but higher than the 2019 rate of 20.8 per cent. Professor Smithers said that if only Wales and Northern Ireland drop their results, the reduction in top grades will only be 17,700. Alan Smithers, professor of education at Buckingham University, said grades of 7 and above are due to fall when pupils pick up their results this Thursday Jenna Maghaireh, Hannah Taylor, Ria Sood, Amber Malkin and Zaina Rajput celebrate after receiving their GCSE results at The Grammar School in Leeds, Yorkshire in 2022 Mitchell Riley (left) Alex Meyer and Niall Slack (right) who all achieved 11 A star/A's in their GCSE's at Campbell College, Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2022 Students at St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School in Bristol cheer after finding out their results in 2022 And if England allows results to rise again, as it did for A-levels, the overall UK top grades could rise, rather than fall. Professor Smithers said last year's results were 'still leaving some way to go to restore to the pre-pandemic level.' 'At most the fall in top grades would be about 71,000 which is the 1.2 per cent drop in top grades required to bring the 2023 percentage down to what it was in 2019,' he said. However, he added: 'Given the conflicting signals, it is difficult to say, with any confidence, what the GCSE results in 2024 will be... 'My best guess is that the grades will not be very different from what they were in 2023, if anything, falling somewhat.' Results each year are set by Ofqual, which decides where grade boundaries should be to produce a certain percentage getting each grade. However, they are also tweaked each year to reflect how high-performing the year group is deemed to be, based on prior attainment. Professor Smithers' wide-ranging report also called for an end to compulsory re-sits for those getting less than a 4 - a low C - in GCSE maths and English, until they are 18 (Stock Image) Professor Smithers' wide-ranging report also called for an end to compulsory re-sits for those getting less than a 4 - a low C - in GCSE maths and English, until they are 18. Many pupils continue to fail these repeatedly, which is 'demoralising' and 'soul-destroying', so Professor Smithers suggested there should be an alternative qualification. He also said results over the Pandemic years 'makes one wonder if schools have become biased against boys.' This is because girls gained their highest ever lead over boys during the teacher assessment years of the Pandemic - suggesting teachers favour girls over boys. In 2020, girls were 8 percentage points ahead of boys in terms of grades 7 and above, and in 2021 it was 9 points - 2.5 more than in 2019. Last year, after exams had been reintroduced, the gap narrowed to 5.8 points. Hollywood stars should be worried as the 'Ketamine Queen' arrested in connection to Matthew Perry's death is facing further questioning, a former prosecutor has warned. Jasveen Sangha, 41, was charged last week in an 18-count superseding indictment in relation to distributing ketamine to the Friends star in the weeks before he died aged 54 in October 2023. Sangha - who was allegedly known throughout North Hollywood as a dealer to celebrities - was nicknamed the 'Ketamine Queen' because of her alleged prolific activity. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani said A-listers should be worried as she could name names to get a lighter sentence if found guilty. He told PageSix: 'She may name anyone connected to her, anyone who supplied to her or she supplied to. 'Hollywood celebrities should be quaking in their boots. Anyone who has anything to do with Jasveen Sangha should be really concerned.' Jasveen Sangha (pictured), 41, was charged last week in an 18-count superseding indictment in relation to distributing ketamine to the Friends star in the weeks before he died aged 54 in October 2023 Matthew Perry died aged 54 in October last year due to a ketamine overdose In his last post to Instagram, Matthew Perry shared an image of himself at home in the hot tub where he would soon be found dead Jasveen Sangha has been arrested in connection to actor Matthew Perry 's death Sangha is charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine. She has denied nine charges and is facing trial. Rahmani said that Sangha could get a life sentence if she's found guilty. Just hours before she was arrested by police in Los Angeles on August 15, Jasveen Sangha was boasting about her new haircut and color on her social media. Sangha shared her lavish lifestyle, allegedly funded by her narcotics dealing, all over Instagram - where she posted snaps from her vacations to Mexico and Japan. The alleged dealer to the rich and famous would often post images of her wearing Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, Louis Vuitton sneakers and Chanel clothes - as well as snaps of her indulging in caviar at private jet lounges at LAX. The 41-year-old alleged dealing 'queen,' who has dual British and American citizenship, also hosted ritzy parties for her friends in Hollywood, and exclaimed that 'family is everything.' In February 2024, four months after Perry's death, Sangha, whose mother is from Essex, posted smirking selfies while sunning herself on a trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where she showed off her beachfront residence while drinking cocktails by the pool. She also boasted about her health and wellness journey - using IV drips after late-night partying and being a proponent of 'sound healing,' which she called 'absolutely uplifting and cleansing for the heart and soul.' Just two weeks after Perry's ketamine-overdose death, Sangha jetted off to Tokyo - where she indulged in lychee martinis at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, where suites cost 1,426 a night. In an indictment, texts between the defendants claimed that Sangha (pictured) was known in the community for 'only deal[ing] with high end and celebs' in her drug business Investigators said they discovered a 'drugs emporium' at her home during a raid in March 2024 Jasveen Sangha (pictured), 41, was charged last week in an 18-count superseding indictment in relation to allegedly distributing ketamine to the Friends star in the weeks before he died Sangha is just one of five others who were arrested on August 15 in connection to the actor's tragic death, which shocked the world on October 28, 2023. In an indictment, texts between the defendants claimed Sangha was allegedly known in the community for 'only deal[ing] with high end and celebs' in her drug business. She is accused of using her North Hollywood residence, referenced in the indictment as the 'Sangha Stash House,' to store, package, and distribute narcotics, including ketamine and methamphetamine. The indictment claimed that Sangha 'knew that the unsupervised and improper use of ketamine can be deadly' and in 2019, she allegedly sold the drug to another customer Cody McLaury, who died of a drug overdose. After a family member of McLaury's sent Sangha a text message saying that her ketamine had killed McLaury, Sangha allegedly conducted a Google search for 'can ketamine be listed as a cause of death[?]' She was also a key player in Matthew Perry's drug-induced death, it has been claimed. On October 11, 2023, Sangha allegedly used Signal to message defendant Eric Fleming that her ketamine was 'high quality' and offered a sample to Perry, stating: 'It's unmarked but it's amazing he take one and try it and I have more if he likes.' According to the indictment, 25 vials of ketamine were allegedly bought from Sangha on October 24 to be given to Perry - and 'as part of the transaction, defendant Sangha included ketamine lollipops as an 'add on' for his large ketamine order.' Just hours before she was arrested by police in Los Angeles on August 15, Jasveen Sangha was boasting about her new haircut and color on her social media Jasveen allegedly wrote 'delete all our messages' to co-conspirator Fleming on October 28 - the day Perry died Sangha is just one of five others who were arrested on August 15 in connection to the actor's tragic death, which shocked the world on October 28, 2023 When 'Ketamine Queen' Sangha found out that Perry had died on October 28, she allegedly called one of the alleged co-conspirators and told him to delete any digital evidence on their cell phones. When her home was raided in March 2024, police allegedly found a litany of evidence relating to her drug dealing - including an 'emporium' of narcotics and 1,978 grams of meth. An affidavit filed in a Los Angeles federal court by freshman DEA agent Tyler Abrego on March 20 described the raid the day before on Sangha's home. 'During the search, law enforcement seized significant quantities of illegal drugs, including approximately 1,978 grams of orange pills that field tested positive for methamphetamine, 79 bottles containing a clear liquid that field tested positive for ketamine, and various other suspect narcotics,' Agent Abrego wrote. A handgun was seen in the photo of the seized drugs included in Abrego's affidavit. The complaint claimed Sangha was a 'large volume drug dealer' previously identified by the DEA, LAPD homicide detectives and the US Postal Inspection Service. Agents seized her cell phone, which had 'conversations related to selling pressed methamphetamine pills and ketamine.' In a text conversation about selling the drug, she asked for a payment of '958,51' to her PayPal, and said: 'I think you'll like these but remember they're double strength'. Videos recovered from her phone allegedly showed her 'cooking ketamine', the agent wrote. Doctors Salvador Plascencia, 42, and Mark Chavez, 54, Perry's live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, 59, as well as drug dealer Erik Fleming, 54, have also been charged. Universities are spending more on financial support for foreign students than British ones, figures suggest. Institutions are using cash giveaways and fee discounts to attract lucrative overseas students. Universities pay out millions of pounds in scholarships, means-tested bursaries and fee reductions to help undergraduates and postgraduates with costs. Some are from external sources but the bulk comes from universities' coffers. However, Freedom of Information data from 26 universities reveals that they spent more on aid for overseas students than UK ones. These universities were the only ones to respond in full to a request sent out to all UK universities. Universities spent 151.3million on help for foreign students last year 136.8million for postgraduates and 14.5million for undergraduates, compared to 149.1 million for UK students At Glasgow Caledonian, 4,458 foreign postgraduates received 6.6million, while 223 UK ones received 320,497 Collectively, they spent 151.3million on help for foreign students last year 136.8million for postgraduates and 14.5million for undergraduates. Spending on home students totalled 149.1 million 56.1 million for postgraduates and 93 million to undergraduates. At Sussex University, overseas postgraduates were awarded 3.2million, compared with 779,000 for homegrown ones. At Glasgow Caledonian, 4,458 foreign postgraduates received 6.6million, while 223 UK ones received 320,497. The giveaways mean universities lose millions of pounds of the fees these students pay, which range between 11,000 and 30,000, depending on the course, and can be as high as 67,000 for medicine. But they are deemed worthwhile to get them to apply and foreign student numbers have doubled in the last four years. Overseas student fees are keeping universities afloat, but visa data indicates enrolments may fall this year due to new restrictions on dependants. Chris McGovern, chair of the Campaign for Real Education, said: 'If there is any spare cash, it should go to support UK youngsters. 'Educational quality, not bribes, is the better and more honest way to attract overseas students.' At Sussex University, overseas postgraduates were awarded 3.2million, compared with 779,000 for homegrown ones A spokesman for Sussex said support was higher for foreign students because their fees were so much greater, and that it had more overseas than domestic students on postgraduate courses. A Glasgow Caledonian spokesman said UK and foreign postgraduate support was 'not comparable' due to 'the significant difference' in fees. Universities UK said: 'International students contribute a huge amount to the UK's wider economy and to the success of our universities, including subsidising study for UK students through the extra fees they pay to study here. Universities do provide significant financial support for UK students through bursaries, scholarships and increasingly through hardship funds.' Child strip searches by police have fallen sharply but safeguarding failures remain a problem, the Children's Commissioner has warned. In a new report, Dame Rachel de Souza found that more than 3,000 strip searches were conducted on children over a five-and-a-half-year period - equivalent to more than one per day. She used her statutory powers to request the data from 44 police forces covering from January 2018 to June 2023. Dame Rachel's report shows the number of strip searches - those exposing intimate parts - under stop and search of children in England and Wales in 2022 was 42 per cent lower than in 2020. There was a 'sharp reduction' in the proportion of all searches in London from 2021, with a 'striking change' between 2018 and June 2023, the report said. In a new report, Dame Rachel de Souza (pictured) found that more than 3,000 strip searches were conducted on children over a five-and-a-half-year period - equivalent to more than one per day But it also highlighted that in almost half of searches (45 per cent), an appropriate adult could not be confirmed to be present - despite previous calls by the commissioner for this statutory safeguard to be met. With the report coming not long after violent street disorder in parts of the UK, Dame Rachel said there was a need for a 'culture of trust to be built between children and the police', given the 'vital importance of responsive, trusted policing in our communities' seen this summer. The latest research shows data for July 2022 to June 2023 for the first time. Black children across the two nations were four times more likely to be searched compared with national population figures, although this was an improvement on the 2018-22 period when they were six times more likely to be searched. The commissioner said while the disparity has reduced, the disproportionate number of searches experienced by black children 'remains a critical concern'. It comes after the high-profile case of Child Q - a 15-year-old schoolgirl strip searched in 2020 having been wrongly accused of possessing cannabis. The incident prompted outrage when it emerged in 2022, and has been described by the commissioner as 'shocking' and something which should not happen again. The girl, who is black, was strip searched while on her period with no appropriate adult present at a school in Hackney, east London. Scotland Yard later apologised. Three Metropolitan Police officers are facing allegations of gross misconduct over the search, with a hearing date yet to be confirmed. Dame Rachel's report found that, between July 2022 and June 2023, 88 per cent of searches were conducted on suspicion of drugs, and 6 per cent on suspicion of carrying weapons. Some 457 searches were carried out on children between July 2022 and June 2023 across the two nations, half of which led to no further action. Metropolitan Police on patrol in London. Some 457 searches were carried out on children between July 2022 and June 2023 across the two nations, half of which led to no further action New Scotland Yard - the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police. Dam Rachel said: said: 'I am particularly reassured by the progress in London by the Metropolitan Police, but today's research serves as a stark reminder that this is not an isolated issue in the capital' The commissioner said this statistic calls into question 'the necessity of such an intrusive search in the first place'. In what Dame Rachel said was an indication that more children are receiving support after a strip search, her report showed the majority of police forces have made procedural changes to how they are carried out and that nearly half of searches between July 2022 and June 2023 saw a safeguarding referral - a 'significant increase' from previous years. She said the data shows 'some green shoots of progress in how the police carry out and record strip searches on children' and added that she is 'cautiously optimistic about the potential to overcome entrenched systemic challenges'. She said: 'I am particularly reassured by the progress in London by the Metropolitan Police, but today's research serves as a stark reminder that this is not an isolated issue in the capital. 'A much higher threshold should be met before a child is subjected to a humiliating and traumatising intimate search.' She said there remains 'urgent work to be done: too many strip searches carried out are unnecessary, unsafe and underreported'. New guidelines for police were proposed in April, including raising the minimum rank of authorisation for a child strip search to police inspector and requiring a parent or guardian to be informed. Britain has urgently stockpiled mpox vaccines as the menacing new virus hits British shores. NHS staff have also received guidance from the UK Health Security Agency to ensure they recognise symptoms of the Clade 1 mpox variant. The disease, which experts say spreads faster and has a higher mortality rate than the previous outbreak two years ago, has been detected in Sweden and Pakistan. First identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the latest mpox variant is thought to be the most dangerous thus far. Initial symptoms are flu-like. A rash, which often starts on the face, then spreads around the body, leading to systemic infection. Mpox causes painful pus-filled blisters. A patient with mpox has his temperature taken in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo Vials of single doses of the Jynneos vaccine for mpox are seen from a cooler at a vaccinations site in Los Angeles in 2022 The World Health Organisation declared mutant mpox a global health emergency after its rapid spread to at least 13 countries. Studies suggest up to ten per cent of infected children, and five per cent of adults, have died due to the new strain in central and southern Africa, where porous borders have assisted transmission. More than 500 are thought to have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo alone. Professor Paul Hunter, a specialist in medical microbiology, told Sky News that it is 'very likely' that someone in Britain already has the new variant, although it will probably be a few weeks before that is confirmed. He said infection risk was 'very low' unless people had multiple sexual partners. Danish biotech firm Bavarian Nordic said on Saturday it plans to ramp up production of its mpox vaccine and work with international health organisations to ensure fair access as the disease has been declared a global public health emergency. The company, one of the few drug firms that have an mpox vaccine, said it has informed the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that it can manufacture 10 million doses of the vaccine by the end of 2025, and could already supply up to 2 million doses this year. Zeil Rosenberg MD, executive Vice President of Tonix Pharmaceuticals, a company currently developing an mpox vaccine, told MailOnline that the disease is now spreading to regions where historically it has not been endemic, driving concern of a repeat of the deadly 2022 outbreak that infected nearly 100,000 people. 'The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the centre of an unchecked explosion of cases with 11,000 cases reported this year alone and showing no signs of slowing,' he warned. Jean Kakura Biyambo, a father of six from the Muja internally displaced persons camp in DRC, gestures from a general hospital where he has been receiving treatment for mpox, on July 16 An image from 1997 shows symptoms of mpox on a sufferer in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire Britain has stockpiled mpox vaccines and treatments to prepare for a dangerous new strain of the virus that has sparked a global health emergency He explained that there are two 'clades' of mpox currently in circulation. The first carries more severe symptoms and a mortality rate of up to ten per cent. The second, responsible for the 2022 outbreak, is less lethal but has been able to thrive outside of Africa in the past. 'The most severe and lethal Clade 1 mpox, historically endemic to central Africa..., has become predominant and is now found throughout the region,' he warned. The NHS is now urging people who have travelled to west Africa in the past three months, and who display symptoms, to see a doctor urgently amid fears the virus could spread out of Africa. Ukrainian forces have destroyed a another key Russian bridge as the forces work around the clock to repel attacks from Moscow. The bridge is reported to be over the Seym River in Zvannoe - close to the Ukrainian border. It is understood the bridge was being used by Russian forces to supply their troops. Nearly two weeks into the incursion into Russia, the BBC reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the aims of the military incursion into Kursk included the creation of a 'buffer zone' to stop Russian attacks. Meanwhile in the sky above Kyiv this morning, air defence units were engaged early this morning on the outskirts of the capital trying to repel Russia's air attack, Kyiv's military administration said on the Telegram messaging app. The continued incursion into Russia comes as President Zelensky has accused the UK's support for their war effort as having 'slowed down' as he called for a removal of restrictions on donated weapons being used inside Russian territory. The bridge is reported to be over the Seym River in Zvannoe - close to the Ukrainian border. It is understood the bridge was being used by Russian forces to supply their troops Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the aims of the military incursion into Kursk included the creation of a 'buffer zone' to stop Russian attacks A Government spokesperson said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer maintains 'unwavering' support for Ukraine, and that position has not changed since incursion into Russia. The Government has previously stated its support for Ukraine's 'clear right of self-defence against Russia's illegal attacks' provided they are in accordance with international humanitarian law, while maintaining that equipment provided by the UK is intended for the defence of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a military incursion into Russia's Kursk region since August 6, the aim of which Mr Zelensky revealed on Sunday evening is to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border. To date, the UK has pledged 12.5 billion in support to Ukraine since February 2022, of which 7.6 billion is for military assistance. This includes 3 billion for military assistance in 2024/25. In a post to X, Mr Zelesnky said: 'We are doing everything possible to provide our warriors with the necessary weapons and reinforcements. 'It is crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands. 'Long-range capabilities are the answer to the most critical strategic questions of this war. 'The bravery of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades compensate for the lack of essential decisions from our partners. 'We could decisively deprive the occupiers of any ability to advance and cause destruction if our long-range capabilities were sufficient.' A Ukrainian tank near the Russian border. Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a military incursion into Russia's Kursk region since August 6 A Government spokesperson said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer maintains 'unwavering' support for Ukraine, and that position has not changed since incursion into Russia He added: 'Throughout this war, we've seen the UK demonstrate true leadership - in arms, politics, and support for Ukrainian society. This has saved thousands of lives, reflecting the strength of the UK. 'Unfortunately, the situation has slowed down recently. We will discuss how to fix this because long-range capabilities are vital for us. The whole world sees how effective Ukrainians are - how our entire nation defends its independence.' A Government spokesperson said the Prime Minister 'has been clear that UK's support for Ukraine is unwavering'. They said: 'That is why he committed to 3 billion a year of support to Ukraine, for as long as it takes, within his first week in office. 'Further lethal aid was also accelerated to Kyiv within hours of this Government being elected, bolstering the 12 billion of UK support already pledged, and ensuring the vital military equipment reaches Ukrainian soldiers on the front line.' The new package of lethal aid for Ukraine includes a quarter of a million of 50-calibre ammunition, 90 anti-armour Brimstone missiles, 50 small military boats, 40 de-mining vehicles, and 10 AS-90 artillery guns. Ukrainian forces have also received 61 bulldozers and support for previously gifted AS-90s, from the UK. Jill Biden still feels the sting of 'betrayal' from Democrats who privately offered support for her husband - and then publicly called for him to exit the presidential race - but the first lady is now looking forward, those close to her say. She was at the president's side in Wilmington, Delaware, on that fateful day he decided to exit the presidential race after a relentless pressure campaign from party colleagues. In fact, when he called Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday, July 21, to inform her of his decision, he put the first lady on the phone. 'We love you,' she told Harris, a source familiar with the conversation said. She also called Harris's husband Doug Emhoff, who she is close to. She will address the Democratic National Convention on Monday, before her husband gives his bittersweet send-off speech and formally hands the baton to Harris. But much of her focus is on the fall when she'll return to her teaching job at a Northern Virginia community college. She also plans to be on the campaign trail for Harris. In her remarks, she will 'speak about the President's strength and character, in a way that only a spouse of nearly 50 years can do, and she'll reiterate her support for Vice President Harris, calling on Americans to come together 'with faith in each other, hope for a brighter future, and love for our country,'' a source familiar told DailyMail.com. Jill Biden has been a constant presence at Joe Biden's side - including above when he spoke to the nation about his decision to exit the presidential race It was a remarkable change in attitude from the 2020 race when Jill Biden was reported to be angry at Harris for an attack line in one of the early primary debates, targeting Joe Biden for his record on school busing in the 1960s as part of desegregation efforts. Now, however, Jill is firmly in Harris' camp. After Biden endorsed his vice president to be the Democratic nominee, the first lady posted to social media a handwritten note from herself endorsing Harris. 'Thank you for the trust you put in Joenow it's time to put that trust in Kamala. Love, Jill,' it read. She also plans to take that message to campaign trail. 'Of course, she'll be out on the trail for Vice President Harris in the fall,' the source noted. But the first lady, who is known to hold grudges, hasn't forgotten those days after the first presidential debate when many Democrats questioned her husband's ability to campaign for a second term. 'The first lady was dismayed at people who privately supported her husband and then publicly did not stand by him while he was weighing whether to stay in the presidential race,' a source familiar told DailyMail.com. The source declined to name names. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden disembark Air Force One, at Joint Base Andrews, after spending the weekend at Camp David Jill Biden will campaign for Kamala Harris this fall - above Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at a Diwali ceremony at the White House Jill has not publicly spoken about Joe Biden's decision to step down as the Democratic nominee but she will have the chance to honor his service to the country when she addresses the convention on Monday night. 'Down to the last hours of the decision only he could make, she was supportive of whatever road he chose. She's his biggest believer, champion, and always on his side, in that trusted way only a spouse of almost 50 years can be,' her communications director Elizabeth Alexander said. Jill Biden has always been one of Joe Biden's fiercest defenders and wants to ensure his legacy is protected. And she is a constant presence at his side. On the night he gave his Oval Office address to the nation, Jill Biden sat quietly on the sidelines with other members of the family. When he finished speaking, she was the first at his side, rushing to the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office to hold his hand. After the speeches on Monday night, the Bidens will head to Santa Ynez, California, where the couple will stay out of the spotlight as Harris takes the Democratic nomination. Jill Biden will return to teaching and focus on her initiatives, including the Cancer Moonshot - above she and President Biden visited Tulane University to talk cancer research This fall, Jill will once again teach English at the Northern Virginia Community College, as she has done for years. She will also focus on her initiatives she started as first lady, including her Joining Forces and Cancer Moonshot work. 'Last week, she traveled to New Orleans with the President to talk about the Biden Cancer Moonshot, and is finishing up her lesson plans for her fall teaching semester, where she will continue to teach English and writing at NOVA community college, as she has done throughout her years in the White House,' Alexander said. A child left diners stunned after he managed to crawl into a claw machine at a popular pub. The boy managed to squeeze his way through the prize chute of the machine at The Ranch Hotel in North Ryde, Sydney's north-west. He appeared to be having the time of his life as he smiled from ear to ear while sitting on top of a pile of Minions and Disney soft toys. Photographs of his little adventure were shared to Facebook where social media users were left stunned and impressed. 'But how did the child get through the square opening?' one wrote. Another replied: 'Oh my son did that years ago. They can just climb in the vent where the teddies come out.' Many joked there appeared to be a bigger prize up for grabs. 'Kind of an expensive prize if you win it,' one wrote. A toddler became stuck inside a claw machine on the weekend - but he was happy 'I don't think that's an appropriate prize,' another said. Another joked: 'Well I wont be playing that machine knowing my luck Ill get the kid.' Other social media users commented on how talented the little boy appeared to be. 'That kid's is a go-getter he will go far in this world,' one wrote. 'This child has a gift which should be treasured and nurtured,' another said. Another added: 'Look at how happy he is.' 'I think he was having more fun in there,' one wrote. Others were angry questioning why nobody at the venue tried to stop the boy from going inside the machine. Some commented on how children making their way inside claw machines seems to be a common occurrence. 'Is this the new TikTok trend for parents now, because it's happening all the time?' one wrote. 'Last saw this happen at Lake haven shopping centre,' another said. It's not the first time a child has been tempted by the toys inside a claw machine before making their way in - only to become stuck. Three-year-old Ethan became trapped in a Hello Kitty claw machine in Brisbane in January, with police having to smash the glass to rescue him. Ethan was removed unharmed, with his father later saying it had only taken the three-year-old mere seconds to crawl inside the glass box. Have YOU had surgery in Turkey that went wrong? A British mother has died after having a Brazilian butt lift in Turkey that she hoped would change her life. Kaydell Brown, 38, of Sheffield, paid 5,400 for a 'mummy MOT' - a package deal involving a Brazilian butt lift, a tummy tuck and a boob job. The cost in Britain would have been around 15,000. The hairdresser underwent the procedures at Clinic Expert in Istanbul on the morning of March 26, 2024, but never came out. Her heartbroken sister Leanne, 40, who was due to have the same surgery, slammed the Turkish clinic, branding it a 'pop-up butcher shop that needs shutting down'. Have YOU had surgery in Turkey that went wrong? Email elizabeth.haigh@mailonline.co.uk Kaydell Brown, 38, (pictured) died after undergoing cosmetic surgery in Turkey Kaydell's heartbroken sister Leanne, 40, (left) slammed the Turkish clinic, branding it a 'pop-up butcher shop that needs shutting down' Mother-of-two Kaydell is pictured with her sons Leanne claimed that after medics informed her of her sister's death she was handed an envelope of cash and was booked on the next flight home. 'It's like, ''Sorry she's dead, here's your plane ticket'',' she told ITV. Kaydell had hoped the surgery would get her life 'back on track' after she put on weight due to injuring her ankle, according to her sister. Leanne said: 'She was really happy. She was excited. We were smiling, having a laugh and she just wanted to get there and get it done.' Two days later, Kaydell went down to theatre in the morning for the operation, which was meant to take five hours. But 10 hours later, her sister Leanne was told that the surgery had tragically killed her sister. 'They told me that evening that she didn't make it. I couldn't believe it. I was still in a room waiting for her to come back. I had asked a few times how long she was going to be, and they kept saying, ''She's coming''.' Kaydell had hoped the surgery would get her life 'back on track' after she put on weight due to breaking her ankle, according to her sister The hairdresser underwent the procedures at Clinic Expert in Istanbul on the morning of March 26, 2024 but never came out After her request to see her sister's body was refused, Leanne was forced to head back to England without her loved one. The Clinic Expert told ITV News: 'An internal investigation found no malpractice and Kaydell's death was likely caused by fat blocking a blood vessel, which can occur during this type of surgery.' Kaydell's surgeon Dr Sinem Singin said her death was caused by known complications associated with the surgery rather than medical malpractice. A government spokesperson said: 'Our sympathies are with the family of Kaydell Brown. Kaydell's relatives have been left devastated by the shocking tragedy 'The UK government has been actively engaging with the Turkish government on how to support the safety of patients who decide they wish to travel to Turkey for medical treatment.' 'We urge anyone considering a cosmetic procedure abroad to research the treatment in question, the qualifications of their clinician and the regulations that apply in the country they are travelling to.' The UK government said its officials were in contact with the Turkish authorities in regards to the mother-of-two's death. A British pathologist's findings after looking at Kaydell's body tissue have led to an inquest being opened, which was adjourned until early 2025. Kaydell's family has not yet been told a cause of death from Turkish authorities. The Foreign Office said 28 Brits have died after having cosmetic surgery in Turkey since 2019. MailOnline has contacted the clinic for comment. The BBC has been plunged into a row over a 'biased' documentary about the culling of badgers fronted by animal rights campaigner Sir Brian May. Sir Brian, 77, the former Queen guitarist, claimed his documentary, which will be broadcast on BBC2 on Friday, will 'outrage' viewers and likened its revelations to the Post Office scandal. But countryside campaigners last night warned BBC boss Tim Davie that commissioning the film by Sir Brian, a fierce critic of badger culling who has campaigned against it for decades, is 'fundamentally incompatible' with BBC impartiality rules. Tens of thousands of badgers have been killed in England since 2013 in a bid to stop them spreading TB to cattle and to eradicate the disease in the UK by 2038. The culling is hugely controversial: wildlife campaigners claim it is ineffective and 'inhumane' but many farmers believe reducing the number of badgers is critical to stop their livelihoods being destroyed. Sir Brian, 77, the former Queen guitarist, claimed his documentary, which will be broadcast on BBC2 on Friday, will 'outrage' viewers and likened its revelations to the Post Office scandal Tens of thousands of badgers have been killed in England since 2013 in a bid to stop them spreading TB to cattle and to eradicate the disease in the UK by 2038 Sir Brian will argue in the documentary that badgers have been 'scapegoated' and will discuss his involvement in a 'ground-breaking four year experiment to eradicate the disease, and without harming badgers'. But in a hard-hitting letter to Tim Davie, seen by The Mail on Sunday, Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, accused the Corporation of allowing a campaigner with 'clearly partisan views' to front a current affairs programme. Sir Brian appeared to have been commissioned by the BBC 'precisely because of his partisan activism and the profile he has built for himself surrounding it,' he wrote. 'The decision to do so is fundamentally incompatible with the BBC's obligation to be impartial.' He highlighted how during a 2015 Newsnight debate on fox hunting Sir Brian branded pro-hunting campaigners 'a bunch of lying bastards'. Tory MP Greg Smith said: 'Yet again the BBC is taking an incredibly biased approach to rural affairs and farming matters. This is an insult to every farmer that has had to put down entire herds because of TB.' But countryside campaigners last night warned BBC boss Tim Davie (pictured) that commissioning the film by Sir Brian, a fierce critic of badger culling who has campaigned against it for decades, is 'fundamentally incompatible' with BBC impartiality rules Tory MP Greg Smith said: 'Yet again the BBC is taking an incredibly biased approach to rural affairs and farming matters. This is an insult to every farmer that has had to put down entire herds because of TB' He claimed badgers are 'livestock destroying disease carriers' and that bovine TB cases had 'dropped considerably' in cull areas. Last night Gareth Wyn Jones, a farmer in North Wales who was interviewed as part of May's documentary, said he fears the programme will not be balanced. Seven of his cows were destroyed after TB was detected in November 2022. 'In my belief they have got no scientific evidence. We have heard Brian May speak he and his team really believe that all of the TB happens on the farm - it is either brought in by other cattle or there is cross contamination with the slurry. So literally blaming the farmer.' Mr Wyn Jones, 57, a former BBC presenter, told the filmmakers that badgers are also responsible for declining numbers of hedgehogs and ground nesting birds on his farm - but he does not believe this was included in the documentary. 'How is a rock star going to come along and save our farms?,' Fourth generation dairy farmer Steve Evans, 45, recently made the devastating decision to sell his farm in Pembrokeshire, which has been in his family for around 100 years, after 180 of his cows, more than a third of his herd, had to be humanely slaughtered because of TB in the last year. Last night Gareth Wyn Jones, a farmer in North Wales who was interviewed as part of May's documentary, said he fears the programme will not be balanced Brian May performing on 'The Rhapsody Tour', Detroit, USA, on Oct 10, 2023 'It's just a bloody catastrophe,' he said. 'For my own sanity, we had to stop [farming].' He described the BBC's decision to allow Sir Brian to host such a contentious programme as 'short-sighted', adding. 'It's an extremely one-eyed view.' The badger cull formed a central pillar of the Conservative government's efforts to reduce TB in cattle. It was, however, banned by the Welsh government and Labour has also pledge to end it in England, although it will allow existing cull licences to continue until 2026. The BBC said: 'While this is a first person piece authored by Sir Brian May, the documentary hears from numerous voices in the debate on badger culling, including farmers. 'The BBC adheres to strict editorial guidelines on impartiality on this matter.' Sir Brian did not respond to requests for comment. EXCLUSIVE Senator Linda Reynolds has received a barrage of support from an army of what appears to be social media bots posing as feminists. About 37 apparently fake profiles flooded X with messages of sympathy and encouragement for the Liberal politician on Friday amid her defamation battle against her former staffer Brittany Higgins. The posts all had similar wording and claimed Ms Reynolds was unfairly attacked and bullied during Question Time in February 2021, just after Ms Higgins went public with her rape allegations. All the accounts were created within the last few weeks, based in the US, France, the UK, Ghana, Bangladesh, and Russia - but none in Australia - with less than four followers each, and the posts were uploaded within the same two-hour period. One user named Zona, based in Russia, said: 'As a woman in politics, I've seen first-hand the devastating impact of heartless attacks on female leaders. Senator Linda Reynolds' story is a stark reminder that our words have power.' Donnette, from Ohio, said: 'I still remember witnessing Senator Linda Reynolds being brutally targeted in parliament. It was heartbreaking to see her subject to such vicious attacks.' Margareta, from Florida, said: 'I still remember the tears I shed when I watched Senator Linda Reynolds being brutally targeted in parliament. As a woman, I know how intimidating it can be to speak up in a male-dominated space.' While some verified Australian users suggested Ms Reynolds may have commissioned the posts herself, a spokesperson for the senator told Daily Mail Australia on Monday that idea was 'preposterous'. Linda Reynolds is pictured in Parliament House on Monday. She is in the middle of a defamation case against her former employee, Brittany Higgins Brittany Higgins is pictured with her husband David Sharaz. They are both being sued for defamation by Linda Reynolds 'Senator Reynolds was unaware of these bots,' they said. 'The idea that Senator Reynolds would engage with something like this is preposterous. 'She is not behind these bots and doesn't know who is.' The posts appeared to match evidence Ms Reynolds' gave on the witness stand in WA Supreme Court earlier in August, during her defamation case against Ms Higgins. Ms Reynolds told the court she had a complete breakdown after her Question Time grilling in February 2021, after Ms Higgins appeared on Network Ten's The Project and alleged she was raped in the senator's Parliament House office in 2019. Ms Higgins also accused Ms Reynolds of failing to support her, making her choose between pursuing her rape complaint and her political career, and trying to cover up the assault. The senator strongly denies those allegations and told the court she was in hospital with cardiac issues by the end of that week. She is now suing Ms Higgins and her husband, David Sharaz, for perpetuating the claims against her on social media. Pictured: 31 of the 37 profiles that tweeted support for Linda Reynolds on Friday Pictured: Some of the tweets that were posted in support of Ms Reynolds on Friday Earlier in August, the senator's partner Robert Reid cried as he told the court she nearly died in hospital. Her parents Janice and Laith Reynolds provided written statements to the court, saying their daughter went from being a respected minister to a pariah. 'She was being accused of being some kind of monster who deserted "a poor young woman who had been raped",' Mrs Reynolds said. 'She resigned from being the Minister for Defence, a post that it could be reasonably said she was born for. This was devastating by itself.' Ms Reynolds' friend Denita Wawn then told the court she urged the senator to quit politics after Ms Higgins' allegations were made public. She said it was devastating' to see her friend of more than 20 years so physically and mentally unwell following her breakdown in 2021. Linda Reynolds is pictured outside the WA Supreme Court in August 'She was a mess,' Ms Wawn said. 'Physically, she was shaking, she was pale, she looked weak. Mentally, she was in a high state of distress.' Ms Wawn was concerned Ms Reynolds' heart condition would result in death. 'I spent considerable time in her home with her, looking after her,' she said. 'There were a number of us that took turns to be with her.' Ms Higgins was due to give evidence next week, but on Monday her barrister Rachael Young SC said she was not medically fit. She is pregnant and living in France. In April, a Federal Court judge found on a civil scale that former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins in Parliament House in 2019. He is appealing the decision. A couple who operate a holiday retreat were stunned when strangers turned up and claimed they had made a booking despite there being no records. Dreamy Escapes owners Kate and Rob Foster said they were confused after the tourists turned up at the door. The pair run a holiday retreat that comprises of several properties set on 10 acres of land in Hunchy, on the Sunshine Coast. The tourists explained to Mr and Ms Foster they had reserved the Wunya Tiny House - a small two-bedroom home designed for couples - through Booking.com. The couple had no idea what they were talking about and turned the strangers away as the property had already been booked by other guests. Mr and Ms Foster soon discovered that a scammer had created two fake property listings and was taking fake bookings. As a result, the travellers lost their money and didn't have a place to stay for the night. The incident is not the first for the couple with Kate and Rob's business targeted multiple times. The travellers claimed they made a reservation for the Wunya Tiny House (pictured) run by Dreamy Escapes Accommodation, in Hunchy, on the Sunshine Coast The scammers created four separate listings in July alone. Mr and Ms Foster said they felt helpless after countless guests, who made similar reservations, turned up only to discover the property was booked out. 'We had a couple crying because they were so devastated,' Ms Foster told the ABC. The couple believe the booking information, including their logo and photos of the property, was copied from their Airbnb listings. The business owners had previously listed the property on the website, but cancelled it more than a year ago. The two latest listings advertised that the property was located at different addresses on the same road. Dreamy Escapes are advertised as 'luxurious and peaceful' retreats ideal for singles and couples to 'rest, heal, create and nurture themselves within'. According to the business's website, Mr and Ms Foster are Yoga teachers and Family Constellation Therapists. The couple also run several wellness workshops on the Sunshine Coast. Major online accommodation platforms around the world are being targeted by scammers and hackers, with many using AI to carry out their attacks. Chief Information Officer at Booking.com Marnie Wilking said there was a 500 to 900 per cent increase in scams over the last 18 months. Kate (pictured left) and Rob Foster (pictured right) discovered the tourists were victims of a fake online property listing scam after they were forced to turn the travellers away The Scamwatch website, which is run by the ACCC, recorded 363 incidents of scams involving Booking.com in 2023. Aussies lost more than $337,000 to these scams. Queensland University of Technology Professor Cassandra Cross said scammers target online accommodation services because so many people use them. Professor Cross said it is difficult for companies, who provide accommodation services, to stop fake listings as there are so many properties being advertised daily. 'The ability for offenders to replicate and create these fraudulent posts far outweighs the ability of platforms to remove them,' Professor Cross said. Mr and Ms Foster said they are no able to report the fake listings because they don't have a Booking.com account. The couple have reported the issue to the ACCC and also sent multiple emails to Booking.com and called their customer service team several times. The pair have resorted to checking the Booking.com site every day to detect fake listings. The couple claimed they had made a reservation for the property on Booking.com, but the business had not created a listing to advertise the accommodation (stock image) 'We couldn't stop people from booking on there and we couldn't stop people from turning up and knocking on our current guests' doors so it was a really difficult situation,' Mr Foster said. The couple said the listings were up on the website for a week before they were taken down, but they have not been able to verify this with the company. A Booking.com spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia they prioritize the security of their platform and their customers. 'We are constantly optimising the robust security measures we have in place to protect travellers, and take the process of verifying accommodation listings extremely seriously,' the spokeswoman said. 'If there is ever any cause for concern with a specific property, we investigate and act immediately if needed by removing them from our site'. One of Australia's biggest book retailers has been rescued by a buyer after it entered voluntary administration last month. Booktopia, an online bookseller founded in Sydney, was purchased by online camera store digiDirect owner, Shant Kradjian. The sale of the business and its assets were finalised with the transfer to Kradjian on Friday evening. Booktopia's website has since resumed trading and it's expected some 100 positions will be available within the company. 'The transaction will result in the retention of all remaining employees... and continuity of supply for Booktopia's trade creditors,' McGrathNicol administrator Keith Crawford told WA Today. 'We commend digiDirect's owner Shant Kradjian and his team, who moved quickly and professionally to complete due diligence and the transaction in collaboration with the Administrators and Booktopia's staff and key suppliers.' However, the sale does not fully cover Booktopia's debts, totalling an estimated $60million. A second creditors' meeting will be arranged. It's likely only Booktopia's secured creditors - such as banks and former staff - will receive payment. Booktopia, an online bookseller founded in Sydney, was purchased by the owner of online camera store digiDirect, Shant Kradjian Most of Booktopia's debt was owed to publishers but an incredible $15million was owed to customers with unfulfilled orders and gift vouchers. Booktopia entered voluntary administration in early July after struggling to return a profit for three years. At least 90 per cent of jobs were made redundant and its shares lost 98 per cent of their value. Booktopia had its headquarters in Rhodes, in Sydney's inner west, as well as a fulfillment centre in Strathfield South. Its sales surged during the Covid pandemic lockdowns, with people stuck at home and looking for something to do. Its turnover in the 2020-2021 financial year was $223.9million, which then went up again to $240.8million the following year. But its revenue fell drastically as the lockdowns ended and people cut their spending as interest rates rose, raising doubts about Booktopia's future. She is calling on the public to help scour aerial images for his body EXCLUSIVE The grief-stricken family of big screen legend Bill Hunter fears his son may have been murdered in the Aussie Outback and his body dumped in the desert. Now, more than four years after James Hunter was last seen alive, his daughter is calling on armchair detectives across the country to help her scour thousands of aerial images of NSW's barren central north-west in the search for his remains. 'For me, personally, I no longer think he's alive,' Chloe Maree told Daily Mail Australia. 'Because I know that if he was alive, there's no way he would have gone this long without contacting me. 'I just know that there's something not right about [his disappearance], some foul play somewhere - I'm just not sure where. And I need help finding it. 'It's really frustrating. Dad lives in the back of my mind all the time, and I just want answers so this can be over and done with, then I can grieve properly.' A tireless adventurer, James Hunter packed up his life in the seaside suburb of Tighes Hill, in Newcastle, about five years ago. He headed west to try his luck at opal prospecting in the historic mining town of Lightning Ridge, about eight hours drive north-west of Sydney. James Hunter told family and friends he was heading west to try his luck at opal prospecting in Lightning Ridge about five years ago before he suddenly vanished without a trace James is the son of Australian film legend Bill Hunter, famed for his roles in Gallipoli, Strictly Ballroom, Muriel's Wedding and The Advertures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert His daughter, Chloe Maree, fears James was murdered, with his body dumped in the Outback James was always there for his daughter, Chloe (aged four above), throughout her childhood But within months, Hunter - the only child of late Australian film icon Bill Hunter and his first wife, Robbie Anderson - had vanished without a trace. His daughter said the last time his family and friends had heard from him was in January 2020. He was regularly travelling between Lighting Ridge and a property about four hours drive south, at Mendooran, on the outskirts of Dubbo, at the time, she said. 'He was doing farmhand work at a property north of Dubbo... then, every couple of months, he would head back to Lightning Ridge to do some work in the opal mines,' she said. Hunter - affectionately known as 'Crackers' to his mates - was last seen during a trip to a chemist in Dubbo on Friday, February 28, 2020, which was the same day he last accessed his bank accounts. His daughter said there was a family bust-up around that time, and his relatives only reported his disappearance to police in July 2021 when they realised he was missing a year later. 'We weren't speaking at the time, myself and him - we'd had a bit of a falling out so we just hadn't heard from him and didn't think it unusual given the circumstances,' she said. While the memory of their final argument weighs on her heavily, she finds some solace in the knowledge her father knew just how much she really cared for him. 'I do remember the last thing I said to him was, "I love you and I'll see you next time." There was nothing to suggest that there wasn't going to be a next time just around the corner,' she said. 'I know that he knew how I felt about him. And if I needed him, he'd always be there for me within a couple of hours no matter what, no matter where he was, even if we'd had an argument and hadn't spoken in a while. 'Even if he'd been gone six months or a year, I could get in touch with him pretty easily, even if he didn't have a phone or wasn't connected, there would always be a way for me to contact him through one of his friends. 'That was pretty normal for us. He is missed every day.' Detectives discovered James Hunter's blue Hilux ute (above) on a property north of Dubbo Known as 'Crackers' to mates, James has been remembered as a 'kind and caring' father As concern grew for Hunter's welfare, detectives at the Orana Mid-Western Police District set-up Strike Force Yurinigh in March 2022 to investigate his disappearance. They discovered his blue 2005 Toyota Hilux ute at the Mendooran property he had been working on and seized it for forensic examination. But by then Hunter - who would now be 55 - had been missing for more than two years and the trail soon went cold. 'I did speak to somebody that he was acquaintances with, and they had seen him, but they weren't quite sure whether it was the same day or not,' Chloe said. 'It's been really difficult trying to pin down his movements.' The disappearance came nine years after the Hunter family lost celebrated patriarch Bill - famed for his star turns in Gallipoli, Strictly Ballroom, Muriel's Wedding and The Advertures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - to liver cancer in 2011. Desperate for answers, Hunter's family and detectives turned to the skies for an elaborate and thorough aerial search for his remains. In March this year, they spent two days probing a remote, 1700ha stretch of NSW, north-west of Mendooran, with high-tech drones. Hunter's daughter is now begging the public for help combing through the 33,000 high resolution images captured across the 52 drone flights. 'It's really important because there was such a vast area that was searched with the drone images,' she said. 'There's so much land there that we need everyone's help and for them to have a look in case something's been missed. 'The images were taken by Working Drones Australia, who volunteered their time and equipment to help us. 'But we don't have the resources to go through all of those images alone. 'It's such an emotional thing too, because if you think you see a bone, you're just not sure if it's going to be a human bone or an animal bone. 'It's so important that other people are having a look as well, just to see if we missed something.' NSW Police used drones at search a 1700ha stretch of rural NSW for James James Hunter's daughter vows to keep searching for her father no matter what She said amateur sleuths across the globe could help by accessing the images at airs.workingdrones.com.au or by joining the Facebook group dedicated to the search for her father: HelpFindJamesHunter. 'I hope that everyone can just have a look at the images and share them and know that we appreciate that they're helping,' she said. Although she accepts the search may, ultimately, end in a grim discover, Chloe said she owed it to her father to uncover the truth about his fate no matter what. 'Dad was always there for me as a kid, he was kind and caring and he was always there when I needed him most,' she said. 'So I'm going to be there for him now... when he needs me most.' Anthony Scaramucci had harsh words for the man who was briefly his boss, saying Donald Trump will lose to Kamala Harris because he is 'old' and 'boring'. Veteran Fox News analyst Brit Hume joined the Mooch and veteran GOP pollster Frank Luntz as Republicans express concerns about Trump's campaign on Sunday. Scaramucci, who spent 11 days as White House Press Secretary in 2017, has turned anti-Trump, and said Sunday that he thinks his old boss is headed for defeat in November. 'I predict he's gonna lose because he's getting boring. He's getting old. He's getting tired,' he told Fox 5 DC. He noted that while Trump remained a strong candidate, America has different demographics than when he shocked the world defeating Hillary Clinton eight years ago. Anthony Scaramucci had harsh words for the man who was briefly his boss, saying Donald Trump will lose to Kamala Harris because he is 'old' and 'boring' 'The electorate has changed since 2016,' he added. 'We've lost over 20 million baby boomers since 2016.' 'At the same time, Generation Z has come into the fold to the tune of 40 million. So that's been a big mixture of lower aged voters into the mix. And they seem interested in politics.' Also on Sunday, Fox News' veteran conservative commentator Hume was responding to a poll that said 65% of Americans were dissatisfied with the state of the country. Why, he was asked, is Trump starting to lose ground in polls to Harris? Hume said bluntly: 'Because he's Trump.' 'When you get down to it, the past eight to 10 years have been about Donald Trump. Everything has been about Donald Trump,' he added. The latest polling average from Real Clear Politics shows that Harris has a 1.4 percent lead over Trump. Scaramucci, who spent 11 days as White House Press Secretary in 2017, has turned anti-Trump in his politics, saying Sunday that he thinks his old boss is headed for defeat in November The latest polling average from Real Clear Politics shows that Harris has a 1.4 percent lead over Trump 'Donald Trump, no matter how enthusiastic his supporters are, nonetheless, is not a majority candidate. He might win, but he's not a majority candidate,' he said. Hume claimed that Trump had a hardcore base but that it didn't make up more than 40-45 percent of voters. It has been suggested that Trump's more outlandish antics in recent weeks could cost him vital votes for undecided voters. The 2024 political season has been one of the most tumultuous in history, but in just a month, the first voters will already be able to start casting ballots in the presidential election. While each state has its own rules on absentee voting and in-person early voting ahead of Election Day on November 5, some voters can begin submitting their ballots as many as 50 days out. Harris was catapulted into the race after Biden announced last month that he was giving up his reelection campaign. Trump insiders were initially jubilant, expecting weeks of Democratic infighting. But the party quickly rallied around the vice president and will show a united front at its convention in Chicago next week. A Trump victory seemed all but assured after he narrowly survived an assassination attempt last month, but the former president has found his campaign bogged down by a series of gaffes since Harris was named Democratic nominee. The former president plans to flood the airwaves with rallies, press conferences and campaign events that will run a massive counter-programming effort to the DNC. Trump will hold events each day this week in key swing states, and his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance also plans to hit battleground states with events on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and it all culminates in a rally on Friday. Veteran Fox News analyst Brit Hume joined the Mooch and veteran GOP pollster Frank Luntz as Republicans express concerns about Trump's campaign on Sunday Meanwhile, Trump's allies will run daily press conferences at Trump Hotel in Chicago, Illinois each day of the convention . Republican surrogates coming to town for the Convention include Sens. Rick Scott (Fla.) and Ron Johnson (Wisc.) and Florida Reps. Byron Donalds and Mike Waltz. The Thursday press conference will include a 'surprise special guest.' The first presidential debate between the two is set to be held in Philadelphia on September 10 and will be moderated by ABC News. The first vice presidential debate between Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota and Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio will take place on October 1 in New York City, and will be hosted by CBS. A retired marine and her dog have drowned in a freak rafting accident on a fast-flowing river they float down every year. Mary Marshall, 63, was rafting with a dozen friends and her German Shepherd named Suki on Kings River in Reedley, California, on Saturday. The former sergeant posed for a happy snap with Suki on the raft before the group set off, smiling ear-to-ear excited about the annual trip. Tragedy struck after the group's lunch stop when the current veered her raft into a tree sticking out of the river, and it got stuck. Mary Marshall, 63, posed for a happy snap with her German Shepherd named Suki on the raft before the group set off, smiling ear-to-ear excited about the annual trip Marshall was rafting with a dozen friends on Kings River in Reedley, California Marshall, from Menifee, California, had tied her raft to another raft and secured Suki's leash to a harness she was wearing - but not a life jacket. Suki jumped off the raft when it was stuck against the tree, but this overbalanced the raft and flipped it, sending Marshall into the water - and pulling the dog with her. 'Both then got stuck in a strainer, a turbulent flow of water against an object that is difficult to escape,' the Fresno County Sheriff's Office explained. 'The leash became wrapped around a tree branch underwater, causing Marshall and her dog to remain submerged.' Marshall's panicked friends called for help about 3.30pm and deputies searched for two hours before finding their bodies about 6.30pm. Suki was still attached to her beloved owner and police had to cut the leash to bring them both to the surface. Tragedy struck after the group's lunch stop when the current veered off course Marshall was a US Marine Corps sergeant, posing here with a comrade during her active service 'There's a lot of trees in the waters, they're called an undercut where you can get stuck in there and we believe that's what happened,' deputy Chris Tellus said. 'The water is going to push you wherever the water wants to push you, it just pushed her down.' Marshall's friend Kevin Horn, who was also on the river that day, said the group made the trip every year for almost two decades and she often took charge. 'Mary was always the heart and soul of these trips, taking charge like the Marine she was,' he said. 'That morning, her excitement was contagious as she kept saying to everyone, "We're going to have so much fun".' 'Mary's love for these trips was matched only by the love she had for all of us. 'Mary was a Marine, a fierce protector, and a loving friend. Her loss is immeasurable, but we will carry her spirit with us always.' Friends said the group made the trip every year for almost two decades and she often took charge Deputies searched for two hours before finding their bodies about 6.30pm Other friends paid tribute to Marshall and shared their memories of her on the river and on dry land. 'I am so sad, I love Mary and every time I'll see her she was a joy to be with even though we always fight for left over food to take home,' one wrote. Another added: 'She was surrounded by people she loved doing what she loved. 'I recall a river trip where she injured her hand and used duct tape to wrap it, earning her the nickname "Mary MacGyver" that weekend.' Police warned anyone floating on the river to stick to the center of the river to avoid trees, and never to tie rafts together. 'This creates a dangerous situation because if one floater experiences a problem, all others will as well because they do not have independent control of their rafts,' they said. They also suggested fitting life jackets to dogs if they were joining the flotilla. The devastated mother of a nine-week-old baby boy who died suddenly in mysterious circumstances has penned a heartbreaking tribute to her son as new details of the tragedy emerge. Kiarnie Rodgers, 20, has shared a harrowing photo of a memorial set up at home to honour her son and a poem written to him as she prepares to lay her son to rest. Baby River was found dead at a property on Larbonya Crescent at Capalaba, in Brisbane's southeast, on August 11. It is understood that emergency services had attended the same address in the past and that River had previously been treated at hospital for skull fractures. Queensland Police have now launched an investigation and are understood to be treating the boy's 'sudden death' as suspicious. River's maternal grandfather Cameron Faulkner has now spoken out to slam trolls who had passed judgement about his grandson's death. He said his grandson had been staying with his father at the time of the tragedy and had previously suffered a fractured skull after being pulled out of his dad's arms by his older sibling. 'My daughter is a great mother and I'm hurt to see that people who don't know the full story get off on writing things they don't know anything about,' he said in a social media post in the wake of the tragedy. Baby River (pictured) was found dead in south east Brisbane last week River's mother Kiarnie Rodgers has broken her silence to pay tribute to her little boy 'My grandson was not abuse[d] he was loved dearly. My daughter was a loving caring mother who adores her kids.' On Sunday, River's mother described her son as an angel, vowing to love him forever and ensure that his older brother will always remember him. 'We will never forget you, You are thought of everyday, The love we hold within our hearts, Never fades away,' a poem she shared reads. 'Going on without you, Life's not the same, Watch over us always, Until we meet again once more.' Daily Mail Australia does not suggest any of River's family members were involved in his death. A makeshift memorial has been set up for River as his family rally to raise funds for his funeral Cameron Faulkner is pictured with his grandson Mr Faulkner has now launched a GoFundMe with a $9,000 goal to help his daughter give River a 'beautiful ceremony he deserves'. 'River was a wonderful son/great great grandson/great grandson/grandson/brother/nephew/cousin,' Mr Faulkner wrote. 'We all loved him so much [and] there wasn't a day that he didn't bring warmth to our hearts with his beautiful smile and happy nature. 'Any money that is donated is going towards this ceremony/funeral and if there is any money left over it will be put towards helping my daughter to help raise her other one-year-old son through this tragedy.' On Monday, Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia that their investigation into the tragedy is still under way. 'Police are investigating the sudden death of an infant,' a Queensland Police spokesman said. 'Investigations into the circumstances of the boy's death are ongoing.' A bus driver was caught on camera pummeling a passenger and putting him in a chokehold after the commuter apparently made a vile bodily fluid attack on him. Video posted online shows a bus driver in Newark, New Jersey confronting the passenger face-to-face on August 16 at around 1pm after the passenger apparently spit on the bus operator, who has since been identified as Toron Walker, 43. 'You want to spit?' Walker could be heard asking the man, before taunting him. 'See me right now, see me right now,' the driver says. At that point, the unidentified passenger requests to take the altercation outside - and the driver agrees, waving the other commuters to the back of the bus and telling everyone to 'get off my bus.' Shocking video posted online shows a New Jersey bus driver confronting a passenger after he allegedly spit on him The driver then sprang into action, putting the passenger in a headlock and throwing punches. 'I will motherf***ing kill you,' he could be heard telling the commuter. 'You got me f***ed up.' He then proceeds to stomp on the commuter, who could be seen cowering in fetal position under a shelf for suitcases. Meanwhile, at least one other passenger - whose commute was unexpectedly delayed by the knock-down fight - could be heard telling the driver to stop. 'It's OK, it's OK,' she pleaded. The unidentified bus driver was caught on camera putting the passenger into a chokehold, punching him and stomping on him as he cowered under a shelf for suitcases Officers eventually boarded the bus, which was stopped near Court Street and Broad Street, and found Walker still pummeling the passenger, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage told the New York Post. He said Walker was then cuffed and charged with aggravated assault, and the straphanger was also charged with aggravated assault for allegedly spitting on the driver. The passenger did not suffer any life-threatening injuries, Frage noted. The bus driver, who has since been identified as Toron E Walker, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault following the altercation A NJ Transit spokesperson also told DailyMail.com the matter is currently under investigation. 'We dont condone any form of assault aboard any of our vehicles or within our facilities,' the spokesperson said, confirming that the driver 'was assaulted prior to the altercation. 'We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that assaulting a transit employee is a serious offense and can result in a fine, jail time and/or a ban from riding the transit system.' Several businesses were firebombed just hours earlier The fire-bombing of a home linked to a notorious underworld figure is among a string of arson attacks being investigated across Melbourne. Firefighters were called to a home in Larch Street, Thomastown, in the city's north, at about 3am on Monday. Flames were seen coming from the double-storey home, with 29 firefighters containing the blaze to the front two bedrooms on the first floor. The property is reportedly linked to underworld figure, former Mongols bikie and professional boxer Suleiman 'Sam' Abdulrahim. The home was empty at the time and the fire has been deemed suspicious, with police investigating. Police were called to Larch Street in May over a drive-by shooting and failed attempt on Mr Abdulrahim's life. It marked the second attempt on his life. Detectives will investigate if there are any links to the fire-bombing of a Port Melbourne hairdresser on Monday morning. Emergency services were called to a home in Larch Street, Thomastown, in Melbourne's north (pictured) about 3am on Monday after flames were seen coming out of the property A Porsche SUV was driven into the Bay Street shop about 1.30am with the shop then set alight. The car and shop were destroyed by the fire. A person living above the store fled the building and was not injured but two small children from a neighbouring home were taken to hospital for possible smoke inhalation. Police have been told a person was seen running from the scene. Melbourne's long-running tobacconist fire-bombings also appears to be continuing with a Cairnlea shop in Melbourne's northwest set alight about 6am. 'Investigators will look at any possible links to other recent fires,' police said. There were also fires in Richmond and Patterson Lakes overnight which police have deemed suspicious. It is believed a man set fire to his own apartment, which spread to four others, in the Richmond fire about 9.15pm on Sunday. The 37-year-old was arrested at the scene and will be interviewed in relation to the alleged arson. The property is reportedly linked to underworld figure, former Mongols bikie and professional boxer Suleiman 'Sam' Abdulrahim (pictured) Several venues across Melbourne were set alight in the early hours of Monday morning, including a Port Melbourne hairdresser (pictured) A disused retirement village in Patterson Lakes then went up in flames about 1.20am on Monday. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she did not want to speculate on the cause of the blazes when asked if it was a matter of time before someone lost their life following repeated fire-bombings. 'Let's not jump to conclusions,' she told reporters on Monday. 'Let Victoria Police do their work.' A mother-of-eight was brutally murdered in crime-ridden Oakland after confronting teenage drug dealers who had allegedly just sold her kids marijuana. Maria Ramos, 33, was visiting her mother, Blanca Velasco, with her eight children on August 7 when known drug dealers approached two of her children and reportedly sold them marijuana pipes. Ramos and Velasco then decided to follow the blue Toyota sedan to tell them to stop coming to her house, according to KTVU. Surveillance footage obtained by the TV station shows the suspects stop at an intersection, with one opening the driver's side door. Ramos and Velaso, in a gray SUV, then stop right next to the vehicle. Ramos, who had struggled with substance abuse in the past, got out of the passenger side when tragedy struck. Maria Ramos, 33, was shot dead after confronting alleged drug dealers in Oakland, California on August 7 The teenagers inside the vehicle began shooting at her, with one passenger getting out of the car and firing more shots as Ramos ran away. After a few moments, Velasco could also be seen driving the SUV away from the scene. She recounted how she thought her daughter was just taking cover. 'I just saw her taking off and I just heard the bang,' Velasco told NBC Bay Area. 'And then I pressed on the gas to put my car in front of their car to shield my daughter,' she said. 'I saw my daughter going down, but I thought my daughter was taking cover.' She told the San Francisco Chronicle she then peered into the back seat of the Toyota - where she saw a teenage boy half leaning out the window pointing a gun toward her. In a panic, Velasco said she sped off with the Toyota trailing her, before eventually losing it in traffic. She then doubled back to get Ramos, and at first didn't see her - until she noticed her daughter lying on the street in a puddle of blood. Surveillance footage shows Ramos and her mother pulling up next to the suspected drug dealers' Toyota sedan The suspects immediately opened fire, and Ramos tried to flee 'I left my car there, I ran to her. I was holding her in my arms,' Velasco said. 'I just saw all the blood coming out and I started rubbing her and I told her, "Breathe. We still need you. You have eight kids that still need you." 'She just started breathing from her nose and was going slowly, and that's when police showed up.' Oakland police say cops arrived at around 2.30pm and found Ramos suffering from at least one gunshot wound. They attempted life-saving measures, but Ramos was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers then worked to identify the suspects' vehicle and were able to bring three suspects - two minors and 19-year-old Isaiah Gomez - into custody. Officers found Ramos suffering from at least one gunshot wound, and she was pronounced dead at the scene They now believe Ramos was shot by a 16 year old, who is being held at Alameda County Juvenile Hall, but police are also investigating whether Ramos may have sprayed pepper spray at the suspects before they fired. Gomez, meanwhile, was detained and questioned by police, but pleaded not guilty during a hearing on Friday, according to the Chronicle. He has since been released with an ankle monitor. 'I'm angry cause my daughter's not coming back home,' Velasco told KPIX. 'Why [did] he get to go home?' She also said she worries that the city's woke District Attorney Pamela Price will not charge her daughter's killer as an adult. Price faces a recall election in November over her soft-on-crime policies. 'If you were big enough to get a gun and kill somebody, you're big enough to pay the price.' The victim's mother, Blanca Velasco, is now pleading for justice She said she is now struggling to tell her youngest grandchildren what happened Velasco is now left caring for her grandchildren, and said she is struggling to tell the youngest ones what happened. She said the 15, 13 and 11 year olds 'know that mom is gone'. Velasco said: 'The other five, I haven't had the courage to tell them.' She said her five-year-old granddaughter is still waiting for her mom to come home. 'She says, "I her mommy is dead, but she's still coming back from the hospital, right grandma?"' Velasco shared. 'I would be like, "Yeah," because I don't know how to tell her she's not coming back.' Still, she says her daughter prepared her for the challenge, giving her tips on how to save money on groceries and back-to-school items before they planned to move to Merced, California together. 'I feel like she was preparing me for this,' Velasco told the Chronicle. 'She was showing me how to take care of so many kids [because] she knew I would be keeping them.' Velasco said she now plans to move the family out of Oakland to keep her grandchildren safe. A memorial has been set up for Ramos at the spot where she was killed The city is facing what one Democratic consultant has called 'the perfect storm times three' - citing a rampant crime wave and political turmoil. 'For the city, I can't think of a tougher time,' Jim Ross told The Washington Post. In recent months, Oakland has seen a mass shooting at a Juneteenth celebration at Lake Merritt and an elderly woman getting attacked and robbed in broad daylight. Just last month, 100 robbers also tore a gas station apart and picked the shelves clean, their conduct not generating a timely police response. Days after that incident, the Oakland Police Department admitted it only has 35 officers on patrol at any given moment for a city with over 400,000 people. Bob Bishop Jackson, the senior pastor at a gospel church in Oakland, explained that the city is wracked with lawlessness more than ever before and 'divine intervention' is needed. 'I think we need, from top to bottom, a brand-new slate of leaders for the city,' Jackson said. 'We need a brand-new city council, a brand-new mayor, brand-new, brand-new, brand-new.' Oakland's rage is being aimed directly at Mayor Sheng Thao, who is presiding over a crime-ridden city as she also deals with personal scandals involving her romantic partner Amid the turmoil, Democrat Mayor Sheng Thao's home was raided by the FBI on June 20, with agents confiscating devices belonging to her and her partner Andre Jones in connection with an alleged money laundering scheme. She has pleaded innocent of any wrongdoing. She is now facing a recall effort just two years after taking office. Retired Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte, who is leading the recall effort against Thao, told local media that she had 'blood on her hands,' while also criticizing her policies that she says are driving businesses out of Oakland faster than ever before. But in a desperate effort to keep her seat, Thao has argued that crime is down when compared to 2023's early-year crime wave, though keen observers have noted that her office's report compared the fully compiled year-end 2023 statistics with the ongoing count for 2024. The Oakland Police Officers Association have since said it had voted unanimously to demand Thao's resignation, stating they will back recall efforts if she fails to step aside. A smash-and-grab robbery was seen at this gas station convenience store in Oakland. Some 100 people came in and picked the shelves clean, and police never showed up Oakland also has a homeless crisis, with scenes of despair like this becoming more and more commonplace in the troubled metro The organization, led by President Huy Nguyen, warned the city has become a laughing stock. 'We're a joke and not just in the state but in the country and world. We need to change the state of the city,' Sgt. Nguyen told a press conference, Mercury News reports. They cited rampant crime, understaffing among police and a murky financial future for the city as reasons for their lack of confidence. The recent FBI raid of Thao's home has only further harmed Thao's credibility, Nguyen added. The union warned that the police department needs around 500 more officers than it currently has to operate effectively. 'The leadership in this city continues to fail again and again and the citizens continue to suffer,' Nguyen said. California governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the state's national guard prosecutors will be taking over Alameda County cases The announcement is a major blow to Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price Meanwhile, California Gov Gavin Newsom announced that the state's national guard prosecutors will be taking over Alameda County cases - in a blow to District Attorney Price. The Democrat said national guard's Counterdrug Task Force has finalized an agreement with California Department of Justice that is 'modeled after a successful partnership established in San Francisco with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, which has helped boost felony narcotics convictions in San Francisco.' Newsom added: 'I am grateful for the quick work here by the Attorney General and the California National Guard to swiftly finalize this agreement so these talented attorneys can soon help secure justice for the people of the Bay Area.' He had earlier rescinded an offer to send prosecutors to Oakland to crack down on rising crime in the Bay Area city. At the time, Newson said that Price's office did not benefit from the offer because it missed the deadline to apply - which Price denied. Now Price says she welcomes the state prosecutors. Price added: 'We hope the swift agreement reached between the DOJ and CalGuard yields equally swift results, and my office is willing to assist in that effort in any way possible. He stunned Joe Biden in a U.S. territory 5,000 miles off the coast of the U.S. mainland in a peculiar upset in the president's march to the nomination. Now, as Democratic delegates meet in Chicago, Jason Palmer is out to prove that he's more than an answer to an obscure political trivia question. He even aspires to play the role of backroom dealer who can help Vice President Kamala Harris avoid the kind of intra-party mayhem that has doomed Democratic tickets in the past. Back when the entire party establishment was rallying behind Biden, Palmer was a lonely voice saying the incumbent didn't have what it takes. Now, four months after his stunning win over Biden in the American Samoa primary, Palmer isn't taking credit for forcing Biden's exit. But he is urging Harris to learn from Biden's loss and let him be a 'bridge' to other disaffected factions within the party. 'The truth is I probably was like that butterfly that flaps its wings and somehow, in a different part of the world, a change happens,' Palmer told DailyMail.com over a drink at the famed Billy Goat Tavern in downtown Chicago. 'But I don't think I caused it. But I was an early butterfly that saw that this was going to be needed.' The flap that drew headlines across the Pacific came after Palmer knocked off Biden despite never setting foot the territory instead holding just a trio of Zoom sessions and he now revealed for the first time hiring a pair of staffers from Michael Bloomberg's own successful Samoan surprise in 2020. He beat Biden by a vote of 51 to 40 in a territory with 50,000 residents. Non-trivial pursuit: Business investor Jason Palmer scored a stunning upset by defeating Joe Biden in the primary in American Samoa. Now he wants to show he's not just a footnote In hindsight, Palmer's astonishing win, which landed him a string of media appearances, was an early indicator that Biden was vulnerable, even as top tier candidates took a pass on challenging him. For Palmer, 52, a Baltimore-based business investor with no political experience, the need for a change became apparent in October 2023 when Biden returned from a trip to Israel, as he explained it in Chicago, a city steeped in politics, inside a dive bar and grill frequented by journalists and politicos since 1934. 'He exhibited many of those same patterns, about kind of getting frozen in mid-sentence and looking like a deer in the headlights in October. And that was part of the reason why I said: this is not going to work. There's no way that he can be the presidential nominee and be four more years in the White House.' 'And I said, there's nobody else in this race. Somebody needs to be there, even if I'm just a little tiny person trying to make a stand here, to serve as a foil, so that Joe Biden realizes ... Now, in the end, it wasn't me. It wasn't Marianne Williamson or Dean Phillips that actually caused change. It was the debate, right? That happened. But you know, I wasn't going to let this year go by without me trying my best to make a difference in this election.' He may have been a Cassandra in the spring. But Palmer isn't sure if the Party he belongs to takes him seriously. 'The truth is that I still think the DNC is not sure if Jason Palmer is just a Jeopardy! question for a real guy who wants to make a difference.' Then he added, 'I'm a real guy that wants to make a difference.' Palmer beat Biden 51 to 40 while arguing the party should run another nominee in 2024. The territory was featured along with other states at Chicago's Navy Pier for convention week Palmer had included Vice President Kamala Harris among a list of potential Biden replacements months before party leaders actually helped push him out Palmer scored a string of national TV media interviews after he stunned the nation by beating Biden in the American Samoa primary Neither the Biden campaign nor the Harris campaign tried to make a deal with him for the convention or his endorsement, he says.. In fact, they barely let him into the huge gathering set to begin today at Chicago's United Center. 'They haven't offered me anything. In fact, it took until the very last minute to get credentials so that me and my team could actually attend the convention,' he said. 'I did not find out until Friday if I would be able to come to the convention.' That is despite the extraordinary turnaround that had Party figures including House Speaker emerita Nancy Pelosi questioning Biden's viability after his debate disaster against Donald Trump. Palmer, who endorsed Harris weeks ago, had included her on a list of more vibrant candidates he thought should step in for Biden. 'Even up to the very end, I was asking many close friends and people who were in the Democratic establishment, don't you think Kamala would be a better candidate? And even at the very end, people were saying, "We cannot rock this boat. We need to be full behind Biden." But as soon as the change came, look how much joy it unleashed and how much passion and energy we are overdue for a candidate like Kamala?' he said. Palmer, who worked for Microsoft and plowed more than $700,000 into his effort, isn't done. He sees his role as being a 'bridge' to those who have yet to follow his lead to get behind Harris. None of his efforts are officially sanctioned. He runs a group called TOGETHER!, which seeks to get young people of both parties elected while promoting civility in politics. Palmer sat down with DailyMail.com at the establishment steeped in traditions of big city journalism and Chicago politics. But his convention itinerary was full, and he opted not to go for a burger at the restaurant that inspired the famous Saturday Night Live 'Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger' sketch. Palmer was set to meet with backers of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a candidate who could make or break Harris in key battlegrounds before finally sitting down with delegates from American Samoa who journeyed to Chicago. He had also just met with a group he calls 'ceasefire delegates' those who won pushing an 'uncommitted' challenge to Biden and have been speaking with the Harris team on the war in Gaza. 'There is a group of ceasefire delegates that are trying to make a stand ... And I'm also going later tonight to a Kennedy event,' he said. 'For some reason, I want to meet with all the rebel parties within our party. Because I do think we need to bring everyone together and do whatever it takes to achieve maximum unity so that we defeat Donald Trump. It's not a given.' 'And if that means doing whatever it takes to bring Kennedy into the fold, I'm going to try to help with that.' 'I'm Kennedy curious, just like I was ceasefire curious,' he said, following reports Kennedy sought a meeting with Harris to discuss a cabinet post. 'I don't think they should buy him off, but they should hear what he cares about and listen to him. All along, he has not felt listened to,' he added. After Biden's debate flop, Palmer went home and penned an essay calling on him to 'pass the torch,' but held off on publishing it, only to watch mainstream outlets like The New York Times call for the same. Some Biden allies picked up on his earlier arguments that Biden should be like George Washington and relinquish power. Now, he hopes to keep his party from going off the rails at the convention even as Harris has managed to clear away almost all of the opposition following Biden's departure. When it's all over, Palmer still has one more errand on his political checklist: visiting the island territory that made him the first challenger to trounce an incumbent president in a primary in 44 years. 'It'll be as a vacation with family, maybe with some friends too. I have to visit American Samoa and thank all the people that voted for me,' he said. Two tight-knit Victorian families have been left grief-stricken by the death of two cousins when another was showing off his new 'high performance' car. Rory Teiffel, 25, faced the County Court of Victoria on Monday and was sentenced to a minimum of five years and four months behind bars for the deaths of Denver Teiffel, 16, and Ryan Suggate, 26, on Easter Sunday last year. Members of Teiffel's extended family sobbed in court as details of the horror crash were read out by Judge Sarah Leighfield. The court was told Teiffel's family was hosting their cousins over the Easter weekend when he made the ill-fated decision to take his youngest brother and two cousins out for a drive in his new Jeep Grand Cherokee on April 9. The then-23-year-old was 'very proud' of the new vehicle and had been bragging about how it was a 'high-performance car'. Nine and a half minutes later he lost control while navigating a bend and the car struck two trees before rolling in a paddock. Judge Leighfield said Teiffel's surviving cousin, Arron Suggate, had filmed the speedometer reaching 246km/h shortly before the crash on Greta Rd in Wangaratta. 'Your actions in entering the bend at such a high speed can only be described as criminally negligent,' she said. Rory Teiffel was jailed for eight years and nine months. Picture: Border Mail/Supplied The scene of a high-speed car accident in country Victoria where Rory Teiffel who killed his cousin and brother. Picture 9 News 'You had three passengers in your care, two of whom died as a result of your actions and a third who suffered injuries including broken bones. 'There was no chance you would ever have been able to control that vehicle.' Ryan died instantly, while Denver and Aaron were rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where Denver died from complications six days later. The court was told Teiffel had co-operated with police, admitting he had been speeding and had drunk alcohol earlier the same day. Three hours after the crash his blood alcohol content was recorded at 0.079. He pleaded guilty last month to two charges of culpable driving causing death and a summary offence of driving while beyond the alcohol limit. In references to the court, Teiffel was described as a popular, hardworking and charitable man who has suffered serious trauma and guilt from the crash. Judge Leighfield said Teiffel, who had grown up in the insular Brethren church community, had since been ostracised by the church and was no longer able to socialise or eat with members, including his own family. 'You have found this to be difficult,' she said. 'Especially in circumstance where your entire life has been lived within that community.' Members of Rory Teiffel's extended family cried as the sentence was read out. Picture: NewsWire/ Liam Beatty The court was told Aaron had forgiven Teiffel and the Suggate family had 'graciously' accepted a letter of remorse. He was jailed for eight years and nine months and will be eligible for parole after serving five years and four months. Teiffel nodded as his sentence was read out. Judge Leighfield said she believed he had excellent prospects for rehabilitation once released and was 'fairly confident' he would never return before a court. 'The community does not condone this driving behaviour and this sentence must send a message to other people, particularly young men, that they will face significant jail time,' she said. A western Sydney council has been accused of attempting to implement an Indigenous 'treaty by stealth'. Cumberland City Council, which covers suburbs from Lidcombe to Girraween, is planning to sign a partnership agreement with three local Indigenous corporations. This is despite over two-thirds of residents voting against the Voice to Parliament referendum last October. 2GB host Ben Fordham said the move amounted to a 'treaty by stealth'. Plans are currently in motion to sign a Treaty between three Indigenous land councils within the Cumberland Local Government Area,' he said on Monday. It would acknowledge that three land Cumberland is on was never ceded. It would require consultation with the three land councils before any developments are undertaken in future. 'Its also proposed dual indigenous names for signs but there has been very little community consultation. Outspoken Cumberland councillor Steve Christou branded the move absolutely disgraceful, accusing the council of trying to 'sneak it in under the cover of darkness' in April. A western Sydney council has been accused of attempting to implement an Indigenous 'treaty by stealth' (pictured, a Welcome to Country ceremony being performed in Melbourne in 2022) Mr Christou said he and two colleagues objected, but the the proposal has since returned before council. 'It was proposed that we now go to three local land councils, Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council, and Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council,' Mr Christou said. 'All the conditions being imposed were absolutely horrendous.' Mr Christou said the proposal would create reams of 'red tape' as it would force council to consult Indigenous groups in a range of decision-making, including planning applications and street naming. He added: Cumberland voted No to the tune of 64 per cent. Our residents do not want treaties or agreements, they just want to live side-by-side, hand-in-hand with their indigenous brothers and sisters. Cumberland City Council, which covers suburbs from Lidcombe to Girraween, is planning to sign a partnership agreement with three local Indigenous corporations (pictured, western Sydney) 'That is very, very concerning, because it will just stop any development or any sort of progress occurring in Cumberland,' Mr Christou said. 'Imagine all the red tape that's going to be created when you have to consult on every land purchase or every negotiation or deal that council wants to implement. 'It's just not on.' He added: Cumberland voted No to the tune of 64 per cent. Our residents do not want treaties or agreements, they just want to live side-by-side, hand-in-hand with their indigenous brothers and sisters. Daily Mail Australia contacted Cumberland City Council for comment. The owner of a popular pub has blasted the 'ridiculous' decision to reduce the hours diners are allowed to drink and eat outside its venue. Old Fitzroy Hotel in Woolloomooloo, in Sydney, applied to renew it's outdoor licence, which allows patrons to eat and drink in the pub's outdoor area until 10pm. But City of Sydney instead cut the al fresco operating hours making it impossible for pubgoers to eat or drink after 8pm for the entire week. The new owner of the popular Dowling Street pub said the new rule is 'outrageous'. Odd Culture director James Thorpe told news.com.au the decision was unexpected, with the City of Sydney making its decision in June, but not passing it on until Friday. 'All the conversations Ive had with people at council seem to believe this was a mistake,' he said. 'From our perspective, weve not had any compliance issues in three years. 'We havent heard from council, weve just had our hours silently wound back.' The Old Fitzroy Pub in Woolloomooloo pub in Sydney (pictured) has had it's long-standing outside dining and drinking hours slashed by council The new outside hours have been cut from 10pm to 8pm Monday to Sunday. It will also mean the pub (pictured) will have to close its pool room because the outdoor furniture is stored in it Mr Thorpe accused the council of not offering the pub procedural fairness before making the decision to change the hours that the business had been operating under for at least 18 years. It will mean in the the summer months staff will need to herd patrons inside even though it will still be light outside. There is also another knock-on effect: the pool room, which is used to store the outdoor furniture, will now also need to close at 8pm. It is now up to the business to make another application so the decision can be reviewed and overturned by council. Mr Thorpe said what 'terrifies' him is the council made the decision without talking to the business and as a result the pub will lose nearly $100,000 in revenue. The director said the business doesn't 'need' to be losing money in the current financial climate. The pub has now launched a petition to save its outdoor seating hours. In documents explaining why council came to its decision to slash the outdoor operating hours, two complaints from two residents had been made. The locals protested about noise, as well as overcrowding on footpaths. When council did an inspection, it noted beer kegs were sitting on the footpath outside the pub, but said they weren't sure how long they had been there for. A City of Sydney spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they would 'work closely' with the owner to resolve the issue. 'The City of Sydney is a strong supporter of outdoor dining,' they said. 'Since the pandemic, we have supported more than 700 businesses to trade on footpaths and on roadways, with over 4,460 square metres in footpath space approved for alfresco dining to help businesses operate safely outdoors. City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore (pictured) has asked her staff to expedite the review of the decision 'Occasionally businesses face challenges in complying with the conditions of the outdoor dining license. 'In those instances, we work with them to try and help them remain compliant while using the footpath space.' The City of Sydney also said that all submissions to council are 'assessed on their merits'. 'We have been in touch with the proprietor on the matter and they are in the process of lodging a review, they said. 'Once submitted, we will assess the issues as part of the review and continue to work closely with the proprietor in an effort to resolve the matter.' Lord Mayor Clover Moore also asked her staff to speed up the review of the original decision as soon as she heard about the hours being slashed. Daily Mail Australia contacted the pub's owner Odd Culture for comment. linken's push for a ceasefire deal comes amid yet more tragedy in Gaza US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in Israel to push for a Gaza truce, today declared ongoing negotiations were 'maybe the last' chance to reach an agreement to end the war. 'This is a decisive moment - probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security,' Blinken said as he met Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The top US diplomat said President Joe Biden had sent him 'to get this agreement to the line', and added that it was essential no last-minute mishaps were made. 'It is time for it to get done. It's also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process,' Blinken said ahead of a planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today on his ninth visit to Israel since October 7. 'We're working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line, or, for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places, and to greater intensity.' Blinken's push to finalise a ceasefire deal comes amid yet more tragedy in Gaza where an Israeli strike on a home in Deir al-Balah killed a woman and her six children, one of which was 18 months old and five of which were quintuplets. 'The six children have become body parts. They were placed in a single bag,' the children's grandfather, Mohammed Awad Khatab, told reporters. 'What did they do? Did they kill any of the Jews? Will this provide security to Israel?' Palestinians run away from the blast after Israeli forces carry out an airstrike on Zagout household in Deir al Balah, Gaza on August 18, 2024 Civilians, civil defense teams and firefighters are carrying out the efforts to extinguish the fire that broke out as a result of the Israeli army attack on the house of the El Saidy family at the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Deir al Balah, Gaza on August 18, 2024 Mourners react next to the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, August 18, 2024 A view of devastation after Israeli army attacked the house of al-Saidy family in Nuseirat Refugee Camp in the central Gaza Strip, Gaza on August 18 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) meets with Israel's President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv on August 19, 2024 A view of devastation after Israeli army attacked the house of al-Saidy family in Nuseirat Refugee Camp in the central Gaza Strip, Gaza on August 18 Smoke rises amid the advance of Israeli military vehicles in an area sheltering internally displaced Palestinians, in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, 18 August 2024 Efforts to bring about a cease-fire in Gaza gained new urgency after the targeted killing of two top militants last month, both attributed to Israel, brought vows of revenge from Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah, raising fears of all-out war across the Middle East. An American official said Friday that mediators were beginning preparations for implementing the latest cease-fire proposal, and Netanyahu's office expressed 'cautious optimism' a deal could be reached. An Israeli delegation travelled to Cairo on Sunday for further talks, and Blinken will meet with Netanyahu on today. Blinken will travel to Egypt on Tuesday for meetings with officials there, the State Department said, and may stop in at least one other regional country. Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting there are areas where Israel can be flexible and unspecified areas where it won't be. 'We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give,' he said. Hamas has cast doubt on whether an agreement is near, saying the latest proposal diverged significantly from a previous iteration it accepted in principle. The Palestinian group has also rejected Israel's demands for a lasting military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border and a line bisecting Gaza where Israeli forces would search Palestinians returning to their homes. Israel says both are needed to prevent militants from rearming and returning to the north. Israel showed flexibility in retreating from the border corridor, and a meeting between Egyptian and Israeli military officials was scheduled for the week ahead to agree on a withdrawal mechanism, according to two Egyptian officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the private negotiations. US Vice President Kamala Harris, asked Sunday whether she thinks Netanyahu is ready for a cease-fire deal, said: 'I will not speak for him, but I will tell you that these conversations are ongoing and we are not giving up, and we are going to continue to work very hard on this. We've got to get a cease-fire and we got to get those hostages out.' The US and fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar said at the weekend they were closing in on a deal after two days of talks in Doha last week, with Israeli officials expressing cautious optimism. But Hamas in a statement Sunday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of setting new conditions, including his refusal of a complete withdrawal of forces from Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Centre-R) looks on after his arrival in Tel Aviv on August 18, 2024 Smoke rises following an Israeli strike on a residential building, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, in this screen grab taken from a video, August 18, 2024 Civilians, civil defense teams and firefighters conduct search and rescue efforts in the destroyed house of the El Saidy family after Israeli army attack at the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Deir al Balah, Gaza on August 18, 2024 A view of devastation after Israeli army attacked the house of al-Saidy family in Nuseirat Refugee Camp in the central Gaza Strip Palestinians dismantle their tent as they prepare to flee a makeshift camp for displaced people in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip after Israeli tanks took position on a hill overlooking the area on August 18, 2024 Relatives of Palestinians, who killed in Israeli attack, mourn after their bodies were brought to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for burial in Deir al-Balah The war has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, displaced the vast majority of the territory's 2.3 million residents and led experts to warn of famine and the outbreak of diseases like polio. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the October 7 attack and abducted around 250. Of those, some 110 are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities say around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire. Israel says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the group places fighters, weapons, tunnels and rockets in residential areas. But the Israeli bombardment has wiped out entire extended families and orphaned thousands of children. In Lebanon meanwhile, three UN peacekeepers were lightly wounded when an explosion struck their vehicle near the southern village of Yarin. The peacekeeping mission said the incident was under investigation. Hezbollah began launching near-daily drone and rocket attacks along the border after the war in Gaza began, drawing Israeli retaliation in a cycle of violence that has steadily escalated. A bomb explosion on a Tel Aviv street Sunday night killed one person and police were investigating the circumstances. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which has also seen a surge of violence, gunmen marched in a funeral procession for two Hamas commanders killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jenin the day before. Brittany Higgins will not testify to defend herself at a defamation trial brought against her by former boss Senator Linda Reynolds. Senator Reynolds is suing her former staffer over a series of social media posts Ms Higgins made after she aired allegations she had been raped by former colleague Bruce Lehrmann in the then-defence minister's office. The senator has argued the posts contained mistruths that she believes damaged her reputation. Ms Higgins' lawyer Rachael Young told the West Australian Supreme Court on Monday that her client, who is now pregnant, would not travel to Perth from her home in France to give evidence. 'The defendant will not be calling Ms Higgins,' she told the court. Ms Young said there were three reasons behind the decision. 'The first is the defendant is not obliged to go into oral evidence,' she said. 'The second is ... we don't think we need to call Ms Higgins to satisfy Your Honour as to being successful in these proceedings. Lawyers for Brittany Higgins (pictured) told the WA Supreme Court they are not obliged to call the former political staffer to give oral evidence in the long-running trial against her Senator Linda Reynolds returned to Canberra on Monday as her defamation trial against her former staffer back in Perth continued 'The third is a matter of Ms Higgins' medical state.' Ms Young said Ms Higgins' condition would be detailed in confidential medical reports to be filed with the court. Senior counsel for Senator Reynolds' former chief of staff Fiona Brown provided the court last week a confidential report and medical certificate requesting that Ms Brown be excused from giving evidence in person. On Monday, lawyers argued whether written evidence prepared by Ms Brown in the Lehrmann trial was sufficient to use as evidence so she would not have to attend in person. But Ms Young raised concerns that some statements made could not be cross-examined and they would be deprived of testing her recollection. She argued that some statements in the affidavit should be given less weight or be inadmissible. SENATOR MAY HAVE STRUGGLED IN NEXT ELECTION Liberal Party WA selection committee chairman Jeremy Buxton told the court on Monday that when a senator made themselves a story it usually went against them, and the Senator would have 'struggled' to get her name on the ballot for the next election. Mr Buxton was giving evidence about whether allegations made by Ms Higgins could have potentially jeopardised the senator from running again for the Liberal Party. He said even if the issue was not a criminal matter, if serving members were seen to have messed up it worked against them. He said there were cases in the past where senators had been demoted within the Liberal Party in WA. Mr Buxton told the court while he did not discuss the matter with his Liberal Party colleagues, he said there could have been an adverse feeling among some of them. He said some people may have judged the senator more harshly as a woman who did not support a young female colleague. 'It would have put her at a disadvantage to other colleagues who did not have to answer those questions,' he said. 'She would have been struggling to get the third position (on the ballot paper. Ms Higgins' lawyers Rachael Young and Kate Pedersen. Picture: NewsWire / Sharon Smith SENATOR'S HEALTH IMPROVED IN 2022 Senator Reynolds' GP in Canberra, Dr Antonio Di Dio, gave evidence in the senator's defamation case which has now entered its third week. Dr Di Dio first saw Senator Reynolds at Parliament House on February 23, 2021, saying she was very anxious and stressed. 'I was asked to see her because of her acute anxiety,' he said. Dr Di Dio said the senator was experiencing chest pain so he arranged an urgent referral to Canberra Hospital. He said there was some concern that she would be seen with urgency so he arranged for a local cardiologist to see her. When he saw her again five days later, her blood pressure had returned to normal, he told the court. He also referred her to a clinical psychologist and psychiatrist because he was concerned about her high levels of anxiety and the profound effect it was having on her at the time. He said it was causing her great distress. Liberal Party elder Jeremy Buxton leaves the Supreme Court in Perth While being questioned by defence lawyer Kate Pedersen, Dr Dio said the senator's mental health improved in 2022. Dr Di Dio told the court there was no doubt the senator was far better than the 'awful acute period from when we first met'. 'She was still on a significant amount of medication, but there are notes in the record that she was stable and self-caring and looking after herself,' he said. Dr Di Dio said reports he received about the senator's heart condition after she was hospitalised would not be enough to tell if you a person was at risk of dying. HUGE CALL LOOMS ON FIONA BROWN EVIDENCE On Monday, Justice Tottle will decide if the senator's former chief of staff Fiona Brown will have to give evidence during the trial in person. Ms Brown's senior counsel Dominique Hogan-Doran provided the court last week a confidential report and medical certificate requesting that Ms Brown be excused from giving evidence in court. It is anticipated Ms Brown may be able to give her evidence in the form of a written statement. Ms Higgins' lawyer Rachel Young said they had no difficulty with the order being proposed by Ms Brown and did not want to cause her distress by calling her to court to give evidence. Senator Reynolds' lawyer Martin Bennett She said as long as what they had been told by Ms Brown's lawyers was consistent and accurate with what was provided to the court then they would not oppose Ms Brown being released. Senator Reynolds' lawyer Martin Bennett said he did not anticipate an argument and agreed a suppression order should be imposed. He also told the court they may move through the witness list earlier than expected which could result in Ms Higgins giving her evidence earlier than August 26. But that is likely to be opposed by her defence team and Justice Tottle who said it might be difficult for her logistically. The trial continues. An Air Force veteran and his brother have been jailed in Dubai for drinking alcohol on a yacht after claiming they were drugged during a party. Joseph Lopez, the current Mr Louisiana title holder, and his brother Joshua have each been sentenced to a month in jail for the alcohol drinking charge they received while on vacation in June, according to legal organization Detained in Dubai. The pair, originally from Ohio, also face a charge for 'damaging government property and assaulting an officer' - which lawyers expect could hold a lengthy sentence. They will fight the charge in court tomorrow. Lopez, a B-52 mechanic and Honor Guardsman, left the military nine months ago and began advocating for mental health on social media with fans saying he 'tries to inspire and make people laugh and feel related to'. The influencer was also being considered for the prestigious Mr USA title and had jetted out to the UAE with Joshua for a two-week-long trip before he was meant to begin his preparations for the beauty pageant. Air Force veteran Joseph Lopez (left) and his brother Joshua (right) have each been jailed for one month in Dubai for the alcohol drinking charge they received while on vacation in June The pair also face a charge for 'damaging government property and assaulting an officer' - which lawyers expect could hold a lengthy sentence. Pictured: Joseph Lopez with his dog Lopez and Joshua appeared in court last week to face a charge of drinking alcohol. The pair were each jailed for one month. They are expected in court on August 20 to fight the second charge. Detained in Dubai CEO Radha Stirling claims the pair were 'drugged by locals' who invited them to a yacht party and 'targeted by scammers' looking to 'rob' them. 'They were given one drink onboard the yacht and the next thing they remember is being taken away by plain clothed police officers in an unmarked vehicle,' she said in a statement issued after they were sentenced. Stirling argued the pair were 'under the impression they were being abducted' and claims police refused to conduct a blood test checking for a presence of drugs or sedatives, despite the brothers having requested them to do so. 'The government portrays that Dubai is a safe and crime free destination for tourists but the fact is, we see tourists targeted all the time,' she said, adding: 'It's a myth that Dubai is crime free. They just don't acknowledge it as it's bad for business'. Lopez and Joseph travelled to the UAE on May 25 and on June 2 visited a popular Dubai club called Bla Bla, but the night ended in unexpected horror. An Uber reportedly approached the brothers while they stood outside the club and suggested the pair attend an after party at a nearby hotel. Lopez and Joshua agreed to the offer and were taken directly to the VIP section where they were presented with platters of food, sparklers, and drinks that the brothers had not requested. The social media influencer left the military nine months ago and became a mental health advocate. Pictured: Lopez pictured in Dubai in an Instagram post, uploaded on May 27 Lopez (pictured) and Joshua appeared in court last week to face a charge of drinking alcohol. The pair were each jailed for one month. They are expected in court on August 20 to fight the second charge Around 20 minutes later, as the venue was closing, Lopez was reportedly handed a bill that he paid in full - despite feeling as if he had been scammed. 'Uber drivers and other promoters are paid by some venues to bring tourists in,' Stirling explained in a statement last month. 'In this case, it appears they have gone a step further by forcing food and beverages onto them while making them appear to be free'. Despite Lopez's suspicions rising following his hefty, unexpected bill, he explained how he was then invited to a yacht by a partygoer before explaining he was 'done spending for the night'. But the unnamed man persevered - telling Lopez and Joshua that they would be his 'American guests'. Ultimately, the brother's agreed and once they boarded the luxury vessel, they were provided with a drink that staff later attempted to charge them over $2,700 for - but Lopez refused several times. The social media influencer then claimed he and his brother began feeling strange, before they were allegedly confronted by a group of Arabic speaking men donning black ski masks. They tried to throw the brothers into the back of a vehicle and Lopez admitted he thought they were being abducted. The pair were reportedly not breathalyzed for at least 24 hours, but several days later, authorities took a urine sample - once any drug residue had left their bodies, reports say Detained in Dubai CEO Radha Stirling claims the brothers were 'drugged by locals' who invited them to a yacht party and 'targeted by scammers' looking to 'rob' them. Pictured: Joseph Lopez 'They didn't realize the men were plain clothed police officers', Stirling explained. 'Plain clothed police officers often forcefully approach tourists, grab them and intimidate them without identifying themselves. 'Of course the tourist is going to defend themselves to what they perceive to be assault or worse. They end up unfairly being charged with resisting arrest or assault of a police officer'. The terrified brothers were taken to Al Barsha where they were held overnight and detained until June 12. They had told officers upon arrival that they had been drugged but police allegedly refused to test them. The pair were reportedly not breathalyzed for at least 24 hours, but several days later, authorities took a urine sample - once any drug residue had left their bodies. 'Police usually take samples immediately on arrival to preserve evidence against the detainee,' Stirling said. 'It's highly unusual and suspicious to wait several days for a test, particularly when they have been told about the concerns'. 'Joseph Lopez is an Air Force veteran who helps people in difficult situations through his mental health advocacy,' Stirling has previously said According to Lopez, fellow cellmates revealed to the brothers that it is common in Dubai for visitors to be drugged on purpose and taken advantage of. Joseph and Joshua were given bail with a travel ban on June 12. They were not allowed to leave the country - despite the pair not being officially charged with any offences. The pair have now been sentenced to a month in jail and could face and even longer sentence if convicted on the 'damaging government property and assaulting an officer' charge. Countless foreigners have been beaten, tortured and even killed in Dubai's notorious jails. Companies advertising on X face having their posts appear alongside anti-Muslim hate and far-right misinformation, according to a new report. The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) said brands including GlaxoSmithKline and Betfred as well as organisations like the BMA and IOC recently had ads appear next to activists 'pushing lies and hate in the wake of the Southport attack'. These include misogynist influencer Andrew Tate, ex-actor Laurence Fox, leaders of the far-right Britain First party Paul Golding and Ashlea Simon, and Christian commentator Calvin Robinson. All five activists had various ads appear after their posts, despite spouting misleading info or inflammatory opinions in the wake of the Southport attack. Andrew Tate had called the alleged killer an 'illegal migrant', while Paul Golding claimed the suspect was a 'migrant' and Ashlea Simon said the attack was something 'Islamists do'. Meanwhile pals Laurence Fox and Calvin Robinson both agreed that Islam should be 'removed' from the UK. This did not stop Musk's platform from utilising their large follower counts to help the adverts gain views or 'impressions' however, leading CCHD to say the site was 'willing to profit from hate and lies'. Bookmaker Betfred had a promotional post about responsible gambling appear next to an inflammatory post by the co-leader of far-right Britain First The IOC also had a post about the Olympic 'culture of peace' placed alongside anti-Islam vitriol from the Britain First co-leader Musk has been accused of buying Twitter in order to force the world to listen to his views Imran Ahmed, CEO & Founder of the CCDH said: 'Elon Musk's X played a significant role in these riots, with algorithms turbocharging the spread of lies spread by bad actors he let back onto the platform, after the previous owners banned them for spreading hate and lies. 'The truth is that Musk's platform is willing to profit from hate and lies because it's desperate for cash, losing hundreds of millions of dollars last year as it struggles to keep up with debt repayments. 'It will carry on pumping out hate and lies for profit until regulators step in, hold them responsible and make it more expensive to harm our societies in this way.' A BMA spokesman said: 'We are extremely concerned to see an advert for the BMA on X that is adjacent to content of this nature and we are grateful to the Times for bringing it to our attention. 'It is utterly deplorable that content of this type is allowed on X at all. The BMA has conditions, such as political exclusions, applied to its advertising on social media sites and it is clearly inappropriate for an advert for the BMA to be published alongside this post. Andrew Tate is well-known for spreading hate online and is accused of serious crimes in Romania Laurence Fox wrote 'Islam needs to be removed from Britain' and declared war on the PM Britain First co-leader Paul Golding recently posted about a 'barbarian migrant' Britain First co-leader Ashlea Simon thinks the UK will 'resemble Iran in a few short years' Ex-GB News commentator Calvin Robinson said 'Islam is evil' on his controversial X profile 'The BMA stands up strongly against racism, fascism and antisemitism in all their forms and we will be urgently reviewing our established advertising protocols with X to make sure they are as robust as they can be and this situation is not repeated.' An eToro spokesman said: 'We completely condemn online misinformation and hate speech in all its forms and we are currently reviewing this situation.' A spokesman for GSK said they were investigating. The IOC and BetFred were also contacted for comment. X did not respond to a request for comment. The firm has also been facing trouble in Brazil over its controversial conduct. And X recently said it was closing its local operations in Brazil following a bitter legal tussle over the platform's rights and responsibilities. The closure was the apparent culmination of an ongoing legal battle between Musk and Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who has said he is trying to fight the spread of dangerous disinformation online. A post Saturday from X's Global Government Affairs department said Moraes had 'threatened our legal representative in Brazil with arrest if we do not comply with his censorship orders.' Secretary of Digital Policies Joao Brant writing on the platform that the company had a 'pathetic attitude.' He added that X would force a 'probable escalation that could lead to blocking of the platform.' Moraes previously had ordered the suspension of several Twitter accounts suspected of spreading disinformation, including those of supporters of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who tried to discredit the voting system in the 2022 presidential election, which he lost. 'Freedom of expression doesn't mean freedom of aggression,' Moraes has said. 'It doesn't mean the freedom to defend tyranny.' Have YOU been injured at Flip Out? An under-fire trampoline firm already being probed for a string of horrifying accidents is under the spotlight again after a child died in an 'unexplained' tragedy at one of its play parks. The boy, 10, died after falling ill at the Glasgow park on Sunday with helpless customers hearing 'hysterical screaming' coming from the bouncy castle area. Police have described the death as 'unexplained' but there are not thought to be any 'suspicious' circumstances. It is the latest tragedy to have befallen Flip Out and comes after furious visitors called for what they claim is Britain's 'most dangerous trampoline parks' to be shut down last November. Horrific injuries suffered include broken necks, feet nearly being torn off at the ankles, and one man being left paralysed from the neck down. Have YOU been injured at Flip Out? Email matt.strudwick@mailonline.co.uk A boy, 10, died after falling ill at the Flip Out Glasgow park with customers hearing 'hysterical screaming' coming from the bouncy castle area. Police are treating the death as 'unexplained' and said there are no 'suspicious circumstances' Liza Jones who suffered a back fracture and burst vertebrae after landing in a foam pit at a trampoline park in Chester Liza was left in 'most pain I've ever suffered' after leaping from a 13ft high platform into a foam pit at the 40,000 sq ft centre near Ellesmere Port in February 2017 Mother-of-four Michelle Conway was left needing stitches after her top lip was ripped open during an accident at the Chester trampoline park There are 29 franchise parks currently operating across the country, with two more on their way in Coventry and Colchester. The brand is owned by MFT Capital Ltd and Flip Out lists David White as its CEO. Each have their own terms and conditions, with visitors having to sign a waiver before attending in which they have to declare any pre-existing medical issues and are warned that 'participation can result in serious injury or death'. The document warns that Flip Out does not provide direct supervision of those taking part and that individuals are responsible for their own actions. It says the company will not give medical advice if injury does occur. Some of the parks offer attractions such as 'stunt zones' where experienced jumpers can propel themselves onto trampolines from raised boxes. But it was Flip Out's Chester centre which came under the most scrutiny recently with more than 270 visitors, some as young as 11-years-old, being injured in less than two months after jumping from a 17ft high tower attraction. Eleven people broke their backs - including a Flip Out staff member. Four of the 15 most seriously injured needed emergency surgery when they fractured vertebrae landing in an 'inadequate' pit of foam cubes at the bottom of the tower. Other customers were left with broken ankles, wrists or ribs, and more than 123 suffered bloodied noses and bruised faces when their own knees smashed into their heads after they jumped. Doctors at the local Countess of Chester Hospital were already monitoring the number of patients presenting at A&E after becoming concerned about the safety of the attraction. But when three people suffered broken backs in a single day on February 1 2017 they took the unusual decision of informing the authorities themselves. A safety talk showed Flip Out Chester's former directors David Shuttleworth and Matthew Melling messing around as they explain safety risks to customers Melling, 33, pictured leaving Chester Crown Court in February after he was ordered to pay 6,300 David Elliot Shuttleworth, 34, leaving Chester Crown Court where he was fined 6,500 and ordered to complete 250 hours unpaid community service Flip Out Chester is now run by a different franchisee The number of indoor trampolining attractions has surged from just four in 2014 to more than 100. Pictured: Flip Out Chester It led to an investigation being launched by Cheshire West and Cheshire Council, which found 'significant failings and shortcomings' and the tower was shut down shortly afterwards. The centre's former directors - David Shuttleworth and Matthew Melling, both aged 34 - pleaded guilty to health and safety offences and in February were ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work. They were also told to pay a total of 72,800 in fines and court costs. The judge said the duo had a 'cavalier attitude' to risk, but the 'slap on the wrist' punishment left victims fuming. Shuttleworth and Melling had been filmed messing around in a health and safety video in the months after life-changing injuries had occurred to their customers. The safety video starts with Melling jokingly pulling Shuttleworth back from the camera after he interrupted the talk to shout 'Flip Out is the best place in the world!' The men appear to be holding back laughter as they start to explain that landing on the trampolines' padding could cause serious injuries, and 'double bouncing' could cause 'tremendous pressure' on the knees. Louise Wright, 27, a paralegal who broke her back at the indoor attraction, has been in constant pain after she broke her back when she landed awkwardly after jumping from the tower's highest window. Reflecting on the sentence, she said in February: 'I have studied the law so I didn't think they would go to jail but I am disappointed. 'They have just got a slap on the wrist. They get to go on with their lives. I can't really put into words how angry I am, I will probably start crying if I think about it too much. They acted like they are sorry but they are not sorry at all. None of us have ever heard anything from either of them.' Daniel Moseley was 20 years old when he broke his neck and became paralysed after jumping off a piece of equipment at the Flip Out trampoline park in Stoke on Trent in January 2018 Daniel, formerly a keen runner, said it makes his 'blood boil' that the trampoline park did not perform the correct health and safety checks to stop his accident from happening Daniel was left paralysed after he visited a Flip Out in Stoke-on-Trent five years ago Rebecca Louden claimed she took advice on how to jump from height into a foam pit only to have her ankle almost torn off. Pictured: Rebecca's sliced open ankle Grim photos show Rebecca's exposed bones and tendons before she was rushed in for surgery An X-ray of the metal rods placed in Lucy Jones's back to help her recover following the horrific injury on the Chester tower Liza Jones, 26, from Wrexham, was left in the 'most pain I've ever suffered' when she leapt from the 13ft-high platform into a foam pit at the 40,000 sq ft centre near Ellesmere Port in February 2017, and later launched legal action. 'I'm glad they've faced court action because I could have been left paralysed,' she previously told the Mail. 'I landed in the way I'd been told to, but I was one of three people who suffered broken backs that day. 'People visiting these centres may feel they're safe because they've got rules for people to follow, but that's just not true. 'The firms that are running them need to learn from this and ensure they've got proper health and safety in place.' In the same year, George Magraw, then 21, from Ellesmere Port, was told he needed months to recover after he also fractured his spine at the Flip Out park, jumping off the same tower structure. Speaking at the time, George's brother Phil told Cheshire Live: 'Either there was insufficient foam in the pit or it's too old to make sure he has a soft landing. 'He landed on his bum and it shattered a vertebra in his lower back. They gave him an X-ray and said the disk had pretty much disintegrated. 'George is in a lot of pain and they said after the surgery he will need months to get back to normal or there could be complications.' Mother-of-four Michelle Conway was left needing stitches after her top lip was ripped open during an accident at the trampoline park. Unlike the other victims, Michelle's accident happened when she entered the free-run area and tried jumping off a wall onto a trampoline that was supposed to catapult her over another wall. 'Instead unfortunately, it propelled me straight into the opposite wall, splitting the base of my nose away from my upper lip,' Michelle said back in 2017. Before attending the park, trampoline-goers are forced to sign this waiver, declaring any pre-existing medical issues and that 'participation can result in serious injury or death' 'Why on earth aren't these walls padded? They are solid hard walls and children are on this free run zone. I dread to think how I would have felt if it had been one of my children. 'My youngest child called for help as there was blood everywhere, I even tried to stay off the white mesh trampoline so as not to stain it. Daniel Moseley was 20 years old when he broke his neck and became paralysed from the neck down while at the other trampoline park owned by Shuttleworth and Melling. He previously said it made his 'blood boil' that his accident happened a year after 11 people broke their backs in the Chester branch and nothing was done to prevent it from happening. The 25-year-old, who is now in a wheelchair as a result of the accident, added: 'The fact remains that in the years before my accident nothing was done in regards to health and safety to prevent this from happening.' It's not just the Chester centre that has left visitors bloodied and with broken bones. Anjie Gibbons was attending the Flip Out trampoline park in Scotland when a child was left on the floor injured, unable to move. She told MailOnline last November: 'We were in the Flip Out in Glasgow a couple of months ago. On our arrival one of the tumble tracks was closed as a girl was lying on the floor, injured and unable to move. 'This area was cornered off but the rest of the venue was operating as normal. We were there for two and a half hours and she lay there the whole time.' At the same park in Glasgow - which claims to be the largest trampoline arena in the world - dangerous work tools were left lying around, in easy reach of toddlers. A general view inside the Chester Flip Out where 11 people broke their backs George Magraw was 21 when he fractured his spine at the Flip Out Chester trampoline park George had to undergo gruelling surgery to replace his shattered vertebrae with a metal disk When flagged to staff member, the mother claims her concerns were dismissed. A mother-of-two, who gave her name as Collette, was at the Poole Flip Out when her accident occurred. She previously told MailOnline: 'Whilst there I got knocked out by a ball. The staff did not know what to do and let me walk about once I came to with my two children without any care or concern. 'They did not get me medical care. A member of the public treated me as they [the staff] did not know what to do. Rebecca Nash, who snapped her ankle at Chichester Flip Out park in 2019, has previously called for the parks to close. She said in November: 'I was being encouraged to jump back by the staff member in the section to gain more height. As I jumped back my ankle rolled 90 degrees under me as I landed on the trampoline, breaking the ankle and opening it all the way up under the pressure. 'My foot was hanging on by tendons and facing the wrong way. By the time I arrived at hospital I was advised it could end up as an amputation.' Fortunately for Rebecca she had 'a talented surgeon who was able to reattach the foot and close the wound' but it was 'so badly torn' that there were difficulties determining where ripped ligaments and tendons were attached. As a result, Rebecca said she had to spend two weeks in hospital and was signed off sick from work for four month, which resulted her losing her job as she had only started a few weeks beforehand. 'I was a single mother at the time to a five-year-old so it was a very stressful time,' she added. Horrific photos reveal the extent of Rebecca's injury, with blood pouring out of a huge cut on the side of her ankle bone. MailOnline has contacted Flip Out for comment. A late toy tycoon's son has failed in an attempt to cut his half-brother out of a 14.5million family fortune despite proving in court that the sibling was not his father's biological child. Jonathan and Edward Marcus faced off in court over a lucrative family trust set up by their father Stuart Marcus who died four years ago aged 86, having created a multi-million-pound toy and board game empire. Stuart - dubbed 'a modest man with a big dream and a big heart' by business colleagues - started out selling dolls' houses above a small east London toy shop and ended up with a series of companies valued at 14.5million the year before he died. Both Edward, 46, and Jonathan, 42, worked alongside Stuart as the brand grew and diversified into other fields such as property, with Jonathan heading up successful commercial operations in Germany. But since 2016, relations between the two brothers soured, climaxing in a High Court clash over whether Edward was truly Stuart's natural son. Jonathan Marcus, 42, and mother Patricia Marcus, 81, pictured outside High Court after a hearing over the paternity dispute involving his half-brother Edward Late Stuart Marcus, a toymaking tycoon who started out selling wooden dolls' house kits above a small east London toy shop. He is pictured holding one of his art sets Edward (pictured) claimed Patricia's relationship with Sydney may well have continued longer than a single night in 1977, and may have gone on for years, opening up the possibility that it was younger brother Jonathan who was born to Sydney and not him The late tycoon Stuart Marcus's company grew from one room in east London to its current four-acre sit at Swaffham, Norfolk (pictured) Jonathan claimed Edward was the product of a one-night stand his mother had while his dad was away on business and, as only his half-brother, he should not be entitled to any of the 43 per cent of the business Stuart had put into a family trust. The terms of the trust decreed that it should only benefit his children and their spouses, so eliminating 'half-brother' Edward, claimed Jonathan. Now, after three days in court a judge Master Matthew Marsh ruled that evidence confirms that Edward is not Stuart's son. He highlighted what he called the 'cogent and reliable' DNA test evidence - as well as compelling testimony from the two siblings' mother Patricia Marcus. But he went on to find that the family trust set up by Stuart Marcus does not exclude Edward, as its terms would also count 'non-biological' offspring as beneficiaries. The bitter family dispute was played out against the background of the toy and property empire built up by Stuart, who died without any suspicion that Edward might not be his son. The court heard Stuart Marcus founded Kitfix Hobbies in 1962 and carved out a major niche in toys, board games and craft kits, later transferring the company HQ to Swaffham in Norfolk. The disputed trust he set up holds shares in 'valuable family companies', the court heard, including a 43 percent stake in the Kitfix Swallow Group of firms whose value was estimated at 14.5 million in 2019. The paternity issue developed after the siblings' mother Patricia Marcus, 81, rocked Edward with the 'monumental' news that he was not Stuart's son during a confidential chat 14 years ago. Edward Marcus, 46, also pictured outside High Court. He denied the DNA proves he was not Stuart's natural child and argued that he would be entitled to share in the trust in any case And although Edward kept this secret for more than a decade, his brother says he finally discovered the news last year. That triggered his court bid to have Edward removed as a beneficiary of Stuart's trust, which he claims was backed by conclusive DNA evidence. The court heard that the trust established by Stuart Marcus was in favour of 'the children and remoter issue of the settlor and their spouses'. The key question boiled down to 'whether Edward and his family fall within that description', Jonathan's barrister Thomas Braithwaite told the judge while sketching out the case. Patricia Marcus told the court she had no doubt that Edward's real father was a lawyer named Sydney Glossop with whom she had a brief encounter more than 40 years ago. But, despite admitting that his mother told him Stuart was not his real father, Edward defended the case, claiming she later retracted the confession. From the witness box, Edward told how his mother suddenly spilled the revelation about her affair and his paternity during a meeting at his home in 2010. After his mother's confession, Edward searched online to see if he could find out anything about his mystery father - finally tracking him down to a retirement home near Birmingham, which he and his mum visited in order to meet Sydney. Once there, he witnessed the pair of them 'cuddling,' said Edward, telling the court: 'I saw her sit on the bed and cuddle him and I was shocked to see her behaving that way because it wasn't the way I saw her behave with my father.' Patricia Marcus gave evidence confirming her belief that Edward is her former lover Sydney Glossop's son, adding that he had also 'accepted Edward as his son' Edward said that in time he began to harbour doubts about his mother's news, especially as it seemed to conflict with his knowledge about strong family characteristics he shared with Stuart such as asthma and poor eyesight. But he claimed his mother ended up going back on her account later in 2010 when she told him she was wrong about Sydney being his father. 'She told me that I really was the son of Stuart in a car park at Waitrose and that it was all a mistake', he told the judge. Patricia Marcus, however, gave evidence confirming her belief that Edward was Sydney's son, adding that her former lover had also 'accepted Edward as his son'. She told the court she first met Sydney Glossop in the 1960s when she was working as a secretary in Norwich and he was nearly 30 years her senior. They had a brief relationship before she wed Stuart Marcus, but after the marriage Sydney 'made a nuisance and rang me up constantly', she said - culminating in a one-night encounter in 1977 while Stuart was away on business. 'It was at this meeting that Edward was conceived,' she explained. On top of insisting that Stuart was his dad, Edward argued that, even if the DNA evidence was accepted by the judge, he should be entitled to benefit from the trust as a step-son of Stuart Marcus. Master Marsh termed the DNA evidence 'cogent and reliable' in showing that Jonathan and Edward are half siblings and found that 'Edward and Jonathan do not share a biological father'. Kitfix's company HQ transferred to a four-acre site at Swaffham, in Norfolk, where the company focuses on selling 'Sequin Art' craft packs But the DNA evidence could not pin down which of the pair was Stuart's son, said the judge, making Patricia Marcus' account of her relationship with Sydney Glossop crucial to the case. 'Patricia is the only person with first-hand knowledge about her relationship with Mr Glossop,' the judge told the court. 'Only she would know about her sexual activity with Stuart, his absences on business, her sexual activity with Mr Glossop. 'Her evidence about Stuart's absence for a period in mid-1977 was not capable of being challenged. 'Even accepting the possibility that she has convinced herself of a set of facts, as to the date of conception and her sexual partner at that time, I consider it is more likely than not her recollection about the core facts is correct. 'I find that Stuart was not Edward's biological father.' Despite that finding, the judge went on to rule that the aim of Stuart's trust was to benefit both Jonathan and Edward, whether or not they were his biological sons. The judge concluded: 'A reasonable person in knowledge of the relevant facts would readily conclude that, when using "children", Stuart intended this word to be understood as meaning Edward and Jonathan.' One of the 'Sequin Art' craft packs sold by the tycoon's company Kitfix He will now draw up an order putting his ruling into effect. Stuart's brainchild Kitfix has in recent years transformed into Kitfix Swallow Group, which in 2017 was split into two arms - one focused on making and selling toys and the second focused on property letting. Patricia and Jonathan are both named as directors of most of the family companies, the court heard. But Edward quit the family business after 2014 following what Jonathan's barrister labelled a 'gradual but complete breakdown in relations between Edward on the one hand and Patricia, Stuart and Jonathan on the other'. Ministers today activated 'Operation Early Dawn' as they triggered emergency measures to avoid prison overcrowding as more rioters are sentenced. The long-standing plan, described as a 'one in, one out' policy, has been implemented in the North of England in the wake of the recent widespread disorder across towns and cities. It allows defendants to be held in police cells and not summoned to magistrates' court until a space in prison is available. The Ministry of Justice said the plan had been put in place in the North East and Yorkshire; Cumbria and Lancashire; and Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. The Government said its 'decisive action to tackle violent thuggery on our streets' had 'exacerbated longstanding capacity issues in our prisons'. Since the outbreak of riots after the Southport stabbing attack on 29 July, more than 450 people have appeared in magistrates' courts in relation to the chaos. As of Friday, police have a made a total of 1,117 arrests and identified hundreds more suspects in connection with the disorder. There has been a total of 677 charges meaning it is likely that many more people could be sentenced in the coming weeks. The Prisons Officers' Association warned Operation Early Dawn would lead to 'justice delayed' for some offenders. It revealed there were only 340 spaces left in adult male prisons at the end of last week, following an influx of 397 new inmates. Labour blamed having to take the action on inheriting a prisons system 'in crisis' from the previous Tory government. Ministers today activated 'Operation Early Dawn' as they triggered emergency measures to avoid prison overcrowding as more rioters are sentenced Since the outbreak of riots after the Southport stabbing attack on 29 July, more than 450 people have appeared in magistrates' courts in relation to the chaos Your browser does not support iframes. Operation Early Dawn was previously triggered by the Conservative administration in May in a bid to tackle overcrowding in jails. Since taking office, Labour have also cut the proportion of a sentence inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent. The temporary move which does not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences is expected to result in 5,500 offenders being released in September and October. Prisons minister Lord Timpson said: 'We inherited a justice system in crisis and exposed to shocks. 'As a result, we have been forced into making difficult but necessary decisions to keep it operating. 'However, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated staff and partners, we have brought forward additional prison places and now introduced Operation Early Dawn to manage the pressure felt in some parts of the country.' Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp, from the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: 'We are working closely with criminal justice system partners to manage demand in the system and ensure that the public are safe. 'Policing will continue to arrest anyone that they need to in order to keep the public safe, including policing protests and events and ensuring that people are arrested as expected.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Mark Fairhurst, the national chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, told BBC Breakfast: 'It's justice delayed at the moment, because we're not clogging up police cells, so they might have to delay some of their operations. 'When they arrest people they've got to make sure they've got them a custody space in police custody, because we might have prisoners filling up their cells. 'Of course, they have got to pay overtime to supervise prisoners.' But Mr Fairhurst clarified that this would not mean that some people who would normally go to jail would avoid it. He described Operation Early Dawn as 'one in, one out', adding: 'As people get released, we can then pick up people from police cells and take them to court.' Mr Fairhurst had last night predicted the triggering of 'Operation Early Dawn' by the Government this week. He told BBC Radio 4's Broadcasting House on Sunday: 'Last week we had the biggest influx of new receptions I've seen for quite some time. 'We had 397 new receptions. As of Friday we only had 340 spaces left in the adult closed male estate, which is feeling the most pressure.' The longest jail sentence over the riots so far is six years, handed to David Wilkinson, 48, of Hull, who admitted violent disorder, attempted arson and racially aggravated criminal damage John Honey, 25, of Hull, pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, racially aggravated criminal damage and violent disorder, and was sentenced to four years and eight months in jail Keir Starmer brands Northern Ireland riots 'intolerable' on Belfast visit Sir Keir Starmer today branded recent riots in Northern Ireland as 'intolerable'. The Prime Minister spoke after meeting frontline officers who dealt with the violence, as well as members of ethnic minority communities that had been targeted. Sir Keir noted that many PSNI officers had sustained injuries trying to quell the recent unrest. 'My purpose was to say to them thank you for what they have done. We make big asks of them. They step up and they deserve our thanks,' he told reporters during his visit to the PSNI training college in east Belfast. 'I've also had the chance to speak with the PSNI senior leadership about the challenges that they face and the support that they need. And then, third, and very importantly, to speak to some of the communities most impacted about the fear that they have, the anxiety that they have about the recent disorder. 'The disorder is intolerable. It is incapable of justification. It's clearly racist and it does not represent the modern, forward looking Northern Ireland that I know that this place is.' The PM said he would work with the PSNI and all communities to address the disorder and its consequences. Advertisement The longest jail sentence over the recent riots so far is six years, handed to David Wilkinson, 48, of Hull, who admitted violent disorder, attempted arson and racially aggravated criminal damage, and was sentenced at Hull Crown Court. John Honey, 25, of Hull, pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, racially aggravated criminal damage and violent disorder, and was sentenced to four years and eight months in jail at Hull Crown Court. The vice president of the Prison Governors' Association said he is 'not sure' how much Operation Early Dawn will help the prisons crisis. Mark Icke told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm not sure it does help, today, tomorrow, the next day, because, as was just suggested, we have been lurching from crisis to crisis for some time. 'Running a prison is an incredibly complex business and so we don't know which way to turn at the moment.' He added that short term measures 'are not ideal'. 'We have been highlighting this to the previous Government, we've highlighted this to the new Government, and we really do want to sit down and have a conversation about what the purpose of prison is moving forward,' he said. 'We cannot carry on operating in this kind of environment, it's just too much pressure.' Downing Street said the Government could trigger and deactivate the emergency plans to ease prison overcrowding in northern England several times over the next few weeks. A No10 spokeswoman said she expects the area will 'move in and out of' Operation Early Dawn during 'short periods of significant pressure'. 'It is a pre-existing contingency measure that is used for short periods a matter of days or weeks to manage immediate, localised pressures on the prison estate,' she added. 'It's possible, to manage immediate pressures, we'll move in and out of this operation over the next few weeks, exactly to manage what are short periods of significant pressure 'But we'll keep that under constant review and activate or deactivate for those kinds of short periods as is necessary'. The spokeswoman continued: 'The purpose of it is to support very localised co-ordination between police stations, the prison services and the courts. 'It's actually to ensure that nobody is taken to court unless there's a guaranteed space for them should they be remanded, and it enables individuals to be held in a police station until they are summoned for court. So it's about managing very local issues.' Volodymr Zelensky has accused Britain of 'slowing down' support for Ukraine as he demanded the removal of 'barriers' in his country's fight against Russia. The Ukrainian President stepped up his campaign for the easing of restrictions on using the UK's powerful Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 155 miles. Mr Zelensky has this month overseen a Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk region, which he said is aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent further cross-border attacks by Moscow. Britain has given the green light for UK-donated weapons to be used on Russian soil as part of Ukraine's self-defence. The only exception is Storm Shadow missiles, which remain off limits beyond Ukraine's borders, but Mr Zelensky said 'long-range capabilities' were 'vital'. His team has claimed Britain loosening restrictions on the use of the weapons could 'turn the tide of the war'. Volodymr Zelensky has accused Britain of 'slowing down' support for Ukraine as he demanded the removal of 'barriers' in his country's fight against Russia The Ukrainian President stepped up his campaign for the removal of restrictions on using the UK's powerful Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 155 miles A Ukrainian soldier shoots a Browning machine gun mounted to a Humvee military vehicle during an exercise in the Sumy region near the Russian border In a post to X, formerly Twitter, Mr Zelesnky said: 'We are doing everything possible to provide our warriors with the necessary weapons and reinforcements. 'It is crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands. 'Long-range capabilities are the answer to the most critical strategic questions of this war. 'The bravery of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades compensate for the lack of essential decisions from our partners. 'We could decisively deprive the occupiers of any ability to advance and cause destruction if our long-range capabilities were sufficient.' He added: 'Throughout this war, we've seen the UK demonstrate true leadership in arms, politics, and support for Ukrainian society. 'This has saved thousands of lives, reflecting the strength of the UK. Unfortunately, the situation has slowed down recently. 'We will discuss how to fix this because long-range capabilities are vital for us. The whole world sees how effective Ukrainians are how our entire nation defends its independence.' Ex-Tory MP Grant Shapps, the former defence secretary, demanded that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer 'urgently reassures' Mr Zelensky of Britain's support for Ukraine. He posted on X: 'Starmer's government needs to avoid any impression they are not providing full-throated support for Ukraine. 'It's important Starmer urgently reassures President Zelenskyy (with deeds and words) that the UK remains unwavering in our support.' Downing Street today pushed back at Mr Zelensky's allegation that Britain had 'slowed down' support for Ukraine. A Number 10 spokeswoman said: 'The Prime Minister remains absolutely resolute in his support for Ukraine. 'And in fact, on the latest situation, including in Kursk, the Prime Minister wants to set out his full admiration for the bravery shown by Ukrainian soldiers who have once again proved their spirit and determination in the face of continued Russian aggression, and shown that they will do whatever it takes to defend their country. 'It is a reminder that Ukraine has consistently exceeded expectations of what is possible and Russia continues to fail. 'But in terms of our support, again, it is unwavering. That's why we committed to 3billion a year in support for Ukraine to do that for as long as it (the war) lasts.' But the spokeswoman added there had been 'no change' in Britain's position on Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow missiles. It has been reported the US is effectively blocking Britain from allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia, with a request for US approval said to be 'stuck in their system'. Downing Street said talks between Britain and other NATO allies, including the US and France, was 'ongoing' about military sypport for Ukraine. 'We also have an ongoing dialogue with our allies about a co-ordinated effort between us all to do the same thing and be united in our support for Ukraine,' the No10 spokeswoman added. 'So, more broadly, yes, there are conversations always happen between ourselves.' Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a military incursion into Russia's Kursk region since August 6. The UK has pledged 12.5billion in support to Ukraine since February 2022, of which 7.6billion is for military assistance. This includes 3billion for military assistance in 2024/25. The new package of lethal aid for Ukraine includes a quarter of a million of 50-calibre ammunition, 90 anti-armour Brimstone missiles, 50 small military boats, 40 de-mining vehicles, and 10 AS-90 artillery guns. Ukrainian forces have also received 61 bulldozers and support for previously gifted AS-90s, from the UK. Shocking footage has emerged of the moment a French border guard vessel attempted to ram a heavily overloaded migrant craft as it set out for the perilous Channel crossing to Britain this morning. The black inflatable dinghy carrying dozens of migrants set off from Gravelines beach close to the port of Calais around 7:30am local time this morning in what appeared to be fairly calm waters. But the migrants made it less than 100ft into the sea before being spotted by a French board guard unit in a speedboat. Flashing blue and red lights, the speedboat made a couple of close passes by the dinghy, warning it to turn around and head for shore. When the dinghy continued on, the coastguard craft pulled up alongside before appearing to ram the sorely overloaded migrant vessel. Witnesses on the beach in Gravelines said the migrant boat was then pursued by a French naval vessel and the coastguard search and rescue craft 'Ridens' which attempted to shepherd the dinghy into Calais port. Flashing blue and red lights, the speedboat made a couple of close passes by the dinghy, warning it to turn around and head for shore Migrants are seen pointing as the coastguard boat heads toward their dinghy When the dinghy continued on, the coastguard craft pulled up alongside before appearing to ram the sorely overloaded migrant vessel Your browser does not support iframes. The speedboat leaves the area after ramming the migrant boat More than 19,000 migrants have entered the UK by small boat in 2024 so far - after nearly 500 people crossed the channel on Saturday, according to Home Office figures. On August 17, 492 migrants crossed in nine boats - taking the provisional total for the year so far to 19,066. This is a 10% increase on the figure recorded last year, which was 17,346. But the latest figure is 10% down on 2022, when 21,130 crossings were recorded in the same period. Last week saw the largest number of crossings in a single day since the Labour Government took power, when 703 people were recorded as arriving in the UK last Sunday in 11 boats - suggesting an average of 64 people per boat. Some 25 migrants have died attempting to cross the Channel this year, according to French officials. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We all want to see an end to dangerous small boat crossings, which are undermining border security and putting lives at risk. 'The new Government is taking steps to boost our border security, setting up a new Border Security Command which will bring together our intelligence and enforcement agencies, equipped with new counter-terror-style powers and hundreds of personnel stationed in the UK and overseas, to smash the criminal smuggling gangs making millions in profit.' Migrant craft is seen listless close to the shore in Gravelines after being rammed by a speedboat Migrants walk in the water to board a smuggler's boat on the beach of Gravelines Migrants are seen on the beach in Gravelines, France ahead of an attempt to cross the Channel Border Force Ranger and Defender escort migrants into Dover Docks, Kent. Border Force help them ashore on August 18 One of the new Government's first moves was to scrap the Rwanda deportation scheme, which shadow home secretary James Cleverly says has benefitted those capitalising on unsafe crossings. He said: 'When Labour ditched our deterrent they sent a dangerous signal to the people smugglers that they were not willing to take the tough action necessary to control our borders, and the smugglers are reaping the benefits. 'And over a month later they still have not appointed anyone to run their phantom border command. 'This new government must urgently take action to get a grip on these ever-rising crossing numbers.' Labour is said to be in the final stages of recruiting a new boss to lead the Border Security Command - and an announcement could be made this week. They will report directly to the Home Secretary, and be paid up to 200,000 to provide 'strategic direction to work across agencies, drawing together the work of the National Crime Agency (NCA), intelligence agencies, police, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force'. Around 100 people have already moved into the command HQ based in the Home Office, establishing the remit and strategic direction of the new command. Jay Slater's heartbreaking last words to his mother before the teenager fell to his death down a 300ft ravine in Tenerife have been revealed. The 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer told Debbie Duncan 'I love you mother' for one final time before he went on a night out, she said. Jay went missing after he attended the NRG Festival rave at Papagayo, in Playa de las Americas, on June 17. The teenager got separated from his friends and went back to an AirBnB holiday cottage in the remote village of Masca with two British men he met. He was last seen trying to walk the 10-hour journey home from a night out after missing a bus back. It sparked a month-long hunt which garnered world-wide attention bu it met a tragic end in the mountainous area of north-west of the island when his body was discovered down a deep and treacherous ravine. Jay is believed to have lost his footing and fallen while desperately trying to climb through the ravine to try and return to his hotel. An autopsy later found he suffered broken bones but died of traumatic head injuries, consistent with a fall from height, and his death would have been instantaneous. Speaking to The Sun, Ms Duncan, 56, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, said she told him 'I love you my boy' before he went on a night out, adding: 'That was the last thing that we said to each other, thank God.' 'I'm just glad that we spoke to each other that night.' Jay Slater's heartbreaking final words to his mother before the teenager fell to his death down a 300ft ravine in Tenerife have been revealed The 19-year-old's last words to his mother Debbie Duncan (pictured) were 'I love you mother' The spot where Jay Slater was found when he plunged to his death in Tenerife The Masca forest area where Spanish Civil Guard located Jay's body in a ravine But Ms Duncan later received a devastating call from Jay's pal Lucy Mae Law telling her he was missing the next day on June 17. Footage of the inhospitable terrain in Tenerife which Jay clambered over shows a series of ridges and rocky outcrops with sheer drops of up to 300ft either side. The volcanic landscape is considered to be almost inaccessible by people on foot apart from by experienced mountaineers with ropes and climbing equipment. Some of the gaps between the cliffs are only a few feet wide and hidden in shadows, possibly explaining how the 19-year-old's body was missed by earlier aerial searches. Ms Duncan had paid for his room at the Paloma Beach apartments in Los Cristianos, where he and friend Bradley Hargreaves planned to stay for four days. She said he called her and said they were 'chilling' at their rooms and he's burnt his shoulder, so she said to apply Aloe Vera she's given him for the trip. Speaking about the night out, he told her he wasn't going 'mad' and only planned to have a 'few drinks', his mother said. A message from Jay's mother attached with a blue peg to one of the bouquets at his funeral Jay's father Warren and brother Zak hiked through the mountain track where Jay's phone was last located during the search which lasted up to a month The Guardia Civil released video footage of the search efforts undertaken to find Jay She slammed the cruel trolls who posted comments and conspiracy theories on social media when she was searching for her son. The grieving mother also revealed she was sent thousands of messages, pictures and videos including mock-ups of Jay being tortured - blasting them as 'sick'. She was sent two sick videos of people, meant to be Jay, being beaten up and one clip was labelled: 'We have your son'. His funeral was even targeted by online scammers who wrongly claimed people could pay to watch it streaming live. She reported some messages to the police and vowed to campaign for tougher laws on trolling which 'terrorised' her family. The Slater family received a torrent of abuse online when they were searching for Jay as well as in the weeks after his tragic death. Trolls accused them of stealing money from a GoFundMe page they didn't even set up. Jay's friend Lucy-Mae Law started the fundraiser on behalf of the family. Ms Duncan said even though trolls attacked her about the fundraiser, she had no clue what it was and barely used any of the money, save for some accommodation costs, a search dog team and Jay's repatriation. Jay's older brother Zak (left) wipes away a tear as he holds his mother's arm at the funeral The order of service for Jay's funeral featured a picture of the teenager smiling with the words 'Forever 19' Jay has been laid to rest in a bright blue coffin, with his name embossed on the side She also confirmed she had been speaking to a liaison officer at GoFundMe 'virtually everyday' who knows the 'money has not been misused'. Ms Duncan and Jay's older brother Zak, 24, said he 'deserved every bit' of the tributes given as hundreds attended his funeral on August 10. Her 'smiling' boy had a 'good job' and was about to take his driving test upon his return home. Hundreds of mourners braved the drizzle at Accrington Crematorium Chapel in Lancashire to attend the teenager's funeral. The farewell was a sea of blue, as this was Jay's favourite colour. People were seen carrying blue flowers, wearing blue wristbands and ribbons, even blue smoke bombs were let off outside. Jay's body was brought to the chapel by horse-drawn carriage in a blue coffin, with 'JAY' embossed on the side. His mother and father Warren Slater, 58, both wiped away tears as they led a procession of mourners. The Slater family has endured conspiracy theories and vitriolic comments online since the teenager went missing - including hoax hostage videos. Slamming the trolls, Jay's grieving mother said: 'The people saying stuff about him didn't know Jay and they don't know us. 'He hasn't been here to defend himself against all these horrible stories that were going on around the world about him.' The hero security guard who foiled the Leicester Square knife attack has revealed he is a Pakistani migrant who came to the UK to study. Abdullah was on duty in the tourist hotspot when a man launched a savage daylight attack against an 11-year-old Australian girl and her 34-year-old mother. Abdullah, 29 - who was guarding the nearby TWG tea shop - managed to disarm the 32-year-old suspect, who allegedly had the terrified schoolgirl in a headlock and had stabbed her eight times. Police have since charged Romanian national Ioan Pintaru with attempted murder - while Abdullah has been hailed a 'hero' for his role in stopping the incident. He has now revealed he originally came to the UK to study for a master's degree in project management after growing up in Abbottabad, northern Pakistan. Speaking out about the attack -which came amid widespread rioting by far-right thugs - proud migrant Abdullah said: 'This is our country, we came here as a choice so we are protectors, not attackers.' Hero security guard Abdullah, 29, has revealed he is a migrant from Pakistan who came over to England to study. He helped save a girl, 11, from an alleged knifeman in Leicester Square Pictured are police in Leicester Square following the horror attack on August 12 Abdullah, who is the youngest of seven, said he started working in security after failing to find a job as a project manager. Speaking to the Guardian, he added he 'really enjoyed' his work as a guard, proudly telling the paper: 'Im protecting people Abdullah has since been praised for his heroism, with his bravery being recognised last week at the Pakistani high commission. And he said his courage was even being celebrated back in his home country. 'They're saying: "Well done Abdullah, hero of Leicester Square",' he told the Guardian. 'All of my relatives, friends are going to my home [in Pakistan] and meeting my parents, my siblings. It's just like Eid, people are coming there and celebrating like: "Your son has made our whole country proud".' The terrifying attack took place on August 12, shortly after 11.30am. The 11-year-old victim from New South Wales was rushed to hospital where she has since had plastic surgery after receiving wounds to her face, shoulder, wrist and neck during the alleged attack. Abdullah has since been praised for his heroism, with his bravery being recognised last week at the Pakistani high commission (pictured is the ceremony) The girl's mother, 34, was also injured and was found covered in her daughter's blood after she desperately tried to save her. Speaking shortly after the drama, Abdullah said he wasn't scared when he rushed at the alleged knifeman. 'I would say that I'm a brave person. We Pakistanis are brave by heart as. So I wasn't scared,' he told the ABC. 'I've never seen anything like it before, it was horrible,' he added. Pintaru, a long-distance truck driver, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place following the allegedly random attack. He appeared at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday wearing a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. Pintaru, who was described as homeless in court, was remanded in custody ahead of his next court hearing in the Old Bailey on September 10. Ioan Pintaru, 32, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place following the alleged attack in London Police have not confirmed a motive for the attack but say it was not terror-related (pictured, police officers at the scene in Leicester Square in London) Abdullah said he hoped to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK and secure a job in project management, adding that he 'would love to stay in this country because I love this country.' The Conservative peer Aamer Sarfraz described Abdullah as a 'real-life hero' whose 'actions have single-handedly shut down the narrative of the far-right protesters'. 'His bravery also sheds light on the largely unsung workforce of security guards, who protect us every day, without ever really being recognised,' Lord Sarfraz added. The drama came amid widespread rioting by far-right thugs in cities across the UK, which saw yobs firebombing police and libraries, torching cars and looting shops. More than 1,000 people have since been arrested and 575 charged in connection with the mayhem, in which people also targeted mosques, migrant hotels and shouted Islamophobic chants in the streets. Tech billionaire Peter Thiel advanced a conspiracy theory about Jeffrey Epstein's alleged involvement in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation while on the Joe Rogan Experience. The former managing director of PayPal told the host he had developed his own theory about why the Microsoft founder set up the poverty-fighting nonprofit in 2000. Rumors have swirled about the breakup and impact of Bill's relationship with Epstein since the couple divorced in 2021, Melinda reportedly taking $76billion in the settlement before leaving the Foundation this June with a deal worth $12.5billion. Peter Thiel told Joe Rogan in an episode of the show aired this week he believed the Foundation itself was a ploy suggested by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein in lieu of a marriage prenup, allowing Bill Gates to stop his wife taking more in the divorce. 'My sort of straightforward "alternate" conspiracy theory is...Bill and Melinda get married in 1994, they don't sign a prenup and something's going wrong with the marriage and maybe Melinda can get half the money in a divorce. He doesn't want her to get half the money. And what do you do?' he said on the show. 'The alternate plan is something like: You commit the marital assets to this non-profit and it sort of locks Melinda into not complaining about the marriage for a long, long time... so there's something about the left-wing philanthropy world that was some sort of Boomer way to control their crazy wives, or something like this.' Bill and Melinda Gates (pictured in 2018) announced their divorce in 2021 PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel appears on the Joe Rogan Experience episode 2190 Rogan (pictured in another episode) asked if the non-profit was a way to 'whitewash' his past Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Gates and Bill and Boris Nikolic, Foundation science advisor, in 2011 During the sit-down, Thiel referred to the relationship between Epstein and Bill Gates. The pair met 'several times' in spite of the revelations about Epstein's sex-trafficking of minors, from his first guilty plea in 2008. Melinda Gates cited 'evil, abhorrent' Epstein's relationship with Bill in her reasons for the divorce, telling CBS: 'I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein'. Last year, it was reported Epstein had appeared to threaten and tried to blackmail Bill Gates over an alleged affair. Bill has since admitted the meetings with the disgraced financier were a 'huge mistake'. '[Bill Gates] supposedly talked to Epstein early on about how his marriage wasn't doing that well and Epstein suggested that he should get a divorce, circa 2010, 2011,' Thiel claimed, without pushback from Rogan. 'And Gates told him something like, you know, that doesn't quite work, presumably because he didn't have a prenup,' he continued. 'So there's one part as Epstein as a marriage counsellor, which is sort of disturbing. 'But then the second thing that we know that Gates talked to Epstein about was sort of, all the sort of collaborating on funding, setting up this philanthropy, somewhat corrupt left-wing philanthropy structure. 'My sort of straightforward alternate conspiracy theory is... shall we combine those two and was there... 'Bill and Melinda get married in 1994, the don't sign a prenup and something's going wrong with the marriage and maybe Melinda can get half the money in a divorce. 'He doesn't want her to get half the money. And what do you do?' Thiel, who was slammed by Melinda Gates last month for not doing enough philanthropy himself, sensationally claimed Bill had intentionally 'locked' Melinda into the non-profit to restrict her access to his money. He framed the conspiracy as a trope of what he called the 'Left-wing philanthropy world', used as a 'Boomer way to control their crazy wives'. 'It's a way to whitewash your past, right?' Joe Rogan replied. There is no evidence Thiel's self-described 'conspiracy theory' holds any water. Gates has admitted he did meet with the financier and described the meetings as a 'mistake'. 'I made a mistake ever meeting with Jeffrey Epstein. You know, maybe her [Melinda's] instincts on that were keener than mine,' he told the BBC in 2022. 'Any meeting I had with him could be viewed as almost condoning his evil behaviour. So, that was a mistake.' Melinda Gates announced she was leaving the Foundation in May 2024, saying the move was part of her transition to 'the next chapter of my philanthropy'. The Gates' foundation is the world's largest private charitable foundation, with an endowment of $75.2 billion as of December 2023 according to its website. In 2015, Melinda founded her own organization, Pivotal Ventures, which aims to implement innovative solutions to problems affecting U.S. women and families. 'Under the terms of my agreement with Bill, in leaving the foundation, I will have an additional $12.5 billion to commit to my work on behalf of women and families. 'I'll be sharing more about what that will look like in the near future.' Bill and Melinda met in 1987 - the same year he became the world's youngest billionaire at the age of 31. They went on to marry in Hawaii in 1994, and have three children together: Jennifer, 28, Rory, 24, and Phoebe, 21. Their divorce came amid rumors about Gates' checkered love life after it emerged he had an affair with a Russian bridge player, and that Jeffrey Epstein had tried to 'extort' him over the relationship. Peter Thiel founded Confinity in 1998 (initially Fieldlink) before merging with Musk's X.com Thiel today is worth an estimated $8.4billion, according to Forbes Melinda Gates, then co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, takes part in an 'Empowering Women as Entrepreneurs and Leaders' panel in Washington in 2023 The Microsoft founder claimed he never had any business relationship or friendship with Epstein, and their meetings were solely to discuss philanthropic ventures. After announcing his divorce from Melinda, Microsoft employees alleged that Gates had pursued sexual affairs with employees and journalists. After Bill's connections to Epstein came to light in 2019 - which he claims were purely for philanthropic reasons - Melinda reportedly began consulting lawyers about splitting up their $150 billion, according to an upcoming book by New York Times journalist Anupreeta Das. Thiel, who has supported various right-wing causes and voiced support from Trump in the past, has found himself aligned with Musk in backing Republican campaigns. Musk, who founded PayPal in 2000 by merging his X.com direct bank with Confinity, has clashed with Bill Gates in the past, having been criticized for not giving away more of his fortune and allegedly criticizing Gates' manner of charity in return. Musk reportedly quizzed Gates on why he had shorted Tesla's stock, expecting its value to lower, prompting an apology. Musk biographer Walter Isaacson said Musk felt Gates' climate change work was hypocritical, nonetheless, and said he could not 'take your philanthropy on climate seriously'. Musk went on to mock Gates' appearance in a post on Twitter. DailyMail.com contacted the Gates Foundation for comment. A Christian charity volunteer has been awarded a 13,000 payout and an apology from police after being arrested for praying silently outside an abortion clinic. Isabel Vaughan-Spruce issued a claim against West Midlands Police for two wrongful arrests and false imprisonments; assault and battery in relation to an intrusive search of her person; and for a breach of her human rights in 2022 and 2023. Ms Vaughan-Spruce was first arrested in November 2022 for praying in a 'buffer zone' outside the BPAS Robert Clinic in Kings Norton, Birmingham. Just weeks after she was found not guilty by Birmingham Magistrates Court, she was arrested a second time for silently praying outside the same clinic in February 2023. Officers from West Midlands Police told her at the time that 'engaging in prayer' was 'the offence' after she insisted she was 'not protesting'. But Police later said 'there will be no further investigation' into the incident and apologised to her. Now, Ms Vaughan-Spruce, who is the director of anti-abortion group March for Life UK, has received a 13,000 payout after pursuing a claim against West Midlands Police. Isabel Vaughan-Spruce (pictured arriving at Birmingham Magistrates' Court) has been issued a 13,000 payout and an apology from West Midlands Police Isabel Vaughan-Spruce issued a claim against West Midlands Police for two wrongful arrests and false imprisonments; assault and battery in relation to an intrusive search of her person; and for a breach of her human rights in 2022 and 2023 It comes just days after reports the Government is considering formally criminalising silent prayer outside abortion clinics, with new legislation set to come into force. Lord Frost, a former Conservative cabinet minister, has said that if the reports are correct, 'then not just freedom of speech, but freedom of thought will be under threat'. Speaking about Ms Vaughan-Spruce's case, Lord Frost said: 'It is incredible that people have been arrested for thoughtcrime in modern Britain. I am very glad Ms Vaughan-Spruce has received compensation for her unjust arrest for this so-called offence. 'But if a recent report is correct that the Government is considering formally criminalising silent prayer outside abortion centres, then there will be further such cases, and then not just freedom of speech but freedom of thought will be under threat. It is hard to imagine a more absurd and dangerous situation. 'It would be much better to stick to the sensible approach in the previous Home Secretary's draft guidance, which proposed a much better balance between the various competing rights and interests. If the government scraps it, then it will be clear to all that its commitment to civil liberties and fundamental freedoms is paper-thin.' Ms Vaughan-Spruce said 'silent prayer is not a crime' and that nobody should be arrested for the thoughts they have in their heads, according to The Telegraph. Ms Vaughan-Spruce and Father Sean Gough speaking outside Birmingham Magistrates Court on February 16, 2023 She said: 'There is no place for in 21st-century Britain, and thanks to legal support I received from ADF UK, I'm delighted that the settlement that I have received today acknowledges that. 'Yet despite this victory, I am deeply concerned that this violation could be repeated at the hands of other police forces. Our culture is shifting towards a clampdown on viewpoint diversity, with Christian thought and prayer increasingly under threat of censorship.' According to ADF International, Lord Michael Farmer, former treasurer of the Conservative Party said people 'should be horrified at its citizens being arrested for their silent thoughts or prayer'. He said: 'What happened to Isabel Vaughan-Spruce was a travesty of justice and it is right that West Midlands Police make some compensation for the hardship she has endured. 'But the wider issue remains that we are living through an undemocratic clampdown on Christian speech, expression and thought in the UK which is set to intensify when the government rolls out 'buffer zones' nationwide. If pro-life thought is considered prosecutable today, what other thought crimes might face similar measures tomorrow?' A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: 'A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced by Birmingham City Council in 2022 to deter protesters and protect the public from intimidation that their presence causes following numerous complaints from residents in Station Road, Kings Norton dating back to 2021. 'A member of the public who had been arrested on suspicion of breaching the PSPO subsequently made a civil claim for unlawful arrest, assault and a breach of their human rights. We have now settled that claim without any admission of liability. 'We continue to liaise with Birmingham City Council and listen to the feedback from residents in the area.' Investigations are continuing into how 80 sheep died while being transported by air to Indonesia. The Australian Livestock Exporters Council said the breeder sheep deaths happened on Saturday evening after the animals, which departed from Sydney on a plane, had been checked and deemed healthy. The Department of Agriculture, as the regulator of live animal exports, is investigating. 'It is premature to comment on the incident or speculate as to possible cause at this time,' a department spokesperson said. The sheep which were Dorpers, were headed to Jakarta. According to government data, 11 sheep have died while being exported by air between 2019 and 2023, with 132,499 sheep exported by plane during that period. The council, LiveAir, the exporter and the air freight operator will work with the regulator as the investigation progresses. The RSPCA has long campaigned against live exports by sea and says the industry is 'unfixable'. Investigations are continuing into how 80 sheep died while being transported by air to Indonesia (file picture) 'We expect the exporter, and the government as the regulator, to be open and transparent with the Australian community about what happened, what went wrong, and what steps will be taken to prevent this happening with any more Australian sheep in the future,' a spokesperson for the RSPCA said. Live sheep exports by sea will be banned from May 2028 after legislation passed the Senate in July, but air exports can continue. Labor vowed to end the trade by sea following animal rights concerns after thousands of sheep died of heat stress while en route to the Middle East. The federal government has slated a $107 million transition package to flow to affected farmers. Last-minute lobbying by West Australian farmers and exporters was not enough to have the legislation blocked. Farmers have warned that some WA towns will die once the law comes into force and vowed to target Labor's marginal seats. A mother was airlifted to hospital with serious burns across her body after a deep fat fryer exploded while she was working at a fish and chip shop. Emergency services received numerous reports of a gas explosion at KI Fish and Chips in Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island at about 5pm on Saturday. The force of the blast blew out a large section of the shop front and started a fire inside. Sheena Childs was found at the scene with burns to her face, hands and thighs. She was rushed to the local hospital before she was flown to Adelaide for further treatment, where she remains in hospital. While the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, it's understood Ms Childs had lit the deep fryer moments beforehand. Kangaroo Island mayor Michael Pengilly described the scene as a war zone. Images from the scene showed windows at the front of the store had been shattered and the front door ripped from its hinges. Sheena Childs (pictured) is in hospital with burns to her face, hands and thighs after a horrific incident while working at her local fish and chip shop The blast had so much force it destroyed the front window of KI Fish and Chips, on Kangaroo Island, and ripped the front door off its hinges (pictured) 'It was absolutely confronting but we're thankful there were no deaths,' Cr Pengilly told Seven News. 'The building can be repaired but lives can't be... if they're lost.' He hopes that Ms Childs makes a full recovery. 'The family are highly regarded in the community,' Cr Pengilly said. The owner of the fish and chip shop, who has several other businesses on Kangaroo Island, has been left devastated by the fiery blast. He vowed to support Ms Childs and her young family. Windows at the front of the store had been shattered and the front door ripped from its hinges About 25 firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish the blaze. Initial estimates believe the damage bill is in excess of $40,000. 'That figure could rise once Fire Investigators attend the property and also determine the exact cause of the blast,' a CFS statement read. NSW Police saw chilling threats from one of the men who went on to fatally shoot two Queensland officers at least five hours before the killings, a coroner has heard. State Coroner Terry Ryan, who is investigating the fatal shooting of six people at a rural Queensland property on December 12, 2022, on Monday heard evidence for the first time from NSW Police officers. Mr Ryan heard Gareth Train, 47, emailed his brother Nathaniel, 46, claiming NSW Police wanted to 'see you dead' and told others he would 'greet them as they deserve' if officers arrived at his doorstep. NSW Police was forwarded the emails the day they were sent, on December 11, 2022 and were read and reviewed by an officer before 11am the next day. About 5.30pm NSW time on December 12, Queensland Constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, were shot dead by the brothers at Wieambilla, west of Brisbane, while attempting to locate Nathaniel Train. NSW Police Sergeant Simon Thorpe testified in Brisbane Coroners Court on Monday he spoke to a close associate of Nathaniel Train at a regional NSW police station on November 23, 2022, about the procedure for reporting him missing. Sgt Thorpe said he entered details about Gareth Train's emails into the police's information system on the morning of December 12 but did not realise they contained references to a confrontation with police in coming days. 'They will attempt to see you dead by Saturnalia,' Gareth Train told his brother in the email, referring to the ancient Roman festival held on December 17, which is linked to both celebration and symbols of human sacrifices. NSW Police saw chilling threats from Gareth Train (pictured with wife Stacey) at least five hours before they, along with Gareth's brother Nathaniel, fatally shot two Queensland officers Gareth Train, 47, emailed his brother Nathaniel, 46, (pictured) claiming NSW Police wanted to 'see you dead' The close associate forwarded to Sgt Thorpe multiple emails sent by Gareth Train between December 10 and 11 2022, after he learned of the missing persons report. The emails contained numerous insults directed toward police, accusing them of being corrupt since 1788, and obscene slurs towards people Gareth Train thought responsible for the attempt to locate his brother. Sgt Thorpe said he entered into the police files that the emails, which included references to the Australian spy agency ASIO, suggested Gareth Train had 'symptoms of delusional paranoia'. Mr Ryan was told Sgt Thorpe previously entered in case files in late November 2022 that Nathaniel Train was 'becoming paranoid and Godlike' in terms of being outspoken about his religious beliefs and his brother Gareth had a 'dislike of police and authority figures'. Mr Ryan heard Sgt Thorpe was shown a letter suggesting Nathaniel Train might in December 2022 attend the remote Wieambilla property owned by his brother and his sibling's 45-year-old wife Stacey. Counsel assisting Ruth O'Gorman asked Sgt Thorpe if the close associate had informed him of their relationship with Gareth and Stacey Train. '(The associate) ... said the relationship was strained ... Gareth had a dislike of police and authority figures. He was paranoid,' Sgt Thorpe said of their November 23, 2022 conversation. The close associate cannot be identified due to a court order. Queensland Constables Matthew Arnold, 26, (left) and Rachel McCrow, 29, (right) were shot dead by the brothers at Wieambilla, west of Brisbane, while attempting to locate Nathaniel Nathaniel, Gareth and Stacey Train went on to also kill their neighbour Alan Dare, 58, soon afterwards. All three Trains were shot dead hours later by specialist officers after they refused to surrender and opened fire on a police armoured vehicle Mr Ryan heard Sgt Thorpe discovered Nathaniel Train had an outstanding arrest warrant in Queensland for illegally crossing the border during COVID-19 lockdowns and for firearms offences. Sgt Thorpe said he did not tell the close associate about the criminal charges as he was required to protect Train's privacy. Mr Ryan heard Sgt Thorpe had attempted to contact Gareth Train by phone and left a message. 'My main concern was that ... Queensland police would likely be met with hostility and he would be unco-operative,' Sgt Thorpe said. Gareth Train did not return Sgt Thorpe's phone message but stated in emails he had heard it. Sgt Thorpe was not involved in the decision to send four Queensland constables to the Wieambilla property. Nathaniel, Gareth and Stacey Train went on to also kill their neighbour Alan Dare, 58, soon afterwards. All three Trains were shot dead hours later by specialist officers after they refused to surrender and opened fire on a police armoured vehicle. Russian troops have been seen taped to trees and beaten by furious commanders as punishment for being drunk on the frontllines of Vladimir Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine, new footage has revealed. Footage posted online showed the troops being tied to trees in an unknown forest near the front. A foul-mouthed officer berates the soldiers for getting drunk on duty, a major problem in Putin's ranks. He barked: 'What the f*** were you doing?' He told one: 'I think you're f***ing lost.' The officer then asked another: 'Are you a drunk too?' Russian troops have been seen taped to trees and beaten by furious commanders as punishment for being drunk on the frontllines of Vladimir Putin 's brutal invasion of Ukraine Footage posted online showed the troops being tied to trees in an unknown forest near the front Then he orders an underling to beat the alleged military drunks. 'Kashira, give this one two punches in the face, also this one next one...' There have been reports of Russian troops thrown into Putin's meat-grinder war resorting to vodka and drugs on the frontline. Alcohol abuse among Russian soldiers has led to indiscipline, decreased operational readiness, and incidents of violence and accidents, according to anecdotal evidence. Last year, the UK's Ministry of Defence claimed Russia was facing an 'extremely high' number of 'incidents, crimes and deaths linked to alcohol consumption.' It added that binge drinking on the front lines was 'tacitly accepted' by Russia's top brass, even during combat operations. There have been reports of Russian troops thrown into Putin's meat-grinder war resorting to vodka and drugs on the frontline Alcohol abuse among Russian soldiers has led to indiscipline, decreased operational readiness, and incidents of violence and accidents There have been fights among soldiers, desertions, and insubordination, with complaints of a lack of combat readiness. Bullying - dedovshchina - too is endemic in Putin's military machine, which has failed to modernise in the way of most Western armies. It involves hazing, physical abuse, and psychological torment of junior soldiers by their seniors. Dedovshchina is so serious that the father of a Russian conscript said in 2019 that the practice led to his son slaughtering eight fellow soldiers on a Siberian army base. Ramil Shamsutdinov shot and killed two officers and six soldiers with his service weapon on a military base in Russia's Transbaikal region in October 2019. Local media reported at the time that he was targeting the heads of his victims during his killing spree. Shamsutdinov's father told Russian outlets: 'What could have driven him to this? It's immediately clear: hazing. Persistent bullying over a long period of time. That drove him to this state.' Mobile phones stolen on UK streets are being shipped in huge numbers to warehouses in southern China where they are broken down into parts, reassembled and sold on at knock-down prices, experts have told MailOnline. An insatiable demand for second hand phones in the electronics hub of Shenzhen is being fuelled by handsets snatched by gangsters targeting busy areas in Britain, including music festivals. After being shipped into the city by criminal accomplices exploiting its lax approach to enforcing laws around stolen goods, the handsets are sold second hand if they can be unlocked and returned to factory settings. If they cannot be sold whole, they are dismantled and the component parts - such as the screen, motherboard and speaker - used for repairs or even pieced together into entire new handsets. Shenzhen is located in the south of China next to the border with Hong Kong. Known as the country's 'Silicon Valley' due to its expertise in electronics, it is also home to large retail outlets selling used consumer goods. Many stolen phones have been tracked to Huaqiang South Road, a route lined by warehouses with a dock at one end. It is believed one of the warehouses on this road could be receiving stolen mobile phones which are then taken apart and sold on - potentially on the same site. Shoppers browsing an electronics market in Shenzhen, where there is a large market for second hand phones Piles of phones for sale in a market in Shenzhen Shenzhen is located in the south of China next to the border with Hong Kong. It is known as the country's 'Silicon Valley' due to its expertise in electronics Many stolen phones have been tracked to Huaqiang South Road in Shenzhen, which is known as China's 'Silicon Valley' Londoner Sukru Haskan tracked his stolen iPhone to Huaqiang South Road, a route lined by warehouses with a dock at one end It comes as Londoner Sukru Haskan today told MailOnline of the horrifying moment his own phone was snatched on a street in Knightsbridge in July before resurfacing at an address in Shenzhen. IT and cyber-security expert Thomas Balogun, who has researched the stolen phone market in China, told MailOnline that Mr Haskan's experience had become worryingly common. 'This is a gang related thing, with gangsters targeting specific events - like festivals - and stealing phones in large numbers before shipping them to China,' he said. 'They have a very big market for used phones, no compliance with the rules against importing stolen goods and weak regulation around individual parts. 'So they either sell it as a used phone or break it into parts, which are then switched into other phones that don't work any more or used to build entire new handsets. 'The phones tend to arrive in a warehouse in Shenzhen which double up as retail outlets that sell used electronic goods.' Mr Balogun said he had learned through his research of criminals being able to construct new phones from a variety of parts within 'hours'. 'If you come to one of the warehouses and want a particular phone model, even if they don't have it they can usually put it together from parts in a few hours,' he said. 'So you'll have a whole new handset made from a variety of parts from different phones of the same model. 'These are sold very cheaply in China, so the chance of them ending back in the UK is minimal. But it's possible that phones in the UK might include some parts that have gone through this market.' Sukru Haskan, who was born in Turkey but now lives in London, said an e-cyclist grabbed his iPhone 14 out of his hand while he was walking on Brompton Street in Knightsbridge towards his home in South Kensington on July 30. He told MailOnline: 'He was on one of those e-bikes and he was wearing these thick gloves and he just grabbed it [the phone].' 'I'm a fit guy, but I didn't even intend to run after him because by the time I looked he was so far away.' An insatiable demand for second hand phones in the Chinese electronics hub of Shenzhen is being fuelled by handsets snatched by gangsters. Pictured is a retail outlet in the city In a separate incident in May, a thief on a bike was seen riding towards a young woman before snatching the phone from her hands at a bus stop in central London The thief grabbed the phone out of the victim's hands in broad daylight before speeding off down the road Mr Haskan's phone appeared in Shenzhen, China, two weeks after it was initially stolen in London Mr Haskan, 41, who works in finance, used the Apple feature Find My iPhone to track down his stolen device to Huaqiang South Road in Shenzhen. 'I've seen online hundreds of thousands of phones end up in China. 'I get how you can't prevent phones being stolen from a metropolitan city. What I'm not happy with is how afterwards, your phone gets transported to a different country with ease. 'It's become a large business, a global trade, and nothing is being done. The police closed my case because no suspects could be found, but it's part of an international crime organisation. 'People steal things, I get it, it's normal, but thousands of phones are ending up in China and no one is looking into this.' In an eerily similar incident, Emma Hall had her phone snatched by a 'gang of youths on bikes' just metes away from her East London flat on Leyton High Street in April this year. Unlocked phones are increasingly hard to sell on in the UK due to new security measures, but hers also ended up at Huaqiang South Road. Journalist Clara Gaspar had her phone stolen in March. She used the Find My iPhone app to mark it as lost - providing a phone number in case anyone found it. But before long she began receiving threatening texts from a thief in southern China demanding she remove it from her Apple account so it could be reused. One of the texts read: 'You're going to be destroyed. I've killed for far less than a f***ing phone before and we will see if you value your life over this phone so you know how f***ing serious this is. 'I know who you are and where you live and ur whole family will get slaughtered i'm going to f***ing beat and rape u horribly you f***ing piece of absolute garbage. waste of air. waste of skin u and ur family im gone f***ing murder y'all watch me.' Maria-Diandre Opre, a cyber-security expert at Earthweb previously told MailOnline that stolen phones were ending up in China 'time and time again'. Emma Hall, 44, was the victim of a phone theft on April 29 just yards from her London flat Ms Hall tracked her phone to two addresses in North London before the device popped up again in China weeks later A screenshot showing Sukru's phone pinged in the same location in Shenzhen, China 'This isn't mere coincidence, but a calculated ploy by criminals to exploit vulnerabilities in law enforcement across borders,' she said. 'For smartphone thieves, one of the biggest draws to trafficking stolen devices abroad is the reduced risk of detection. Some nations simply lack the robust legal framework and tracking capabilities to effectively police these crimes. This allows gangs to offload their ill-gotten merchandise with little fear of consequences. 'Certain regions have well-established black markets dedicated to disassembling, reprogramming, and reselling pilfered phones. 'These underground operatives possess specialised expertise to bypass security restrictions and wipe devices of their digital fingerprints before flipping them for a profit. Their intricate networks make tracing stolen stock an immense challenge.' London has been plagued by a terrifying spate of phone snatching in recent months, where e-bike crooks use high-powered vehicles to steal unsuspecting people's devices and make quick getaways. Just yesterday a man was caught on camera taking pictures in London before a thug wearing a dark hood snatched his phone straight out of his hands. Figures have shown that a mobile phone is reported as stolen in London every six minutes. There were almost 91,000 phones snatched from Londoners in 2022, at an average of 248 a day, with only two per cent of the stolen devices recovered. Criminals often target pedestrians in busy locations such as outside stations, shopping centres or concert venues, and usually approach from behind, meaning victims aren't aware of how vulnerable their phone is until it's too late. The worst-hit borough was the City of Westminster, where tourists flock for theatre shows and high-end shopping, with 18,863 reported incidents in the year to December - up 47 per cent from 12,836 in the previous 12 months. Your browser does not support iframes. Crucially, I used Apple's 'Find My' app, which comes downloaded on to every Apple device and which is accessible by desktop, allowing users to mark a phone as 'lost', which I did Camden was the second worst affected, with 4,806 incidents, followed by Southwark (4,376), Hackney (2,761), Newham (2,585), Lambeth (2,394) and Islington (2,117). In London as a whole more than 52,000 phones were stolen last year. Commander Owain Richards for Met Police said: 'We understand the impact that mobile phone theft can have on victims. 'It's an invasive and sometimes violent crime and we're committed to protecting Londoners and tackling this issue as we make the capital safer. 'Met officers are targeting resources to hotspot areas, such as Westminster, Lambeth and Newham, with increased patrols and plain clothes officers which deter criminals and make officers more visibly available to members of the community.' An insatiable demand for second hand phones in the Chinese electronics hub of Shenzhen is being fuelled by handsets snatched by gangsters. Pictured is a retail outlet in the city The summer is yet to officially end but many haven't let that stop them getting in the Christmas spirit this August. Pubgoers and shoppers alike have been left baffled as festive sweet treats begin to appear on supermarket shelves, and firs cascaded with baubles begin to sprout in boozers. The Air Balloon pub in Filton, Bristol, has not let the time of the year get in the way of their Christmas spirit, putting up Britain's first festive tree of the year. Although the floor-to-ceiling looks stunning with its blue fairy lights and co-ordinated glittery ornaments, punters were shocked to see the tree as well as a board advertising their festive menu so early in the year. One customer, Laura, said: 'I came up for a pint in the sun - I wasn't expecting to see a Christmas tree.' The Air Balloon pub in Filton, Bristol, has surprised punters by putting up a blue glittering Christmas tree up (Pictured) in a bid to get them in the festive spirit B&M customers have also been left stunned to find festive treats and snacks already for sale in at a Leeds branch (Pictured) Even though some may have been stunned by the decor, a glittering fir in August is nothing new for the Bristolian boozer which sets one up early every year to get customers in the Christmas mood. It isn't only pubs that are getting out the tinsel, shoppers have been left baffled after noticing B&M were selling their festive chocolates more than four months before the big day. A store in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has been taken over by Yuletide-themed sweet treats ready for the festive season. Haribo Elf Surprises, costing 1.25, KitKat Christmas Selection on sale for 2 and boxes of shortbread biscuits - selling at 3 - were among the goodies on sale. However friends Emma Jones and Sarah Whitaker were left divided over the extremely early rollout of Christmas treats. Emma, 35, said: 'Christmas is the best time of the year! The earlier the better, I started buying Christmas decorations and presents in January! Merry Christmas, I say.' Sarah, 36, said: 'Every year it feels like the build up to Christmas starts earlier and earlier. 'August is far too soon, we've not even had Halloween yet. It's rather depressing to be reminded that winter is on its way.' The store in Leeds, West Yorkshire, (Pictured) has been taken over with the Yuletide spirit, but customers have been left divided on the shop selling Christmas treats so early Customers have been left fuming after noticing Home Bargains is also selling Christmas stock in August (Pictured) Boots made an early pitch to festive shoppers by advertising its advent calendars, but not everyone has received it in the festive spirit. Pictured: A Boots store in London Shoppers are furious after spotting that Home Bargains has already launched its Christmas range in-store - before summer is even over. The high-street bargain shop has filled its shelves with boxes of lights, ornaments and advent calendars ready for the festive season. In a post, which has racked up over 1,000 likes, pictures of Grinch-themed gift bags, ornaments and baubles are shown. Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many people not quite ready to spread the Christmas cheer. Karen said: 'Still waiting for summer.' 'Jeez.... I have mixed views on Christmas in August. Far too early for me but I also appreciate it allows people to spread the cost over a few months which is helpful to some,' said one. A second shopper added: 'Just looking at this makes me feel cold on the out and inside.' 'I literally just mentioned this about Christmas stuff being in the shops probably before kids even go back to school,' a third wrote. However, some eager Christmas fans were thrilled to see decorations already in stores. One commented: 'Yaaaaaa, that means that it's nearly autumn. I'm so happy that summer is nearly over, especially my summer SAD. Now looking forward to Christmas cards in Card Factory.' Whilst another quipped: 'So excited to shop.' A spokesperson for The Air Balloon said: 'With Christmas such an important time of year for pubs, where family and friends can celebrate together, we are pleased to be taking bookings now for people who want to have their special event organised in good time.' A spokesperson for B&M said: 'Santa's on his way, and Christmas has arrived early at B&M Stores nationwide! 'Our festive range is always a hit, so we've made sure it's available as soon as possibleand it's already flying off the shelves! Head to B&M to dive into the festive spirit early and get a head start on your Christmas preparations. Let the countdown to Christmas begin!' Home Bargains declined to comment. This comes shortly after Boots was ridiculed after announcing its new advent calendars are on sale in the middle of August. In one of the earliest Christmas-themed pitches to the public so far this year, the health and beauty retailer emailed customers to say they could get the items more three months before they're needed. The move has sparked derision from some questioning if the High Street had 'lost their minds' by advertising the them while the children are still on their summer holidays. It came as Britain went through its hottest week of the year, with people flocking to beaches and parks across the country to make the most of the balmy weather. However, perhaps keen to make the most of anyone yearning for cooler times, Boots sent out a hopeful email to loyalty card customers informing them its advent calendars are now on sale. In its message firm said: 'Open the door to this year's Advent Calendars. 'Unwrap a new piece of magic every day with our advent calendars. The perfect treat for yourself, or a gift for that special someone. Get them before they're gone!' A Boots spokesperson told MailOnline that many customers decide to start shopping for Christmas early. They said: 'Back by popular demand, our range of advent calendars launched online earlier this week and will be available for customers to purchase at any point from now until the end of the year. 'Many of our customers choose to start their Christmas shopping early as a way to spread the cost in the run up to the big day.' Last year Home Bargains were slammed by shoppers for putting up their Christmas display in August. Boots sent an email to customers urging them to buy one of its advent calendars in the middle of August Some disgruntled customers took to social media to complain about receiving the festive-themed advert during the hottest week of the year Shoppers were left baffled after seeing tinsel, gold baubles and green wreaths for sale at the Home Bargains store in Denbigh, North Wales. The Christmas items appeared before the August summer bank holiday in 2023 - and with 18 weeks before last year's big day. A manager at the shop in Denbigh, North Wales, defended the move by saying it will help shoppers spread the cost. They said: 'Christmas can be an expensive time of year for most of us. With the cost of living, we have decided to land Christmas a little earlier this year to help our customers spread the cost.' A mother and daughter wept in the dock as they appeared in court charged with violent disorder while a woman who hurled bricks at police and a man who stole a police riot shield are among those sentenced today following widespread disorder. Grandmother Amanda Walton, 52, of Ashling Way, Middlesbrough, and Megan Davison, a 24-year-old mother of two, were remanded in custody following a hearing at Teesside Magistrates' Court. Meanwhile Donna Conniff, 40, was jailed for throwing bricks at police after coming across a riot in Hartlepool 'by chance', and Nathan Palmer, 29 is to be sentenced after being caught on video smirking and holding a riot shield. The disorder across much of England and Northern Ireland in recent weeks came in response to the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club. During the riots far-right thugs set buildings on fire, looted stores, attacked officers and police dogs and stormed hotels housing vulnerable asylum seekers. Dozens of people are again expected in court today over alleged offences that took place during the unrest. Donna Conniff, 40, threw a brick at police and handed a brick for a juvenile to throw at officers Riots were seen across large parts of England and Northern Ireland following the stabbings in Southport (Pictured: Buildings set alight by thugs in Liverpool) Rioters confront police officers outside a hotel in Rotherham that was housing asylum seekers A mother and daughter wept as they appeared in court together charged with violent disorder following widespread trouble in Middlesbrough. Grandmother Amanda Walton, 52, of Ashling Way, Middlesbrough, and Megan Davison, a 24-year-old mother of two, were remanded in custody following a hearing at Teesside Magistrates' Court. Walton, who was walking her dog, is accused of throwing a stone at a building as a baying mob made its way along Parliament Road on August 4. She is also accused of damaging a car wing mirror. Walton was with her daughter, who was said to have repeatedly jumped on the roof of the same parked car. No pleas were entered during the hearing. District Judge Marie Mallon remanded both in custody to appear before Teesside Crown Court on August 29. Meanwhile, Davison's partner, Jake Wray, who lives with her at Seaton Street, Middlesbrough, appeared in a neighbouring courtroom charged with violent disorder and arson with intent. Wray is accused of stopping cars to ask if the driver was white or English during the disorder in Middlesbrough. The 23-year-old is also accused of setting a wheelie bin alight during the trouble in the town centre. He did not enter pleas but it was indicated he would deny the offences and District Judge Helen Cousins remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court, also on August 29. As he was taken away from the dock, he told people in the public gallery: 'Tell Megan I love her.' Thousands of police officers had to be deployed around the country after riots broke out at the start of August (Pictured: Unrest in Sunderland) Rioters descended on County Road, Liverpool and set and a library on fire In Hartlepool a mother-of-six who threw a brick at police during a riot has been jailed for two years, as a judge described her actions as 'truly disgraceful'. Donna Conniff, 40, was identified from CCTV and video footage of a protest in Murray Street on the evening of July 31, in which she was seen hurling a brick and a rock towards a line of police officers, and was arrested on August 13. Conniff, of Alford Court in Hartlepool, Co Durham, dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, was also seen handing a brick to a juvenile who threw it towards police, and was part of a crowd of people who surged forwards at officers and was seen joining in with cheers as missiles were thrown. Martin Scarborough, defending Conniff, told Teesside Crown Court on Monday that she had come across the protest, which was advertised on social media, 'by chance' at about 6pm. He said: 'She knows there can only be one sentence given the nature of what we have seen. This was not politically motivated on her behalf, she is genuinely remorseful for her behaviour. 'She is effectively of good character and she can't believe she has acted in the way she has. She has reflected a lot on how she has behaved, it is the first time she has been in custody. She is a lady who has no recent convictions, she is not prone to violence.' Judge Francis Laird KC accepted that Conniff, who earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was remorseful, but said a custodial sentence was the correct course of action. He said: 'A group of people gathered in the centre at approximately 6pm. The gathering was small but grew to around 200 or so people and violent disorder developed. 'In the course of a large-scale disorder, bottles, bricks, beer cans and other items were thrown at police officers. Several were injured. Nathan Palmer, 29, was told he had 'brought shame' on himself and his family, and that he will not be able to see his grandmother in the last weeks of her life 'Whilst the disturbance was under way, you were a prominent part of a group that were throwing missiles at police officers. You were observed to throw a brick, hand a brick to a boy and encourage him to throw it at officers. 'You thrust out a leg, kicking towards a police officer. In the course of disorder, properties were targeted, windows were broken, shops and vehicles were damaged. 'Your behaviour and the behaviour of others around you was truly disgraceful. You were a persistent participant and the disorder took place in a busy residential area. Children were present. 'I understand you have not had an easy life. You were a care-leaver and now act as a carer for a former partner. You are remorseful, but you chose to take part in an organised and large-scale act of public disorder. 'Police officers were attacked, members of the public have been forced to endure the devastation and chaos caused to their community. The public are rightly outraged. Only a custodial sentence is justified.' Conniff must serve up to one half of her 24-month sentence in custody before being released on licence. As she was led out of the dock, Conniff shouted 'love you' to family members in the public gallery. And Nathan Palmer, 29, who was filmed smirking after stealing an officer's riot shield, was sentenced to two years and eight months in jail after a judge told him he was 'on the front line' of the mob who attacked a hotel in Rotherham. Judge Richardson told Palmer: 'You sought to provoke police officers. By your conduct, you were spreading hate.' 'It was an incident of major public disorder which has comprehensively stained the reputation of Rotherham and South Yorkshire. 'The part of the incident you were specifically seen to be involved with occurred as the hotel was under attack by the mob, but before the fire was started. You were part of a group of predominantly men. You were being extremely provocative towards the police who were trying to protect the occupants of the hotel, who were inside, terrified of what might happen to them. 'An officer fell, it appears near to a small embankment. During the course of that you grabbed a police shield, which was then passed around. That was bad enough but the most important point is you were part of this large mob who were becoming increasingly violent and threatening towards the police and the hotel. The moving images of what you and others did were truly frightening.' Jailing Palmer for two years, eight months, Judge Richardson continued: 'It's very sad that in the final weeks or months of your grandmother's life you will not feature as any part of it. 'I have no doubt that will cause your family considerable inconvenience. A new end of life plan will have to be devised because you will not be there. You are the author of that personal disaster - no-one else is to blame. You are to blame.' 'You've not only brought shame upon yourself, you've brought shame on your family.' Nevey Smith, 21, was told she put her own child at risk when she took them to a riot Riot police outside the hotel in Newton Heath on July 31 where Smith threw 'liquid' at officers Smith was seen with her child in a stroller seen at the riots outside the asylum seeker hotel in Rotherham The sentencing of Nevey Smith, 21, of Oldham, for violent disorder outside an asylum hotel while she was pushing her child in a stroller, has been adjourned. She was seen on footage throwing liquid from a bottle towards police officers who were trying to maintain order outside the hotel in Newton Heath, Manchester on July 31. Laura Broome, representing Smith at Manchester Crown Court, asked for sentencing to be adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Ms Broome said: 'She's 21, has no previous convictions and a one-year-old dependant son.' Judge Patrick Field KC, agreed to the adjournment and bailed the defendant before sentencing on September 23. He added: 'Let me tell you. The fact that I'm ordering a pre-sentence report and the fact that I'm releasing you on bail should not be taken by you as any indication of what the eventual sentence will be. The judge who sentences you will have all sentencing options available, that includes a custodial sentence.' Smith replied: 'Thank you judge,' as she left the dock. In Bristol a woman who threw a drinks can at police officers during a riot has been jailed for more than two years. Lisa Bishop, 38, was captured on body camera footage verbally abusing officers and counter protesters in the violent disorder on August 3 in Bristol city centre. Bishop, of Lawrence Weston, was sentenced to two years and two months in prison alongside three other people at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, August 16, after each admitted to violent disorder for their role in the chaotic scenes. During the disorder Bishop was heard screaming: 'F*** you! F*** you! Kiss my f***ing a**e! Kiss my fat a**e.' Lisa Bishop pleaded guilty to violent disorder following unrest in Bristol earlier this month Lisa Bishop could be heard shouting after being heckled by counter-protesters on August 3 Footage released by Avon and Somerset Police shows Bishop at the scene of the protest. The clip appears to show her shouting 'you f***ing c***s' at police officers, before throwing a drink can in their direction. Liquid can also been seen to leak out of the can as it is thrown. Bishop was sentenced alongside Zak Baker, Jamie Easterbrook and Joseph Bradford, who all admitted violent disorder at earlier court hearings. She attended the riot with friend Elly-Jayne Cox, who also admitted offences. Video shared by Bishop showed lines of police, and mounted officers, trying to keep order as rival groups gathered in Bristol. Tensions simmer as a woman shouts out 'Argh, he just spat! Dirty c***'. The camera pans to show a crowd behind chanting 'Eng-er-land! Eng-er-land!' On the other side of the park, counter-protesters shout 'You are few, we are many!' Police and opposing demonstrators gather in Castle Park in Bristol on August 3 Jamie Easterbrook (left) and Zak Baker (right) were sentenced to one year and eight months and two years and four months respectively Holding the camera, Lisa shouts back: 'F*** you! F*** you! F*** you!' A small round of applause echoes around the opposing camp as Lisa continues her protest. 'Kiss my f***ing a**e!' she shouts. 'Kiss it! Kiss my fat a**e!' During the sentencing, Judge Martin Picton said the group she was part of caused 'considerable fear' to those inside the Mercure hotel. 'Those residing in the hotel who were the target of this anger must have been terrified,' he said. At the same court, Zak Baker, 29, of no fixed address, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison by His Honour Judge Picton who said he was 'very obviously encouraging and enticing the crowd' on 3 August. Footage showed him throwing a full drinks can towards police officers, kicking out at police dogs and throwing punches and kicks towards officers. He was also seen behaving aggressively and verbally abusing police officers and members of the public. Jamie Easterbrook, 43, of south Bristol, was sentenced to a year and eight months in prison. The court heard he had been 'an active participant' in the disorder, goading and behaving aggressively towards police officers and the behaviour of the group, of which he was a part, had had a substantial impact on the public. Detective Chief Inspector Clement Goodwin said: 'The behaviour of some people on that day was completely unacceptable. It was not a lawful protest. 'Three people have now been handed lengthy prison sentences after admitting to their involvement in the shameful scenes we saw that day and we are continuing to identify and arrest others who also played a part. Unemployed Dean Groenewald, 32, of no fixed address, was sentenced to more than two years in jail for hurling a brick or similar object at police officers 'We always work to facilitate peaceful protest but when that crosses the line into criminality we will take action. A total of 29 people have now been arrested with 15 having since been charged and those numbers will continue to increase as the investigation progresses.' Of the 15 charged, six of those have already been jailed. Almost all are being charged with violent disorder, and those convicted are being jailed typically for around two years. Elsewhere, a protester who threw a missile towards a police line during a city centre riot has been put behind bars. Unemployed Dean Groenewald, 32, of no fixed address, was seen hurling the item towards officers when violence flared in Sunderland on August 2. Prosecutor Emma Dowling told Newcastle Crown Court police officers, dogs and horses were pelted with missiles as disorder spread throughout the city that Friday afternoon. Miss Dowling said: 'Officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence. Officers were attacked with missiles and verbally abused. 'Four required hospital treatment and some are not fit enough to return to frontline duties. 'Police vehicles were targeted and damaged. Several patrol cars needed repairs. 'At times lone police on vehicle patrol found themselves targeted by offenders in the middle of the protest. 'Families of a number of officers were at home in fear for their loved ones out on duty, having witnesses the horror of what was unfolding on news and social media.' The court heard the city's police hub was set on fire, business premises were smashed and shops were looted. Miss Dowling said Groenewald was in the Keel Square area of the city, wearing a black hoodie and added: 'He can be seen on police bodyworn footage standing in front of the line of police officers, speaking on a mobile phone with his hood up. 'There were a number of people around him, essentially groups facing off against the police.' Groenewald initially denied it was him on the footage but later admitted violence disorder. Claire Anderson, defending, said Groenewald knew about the protest that day but did not go along to actively participate. Miss Anderson said nobody was hit or hurt by the missile Groenewald threw and he is remorseful for his involvement. Northumbria Police Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said the violence was met with a 1 million policing operation and the psychological cost to officers involved is yet to be known. Judge Paul Sloan KC jailed Groenewald for 26 months and told him: 'You and others brought shame upon the city of Sunderland. 'For no justifiable reason whatsoever you and many more gathered in the city centre and participated in an orgy of mindless destruction, violence and disorder. The mayhem was widespread.' Niven Matthewman, 19, was part of the violent mob that gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham on 4 August. Large crowds of angry people gathered in cities across England and in Belfast over multiple days, stretching police forces to the limit Police officers in Newcastle prepare for further planned protests in the city earlier this month Matthewman, of Albert Street, Swinton, was filmed carrying around a large piece of wood and throwing a chair towards the hotel which was believed to house around 200 asylum seekers at the time. He also participated in chanting 'Yorkshire, Yorkshire' and in violently rocking a police dog van from side to side. The court heard the two officers who were inside the vehicle together with a police dog 'feared for their lives'. A YouTube compilation also showed Matthewman draped in an England flag while the song 'Bang Bang' by Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj played. Matthewman, who had no previous convictions, had pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Barnsley Magistrates' Court on 14 August. He is sentenced to two years and eight months in a young offender institution and made subject of a criminal behaviour order for 10 years. The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, told the defendant his conduct had been 'shameful', adding: 'You were a participant in a very serious incident. 'You were not a bystander, you were well to the fore.' A 67-year-old man has been jailed for 20 months after chanting 'You're not English anymore' at police officers during a demonstration in Whitehall on July 31. David Notley, of Buckhurst Hill, Epping Forest, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to violent disorder and causing racially aggravated distress. Alex Agbamu, prosecuting, said Notley made his way to the front of the crowd and confronted police in a 'fighting pose', surging back and forth. Notley also joined in the chant 'You're not English anymore' and 'Who the f*** is Allah?', the court heard. He helped push another demonstrator into a police officer which 'precipitated a physical confrontation involving the police (and) demonstrators', the prosecutor said, and then remained at the front of the crowd. Judge Freya Newbery, sentencing at Inner London Crown Court, said the demonstration 'caused serious disruption' and had a 'serious detrimental impact on the community at the heart of our parliamentary democracy'. She told the court that Notley was a 'career burglar and thief' who in 2009 was jailed for 20 years for drug smuggling. He had been released on licence but was recalled to prison for breaching his licence due to his involvement in the protest. The judge, referring to Notley's chanting, said: 'You regard yourself as an asset to society, but look at your criminal record.' Kelly Wildego, 41, screamed at police officers and told them to arrest her after calling them 'c****' She was spared jail and handed a suspended sentence for assaulting an emergency worker due to her 13-year-old son's complex disabilities But a 41-year-old mother avoided jail after charging at police officers and calling them 'c****' during a demonstration in Whitehall. Kelly Wildego, of Greenwich, received a four-month suspended sentence at Inner London Crown Court on Monday having admitted assaulting an emergency worker. Alex Agbamu, prosecuting, said that Wildego shouted at officers 'you're all a bunch of f****** c****' and 'you should be ashamed of yourselves', before rushing at them saying 'f****** take me' after most of the violence had stopped at around 8.45pm on July 31. Video footage showed her being handcuffed on the ground. Joseph Lord, defending, told the court: 'Ms Wildego is wholly ashamed of what occurred that day. 'She took what was in her words the stupid and rash decision of deciding that she wanted to be arrested so that she could be with her husband in detention.' 'Ms Wildego is a full-time carer for her 13-year-old son who has a range of disabilities and learning difficulties. She is his sole primary carer.' Mr Agbamu said this happened in 'isolation' to the earlier disorder and 'without explanation'. The prosecutor told the court that during a police interview, Wildego admitted her conduct and expressed remorse. Judge Freya Newbery said to Wildego: 'You rushed at the police not once, but twice. You were saying 'F***ing take me'. It appears that you wanted to be arrested at that point. 'It is not suggested that anyone was physically hurt. But what you said was nasty and unacceptable. Police officers were just doing their jobs. You shouldn't have been berating them in that foul way.' The judge told Wildego that the context of the riots had to be taken into account. 'This clearly crosses the custody threshold because of the context of what you did. The circumstances are all relevant and aggravating in my view.' The judge added: 'In your case it is right to say that you have a 13-year-old son. I can see that he is a boy with quite a significant neurodevelopmental disorder and has a learning disability. He is currently home-schooled by you.' 'If you went into custody it would have such a serious effect on him that I can't countenance that.' Wildego was given a prison sentence of four months suspended for six months. She will be subject to an eight week electronically-tagged curfew from 8pm to 6am. She will have to pay 200 in prosecution costs and will have eight months to pay. Wildego sobbed in the dock as the judge delivered her sentencing remarks. She had admitted one count of assaulting a police officer. A 29-year-old man who brought a bag of knives to an anti-racism demonstration in London is to be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court in October. Tom Sedbury had previously pleaded guilty to five counts of possessing knives, as well as obstructing a police officer. Large numbers of protesters had gathered in Walthamstow ahead of an expected 'far-right' demonstration on August 7, prosecutors say. Sedbury was seen wearing a balaclava, biker gloves and large boots and carrying a backpack. He refused to be searched by officers and take off his face covering. In his backpack, officers found five blades, a bunch of green zip ties, a pair of scissors, a red BBQ lighter and a small, blue water gun containing water, it is alleged. A 2kg gym weight and a black bike chain lock were also allegedly discovered. During a police interview the following day, Tom Sedbury said he had been on his way to a friend's house when he saw the protest and kept his balaclava on because he did not wish to be caught on camera because he is an introvert, prosecutors say. Prosecutors say the defendant told police he did not understand why he needed to remove his balaclava, but he admitted that all the knives were his. Sedbury said to officers that he collects knives because he had a fascination with the weapons, although he decided to sell them because his interest is waning, prosecutors say. He told police that he had arranged to sell or exchange the knives for a bike and had no malicious intent for the use of them. Sedbury has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on October 2. A police boss who condemned a drink-driving colleague for bringing 'discredit' to the force has himself been charged with being more than three times the limit while behind the steering wheel. Dorset Police's Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell is due to appear in court after being arrested while off-duty following an incident on August 4. He was detained near his police HQ in Winfrith Newburgh, Dorset, after being breathalysed and allegedly blowing 115 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the Sun reported - the limit is 35 micrograms. Mr Kessell, who has been suspended from duty, had previously been critical of colleagues for drink-driving. He is reported to have said of a detective constable who was fired for drink-driving: 'His behaviour brought discredit upon the service. Dorset Police's Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell is due to appear in court next month after being charged with drink-driving 'Such behaviour will not be tolerated within policing and the decision made by the panel was that the officer should be dismissed without notice.' He was also quoted as saying on another occasion: 'Members of the public quite rightly expect our officers to operate with the highest levels of honesty, professionalism and integrity.' That was in September 2022 after Home Office data revealed seven officers had been dismissed from the force since April 2017. Mr Kessell was quoted by the Dorset Echo back then as adding; 'We have a dedicated Professional Standards Department to ensure that when officers fall below those standards, appropriate action is taken in accordance with the law and the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020. 'The most serious offences will see officers face misconduct hearings in front of a panel with an independent legally qualified chair (LQC). 'We strive to be open and accountable, and these proceedings will be held in public wherever possible, subject to the directions of the LQC, and publicised in accordance with legislative requirements. 'Should the panel find that an officer's behaviour has amounted to gross misconduct, they will consider the appropriate sanction which could include dismissal from the Force and barring them from future employment within policing. 'Our Counter Corruption Unit will also investigate allegations against officers and consider criminal prosecutions where appropriate. 'While we are committed to taking action against those officers who fall below the standards expected of them, it is important to stress that this behaviour is not indicative of the majority of our staff and teams who carry out their duties to the highest standard. 'We would always encourage anyone with concerns regarding the actions of any member of Dorset Police to report it to us.' At the time he was head of Dorset Police's Professional Standards Department, before taking on a new role the following year of running the force's firearms licensing department. He is due to appear before magistrates on the drink-driving charge next month. An Aussie couple who survived a horrifying helicopter crash while holidaying in Bali have launched legal action against the operator. Russell Harris and his Indonesian wife Eloira Decti Paskillah were among five passengers on board the helicopter which crashed near Pecatu on the Indonesian island's south coast on July 19. The Bell Jet Model 5055 collided with a kite string, which tangled around the helicopter's main rotor, just three minutes into the flight. The aircraft plummeted 250m into a mixed-residential area near the ocean before the couple, pilot and their two friends were rushed to hospital. The sightseeing flight was booked to celebrate Mr Harris 46th birthday. The Perth couple fronted the media on Monday to announce that they're demanding compensation from operator PT. Indo Aviasi Perkasa. One month on from the near-tragedy, Mr Harris still relies on crutches to get around while his wife wears a neck brace. '(We) are not happy with the position that we've been put in,' Mr Harris told reporters. Aussie couple Russell Harris and Eloira Decti Paskillah (pictured) have announced they're taking legal action against the company behind a helicopter crash they miraculously survived 'We played for a helicopter tour, not a helicopter crash.' Their Indonesian lawyer Togar Situmorang said the couple requested the operator to pay for accommodation closer to the hospital providing ongoing treatment and to replace their lost mobile phones. Mr Harris claimed that the helicopter operator has so far only paid for their medical bills. The couple have been left out of pocket to continue their recovery in Bali. 'We've been told we need minimum three months for our bodies to try to heal,' Mr Harris told the media. 'If this is unsuccessful, we both will need surgery.' He also claimed the company had capped how much they'll pay for the couple at 200million Rupiah, which is about $20,000AU. 'We believe there should be no limit, we are not happy,' Mr Harris said. 'There's probably five or six things that they've said has said yes to (compensating), we haven't seen one - apart from the medical treatment.' Mr Harris and his wife have calling on the helicopter operator to foot their medical bills and accommodation after being told they need three months of ongoing care in Bali Ms Paskillah, who broke down in tears during the press conference, has been left traumatised by the 'very scary' ordeal. 'I'm really unhappy with this situation ... I never asked for this, and (the operator) will never say sorry in the front of us,' she said. Mr Harris claimed that the company were initially 'doing the right thing' after the accident but have since given them the cold shoulder. 'it just feels like they've shut the curtain, making things difficult where they don't need to be difficult,' he said. 'I feel like we need to get somewhere with the company. The couple were two of five passengers on the helicopter which plummeted about 250m (pictured) after becoming entangled in a kite string just three minutes into the flight 'That's why we've had to get a lawyer and his team to represent us. 'There should be more done and it should happen a lot faster.' Mr Harris said he and the other passengers were incredibly lucky to have survived the accident and called on authorities to make safer regulations. 'What is it going to take? For somebody to actually die before they change these rules and regulations? It's not right.' he said. The couple's legal team have also sent correspondence to the transportation minister, Bali police and other officials. Their friend and fellow Aussie Chris Marrot-Castellat was also on board, along with his partner Kayla. Katie Price's income from TikTok will be suspended as part of efforts to pay off money owed under her two bankruptcies, a judge today ruled. It comes amid the former glamour model's battle with HMRC over 760,000 of unpaid tax. Today's hearing comes just one week after Price was arrested at Heathrow Airport. The 46-year-old was bailed after being arrested as she returned from undergoing a 10,000 facelift in Turkey. Price had been declared bankrupt in November 2019 and again in March this year over an unpaid tax bill of 761,994.05. Katie Price's income from TikTok has been suspended, a judge ruled It comes just days after the former glamour model was arrested at Heathrow Airport On Monday, Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Catherine Burton said it was 'appropriate' to order the 'suspension of further payments' to Price from TikTok until a solution could be found. Price was not in attendance at the remote hearing and was not represented. The 46-year-old is due to appear in court to be quizzed over her finances later this month. In February, a judge ruled Price must pay back 40 per cent of her monthly income from Only Fans until February 2027. Barrister Darragh Connell, representing the trustee of her bankruptcies, told the court at the time that Price previously reached a voluntary agreement over her debts. However, he said she had failed to pay the agreed figures. In July, the order was extended to cover eight more companies from which Price gained income. Barristers for the trustee of her bankruptcies had also previously asked for the order to be extended to cover TikTok, but lawyers for the platform said that while it did not oppose the move, it could not consent to it due to the mechanisms of how content creators are paid. Price appeared in court last week, with the judge warning her she must show up to next week's hearing with 'no ifs and buts' She and new boyfriend JJ Slater, pictured earlier this year, sparked engagement rumours Today the barrister said that 'while some progress has been made', investigations were ongoing as to how TikTok could comply with the order. They instead asked the court for a hold to be put on Price's two 'wallets' through which she is paid money from the platform. Mr Connell added there was a 'real concern' that there could be 'potentially substantial sums flowing' to Price from TikTok. He added that if that were the case the trustee would not 'be in a position to easily recover' money without the suspension. How does Katie Price make money on TikTok? Lauren Kreamer, representing TikTok, previously said in written submissions that the platform had paid Katie Price 84,000 for a three-month 'agreement' in which she would 'create e-commerce content for use by TikTok in its campaigns', which had now ended. Ms Kreamer said that fee had been paid 'along with a sum of 9,989.92 and for much smaller payments, ranging from 18.99 to 277.49', which it was believed represented 'commissions' generated by third parties making purchases through the platform. Price has 1.6 million followers on TikTok and 27.1m likes, and could also be generating funds through views on her videos. Advertisement Lauren Kreamer, representing TikTok, previously said in written submissions that the platform had paid Price 84,000 for a three-month 'agreement' in which she would 'create e-commerce content for use by TikTok in its campaigns', which had now ended. She said that fee had been paid 'along with a sum of 9,989.92 and for much smaller payments, ranging from 18.99 to 277.49'. It was believed represented 'commissions' generated by third parties making purchases through the platform, Ms Kreamer said. On Monday, she told the court the company was 'endeavouring to comply' with the order and that it was not attempting to be 'obstructive or difficult' through the delay. The reality star received the six-figure tax bill after being declared bankrupt in March. She was served an eviction notice on her 2 million Mucky Mansion by bailiffs and moved into a different house. Katie was also ordered to hand over her six cars in early July, which include a Volkswagen Beetle, a Nissan, two Range Rovers, Suzuki Vitara and Infiniti FX50. Price is due to appear in court on August 27 and has been told she must attend with 'no ifs or buts'. Eyewitnesses to the horrific capsizing of a pleasure yacht packed with British tourists off the coast of Sicily this morning have told of the moment the vessel was battered by a 'whirlwind' that left one dead and several adrift in the sea. A desperate hunt is now underway for survivors, including British and American tourists, after a freak storm sank the Bayesian - a 180ft luxury yacht - close to the port of Porticello, near Palermo, around 5am. Fifteen of the 22 people on board, including a one-year-old baby and its mother, were rescued by a nearby vessel after the Bayesian capsized, but it is feared that those missing may have been trapped inside their cabins. 'At about 3:55 we saw the whirlwind, after a quarter of an hour we saw a rocket 500 metres away from the dock,' recounted Fabio Cefalu, a local fisherman who witnessed the tragic sinking of the yacht. 'At about 4:35 we went out to sea to provide assistance, but we only saw the remains of the boat floating. There was no one in the sea.' Another man interviewed at Porticello told Italian media how the unexpected storm seemed to have caught the crew unawares after the passengers had enjoyed a party. 'That boat was all lit up... A beautiful boat where there had been a party. Evidently, they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid sinking... At about 4:30 in the morning, it was gone.' Pietro Asciutto, a fisherman in Porticello, added: 'The boat was still floating, then suddenly it disappeared. I saw it sink with my own eyes.' A desperate hunt is now underway for survivors, including British and American tourists, after a freak storm sank the Bayesian - a 180ft luxury yacht - as it ran into a storm close to the port of Porticello (Bayesian is pictured hours before the storm hit) Divers plunge into the waters off Porticello to explore the sunken vessel Fifteen of the 22 people on board, including a one-year-old baby and its mother, were rescued by a nearby vessel after the Bayesian capsized, but it is feared that those missing may have been trapped inside their cabins The beautifully crafted Bayesian is an unmistakable vessel, sporting the second-tallest mast of any yacht in the world Your browser does not support iframes. The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored close to the Bayesian, rescued the fifteen survivors. Its captain, Karsten Borner, said his own vessel was battered by very strong gusts in the early hours of the morning, but that he managed to stabilise it while anchored by using the engine. The crew later noticed the Bayesian nearby and manoeuvred to avoid hitting it. 'We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone.' Borner said afterwards he and his first mate noticed a flare in the water, heading to smoke and light to find a life raft drifting in the sea. 'Fifteen people inside. Four people were injured, three heavily injured and we brought them to our ship. Then we communicated with the Coast Guard and after some time, the Coast Guard came and later picked up injured people, and two hours later they picked up the other people,' he said. 'In the life raft, there was also a little baby and the wife of the (ship) owner. The owner and her child are still inside, I guess. So, of course, a big disaster here.' Describing how the Bayesian sank, Borner said: 'I figured it was a strong hurricane gust. Very strong. Very strong. And we have also been heeling a lot but the other ship, strange enough, was 55 metres (long), I think it had a 72-metre-long mast. They went flat on the water and then down. There was a light and we saw that the ship was aside and then we saw a triangle. So I think she went back down.' A fisherman named Giuseppe who also saw the Bayesian sank told Reuters: 'I was onboard the motorboat 'Francesca' when I saw mats and T-shirts floating in the sea. ' The beautifully crafted Bayesian is an unmistakable vessel, sporting the second-tallest mast of any yacht in the world. The passengers were mainly British, according to reports, while citizens from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Canada, the US and two dual British and French nationals were also said to be on board. A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters were deployed this morning to search the scene of the wreck above and below water. Expert divers discovered the hull of the ship on the seabed some 49 metres deep and about half a mile from the coast, according to Italian media, though they are yet to have discovered bodies on board. The boat is thought to have arrived in Porticello overnight after a stop in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland. The vessel was at anchor near the port when the storm struck, witnesses told Italian news agency ANSA. With the anchor still down, the storm broke the mast, causing the vessel to lose its balance and capsize. Emergency response teams are seen at the harbour near where the boat sank this morning The British-flagged Bayesian is thought to have arrived in Porticello after stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland A one-year-old baby and her British parents were among those saved from the roaring seas by Borner and the coastguard. The mother and her young child were taken to the Children's Hospital of Palermo as a precaution, with the British woman undergoing treatment for a minor shoulder injury. Meanwhile, the baby's father was reportedly taken to a separate Palermo hospital, though it is unclear whether he had sustained more severe injuries. The mother, who gave her name to Italian media as Charlotte, explained how she tried desperately to keep her baby alive before being rescued. 'I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. 'It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.' The Bayesian can accommodate 12 passengers and 10 crewmembers, and was fully loaded at the time of the tragedy. Harrowing images emerged showing search and rescue workers hauling a body of one passenger who drowned amid the storm aboard their vessel. The nationality of the deceased is not yet known. The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored near the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued some of those on board (file image) Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Porticello Coastguard patrol boats and firefighters brought those who were rescued to shore, and the survivors will be interviewed by authorities in the coming hours. Among those survivors was the boat's captain, who reportedly managed to save himself and is said to be very upset by the incident. The 180ft yacht has a gross tonnage of 473 tons, and was built by the Perini Navi Viareggio shipyard in February 2008 before being refitted in 2020. The deck area measures a whopping 436 square metres and the six cabins occupy an area of 143 square metres. The boat has the second tallest mast in the world and the largest aluminium mast of 75 metres. Sicily is currently under a weather warning for wind, with video showing strong gusts battering the coast this morning. CCTV footage from around 4am this morning shows a torrent of wind and rain slamming into Santa Nicolicchia - an area of Porticello where Bayesian was anchored. Los Angeles County DA George Gascon will announce criminal charges later today over the brutal shooting of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor. The 37-year-old is believed to have been gunned down by thieves attempting to steal the catalytic convertor on his vehicle in Downtown Los Angeles on May 25. Gascon will be joined by Dominic Choi, interim chief of the LAPD, as they announce charges to the press at the Hall of Justice this afternoon, according to the DA's office. Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez and Sergio Estrada were arrested and booked on suspicion of murder on Thursday, nearly three months since the slaying. Frank Olana was also arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to murder. The horror unfolded as Wactor confronted a group of men who had jacked up his car after finishing a late night bartending shift nearby with co-worker Anita Joy. Joy, witness to the shooting, said Wactor asked the men to leave and held up his hands to show he was not a threat before being shot at close range and dying in her arms. Johnny Wactor is believed to have been shot and killed on May 25 by thieves attempting to steal the catalytic convertor on his vehicle in downtown Los Angeles Los Angeles Police Department previously released two images of the suspects and their getaway car (pictured above) while appealing to the public for help identifying them Anita Joy was witness to the horrifying shooting as they left the bar in the early hours Mr Gascon is expected to announce the charges on Monday at the conference at 3pm, according to a news release from the County's DA's office issued Sunday. Micah Parker, a spokesperson for the family of Wactor, said last week that the actor's mother wants to ensure 'there is a conviction and that that conviction has a penalty that is extremely harsh and sets an example'. 'We want to get justice for him but we also we want to use his name and his legacy to make the whole city safer, to make the whole state safer, and basically to make sure that his death is not in vain, Parker said. 'We have a soft-on-crime system that has enabled criminals to run the streets,' the late actor's friend said, urging Gascon to reinstate sentencing enhancements to prosecute criminals. 'It's unacceptable, and someone needs to be held responsible.' Family and friends of the actor gathered outside Los Angeles City Hall last Tuesday to condemn authorities for creating a 'pro-criminal atmosphere', and to urge Mayor Karen Bass to 'stop ignoring' public safety issues ahead of the 2028 Olympics. How do we want the world to be introduced to LA once again on the world stage? Because right now, it's an embarrassment, Parker said. We hear our leaders, our mayor talk about things like a car-free city. Well, first we need a crime-free city in LA. Nearly three months on from the killing, the LAPD identified members of the Florencia 13 gang believed to be connected to the murder. The outlet said fingerprints found at the scene helped to link suspects to the case. The LAPD previously released two images of the suspects and their getaway car while appealing to the public for help identifying them. On Saturday, May 25 at around 3:25am, Wactor had been leaving his side job at a 'cathedral style' nightclub called Sinners y Santos in a notoriously crime-ridden part of Downtown LA with his co-worker, Anita Joy. They had been walking to their cars when they noticed three masked men near Wactor's vehicle, which was propped up on a jack. As they neared the men, the suspects opened fire. One bullet struck Wactor in the chest. The actor was transported by paramedics to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to police, the three men fled the scene in another vehicle. Wactor died a hero - with his relatives previously telling DailyMail.com he had positioned himself to shield Joy from the gunfire. Joy took to social media to share his courageous final moments, describing how her friend of eight years 'fought to stay alive' before dying in her arms. 'Everything happened in an instant,' she wrote of the attack. 'I've come to describe it as a glass of water that gets tipped over and you're scrambling to grab it and save it from spilling out completely but it just runs through your fingertips and is gone. 'We cautiously approached the men, questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed. We were no threat and Johnny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave. Hands open to his sides in peace.' Joy said after she shooting she asked if he was okay. He could only respond, 'Nope! Shot!' 'It was too close range, too extreme of a wound for him to survive it. But my God, he fought to stay,' she wrote. Joy added that a bouncer from the bar where they worked ran over to help, but it was too late. She said that she finds solace in the fact that she was with him and that Wactor did not die alone but added that remains 'heartbroken and so very angry.' 'My only other peace will be seeing these awful men brought to justice.' Pictured: Wactor on the set of General Hospital as Brando Corbin Joy, who was with Johnny Wactor when he was killed, posted this photo of the pair on socials The shooting happened around 3am in the area of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street Wactor portrayed Brando Corbin on the ABC soap opera 'General Hospital' from 2020 to 2022. He also appeared in a variety of films and TV series, including 'Station 19,' 'NCIS,' 'Westworld' and the video game 'Call of Duty: Vanguard.' Violent crime in Los Angeles has been on the rise, with the LAPD recording a 2.9 per cent increase at the end of March 2024, compared to the same time last year. The last time the force updated robbery statistics, at the end of March 2024, thefts were up 9.5 per cent, according to ABC 7. Around 600,000 catalytic converters are stolen each year. Most cars are equipped with one converter but those with a dual exhaust system require two. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks may have more than two. According to the New York Times, stolen catalytic converters are passed through 'middlemen, smelters and refineries in the United States and overseas.' They can be stolen in under a minute and cost around $1,000 to replace. Locals in Colombia have been left baffled after Harry and Meghan's quasi-royal tour as they said that cyber-bullying and wellness in the digital age are the least of their problems. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent four days visiting the country in their second tour after flying to Nigeria earlier this year. But with little name recognition in the South American country, many locals did not even know who the couple were until their arrival. And others were left bemused after the couple spent much of the visit enjoying local culture and discussing digital issues such as cyber-bullying and mental health online. The country is facing economic and social issues with high levels of crime - and the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel in much of the nation. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, pictured with Colombia's vice-president, spent four days visiting the country in their second tour after flying to Nigeria earlier this year Reporters for the Mail found that many Colombians had not even heard of the couple before their arrival People are pictured outside of the Municipal Theatre of Cali yesterday A view of the city of Cali, in the Valle del Cauca province, Colombia One local journalist told the Telegraph: 'People are expecting the government to address these issues rather than focus on a high-profile event with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 'Although addressing and confronting cyber-bullying in children is an important issue, it is not the most pressing problem we face.' Right-wing senator and 2026 presidential hopeful Maria Fernanda Cabal told the paper: 'The invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex brings absolutely no cultural exchange or anything of the sort. 'It is part of the showmanship of a vice-president who is disconnected from the reality of the country. 'The vice-president is black and, as a minority, should set an example of greatness, of affection towards the population, especially the poor, without resentment or hatred. 'She should seek out even minimal projects that the community needs, stand by the people, not by royalty.' Reporters for the Mail found that many Colombians had not even heard of the couple before their arrival - being too consumed by poverty, fear of cartels and safety concerns. Speaking on Sunday, Meghan paid tribute to powerful black women and revealed her daughter Lilibet has 'found her voice' Meghan Markle said that Lilibet (pictured in 2022) 'has found her voice and we are so proud of that' in the speech the Duchess also used to pay tribute to her mother Harry and Meghan arrive at San Basilio de Palenque, Bolivar department, Colombia on Saturday Crime in Cali Street crime, including mugging, pickpocketing, and armed robbery, is common in Cali and Columbia in general. The high crime rate is due to it being a centre for cocaine. Common crimes involve the illegal drug trade, kidnapping, corruption and domestic violence. However, following a plan to fight poverty and combat violence from illegal armed groups in 2011, the country saw a 40-year low for murders. According to local media, there are over 1,700 assassins in Cali. Locals and tourists are advised to be careful due to the risk of planted bombs and kidnappings. Advertisement 'I know about your [late] Queen but I'm not familiar with these guys,' said one street trader with a tight shake of his head. Although the Sussexes immersed themselves in local culture and met with students and war veterans, critics reported that they were whisked from one event to the next amidst a ring of steel, and most locals could have been oblivious to their presence. The couple were hosted and shown around the country by Colombia's vice-president, Francia Marquez, who invited them on the visit after watching their docuseries on Netflix. She, too, was accompanied by a fierce army of bodyguards: as the country's first black vice-president, she has often spoken about the racism and threats she faces on a daily basis. Although hailing from a poor upbringing, the politician now commutes to work in a helicopter, citing the constant threat of assassination attempts against her. Richard Fitzwilliams, royal commentator for MailOnline, said the aim of the trip was to 'boost the Sussexes international profile, especially since a 'quasi-royal tour' like this has currently no competitors when it comes to media coverage.' He continued: 'However reports indicated that security was huge and the cost to the taxpayer must have been massive. Colombia has a fascinating history, but it is notorious for being a violent society, including being afflicted by a civil war which has lasted decades. 'Because of security, the walkabouts which characterise royal tours were absent (am assuming this is correct as I didnt see one). Most people will have been unaffected by it, many may not have known it had happened. There is little doubt, however, that it shone the spotlight on the country and on issues such as cyberbullying, ahead of the international conference about violence against children to be held there in November. 'The Sussexes also cemented their relationship with CBS giving it the first interview since Oprah, where Meghans struggles with her mental health when a senior working royal were discussed. It achieved their aims despite losing their Chief Executive Officer before it started after just three months. After Jamaica and Nigeria, there will undoubtedly be more of these trips.' A senior opposition politician in Bogota told The Mail on Sunday: 'Perhaps the backdrop matters not. They [the Sussexes] seek cultural relevance and want to make an impact. 'They talk of being a global brand, so it doesn't really matter where they go in the world to highlight their causes.' Harry and Meghan clapping during a performance at La Boquilla drum school in Cartagena Crowds formed around Harry and Meghan as they arrived in the area on the third day of their visit Members of a children's choir wave as they wait for the arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan And one of Ms Marquez's predecessors, former Colombian vice-president Francisco Santos said: 'I cannot understand for the life of me why they [Meghan and Harry] are here. 'Of all the great black politicians in South America they go to her she's a laughing stock. 'Who else will she bring here on the basis of watching Netflix? She will wrongly assume it will improve her public image. 'But there is nothing in this trip for the duke and duchess.' Journalists agreed, Catarine Suarez said: 'The problem is not that the duke and duchess are visiting Colombia.' 'The issue is this constant hypocrisy, those who talk so much about hatred of the 'oligarchy' 'white people' 'rich people', who so criticised official visits of this type in previous governments today now doing the same.' Even a Bogota lawyer told The Mail on Sunday: 'People are unhappy, particularly the poor people this government and in particularly this vice-president promised to help. Meghan (second left) speaks as part of the panel at the Afro women and power forum in Cali Meghan and Harry lift their hands up as they attend the Afro Women and Power event 'Instead the vice-president is swanning around with Harry and Meghan, all of them wearing expensive clothes and all of them pretending that what they are doing has some sort of relevance to Colombia and the outside world.' A particular source of annoyance seems to be the focus on digital issues in a country where for many even vital items such as food and power are often out of reach. At least 30 percent of the population still live in poverty, the most recent data shows. During the four-day tour, Harry and Meghan visited a school, held a seminar on digital safety and met with the Colombian Invictus Games team. To end the trip, Meghan last night delivered a speech in 'perfect' Spanish which saw her pay tribute to powerful 'Afro women' and revealed her daughter Lilibet has now 'found her voice'. Ahead of their arrival, some locals said they hoped Harry would use the visit to apologise for the British crown's role in the colonial slave trade. The Duke of Sussex has previously discussed the 'unjust' system that saw 'enslaved people' generate wealth for the Crown. However, he did not mention the issue or apologise for his family's role in the oppressive system. A body believed to be a mother-of-four who has been missing since 2021 has been found and identified in a fertilizer tank during a search of her husband's farm. Dee Ann Warner, who vanished from her own home in Michigan in the early morning hours of April 25, 2021, was declared legally dead back in March, nearly three years after she was last seen. Five months earlier, state police announced that Warner's husband, 56-year-old Dale Warner, was arrested in connection with the case, charged with open murder as she remained missing. He was last in court in June for an arraignment, and is expected back for a pretrial hearing September 4. Dee's remains, meanwhile, were found during a search warrant on a farm belonging to Dale Friday, three miles from where she went missing. A family spokesperson added the family was notified late Saturday night that the body was found in an anhydrous tank, similar to a propane tank, and that whoever put the body inside re-welded it shut and painted over it. The remains are now being recovered, cops said. Dee Ann Warner, who vanished from her own home in Michigan in the early morning of April 25, was declared legally dead back in March, nearly three years after she was last seen In November, state police announced that Warner's husband, 56-year-old Dale Warner, was arrested in connection with the case, charged with open murder as she remained missing. He is seen here in court shortly after his arrest 'The remains are currently in the process of being recovered,' Michigan State Police said in a press release Sunday. 'There will be a great deal of work and testing completed before positive identification is made,' it continued. 'The family of Dee Warner has been contacted and advised of the findings. 'This continues to be an ongoing investigation.' The family further stated how the body was found in a secluded area of the Paragon Road property, and that an autopsy is already scheduled. It will be administered Tuesday in hopes of discerning a cause of death, as cops look to put a close to the nearly three-and-a-half year case. Back in 2022, before Dale was named as a suspect, the family petitioned for the courts to declare Dee dead, in part to control the woman's assets, and also in hopes of filing a wrongful death suit against him - as he was the person she was set to meet before suddenly disappearing. Dale, who owns several farms near the family home in Franklin Township, maintained his innocence the entire time. Pictured, the home in Franklin Township, Michigan, where Dee went missing in April 2021, three miles away from where the body was recovered The remains were found in this anhydrous tank, relatives of the woman said - adding that whoever put the body inside re-welded it shut and painted over it The fertilizer tank bore the name of War-Ag Farms - a farming business registered to Dale. His farm - where the body was found - is seen here The tank was seen being towed from the property Sunday, after members of the Michigan State Police exacted a search Cops were at two of his Lenawee County properties on Friday, before making the discovery. The fertilizer tank bearing the name of War-Ag Farms was seen being towed from one of the properties Sunday, as family members confirmed to WTOL11 the remains were inside. War-Ag Farms is a business registered to Dale, records show. Several migrants in 2019 sued the business for allegedly cheating some of them out of their due pay and creating 'unsafe working conditions.' The company was founded by Dale in 2005. One relative, in turn, told WTOL11 Sunday, 'I would like to see this come to a resolution as soon as possible.' Warner was last seen at the family home on Munger Road, after which she had no contact with relatives via phone or social media, spurring a search. Back in June, during her husband's arraignment, prosecutors revealed text messages from the woman sent before her disappearance, including one she sent to a friend where she described being pushed into a dresser by Dale. Dee had four children, and was legally declared dead earlier this year. An autopsy will be held Tuesday She went on to express fear Dale would kill her, leading the defense to shoot back that there was no physical evidence Dee was murdered. They also said there was nothing physical linking him to the crime, something that will no longer be the case if the remains are found to be Dee's She went on to express fear Dale would kill her, leading the defense to shoot back that there was no physical evidence Dee was murdered. They also said there was nothing physical linking him to the crime, something that will no longer be the case if the remains are found to be Dee's. She was 52 when she went missing. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Michigan State Police for more information. Do you know more about what happened? Email elena.salvoni@mailonline.co.uk A British mother who was rescued from the sinking Bayesian superyacht along with her one-year-old child has described the nightmare moment she thought she had lost her baby, and how they miraculously made it to safety. Harrowing details of this morning's events are emerging as divers continue their desperate search for six missing tourists in the wreck of the superyacht, 160ft underwater off the coast of Sicily. Tragically, the body of a man was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today, with more feared dead as divers reported seeing 'bodies through the portholes' of the 180ft yacht. The luxury vessel was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a freak storm hit the area just before 5am, with witnesses describing how a 'whirlwind' hit, wrecking the boat and causing it to rapidly disappear beneath the waves. Fifteen of the 22 people on board, including the one-year-old and its parents, were rescued by a nearby vessel, according to the Coast Guard. Incredibly, the child was unharmed. Her 35-year-old mother told Italian media: 'For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves.' 'I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning,' she added. 'It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.' Incredibly, a group of 15 of the passengers managed to inflate a lifeboat and clamber aboard, before being rescued by a nearby vessel. The mother, who is in hospital with her baby where she received treatment for a minor shoulder injury, described the ordeal as 'terrible', detailing how 'in a few minutes the boat was hit by a very strong wind and sank shortly after.' The British-flagged Bayesian is thought to have arrived in Porticello after a stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland A frantic search is underway at the site of the shipwreck after the Bayesian sank this morning A local Facebook group shared a picture of the yacht (left) at anchor last night. The vessel has been named as the Bayesian, and is said to sail under a British flag The search area this morning off the coast of Porticello, Sicily Divers from the fire service have been supporting search and rescue efforts Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor The passengers on board were mainly British, according to reports, while citizens from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Canada, the US and two dual British and French nationals were also said to be on board. The group are reported to have been tourists on holiday in Sicily, and it is feared that those missing may have been trapped inside their cabins. The vessel was still at anchor near the port when the tornado struck, witnesses told Italian news agency ANSA. With the anchor still down, the storm broke the mast, causing the vessel to lose its balance and capsize, according to reports. The Italian Coastguard said in a statement that a nearby boat offered assistance to people before emergency services arrived. Your browser does not support iframes. The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored by the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued the 15 survivors. Karsten Borner, the captain of the boat, has described how his vessel was battered by strong gusts, with his team working to stabilise it and manoeuvre it to avoid hitting the Bayesian nearby. 'We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone,' he said. Once the storm subsided, Borner said he and his first mate noticed a flare in the water, and made their way towards it. There they found the lifeboat with those who had escaped inside, according the one-year-old baby. The group were staying on the vessel, which has been named as the Bayesian - a luxury yacht which sails under the British flag The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored nearby the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued some of those on board (file image) A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters have since been deployed to search the scene of the wreck for those who are still missing. Expert divers have already reached the hull, 49 metres below the water and about half a mile from the coast, according to Italian media. Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor. The boat is thought to have arrived in Porticello after a stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland. A local Facebook page shared a picture of the two yachts at anchor last night, just hours before the high winds hit. 'That boat was all lit up,' a man in Porticello told ANSA. 'At around 4.30 in the morning it was gone. A beautiful boat where there had been a party. A normal holiday spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy. 'The boat was not far from the port. It took very little to raise the anchor and head for the port. Evidently they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid sinking.' Divers are scouring the wreckage of the superyacht, which is 160ft underwater off the coast of Sicily Emergency response teams are seen at the harbour near where the boat sank this morning Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Porticello A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters have been deployed to search the scene Fabio Cefalu, a fisherman who spotted the shipwrecked boat off the coast, said he called for help at 4.30 this morning. 'At about 3.55 we saw the whirlwind. After a quarter of an hour we saw a rocket 500 metres away from the dock,' he told Corriere. 'At about 4.35 we went out to sea to provide assistance, but we only saw the remains of the boat floating. There were no men in the sea. So we immediately called the port authority.' The vessel can accommodate 12 passengers and 10 crewmembers. The only crewmember among the missing is said to be the cook, with those still unaccounted for including four British, two American and one Canadian citizen, RAI reports. The nationality of the deceased man is not known. Coast guards patrol boats and firefighters brought those who were rescued to shore, and the survivors will be interviewed by authorities in the coming hours. Among the survivors is the boat's captain, who reportedly managed to save himself and is said to be very upset by the incident. The baby who was rescued is reported to be a one-year-old English girl. She was pulled from the sea by a firefighter, Corriere reports, before being rushed to the Children's Hospital of Palermo. She arrived there with her mother and both are said to be fine. The woman received treatment for a shoulder injury while the child was unharmed, only undergoing tests as a precaution. The baby's father was taken to a separate Palermo hospital, The Times reports. Seven others who were rescued are receiving treatment at hospitals in Palermo and Bagheria, the Italian Coastguard said. None of them are thought to be in a serious condition, and the five others who were rescued did not require treatment. All those who were not injured are expected to speak to the Coast Guard today as they seek to understand what happened. The ship they were staying on is managed by Camper and Nicholsons International. The company says it is assisting in the search efforts in Palermo. The firm, which does not own the yacht, said in a statement that the boat encountered 'severe weather and subsequently sank'. 'Our priority is assisting with the ongoing search and providing all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew,' a spokesperson said. A spokesperson told the BBC that they are currently 'dealing with a situation onboard one of [their] managed vessels', but would not give any further details. The 180ft yacht has a gross tonnage of 473 tons, and was built by the Perini Navi Viareggio shipyard in February 2008 before being refitted in 2020. The deck area is 436 square metres and the six cabins occupy an area of 143 square metres. It comprises of an aluminum hull, and is powered by two large engines, allowing it to cruise at 12 knots and reach a maximum speed of 15 knots. The boat has the second tallest mast in the world and the largest aluminum mast of 75 metres. Sicily is currently under a weather warning for wind, with video showing strong gusts battering the coast this morning. CCTV footage from around 4am this morning shows a torrent of wind and rain slamming into Santa Nicolicchia - an area of Porticello where Bayesian was anchored. Video posted by Vigili del Fuoco shows the rescue operation on a stretch of sea near Palermo Search and rescue teams are still scouring the scene, with six people missing and one confirmed dead The high winds throw umbrellas, plant pots, tables and chairs flying within seconds of hitting, with the local restaurant who shared the footage saying: 'In a moment the hurricane took everything away!' The owners of Baia Santa Nicolicchia said they were able to open later in the morning once the storm had passed, but added: 'We have no memory of anything like this in our area.' Shadow Foreign Minister for Europe, Alicia Kearns, wrote on X: 'Desperately sorry to hear of the capsizing of the Bayesian - a heartbreaking incident. 'My thoughts are with all the families of those lost at sea, and those recovering following the rescue operation, I'm sure the foreign office will be providing consular support to British Nationals and their families.' The Foreign Office said in a statement: 'We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected.' Deadly floods are continuing to batter the east coast, turning Connecticut roads into rivers and causing airport chaos in New York City. One person has been found dead and another is missing after being swept away by raging floodwater near Little River in Oxford, CT, authorities have said. In apocalyptic scenes in Long Island, a torrent of floodwater brought by the summer storms has ripped through a highway while obliterating everything in its path. Dramatic footage shows the brown water gushing across Harbor Road in Stony Brook as the tarmac ruptures down the middle and collapses into the earth. Further north in Southbury, CT, a man was seen wading into chest-deep floodwater to rescue an amputee motorist and his dog from their deluged vehicle. Dramatic footage shows the brown water gushing across Harbor Road in Stony Brook as the tarmac ruptures down the middle and collapses into the earth In apocalyptic scenes in Long Island, a torrent of floodwater brought by the summer storms has ripped through a highway while obliterating everything in its path In Southbury, Connecticut, one man rescued a an amputee motorist and his dog from a vehicle trapped in water Later footage of the Southbury, Connecticut rescue shows the driver, the dog, and the man who rescued them together on dry land Floodwater has also hit the subway system - even erupting through grates in the ground close to central New York City's Penn Station Dramatic footage shows the car almost-submerged in stagnant brown water before the bystander dredged the owner from the front seat just in time. The driver, who is holding a prosthetic leg, then gestured towards the back passenger seat where his white Labrador was still trapped inside. Later footage of the rescue shows the driver, the dog, and the man who rescued them together on dry land. The car became stranded at the junction of Main Street South and Highway 6 in Southbury. Meanwhile in Manhattan, shocking video shows the moment water cascades through the roof of the iconic Chelsea Market, completely deluging the food hall. Floodwater has also hit the subway system - even erupting through grates in the ground close to central New York City's Penn Station. The extreme weather is also causing travel chaos at New York's busiest airports. At Newark Liberty International, 11 percent of flights had been cancelled as of Monday morning. Eight percent had been canceled at LaGuardia, while three percent of flights were grounded at JFK. Nationwide, 809 flights were cancelled and more than 18,000 delayed. Meanwhile in Manhattan, shocking video shows the moment water cascades through the roof of the iconic Chelsea Market, completely deluging the food hall Pictured: floodwater gushing across a road in Monroe, Connecticut on Monday Major arterial roads through New York's Central Park have been deluged by floodwater The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings through Monday for large swathes of the North East coast, including Waterbury, Danbury and Fairfield CT. Another warning lasting until 2pm covers Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties in New York state. Advisories are also in place for parts of Delaware, New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania. Meteorologists have warned motorists in the worst-hit areas to brace for 'heavy water flows across roadways' which could cut some towns off. The East Coast is also being battered by rough surf spawned by Hurricane Ernesto, which is continuing to swirl after making landfall as a Category 1 storm in Bermuda on Saturday. Lashing waves contributed to the downfall of an unoccupied beach house along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolinas Outer Banks on Friday. The stunning two-story home plummeted into the ocean and broke apart in the surging waves after being hit by a swell. Seashore officials urged the public Sunday to avoid beaches in parts of the village of Rodanthe where 'substantial damage' to several oceanfront structures occurred. The hurricane also prompted the National Park Service and NYC Parks to shut down every beach in Brooklyn and Queens due to the potentially life-threatening riptides. Floodwater has also hit the subway system - even erupting through grates in the ground close to central New York City's Penn Station The summer storms have already caused widespread chaos. In Connecticut, one man rescued a an amputee motorist and his dog from a vehicle trapped in water Passengers at LaGuardia Airport wait for flights to resume. Hundreds of planes were grounded due to heavy rain in New York City, United States on August 19, 2024 On New York's Long Island, East Hampton Village Mayor Jerry Larsen said beaches were closed to swimmers over the weekend because high tides pushed water right up to the base of the dunes 'so you cant really have people sitting on the beach.' Many people watched the water from the parking lot Sunday, he added. 'Its quite a sight to see the water coming up almost to the parking lot, and if you think about it that storm was hundreds of miles offshore so it must have been quite powerful,' Larsen said. The annual fireworks show that normally attracts thousands of people was canceled Saturday night and again for Sunday night, according to Larsen. A fraud victim who lost thousands to the notorious fugitive 'Cryptoqueen' has urged other victims to come forward and join her fight for justice. Hollywood producers are said to be circling, with Glaswegian Jen McAdam even hosting Kate Winslet for tea so the actress could hear more about her amazing resilience in the face of a devastating crypto deception. 'I felt she would have done an immense job at detailing it all. She is beautiful, she is really beautiful, she came around for tea, high tea', McAdam said of Winslet on Good Morning Britain earlier. McAdam, who suffers from ME, revealed how an initial investment of 9,000 in worthless OneCoin with the inheritance from her father, spiralled as friends and family joined her, with the group eventually sinking 200,000 into the con. Despite being on the run - or possibly dead - Ruja Ignatova is being pursued by McAdam, who is urging others to join her OneCoin victims lawsuit, after successfully obtaining a global asset freeze against Ignatova earlier this month. A $5million reward has been offered in the hunt for the world's most wanted woman, Ruja Ignatova, who scammed investors out of more than $4billion in 'one of the largest global fraud schemes in history' She was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list after allegedly defrauding investors worldwide between 2014 and 2018 with her $4 billion cryptocurrency pyramid scheme The fraudster is now wanted for $5,000,000 by the FBI with investigators believing Dr Ruja, as she styled herself, was tipped off in 2017 after a U.S. District Court in New York issued a warrant for her arrest. The FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives YULAN ADONAY ARCHAGA CARIAS - The alleged leader of MS-13 for all of Honduras. BHADRESHKUMAR CHETANBHAI PATEL - Allegedly murdered wife in Maryland in 2015. ALEXIS FLORES - Alleged kidnapping and murder of child in Philadelphia in 2000. ALEJANDRO ROSALES CASTILLO - Alleged murderer of ex-girlfriend DONALD EUGENE FIELDS II - Allegedly behind sex trafficking of children VITEL'HOMME INNOCENT - Alleged Haiti gang leader WILVER VILLEGAS-PALOMINO - An alleged ranking member of the Columbian terrorist group National Liberation Army (ELN). RUJA IGNATOVA - Alleged $4bn fraud. ARNOLDO JIMENEZ - Alleged murder of wife day after wedding. ARNOLDO JIMENEZ - Alleged murder in LA Advertisement One step ahead, the scammer headed for Greece and disappeared, although her vanishing act has prompted some to wonder if she was bumped off by an organised crime group after she exhausted her usefulness as the face of the $4bn scam. But McAdam says the victims now have 'more of a chance than they have ever had' at clawing back any money, despite Ignatova's absence, with the freezing order giving them 'a chance of claiming what we've lost'. Investors could sign up to buy the currency which would then appear in their account - and because more and more people would join, said Dr Ruja, the value of the currency would go up. But in 2017, Jen, who at one point had believed her original stake was worth nearly 100,000, realised it was a scam. Although she remains on the run, her brother, Konstantin, was arrested in 2019 and plead guilty to multiple felonies for his leadership role in OneCoin. She made the dash after setting up recording devices in her American boyfriend's flat and learning that he was cooperating with the FBI, prosecutors said at the time. At the beginning of the OneCoin story, early investors were attracted to Ignatova's presentation as a glamorous Oxford-graduate who had allegedly spent six years with McKinsey before making the leap into the fledgling world of cryptocurrency. She was confident, well-dressed and assured her supporters her project, OneCoin, was about to become the next big thing. Within months, millions of people worldwide had bought into the vision, purchasing packages of a new currency online that they believed would one day change the world. Kate Winslet popped round for 'high tea' to learn about McAdam's story Jen McAdam told Good Morning Britain about her ordeal and inspiring decision to fight back In these peak years, Ignatova was constantly in the spotlight, showing off her elegant outfits and glam lifestyle. A mum flew into a panic after turning up at daycare to discover the doors locked and her baby nowhere to be found. The mother arrived at Busy Bees in Mirrabooka, Perth, last Monday to pick up he 16-month-old child, but the lights were off and doors were shut, 7News reported. She did not know where her baby was and started ringing any phone number she had for the nursery. After 40 minutes, she finally got hold of someone. A worker then returned to the daycare and unlocked the doors, for her baby to then to be discovered asleep in a cot inside the daycare. Two staff members have been stood down and an investigation is underway. Busy Bees said a 'comprehensive review is underway to understand how this occurred'. In April, a toddler pricked herself with a needle at the same daycare centre. And in 2021, a child escaped from the same nursery. A California shoplifter with expensive taste tried to hide from cops in the trunk of her Tesla after swiping $850 in goods from Lululemon and Sephora. Emely Yanagida, 35, was arrested for shoplifting at Irvine Spectrum Center, stealing $600 worth of make-up and $250 in workout gear. The Irvine Police Department released footage on Saturday which showed officers discover her bizarre hideout - as she hid under a bright green tarp in her Tesla's trunk. The incident occurred on Wednesday when loss prevention officers at the Sephora alerted police to a shoplifting suspect who had fled the store. Irvine police shared the footage on Facebook, captioning it 'Peek-a-Boo' with hashtags #dontcommitcrimeinirvine. Shocking bodycam footage has revealed a shoplifter hiding in the trunk of her Tesla after hiding from the cops with $850 worth of stolen Sephora and Lululemon goods Emely Yanagida, 35, was arrested for shoplifting at Irvine Spectrum Center, stealing $600 worth of Sephora products and $250 in Lululemon merchandise '#Peek-a-BooOur Spectrum team was notified of a woman shoplifting at Sephora on Wednesday. When loss prevention tried to stop her, she refused to stop,' they wrote. An onlooker tipped off officers to Yanagida's hiding spot, guiding them to the trunk of a nearby Tesla. 'As the Spectrum team arrived, loss prevention lost the suspect in the parking lot. An excellent citizen told the officers they observed the suspect enter a white Tesla #notkidding and crawl into the trunk,' the police wrote. 'Officers opened the trunk after multiple knocks and announcements and found the suspect hiding. #peekaboo' When confronted by officers, the San Marcos woman claimed she was 'scared' after they 'came after' her, believing she was being accused of 'taking something.' Police then discovered the collection of stolen items. The bodycam footage shows a flustered Yanagida can be heard insisting she 'came in with that stuff' as officers pulled Lululemon items from her bag. Yanagida was arrested on multiple charges, including possessing burglary tools, resisting arrest, and shoplifting When confronted by officers, the San Marcos woman claimed she was 'scared' after they 'came after' her, believing she was being accused of 'taking something' The incident occurred on Wednesday when loss prevention officers at the Irvine Spectrum Center's Sephora alerted police to a shoplifting suspect who had fled the store Yanagida was arrested on multiple charges, including possessing burglary tools, resisting arrest, and shoplifting. Social media users were quick to react to the bizarre incident, with one commenting: 'Hiding in a white Tesla is possibly the most Irvine part of this whole story.' Another wrote: 'Great idea - play Hide and Seek with IPD! Ready or not, here they come!' However, others expressed skepticism about the consequences under California law. One user commented: 'Under California law, she won't be prosecuted.' Bodycam footage of the moment YouTube personality Chris Chan was arrested on an incest charge has surfaced - three years after her arrest and a year after the case was dropped. Chan, a 42-year-old transgender vlogger well known for her webcomic series who goes by the name Christine Weston Chandler, faced 10 years in prison when she was arrested at her home in Virginia in August 2021 accused of having an incestuous relationship with her 82-year-old mother, Barbara. The case was dismissed by a judge two years later in August 2023, after Chandler's attorneys filed a motion that suggested she had an autism disorder. In the full video released on Sunday, which has been viewed on X 2.1million times, police told Chandler they had a warrant for her arrest and put her in handcuffs. 'Do not fight or you will get tasered,' one officer said. In the video, which has been viewed on X 2.1million times, police told Chandler they had a warrant for her arrest and put her in handcuffs Chan, a 42-year-old transgender vlogger well known for her webcomic series who goes by the name Christine Weston Chandler, faced 10 years in prison when she was arrested at her home in Virginia in August 2021 accused of having an incestuous relationship with her mother Chandler complied, but warned officers her 'husband' was present 'right on the opposite side of the universe-veil... punching [officers] to let you know' he was there. 'If any of y'all has been feeling a punch-like sensation on your leg, that is my husband,' she said. She asked one of the officers if he felt the punch, but he told her he did not. 'Is there anyone else in the room with you?' he asked. Chandler said: 'Interdimensionally. You can't tangibly see them.' The officer asked Chandler to clarify whether a 'physical person' was in the room, to which she said: 'From this universe? No.' As the arrest dragged on, a small crowd of onlookers gathered out the front. Chandler warned officers that the men were likely 'trolls... from the internet'. Chandler told officers she 'identifies as female and would appreciate if she was respected as such' Chandler complied, but warned officers her 'husband' was present 'right on the opposite side of the universe-veil... punching [officers] to let you know' he was there Chandler is seen in a booking photo from 2021 Initially, police seemed to think it was unlikely Chandler's suspicions were correct, but when the men began heckling and told her she was 'live to about 3,000 people' as she was taken to the police car, they realized her warnings were in good faith. 'I'm famous on the internet,' she repeatedly told the arresting officers - who at one point jeered in disbelief. Chandler also told officers, while she had her hands behind her back, that she 'identifies as female and would appreciate if she was respected as such'. 'It even says so on my driver's license. Female. Just making sure.' Chandler spent months in prison prior to the charge of incest being dropped. Prior to that, she lived alone with her 79-year-old mother, Barbara, in Ruckersville, Virginia, for many years. Chandler's arrest came just days after a phone call was leaked on an instant messaging platform, on which a person believed to be Chandler seemingly admitted to having sex with her elderly mother, who is believed to have dementia. During the eight-minute conversation, Chandler apparently tells a friend that it was her mother, Barbara, who 'made the first move,' leading the two to kiss, according to the audio file, which Newsweek reported. Chandler allegedly claimed she approached the situation with 'care and caution' after years of harboring sexual feelings toward her mother, and even having dreams of having sex with her. 'She was partially confused at one point, but then she came around, obviously,' Chandler is allegedly heard saying on the call. As the call continues, the person said to be Chandler says that she and her mother now have a 'routine' where they have sex 'every third night', and that her mother enjoys it. Toward the end of the recording, Chandler apparently tells her friend: 'God... said this was okay.' The authenticity of the call was never publicly verified. Haunting ring camera footage has emerged which may have captured a man's final hours alive before he was found washed up in a river in the Bronx. The unidentified man was caught on camera at about 4.30pm on February 29, 2024, trying to get into a locked apartment building. Just 18 hours later, about 11am on March 1, a man's body was pulled from the nearby Bronx River near Starlight Park wearing what appears to be the same distinct clothes as seen in the footage - a white Paramount t-shirt and red Nike jacket. While the man's body was discovered five months ago, a New York City woman has only come forward this week with the video - posting the clip on social media. She was previously unaware that an investigation was ongoing, and was compelled to speak out after coming across the unidentified person case, hoping that in doing so a grieving family can receive closure. Haunting ring camera footage has emerged which may capture a man's final hours alive before he was found washed up in a river in the Bronx Police and the medical examiner have not yet formally identified him, but they have released an image of his face and the clothes he was wearing. The man's appearance is eerily similar to the man shown in the footage. A police spokesperson told DailyMail.com an investigation remains ongoing, and that identification of the body is 'pending proper family notification'. 'Upon arrival, officers observed an unconscious, unidentified and unresponsive male in the water. FDNY removed the aided from the water and EMS pronounced him deceased on scene,' police said, adding the medical examiner is tasked with confirming a cause of death. Her ring camera video shows a man, who police believe is younger than 30, repeatedly coming up to her door and attempting to get inside. In the vision from late February, the man, who police are still working to identify, appears to be wearing the same clothes he was found in on March 1, 2024 Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the man in the ring camera is in fact the man who was pulled from Bronx River, but the woman said she is confident they are one and the same. 'He was literally in my building a couple of months ago wearing the exact clothes,' she said. 'He was trying to break into my door. I was freaking out.' The woman said she didn't recognize him so told him - through the camera - to 'get the f**k away from my door', which initially prompted him to walk away. She claimed that he said 'they sent me', which only confused and frightened her further. 'He's got a Nike top on, some fly sneakers, there's no way he could be homeless, so I'm over there yelling and screaming at him telling him to get out of my hallway,' she said. 'He came back to my door 4 times... literally from 3pm to 4.30 when I had to go get my kids.' The unidentified man was caught on camera at about 4.30pm on February 29, 2024, trying to get into a locked apartment building According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, a body was pulled from Bronx River wearing this shirt The body was also found wearing this 'red Nike zip-up hooded sweatshirt, size medium' - identical to the jacket the man is wearing in the ring camera footage The woman said she has since turned over all of her ring camera footage to the police, and contacted the medical examiner's office. According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the man is estimated to be aged between 17 and 25, and was 'recovered from the Bronx River near Starlight Park'. 'There are no leads to his identity,' his profile reads. The man's body has long, curly, dark hair, with brown eyes and no tattoos. The body was found wearing a 'red Nike zip-up hooded sweatshirt, size medium, white T-shirt, with "Paramount" movie logo on front, size small, black pants with white stripes down sides of legs and black Nike Air Jordans with red details. This is an exact match with the man caught on the ring camera footage shared on TikTok this week. The revelation comes days after a dismembered body was found alight in nearby Yonkers. The victim has since been identified as Lutalo Henderson, 46. Severed hands were found inside his Bronx unit in a crockpot after his disappearance. Do you know more about what happened? Email elena.salvoni@mailonline.co.uk British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is missing along with six other tourists after his luxury superyacht was hit by a freak waterspout and sank off the coast of Sicily this morning, it has emerged. The luxury sailboat was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a tornado hit the area just before 5am, wrecking the boat and causing it to rapidly disappear beneath the waves. Mr Lynch's wife Angela Bacares, 57, was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the 180ft yacht, which she is reported to have owned and had been carrying ten crewmembers, the owner and 11 guests. A British mother, named as Charlotte Golunski, and her one-year-old baby were also reported to be among those rescued by a nearby sailboat. The 35-year-old has described how she momentarily lost her daughter in the 'fury of the waves', before finding her and managing to get them both to safety. Meanwhile six of the passengers - who include British and American citizens - still remain unaccounted for, with divers desperately searching the wreck 160ft beneath the water. Tragically, the body of a man - believed to be a Canadian national who was working as the boat's chef - was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today. There are fears that those who are still missing became trapped in their cabins, with divers earlier reporting that they saw 'bodies through the portholes' of the yacht, according to Italian media. The tragedy comes just weeks after Mr Lynch was acquitted of criminal charges by a jury in San Francisco in June, vindicating the entrepreneur after a 12-year legal battle over the $11bn sale of his firm, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. The 59-year-old, who was a billionaire at the height of his wealth, has previously been dubbed Britain's Bill Gates after he made his fortune thanks to his company. Its software drew on the Bayesian mathematical theory after which the yacht was named. British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is understood to be among the British tourists who are missing after the the Bayesian superyacht sank Mr Lynch's wife Angela Bacares (right) was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the yacht The British-flagged Bayesian is thought to have arrived in Porticello after a stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland A frantic search is underway at the site of the shipwreck after the Bayesian sank this morning A local Facebook group shared a picture of the yacht (left) at anchor last night. The vessel has been named as the Bayesian, and is said to sail under a British flag The search area this morning off the coast of Porticello, Sicily Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor Who is Mike Lynch? Mike Lynch was celebrated as a British business success story. Born in Ilford, Essex in 1965, he earned a PhD from Cambridge before founding one of the UK's most successful technology companies, Autonomy, in 1996. The married father of two daughters was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to enterprise. That same year, he was appointed to the board of the BBC - and was later elected to then-prime minister David Cameron's council for science and technology in 2011. He advised Mr Cameron on subjects including 'the opportunities and risks of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the government's role in the regulation of these technologies'. But he later became embroiled in a bitter fraud lawsuit stemming from the disastrous $11billion (8.3billion) sale of his company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. The legal battle endured more than a decade, and in March this year Lynch found himself in a San Francisco courtroom to defend himself against fraud and conspiracy charges. The 59-year-old tycoon had spent much of the previous year living under house arrest with an electronic tag attached to his ankle. Mr Lynch had potentially faced up to 20 years in a US prison if found guilty of 16 counts of conspiracy, and securities and wire fraud, which he denied. Earlier this year he was cleared of all charges - a major victory for the tech guru. Advertisement The passengers on board were mainly British, according to reports, while citizens from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Canada, the US and two dual British and French nationals were also said to be on board. Some of the group are reported to have been colleagues and their family members who were on holiday together in Sicily. The yacht is owned by Isle of Man-based firm Revtom, according to the BBC, the legal owner of which is Bacares, Mr Lynch's wife. A member of staff who worked at Mr Lynch's Chelsea home has told The Times that the businessman 'clearly had a lot of pride in the yacht'. The vessel was still at anchor near the port when the tornado struck, witnesses have said, with the storm breaking its mast and causing the vessel to lose its balance and capsize. The Italian Coastguard said in a statement that a nearby boat offered assistance to people before emergency services arrived. The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored by the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued the 15 survivors. Karsten Borner, the captain of the boat, has described how his vessel was battered by strong gusts, with his team working to stabilise it and manoeuvre it to avoid hitting the Bayesian nearby. 'We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone,' he said. Once the storm subsided, Borner said he and his first mate noticed a flare in the water, and made their way towards it. There they found the lifeboat with those who had escaped inside, including the one-year-old baby and mother Ms Golunski. She told Italian media: 'For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves.' 'I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning,' she added. 'It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.' Incredibly, a group of 15 of the passengers managed to inflate a lifeboat and clamber aboard, before being rescued by a nearby vessel. The mother, who is in hospital with her baby where she received treatment for a minor shoulder injury, described the ordeal as 'terrible', detailing how 'in a few minutes the boat was hit by a very strong wind and sank shortly after.' A British mother, named as Charlotte Golunski, and her one-year-old baby were also reported to be among those rescued by a nearby sailboat The 59-year-old, who was a billionaire at the height of his wealth, has previously been dubbed Britain's Bill Gates after he made his fortune thanks to his company Autonomy (file image) The group were staying on the vessel, which has been named as the Bayesian - a luxury yacht which sails under the British flag The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored nearby the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued some of those on board (file image) Ms Golunski and her little girl were taken to be assessed at the Children's Hospital in Palermo. The baby is said to be doing fine, with tests only carried out as a precaution. The child's father was reportedly taken to the Civic Hospital in the city, while five other people were taken to the Bagheria territorial emergency point. Others reportedly required no hospital treatment, and spoke to authorities about what happened as the incident is investigated. A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters been scouring the scene of the wreck for those who are still missing. Expert divers reached the hull earlier this morning, with more specialist teams brought in as the day went on cables reportedly fixed between the yacht and the surface to allow easier descent. 'The specialists are able to get into small spaces underwater,' a spokesman said. Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor. The boat is thought to have arrived in Porticello after a stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland. Your browser does not support iframes. A local Facebook page shared a picture of the two yachts at anchor last night, just hours before the high winds hit. 'That boat was all lit up,' a man in Porticello told ANSA. 'At around 4.30 in the morning it was gone. A beautiful boat where there had been a party. A normal holiday spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy. 'The boat was not far from the port. It took very little to raise the anchor and head for the port. Evidently they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid sinking.' Divers are scouring the wreckage of the superyacht, which is 160ft underwater off the coast of Sicily Emergency response teams are seen at the harbour near where the boat sank this morning Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Porticello A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters have been deployed to search the scene Fabio Cefalu, a fisherman who spotted the shipwrecked boat off the coast, said he called for help at 4.30 this morning. 'At about 3.55 we saw the whirlwind. After a quarter of an hour we saw a rocket 500 metres away from the dock,' he told Corriere. 'At about 4.35 we went out to sea to provide assistance, but we only saw the remains of the boat floating. There were no men in the sea. So we immediately called the port authority.' Another fisherman, Pietro Asciutto, said: 'I was at home when the tornado hit. I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very large. I saw it sink suddenly'. The ship is managed by Camper and Nicholsons International. The company says it is assisting in the search efforts in Palermo. The firm said in a statement that the boat encountered 'severe weather and subsequently sank'. The ships managed by Camper and Nicholsons International. The company says it is assisting in the search efforts in Palermo. A spokesperson told the BBC that they are currently 'dealing with a situation onboard one of [their] managed vessels', but would not give any further details. According to an events worker who did work at Mr Lynch's Chelsea home, the businessman had a miniature model of the yacht and photos of it on the water in his hallway. 'When I asked him about he told me about it's size and how much his family loved spending time on it,' the anonymous staff member told The Times. 'They had a personal chef who worked both on the boat and in their home. When I visited there were leftovers from their last boat trip in the fridge which he let the serving staff have.' The 180ft yacht has a gross tonnage of 473 tons, and was built by the Perini Navi Viareggio shipyard in February 2008 before being refitted in 2020. The deck area is 436 square metres and the six cabins occupy an area of 143 square metres. It comprises of an aluminum hull, and is powered by two large engines, allowing it to cruise at 12 knots and reach a maximum speed of 15 knots. The boat has the second tallest mast in the world and the largest aluminum mast of 75 metres. Sicily is currently under a weather warning for wind, with video showing strong gusts battering the coast this morning. CCTV footage from around 4am this morning shows a torrent of wind and rain slamming into Santa Nicolicchia - an area of Porticello where Bayesian was anchored. Video posted by Vigili del Fuoco shows the rescue operation on a stretch of sea near Palermo Search and rescue teams are still scouring the scene, with six people missing and one confirmed dead The high winds throw umbrellas, plant pots, tables and chairs flying within seconds of hitting, with the local restaurant who shared the footage saying: 'In a moment the hurricane took everything away!' The owners of Baia Santa Nicolicchia said they were able to open later in the morning once the storm had passed, but added: 'We have no memory of anything like this in our area.' Shadow Foreign Minister for Europe, Alicia Kearns, wrote on X: 'Desperately sorry to hear of the capsizing of the Bayesian - a heartbreaking incident. 'My thoughts are with all the families of those lost at sea, and those recovering following the rescue operation, I'm sure the foreign office will be providing consular support to British Nationals and their families.' The Foreign Office said in a statement: 'We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Sicily, and are in contact with the local authorities.' The doomed luxury superyacht that sunk off the coast of Sicily today while carrying British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his family was a multi-award-winning vessel which had the tallest aluminium mast in the world. The luxury sailboat, the Bayesian, was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a tornado hit the area just before 5am, wrecking the boat and causing it to rapidly disappear beneath the waves. Lynch's wife Angela Bacares was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the yacht, which had been carrying ten crewmembers, the owner and 11 guests. The Bayesian, which was previously known as the Salute, was a 56m long vessel built in Viareggio, Tuscany, by luxury shipmaker Perini Navi in 2008. It was 11.51m at its widest point. The ship's interior, designed in a Japanese style, was crafted by the Remi Tessier design house, and was last refitted in 2020. At 75m, the vessel's mast was the second tallest fitted to any vessel in the world, and the tallest made of aluminium. The luxury sailboat, the Bayesian (pictured), was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a tornado hit the area just before 5am The Bayesian, which was previously known as the Salute, was a 56m long vessel built in Viareggio, Tuscany, by luxury shipmaker Perini Navi in 2008 The new interior was modelled on a Japanese style It won several awards for its styling when it was first made Your browser does not support iframes. It won several awards for its styling when it was first made, taking home the Best Exterior prize at the World Superyacht Awards in 2009, and the Best Interior at the International Superyacht Society Awards in 2008. It was also a finalist in the World Superyacht Awards' Best Sailing Yacht in the 45m+ size range in 2009. The Bayesian could hold up to 12 guests in six cabins, one master, three doubles and two twin rooms, as well as 10 crew members. Both the hull and the superstructure, the part above the main deck, were made from aluminium. According to KM Yatchbuilders, a Dutch shipmaker, aluminium is three times lighter than steel. On top of this, aluminium alloys do not rust, and yachts made from them are 'easy to repair.' On top of the sails, the Bayesian was powered by two 8-cylinder 965hp engines made by German manufacturer MTU that are capable of running at 210rpm. The doomed luxury superyacht that sunk off the coast of Sicily today was carrying British tech tycoon Mike Lynch (pictured, right) and his family The doomed luxury superyacht that sunk off the coast of Sicily today while carrying British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his family Both the hull and the superstructure, the part above the main deck, were made from aluminium This allowed the vessel to reach a top speed of 15 knots (17mph). This, combined with the 57,000 litre fuel tanks, means it had a range of up to 3,600 nautical miles. A one-year-old baby and her parents were among those rescued by a nearby sailboat, but six of the passengers - who include British, American and Canadian citizens - remain unaccounted for. Divers are desperately searching the wreck of the Bayesian, which is on the sea bed 160ft beneath the water. Tragically, the body of a man - believed to be the boat's chef - was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today. There are fears that those who are still missing became trapped in their cabins, with divers earlier reporting that they saw 'bodies through the portholes' of the yacht, according to Italian media. She had been admitted to hospital with influenza A days prior The grieving parents of a young girl who died at home five days after being discharged from hospital are now demanding answers. Paramedics were unable to save Sharney Lee Mitchell, 13, after her parents found her unresponsive in bed and couldn't wake her just before midday on Sunday. Six days earlier, Sharney was taken to Joondalup Health Campus suffering from flu-like symptoms. She tested positive for influenza A and was kept in overnight before being discharged the next day, despite still suffering from aches and pains. Sharney's shattered family told 7News they have no idea how her condition deteriorated so quickly after she was released from hospital. They're now demanding answers as to why Sharney was discharged from hospital so quickly while she was so sick. The family, from Brabham in Perths north-east, have released a photo of Sharney as a public reminder of how serious influenza can be. Authorities are waiting on the results of a post-mortem examination to determine Sharney's exact cause of death. Sharney Lee Mitchell, 13, was found dead in her bed by her parents five days after she was discharged from Joondalup Health Campus on August 12 A representative from Ramsay Health said Sharney was released because she had no fever and her chest X-ray was normal at the time of her discharge. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness which impacts the nose, throat and lungs. Anyone can catch it through droplets left on surfaces and in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, aches, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain. Extreme cases can develop into pneumonia which can lead to breathing problems and even death. At least eight people have died from the flu across Western Australia this year alone. Sharney's parents do not know how she died and are frustrated that the hospital discharged her while she was still presenting symptoms of influenza The WA Department of Health reported an increase in influenza and influenza-like illnesses over its previous five-year average. In the week ending August 11, 10,152 cases had been reported, 1,883 of which required hospitalisation. More than 4,200 of those cases were children. In May 2023, Perth three-year-old Muhammed Saadiq Segaff became the youngest recorded case of death by flu in the state's history. Health authorities say the best way to avoid contracting the virus is to get vaccinated. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - With the number of aid workers killed in the line of duty reaching record highs, the UN and partners are demanding greater accountability as countries commemorate World Humanitarian Day on Monday Matthew Perry is being mourned by fans on what would have been his 55th birthday. The actor, who famously played smart-mouthed Chandler Bing on Friends, died in October after suffering a fatal ketamine overdose. A police investigation ensued, resulting in the arrests of five people this past week. Among them was the actor's personal assistant and two doctors - said to be part of a 'broad underground criminal network' that supplied the sitcom star with the drugs. Onlookers thus likely already had the actor on the mind when his birthday rolled around Monday, as did the official Friends Instagram account - who decided to post in remembrance. Matthew Perry is being mourned by fans on what would have been his 55th birthday. Reactions were seen after the official Friends Instagram decided to post in remembrance 'On this day, we remember the light that was Matthew Perry,' account operators wrote, sharing a vintage photo of the deceased. A series of emotional comments ensued, some of them referencing the recent headlines surrounding his alleged enablers arrests. 'Thank you for giving us Chandler Bing, Matthew Perry,' wrote one forlorn fan. 'Always in my heart and happy birthday to you.' 'This would have been Matthew Perrys 55th birthday today,' added another, before offering a solemn hashtag. 'RIPMatthewPerry.' Most mentioned his iconic character, known for his sarcasm and well-timed quips. Others remembered the show and how it had impacted them, with one person writing, 'I rewatch Friends every year since 2020 at least twice. 'Now I am again on season 3,' they added. 'Love you Matt.' 'Our dearest Chan Chan Man,' another fondly remembered. 'Could we miss him more??' said someone else. Within three hours of posting, the memorial has received more than 600,000 likes and countless replies Most mentioned his iconic character, known for his sarcasm and well-timed quips, delivered over the course of 10 successful seasons with castmates David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow Within three hours of posting, the memorial has received more than 600,000 likes and countless replies. One person, in turn, proclaimed : 'Everything going on in the news with him shouldnt be how we remember [Perry]. 'We should remember him making millions of us laugh ever time we heard a sarcastic comment from Chandler Bing.' The news, meanwhile, is still fresh in the minds of many, as the coalition of suspects were apprehended just this past Thursday. Officials who made the arrests were from the federal government, and in a subsequent press briefing, US attorney Martin Estrada explained how officials had uncovered a broad underground criminal network responsible for distributing large quantity of ketamine to Perry and others. In a press conference, US attorney Martin Estrada, in turn, described Perry's steady descent into ketamine addiction, which he said began with him obtaining the controlled substance through doctors, before eventually resorting to street vendors. An accompanying indictment alleged the defendants made tens of thousands of dollars by selling the narcotic to the troubled star, and that in one instance, Doctor Salvador Plasencia, of Malibu Canyon Urgent Care, worked with fellow doc Mark Chavez to charge Perry $2,000 for a vial of ketamine that actually cost $12. Doctor Salvador Plasencia, 42, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine A federal indictment alleged the physician worked with fellow doc Mark Chavez (pictured) to charge Perry $2,000 for a vial of ketamine that actually cost $12 Also cuffed in connection with the case was Perry's former live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, after he admitted to administering the fatal dose of ketamine that killed the Friends actor Jasveen Sangha, 41, is better known as the 'Ketamine Queen' of north Hollywood. Prosecutors say she is the lynchpin for a 'broad underground criminal network' which supplied the Friends star the ketamine that killed him in October 2023 Also cuffed in connection with the case was Perry's former live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who admitted to administering the fatal dose that killed the iconic actor. The supposed lynchpin for the alleged underground operation that supplied the Friends star was 41-year-old Jasveen Sangha, also known by the pseudoynym of the 'Ketamine Queen' in North Hollywood. Cops said it was Sangha's distribution of the substance on October 4, 2023, that led to his death, after which Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his LA home on October 28. Meanwhile, as of writing, the actor's costars have yet to air their own tributes to their fallen friend. Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow issued heartfelt tributes in the days after his death, however, both to Instagram. 'Matthew It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye,' LeBlanc, who played Joey on the long-running sitcom, wrote. Cops said it was Sangha's distribution of the substance on October 4, 2023, that led to his death, after which Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his LA home on October 28. He is seen here in the same jacuzzi just days earlier Investigators said they discovered a 'drugs emporium' at Sangha home during a raid in March 2024, the fruits of which are seen here 'The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life,' he continued. 'It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. 'I will always smile when I think of you and Ill never forget you. Never. 'Spread your wings and fly brother youre finally free. Much love,' he concluded, before offering a characteristic joke. 'And I guess youre keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.' Kudrow, meanwhile, offered up an interesting anecdote involving Perry at an NBC party after the show was first picked up, along with a photo at the time as well. She wrote: 'Shot the pilot, Friends Like Us, got picked up then immediately, we were at the NBC Upfronts. Then You suggested we play poker AND made it so much fun while we initially bonded. Thank you for that. 'Thank you for making me laugh so hard at something you said, that my muscles ached, and tears poured down my face EVERY DAY. 'Thank you for your open heart in a six way relationship that required compromise. And a lot of talking. 'Thank you for the best 10 years a person gets to have', one of Perry's costars recently wrote 'Thank you for showing up at work when you werent well and then, being completely brilliant,' she continued. 'Thank you for the best 10 years a person gets to have.' If convicted of all charges, Sangha could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, as well as a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Plasencia, meanwhile, could face up to 10 years for each ketamine-related count, and up to 20 years in federal prison for each records falsification count. Iwamasa and alleged drug dealer Eric Fleming will face up to 15 years and 25 years, respectively, when they are sentenced in their federal cases. Chavez, moreover, has been charged in an information pursuant to a plea agreement and will be arraigned on August 30. At sentencing, he will face up to 10 years in federal prison. He was the tech tycoon dubbed Britain's 'Bill Gates' who was among those found dead on his sunken superyacht. Mike Lynch, a former advisor to then-Prime Minister David Cameron and BBC board member, was one of the passengers trapped on the luxury 30million vessel which sank off the coast of Sicily on August 19 2024. He was among five bodies recovered from the wreck, Italian officials later said - the others being Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith, Mr Lynch's lawyer Christopher Morvillo, and his wife Neda, while Mr Lynch's 18-year-old daughter Hannah was still missing on August 22. The body of one crew member, chef Recaldo Thomas, had been found in the water on the day of the tragedy. Mr Lynch's wife Angela Bacares was among 15 people rescued from the 180ft yacht which was carrying 10 crew members, the owner and 11 guests. Mike Lynch was one of the UK's richest men, worth an estimated 852million Tech tycoon and married father-of-two Mike Lynch is pictured here with his wife Angela Mike Lynch (second left) is seen in the early days of his techology firm Autonomy in Cambridge He was believed to own the Bayesian superyacht which sank off the coast of Sicily Mr Lynch, 59, who was one of the UK's richest men and worth an estimated 852million, is believed to have owned the stricken boat. Earlier this year he was cleared of all charges by an American jury in the high-profile fraud case relating to the sale of his software firm Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011. It was a major victory for the tech guru - a fan of James Bond - after being dogged by legal problems since the disastrous $11billion (8.3billion) sale 13 years ago. Mr Lynch was raised in Chelmsford in Essex by Irish parents, with his mother a nurse and his father a firefighter who advised him as a youngster against taking a job which involved 'running into burning buildings'. He earned a scholarship to Bancrofts School, a private day school in Woodford Green, east London. After studying physics, mathematics and biochemistry at Cambridge University and achieving a PhD in mathematical computing, he started his first company in the late 1980s with just 2,000. By 1991, he had established Cambridge Neurodynamics which specialised in computer-based fingerprint recognition, and five years later co-founded Autonomy Corporation whose software was by firms to analyse vast caches of data. The latter soon became a leading light of Silicon Fen, the nickname for the cluster of tech companies around Cambridge that was Britain's answer to Silicon Valley. By 2010, the company was so successful that Lynch signed a 20million sponsorship deal with Tottenham Hotspur - with the name of his firm's augmented-reality platform Aurasma featuring on the front of shirts worn by the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric. His rise to fame and fortune had been celebrated as a major and pioneering British success story and the married father of two daughters aged 21 and 18 was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to enterprise. That same year, he was appointed to the board of the BBC - and was later elected to then-prime minister David Cameron's council for science and technology in 2011. He advised Mr Cameron on subjects including 'the opportunities and risks of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the government's role in the regulation of these technologies'. Yet in March this year he found himself in a San Francisco courtroom to defend himself against fraud and conspiracy charges - and ultimately won his freedom. Mike Lynch's wife Angela Bacares (right) was among 15 people rescued from the yacht Mike Lynch, a married father of two daughters, was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to enterprise That same year he was appointed to the board of the BBC - and was later elected to then-prime minister David Cameron's council for science and technology in 2011 A frantic search got underway at the site of the shipwreck after the Bayesian sank A local Facebook group shared a picture of the yacht (left) at anchor. The vessel has been named as the Bayesian, and is said to sail under a British flag The search area on the morning of August 19 2024 off the coast of Porticello, Sicily Divers from the fire service have been supporting search and rescue efforts The 59-year-old tycoon had spent much of the previous year living under house arrest in San Franciso's swanky Pacific Heights area with an electronic tag attached to his ankle, with bail secured on a $100million (77million) bond. Fighting his corner was a legal team led by Reid Weingarten, described as one of the US legal system's most successful white-collar defenders and who previously represented Jeffrey Epstein and Roman Polanski. Mr Lynch had potentially faced up to 20 years in a US prison if found guilty of 16 counts of conspiracy, and securities and wire fraud, which he denied. The charges related to a business deal that was hailed at the time as his crowning glory the 8.6billion sale of his software and data company Autonomy to US computer giant Hewlett-Packard in 2011. Mr Lynch personally made more than 500million from the deal, only for HP to later wrote down three-quarters of the value of Autonomy only a year after buying it. The US company fired Mr Lynch while accusing accusing him and other executives of having grossly inflated its size and profits during the sale. He had previously lost a 2019 civil fraud case based on similar allegations that HP now Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) brought in the UK, with London's High Court ruling in 2020 that HPE had 'substantially won' its case. His separate three-year battle to avoid being extradited to face criminal charges culminated in Lynch going to the High Court to argue that American prosecutors were guilty of legal overreach which threatened UK sovereignty and its citizens. His plea was rejected and in May last year he was flown to California, accompanied by the U.S. Marshals Service, still protesting his innocence. And on June 6 this year he was acquitted of fraud by a jury in San Francisco, while former Autonomy finance executive Stephen Chamberlain, who faced the same charges, was also acquitted on all counts. In his first interview after the charges were rejected, Mr Lynch told how he had feared he would die in prison - saying that medical issues meant he felt it would have been 'difficult to survive' time behind bars. Mike Lynch told BBC Radio 4's PM programme earlier this month about his 'indescribable' relief after being acquitted of fraud charges by a San Francisco court Mr Lynch, pictured at the Tate Modern in London in December 2012, had potentially faced up to 20 years in a US prison if found guilty of 16 counts which he denied The charges related to the 8.6billion sale of his software and data company Autonomy to US computer giant Hewlett-Packard in 2011 Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored nearby the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued some of those on board (file image) Divers were seen scouring the wreckage of the superyacht, which was 160ft underwater off the coast of Sicily He told the Times last month: 'Id had to say goodbye to everything and everyone, because I didnt know if Id ever be coming back, he added. If this had gone the wrong way, it would have been the end of my life as I have known it in any sense. 'It's bizarre, but now you have a second life - the question is, what do you want to do with it?' He texted a friend after being acquitted, saying it was 'so wonderful to be home' - and told of his joy about being able to spend more time with his two daughters and their six dogs. It has been revealed how he held a garden party at his 6million country mansion to celebrate his court victory just weeks before the tragic sinking of his superyacht. He threw the event in June on the lawn of his rambling 16th-century home in Suffolk after the jury in San Francisco found him not guilty on all counts. Guests who attended the garden party reportedly included local villagers and friends from the world of business and politics including Tory peer Lord Deben and former deputy prime minister Therese Coffey. Sue Jones, the chairman of Pettistree parish council, said Mr Lynch often used to hold garden parties for locals and friends at his home. She said: He is a nice man and obviously very successful. He spends a lot of time away, but he knows people in the village. I went to his garden party in June this year. He had just got back in the country after his problems in America. It was very enjoyable. I met his wife and his two children were there. Emergency response teams are seen at the harbour near where the boat sank Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of August 19 2024, off the coast of Porticello He was always happy to be back in Pettistree where he keeps some rare breeds which he loves. It is utterly tragic that he came out from under that cloud, and then this happens. Mr Lynch and his wife are thought to have lived for the last 15 years at their Georgian manor house. The farm is set in 69 acres of grounds and woodland, alongside 2,500 acres of mainly arable farmland. As well as running his technology businesses, he kept an acclaimed herd of Red Poll cattle on his land, and a flock of rhea birds. The luxury sailboat which sank on August 19 had been docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a tornado hit the area just before 5am - wrecking the boat and causing it to rapidly disappear beneath the waves. The vessel was still at anchor near the port when the tornado struck, witnesses told Italian news agency ANSA. With the anchor still down, the storm broke the mast, causing the vessel to lose its balance and capsize, according to reports. The Italian Coastguard said in a statement that a nearby boat offered assistance to people before emergency services arrived. The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored by the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued the 15 survivors. Karsten Borner, the captain of the boat, described how his vessel was battered by strong gusts, with his team working to stabilise it and manoeuvre it to avoid hitting the Bayesian nearby. 'We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone,' he said. Once the storm subsided, Mr Borner said he and his first mate noticed a flare in the water, and made their way towards it. A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters were deployed to search the scene Video posted by Vigili del Fuoco shows the rescue operation on a stretch of sea near Palermo Search and rescue teams were scouring the scene on August 19 2024 There they found the lifeboat with those who had escaped inside, according the one-year-old baby. The child's 35-year-old mother told Italian media: 'For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves.' 'I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning,' she added. 'It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.' Incredibly, a group of 15 of the passengers managed to inflate a lifeboat and clamber aboard, before being rescued by a nearby vessel. The mother, who was taken to hospital with her baby where she received treatment for a minor shoulder injury, described the ordeal as 'terrible', detailing how 'in a few minutes the boat was hit by a very strong wind and sank shortly after.' Furious protesters unfurled a large banner on a Costa Blanca beach to call for tourists to 'go home' in the latest stunt against perceived over-tourism in Spain. Activists let off pink flares to make sure holidaymakers relaxing on the sand or cooling off in the sea received their message, printed in Valencian and English. 'Aturem La Turistificacio' 'Stop Touristification' the sign read, apparently intended to be understood by Brits enjoying the sun at Barraca Cove near Benidorm on Sunday. Garrot Accio, literally 'Action Club' - took responsibility for the protest, sharing the message with thousands of followers online and the hashtag #TouristsGoHome as they call for new regulations on short stays and better working opportunities. It was the latest in a string of organised demonstrations across Spain aimed at deterring visitors and raising awareness of the plight of those in popular cities. Garrot Accio took a banner in English and Catalan to the beach near Benidorm on Sunday Critics say overtourism has negatively impacted opportunities for work and housing in Spain The banner was displayed near a beach with rentable parasols for tourists A protester speaks during the demonstration on the beach of Palma de Mallorca last week Members of the Mallorca Platja Tour association demonstrate against the tourist saturation Members of the Mallorca Platja Tour association demonstrate against tourism with a banner that reads 'Let's occupy our beaches!' on Palma de Mallorca beach today It comes after protestors squirted water guns at tourists eating in popular spots in Barcelona Tourists sharing paella can only watch on, bemused, as the rally moves past in Barcelona As Garrot Accio held their poster and lit flares at the cove near Javea on Sunday, activists from Menys Turisme, Mes Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) occupied the main avenue and held banners in Alcudia in the north of the Majorcan capital of Palma. Large traffic jams piled up around the event in the north of the island, a spokesperson for the group saying they had deliberately chosen Sunday as market day. 'The main avenue is used as an arrival point by nearly all the tourists,' they said. The group organised a demonstration in Palma last month, seconded by an estimated 15,000 people. Amid widespread dissatisfaction over pay, housing and opportunities, the July protest was the second anti-mass tourism protest of scale in the Majorcan capital so far this year. The twin actions came two days after residents of a Menorcan village dubbed the 'Spanish Mykonos' rejected a feared tourist ban, although one in three of the 195 homeowners favoured a prohibition 24/7. The holidaymaker veto was said to be on the cards ahead of the vote after locals chained off the 22 entrances to their community at night-time earlier this year. Residents voted to put restrictions in place after visitors flocked back to Menorca following the end of the Covid pandemic. 'We are not against tourism, we are just against uncivil people', a member of the local residents' association told MailOnline, adding that 'as a community we have rules that we can only hope people respect'. Some 800,000 tourists flock to the quiet Balearic island each year. For the six months to the end of June, 42.5 million international visitors travelled nto the country, with June alone recording a 12% rise to 9 million as the busier summer period picks up, according to Spain's data agency INE. That means 2024 is shaping up to be another record year for Spain, already the world's second most visited country behind France, making it likely it will beat last year's high of 85 million tourists, when numbers exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Data shows visitors are increasingly opting to stay in rental apartments, rather than hotels, driving up demand for flats and incentivising landlords to buy up housing at the expense of residents. The number of visitors to Spain in the first-half of the year staying in that type of accommodation was up 30%, while those staying in hotels was up 11%. Aggrieved locals recently made headlines by chaining off the 22 entrances to their private community, which is known for its narrow cobbled alleys meandering through its whitewashed houses. The first major protest in Alicante - not far from the Barraca Cove beach - took place last month, as hundreds of locals took to the streets to voice their concerns about overtourism. Scores of residents met at the central Plaza Toros with banners and flags reading 'Leave our neighbourhoods', 'our home is not the patio of gringos' and 'f*** AirBnB' amid fears locals are being priced out of their homes and trapped in unstable jobs catering to foreign visitors. Aggrieved locals chanted 'Alicante is not for sale', blew whistles and waved flags, closing streets as they rallied on the Calle Calderon de la Barca, finishing their march at the office for tourism to plenty of applause from crowd. Salva, a spokesperson for the organising 'Alicante donde vas?' group, told MailOnline: 'As far as we know, a protest of this nature has never been held here before and we consider it essential to make the conflict visible. 'What is not named does not exist and it is essential we make it clear that there are many of us residents of Alicante who demand that limits be placed on the tourism industry.' Earlier in the month, residents in Barcelona shockingly fired water guns at tourists enjoying dinner on a street popular with foreign visitors. Under the banner 'Enough! Let's put limits on tourism', some 2,800 people - according to police - marched along a waterfront district of Barcelona to demand a new economic model that would reduce the millions of tourists that visit every year. Barcelona's rising cost of housing, up 68 percent in the past decade, is one of the main issues for the movement, along with the effects of tourism on local commerce and working conditions in the city of 1.6 million inhabitants. Rents rose by 18% in June from a year earlier in tourist cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, according to the property website Idealista. For years, the city has worn anti-tourist graffiti with messages such as 'tourists go home' aimed at visitors some blame for the rising prices and shaping of the economy around tourists. Barcelona's local authorities have since responded by saying they would introduce a tourist tax for short-stay cruise passengers in a bid to alleviate the strain. Protesters carried signs reading 'Barcelona is not for sale,' and, 'Tourists go home,' before some used water guns on tourists eating outdoors at restaurants in popular tourist hotspots. Photos shared exclusively with MailOnline show what one resident said was likely new graffiti calling for tourists to go home on 'recently erected tents'. 'Recently erected tents' in Barcelona have been branded with messaging (pictured Sunday) Graffiti seen in Barcelona on Sunday calls for tourists to 'go f****** home' amid backlash Anti-tourism graffiti in Barcelona dates back years, but has seen a surge amid the protests A police car in Malaga piled high with the confiscated chairs and umbrellas Spanish police confiscated loungers and umbrellas of unruly holidaymakers in Malaga Hundreds of protestors rallied in Alicante last month in the first major demo in the city One sign read 'F*** AirBnB', expressing frustration with the holiday home rental company An England supporter stands in a protest against anti-tourism in Alicante in July Protesters closed streets as they rallied on the Calle Calderon de la Barca in Alicante Signs in support of the PCPE, the Spanish Communist Party, during the demonstration Alasdair, an English teacher from Scotland who has lived in Barcelona since 2017, told MailOnline: 'Lots of people still recognise the need for tourism here Barcelona lives off a hell of a lot of tourism. 'I think it's gotten better in the sense that there are fewer drunks around but the main protests are against mass tourism. 'If you look at the targets [of the July water gun incidents] - the streets they went on - it's the hyper touristic spots. In a sense it's a little anti-capitalistic. 'That's the impression I got from it: tourism is not bad in itself, it's the mass tourism and the loss of character and the loss of space for locals to hang around in.' Other smaller protests have taken place in other parts of Majorca as well as Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. On July 27 around 250 protestors impeded tourist access to a picture-postcard Menorcan beach in a 'surprise action'. Activists boasted of filling a car park by Cala Turqueta, a beautiful cove on the island's southern coast, with 'residents' cars'. They then used towels and their own bodies to shape the message 'SOS Menorca' on the sand by the waterline. The unannounced protest, by environmental non-profit organisation GOB Menorca, resulted in the car park being 'blocked' to holidaymakers for around six hours from early morning according to local reports. In Malaga, in the south of Spain, Spanish police joined the action against unruly tourists last week by confiscating the loungers and umbrellas of selfish beach hoggers who set up shop then leave - sometimes before dawn. Council chiefs at popular resorts on the Spanish mainland and in the Balearics and Canaries have introduced fines for sunseekers who abandon their belongings while they have lunch or even go back to bed. The loungers and umbrellas are taken to the local police station and tourists must pay the equivalent of 210 to retrieve them. Photos shared on social media show police in Malaga enforcing the rules with uniformed officers removing chairs from the beach. Separate pictures show police cars piled high with the confiscated chairs and umbrellas. The angry user captioned the post on TikTok 'you can't occupy a place on the beach while you go to have lunch but yes they can occupy your house' - in a reference to Spain's unpopular squatting laws. Chains have been introduced across pathways in the village of Binibeca in Menorca to stop visitors intruding in private spaces of residents at certain times Hundreds of protestors impeded tourist access to a picture-postcard Menorcan beach called Cala Turqueta in late July Activists boasted of filling a car park by Cala Turqueta, a beautiful cove on the island's southern coast, with residents' cars Others however welcomed the new rules. One Facebook page dedicated to Spanish tourism said: 'Where are the people? We'll tell you... sleeping or having breakfast at home. 'This practice, which has been carried out for many years, is beginning to be regulated by coastal town councils, because it is not normal to arrive at 9 or 10 in the morning and find the first and second rows of beach full and no one around. 'Only those who have suffered it understand the importance that town councils, through their local police, regulating the proper use of these spaces.' Anti mass-tourism protests have also taken place in the Canary Islands, where thousands took to the streets in co-ordinated April 20 demos across the Atlantic archipelago. Graffiti targeted at tourists has appeared in both Tenerife and Majorca. More than 50,000 people took to the streets of Tenerife in April in protest against tourism on the island, brandishing 'you enjoy, we suffer' placards as locals fight poverty and housing shortages. The Voepass Airlines plane that crashed in Brazil and killed all 62 people on board reportedly had a nonworking de-icing system a year before the tragedy. A photo of the same aircraft from July 2023 shows that the ATR-72-500 twin engine turboprop plane's de-icing system was labeled 'inoperative,' TV Globo reported. The system removes ice from the aircraft and is one of its critical components. The image is one of four that were obtained by the news outlet as authorities continue to investigate Voepass Flight 2283, which crashed on August 9 in a residential neighborhood in Vinhedo. Experts have said the accumulation of ice on the airplane may have caused it to spin before crashing. The pilot allegedly requested permission to lower the plane's altitude due to the amount of ice on the aircraft, but the control tower rejected his request, according to Metropoles newspaper. A photo of the same aircraft from July 2023 shows that the ATR-72-500 twin engine turboprop plane's de-icing system was labeled 'inoperative,' TV Globo reported Aerial view of the Voepass airplane wreckage next to the condominium where it crashed Friday in Vinhedo, a city in the southeastern Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. All 58 passengers and four crew members were killed Another photo of a different Voepass plane also showed an 'inoperative' de-icing system marked by a yellow sticker. TV Globo was able to obtain a third photo taken inside the cockpit of a different Voepass airplane showing a fuel level indicator was also deemed nonfunctioning. A fourth picture that was reportedly taken August 1, eight days before the crash, showed that that knob on another plane's performance monitor had fallen off during a flight. The knob would allow the pilot to register the aircraft's overall weight, and the system transmits data confirming if air performance is correct and whether ice is restricting the flight. The news outlet claims that the knob would have fallen off on the doomed aircraft. In a statement to Fantastico, Voepass said that all of the operating issues with the de-icing system that were seen in July 2023 were fixed. Another photo of a different Voepass plane also showed an 'inoperative' de-icing system marked by a yellow sticker TV Globo was able to obtain a third photo taken inside the cockpit of a different Voepass airplane showing a fuel level indicator was also deemed nonfunctioning A fourth picture that was reportedly taken August 1, eight days before the crash, showed that that knob on another plane's performance monitor had fallen off during a flight Voepass Airlines Flight 2283 crashed behind a condominium in Vinhedo, a city in the southeastern Brazilian state of Sao Paulo on August 9. The carrier added that Flight 2283's flight operating system was functioning at the time of the accident. Voepass Airlines said that it is awaiting the results of a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The flight took off from Cascavel Regional Airport at 11:46 a.m. in Cascavel, Parana and was bound for Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo. Cell phone footage shared by residents showed the airplane spinning in the sky as it plummeted into the backyard of a condominium building. A man has been charged in the cold case of a 25-year-old nursing student who was kidnapped and murdered in Texas 44 years ago - as authorities continue to search for another person in connection with the horrifying crime. Susan Leigh Wolfe was walking to a friend's house in Austin on the night of January 9, 1980 when she was kidnapped about a block from her home. Her body was found the next day in an alley. The young woman had been sexually assaulted, strangled and shot in the head, authorities said. DNA and genetic genealogy testing revealed a suspect in Wolfe's killing, identified as 78-year-old Deck Brewer, Jr., who is currently behind bars in a Massachusetts jail for unrelated charges. Last week, Austin Municipal Court found probable cause to charge Brewer in the young nurse's death as Austin police continue to search for a second suspect spotted on the night of her disappearance. Victim Susan Leigh Wolfe, 25, was sexually assaulted, strangled and shot in the head before her body was found in an Austin alley An Austin court found probable cause to issue an arrest warrant charging Deck Brewer Jr. with the murder of Susan Leigh Wolfe A witness gave police chilling details of what happened the night of Wolfe's abduction. The witness described seeing a car approach Wolfe as she was walking alone around 10pm. The driver exited the vehicle and grabbed Wolfe in a bear hug before placing a coat over her head and forcing her into the car. The witness also saw a passenger door open before losing sight of the victim. Wolfe, who had enrolled at the University of Texas earlier that day, left her house alone that night of the murder after her home was sprayed for bugs to go to a friends house. A year after her murder, investigators looked into numerous leads, including cars that fit the witness's description Over the course of the investigation, police identified over 40 persons of interest and interviewed at least six suspects, ABC News reported. In April 2023, evidence of the sexual assault was sent to a crime lab at The Texas Department of Public Safety. Earlier this year, Austin police received lab results that eliminated six suspects but produced a new match. When police entered the profile into a DNA index, it came back showing a possible match to a man in jail in Massachusetts identified as Brewer, Jr. In July, Brewer told detectives during an interview that he was in the Austin area around the time of Wolfe's murder. Around the same time, police received the results of Brewer's DNA, which matched the DNA found on the victim. On Wednesday, a court found probable cause to charge Brewer in Wolfe's murder. It was once a cartel capital off-limits for mainstream tourists, but Colombia's Cali is hoping for a reputation boost after serving as a host venue for Harry and Meghan's faux royal tour. Hundreds of police officers and soldiers lined the streets as part of a huge security operation to guard the Sussexes, who arrived in the city on Sunday for the final leg of their four-day journey around Colombia. Cali has recently been rebranded as a party and salsa hub after spending much of the 1990s under the control of the Cali Cartel, which dominated 80 per cent of the global cocaine market under the leadership of the notorious Rodriguez Orejuela brothers, or 'Gentlemen of Cali'. While the cartel's influence has waned after most of its senior figures were jailed, Cali still has the highest murder rate of any city in Colombia at 42 per 100,000 people in 2022. Nonetheless, the city of 2.2million has also seen a boom in tourism, and in October is set to host 12,000 delegates to the United Nations' biodiversity conference. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Colombia's Vice President, Francia Marquez, during their visit to Cali Cali is beginning to attract attention as a tourist destination, with Lonely Planet praising its 'zest for life' The city has a long history of violence, with this image depicting the damage caused to a police station by a car bomb in 2007 Among those determined to capitalise on Harry and Meghan's visit was Cali's mayor, Alejandro Eder. 'This is really important for Cali,' he told The Times. 'We want to recuperate the prestige of Cali and part of that is showing the world what is our city, and what is our culture we want to put Cali on the world map.' Meanwhile, Miguel Flores, a 38-year-old road sweeper, said the Sussexes were 'very welcome', adding: 'I hope they encourage their friends to come.' Cali is beginning to attract attention as a tourist destination, with Lonely Planet praising its 'zest for life'. 'Beyond a handful of churches and museums, Cali is light on sights but the city's main attraction is its beguiling, electrifying atmosphere,' the guide continues. 'If you make the effort you will find great nightlife, good restaurants and plenty to do, especially in the evening, when a cool mountain breeze dissipates the heat of the day.' The Sussexes began their visit to Cali by attending an 'Afro women and power' forum at the Enrique Buenaventura Municipal Theatre, with Meghan referring to Colombia's vice president Francia Marquez as 'mi amiga (my friend)'. 'Sorry if my Spanish is not perfect because I learned it 20 years ago in Argentina, but I'm trying here because I can feel this community and this feeling which is the best in the world,' Meghan said. Despite the celebratory atmosphere around Harry and Meghan's visit, Cali still struggles with high levels of crime, with the Foreign Office warning tourists that they risk falling victim to pickpocketing, mugging and armed robbery. More than 30 per cent of Colombia as a whole remains in poverty, and several critics have dismissed the tour - with its focus on issues like cyberbullying - as 'showmanship'. The Cali Cartel was controlled by the notorious Rodriguez Orejuela brothers, or 'Gentlemen of Cali' - Gilberto and Miguel Police stand guard over a vast haul of cocaine that was seized in Cali in October 2000 Members of the Colombian Police inspect the site of a car bomb explosion in front of the facilities of the Metropolitan Police Command of Cali in 2007 One local journalist told the Telegraph: 'People are expecting the government to address these issues rather than focus on a high-profile event with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 'Although addressing and confronting cyberbullying in children is an important issue, it is not the most pressing problem we face.' Right wing senator and 2026 Presidential hopeful Maria Fernanda Cabal told the paper: 'The invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex brings absolutely no cultural exchange or anything of the sort. 'It is part of the showmanship of a vice-president who is disconnected from the reality of the country. 'The vice-president is black and, as a minority, should set an example of greatness, of affection towards the population, especially the poor, without resentment or hatred. 'She should seek out even minimal projects that the community needs, stand by the people, not by royalty.' Reporters for the Mail found that many Colombians had not even heard of the couple before their arrival - being too consumed by poverty, fear of cartels and safety concerns. 'I know about your [late] Queen but I'm not familiar with these guys,' said one street trader with a tight shake of his head. Although the Sussexes immersed themselves in local culture and met with students and war veterans, critics reported that they were whisked from one event to the next amidst a ring of steel, and most locals could have been oblivious to their presence. The couple were hosted and shown around the country by Colombia's vice president, Francia Marquez, who invited them on the visit after watching their docuseries on Netflix. The Municipal Theatre of Cali, one of the city's main landmarks Among those determined to capitalise on Harry and Meghan's visit was Cali's mayor, Alejandro Eder Speaking on Sunday, Meghan paid tribute to powerful black women and revealed her daughter Lilibet has 'found her voice' She, too, was accompanied by a fierce army of bodyguards: as the country's first black vice-president, she has often spoken about the racism and threats she faces on a daily basis. Although hailing from a poor upbringing, the politician now commutes to work in a helicopter, citing the constant threat of assassination attempts against her. A senior opposition politician in Bogota told The Mail on Sunday: 'Perhaps the backdrop matters not. They [the Sussexes] seek cultural relevance and want to make an impact. 'They talk of being a global brand, so it doesn't really matter where they go in the world to highlight their causes.' And one of Ms Marquez's predecessors, former Colombian vice president Francisco Santos said: 'I cannot understand for the life of me why they [Meghan and Harry] are here. 'Of all the great black politicians in South America they go to her she's a laughing stock. 'Who else will she bring here on the basis of watching Netflix? She will wrongly assume it will improve her public image. 'But there is nothing in this trip for the duke and duchess.' Journalists agreed, Catarine Suarez said: 'The problem is not that the duke and duchess are visiting Colombia.' 'The issue is this constant hypocrisy, those who talk so much about hatred of the 'oligarchy' 'white people' 'rich people', who so criticised official visits of this type in previous governments today now doing the same.' Harry on stage with Meghan for a group photograph following her speech in Cali Meghan and Harry lift their hands up as they attend the Afro Women and Power event Meanwhile, a Bogota lawyer told The Mail on Sunday: 'People are unhappy, particularly the poor people this government and in particularly this vice president promised to help. 'Instead the vice president is swanning around with Harry and Meghan, all of them wearing expensive clothes and all of them pretending that what they are doing has some sort of relevance to Colombia and the outside world.' A particular source of annoyance seems to be the focus on digital issues in a country where for many even vital items such as food and power are often out of reach. During the tour, Harry and Meghan visited a school, held a seminar on digital safety and met with the Colombian Invictus Games team. Ahead of their arrival, some locals said they hoped Harry would use the visit to apologise for the British crown's role in the colonial slave trade. The Duke of Sussex has previously discussed the 'unjust' system that saw 'enslaved people' generate wealth for the Crown. However, he did not mention the issue or apologise for his family's role in the oppressive system. Just weeks ago, a tearful Mike Lynch returned to Britain a free man after being acquitted of fraud charges that could have landed him 25 years in a US jail. The tech tycoon, once described as 'Britain's Bill Gates', told of his 'second life' after finally winning a 13-year legal fight over the 8.3billion sale of his firm Autonomy to US company Hewlett-Packard. He was believed to be having an elaborate celebration to commemorate his high stakes fraud acquittal when tragedy struck this morning. So soon after his moment of triumph, the 59-year-old is believed to be among the passengers trapped onboard his luxury yacht, the Bayesian, after it sank off the coast of Sicily just before 5am. Divers are desperately searching the wreck, which is on the sea bed 160ft beneath the water, and the body of a man thought to be the boat's chef was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today. Mr Lynch, who is one of the UK's richest men and worth an estimated 852million, remains unaccounted for while his wife - Angela Bacares - has been rescued. The father of two had spoken of his 'indescribable' relief at being acquitted and joy at returning to Britain, and texted one friend saying it was 'so wonderful to be home'. He has also spoken at his delight at being able to spend time with his two daughters, 21 and 18, and their six dogs. Mike Lynch on his Suffolk farm in 2021 when he was fighting extradition to the USA Mike Lynch's Suffolk home, where he keeps rare breeds of cattle and pigs Mr Lynch (second left) is seen in the early days of his techology firm Autonomy in Cambridge Tech tycoon and married father-of-two Mr Lynch is pictured here with his wife Angela Mr Lynch in his younger years before he became one of Britain's most high profile entrepreneurs Tech entrepreneur Lynch with his renovated mill, at his Suffolk farm The tech tycoon, once described as 'Britain's Bill Gates ', had just told of his 'second life' Mr Lynch responded to his acquittal by revealing he had feared dying in prison if found guilty Speaking in his first newspaper interview, he told The Times: 'I'd had to say goodbye to everything and everyone, because I didn't know if I'd ever be coming back.' Mr Lynch responded to his acquittal by revealing he had feared dying in prison if found guilty - saying that medical issues meant he felt it would have been 'difficult to survive' time behind bars. He added: 'If this had gone the wrong way, it would have been the end of my life as I have known it in any sense. 'It's bizarre, but now you have a second life - the question is, what do you want to do with it?' A member of staff who worked at Mr Lynch's Chelsea home said the businessman 'clearly had a lot of pride' in his yacht, the Bayesian. 'He had a miniature model of it and photos of it on the water in the hallway of his Chelsea home,' they said. 'When I asked him about he told me about it's size and how much his family loved spending time on it.' Born in Ilford, Essex, as the son of an Irish fireman and a nurse, Mr Lynch won a scholarship to Bancroft's School, a private day school in northeast London, and later read natural sciences at Cambridge. At university he developed his fascination with technology, completing a doctorate and holding a research fellowship in adaptive pattern recognition. In 1991, he set up Cambridge Neurodynamics, which specialised in computer-based finger print recognition for the police. Five years later he founded data analysis company Autonomy, which became one of Britain's most successful start-ups. His rise to fame and fortune had been celebrated as a major and pioneering British success story and the married father of two daughters was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to enterprise. That same year, he was appointed to the board of the BBC - and was later elected to then-prime minister David Cameron's council for science and technology in 2011. He advised Mr Cameron on subjects including 'the opportunities and risks of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the government's role in the regulation of these technologies'. Mr Lynch at Autonomy's headquarters at Cambridge Business Park in 2000 The executive - pictured in London in 2014 - became one of Britain's best known technology entrepreneurs Mr Lynch pictured leaving the Rolls Building in London in 2011 He is believed to own the Bayesian superyacht which sank off the coast of Sicily this morning Billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch earlier this month told BBC Radio 4's Today programme at his 'indescribable' relief after being acquitted of fraud charges he faced in the US Yet in March this year he found himself in a San Francisco courtroom to defend himself against fraud and conspiracy charges - and ultimately won his freedom. The 59-year-old tycoon had spent much of the previous year living under house arrest with an electronic tag attached to his ankle. Fighting his corner was a legal team led by Reid Weingarten, described as one of the US legal system's most successful white-collar defenders. Mr Lynch had potentially faced up to 20 years in a US prison if found guilty of 16 counts of conspiracy, and securities and wire fraud, which he denied. The charges related to a business deal that was hailed at the time as his crowning glory the 8.6billion sale of his software and data company Autonomy to US computer giant Hewlett-Packard in 2011. Mr Lynch personally made more than 500million from the deal, only for HP to later wrote down three-quarters of the value of Autonomy only a year after buying it. The US company fired Mr Lynch while accusing accusing him and other executives of having grossly inflated its size and profits during the sale. He had previously lost a 2019 civil fraud case based on similar allegations that HP now Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) brought in the UK, with London's High Court ruling in 2020 that HPE had 'substantially won' its case. A frantic search is underway at the site of the shipwreck after the Bayesian sank this morning A local Facebook group shared a picture of the yacht (left) at anchor last night. The vessel has been named as the Bayesian, and is said to sail under a British flag The search area this morning off the coast of Porticello, Sicily Divers from the fire service have been supporting search and rescue efforts His separate three-year battle to avoid being extradited to face criminal charges culminated in Lynch going to the High Court to argue that American prosecutors were guilty of legal overreach which threatened UK sovereignty and its citizens. His plea was rejected and in May last year he was flown to California, accompanied by the U.S. Marshals Service, still protesting his innocence. And on June 6 this year he was acquitted of fraud by a jury in San Francisco, while former Autonomy finance executive Stephen Chamberlain, who faced the same charges, was also acquitted on all counts. Earlier this month he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that being rich had helped him secure his acquittal, saying: 'You shouldn't need to have funds to protect yourself as a British citizen. 'The reason I'm sitting here, let's be honest, is not only because I was innocent but because I had enough money not to be swept away by a process that's set up to sweep you away.' The luxury sailboat which sank today had been docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a tornado hit the area just before 5am - wrecking the boat and causing it to rapidly disappear beneath the waves. Mr Lynch's wife Angela Bacares was among the 15 people who were rescued from the 180ft yacht, which had been carrying ten crew members, the owner and 11 guests. The vessel was still at anchor near the port when the tornado struck, witnesses told Italian news agency ANSA. Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored nearby the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued some of those on board (file image) Your browser does not support iframes. With the anchor still down, the storm broke the mast, causing the vessel to lose its balance and capsize, according to reports. The Italian Coastguard said in a statement that a nearby boat offered assistance to people before emergency services arrived. The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored by the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued the 15 survivors. Karsten Borner, the captain of the boat, has described how his vessel was battered by strong gusts, with his team working to stabilise it and manoeuvre it to avoid hitting the Bayesian nearby. 'We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone,' he said. Once the storm subsided, Borner said he and his first mate noticed a flare in the water, and made their way towards it. There they found the lifeboat with those who had escaped inside, according the one-year-old baby. Its 35-year-old mother told Italian media: 'For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves.' Divers are scouring the wreckage of the superyacht, which is 160ft underwater off the coast of Sicily Emergency response teams are seen at the harbour near where the boat sank this morning Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Porticello A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters have been deployed to search the scene Video posted by Vigili del Fuoco shows the rescue operation on a stretch of sea near Palermo Search and rescue teams are still scouring the scene, with six people missing and one confirmed dead 'I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning,' she added. 'It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.' Incredibly, a group of 15 of the passengers managed to inflate a lifeboat and clamber aboard, before being rescued by a nearby vessel. The mother, who is in hospital with her baby where she received treatment for a minor shoulder injury, described the ordeal as 'terrible', detailing how 'in a few minutes the boat was hit by a very strong wind and sank shortly after.' The ship they were staying on is managed by Camper and Nicholsons International, which says it is assisting in the search efforts in Palermo. The firm, which does not own the yacht, said in a statement that the boat encountered 'severe weather and subsequently sank'. 'Our priority is assisting with the ongoing search and providing all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew,' a spokesperson said. A spokesperson told the BBC they were 'dealing with a situation onboard one of [their] managed vessels', but would not give any further details. The 180ft yacht has a gross tonnage of 473 tons, and was built by the Perini Navi Viareggio shipyard in February 2008 before being refitted in 2020. Locals living in a seaside village are fuming after parking fees shot up 600% - and they say it's come at the expense of nearby businesses. Residents in Herne, Kent thought it was an April Fools joke when they read that all-day charges were skyrocketing from 2.20 to 15. But it was no laughing matter and the price increase on the School Lane car park was there to stay - despite residents warning it would hit small businesses the hardest. Now, four months on, the residents claim local firms are suffering - while Canterbury City Council (CCC) is 'raking it in'. The council's revenue has doubled compared to the same period last year, despite there being a near 35% decrease in motorists using the car park. Kent local Scott Davis said he thought it was a joke after parking charges shot up 600% He and other locals warned that the 2.20 to 15 increase at School Lane, Herne would hurt nearby businesses most Residents have now started a petition as they say local firms are suffering from the price increase Scott Davis, whose daughter Sadie recently took on the local Smugglers Inn pub, said he'd seen the impacts first hand. The retired builder said: 'We thought it was a joke but sadly it turned out the council was serious. 'The effect on the pub's lunchtime trade has been huge and undoubtedly down to the increased parking charges. 'When Sadie first took it on she got lunchtimes going well, but as soon as the new charges came into force, there was an immediate and noticeable slump.' Scott said punters were 'simply going elsewhere' because other boozers have their own parking. He continued: 'It might have worked out fine for the council, which is raking it in, but it's been a disaster for local businesses and residents.' Daughter Sadie added: 'Customers used to come into the pub for lunch and use the car park because there's nowhere else [to park]. 'But even a couple of hours is now costing them 3.80, which is clearly putting people off.' Users of the car park were once charged 60p for 30mins, 1.20 for two hours, or 2.20 for 24 hours. But after CCC decided to move all of its sites into a banding system, the fees increased to 1.90 an hour or 15 a day - charged between 9am and 6pm. It has seen the authority pocket 11,824 from School Lane in the four months from April to July - up from 6,278 during the same period last year. But at the same time, the number of visits has plummeted by 34%, from 6,479 to 4,293. Locals have now started a petition, with 1,300 signatures to date. Herne and Broomfield Parish Council chairman Carol Davis says the new fees are 'ridiculous' and causing huge issues and inconvenience for villagers. She said: 'What the city council doesn't seem to get is that ours is a community car park and can't be put in the same bracket as ones in Canterbury, other town centres and on the coast. 'I am really not surprised the number of people using School Lane has dropped so dramatically because people simply cannot afford it. 'It is having a huge effect on village life and causing great difficulties for so many people. 'Even simple things like visiting the community centre, pub, church or post office has become much more expensive. 'It has also resulted in an increase in unauthorised parking in our car park and more parking in our narrow streets.' Elsewhere in the village, church warden for St Martin's in Herne, Priscilla Cox, says parishioners are now fretting about the fees and being landed with a ticket. She said: 'There are some very large gatherings for things like weddings and funerals, and the car park is vital. 'But it is even affecting things like our coffee mornings, with parishioners saying they can't stay too long because it's so expensive to park. It's completely unreasonable and should be reconsidered.' Now, as the petition has reached more than 1,000 signatures, Canterbury City Council is obliged to hold a debate on the issue. This is expected to take place in October. CCC's cabinet member for transport, Cllr Alex Ricketts, said: 'We are aware of the petition relating to car park charges at School Lane. 'As a band three car park, School Lane is one of the cheapest car parks in the district, and the charges here are in line with car parks in the same band elsewhere. 'All parking charges are reviewed annually and as part of that process, this autumn we will consider what impact the change at School Lane has had. 'When the new charges were introduced in April this year, we continued to allow free parking for the morning school run and in the evening for events at the Herne Centre.' Cllr Ricketts also suggested that villagers who use the car park regularly could buy a 600 annual off-street residents' permit, which allows all-day parking for the equivalent of 1.68. A gay man has claimed he was beaten by Shake Shack employees in Washington D.C. after they saw him kiss his partner inside the establishment. Shocking video footage appeared to capture the moment Christian Dingus, 28, was attacked by a mob outside the fast-food restaurant. He alleged his assailants were employees who incited the attack after he shared a kiss with his partner inside the Dupont Circle restaurant Saturday night. Dingus sustained concussion jaw trauma and other facial injuries during the attack. According to Dingus, one worker became aggressive when he asked how long his food would take but the situation escalated when a second employee saw him with his partner. DailyMail.com reached out to Shake Shack for comment. 'While we were back there kind of briefly we began to kiss,' he told NBC News. 'And at that point, a worker came out to us and said that, you know, you can't be doing that here, can't do that type of stuff here.' A gay man has claimed he was beaten by Shake Shack employees in Washington D.C. after they saw him kiss his partner inside the establishment Christian Dingus, 28 alleged he was brutally beaten by Shake Shack employees in Washington, D.C. Dingus said his partner then fought back and insisted they had done nothing wrong. He was then allegedly led outside by the employees. He reportedly intervened to defend his partner which triggered the violent attack. He said: 'And then one of the men, pretty forcefully, like, pushed me out of the way on my shoulder. 'Next thing I know, that kind of just, I think, sparked the rest of them. ... They all just kind of started attacking me at that point, dragging me back through the floor and continuously punching me in my head.' The 30-second viral clip captured by a bystander shows a man being punched and shoved to the ground by two men wearing black t-shirts resembling the Shake Shack uniform. Two more people joined in on the action, but the video cuts out. The video does not show was led to the alleged assault and what ensued after. Dingus described the attack as a blur, recalling curling up on the ground to protect himself. A woman came to his aid as the assault finally subsided. He also noted that police officers were nearby but did not intervene until the attack had ended. He subsequently provided a detailed statement to the police about the incident. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the incident as a hate crime, with charges of simple assault and anti-gay bias motivation filed against the suspect, according to the police report seen by NBC. While Dingus reported being assaulted by multiple people, an unnamed suspect said he was defending himself after Dingus put his hands on the persons neck, the outlet said. Shake Shack has suspended the involved employees pending an investigation. Pictured: The Shake Shack location in Dupont Circle where the assault allegedly took place Dingus said the Shake Shack employee confronted them, stating that such behavior was unacceptable 'We are aware of the incident on Saturday, Aug. 17 involving team members and a guest at our Dupont Circle location and are taking it very seriously,' the spokesperson said in a statement Sunday. The attack has shaken the LGBTQ+ community in the typically queer-friendly Dupont Circle neighborhood. Dingus told NBC: 'You hear all the time that this stuff happens, but, you know, I started kind of believing that it didn't, right? 'I've been ... thinking of progress and how great that community is here, and then for that all to kind of be shattered, you know, kind of sucks.' An elderly veteran was killed in a seemingly random street assault in crime-ridden Baltimore. Shocking footage captured the moment David Philpot, 74, was brutally attacked in broad daylight after the suspect reportedly asked him for money. Philpot, a Vietnam veteran who friends describe as 'the nicest guy on the planet,' was walking his beloved dog Chip near the corner of Eastern Ave and Ann when he was assaulted. The incident occurred on Saturday at around 2:45pm. Philpot died from his injuries shortly after. Surveillance footage obtained by Fox45 shows the horrifying attack unfold. David Philpot, 74, was killed in a seemingly random street assault in crime-ridden Baltimore The suspect, an unidentified white male, is seen approaching the victim and reportedly asking him for money. Philpot's grieving friend, Caleb Shuey, who arrived at the scene minutes after the attack, told Fox45 that his friend said he didn't have any. The suspect is seen petting the victim's dog just moments before he launched his deadly assault. The elderly veteran is then knocked to the ground as the suspect begins kicking him. He then casually walks away minutes after the attack as first responders arrive at the scene. Shuey said his friend was, 'The nicest guy on the planet. You can tell that he values life and enjoys himself.' Several years earlier, Philpot was on the news for protecting a local postal box that criminals were stealing from. The victim was rushed to hospital following the savage beating but tragically succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning, his family confirmed. Police are now desperately hunting the unnamed suspect. In a post on X, police released photos and appealing for public assistance. Shocking footage captured the moment David Philpot, 74, was brutally attacked in broad daylight after the suspect reportedly asked him for money Philpot, a veteran who friends describe as 'the nicest guy on the planet,' was walking his beloved dog Chip near the corner of Eastern Ave and Ann in the Fells Point area when he was ruthlessly assaulted The suspect is described as a 5'8 or 5'9 white male with dirty blond hair. He is pictured wearing a white tshirt and dark-colored shorts with a yellow striped on the sides along with white sneakers and a backpack He is described as a 5'8 or 5'9 white male with dirty blond hair. He was seen wearing a white T-shirt and dark-colored shorts with a yellow striped on the sides along with white sneakers and a backpack. They've urged anyone with information to contact investigators at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-LockUp. This latest incident adds to the growing list of violent crimes plaguing Baltimore. A report obtained by Fox45 in April shows crime surging in nearly all categories by almost 80 percent in some neighborhoods. This includes auto theft, burglaries and aggravated assaults, according to the report. But as of July 8, Baltimore has seen significant improvements in some areas of crime. Despite homicides decreasing by 33.8 percent and non-fatal shootings down by 36.5 percent as compared to 2022 - juvenile crime is on the rise and has increased by 208 percent over the past three years. Disgraced ex-congressman George Santos pleaded guilty to two campaign fraud charges after months of denying wrongdoing, cementing his legacy as the 'Long Island Liar.' Santos admitted to committing wire fraud and aggravated identify theft in New York court Thursday and faces up to 22 years in jail, but is expected to serve between six to eight years. According to the plea agreement, the former congressman will also have to pay at least $373,749.97 in restitution and forfeit over $200,000. Santos was expelled from his House seat on Long Island last year after it was discovered that scores of the claims he made to voters in 2022 about his life and bona fides were completely fabricated, like working on Wall Street and going to New York University. He also has been accused of funneling political donations into his lavish spending on botox, designer clothes, casino holidays, and OnlyFans fees. 'This plea is not just an admission of guilt, it's an acknowledgment that I need to be held accountable like any other American that breaks the law,' Santos told press outside the courthouse. After he was thrown out of Congress in December 2023, Santos was replaced by Democrat Tom Suozzi in a special election, leaving Republicans with an even smaller majority. He previously pleaded not guilty to 23 charges in federal court, including identity theft, charging his donors' credit cards without their approval, and submitting false campaign reports. Former Rep. George Santos arrives for a court hearing at U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York Long Island Courthouse on August 19 But that all crumbled in court Monday, where he tossed in the towel on his years-long charade and admitted to abusing his power and misusing funds. He also allegedly collected $24,000 in unemployment benefits while he did have a job, lying about his income on disclosure forms, and inventing donations to make his campaign look better. Santos frequently insisted he was innocent, but multiple news outlets reported over the weekend that he planned to plead guilty on Monday, citing sources close to him. He admitted during Monday's hearing to the unemployment benefits scheme, applying to get perks to which he was not entitled. Santos also said that he made false statements - including omissions - on financial statements in 2022 that he gave to the House Ethics Committee. The ex-congressman further admitted to committing wire fraud from September to October 2022. He specifically said that he said money was being used for TV campaign ad spots but he instead used it for personal items. 'This plea is not just an admission of guilt, it's an acknowledgment that I need to be held accountable like any other American that breaks the law,' Santos told press outside the courthouse His case was supposed to go to trial on September 9 and Santos at a hearing on Tuesday reiterated his not guilty plea. But now he will avoid a trial altogether and is expected to be sentenced on February 7. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York applauded Santos for telling 'the truth about his criminal schemes' for 'what may seem like the first time since he started his campaign for Congress.' 'He admitted to lying, stealing and conning people. By pleading guilty, Mr. Santos has acknowledged that he repeatedly defrauded federal and state government institutions as well as his own family, supporters and constituents,' he went on. Peace added that his 'flagrant and disgraceful conduct has been exposed' and will be punished accordingly. Prosecutors had lined up more than 30 witnesses and gave 1.3 million pages of evidence to the court - compared to Santos' five pages. The Ethics Committee found that Santos stole campaign donations to fund a lavish lifestyle, and improperly charged donors' credit cards at luxury stores. The stunning dossier also stated the congressman reported fake loans to his political committees so that donors and party committees would want to make further contributions to him. It found Santos deceived people into donating to RedStone Strategies, which in 2022 was listed as a committee dedicated to supporting his candidacy. He said in court Monday: 'I am committed to making amends and learning from this experience' Disgraced ex-congressman George Santos is expected to plead guilty to campaign fraud charges after months of denying them Santos yucked it up with Congressman Matt Gaetz, making a dramatic appearance at President Biden's State of the Union address in March He then transferred those funds to his personal account, using the money on Sephora, OnlyFans, and a $4,000 purchase at Hermes. The report also found he spent campaign funds on Botox treatments and lavish Atlantic City trips with his husband. Santos in April dropped a bid to reclaim his seat, claiming he did not want to split the vote between himself and Nick LaLota to 'guarantee' a Democratic victory. 'Although Nick and I don't have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don't want to split the ticket and be responsible for handing the house to Dems,' the lying Long Island former congressman claimed on X. Santos arrived to court earlier today to enter his new plea Protestors held signs in the background as Santos entered court wearing Ray Ban sunglasses 'It is clear that with the rise of antisemitism in our country we cannot afford to hand the house to Dems as they have a very large issue with antisemitism in their ranks,' he went on. 'Staying in this race all but guarantees a victory for the Dems in the race.' LaLota shot back at the news: 'Chat GPT translation: He's taking a plea deal.' Santos' comeback bid for Congress raised no money at all last month after he announced his bid. Santos pathologically lied about his life and himself when running for Congress in 2022. The tall tales were not revealed until after the election and he was expelled from Congress last year George Santos posted his first few Cameo messages dressed as his drag persona Kitara Ravache in red lipstick, a red feather boa and a brown wig Filings with the Federal Election Committee showed no contributions and no expenditures for his campaign committee. Santos announced a run against LaLota after making a dramatic appearance at President Biden's State of the Union address. He did not qualify for the Republican primary in June, but could have still run as an independent. Santos tried various schemes to pay his legal fees, including charging $500 on Cameo - which worked for a while until the price dropped dramatically. He also dabbled in cryptocurrency, claimed he was making a documentary, and joined OnlyFans as a performer. London's phone theft epidemic has claimed yet another victim as one unsuspecting man had his phone swiped in a blink of an eye in broad daylight. Footage, which emerged on social media, shows two men walking along Southwark Street. South London enjoying the sunshine as several cyclists rode by. However one of the men abruptly has his sunny day cut short when he was targeted by brazen thief. As the man casually holds his phone in his palm, the crook brushes by nabbing his phone whilst making a hasty getaway on bike yesterday. Seemingly in shock and confused, the disgruntled victim attempts to give chase as the public look on in disbelief. One man quickly had his day of sunshine joy cut short as he was targeted by brazen thief on Southwark Road in London yesterday (Pictured) Seemingly in shock and confused, the disgruntled victim attempts to give chase (Pictured) Many have been left stunned by the clip which sees the phone stolen in mere seconds. Reacting on X (formerly Twitter), one wrote: 'It's kind of like holding your fish and chips aloft as the seagulls fly over.' 'How did he catch me unaware too,' a second penned, whilst a third said: 'This is getting out of hand now.' Another quipped: 'Just stop having your phones out mate.' 'Maybe it's high time cyclists and motorcyclists are all banned until further notice,' a fourth quipped. There were no crimes reported for the date and location, according to the Metropolitan Police. This comes shortly after a distraught Londoner detailed the horrifying moment his phone was taken 'right from his hands', later emerging at an infamous Chinese port. Sukru Haskan, who was born in Turkey but now lives in London, explained how an e-cyclist grabbed his iPhone 14 out of his hand while he was walking on Brompton Street in Knightsbridge towards his home in South Kensington on July 30. He told MailOnline: 'He was on one of those e-bikes and he was wearing these thick gloves and he just grabbed it [the phone].' 'I'm a fit guy, but I didn't even intend to run after him because by the time I looked he was so far away.' Pictured: A street view of Southwark Road in London where the phone was stolen in broad daylight Londoner Sukru Haskan tracked his stolen iPhone to Huaqiang South Road, a route lined by warehouses with a dock at one end London 's 'most notorious phone snatcher' Sonny Stringer, 28, from Islington, has been jailed for two years after stealing 24 phones in a single morning In little over an hour, Stringer and his accomplice had netted handsets worth around 20,000 by sneaking up behind victims on quiet high-speed motorbikes on March 26 Mr Haskan, 41, who works in finance, described how he felt 'helpless'. He said: 'The police came and interviewed me but as they were doing that I could see it moving around London. It makes you lose your sense of trust in our security. 'First it moved to Hyde Park, then Finsbury Park. I was sending screenshots to police, and then the next thing it was in China.' Using the Apple feature Find My iPhone, Mr Haskan located his stolen device in Shenzhen - known as China's 'silicon valley'. 'I've seen online hundreds of thousands of phones end up in China. 'I get how you cant prevent phones being stolen from a metropolitan city. What Im not happy with is how afterwards, your phone gets transported to a different country with ease. 'Its become a large business, a global trade, and nothing is being done. The police closed my case because no suspects could be found, but it's part of an international crime organisation. 'People steal things, I get it, it's normal, but thousands of phones are ending up in China and no one is looking into this.' MailOnline has approached the Metropolitan Police for comment. More recently, the capital city's 'most notorious phone snatcher' was jailed for two years after stealing 24 phones in a single morning. Sonny Stringer, 28, raced through the capital at speeds of up to 50mph on an electric motorbike as he grabbed phones from unsuspecting members of the public. In little over an hour, he and his accomplice had netted handsets worth around 20,000 by sneaking up behind victims on quiet high-speed motorbikes on March 26. Eight minutes later, he targeted NHS technician Tyler Myson near South Kensington tube station, who recalled: 'I was just walking down the road messaging on my phone and suddenly someone came from behind on an e-bike and yanked it from my hand. As the phone epidemic continues to plague London, experts revealed to MailOnline that stolen mobiles were being shipped in bulk to southern China, broken down and reassembled to be sold on at knock-down prices. An insatiable demand for second hand phones in the electronics hub of Shenzhen is being fuelled by handsets snatched by gangsters targeting busy areas in Britain, including music festivals. Piles of phones for sale in a market in Shenzhen Shoppers browsing an electronics market in Shenzhen, where there is a large market for second hand phones Many stolen phones have been tracked to Huaqiang South Road in Shenzhen, which is known as China's 'Silicon Valley' After being shipped into the city by criminal accomplices exploiting its lax approach to enforcing laws around stolen goods, the handsets are sold second hand if they can be unlocked and returned to factory settings. If they cannot be sold whole, they are dismantled and the component parts - such as the screen, motherboard and speaker - used for repairs or even pieced together into entire new handsets. Shenzhen is located in the south of China next to the border with Hong Kong. Known as the country's 'Silicon Valley' due to its expertise in electronics, it is also home to large retail outlets selling used consumer goods. Many stolen phones have been tracked to Huaqiang South Road, a route lined by warehouses with a dock at one end. It is believed one of the warehouses on this road could be receiving stolen mobile phones which are then taken apart and sold on - potentially on the same site. Do you know more about what happened? Email elena.salvoni@mailonline.co.uk Divers are continuing to hunt for British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and five others after his superyacht sank in raging seas off Sicily - as a hero mother told how she fought to save her one-year-old baby's life after they were thrown overboard. Mr Lynch, 59, remains missing alongside five other tourists, including three Brits and two Americans, just weeks after he spoke of his 'second life' after being cleared of controversial fraud charges in the US. The billionaire - whose wife, Angela Bacares, 57, was among 15 people rescued - was acquitted of all charges in a long-running legal dispute relating to the 8.3billion sale of his firm Autonomy to US company Hewlett-Packard 13 years ago. Mr Lynch had spoken of his 'indescribable' relief at being acquitted and joy at returning to Britain, and texted one friend saying it was 'so wonderful to be home'. He has also told of his delight at being able to spend time with his two daughters, 21 and 18, and their six dogs. Charlotte Golunski, 36, and her young daughter Sofia were two of 22 people aboard the Bayesian when it was battered in a storm before sinking a few hundred metres from the port of Porticello, near Palermo, at about 4:30am this morning. Speaking to the Italian press after being rescued alongside her daughter, she told of the horror she went through as her child slipped from her arms. Charlotte Golunski, 36, and her young daughter Sofia were two of 22 people aboard the superyacht when it was battered in a storm before sinking a few hundred metres from the port of Porticello Speaking to Italian press after their rescue, Charlotte explained the horror she experienced as her child slipped from her arms when they went overboard Mike Lynch on his Suffolk farm in 2021 when he was fighting extradition to the USA Lynch's wife Angela Bacares (right) was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the yacht Mr Lynch (second left) is seen in the early days of his techology firm Autonomy in Cambridge Your browser does not support iframes. 'For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves,' Ms Golunski said. 'I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning,' she added. 'It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.' Charlotte, who is now in Palermo's Children's Hospital with her baby receiving treatment for a minor shoulder injury, described the ordeal as 'terrible' and detailed how 'in a few minutes the boat was hit by a very strong wind and sank shortly after... (We were) terrified by the thunder, the lightning, the waves that made our boat lurch.' She added that her family had survived because they were on the deck when the ship began to sink, rather than trapped in the cabins below. Mr Lynch had spoken of his relief at returning from America following his nightmare legal ordeal. Speaking in his first newspaper interview, he told The Times : 'I'd had to say goodbye to everything and everyone, because I didn't know if I'd ever be coming back.' Mr Lynch responded to his acquittal by revealing he had feared dying in prison if found guilty - saying that medical issues meant he felt it would have been 'difficult to survive' time behind bars. He added: 'If this had gone the wrong way, it would have been the end of my life as I have known it in any sense. 'It's bizarre, but now you have a second life - the question is, what do you want to do with it?' What was tech firm Autonomy? Founded in Cambridge in 1996, Autonomy developed technology which could help companies sort out their data, like emails or intranet pages, using 'adaptive techniques'. During the dot com bubble, shares traded for as much as 30, before HP came calling for $11bn in 2011. Mr Lynch personally made more than 500m from its sale to Hewlett-Packard, only for HP to later wrote down three-quarters of the value of Autonomy only a year after buying it. Advertisement A member of staff who worked at Mr Lynch's Chelsea home said the businessman 'clearly had a lot of pride' in his yacht, the Bayesian. 'He had a miniature model of it and photos of it on the water in the hallway of his Chelsea home,' they said. 'When I asked him about he told me about it's size and how much his family loved spending time on it.' Born in Ilford, Essex, as the son of an Irish fireman and a nurse, Mr Lynch won a scholarship to Bancroft's School, a private day school in northeast London, and later read natural sciences at Cambridge. At university he developed his fascination with technology, completing a doctorate and holding a research fellowship in adaptive pattern recognition. In 1991, he set up Cambridge Neurodynamics, which specialised in computer-based finger print recognition for the police. Five years later he founded data analysis company Autonomy, which became one of Britain's most successful start-ups. His rise to fame and fortune had been celebrated as a major and pioneering British success story and the married father of two daughters was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to enterprise. That same year, he was appointed to the board of the BBC - and was later elected to then-prime minister David Cameron's council for science and technology in 2011. He advised Mr Cameron on subjects including 'the opportunities and risks of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the government's role in the regulation of these technologies'. Tech tycoon and married father-of-two Mr Lynch is pictured here with his wife Angela British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is understood to be among the British tourists who are missing after the the Bayesian superyacht sank Mr Lynch at Autonomy's headquarters at Cambridge Business Park in 2000 The British-flagged Bayesian is thought to have arrived in Porticello after a stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland A local Facebook group shared a picture of the yacht (left) at anchor last night. The vessel has been named as the Bayesian, and is said to sail under a British flag Yet in March this year he found himself in a San Francisco courtroom to defend himself against fraud and conspiracy charges - and ultimately won his freedom. The 59-year-old tycoon had spent much of the previous year living under house arrest with an electronic tag attached to his ankle. Fighting his corner was a legal team led by Reid Weingarten, described as one of the US legal system's most successful white-collar defenders. Mr Lynch had potentially faced up to 20 years in a US prison if found guilty of 16 counts of conspiracy, and securities and wire fraud, which he denied. The charges related to a business deal that was hailed at the time as his crowning glory the 8.6billion sale of his software and data company Autonomy to US computer giant Hewlett-Packard in 2011. Mr Lynch personally made more than 500million from the deal, only for HP to later wrote down three-quarters of the value of Autonomy only a year after buying it. The US company fired Mr Lynch while accusing accusing him and other executives of having grossly inflated its size and profits during the sale. He had previously lost a 2019 civil fraud case based on similar allegations that HP now Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) brought in the UK, with London's High Court ruling in 2020 that HPE had 'substantially won' its case. His separate three-year battle to avoid being extradited to face criminal charges culminated in Lynch going to the High Court to argue that American prosecutors were guilty of legal overreach which threatened UK sovereignty and its citizens. His plea was rejected and in May last year he was flown to California, accompanied by the U.S. Marshals Service, still protesting his innocence. And on June 6 this year he was acquitted of fraud by a jury in San Francisco, while former Autonomy finance executive Stephen Chamberlain, who faced the same charges, was also acquitted on all counts. Earlier this month he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that being rich had helped him secure his acquittal, saying: 'You shouldn't need to have funds to protect yourself as a British citizen. 'The reason I'm sitting here, let's be honest, is not only because I was innocent but because I had enough money not to be swept away by a process that's set up to sweep you away.' Charlotte, who is now in Palermo's Children's Hospital with her baby receiving treatment for a minor shoulder injury, described the ordeal as 'terrible' A frantic search is underway at the site of the shipwreck after the Bayesian sank this morning The search area this morning off the coast of Porticello, Sicily Divers from the fire service have been supporting search and rescue efforts Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor Harrowing details of this morning's events are emerging as divers continue their desperate search for six missing tourists in the wreck of the superyacht, 160ft underwater off the coast of Sicily. Tragically, the body of a man - believed to be a Canadian national who was working as the boat's chef - was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today. There are fears that those who are still missing became trapped in their cabins, with divers earlier reporting that they saw 'bodies through the portholes' of the yacht, according to Italian media. The luxury vessel was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, early this morning when a freak storm hit the area, with witnesses describing how a 'whirlwind' hit, wrecking the boat and causing it to rapidly disappear beneath the waves. Fifteen of the 22 people on board, including one-year-old Sofia and her parents, were saved by a nearby vessel after they miraculously managed to inflate a lifeboat and clamber aboard. The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch ship which had been anchored close to the Bayesian, sailed in to the rescue. Karsten Borner, the captain of the boat, has described how his vessel was battered by strong gusts, with his team working to stabilise it and manoeuvre it to avoid hitting the Bayesian nearby. 'We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone,' he said. Once the storm subsided, Borner said he and his first mate noticed a flare in the water, and made their way towards it. There they found the lifeboat with those who had escaped inside, including the one-year-old baby. The passengers on board were mainly British, according to reports, while citizens from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Canada, the US and two dual British and French nationals were also said to be on board. The group are reported to have been tourists on holiday in Sicily, and it is feared that those missing may have been trapped inside their cabins. The vessel was still at anchor near the port when the tornado struck, witnesses told Italian news agency ANSA. With the anchor still down, the storm broke the mast, causing the vessel to lose its balance and capsize, according to reports. The Italian Coastguard confirmed that a nearby boat offered assistance to people before emergency services arrived. The group were staying on the vessel, which has been named as the Bayesian - a luxury yacht which sails under the British flag The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored nearby the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued some of those on board (file image) Mr Lynch in his younger years before he became one of Britain's most high profile entrepreneurs The executive - pictured in London in 2014 - became one of Britain's best known technology entrepreneurs Mr Lynch pictured leaving the Rolls Building in London in 2011 A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters have since been deployed to search the scene of the wreck for those who are still missing. Expert divers have already reached the hull, 49 metres below the water and about half a mile from the coast, according to Italian media. Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor. The boat is thought to have arrived in Porticello after a stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland. A local Facebook page shared a picture of the two yachts at anchor last night, just hours before the high winds hit. 'That boat was all lit up,' a man in Porticello told ANSA. 'At around 4.30 in the morning it was gone. A beautiful boat where there had been a party. A normal holiday spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy. 'The boat was not far from the port. It took very little to raise the anchor and head for the port. Evidently they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid sinking.' Divers are scouring the wreckage of the superyacht, which is 160ft underwater off the coast of Sicily Emergency response teams are seen at the harbour near where the boat sank this morning Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Porticello A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters have been deployed to search the scene Fabio Cefalu, a fisherman who spotted the shipwrecked boat off the coast, said he called for help at 4.30 this morning. 'At about 3.55 we saw the whirlwind. After a quarter of an hour we saw a rocket 500 metres away from the dock,' he told Corriere. 'At about 4.35 we went out to sea to provide assistance, but we only saw the remains of the boat floating. There were no men in the sea. So we immediately called the port authority.' The vessel can accommodate 12 passengers and 10 crewmembers. Coast guards patrol boats and firefighters brought those who were rescued to shore, and the survivors will be interviewed by authorities in the coming hours. None of the survivors are thought to be in a serious condition, with a few of them receiving treatment for minor injuries. All those who were not injured are expected to speak to the Coast Guard today as investigators seek to understand what happened. The ship they were staying on is managed by Camper and Nicholson's International, which says it is assisting in the search efforts. The firm, which does not own the yacht, said in a statement that the boat encountered 'severe weather and subsequently sank'. 'Our priority is assisting with the ongoing search and providing all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew,' a spokesperson said. A spokesperson told the BBC that they are currently 'dealing with a situation onboard one of [their] managed vessels', but would not give any further details. The 180ft yacht has a gross tonnage of 473 tons, and was built by the Perini Navi Viareggio shipyard in February 2008 before being refitted in 2020. The deck area is 436 square metres and the six cabins occupy an area of 143 square metres. It comprises of an aluminum hull, and is powered by two large engines, allowing it to cruise at 12 knots and reach a maximum speed of 15 knots. The boat has the second tallest mast in the world and the largest aluminum mast of 75 metres. Sicily is currently under a weather warning for wind, with video showing strong gusts battering the coast this morning. CCTV footage from around 4am this morning shows a torrent of wind and rain slamming into Santa Nicolicchia - an area of Porticello where Bayesian was anchored. Video posted by Vigili del Fuoco shows the rescue operation on a stretch of sea near Palermo Search and rescue teams are still scouring the scene, with six people missing and one confirmed dead The high winds throw umbrellas, plant pots, tables and chairs flying within seconds of hitting, with the local restaurant who shared the footage saying: 'In a moment the hurricane took everything away!' The owners of Baia Santa Nicolicchia said they were able to open later in the morning once the storm had passed, but added: 'We have no memory of anything like this in our area.' Shadow Foreign Minister for Europe, Alicia Kearns, wrote on X: 'Desperately sorry to hear of the capsizing of the Bayesian - a heartbreaking incident. 'My thoughts are with all the families of those lost at sea, and those recovering following the rescue operation, I'm sure the foreign office will be providing consular support to British Nationals and their families.' The Foreign Office said in a statement: 'We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Sicily, and are in contact with the local authorities.' This is the dramatic moment a 'disruptive' Ryanair passenger slapped an air steward before being punched in the nose by an intervening holidaymaker and restrained. Shocking footage shows a row breaking out aboard a flight from Liverpool to Tenerife last month, one 'upset' tourist scrapping with staff before forcing an early landing. The steward is seen closing an overhead cabin before turning to face a small crowd of people looking on at the situation nearby. A man who had 'become upset on board' then lunges across to slap the steward before reopening the cabin, apparently to retrieve something from it. As the slap lands, an uproar echoes around the cabin before one of the passengers dives in to deliver a punch to the apparent aggressor, creating more commotion. The violent tourist has since been banned from Ryanair, the airline confirmed today. The passenger in black appears to slap the steward in the face - to uproar from passengers Another passenger lunges across the punch him in the face before he can be restrained Staff and other passengers ended up stepping in to stop the row escalating, pulling the offending holidaymaker to the ground. The man was then detained with a seat belt, according to Spanish media. It was unclear what had started the brawl, but Ryanair said a 'passenger became upset on board', as reported by The Olive Press. The July 4 flight was ultimately diverted to Santiago, in the northwest of Galicia, after crew called the police on the troublemaker. Officials met the plane at Santiago de Compostela upon landing. Police were asked to meet the plane with urgency on the tarmac and a doctor was also needed. The air traffic controllers said the crew had tried to calm the situation but asked for officers to greet the aircraft after its emergency landing at Santiago on the Spanish mainland. The aircraft was a Ryanair Boeing 737. The journey on to Tenerife from Santiago usually takes just under three hours. 'The crew of a flight from Liverpool to Tenerife south have contacted us about a conflictive passenger on board and have had to divert to Santiago de Compostela,' air traffic controllers wrote on Twitter/X. It is unclear whether any arrests were made. A spokesperson for Ryanair told MailOnline today: 'This flight from Liverpool to Tenerife (4 Jul) diverted to Santiago after a passenger became disruptive onboard. 'Crew called ahead for police assistance and the aircraft was met by local police upon arrival who removed this passenger before this flight continued to Tenerife. 'This passenger has since been banned from flying with Ryanair.' The aircraft made an emergency landing at Santiago on the Spanish mainland (Pictured, Santiago de Compostela Airport) The aircraft was a Ryanair Boeing 737. (Pictured, stock image of a Ryanair Boeing 737) Last month, a United Airlines passenger was separately filmed biting a chunk of fabric out of a flight attendant's shirt during a mid-flight meltdown. The woman was on United Airlines Flight 762 from Miami to Newark but barely made it off the runway before she became unruly. Video recorded by another traveler began after the crew restrained her wrists with zip-ties and she was wrestling with three of them. Suddenly she bit one of their shoulders, tearing off a piece of fabric and letting it float to the floor in front of the shocked plane. 'Stop touching me... let go of me, I'm a f**king girl, are you trying to kill me?' she shouted afterwards. Witnesses said she threw punches and spat at people before she was restrained, according to TMZ. A passenger told her to stop yelling and she told her 'go back to Russia, old lady', then let out a steady stream of expletives and told her 'I'll f**king kill you, b***h'. United said the passenger 'became aggressive and disruptive', causing the diversion to Orlando and lengthy delay. They commended their staff for their professionalism 'and for looking out for the safety of our customers and their fellow United employees'. The Orlando Police Department said the woman was taken to hospital for a medical evaluation and no arrest has yet been made. A married Oklahoma judge accused of having affairs with two court bailiffs says he should keep his job because sex isn't as taboo as it once was thanks to shows like Sex and the City. The state of Oklahoma is trying to oust Brian Lovell, a Garfield County associate district judge, due to the inappropriate relationships which allegedly culminated in him having sex with one in the courthouse. Lovell, 59, admitted to his relationship with the first female bailiff which lasted from February 2011 to October that year and involved liaisons at their workplace during working hours, according to a June filing. He denies they had sex at the courthouse. The second bailiff told investigators in March that she had sex with the judge in the backseat of her car, in a courthouse bathroom and on a new table in her courthouse office, The Oklahoman reported. But Lovell's attorneys sensationally claimed he should not be vindicated for the affairs because sex is 'no longer the unforgivable sin it once was.' They pointed to highly sexualized popular culture references including: Fifty Shades of Grey, Sex and the City, Marvin Gaye songs and Allen Ginsberg poems. Garfield County Oklahoma Associate District Judge Brian Lovell (left) and his wife enter the Garfield County Courthouse with attorney Stephen Jones on Friday, May 10, 2024 Lovell, pictured here in a September mugshot after being arrested for allegedly firing at eight cars in Texas while driving his SUV, may be removed from the bench for sexual affairs he's accused of having with two female bailiffs Lovell is an eccentric character who hit headlines last September when he opened fire at parked cars in Texas after a woman cut him off. When reporters visited his home, he opened the door shirtless. The second bailiff told investigators she was 'proud' of the table they had sex on, adding: 'But not for that reason.' The second bailiff was hired after the first one voluntarily resigned in 2011. She allegedly struck up a relationship with Lovell in July or August 2023 that lasted into the fall. The state's Court on the Judiciary, the body that filed the ouster petition in late June, says the woman and Lovell frequently exchanged sexually explicit text messages and images with one another while they were both on the clock. It's also alleged that their text messages referenced their various sex acts with one another, including their encounter in the bailiff's office. Lovell - who was pictured with his wife outside the courthouse in May - and the bailiff allegedly discussed deleting their texts with one another. He later did so at an unspecified date, according to court documents. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says it has recovered these incriminating messages, which serve as the basis for the case against the embattled judge. In a dismissal petition from his defense attorneys, Lovell neither admitted nor denied the lurid affair with the second bailiff, who has since resigned from her position. He instead told the court that if the affair did happen, it was a 'private sexual relationship between consenting adults.' Lovell's lawyers went on to argue that times have changed and sex isn't something that should be stigmatized. Lovell's attorneys accused the prosecutors pursuing the ouster case against him of trying to humiliate him into resigning by dredging up his alleged extramarital affairs 'For nearly a century jurisprudence has expanded the rights of the individual to engage in private sexual conduct privately and without fear of government intrusion. Paralleling these developments in jurisprudence has been the public perception that sex is no longer the unforgivable sin it once was,' his lawyers wrote. They went on to reference the examples of sex-positive media. In the same court document, Lovell's attorneys contended that the goal of the state is to humiliate him 'to the point that he will voluntarily resign.' They also claimed that the true reason Lovell's dismissal is being pushed is because of the alleged road rage incident he was involved in and a separate incident where he's accused of shooting up his brother-in-law's ranch. His lawyers say these things are embarrassing for the Oklahoma Supreme Court, and all the allegations of corruption and extramarital affairs are a sideshow. While driving in Austin, Texas, in September 2023, Lovell was arrested after authorities said he recklessly opened fire on eight parked vehicles, crashing into at least one of them. No one was injured by the gunfire. A police affidavit gave more details about the alleged road rage incident Lovell was involved in After his arrest in Austin, Lovell answered the door without his shirt when approached by a local news reporter He offered no comment when asked about his arrest Kenneth Markes, the brother in law of Lovell, said someone fired shots directly into his house and almost hit his son. Lovell was indicted in connection to the crime The woman whose car he hit said Lovell slammed into her rear bumper, which led them to get into an argument. Lovell then allegedly 'intentionally' hit the woman's car for a second time and attempted to push her vehicle into oncoming traffic. He denied that any of the collisions were intentional but told police he believed the woman had cut him off in traffic. Lovell was then indicted for another drive-by shooting that occurred months before at his brother-in-law's home. Kenneth Markes, the judge's brother-in-law, said his son spotted an unfamiliar car outside their Oklahoma property on February 12, 2023, KFOR reported. 'Out here in the country if you see an unfamiliar vehicle you, you notice,' said Markes. 'He stepped to another window to see if it was driving in and that's when shots were fired.' The volley of gunfire hit a wall, a window and the oven. He said bullets just barely missed his son. Lovell hasn't presided over a case since September 2023, when he was arrested for the incident in Austin. Lovell's ouster trial is scheduled to kick off on December 2 at the Oklahoma Judicial Center in Oklahoma City. Prosecutors are asking he be removed from office before his trial based on 'undisputed' evidence he lied throughout the course of the investigation. The Court on the Judiciary will consider this request on September 12. Labour's bid to stamp out workplace harassment could put an end to boozy office parties, experts have warned. The Worker Protection Act is due to take effect on 26 October and will place a duty on firms to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. But, under Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's planned overhaul of workers' rights, Labour wants to upgrade the duty on employers to 'all reasonable steps'. This was how the legislation was initially drafted before being watered down by peers in the House of Lords as it passed through Parliament. Prior to the general election, Labour vowed to return the duty to its tougher wording as part of their 'Plan to Make Work Pay' to be implemented with 100 days of winning power. The Worker Protection Act is due to take effect on 26 October and will place a duty on firms to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. (File pic) Under Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's planned overhaul of workers' rights, Labour wants to upgrade the duty on employers to 'all reasonable steps' Experts warned Labour's action could put an end to boozy office parties Lawyers have warned reinstating the word 'all' will have a 'significant practical impact', the Telegraph reported. James Davies, an employment partner at Lewis Silkin, said that clients had been raising concerns about the implications of the changes. He added that 'all' preventative measures could include a crackdown on boozy work events. 'It means they have to be seen to go even further such as perhaps looking at any work event where alcohol will be consumed and mitigating harassment risks,' he told the newspaper. 'Mitigating steps could be warning staff beforehand of expected behaviour, ensuring anyone who feels uncomfortable knows how to respond and perhaps even restricting excessive alcohol consumption.' Mr Davies added that many staff 'don't realise that a work event is an extension of the workplace, potentially even where staff agree to go to the pub after work and it isn't organised by the employer.' Nicholas Le Riche, a partner at BDB Pitmans, said the legislation would mark a 'significant change' for employers and could affect all 'team building events' and not just after-work drinks. Ms Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds last week met with senior trade union officials and business organisations to discuss their workers' rights overhaul as part of their Plan to Make Work Pay. Business leaders warned of 'real damage' to the UK economy if Labour rushed through its planned reforms. A mother and daughter from Indiana are facing murder charges after they allegedly poisoned the mother's husband four times before his death in a reported plot to get his life savings. Marsha Allen and her 30-year-old daughter, Ashley Jones, allegedly spiked 52-year-old Harold Allen's food and drink with different substances they purchased online, including an ingredient in antifreeze, a toxic plant from Etsy, and poisonous seeds from eBay. Harold Allen was found dead in Freetown, Indiana in December 2022 after drinking a root beer float that was spiked with the lethal ethylene glycol. At the time of his death, no foul play was suspected. On Friday, both the mother and daughter were charged with two counts of murder, one count of conspiracy to commit murder, one count of consumer product tampering, and two counts of attempted murder, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. In October 2023, Marsha Allen was found dead in her Freetown home of suspected suicide, Fox59 News reported. Mother: Marsha Allen Daughter: Ashey Jones, 20 Victim: Harold Allen, 52 The next day her daughter, who was being held in custody after a burglary, told officials that her mother had put the toxic ethylene glycol in her stepfather's root beer float. Text messages Jones allegedly sent suggested a financial motive for the crime. In them, she discusses "get[tting] all his retirements and saving. Once investigators sifted through documents, they discovered that there had been additional attempts to poison Harold Allen. Late last month, investigators found two email accounts linked to Jones, with one using a 'Hide My Email' feature, incriminating her in the crime. The emails exposed more damning evidence about attempts to poison Harold, including one in November 2022 when the pair allegedly spiked his chili and brownies and sent him to the emergency room. During the investigation, detectives discovered after looking through emails that two months prior, in September 2022, the pair had purchased seeds that are poisonous if ingested, from a seller on eBay. Evidence revealed they baked a batch of brownies containing the seeds and waited for Harold Allen to react, court documents revealed. In one of the chilling messages dated November 28, 2022, Marsha reportedly told her daughter: 'I am irritated and can't sleep peacefully. I need this to be over I wish it would reach its climax and be done lol.' Jones reportedly responded: 'Same.' Harold Allen went to the emergency room on November 28 and returned to the hospital two days later. A doctor told him his intestines were inflamed. On December 1, 2022, the pair purchased a water hemlock plant on Etsy - reportedly North American's most toxic plant. Over the course of three days in 2022, the mother and daughter placed the plant's leaves in Harold Allen's chili, soda and a margarita. He survived. Then, on December 13, the pair purchased ethylene glycol, the poison that would eventually kill him. Harold and Marsha pictured together Jeffrey Chalfant, Jackson County's prosecuting attorney, said they were requesting Jones get a life sentence without parole. A jury trial is scheduled for January 7, 2025, as per court documents. A man has admitted setting fire to a double-decker bus during disorder in Leeds after four Roma children were allegedly taken into care by police. Iustin Dobre, 37, of Clifton Mount, Leeds, has pleaded guilty to one count of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered in Harehills on July 18. He did not enter a plea for a second charge of violent disorder. He will next appear at the same court on August 29 for a plea hearing regarding that matter. The disorder was sparked by social services' involvement with a family in the area. During the disorder in Leeds last month, a double-decker bus was set on fire (pictured) Distressing footage which emerged shows police officers hauling a young boy out of a house and bundling him into a van Riots in the Hare Hill area of Leeds allegedly began after social services in the city removed all four children from a family A man has denied setting fire to a bus during disorder in a suburb of Leeds. Mark Mitchell, 43, of Strathmore View, is accused of setting fire to the bus on July 18 in Harehills, Leeds. Appearing at Leeds Crown Court on Monday, Mitchell denied the charge. He admitted a second charge of violent disorder. Zamonsty Milan, 30, of Luxor Avenue, appeared alongside Mitchell on the same two charges. However, he did not enter any pleas. The pair will next appear at the same court on August 29. Police officers probing the murder of an army veteran who was beaten to death by robbers during a break in have arrested a woman almost nine years on. Great-grandfather Tommy Ward, 80, suffered a smashed skull, broken ribs and fractured jaw in an attack in his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in October 2015. His 30,000 life savings were stolen during the robbery and he died four months after the ordeal took place. After his death in February 2016, a murder investigation was launched and ten men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences. But they were later released with no further action and South Yorkshire Police then launched another fresh appeal for information in October last year. Now, in a major new development, the force confirmed today that a 36-year-old woman from Rotherham had been arrested on suspicion of murder. Great-grandfather Tommy Ward, 80, suffered a smashed skull, broken ribs and fractured jaw in an attack in his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in October 2015 A shocking photo of the pensioner lying in bed with horrific wounds across his face, neck and chest was released at the time of the incident A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 'A 36-year-old woman from Rotherham has been arrested on suspicion of murder.' Tommy was an ex-miner, who did National Service with the Norfolk Regiment and the Northumberland Fusiliers. A shocking photo of the pensioner lying in bed with horrific wounds across his face, neck and chest was released at the time of the incident. A safe, identical to the one in which he kept his savings, was found dumped in a canal around two weeks after the attack but it was empty. Four men were arrested on suspicion of murder over the course of the investigation and have all been released without charge. In February 2017, detectives working on the murder probe released CCTV footage of a car which pulled into Tommy's street at around the time they believe he was attacked. The car - a Saab 93 - pulled onto the street at 5.15am and is then later seen on the CCTV footage doing a U-turn and driving off. There is a 25-minute period for which the car is unaccounted. On the fourth anniversary of Tommy's death, his daughter Jackie Perry urged people to come forward with information so 'she can have justice.' She said: 'We are still no wiser who did this. Someone must know. Please just come forward so we can have justice. Please help us and share these photos. 'I wouldn't want anyone else to go through this, it's heartbreaking so perhaps it might pull at someone's heartstrings and come forward.' Three robbery suspects have appeared in court today charged with murder after a 22-year-old man died seven weeks after they allegedly broke his ankle during an altercation in central London. Devonta Rose, 20, Dennis Kaantharasan, 25, and Malachi Wilson, 32, are accused of attacking Taha Errami in Londons West End on 1 June. Mr Errami was taken to hospital where he was given a sugical boot for his fractured ankle. However the Old Bailey has heard that he then collapsed on a train six weeks later. He went into cardiac arrest and was pronouced dead on July 23. A post-mortem revealed that Mr Errami's cause of death was a deep vein thrombosis - a type of blood clot. London's Old Bailey. Devonta Rose, 20, Dennis Kaantharasan, 25, and Malachi Wilson, 32, appeared via video link in court today from HMP Thameside charged with murder (stock image) The three suspects appeared in court via a video link from HMP Thameside charged with murder. Before Mr Errami's death the case was being investigated as a robbery. Prosecutor Caroline Carberry, KC, said: This was a group assault on a lone male which caused a significant fracture which caused a fatal outcome. In the early hours of 1 June this year about seven weeks before he died Mr Errami was injured during a violent incident in the Shaftesbury Avenue area of London. During that assault it is believed he sustained a fracture to his leg, he said he was punched and stamped on. Mr Errami refused an ambulance but took himself to St Thomas Hospital where a fractured ankle was diagnosed. It was placed in a boot and he was provided with crutches and discharged with advice to attend his local fracture clinic. He was given an advice leaflet on deep vein thrombosis. He attended his local hospital the next day. Then just under six weeks later on 6 July when he was travelling into central London by train from Slough he became very unwell. Fellow passengers reported he was making grunting noises and coughing violently before losing consciousness. An ambulance was called which met the train at Paddington and he was taken to St Marys Hospital. He was unresponsive having been in cardiac arrest and his heart had stopped beating for 340 minutes. By 10 July his family was told he was unlikely to recover from brain injury and he was declared brain stem dead on 18 July and officially dead on 21 July. A post mortem gave the cause of death as brain injury, cardiac arrest and pulmonary embolism due to left leg deep vein thrombosis. Judge Rebecca Trowler, KC, remanded the trio in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on 4 November. A provisional three week trial date was set for 19 May next year. A Washington DC councilmember has been arrested for allegedly accepting $150,000 in bribes. Trayon White Sr, a Democrat who ran an unsuccessful mayoral campaign in 2022, is accused of using his elected position to help companies with city contracts. The FBI arrested White, 40, on a federal bribery charge on Sunday. He appeared in court briefly on Monday. White has previously been known for promoting unhinged antisemitic conspiracy theories. An FBI agent's affidavit says White agreed in June to accept roughly $156,000 in kickbacks and cash payments in exchange for pressuring government agency employees to extend two companies' contracts for violence intervention services. Trayon White Sr, a Democrat who ran an unsuccessful mayoral campaign in 2022, is accused of using his elected position to help companies with city contracts The contacts were worth over $5 million. White also accepted a $20,000 bribe payment to help resolve a contract dispute for one of the companies by pressuring high-level district officials, the affidavit alleges. Trayon White Sr has served on the DC council since 2017 An FBI informant who agreed to plead guilty to fraud and bribery charges reported giving White gifts including travel to the Dominican Republic and Las Vegas along with paying him bribes, the FBI said. White put his hand to his heart as he entered the courtroom and acknowledged his supporters who attended the hearing on Monday. One supporter held her hand to her mouth and sobbed from the gallery. White answered routine questions from the judge but did not comment on the allegations. The magistrate judge warned White he could be jailed before trial if he violates any conditions of his release. White, who has served on the D.C. council since 2017, represents a predominantly Black ward where the poverty rate is nearly twice as high as the overall district. He is running for re-election in November against a Republican challenger. White's chief of staff and communication director didn't immediately respond to emails seeking comment. The councilman is also known for igniting a firestorm in March 2018 when he posted a short video on his Facebook page claiming that an unexpected snowfall was because of 'the Rothschilds controlling the climate to create natural disasters.' Fellow council members and Jewish community leaders accused White of spreading an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory about Jewish control of world events. The Rothschilds, a prominent Jewish family whose banking dynasty dates back to the 18th century, are a frequent target of global conspiracy theories. Pictured: The Washington DC council building where White works White later apologized for the remark. Initially, he expressed surprise that some interpreted his comments as antisemitic, telling The Post 'The video says what it says.' But in the wake of the controversy, White said he had reached out to his 'friends' at Jews United for Justice who helped him 'understand the history of comments made against Jews.' White then tried to reconcile with the Jewish community with a visit to the Holocaust museum - but this ended in disaster when he began defending Nazis during the 90-minute guided tour of the institution. While viewing a photograph from 1935 of a woman surrounded by Nazi soldiers with a sign hanging from her neck that read: 'I am a German girl and allowed myself to be defiled by a Jew,' White asked, 'Are they protecting her?' 'No,' the guide explained to White, according to the Washington Post. She added, 'They're marching her through.' 'Marching through is protecting,' White said. 'I think they're humiliating her,' the guide replied. To make matters worse, White left early, texting Rabbi Batya Glazer, a director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, who was also in attendance, that he was expected at a meeting. However, White was seen walking around aimlessly outside of the museum. Frightening footage shows the moment an out-of-control drunk driver swerved off the road and into a family of five in Brazil. A surveillance camera captured the family crossing a street in Jabaquara, Sao Paulo on Saturday. The 34-year-old father, his 35-year-old wife and their three children have their backs turned when the driver of the pickup truck suddenly comes barreling at them, the footage shows. The 54-year-old driver jumped the curb and plowed into the father before hitting his wife and two of the children. The eldest of the children, a nine-year-old girl, was not hit by the car. A drunk driver plowed into a family of five in Jabaquara, Brazil on Saturday The driver had to be rescued from the wreckage after his truck crashed through the gate of an auto repair shop The parents and their two youngest children were rushed to Doutor Arthur Ribeiro de Saboya Municipal Hospital. The children and mother were treated and released, while the father remains hospitalized and in stable condition, the Jabaquara Department of Health said in a statement. The driver had to be rescued from the wreckage after his truck crashed through the gate of an auto repair shop. He was rushed to Ipiranga Hospital and remains hospitalized in stable condition in police custody. A surveillance camera captured the frightening moment the driver swerved off the road and onto the sidewalk The driver showed signs of drunkenness, according to the Sao Paulo State Public Security Department. Sao Paulo Civil Police records showed that the driver had an expired driver's license and had been previously charged with drunken driving. According to the Department of Traffic, more than 13,000 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in 2023. At least 3,000 drivers were arrested for drunk driving. The captain of a ship that rescued survivors of the yacht disaster has described the moment it was sunk by a tornado. Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship, saved 15 of the 22 people onboard luxury yacht Bayesian which sank off the coast of Sicily - close to the port of Porticello, near Palermo - at around 5am this morning. One person has died while six are still missing, with a desperate hunt underway for survivors. It is feared those missing may have been trapped inside their cabins. Captain Karsten Borner said his ship was battered by very strong gusts, but he managed to stabilise it while anchored by using the engine. Recalling the moment the yacht - which was packed with British tourists - was sunk by a tornado, he told the BBC: 'After the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone. And then we saw a red flare. Captain Karsten Borner (pictured) rescued 15 of the 22 people on the superyacht A desperate hunt is underway for survivors, including British and American tourists, after a freak storm sank the Bayesian Divers plunge into the waters off Porticello to explore the sunken vessel 'So my first mate and I went to the position, and we found this life raft drifting with 15 people inside. 'Fifteen people inside. Four people injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship.' He added: 'With a light we saw that the ship was inside, and then we saw a triangle. So I think she went back. Terrible. Terrible moment. 'In the last life raft was also a little baby. So it was a big disaster.' It comes as horrified eyewitnesses have also told of the moment the vessel was battered by a 'whirlwind'. 'At about 3:55 we saw the whirlwind, after a quarter of an hour we saw a rocket 500 metres away from the dock,' recounted Fabio Cefalu, a local fisherman who witnessed the tragic sinking of the yacht. 'At about 4:35 we went out to sea to provide assistance, but we only saw the remains of the boat floating. There was no one in the sea.' Another man interviewed at Porticello told Italian media how the unexpected storm seemed to have caught the crew unawares after the passengers had enjoyed a party. 'That boat was all lit up... A beautiful boat where there had been a party. Evidently, they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid sinking... At about 4:30 in the morning, it was gone.' Pietro Asciutto, a fisherman in Porticello, added: 'The boat was still floating, then suddenly it disappeared. I saw it sink with my own eyes.' The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored close to the Bayesian, rescued the fifteen survivors. The world's most expensive artwork will be the centrepiece of the 'Louvre of Saudi Arabia' as the country looks to use the Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece to drive up tourism. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bought the Salvator Mundi, which has been attributed to the Italian painter, for $450 million (360 million) in 2017. The artwork has been left out of sight in a vault in Geneva for years since its record-breaking purchase but Crown Prince Mohammed now wants to use the piece as the 'anchor object' to attract millions of tourists to Riyadh, the Saudi capital. According to Bernard Haykel, a professor of Near Eastern studies at Princetown University, the prince has a desire to 'build a very large museum in Riyadh'. Speaking on a new BBC documentary titled The Kingdom: The World's Most Powerful Prince, Haykel said he asked the crown prince about the whereabouts of the Salvator Mundi and he told him that he wished to use it in his replication of the Louvre. He apparently claimed that 90 per cent of its visitors came just to see another Leonardo work, the Mona Lisa. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (pictured in 2020) bought the Salvator Mundi, which has been attributed to the Italian painter, for $450 million (360 million) in 2017. The artwork (pictured in 2019) has been left out of sight in a vault in Geneva for years since its record-breaking purchase but the prince now wants to use the piece as the 'anchor object' to attract millions of tourists to Riyadh, the Saudi capital Crown Prince Mohammed's purchase was also a deliberate challenge to Saudi Arabia's conservative Islamic leadership, Haykel said, as it was never officially approved. He told the documentary: 'The idea was that you would have a painting by Leonardo that would hang in that museum and help attract tourists. 'You could also put another spin on [it] and say this is one of the most important paintings in the western world of Jesus and we own it.' Haykel also said the Saudi culture minister, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan al-Saud, had told him that Salvator Mundi had 'been in storage in Geneva ever since [its 2017 purchase] 'It's basically waiting for the museum to be completed and then it'll hang in the museum,' Haykel added. The BBC2 documentary series, the first episode of which is broadcast tonight, explores the crown prince's drive to turn Saudi Arabia into a cultural powerhouse, as well as his rise to become the heir apparent of one of the worlds wealthiest countries. As well as purchasing the Salvator Mundi, the crown prince has also employed a number of art leaders to oversee his project - including Iwona Blazwick, the former director of the Whitechapel Gallery in London, and, most recently, Hartwig Fischer, the former director of the British Museum. The 2017 acquisition of Leonardo's work was one of the most dramatic art purchases of the past century. A series of bids pushed the price way above its $100 million estimate and the previous record for a public sale of any artwork. It was later revealed that the painting had originally been bought in the United States in 2005 for just $1,175. It was definitively ascribed to Leonardo after significant conservation work took place before it was unveiled at an exhibition at the National Gallery in London in 2011. However, some within the art world believe the work was painted by Leonardo's students or by another artist altogether - pointing to the painting's inferior quality compared with the likes of the Mona Lisa. What was an elaborate celebration to commemorate Mike Lynch's high stakes fraud acquittal turned into tragedy as his superyacht fell victim to a freak water spout. The luxury sailboat was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a 'whirlwind' hit the area just before 5am this morning, wrecking the boat and causing it to rapidly disappear beneath the waves. The yacht had been visible to surrounding ships before it suddenly vanished, claiming the life of one person while six remain missing. Fifteen of the 22 people onboard were rescued by Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship, which was in front of the yacht. British tech tycoon Lynch reportedly invited his family and friends on the sailboat to celebrate charges of fraud and conspiracy for allegedly scheming to inflate a company's value before it was sold being dropped. He had gathered guests from legal firm Clifford Chance, and his own company Invoke Capital after being cleared in June. British tech tycoon Mike Lynch had reportedly invited his family and friends on the sailboat to celebrate charges of fraud being dropped Lawyer Ayla Ronald, 36, (pictured) who was part of the successful legal team who were invited to go sailing with Lynch, is one of the survivors Survivor of the Sicily yacht sinking Charlotte Golunski, who fought to save her baby in the storm The luxury sailboat, the Bayesian (pictured), was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a water spout hit the area just before 5am One of the survivors is Clifford Chance lawyer Ayla Ronald, 36, who was part of the successful legal team who were invited to go sailing with Lynch, according to her father Lin. Mr Ronald told The Telegraph: 'I have texted with my daughter and she hasn't given me any updates about missing personnel or saved personnel. She has only said to me that there are deaths, and she and her partner are alive.' Speaking of the celebrations, witness told Italian news agency ANSA: 'A beautiful vessel where there had been a party. A normal holiday day spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy.' The body of Canadian Recaldo Thomas, who was working as the boat's chef and who was the only crew member unaccounted for, was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today. As a desperate search effort is underway to find the missing six - including British and American tourists - MailOnline takes a look at how the tragedy unfolded. The storm hitting The superyacht was lit up and illuminating the night sky when a water spout suddenly occured in close proximity to the boat. Just before 5am in the morning, the yacht became caught up in the spout and then suddenly disappeared, according to witnesses. The superyacht was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a 'whirlwind' hit the area just before 5am this morning The Bayesian, which was previously known as the Salute, was a 56m long vessel built in Viareggio, Tuscany, by luxury shipmaker Perini Navi in 2008 The new interior was modelled on a Japanese style The yacht going down Witnesses have described the moment the yacht went down as very sudden, claiming it was as if it just disappeared. One person said: 'The boat was all lit up. Around 4.30 am, it was no longer there. 'A beautiful boat where there was a party. A normal joyous vacation day at sea turned into tragedy.' Meanwhile, the captain of the Dutch ship which saved 15 of the 22 people onboard the yacht also claimed the boat disappeared. Captain Karsten Borner told the BBC: 'After the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone.' He added: 'With a light we saw that the ship was inside [the water], and then we saw a triangle. So I think she went back. Terrible. Terrible moment.' A handout photo made available on 19 August 2024 by Perini Navi Press Office shows the 'Bayesian' sailing boat, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy Captain Karsten Borner told the BBC: 'After the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone' Passengers rescued Fifteen of the 22 passengers - including British and American tourists - were saved by Captain Borner's Dutch ship. Once the storm subsided, Borner said he and his friend noticed a flare in the water, and made their way towards it. There they found the lifeboat with those who had escaped inside, including a one-year-old baby and mother Charlotte Golunski. The mother, who survived the sinking, said she had held her baby aloft to save her from drowning. Among the six still missing are British billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter. Search operation Cave divers arrive to join in the rescue operation in Palermo, Sicily, on August 19 Experienced cave divers for deep sea recoveries arrive at the pier as a rescue operation continues for the missing people who were on board a sailboat that sank, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, 19 August Mr Lynch's wife Angela Bacares (right) was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the yacht A massive search operation to find the six still missing continues today. Tragically, the body of a man - believed to be a Canadian national who was working as the boat's chef - was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today. There are fears that those who are still missing became trapped in their cabins, with divers earlier reporting that they saw 'bodies through the portholes' of the yacht, according to Italian media. The enormous 246ft-high aluminium mast on Mike Lynch's superyacht the Bayesian could have been what caused the vessel to capsize and sink rapidly, according to an expert. British tech tycoon Mr Lynch, 59, remains missing alongside his 18-year-old daughter and six other tourists, including four Brits and two Americans after the ship sunk near Sicily. The billionaire's boat, which had the tallest aluminium mast in the world at 246ft, was anchored off the coast near Palermo when a tornado hit the area just before 5am. But during the storm the mast broke, causing the ship to sink rapidly after the weight of the mast took the hull beyond the 'down-flooding angle', according to a yacht industry source. A local fisherman told reporters he saw a waterspout, a form of tornado that occurs over water rather than land, nearby the boat. The luxury sailboat, the Bayesian (pictured), was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a tornado hit the area just before 5am During the storm the mast broke, causing the ship to sink rapidly after the weight of the mast took the hull beyond the 'down-flooding angle', according to a yacht industry source Mr Lynch's wife Angela Bacares (right) was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the yacht. Mr Lynch remains missing alongside his 18-year-old daughter and six other tourists, including four Brits and two Americans A local Facebook group shared a picture of The Bayesian (left) at anchor last night Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's civil protection agency, said the Bayesian passengers 'were in the wrong place at the wrong time.' The 183ft long yacht was built in 2008 by luxury shipmaker Perini Navi in Viareggio, Tuscany and was previously known as the Salute, meaning 'health' in Italian. Technical consultant and nautical expert Gino Ciriaci told Italian website Corriere Della Sera even if the mast was made of steel it would not have changed anything. He said a mast that tall would have exerted a pressure of 'tens of tons' due to the wind and said it is 'normal' that the boat could sink based on its technical characteristics. The Bayesian is classified as a 'pleasure vessel' due to its length, very tall aluminium mast and being 37ft at its widest point. Mr Ciriaci, who was a shipyard manager in Rome and is authorized by the Italian Ministry of Industry (Consap) to carry out technical assessments following accidents, said a mast can break in 'particularly extreme conditions'. He said once the mast has fallen, the boat pitches and rolls with the waves much more vigorously without the mast and sails to dampen its movements. The Bayesian is classified as a 'pleasure vessel' due to its length, very tall aluminium mast and being 37ft at its widest point. Pictured: A handout photo from Perini Navi Press Office British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is understood to be among the British tourists who are missing after the the Bayesian superyacht sank Both the hull and the superstructure, the part above the main deck, were made from aluminium Your browser does not support iframes. In the case of the Bayesian he said the whirlwind was so violent that the boat heeled over, tilted and put the edge of the deck under water, and at that point, the water began to enter and the boat sank. Mr Lynch's wife Angela Bacares, 57, was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the 180ft yacht, which she is reported to have owned and had been carrying ten crewmembers, the owner and 11 guests. Mrs Bacares told Italian media that both her husband and their daughter Hannah, 18, are missing after the yacht sank. She told Italian outlet La Repubblica that she and her husband woke up at 4am when the boat tilted. Mrs Bacares said that they were not worried initially, until glass shattered and created confusion. She sustained abrasions on her feet during the sinking which have reportedly left her unable to walk and sitting in a wheelchair, La Repubblica reports, while she also has bandages elsewhere on her body. The Bayesian, which was previously known as the Salute, was a 56m long vessel built in Viareggio, Tuscany, by luxury shipmaker Perini Navi in 2008 The plush interior of the boat was modelled on a Japanese style Mr Lynch had invited guests from legal firm Clifford Chance as well as his own company Invoke Capital to celebrate him being acquitted of fraud charges in June, vindicating the entrepreneur after a 12-year legal battle over the $11bn sale of his firm, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard in 2011, the Telegraph reported. Divers have been desperately searching the wreck 160ft beneath the water for the survivors. Tragically, the body of a man - believed to be a Canadian national who was working as the boat's chef - was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today. There are fears that those who are still missing became trapped in their cabins, with divers earlier reporting that they saw 'bodies through the portholes' of the yacht, according to Italian media. The Bayesian several awards for its styling when it was first made, taking home the Best Exterior prize at the World Superyacht Awards in 2009, and the Best Interior at the International Superyacht Society Awards in 2008. It was also a finalist in the World Superyacht Awards' Best Sailing Yacht in the 45m+ size range in 2009. A survivor leaves the Coast Guard Headquarters after a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Ponticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, August 19 Cave divers arrive to join in the rescue operation in Palermo, Sicily, on August 19 Experienced cave divers for deep sea recoveries arrive at the pier as a rescue operation continues for the missing people who were on board a sailboat that sank, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, 19 August Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Porticello The Bayesian could hold up to 12 guests in six cabins, one master, three doubles and two twin rooms, as well as 10 crew members. Who is Mike Lynch? Mike Lynch was celebrated as a British business success story. Born in Ilford, Essex in 1965, he earned a PhD from Cambridge before founding one of the UK's most successful technology companies, Autonomy, in 1996. The married father of two daughters was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to enterprise. That same year, he was appointed to the board of the BBC - and was later elected to then-prime minister David Cameron's council for science and technology in 2011. He advised Mr Cameron on subjects including 'the opportunities and risks of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the government's role in the regulation of these technologies'. But he later became embroiled in a bitter fraud lawsuit stemming from the disastrous $11billion (8.3billion) sale of his company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. The legal battle endured more than a decade, and in March this year Lynch found himself in a San Francisco courtroom to defend himself against fraud and conspiracy charges. The 59-year-old tycoon had spent much of the previous year living under house arrest with an electronic tag attached to his ankle. Mr Lynch had potentially faced up to 20 years in a US prison if found guilty of 16 counts of conspiracy, and securities and wire fraud, which he denied. Earlier this year he was cleared of all charges - a major victory for the tech guru. Advertisement Both the hull and the superstructure, the part above the main deck, were made from aluminium. According to KM Yatchbuilders, a Dutch shipmaker, aluminium is three times lighter than steel. On top of this, aluminium alloys do not rust, and yachts made from them are 'easy to repair.' On top of the sails, the Bayesian was powered by two 8-cylinder 965hp engines made by German manufacturer MTU that are capable of running at 210rpm. This allowed the vessel to reach a top speed of 15 knots (17mph). This, combined with the 57,000 litre fuel tanks, means it had a range of up to 3,600 nautical miles. The tragedy comes just weeks after Mr Lynch was acquitted of criminal charges by a jury in San Francisco in June, vindicating the entrepreneur after a 12-year legal battle over the $11bn sale of his firm, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. The 59-year-old, who was a billionaire at the height of his wealth, has previously been dubbed Britain's Bill Gates after he made his fortune thanks to his company. Its software drew on the Bayesian mathematical theory after which the yacht was named. The passengers on board were mainly British, according to reports, while citizens from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Canada, the US and two dual British and French nationals were also said to be on board. Some of the group are reported to have been colleagues and their family members who were on holiday together in Sicily. The yacht is owned by Isle of Man-based firm Revtom, according to the BBC, the legal owner of which is Bacares, Mr Lynch's wife. A member of staff who worked at Mr Lynch's Chelsea home has told The Times that the businessman 'clearly had a lot of pride in the yacht'. The ship is managed by Camper and Nicholsons International. The company says it is assisting in the search efforts in Palermo. The firm said in a statement that the boat encountered 'severe weather and subsequently sank'. The ships managed by Camper and Nicholsons International. The company says it is assisting in the search efforts in Palermo. British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter are among six people feared dead after his 180ft superyacht Bayesian was hit by a freak waterspout and sank off the coast of Sicily this morning. The luxury sailboat was anchored off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a waterspout struck the area just before 5am, wrecking the boat and causing it to rapidly disappear beneath the waves. 'The boat was all lit up. Around 4.30 am, it was no longer there,' said one witness cited by Italian news agency ANSA. 'A beautiful boat where there was a party. A normal joyous vacation day at sea turned into tragedy'. Mr Lynch's wife Angela Bacares, 57, was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the 180ft yacht, which she is reported to have owned and had been carrying ten crewmembers, the owner and 11 guests. Mrs Bacares told Italian media that both her husband and their daughter Hannah, 18, are missing after the Bayesian sank. Mr Lynch had invited guests from legal firm Clifford Chance as well as his own company Invoke Capital to celebrate him being acquitted of fraud charges in June, vindicating the entrepreneur after a 12-year legal battle over the 8.6billion sale of his firm, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard in 2011, the Telegraph reports. One of the Clifford Chance lawyers on board the Bayesian when it sank was 36-year-old Ayla Ronald. Her father, Lin Ronald, confirmed that the sailing trip was supposed to be a celebration of Mr Lynch's acquittal. 'I have texted with my daughter and she hasn't given me any updates about missing personnel or saved personnel. She has only said to me that there are deaths, and she and her partner are alive,' Mr Donald told the Telegraph. Mr Lynch's wife Angela Bacares (right) was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the yacht Experienced cave divers for deep sea recoveries arrive at the pier as a rescue operation continues for the missing people who were on board a sailboat that sank, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, 19 August Cave divers arrive to join in the rescue operation in Palermo, Sicily, on August 19 A handout photo made available on 19 August 2024 by Perini Navi Press Office shows the 'Bayesian' sailing boat, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy A survivor leaves the Coast Guard Headquarters after a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Ponticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, August 19 A local Facebook group shared a picture of the yacht (left) at anchor last night. The vessel has been named as the Bayesian, and is said to sail under a British flag One of the Clifford Chance lawyers on board the Bayesian when it sank was 36-year-old Ayla Ronald (pictured). Her father, Lin Ronald, confirmed that the sailing trip was supposed to be a celebration of Mr Lynch's acquittal Mr Lynch's wife told Italian outlet La Repubblica that she and her husband woke up at 4am when the boat tilted. Mrs Bacares said that they were not worried initially and she got up to see what was happening, until glass shattered and created confusion. She sustained abrasions on her feet during the sinking which have reportedly left her unable to walk and sitting in a wheelchair, La Repubblica reports, while she also has bandages elsewhere on her body. She appears to be in shock, the newspaper reports. 'The survivors are very tired and are constantly asking about the missing people,' Doctor Domenico Cipolla, Director of Paediatric Admission and Medicine and Surgery at 'Di Cristina' hospital in Palermo, said. 'To my knowledge, there is only one body that has been found, the others are still missing. We have given the survivors this information, but they are talking and crying all the time because they have realised that there is little hope of finding their friends alive,' he added. British mother Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old baby called Sofia were reported to be among those rescued by a nearby sailboat, with Dr Cipolla confirming that they were treated at the Di Cristina hospital. 'By the way, I know that there were some young people on board, some very young people. They are very tired and they continually thank us for the care and attention we are giving them and the little girl. They are very tired but they are very sweet people,' Dr Cipolla said. He also said that Ms Golunski told doctors at the hospital that the sailing trip was part of a 'corporate holiday'. Ms Golunski, 35, who is listed as working for Mr Lynch's company Invoke Capital on Linkedin, has described how she momentarily lost her daughter in the 'fury of the waves', before finding her and managing to get them both to safety. Meanwhile six of the passengers - who include four British and two American citizens - still remain unaccounted for, with divers desperately searching the wreck 160ft beneath the water. The rescue operation will continue overnight, Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency said. Tragically, the body of Canadian Recaldo Thomas, who was working as the boat's chef and was the only crew member unaccounted for, was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today. There are fears that those who are still missing became trapped in their cabins, with divers earlier reporting that they saw 'bodies through the portholes' of the yacht, according to Italian media. Francesco Venuto, the spokesperson for Sicily's civil protection agency, also told the BBC that they 'think [the corpses] must be there [in the boat]'. He added: 'We've been searching all day with helicopters and boats, we've found nothing. That wouldn't make sense, in [these] conditions we should have found something by now.' The tragedy comes just weeks after Mr Lynch was acquitted of criminal charges by a jury in San Francisco in June, vindicating the entrepreneur after a 12-year legal battle over the $11bn sale of his firm, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. The 59-year-old, who was a billionaire at the height of his wealth, has previously been dubbed Britain's Bill Gates after he made his fortune thanks to his company. Its software drew on the Bayesian mathematical theory after which the yacht was named. British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is understood to be among the British tourists who are missing after the the Bayesian superyacht sank The British-flagged Bayesian is thought to have arrived in Porticello after a stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland Italian Coast Guard Command teams and firefighters are carrying out search and rescue operations with helicopters and ships to find missing people after a yacht sank on Monday due to a storm east of Palermo in southern Italy on August 19 A frantic search is underway at the site of the shipwreck after the Bayesian sank this morning The search area this morning off the coast of Porticello, Sicily Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor Who is Mike Lynch? Mike Lynch was celebrated as a British business success story. Born in Ilford, Essex in 1965, he earned a PhD from Cambridge before founding one of the UK's most successful technology companies, Autonomy, in 1996. The married father of two daughters was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to enterprise. That same year, he was appointed to the board of the BBC - and was later elected to then-prime minister David Cameron's council for science and technology in 2011. He advised Mr Cameron on subjects including 'the opportunities and risks of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the government's role in the regulation of these technologies'. But he later became embroiled in a bitter fraud lawsuit stemming from the disastrous $11billion (8.3billion) sale of his company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. The legal battle endured more than a decade, and in March this year Lynch found himself in a San Francisco courtroom to defend himself against fraud and conspiracy charges. The 59-year-old tycoon had spent much of the previous year living under house arrest with an electronic tag attached to his ankle. Mr Lynch had potentially faced up to 20 years in a US prison if found guilty of 16 counts of conspiracy, and securities and wire fraud, which he denied. Earlier this year he was cleared of all charges - a major victory for the tech guru. Advertisement The passengers on board were mainly British, according to reports, while citizens from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Canada, the US and two dual British and French nationals were also said to be on board. Some of the group are reported to have been colleagues and their family members who were on holiday together in Sicily. The yacht is owned by Isle of Man-based firm Revtom, according to the BBC, the legal owner of which is Bacares, Mr Lynch's wife. A member of staff who worked at Mr Lynch's Chelsea home has told The Times that the businessman 'clearly had a lot of pride in the yacht'. The vessel was still at anchor near the port when the waterspout struck, witnesses have said, with the storm breaking its mast and causing the vessel to lose its balance and capsize. 'We didn't see it coming,' passenger James Cutfield told La Repubblica. The Italian Coastguard said in a statement that a nearby boat offered assistance to people before emergency services arrived. The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored by the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued the 15 survivors. Karsten Borner, the captain of the boat, has described how his vessel was battered by strong gusts, with his team working to stabilise it and manoeuvre it to avoid hitting the Bayesian nearby. 'We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone,' he said. Once the storm subsided, Borner said he and his first mate noticed a flare in the water, and made their way towards it. There they found the lifeboat with those who had escaped inside, including the one-year-old baby and mother Ms Golunski. She told Italian media: 'For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves.' 'I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning,' she added. 'It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.' Incredibly, a group of 15 of the passengers managed to inflate a lifeboat and clamber aboard, before being rescued by a nearby vessel. The mother, who is in hospital with her baby where she received treatment for a minor shoulder injury, described the ordeal as 'terrible', detailing how 'in a few minutes the boat was hit by a very strong wind and sank shortly after.' A British mother, named as Charlotte Golunski, and her one-year-old baby were also reported to be among those rescued by a nearby sailboat The 59-year-old, who was a billionaire at the height of his wealth, has previously been dubbed Britain's Bill Gates after he made his fortune thanks to his company Autonomy (file image) The group were staying on the vessel, which has been named as the Bayesian - a luxury yacht which sails under the British flag The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored nearby the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued some of those on board (file image) Ms Golunski 'had injuries that we treated', according to Dr Cipolla (pictured), with reports saying she suffered an injury to her shoulder Italian Coast Guard Command teams and firefighters are carrying out search and rescue operations with helicopters and ships to find the missing people after the Bayesian sank Ms Golunski and her little girl were taken to be assessed at the Children's Hospital in Palermo. The baby is said to be doing fine and is unharmed, with tests only carried out as a precaution. Ms Golunski 'had injuries that we treated', according to Dr Cipolla, with reports saying she suffered an injury to her shoulder. '[She] only has abrasions and a wound that needed stitching,' Dr Cipolla said. The child's father, a British man called James Emsley, was taken 'to the adult emergency room where his wounds were sutured' before he was reunited with Ms Golunski and their daughter Sofia, Dr Cipolla said. 'We reunited the whole family in a room in the emergency room. They are here with us,' he added. Five other people were taken to the Bagheria territorial emergency point. Others reportedly required no hospital treatment, and spoke to authorities about what happened as the incident is investigated. A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters been scouring the scene of the wreck for those who are still missing. Expert divers reached the hull earlier this morning, with more specialist teams brought in as the day went on cables reportedly fixed between the yacht and the surface to allow easier descent. 'The specialists are able to get into small spaces underwater,' a spokesman said. Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor. The boat is thought to have arrived in Porticello after a stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland. A local Facebook page shared a picture of the two yachts at anchor last night, just hours before the high winds hit. 'The boat was not far from the port. It took very little to raise the anchor and head for the port. Evidently they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid sinking,' a man in Porticello told Italian news agency ANSA. Your browser does not support iframes. Divers are scouring the wreckage of the superyacht, which is 160ft underwater off the coast of Sicily Emergency response teams are seen at the harbour near where the boat sank this morning Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Porticello A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters have been deployed to search the scene Fabio Cefalu, a fisherman who spotted the shipwrecked boat off the coast, said he called for help at 4.30 this morning. 'At about 3.55 we saw the whirlwind. After a quarter of an hour we saw a rocket 500 metres away from the dock,' he told Corriere. 'At about 4.35 we went out to sea to provide assistance, but we only saw the remains of the boat floating. There were no men in the sea. So we immediately called the port authority.' Another fisherman, Pietro Asciutto, said: 'I was at home when the waterspout hit. I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very large. I saw it sink suddenly'. The ship is managed by Camper and Nicholsons International. The company says it is assisting in the search efforts in Palermo. The firm said in a statement that the boat encountered 'severe weather and subsequently sank'. The ships managed by Camper and Nicholsons International. The company says it is assisting in the search efforts in Palermo. A spokesperson told the BBC that they are currently 'dealing with a situation onboard one of [their] managed vessels', but would not give any further details. According to an events worker who did work at Mr Lynch's Chelsea home, the businessman had a miniature model of the yacht and photos of it on the water in his hallway. Pictured above is Mick Lynch's home, Loudham Hall, located two miles east of Wickham Market 'When I asked him about he told me about it's size and how much his family loved spending time on it,' the anonymous staff member told The Times. 'They had a personal chef who worked both on the boat and in their home. When I visited there were leftovers from their last boat trip in the fridge which he let the serving staff have.' The 180ft yacht has a gross tonnage of 473 tons, and was built by the Perini Navi Viareggio shipyard in February 2008 before being refitted in 2020. The deck area is 436 square metres and the six cabins occupy an area of 143 square metres. It comprises of an aluminum hull, and is powered by two large engines, allowing it to cruise at 12 knots and reach a maximum speed of 15 knots. The boat has the second tallest mast in the world and the largest aluminum mast of 75 metres. Sicily is currently under a weather warning for wind, with video showing strong gusts battering the coast this morning. CCTV footage from around 4am this morning shows a torrent of wind and rain slamming into Santa Nicolicchia - an area of Porticello where Bayesian was anchored. Video posted by Vigili del Fuoco shows the rescue operation on a stretch of sea near Palermo Search and rescue teams are still scouring the scene, with six people missing and one confirmed dead The high winds throw umbrellas, plant pots, tables and chairs flying within seconds of hitting, with the local restaurant who shared the footage saying: 'In a moment the hurricane took everything away!' The owners of Baia Santa Nicolicchia said they were able to open later in the morning once the storm had passed, but added: 'We have no memory of anything like this in our area.' Shadow Foreign Minister for Europe, Alicia Kearns, wrote on X: 'Desperately sorry to hear of the capsizing of the Bayesian - a heartbreaking incident. 'My thoughts are with all the families of those lost at sea, and those recovering following the rescue operation, I'm sure the foreign office will be providing consular support to British Nationals and their families.' The Foreign Office said in a statement: 'We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Sicily, and are in contact with the local authorities.' A boy has missed out on a life-prolonging drug for his rare and incurable tumour because other treatments left it 0.04 inches too small. Ronnie Hood, 11, spent a year with neck pain and tingling in his fingers that was initially put down to spending too much time playing video games on his phone. He was eventually diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour that had spread into his spine and underwent an operation before having chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The gruelling treatments succeeded in fractionally reducing the growth but excluded him from accessing trials of a revolutionary drug as a result. ONC201, from US-based firm Chimerix, is an experimental drug used to treat brain tumours in young adults that has extended life-expectancy in patients with similar conditions. Ronnie Hood, 11, spent a year with neck pain and tingling in his fingers that was initially put down to spending too much time playing video games on his phone. Pictured on steroids on June 8 He was eventually diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour that had spread into his spine and underwent an operation before having chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Pictured in January Ronnie Hood's post surgery scar on March 12. The eight-hour operation at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge removed part of the growth but much of it couldn't be touched because it was within his spine Ronnie's devastated mother Vicky, 50, told the Mail of the terrible 'Catch-22' the family find themselves in, saying: 'The tumour only shrank by about a millimetre but they [doctors] said we're not eligible. 'It sounds awful but if it had got just a little less small or if it grew again he'd be getting it.' His father, Nick, a 58-year-old businessman who owns a courier company, added: 'The double-edged sword was that we are now not eligible for the drug. 'If there is a change then we will be eligible. But in the meantime, we are sourcing it ourselves but it costs 700 per pill, or it would be about 4,000 a month.' Ronnie, of Sudbury, Suffolk, is among a small number of children in the UK to develop diffuse midline glioma (DIPG) and the only one where it has moved from the brain into the spine. Over time it is fatal as it affects the brain's ability to control the body's vital functions. The gruelling treatments succeeded in fractionally reducing the growth but excluded him from accessing trials of a revolutionary drug as a result. Pictured: Ronnie at an MRI appointment on June 5 Ronnie Hood having radiotherapy on April 4 Ronnie in hospital on March 5 Ronnie Hood with his four sisters four days post diagnosis on February 20 Ronnie Hood with two of his sisters Ronnie Hood with dad Nick and Tottenham player Son Heung-min Ronnie Hood pretending to drive a fire truck aged three Ronnie with a Nintendo Switch console and the popular game Mariokart on his eighth birthday Ronnie Hood in hospital with a therapy dog Ronnie spent a year in pain before he went to his GP and was referred to a physiotherapist for what was believed to be a repetitive strain injury. But the physio exercises left him 'crying in pain' and his parents insisted on an MRI scan which was eventually carried out in February. This revealed the 'octopus-shaped' growth that affects 20-30 children in the UK each year, usually developing between the ages of five and ten. It grows in the midline, between the two halves of the brain, and normally kills within a year, with just two per cent alive five years after diagnosis. Ronnie, who has two sisters and two half-sisters aged between 16 and 23, had an eight-hour operation at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge to remove part of the growth but much of it couldn't be touched because it was within his spine. The chemotherapy and radiotherapy had unexpectedly positive results but with the downside that he wasn't allowed access to the ONC201 trials. An NHS England spokeswoman said the drug had not been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency or submitted to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Ronnie Hood at RAF Duxford on July 26 Keen gamer Ronnie in a flight simulator on June 19 Ronnie Hood poses for a picture with the popular energy drink Prime Ronnie celebrates his fourth birthday with a card from his grandparent Ronnie's 11th birthday cake showed his love of the popular game Fortnite It is available in some countries, including the UK, where requests for 'managed access' must be submitted by a qualified physician following strict eligibility criteria. Describing the moment she learned her son was excluded, Mrs Hood said: 'I'm normally quite a placid person but let's just say I lost my temper. 'Obviously, it's not the hospital's fault. It's not really anyone's fault. There are strict guidelines with a cut-off point. 'I said to our oncologist considering Ronnie is the only one [with the disease in his spine] you'd have thought they'd want to use him to experiment on to see what it does. But it's got to get bigger before they'll consider giving it to him.' Of the effect on her son, she added: 'It's just horrific. Ronnie has gone from bouncing off the walls, riding his bike, doing art and going down the park with his friends to not being able to use his hands. 'I have to dress him, feed him and shower him. He can do hardly anything now and so it is horrific to watch him.' The schoolboy's extended family have set up a GoFundMe page to raise 50,000 towards the cost of purchasing ONC201 privately, raising 32,000 so far. 'We didn't want to go public with it but now we're having to buy it, we literally have no choice. We can't thank everyone enough,' his mother added. Chimerix were contacted for a comment. A suspected acid attacker appeared in court today charged with an assault with corrosive substance at one of Britain's oldest off-grid 'eco-villages'. Police were called in to Tipi Valley - a peaceful hidden community of Native American-style teepee tents and eco-lodges in a Welsh valley after the attack with the highly-corrosive acid. A manhunt was launched for 48 hours for a suspect wanted over allegedly causing grievous bodily harm and throwing a corrosive substance. Suspect Jivan Dean, 23, was arrested later over the alleged attack at Tipi Valley in Llandeilo on August 14. It is a rare reported crime at the 100-tent community, which dates back to the mid-70's when the 'peace and love' community was set up by a mixture of hippies and Christians looking for an off-grid lifestyle. Suspect Jivan Dean (pictured) was arrested later over the alleged attack at Tipi Valley in Llandeilo on August 14 Police were called in to Tipi Valley (pictured) - a peaceful hidden community of Native American-style teepee tents and eco-lodges in a Welsh valley after the attack with the highly-corrosive acid It is a rare reported crime at the 100-tent community which dates back to the mid-70's when the 'peace and love' community was set up by a mixture of hippies and Christians looking for an off-grid lifestyle But the rural community has survived for generations - with more than 100 babies being born there over the years. Visitors say today's residents of varying ages are scattered across the valley in tipis, yurts and turf-roofed round huts. The community bought fields stretch over 200 acres and even have laptops powered by solar panels. Some of the adults work as labourers and teachers around the local villages. Others stay in the valley full time and live an off-grid life collecting firewood, repairing walkways and tending to crops. But the peace was shattered when police issued a photograph of the suspects following the alleged attack and warned people to take care. A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police expressed gratitude to the residents of Carmarthenshire for their cooperation. 'We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those in our local communities who assisted officers in locating the suspect. Your patience and understanding throughout this process have been invaluable,' the spokesperson said. The victim of the attack hasn't been named but locals say he is still in hospital and has serious burn injuries and may be scarred for life after the corrosive substance hit his face. Dean, of no fixed abode, has been charged with grievous bodily harm and throwing a corrosive substance over a person in connection with the incident. Police said a man was arrested in the Llanelli area on Friday afternoon after a 'vigilant response' from the local community. The police added: 'We would like to thank to all those in our local communities who assisted officers and for their patience and understanding.' Dean, of no fixed abode, has been charged with grievous bodily harm and throwing a corrosive substance over a person in connection with the incident The rural community has survived for generations - with more than 100 babies being born there over the years. The peace in the community was shattered when police issued a photograph of the suspects following the alleged attack and warned people to take care In court today, Dean spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Swansea Crown Court on September 16. The peace-loving residents of Tipi Valley said they were shocked by the acid throwing attack which they described as an 'atrocity'. Residents said the alleged attacker lived on the 200-acre hillside estate made up of huts, tatty caravans, tipis and yurts. According to residents, the two young men knew each other and were together at a 'social gathering' last Wednesday when the attack happened. But his family still live on the hillside site and he was staying with them at the time the corrosive substance was thrown. One resident said: 'I've known him since he was little and he was fine until the last few years. 'He was kicked out but he came back. The other boy wasn't living here but had come to see family here. The peace-loving residents of Tipi Valley said they were shocked by the acid throwing attack which they described as an 'atrocity' According to residents, the two young men knew each other and were together at a 'social gathering' last Wednesday when the attack happened 'I don't know what it was over. It was a social gathering but not a party or anything, just a group of young people together. 'These things happen everywhere, what is it with young people? Is it the food they eat, video games, I don't know.' Another Valley dweller said: 'There must have been about 100 police here, forensics as well. 'They had to, it was an atrocity, a dreadful thing to happen here of all places. 'He legged it and there was a manhunt, we were being asked where he could be, everyone wanted him caught.' The victim, who residents refused to name, is under 'close medical supervision' at the West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen. The resident said: 'He's still there five days later so that tells you how serious this is. 'I don't know what the corrosive substance is but it's not battery acid.' A two-year-old boy has been left with life-changing injuries after his foot was severed by a lawnmower while at daycare. Mateo Pacheco Elliott, 2, suffered the gruesome injury in late June when he came close to a moving lawnmower before it ran over his foot at Rodriguez Daycare in Quincy, Washington. Horrific photographs shared on social media show the boy's foot was amputated and he suffered severe abrasions from his knee all the way to just below his groin. The child has been hospitalized in Seattle ever since, fighting to recover from the shocking incident. The daycare owner was allegedly driving the mower when the tragedy struck and workers reportedly refused to tell his mother how severe the injuries were when they first called her. A two-year-old boy has been left with life-changing injuries after a horrific accident at his daycare when his foot was severed by a lawnmower The child has been hospitalized in Seattle ever since, fighting to recover from the shocking incident Police found insufficient evidence for criminal charges, however, the Department of Children, Youth and Families has suspended the daycare's license pending further investigation. A family friend named Angela Axelson set up a GoFundMe page for the grieving family, 'As you have seen, my friends two-year-old son's foot was amputated by a riding mower while at daycare, as well as from his knee all the way to right below his scrotum has a severe abrasion,' Axelson revealed. As Mateo faces a long road to recovery, his family is considering legal action, she said. 'He is currently at Harborview Hospital in Seattle. They will obtain a personal injury lawyer, but for now they need help, especially being so far away from home.' Axelson revealed that the family would like to remain anonymous - but she is donating all proceeds directly to them. Police found insufficient evidence for criminal charges, however, the Department of Children, Youth and Families has suspended the daycare's license pending further investigation The school allegedly neglected to inform her about the severity of her son's accident 'The family has asked to remain anonymous at this time. But ALL proceeds will go directly to the family of the two-year- old victim for all expenses related to this tragedy.' The campaign has raised over $16,000 to help with mounting medical expenses. In July, the toddler's mother, Stacey Elliott, spoke out about the incident to NCWLIFE. 'I called to find out what was going on,' she told the outlet. 'I had to call them like four times before somebody answered the phone.' The school allegedly neglected to inform her about the severity of her son's accident. 'I was concerned and asking questions like, 'Well, is it serious? What happened? Can you tell me what happened?' said Elliott. 'They were like, 'No details. All we can say is that he's at the Quincy hospital.' The doctor ended up telling her what happened to her son on the phone. The campaign has raised over $16,000 to help with mounting medical expenses 'He said, "Did anybody update you on what's going on?" I was like, "No. They literally told me that they couldn't give me any details." He said, "Well, your son was run over by a riding mower at daycare. His foot was amputated and he has a severe abrasion to his upper leg,"' said Elliott. 'They took me straight back to my son. He was laying on a bed, covered in blankets and stuff. There was blood all around the blankets,' she continued. '... I'm just concerned about my son and how he's doing,' Elliott added. 'I'm very lucky that he's alive right now.' Dedicated family provides safety net for protected dolphins 10:13, August 19, 2024 By Yan Dongjie and Shi Ruipeng in Qinzhou, Guangxi ( China Daily Researchers led by Pan Wenshi look for Chinese white dolphins in Sanniang Bay off the coast of Qinzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. CHINA DAILY Protecting Chinese white dolphins has always been a family affair for Pan Yue. For almost two decades, Pan, her husband, and her father have taken nearly 5 million photographs documenting and studying the population of rare Chinese white dolphins in Sanniang Bay, Qinzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Named for their overall white or light pink coloration in adulthood, Chinese white dolphins have an estimated population of no more than 5,000 individuals in the wild, distributed in the nearshore waters of Fujian and Guangdong provinces and Guangxi in South China. The first-class nationally protected wild animal is sometimes referred to as the "giant panda of the sea". "White dolphins haven't received enough attention worldwide, nor have they been deeply researched. Many Westerners are still unaware of the existence of this species," said Pan, who, after graduating from Peking University in Beijing, moved to Qinzhou with her father in 2005 to research and protect the dolphins. "Our understanding of the white dolphins is based on years of observation," she said. Along the shores of Sanniang Bay live villagers who have relied on fishing for generations. Twenty years ago, villagers told Pan Yue's father, Pan Wenshi, about the presence of a white dolphin in the area. Researchers depart for a science research trip from Qinzhou. CHINA DAILY Pan Wenshi, a renowned biologist and professor at Peking University's School of Life Sciences, has been dedicated to the conservation of precious wildlife such as giant pandas and white-headed langurs since the 1980s. Guided by the villagers, Pan Wenshi observed the white dolphins in Sanniang Bay. It was this that led him and his family to move to the area permanently in 2005 to begin efforts to protect the white dolphins. "That year, my father saw a severely injured young dolphin that must have previously been entangled with fishing nets and whose body was injured and scarred. When he later discovered the dolphin had survived the ordeal, he named it Qinqin, with the first character of the name representing the city Qinzhou," Pan Yue said. The survival rate for young dolphins is less than 50 percent, she said, with most dying due to factors such as congenital developmental issues and natural disasters. Typically, out of 10 newborn dolphins, only three or four survive. What is truly inspiring is that Qinqin, despite her severe injuries, not only survived but also gave birth to three calves over the next 20 years. When Pan Yue and her husband Zhao Yi go out to sea, Qinqin and her family members often frolic around their boat. As they learn more about white dolphins, the villagers of Sanniang Bay have grown fonder of their long-standing neighbors. Over the past 20 years, the Qinzhou government has designated white dolphins as a representative species for ecological protection, advocating a policy of the safe "coexistence of white dolphins with industry". This approach ensures the protection of the dolphins' living space amid urban development. On the western side of Sanniang Bay, Qinzhou built Sandun Road which stretches into the sea for over 10 kilometers, showcasing the city's determination to protect the white dolphins. The barrier allows the dolphins to have a safer, cleaner and undisturbed habitat. "If you stand at the end of Sandun Road and look westward, you'll see a large industrial area and port, with automated container operations, pipelines and more. For those who love this city, it's very astonishing to see the changes in Qinzhou Port over the past decade, and the economic development is encouraging," Zhao said. "Looking eastward, however, you'll see a very quiet sea area. Beneath the calm surface, various forms of marine life, including Chinese white dolphins, inhabit the waters. This area represents Qinzhou's commitment to protecting the ecosystem and the freedom of survival for the local marine life. "The true separation of industrial pollution and ecological protection is not just a road but a mindset. The ecological bottom line represented by Sandun Road has preserved a clean environment for the white dolphins and other local marine life," Zhao said. Pan Yue and her husband Zhao Yi. CHINA DAILY "The world is exploring how economic development and environmental protection can achieve a win-win situation because the two inherently conflict. The balance must be found in between," he said, adding that industrial development can bring rapid profits but also quickly impact the environment, whereas ecological protection requires a long-term commitment to see results. "The population of white dolphins in Sanniang Bay has increased from fewer than 100 in 2005 to over 300, with an adequate number of female dolphins of reproductive age. Every year, three to eight dolphin calves are born and survive, forming a healthy natural population capable of breeding for generations," Pan Yue said. Due to human activities dividing the habitats of white dolphins into small segments, the populations couldn't continue gene exchanges between groups, affecting the breeding of future generations. "For example, in Hong Kong and Zhuhai, Guangdong, where economic development occurred earlier, urban construction impacted the surrounding white dolphin populations, putting them at risk of extinction," Zhao explained. Pan Wenshi points to a dolphin in Sanniang Bay. CHINA DAILY "The white dolphin population in Sanniang Bay is likely the only healthy one. As long as there is a certain level of gene exchange with populations in Guangdong, in a few decades, the number could increase to 500, the peak capacity this area can support," he said. "Every life form has taken millions of years to evolve. While many things can be re-created if lost, once a species disappears from the planet, it can never be re-created." The couple believes that only by protecting a species can the research conducted on it be meaningful. They refer to their approach to observing and protecting the white dolphins as "conservation biology". Today, the house where the Pan family resides has been designated as the Life Education and Chinese White Dolphin Research Conservation Center of Qinzhou Beibu Gulf. Upon entering, a wall-sized map of Sanniang Bay clearly marks the activity area of the Chinese white dolphins. During summer and winter vacations, Pan Yue's family arranges for students from across the country to visit Sanniang Bay for educational tours to learn about the white dolphins and cultivate positive attitudes toward protecting wildlife. The village government has also organized sea excursions for visitors, not only increasing local incomes, but also raising awareness about this special neighbor. 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It happened near Matehuala, between San Luis Potosi and Monterrey in Mexico, killing Zachary Reyna just days before he was set to start kindergarten, his family in Texas said. The child's seven-year-old brother, Malaki Reyna, and a student at the school Zachary was set to attend were also in the car. He was not hurt - just left traumatized by what happened, relatives said, as they have since been able to get the boy and his brother's body back to San Antonio. The accident, a rollover crash, happened the morning of August 4, with Zachary's body arriving five days later. A funeral service for the youngster was held last week. His grandparents were taken to a hospital in San Luis Potosi, as the boy's mother frantically drove down to Mexico upon learning of her son's fate. Scroll down for video: Zachary Reyna, 5, was killed by an 18-wheeler earlier this month when it struck his grandparents vehicle on the way home from a church convention in Mexico The boy was the youngest of three brothers and one sister. He is seen here being held by his mother, Julie Navarro Reyna, surrounded by his elder brothers and other young family members. Also in the car was seven-year-old Malaki Reyna, seen to the right of his mom 'She's just broken,' said Jennifer Navarro, Zachary's aunt, as the boy's grandmother remains hospitalized in critical condition. 'It's hard to hear her voice because you can just hear that she's hurt. 'Knowing that it's her son, as a mom, you just can't imagine something like that. 'They were coming back from a church convention,' she went on to reveal. 'On the way over, they had an accident with an 18-wheeler,' she said. 'It happened near Matehuala, between San Luis Potosi and Monterrey.' The family member went on to described how both the grandparents, Antonia and Fructuoso Reyna, were taken to a local hospital, where Antonia currently remains to this day. Fructuoso, meanwhile, was released last week, as cops in the country continue to investigate what transpired. Zachary, she said, was taken to a mortuary in Monterrey, where his mother after several days was able to arrange his return. Malaki wasnt hurt, 'but he is seven years old and basically saw everything', she said, as the family continues to reel from the tragedy. 'She's just broken,' said Jennifer Navarro, Zachary's aunt, as the boy's grandmother remains hospitalized in critical condition 'He was about to start kindergarten at Collier Elementary,' Jennifer said of Zachary. 'He was excited, just like all kids are. He was happy and wanted to follow his brothers everywhere and do what they are doing' The rollover crash happened near Matehuala, between San Luis Potosi and Monterrey, in Mexico, and remains under investigation 'He was about to start kindergarten at Collier Elementary,' Jennifer added of Zachary. 'He was excited, just like all kids are. He was happy and wanted to follow his brothers everywhere and do what they are doing.' His elder brother, she said, was still recovering at home, but was well enough to attend Zachary's funeral service this past Thursday. He, along with other young family members including his own elder brother, served as pallbearers. 'Today Zachary was laid to rest,' a relative wrote in one of two GoFundMe's started to help the family and address funeral costs that have collectively received nearly $40,000. 'No words can describe the pain, grief, disbelief Julie & Family have enduring through this difficult time. '[Zachary's] Celebration of Life was beautiful and heartfelt. 'Without your pouring continuous support, Julie would had not been able to bring her baby home and laid him to rest with the angels in the kingdom of God. A funeral service was held for the boy on Thursday, after his mother drove down to Mexico to retrieve him 'Today Zachary was laid to rest,' a relative wrote in one of two GoFundMe's started to help the family and address funeral costs. 'No words can describe the pain, grief, disbelief Julie & Family have enduring through this difficult time... Thank You for making a difference' 'Julie & boys have a long journey with guidance and the ability to deal with the darkest feeling of grieve. May God lift their hearts with love and peace. 'Thank You for making a difference in their lives.' The crash, as writing, remains under investigation. The condition of the driver of the 18-wheeler was not made available. A Pennsylvania fraudster who stole $1.5million from vulnerable elderly people over an eight-year period has died before facing serving any jail time for her crimes - prompting fury from victims and their families. Gloria Byars, 63, was due to be sentenced in August, seven years after her crimes were first uncovered. But she was able to postpone her day in court twice due to medical illnesses which prosecutors argued were made up or exaggerated in a last-ditch effort to delay her incarceration. She was facing more than 13 years behind bars. On August 9, the same day she was discharged from medical care, Byars was found dead in her home in Delaware County. Her death is being investigated as a potential suicide. Gloria Byars, 63, was due to be sentenced in August, seven years after her crimes were first uncovered During an eight-year offending period from 2008 to 2016, Byars ripped off up to 113 clients a total of $1.5million to fund her lavish lifestyle. The money allowed her to jetset around the world, traveling to Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Poconos. Among her victims was a 91-year-old widow with dementia who lived alone and was defrauded $180,000 over the eight year period, as well as a 78-year-old blind, non-verbal dementia patient who required a feeding tube in order to survive. The latter lost $132,000 in the scam, as well as 26 gold Krugerrand coins which had been stored in a safety deposit box. Victims and their families now feel they've been further slighted by Byars' death, missing out on the opportunity to watch her receive a custodial sentence. During an eight-year offending period from 2008 to 2016, Byars ripped off up to 113 clients a total of $1.5million to fund her lavish lifestyle Heidi Austin, whose aunt and uncle fell victim to the scheme, accused Byars of 'taking the easy way out'. 'It doesn't bring any justice,' she told The Philadelphia Inquirer. 'All of the hundreds of victims, they get nothing.' Byars had a total caseload of 113 guardianships, granted to her by courts across Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Lancaster and Berks Counties. This is despite having previously been convicted of 13 other counts of fraud. At the time her offending began, Philadelphia law stated the only legal requirements necessary to become a guardian was being able to read and write in English. As such, Byars did not require a background check. One of the victim's relatives later said a quick Google search alerted her to Byars' previous convictions, but she only took this step after suspecting Byars of defrauding her family. Byars initially worked for another guardianship firm, but was fired after the owner discovered she launched her own company in the field behind his back. New safeguard mechanisms have now been enforced on the back of the scam. Guardians now require criminal background checks in the state, and applicants are compelled to reveal any fraud or financial misconduct convictions. Byars pleaded guilty to a host of charges in 2023, but had not yet been sentenced. She was initially due to appear in court on August 1, but two hours prior, U.S. District Judge Joel Slomsky heard she was in the emergency room after suffering a fall. The following Monday, on the rescheduled court date, the judge heard Byars was still in hospital, after suffering another apparent fall in the hospital room. On August 7, prosecutors entered a new filing in the court which suggested Byars 'may be malingering, attempting to avoid sentencing'. Two days later, on August 9, she died. Her lawyer told the court: 'The undersigned counsel hereby notif[ies] the court that defendant Gloria Byars died on Aug. 9, 2024.' A 19-year-old pregnant woman who lives at a Hawaii Army base with her service member spouse vanished from the barracks more than two weeks ago. Mischa Mabeline Kaallohilani Johnson mysteriously disappeared from Schofield Army Barracks located on the island of Oahu on July 31. Johnson, who is marred to an unidentified service member assigned to the barracks, is six months pregnant. The young woman - described as Filipino, 5 foot 2 inches tall and 170 pounds with large dragon tattoo on her back - was reported missing on August 1. Her family told Island News that she may be 'emotionally distraught.' Johnson's mother and sister, Mariana Tapiz, have been posting missing-person fliers in the areas of Aiea and Pearl City. Tapiz told Hawaii News Now, 'we just hit Waikiki this weekend. Now we're getting like central Oahu,' she said. The Army Criminal Investigations Department if offering a $10,000 reward for any credible information leading to the missing mother-to-be's location. Mischa Mabeline Kaallohilani Johnson, 19, mysteriously disappeared from Schofield Army Barracks on the island of Oahu July 31 Johnson's sister, Mariana Tapiz (pictured), and mother have been posting missing-person fliers in the search for Johnson Mischa Mabeline Kaallohilani Johnson, 19, mysteriously disappeared from Schofield Army Barracks on the island of Oahu on July 31 According to police, Johnson did not have any trackable devices, like a phone or smart watch, with her at the time of her disappearance. It is unclear what clothing or footwear she was wearing at the time she went missing. Mischa Mabeline Kaallohilani Johnson is six months pregnant Tapiz and her family are praying the fliers bring fresh interest in the case. On August 6, nearly a week after Johnson went missing, Major General Marcus S. Evans of the 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Hawaii Commanding General posted a video on Facebook discussing the effort. 'Her safety, well-being, and health are their main concerns and are asking for the communitys assistance in helping locate Mischa, so she can return home safe,' he safety said. Last Wednesday, the U.S. Army Hawaii issued another statement. 'Locating Mischa, support to the family, and the safety and security of all personnel at U.S. Army Hawaii installations remains our highest priority. 'As a result of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) actions dating back to when Mischa was reported missing, U.S. Army Hawaii officials currently assess no threat related to this ongoing investigation to Schofield Barracks and the U.S. Army Hawaii communities. 'We encourage anyone who may have information regarding Mischa Johnson to contact CID.' The Army Criminal Investigations Department if offering a $10,000 reward for any credible information leading to the missing mother-to-be's location DailyMail.com reached out to the Army Criminal Investigations for any updates. The wife of missing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is now reportedly recovering from her injuries in a wheelchair whilst she is waiting for updates on her husband and 18-year-old daughter after Mr Lynch's superyacht sunk. Angela Bacares, 57, has revealed that the first sign of the freak waterspout that sunk the luxury sailboat Bayesian just before 5am this morning was a 'slight tilt' that woke her up. Ms Bacares, who was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the 180ft ship, told Italian media that both her husband and their daughter Hannah, 18, are missing after the yacht sank as she anxiously waits for updates. Mr Lynch's wife told La Repubblica that she and her husband woke up at 4am when the boat suddenly 'tilted'. Mrs Bacares said that they were not worried at the time, but that she still got up to see what was happening, until glass shattered and created confusion on board. She sustained abrasions on her feet - likely after walking on glass shards during the sinking - which have left her unable to walk and sitting in a wheelchair, La Repubblica reports, while she also has bandages on others part of her body. The 180ft superyacht was anchored off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a waterspout struck the area just before 5am, wrecking the boat and causing it to rapidly disappear beneath the waves. The Bayesian carried ten crewmembers, Mr Lynch, his wife and daughter as well as nine other guests. Lynch's wife Angela Bacares (right) was among the fifteen people who were rescued from the yacht A handout photo made available on August 19 by Perini Navi Press Office shows the 'Bayesian' sailing boat, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy Tech tycoon and married father-of-two Mr Lynch is pictured here with his wife Angela A survivor leaves the Coast Guard Headquarters after a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Ponticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, August 19 Experienced cave divers for deep sea recoveries arrive at the pier as a rescue operation continues for the missing people who were on board a sailboat that sank, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, August 19 British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is understood to be among the British tourists who are missing after the the Bayesian superyacht sank 'The survivors are very tired and are constantly asking about the missing people,' Doctor Domenico Cipolla, Director of Paediatric Admission and Medicine and Surgery at 'Di Cristina' hospital in Palermo, said. 'To my knowledge, there is only one body that has been found, the others are still missing. We have given the survivors this information, but they are talking and crying all the time because they have realised that there is little hope of finding their friends alive,' he added. British mother Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old baby called Sofia were reported to be among those rescued by a nearby sailboat, with Dr Cipolla confirming that they were treated at the Di Cristina hospital. 'By the way, I know that there were some young people on board, some very young people. They are very tired and they continually thank us for the care and attention we are giving them and the little girl. They are very tired but they are very sweet people,' Dr Cipolla said. He also said that Ms Golunski told doctors at the hospital that the sailing trip was part of a 'corporate holiday'. Ms Golunski, 35, who is listed as working for Mr Lynch's company Invoke Capital on Linkedin, has described how she momentarily lost her daughter in the 'fury of the waves', before finding her and managing to get them both to safety. Meanwhile six of the passengers - who include four British and two American citizens - still remain unaccounted for, with divers desperately searching the wreck 160ft beneath the water. The rescue operation will continue overnight, Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency said. Tragically, the body of Canadian Recaldo Thomas, who was working as the boat's chef, was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today. A British mother, named as Charlotte Golunski, and her one-year-old baby were also reported to be among those rescued by a nearby sailboat A handout photo made available on 19 August 2024 by Perini Navi Press Office shows the 'Bayesian' sailing boat, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy Cave divers arrive to join in the rescue operation in Palermo, Sicily, on August 19 A local Facebook group shared a picture of the yacht (left) at anchor last night. The vessel has been named as the Bayesian, and is said to sail under a British flag Ms Golunski 'had injuries that we treated', according to Dr Cipolla (pictured), with reports saying she suffered an injury to her shoulder There are fears that those who are still missing became trapped in their cabins, with divers earlier reporting that they saw 'bodies through the portholes' of the yacht, according to Italian media. Francesco Venuto, the spokesperson for Sicily's civil protection agency, also told the BBC that they 'think [the corpses] must be there [in the boat]'. He added: 'We've been searching all day with helicopters and boats, we've found nothing. That wouldn't make sense, in [these] conditions we should have found something by now.' The passengers on board were mainly British, according to reports, while citizens from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Canada, the US and two dual British and French nationals were also said to be on board. Some of the group are reported to have been colleagues and their family members who were on holiday together in Sicily. The yacht is owned by Isle of Man-based firm Revtom, according to the BBC, the legal owner of which is Bacares, Mr Lynch's wife. A member of staff who worked at Mr Lynch's Chelsea home has told The Times that the businessman 'clearly had a lot of pride in the yacht'. The vessel was still at anchor near the port when the waterspout struck, witnesses have said, with the storm breaking its mast and causing the vessel to lose its balance and capsize. 'We didn't see it coming,' passenger James Cutfield told La Repubblica. The Italian Coastguard said in a statement that a nearby boat offered assistance to people before emergency services arrived. The Sir Robert BP, a Dutch sailing ship which had been anchored by the Bayesian, is believed to have rescued the 15 survivors. The British-flagged Bayesian is thought to have arrived in Porticello after a stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland A frantic search is underway at the site of the shipwreck after the Bayesian sank this morning Italian Coast Guard Command teams and firefighters are carrying out search and rescue operations with helicopters and ships to find missing people after a yacht sank on Monday due to a storm east of Palermo in southern Italy on August 19 Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor Karsten Borner, the captain of the boat, has described how his vessel was battered by strong gusts, with his team working to stabilise it and manoeuvre it to avoid hitting the Bayesian nearby. 'We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone,' he said. Once the storm subsided, Borner said he and his first mate noticed a flare in the water, and made their way towards it. There they found the lifeboat with those who had escaped inside, including the one-year-old baby and mother Ms Golunski. She told Italian media: 'For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves.' 'I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning,' she added. 'It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.' Incredibly, a group of 15 of the passengers managed to inflate a lifeboat and clamber aboard, before being rescued by a nearby vessel. The mother, who is in hospital with her baby where she received treatment for a minor shoulder injury, described the ordeal as 'terrible', detailing how 'in a few minutes the boat was hit by a very strong wind and sank shortly after.' Ms Golunski and her little girl were taken to be assessed at the Children's Hospital in Palermo. The baby is said to be doing fine and is unharmed, with tests only carried out as a precaution. Ms Golunski 'had injuries that we treated', according to Dr Cipolla, with reports saying she suffered an injury to her shoulder. '[She] only has abrasions and a wound that needed stitching,' Dr Cipolla said. The child's father, a British man called James Emsley, was taken 'to the adult emergency room where his wounds were sutured' before he was reunited with Ms Golunski and their daughter Sofia, Dr Cipolla said. 'We reunited the whole family in a room in the emergency room. They are here with us,' he added. The group were staying on the vessel, which has been named as the Bayesian - a luxury yacht which sails under the British flag Mr Lynch (second left) is seen in the early days of his techology firm Autonomy in Cambridge The 59-year-old, who was a billionaire at the height of his wealth, has previously been dubbed Britain's Bill Gates after he made his fortune thanks to his company Autonomy (file image) Five other people were taken to the Bagheria territorial emergency point. Others reportedly required no hospital treatment, and spoke to authorities about what happened as the incident is investigated. A helicopter, coastguard vessels and firefighters been scouring the scene of the wreck for those who are still missing. Expert divers reached the hull earlier this morning, with more specialist teams brought in as the day went on cables reportedly fixed between the yacht and the surface to allow easier descent. 'The specialists are able to get into small spaces underwater,' a spokesman said. Nautical maps show the last known location of the Bayesian just after 2am local time, when it was at anchor. The boat is thought to have arrived in Porticello after a stopping in Milazzo, around 100 miles up the coast towards the Italian mainland. The tragedy comes just weeks after Mr Lynch was acquitted of criminal charges by a jury in San Francisco in June, vindicating the entrepreneur after a 12-year legal battle over the $11bn sale of his firm, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. The 59-year-old, who was a billionaire at the height of his wealth, has previously been dubbed Britain's Bill Gates after he made his fortune thanks to his company. Its software drew on the Bayesian mathematical theory after which the yacht was named. Mr Lynch had invited guests from legal firm Clifford Chance as well as his own company Invoke Capital to celebrate him being acquitted of the criminal charges, the Telegraph reports. One of the Clifford Chance lawyers on board the Bayesian when it sank was 36-year-old Ayla Ronald. Her father, Lin Ronald, confirmed that the sailing trip was supposed to be a celebration of Mr Lynch's acquittal. 'I have texted with my daughter and she hasn't given me any updates about missing personnel or saved personnel. She has only said to me that there are deaths, and she and her partner are alive,' Mr Donald told the Telegraph. The heartbroken survivors of the superyacht disaster in Sicily are 'constantly asking about the missing people' as six still remain unfound. Luxury sailboat Bayesian was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a 'whirlwind' hit the area just before 5am this morning. The boat rapidly disappeared beneath the waves, claiming the life of one while six people - including British and American tourists - remain missing. Doctor Domenico Cipolla, Director of Paediatric Admission and Medicine and Surgery at 'Di Cristina' hospital in Palermo, said the remaining survivors are 'constantly' checking for news that their missing friends are okay. 'The survivors are very tired and are constantly asking about the missing people. To my knowledge, there is only one body that has been found, the others are still missing,' he said. Doctor Domenico Cipolla said the remaining survivors are 'constantly' checking for news that their missing friends are okay Luxury sailboat Bayesian was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a 'whirlwind' hit the area just before 5am this morning A handout photo made available on 19 August 2024 by Perini Navi Press Office shows the 'Bayesian' sailing boat, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy Mike Lynch and his wife Angela were on the boat. Angela is recovering while Mike is still missing Survivor of the Sicily yacht sinking Charlotte Golunski, who fought to save her baby in the storm 'We have given the survivors this information, but they are talking and crying all the time because they have realised that there is little hope of finding their friends alive. 'By the way, I know that there were some young people on board, some very young people. 'They are very tired and they continually thank us for the care and attention we are giving them and the little girl. They are very tired but they are very sweet people.' Fifteen of the 22 people onboard the sailboat were rescued by a Dutch ship nearby. It is feared the six still missing were asleep in their cabins when the yacht went down. The superyacht was lit up and illuminating the night sky when a water spout suddenly occured in close proximity to the boat. Just before 5am in the morning, the yacht became caught up in the spout and then suddenly disappeared, according to witnesses. Lynch had reportedly invited his family and friends on the sailboat to celebrate charges of fraud and conspiracy for allegedly scheming to inflate a company's value before it was sold being dropped. He had gathered guests from legal firm Clifford Chance, and his own company Invoke Capital after being cleared in June. Waterloo Station has been brought to a standstill after trespassers on the tracks caused trains to grind to a halt. Huge crowds were seen waiting by the station's notice boards this evening after several services were severely delayed or cancelled. Network Rail said services in and out of the London station were experiencing 'severe disruption' due to the knock-on impact of an earlier trespass incident between Raynes Park and Surbiton. Lines have since re-opened but due to a large number of trains and their crew being displaced, the railway company says it expects the disruption to last until the end of the day. It added that it was 'working hard to get customers home' but advised that passengers found alternative travel arrangements where possible. Huge crowds were seen waiting by Waterloo Station's notice boards after a number of trains were severely delayed or cancelled this evening Network Rail said services in and out of the London station were experiencing 'severe disruption' due to the knock-on impact of an earlier trespass The railway company expected disruption to continue until the end of the day, adding that it was 'working hard to get customers home Trains running between Wimbledon and Surbiton may still be cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes or revised. Journeys between Richmond and Willesden Junction may be also be cancelled or revised after a fire next to the track between Gunnersbury and South Acton means that all lines are blocked. South Western Railway advised its customers to use alternative operators to complete their journeys and confirmed that its tickets could be used on other services. A Network Rail spokesperson said: 'Following an earlier trespass incident between Raynes Park and Surbiton, there is significant disruption to services in and out of London Waterloo. 'The lines have reopened but due to trains and their crew being displaced, disruption to services is expected until the end of the day. 'We're working closely with our South Western Railway colleagues to get services moving again but passengers are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements where possible. 'We're incredibly sorry to any passengers disrupted and thank them for their ongoing patience and understanding during this time.' The son of Medellin Cartel boss Pablo Escobar recently shared a letter his father wrote to him while in hiding, promising to protect the person he considered to be his best friend. The note - shared on social media by the 47-year-old Juan Pablo Escobar, who now goes by Sebastian Marroquin - was delivered to him while the notorious drug lord was on the run from authorities in Colombia. 'To my son Juan,' Pablo Escobar wrote, 'on this day of friendship I want to tell you that I feel that you are my best friend. 'I want to tell you that problems are a challenge and that absence strengthens our friendship and our love. I also want to tell you that for you I will fight and sacrifice whatever is necessary and I also want to tell you that I love you very much and that I miss your friendship and your company very much. Your father loves you.' DailyMail.com was unable to confirm the date the letter was written. Juan Pablo Escobar, who now goes by Sebastian Marroquin, is the son of Medellin Cartel founder Pablo Escobar Juan Pablo Escobar and his father, Pablo Escobar, outside the White House in the 1980s Marroquin added a special note in the post for his son, Juan Emilio, that read: 'Today I say the same words to my son.' Marroquin, who lives in Argentina with his wife and child, has always credited the life lessons he received from the notorious cartel boss for steering him away from going down the same path. 'Today, on the birthday of my father, Pablo Escobar, I reflect with deep melancholy,' he wrote on an X post on December 1, 2023 to commemorate what would have been his father's 74th birthday. 'Although as a son, my love for him remains unchanged, I recognize the shadows and lessons of his life. 'His story, marked by decisions and paths that brought pain, has taught me the value of choosing a different path, one of peace and righteousness,' he added. 'I am grateful for the lessons learned from his life, which have guided me to seek a better future for myself and others. Pablo Escobar's son recently shared the handwritten note his father sent him while he was in hiding Pablo Escobar with his eldest of his two children, Juan Pablo Escobar 'This day, I renew my commitment to learn from his story, always promoting awareness and avoiding repeating the mistakes of the past. My love and gratitude towards him as a father will never diminish, but it is my duty to ensure that his legacy serves as a constant reminder of the importance of the choices we make in life.' Marroquin graduated with a college degree in architecture and has authored one book and produced a documentary about his father's life. Russell Findlay has vowed there will be no split, no separation from the UK Conservatives as he put unity at the heart of his Scottish leadership campaign launch. The frontrunner to replace Douglas Ross said it would be the ultimate irony if the Scottish party broke away just as the danger of Scotland separating from the UK is in retreat. His chief rival, Murdo Fraser, has called for a commission to review the party constitution and structure. The idea is seen by critics as a Trojan Horse to revive Mr Frasers plan for a breakaway Scottish outfit, the key plank of his losing leadership bid in 2011. After a turbulent few days in the race, Mr Findlay said it was absolutely crucial not to turn inwards and lose sight of whats really important. Russell Findlay launched his bid to become Scottish Conservative leader in Glasgow Addressing activists in Glasgow, the partys justice spokesman said: There is an audience beyond our own ranks who are looking to us. Those conservative-minded voters deserve so much better. We must give the public a positive Conservative vision which champions common-sense, aspiration, ambition, opportunity and decency. Addressing Mr Frasers idea head-on, he said: I dont believe we should turn inwards and debate our partys structure for years to come. Or split away from the UK party. Or form a new party as some suggest. Lets resolve this here today by saying no thanks to all of that. We are better together as one party. We are stronger together as one party. With me as leader, there will be no split, no separation. He promised that if he wasnt chosen by the partys members, he would work with whoever is - and I hope others will say the same. Last week four of the six candidates in the race called for it to be suspended and quibbled over its transparency and fairness. It followed a report that Mr Ross secretly tried to secure a Westminster candidacy a year ago while saying in public, and to his MSPs, that he would focus on Holyrood. A fifth candidate, Meghan Gallacher, resigned as deputy leader, saying the claims against Mr Ross were deeply troubling. Mr Findlay said the past week had shown the party in a fairly poor light and legitimate questions need answers. But he added: Im confident that our party will have a robust and fair contest for the leadership. The West Scotland MSP said the renewal of conservative-minded Scotland was long overdue, and he offered the leadership to bring it about. Im here to help people get on in life, he said, summing up his message to voters. To see them earn more and to keep more of what they earn. To enjoy better living standards than the generation that went before. Im here to put forward policies which have at their heart a conviction that anyone who works hard and plays by the rules should be able to fulfil their potential. He went on: Yes, well oppose the government when they get it wrong, but our focus should always be on proposing a positive alternative. Under my leadership, the Scottish Conservatives will once again speak for mainstream Scotland which has been neglected and marginalised during nearly two decades of miserable SNP rule. For too long, nobody has stood up for them as the services they rely on decline, their streets become less safe, their childrens life chances are limited, and their tax bills go up. Thats our partys mission. To be a voice for ordinary, decent mainstream Scotland. On policy, Mr Findlay said he wanted to ensure womens rights are never eroded, protect the precious right to freedom of speech, empower headteachers and see a complete overhaul to put traditional learning back at the core of the curriculum. He said less bureaucracy and lower personal taxes were key to boosting the economy. Mr Findlay has called for tax cuts and less bureaucracy for Scots We need to create an environment where success is celebrated, instead of being frowned upon by dour-faced SNP and Green politicians, he said. A can-do culture where ambition is encouraged. And those who create opportunity and prosperity are rewarded for doing so. He admitted the partys next leader faced an extraordinary challenge, but insisted the Tories could avoid slipping to third place at the 2026 Holyrood election. He said the party could attract voters from SNP supporters scunnered by what their party has done, many of whom might share our conservative values and views. Rejecting defeatism, he said: Our conservative vision is worth fighting for, and the conservative values which inspire it. If people were looking for a party led by someone whos credible, who talks their language and who is on their side, I would encourage them to think about us. Introducing Mr Findlay, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie said: Russell, for me, stands head and shoulder above everybody else. If we are to take on the SNP and Labour in 2026... it will be a whole team effort. We will all have to unite behind whoever is chosen by our members if we are to take the fight to the cosy left-of-centre consensus that has governed Scotland to its detriment for far too long. As well as Mr Fraser and Ms Gallacher, also standing are education spokesman Liam Kerr, business spokesman Brian Whittle and backbencher Jamie Greene. The organizers behind a mobile health clinic offering free abortions and vasectomies near where thousands of people are gathering for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago are pushing back amid outrage from conservatives. Planned Parenthood Great Rivers announced it was bringing its mobile health clinic to Chicago and offering free services to those who signed up on August 19 and 20, which are the first two days of the convention. Before the clinic even arrived, they announced that all of the appointments had been filled and that they would follow up if they had cancelations but the move sparked an avalanche of criticism online. 'The goal was we knew there were tens of thousands of people coming in around this time, and we really wanted to show and highlight what is possible when you have a state that supports reproductive access,' Dr. Colleen Nicholas, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Rivers told DailyMail.com. The Planned Parenthood Great Rivers brought its mobile health clinic to Chicago for August 19 and 20 and was offering free vasectomies and abortions just a few minutes away from where the Democratic National Convention is taking place 'We're really at a critical time in public health were we really need to be thinking about doing things differently, and mobile health care is one of the ways to do that,' she said. On Monday, the mobile clinic had twelve vasectomy patients scheduled. Over the course of two days, they expect to see somewhere between 20 and 30 patients for medication abortions. DailyMail.com was given access to see inside one of the two rooms being used for patients' procedures over the two days it is in town. It included medical equipment and an examination table. Between the two exam rooms was also a small waiting area, and organizers set up a table outside to check people in before they entered the mobile clinic. A look inside one of the two rooms in the Planned Parenthood Great Rivers mobile health clinic where vasectomies and abortions were being performed this week in Chicago Inside one of the two rooms used for patients inside the Planned Parenthood Great Rivers mobile health clinic. According to Dr. Colleen Nicholas, they expect to see between 20 and 30 abortion patients over two days and had twelve vasectomies scheduled for Monday Dr. Colleen Nicholas was one of two doctors at the mobile health clinic providing abortions and vasectomies in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. She said the mobile clinic showing up was not about politics but providing access The clinic was set up just a short ride from the Democratic National Convention but outside the security perimeter. The site of the clinic is also where several other organizations are holding events alongside the convention in Chicago as Democrats gather nearby. Nicholas pushed back on the outrage over the mobile clinic arriving in the city while the convention was going on. She argued they visit areas in need and are not at all tied to political events taking place. 'We are here just providing health care,' she said. 'This health care isn't a Democrat issue. It's not a Republican issue. It's truly just making sure that people of this country have access to the things that they need.' 'We do things in a way that meets people where they are and makes health care accessible,' Nicholas said. In the same parking lot were the mobile clinic is located, several other vendors were setting up for events throughout the four days of the convention. Just feet away, there was a giant inflatable IUD known as 'Freeda Womb.' An 18-foott-tall inflatable IUD was set up just feet away from the mobile clinic in Chicago. The giant inflatable is known as 'Freeda Womb' The arrival of the mobile clinic has been met with fierce backlash online. One woman wrote on X 'handing out free abortions out of a bus just blocks from the DNC is sinister.' Another conservative woman posted calling it a 'literal bloodbath' and claimed it was 'evil on full display from the DNC.' The president of the Conservative Caucus wrote on X 'THIS IS A CULT.' Outside the gate where the clinic was parked, several anti-abortion protesters were carrying signs. One protester's sign read 'it's not too late.' Another sign claimed that abortions kill women. After about a dozen protesters packed up and left, a lone man remained outside the gate shouting at organizers including Nicholas by name. The set up of a mobile clinic providing abortions and vasectomies near the Democratic National Convention sparked outrage from conservatives including Jim Pfaff, president of the The Conservative Caucus A group of anti-abortion protesters gathered outside the gate where the Planned Parenthood Great Rivers was providing free abortions and vasectomies Inside the actual Democratic National Convention, the separate Planned Parenthood Action Fund which conducts advocacy did have a booth and was participating in convention events. Attendees who stopped by would pick up pamphlets as well as lip balm. Abortion access has been a top issue for Democrats since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2022 ending the right to an abortion nationwide and returning the issue to states. Abortion access will be on prominent display throughout the convention as it has galvanized the Democratic party base in a series of recent elections since Roe fell and will be directly on the ballot in multiple states including the battleground of Arizona come November. Several women are slated to speak Monday night during the convention primetime coverage about their own experiences being unable to get abortions in states where the procedure has been banned. Vice President Kamala Harris speaking at an abortion clinic in Minneapolis in March. She was the first sitting vice president to visit an abortion clinic. During her visit, she was joined by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz who is now her running mate Vice President Kamala Harris has been a leading figure in the Biden administration on reproductive rights. She was the first sitting vice president to visit an abortion clinic while in office when she went and spoke at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minneapolis in March. On the campaign trail, Harris has vowed to restore abortion rights under Roe if elected president, urging lawmakers to send her a bill. Sen. John Fetterman is one of the most outspoken supporters of Israel within the Democratic Party. It seems his top communications staffer is not. Carrie Adams, the Pennsylvania Democrat's communications director, publicly broke with her boss in a new interview that raised eyebrows. 'I don't agree with him,' she told the Free Press after an interview the senator gave to the outlet. 'I have a sense that his international views are a lot less nuanced than my generation, because when he was growing up, it was might makes right, and for my generation and younger who, of course, are the ones protesting this, they have a much more nuanced view of the region,' Adams added. Sen. John Fetterman is one of the most outspoken supporters of Israel within the Democratic Party. It seems his top communications staffer is not Carrie Adams, the Pennsylvania Democrat 's communications director, publicly broke with her boss in a new interview that raised eyebrows Adams is 38. Fetterman is 55. The Free Press reporter remarked: 'I've been a reporter since the summer of 1998, when I covered Bill Clinton's trip to Martha's Vineyard for the Vineyard Gazette. This was the first time I'd ever encountered anyoneon Capitol Hill or anywhere else, on the record, off the record, on background, whatevercriticizing 'the principal.' The Pennsylvania progressive-turned-self-proclaimed 'regular Democrat' has been unafraid to criticize members of his own party for their stance over the fraught conflict. 'I've been frustrated by some of my members and how they've chosen to handle that situation,' Fetterman said of the war in Gaza. 'I don't agree with a lot of their views, but whatever kinds of political choices or any kind of political costs that I've incurred throughout all that, I don't care.' He added: 'I haven't once even regretted any of that.' Capitol Hill insiders were quick to point out a communications staffer's job is to further their boss' point of view not their own. 'If I had a staffer who publicly challenged my position on an issue like Israel, that staffer would be fired in a heartbeat. In every Congressional office, there is only one name on the dooronly one principal voted into office by the people,' Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., another staunch Israel supporter, remarked on X. 'If you cannot get with program, then you should no longer be part of the program.' Maggie Howell, a former communications staffer for ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, put up a mock job posting for a communications director in Fetterman's office. It's not the first time Fetterman has run into trouble in his office over Israel. Joe Calvello, Fetterman's long-time communications director who helped him navigate a tumultuous Senate race working on the campaign, left to work with liberal Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in March. Adams took over for Calvello in April. Nick Gavio, Fetterman's ex-deputy communications director who started with his campaign, left the office weeks later to work for the Working Families Party, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Adams previously worked at Meta, where she served on the policy team. Fetterman does not plan to attend this week's Democratic National Convention (DNC), but shrugged off any suggestion it could be because of party infighting over the Israel-Hamas war. 'I've got three young kids, and they're out of school,' the Keystone State Democrat told the Free Press 'That's four days I can spend with my children.' Still, he again voiced frustration with some in his party and how they've handled the war in Gaza. 'I've been frustrated by some of my members and how they've chosen to handle that situation,' Fetterman said. 'I don't agree with a lot of their views, but whatever kinds of political choices or any kind of political costs that I've incurred throughout all that, I don't care.' While donning his signature hoodie and shorts in June, Fetterman met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu. 'Israel has had no better friend than Senator John Fetterman. Senator, welcome to Israel. I want to thank you for your your courageous statements that show moral clarity and moral courage, and you just say the way it is,' Netanyahu said. Fetterman replied: 'We stand with Israel through this, and I'm so sorry for what's been done to this nation, but it's just an honor to be here today.' 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Mr Tugendhat urged his party to unite and rebuild trust across the whole of the UK and plot a route to power at both Holyrood and Westminster. It comes amid concern that MSP Murdo Frasers proposals for a commission to look into the Scottish Conservative party's constitution could result in a breakaway north of the Border. Speaking to The Daily Mail yesterday, he also claimed that 17 years of constitutional navel-gazing by the SNP has left Scotland worse off and urged nationalist ministers to get on with their job. It comes as it was confirmed yesterday that the former Security Minister has secured the support of more than one in three Tory MSPs at Holyrood and one Scottish MP. Tory leadership candidate Tom Tugendhat has urged the Scottish Conservatives to stick close to the UK party Mr Tugendhat, who yesterday held a series of events in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Stirling during a two-day tour of Scotland, said: For me, unionism is completely indivisible from conservatism - it is about all of us. My message is pretty clear: we need to unite the Conservative Party across the whole of the United Kingdom, we need to rebuild trust - not just with members, many of whom quite rightly are disappointed with what theyve seen in Westminster recently - but we need to rebuild trust with everybody across the United Kingdom so we are able to win. And we need to have a leader who is able to help us win in Scotland in 2026 and in Westminster whenever it is, in 2028/29, and we need an agenda that supports that. The 17 years of navel-gazing (by the SNP) has left Scotland worse off, weve seen education standards coming down as the SNPs constitutional obsession means they havent dealt with healthcare, they havent dealt with education, and instead theyve left people suffering. Earlier this month, Scottish Tory leadership candidate Murdo Fraser proposed an independent commission to review the partys constitution - which was billed as a Trojan horse campaign to split the party. Asked whether he would be concerned about the Scottish Conservatives breaking away from the UK party, Mr Tugendhat said: The party in Scotland has always had a slightly separate status and it is up to them to decide how they express that. 'For me, unionism is absolutely fundamentally about how we work better together and thats something I will absolutely be listening to Scottish voices about. And Scottish Conservative voices Im sure will come up with the right answer to make sure that Conservative values are championed in Scotland and support the whole of the United Kingdom. He added: The wonderful thing about the Conservative Party is that we have fantastic Conservative advocates across the United Kingdom who make their voices heard and make their views heard. Im sure our Scottish members will make the right decision, that is good not just for Scotland but for the whole of the United Kingdom. Tory MSP Murdo Fraser believes the Scottish Conservatives would be better off as a separate party He said he believes Scottish members will choose the right candidate to succeed Douglas Ross and pledged to work closely with the next Scottish Tory leader from day one to transform Britain and imbed conservative values that deliver for everyone. He insisted that UK-wide issues were to blame for the Tories losing more than 300,000 votes in Scotland at the general election, and said he is standing to succeed Rishi Sunak because we need a voice and leader in Westminster who leads for the entire United Kingdom. Mr Tugendhat has won the support in the leadership contest of eight Scottish MSPs, including health spokesman Sandesh Gulhane, net zero spokesman Douglas Lumsden, former chief whip Stephen Kerr and former economy spokesman Maurice Golden, as well as newly-elected MP Harriet Cross. On a series of controversies about the SNPs talks with diplomats and international leaders, the former chairman of the powerful foreign affairs select committee said: Frankly I just wish the SNP would get on with their job. Their job is to serve the people of Scotland, their job is to improve healthcare and education, their job is to end the problems with roads and underinvestment in infrastructure. 'Can they please just get on with their job of serving the people of Scotland and stop playing party political games? The Scottish people have made their views clear time and time again on this and it is like the SNP just dont listen. 'They dont understand that their job is to serve the people of Scotland not just themselves and this navel-gazing, this self-indulgence, is absolutely appalling. It is letting the people of Scotland down and letting the whole UK down. Queen Elizabeth found Donald Trump 'very rude', a sensational new biography of the late monarch claims. The sovereign, who hosted the ex-US president twice during her reign, is said to have 'particularly disliked' the way he looked over her shoulder as if 'in search of others more interesting'. She also mused over his relationship with his wife Melania and said she believed they must have 'some sort of arrangement'. The astonishing claims are made by Craig Brown in his new book, A Voyage Around The Queen, which is being serialised in the Daily Mail. He reports the conversation occurred at a lunch 'weeks after' one of Mr Trump's visits. Queen Elizabeth II sits with Donald Trump at an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, in Portsmouth, on June 5, during the then president's state visit Trump is pictured with the Queen and his wife Melania at a state banquet held at Buckingham Palace in June 2019 Queen Elizabeth and Donald Trump are pictured inspecting the Guard of Honor at Windsor Castle in July 2018. The former president said meeting the late monarch was one of the highlights of his time in office In his final serialisation instalment today, Brown writes: 'Over the course of her reign, Her Majesty entertained many controversial foreign leaders, including Bashar al-Assad, Robert Mugabe, Idi Amin, Donald Trump, Emperor Hirohito and Vladimir Putin. 'She may not have found their company convivial; upon their departure, she may even have voiced a discreet word of disapproval. 'A few weeks after President Trump's visit, for instance, she confided in one lunch guest that she found him "very rude": she particularly disliked the way he couldn't stop looking over her shoulder, as though in search of others more interesting. 'She also believed President Trump "must have some sort of arrangement" with his wife Melania, or else why would she have remained married to him? 'For his part, Donald Trump was confident he had been her favourite guest ever. "There are those that say they have never seen the Queen have a better time, a more animated time," he later told America's Fox News.' Buckingham Palace has not commented on the claim as they do not, by convention, comment on books or biographies generally. The fascinating account will no doubt come as a blow to Mr Trump, who is currently seeking re-election as President. He adored Queen Elizabeth and has spoken openly of his admiration for her personally, and for her sense of duty. Melania Trump, Queen Elizabeth and Donald Trump smile during a meeting at Windsor Castle in July 2018 Trump's visit in 2018 was mired in controversy with protesters in the streets of London and a giant 'baby blimp' a balloon depicting Mr Trump as a baby given permission to float in the air Donald Trump and Melania walk from the Quadrangle at Windsor after inspecting the Guard of Honour in 2018 Memorably, Mr Trump repeatedly walked in front of her as they inspected the guard of honour, leaving her trailing behind She first met him in 2018, a year after he was inaugurated as the 45th US President. The visit was mired in controversy with protesters in the streets of London and a giant 'baby blimp' a balloon depicting Mr Trump as a baby given permission to float in the air. As a result of his political toxicity it was not a 'state visit' but classed as a 'working visit', which meant little in the way of pomp and pageantry and no state banquet. His meeting with the Queen instead took place over tea at Windsor Castle, with notably no other senior royals present, but did involve the inspection of a guard of honour. Memorably, Mr Trump was said to have kept the then 92-year-old monarch waiting for ten minutes in 27C (80F) heat and repeatedly walked in front of her as they inspected the guard of honour, leaving her trailing behind. He then abruptly stopped and forced her to sidestep to get alongside him. However President Trump did get his much longed for State Visit the following year. Trump and the Queen's were the first to walk into the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2019 Cheers to you: Trump and Elizabeth II clinked glasses after delivering remarks. The president ordinarily drinks white grape juice at such functions whereas the Queen drank water Trump smiles with Queen Elizabeth II after praising her as a 'great, great woman' during the banquet. Trump said they spoke all evening Mr Trump said of the event: 'I sat next to her and we talked the whole night. And somebody said, we've never seen her smile so much. We had a great time. She was laughing and smiling' During the event, the president heaped praise on the Queen in a glowing speech then joined the rest of the room by placing his hand on his heart while listening to God Save The Queen Mr Trump and the Queen together before the banquet. Donald Jr is shown behind Prince Charles and Prince Michael of Kent can be seen standing in the background Donald Trump and Melania Trump walk with Queen Elizabeth walk into the Music Room for a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, June 3, 2019 Donald Trump, Queen Elizabeth II, Melania Trump, Prince Charles and Camilla pose for the media ahead of the State Banquet in 2019 He was clearly on his best behaviour, determined not to embarrass himself in front of his host. In return the Queen invited his four children and their spouses to the State Banquet. The trip was blunder-free until he gave a toast praising her as a 'great, great woman' and placed his hand on her back breaking protocol. Mr Trump also joined the Queen at an event in Portsmouth to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. He later boasted to Fox News of his 'great relationship with the Queen', saying: 'We were laughing and having fun. And her people said she hasn't had so much fun in 25 years. 'Then I got criticised for it because they said we were having too much fun I feel I know her so well and she certainly knows me very well right now, but we have a very good relationship with the United Kingdom.' Buckingham Palace sources have said he was a 'model' guest who was polite and charming to staff. Trump, pictured with Melania and the Queen at Buckingham Palace in June 2019 Trump is seen fist-bumping Queen Elizabeth during a trip to London in June 2019 The state visit on June 3, 2019 included a tour of the Royal collection at Buckingham Palace President Trump's three-day state visit in June 2019 included lunch with the Queen and a visit to the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace When Queen Elizabeth died he issued a statement saying: 'Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.' He said he and his wife would 'always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty's generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humour'. He added: 'What a grand and beautiful lady she was there was nobody like her! Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the great people of the United Kingdom as you honour her most meaningful life and exceptional service.' Former White House adviser Fiona Hill later wrote that Mr Trump was 'awestruck' by the Queen, and saw a meeting with her as a sign that he 'had made it in life'. She said he often referred in conversation to his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was originally from Scotland, and her admiration for the monarch. He also said in an interview ahead of their first meeting: 'I really look forward to meeting her. I think she represents her country so well. Trump is pictured with the Queen during commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Portsmouth in June 2019. He said he got along 'wonderfully' with the late monarch during his 2019 trip to the UK Trump sat with the Queen in Portsmouth, England, a famous Royal Navy town during commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in 2019 The Queen and Prince Charles shared a moment with the Trumps before meeting veterans in 2019 'If you think of it, for so many years she has represented her country, she has really never made a mistake. You don't see, like, anything embarrassing. She is just an incredible woman.' Asked later by interviewer Piers Morgan whether he got the feeling she liked him, he said: 'Well, I don't want to speak for her, but I can tell you I liked her. So, usually that helps. But I liked her a lot.' The late Queen was renowned for her discretion over her reign, where her unique brand of 'soft diplomacy' was used by successive governments to great effect. And it has long been a proud part of her legacy that no one knows much of what she thought about anything or anyone. In 2016, however, Buckingham Palace reacted angrily over a leaked conversation in which it was claimed that she 'backed Brexit'. They complained about a story in The Sun newspaper which claimed she told former Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg at a lunch in 2011 that she thought Europe was going in the wrong direction. A mortified David Cameron was also forced to apologise in 2014 after he told the former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg that she 'purred down the line' when he informed her Scotland had voted against independence. He said he felt 'extremely sorry and very embarrassed' in publicly confirming her delight on the referendum result over whether Scotland should remain in the UK. His remarks which should have remained private were picked up by a microphone. An investigation has been launched after low levels of carcinogens dubbed 'forever chemicals' were detected in Sydney's drinking water catchments. Sydney Water confirmed cancer-linked PFAS chemicals were found in catchments across the city in June. Data on the water contents revealed low levels of cancer-linked carcinogens were present in major filtration plants, including Orchard Hills, Prospect Reservoir and Warragamba, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. PFAS (per- and peri-fluoroalkyl substances) were also detected in higher levels at the Cascade Dam in the Blue Mountains and North Richmond, 70km northwest of the CBD. The concentration levels of the chemicals are within Australia's drinking water safety limits but are far higher than what US authorities deem safe to drink. In April, industrial conglomerate 3M was sued for 'deceiving' the American public about the presence of PFAS chemicals in their drinking water. PFAS are deemed 'forever chemicals' because they never break down in the environment. The chemicals detected in Sydney's tap water have been used in fabric protector, packaging and firefighting foam. New data from Sydney Water revealed low levels of cancer-linked carcinogens were present in major filtration plants including Orchard Hills, Prospect Reservoir and Warragamba (pictured) Sydney Water has confirmed that cancer-linked PFAS chemicals have been found in catchments across the city (pictured, a Water NSW at Warragamba Dam) PFAS chemicals were detected at five of nine water catchments sampled by Sydney Water with 10+ ppt (parts per trillion) PFAS recorded at Cascade. These levels are four times the maximum limit at which PFAS must be removed from drinking water in the US, prompting another round of testing. The Cascade water filtration plant supplies water to up to 30,000 people with levels of PFAS higher at Katoomba and Blackheath than other sites. There were 2+ ppt PFAS detected at water filtration plants in Orchard Hills, North Richmond, Prospect and Warragamba. However, there were no detectable levels of PFAS in catchments in Macarthur, Nepean, the Woronora River or the Illawarra. The results of the tests conducted by Sydney Water will see the country's largest water utility now conduct monthly tests in 'potentially impacted areas'. The move contradicts Sydney Water's previous position that there are no PFAS hotspots in the city's drinking water catchments. 'All samples tested are well below [Australian drinking water] guidelines' and 'monitoring of drinking water uses a risk-based approach,' a Sydney Water spokesperson said. 'There is regular consultation between Sydney Water, WaterNSW and NSW Health to assess any potential risk of PFAS or any other contaminant to Sydney's drinking supply.' However, experts say an urgent inquiry into PFAS in Australia needs to be prioritised. Ian Wright, a water pollution expert at the University of Western Sydney, said the results of the latest tests by Sydney Water would be 'confronting' for many. 'This also contradicts statements made by the authorities that there is no PFAS risk in the catchment. Without any doubt, further regular testing is needed and needs to be publicly reported,' the expert told the Herald. PFAS is a term used for thousands of substances deemed 'forever chemicals' because they never break down in the environment (pictured, Warragamba Dam) High levels of PFAS have been detected in the livers of platypuses in coastal NSW - suggesting the chemicals can accumulate and spread (stock) His warning comes at a time when high levels of PFAS had been detected in the livers of platypuses in coastal NSW, suggesting the chemicals can accumulate and spread. Some of the monotremes with levels of the 'forever chemicals' were found in areas where there are no known PFA hotspots nearby. The study, led by Katherine Warwick, a PhD student at the University of Western Sydney, studied the bodies of nine platypuses from different regions. Researchers found all of the native animals had traces of PFAS in their systems apart from one captive platypus that had ingested filtered water at Taronga Zoo. One of the platypuses, found dead in the Wingecarribee River water catchment, had 390 micrograms of PFAS chemicals per kilogram in its liver. 'The levels are very, very high,' Dr Wright told the Herald. Previous studies have revealed links between PFAS and liver damage, birth defects and a compromised immune system in other species. A new weather map shows how Mike's Lynch's doomed superyacht was buffeted by winds of up to 150mph before it suddenly sank off the coast of Sicily. The port of Porticello was a poignant scene on Monday night as a rare 'blue' supermoon rose over the tragic site where yacht Bayesian went down this morning. One man has been confirmed dead while six other people are missing - with fears they were asleep in their cabins when the boat sank. British tech billionaire Lynch and his daughter Hannah, 18, are among those missing while the tycoon's wife Angela Bacares is recovering having survived the storm. A coast guard official in the Sicilian capital Palermo said tonight: 'The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude.' A meteorological map of the micro-climate around the scene of the tragedy shows the intense winds of up to 150 mph which developed just off the coast. A new weather map shows how Mike's Lynch's superyacht was buffeted by winds of up to 150mph before it sank Italian Coast Guard Command teams and firefighters are carrying out search and rescue operations with helicopters and ships to find six missing people The luxury Bayesian sailing boat, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy British tech billionaire Mike Lynch (pictured) and his daughter Hannah, 18, are among those missing The winds created a mini hurricane which seized the Bayesian in its deadly grip, causing the vessel to capsize. Tonight, as searchers from the Italian authorities continue their work beyond the harbour wall, another vessel called Sir Robert Baden Powell stands barely lit by the moon. The Dutch ship's crew managed to rescue some of the 15 survivors from the stricken British-flagged Bayesian, including a mother and baby. Eyewitnesses said the yacht vanished quickly beneath the waves shortly before dawn. Fifteen people escaped before it went down, including Lynch's wife Angela, who owned the boat, and a one-year-old girl. The Italian coast guard said the missing had British, American and Canadian nationalities. Survivors said the trip was organised by Lynch for his work colleagues. Lynch reportedly invited his family and friends on the sailboat to celebrate charges of fraud and conspiracy for allegedly scheming to inflate a company's value before it was sold being dropped. A handout photo made available on 19 August 2024 by Perini Navi Press Office shows the 'Bayesian' sailing boat, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy He had gathered guests from legal firm Clifford Chance, and his own company Invoke Capital after being cleared in June. One of the survivors is Clifford Chance lawyer Ayla Ronald, 36, who was part of the successful legal team who were invited to go sailing with Lynch, according to her father Lin. Mr Ronald told The Telegraph: 'I have texted with my daughter and she hasn't given me any updates about missing personnel or saved personnel. She has only said to me that there are deaths, and she and her partner are alive.' Speaking of the celebrations, witness told Italian news agency ANSA: 'A beautiful vessel where there had been a party. A normal holiday day spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy.' The body of Canadian Recaldo Thomas, who was working as the boat's chef and who was the only crew member unaccounted for, was found floating alongside the vessel earlier today. The platform released by the Democratic Party Sunday talks up President Joe Bidens economic vision because it got voted through before he ended his run for reelection. It was just the latest bizarre feature in an election that has already featured a debate collapse, an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, a high-powered pressure campaign, the stunning withdrawal of the candidate, and even the president losing a primary American Samoa. Were delivering on President Bidens pledge to rebuild our economy from the middle out and bottom up, not the top down, it says. It calls the election a choice between two very different economic visions for America: Donald Trump, who sees the world from his country club at Mar-a-Lago; and Joe Biden, who sees it from kitchen tables in Scranton like the one he grew up around. Those were just a pair of the dozens of mentions of Biden, 81, who ended his campaign after a series of elected lawmakers and party officials urged him to end his run against Trump, 78. 'In President Bidens second term, he will continue selecting judges who will protect fundamental rights and who represent the diversity of the American experience. We will push for a Supreme Court that follows the rule of law, protects people's freedoms, and abides by the highest ethical standards,' says the platform in one section that is clearly out of date. It's Vice President Kamala Harris' convention now, but the party platform repeatedly mentions President Joe Biden It also mentions Donald Trump more than 100 times. It does mention Vice President Kamala Harris, who has unified the party around her after getting Bidens endorsement. President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats are running to finish the job. It got approved by the partys Platform Committee July 16 less than a week before Biden stepped back, in a stunning illustration of the pace of the turnaround. Now, it will serve as a general governing blueprint for Harris, who has so far been dribbling out her own policy proposals and turning down interview requests. That includes her campaign calling for a top corporate tax rate of 28 percent in line with President Biden's budget blueprint for the 2025 fiscal year. Other economic proposals in the platform include a $15 federal minimum wage and a $10,000 tax credit for first time home buyers. High up in the platform is a statement about the Chicago land where the convention is being held. Biden will address the convention and leave town, but the platform that mentions him remains 'While we meet in Chicago, we also recognize and honor the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe, also known as the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations,' it says. 'We acknowledge the many other tribes who consider this area their traditional homeland, including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo, and Mascouten.' 'Over the past two years, more than 20 states have imposed extreme and dangerous abortion bans many of which include no exception even for rape or incest that put the health and lives of women in jeopardy, force women to travel hundreds of miles for care, and threaten to criminalize doctors for providing the health care that their patients need and that they are trained to provide,' goes a passage on abortion. One paragraph hammers Trump on denying the results of the 2020 election carried by Biden. It's something Harris has not been stressing at her rallies to the extent Biden has. 'Trump refuses to defend core tenets of our democracy: the Constitution, the rule of law, our system of checks and balances. He still doesnt accept the plain truth, upheld by scores of courts, that he lost in 2020, even describing himself as a very proud election denier and he has never agreed to accept this years results. After years undermining public faith and confidence in our elections, he has warned of a bloodbath if he loses now,' says the platform. 'He lionizes the convicted criminals who perpetrated the January 6 attack on our Capitol and brave police, calling those insurrectionists patriots and hostages while promising to pardon them.' The prisons crisis deepened yesterday as the number of spare places for adult male offenders dipped below 300 for the first time. Prison leaders said it was now 'one in, one out' in the aftermath of riots this month. Jails across much of the country have run out of room, forcing the Government to introduce emergency measures. Prisons minister Lord Timpson announced he had activated a crisis plan, called Operation Early Dawn, which sees defendants held in police station cells and summoned to court only when prison space is available. The programme is expected to lead to delays in the courts already struggling with massive backlogs while spaces are found, which could mean moving defendants across the country. Jails across much of the country have run out of room, forcing the Government to introduce emergency measures (file image) The prison population in England and Wales hit 87,893 on Friday up 397 in a week following the rioting linked to the Southport stabbings (pictured: Kelly Wildego during a demonstration in Whitehall, London) Your browser does not support iframes. The Mail understands the number of spare places for adult male inmates dropped to 298 yesterday afternoon from 890 first thing in the morning due to new and recalled prisoners. Mark Icke, vice-president of the Prison Governors' Association (PGA), said: 'Effectively, the system has gone bust. 'The PGA, through intelligence from its members, believes the actual number of spaces in the adult male estate is around 300.' Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a sweeping early-release scheme last month, which is due to come into force next month. About 5,500 inmates will be freed after serving 40 per cent of their sentences, rather than the current 50 per cent, to create space in the jails. Mark Fairhurst, chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, said: 'It is essentially one in, one out at the moment. It's going to be extremely tight over the next few weeks. We might just about scrape through by the skin of our teeth until the wider release scheme begins.' But police leaders warned new measures could push officers to 'breaking point'. Phil Jones of the Police Federation said: 'Police stations are not prisons. They are not suitable to be used as such for any length of time. 'We are also concerned the additional pressure on our colleagues... will push many closer to breaking point.' The prison population in England and Wales hit 87,893 on Friday up 397 in a week following the rioting linked to the Southport stabbings. This figure includes at least 10,422 foreign national offenders. Your browser does not support iframes. Prisons minister Lord Timpson (pictured) announced he had activated a crisis plan, called Operation Early Dawn, which sees defendants held in police station cells and summoned to court only when prison space is available A Ministry of Justice spokesman denied that space in adult male prisons was as low as 300 but declined to give an exact figure, saying only that it was 'less than 1,000'. An additional 135 prison spaces were coming into use yesterday, he added. A No 10 spokesman said: 'The police have been very clear that [shortages] will not impact their ability to arrest criminals. 'Anyone who poses a risk to the public will not be bailed public safety is paramount. Having said that, obviously the fact that we are in this position is unacceptable.' Lord Timpson said: 'We inherited a justice system in crisis and exposed to shocks. As a result, we have been forced into making difficult but necessary decisions to keep it operating.' A spokesman for the National Police Chiefs' Council said police are 'working closely with criminal justice system partners to manage demand'. Human remains have been pulled from the East River in New York City, in full view of shocked children at a famous carousel. A city Parks Department enforcement officer found the remains - a skull and some bones, which are believed to be human - alongside Brooklyn Bridge Park's shoreline near Dock Street at around 8.45am on Monday, the New York Daily News reports. The gruesome discovery was made just feet away from the iconic Jane's Carousel, which was built in 1922 and donated to the park in 2011 following years of restoration. It was also not far from the building housing the Time Out Market, with residents able to watch as police combed through the area and scuba teams searched the water for more remains. Human remains, including a skull and some bones, were found alongside Brooklyn Bridge Park's shoreline near Dock Street at around 8.45am The gruesome discovery was made in full view of Brooklyn residents Photos from the scene show members of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner bagging the remains on a rocky shoreline. Others, as well as members of the New York Police Department, were then seen scouring through the rocks with cadaver dogs in their effort to find more remains. One woman told News 12 Brooklyn she was able to see the crews handle a skull, hip bone and femur. But it is unclear whether any further bones were recovered during the search. It was just feet away from the iconic Jane's Carousel, which was built in 1922 and donated to the park in 2011 following years of restoration The bones were covered in clothing, and a pair of boots were recovered nearby, according to the New York Post. 'This is Dumbo Park,' one resident said. 'I don't understand why his would be a dumping place. 'And I'm happy I didn't have my son with me.' An anthropologist with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will now conduct tests to determine the age, race and gender of the remains. Members of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the NYPD were seen scouring through the rocks to look for more remains It is unclear whether any further remains were discovered during the search An anthropologist with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will now conduct tests to determine the age, race and gender of the remains The discovery came less than 24 hours after officers pulled a man's body from the water in another part of Brooklyn, the Post reports. The remains of the dead man, believed to be in his 30s, was discovered near Pier 12 just before 2pm on Sunday. Both cases are now under investigation. For 70 years no figure in public life had a greater capacity for patience and nor had that forbearance been tested more often. Yet despite many provocations and considerable temptation the late Queen Elizabeth weathered them all with a sturdy omerta. It stood her in great stead throughout her long and successful reign. So much so, that by the end of her life we knew as little of what the Queen thought about things as we had when she came to the throne. Her views on party politics, on celebrities, on the rich and famous that she met over the decades, all were to us, her subjects, off limits. But just occasionally there was a fly in the ointment and the Queens view would emerge from behind that regal reticence. And when it did, it was usually accompanied by fireworks. Her anger, for example, when David Cameron not once but twice breached official protocol by revealing how he had asked her to intervene in the Scottish referendum and then later disclosed how she had purred down the line when he broke the news that the vote to break up the Union had been lost. She also let it be known that she didnt like Tony Blair revealing his private encounters with her and whom she accused of exhibiting a certain hauteur. And there was royal displeasure at his claim that Princess Anne could be stunningly rude. But there was one rule she was especially firm about: no visiting head of state, however ghastly, would ever hear a word of criticism from her lips. Of course, from time to time things did get out. The appalling behaviour of President Xi of Chinas aides, for example, who imposed ludicrous demands on Buckingham Palace staff, including insisting the science of feng shui which is said to be able to optimise the flow of energy in a room was used when preparing accommodation for the Chinese leader. What was it about Trump that could have provoked the Queen to abandon her diplomatic niceties? US President Donald Trump, Queen Elizabeth II and Melania Trump at Buckingham Palace Donald Trump and the Queen at Windsor Castle in July 2018 She let slip, and a TV microphone picked it up, that the Chinese had been very rude to our ambassador. It provoked a storm, with Chinas state media lashing out at the reckless gossip fiends and barbarians of the British media. The then Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond had to make a grovelling apology. Which is why the comments reported in Craig Browns new book about Donald Trump, the then President of the US our closest and most important ally seem so out of character. What was it about Trump that could have provoked the Queen to abandon the diplomatic niceties for which she was so famous. He did not leave the Palaces Belgian Suite in the sort of state that some other visiting political leaders had done; nor did he get out a laptop during tea at Windsor Castle, as that Chinese delegation infamously did. Certainly, the memory of the day Trump arrived at the castle and inspected the Queens guard still lingers in the memory. The President was so clearly in awe of his host despite towering over her. Yet within a few short weeks of that brief visit, the Queen, according to Craig Brown, was exercised enough to not just complain about Trump but also to pass judgment on his marriage. Brown quotes a source saying how ill-mannered she found the USs 45th President because of the way he looked over her shoulder, as though seeking out someone more interesting. It seems extraordinary that she would have vouchsafed that, even to a very close friend. Then there is the shocking remark she is said to have made about the state of the Presidents marriage, speculating that Mrs Trump must have some sort of arrangement or why else would she have remained married? What makes these remarks so incredible is that she should have ventured them in the first place. We are used to Prince Harry pouring out his innermost thoughts - but not the late Queen. Of course, it should be pointed out that the Queen did not expect these views to be see the light of day. Even a cursory understanding of her life would show such an intervention to be highly unusual, nay, virtually unheard of. What, one wonders, was it about Trumps behaviour that saw her make an observation she never did about any of the other 13 sitting US presidents she met in her lifetime? I have heard other members of the Royal Family make such a remark about bores who they meet who constantly scan the room for someone more interesting to talk to, but never the Queen. On the other hand, she always enjoyed those encounters either at the White House or here in Britain with the leader of the free world. Some she was fond of: President Reagan, with whom she rode, and President Roosevelt, who was so close to her father King George VI that he arranged for him to become godfather to Prince Michael of Kent. It is also the case that the Queen is always well informed about visiting heads of state, which includes perusing the gossip on their private lives. Which makes her decision to abandon decades of discretion to vent her views on Trump so bizarre. Surely he will respond. In his usually modest way, he boastfully said of their encounter that there are those that say they have never seen the Queen have a better time, a more animated time. He might have a different take on it now. Sir Keir Starmer came under fire last night after No 10 claimed a 'culture of presenteeism' can be damaging to productivity. Sparking fears that the Government will lead a 'working from home' resurgence, Downing Street said it backed more flexible working. The announcement came after it emerged that employees who are consistently contacted outside normal working hours could be in line for compensation under Labour's 'right to switch off' plan. Downing Street said the Government wanted to improve productivity with its radical plans for workers' rights. And it claimed 'good employers understand that for workers to stay motivated and productive they do need to be able to switch off'. 'A culture of presenteeism can be damaging to productivity,' a No 10 spokesman told reporters yesterday. 'So it's about making sure that we have the right balance of making the most of the flexible working practices that we saw following the pandemic, but also having appropriate arrangements in place to ensure that people can stay productive in light of that.' Downing Street said the Government wanted to improve productivity with its radical plans for workers' rights (pictured: Sir Keir Starmer speaks to the media outside Arden Academy in Solihull) The announcement came after it emerged that employees who are consistently contacted outside normal working hours could be in line for compensation under Labour's 'right to switch off' plan (file image) No10's comments triggered an immediate backlash, with Tory grandee Sir Iain Duncan Smith (pictured) saying they showed 'how out of touch' Labour is with 'the rest of Britain But the comments triggered an immediate backlash, with Tory grandee Sir Iain Duncan Smith saying they showed 'how out of touch' Labour is with 'the rest of Britain'. 'Those in the private sector who have to work hard to earn a living and who turn up at their offices and at their factories, unaware of the idea that somehow being present is somehow worse for their business than being absent,' he told the Mail. 'That comment shows how in thrall the Government is to this woke culture whilst being dominated by the trade unions at the same time it bodes ill for us all.' Shadow business spokesman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'The Government must listen to the concerns of businesses before pressing ahead with their French-style union laws that could stunt growth. 'Labour have failed to strike the right balance between flexibility and productivity and as usual, it will be businesses picking up the bill.' Former Conservative business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg added: 'The Government is determined to feather bed the public sector with higher pay for idling at home. Being physically and mentally present is an essential part of work.' UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls told the Mail that Downing Street's language 'seems to be looking at the economy and the world of work through a very narrow prism'. 'The engine of the economy is the everyday economy it's retail, it's hospitality and it's places where people are present and presenteeism is about being there and serving customers, and you need to have customers in order to be present and productive,' Ms Nicholls added. Labour has said its controversial 'New Deal for Working People' will be implemented within its first 100 days. Electric vehicle manufacturers from China are queuing up to launch models in Australia in the next 18 months, fuelled by rising demand for the cars, and changes to engine regulations. Automotive experts say the influx is likely to benefit buyers, with greater competition forcing down prices among the established brands, although they warn motorists might need to do their homework on the less familiar names. Zeekr became one of the first of the little-known Chinese brands to confirm its Australian launch plans, showing off its compact luxury SUV, named X, in Sydney on Thursday. The battery-powered vehicle, to be priced at less than $60,000 when it arrives in October, will compete with existing models from Tesla and Volvo - and the rest of a new vehicle generation. Swinburne University future urban mobility professor Hussein Dia said upcoming electric vehicle launches had the potential to change Australia's automotive mix. 'This is what we have been waiting and calling for - more variety across electric vehicle models and sizes and across a range of prices as well,' he said. 'It will be good for consumers because it means lower prices, more competition and, from what I have seen, they are quality vehicles.' The brands, however, might sound foreign to Australian car buyers. The XPeng G6 is among the range of EVs set to flood the Australian market. (HANDOUT/XPENG) EVs from little-known Chinese brands are set to compete with existing models from Tesla and Volvo. (Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson/AAP PHOTOS) They include Geely, XPeng, Jaecoo, Skywell and Aion, and vehicles that range from SUVs in the style of Range Rovers to electric mini-cars. Prof Dia said some may be budget options, but others would be luxury vehicles as many Chinese automakers had teamed with European brands to refine their products. 'They have been working on this for a long time in China,' he told AAP. 'They launched joint ventures with international car makers and now they're reaping the benefits.' The EVs will also launch about the same time as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which will put a cap on emissions designed to force an increased supply of electric vehicles beyond demand levels so as to push down their prices. Evie Charging chief executive Chris Mills said the growing competition was likely to significantly impact drivers, particularly those who had been driving an EV bargain. 'In this next calendar year, into 2025, we're going to be flooded with a bunch of new cars and new models,' he said. 'And I think it's true when people say 50 per cent of people considering new cars are considering an EV for their next new car.' Mr Mills said the company was expanding its public charging sites and planned to have 840 bays operating by Christmas. The Electric Vehicle Council estimates Australian motorists will buy more than 100,000 new battery-powered cars in 2024, up from 87,000 in 2023, despite the pace of increase in sales slowing down this year. The Electric Vehicle Council estimates Australian motorists will buy more than 100,000 new battery-powered cars in 2024 ELECTRIC AUTO BRANDS TO CHARGE INTO AUSTRALIA Zeekr: This Chinese brand, with a name that stands for 'zero, evolving, electric and krypton', has pledged to bring three electric cars to Australia by the end of 2025. The Zeekr X compact SUV will cost less than $60,000 and is expected in October. Geely: The Chinese car giant might attract plenty of attention when it launches its Radar electric ute in Australia late this year. Called the Riddara R6 in other markets, the electric Toyota HiLux rival could feature a range of up to 571km. XPeng: Three electric cars from this car maker are expected in Australia in the next three years, with the first model, the G6 SUV, due in October. Pricing for the vehicle, which promises to reach 100km/h speeds in 6.2 seconds, will be released in September. Aion: The electric arm of automaker GAC, or the Guangzhou Automobile Group, has committed to launching a battery-powered hatchback, similar in size to a Toyota Corolla, in 2025. Jaecoo: A luxury spin-off of the brand Chery, Jaecoo is expected to bring a mid-sized SUV called the J7 to Australia this year. The vehicle has styling similar to a Range Rover and will be available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. Leapmotor: Expect to see two cars from this Chinese brand in Australia late in 2024. Its C10 mid-sized SUV and T03 small car, also known as a mini-car, will announce its arrival. Skywell: A competitively priced SUV is expected from this brand in 2024. Known as the Skywell ET5 overseas, it will be sold as the EVA 5 locally and promises a range of up to 489km and a price of less than $50,000. Do YOU have any information? The six people missing after Mike Lynch's superyacht sank on the coast on Sicily include the chairman of Morgan Stanley International, Jonathan Bloomer, and his wife, according to Italian authorities. Luxury sailboat Bayesian was docked off the coast of Porticello when a waterspout struck the area just before 5am on Monday, wrecking the yacht and causing it to rapidly sink. While one person tragically died and 15 survived the disaster, six people including British tech billionaire Lynch and his eighteen-year-old daughter remain missing. The other four yet to be found are Mr Bloomer and his wife, as well as Lynch's attorney Christopher Morvillo and his wife Nada. Lynch had invited family and friends on the yacht to celebrate his triumph over fraud charges in the US. The billionaire had gathered guests from legal firm Clifford Chance, as well as his own company Invoke Capital after being cleared in June. Mr Bloomer is a close friend of Lynch and was confirmed missing by Italian Authorities. Do YOU have any information? Email katherine.lawton@mailonline.co.uk Mike Lynch (pictured) invited family and friends on his superyacht to celebrate his triumph over fraud charges in the US. Lynch is missing alongside his 18-year-old daughter Hannah Chairman of Morgan Stanley International, Jonathan Bloomer (pictured), and his wife are also missing Lynch's attorney Christopher Morvillo (pictured) and his wife Nada are also missing Luxury sailboat Bayesian was docked off the coast of Porticello when a waterspout struck the area just before 5am on Monday According to his Linkedin profile, Mr Bloomer is the chairman of insurance provider Hiscox and was formerly the chief executive of Prudential before being ousted in a boardroom coup in 2005. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American. It is feared those who have not yet been found were asleep in their cabins when the boat went underwater. Among the 15 who survived include a one-year-old British baby called Sofia, who was kept afloat by her mother, 36-year-old Charlotte Golunski. Mrs Golunski, an Oxford graduate and senior associate at Invoke, also survived after fighting to prevent her child from drowning. The mother told Italian newspaper Republicca: 'I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. 'It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.' Mrs Golunski's British husband James Emsilie, 36, also survived the tragedy. Another survivor is Clifford Chance lawyer Ayla Ronald, 36, who was part of the successful legal team invited to go sailing with Lynch, according to her father Lin. Mr Ronald told The Telegraph: 'I have texted with my daughter and she hasn't given me any updates about missing personnel or saved personnel. She has only said to me that there are deaths, and she and her partner are alive.' Lawyer Ayla Ronald, 36, (pictured) who was part of the successful legal team who were invited to go sailing with Lynch, is one of the survivors Charlotte Golunski, 36, (pictured) her husband and her one-year-old baby also survived Lynch remains missing while his wife Angela (pictured) survived and is recovering Luxury sailboat Bayesian rapidly sank after getting caught up in a 'whirlwind' in Sicily Other survivors included Irish woman Sasha Murray, 29, Matthew Fletcher, 41, from London, James Calfield 51, from New Zealand, Myin Htun Kyaw, 39, from Myanmar and the French Captain Matthew Griffith. They were rescued by crews from nearby boats including that of Karsten Borner, the captain of a sailing ship anchored near the Bayesian, who said his team struggled to keep their boat afloat when the tornado hit. Fabio Cefalu, a fisherman in Porticello who witnessed the tragedy unfold, said he saw a waterspout a sort of mini-tornado that lasted about 12 minutes shortly before 4am. At around 4.10am he said he saw a red flare go off from Bayesian but by the time he was able to reach the area about 20 minutes later the yacht had all but disappeared. 'We found only the cushions, and a few planks floating in the water,' he said. A man has been left clinging to life after being struck by a car. The 50-year-old pedestrian, from Bowden in Adelaide's inner-north, was hit by a car on Hawker Street just before 8pm on Monday night. The man was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in a critical condition on Tuesday morning. The driver of the vehicle allegedly left the scene before police arrived. Major Crash investigators have processed the crash site. Hawker Street was closed between Drayton Street and Gibson Street but has since reopened. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any other information that could assist investigators has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers. READ MORE: DNA tests are laying bare the extent of incest in the US Becoming a citizen of another country traditionally requires documents like birth certificates, photographs and tax records. But now DNA ancestry tests from the likes of 23AndMe, MyHeritage and Ancestry are being used to support applications too. The tests which involve salvia samples sent off in the mail link sections of your DNA with reference databases of populations in other countries. For adoptees or people with uncertain family backgrounds, the tests are finally offering proof about their heritage. It means Brits become citizens of nations such as Ireland, letting them be part of the EU again after Brexit, the Guardian reports. A test kit collects your saliva, a lab extracts the DNA, and your genetic information is compared to the DNA data of people from around the world How do DNA ancestry tests work? A test kit collects your saliva, a lab extracts the DNA, and your genetic information is compared to the DNA data of people from around the world. Human DNA is nearly identical from person to person, but there are small differences unique to each individual that are tied to information such as ancestry. Source: NIST Advertisement DNA tests work by analysing genetic fragments from a simple cheek swab, or a drop of spit that are inserted into a test tube and sent off in the mail. They claim to be able to provide insights on everything from ancestry to personality, hair colour and disease risk. Professor Turi King, director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at Bath University, said citizenship applications using DNA testing 'will only grow'. 'The more people take tests and the more people find out their ancestry and who their biological parents are, the more they can use that evidence to get citizenship of a particular country,' she told the Guardian. DNA evidence is helping to prove that people are entitled to Irish citizenship through a parent, a spokesperson for Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed. British man Richard Sayers used evidence from a DNA ancestry test to discover the identity of his father an Irishman born in Galway. The results allowed Mr Sayers who is originally from Liverpool to gain Irish citizenship and rectify his birth certificate last year. British man Richard Sayers (pictured) used evidence from a DNA ancestry test to discover the identity of his father - an Irishman born in Galway The tests - which involve salvia samples sent off in the mail - link sections of your DNA with reference databases of populations in other countries After Brexit stripped the UK of its EU status, becoming a citizen of an EU country once more has allowed him and his family to easily emigrate to Spain. He and his family sold their house in Formby, Merseyside and moved to La Manga back in January, although it's unclear how much time he spends in Ireland. Mr Sayers is one of many featured on the BBC show 'DNA Family Secrets', presented by Professor King and Stacey Dooley. 'I went on the programme because I had no idea who my dad was or where he was from... I just wanted some answers,' he said. Similarly, Arizona man John Portmann was awarded Irish citizenship after finding out he's '100 per cent Irish' from a DNA test. Professor Turi King, director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at Bath University (pictured), said citizenship applications using DNA testing 'will only grow' Stacey Dooley (left) and Professor Turi King at the University of Bath present the BBC series 'DNA Family Secrets' Arizona man John Portmann was awarded Irish citizenship after finding out he's '100 per cent Irish' from a DNA test Mr Portmann was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1963 but was taken into care at a nunnery as a baby and never knew his birth parents, CNN reported. After getting his results, he worked with a 'DNA detective' to identify his biological mother and father. After a drawn-out process with the Irish embassy, his citizenship was granted and Mr Portmann believes he is the first person to be granted Irish citizenship from just a DNA test. 'I want to inspire other adoptees to their constitutional right to citizenship,' said Portmann, a professor of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia. While every individual case is different, the results of a DNA test can offer crucial data that would otherwise be lost to history. Arizona man John Portmann was awarded Irish citizenship after finding out he's '100 per cent Irish' from a DNA test. He's pictured with his biological first cousin in Dublin They can help trace biological relatives, offering key information for people of a mysterious origin, although depending on country they may not be accepted as sole proof. According to the UK's Home Office, DNA testing can be submitted to support a British passport application but not on its own. 'DNA evidence on its own does not provide enough grounds to issue or refuse a passport,' the Home Office website says. 'It must be used together with other supporting evidence linking the customer to the claimed parents.' Meanwhile the US government says: 'Genetic testing helps verify a genetic but not gestational relationship in the absence of sufficient evidence to establish such a relationship.' British skygazers have been left baffled by an almost apocalyptic vision in the sky. Across the country, people watched in confusion as the sky, sun, and moon all turned a deep blood red. Keen skygazers flocked to social media to share photos of the strange event, with one confused commenter calling it 'totally nuts and spooky'. Before you panic that the red skies could be a sign that the world is about to end, thankfully there's a simple explanation. Experts say the sudden change in Britain's sky is actually due to wildfires over 4,000 miles away in North America. Your browser does not support iframes. Skywatchers in the UK were treated to stunning sunsets this weekend as the sun itself appeared to turn bright red as pictured here over St Albans On social media, some commenters were baffled as the sun appeared to change colour without any explanation on Sunday Why did the sky turn red over the UK? Wildfires in Canada have driven smoke into the upper atmosphere. The jet stream carried that smoke more than 4,000 miles to the atmosphere above the UK. Since smoke particles are very small, they only block high-frequency wavelengths of light. This means that blue light is diffused but red and yellow light passes through. That makes the sun and moon appear to become bright red. Advertisement On Sunday, many around the country were surprised to notice that the sun had suddenly become dark red, seemingly without explanation. One skywatcher wrote on X that the sun 'literally turned red at sunset', adding that they had 'never seen anything like it in my life'. Others reported spotting 'unreal' sunsets from Portsmouth to Birmingham. While this event is certainly rare, there is nothing unnatural about these strange visions. Andrea Bishop, a Met Office spokesperson, told MailOnline: 'Vivid and dramatic looking sunrise and sunsets were spotted in the UK, in part, due to a layer of wildfire smoke that's been present in the upper atmosphere this weekend.' Throughout this summer, wildfires have raged across the US and Canada sending masses of smoke particles rising into the upper atmosphere. Ms Bishop adds: 'Smoke particles from wildfires across the Atlantic have been carried over by the jet stream.' Over London, skywatchers spotted the sun dramatically change colour and take on a strange red appearance in the afternoon These images of the red sun were caused by the buildup of smoke particles from North American wildfires in the upper atmosphere as pictured here in Manchester This photo, taken in Birmingham, shows how smoke in the atmosphere scatters short-wavelength light so that we can only see the red part of the spectrum The jet stream is a fast-moving current hundreds of miles wide which runs about five to seven miles above Earth. The smoke that is reaching the UK is being carried by the Polar Jet Stream which is triggered by the collision of cool air from the North and warm air from the South. This stream changes intensity and path throughout the year but is currently blowing directly from North America to Britain, leading to a build-up of smoke particles in the atmosphere. Thankfully these particles are too high up to be a risk to anyone's health but they do result in some strange and spectacular sunsets. When light from the Sun arrives at Earth it contains a relatively even balance of frequencies from across the visible spectrum. However, as that light collides with smoke particles in the air, some of the light is scattered in a process called diffusion. This image from the Copernicus weather satellite shows how the smoke in the jet stream will travel by 6pm tonight Thankfully the smoke in the atmosphere is too high up to harm our health so we can safely enjoy the stunning sunsets it creates like this one in Portsmouth Because the smoke particles are very small, more of the shorter wavelengths such as blue and green are scattered while long wavelengths like red and yellow pass through. So, from Earth, when we see the sun we are only seeing the red part of its light spectrum which gives it its unusual colour. Similar effects occur during intense Saharan dust storms called 'Scirocco' events in which desert dust diffuses the sunlight. Winds whipping over the desert can carry fine dust high into the atmosphere where strong winds can occasionally drive it over the UK. In 2023, some Britons woke up to a red dawn, hazy skies, and found a thin coating of dust over their cars. The Met Office says the sun may continue to appear bright red until this evening. Pictured, the sun photographed from Merseyside Ms Bishop says: 'This weekend's smoke is expected to diffuse by tomorrow morning but you might just get a chance to see more dramatic views this evening.' That red hue will be particularly good news for any budding stargazers since tonight is also a rare blue supermoon. A supermoon appears slightly larger than normal because our lunar satellite is at the closest point to Earth in its orbit, also called the perigee. During tonight's supermoon, the moon will appear up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than normal. However, the combination of red skies and a 'blue' moon will not result in any stunning purple combination. That is because the term 'blue moon' just refers to the fact that this is the third full moon of the month and has nothing to do with the colour. However, with some lingering atmospheric smoke this supermoon should still appear bright and colourful this evening. Keen stargazers are in for an exceedingly rare treat this evening, as a blue supermoon lights up the sky. A supermoon occurs only three or four times a year as the moon reaches its closest point to Earth. That makes our lunar satellite appear up to 14 per cent larger and a third brighter than normal, leading to some truly spectacular views while the moon is full for the next three days. This lunar display is even rarer than a standard supermoon, as it coincides with the first blue moon since August last year and will appear dark red due to wildfire ash in the atmosphere. But you'd better make sure to get a good look this evening - as there won't be another blue supermoon until 2037. Stargazers will have an exceptionally rare treat this evening as a blue supermoon lights up the northern hemisphere. Pictured, the blue supermoon over Sydney today The moon's orbit around Earth isn't exactly circular but rather follows an elliptical pattern which causes the distance between the two to change as the year goes by. Normally, the moon orbits Earth at a distance of around 238,600 miles (384,000 km) but its closest point, or perigee, that distance is significantly reduced. When a full moon is within 90 per cent of the moon's closest point to Earth, it is considered a supermoon. Tonight, the moon will be 14,300 miles (23,000km) closer than normal, a difference equivalent to almost twice the diameter of the Earth. From our perspective on Earth, this causes us to see the moon as larger and brighter in the sky. A supermoon refers to a full moon which occurs as the moon reaches its closest point to Earth. Pictured, the last full blue supermoon rises over Victoria Tower in Huddersfield A blue moon happens once every two or three years and refers to either the second full moon in a calendar month or to the third full moon in a season with four moons as is the case tonight. However, being a blue moon does not mean that the colour of the moon will appear blue. In fact, tonight's moon will likely appear with red colouration due to the presence of ash particles in the upper atmosphere. Wildfires in North America have lifted ash into the upper atmosphere which has been carried to the UK by the jet stream where it diffuses light from the Sun. Since the ash mainly allows long-wavelength red light to pass, the sun and moon will both appear to take on a reddish hue. The moon can very rarely turn blue when volcanic dust is shot into the atmosphere, but this is not related to the term 'blue moon' in its current usage. Tonight's display will be made even more impressive as dust from wildfires causes the moon to become dark red. Pictured, the moon rises over the Rande Bridge in Vigo, Spain As smoke in the atmosphere scatters light reflected from the moon it takes on a striking red tint. Pictured, the moon last night seen from Parliament Hill, London It has been suggested that the term blue moon comes from the old English word 'belewe' which means to betray' since a blue moon would have made it difficult to calculate the timing of lent. Supermoons happen about three or four times a year, with the next ones falling on August 18, October 17, and November 16. However, for a supermoon to fall on the same day as a blue moon is exceptionally uncommon. The last time this happened was on August 31 last year, but if you miss tonight's blue supermoon you will have to wait until 2037 for the next one. With nights still fairly short over the UK and much of the northern hemisphere, it will be important to head out at the right time to get a good chance of seeing tonight's blue supermoon. There have been blue supermoons in 2023 and 2018 (pictured over Downside Abbey in Somerset). Before then, the last blue supermoon was in 1866 If you miss the blue supermoon over the next three days, the next opportunity to see one will be in 2037. Pictured, a blue moon rises by the Shard in London on Saturday When the moon is lower on the horizon we perceive it as being bigger than it is in reality due to a phenomenon called the 'moon illusion'. By looking out for the moon shortly after it rises you can use this effect to your advantage and get even more spectacular views. Professor Richard de Grijs, of Macquarie University, told The Guardian: 'At dusk, it should actually look largest because of the way that light is reflected by the atmosphere. 'If people want to see a larger than usual moon, look today at dusk towards the horizon.' The moon will rise at around 20:30 BST this evening, shortly after the sun sets over England. To see the moon while it is still low on the horizon, head out around sunset and try to find a spot with a good view of the horizon. Since the moon will be very low at this time any buildings or trees will make it much harder to see. Unfortunately, the weather for this evening will not be brilliant for stargazing as the Met Office predicts cloud and rain over much of the country However, with the moon at its biggest and brightest, it should be easy to see throughout the whole evening wherever there are clear skies. You won't need any special equipment to get a great view but budding astronomers could use a pair of binoculars or a small telescope to spot some of the moon's features. Unfortunately, the Met Office weather forecast for this evening does not suggest that there will be great conditions. By 22:00 BST, most of the country will be blanketed in thick cloud cover with only a few small breaks over London and the South East of England. Meanwhile, rain is forecast over the west of the UK from Cornwall up to Scotland throughout the evening and continuing into the early hours of the morning. Andrea Bishop, a Met Office Spokesperson told MailOnline: 'The weather forecast is not looking too favourable this evening, with cloud and outbreaks of rain spreading eastward across the UK. 'The far east of East Anglia and southeast England may see the supermoon before the cloud moves in. Then during the early hours onwards, northern and western areas will see clearing skies, allowing the moon to be visible until dawn.' However, the moon will remain full for three days so better opportunities may present themselves as we go into the week. A controversial linen shroud - regarded by some to be the one Jesus was buried in - has baffled the world for more than centuries. When it was first exhibited in the 1350s, the Shroud of Turin was touted as the actual burial shroud used to wrap the mutilated body of Christ after his crucifixion. Also known as the Holy Shroud, it bears a faint image of the front and back of a bearded man, which many believers is Jesus' body miraculously imprinted onto the fabric. But research in the 1980s appeared to debunk the idea it was real after dating it to the Middle Ages, hundreds of years after Christ's death. Now, Italian researchers who used a new technique involving x-rays to date the material have confirmed it was manufactured around the time of Jesus about 2,000 years ago. Scientists have used a technique called Wide-Angle X-ray scattering to predict that the age of the shroud of Turin is close to 2000 years old Italian researchers used a special X-ray technique to look at how the Shroud of Turin's threads (pictured) have aged, revealing it was manufactured around the time of Christ They say the fact the timelines add up lends credence to the idea that the faint, bloodstained pattern of a man with his arms folded in front were left behind by Jesus' dead body. The Bible states that Joseph of Arimathea wrapped the body of Jesus in a linen shroud and placed it inside the tomb. Matthew 27:59-60 reads: 'Then Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a new linen cloth. He put Jesus body in a new tomb that he had dug in a wall of rock. Then he closed the tomb by rolling a very large stone to cover the entrance. After he did this, he went away.' The burial cloth has captivated the imagination of historians, church chiefs, skeptics and Catholics since it was first presented to the public in the 1350s. French knight Geoffroi de Charny gave it to the dean of the church in Lirey, France, proclaiming it as the Holy Shroud. The Bible states that, Joseph of Arimathea wrapped the body of Jesus in a linen shroud and placed it in a new tomb It has been preserved since 1578 in the royal chapel of the cathedral of San Giovanni Battista in Turin, Italy. The cloth appears to show faint, brownish images on the front and back, depicting a gaunt man with sunken eyes who was about 5ft 7 to 6ft tall. Markings on the body also correspond with crucifixion wounds of Jesus mentioned in the Bible, including thorn marks on the head, lacerations on the back and bruises on the shoulders. Historians have suggested that the cross he carried on his shoulders weighed around 300 pounds, which would have left contusions. The Bible states Jesus was whipped by the Romans, aligning with the lacerations on the back, who also placed crown of thorns on his head before the crucifixion. The 14-foot-long Shroud of Turin is touted as wrapping used for Jesus' body after the crucifixion, which shows a faint, bloodstained pattern of a man with his arms folded in front In 1988, a team of international researchers analyzed a small piece of the shroud using carbon dating and determined the cloth seemed to have been manufactured sometime between 1260 and 1390 AD. This technique used the decay of a radioactive isotope of carbon (14C) to measure the time and date objects containing carbon-bearing material. Some experts have said that the linen's authenticity should no longer be disputed, claiming it was made from flax grown in the Middle East and features a helmet-style crown of thorns on the man's face. However, others have held on to the notion that it is fake due to the 1988 radiocarbon dating analysis conducted at three different laboratories, which all determined it was only seven centuries old. The Shroud of Turin features the image of a man with sunken eyes, which experts have analyzed under different filters to study it (pictured) For the new study, scientists at Italy's Institute of Crystallography of the National Research Council conducted a recent study using wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The technique measures the natural aging of flax cellulose and converts it to time since manufacture. The team studied eight small samples of fabric from the Shroud of Turin, putting them under an X-ray to uncover tiny details of the linen's structure and cellulose patterns. Cellulose is made up of long chains of sugar molecules linked together that break over time, showing how long a garment or cloth has been around. To date the shroud, the team used specific aging parameters, including temperature and humidity, which cause significant breakdown of cellulose. The scientists obtained small samples of the shroud of Turin (left) and exposed it to Wide-Angle X-ray radiation to create an image of the linen sample (right) which was used for dating What is the Shroud of Turin? The Shroud of Turin is a 14-foot-long linen cloth with a faint image of a crucified man. The image on the shroud is believed to reflect the story of Jesus' crucifixion, giving rise to the belief that the cloth is the burial shroud of Jesus himself. The authenticity of the shroud has been frequently brought into question over the years but there are also many studies claiming to validate its origin. It is considered to be one of the most intensely studied human artefacts in history. Since it first emerged in 1354 Vatican authorities have repeatedly gone back and forth on whether it should be considered the true burial shroud. The shroud is currently stored at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin but is only publicly displayed on special occasions. Advertisement Based on the amount of breakdown, the team determined that the shroud of Turin was likely kept at temperatures at about 72.5 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of around 55 percent for about 13 centuries before it arrived in Europe. If it had been kept in different conditions, the aging would be different. Researchers then compared the cellulose breakdown in the shroud to other linens found in Israel that date back to the first century. 'The data profiles were fully compatible with analogous measurements obtained on a linen sample whose dating, according to historical records, is 55-74 AD, found at Masada, Israel [Herod's famous fortress built on a limestone bedrock overlooking the Dead Sea],' reads the study published in the journal Heritage. The team also compared the shroud with samples from linens manufactured between 1260 and 1390 AD, finding none were a match. 'To make the present result compatible with that of the 1988 radiocarbon test, the Shroud of Turn should have been conserved during its hypothetical seven centuries of life at a secular room temperature very close to the maximum values registered on the earth,' the study reads. Lead author Dr Liberato De Caro said in a statement that the 1988 test should be deemed as incorrect because 'Fabric samples are usually subject to all kinds of contamination, which cannot be completely removed from the dated specimen.' 'If the cleaning procedure of the sample is not thoroughly performed, carbon-14 dating is not reliable,' he added. The shroud has been preserved since 1578 in the royal chapel of the cathedral of San Giovanni Battista in Turin, Italy Previous studies have also used X-ray analysis to confirm that the flax used to make the linen in the shroud (pictured) was grown in the Middle East 'This may have been the case in 1988, as confirmed by experimental evidence showing that when moving from the periphery towards the center of the sheet, along the longest side, there is a significant increase in carbon-14.' Scientists have long been studying the Shroud of Turin with hopes of solving the centuries-old mystery. More than 170 peer-reviewed academic papers have been published about the mysterious linen since the 1980s, with many concluded it to be genuine. Testing in the 1970s looked at whether the images were made through painting, scorching or other agents, but they none could be confirmed. Another group of experts from the Institute of Crystallography announced in 2017 that they had found evidence that the shroud featured the blood of a torture victim. They claimed to have identified substances like creatinine and ferritin that are usually found in patients who suffer forceful traumas. The alleged findings contradicted claims the face of Jesus was painted on by forgers in medieval times. A rogue, hyper-speed object over 27,306 times the size of Earth is hurtling so fast through our galaxy that it might break free of the Milky Way, according to NASA. Scientists determined the mysterious object was cruising at a breakneck one million miles per hour when they spotted it more than 400 light years from Earth - one light-year is equal to six trillion miles. While experts have not determined what the newfound celestial body is, they speculated it is a 'brown dwarf,' a star which is larger than a planet but lacks the mass to sustain long-term nuclear fusion in its core like Earth's sun. If the object confirmed as a brown dwarf, it would be first-ever to be documented in a chaotic, hyper-speed orbit capable of breaking free from our home galaxy. A rogue, hyper-speed object - over 27,306 times the size of Earth - is hurtling so fast through our galaxy that it might break free of the Milky Way, according to NASA. The fast-moving object (NASA artist's image above, right) is estimated to be cruising at 1 million miles-per hour A coalition of citizen-scientists with NASA's 'Backyard Worlds: Planet 9' project were the first to spot the celestial body, the US space agency confirmed this week. 'I can't describe the level of excitement,' German citizen-scientist Martin Kabatnik, a long-time member of NASA's Backyard Worlds program, said in statement. 'When I first saw how fast it was moving,' the Nuremberg-based researcher confessed, 'I was convinced it must have been reported already.' Backyard Worlds citizen-scientists Martin Kabatnik, Thomas P. Bickle and Dan Caselden were the first to spot this million mph object a few years ago, earning the hyper-speed object the catalogued name CWISE J124909.08+362116.0. According to astronomer Dr Kyle Kremer, who has collaborated with them on better understanding the object, several astrophysics theories could explain how the object, CWISE J1249 for short, could have gotten to its incredible speed. In one theory, CWISE J1249 rocketed out of a two star or binary star system after its 'white dwarf' sister star died off collapsing in an explosive runaway nuclear fusion reaction called a supernova. Another viable theory has it that CWISE J1249 originated inside a tight cluster of starts called a 'globular cluster' where it was flung free via the pull of a black hole. 'When a star encounters a black hole binary,' Dr Kremer said in a NASA statement on the discovery, 'the complex dynamics of this three-body interaction can toss that star right out of the globular cluster.' The volunteers who make up NASA's 'Backyard Worlds' work with interstellar image data taken by NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) - a huge 'all sky' survey that ran from 2009-2011 and again from 2013-2024. Above, the WISE telescope (artist's concept) NASA's WISE telescope scans led to the discovery of thousands of minor planets in our galaxy and the first Earth 'trojan asteroid,' a rock that orbits the same ring around the sun as our own planet. Above, a WISE mosaic 'the Heart and Soul nebulae' about 6,000 light-years from Earth A host of university academics and government scientists, including members of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, have now drafted up a report on these volunteer citizen-scientists' observations, awaiting peer review at Cornell's arXiv site. These experts, including an astronomer from the University of Leicester and an astrophysicist with the American Museum of Natural History, have made their own case that the object is a 'hypervelocity L subdwarf.' That would make it among the smallest objects to qualify as a brown dwarf ever documented. The international group of volunteers who make up NASA's 'Backyard Worlds' work with interstellar image data taken by NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) a huge 'all sky' survey that ran from 2009-2011 and again from 2013-2024. NASA's WISE telescope scans led to the discovery of thousands of minor planets in our galaxy, multiple star clusters and the first Earth 'trojan asteroid,' meaning a rock that orbits the same ring around the sun as our own planet. It has been NASA's hope that members of the general public, like Backyard Worlds' team, will make even more discoveries with this vast haul of outer space data. The researchers tested 100 scenarios to see where high-speed CWISE J1249 might go next. The team found multiple scenarios (straight grey lines above) where this L subdwarf is likely to fling itself out of the Milky Way (the blue-dotted circle is the boundary of our Milky Way) According to NASA, scientists plan to train further equipment on CWISE J1249 in an effort to get a better sense of its chemical make-up or 'elemental composition.' The chemistry of this high-speed object could hold 'clues about which of these scenarios is more likely,' whether it was flung by a black hole or a collapsing white dwarf, whether it is a gas giant or a burning brown dwarf. Using open source software for modeling galactic orbits of celestial bodies, called galpy, these researchers tested '100 random initial conditions' alongside the identifying data they already know about CWISE J1249 to see where it might go next. As published in their arXiv paper, which is awaiting peer-review with the Astrophysical Journal Letters, the team found multiple scenarios where this suspected 'hypervelocity L subdwarf' is likely to fling itself out of the Milky Way. 'Given the uncertainties in the inferred velocities and potential models,' the team wrote in their study, 'we find that [WISE] J1249+3621 has a significant probability of being unbound to the Milky Way.' '17 percent of our simulated orbits are unbound over 10 gigayears,' they added, meaning that the object could eject itself into the unknown in about 10 billion years. The 'curious' goats are 'always hungry' and visitors can buy goat food for them You've heard of ghost towns, but what about goat towns? Les Lindarets in the French Alps is often referred to as 'Goat Village' - because during the summer months, it becomes overrun with 'friendly' goats that roam free and welcome passing tourists. According to Vallee d'Aulps, a local tourism website, the goats are 'always curious' and 'always hungry' and visitors can buy special croquettes to feed them with from local shops. In addition to its unique residents, the village, near the resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil ski area, boasts ancient chalets, cafes, restaurants and Alpine meadows reminiscent of a 'bygone world'. The village has become quite the tourist attraction and has gained a four out of five-star rating on Tripadvisor based on nearly 200 reviews. Les Lindarets is often referred to as 'Goat Village' - because during the summer months, it becomes overrun with 'friendly' goats that roam free and welcome passing tourists The picturesque hamlet is located in the French Alps near the resorts of Avoriaz and Morzine in the Portes du Soleil ski area One reviewer, 'Helen H', wrote: 'Brilliant chance to meet the mountain goats. This is well worth the trip to walk through the village and feed [them]. 'The shops sell goat food and the friendly goats will allow you to hand feed them, although some of the cheekier ones will definitely try to pinch the whole bag.' User 'susanann7' described the village as a 'delight', noting that the 'mountain views are stunning'. She added: 'Children can feed the wandering goats and everyone has a smile on their face.' According to Vallee d'Aulps website: 'The Lindarets village is without a doubt a must for all families who come to this area to immerse themselves in an authentic experience. The village has become quite the tourist attraction and has gained a four out of five-star rating on Tripadvisor. To get there, visitors have the option of driving or taking a Gondola lift from a nearby village During the winter months, the goats live in their stables and the village transforms under a blanket of snow 'Come discover a real local hamlet with its chalets, mountain pastures and their very own famous goats.' To get to the village, visitors can drive 20 minutes from Morzine following the main road to Avoriaz, before turning off and heading up a winding steep road to Les Lindarets. There's also the option of taking the Ardent Gondola lift, located a 20-minute drive from Morzine, which takes visitors straight to the village. During the winter months, the goats live in their stables and the village becomes partially hidden under a thick blanket of snow. The main road becomes a ski slope and is a popular stop-off point for skiers and snowboarders. Advertisement 'I wanted to showcase the natural beauty of the country from a perspective that highlights its unique patterns and harmonious balance between human activity and nature.' So says 35-year-old landscape photographer Daniel Kordan of his stunning aerial Vietnam series. Award-winning Daniel, based in Bali, Indonesia, specialises in aerial photography and has travelled everywhere from Japan and Myanmar to Antarctica, Iceland and Italy, capturing 'unique' scenery from above. He posts the images to his Instagram account (@danielkordan), where he has gained over two million followers, and sells prints of his work on his website (danielkordan.com). He said: 'My work is driven by a passion for exploring the world's most beautiful and remote places and sharing those perspectives with others.' From an otherworldly bay to cascading waterfalls with azure waters, Daniel shared 17 jaw-dropping pictures of Vietnam with MailOnline Travel that will set your wanderlust for the country ablaze. Scroll down to decide which one is your favourite. This moody image shows the Ban Gioc Waterfalls - a 'unique' waterfall on the Quay Son River, straddling the border between Vietnam and China. The multi-tiered waterfall sits in the Trung Khanh District of Cao Bang Province in northern Vietnam Daniel says the Ban Gioc waterfalls (above) were difficult to capture due to 'complex regulations around drone usage', which required 'careful planning'. He needed to complete 'tons of paperwork' to fly his drone above the waterfall and 'capture the images without any legal or logistical issues'. The result? This stunning sunset picture that captures Ban Gioc's azure waters This spellbinding aerial image shows the Quay Son River meandering through Phong Nam Valley in Trung Khanh, a mountainous district in the Cao Bang Province. Daniel says: 'This country's vibrant terraces, winding rivers and dynamic coastal lines offer endless opportunities to capture its beauty from above' Daniel says his favourite part of capturing the country was seeing how each shot 'revealed a different facet of Vietnam's beauty, offering a glimpse into the country's soul'. Pictured are the lush rolling hills of the Long Coc tea valley in the northern mountainous province of Phu Tho Daniel reveals that a lot of preparation goes into taking the perfect shot. He uses tools such as Google Maps and satellite imagery to 'identify potential compositions', adding: 'Failing to properly plan and research locations can result in missed opportunities or suboptimal shots.' The above image shows the rugged mountainous terrain of Cao Bang While Daniel will often have a few specific shots in mind before a photo shoot, he says: 'I always leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best photos come from being open to what the environment offers at that moment, letting inspiration strike as I explore from above.' Above are the cloudy mountains in Cao Bang Daniel says: 'The most challenging aspect of capturing Vietnam was dealing with the unpredictable weather, especially in the mountainous regions. Fog, rain and strong winds can all impact the quality of aerial shots, making timing and patience essential.' The sprawling mountain range in Cao Bang is pictured above 'Amateurs often underestimate the importance of lighting in aerial photography,' Daniel says. 'The time of day, especially during golden hour, can dramatically affect the mood and quality of the shots.' The above image shows Phong Nam Valley in Cao Bang partially covered by clouds with the Quay Son River running through it One of Daniel's favourite shots is of the terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chi (above) in Yen Bai Province. Daniel says: 'The lush green steps carve into the mountainside, showcasing both natural beauty and human ingenuity'. This picture stands out to him because it 'perfectly encapsulates the unique blend of nature and culture that makes Vietnam so special' Pictured above is Long An province of the Mekong Delta - a network of rivers, swamps, and islands in southern Vietnam. During the rainy season in the delta, from June to November, women steer long-tail boats to harvest water lilies. Daniel says: 'The river life is both fascinating and photogenic' Daniel says: 'Beyond the physical beauty, it's the people of Vietnam, with their warmth, resilience and deep connection to the land, that make the country truly special. This connection is evident in every aspect of life, from the way they farm to the way they interact with their environment.' Pictured above are the rice fields in Mu Cang Chai Daniel describes Vietnam's scenery as 'very authentic' and says it's like stepping 'centuries back in time'. Pictured above is the view from Nui Thung, also known as 'Angel Eye Mountain'. It's located in the Cao Bang province and gets its name from the enormous hole in the centre of the mountain This image shows Ho Thuy Tien, an abandoned waterpark by a natural lake a few miles south of the city of Hue, central Vietnam. It was built in 2004, reportedly costing $3million, and closed a few years later. It's now a popular site for backpackers, with the main attraction being 'The Dragon' (pictured), built on a pier on the southern side of the lake Daniel says he 'hoped to evoke a sense of wonder and admiration for Vietnam' through his photographs, to encourage 'viewers to appreciate its rich cultural and natural heritage'. The above image shows the Ba Den or Black Virgin Mountain near Tay Ninh City, which has a summit 986m (3,324ft) above sea level and boasts the giant Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue at its summit Daniel primarily uses high-resolution drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, which 'offer excellent image quality, stability and control' and 'are essential for capturing detailed and dynamic aerial shots'. He adds: 'I also use a variety of lenses and filters to adapt to different lighting conditions and perspectives'. Here, Ba Den Mountain is pictured amid the clouds Daniel says Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam, 'with its surreal limestone islands', is one of his favourite places in the country. He says it offers 'otherworldly views that are perfect for aerial photography' The holidays are in full swing, and that means sun, sea, sand and... scams. Even the well-travelled and cautious can be caught off-guard by a clever ruse. And they often happen when least expected. Want to avoid being swindled? Tourists have shared some common scams to watch out for on Reddit. User 'pelican678' started the discussion on the 'Travel' forum when they asked: 'What's the worst scam you've fallen for while travelling?' From tourists being handed fake notes as a distraction to seemingly sweet boat-tour operators running a racket, read on for the lowdown on deceptions around the world... The taxi scam Want to avoid being swindled? Tourists have shared some common scams to watch out for on Reddit. One of the most common hustles is taxi drivers lying about having a 'broken meter' and then overcharging for the ride Perhaps one of the most common scams travellers fall victim to is overcharging taxis - with many Redditors warning tourists to never pay at the end of a ride. 'User 'countlesskillalot' claimed many taxi drivers in Morocco will 'tell you their meter is broken and charge you a hefty fee'. They added: 'I've literally gotten out of taxis because of that because they would always overcharge.' User 'pelican678' wrote: 'Taxis in foreign countries can be a huge scam, especially once they clock you're a tourist. Uber has hugely helped things, at least they have a good customer support service and means of disrupting charges.' 'SquareVehicle' agreed: 'Uber and other ride-sharing were absolutely game-changing when they appeared.' The two-bill scam Scammers may try to deceive tourists by pretending they've given them a note that is too low in value Tourists should keep a close eye on their cash, especially in countries where they aren't familiar with the currency, as some scammers may try to deceive them. User 'Harperfin' experienced this in Morocco, where he pointed out the purple 20 Moroccan Dirham (1.60/$2) note looks similar to the blue 200 Dirham note (15.90/$20.40). They explained: 'A waiter in a restaurant scammed me by taking my money, then running back out and insisting I'd mistakenly given him a smaller value bill. He distracted me by waving the money all around and talking rapidly.' 'NoStructure371' added: 'A similar thing happened to me in Amsterdam. A beer was eight euros and I gave him 50 euros and the bartender gave me back a two euro coin like no big deal, shortchanging me by 40 euros thinking I wouldn't say anything.' User 'Angle_Of_The_Sangle' dubbed it a 'classic' scam. They wrote: 'When I was trained as a cashier, they taught us that when the customer hands you a bill, you lay that across the till while you make the change. You don't accept their $20 and put it away in the cash drawer because they could claim they handed you $100.' The handwritten note scam Travellers should be cautious of anyone approaching them with a handwritten note, as many Redditors warn that it could be a distraction tactic used by scammers to steal valuables, including phones. User 'GooeyPig' almost fell victim to the trick at a McDonald's in Paris, where a man approached their table and placed down a handwritten note. They explained: 'I leaned in to try read it but he kept sliding it towards him, so I grabbed it off the table, told him I couldn't read it and handed it back. He walked off.' The user claimed their friend narrowly avoided a phone theft, he explained: '[The scammer] had put the note directly on top of my friend's phone and had been sliding it all towards him. Couldn't hide the phone once I took the note.' User 'angry_llana_pants', who had a similar experience, responded: 'Happened to a friend of mine at a cafe in Athens. A woman came up shaking a note over the top of the table while speaking rapid Greek. My friend had her phone on the table, the scammer distracted her enough and stole the phone.' The bracelet scam Redditors claim many scammers will insist on giving tourists bracelets - and then demand payment after strapping it on Travellers should not just watch their wallets, but their wrists too, according to Redditors who claim many scammers will insist on giving tourists bracelets and then demand payment. User 'not_cthulhu' recalled a trip to Japan where a man dressed as a monk approached them, gave them a bracelet and said 'some nice affirming words' before demanding a 'ludicrous donation'. User 'kummer5peck' experienced something similar in Athens. They wrote: 'People aggressively try to give you these bracelets saying they are performing an African dance later. I'm not sure if it is so much a scam as much as it is annoying people until they give them money to be left alone. Either way, it worked on me. I gave the five euros.' The 'baby needs food' scam Many scammers will try to play on people's heartstrings, according to Redditors who pointed out a common scam involving baby formula. User 'ph_gwailo' dubbed it the 'my baby needs food scam', after falling victim to the hustle in Havana, Cuba. They wrote: 'You are lured into a general store with a pity story - a man's baby can't eat because the government won't sell him enough baby formula. You then buy it for him, only for him to return it to the store later for cash.' 'SundayRed' described the scam as 'pretty mild in the overall scheme of things'. They wrote: 'My wife fell for the "please help me buy baby formula" in Mumbai. Ended up going into the shop and buying a s***load of groceries for a woman who I'm 99 per cent sure was on the store's payroll. 'Still, very inexpensive with no repercussion and ultimately helping someone, even if slightly dubious.' The boat tour scam Redditor 'loosey_goosey175' revealed how they were scammed by a seemingly innocent elderly boat-tour operator in Thailand Be careful who you book a tour with. Redditor 'loosey_goosey175' revealed how they were scammed by a seemingly innocent elderly boat-tour operator. They revealed: 'Me and my partner went to Thailand and we really wanted to go on a boat tour around some islands. I remember I was thinking "be careful, there are a lot of scammers who will tell me a random price", [so] I chose this elderly man who looked really innocent and sweet. 'We decided on a tour and asked for a price. He said that the price of this tour for the two of us would be around 130, which sounds pretty fair for a whole day's tour with lunch and a few snorkelling stops along the way. We reserved our seats, paid everything and patiently waited for tomorrow. 'As tomorrow comes we go to the "meeting point". Eventually, after waiting more than 1.5 hours... we went looking for that man, thinking "oh, maybe he forgot about us". [But] his "place" was empty and locked, so naturally we asked other sellers where that man was. One said: "Sadly [he] passed away late last night." 'Now the best part of the story. Three days after that "passing away" news, we were walking around that same spot and we see him there! I couldn't believe my eyes. So moral of the story, don't trust anyone - even sweet-looking elders. 'We were left without the refund because he said: "I've never seen you before in my life." (Even though we showed him our tickets that he gave us that day.)' Mel B put on a loved up display with her fiance Rory McPhee in a new post on Saturday. The Spice Girls star, 49, has been engaged to hairdresser Rory, 36, since November 2022 and took to social media to share a romantic snap of them both on a getaway. She wrote on Instagram: 'Holidays with my love. Sun relax an lots of explring all the time can we do this again? Plzzzzz' In the picture, Mel was wearing a matching black-and-white stiped top and flared trouser set which allowed her to show off her toned tummy. Rory showed off some flesh too as he kept cool in a simple white vest and loose beige chinos. Mel B put on a loved up display with her fiance Rory McPhee in a new post on Saturday and wished they could do their holiday all over again The picture comes just days after hopes of a Spice Girls reunion were dashed amid a feud between Mel and her bandmate Geri Halliwell (L-R Melanie C, Geri, Victoira Beckham, Emma Bunton and Mel B) She also shared the post to her Instagram Story, where she added a heart emoji. Mel - who was previously married to Jimmy Gultzar and Stephen Belafonte and has Phoenix, 2,, Angel, 17, and Madison, 12, - made the post just days after Geri Horner pulled the plug on plans for a new Spice Girls reunion tour. The group, also made up of Melanie C and Emma Bunton, had been in discussions about another run of dates and had even made contact with Victoria Beckham about a possible cameo appearance - with the band excited about replicating the success of their last shows. But insiders say a bitter rift between Geri and Mel B- who were once so close they allegedly engaged in a fleeting romance - has now driven a wedge between the group and Geri has now walked away entirely. A source told MailOnline: 'Geri has had enough to deal with after all the drama with her husband's relationship with his assistant - it has been a tough enough time - and she's just lost patience with Mel and her little digs and jibes. 'She's walked away and without Geri it's really not going to happen - in the past she's been a driving force in the group, but she doesn't want to deal with Mel at all at the moment let alone share a stage with her.' Last week saw Mel make fresh jibes at her former friend by wishing her a 'Happy 75th Birthday' online alongside a series of unflattering photographs from their heyday, seemingly a reference to her previous jibes that Geri had lied about her age in the past. Mel, who announced her engagement to Rory, 35, in November in 2022, has seemingly brushed off the feud with her romantic post It comes after the mother-of-three previously shared a rare snap with all three of her children Phoenix (right), Angel (centre-right) and Madison (centre-left) The group had been in discussions about another run of dates and had even made contact with Victoria Beckham about a possible cameo appearance (L-R Geri, Victoria, Emma Bunton, Mel B and Melanie C in 1995) Geri has pulled the plug on plans for a new Spice Girls reunion tour - after her feud with bandmate Mel B turned increasingly ugly Earlier this month saw Mel make fresh jibes at her former friend by wishing her a 'Happy 75th Birthday' online alongside a series of unflattering photographs from their heyday, With the 30th anniversary of their first single approaching, decades of tension now threaten to derail any hopes fans have of seeing the group perform together on stage again. An insider told MailOnline: 'The Spice Girls have been plagued with tensions and rows over the years and they can't escape it, even now they're supposedly older and wiser. 'There has been a personality clash between Geri and Mel B for years and in recent times, Scary Spice has gone out of her way to embarrass Ginger, even making unkind remarks on her birthday. 'The girls will never officially quit the band because the Spice Girls brand is too strong, and they know a potential comeback of any sorts will be lucrative.' Mauricio Umansky was seen enjoying a romantic weekend with his new girlfriend in Mexico. The 54-year-old realtor, whose Netflix show Buying Beverly Hills was canceled, seemed to be taking the bad news in stride while enjoying his tropical vacation. Umansky, who separated from his wife, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards last summer, enjoyed taking a dip with his new lady love Nikita Khan. The couple were staying at the One & Only Mandarina resort near Puerto Vallarta. The resort offers tree houses and cliff villas among its accommodations. Mauricio Umansky, 54, was seen enjoying a romantic weekend with his new girlfriend, Nikita Khan, in Mexico Umansky looked fit in a pair of black and white swim trunks as he and Khan made their way to the warm waters of the Riviera Nayarit in photos obtained by TMZ. His salt and pepper hair appeared to be closely cropped. The reality star wore a gold medallion around his neck. The Ukrainian-born beauty showcased her toned abs in an orange triangle bikini top and seafoam green string bikini bottoms. Her highlighted blonde hair was styled in a high bun and she appeared to be makeup free. It's unclear how long the couple have known each other, but they were first spotted canoodling on holiday on the Greek island of Mykonos in July. The pair were spotted walking side-by-side in the sand. Later they held hands as they strolled toward the waves, where they seemed to enjoy getting close to each other. Umansky looked fit in a pair of black and white swim trunks as he and Khan made their way to the warm waters of the Riviera Nayarit. The Ukrainian-born beauty showcased her toned abs in an orange triangle bikini top and seafoam green string bikini bottoms The pair were spotted walking side-by-side in the sand. Later they held hands as they strolled toward the waves The couple seemed to enjoy some private time alone in the waves. It's unclear how long they have known each other, but the pair were first spotted canoodling on holiday on the Greek island of Mykonos in July Now that season two of Buying Beverly Hills has been cancelled, Umansky will have more time to focus on his newly launched American Real Estate Association, a new trade association for realtors. While Richards, 55, was the one who initiated the marital split, and removed 'wife' from her social media profiles after Umansky went public with his new relationship, neither has apparently filed for divorce. The couple share four daughters; Farrah, 35, from Richards' first marriage to Guraish Aldjufrie, Alexia, 28, Sophia, 24 and Portia, 16. Farrah, Alexia and Sophia have joined their dad in his real estate business at The Agency. The entrepreneur starred on the show alongside Farrah and Alexia. The shows second season premiered on the streamer in March. Sources told Deadline the cancellation is due to viewership, rather than the cost of production. It comes after the latest season shed light on Kyle and Mauricio's marriage woes. Another point of tension on the show was Umansky's strained relationship with brother-in-law Rick Hilton. The rift between the former business partners was the catalyst for The Agency's inception. Earlier this week Netflix axed the reality series Buying Beverly Hills, which highlights Mauricio and real estate agents at his company The Agency; seen in a still from the show The entrepreneur starred on the show alongside daughters Farrah and Alexia Meanwhile his ex Kyle Richards recently supported rumored girlfriend Morgan Wade at her show in Los Angeles; (the two pictured in 2022) There was also a second season narrative based on Kyle and Mauricio's daughter Sophia becoming involved in the family business. The unscripted show premiered in late 2022. One episode also included a scene in which the real estate mogul admitted he was afraid to ask his estranged wife if she is dating her close friend, singer Morgan Wade. There was also a scene that showed the parents sitting down with their daughters they have four in total to address their separation news after it initially hit the media. 'We should talk about that now that we're all here by the way,' Richards began before adding, 'Because coming out of the blue, what happened, it kind of blindsided all of us.' The duo continued to navigate their separation throughout the season two episodes, with Umansky admitting in one episode that he hadn't had a real conversation with his wife in 'two months.' Australian television's exclusive Logie Awards was held in Sydney on Sunday, and a host of A-List stars gathered to celebrate their extraordinary TV success. Home and Away couple Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart, Sonia Kruger and Gold Logie winner Larry Emdur were just some of the stars who made appearances at the star-studded ceremony. However, there were several huge notable absences, with people questioning where Today show host Karl Stefanovic, radio stars Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson and reality TV host Abbie Chatfield were. Stefanovic, who turned 50 on August 12, did not attend as he had already made plans to celebrate his birthday in Sydney, according to The Daily Telegraph. Meanwhile, FBoy Island host Abbie Chatfield, 29, previously revealed she was not attending for a shock reason. 'I'm not going. I don't want to work for free, too much faff. So much faff! My boyfriend gets home, so I'll probably have dinner at home,' she told Yahoo Lifestyle. Radio stars Kyle Sandilands, 53, and Jackie 'O' Henderson, 49, were also noticeably absent, with the shock jock revealing on his breakfast show that he simply didn't feel like going. 'I just can't be bothered,' he revealed on KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O Show, after pulling out of presenting at last year's ceremony to stay home and care for his young son. Today show host Karl Stefanovic (pictured) was noticeably absent from this year's Logie Awards ceremony Other stars also curiously absent from the exclusive event included three-time Gold Logie winner Daryl Somers and Channel Nine veterans Eddie McGuire, Tracy Grimshaw and Sylvia Jefferies. Event host Sam Pant, 50, took a cheeky dig at Somers' joking comments at last year's ceremony, in which he said nominees could participate in an 'auction' for a Logie award. 'Australian television royalty Daryl Somers who playfully attempted to auction off the Gold statue to the seven nominees,' Sam began. 'Now, we won't be doing that again this year... simply because last year it started as a live auction but finished as a silent auction.' Elsewhere, several Married At First Sight stars were said to be 'devastated' they didn't receive an invitation to the exclusive red carpet event. Meanwhile, reality TV star Abbie Chatfield (pictured) chose not to attend the ceremony because she didn't want to 'work for free' This year's extraordinary ceremony saw Channel Seven's presenter Larry Emdur take home the coveted Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television. Taking the stage at the Logies ceremony in Sydney, The Morning Show host had the crowd roaring, making light of the number of times his programs have been axed over the years and his wide range of questionable hosting gigs. Meanwhile, New Zealand actress Rebecca Gibney won the TV Week Hall of Fame Award in a milestone achievement. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Andy Lee was caught out in an awkward moment as he walked the Logie Awards red carpet at The Star Sydney on Sunday night with his fiancee Rebecca Harding. Rebecca was left red faced after the comedian, 43, joked that she was 'flirting with less people' at the star-studded event now that they're engaged. The couple were all smiles as they spoke to Dr Chris Brown on the red carpet after getting engaged following almost ten years of dating. 'There is no turning back now [that you're engaged],' Chris said. 'No and she is flirting a lot less with people down the red carpet. It has not cut out completely but a lot less,' Andy joked. Andy looked dapper as he rocked a classic black tuxedo to the star-studded award's ceremony. Meanwhile, Rebecca, 34, opted for a very elegant baby pink gown which boasted a high neckline and pearl brooch. The couple announced their engagement on May 1 after ten years together. Andy Lee was caught out in an awkward moment as he walked the Logie Awards red carpet at The Star Sydney on Sunday night with his fiancee Rebecca Harding Speaking to The Fox's Fifi, Fev & Nick in June, the comedian revealed he personally designed Bec's engagement ring. 'I thought I had an idea, but I didn't realise how important the ring is,' he said. Andy also opened up about the long-awaited proposal, which had been the subject of engagement rumours and speculation for years. 'Well, I'd waited for 10 years for Bec to propose and I thought, "Bloody hell I'm just going to have to do it",' he joked. 'The hard thing is most people went, "About bloody time",' there was no congratulations, just yelling and (asking) why didn't you do it earlier,' he admitted. Andy got down on one knee at the couples $5million decrepit Melbourne mansion and proposed with a napkin - which symbolised how they met in 2014. Rebecca was left red faced after the comedian, 43, joked that she was 'flirting with less people' at the star-studded event now that they're engaged 'When I first met Bec, in a cafe, she was a waitress, and she was busy and I wrote on a napkin,' Andy recounted. 'I left my email address (on the napkin), which she didn't like, but I just said, 'If you have a boyfriend, just tell him that I'm using you to get to him. I bet he's handsome',' he continued. Andy returned to the same cafe the next morning and wrote another message on the napkin. 'I'd actually gone back to the same cafe, gotten the same napkin again, and I had written, 'If you've got a husband, just tell him that I'm using you to get to him. I bet he's handsome,' he said. 'And I proposed with the napkin, which she loved.' Andy looked dapper as he rocked a classic black tuxedo while Rebecca opted for an elegant baby pink gown which boasted a high neckline and pearl brooch Rebecca and Andy went public with their relationship at the 2015 Australian Open. In 2022, the couple confirmed they had briefly split for six months in 2016 after Rebecca felt 'immense pressure' dating someone in the public eye. However, they soon realised they were meant to be during their time apart. Andy and Rebecca are currently undertaking a $5million renovation project after buying a historic mansion in Melbourne's east. A star of children's band The Wiggles has been mocked for his look at the 2024 Logie Awards. Anthony Field, who played the Blue Wiggle in the band's original lineup, took to the stage on Sunday at Australian TV's night of nights in a very striking getup. Wearing an Old West themed suit, he presented the Logie Award for Best Children's Program alongside his original bandmates Jeff Fatt, Greg Page, and Murray Cook. But some fans noticed that Field, 61, appeared to have been liberal with his spray tan for the night. Viewers of the Logies broadcast took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday to roast the children's entertainer. However, many failed to notice Field's gold tooth which he showed off while smiling. 'Anthony, you should have toned down the fake tan if your fellow Wiggles were not fake tanned lmao,' advised one viewer. 'Anthony Wiggle has given himself the real Trump spray tan tonight,' another jokingly commented. A star of children's band The Wiggles has been mocked for his look at the 2024 Logie Awards. Pictured: original and new lineup of The Wiggles at the 2024 Logies Anthony Field (pictured second from right), who played the Blue Wiggle in the band's original lineup, took to the stage on Sunday at Australian TV's night of nights in a very striking getup Meanwhile, one more viewer mused that Field's appearance suggested a career change might be on the cards. 'Can't wait for Anthony Field to release the Wiggled tequila range with that suit,' joked another X-user. It comes as other viewers tuned in to Channel Seven to mock the show. The award's ceremony went down like a lead balloon with some, and several people shared their thoughts on X. Wearing an American Old West themed suit with cactus, wagon wheel, and snake motifs, the Blue Wiggle presented the Logie Award for Best Children's Program alongside his original bandmates Jeff Fatt (pictured far left), Greg Page (centre right), and Murray Cook (far right) 'Is anyone even going to watch the Logies? Except for Sam Pang, I have zero interest,' wrote one person. Another agreed: 'Literally just said that to the missus. How is the Logies still a thing??' 'The Logies is so f***ing funny bro like the only people really caring about them is the celebrities involved and at the event the only reason it is worth watching is for the Twitter feed,' someone else said. But some fans noticed that Field appeared to have been liberal with his spray tan for the night. Viewers of the Logies broadcast took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday to roast the children's entertainer 'God, are the Logies STILL going?' joked one viewer alongside a crying laughing emoji. 'Does anyone not working in TV actually even care about the logies these days,' one person asked. 'Most irrelevant awards around surely,' they added. Many were also irritated by the frequent promotion for Channel Seven's reality series The Voice throughout the show. 'What's with the Voice promo in the middle of the red carpet banter?' asked one viewer. 'I want to watch the Logies. Not The Voice. How dare they get all cross-promotional on us!' Someone else chimed in: 'Oh god. How many The Voice will we have to sit through tonight?' Yet another added jokingly: 'I do not consent to watching The Voice'. 'Of course channel 7 has to promo their next show during the Logies,' one more person posted. Snow White remake star Rachel Zegler has triggered another storm of controversy while promoting the long-delayed Disney film. The 23-year-old, who has repeatedly sparked anger with her woke views, waded into the Israel-Palestine conflict on X while promoting the blockbuster movie, despite branding experts warning that such antics could trigger a boycott. The New Jersey native took to X on August 12 - two days after posting the trailer - to reply to her own post by saying: 'And always remember, free Palestine.' The teaser trailer shows Zegler as the titular princess, the controversial CGI Seven Dwarfs, and Israeli actress Gal Gadot, 39, as the iconic Evil Queen. Some Israeli publications have taken exception to Zegler's comment and suggested she's insulted Gadot, although there is no suggestion of any tension between the two leading ladies. Disney has tried to move away from hot button issues after finding itself mired in a series of woke controversies blamed for tanking its share price. Zegler herself appeared to have quietened down after angering moviegoers by declaring that she 'hated' the original 1937 Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. She branded the storyline 'weird,' while referring to the Prince character as a 'stalker' and suggested she'd ensured the remake would ensure any fairytale smooching was consensual. Snow White remake star Rachel Zegler, 23, took to X two days after sharing a trailer sneak peak of the film and shared her political views even after facing backlash for past comments The $330million Disney movie, directed by Marc Webb, was scheduled to be released in March 2024, but got delayed after executives had to have 'crisis talks' in order to do some serious damage limitation following the negative response to Zegler's stances. A cast of diverse dwarves have also since been replaced by CGI alternatives which more closely-resemble the little people featured in the original movie. The actress- who has vowed to ensure the remake was more progressive than the original version- previously faced backlash after several videos of her speaking negatively about the original film in various interviews in 2022 resurfaced online. Speaking of her character, Zegler said: 'She's not going to be saved by the prince and she's not going to be dreaming about true love.' As well as being labeled a 'fake feminist,' some critics accused her of 'gaslighting,' while a marketing consultant warned that Disney would 'need to be careful with how they have portrayed Snow White.' Speaking to DailyMail.com, branding expert Carla Speight said: 'Whilst it's been clear that the original Disney Princess films hold old values, Disney have fallen for the trap of going to the opposite extreme to inflict strong and loaded messaging on the viewers - believing that's empowerment. The teaser trailer shows Zegler (left) as the titular princess, the controversial CGI Seven Dwarfs , and Israeli actress Gal Gadot, 39, (right) as the iconic Evil Queen The $330million Disney movie was scheduled to be released in March 2024, but it got delayed after executives had to have 'crisis talks' in order to do some serious damage limitation following the negative response to Zegler's stances. (pictured: Zegler at D23 on August 9) 'There was a time when Disney actors were media trained and were thoughtful about the impact of their words, whilst sticking to key messaging about the films, but it seems with this total rewrite of Snow White, picturing her as a 'boss girl' has gone to the heads of their stars. 'Disney will need to be careful with how they have portrayed Snow White and what they do and don't allow their actors to say about it going forwards. 'They simply cannot repeat the same mistakes and allow their actors to be so vocal in their own personal opinions during promotions,' Speight added. PR expert Nick Ede agreed with Speight and told DailyMail.com that instead of 'embracing her role' as one of the most famed fairytale characters,' Zegler 'has actively chosen to spoil the narrative.' Speaking at the Disney D23 Expo in California in September 2022, Zegler - best known for her breakout role in 'West Side Story' said: 'The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so. 'There's a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird! Weird! So we didn't do that this time. Although Disney has tried to move away from hot button issues, Zegler continues to add fuel to the fire after previously admitting that she 'hated' the original 1937 movie and branded the storyline 'weird,' while referring to the Prince character as a 'stalker' 'We have a different approach to what I'm sure a lot of people will assume is a love story just because we cast a guy in the movie,' she continued, referring to Andrew Burnap, who plays Jonathan- Zegler's love interest in the film. 'All of Andrew's scenes could get cut, who knows? It's Hollywood, baby!' she joked, before admitting in a separate interview that she was 'terrified' when she went on the beloved Snow White ride at Disney World. About the 1937 film, she said: 'I was scared of the original version. I think I watched it once and never picked it up again. I'm being so serious.' 'I watched it once, and then I went on the ride in Disney World, which was called Snow White's Scary Adventures. Doesn't sound like something a little kid would like. I was terrified of it, never revisited Snow White again,' she added in an interview beside Gadot. In a subsequent interview with Late Night host Jimmy Fallon, Zegler claimed to frequently find herself in line for the Disney ride she allegedly so despises. In yet another high-profile interview about the film, Zegler defended the film's newly forced progressive bent: 'People are making these jokes about ours being the PC Snow White ... yeah, it is - because it needed that. About the 1937 film, she said: 'I was scared of the original version. I think I watched it once and never picked it up again. I'm being so serious' The 1937 version of Snow White was the first full-length traditionally animated feature film, and Disney's first animated feature 'Our version is a refreshing story about a young woman who has a function beyond Someday My Prince Will Come.' The Colombian-American actress faced some degree of scrutiny by critics after she was cast as Snow White, who has always been described as having 'skin as white as snow.' In a since-deleted tweet, she wrote: 'Yes I am Snow White; no, I am not bleaching my skin for the role.' Other than Zegler's contentious statements, the seven dwarfs caused their own backlash in the remake. The film received negative attention after it was revealed by DailyMail.com that the dwarfs were to be replaced by seven 'magical (non-dwarf) creatures' in an effort to keep the storytelling in line with the 21st Century's commitment to political correctness. The film received negative attention after it was revealed by DailyMail.com that the dwarfs were to be replaced by seven 'magical (non-dwarf) creatures.' In the trailer, the dwarfs are seen as CGI characters (pictured) They were originally seen on the set of the movie and included a mix of men and women of different ethnicities, with a real dwarf among their number. At first Disney denied these pictures were from the set of the movie - but eventually backtracked. In the trailer, the real-life dwarfs were replaced by CGI characters, dancing and singing along with Zegler. Disney's 1937 version of the film follows Snow White as she befriends the seven dwarfs while hiding from her wicked stepmother who later poisons her with an apple before Prince Charming wakes her from her slumber with a kiss. The plot is loosely based on the 1812 fairytale of the same name by the Brothers Grimm. At the time of its release, it became a massive hit for Disney, earning hundreds of millions of dollars across the globe. It was also the first full-length traditionally animated feature film, and Disney's first animated feature. The new adaptation of Snow White is set to be released in March 2025. Molly-Mae Hague had been growing tired of Tommy Fury 'gallivanting around the world while she was looking after their child', it has been revealed. The influencer took to social media last week to reveal the shock news that she and her boxer fiance, both 25, who share daughter Bambi, had split. In recent months Tommy has travelled to Germany, Hungary, Dubai and Macedonia - where he was spotted 'brazenly kissing a blonde as he downed vodka'. Friends of the couple say the split was a 'long time coming' as Molly-Mae grew tired of his lifestyle while she looked after Bambi, The Mirror revealed on Sunday. A source said: 'Problems had been growing for a while. Increasingly, it seemed like they were living two very different lifestyles.' Molly-Mae Hague had been growing tired of Tommy Fury 'gallivanting around the world while she was looking after their child', it was revealed on Sunday The influencer took to social media last week to reveal the shock news that she and her boxer fiance, both 25, who share daughter Bambi, had split It was revealed earlier on Sunday that Molly-Mae and Tommy upped their security after the boxer was 'heckled' in public and branded a 'cheating scumbag'. Following the news of their split, Tommy was spotted out with Bambi for the first time on Saturday - during which he was said to be heckled by a member of the public. An onlooker told The Sun that they saw him be shouted at by a furious woman in a park, with her calling him a 'cheating scumbag'. The source said: 'Molly-Mae and Tommy have both got security watching over them, it sounds extreme but there has been a massive public reaction to their split. 'Molly-Mae's fans are very angry with Tommy and he has been heckled in public. 'Given they have a young daughter, neither of them are taking any chances.' Molly and Tommy met on Love Island in 2019 and went on to get engaged last year, after welcoming their little girl in January 2023. Tommy was spotted on Saturday for the first time with baby daughter Bambi as they enjoyed an ice cream in the park following his shock split from Molly-Mae. Molly-Mae was pictured looking glum amid the scandal In recent months Tommy has travelled to Germany, Hungary, Dubai and Macedonia - where he was spotted 'brazenly kissing a blonde as he downed vodka Friends of the couple say the split was a 'long time coming' as Molly-Mae grew tired of his lifestyle while she looked after Bambi, The Mirror revealed on Sunday A source said: 'Problems had been growing for a while. Increasingly, it seemed like they were living two very different lifestyles' He was been spotted enjoying an ice cream in a park in Cheshire with his little girl after Molly kicked him out of their 3.5million mansion. He looked downcast as he carried his daughter on the walk before picking up the treat and eating it on a park bench. Tommy, who was also joined by his security, kept casual in grey tracksuit bottoms which he teamed with a fitted white T-shirt. Molly-Mae herself was spotted looking solemn in her Mercedes-AMG G 63 Magno Edition as she departed her Cheshire home for a short solo outing. It came following reports that Tommy was dumped by fiance Molly-Mae after he 'cheated on her with a Danish woman he met' on a holiday in North Macedonia. Molly and Tommy met on Love Island in 2019 (pictured) and went on to get engaged last year, after welcoming their little girl in January 2023 Onlookers have claimed the boxer 'didn't seem to care' who saw him brazenly kiss the blonde as he downed vodka and partied at a nightclub at 2am. They told The Sun: 'This will be heartbreaking for Molly-Mae. He was downing Grey Goose vodka and didn't seem to care who saw him with the girl. He kissed her.' Amid claims Molly-Mae was sent footage of Tommy, another onlooker claimed the reality star appeared 'agitated' after his return flight was delayed and 'didnt get off his phone'. Matthew Perry and his live-in assistant Kenny Iwamasa spent a minimum of $55,000 on 55 ketamine vials and related injections in the 29 days prior to the actor's fatal overdose at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023. Iwamasa had sent consecutive text messages seeking more of the surgical anesthetic from his suppliers, including an illegal transaction, authorities with the Department of Justice said, US Weekly reported on Sunday after reviewing court documents in the cast against Iwamasa. Iwamasa - one of five people arrested earlier this month in connection with Perry's passing - in one instance convened with the Friends actor and Dr. Salvador Plasencia in a parking lot, where the actor had been injected with ketamine, according to legal docs reviewed by the outlet. Iwamasa and Plasencia had 'exchanged thousands in cash for bottles' of ketamine, legal docs stated, noting that Plasencia had injected Perry with ketamine at his home on numerous occasions. Plasencia in one instance injected the Williamstown, Massachusetts native, who played Chandler Bing on the NBC series, 'within hours' of Perry already having been injected with ketamine. Matthew Perry and his live-in assistant Kenny Iwamasa spent a minimum of $55,000 on 55 ketamine vials and related injections in the 29 days prior to the actor's passing at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023. Perry pictured in April of 2023 in LA New information about Perry's intake of ketamine was released by authorities this month The double dose led to Perry's systolic blood pressure rising to dangerous levels, according to legal docs, with the actor 'unable to speak or move' as result of the injections. Iwamasa illegally spent $6,000 on 25 bottles of ketamine, according to legal docs, nine days after he purchased 25 ketamine vials illegally. In that instance, Perry was injected six times in one day by Iwamasa, and 18 additional times in the next three days, legal docs stated. Perry, on the day of his death, was injected with ketamine by Iwamasa three times, as he allegedly told his assistant to 'shoot me up with a big one,' the outlet reported, citing court docs. New details drawn from unsealed federal court documents and a medical examiner's investigation provide a chronological look at the end of Perry's life. On September 30, Perry and Iwamasa met at their home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles with Plasencia. Perry had been receiving ketamine treatments for depression - an increasingly common off-label use - from his regular doctor, but wasn't able to get as much as he wanted. Plasencia texted a doctor friend in San Diego, Mark Chavez, who agreed to obtain ketamine for him. 'I wonder how much this moron will pay,' Plasencia texted Chavez. The two met up the same day in Costa Mesa, California - halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego - and exchanged at least four vials of ketamine. Perry's live-in assistant Kenny Iwamasa was linked to the late actor's purchasing and use of ketamine in the legal docs Perry was injected with ketamine by Iwamasa three times, as he allegedly told his assistant to 'shoot me up with a big one' Plasencia returned to Perry's house, where Iwamasa paid him $4,500 in cash for the vials. Plasencia gave Perry two injections of ketamine, and instructed Iwamasa on how to give the injections to the actor. Plasencia texted Chavez that the experience 'felt like a bad movie.' On October 2, Iwamasa texted Plasencia saying he wanted to buy not just injection sessions, but to be left with more vials of ketamine, referring to it in agreed-upon code as 'dr pepper.' Plasencia appeared, gave Perry the injections, and left behind the vials of the anesthetic. On October 4, Iwamasa injected Perry himself for the first time. He texted the doctor that he had found 'the sweet spot' to put the needle into his boss, but that trying different spots on Perry had led to them running out, and they needed more. Plasencia texted Chavez asking if he could keep supplying the drug so they could become Perry's 'go-to.' On October 6, Iwamasa told Plasencia they were running low, and needed more. Plasencia went to Perry's house and sold him one or more vials. On October 8, in a late night meetup at a Santa Monica, California shopping plaza, Plasencia sold Iwamasa four vials of ketamine for $6,000 in cash. On October 10, Iwamasa drove Perry to a public parking lot in Long Beach, California where they met up with the doctor. He sold them more ketamine, and gave an injection to Perry while the actor sat in a car. On the same day, Iwamasa sought even more of the drug from an additional source of ketamine, reaching out to Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry. Perry, who had battled addiction for decades, was struggling heavily in the month leading to his death Police were seen outside of Perry's Pacific Palisades home in the wake of his death in October of 2023 On October 11, Fleming messaged Iwamasa that he can get ketamine from a woman he knows. 'Its unmarked but its amazing - he take one and try it and I have more if he likes,' Fleming wrote. The woman, Jasveen Sangha, was known to her customers as the Ketamine Queen. Fleming texted Iwamasa that she only deals 'with high end and celebs. If it were not great stuff shed lose her business.' On October 12, Plasencia went to Perry's house, where he was paid $21,000 in cash, some of it owed to him for previous ketamine buys. While there he injected Perry. The actor immediately froze up and his blood pressure spiked. The assistant said the doctor told him, 'Let's not do that again.' On October 13, Perry got a sample of Sangha's ketamine and tried it. He and Iwamasa would ask for 25 vials of it, for which he would pay $5,500. Fleming dropped it off at Perry's house a day later. On or around October 20 - Perry received his last legal ketamine treatment from his regular physician, according to what a woman close to him whose name was redacted in official documents told medical examiner's investigators. The woman said his previous doctor had given him treatments every other day, but his new doctor said Perry was doing well, his depression was managed, and he no longer needed so many treatments. The woman would tell investigators that she had believed Perry had been sober for 19 months and there had been no relapse. On around October 24, Perry talked to the unidentified woman for the last time. She told investigators he had been in good spirits. Five people were arrested in connection with the death of the actor following a federal probe On October 25, Iwamasa asked Fleming for another 25 vials of ketamine. After picking up $6,000 from Perry, Fleming picked up the ketamine from Sangha, who told him her own source is known as Master Chef; meanwhile, Iwamasa gave Perry at least six shots of ketamine. On October 26, Iwamasa again gave Perry at least six shots of ketamine. On October 27, the assistant again gave the actor at least six shots of ketamine. With the supply coming from Fleming and Sangha, Perry and Iwamasa had been out of touch with Plasencia for about two weeks. Plasencia would text Iwamasa saying he had more to offer: 'I know you mentioned taking a break. I have been stocking up.' On October 28, at about 8:30 a.m., acting at Perry's direction, using syringes from Plasencia and ketamine from Sangha, Iwamasa gave Perry an injection. At about 11 a.m., Perry played pickleball, according to what Iwamasa told medical examiner's investigators later in the day, though many elements of that initial story changed in his later talks to prosecutors. About 12:45 p.m., Iwamasa gave Perry his second shot of the day, and the actor began watching a movie. Shortly before 1:30 p.m., Iwamasa gave Perry his third and final injection of the day while Perry sat at his backyard jacuzzi. 'Shoot me up with a big one,' Iwamasa remembered Perry telling him. The assistant then left to run errands. At about 4 p.m., Iwamasa returned home to find Perry face down in the jacuzzi. He jumped in, pulled Perry to the steps and called 911. Paramedics arrived minutes later and declared Perry dead. Coroner's investigators would say ketamine was the primary cause of his death, with drowning a secondary cause. Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute Ketamine. Fleming has pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine resulting in death. Both are cooperating with prosecutors. Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute the drug. Plasencia and Sangha, the two main targets of the investigation, have pleaded not guilty to multiple felony counts. Australians have praised Felix Cameron as an up and coming star after the young actor picked up two gongs at the 2024 TV Week Logie Awards on Sunday night. The Boy Swallows Universe star, 15, won both Best Lead Actor in a Drama and the Graham Kennedy award for Most Popular New Talent on Aussie TV's night of nights. Felix took home his first ever Logie after soaring to global fame in Netflix's hit series and appeared overwhelmed by his epic win. Scooping the Most Popular New Talent award, an emotional Felix gave a tearful acceptance speech as he was cheered on by the audience. After emotionally thanking his friends and family, Felix's fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the young actor as an exciting new talent. 'Loved Boy Swallows Universe - Felix Cameron is going to have an amazing acting career ahead of him,' wrote one person. Another fan said, 'Felix Cameron will win an Oscar mark my words. Bookmark this now.' 'My highlight of the Logies is Felix Cameron winning two Logies, that is so incredible,' wrote someone else, before continuing to gush. Australians have praised Felix Cameron as an up and coming star after the young actor picked up two gongs at the 2024 TV Week Logie Awards on Sunday night. Pictured After tearfully thanking his friends and family, Felix's fans took to X (formerly Twitter ) to praise the young actor as an exciting new talent 'I want to hug him, watch out world because this young man has a very bright future ahead of him. Two Logies at just 15 is huge and his speech just shows how humble and gracious he is. I am just so so proud of him and so happy for him.' 'Felix Cameron you are an absolute star in every way,' another X-user said. 'Felix Cameron, you absolute superstar,' one more agreed. 'Loved Boy Swallows Universe - Felix Cameron is going to have an amazing acting career ahead of him,' wrote one person. Another fan said, 'Felix Cameron will win an Oscar mark my words. Bookmark this now.' Pictured with Boy Swallows Universe co-star Lee Halley It comes as Cameron told Daily Mail Australia on the red carpet that he was surprised by how globally successful Boy Swallows Universe has become. 'We all knew it was going to be quite special from the crew, the story and the script, but I don't think we expected it to be, this,' Felix gushed. His co-star Lee Halley, who was nominated in the same category as Felix, also described being at the Logie Awards as a 'pinch-me moment'. It comes as Cameron told Daily Mail Australia on the red carpet that he was surprised by how globally successful Boy Swallows Universe has become. 'I don't think we expected it to be, this,' Felix gushed. Pictured left-to-right: Boy Swallows Universe novel author Trent Dalton, Felix Cameron, Lee Halley 'We're both just happy [the show is] doing so well and so many people around the world have connected to it and loved it,' he added. Boy Swallows Universe cleaned up at the Logies as Bryan Brown took home the Silver Logie for best supporting actor, Sophie Wilde won best supporting actress and the series as a whole also nabbed best miniseries. Felix stars as lead character Eli in the seven-part Netflix series based on the popular novel by Trent Dalton about a Brisbane family torn apart by a drug lord. The younger son in the Bell family, Eli must navigate the notorious Brisbane criminal underworld in order to save his mother from danger, while Lee stars as his older brother Gus. Farmer Wants A Wife lovebirds Matthew Young and Olivia Benic welcomed their first child on Thursday, shocking fans after keeping the pregnancy tightly under wraps. The reality TV stars, both 25, shared the unexpected photo to Instagram on Monday which captured them tenderly cradling their newborn and captioned it with some heartfelt words. '286 days of carrying you, eight hours of labour without pain relief, and what has felt like a lifetime of waiting... Our little bubba entered our little family happy and healthy,' they began. 'Thank you to our close friends/family/baggy clothes (haha) for helping us to enjoy this wonderful experience privately and with so much unconditional support.' They added they would now be taking a break from social media to 'settle into parenthood' and that they would provide more updates when they were ready. The pair did not reveal their child's gender or name. Matt and Olivia, who met on the Channel Seven matchmaking show in 2023, were quickly inundated with well wishes from their very surprised fans. 'Oh my goodness. Congratulations, so happy for you both,' gushed their FWAW co-star Claire Saunders while series veteran Keely McCarthy added: 'Congratulations'. Farmer Wants A Wife lovebirds Matthew Young and Olivia Benic welcomed their first child on Thursday, after a secret pregnancy which they did not publicly announce. The reality TV stars shared a precious photo to Instagram which captured them tenderly cradling their newborn 'Omg what a surprise! Well done guys,' a shocked fan added and another person chipped in: 'Oh, that's amazing! I had a feeling you were expecting.' Meanwhile, another fan gushed: 'Congratulations. So pleased you got to do this privately. Everyone deserves that.' Last year, Farmer Matt sparked backlash on the show after he chose Olivia over his other love interest Annabelle, 22. Irate viewers were vocal in their opinion the latter suited him better - This meant a few feathers were ruffled when he finally declared his love for Olivia and she reciprocated. They added they would now be taking a break from social media to 'settle into parenthood' and that they would provide more updates when they were ready During one episode, before the finale, drama famously ensued at Farmer Matt's dinner table as love rivals Annabelle and Olivia argued over 'alone time' with the hunk. Annabelle became jealous when Olivia told her she and Matt often enjoyed a cup of tea together once she went to bed back at the farm. However, Matt and Olivia previously revealed they were still going strong by sharing a picture of them together on the farm with a working dog and the sweet caption: 'Forever smiling with you (and Neville).' Rohtak PGIMS woman student alleges assault, accused arrested Amidst protests across the country against the murder and rape of a junior doctor in Kolkata, a dental student at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Haryana's Rohtak has alleged that she was kidnapped and assaulted by a resident doctor. The police have filed a case and arrested the accused. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Virendra Singh, said a first-year BDS student lodged a complaint on Sunday night, alleging that she was kidnapped and physically assaulted by the doctor, an MD (anatomy) student. Acting swiftly, the PGIMS expelled the accused doctor and debarred him from entering the college premises. According to the complaint, the accused kidnapped her from PGIMS and took her to Ambala and Chandigarh, where he assaulted her. The police said that no evidence of sexual harassment or rape has come to light in the investigation so far. In a video posted on X, the victim was seen crying and showing the wounds on her body caused by the alleged physical assault. In the video, she claimed that the resident doctor had been harassing her for the last seven months. She also alleged that the accused threatened her with dire consequences if she raised the issue with college authorities. A spokesperson for the University of Health Sciences told the media the accused, Maninder Kaushik, an MD anatomy resident at PGIMS, has been expelled from the institution and banned from the campus. As per a post on X by Rohtak Police on Monday, Taking immediate action in the case of assault on a medical student, the accused doctor was arrested. The case of sexual harassment has not yet come to light in the girl's statement and investigation. The accused doctor and the victim student have known each other for several months. A high-level investigation is being conducted keeping every aspect in mind. Earlier, the police said the incident of physical assault of a student of PGIMS Rohtak was brought to the notice of police Saturday night by PGIMS authorities. Acting immediately upon the information, senior police officers reached PGIMS Rohtak and contacted the victim and her family, it said. Kanye West and his spouse Bianca Censori were cheered by demonstrators at a gathering in support of former President Donald Trump's presidential campaign on Saturday in Beverly Hills, California. West, 47, and Censori, 29, were pictured riding through the upscale area in a Tesla Cybertruck, where they were flanked by supporters of the 45th president, who is the Republican presidential candidate against presumptive Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris in this fall's U.S. election. Trump's supporters, holding American flags and signs in favor of Trump, began chanting Kanye's name when they recognized he was behind the wheel, TMZ reported Sunday. A number of the demonstrators sought to film the run-in with West, who has had a number of headline-making exchanges involving Trump over the past eight years. Censori did not appear overly animated at the onswell of attention, as she looked in the direction of her partner prior to the pair taking off. Kanye West, 47, and his spouse Bianca Censori, 29, were cheered by demonstrators at a gathering in support of former President Donald Trump 's presidential campaign on Saturday in Beverly Hills, California A clip of the brief exchange was posted to TikTok by a user under the handle @ali.aam.06. The social media user captioned the clip: 'WE SAW KANYE AT THE TRUMP RALLY IN BEVERLY HILLS WHAT THE F****.' The TikTok user added the hashtags #ye, #kanyewest and #makeamericagreatagain. West has not publicly spoken about the current election cycle, but has past been an outspoken supporter of Trump's. In a November 2016 concert at the SAP Center in San Jose, California following Trump's win over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton West told concertgoers that he hadn't voted, but would have cast his ballot for Trump if he did. The following month, West met with Trump at Trump Tower in New York City. During Trump's presidency, he hosted West in the Oval Office in an October 11, 2018 meeting alongside late NFL legend Jim Brown, who died in May of 2023. Trump told West during the televised meeting, 'Kanye it is great to be with you and these are two friends of mine and Kanye has been a friend of mine for a long time.' West and Censori were pictured grabbing a snack in West Hollywood, California in March A clip of the brief exchange was posted to TikTok by a user under the handle @ali.aam.06 Censori did not appear overly animated at the onswell of attention, as she looked in the direction of her partner prior to the pair taking off The pair was pictured riding through the upscale area in a Tesla Cybertruck West received a hero's welcome as he pulled over and acknowledged the political gathering West met with Trump at Trump Tower in New York City on December 13, 2016 West, who donned one of Trump's red Make America Great Again caps in the meeting, said, 'It was something about when I put this hat on, it made me feel like Superman - you made a Superman - that's my favorite superhero and made a Superman cape for me also as a guy that looks up to you.' In the meeting, according to the AP, West expressed to Trump his views on issues centered around law enforcement and race relations. 'You talk about police murders, which we definitely have to discuss,' West said. 'And we have to bring nobility to that to the police officers and make that police officers are just like us. He continued: 'This is whole hate building and that's a major thing about racial tension. We also as Black people, we have to take responsibility for what we're doing. We kill each other more than police officers and that's not to say that the police officer is not at issue, because they are place, a position of power.' Trump said he was 'open to everything' in terms of reforms to the issue, including the practice of stop-and-frisk. 'So they have to do something and I am totally open, if we can do it a different way, Kanye, I I'm totally open but they have to do,' Trump said. 'We all agree they have to do something.' The relationship between Trump and West appeared to falter after West brought white nationalist Nick Fuentes, who has past denied the Holocaust, to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate for a dinner in November of 2022. During Trump's presidency, he hosted West in the Oval Office in an October 11, 2018 meeting West, who donned one of Trump's red Make America Great Again caps in the meeting, said, 'It was something about when I put this hat on, it made me feel like Superman - you made a Superman' West and then-President Trump shared a warm exchange in the Oval Office in the meeting The relationship between Trump and West appeared to falter after West brought white nationalist Nick Fuentes, who has past denied the Holocaust, to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate for a dinner in November of 2022. Fuentes pictured in 2017 Trump was pictured during a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Saturday Trump took to Truth Social calling West 'seriously troubled' after West had made headlines for a series of antisemitic remarks spread over multiple outlets in the weeks preceding the Mar-a-Lago meeting. 'So I help a seriously troubled man, who just happens to be black, Ye, who has been decimated in his business and virtually everything else, and who has always been good to me, by allowing his request for a meeting at Mar-a-Lago, alone, so that I can give him very much needed "advice,"' Trump said. Trump continued, 'He shows up with 3 people, two of which I didn't know, the other a political person who I haven't seen in years. I told him don't run for office, a total waste of time, can't win. Fake News went CRAZY!' Robert Irwin shocked fans on Sunday when he rocked up to the Logie Awards with a very surprising date - his I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here co-host Julia Morris. The celebrity conservationist, 20, was rumoured to be bringing his mother Terri Irwin to the exclusive event, and stunned fans when he instead showed up with Julia. Viewers quickly took to social media to discuss Robert's choice of date, as they joked they were surprised his 'helicopter mum' Terri let him attend without her. 'So he ditched helicopter mum for TV mum,' one fan joked while a second person added: 'Surprised Mummy let Robert out by himself.' 'That surprises me. Usually he takes his mother everywhere, even to the jungle,' a third person chipped in. 'Bet mummy wasn't happy,' another user wrote. The talk of the Logies leading up to the big day was Robert's likely date to the event. But on Sunday, the Gold Logie nominee didn't turn up with mum Terri on his arm as expected. Robert Irwin shocked fans on Sunday when he rocked up to the Logies Awards with a very surprising date - his I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here co-host Julia Morris Instead, the son of Steve Irwin hit the red carpet at The Star Sydney with his I'm A Celebrity co-host Julia. Wildlife Warrior Robert was dapper in a dark tuxedo for his red carpet turn and Julia looked ravishing in a red gown as she sashayed her way into the venue. Irwin was the 'hot favourite' to win the Gold Logie at the 64th annual TV Week Logie Awards on Sunday night - which was later claimed by Channel Seven presenter Larry Emdur. In June, sources told Daily Mail Australia the celebrity conservationist would be accompanied by his mother and matriarch of the Irwin family, Terri, despite recent backlash from fans who think the pair are 'joined at the hip'. The celebrity conservationist, 20, was rumoured to be bringing his mother Terri Irwin to the exclusive event, and stunned viewers when he showed up with Morris Viewers quickly took to social media to discuss Robert's surprising choice of a date, as they joked they were surprised his 'helicopter mum' Terri let him attend without her It is said producers of I'm A Celebrity, which Robert hosts alongside Morris, were concerned having his mother on his arm could 'land with a massive thud with his core fans'. 'It is an odd dynamic for a 20-year-old boy to be so attached to his mother and many think it is time for Robert to step out from under her wings,' the insider added. The question of who Robert would pick to be on his arm at the Logies this year was widely speculated among industry insiders, given most attendees aren't allowed to bring guests along with them. Ellie Gonsalves went viral earlier last year after she shared her list of 118 reasons she does not want children on social media. But now the Australian actress and model, 34, has been causing a stir online for a very different reason. The influencer took to Instagram recently to promote a weight loss program, but in the photos Ellie seemed to use a 15-year-old picture as her 'before' depiction. Instagram account Influencer Updates made the connection on Monday by sharing a screenshot of Ellie's post. The post showed her in red lingerie and then looking slimmed down in a skimpy swimsuit, showing her progress. 'Designed by industry experts with me as the "test subject", this program took me from feeling unhealthy with no energy (left) to feeling the best version of myself (right).' In the caption, Influencer Updates wrote: 'Ellie Gonsalves using a pic of her at age 19 (currently age 34) as her "before" for her ebook.' Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Ellie Gonsalves for comment. Ellie Gonsalves has been called out after taking to Instagram to promote a weight loss program using a 15-year-old picture It comes after Ellie recently shared some of the troll comments she has received via her Instagram DMs after listing 118 reasons she does not want children. She posted a screen shot of a message she got on Instagram Stories which read: 'You'll also most likely die alone with no one by your side.' Ellie replied: 'What's gonna stop you from dying alone? Lol having kids isn't an insurance policy against loneliness. Get some friends for Christ sake'. The Australian model whipped her followers into a frenzy after recently posting the list to social media. Among her reasons listed were postpartum hair loss, the baby may poo inside you, your vagina will be different, your house will never be tidy, childbirth can cause rectal prolapse and you miss out on things you love doing. The gossip account Influencer Updates took to Instagram on Monday to make the connection, sharing a screenshot of Ellie's post 'While some of those things on my list are satirical, many are serious and factual. Societal pressure when it comes to this topic are truly questionable and I believe unfair towards those with differing opinions,' she said of the list. 'Very rarely do we see a voice in support of this, because let's face it, the public backlash can be too much,' the influencer added. Ellie married her long-term partner, entrepreneur Ross Scutts, in two luxury ceremonies back in March. The official nuptials took place at the floating beach club La Luna on the Gold Coast in an intimate toi et moi wedding. They followed it up with a second luxury gathering where they invited their bridal party and other guests. The couple, who have been together for 15 years, have been vocal about not wanting to have children. Nara Smith's three-year-old daughter, Rumble Honey, was seen cooking breakfast on the stove for her younger brother Slim Easy in her latest Instagram post on Sunday. The content creator, who is known for her tradwife videos on TikTok, shared a short clip of her three-year-old toddler cooking for her two-year-old son in the morning. 'Goooooood morning,' the TikToker, 22, wrote over the photo of her toddler daughter cooking on the stove. She explained that while she was working on making homemade bread, her toddlers decided to cook breakfast by themselves. Her post comes just days after she responded to Ozempic rumors after fans accused her of using the weight loss drug in her latest video. Nara Smith brought her three-year-old daughter, Rumble Honey, into her tradwife kitchen in her latest Instagram post on Sunday; Nara pictured with husband Lucky Smith The content creator, who is known for her cooking videos on TikTok, shared a short clip of her toddler making breakfast for her two-year-old brother Slim Easy in the morning Over the clip of her toddler daughter cooking, Nara wrote: 'Rumble took over making herself and Slim breakfast and I started on making some bread!' Her eldest daughter was seen standing at the stove, presumably on a stool, and stirring with a wooden spoon and cooking something in a pan. Rumble Honey was still wearing her pajamas, and neither Nara nor Slim Easy were seen in the short, three-second clip. The Mormon model also posted short clips to show off her sourdough starter as well as her kneading the dough. She also posted a video of her husband kneading the dough as she explained that she had to delegate the job to him as she was feeding their infant daughter. In addition to Rumble Honey and Slim Easy, she also shares four-month-old Whimsy Lou whom she welcomed earlier this year in April with husband Lucky Blue Smith, 25. The musician is also a father to daughter Gravity Blue, whom he shares with his ex, model Stormi Bree. Nara and Lucky got married in February 2020 after six months of knowing each other. The Mormon model also posted short clips to show off her sourdough starter as well as her kneading the dough The social media personality currently boasts 9.2 million followers on TikTok and is famous for posting videos that play into the 'tradwife' trend In addition to Rumble Honey and Slim Easy, she also shares four-month-old Whimsy Lou whom she welcomed earlier this year in April with husband Lucky, 25 The social media personality currently boasts 9.2 million followers on TikTok and is famous for posting videos that play into the 'tradwife' trend. Seemingly with ease, she makes complicated recipes from scratch while modeling extravagant and over-the-top outfits. Last week, Nara and her family also gathered for a photoshoot for a new GQ spread. The couple and their kids were seen posing on their ranch in Texas. This comes after she finally addressed the many accusations that her viral cooking videos are all faked. Even though she has never self-identified as a 'tradwife,' she has long been criticized for being performative and glamorizing domestic duties. Comments on her posts tend to range from genuine awe to concern, even veering into suspicion and accusations that she supports the general idea of wives acting as unpaid servants to their husbands and kids. But, from Nara's point of view, that just simply isn't the case. Nara and Lucky got married in February 2020 after six months of knowing each other They met in Los Angeles during a modeling project Earlier this year, they welcomed their third child together. Nara is also a stepmother to Lucky's daughter Gravity Blue, whom he shares with his ex, Stormi Bree 'I wasn't aware that finding joy in cooking for my husband and kids would automatically mean that I just slave away in the kitchen,' she began in a voiceover of a new video while pictured getting out of bed. '"I don't have a job, and I have a whole production team at my house making that happen." To clarify, none of that is true,' she asserted. 'I'm a working mom, juggling all kinds of hats and responsibilities,' she went on. Batting back rumors that she only cooks for her husband and kids, Nara also brought up personal health reasons for why she's devoted to making everything from scratch. 'Cooking has always been a massive part of my life, especially after I got diagnosed with lupus and my eczema started flaring up again,' she explained. 'I knew that I had to change the way that I eat, and the way that I went about life.' Ben Higgins and wife Jessica Clarke are going to be parents. The Bachelor alum, 35 who previously admitted he and his wife abstained from premarital sex took to Instagram to post a video collage with clips from various points in their relationship on Sunday. They also shared a snap of Clarke, 29, during an ultrasound, giving fans a glimpse of their little bundle of joy in the womb. In the caption, the couple shared they were expecting their first child in February 2025. They wrote: 'The next chapter of our love story! Baby girl coming in February.' The heartwarming post also included a snap of the pair's dog Waylon modeling a handkerchief that read 'Big Brother.' Ben Higgins and took to Instagram to post a video collage with clips from various points in he and his wife Jessica's relationship on Sunday In the caption, the couple shared they were expecting their first child in February 2025. They wrote: 'The next chapter of our love story! Baby girl coming in February' The post was set to Cody Johnson's 2019 hit, On My Way to You. In 2022, Ben opened up to E! News about their plans to have children one day but explained that they were not ready to be parents at the time. He said: 'We're excited for kids. I believe that, God willing, we will have kids. But right now it's not a conversation we have often and it's not something I believe either of us are craving. You know, you hear the baby fever, I don't know if either of us have baby fever right now.' They tied the knot in an estate wedding on the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, November 13, 2021. During a 2018 interview with People, Ben and Jessica opened up about each other and gushed over their relationship. She said: 'Ben doesn't just make me want to be a better person, but he actually makes me a better person 'He assures me in all of my dreams and all of my goals. I never thought I'd have a partner that accepted every part of me,' she added. The Bachelor alum who met the brunette beauty via Instagram called his lady love 'so incredibly empathetic and caring. 'She encourages me and she supports me and I know she cares about who I am and where I'm going. I'm so excited that I get to love her and be loved by her every single day. And I am so thankful that I found her,' he said. They filmed various family member's reactions to the good news 'He assures me in all of my dreams and all of my goals. I never thought I'd have a partner that accepted every part of me,' Jessica said They tied the knot in an estate wedding on the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, November 13, 2021 'She encourages me and she supports me and I know she cares about who I am and where I'm going. I'm so excited that I get to love her and be loved by her,' Ben said The former reality star revealed on The Viall Files podcast in 2020 that they were waiting for marriage to have sex The former reality star revealed on The Viall Files podcast in 2020 that they were waiting for marriage to have sex. Higgins shot to stardom after looking for love on both The Bachelorette and Bachelor. He popped the question to co-star Lauren Bushnell on his season of The Bachelor, but they ultimately called it quits in 2017. Rob Lowe compared the ensemble cast of The Outsiders - which included Tom Cruise - to his 'frat brothers' in a new interview. The 60-year-old actor, speaking with People about the Francis Ford Coppola-directed motion picture, in which he starred alongside Cruise, 62, Matt Dillon, 60, Emilio Estevez, 62, Ralph Macchio, 62, C. Thomas Howell, 57, and the late Patrick Swayze, who died at 57 in 2009. 'Those [costars] are my guys, my homies, my frat brothers,' the Charlottesville, Virginia-born star said, noting that he 'turned 18 on-set in Tulsa' on the set of the motion picture. 'We all were deadly serious and super-competitive,' Lowe said of the core group of actors, who would go on to varying levels of stardom in the years after the film's release. The Emmy-nominated actor, who played the role of Sodapop Curtis in the movie, said that Cruise, who played Steve Randle, flashed glimpses of brilliance early on in his career. Rob Lowe, 60, compared the ensemble cast of The Outsiders - which included Tom Cruise - to his 'frat brothers' in a new interview. Pictured in April 2023 in NYC (L-R) Emilio Estevez, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon, C. Thomas Howell, Lowe and Tom Cruise on the set of The Outsiders 'Tom being Tom took it to another level,' Lowe said. 'He was just born with that kind of commitment and was inspiring.' He added, 'In Tom, you can see the intensity in The Outsiders that has him hanging off of an airplane in his late 50s. The embryos of who we became are [evident] if you're looking close enough.' Lowe said that his interpretation of the motion picture, which was adapted from the 1967 novel from author S.E. Hinton, has evolved over time. 'It's funny, the movie meant different things to me over the years,' Lowe said. 'As it was happening, it seemed perfectly natural, [and] that was my fraternity.' He continued: 'And now with time, and with so many generations growing up and accepting the movie, and it being a part of their lives ... to be part of it is really special.' Lowe noted that he received strong support from Estevez, a childhood friend he grew up with in Malibu, California. 'Emilio helped me navigate where this was all going,' Lowe said of his fellow Brat Pack member, whose films include The Breakfast Club, Stakeout and The Mighty Ducks. He added: 'It was good to have a best buddy going through highs and lows of being a young actor in Hollywood.' Lowe said that making the movie with the young cast and feted filmmaker 'felt really special' and marked 'an amazing moment in time.' The Emmy-nominated actor played the role of Sodapop Curtis in the movie Lowe said that Cruise, who played Steve Randle, flashed glimpses of brilliance early on in his career during production of the film He added, 'The seriousness with which Francis and everybody, all the actors, took it, was really ahead of its time.' Lowe said that each of the entertainers cast in the motion picture displayed hints of their potential amid production of The Outsiders. 'All of us brought our individual things that you would see later in our careers,' Lowe said. Lowe told the outlet that he brought some of the aspects of his character in The Outsiders to his role on the TV series Parks and Recreation, on which he played the role of Chris Traeger from 20102015. 'I think my character is sort of funny on his feet, and good-natured and light,' he said, 'if you look at something like Parks and Recreation, you can see elements of Soda Pop Curtis even in that.' Lowe in April of 2020 said on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard that Cruise went 'ballistic' when they were booked to share a hotel room during production of the movie. Lowe said that the incident occurred during the film's casting process, as actors from across the country were brought together to test their chemistry for the movie. 'All of the LA people survived the LA auditions, and then the hand-picked people had to go to New York to face the New York version,' Lowe said. 'So it was me and Tom Cruise and Emilio and C. Thomas Howell. Lowe, pictured in July on The Tonight Show, said that making the movie with the young cast and feted filmmaker 'felt really special' and marked 'an amazing moment in time' (L-R) Estevez, Lowe, Howell, Swayze and Cruise pictured on the set of The Outsiders Lowe said that each of the entertainers cast in the motion picture displayed hints of their potential amid production of The Outsiders 'We check-in and Tom finds out that we're sharing a room and just goes ballistic ... I mean it made me laugh, it was gnarly.' Lowe said Cruise's reaction was reflective of his confidence in himself early on. 'To me, what's great about the story is, there's certain people who have always been who they are, and that element of them has powered them to where they are today and the rest is history,' Lowe said. 'And the notion that an 18-year-old actor with a walk-on part in Endless Love and like a seventh lead in Taps could have that kind of like wherewithal. 'I remember going, "Wow, this guy is the real deal" ... he's had his eye on the ball since day one.' Veteran community radio presenter Mona Swinton died on August 10 aged 102, from natural causes. Swinton began her career in radio at the age of 57 in 1979 and worked continuously until her retirement in 2020 at age 98. She was born in Ontario, Canada in 1922 and after marrying her Aussie beau Alexander moved to Warrnambool in regional Victoria in the late 1970s. The upbeat personality began her long career on community station 3WAY FM in 1984, when it was known as CREW FM. 3WAY FM is based in Warrnambool. Swinton served as longtime presenter of easy listening weekday programs Stardust and Afternoon Delight. Mona's cheerful and energetic demeanour helped make her a local celebrity in her regional community. Her never-ending passion for her role saw her become one of the country's oldest presenters before her retirement in 2020. 3Way FM paid tribute to Swinton in a statement: 'Mona leaves a long and rich legacy in the station's history, along with many deep and meaningful friendships with all of our crew. Veteran community radio presenter Mona Swinton (pictured) died on August 10 aged 102, from natural causes Swinton began her career in community radio at the age of 57 in 1979 and worked continuously until her belated retirement in 2020 at age 9 'Rest well Dear Mona and thank you for being a valued contributor and friend both on air and off air to all staff and our listeners. 'She certainly did live a full life and we at 3WAY FM are in her debt as one of our founding members, long-standing presenter and so much more.' A memorial service was held for her on Monday at 10:30am in her home town. Mona outlived both her husband Alex and her son Mark. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Gwen and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Haley Joel Osment opened up about his long hiatus from acting and returning to Hollywood after 15 years. The 36-year-old actor, who was a child star, got candid about why he decided to take a break in the first place and reflected on finding fame at an early age. Up next, he will be starring in Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut film, Blink Twice, but before then, he found fame after starring in the 1999 psychological thriller film The Sixth Sense opposite Bruce Willis and even showed support for his former co-star when he decided to step back from acting. After earning an Oscar nomination at just age 11 and starring in a number of notable projects, he decided to take a break from acting and moved to New York City to attend college at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 2006. Osment told E! News on Sunday: 'My parents used to say when I first started out in this industry, "If it's ever not fun, you can quit tomorrow." Haley Joel Osment opened up about his long hiatus from acting and returning to Hollywood after 15 years; seen on August 8 'And when I got to be college age, I got to go off and study theater and really think hard about whether I wanted to do this as my career in life,' he recalled. 'The answer has always been yes at all these junctures,' Osment continued before noting that he made the choices even though he has always been passionate about acting. 'It's still a job that I really enjoy, despite all the uncertainty and the difficulty of being able to plan your life three to six months out,' he explained. Osment who was five when he made his big-screen debut in 1994's Forrest Gump also recalled the landscape of Hollywood when he was making the decision to take a break and enroll in college. 'Those were pretty tense years in terms of how celebrity was in Los Angeles,' he said. He noted that he saw that there was 'this very predatory, aggressive kind of tabloid engagement with certain celebrities.' 'I remember being very happy to not be making my home in Los Angeles at that time,' he added. In 2006, he was also sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to charges of drunken driving and marijuana possession. Around the same time, his younger sister Emily Osment also landed her big role on Hannah Montana, he was leaving Hollywood to go to school in New York City. The 36-year-old actor, who was a child star, got candid about why he decided to take a break in the first place and reflected on finding fame at an early age; seen in February 2023 Up next, he will be starring in Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut film, Blink Twice, but before then, he found fame after starring in the 1999 psychological thriller film The Sixth Sense opposite Bruce Willis and even showed support for his former co-star when he decided to step back from acting Osment said he noticed a change in Hollywood after he returned, however. He noted that his hometown of Los Angeles has 'mellowed out a bit' as far as the paparazzi culture he previously witnessed as a teenager. 'We're in a different era than we were,' he said. 'It's an interesting shift in dynamics,' he said about navigating social media as a public figure who also prioritized his privacy. After finally making an Instagram to counter the fake accounts claiming to be him, he admitted it took him 'a long time to figure out how to navigate social media' and credited content that is 'willingly posted online.' 'At this point, I'm comfortable with it,' Osment said. 'In this very large media environment, it's the way to promote your projects and help people keep up to date on what you're doing within the balance of reasonable privacy. I resisted it for so long and now it's like, "Hey, it's fun to do some posts." He also praised how younger actors are navigating fame in an era where social media permeates and is pervasive. 'When I came up in this industry, the Internet was around but it wasn't so omnipresent that it is today,' he said. 'So for younger actors today, I'm always really impressed with them being able to manage the social media landscape, because that's not something I ever really had to deal with at that age.' After earning an Oscar nomination at just age 11 and starring in a number of notable projects, he decided to take a break from acting and moved to New York City to attend college at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 2006; seen in August 2003 He noted that he saw that there was 'this very predatory, aggressive kind of tabloid engagement with certain celebrities'; seen in August 2011 Osment said he noticed a change in Hollywood after he returned, however. He noted that his hometown of Los Angeles has 'mellowed out a bit' as far as the paparazzi culture he previously witnessed as a teenager; seen in May 2019 Osment will next be appearing in Blink Twice and starring opposite leading stars Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie in Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut. Blink Twice premieres in theaters on Friday, August 23; seen on February 20 Osment will next be appearing in Blink Twice and starring opposite leading stars Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie in Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut. In the upcoming thriller flick, he portrays Tom, a morally pliable struggling actor characters he said he hasn't had 'too many interactions' with in real life a guy who's 'sort of pathetic' but trying to 'be a better man and optimize his life.' Blink Twice follows cocktail actress Frida (Ackie), who meets tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) at his fundraising gala. During their encounter, he invites her to join him and his friends for a hedonistic getaway on his private island. According to the logline, wild nights soon blend into sun-soaked days. However, when strange things start to happen, Frida must uncover the truth if she hopes to make it out alive. The star-studded cast also includes Adria Arjona, Alia Shawkat, Levon Hawke, Simon Rex, Christian Slater, Liz Caribal, Geena Davis, Trew Mullen and many others. Blink Twice premieres in theaters on Friday, August 23. Christina Hall shared rare footage of her natural short locks during a before/after video she filmed with her daughter Taylor Reese El Moussa at Lush Locks by Latitude in Anaheim Hills, CA on Saturday. The 41-year-old Flip or Flop star got hair extensions and went blonder while Taylor - turning 14 next month - got a haircut and fresh highlights from her Aunt Angelique Elmoussa, the owner of the salon. Hall (born Haack) and her ex-husband Tarek El Moussa are also proud parents of son Brayden James El Moussa, who kicked off his eighth birthday celebration three days early on Saturday. The Christina Collection Flooring founder and the half-Lebanese 42-year-old have remained very amicable since ending their seven-year marriage in 2018. Christina Hall (L) shared rare footage of her natural short locks during a before/after video she filmed with her daughter Taylor Reese El Moussa (R) at Lush Locks by Latitude in Anaheim Hills, CA on Saturday The 41-year-old Flip or Flop star got hair extensions and went blonder while Taylor - turning 14 next month - got a haircut and fresh highlights from her Aunt Angelique Elmoussa, the owner of the salon Speaking of birthdays, Christina and her ex-husband #2 - Art on Wheels star Ant Anstead - will celebrate the fourth birthday of their son Hudson London Anstead on September 6. Hall ended her 21-month marriage to the 45-year-old Englishman in 2021 and he has since moved on with Oscar winner Renee Zellweger. The Anaheim-born blonde is now in the midst of her third divorce, this time from The Foundry Group realtor Josh Hall after less than three years of wedded bliss. Christina did not have a prenup with the 43-year-old retired LAPD officer, who's asking for alimony and 'all rights to any HGTV and/or Discovery Network shows or specials they produced' - according to TMZ. Hall alleged Josh transferred $35K from a rental property she owned to his personal account the day before their July 7th legal separation, and she claimed he is monitoring the security cameras at their Newport Beach marital home - according to TMZ. The interior designer currently produces and hosts the fifth season of Christina on the Coast, which airs Thursdays on HGTV. Hall (born Haack) and her ex-husband Tarek El Moussa are also proud parents of son Brayden James El Moussa, who kicked off his eighth birthday celebration three days early on Saturday Speaking of birthdays, the Christina Collection Flooring founder and her ex-husband #2 - Art on Wheels star Ant Anstead - will celebrate the fourth birthday of their son Hudson London Anstead on September 6 (pictured August 1) Christina is now in the midst of her third divorce, this time from The Foundry Group realtor Josh Hall (L, pictured in 2023) after less than three years of wedded bliss Hall did not have a prenup with the 43-year-old retired LAPD officer (pictured August 2), who's asking for alimony and 'all rights to any HGTV and/or Discovery Network shows or specials they produced' The Anaheim-born blonde alleged Josh transferred $35K from a rental property she owned to his personal account the day before their July 7th legal separation, and she claimed he is monitoring the security cameras at their Newport Beach marital home (pictured March 16) Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling was noticeably absent from the Logie Awards on Sunday despite the hit reality show being up for Best Structured Reality Program. While her fellow experts John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla represented the show on the red carpet, Mel opted to stay home on the Gold Coasta decision she says was made with her health and family in mind. Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Mel clarified that her absence was a planned choice, dispelling any rumours of a rift. 'This year, I've made the choice to prioritise my health and my family,' she shared. 'Although I love the Logiesand really hope we scoop up an award this time roundI've decided to stay on the Gold Coast with Gareth and Maddie to fully recuperate and ensure that I'm fighting fit for season 12 of MAFS Australia.' Mel has been candid about her recent battle with colon cancer, which she first revealed to fans on Instagram late last year. She opened up about suffering from 'severe stomach cramps' while filming season 11, a pain so intense it left her doubled over during the reunion dinner party. 'At the reunion dinner party, I was doubled over in pain, and then during the whole reunion shoot, I was just trying to smile through the pain and get through it,' Mel recalled previously. Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling (pictured) was noticeably absent from the Logie Awards on Sunday despite the hit reality show being up for Best Structured Reality Program 'This year, I've made the choice to prioritise my health and my family,' she shared 'I didn't know what it was. I thought it was jet lag. I really did. I just thought I'm working too hard, it's the travel, I'm just not taking care of myself. I really didn't think it was anything else.' After a harrowing journey, Mel underwent surgery to remove the tumour and recently completed her chemotherapy, finishing the gruelling treatment just two weeks ago. Despite her absence from the Logies, Mel's decision to focus on her health has been met with an outpouring of support from fans. It comes as Daily Mail Australia revealed next year's series is already shaping up to be one of the most chaotic and controversial series to date. Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Mel clarified that her absence was a planned choice, dispelling any rumours of a rift. 'This year, I've made the choice to prioritise my health and my family,' she shared The upcoming series, already labelled the most chaotic in the show's history, promises a level of turmoil that producers are struggling to contain. Viewers are going to see things very early on that have never happened before. 'It's truly amazing how every year, despite having done this for so long, we encounter storylines that are entirely new,' John Aiken teased of the new season. 'There are quite a few of those [next year]. I've been part of this for 12 seasons now, and even I witnessed a couple of things this time around that I've never seen before.' Veteran Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Sukhendu Sekhar Roy Veteran Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, who has been issued summons by Kolkata Police twice over his social media post on the rape and murder of a medic here, on Monday, approached Calcutta High Court seeking protection against coercive action including arrest in the matter. The single-judge bench of Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj has admitted the petition. In the petition, Roy expressed apprehension about being taken into custody any time by the cops in the matter. A social- media post by Roy went viral on Sunday morning where he demanded custodial interrogation of demanding custodial interrogation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal and the former and controversial Principal of state-run R.G Kar Medical College & Hospital Sandip Ghosh by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the ghastly rape and murder case. Shortly after that, he received a notice from Kolkata Police for an appearance for interrogation at the city polices headquarters in central Kolkata. As Ray refused to honour the notice, the city police issued a second notice for interrogation to him. Finally, on Monday morning, he approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection in the matter. At the same time, Roy has continued to rebel on the social media by making two consecutive posts regarding the matter, calling for more forceful protest movements on the issue. Besides Roy, the city police have also issued notices for interrogation to two reputed city-based doctors for making social media posts, which according to the city police, were objectionable. The two doctors are likely to turn up at the city police headquarters later in the day. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh suddenly turned up at CBIs Salt Lake office in the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Monday morning. He said that some junior and former medical students of the state-run R.G. Medical College & Hospital had approached him with some information on the matter, which he intends to communicate to the CBI officials. Lydia Millen showed off her incredible figure in a 275 designer bikini in a series of posts on Instagram on Sunday. The influencer, 36, shared an insight into her trip to Tuscany ahead of her jetting back to London to watch Taylor Swift at Wembley. Lydia sported a bronzed tan in the Arabella London two piece as she hit the pool for a spot of sunbathing. The YouTuber didn't forego her usual glamour as she accessorised her look with statement gold earrings from Jennifer Behr and 610 brown Hermes sandals. She captioned the post: 'The sunlight paints us golden'. Lydia Millen showed off her incredible figure in a 275 designer bikini in a series of posts on Instagram on Sunday The influencer, 36, shared an insight into her trip to Tuscany ahead of her jetting back to London to watch Taylor Swift at Wembley She captioned the post: 'The sunlight paints us golden' Friends and fans commented: 'Stunner' and 'Beautiful'. Lydia is best known for her lifestyle YouTube channel, which has over 1 million subscribers, and her blog. Through her success she has gone on to work with Karen Millen on her own clothing collections and written a book called Evergreen. Along her with collaborations with Karen Millen, Lydia has also worked with underwear brand Intimissi, Sky TV, Creed Fragrances and Land Rover. Speaking about her plans for the future, Lydia previously revealed it's her goal to live a 'peaceful life.' She told HELLO!: 'I'm really focused on living a peaceful life. We get fed a lot of people saying, you've got to live this big, successful, striving-for-more life, and that's something I definitely felt previously. 'And I realised that striving for a peaceful life is such a great thing, because anything that happens above that, just blows your mind. 'I think the same when it comes to my career, because again, I definitely fell into the trap of striving for more, and being more ostentatious, even when with my career goals, but now I'm really enjoying navigating a little bit like a stream, seeing where it takes me.' The YouTuber didn't forego her usual glamour as she accessorised her look with statement gold earrings from Jennifer Behr and 610 brown Hermes sandals She has said of her work: 'Having moved to the English countryside just over seven years ago, everything from my fashion, interior and beauty choices to how I spend my spare time these days is heavily influenced and inspired by the evergreen beauty of nature and the joy I find in seasonal living. 'Happiest when Im at home pottering in my greenhouse or curled up on the sofa with my husband Ali and our beautiful pets, Lumi, Porter and Berkeley, 'Im so grateful that youve chosen to be here and look forward to welcoming you into my world.' Lydia currently has 1.4 million Instagram followers. The scandal plagued Snow White reboot has been dealt another blow, with leading ladies Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot caught up in an apparent feud. American actress Zegler, 23, plays the titular lead in the live action remake while Israeli star Gadot, 39, plays the Evil Queen. Their on-screen feud appears to have spilled out into real life, however, owing to the pair's opposing views on the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Both have been vocal in their support for opposite sides, with branding experts warning that such behaviour could trigger a boycott. It came to a head when the Snow White teaser trailer was released earlier this month - with many taking issue with the casting. The scandal plagued Snow White reboot has been dealt another blow, with leading ladies Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot (pictured in 2022) caught up in an apparent feud American actress Rachel, 23, plays the titular lead in the live action remake Israeli star Gal, 39, plays the Evil Queen but the pair's on-screen feud appears to have spilled out into real life, owing to their opposing views on the IsraeliPalestinian conflict Some were baffled by the decision to cast a Latina actress to portray the famously 'fair-skinned' character who is known for being 'as white as snow'. Others took issue with casting Jewish Israeli actress Gadot amid the current war - with pro-Palestine viewers claiming her inclusion calls for a boycott while conversely pro-Israel viewers claimed it was offensive to cast her in an 'evil' role. Flames were then fanned when Rachel shared the trailer on her own social media channels and thanked fans for sending her support. In a follow-up tweet, she penned: 'and always remember, free palestine.' Zegler has publicly taken a pro-Palestinian stance since 2021, sharing several tweets and posts urging fans to donate to emergency aid for Gaza. Yet some Israeli publications took exception to Zegler's comment and suggested she had insulted Gadot. While Gadot did not respond publicly to Zegler's comment she raised eyebrows with a post of her own after the trailer was released. She posted on her Instagram story a photo of Martin Luther King Jr. with his quote: 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.' Above the image, she wrote: 'Only love can save the world.' Days later she appeared to make a pointed dig at Zegler. According to Times of Israel reporter Amy Spiro, Gadot's X account briefly reposted a tweet that read 'Trying to campaign on the head of your co-star, who actually lives through war, just so you'll look cooler with the kids, is really pathetic.' While Gadot and Zegler have made it clear they have opposing views on Israel-Palestine they have not spoken out about any supposed feud between the pair. MailOnline has contacted Zegler and Gadot's representatives for comment. Flames were then fanned when Rachel shared the trailer on her own social media channels and thanked fans for sending her support, adding: 'and always remember, free palestine' While Gadot did not respond publicly to Zegler's comment she raised eyebrows with a post of her own after the trailer was released, posting about love 'driving out hate' Gadot appeared to make a pointed dig at Zegler with her X account briefly reposting a tweet that read: 'Trying to campaign on the head of your co-star, who actually lives through war, just so you'll look cooler with the kids, is really pathetic' Disney has tried to move away from hot button issues after finding itself mired in a series of woke controversies blamed for tanking its share price. Zegler appeared to have quietened down after angering moviegoers by declaring that she 'hated' the original 1937 Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. She branded the storyline 'weird,' while referring to the Prince character as a 'stalker' and suggested she'd ensured the remake would ensure any fairytale smooching was consensual. The $330million Disney movie, directed by Marc Webb, was scheduled to be released in March 2024, but got delayed after executives had to have 'crisis talks' in order to do some serious damage limitation following the negative response to Zegler's stances. A cast of diverse dwarves have also since been replaced by CGI alternatives which more closely resemble the little people featured in the original movie. The actress- who has vowed to ensure the remake was more progressive than the original version- previously faced backlash after several videos of her speaking negatively about the original film in various interviews in 2022 resurfaced online. Speaking of her character, Zegler said: 'She's not going to be saved by the prince and she's not going to be dreaming about true love.' As well as being labeled a 'fake feminist,' some critics accused her of 'gaslighting,' while a marketing consultant warned that Disney would 'need to be careful with how they have portrayed Snow White.' Speaking to DailyMail.com, branding expert Carla Speight said: 'Whilst it's been clear that the original Disney Princess films hold old values, Disney have fallen for the trap of going to the opposite extreme to inflict strong and loaded messaging on the viewers - believing that's empowerment. Disney has tried to move away from hot button issues after finding itself mired in a series of woke controversies blamed for tanking its share price 'There was a time when Disney actors were media trained and were thoughtful about the impact of their words, whilst sticking to key messaging about the films, but it seems with this total rewrite of Snow White, picturing her as a "boss girl" has gone to the heads of their stars. 'Disney will need to be careful with how they have portrayed Snow White and what they do and don't allow their actors to say about it going forwards. 'They simply cannot repeat the same mistakes and allow their actors to be so vocal in their own personal opinions during promotions,' Speight added. PR expert Nick Ede agreed with Speight and told DailyMail.com that instead of 'embracing her role' as one of the most famed fairytale characters,' Zegler 'has actively chosen to spoil the narrative.' Speaking at the Disney D23 Expo in California in September 2022, Zegler - best known for her breakout role in 'West Side Story' said: 'The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so. 'There's a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird! Weird! So we didn't do that this time. 'We have a different approach to what I'm sure a lot of people will assume is a love story just because we cast a guy in the movie,' she continued, referring to Andrew Burnap, who plays Jonathan- Zegler's love interest in the film. 'All of Andrew's scenes could get cut, who knows? It's Hollywood, baby!' she joked, before admitting in a separate interview that she was 'terrified' when she went on the beloved Snow White ride at Disney World. About the 1937 film, she said: 'I was scared of the original version. I think I watched it once and never picked it up again. I'm being so serious.' 'I watched it once, and then I went on the ride in Disney World, which was called Snow White's Scary Adventures. Doesn't sound like something a little kid would like. I was terrified of it, never revisited Snow White again,' she added in an interview beside Gadot. Zegler appeared to have quietened down after angering moviegoers by declaring that she 'hated' the original 1937 Snow White and the Seven Dwarves In a subsequent interview with Late Night host Jimmy Fallon, Zegler claimed to frequently find herself in line for the Disney ride she allegedly so despises. In yet another high-profile interview about the film, Zegler defended the film's newly forced progressive bent: 'People are making these jokes about ours being the PC Snow White... yeah, it is - because it needed that. 'Our version is a refreshing story about a young woman who has a function beyond Someday My Prince Will Come.' The Colombian-American actress faced some degree of scrutiny by critics after she was cast as Snow White, who has always been described as having 'skin as white as snow.' In a since-deleted tweet, she wrote: 'Yes I am Snow White; no, I am not bleaching my skin for the role.' Other than Zegler's contentious statements, the seven dwarfs caused their own backlash in the remake. The film received negative attention after it was revealed by DailyMail.com that the dwarfs were to be replaced by seven 'magical (non-dwarf) creatures' in an effort to keep the storytelling in line with the 21st Century's commitment to political correctness. They were originally seen on the set of the movie and included a mix of men and women of different ethnicities, with a real dwarf among their number. At first Disney denied these pictures were from the set of the movie - but eventually backtracked. The 1937 version of Snow White was the first full-length traditionally animated feature film, and Disney's first animated feature In the trailer, the real-life dwarfs were replaced by CGI characters, dancing and singing along with Zegler. Disney's 1937 version of the film follows Snow White as she befriends the seven dwarfs while hiding from her wicked stepmother who later poisons her with an apple before Prince Charming wakes her from her slumber with a kiss. The plot is loosely based on the 1812 fairytale of the same name by the Brothers Grimm. At the time of its release, it became a massive hit for Disney, earning hundreds of millions of dollars across the globe. It was also the first full-length traditionally animated feature film, and Disney's first animated feature. The new adaptation of Snow White is set to be released in March 2025. Eamonn Holmes was missing from the GB News line-up on Monday in a staff shake-up for the programme, with the star replaced by a familiar face. The presenter, 64, usually hosts the show alongside Isabel Webster, 41, from Monday to Wednesday, however, he was notably absent from the latest show. Instead viewers tuning in to see the former This Morning host were instead greeted by GB News regular Nana Akua, who was hosting alongside Isabel. No explanation was given for Eamonn's absence, with stand-in host Nana, 53 - who first made her debut on the show in 2021 - and Isabel launched straight into the day's news which included Prime Minister Keir Starmer's drop in support for US Vice president Kamala Harris. Eamonn's replacement comes after he was embroiled in a fiery clash with a guest in which he furiously shouted 'Don't lecture me - give me a break!' during a Union Jack flag debate on Tuesday. Eamonn Holmes was missing from the GB News line-up on Monday in a staff shake-up for the programme, with the star replaced by a familiar face Viewers tuning in to see the former This Morning host were instead greeted by GB News regular Nana Akua, who was hosting alongside Isabel [pictured] Royal broadcaster and historian Rafe Heydel-Mankoo joined the show alongside anti-racism activist Imarn Ayton to debate whether the Union Jack flag is too divisive. The debate began as Eamonn discussed the recent news that a village in Norfolk feels divided over whether to fly the Union Jack flag, with fears it will 'scare people away'. The debate erupted after Imarn said the British people should reconsider flying the Union Jack flag because she claims it has 'associations with the far-right'. As Eamonn halted their heated and controversial discussion, he ended the segment with his personal opinion after he grew up on Northern Ireland - which sparked Imarn to furiously hit back. Eamonn said: 'Running a flag outside a village hall in Norfolk, you sort of think what's the big deal.' Imarn furiously hit back: 'Be considerate. No, be considerate guys. I know you've finished your segment but Eamonn I'm not going to let you finish with that one. 'Be considerate of other people's beliefs and views. If you are considerate and sympathetic of everyone and how we perceive the world, you might find yourself leading with equality. Just so you know, I'll finish it there.' Eamonn said: 'Let me just tell you something. You don't have to lecture me. I sit in the middle, trying to see both sides of things...' to which Imarn interjected: 'Well, I have too.' The presenter, 64, usually hosts the show alongside Isabel Webster, 41, from Monday to Wednesday, however, he was notably absent from the latest show Eamonn shouted: 'I grew up in a country...', before Imarn interrupted again: 'You should have finished with mine [opinion] but you finished with Rafe's [opinion]'. Host Eamonn assured: 'I finished with everyone. I'm trying to say you did not grow up in Northern Ireland, where a flag represented something political and anti to a certain religion in northern Ireland, I did.' Imarn said: 'And just like with black people, you are not black sir and I understand racism more than you. I haven't experienced racial discrimination or prejudice or bias in regards to being white but what I have done is experienced it being black. Ahh Eamonn, we're the same babes.' 'Ahh give me a break. Let's go to the break. Back after this', Eamonn finished. Eamonn's replacement comes after he furiously debated with a guest as he led a Union Jack flag debate on Tuesday's GB News (anti-racism activist Imarn Ayton, left, and Ellie Costello, right) The debate began as Eamonn discussed the recent news that a village in Norfolk feels divided over whether to fly the Union Jack flag, with fears it will 'scare people away' Royal broadcaster and historian Rafe Heydel-Mankoo (right) joined the show alongside anti-racism activist Imarn Ayton (left) to debate whether the Union Jack flag is too divisive The debate erupted after Imarn claimed the British people should reconsider flying the Union Jack flag because it has 'associations with the far-right' Meanwhile, Eamonn recently shocked his GB News co-host Ellie Costello by making an inappropriate comment about her boobs last week. The presenter who recently split from wife Ruth Langsford, and Ellie were discussing people walking around topless during Britain's latest heatwave. A giddy Eamonn cheekily said to Ellie: 'You've never seen my moobs. I've got one bigger than the other as well.' Ellie burst out laughing, with Eamonn quipping: 'It's true! Do you not have anything that is bigger than the other one?' Meanwhile, Eamonn recently shocked his GB News co-host Ellie Costello by making an inappropriate comment about her boobs last week The presenter who recently split from wife Ruth Langsford , and Ellie were discussing people walking around topless during Britain's latest heatwave Ellie seemed taken aback by the question and replied: 'No, I also have that. I think it's quite normal, so we can relate to that.' Trying to get the conversation back on track, Ellie went on to say: 'But I think topless men is not a great thing to see, especially on the high street during a heatwave.' Eamonn's lovelife has been in the news recently as the ex-husband of his new girlfriend Katie Alexander has broken his silence on his former wife's new relationship. The ex-husband of Eamonn's new girlfriend Katie Alexander has broken his silence on his former wife's new relationship (Eamonn and estranged wife Ruth Langsford pictured) George Alexander, who split from Katie before she began dating the GB News host, said he had a 'lot of sympathy' for Ruth Langsford. In May, Eamonn and Ruth, both 64, announced their plans to divorce after 14 years of marriage and it later emerged that he was dating the blonde relationship therapist, 42. Speaking to The Sun George, who was married to Katie between 2010 and 2022, said: 'I have a lot of sympathy for Ruth'. 'I have had my heart broken when my marriage to Katie ended'. Adding: 'It took me a couple of years to recover. I know how distraught Ruth must be feeling. She's going through what I did after our marriage ended.' George also insisted his former wife 'had a heart' so would no doubt take Ruth's feelings into consideration. MailOnline have contacted Katie's reps for comment It was a girls' night out for Laura Csortan, Jana Hocking and Hollie Nasser in Bondi on Saturday. The trio of gal pals met up at trendy eatery North Bondi Fish, where they toasted with champagne before spending the night partying. Daily Mail Australia columnist Jana put on a chic display in a brown latex mini skirt and gold crop top. She added a pair of designer sunglasses and animal print suede heels, while carrying an envelope clutch. Model Laura was on trend in a an all black ensemble which included a cropped, long sleeve top and skinny jeans. She added a pair of retro sunglasses as well as a chunky silver watch and choker chain. Socialite Hollie was all white on the night, choosing a body-hugging frock with a plunging neckline. She skipped the accessories and kept things comfortable in a pair of flat, black slides. It was a girls' night out for Laura Csortan, Jana Hocking and Hollie Nasser in Bondi on Saturday. All pictured Daily Mail Australia columnist Jana put on a chic display in a brown latex mini skirt and gold crop top. She added a pair of designer sunglasses and animal print suede heels It comes after Sydney socialites descended on Bondi for Jana Hocking's 'Saucy Secrets' themed 40th birthday party earlier this month. Hollie and her partner Marshal de Saxe stepped out for the first time as a couple as they attended the event at Bondi Hardware dressed as Barbie and Ken. The couple were also joined at the party by former MAFS star Jules Robinson, who dressed to impress in an eye-popping sheer dress she wore in her nude pregnancy photoshoot which recently stirred up online controversy. Jules revealed her newborn son Cater, who she welcomed into the world three weeks ago, is doing well. The trio of gal pals met up at trendy eatery North Bondi Fish in Bondi, where they toasted with champagne before spending the night partying 'Carter is actually a lot like Ollie when he was little,' she said. 'I mean, it's hard to share much more at this point because he's a baby and it's mostly just pooping and crying.' The Married At First Sight bride met her husband Cameron Merchant on the 2018 series of Australia's highest-rating reality series. Former Miss Universe Australia Laura also made an appearance at the star-studded party. Meanwhile, Jana showed off her figure in a mini leather dress, a black choker and matching coloured heels as she celebrated the milestone. The stars partied at the event until 12am before heading to Hollie's home in Rose Bay for a 'house party'. Renee Zellweger and her younger on-screen lover Leo Woodall looked besotted with each other as they filmed the final scenes for the latest Bridget Jones film in Borough Market on Friday. The actress, 55, who has played the titular character in the past three films, is currently shooting the fourth instalment, Mad About The Boy, in London. In the upcoming film, Bridget enjoys a fling with a hunky toyboy named Rockstar, who is played by One Day star Leo, 27, after meeting on social media. And sparks looked to be flying between the characters, as the actors enjoyed a romantic late-night stroll. The pair were seen walking past Bridget's iconic flat above The Globe Tavern, where the character lived in the first films. Renee Zellweger and her younger on-screen lover Leo Woodall looked besotted with each other as they filmed the final scenes for the latest Bridget Jones film in Borough Market on Friday The actress, 55, who has played the titular character in the past three films, is currently shooting the fourth instalment, Mad About The Boy, in London In the upcoming film, Bridget enjoys a fling with a hunky toyboy named Rockstar, who is played by One Day star Leo, 27, after meeting on social media The street outside was famously the site for the iconic fight between Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver in the first film as they vied for Bridget's affections. However, The Mail on Sunday previously revealed that Bridget will give up her famous bachelorette pad in favour of a family home in leafy Hampstead, North London, where many scenes have been filmed in the past few months. Renee looked on cloud nine as she burst into laughter during filming, while chatting to a beaming Leo. She put on a stylish display in a floral dress and pink cardigan, while adding thick black tights and a denim jacket for warmth. Pulling her hair up into a simple blonde ponytail, the Oscar winning star sported minimal makeup as she filmed the date night scene. Leo looked typically handsome in a plain yellow T-shirt and dark jeans, with a green collared shirt over the top. The fourth instalment in the acclaimed franchise is based on the book of the same name by Helen Fielding. It follows Bridget as she battles motherhood alone following the tragic death of husband Mark, who was played in the previous films by Colin Firth. And sparks looked to be flying between the characters, as the actors enjoyed a romantic late-night stroll The pair were seen walking past Bridget's iconic flat above The Globe Tavern, where the character lived in the first films The street outside was famously the site for the iconic fight between Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver in the first film as they vied for Bridget's affections The door to the iconic abode of Bridget can be seen in the sequel film The Edge of Reason in 2004 (Renee and Colin pictured) However, The Mail on Sunday previously revealed that Bridget will give up her famous bachelorette pad in favour of a family home in leafy Hampstead, North London, where many scenes have been filmed in the past few months Renee looked on cloud nine as she burst into laughter during filming, while chatting to a beaming Leo She put on a stylish display in a floral dress and pink cardigan, while adding thick black tights and a denim jacket for warmth Pulling her hair up into a simple blonde ponytail, the Oscar winning star sported minimal makeup as she filmed the date night scene Leo looked typically handsome in a plain yellow T-shirt and dark jeans, with a green collared shirt over the top As well as her love affair with Rockstar, the lovable diarist will also explore a romantic connection with her son's PE teacher Mr Walker, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, while also reviving her on-off relationship with Hugh Grant's Daniel. However, despite Mark being killed off, The Mail on Sunday has revealed Colin will still be making an appearance in the film. In the book series after Mark marries Bridget, he sadly later dies while working abroad as a human rights lawyer, leaving her a widow. After Colin's name was absent from the cast list, fans feared his character would not appear at all in the fourth film. However, in exclusive photographs from the set taken last month, Renee is seen lovingly interacting The King's Speech star. It was revealed that Colin's return was meant to be a huge surprise, with film bosses desperate to keep it under wraps. A source said: 'Colin was always going to appear in the movie but it was supposed to be a secret.' The fourth instalment in the acclaimed franchise is based on the book of the same name by Helen Fielding It follows Bridget as she battles motherhood alone following the tragic death of husband Mark, who was played in the previous films by Colin Firth (pictured in The Edge of Reason in 2004) As well as her love affair with Rockstar, the lovable diarist will also explore a romantic connection with her son's PE teacher Mr Walker, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, while also reviving her on-off relationship with Hugh Grant's Daniel However, despite Mark being killed off, The Mail on Sunday has revealed Colin will still be making an appearance in the film In the book series after Mark marries Bridget, he sadly later dies while working abroad as a human rights lawyer, leaving her a widow After Colin's name was absent from the cast list, fans feared his character would not appear at all in the fourth film However, in exclusive photographs from the set taken last month, Renee is seen lovingly interacting The King's Speech star It was revealed that Colin's return was meant to be a huge surprise, with film bosses desperate to keep it under wraps In the last movie, Bridget Jones's Baby in 2016, Bridget is seen attending the memorial of her other on-off love Daniel, played by Hugh who is presumed dead after a plane crash, but is later found alive (pictured right) Production company, Working Title, revealed last week that Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy will hit cinemas on Valentine's Day In the last movie, Bridget Jones's Baby in 2016, Bridget is seen attending the memorial of her other on-off love Daniel, played by Hugh who is presumed dead after a plane crash, but is later found alive. Fans will have to be patient to find out whether Mark will be so lucky, or is simply appearing in a dream sequence. Production company, Working Title, revealed last week that Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy will hit cinemas on Valentine's Day. Married At First Sight's Melinda Willis has issued a stark warning to the new cast of the hit reality show. The 34-year-old urged participants filming the 2025 series to keep their feet firmly planted in reality and not be seduced by the false promises of fame and fortune. Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, Melinda opened up about her own experience on the show. Melinda spoke about the emotional toll it took on her and how the pressures of reality TV can lead to significant psychological struggles. 'I know a lot of people that will go on this show are quite vulnerable, are quite open and they're quite emotional or they can get quite emotionally attached. And I feel like I was too in it, way too in it,' she confessed. Melinda admitted that she found it difficult to detach from the intense environment of the show, leading to ongoing stress even after filming had wrapped. 'I would just be like just detach from it a little, still see the outside world, don't get so consumed in it and enjoy the ride,' she advised. 'Do you know, like even after the show aired, I didn't get to enjoy watching the show back'. Married At First Sight's Melinda Willis has issued a stark warning to the new cast of the hit reality show The 34-year-old urged participants filming the 2025 series to keep their feet firmly planted in reality and not be seduced by the false promises of fame and fortune. (Pictured: Jacqueline Burfoot and 'husband' Ryan) The Brisbane businesswoman revealed that the effects of being on the show lingered long after the cameras stopped rolling. 'And MAFS continued for me and like all the way through airing and past, I just want to go back and just have a good time,' she said, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster that participants often face. Addressing the misconception that being on a show like MAFS will automatically lead to fame and fortune, Melinda cautioned the new cast members to be realistic about the aftermath. Melinda spoke about the emotional toll it took on her and how the pressures of reality TV can lead to significant psychological struggles 'Like it's really weird because a lot of people think that you're going tto go on MAFS and your whole world's gonna change because that happened to a small handful of people,' she shared. 'And I still think that as crazy and successful and exciting as everything looks on Instagram for these people, it's not really like that in the real world.' Melinda pointed out that the glamorous images portrayed on social media are often deceptive, leading contestants to unrealistic expectations. 'I know a lot of people that will go on this show are quite vulnerable, are quite open and they're quite emotional or they can get quite emotionally attached. And I feel like I was too in it, way too in it,' she confessed 'Instagram is a bit fake. So what I'm getting at is people literally think that that's it, they're going to go on the show, they're good to quit their jobs. 'They're good to do whatever, because they're going to go on there, they're going to be so famous, they're going to be walking red carpets, they're doing all these brand deals and being flown over seas to collaborate but it's not really like that.' The MAFS alumna also highlighted the struggles that many contestants face after the show, noting that the reality of post-show life can be jarring. 'Like it's really weird because a lot of people think that you're going to go on MAFS and your whole world's going to change because that happened to a few like small handful of people,' she shared 'So I feel that particularly with our season, once you come off, I can kind of see a lot of people a little bit lost. Do you know they've, like lost their jobs or they've tried to detour?' Melinda explained that the influencer lifestyle many try to adopt after their stint on reality TV often doesn't pan out as expected. 'Now they're trying to like, pick up the influencer world. It's not really working, and everyone's a bit lost. And I hear a lot of them use the word lost. Yeah, you become a bit lost because it's not what you expect.' Melinda explained that the influencer lifestyle many try to adopt after their stint on reality TV often doesn't pan out as expected Despite the challenges, Melinda has found her footing by staying true to her pre-show life and goals. 'Even though there's a lot of genuine people, there's still always people that think they're going to go on MAFS and change their lives. They're going to be this big success overnight.' For Melinda, it was crucial to maintain her sense of self throughout the process. 'Yeah, but it is, that's the truth. When I went on MAFS, I was like, ''yes, that that's an opportunity that may happen'', but also my life before going into MAFS. Like there was no way I was stopping that.' She continued: 'I've come so far that I was content on continuing that with or without bail. My successes and stuff in my business, they were there prior and they're there after and they're never going to go away because like I won't let them go away. So I already have my purpose.' Her final piece of advice to future MAFS stars is to find their true purpose outside of the show. 'And I feel that a lot of the people that do feel lost after coming out the show, just need to find their purpose. It's not MAFS. It's something else. But just find your purpose.' Ashley Roberts showcased her incredible figure in a tiny white bikini in a series of Instagram snaps on Sunday. The Heart Radio presenter, 42, relaxed on a sun lounger at a pebbly beach as she topped up her tan during her trip to Greece. Ashley showed off her bronzed tan and toned stomach in the white bikini top and tie-string shorts. A beige bucket hat helped keep her shaded from the sun. The former Pussycat Doll also shared a snap wearing a tiny white miniskirt and a pair of sunglasses. Ashley accessorised with a Prada beach bag. Ashley Roberts showcased her incredible figure in a tiny white bikini in a series of Instagram snaps on Sunday The Heart Radio presenter, 42, relaxed on a sun lounger at a pebbly beach as she topped up her tan She captioned the post: 'very demure, very mindful'. Ashley was back at work at Heart FM last week after various trips abroad this summer but has now jetted off to Greece for another holiday. The former Strictly star is Heart Breakfast's showbiz reporter and she also hosts her own show on the station, Heart 00s. The professional dancer has also been presenting the Netflix reality programme Dance Monsters since 2022. Ashley recently revealed she is settled in the UK and has no plans to move back to America. She told OK! Magazine: 'Every now and then I pop back to LA, but I'm not going to be moving back there. I lived there for a significant amount of time but the UK feels so much more like home to me. It just feels more "me". 'I resonate more with the people, the culture and the lifestyle.' She added Kimberly Wyatt is her closest friend in the Pussycat Dolls. Ashley showed off her bronzed tan and toned stomach in the white bikini top and tie-string shorts Ashley also took to her Instagram stories where she shared a clip of her doing some yoga The presenter cut a sporty figure in the bright orange gym set Ashley, who found fame in the Pussycat Dolls, said recently Kimberly Wyatt (left) is her closest friend in the band (pictured in 2005) The pair knew each other even before they formed girl group with Nicole Scherzinger, Jessica Sutta, Carmit Bachar and Melody Thornton and Ashley considers herself "Auntie Ashley" to Kimberly's kids. She said: 'I talk to some of the girls more than others. Kimberly and I actually were friends before we even got in the group together. So we've been friends, oh my God, for more than 20 years and gone through a lot together.' The Weeknd has announced he is finally heading Down Under after cancelling his last Australian tour. The superstar took to Instagram on Monday to announce that he will be bringing his global After Hours Til Dawn stadium tour to Sydney's Marvel Stadium and Melbourne's Accor Stadium in October. 'AUSTRALIA, I didn't forget about you, See you in October,' The Hills hitmaker captioned the tour announcement. The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, initially postponed his tour of Australia in November last year, just weeks out from the kick off. The tour was eventually cancelled, with all sold tickets refunded. While many have welcomed the rescheduled dates, some fans have slammed the snubbing of Brisbane and New Zealand, which were originally slated for shows. '"Australia, I didn't forget about you", you very much forgot about Brisbane and NZ,' wrote one angry fan on Instagram. Another issued their displeasure with: 'Are you serious right now, what the hell happened to Brisbane honestly f***ing us around at this point.' The Weeknd has announced he is finally heading Down Under after cancelling his last Australian tour. Pictured One concerned concertgoer added that they were reluctant to buy tickets, given the tour's Down Under history, adding the decision to snub Brisbane was 'crazy' 'Okay ain't no way,' they wrote. 'I bought tickets last year, waited for the show to be rescheduled, got a refund when the show was cancelled, but now you come back and aren't doing a show in brisbane. Crazy.' While many have welcomed the resheduled dates, some fans have slammed the snubbing of Brisbane and New Zealand, which were originally slated for shows Tickets to The Weeknd's Australian leg of the After Hours Til Dawn Tour go on sale to the general public from 12pm on August 26. Those who purchased tickets to the cancelled 2023 shows can register for a past purchaser presale to access tickets from 12pm on Wednesday, August 21. The Weeknd last performed Down Under as part of his Starboy World Tour in 2017. The superstar has already achieved massive success on his latest world tour so far. The tour broke two attendance records at London Stadium in 2023, including the highest single night attendance with more than 80,000 people and a whopping 159,574 people over the span of two days. Jennifer Garner is 'proud' of Ben Affleck amid his marital woes with Jennifer Lopez. The exes met up for a friendly dinner in New Haven, Connecticut on Saturday, with body language expert Judi James revealing the pair were completely comfortable in each other's presence, despite their ups and downs as a couple. The pair split in 2015 after 10 years of marriage but have remained close as they continue to amicably co-parent Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12. In the Mail's exclusive photographs, the exes were seen reuniting to send Violet off to college alongside Fin, with Garner gazing lovingly at her ex-husband. Yet the pair's relationship is platonic, with Garner happily loved-up with businessman boyfriend of six years, John Miller. Affleck's current wife Lopez was nowhere to be seen amid their marriage turmoil, yet it seems J Lo's absence was a positive for Affleck, with Judi explaining: 'Ben seems to be "safe-harbouring" here, pulling into what could seem like the safe, familiar harbour of his ex-wife and his children while his current marital problems blow over around him.' Body language expert Judi James has revealed what Jennifer Garner's 'look of love' towards Ben Affleck really means after the pair were photographed with their children on Saturday The exes met up for a friendly dinner in New Haven, Connecticut on Saturday with Violet, 18, and Fin, 15, ahead of sending their eldest child off to college Affleck's current wife Jennifer Lopez was nowhere to be seen and spent her Saturday shopping in Los Angeles (pictured) Judi explained: 'This is common behaviour when theres problems in a second marriage and the first family unit can suddenly seem like a comfortably familiar and seemingly non-judgmental refuge where a partner can often "be myself" more. 'Jennifers body language seems to send out signals of approval and even pride in her ex Ben here. 'As she watches one child talking her cheeks are rounded as she performs a beaming, dimpled smile with a narrowed, softened eye expression. 'When she turns her gaze to Ben that facial expression seems to remain the same, with none of the kind of chameleon changes to revert to anything cooler or tinged with any bitterness that you can get when exes reunite to spend time together with their kids. 'Jennifer seems to be like-minded with Ben, suggesting they form a united bond as parents. Their body language here shows up some subliminal mirroring. 'She also looks totally comfortable in conversation with Ben. The pair appear to chat in an engaged and relaxed way here, still chatting when the children are distracted by a phone and a menu.' Judi also noted that the wholesome family day out appeared to have lifted Affleck's spirits after his personal turmoils of late. It seems J Lo's absence was a positive for Affleck, with Judi explaining: 'Ben seems to be "safe-harbouring" here, pulling into what could seem like the safe, familiar harbour of his ex-wife' Judi explained: 'This is common behaviour when theres problems in a second marriage and the first family unit can suddenly seem comfortably familiar' The pair split in 2015 after 10 years of marriage but have remained close as they continue to amicably co-parent their three children (pictured in 2014) She reasoned: 'The way all three gaze at Ben with expressions of non-judgmental pride, warmth and fondness here must feel like the kind of emotional "stroke" he desires right now and his own body language appears to undergo a dramatic change as a result. 'Weve seen him looking surly, bored, frustrated and irritable recently but here he is finally seen grinning, laughing and performing some authentic hugs on his children or engaging in what looks like some relaxed and immersive conversations. 'Their casual outfits and their laid-back, natural vibe and his "dad" rather than "husband" role seems to suit Ben so much more right now than some of his formal and "perfect" A-list-looking poses and appearances did over the past year. 'This doesnt look anything like any romantic return for Ben and his ex but his children seem to provide a space where he can show affection and joke and have fun in a relaxed and playful way.' Despite the ups and downs in their marriage and their eventual split, Garner has described Affleck as 'the love of my life' even after their divorce. The couple married in 2005 after meeting on the set of Pearl Harbor five years earlier. At the time they met, Jennifer was already married to Scott Foley. In 2002, the actors met again when they starred together in Daredevil. Ben told Playboy he 'fell in love' with Jennifer during filming for Daredevil - but a few months after its release, he popped the question to JLo. The following year, when Garner was still married and Affleck was still engaged, the pair met once again as they made an appearance on Dinner for Five, a talk show where celebrities get together to eat, drink and chat. Judi shared: 'Jennifers body language seems to send out signals of approval and even pride in her ex Ben here' She added: 'The pair appear to chat in an engaged and relaxed way, still chatting when the children are distracted by a phone and a menu' One of the production staff on the show, Jesse David Fox, claimed in a Vulture op-ed that he witnessed Garner 'fall in love' with Affleck during filming for the talk show. He recalled watching the Elektra actress laugh along with Ben while smiling and listening intently when he spoke. Shortly after the episode aired, Garner and Foley announced they were divorcing. And just short of a year later, Affleck and Lopez called off their engagement. Finally, in October 2004, Garner and Affleck went public with their romance at a Boston Red Sox game. It soon became clear that the couple, despite being Hollywood royalty, liked to keep their relationship under wraps, and even their wedding was a tiny, private ceremony with just two people invited. In 2015 the couple announced they were divorcing, just weeks after US Weekly reported Ben had flown the family nanny, Christine Ouzounian, to Las Vegas and quoted anonymous sources who said the pair were dating. (Ben's representatives strenuously denied the reports). In the statement announcing their split, the couple said: 'We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time.' Since they separated, the pair have remained true to their statement; never speaking ill of the other in public, attending events at their children's schools together and being there for the other person when times are tough. This was clear to see when they spent the weekend together to give Violet her college sendoff. Violet is rumored to be attending Yale University, and the Ivy League school is located in New Haven. Affleck shares Violet, Fin, and Samuel with Garner but his youngest child was not pictured The happy occasion came amid rumors Ben's marriage with Lopez is in trouble. He was not wearing his wedding ring during the outing. Despite her close bond with Violet, Lopez , 52, was absent from the milestone occasion. The four enjoyed dinner al fresco at the restaurant South Bay before going for a relaxing walk in the area. At one point during the outing, a beaming Ben embraced Fin. Ben, clad in a button down, slacks, and Nike trainers, was spotted pulled Fin in for a sweet hug as the four gathered along the sidewalk. Garner, meanwhile, sported a striped top, jeans, and smart black glasses. The four appeared truly relaxed and at ease as they enjoyed a summer evening together ahead of Violet's milestone moment. Violet graduated from high school earlier this year and her mother shared an emotional post marking the occasion to her Instagram. In her Instagram post, the actress was seen breaking down in tears over her daughter's milestone moment. 'Tell me you have a graduate without telling me you have a graduate,' Garner penned in the caption of her photo series. In the carousel, Garner could be seen crying in a multitude of different locations, including what appeared to be Violet's graduation ceremony and during a flight. Violet suggested she would be attending Yale after she was seen wearing a sweatshirt with the Ivy League's name in a snap shared by her high school's Instagram page. The sighting comes amid a whirlwind of rumors that Affleck and Jennifer are skidding towards an 'imminent' divorce. Lopez, 55, and Affleck are said to be living separately, and DailyMail.com previously reported they have prepared divorce documents to file at a later date. Lopez, 55, and Affleck are said to be living separately, and DailyMail.com previously reported they have prepared divorce documents to file at a later date (pictured in 2023) This Thursday, she quietly paid a visit to his house on his birthday - then spent that night enjoying her girlfriends' company at a Bruno Mars concert for the opening of the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Affleck notably purchased a $20.5 million home in the Pacific Palisades last month in July - after residing in a $100k-a-month rental in Brentwood. The singer/actress has been staying at their lavish mansion in Beverly Hills - which has been listed on the market for $68 million. Earlier last week, a source told People that Lopez 'is trying to find a new home to start fresh' and added the pair are 'moving on separately.' Amanda Goff, previously known under the moniker Samantha X, has been rushed into hospital suffering a heart condition. The 49-year-old shared an update to Instagram from her hospital bed on Monday after succumbing to the condition. In her caption, Amanda, who is now a Pilates teacher, revealed that she had been diagnosed with Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (NSVT). According to Very Well Health, NSVT is an 'abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that starts in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricle)'. The condition becomes dangerous when it also develops into Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) which is a 'heart rhythm disorder that causes a very fast or erratic heartbeat', according to the Mayo Clinic. Amanda explained that she had both issues and had to undergo surgery at St Vincent's hospital in Sydney. 'Guys this is a SUPER IMPORTANT post for you. I have been diagnosed with a heart condition NSVT / SVT. It's serious, it's life threatening and it's treatable,' she wrote in her caption. 'It's all happened very fast - diagnosed Friday, in surgery Monday. NEVER ignore any symptoms. Mine were feeling faint and almost blacking out after exercise.' Amanda Goff (pictured), previously known under the moniker Samantha X, has been rushed into hospital suffering a heart condition. The 49-year-old shared an update to Instagram from her hospital bed on Monday after succumbing to the condition In her caption, Amanda revealed that she had been diagnosed with Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (NSVT) She continued: 'I was supposed to be on a plane to Canada today. Instead I am in St Vincent's cardiac ward. NSVT is the cause of sudden death and cardiac arrests. 'I am blessed I found this out before not after. My body knew something wasn't right, so I got it checked out. If there is anything you can take from this is never ignore what your body is telling you. 'Ladies - PLS don't dismiss feeling faint as hormones or period etc etc. If it keeps happening, get it checked out NOW.' Amanda went on to explain what the future holds for her in terms of ongoing treatment. 'I will be able to lead a completely normal life - worst case scenario a defibrillator, best case meds,' she said. 'So there you go, you can be fit, booze free and all the rest, but never, ever be complacent. Get checked out NOW if you have a sneaking suspicion something is wrong. Your body doesn't lie. 'Thank you to Dr Jordan McGrath from NSW Cardiology & Prof Rajesh Subbiah at St Vincents Clinic.' Amanda was once Australia's most famous escort, known as Samantha X. Amanda was once Australia's most famous escort, known as Samantha X. The author and journalist has turned over a new leaf, leaving the industry that made her a household name The author and journalist has turned over a new leaf, leaving the industry that made her a household name two years ago. In 2022, Amanda told Stellar Magazine that she is 'ashamed' of her former career and has changed her ways after being diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. 'Now the fog has started to clear, I am ashamed of some of my choices, especially about going public,' she said. 'I don't recognise the woman who did that and it's mortifying for me.' She went on: 'I am not blaming my bipolar or saying it was all down to my bipolar at all. But would I have made those choices if I was diagnosed and medicated? Most likely I wouldn't have been so public about it'. Amanda says that creating her alter ego Samantha X 'was a way of dealing with certain trauma in my life' and she felt she was 'acting' when engaging that side of herself. 'I felt invincible as Samantha. At the time, I had no issues with going public despite the shock from friends and family,' she says. 'It was like I couldn't understand their concerns. I was closed off to it. I was on some kind of high, which now I understand is mania'. 'It's all happened very fast - diagnosed Friday, in surgery Monday. NEVER ignore any symptoms. Mine were feeling faint and almost blacking out after exercise,' she said Amanda has now reclaimed the 'very traditional and conservative' person she is at heart. The Sydney-based influencer was once described as the country's highest-paid sex worker. She dropped her successful career as a journalist to embark on a controversial path that quickly garnered her an entirely new fan base. Amanda established herself as Australia's most recognisable escort, writing two memoirs, creating her own lingerie label, adult toys and agency. She also ran an escort agency with her business partner. In addition to taking care of the behind-the-scenes of her agency, Amanda was busy completing a Masters Degree in counselling and psychology. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah filed a writ petition in the Karnataka High Court on Monday seeking to quash Governor Thaawarchand Gehlots order giving sanction for prosecution against him in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. Siddaramaiah in his petition alleged that, The Honble Governors decision is legally unsustainable, procedurally flawed, and motivated by extraneous considerations, and thus the petitioner (CM Siddaramaiah) has preferred this writ petition seeking to quash the impugned order dated August 16, 2024 amongst other reliefs. The petitioner submits that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India, the petition claimed. The petitioner, the current Chief Minister of Karnataka, is herein challenging the order issued by the Honble Governor of Karnataka, thereby granting prior approval and sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and 218 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the plea mentioned. This order was based on an application made by Respondent No. 3, who initially lodged a complaint on July 18, 2024 with the Lokayukta Police, Mysuru, alleging irregularities in land allotment by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) concerning land in Sy. No. 464 of Kesare Village, Mysore, the petition said. Subsequently, on July 26, 2024, T.J. Abraham (complainant) filed the abovementioned application before the Honble Governor seeking sanction for prosecution, the writ petition mentioned. On the same day, the Honble Governor of Karnataka issued a show-cause notice to the petitioner, demanding a response to the allegations. In addition, the Governor had also addressed two letters dated July 5, 2024 and July 15, 2024 to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Karnataka, who then responded to the said letters and submitted a detailed reply on July 26, 2024, refuting the politically motivated allegations, CM Siddaramaiah stated. Additionally, the matter was placed before the Council of Ministers, who, on August 1, 2024, resolved to advise the Governor to withdraw the notice and reject the application for sanction vide a detailed Cabinet Note. The petitioner (CM) also, in his personal capacity, submitted a detailed and comprehensive reply to the Governors show-cause notice on August 3, the writ petition stated. Despite all the factual matters being brought to notice of the Honble Governor, he has proceeded to grant sanction on August 16, 2024, which was communicated to the Chief Secretary on August 17, 2024, said Shathabish Shivanna, advocate for Siddaramaiah. The writ petition has made the State of Karnataka as the first respondent, the Special Secretary to the Governor as the second, petitioners T.J. Abraham as third, Snehamayi Krishna as fourth and Pradeep Kumar S.P. as fifth respondents. The memorandum of writ petition is submitted under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India. The writ seeks to invoke the Writ Jurisdiction of this Honble Court under Article 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, to challenge the said order of prior approval or sanction (hereinafter referred to as the impugned order) and seeks to have the same quashed and set aside, by issuance of a writ of certiorari, it further states. The impugned order, passed on August 17, 2024, is in gross violation of the law, principles of natural justice, unconstitutional, ultra vires section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and section 218 of BNSS, established judicial precedents, and therefore necessitates judicial intervention by this Honble Court in exercise of its writ jurisdiction, it submits. Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com He slammed the airport's staff online for their 'racial prejudice' US comedian Eric Andre has accused Australian border officials of 'racial prejudice against people of colour' after he was stopped and searched at Melbourne Airport. Andre, 41, unleashed a tirade on social media after he was pulled aside for a random sniffer dog search when he touched down in Melbourne on Monday. The Florida born entertainer claimed he was stopped by staff in terminal two following 25-hour flights from New York via Los Angeles. 'I got pulled out of a lineup and put in a special line in Melbourne where I was sniffed thoroughly by a dog,' he explained in an Instagram post. 'It's one of the many times I've been racially profiled at the airport. 'So this is a message for all black, brown and Indigenous people travelling through Melbourne today, especially if you're travelling Qantas International by terminal two, please be careful. 'They are searching black, brown and indigenous people.' The Eric Andre Show host vowed to never return to Melbourne Airport alone again and requested anyone who books him in the city to also provide a police escort. Eric Andre said he no longer felt safe at Melbourne Airport after an unpleasant encounter with customs officials on Monday The US comedian was pulled aside for a random sniffer dog search when he touched down in Melbourne on Monday (stock image) Andre asked his followers to send him the Melbourne Airport complaints line and the contact details for any Australian discrimination lawyers in response to the incident. Andre flew from New York to Brisbane via Los Angeles before making the final leg of his trip to Melbourne. He claims it was the only airport where he was pulled aside by customs officials. 'Shame on the people at the Melbourne Airport that have this cockamamie procedure,' he said. 'I do not want to be humiliated or racially discriminated ... [and] I don't want to cut my hair and wear a three-piece suit so that I'm treated like a first class citizen. '[It] is unethical .... it has nothing to do with safety, it has everything to do with racial harassment... I doubt it yields a safer world for anybody in Melbourne or Australia. 'I do not feel safe in the Melbourne airport.' US comedian and actor Eric Andre, 41, claimed that he was targeted because of his race at the Melbourne Airport after customs officers pulled him aside for a random sniffer dog search The comedian likened the procedure to a 'Giuliani stop-and-frisk' in reference to former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani's controversial method of reducing crime. Stop-and-frisks allowed police to temporarily detain, question, and at times search anyone who they thought might pose a danger to the public. The initiative targeted an overwhelming amount of people of colour, with 90 per cent of those frisked in 2017 being African American or Latino men. Andre also questioned the efficiency of sniffer dogs and referenced a UNSW study which branded the practice 'an ineffective strategy' on his story. The study found that 'not only is the use of drug detection dogs ineffective, it may in fact increase the risk of drug-related harm'. 'I shouldn't be made to feel that I am unaccepted when I am entering a country, I'd love to dig up the statistics on what is coming out of that program,' Andre said. The comedian had just landed in Melbourne after a 25 hour flight from New York when he was pulled aside and 'thoroughly sniffed' by a dog The online tirade prompted a response from Melbourne Airport, which revealed in the comments that it would follow up on Andre's complaints. A spokesperson told 7News that the airport doesn't tolerate racism of any kind. 'Melbourne Airport is proudly the gateway to one of the most multicultural cities in the world,' they said. 'We welcome all passengers to Melbourne and we expect everyone to be treated equally.' Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Melbourne Airport, Australian Federal Police and Eric Andre for comment. Jay Blades showed his support for his unlikely pal Dame Judi Dench as she broke down in tears on their show The Odd Couple. The actress, 89, was overcome with emotion and could be seen wiping away tears as she was flooded with memories of her late husband Michael Williams. Judi married the actor in 1971 and the pair went on to welcome their daughter Finty, 51, a year later. Michael sadly passed in 2001 at the age of 65 and on Sunday's show, Judi took Jay to a home that she used to live in with Michael and their daughter Finty in the 70s and 80s. During the episode, Judi said: 'I want to take Jay to see my old home in the village of Charlecote but having not been back since leaving in 1984... this isn't going to be easy.' Jay Blades showed his support for his unlikely pal Dame Judi Dench as she broke down in tears on their show The Odd Couple The actress, 89, was overcome with emotion and could be seen wiping away tears as she was flooded with memories of her late husband Michael Williams Judi married the actor in 1971 and the pair went on to welcome their daughter Finty, 51, a year later. Michael sadly passed in 2001 at the age of 65 (both pictured in 1999) As Jay and Judi pulled up to the house, Judi said: 'Oh, oh, this is a strange feeling.' Seeing the sight of her former home, Judi sighed 'my word' and appeared slightly uneasy. The actress's emotions then took over as she became visibly emotional and clutched onto her scarf as she sat next to The Repair Shop star. With tears filling her eyes, the James Bond star confessed: 'Ok, this is hard.' Jay held his hand out to console Judi and checked she was okay as it became clear to him that memories of her late husband had come flooding back. Discussing her former home, Judi said: 'It holds a lot of memories, oh my goodness me!' 'It's very strange.' Judi's late husband Michael sadly passed from lung cancer leaving the actress heartbroken. On Sunday's show, Judi took Jay to a home that she used to live in with Michael and their daughter Finty in the 70s and 80s The actresses emotions then took over as the pair turned up to her former home and she said: 'Ok, this is hard' Although she's now in a relationship with David Mills, who she started dating in 2010, she previously admitted that she doesn't think she's over Michael's death. In a 2020 interview with David Tennant, she also revealed that she would 'never get over' him. Judi met Michael when they were cast together in a theatre production, but revealed a few years ago that he's not the only co-star she has fallen in love with on stage. The acting icon has mused about her 'susceptibility' to falling for her theatre co-stars, revealing she was smitten with her Hamlet stage partner John Neville. Speaking during an event at the Gielgud Theatre in London's West End in 2022, Judi called their time together in 1958 'beautiful'. Daily Mail's Richard Eden said the iconic star explained: 'I was in Hamlet with John Neville. He was beautiful. It was beautiful.' Asked if she fell in love with Neville, who died in 2011 aged 86, she replied: 'Yes. I am very prone to it. I am very susceptible.' 'It does not happen all the time, and it does not go to enormous extremes, but it is, perhaps, sharing (stage) fright that is so electrifying.' Furious star took to social media after fans claimed she was dead American Pickers star Danielle Colby has revealed she is alive and well after becoming the latest personality from the show to find herself the subject of cruel online death rumors. The shocking claim that the television personality, 48, had passed away started to gain traction when a verified user on X, formerly Twitter, shared news of the 'huge tragedy' on August 10. 'HUGE TRAGEDY... American Pickers star Danielle Colby is in shock,' the tweet read. 'With heavy hearts, we announce the passing. RIP @DanielleColby.' However, Danielle soon learnt about the hurtful tweet and defiantly shut down the claim as she reposted it with the statement: 'I'm pretty sure Im not f***ing dead.' Many fans on the platform chose to poke fun at the absurdity of the incident as they pretended Danielle was communicating from the land of the dead. American Pickers star Danielle Colby has revealed she is alive and well after becoming the latest personality from the show to find herself the subject of cruel online death rumors As soon as Danielle learned about the hurtful tweet, she defiantly shut down the claim One user wrote: 'Dang contact with the dead? Elon is really improving X quickly..' Another tweeted: 'Went from American Pickers to Ghost Hunters real quick!!!! Woah...' Others joked that the star was lying, with one commenting: '@daniellecolby Please stop spreading disinformation-n we all saw it on X, you are dead.......please respect it and move on.' Another quizzed: 'On a scale from 1 to 10 . How sure are you?' The day after she dispelled the rumors, the History Channel regular returned to her tweet to make a simple demand for the day when her death truly is announced. 'AND PLEASE USE A BETTER PHOTO THE NEXT TIME I DIE,' she demanded. One fan commented: 'This whole post made my life... Glad you are alive.' Another added: 'This made me scream! Hahaha'. The shocking claim that the reality television personality, 48, had passed away started to gain traction when a verified user on X, formerly Twitter, shared the news on August 10 The History Channel star also made a simple demand for the day when her death truly is announced The incident comes just weeks after rumors started spreading about former American Pickers star Frank Fritz's alleged death. A website, titled 'In Memory Of Frank Fritz: A Journey Through His Life And Legacy,' appeared online, leaving confused fans offering their condolences on Frank's official Instagram. However, a friend close to the star confirmed that he was very much alive, stating on his Facebook fan page: 'Last night he was gobbling down a fudge ice cream so again he is not dead. 'The rumors are still out there but we have been dealing with this a lot over the last two years. These rumors seem to be a little stronger than most in the past.' The friend also revealed that they would announce Frank's death on the social media platform if he was to pass. 'If Frank was to die as his friends, we would like to have a little time to inform all his very best friends which is a lot,' they continued. 'And then you will read it on this page also from our local newspaper called Quad City Times. 'I assure the time between his death and my announcement will be brief. 'It is important to me that his close friends come first than his beloved fans and our local people that have supported him from day one.' Danielle is best known for starring on the television show American Pickers alongside Mike Wolfe (left) and Frank Fritz The incident comes just weeks after rumors started spreading about former American Pickers star Frank Fritz's alleged death Danielle has become a beloved name over the past 15 years thanks to American Pickers, but the star has also been entertaining fans in a much sexier way outside of the show. As well as being a TV personality, an entrepreneur, and a collector, the TV personality is also a burlesque star who goes by the name of Dannie Diesel. Danielle has even founded her own troupe called Burlesque Le Moustache, based out of Iowa long before she found fame on the small screen. Indeed the mother-of-two is no stranger to posting sultry snaps of herself online and loves to model her burlesque attire, including nipple tassels, elaborate headwear and cut-out lingerie. For certain shots, which are often taken by her photographer husband Jeremy Scheuch, Danielle likes to strip off completely and is fan of posing with feather boas and other accessories. The Bachelor alum Madison Prewett, 28, is expecting her first child with her husband Grant Troutt. The brunette beauty shared a series of images on Instagram to announce her happy news. 'WERE PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!! Baby Troutt we are SO ready for you and cant wait to meet you,' she captioned the post. The Alabama native wore a pretty white dress and cradled her baby bump in the photos from her maternity photo shoot. Madison starred on Peter Weber's season of the ABC dating show and was the runner-up to Hannah Ann Sluss. The Bachelor alum Madison Prewett, 28, is expecting her first child with her husband Grant Troutt Madison withdrew from contention for Weber's heart when they didn't see eye-to-eye on religion. Weber proposed to Hannah, but later broke it off after revealing he still had feeling for Madison. The two tried again but ultimately ended things for good. The reality TV star is deeply religious and married pastor Grant, 28, in October 2022, just six months after meeting. She previously revealed she was waiting until marriage to have sex and in video clips from her wedding day she shared on social media she could be heard gleefully saying: 'Im having sex for the first time tonight!' 'Married life is the best! We are definitely learning a lot and growing so much, but its so fun to be married to him and walk through every stage of life with him now,' she told DailyMail.com last year. Her wedding was gorgeous, and she is thrilled to be Grant's wife. 'There were so many aspects of my wedding that I loved. Getting to marry my best friend of course is on top,' she said. 'I loved getting to pray with my bridesmaids before the wedding and having our friends pray over us during the ceremony. I also loved doing our own personal vows because that was so special and intentional. The brunette beauty shared a series of images on Instagram to announce her happy news 'WERE PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!! Baby Troutt we are SO ready for you and cant wait to meet you,' she captioned the post The reality TV star is deeply religious and married pastor Grant, 28, in October 2022, just six months after meeting The couple honeymooned in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and she gushed over the getaway. 'Our honeymoon was perfect! We went to Cabo and it was so fun to spend our first week of marriage in just a beautiful place,' she said, adding, 'Married life is the best.' 'We are learning and growing so much. Its been amazing to get to do life with my best friend. We have so much fun and laugh all the time and dance in our kitchen. But even more than that, my faith has grown so much! He will pray over us every night before we go to sleep. And he really encourages me and challenges me to be the best I can be.' Victoria's Secret model Daniela Braga revealed that her home had been ransacked and the burglars came away with more than $1million worth of goods including her engagement ring and wedding band. The 32-year-old Brazilian model's Los Angeles home - which she shares with husband and MadaLuxe Group CEO Adam Freede - was broken into last week. The runway queen took to her Instagram Story recently to share snaps of the aftermath as her home was in complete disarray. Police sources told TMZ on Monday that Daniela had arrived home late on Tuesday night to discover that her home had been burgled. Victoria's Secret model Daniela Braga revealed that her home had been ransacked and the burglars came away with more than $1million worth of goods including her engagement ring and wedding band; she is pictured at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, China back in November 2017 The 32-year-old Brazilian model's Los Angeles home - which she shares with husband and MadaLuxe Group CEO Adam Freede - was broken into last week as she took to her Instagram Story recently to share snaps of the aftermath as her home was in complete disarray The burglars were already gone by the time the model - who as featured in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 - got home. The publication reports that the burglars had smashed a back window to gain entry into the home as they stole multiple designer bags and a ton of jewelry in addition to two safes. TMZ's sources estimate that she and husband Adam's losses fall at over $1million. LAPD is currently investigating the burglary but no arrests have been made. Daniela had posted on her Instagram Story that the burglars had taken every piece of jewelry in the home including her engagement ring and wedding band. She also said that she and the MadaLuxe Group cofounder are feeling violated after the invasion of privacy. The couple also lost very sentimental objects including their baby's ultrasound pic and jewelry which once belonged to Daniela's mother-in-law. Daniela and Adam's home being broken into is just another in a string of Los Angeles burglaries as Sarah Hyland, Marlon Wayans, Bhad Bhabie, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have all fallen victim to crimes. TMZ reports that the burglars had smashed a back window to gain entry into the home as they stole multiple designer bags and a ton of jewelry in addition to two safes Daniela and Adam have been in a relationship since 2018 as they were engaged in September 2020 before marrying in December 2021; they are pictured in New York back in November 2019 The couple have been in a relationship since 2018. Adam popped the question to the Brazilian beauty in September 2020. They were married the following year in December 2021 at Amanera in the Dominican Republic. Daniela and Adam welcomed a baby boy in August 2022. Jake Quickenden's pregnant wife Sophie has defended herself after fans slammed her reaction to her unborn baby's gender reveal. The couple, who wed in 2022, took to Instagram this month to share a video of them finding out the sex of their child by cutting into a cake dyed blue or pink. The clip saw the X Factor star, 35, and his wife joined by their three-year-old son Leo and Sophie's son Freddie from a previous relationship. As they pushed champagne glasses into the icing, they revealed a blue cake inside, causing Jake to excitedly squeal: 'It's a brother it's a brother!' But Sophie couldn't hide her disappointment and groaned: 'For God's sake. I knew it. Ah man, where are all the girls at?' Jake Quickenden 's pregnant wife Sophie has defended herself after fans slammed her reaction to her unborn baby's gender reveal The couple, who wed in 2022, took to Instagram this month to share a video of them finding out the sex of their child with their son Leo and Sophie's son Freddie While lots of fans were left in hysterics with her 'honest reaction' after discovering she would soon be outnumbered by boys, many were upset by her response, saying she should be happy to be having a healthy baby While lots of fans were left in hysterics with her 'honest reaction' after discovering she would soon be outnumbered by boys, many were upset by her response, saying she should be happy to be having a healthy baby. Jake hit back at several comments, with one person writing: 'For god sake jeez count yourself lucky you can have kids. Ive got 3 boys and wouldnt swap them EVER!' and him responding: 'I dont think soph would want to swap them either!' While he fumed at one follower who asked: 'Why post this? I've never seen someone look so unhappy..', commenting: 'really god you must live in tele tubby land or something then! She smiled the whole way through the video.' He later added another comment on the post, penning: 'We are over the moon, as long as the little one is healthy and happy thats all that matters, Soph would have liked a girl to back her up, but we are so used to boys and we couldnt be happier,' 'Cant wait to see if he looks like Leo, cant wait to watch Fred and Leo with him. Now we need to get a name??' On Saturday, Sophie took to her Instagram to come to her own defense, writing that gender disappointment was valid and should be talked about more. She insisted that she was 'incredibly grateful' to be having another child, but admitted that she had 'always dreamed of having a daughter'. She confessed she had been 'sad' not to have had a girl to have been with for her wedding and 'girlie trips away', and added those feelings were okay. Jake hit back at several comments, with one person writing: 'For god sake jeez count yourself lucky you can have kids. Ive got 3 boys and wouldnt swap them EVER!' and him responding: ' I dont think soph would want to swap them either!' He later added another comment on the post, penning: 'We are over the moon, as long as the little one is healthy and happy thats all that matters, Soph would have liked a girl to back her up, but we are so used to boys and we couldnt be happier' Sophie penned: 'Gender disappointed is something that isnt ever spoken about so lets talk about it. 'I know I received some negatives comments on our gender reveal video but please know I am incredibly grateful & blessed to be pregnant whether that be with a girl or a boy, especially as it didnt happen quickly for us. 'And all I really wish for is a healthy baby. But if you asked me what gender I would have asked for, it would have been a girl & thats ok. 'Ive got 2 amazing boys already & I had always dreamt of having a daughter. And as this will be my last baby, I was a little sad about not having all my dreams coming true. 'I hadnt just wished to have a girl because I wanted to dress her up in pretty things, share clothes & go shopping together, but I wanted to be there for her prom, her wedding, her baby births & to also go away on girlie trips away. 'If you have felt the same, just know your feelings are valid and it doesnt make you a bad person or unappreciated of being a pregnant. I cant wait to raise another boy & know this is whats meant for me.' Several fans wrote supportive messages in response, with one saying: 'You absolutely should not even have to defend yourself.. gender disappointment is a real thing'. However, a slew of other followers fumed at the post, saying that her son would be hurt to see her reaction, while others saying she should focus on her baby being healthy. On Saturday, Sophie took to her Instagram to come to her own defense, writing that gender disappointment was valid and should be talked about more She insisted that she was 'incredibly grateful' to be having another child, but admitted that she had 'always dreamed of having a daughter' and had been 'sad' not to have had a girl Several fans wrote supportive messages in response, with one saying: 'You absolutely should not even have to defend yourself.. gender disappointment is a real thing' Others questioned what difference the gender would make, pointing out that the dreams she listed weren't 'sex specific', while several fans struggling to conceive called the post 'heartbreaking'. They wrote: 'Breaks my heart. How can you be disappointed by the sex of your baby?!: Some women can only dream of having a child - think about that; I don't understand what one child can do that another can't.' 'truly why does the sex of your child matter so much. like not trying to be a hater im just so confused on why its important; No don't normalise that. If you wanted a specific gender get a dog not a kid.' 'I usually never comment or judge on parenting stuff but I would never want my baby to think I wanted them to be anything else rather than what they are. Be disappointed but you dont have to post everything or say every thought that comes into your head. The internet is so strange I would never :/'. 'You should just be happy its a healthy baby; i couldnt imagine growing up and possibly seeing a video of my parents being disappointed about my gender, especially when it was posted for millions to see.' 'Take your sons shopping and go to their weddings etc. These behaviours aren't sex specific. Your daughter could have hated all those things but your sons may love doing those things with you if you include them in the things you like; children are not there to please you.' 'As someone who is struggling to conceive this is honestly heartbreaking; A baby is a baby. So long as its healthy, the sex shouldnt matter.' Last month Sophie, denied she was having a girl after showing off her blossoming bump in a pink swimsuit, that caused fans to think she was hinting at the baby's gender. However, a slew of other followers fumed at the post, saying she should focus on her baby being healthy and questioning what difference the gender would make, while several fans struggling to conceive called the post 'heartbreaking' Last month Sophie, denied she was having a girl after showing off her blossoming bump in a pink swimsuit, that caused fans to think she was hinting at the baby's gender She wrote: 'Also guys the swimsuit is not a hint to the gender. We didn't know what we were having at this point. I also had sickness with both the boys but definitely worse this time around.' Alongside the snap of her in the swimsuit she said: 'Thank you for all your lovely messages & congratulations. I am slowly trying to get through them all. 'This pregnancy has definitely felt tougher than my other two. I've been really sick for the past 9 weeks and it's still going. And the tiredness, WOW.. 'I forgot about that!! 12 hours sleep a night apparently isn't enough. I've felt quite low at times feeling like this & bad that I can't be a present mum, wife & friend all the time. I'm hoping I'll start to now feel more myself & be in more of a positive mindset. 'I'll also try to be better and share more with you guys, as I know I've been so quiet on here too.' The couple previously revealed they were pregnant after a 'long time of trying' and took to Instagram with an emotional montage of the family learning the happy news. Overcome with emotion he wiped tears from his eyes when he was told while pregnant Sophie presented their shocked sons with an Ultrasound scan. The ex I'm A Caleb campmate captioned the post: 'WE HAVE NEWS. soon to be five. We can finally let you know after a long time trying we are gonna bring another bundle of joy into the world'. The couple previously revealed they were pregnant after a 'long time of trying' and took to Instagram with an emotional montage of the family learning the happy news 'We are super excited. Cant wait to live off 2 hours sleep again. Have a lovely Sunday'. Fans and famous friends rushed to the comments section to send their congratulations with Vicky Pattison saying: 'Best news ever, congratulations guys'. While Michelle Visage added: 'Congrats you gorgeous lot' and Coleen Nolan gushed: 'OMG congrats... so happy for you'. Ulrika Jonsson typed: 'Wow!! I'm so happy for you all!!!' while H from Steps said: 'Congratulations!'. Advertisement Kendall Jenner landed a big modeling job this week. On Monday morning it was announced that the 29-year-old supermodel is the face of the new Tory Burch campaign for the fragrance Sublime. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians vet flashed the flesh in nude lingerie under a golden netted dress for the photo shoot. The commercial sees her on a set as she poses on her side in the flirty ensemble; she is also seen walking confidently on set. 'Confident, sensual and strong. My new favorite fragrance #ToryBurchSublime,' read the caption to the video. Kendall's fans were ecstatic with the clip as they called her 'beautiful' and 'iconic.' Kendall Jenner landed a big modeling job this week. On Monday morning it was announced that the 29-year-old supermodel is the face of the new Tory Burch campaign for the fragrance Sublime The Keeping Up With The Kardashians vet flashed the flesh in nude lingerie under a golden netted dress for the photo shoot 'Sublime is beautiful, it's sexy, it's confident,' Jenner said in a statement. 'I love what Tory does and what she stands for. I want to align with designers who feel genuinely right to me, and this felt natural and organic.' And the designer talked about Kendall. 'Kendall has a quiet power,' Burch continued in the statement. 'She knows who she is and she's fearless. She is an entrepreneur and a role model for so many people, and that was important to me.' The new fragrance called Sublime features rose, osmanthus flower, earthy vetiver and bright mandarin, according to a press release. It will also be 'grounded by hints of ivy, patchouli and magnolia.' Jenner stars in a creative campaign photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. She is seen with an oversized sculpture version of the Sublime bottle. Designed by Malin Ericson, the curvilinear vessel is an abstract take on Tory's signature Double T design, topped with a silver cap and playful off-center logo. The campaign also includes a video with original music by London artist Bakar, covering Edwyn Collins's 1994 track A Girl Like You. The commercial sees her on a set as she poses on her side in the flirty ensemble; she is also seen walking confidently on set 'Confident, sensual and strong. My new favorite fragrance #ToryBurchSublime,' read the caption to the video. Kendall's fans were ecstatic with the clip as they called her 'beautiful' and 'iconic' Burch has always been 'intrigued' by Jenner's 'quiet power.' The 58-year-old fashion designer explained why she chose The Kardashians star to be the first face of her brand. She told ELLE.com: 'I spent a lot of time thinking about working with Kendall Jenner. We've never had a face. There's something that I really love about her. 'A long time ago, we were in a shoot together, and I've been intrigued with her. She has a quiet power, which I find interesting. She's fearless. She's an entrepreneur [with] great family values and a work ethic.' Burch is set to launch refills next year because she believes the bottle is so appealing people will want to keep it on display. 'Sublime is beautiful, it's sexy, it's confident,' Jenner said in a statement. 'I love what Tory does and what she stands for. I want to align with designers who feel genuinely right to me, and this felt natural and organic' She said of the design: 'The bottle is meant to last. I wanted something you would keep forever, and that's why it feels so heavy; I wanted it to be a beautiful, artistic element that you put on your vanity. [The design] was inspired by the Guggenheim, taking an abstraction of the Ts [in our logo].' Burch continued: 'I worked with Malin Ericson, and we worked on many different iterations. There was a purity to this that I loved, and we put the logo [off-kilter] as a representation of things not being where they used to be and not being so straightforward. It's about reinvention, evolution, and innovation.' The designer loves the scent so much she wears it herself. Asked about her thought process for selecting a perfume to wear, she said: 'It's pretty last minute, and just as I'm walking out the door. But I do like wearing a fragrance. It's a ritual for me. There's one of our Middle East fragrances that's an oud that I love, but I also now love Sublime. I've given a couple bottles to my sons' girlfriends; they're obsessed with it, and they said it's addictive. I love that.' And the designer talked about Kendall. 'Kendall has a quiet power,' Burch continued in the statement. 'She knows who she is and she's fearless. She is an entrepreneur and a role model for so many people, and that was important to me' The new fragrance called Sublime features rose, osmanthus flower, earthy vetiver and bright mandarin, according to a press release It will also be 'grounded by hints of ivy, patchouli and magnolia.' Jenner stars in a creative campaign photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott Jenner models all the time despite talking about the minuses of the industry last month. The sister of Kylie Jenner said she thinks modelling can be a 'very lonely' existence. Here she was seen in the teaser for the ad The star is one of the world's best-known and best-paid models - but Kendall insists that her career has been more challenging than some people might imagine. The brunette beauty said on Emma Chamberlain's Anything Goes podcast: 'I'm not gonna sit here and say that I've had the toughest journey. I think I've been extremely fortunate. 'But I also have had my own set of challenges, whether it's [being] overworked or not getting a job that I would've really loved to get.' Kendall actually confessed to 'crying [herself] to sleep' at night amid her struggles. The reality star shared: 'It is very lonely. 'I've had really dark nights where I've been in random cities and just hysterically crying myself to sleep because I haven't been home in three months and I've been pretty much alone the entire time.' Despite her fame and success, Kendall has repeatedly questioned whether the sacrifices she's made have really been worthwhile. She said: 'There's been a lot of definite moments where I'm like, What is going on, is this all worth it?' Meanwhile, Kendall previously admitted that she's been dealing with anxiety issues since she was a child. But the runway star also claimed that she now feels more 'stable' and 'hopeful' in her career. Kendall - who launched her own drinks brand, 818 Tequila, in 2021 - explained to Vogue magazine: 'I don't see why I shouldn't be honest about it. 'In my career right now I feel really stable, really hopeful. But I've had a tough two months. I haven't been myself, and my friends see it. I'm more sad than usual. I'm way more anxious than usual.' Days of Our Lives actress Jessica Serfaty recently discovered a hidden tracking device in her vehicle. The 33-year-old star who plays Sloan-Petersen Brady on the iconic soap was in Malibu, California when her phone alerted her to the presence of an Apple AirTag in her Range Rover, law enforcement sources told TMZ on Monday. The former America's Next Top Model contestant was 'immediately concerned' and contacted the police, insisting she had never placed such a device in her car, per the outlet. When officers arrived, however, they couldnt locate the AirTag. It's unclear if it was removed or fell off. Although the device wasnt found, TMZ reports that police are using Serfatys phone to gather information on the AirTag and identify who might have placed it. Days of Our Lives actress Jessica Serfaty recently discovered a hidden tracking device in her vehicle; (pictured in 2021) The 33-year-old star who plays Sloan-Petersen Brady on the iconic soap was in Malibu, California when her phone alerted her to the presence of an Apple AirTag in her Range Rover, law enforcement sources told TMZ on Monday The outlet's insiders said that the AirTag's placement could be linked to possible motives such as 'stalking, burglary, or car theft.' The incident comes almost one month after Jessica appeared on social media to tearfully accuse her Italian billionaire fiance of abuse only to 'revoke' the allegation a day later. The star made the shock claim about Ray-Ban heir Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, 29, in a brief clip posted to Instagram on July 21. 'This is the man who has abused me,' she said in a faltering voice, pointing the camera at Del Vecchio, who is worth an estimated $4.6billion. 'And let it be known who has caused my head to have bleeding,' she added, turning the camera on her own face. Arkansas native Jessica had tears in her eyes. There was no blood visible in the short video, however, which appeared to have been filmed below deck on a luxury yacht. Del Vecchio, wearing a cream military-style blazer and colorful Bedouin pants, simply stared back at Jessica without saying a word as she addressed her one million followers. A second man, standing next to him, remained silent but looked uncomfortable with the confrontation. By Monday, Jessica had posted a photo of herself on deck posing in a bikini along with a statement withdrawing the allegation and defending Del Vecchio. 'Leo and I apologize for any who were triggered or affected by yesterday's story. Although the device wasnt found, TMZ reports that police are using Serfatys phone to gather information on the AirTag and identify who might have placed it The incident comes almost one month after Jessica appeared on social media to tearfully accuse her Italian billionaire fiance of abuse only to 'revoke' the allegation a day later The 33-year-old, who became engaged to Ray-Ban heir Leonardo Maria del Vecchio last year, later retracted her claims 'Sometimes a family can have their own arguments and these should never be made public,' it stated. 'We ask that people respect our privacy at this time. I would never stay with an abusive man and which Leonardo Del Vecchio is not. 'I revoke my words that were driven by anger and not in truth. I take back my words on a guy that will always be my companion, step father and family person to me.' The statement was in white text on a black background. Underneath, Jessica posted Del Vecchio's Instagram handle along with a heart emoji. He reposted it to his own account and has not commented further. Neither responded to requests for comment. Mom-of-one Jessica is best known for playing Sloan Peterson in Days of Our Lives and starring in the 2020 movie, Wheels of Fortune. In July last year the former 'America's Next Top Model' contestant announced her engagement to Milan-based Del Vecchio, whose late father Leonardo Del Vecchio was the chairman of luxury eyeglass firm Essilor Luxottica. Serfaty claimed she was bleeding however there was no blood visible in the short clip Del Vecchio appeared in the background of the clip, simply glaring at Serfaty silently as she accused him of abuse to her 1million followers He left the company which owns Ray-Ban, Oakley, Sunglasses Hut and Persol - to his six children, with the younger Leonardo becoming the company's chief strategy officer and one of the world's youngest billionaires. Jessica, whose former flames include Gossip Girl actor Ed Westwick and the YouTuber Logan Paul, met Del Vecchio at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. The pair were friends for several years but became romantically linked and got engaged last summer after the hunky Italian proposed to her at a five-star hotel on Italy's Amalfi Coast. They enjoy an opulent lifestyle, travelling the world on luxury yachts and private planes, attending fashion shows, Formula One races and glitzy galas. Del Vecchio's previous 2021 marriage to the model Anna Castellini Baldisserra lasted only six months, according to Italian media reports. 'The week before Leo asked for my hand, we had been laughing about one another's past engagement stories,' Serfaty told People magazine in July last year. 'Poking fun at all the do's and don'ts that come along with proposals. I was completely taken by surprise when he dropped to one knee. 'I remember seeing the joy in Leo's face when he couldn't hold it in any longer. He teared up at the end. Sorry Leo, but I had to. It was spontaneous, exciting and beautiful.' Hours later the actress-model posted a statement 'revoking' her claims which she said were driven by 'anger and not in truth' The couple, who met in 2017, announced their engagement in July 2023 Jessica's recent social media posts depict two people deeply in love. On July 13 she was seen wrapping her arms around her handsome fiance in an Instagram photo, joking in the caption: 'If only you had a better personality.' She stared adoringly into his eyes over a romantic dinner in another recent snap. 'Can't leave the table without a kiss,' it said. The couple were pictured at New York's Met Gala in May, Jessica wearing a silk Dolce & Gabbana dress covered in flowers and Del Vecchio sporting a double breasted solaro suit. Both wore Ray-Bans. Some of the biggest names in nineties hip-hop have been implicated in the murders of Tupac and Biggie, according to an anonymous retired cop. The former LAPD officer told The Sun the artists are referenced in documents linked to the arrest of Duane 'Keefe D' Davis - but they'll never be released to the public. Davis, 61, was arrested in September 2023 over the 1996 drive-by shooting of Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas. The former LA gang leader has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. A Las Vegas law enforcement source has now told the newspaper that the files attached to Davis' case also include accusations against some of the 'biggest names in music' from the nineties. 'Without the help of the ex Los Angeles cops, the case against Keefe would be less concrete,' the anonymous source told The Sun. Some of the biggest names in nineties hip-hop have been implicated in Tupac and Biggie's murder, according to an anonymous retired cop. (Pictured: Biggie and Tupac in the 90s) Duane 'Keffe D' Davis (left) - the former LA gang leader accused of murdering Tupac Shakur - previously alleged that Sean 'Diddy' Combs (right) offered him $1million to assassinate the rapper 'Their knowledge of evidence, witness statements and Keefe's criminal past have prosecutors confident that 'Keefe has almost no defense.' 'The DA's team are sat on biggest ever evidence file relating to Tupac's murder, including paperwork which may never become public,' they added. 'They include accusations against some of the biggest names in music from the 1990s. 'It has been an epic workload, taking over three years to assemble and collaborating with retired LA officers and mining vaults for evidence, which is still coming to light almost 30 years on from the incident. 'Broadly they feel their case strongly outlines a precise trail of evidence confirming Keefe was a central figure in Tupac's death from witness statements and circumstantial evidence.' Davis is the only person to have been charged over Tupac's 1996 murder. His trial date is set for November this year in Nevada. He remains in jail in Las Vegas. His public defenders, Charles Cano and Robert Arroyo, said they intend to file documents seeking his release on bail ahead of trial. Tupac Shakur was gunned down at the height of the East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry in the 1990s. He is pictured with Combs and his rap rival Biggie Smalls, aka, Christopher Wallace Combs, who is mentioned 77 times in the nearly 180-page court documents, has never been a suspect in Shakur's killing. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that he still is not considered a suspect in the case. Pictured: Tupac Shakur on August 15, 1996 Davis told LAPD detectives in 2008 that Combs allegedly offered him $1million to murder Shakur (left) and Death Row Records boss Suge Knight (right) Davis - the only person still alive who was in the vehicle from which shots were fired and the only person ever to be charged with a crime in the case - has been held in a Las Vegas jail since his arrest last September (pictured) and has filed a request for reconsideration of bail They declined to comment about the case, saying they have not yet had time to examine what prosecutor Marc DiGiacomo termed 'voluminous' evidence. Davis, 61, is originally from Compton, California. He was arrested September 29 outside a Las Vegas-area home where police served a search warrant July 17. Davis said publicly in recent years and in a 2019 tell-all memoir that he orchestrated the drive-by shooting that killed Shakur and wounded rap music mogul Marion 'Suge' Knight. Knight, now 59, is serving 28 years in a California prison for the death of a Compton businessman in 2015. Prosecutors allege the 1996 shooting of Tupac followed clashes between rival East Coast and West Coast groups for dominance in the musical genre dubbed 'gangsta rap.' The grand jury was told that Tupac was involved in a brawl at a Las Vegas Strip casino with Davis' nephew, Orlando 'Baby Lane' Anderson, shortly before the shooting. Anderson, then 22, was in the car with Davis but denied involvement in Shakur's killing. Anderson died two years later in a shooting in Compton. This photo provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows the bullet-riddled car in which rapper Tupac Shakur was fatally shot in September 1996, in Las Vegas Davis has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. If he's convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison. Davis is pictured arriving in Clark County District Court on November 7, 2023 Davis implicated himself during multiple interviews and in his memoir that described his life leading a Crips gang sect in Compton. He wrote that he was promised immunity from prosecution in 2010 when he told authorities in Los Angeles what he knew about the fatal shootings of Shakur and rival rapper Christopher Wallace six months later in Los Angeles. Wallace was known as The Notorious B.I.G. and Biggie Smalls. Tupac died at age 25. He had five No. 1 albums, was nominated for six Grammy Awards and was inducted in 2017 into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He received a posthumous star this year on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A street near where Tupac lived in Oakland, California, in the 1990s was renamed last Friday in his honor. Sydney Sweeney flashed her toned legs during an outing in Beverly Hills on Sunday - after stunning fans with very cheeky thirst trap snaps. The Anyone But You star, 26, wore a pair of tiny cream shorts, paired with a slouchy sweater as she arrived at the Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills. She showed off her glowing tan as she sported chic shades and wore her tresses in soft waves. The star was putting on a more covered-up display as she chatted with a pal after exciting social media with her posterior flashing snaps. The star who is engaged to Jonathan Davino, showed off her pert posterior and cleavage in a plunging thong wetsuit as she posed with her pals. Sydney Sweeney flashed her toned legs during an outing in Beverly Hills on Sunday - after stunning fans with very cheeky thirst trap snaps Sweeney put on a very cheeky display as she posed for a thirst trap during a scenic break last week The beauty exuded confidence as she showed off her tanned derriere and toned legs on a boat - while showing off her natural beauty by going make-up free. Her locks were worn in tousled waves and she sported chic shades. The star cheekily captioned the snaps: 'i think they call this a thirst trap.' After enjoying a break from work on a vacation in the Greek Isles and Paris, the actress will soon be getting back to work. Sweeney has several projects lined up. Eden, directed by Ron Howard and co-starring Ana de Armas, Jude Law and Vanessa Kirby, is scheduled to debut in September at the Toronto International Film Festival. The action adventure follows a group of people who turn their backs on society and move to the Galapagos Islands for a new start, but things don't go as planned. The story is based on the fact-based The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden. The Emmy nominee has also revealed that she'll be returning to the set for production on the third season of Euphoria in 2025. The Anyone But You star, 26, wore a pair of tiny cream shorts, paired with a slouchy sweater as she arrived at the Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills She showed off her glowing tan as she sported chic shades and wore her tresses in soft waves The star was glowing as she stepped out The actress showed off her pert posterior and cleavage in a plunging thong wetsuit as she posed with her pals Sweeney revealed in an interview with Cosmopolitan that there will be a time jump in the series to account for the break since production was completed on season two in November 2021. 'We did have a long time between season one and season two, but especially now with the time jump, its a new process for me,' she told the outlet. 'Im kind of just learning as I go and being open for whatevers to come. But Im also really excited. I love Cassie,' she said. 'She is always such a thrilling character to play, so Im really looking forward to whats gonna happen in her life.' The star flashed her derriere as she posed in the wetsuit Sydney put on a cheeky display in the outfit Annette Russell is the SC State Staff Employee of the Year in the Division of Academic Affairs Note: This article is part of a series of profiles of SC State University staff members who go the extra mile. Annette Russell ORANGEBURG, S.C. Annette Russell has dedicated two decades to South Carolina State University. She started her career at SC State in the Miller F. Whittaker Library as the assistant to the dean of the library, then transitioned to the School of Graduate Studies. Russell continues to serve the university with her hard work and dedication as the administrative assistant to the director of the Educational Leadership Program. She is the 2024 Staff Employee of the Year for the SC State Division of Academic Affairs. South Carolina State University remains a vibrant place to work and pursue an education. The university offers a rich environment where historical events unfold, making it a special place to be a part of significant historical moments, Russell said. In 1989, Russell earned her associate degree in general business from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. She then continued at Claflin University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in organizational management in 2008. In 2012, Russell graduated from SC State University with a Master of Arts in rehabilitation counseling. Q: What is something interesting about you that may surprise others? Russell: Here at SC State University, I find our students to be exceptional individuals whose talents and potential inspire me daily. Ensuring the well-being of our students and faculty in the Department of Educational Leadership is my top priority. My role is dedicated to supporting our university community students, faculty, staff, and administratorsin successfully preparing future principals and superintendents. I have great satisfaction from my work because when you love what you do, every effort is rewarding. Q: What is something interesting about you that may surprise others? Russell: I have been employed here at SC State University for 27 years, having worked at two of the greatest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the world: Claflin University for eight years, and South Carolina State University thereafter. I had the opportunity to earn a bachelors degree from Claflin University, followed by achieving my masters degree from SC State University. Q: Who has been a big influence on your life and why? Russell: My family, especially my late parents, Lizzie Lee Davis Smalls and Henry Smalls, instilled in me invaluable standards that have shaped my life greatly. They taught me the importance of hard work and independence, emphasizing the responsibility to take care of yourself and your family. I am deeply grateful to them for equipping me with the tools necessary to navigate this journey we call life and sustain an enjoyable existence. They also taught me a crucial lesson about the significance of respect. They taught me that respect can open doors and create opportunities that money alone cannot. This wisdom has guided me through my personal and professional journey, reinforcing the importance of integrity, humility, and treating others with dignity. My upbringing has been the foundation of my identity and success. Q: What made you want to take this position at SC State? Russell: I applied for a position at SC State because I needed a better salary to assist with taking care of my family. Initially, my position at SC State University was in the Miller F. Whittaker Library as the administrative assistant for Dean Mary L. Smalls, whose leadership I deeply enjoyed. However, following a workforce reduction, I was transitioned to the School of Graduate Studies, where I worked closely with my immediate supervisor, Ms. Annette A. Hazzard-Jones. Over the years, I've had the honor of working alongside several distinguished deans in the School of Graduate Studies, including the late Dr. Howard D. Hill, Dr. Roy Isabel, Dr. Thomas Thompson, and Dr. Frederick M.G. Evans, who now serves as the provost and vice president for academic affairs. Currently, I have the privilege of being part of the Department of Educational Leadership, working under the leadership of Dr. Percy A. Mack, Jr., the acting chair. Here, I join forces with a team of accomplished former school district and high school administrators within our department, each contributing to our shared mission with expertise and dedication. Q: What has been your most memorable moment at SC State and why? Russell: I gratefully remember when former First Lady Michelle Obama visited our campus to campaign for her husband, former President Barack Obama. The Democratic presidential debate was hosted at South Carolina State University, further highlighting our role in historical moments. It was an exciting experience filled with anticipation and unity among everyone on campus. Being part of such a significant event was truly memorable. Q: Do you have a motto? Russell: Treat everyone how you want to be treated. Do your best at all times, even when there is no one looking. Pray, wait, and trust God to bring all that he has for you into full fruition. Talk show host Phil Donahue - who ruled the airwaves in the 1980s - passed away at age 88 after a long illness. Soon after the star, who was the husband of Friends actress Marlo Thomas, received warm tributes from celebrity friends. Sarah Jessica Parker took to Instagram to share a flashback photo of Phil on his talk show. 'Phil Donohue, we loved you,' began the Sex And The City veteran. 'Thank you for multiple decades of smart, funny, informative and often very brave television. 'We honor you, your work and your devotion to your audience. To @marlothomas and his family, my sincere condolences. RIP and Godspeed. X, SJ.' Her friend Andy Cohen added, 'Amen. Revolutionized the talk show and a great early voice for feminism and the lgbt community.' Oprah, who has said Phil inspired her career, shared a black-and-white photo where the talk show giants were in an embrace. Talk show host Phil Donahue - who ruled the airwaves in the 1980s - passed away at age 88 after a long illness. Oprah, who has said Phil inspired her career, shared a black-and-white photo where the talk show giants were in an embrace. 'There wouldn't have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously,' said Oprah on Instagram. Seen in 1996 'There wouldn't have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously,' said Oprah on Instagram. 'He was a pioneer. I'm glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil.' Linda Evangelista hit the like button. Katie Couric said she was 'so sad to hear this news.' 'Legendary talk show host Phil Donahue died on Sunday night following a long illness. He was 88 years old,' she wrote, adding his obituary below. Ricki Lake shared with People: 'I loved Phil. A total pioneer and someone I greatly admired and learned from. 'Was honored to appear on Oprah's last season of her talk show with Phil and other talk show icons, Montel [Williams], Sally Jessy [Raphael] and Geraldo [Rivera],' she added. 'He will be greatly missed and what a legacy he has left behind! ' Sarah Jessica Parker took to Instagram to share a flashback photo of Phil on his talk show. 'Phil Donohue, we loved you,' began the Sex And The City veteran. 'Thank you for multiple decades of smart, funny, informative and often very brave television' Her friend Andy Cohen added, 'Amen. Revolutionized the talk show and a great early voice for feminism and the lgbt community'; seen in 2022 Montel Williams shared a statement with People: 'With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to Phil Donahue, the true godfather of the talk show genre. 'Phil pioneered audience participation on critical issues, setting the standard for all of us who followed. 'His contributions to television and dialogue on important societal topics are immeasurable,' he continued. 'My deepest condolences go out to his family during this time. Rest in peace, Philyou will be missed but never forgotten.' Director Michael Moore said a 'good friend Phil Donahue has passed away. Donahue is seen before being presented a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, for President Joe Biden in the East Room of the White House in May 'Fearless. Brave. Would not back down. Gave voice to the voiceless,' he continued. 'He was removed from TV for his outspoken stand against the Iraq War. Made one of the best docs ever- BODY OF WAR(2007). He was kind, giving, relentless. An inspiration.' Donahue was an iconic TV star. He created and hosted The Phil Donahue Show for almost three decades. Phil passed away on Sunday following a long illness. In a statement given to TODAY, it's been revealed that Donahue was surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, their children and his grandchildren, when he passed away at his home. The family have encouraged fans to make donations to St Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers. Donahue began his media career in the 1950s, when he worked for local radio and TV stations in Cleveland. Democratic presidential hopeful Gov. Bill Clinton, gestures as he speaks to Phil Donahue during taping of the Donahue program in 1992 In the 60s, he began hosting an eponymous phone-in talk show in Dayton, Ohio. During this period, Donahue interviewed some of the most well-known public figures of the era, including former US President John F. Kennedy, late-night host Johnny Carson, and Malcolm X, the human rights activist who was a prominent figure during the civil rights movement. Then, in November 1967, Donahue launched The Phil Donahue Show. The iconic TV talk-show ran for 29 years and it even proved to be an international success, as it was also broadcast in the UK and Australia. The show often focused on issues that divided liberals and conservatives in the US, such as civil rights and abortion. Phil passed away on Sunday following a long illness. In a statement given to TODAY, it's been revealed that Donahue was surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, their children and his grandchildren, when he passed away at his home; seen in 1985 However, by the mid-90s, the show's ratings were falling sharply as competition increased and the last episode of The Phil Donahue Show' aired on September 13, 1996. Despite this, Donahue is still widely revered in the TV industry. Various stars have previously highlighted his influence on their careers. Oprah Winfrey, for instance, acknowledged that Donahue was a big inspiration for her. She once said: 'If there had been no 'Phil Donahue Show', there would be no 'Oprah Winfrey Show'.' Guy Ritchie's wife Jacqui posted a heartfelt tribute on Sunday as the couple celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary. The wife of The Gentelman director took to Instagram to share the gushing post with her 62,000 Instagram followers. The actress, 42, shared a selfie with the director, 55, who she married back in 2015. In the snap the couple looked more loved-up than ever as Guy smiled at the camera while Jacqui leaned back and closed her eyes. For the photo the actress wore a black top and simple gold hoops and added a statement 'G' pendant while Guy looked dapper in a blue shirt. Guy Ritchie 's wife Jacqui has posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram as the couple celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary together The couple looked more loved-up than ever in the cosy snap and the tribute was accompanied by a poem by Kahlil Gibran Alongside the sweet post, she shared a poem by Kahlil Gibran. Her caption read: 'You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. 'But let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another, but make not a bond of love:Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. 'Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, 'Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together yet not too near together:For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow. 'On Marriage by Kahlil Gibran'. Producer Guy and Jacqui split their time between their eight-bedroom home in Fitzrovia, London and their 18th-century estate in Wiltshire which was given to Guy as part of his divorce with Madonna in 2008. The pair married in front of family and friends, including A-listers David Beckham, Henry Cavill, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Brad Pitt, at their festival-themed nuptials. The pair married in front of family and friends, including A-listers David Beckham, Henry Cavill, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Brad Pitt, at their festival-themed nuptials Producer Guy and Jacqui split their time between their eight-bedroom home in Fitzrovia, London and their 18th-century estate in Wiltshire which was given to Guy as part of his divorce with Madonna in 2008 Earlier this year, Jacqui supported Guy at his premiere of Netflix's series The Gentlemen in London (pictured) The wedding weekend, which Jacqui described as the 'most magical time ever', concluded with a private screening of Guy's latest film at the time, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The couple share three children Rivka, 10, Rafael, 11, and Levi, eight, together. Guy is also father to son Rocco, 23, who he shares with his ex Madonna and David Banda, 18, who the pop icon adopted from Malawi during her and Guy's eight year marriage. Earlier this year, Jacqui supported Guy at his premiere of Netflix's series The Gentlemen in London. In The Gentlemen, Theo portrays the fictional lead character Eddie, who inherits 'his father's sizeable estate only to discover' its a 'weed empire owned by the legendary Mickey Pearson. And earlier this week Netflix confirmed that the fan-favourite series will be returning for a second season. The star-studded British gangster drama is one of the platform's biggest hits of the year after it reached 44million views in just four weeks. Emmy-nominated Guy will be returning to direct the action comedy show, with Theo, Kaya Scodelario, and Daniel Ings all confirmed to be reprising their roles. Brad Pitt's daughter Shiloh Jolie has legally dropped her father's surname. Shiloh, who hired and paid for her own lawyer when she filed to drop the Pitt name on her 18th birthday in May, filed to change her name from Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt to Shiloh Nouvel Jolie. TMZ reports there was no formal hearing for the name change - with the petition granted on Monday, per official court documents. Last month Shiloh took out a newspaper ad marking the name change - which is a standard step before the court would approve a name change. The notice also stated anyone who had objections to the petition should show up in court. A source close to the matter told Dailymail.com last month: Shiloh hired her own lawyer and paid for it herself, so Angie doesnt know and cant speak for it. Brad Pitt 's daughter Shiloh Jolie has officially and legally dropped her father's surname. - pictured with mom Angelina Jolie in 2021 Pitt, 60, is reportedly 'upset and aware' that his daughter Shiloh filed to drop his last name from her own on her 18th birthday; seen in January 2023 in Paris 'But, if youre asking if this is connected to the abuse history or the violation of Shilohs victims rights, yes, thats part of it. The revelation that Shiloh paid herself suggests that the ugly spat between former couple Pitt, 60, and Jolie, 48, may still rumble on in the form of legal action from the six children the couple once shared. There have been long custody battles which ended eventually in a victory for Pitt, who got 50-50 custody in 2021 only to have it overturned on appeal. Hes had a judge intervene to tell Angelina she mustnt listen in on his mobile phone calls with the children. The judge has also ordered reunification therapy for Pitt and the kids. The actor set up a skate park in his home for Shiloh, and more recently an art studio to reflect their common interest in art. Hes sent cars and security to ferry the children from her home to his whenever there is an allotted custody visit. Sadly, none of it has brought them closer. In fact son Pax said in an Instagram post in 2016 that all four of the youngest children thats including Shiloh tremble with fear in his presence. The two elder ones were at that point already declining point blank to see him. The current situation has seen the children - Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh 18, and Knox and Vivienne, 16 - form a tight gang of seven with his former wife. Shiloh, who hired and paid for her own lawyer when she filed to drop the Pitt name on her 18th birthday in May, filed to change her name from Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt to Shiloh Nouvel Jolie, per the newspaper notice last month - pictured 2021 The current situation has seen the children - Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh 18, and Knox and Vivienne, 16 - form a tight gang of seven with his former wife Pitt has been involved in an ongoing divorce battle for years, seemingly stemming from a 2016 incident on a plane in which Jolie accused Pitt of assaulting her; the family seen in 2011 A central issue seems to be a notorious private jet confrontation in 2016. An FBI report on the incident, which was published in 2022, saw Jolie accuse Pitt of physical assault while flying to California in 2016. She claimed that he was intoxicated and that he grabbed her by the head and shook her, and later pushed her down, as part of a confrontation allegedly related to their children. Jolie told the FBI that Pitt told the children that she was 'f***ing up this family,' and she said he punched the ceiling of the airplane four times. She claimed that at one point he poured beer on her and a blanket she was under with multiple children. Source close to Pitt later claimed that he never hit any of the children, though they admitted that he had been drinking. This comes amid recent claims that Pitt and Jolie's divorce - which has now dragged on for eight years - is still ongoing as neither of the stars can 'let it go. A source told People 'their disagreements took over' in the relationship, adding that things 'turned nasty and it was not a good situation for anyone.' 'All the bitterness is partly why the divorce has dragged on for so many years. Neither will let it go. Youd think they would be over it and just settle.' Angelina Jolie, pictured in April 2024, has been blamed for widening the rift between her daughter and ex-husband A separate insider said: 'Both of them were having issues with each other. The differences added up over time. It's really sad for the children, but also the parents. Divorce, especially one so high-profile, can be challenging for the whole family. 'They both care. They both care about the children.' Pitt and Jolie began dating publicly shortly after he and his then-wife Jennifer Aniston announced their divorce in 2005. The Mr. And Mrs. Smith costars remained unmarried for years despite having multiple adopted and biological children together, but they got engaged in 2012 and finally tied the knot in 2014. However, it was only around two years later when the Maleficent actress filed for divorce in 2016. She and Pitt were declared legally single in 2019. Pitt is now dating Ines de Ramon, 35. Salma Hayek turned heads as she put on a leggy display in a little black dress at the premiere of 'Blink Twice' in London on Monday. The actress, 57, wore a tailored knee length dress with spaghetti straps and added to her look with towering silver platform heels and a rhinestone encrusted bag. She accessorised with chunky silver rings and left her dark her in loose waves as she posed on the red carpet. Blink Twice is Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut and stars fiance Channing Tatum as a tech billionaire Slater King who meets cocktail waitress Frida (Namoi Ackie). During their encounter, he invites her to join him and his friends for a hedonistic getaway on his private island. Salma Hayek, 57, turned heads as she put on a leggy display in a little black dress at the premiere of 'Blink Twice' in London on Monday The actress wore a tailored knee length dress with spaghetti straps and added to her look with towering silver platform heels and a rhinestone encrusted bag She accessorised with chunky silver rings and left her dark her in loose waves as she posed on the red carpet with stars including Cara Delevingne and Channing Tatum According to the logline, wild nights soon blend into sun-soaked days. However, when strange things start to happen, Frida must uncover the truth if she hopes to make it out alive. Salma's stunning display comes just days after she was spotted relaxing on a yacht with her shirtless husband, Francois-Henry Pinault, for a getaway in Formentera, Spain. The Frida actress, 57 - who recently showcased her toned figure in a busty, purple bikini - was seen making her way down a rocky path upon arriving to the luxury boat with others also joining the fun. Salma and Pinault tied the knot in Paris in 2009 - and two years earlier, welcomed their daughter Valentina, 16. During an interview with Vogue Arabia in April, the From Dusk Till Dawn star opened up about her marriage with Francois while joined by friend and fellow actress, Penelope Cruz. Salma's stunning display comes just days after she was spotted relaxing on a yacht with her shirtless husband, Francois-Henry Pinault, for a getaway in Formentera, Spain Blink Twice is Zoe Kravitz ' directorial debut and stars fiance Changing Tatum as a tech billionaire Slater King (pictured together on the red carpet) In the film Channing invites cocktail waitress Frida to join him and his friends for a hedonistic getaway on his private island but there's more to the adventure than meets the eye At one point, Hayek discussed how her fashion sense has changed over the years during her relationship with the businessman. Kering notably owns high-end brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent. 'Some of my friends joke and ask, "How did you land this guy?"' she jokingly expressed. 'It did change my relationship with fashion because it gave me an insider's view on a lot of the interesting parts of fashion, and understanding that this industry is a true form of art.' Gwyneth Paltrow was seen helping her husband Brad Falchuk drop off his son at college over the weekend. The AHS producer's only boy Brody, 17, is attending prestigious Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Both Gwyneth and Brad were dressed casually as they helped Brody get his belongings up into his dorm room. The couple could be seen carrying cardboard boxes themselves out of the trunk of an SUV. Brad shares Brody as well as daughter Isabella, 19, with his first wife and fellow TV producer Suzanne Bukinik, whom he was married to from 2002 to 2013. Gwyneth Paltrow was seen helping her husband Brad Falchuk drop off his son at college over the weekend. The AHS producer's only boy Brody, 17, is attending prestigious Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut Here the GOOP founder is seen looking at her stepson Brody He and Gwyneth, who first met in 2010, were first linked in 2014, the year Gwyneth announced her separation from her first husband Chris Martin. Together Gwyneth and Chris have daughter Apple, 20, and son Moses, 18. The GOOP founder was dressed down in a white shirt over a black tank top with pale gray slacks and high-top sneakers. The Oscar-winning star wore no makeup as she flashed a summer tan and an orange crossbody bag. Brad also was dressed down for the movie in day as he wore a white Henley shirt and army green cargo slacks with beige leather lace-up boots. Yale University is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701, Yale is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Annual tuition at Yale is about $67,000 with food and housing adding another $20,000 a year. Meanwhile, Gwyneth's daughter Apple is at college too. She attends Vanderbilt University, a private university in Nashville, Tennessee. Her son Moses is headed off to Brown University in Rhode Island. In May Gwyneth talked about a how a blended family can be tricky when at the Visionary Womens International Womens Day Summit. After asking if there were any other stepmothers in the crowd, the Oscar-winning actress said frankly: 'Yeah, its a b****, right, guys?' per Page Six. Gwyneth (third from left) and Brad (third from right) are pictured with his children Brody (left) and Isabella (second from left) and her children Apple (right) and Moses (second from right) She reflected that 'my area of growth personally came from the initial difficult relationship I had with my step kids and now theyre like my kids'; pictured with Brad and Brody Jokes aside, she added: 'No, I actually, I really like to talk about this because its one of my biggest learnings as a human being.' She reflected that 'my area of growth personally came from the initial difficult relationship I had with my step kids and now theyre like my kids.' Although she enjoys a warm bond with her stepchildren now, she did not shy away from admitting: 'The path to here was really rough.' The Royal Tenenbaums actress claimed: 'Its almost like you have to embody the spirit of the sun and just give and not expect anything back. I just learned to try to just keep shining like the sun and never keeping score.' When Chris and Gwyneth publicly separated in 2014, Gwyneth inspired widespread mockery by referring to the split as a 'conscious uncoupling.' Together Gwyneth and Chris have daughter Apple, 20, and son Moses, 18 Brad and Gwyneth were first linked in 2014, the year Gwyneth announced her separation from her first husband Chris Martin; Gwyneth and Chris are pictured that year Meanwhile, Gwyneth and Brad got married in 2018, she waited a whole year before moving all of the children into the same house together. 'We were just trying to be mindful and give them a little space and not move too quickly,' she explained later on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. During an Instagram Q&A last year, she acknowledged that she 'did find it really hard at first' to be a stepmother to Brad's children. Paltrow attends the Swarovski Masters of Light - From Vienna to Milan exhibition opening during Milan Fashion Week in June 'You know, there's no book on this; nobody tells us what to do - and in fact, all of the existing media around what a stepmother is casts us in this evil, villainous light. So its kind of like trying to avoid land mines,' she dished. 'And then youre going into a family with dynamics. And theres all kinds of fear around loss and what does this person mean?' She revealed that 'for myself, the minute I decided, and fully embodied the idea that my step kids were my kids and I love them just as much and I gave them the same rules and boundaries, and just kind of whole-heartedly went for it, then the easier the whole thing got. And now its pretty great.' Hollywood actor Michael Madsen was arrested for domestic violence amid claims he shoved his wife over the weekend. The Reservoir Dogs star was taken in by police for shoving his wife DeAnna Madsen, 64, before locking her out of their home, which is located in the Los Angeles area, TMZ revealed. And 66-year-old Madsen had to spend part of his weekend in jail, it was also alleged. The Kill Bill actor was arrested shortly after midnight on Saturday on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. The scene appeared to be chaotic as police were called to the house, but by the time they had arrived, his wife was 'safe with a security team.' But police still wanted the actor arrested after they spoke with him and his wife. Michael Madsen was arrested for domestic violence . The Reservoir Dogs star was taken in by police for shoving his wife DeAnna Madsen, 64, then locking her out of their home; seen in 2017 A frequent collaborator of Quentin Tarantino, Madsen has starred in films including 1993's Reservoir Dogs (left) and 2003's Kill Bill (right) Madsen posted a $20,000 bond and was released from custody. A representative for the star confirmed the incident to TMZ - saying: 'It was a disagreement between Michael and his wife, which we hope resolves positively for them both.' Michael wed DeAnna in 1996. Together they have three children - Hudson, Luke and Calvin. Sadly, son Hudson died by gunshot wound in 2022. This recent arrest wasnt Madsens first brush with the law. In 2022 the Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood actor was arrested for trespassing at a luxury house from which he was evicted, DailyMail.com reported. It was a $5.3 million Malibu mansion just across the Pacific Coast Highway from La Costa Beach. A source exclusively told DailyMail.com at the time: 'Michael had been living at the house since last year, but the lease was in another persons name. The house was leased out by another person and several thousand dollars were owed in back rent, DailyMail.com has learned. The owner had tried for the past two years to get the tenants evicted, but because of the moratorium on evictions on account of Covid, it took several months to go through the legal process. The 66-year-old Madsen had to spend part of his weekend in jail, it was also alleged. The Kill Bill actor was arrested shortly after midnight on Saturday on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, the site also noted The scene appeared to be chaotic as police were called to the house, but by the time they had arrived, his wife was 'safe with a security team,' the site alleged. But police still wanted the actor arrested after they spoke with him and his wife. Michael wed DeAnna in 1996. Seen in 2011 The person who leased the house was taken to court and all the parties were evicted including Madsen on February 17, added the source. At about 8:30PM the owner received a call phone from his rental houses security company saying that someone was trying to break into the house. The owner who lives a few miles away from the house drove over and found Madsen out on the front porch. The owner quickly called 911 and a Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy came out and arrested disheveled looking Madsen for trespassing. Wearing baggy jeans, a denim jacket and a partially unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt, the Kill Bill star was first taken to the West Hills hospital then the police station. According to booking documents he was given a $500 citation for a misdemeanor and released shortly before 7am on Thursday. Since his arrest three-times-married Madsen and the owner of the property have reached an agreement which will allow him to retrieve his belongings. This recent arrest wasnt Madsens first brush with the law. In 2022 he was arrested for trespassing at a luxury house from which he was evicted, DailyMail.com reported. It was a $5.3 million Malibu mansion just across the Pacific Coast Highway from La Costa Beach Madsen has had a terrible start to 2022. His arrest came just a month after his son, US Army Sgt. Hudson Madsen shot himself dead on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where he was stationed with the 25th Infantry Division. Hudson was an Afghan war vet. Hudsons death came a week after his wife Carlie underwent surgery to remove a tumor from her breast. 'I am in shock as my son, whom I just spoke with a few days ago, said he was happy - my last text from him was "I love you dad,"' he told the Los Angeles Times. 'I didn't see any signs of depression. It's so tragic and sad. I'm just trying to make sense of everything and understand what happened.' Madsen said his son's marriage was 'going strong' and he had recently completed his first tour in the U.S. Army. Madsen's arrest came just a month after his 26-year-old son Hudson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound (pictured together in 2011) Hudson Madsen's shot himself to death a week after wife Carlie had a tumor removed from her breast. She called him 'so patient throughout this whole process' 'He had typical life challenges that people have with finances, but he wanted a family. He was looking towards his future, so its mind-blowing. I just can't grasp what happened.' Madsen has requested a full military investigation into his sons death. The actor thinks 'the officers and rank and file were shaming' Hudson for wanting therapy. He believes this stopped him from seeking help for mental health issues he had been keeping to himself. In 2019, the actor was axed from a $100,000 role in movie Confessions of a Serial Killer after crashing his Land Rover into a pole and subsequently being arrested for DUI. He was later sentenced to four days in jail. In 2012 he was also arrested for DUI after driving erratically but struck a plea deal that involved attending AA meetings in lieu of more severe punishment. However, after Madsen failed to attend his court ordered Alcoholics Anonymous meetings his probation was revoked. Abbey Lee put on a daring display as she went braless at the premiere of Blink Twice in London on Monday. The Australian actress and model, 37, showed off her cleavage as she stepped out in a plunging black blazer. She completed her look with matching black pants and black stilettos. The actress, who plays Kevin Costner's romantic lead in Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, left her long blonde locks out as she walked the red carpet. She sported a nude gloss and dramatic smoky eye makeup as she struck a pose for the cameras. It comes after Abbey recently revealed that co-star Kevin Costner made her feel 'really comfortable' with filming their sex scene in her new film. The supermodel portrays Marigold in the first part of the epic Western who is the love interest of Hayes Ellison, the lead character played by Costner, 69, who also is the director, producer and co-writer. Marigold and Hayes have an intimate scene inside a wagon in the film. Abbey Lee put on a daring display as she went braless at the premiere of Blink Twice in London on Monday 'Kevin was very sensitive about that. He made sure that I was really comfortable and we had a long talk about it beforehand,' Abbey told People in June. She said Costner 'told me how it would be shot, that there wouldn't be any nudity, that there would be nothing graphic.' 'You have to talk about the details of it so you understand what's going on so everyone feels safe and comfortable. And we obviously had those conversations,' she added. The Australian actress and model showed off her cleavage as she stepped out in a plunging black blazer The Mad Max: Fury Road star continued that it also was a 'matter of feeling comfortable with the crew that needs to be in the room and the ones who don't, aren't there.' Abbey admitted that 'there's always an element of discomfort' with sex scenes. 'They're always a bit weird, but as long as you can trust the people around you ... it's just weird because there's people standing in a room while you're doing this fake, intimate thing. It's just strange,' she said. Beloved New Zealand ballerina Rowena Jackson died on Thursday aged 98 at her home in the Gold Coast, from natural causes. The legendary dancer was born in Invercargill in 1926 and began her dancing career as a teenager in 1940. The passionate performer worked tirelessly to promote ballet dancing in the 50s and 60s in NZ, and elegantly danced her magic on the stage hundreds of times. She toured England in the late 40s and became a member of The Royal Ballet - then known as Sadler's Wells Ballet, performing on stage in front of thousands of fans. Some of the acclaimed productions she danced in include Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Giselle. Rowena was later appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1961 for her services to dancing, and was the first ever person to receive the honour in that category. She married British dancer Philip Chatfield in 1958 and had two children with him - the couple were together up until his death in 2021 aged 93. Jackson and her husband moved to New Zealand in 1959 and became co-directors of the New Zealand School of Dance. Beloved New Zealand ballerina Rowena Jackson (pictured) died on Thursday aged 98 at her home in the Gold Coast from natural causes In addition to being a dancer, Rowena was also a choreographer, director and teacher in the field. The Royal Ballet paid tribute to Jackson in a heartfelt statement: 'We were very saddened to receive the news of Rowena's passing. 'She was such an integral part of the blossoming of The Royal Ballet and inspired everyone with her virtuoso technique, energy and agility. 'We have fond memories of welcoming Rowena and Philip as special guests on tour in Brisbane in 2017, both as vibrant as they were as performers and filled with enthusiasm about the performance they watched. The legendary dancer was born in Invercargill in 1926 and began her dancing career as a teenager in 1940 'As her dance fans in New Zealand and on the Gold Coast would attest, we were fortunate to have Rowena's artistry grace our international stages.' She retired to Gold Coast, Queensland and lived the final years of her life there, which is where she passed. Rowena is survived by her son Paul and daughter Rosetta. Mark Hamill got emotional while speaking about his late Star Wars castmate Carrie Fisher Friday at the Fan Expo Chicago at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The 72-year-old actor chat in a Mark Hamill Live panel about his feelings more than seven years after Fisher died at the age of 60 from a sudden cardiac arrest in December of 2016. Hamill - who starred as Luke Skywalker opposite the late Hollywood icon's Princess Leia - said that his experience in the franchise was diminished by her death. Hamill said that he felt 'the heart was gone' from the George Lucas sci-fi franchise in the wake of Fisher's passing. Hamill opened up on hearing the news of Fisher's death, saying he was informed by his wife Marilou York. Mark Hamill, 72, got emotional while speaking about his late Star Wars castmate Carrie Fisher Friday at the Fan Expo Chicago at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois The actor spoke about his feelings more than seven years after Fisher died at the age of 60 from a sudden cardiac arrest in December of 2016. Fisher pictured in NYC in October 2016 'My wife came into the bedroom - she gets up earlier than I do - I was still asleep,' Hamill told the crowd. 'She had tears rolling down her face saying that Carrie had ' Hamill continued, 'It forever altered how I reacted to Star Wars in general. The heart was gone. I don't talk about it because I don't like reliving it.' Reflecting on the original 1977 movie, Hamill paid tribute to his late costar for bringing an 'effortless feminism' to the franchise by standing strong against the dreaded Darth Vader and taking command of Skywalker and Han Solo (played by Harrison Ford). He said: 'I thought that it was effortless feminism to have the Princess be far from a shrinking violet. 'She was tough, she was telling Darth Vader off to his face - she was not intimidated by Darth Vader in the slightest. Hamill quoted a line from the film in which Princess Leia told Darth Vader, saying, "I thought I recognized your foul stench" Hamill said of the line, 'I mean, wow! Pretty mouthy, huh?' He opened up about a sequence in the first Star Wars film, saying, 'When we rescued her, she made chumps out of Luke and Han: "You call this a rescue? Gimme that gun!" And she made us look like two stooges.' Hamill - who starred as Luke Skywalker opposite the late Hollywood icon's Princess Leia - said that his experience in the franchise was diminished by Fisher's death Hamill said that he felt 'the heart was gone' from the George Lucas sci-fi franchise in the wake of Fisher's passing Hamill revealed that he and Fisher had a turbulent relationship but also shared a 'special' connection with one another. Pictured April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California Hamill said: 'I thought, "That's effortless feminism," because it's not apologetic, it's just showing a woman is as [capable] as any man.' Hamill revealed last year that he and Fisher had a turbulent relationship but also shared a 'special' connection with one another. He told Esquire: 'We could be as loving and supportive as possible, then we could have big arguments and say, "Well, I never want to speak to you again," and not speak for six months. 'But every time you came back, you picked up right where you left off. We had a connection that is special.' Fisher died at 60 on December 27, 2016 at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, four days after she had a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles. Medical examiners subsequently found cocaine, ecstasy and heroin in Fisher's system at the time she had passed. Compounding the Hollywood tragedy, Fisher's mother, Singin' in the Rain star Debbie Reynolds, died at 84 after a stroke December 28, 2016 as she was planning Fisher's memorial. California residents are being hit with sky-high electricity bills thanks to a little-known change in their utility company's pricing system. Southern California Edison (SCE), which provides power to 15 million people, implemented 'Time of Use' pricing between October 2020 and December 2021 and automatically enrolled customers unless they opted out, company spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas told DailyMail.com. TOU pricing means millions of people across central, coastal and Southern California are forced to pay different electricity rates depending on the time of day it's being used. SCE says electricity is cheaper to produce earlier in the day, overnight and on the weekends. TOU pricing is supposed to incentivize 'customers to shift electricity use away from more expensive peak hours,' the power utility told KTLA. Sarah Clifford sent her most recent bill to KTLA, revealing she paid $1,128 in a single month. Apparently, this is a 'discounted rate.' Southern California Edison is the main power provider for much of the Golden State, and customers are outraged at the bills they're receiving for electricity this summer. Some are being forced to pay over hundreds or even over $1,000 per month Linda Lynch, who lives in Antelope Valley, a desert community north of Los Angeles, said her bill jumped to $900 this month, which she claimed was hundreds more than usual. Lynch wrote that she could barely afford groceries yet is being expected to pay this exorbitant amount. A possible reason behind the massive bill was that Antelope Valley had excessive heat warnings a number of days this month. Demand for electricity was even more acute than usual given the need for air conditioning to cool people's homes. Melissa Avalos wrote into KTLA as well, sharing her fear that she would not be able to pay her bills if the increases keep coming. 'There has been a rise in our electricity bills that is beyond this earth. We went from paying $86 dollars a month to $400 dollars a month and dont even run our air at night. Something needs to be done as we are seniors and barely making enough to cover this increase,' Avalos wrote. It's not known whether all of these customers are victims of TOU pricing, but if Californians want to have more control over what they pay, it might be time to switch to what's called a 'tiered rate plan.' SCE customers may be able to save on their power bill by switching to a tiered rate plan, which charges you a flat rate for the electricity you use within two tiers How SCE customers can change their plan 1. SCE offers its millions of customers a tiered rate plan or a time of use plan. 2. About four years ago, many customers were transitioned to TOU plans, which charges customers more if they use electricity at 'peak hours.' 3. Tiered rate plans charge a flat rate for a base allotment of power. Surpass that, you're charged another, slightly more expensive flat rate. 4. SCE encourages customers to use its plan comparison tool to see if you're getting the best deal. 5. To switch plans, go to this link or call 1-800-655-4555. Advertisement Under this plan, customers are given a base allotment of electricity and are charged a flat rate of $0.33 per kilowatt hour. If they exceed that, they're then charged $0.44 per kilowatt hour for all the remaining power the use that month. If a customer is enrolled in TOU pricing, they could pay as much as 75 cents per kilowatt hour between the hours of 5pm and 8pm on a weekday. If they enroll in the tiered rate plan, they are actually incentivized to use less electricity to pay less on their bill. But an SCE spokesperson told KTLA that the greatest impact on monthly bills is 'overall energy use, regardless of the rate plan.' SCE suggested a number of lifestyle changes to avoid the summer price hikes, including using your microwave instead of your oven, playing board games instead of watching TV and turning your air conditioner up by two degrees. Con Edison, an entirely separate company that provides power to New York City and Westchester County, is facing its own backlash for raising rates during the summer. Con Edison provides gas and electric services for much of New York City and nearby Westchester County Katrice Bryson posted on X that she was recently charged $2,700 for her gas and electric bill, and she tagged the city's Human Resources Administration and Con Edison for help. Con Edison replied to her post asking for Bryson's account number so a representative could assist her. Bryson replied: 'I have been on the phone for two hours for assistance and no one has not picked up the phone and I am currently on hold to get assistance.' It's not clear if her situation was resolved. DailyMail.com approached Bryson for comment. Another person who said they live in a one-bedroom apartment wrote that his electric bill tripled to nearly $500. 'Add it to the list of reasons I'm moving out of this city,' he wrote. 'Thanks Biden.' One other user said Con Edison is 'out of control,' adding there's no recourse. 'We are only running one AC at a time only at night, our electric is over $400!! Go away for a week and use nothing, the usage is metered as 5-10 percent lower than usual. I have asked for someone to be sent for FOUR years,' she wrote. Pictured: Katrice Bryson's exchange with Con Edison over her giant bill and struggles getting in contact with a customer service representative There is evidence that Con Edison users are paying a premium for natural gas as well. An investigation by Congressman Ritchie Torres, who represents New York's 15th district which covers much of the south Bronx, found that Con Edison is charging customers far more for gas than people who are served by National Grid. Con Edison serves three out of the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan, the Bronx and certain residents in Queens. Brooklyn and Staten Island are serviced by National Grid. Torres' office found that while a Brooklyn property pays just $0.54 per therm (a unit of gas), residents of the Bronx are paying $1.29 per therm to Con Edison. Torres is now calling on the city's Public Service Commission to investigate Con Edison. Under pressure, Con Edison released the following statement to media outlets, in part blaming the shift to 'clean energy' for the price hikes. 'Energy delivery rates vary from utility to utility for many reasons, including the level of service, customers needs, the characteristics of the area and when new rates take effect. As we move from fossil fuels to clean energy, we are investing about $1 billion a year to keep our gas system safe,' Jamie McShane, a company spokesperson wrote. 'We replace 80 miles of cast-iron and steel main annually, conduct monthly leak patrols and are installing a first-of-its kind gas detector in customers homes and businesses, an enormous step forward for safety. We encourage reforms that reduce natural gas consumption and provide customers with clean energy alternatives.' DailyMail.com reached out to Con Edison for comment. Students make their way to first period during the first day of the school year at Marina Middle School in San Francisco. Minh Connors/The Chronicle Parents outside San Franciscos Marina Middle School snapped pictures, straightened collars and hugged their eye-rolling adolescents, who then headed to the first day of class Monday. Some kids were excited; others wanted a few more days of summer vacation. Across the district, similar scenes played out: happy kids heading back to school with new backpacks, eager to see friends and meet their teachers. Samija McGlothen, a seventh-grader at Marina, was among them, declaring her excitement over returning to class and adding that the best part of a new school year is meeting new people and getting a new start. Her mom, Celia Roberts, waved goodbye, smiling, but she acknowledged the school year in San Francisco was tainted by a sense of doom and gloom. Parents are anticipating school closures and budget cuts expected to dig deep into programs and classrooms to help the 49,000-student school district stave off fiscal insolvency and a state takeover. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That is on my mind, Roberts said. Its depressing. Like every parent across the city, Roberts wont know until Sept. 18 whether her daughters school is on the list recommended for closure, and the school board wont vote on school closures until December. Im very worried about that, she said. I love this school. Samija, like many students, fell behind during the pandemic but has since rebounded, her mom said. Shes an honor roll student, an athlete and continues to study Arabic at Marina Middle School, a language pathway she started in a district elementary school. Eleven-year-old Dafne Valencia, left, and her mother, Heidi Lopez, arrive for the first day of classes at Marina Middle School in San Francisco. Minh Connors/The Chronicle Shes thriving, Roberts said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I want to keep it that way, she added. Another Marina Middle School mom, Chan Welch, was handing out flyers for an upcoming PTSA meeting. Its going to be a great year, she said during a lull. I think you just take every day one day at a time. Welch, who has a sixth-grader and an eighth-grader, said she was well aware of the school district drama, but it wasnt her priority. Her focus was on Marina. You can only control your own house, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Boys play basketball during the first day of the school year at Marina Middle School in San Francisco on Monday. Minh Connors/The Chronicle On the playground, all that drama was far from the minds of students who pored over their schedules with friends, or who gathered around retired Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli, all 6 feet, 11 inches of him, on hand as a celebrity greeter to welcome the kids back to school. He said he was always excited for the first day of school in his native Nigeria, eager to see friends and learn, declaring himself a math guy. His advice for the kids: Set a goal, work hard to get there, be kind and have fun. Oh, wait! he said. This. This one, too. Make sure you ask for help when you need it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Superintendent Matt Wayne rode an electric scooter onto Marinas schoolyard at about 9 a.m. before classes started, one of several schools he was expected to visit Monday. I love welcoming the students, the excitement and energy and the nerves, he said. There were about 100 teacher positions that remained unfilled on the first day of classes, although that was about half of last years tally, likely because of large raises approved by the school board this past year, Wayne said. Those classrooms were staffed by substitutes until permanent teachers could be hired, he added. Inside Marina and several other middle schools in the district, students were heading into Algebra I classes for the first time in more than a decade, after a grassroots effort to offer it in eighth grade again. The district is working on rolling it out across the district, which will take a few years. The district is also revamping the school assignment process to be more neighborhood-based while also cutting more than $100 million from the $1.3 billion budget to avoid running out of money. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theres a lot of work ahead, Wayne said as he watched the middle school students heading to class. Wayne says hes often described as perpetually optimistic, even in the face of what will likely be the most difficult school year of his career. Monday was Day 1. As of 9:30 a.m., there were no unexpected emergencies or problems, he said. With institutions under siege and the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under attack, the parallels with the French Revolution become starkly apparent We have had an uprising in the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. Despite an interim government led by a Nobel laureate economist and entrepreneur Muhammad Yunus in place, the rule of the 'hoi polloi' continues. Mass power is forcing a 'purge' of the various institutions of the state of what are believed to be compradors of the ousted regime. Even the judiciary has not been spared. It's unlikely that we would have stability returning to the nascent nation founded by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman following liberation from Pakistan in 1971.Mujibur Rahman's legacy, politically represented by his daughter Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is today under attack. Though there are those in the revolution mass and leadership, who would want to distinguish Sheikh's legacy from Hasina's regime. But in the current situation of social turmoil, a manifestation of an ideological bent could be catastrophic.Public uprisings the world over, especially in the post-colonial democracies of the 20th and the 21st centuries, have drawn inspiration from the French Revolution of the 18th century. The revolution which started with the symbolic fall of Bastille and the establishment of the Estates General of 1789, ended with the coup of 18 Brumaire in November 1799 and the formation of the French Consulate with the military under the leadership of Napolean Bonaparte capturing power. The French Revolution was driven by the ideas of the fundamental principles of liberal democracy. Its causes are generally agreed to be a combination of social, political, and economic factors, which the ruling establishment led by Emperor Louis XVI was unable to manage. What spurred the fall was a financial crisis and widespread social distress.The fall of Louis XVI saw radical reforms including the abolition of feudalism and a declaration of rights. But this did not bring an end to political instability. The next decade was dominated by the struggle for political control, worsened by economic depression.To overcome the crisis the revolutionaries formed the Committee of Public Safety, which unleashed a reign of terror in which about 16,000 people were executed. Finally in 1799 following a military coup, Napoleon Bonaparte came to seize power marking the end of the revolution. The quick recall of the events of the French Revolution was to establish the fact that insurrection doesnt generally guarantee one thing, the stability of governance. This is best seen in the case of Bangladesh. Ever since its birth, the country has witnessed numerous coups and uprisings with Sheikh Hasinas 15-year regime from 2009-2024 being an exception to the general rule. This period was, till the fall of the government, seen as a period of not only stable authority but also economic growth.Then what brought the fall? Conspiracy theorists are blaming the American Deep State and the Chinese interest but no uprising can happen without local discontent. After coming to power in 2009 through a free, fair, and credible election, Sheikh Hasina subsequently presided over largely non-participative and controversial polls on three occasions 2014, 2018, and 2024. She appeared to be near-invincible, but muzzling democracy was an increasing indication of her growing political frailty.There isnt a doubt that Hasinas rule saw noteworthy economic achievements. Under her Bangladesh transformed from one of the worlds poorest nations into one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, even outperforming India. The countrys per capita income tripled in a decade, and the World Bank estimated that over 25 million people were lifted out of poverty in the last 20 years. But then why the downfall, such anger against a regime that was bringing prosperity to the nation? The answer probably lies in the fact that economic progress alone cannot sustain a leaders popularity in the face of eroding democratic values and civil liberties. Democracy, like the proverbial jinn, cannot be put back in the bottle once unleashed with whatever power at hand. The Indian sub-continent, which the Americans decided to call South Asia, is the best example of the sinews of democracy. Across the five nations of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, authoritarian leaders have met nemesis. India is the only exception, where the change of power has always been through a democratic process and sans violence. The Indian leadership of different political and ideological hues have maintained the delicate balance between socio-economic progress and democratic values. Political setbacks have happened when a government has been seen to be promoting crony capitalism, nepotism, high-handedness and corruption, in that order. Such perceptions have overshadowed acts of major social welfare and economic and development successes. Muhammad Yunus becomes the second economist in the sub-continent to head a government after Dr Manmohan Singh. While Manmohan Singh has been credited with steering the country out of financial turmoil, expectations from Yunus is to take his nation out of a social and political tumult. The challenges for Yunus is equal in measure to what the Indian economist faced. Dr Manmohan Singh is largely seen to be successful in overcoming the challenge, would Yunus too succeed? history would judge. (The writer is an author and president, the Centre for Reforms, Development & Justice; views are personal) As the UK pushes for greener economic practices, the FTA with India will need to balance trade facilitation with stringent environmental standards With the Labour Party now leading the UK, international trade dynamics, particularly the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, are set for transformation. The Labour Party's emphasis on climate change and its advocacy for mechanisms like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will likely influence the future of this trade deal. Labour Partys Environmental Agenda A key aspect of Labour's policy is its strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Under the leadership of Keir Starmer, the party has set ambitious goals to tackle the climate crisis, aiming to decarbonize the UK economy by 2030, significantly earlier than current targets. Labour plans to invest heavily in renewable energy and enforce stricter regulations on carbon emissions. The UK's Climate Change Act 2008 mandates that the UK achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and Labour's policies intend to accelerate this shift. The Labour Party's Green New Deal is a central component of this push, aligning with the global urgency to meet and exceed Paris Agreement targets. As a result, the partys approach to trade, including the India-UK FTA, will likely reflect its commitment to green policies. Labours aggressive stance on climate action will shape its trade policies, embedding sustainability into international agreements. Impact on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement Labours focus on environmental sustainability is expected to influence the ongoing FTA negotiations with India. Traditionally, FTAs emphasize reducing tariffs and trade barriers to facilitate commerce. However, under Labour, the India-UK FTA will likely include climate-related provisions. India, too, has made progress in renewable energy and carbon reduction efforts. However, its economy still heavily depends on fossil fuels. This poses a challenge in aligning with Labours stringent environmental requirements. The transition to greener energy will require significant investments, and Indias economic growth might be affected by these demands. Balancing trade promotion and environmental sustainability will be a central issue in the FTA discussions. The Role of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Labour's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a policy designed to impose a carbon tax on imported goods based on their carbon content, leveling the playing field for domestic industries. This ensures that foreign producers face the same carbon pricing as local ones, preventing carbon leakage and promoting emission reductions globally. For India, CBAM poses a significant challenge, especially for industries like steel, aluminium, and cement, which have high carbon footprints. As the worlds second-largest steel producer, Indias exports to the UK would face higher production costs under CBAM, potentially impacting competitiveness. To manage this, Indian industries would need to adopt cleaner technologies and low-carbon production methods. The Indian government might need to offer subsidies or incentives to ease this transition. Green Trade Opportunities Despite challenges, the CBAM also presents opportunities for India and the UK to expand green trade. Labours focus on renewable energy and green technologies could open doors for collaboration in sectors like solar energy, wind power, and electric mobility. Indias growing renewable energy market positions it as an ideal partner for the UK in achieving mutual sustainability goals. By aligning trade policies with environmental objectives, both nations can ensure that economic progress is achieved responsibly. Labours leadership brings a new era for the UK-India FTA, with climate change and the CBAM taking center stage. (The writer is founder and managing director, Earthood) As India approaches its 76th Republic Day, the question of whether laws should be shaped by religion or remain universally applicable becomes ever more urgent Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, dispelled all misconceptions and rumours about the stability and strength of his coalition and showed that he has complete control over the government. His address also revealed that his goals have remained the same. His speech was filled with energy and strong determination, as it always is. He stressed the implementation of the Secular Civil Code (SCC). He said the Supreme Court has repeatedly discussed and given orders on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) because a large section of the country feels, and it is correct, that the present civil code is a communal and discriminatory civil code. There is no place for them in modern society. The need of the hour is a Secular Civil Code (SCC). The Prime Minister's use of the phrase Secular Civil Codewas interesting. A Secular Civil Code (SCC) was used instead of the possible "Uniform Civil Code" (UCC) so that opposition parties could support it appropriately. On November 23, 1948, Article 44 was introduced in the Constituent Assembly by Dr B R Ambedkar as draft Article 35 and was unanimously passed. "Uniform Civil Code for the citizens The State shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India for the citizens." So states Article 44 of our Constitution. During the Constituent Assembly discussion, amendments were moved by Hussain Imam and some other members, "That any group, section or community or people shall not be obliged to give up its own personal law in case it has such a law, and, provided that the personal law of any community which is guaranteed by the statute shall not be changed except with the previous approval of the community." Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, in his reply to the discussion, stated that our country has a Uniform Code of Laws covering nearly every aspect of human relations. We have a uniform and comprehensive criminal code throughout the country, contained in the Penal and Criminal Procedure codes. We also have the law of transfer of property, which deals with property relations and applies throughout the country. Additionally, there is the Negotiable Instruments Act, among other acts, which proves that this country has practically a civil code that is uniform and applicable throughout the country. Dr Ambedkar argued in the Constituent Assembly that the Uniform Civil Code should be viewed as a secular law applicable to all.In 1985, the former Chief Justice of India, YV Chandrachud, shared similar views during the 'Shah Bano' case. This case revolved around Shah Bano Begum, a Muslim woman who had sought maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure after her divorce. The initial judgment ruled in her favour. However, her husband, Mohammed Ahmed Khan, appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that Section 125 should not apply to Muslims as it contradicted Muslim Personal Law. The Supreme Court disagreed with this contention, asserting that Section 125 applies to all individuals, irrespective of religion or personal law, and dismissed the husband's petition. Eminent Muslim jurists like Chaudhary Haider Hussain and former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court M C Chagla had also strongly upheld Article 44 (UCC). In the case of John Vallamattom vs Union of India in 2003, the Supreme Court once again expressed regret that Article 44 of the Constitution had not been implemented. The Supreme Court also asked the government if they were ready to implement the Uniform Civil Code. Next year, on January 26, 2025, when we celebrate the 76th Republic Day, we must ask ourselves: "Do we want to continue living in an era where laws are based on religion, gender, or any other class or community?" If the answer is NO, then the Secular Civil Code (SCC) must be implemented. Implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be equivalent to fulfilling the vision of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar because the codification of laws should be independent of any specific religion. The current times require a secular civil code, leading to freedom from religious discrimination. (The writer is Professor of Finance - XLRI Xavier School of Management and BJP Leader; views are personal) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday obtained judicial permission to conduct a polygraph test on Sanjoy Roy, the prime accused in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, sources said. The Central agency may also petition the court to conduct a similar test on Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the college, who, according to agency sources, is not fully cooperating with the investigation. Roy, who was initially arrested by the Kolkata Police and later handed over to the CBI following a Calcutta High Court order, is the only accused arrested so far. According to sources, CBI officials have found that Roy, a civic volunteer attached to the Kolkata Police, visited RGKMCH three times on the evening and night before August 9, when the body of the postgraduate lady doctor was discovered in a semi-nude condition. Roy first visited the hospitals surgery department at 6 pm to see a patient. He returned at 11 pm and proceeded directly to the seminar hall of the Department of Chest Medicine on the 3rd floor. Sources said he visited the same location again around 4 am the following morning, staying inside for about 30-35 minutes the estimated time when the crime was committed, according to autopsy reports. A postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata while on duty last week leading to nationwide and even international protests demanding security for doctors. A polygraph test, commonly known as a lie detector test, measures physiological responses such as blood pressure, heart rate, and other indicators while the accused is asked a series of questions. The aim is to determine whether the individual is telling the truth based on these responses. However, the accuracy of polygraph tests is often debated by experts. The Agency on Monday petitioned the Sealdah Court for Roys polygraph test as he was providing misleading answers to certain queries as to why despite being an outsider he visited the chest medicine department at 11 pm or for that matter why he returned at 4 am the next morning. According to inside sources the CBI is also planning a polygraph test for Ghosh who too h ad been providing evasive answers. Ghosh has already been interrogated for about 50 hours in four days but has provided misleading and contradictory answers or often has either kept mum or refused to reply to questions. According to sources the orthopedic surgeon who allegedly enjoys a considerable clout in the State administrative circles --- having managed to thwart or get his transfer orders reversed thrice --- has not made it clear as to under whose instructions the parents of the victim was told that she had committed suicide or for that matter why they were not allowed to see and inspect the her body for more than three hours after they reached the medical college. The former principal has also not explained the reason behind demolition of the wall separating the seminar hall where the victims body was found and the adjacent room within hours of the recovery of the body neither has he provided answers to who instructed such demolition, sources said adding he also refused to share with his interrogators the names of the people he immediately contacted after getting the news of the victims death. He is known to have given some names but not all, sources said. If he cooperates then well and good or else he too could be put to polygraph test ... agency official are not ruling out that possibility, an insider said. Meanwhile, the doctors of Kolkata on Monday celebrated the Raksha Bandhan by tying black Rakhis on each others hands while thousands of doctors marched to Lal Bazaar police headquarters along with senior specialists Dr Kunal Sarkar and Dr Subarna Goswami who had earlier been summoned by the police for allegedly spreading disinformation on the social media. The top doctors were however, released after sometime following discussions with the top officials, sources said. We have told the police that if they want cooperation we are always there but if they summon us like this then we will always march to Lal Bazaar in protest because we have not done anything wrong by standing for the cause of humanity, Dr Goswami said while Dr Sarkar asked the Government to listen to the peoples voice ensure safety and security not only for the women doctors but all the women at their work places. Elsewhere the lawyers too joined the protest on Monday while a large swarm of Calcutta High Court lawyers including senior barristers hitting the streets expressing solidarity for the doctors movement. Defending its 2019 Triple Talaq Law in the Supreme Court, the Modi Government has argued that the legislation was crucial for protecting the rights of Muslim women and promoting gender justice. In an affidavit filed in response to petitions challenging the law, the Government said despite the Supreme Courts 2017 ruling setting aside the practice, it has not served as a sufficient deterrent reducing the number of divorces through this practice within the community. The Government argued that the practice legitimised and institutionalised the abandonment of wives by their husbands and was neither Islamic nor legal. Taking note of all these factors, we are of the considered view that the ordinance in question has been brought into force in accordance with the requirements of law only to make more effective implementation of the law laid down by the Supreme Court in the case of Shayara Bano vs Union of India (supra) in the form of an ordinance and we see no reason to make an indulgence into the matter, the Centre said in its 433-page counter affidavit reminding the court of its own Constitution Bench judgment of 2017 in the Shayara Bano case, which had held triple or instant talaq (talaq-e-biddat) manifestly arbitrary. This comes in response to a plea by the Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, which sought a declaration that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, is unconstitutional and violative of Articles 14, 15, 21, and 123 of the Constitution. Triple talaq is a form of divorce that was practiced in Islam, in which a Muslim man could legally divorce his wife by pronouncing talaq three times. The Supreme Court had declared instant triple talaq -- where a Muslim man utters talaq (divorce) three times to his wife, without her consent, and vice versa -- as void, illegal and unconstitutional. The Centre then implemented a law in 2019 criminalising the instant divorce practice with a maximum of three years of imprisonment and a fine. According to petitioners, the Act violates fundamental rights, including those that guarantee Indian citizens equality before law and prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion. Explaining the context in which the law came to be enacted, the government said essentially the practice of talaq-e-biddat or instantaneous triple talaq legitimised and institutionalised abandonment of wives by their husbands and did not simply result in a private injury but in a public wrong as it militated against the rights of women and the social institution of marriage itself. The government further said that the practice of Tala- e-biddat was held unconstitutional and a need was felt to have a standalone legislation to address the same. Therefore, the contentions of the petitioners that the present case ought to be equated with other forms of non-compliance and statutory violations in the process of divorce must be set aside at the outset, as this seeks the perpetuation of illegality which is not covered under Article 14. Citing reports of triple talaq from different parts of the country despite the Supreme Court order, the government said the victims had no option but to approach the police for redressal of their grievances. It added that the police were helpless as no action could be taken against their husbands in the absence of punitive provisions in the law. The law was brought in to protect the rights of married Muslim women who are being divorced by way of triple talaq, the government argued. The Centre stressed an urgent need for stringent provisions in the law, which act as a deterrent to Muslim husbands divorcing their wives by adopting instantaneous and irrevocable talaq. Since, the Supreme Court declared that divorce through triple talaq is unconstitutional, Parliament, in its wisdom, is empowered to make it an offence and hence no unconstitutionality is involved in the matter, the affidavit said. It is submitted that Parliament in its wisdom has enacted the impugned Act to protect the rights of married Muslim women who are being divorced by triple talaq. The impugned Act helps in ensuring the larger constitutional goals of gender justice and gender equality of married Muslim women and helps subserve their fundamental rights of non-discrimination and empowerment, it added. The Centre also said there is no basis to the claim that marriages being under personal law, they are exempt from the application of the general criminal law. It said, Marriages are a social institution which the State has a special interest in protecting. It is beyond doubt that the state can protect the stability of marriages by resorting to the device of criminal law. Enactments such as the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, etc are all enacted under the same general principle as the present law i.e. preserving the sanctity of the institution of marriage. Jamiat claimed in its petition that criminalising a mode of divorce in one particular religion while keeping the subject of marriage and divorce in other religions only within the purview of civil law, leads to discrimination, which is not in conformity with the mandate of Article 15. One Inspector-rank CRPF officer was martyred on Monday when a heavily-armed group of Pakistani terrorists targeted an area domination patrol party comprising jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Special Operations Group of Jammu Kashmir Police (JKP) in the remote Duddu Basantgarh area of Udhampur. The Monday attack, which occurred shortly after 3.00 pm in the thickly forested belt of Cheel in Duddu, comes close on the heels of the announcement of the poll schedule by the Election Commission for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Till the time of filing the report, the operation in the area was going on and additional reinforcements were rushed from the district headquarters to prevent the Pakistani terrorists from escaping. The joint team was carrying out a routine patrol when the attack from the Pakistani terrorists came. Official sources said an inspector of the CRPF belonging to the 187th Battalion was hit by a bullet and later succumbed to injuries while being taken to hospital. The incident has once again brought into focus the lack of human intelligence and ground support enjoyed by the Pakistani terrorists through their well-entrenched network of overground workers in the area. Confirming the attack on the joint patrol party, a spokesman of the Udhampur police posted a message on the microblogging site X claiming, During area domination patrol..., exchange of fire took place between terrorists and joint parties of JKP and CRPF. In the encounter, one Inspector of CRPF suffered bullet injuries and has attained martyrdom. Operation continues. Official sources claimed the same group of Pakistani terrorists has been shuttling in the thickly forested belt of Dudu Basantgarh for a long time and operations launched to neutralise them have not borne fruitful results. Last week, a young captain of the Indian Army sacrificed his life, on the eve of the 78th Independence Day celebrations, while leading an ongoing anti-terrorist operation aimed at flushing out Pakistani terrorists hiding in the forested belt of Assar in the Doda district of Jammu. AAP MLAs will give a report card of their performance in the last four-and-a-half years to party workers as part of preparations for the assembly elections in the national Capital early next year. Former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia is holding a series of meetings with party leaders after coming out of jail and has chalked out a strategy for the assembly polls, the party said. Immediately after the release of AAP senior leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia from jail, the party has intensified the preparations for the assembly elections with renewed sense of energy. Manish Sisodia, who came out of jail after 17 months, is directly communicating with the public by doing padyatra (march), AAP stated. Along with Manish Sisodia's padyatra, the work of strengthening the organization is also going on. Manish Sisodia has made a strategy to win the assembly elections by meeting with the party officials with meetings being held in all 70 constituencies with workers as part of the plan. "In these meetings, party MLAs will give a report card of the work done by them in the last four-and-a-half years to them (party workers)," the party said. AAPs General Secretary (Organization) and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sandeep Pathak said the party is running several campaigns in Delhi regarding the assembly elections and many more campaigns will be launched in the coming time. The AAP workers' conference is going on in all 70 assembly seats of Delhi. In the workers' conference, local MLAs are presenting the report of their four and a half years of work before the public. So far, the worker conference has been successfully organized in 18 out of 70 assembly constituencies, he said, adding that the top leadership of the party will also participate in the workers conference to be held in Chhatarpur on Monday. After the first death by swine flu in the district health department here is on alert mode. There is no VTM test kit in the hospital. Here the disease is estimated based on the test report by doing blood sampling. A 55-year-old man from the district succumbed to swine flu at Galaxy Hospital, Varanasi Uttar Pradesh. The deceased was a resident of Sundi village under Kharaundhi police station area who had tested positive for H1N1 virus at a private hospital in Varanasi where he was shifted from Garhwa Sadar hospital where he passed away on Thursday. The Surveillance Officer of Varanasi hospital informed the Garhwa Civil Surgeon(CS) about the swine flu patient. The person who died of swine flu used to do farming in his village. On August 8, he got treatment from a doctor in the village when he had a fever and cough. But when he did not get better, he was treated in a private clinic in Kharaundhi on August 9. Still there was no improvement. After this, on the night of August 10, he was admitted in a critical condition in the sub-divisional hospital located in Sribanshidhar Nagar. But from there, at 1:20 in the night of August 10, when the condition of the patient did not improve, he was referred to Sadar Hospital. He was brought to Sadar Hospital at night. There, RBSK doctor Dr. JP Thakur, who was present in the emergency duty, admitted him. On August 11, the said patient was treated in Sadar Hospital the whole day. But assessing no improvement in the condition of the patient, his relatives took him to a private hospital located in the Garhwa town. Where the patient's condition did not improve from there also, he was taken to Galaxy Hospital in Varanasi. During the investigation there, H1N1 influenza was confirmed. Later the private hospital management informed the Garhwa Civil Surgeon on August 15 about the disease. As soon as the news of the patient having swine flu was received, the health department immediately isolated the doctor treating the patient.The health department has isolated his family members and started contact tracing for his concerned people.The health department team is keeping an eye on the entire matter. Information is also being collected about the medical staff treating the patient, Garhwa Civil Surgeon Dr. Ashok Kumar informed and said that the H1N1 flu, sometimes called swine flu, is a type of influenza A virus. Swine flu is a human respiratory infection caused by an influenza strain that started in pigs adding I doubt he had swine flu as there is no history of anything that could cause swine flu. Swine flu is a pandemic which spreads rapidly from one human to another. It has been 10 days but no other person has been found to have this disease which suggests that the patient did not have swine flu but could have influenza as well.I have asked for the full report from the hospital in Varanasi where he was being treated. Only after the report arrives can I confirm the swine flu. On a question CS said there is no arrangement for Swine Flu testing here. It has been said that the kits will be made available by Tuesday. If it is available, we will test it here. Currently, we are getting blood sampling done of concerned people. Delhi Education Minister Atishi and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Mayor Shelly Oberoi on Sunday interacted with 48 principals of MCD schools who returned after five-day training from Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Atishi said, The zeal and enthusiasm of our principals who returned after training from IIM is worth seeing. Whenever we talk about government schools, their teachers and principals, the whole country has a concept that they are indifferent. But I am happy that our principals have worked to break this notion. She added that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal believes that unless teachers get world-class exposure, they cannot provide world-class education to children. That is why we have sent the principals of MCD schools to IIM for training so that they get world class training and then use it to improve their schools, she stated. Mayor Shelly Oberoi said that before 2022, there was no attention given to teachers and principals in the MCD schools. But after the formation of the AAP government, we gave full respect to our teachers and principals. A principal has the responsibility of running the entire school as they are responsible for everything from children's education to the school's infrastructure, she stated Further, she said, Our principals will be able to fulfill this responsibility well only when they are able to manage everything better. Therefore, to improve the management and leadership skills of our school principals, we are sending them for training at the country's top management institute IIM. As part of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths commitment to the comprehensive development of Ayodhya, the Uttar Pradesh government is on the one hand implementing projects worth approximately Rs 32,000 crore, and on the other, empowering the local youth through education, healthcare and self-reliance. Ayodhya remains a top priority for the chief minister, as demonstrated by his visits to two districts within the division in just two days to foster youth education and self-sufficiency. Chief Minister Yogis visit to Ayodhya on Sunday marked his third trip to the city within a fortnight. Under the leadership of Gorakshapeethadhiswar Yogi Adityanath, Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad in Gorakhpur has successfully connected lakhs of students with education. Similarly, Yogi Adityanath is propelling Ayodhya to new heights in education. On Saturday, the chief minister empowered nearly 7,000 youths in Ambedkar Nagar by giving them appointment letters. Besides, 13,866 youths received tablets through 59 colleges. On Sunday, the chief minister extended another significant gift to the youth of Ayodhya by distributing tablets and smartphones to over 3,415 youths. Chief Minister Yogis vision is to connect more than 70,000 youths in Ayodhya and Ambedkar Nagar with job opportunities. To support this, 50,000 vacancies have been created in Ayodhya and 21,000 in Ambedkar Nagar. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is steering the development of Ayodhya, establishing new milestones across various sectors. During health crises, Yogi Adityanath has consistently supported the people of Ayodhya. Since assuming office in 2017, up until August 13, 2024, he has allocated Rs 61,61,84,829 from the Chief Ministers Discretionary Fund for treatment of over 3,611 patients. Additionally, Rs 45,71,16,354 has been provided for the treatment of 2,834 patients in Ambedkar Nagar, part of the Ayodhya division. The chief minister has taken charge of Milkipur in Ayodhya and Katehari assembly seat in Ambedkar Nagar for the upcoming by-elections in Uttar Pradesh. He regularly visits these areas and actively engages with party workers. Since assuming office in 2017, Yogi Adityanath has spearheaded development across all 75 districts, focusing on uplift of backward regions. He has also motivated the workers with the mantra, Win the booth, win the election. The chief minister is reaching out to the people committed to development that transcends caste, religion and creed. A student carries their cellphone after unlocking the pouch that secures it from use during the school day at Bayside Academy in San Mateo. San Mateo-Foster City School District made a move in 2022 to ban cellphones on its four middle school campuses. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Lunchtime at four high schools in the Mount Diablo Unified School District this fall might look a little strange at first, even if its not immediately clear why. At one site, teens could be playing volleyball outside, said Superintendent Adam Clark. At the others, the kids might be showing off their double Dutch jump rope skills or playing a game of giant Jenga. At all of them, he added, the students are hanging out, reading books, joking with each other. What you dont see are cellphones, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Four high schools in the Contra Costa County district like an exponentially growing number across the state and country have decided to take the teens back in time, to when education was a smartphone-free experience. A student uses their cellphone after unlocking the pouch that secures it from use during the school day at Bayside Academy in San Mateo. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Theyre talking to each other, theyre laughing, theyre getting to know one another, Clark said. Its really amazing that its a simple thing but has such a wide impact. That kind of anecdotal evidence as well as a growing stack of research has turned what has been an expanding call for school cellphone bans into a deafening roar as children head back to school this fall. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gov. Gavin Newsom sent a letter to all state schools earlier this week urging them to restrict the use of cellphones this year, even as he works to require districts to limit or prohibit smartphone use, he said. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond echoed his demand for action. A handful of states, including Florida, Indiana and Michigan, have already enacted similar laws. A middle school student unlocks a Yondr pouch on an unlocking base at Bayside Academy while others wait in line for their turn to unlock their pouch at the end of the school day in San Mateo. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle They are supported by K-12 administrators and teachers seeking ways to alleviate social media bullying, classroom distractions and the mental health impacts associated with excessive smartphone use. The evidence is clear: reducing phone use in class leads to improved concentration, better academic outcomes, and enhanced social interactions, Newsom said in the letter, adding districts have seen better concentration, behavior and academic success because of the restrictions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2019, the state passed a law allowing districts to limit cellphone use at schools, despite often strong and loud pushback from parents and students concerned over the need to reach each other for logistical reasons or in emergencies, including active shooter situations. They heard those concerns in the San Mateo-Foster City School District, which serves nearly 10,000 elementary and middle school students, when officials decided to adopt a smartphone policy in 2022, said Superintendent Diego Ochoa. Siyona Jain, an eighth grader, demonstrates how to unlock a Yondr pouch containing her phone at Bayside Academy at the end of the school day in San Mateo. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle But district officials said they couldnt ignore the rise in online student bullying and the significant decline in student-to-student interaction at its middle schools. They decided to ban cellphones. Our educators told us, We cant teach these students. They wont pay attention in class, Ochoa said. In about 90 days, we went from not having any policy to having a policy. We felt that in this one case, it was so urgent that we needed to take action. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Like many districts, San Mateo-Foster City purchased special cases, made by a company called Yondr, that lock magnetically and hold each middle school students phone throughout the day, unlocked by a special demagnifier at the end of classes. Our teachers were emphatic from the beginning, (that) it is absolutely helping kids pay attention in class, Ochoa said. We saw a huge decrease of prevalent student depression on campus, and a decrease by over 20% of student bullying in our schools. Cellphone policies vary widely among California districts, with some fully banning the devices during the school day. In Los Angeles, the policy goes into effect a year from now. In some other districts, each school sets its own phone policy. San Francisco has a districtwide policy that requires students to have devices turned off and put away during class time and passing periods, but some schools have expanded beyond that, banning all cellphone use throughout the entire school day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Galileo High School English teacher John Lisovsky said he would love to see students without smartphones, period, and only living in the real world. In the meantime, students in his classes put their phones in little pouches on the wall where they cant access them in class. Smartphones have had a bad, negative impact on academics, wellness, sleep, and anything we can do as a system to reduce smartphone use among adolescents is going to have a positive impact, he said. The citys teachers union said it is looking for consistency, which the district doesnt have from school to school. Teacher Galit Kahn assists a student in unlocking a pouch containing their cellphone at Bayside Academy in San Mateo. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Everybodys gotta be doing the same thing, said Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco. Its not a feeling of like or dislike. Its a feeling of were all doing it together or were all in limbo. The National Parents Union, which primarily represents low-income families, has opposed banning phones. Its 2024 and all families rely on cell phones to stay connected and communicate now more than ever, said the organizations president, Keri Rodrigues, in a March statement. Whether its connecting in case of an emergency, planning after-school logistics or even if a child is feeling anxious about an issue in school and needs positive reinforcement or advice its clear that parents want to be able to have clear and open channels of communication with their own children. Back in the Mt. Diablo school district, Superintendent Clark said the smartphone bans sprang up organically, first at the two alternative high schools, Olympic, in Concord and Prospect, in Pleasant Hill, which raised the issue last year. Administrators discussed it with students and families, because they didnt want a battle that required searching backpacks for secret phones, and then implemented the policy, using the Yondr bags. Teachers couldnt believe the difference, Clark said. Students walk past a school sign at Bayside Academy in San Mateo. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The students who were behind in their studies started earning more credits and participation in classrooms went way up, he added. I will tell you that both principals have talked about how this has transformed their schools, he said. Two other traditional high schools, Mt. Diablo and Ygnacio Valley in Concord, went through a similar process and adopted a ban for this school year, which started Aug. 8. The school board approved the $113,000 cost for the Yondr bags. Students who lose them are on the hook for the $50 replacement cost, Clark said. The three remaining Mt. Diablo school district high schools Concord, College Park (Pleasant Hill) and Northgate (Walnut Creek) are also looking to put a ban into place. Not everyone has been happy, Clark said. They tell concerned parents they can always reach their children by calling the office or coming to the school and in any emergency, every teacher has a demagnifier to unlock the bags. We get it, Clark said. We understand that cellphones are not evil. They do serve a very valuable purpose. While there were some hiccups at the start of the school year in terms of getting everyone on board, the superintendent said he is a true believer in the ban. And so are the students. Amid former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on his third day of padyatra across the national Capital ahead of the state elections early next year, Delhi BJP President, MPs, MLAs, Councilors, and office bearers celebrated Raksha Bandhan in 291 slum and service colonies on Sunday while exuberating confidence of winning the state elections with the support of slum dwellers. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the sisters of Nehru Camp, a sewa basti in Vinod Nagar, located on NH 24 in East Delhi and offered sweets and symbolic gifts to the sisters. As always, Delhi BJP leaders and workers are celebrating Raksha Bandhan this time with the brothers and sisters living in Delhi's slum colonies. We have always received love from the slum dwellers, and we are striving to strengthen our relationships, he said. With a few months away from the election battle in the city, he said, The BJP has always raised its voice to improve the lives of brothers and sisters living in Delhis slum and rehabilitation colonies and will continue to do so. North west Delhi MP and State General Secretary Yogendra Chandolia celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the sisters of the slum cluster at Sanjay Camp Samaypur Badli while New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj celebrated with the brothers and sisters of the slum cluster at Arjun Das Camp, Laxmibai Nagar. I participated in the Slum Rakshabandhan Utsav program in Arjun Das Camp, Laxmibai Nagar under the Slum Expansion Campaign and celebrated Raksha Bandhan festival collectively with the brothers and sisters of the slum cluster. The slum dwellers have decided to bring BJP to power in Delhi, Swaraj said. South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri celebrated the festival with the sisters of the slum cluster at JJ Camp Prasad Nagar in Badarpur. Celebrated the festival with my sisters and took a pledge to protect their rights, he said, adding that amid the bad governance by AAP, the BJP will continue to raise the voices of people in the national Capital and continue to struggle for their rights. Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal celebrated the festival in the slum cluster at Dairywala Bagh, Paschim Vihar and expressed his happiness to be part of the celebration as he promised the women to work for development projects in the slums. Other party leaders including Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Vijender Gupta, Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Municipal Corporation Raja Iqbal Singh, New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) Vice Chairman Satish Upadhyay, State general secretary Vishnu Mittal and Delhi Media Chief Praveen Shankar Kapoor also celebrated the festival in different parts of the city. Bokaro Steel Plant marked Independence Day with great enthusiasm at Mohan Kumar Mangalam Stadium. Director-in-Charge Birendra Kumar Tiwari hoisted the national flag and took the salute. Also present on stage were Deputy Commandant of CISF Digvijay Kumar Singh and other senior officials. The event saw a significant turnout, including BSLs Executive Director, Womens Committee Chairperson Anita Tiwari, General Managers, senior officials, steel plant employees, children, and local residents. In his address, DIC Tiwari congratulated everyone on the 78th Independence Day and highlighted Bokaro Steel Plants role in the countrys progress over the past six decades. He reflected on the plant's achievements, including those of the Bokaro Steel Plant, Jharkhand Group of Mines, and the Coal Division of SRU. He emphasized the plant's commitment to community development, city growth, and enhanced medical facilities. Further DIC Tiwari noted ongoing improvements in township infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and maintenance, and assured that all remaining tasks would be completed. The entire road network, electrical system, and drainage are being upgraded in phases. During the ceremony, 202 employees were honored with the Birsa Munda Excellence Award, and 27 CISF and BSL Security personnel received certificates of appreciation. Under the Steel Knowledge Scheme, Mr. Tiwari distributed special kits to children from the Birhor tribal community. Additionally, DIC Tiwari flagged off the Steel Sanjeevani Mobile Medical Unit, which will provide free anti-TB kits to rural areas under CSR initiatives. On Independence Day, the Womens Committee, BSL Security Department, and Bokaro Steel Officers Association also hoisted the national flag at their respective premises. The Central bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested five people after a two-day raid on people and officials associated with Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) in Singrauli. A DSP of CBI has also been arrested on charges of taking bribes, CBI has recovered Rs 3.85 crore in cash during the entire operation. After the day-long raid on Sunday, the CBI team also raided the houses of two NCL officials Sunil Prasad Singh and Ravindra Prasad on Monday. During this, the team scrutinized important documents. The arrested are identified as Subedar Ojha, personal secretary of NCL CMD, Basant Kumar Singh, Chief Manager (Administration), NCL, Ravi Shankar Singh, owner of M/s Sangam Engineering, Divesh Singh, associate of Ravi Shankar Singh and Jabalpur CBI DSP Joy Joseph Damle CBI recovered a huge amount of cash, digital devices and several objectionable documents during the search at their place. According to the CBI, Ravi Shankar Singh, middleman and owner of Singrauli-based M/s Sangam Engineering, who was allegedly acting as a mediator between various contractors, traders and several officials of Northern Coalfields Limited, has also been arrested. It is alleged that he was working to deliver bribes and facilitate the officers of Northern Coalfields Limited. Ravi Shankar Singh's associate Divesh Singh had gone to Jabalpur to give a bribe of Rs 5 lakh to a CBI officer. That's when he was arrested. Ravi Shankar Singh and Divesh Singh were working as middlemen between NCL (Northern Coalfields Limited) officials and CBI DSP. In the action CBI has arrested Jabalpur CBI, ACB Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police Joy Joseph Damle red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh for giving favorable reports in pending complaints and investigation cases. During the action on Monday, CBI posted guards at the gate of NCL officer Sunil Prasad's house. On Monday, the houses of these officers were raided, one absconded. On Monday morning at 7 the CBI team raided the residence of NCL's Director Technical Planning and Project Sunil Prasad Singh and Chief Security Officer Ravindra Prasad. Ravindra Prasad was found missing from his house. Information about his absconding has come to the fore. After this, the local police team has been deployed at his house. Which has been given strict instructions that no person should enter the bungalow. CBI has got barricading done outside Ravindra Prasad's house after he absconded. A CBI team came from Delhi for investigation. At the same time, a three-member CBI team reached the house of NCL's Director Technical Planning and Project Sunil Prasad Singh and investigated. Information is being received from sources that the CBI investigation is being done by the team that has arrived from Delhi. Which is being conducted by Additional SP Mukesh Kumar. When NCL PRO Ramvijay Singh was asked about this matter, he said that he has no information about it and hence cannot confirm it. On the final Monday of the auspicious month of Shrawana, the grand procession of Lord Mahakaleshwar will unfold with full protocol and splendor. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will be a part of this sacred journey. This year's Sawan has seen an extraordinary charm in the procession of Lord Mahakaleshwar, with each event standing out in its own unique way. Dr. Yadav's innovative efforts to enhance the grandeur of the procession have drawn an increasing number of devotees, not only from within the state but also from across the nation and abroad. The highlight of this final procession will be the magnificent display by the CRPF and Army bands. This day also coincides with the significant Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan. Additionally, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, will join in the divine visit to Lord Mahakaleshwar on this special Monday. Since Mohan Yadav assumed the role of Chief Minister, the grandeur of Lord Mahakaleshwar's procession has reached new heights. The procession now begins with a magnificent performance by the grand police band, followed by a world record-breaking Damru ensemblea truly unique initiative. To further enhance the splendor of the procession, tribal dance groups from various regions of the state have been included for the first time through the Tribal Folk Art and Language Development Academy of Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad. This addition has not only elevated the grandeur of the Sawan processions but also significantly increased their appeal. The performances captivated the audience. Additionally, for the first time, mobile chariots were introduced, allowing devotees to smoothly view Lord Mahakal through large screens, adding another layer of devotion and accessibility to the event. On the initiative of the CM Yadav, the police band performed in the procession for the first time In a special initiative by Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, the second procession of Lord Mahakaleshwar featured a remarkable performance by 350 police personnel, who played melodious tunes of Shiva Bhajans such as "Namah Shivaya Om Namah Shivaya," "Har-Har Shambhu Deva Mahadeva," "Mere Ghar Ram Aaye Hai," "Deva Ho Deva Ganapati Deva," "Om Jai Shiv Omkara," and "Satyam Shivam Sundaram" through the Police Band. The Police Band also delivered a mesmerizing performance during the pooja at Ramghat, infusing the entire atmosphere with energy and devotion, and captivating the hearts of all the devotees present. Mass Damru playing becomes world record The third Monday of Shravan became historic for Ujjain. As per the wish of the Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, 1500 Damru players created a world record by playing Damru simultaneously on the Shaktipath of Mahakal Lok. Devotees of Baba Shri Mahakal participated in the ride with gaiety and enthusiasm and welcomed the Damru players. Damru, the favourite musical instrument of Lord Shiva, enthralled the devotees with a rhythmic and captivating performance by the Damru players. Lord Shiva was praised with the auspicious sound of Damru playing in the ride of Lord Shri Mahakaleshwar. During the fourth procession of Shri Mahakaleshwar Bhagwan, as per the directions of the Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, the Vedic mantras were recited by the Vedic scholars of three Vedic schools Maharshi Kanva Veda Vidyalaya, Mahamrityunjaya Veda Vidyalaya and Rishi Gurukul along with Shri Mahakaleshwar Vedic Training and Research Institute run by the Temple Management Committee from the Datta Akhara area. The Directorate of Religious Trust and Endowment will operate from the holy city of Baba Mahakal adding a new chapter to the history of Ujjain. He said that Ujjaini has a distinct identity. It is centre of calculation of Time. It is all-time city. Chief Minister Yadav was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Directorate of Religious Trust and Religion Department in Ujjain on Monday. Yadav said that Ujjain special in many respect. It is known by different names. In every era it had a unique name. Ujjain has many names. It is known as Avantika, which means infinity. It is also named Amravati, which is associated with immortality. It is Padmavati that means the beloved city of Lord Vishnu. The other names by which it is also known are Kanakvati, Kusumvati, Kanakshranga. Now it is Ujjaini, which means an excellent city. Ujjaini is a city that rewards devotees more than they expected. Yadav said that for the first time the Cabinet meeting was held in Ujjain chaired by the former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Cabinet decisions were taken at this sacred place. Prime Minister Shri Modi came here. Mahakaal Lok was inaugurated. Due to efforts of Samrat Vikramaditya Research Centre, many programs started from here. Vikramaditya Mahotsav was organized in many states of India. The importance of Vikramaditya and Bhartuhari is well known. When Bhopal became the capital, every city got its due respect. Ujjain got Vikram University. Indore got the High Court, Gwalior got the revenue office and Jabalpur got the main branch of the High Court. The Chief Minister said that the new office of the Commissionerate will operate from Ujjain. Funds for all the Devasthanams including Baba Mahakal are sanctioned by this department. The maintenance of temples is approved. The religious pilgrimages going to the Devasthanams are handled by this department. This department also selects the list and makes other arrangements for the Mukhya Mantri Teerth Darshan Yojana. A budget of Rs 26 crore will also be made for the construction of temples through the Commissionerate of this department. Now air service has also been added. Air travel has also been started to places like Prayagraj, Mathura, Vrindavan. This Commissionerate will play a big role. Yadav said that Devasthanams including Salkanpur, Datia, Orchha will be developed. 13 Lokas are being built at different Devasthanams in the state. This office will make better management of all the arrangements related to the temple. With the opening of the Directorate, two decisions have been taken. A decision has been taken to develop all those places which have the footprints of Lord Shri Ram as a pilgrimage site. Similarly, all those places associated with the life of Lord Srikrishna will be developed as Devasthanams and become centers of pilgrimage. This directorate will play its role. For this, an amount of Rs 500 crore has been kept in the budget. Simhastha will play a big role in promoting religious centers not only in Ujjain but also in Indore. Arrangements have also been made for the honorarium of all the pujaris of the temples. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced two new police stations in Ujjain one in Baba Mahakal Lok Complex and another on Indore Road as many colonies have come up there. Both these police stations will be inaugurated with all the posts from this year. Given the demand to increase Home Guard jawans, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced the approval of 400 new Home Guard jawans. He said that this would further strengthen the security system. MP Shri Anil Firoziya said that the inauguration of the Directorate of Religious Trust and Endowment Department in Ujjain is a big task. Now, other religious construction works including temples and religious trusts of the entire state will be conducted from here. A city court has discharged an accused in an alleged Rs 354-crore bank fraud-linked money laundering case involving Ratul Puri, the businessman nephew of senior Congress leader Kamal Nath. There is no iota of legally admissible evidence against the accused, Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal said as he dropped the charges against Nitin Bhatnagar, a Maltese citizen and former relationship manager of the Bank of Singapore. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had alleged that Bhatnagar was involved in the layering of the proceeds of crime for Ratul Puri. In an order passed on Saturday, Judge Aggarwal said, It cannot be said accused may have committed the offence i.E. To say matter should go to the trial. That is to say, the prosecution has failed to make out a prima facie case for framing of charges qua this accused, for which he was being prosecuted by filing the prosecution complaint. He asked why would the accused to go through rigours of trial all the way if there was no suspicion. When there is no iota of legally admissible evidence against him to go for trial, doing so would be itself violative of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, as the same cannot be said to be the procedure established by law, Judge Aggarwal said. The bench accepted the arguments made by senior advocate Vikas Pahwa, appearing for Bhatnagar, that no suspicion arose about the accused committing the offence of money laundering. Bhatnagar was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on August 22 last year. The money laundering case stems from an August, 2019 FIR of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) where it was alleged that the company Moser Baer India Ltd. (MBIL) and its promoters allegedly cheated and defrauded the loan taken from the Central Bank of India to the tune of Rs 354.51 crore. The case was registered after the bank sent a complaint to the CBI. Both the CBI and the ED had booked Ratul Puri, his father Deepak Puri, mother Nita (Kamal Naths sister). Ratul Puri was arrested by the ED in this case in 2019 and is now out on bail. The Puri family, and other individuals Sanjay Jain and Vineet Sharma were booked by the CBI and the ED for alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and corruption. Ratul Puri was booked in this case in his capacity as the then executive director of MBIL, a firm promoted by his father Deepak Puri. The company was involved in the manufacture of optical storage media such as compact discs, DVDs, solid state storage devices. The ED had earlier alleged Bhatnagar facilitated opening of a bank account for a company called Pristine River Investments Ltd (a Dubai-based investment holding company) in the Bank of Singapore, as he was its relationship manager. This bank account was opened in April, 2011 on the direction of Ratul Puri, the ED had claimed and said the company was owned by Savannah Trust of which Ratul Puri was the settler. It alleged Pristine River Investments Ltd was used for layering the proceeds of crime and Bhatnagar knowingly assisted in doing so for the main accused Ratul Puri. During the arguments, Pahwa submitted that Bhatnagar has not been named in the predicate offence or FIR lodged by the CBI. He was only working as a relationship manager in the Bank of Singapore and was not controlling any of the corporate entities involved in any of the above-mentioned transactions, the counsel said. DAV Steel Public School 8B hosted a grand cultural evening on August 17. During the event, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL-BSL) and DAV. The Jharkhand Legal Services Authority has taken cognizance of a road accident and has ordered the District Legal Services Authority, Ranchi to immediately meet the injured mother and her family members and provide necessary legal aid. JHALSA took cognizance of the road accident on Bahu Bazar Kantatoli road, published in the newspaper, in which an uncontrollable car hit a mother and son riding a scooter, in which 11-year-old boy Priyanshu died and his mother Roma Kumari was seriously injured. In the light of this instruction, Judicial Commissioner-cum-Chairman DLSA, Ranchi, Diwakar Pandey ordered the DLSA Secretary to immediately form a team and provide legal aid to the family of the deceased. In the light of this order, Secretary District Legal Services Authority, Ranchi, Kamlesh Behera, Secretary DLSA, PLV Vicky Chaudhary and Snehlata Dubey met the family of the deceased at Medica Hospital and assured appropriate action and asked the investigator of the case to take immediate appropriate action against the accused. It is known that in this incident, an FIR has been lodged against the accused under sections 281, 125, 105, 106 of BNS. Along with this, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ranchi also assured to take immediate action in this case. The family of the victim was informed about the free legal aid provided by DLSA and a Pro-Bono learned advocate, Mamta Shrivastava was also appointed for their legal assistance. The working PLV Snehlata Dubey was directed to receive the compensation application from the victim and submit it to DLSA. Submit it in the office, so that relief can be provided as soon as possible by sending the victim's application to Disaster Management and MACT in this regard. Professor (Dr) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, addressed the residents and students protesting on Monday, following the incident at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. Extending his wishes for Rakshabandhan, Professor Singh assured the protestors that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, is closely monitoring the situation and is actively working towards a resolution. AIIMS Bhopal is also engaging with various stakeholders to address the concerns arising from the protest. Emphasizing the importance of doctor safety, Professor Singh stated, "The safety of doctors is a very sensitive issue, and it is our responsibility to ensure it. We will take all necessary steps to protect our medical professionals." He appealed to the residents and students, urging them to remember that protests should not disrupt patient care. "As doctors, we must always ensure that no patient leaves without receiving treatment due to our actions. Protests should be conducted in a way that minimizes disruption to hospital operations so that patients continue to receive care," he added. Professor Singh expressed his solidarity with the protestors, stating, "I stand with you in this protest and will do everything within the legal framework to meet your demands." In a gesture of sympathy and support, Professor Singh, on behalf of the AIIMS Bhopal family, planted a tree in the name of the young doctor from Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College who was affected by the incident, as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. The tree plantation event saw participation from protesting residents, students, faculty members, and officers, reinforcing the commitment of AIIMS Bhopal to both environmental sustainability and the well-being of its community. The Delhi High Court has come to the rescue of a Delhi Police constable candidate who was rejected on account of a "faded tattoo" on his right arm, and ordered the authorities to allow him to join the force. The high court, which noted that the candidate has already undergone a surgery for the removal of the tattoo, asked him to appear before it and physically saw his right forearm. "We have physically seen the right forearm of the respondent (candidate) and from the naked eye, the tattoo is not even visible. The same has been shown to the counsel for the petitioners (authorities) and the officials who are present in court to assist the counsel. "According to us, there is no clear visible tattoo on the forearm of the respondent. However, in place of the tattoo there is visible very dim scar. Sometimes such types of scars are natural and therefore, the candidates cannot be rejected on that ground," Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Girish Kathpalia said in a order passed on July 24. The high court dismissed a plea by the Staff Selection Commission challenging an order of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) by which the candidate was granted relief. "It is also not the case of the petitioners that all the vacancies are already filled up since the basic training of the second batch has commenced from July 1, 2024. Accordingly, the petitioners are directed to allow the respondent to join the second batch for training within a week from the receipt of this order," it said. In September 2023, the candidate came across a notification for direct recruitment to the post of constable in Delhi Police and he applied for it. A computer-based examination was conducted by the SSC and a total of 86,049 candidates, including him, qualified for it. Their medical examination was conducted at a BSF Hospital here in which he was declared unfit on account of a "faded tattoo on the right forearm".Thereafter, in his review medical examination also he was declared unfit on account of "faded but visible tattoo on vertical aspect of right forearm" after which he approached the tribunal. The HC said when any candidate, who is entering in the selection process of any force including Delhi Police, has a tattoo on his or her forearm and if it is objectionable to the authorities, an opportunity is granted to him or her to get it removed within a time-bound manner. If the candidate does not get it removed, his or her candidature is liable to be rejected, it noted. In this case, the bench noted that the medical board was held on January 20 and the review medical board was held two days later. Even before this period, the candidate was undergoing the surgery for tattoo removal and it was because of this reason that the tattoo was found to have faded on his forearm, it noted. Therefore, the candidate had no opportunity to at least appear before the review medical board after getting the procedure complete for tattoo removal done, it said. China implements strict monkeypox protocols amid rising global cases Xinhua) 10:42, August 19, 2024 BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have intensified efforts to prevent the import of the mpox virus as global cases continue to rise. Effective from Aug. 15 for six months, arrivals in China from countries and regions with confirmed mpox infections must declare their condition to customs if they have been exposed to mpox or exhibit symptoms such as fever, headache, back pain, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, or rashes. For such individuals, customs officers will implement medical measures and conduct sampling and mpox testing, according to China's General Administration of Customs. Vehicles, containers, cargo and other items from countries and regions with reported mpox cases will be sanitized if they are contaminated or potentially contaminated. The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration and the National Health Commission have urged their local branches to strengthen collaboration and information sharing with customs and other relevant authorities to promptly detect and handle mpox cases. The mpox virus is transmitted mainly through close physical contact, particularly during sexual activity, while daily contact poses a lower risk, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who have been exposed to mpox or experience symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, said Li Tongzeng, an infectious disease specialist at Beijing Youan Hospital. Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, activating its highest level of global alert for mpox for the second time in two years. "This is something that should concern us all ... The potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Firefighters work at the scene of an earlier house fire on San Franciscos Grove Street, which destroyed the home of a dog walker targeted by racist threats in May. A report obtained by the Chronicle shows that investigators werent able to determine what caused the fire. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Three months after flames tore through the Alamo Square home of a San Francisco dog walker, fire investigators could not determine the cause or origin of the fire, according to an incident report reviewed by the Chronicle. The partially redacted report was produced following a public records request. The cause and heat source of the May fire at the home of dog walker Terry Williams remained undetermined after investigation, investigators wrote in the report. The blaze, which sent Williams parents to the hospital with injuries, originated inside the home and spread to neighboring apartments through a common light well between buildings, the report said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The investigators conclusion was unlikely to change but could if new information comes to light, San Francisco Fire Department Capt. Justin Schorr said Monday. Since the fire, my moms health has not been the same, Williams said Monday in an interview. Williams, who could often be seen in and around Alamo Square taking dogs to the hillside park, said he and his family have been living in a hotel since the blaze. He remains in contact with Supervisor Dean Preston, but he said he has not recently been contacted by police or fire investigators. In the weeks before the fire, Williams had called police to report receiving in the mail a voodoo doll depicting a Black person with a noose around its neck, as well as postcards containing threatening language. The incidents prompted the San Francisco Police Department to open a hate crime investigation, officials said at the time. We are frustrated as hell, he said, lamenting the lack of answers. I havent heard anything about the fire or the racial stuff towards me. I dont know what is going on with that. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Williams, who is Black, was meeting with city officials about the racist and threatening items left near his home when he got a phone call about the fire and rushed to his Grove Street residence, where flames had already enveloped three stories and spread to a nearby building. Following the fire, the Williams family received more than $100,000 in donations. The San Francisco Police Department was still investigating whether the fast-moving blaze was an accident or arson. SFPD spokesperson Robert Rueca said Monday that the department could not provide any updates. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday launched two significant initiatives in the education sector, marking a pivotal moment for the states educational landscape. These initiatives include the distribution of tablets to primary school teachers and the introduction of Mukhyamantri Bal Poshtik Aahar Yojana both aimed at enhancing the quality of education and improving nutritional standards for students in government schools. Under the tablet distribution initiative, 17,510 primary school teachers across the hill state will receive tablets. The move is part of the governments broader push towards digitization, which aims to modernize teaching methods, provide easy access to digital resources, and streamline administrative processes such as attendance tracking and data management. By equipping teachers with these digital tools, the State Government hopes to significantly improve the overall quality of education, enabling teachers to present educational content more effectively and participate in online training programs that will further their professional development. Simultaneously, the Chief Minister also launched the Mukhyamantri Bal Poshtik Aahar Yojana, a nutritional scheme designed to complement the existing Mid-Day Meal Scheme. This initiative targets students from Nursery to Class VIII across 15,181 government schools, aiming to provide additional nutrition to about 5,34,293 children. Under this scheme, students will receive boiled eggs or fresh fruits once a week, sourced from local markets based on the preferences of the children. The State Government has allocated an additional budget of Rs 12.75 crore for the scheme for the current financial year, emphasizing its commitment to improving child nutrition and overall health. During the launch event, the Chief Minister addressed the decline in the state's ranking in terms of educational quality, which slipped to 18th place under the previous BJP Government. He highlighted that the current administration is making concerted efforts to reverse this trend. The Chief Minister outlined a three-pronged approach to improving education: ensuring no shortage of funds for quality education, sending teachers abroad for exposure visits, and establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools in every assembly constituency to strengthen educational infrastructure. In the first phase, 217 teachers have already been sent to Singapore for training, reflecting the Government's focus on enhancing the skills and global exposure of educators. The Chief Minister also announced a new policy for teacher transfers, limiting them to once a year to ensure stability in schools and continuous quality education for students. He criticized the previous government for opening over 400 educational institutions without adequate staffing, leading to a decline in educational standards. To address this, schools with fewer than five students are being merged with nearby institutions, and if necessary, the government will provide transportation support for students, even allocating up to Rs 20,000 for this purpose. The Chief Minister also mentioned that colleges in the State would undergo rationalization to ensure the provision of quality education. Also touching upon the broader economic challenges facing the State, particularly the rising debt burden exacerbated by previous administrations, Sukhu criticized the past Government's populist measures, such as waiving electricity and water bills for affluent families, which he said contributed to the states financial woes. Despite these challenges, the current government has provided a seven percent Dearness Allowance (DA) to employees and has committed to paying arrears to over 28,000 pensioners aged 75 and above this year. The Chief Minister urged the government employees to support the State's efforts to recover Rs 9,000 crore of NPS funds stuck with the Central Government, highlighting the government's dedication to restoring the state's economy within the next six months. In addition to these initiatives, the State Government is upgrading 850 educational institutions to Centres of Excellence and has adopted 6,000 orphaned children as Children of the State under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojana. This scheme ensured their education, care, and support until the age of 27. Furthermore, a Centre of Excellence is being established in Kandaghat, Solan district, to provide specialized education for around 300 specially-abled children, enabling them to pursue higher education. The government has also implemented the Cluster System in schools, grouping institutions within a 500-meter radius to optimize resource use, and introduced New Age Courses in educational institutions to meet market demands, including Artificial Intelligence, Data Learning, Electric Vehicle Mechanics, and Internet of Things (IoT) Technician training. Education Minister Rohit Thakur, who was also present at the event, emphasized the states progress in education, with Hamirpur district leading the charge. He reiterated the Government's commitment to providing quality education and praised the Chief Minister for his tough but necessary decisions that would yield positive results in the future. On August 19, 2024, a crucial inter-district coordination meeting was held at Zaika Resort in Bokaro, chaired by Praveen Kumar Singh, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Chas. This meeting was a preparatory step for the upcoming Assembly Elections, with a specific focus on enhancing cross-border coordination between the police forces of Jharkhand and West Bengal, particularly in the Madhupur-Najar area. Noably High-ranking police officers from the bordering districts of both states actively participated, sharing strategies to ensure a smooth and secure election process. The key objectives of the meeting included maintaining law and order, curbing cross-border criminal activities, and ensuring peaceful conduct during the elections. Participants from West Bengal included SDPOs Gaurav Ghosh and Rohit Shekh, among other officers, while the Bokaro contingent was led by SDPOs Praveen Kumar Singh and Vashishth Narayan Singh, along with other senior officers. The meeting underscored the importance of cooperation between neighboring districts to address the unique challenges posed by cross-border dynamics during the election period. Indraprastha Universitys School of Environment Management (USEM), in partnership with the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), is set to host a week-long Faculty Development Program (FDP) on Current Environmental Issues and Challenges in Disaster Risk Reduction from Monday to 23 at its Dwarka campus. Inaugurating the event, Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta, Head of the ECDRM Division at NIDM, said, Three factors are significantly impacting the environment: environmental changes, land use changes, and commercial exploitation of natural resources. To maintain environmental balance, we need to control these factors. Prof. Arun Sharma, Director General of the NECARE Division at DST, said that urban floods and urban pollution are also serious environmental challenges and we need to find ways to reduce them. Prof. Varun Joshi, Dean of USEM and convener of the program said, 60 participants from Delhi and other parts of the country are attending the FDP, including officials from government departments and institutions in Delhi. He added that each days session will be conducted by experienced experts in the field. The session on Monday sessions featured Prof. Anubha Kaushik on environmental sustainability, Prof. Varun Joshi on broad changes in disaster risk reduction, and Dr. Anshu Sharma on potential disasters in urban areas. Punjab Government has taken a firm stand on ensuring safety and security of medical professionals in the State. In response to the tragic incident in Kolkata, where a female postgraduate trainee doctor was brutally assaulted, Punjab Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education and Research Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Sunday assured that the state government is fully committed to protecting its medical professionals. During a visit to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala on Sunday, Dr Balbir participated in a protest led by government medical college doctors, who were expressing their outrage and solidarity with their fellow doctors across the country. This nationwide strike was sparked by the horrifying incident in Kolkata, which has raised serious concerns about the safety of medical professionals across India. Dr Balbir, in a symbolic gesture of empathy, drew blood from his own finger and smeared it on his apron, displaying his deep connection with the doctors cause. He condemned the Kolkata incident in the strongest terms and expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the victim and her family. I stand with our doctors, and the Punjab Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure their safety. We will implement stringent measures to prevent any such unfortunate incidents in the future, said Dr Balbir. He also announced that the Punjab Government would be holding a crucial meeting with the states medical fraternity, including representatives from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMS), on Monday. The meeting is aimed at developing comprehensive safety protocols for doctors and paramedical staff, ensuring they can work without fear. In addition to his assurances at the state level, Dr Balbir revealed plans to write to the Prime Minister and the Union Health Minister, urging them to convene a national meeting of all health ministers to discuss the protection of medical professionals. He emphasized the need for a central act, as proposed by the IMA in 2019, that would make any assault on medical professionals a non-bailable offense, punishable by up to six years of imprisonment. The time has come for us to act decisively. I will personally meet with the Union Health Minister to push for the passage of this law. The safety of our doctors is non-negotiable, Dr Balbir said. He further demanded that those responsible for such heinous crimes should be given the harshest punishment, including the death penalty, to send a strong message across the country. The Health Minister also reassured medical students, doctors, and their families that the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns leadership, will not compromise on their safety. As a doctor and a father of a doctor, I understand the immense dedication and hard work required in this profession. The tragic incident in Kolkata is deeply painful, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims family, said Dr Balbir. Expressing its support for the nationwide protest by doctors following the tragic rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata, several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders including Cabinet Minister, and MLAs visited hospitals across Punjab to show solidarity with the medical community. As Health Minister Dr Balbir visited Rajendra Hospital in Patiala, Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur met with doctors at GGS Hospital in Faridkot. She emphasized the Punjab Governments commitment to ensuring the safety of female doctors and announced plans for enhanced security measures in hospitals. AAP MP Rajkumar Chabbewal and former Minister Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar also visited hospitals in Hoshiarpur and Amritsar, respectively, to discuss security concerns and show support for the ongoing protests. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday celebrated Rakshabandhan at Raj Niwas with children from different schools across the national Capital and gave them symbolic gifts on the occasion. Sharing the pictures from the occasion celebrated in the LG Secretariat, Saxena wrote on X (formerly Twitter), Celebrated Rakshabandhan with children at Raj Niwas today. Even as I blessed the kids after getting Rakhi tied, it was me who felt blessed. Many congratulations for Rakshabandhan to everyone! A statement by the Raj Niwas stated, The Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena today celebrated Rakshabandhan with children from different schools of the Capital. After getting Rakhi tied by the children, Shri Saxena told them and the accompanying teachers that they were now a part of his family and he would do whatever possible to ensure their happiness and wellness. It added that Saxena underlined that this special occasion had made him reaffirm his commitment to support every child in Delhi. Bokaro, August 18, 2024 In a significant move towards ensuring the welfare of minority communities, the Jharkhand State Minority Commission, under the leadership of its Chairman Hidayatullah Khan (Minister Status), held an important press conference at the Bokaro Parishad Auditorium today. The event was attended by Vice-Chairpersons Shamsher Alam, Jyoti Singh Matharu, and Pranesh Solomon, along with BSL TA Chief Kundan Kumar . During the press conference, it was officially announced by Chairman Hidayatullah Khan that the land originally allocated by Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL) for the construction of a mosque and Momin School would be reallocated. This decision has been made necessary due to the construction of highway, which has rendered the current site unsuitable for these community projects. BSL -TA Chief Kundan Kumar has confirmed the reallocation of projects, noting that efforts are underway to identify alternative sites. He stressed the importance of carefully choosing these new locations to prevent additional disruptions and to more effectively meet the community's needs.This announcement has been welcomed as a positive development by the minority community. Further Chairman Hidayatullah Khan addressed the media to reaffirm the state governments dedication to protecting the interests of minority communities. During his statement, Khan emphasized that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for all minority groups. . At the press conference, DPRO Shaket Pandey, APRO Avinash Kumar, along with Ashutosh Kumar from the District administration were also present. Locals attacked employees of Bhopal Municipal Corporation team in Nawab Colony on Sunday over a dispute of removing the garbage collection vehicle. The team had gone for door-to-door garbage collection, the driver and two other sanitation workers were also assaulted in the attack. Nishatpura police have registered a case against the accused. Due to the assault, the employee sustained injuries in ribs and neck. The driver of the door-to-door garbage collection vehicle, Aman, had gone to Nawab Colony on Sunday with his companions Meenabai and Rajesh. This area comes in Zone-17. The accused person identified as Hajala alias Irshad brutally beat up driver Aman for not removing the vehicle. Due to this, he became unconscious. Companions Meenabai and Rajesh were also beaten up. Driver Aman was immediately admitted to Promise Hospital where he was told to have fractures in the neck and ribs. After the assault on the employee, the door-to-door garbage collection vehicles were stopped. All the drivers and employees of Madhya Pradesh Government Driver Mechanical Employees Union warned that they would not work until a case was registered against the accused. After this, the police also took immediate action and registered a case against the accused. After the case was registered, the employees returned to work. A priest was brutally murdered in Panditpurwa village under Raniapur police station of Bahraich district late Saturday night. The killing took place when the priest was sleeping at the Dhelha Samay Mata temple. The police are investigating the case following a complaint from the priests wife. Reports said that Tejram (45) of Panditpurwa village in Gobarha panchayat had been serving as the temple priest at Dhelha for about 20 to 25 years. His wife, Ramavati, reported that on Saturday night, Ram Chandra Chauhan from Harrajpur attacked Tejram with an iron rod while he was sleeping. The critically injured priest was initially referred from the community health centre to the district hospital in serious condition but was later referred to Lucknow. Unfortunately, he died on the way to Lucknow around midnight. Station House Officer Rajman Yadav confirmed that the accused had been arrested. The body was sent for post-mortem and the investigation is ongoing. Ramavati informed the police that there had been a dispute between her husband and the accused three to four days back. Meanwhile, police in Sultanpur district arrested two of the accused involved in the sensational killing of Jal Nigam executive engineer Santosh Kumar. The accused, identified as assistant engineer Amit Kumar and his associate Pradeep, were arrested in a late night encounter on Saturday. The local police reported that both suspects are from Madhubani, Bihar. Santosh Kumar, a native of Ratssad Kala in Ballia, was found dead in a rented house in Binowapuri, Kotwali Nagar, on Saturday morning. The body was discovered with hands and feet bound and tape over the mouth. Following a complaint by Santoshs brother, Sanjay Kumar, a case was registered naming assistant engineer Amit Kumar and an unidentified associate. The additional police superintendent confirmed that Santosh Kumars murder was committed by his own departments contractual assistant engineer Amit and another individual named Pradeep. A case has been registered under various sections, including sections 103/351(2)/351(3) of the BNS and 3(2)(V) of the SC/ST Act. Police teams were deployed to arrest the suspects. Late at night, it was reported that Amit and Pradeep were attempting to flee to Bihar via Banaras road. The police set up a road block and when the suspects approached, they opened fire. In response, the police fired back in self-defense. Both Amit Kumar from Madhubani and Pradeep from Sasaram were injured and were immediately taken to the district hospital. Punjabs Tehsildars (revenue officers) have decided to call off their planned strike following a crucial meeting with the state Revenue Minister Bram Shankar Jimpa on Sunday. The decision came after intense discussions between the Cabinet Minister and leaders of the Tehsildar Union, where it was agreed that the Tehsildars legitimate demands would be addressed, ensuring the smooth continuation of their work without disruption. The Tehsildars had initially planned to go on strike from August 19 to 21, citing unresolved issues that had yet to be addressed by the authorities, including concerns over operational inefficiencies and the need for more robust support within the Revenue Department. As news of the impending strike emerged, it prompted an immediate response from Minister Jimpa, who recognized the potential impact on the state's revenue services and quickly convened a meeting to resolve the situation. During the meeting, held in Chandigarh, the Minister acknowledged the critical role of the Revenue Department in Punjabs administration and expressed the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of its officers. He assured the union leaders that their demands, particularly those related to workplace safety and operational efficiency, would be given due consideration and resolved promptly. The Minister also admitted that there had been a delay in issuing the official communication following the Punjab Revenue Officer Unions meeting held on August 16-17. This delay, he noted, had created a communication gap, leading to unrest among the officers. However, he assured that the necessary documents would be issued soon and that all pending issues would be addressed with priority. The Revenue Minister, along with Financial Commissioner, Revenue, (FCR) KAP Sinha, emphasized the importance of maintaining a functional and efficient revenue system, especially in light of its significance to the states overall governance. Minister Jimpa reiterated the commitment of the Punjab government to sympathetically consider and resolve the genuine demands of the revenue officers. Following the meeting, the Tehsildar Union expressed satisfaction with the assurances provided and decided to withdraw their strike. They emphasized that while their demands are important, they also recognize the critical nature of their work and the potential inconvenience to the public that a strike could cause. The Tehsildars confirmed that they would continue their duties as usual, ensuring that all administrative functions proceed without any hindrance. The 7th Mega Blood Donation Camp organized by Koshish Ek Muskaan Laane Ki Sanstha witnessed a tremendous turnout at Sidhgora Son Mandap. The event saw enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of donors, including men, women, and youth from various age groups. The event was inaugurated by Senior Superintendent of Police, East Singhbhum, Kaushal Kishore. Several dignitaries graced the occasion as special guests, including Major Himanshu Sahu, editor Sanjay Mishra, Brajbhushan Singh, businessman Kaushal Singh, and former commissioner Vijay Singh, among others. Former Chief Minister of the state and former Union Minister Arjun Munda, along with Jamshedpur East MLA Saryu Roy, also attended the event to encourage the blood donors. The stage program began with a warm welcome by the organizations patron, Shiv Shankar Singh, who praised the dedication of the blood donors, stating that the act of donating blood is a true salute to the revolutionaries and a fitting tribute to their sacrifices. A total of 832 units of blood were collected during the camp, marking a significant contribution to the community's blood banks. Senior SP Kaushal Kishore and editor Sanjay Mishra also took the opportunity to urge the attendees to join the fight against drug abuse, highlighting the importance of community involvement in addressing social issues. The presence of a large number of elders alongside the donors added a special touch to the event, as they provided encouragement and support to the younger participants. The successful organization of the event was attributed to the dedicated efforts of all the volunteers and workers of Koshish Sanstha, who played a crucial role in ensuring everything ran smoothly. David Hernandez covers public safety for the San Francisco Chronicle. Before joining the Chronicle in December 2023, he reported on crime, law enforcement and criminal justice for the San Diego Union-Tribune. A graduate of San Diego State University, he is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. He was born and raised in Santa Cruz. Rotary Club Jamshedpur West, in collaboration with the local Parvati Ghat Committee, organized a comprehensive health check-up camp at Parvati Ghat, Bistupur. The camp aimed to provide essential health services to the residents in the vicinity of Parvati Ghat, ensuring that they receive timely medical attention and health awareness. The camp featured a health check-up led by Dr. Amit Mukherjee, an Orthopedic Specialist, and Dr. Ajay, a General Physician, along with Nurse Dulari. The medical team conducted various tests including blood sugar levels, blood pressure, general body check-ups, and weight assessments. A total of 77 people were examined during the camp, receiving valuable health insights and advice. In addition to the general health check-up, a free eye examination was also conducted with the assistance of the team from Poornima Netralaya. The eye check-up saw 44 individuals being examined, out of which seven were identified as needing cataract surgery. Prompt action was taken for three of these patients, who were immediately referred to Poornima Netralaya Tamolia Hospital for cataract surgery on the same day. The remaining four patients will undergo surgery in the coming days at their convenience, with the procedures being provided free of charge. Key contributors to the eye check-up included Vipin, the Coordinator from Poornima Netralaya, along with Dr. Eswari Rao and Mausami Chand, whose efforts ensured the successful execution of the eye care services. The event was well-supported by various members of Rotary Club Jamshedpur West, including President Dr. Amit Mukherjee, Sachin-Deepti Singh, Deepak Panchmiya, Sanjeev Sehgal, Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, Anupama Sehgal, Dr. Ravindra Kumar, Kamal Gupta, Nandkishore Agarwal, Anil Dhandhaniya, Radhika, Vidya Tiwari, Kamlesh Tiwari, and Rishi Chandrani. The Parvati Ghat Committee, represented by D Bhatt, Ram Murti, Jignesh Vasani, and Deepak Panchmiya, who also serves as the President of the committee, played an essential role in supporting the camp. In addition to providing immediate healthcare services, the Rotary Club Jamshedpur West used this opportunity to raise awareness about the prevention of serious health conditions such as cancer and thalassemia. Their ongoing effort is to diagnose minor diseases among the residents of Jamshedpur and to educate them on how to take proactive steps to safeguard their health. In a landmark initiative aimed at bolstering road safety and emergency medical care, Punjab Government has integrated Farishtey Hospitals into the Mappls Mobile App. The strategic move, orchestrated by the Traffic and Road Safety Wing of Punjab Police in collaboration with the State Health Agency (SHA) and Map My India, marked a significant step towards improving emergency response capabilities across the State. The state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced the integration, emphasizing its vital role in providing seamless navigation assistance to users, especially during road accidents. The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure that accident victims can locate and reach nearby hospitals swiftly, particularly within the critical golden hours following an accident, said DGP Yadav. The Farishtey Scheme, a visionary project launched by the Punjab Government, aims to reduce morbidity rates from road accidents by offering immediate, hassle-free medical treatment in government and empanelled private hospitals. As of now, 384 hospitals across Punjab, including 238 private and 146 state-run institutions, have successfully completed the Punjab Farishtey Scheme Apply Online 2024 process and are now accessible via the Mappls Mobile App. The state Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Traffic and Road Safety, AS Rai hailed the integration as a significant step in enhancing emergency response capabilities. He highlighted that the Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) will leverage this system to transport accident victims to Farishtey Hospitals within the golden hours, thus improving survival rates. Timely medical attention is critical for saving lives, and this initiative will ensure that accident victims receive it, said ADGP Rai. To encourage public participation, the Punjab Government is recognizing individuals who assist in transporting injured persons to hospitals as Farishtas. These Good Samaritans are rewarded with Rs 2,000, along with commendation certificates and immunity from legal complications and police inquiries. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the State Health Agency Babita Kaler expressed confidence that the collaboration with the Traffic and Road Safety Wing and Map My India would significantly improve emergency response by providing advanced navigation technology for locating hospitals. "This development will facilitate the prompt transfer of road accident victims to registered Farishtey Hospitals, thereby enhancing survival rates," she said. Rohan Verma, CEO & ED of MapmyIndia, underscored the importance of this initiative, stating that mapping every hospital as a Farishtey Hospital would enhance reliability and user experience. Our goal is to provide seamless navigation, real-time updates, and precise mapping, ensuring that residents can swiftly access critical healthcare when it matters most, Verma concluded. Union Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday took out a 20-km Tiranga Yatra from Ladkui to Bhaironda with more than 10,000 farmers from Ichhawar of Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency. Chouhan addressed the public meeting after performing Bhoomi Pujan and inauguration of various development works in Bhaironda. Shivraj Singh also interacted with the students of CM Rise School and inaugurated a school bus. In Bhaironda, Laadli sisters celebrated Rakshabandhan by tying Rakhi on the wrist of their brother Shivraj and blessed him. During this, Chouhan said that there can be no relationship more sacred than the relationship of brother and sister in the world. I will continue to work day and night for the development and welfare of sisters till my last breath. The Union Minister said that you have showered love, I have the same feeling in my heart that uncle is also an ocean of love, love for brothers, love for sisters and love for nephews and nieces. We are not ministers so that we get filled with arrogance by sitting on the post. We are in office so that we can serve you. My people are God for me. Chouhan said that farming is the backbone of the economy and farmers are its soul, I love the soul more than my heart. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we will leave no stone unturned in farmer welfare. Prime Minister has said from the ramparts of Red Fort that I will work three times harder to make India developed. Chouhan said that I will also leave no stone unturned in agriculture, farmer welfare and rural development. It is our resolve to develop farming and villages. Chouhan said that after Ladli Behna, our next destination is Lakhpati Didi Abhiyan. Every sister has to be included in the Lakhpati Club. Lakhpati Didi means the annual income of sisters should be more than 1 lakh rupees. Prime Minister Modi's resolve is to make 3 crore sisters lakhpatis. He further said that on August 25, Prime Minister is going to Jalgaon in Maharashtra. A big program of Lakhpati Didis is being organized here. In which Prime Minister Modi will distribute Lakhpati certificates to 11 lakh sisters. Chouhan said that, by organizing a program for sisters, so many works have to be done through Ajeevika Mission that the income of sisters keeps increasing, sisters do not remain helpless, there are no tears in eyes, smiles come on faces and sons and daughters keep moving forward, this is the mission of my life. Chouhan participated in the massive tree plantation program organized by Karunadham Ashram in Bhopal on Sunday and planted saplings. During this, Chouhan said that, when you do some work every day in life, it becomes a sadhana. Any sacred work that is useful for others is a sadhana, it is a penance. Tree plantation is also a penance and today even the Prime Minister called for one tree in the name of mother, only then the earth will be saved and hence no other work can be more sacred than this. Tree plantation is a very sacred work, this earth is not only for ourselves but also for the coming generations. In the desire for material progress, we exploited it and that is why we are facing problems like climate change and global warming. That is why I felt that I will plant a tree every day. We release carbon dioxide and trees give us oxygen. So make arrangements for as much as we need to live. The Union Minister on Sunday participated in the Tiranga Yatra here and interacted with the people. During his visit, people welcomed Shivraj in every village. Wherever Shivraj's convoy passed, sisters tied rakhi to Shivraj and blessed him. Youngsters showered flowers on him and elders blessed him by placing their hands on his head. Nephews and nieces expressed their happiness by hugging their uncle. During this, Chauhan said that such a flood of love of sisters surged in the village that I cannot describe it. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Sunday claimed that former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodias campaigning in the Deoli constituency is shameful, stating that the AAP MLA Prakash Jarwal has a criminal background and has been found guilty by a court for abetting the suicide of a doctor. Sachdeva said, It is disgraceful for Manish Sisodia, who has been eager to take control of the AAP since his release from jail, , to campaign in the Deoli constituency where the AAP MLA Prakash Jarwal has a criminal background and has been found guilty by a court for abetting the suicide of a doctor. He remarked that choosing to start campaigning in the constituency of such a criminal-minded MLA is akin to encouraging him. Today, wherever Manish Sisodia went in Deoli, the common people kept their distance from him. The public wants to know why AAP leaders are shielding MLA Prakash Jarwal, who is responsible for Deoli's deteriorating condition, and his wife, Jyoti Jarwal, he claimed. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday urged the Union Government to reduce the minimum exports price (MEP) of basmati from 950 dollars per tonne to 750 dollars per tonne to ensure a better price for Basmati farmers as well as ensure competitiveness of the variety in the international market. Even though a bumper harvest was expected this year, Basmati farmers would not be benefitted from the same in case the government did not review the MEP for the rice variety. This is also necessary to fulfil the governments intention to double farmers income, he said. Sukhbir said that Basmati exporters were in no position to purchase the variety from farmers this year because their godowns were full due to restrictive export policies since the last two years. The industrialists are not able to export at the current MEP because Pakistan is exporting the product at an MEP of 750 dollars per tonne, which affected the international basmati market and caused uncertainty, he added. Sukhbir simultaneously called for the removal of a ban on the export of non-Basmati rice as well as the 20 percent duty imposed on the export of parboiled rice. Crime Branch Bhopal has arrested the vehicle lifters who used to sell stolen vehicles in rural areas, 29 two wheelers worth Rs 17.45 lakh have been seized from the possession of the three arrested accused. The three accused used to do recce of the dhabas, farms and houses in deserted areas in the outskirts of Bhopal. They used to steal vehicles and run away as soon as they got a chance at night. The accused have been arrested on the information regarding the method of selling stolen vehicles in rural areas. DCP Crime Akhil Patel said that the accused Sonu Rai Singh, Goharganj, Vinod Rai and Monu Rai resident of Bari were detained on Saturday night from Thandi Sadak near Jhareshwar Bank. Information was received from the informer that the three were selling bikes at low prices. When the papers of the vehicle were asked from the accused, they misled. On strict interrogation, the vehicle was stolen. During interrogation, the accused told the police that they used to do recce of dhabas, farm houses and farms in the outskirts of Bhopal during the day. They used to steal these vehicles at night. They used to sell these stolen vehicles to the villagers of Raisen and Vidisha districts at low prices. The accused said that generally police do less checking in rural areas. Villagers used to travel mostly in the fields, houses and villages. Due to which there is less fear of vehicles getting caught. Police have seized 29 two wheelers on the information given by the accused. UNICEF has praised Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's efforts to improve the health of adolescent girls in Madhya Pradesh. In a post on X, UNICEF commended the Chief Minister's Sanitation and Hygiene Scheme, describing it as a unique initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of adolescent girls. Notably, on August 11, during the Samvad and Samman program for girl students held in Bhopal, Yadav transferred Rs 57 crore 18 lakh to the accounts of 19 lakh girl students under the Sanitation and Hygiene Scheme of the Samagra Shiksha program. Under the Sanitation and Hygiene Scheme, funds have been allocated for providing sanitary napkins to girl students in classes 7 to 12. The scheme also educates students in schools and colleges about the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene. It is implemented as part of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan of the School Education Department. To express their frustration over the Punjab Government's inaction on restoring pay parity with medical officers, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Vets for Pay Parity has announced a state-level protest in Mohali on September 1. Veterinary Officers from across the state, along with retired Vets, will gather at the Director of Animal Husbandry Punjabs office for a day-long dharna. The vets have been agitating since June 24, boycotting services like Artificial Insemination and other central schemes. Despite multiple assurances from Animal Husbandry Ministers, the Government has not reinstated the pay scale of Vets, which was reduced from Rs 56,100 to Rs 47,600 during the previous Congress regime under Finance Minister Manpreet Badal. JAC convener Dr Gurcharan Singh, along with co-convenors and other committee members, criticized the government for defying Punjab and Haryana High Court orders and disregarding recommendations from various Pay Commissions that support pay parity with medical officers. The JAC has called on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to intervene and resolve the issue for the public good. A JAC delegation also met with Director Animal Husbandry Dr GS Bedi to present their demands. Several prominent veterinarians were present during the meeting. Bairagarh police have booked a youth for sexually exploiting a girl on the pretext of marriage, after physically exploiting her, the accused refused to marry her. Later when the girl's marriage was scheduled with another youth, the accused told the fiance about his relationship with the girl, due to which the marriage got broke. According to Bairagarh police, the 22-year-old girl, a resident of Vidisha, works in a private job in Bhopal. Three years ago, she became acquainted with Suraj Baghel, who worked with her. In August 2022, Suraj took the girl to a hotel in Bairagarh and raped her. After this, he continued to physically exploit her on the pretext of marriage. Later he refused to marry. Some time ago, the girl's got engaged with another youth. When Suraj came to know, he told the girl's fiance about his relationship, due to which his relationship broke. The police have registered a case of rape and started searching for the accused. Meanwhile Kamla Nagar police have booked a man for sexually assaulting a 35-year-old married woman, the accused is yet to be arrested. According to Kamla Nagar police, the 35-year-old woman was previously acquainted with Shivendra Tripathi. During this time, Shivendra started sexually exploiting the woman by luring her with marriage. When Shivendra refused to marry her, the woman married another man. After some time of marriage, Shivendra started harassing the woman. The woman lodged a complaint and based on the complaint FIR against Shivendra for rape and molestation. Several former students of state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital here on Monday joined the protest against the rape and murder of a woman doctor inside the premises of the hospital on August nine. Alongside their younger counterparts, the veteran doctors staged a sit-in protest holding placards and demanding speedy justice. "I belong to the 1964 batch. What has happened in the hospital is just unthinkable and it is the call of the hour to hit the streets to protest", a veteran lady doctor said. Another senior doctor said, "We have come with an infirm physique due to age. We are with the protesting doctors and we need justice". Healthcare services remained affected at state-run hospitals in West Bengal on Monday as junior doctors continued their cease-work protest again the rape and murder of a colleague at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The body of the woman postgraduate trainee doctor was found inside a seminar hall of the hospital on August 9. A civic volunteer was arrested the next day for his alleged involvement in the crime. The junior doctors have been demanding that the culprits be punished as quickly as possible, and the post-mortem examination report of the victim be made public. The Calcutta High Court on August 13 ordered the transfer of the probe into the case from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which started its investigation on August 14. Pro-Palestinian protester tents line the area in front of UC Berkeleys Sproul Hall in May. The president of the UC system has discussed in an open letter his intention of enforcing university rules on protest activity. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle The University of Californias 10 campuses will no longer permit students to erect protest encampments or wear identity-concealing face masks and will enforce policies requiring them to identify themselves when UC employees ask them to, President Michael Drake announced Monday ahead of the new academic year. UCs stricter enforcement of existing policies mirrors efforts at universities across the country where thousands of students roiled campuses with entrenched anti-Israel protests last year, leading to mass arrests, occasional violence and widespread allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Student activists have pledged to continue their protests this year, as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza exceeds 40,000 Palestinian deaths. UC Berkeley saw minimal violence and arrests last spring, while the chancellors at UCLA, UC Irvine and UC San Diego called in police to arrest hundreds of student protesters. On May 1, UCLA officials waited hours to intervene after a separate group attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment with heavy objects and fireworks. While the vast majority of protests held on our campuses are peaceful and nonviolent, some of the activities we saw this past year were not, Drake wrote in an open letter, which also said the UC will clarify its rules and apply them consistently across campuses this year. The new approach is key to achieving the delicate but essential balance between free speech rights and the need to protect the safety of our community, Drake said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At UC Berkeley, hundreds of anti-Israel student protesters broke down the door of the Zellerbach Playhouse in February, smashing a window and preventing an Israeli speaker from addressing Jewish students. Pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protesters also made it difficult for many students to pass through Sather Gate, a key entrance to campus, prompting a sit-in by a Jewish professor. Student protesters dismantled a huge encampment near Sproul Hall in May after administrators agreed to ensure that campus investments align with human rights policies. Within a day, other protesters took over an abandoned campus building, and more than 50 officers from about 20 agencies arrested a dozen of them. At the same time, House Republicans are investigating UC Berkeley for antisemitism, as is the U.S. Department of Education. As a campus, our responsibility to uphold the First Amendment is nondiscretionary. And, needless to say, the sharp differences of perspective regarding the conflict have pitted student against student, Chancellor Richard Lyons told the Chronicle on Monday. But, we are not throwing our hands in the air. There is a lot at stake, he said, noting that his goal this year is to address the inherent tension between freedom of expression, on the one hand, and providing every student with a sense of safety and belonging regardless of their origin, identity, or perspectives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How to achieve that balance has bedeviled university leaders since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, triggering the war in Gaza and igniting protests on campuses across the U.S. Congressional Republicans have also seized on the issue to criticize the way leaders of elite universities have handled the protests, accusing them of allowing antisemitism to fester on campus. But when university leaders have cracked down on pro-Palestinian protesters, they have been accused of Islamophobia and failing to protect free speech on campuses. Squeezed, at least four university leaders have stepped down since December. Three had been grilled by Congress: Elizabeth Magill, president of the University of Pennsylvania; Harvards President Claudine Gay; and Nemat Shafik, president of Columbia. A fourth, Cornell President Martha Pollack, didnt testify but left amid criticism over her discipline of pro-Palestinian activists. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather in a protest encampment outside UC Berkeleys Sproul Hall in May. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle UCLA Chancellor Gene Block testified after the May 1 debacle on his campus but had already announced he would retire this summer. Drake is leaving next summer, but there appears to be no connection between that decision and campus protests. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Like Drake, universities across the country are heading into the new semester hoping to head off the kind of disarray that became last years top education news story, eclipsing even the glitch-filled rollout of the FAFSA the Free Application for Federal Student Aid that thousands of students rely on to pay for college. Several universities across the country are banning protest tents and signage and, according to the Wall Street Journal, some campuses are considering giving campus police the power to arrest protesters. At the UC, Drake took a firm but conciliatory tone, noting that the Free Speech Movement was born at the University of California. We are proud to uphold that tradition today. In addition to enforcing the rules against tents and masks, Drake said UC will be developing a framework to implement policies consistently across campuses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The alleged rape-murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which sparked widespread outrage across West Bengal, exposed a rift within the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) over how to handle the issue and the ensuing protests. "There are differences within the party on how the incident should have been tackled. Some feel the state's response has been slow, allowing the protests to escalate. Others believe that opposition parties have seized the opportunity to use the protests against the government," a senior TMC leader said on condition of anonymity. The TMC leader said these differences of opinion among leaders have created the impression that the party is not united on the issue. "The fact that what the party's top leadership is saying on the issue has not been echoed by other leaders is a matter of concern. It is sending out a wrong message not only among the masses but also among the entire rank and file," he said. Commenting on the ongoing protests, senior TMC leader and MLA Madan Mitra remarked that the public outrage is reminiscent of the Nandigram and Singur anti-land acquisition protests against the previous Left Front regime. "We witnessed similar protests during the Nandigram and Singur anti-land acquisition protests against the Left Front regime. It was the TMC that led those protests. If people want a change of government, they can exercise their franchise in the 2026 assembly polls," he said. Senior TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray took a strong stand against the alleged crime, condemning the incident in no uncertain terms. Ray, who represents the party in the Rajya Sabha, expressed his deep sorrow and anger over the tragedy, stating that it was time to rise against the cruelty inflicted on women. Ray on Sunday demanded that the CBI conduct custodial interrogation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and previous principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Sanjib Ghosh in connection with its probe into the alleged rape-murder of the woman doctor. "CBI must act fairly. Custodial interrogation of the ex-principal and police commissioner is a must to know who and why the suicide story was floated," the TMC Rajya Sabha MP wrote in a social media post. Following this, Kolkata Police summoned Ray for questioning. A miffed Ray on Monday moved the Calcutta High Court, challenging the notice sent to him by police. Ray is not alone in his criticism. Party spokesperson Santanu Sen lost his position as spokesperson after he questioned the state government over why no action was taken against Ghosh. "I fail to understand why efforts are being made to save Ghosh. I, myself, being a doctor and an alumnus of RG Kar hospital, am well aware of how Ghosh and the present hospital administration have completely failed," Sen said last week, hours before he was removed as party spokesperson. Ray and Sen's stance has not been uniformly accepted within the TMC, with senior leader Kunal Ghosh taking a different approach, criticising what he saw as political opportunism by rival parties. Ghosh accused certain groups of exploiting the tragedy for political gains under the guise of protesting. Reacting to Ray's post, Ghosh said such remarks by a senior party leader were unfortunate. "I also demand justice in the RG Kar case. But I strongly oppose this demand regarding the police commissioner. After receiving information, he tried his best. Personally, the CP was doing his job, and the investigation was progressing positively. This kind of post is unfortunate, especially from my senior leader," he said. Ghosh emphasised that party leaders should not be swayed by protests; rather, efforts should be focused on ensuring justice for the victim. Protests demanding justice for the victim continued across West Bengal for the eleventh day. The doctor, whose body was found on August 9, was allegedly raped-murdered while on duty. A civic volunteer was arrested the following day in connection with the crime. The Calcutta High Court on August 13 ordered the transfer of the case from Kolkata Police to the CBI, which began its investigation on August 14. Healthcare services in the state have remained crippled due to the cease-work by junior doctors demanding justice for their colleague. Emergency and outpatient departments in most state-run hospitals are still closed, causing significant distress among patients. Cboe Global Markets (BATS:CBOE Free Report) had its price target upped by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $186.00 to $205.00 in a research report report published on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a hold rating on the stock. A number of other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on CBOE. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Cboe Global Markets from $194.00 to $218.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Oppenheimer increased their price target on shares of Cboe Global Markets from $199.00 to $209.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and set a $210.00 price target (up from $203.00) on shares of Cboe Global Markets in a research report on Monday, August 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Cboe Global Markets from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and raised their target price for the stock from $168.00 to $195.00 in a report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Rosenblatt Securities raised their target price on shares of Cboe Global Markets from $200.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, May 6th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $199.64. Get Cboe Global Markets alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Cboe Global Markets Cboe Global Markets Price Performance Shares of BATS:CBOE opened at $202.94 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average is $180.71 and its 200 day moving average is $181.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.21. The company has a market capitalization of $21.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 104.61 and a beta of 0.61. Cboe Global Markets has a fifty-two week low of $103.82 and a fifty-two week high of $139.00. Cboe Global Markets (BATS:CBOE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported $2.15 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.10 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $513.80 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $514.51 million. Cboe Global Markets had a net margin of 5.77% and a return on equity of 20.05%. The companys revenue was up 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.78 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Cboe Global Markets will post 6.41 earnings per share for the current year. Cboe Global Markets Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.63 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. This is an increase from Cboe Global Marketss previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.24%. Cboe Global Marketss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 98.97%. Insider Activity In other news, COO Christopher A. Isaacson sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, June 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total transaction of $1,050,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 51,855 shares in the company, valued at $9,074,625. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Cboe Global Markets news, EVP Catherine R. Clay sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $203.23, for a total transaction of $121,938.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,328 shares in the company, valued at approximately $879,579.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, COO Christopher A. Isaacson sold 6,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total value of $1,050,000.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 51,855 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,074,625. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 16,565 shares of company stock worth $3,063,663 over the last three months. 0.51% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Regal Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Cboe Global Markets by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Regal Investment Advisors LLC now owns 22,274 shares of the companys stock worth $3,788,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Cboe Global Markets by 9.7% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 713 shares of the companys stock valued at $121,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Marion Wealth Management increased its position in shares of Cboe Global Markets by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Marion Wealth Management now owns 10,315 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,895,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares during the last quarter. Kendall Capital Management increased its position in shares of Cboe Global Markets by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Kendall Capital Management now owns 9,410 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,600,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Motley Fool Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Cboe Global Markets by 4.3% during the 1st quarter. Motley Fool Asset Management LLC now owns 2,021 shares of the companys stock valued at $371,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the last quarter. 81.73% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Cboe Global Markets (Get Free Report) Cboe Global Markets, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as an options exchange worldwide. It operates through six segments: Options, North American Equities, Europe and Asia Pacific, Futures, Global FX, and Digital. The Options segment trades in listed market indices. The North American Equities segment trades in listed U.S. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cboe Global Markets Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cboe Global Markets and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Partners Group Inc boosted its position in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA Free Report) by 28.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 14,562 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,245 shares during the quarter. Financial Partners Group Incs holdings in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF were worth $1,496,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Beacon Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 31.6% in the 1st quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 416 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $39,000. Creekmur Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $44,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $54,000. Get Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF alerts: Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSEARCA:PPA traded up $0.13 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $110.34. The company had a trading volume of 78,059 shares, compared to its average volume of 148,747. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF has a 1-year low of $77.50 and a 1-year high of $110.50. The stock has a market cap of $3.44 billion, a PE ratio of 33.87 and a beta of 0.73. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $105.11 and its 200 day moving average price is $101.82. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Profile PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the SPADE Defense Index (the Index). The Index is designed to identify a group of companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of the United States defense, homeland security and aerospace operations. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Partners Group Inc grew its position in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IMTM Free Report) by 82.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 23,469 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 10,576 shares during the period. Financial Partners Group Incs holdings in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF were worth $908,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bell Investment Advisors Inc boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 12,667 shares of the companys stock worth $434,000 after buying an additional 290 shares during the last quarter. Columbus Macro LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF by 0.8% in the first quarter. Columbus Macro LLC now owns 55,086 shares of the companys stock worth $2,161,000 after purchasing an additional 462 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. grew its stake in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 12,024 shares of the companys stock valued at $465,000 after purchasing an additional 505 shares during the period. Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc. grew its stake in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF by 147.4% in the 1st quarter. Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc. now owns 1,059 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 631 shares during the period. Finally, Occidental Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC now owns 69,309 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,682,000 after purchasing an additional 703 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF Trading Up 0.4 % Shares of NYSEARCA:IMTM traded up $0.15 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $39.13. The company had a trading volume of 456,221 shares, compared to its average volume of 275,635. The stock has a market cap of $2.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.86 and a beta of 0.81. iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF has a 52-week low of $30.38 and a 52-week high of $40.60. The companys 50 day moving average price is $38.65 and its 200 day moving average price is $38.27. About iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF The iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI World ex USA Momentum index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap stocks from developed countries, ex-US. The momentum-selected stocks are weighted by market cap and momentum. IMTM was launched on Jan 13, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IMTM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IMTM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Marshall Financial Group LLC grew its position in Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED Free Report) by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 26,573 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 1,141 shares during the period. Marshall Financial Group LLCs holdings in Consolidated Edison were worth $2,376,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in Consolidated Edison by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 418,244 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $38,897,000 after purchasing an additional 12,953 shares during the period. Corient Private Wealth LLC boosted its stake in Consolidated Edison by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 175,416 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $15,958,000 after purchasing an additional 7,725 shares during the period. abrdn plc boosted its stake in Consolidated Edison by 30.2% in the 4th quarter. abrdn plc now owns 311,894 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $28,373,000 after purchasing an additional 72,273 shares during the period. UBS Group AG boosted its stake in Consolidated Edison by 14.7% in the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 488,483 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $44,437,000 after purchasing an additional 62,519 shares during the period. Finally, Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its stake in Consolidated Edison by 2,486.2% in the 1st quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 21,776 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,977,000 after purchasing an additional 20,934 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.29% of the companys stock. Get Consolidated Edison alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently weighed in on ED. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Consolidated Edison from $92.00 to $98.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Guggenheim increased their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $88.00 to $91.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $97.00 to $109.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Scotiabank reduced their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $91.00 to $85.00 and set a sector underperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 22nd. Finally, UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $92.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Consolidated Edison presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $91.81. Consolidated Edison Stock Performance Consolidated Edison stock traded up $0.87 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $100.10. The company had a trading volume of 1,684,765 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,887,954. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $93.92 and a 200 day moving average of $92.21. Consolidated Edison, Inc. has a one year low of $80.46 and a one year high of $105.99. The firm has a market cap of $34.62 billion, a PE ratio of 19.21, a PEG ratio of 2.56 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 0.99 and a quick ratio of 0.92. Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.02. Consolidated Edison had a net margin of 12.03% and a return on equity of 8.70%. The firm had revenue of $3.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.08 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.61 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Consolidated Edison, Inc. will post 5.31 earnings per share for the current year. Consolidated Edison Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 14th will be given a dividend of $0.83 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 14th. This represents a $3.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.32%. Consolidated Edisons payout ratio is presently 63.72%. About Consolidated Edison (Free Report) Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ED? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Consolidated Edison Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Consolidated Edison and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Marshall Financial Group LLC reduced its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,232 shares of the companys stock after selling 100 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for 1.1% of Marshall Financial Group LLCs holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. Marshall Financial Group LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $3,832,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in LLY. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 4th quarter worth about $5,992,890,000. Swedbank AB bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter valued at $932,797,000. Sapient Capital LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth $682,139,000. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.6% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 72,745,011 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,592,709,000 after purchasing an additional 1,133,810 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GQG Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 20.2% during the first quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 3,848,886 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,994,280,000 after purchasing an additional 648,094 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 1.0 % Eli Lilly and Company stock traded down $9.46 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $922.12. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,364,894 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,096,824. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $878.93 and a 200-day moving average price of $805.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 1.03. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12 month low of $516.57 and a 12 month high of $966.10. The stock has a market cap of $876.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 135.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 0.41. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be paid a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.56%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 76.58%. Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $913.00 to $1,025.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $875.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $900.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $994.00 to $1,015.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 24th. Finally, Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $1,000.00 target price (up previously from $892.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, June 25th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $956.88. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 92,563 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $809.21, for a total value of $74,902,905.23. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 98,556,247 shares in the company, valued at $79,752,700,634.87. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 750 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $819.47, for a total transaction of $614,602.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 7,130 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,842,821.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 92,563 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $809.21, for a total value of $74,902,905.23. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 98,556,247 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $79,752,700,634.87. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 1,214,704 shares of company stock worth $1,066,841,316 in the last ninety days. 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sarasin & Partners LLP lowered its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Free Report) by 18.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,228,215 shares of the companys stock after selling 717,390 shares during the quarter. Colgate-Palmolive accounts for 2.8% of Sarasin & Partners LLPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest holding. Sarasin & Partners LLP owned 0.39% of Colgate-Palmolive worth $313,266,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Union Savings Bank grew its stake in Colgate-Palmolive by 76.6% in the 4th quarter. Union Savings Bank now owns 309 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 134 shares during the period. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive during the 4th quarter worth $32,000. PSI Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 4,971.4% during the 1st quarter. PSI Advisors LLC now owns 355 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 348 shares during the period. Finally, Core Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 56.6% during the 4th quarter. Core Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 404 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 146 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 80.41% of the companys stock. Get Colgate-Palmolive alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently issued reports on CL shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $92.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. TD Cowen increased their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Colgate-Palmolive from $95.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $88.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, April 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $103.00 to $111.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Colgate-Palmolive has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $101.11. Colgate-Palmolive Stock Up 0.5 % Shares of CL traded up $0.55 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $101.99. 3,172,690 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,407,037. Colgate-Palmolive has a 1 year low of $67.62 and a 1 year high of $104.15. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 16.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $83.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 0.39. The firms fifty day moving average is $98.29 and its 200-day moving average is $92.30. Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 26th. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.87 by $0.04. Colgate-Palmolive had a return on equity of 470.19% and a net margin of 14.21%. The company had revenue of $5.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.77 EPS. Colgate-Palmolives revenue was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Colgate-Palmolive will post 3.57 earnings per share for the current year. Colgate-Palmolive Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 19th were paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.96%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 19th. Colgate-Palmolives dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 63.29%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Colgate-Palmolive news, insider Sally Massey sold 15,850 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.28, for a total value of $1,636,988.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 13,942 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,439,929.76. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, insider Sally Massey sold 15,850 shares of Colgate-Palmolive stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.28, for a total transaction of $1,636,988.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 13,942 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,439,929.76. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Panagiotis Tsourapas sold 14,794 shares of Colgate-Palmolive stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.94, for a total transaction of $1,522,894.36. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 5,146 shares in the company, valued at approximately $529,729.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 41,177 shares of company stock valued at $4,245,835 in the last ninety days. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Colgate-Palmolive Profile (Free Report) Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Colgate-Palmolive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Colgate-Palmolive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SFG Wealth Management LLC. lessened its stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report) by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,168 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 93 shares during the period. SFG Wealth Management LLC.s holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $440,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of IWM. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 18,080 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,668,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel Lllp raised its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 0.9% in the first quarter. Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel Lllp now owns 5,623 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,183,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Renasant Bank boosted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 4.3% during the first quarter. Renasant Bank now owns 1,183 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $249,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Smith Shellnut Wilson LLC ADV raised its stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 2.2% in the 1st quarter. Smith Shellnut Wilson LLC ADV now owns 2,390 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $503,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 8,627 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,814,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Russell 2000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:IWM traded up $0.56 during trading on Friday, reaching $212.60. The stock had a trading volume of 30,427,401 shares, compared to its average volume of 34,672,992. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a fifty-two week low of $161.67 and a fifty-two week high of $228.63. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $208.37 and a 200-day moving average price of $204.47. About iShares Russell 2000 ETF iShares Russell 2000 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 2,000 smallest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AirBoss of America (TSE:BOS Free Report) had its target price trimmed by TD Securities from C$7.50 to C$7.00 in a research note published on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports. BOS has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Cormark upped their price objective on shares of AirBoss of America from C$5.25 to C$6.00 in a research report on Friday, May 10th. National Bankshares reduced their price objective on shares of AirBoss of America from C$6.25 to C$5.75 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, CIBC boosted their target price on AirBoss of America from C$4.75 to C$5.75 in a research report on Friday, May 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of C$5.55. Get AirBoss of America alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on BOS AirBoss of America Trading Down 2.4 % AirBoss of America Announces Dividend TSE:BOS opened at C$4.13 on Thursday. AirBoss of America has a 12-month low of C$3.65 and a 12-month high of C$6.31. The company has a current ratio of 2.26, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 83.63. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is C$5.33 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$5.46. The firm has a market cap of C$112.05 million, a P/E ratio of -1.68, a PEG ratio of -550.53 and a beta of 2.03. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a $0.035 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $0.14 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.39%. AirBoss of Americas dividend payout ratio is presently -5.69%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Peter Grenville Schoch bought 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 28th. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$5.75 per share, for a total transaction of C$57,500.00. 34.90% of the stock is owned by insiders. About AirBoss of America (Get Free Report) AirBoss of America Corp., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells rubber-based products in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through AirBoss Rubber Solutions and AirBoss Manufactured Products segments. The AirBoss Rubber Solutions segment involves in the manufacture and distribution of rubber compounds and rubber compounding related chemicals for various application in automotive, heavy industry, rollers, conveyor belting, defense, construction and infrastructure, mining, transportation, and oil and gas industries. Read More Receive News & Ratings for AirBoss of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AirBoss of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of TRX Gold (NYSE:TRX Free Report) in a report released on Thursday. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock. Separately, HC Wainwright reiterated a buy rating and set a $1.40 price target on shares of TRX Gold in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Get TRX Gold alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on TRX Gold TRX Gold Trading Down 0.5 % Shares of TRX Gold stock opened at $0.40 on Thursday. TRX Gold has a 1 year low of $0.31 and a 1 year high of $0.49. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $0.41 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $0.41. TRX Gold (NYSE:TRX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 12th. The company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.01 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $10.15 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.50 million. TRX Gold had a negative net margin of 3.06% and a negative return on equity of 3.84%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that TRX Gold will post 0.01 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On TRX Gold A hedge fund recently raised its stake in TRX Gold stock. PFG Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of TRX Gold Co. (NYSE:TRX Free Report) by 1,103.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 228,588 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 209,588 shares during the quarter. PFG Investments LLC owned about 0.08% of TRX Gold worth $89,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.06% of the companys stock. TRX Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) TRX Gold Corporation engages in the exploration, development, and production of mineral property interests in the United Republic of Tanzania. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. It holds interests in the Buckreef gold project that comprises a single Special Mining License covering an area of 16.04 square kilometers and 12 Prospecting Licenses covering 98.19 square kilometers located in north-central Tanzania. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for TRX Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TRX Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. San Francisco police respond to a reported break-in at Hamburger Haven in the Inner Richmond early Sunday morning. Roozbeh Falahati Hamburger Haven, an Inner Richmond restaurant that has been operating since 1968, was burglarized early Sunday morning with thieves taking a beloved and irreplaceable antique cash register. Owner Roozbeh Falahati described the cash register as a centerpiece of the establishment. Its been there since my dad had it, said Falahati, whose father ran the restaurant for decades before Falahati took it over. He thinks that the thieves ultimately took the register because they were unable to open it, noting that the thieves had gone through two newer registers but did not find anything in them. To wake up and discover that the register was missing was devastating for Falahati. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There was nothing you could take in that restaurant that was irreplaceable other than that, he added. Im experienced to waking up to break-in calls. This is the first time I felt robbed. Thieves also damaged one of the windows. This is not the first time Hamburger Haven has been broken into. The business was burglarized last winter, but nothing was reported as stolen, according to a previous news report. Falahati said hes had a total of four break-ins since reopening the business in July 2022. He also noted that the police have been called in all four instances. The San Francisco Police Department said that no arrests in the Hamburger Haven burglary have been made and that the investigation remains ongoing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Falahati said that other businesses were also broken into that same morning, including Cafe La Flore on Clement Street and Sweet Cleaners on California Street. According to the San Francisco Police Department, police also responded to a burglary at Sweet Cleaners that same morning and observed a shattered glass door to the business. They determined that money was stolen from the business. The police also responded to a burglary on the same block Cafe La Flore is on after a bystander alerted the police to a similar incident. When officers arrived on the scene, they observed damaged to the front of the store and determined that property and money were taken from the business. The burglaries have been a continuous source of frustration for Falahati, who wants to see more action from citys leaders. He says that he has been advocating for more early morning patrols in the neighborhood since 2022. After Sunday mornings event, Falahati put a sign outside his business detailing the break-in and advocating for voters to change the leadership in the city. Property crime continues to be a top issue in the mayoral election with voters expressing frustration over the issue despite Mayor London Breed touting big declines in reported crimes across many categories. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The break-in caught the attention of mayoral candidate Mark Farrell, who posted a photo of the sign outside Hamburger Haven on his social media accounts, including X, previously known as Twitter. Theyre just the latest small business to fall victim to City Halls public safety failures, Farrell wrote, who added that he would take a zero tolerance approach to crime if elected. If youre on Clement this weekend, be sure to stop by and support Hamburger Haven. And like they said be sure to VOTE. Hamburger Haven responded to Farrells post on X, emphasizing how the business has been asking for more police after break-ins in the Richmond District. We are only making reasonable requests, the Hamburger Haven account posted. Crime is also a main issue in the supervisor race for District 1, which includes the Richmond District. Billboards went up last week pointing to property crime statistics for the area, but they were misleading and lacked important context. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Clement Street Merchants Association is also working with the small businesses affected by the thefts, the organization wrote in an email to the Chronicle, which includes helping small businesses access grants for vandalism-related costs and other resources. However, the organization still wants to see more action to prevent burglaries in the area. "We are not a crime prevention organization, and we have been actively calling on our Richmond PD and Mayor Breed's office for additional resources to continue to keep our small businesses safe and open," the organization wrote. Despite the troubles, Falahati hopes that change will come soon. Although Falahati does not live in the city, he says that he would vote for Farrell if he could in the coming election. As small-business owners, we dont have a platform to speak on, Falahati said. Anyone thats willing to help us, were happy to engage with. This story has been updated with additional comment from San Francisco Police Department and The Clement Street Merchants Association. Williams Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund acquired 5,927 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $593,000. A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO grew its position in shares of Duke Energy by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO now owns 2,147 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $215,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in Duke Energy by 6.5% in the 2nd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 1,706 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $171,000 after buying an additional 104 shares during the period. Town & Country Bank & Trust CO dba First Bankers Trust CO boosted its holdings in Duke Energy by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Town & Country Bank & Trust CO dba First Bankers Trust CO now owns 3,390 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $328,000 after buying an additional 109 shares during the period. Breakwater Capital Group boosted its holdings in Duke Energy by 3.9% in the 1st quarter. Breakwater Capital Group now owns 2,912 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $282,000 after buying an additional 109 shares during the period. Finally, First Command Advisory Services Inc. boosted its holdings in Duke Energy by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. now owns 7,949 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $771,000 after buying an additional 110 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 65.31% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Duke Energy Price Performance Shares of NYSE DUK traded up $0.23 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $112.30. 2,642,700 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,957,009. The companys 50-day moving average is $105.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is $100.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.50. The company has a market capitalization of $86.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.22, a PEG ratio of 3.09 and a beta of 0.45. Duke Energy Co. has a 1 year low of $83.06 and a 1 year high of $116.67. Duke Energy Increases Dividend Duke Energy ( NYSE:DUK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.02 by $0.16. Duke Energy had a net margin of 10.78% and a return on equity of 9.25%. The company had revenue of $7.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.84 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.91 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.97 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Investors of record on Friday, August 16th will be given a $1.045 dividend. This is a positive change from Duke Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.03. This represents a $4.18 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.72%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 16th. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio is 105.03%. Analyst Ratings Changes DUK has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Scotiabank upped their target price on shares of Duke Energy from $94.00 to $104.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $110.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $102.00 to $113.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $99.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $111.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Duke Energy presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $110.15. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on DUK Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Louis E. Renjel sold 540 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.64, for a total value of $61,365.60. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 19,884 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,259,617.76. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Duke Energy (Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alpha Services and Holdings S.A. (OTCMKTS:ALBKY Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 131,900 shares, an increase of 11.3% from the July 15th total of 118,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 54,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.4 days. Alpha Services and Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:ALBKY opened at $0.42 on Monday. Alpha Services and has a fifty-two week low of $0.29 and a fifty-two week high of $0.48. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $0.41 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $0.41. Get Alpha Services and alerts: Alpha Services and Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 8th. Investors of record on Monday, August 5th were paid a dividend of $0.0067 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 5th. This is an increase from Alpha Services ands previous dividend of $0.00. Alpha Services and Company Profile Alpha Services and Holdings SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking and financial products and services in Greece and internationally. The company provides various deposit products, including savings, current, time deposits, and other deposit products; mortgage, consumer, corporate, and business loans, as well as leasing products, factoring services, letters of guarantee, etc.; and insurance and bancassurance products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Alpha Services and Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alpha Services and and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the ten research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $99.20. A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. UBS Group increased their price target on Brown & Brown from $91.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. StockNews.com raised Brown & Brown from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Brown & Brown from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the company from $94.00 to $112.00 in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of Brown & Brown from $104.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Bank of America raised shares of Brown & Brown from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and upped their price target for the stock from $91.00 to $101.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 22nd. Get Brown & Brown alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Brown & Brown Brown & Brown Trading Up 0.7 % Brown & Brown stock opened at $101.87 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $29.06 billion, a PE ratio of 31.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a current ratio of 2.35, a quick ratio of 2.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $94.53 and a 200 day moving average price of $88.18. Brown & Brown has a 52 week low of $66.73 and a 52 week high of $103.16. Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 22nd. The financial services provider reported $0.93 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.88 by $0.05. Brown & Brown had a net margin of 21.95% and a return on equity of 17.00%. The business had revenue of $1.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.14 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.68 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 12.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Brown & Brown will post 3.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Brown & Brown Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 14th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 7th were given a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.51%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 7th. Brown & Browns payout ratio is currently 16.00%. Insider Activity at Brown & Brown In related news, CFO R. Andrew Watts sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.32, for a total value of $250,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 88,445 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,872,802.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Julie Turpin sold 3,350 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.92, for a total transaction of $301,232.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 23,597 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,121,842.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO R. Andrew Watts sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.32, for a total transaction of $250,800.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 88,445 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,872,802.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 17.02% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brown & Brown Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Crewe Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Brown & Brown by 330.4% in the second quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC now owns 297 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 228 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in shares of Brown & Brown in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp purchased a new position in shares of Brown & Brown during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $36,000. First PREMIER Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Brown & Brown during the first quarter worth approximately $40,000. Finally, Intelligent Financial Strategies bought a new stake in shares of Brown & Brown in the first quarter worth $45,000. 71.01% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Brown & Brown Company Profile (Get Free Report Brown & Brown, Inc markets and sells insurance products and services in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services. The Retail segment provides property and casualty, employee benefits insurance products, personal insurance products, specialties insurance products, risk management strategies, loss control survey and analysis, consultancy, and claims processing services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brown & Brown Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brown & Brown and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Free Report) had its price target trimmed by Citigroup from $170.00 to $155.00 in a research note released on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the technology companys stock. Several other brokerages have also recently weighed in on DELL. TD Cowen increased their price target on Dell Technologies from $105.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 31st. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $130.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, May 29th. Barclays raised shares of Dell Technologies from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $97.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Dell Technologies from $175.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, Loop Capital increased their target price on Dell Technologies from $125.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 28th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $132.06. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on DELL Dell Technologies Stock Up 1.0 % Shares of DELL stock opened at $111.30 on Thursday. Dell Technologies has a twelve month low of $53.62 and a twelve month high of $179.70. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $125.88 and its 200 day simple moving average is $120.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $78.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.71, a P/E/G ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 0.92. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 30th. The technology company reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.00 by $0.04. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 173.72% and a net margin of 4.00%. The company had revenue of $22.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.70 billion. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Dell Technologies will post 6.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dell Technologies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 2nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 23rd were paid a $0.445 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 23rd. This represents a $1.78 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.60%. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 36.33%. Insider Activity at Dell Technologies In other Dell Technologies news, CEO Michael S. Dell sold 2,837,829 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.75, for a total value of $379,559,628.75. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 20,412,241 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,730,137,233.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Dell Technologies news, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 389,189 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.79, for a total value of $61,799,321.31. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 731,612 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $116,172,669.48. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Michael S. Dell sold 2,837,829 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.75, for a total transaction of $379,559,628.75. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 20,412,241 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,730,137,233.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 7,058,131 shares of company stock worth $963,293,619. 46.70% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DELL. Accordant Advisory Group Inc purchased a new position in shares of Dell Technologies in the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV lifted its holdings in shares of Dell Technologies by 58.2% in the 1st quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 223 shares of the technology companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. Crewe Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, New Covenant Trust Company N.A. purchased a new position in Dell Technologies in the 1st quarter worth $30,000. Institutional investors own 38.10% of the companys stock. Dell Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Finance of America Companies Inc. (NYSE:FOA Get Free Report) shares were down 3.8% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $7.36 and last traded at $7.36. Approximately 11,617 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 35% from the average daily volume of 17,833 shares. The stock had previously closed at $7.65. Finance of America Companies Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $731.19 million, a P/E ratio of -6.32 and a beta of 1.04. The businesss fifty day moving average is $6.36 and its 200 day moving average is $6.87. The company has a current ratio of 2.83, a quick ratio of 2.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 71.55. Get Finance of America Companies alerts: Finance of America Companies (NYSE:FOA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported ($0.05) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.20) by $0.15. The company had revenue of $79.04 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $66.00 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted ($0.15) EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Finance of America Companies Inc. will post -0.4 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Finance of America Companies Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. AQR Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Finance of America Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its stake in Finance of America Companies by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 112,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 3,000 shares during the period. Finally, Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. acquired a new stake in Finance of America Companies during the 2nd quarter valued at $43,000. 97.20% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. (Get Free Report) Finance of America Companies Inc a financial service holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of a retirement solutions platform in the United States. It operates through two segments: Retirement Solutions and Portfolio Management. The Retirement Solutions segment engages in the loan origination activities comprising home equity conversion, proprietary reverse, and hybrid mortgage loans for senior homeowners. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Finance of America Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Finance of America Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zhihu (NYSE:ZH Get Free Report) and Emerald (NYSE:EEX Get Free Report) are both small-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, earnings, dividends, risk, institutional ownership, profitability and valuation. Volatility and Risk Zhihu has a beta of 0.15, indicating that its stock price is 85% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Emerald has a beta of 1.38, indicating that its stock price is 38% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Zhihu alerts: Profitability This table compares Zhihu and Emeralds net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Zhihu -19.78% -16.88% -11.77% Emerald -1.09% N/A -0.40% Institutional and Insider Ownership Valuation and Earnings 28.9% of Zhihu shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 14.9% of Emerald shares are owned by institutional investors. 13.6% of Zhihu shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 11.5% of Emerald shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares Zhihu and Emeralds top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Zhihu $4.17 billion 0.08 -$118.82 million ($1.14) -2.70 Emerald $393.40 million 2.67 -$8.20 million ($0.75) -6.88 Emerald has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Zhihu. Emerald is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Zhihu, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Zhihu and Emerald, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Zhihu 0 0 1 0 3.00 Emerald 0 0 1 0 3.00 Zhihu presently has a consensus target price of $5.40, indicating a potential upside of 75.32%. Emerald has a consensus target price of $8.20, indicating a potential upside of 58.91%. Given Zhihus higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Zhihu is more favorable than Emerald. Summary Emerald beats Zhihu on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Zhihu (Get Free Report) Zhihu Inc. operates an online content community in the People's Republic of China. Its community allows people to seek inspiration, find solutions, make decisions, and have fun. The company offers technology, business support, and consulting services; information transmission, software, and information technology services. It also offers information and marketing services; vocational training; and internet services, as well as holds audio-visual permit. Zhihu Inc. was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. About Emerald (Get Free Report) Emerald Holding, Inc. operates business-to-business (B2B) trade shows in the United States. The company provides B2B trade show franchises; and B2B print publications and digital media products, which provide industry specific business news and information across various sectors. It also offers B2B e-commerce and digital merchandising solutions to manufacturers and retailers through Elastic Suite and Bulletin platforms. The company serves retail, design, technology, equipment, and safety and security. Emerald Holding, Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Receive News & Ratings for Zhihu Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zhihu and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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The construction took only six months, but the controversy in Petaluma took six years and caused him to compromise by scaling back the scope from five bathtubs to two. He also relocated it from Water Street in the downtown core to a pocket park on the industrial north end of town, hard against the Petaluma Slough, also known as the Petaluma River. Its great to see it finally go up, kayaker John Spaulding said as he paddled by with his son. When does it open? Advertisement Article continues below this ad The answer, Goggin called out to him, is Sept. 8 at 6 p.m., when the solar-powered lighting aspect to it will be complete. That will be an event not to miss because an art opening by Goggin is a uniquely dramatic and theatrical event. Construction of San Francisco artist Brian Goggins bathtub project took six months, but the controversy lasted six years. Brian L. Frank/Special to the Chronicle When Goggin opened Defenestration, in which he hung furniture including a claw-foot bathtub out the windows of a condemned four-story hotel, he attracted 2,500 people to San Franciscos Sixth Street in 1996. This is like Defenestration without the building, he said. When he opened Language of the Birds in which he suspended 23 lighted books over a sidewalk stamped in poetry at Broadway and Columbus Avenue in San Francisco in 2008 Goggin climbed a precarious ladder to use an extension pole that offered him barely enough reach to unhook a snare while a huge crowd looked on in astonishment. When he opened Carusos Dream 13 oversized upright grand pianos made of glass and steel suspended over the entrance to a 17-story apartment building at Ninth and Mission streets in 2013 he had aerialists descend from the roof. Hes hoping people arrive by boat for Fine Balance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Francisco artist Brian Goggin is known for his unconventional art installations. Brian L. Frank/Special to the Chronicle There is always suspense involved in a Goggin art opening, and this time there has been tension all along because a group of community opponents and preservationists was determined to stop it altogether. He lost that battle and also lost a third of his total budget of $150,000 that had gone into site design. Private fundraising came up short, which caused him to cut back from five sculptures to two. Each of the two tubs cost $89,000 to fabricate and forge the iron stilts. Installation cost $40,000, all of which has put him deep into credit card debt. It looks good, Spaulding said before paddling off in his kayak. Sorry about the controversy. If it werent for the controversy, no one would know about it, Goggin answered. The controversy has built up interest in the work. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Artists Jeremy Sutton and Peggy Gyulai, who are Brian Goggins neighbors in San Francisco and fans of his other installations, drove to Petaluma to see the work in progress. Brian L. Frank/Special to the Chronicle Though the construction site, in the H Street Pocket Park in the Foundry Wharf district, will be fenced off until the opening, the two tubs can plainly be seen above the fence line, and people on social media have had unkind things to say about it. A monitoring system with security cameras and sound is linked to Petaluma police. We remain committed to the idea that robust public dialogue is not just healthy, but necessary, and we will continue to support art in our public spaces, even when it is hard, city of Petaluma communications manager Jamieson Bunn said in a statement. We know that many Petalumans join us in eagerly awaiting the final reveal of the finished work this September. Ingrid Alverde, the citys director of economic development and open government, referred a request for comment and information to the director of community of development and the planning department, neither of whom responded. Nine out of 10 people who have come by have been supportive, Goggin said. The tension makes it a better piece. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Goggin is the son of retired state Assembly Member Terry Goggin, and nothing stops him not even multiple sclerosis. He was diagnosed right about the time he won a 2016 competition by the Petaluma Art Committee. Since then he has developed weakness in his right side, which he is combating with medication and exercises. The title Fine Balance has double meaning because as precarious as those bathtubs look up on stilts, thats about how he feels. I imagine Im a bathtub up on stilts, a heavy object that needs to navigate a complicated environment, said Goggin, 58. San Francisco artist Brian Goggin inspects his bathtub art project in Petaluma. Brian L. Frank/Special to the Chronicle The reference goes beyond his personal history. In the early days of Petaluma in the mid-19th century, bathtubs were manufactured in San Francisco, then hauled by scow up from the bay and through the Petaluma River to be installed in Victorian homes. Goggin formed the two bathtubs with cast iron, the main building material at that time, in his studio at Project Artaud in the Mission District. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The installation has been by a local crew, and Goggin has been staying locally, spending no more than three nights on any one couch. He is hoping to spend more nights in Petaluma because hes not giving up on his original plan to build three more bathtubs and install them in a sculpture park to be built on the other side of Petaluma Slough. That would create a gateway, said Goggin, who now likes the pocket park better than he did the original site he fought so hard for. San Francisco artist Brian Goggins bathtub art installation opens Sept. 8. Brian L. Frank/Special to the Chronicle I think this location is way better, he said, noting a defunct cement plant directly across the slough. We really needed for this to happen without noticing that we needed it to happen. Goggin hopes to finance the next phase by constructing 2-foot scale models of the bathtubs, to be sold for $1,500 each. But that is a long way away. Sunday, Aug. 18, was his last day before returning the boom lift, and he had to get the bathtubs lashed to the stilts. A nautical knot tier was coming for that purpose. Commissar Cooper/Balls has announced a new DIREKTIVE 4876093-23LB which will enforce the law that extreme misogyny will be treated as terrorism for the first time under the Labour Party Big State plans to prosecute the radicalisation of young men online. Extreme misandry will be completely ignored and in most cases celebrated. Commissar Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has ordered all forms of toxic masculinity in Britain will be reviewed by counter-extremism operatives to urgently address the problem of masculinity as well as instances of extreme misogyny. It will look at tackling extreme misogyny against women and girls in the same way as Islamist and far-Right extremism, amid fears that current Home Office guidance is too narrow. If a woman asks you as a man whether her bum looks fat in that dress, choose your words very carefully, otherwise you will be labelled as an extreme misogynist and tried under the new terrorism laws, an operative working on the new proposals revealed. Teachers in schools and staff in universities will be legally required to snitch on students they suspect of extreme misogyny to Prevent, the Governments counter-terror programme. Police chiefs have accused online influencers like Andrew Tate of radicalising boys into extreme misogyny. Maggie Blyth, the NPCC lead for violence against women and girls, claimed young men and boys are at risk of being radicalised in the same way that terrorists draw in followers. Tate is a British-American influencer who rose to fame after appearing on Big Brother in 2016 There is no current definition of what constitutes as extreme misogyny but it lies under the same branch as open terms like hate speech which can be defined in any way the controlling faction cares to define it under any given situation. The reason for having open terms like these is that they can be weaponised against any individual who is targeted for removal by the controlling faction. Naturally, extreme misandry will be totally ignored because men are viewed as second class citizens within the socialist state system. The extreme feminist group Kill All Men who propose that all men should be killed at birth today praised Commissar Coopers new proposal to punish all men and any form of masculinity. We can only say good things about the Labour Party and Commissar Cooper, who will punish all men and label them as terrorists. Thank you, however we believe that all men should be put to death with immediate effect, and urge Commissar Cooper to adopt our form of extreme misandry which is protected by the Labour socialist government, Sally Minella, spokesperson for anti-male group Kill All Men announced on Monday. Extreme misandry is celebrated by feminists and far-left Marxists was praised by her fellow feminists for her eternal cry to kill off all men from the planet, and was even given a promotion for her views. The celebrated editor for far-left publication Huffpost Yes, there are some men who commit heinous crimes against women, but these are the minority and of course should be arrested, however tarring all men with the same brush and bringing out insane laws will not fix anything. There are some women who commit horrific crimes, but in no circumstance should all women be tarred with the same brush as the minority who commit these crimes. The Daily Squib believes the world needs more Love, and not more Hatred. These new Labour laws only create more hatred and marginalisation within an already splintered and damaged society. In a world where men are called sexist chauvinist scum for opening doors for women, or labelled as exhibiting toxic masculinity traits simply for commenting on a womans beauty, or reported to the police for innocently asking a woman out on a date, the question is, where do we as a human race go from here? Young men have the highest suicide rate for any demographic, and extreme feminism is one of the reasons for this statistic. The invariable answer is down the shitter. UK SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP In the UK, men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women. https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/support-services/men https://www.thecalmzone.net/ https://giveusashout.org/ https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ https://ben.org.uk/how-we-help/for-me/suicide/ USA SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP https://sprc.org/populations/men/ https://dmh.mo.gov/suicide-prevention-men https://988lifeline.org/ https://samaritanshope.org/our-services/24-7-helpline/ The Korean Peninsula is again a focal point of international concern as the United States and South Korea launched their annual joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield, on Monday. The large-scale drills, designed to bolster the allies combined defense capabilities, have drawn sharp criticism from North Korea, which perceives them as a rehearsal for invasion and a justification for its nuclear ambitions. Get alerts: North Korea Decries Drills as Provocative Hours before the exercises commenced, North Koreas Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement condemning the drills as provocative war drills for aggression. The statement reiterated Pyongyangs longstanding stance that such exercises are a direct threat to its security and necessitate the development of its nuclear deterrent. The ministry stressed the importance of maintaining a balance of power to prevent war, highlighting the Norths reliance on its nuclear arsenal as a crucial safeguard. Allies Emphasize the Defensive Nature of Exercises The United States and South Korea maintain that the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are purely defensive. They argue that the drills are necessary to enhance their readiness in the face of North Koreas evolving military capabilities, including its expanding missile program, GPS jamming technology, and cyber warfare potential. The allies have been steadily expanding and upgrading their training programs in recent years to adapt to the growing complexities of the security environment on the Korean Peninsula. Focus on Readiness and Real-World Lessons US Participation and Strategic Assets Ulchi Freedom Shield, which will run for 11 days, incorporates diverse training activities, including computer-simulated war games and over 40 field exercises, culminating in live-fire drills. This years program emphasizes preparing for various North Korean threats, incorporating lessons from recent global conflicts. Approximately 19,000 South Korean military personnel are participating in the exercises. Concurrent civil defense and evacuation drills will also be conducted, featuring scenarios based on potential North Korean nuclear attacks. While the U.S. military has not disclosed the exact number of American troops involved in the exercises, their participation underscores the United States commitment to the defense of South Korea. It remains unclear whether the drills will include the deployment of U.S. strategic assets, such as long-range bombers, submarines, or aircraft carrier strike groups, which have been increasingly present in the region in recent months for joint training with South Korean and Japanese forces. Concerns Over North Korean Response The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises have historically elicited a hostile response from North Korea, which has often used them as an opportunity to showcase its growing military prowess and issue bellicose threats against Washington and Seoul. The recent display of hundreds of nuclear-capable missile launchers in Pyongyang, overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has further fueled anxieties about the potential for escalation. Kim Jong Uns Nuclear Ambitions and Regional Stability Kim Jong Uns relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and his stated intention to deploy them along the border with South Korea has raised alarm bells across the international community. Analysts suggest that Kim may be seeking to leverage the current geopolitical climate, particularly in a U.S. election year, to advance his long-term objectives of securing international recognition as a nuclear power and extracting economic and security concessions from a position of strength. Historical Precedents and Escalation Risks Last years Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises prompted North Korea to conduct a series of ballistic missile tests, which it claimed simulated scorched earth nuclear strikes on South Korean targets. The recent escalation in tensions, marked by the Norths launching of propaganda-laden balloons towards the South, further underscores the fragility of the situation and the potential for miscalculation. The Path Forward As the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises continue, the international community remains on edge, hoping for a measured response from North Korea and a renewed commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and achieving lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. The exercises are a stark reminder of the regions complex security challenges and the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to avert a potentially catastrophic conflict. Kenneth B Morris, descendant of 19th century abolitionist Frederick Douglass, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the North West Migrants Forums fourth Black History Summit. Taking place in Ulster University Belfast on October 26, the theme of this years summit will be Reclaiming Narratives. Mr Morris is flying in from New York where he is president of the non-profit Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. After escaping slavery in Maryland in 1838, Frederick Douglass became national leader of the movement for African-American civil rights. During his lifetime he visited Northern Ireland on two occasions - in 1845 at the invitation of the Belfast Anti-Slavery Society and again the following year 1846. In recognition of the connections built up during those trips, a life-size statue of the abolitionist was unveiled last year beside the historic First Presbyterian Church on Belfasts Rosemary Street where he delivered lectures. Chief Executive of the North West Migrants Forum, Lilian Seenoi Barr, said it was an honour to have Kenneth B Morris making the trip from the United States for the Black History Summit. Mrs Barr said, I met Kenneth earlier this year when I was asked to moderate a panel discussion to commemorate Frederick Douglass's historic visits to Belfast. Kenneths insight into such a monumental figure and how he spoke of Frederick Douglasss tireless campaign for equality, justice, reconciliation and peace made me realise that he would be the perfect fit for our Black History Summit. When we contacted him he said he admired greatly the work of the North West Migrants Forum and that he was truly excited to be getting the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue on reclaiming narratives during Black History Month. It is such an honour for us to have someone of his stature joining us and we look forward to him telling us about his work with the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives and telling us about his deep family connections to the late social reformer and statesman. Among the panellists for this years Summit will be Dr Naomi Green, Dr Livingstone Thompson, Dominic Nartey and Oluwaseun Awonuga with others to be confirmed in the coming weeks. Chairing the event will be former BBC journalist Donna Traynor. Lilian Seenoi Barr said it promises to be an enlightening experience providing invaluable insights into black history, black studies and reclaiming narratives around black and minority ethnic communities. It is important that we recognise the struggles black individuals and communities faced and continue to face but also that we acknowledge their contributions and achievements, ultimately promoting a more comprehensive understanding of our shared history. The Black History Summit in Ulster University Belfast begins at 10am and runs until 3pm. It is free of charge with lunch provided. Free transport will be provided for those travelling from Derry. To book a seat on the bus, follow the instructions when booking your ticket. To secure your ticket now, click here: https://buytickets.at/northwestmigrantsforum1/1356283 The Prime Minister is to discuss the recent riots with the head of Northern Irelands police service during a visit to the region on Monday. At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents across early August in Northern Ireland. Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to areas such as Belfast and Londonderry. Cars were set alight and a number of businesses were severely damaged. Elsewhere, a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards. Dozens of people have been arrested and charged with offences such as rioting and racially-motivated hate crimes. Young children were also involved in some of the street disturbances. Sir Keir Starmer will arrive in Belfast on Monday, where he is expected to be briefed by PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on operational details relating to the recent unrest. The pair will also discuss wider policing challenges in Northern Ireland as part of their second engagement since the Prime Minister took office. Mr Boutcher has described the PSNI as an outlier in terms of funding when compared to police services in England, Scotland, Wales or the Republic of Ireland. The PSNI requested the support of scores of officers from Police Scotland to help with the response to the unrest. It came as PSNI numbers remain more than 1,000 officers below recommended levels. Sir Keir will also meet with rank-and-file PSNI officers from across the community who have been directly involved in responding to the violent disorder seen in parts of Belfast. Additionally, the Prime Minister is expected to undertake a meetings with those involved in the provision of community services which support vulnerable people and families in Northern Ireland. Doug Beattie has quit as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, citing irreconcilable differences with party officers for the shock move. Mr Beattie issued a statement confirming he was standing down after a morning of intense speculation over his future amid apparent internal tensions with other senior party figures. The Upper Bann Assembly member, who is a decorated Army veteran, was elected UUP leader in 2021. From the liberal wing of unionism, the Military Cross recipient took on the role pledging a progressive agenda and a move toward the middle ground. A statement from Party Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA. Read below https://t.co/9Dfx5br1Ue Ulster Unionist Party (@uuponline) August 19, 2024 His resignation comes after what was a relatively positive general election result for the UUP, with the party securing a Westminster seat for the first time since 2017. Mr Beattie said it has been a huge honour to lead the party. It has not been easy and at times it has been both lonely and isolating, he said. I am no stranger to leadership and that is how it often feels in taking a toll both physically and mentally. It also strains friendships and political relationships. It is now clear that some believe the momentum needed to keep the Ulster Unionist Party moving in the right direction cannot come from me. Irreconcilable differences between myself and party officers combined with the inability to influence and shape the party going forward means that I can no longer remain the party leader. Therefore, I shall stand down as the party leader and allow the party to immediately begin the process to select a new leader who may maintain the confidence of the party and continue the momentum I have started. It is important to acknowledge the loyalty and support from many within the party. This includes the MLA group and many other elected and non-elected members. I must also acknowledge that some did not agree with the direction and path I set for the party, and the vision I promoted. I hope they can see that in the long term only an inclusive Ulster Unionist Party, promoting a positive message, can secure our future. I hope the new leader is given the freedom to act. Focus will now shift to who will succeed Mr Beattie. With such a high turnover of leaders in recent times four in the last seven years many of the partys most high-profile representatives have already had a tilt at the job. It remains to be seen whether the likes of Mike Nesbitt, Robin Swann, Tom Elliott or Steve Aiken fancy another stint in the top job. In the event that the former leaders do not put their names forward, the clear favourite would appear to be current deputy leader and Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler. Other names that may be in the mix include East Antrim MLA John Stewart and East Belfast Assembly member Andy Allen. Mr Beattie said he took over as leader at the beginning of a three-year election cycle with an overall aim of addressing the decline of the UUP, enhancing its influence and returning it to Westminster. Following the recent General Election results, the party has now returned to the green benches after an absence of seven years, he said. Our share of the vote had increased slightly, and we have also elevated a member to the House of Lords. This is something we have not achieved in 13 years; a move that demonstrates our increased influence at the highest levels of government. The party will now re-establish its parliamentary party to help increase our influence and ensure the Ulster Unionists voice, promoting a positive, optimistic, pro-union vision, is heard. These are small successes on the back of a difficult electoral results with a lot of work still to do, particularly in border constituencies. Nevertheless, they are successes which requires momentum to capitalise on the opportunities they present. 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. Jesse Arreguin's strong regional leadership and ability to acknowledge and articulate various angles of highly complex issues make him the best candidate for state Senate District 7 seat. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2022 The March primary election winnowed the field of six strong candidates for a state Senate seat representing Oakland, Berkeley and Richmond down to two contenders: Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, who garnered about 32% of the vote, and AC Transit Director Jovanka Beckles, who got just under 18%. We once again encourage voters to support Arreguin for the District 7 seat. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Both candidates are progressive Democrats. But they differ in their philosophy Arreguin, 39, describes himself as a pragmatic progressive while Beckles, 61, is a registered Democratic Socialist and in their policy approach. For example, Arreguin told us that he supports building housing at all income levels and strengthening state oversight and enforcement of housing laws both of which are critically important to pushing California closer to its goal of building 2.5 million homes in the next eight years. Beckles, on the other hand, told us that when it comes to housing, local elected officials know whats best for their communities an argument often articulated by NIMBY governments to block much-needed development, worsening Californias affordability crisis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We were also impressed by Arreguins common-sense, collaborative approach to public safety. He recently brought together a coalition of East Bay leaders to tackle organized retail theft, property crime and other high-profile offenses. The collaboration aims to, among other things, coordinate legislative and fiscal advocacy efforts and to improve data analysis which is especially important given recent revelations that the Oakland Police Department has for years been publishing misleading crime data that makes the city appear safer than it actually is. Although we applaud Beckles work to improve employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated people, some of her other criminal justice stances lacked nuance. For example, she said that rising crime rates cant be addressed by simply hiring more police sure but failed to identify persuasive alternative strategies. Both candidates spoke convincingly about the need to streamline and improve service on the Bay Areas confusing tangle of 27 transit agencies and to pursue aggressive policies to combat climate change. Ultimately, however, Arreguin stood out for his strong regional leadership in addition to convening the anti-crime coalition, he is past president of the Association of Bay Area Governments and helped craft the regions housing plan and his ability to acknowledge and articulate various angles of highly complex issues. He also won the endorsement of outgoing state Sen. Nancy Skinner, who held the seat for the past eight years. About Opinion The editorial positions of The Chronicle, including election recommendations, represent the consensus of the editorial board, consisting of the publisher, the editorial page editor and staff members of the opinion pages. Its judgments are made independent of the news operation, which covers the news without consideration of our editorial positions. Arreguins thoughtful, consensus-building approach will be a strong asset in the state Senate as lawmakers grapple with years of anticipated budget deficits, a home insurance crisis, controversial public safety policies and other thorny issues. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is no exaggeration, but theres a ticking time bomb at the heart of modern computing platforms that enable our digital world. Quantum computers, often being heralded as the answer to so many of humanitys unfulfilled potentials, with their mind-boggling processing power theyre also harbingers of unprecedented doom. For experts fear that an advanced quantum computer could break most modern encryption protocols within a decade. Which is why the finalisation of PQC (post-quantum cryptography) algorithms deserves greater attention, and how it will help us bolster global encryption standards. Earlier in August 2024, NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) announced the final set of encryption tools designed to withstand the attack of a quantum computer. As part of its PQC standardisation project which began in 2016, the process of narrowing down from over 80 encryption methods submitted by the worlds foremost cryptographic experts took almost a decade until the final three PQC algorithms that received NISTs approval. This is a crucial step, make no mistake. As part of the US Department of Commerce, NIST is tasked with creating best standards and practices for the US government and its agencies to adopt. And when it releases a set of new cryptographic standards designed to withstand cyberattacks from a quantum computer, its importance cannot be overstated enough. That above clip should give you a small idea of just how different and mind-bogglingly quick quantum computers can be at a fundamental level compared to all the traditional computers we know and have heard of till date our desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones, servers, and supercomputers. Quantum computers are insanely quick at certain tasks like factoring large integers and solving discrete logarithms, which are the mathematical foundations of many modern encryption protocols, such as RSA (RivestShamirAdleman) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography). Also read: Shaping the future of quantum computing: Intels Anne Matsuura For example, using Shors algorithm, a quantum computer can factorise a large number exponentially faster than classical computers, effectively breaking RSA encryption. This capability poses a significant risk to current cryptographic systems, as it could allow attackers to decrypt secure communications, financial transactions, and sensitive data with unprecedented speed. Imagine everything from your private emails, personal messages across various encrypted apps, online banking activity, e-commerce purchases, and more; everything you ever learned about trusting the safety of the padlock icon across your web browsers to messaging apps, all gone in an instant where nothing is encrypted and private anymore, everything laid bare for cyberattackers to exploit willy nilly. Thats whats at stake, the very fabric of cryptographic systems that underpin our modern digital infrastructure, and their legitimacy in the quantum computing era. NISTs post-quantum cryptography standards NIST has finalised the following three PQC standards in order to bolster modern public-key cryptography infrastructure for the quantum era: ML-KEM (derived from CRYSTALS-Kyber), ML-DSA (derived from CRYSTALS-Dilithium), and SLH-DSA (derived from SPHINCS+) three brand new post-quantum cryptography algorithms. ML-KEM is based on a key encapsulation mechanism selected for general encryption, such as for accessing secured websites and apps. ML-DSA is a lattice-based algorithm picked for its general-purpose digital signature protocols. SLH-DSA is a stateless hash-based digital signature scheme. According to IBM, both ML-KEM and ML-DSA were developed by IBM Research cryptography researchers in Zurich with external collaborators, and SLH-DSA was co-developed by a scientist who has since joined IBM Research. One of the main reasons for delayed implementation is uncertainty about what exactly needs to be implemented,commented Whitfield Diffie, now a cryptography researcher at IBM, who alongside collaborator Martin Hellman, introduced over five decades ago the Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol, a bedrock of public-key cryptography and digital signatures enabling many secure communication protocols, including SSL/TLS used in HTTPS. Now that NIST has announced the exact standards, organisations are motivated to move forward with confidence, he further added. An early mover in the quantum computing race, IBM Researchs significant contributions towards developing these PQC algorithm standards need to be acknowledged. IBM has worked for years to bring our expertise forward and prepare for this new era of computing, emphasised Dr Dario Gil, Senior Vice President and Director, IBM Research. Also read: Intel and IBM: High-performance AI chips to quantum computing breakthroughs There is, in fact, a fourth draft standard based on FALCON which is planned for finalisation by late 2024. The upcoming FALCON encryption is derived from NTRU-Lattice and will be a digital signature algorithm, according to the NIST. ML-KEM encryption is already being adopted It isnt just IBM leading the way in the development and adoption of the new PQC encryption algorithms, as they announced in an update to their Quantum Safe Platform, several other tech companies are moving quickly to safeguard their platforms and users from harvest now, decrypt later cyberattacks as well. Apples iMessage platforms PQ3 has already begun implementing the ML-KEM encryption standard, so has Google Chrome with support for a hybrid KEM implementation. Known for its water-tight encrypted messaging, Signal chats are already secured by PQC. Zoom Workplace calls are also protected by PQC algorithms. The enabler of one-fourth of all connection requests across the internet, even Cloudflare has started turning on a version of ML-KEM encryption. Apart from contributing to their co-development, the likes of Amazon, Google and Microsoft are also in the process of adopting at scale the latest PQC standards finalised by NIST. This shows how big tech enterprises are recognising the urgent need to safeguard and protect their hardware, software and networks with quantum-safe technology solutions. Also read: IIT Madras opens Indias quantum research doors, joins IBMs quantum computing network In conclusion, Im reminded of something Dario Gil said when I interviewed him back in 2022. What I worry about sometimes is that as impressive as the rate of progress we have seen around technology in the recent past, if we do not succeed in improving our speed of innovation then some of these big challenges may be too overwhelming for humans to solve. Innovations like quantum computing we have to channel with care and consideration, because were going to need every help we can get from these emerging technologies to solve everything from climate change to sustainability and beyond, he emphasised. Make no mistakes, the finalisation of PQC algorithms represents a critical milestone in addressing the ticking time bomb at the heart of our online and interconnected digital infrastructure. The adoption of these new standards marks an essential step in safeguarding our data, ensuring that as quantum computing scales, it doesnt crash and burn everything about the digital world as we know it that our encryption methods evolve to meet the challenge. 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. China tightens antimony exports, raising supply concerns China's Ministry of Commerce announced that it will expand its export controls to include antimony, a rare metal crucial for semiconductor materials. Beginning September 15, Chinese exporters will need government approval to ship antimony-related products abroad. As reported by Nikkei, NHK, and Reuters, the new regulations will cover a broad range of antimony products, including raw antimony ore, metal antimony, antimony oxides, and hydrides. It will also extend to indium antimonide and ultra-hard materials such as diamond window components, six-sided top press equipment, and related technology for manufacturing synthetic single crystals like artificial diamonds or cubic boron nitride. All these items will be subject to stringent export restrictions, with permits required for any overseas sales. Antimony's unique properties make it essential in the production of hardened alloys, commonly used in manufacturing bullets and other weaponry. Additionally, processed antimony serves as a key semiconductor material and as a flame retardant in automotive and electronic applications, enhancing product safety by reducing flammability. China dominates the global antimony market, accounting for nearly 50% of the world's supply in 2023, according to the US Geological Survey. A spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce justified the export controls as necessary for national security, stating that the measures are not directed at any specific country. However, the spokesperson emphasized that the controls are intended to counter any misuse of Chinese exports by foreign entities that could threaten China's sovereignty, security, or national interests. The move to restrict antimony exports is widely seen as Beijing's retaliation against US, Dutch, and Japanese efforts to curb China's access to advanced semiconductor technology and equipment. This isn't the first time China has tightened its grip on critical materials. In August 2023, Beijing imposed stricter controls on the export of gallium and germanium, both vital to semiconductor production, and in December, it added graphite used in lithium-ion batteries to the restricted list. During the same period, China also banned the export of rare earth refining and processing technologies, disrupting the global supply chain for high-performance magnets. Now, antimony joins the list of restricted materials. Market tension over antimony was already mounting even before China's latest move. In May 2024, research firm Project Blue projected a global shortfall of around 10,000 tons. This supply crunch was exacerbated by sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted Russian antimony production. Jack Bedder, co-founder of Project Blue, noted that China had already been scaling back its metal exports due to rising domestic consumption. European refineries have been increasing imports from Tajikistan, Vietnam, and Myanmar to reduce their reliance on China, while India has ramped up antimony exports to the US Nevertheless, Bedder warned that prices will likely spike even further as China's new controls take effect. AMEC confident in lawsuit against US DoD Backed by strong support from the Chinese government and the inconsistent actions of the US, Chinese semiconductor equipment manufacturer Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment (AMEC) has seized the opportunity to take a bold step, directly suing the US Department of Defense (DoD) for its inclusion in a blacklist. Analyses believe that AMEC's daring move suggests it has solid evidence and confidence, as otherwise, such a strategy would be extremely risky. AMEC's confidence in this lawsuit, apart from being supported by a strong patent portfolio, is likely fueled by possibly catching the US in a contradictory position and years of hard-fought legal battles. According to AMEC's official statement, it filed a lawsuit against the US DoD in an American court, challenging its inclusion in the "Chinese Military Company" (CMC) list. AMEC argued that this inclusion is erroneous, not based on facts, lacks legal basis, and violates due process. AMEC also raised two more concerns in its self-reporting process. Firstly, AMEC claims it made every effort to communicate with the US DoD, clarify the facts, and provide sufficient evidence to prove that it does not meet the criteria set for the CMC list, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Secondly, in January 2021, the US DoD had listed AMEC on the "Communist Chinese Military Companies List." However, following an appeal, AMEC was successfully removed from this list. The US's reversal of its previous decision may become a focal point of AMEC's approach to the lawsuit, essentially using the US actions against it. Abundant experience in legal battles Within China's tech sector, AMEC is currently regarded as one of the most battle-hardened in patent litigation, making it a learning model for many Chinese companies. In just the third year of its operation, in 2007, AMEC caught the attention of Applied Materials. The scrutiny was primarily due to AMEC's executives, including its founder and chairman Gerald Yin, who previously worked at US semiconductor companies like Intel, Applied Materials, and Lam Research before returning to China to establish AMEC. This raised concerns over a conflict of interest. Thus, Applied Materials filed a lawsuit against AMEC, marking the company's first major international legal battle. Since then, AMEC has faced continuous patent litigation. In 2010, it filed a lawsuit against Lam Research in Shanghai, which went through two trials over six years. In 2017, equipment manufacturer Veeco initiated a patent infringement lawsuit against AMEC's supplier, SGL, in the US. AMEC then counter-sued Veeco for patent infringement in the Fujian High Court and won a patent injunction in Shanghai by the end of the year. After several rounds of back-and-forth, both parties ultimately reached a settlement. Over the years, these lawsuits have provided AMEC with valuable international legal experience and served as stepping stones, with each legal victory or settlement bolstering its position. AMEC's ability to face US sanctions and assert its technological strength has been crucial in building its confidence. Weekly news roundup: Japan's breakthrough in EUV tech; China gaining self-sufficiency in chip equipment except in exposure tools These are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories in the week of August 12 August 16. Japanese breakthrough in energy-efficient EUV tech could propel advances in the field Japanese researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have developed a groundbreaking new technology that dramatically reduces the cost and energy consumption of EUV lithography machines. This breakthrough could revolutionize the semiconductor industry and potentially disrupt the market dominated by a single major player, namely the Dutch company ASML. China gaining self-sufficiency in semiconductor equipment, but crucial exposure tools remain constrained As a result of US chip export sanctions, China has become increasingly self-sufficient in semiconductor manufacturing equipment in recent years, with companies such as AMEC and Naura rapidly expanding their reach. However, exposure machines, the most critical piece of equipment used in the semiconductor manufacturing process, remain a major hurdle to China's semiconductor industry's ultimate self-reliance. China's foundries surge ahead: SMIC and Hua Hong at full capacity amidst rising domestic demand China's leading wafer foundries, SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor, have seen their newly added 12-inch production capacity fully utilized, absorbing a surge in domestic orders. The surge is attributed to prices stabilizing and domestic IC clients shifting production to local supply chains due to peak season demand. As a result, both companies are operating at full capacity, with their production lines nearing 100% utilization. Taiwan stands firm to keep advanced semiconductor R&D despite US pressure The US has reportedly been pressuring Taiwan to amend its laws to allow TSMC to produce chips using the most advanced process node technology on American soil, a request that also includes relocating TSMC's R&D team to America. Despite the pressure from the US, Cheng-wen Wu, minister of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), stated in an interview with DIGITIMES Asia that they remain steadfast in keeping TSMC's semiconductor R&D work within Taiwan. Daxin develops chipmaking materials for 2nm, CoWoS Daxin Materials, a company under LCD panel maker AU Optronics (AUO) that provides specialty chemicals for semiconductors, display, and key raw materials, has developed chipmaking materials supporting advanced 2nm manufacturing processes and CoWoS packaging. Both the 2nm processes and CoWoS materials are undergoing verification, with the latter expected to take longer, and thus unlikely to contribute revenue in 2024. Despite this, the company remains cautiously optimistic about sales for 2024. Why Intel has also struggled to manufacture chips in Arizona TSMC's Fab 21 in Arizona recently received concerns from The New York Times regarding the delay of chip fabrication and sale despite the project being announced four years ago. However, a DIGITIMES report highlighted that the issue is not just limited to TSMC but Intel's gigafab complex in Arizona as well. The report indicated that Intel's progress is arguably lagging even further behind TSMC's, as Intel has yet to set a milestone for the first tool-in at its Arizona fabs while TSMC reached its first tool-in milestone in December 2022. Intel's CHIPS Act implementation hamstrung by performance, packaging dependencies, and workforce shortages The US$39 billion funding allocation under the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS Act) is nearing completion. However, for Intel, greater challenges lie in revitalizing the domestic semiconductor manufacturing supply chain. This includes the company's operational difficulties, a continued reliance on Asia for packaging, a shortage of skilled labor, and environmental factors. Despite these challenges, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger stated that he remains committed to their wafer manufacturing product roadmap. The best candidate for 12th Congressional District is Lateefah Simon, a member of the BART board of directors, a California State University trustee and a longtime nonprofit executive and civil justice advocate. Jonah Reenders/Special to The Chronicle We wont sugarcoat it: Oakland is in crisis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Many of these issues require local solutions. But the race to represent the 12th Congressional District which stretches from Albany to San Leandro also presents a significant opportunity to drive change at the national level. The top two finishers in the crowded March primary to replace outgoing Rep. Barbara Lee were Lateefah Simon a member of the BART Board of Directors, a California State University trustee and a longtime nonprofit executive and Jennifer Tran, an assistant professor of ethnic studies at CSU East Bay and president of the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce. Simon received about 56% of the vote and Tran about 15%. We recommend Simon. In her endorsement interview with the editorial board, Simon did not shy away from the districts serious problems and emphasized that residents have every right to be deeply frustrated with government ineptitude. She wants to change that by setting up a powerhouse constituent services office and developing the strong relationships necessary in Congress to pass pragmatic bipartisan legislation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Although Simons policy platform is light on details, her evident passion for the district paired with her deep personal and professional understanding of government systems shes legally blind and relies on public transit to get around give us confidence that she has what it takes to improve conditions in the East Bay. Tran, 37, spoke passionately about the need to remake American cities struggling to recover from the pandemic. But many of the proposals she championed such as requiring social workers and mental health clinicians to accompany police officers on certain 911 calls have already been put into place, and she didnt offer specifics on how to improve them. We also have serious concerns about Trans proximity to Oaklands unfolding ethics scandal. State and local investigators have identified Trans father, Phuc Hong Tran, as a suspected facilitator of a money-laundering scheme allegedly led by the Duong family that involved illegally funneling tens of thousands of dollars through straw donors to various local political campaigns, including Thaos 2018 city council bid. Jennifer Tran is also a former Thao campaign consultant, and Duong family members have donated to her congressional campaign. Tran has maintained her innocence and said that she had no knowledge of the alleged scheme. Shes also taken pains to distance herself from Thao. About Opinion The editorial positions of The Chronicle, including election recommendations, represent the consensus of the editorial board, consisting of the publisher, the editorial page editor and staff members of the opinion pages. Its judgments are made independent of the news operation, which covers the news without consideration of our editorial positions. But at a moment when many Oaklanders have lost faith in their political institutions, even the perception of a connection to impropriety can be cause for suspicion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Outgoing Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Doug Beattie always sought to act in the best interests of Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State has said. Mr Beattie quit on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences with party officers. Senior political figures have paid tribute to his leadership and constructive approach to relations with other parties. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn thanked Mr Beattie for his commendable leadership. I wish to thank @BeattieDoug for the commendable leadership he has demonstrated over the past few years. It is clear that he has always sought to act in NI's best interests and I know he will continue to do so. I look forward to working closely with his successor. Hilary Benn (@hilarybennmp) August 19, 2024 In a statement, Mr Benn said: It is clear that he has always sought to act in NIs best interests and I know he will continue to do so. I look forward to working closely with his successor. DUP leader Gavin Robinson said that while he differed from Mr Beattie on tactics, there was no doubt that Doug is a committed Unionist. Mr Robinson criticised UUP electoral strategy and said divisions within unionism had handed seats to non-unionists. He added: Top of my priorities for the new leader will be discussions about how we maximise the pro-Union vote in future elections. Sinn Feins vice president Michelle ONeill said the party will take a constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP. Ms ONeill said: I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP. We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the Executive and institutions at the beginning of this year. The First Minister added: I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post. Sinn Fein will continue to work together with all parties in the Executive and Assembly to ensure we deliver for all. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said unionists must move forward, as she wished Mr Beattie well for the future. I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP. We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the executive and institutions at the beginning of this Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) August 19, 2024 The DUP MLA for Lagan Valley said: Unionism moves forward into a new chapter, one in which we must seize the opportunity to secure and strengthen our Union, together. UUP MLA and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the announcement came as a shock, adding: Ive been very supportive of him during the years, and Im very sorry to see him step down. Mr Nesbitt, who is also a former UUP leader, said the party faces a challenge in addressing internal matters. He told RTE radio he had not given the possibility of returning to leadership a milliseconds thought. Irish premier Simon Harris expressed well wishes to Mr Beattie. In a social media post, he said: I would like to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he steps down as UUP leader. Doug has been a responsible and constructive leader in Northern Ireland during times of great challenge in recent years. On a personal level, I have always found him to be engaging and decent. I would like to wish @BeattieDoug & his family well as he steps down as UUP leader. Doug has been a responsible and constructive leader in Northern Ireland during times of great challenge in recent years. On a personal level, I have always found him to be engaging & decent Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 19, 2024 Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said Mr Beattie led his party through numerous challenges. Mr Martin said: Ive always appreciated his emphasis on making politics work & the constructive relationship we built. I know he will continue to lead by example whatever the future holds. A strong relationship between this government and political leaders in Northern Ireland is vital I look forward to building the same ties with Dougs successor. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood paid tribute to Mr Beatties dedication to serving the people of Northern Ireland. In the past three years @BeattieDoug has led his party through numerous challenges. Ive always appreciated his emphasis on making politics work & the constructive relationship we built. I know he will continue to lead by example whatever the future holds. (1/2) Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 19, 2024 He said: Doug and I have different politics but Ive always admired his candour and commitment to working together in the interests of the people we represent. I know this wont be the end of his political contribution but hope he enjoys some more time to spend with his loving family. Alliance leader Naomi Long wished Mr Beattie well for the future, and deputy leader Dr Stephen Farry added: He will no doubt continue to make a significant contribution to politics and public life. Irelands former deputy premier Simon Coveney said he was sorry to see Mr Beattie step down. Mr Coveney, who was Irish foreign affairs minister during Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU, said: I always found Doug to be fair, tough when needed, reasonable and positive. Of course we didnt agree on everything, but Doug was someone I trusted and respected as a strong unionist leader. Prescription drugs cost more in the United States than they do in many other countries. Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press 2019 Regarding, Thank drug patents for life-saving breakthroughs. Why weakening laws will stifle innovation (Open Forum, SFChronicle.com, Aug 16): This old scare tactic from the pharmaceutical industry is wearing thin: Dont interfere with their patent profits or they wont be able to innovate. Nonsense. Most blockbuster drugs are partially or wholly funded with our tax dollars in federal grants or directly with government research such as by the National Institutes of Health. Only then are they given to private companies to finish and profit. The annual report of many pharma companies will show more money is spent on legalized bribery lobbying, sales and marketing than is spent on research and development. Since 1997, when the Food and Drug Administration relaxed rules around direct-to-consumer ask your doctor type ads, pharma advertising budgets have exploded. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To game the system and extend the patents, companies make minuscule tweaks to a drug, such as making it extended-release. A patent on a drug is a temporary monopoly. To match that power, we need a monopsony for purchasing. The U.S. is the only major developed country that does not fully allow the government to be the single payer for prescription drugs and to negotiate prices. Were the suckers. Brian Klein, San Francisco Cut bureaucracy As an active member of a homeowners association board in California, I write to express my deep concern regarding the Corporate Transparency Act and its potential repercussions on community associations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the act aims to enhance transparency in corporate structures, its application to associations imposes unnecessary burdens on volunteer board members. Community associations are the backbone of our neighborhoods, fostering community spirit and ensuring the well-being of residents. However, the Corporate Transparency Act threatens to stifle vital volunteerism by adding bureaucratic hurdles and punitive measures for noncompliance. Community association board members already dedicate significant time and effort to community affairs. They should not face the risk of fines or imprisonment simply for volunteering. The acts stringent requirements could deter future volunteers and jeopardize the effective governance and sustainability of our communities. To safeguard the vibrancy of Californias community associations, I urge legislators to exempt associations from the Corporate Transparency Act. Lets ensure our communities continue to thrive under the dedicated stewardship of homeowner volunteer leaders who are not unfairly burdened with repetitive and unnecessary regulations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Robert Spillar, president, Orange County Regional Chapter, Community Associations Institute Fix postal service The U.S. Postal Service is in crisis with poor service, soaring prices and losing large amounts of business, punctuated by a $6.5 billion loss in its last fiscal year. The Postal Service expects to lose the same amount of money this year. That is bad news for rural America, small businesses and charities, and the many millions of Americans who are reliant on mail service every day. This unhealthy mix of skyrocketing prices, declining mail volume and mounting financial losses threaten the Postal Services long-term survival. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To preserve a reliable, affordable postal system for everyone, Congress must act. Options include strategic investment of retirement funds, limiting price hikes reclaiming overpayments to certain pension funds, strengthening regulatory oversight and confirming new postal governors a blend of solution choices without resorting to a taxpayer bailout. We call on Congress to take action. The future of Americas postal system hangs in the balance. Art Sackler, executive director, Coalition for a 21st Century Postal Service Drink in moderation About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies Regarding The U.S. could soon declare alcohol unsafe. The wine industry says the process is rigged (Wine, Beer & Spirits, SFChronicle.com, Aug. 13): Esther Mobleys informative story omitted one important point in the debate on alcohol safety: Folks who argue that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption should also recognize that there is no safe level of many common activities such as driving or even breathing in some communities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Careful consumption is the best course. Workers install security fencing near the United Center as they prepare for the start of the Democratic National Convention. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Both the RNC and DNC have been designated National Special Security Events, a classification that allows the federal government to pour in security resources. Teresa Crawford/Associated Press In her limited time as a presidential candidate this cycle, Harris has struggled to address interruptions from pro-Palestinian protestors. Scott Olson/Getty Images If youd asked party officials six months ago what the biggest story of the Democratic National Convention was likely to be, the answer would have been clear: protests over the war in Gaza, and the extent to which theyd disrupt and divide the big show. The last-minute switch at the top of the ticket following President Joe Bidens decision to exit the race has scrambled things considerably, and the coronation of the partys first Black woman nominee is likely to take top billing. But there will still be protests in Chicago potentially big ones. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kamala Harris will likely take up the same balancing act Bidens administration has been attempting for nearly a year: acknowledging the protesters without letting their criticisms damage her politically. Harris needs to lead a perfect convention this week to keep up her campaigns momentum, said Barbara Perry, a professor of presidential Studies at the University of Virginias Miller Center, where she co-directs the Presidential Oral History Program. But demonstrations outside the convention could thwart that goal. It would be really bad even if theres a perfect convention indoors, if outdoors there is a real problem, Perry said. Theres not a whole lot she can do on that front, but she has to hope for that. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Protests at the Republican National Convention last month were relatively minimal, but the Democratic Party is far more divided on the Israel-Hamas war. Late last year, protesters demanding a cease-fire shut down the California Democratic Convention in Sacramento. Demonstrations upended life on liberal university campuses across the country earlier this year, and events featuring Harris, Biden and other Democrats have been routinely interrupted by protesters. Both the RNC and DNC have been designated National Special Security Events, a classification that allows the federal government to pour in security resources. The group March on the DNC, which is organizing multiple protests during the four-day convention in Chicago, continues to direct most of its ire at President Joe Biden. But organizers said in a statement in late July that they would go forward with protests despite the change at the top of the ticket, because, When it comes to the genocide in Gaza there is no difference between Biden, Harris, or any of the likely candidates for the nomination. They are all complicit. The group has criticized Chicago officials for denying permits that would put the demonstrations within sight and sound of the convention. In addition to Chicago police, law enforcement officers from across Illinois and from the Milwaukee Police Department will be on hand at DNC events for security purposes. Officers from other jurisdictions brought in to work the convention cannot have been adjudicated as liable for a First Amendment violation within the last three years and have no sustained complaints for excessive, unreasonable, or unnecessary use of force within the last five years, according to the city of Chicago. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In her limited time as a presidential candidate this cycle, Harris has struggled to address interruptions from pro-Palestinian protesters. She told protesters in Detroit Aug. 7: Im here because we believe in democracy. Everyones voice matters. But I am speaking now. I am speaking now. She responded again when the protests continued, in comments that were praised in some circles and decried by pro-Palestinian protesters. You know what? Harris asked. If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking. She was interrupted again Aug. 9 in Phoenix and stopped her speech to address the protesters. Now is the time to get a cease-fire deal and get the hostage deal done, Harris said. The president and I are working around the clock every day to get that cease-fire deal done and bring the hostages home. So, I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about this race in 2024. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wasim Hage, a community organizer with the Arab Resource and Organizing Center in San Francisco, said he hopes Harris takes the protests far more seriously than her campaign and Bidens before it have so far. Distrust of politicians among young voters is at an all-time high these are their issues. Not wanting billions of dollars to go to weaponry is an issue young people care about, said Hage, who plans to travel to Chicago to attend protests during the DNC and to support other progressive organizers and their issues. The administrations current stance, he said, is making the candidate less electable. Hage said that Arab and Muslim communities will continue to pressure whoever ultimately wins in November. And we do believe that our pressure is making an impact, and were going to keep putting the pressure on because lives are at stake here, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Curraghbinny woods, Farran Forest Park and Castlemartyr woods are just three of the amenities in Cork set to benefit from a 3m national fund to develop and upgrade visitor and recreational amenities at Coillte forest parks across Ireland. The investment, announced in recent days, is part of a strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte. The total funding allocated to amenities in Cork is 237,59. Funding will go towards projects including general maintenance at Castlemartyr; tree surgery, hedge cutting and general maintenance at Curraghbinny, and maintenance works on the playground, toilets, picnic areas and trails in Farran Forest Park to name a few. We have seen a huge surge in visitor numbers to our forest parks in recent years and I want to see that continue, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, said. Im delighted that my department is working collaboratively with Coillte so that we can upgrade and improve the experience for visitors. Coillte CEO, Imelda Hurley, said the funding will enable Coillte to further enhance the experience for visitors to forests across the country. Getting out in nature has proven positive benefits for peoples wellbeing and we look forward to further developing our recreational amenities for everyone to enjoy, she added. Billed as a celebration of circus arts like never before, Pitchd Circus and Street Arts Festival returns to Cork this week for the seventh edition of the festival. Running from August 23 to September 1, the festival will feature a lineup of circus shows, street performances, industry events and professional development workshops with events to suit all ages. Under the theme Future-Proof, this years festival embraces innovation and showcases the vibrant world of contemporary circus. The festivals main highlight is the Pitchd Festival Gala at the Everyman Theatre on Saturday, August 24. The event will feature an array of performances by talented circus artists, and is described as a must-see for anyone looking to experience the pinnacle of circus artistry. On Saturday, August 31 Wes Pedens show Rollercoaster will come to Dance Cork Firkin Crane. Renowned as one of the world's best jugglers, Peden presents a solo show that combines ultra-modern, pop-punk juggling with a narrative about balancing freedom and security. Another festival highlight includes a preview of Makosh, just before it heads to Dublins Fringe Festival. Described as a show that features a blend of aerial dance and experimental theatre, Makosh takes place on Friday, August 30 at the Circus Factory. Another exciting event is the Circus Reimagined: Film Night at The Pav on Tuesday, August 27, specially curated by IndieCork and Ken Fanning of AKenEvilThing. Other festival events include street shows at AutumnFest on Douglas Street which will take place on Sunday, September 1 between 12 and 5pm. Attendees can try out juggling and other circus props with Juggler Brendan, or be mesmerized by What's Watta show for all ages featuring acrobatics, hula hooping, escapology, and plenty of comedy. Also featured will be an aerial duet by Daniel Seabra and Mafalda Goncalves all the way from Portugal. Pitchd Circus and Street Arts Festival is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland, Cork City Council, Tomar Trust, and the Portugal Embassy. For a full list of events visit www.pitchdfestival.ie. Secondary schools in Cork are struggling to find teachers ahead of the new academic year due to easily-resolvable issues, it has been claimed. New data from the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) shows huge percentages of schools unable to find teachers. A 2024 Red C/ASTI survey found that 82% of second-level schools nationally had no applications for an advertised post or posts in 2023/24 and 87% said there were no substitute teachers available to cover for absent staff. Some 77% said they had to employ non-qualified or casual teachers to manage supply issues. Others had to resort to reassigning special educational needs teachers to mainstream classes and almost a fifth of schools removed one or more subjects from the curriculum. Removing a subject like physics or chemistry is common, as is combining two smaller classes to make a bigger one and sparing a teacher that way, but bigger classes make it more difficult for both students and teachers, Cork teacher and former ASTI president Ann Piggott told The Echo. She said the teacher crisis is caused by problems that could be resolved and many vacant positions are part-time roles advertised in the middle of the year. Lots of secondary teachers have to work two years before they get a permanent job, Ms Piggott said. 'THEY'LL GO TO AUSTRALIA OR DUBAI' Nobody is going to be sitting around waiting until October to get a few months work, maybe. If people dont get a job, theyre going to go to Australia or Dubai. A lot of changes came about during the recession in 2019 and the fallout is still not resolved: Teachers, like other professions, did extra work, but while the extra work was withdrawn for other professions, its still there for teachers. Teachers are having to stay after school for things like Croke Park Hours, for time allocated to non-class activities, which would previously have necessitated a school closure or half day, and because of changes in the curriculum. The new classroom-based assessments (CBAs) for Junior Cert are taking three or four weeks out of a teachers time. The course hasnt lessened, so the same material still all needs to be covered, but also they need to do their projects: Its stressful for the students and the teachers, Ms Piggott said. Removing a subject like physics or chemistry is common, as is combining two smaller classes to make a bigger one and sparing a teacher that way, but bigger classes make it more difficult for both students and teachers, Cork teacher and former ASTI president Ann Piggott told The Echo. Substitution and supervision used to be offered as extra paid hours, but now it is written in to teachers contracts, meaning any free time they had between classes to plan for their next class is now eaten up. Teachers could work all day long, stay in for an open night thats four hours long, and not see their own children when they go home. Its no longer an attractive profession. Teachers nearing retirement are leaving earlier due to burnout, and young teachers are moving abroad. Ms Piggott said that a former colleague of hers came back from Australia to Ireland only to return to Australia again. Historically, you could afford to buy a house and have a family on a teaching salary, but house prices are astronomical now and pay scales mean they have to work years to be able to afford one. Some looking for a house by themselves will never be able to afford it, she said. Two men are due to appear before a sitting of Bantry District court this afternoon in connection with a serious assault in West Cork on Saturday evening. Gardai said two men in their 30s who were injured during the incident were taken to Cork University Hospital with serious injuries. The injured men were said to be in a serious but stable condition. Following the incident two men, one aged in his 30s the other in his 70s, were arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. They have since been charged by gardai and are due to appear before a sitting of Bantry District Court at 2pm this afternoon. Meanwhile, gardai are appealing to anyone with information in relation to this incident to come forward, in particular anyone who was in the Ballyhalwick, Dunmanway, area between 6pm and 8pm on Saturday evening. Anyone who has camera footage (including dash cam) from Ballyhalwick, Dunmanway during this timeframe is asked to make this available to Gardai. Gardai can be contacted at Bandon Garda Station on 023 885 2200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station." A new play about women in sport will be coming to Cork next month. Penned by playwright Angela Keogh, The Girls in the Boat will be hosted at the Lee Rowing Club on September 7 from 8pm. Ms Keogh received an Agility Award from the Arts Council of Ireland to write the script and worked alongside her local rowing club in Carlow and the masters womens crew. Intertwine Set in the fictional Lakeside Boat Club, the story shines the spotlight on four women whose lives intertwine through their sport. The play pivots on themes of love, loss, friendship, and the passion the women have for their sport. Ms Keogh said: You can live the life of an athlete at any age, [and] I think this work shows how. I had great fun writing this play. I like to write about subjects close to my heart, [and] I love rowing. The masters women in Carlow and the rowing club were really supportive. I row with the Carlow womens masters crew, but the themes in this play are those very human situations and feelings with which we can identify, said Ms Keogh. Its a play anyone will relate to. At times its sad, at times its funny. It explores the darker side associated with competitive sport but, ultimately, this is a life affirming work. Ms Keogh said Cork is lucky to have so many beautiful rowing clubs. Its really something to sit on a sunny day and watch crews train on the Lee, its good for the soul. The play is directed by John MacKenna and has a central cast of four, including Elaine Rowe, Susie Mitchell, May Pat Maloney, and Angela Keogh, with special guest appearances from rowers. The Girls in the Boat will be touring Ireland for six nights. Tickets for the production in Cork are 15 and are now available at https://www.eventbrite.ie. The chairperson of a community association in a village on the outskirts of Cork City, where locals previously held demonstrations to highlight concerns over speeding, has urged Cork City Council to replace batteries in driver feedback signs in the village which have been out of action for more than three years. Iain McGregor, chairman of the Clogheen/Kerry Pike Community Association, claimed that in December 2020, city council removed batteries from two electronic speed signs either side of Kerry Pike and an electronic sign informing drivers of a school ahead. Mr McGregor told The Echo it was his understanding that this was a preventative measure taken by the local authority as batteries were being stolen from such signs and the council temporarily removed the batteries in the signs at Kerry Pike while it sought a solution to the issue. Repeated attempts However, he claimed that more than three years later and despite repeated attempts to get the local authority to replace the batteries the signs are still out of operation. For the last four years weve been fighting tooth and nail asking them to replace them [the batteries], Mr McGregor said. They replaced them on the very quiet Lee Rd, they replaced them down in Inniscarra, they seem to replace them everywhere but for some unknown reason they have never replaced them in Kerry Pike and these signs are now covered by brambles. They dont have any visual impact at all. In June 2022, residents in the village of Kerry Pike and its environs held demonstrations to highlight concerns about speeding in the area, which they said had gotten progressively worse in recent years. Traffic calming measures Earlier this year, Cork City Council published the Kerry Pike Pedestrian Improvement Scheme for public consultation, proposing the provision of traffic calming measures in the form of raised tables to encourage lower vehicle speeds through the village, along with proposals to provide a continuous footpath through the village and other measures. Mr McGregor said the village urgently needs the driver feedback and school ahead warning sign back in operation. The community association chairperson said he has lodged a complaint with the council on the matter, as he believes having these signs out of action is highly dangerous given the tight roads in the village and the volume of traffic. Cork City Council was approached for comment. More than 3,500 businesses in Cork city have benefitted from a total of 9,198,502 under the Increased Cost of Business Scheme. The Increased Cost of Business Grant closed for registrations in May, and since then more than 205 million has been paid to small businesses all over Ireland under the scheme, which provides a cash injection to SMEs paid directly into their bank accounts. Minister Colm Burke said: In Cork city, we see that 9,198,502 has been paid to 3,598 individual businesses, directly by Government, he said. We know that small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy in Cork. They provide two thirds of the employment nationwide and many have been hit by increased cost pressures in recent times due to inflation and other regulatory change. Mr Burke said that he raised these cost pressures with Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke, and was glad that the scheme was designed with these pressures in mind. He continued: Fine Gael is the pro-enterprise party, and understand that businesses face significant cost increases. Committed He added that he had unveiled a 15-point business plan in May this year, and Taoiseach Simon Harris has committed to supporting small businesses via a budgetary process. We know that retail and hospitality businesses are facing the most acute pressure, and this is why they are receiving a second payment under the ICOB scheme, with 56 million of second payments already issued. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke acknowledged the work of the local authorities across the country, which he said has contributed hugely to the success of the ICOB scheme. I want to thank all the staff involved who continue to process these applications and make payments. A 77-year-old father and his 31-year-old son have been denied bail after they were charged with assaulting two family members who required emergency surgery at Cork University Hospital (CUH) over the weekend. Garda Jonathan ODonovan told a special sitting of Bantry District Court in Co Cork this afternoon that a feud has been ongoing for fourteen years between a mother, father and their three sons in Dunmanway, Co Cork. It relates to a will and the distribution of property at Ballyhalwick townland in Dunmanway. He said that about twenty incidents had occurred over the last five years in relation to the agrarian dispute which has escalated over the last five weeks. Detective Garda ODonovan said that the incident on Saturday night last (August 17) allegedly involved old age pensioner Jerry Brennan Snr and his son William. Both men have an address at 2 Long Bridge in Dunmanway, Co Cork. He said that he charged William Brennan with assault causing harm to his older brothers John Brennan and Jerry Brennan Jnr at Bandon Garda Station in Co Cork last night. He told the court that he also charged William Brennan with producing an article, ie a hunting knife, in a manner that was likely to intimidate at Ballyhalwick in Dunmanway on Saturday night. Det Garda ODonovan said that when he was charged with the alleged offences William Brennan replied: I did not do that But if I did not pull the knife I would be dead right now. He also insisted that he was acting in self defence or he would have been killed. William Brennan arrives at Bantry Court. Picture: Andy Gibson. He also claimed that it was the second time he had been attacked and it has ended up in court. Det Garda ODonovan objected to bail arising out of the seriousness of the charge. He said that the production of the knife charge was contrary to the Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. He indicated that gardai were called to Ballyhalwick at 7.05pm last Saturday as Jerry Brennan Jnr and John Brennan had been stabbed at the house allegedly over a piece of land. Det Garda ODonovan said that Jerry Jnr suffered a severed artery in his arm whilst John Brennan incurred a punctured lung. He stated that one of the victims was airlifted by helicopter to hospital whilst the other went by ambulance. Both required surgery and are now stable. He said that he feared that William Brennan would interfere with witnesses if he was granted bail in the case. There has been an escalation of behaviour over the last five weeks. It is evident that the case is escalating. Barrister Elaine Audley for Mr Brennan put it to the garda that her client had cooperated whilst in garda custody. Det Garda ODonovan said that he had to a certain extent. He said even the most stringent bail conditions wouldnt satisfy him given the escalation of behaviour. William Brennan is employed as an engineer and has been working in the Netherlands since May. However, his main address is still in Dunmanway. Mr Brennan took to the stand and said that he was willing to abide by any conditions set down by the court. He said that if bail was refused in the case it would represent the end of (my) life. I would lose my job as an electrical engineer. Judge OReilly declined to grant bail to William Brennan and asked the garda if it was a fair characterisation to say that it was a dispute over land and the blood is up. Det Garda ODonovan said that this was the case. Free legal aid will be granted in the case once a statement of means proves suitable. Mr Brennan was remanded in custody to appear before Clonakilty District Court on Thursday next, August 22. Jerry Brennan arrives at Bantry Court. Picture: Andy Gibson. Meanwhile, Det Garda Joseph Maher gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Jerry Brennan Snr. Mr Brennan Snr is charged with assault causing harm to his sons John Brennan and Jerry Brennan Jnr at Ballyhalwick last Saturday night. He is also charged with producing a one to two inch pocket knife in the course of the dispute on August 17 last. Responding to the charges which were put to him at Bandon Garda Station shortly after 9pm last night Jerry Brennan Snr denied assault and said he didnt know why he was being charged. Det Garda Maher also objected to bail being granted in the case arising out of the gravity of the charges and the possibility of witness interference. He said that the evidence in the case was very strong and involved forensic and dashcam evidence. Solicitor Myra Dineen said that client was an elderly man who was prepared to abide by any and all conditions set down by the court. Mr Brennan, who walks with a stick, took to the witness box and said that he was in poor health. I have arthritis in my spine, broken discs and diabetes. He acknowledged the charges were very serious. Judge OReilly declined to grant bail to the pensioner given the seriousness of the charges and the possibility of witness interference. Mr Brennan will also appear before Clonakilty Court next Thursday for DPP directions. Free legal aid was granted. A statement of means will be handed in to the court. No details were given as to the size of the land which is the source of the alleged dispute. However, the court heard that it simply consists of a farmhouse, a yard and some sheds at Ballyhalwick in Dunmanway. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar join the California delegation breakfast at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Thursday will be anchored by Harris speech, in which shell accept the nomination and offer details on her vision. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle The Democratic National Convention is underway in Chicago and it will unfold much differently than Democrats envisioned when they began planning the event. The weeks leading up to the event looked unlike the run-up to any other convention: First, Democrats fretted about their candidates viability for weeks. Then, President Joe Biden took the unprecedented step of ending his run and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That means the convention wont just be about how the party can win over voters, but it will also be about introducing voters to Harris, who has never appeared at the top of the ticket. What to expect Biden will now be the featured speaker Monday night, and not on Thursday, when he would have accepted his partys nomination for another term. The first lady, Dr. Jill Biden, will also deliver remarks Monday. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive who urged Biden to stay in the race but eventually endorsed Harris, announced on X that she will be speaking Monday night also. Other Monday night speakers include: former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Reps. Jamie Raskin, Jasmine Crockett and Grace Meng; Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Sens. Raphael Warnock and Chris Coons. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A handful of Californians will also have speaking slots before the primetime speeches get underway: Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Rep. Robert Garcia and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. And men and women who have been subject to cruel and dangerous abortion bans under Donald Trump will also tell their stories Monday, party officials said at a news briefing Monday. Texas abortion rights activist Olivia Julianna said on X that she would be speaking at the convention. Tuesday will feature a welcome from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and speeches from former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a top surrogate for Biden who endorsed Harris after the president announced his decision not to run, will address the convention Tuesday night and will officially deliver California's delegates in a ceremonial roll call vote. On Wednesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will speak and accept the partys vice presidential nomination. Former President Bill Clinton, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also in the lineup. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thursday will be anchored by Harris speech, in which shell accept the nomination and offer details on her vision. Three people from the same address have been charged in connection with the seizure of 260,000 of cocaine and cannabis at a house in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork last Friday. Michael Ryan (54), Ellen Looney (42) and Jake Ryan (19) of An Faill, Carrigtwohill in Co Cork appeared before a sitting of Cork District Court on Monday. They are each facing four charges - two for drug possession for personal use and two for possession for sale or supply. The drugs involved are cannabis and cocaine. Det Garda James McCarthy gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Michael Ryan. He said that Mr Ryan replied guilty when all four charges were put to him under caution at Midleton Garda Station on Sunday night. The court heard that bail conditions, such as signing on at Midleton Garda Station, had been agreed upon. Defence solicitor Don Ryan indicated that his client is in receipt of disability allowance. Michael Ryan has COPD and is on various medications. Free legal aid was granted and Mr Ryan was remanded on his own bail of 300 to appear before Midleton District Court on September 5. Det Garda Patrick OCallaghan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Ms Looney. He said that Ms Looney made no reply when the charges were put to her under caution at Cobh Garda Station on Sunday night. Bail conditions were agreed and Ms Looney was remanded on her own bond of 300 to appear before Midleton District Court on September 5. Gardai had no objection to bail and there are a number of conditions attached as per the previous defendant. Free legal aid was granted as Ms Looney earns just 200 a week for her part-time work in the fast food industry. Garda Cormac Axson gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Jake Ryan. He said that the teenager made no reply when the charges were put to him after caution. Free legal aid was granted as Jake Ryan is currently in receipt of Job Seekers allowance. Judge John King remanded all three on bail to appear at Midleton District Court on September 5. The drugs were uncovered when members attached to Cork County Divisional Drugs Unit carried out a search of a residential property in the Carrigtwohill area last Friday. Technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter are among six tourists missing after a luxury yacht sank in a tornado off the coast of Sicily, sources said. A body, believed to be that of the vessels cook, has been found and police divers are trying to reach the hull of the ship, which is resting at a depth of 50 metres. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Reppublica stated. Sicilys civil protection agency told the BBC that 18-year-old Hannah Lynch was among those missing with her father, along with the yachts chef, Ricardo Thomas. The yacht was carrying 10 crew members and 12 passengers. Fifteen people including Mr Lynchs wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued, according to local media. Mr Lynch is of Irish heritage his father was a fireman from Co Cork, and his mother was a nurse from Co Tipperary. In a 2015 radio interview, Mr Lynch confirmed that he was born in Ilford in London, despite a number of reports that he was born in Ireland and raised in England. He said during the same interview that he spent childhood summers in Carrick-On-Shannon and Tipperary and has family who still live there. The British-flagged superyacht, named Bayesian, capsized at about 5am local time off the coast of Palermo when the area was hit by a tornado. Mr Lynch, who founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, was made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. In June, he was cleared of conducting a massive fraud relating to an 11 billion dollar (8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard. A spokesperson for Mr Lynch said there was no comment. 'The wrong place at the wrong time' The yacht sank as a fierce storm battered the area overnight. The daily Il Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported that the vessel had mostly British passengers on board, but also people from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and British-French citizens. Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency said: They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. One of the survivors, British tourist Charlotte Emsley, told la Reppublica she held her one-year-old daughter, Sofia, to stop her from drowning. She said: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Charlotte and Sofia are being treated in hospital, as is Sofias father, James Emsley. Karsten Borner, captain of a nearby boat, told journalists those missing included the Bayesians owner and a child, news agency Reuters reported. He said his crew took on board some survivors who were on a life raft, including three who were seriously injured. Fisherman Francesco Cefalu said he sailed from the shore to the scene after seeing a flare at about 4.30am, but by the time he arrived Bayesian had already sunk, with only items such as cushions and wood floating in the water. He added: I think they are inside, all the missing people. A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected. Inspectors deployed The Marine Accident Investigation Branch said four of its inspectors were being deployed to Palermo. A basic assessment of the scene will be made by the team, with no investigation launched at this stage, the PA news agency understands. Bayesian completed a number of sailings in recent days, calling at various ports in Sicily, according to ship-tracking website VesselFinder. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites, and is listed for rent for up to 195,000 a week. She was built in 2008 by Italian company Perini Navi. Her registered owner is listed as Revtom Ltd, which is based on the Isle of Man. Im 32 years old, and Ill admit something that most people are too nervous to say Im afraid of saying I do. Maybe its because my counsellor recently told me that 40% of marriages end in divorce. Or maybe its because lately I read that just because you dont believe in divorce doesnt make you immune from it. Then again, in all likelihood it is because I was engaged once before, ten days before my 23rd birthday, during a trip to Amsterdam. That didnt end well, and I lost a dog in the process. Whatever the case is, Im getting married in eight months and four days, and Im scared. Do I love my partner? Absolutely. Do I believe in marriage? Yes. But do I know what the next 20, 30, even 50 years will bring? No, I have no idea. And thats the crux of it really. Thats the thing that terrifies me. I just dont know. The years with my fiance, all that time getting to know him as an individual, and all of that time teaching him my own intricacies, that doesnt protect me from the reality that none of us know what is around the corner. And that is terrifying, more so than a lot of us care to admit. I have a friend who once got married, and I wasnt overly enthralled by the idea of it I didnt think she was with the right person, and I was scared for her. I didnt know what to do, so instead I did nothing. And I often wonder if shes happy now, if she made the right decision. Recently, I read something that said there is no such thing as marrying the wrong person, that, ultimately, you marry yourself, and thats the issue. Because marrying someone else will bring your own faults to the fore more than you ever would have thought possible. It is in that connection to another person that you are mirrored back to yourself, with all of your flaws on show. And do any of us really want to see ourselves in such a harsh light? Are we prepared for that? When I get married, I will be almost 33. This is my sixth official relationship, and Id like to think Ive learned a bit over the years. And my current partner hes not perfect, but hes damn near close. He cooks for me, cleans for me. He supports me in my writing. He makes me endless cups of tea and coffee. He understands my need to have friends of both genders, and he doesnt get jealous. He loves me, and I love him. But does this reality protect us? Does it protect us from the actuality that people can become ill, people are susceptible to poor decision-making, and people are, ultimately, a product of their past, in all of its ugly glory? Not in the slightest. Were taking a risk, a big one. Because what are the chances that someone else will grow with you, at the exact same rate, for the rest of both of your lives? Pretty slim, Id imagine. Ive been postponing writing anything like this for a while because it seems to have a little too much truth in it. But dont we all need that a little? Some truth, and the realisation that someone else is going through the same thing that we are. Were all scared, arent we? We would be lying if we said we werent. Because, in life, try as we might to plan, there are no guarantees. We dont know whats going to happen in a day, a week, a year, or ten years. Were entering into this abyss, with nothing but hope on our side and if thats not terrifying, I dont know what is. Maybe some of the fear is also that I dont trust myself dont trust myself to be healthy enough to have a real marriage, to fight when things get tough. Theres a possibility that Im afraid Im not capable. Ive made a lot of mistakes in the past, and those in my relationships have been some of the biggest. Ive been a good girlfriend, a bad girlfriend. Ive made bad decisions, and Ive messed up. And while I have generally had a good relationship with my current partner, whats to say I wont mess up in the future? Whats to say he wont? I guess thats the risk were taking, huh? We need to buy into this illusion that, even in all of our flaws, all of our failings and weak points, together, we will be able to survive not only to survive, but to flourish. Maybe my ugliness will help me along the way, or maybe those ugly parts will cause more hurt. All I know is it isnt simple. When were younger, we think we will fall in love with someone, get married, and that will be it. But the truth is messier than that, more complex. We know it is. Why do we spend so much time pretending it isnt? Let me ask each of you reading this something, particularly you married folk does your life look like you had planned? Are you happy with where you are right now, with who you are? Do you recognise the person beside you in the bed at night? And, if you dont, do you have the strength to let go, and to start over? Maybe its time we started to ask ourselves the honest questions, and stopped being afraid of the answers. In the meantime, maybe its OK for me to be scared Im going to run. But maybe, just maybe, I can do it. Make the commitment. Get the ring. Buy the house. And perhaps one day Ill stop being so frightened. Ill look around and see that everything is just as I imagined it would be. Or maybe I wont. I guess dyeing my hair and moving to Paris is always an option. But do you want the real truth? The person I would really be running from is the same person I see in the mirror each day. Hows that for something to admit? Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. The United States has a legacy of lead contamination that could be affecting the environment around your home. A new study found that moss in older neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon, had lead levels that were much higher than in nearby rural areas due to lead-sheathed telecommunications cables and leaded gasoline. In pre-1960 Portland neighborhoods, the cables were common and are still in place in some cases, though they are not being used anymore, said Alyssa Shiel, lead author of the study and an environmental geochemist and associate professor at Oregon State University (OSU)s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, in a press release from OSU. Lead levels in moss are up to 600 times higher in older Portland neighborhoods where lead-sheathed telecommunications cables were once used, compared to lead levels in rural areas. Alyssa Shiel, Oregon State University Lead across the city is largely the result of historical leaded gasoline use, nearly 30 years after it was banned in 1996, Shiel told EcoWatch in an email. Higher lead levels in older neighborhoods are thought to be the result of lead accumulated over the period leaded gasoline was in use, from the late 1920s till the 1990s. Lead from historical leaded gasoline use has been identified as a major source of lead in other old U.S. cities including Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The study, Lead-sheathed telecom cables and historic leaded gasoline emissions substantially raise environmental lead levels in Portland, Oregon, was published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. The highest levels of lead were found in neighborhoods with old lead-sheathed telephone cables. We found lead levels up to almost 600 times the background near these lead cables. Based on reporting by The Wall Street Journal we expect similar levels of lead to be found in older neighborhoods with these lead cables across the country. The EPA has examined lead levels near these cables in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Our ongoing research includes locations in other parts of Oregon with these lead cables, including Eugene and Corvallis, Shiel told EcoWatch. Moss growing on urban trees can be effectively used to monitor lead levels in the air, since its wide surface area collects surrounding airborne contaminants. Moss and lichen growing on trees can be used as air monitors in any locations they are found. Direct measurements of lead in the soils can be used to assess the risk to residents living near these lead cables, Shiel said. To get a better understanding of Portland lead levels and their potential sources, the research team collected samples of a common tree moss Orthotrichum lyelli in the city in 2013, and from neighboring rural areas in 2017. These mosses are letting us know what is being picked up in the air we breathe, said Shiel, who is also a member of the Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research at OSU, in the press release. Some older Portland neighborhoods had much higher lead concentrations than others, but the researchers werent sure why. We believe the moss in our study was contaminated with lead from the cables both by direct leaching from the cables and from lead contaminated soil landing on the moss. We think lead from these old lead cables is leached by rain into the soil below, Shiel told EcoWatch. Shiel said lead in the soil had the ability to move away from the location where it originated. Lead from the use of leaded gasoline and leached from these cables can become airborne when soil is disturbed by wind or traffic, Shiel said. While the highest levels of lead are located within a meter of the cable, we see lead from these cables making it across the street. In the summer of 2023, the research team collected more moss samples from older neighborhoods that had telecommunications cables with lead sheaths that had been recently removed or were still in place. The team discovered that neighborhoods where lead cables were present showed lead levels that were twice as high as those without, and in some cases 38 times higher than those in rural areas. Shiel pointed out that additional research would be needed to find out how far the lead from the cables could be spreading. The team has plans to test the soil in these areas to find out how contaminated it is. We were not expecting this result. But whether or not these higher levels of lead result in people being exposed depends in part on what people are doing in those places, Shiel said in the press release. Right now, we are recommending people avoid interacting with or disturbing soil in those areas where these cables are or were present in the recent past. Shiel said people living in older residences may want to check for possible sources of lead. These lead cables are not limited to Portland. We know they can be found across the U.S. Residents living in older neighborhoods or in neighborhoods with older homes may want to have a look up to see if any old lead-sheathed telephone cables are present. The cables have a matte metallic appearance. They are often found attached to a support wire with cable rings although can also be wrapped to another cable or be hung without any support, Shiel told EcoWatch. Shiel developed a website featuring a map showing the ages of various Portland neighborhoods, along with photographs of old telecom cables, to enable residents to determine if the cables are currently in their neighborhood or have been in the past. Future work will focus on mapping locations with these lead cables first in Oregon and then across the country, Shiel said. The website provides additional information regarding potential lead contamination, as well as how to lower the risk of exposure. Inhalation and ingestion of lead-contaminated soil are the most likely routes of exposure. We are most concerned about children playing in soil contaminated with lead from these old lead cables, Shiel told EcoWatch. Shiel warned not to overlook other lead sources, such as the most common in the U.S.: household dust and soil that has been contaminated by lead-based paints. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing all children at risk of lead exposure for lead poisoning. Children are especially vulnerable to exposure to the highly toxic metal, which can cause difficulty learning, developmental delays and behavioral issues. If residents do find lead cables they can consider having their soils tested for lead levels. If residents are concerned they have been exposed they can have their blood tested for lead, Shiel advised. Children are at the greatest risk for [exposure]. If you are interested in a blood lead level test or concerned you or someone in your family has been exposed, talk to your doctor or childs pediatrician. China honors model doctors of 2024 Xinhua) 13:03, August 19, 2024 A doctor tends a patient at a hospital in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Long Lei) BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- As China celebrates its seventh Doctors' Day, the country's top health authority has announced and honored 10 model medical personnel this year. The 10 doctors are exemplary personnel who have made contributions to medical sci-tech innovation, the development of traditional Chinese medicine, and health improvement among women and children, among other areas. They were announced recently by the National Health Commission and the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. Also honored were elderly nursing care personnel across the country, who devoted themselves to safeguarding the health and well-being of elderly patients. Inaugurated in 2018, China's Doctors' Day is celebrated on Aug. 19 every year to honor doctors in the country and their contributions. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A crowd protests U.S. arms aid to Israel during the Not Another Bomb rally at Lake Merritt in Oakland on Sunday, a day before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Adahlia Cole/Special to the Chronicle Protesters wave the Palestinian flag Sunday at the Oakland rally against arms to Israel. Adahlia Cole/Special to the Chronicle A contingent of kayakers joins the protest against U.S. funding for Israel during its war with Hamas. Adahlia Cole/Special to the Chronicle Mama Ghanoush speaks to protesters at the Lake Merritt rally in Oakland on Sunday. Adahlia Cole/Special to the Chronicle Wassim Hage of the Al-Juthoor dance troupe leads protestors in the Dabke dance at Lake Merritt in Oakland on Sunday. Hage is spokesperson for the Arab Resource and Organizing Center. Adahlia Cole/Special to the Chronicle A day before the start of the Democratic National Convention, hundreds of demonstrators rallied in Vice President Kamala Harris hometown Sunday demanding the partys platform include an arms embargo against Israel. The Not Another Bomb protest at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater in Oakland included members of more than 15 local pro-Palestinian organizations, Wassim Hage, spokesperson for the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, told the Chronicle. Read also: What Californians should watch for in the DNC lineup Advertisement Article continues below this ad The rally included speeches and performances, including by a Palestinian dance team featuring Hage, and some really beautiful signage stressing the need to end the war, he said. One speaker called out through a megaphone: Our revolution will be joyful! Our revolution will be filled with love! Cat Brooks of the Anti Police-Terror Project speaks Sunday at the Lake Merritt rally in Oakland. Adahlia Cole/Special to the Chronicle As the nation struggles with domestic problems, including the high cost the living, the White House should direct taxpayer dollars toward local communities, Wage said. We dont need our government funding genocide, he said. The protest came on the heels of the Biden administrations approval Tuesday of a $20 billion military funding package for Israel, which has been at war with Hamas since the militant group attacked Israeli towns on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Since then, more than 40,000 Palestinians, including more than 15,000 children, have been killed during Israels retaliation against Hamas, much of it in Gaza, according to the Gaza health ministry. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theres a lot of pressure on the Israeli government as they are committing the genocide in Gaza internally and externally, Hage said. A crowd protests U.S. arms aid to Israel during Sundays Not Another Bomb rally at Lake Merritt in Oakland. Adahlia Cole/Special to the Chronicle Harris, who was born in Oakland, has sought to bridge the divide over Gaza among Democrats, emphasizing Israels right to defend itself as well as the need to ease Palestinian suffering. She said that during a private meeting last month, she urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a cease-fire with Hamas. Harris words were not enough for the crowd at Sundays rally, part of a nationwide day of action organized by the Uncommitted National Movement, an anti-war group that is sending 25 delegates to the DNC, which begins Monday in Chicago. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The event kicks off on August 20, at 2PM ET. Gamescom 2024 is almost here. Exhibitors from over 60 countries will descend on Cologne, Germany, for what is now the industrys biggest gaming event following E3s demise. An opening night presentation will kick off the festivities with new game announcements, trailers, footage and other surprises (like the obligatory awkward celebrity cameos). You can watch the showcase right here on Tuesday, August 20. As usual, industry stalwart Geoff Keighley will host the Opening Night Live festivities, which begin at 2PM ET on Tuesday. E-sports MC Eefje sjokz Depoortere will join as co-host. Keighley has confirmed the showcase will include the following: You can bookmark this page and tune in here to stream the event on August 20 at 2PM ET. Gypsy Rose Blanchard's baby daddy will not be officially confirmed until next year. Blanchard and her estranged husband Ryan Anderson will do the DNA test to prove the paternity of her unborn baby when the baby girl is born in January 2025, TMZ reported, citing unnamed insiders connected to Anderson. According to the sources, the exes decided to postpone paternity testing because it would be easier and much less expensive to do once the baby arrives. Performing a DNA test on an unborn baby would cost Blanchard, 32, and Anderson $500 to $2,000, but this figure would be reduced to around $150 to $200 if done after the birth. Blanchard has insisted that the father of her unborn child is her fiance, Ken Urker. But under Louisiana law, Anderson would be listed as the child's father on the birth certificate if his divorce from Blanchard isn't finalized by the time she gives birth. They would need to present proof like a paternity test showing that Anderson isn't the father to avoid this. Blanchard announced her pregnancy in July -- seven months after she was released from the Missouri prison where she served her sentence for her role in the 2015 killing of her mom Dee Dee. In a video shared via her YouTube channel on July 9, the "Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup" star said she was 11 weeks pregnant with her and Urker's first child together. "Ken and I are expecting our very first child come January of 2025," she said in the video. "This was not planned at all, it was completely unexpected, but we're both very excited to take on this new journey of parenthood." However, speculation soon surfaced online that the father of Blanchard's baby may not be Urker but rather Anderson, to whom she was married when she was released in late December 2023. In late March, Blanchard revealed via social media that she and Anderson -- with whom she tied the knot while in prison in July 2022 -- had called it quits. She officially filed for divorce from Anderson and rekindled her romance with Urker in April. Blanchard got into a relationship with Urker after becoming pen pals with him during her prison stay. However, they parted ways years before she was freed. During an interview on "Good Morning America" last month, Blanchard insisted that "there was never any question of paternity" regarding her pregnancy and doubled down on her statement that Urker is the father of her unborn child. "It was mid-March when I left Ryan. So, this is absolutely 100% Ken's baby," she said. Blanchard made a similar declaration on social media when asked by online users about the timeline of her pregnancy. "Left Ryan March 23rd had a period April 17th, made love with Ken and only him April 27, 28, 29, 30 and conceived on May 4th positive test on May 24th. KEN IS THE FATHER," Blanchard responded. Prince William doesn't want his younger brother Prince Harry around when he is crowned king someday after their father King Charles III dies, a new report claims. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex remain estranged four years after Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle stepped back as working royals and left the U.K. for California. Friends of Prince William told The Sunday Times that the heir to the British throne has yet to forgive his sibling and would exclude Prince Harry from his coronation if it were held now. "They are estranged, which is dreadfully sad," said one unnamed insider, described by the Times as the royal brothers' close friend. Despite being said to have a tense relationship with their father as well, Prince Harry attended King Charles' coronation service at Westminster Abbey in May last year. However, he left London right after the ceremony without being seen speaking to his dad and brother. The birthday of his and Markle's son Prince Archie fell on the same day. Unlike King Charles, Prince William reportedly doesn't plan to extend an invitation to Prince Harry, whom he hasn't spoken to in almost two years, according to pals of the royals. The insiders suggested to the outlet that reconciliation hasn't happened because the royal family fears Prince Harry could spill more of their private matters following the Oprah Winfrey interview, "Harry & Meghan" docuseries and his memoir "Spare." "I can't believe he'd stoop so low. It's outrageously disloyal. Oprah, Netflix and then the book? Three strikes and you're out," one alleged close pal of Prince Harry's said. Another anonymous insider who claims to have spoken to King Charles shared similar sentiments, saying that they don't see the royal family trusting Prince Harry again anytime soon. "The problem for the King and other members of the family is the worry that if they have a chat with Harry, it will appear in 'Spare' volume two," the third royal source told the Times. "How do you regain the trust? I don't think Harry ever can." King Charles' alleged friend added that though the monarch is always open to reconciling with Prince Harry, Prince William and the other members of the royal family are not so forgiving. "But from the conversations I've had with the King, I would never say their relationship is irreparable. The King's capacity to forgive his son is undimmed. There are other members of the royal family who are much more weighted against Harry, that's the problem." In February, Prince Harry rushed to the U.K. to visit his father after King Charles' cancer diagnosis was made public. Following the visit, the Duke of Sussex suggested in a "Good Morning America" interview that he hasn't stopped hoping to repair his strained relationship with his family. "I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I'm grateful for that," he said at the time. Prince Harry also said he planned to "stop in and see [his] family as much as [he] can." A no trespassing sign is seen on a fence outside the former Commerce High School building at 200 Franklin St. in Hayes Valley. The building has been abandoned for more than 30 years despite sitting on prime San Francisco real estate. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The former Commerce High School building has been boarded up and empty since it was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The former Commerce High School building is seen with the current SFJazz Jazz in the City photography exhibit displayed in its windows. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 1913: Crews moved Commerce High School in San Francisco five blocks from the Civic Center to its current Hayes Valley location at 200 Franklin St. The move took seven months and was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of its time. OpenSFHistory The building at 200 Franklin St. is the kind of San Francisco mystery that becomes more confounding the longer youve lived here. Situated on prime Hayes Valley real estate, the building is a grand but seemingly abandoned three-story brick structure, surrounded by fencing but still cared for. And it has appeared this way for decades, sitting vacant while the city around it grows and changes. The most random part: No one can be seen going in or out, but a decade ago posters of jazz legends started appearing in the windows. An inquiry recently appeared on Reddit from a poster who walks by the building all the time. They wondered about the structures backstory and lamented the empty building in such a central part of the city. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As with many dives into the San Francisco Chronicle archive, the answer gets more interesting as each new fact is unveiled. It turns out 200 Franklin is the Forrest Gump of buildings, and its history includes early feminism, an epic planning blunder and an engineering miracle. The former Commerce High School building at 200 Franklin St. has been abandoned for nearly 40 years, but its backstory includes an engineering feat and an epic planning blunder. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The story starts at Commercial High School, the citys third high school, founded in a small building on Powell Street in 1884. It was considered revolutionary, the Chronicle reported, providing economics and bookkeeping training for daring young ladies who intended to invade the previously forbidden world of business. Commercial High was destroyed by the fires following the 1906 earthquake, but not before the principal, Colonel Murphy, rescued the schools 93 typewriters from the approaching inferno. With the city still smoldering, Murphy had students taking turns on those typewriters, writing letters across the country asking for donations for a $6 million rebuild of San Francisco schools. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Murphys can-do reputation convinced city leaders to build a grand new $263,000 Commerce High School, the citys most expensive school project to date. But when it was finished in 1911, its location on Grove Street at Larkin blocked new Civic Center plans. Demolishing a pricey 2-year-old building was a public relations nightmare. So the city sent out bids to move the 8,000-ton structure five blocks away to a former public library location at Franklin and Fell streets. The winning engineering firm, with a bid of $153,000, called it the greatest engineering feat in the history of the world. Egyptians, Aztecs and Romans might protest that hyperbole. But it was certainly along with Sutro Baths among the most laborious engineering efforts in San Francisco to that point. 1913: Crews moved Commerce High School in San Francisco five blocks from the Civic Center to its current Hayes Valley location at 200 Franklin St. The move took seven months, sometimes making just a foot of progress per day. OpenSFHistory Movers in March 1913 placed 1.5 million feet of timber over sand lots, set steel plates over that, then used 2,000 steel pins and three steam donkey engines to pull the school along, sometimes a few inches per day. Crisis ensued when the massive structure with an 18,000-foot floor plan hit the corner of Grove and Van Ness Avenue, and had to make the first of two quarter turns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The anticipated trouble has reached great proportions, the Chronicle reported in May 1913. A total of something over a foot a day is said to be about the limit. There were mysterious explosions that could be heard miles away found to be wood timber disintegrating under the buildings weight, which was bolstered by its earthquake-defiant steel and concrete construction. The city forced the engineers to take out a bond, agreeing to rebuild the school if it was destroyed. Seven months later, on Nov. 30, 1913, the building arrived at its current home. It was four months late, but almost eerily unharmed by the journey. An inspection of the interior of the building brought to light but one or two cracks in a single partition, and that $100 would easily pay the cost of repairing whatever damage has been done to the school, the Chronicle reported. May 15, 1952: Commerce High School in Hayes Valley during its last year with students. Bob Campbell/The Chronicle Over the ensuing century memories of the miracle faded. It became just another building, and then an internet mystery. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The San Francisco Unified School District in 1926 expanded Commerce High to fill the entire block, with famed architect John Reid Jr. building a new entrance at 135 Van Ness and the Nourse Auditorium. But enrollment declined, and Commerce High closed in 1952. For the next four decades the Commerce High complex was used for storage and administrative purposes. The Nourse Auditorium was an asbestos litigation courtroom, then was restored as a performance space thanks to Sydney Goldstein for City Arts & Lectures events. There are still workers in 135 Van Ness. But the building at 200 Franklin the second oldest SFUSD property after Gateway High School on Scott Street (built in 1900) has been abandoned since the 1989 earthquake rendered it too damaged to enter, with a NO TRESPASSING sign and large jagged crack visible on the southwest corner. There was an early 2020s plan to build an SFUSD arts center and new home for the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts on the block, but the $100 million price tag ballooned to $400 million, and it was scuttled. SFUSD officials say there are no current plans for the site, including demolition. A crack is seen in the brickwork at the former Commerce High School building in San Francisco. The school was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and has been unoccupied ever since. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle San Francisco Heritage CEO Woody LaBounty said that while the John Reid Jr. buildings are worth fighting for, 200 Franklin has less historic significance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its a monumental looking building, said LaBounty, whose organization catalogues and celebrates the movement of S.F. buildings, but I dont know if theres anything particularly important about it other than its kind of crazy, kooky backstory. But it is memorable, thanks to a deal with SFJazz. Spokesman Marshall Lamm said the building was all broken windows and boards when the nonprofit jazz center opened across the street in 2013. The centers Joe Henderson Lab concert space was built with floor-to-ceiling windows that faced the blight. So, SFJazz started filling the Commerce High windows with jazz posters, changing them every few years, with images from famed photographers Jim Marshall, Herman Leonard and others. No money exchanges hands, the nonprofit pays with donations and Lamm says it has been a win. Its interesting when youre sitting in the Joe Henderson Lab watching a concert, Lamm said. One of the musicians will be taking a solo and look over at one of the jazz legends looking down on them. Theyll finish the song and say, Oh my God, I had a moment where I was looking up and Elvin Jones was staring at me. LaBounty points out the attention received and joy shared when a much-smaller Victorian moved in Hayes Valley a few years ago. He hopes people look at the Commerce High buildings now and feel the same thing. Vice President Kamala Harris is being trolled by Donald Trump supporters and other internet users over her allegedly "staged" and awkward visit to a Sheetz in Pennsylvania. Sheetz became a trending topic on X, formerly Twitter, Sunday after videos surfaced of Harris stopping by one of the gas station and convenience store chain's locations while on the campaign trail. For the snack stop in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, the Democratic presidential candidate was joined by her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, as well as her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and his wife, Gwen Walz. In one viral video shared by C-SPAN, Harris could be seen looking for Doritos at the Sheetz store before Emhoff handed her a bag of nacho cheese-flavored ones. "This is my go-to. The original, nacho cheese," the vice president told reporters in the footage. Gov. Walz also shared another video from their convenience store visit, showing him giving Harris what appeared to be an even bigger bag of nacho cheese Doritos. "Every road trip needs a snack break. Doritos acquired. I got you, @KamalaHarris," Walz captioned the clip. Every road trip needs a snack break. Doritos acquired. I got you, @KamalaHarris. pic.twitter.com/5nXfEARqwF Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) August 18, 2024 However, Harris' Sheetz visit was met with mockery on X, with some calling it "cringe" and claiming it was "scripted." "Kamala Harris stops at Sheetz, immediately goes full cringe," the Trump War Room account tweeted. "They sent Kamala into a Sheetz to pander for PA votes and it was a massive mistake. I don't think this woman has shopped in a convenience store once in her life," another Trump supporter wrote. "You try so hard to be relatable, you aren't," a different user claimed, while another asked, "LOL. Could this be more staged?" But other X users left more supportive comments as well as praise for Harris and Walz. "You guys rock!! So much fun to watch this epic ticket," one supporter commented on Walz's video. "Brilliant! I love it. @Doritos, you should be grateful for so much free publicity!" another tweeted. "Aww you got her the big bag," an X user wrote of Walz's gesture. A fourth person praised them, writing: "You bring joy and hope with you wherever you go. Thank you so much. HARRIS WALZ 2024." The Sheetz stop came just a day before the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Harris is set to officially be recognized as the party's nominee. The four-day event will be star-studded, featuring the likes of Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn, Mindy Kaling, John Legend, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Ana Navarro, according to CNN. The Democratic National Convention 2024 kicks off Monday and concludes Thursday. The devils were at work when it came to this Victoria Secret angel. Daniela Braga, a Victoria Secret model who appeared in the iconic fashion shows in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, is the latest victim in celebrity home invasions. According to 'TMZ,' Braga found her home broken into on Tuesday night. Investigators discovered that approximately $1 million worth of items were taken in the attack. Two safes, designer bags, jewelry including her wedding ring and other property were taken from the estate. Even her baby's ultrasound picture was stolen. The model took to social media to showcase the damage. On her Instagram Story, she posted pictures of the inside of her house completely overturned with scattered items. Based on reports, the burglars gained entry to the house by smashing the back window. The experience reportedly left herself and her husband, Adam Freede, feeling violated and insecure. Braga is not the only Hollywood celeb whose home was robbed. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson's home was also burglarized, as the suspects similarly to the model, entered by breaking a window, according to 'Newsweek.' RELATED: Chrissy Teigen News: Flaunts Her Babybump In A Crop Top [VIDEO] 'Modern Family' actress Sarah Hyland was also the victim of house robbery this summer. Per 'TMZ,' Hyland, 33, was out of town when the robbery occurred, but, due to her own personal security system, she did see the men who broke in. Two men in masks were captured on camera walking out the door of her home. Bhad Bhabie and Marlon Wayans also fell victim to burglaries in and around Los Angeles. In July, intruders broke into Wayans' backyard and "shattered a back window" around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 29. The 'White Chicks' actor was not present at the time of the break-in, but his older brother Keenen Ivory Wayans was fast asleep. Despite hearing a noise, Keenen, 66, dismissed it and returned to his slumber, according to 'TMZ.' The next morning, a staff member discovered that Marlon's home had been ransacked, with the burglars making off with a safe and "several thousands of dollars in cash." Following the burglary, Marlon, 52, noted that the "most valuable thing" the burglars could have taken was his entire house. Police have made no arrests yet in any of the burglaries in this rising and problematic trend. Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships collided in the South China Sea on Monday, damaging at least two boats, prompting mutual blame over a new flashpoint in their increasingly alarming confrontations in the disputed territory. An official from The Philippines said they were "disappointed", while a Chinese Foreign Ministry official said the incident had "seriously violated Chinas territory and integrity". Now that the Democratic Convention is beginning after Kamala Harris entered the race for President and has been gaining in popularity, there's a White House Dog Race song about Kamala, as featured in a recent article in Medium and Substack. The Medium link is at https://tinyurl.com/4rj9x8nj. The Substack link is at https://tinyurl.com/yt2vehw9. The song was inspired by applying the Dog Type Personality System, which is like other personality systems which feature four major personality types, such Myers-Briggs and Color Profiling. The key difference is this system is based on four dog types with different leadership styles. They are the German Shepherd, the dominant-aggressive type; the Golden Retriever, the support-helper; the Pomeranian, the social people-person; and the Border Collie, the detailed-oriented researcher type. Harris and Trump are both German Shepherd types, resulting in an even more intense battle between Trump and Harris than with Biden, who was like a Golden Retriever. As the song begins: VERSE In the race for the White House, they face for a fight, Kamala and Donald, in a battle that's tight. Both like German Shepherds, tough and strong. They bark and bite, accuse each other of wrongs. CHORUS Harris and Trump, each showing their might, Two German Shepherds, in a political fight. They both have strong personality types. Each attacks to win with put downs and gripes. You can listen to the song at https://youtu.be/9CfMh742MbU, All three versions for Trump vs. Harris; Trump vs. Biden; and The White House Dog Race for Anyone Running are featured in the White House Dog Race Book, which includes lyrics and links to each song. It's available on Kindle https://www.amazon.com/White-House-Dog-Race-Book-ebook/dp/B0DC4TKHSL. A paperback is available at https://www.amazon.com/White-House-Dog-Race-Book/dp/B0DD4423J5. The songs were created to be completely neutral in featuring the differen leadership styles and you can listen to the song about anyone running in any race at https://youtu.be/rxth8bn79SE. To learn more about the dog type personality system which inspired these songs, it's described in What Type of Dog Are You? published by Waterside Productions. The system can help anyone discover their own and others' personality styles to better understand oneself and others and have better relationships in your work and personal life. The songwriter is Gini Graham Scott, PhD, who has written a series of books and documentaries dealing with scams and the criminal justice system, published by American Leadership Books. These documentaries and books include: "Conned: A True Story" based on The Big Con and "Con Artists Unveiled" based on I Was Scammed. Both films are distributed by Gravitas Ventures. Another film, "Love Behind Bars" based on the books: Women in Prison and Women with Partners in Prison from American Leadership Books is being launched at the American Film Market in November in Las Vegas. For more information on how the dog type personality system relates to different types of leadership, on books and films by Gini Graham Scott, and to set up interviews, email or call: Changemakers Publishing and Writing San Ramon, CA 94583 925) 804-6333 Changemakerspub@att.net www.changemakerspublishingandwriting.com ********* Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D. is the author of over 50 books with major publishers and has published 200 books through her company Changemakers Publishing and Writing (http://www.changemakerspublishingandwriting.com). She writes books, proposals, and film scripts for clients, and has written and produced 18 feature films and documentaries, including Conned: A True Story and Con Artists Unveiled distributed by Gravitas Ventures. (http://www.changemakersproductionsfilms.com). Her latest books include Ghost Story and How to Find and Work with a Good Ghostwriter published by Waterside Productions; The Big Con, I Was Scammed, and Love and Sex in Prison, published by American Leadership Press; and Ask the AI Wizard, published by J. Michael Publishing. Aldi has today announced that it has reached its commitment to sell 100% cage-free eggs more than a year ahead of schedule. The retailer said it had been working with its suppliers to move to higher hen welfare, with all its UK stores now only selling cage-free eggs. All eggs sold on its shelves are also British Lion Code approved, the retailer confirmed, adding it now sells more British free-range eggs than its competitors. Dozens of the UK's supermarkets and food businesses have pledged to reach cage-free egg status by 2025. Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi, said improving animal welfare was 'incredibly important' for the supermarket. She said the business had invested more than 50m into UK egg farming and producers over the past two years. "By working with our suppliers we have been able to hit our 100% cage-free target more than a year early," Ms Ashfield said. Our British suppliers are at the heart of our business and without them Aldi wouldnt be where it is today and we are proud to work with so many UK egg farmers. Discounter rival Lidl has also pledged to sell 100 percent free range eggs by the end of 2024. In the UK, all major retailers have committed to abandoning eggs from cages by 2025, with many leading food manufacturers, including Nestle, also making the pledge. Nominations have opened for the 2024 David Thomlinson Award, which seeks to put the spotlight on livestock farmers' commitments and accomplishments. The award is dedicated to one of the livestock industrys most respected figures, who was tragically killed on his farm five years ago. Inaugurated in 2021, the aim of the award is to acknowledge a person who has a passion for the future success of the industry and is an inspiration to others. Nominations, which will be judged by Sheila Thomlinson, Davids wife, and a panel of specially chosen individuals, are now being accepted and will close on 27 September. Last year's winner was Northumberland farmer George Neill, who said: Over the years I had many discussions with David Thomlinson, and I thought the world of him. "I was so honoured to be recognised and to receive the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award, and I never thought I was worthy enough to receive something of this calibre. Harrison & Hetherington (H&H) will be presenting the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Borderway Agri Expo. In reviewing the final nominations, the judges will be looking for someone who demonstrates a combination of ability, sportsmanship, integrity and character. In memory of David, the trophy will be presented to someone who the panel believes to have the combination. David McCrea, who will help judge the nominations for this year, said: Throughout Davids life, he was an enthusiastic promoter of agriculture and was always eager to offer his help. "He was a keen countryman, he made a difference, and with that in mind this award aims to encourage and reward individuals who possess the same drive, determination, and kindness as David. To make a nomination, send a brief resume on the nominee to: The David Thomlinson Award, c/o Mrs C Charlton, Harrison & Hetherington Ltd, Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle CA1 2RS, or by email to carolync@borderway.com. Farmers in their 50s and 60s could be missing out on thousands of pounds by continuing to prioritise ISAs over investing in pensions, according to NFU Mutual. The warning by the rural insurer comes as latest figures show that 3.8 million people aged between 55 and 64 have ISAs worth an average of 38,257. While money can normally be taken from ISAs at any time, flexible pension rules mean investors can access pensions from 55 years old (57 from 2028), taking the money as lump sums if they wish. And the impact of pension tax relief means returns could be boosted by up to 41.6% for higher rate taxpayers, NFU Mutual says. Sean McCann, chartered financial planner at the insurer, said many of farmers could be better off topping up their pension and claiming the tax relief. Once you reach 55 you can take money from your pension either as lump sums, income or both," he explained. "This means they can offer an attractive alternative to ISAs if youre looking to build up funds for the future or to potentially pass on wealth free of inheritance tax. In the rural community, we know a lot of farmers wont have an employer paying into a pension scheme, so saving early and utilising pension benefits is a good idea, no matter your age. The tax boost you get when you put money into a pension can make a huge difference to returns. Higher rate taxpayer example Over 55, earning 60,500 a year and with 6,000 to invest As a 40% income tax payer, 8,000 could be invested into a pension HMRC would then boost with a further 2,000 giving them a fund of 10,000. Up to an additional 2,000 can then be claimed back direct from HMRC, meaning cost to them to create a 10,000 fund would be 6,000 Assumes no growth and no charges A project bringing trials of precision-bred cereal crops onto commercial farms for the first time in Europe is now underway in England. Trial plots of a precision-bred wheat variety have now been harvested, marking the start of a ground-breaking new project. PROBITY A Platform to Rate Organisms Bred for Improved Traits and Yield is trialling the production and processing of precision-bred crops to accelerate understanding of their value to sustainable farming. Led by the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN), it is a three-year 2.2m multi-partner project, funded by Defras Farming Innovation Programme, which is delivered by Innovate UK. Farmers are being encouraged to get involved with the project by joining the Sequence Circle, a new community set up to lead discussion on precision-bred crops and help steer the project. These crops can be created through gene editing, a widely used technology that enables scientists to make changes to plant DNA, like those that occur naturally, but introduced in a precise, targeted manner. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act, which was approved last year, allows for the release and marketing of certain gene-edited plants. The post-Brexit law change currently makes England the only country in Europe where this novel material can be grown in farmers fields. The seed harvested from plots at the John Innes Centre near Norwich will be multiplied up during 2025, to enable farmers to grow trials of the crop the following year. Two further cereal varieties are being grown in glasshouses at Rothamsted Research, and once harvested this autumn, will also be multiplied up to be trialled on farms. The three varieties will be grown on commercial farms and subjected to testing and scrutiny by farmers, scientists and food manufacturers to establish their potential. The three cereal varieties in the project include a wheat with superior baking, toasting and processing properties; a barley making high lipid, high energy forage aimed at lowering livestock methane emissions; and a wheat with a bigger bolder grain size promising a change in productivity. Tom Allen-Stevens, Oxfordshire farmer and founder of BOFIN, said the project was 'incredibly important' for farming and food production in England. He said: We need to produce more nutritious food with fewer resources and with less impact on the environment. Scientists have been developing new crop varieties that could help us rise to that challenge. "This project will bring those varieties from the laboratory to farmers fields where we can fully assess their potential, explore barriers to their adoption and pave the way for future innovation. by Amin Saikal This week marks the third year since Americas retreat from Afghanistan and the Talibans return to power. The United States had intervened in Afghanistan in response to the September 11 2001 terror attacks by al-Qaeda. The aim was to combat international terrorism and chart a new global order to make the world safer and more secure. Taliban authorities mark the third anniversary of the Afghan government takeover in Kandahar this week. Qudratullah Razwan/EPA Yet, as I argue in my new book, How to Lose a War: The Story of Americas Intervention in Afghanistan, the world today is arguably more conflict-ridden and polarised than during the Cold War. It potentially stands on the edge of yet another world war. Americas goals and failures Backed by its NATO and non-NATO allies, as well as extensive global sympathy, the key US objectives in Afghanistan were: eliminate al-Qaeda dismantle the Talibans ultra-extremist regime as the protector of al-Qaeda help change Afghanistan so it would never again become a nest of international terrorism. Success in Afghanistan was intertwined with two other broader US foreign policy goals under the presidency of Republican George W. Bush the global war on terrorism and promoting democracy. Both of these were means to bring change to the Middle East and indeed the wider world in accordance with the interests of the US as the sole post-Cold War superpower. Ultimately, the US could not achieve any of these objectives. At first, it prevailed militarily in toppling the Taliban government and dispersing al-Qaeda, with assistance from the anti-Taliban Afghan forces. But the respective leaders of both groups, Mullah Mohammad Omar and Osama bin Laden, and their main operatives escaped to Pakistan. The Taliban swiftly regrouped. And with Pakistans support and its continuing alliance with al-Qaeda, it mounted an insurgency beyond the expectations of the US and its allies, including the fledgling Afghan government in Kabul. The US had not originally intended to stay in Afghanistan for more than a few years. But its failure to decapitate al-Qaeda in the early days of its intervention resulted in a US hunt for bin Laden that took a decade. It also led to Americas deepening involvement in the difficult task of state-building in a highly socially divided and traditional Afghanistan. Without ensuring Afghanistan was firmly placed on a stable, secure and democratic trajectory, the Bush administration invaded Iraq in 2003 on the false premises that the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein collaborated with bin Laden and possessed weapons of mass destruction. Iraq was prioritised over Afghanistan. This resulted in a shift of important intelligence and military assets from the latter to the former. In the absence of a well-thought-out plan of action about how to bring peace to Afghanistan and Iraq, the US found itself entangled in two unwinnable wars. This left it with little choice but to bow out of Iraq by the end of 2011 and Afghanistan by August 2021, without achieving its original objectives. It also left behind two broken countries. Iraq is still struggling to recover. Afghanistan is in a mess under the Taliban. The Afghanistan defeat could not be any less humiliating for the US than its devastating Vietnam War five decades earlier. The Talibans extremism The Talibans 2.0 minority tribal government has proven to be as dreadfully extremist and discriminatory as its previous reign of terror from 1996-2001. It has professed a self-centred and self-serving version of Islam, which is not practised anywhere else in the Muslim world. Women are stripped of all basic rights (including to education and work). Any form of opposition is brutally suppressed. Other minorities, along with remnants of the previous US-backed regime, are punished daily. Many have been murdered. The group has transformed Afghanistan into a protective enclave for al-Qaeda and several other similarly minded groups. These include the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP) and the Islamic StateKhorasan Province (ISKP). A new survey by the UN Mission in Afghanistan shows only 4% of respondents wanted the Taliban to be recognised internationally. The groups lack of domestic legitimacy is paralleled by its pariah status in the global community. Yet the group has been able to consolidate power in Afghanistan and stave off outside pressure, having taken advantage of regional and major power geopolitical rivalries and ambitions. A more unstable world The Talibans re-empowerment has significantly inspired and emboldened like-minded groups in many parts of the Muslim world, such as the TTP and ISKP. And the US defeat in Afghanistan has heartened Americas chief adversaries Iran, Russia, China and North Korea. Washingtons iron-clad commitment to ensure Israels security and its inability to end the devastating Gaza war have further stirred radical forces in the Muslim world and boosted Americas foes. The related growing tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as with Tehrans allies (most importantly Hezbollah in Lebanon), have seriously imperilled the cause of stability and security in a traditionally volatile region. A potential Israel-Iran war could drag the US in to defend Israel, with Russia and China supporting Iran. This is not a scenario about which the Middle East and the world can be sanguine. Source: The Conversation Amin Saikal is an emeritus professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies at the Australian National University and an adjunct professor at the University of Western Australia and S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. He is a Non-Resident Fellow at Princeton's Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination and an awardee of the Order of Australia (AM) and Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia (FASSA). Saikal has authored several books, including How to Lose a War: The Story of Americas Intervention in Afghanistan (Yale UP, 2024) and Iran Rising (Princeton University Press, 2021). He is also an op-ed writer with contributions to major publications like The New York Times and The Guardian, and frequently appears as a commentator on national and international media. Mamie Laverock is being cared for at home three months after she was almost killed in a balcony fall. Mamie Laverock is being cared for at home three months after she was almost killed in a balcony fall The 20-year-old actress, famed for her role as nursing student Rosaleen Sullivan on the popular Hallmark show When Calls the Heart, was hospitalised after she plummeted five storeys to the ground in an accident in May her mother has branded negligence by medical authorities. Mamies family have now announced on Facebook she is finally being cared for at home as she continues to recover from the ordeal. They shared the news in a post that said: Dreams do come true. Welcome Home Mamie. Their message was accompanied by photos of rainbow balloons that matched a cake laid out to celebrate her getting out of hospital. The family also included a snap of a Home Sweet Home sign. Mamies family added in the update she is still severely injured, but will now be cared for privately. They went on: She needed to be at home. So happy for her. She made it this far next chapter. Its a blessing to have her home. Earlier this month Mamie delighted her family by taking her first steps since her near-fatal balcony plunge. She was seen in a video uploaded to her Facebook page walking alongside the caption: Thank you surgeons, thank you prayers, thank you Lord. Mamie has just taken her first steps. The clip showed the actress flanked by two medical staff as she sat on a hospital bed wearing casts on each leg while surrounded by her family. Mamie celebrated her 20th birthday while recovering in hospital a on 8 July, while a GoFundMe page her family set up to help fund her treatment was pulled in July after it reached nearly $40,000. Iggy Azalea believes the music industry is full of "haters". Iggy Azalea has hit out at her haters The 34-year-old rap star has invested her money in the cryptocurrency market in recent times, and Iggy claims that there are some strong similarities between the two industries. Iggy initially wrote on X: "I was made for this space [star emojis] (sic)" The 'Fancy' hitmaker subsequently observed that the industries have a lot in common. Iggy - who was born in Australia but moved to the US during her teens to pursue her music ambitions - wrote on the micro-blogging platform: "Male dominated, haters everywhere, hyper competitive and expensive "Sounds just like the music industry." Earlier this month, Iggy revealed the keys to her business successes. The rapper - who has investments in the tech and telecommunications sectors - told Inc. magazine: "Growing as an artist and entrepreneur is always challenging and can be scary, but it's also such a necessary part of life." Iggy believes it's ultimately important to view challenges as "opportunities". Asked what advice she'd offer to aspiring entrepreneurs, Iggy replied: "Stay true to your vision, and don't be afraid to think outside the box. Embrace challenges and view them as opportunities." What's more, Iggy believes she's always had an entrepreneurial approach to life. The blonde beauty - who released her last album, 'The End of an Era', in 2021 - reflected: "I think I've always been an entrepreneur at heart - even in my music career. "I've always taken charge of the business side as well as the creative. I see creativity and business as two sides of the same coin, and the goal is to let them inform each other. "At its core, business innovation is another channel of creativity." Ryan Reynolds was a "nervous mess" when he first met Hugh Jackman. Ryan Reynolds has heaped praise on Hugh Jackman The 47-year-old actor recently starred alongside Hugh, 55, in 'Deadpool and Wolverine', and he's taken to social media to pay a glowing tribute to his showbiz pal, describing Hugh as the most "thoughtful, kind and classy" man he knows. In a post on X, Ryan shared: "I met him in Sydney around 2007. Back then he was already a movie star and I walked onto set a supporting actor. Showing up midway through production isnt too different to starting a new school. I was a nervous mess. Film sets can have a scary imbalance of power and I remember seeing how he treated every member of the crew with genuine respect and appreciation. He made a case that the term filmmaker isnt just for people with their name on the poster. "I dont know anyone more thoughtful, kind and classy than this man. Hell do anything for someone he loves. Hell do anything for someone he just met. "In Deadpool and Wolverine Hugh didnt just make dreams come true for fans of Wolverine. He made MY dreams come true too. He is THE X-Man. "#TilYoure90 (sic)" In July, Hugh revealed that he relished the challenge of getting in shape for 'Deadpool and Wolverine'. The Hollywood star reprised the role of Wolverine for the Marvel movie, and Hugh revealed that he loved the challenge of transforming his physique. He told PEOPLE: "I had got to the point, it must have been probably ten years ago, I was like, I'm not enjoying it. It was hurting. It was tough. "But I've had a break, and I've been doing a lot of dance. I've been doing stage shows and arena shows. And so when I came back to it, it was really fun and I was thrilled." Tom Cruises daughter Suri Cruise has moved into her university dorm. Tom Cruises daughter Suri Cruise has moved into her university dorm The 18-year-old freshman was spotted getting settled at the private Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the help of her 45-year-old Dawsons Creek actress mother Katie Holmes. Suris move comes as her 62-year-old actor dad is busy filming Mission: Impossible 8 after taking part in a stunt to mark the closing of the Olympic Games in Paris last week. A source told MailOnline, which published snaps of Suri moving in with her mums help: Suri wants the full college experience so she is giving the dorm rooms a try and she will have a roommate. She is excited for a new chapter in her life. Suris move will be a huge change from the three-bedroom high-rise luxury apartment she shared with her mum. The Mail reported the biggest dorm facility on the Carnegie campus is in Donner house for first-year residents land. It has four levels and caters for around 250 freshmen. There is also the smaller exclusively female Scobell House, which has a maximum of 88 students. Despite its basic accommodation, the campus features a series of restaurants and a wellness centre. The Mail said Suri will start classes on 26 August. Katie recruited Suri to sing Blue Moon over the opening credits of her 2022 film Alone Together, and said she hoped she would continue down a showbiz career. The actress told Glamour magazine: I hope she always does something on my films. I always ask her you have these projects and you become a family with people. And its this safe, beautiful, creative space. She also told recently how she fears rebooting Dawsons Creek into todays world could tarnish the show. The actress, who starred as Joey Potter in the Massachusetts-set teen romance drama from 1998 to 2003, added there had been a series of talks down the years about bringing back the popular series. Speaking as part of the Kering Women in Motion talk series at Cannes Film Festival, Katie said: The show was a time capsule. To put it into todays world might tarnish it a little bit. Building up the middle class and tax cuts for 100 million Americans through the restoration of the earned income tax credit (EITC) and an expansion of the child tax credit (CTC) will be part of US vice presidents Kamala Harris plans to build on the foundation of the progress brought about by President Joe Bidens policies if she is elected president, she recently said. The EITC law had raised the maximum tax credit for American workers without dependent children to about $1,500. Building up the middle class and tax cuts for 100 million Americans will be part of US vice president's Kamala Harris' plans to build on the foundation of the progress brought about current policies if she is elected president, she said. She would be laser-focused on creating opportunities for the middle class and help build an 'opportunity economy'. Enacted under the 2021 American Rescue Plan, CTC offered a maximum credit of $3,600 per child depending on age and family income. Harris version of the legislation would expand the benefit for middle- to lower-income families for a year after a child is born. We will provide $6,000 in tax relief to families during the first year of a childs life, she said. As president, I will be laser-focused on creating opportunities for the middle class that advance their economic security, stability and dignity, she told a campaign event in Raleigh, North Carolina. Together, we will build what I call an opportunity economyan economy where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed, she said. She said she will focus on cutting needless bureaucracy and unnecessary regulatory red tape and encouraging innovative technologies while protecting consumers and creating a stable business environment with consistent and transparent rules of the road, according to her campaign speech uploaded on the White House website. When I am elected president, I will make it a top priority to bring down costs and increase economic security for all Americans, she said. She said Donald Trumps plans to impose what is, in effect, a national sales tax on everyday products and basic necessities that we import from other countries will devastate Americans. Donald Trump fights for billionaires and large corporations. WeI will fight to give money back to working- and middle-class Americans, she added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Informative Speaking Sessions At Devcom Hosted By Xsolla, Sharing Knowledge On Best Practices, The Future Of The Video Game Industry, And Steps Developers Should Follow To Be Successful Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, will present a series of sessions at the Devcom Developer Conference 2024 and attend Gamescom 2024, the world's largest computer and video games event, from August 19th to August 23rd in Cologne, Germany. Xsolla is hosting six informative speaking sessions at Devcom, including two on Best Practices for Web Shop development and a Partner Spotlight. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240818573649/en/ (Graphic: Xsolla) "This is a pivotal year in mobile game development and for building games in Europe and globally," described Xsolla's Chief Marketing and Growth Officer, Berkley Egenes. "These sessions will cover various topics, including engagement best practices, rules of success for creating a web shop, the gaming industry's future, approaches to community engagement, the state of the backend technology, and how to avoid five significant pitfalls." Xsolla will exhibit at Gamescom from Hall 2.2, Booth A-030-B-037. Attendees can meet with Xsolla experts and participate in demonstrations of the latest solutions and offerings designed to provide opportunities for cross-play and payment for players and developers in 2024. "It's an incredible opportunity to connect with the vibrant game development community, share our insights, and host speaking sessions that we hope will inspire and inform," said Egenes. "Being a part of these events is always an exciting experience, and we can't wait to engage with fellow developers and industry professionals." Xsolla Speaker Sessions Schedule: When: Monday, August 19th, 2024, 1:00 PM 1:30 PM Location: Xsolla Stage #5, 1st floor, Confex Center, Devcom Topic: Engagement best practices from leading EMEA mobile game developers Learn how Xsolla's solutions, designed for mobile game developers, can instantly boost revenue and player engagement beyond app stores. In this session, Josephine Friday, Sales Director, US, and Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Xsolla, along with Joan Lluis, Producer at Tilting Point, will share techniques and explore strategies to elevate your mobile monetization efforts. Since 2020, Xsolla has led global mobile game monetization by developing solutions, including Web Shop, SDK, Instant Web Shop, and industry-first best practices guides. Don't miss this chance to learn from the industry's experts. When: Monday, August 19th, 2024, 1:30 PM 2:00 PM Location: Xsolla Stage #5, 1st floor, Confex Center, Devcom Topic: Leveling up: The future of gaming Join industry experts Nick Grant, Interim CEO of 80 Level, Kasper Weber, Founder CEO of Beyond Creative, Alexander Fernandez, CEO of Streamline Media Group, and Bridget Stacy, VP of Marketing at Xsolla, for a visionary discussion on the future of the gaming industry over the next 5 years. This talk leverages proprietary and public data, insights from partners, and Xsolla's extensive network of gaming professionals. We will delve into anticipated advancements, innovative trends, and transformative shifts. Key topics include performance projections, comparisons to other emerging industries, and detailed forecasts on how gaming will evolve and impact the global market. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and prepare for the dynamic changes ahead in the gaming world. When: Monday, August 19th, 2024, 2:00 PM 2:30 PM Location: Xsolla Stage #5, 1st floor, Confex Center, Devcom Topic: How to fail your studio in 5 easy steps This session, led by Manny Hachey, Accelerator Program Director at Xsolla, is aimed at new founders and teams looking to create their first startup. Relevant to any product, platform, or target audience, this talk will help you avoid five major business pitfalls. Manny Hachey shares hard-earned, painful lessons with you now to help ensure you don't make the same mistakes in the future. When: Tuesday, August 20th, 2024, 11:30 AM 12:00 PM Location: Xsolla Stage #5, 1st floor, Confex Center, Devcom Topic: Community first: publisher and indie approaches to community engagement The biggest challenge developers face today is discoverability. Developers can no longer rely solely on publishers for community-building efforts. In this fireside chat, Andrei Podoprigora, Co-Founder CEO of Forklift Interactive, Nathan Solbrandt, Business Development Director EMEA at Xsolla, and Jan Halwe, Business Development Manager at ByteRockers' Games, will explore various aspects of community building in 2024 from iterative feedback during development to ongoing post-launch engagement. This presentation includes diverse perspectives on effectively growing and connecting with a community in the modern digital landscape. When: Tuesday, August 20th, 2024, 12:00 PM 12:30 PM Location: Xsolla Stage #5, 1st floor, Confex Center, Devcom Topic: 5 rules of success for creating a web shop for your mobile game Web monetization for mobile games via web shops remains a top-of-mind conversation in the video games industry. With nearly 400 web shops completed, Artem Liubutov, Xsolla's Director of Products (Monetization), unveils 5 rules of success to help you get the most out of your web shop. He will present the best ways to convey additional value, reduce friction, set up LiveOps, and lead your web shop to success. When: Tuesday, August 20th, 2024, 12:30 PM 1:00 PM Location: Xsolla Stage #5, 1st floor, Confex Center, Devcom Topic: Gaming backend: To build or to buy As consumer appetite for online and multiplayer gaming continues to rise, developers across the industry are questioning whether to build or buy a gaming backend for their next project. Join Matthew Morris, Chief Commercial Officer at Code Wizards, as he leads a panel of experts, including Jean-Philippe Steinmetz, Head of Xsolla Backend, Alexander Bergendahl, CEO of LootLocker, and Tim Morten, Founder CEO of Frost Giant Studios, to explore the state of backend technology and address this crucial question. Attendees can visit Xsolla at Hall 2.2, Booth A-030-B-037, where live demonstrations of Xsolla's Payments, Web Shop, Mobile SDK and Backend will be held throughout the event. Xsolla's team of experts will be available to answer questions, provide insights, and discuss how these tools can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each developer and publisher. For more information,connect and book meetings with Xsolla at the Devcom Developer Conference and Gamescom 2024, visit xsolla.events/devcom24 About Xsolla Xsolla is a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the industry. Since its founding in 2005, Xsolla has helped thousands of game developers and publishers of all sizes fund, market, launch, and monetize their games globally and across multiple platforms. As an innovative leader in game commerce, Xsolla's mission is to solve the inherent complexities of global distribution, marketing, and monetization to help our partners reach more geographies, generate more revenue, and create relationships with gamers worldwide. Headquartered and incorporated in Los Angeles, California, with offices in Montreal, London, Berlin, Seoul, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Raleigh, Tokyo, and cities around the world, Xsolla supports major gaming titles like Valve, Twitch, Epic Games, Take-Two, KRAFTON, Nexters, NetEase, Playstudios, Playrix, miHoYo, and more. For additional information and to learn more, please visit xsolla.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240818573649/en/ Contacts: Derrick Stembridge Director of Public Relations, Xsolla d.stembridge@xsolla.com Global engineering firm is offering mechanical and electrical engineering plus sustainability advisory services to the local market London, UK, Aug. 19, 2024, a global building engineering and consulting firm, has expanded its operations in Europe by opening a new office in Dublin, Ireland. The new team aims to help the built environment industry reach the Irish government's climate goalsof reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Adam McLoughlin is leading the new team as Director-Ireland for Introba. The team's current focus is institutional, cultural, commercial, and science and technology projects. Introba is initially offering sustainability advisory services as well as mechanical and electrical engineering to the Irish market. According to the Irish Green Building Council, the built environment is responsible for 36% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions, so the new team will leverage Introba's sustainability DNA to address the challenge of reducing that figure. "Adam, John Moore and Padraic Greed each bring tremendous experience from their years with Introba in Canada," says Richard Hansen, Introba Managing Director for the UK and Europe. "We are very happy to support the establishment of our Irish office, which is a great alignment with Introba's strategic plan and the team's personal ambitions to 'return home'." Introba is sharing the new office in central Dublin with Currie & Brown, a sister company in Sidara's global collaborative of specialist firms. The move supports the group's aim to enhance and grow its worldwide market position. About The Dublin team Adam McLoughlin has more than 19 years of international experience working as a mechanical engineer and project lead on projects across Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, including state-of-the-art cultural centres, mixed-use commercial buildings, and university campuses. John Moore has more than 10 years of experience designing electrical systems as well as four years of past experience working with an electrical contractor, with project experience including laboratories, transportation, commercial, residential, office, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, education, and light industrial facilities. Padraic Greed has more than 10 years of experience managing various projects, including education, arts, residential, and commercial buildings, where he strove to incorporate sustainable building design while meeting the client's operational needs and budget requirements. About Introba Introba is one of the world's largest building engineering and consulting firms, with more than 1,000 employees in offices across the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and Serbia. Committed to reshaping the world, our problem solvers combine cutting-edge digital solutions with emerging innovations and industry-leading sustainability strategies to transform the built environment. We collaborate with our clients to create living systems that are smart, secure, resilient, and connected - spaces that uplift communities, protect the health of the planet, and adapt to meet the demands of the future. For more information, visit www.introba.com. Attachment Storm Exploration Inc. (TSX-V:STRM) ("Storm" or the "Company") today announced that, further to the Company's news release dated July 4, 2024, it has reached an agreement with Landore Resources Canada Inc. ("Landore") to extend, by up to 18 months, the dates for the remaining payments under the Option Agreement to acquire a 100% interest the Miminiska and Keezhik properties. The remaining payments to Landore are tabled below: Payment Date Cash Convertible Cash 1 20-Sep-2024 $262,500 $250,000 20-Mar-2025 Nil $275,000 20-Mar-2026 $525,000 $787,500 1 Storm can elect to make Convertible Cash payments in cash or STRM shares with number of shares defined by the 30-day volume weighted average price prior to the date of election. The Storm shares will be subject to a voluntary pooling arrangement that will allow 20% of each instalment of shares to be released for trading on issuance (subject to the statutory hold period), an additional 40% to be released on the first anniversary of the share issuance and the remaining 40% to be released on the second anniversary of the share issuance. In addition, if Landore wishes to dispose of any shares, Storm will have the ability to find a buyer. Finally, if Landore acquires direction or control of 10% or more of the issued shares of Storm, it will have the right to appoint one director to the Board of Directors, subject to TSXV acceptance. Bruce Counts, the President and CEO of the Company, stated: "I would like to thank Landore for working with Storm to revise the agreement for Miminiska and Keezhik in a way that balances attractive commercial terms for Storm investors with the preservation of value for Landore". Fort Hope Projects The Miminiska, Keezhik and Attwood properties are located within the traditional territory of the Eabametoong First Nation with whom Storm signed an Exploration Agreement see news release dated May 23rd, 2024 here ). The properties projects are located within the Miminiska-Fort Hope greenstone belt, approximately 350 kilometres north of the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Each project has the potential to host a multi-million-ounce orogenic gold deposit. In addition, the Attwood project also has the potential to host a significant base metal deposit. The Miminiska property is the Company's primary focus and hosts drill confirmed, high-grade gold mineralization at two primary prospects: Miminiska and Frond (refer to Figure 1). Historical assays include 5.75g/t Au over 20.84m* and 13.95g/t Au over 5.32m* with mineralization hosted in banded iron formation and associated shear zones. Figure 1: Miminiska Property * Historical results have not been independently verified by Storm; and, there is no guarantee that the Company can reproduce the results in whole or in part. Potential investors should not rely on these historical results when making an investment decision. Next Steps Plans for a financing to support a drill program to expand and extend known mineralization at the Miminiska prospect will be announced in the coming days. About Storm Exploration Inc. Storm Exploration Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and development of economic precious and base metal deposits on four district-scale projects in northwest Ontario: Miminiska, Keezhik, Attwood and Gold Standard. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the Company's strategic plans, future operations, future work programs and objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For further information, please contact: Storm Exploration Inc. +1 (604) 506-2804 bcounts@stormex.ca SOURCE: Storm Exploration Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Digital commerce solution provider deploys industry-leading FICO Falcon Fraud Manager across MEA to help drive down fraud losses; Network International wins 2024 FICO Decision Award for Cloud Deployment FICO (NYSE: FICO): Highlights: Network International LLC (NI), headquartered in Dubai, has helped banks in the Middle East and Africa prevent fraud using an on-prem and cloud-hosted version of the industry leading FICO Falcon Fraud Manager Fraud Manager More than 40 financial institutions in United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and South Africa are using the solution to help protect 20+ million customers, reducing fraud basis points of sales by 82% in 2022 Network International has won a 2024 FICO Decision Award for Cloud Deployment. Global analytics software leader FICO announced today that Network International LLC (NI), headquartered in Dubai, has helped banks in the Middle East and Africa help prevent fraud using a cloud-hosted version of the industry-leading FICO Falcon Fraud Manager. More than 40 financial institutions in United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and South Africa are using the solution to protect 20+ million customers, processing more than 180 million transactions, representing USD18 billion in value. Collectively, NI and FICO Falcon Fraud Manager have reduced fraud basis points of sales by 82% in 2022, and increased fraud detection rates by 25%. Network International has won a 2024 FICO Decision Award for Cloud Deployment. More information: https://www.fico.com/en/products/fico-falcon-fraud-manager "Considering the continuously evolving nature of fraud and increased regulatory scrutiny on issuers, it is imperative for banks to establish a robust strategy, processes, technology, and resources to prevent financial and reputational losses," said Arindam Chatterjee, group head, Safety and Security Solutions at Network International. "But deploying an on-premises fraud management solution is complex, challenging, time-consuming, and costly. FICO Falcon Fraud Manager, which we host as a service, has successfully resolved a complex puzzle for banks and payment service providers that have entrusted NI with the end-to-end responsibility of managing fraud across payment channels on their behalf." NI adopted FICO Falcon Fraud Manager to address their customers' unmet need to use a single platform for preventing and detecting fraud across both card (debit, credit and prepaid) and non-card (retail banking, corporate banking, alliance banking and others) product portfolios. FICO Falcon Fraud Manager at NI gives customers complete flexibility in choosing the channels they want to integrate, deploying the solution in phases and scaling their operations according to business requirements, fraud perception and regulatory priorities. It enables organizations to address fraud comprehensively with a 360 customer view using a unified platform featuring advanced AI and machine learning models for all payment and service channels. "Because it's a hosted service, institutions in any country can use it regardless of the size of their customer base or economy, without concerns about the substantial capex of on-premises deployment and onsite support," said Chatterjee. "NI-hosted FICO Falcon Fraud Manager suits the requirements equally well for a new bank, small bank, mid-sized bank or a large multi-national bank. We can deploy it faster than an on-premises solution for a customer, and reduce their capital expenditure, resource and training costs. They get effective fraud management from day one." In addition to managing the anti-fraud application, environment, network and integrations with client's payment systems, NI also provides continuous analytics and rule management services, and 24/7/365 fraud monitoring operations carried out by a dedicated team work on case investigations and disposition. Deploying Across the Middle East and Africa In some countries with stringent data residency requirements imposed by central banks and regulators, such as the Saudi Central Bank, banks cannot process their data outside their country borders. In response, NI adopted a customer-centric approach and established FICO Falcon Fraud Manager instances as close to the clients as possible, in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and South Africa. These deployments leveraged FICO Falcon Fraud Manager's native capabilities, including: Infrastructure flexibility: on-premises or cloud-agnostic deployments Modular architecture Containerised components Scalability encompassing both vertical and horizontal expansion API-based interfaces Cross-data centre replication between production and disaster recovery Because of these capabilities, the NI technology teams could effectively replicate one successful FICO Falcon Fraud Manager deployment across other key regions with substantial growth potential. These regions predominantly serve developing economies during the transition from cash-based transactions to digital payment systems. Lower Fraud Losses and Higher Detection Rate "To date, with a review rate of just 1.13%, we have saved an impressive amount of fraud losses, aggregating to USD9.7 million, which has provided 7.45X ROI to our clients in the current financial year alone," said Chatterjee One of those clients is a small-sized yet fast-growing UAE-based bank that deploys FICO Falcon Fraud Manager at an enterprise level to monitor transaction fraud across cards, retail banking, channels and corporate banking accounts. After implementing FICO Falcon Fraud Manager real-time transaction fraud prevention technology, the bank has a fraud detection rate of over 90%, more than three times as high as when they first started leveraging the solution. "FICO Falcon Fraud Manager is far and away the industry leader in fraud detection, protecting more than 4 billion payment accounts worldwide," said Nikhil Behl, EVP for software at FICO. "We applaud Network International's achievements in bringing this powerful solution to firms of all sizes across the region. They are helping to keep their customer's customers safe from all kinds of fraud. Bravo!" "The judging panel was impressed by the expansive scale of Network International's deployment of FICO Falcon Fraud Manager," added Eric Kavanagh, CEO Bloor Group and host of InsideAnalysis, who was one of the FICO Decisions Awards judges. "By providing fraud prevention-as-a-service to the region, they demonstrated a groundbreaking approach to threat detection. This innovative business model, democratizing advanced technology for a diverse range of organizations, stood out as a testament to their vision and execution, making Network International's achievement truly impressive." About the FICO Decisions Awards The FICO Decisions Awards recognize organizations that are achieving remarkable success using FICO solutions. A panel of independent judges with deep industry expertise evaluates nominations based on measurable improvement in key metrics; demonstrated use of best practices; project scale, depth and breadth; and innovative uses of technology. The 2024 judges are: Andrew Birmingham , editor, Mi3 , editor, Eric Kavanagh , CEO Bloor Group and host, InsideAnalysis , CEO Bloor Group and host, Elizabeth Lumley , deputy editor, The Banker , deputy editor, Paul Mah , senior editor, CDO Trends , senior editor, Laura Martins , editor, IT Forum , editor, Paul Robinson , VP credit management at Canadian Tire Bank (Previous Winner) , VP credit management at Canadian Tire Bank (Previous Winner) Shiv Sehgal , EVP audience analytics at RSG Media (Previous Winner) , EVP audience analytics at RSG Media (Previous Winner) Nick Vitchev, director at Chartis The winners of the FICO Decisions Awards were spotlighted at FICO World 2024, held in April 2024 in San Diego, California. About Network International LLC Network International LLC is the Middle East and Africa's largest and leading digital payments company. Our purpose is to help businesses and economies grow by simplifying payments and commerce. We operate in 50+ countries serving governments, banks, fintechs, merchants and public sector companies. We have 2,000+ employees based in our markets serving over 250 financial institutions and 130,000+ merchants. About FICO FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 200 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 100 countries do everything from protecting 4 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and has been made available in over 40 other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency. Learn more at https://www.fico.com FICO and Falcon are registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240819819454/en/ Contacts: Corporate Communications Network International Dubai, UAE Tel: +9714 303 2431 lambert.espedido@network.global Srishti Soni ASDA'A BCW +9714 450 7600 srishti.soni@bcw-global.com For further comment contact: FICO UK PR Team Wendy Harrison/Parm Heer/Matthew Enderby ficoteam@harrisonsadler.com 0208 977 9132 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, continues to top the global list for on-time performance (OTP), achieving this milestone for the second time consecutively, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site, Cirium, for July2024. The report indicates that Saudia has achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.12% and an on-time departure rate of 88.15%, operating 16,503 flights across its network of over 100 destinations in four continents. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: "At Saudia Group, achieving a high OTP has been a shared objective, as it directly impacts guest satisfaction. We've successfully maintained it during this year's peak seasons, a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire Saudia Group and relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry. Sustaining our leadership in this area requires continuous dedication and resilience in overcoming the numerous challenges within the aviation sector globally." In the coming years, Saudia will take delivery of 103 new aircraft, aligning with the airline's strategy to double seating capacity, expand to new global destinations, as well as its commitment to bring the world to the Kingdom in line with Vision 2030. -Ends- About Saudia: Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest airlines. Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia. A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012. Saudia was recently awarded the "World Class Airline 2024" for the third consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium. For more information on Saudia, please visit www.saudia.com. Media Center Saudia Group: Saudi Arabian Airlines Headquarters Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Email: MediaCenter@saudia.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220345 SOURCE: SAUDIA Top honors won by Vena's Complete Planning Platform for usability, customer satisfaction and innovation Vena, the only Complete Planning platform purpose-built to amplify the power of Microsoft 365, announced industry achievements and recognitions across two key market reports and one customer survey, reinforcing its leadership in the corporate performance management (CPM) space and commitment to powering finance and operations professionals' productivity and strategic decision making. Vena Positioned as "Exemplary" in the Ventana Research Consolidate and Close Management Buyers Guide for 2024 Vena was named an "exemplary" leader in the financial close and financial consolidation industry in the 2024 Ventana Research Consolidate and Close Management Buyers Guide. The guide provides a detailed analysis of software solutions for streamlining and optimizing the financial close process, evaluating vendors based on their reconciliation, consolidation, journal entry and reporting processes. This recognition highlights Vena's standout performance across these key metrics, solidifying its position as a top choice for enterprises seeking planning solutions. "We are proud to be acknowledged as a leader in financial close and consolidation by Ventana Research," said Hugh Cumming, Chief Technology Officer at Vena. "This validation reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional usability, customer experience and value to our clients. Our position as a leader among both core competitors and industry giants highlights the strength and strategic value of our solutions." For more on this recognition, read the full press release Vena Positioned as Leader in All Categories in the 2024 Dresner Wisdom of Crowds EPM Market Study Vena has been recognized as a leader in all three major categories in the 2024 Dresner Wisdom of Crowds EPM Market Study: Overall Experience Leader in the Customer Experience Model, Credibility Leader in the Vendor Credibility Model and a High Value/Low TCO Leader in the EPM Value/TCO Model. This is an annual benchmark providing insights into user experiences and perceptions of Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) software and services. It offers valuable data for vendors and potential customers to understand market trends and vendor performance. "This recognition by Dresner Advisory Services is a validation of our dedication to delivering superior FP&A solutions that empower our customers to drive business agility and resilience," said Cumming. "We are honored that experts continue to recognize Vena's innovation and leadership in enterprise performance management. We remain committed to providing customers with a high-value, low-cost solution that's powerful and user-friendly." Read the full press release for additional information. Vena Achieves Outstanding Recognition in G2 Summer 2024 Report, Earning 20 Badges Across Multiple Categories Vena has received 20 badges across various categories in the latest G2 Summer 2024 Report, highlighting the company's dedication to providing finance and operations professionals with a flexible and easy-to-use Excel-based FP&A platform. This report is a comprehensive evaluation of software and service providers based on user reviews and data. It provides valuable insights for buyers seeking the best solutions for their business needs. "We are immensely proud to be recognized with these badges in the G2 Summer Report," said Hunter Madeley, CEO at Vena. These rankings reflect the trust and confidence our customers have in us. We continue to focus on creating a user-friendly, flexible and intuitive Complete Planning platform to drive the success of our customers, and we're extremely grateful for the perspective they share through G2 and other review sites." Explore the full details of Vena's G2 Summer Report achievements in this press release Additional recognitions and achievements Vena has recently received include: Top Leader in the 2024 Business Application Research Center (BARC) Planning Survey Top Rated by TrustRadius in 2024 Leader by G2 Mid-Market Leader by IDC MarketScape Challenger in The Hackett Group EPM Digital World Class Matrix Technology Innovation Honors from Dresner Advisory Services CPM Industry Leader for the 11th straight year by Nucleus Research About Vena Vena is the only Complete Planning platform natively integrated with Microsoft 365. Vena streamlines financial and operational planning, reporting and analysis processes, and provides advanced analytics and modeling capabilities to help business, finance, and operations leaders make agile and more informed business decisions. With Vena, you can leverage the power of Excel and AI-powered insights in a unified, cloud-based platform that enhances productivity, collaboration, and insights. Over 1,800 of the world's leading companies rely on Vena to power their planning. For more information, visit venasolutions.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240819864045/en/ Contacts: Media: Jonathan Paul Vice President, Content Marketing jpaul@venacorp.com Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus. Korrektur als Einstiegschance Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen. 3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX:NDM)(NYSE American:NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") and its 100%-owned U.S.-based subsidiary Pebble Limited Partnership ("Pebble Partnership" or "PLP") report that the U.S. Federal District Court in Alaska (the "Court") has granted the motion to modify the existing complaint against the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") by adding the US Army Corps of Engineers ("USACE") as another defendant. On June 10, 2024, Northern Dynasty and PLP filed a motion for leave to file an amended complaint with the Court to reverse the USACE decision to deny the project a permit. "In this decision the Court accepted our argument that the veto, to a large extent, was based on the USACE permit denial and therefore the cases are related and should be heard together," said Ron Thiessen, President and CEO of Northern Dynasty. Mr. Thiessen continued, "The intent of this litigation is to put the permitting process for Pebble back on track, after it was derailed by wrongful actions taken by both EPA and the USACE, for political purposes. The Court's decision allows us to expose the flawed and interrelated actions by both agencies in one complaint. Combining these cases is more efficient in terms of time and expense than trying them separately, and we are pleased the Court has agreed with our position. In addition, we believe that critical evidence and testimony in the Administrative Appeal process will demonstrate the erroneous and political nature of the permit denial and subsequent EPA veto." About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly owned Alaska-based U.S. subsidiary, Pebble Limited Partnership, is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 1,840 mineral claims in Southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit, located 200 miles from Anchorage and 125 miles from Bristol Bay. The Pebble Partnership is the proponent of the Pebble Project. For further details on Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Project, please visit the Company's website at www.northerndynastyminerals.com or contact Investor services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1- 800-667-2114. Public filings, which include forward looking information cautionary language and risk factor disclosure regarding the Company and the Pebble Project can be found in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca and in the United States at www.sec.gov. Ronald W. Thiessen President & CEO U.S. Media Contact: Dan Gagnier, Gagnier Communications (646) 569-5897 Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under applicable provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address permitting, development and production for the Pebble Project are forward-looking statements. These include statements regarding: (i) the ability of the Pebble Project to ultimately secure all required federal and state permits, (ii) if permitting is ultimately secured, the ability to demonstrate that the Pebble Project is commercially viable, (iii) the ability of the Company and/or the State of Alaska to challenge the EPA's Final Determination process under the Clean Water Act through legal actions; and (iv) the ability to secure the financing required to develop the Pebble Project. Although Northern Dynasty ("NDM") believes the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way be construed as guarantees that the Pebble Project will secure all required government and environmental permits or regarding the ability of NDM to develop the Pebble Projects in light of the USACE remand decision and EPA's Final Determination. Assumptions used by NDM to develop forward-looking statements include the following assumptions: (i) the Pebble Project will ultimately obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses and (ii) NDM will be successful in its legal action against the EPA and any action taken by the EPA in connection with the Final Determination will ultimately not be successful in restricting or prohibiting development of the Pebble Project; and (iii) NDM will be able to secure the financing required to develop the Pebble Project. NDM is also subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. Investors should also consider the risk factors identified in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed on SEDAR plus and included in the Company's annual report on Form 40-F filed by the Company with the SEC on EDGAR, and the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 and for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as filed on SEDAR plus and EDGAR, for a discussion of the risks that may impact our forward-looking statements. The National Environment Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement process requires a comprehensive "alternatives assessment" be undertaken to consider a broad range of development alternatives, the final project design and operating parameters for the Pebble Project and associated infrastructure may vary significantly from that currently contemplated. As a result, the Company will continue to consider various development options and no final project design has been selected at this time. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. SOURCE: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Northern Superior Resources Inc. ("Northern Superior" or the "Company") (TSXV:SUP)(OTCQB:NSUPF)(GR:D9M1) is pleased to announce the launch of a significant drilling campaign, with over 20,000 metres of expansion drilling, at the Philibert gold property, located only 9 km from IAMGOLD Corporation Ltd. ("IAMGOLD")'s Nelligan project, and 60 km southwest of Chibougamau, Quebec (the "Philibert Project": Northern Superior: 75%, SOQUEM: 25%[1]). This drilling campaign will look to expand mineralization mainly: i) along strike to the east and west, and ii) along the hanging wall trend north and down dip of the open pit resource and defined pit (see below for details). In addition, the Company is pleased to welcome to its Technical Committee Mr. Kelly Malcolm, former Vice-President Exploration of Amex Exploration Inc. and current President and Chief Executive Officer of Borealis Mining Company Ltd., and Mr. Will Randall, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Arena Minerals Inc. and current President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Gold Corp. Since completing a C$8 million bought deal equity financing entirely underwritten by Cormark Securities Inc. (see press releases dated May 10 and May 28, 2024), the Company has secured all necessary drilling permits, which were granted on August 2, 2024. These permits, valid until August 1, 2026, authorize drilling at a total of 140 drilling sites. The issuance of the permits followed consultations with the First Nations communities, the tallyman, and the local municipality, ensuring compliance with the process required for authorization of impact-causing exploration activities. Furthermore, the Company conducted a request for proposal process involving several service providers and ultimately selected Miikan Drilling Inc., a majority Cree-owned joint venture between the Ouje-Bougoumou First Nation, the Mistissini First Nation, and Chibougamau Diamond Drilling Ltd. Chibougamau Gold Camp The Chibougamau Gold Camp is rapidly emerging as one of the world's most exciting gold destinations. Not only are several gold resources within the camp reaching viable scales, but their complementary nature is amplifying the potential, making the development of this camp truly remarkable. Only two years ago, these critical assets (see table below) were divided amongst five different companies. Today, primarily due to Northern Superior's leadership, ownership has been streamlined, with only IAMGOLD and Northern Superior holding these assets. The proximity of these deposits to each other makes them ideally suited to feed a single mill, and their consolidation enhances their viability, thereby increasing their value. Below is a table showing the resources of the camp having been formalized to date. Note: see NI 43-101 information in notes 3, 4, 5, and 6 below. Drilling Campaign Highlights (See press release dated June 13, 2024, for a detailed review of the exploration strategy.) BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS: in 2023, the Company filed a transformational Mineral Resource Estimate (" MRE ") for the Philibert Project of 1,708,800 ounces of inferred mineral resource averaging 1.10 grams of gold per tonne, and 278,900 ounces of indicated mineral resource averaging 1.10 grams of gold per tonne; Impactful Program: Over 20,000 metres of expansion drilling planned for the next 8 months, i) along strike to the east and west and, ii) along the hanging wall trend north and down dip of the open pit resource and defined pit; Great Potential: Work conducted to date on the Philibert Project is based on only 3 km of mineralization while geophysics is indicative of an additional 4 km of mineralization spreading east and west of the resource ( see Figure 1 ); Expansion Drilling with Demonstrated Mineralization: Notable historic drill holes over 300 metres east of the current resource returned 2.17 g/t Au over 17.9 metres , and 1.66 g/t Au over 8.27 metres with both requiring further sampling (see Figure 1,2 and 3) ; Plan to Connect Mineralization: Historic drilling located over 1,500 metres southeast of the current resource (see Figure 1,2 and 3) returned 1.55 g/t Au over 26.0 metres starting at 72.5 metres , and 1.09 g/t Au over 13.7 metres with both drill holes requiring further sampling above and below the intersections; Great potential to the west: Approximately 300 metres west of the defined pit along the hanging wall trend returned 1.76 g/t Au over 7.0 metres, including 10.8 g/t Au over 1.0 metre starting at 162.5 metres from historical drilling. Other anomalous gold values were returned but require further sampling above and below the intersection. The western trend is defined by a linear magnetic anomaly interpreted to correspond to the gabbro host of Philibert extending on the property for over 2 km (see Figure 1,2 and 3) ; Strike extensions: Expansion drilling southeast of the Corsac Fox zone part of the interpreted hanging wall with an additional potential of 700 metres of strike extension (see Figure 1,2 and 3) ; great metallurgy: Further metallurgical testing is being planned for the eastern end of the pit to build on initial testing with flotation concentrate returning recoveries up to 95.6% (see press release dated July 6, 2023) ; and, Underground Potential: While the MRE published in 2023 did not include any of the underground potential, a previous study of the economic potential of the Philibert Project,[2] focused exclusively on underground resources from the western domains, with approximately 239,000 ounces at 5.68 g/t gold (see Figure 2). Such underground potential will be further explored, evaluated, and potentially included in a subsequent mineral resource estimate (see Figure 3). Figure 1: Plan view showing the resource classification over High Resolution Total Magnetic Intensity Map with arrows identifying possible structures to test for mineralization. Figure 2: Plan view showing the conceptual open pit and the pit-constrained block model; color coded Au g/t. Figure 3: Longitudinal view showing the conceptual open pit with block model filtered to 1.5 g/t Au, arrows identifying potential areas under the conceptual pit. Technical Committee Northern Superior is pleased to announce that Mr. Kelly Malcolm and Mr. Will Randall have joined its Technical Committee. Mr. Malcolm, a Professional Geologist, currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Borealis Mining Company Ltd. He previously held the position of Vice President of Exploration at Amex Exploration Inc., where he played a pivotal role in multiple gold discoveries. During his tenure, the company raised over $90 million and was honored as the Exploration Company of the Year at Mines & Money in 2022. Earlier in his career, Mr. Malcolm, alongside Adree DeLazzer (now Vice President of Exploration at Northern Superior), was instrumental in the discovery and delineation of Detour Gold's high-grade 58N gold deposit. Mr. Malcolm served as CEO, director, or advisor for several public and private resource-focused companies. He holds a B.Sc. in Geology and a B.A. in Economics Mr. Randall is a seasoned professional geologist with over 20 years of experience in the mining and mineral exploration industry. He currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Gold Corp. A pioneer in the lithium brine sector, Mr. Randall was instrumental in acquiring, discovering, and developing lithium projects in Argentina for Lithium-X Energy Corp. and Arena Minerals Inc. Approximately $70 million was raised for Lithium-X, which successfully advanced through resource development, feasibility studies, mine permitting, and initial construction, leading to its eventual $265 million all-cash sale. Subsequently, he spearheaded, as President and Chief Executive Officer, the development of Arena Minerals Inc., culminating in its acquisition by Lithium Americas Corp. in 2023 in a transaction valued at $227 million. Over his career, Mr. Randall has been pivotal in raising over $200 million and advancing multiple mining projects in collaboration with major corporations and national governments. He holds a BSc in Geology and an MSc in Economic Geology from the University of Toronto. Corporate Matters Following the execution of the contract with MIC Market Information & Content Publishing GmbH ("MIC") on July 10, 2024 (the "Effective date") (see press release dated July 15, 2024) to provide investor awareness services for a period of 6 months from the Effective Date, the Company announces having received and paid, on July 23, 2024, the related 150,000 invoice, which covers the entirety of the services to be rendered; the exchange rate on July 23, 2024 was 1 = C$1.496. No other compensation, direct or indirect, is to be paid by the Company to MIC as part of the agreement. The Company has filed a Form 3C with the TSX Venture Exchange on July 24, 2024, and paid the related fee. As part of the agreement, it is anticipated that MIC will develop advertising materials, including display ads and advertorials, and oversee the management and optimization of online advertising campaigns. All costs associated with these services are included in the payment made to MIC. No advertising or outreach has been deployed to date. About Northern Superior Resources Inc. Northern Superior is a gold exploration company focused on the Chibougamau Camp in Quebec, Canada. The Company has consolidated the largest land package in the region, with total land holdings currently exceeding 62,000 hectares. The main properties include Philibert, Lac Surprise, Chevrier and Croteau. Northern Superior also owns 72% of ONGold Resources Ltd. (TSXV:ONAU) which is advancing promising exploration assets in Northern Ontario, including the district scale TPK Project. The Philibert Project is located 9 km from IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan[3] Gold project which was awarded the "Discovery of the Year" by the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) in 2019. Philibert hosts a new maiden 43-101 inferred resource of 1,708,800 ounces Au and an indicated resource of 278,900 ounces of Au.[4] Northern Superior holds a majority stake of 75% in the Philibert Project, with the remaining 25% owned by SOQUEM, and retains an option to acquire the full 100% ownership of the project. Chevrier hosts an inferred mineral resource of 652,000 ounces Au (underground and open pit) and an indicated mineral resource of 260,000 ounces Au.[5] Croteau hosts an inferred mineral resource of 640,000 ounces Au.[6] Lac Surprise hosts the Falcon Zone Discovery, interpreted to be the western strike extension of IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Gold project. Northern Superior is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and trades on the TSXV under the symbol SUP and the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol NSUPF. For further information, please refer to the Company's website at www.nsuperior.com or the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About SOQUEM SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec, is dedicated to promoting the exploration, discovery, and development of mining properties in Quebec. SOQUEM also contributes to maintaining strong local economies. Proud partner and ambassador for the development of Quebec's mineral wealth, SOQUEM relies on innovation, research, and strategic minerals to be well-positioned for the future. Qualified Person The technical and scientific content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Ms. Melanie Pichon, P.Geo., Senior Geologist for Northern Superior. Ms. Pichon is not considered independent. Northern Superior Resources Inc. on Behalf of the Board of Directors Simon Marcotte, CFA, President and Chief Executive Officer Contact Information Katrina Damouni Director - Corporate Development Tel: +44 7795 128583 (Mobile/WhatsApp) info@nsuperior.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about the proposed transaction; and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward-looking information". Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward- looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of Northern Superior, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the ability of the parties to execute the proposed transaction. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the parties cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither party nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. Neither party undertakes, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. [1] Northern Superior has the option to acquire from Soquem the remaining 25% (in order to own 100%) of the Philibert Project for a cash payment of CAD$3.5 million. [2] Historical information: Roche Ltee., (1991) Economique, Propriete Philibert. Projet: 11044-001. [3] IAMGOLD reports increase in mineral reserves and resources at existing assets, with increase in resources at Gosselin; IAMGOLD Corporation News Release dated February 15, 2024; NI 43-101 technical report and maiden mineral resource estimate for the Monster Lake Project, Quebec, Canada, May 9, 2018, prepared by INNOVEXPLO for IAMGOLD. [4] Northern Superior announces 1,708,809 gold ounces in inferred category and 278,921 gold ounces in indicated category at 1.10 g/t in maiden NI 43-101 pit constrained resource estimate at Philibert; Northern Superior's press release dated August 08, 2023. [5] NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimation for the Chevrier Main Deposit, Chevrier Project Chibougamau, Quebec, Canada, October 20, 2021, Prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by Lions Gate Geological Consulting Inc. IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc. for Northern Superior. [6] Chalice Gold Mines Limited and Northern Superior Resources Inc. Technical Report on the Croteau Est Gold Project, Quebec, September 2015, Prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by Optiro Pty Ltd ("Optiro") to Chalice Gold Mines Limited and Northern Superior. SOURCE: Northern Superior Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Aurwest Resources Corporation ("Aurwest" or the "Company") (CSE:AWR) announces that Ms. Sonja Kuehnle has resigned from her position as Chief Financial Officer effective July 29, 2024. Ms. Kuehnle will provide advisory services for a period of time to support the Company and to ensure a smooth transition to the new interim Chief Financial Officer. "Ms. Kuehnle has been a valued member of our executive team since joining the Company in May of 2023", said Cameron MacDonald, interim President & Chief Executive Officer. On behalf of the Board, and our executive team, I want to thank Ms. Kuehnle for her dedication, many contributions and wish her continued success in her future endeavors". The Company has appointed Cameron MacDonald as the interim Chief Financial Officer and he will hold this position until a permanent replacement has been appointed. For Additional Information Cameron MacDonald Telephone: (403) 585-9875 Email: cmacdonald@aurwestresources.com Website: www.aurwestresources.com About Aurwest Resources Corporation Aurwest is a Canadian-based junior resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in Canada. The Company currently holds a 100% interest in the Stellar copper/gold project totaling 734 hectares plus an additional 3,762 hectares of contiguous claims at the Stars projects located approximately 65 kilometers southwest of Houston British Columbia. Forward-Looking Information Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements". Forward looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements may not materialize and that there are certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with the applicable laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Aurwest Resources Corporation View the original press release on accesswire.com Achieves Approximately 4% Sequential Increase in Revenue for Q2 2024 Compared to Q1 2024 Gross profit was $6.7M in Q2 2024 compared to $5.9M in Q2 2023, a 14.2% year-over-year increase 1847 Holdings LLC ("1847" or the "Company") (NYSE American:EFSH), a holding company specializing in identifying over-looked, deep value investment opportunities in middle market businesses, today provided a business update and reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. Mr. Ellery W. Roberts, CEO of 1847 Holdings, commented, "In Q2 2024, we achieved approximately 4% sequential revenue growth and a 14.2% year-over-year increase in gross profit, highlighting our effective efforts to optimize operations and improve cost efficiencies. As part of our ongoing strategy to strengthen the balance sheet, we recently eliminated $4.2 million of debt through the sale of ICU Eyewear, significantly enhancing our financial position. After we acquired ICU Eyewear, we were able to clean up the books, reinforce the infrastructure, and enhance the value of assets before strategically selling it in collaboration with our senior lender, demonstrating our successful private equity model. This transaction not only underscores our commitment to maintaining a robust financial foundation but also aligns with our long-term strategy of maximizing shareholder value. We remain dedicated to leveraging our strengths and exploring opportunities that will contribute to the long-term success and stability of our Company." "Our strategy remains centered on acquiring companies that provide value and generate positive cash flow, all while minimizing shareholder dilution. We believe we have a robust acquisition pipeline and are making significant progress on several potentially transformative strategic transactions. Notably, we are working to finalize a definitive agreement to acquire a leading manufacturer of millwork, cabinetry, and doors, which reported $28.6 million in revenue and substantial cash flow in 2023. We believe this acquisition represents an attractive opportunity for 1847, as we have negotiated favorable terms, and we believe we can successfully complete this transaction without the need for equity-based funding at this time." "Additionally, we are advancing with the sale of a division of 1847 Cabinets Inc., which we anticipate closing by mid-September 2024. This proposed sale marks a strategic milestone for 1847, demonstrating our ability to acquire, operate, and enhance the value of assets before divesting them. We believe this transaction will substantially strengthen our financial position, allowing us to strategically reallocate resources and capitalize on emerging opportunities both within and beyond our portfolio, with a long-term focus on maximizing shareholder value," concluded Mr. Roberts. Q2 2024 Financial Highlights Total revenues were $15,501,359 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to $17,362,093 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Revenues from the retail and eyewear segment decreased by $1,417,160, or 31.5%, to $3,076,901 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $4,494,061 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Revenues from the construction segment decreased by $182,524, or 1.6%, to $11,321,371 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $11,503,895 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Revenues from the automotive supplies segment decreased by $261,050, or 19.1%, to $1,103,087 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $1,364,137 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Total cost of revenues was $8,757,513 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to $11,456,303 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Cost of revenues for the retail and eyewear segment decreased by $2,008,943, or 58.6%, to $1,421,597 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $3,430,540 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Cost of revenues for the construction segment decreased by $589,226, or 8.2%, to $6,611,425 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $7,200,651 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Cost of revenues for the automotive supplies segment decreased by $100,621, or 12.2%, to $724,491 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $825,112 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Total general and administrative expenses were $2,395,880 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to $2,350,155 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Total professional fees were $1,847,073 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to $485,901 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Total operating expenses were $18,045,802 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to $17,807,363 for the three months ended June 30, 2023, resulting in a loss from operations of $2,544,443 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to a loss from operations of $445,270 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Net loss from continuing operations was $4,906,812 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to a net loss of $3,361,797 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Such change was primarily due to an increase of amortization of debt discounts by $2,145,775, an increase in loss on extinguishment of debt by $778,875, and an increase in loss on change in fair value of derivative liabilities of $1,290,563. About 1847 Holdings LLC 1847 Holdings LLC (NYSE American: EFSH), a publicly traded diversified acquisition holding company, was founded by Ellery W. Roberts, a former partner of Parallel Investment Partners, Saunders Karp & Megrue, and Principal of Lazard Freres Strategic Realty Investors. 1847 Holdings' investment thesis is that capital market inefficiencies have left the founders and/or stakeholders of many small business enterprises or lower-middle market businesses with limited exit options despite the intrinsic value of their business. Given this dynamic, 1847 Holdings can consistently acquire businesses it views as "solid" for reasonable multiples of cash flow and then deploy resources to strengthen the infrastructure and systems of those businesses in order to improve operations. These improvements may lead to a sale or IPO of an operating subsidiary at higher valuations than the purchase price and/or alternatively, an operating subsidiary may be held in perpetuity and contribute to 1847 Holdings' ability to pay regular and special dividends to shareholders. For more information, visit. For the latest insights, follow 1847 on Twitter. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain information about 1847 Holdings' view of its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on our management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future economic performance, taking into account the information currently available to it. These statements are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors, risks and uncertainties, some of which are not currently known to us, that may cause our actual results, performance or financial condition to be materially different from the expectations of future results, performance or financial position. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include but are not limited to the risks set forth in "Risk Factors" included in our SEC filings. Contact: Crescendo Communications, LLC Tel: +1 (212) 671-1020 Email: EFSH@crescendo-ir.com SOURCE: 1847 Holdings LLC View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Cisco Systems Inc. By Laura Quintana There are nearly half a billion Indigenous Peoples in 90 countries around the world. Indigenous Peoples are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people on the planet. The international community recognizes that special measures are required to protect Indigenous rights and to maintain their distinct cultures and ways of life.[i] To raise awareness of the issues Indigenous Peoples face, the UN has declared August 9 International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. Education is an equalizer At Cisco Networking Academy, we are proud to deliver curriculum and experiences that empower learners in 190 countries for a new education era.[ii] We know education is an equalizer. We work to elevate people of all backgrounds, and to bridge digital divides for underrepresented communities, opening them up to a world of opportunities to participate and contribute to evolving economies. I'd like to take this moment to share some inspiring stories of Indigenous individual and community elevation and empowerment through our Cisco Networking Academy community. Grasping opportunity with both hands Tallara[iii] (Tully) was born and raised in a small town called Yass, around 280km southwest of Sydney, Australia. "Being from the country I've only worked in retail jobs," she says. "At high school I got into hospitality just because that's easy work in Yass. There are lots of restaurants and things that's why I went into that." Tully's High school teacher, Trish, had moved on to a role at Kirra Services, a Supply Nation Certified Indigenous IT business that aims to increase opportunities for Indigenous participation in the IT industry. Trish recognized Tully's desire to help people, and suggested she join the Junior Cybersecurity Analyst[iv]?pathway program Kirra was facilitating. Tully jumped at the opportunity Since starting Tully has spent time helping remote Indigenous communities get online by traveling to an indigenous community at Lake Cargelligo, nearly 600km west of Sydney. "I have Indigenous heritage on my dad's side. It's been a big thing. And even just living in Yass you see the community having struggles with these sort of things," she says. "So it's been a big thing to be able to come out here, and obviously I can relate a little bit with them out here as well." "I think it would be obviously my goal to do this kind of community work," says Tully of her time at Lake Cargelligo. "It's so rewarding just to be with people-I love being with people-it's been really awesome." We are encouraged to hear that Tully is also now participating in a three-year project management traineeship. It's enthusiastic and well-trained young people like Tully who will help bridge the digital divide faced by remote rural and Indigenous communities in Australia, bringing connectivity and opportunities they may have never imagined existed. Transforming lives and preserving cultures About halfway around the world in Panama, a Cisco Networking Instructor Julio Lezcano[v] has devoted his career to getting Panamanians online-in the 1990s he was instrumental in getting Panama connected to the internet. But despite Panama's introduction to the internet in 1994 and the explosion in the use of mobile devices, the last World Bank data for Panama shows only?68 percent of the population[vi]?using the internet. In part, this is because traditional internet providers can't justify the costs of getting internet connections to remote communities. Julio, professor of Computer Networks at the Technological University of Panama (UTP), recognized that?Indigenous communities in the Chagres River Basin were close enough to Panama City to be tourist destinations, yet remote enough that they didn't have internet connectivity. He also recognized that a different internet service solution was ideal for these communities. At the first?Latin American Summit of Community Networks,[vii] held in September 2018, a definition of this different model was developed: "Community networks are networks owned and collectively managed by the community, non-profit and for community purposes; They are constituted as collectives, Indigenous communities or nonprofit civil society organizations, which exercise their right to communication, under principles of democratic participation of their members, equity, gender equality, diversity and plurality." On October 21, 2023, the Panama Chapter of Internet Sociedad (ISOC Panama), with the support of UTP launched the community networks of Tusipono and Parara Puru, Embera indigenous communities. "The objective of the community networks project in the Embera Indigenous communities of Panama is that the women and men of Tusipono and Parara Puru will build a self-managed wireless community network, whose main objective is to preserve and promote the Embera culture through the sustainability of artisans and entrepreneurs of ethnic tourism, because these activities are the main sources of income for the community," says Julio. Thirty years after succeeding in getting Panama connected to the internet, Julio continues to engage underrepresented communities to create personal empowerment, workforce opportunity, and stronger communities. Indigenous education for greater opportunity Dr Gabriella Arellano[viii]?pursued her lifelong ambition to get into education, enrolling to study for her master's degree at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. "I was accepted into a few graduate schools in California," she says. "But I wanted to go to school here so I could meet people." After graduating she was offered a teaching role at Standing Rock Reservation.?"I had never been to Standing Rock. I learned a lot about the community and the culture," she says. Gabriella went on to get certified as a college-level instructor, and qualified as a Cisco Networking Academy instructor as well. This led to a job at Sitting Bull Community College, a public tribal land-grant college founded by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. With a small student body of only around 300, the college faces challenges offering a broad range of courses. For this reason Sitting Bull College partnered with Turtle Mountain Community College and Stone Child Community College to develop a consortium to offer cybersecurity courses in rural tribal colleges in two different states.?It is a shared-resources model that helps provide students a broader range of opportunities. "It's really important for people-especially people who care about education-to know that there are rural community strategies to increase the access to opportunities for students. Education is evolving and there is always more to do. It has been inspiring to work with Cisco's technical leaders and business development team who have gone above and beyond to help us provide the best education to our students. It has impacted and changed many lives." Powering an inclusive future for all The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples[ix] stresses the importance of education for Indigenous empowerment. These diverse stories exemplify Cisco Networking Academy's potential to power inclusive futures for all, through learning and digital skills, including for Indigenous Peoples. Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy for Educators Sources [i] https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day [ii] https://www.cisco.com/c/m/en_us/about/csr/esg-hub/global/digital-skills.html#:~:text=Cisco%20Networking%20Academy,-Cisco%20Networking%20Academy&text=We%20aim%20to%20transform%20the,an%20inclusive%20future%20for%20all. [iii] https://www.netacad.com/careers/success-stories/opportunity-knocks-for-tallara-in-regional-australia [iv] https://skillsforall.com/career-path/cybersecurity?courseLang=en-US&utm_source=netacad.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=success-story [v] https://www.netacad.com/careers/success-stories/quest-to-connect-panama [vi] https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IT.NET.USER.ZS?locations=PA [vii] https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/doc/2018/community-networks-in-latin-america/ [viii] https://www.netacad.com/careers/success-stories/empowering-students-at-standing-rock-reservation [ix] https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com DDRCCC-24-062 ("Hole 62") returned 290.5 m of 1.10 g/t gold, including 105.0 m of 1.68 g/t gold and 34.5 m of 2.61 g/t gold DDRCCC-24-061 ("Hole 61") returned 206.0 m of 0.64 g/t gold including 27.0 m of 1.01 g/t gold and 1.0 m of 23.7 g/t gold Drilling continues to expand mineralization with persistent higher-grade gold values south of the Blackjack deposit Multiple occurrences of visible gold noted in DDRCCC-24-067 Second drill now turning at the Rhosgobel Intrusion target on newly acquired property Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce recently received assay results from the ongoing 2024 diamond drilling campaign at its road accessible RC Gold Project ("RC Gold" or the "Project") located approximately 100 km east of Dawson City in Yukon's prolific Tombstone Gold Belt. Results from DDRCCC-24-059, -060, -61 and 062 continue to demonstrate strong gold mineralization on the southern continuation of the Blackjack Zone. Assay highlights from this release include: DDRCCC-24-062: 291.5 m of 1.10 g/t gold from 236.0 m including 105.0 m of 1.68 g/t gold from 421.6 m 34.5 m of 2.61 g/t gold from 492.0 m 7.0 m of 4.41 g/t gold from 516.5 m DDRCCC-24-061: 206.0m of 0.64 g/t gold from 127.5 m including 9.8 m of 1.98 g/t gold from 139.0 m DDRCCC-24-060: 10.7 m of 0.73 g/t gold from 186.3 m and 29.0 m of 1.12 g/t gold from 246.0 m DDRCCC-24-059: 58.0 m of 0.79 g/t gold from 12.0 m including 39.0 m of 1.06 g/t gold from 33.0 m 2.0 m of 12.10 g/t gold from 68.0 m "Drilling continues to expand gold mineralization south of the Blackjack gold deposit with some of our highest-grade gold intercepts reported to date in Hole 62 which was collared 145 metres southeast of the current pit boundary and 185 metres south of Hole 31, the most southerly hole in the current published resource", stated Cor Coe, Director and CEO of Sitka Gold. "Step out drilling south of the Blackjack deposit shows that mineralization continues along the newly identified Blackjack Mineralized Corridor which has been traced for several kilometres to the south through the Pukelman West and Rhosgobel intrusions (see Figure 2). Results from recent drilling also demonstrate that gold mineralization appears to strengthen at depth, suggesting a fully preserved intrusion related gold system is present. With two drill rigs now turning we are looking forward to additional expansion drilling at our Blackjack deposit while we drill additional targets at RC Gold including drilling at Rhosgobel which is currently underway." Figure 1: Plan map of drilling at the Blackjack Deposit To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/220373_592354f9e4bb494e_001full.jpg Figure 2: Plan map showing multiple priority target areas across the recently consolidated Clear Creek Intrusive Complex. Drilling is currently underway to test the projection of higher-grade gold mineralization along the newly identified Blackjack Mineralized Corridor that follows the Blackjack Fault and extends for over 10 kilometres through the Saddle, Pukelman West and Rhosgobel Intrusive Stocks. Additional drilling to test other high-priority targets across this 8 km x 15 km area is also planned for this summer with drilling currently underway at the Rhosgobel Stock. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/220373_592354f9e4bb494e_002full.jpg Figure 3: Cross section of DDRCCC-24-062 (Hole 62) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/220373_592354f9e4bb494e_003full.jpg Figure 4: Cross section of DDRCCC-24-061 (Hole 61) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/220373_592354f9e4bb494e_004full.jpg Table 1: Drill hole assay highlights for this release Drillhole ID Easting Northing Azimuth () Dip () Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Length* (m) Au (g/t) DDRCCC-24-062 386841 7085161 035 -60 530.3 86.0 90.0 4.0 1.15 and 236.0 526.5 290.5 1.10 including 281.0 371.0 90.0 1.35 including 421.6 526.5 105.0 1.68 including 492.0 504.0 12.0 3.71 including 492.0 526.5 34.5 2.61 including 492.0 504.0 12.0 3.71 including 516.5 523.5 7.0 4.41 DDRCCC-24-061 396827 7085271 035 -55 412.0 127.5 333.5 206.0 0.64 including 139.0 166.0 27.0 1.01 including 139.0 148.8 9.8 1.98 including 213.0 214.0 1.0 23.70 including 239.0 256.5 17.5 1.01 including 275.0 297.5 22.5 0.88 including 324.5 333.5 9.0 1.45 DDRCCC-24-060 396951 7085350 125 -60 455.7 186.3 197.0 10.7 0.73 and 246.0 275.0 29.0 1.12 and 292.8 307.4 14.6 0.48 DDRCCC-24-059 396951 7085350 310 -60 153.9 12.0 70.0 58.0 0.79 and 33.0 72.0 39.0 1.06 including 68.0 70.0 2.0 12.10 *Intervals are drilled core length as insufficient drilling has been completed at this time to determine true widths. DDRCCC-24-062 was drilled to the northeast at an azimuth of 225 degrees and a dip of - 60 as a 70 m step-out to the southeast of mineralization encountered in hole DDRCCC-23-041 (292.0 m of 1.00 g/t gold, including 75.0 m of 2.05 g/t gold). The hole encountered altered metasedimentary rock until 25 m and then remained in dominantly MCQM with local inliers of strongly altered and silicified metasediments until intersecting a lamprophyre dyke at 526 m. The hole was terminated at 530 m. Quartz sulphide veins with local bismuthinite and scheelite occurred throughout the hole, but significantly increased in intensity starting at 270.0 m. Several instances of visible gold were noted starting at 76 m, but were most frequent in the latter part of the hole. The hole intersected 290.5 m of 1.10 g/t gold from 236.0 m depth with the bottom 105.0 m of the hole intersecting 1.68 g/t gold. DDRCCC24-061 was drilled to the northeast at an azimuth of 035 degrees and a dip of - 55 degrees to test the up section extension of mineralization returned from hole DDRCCC-23-041 (292.0 m of 1.00 g/t gold) The hole encountered strongly altered and silicified metasedimentary rock intruded by 1 to 10 metre (MCQM) dykes from the collar until 361.0 metres, where 7 metres of lamprophyre dyke were intersected. The altered metasediments were cross cut by a strong development of quartz veins that locally hosted arsenopyrite, scheelite and bismuthanite, with bismuthanite generally increasing down hole. Numerous instances of visible gold were noted in the quartz veins, usually with bismuthanite, representing the most abundant visible gold seen in the metasedimentary rocks in drilling to date (see news release dated July 15, 2024). The hole intersected 206.0 m of 0.64 g/t gold from a depth of 127.5 to 333.5 m. After the lamprophyre dyke, the hole encountered less altered metasediments with local quartz veins with arsenopyrite to the end of the hole at 411.5 m. Hole DDRCC24-060 was drilled to test the up section continuity of the gold mineralization encountered in holes DDRCCC-23-047, DDRCCC24-057 and DDRCCC24-058 (219.0 m of 1.31 g/t gold, 191.0 m of 1.16 g/t gold and 157.0 m of 1.47 g/t gold respectively). The hole intersected moderately to strongly altered metasediments intruded by metre scale MCQM dykes with both units crosscut by local arsenopyrite bearing quartz veins until the end of the hole at 455.7 m. MCQM was the dominant lithology from about 228.0 to 319.0 m with metre scale feldspar porphyry dykes also occurring in this section. Hole 060 intercepted numerous intersections of low to moderate gold mineralization throughout the hole, including 29.0 m of 1.12 g/t gold from 246.0 m, but is now interpreted to have passed slightly above and to the north of the main body of the mineralized Saddle Stock. Hole DDRCCC24-059 was drilled to the northwest at an azimuth of 315 degrees and a dip of -60 degrees to test the up section extension of mineralization encountered in DDRCCC-22-029 (116.0 m of 0.55 g/t gold including 19.0 m of 1.22 g/t gold). The hole intersected altered metasediments intruded by occasional 1 to 9 m thick megacrystic quartz monzonite (MCQM) dykes to its final length of 159.3 m. Both the metasediments and MCQM were crosscut by arsenopyrite bearing sheeted quartz veins. Better gold intercepts in the hole included 37.0 m of 1.11 g/t gold from 33.0 m and 2.0 m of 12.10 g/t gold from 68.0 m. Figure 5: Core from DDRCCC-24-060 showing an interval of strongly altered megracrystic quartz monzonite intersected by finer grained felsic dykes and abundant sheeted quartz veins that returned 1.21 g/t gold over 14 m. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/220373_592354f9e4bb494e_005full.jpg Figure 6: Core from DDRCCC-24-061 showing minor altered metasediments and strongly altered megracrystic quartz monzonite intersected by finer grained felsic dykes and abundant sheeted quartz veins that returned 1.98 g/t gold over 9.8 m. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/220373_592354f9e4bb494e_006full.jpg Figure 7: Core from DDRCCC-24-061 representing an interval of strongly silicified and altered metasedimentary rock that returned 1.09 g/t gold over 9.9 m. The orange survey tape marks locations of visible gold. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/220373_592354f9e4bb494e_007full.jpg Figure 8: Core from DDRCCC-24-062 showing minor altered metasediments (top of photo) and strongly altered megracrystic quartz monzonite intersected by finer finer grained felsic dykes and abundant sheeted quartz veins that returned 2.38 g/t gold over 14.5 m. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/220373_592354f9e4bb494e_008full.jpg Figure 9: Examples of visible gold observed in DDRCCC-24-067 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/220373_592354f9e4bb494e_009full.jpg Exploration Update To date in 2024, the company has completed 10 diamond drill holes in the Blackjack zone for a total of approximately 5,050 metres of a 15,000 metre planned diamond drill program for 2024. The company currently has two diamond drills active on the property, one continuing the Blackjack Resource expansion program and one conducting the first ever diamond drill hole on the Rhosgobel target since initial reverse circulation drilling in 1995 by Kennecott. Drilling at the Blackjack Zone continues to intercept visible gold with several instances of visible gold observed in Hole 67 (see Figures 9). About the flagship RC Gold Project The RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine - Yukon's newest gold mine which reached commercial production in the summer of 2020 - and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine. On January 19, 2023 Sitka Gold announced an Initial Mineral Resource Estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") guidelines for the RC Gold Property of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1). The road accessible, pit constrained Mineral Resource is classified as inferred and is contained in two zones: The Blackjack and Eiger deposits. Both of these deposits are at/near surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022). The Mineral Resource estimate is presented in the following table at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au: RC Gold Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate COG g/t Au Blackjack Zone Eiger Zone Combined Tonnes 000's Au g/t 0z Au 000's Tonnes 000's Au g/t 0z Au 000's Tonnes 000's Au g/t 0z Au 000's 0.20 35,798 0.80 921 32,523 0.45 471 68,321 0.63 1,391 0.25 33,743 0.83 900 27,362 0.50 440 61,105 0.68 1,340 0.30 31,282 0.88 885 22,253 0.55 393 53,535 0.74 1,279 0.35 29,065 0.92 860 17,817 0.60 344 46,882 0.80 1,203 0.40 26,975 0.96 833 14,506 0.66 308 41,481 0.86 1,140 Notes Mineral resource estimate prepared by Ronald G. Simpson of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 19, 2023. Mineral Resources are classified using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. The cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au is believed to provide a reasonable margin over operating and sustaining costs for open-pit mining and processing Mineral resources are constrained by an optimised pit shell using the following assumptions: US$1800/oz Au price; a 45 pit slope; assumed metallurgical recovery of 85%; mining costs of US$2.00 per tonne; processing costs of US$8.00 per tonne; G&A of US$1.50/t. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Totals may not sum due to rounding. To date, 66 diamond drill holes have been drilled into this system by the Company for a total of approximately 25,012 metres including 16 drill holes totalling 6,515 metres completed in 2023 focused on expanding the initial resource. The drilling in 2023 produced results of up to 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 at Blackjack (see news release dated September 26, 2023). (1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory RC Gold Deposit Model Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the Florin Gold deposit, located adjacent to Sitka's RC Gold project, with a current Inferred Mineral Resource of 170.99 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t (2.47 million ounces; Simpson 2021)(4) and the AurMac Project with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 347.49 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (7.00 million ounces)(5). (1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf (2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf (3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022.pdf (4) Simpson R. Florin Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report. Geosim Services Inc. April 21, 2021. https://sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=24&issuerNo=00005795&issuerType=03&projectNo=03236138&docI d=4984158 (5) Thornton T., Jutras M., Malhotra D. Technical Report Aurmac Property Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada. JDS Energy and Mining Inc. February 6, 2024. https://banyangold.com/site/assets/files/5251/banyan_gold_ni_43-101_technical_report_2024_03_18.pdf Upcoming Events Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*: Precious Metals Summit, Beaver Creek, Colorado: September 10 - 13, 2024 Red Cloud Fall Mining Showcase, Toronto, Ontario: October 16 - 17, 2024 Yukon Geoscience, Whitehorse, Yukon: November 17 - 20, 2024 *All events are subject to change. About Sitka Gold Corp. Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently exploring its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut. The Company recently announced an NI 43-101 compliant initial inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1) beginning at surface and grading 0.68 g/t at its RC Gold Project in Yukon (see news release dated January 19, 2023). (1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory *For more detailed information on the underlying properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cor Coe, P.Geo., Director and CEO of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SITKA GOLD CORP. "Donald Penner" President and Director For more information contact: Donald Penner President & Director 778-212-1950 dpenner@sitkagoldcorp.com or Cor Coe CEO & Director 604-817-4753 ccoe@sitkagoldcorp.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions and the Company's anticipated work programs. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220373 SOURCE: Sitka Gold Corp. HB Holding N.V. Eindhoven Invitation to Annual General Meeting (AGM) HB Holding N.V. (the "Company") with its registered office in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, KVK Nummer: 7971027 and with business address Croy 7C, 5653 LC Eindhoven, the Netherlands, invites shareholders to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Company. The Annual General Meeting will be held at the offices of Schut van Os Notarissen at De Lairessestraat 20, 1071 PA Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 30 August 2024 at 13:00 and will be held in English. The agenda for the meeting is as follows: A. Opening B. Presentation of the annual financial statements and report of the Supervisory Board for the financial year ended 31 December 2023. Note: The past financial year was a short financial year from 1 June to 31 December 2023 C. Resolutions relating to the annual financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 a. Proposal to approve that the annual financial statements (geconsolideerde jaarrekening) and the management report/directors" report (bestuursverslag) of the company are drawn up in English b. Proposal to approve the annual financial statements of the company for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 (voting item). c. Proposal for the appropriation of earnings for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 (voting item). D. Resolution on discharge a. Proposal to discharge the Executive Board (bestuur) for the performance of its duties during the financial year ended 31 December 2023 (voting item). b. Proposal to discharge the Supervisory Board (raad van commissarissen) for the performance of its duties during the financial year ended 31 December 2023 (voting item). E. Miscellaneous The agenda and the explanatory notes will be available for inspection from the date of this announcement until the end of the Annual General Meeting at the company's administrative office, Croy 7C, 5653 LC Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and in the Investor Relations section of the company's website (www.hbroen.com). Participation Only those shareholders who have registered prior to the Annual General Meeting and who have proven their authorisation to participate are allowed to attend the Annual General Meeting. Registration must be in text form, must be in German or English and must be received by the company at least four days before the Annual General Meeting, i.e. no later than 26 August 2024, 24:00 hours (CEST), at the following address or e-mail address HB Holding N.V. Post: PO Box 31268, 6503 CG Nijmegen, The Netherlands E-Mail: info@hbroen.com Shareholders will receive a registration certificate (deposit confirmation) together with the deposit number by e-mail or post. Shareholders will be admitted to the meeting if they present the number of their deposit certificate, which serves as identification when registering. Each shareholder may appoint a proxy to attend the Annual General Meeting on their behalf by granting them such a right in a written authorisation. Authorisation can be granted either by e-mail to the company (info@hbroen.com) or by a power of attorney on the reverse of the deposit number. HB Holding N.V., Eindhoven For the Supervisory Board, Michael Abele, Chairman of the Supervisory BoardFor the Executive Board, Henri Broen Chief Executive Officer (CEO) STATEMENT ON THE AGENDA AND RECOMMENDATION B. Report of the Executive Board for the financial year ended 31 December 2023. The company's Executive Board (bestuur) will give a presentation on the company's performance in the past financial year, ended 31 December 2023. Shareholders will then be invited to discuss this performance (as described in more detail in the company's annual financial statements). The company presents its annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2023. The annual financial statements, the Directors" report and other related information required by Article 2:392 of the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek, DCC) are available for inspection at the company's offices at Croy 7C, 5653 LC Eindhoven, the Netherlands, from the date of this notice until the end of the meeting as well as on the company's website at www.hbroen.com/hauptversammIung Shareholders can request a printout of the documents free of charge. C. Resolution on the annual financial statements for financial year 2023. Voting item 1 Pursuant to Article 2:391 of the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek; DCC), the management report of a Dutch company must be drawn up in Dutch, unless the General Meeting of Shareholders approves the use of another language. The company therefore requests the shareholders' approval to prepare the annual financial statements and management report in English. Voting item 2 Pursuant to Article 2:101 paragraph 3 of the DCC, the Annual General Meeting is the body authorised to adopt the company's Dutch annual financial statements. It is proposed that the shareholders approve the Dutch statutory annual accounts of the company for the financial year ending 31 December 2023. With regard to the availability of the underlying documents, please refer to the commentary in section A. Voting item 3 The Executive Board proposes the net loss carried forward to new account. D. Resolution on discharge Voting items 4 and 5 With these voting items, the actions of all current members of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board are approved. The Executive Board and Supervisory Board propose that discharge be granted to the members of the Executive Board (bestuur) for the financial year ending 31 December 2023 (voting item 4). The Executive Board and Supervisory Board propose that discharge be granted to the members of the Supervisory Board (raad van commissarissen) for the financial year ending 31 December 2023 (voting item 5). HB Holding N.V. Croy 7C 5653 LC Eindhoven The Netherlands CHICAGO, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric Vehicle (EV) Market is projected to grow from USD 396.4 billion in 2024 to USD 620.3 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.7%, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. A combination of environmental, economic and technological factors is propelling the global market for electric vehicles to grow at an unprecedented rate. In order to reduce emissions, consumer's demand as well as strict governmental regulation aimed at reducing emissions has made people and manufacturers adopt more sustainable modes of transport. The improvement in battery technology has improved the performance, range and charging efficiency of electric vehicles making them more practical and attractive. Such developments and significant investments by major automakers alongside startups are driving the global uptake of EVs. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=209371461 Browse in-depth TOC on "Electric Vehicle Market" 273 - Tables 109 - Figures 440 - Pages Electric Vehicle Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 USD 396.4 billion Estimated Value by 2030 USD 620.3 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% Market Size Available for 2019-2030 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Component, Vehicle Type, Vehicle Class, Propulsion, Vehicle Drive Type, E/E Architecture, Top Speed, Charging Point Type, Vehicle Connectivity, End Use, and Region Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Middle East & Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Rapid Investment in Charging Infrastructure Key Market Drivers Advancement in Battery Technology Rising Demand for Enhanced Performance and Fast Charging Will Support the Market Growth. 800-volt architecture is built with a voltage that has a range, not fixed battery voltage which is typically between 600V and 900V. One can find electric vehicles with an 800V architecture on the market, but only a handful of brands currently produce them. 800V EVs, offering better mileage and faster charging, can command higher prices and gain a competitive edge over 400V models by enhancing the customer experience. 800V has advantages in efficiency and also in the weight of the system. The investment in new components and setup of supply chain causes high initial costs but there will be a decrease in price to low price range as more manufacturers adopt it. The 800V system improves taking by less current which makes cables thinner, small electric equipment thus lower car weights and thermal energy losses. This structure improves battery endurance and electric power delivery helping fast charging through increased DC voltages. Consequently, the effectiveness cost will be increased as 800V technology prevalence increases which makes it attractive for electric vehicle (EV) makers who want to have improved performance together with effectiveness. The commercial use of electric vehicles is expected to show significant growth during the forecast period. The electric vehicle revolution is not only transforming personal mobility but is also rapidly altering the merchant shipping landscape. Companies are increasingly turning to EVs in order to cut costs, meet sustainability goals and comply with stringent environmental regulations. This shift is reflected in many industries, including logistics, public transport, utilities and retail. Fuel costs for EVs are significantly lower in comparison to gasoline-or diesel-powered vehicles. Fewer moving parts and no oil changes also mean less maintenance is required, dropping the ultimate cost of using them. The adoption of EVs has become increasingly attractive to businesses so as to meet corporate sustainability goals because fewer resources will be consumed under stringent environmental regulations since this is an important global course that will deal with climatic changes. The transportation and distribution industry is first in the transition to modern logistics systems. Electric cargo vehicles and trucks are heavily being invested in by prominent companies like Amazon (US), Go2 Delivery (US), UPS (US) and DHL (Germany) to enhance their fleet's efficiency and sustainability. In following 2024 year, Canoo Inc., a cutting-edge advanced mobility firm announced that Go2 Delivery had signed contract for purchase of five fully electric commercial delivery vans with an option of additional purchase of 85 soon after. Moreover, November 2023 marked the launch of Amazon's fleet plan with wholly custom designed EVs for the first time in India making it easier for DSPs' last mile deliveries who require secure quality at zero-emission vehicles. Europe is expected to become second largest growing market in size for electric vehicle during the forecast period. The market of electric vehicles in the European countries has been growing recently due to factors such as enhancing environmental consciousness, standard regulatory norms on emissions and several attractive financial incentives offered by the European governments. Along with Europe's goal to center the transformation of transportation globally, the use of electric vehicles has grown quickly, going for battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). Present day leaders such as Norway, Germany, United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands are among the global leaders in advocating for change by providing targets on when they will ban ICE vehicles, advocating for clean energy solutions. This has been further fuelled by the recent emerging issues that has help spur the market in Europe. The availability of charging points has significantly determined this aspect, with massive contributions from the public and private entities to provide a reach of good and quick charging stations. Advancements in batteries have also formed a part of this equation with increased ranges, shorter charging time and lower costs have also led consumers towards EVs. Also, the growing number of low-emission zones and urban restrictions for polluting vehicles across the major European cities is forcing the trends towards electromobility. Large manufacturers are already rolling out electrification strategies across the Old World. in the automotive industry, the Volkswagen Group could be cited for example, as committing a lot of capital on its ID. series are also part of this strategy and one of Volkswagen's ambitious goals is the complete climate-neutral company by 2050. According to some claims, the Mercedes-Benz brand has drawn an ambition to sell over 50% of the world's electric cars by 2030 with more practical investment in new electric models and battery. Moreover, for electrification, the other significant automakers like Renault, Stellantis (Peugeot and Citroen), as well as Hyundai are also engaging in this process to produce a variety of electric vehicles (EVs) for use by different consumers in order also to facilitate Europe's green transition. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=209371461 Electric Vehicle Market Dynamics: Drivers: Advancement in Battery Technology Restraints: Battery Longevity and Replacement Costs Opportunities: Rapid Investment in Charging Infrastructure Challenge: Lack of Standardization of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Key Market Players Electric Vehicle Industry: Prominent players in the Electric Vehicle Market include as BYD (China), Tesla (US), Volkswagen AG (Germany), Geely-Volvo (China), and SAIC Motors (China). The break-down of primary participants is as mentioned below: By Company Type: OEMs - 30%, Tier I - 60%, Tier II & III - 10%, OEMs - 30%, Tier I - 60%, Tier II & III - 10%, By Designation: CXOs - 35%, Managers- 50%, Executives- 15% CXOs - 35%, Managers- 50%, Executives- 15% By Region: North America- 20%, Europe - 20%, Asia Pacific- 50% and Middle East & Africa - 10% Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=209371461 Electric Vehicle Industry Recent Developments: In June 2024, BYD launched its third electric vehicle, BYD SEAL, in Japan. The retail pricing for the rear-wheel-drive version of the vehicle in the country is 5.28 million yen (USD 33,111.75). In June 2024, Volkswagen announced an investment of up to USD 5 billion in the US electric vehicle maker Rivian as part of a new, equally controlled joint venture to share electric vehicle architecture and software. In April 2024, Tesla launched Model 3 Performance, a high-performance version of Tesla's popular electric sedan Model 3. It has 510 horsepower (up from 455), 296 miles of estimated driving range, an adaptive suspension system, a dedicated Track driving mode, upgraded brakes, sport seats, and a staggered wheel and tire setup. Electric Vehicle Market Size - Key Benefits of Buying the Report: The report will help market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of revenue numbers for the overall electric vehicle market and its subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to better position their businesses and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. This report provides insights on: Analysis of key drivers (Government incentives for electrification, Lower operating costs, Advancement in Battery Technology, Lower emissions), restraints (High upfront costs of electric vehicles, High initial investments for installing EV fast charging infrastructure, Battery Longevity and Replacement Costs), opportunities (Rapid Investment in charging infrastructure, Advancement in wireless EV charging technology for on-the-go charging, Use of EVs for fleets and commercial applications), and challenges (Longer Charging Time,Lack of standardization of EV charging infrastructure) (Government incentives for electrification, Lower operating costs, Advancement in Battery Technology, Lower emissions), restraints (High upfront costs of electric vehicles, High initial investments for installing EV fast charging infrastructure, Battery Longevity and Replacement Costs), opportunities (Rapid Investment in charging infrastructure, Advancement in wireless EV charging technology for on-the-go charging, Use of EVs for fleets and commercial applications), and challenges (Longer Charging Time,Lack of standardization of EV charging infrastructure) Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the electric vehicle market Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the electric vehicle market Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the electric vehicle market across varied regions. Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the electric vehicle market across varied regions. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the electric vehicle market Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the electric vehicle market Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies and service offerings of leading players like BYD (China), Tesla (US), Volkswagen AG (Germany), Geely-Volvo (China), SAIC Motors (China), and among others in the electric vehicle market. In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies and service offerings of leading players like BYD (China), Tesla (US), Volkswagen AG (Germany), Geely-Volvo (China), SAIC Motors (China), and among others in the electric vehicle market. Strategies: The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the electric commercial vehicle market and provides them information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. Related Reports: EV Charging Station Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Wireless Charging Market - Global Forecast to 2030 EV Connector Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Electric Commercial Vehicle Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Get access to the latest updates on Electric Vehicle Companies and Electric Vehicle Industry Growth 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. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/electric-vehicle-market-worth-620-3-billion-by-2030--marketsandmarkets-302225125.html R&S Group Holding AG / Key word(s): Half Year Results R&S Group reports strong H1 operational performance with an adjusted EBIT margin of 23.2% 19-Aug-2024 / 17:45 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR R&S Group reports strong H1 operational performance with an adjusted EBIT margin of 23.2% H1 2024 EBIT of CHF 24.0 million (equals an EBIT margin of 21.8%) and adjusted EBIT of CHF 25.5 million, up 41% compared to adjusted EBIT H1 2023, corresponds to an EBIT margin of 23.2% Net profit of CHF 12.1 million, impacted by non-recurring tax payment of CHF 3.7 million Record order backlog of CHF 218 million testimony of positive market momentum 19 August 2024 - R&S Group Holding AG (SIX: RSGN) today announced further key figures (unaudited) for the first half-year (H1) 2024. As previously reported, H1 2024 net sales amounted to CHF 109.9 million, corresponding to an organic growth of 15% when adjusting H1 2023 for the sale of SERW, the divested high-voltage switches business in the Czech Republic. H1 2024 order intake of CHF 141.0 million, an increase of 18%, and a record order backlog of CHF 218.2 million as of 30 June 2024 are testimony to the positive momentum in R&S Group's focus markets. Operating performance in H1 2024 was above expectations with an adjusted EBIT of CHF 25.5 million, equivalent to an adjusted EBIT margin of 23.2%. This compares to an adjusted EBIT of CHF 18.1 million and an adjusted EBIT margin of 19.0%, respectively, in H1 2023, an adjusted EBIT increase of 41%. Higher than expected tax expenses due to a non-recurring tax payment of CHF 3.7 million relating to prior tax periods had a negative impact on H1 2024 net profit, which amounted to adjusted CHF 17.3 million compared to adjusted CHF 14.2 million in H1 2023. Adjusted free cash flow amounted to CHF 7.5 million in H1 2024, compared to CHF -1.9 million (adjusted) in the prior half-year period. Following the dividend payment of CHF 6.9 million and a repayment of financial liabilities in the amount of CHF 7 million in H1 2024, the net financial position as of 30 June 2024 amounted to CHF 5.1 million. The balance sheet contains a strong liquidity position of CHF 44 million as of 30 June 2024 and 1 million treasury shares at an actual market value of around CHF 14 million. The company will host a conference for analysts, investors and the media in Zurich on 20 August 2024, at 11.00 CEST, St. Peterstrasse 19, 8001 Zurich. A pre-registration by e-mail is appreciated. Alternatively, the conference can be joined online via Teams Call (LINK) . The H1 2024 financial report including the full financial statements will be published on 11 September 2024. Consolidated key figures in MCHF H1 2023 reported H1 2023 adjusted 1 H1 2024 reported 1 H1 2024 adjusted Change in adjusted figures Order intake 133.3 119.3 141.0 141.0 18% Order backlog 188.1 174.6 218.2 218.2 25% Net sales 103.0 95.4 109.9 109.9 15% Operating result (EBIT) 18.6 18.1 24.0 25.53 41% as percent of net sales 18.1% 19.0% 21.8% 23.2% +1.4pps Net profit 14.5 14.2 12.1 17.32,3 22% Free cash flow -2. 4 -1.9 5.5 7.52 n/a Net financial position 2.5 2.5 5.1 5.1 104% 1 without figures of plant in Czech Republic (SERW), which was divested on 5 Dec. 2023 2 excluding subsequent tax payment in Italy of 3.7 MCHF (cash impact of 2 MCHF for H1 2024) 3 excluding M&A costs of 1.5 MCHF Calendar 2024 11 September 2024 half-year report 31 October Capital Markets Day Contact Investor and Media Relations Doris Rudischhauser Phone: +41 79 410 81 88 Email: investors@the-rsgroup.com About R&S Group R&S Group Holding AG's ("R&S Group", the "company") operating headquarters are located in Sissach/BL, Switzerland. With six manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Italy, Poland and the Middle East, R&S Group serves its domestic and various European export markets with small and medium power and distribution transformers and other components in the utility, infrastructure and industrial sectors. The company has been successfully positioned to benefit from the accelerating demand for energy production and distribution, driven by the global trend towards decarbonization. R&S Group has been listed on SIX Swiss Exchange on 13 December 2023 under the ticker symbol RSGN following its successful business combination with VT5 Acquisition AG, a previously Swiss-listed Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). Further information about the R&S Group can be found at www.the-rsgroup.com . Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning R&S Group Holding AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of R&S Group Holding AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. R&S Group Holding AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional features: File: R&S Group reports strong H1 operational performance with an adjusted EBIT margin of 23.2% End of Inside Information Metall Zug AG / Key word(s): Half Year Results EBIT leap in a challenging first half-year thanks to gain from the SteelcoBelimed joint venture 19-Aug-2024 / 06:40 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange Zug, August 19, 2024 The Metall Zug Group posted net sales of CHF 181.2 million in the first half of 2024 (previous year: CHF 228.4 million). Thanks to the gain of CHF 66.6 million in connection with the joint venture between Belimed and Steelco, the opeRating result (EBIT) rose to CHF 60.4 million (previous year: CHF 6.9 million). The financial result amounted to CHF -1.4 million (previous year: CHF 8.7 million) and net income stood at CHF 56.6 million (previous year: CHF 12.6 million). The Metall Zug Group achieved another milestone in the first half of 2024, which was again challenging. The new joint venture SteelcoBelimed commenced operations on June 7, 2024, after the clearance of the respective relevant authorities was granted and the transaction was closed. The teams of Belimed Infection Control, the Belimed Life Science Group and the Steelco Group are now working on the specific target picture with regard to the offering and organizational structure. Metall Zug remains invested in the combined company in the long term and holds a 33% stake in SteelcoBelimed. Belimed Infection Control and the Belimed Life Science Group were fully consolidated in the consolidated financial statements of the Metall Zug Group until June 7, 2024. Since then, Metall Zug AGs share in the net income of the SteelcoBelimed Group has been reported in the financial result of Metall Zug AG. Metall Zug generated a one-off and EBIT-relevant book gain of CHF 66.6 million from the transaction. The Metall Zug Group posted net sales of CHF 181.2 million in the first half of 2024 (previous year: CHF 228.4 million), whereas the Belimed divestment effect accounted for a decline of CHF 19.9 million in total. At CHF 60.4 million, EBIT recorded a significant leap compared to the prior-year period of CHF 6.9 million. This is a result of the book gain of CHF 66.6 million from the combination of Belimed (Infection Control and Life Science) with Steelco. Adjusted for this one-time effect, EBIT declined by CHF 13.2 million. The main reason for this is the significantly lower operating result of Medical Devices. The financial result amounted to CHF -1.4 million (previous year: CHF 8.7 million) and includes the proportional net income of the V-ZUG Group (30% share), the Komax Group (25% share) and, since June 7, 2024, the SteelcoBelimed Group (33% share). Net income rose considerably to CHF 56.6 million (previous year: CHF 12.6 million). Despite negative EBIT (before the book gain), it was possible to generate a positive cash flow from operating activities amounting to CHF 6.7 million (previous year: CHF 6.9 million) thanks to the reduction of net working capital. The equity ratio rose to 80.5% (December 31, 2023: 75.5%). Net sales in the Medical Devices Business Unit amounted to CHF 81.6 million in the first half of 2024, which was below the same period in prior-year of CHF 93.9 million. Taking currency effects into account, this corresponds to an organic decline in sales of -11.8%. This is mainly due to the Simulation and Biometry areas, where demand was down year-on-year. On the other hand, there was a noticeable recovery in order intake in the US market and a positive development in the area of General Diagnostics, although this will only be reflected in sales in the second half of the year. As a result of lower sales volume and due to increased investments in Marketing & Sales and Research & Development, EBIT amounted to CHF 2.4 million in the first half of 2024, which is well below the prior-year figure of CHF 12.6 million. Cost savings in other areas could only compensate for this to a limited extent. In the Infection Control Business Unit, demand normalized compared to previous years. Nevertheless, due to a low order backlog at the beginning of the year, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 68.7 million, which is below the previous year's level of CHF 88.5 million. However, Belimed reached pleasing growth in the Digital business area, driven by the more than 1 000 devices now connected to the SmartHub digital platform and moderate growth in the Service and Consumables business areas. Taking into account the divestment effect amounting to CHF -14.9 million and excluding currency effects totaling CHF -1.9 million, this translates to a -3.5% decline in organic sales. At CHF -3.9 million, EBIT for the first half of 2024 is above the prior-year level of CHF -4.4 million. Despite optimizations to the cost structure, EBIT again fell short of the profit zone owing to the decline in sales. In the first half of 2024, the Technologycluster & Infrastructure Business Unit made progress in the development of real estate projects, the site network and infrastructure. Although construction costs increased, putting pressure on project budgets, the Business Unit was able to increase EBIT from CHF 0.8 million to CHF 1.7 million in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. Milestones in the development of the site in the first half of 2024 were the laying of the foundation stone for the SHL-Sudtor project, the resumption of project planning in connection with the Pi timber high-rise and the opening of KunstCluster Zug in the Hall 11 on the Tech Cluster Zug site that became vacant. The sustainability projects financed by the Greenhouse Gas Fund are also progressing according to plan. The Reporting Segment Others posted net sales of CHF 32.8 million in the first half of the year (previous year: CHF 50.1 million) and EBIT of CHF 60.2 million (previous year: CHF -2.1 million). The significant increase in the operating result is primarily a result of the aforementioned book gain amounting to CHF 66.6 million from the combination of Belimed and Steelco. Belimed Life Science recorded a decline in demand in the sterilizer division and was confronted with scheduling challenges in processing the project pipeline in the washer division as well as with project delays on the part of some customers. As a result, Belimed Life Science generated significantly lower net sales than in the same period of the previous year and the operating result fell into the negative zone. The Gehrig Group increased net sales compared to the previous year, despite the challenging market environment and the discontinuation of the Care and Hygiene divisions in 2023 and the Coffee division at the beginning of this year. The increase can be attributed in particular to the positive developments in the Customer Service and Thermal cooking divisions. However, due to additional costs in connection with the discontinuation of Coffee division and for ongoing digitization projects, the Gehrig Group failed to achieve a positive operating result. Outlook It is difficult to issue a guidance for the second half of 2024, particularly due to the economical and political uncertainties. Order intake in the Medical Devices Business Unit increased slightly in the first half of 2024 compared to the prior-year period, thus a slight increase in sales can be expected for the second half of the year. Owing to the continuing high cost base in the area of research and development, the Metall Zug Group's overall operating result (EBIT) is expected to remain flat in the second half of the year. Key figures of the Metall Zug Group With regard to the comparability of the income statement and the cash flow statement, it should be taken into account that in 2024 only the net sales and EBIT contributions of Belimed Infection Control and Belimed Life Science up to the deconsolidation date, June 7, 2024, were included. In addition, the previous year's figures were adjusted (restatement). Detailed explanations are available in the notes to the financial report for the first half of 2024. Balance Sheet Assets Liabilities and shareholders' equity CHF million 06.30.2024 12.31.2023 restated CHF million 06.30.2024 12.31.2023 restated Current assets 133.5 236.7 Current liabilities 103.2 150.2 Of which cash and cash equivalents 17.1 29.6 Non-current liabilities 17.5 18.7 Tangible assets 156.9 169.6 Total liabilities 120.8 168.8 Financial assets 326.1 279.2 Shareholders equity 497.4 520.0 Intangible assets 1.6 3.4 in % of total assets 80.5% 75.5% Fixed assets 484.6 452.1 Total assets 618.1 688.9 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 618.1 688.9 Income Statement Statement of Cash Flow CHF million H1 2024 H1 2023 restated CHF million H1 2024 H1 2023 restated Net sales 181.2 228.4 Cashflow from operating activities 6.7 6.9 Operating income (EBIT) 60.4 6.9 in % of net sales 33.3% 3.0% Cashflow from investing activities -18.6 -7.8 Financial result -1.4 8.7 Income before taxes 58.9 15.6 of which investments (w/o financial assets, M&A) -14.8 -21.4 Net income 56.6 12.6 in % of net sales 31.2% 5.5% Cashflow from financing activities -1.5 0.1 Employees (FTE) 990 2312 About the Metall Zug Group Metall Zug is a group of industrial companies headquartered in Zug. The Group has around 1,000 employees and comprises three Business Units: Medical Devices (Haag-Streit Group) Technologycluster & Infrastructure (Tech Cluster Zug AG, Urban Assets Zug AG) Others (Gehrig Group AG and Metall Zug) In addition, Metall Zug holds anchor participations in the listed V-ZUG Holding AG (30%), the listed Komax Holding AG (25%) and SteelcoBelimed AG (33%), a joint venture with Miele. The holding company Metall Zug AG is listed in the Swiss Reporting Standard of SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (type B registered shares: securities number 3982108, ticker symbol METN). Legal Notes The expectations expressed in this announcement are based on assumptions. Actual results may vary from those anticipated. This announcement is published in German and English. The German version is binding. Metall Zug AG processes personal data in accordance with its privacy statement available under: https://www.metallzug.ch/en/datenschutzerklaerung. Key dates March 25, 2025 Publication of Annual Report 2024 / Earnings Conference May 9, 2025 Ordinary Annual General Meeting of Shareholders 2025 August 25, 2025 Publication of Half-year Report 2025 Further information Urs Scherrer Chief Financial Officer Phone: +41 58 768 60 50 Bettine Killmer Head of Corporate Communications & IR Phone: +41 58 768 60 50 or: investorrelations@metallzug.ch This announcement is available at https://www.metallzug.ch/en/medien/medienmitteilungen and the 2024 Half-year Report and investor presentation at https://www.metallzug.ch/en/investoren/geschaeftsberichte-praesentationen. End of Inside Information Nova has added over 350 new drive-up, indoor, and climate-controlled storage units, comprising 30,000 rentable square feet, to its existing facility. Nova Storage Palmdale now offers 964 units and 106,855 rentable square feet. PALMDALE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Nova Storage is excited to announce the grand opening of its newly expanded facility in Palmdale, CA. The celebration will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 22nd. Nova has added over 350 new drive-up, indoor, and climate-controlled storage units, comprising 30,000 rentable square feet, to its existing facility. Nova Storage Palmdale now offers 964 units and 106,855 rentable square feet. Palmdale Office Nova Storage Palmdale front office The new units, designed to meet a variety of storage needs, range in size from 5'x5' to 10'x30', offering ample space for household items, family valuables, and more. Each unit is part of a safe, clean, well-lit, and secure facility, ensuring the highest standards of storage security and convenience. "The expansion in Palmdale represents our commitment to providing top-tier storage solutions to our community," said Andrew Rankin, President of Nova Storage. "We are excited to offer these additional units and enhance our services to meet the growing demand for secure and accessible storage." The property's leasing office has been redesigned with a modern, open-concept workspace, creating a welcoming environment for customers. Friendly and knowledgeable staff will be available to assist with all storage needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. Nova Storage invites the community to join the celebration and take advantage of the new storage options available. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will provide an opportunity for attendees to tour the facility, meet the staff, and learn more about the features and benefits of storing with Nova Storage. About Nova Storage: Headquartered in Mission Hills, California, Nova Storage offers safe, clean, well-lit and secure self-storage to over 8,500 tenants. Founded in 1982, Nova is locally owned and operated, with 10 locations in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties. For more information about Nova Storage and the new Palmdale facility, please visit NovaStorage.com, contact a friendly manager at (661) 266-1200 or Email: palmdale@novastorage.com. Nova Storage 14800 Rinaldi St Mission Hills, California 91345 (818) 365-9877 mhills@novastorage.com NovaStorage.com Contact Information Emanuel Colindres Business Development Manager mcolindres@novadevco.com 3234474408 SOURCE: Nova Storage Palmdale View the original press release on newswire.com. Palo Alto, California--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - The Femigrants Foundation, a US-based non-profit organization, is hosting a wine reception for immigrant founders and investors in Silicon Valley on Friday, August 23. The event will be held at a luxurious hotel in Santa Clara. Aytakin Aliyeva This wine reception will unite immigrant leaders, funders, entrepreneurs, and investors under one roof. It is an all-inclusive event open to all genders, ethnicities, and experiences in the Bay Area. Guests will enjoy refreshments like house wine, beer, soda, appetizers, snacks, and a red-carpet photo session. Professional headshots for portfolios, business websites, or social media will also be available. With the founders' pitch, networking opportunities, and a photo session, the event offers a unique experience not readily available in Silicon Valley. Femigrants Foundation's founder Aytakin (Ika) Aliyeva, aims to offer a unique event designed to promote valuable connections. "As the founder of Femigrants, I believe that creating spaces where immigrant entrepreneurs can shine is important for their success and achievements," she explained. Aytakin Aliyeva "This event isn't just about pitches-it's about celebrating the incredible diversity and innovation that immigrants bring to the table. By connecting founders with investors and entrepreneurs, we're breaking down barriers and building bridges that empower immigrant women to grow and succeed. This event is a testament to the power of community," Aytakin added. The upcoming wine reception is part of the Femigrant Foundation's efforts to promote meaningful networking opportunities and support immigrant women in their professional journeys. An immigrant herself, Aytakin hopes to enhance community ties and guide others on their journey to success through this event. She emphasized, "At Femigrants events, we focus on building relationships and creating a safe space where immigrant women feel inclusive, supported, and welcomed. What makes our events truly unique is the strong bonds we help foster-many of our community members have become best friends, business partners, co-founders, and mentors. As the Founder, I make sure that every voice is heard, and every journey is celebrated." Event Details Event Link: Femigrants Networking & Wine Reception Event Timings: August 23rd, 2024.at 8 - 8:30 pm PDT Dress Code: Blue or navy casual business. No jeans, slippers, yoga pants. AGE restriction is 21+. ID and ticket will be required at the check-in. Tickets are not available on the spot. The registration closes at 12 pm, PDT on FRI, August 23rd, 2024. About Femigrants Foundation Femigrants Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Aytakin Aliyeva, empowering female immigrants in business and STEM. Through unique gatherings, Femigrants connects its 5,500+ global members to career growth resources. It results in numerous success stories, including job placements and partnerships. The success stories include but are not limited to, community members finding jobs, co-founders, business partners, mentors, and sponsors through Femigrants' resources. Supported by 30+ immigrant-led organizations and 100+ passionate volunteers, offering over 50 networking events, more than 70 speeches per year, mentorship programs, skill enhancement sessions, and cultural integration support. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220403 SOURCE: SMG Media Group Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben? Die Branche steht vor einem erneuten Innovationsschub von bahnbrechenden Medikamenten bis hin zu revolutionaren Therapien. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Sie sollten jetzt in Biotech-Aktien einsteigen, weil wir am Beginn einer neuen Ara der medizinischen Innovation stehen konnten! Gen- und Zelltherapien, personalisierte Medizin und bahnbrechende Technologien konnten das Gesundheitswesen revolutionieren und die Aktienkurse in die Hohe schieen lassen. Die nachste Erfolgsgeschichte im Biotechbereich warten nur darauf, entdeckt zu werden. Wer jetzt investiert, hat die Chance, von gigantischen Durchbruchen und enormen Renditen zu profitieren. Warten Sie nicht, bis es zu spat ist - der nachste Biotech-Superstar konnte morgen schon durchstarten! Verpassen Sie nicht diese Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Biotech-Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 3 Biotech-Aktien das riesige Potenzial haben, Ihren finanziellen Erfolg zu sichern. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen zukunftstrachtige Investments im Biotech-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - ICEsoft Technologies Canada Corp. (CSE: ISFT) (the "Company" or "ICEsoft") is announcing a non-brokered secured convertible promissory note financing (the "Debt Financing"). The Company will assume up to CAD $100,000 of secured convertible promissory notes with provisions to migrate an additional CAD $120,000 in existing debt to the new debt instrument through one or more closings. The issued convertible promissory notes (the "Promissory Notes") shall bear simple interest at 15% per annum. Interest will accrue and carry for the term. The term of the Promissory Notes shall be for 36 months, and the note holders shall have the right to convert, at their discretion, all or part of the outstanding note principal and accrued interest into Common shares of the Company at $0.05 / share. The Company anticipates that President and CEO, Brian McKinney, shall participate in the Debt Financing through debt settlement. Total aggregate insider participation is not expected to exceed CAD $220,000. The non-brokered secured convertible debt financing is anticipated to close on or about Monday, August 26, 2024. The securities issued pursuant to exercise of the Promissory Notes conversion feature will be subject to a hold period under applicable securities laws, which will expire four months plus one day from the date of issuance of the shares. Closing of the Secured Convertible Debt Financing is subject to receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. About ICEsoft Technologies Canada Corp. ICEsoft Technologies Canada Corp. is a software-as-a-service ("SaaS") company. ICEsoft's current software, which is available as freeware with a pay to use version, is used by some 150,000 developers, 20,000 companies, and some 400 paying customers. ICEsoft's newest product Voyent Alert! is an affordable Community Alerting Service specifically designed to meet the needs of small to medium sized municipalities, regional governments and enterprise. The flexible platform serves the dual purpose of alerting and advising residents and employees during a critical incident as well as providing targeted day-to-day communication services. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS MARKET REGULATOR (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE THIS NEWS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL SECURITIES AND THE COMPANY IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM. Forward-Looking Information Advisory Certain statements made herein may contain forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information herein include, but are not limited, to statements or information with respect to the completion of the Debt Financing, and the use of proceeds of the Debt Financing. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. We have made certain assumptions about the forward-looking statements and information, including receipt of all approvals required for the Debt Financing and the use of proceeds of the Debt Financing. Although our management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include the ability to receive the approvals necessary to complete the Debt Financing, and those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Listing Statement dated May 27, 2019 and in the Company's most recent Management Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Except as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change and you are referred to the full discussion of the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. All forward looking statements and information contained in this News Release are qualified by this cautionary statement. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220420 SOURCE: ICEsoft Technologies Canada Corp. San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - Zocket, an innovative SaaS startup specializing in artificial intelligence-powered advertising, announced on 31st July 2024 the launch of its flagship product 'AI Studio for marketers' in the United States. This AI-powered tool simplifies performance marketing workflow, enabling brands and agencies to create and launch ad campaigns faster. Image Caption: Founders of Zocket - (L to R) Nandha Kumar Ravi, Karthik Venkateswaran, Mukund Srivathsan and Sundar Natesan To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8717/220415_572b541e2404fa9c_001full.jpg In an industry with a digital ad market of around $600 billion globally, Zocket's AI Studio aims to capture a significant share of this flourishing market. The platform addresses the increasing demand for efficient and effective advertising solutions for mid-market brands, e-commerce businesses, and agencies serving SMBs with performance marketing needs. Zocket's Flagship Feature - Creative AI Studio Zocket's flagship feature, Creative AI Studio - accelerates the ad creative generation process through AI-powered templates, gradient ads, background generation, and automated text creation. "Our Creative Studio is like having a world-class design team at your fingertips," says Mukund, co-founder and CTO of Zocket. "It's about empowering marketers to create stunning visuals without the need for extensive design skills." Creative AI Studio has the potential to streamline the marketing workflow, boost campaign effectiveness, and ensure that every ad resonates with its intended audience, thereby increasing engagement. Precision Targeting with Targeting AI Zocket's AI Studio excels in audience targeting. Utilizing adaptive clustering models, the platform identifies and engages the most relevant audience segments across social media channels. This precision targeting ensures that marketing budgets are allocated efficiently. Zocket Agency Ad Accounts With Zocket Ad Accounts, we provide AI advertising infrastructure for businesses of all sizes - from brands to agencies so they can run consistently on all leading advertising platforms. The AI Ad Checker feature ensures that your ad adheres to ad policy guidelines across platforms like Meta, Snapchat, and Google, allowing businesses to expand their advertising reach seamlessly. Driving Results with Optimizer Lab The Optimizer Lab is another crucial component of Zocket's AI Studio. This feature automates campaign optimization driving impactful results. By monitoring ads around the clock, fixing issues instantly, and providing detailed performance reports, Optimizer AI allows marketers to focus on strategic decision-making rather than operational tasks. Industry Impact and Market Potential The launch of Zocket's AI Studio comes at a pivotal time for the digital advertising industry, driven by the growth of digital channels and the need for data-driven marketing strategies. With its innovative solutions driven by AI to automate workflows, Zocket is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth and help businesses navigate the complexities of digital advertising. Zocket's AI Studio, with its advanced features and user-friendly interface, offers a competitive edge for businesses looking to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape. About Zocket Zocket.ai is a pioneering startup based in San Francisco and Chennai, dedicated to revolutionizing digital marketing through AI-powered solutions. Founded by seasoned 2x entrepreneurs KarthikVenkateswaran, Nandha Kumar Ravi, Sundar Natesan, and Mukund Srivathsan, Zocket.ai aims to empower marketers worldwide by providing tools that enhance creativity, streamline workflows. With a presence in over 25 countries used by brands and agencies, Zocket.ai is at the forefront of performance marketing innovation. For more information, please visit - https://zocket.ai/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220415 SOURCE: Asiacryptos Windsor, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - Northwind Business Development Ltd. (NBD), a wholly owned division of Caldwell First Nation, and Forbes Bros. Ltd. have formed a joint venture to construct Hydro One's new double-circuit 230 kilovolt St. Clair Transmission Line in Southwestern Ontario. This project will support local food supply and security, economic development, and job creation for the Southwest Ontario Region and Caldwell First Nation. The St. Clair Transmission Line will run from the County of Lambton and Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and its construction is expected to begin in the coming months. This project is a significant investment in the region's energy infrastructure and will contribute to the reliability and resilience of the power grid. The joint venture of Northwind and Forbes Bros. Ltd. has been awarded the contract from Hydro One to construct the new line. This partnership represents a major step forward in Caldwell First Nation's commitment to collaborate and engage in energy sector projects. It also aligns with the Nation's goal of building wealth and creating economic opportunities for its members. Chief Mary Duckworth, Chief of Caldwell First Nation, stated, "Caldwell First Nation (CFN) and Northwind Business Development (NBD) have entered a joint venture with Forbes Bros. to complete the Hydro One St. Clair Transmission Line project in Southwestern Ontario. We, The Chief and Council of CFN foresee various investment opportunities in the energy sector as a pathway to economic prosperity for the Nation. Partnering with Forbes marks a major advancement in our commitment to collaborate and engage in energy sector projects and building wealth for CFN." "Forbes Bros. was recently awarded the EPC contract for the Hydro One St. Clair Transmission Line project in southwestern Ontario. We are pleased to announce that Caldwell First Nation and Northwind Business Development have entered into a joint venture with Forbes to successfully deliver this critical project. We are excited about the further development of this partnership and the significant employment opportunities and economic benefits it will bring to the region" - Matthew Forbes, Chief Executive Officer. "Northwind Business Development (NBD) and Caldwell First Nation (CFN) have created a partnership with Forbes Bros. to complete the Hydro One St. Clair Transmission Line project in Southwestern Ontario. We at NBD are committed to assist CFN in all investment opportunities to provide long-term wealth for Caldwell First Nation and all of its members. Through this joint venture opportunity, NBD, and Forbes will leverage their combined expertise to complete the transmission line project while creating economic benefits for CFN and its future generations." - Joe Heil, Chair of Northwind Business Development Board of Directors About Forbes Bros. Group of Companies Forbes Bros Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10592/219100_forbeslogo.jpg Forbes Bros Group of Companies (Forbes Bros.) is a family-owned construction business specializing in delivering comprehensive power infrastructure solutions across North America. Established in 1977, the company has grown from a small electrical contractor into a powerhouse in the industry, known for its expertise in high-voltage transmission, distribution, and substations. Forbes Bros. is committed to excellence, safety, and innovation, with a strong focus on fostering long-term partnerships and contributing positively to the communities in which it operates. About Northwind Northwind Business Development Inc. is an incorporated Ontario Corporation with a Board of Directors mandated to create wealth for Caldwell First Nation (CFN) and their shareholders. Founded in February 2023, NBD was established as the Caldwell First Nation "for-profit" business entity. NBD acts as the Limited Partnership, of which CFN is its sole limited partner. NBD works closely with its chief shareholder CFN to focus on Community, Investment, Revenue, Industry Partnerships Wealth Creation, and opportunities within the Treaty territory. NBD has a clearly defined set of priorities that will successfully be managed by the CEO and the Board of Directors, to create a sustainable economy and offer professional growth to members across the CFN treaty lands. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/219100 SOURCE: Northwind Business Development Inc. Escola Mobile is considered one of the top 10 private schools in Brazil Nord Anglia Education's third school in Brazil 'With Nord Anglia, we will further enrich the experience we offer our students', says school's Founder and Director General Maria Helena Bresser LONDON, Aug. 19, 2024announced today that Escola Mobile in Sao Paulo, Brazilhas entered into an agreement to join its global network of schools. The agreement is set to be finalised based on customary contractual procedures. Founded in 1975, Escola Mobile is a national and bilingual day school and considered both a leading school in Sao Paulo and one of the top 10 schools in Brazil. It is the second largest private school in Sao Paulo, teaching 3,700 students from 2 to 18 years old. Escola Mobile is set to be the third school in Brazil, alongside The British College of Brazil and Avenues Sao Paulo, to join Nord Anglia's global network of schools, which currently includes 87 schools in 33 countries worldwide. Maria Helena Bresser, Mobile's founder, and Daniel Bresser remain in their positions as partners and General Directors. Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer of Nord Anglia Education, said: "Escola Mobile is an outstanding school with a heritage based on high-quality teaching and learning. We look forward to welcoming Mobile into the Nord Anglia family of schools, where their students and colleagues will benefit from all the new global opportunities we offer inside and outside the classroom." Maria Helena Bresser, Founder, Partner and General Director of Escola Mobile, said: "Our goal has always been to prepare students for a world without borders. With Nord Anglia, we will further enrich the experience we offer our students. We will continue with a unique and original pedagogical proposal; a diverse and constantly developing curriculum; genuine attention to the individuality of children and adolescents; a new and exceptional range of global opportunities; and, as always, a team of educators passionate about the immense responsibility of introducing the world to a learner." One of Brazil's leading private schools Escola Mobile's reputation has made it one of the most desirable schools in Brazil following the national curriculum. The school educates children through a traditional Brazilian curriculum from Pre-K at 2 years old through to graduation in 12th Grade at 18 years old. A bilingual programme is also available from Pre-K at 4 years old to 9th Grade teaching in Portuguese and English. Escola Mobile has a long-standing track-record for academic excellence. In 2023, it was ranked amongst the top 10 schools for academics according to the ENEM, Brazil's National High School Exams, and has come first in Sao Paulo for 11 consecutive years in the exam (for schools with 100+ students). According to PISA-S (Pisa for Schools), students obtained outstanding results in Reading, Mathematics and Science when compared to the averages of 500+ Brazilian schools and 10,000+ schools from OECD member countries. The school's students attend prestigious Brazilian universities including Universidade de Sao Paulo, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Fundacao Getulio Vargas, and Insper. Equally impressive are the overseas universities its graduates attend, including Stanford University, Duke University, Northwestern University, Georgia Tech, UCLA, the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, The British Columbia Institute of Technology, and more. Benefits for Escola Mobile's students and teachers As part of Nord Anglia, Mobile's teaching and learning will be enhanced through access to Nord Anglia's global collaborations with renowned institutions such as UNICEF, The Juilliard School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and IMG Academy, which will provide Mobile's students and teachers with transformative learning experiences. Mobile's students will be able to connect and collaborate with thousands of peers globally through Nord Anglia's online Global Campus learning platform. Exclusive experiences around the world also include global expeditions to Tanzania and Les Martinets in Switzerland, as well as high-quality regional sporting and performing arts events. Benefits for Mobile's 700 teachers and colleagues include becoming part of Nord Anglia's 'lifelong learner' community of more than 16,000 Nord Anglia teachers and support colleagues, with opportunities to collaborate and share best practice globally. Access to Nord Anglia University will support their professional development through hundreds of courses, as will the many other unique professional learning opportunities like the Executive Master's Degree in International Education from King's College London, only available for Nord Anglia colleagues. Media enquiries James Russell Group Head of Communications, Nord Anglia Education +44 About Nord Anglia Education As a leading international schools organisation, we are shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life. Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with innovative technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible. No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world's top universities. To learn more or apply for a place for your child, go to nordangliaeducation.com. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - Energy Plug Technologies Corp. (CSE: PLUG) (OTCQB: PLGGF) (FSE: 6GQ) ("Energy Plug" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has retained Aktiencheck.de AG and its principal, Stefan Lindam, both arm's length parties to the Company, to assist with an initial European marketing awareness program (the "Program"). The engagement includes up to 20 editorial write-ups, standalone email marketing campaign distribution of the editorial write-ups to opt-in email-addresses of active investors, targeted distribution of the editorial reports to active investors, distribution of the editorial write-ups via social media to active financial investors, and distribution of the editorial write-ups via the aktiencheck.de website. The Program is anticipated to commence on August 19, 2024 and will run for up to 12 months. The cost of the engagement is EUR 100,000, payable in four equal instalments of EUR 25,000 over a four-month period. No shares or options were issued to Aktiencheck.de AG or its principal as part of this engagement. The principal of Aktiencheck.de AG is Stefan Lindam of Bahnhofstrae 6 56470 Bad Marienberg Deutschland. Mr. Lindam's email is stefan.lindam@aktiencheck.de and main contact number is +49 2661 9890020. Aktiencheck.de AG and its principal have no present interest, directly or indirectly, in Energy Plug or its securities, and no right or intent to acquire such an interest. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "will", "proposes", "expects", "seeks", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations (including negative and grammatical variations) of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the Company's financial condition and future plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities; the Company's ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220474 SOURCE: Energy Plug Technologies Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - Lotus Ventures Inc. (CSE: J) ("Lotus" or the "Company") announces today that it has closed the previously announced transaction (the "Transaction") contemplated by the Company's proposal to its creditors, as amended (the "Proposal"), and the Company's subscription agreement dated May 3, 2024 with 5008679 Ontario Limited (the Purchaser"), as amended and restated on June 4, 2024 and further amended on July 15, 2024 (the "Agreement"). The Transaction was completed in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and the provisions of a reverse-vesting order granted by the Supreme Court of British Columbia In Bankruptcy and Insolvency on June 14, 2024 (the "RVO"). As part of the completion of the Transaction, the Company has issued to the Purchaser 1,000 common shares of the Company (the "Subscribed Shares") for an aggregate, all-inclusive purchase price of $2,538,398.00 and all of the previously issued and outstanding securities of the Company (other than the Subscribed Shares) have been cancelled without consideration. The Purchaser, located at 1662 Valley Close, Burlington, Ontario, L7P 4W4, is now the sole securityholder of the Company. Prior to the Transaction, the Purchaser held, directly or indirectly, 7,003,733 common shares of the Company, representing 6% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. Lotus is expected to be delisted from the CSE effective at the close of trading on August 20, 2024, and is expected to be concurrently delisted from the OTC Markets. Lotus also expects to make an application to seek full revocation of the failure-to-file cease trade order issued on April 4, 2024, and to cease to be a reporting issuer in each of Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. Further information regarding the Proposal and the Agreement, including copies thereof, can be accessed through the website hosted by MNP Ltd., in its capacity of proposal trustee of Lotus in the Proposal proceedings, at: Lotus Ventures Inc | MNP LTD (mnpdebt.ca). About Lotus Ventures Inc. Lotus Ventures Inc. is a BC based licensed cannabis producer. Lotus grows premium cannabis which is carried in retail locations across BC and Ontario. Forward-Looking Information: This document includes certain statements that are not descriptions of historical facts but are forward-looking statements. Such statements include, among others, those concerning the delisting of Lotus from the CSE and OTC Markets and the timing thereof, receipt of a revocation order relating to the applicable cease trade order of Lotus, Lotus ceasing to be a reporting issuer in Alberta, BC and Ontario, our expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans, our future operating results, our expectations regarding the market for medical and recreational cannabis products, our expectations regarding the continued growth of the medical and recreational cannabis market, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions, or beliefs about future events. Users are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that a number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties have not been documented or mentioned in this document nor other communications made by the company. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "targets," "optimistic," "intend," "aim," "will" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220483 SOURCE: Lotus Ventures Inc. WorkHub, a Houston, TX-based vertically-integrated real estate development company, received an investment from Davidson Kempner. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. The company intends to use the funds to continue capitalizing on increased demand in the flexible light industrial sector while simultaneously expanding into attractive new markets and opportunities. It will also help to enhance its foothold in its home market of Houston, where it has a strong track record of seven developed projects since 2015. Led by CEO Alfredo Amparan and Roberto Valenzuela, WorkHub is a provider of flexible small-bay industrial space solutions designed to meet the needs of modern businesses. With a focus on collaboration and growth, it offers a wide variety of spaces tailored to support businesses at every stage of their development. Its properties are strategically located in high-demand areas, offering convenient access, facilities, and a community-driven environment that helps our members grow to the next level. FinSMEs 19/08/2024 R&S Group Holding AG / Key word(s): Half Year Results R&S Group reports strong H1 operational performance with an adjusted EBIT margin of 23.2% 19-Aug-2024 / 17:45 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR R&S Group reports strong H1 operational performance with an adjusted EBIT margin of 23.2% H1 2024 EBIT of CHF 24.0 million (equals an EBIT margin of 21.8%) and adjusted EBIT of CHF 25.5 million, up 41% compared to adjusted EBIT H1 2023, corresponds to an EBIT margin of 23.2% Net profit of CHF 12.1 million, impacted by non-recurring tax payment of CHF 3.7 million Record order backlog of CHF 218 million testimony of positive market momentum 19 August 2024 R&S Group Holding AG (SIX: RSGN) today announced further key figures (unaudited) for the first half-year (H1) 2024. As previously reported, H1 2024 net sales amounted to CHF 109.9 million, corresponding to an organic growth of 15% when adjusting H1 2023 for the sale of SERW, the divested high-voltage switches business in the Czech Republic. H1 2024 order intake of CHF 141.0 million, an increase of 18%, and a record order backlog of CHF 218.2 million as of 30 June 2024 are testimony to the positive momentum in R&S Groups focus markets. Operating performance in H1 2024 was above expectations with an adjusted EBIT of CHF 25.5 million, equivalent to an adjusted EBIT margin of 23.2%. This compares to an adjusted EBIT of CHF 18.1 million and an adjusted EBIT margin of 19.0%, respectively, in H1 2023, an adjusted EBIT increase of 41%. Higher than expected tax expenses due to a non-recurring tax payment of CHF 3.7 million relating to prior tax periods had a negative impact on H1 2024 net profit, which amounted to adjusted CHF 17.3 million compared to adjusted CHF 14.2 million in H1 2023. Adjusted free cash flow amounted to CHF 7.5 million in H1 2024, compared to CHF -1.9 million (adjusted) in the prior half-year period. Following the dividend payment of CHF 6.9 million and a repayment of financial liabilities in the amount of CHF 7 million in H1 2024, the net financial position as of 30 June 2024 amounted to CHF 5.1 million. The balance sheet contains a strong liquidity position of CHF 44 million as of 30 June 2024 and 1 million treasury shares at an actual market value of around CHF 14 million. The company will host a conference for Analysts, investors and the media in Zurich on 20 August 2024, at 11.00 CEST, St. Peterstrasse 19, 8001 Zurich. A pre-registration by e-mail is appreciated. Alternatively, the conference can be joined online via Teams Call (LINK). The H1 2024 financial report including the full financial statements will be published on 11 September 2024. Consolidated key figures in MCHF H1 2023 reported H1 2023 adjusted 1 H1 2024 reported 1 H1 2024 adjusted Change in adjusted figures Order intake 133.3 119.3 141.0 141.0 18% Order backlog 188.1 174.6 218.2 218.2 25% Net sales 103.0 95.4 109.9 109.9 15% Operating result (EBIT) 18.6 18.1 24.0 25.53 41% as percent of net sales 18.1% 19.0% 21.8% 23.2% +1.4pps Net profit 14.5 14.2 12.1 17.32,3 22% Free cash flow -2. 4 -1.9 5.5 7.52 n/a Net financial position 2.5 2.5 5.1 5.1 104% 1 without figures of plant in Czech Republic (SERW), which was divested on 5 Dec. 2023 2 excluding subsequent tax payment in Italy of 3.7 MCHF (cash impact of 2 MCHF for H1 2024) 3 excluding M&A costs of 1.5 MCHF Calendar 2024 11 September 2024 half-year report 31 October Capital Markets Day Contact Investor and Media Relations Doris Rudischhauser Phone: +41 79 410 81 88 Email: investors@the-rsgroup.com About R&S Group R&S Group Holding AGs (R&S Group, the company) operating headquarters are located in Sissach/BL, Switzerland. With six manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Italy, Poland and the Middle East, R&S Group serves its domestic and various European export markets with small and medium power and distribution transformers and other components in the utility, infrastructure and industrial sectors. The company has been successfully positioned to benefit from the accelerating demand for energy production and distribution, driven by the global trend towards decarbonization. R&S Group has been listed on SIX Swiss Exchange on 13 December 2023 under the ticker symbol RSGN following its successful business combination with VT5 Acquisition AG, a previously Swiss-listed Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). Further information about the R&S Group can be found at www.the-rsgroup.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning R&S Group Holding AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of R&S Group Holding AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. R&S Group Holding AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The hospital stated that Mohanlal needs five days of complete rest and must avoid crowded places until he fully recovers read more Malayalam superstar Mohanlal is admitted in a private hospital in Kochi after he complained of fever and breathlessness. The actor returned to Kochi after the shooting of the Gujarat schedule of big-budget action movie L2 Empuraan. He was also involved in the post-production works of his directorial debut movie Barroz. The hospital stated that Mohanlal needs five days of complete rest and must avoid crowded places until he fully recovers. Kochis Amrita Hospital, in a statement on Sunday, said: This is to certify that I have examined Mr Mohanlal, 64 years old male, MRD No 1198168. He is having complaints of high-grade fever, breathing difficulty and generalised myalgia. He is suspected to have a viral respiratory infection. He has been advised to take medications with five days of rest and to avoid crowded places. Advertisement In his four-decade-long career, Mohanlal has acted in more than 400 films. He was awarded Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan Indias highest civilian awards in 2001 and 2019 respectively. He is also a Lt. Colonel with the Territorial Army. He has won five National Awards including two for best acting, a special jury mention and a special jury award for acting as well as another award as producer of the best feature film. He has also won the Kerala State Film Awards as Best Actor nine times. Mohanlal has also acted in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu movies. The directorial debut of Mohanlal Barroz will be released on October 2, just before the beginning of the nine-day Navratri festival this year. It was slated to be released on March 28, 2024, but the films team decided to postpone the release citing post-production delays. Mohanlals directorial debut Barroz is now set to hit the screens on October 3. The release date of the 3D fantasy drama, which was announced back in 2019, has been delayed multiple times. It was previously scheduled to be released on March 28. Mohanlal, who also stars in Barroz, announced the new date of the movies release. Advertisement Barroz is coming to reveal his secrets on 3rd October 2024. Mark your calendars for a magical adventure, the star wrote on X on Saturday. The Malayalam-language film went on floors in 2021 and is based on Jijo Punnooses novel Barroz: Guardian of DGamas Treasure. Barroz is backed by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas. Santosh Sivan is the cinematographer, while the music is composed by Lydian Nadhaswaran and Mark Kilian. With added inputs from agencies In the early hours of Sunday, a 21-year-old college student in Bengaluru, was allegedly raped by an unidentified male. Senior police officers said that the survivor, who was travelling home to Hebbagodi from a social gathering in Koramangala, sought a lift from the suspect riding a two-wheeler read more In the early hours of Sunday, August 18, a 21-year-old college student in Karnataka's capital Bengaluru was sexually assaulted by an unidentified male. Image courtesy Marriage.com Days after the horrific rape and death of a medic in West Bengal, another incidence of sexual assault has surfaced, raising serious questions about womens safety in the country. In the early hours of Sunday, August 18, a 21-year-old college student in Karnatakas capital Bengaluru was sexually assaulted by an unidentified male. Bengaluru police are on the lookout for the rapist. The incident According to initial reports, the event happened on Sunday, August 18, in the vicinity of Hosur Main Road, within the boundaries of the HSR Layout Police Station, between 1 and 1.30 am. Advertisement Senior officers, according to PTI, said that the survivor, who was travelling home to Hebbagodi from a social gathering in Koramangala, sought a lift from the suspect riding a two-wheeler. The South First outlet quoted police sources as saying, She (the victim) had been to one of the pubs in Koramangala. While returning home, she met with an accident and hitched a ride on a two-wheeler, leaving behind her vehicle. She was intoxicated. The unknown assailant took her to HSR Layout and sexually assaulted her, the sources said. Additional Commissioner of Police (East Zone) Raman Gupta said, The suspect, instead of going to the designated place, took a detour to an isolated location and tried to rape her. The survivor has been admitted to a private hospital and is undergoing treatment. Her condition is stable. Further investigation is on. HSR Layout Police have registered a case under Section 64 (punishment for rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Friends come to rescue According to the Deccan Herald, which quoted a well-placed source, one of the survivors friends received an emergency message and a location while her phone remained unreachable. Advertisement She then informed another friend who reached the spot and found the survivor in distress. In the meantime, a friend of the survivor also reached the location, as per the report. They allege that they saw a person wearing only trousers, and with scratch marks on his face. He fled when they attempted to catch him. The survivor was then moved to a hospital, the police source said. Also read: Was the trainee doctor gang-raped at RG Kar Medical College? Five teams formed to nab the suspect The police have already conducted visits to the scene and interviewed both the victim and her family, according to PTI. Advertisement There is only one suspect. The man who gave her a lift is suspected to be the rapist and our investigations are on. We gathered all the information and have formed five teams. We are carrying out the investigation further and soon the culprit will be arrested, he added. Further probe is underway and more details are awaited shortly. The horrific Kolkata rape-murder case The Bengaluru incident comes amid the tragic death of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in West Bengals Kolkata, who was brutally raped and murdered. Junior doctors and nursing staff hold placards during an ongoing protest against the sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, in Kolkata, Wednesday, August 14, 2024. PTI The 31-year-old second-year postgrad had gone to an empty seminar room alone herself that evening to catch some sleep after working a 36-hour shift. There is no on-call room at the hospital. Advertisement The following morning, August 9, her partially clothed body was discovered there with several injuries. The primary suspect is Sanjoy Roy, a Kolkata Police volunteer who served as a civil servant and was given access to every department while he was stationed at the police outpost at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. According to NDTV, CCTV footage showing him entering the building where the doctors body had been found murdered served as the basis for his arrest. A Bluetooth headset found next to the victims body was seen on his neck in the CCTV footage. It turned out that his phone had been linked with it. Advertisement Roy reportedly confessed to the crime shortly after police began questioning him, according to local media. He had nonchalantly informed the cops, Hang me if you want, according to the reports. In connection with the case, the CBIs investigating officials are examining the call logs and conversations of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the hospital. To date, the CBI has interrogated more than 20 people concerning its inquiry, including two Kolkata Police officials, as per News18. According to a central probe agency officer, Ghosh was questioned about his phone calls both before and after the incident when he appeared before the officers on Sunday for the third day in a row. Rising rape incidents in India A recent report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals a grim picture of crimes against women in India. In 2022, the country recorded 4,45,256 cases, which means 51 cases every hour. With inputs from agencies Malaysias Anwar Ibrahim is all set to make his debut trip to India where he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are expected to discuss trade, of which palm oil is a major component. New Delhi is the largest buyer of Malaysian palm oil. Lets take a closer look read more Palm oil can be used both as an edible oil and a biofuel. It comprises 57 per cent of Indias total vegetable oil imports. Reuters Malaysias Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visit to India is shining a light on ties between the two countries. One of the most important parts of the relationship is trade in palm oil which used in anything from lipstick to pizza of which Malaysia is the worlds second-largest producer and India is the worlds largest importer. But what role has palm oil played in India-Malaysia ties? Lets take a closer look: By the numbers As per Financial Express, palm oil can be used both as an edible oil and a biofuel. Advertisement Palm oil comprises 57 per cent of Indias total vegetable oil imports. Indonesia and Malaysia are the primary suppliers of RBD Palmolein and crude palm oil (CPO) to India. Till July, India had imported 4.92 million tonnes of palm oil, as per NST.com. India imported 3.3 million metric tonnes of palm oil last year which is line with the annual average of 3 million metric tonnes. Indias palm oil imports reached a seasonal high of 10.81 lakh tonnes in July, according to industry body Solvent Extractors Association (SEA). The trade group said Indias palm oil imports in May rose by 11.6 per cent compared to April the since January. Indias palm oil imports in May stood at 763,300 lakh tonnes. The website quoted Indian Vegetable Oil Producers Association president Sudhakar Desai as saying that the country would likely import 9.01 million tonnes of palm oil for the 2023-2024 financial year. But it wasnt always such smooth sailing. Bump in the road In 2019, India was Malaysias biggest buyer of palm oil. Advertisement Data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) showed that New Delhi purchased 4.4 million tonnes of palm oil from Kuala Lumpur. However, then Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad caused an outcry in India when he criticised Indias actions in Kashmir and the citizenship law. Mahathir in October 2019 at the UN General Assembly claimed that India invaded and occupied Kashmir. Advertisement Despite the UN resolution on Jammu and Kashmir, the country has been invaded and occupied, Mahathir said as per BBC. There may be reasons for this action but it is still wrong. The problem must be solved by peaceful means. India should work with Pakistan to resolve this problem. Ignoring the UN would lead to other forms of disregard for the UN and the rule of law, he added. Then Malaysia prime minister Mahathir Mohamads remarks on Kashmir caused an outcry in India. File Photo That followed remarks he made in September 2019 accusing India of stoking unrest with its citizenship law. India had responded by changing its rules to curb the import of refined palm oil from Malaysia. As per BBC, Malaysias palm oil exports to India shrank from 310,648 tonnes in September to 219,956 tonnes in October. India imported just 142,696 tonnes of palm oil in November. Advertisement As per VOA, the SEA at the time had urged its members to stop buying palm oil from Malaysia because of the unprovoked pronouncement and in solidarity with our nation. Mahathirs media adviser, A Kadir Jasi had said that Kuala Lumpur ought to retaliate with its own boycott of Indian goods and clamping down on Indian migrants. However, Mahathir did not follow through on the advice. The year 2020 was even worse. As per Drishti IAS, Indias palm oil imports from Malaysia in the first four months of 2020 fell by more than half over the same period in 2019. Yu Leng Khor, a political economist and principal of Segi Enam Advisors, told VOA in 2020, In the last couple of years, it is the biggest market for Malaysia, and it delivered a huge increase in volume and traded value in 2019, and this [boycott] is a big slap-down now. Advertisement For the first few months of 2020, Malaysian palm oil exports to India were hit pretty badly, they were only taking some 10 to 12 per cent of their normal monthly intake, Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) CEO Datuk Dr Kalyana Sundram told FoodNavigator-Asia. Normal trade resumes In May 2020, India, four months after the diplomatic spat, resumed purchases of Malaysian palm oil. By then, Mahathir had been replaced as prime minister by Muhyiddin Yasin. MPOC data showed India bought just under 400,000 tonnes of Malaysian palm oil from January to June 2020. That was 85 per cent less than the 2.6 million tonnes for the same period in 2019. This came amid a worldwide collapse in demand for palm oil amid the COVID-19 lockdowns and as the Malaysias palm oil production surged. Malaysia had made its palm oil available at a steep discount. Malaysia had also agreed buy 100,000 tonnes of Indian rice, as per Drishti IAS. Workers gather oil palm fruits at a factory in Sepang outside Kuala Lumpur April 29, 2009. Reuters File Photo Experts said a change of leadership in Malaysia seemed to have done the trick. The primary cause of Malaysias altered policy towards India is the shift in leadership, former ambassador Rajiv Bhatia, a distinguished fellow at Gateway House, told Sputnik India. India-Malaysia working together Palm oil is a key item on the agenda of both nations during Ibrahims visit. As per Financial Express, the two countries in July had vowed increase cooperation in the field of edible oil, particularly in the cultivation of oil palm and the production and trade of palm oil. Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan met with Malaysias Minister of Plantations and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani to discuss the issue. Desai, meanwhile, has said the two nations are working together to counter anti-palm oil sentiment. He was likely referring to the European Unions announced plans to phase out palm oil imports over environmental concerns. The bloc had claimed cultivation of palm oil leads to deforestation. As per VOA, Malaysia had challenged the EU, France and Lithuanias decision in the World Trade Organization (WTO). It accused the bloc of violating international trade rules. The three-person panel voted 2:1 in favour of the EU. However, the panel added that the way the EU organised and announced its policy was tantamount to arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination against Malaysia. If anti-palm oil campaigns are not countered effectively in India, it could lead to a significant decline in demand, adversely affecting the palm sector, Sudhakar was quoted as saying by NST.com. Johari in May had warned retailers, importers and distributors in the country against selling, distributing or importing products which are tied to the boycott campaign against palm oil. With inputs from agencies Canadas two largest rail companies Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) are locked in a battle with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union over contract negotiations. The three parties are unable to arrive at any compromise, which has led to fears of a strike on August 22 read more A wheat railcar sits at a Canadian National Railway (CN) yard in Hamilton, Ontario. A strike looms large in Canada, which could cause billions of dollars' worth of economic damage. File image/Reuters On August 22 (Thursday), Canadas two largest railway companies Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) may go off track, as they are locked in a labour dispute with the Teamsters union. If talks dont hold, the union may go on strike, which could cause billions of dollars worth of economic damage. In a statement, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, which represents some 9,300 engineers, conductors, yard workers and rail traffic controllers, said: Unless parties reach last-minute agreements, a work stoppage will occur at 00:01 on Thursday, August 22. Advertisement Whats going on? Whats the dispute all about? Could a possible strike affect supply chains? We have the answers. Why are both rail companies on the verge to stop? News agency Reuters reports that contract talks between the Teamsters union and the companies take place a year apart. However, in 2022, after the federal government introduced new rules on fatigue, CN requested a year-long extension to its existing deal rather than negotiate a new one. This has led to both companies labour agreements to expire at the end of 2023. However, the two rail companies and the union are unable to arrive at a feasible conclusion, which could halt the majority of the Canadian freight rail system. The companies and the union accuse each other of bad faith during the talks. The Teamsters say CN Rail and CPKC are seeking concessions that could endanger worker safety, a charge both the operators deny. Teamsters union picket signs are stacked outside Canadian Pacific Railways (CP Rail) Toronto Yard after the company halted operations and locked out employees over a labour dispute, in Scarborough, Ontario. File image/Reuters From the very beginning, rail workers have only ever sought a fair and equitable agreement. Unfortunately, both rail companies are demanding concessions that could tear families apart or jeopardise rail safety, said Teamsters president Paul Boucher in a statement as per a report in Global News. As per the union, CPKC wants to gut the collective agreement of all safety-critical fatigue provisions. The CPKC, according to the union, wants to keep crews awake for longer hours, boosting the risk of accidents. Advertisement CPKC, however, says its offer maintains the status quo for all work rules, fully complies with new regulatory requirements for rest and does not in any way compromise safety. On the other hand, the union notes that CNs offer would lead to workers being ordered to move across Canada for months at a time to fill labour shortages. But CN notes that its deal fully compliant with government-mandated rules overseeing duty and rest periods. What happens next? If the involved parties involved cant reach a deal, Canada will see a goods train strike, which will impact supply chains and causes losses worth millions of dollars. Advertisement Barry Prentice, director of the transport institute at the University of Manitobas Asper School of Business, said farmers in the Prairies would be impacted. Jill Verwey, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), also held the same opinion, telling 680 CJOBs The Jim Toth Show that the timing of the potential strike isnt good for farmers. With producers going to the field currently for some of the spring crops, and as we head into the harvest season, it puts a real strain on our handling facilities and being able to make sure that we get our crop to port in time to meet those deadlines, Verwey was quoted as saying by Global News. Advertisement Trains are seen in the yard at the at the CN Rail Brampton Intermodal Terminal after Teamsters Canada union workers and Canadian National Railway Co and failed to resolve contract issues. File image/Reuters Already, both rail operators have begun to refuse certain cross-border cargoes. For instance, Fertilizer Canada said the threat of work stoppages has already started to impact the movement of fertilizers and added that they are expecting further embargoes and slowdowns in rail services. A report by supplychaindive.com noted that more than 900,000 metric tonnes of goods move daily on Canadas railways and a work stoppage would impact the movement of $1 billion in goods daily. Scott Shannon, vice president with CH Robinson Worldwides North American Transportation Division, noted: If workers at both railroads strike, it could paralyse the ports and trucking rates could spike because a whole lot of freight would have to find another way to travel. Advertisement Can the federal government stop the strike? Under Article 107 of the federal labour code, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has broad powers and can order the sides to enter binding arbitration. In 2023, his predecessor, Seamus ORegan, issued such an order to end a dockworkers strike in British Columbia. In that case, unlike the current rail dispute, the sides had largely agreed on the outlines of a deal. However, MacKinnon rejected a request last week by CN for binding arbitration, urging the sides instead to put in more effort at the negotiating table. The current Liberal government has shown little interest in such a move in past disputes, preferring the sides to focus on negotiations. A complicating factor is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government is being kept in power by the left-leaning New Democrats, who have traditionally enjoyed strong union support. With inputs from Reuters The Democratic National Committee holds its convention to celebrate the nomination of Kamala Harris as the partys presidential candidate in Chicago, starting today. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim is visiting India for two days. India also celebrates much-cherished Rakshabandhan, the festival that honours the deep bond between siblings read more US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks in Prince George's County, Maryland, US, August 15, 2024. Reuters Its going to be a busy Monday, with India celebrating Raksha Bandhan and the US gearing up for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is visiting India for two days, starting today. Heres what the day looks like. 2024 Democratic National Convention The Democratic National Committee holds its convention to celebrate the nomination of Kamala Harris as the partys presidential candidate in Chicago, starting August 19. The four-day event is expected to draw thousands of people to the city in a show of enthusiasm for Harris surprise ascent to the nomination after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. Advertisement While it will be like a party inside the convention hall, the streets outside are expected to be heavy with protesters frustrated with the Democratic administrations support of the way Israel is carrying out its war in Gaza. Malaysian PM on two-day visit to visit India Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is visiting India for two days, starting today. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. File Photo- Reuters The two countries are expected to sign several agreements, including a key pact on the recruitment of Indian workers. This will be Ibrahims first visit to India since he became PM in late 2022. For those uninitiated, he had earlier visited New Delhi in January 2019 and met PM Narendra Modi. This will also be the first visit by a Malaysian premier since 2018. 10th round of India-Australia CECA talks in Sydney The 10th round of talks of India-Australia CECA (comprehensive economic cooperation agreement) negotiations will commence today and go on till August 22 in Sydney. The two countries have already implemented an interim pact and are in discussions to expand its scope. Amarnath Yatra concludes today The 50-day-long Amarnath Yatra 2024 ends today. The yatra entered its conclusion last week as the sages carried the Chhari Mubarak to the holy cave. This years 50-day yatra, which began on June 29, has seen a footfall of 5.1 lakh pilgrims so far and is set to conclude on August 19. Advertisement Today, on the occasion of Shravan-Punima, Chhari Mubarak will be taken to the holy shrine of Amarnath Ji to reach it before sunrise, and puja shall begin with the rising sun. UDF meeting over Mullaperiyar dam The Congress-led UDF opposition will be discussing the issue of the water flow of the 125-year-old Mullaperiyar dam in Idukki district. Earlier, Leader of opposition in the State Assembly VD Satheesan said that Tamil Nadu was of the view that the dam issue is being raised now to renegotiate the agreement between the two states as Kerala wants water. Raksha Bandhan celebrations Raksha Bandhan, a cherished Indian festival that honours the deep bond between siblings, falls on Monday, August 19. Advertisement The day is celebrated with the tying of the sacred rakhi, which represents love, protection, and the special relationship between brothers and sisters. Time of Raksha Bandhan Celebration - August 19: 1.30 pm 8.27 pm Afternoon Auspicious Time for Raksha Bandhan Celebration - August 19: 1.30 pm 3.39 pm Pakistan court hearing in Toshakhana corruption case The Pakistan court will be hearing a plea of jailed former Pakistan PM Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the new Toshakhana corruption case. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. File Photo/AFP Imran Khan (71) has been imprisoned at the Adiala Jail for more than a year now upon his conviction in multiple cases. His wife, 49-year-old Bibi, is also jailed along with him. Advertisement In the last hearing, Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana had approved the remand extension of the former first couple for 11 days after the lapse of their 10-day physical remand in the case. ESAs Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) will flyby Earth European Space Agencys Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is gearing up for a pivotal manoeuvre in its mission to the gas giant. Scheduled to fly past Earth on August 1920, 2024, the spacecraft will come within 6,800 kilometres of our planet, providing a rare opportunity to catch a fleeting glimpse of it. JUICE is Europes first mission to Jupiter which was launched in April 2023. It is tasked with studying the planet and its largest moons: Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa. Advertisement Kenya aviation union strike Employees of Kenya Airways and Kenya Airports Authority would go on strike from August 19 from an Indian company, Adani Airport Holdings at the countrys main airport. The strike would likely cause significant disruption to Kenyas national carrier Kenya Airways and to operations of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, a key African travel hub. Rare combo of Supermoon and Blue Moon On Monday at 11.56 pm (IST), a remarkable full Moon will occur, visible from Tuesday morning across Asia. This full Moon will appear in its full phase from Sunday morning through early Wednesday morning, offering three days of lunar brilliance, as per NASA. It will be a spectacular event, featuring both a supermoon and a Blue Moon. A day to remember The rape and murder of a young trainee doctor in Kolkata has brought focus to the safety of healthcare professionals. As per an Indian Medical Association study, over 75 per cent of doctors have faced some kind of violence in the workplace. But then why is there no central law to protect them? read more Doctors shout slogans as they hold placards during a protest rally demanding justice following the rape and murder of a trainee medic at a hospital in Kolkata, in New Delhi, August 18, 2024. Reuters The brutal rape and murder of a young trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has sparked demands for robust laws ensuring the safety of healthcare workers in India. The resident doctors association (RDA) of AIIMS on Sunday (August 18) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to enact a central law through an ordinance to protect healthcare workers and institutions in the country. Bringing the PMs attention to the worrying rise in violence against doctors, healthcare workers, and medical institutions, they requested his support in ensuring the protection of these sacred spaces. Advertisement This is not the first time that such a demand has been made. India has no central law that protects healthcare workers. Heres why doctors are calling for one. Violence against doctors India does not have a central database on violence against healthcare professionals while on duty. The brutal rape and murder in Kolkata has triggered widespread anger, with doctors demanding justice for the victim and better workplace conditions. Amid protests over the Kolkata horror, reports surfaced of a woman resident doctor allegedly being assaulted by a patient and his relatives all of whom were drunk in Mumbais Sion Hospital in the wee hours of August 18. Last year, Vandana Das, a junior doctor on duty in Kerala, was stabbed to death by an inebriated patient. West Bengal witnessed a mass resignation of doctors in 2019 after a mob attacked a junior doctor. As per a study by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), a national-level association of allopathic doctors, more than 75 per cent of doctors have faced some kind of violence in the workplace. The patients relatives were involved in most such incidents, reported the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW). Why is there no central law? In India, health and law and order are state subjects under the Constitution. Hence, the state government or Union Territory administration is responsible for preventing violence. Advertisement Several states have their own laws to provide safety to healthcare workers. However, as Hamad Bin Khalid, a senior Resident Doctor, the Department of Hospital Administration, AIIMS, New Delhi, wrote for Indian Express the approach of individual states addressing this issue has led to a patchwork of laws that are often inconsistent and filled with loopholes. The Centre proposed the Health Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill in 2019, seeking recommendations and objections. However, the Home Ministry shelved the bill, expressing concerns that similar protections might be demanded by other professional communities. In 2022, the Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare Professionals and Clinical Establishments Bill, 2022 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. Also known as the Central Protection Act for Doctors, the proposed legislation aimed to define violent acts against healthcare professionals and lay down punishment for such acts, as per a Hindustan Times (HT) report. Advertisement But the bill was not pursued as the then health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said most of its objectives were covered in the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2020. ALSO READ: Kolkata rape-murder case: The many questions parents of the victim are now asking Mamata Banerjee Why is a law needed? Violence against healthcare workers in the workplace has existed in India for long. As DW mentioned, medical staff in government hospitals, especially junior doctors, interns, and final-year medical students, are most at risk of workplace violence. In their letter to PM Modi, AIIMS RDA said that doctors are particularly vulnerable as they work in environments filled with life-and-death challenges. Advertisement Resident doctors hold posters and shout slogans during a protest march condemning the rape and murder of a trainee medic at a government-run hospital in Kolkata, on the street in Gujarats Ahmedabad, August 17, 2024. Reuters Experts point to several factors that contribute to violence against healthcare professionals, including the poorly funded public health system in India. A lack of proper management owing to limited resources and staff, expensive healthcare costs, and increased stay at private hospitals, could lead to violent situations, reported DW. The violence is due to multiple factors. The most important is an overall loss of trust in the healthcare delivery system. Over-privatisation with major elements of secondary and tertiary care being provided by for-profit healthcare providers has led to escalating costs and significant out-of-pocket expenditures on healthcare, Sumit Ray, a medical superintendent and critical care specialist at Holy Family hospital, told the German broadcaster last year. Advertisement According to Ray, many poor families are often forced to sell assets and borrow money for medical treatment. This has led to significant indebtedness and when the outcome of the treatment is not what the family expects, it leads to violence. This is compounded by the fact that people dont see a recourse through judicial intervention, he said. Amid the Kolkata case, Dr Praveen Gupta, principal director and chief of neurology, Fortis Hospital, told The Hindu, We have repeatedly requested a safe work environment. This incident is a wake-up call. Doctors, particularly junior doctors working night shifts, and nurses whether female or male are increasingly under threat, not just physically but mentally as well. There is growing concern about their safety, lives, and mental health. The IMA, in its list of demands to the Union government, has called for declaring healthcare centres as safe zones with mandatory security measures such as installing CCTVs and deploying security personnel. The victim was on a 36-hour duty shift, and had no safe space to rest. The working and living conditions of resident doctors need a complete overhaul, the association said. After the Kolkata incident, the Centre has taken steps to enhance the security of healthcare workers in the workplace. On August 16, the Union health ministry issued an order that in the event of any violence against any healthcare worker while on duty, the head of the institution shall be responsible for filing an institutional FIR within a maximum of six hours of the incident. With inputs from agencies Mpox, a viral infection that spreads through contact with the infected, has spread in Africa and Pakistan, with cases also emerging in Sweden and the Philippines. As the WHO has declared the disease a global health emergency, questions are emerging on how people can stay. Are there vaccines that offer protection? read more A man receives a dose of the mpox vaccine at the Edison municipal vaccination centre in Paris, France July 27, 2022. File Photo/Reuters Mpox has gained worldwide attention since it was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) last week. A new and possibly more transmissible strain Clade 1b of the disease has been spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The viral infection, formerly known as monkeypox, has been reported in five African countries, Sweden, Pakistan and the Philippines this year. As the surging cases trigger a cause of concern globally, there are questions among the COVID-weary populations about vaccines to protect against the disease. Advertisement Lets take a closer look. What is mpox? Mpox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to a genus of viruses called Orthopoxvirus. The Orthopoxvirus family consists of the variola virus, which causes smallpox, the cowpox virus, and the vaccinia virus. The common symptoms of mpox include skin lesions, fever, headache, muscle and back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease spreads through physical contact with an infected person, materials or animals. An undated colourised transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles (pink) found within an infected cell (yellow), cultured in the laboratory, captured at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland, US. Reuters The WHO sounded its highest level of alert for mpox last week, noting the 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported in Africa this year. The United Nations health agency last declared mpox a global health emergency in 2022 when a milder strain called Clade 2 caused the outbreak. Is there a vaccine for mpox? There are vaccines against mpox but no specific ones that target the monkeypox virus. As viruses from the Orthopoxvirus genus are genetically similar, the vaccines developed to protect from other viruses can be used for mpox, too, reported DW. Speaking to India Today, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, infectious diseases expert and member of IMA Kochi, said, There is no vaccine created specifically for the mpox virus. When the global mpox outbreak occurred in 2022, we were hoping that the smallpox vaccine could cross-protect against mpox. Vaccines protecting against mpox follow cross-reactivity. For example, there are viruses M, V and C from the Orthopoxvirus genus which are structurally similar. A vaccine that protects against virus C will also be able to tackle viruses M and V. Advertisement Antibodies produced by someone infected by the variola virus will also keep them safe against a mpox infection. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has recommended travellers get vaccinated against mpox if they are visiting affected areas in Africa. Which vaccines are there? Currently, there are a few vaccines against mpox, including Jynneos (MVA-BN) and Acam2000. The MVA-BN vaccine, or the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic, has been approved by the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union/European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada. Developed around the 1950s, the Modified Vaccinia Ankara vaccine was used to protect against smallpox. Its current form, MVA-BN, is reportedly marketed as Jynneos, Imvamune and Imvanex. Advertisement The US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has green-lit ACAM2000 for protection against smallpox and mpox. In 2022, Japan gave a nod to the smallpox vaccine LC16 for use against mpox. Russia licensed OrthopoxVac the same year for vaccination against smallpox, mpox and other Orthopoxviruses. A new mRNA vaccine BNT166 is being developed to particularly target antigens on the monkeypox virus, reported DW. Are these vaccines effective? Yes. According to the WHO, vaccination can help in preventing mpox. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests getting two doses of the vaccine for maximum protection against mpox. Previous research has shown that the smallpox vaccine is about 85 per cent effective against mpox. However, people who have got a smallpox jab seem to contract milder cases of mpox, reported DW. Advertisement Regarding the vaccines for mpox, smallpox vaccines do provide significant protection due to the close genetic relationship between the two viruses. Two vaccines are currently used. The smallpox vaccine (vaccinia virus vaccine) has been shown to offer cross-protection against mpox due to the genetic similarities between the two viruses. This vaccine was originally developed to eradicate smallpox, and since the two viruses belong to the same family, the immunity provided by the smallpox vaccine can indeed reduce the severity of mpox or prevent it altogether, Dr Giridhar Babu, epidemiologist, physician scientist, author on global health and infectious diseases, told India Today. Advertisement The antiviral drug tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX, is also commonly used to treat mpox. However, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) said last week that the medicine did not speed up healing for people in a clinical trial in DRC infected with the new strain of mpox. With inputs from agencies Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23 at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy making history as the first Indian prime minister to do so since the countries established diplomatic relations. New Delhi has consistently pushed dialogue and diplomacy as a way to resolve the war with Russia, while not condemning Moscow or joining Western sanctions against Vladimir Putin read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constantly spoken of dialogue and diplomacy as a way to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war. Reuters Its official. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to Ukraine. Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23 at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Modi will make history with the visit becoming the first Indian prime minister to travel to Ukraine since the two countries established diplomatic relations. Tanmaya Lal, West Secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs, said PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on Friday, August 23, on the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is also a landmark and a historic visit since this will be the first time an Indian PM will be visiting Ukraine in more than 30 years since we established our diplomatic relations. This visit will build upon the recent high-level interactions between the leaders Advertisement Modis trip comes just a month after he visited Russia and Austria. But what has Indias stance been on the Ukraine war? Lets take a closer look: Indias stance on war Since the war began in February 2022, India has essentially adopted a neutral stance. New Delhi has consistently pushed dialogue and diplomacy as a way to resolve the crisis, while not condemning Russia or joining Western sanctions against Putin. As per Indian Express, New Delhi has sought to balance ties with both the West and Russia at a difficult time. It has stated that its ties with Moscow are the result of a long-standing strategic partnership which is completely separate issue from the current geopolitical crisis. Not era of war Modi in September 2022 made headlines by telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that todays era is not of war. I know that todays era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this, Modi said at a face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reuters File Today we will get the opportunity to talk about how we can progress on the path of peace. India and Russia have stayed together with each other for several decades. Modis remarks were widely picked up by the media. Advertisement CNN stated, Indian leader Narendra Modi tells Putin: Now is not the time for war The Washington Post reported, Modi rebukes Putin over war in Ukraine. Indias Leader Tells Putin That Now Is Not an Era for War, The New York Times wrote. The remarks made lead story on the webpage of both The Washington Post and The New York Times. Japanese publication NHKs headline was Indian PM Modi tells Putin to pursue peace, while Hong Kong-based leading daily South China Morning Post reported: Now is not a time for war, Indias Modi tells Russias Putin who vows to end this as soon as possible. Politico reported; Indias Modi tells Putin: This is not the era for war and US News headline was Indian PM Modi Tells Russias Putin Now Is Not an Era of War. Advertisement Putin said that he knows about Indias position on the Ukraine conflict and we want all of this to end as soon as possible. I know about your position on the Ukraine conflict. I know about your concerns. We want all of this to end as soon as possible, Putin said. India at the Bali G20 Summit in November 2022 echoed PM Modis remarks in the declaration. It is essential to uphold international law and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability. This includes defending all the Purposes and Principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and adhering to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and infrastructure in armed conflicts. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible. The peaceful resolution of conflicts, efforts to address crises, as well as diplomacy and dialogue, are vital. Todays era must not be of war. Advertisement India is not neutral Modi, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal in June 2023, Modi said India was on the side of peace. Some people say that we are neutral. But we are not neutral. We are on the side of peace. All countries should respect international law and the sovereignty of countries, Modi said. Modi called for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the issue. Advertisement India will do whatever it can and supports all genuine efforts to bring an end to the conflict and ensure enduring peace and stability, he added. States must refrain from use of force India at the G20 Summit in September in the declaration stated, Todays era must not be of war. All states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state, the declaration stated. We call on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability. The peaceful resolution of conflicts, and efforts to address crises as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical. We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy and welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine that will uphold all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations in the spirit of One Earth, One Family, One Future. Take stand for common man In May, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing an interactive session in Odishas Cuttack, said, We take a stand on foreign policy for average citizens," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. AP Look at one example. We had this pressure on Russia and Ukraine. We were clear. Suppose we had not been clear. Suppose we had said. Sorry. Sorry. You are saying it very strongly. We will not do what we did. Your petrol price would have gone up by Rs 20 because of that, Jaishankar was quoted as saying by The Hindu. So foreign policy today affects every citizen, it affects our lives," he added. When we talk about Ukraine if today the price of petrol is lower, its because we had the courage to buy oil from Russia. If there are other matters related to security or the respect earned by Modi ji during the COVID times, its because of his diplomacy that Indians stranded in the Gulf region returned home safely, Jaishankar added. Sincere practical engagement In June, a top Indian diplomat said New Delhi believes only a sincere and practical engagement between Russia and Ukraine can lead to a lasting peace, Hindustan Times reported. The MEAs Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor made the remarks at a Swiss peace summit attended by more than 90 countries. Kapoor said Indias participation in the summit was in line with our clear and consistent approach that enduring peace can be achieved only through dialogue and diplomacy. We continue to believe that such a peace requires bringing together all stakeholders and a sincere and practical engagement between the two parties to the conflict. New Delhi said while it will engage with all stakeholders and the two parties to the conflict to contribute to all earnest efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine,, had taken the decision not to be part of a joint communique. In our view, only those options acceptable to both parties can lead to abiding peace. In line with this approach, we have decided to avoid association with the joint communique or any other document emerging from this summit, Kapoor said. Problems cannot be solved on battlefield Modi in July made a high-profile visit to Russia his first since 2019 and after Moscows invasion of Kyiv for the 22nd India-Russia annual summit. Modi said that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets. For a bright future of the new generation, peace is most essential. A solution is not possible on the battlefield Peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets, he said. For restoration of peace, India is ready to cooperate in all possible ways, Modi said. Emphasise dialogue and diplomacy Modi reiterated his stance on Ukraine on a trip to Vienna. This is not a time for war. Problems cannot be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives, anywhere, is unacceptable, Modi said as per News18. Modi make the remarks in a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. India and Austria emphasise dialogue and diplomacy for the earliest possible restoration of peace and stability, Modi added. With inputs from agencies Ukraine has intensified its offensive in Russias Kursk region by destroying two key bridges, severely hampering Moscows logistical capabilities. As Kyiv pushes deeper into Russian territory, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aims to create a buffer zone, while urging Western allies to lift restrictions on long-range strikes. The daring operation has sparked chaos in the Kremlin and raised concerns of further escalation, with Belarus warning of potential nuclear consequences read more A satellite image shows a bridge collapsed over the Seym river in the Glushkovo district, following a Ukrainian strike in the Kursk region, Russia, August 17, 2024. File Image/Reuters Ukrainian forces have targeted and destroyed a second key bridge in Russias Kursk region, further escalating the cross-border offensive that began earlier this month. This latest strike follows the destruction of another bridge in the same region just days before, indicating a clear strategic aim to cripple Russian supply lines and solidify Ukrainian positions in the area. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the destruction of the second bridge across the Seim River. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk shared a video on Telegram, declaring, Minus one more bridge! He stated that the air force continues to deprive the enemy of its logistical capabilities with accurate airstrikes, which significantly affects the course of hostilities. Advertisement Watch: The first strike, which occurred on Friday, targeted a road bridge in the Glushkovsky district. This area now has only one remaining bridge, severely limiting Moscows ability to resupply its forces. Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels alleged that both bridges were destroyed using US-made HIMARS missiles, a claim that highlights the critical role of Western-supplied weaponry in Ukraines offensive operations. The destruction of these bridges not only disrupts Russian supply routes but also hampers their ability to evacuate civilians from the conflict zone. What is Ukraines objective in Kursk? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his nightly address, shed light on the broader objectives of the incursion into Kursk. He stated, It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressors territoryour operation in the Kursk region. I received a briefing from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, covering the situation in the eastern part of Ukraine, operations in the Kursk region, the exchange fund, and the equipping of our brigades, particularly the reserves, with ammunition and weapons. In every direction, our pic.twitter.com/sNQYb9JJ3k Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) August 18, 2024 This was the first time Zelenskyy explicitly outlined the operations goal of establishing a buffer zone within Russian territory, a move aimed at preventing further attacks on Ukrainian soil. The incursion, which began on August 6, has seen Ukrainian forces advance deep into Russian territory, capturing several villages and taking hundreds of prisoners. According to General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraines army chief, the operation has allowed Ukrainian forces to advance over 1,000 square kilometres (390 square miles) into the Kursk region. How has this development affected Kyiv? The success of Ukraines offensive in Kursk has bolstered the morale of its forces, which had been weakened by a failed counteroffensive last summer and months of grueling battles in the Donbas region. Advertisement The operation has also demonstrated Ukraines ability to take the initiative, catching the Kremlin off guard and sowing chaos among Russian forces and civilians alike. Tens of thousands of civilians have fled the area, adding to the sense of panic in Moscow. Servicemen of the 41st Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces take part in an exercise, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location, Ukraine, August 17, 2024. File Image/Reuters However, the operation comes with significant risks. Analysts caution that while Ukraine may attempt to consolidate its gains in Kursk, the extended supply lines into Russian territory could be vulnerable to counterattacks. Despite these risks, the operation has shown that Kyiv is willing to push deep into enemy territory to achieve its strategic objectives. Is Ukraine allowed to use NATO-supplied long-range weapons? Advertisement In a parallel development, Zelenskyy has called on Ukraines Western allies to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons, urging them to allow Ukrainian forces to strike deeper into Russian territory, including in Kursk. Also Read: How Ukraine caught Russia napping as it launched biggest invasion since World War II It is crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands, Zelenskyy said. The bravery of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades compensate for the lack of essential decisions from our partners. Has the Russian response been miffed at best? Advertisement Russias response to the Ukrainian incursion has been largely reactive, with Moscow struggling to organise an effective counteroffensive. Russian President Vladimir Putin, while visiting China in May, had hinted at the possibility of creating a buffer zone in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region in response to Ukrainian shelling. However, the swift and effective Ukrainian operations in Kursk have put the Kremlin on the back foot. Russia launched its third ballistic missile attack on Kyiv this month on Sunday, but reports suggest that most of the missiles were intercepted before reaching their targets, according to the Ukrainian capitals military administration. Local residents look at a crater that appeared during a Russian missile strike, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Ukraine, August 18, 2024. Reuters This is already the third ballistic strike on the capital in August, with exact intervals of six days between each attack, Serhiy Popko, the head of the Kyiv military administration, said on Telegram. The situation has also raised concerns about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which remains under Russian control. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned that the plants safety is deteriorating due to nearby military activity. Grossi called for maximum restraint from all sides after an explosive drone detonated near the plants protected area, highlighting the potential for a nuclear disaster in the midst of the ongoing conflict. The nuclear safety situation at Ukraines Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant is deteriorating following a drone strike that hit the road around the plant site perimeter today, IAEA DG @rafaelmgrossi said. https://t.co/t2PZJOt09L pic.twitter.com/s1fTDWVT5Y IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) August 17, 2024 In a further escalation, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, has massed nearly a third of his countrys army along the border with Ukraine. In an interview of Russia state television, he warned that Ukraines actions could provoke Russia into using nuclear weapons, a threat that has loomed over the conflict since its inception. Lukashenko stated, Nobody has ever defeated this empire, and they wont defeat Russia. How is NATO meant to do it? What now? While Kyiv has stated that it does not intend to occupy Russian territory permanently, the creation of a buffer zone could serve as a powerful bargaining chip in future negotiations. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that Ukraine is not interested in occupying Russian territories, describing the operation as a military toolto convince the Russian Federation to enter into a fair negotiation process. Also Watch: Ukraines destruction of key infrastructure in Russias Kursk region marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. With inputs from agencies The Democratic National Convention 2024 kicks off in Chicago today, marking a historic moment as the party rallies behind US Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. With the final send-off for US President Joe Biden, the convention will celebrate his legacy while setting the stage for Harris and Walz as the duo prepares for the election against Donald Trump read more Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Representative from New York, stands at the podium at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center, August 17, 2024, in Chicago, US. File Image/AP The Democratic National Convention (DNC) 2024 is set to begin this Monday (local time) in Chicago, marking a pivotal moment in American politics as the party rallies behind its new leadership. With less than 80 days until Election Day, the convention will serve as a platform for United States Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who have already been nominated through a virtual roll call earlier this month. The convention also marks the final send-off for US President Joe Biden, who stepped down from the race last month, paving the way for a new era in the Democratic Party. Advertisement Details of the DNC The DNC will run from Monday, August 19, to Thursday, August 22, with events primarily taking place at two iconic Chicago venues: the United Center (hosted DNC in 1996) and McCormick Place. Democratic presidential candidate and US Vice President Kamala Harris deboards the airplane, alongside Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, upon arrival ahead of the Democratic National Convention, in Chicago, Ilinois, US, August 18, 2024. Reuters The United Center, known as the home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, will host the conventions primetime programming, including major televised speeches, performances, and remote video presentations. The McCormick Place convention centre will serve as the venue for caucus meetings, Democratic Party briefings, and delegation meetings each morning. The convention is expected to draw around 50,000 visitors, including 5,000 delegates and alternates. Work continues at the United Center before the upcoming Democratic National Convention, August 15, 2024, in Chicago, US. File Image/AP Tens of thousands of protesters are also anticipated to gather outside the convention, particularly to voice opposition to the Biden administrations stance on the ongoing war in Gaza. These protests are planned to occur daily from Sunday through Thursday, with the largest expected on Monday. Harris and Walz at the helm This years DNC is unique in that the nominations for Harris and Walz were confirmed before the convention. The Democratic National Committee conducted a virtual roll call on August 6, due to an Ohio law requiring party nominees to be selected by August 7 to appear on the states ballot. Although this law was repealed earlier this summer, concerns about potential litigation prompted the DNC to proceed with the virtual roll call. Nearly 100 per cent of DNC delegates voted to support Harris, while DNC Chair Minyon Moore certified Walz as her running mate. A ceremonial roll call will still take place at the convention to celebrate their nominations. Advertisement Harris, who has seen a surge in momentum since announcing her candidacy, will use the convention to reintroduce herself to the American public. With a background that resonates with working-class voters a daughter of immigrants who worked at McDonalds during college Harris will seek to broaden her appeal beyond the Democratic base. Advertisement Here in Chicago, Vice President Harris will use our stage to tell her story to the country, outline the Harris-Walz vision for the future, and grow our broad coalition to defeat Donald Trump, said Emily Soong, press secretary for the DNC. Walz has been described as a joyful warrior who complements Harriss message of hope and optimism, countering the Trump campaigns portrayal of the US under Democratic leadership as a nation in crisis. Who is speaking at the DNC The DNC will feature an array of prominent speakers, reflecting the partys leadership and diverse voices, reported Politico. On Monday, Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will address the convention. Advertisement Tuesday will feature speeches from Former US President Barack Obama, Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. From capping the cost of prescription drugs for all to providing first-time homebuyers with financial support to restoring the child tax credit for families, @KamalaHarris just laid out some ways she'll help lower costs for the American people. She has the vision, the pic.twitter.com/ulLBup9tZU Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 16, 2024 Wednesdays lineup includes Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, US Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Former US President Bill Clinton, and US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Finally, Harris will close out the convention with her speech on Thursday night. Additional speakers include Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Rep. Lauren Underwood. US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris holds a campaign rally with her newly chosen vice presidential running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. File Image/Reuters The ceremonial roll call, scheduled for Tuesday, will be a symbolic re-staging of the official nomination vote. State delegations will cast their votes on the convention floor, with the order of voting beginning with Bidens home state of Delaware and concluding with Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walzs home state of Minnesota and Harris home state of California. Also Read: DNC is back in Chicago: Riots in 1968, Macarena in 96, how Windy City was host to historic conventions The roll call will include some live video elements to showcase the diversity and beauty of America, according to convention planners. The roll call will culminate in Harris and Walz officially accepting their nominations in speeches before the full convention on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. The DNC 2024 is also drawing international attention, with notable figures like Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who is participating in a side event at the convention, reported Reuters. The Biden era: A final send-off As the DNC 2024 unfolds, it will also serve as a significant moment in honouring Joe Bidens contributions to the Democratic Party and the country. Bidens decision to step down from the race last month shocked many, but his immediate endorsement of Harris helped avoid the chaos of an open convention. US President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. File Image/AP Theyve been aligned for the last 3 years, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said of Biden and Harris this week. Theres not been any daylight. In a display of unity, Biden and Harris appeared together last Thursday in Largo, Maryland, where Harris thanked our extraordinary president, Joe Biden for his leadership. Folks, I have an incredible partner, the progress weve made, Biden said. And shes going to make one hell of a president. Watch: This convention will be Bidens final bow on the national stage, marking the end of a political career that spans decades. His legacy, particularly his efforts to lower prescription drug prices and his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be celebrated throughout the week. The convention will not only highlight the achievements of his administration but also set the stage for Harris and Walz to carry forward the torch of Democratic leadership into the future. What challenges lie ahead The Democratic platform for 2024, which will be voted on by the full DNC membership at the convention, highlights a stark contrast with former US President Donald Trump. The platform includes proposals to raise a billionaire income tax, lower the cost of childcare, invest in clean energy, and restore reproductive rights. However, the platforms stance on the war in Gaza, a contentious issue within the party, calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire but stops short of committing to ceasing US munitions supply to Israela demand from progressive Democrats. People take part in a protest organised by pro-abortion rights, pro-LGBT rights and pro-Palestinian activists, on the eve of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), in Chicago, Illinois, US, August 18, 2024. Reuters Harris campaign has so far focused on portraying her as a fearless advocate for everyday Americans, a prosecutor who has taken on big banks and big drug companies. Yet, as she prepares to take on Donald Trump in the upcoming election, Harris will need to deliver a message that resonates with a broader electorate, not just the party faithful. From the time I was in the Senate, I worked tirelessly to give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices. For years, Big Pharma blocked any progress.@KamalaHarris and I finally beat Big Pharma. And we did it with no help from Republicans. pic.twitter.com/8HOGP4hg4P Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 17, 2024 Her recent unveiling of an economic policy agenda with populist elements, including a federal ban on price-gouging and tax incentives for first-time homebuyers, is an attempt to appeal to working-class voters. However, gaps in her policy agenda remain, which she will need to address as the campaign moves forward. Now is the time to chart a new way forward, Harris declared in Raleigh, North Carolina. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies August 18, 2024: The western sanctions imposed on Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine are having a growing number of side effects. The latest victims are Chinese companies that manufacture extraction and transportation equipment for LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) producers. The 2023 top five LNG producers are the U.S., Australia, Qatar, Russia and Algeria. China tried to quietly supply Russia with LNG equipment Russia cant produce for itself. This failed when Chinas western trading partners found out and threatened to sanction China for allowing Chinese firms to evade the sanctions. Most of Chinas foreign trade is with the United States and Europe. The western sanctions threat was potentially devastating for China while the loss of its much smaller trade activity with Russia is something China can survive. The Chinese government ordered the Chinese companies manufacturing and attempting to deliver LNG equipment to Russian firms to back off until Russia was no longer being sanctioned by western nations that are Chinas major trading partners. Russia objected but could not retaliate in any way. Their ambitious expansion of LNG production would have to wait, along with a lot of other sanctioned Russian exports, until the war in Ukraine is over. Chinese diplomats and economic experts are quietly urging Russia to settle the Ukraine war and get out of Ukraine. Now in its third year, a growing number of Russian leaders believe that their war in Ukraine is unwinnable. The problem is that Ukraine, which has been under attack by the Russians since 2014, demands that Russians leave the 25 percent of Ukraine that they occupy and allow Ukraine to reclaim its lost territory. This is a humiliation that Russian leaders are unwilling to deal with. The Chinese point out that they have to deal with the sanctions as well and would like to resume their mutually lucrative trade with Russia. That will only happen if Russia makes peace with Ukraine. The sanctions on Russia means that even China cannot legally trade with Russia. There is some illegal trade in smuggled Russian oil and small quantities of high value components for Russian weapons and industries. Most Russian leaders realize that the invasion of Ukraine was a big mistake and an economic disaster for Russia. Russian leader Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion and believes that withdrawing from Ukraine, no matter how much it would benefit Ukraine, would also mean that Putin would be out of his job as Russian leader. Putins resistance to losing his job could cause chaos inside Russia because most Russians now blame Putin for the Russian losses in Ukraine and the economic damage done by the sanctions. Russia now has a higher poverty rate and its import/export activity is much reduced. Putin still controls Russian armed forces, including the national police, but does now want to be known for triggering a civil war in Russia. Putins decision to invade Ukraine was a major mistake and he does not want to compound it with more economic and armed chaos inside Russia. Be careful what you ask for because thats what Putin did and now all he has are numerous military, economic and diplomatic problems to show for it. Even as Indian position on the Ukraine conflict has come under criticism in the West, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has frequently told Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek the solution to his concerns outside of the battlefields read more At a time when the Ukraine War appears to be at a turning point, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on his first visit to Ukraine. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India has come under regular criticism from Western quarters for its stance. While India has called for the cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy from the onset, India has not just continued to purchase discounted Russian oil but has also ramped up the purchase. Advertisement Then, in July, Modi arrived in Russia on his first visit in the new term. The visit further turned the tempers up in the West. Even as many politicians and commentators in the West have slammed India for being cosy with Russia despite it waging a devastating war on Ukraine and plunging Europe into the worst security crisis since the World War II, India has been pressing for dialogue since the onset. Modi has been one of the few leaders in the world who can reach out to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Previously, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar has also said that Modi intervened to get the fighting in Ukraine stopped thrice to facilitate the movement of stranded Indians out of the conflict zone. Here are the three times Modi made major statements on the Ukraine War. Not an era of war In September 2022, after months of criticism, Modi made headlines in the Western press for telling Putin on his face and in full view of the press that he should not be waging a war in Ukraine. On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistan, Modi it was not an era of war and democracy and diplomacy are the way to resolve conflicts. I know that todays era is not of war and we have talked to you many times over the phone on the subject that democracy and diplomacy and dialogue are all these things that touch the world, said Modi, addressing Putin in front of the press. Advertisement Modi further said, We will definitely get a chance to discuss how we can move onto the path of peace in the coming days, I will also get an opportunity to understand your point of view. India is not neutral In an interview with The Wall Street Journal in 2023, Modi said that India was not neutral in the Ukraine conflict. Modi said that India had taken a side and that was the side of peace. Some people say that we are neutral. But we are not neutral. We are on the side of peace. All countries should respect international law and the sovereignty of countries, said Modi. Advertisement Modi also repeated his call for the resolution of all disputes by diplomacy and dialogue and not war. Going a step further than his previous public remarks, Modi indicated that he was open to playing a role in diffusing the crisis. While he did not offer outright mediation, Modi said that India will do whatever it can and supports all genuine efforts to bring an end to the conflict and ensure enduring peace and stability. Solutions cant be found on battlefields Even in the much-criticised visit to Russia in July, Modi told Putin that war would not achieve anything. Echoing his remarks in 2022 that today is not the era of war, Modi told Putin in July that solutions cannot be found on the battlefield. Advertisement Modi said that peace is of utmost importance and a solution to the war in Ukraine cannot be found on the battlefield. Modi further said, As a friend, I have also said for the brighter future of our next generation, peace is of utmost importanceWhen innocent children are murdered, one sees them die, the heart pains and that pain is unbearable. Mpox is a viral disease that can spread from animals to humans, but also human-to-human through sexual or close physical contact. File Photo- Reuters After mpox reached Pakistan and Europe from Africa, India has sounded an alert and set up nodal centres. The Union Ministry of Health has asked all airports and border crossings with Pakistan and Bangladesh to be alert regarding incoming persons with mpox symptoms, officials told PTI. The officials further said that the Centre has also designated three hospitals in Delhi as nodal centres for isolation, management, and treatment of any patient with mpox. They are Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung, and Lady Hardinge hospitals Advertisement Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in Africa as a global health emergency. As of July 28, Africa has recorded around 14,250 mpox cases with at least 456 deaths. While 10 countries have recorded cases, 96 per cent of all cases have been in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the vast majority of patients have been children. Mpox is a viral disease that spreads either from close physical contact (including sexual) with an infected person or from a scratch or a bite from an infected animal. Eating or drinking something contaminated by an infected animal may also spread the disease. The disease causes fever along with rash and lesions on the body. The complications include pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, etc. Top official chairs meeting Amid mpox scare abroad, PK Mishra, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired a meeting to review the preparedness. Officials told PTI that there are so far no cases in India. They added that the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low An official source said, The virus strain this time is different and is more virulent and infectious. But the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low in the country as per the current assessment. Directing increased surveillance, the Centre stressed that the network of testing laboratories should be geared up for early diagnosis of the disease, as per the agency. Advertisement Mishra on Sunday said protocols for prevention and treatment of the disease should be disseminated on a large scale, stressing the importance of running an awareness campaign among healthcare providers about the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for timely notification to the surveillance system, according to news agency. Since 2022 when the last major outbreak was reported abroad, 30 mpox cases have been recorded in India. The last case was reported in March. Mounting its fiercest attack on the Mamata Banerjee government over the RG Kar rape-murder case, the BJP on Monday said that the West Bengal chief minister is the destroyer of the rule of law and evidence in the heinous crime and demanded her resignation read more Mounting its fiercest attack on the Mamata Banerjee government over the RG Kar rape-murder case, the BJP on Monday said that the West Bengal chief minister is the destroyer of the rule of law and evidence in the heinous crime and demanded her resignation. #WATCH | Delhi: On Kolkata's RG Kar hospital rape-murder case, BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia says, "...We want justice and the Chief Minister of West Bengal should resign...By her misdeeds, West Bengal CM has destroyed the dignity of a woman, a doctor who was serving society. She is pic.twitter.com/DTqXndEgkj ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2024 Advertisement Addressing a press conference on Monday, BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia said, We want justice and the chief minister of West Bengal should resignBy her misdeeds, West Bengal CM has destroyed the dignity of a woman, a doctor who was serving society. She is the destroyer of the rule of law and evidence in this heinous crime which is vital to ensure that the accused get the punishment that they deserve The BJP leader slammed Mamata Banerjee for mishandling the case and asked why did she delay the handover of the case to the CBI. Why did Mamata Banerjee want Kolkata police to handle the case, and only transferred the investigation to CBI after there was enormous pressure on her to do so. Did the Mamata Banerjee administration need the time to destroy vital evidence? Why was the initial theory of suicide floated to explain victims murder? asked Bhatia. Meanwhile, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress has cast shadow on the CBI investigation and asked why there are no updates on the case ever since it was handed over CBI on August 14. Advertisement The RG Kar case was handed over to the CBI on August 14. It has been five days and there has not been a single update from the CBI. Also, the only arrest in the case is the accused nabbed by Kolkata Police. CBI has not even summoned any suspects for questioning in the last five days. Moreover, the central agency has not even tried to counter the numerous rumours being spread on media and social media, NDTV quoted Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose as saying in a video statement. Banerjee, who has backed the doctors protest in wake of the horrific rape-murder incident, had given a Sunday ultimatum to the CBI to complete probe and hang the culprits. Advertisement The party also accused the CBI of trying to bury the case. What is the CBI doing? At this point, it seems that theyre keeping their head down just to allow BJP to target the state government and keep spreading a false narrative. None of the Opposition parties are asking even a word to the CBI. As we had said, the priority in this case is for justice to be done. Is the CBI trying to bury the case? What explains their complete inaction for five days? asked the journalist-turned-parliamentarian. Meanwhile, the probe agency has got permission to conduct a polygraph test on the arrested accused in case, said CBI sources. Advertisement With inputs from agencies India and Japan are expected to delve into further expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in the face of Chinas increasing military muscle-flexing in the region. read more Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa arrived in New Delhi on Monday to participate in the third India-Japan 2+2 dialogue. The current situation in the Indo-Pacific region is expected to be reviewed besides exploring opportunities to expand bilateral strategic ties between the two nations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold the talks with their Japanese counterparts Kihara Minoru and Kamikawa on Tuesday. Strengthened India-Japan defence partnership is vital for ensuring a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific in the prevailing global environment, Indias defence ministry said. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Japanese foreign and defence ministers met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a post on X, Modi said, Delighted to meet Japanese Foreign Minister @Kamikawa_Yoko and Defense Minister @kihara_minoru ahead of the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting. Took stock of the progress made in India-Japan defense and security ties. The prime minister said he reaffirmed the role India-Japan partnership plays in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Delighted to meet Japanese Foreign Minister @Kamikawa_Yoko and Defense Minister @kihara_minoru ahead of the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting. Took stock of the progress made in India-Japan defense and security ties. Reaffirmed the role India-Japan pic.twitter.com/QE4euOoy0d Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2024 The first edition of the dialogue was held in India in 2019 while the second one took place in Japan in 2022. Besides the 2+2 dialogue, Singh and Jaishankar will also hold separate bilateral talks with Defence Minister Minoru and Foreign Minister Kamikawa on Tuesday. During the bilateral talks and 2+2 meeting, the ministers will review the bilateral cooperation and explore new initiatives to further strengthen the engagements between the two countries, the defence ministry said in a statement. Advertisement It said the ministers will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. India and Japan share Special Strategic and Global Partnership based on the shared values of democracy, freedom and rule of law, the ministry said. Defence has emerged as one of the most important pillars in this relationship, it said. This visit will further deepen defence cooperation and bring greater depth to the special strategic and global partnership between the two countries, it said. On the 2+2 dialogue, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, Substantive discussions covering various spheres of India-Japan multifaceted partnership lie ahead. The 2+2 dialogue with Japan was initiated to further deepen bilateral security and defence cooperation and bring greater depth to the special strategic and global partnership between the two countries. Advertisement India has the 2+2 ministerial format of dialogue with very few countries including the US, Australia and Russia. The workers have called the strike after a governmental committee failed to meet their demands despite a series of meetings over three years read more Workers at Mundra port in the Indian state of Gujarat. (Photo: Reuters) A group of Indian port workers unions has called for a strike from Aug. 28 to demand immediate settlement of pay revisions and pension benefits, according to a note signed by its members. A strike by Indias port workers could exacerbate the existing congestion issues at Asian and European ports, leading to further delayed shipments, which have a global impact on trade and commerce. The shipping ministry formed a bipartite wage negotiation committee in March 2021, and the workers submitted their demands six months later, ahead of the expiration of the previous agreement in December of that year, according to the note. Advertisement Although the wage negotiation committee met seven times, it failed to meet the port workers demands, the note said. The workers group agreed to call for a strike after a meeting this month in Thoothukudi, a port city in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Around 20,000 workers are part of the group of port workers unions, and all of them would join the strike, said Sathya Narayanan, a senior union member who sits on the board of the V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust in Thoothukudi. The immediate impact of the strike might not be grave, but if it goes on for more than two to three days, the ramifications would be severe, he said on Monday. The government and port management should consider demands such as pay scale revisions, payment of arrears and protection of exiting benefits to help avoid the strike, the workers group said in the note. Indias federal shipping ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The annual cargo handling capacity of major Indian ports such as Chennai, Cochin and Mumbai totalled 1.62 billion metric tons, according to the shipping ministry. In the fiscal year to March 31, 2024, India exported goods worth $437 billion, with imports estimated at $677 billion. The Indian governments new lateral entry policy for senior bureaucratic positions aims to bring in specialized expertise from outside the traditional civil service. This initiative, while intended to enhance administrative efficiency, has faced criticism over its potential impact on reservation rights read more Indias Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recently announced a new recruitment initiative for Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries through a lateral entry approach. This decision has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who argue that it undermines reservation rights for OBCs, SCs, and STs. However, the concept of lateral entry was first introduced by the Congress-led UPA government and received strong support from the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established in 2005 under the chairmanship of Veerappa Moily. Advertisement 5 things to know about Lateral Entry? 1. The Second ARC, led by Veerappa Moily, stated the need for specialized knowledge in certain government roles that was not always available within the traditional civil services. The ARC recommended recruiting professionals from sectors such as the private industry, academia, and public enterprises to address these gaps. 2. To enhance government capabilities, the ARC proposed establishing a talent pool of experts who could be brought into government roles on a short-term or contractual basis. This would infuse new perspectives and expertise in fields like economics, finance, technology, and public policy. 3. The Commission stressed the need for a transparent and merit-based selection process for lateral entrants. It suggested creating a dedicated agency to manage the recruitment and oversight of these professionals. 4. The ARC recommended implementing a robust performance management system to ensure that lateral entrants are held accountable for their contributions and to regularly assess their performance. 5. The ARC also stated the importance of integrating lateral entrants into the existing civil service framework in a way that maintains the integrity and values of the civil service while utilizing their specialized skills. History of Lateral entry The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 1966 and chaired initially by Morarji Desai and later by K. Hanumanthaiah, laid the foundation for discussions on the need for specialised skills in civil services. Although it did not specifically advocate for lateral entry, it stressed the importance of professionalisation, training, and reforms to meet the demands of a changing nation. Advertisement Historically, the Government of India has included external talent in senior advisory roles and, occasionally, in key administrative positions. For example, the Chief Economic Advisor, typically a lateral entrant, is always an eminent economist under the age of 45. Other distinguished individuals have also been appointed to high-level positions as Secretaries to the Government. Lateral Entry During the Modi Government: The formal introduction of the lateral entry scheme occurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modis tenure. Recognising the need for domain experts to enhance administrative efficiency, the government announced vacancies for senior positions like Joint Secretaries and Directors in 2018. This initiative marked the first time that professionals from outside the traditional civil service were invited to apply for these roles. The rigorous selection process emphasised candidates qualifications, experience, and suitability for these strategic positions. Advertisement This move was influenced by the ARCs earlier recommendations and aimed to make the administration more dynamic and responsive to modern governance challenges. The recruitment of Joint Secretaries in 2018 put into practice the ARCs vision, demonstrating a commitment to integrating specialised external expertise into the civil service. This will be the first time an Indian prime minister will visit Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). During his daylong visit, Modi will hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the visit. This will be the first time an Indian prime minister will visit Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. The visit comes in the midst of ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict when both the sides are trying to conflict in their favour. While the Russian forces are pushing forward to capture the strategic city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine has capture more than 1,000 square kilometres of territory inside Ukraine in its ongoing incursion. Advertisement Separately, the Ukrainian presidents office said several documents are expected to be signed between the two sides. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, Secretary (West) MEA Tanmaya Lal said Modi was visiting Ukraine at the invitation of Zelenskyy. This visit will build upon the recent high-level interactions between the leaders, said Lal, referring to the two leaders meeting earlier this year on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Italy and last year on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Japan. #WATCH | Secretary West, MEA, Tanmaya Lal says, "PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on Friday, August 23, on the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is also a landmark and a historic visit since this will be the pic.twitter.com/xs71GtdsfT ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2024 The visit to Ukraine comes barely weeks after Modi visited Russia in his first official visit in the third term as the Indian premier. The visit was highly criticised in the West as it coincided with deadly Russian waves of attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine, including a childrens hospital. Indias policy on the ongoing Ukraine conflict has been criticised in the West as India has not outrightly criticised Russia like Western nations. Moreover, Indias continued purchase of Russian oil which increased after the invasion as the price of Russian crude oil came down also irked the West. However, India has maintained since the onset that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward and not war and conflict. Advertisement Modi has also been one of the few world leaders who has held regular conversations with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has also told Putin publicly that this is not an era of war and that solutions to his concerns cannot be found on the battlefield. India has refrained from directly blaming Russia for what Moscow calls a special military operation while urging the neighbours to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. read more In his first trip to the war-torn country since its conflict with Russia and about a month after he met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine August 23 this month. However, government officials confirmed that India would not indulge in mediation talks between Ukraine and Russia but would convey messages between the two countries instead, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. The foreign ministry said details of the trip will be shared later in the day. Advertisement Western capitals have imposed sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but friendly nations such as India and China have continued to trade with it. The US has raised concerns over Indias relationship with Russia, especially when Washington seeks to strengthen ties with New Delhi as a potential counterweight to an ascendant China. New Delhi seeks to deepen its relationship with the West while keeping ties intact with old friend Russia. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches its one-year mark, India has maintained its neutral stance, a position that holds significant influence due to its size and power. Unlike other nations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, Indias strategic ambivalence allows it to balance relationships with both Russia and the West. Experts predict that India will continue this approach, resisting pressure from the US to directly oppose Moscow while advocating for peace and cooperation based on shared interests. During a visit to India in March, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba acknowledged Indias crucial role in promoting peace in Ukraine, stating that Indias involvement could encourage other nations from the Global South to join the effort. Kuleba emphasised the importance of Indias participation in finding a diplomatic solution to the war, suggesting that its presence would make other nations feel more comfortable joining the initiative. Throughout the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India abstained from voting in support of several resolutions aimed at condemning Russias actions in Ukraine, both at the United Nations General Assembly and at the United Nations Security Council. Russia termed Indias position balanced and independent. Advertisement Following the invasion, India doubled down on buying large amounts of Russian oil at a discounted price and continued placing orders for Russian-made weapons. This made Russia the third largest oil supplier to India in 2022. From April 2022 to January 2023, Indias Russian imports rose by 384 per cent, mainly driven by increased imports of Russian oil. Kyiv requested the US to impose sanctions on India and China if they continue buying oil from Russia. Despite all these, the Indian government has been providing significant non-violent and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including essential medicines, medical equipment, and school buses, emphasising its de-hyphenated policy. Meanwhile, India had strongly raised objections against the transfer of Pakistani-manufactured arms and ammunition to Ukraine. Charge daffaires of Poland to India Sebastian Domzalski has said that PM Modis visit to the Poland-Ukraine during the conflict is very significant as it will send a powerful message to the global community that India stands out for peace, dialogue and negotiations read more Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Poland-Ukraine this week, Charge daffaires of Poland to India Sebastian Domzalski said that PMs visit to the two countries during the conflict is very significant as it will send a powerful message to the global community that India stands out for peace, dialogue and negotiations. #WATCH | Delhi: On PM Modis visit at the time of the conflict and post-Russia visit, Charge daffaires of Poland to India Sebastian Domzalski says, "It is very significant. We are happy that PM Modi is combining his visit to Poland with a visit to Ukraine...This visit will send pic.twitter.com/mf8Gjl0eKQ ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2024 Advertisement Speaking to ANI news agency on Monday, Domzalski said, It is very significant. We are happy that PM Modi is combining his visit to Poland with a visit to UkraineThis visit will send a powerful message to the global community that India stands out for peace, dialogue and negotiations. Diplomatic efforts are being made to end the conflictWe hope for a peaceful resolution of war" He said India is a global rising power and it has a lot of political heft. Being the most populous democracy, India is the voice of the world, added Domzalski. Domzalski said he is personally very happy about PM Modis visit as this will be the first by any Indian prime minister to Poland since 1979. This is a very significant visit of PM Modi and we are celebrating 70 years of India-Poland diplomatic relationsWe will be looking forward to finding new avenues of cooperation, said the Charge daffaires of Poland. He said both the countries are looking at three priority areas. #WATCH | Delhi: On the significance of PM Modi's visit to Poland, Charge daffaires of Poland to India Sebastian Domzalski says, "I am very happy about PM Modi's visit to Poland. This is the first visit of the Indian PM to our country since 1979...This is a very significant visit pic.twitter.com/pJ2yzQB4HA ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2024 Advertisement Technology will be a very important priority area. Both countries are looking forward to upgrading their economiesPoland is one of the fastest-growing economies in the European UnionSecurity will also be high on the agenda, given the situation in Europe and the global tensions that we are observingThe defence will also be discussed, said Domzalski. Advertisement Talking about the India-Poland trade relationship, Domzalski said the focus on economic cooperation will be very important and so will be bringing India and Poland together. There is a significant increase in interest in the investment in Poland. Two big investments have been announced in Lithium iron batteries and optic fibresPolish companies are also increasingly interested in investing in India," said Domzalski. On Polands support for Indias UNSC permanent seat, he said UNSC reform is high on Polands agenda and its quite surprising that India is not a part of UNSC, not a permanent member of UNSC. We need to reform UNSC, he added. Talking about the people-to-people relations between the two countries, he said, We have several stories and chapters in our history which show how close people-to-people relations were. The story of good Maharaja Jam Sahib is one of them. This story will be highlighted by PM Modi as he is from GujaratHe underlined that Maharaja Jam Sahib planted seeds for Indo-Polish cooperation. There is a square and school named after Maharaja Jam Sahib in PolandPeople remember good Maharaja in Poland. Appreciating Indian diasporas contributions to the Polish community, he said the people there are looking forward to meeting PM Modi. Advertisement Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that PM Modi will be visiting Poland on 21-22 August. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in the past 45 years, the MEA said in a statement. Thereafter, Prime Minister will travel to Ukraine. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine after establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992, the statement added. PM Modis visit to Russia in July had not gone down well with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who had called it a blow to peace efforts that fell on the same day as a deadly Russian missile strike. It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the worlds largest democracy hug the worlds most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day, Zelenskyy said in a post on the social-media site X. Advertisement With inputs from agencies There is a strong tradition of Indological studies in Poland, with Polish scholars having translated Sanskrit into Polish as early as in the 19th Century. Sanskrit is being studied at the 600-year-old Jagiellonian University in Krakow (the oldest in Poland) in 1860-61, with a Chair of Sanskrit established there in 1893. read more In a landmark visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Poland on August 21 and 22 this year, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in the last 45 years. Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the visit marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship. Here are important things to know about India and Poland ties. Advertisement Diplomatic relations between India and Poland were established in 1954, leading to the opening of the Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957 and the Polish Embassy in New Delhi in 1954. During WWII, between 1942 and 1948, over 6,000 Polish women and children found refuge in two princely states in India: Jamnagar and Kolhapur. Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, the Jamsaheb of Nawanagar, provided shelter to over a thousand Polish children in his state. Many others found refuge in a large camp in Kolhapur. The Polish State and those who spent their childhood in India have meticulously commemorated this connection, remembering it as a touching link between India and Poland. India and Poland share long-standing friendly relations, marked by high-level political contacts and vibrant economic engagement. The bilateral relationship is wide-ranging and mutually beneficial. Poland is Indias key economic partner in Central Europe. Their shared commitment to democracy and pluralism is reinforced by their friendly ties. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Poland. Leaders level interactions High-level visits from India to Poland include Presidents V.V. Giri (1970), Zail Singh (1986), S.D. Sharma (1996) and Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru (1955), Indira Gandhi (1967), and Morarji Desai (1979). The Vice President visited in 2017. From the Polish side, high-level visits include Presidents Lech Walesa (1994 and 1998) and Alexander Kwasniewski (1998), Prime Ministers Cyrankiewicz (1957) and Jaroszewicz (1973), and Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller (2003). The last Prime Ministerial visit from India was in June 1979 by Morarji Desai, 45 years ago. The President of India visited Poland in April 2009, reciprocated by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusks visit to India in September 2010. EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Poland from August 28-29, 2019, after a gap of 32 years. The last visit by a Minister of External Affairs to Poland was in 1987. Marcin Przydacz, Under Secretary of State for Poland, visited India in September 2019 for the inauguration of LOT Polish Airlines direct flight on the WarsawDelhi sector. Bartoszewski, Secretary of State for Poland, visited India from February 19-23, 2024, to participate in the Raisina Dialogue and the second edition of the CII India-Europe Business & Sustainability Conclave. Trade and economic cooperation Poland continues to be Indias largest trading and investment partner in Central and Eastern Europe, with over USD 3 billion in Indian investment. Poland-India trade is balanced, and the trade volume has shown upward growth over the last decade. Bilateral trade in FY 2023-24 stands at USD 5.72 billion. Indian exports to Poland stand at USD 3.96 billion, while imports are USD 1.76 billion. Key areas of cooperation Investment from India in Poland amounts to over USD 3 billion, and Polish investment in India amounts to over USD 685 million. Some Indian companies present in Poland include ArcelorMittal, Videocon, Escorts, Strides Arcolab, Ranbaxy, Essel Propack, KPIT Cummins, Zensar Technologies Ltd, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Technologies Ltd, Infosys, Wipro, Jindal Stainless, Berger Paints India, UFLEX, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. Some Polish companies present in India include Torunskie Zakady Materiaow Opakunkowych (TZMO) in Dindigul (manufacturing hygiene and sanitary products) and Bengaluru, Can-Pack Poland in Aurangabad (manufacturing metal packaging), Geofizyka Torun, Famur Group (mining), and Ekolog (green energy). Poland offers tremendous opportunities for bilateral collaborations in infrastructure, mining/energy, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, textiles, engineering, and agro-food processing. It also opens up opportunities for cooperation in start-ups, particularly in tech hubs. Partnerships between universities and research institutions can promote student and faculty exchanges, joint degrees, collaborative research, vocational education, and training, helping India improve its skilled developmental programs. People-to-people ties and cultural cooperation August 10, 2024: The blockade by Yemen Houthi rebels of the Suez Canal has forced tanker companies to change their routes, and the types of ships used to carry petroleum products from the Middle East to markets in Europe. Before the Houthis became a problem in the Red Sea, many of the ships carrying cargo from East Asia to Europe were Suezmax cargo and tanker ships that were named for being the largest ships able to fit through the Suez Canal. With the Suez Canal less attractive to use because of the continuing Houthi attacks, shipping companies have switched to the use of larger ships that must travel around southern Africa to reach their customers in Europe. This meant a lot more business for VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) of 300,000 deadweight tons (DWT) ships. This is the largest size tanker that can use the Straits of Malacca to carry oil from the Persian Gulf to East Asia. Now some of these ships are moving cargoes from the Persian Gulf around the southern tip of Africa to European markets. These ships haul over two million barrels (about 290,000 tons) of oil per trip. These ships are larger than the biggest American aircraft carriers, such as the Nimitz class which are 110,000 tons displacement and nearly 354 meters (1,100 feet) long. The major difference between merchant vessels and warships is what equipment they have. Merchant ships are quite basic and plain. A 300,000 DWT VLCC is about the same size as a Nimitz class carrier but costs only $140 million versus over $4 billion for the carrier. It costs more to run a carrier for one year than the VLCC costs to build. Part of that has to do with crew size, with the carrier having a hundred sailors for every one sailor needed to run the VLCC. A VLCC is highly automated and the crew size is usually under fifty sailors and officers. Nimitz class carriers have crews of about 4,500 officers and sailors. The United States is less of a factor in the tanker business because the Americans are the largest oil producers and refiners in the world. The United States is able to produce, refine and consume 90 percent of the petroleum-based fuels needed in North America. There is still a small amount of oil imported to the United States and exported to Europe because these two regions often require different types of petroleum products due to current events or changes in local conditions. Another factor is that Middle Eastern oil producers have massively increased their oil refining operations over the last two decades and most of the liquid exports are now refined products rather than crude oil. The major export market for petroleum based products is Europe. Next to the United States, Europe is the largest consumer of petroleum products. Unlike the U.S., Europe has not developed its own petroleum transport business. Another key factor is that China is currently the largest producer of most types of seagoing transports. China has to import a lot of food and fuel to feed its population and keep its industries going. This is a major difference between the largely self-sufficient United States and the import dependent China. These two nations were not directly affected by the Houthi violence. Indirectly the demand for VLCC ships to move cargoes around Africa rather than through the Suez Canal did require some adjustments in the worldwide shipping market. Because there are so many tanker and cargo ships at work, this disruption was hardly noticed by the markets or the customers. Costs for operators and prices for customers changed very little. The only real loser is Egypt whose revenue from Suez Canal tolls has sharply declined. The ADG had earlier visited the India-Bangladesh border in Dhubri sector, and the riverine border outposts located on char lands (sandbars) in the Brahmaputra river. read more A top BSF official reviewed the operational preparedness of areas along the India-Bangladesh border under the forces Guwahati Frontier during a four-day tour that concluded on Monday. Additional Director General (ADG), BSFs Eastern Command, Ravi Gandhi, toured border areas and held meetings with officials of the Guwahati Frontier headquarters, according to an official statement. During the four-day visit to the BSF Guwahati Frontier, Sh Ravi Gandhi, Additional Director General BSF Eastern Command, Kolkata, conducted a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness along the Indo-Bangladesh international border, it said. Advertisement At the frontier headquarters, he was briefed by Makrand Deouskar, Inspector General, BSF Guwahati Frontier, and other staff officers on the current security scenario, the challenges faced along the border and measures implemented to combat trans-border crimes. The ADG had earlier visited the India-Bangladesh border in Dhubri sector, and the riverine border outposts located on char lands (sandbars) in the Brahmaputra river. He also evaluated the functionality of the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), which has been installed to provide 24/7 surveillance aimed at controlling various border crimes, the statement said. Gandhi discussed operational matters with field commanders, assessed the security situation and reviewed border domination strategies to ensure the India-Bangladesh border remains crime-free, it said. The controversy over Kerala Gramin Banks decision to deduct loan EMIs from the emergency relief funds given to survivors of the July 30 Wayanad landslides has sparked substantial debate about the appropriateness of the banks actions. This situation raises important questions about regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations and humanitarian principles. While rescue and relief efforts are critical in such a disaster, there are also significant concerns about rehabilitation, financial stability and the broader challenge of restoring normalcy. Advertisement How Kerala dealt with Wayanad landslides aftermath financially The Kerala governments provision of Rs 10,000 per person as emergency assistance was aimed at offering immediate support to those affected by the Wayanad landslides. According to the Times of India, The intention behind this aid was to provide financial relief without encumbrances, enabling survivors to address their immediate needs. The deduction of EMIs from these funds contradicts the purpose of the relief, which is to support recovery and rebuilding. Regulatory and legal framework Disaster Management Act, 2005: The Disaster Management Act, 2005 establishes a legal framework for disaster management, including relief and rehabilitation. Although the Act does not explicitly address loan deductions from relief funds, it emphasises that disaster relief should effectively address the urgent needs of affected populations. The primary objective of these funds is to support immediate recovery and rebuilding efforts, suggesting that they should not be allocated for settling existing debts. National Disaster Management Policy: The National Disaster Management Policy highlights the need for direct and sufficient relief to those affected by disasters. It supports the principle that relief funds are meant for recovery and should not be diverted for purposes such as loan repayments. This principle implies that financial institutions should adopt a flexible approach during crises to ensure that relief measures serve their intended purpose. What RBI guidelines say The RBI provides guidance on financial relief measures during emergencies. While specific circulars related to the Wayanad disaster may not be available, RBI guidelines typically include recommendations for moratoriums on loan repayments and the avoidance of automatic deductions from relief funds. The general expectation is that banks should demonstrate flexibility in managing accounts affected by disaster relief, thereby supporting the immediate recovery efforts. Advertisement In the Master Direction - Reserve Bank of India (Relief Measures by Banks in Areas Affected by Natural Calamities) Directions, 2018, it is mentioned in the Discretionary Powers to Branch/Regional Office of banks that The Branch/Regional Office Managers of banks may be vested with certain discretionary powers to avoid the need to seek fresh approval from their Head Office regarding the line of action decided by the District Consultative Committee/State Level Bankers Committee. Some of the areas, among others where such discretionary powers are vital may be the adoption of scale of finance, need based restructuring of loans, extension of loan period, margin, security, sanction of new loan keeping in view the total liability of the borrower arising out of the old loan where the asset financed was damaged or lost as a result of the natural calamity and the new loan financed for creation/repair of such asset(s). Advertisement Similarly, the circular Relief measures by banks for flood affected states (RBI/2009-10/566, dated August 24, 2009) directed banks to extend relief measures such as waiving penal interest and rescheduling loans for individuals affected by floods. This directive was intended to provide immediate financial relief to those impacted by natural disasters. Importantly, the circular advised banks to handle relief funds with sensitivity and to avoid automatic deductions from such funds for loan repayments. In this circular the RBI said in the part Restructuring of existing loans: As the repaying capacity of the people affected by natural calamities gets severely impaired due to the damage to the economic pursuits and loss of economic assets, relief in repayment of loans becomes necessary in areas affected by natural calamity and hence, restructuring of the existing loans will be required. The principal amount of the short-term loan as well as interest due for repayment in the year of occurrence of natural calamity may be converted into term loan. In case of term loans the installment of principal and interest due in the year of occurrence of natural calamity may also be converted into term loan. Advertisement The repayment period of restructured term loan may vary depending on the severity of calamity and its recurrence, the extent of loss of economic assets and distress caused. Generally, the restructured period for repayment may be 3 to 5 years. However, where the damage arising out of the calamity is very severe, banks may, at their discretion, extend the period of repayment ranging up to 7 years and in extreme cases of hardship, the repayment period may be prolonged up to a maximum period of 10 years in consultation with the Task Force/ SLBC. In all cases of restructuring, moratorium period of at least one year should be considered. Further, the banks should not insist for additional collateral security for such restructured loans. Advertisement In circular number - RBI/2019-20/186 titled COVID-19 Regulatory Package on March 27, 2020, the RBI provided for a moratorium of three months on term loans for all borrowers which could be extended based on further assessments and the interest would continue to accrue during the moratorium period. It recommended that banks and financial institutions should adopt a humanitarian approach and be flexible in their treatment of relief funds. While the circular specifically addressed COVID-19, its principles suggest that similar approaches should be considered in other emergencies. Ethical and humanitarian considerations The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights advocate that businesses, including banks, should respect human rights and avoid contributing to adverse impacts. In the context of disaster relief, this implies that banks should ensure that relief funds are used to address immediate needs rather than being directed towards existing liabilities. The principles highlight the importance of maintaining a human rights-based approach in managing financial operations during crises. Following rulebook or ruthless? Kerala Gramin Banks decision to deduct loan EMIs from the emergency relief funds provided to survivors of the Wayanad landslides appears to be inconsistent with both regulatory expectations and humanitarian principles. The Disaster Management Act and National Disaster Management Policy emphasise the need for direct and effective relief to affected individuals, while RBI guidelines and BCSBI codes suggest a more flexible approach during crises. Ethical considerations, including fairness and human rights, further reinforce the expectation that relief funds should be used solely for recovery efforts. The banks actions, while technically in line with its internal policies, failed to account for the exceptional circumstances faced by the disaster victims. Rectifying the situation by returning the deducted amounts is a necessary step to ensure that relief funds fulfill their intended purpose and support the recovery and rebuilding efforts of those affected. The weakening of democratic institutions and civil liberties could incite social unrest and erode the rule of law, potentially destabilising the entire region where the covert regime change operations have taken place read more Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly accused the United States of attempting to depose her after she refused to cede control of Saint Martin Island, which would have granted the US a significant influence over the Bay of Bengal. While her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, later walked back these claims on X, if they prove accurate, they would reflect the covert political maneuvers reminiscent of the Cold War era. The strategic allure of covert regime change in Bangladesh for the United States becomes apparent when considering the countrys key geographical position. Bangladeshs ports, situated in the fertile delta of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, are strategically close to both eastern India and China. Advertisement Hasina has alleged that the US seeks to establish a service port in Bangladesh for mid-sized naval vessels. This port could serve to counterbalance Chinas presence in Myanmar and provide logistical support to US allies without requiring Indian consent. Moreover, controlling Bangladeshs riverine economy could offer substantial strategic advantages, particularly for potential air operations targeting Chinas less defended southeastern regions. The recent protests in Bangladesh began over a relatively minor issue but soon attracted widespread participation, especially from younger groups. Technology, including secure communication apps, played a key role, possibly with external support. Additionally, there was notable funding from new charities and NGOs, and media coverage included provocative content. These factors suggest that foreign influence might have been a factor in the unrest. Proving the specifics of covert interventions is inherently difficult. Such operations are designed to allow the intervening country to deny involvement and deflect blame. The proliferation of conspiracy theories further complicates the task of separating fact from fiction. However, the suspicion surrounding US covert regime change operations is grounded in a historical pattern where the US has frequently used such tactics as a tool of foreign policy, often avoiding accountability for its actions. In fact, the US has in recent decades tried to overthrow more countries than everyone else in the world put together. One of the most notable instances of US intervention occurred in Iran in 1953 when the CIA orchestrated a coup to overthrow Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh after he nationalised the Iranian oil industry, threatening Western economic interests. The success of this operation installed the Shah of Iran, a US-backed monarch who ruled with an iron fist. While this initially strengthened US influence in the region and ensured access to Iranian oil, it also sowed deep resentment among the Iranian people. Advertisement This resentment eventually culminated in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which ousted the Shah and established the Islamic Republic, fundamentally altering the US-Iran relations and setting the stage for decades of hostility. The long-term effects of this intervention highlight the precarious balance between short-term strategic gains and the potential for enduring instability and backlash against foreign influence. More recently, there was the alleged US involvement in the 2014 Maidan Revolution in Ukraine. The protests, initially sparked by President Viktor Yanukovychs decision to suspend the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, quickly escalated into a full-blown revolution. While the protests were rooted in genuine public discontent, there are some indications that the US played a role in supporting and guiding the movement. Advertisement High-profile visits by US officials, the distribution of support through NGOs, and leaked conversations between US diplomats reveal an active American interest in the outcome. This intervention led to the ousting of Yanukovych and a shift in Ukraines political alignment toward the West. However, it also provoked a sharp response from Russia, resulting in the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has now led to full-blown war between Russia and Ukraine, and contributing to enduring instability in the region. In Covert Regime Change: Americas Secret Cold War, Boston College professor Lindsay A ORourke argues that between 1947 and 1989, the US tried to change other nations governments 72 times, viewing attempts at regime change as cost-effective strategies to boost US security and power. Of these, 66 attempts were covert operations and six were overt. Advertisement The most fascinating finding is that a majority of the covert attempts to overthrow foreign governments failed. During the Cold War, the US succeeded in 26 of its 66 covert operations to install a friendly government; the other 40 failed. Success often hinged on the tactics used. None of the US-backed assassination plots succeeded, although two leadersSouth Vietnams Ngo Dinh Diem and the Dominican Republics Rafael Trujillowere killed by others during US-backed coups. Similarly, covert support for militant groups rarely worked, with only five of 36 attempts succeeding. Coup sponsorship was more effective, with nine out of 14 coups achieving their goal. Advertisement Meddling in foreign elections has been the most effective covert tactic. ORourke identified 16 instances where the US covertly funded, advised, and spread propaganda for its favoured candidates, often across multiple election cycles. In 75 per cent of these cases, the US-backed parties won. Of course, it is possible that many of these parties might have won even without US backing. ORourke quotes Ray S Cline, the former head of the CIAs Directorate of Intelligence, as saying that the key to a successful covert regime change lies in providing just the right amount of marginal assistance in the right way at the right time. John Bolton, a former White House National Security Adviser has also been quoted in 2022 saying, As somebody who has helped plan coups detat - not here but you know (in) other places - it takes a lot of work. The biggest downside is faced by the countries upon which regime change is imposed. These nations tend to lose faith in democracy. In the worst cases, there are eruptions of public violence that severely destabilise the state and tip it into civil war. Scholars have two main theories about what pushes countries into civil war grievance and opportunity. In the grievance model, civil wars start when people are so unhappy with their government or each other that they resort to violence. In the opportunity model, violence becomes more likely when the government is weak, allowing criminals and extremists to exploit existing grievances, whether genuine or not. The opportunity model suggests that improving law and order is crucial, while the grievance model focuses on addressing the root causes of discontent. Research supports the opportunity model, showing that weak states, transitions, and challenging geography are strong predictors of civil war. Factors like dictatorship, discrimination, and ethnic divisions are less predictive. So even when regime change leads to civil war, its more often due to the weakness of the state and the botched process of transition than due to the public illegitimacy of the puppet regime. Civil wars typically occur in areas where the states control is weakest, often in rural areas rather than cities. This pattern was evident in the American invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, where removing dictators created opportunities for violence rather than leading to immediate stability. One of the best predictors of insurgency is having the kinds of terrain that governments cannot reach, like swamps, forests and mountains, and Afghanistan has these in plenty. As such, efforts based on the grievance model, like hearts and minds counterinsurgency, often fail, as seen in the US experience with nation-building. But how have all of these regime change efforts worked out for US interests? To systematically assess how effective foreign-imposed regime change is, Alexander Downes, a political science and international affairs professor at The George Washington University, has explored the topic in his book, Catastrophic Success: Why Foreign-Imposed Regime Change Goes Wrong. He finds that more often than not, leaders brought to power through regime change do not remain loyal to their foreign supporters for very long. Once they take control, they typically come to the realisation that following the agenda of their foreign backers leads to strong domestic backlash. As a result, they usually end up softening their stance, and in some cases, even breaking away from their foreign allies altogether. In addition, the act of regime change itself very often leads to the fragmentation of the military, which then increases the risk of armed men starting an insurgency against the puppet regime. Therefore, the drawbacks of regime change are inherently embedded in the very process of attempting to achieve it. To understand why states still persist with this strategy, we must understand how since World War II, the international norm of territorial integrity has become a cornerstone of global relations, significantly reducing the incidence of territorial conquest. Historically, nations frequently sought to expand their territories by force. However, since 1945, this practice has diminished significantly, partly due to the United Nations reinforcement of the sanctity of existing borders. Although conflicts continue, successful annexations are rare and typically go unrecognised by the international community. From 1648 to 1945, as many as 93 of 119 armed conflicts were classified as territorial wars, focused on issues related to control over land. Of these territorial conflicts, 80 per cent led to changes in territorial boundaries. Between 1945 and 2000, there were 40 territorial wars, but less than 30 per cent resulted in changes to international borders. Most post-World War II territorial expansions occurred during the decolonisation era. No country has been erased from the map through conquest since the 1950s. Even Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait in 1990 resulted in widespread international condemnation and Iraqs subsequent isolation. This demonstrates the strong global aversion to territorial expansion. In contrast, the principle of non-interference in the sovereign affairs of other countries lacks the same level of enforcement and clarity. Unlike the prohibition against territorial aggression, which is well-defined and universally recognized, sovereignty is a more flexible and contested concept. This flexibility allows states to pursue covert regime changes without facing the same degree of international condemnation as they would for overt territorial conquests. The less stringent enforcement of sovereignty principles compared to the clear-cut norm against territorial expansion means that covert operations, which aim to influence or overthrow governments without altering borders, are often seen as a more viable and less risky alternative for achieving strategic objectives. As global norms evolve, the pursuit of regime change may continue to adapt, but the fundamental challenges and ethical considerations remain central to understanding its impact. The persistent conflict between the principles of territorial integrity and non-interference in sovereignty further complicates the international landscape, making it crucial to scrutinise the underlying motives and outcomes of such interventions. CIA-sponsored regime changes have had significant and often detrimental effects on the economic and political landscapes of countries like Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, and Panama. These interventions led to substantial declines in real per-capita income, democracy, and civil liberties. Research indicates that within five years of such regime changes, per-capita income fell by approximately 10 per cent, and democracy scores dropped by nearly 200 per cent by some measures. These interventions, ostensibly aimed at promoting democracy, often resulted in weakened governance, reduced freedom of expression, and a decline in civil liberties. This illustrates that the costs imposed on the population outweighed any strategic benefits for the US. For Bangladesh and its neighbours, the risks could be significant if claims of foreign intervention hold true. A regime supported by external powers might destabilise the economy, leading to a reduction in living standards akin to the decline seen in Latin American countries. Moreover, the weakening of democratic institutions and civil liberties could incite social unrest and erode the rule of law, potentially destabilising the entire region. Given the Indian subcontinents intricate geopolitical landscape, this could further exacerbate regional tensions, leading to sustained instability. For India, this poses a strategic challenge that demands a proactive and measured response. Ensuring regional stability and safeguarding its interests will require India to closely monitor these developments and engage diplomatically to counter any potential threats to the balance of power in the region. Koushik Verma is a data scientist specialising in AI-driven analytics with a passion for sustainable tech solutions. He enjoys exploring classical music and trekking in his spare time. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Opinion polls in battleground states are sometimes inaccurate by three to four points on the election day, as witnessed in 2016 and 2020 read more Former US President Donald Trump has said his rival and Democrat presidential nominee Kamala Harris will ruin the economy. Reuters Freedom Freedom I cant move Freedom, cut me loose I break chains all by myself Wont let my freedom rot in hell Hey! Ima keep running Cause a winner dont quit on themselves Freedom, Beyonce For once, Queen Beys rebellious yet soulful R&B-Hip-hop chartbuster was subdued by the rollicking and roaring applaud as Kamala Harris and Tim Walz swaggered onto the stage at Temple University, Philadelphia, on August 6. FULL SPEECH: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz deliver a historic and electrifying speech in a packed arena in Philadelphia their first event together since Walz became Harris' running mate. This is worth watching in its entirety. pic.twitter.com/1lIP2r7OCR MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) August 7, 2024 Advertisement The Double Team arrived to a thunderous standing ovation so deafening that Beyonces Freedom, blaring in the background, was barely audible. A sea of Harris Walz placards deluged the 14,000-strong crowd as shutterbugs and avid supporters with their cell phones captured the moment. We are the underdogs in this race, but we have the momentum, and I know exactly what we are up against. Its a fight for the future, the vice-president said to her ecstatic supporters. Pennsylvania was the first stop on the Harris-Walz tour of the battleground states, followed by Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada. For the Democratic Party, Harris represents hope, energy and enthusiasmand the possibility of another four years in the Oval Office. She has been good news for the party after the Joe Biden catastrophe. As the TIME magazine said in the August cover story: Harris has pulled off the swiftest vibe shift in modern political history. Advertisement Within 10 days of taking over the torch from Biden, she led her challenger and former President Donald Trump by one point nationally, 50 to 49 per cent, according to a CBS News/YouGov July 30-August 2 survey. Harris smashed fundraising records: $36 million in the first 24 hours since she picked Walz as running mate, and more than $81 million in the 24 hours and $200 million in the first week since Bidens exit. The July donations were a staggering $310 million, more than double the $137 raised by the Trump campaign. Harris is storming ahead. However, only 7 of the 50 states will decide her fate. Advertisement Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina are the focus of Harris and Trump campaigns since the battleground/swing/toss-up states can flip either Democrat or Republican. A nominee needs a simple majority of 270 of the 538 electoral votes. Pennsylvania has 19 electoral votes, Wisconsin 10, Michigan 15, Arizona 11, Georgia 16, Nevada 6 and North Carolina 16. Battleground states consume the most money and time for both parties as 30 such states have swung to the opposite party from the earlier election with 26 won by less than three points since 1992. Within the battleground states is another battleground: the Rust Belt states (northern US) of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. Advertisement In an internal memo in early July, the Biden campaign stated: Most importantly, we maintain multiple pathways to 270 electoral votes. Right now, winning the Blue Wall statesMI, WI and PAis the clearest pathway to that aim. New: The @JoeBiden campaign just sent out an internal memo on the path ahead that Spectrum News has obtained. "In addition to what we believe is a clear pathway ahead for us, there is also no indication that anyone else would outperform the president vs. Trump," Biden campaign pic.twitter.com/qTO9vQjhX8 Taylor Popielarz (@TaylorPopielarz) July 11, 2024 Even if Harris loses Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina, but wins Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, she can reach the 270 mark. Earlier, Harris erased Trumps lead in the swing states, 48 to 47 per cent, in a Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll conducted from July 24 to 28, though he led her in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. However, Harris got a shot in the arm with a four-point lead over Trump in the three Rust Belt states, 50 to 46 per cent, according to New York Times (NYT)/Siena College surveys conducted among 1,973 registered voters from August 5 to 9. With around three months left, Harris also beat Trump in honesty (52 to 41 per cent), intelligence (65 to 56 per cent) and being temperamentally fit (54 to 47 per cent) in the surveys. Polling averages from the 2024 Silver Bulletin published in the first week of this month also showed Harris leading Trump in the three Rust Belt states: Pennsylvania 45.3 to 44.8 per cent, Wisconsin 46 to 44.8 per cent and Michigan 45.2 to 42.8 per cent. She also leads him 45 to 43.9 per cent in the national polls. Most national surveys since Biden pulled out show Harris either leading or matching Trump and trailing him in a few swing states. However, Election Day is still around 2.5 months awayand the situation can rapidly change for Harris in the most volatile and eventful election in American history. As Silver Bulletin blog owner (on Substack) Nate Silver, who correctly predicted the results in 49 of the 50 states in the 2008 presidential election, says, From Bidens withdrawal on July 21 to Election Day on November 5 is 107 days. Thats a long time by international standards. In Pennsylvania, Trump leads Harris by 50 to 46 per cent in the Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll, is tied with her at 49 per cent in a Fox News poll (July 22-24) and is ahead by 48 per cent to 46 per cent in the Emerson College survey(July 22-23). Pennsylvanians consistently voted Democrat from 1992 to 2012. In 2022, state attorney general Josh Shapiro was elected governor with a landslide and the Dems also regained control of the state House of Representatives. Trump, who has been slamming Biden and now Harris over the economy, has got an edge in the state with grocery prices rising the fastest in Pennsylvania at 8.2 per cent from 2022-23, according to a ConsumerAffairs analysis of grocery price data in 15 categories collected in real time in 150,000 stores at Datasembly. Trump will try to win back suburban voters and more rural voters, who voted for him in 2016. Pennsylvania has shown that pre-election surveys can be wrong with the state flipping to Trump by less than one point in 2016 and to Biden in 2020 by the same margin despite Hillary Clinton leading him by eight points and Biden by five points during the same time those years. Harriss biggest mistake has been choosing Walz over governor Shapiro, who has a 64 per cent approval rating in Pennsylvania. Walz is the governor of Minnesota, which isnt a battleground state and has been a Democratic bastion in every presidential election since 1932 except in 1952, 1956 and 1972. In Wisconsin, Harris beats Trump 49 to 47 per cent in the Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll, trails him by 49 to 50 per cent in the Fox News poll and is tied at 47 per cent in the Emerson poll. Both the Republican National Convention and Harriss first rally after Bidens exit were held in Milwaukee. Wisconsin, an extremely politically divided state, has always voted Democrats after Ronald Reagan won it twiceAl Gore, John Kerry and Barack Obama won it in 2000, 2004, and 2008 and 2012, respectively. Clinton, overconfident of winning Wisconsin and not campaigning in the state in 2016, was jolted with Trump bagging it by around 20,000 votes only to lose it to Biden by the same margin in 2020. In Michigan, Harris leads by 53 to 42 per cent in the Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll, tied at 49 per cent in the Fox Newspoll and trails 45 to 46 per cent in the Emerson survey. Like Pennsylvania, Michigan, especially its middle- and upper-middle-class suburbs, voted for the Dems from 1992 to 2012. However, Trump bagged the state in 2016 by winning over white working-class voters. Michigan can surprise despite Harris leading Trump by 11 points in the Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll. During the same time in 2016, Clinton led Trump by seven points in Michigan but lost by less than a point and Biden led by more than seven points but won by less than three points in 2020. This year, the US support for Israel in the Gaza War and the backlash by Muslim and Arab Americans could damage Harris in Michigan. More than 100,000 Democratic primary voters in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck, having the largest number of Muslims and Arabs, cast ballots for uncommitted in February. An Associated Press exit poll showed that 35 per cent of Muslims nationally voted for Trump in 2020. Taking advantage of the dissatisfaction against Dems, Trumps son-in-law Michael Boulos, his billionaire dad Massad Boulos and former National Intelligence acting director Richard Grenell have met community activists in suburban Detroit. Harris has said that she will not be silent about the Gaza suffering and asked Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu during his July visit to the US to get the ceasefire-hostage deal done. She didnt even attend Bibis joint address to the Congress. However, the anger was evident when she, accompanied by Walz, was heckled during an airport rally in Detroit. Kamala, Kamala, you cant hide. We wont vote for genocide, pro-Palestinian attendees chanted interrupting her speech. "You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking." US Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris was heckled by pro-Palestine protesters during her campaign rally in Detroit, Michigan, on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/sR3Zu9WqCq Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) August 8, 2024 Theres another factor in Michigan that can affect both Harris and Trump. US Green Partys presidential candidate Jill Stein, a vocal Palestinian rights supporter, was the top choice of Arab American voters in a July polling done by Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee. More than 45 per cent of Arab Americans support her, 27.5 per cent Harris and only 2 per cent Trump. Breaking: Arab American Presidential Survey Results by @adc and @momaraqa In response to the recent change at the top of the Democratic ticket, with Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee, ADC teamed up with our partners at Molitico and the pic.twitter.com/Y135nBxcEf Abed A. Ayoub (@aayoub) July 30, 2024 In Arizona, Harris leads Trump by 49 to 47 per cent in the Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll but trails him 44 to 49 per cent in the Emerson poll. The Hill/Decision Desk HQ average of 11 polls shows Trump leading Harris by 47.6 to 46.3 per cent in Arizona. RealClearPolitics average of four polls shows him leading her 48.3 to 46.8 per cent. The Arizona surveys, with marginal differences, again show that the state can flip to either Harris or Trump. The state is a GOP bastion with only Bill Clinton and Biden winning it between 1952 and 2016. GOPs biggest advantage is Arizonas border with Mexico, which has helped Trump in attacking Biden and Harris repeatedly on immigration. In the first four months of the 2024 fiscal year, Border Patrol recorded more than 250,000 migrant apprehensions in the Tucson sector, the most in any region patrolled by the agency, according to federal government statistics. On the other hand, Harris can tap the anger in Arizona against the state Supreme Court bringing back the 160-year-old near-total ban on abortion in April. Most Americans disapproved of the US Supreme Courts ruling overturning the constitutional right to abortion in June 2022. Moreover, the Arizona for Abortion Access Act will go before voters the election cycle after 577,971 valid signaturesmore than the 383,923 neededwere turned in by Arizona for Abortion Access, a coalition of reproductive rights organisations. Its official! The Arizona Abortion Access Act is on the ballot as Proposition 139! This is Arizona's chance to restore and protect the right to access abortion care, once and for all. Vote YES on Prop 139! pic.twitter.com/dSyxgkUmuF Arizona for Abortion Access (@azforaccess) August 13, 2024 Harris and Walz worked up crowds during their tour of the swing states by highlighting dangers against abortion in a second Trump term. At a campaign rally in Glendale, Arizona, on August 9, Harris said, With the intention that they would overturn and undo the protections of Roe v. Wade. And as he intended, they did. And now, in over 20 states in our nation, there is a Trump abortion ban. In Georgia,Trump and Harris are tied in the Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll at 47 per cent and he leads by 48 per cent to 46 in the Emerson poll. He also leads in The Hill average of 12 polls by 48 to 45.4 per cent. Georgia has consistently voted Republican since 1964 except in 1976 and 1980 (Jimmy Carter), 1992 (Bill Clinton) and 2020 (Biden). Georgia has one of the countrys highest proportions of African-Americans at 33 per cent, which helped Biden flip win it by around 12,000 votes. Besides, Georgias Asians and Latinos residents helped Dems win it. As an African- and Asian-American, Harris has an advantage in the Peach State. Democrats are tapping Black and suburban voters again, while the GOP is focused on the rural belt. In Nevada, Harris leads Trump by 47 to 45 per cent in the Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll. But in The Hill average of seven polls, Trump leads by 47.2 to 44.8 per cent. He also leads in the RealClearPolitics average of five polls by 47.7 to 44 per cent. Nevada has consistently voted Democrat since 2008. However, compared to Obama, who won in 2008 by around 13 points and in 2012 by 7 points, Clinton and Biden flipped it by a mere around 2 points. This makes Nevada a crucial swing state considering Trumps surprising lead despite his hatred for immigrants. Harris and Trump are trying to woo the Silver States sizeable Latino population. Nevada is the third most diverse state, according to the Census Bureaus Racial and Ethnic Diversity Index. The state added more than 173,000 Latinos to its population in the last decade and now Hispanics make up 28.7% of the states population. Nevada also has the highest unemployment rate at 5.1 per cent, which will help Trump target Democrats over economy. In North Carolina,Trump leads Harris by 48 to 46 per cent in the Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll and 48 to 44.8 per cent in the ClearClearPolitics poll. A Republican fortress since 1980, the state flipped to Dems only oncethat too by a very small margin when Obama won it in 2008. Even the GOP has never secured a majority of the states vote except in 2012. Therefore, North Carolina could flip either way. While Democrats are concentrating on suburban voters, Republicans are focussing on the rural belt. North Carolina also has the fifth largest number of independent voters in the US. In terms of the states voter share, Democrats are ahead of Republicans with by 32.5 to 30 per cent. Independents comprise the largest share at 36.7 per cent. Therefore, Dems and Republicans will try their best to influence this substantial vote bank. The unpredictability of swing states was highlighted in an August 8 analysis by nonpartisan The Cook Political Report (CPR) that reclassified Arizona, Nevada and Georgia from leaning Republican to toss-up. Today, we're making three changes to our Electoral College Ratings. AZ: Lean R to Toss Up NV Lean R to Toss Up GA: Lean R to Toss Up@amyewalter on the presidential campaign reset: https://t.co/zWeqQKdyDH Cook Political Report (@CookPolitical) August 8, 2024 Three weeks ago, Harris led Trump by less than one point. Now, Harris is cutting into Trumps lead by anywhere from two to five points, CPRs Amy Walter wrote. However, she also wrote that Trump is looking stronger now than he did in 2020. The media only highlighted the average of NYT and Siena College surveys in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. For the voters of the three Rust Belt states, the issues, except abortion, being repeatedly highlighted by GOP, matter more than the ones mentioned by Dems during campaigning. Economy and immigration are the first and third most important issues at 22 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively. In handling the economy, Trump beats Harris by 53 to 44 per cent. In tackling immigration, he leads by 51 to 46 per cent. Abortion, Harriss favourite weapon to target Trump, is the second most important issue at 15 per cent. She leads by 59 to 35 per cent. The rest of the issues used by Democrats to criticise Republicans dont matter much. For example, democracy and character/competenceoften mentioned by both Biden and Harris to corner Trumpare the fourth and fifth important issues at seven and six per cent, respectively. Health care only two per cent, gun policies polarisation and climate change one per cent each and racism is less than 0.5 per cent. On having a clear vision for the country, Trump leads Harris by 60 to 53 per cent. In bringing about the right kind of change, Harris leads Trump by three point, 50 to 47 per cent. According to Silvers August 14 update, Harris leads Trump nationally 46.9 to 43.8 per cent. She leads in Pennsylvania by 46.4 to 44.1 per cent, Wisconsin 47.5 to 43.6 per cent, Michigan 46.4 to 42.5 per cent, Arizona 45.3 to 44.0 per cent and Nevada 44.9 to 44.0 per cent but trails in Georgia by 45.4 to 46.0 per cent and North Carolina by 45.4 to 46.0 per cent. Today's update. Another good day for HARRIS, who now leads in our polling average in Arizona and is only 6/10ths of a point down in North Carolina.https://t.co/vsGVG18HHI pic.twitter.com/HWHHnH7PdO Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) August 14, 2024 Moreover, the Electoral College/popular vote gap has narrowed from about R+2.5 to R+1.5 now, Silver tweeted. So Harriss strong swing state polling is making a real dent. This week's Model Talk column: Where has Harris made the biggest gains on Biden?https://t.co/ytWIKVZLTL Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) August 14, 2024 However, Silver says polling is sometimes inaccurate as it was in 2016 and 2020 as well. On an average, polls are three to four points off. Harris is not outside that safety zone, he told American media organisation NewsNation. Harris made a brilliant move in choosing Beyonces Freedom as her campaign song, which symbolises womens empowerment, especially African-Americans (like herself and Beyonce), and resistance and the fight for civil rights. English music journalist and musician Everett True wrote in The Independent in April 2016 that the song roars like thunder, and threatens to topple governments in its wake. Harris intends to keep running cause a winner dont quit on themselves. However, with more than two months left to the election day, Trump could roar like thunder and topple Harris. The writer is a freelance journalist with more than two decades of experience and comments primarily on foreign affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Ukraines audacity has created a strategic dilemma for Russia. What needs to be determined is the broader impact in the larger context of the Ukrainian War read more The bold Ukrainian ground offensive beginning on August 6 into the Southern Kursk region of Russia is an operation that took everyone by surprise not only due to its audacity but also in the manner in which it was executed and in the progress it has made. Ukraine, as of date, is occupying a substantial piece of Russian territory, reportedly 1,150 sq km, which marks the first time that foreign troops have occupied Russian territory since World War II. Advertisement As per the latest reports, Ukraine has destroyed a strategically important bridge over the Seym River, which Russia feels has been destroyed by using US rockets, as Ukraine continues its incursion. Russian officials have also been quoted as saying the operation near the town of Glushkovo has cut off part of the local district. The surprise cross-border operation has also resulted in more than 120,000 people fleeing to safety. The Ukrainian Armed Forces invasion of Kursk Oblast, conceived, planned, and executed in utmost secrecy, has transformed the narrative of the war. Instead of the news about incremental Russian progress, in a war of attrition in eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces decided to take the battle into the enemys territory. Possible Intention Having carried out a successful execution, Ukraine now has several options: it can try to hold on to the territory it has seized, it can advance deeper into Russia, retreat to more defensible positions inside Russia, or it can withdraw back into Ukraine having exploited a vulnerability. Each one of these options would have been war-gamed and deliberated upon keeping Ukraines military capabilities, Russian reactions, and the intent of the operation in mind. The best-case scenario for Ukraine is that its units dig in on a tactically advantageous defensive line, and Russia, while being compelled to retake the lost ground, suffers inordinate losses in trying to push them back, thereby degrading their capabilities. Advertisement It is difficult to know, at this point, Ukraines intent for this operation. Perhaps Ukraine aimed to draw in Russian ground troops away from the frontlines, thereby weakening their offensive. Ukrainians would then seize upon this weakness to recapture some of their lost territory there. They would have also wanted to divert Russian artillery and other precision weapons and force multipliers northward, beyond the range of Ukraines Sumy region. Another aim could be to capture Russian territory, which could be used for bargaining with captured Ukrainian territory by the Russians once negotiations for a ceasefire begin. In fact, President Zelenskyy has called the captured territories an exchange fund, implying they could be swapped for Ukrainian regions occupied by Moscow. The aim could also include capturing prisoners in exchange for Ukrainian soldiers held in Russia. Advertisement Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior aide to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, has said that Ukraine is not interested in occupying Russian territories and that one of the key objectives they wanted out of their incursion into Russia was to get Moscow to negotiate on our own terms. In the Kursk region, we can clearly see how the military tool is being used objectively to persuade Russia to enter a fair negotiation process, he wrote on X, adding Kyiv has proven effective means of coercion. Politically, the purpose of the operation is to build leverage ahead of possible negotiations. There is a school of thought that feels that in case Donald Trump wins the US presidency in November, he is likely to force Ukraine to negotiate. The Ukrainian government hence wants to ensure that it has a sizeable chunk of Russian land for potential negotiations. Advertisement The other intention could be targeting the Russian leadership, particularly President Putin, by exposing a fundamental weakness in their inability to protect Russian territory and citizens from foreign invasion. Use of Western Weapons An issue that has come to the fore is how the incursion might reshape the political and military dynamics of the war due to the implications for the US stance on the use of American-supplied weapons. The stunning offensive has highlighted one of the riskiest dilemmas for the Western-backed defence of Ukraine, as President Biden has consistently tried to empower Ukraine to push back Russias invasion without risking an American escalation with Moscow. Advertisement On the other hand, President Vladimir Putin has always tried to portray the conflict as a war between Russia and the West. The Kursk intrusion has now raised the question for the US regarding how Ukraine can use American and NATO weapons systems. According to a report in the Eurasian Times, the US is withholding authorisation of using ATACMS missiles not because of worries about potential escalation but rather for strategic reasons tied to the limited availability of these long-range weapons. They want Ukraine to prioritise their use in Crimea over strikes in Kursk. This decision aims to maximise the impact of the limited number of ATACMS missiles available. As per the BBC, while the White House, Pentagon, and State Department wont officially confirm whether they are being used, it seems overwhelmingly clear that they are, given Ukraines reliance on US and NATO weapons systems. Vladislav Seleznyov, a former spokesman for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, told Voice of America that US-provided HIMAR rocket launchers had been critical to the advance. Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder has also said, We assess that theyre within the policy boundaries that weve set. Those policies havent changed as it relates to, in particular, the use of US weapons. But Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh has said, Again, we dont support long-range attacks into Russia. These are more for crossfire. Im not going to put a specific range on it. While John Healey, the British Defence Secretary, has stated, We should be proud that British-donated equipment is helping them to defend their country and push back Putin. The Kursk offensive has taken the Western dilemma into unexpected territory, literally and figuratively. The ambiguity is therefore unlikely to be cleared. Russian Options and Reactions However, as Ukraine moves further into Western Russian territory, Russian forces are equally making gains in Ukraines east. On August 16, Russian troops had captured Serhiivka, the latest in a string of towns claimed by Russian troops in recent weeks. The latest advances have brought the Russians closer to the city of Pokrovsk, which lies north-west of the Russian-held Donetsk region and is a vital logistics hub that sits on a main road for supplies to Ukrainian troops along the eastern front. A message from the head of the citys military administration, Sergiy Dobryak, on August 15 urged people to evacuate the city as Russia was rapidly approaching the outskirts". Apart from advancing in eastern Ukraine due to a weakness created as troops for the offensive would necessarily have to be pulled out of the area, Russia has the option of diverting its own troops to prevent further expansions and thereafter carry out the eviction of Ukrainian troops. The other option that could be exercised by Russia is to bring down sustained fire by precision weapons, long-range vectors, and by air on the Ukrainian troops that have entered Russian territory and thereby degrade and destroy them. This would be in conjunction with the Russian troops fighting the defensive battle. It is also possible that the stretching of Ukrainian resources will increase opportunities for the Russians to find the seams in Ukraines defences and make advances elsewhere, with President Putin being quite willing to absorb the losses presently. There is, of course, yet another option, and that is the use or threatened use of nuclear weapons targeting the Ukrainian offensive, which would be used on Russian soil and hence would have totally different implications vis-a-vis their being used on Ukrainian soil. This step of course would open up a whole range of ethical questions, and the implications would be grave and would have serious repercussions. But this war has taught us that philosophy of the use of nuclear weapons, which first used to end World War II and then were used during the Cold War to prevent a war, but nuclear deterrence has been turned on its head in the current conflict by Russia, which has used the threat of nuclear weapons to prosecute a war. Hence, threatening the use of nuclear weapons on its own soil against an invasion may be viewed as being morally correct. Putin has previously threatened to use all available means if Russias territorial integrity is threatened. Conversely, is Zelenskyy trying to prove that Putins nuclear threats are only rhetoric? A Historical Lesson Opening up another front by an offensive action in a vulnerable and sensitive area is not new and has met with both success and failure. History is full of such examples, a famous one being Inchon during the Korean Campaign by General McArthur. In our own context, in 1971, Pakistan, to counter Indias offensive in East Pakistan, attacked various localities on the Western front to include Poonch, Chhamb, Husseniwala, Fazilka, and Longewala. The strong defensive layout and successful counter attacks prevented expansion of gains made initially and eventually degraded and evicted them. There is also the lesson that the German Army learnt during World War II on the eastern front. Germany invaded the Soviet Union in summer 1941, pressed eastwards, and was pushing on the gates of Moscow by the end of the year. Thereafter, the Red Army struck back. By early summer 1943, Soviet forces had regained enough ground to create a vulnerable salient: a bulge into the German lines in south-eastern Russia, just north of the Ukrainian cities of Sumy and Kharkiv and quite near todays Ukrainian Kursk offensive. On July 4, 1943, the German Army launched a bold, audacious counterstroke, attacking the bulge from the north and the south with the aim of cutting the Soviets off and destroying nearly half a million soldiers. After about a month of heavy fightingand the largest tank battle in the history of warfarethe German attack on Kursk stalled and failed. The notable commanders involved then included Manstein, Guderian, and Zhukov. It failed largely because the German Army, at that point in the war, didnt have the operational depth of forces to sustain their counteroffensive beyond the first few weeks and that troops had to be diverted to France. Kursk offers many lessons for the Ukrainians today. Even in the boldness of the current incursion, the Ukrainians must be ready to accept that when the spread of their military forces has culminated., they will inevitably reach a point where, if they dont shift to the defensive at some point, they risk being defeated in detail unless the offensive is suitably strengthened. The immediate impact of Ukraines incursion has been a transformation in the morale of the Ukrainian public and in the narrative among its international partners. There is, however, a limit to the depth of the Ukrainian offensive. It is well known that Ukraine was suffering from a shortage of troops to rotate and hold the line prior to its operation in Kursk. Now it has pulled together what was available as operational reserves and committed them to a new thrust line. What is important is how far this force can push before it overextends, meaning it will need to dig in soon if the Ukrainians are to hold the ground and avoid getting cut off and destroyed. The question also remains whether the Kursk incursion will be seen as posing an intolerable threat to Russia and cause Russia to retaliate in a manner that may have serious consequences, or will this be seen as a point in the conflict that can force both sides towards negotiations leading to some sort of agreement. There is no doubt that Ukraines audacity has created a strategic dilemma for Russia. What needs to be determined is the broader impact in the larger context of the Ukrainian War. The truth is that the outcomes and possibilities in war are not inevitable. The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Foxconns expansion in India isnt limited to manufacturing. The company is also looking to develop townships, replicating successful models from Taiwan and China, which would be integrated with Foxconns industrial parks, providing housing and other amenities for workers read more Foxconn's expansion in India is not just about scaling up its existing operations but also about tapping into new opportunities in emerging industries. The company is reportedly exploring the possibility of manufacturing iPads in India and entering new product segments such as AI servers. Image Credit: Reuters Foxconn plans on significantly expanding its operations in India as part of a broader strategy to move beyond smartphone manufacturing and into new sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), energy, and digital health. Foxconns Chairman, Young Liu, recently shared these ambitious plans during his visit to India, signaling the companys commitment to playing a larger role in the countrys economic growth. Foxconn is widely known for its extensive vertical integration capabilities, particularly in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. However, the company is now looking to diversify its portfolio by entering new industries, including EVs, batteries, and digital health, according to a report by the Economic Times. Liu highlighted that this move is part of Foxconns efforts to climb higher up the value chain in India. Advertisement The companys strategy also includes leveraging generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to drive innovation across these new sectors, making what once seemed impossible, possible. In the energy sector, Foxconn aims to focus on battery production, aligning with its broader EV strategy. Additionally, the company plans to delve into digital health, exploring opportunities in wearable technology, home-use medical devices, and cloud-based health systems for hospitals. Foxconns expansion in India isnt limited to manufacturing. The company is also looking to develop townships, replicating successful models from Taiwan and China. These townships would be integrated with Foxconns industrial parks, providing housing and other amenities for workers. Liu emphasised that these developments would enhance efficiency and add value not just for employees, but also for Foxconn and its customers. One such project is already underway in Tamil Nadu, where Foxconn has inaugurated a massive industrial housing complex in Sriperumbudur. This complex, built within the Vallam Vadagal Industrial Park by the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (Sipcot), can accommodate around 18,720 workers. It includes facilities such as a laundromat, gym, recreational areas, cafeteria, and dining hall. This initiative is seen as a step towards building large-scale infrastructure to support Indias growing electronics manufacturing industry. During his visit, Liu also addressed recent allegations of discriminatory hiring practices at Foxconns Chennai plant. Reports suggested that married women were being systematically excluded from job opportunities. Liu refuted these claims, stating that Foxconn hires employees regardless of gender and that women, including married women, are a significant part of the workforce. He emphasised the contributions of married women to the companys success and noted that the trend for hiring at Foxconn is on an upward trajectory. Advertisement Foxconns focus on creating a sustainable living environment for its employees aligns with its broader commitment to social responsibility. The company has faced scrutiny in the past for its labour practices, and this new initiative in Tamil Nadu is seen as an effort to set a positive precedent for the future. Foxconns expansion in India is not just about scaling up its existing operations but also about tapping into new opportunities in emerging industries. The company is reportedly exploring the possibility of manufacturing iPads in India and entering new product segments such as AI servers and potentially even Googles Pixel smartphones. Additionally, Foxconn has announced plans to invest $37.2 million in a chip packaging and testing facility in India, in collaboration with IT major HCL Group. This move comes after its joint venture with the Vedanta Group fell through. Advertisement Lius visit to India, his second in about a year, underscores the increasing importance of India in Foxconns global strategy. As Apple seeks to diversify its supply chain away from China, Foxconns expansion in India is seen as a crucial component of this shift. The companys long-term vision for India includes becoming a key player in the countrys growth story, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, ICT, and electric vehicles. In conclusion, Foxconns ambitious plans to expand into new sectors and develop integrated townships in India reflect its commitment to becoming a major player in the countrys industrial and technological landscape. As India continues to grow as a manufacturing hub, Foxconn is positioning itself to capitalise on this growth, with the potential to significantly impact the countrys economy and workforce. Foxconn Chairman Young Liu emphasised that Foxconn does not discriminate based on gender, highlighting that women make up a significant portion of the workforce. His comments did not specifically tackle the accusations of excluding married women from employment read more Foxconn claims to have taken steps since then to address these issues and improve its employment policies. Image Credit: Reuters Foxconn, a key player in Apples iPhone manufacturing in India, has come under scrutiny following allegations of discriminatory hiring practices at its Chennai plant. These allegations centre on claims that married women are being systematically excluded from job opportunities due to perceived family responsibilities. The controversy arose after a Reuters investigation reported that the majority of the workforce at the Chennai facility consists of women, but the number of married women employed is disproportionately low. Advertisement According to Reuters, out of the 41,281 workers at the plant, 33,360 are women, yet only 2,750 of these women are married. This represents just 8.2 per cent of the female workforce, raising concerns about potential discrimination against married women in Foxconns hiring practices. During a recent visit to the Chennai factory, Foxconn Chairman Young Liu addressed the issue but did not directly refute the specific allegations. Liu emphasised that Foxconn does not discriminate based on gender, highlighting that women make up a significant portion of the workforce. However, his comments did not specifically tackle the accusations of excluding married women from employment. Instead, Liu underscored the contributions of married women to the companys efforts, suggesting that they play a valuable role within the workforce. The allegations have prompted a response from the Indian government. Labour officials in Tamil Nadu, the state where the Chennai plant is located, have been ordered to investigate the claims of discrimination. This move reflects the broader concerns about the treatment of women in the workplace, particularly in industries that are critical to global supply chains. Foxconn, in its response, acknowledged that there had been issues with discriminatory hiring practices in the past, specifically in 2022. The company claims to have taken steps since then to address these issues and improve its employment policies. Despite these assurances, Foxconn vigorously denies the recent allegations made by Reuters, maintaining that the company is committed to fair hiring practices. Advertisement The controversy comes at a time when India is playing an increasingly crucial role in Apples manufacturing strategy. As Apple looks to diversify its production away from China, India has emerged as a key location for the production of iPhones and other Apple devices. This makes the allegations against Foxconn particularly significant, as they could impact perceptions of Apples supply chain practices in one of its most important manufacturing hubs. As of now, Apple has not issued a public statement regarding the situation. However, the outcome of the investigation by Indian labour officials could have significant implications for both Foxconn and Apple, particularly in how they are perceived in terms of ethical employment practices. Advertisement The situation also underscores the broader challenges faced by multinational companies operating in diverse markets, where local labour practices and global standards can sometimes clash. Despite Zuckerbergs assurances Meta continued to allow ads promoting the sale of illegal drugs, including OxyContin, MDMA, cocaine, and other substances, to run throughout 2024 read more In an open letter to Meta, the lawmakers criticised the company for failing to prevent blatant drug ads from appearing on Instagram and Facebook. Image Credit: AP A bipartisan group of 19 US lawmakers has voiced serious concerns over Metas handling of advertisements for illicit drugs that have been targeted at teens and children on its platforms. In an open letter to Meta, the lawmakers criticised the company for failing to prevent blatant drug ads from appearing on Instagram and Facebook, despite Metas own policies against such content. The letter is the latest in a series of criticisms levelled against the social media giant, highlighting the ongoing issue of child safety on its platforms. Advertisement The scrutiny on Meta has intensified this year, following reports that federal prosecutors are investigating whether the company has indirectly profited from drug sales on its platforms. These sales allegedly targeted young users, raising alarms about the potential harm to minors. The legislators expressed their outrage that these ads were not user-generated content but were approved and monetised by Meta itself, making the situation even more concerning. Earlier this year, Metas CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared before the US Senate in a hearing focused on child safety on social media. During the hearing, Zuckerberg took the unusual step of apologising directly to a gallery of parents whose children had been victims of online abuse, some of whom had tragically taken their own lives. The lawmakers referenced this apology in their letter, noting that despite Zuckerbergs assurances and the companys community standards, Meta continued to allow ads promoting the sale of illegal drugs, including OxyContin, MDMA, cocaine, and other substances, to run throughout 2024. Among the lawmakers leading the charge are Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), the House minority whip, and Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas), vice chair of the House subcommittee on telecommunications and technology. They emphasised the particularly egregious nature of this situation, pointing out that these were not hidden posts on the dark web or private pages but were, in fact, advertisements approved by Meta. The lawmakers expressed deep frustration that Meta, a company with significant resources and technological capabilities, allowed such harmful content to be promoted to vulnerable users, particularly minors. Advertisement In response to the criticism, Meta issued a statement to CNBC, asserting that its systems actively reject hundreds of thousands of ads for violating its drug policies. The company also highlighted its collaboration with law enforcement to combat criminal activity on its platforms, acknowledging the challenges posed by drug dealers who operate across multiple platforms and communities. However, these reassurances have done little to quell concerns. Reports from earlier this year, including one by The Wall Street Journal, revealed that federal prosecutors were investigating whether Meta had facilitated or even profited from the sale of illicit drugs on Instagram and Facebook. While Meta claimed to be cooperating with authorities to curb illegal transactions, subsequent reports indicated that the problem persisted. In July, The Wall Street Journal published another report showing that Metas platforms were still running ads for illegal substances, including cocaine and prescription opioids. Advertisement The Tech Transparency Project, a watchdog group, also conducted an investigation around the same time, uncovering over 450 ads on Instagram and Facebook promoting pharmaceutical and other drugs. The ads often featured images of pills, powders, and bricks of cocaine, and directed users to contact the sellers through encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. The lawmakers concluded their letter by accusing Meta of shirking its social responsibility and failing to uphold its own community guidelines. They stressed that protecting users, particularly children and teenagers, is a top priority and warned that Metas continued negligence in this area cannot go unaddressed. The pressure is mounting on Meta to take more decisive action to prevent its platforms from becoming conduits for illegal drug sales, especially those that target young, impressionable users. One body was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for, said Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service read more This picture taken from video released by the Italian Firefighters on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, show the stretch of Sea near Palermo, Sicily, in southern Italy, where the sail yacht Bayasian under UK flag sank early Monday. Vigili del Fuoco via AP, HO One dead and six people went missing after a 49-meter sailboat with 22 people on board sank off the coast of Sicily. According to Euro News, the boat sank due to bad weather at around 5 am (local time) in the stretch of sea across from Porticello in the province of Palermo. After responding to the crisis situation, the authorities managed to rescue 15 people while seven people are still missing. Advertisement One body was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for, said Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service. The coastguard patrol boats and fire brigades are still at the location and search operations are underway. As per the report, a fierce storm, including water spouts, battered the region overnight. Hunt for the missing seven people Divers from the fire brigade have dived to reach the hull at a depth of 49 metres which was about half a mile from the coast. According to the Euro News, the boat called the Bajesian, was flying the British flag and was carrying mostly British citizens. The boat was also carrying nationals from New Zealand and Sri Lanka and two of the British nationals were dual citizens of France and Ireland. During the rescue operation, the divers managed to rescue a one-year-old boy who was taken to the Childrens Hospital in Palermo. As the search for the missing seven people continues, the fire brigade has also dispatched a helicopter to search the area from above. One crew member, four Britons, one Canadian and two American passengers are still missing. Meanwhile, the public prosecutors office in Termini Imerese is investigating the incident. According to Italian news agency ANSA, the yacht was built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi and had been moored off the port at Porticello. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. In his first official visit to New Delhi, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is poised to finalise critical agreements that will boost bilateral trade, safeguard Indian professionals in Malaysia and deepen strategic ties across various sectors read more As Malaysias Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim embarks on his inaugural state visit to India on Monday, the stage is set for a significant leap forward in bilateral relations. Over the next three days, from August 19 to 21, New Delhi will host discussions aimed at concluding crucial pacts on trade and mobility. These agreements are not just routine diplomatic exercises but are expected to cement a robust economic partnership and protect the rights of Indian professionals in Malaysia. With a broader agenda that includes human resources, tourism and regional security, Ibrahims visit signals a new era of cooperation between two of Asias dynamic economies marking a key moment in Indias ongoing Act East Policy. Advertisement As these discussions unfold, the outcomes of this visit could reshape the trajectory of India-Malaysia relations for years to come. Here are 10 key points that highlight the significance of this landmark visit: 1. Strategic bilateral visit: India and Malaysia are set to finalise a significant pact on trade and mobility during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims first official visit to New Delhi marking a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations. 2. Boosting investment ties: The trade agreement under discussion is expected to significantly enhance Malaysian investments in India, focussing on critical sectors like infrastructure, telecommunications and energy thereby reinforcing Malaysias substantial presence in the Indian market. 3. Safeguarding professional rights: The mobility pact is aimed at ensuring the rights and welfare of Indian professionals in Malaysia reflecting the deepening people-to-people ties and the increasing number of skilled workers from India contributing to Malaysias economy. 4. Expanding cooperation: In addition to trade and mobility, discussions will likely cover agreements on human resources and tourism, areas where both countries have shown strong interest in further cooperation, especially given Malaysias role as a key player in ASEAN. 5. Advancing the Act East Policy: Anwar Ibrahims visit is part of a broader diplomatic push by India to advance its Act East Policy. This follows New Delhis recent engagements with other Southeast Asian leaders, underscoring Indias strategic pivot towards the region. Advertisement 6. Regional and global discussions: High on the agenda for the August 20 meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Anwar Ibrahim will be Malaysias potential interest in joining BRICS, the evolving situation in Palestine and the complex dynamics of the South China Sea, where Malaysia is a key claimant state. 7. Navigating Chinas influence: With Malaysias significant stake in the South China Sea, India is particularly keen to understand Malaysias perspective on Chinas expanding influence in the region, which could have broader implications for Indo-Pacific security. 8. Renewing ties post-Mahathir: While Indias political ties with Malaysia were occasionally strained during Mahathir Mohammads tenure due to his critical stance on Kashmir, the new leadership under Anwar Ibrahim presents an opportunity for revitalised relations, particularly in defence and economic cooperation. Advertisement 9. Economic powerhouses: Malaysia stands as Indias third-largest trading partner within ASEAN, while India is Malaysias largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade reflecting the strong economic interdependence between the two countries. 10. Significant investment footprint: Malaysia is a notable investor in India, ranking as the 28th largest, with its corporate sector injecting over $1.17 billion into the Indian economy between April 2000 and March 2023. Around 70 Malaysian companies have established operations in India covering a diverse range of sectors from construction to human resources. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, they have lost over 15,000 armored and unarmored military vehicles. Replacements have been slow in arriving and priority has gone to replacing supply vehicles. Commanders of combat units had to get creative to equip their troops with substitute vehicles for attacks. Several commanders decided to incorporate Russian or captured dirt bikes and motorcycles into mobile combat units. The bike mounted troops could be used for scouting Several Russian commanders sought to incorporate troops on dirt bikes into their units. This did not work out as expected. The Ukrainian drones, both fixed wing and quad or octocopter models demonstrated once more that the widespread use of drones, especially by the Ukrainians, meant that surprise attacks were nearly impossible to carry out. Many Russian commanders ignored this development and were caught by the ever vigilant Russian drones. Victims included dirt bike mounted scouts, who were sometimes killed by an armed drone before they could radio back the presence of Ukrainian drones in the area. In some cases the Ukrainian drones spotted a Russian column and quickly organized an ambush using only armed drones. One of these ambushes took place in early 2024 and involved a Russian attack force of over a thousand troops including tanks and light armored vehicles with most troops traveling aboard unarmored trucks. The Russians also had several dozen troops on dirt bikes. The drones struck first and then came missiles and artillery fire. When it was all over the Russians had lost fifty armored vehicles, a third of them tanks and sixteen dirt bikes along with most of the riders. In other instances the Russians sought to improvise a surprise attack on Ukrainian troops using armed soldiers mounted on dirt bikes. The problem was that the troops on the bikes could not effectively use their weapons while mounted and moving. The Ukrainian defenders could quickly generate a lot of fire power using assault rifles and machine-guns. This meant the armed Russian dirt bike mounted attackers were shot to pieces by the aimed firepower of the stationary Ukrainian. Dozens of the mounted Russian soldiers would be killed or wounded by the return fire. Word quickly spread among Russian troops that dirt bikes were useful as transportation and sometimes for scouting but using them during an attack was suicidal. The bikes were also shot up so badly that they could not be repaired. The last time Russians were in a situation like this was in 1941, right after the Germans invaded. At that time Russian still had cavalry divisions and brigades. Initially some cavalry commanders believed they could successfully launch surprise cavalry attacks on the Germans. That did not work and the Russian riders were either shot off their horses or the horses were hit and went down, often injuring the rider. After a few incidents like that the Soviets decided to confine cavalry units to scouting and, later in the war, sneaking through impenetrable areas, like swamps or thick forests, to attack the German rear area troops. This approach had some success. Despite that, after the war in 1947, the Soviets disbanded their remaining cavalry units. Many of the horses were sent to collective farms where there was a shortage of animals to pull plows and wagons. During World War II the Russians still used a lot of horses to pull artillery and wagons. Towards the end of World War II the Germans were more dependent on horse drawn transport than the Soviets. The Russians were receiving enormous quantities of lend-lease aid from the Americans. The Russians had a truce with the Japanese in nearby Manchuria which allowed the Russians to unload American transports, flying the flags of neutral nations, in Russian Pacific coast ports and move the weapons, munitions, fuel, food, armored vehicles and trucks via the Trans-Siberian Railroad to western Russia. By 1944 Russia had received so many trucks and fuel to run them that the Soviet forces were more mechanized than their German counterparts. The Germans were suffering from the allied strategic bombing campaign against fuel and industrial targets in Germany. The American bombers came by day while the British bombed at night. The aerial bombardment began in late 1942 but by 1944 there were over a thousand American and British heavy bombers pounding German targets around the clock. This made it difficult for the Germans to build enough armored vehicles and trucks to replace those lost in combat. For transportation the German army had to fall back on horses to pull the artillery and move supplies. The Russians advancing from the east were lavishly equipped with American trucks, which were superior to any Russia had produced, as well as jeeps and American M4 tanks. The American tanks were not as heavily armed and armored as the Russian T-34/85 tanks and their 85mm guns but were faster and more reliable. So the Russians used the American M4 tanks to exploit a breakthrough achieved by Russian artillery and slower T-34s. The M4s could more quickly reach German rear areas and shoot up stockpiles of supplies and any trucks or horse-drawn wagons they found. This was devastating for the Germans, who could not even retreat effectively with so much of their transport lost to the Russian M4s. The UN condemned the unprecedented violence against humanitarian workers, with a record 280 deaths in 2023, driven largely by the Gaza conflict. The organisation warned that 2024 might see even higher casualties and called for global action to protect aid workers and hold attackers accountable read more An UNHCR worker pushes a wheelbarrow loaded with aid supplies for a displaced Afghan family outside a distribution center as a Taliban fighter secures the area on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan October 28, 2021. REUTERS/file photo The United Nations on Monday condemned the unacceptable level of violence becoming commonplace against humanitarian workers, a record 280 of whom were killed worldwide in 2023. And it warned that the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza is potentially fueling even higher numbers of such deaths this year. The normalization of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere, Joyce Msuya, acting director of the UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said in a statement on World Humanitarian Day. Advertisement With 280 aid workers killed in 33 countries last year, 2023 marked the deadliest year on record for the global humanitarian community, a 137 percent increase over 2022, when 118 aid workers died, OCHA said in the statement. It cited the Aid Worker Security Database which has tracked such figures back to 1997. The UN said more than half of the deaths in 2023, or 163, were aid workers killed in Gaza during the first three months of the war between Israel and Hamas, mainly in air strikes. South Sudan, wracked by civil strife, and Sudan, where a war between two rival generals has been raging since April 2023, are the next deadliest conflicts for humanitarians, with 34 and 25 deaths respectively. Also in the top 10 are Israel and Syria, with seven deaths each; Ethiopia and Ukraine, with six deaths each; Somalia at five fatalities; and four deaths both in Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In all the conflicts, most of the deaths are among local staff. Despite 2023s outrageously high number of aid worker fatalities, OCHA said 2024 may be on track for an even deadlier outcome. As of August 9, 176 aid workers have been killed worldwide, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. Since October, when Hamas-led militants launched a deadly raid into Israel, triggering the war, more than 280 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, the majority of them employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, according to OCHA. Advertisement Against this backdrop, the leaders of multiple humanitarian organizations were to send a letter Monday to UN member states calling for the international community to end attacks on civilians, protect all aid workers, and hold perpetrators to account. Each year the United Nations marks World Humanitarian Day on August 19, the anniversary of the 2003 attack on its Baghdad headquarters. The bombing killed 22 people including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN special representative to Iraq, and injured some 150 local and foreign aid workers. Chinas President Xi Jinping met with Vietnams new leader, To Lam, during his first state visit to Beijing, celebrating the strong bilateral relationship. The visit highlights ongoing cooperation and future projects, including investments and infrastructure development, between the two nations read more Vietnamese President To Lam attends a press briefing with Russian President Vladimir Putin (not pictured), at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, Thursday, June 20, 2024. Reuters/File Photo Chinas President Xi Jinping met with Vietnams new leader, To Lam, Monday in Beijing, marking a significant moment in the relationship between the two countries. This state visit, which is Lams first official trip abroad since taking office, highlights the deepening ties between China and Vietnam amidst their shared history and evolving strategic partnership. Here are five key points to understand about this important diplomatic engagement: 1. Vietnams new leader, To Lams first state visit to China began with meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Advertisement 2. China expressed enthusiasm about Lam choosing China for his inaugural visit. This decision underscores the strong bond between China and Vietnam, reflecting the high value both countries place on their relationship. 3. To Lam arrived in Guangzhou, Chinas southern province, on Sunday. His visit will last three days and includes meetings with Premier Li Qiang and other top Chinese officials. During his stay, Lam will also visit sites in Guangzhou associated with former Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh. 4. Last December, during Xi Jinpings visit to Vietnam, the two countries signed over a dozen agreements. These agreements focused on improving railway connections, investment in various sectors, and managing incidents in the South China Sea. Specific details of these agreements have not been disclosed. 5. China and Vietnam are working on several cross-border railway projects, including connections between Vietnams Haiphong and other cities. They also plan to collaborate on Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, with investment in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and digital development. Vietnams leading agriculture scientist Vo Tong Xuan has passed away. His role in the development of rice cultivation is widely acknowledged worldwide read more Professor Vo Tong Xuan, Vietnams leading agriculture scientist, passed away on Monday. Globally acclaimed for contributions to agriculture, Xuan was 84. Xuan died of illness at 7 a.m. at a HCMC hospital in Hanoi. A leading expert in agricultural science, Xuan made significant contributions to international research, especially in the field of rice cultivation and ensuring food security among rice-dependent populations. He is known as the inventor of several Vietnamese rice varieties in the Mekong Delta region. Advertisement Italian authorities have opened a probe into the incident as the emergency response continued Monday read more UK businessman Mike Lynch, who was recently acquitted in the United States of an $11 billion fraud, is among those missing Monday after a superyacht sank off southern Italy, according to the head of the Civil Protection Agency.The 56-metre-long luxury yacht, The Bayesian, had been moored off Porticello, east of Palermo, when the storm swept suddenly up the coast before dawn, tearing through beach clubs and little fishing ports. Lynchs wife was among 15 people rescued after the luxury yacht sank amid violent winds and rains off the Sicily coast, according to Salvo Cocina of the Civil Protection Agency, leaving six others missing. Italian authorities have opened a probe into the incident as the emergency response continued Monday. Lynch, 59, was acquitted on all charges in a San Francisco court in early June after he was accused of the massive fraud linked to the sale of his software firm Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard. Advertisement After creating a few early technological start-ups, including one that specialised in automatic number-plate, fingerprint, and face recognition software for police, he founded Autonomy in 1996. Companies used its software to analyse massive amounts of data, and its effectiveness was attributed in part to Bayesian inference, a statistical theory developed by Thomas Bayes, an 18th-century statistician, philosopher, and Presbyterian preacher. US prosecutors accused Lynch of wire fraud and securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit offenses involving years of falsified records. He had been extradited to the US from Britain to stand trial on the criminal charges. A University of Cambridge graduate from Suffolk in eastern England, Lynch had disputed all charges and denied any wrongdoing. He was facing two decades in jail if convicted of the 17 charges. A celebrated technology sector entrepreneur and investor, sometimes referred to as the UKs answer to Bill Gates, he had won numerous awards and plaudits in Britain and beyond. A spokesperson for Invoke Capital, another firm he founded, declined to comment. Lynch was reportedly on board the boat with colleagues from the company when the storm struck. Following his US acquittal, he had been critical of his prosecution in the US. He had told the BBC that the only reason he was free was because I had enough money not to be swept away by a process thats set up to sweep you away. You shouldnt need to have funds to protect yourself as a British citizen, he said in the interview aired earlier this month. After Hamas rejected the bridging proposal presented by the United States at the end of the latest round of talks in Doha, the chances of a deal to end the war in the Gaza Strip soon have become very slim read more Amid warning by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that there just remained one last chance to strike a deal to end the war in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel agrees with the latest US proposal on the table. Netanyahus remark comes even as its his insertion of new demands in the original proposal outlined by US President Joe Biden in May that compromised the talks and led to the current statement. Advertisement Following the two-day summit in Doha last week, the United States floated a new proposal to bridge the gaps between the positions of Israel and Hamas. Even as the United States along with mediators Qatar and Egypt said the talks went well and that they expected a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages by the end of this week, Hamas on Sunday rejected the bridging proposal. In a statement carried by Axios, Hamas said the bridging proposal repeated the new demands of Israel and was aligned with Netanyahus position. After being briefed by the mediators about what happened in the last round of talks in Doha, we once again came to the conclusion that Netanyahu is still putting obstacles in the way of reaching an agreement, and is setting new conditions and demands with the aim of undermining the mediators efforts and prolonging the war, said Hamas in a statement. Following a meeting with Blinken, Netanyahu said that Israel remained committed to the proposal and that Israeli negotiators would travel to Cairo later this week for the next round of talks. Netanyahu & Blinken hold positive meeting In a statement following their meeting, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) described it as positive. The PMO said Netanyahu told Blinken that Israel remained committed to the latest bridging proposal. The Prime Minister reiterated Israels commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israels security needs, which he strongly insists on, said the PMO. The meeting lasted approximately three hours. The Prime Minister reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on. Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 19, 2024 Advertisement During the meeting, Netanyahu also told Blinken that the Israeli delegation will travel to Cairo for the next round of talks, according to The Times of Israel. The Israeli delegation will be headed by external intelligence Mossads chief David Barnea and will also comprise internal intelligence agency Shin Bets head Ronen Bar, and militarys hostage pointman Nitzan Alon. Even as Hamas has rejected the bridging proposal, Barak Ravid of Axios reported that Blinken has made it clear to Netanyahu that the United States expects the talks to continue. . https://t.co/jc6McTuYPQ Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) August 19, 2024 Advertisement Separately, the newspaper also reported that a mid-level delegation of the negotiating team has returned from Cairo. Their visit will be followed by the top delegation later this week. More than 450 people were killed many due to police fire during a month of student-led protests against Hasinas 15-year autocratic rule, before she quit as prime minister and fled to India on August 5 read more Protesters carry a member of the army on their shoulders as they celebrate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. File Image/ AP A Bangladeshi war crimes tribunal set up by ousted premier Sheikh Hasina has launched three mass murder probes into its founder over the unrest that forced her to flee the country, its investigator said Monday. More than 450 people were killed many due to police fire during a month of student-led protests against Hasinas 15-year autocratic rule, before she quit as prime minister and fled to India on August 5. We are collecting preliminary evidence at this stage, said Ataur Rahman, deputy director of the tribunals investigation cell, adding the cases were related to mass murder. After this, we will go to the site of the crimes, Rahman told AFP. Advertisement All three cases were brought by private individuals, and several of Hasinas former top aides have also been named in the cases, he said. The cases relate to violence in suburbs or nearby districts of the capital Dhaka, in Mirpur, Munshiganj and Savar. In addition, local police units across the country have filed at least 15 cases against Hasina, according to local media reports. Some relate to cases that predate the recent unrest, and charges include murder and crimes against humanity. Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) was set up by Hasina in 2010 to probe atrocities during the countrys liberation war against Pakistan. Under Hasina, the ICT sentenced more than 100 people to death, including several of her political opponents. The court was often criticised by rights groups for not following international conventions. Hasinas government was accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of her political opponents. The United Nations said Friday there were strong indications that the Bangladeshi security forces used unnecessary force in tackling the student-led uprising. There are strong indications, warranting further independent investigation, that the security forces used unnecessary and disproportionate force in their response to the situation, the UN human rights office said in a preliminary report. Alleged violations included extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, it added. Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus has said his administration would provide whatever support the UN investigators need. The man carrying the bomb, which exploded near a synagogue, was killed and a passerby was injured, according to police at the scene read more Israeli security and emergency responders work at the site of a bomb blast in Tel Aviv, Israel August 18, 2024. Reuters A bomb blast in Tel Aviv late on Sunday has been confirmed as a terrorist attack, Israeli police and the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency said on Monday. The man carrying the bomb, which exploded near a synagogue, was killed and a passerby was injured, according to police at the scene. It can now be confirmed that this was a terror attack, police and Shin Bet said in a joint statement on Monday. Advertisement Sundays explosion came about an hour after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to push for a ceasefire in Gaza that will end the 10-month-old war between Israel and Hamas. There has been increased urgency to reach a ceasefire deal amid fears of an escalation across the wider region. Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Israel has not claimed responsibility for his death. Mpox cases have been confirmed among children and adults in more than a dozen African countries, and a new form of the virus is spreading. Few vaccine doses are available on the continent. read more Days after the World Health Organization declared mpox outbreaks in Africa a global emergency, the United States of America and Japan will supply the first vaccine doses to Congo to address its tragedy. In the vast central African nation of Congo, which has had more than 96% of the worlds roughly 17,000 recorded cases of mpox this year and some 500 deaths from the disease many of the most vulnerable seem unaware of its existence or the threat that it poses. Advertisement Congo has the vast majority of the mpox cases and currently needs 3 million vaccine doses. The U.S. and Japan have offered to donate vaccines, Health Minister Roger Kamba told journalists. He did not say how many doses would be sent or when the ones from Japan would arrive. The WHO has reported over 17,000 mpox cases and over 500 deaths worldwide this year. More than 96% of all cases and deaths have been in Congo, whose health system has long struggled to contain disease outbreaks over the countrys vast area and poor infrastructure. Children under 15 account for more than 70% of the cases and 85% of deaths in Congo. Scientists are also concerned by a new version of mpox in Congo that might be more easily transmitted. Last week, Sweden reported its first case of the new version. Officials said the risk to the general public was considered very low and that they expected sporadic imported cases to continue. Unlike in previous mpox outbreaks, where lesions were mostly seen on the chest, hands and feet, the new form causes milder symptoms and lesions on the genitals. That makes it harder to detect, meaning people might sicken others without knowing theyre infected. Mpox is not airborne and typically requires close, skin-to-skin contact to spread. Advertisement The WHO has said mpox was recently identified for the first time in four East African countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. All of those outbreaks were linked to the epidemic in Congo. With inputs from agencies. The Democratic National Convention begins in Chicago with President Joe Biden making a key speech on the opening night, symbolising his transition of leadership to Vice President Kamala Harris. The event, themed For the People, will feature both prominent Democrats and grassroots activists, amid heightened security and ongoing protests read more The Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday in Chicago, just four weeks after President Joe Biden shuttered his campaign and made way for Vice President Kamala Harris to ascend to the top of Democrats ticket. The political transformation just months ahead of the general election matchup with the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, has meant a rapid succession of changes for Democrats 2024 calculus in general making the convention all the more noteworthy. Advertisement Heres what to watch on the first day: Up until a month ago, Biden had been expected to take the convention stage Thursday night, as is tradition for the partys nominee. Now, Biden will give a speech on the conventions opening night of Monday, as will his wife, first lady Jill Biden. Biden is expected to use his keynote address as a symbolic handoff of his party to Harris, capping five decades in Democratic politics and pressing the case for what he says is the threat to the country if Trump returns to the White House. Harris will be on hand to watch the presidents speech. Signs in the arena will feature a regular Biden-ism: Spread the faith. While Harris is expected to stick around through the weeks events, ahead of her own speech, officials say Biden isnt planning to be in Chicago past his own appearance. According to convention organizers, the theme for Mondays events is For the People, a callback to the theme of Harris 2020 presidential campaign, and a phrase shes been incorporating into her new one, starting with a fundraising email the very night Biden departed the race. The phraseology hearkens to her 2019 launch, at which Harris a longtime prosecutor and Californias first woman to serve as attorney general recalled introducing herself in court as Kamala Harris, for the people," adding, In my whole life Ive only had one client, the people. Throughout that campaign, Harris returned to the phrase time and again, in speeches but also on signs and T-shirts, and as part of her principal campaign committees official nomenclature. Advertisement At the conventions opening night, organizers note that speakers will aim to make the argument that, while Donald Trump puts himself first, Democrats are fighting for the American people, something they say is reflected in Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. In addition to the elected officials and party leaders, Democrats also plan to showcase everyday Americans and some performers during each night. Thousands of activists are expected to converge on Chicago, hoping to call attention to abortion rights, economic injustice and the war in Gaza. Demonstrations are expected every day of the convention and, while their agendas vary, many activists agree an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is the priority. Advertisement There have been months of preparation for the tens of thousands of activists expected in town. Chicago police have undergone training on constitutional policing, county courts say they are opening more space in anticipation of mass arrests and hospitals near the security zone are beefing up emergency preparedness. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is among the speakers expected to take the stage on the conventions opening night, said on ABCs This Week on Sunday that the city was prepared for the thousands of activists expected to participate in protests around the DNC. Our local police department has worked with the Secret Service as well as other local agencies to ensure a safe, peaceful yet vibrant, exciting convention, he said. Advertisement As Democrats laud their top-of-the-ticket selectees, Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, have a full week of their own events stumping across battleground states. Like the Democrats and like at their own convention last month the Republicans are adding a theme to each days events, with Monday intended to focus on the economy. On Monday both Trump and Vance are in Pennsylvania, the Rust Belt battleground where both men have stumped in recent days. Each day of the DNC, Trumps allies will also be holding a news conference in Chicago, a prebuttal to whats expected from the stage at the United Center. Dipu Moni, a former foreign and social welfare minister in ousted Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League party, was arrested on Monday for allegedly attacking the house of a senior BNP leader, according to a report, citing a senior police officer read more People participate in a protest march against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government to demand justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.- Image- AP Dipu Moni, a former foreign and social welfare minister in ousted Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League party, was arrested on Monday for allegedly attacking the home of a senior BNP leader, a senior police officer said. Mohammad Rabiul Hossain Bhuiyan, joint commissioner (north) of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, confirmed the arrest of Moni, 58, from Dhaka, The Daily Star newspaper reported. We are now taking her to the DB office on Minto Road. There is a case against her in Chandpur. She may be shown arrested in that case, another Detective Branch official, requesting anonymity, was quoted as saying by the media. Advertisement On August 15, a case was filed against the former minister and her brother JR Wadud Tipu in Chandpur for attacking the residence of Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) district president. Manik, who was abroad for medical treatment during the attack on July 18, claimed it was carried out over political issues. According to the case statement, armed individuals vandalised, looted, and set fire to Maniks house. Besides, 510 known and 1,000-1,200 unnamed people were accused in the case. The case was filed on Thursday following a complaint lodged by A Razzak Hawlader, joint convener of Chandpur Municipal Jubo Dal, said the official. Many cases have been filed against ousted prime minister Hasina, who resigned from the post of prime minister on August 5 and escaped to India. Her Awami League party members following unprecedented anti-government student-led protests. Over 230 people were killed in Bangladesh in the incidents of violence that erupted across the country following the fall of the Hasina government, taking the death toll to more than 600 since the massive protest by students against a controversial quota system in government jobs first started in mid-July. Belt and Road cooperation brings tangible benefits to Panama 13:39, August 19, 2024 By Shi Yuanhao, Song Yiran, Chen Yiming ( People's Daily On the vast Pacific Ocean, container ship Jasmine owned by China's COSCO Shipping Lines was braving the winds and waves. Upon arriving in Panama city, the ship slowly docked at the Port of Colon, close to the terminus of the Panama Canal on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. A cargo vessel of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited docks at the Port of Balboa, Panama. (Photo/Paola Suman) There, the containers carried by the ship were transferred to an overseas warehouse built by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited (hereafter referred to as "China COSCO Shipping"), the parent company of COSCO Shipping Lines, and then distributed to merchants in Latin America and the Caribbean before reaching hundreds of thousands of consumers in the region. This full-process comprehensive logistics service developed by China COSCO Shipping combines shipping, warehousing and customs clearance. It has made significant contributions to Panama's employment and shipping industry. The Colon Free Zone (CFZ) in Panama, one of the world's busiest FTZs, is located at the Atlantic gateway to the Panama Canal. It boasts an advantageous maritime location and many tax incentives. Re-export trade is its core business. In October 2020, China COSCO Shipping set up an overseas warehouse in CFZ, covering more than 20,000 square meters, to better leverage the CFZ's geographical advantage and the companys shipping line strengths, in response to the growing needs of Chinese companies operating in Latin America. Wang Zhen, deputy general manager of COSCO Shipping Lines (Panama) Inc., said that the overseas warehouse not only helps remove logistics bottlenecks in Latin America, but reduces overall transportation costs and makes industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded. According to Wang, cargos are kept in the warehouse for quick dispatch and delivery to buyers from Latin America and the Caribbean. "Cargo traders had to invest a large amount of money in advance, which could only be regained once all the goods were sold. Prolonged shipping time could inevitably lead to significant financial strain," said Guo Jialun, logistics manager of COSCO Shipping Lines (Panama) Inc. By reducing delivery times, the warehouse has helped relieve cash flow pressures and has received high appraisals from buyers in Latin America and the Caribbean, Guo added. "I feel a strong sense of satisfaction every time I think about how we are moving these cargos to other countries and ensuring their safe and efficient delivery to businesses and consumers," said warehouse supervisor Carlos Bandini of COSCO Shipping Lines (Panama) Inc. Bandini has been working at the warehouse for more than two years. "The warehouse can secure punctual delivery of goods and achieve considerable cost reductions by implementing streamlined management techniques and adopting the latest technologies," said Bandini. A worker handles cargos with a forklift in an overseas warehouse of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited in Panama. (People's Daily/Shi Yuanhao) China COSCO Shipping has employed a number of local workers at its office and terminals in Panama city. The overseas warehouse in the CFZ alone has created nearly 100 jobs for local residents. The company is an active supporter of the development of Panama's shipping industry. It has offered different types of vessel console simulators for local maritime colleges, and worked with these colleges and relevant organizations to provide internships for students. On the campus of International Maritime University of Panama, there is a building donated by China COSCO Shipping. The university's simulator and application technology center is also equipped with devices aided by the company. Panama's connectivity to the rest of the world is the country's core competitiveness, said Giovanni Bruno Ferrari, general manager of the CFZ. "More and more Chinese companies are doing business in Panama, which is further enhancing such competitiveness," said Ferrari. According to statistics from the Panama Canal Authority, in the fiscal year of 2023, the Panama Canal saw more than 25 million tons of cargo originating from China and over 39 million tons destined for China, totaling more than 64 million tons, which account for a substantial 22.7 percent of the canal's total traffic of the year. Ferrari said China has long been the largest commodity supplier of the CFZ and the second-largest user of the Panama Canal. The large number of Chinese commodities shipped to Latin America and the Caribbean via the CFZ not only facilitate the development of the CFZ itself, but also play an important role in maintaining unimpeded global trade and stabilizing the global supply chain. Panama is the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to sign a memorandum of understanding with China on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation. The two countries have agreed to take the opportunity of aligning the BRI with the National Logistics Strategy of Panama 2030, to strive for more highlights of bilateral cooperation. Panamanian economist Eddie Tapiero said that Panama, as an international shipping center and regional aviation, logistic and financial hubs, enjoys natural advantages in Belt and Road cooperation. The country will leverage its geographical advantage and play a positive role in deepening Latin America-China cooperation, Tapiero added. "Belt and Road cooperation has brought tangible benefits to Panama," said Rogelio Paredes, former minister of Housing and Territorial Planning in Panama. The global connectivity network built by the BRI has significantly promoted global trade, making the geographical advantage of Panama even more prominent, he noted. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) A former Saudi official has alleged that Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged his fathers signature on the royal decree that launched the kingdoms yearslong, stalemated war against Yemens Houthi rebels read more Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrives to meet then-Prime Minister Theresa May outside 10 Downing Street in London, on March 7, 2018. AP File A former Saudi official has alleged that Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged his fathers signature on the royal decree that launched the kingdoms yearslong, stalemated war against Yemens Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the allegations made without supporting evidence by Saad al-Jabri in a BBC interview published Monday. The kingdom has described him as a discredited former government official." Al-Jabri, a former intelligence official who lives in exile in Canada, has been in a long dispute with the kingdom as his two children have been imprisoned in a case he describes as trying to lure him back to Saudi Arabia. Advertisement The allegation comes as Prince Mohammed serves as Saudi Arabias de facto leader, often meeting leaders in place of his father, 88-year-old King Salman. Prince Mohammeds assertive behavior, particularly early in his ascension to power around the beginning of the Yemen war in 2015, has extended to a wider crackdown on any perceived dissent or power base that could challenge his rule. Al-Jabri told the BBC a credible, reliable official linked to the Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed to him that Prince Mohammed signed the decree declaring war in place of his father. Prince Mohammed was the defence minister at the time. We were surprised that there was a royal decree to allow the ground interventions, al-Jabri told the BBC. He forged the signature of his dad for that royal decree. The kings mental capacity was deteriorating. A US-based lawyer for al-Jabri did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The war against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, launched with promises by the prince it would quickly be over, has ground on for nearly a decade. The war has killed more than 150,000 people and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters. The Houthis since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip have launched attacks on shipping that have disrupted traffic through the Red Sea and led to the most intense combat faced by the US Navy since World War II. Al-Jabri once worked for former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, a trusted confidant of the U.S. in the battle against al-Qaida militants in the kingdom after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. King Salman replaced the crown prince for his son in 2017, and Prince Mohammed bin Nayef is believed to have been held under house arrest. Advertisement Al-Jabri sued Prince Mohammed bin Salman in U.S. federal court, alleging the crown prince sought to have him killed after he fled abroad. He planned for my assassination, al-Jabri told the BBC. He will not rest until he sees me dead. I have no doubt about that. He described his fears that the crown prince still wants him killed as his children remain imprisoned in the kingdom. Al-Jabri also again alleged Prince Mohammed considered assassinating former King Abdullah with a poison ring from Russia something he claimed in a 2021 interview with CBS. Santos, a Republican, faces federal charges of laundering campaign funds to pay for his personal expenses, charging donors credit cards without their consent, and receiving unemployment benefits while he was employed, among other counts read more George Santos, who was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives, leaves court in Long Island after his corruption trial in Central Islip, New York, US. File image/ Reuters Former U.S. Representative George Santos, who was expelled from Congress last year, is expected to plead guilty to criminal corruption charges on Monday, a person familiar with the matter said. Santos, a Republican, faces federal charges of laundering campaign funds to pay for his personal expenses, charging donors credit cards without their consent, and receiving unemployment benefits while he was employed, among other counts. He has been in plea talks with prosecutors since December. Advertisement He is expected to plead guilty to multiple counts when he appears in federal court in Long Island, New York, the source said on condition of anonymity. Those accusations prompted lawmakers to expel him from the House of Representatives in December. To hell with this place, he said shortly afterward. Santos spent much of his 11 months in office engulfed in scandal and marginalized by his fellow lawmakers following revelations that he had lied about much of his past. A bipartisan investigation by the House Ethics Committee found he spent campaign money on Botox, luxury brands such as Hermes, and OnlyFans, an online platform known for sexual content. Santos seat, which represents a small slice of New York City and some of its eastern suburbs, was filled in a special election in February by Democrat Tom Suozzi. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) said it was also part of the suicide bombing plot along with Hamas read more Israeli security and emergency responders work at the site of a bomb blast in Tel Aviv, Israel August 18, 2024. Reuters The Palestinian terrorist group Hamas has claimed responsibility for a blast in Israels Jerusalem. Earlier on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, Tel Aviv was rocked by explosions that killed one man and injured another. The police and the domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet had said it was an intended terrorist attack. They said the man who died in the explosions was carrying the explosives. Now, Hamas has claimed responsibility for the attempted suicide bombing, according to The Times of Israel. Advertisement Video from the explosion tonight in Tel Aviv. Police are now investigating the bomb blast. pic.twitter.com/lgghhj2RzB Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) August 18, 2024 The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) said it was also part of the suicide bombing plot along with Hamas The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) said it was also part of the suicide bombing plot along with Hamas, as per the newspaper. The explosion took place near a synagogue in Tel Aviv. It occurred at a time when the United States is leading last-ditch efforts for a deal for a ceasefire int he Gaz Stirp and the release of all hostages. While the mediators had said last week that the talks in Doha were very missing, Hamas now rejected the US proposal to bridge the gap between its position and that of Israel. This had put the future of a deal uncertain. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel to press for the finalisation of the deal. He has said that there was now a last chance for making a deal. This is a decisive moment. Probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire, and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security, said Blinken during his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. As a slew of new demands of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has compromised the peace talks, Blinken said that no one should escalate the crisis and everyone should now say yes to the deal. When Russia invaded Ukraine, it expected it to be a short and decisive war. More than two years have passed and the war is still going on. This month, Ukraine invaded Russia to bring the war home. How long can Ukraine sustain it? read more Before launching a surprise incursion into Russias Kursk region on August 6, Ukraine had tried inroads earlier this year but mostly in the form of night raids. Its soldiers would go into Russian territories at night and return before dawn. But early this month, Ukraine took Russia and much of the world by surprise, becoming an aggressor while still trying to push off an invading army. For having kept everyone guessing about the objective of the incursion, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday said the aim of the military invasion of Kursk is to create a buffer zone inside Russia to avert further Russian attacks. Advertisement In his nightly address, Zelenskyy also hailed Ukrainian troops and took aim at Ukraines benefactors. He said, In every direction, our troops are doing an outstanding job. There are no holidays in war. We need decisions we need timely logistics for the promised aid packages. Im specifically addressing the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Additionally, important weeks of diplomatic work lie ahead, involving various partners Europe, America, the Global South. Earlier, in his first remark after ordering his forces to occupy lands in Kursk that borders Ukraines northeast, Zelenskyy had said, Russia has brought war to others, and now it is coming home. It appeared as if Zelenskyys objective was to prove a point two weeks later, the point that Ukraine can inflict damage on Russia is well noted. But at that time, Ukraine also emphasised that it was not interested in holding Russian territories for long. Now, with Ukraine claiming that its forces have captured about 1,100-1,200 sq km of area in Kursk, Zelenskyy hints at a more long-term objective of turning the captured region as a buffer zone between his country and Russia. The question is can he sustain Ukrainian incursion long enough to turn Kursk into a buffer zone? Lets first consider why Ukraine launched this incursion While diverting attention was one of the key motives behind Ukraines launching an incursion into Kursk, the timing of the attack was crucial. It happened when a lot of things were happening in international space that threatened Ukraines primacy in global conflicts. Advertisement The Israel-Hamas war: Two years after Russia invaded Ukraine threatening trans-Atlantic peace, Israels invasion of Gaza following Hamass October 7 raid in which about 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 250 were abducted to the area controlled by the Palestinian militant group. The US-led Wests attention had shifted to resolving the Israel-Hamas crisis as it threatened to spill over into a wider West Asian war with Iran getting involved directly. Will it be Trump again? The USs domestic politics witnessed significant changes with former President Donald Trump initially seemingly taking a definite lead over incumbent Joe Biden, who seemed faltering during his campaign for a second stint at the White House. Biden was forced to opt out of the presidential run in favour of his Vice-President Kamala Harris, whose entry into the electoral race has thrown the political fight more open than before. With uncertainty dominating the US politics, and the Republican Party legislators making it difficult for Biden to send more money and arms to Ukraine, Zelenskyy had to think of another vantage point to keep his country in the Wests focus. Fatigue in Europe: Germany, Ukraines biggest aid contributor in Europe, was giving signals of a cut in assistance in a few months from now. Germanys own probe into the 2022 explosions at Nord Stream pipelines that supply Russian gas to its people showed a Ukrainian hand. Germany had issued a warrant against a Ukrainian, who was last located in Poland. These developments were becoming common knowledge in the spy network, possibly prompting the Ukrainian accused to leave Poland and reach his home country in July. Other European countries were also looking inward and while worried over Russian aggression, looked to be focussing more on West Asia and in their immediate neighbourhood. Can Zelenskyy sustain Ukrainian incursion in Kursk? Ukraine has claimed that its forces are making consistent forward movement in Kursk. Ukraines operation, aiming to bring the war to Russia, has also boosted its military morale after a prolonged period of conflict. A Reuters report in July said the Ukrainian morale was flagging. Fighters on the front have arguably become exhausted. Zelenskyy has explained it himself saying that there are no holidays in war. This has been going on nonstop for two years. On the other hand, Russias response to the incursion has been slow. It appears to be over two factors one, Russia does not give great importance to Ukrainian incursion which Moscow has described as a special military operation; second, Russias military is too bureaucratic and hierarchical, causing delay in the execution of decisions taken by leaders. Advertisement Nonetheless, the invasion has forced Russia to redeploy troops. Reports suggest that about 10-12 battalions of Russian troops are being mobilised. Once this mobilisation is complete, Russia would be testing Ukrainian military offensive capabilities as the invading forces did not reportedly meet much resistance in Kursk. Ukraines capacity to sustain this offensive is uncertain, given its limited manpower and resources. By invading Kursk, Ukraine has not only diverted Russian deployments and attention but its own as well. Its positions in areas like Donetsk have weakened due to its invasion of Kursk. Ukraine is already facing manpower challenges in maintaining troop supply. To boost recruitment in the Ukrainian military, Zelenskyy lowered the draft age from 27 to 25. But the results have not been very enthusiastic. Advertisement Ukraine stays outnumbered and outgunned. Apart from its far superior armoury, Russia has managed to obtain ammunition including drones and ballistic missiles from allies such as China, Iran and North Korea despite the West imposing all kinds of sanctions it could devise. Thanks to the Ukraine war, Russia has re-energised its domestic arms manufacturing. The Russia-Ukraine war has been asymmetric. Experts argue that Ukraine cannot sustain a prolonged war on equal footing with Russia due to its smaller military and resource constraints. Despite the successful advance, Ukraine faces significant risks, including overstretching its forces and potential supply line issues. The operations long-term success is uncertain. And in most likelihood Russias reinforcements could eventually end the Ukrainian advance in Kursk and repel the invading forces back to the borders. A lot will depend on how early the US-led West gets an Israel-Hamas truce in pace and which way the US voters decide the presidential election in early November. Hamas has rejected the latest bridging proposal floated by the United States for a deal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages read more US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the Israeli invasion of Rafah does not appear to be imminent. Source: Reuters As Hamas has rejected the latest proposal floated by the United States, US Secretary of Antony of State has pressed Israel for making a deal with Hamas. For weeks, the talks for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages have stood compromised over new demands that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inserted into the original proposal. Even after the United States floated a bridging proposal to close the gap between the positions of Hamas and Israel, Hamas rejected the bridging proposal. Advertisement During his ongoing visit to Israel, Blinken has said that the parties to the conflict now had one last chance for a deal. This is a decisive moment. Probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire, and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security, said Blinken during his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Before Hamas announced the rejection of the bridging proposal, the mediators had said significant progress had been made during two days of negotiations in Doha. In a joint statement, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt had said they accepted a deal to be signed by the end of this week in a follow-up summit in Cairo. Its time for everyone to say yes Stressing that it was the final chance to get a deal, Blinken said that everyone had to say yes for the deal and excuses must now stop. Later in the day, Blinken is scheduled to hold talks with Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. For several weeks, the United States has been pressing Netanyahu to not tank the deal being negotiated. The new demands of Netanyahu and the provocations of his far-right allies have, however, compromised the talks and the Joe Biden administration has become considerably sharper in recent weeks. While Blinken previously said the responsibility for a ceasefire deal rested with Yahya Sinwar, who became the leader of Hamas this month, now he has pressed all parties including Israel as an understanding has emerged that its Netanyahu whose actions are becoming a roadblock. Advertisement It is time for everyone to get to yes and to not look for any excuses to say no, said Blinken. In a barely-veiled message to Netanyahu and his trigger-happy far-right allies, Blinken said that no one should take any escalatory steps to derail the talks. Its time for it to get done. Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process. So were looking to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line, or for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity," said Blinken. Advertisement Why Hamas rejected US proposal The Hamas said it had rejected the US bridging proposal as it repeated the new demands made by Netanyahu and did not address Hamas concerns. After being briefed by the mediators about what happened in the last round of talks in Doha, we once again came to the conclusion that Netanyahu is still putting obstacles in the way of reaching an agreement, and is setting new conditions and demands with the aim of undermining the mediators efforts and prolonging the war, said Hamas in a statement, according to Axios. Hamas further said the proposal aligned with Netanyahus demands. The Netanyahus demands that have compromised the talks include the Israeli control of Philadelphi Corridor (the narrow strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border), ta mechanism to screen Palestinians returning home in the north from the south where they have been sheltering, and having a veto of sorts about the Palestinian prisoners being released as part of the prisoner swap. Israel struck Hezbollah weapons depots on Monday deep in Lebanons east, a source close to Iran-backed Hezbollah said, after an Israeli soldier was killed amid 10 months of cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel read more This picture taken from northern Israel shows an Israeli Air Force fighter jet flying over the border area with south Lebanon. AFP File Israel struck Hezbollah weapons depots on Monday deep in Lebanons east, a source close to the group told AFP, after an Israeli soldier was killed amid 10 months of cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel The source close to Iran-backed Hezbollah said Israeli strikes in the (eastern) Bekaa region targeted Hezbollah weapons depots, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. Lebanons official National News Agency (NNA) said three locations in Lebanons east witnessed enemy Israeli raids this evening. Advertisement Lebanons health ministry said the strikes in east Lebanon injured eight people, including six Lebanese citizens, a five-year-old Syrian girl, and a fifteen-year-old Syrian girl. The Shiite movement has exchanged regular fire with Israel in support of its ally Hamas after the Palestinian militant groups October 7 attack on Israel sparked the Gaza war. The violence has largely been restricted to the Lebanon-Israel border area, although Israel has repeatedly struck the countrys eastern Bekaa valley, where Hezbollah has a strong presence. Fears of further escalation have mounted as Hezbollah and Iran vowed to respond after an Israeli strike last month on Beirut killed senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, hours before an attack in Tehran, blamed on Israel, killed Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Fell during combat Earlier on Monday, the Israeli military said a member of its Bedouin Trackers Unit fell during combat in northern Israel. Meanwhile, Lebanons health ministry reported a person was killed after an Israeli enemy drone strike that targeted a car near the coastal city of Tyre. Hezbollah said two of its fighters were martyred, which followed Lebanons health ministry reporting that an Israeli strike left two people dead in the border village of Hula. Israels military said its air force struck Hezbollah terrorists in the Hula area and Hezbollah military structures elsewhere in south Lebanon. Hezbollah had said that it had responded to an Israeli attack and assassination in south Lebanons Tyre area, where the Israeli army on Saturday said its aircraft had eliminated a Hezbollah commander in the groups elite Radwan force. Advertisement The group said it launched a simultaneous air attack with explosive-laden drones on the Israeli Yaara barracks near the border, and a base near the coastal town of Acre, around 15 kilometres (10 miles) from the frontier. The Israeli military said multiple suspicious aerial targets were identified crossing from Lebanon, most of which were intercepted though others fell in the Yaara area. Early on Monday, Hezbollah also said its fighters targeted a group of Israeli soldiers infiltrating near the border and confronted them with rocket weapons and artillery, forcing them to return. The NNA reported enemy warplanes flying at low altitude broke the sound barrier twice over Beirut and its suburbs. Advertisement Impunity Imran Riza, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Lebanon, said in a statement that nearly 150,000 people continue to live in areas impacted daily by shelling and air strikes in Lebanon. Millions more are reliving painful memories of the 2006 war, traumatised by worry over the risk of further escalation, he said, referring to the last major conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. According to the UNs International Organization for Migration, the violence since October has displaced more than 110,000 people in south Lebanon. In Israel, authorities say some 100,000 people have been displaced in the countrys north. Riza added that 21 paramedics whose duties were to save others have been killed, saying the seeming impunity with which such actions have been committed reveals a troubling disregard for international humanitarian law. Advertisement The cross-border violence has killed some 585 people in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters but including at least 128 civilians, according to an AFP tally. On the Israeli side, including in the annexed Golan Heights, 23 soldiers and 26 civilians have been killed, according to army figures. The first protest Sunday night brought together those seeking abortion and LGBTQ+ rights and an end to the Gaza war. The march lasted for hours and saw no major conflicts. Chicago police said two people were arrested on misdemeanor charges of resisting police and damaging property. read more Protester issues include climate change, abortion rights and racial equality, to name a few, but many agree that pressing for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the top message of the demonstrations. Image- AP Hundreds of activists are set to gather in Chicago this week for protests outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to spotlight key issues such as economic injustice, abortion rights, racial equality and to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite Vice President Kamala Harris rallying the party as she gears up to accept the Democratic nomination, activists remain steadfast in their plans. They are determined to make their voices heard and push their agenda before the top Democratic leaders of the nation. Advertisement Theyve likened it to the Vietnam War of their generation. Chicago has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation and buses are bringing activists here from all over the country. Organisers estimate turnout for the march and rally on Monday, the first day of the convention, to be at least 20,000 people. We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end U.S. aid to Israel and stand with Palestine, said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC. The coalition is made up of hundreds of organisations, including students. Activists say they learned lessons from last months Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. They expect bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations through the week. Aside from the protests, the city is also hosting a speakers stage at a park outside the convention center with 45-minute time slots. Most of the organizations that have signed up have the same progressive agenda as the coalition, but the list also includes the Israeli American Council and the conservative-leaning Illinois Policy Institute. A local firefighters union hopes to call attention to their contract fight with the city. Advertisement Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who was under consideration as Harris running mate, said peaceful protests were welcome. With inputs from agencies. Germany committed to deploy troops in the NATO and European Union member, which borders Russia, last year. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius compared the decision to the posting of allied forces in West Germany during the Cold War to defend Western Europe in case of a Soviet attack read more Commander of Lithuanian Army Raimundas Vaiksnoras, German Secretary of State for Defence Nils Hilmer, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas pose for a photo in Rudninkai, Lithuania. Reuters Lithuania on Monday began construction of a military base, which will accommodate up to 4,000 combat-ready German troops once completed by the end of 2027, in the first permanent foreign deployment for the German military since World War Two. Germany committed to deploy troops in the NATO and European Union member, which borders Russia, last year. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius compared the decision to the posting of allied forces in West Germany during the Cold War to defend Western Europe in case of a Soviet attack. Advertisement Lithuanian chief of defence Raimundas Vaiksnoras estimated the country would spend more than 1 billion euros ($1.10 billion) over the next three years to develop the base, in one of the largest construction projects in its history. Its a huge investment for a nation of 2.9 million with an economy a tenth the size of Germanys, Vaiksnoras said on the sidelines of a launch ceremony. The brigade will work as reassurance to our population and as deterrence, to push the Russians out, he added. Housing, tanks and storage The base in Rudninkai, close to the capital Vilnius and only 20 km (12 miles) from Russian ally Belarus, will accommodate up to 4,000 troops, storage and maintenance for tanks and other equipment, and shooting ranges of all sizes. About a thousand more German military and civilian contractors will be posted to other sites in Lithuania. However, only about a fifth of the compound buildings in Rudninkai have been contracted for construction, raising fears it will not be ready in time. Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas told reporters his ministry will award contracts for the rest of the works by the end of this year, when his governments terms ends. The German government has asked parliament for 2.93 billion euros to order 105 Leopard 2 A8 tanks, partly to equip the Lithuanian base, according to a confidential draft budget seen by Reuters in June. However, budget infighting within Germanys fractious coalition is jeopardising Berlins pledge to upgrade its military. Lithuania has upped its defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, and Prime Minister Ingrida Simonytes government hiked taxes to support defence needs, such as the base, over the next several years. Advertisement If we are not secure, there is no security for them, Simonyte told reporters at the ceremony, referring to Germany. ($1 = 0.9063 euros) Since taking over as the Democratic Partys nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris has consistently been leading in polls against Donald Trump read more From Left to Right: Former US President Donald Trump and his VP Presidential nominee JD Vance. AP As Vice President continues to be ahead of Donald Trump in pre-election, his running mate JD Vance has found a new enemy: fake polls. After crying about a deep state pitched against their far-right Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement to attacking the press for conspiring against them, the Trump campaign has now turned to pollsters. After the latest Washington Post-ABC poll showed that Harris at 49 per cent was ahead of Trump who polled just 45 per cent, Vance dubbed it fake. Advertisement In an interview with Fox News, Vance said the media uses fake polls to undermine the Republican Party. The media uses fake polls to drive down Republican turnout and to create dissension and conflict with Republican voters. Im telling you, every single person whos watching this, the Trump campaign is in a very, very good spot. Were gonna win this race, said Vance. JD Vance: "The media uses fake polls to drive down Republican turnout and to create dissension and conflict with Republican voters." pic.twitter.com/2ELn6LBQ1z Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 18, 2024 Taking a page out of Trumps playbook of peddling falsehoods in press appearances, Vance said there were many polls that showed Harris trailing. I think there are a lot of polls that show her stagnating and leveling offIf you see the numbers that were seeing and you actually talk to the American people, I feel extremely confident that were going to be in the right place come November, said Harris. This is a false claim. In a tally of more than 40 polls on election and analytics site FiveThirtyEight this month, only two polls show Trump having a lead. Nepal will export nearly 1,000 megawatts of electricity to India, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations, as announced following talks between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Nepalese counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba. The discussions also covered enhanced cooperation in trade, connectivity, and infrastructure development read more Nepal will export close to 1,000 megawatt of electricity to India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday after holding comprehensive talks with his Nepalese counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba. Jaishankar described Nepals decision to export the electricity to India as a new milestone. In their talks, the two ministers also focused on boosting cooperation in areas of trade, connectivity and infrastructure. Deuba began her five-day trip to India on Sunday in her first official trip abroad after assuming the responsibility. Advertisement Discussed the multifaceted India-Nepal cooperation including in energy, trade, connectivity and infrastructure development, Jaishankar said on X. Glad to note that Nepal will be exporting close to 1000 MW of electricity to India, a new milestone, he said. Our Neighbourhood First policy and unique people-to-people & cultural connect propels our relationship forward, he added. On her part, Deuba described the talks as productive. Had a productive meeting with @DrSJaishankar in New Delhi. We discussed bilateral interests, various aspects of Nepal-India relations, and the exchange of mutual cooperation, she said on X. I am confident this visit will further strengthen the centuries-old bond between Nepal and India, Deuba said. The Nepalese foreign ministers visit comes a week after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri travelled to Kathmandu. Nepal is an important neighbour for India in the context of its overall strategic interests in the region, and the leaders of the two countries have often noted the age-old Roti Beti relationship between the two sides. The country shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Land-locked Nepal relies heavily on India for the transportation of goods and services. Pakistan has taken precautions to tackle the virus and put in place a strict screening system at airports after it emerged that all the patients affected by mpox reportedly returned from abroad. read more This image shows a colourised transmission electron micrograph of monkeypox particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue), cultured in the laboratory that was captured and color-enhanced. NIAID via AP Pakistans health authorities confirmed a fourth suspected case of monkeypox on Monday, with the latest patient identified as a 47-year-old resident of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir who recently returned to Pakistan from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, was admitted to Islamabads Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) with mpox symptoms. Advertisement Dr Nasim Akhtar, the hospitals focal person, told the media that the patient showed symptoms consistent with mpox and has been placed in a special ward designated for such cases at PIMS. Earlier, Pakistan reported three cases of mpox all from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistans government announced on Saturday that it has formulated a comprehensive policy against mpox virus and that people should not worry about its spread. Laboratories were allocated for diagnosis in all provinces and the federal capital, an official said. The official said cases were reported from Africa and travellers from Africa, America and the Gulf countries would be monitored. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also chaired a meeting on the issue of mpox and ordered strict vigilance on the spread of the disease. He also instructed that effective screening measures be ensured at all airports, seaports and borders, besides asking Border Health Services to keep complete surveillance of the situation. Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, can spread through close contact and the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the recent outbreak of the disease as a public health emergency of international concern on Wednesday after the new variant of the virus was identified. At least 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths, mainly among children, have been reported in Congo since the current outbreak in January last year. Advertisement With inputs from PTI. The operation, police said, had targeted his son Alexandre under a warrant for the arrest of persons suspected of being part of a scheme of money laundering from drug trafficking and criminal association read more A lawmaker in Paraguays ruling party was killed at his home Monday in a shootout with drug enforcement agents, police said. Officers came under fire at Eulalio Gomess home in the countrys northeast and shot back, mortally wounding the parliamentarian, according to police chief Carlos Benitez. Gomes, 67, was a member of the conservative Colorado party. The operation, police said, had targeted his son Alexandre under a warrant for the arrest of persons suspected of being part of a scheme of money laundering from drug trafficking and criminal association. Advertisement The younger Gomes later turned himself in. Paraguay is plagued by corruption and drug-related crime. It has a score of 28 out of 100 on Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index, with zero being the lowest. Experts say landlocked Paraguay - nestled between Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina - has become an important launchpad for drugs headed to Europe. An anti-mafia prosecutor, a crime-fighting mayor and a journalist were murdered in 2022 as cartels settled scores. The links between drug trafficking and politics are becoming increasingly worrying, Paraguayan criminologist Juan Martens told AFP. There is information about mayors, councilors of cities and political leaders who are under suspicion, he said. Details of the trip will be shared later in the day, the foreign ministry said. Indian media have reported that Modi is likely to visit Kyiv this month read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine, the Indian foreign ministry said on Monday, his first trip to the war-torn country since its conflict with Russia and about a month after he met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Details of the trip will be shared later in the day, the foreign ministry said. Indian media have reported that Modi is likely to visit Kyiv this month. Western capitals have imposed sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but friendly nations such as India and China have continued to trade with it. Advertisement India has refrained from directly blaming Russia - for what Moscow calls a special military operation - while urging the neighbours to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The U.S. has raised concerns over Indias relationship with Russia, especially at a time when Washington has been seeking to strengthen ties with New Delhi as a potential counterweight to an ascendant China. New Delhi is seeking to deepen its relationship with the West while keeping ties intact with old friend Russia. From protesting against the unjust laws in the United States, the rally soon turned into a pro-Palestinian protest which was followed by a march south of Michigan Avenue read more Hundreds of protesters staged demonstrations and marched downtown Chicago, a day before the city hosts the 2024 Democratic National Convention. According to CBS News, a coalition of feminist and LGBTQ+ organizations called Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws conducted a rally on Wacker Drive which is located just east of Michigan Avenue. From protesting against the unjust laws in the United States, the rally soon turned into a pro-Palestinian protest which was followed by a march south of Michigan Avenue. As per the report, around 200 people participated in the rally which took place on Sunday evening. Advertisement The protests commenced at 5:30 pm (local time) and the protesters were seen holding signs along with Pride and Palestinian flags. The crowd eventually increased to 500 people. More police than protesters With the intention to prevent any kind of escalation, it was estimated that there were more police officers than protesters present during the Sunday rally. According to CBS News, the officers were on their bicycles at the scene, ensuring that the crowd was kept together and everyone remained safe. A total of 13 speakers were set to address the crowd between the opening and the closing rallies for the event. On the first night of the DNC, the Coalition to March are scheduled to conduct their rally which will be focused on the pro-Palestinian cause. Former Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson noted that the citys authorities have received proper training for the worst-case scenario. The supervisors have to, you know, constantly monitor the skirmish lines to make sure the officers are in the right state of mind to be able to deal with protesters, Johnson told CBS News. The comments from the ex-supt. came amid concerns about whether the Chicago authorities would protect protesters First Amendment rights, or distinguish peaceful protesters from those who might cause problems. Heres the philosophyso a crowd like this, you dont want to come in as the police and agitate them and show them a hard look right off the bat, because what youre signalling to them is that youre ready for a fight, and thats just not the case with this protest group here, Johnson explained. Advertisement Sometimes, youll get groups that come in that you know are going to be agitators, that you have to have to show up in the BDUsthe battle dress uniforms and the riot helmets. But a crowd like thisI think that theyre playing it correctly, he added. Johnsons statement was also echoed by his successor, Supt. Snelling, when he elucidated what would be tolerated and what would not. Remember, theres a fundamental difference between protesting peacefully and riotersand rioters wont be tolerated, he said. During the 1968 DNC in Chicago, massive riots broke out across the city as anti-Vietnam war activists took centre stage. At that time, the Chicago police made over 600 arrests. China and Vietnam have signed 14 new agreements covering areas from cross-border railways to trade in crocodile exports during a visit by Vietnams new leader To Lam. This visit underlines the ongoing effort to deepen bilateral ties and enhance economic cooperation, despite past tensions over South China Sea boundaries read more Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vietnam's President To Lam shake hands after a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 19 August 2024. Reuters China and Vietnam inked 14 documents spanning cross-border railways to crocodile exports on Monday, after Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Vietnams new leader To Lam in Beijing. Lams visit to Beijing, his first overseas trip since he was appointed party chief early this month, signals a desire between the two communist neighbours to strengthen ties as trade and investment grow and despite occasional clashes over boundaries in the South China Sea. Advertisement China has always regarded Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and supports Vietnam in adhering to the Party leadership, taking the socialist path suited to its national conditions, and deepening the cause of reforms and socialist modernisation, Xi said, underscoring establishing good working relations and a personal friendship with Lam. Lam described the bilateral ties as a top priority in Vietnams external policy and called his trip to China the affirmation of the Party and the Vietnamese government to value the relation with China. The two countries signed documents on planning and feasibility studies for standardised railway routes, in what appears as a new step towards the upgrade of cross-border rail links, after preliminary deals on the matter were signed in December during Xis state visit to Hanoi. In December, both countries said they would work on cross-border railway connectivity, naming three projects that included one connecting through mountainous Lao Cai in the Vietnams northwest to the port city Haiphong and a potential one linking Chinas Shenzhen to Haiphong. Vietnamese officials had said rail links would be high on the agenda when the top leaders meet. The two nations are connected by two railways from southern China to Vietnams northern industrial hub and capital Hanoi, but the Vietnamese infrastructure dates back to French colonial days and has a different gauge from Chinese high-speed rail, forcing passengers and goods to swap trains at the border. Advertisement Upgrading the Vietnamese side of the railways could boost trade and investment, as a growing number of Chinese manufacturers move some export-oriented operations to Vietnam amid trade tensions between China and the United States. Other documents signed covered cooperation between central banks, media, health and the quarantine and inspection of coconuts, crocodiles and durians. After the signing, Xi and Lam continued talks on important issues of common concern over tea in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, Chinese official media Xinhua said. The two countries will issue a joint declaration on further strengthening their strategic partnership, Xinhua said. Lam arrived in Chinas southern province Guangzhou on Sunday for a three-day visit that would include meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other Chinese top officials. Advertisement While in Guangzhou, he visited some Chinese locations where former President Ho Chi Minh conducted revolutionary activities. China and Vietnam forged diplomatic ties in 1950 and established a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in 2008 that was jointly fortified five years later to extend to more shared international and regional issues of concern. Russias Defence Ministry announced the capture of Zalizne in eastern Ukraines Donetsk region, intensifying its offensive towards the nearby city of Toretsk. The advance comes as Ukraine pushes further into Russias Kursk region in a cross-border offensive read more Russias Defence Ministry said on Monday that its forces had captured the town of Zalizne in eastern Ukraines Donetsk region, as its offensive against the nearby city of Toretsk gains steam. Zalizne, which Russia calls by its Soviet-era name of Artyomovo, adjoins Toretsk, a mining town and longtime bastion of Ukrainian forces operating in the Donbas region. Zalizne had a pre-war population of around 5,000, while around 30,000 people lived in Toretsk. Toretsk is close to the frontline with territories seized by Russian-backed separatists in 2014, and has anchored Kyivs fortifications in the area since. Advertisement Russia is making steady gains in twin pushes towards Toretsk and Pokrovsk, another Donetsk region stronghold, even as Ukrainian forces try to push further into Russias Kursk region in a cross-border offensive. A Russian court has upheld the sentence of US soldier Gordon Black, who was convicted of death threats and theft and sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. Black, who was arrested in Vladivostok, had partially admitted to theft but denied the threat charges read more Gordon Black, a U.S. Army staff sergeant, who was detained in Russia on May 2 on suspicion of stealing from a woman he was in a relationship with, appears in a court in Vladivostok, Russia, June 19, 2024. REUTERS/File Photo A Russian court on Monday rejected an appeal by a US soldier who has been jailed for three years and nine months for alleged death threats and theft. Gordon Black was sentenced in June by a court in Russias Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, where he was arrested in May while visiting a Russian woman he met and dated while serving in South Korea. The 34-year-old was detained after the woman, named by Russian media as Alexandra Vashuk, reported him to the police after an argument, saying he physically attacked her and stole some 10,000 rubles (100 euros) from her. Advertisement Black pleaded partially guilty to theft and not guilty to threatening to kill Vashuk, saying she had started an argument after drinking. Black appealed his sentence and on Monday, the Primorye regional court rejected the appeal, saying in a statement that it decided to leave the verdict in place after examining the case. The pair met in October 2022 on the dating app Tinder in South Korea and had dated there, Black said, before Vashuk then invited him to come to Vladivostok. Black is one of several American citizens imprisoned in Russia. Washington has accused Moscow of arresting its citizens on baseless charges to use them as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians convicted abroad. On August 1, Russia freed US reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and 14 others in its biggest prisoner swap with the West since the Cold War. Russian troops are advancing at a fast pace. With every passing day there is less and less time to collect personal belongings and leave for safer regions, officials warned last week, saying that the Russian forces were just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the outskirts of Pokrovsk read more In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, Russian soldiers fire Giatsint-S self-propelled gun towards Ukrainian positions at an undisclosed location in the Russian - Ukrainian border area in the Kursk region, Russia. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service photo via AP Ukrainian local authorities on Monday ordered families with children to urgently evacuate the eastern city of Pokrovsk. They say Russian forces are advancing so quickly that it is compulsory for families to leave the city and other nearby towns. Russian troops have been pushing toward Pokrovsk for months. Russian troops are advancing at a fast pace. With every passing day there is less and less time to collect personal belongings and leave for safer regions, officials warned last week, saying that the Russian forces were just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the outskirts of Pokrovsk. Advertisement Pokrovsk residents have just two weeks to leave the city safely, officials said in an interview with the U.S.-funded Radio Liberty. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that Pokrovsk and other nearby towns in the Donetsk region are facing the most intense Russian assaults. Russias slow slog across Ukraines eastern Donetsk region this year has been costly in terms of troops and armour, but its gains have mounted. Pokrovsk, which had a prewar population of about 60,000, is one of Ukraines main defensive strongholds and a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region. Its capture would compromise Ukraines defensive abilities and supply routes and would bring Russia closer to its stated aim of capturing the entire Donetsk region. Pokrovsk officials were meeting with the residents to provide them with logistical details on the evacuation. People were offered shelter in western Ukraine, where they will be hosted in dormitories and separate houses prepared for them. The government has launched Operation Early Dawn to manage prison overcrowding by holding defendants in police cells until space is available. This measure, triggered by recent riots, will affect various northern regions and is accompanied by temporary changes in sentencing rules read more The government in UK has implemented emergency measures to address the issue of prison overcrowding as a result of increased sentencing for those took parts in recent riots. Under the newly activated Operation Early Dawn, defendants in the northern regions of England will be held in police cells until space becomes available in prisons. This system, which was previously used by the Conservative government in May, was put into effect on Monday morning. Advertisement The government attributes the need for these measures to its efforts to combat violent thuggery on the streets, which have intensified existing problems with prison capacity. According to the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), over 1,000 individuals have been arrested in connection with the recent violent disturbances in England and Northern Ireland. The Crown Prosecution Service reports that more than 470 people have been charged so far. The regions affected by these measures include the North East, Yorkshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire. Defendants will now be summoned to a magistrates court only when a prison space is available. Until then, they will either remain in police holding cells or be released on bail while awaiting trial. The Ministry of Justice has stated that individuals who present a risk to public safety will not be granted bail, and police operations will continue unaffected. Prisons Minister Lord Timpson remarked, We inherited a justice system in crisis, exposed to shocks, which has compelled us to make difficult but necessary decisions to keep it functioning. He stated that the emergency measures are designed to alleviate pressure in affected areas. Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp of the NPCC said, We are coordinating closely with partners in the criminal justice system to manage demand and ensure public safety. Policing will persist in arresting individuals as needed to maintain safety, including during protests and events. Mark Fairhurst, chair of the Prison Officers Association, expressed concerns about the impact of these measures on the justice system. He noted significant increase in new prison admissions, with 397 new receptions last week and only 340 spaces remaining in the adult closed male estate. Advertisement In response to the overcrowding, the government has introduced additional measures. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced in July a reduction in the proportion of a sentence that must be served in prison, from 50% to 40%. This temporary adjustment is expected to lead to the release of approximately 5,500 offenders in September and October. However, it will not apply to those convicted of sex offenses, terrorism, domestic abuse, or certain violent crimes. The government has confirmed that individuals involved in the recent unrest will not be exempt from these early release plans. The United States and South Korea have started their major annual joint military drills, the Ulchi Freedom Shield, aimed at countering threats from North Korea, including cyberattacks and missile launches. This years exercises involve about 19,000 South Korean troops and are expected to escalate tensions with Pyongyang, which has condemned the drills and warned of possible retaliation read more The United States and South Korea kicked off their major annual joint military drills on Monday, Seoul said, with new exercises aimed at containing the nuclear-armed North, including fighting cyberattacks. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise runs until August 29, with drills this year set to reflect realistic threats across all domains, including from North Korean missiles and GPS jamming, Seouls Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The exercises will boost the allies capability and posture to deter and defend against weapons of mass destruction, the military added. Advertisement This years drills will involve about 19,000 South Korean troops participating by land, sea and air, as well as in the cyber and space domains, according to the defence ministry, which declined to offer details of the USs participation. Pyongyang has floated thousands of trash-carrying balloons across the border in recent months, and sought to jam South Korean GPS signals as part of its protest against balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda sent northwards by activists in the South. In Seoul, the city government will be simultaneously conducting civil defence exercises designed to better prepare for any future trash balloons, as well as North Korean drone attacks. We are currently facing the most reckless and irrational North Korean provocations and threats in the world, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said at a cabinet meeting Monday, according to his office. In recent years, they have not hesitated to launch GPS jamming attacks and make low-grade provocations such as launching trash balloons. US-South Korea drills typically infuriate the North, which views them as rehearsals for invasion and has frequently conducted weapons tests in retaliation. On Sunday, North Korean state media slammed the drills, saying they were dangerous and grave. Last year, North Korean state media warned the drills could trigger a thermonuclear war, launching a number of cruise missiles and ballistic missiles in protest. Advertisement Kim Myung-soo, head of Seouls Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last week that Pyongyang was likely to use the exercise as a pretext to conduct deceitful and blitz provocations. Kim ordered troops to closely monitor and analyze the activities of the DMZ and retaliate immediately if the enemy provokes. Washington is Seouls key security ally and stations about 28,500 troops in South Korea to protect it from its nuclear-armed neighbour. The two countries have long carried out joint exercises. The endorsement marks the first time retired federal appeals court Judge J Michael Luttig, a veteran of two Republican administrations, has ever supported a Democratic candidate, according to a report read more In a big boost to Democratic presidential nominee Kamal Harris, retired federal appeals court Judge J Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative legal scholar put on the bench by President George HW Bush, has endorsed the Vice President over former President Donald Trump, whose candidacy he describes as an existential threat to American democracy. According to a CNN report, the endorsement marks the first time Luttig, a veteran of two Republican administrations, has ever supported a Democratic candidate. Advertisement In the presidential election of 2024 there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of Americas Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, CNN quoted Luttig as saying in a statement. As a result, I will unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic Partys candidate for the Presidency of the United States, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, he added. Luttig, who famously persuaded then-Vice President Mike Pence to defy Trump and certify the 2020 election, has since become a leading constitutional critic of Trump. In endorsing Harris, Luttig argues that partisan lines must be crossed to prevent the singularly unfit Trump from returning to the White House. In voting for Vice President Harris, I assume that her public policy views are vastly different from my own, Luttig was quoted as saying, adding, but I am indifferent in this election as to her policy views on any issues other than Americas Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, as I believe all Americans should be. According to CNN, Luttigs sharp criticism of Trump and endorsement of Harris highlight the deep rift between Reagan-Bush Republicans and todays Trump-dominated GOP. He condemns both Trump and the Republican Party, describing their actions as a war on Americas democracy with lasting, generational consequences, added the report. Advertisement Because of the former presidents continued, knowingly false claims that he won the 2020 election, millions of Americans no longer have faith and confidence in our national elections, and many never will again, Luttig wrote in the statement. Many Americans especially young Americans, tragically have even begun to question whether constitutional democracy is the best form of self-government for America, he added. Luttig compares the current stakes to those of the late 18th century, when founders like Hamilton and Jefferson feared the rise of an authoritarian leader. The time for Americas choosing has come, Luttig is quoted as saying. It is time for all Americans to stand and affirm whether they believe in American Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, and want for America the same or whether they do not, he added. Advertisement Luttig now joins high-profile Republicans like Joe Walsh, Barbara Comstock, Adam Kinzinger, and Geoff Duncan in endorsing Harris, viewing her campaign as crucial to preventing a Trump return. Speaking to CNN, Luttig said his decision to publicly back Harris was a matter of knowing right from wrong and acting in accordance. In my faith, we believe that we will one day answer for our wrongs. I have always tried to live my life in anticipation of that day. Imperfectly, to be sure. But I have tried, CNN quoted an emotional Luttig a saying. My endorsement of the Vice President was the right thing to do. It would have been wrong for me to stay silent, and I believe I would have one day had to answer for that silence. Advertisement Its really that simple. With inputs from agencies Hosting Lam for crucial talks, Xi underscored that at the critical stage of national development and revitalisation, China and Vietnam should consolidate the development pattern featuring higher political mutual trust and better management and resolution of differences read more Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Vietnam's President To Lam attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. AP President Xi Jinping Monday called for better management of differences between China and Vietnam over their maritime disputes as he met Vietnams new top leader To Lam in Beijing, amid increasing tensions in the disputed South China Sea. Just two weeks ago, Lam took over as the general secretary of the ruling Vietnamese Communist Party, a powerful post similar to one held by Xi, who heads the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) - the countrys top political position. Advertisement Lam succeeded Nguyen Phu Trong, who died last month after 13 years as leader. Hosting Lam for crucial talks, Xi underscored that at the critical stage of national development and revitalisation, China and Vietnam should consolidate the development pattern featuring higher political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, stronger public support, closer multilateral coordination and cooperation, and better management and resolution of differences. He welcomed Lams State Visit to China - his first foreign trip after taking over power. Xi said Lams gesture fully reflects the great importance the Vietnamese leader attaches to the relations between the two communist parties and the two countries, as well as the high level and strategic nature of China-Vietnam relations. He expressed willingness to establish good working relations and personal friendship with Lam. Xi said China takes Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and supports Vietnam in upholding the leadership of the CPV, taking the socialist path suited to its national conditions, and further advancing the cause of reform, opening up and socialist modernisation. After their talks, the two leaders witnessed signing of 14 agreements to enhance cooperation between the two countries. On his arrival in China, Lam said Vietnam accords top priority to ties with Beijing. Though headed by the brotherly Communist Parties, tensions remain between China and Vietnam over their overlapping claims in the disputed South China Sea. Advertisement Both countries claim the Paracel and Spratly islands, and Vietnam has become more vocal about the disputes, drawing closer to India, the US and its allies. Much to the chagrin of China, Vietnam in recent years has also upgraded its ties with India, the US and Japan to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the countrys highest designation for a diplomatic relationship, in an apparent attempt to have international support for itself in the event of any conflict with China. Both countries fought a bitter war in 1979. Lams visit is taking place amidst heightening tensions between China and the Philippines, backed by the US and Japan over the disputed South China Sea. Advertisement China claims most of the South China Sea, while the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. Xi told Lam that China is ready to maintain close strategic communication and high-level exchanges with Vietnam, firmly adhere to mutual support, actively explore ways to expand synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, accelerate the hard connectivity of railway, expressway and port infrastructure, enhance the soft connectivity of smart customs, and jointly build a secure and stable industrial and supply chain, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Lam, who arrived in the Chinese city of Guangzhou on August 18, said the older generations of leaders of the two parties and countries have forged deep friendships, and the Vietnamese people will never forget Chinas assistance in Vietnams national liberation, independence and socialist construction. Advertisement He said that his party and country have always considered the development of relations with China as the top priority in their foreign policy and will strive to carry on the tradition of bilateral friendship created by the older generations of leaders of the two parties and countries. Photo courtesy of Montrose County Button Cemetery was accorded historic landmark designation on Aug. 7, 2024. The private cemetery was dedicated by rancher Parley Pratt Button to be used to bury those who died while working on the South Canal in the early 1900s. According to Montrose County Historic Landmark Committee research, several children in the workers camp succumbed to diptheria. EXPLAINED: Why is Cambodia threatening arrests over a 3-nation economic zone? A 1999 economic zone with Laos and Vietnam is suddenly generating protests and criticism. By RFA Khmer 2024.08.16 -- Cambodia's top government officials threatened arrests and dispatched a heavy police presence around the country this week to head off protests against the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Triangle Development Area, or CLV. The economic cooperation deal between the three countries was forged in 1999 and officially established in 2004. But last month, Senate President Hun Sen - the country's former longtime ruler - ordered the arrests of three activists who criticized the agreement in an 11-minute video on Facebook that has sparked a backlash from senior government leaders. Last weekend, Cambodian overseas workers in South Korea, Japan, Canada and Australia held protests, voicing concerns that the CLV could cause Cambodia to lose territory and natural resources to Vietnam. This touched a nerve. On Monday, Hun Sen again warned of more arrests, and on Tuesday, Minister of Justice Koeut Rith said those who participate in anti-CLV protests could face treason charges and potential prison sentences of between 15 and 30 years. Activists have set up a Telegram chat group to coordinate a Aug. 18 demonstration in Phnom Penh. In response, the Ministry of Interior has sent police, military police, soldiers, bodyguards and special forces to provincial capitals and has set up checkpoints on highways. So how did an 11-minute video posted to social media in July turn into an apparently delicate security situation in just a few weeks? What is the CLV? The three-nation CLV is aimed at encouraging economic development and trade between five border provinces in Vietnam, four neighboring provinces in Laos and Cambodia's four northeastern provinces - Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Kratie and Stung Treng. The agreement allows for the free flow of citizens who live in these provinces into the other two countries for trade and investment. Given the Cambodian government's lax approach to immigration and its reputation for corruption, some Cambodians are worried that multi-decade agricultural land concessions to Vietnamese or Lao investors will result in a loss of control of large pieces of Cambodian land. The CLV "is a cover for further illegal deforestation, land evictions and exploitation of natural resources for foreign gain," exiled opposition leader Mu Sochua wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday. "Continued illegal Vietnamese immigration into the four Cambodian provinces concerned by the agreement, and the effective control that Vietnam will wield over the economy of the region, means that the provinces will effectively become vassals controlled by Vietnam," she wrote under the Khmer Movement for Democracy account. Hun Sen, his son Prime Minister Hun Manet and other top ministers have said publicly that Cambodia would not lose territory to Vietnam under the CLV. National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun told Cambodian media outlets that 10 people were arrested this week after they made critical comments about the CLV. "Recently, there is a small group that wants to destroy the country through fake news to topple the legitimate government," Interior Minister Sar Sokha wrote on Facebook on Friday. "I would like to remind the small group ... to wake up and withdraw themselves from the small group who are inciting you from overseas." Why is the CLV generating protests now? The three activists arrested on July 23 have been holding workshops on Cambodia's 1991 Paris Peace Agreement, which formally ended decades of civil war. The workshops are part of efforts to educate Cambodians about the development of parliamentary democracy in the country. In the 11-minute Facebook video, the three activists - Srun Srorn, Peng Sophea and San Sith - spoke about the general concerns Cambodians have about the CLV. In response, an angry Hun Sen announced in a televised speech that he had ordered the arrests of the activists. He warned against making comments about the potential loss of Cambodian territorial integrity to Vietnam - a sensitive political issue that has led to the arrests of numerous opposition activists over the years. Additionally, Hun Manet said on Aug. 2 that Cambodians should be careful of protesting against the government, citing Bangladesh's recent demonstrations in its capital that caused that country's leader to resign and flee the country. "I don't want to see this type of situation happening in Cambodia," he said. "Especially in Phnom Penh." The arrests of the three activists have angered some young Cambodians, who have watched as the government has neutralized independent media outlets and most of the political opposition since 2017. Is the plan for a new canal contributing to this? Another factor is the Aug. 5 launching ceremony for the construction of the US$1.7 billion Funan Techo canal, which will link Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, and the Gulf of Thailand. The Cambodian government sees the project as an opportunity to become less dependent on Vietnam as shipments could bypass Vietnam's Mekong delta. Vietnam has repeatedly asked for more information on the environmental impact of the 180-kilometer (112-mile) canal. "While the government is trying to promote the Funan Techo canal, the CLV issue has distracted the attention and support from the people for the canal," political commentator Seng Sary told Radio Free Asia. "But generally, Hun Sen is good at exploiting situations and when he saw people rising up against the CLV, he used that as an excuse to take action against remaining political opposition activists, social critics and non-governmental organizations." What historical factors are at play? Many Cambodians consider Vietnam an "historic enemy" and often mention the loss of territory known as Kampuchea Krom - a region in the lower Mekong Delta that comprises much of present-day southern Vietnam. Additionally, Hun Sen and the ruling Cambodian People's Party have historical ties to Vietnam's Communist Party. Hun Sen first became a government minister shortly after a Vietnam-led invasion drove Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge from power in 1979. He stepped down as prime minister last year to pave the way for the appointment of his eldest son, Hun Manet, to the position. Recently, the government has done a poor job of explaining to Cambodians about the CLV, according to Seng Sary. "It seems to have made this issue into a dark mystery for the people," he said. "The recent arrests have only deepened doubts and concerns." Hun Sen's attempts to shut down debate on the CLV "reflect his authoritarian paranoia" and his public requests to the courts on the recent arrests "make it crystal clear that the judiciary has no independence and simply operates as a weapon at the disposal of the government," Mu Sochua wrote on X. RFA was unable to reach Chhay Kim Khoeun and government spokesman Pen Bona for comment on Friday. Translated by Sum Sok Ry, Keo Sovannarith and Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN airlifts a 'lifeline' for Burkina Faso's communities in need By Hedley Tah, Vladimir Hernandez 16 August 2024 - The dual-rotor helicopter touching down on Fada N'gourma's dusty airstrip is a game changer for the hungry communities in eastern Burkina Faso. "Flying to transport food to those who need it is the most fulfilling mission I have ever done," said UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) pilot Christine Brown about her job delivering World Food Programme (WFP) support, along with humanitarian workers, to some of Burkina Faso's most remote, food-insecure and conflict-torn hotspots. "It is heartbreaking to see all the kids out there and to know what they are going through." The West African country faces insecurity and widespread humanitarian needs, making the role of such airlifts crucial to reaching places that are too dangerous to access by road. "Without these airlifts, many of these communities would have no other means to survive," said Elvira Pruscini, WFP's Representative and Country Director in Burkina Faso. "We are literally a lifeline for tens of thousands of people every month, ensuring the timely delivery of life-saving food and nutrition assistance to the hardest-to-reach areas." Malnutrition On any given day, pilots like Ms. Brown transport roughly six metric tons of food - the weight equivalent of an African elephant - to northern and eastern Burkina Faso, where hunger numbers are the most alarming. The airlifted goods account for one-sixth of total monthly food and nutritional assistance that WFP delivers to food-insecure communities countrywide and reached more than half a million people in 2023. Among those assisted by the airlifts are young children and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls, who are often the most vulnerable to malnutrition, which soars beyond emergency levels in some places. Climate change and desertification, alongside rising armed conflict, have intensified levels of hunger. More than 2 million people are internally displaced and some 2.7 million face acute food insecurity. "Without the assistance of WFP, we wouldn't have anything to eat," says Zourata, a mother of six who lives in the northern town of Titao surrounded by armed groups with no way to cultivate the land. Roster of women While Ms. Brown was the only female UNHAS pilot in Burkina Faso when she began early last year, today she is part of a growing roster of women for the organization, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. "The women who work for us are a talented, dedicated and vital part of the UNHAS team," says WFP's Chief of Aviation, Franklyn Frimpong. "They accomplish extraordinary things in some of the most difficult parts of the world." For Ms. Brown, however, being a successful pilot has nothing to do with gender. "Flying is a human skill," she says. "We all have the same arms and legs. For me, I go to work, and I do the best I can." "Everyone works hard and we all work together as a team," she emphasised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli soldier killed in central Gaza fighting IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 17, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli military has confirmed the death of another soldier during ground battles in the Gaza Strip. According to the regime's military, the soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in central Gaza on Saturday afternoon. The slain soldier was a reserve officer named as Major Yotam Itzhak Peled, 34, according to Israeli media citing the military. They said Peled had been commanding a convoy to supply troops with equipment in Gaza City's southern Zeitoun neighborhood. He was killed during the drive in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza when a bomb went off. According to the Israeli media reports, Palestinian resistance fighters also opened fire at the Israeli convoy before escaping safely. The Israeli regime says the latest death brought its military fatalities to 333 since a ground offensive began in Gaza in mid-October. Palestinian resistance groups however believe that the death toll is much higher as the regime hides the real number of its soldiers killed in Gaza amid growing discontent among Israelis who are outraged at the cabinet of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to release the captives still held in Gaza. Many Israelis see a ceasefire deal with Hamas as the only way to release the captives, and blame Netanyahu for torpedoing such a deal. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli military positions hit in new Hezbollah attacks IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 17, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement has said that it has launched attacks on several Israeli military positions in its latest operations in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Hezbollah said on Saturday that it has launched an artillery attack on an Israeli military base in Kfarchouba hills and hit another base in a sperate attack. The movement also said that it has hit spy equipment at a third Israeli military base with attack drones, destroying those equipment. Hezbollah meanwhile announced the martyrdom of one of its fighters in an Israeli drone attack on his motorbike in the city of Tyre. Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in daily exchange of fire on Lebanon's southern borders since October 8, a day after the regime launched its devastating war on Gaza. Hezbollah has said it aims to support the Palestinian people in war-ravaged Gaza. The trade of fire has intensified over the past two weeks following Israel's assassination of top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr and the movement's pledge of retaliation against the regime, raising fears of a wider conflict in the region. Such fears have also grown as Iran has promised to avenge the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh who lost his life in an Israeli attack on his accommodation in Tehran on July 31, a day after Shukr was killed in an Israeli airstrike in a southern suburb of Beirut. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli attacks kills 10 people in southern Lebanon IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 17, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Zionist regime's attacks on southern Lebanon have killed at least ten people and injured five others. Al Jazeera reported that a residential building was targeted in the town of Toul located in Nabatieh in the south of Lebanon. The Zionists also bombed Ramieh, Beit Leif and Qouzah, and Kafarkala and Aitaroun in southern Lebanon. Since the beginning of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by the Palestinian resistance groups, Hezbollah has carried out daily retaliatory operations against the Israeli regime inside occupied Palestine to engage a large segment of the Zionist military in northern Palestine and reduce the pressure on the resistance in Gaza. As a result of these attacks, several military bases of the regime have been destroyed, and military equipment such as tanks, personnel carriers, and armored vehicles have also been targeted by the Lebanese resistance. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US not impartial mediator when it provides Israel with arms: Iran acting FM IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 17, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's acting foreign minister has stated that the United States is an accomplice in the Zionist regime's crimes and cannot be considered a neutral mediator as it supplies the regime with weapons of war. "In response to a phone call with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, we exchanged views on the developments of the second day of talks to halt the Zionist regime's genocidal war on Gaza," Ali Bagheri Kani wrote on his X account on Friday night. Bagheri Kani pointed to the process and results of the Friday talks in Doha, Al-Thani explained the latest issues and obstacles on the way to reaching an agreement to ensure the halt of the atrocities of the occupying regime in Gaza. "I warned against the deception and disloyalty of the criminal gang ruling Tel Aviv and their most important supporter, the United States, at the negotiating table," he added. He further noted that the United States is an accomplice in Israeli crimes against Gaza residents by supplying weapons of war to the Zionists and cannot be a neutral mediator. "I also emphasized the use of all capacities to force the Zionist aggressors to stop the massacre and crime in the Gaza Strip." 4208**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Five rocket and artillery attacks conducted by Hezbollah on Zionist regime IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 17, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic resistance of Lebanon crushed the military positions of the Zionist regime in five missile and artillery operations. According to the information headquarters of the Lebanese Islamic Resistance War, Hezbollah announced in five statements about the missile and artillery attack on the positions and military bases of the Zionist regime in the north of occupied Palestine. Hezbollah announced that in line with supporting the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and their courageous and honorable resistance, its resistance fighters targeted the headquarters of the Zionist military in the "Baraka Risha" military base of the Zionist regime with a guided missile. The missile attack on the location of the occupying forces around the "Matat" barracks, targeting the gathering place of the Zionist forces around the "Jal al-Dir" base with Falak missiles and the artillery attack on the "Al-Asi" military base were among the other operations of Hezbollah today. In their other operations, in support of the people of Gaza and in response to the aggression of the Zionist regime against the Lebanese civilians, the Islamic resistance fighters targeted residential houses used by the Zionist forces in the Zionist settlement of "Natua" with rockets. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah launches drone attack on occupied Golan Heights IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 17, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Zionist media reported on Friday that Hezbollah's drones attacked the north of the occupied Golan Heights. According to Al-Mayadeen network, sirens were sounded on two occasions in the Zionist settlements of "Kila" and "Sha'al" in the north of the Golan due to the fear of intrusion by resistance drones. The media of the Zionist regime also reported heavy explosions and rising columns of smoke in the occupied Golan. The Zionist Army Radio also announced that a suicide drone had hit the northern Golan, but did not mention the details of the hit location. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli fighting in Gaza ended: state media People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:52, August 17, 2024 JERUSALEM, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army's fighting in the Gaza Strip has ended, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported late Friday night. Citing senior security officials, the TV said that Israel can return and re-enter Gaza "when there is new intelligence," but in general the Israeli military's activity in the Palestinian enclave is over. According to the channel, the Israeli army told the decision-makers that the Rafah Brigade of Hamas had been defeated and that it practically did not exist. It added that these things were said at the political level during the security situation assessment discussions in the last few days. Israeli senior defense officials also told the political echelon that this is the time to start a hostage deal when most of the fighting units of Hamas are disbanded, Kan TV noted. The channel also reported that the Israeli delegation that participated in the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza on Friday did not arrive in Qatar by flight for fear of an Iranian attack. The delegation landed in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and proceeded to Doha, not by flight. A joint statement from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar released on Friday said that "over the last 48 hours in Doha, senior officials from our governments have engaged in intensive talks as mediators aiming to conclude the agreement for a ceasefire and release of hostages and detainees." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah can destroy $150bn worth of Israeli assets: Report Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 August 2024 7:25 PM The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah can hit and destroy as much as $150 billion worth of Israel's economic and industrial assets in case Israel decides to enter a war with Lebanon, a report shows. The Saturday report by Tasnim, a news agency close to Iran's IRGC military force, said that Israel is heavily reliant on the economic and industrial infrastructure it has built over decades in the north of the occupied Palestine. It said the regime has invested some $130 billion in the past 35 years to build 132 factories in an area which has some of the most fertile lands in the West Asia region because of its proper climate and its fresh water resources. The area is viewed as the economic heart of Israel as it is responsible for 80% of the grain supply, some 40% of the meat supply and 70% of dairy supply to the inhabitants of the Israeli-occupied territories, said the report. Any attack by Hezbollah on companies like Adom, a major meat supplier, and Tnuva, a large dairy company, would paralyze the food market in Israel, it said. More than 60% of Israel's oil refining and fuel production capacity is scattered around the port of Acre near the border with Lebanon which is responsible for processing the entire imports of energy carriers into the occupied territories. That highly increases the vulnerability of Israel against any attack by Hezbollah as it could lead to massive number of deaths in a radius of 8 kilometers from Acre, said the report. The report comes as Hezbollah has vowed it would retaliate against an Israeli airstrike on July 30 on a building in southern Beirut that killed the group's top military commander Fuad Shukr. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US complicit in Israeli crimes in Gaza, can't be impartial mediator: Iran's interim FM Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 August 2024 7:10 PM Iran's interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has held the United States accountable for aiding and abetting the Zionist regime in the genocidal crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, stressing that Washington can't be an impartial mediator as it is obstructing efforts to establish a ceasefire in the coastal sliver. "Through open support for Zionists' atrocities, the United States has proven its complicity and that it cannot be an impartial mediator. It is constantly trying to place hurdles on the path of stopping the occupying regime's brutalities, and encouraging Zionists to continue their genocide," Bagheri Kani told Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in a telephone conversation on Saturday evening. He stressed that the Israeli regime is perpetrating atrocities in Gaza at the same time as exercising hypocrisy and deceit in negotiations aimed at brokering a ceasefire in the besieged strip. Commenting on the Israeli assassination of the political bureau chief of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, the top Iranian diplomat stated that the Islamic Republic reserves its inherent and legitimate right to respond to the crime. Bagheri Kani stressed that Palestinians, thanks to their exemplary courage, will not surrender to the Zionist regime. Haniyeh, who was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside other Axis of Resistance leaders, was martyred along with his bodyguard, in an attack early on July 31. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has warned the Israeli regime of a "harsh response" for Haniyeh's assassination, calling it the Islamic Republic's duty to avenge the Palestinian resistance leader's blood. "The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our homeland and left us bereaved, but it also set the ground for a harsh punishment for itself," the Leader said. For his part, Abdelatty pointed to the multi-party meetings in the Egyptian capital Cairo to conclude a ceasefire in Gaza, stressing that Egypt's efforts focus on assisting Palestinians and immediately stopping the Zionists' crimes in Gaza. He expressed regret over the severe scarcity of food and medicine in the Gaza Strip and the outbreaks of various infectious diseases, emphasizing that the international community's consensus is required in order to establish a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible. Cairo is set to host the next round of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, building on recent discussions in Doha that mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar have classed as promising. Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured tens of thousands others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel using displacement as weapon to escalate collective punishment against civilians: Hamas Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 August 2024 5:14 PM A senior Hamas official has roundly denounced the Israeli military's new evacuation order for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, stating that the move represents another bid by the Tel Aviv regime to escalate collective punishment and genocidal crimes against civilians in the war-battered coastal region. "The Israeli army uses displacement as a weapon against defenseless civilians in an attempt to exacerbate their humanitarian ordeal," Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement, said in a statement on Friday. The Hamas official noted that forcing thousands of civilians to repeated displacement has resulted in severe congestion, threats to their lives and exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in a flagrant violation of international humanitarian rules and conventions. Rishq held the US administration responsible for the heinous Israeli crimes and the ongoing aggression in the besieged Gaza Strip. He called on the international community and human rights organizations to take immediate action and to shoulder their legal and humanitarian obligations "to stop the ongoing genocide against Palestinians." On Friday, the Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate areas in southern and central Gaza, tightening the area they previously designated as a so-called "safe zone", while talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire deal are ongoing in Qatar. The orders were issued for the area north of the southern city of Khan Younis, and the eastern part of Deir Al-Balah, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter from Israeli strikes in other parts of the besieged strip. The Israeli army claimed that the areas had been used by Hamas as a launch pad for attacks against Israel. Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured tens of thousands of others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Hezbollah's retaliation will be much greater than what Israel could imagine: Top official Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 August 2024 2:03 PM A senior Hezbollah official says the Lebanese resistance movement's surprise retaliation for the ongoing Israeli acts of aggression and assassinations of resistance figures in the Arab country will be far beyond the Zionist regime's imagination. Vice President of the Executive Council of Hezbollah Sheikh Ali Damoush said on Friday that the recent unveiling of the Imad 4 underground missile facility indicated that Hezbollah has advanced capabilities that could be used in any reprisal attack against the Israeli regime. "The showcase of the sophisticated Imad 4 underground missile facility sent a clear message to the Israeli enemy that the capabilities, potentials, and surprises that Hezbollah possesses are much greater than what it can imagine," he said. "Therefore, any act of adventurism against Lebanon will end in a humiliating defeat for the Zionist entity, and will be much more catastrophic that what it suffered in August 2006," he added. He added that simmering tensions in West Asia are due to Israel's insistence on perpetrating more crimes and continuing the genocidal war in Gaza, lambasting Washington for turning a blind eye to such facts. "The United States would have better exerted pressure on [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu than to press Iran and Hezbollah and seek to dissuade them from responding to the crimes of the Zionist enemy," Damoush stressed. "All the pressures and threats that we are experiencing will not discourage us from retaliating against Israeli acts of aggression and firmly supporting Gazans," the top Hezbollah official pointed out. Damoush further noted that Israel cannot escape punishment for its crimes in Lebanon anymore, as the era of hit-and-run is over. "Hezbollah is fairly committed to its pledge to respond to the Israeli crime of assassinating great resistance commander Fuad Shukr" in an airstrike on a building in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahieh on July 30, he underscored. Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has vowed retaliation for the act of terror. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October last year, shortly after the regime launched the genocidal war against the Gaza Strip in response to a surprise operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group. The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continues its war on Gaza, which has so far killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in the besieged territory. Hezbollah officials have repeatedly said they do not want a war with Israel while stressing that they are prepared in case it occurs. Two Israeli wars waged against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel airstrikes kills 17 in central Gaza, 15 of them members of same family Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 August 2024 1:52 PM An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza has killed at least 17 Palestinians most of them members of a family, including nine children and three women, according to health officials. "The toll from the Israeli strike on the Ajlah family home and their warehouse in Al-Zawaida is 15 dead," Gaza civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. The airstrike hit the Gaza town of Zawayda shortly after midnight, according to a witness who spoke to the French news agency. "Three rockets hit the house directly," he said as rescuers pulled bodies from the rubble of the flattened house. "There were a lot of children and women inside... What have they done to deserve this?" Abu Ahmed Hassan, a neighbor who also witnessed the attack told the news agency, "They were asleep in their beds, kids and babies, then three missiles targeted their place." "There are no military activities here at all," he added. The Gaza Health Ministry said the latest toll brought the number of those killed in the territory since October to at least 40,074 Palestinians. On Friday Israel's military issued instructions on X in Arabic for Palestinians in parts of central Gaza to evacuate to a designated "humanitarian zone." The military spokesman who posted the message claimed that "militants were firing rockets from those locations and that the military was preparing to act against them." The new forced displacement order comes as residents in the area said that Israeli tanks pushed further into the eastern area of Deir Al-Balah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are sheltering. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday's orders, had affected around 170,000 displaced people. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has previously said that the regime's mass forced displacement campaign "has so far affected about 2,000,000 people in the Gaza Strip, most of them forcibly displaced multiple times." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas official dismisses Biden's truce optimism as 'illusion' Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 August 2024 1:48 PM A senior Hamas official has dismissed as "an illusion" US President Joe Biden's optimism that a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip is in sight following the latest round of Gaza talks in the Qatari capital Doha. Sami Abu Zuhri of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas made the remarks in a statement on Saturday, a day after Biden claimed a ceasefire deal in the West Asia region is "closer than ever." "To say that we are getting close to a deal is an illusion," he said. "We are not facing a deal or real negotiations, but rather the imposing of American diktats," the Hamas official added. On Friday, Biden said a deal to end fighting in Gaza is "much closer" after two days of ceasefire talks in Qatar. "We're not there yet. But we're much, much closer than it was three days ago. So keep your fingers crossed," Biden said, warning all parties in the region to not do anything to undermine the talks at this crucial stage. His remarks came after the United States, Qatar and Egypt issued a joint statement saying they held Gaza ceasefire talks in a positive atmosphere in Doha, adding that the talks were "serious, and constructive." The mediators put forward a "bridging proposal" that would allow the "swift" implementation of a deal that would end the war in Gaza and see the release of Israeli captives, the joint statement said. The mediating trio claimed that their proposal "narrows the gaps between the parties," referring to Hamas and the Israeli regime. Hamas has already said it would not accept new conditions from the Israeli regime as outlined in the new proposal. Biden wants ceasefire but Netanyahu 'trying to extend conflict' Meanwhile, Sultan Barakat, professor of public policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, says Biden wants a ceasefire to allow US Vice President Kamala Harris to "regain some of the Muslim and Arab votes." In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to continue the war, he told Al Jazeera, stressing that his strategy is to ramp up attacks on Gaza every time there are truce talks, making it very difficult for Palestinians "even to accept to consider an end to this war". Israel launched its brutal onslaught on Gaza after the territory's resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the usurping regime on October 7, 2023. The Tel Aviv regime has so far killed over 40,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 92,401 others. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced as well. Despite the ceasefire talks, the Israeli regime is pushing ahead with its air and artillery attacks in the besieged enclave as the genocidal war enters its eleventh month. Netanyahu has vowed to keep up the war until, what he has called, the "elimination" of Hamas, a prospect that has been ruled out as impossible by the group and even some Israeli officials and Tel Aviv's allies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aug 16: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 August 2024 12:58 PM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed over 40,050 Palestinians so far, the majority of them children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers. The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Friday, August 16, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on August 16: Targeted the "Nirim" military site with short-range "Rajoom" rockets of 114mm caliber. Targeted the "Mivtahim" complex with 114 mm short-range 'Rajoom' rockets. Targeted Israeli military positions in the "Netzarim" axis with short-range 114mm 'Rajoom' rockets. Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades' operations on August 16: Targeted Israeli forces and their military vehicles stationed on the Palestinian-Egyptian border with mortar shells. Targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles in the "Netzarim" axis with 107mm rockets. Targeted a command and control headquarters of the Israeli military in the "Netzarim" axis with heavy-caliber mortar shells. Sniped an Israeli soldier that was barricaded inside a home east of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Mujahideen Brigades' operations on August 16: Targeted gatherings of Israeli forces and their military convoys in Talat al-Kurd, east of Deir al-Balah, with two Haseb 111 rockets. Detonated a barrel explosive device in an Israeli military troop carrier of the type M113 east of Khirbet Al-Adas, east of Rafah city, southern Gaza Strip. Al-Nasser Salah al-din Brigades' operations on August 16: In a joint operation with the Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, targeted the Israeli military's command and control site in the "Netzarim" axis with 107mm rockets. Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on August 16: Targeted Israeli forces that infiltrated the vicinity of the Swedish village, west of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, with mortar shells. Al-Asifah Forces' operations on August 16: Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles with a barrage of mortar shells in the Abu Haddaf neighborhood, northeast of Khan Younis city. Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on August 16: In a joint operation with the Nasser Salah Al-Din Brigades, targeted the Israeli military's command and control site in the "Netzarim" axis with 107-type rockets. Hezbollah's operations on August 16: Israeli soldiers were targeted at the Birkat Risha site with guided weapons. Israeli soldiers near the Meitat site were targeted with rockets. Israeli soldiers were targeted near the Jal al-Deir site with Falaq missiles. The al-Asi site was targeted with artillery shells. Military buildings in the Nat'u'a settlement were targeted with appropriate weapons. The headquarters of the 188th Brigade's armored battalions in the "Rawiya" barracks was targeted with drones. Buildings used by Israeli enemy soldiers in the settlement of Metula with targeted with appropriate weapons. Artillery positions of the Israeli army in Al-Zaourah were targeted with rockets. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ten killed, five wounded in Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon: Health Ministry Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 August 2024 7:25 AM At least ten people were killed and five others seriously wounded when Israeli military aircraft carried out an airstrike on a residential building in southern Lebanon, the Health Ministry says. The aerial attack targeted the structure in the Wadi al-Kafour region northwest of the city of Nabatieh early on Saturday, it added. Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television news channel reported that the victims of the Israeli attack in southern Lebanon were Syrian nationals. Israeli military forces also struck the villages of Maroun al-Ras, Hanine, Aitaroun, Kfar Kila and Ayta ash Shab, as well as the town of Khiam. The developments come only a few days after the ministry said the death toll from Israeli strikes on towns and villages in the southern part of the country following the onset of a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip stood at nearly 550. The Lebanese Health Ministry announced in its latest update published on Wednesday that at least 547 people, including 35 women and 20 children and teenagers, have been killed ever since Israel began its attacks against Lebanon following the latest Gaza war that began on October 7 last year. The ministry added that 1,765 people have also been wounded, with over 100,000 internally displaced. A state of anticipation and caution prevails in Lebanon following the assassination of senior Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli airstrike on a building in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahieh on July 30. Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has vowed retaliation for the act of terror. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October last year, shortly after the regime launched the genocidal war against the Gaza Strip in response to a surprise operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group. The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continues its war on Gaza, which has so far killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in the besieged territory. Hezbollah officials have repeatedly said they do not want a war with Israel while stressing that they are prepared in case it occurs. Two Israeli wars waged against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Army Claims Elimination of Two Senior Hamas Members in Jenin Sputnik News 20240817 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), together with the Israel Security Agency (Shabak), reported the elimination of two senior members of Palestinian movement Hamas in the city of Jenin in the West Bank. Earlier, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported the death of two people as a result of an Israeli strike on a car in Jenin. "The ISA and IDF eliminated two senior Hamas terrorists in Jenin who were involved in planning the shooting attack in the Jordan Valley, during which Yonatan Deutsch was murdered," the Israeli army said on Telegram. One of the killed Hamas members was involved in "further terrorist attacks" and was engaged in the manufacture of explosive devices for carrying out attacks, while the other was responsible for Hamas's military infrastructure in the Jenin area, it said. Hamas confirmed the two leaders' death in a statement posted on Telegram. "With the highest expression of pride, submission to Allah's will, and confidence in His imminent victory, the Martyr Izz El-Din Al-Qassam Brigades announces to our people and the masses of our Arab and Islamic nation the martyrdom of two of its noble knights." The statement listed Rafaat Mahmoud Dawasi, listed as the leader of Al-Qassam (the military branch of Hamas) in Jenin, and Ahmed Walid Abu Ora, a Qassam leader from the village of Aqaba "The Qassam Brigades affirms that the blood of its martyred commanders will only herald a torrent of blood for the occupier through more high-profile operations that will be carried out by Qassam fighters from all the governorates of the occupied West Bank, by the will of Allah," the statement added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas Does Not Believe That US Sincerely Wants to Stop Gaza War Sputnik News 20240817 As Israel continues to lay waste to the Gaza Strip after invading it more than ten months ago, bombing anything it labels a Hamas target to smithereens, the negotiations meant to achieve a ceasefire in this conflict are yet to bear fruit. The United States' efforts to help peacefully resolve the latest escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been called into question by Hamas. "The American administration is attempting to create a false sense of positivity, without any genuine intent to stop the war, merely aiming to buy time," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told the Wall Street Journal. The Hamas official made this remark as the White House boasted alleged progress in the ceasefire talks. One senior US administration official even claimed on Friday that the talks reached an "endgame" and that the previous two days were "the most constructive 48 hours that we've had in this process in many months," the newspaper noted. Meanwhile, Hamas Political Bureau member Osama Hamdan told media that the movement no longer regards the United States as a reliable negotiator who can help achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Hamas also snubbed the ceasefire negotiations that were slated to take place in Qatar this week, though a new round of talks is expected to take place in Egypt on August 21. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Death Toll From Israeli Strike on Southern Lebanese City of Nabatieh Rises to 10 - Reports Sputnik News 20240817 CAIRO (Sputnik) - The death toll from an Israeli strike on a house in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh has increased to 10 and five people were injured, Lebanese news agency NNA reported on Saturday, adding that the victims were Syrian nationals. Two people have sustained serious injuries, the news agency reported. The Lebanese Health Ministry previously said that the strike killed six people and wounded three others. The situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border escalated after the start of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. The Israeli army and Lebanese fighters from the Hezbollah movement almost daily fire at each other's positions in areas along the border. According to the Lebanese Foreign Ministry, about 100,000 people were forced to leave their homes in southern Lebanon due to shelling from Israel. Israel said that about 80,000 residents of northern Israel had found themselves in a similar situation. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghanistan's Taliban sign $2.5B in trade, investment deals with Uzbekistan By Ayaz Gul August 17, 2024 The Taliban government in Afghanistan announced Saturday that it had finalized trade and investment deals worth $2.5 billion with the prime minister of neighboring Uzbekistan during his historic visit to Kabul. Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and his delegation arrived in the Afghan capital on the highest-level visit by a foreign leader to the country since the Islamist Taliban regained control three years ago. Aripov was accompanied by Laziz Kudratov, the minister of investment, industry, and trade, among other senior officials. Aripov and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy Taliban prime minister for economic affairs, oversaw the signing of "35 MoUs (memorandums of understanding) valued at $2.5 billion." The ceremony occurred after the two leaders inaugurated an exhibition of Uzbek products in Kabul. "The MoUs include 12 investment agreements valued at $1.4 billion and 23 trade agreements worth $1.1 billion," Baradar's office said in a statement. The documents covered agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. "This landmark signing is a testament to the strong political will and commitment of the leadership in both Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to deepen economic integration in the region," Taliban-run Afghan state media quoted Baradar as saying. "We are confident that these agreements will create new avenues for investment, trade, and job creation, benefiting the people of both our nations," he added. Afghan media quoted Uzbek minister Kudratov as saying that the two countries are working together to increase the annual bilateral trade to $3 billion. Afghanistan shares a 144-kilometer (89.4 miles) border with Uzbekistan, and both sides have reported a steady improvement in bilateral political, security, and economic cooperation since the Taliban takeover. The fundamentalist group swept back to power in Kabul in August 2021 as the United States and NATO troops withdrew from the country after 20 years of war with the then-insurgent Taliban. No country has formally recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, and international development assistance to the impoverished country remains suspended. Terrorism-related global sanctions on many top Taliban leaders, isolation of their administration, and termination of foreign development aid have made it difficult for the de facto Afghan government to tackle the country's deepening economic troubles. The World Bank reported in April that the aftermath of the Taliban takeover had seen a stark decline in international aid, leaving Afghanistan without any internal growth engines and leading to "a staggering 26% contraction in real GDP." However, the Taliban's policies, in line with their strict interpretation of Islamic law, have troubled the world because they have barred Afghan girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade and many women from public and private sector employment. The Taliban reject criticism of their government as interference in internal matters of Afghanistan, saying their policies are aligned with local culture and Islam. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's 'accidental' damage to Baltic pipeline viewed with suspicion By Li Beiping August 17, 2024 Western officials and analysts are suspicious of Beijing's admission this week that a Chinese container ship damaged the Balticconnector a vital Baltic Sea gas pipeline linking Estonia and Finland in October. The South China Morning Post reported August 12 that the Chinese government notified Finland and Estonia 10 months after the incident that it was caused by a Hong Kong-registered ship called Newnew Polar Bear, but blamed a storm for what it called the accident. In an interview August 13 with Estonia's public radio, ERR, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said he was skeptical of China's claim that a storm caused the incident. "Personally, I find it very difficult to understand how a ship's captain could fail to notice for such a long time that its anchor had been dragging along the seabed, but it is up to the prosecutor's office to complete the investigation," he said. Markku Mylly, the former director of the European Maritime Safety Agency, told local media in Helsinki there were no storms in the Gulf of Finland at the time. The Finnish newspaper Iltalehti consulted data from the Finland Meteorological Institute and confirmed that Mylly's memory was correct. Pevkur told ERR that Estonia would not give up claims against China for compensation. The Baltic Sea oil and gas pipeline, which was built with EU assistance, was commissioned in 2019 at a total cost of around $331 million, to wean Finland and the three Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania off their dependence on Russia for natural gas. The pipeline was the source of almost all of Estonia's natural gas supply after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine sparked European restrictions on the import of Russian gas. After the damage, Estonia had to temporarily rely on Latvia for natural gas. The pipeline was reopened for commercial operations in April after repairs that cost about $38 million, a senior vice president at Gasgrid Finland told The Associated Press. A few telecoms cables were also damaged in the incident. Finnish and Estonian investigative agencies recovered the ship's 6-ton anchor from the sea floor near the damaged pipeline after the incident and tracked it to the ship, which they tried to contact; it refused to respond. The damage occurred at a time of heightened tension between Europe and Russia over sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, and critics suspected it was a deliberate act of sabotage by Russia or its ally China. After the damage to the pipeline, the Newnew Polar Bear first sailed to St. Petersburg and Arkhangelsk in Russia and later docked in China's port of Tianjin. Eoin Micheal McNamara, a global security expert at the Finland Institute of International Affairs, told VOA that Finnish people doubt Beijing's claim that the ship's damage to the pipeline was an accident. "Undersea infrastructure elsewhere in the wider Nordic-Baltic region has also been damaged by 'manmade activity' in recent years. There was the Nord Stream sabotage in 2022 and the severing of a data cable between Norway and its Arctic island of Svalbard before that," McNamara said. "As geopolitical tensions rise, more targeted sabotage is being expected." German media reported this week that investigators asked Poland to arrest a Ukrainian diving instructor for allegedly being part of a team that blew up the Baltic Sea's Nord Stream gas pipelines, which supplied Russian gas to Europe. Russia blamed Britain, Ukraine and the United States for the sabotage, which they denied. McNamara said there are suspicions that Russia was involved in the damage to the Balticconnector pipeline. "Plausible deniability is a key tenet for hybrid interference. There are suspicions that use of a Hong Kong-registered vessel was a tactic to gain this plausible deniability," he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin last year dismissed the idea that Russia could have been behind an attack on the pipeline as "rubbish." Estonia and Finland are still jointly investigating the ship, which China's NewNew Shipping Company owns. The Estonian prosecutor's office, which oversees the investigation, said under international law, China's statement acknowledging the ship caused the damage as an "accident" cannot be used as evidence in a criminal investigation because China has not invited Estonian criminal investigators to participate in Beijing's own investigation. VOA contacted the Chinese Foreign Ministry about the matter but was referred to the Chinese shipping departments. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at a news briefing on August 13 said, "China is advancing the investigation in accordance with the facts and the law and is in close communication with relevant countries. It is hoped that all parties will continue to promote the investigation in a professional, objective and cooperative manner, and jointly ensure that the incident is handled in a sound manner." Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen told VOA in an email, "We are constantly cooperating with China and exchanging information regarding this matter, but we will not go into details because the investigation is still ongoing." The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, or NBI, which is investigating the case, told VOA that the Finnish and Estonian authorities have been cooperating with the Chinese authorities on the matter. The NBI said it will publish the findings with the Estonian side as early as this fall. "Based on the evidence collected and information analyzed during the investigation, it can be stated that the course of events is considered clear and there are sufficient reasons to suspect that the container vessel Newnew Polar Bear is linked to the damages. The cause for the damages seems to be the anchor and anchor chain [struck] the mentioned vessel." The NBI added, "It must be stated that the investigation is still ongoing and final conclusions, what was behind these incidents (technical failure negligence, poor seamanship deliberate act), can be made only after all necessary investigative measures have been finalized, and this will still take some time." VOA's Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. Some information was provided by Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Leaders' Statement on the Anniversary of the Trilateral Leaders' Summit at Camp David August 17, 2024 We, the leaders of Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and the United States (U.S.), commemorate the tremendous progress in our trilateral cooperation in the year since our historic summit. The spirit of the Trilateral Leaders' Summit continues to inspire us, and the principles we established at Camp David serve as a roadmap for our unparalleled cooperation. We are working together to achieve our shared goals of advancing security and prosperity for the region and the world. We stand by our commitment to consult on regional challenges, provocations, and threats affecting our collective interests and security. We renew our commitment to enhancing security cooperationgirded by the ironclad U.S.-Japan and U.S.-ROK alliancesdeepening the alignment of our shared economic and technological priorities, increasing coordination on global health initiatives, and further expanding the robust people-to-people ties between our three countries. Over the past year, we have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to these shared objectives through close consultation and coordination on priorities in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. We celebrate the accomplishments of our trilateral cooperation, including the inaugural execution of the trilateral multi-domain exercise Freedom Edge, the signing of a new Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework, and the progress made by our trilateral working groups focused on combatting efforts by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to generate revenue for its weapons of mass destruction programs through cybercrime and other illicit means. We are resolved to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, remain aligned in our shared vision, and stand ready to meet the world's greatest challenges. We hold an unshakeable belief that cooperation between Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States is indispensable for meeting today's challenges and will set the stage for a prosperous future. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas rejects latest Gaza truce proposal, says Israel sets new conditions IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has rejected the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal discussed in Qatar, blaming the failure of talks on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for imposing new conditions and creating obstacles to reach a deal. Hamas issued a statement on Sunday, three days after mediators Qatar, Egypt and the US began a new round of talks in Doha, trying to hammer out a deal to end the months-long genocidal war on Gaza in exchange for the release of Israeli captives held in the besieged territory. "After listening to the mediators about what transpired in the latest round of talks in Doha, it became clear to us once again that Netanyahu continues to create obstacles to reaching an agreement. He is setting new conditions and demands with the aim of derailing the mediators' efforts and prolonging the war", Hamas said in its statement. It added that the new proposal "aligns with Netanyahu's conditions, particularly his refusal to agree to a permanent ceasefire, his insistence on not fully withdrawing from the Gaza Strip, and his demand to continue occupying the Netzarim Junction, the Rafah Crossing, and the Philadelphi Corridor." The Palestinian movement further said in its statement that Netanyahu is fully responsible for the failure of the latest mediation efforts and the delay in reaching an agreement. Israel waged its war on Gaza on October 7 following Hamas' unprecedented Al Aqsa Storm Operation on the southern occupied territories earlier that day. At the time Hamas captured some 250 people, including Israelis and non-Israelis. Around 110 people remain in captivity, while the rest have been released or get killed in Israel's attacks on Gaza. The war has also killed more than 40,000 people and wounded over 92,600 in Gaza. It has also created a dire humanitarian situation which continues to deteriorate due to Israeli restrictions on entry of food and other basic supplies. The mediation efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of the remaining captives began several months ago, with several rounds of indirect talks held in Egypt and Qatar to reach a deal. The efforts however have failed as Netanyahu refuses to stop attacks in Gaza. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Al Quds Brigades fire rockets at Zionist command base in Khan Yunis IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), has carried out a rocket attack on a Zionist command base in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. The Islamic resistance group said in a statement on Sunday that it has also fired several rockets at a gathering of Zionist forces in Khan Yunis. Al Quds Brigades has also launched another rocket at a Zionist military base, the statement said, without elaborating on the possible casualties. The attacks by the Palestinian resistance group come while Daniel Hagari, spokesman of the Zionist Army, announced the death of a Zionist commander in fighting in central Gaza hours ago. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian cmdr. says border blocking will ensure sustainable security at joint border with Afghanistan IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- An Iranian local Army commander at the country's northeast has hailed a plan for blocking the joint border with Afghanistan as ensuring sustainable security along the Iranian eastern borders. Brigadier General Sirous Amanollahi, who was visiting the border blocking project on Sunday, told IRNA correspondent that four groups of engineers are working on this strategically important national plan. Noting that the project has made good progress, he expressed hope that it will be finished at the anticipated time. Iran plans to build a wall stretching for 295 km along the joint border with Afghanistan. The wall will be four-meters high and will include fences on its top. Commander of the Ground Force of the Iranian Army Brigadier General kiumars Heidari had said late July that the project would take three years to be completed. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah conducts fresh rocket, missile attacks on Zionist positions IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement has targeted the Israeli positions in northern occupied Palestinian territories with rockets and missiles. In a statement on Sunday, Hezbollah announced that its fighters targeted the Israeli Kiryat Shmona settlement in northern occupied Palestinian territories with rockets, the Beirut-based Al Mayadeen news network reported. Hezbollah added that Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the command headquarters of the Al-Sahl Battalion in Beit Hillel Israeli barracks with salvos of Katyusha rockets in response to the assassination in Shebaa. In this regard, the Zionist regime's army announced that about 20 rockets were fired in Hezbollah's recent attack on the Upper Galilee region. The Lebanese Hezbollah also announced that it had targeted the Zionist base of Al-Marj with missiles. Also, Hezbollah announced that a direct hit was achieved as Islamic Resistance fighters targeted spy equipment at the Ruweissat Al-Alam Israeli site in occupied Kfar Shouba Hills. Hezbollah further noted that Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Al-Malkiyya Israeli site with artillery shells, inflicting direct hits. Since the Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by the Palestinian resistance groups, Hezbollah has carried out daily retaliatory operations against Israeli targets to engage the Zionist military in northern Palestine, and taking some of the pressure off the resistance in Gaza. Several Israeli military bases have been destroyed, and military equipment such as tanks, personnel carriers, and armored vehicles have also been targeted by the Lebanese resistance. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WSJ report on Fuad Shukr's assassination 'fabricated': Hezbollah IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent article by The Wall Street Journal offering a "fabricated" narrative on the assassination of senior military commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli strike on Beirut last month. The American newspaper reported that Shukr was summoned to the seventh floor of his residential building in Beirut before he was killed in an Israeli targeted strike on July 31. In a statement released on Telegram, Hezbollah labeled the report as "fabricated" and "full of lies". The group emphasized that none of the three reporters named in the article has ever met with any Hezbollah officials, casting doubt on the credibility of their claims. "Therefore, the false story from its foundation and the source attributed to it are nothing more than the imagination of its writers," it said. Hezbollah further said that the article served as a vehicle for Israeli propaganda, aimed at advancing the "Zionist project". 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah strikes making life difficult for Zionists in north Palestine: Report IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Life for thousands of Zionist settlers who have not evacuated from northern occupied territories has become increasingly challenging due to the ongoing cross-border attacks by Hezbollah in Lebanon, an Israeli media report said. The Hebrew-language newspaper Maariv reported that about 80,000 Israelis have left their homes due to threats of Hezbollah strikes, while those who have stayed behind must confront the daily realities of air raid alerts and missile and drone attacks. The Institute for National Security Studies, a think tank affiliated with Tel Aviv University, has noted a significant rise in Hezbollah's psychological warfare against the Israeli military and Zionist settlers. The institute said events like the Friday unveiling of a large underground missile facility by Hezbollah create a sense of fear and despair among the settlers. The Lebanese resistance movement has declared its open support for Hamas in Gaza, which has been battling a genocidal war by the Israeli regime since October 7 last year. Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been trading fire across the border almost every day since then, with the former saying that its attacks will only stop when the Israeli atrocities end in Gaza. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel defense system alarmed by Hezbollah UAV near Netanyahu's house IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Zionist regime's defense system issued a warning message on the presence of a reconnaissance drone belonging to the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah filming the private villa of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Zionist newspaper Israel Hayom reported that Netanyahu's residence was filmed by a drone belonging to the Lebanese Hezbollah. A number of Israeli regime warplanes were dispatched to Gaza Street in occupied al-Quds city to investigate the presence of any reconnaissance drone in the airspace near the Caesarea Villa but were unable to detect any possible UAV. The Zionist newspaper quoted the regime's army as claiming that the warning of the presence of a drone near Netanyahu's villa was probably caused by a mistake in the radar and defense systems. Another Zionist media outlet warned about the fact that the enemies have identified the weakness of the regime's army in confronting the drones of the Axis of Resistance. The Israeli newspaper Davar reported that drones have become cheaper and more accessible to Israel's enemies, and new technological advances have given them different capabilities to target Israel's military and home front. Liran Antebi, director of the Advanced Technologies Program at the Zionist regime's Institute for Internal Security Studies, warned that Israel's enemies, led by Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah, have realized that Tel Aviv has a blind spot, especially in the field of simple and cheap drones. The tension between the regime and the Axis of Resistance escalated following the assassination of Fouad Shukr, a prominent commander of Hezbollah, who was assassinated in a drone attack by the Zionist regime in the south of Lebanon on July 30, 2024. A day later, head of Hamas' Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated by the regime, when he was visiting the Iranian capital Tehran to attend the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 31. 4208**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli fresh attacks martyr 48 Palestinians in Gaza IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Some 48 Palestinians were martyred in the Zionist regime's attacks on different areas of Gaza in the last 24 hours. According to Al Jazeera, the Palestinians were killed in Israeli air and artillery attacks on different areas of Gaza on Sunday. Four people were martyred and 19 people were injured after the bombardment of an apartment on Al-Hoja Street in the Jabalia camp located in the north of Gaza, the Qatar-based news network reported. The Zionist army also targeted a house in Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis, located in the south of the Gaza Strip, as a result of which four Palestinians were martyred and at least 6 others were injured. The Palestinian resistance groups launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm from the south of Palestine against Israeli positions on October 7, 2023. A four-day break was established for the exchange of prisoners. The temporary ceasefire lasted seven days and finally ended on December 1, 2023, and the Israeli regime resumed attacks against the Gaza Strip. After 10 months, a large part of the Gaza Strip has been destroyed amid the crippling siege and the blocking of the entry of food, clean water, and medicine. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi holds talks with Vietnam's top leader To Lam in Beijing Xinhua) 14:09, August 19, 2024 BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, held talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Vietnamese president, on Monday in Beijing. Xi welcomed Lam's state visit to China and once again congratulated him on election as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee. China is the destination for Lam's first overseas visit after taking office as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee. Xi said this fully reflects the great importance he attaches to the relations between the two parties and the two countries, as well as the high level and strategic nature of China-Vietnam relations. Xi expressed the willingness to establish good working relations and personal friendship with Lam to jointly guide the substantial development in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) US not really determined to establish ceasefire in Gaza: Hamas IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- A senior official of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas said in a statement that there is no real will on the part of the United States to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. According to a Sunday report of the Palestinian Shehab News Agency, Osama Hamdan said that the United States' proposal does not include any ceasefire or troops' withdrawal from Gaza. As to the fact that the ongoing negotiations have not yet mentioned the names of the Palestinian prisoners, Hamdan noted that the potential ceasefire must guarantee clear criteria, including Palestinian prisoners' freedom. The senior member of Hamas also said that the US is trying to give the occupying regime enough time to carry out more massacres. Qatar, Egypt and the United States, as mediators of the ceasefire talks, declared the end of the negotiations in the Qatari capital Doha in a joint statement on Friday. Over 10 months after Operation Al-Aqsa Storm and the capture of a number of Zionist settlers by the Palestinian resistance, the Israeli regime has not only failed to pave the ground for releasing the captives despite its extensive aggression against the besieged area, a large number of the Zionists have been killed in its own air and artillery attacks on various areas of the Gaza Strip. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported on Saturday that the Israeli military has martyred an additional 69 Palestinians in recent assaults, raising the total number of fatalities to 40,074 since October 7, 2023, and some 92,537 others have been injured as well. 4208**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two more Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli military has confirmed the death of two more soldiers during the offensive in the Gaza Strip. According to the regime's military, the soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in central Gaza on Saturday afternoon. One was identified as Yotam Itzhak Peled, a logistics officer, and the other was identified as Mordechai Yosef Ben Shoam, a truck driver. Both served in the 8119th Battalion, according to Israeli media citing the military. They said Peled had been commanding a convoy to supply troops with equipment in Gaza City's southern Zeitoun neighborhood, and Ben Shoam was one of the drivers. They were killed during the drive along the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza when a bomb went off. According to the Israeli media, Palestinian resistance fighters also opened fire at the Israeli convoy before escaping safely. The Israeli regime says the latest deaths brought its military fatalities to 334 since a ground offensive began in Gaza in mid-October. Palestinian resistance groups, however, believe that the death toll is much higher as the regime hides the real number of its soldiers killed in Gaza amid growing discontent among Israelis who are outraged at the cabinet of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to release the captives still held in Gaza. Many Israelis see a ceasefire deal with Hamas as the only way to release the captives and blame Netanyahu for torpedoing such a deal. 4194**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Israeli escalation in West Bank strengthens resistance' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement says the Israeli escalation in the occupied West Bank will only strengthen the commitment of the Palestinian nation to stand firmly against the Zionist regime and its occupation. According to a report by the Palestinian Shihab news agency on Sunday morning, the Islamic Jihad movement issued the statement in response to the Zionist regime's drone strike on the city of Jenin and the martyrdom of 2 more Palestinians on Saturday. The enemy attacked a busy street with a drone and hit a civilian car in the heart of Jenin under the pretext of targeting resistance fighters, which the regime has been using for decades to justify its killings in Gaza and the West Bank. "This dangerous escalation of tensions will only strengthen the resistance and adherence to the right of our people to confront the occupying regime with all available means", the group said. Earlier, the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas resistance movement conformed the killing of Raft Mahmoud Devasi and Ahmed Waleed Abu Ara, two of its members in the Jenin camp. It was stated in this announcement that the martyrdom of these 2 fighters will increase armed operations throughout the West Bank by Qassam. More than 630 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli raids in the occupied West Bank since the regime launched its genocidal war on Gaza on the 7th of October 2023. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address House to allocate P50-B for AFP modernization program in 2025 Philippine News Agency August 18, 2024, 4:03 pm MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will receive a record-high PHP50 billion budget for its modernization program in 2025, meant to build up the national defense capabilities amid continued tension in the West Philippine Sea. The proposal is part of the proposed PHP419.3 billion for the defense sector for next year. The AFP budget is PHP10 billion higher than this year's allocation, meant for hardware and systems upgrade. "In the 2025 national budget, the sum of PHP50 billion in capital outlays has been earmarked to be used exclusively to support the funding requirements of the military's ongoing modernization projects," Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel said in a news release on Sunday. Under the Revised AFP Modernization Program Law of 2012, the Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) administers the release and use of funds for modernization projects. Allotments would be issued only upon submission by the DND of the recommendation by the appropriate bids and awards committee of the grant of contracts. In April, the Department of Budget and Management released the fourth milestone payment of PHP6 billion for the DND's order of two new multi-role missile corvettes from South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. Due for delivery in 2025 and 2026, the corvettes for the Philippine Navy worth PHP28 billion are capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-warfare missions. The first three payments for the projects worth PHP12.75 billion were released on Dec. 10, 2021 (PHP3.75 billion), May 20, 2022 (PHP3 billion) and May 24, 2023 (PHP6 billion). Pimentel authored House Bill No.1782 that seeks to appropriate PHP5 billion for the installation of new naval forward operating bases to secure the WPS's vast natural gas and oil deposits that have the potential to supply the country's energy demand in the decades ahead. (Zaldy de Layola, PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH ship in Escoda Shoal to protect sovereignty, go after poachers Philippine News Agency By Darryl John Esguerra August 18, 2024, 1:16 pm MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua was deployed to Escoda Shoal solely to protect the country's sovereign rights and run after illegal fishing activities, not to provoke or escalate tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, said this Sunday, responding to reports that China has reportedly lodged a formal protest over the presence of the ship in Escoda Shoal, a coral reef formation just some 70 nautical miles off mainland Palawan. In an X post, Tarriela noted that Escoda Shoal is deep within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral award. "Our Philippine Coast Guard vessels have the right to operate within the lagoon of Escoda Shoal for as long as necessary, without requiring permission from any other country," Tarriela said. He also advised China to stop citing the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its statements "as they have not honored or followed a single provision of that declaration." "As far as the region is concerned, it is only Beijing that constantly violates this declaration. They have been deploying their large Coast Guard vessels there, complemented by their numerous Chinese Maritime Militia," Tarriela said. He also noted China's deployment of naval assets in Escoda Shoal that "undermine stability in these waters and contribute to escalating tensions." "Moreover, the Philippine Coast Guard has deployed there not to provoke or escalate tensions; rather, it aims to protect and safeguard our sovereign rights over these waters, particularly against illegal poachers engaged in IUUF (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing) and activities that damage our marine environment," he said. The 97-meter multi-role response vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua, PCG's most expensive vessel and one of its largest ships, was deployed mid-April amid reported reclamation attempts of China, part of its aggressive expansionism in the WPS and the entire South China Sea. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas responds to Doha proposal, says Netanyahu 'obstructing' ceasefire deal Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 7:21 PM Hamas has squarely blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the failure to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, following two days of talks in Doha that concluded on Friday, in which the Palestinian resistance movement did not participate Hamas gave its official response in a statement on Sunday after reviewing the outcomes of the negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Egypt as well as the United States. Hamas called on the mediators to present a concrete plan to implement the proposals agreed upon on July 2, emphasizing the need to avoid a continuous cycle of stalled negotiations due to Netanyahu's delaying tactics and new conditions. The resistance movement accused Netanyahu of employing a strategy to buy time and prolong the aggression in Gaza. "We became certain that Netanyahu is still putting obstacles in the way of reaching an agreement," Hamas said in its statement. The group emphasized that the latest proposal presented during the talks aligns with Netanyahu's conditions, which notably include his rejection of a permanent ceasefire and any withdrawal from Gaza. The resistance movement highlighted that the proposal also reflects Netanyahu's insistence on maintaining control over strategic areas of Gaza, including the Netzarim Junction, the Rafah Crossing, and the Philadelphi Corridor. Furthermore, Hamas criticized the new conditions that Netanyahu imposed on the prisoner exchange negotiations. "We hold Netanyahu fully responsible for thwarting the mediators' efforts and obstructing the path to an agreement," it reiterated. Hamas asserted that they have approached the mediation efforts in Qatar and Egypt responsibly, and has considered all proposals intended at stopping the aggression against Palestinians and concluding a prisoner exchange deal. This approach, Hamas noted, is driven by a desire to spare the blood of their people and end the ongoing violence and genocide against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. The movement also reaffirmed its commitment to what it agreed upon on July 2, which was outlined by US President Joe Biden at the end of May and approved by the UN Security Council. "We call on the mediators to fulfill their responsibilities and oblige the occupation to implement what has been agreed upon," it added. The latest round of ceasefire talks on Gaza concluded in Doha without a breakthrough on Friday, but a new date has been set for further discussions next week. A statement from the White House, issued by co-mediators Qatar and Egypt, described a fresh proposal that they said builds "on areas of agreement" and seeks to bridge remaining gaps, allowing for "a swift implementation of the deal." In a separate statement late Friday, President Biden expressed optimism about a deal, saying that the "bridging proposal" provides a foundation for a final agreement on a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal. Despite the optimistic tone, dozens of rounds of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel have failed to produce an agreement since a short-lived truce collapsed in December. The mediation efforts have suffered several setbacks, chief among them the assassination of Hamas's political leader and chief negotiator, Ismail Haniyeh, in an Israeli strike in Tehran late in July. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah rejects 'fabricated' WSJ report about Fuad Shukr's assassination Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 5:55 PM Lebanon's Hezbollah has vehemently denied a "fabricated" story by the Wall Street Journal that claimed the assassination on July 30 of the resistance movement's high-ranking commander Fuad Shukr came as a result of "a major security breach in Hezbollah's internal communications network." The commander was assassinated in a targeted attack on a building in a congested neighborhood of the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital Beirut. The attack was soon claimed by Israel. On Sunday, the Wall Street Journal claimed that the Hezbollah commander was killed after "a call lured him from his office to his seventh-floor residence, making him an easier target." The Journal claimed that it had spoken with a Hezbollah official, who said the Lebanese movement was investigating "the security breach." It said Hezbollah suspected that "Israel used advanced technology to outmaneuver their countersurveillance system." In a statement on Telegram, Hezbollah said the story published by the Journal was "full of lies." "None of the three newspaper correspondents who put their names on the aforementioned article have ever met any Hezbollah officials at all," Hezbollah said. "Therefore, the false story from its foundation and the source attributed to it are nothing more than the imagination of its writers." The article, Hezbollah said, aimed to spread Israeli propaganda "in the service of the Zionist project." Commander Shukr was a longtime trusted friend and close confidant of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. At his funeral ceremony, Nasrallah described the martyrdom of Shukr as a "big loss," but reassured that his loss "will not weaken Hezbollah whatsoever." The resistance movement has vowed to retaliate against Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Forced displacement of Bedouins by Israel amounts to 'ethnic cleansing': Palestine Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 4:37 PM The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine has said that the forced displacement of the Bedouin communities by the Israeli regime throughout the occupied Palestinian territory amounts to ethnic cleansing. "The Ministry considers this crime to be a crime of ethnic cleansing, and falls within the framework of the ongoing gradual annexation of the occupied West Bank and emptying it of its inhabitants and original owners," the ministry said in a statement released on Sunday. The ministry also voiced concern about the massive displacement of the Bedouin communities especially in Masafer Yatta and the Jordan Valley in the West Bank. The latest displacement of the last Palestinian Bedouin family came in Umm al-Jimal in the northern Jordan Valley, bringing the number of forcibly displaced Bedouin communities to 40, the ministry said. The ministry said that the attacks by the Israeli settlers against the communities come with the support and protection of the Israeli military and the direct supervision of the regime's hawkish ministers. The ministry stressed that the deterrent international sanctions must include "not only the extremist settlers and their armed militias but also the ministers and officials in the Israeli government who provide protection, support, funding and backing, such as Bezalel Smotrich and Ben-Gvir." The US and some other Western states had already imposed sanctions against some extremist settlers. The US, British and French governments recently placed sanctions on more than 30 Israeli settlers for acts of violence and incitement against Palestinians. Observers say the measures are not enough to contain escalating violence by the settlers across the occupied Palestinian territories. There had been 1,250 assaults by Israeli settlers against the Palestinians in the West Bank since Israel launched its campaign of death and destruction in the besieged Gaza Strip on October 7. The UN's special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories recently called upon the international community to put an end to Israel's forced displacement of Palestinian populations. "I IMPLORE the diplomatic community, the UN and international organizations in the West Bank to intervene, including with their physical presence on the ground, to stop the ongoing and violent forced displacement of Palestinian communities," Francesca Albanese wrote in a post published on her X account on Saturday. In her post, Albanese cited Israeli activists from Farsyia, a Bedouin village in the northern Jordan Valley, as saying that the Israeli settlers pass through Palestinians' houses, threatening them and scaring the children so that the whole community decided to evacuate. The comments came after Palestinian shepherds from the West Bank community of Umm Jamal finally surrendered and fled in fear. Israeli forces and settlers have increased their violent attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since early last October. Late last month, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Israel's forced displacement orders in the southern parts of the Gaza Strip are part of the regime's genocidal war that led Palestinians to "actual death." The Geneva-based right group has previously said that the regime's mass forced displacement campaign "has so far affected about 2,000,000 people in the Gaza Strip, most of them forcibly displaced multiple times." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli military alarmed by Hezbollah drone filming Netanyahu's home Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 3:41 PM A reconnaissance drone belonging to the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has infiltrated the northern part of the occupied territories, filming the private villa of the Israeli regime's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the Israel Hayom daily newspaper, the Israeli regime's defense systems issued a warning message on the presence of a drone near Netanyahu's private residence in Caesarea, located 37 km south of Haifa on the Mediterranean coast, on Sunday. The newspaper further speculated that the drone had been launched from Lebanon and had managed to take footage of Netanyahu's place of residence. Israeli fighter jets were dispatched to the area but were unable to detect the exact location of the suspected drone, it added. The Israeli military claimed that the warning may have been a false alarm, adding that the radar and defense systems sometimes issue such warnings due to an error. However, it did not completely rule out the possibility of a small drone launched by Hezbollah. Back in June, Hezbollah published a 9-minute-31-second-long footage that included images of residential and military sites in and around the city of Haifa, including sea and airports, which was aimed at the Israeli audience. The footage underlined the mounting difficulties that the Israeli military has encountered in dealing with the drone capabilities of Hezbollah. The latest development comes amid fears of a full-fledged war between Israel and Hezbollah following the assassination of the resistance movement's commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut on July 30. It also comes at a time when Israelis are living in panic and fear as Iran has vowed to launch a retaliatory attack on the regime, following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Haniyeh, who was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside other Axis of Resistance leaders, was martyred along with his bodyguard, in an attack early on July 31. Ayatollah Khamenei has warned the Israeli regime of a "harsh response" for Haniyeh's assassination, calling it the Islamic Republic's duty to avenge the Palestinian resistance leader's blood. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US not really determined to achieve ceasefire in Gaza, says senior Hamas official Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 10:09 AM A senior member of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement says there is no real will on the part of the United States to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Osama Hamdan, who represents Hamas in Lebanon, stated on Saturday that the United States' new ceasefire proposal does not include a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Hamdan noted that while the ongoing ceasefire negotiations have not yet mentioned which Palestinian prisoners would be released, the potential deal must guarantee clear criteria including Palestinian inmates' freedom. The top Hamas official also said the US is trying to give the occupying Tel Aviv regime enough time to perpetrate more atrocities and mass killings. Egyptian sources, requesting anonymity, were quoted as saying on Saturday that indirect negotiations between representatives from Hamas and Israel on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will resume on Wednesday in Cairo. Negotiating delegations of the three mediators - Egypt, Qatar, and the United States - and the Israeli team will attend the talks scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, according to the sources. Representatives from Egypt, the United States, and Israel are currently still in the Qatari capital Doha, which hosted the recent ceasefire negotiations earlier this week, to discuss "the technical points" of the ceasefire agreement in preparation for the talks in Cairo. The three mediators asserted in a joint statement on Friday that a "bridging proposal" had been presented to Hamas and Israel, which is consistent with the principles of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2735 that calls for an "immediate, comprehensive, and thorough" ceasefire in Gaza. Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured tens of thousands of others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aug 17: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 9:04 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed over 40,100 Palestinians so far, the majority of them children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers. The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Saturday, August 17, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on August 17: Detonated two anti-personnel explosives on two Israeli military jeeps and engaged in clashes with other regime soldiers using machine guns in the vicinity of the University College in the Tal Al-Hawa neighborhood, south of Gaza City. Al-Quds Brigades' operations on August 17: Detonated a pre-planted ground explosive device on an Israeli military vehicle in the vicinity of Alyeen mosque in Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli soldiers on the advance axes east of the Al-Qarara area, in the north of the city of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Targeted the "Re'im" military site with a rocket barrage. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on August 17: Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces stationed in the vicinity of the Abu Hadaf neighborhood, northeast of the city of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, with 107mm rockets and heavy-caliber mortar shells. Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces and their military vehicles northeast of the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip with a barrage of mortar shells. Engaged in armed clashes with Israeli forces that stormed Balata camp in the city of Nablus, occupied West Bank, using machine guns. Mujahideen Brigades' operations on August 17: Targeted a position of the Israeli forces in the "Netzarim axis" with Haseb-111 rockets. Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on August 17: Targeted an Israeli military position at Tal Zorob, west of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, with heavy mortar shells. Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on August 17: Targeted an Israeli military bulldozer in the Saudi neighborhood west of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip with an RPG shell. Al-Nasser Salah Al-Din Brigades' operations on August 17: Targeted the Israeli military's command and control site in the "Netzarim" axis with two 107 mm rockets. Targeted the Israeli military's command and control site in the "Netzarim" axis with two 107 mm rockets. Hezbollah's operations on August 17: The settlement of Eilet Hashahar was targeted for the first time with Katyusha rockets. Israeli soldiers were targeted at the Marj site with two drones. The Samaqa site in Lebanon's Kfar Shouba was targeted with rockets. The Ruwaysat al-Alam site in Lebanon's Kfar Shouba was targeted with artillery shells. The Hadab Yaroun site was targeted with artillery shells. Surveillance equipment at the Jal Al-Alam site was targeted with drones. Israeli soldiers in Shtula were targeted with artillery shells. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel reduces humanitarian safe zone in Gaza to only 11 percent: UNRWA Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 7:44 AM The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees says Israel's new evacuation orders in the Gaza Strip have shrunk to only 11 percent of the so-called humanitarian zone for Palestinians in the besieged territory. UNRWA released the figure in an X post on Saturday, a day after the Israeli military gave Gaza residents sheltering in the safe zone in north Khan Yunis and east Deir al-Balah an order to leave in just a few hours. The occupation's army also issued another evacuation order for Maghazi and Zawayda refugee camps in central Gaza. "Thousands of families continue to be displaced in Gaza as Israeli authorities issue new evacuation orders," UNRWA said. "The so-called 'humanitarian zone' has shrunk to just 11% of the Gaza Strip, causing chaos and fear among the displaced. They have nowhere safe to go." The UN agency for Palestinian refugees also renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire in Israel's genocidal war on Gaza. Separately on Saturday, UNRWA Communications Officer Louise Wateridge said in an X post that Israel's repeated displacement orders have left people "trapped in this endless nightmare." Meanwhile, rescue services in Gaza estimated that Israel's latest shrinking of the safe zone in Gaza puts the lives of some 450,000 displaced Palestinians at risk amid a worsening humanitarian disaster there. The Palestinian Hamas resistance group called the Israeli evacuation orders "a direct continuation of the policy of collective punishment of Gazans," saying Israel is using dispossession as a weapon against civilians. People in Gaza say that everywhere designated a safe place has already been hit by the Israeli military and that there is no safe place in the Palestinian territory. Israel waged its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out its historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. So far, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 40,074 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 92,537 others. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas vows 'torrent of blood' after Israel assassinates 2 commanders in Jenin Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 12:11 AM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas' armed wing has vowed to face the Israeli regime with strong revenge following the latter's assassination of two of the unit's commanders in the occupied West Bank. In a statement on Saturday, al-Qassam Brigades, as the armed wing is known, said it "affirms that the blood of its martyred commanders will only herald a torrent of blood for the occupier." Such retaliation, it added, would come "through more high-profile operations that will be carried out by Qassam fighters from all the parts of the occupied West Bank." Earlier in the day, al-Qassam had announced that airstrikes carried out by Israeli drones against a vehicle travelling in the city of Jenin in northern West Bank had resulted in the martyrdom of the commanders, whom it identified as Rafaat Mahmoud Dawasi and Ahmed Walid Abu Ora. It referred to Dawasi as the armed wing's commander in Jenin and Abu Ora as another one of the unit's senior military figures. "Together, they executed and planned several qualitative operations [against the occupying regime] in the last three months," al-Qassam added. The assassinations came less than a month after a targeted killing operation carried out by the regime against Tehran, which led to the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, former leader of Hamas' Political Bureau. Haniyeh was in the Iranian capital to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. The movement has asserted that the atrocity would not go unanswered, while the Islamic Republic has pledged to avenge Haniyeh's blood through pending "harsh revenge." Prior to his assassination, Haniyeh used to lead the movement's negotiation team to talks held in the Qatari capital Doha aimed at bringing about a truce in the regime's October 7-present war on the Gaza Strip that has so far claimed the lives of more than 40,000 Palestinians. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taliban-Led Government Celebrates 105th Anniversary Of Afghan Independence By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi August 18, 2024 Top officials of the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan marked 105 years of of the country's independence on August 18 by demanding mutual respect from the international community. Afghanistan gained its independence in August 1919 after the signing of the Anglo-Afghan Treaty, which ended British control over the country's foreign affairs. Afghanistan currently remains unrecognized internationally, largely because of the restrictions the Taliban-led government has placed on women since it returned to power in August 2021. The anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Afghan Treaty was marked at a meeting of top Taliban leaders in Kabul broadcast live by the Taliban-controlled National Radio and Television. Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, the Taliban's acting defense minister, told the meeting that the government wants strong relations with the world based on mutual respect but will never give in to pressure. He also said the Taliban, which seized power after the U.S.-backed government collapsed and its leaders fled into exile, will never allow the Islamic State and other destructive groups to create chaos in Afghanistan. "Whether they are Daesh (Islamic State) or other rebels, they should hear...that we have not surrendered to anyone's power at any cost. By any name, we have established the Islamic system in this land. We will defend it till death and the last century." The international community has previously expressed concern about the presence of the extremist Islamic State group in Afghanistan, while the Taliban has said it is the only group capable of ruling and establishing security in the country. Hamid Karzai, who served as the first elected president of Afghanistan from 2004 to 2014, marked the anniversary of the signing of the treaty by calling on the Taliban to allow girls and women to attend school and university. "I call on the caretaker Islamic government to open the doors of schools and universities in the country as soon as possible so that girls equipped with the jewels of knowledge can play their part in the development of the country alongside their brothers," Karzai said on X. "Education and national unity are the forces that will keep the country strong." Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban has banned girls and women from studying beyond primary school. The United Nations said on August 15 that at least 1.4 million girls in Afghanistan have been denied access to secondary education and this has almost wiped out two decades of steady progress for education in Afghanistan, leaving the future of an entire generation in jeopardy. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-yaqoob- anniversary-anglo-afghan-treaty/33083344.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hungary Says Worries Over Loosened Entry Restrictions For Belarusians And Russians Unfounded By RFE/RL August 18, 2024 Hungary has responded to a letter sent by Nordic and Baltic countries expressing concern about Budapest's decision to make it easier for Russian and Belarusian citizens to enter Hungary. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on August 18 that the letter sent to EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson showed an alarming level of "disregard for fact." "We regret to see that our colleagues from Nordic and Baltic countries continue to pursue their campaign of lies directed against Hungary," Szijjarto said on Facebook. The letter, signed by ministers of eight Nordic and Baltic countries and sent to Johansson on August 15, expressed concern that Hungary's decision "may constitute a serious security risk to all Member States." All eight countries -- Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden -- are in Europe's Schengen zone in which travelers can cross internal borders without having to show their passports or other documents. Estonian Foreign Minister Marhus Tsahkna posted the letter on X on August 16, saying that easing entry for Russians and Belarusians "is not justified when Russia continues its war in #Ukraine & is intensifying hybrid actions against EU." The letter said this includes "sabotage, acts of violence, provocations at borders and instrumentalization of migrants." It said all eight countries concluded at the NATO summit in July that "these actions constitute a threat to our security." But Szijjarto disagreed, saying in his response on August 18 that including Russian and Belarusian citizens in Hungary's National Card program does not pose any security risk to the Schengen area because the Belarusian and Russian citizens who arrive in Hungary must still undergo thorough checks to enter and stay in the country. "Any claims to the contrary are outright lies from our Nordic and Baltic colleagues who have been blinded by their adherence to the pro-war camp," Szijjarto said. Budapest published details of its National Card program last month after it took over the European Union's rotating presidency. The program is a new fast-track visa system for citizens of eight countries, including Russia and Belarus, to enter Hungary. Budapest has said many of those who enter would be employed in the construction of a nuclear power plant that is contracted to Russia's Rosatom. Johansson voiced concern about the decision earlier this month in a letter addressed to Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter asking Budapest for clarifications. She said Russia is a security threat for the European Union and pointed to the need of "more, not less vigilance." Russian citizens do not face a ban on entering the EU and the Schengen Area, which also includes non-EU members Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland, if they possess a valid visa and have no ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/hungary-ukraine-schengen- belarus-russia/33083322.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Colombia Halts Coal Exports to Israel - Decree Sputnik News 20240818 MOSCOW, August 18 (Sputnik) - Colombia has suspended coal exports to Israel, according to a decree issued Sunday. "Coal exports to the state of Israel have been prohibited," the decree read. The plans were announced by Colombian President Gustavo Petro in June. Colombia provided 60% of all coal supplied to Israel in 2023, accounting for 22% of Israel's total powergrid demands. Colombia severed diplomatic ties with Israel on May 2. Petro has more than once opposed Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, calling them genocide. In March, Petro announced that Bogota would suspend all arms purchases from Israel. At the same time, the Colombian president signed a joint statement by 18 nations calling on Palestinian movement Hamas to immediately release hostages held in Gaza to achieve a lasting ceasefire. On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. The Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave. The enclave's health ministry says that the death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has exceeded 40,000. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin, Aliyev to Discuss Azerbaijani-Armenian Settlement in Baku - Kremlin Sputnik News 20240818 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, will discuss the Azerbaijani-Armenian settlement in Baku during the Russian leader's state visit and exchange views on several other issues, the Kremlin said on Sunday. On Friday, the Kremlin said that Putin would make a state visit to Azerbaijan from August 18-19. "The presidents will exchange views on topical issues of regional and international politics, particularly on the Azerbaijani-Armenian settlement," the Kremlin said. Russia is ready to continue providing all possible assistance to the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Kremlin added. Meanwhile, the strategic partnership between Russia and Azerbaijan is actively developing, the Kremlin added. "The Russian-Azerbaijani strategic partnership is developing dynamically on the basis of the principles of friendship, good neighborliness and mutual respect - based on the Declaration on Allied Cooperation signed by the presidents in February 2022 in Moscow," the Kremlin said. Overall, the legal and contractual framework of bilateral relations includes over 150 treaties and agreements, the Kremlin added. The signing of a peace treaty and the process of border demarcation and delimitation remain key tasks in the settlement of the conflict between Baku and Yerevan, as well as the unblocking of transport, logistical and economic ties in the region on the basis of the 2020-2022 trilateral agreements, the Kremlin also said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Somali Leader Refuses to Negotiate With Ethiopia Until Recognition of Somalia Sovereignty Sputnik News 20240818 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Saturday that the country refused to negotiate with Ethiopia until it recognized Somalia as an independent and sovereign state. The statement came amid negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia, the second round of which took place on Monday and Tuesday in Ankara at the initiative of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reported that the third round of negotiations to reconcile Ethiopia and Somalia would be held in Ankara on September 17. "We will not negotiate with Ethiopia on any issue until it recognizes our full sovereignty," Sheikh Mohamud said during a press conference on Saturday, as quoted by the SONNA news agency. According to the agency, the Somalian president stressed that Ethiopia's non-recognition of Somalia's sovereignty led to the "recent breakdown of negotiations" in Ankara. Earlier, Ethiopia and the unrecognized republic of Somaliland, located in the northwestern part of Somalia, signed a memorandum of understanding, under which Addis Ababa would gain access to the Red Sea. After that, the Somali authorities recalled the ambassador to Addis Ababa, and Sheikh Mohamud signed a law annulling the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia. As reported by CGTN Africa, the emergency summit of northeast African countries convened in Uganda by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development called on Ethiopia and Somalia to reduce tensions and return to constructive dialogue. Somalia ceased to exist as a single state in 1991 with the fall of the dictatorial regime of Mohamed Siad Barre. The federal government, which controls the capital city of Mogadishu and several other areas, is recognized by the international community as the only legitimate authority in the country. The remaining parts of Somalia are under the control of unrecognized state entities or are self-governing territories. In particular, in the northern part of the country is the unrecognized Republic of Somaliland, which the international community considers part of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and in the eastern part is the Puntland region, which declared autonomy in 1998. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas Sees No Progress in Hostage Talks With Israel - Spokesperson Sputnik News 20240818 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A spokesperson for Palestinian movement Hamas in Lebanon, Ahmad Abdul Hadi, said on Sunday that the first stage of the hostage talks had not shown any progress. On Thursday and Friday, talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip were held in Doha with the participation of Qatar, Egypt, the United States and Israel. The Hamas leadership refused to participate in the talks due to the lack of specifics on the terms of the truce. The Axios news portal reported on Saturday, citing officials familiar with the matter, that US President Joe Biden was aiming to finalize a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal by the end of next week and to deter Iran and Lebanese movement Hezbollah from attacks on Israel that could hamper diplomatic efforts. "The Biden administration is trying to show that the environment is positive. But the first round showed there are no improvements," Abdul Hadi said in an interview with Sky News. According to Abdul Hadi, Biden's statements that he is optimistic about the prospects for the parties to reach an agreement and that there are a couple of issues that need to be agreed upon were made only to "keep everything sounding positive in the media" and to "keep the Axis of Resistance calm and to stop it responding to the assassination and not slip into a regional war." The spokesperson of the movement added that the mediators reported that the contentious issues during the talks had not been resolved, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had put forward more conditions and further complicated the situation. A joint statement by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, which was published by the office of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi, said that the mediators had presented Israel and Hamas with a ceasefire proposal that reduced the differences between the parties. The talks, which took place in the Qatari capital Doha on Thursday and Friday, were serious and constructive and took place in a positive atmosphere, the statement said. Senior government officials from Egypt, the United States and Qatar will meet in Cairo before the end of next week in the hope of reaching an agreement in line with the terms proposed on Friday. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Selection of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra US Department of State Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State August 18, 2024 On behalf of the United States, I congratulate Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her selection as Thailand's next prime minister. The United States looks forward to working with the Prime Minister to further strengthen the enduring alliance and partnership between the United States and Thailand. With more than 190 years of shared history, the U.S.-Thai partnership is one of our oldest relationships in the world. Whether by increasing mutual prosperity, partnering on peace and security, tackling global public health and human security challenges, or forging strong people-to-people ties, we look forward to continued close collaboration with the Prime Minister and her government to further advance our shared values and common interests in a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It's never too late for peace in the Middle East - we must break the cycle of violence David Lammy and Stephane Sejourne write for The Observer on how a ceasefire could enable progress towards a two-state solution - the only long-term route to safety and security. 18 August 2024 This is a perilous moment in the Middle East. Israel's actions in Gaza continue to lead to intolerable loss of civilian life. Hostages taken by Hamas terrorists remain in chains, 316 days since the 7 October attack. There are French and British citizens among them. Fighting between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah has intensified. Iranian threats of further escalation mean the risks of a full-scale regional war are rising. What we are witnessing is a destructive cycle of violence. One miscalculation, and the situation risks spiralling into an even deeper and more intractable conflict. This cycle, with its tendency towards escalation, is making progress towards a political solution harder. Our response is to reconnect - using the joint strengths of our diplomacy to press a common message. We, the foreign ministers of France and the United Kingdom, travelled together last week to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. By making the first joint visit by a British and French foreign minister for well over a decade, we are showing our commitment to working ever more closely together in a new spirit of cooperation, in the interests of our national security, Europe's security and the Middle East's security. Our countries have a strong record of working together to tackle today's challenges and, 80 years on from the D-day landings and the liberation of France, we must continue to exercise global leadership in an era of renewed geopolitical instability. The UK and France are united behind a common set of messages which we delivered to Israelis and Palestinians, including in meetings with Israel's foreign minister, Israel Katz, and the Palestinian Authority's prime minister, Mohammad Mustafa. As UN security council permanent members, we share not only a common interest, but a common responsibility to play our part in the security of Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the stability of the region as a whole. All sides should focus on the recently restarted negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. These talks offer a vital opportunity to secure an immediate ceasefire that ends the horrendous conflict in Gaza. A route to securing the release of all the hostages still cruelly held by Hamas. And a pathway to restoring stability to a region already under immense suffering and facing the prospect of far worse. Our visit to a Palestine Red Crescent Society warehouse was a stark reminder of the toll of this conflict, which is unacceptable. Without progress towards a ceasefire, this will only worsen. Brave healthcare workers across humanitarian organisations are racing to prevent an all-out polio outbreak but they can only start vaccinating if it's safe to do so. It's never too late for peace. An all-out conflict across the region is in nobody's interests. All parties need to show restraint and invest in diplomacy. Any Iranian attack would have devastating consequences, not least in undermining current Gaza ceasefire negotiations. The UK and France are not alone in highlighting the urgency of diplomacy to avoid further conflict. Both of us have talked to counterparts across the region and beyond, who share our desire to see a de-escalation in the current tensions. American, Egyptian and Qatari mediators are playing a particularly valuable role in coordinating the negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal. And our engagement reinforces our conviction that urgently securing such a deal is in the interests of Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region. Only a deal can relieve civilian suffering. Only a deal can restore communities' sense of security. Only a deal can open up the space for progress towards a two-state solution - the only long-term route to safety, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. There can be no delays or excuses. We must all come together. Reconnect in the interests of peace. Only a political solution can deliver the peace we so desperately need. That's why we want not just a ceasefire in Gaza but why we are urging Israel, Hezbollah and Lebanon to engage with the US-led discussions to resolve their tensions diplomatically, based on the principles set out by UN security council resolution 1701. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blinken renews push for Gaza cease-fire as Israeli attacks kill 28 By VOA News August 18, 2024 Israeli strikes killed 28 Palestinian civilians in new fighting in Gaza, including a woman and her six children, Palestinian health officials said. The strike came ahead of another visit to the region by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a renewed push to reach agreement on an elusive cease-fire deal to halt the 10-month Israel-Hamas war. The long-running cease-fire talks have lasted for months. Officials on numerous occasions have said the discussions were close to a resolution but then were never finished. The United States and fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar said they were closing in on a deal after two days of talks in Doha last week, but Hamas signaled resistance to what it contended were new demands by Israel. The talks are set to resume in Cairo in the coming days. Speaking to his Cabinet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of being "obstinate" in negotiations for a cease-fire deal and called for more attacks on the Palestinian militant group. "Hamas, up to this moment, remains obstinate," Netanyahu said. "It has not even sent a representative to the talks in Doha. Therefore, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, not at the Israeli government," he added, referring to the newly appointed Hamas chief. "We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give," the Israeli leader said. "The principles we have determined are vital for the security of Israel." The basic outline of a cease-fire deal remains the same. It is a three-phase process in which fighting would be halted for six weeks, while Hamas would begin to release the estimated 110 hostages it is still holding including about 70 of them living and Israel would free hundreds of Palestinians it has jailed. The mediators are hoping to end the war that started October 7 with the shock Hamas attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel's counteroffensive has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to Hamas-controlled health authorities. The Israeli military says that death toll includes thousands of Hamas militants it has killed. The majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been displaced in the fighting, many of them more than once, and caused a humanitarian catastrophe. Experts have warned of famine and the outbreak of polio and other diseases. Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday, his 10th trip to the region since the hostilities started. He is set to meet with Netanyahu on Monday. The U.S., Israel's chief arms supplier, has repeatedly called for adoption of the cease-fire proposal and played a key role in the negotiations but has not been able to bring them to a close as the war rages. A senior White House official said the cease-fire talks were at an "inflection point" and a "critical time." "The secretary is going to use this trip, starting with Israel, to just continue to stress the importance of getting this done," the official said, adding that he would "press to any and all parties that it's important to get the remaining pieces of this across the finish line." "I think it is apparent that a deal would not only be in the interest of the Israeli people but would also help alleviate some of the suffering in Gaza," the official said. "We're going to raise all of these issues directly." A strike early Sunday on a home in the central town of Deir al-Balah killed a woman and her six children, who included a set of 10-year-old quintuplets, according to Palestinian officials. Another strike east of Deir al-Balah killed at least four people, according to an Associated Press journalist at the hospital. Elsewhere, a strike in the northern town of Jabaliya hit two apartments in a residential building, killing two men, a woman and her daughter, according to Gaza's health ministry. Another two strikes in central Gaza killed nine people, according to Al-Awda Hospital. Late Saturday, a strike near the southern city of Khan Younis killed four people from the same family, including two women, according to Nasser Hospital. Israel has repeatedly said during the war that it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militant group conceals fighters, weapons, tunnels and rockets in residential areas. The Israeli military said it killed 20 militants in the attacks Saturday night into Sunday. The effort to end the fighting has gained new urgency to prevent a regional war in the Middle East after two top militants were killed in the last month. Israel acknowledged responsibility for an attack in Beirut that killed a Hezbollah commander, while Iran accused Israel of assassinating Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Haniyeh, who was visiting Iran for the inauguration of the country's new president, had played a key role in the cease-fire talks. So far, neither Iranian-funded Hezbollah militants in Lebanon nor Iran itself has responded militarily to the attacks. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thailand's newest pro-democracy party faces early legal challenge By Zsombor Peter August 18, 2024 Leaders of Thailand's newest pro-democracy party are under an ethics investigation that could see them cast out of the National Assembly over allegations echoing those that saw the party's predecessor dissolved by court order earlier this month. Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission said August 8 it had ordered a probe of 44 opposition members of the parliament accused of breaking the ethics rules for lawmakers for having sponsored a 2021 bill, which failed, to amend the country's controversial royal defamation, or lese-majeste, law. The announcement came a day after the Constitutional Court dissolved the progressive Move Forward Party, which won last year's national election, for campaigning to soften the law, which prescribes up to 15 years in jail for each offense. The court said the party's efforts posed a threat to national security, and followed on from its January ruling that the campaign was a veiled attempt to upend Thailand's constitutional monarchy governmental structure, a claim the party denied. All 44 lawmakers now under investigation by the anti-corruption commission were Move Forward members. Five were banned from public office for 10 years in the August 7 ruling that dissolved the party. The other 39 have since joined the People's Party, set up in the wake of Move Forward's dissolution to take its place, and include its new leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. If the commission concludes the 39 did breach the ethics rules, it would then send the case to the Supreme Court, which could ban them from public office as well. Analysts told VOA the previous court rulings on Move Forward's campaign to amend the royal defamation law laid the groundwork for their possible convictions. "The Constitutional Court has essentially delivered a verdict that could serve as a catalyst for upcoming verdicts against these 44 MPs," said Napon Jatusripitak, a visiting fellow at Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. The Supreme Court may follow different procedures than the Constitutional Court and decide to call its own witnesses, he said. "But it would be quite an interesting outcome if the Supreme Court ruled in a way that contradicts the Constitutional Court's verdict, given that the Constitutional Court is treated as the highest court in Thailand," he added. Verapat Pariyawong, who teaches Thai law and politics at SOAS University of London, also pointed to the precedent set by even earlier court verdicts that banned leaders of Future Forward, a progressive party that was dissolved by court order in 2020 and then gave rise to Move Forward. He said the case of Pannika Wanich was especially relevant. Pannika, a lawmaker for each party in turn, was banned from public office for life by the Supreme Court last year for breaking ethics rules by posting a photo online in 2010 deemed to disparage the monarchy. "The MPs in this [new] case, they didn't make remarks in the same way that Pannika did. But they sponsored or they agreed to support the draft legislation [to amend the royal defamation law] directly or tacitly. And if the court follows the interpretation in Pannika's case, they could expand the scope of the law to cover those MPs and therefore ban them," Verapat said. Officially, Thailand's constitutional monarchy is meant to stay out of politics. However, the country's recent string of progressive parties, and much of their base, say it has long wielded outsized influence over the government in favor of Thailand's military and conservative elites. They accuse those forces of weaponizing the royal defamation law to persecute parties, lawmakers and activists seeking to rein them in and move Thailand toward a more genuine democracy. Since 2020, Thailand's courts have charged 272 people with breaking the royal defamation law, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, a local advocacy group. Move Forward made amending the law, to limit who could file related court cases and lower the maximum jail term allowed, a central plank of the reform agenda that helped it win last year's general election. Despite that win, conservative lawmakers blocked the party from winning a vote in the National Assembly for prime minister, shunting it into opposition. Party supporters see the courts and commissions as doing the military and conservative elite's bidding as well, and the broad language of some laws and rules as helping them do it. The ethics rules the 39 People's Party lawmakers are now accused of breaking say office holders must protect the country's constitutional monarchy. The analysts, though, told VOA they give little counsel on what that means, leaving judges ample leeway. "It's open to interpretation, because ... there is no clear definition about protection of the monarchy," said Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political scientist at Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani University. "And when we talk about interpretation, it always means that if you are the target of the elite or the establishment then they could find anything to [rule] against you," he added. The analysts said the People's Party is also running the risk of being dissolved altogether, as were Future Forward and Move Forward before it, by carrying on their agenda of amending the royal defamation law. The party did not reply to VOA's requests for comment. At a news conference on Aug. 9, though, party leader Natthaphong said they would "not be careless" in going about it, in hopes of avoiding their predecessors' fate. Whatever the new party's fate, the analysts say the monarchy, or how conservative elites are seen to be using the laws that protect it for their own ends, will remain a major fault line defining Thai politics and dividing the public. "The issue of the monarchy has been used by those politicians who would like to ensure that they remain in power," said Verapat. "It's those people who rely on issues of lese-majeste to attack parties like MFP or People's [Party], so that dynamic will continue as long as ... the Constitutional Court can rely on lese-majeste to disband political parties." Napon said that may also portent more rocky politics ahead for a country that has seen 13 coups over the past century and several rounds of mass, sometimes violent, protests over the last two decades. "The problem is that it's not clear that political parties can represent these divides effectively in parliament or during election campaigns due to legal limits, because these topics are considered highly sensitive and some off limits by the Constitutional Court," he said. "It means parliament will be very inept in representing actual divides in society," he added. "And that leaves people with grievances that could only be expressed through means of street protest, which we have seen before did not lead to meaningful results other than ... more repression and jail time." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WFP welcomes Adre Border opening as the food agency races to save lives in war-torn Sudan World Food Programme 18 August 2024 This is a summary of what was said by WFP Sudan's Spokesperson Leni Kinzli, to whom quoted text may be attributed - at a press briefing In Geneva today. NAIROBI/GENEVA:The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes the news that the Adre border crossing from Chad into Sudan will be opened, as the aid agency is in a race against time to save lives in war-torn Sudan. Across the country, WFP is scaling up assistance to 14 areas either in famine or at risk of famine, largely located in Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Gezira, with the aim to support up to 8.4 million people by the end of the year. The opening of this critical humanitarian corridor through Adre will enable us to deliver aid into Sudan's conflict-rattled Darfur region, where famine was confirmed just two weeks ago in Zamzam IDP camp near El Fasher, North Darfur's capital. WFP is immediately mobilizing vital food and nutrition supplies to be transported via the Adre corridor over the coming weeks. We need to see trucks moving across this border every single day to get a consistent flow of aid into the region. As we speak, two convoys, with nearly 6,000 mt of food and nutrition supplies for around half a million people are being loaded, destined for risk of famine areas in the North, Central and West Darfur states as soon as official Government communication and clearances are received. This comes at a crucial time, as the only other border crossing from Chad into Darfur (via Tine) has become largely impassable due to heavy rains, where around 30 trucks full of WFP assistance have been unable to cross a flooded seasonal river for nearly a month. Across Sudan, what little hope the Sudanese are holding onto after 16 months of war is being swept away by heavy rainfall and floods. The rainy season is exacerbating the already devastating food security situation in Sudan. Floods are forcing more people from their homes, increasing humanitarian needs, and cutting off communities from vital assistance. Heavy rains have destroyed key bridges and made it extremely difficult for aid convoys to pass through muddy, flooded roads. Currently more than 50 trucks carrying an estimated 4,800 mt of WFP food and nutrition assistance - enough for around 500,000 people - are stuck in various locations across Sudan and unable to move towards their final destinations due to flooded and impassable roads. That's why it is ever more critical that additional humanitarian corridors are open, and that humanitarian access is massively expanded. WFP urgently needs all other border crossings into Sudan to open to be able to use every possible supply route to deliver urgently needed food and nutrition assistance as shifting frontline lines and now severe flooding means we must constantly negotiate and secure new routes for aid convoys. This includes a formal agreement between South Sudan and Sudan to transport aid from the south into Darfur, Kordofan, and Blue Nile. As the Sudanese people continue suffering the unimaginable - bearing the brunt of the ongoing war and now also at nature's whim as the heavy rains are setting off a disaster on top of a disaster - now is the time for all actors, especially parties to the conflict, to come together and act in the interest of the Sudanese people who are now seeing what little hope they had left drowned by downpours nationwide. The ongoing Geneva peace talks offer a vital opportunity for the international community to address widespread operational challenges and access impediments directly with the warring parties obstructing aid delivery. It is critical for that warring parties leave the battlefield and show up at the negotiating table, so we can get food moving to hunger-struck communities across the country in time before it's too late. # # # The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 18 August 2024 - Day 907 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 110 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect. The hottest situation remains in the Pokrovsky direction. Russian zagarbniki made four strikes on the territory of Ukraine with seven rockets and 50 air strikes, dropping 62 kabi. In addition, 577 kamikaze drones were recruited and carried out more than 3,200 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. According to the information, in the Kharkiv direction, there were three clashes near vovchans k and lipciv. Two Russian attacks continue. In the Kupans komu direction, Russian forces 16 times attacked the defensive borders of Ukrainian warriors, in particular, near synkivka, glushkivka, kolisnikivka and stelmahivka. Twelve fights completed, four are ongoing. In the Lymans komu direction throughout the day, there were 15 battles. Russian immigrants carried out assault actions near Grekivka, Nevsky, Makiyivka, Torsky and Terniv. Two attacks are currently ongoing. In the Sivers komu direction defenders of Ukrainian land repelled Russian assault in the area of Verkhnyokamiansky. The Kramators .komu direction sharpened 10 battles near Grigorivka, Kalinivka, Chasovogo Yaru, Predtecinyogo and Klis iivka. At this time, there are no fights. In the Toretsky direction Russians attacked Ukrainian troops near Diliyivka, Zaliznogo, Nelipivka and Toretsky. Sixteen assaults stopped, three assaults still ongoing. The situation is under control of Ukrainian troops. In the Intercession direction, since the beginning of this day, 33 battles have been sharpened in the areas of the settlements of Grodivka, Vozdvizhenko, Green Field, Kalinove, Mirolubivka, Mykolaivka, Novogrodivka, Ptiche, Zavitne and Mykhailivka. Defense forces repelled 24 attacks, nine are still going. Today, 231 Russian occupants were defecated in this direction. Destroyed a tank, two artillery systems, a 120-mm mortar, four BPLAs and nine vehicles units. Also, damaged MT-LB, two artillery systems, 120-mm mortar and five cars. In the Kurakhiv direction, Russian forces six times attacked Ukrainian positions near Paraskoviivka, Krasnogorivka and Konstantinivka. As a result of the boezitknen - suffered defeats. In the Vremivs komu direction, Russian forces made four offensive actions towards Vugledar, Rozdolny and Vodanogo. One fight is still going on. In the pridniprovsky direction, Russian forces was unsuccessful, three times attacking the defensive borders of Ukrainian units. In other directions - no change. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Volchansk and Liptsy directions, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 43rd Mechanised Brigade, 92nd Assault Brigade, 36th Marine Brigade near Liptsy, Beliy Kolodez, and Volchansk (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 90 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station. One ammunition depot was destroyed. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions as well as inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 14th, 30th, 67th, 440th mechanised brigades, and 117th Territorial Defence Brigade near Petropavlovka, Tabayevka, Novoplatonovka (Kharkov region), Stelmakhovka (Lugansk People's Republic), and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 241st Territorial Defence Brigade was repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 440 Ukrainian troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, and six motor vehicles. In the course of counter-battery warfare, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzer, and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station were destroyed. Two AFU ammunition depots were destroyed. Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 24th Mechanised Brigade, 5th Assault Brigade, and 24th Assault Battalion near Chasov Yar, Stupochki, and Predtechino (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 420 Ukrainian troops and two motor vehicles. In the course of counter-battery warfare, one 122-mm Grad MLRS launcher, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, three U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, two UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzers, two 152-mm Msta-B howitzers, two 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, two UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzers, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzer, and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station were destroyed. Two field ammunition depots and one POL depot were destroyed. As a result of active actions, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Sviridonovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Losses were inflicted on formations of the AFU 47th, 151st mechanised brigades, 68th Jaeger Brigade, 111th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 15th National Guard Brigade near Vozdvizhenka, Kalinovo, Ptichiye, Novoekonomicheskoye, and Dolinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by units of the Lyut Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian National Police were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to more than 500 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, three 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, two 100-mm Rapira anti-tank guns, and one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-37 counter-battery warfare station. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front lines and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 33rd and 72nd mechanised brigades near Zelenoye Pole and Vodyanoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 100 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two motor vehicles, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station. Three AFU field ammunition depots were destroyed. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade and 128th Mountain Assault Brigade near Malaya Tokmachka and Pyatikhatki (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 80 Ukrainian troops, six motor vehicles, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and two Anklav-N electronic warfare station. Two AFU ammunition depots was destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces wiped out one tank gun workshop, one U.S.-made M270 MLRS launcher, and one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS launcher. In addition, clusters of AFU manpower and hardware have been engaged in 163 areas. Air defence units shot down one French-made Hammer guided aerial bomb, seven U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, 27 unmanned aerial vehicles, 11 of which outside the special military operation zone. In total, 639 airplanes and 282 helicopters, 30,112 unmanned aerial vehicles, 575 air defence missile systems, 17,320 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,411 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 13,392 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 24,894 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to repel the AFU attempt to invade the territory of the Russian Federation. Units of the Sever Group of Forces supported by Army aviation and artillery strikes conduct reconnaissance-search actions to locate and eliminate the enemy's sabotage and reconnaissance groups in forest belts attempting to get to the depth of the Russian territory to the south of Alekseyevskoye, Safonovka, and Sheptukhovka. Attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 22nd, 61st, and 115th mechanised brigades, and 82nd Air Assault Brigade toward Komarovka, Olgovka, Russkoye, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to one tank, five armoured fighting vehicles, one counterobstacle vehicle, and more than 30 Ukrainian troops. Aviation and artillery strikes along with actions of defending troops inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware clusters near Borki, Fanaseyevka, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, Novoivanovka, Mikhailovka, Snagost, and to the south of Kurilovka. One U.S.-made M270 MLRS launcher was destroyed by a missile strike near Bezdrik (Sumy region). Operational-Tactical Aviation delivered strikes at the enemy's reserves, ammunition and POL depots of the AFU 22nd Mechanised Brigade, 80th Air Assault Brigade, 103rd, and 107th territorial defence brigades near Atinskoye, Belopolye, Vorozhba, Kiyanitsa, Kositsa, and Shalgino (Sumy region). Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses have amounted to more than 300 Ukrainian troops and 27 units of hardware, including six tanks, one infantry fighting vehicle, two armoured personnel carriers, 18 armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, one MLRS launcher, and two units of engineering vehicles, including one counterobstacle vehicle. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses have amounted to 3,460 Ukrainian troops, 50 tanks, 25 infantry fighting vehicles, 45 armoured personnel carriers, 262 armoured fighting vehicles, 115 motor vehicles, five SAM launchers, seven MLRS launchers, including three HIMARS and one M270 MLRS, 25 field artillery guns, four electronic warfare stations, four units of engineering vehicles, including one counterobstacle vehicles and one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Battle of Kursk II - 18 August 2024 - Day 13 British military expert Lawrence Freedman, Honorary Professor of War Studies at Kings College London, told Liga that Ukraines ongoing Kursk incursion poses significant problems for Russia, effectively shifting the main battles to Russian territory. According to Freedman, Ukrainian generals fully understand the risks involved in the Kursk offensive, as well as its enormous potential. This creates big problems for the Russians, who turned out to be unprepared to defend their own land, he said. The professor emphasized that Russia had committed all its forces to attack Ukraine. If the Armed Forces of Ukraine can continue their work in Kursk region, it will inevitably draw Russian forces away from Donbas. Its a shame for Russia that they are capturing foreign territories but cannot protect their own, Freedman stated. He noted that its currently difficult to predict what will happen in Ukraines Donbas or Russias Kursk Oblast. However, he stressed the importance of the fact that the main battles are now taking place not in Ukraine, but in Russia. Freedman pointed out that this operation has a positive effect on Ukrainian morale after a difficult year for the country. It also hits Russian morale. Moscow looks silly. As if its cracking at the seams and doesnt know what to do, he added. The plan of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, in this case, apparently, is aimed at continuing to expand the zone of control along the border. Having been stopped south of Sudzha, Ukrainian troops moved west with fresh forces. From the captured Apanasovka, with reserves, the Ukrainian Armed Forces can either continue attempts to break through Korenevo , or move along the Seim River to the west towards Glushkovo and Zvannoye (where crossings were recently destroyed), simultaneously striking across the border in the direction of Tetkino . If this plan succeeds, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will grow another fifty kilometers in the width of the front, inserted along the river, which then during the counteroffensive Russian troops will have to overcome. A motorized rifle regiment formed from Aerospace Forces personnel was created between May and June to secure the border. The unit arrived several weeks before the Ukrainian Armed Forces began their operation in Kursk Oblast in mid-July. The regiment includes security personnel, engineers, mechanics, and a few flight officers reassigned from airbases in Ukrainka, Altai Krai; Belaya, Irkutsk Oblast; and Engels, Saratov Oblast, which host Tu-22M and Tu-95 bombers used in missile strikes against Ukraine. The Aerospace Forces motorized riflemen were likely part of a convoy destroyed by a HIMARS strike near Rylsk, Kursk Oblast, on the night of Aug. 8, according to iStories. The Economist reported that "The plan to invade part of Russia did not come from a happy place. In early July, General Syrsky, Ukraine's newly appointed top commander, was under pressure. He was grappling with a less-than-ideal inheritance from his predecessor, Valery Zaluzhny, and the army's leadership was at odds with the president over mobilisation policies, leading to significant manpower shortages. In America Congress was delaying support. Avdiivka, a stronghold north of Donetsk, was about to fall. Frontlines in the Donetsk region were crumbling, most especially around the logistical hub of Pokrovsk. Rumours circulated that General Syrsky was on the verge of being dismissed, with attack dogs associated with Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's all-powerful Chief of Staff, even suggesting he had been "lying" to his bosses. "Amid the turmoil, the commander began his planning. "Syrsky isn't good at political games," says a source close to the general. "What he is good at is war." Several scenarios were considered for an offensive push at the weakest points in the Russian line: a strike in Bryansk region in the north; a strike in Kursk region; a combination of the two; or more. The main objective was to draw troops away from the Donbas stranglehold, and to create bargaining chips for any future negotiation. General Syrsky kept his plans under wraps, sharing them only with a tight group of generals and security officials. He spoke to the president on a one-on-one basis, without his staff. The army's intelligence did much of the reconnaissance, rather than leaving it to HUR, Ukraine's military intelligence agency, which was included only at a late stage.... "General Syrsky is a pedant for detail. Yet while the first phase was planned meticulously the campaign is now developing in an ad hoc fashion. With the element of surprise lost, the Ukrainian advances have slowed. President Zelensky is still pushing for maximum progress, a source in the general staff says. But his top soldier is cautious, concentrating on expanding the flanks along the border to create more defensible lines. 'Syrsky is no fool,' his confidante says. 'He knows that rushing ahead risks the whole operation.' In recent days, an expanded Ukrainian contingent of 10,000-20,000 soldiers appears to be focused on establishing control on the southern bank of the Seim river to the north-west of Sudzha." Institute for the Study of War observed that the initial Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast attacked largely unprepared, unequipped, and unmanned Russian defensive positions along the border, but Ukraine has continued to leverage maneuver to make rapid advances in Kursk Oblast following the deployment of Russian reinforcements to the area. Ukraine's use of maneuver in Kursk Oblast serves as an example of how Ukrainian maneuver, coupled with operational surprise, can result in comparably sized gains in significantly shorter periods of time with less manpower and materiel. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Western partners to timely deliver announced military aid packages to Ukraine. He said this in his evening address. According to him, dozens of attacks have already taken place near Toretsk and Pokrovsk this day. "But our units, our brigades are doing everything to preserve positions. I thank everyone who ensures this. There are good results today, we need results in the destruction of Russian equipment near Toretsk. And all this is more than protection for Ukraine, this is now the main task - to destroy as much as possible of the Russian potential, the potential of war, and carry out a maximum of counterattack work. In particular, this is the creation of a buffer zone on the territory of the aggressor - our operation in the Kursk region," said the president. Dmitri at WarTranslated reported that Russian blogger Romanov, travelling from Ryl'sk to L'gov, says the administration did not bother evacuating the population from the area, and now that the bridge is destroyed, it's going to be even more complicated. He added that Ukrainian FPVs are scanning the highway, hoping to cut it off. Prolonged positional warfare, in contrast, will only make Ukraine's resource disadvantages more pronounced and protracted war will increase the costs to Ukraine and its partners. Pro-Russian war bloggers are "encouraging" civilians in the districts of Rylsk and Lgov to leave the area. They also add that they do not want to add "panic" to the situation and urge to stay calm, but it is obvious that those are just words. Russian units are not getting things under control. FPV drones are already firmly operating in this area which means that the Ukrainian spearheads are already in striking distance. The chaotic situation in the districts of Sudzha and Glushkovo, where marauding Russian units, especially from the Akhmat unit, have started to loot, pillage and rape among the civilian Russian population and property, before the Ukrainian army could reach those areas and establish order, speaks for itself. The battles are taking place in different areas in the region. Ukrainian forces act centrally from the point where they managed to gain a foothold and tries to expand the borders in several directions at once, forcing Russian forces to spend as many resources as possible on covering the front. So in the area of Korenevo, Olgovka there is fighting, Ukrainian forces also tried to break through to Komarovka, but this point is underRussian control. There are also battles for Russkoye Porechnoye. The situation is difficult in the Glushkovo district, where Ukrainian forces weres cutting off roads by blowing up bridges across the Seym. In the Sudzha district, the situation is one of the most difficul. In the Belovsky district, fighting is taking place in the Ozerka and Girya areas. Also in the area of Kromskie Bykov, Kauchuk and Safonovka, Ukrainian groups in armored vehicles continue to raid populated areas. On Russian part, systematic work is underway to push out Ukrainian forces, Russian forces need to cover the entire territory. Russian forces are combing all forest zones, all buildings in populated areas, as well as farms and other territories from the air and on the ground. In the Sumy region Russian forces strike at Ukrainian forces; in a short period of time, a record number of Ukrainian launchers and air defense systems were destroyed. Ukrinform spoke to military experts about the factors behind Russian armys failures in the Kursk region and what consequences, favorable or not, this has already had or is likely to have for the Russian Federation, Ukraine and all of the world? Goal No 1: Make Russia withdraw forces from the areas Ukraine considers potentially most prone to Russian attacks. "The strategic goal of Ukraines offensive in Kursk was obviously to cut down the adversarys offensive capacity on the Eastern front, to divert the enemy's reserves from the "hottest" stretches of the frontline - a response that mirrors Russias offensive in the Kharkiv region in May," Pavlo Lakiychuk, the director of security programs at the Center for Global Studies "Strategy XXI" said in a comment to Ukrinform. The Kursk incursion has had limited success so far, the expert believes. The adversary is chaotically redeploying forces within its North force grouping, particularly from the Kharkiv front. Enemys reserves are being moved in to Kursk from the southern and eastern stretches of the Ukrainian frontline. "But at this point these are small units or ones that have already been withdrawn for rest and recovery. Commanders of Russias Center force grouping are in no hurry to withdraw troops from the axes of its advance. Obviously, the offensive operation they are conducting on the Kramatorsk-Toretsk-Pokrovsk axis remains their number one priority, says Mr. Lakiychuk. The redeployment of the best combat-capable units within the Center force grouping to the Kursk region will indicate that the Russians are in trouble. This may be an indication of a strategic turning point in the war." Oleksandr Musienko, the head of the Center for Military and Legal Studies think tank, believes that the adversary will have to redeploy to the Kursk front the forces which it previously planned to deploy to the Donetsk, Kharkiv or Luhansk fronts. "These forces will now be fighting in Kursk. The Russians have given up plans to amass reserves on some axes, such as Toretsk - New York, for example; they are not deploying reserves to these axes, as was the case until recently. The forces deployed out there have to fight without new reinforcements added. That is, the adversary is waiting to see how the situation will develop in the Kursk region," the expert believes. Oleksandr Kovalenko, a military analyst at the Information Resistance group, adds that, according to the provided information, the Russian army is pulling its 138th Separate Mechanized Rifle Brigade, along with the 79th and 272nd Motorized Rifle Regiments out of the Kharkiv front and towards the Kursk front. "The redeployment of these forces and capabilities will impact on the fighting in the Kharkiv region and alleviate the pressure exerted on this axis by Russias occupying forces. What will this entail? It is highly likely that the Ukrainians will counter-attack, then move on to a counter-offensive aimed to push the Russians out if not beyond Ukraines international border then at least beyond the limits of Vovchansk town and Hlyboke village," the expert predicts. The adversary is currently redeploying at least two of its battalions to the Kursk region from Kupiansk axis, which is within the responsibility zone of Russias West force grouping. "The end goal will be to get the 810th Naval Marine brigade -- which for almost a year earlier was struggling to regain control over Krynky, a key village in the heavily-contested Dnipro bridgehead in the Russian-occupied part of the Kherson region -- pulled out of the currently hottest Pokrovsk axis," Mr. Kovalenko says. The obvious strategic goal of the offensive operation in Kursk Oblast is to cut down the adversarys offensive capacity on the Eastern front, to divert the enemy's reserves from the "hottest" stretches of the frontline. Furthermore to this, the Russian Federation urgently undertook to redeploy its troops from Kaliningrad to the Kursk region, according to Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurinas Kasciunas. "We are now seeing how they (the Russians - Ed.) are redeploying their troops to Kursk. I am saying to the Lithuanian people: look at how the Ukrainians are fighting for you, because, due to their struggle, Russia is forced to deploy its troops out of Kaliningrad. We even call it the "demilitarization" of Kaliningrad, which is thanks to the bravery of your military, thanks to your decisions," the Lithuanian defense minister said. Goal No 2: To create a "buffer zone" to secure Sumy Oblast. Pavlo Lakiychuk recalls how Russian dictator Putin, in March, threatened Ukraine and the world "with the creation of a "sanitary zone" in northern Ukraine." And his spokesman Peskov clarified that the "buffer zone" will cover the Ukrainian regions of Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv. In May, the Russians began the implementation of "Putin's covenants" with the invasion of the Kharkiv region. In a comment to The New York Times on May 14, General Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate at Ukraines Ministry of Defense (GUR), confirmed the enemy's plan. He also claimed that Russia planned a similar operation in the northeastern Sumy region, where he said small groups of Russian troops are located. The Russians actually planned a similar operation in this region from the very beginning. As of now, they are holding small groups of forces in the border town of Sudzha on the side of the Russian Federation, but the situation has not yet allowed them to take active actions and start implementing their plan, he said. Budanov emphasized that "the enemy has no intention to retreat, it is only necessary to get it knocked out." "Therefore, the beginning of the Kursk operation by the Armed Forces three months after the escalation of hostilities in northern border areas was predictable. It no longer matters what triggered the offensive, whether it was a cross-border provocation staged by the Russians, or a pre-emptive strike by our forces aimed at dissuading the invader. But it is obvious that the offensive was meticulously planned for, in conditions of an information blackout and with measures taken to mislead the enemy - the incursion has caught the enemy off guard. This is the first tangible success," says Pavlo Lakiychuk. Oleksandr Musienko, the head of the Center for Military and Legal Studies think tank, draws attention to the fact that the city of Sudzha was home to the Russian forces headquarters: "The enemy was planning for an offensive towards the Sumy region back in May. On top of that, Sudzha served as a coordinating center for attacks on Ukrainian territory with artillery and mortar fire, as well as for subversive and recon operations in Ukraine." Goal No. 3 strategic critical infrastructure facilities. The first is the Gazproms gas metering station (GMS) located in the city of Sudzha, which is currently under Ukrainian military control. The Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod main gas pipeline runs through the Sudzha station. This is the key and only operational route for the transit of Russian gas to European Union countries via Ukraine. In fact, the Sudzha GMS is a border point for gas from Russia. Passing through it, the fuel enters the Ukrainian gas transport system, then to Slovakia, Czechia, and Austria. Last year, about 14.65 billion cubic meters were pumped through the station, which is almost half of all Russian gas exports to Europe. Second is the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, one of the three biggest nuclear power plants in Russia and one of the four biggest electricity producers in the country, located in the city of Kurchatov about 40 kilometers west of the city of Kursk. In the event the facility goes over under Ukrainian military control, the aggressor countrys power system will be in for certain difficulties, experts say. "Not only can the GMS and the NPP secure our soldiers from enemys bombing attacks, but also become a real trump card in the future. These two facilities can be exchanged for something, for example, the Russian captured Zaporizhzhia NPP," Oleksandr Kovalenko explains. Goal No. 4 prisoner-for-prisoner and territory-for-territory exchanges Having taken control of Russian territories, Ukraine can use them as a bargaining chip in future negotiations. "The territory-for-territory exchange in order to gain a leverage in negotiations is also a very important story. Hypothetically, imagine the negotiations got underway, and we will say: we have these territories of the Russian Federation under our control, let's exchange them for the territories Russia has under its control in Ukraine", Denys Popovych, a military analysts, deliberates. Pavlo Lakiychuk comments: "If authorities in Kyiv were considering the capture of Russian territories as a "bargaining coin" in future negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation and as a separate goal of the Kursk Offensive operation, this theory has the right to exist. But it was a false idea: one must be able to predict Putins behavior: "Now it is clear why the Kyiv regime refused our proposals to get back to the peace settlement plan ... to the proposals from interested and neutral mediators. .. What negotiations can we talk about at all ... What can we talk about with them at all?" Hypocrite! The Kursk operation seems to have had an unexpected (or, on the contrary, meticulously thought-out) result - hysteria in the Kremlin! And this is a plus. As Sun Tzu wrote, anger is a bad starting point." A supplemental tactical goal of the operation relates to captured Russian (and not only) military personnel, photos of whom are distributed on social networks and in various media. They will replenish the prisoners pool for future exchanges. "The blue-colored plumber duct tape is running out. No, this is not a joke. "It seems like there will soon be staged a fundraising campaign to buy armored duct tape", Oleksandr Kovalenko remarks with a funny comment. As of August 15, some two thousand Russian soldiers who had been captured by Ukrainian troops during the Kursk operation have been added to the pool of prisoners for future exchanges, according to Kovalenko. "Birds whispered that there were even more of them, probably over two and a half thousand. They are mostly conscripts. For the context: Russia had 10,000 troops deployed in the Kursk region, meaning the force has lost 25 percent of its strength, and this not inclusive of dead and injured casualties, which are hard to count at this point. At the same time, after more than a week of hostilities, conscripted Russian soldiers continue surrendering to captivity, meaning they have not been removed to rear areas of Kursk Oblast, even after hundreds of them had been captured already. Its a good news, and not only because it reveals a severe shortage of resources available to the Russian occupying forces..." Russian conscripts in Ukrainian captivity is something that can trigger protests from so-called "committees of soldiers' mothers" in the Russian Federation, as well as something that can rock the boat and shake the internal political stability in Russia. And that explains why the Kremlin is so anxious to get them back. According to Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, despite reports in Russian mass media that Moscow had purportedly decided to suspend prisoners exchanges with Ukraine, he was contacted by his Russian counterpart, Tatiana Moskalkova on August 14 with a request to talk over the exchange of war prisoners. "This is very good news for our guys and girls, who are being awaited at home, and who are suffering in Russian captivity. Conscripted soldiers in Russias occupying forces are surrendering by the hundreds and thousands now, and tomorrow will see hundreds and thousands of our heroes and heroines returning back home from Russian captivity," Kovalenko went on to note. Meanwhile, Ivan Tymochko, the chair of Ukraine Ground Forces Council of Reservists, says that, in addition to soldier conscripts, the FSB (Russian Federal Security Service ed.) and Kadyrovs men the people who are reverberating in some or other way among the Russian society -- are also getting to captivity. "This adds many-fold to their value as prisoners," Tymocko clarifies. Incidentally, a video footage emerged on the Internet showing captured Russian conscripts requesting to be exchanged for the Azov soldiers currently held captive by Russia. "Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin], we are the conscripts who were defending the Kursk region and have got to captivity. We are asking to be exchanged for soldiers from the Azov battalion. We are scared a lot, and we want back home to our families and others we love," a Russian prisoner on the footage says. Goal No. 5 to show off Ukraine's warfighting capabilities Simply put, Ukraines incursion into Kursk is aimed to demonstrate that Ukrainian forces are strong enough to put pressure on Russian invaders. This may help persuade allies to lift restrictions on the use of weapons theyd supplied to go after military targets on Russian soil on the one hand, and stimulates the fighting spirit in the Ukrainians on the other. "Any military operation, in addition to pursuing purely military goals, which are a priority, also aims at other, related tasks - military-political, diplomatic, informational, and psychological. It is therefore pretty obvious that the rapid Ukrainian offensive across the border into Kursk was supposed to demonstrate to our partners to see the fallacy of theories about the "positional stalemate", the weakness of Putins "red lines" arguments regarding the current ban on Ukraine using Western-supplied precision weaponry against military targets inside Russia. Well, you forbid us from striking the launching sites of the missiles that target our cities, including the capital city, with the weapons youd provided. OK, we will come there on foot and take out those launching sites with grenade fires, Pavlo Lakiychuk says, and continues: After all, a successful raid on enemy territory is supposed to raise the morale of the Ukrainians who begin losing confidence in their own power against the backdrop of reports about battlefield failures. We can and will crush the enemy in Ukraine and elsewhere!" Goal No. 6 -- destabilization of Putin's regime The surprise Kursk incursion has seriously rocked the top leadership in the Kremlin. The offensive and the huge defeat of the Russian army out there have shattered the stability and caused a conflict among Russias top leadership. "These are the situations that undermine the unity among members of Russias ruling elite. This is evidenced by the facts such as the introduction of anti-terrorist regime in the Russian regions of Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions, with the FSB chief appointed to oversee the enforcement of the regime. On the one hand, this measure is reasonable enough where it comes to an anti-terrorist operation. But we perfectly understand that it was a consequence of the conflict, and Russias chief of the general staff vowed to get Ukrainian troops knocked out of the Kursk region. After he had failed to achieve this end, he was removed as commander and replaced with another. That is, not only is this a consequence of legitimate actions, but also of the conflict [among Russias ruling elite], and this conflict is going to expand further," says Denys Popovych. Oleksandr Musienko adds: "There is no unity among them. The Chechen battalion already began talking that securing the border is a job for the Russians, not the Chechens. This all reveals the weakness of the Russian concept, the weakness of Putin and of his reputation and image." Oleksandr Kovalenko believes that the Russian armys failures while defending the Kursk region against the invading Ukrainian forces have been caused by three factors. Factor No. 1: Force composition The force grouping North, which is responsible for the defense of Kursk, is comprised of three subgroups: Kursk, Bryansk and Belgorod. Of these, Belgorod group is best combat-capable and currently waging fighting in northern Kharkiv Oblast. "The Bryansk and Kursk groups have too little personnel for defending even the border areas, just doing an imitation of defense actually. The Kursk group had a strength of approximately 10,000, but was armed and equipped way below standard quantities," says Oleksandr Kovalenko. Factor No. 2: Operation planning In preparing for the incursion into the Kursk region, the axis of Ukrainian forces advance were so perfectly and skillfully planned that has made the advance impossible to get stopped. Not only were Ukrainian forces advancing along logistical arteries and highways, but also along rivers that served as natural barriers, the expert pointed out. "For example, traffic towards the Russian city of Sudzha went via the R-200 Highway, which runs along the left bank of the Oleshnya River. After the villages located on the left side of R-200 came under control of Ukrainian forces, they found themselves secured by a natural barrier," Kovalenko goes on to note. Factor No. 3: Communication issues The failure of Russian defenses on the Kursk front occurred particularly due to the lack of an effective communication system. When the command and control chain became disrupted, individual units lost their ability to work at a high level of proficiency. Particularly soldiers from Kadyrov-sponsored Akhmat battalion, as soon as the artillery began to work, immediately fled their defending positions, leaving undertrained young conscripts alone to hold the defense, the expert explains. "These factors are all behind such a result, along with the fact that the Russian military and political leaders were in a sort of anabiosis during the initial 48-72 hours since the incursion started. Its only recently that some action began to be undertaken to stop Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region," Kovalenko added. In answer to the question about how long "Ukrainian special military operation" on the territory of the Russian Federation can take, Oleksandr Kovalenko said that it is most likely a medium-term plan. "The Kursk operation by the Ukrainian Armed Forces is not like the raids performed by fighters of the "Freedom of Russia" legion previously, where they entered into Russias territory, terrorized the locals and fled away. What we are witnessing now is the implementation of a plan to dig in and expand the territory, which I call "the zone not controlled by the Russian army." Oleksandr Musienko offered a similar view: "Ukraine must declare its intention to expand its military presence on Russian territory to the extent allowed by its capacities, resources and available assets of war. There are no restrictions here, no matter whether it is Kursk, Moscow or elsewhere. Thats the policy that should be pursued. Ukraine should declare in explicit terms that its ultimate goal is to expand the warzone, create problems for the adversary, inflict on it maximum losses possible, and, where possible, to advance as deep into Russia as capabilities allow. There should be no talk about restrictions or limits: this has no limits." Pavlo Lakiychuk, for his part, says that the Kursk Incursion, in terms of the intensity and scope, amounts to a sweeping offensive operation. At the initial stage, the goal is to break through enemy's defenses to a tactical depth. This stage is characterized by a high tempo of advance, but it does not last long, just for five to ten days. "As troops are advancing deeper into the enemy's defenses, the tempo gradually slows down as there is need to pull the second echelon, secure the flanks, and provide for logistics. Meanwhile, the enemy is little by little recovering from the defeat, deploying reserves and building provisional defensive lines. The tasks to be achieved next will be defined based on the success achieved in the initial stage of the operation, the availability of resources for developing the success further, as well as the logistics capabilities." In the context of the Kursk operation, the expert mentioned the Kharkiv Offensive operation by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in September 2022: "Despite the rapid success, the offensive was stopped just a few dozen kilometers from so much longed for Svatove and Rubizhne due to the shortage of logistics and resources that made it too risky to advance further, it was necessary to stop in time. No matter how much one would like to see an offensive toward Kursk or a raid on Belgorod Oblast, towards the rear of the enemy's forces on the Kharkiv front, such a scenario is unlikely to occur. The enemy is already digging in, pulling up reserves. Putin ordered his military commanders to draw the adversary beyond the international border, no matter what the cost. So, the Ukrainian army is in for tough battles." Russia has been embarrassed by the Ukrainian armys success in Kursk, showing off both to its friends and adversaries its inability to defend itself, especially on the border with the country it has been demonizing since 2014. "We have a very revealing response from Russias partners. China, following a tradition, waited for nearly a week, giving the half-empire an opportunity to somehow remedy the shameful situation for the Kremlin. Having failed to see this happening, it responded by repeating its traditional peacemaking narratives about nothing. North Korea and Iran remained silent as if nothing had happened. Russias closest allies do not believe that Russia should be openly supported and Ukraine criticized: it has got into trouble by itself, so let it get out by itself," says Oleksandr Kochetkov, a policy analyst. Even more interesting was a response from Russias satellite countries CSTO members. "Lukashenko, in his customary fashion, made all kinds of nonsense about a purported Ukrainian drone attack, deployed armored vehicles to the border and back, in every possible way creating the appearance that he was helping the allied state while himself having to repel a terrible attack by NATO," says Mr. Kochetkov. Other CSTO member states either ostensibly did not respond, or, like Armenia, hinted that since Russia did not help it against Azerbaijan, they are not obliged either. Kazakhstan, which is now getting closer not only to China, but also to the USA, responded in explicit language: the plan to attack Ukraine was not agreed with us, so why on earth do we have to rake up the consequences of this attack?" That said, the positive response by our Western partners to the developments in the Kursk region, who have recognized the right for Ukraine to defend its security interests by conducting military operations on Russian territory, is a significant favorable signal. "I am convinced that the Kursk operation marks just the beginning of important military and political processes. The West responded favorably to the military operation being pursued by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region, because they understand that in this way Ukraine is trying to gain a leverage in future peace negotiations," says Volodymyr Fesenko, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Applied Political Studies "Penta". The West is currently waiting to see how the situation will develop in the Kursk region, and whether Ukraine will be able to convert the achieved success into a leverage in negotiating an end to the war. From the political and military perspectives, the key success of the Kursk operation was achieved thanks to unconventional actions. The Ukrainian incursion caught the Russians off guard. They were not prepared for this happening, and so Ukraine is likely to resort to a new surprise attack. Russia must be forced into peace. With its offensive in the Kursk region, Kyiv is playing along with the Western policy makers who are convinced that power projection is the only way to force the Russian Federation into ending the war," Fesenko pointed out. Well, Ukraine has made its move. Now the partners must intensify their pressure on Putin, particularly by permitting the Ukrainian Armed Forces to unrestrictively use the weapons theyd provided to go for viable military targets on Russian soil. "It is uncertain how the Ukrainian offensive will develop in the coming days and weeks, but we, however, can say already now that the Kursk offensive is not in vain, not even in the context of seizing the initiative or changing the balance of forces at the frontlines. It has changed the status quo of the war. It has forced the world to look at the "Ukrainian conflict" differently. Obviously, our Western partners will have to revise their strategies, no matter how much they want to stay in the warm bath. It is becoming more and more difficult for them to explain their reluctance to act, or, if you like, their strictly dosed support provided to Ukraine," Pavlo Lakiychuk believes. Orest Sohar, an international columnist, comments: "The breach of the border in the Kursk region has made our intimidated partners convinced of what is obvious: nuclear threats are just part of Putins PSYOP, rather than a meaningful strategy pursued by the Russian Federation. And all the more so as Putin has an older brother in China, whose plans dont include a nuclear war. It is critically necessary that Ukraines armed forces get their hands untied immediately: Ukrainian soldiers must be made free to use Bradley, Leopard, HIMARS for attacks on the aggressors territory. Sadly enough, the current black list of prohibitions includes UK-made Storm Shadow and U.S.-made ATACMS missiles, and Germanys Taurus missiles are not in Ukrainian service either. It seems like its just a matter of time before these bans are lifted." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Budget announcements relating to the Space sector have a futuristic vision, says Space Minister Dr Jitendra Singh India PIB Department of Space Modi government had broken the shackles of the past to liberate the Space Sector and the credit for this goes to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi: Dr Jitendra Singh 2023 New Space policy was a watershed moment, allowing private sector to participate in ISRO's activities The projection is that the space economy will grow five times in the next 10 years or around $44 billion Posted On: 17 AUG 2024 7:02PM by PIB Delhi Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said here today that the announcements in the Budget 2024-25 relating to the Space sector have a futuristic vision. In an exclusive interview to the Editor of the 'OPEN" magazine, Rajeev Deshpande, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Modi government had broken the shackles of the past to liberate the Space Sector and the credit for this goes to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. He further elaborated that for nearly 60-70 years, the Space sector was working behind a veil of self-imposed secrecy. That deprived the sector of resources and knowledge. We had no dearth of talent, he said. The 2023 new space policy was a watershed moment, said Dr Jitendra Singh. For the first time, he said, the private sector was allowed to participate in ISRO's activities. Just before that, in 2020, an agency called In- SPACe was set up, which is an interface between government and private sectors. This was followed by the New Space India Limited to produce and assemble launch vehicles, he added.. According to the Minister for Space, there is an amazing enthusiasm about the developments. In 2021 or so, we had just one digit StartUp in the Space sector, and now we are nearing 300. Some of them are world-class, many are entrepreneurial stories. There is a Startup called AgniKul Cosmos that has set up a private launchpad in the ISRO premises, he said. They are reinforcing the ISRO infrastructure. There is Skyroot, which carried out the first-ever private sub-orbital launch. They are working on being the first to develop a rocket in the private sector. As a result, global companies like SpaceX are reaching out to Indian companies. According to Dr Jitendra Singh, all this is placing India as a frontline player in the private sector. Therefore, in 2023, we saw an in-vestment of Rs.1000 crore. The projection is that the space economy will grow five times in the next 10 years or around $44 billion. Replying to a question regarding potential employment opportunities in the Space Sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, this might provide employment to talent that might have gone abroad. Our human resources were never lacking, he said. We have an institute in Thiruvananthapuram for space technology. The selection is on the basis of the IIT-JEE exam. The batches would get 100 percent placement, but 60-70 per cent would go to NASA. There were no avenues. Now, he said, there are not only avenues for employment, but exciting opportunities to begin a startup. A new area of livelihood has opened up. When asked about the important upcoming ISRO missions, the Minister for Space said that the immediate one will be "Gaganyaan", which was delayed due to Covid, but will now happen next year. The trial flights are going on. Then we have our robot flights, where a female robot, Vayumitra, will be sent to space in 2025. The robot will do all the activities of an astronaut and return to Earth and be extracted from the landing craft. If all goes well, says Dr Jitendra Singh, we can send an Indian human into Space, maybe in the second half of 2025. The Indian Space Station is planned by 2035. The first Indian to land on the moon may happen by 2040. **** KSY/PSM (Release ID: 2046328) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK Space Command successfully launches first military satellite Cutting-edge new satellite launched by UK Space Command to provide crucial space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. 17 August 2024 A UK satellite to support military operations successfully launched into space last night. Named Tyche, the satellite is UK Space Command's first satellite which can capture daytime images and videos of the Earth's surface. The satellite will strengthen the UK's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. As the conflict in Ukraine has shown, the use of space is crucial to military operations. Tyche is the first satellite to be launched under the Ministry of Defence's space-based ISR programme, which will deliver a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031. These satellites will not only support military operations, but also contribute to other government tasks, including natural disaster monitoring, the development of mapping information, environmental monitoring and tracking the impact of climate change around the world. Designed and built in the UK through a A22 million contract awarded by Defence Equipment & Support to Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL), Tyche is the first satellite to be fully owned by the Ministry of Defence. SSTL received the first signals from Tyche - which is comparable in size to a washing machine - a few hours after lift-off, confirming the successful launch. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle said: "Tyche will provide essential intelligence for military operations as well as supporting wider tasks across government." "Tyche also shows the UK's commitment to support innovation in science and technology, stimulating growth across the sector and supporting highly skilled jobs in the UK." UK Space Commander, Major General Paul Tedman said: "This is a fabulous day for UK space. The successful launch of Tyche has shown that UK Space Command, and its essential partners across defence and industry, can rapidly take a concept through to the delivery of a satellite capability on orbit." "Tyche represents the first of a future constellation of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance satellites that we'll launch over the coming years." "I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate everybody involved with Tyche and thank them for their support." Paul Russell, DE&S Space Team Leader, said: "Working closely with UK Space Command, Dstl and industry to understand how to deliver in a new, complex and critical environment has been an exciting journey. "To see Tyche - the first of a new generation of UK military capabilities - delivered into orbit is an incredibly proud moment and a tribute to everyone's commitment to this key project." Operating in Low Earth Orbit over a five-year lifespan, Tyche will provide timely space-based imagery in support of the UK Armed Forces. The design and build of the 150-kilogramme satellite has supported around 100 high-skilled roles at SSTL since 2022. Tyche was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, by SpaceX, on their re-usable Falcon 9 rocket, as part of the 'Transporter 11' mission. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australia's contribution to the Solomons International Assistance Force The Hon Richard Marles MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Defence 19 August 2024 This week, we mark the return of the final Australian members deployed under the Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF), after supporting the successful delivery of the 2023 Pacific Games and 2024 Joint Elections. The SIAF was established after the Australian Federal Police and Australian Defence Force responded within 24 hours to Solomon Islands' call for support in 2021. Over the last three years, more than 1,600 Australian personnel have deployed to Solomon Islands, to work alongside military and police from Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand in support of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). This is part of a tradition of Pacific forces working together to maintain peace and security, and respond to crises in our region. AFP personnel will continue working in Solomon Islands with RSIPF counterparts providing mentorship, delivering assistance for major operations, and boosting capabilities through targeted training and exchange programs. Our Defence Cooperation Program will continue partnering with the RSIPF to boost its maritime security, explosive ordnance disposal, infrastructure and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities. As Solomon Islands' number one security partner, Australia is honoured to have served alongside our Pacific partners as part of SIAF and we will continue to support Solomon Islands' priorities. Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP: "Australia has been proud to work with Solomon Islands as its security partner of choice, including by responding quickly to Solomon Islands' needs through our Bilateral Security Treaty. "Australia will continue working with the RSIPF to boost its maritime security, explosive ordnance disposal, border security, band, infrastructure, education and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities". Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong: "As Pacific family, we will always step in to help each other, and Australia is honoured to have served alongside our Pacific partners as part of the Solomons International Assistance Force. "We share a vision for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and unified region, where security is the shared responsibility of Pacific Islands Forum members." Quotes attributable to Attorney-General the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP: "The Solomons International Assistance Force has worked side by side with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to strengthen law and order, support major events and build Pacific policing capacity. "Off the back of the successful Pacific Games in 2023 and safe and secure Joint Elections in 2024 the Australian Federal Police will continue to build on its strong partnership with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force through our Policing Partnership Program." Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP: "The Solomons International Assistance Force has again proved the Pacific Islands Forum family is best placed to meet the security challenges facing the region, with Pacific police and defence forces working side by side to build capability together. "This was also a practical example of what Prime Minister Manele has set out in his three-tier approach to Solomon Islands' security." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Belarusian Leader Says One-Third Of Army Deployed To Ukraine Border By RFE/RL's Russian Service August 18, 2024 Belarus has deployed nearly one-third of its troops to the border with Ukraine, the country's authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka told Russia's state-run Rossia-1 television channel on August 18. He said the decision was made in response to Ukraine allegedly maintaining 120,000 soldiers near the border with Belarus and amassing more forces. Lukashenka also insisted that Kyiv had raised the stakes by launching a surprise offensive in Russia's Kursk region. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/lukashenka-amassing- troops-ukraine-border/33083256.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No casualties reported after fire at retired aircraft carrier in east China People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:48, August 17, 2024 NANJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- A fire broke out during the dismantling and refitting of a retired aircraft carrier along the Yangtze River in the city of Nantong, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Friday afternoon. No casualties have been reported, and flames had been largely extinguished by 10 a.m. on Saturday. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, according to local authorities. The aircraft carrier, named Minsk, was in 2016 moved to Nantong, where it is expected to form part of a planned aircraft carrier theme park. Minsk had previously been moored in the city of Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province for several years. After its retirement in 1995, the aircraft carrier was sold to a company in the Republic of Korea before being resold to a Chinese company, which had transformed it into part of a military theme park in Shenzhen. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China deploys advanced warplanes to Thailand for joint military drill Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: Aug 18, 2024 07:49 PM The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has sent some of its main combat aircraft to Thailand as the two countries' air forces ready to kick off a joint exercise on Sunday, with experts saying that friendly and confrontational exchanges between pilots from the two sides will boost military mutual trust as well as enhance skills. Ahead of the Falcon Strike-2024 joint air force training exercise, scheduled to be held from Sunday to August 29 according to the Royal Thai Air Force, all participating Chinese forces have arrived at the Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base and conducted adaptative flight training sessions on Friday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported. According to the CCTV report, the PLA Air Force has sent multiple types of military aircraft including the Y-20 large transport aircraft, the J-10C fighter jet, the J-10S fighter jet and the JH-7A fighter bomber. Observers said that these warplanes are some of the PLA Air Force's mainstays in air transport, air-to-air combat and air-to-ground combat. It is expected that the two countries' warplanes will hold confrontational exercises, and pilot exchanges between the two air forces are anticipated to deepen mutual trust and enhance skills, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, told the Global Times on Sunday. In the exercise, the Thai side will likely deploy the Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet of European origin, according to Fu. While not shown in the CCTV report footage and thus not knowing the exact type, the report said that the Chinese side also sent helicopters. When the Chinese Defense Ministry announced the joint exercise last week, it noted that there would be Chinese special operations forces taking part in the drill. It explains the deployment of helicopters, as the special operations units will likely practice aerial assaults on valuable ground targets such as air fields, air defense positions and command centers during the joint exercise, observers noted. Falcon Strike-2024 marks the seventh joint training exercise between the Chinese and Thai air forces, CCTV reported. The exercise is aimed at enhancing the tactical levels and skills of both sides' participating forces, as well as strengthening pragmatic exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' militaries, the Chinese Defense Ministry said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi urges stronger cooperation to combat cross-border crime Global Times China's leadership, initiatives key to sustained stability and development By Deng Xiaoci Published: Aug 18, 2024 10:48 PM Chinese observers on Sunday hailed the significance of a proposal made by China's top diplomat Wang Yi, who underscored the urgent need for intensified regional cooperation to combat the growing threat of cross-border crime, including online gambling and telecom fraud, during a recent informal meeting with foreign ministers from Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand in Chiang Mai. Experts said that Wang's proposal embodies pragmatic cooperation in the region, with China's initiatives and leadership playing a crucial role. According to the website of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the meeting on Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang emphasized the importance of security as a fundamental prerequisite for national development. Wang said the four countries have undertaken a series of collaborative operations against cross-border crime, resulting in the arrest of over 50,000 individuals involved in gambling and fraud activities since last year. He called for enhanced border controls, securing national boundaries and managing key entry points to prevent illegal crossings. Wang also advocated improved intelligence sharing, continuous joint operations and swift action to apprehend and repatriate criminals who have fled across borders. A lasting and stable regional environment relies on the sustained handling of specific issues by the countries involved. Through the process of crackdown on cross-border crimes, consensus is reached, common interests are accumulated, and a habit of cooperation is formed. This, in turn, fosters a sense of community among these countries, enabling them to maintain long-term stability and sustainable development through collaborative efforts and a shared community mind-set, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday. Therefore, China's initiatives and leadership are not only pragmatic but also strategically oriented toward the long term goal, Li noted. The Ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting was also held in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Friday, after which the heads of delegations from the six Lancang-Mekong countries issued a joint statement that stressed on jointly combating cross-border crimes, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Cross-border crime not only damages the international image of the region and the countries involved, but also disrupts the development environment both within and beyond the region, Chinese observers pointed out. China's initiative aligns with the practical needs and long-term interests of these countries, and this is why it is crucial for all parties to join forces in addressing this urgent issue, they said, noting that it reflects the significant impact that the spillover of issues like drug trafficking and smuggling from within the region has on both the region and the world, Chinese observers noted. Addressing these problems requires international cooperation, which is why China's proposal is timely and necessary, aiming to protect each country's aspirations for stability, prosperity and development, observers said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China digs up the past to shore up official version of history Beijing pours money and experts into Central Asian archaeology to boost its image as a benevolent power. By Lucie Lo for RFA Mandarin 2024.08.18 -- China is working on major archaeological projects with its neighbors in Central Asia in a bid to dig up fresh finds to shore up its official historical narrative and extend its regional soft power, experts told RFA Mandarin in recent interviews. Since President Xi Jinping launched his "Belt and Road" global influence and supply chain initiative in 2013, the country has invested heavily in high-profile excavations along the ancient Silk Road trading routes that once linked China to the Middle East via Central Asia. The Chinese Communist Party relies on strongly stated historical narratives to boost China's image at home and abroad, and Xi believes archaeology can help with that, experts said. Last month, Chinese historians and archaeologists claimed that a 7th century Chinese empress ordered the construction of an ancient Buddhist temple in Xinjiang, home to 11 million mostly Muslim Uyghurs, emphasizing the idea of the region as a "melting pot" going back centuries. Yet the whole idea of the Silk Road was invented in the 19th century as a colorful metaphor to describe ancient patterns of trade and communication between China, Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe, according to SAren Stark of the Center for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University. "The whole notion of the Silk Road is ... a construct, right, in which we are operating," he told RFA Mandarin in an interview earlier this month. "There wasn't such a thing like the Silk Road -- there never was. It's a 19th century construct." "There were corridors, there was a network of communication between China, Rome, India, the Near East, northeastern Europe, the Tigris," he said. "It's just a little bit heightened right now because there's obviously a lot of government funding from the Chinese side into the sphere of Central Asian archaeology." 70 digs China has carried out more than 70 archaeological collaborations in Central Asian countries in a bid to "study the ancient Silk Road exchanges between China and Central Asia," the nationalistic Global Times newspaper reported in June. One joint dig in Uzbekistan recently unearthed an ancient settlement dating back to the 8th century BC near the Surkhandarya river. "Chinese and Uzbek experts have made a total of three discoveries in the Central Asian country from April to June," the paper reported on June 23, citing an investigation into the ancient Kushan Empire, along with ruins and cliff paintings in the Fergana valley. The projects are being touted as part of the Belt and Road initiative, with the paper quoting cultural scholar Fang Gang as saying that "the story of the ancient Silk Road is transforming into today's Belt and Road Initiative to strengthen the ties between China and Central Asian countries." The point, according to archeologist Wang Jianxin at Xi'an's Northwest University, is to "challenge Western-centered interpretations of ancient Silk Road culture while also enhancing the world's understanding of China's contribution to ancient Silk Road civilization," the paper said. But archaeologists said nationalistic agendas and archaeology make uneasy bedfellows, although China isn't the only country to look to the past to boost its legitimacy in the present. "My concern is that as with any country or any government that supports archaeological excavations (in contrast to excavations supported by academic institutions or private funds) that there is a nationalistic agenda," Silk Road scholar Judith Lerner told RFA Mandarin in a written reply. The aim is often "to prove that we were there first, that people speaking a particular language can be traced by that language back to the country supporting the excavations, that is, China," she said. 'Add Chinese voices' For example, the idea of China as a historically peaceful influence in the region has been widely propagated by Northwest University's Wang Jianxin, who has used findings from the Uzbekistan digs around the Kushan Empire and Yuezhi sites as evidence that the two peoples lived peacefully side by side near the Surkhandarya river. Wang has said his mission is to "add Chinese voices" to the archaeological work currently being done in Central Asia. "We just really don't know," Lerner said. "And I think we really have to look at things more culturally and sociologically." Stark said Chinese teams typically look for evidence from the point of view of the official history of China, to see if it supports it or disproves it. "Essentially they come equipped with their national ... Chinese-language, historical sources and what they tell about the history, what they tell about the history of the Western regions," Stark told RFA Mandarin in an interview earlier this month. "That's their guide in what they are doing ... they always come from a Chinese perspective on things." "They're not fundamentally questioning actually whether this whole narrative in these sources is problematic," he said. For example, the people known in China as the Yuezhi who allegedly lived in harmony with the proto-Chinese Kunshan Empire may not have been called that when they were alive, Stark said, adding that they could have been a tribe of Central Asian nomads, giving them more links to the Turkic peoples of Xinjiang than to modern Han Chinese. "The tombs that the Chinese team has excavated are very consistent with the burial traditions of nomadic groups in Central Asia, and not just in Bactria [an ancient kingdom spanning parts of Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan] ... but also in southwestern Central Asia and Xinjiang," Stark said. It is precisely links and conclusions like those about the "Yuezhi" that can be used to shore up a nationalistic and ultimately colonialist agenda, according to critics of China's forays into regional archaeology. "They are not taking into account what has been done before. They come as if there was a plain slate," Stark said, adding there are plenty of similarities between the colonial attitudes of the Western expeditions that poured into the region following the collapse of the Soviet Union and those of Chinese archaeology under Xi Jinping. "This is a very colonial approach I think in both ways," Stark said. "And that is the problem I have with it, this idea that people from the outside have come to teach or discover things that were not discovered before." Much of the previous archeological work in the region was published in Russian, which some Chinese experts don't seem to have read, he said. Countering 'untrue narratives' Meanwhile, Beijing is pouring money into the field on a large scale to counter "untrue narratives" about the northwestern region of Xinjiang, according to comments from Chinese Communist Party United Front Work Department deputy director Pan Yue on June 12. "There is an untrue narrative in the international community that separates Xinjiang culture from Chinese culture and even sets it up in opposition," Pan said. "But a large amount of archaeological evidence tells us that Xinjiang has been an important part of the Chinese cultural circle since ancient times." His comments are straight out of Beijing's propaganda playbook on "self-confidence" and "exploring the origins of Chinese civilization," with Xi claiming in May 2022 that cultural relics and cultural heritage "carry the genes and blood of the Chinese nation," describing them as its "inexhaustible resource." In July, the State Administration of Chinese Cultural Heritage said it would focus on cultural relics as a matter of national priority under the current five-year plan. But using material findings dug up from burial sites to prop up theories about ethnic groups and their historical interactions is highly problematic in the absence of written clues, Stark said, adding that questions of ethnicity aren't generally very productive for archaeologists. "Today, in the 21st century, we think everybody has and always had an ethnic identity, but that's just not the case," he said. "It's a very modern phenomenon that in the premodern past was mostly tied up with the elites." "The Chinese teams excavating in Central Asia are very much obsessed about this kind of ethnic identity, [with] finding the tribes that are mentioned in the Chinese texts," Stark said. "[But] archaeology is not very well equipped to answer that with precision and certainty." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vietnam's top leader To Lam kicks off state visit to China Global Times Visit expected to boost coordination between two socialist nations: expert By Fan Anqi Published: Aug 19, 2024 12:06 AM General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam arrived in Beijing on Sunday after a stop in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, earlier on Sunday, kicking off his three-day state visit to China. Experts believe the trip reflects Vietnam's emphasis on strengthening its ties with China as a top priority while maintaining a balanced diplomacy among major powers, noting that the focus of this visit is not only on enhancing coordination between two socialist countries but also on strengthening infrastructure cooperation such as railway construction. Lam was elected as general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee on August 3, following the passing of former General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on July 19. During his time in Guangzhou, Lam followed the "red footprints" of the late Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh and review his revolutionary activities in China, according to CCTV news. Lam's choice of Guangzhou as his first stop in China holds historical significance as this year marks the 100th anniversary of Ho's revolutionary activities in Guangdong. It signifies the deep-rooted revolutionary tradition and friendship between the two countries, and highlights the close ties between the two parties, said Yu Xiangdong, director of the Institute for Vietnam Studies at the Zhengzhou University. In the early 20th century, Guangzhou attracted many Vietnamese patriots, making it an important overseas base for comrades like Ho. Lam, his wife and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam paid a floral tribute to martyr Pham Hong Thai at his grave in the Huanghuagang Memorial Park in Guangzhou, and visited the relic site of the headquarters of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League in the city early Sunday morning, Vietnam News Agency reported. In addition, the Vietnamese delegation also aims to learn from China's reform and opening-up process by studying the case of Guangzhou, which has been at the forefront of this process. What's more, given that Guangdong ranks at the top among Chinese provinces in terms of trade volume with Vietnam, the delegation would like to seek deepened cooperation to promote its own economic development, said Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute of Hainan Tropical Ocean University. China is Vietnam's largest trading partner, with Guangdong accounting for 20 percent of the bilateral trade, and enjoying a productive collaboration with Vietnam in various fields. Last December, China and Vietnam agreed to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Lam's visit will also be the two top leaders' first face-to-face interaction since assuming the new positioning of bilateral relations. Under Nguyen Phu Trong's term, Vietnam's foreign policy has adhered to a "bamboo diplomacy" featuring a balanced strategy among major powers including China, the US, and Russia. Lam is expected to follow the path set by his predecessor and develop relations with Washington in terms of trade and security cooperation, Yu noted. However, the first visit in China underscores Hanoi's emphasis on strengthening ties with Beijing within its balanced foreign policy framework, given that China and Vietnam are not only neighbors but socialist countries led by communist parties, Gu said. Eyeing pragmatic cooperation Boosting rail links with China is a crucial step in Vietnam's economic development, as the country is experiencing a rapid takeoff of its economy yet it's has insufficient infrastructure to support this speed. Therefore, Lam will likely discuss railway cooperation with China, which possess the world's leading high-speed rail technology and great financial advantages. What's more, given the geographical proximity, once high-speed rail is established between the two countries, Vietnam can access the Chinese market and further expand toward Europe by connecting through China, as Europe is also a significant market for Vietnam, observers said. In the first seven months of this year, a total of 6,850 containers have been transported through the China-Vietnam railway, a 16-fold increase compared to the previous year, putting bilateral trade onto an "express lane," according to authorities in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Another major focus of Lam's trip is to enhance communication between the two parties, said experts. Given that China and Vietnam are among the world's few socialist countries, it is crucial to enhance political exchanges to prevent peaceful evolution, Gu said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Statement of Institute for American Studies of DPRK Foreign Ministry Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, August 18 (KCNA) -- The Institute for American Studies of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea released the following press statement "To bolster up self-defensive power for defending security environment of Korean peninsula and region is urgent requirement of times" on August 18: The U.S. and the ROK are going to stage Ulji Freedom Shield, large-scale provocative joint military exercises, from August 19 to 29. Even vassal countries affiliated to the "UN Command" will reportedly take part in the exercises involving 48 rounds of various outdoor mobile trainings such as live firing and landing drill on the sea and in the sky. Thus, Ulji Freedom Shield fully betrays its dangerous colors as the biggest military training in the Asia-Pacific region and offensive multinational muscle-flexing involving even NATO member states. The Institute for American Studies of the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK makes public this press statement to disclose the rash confrontational moves of the U.S. and the ROK escalating regional military confrontation and contradiction by kicking off such aggressive large-scale joint military exercises despite strong internal and external opposition. Is Ulji Freedom Shield "defensive" and "transparent" A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State recently termed the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises "regular" and "defensive", touting their "transparency." This is no more than rhetoric to cover up the dangerous and grave nature of their joint military drills and evade international community's criticism. It is clearly recorded in the world history of wars that in preparation for a war, aggressor states followed a series of procedures, including adoption of war policy and military operation plan for its execution, advance deployment of forces, ceaseless simulated and actual war drills and war provocation. The current U.S. administration has more openly pursued the policy of using nuclear weapons against the DPRK by specifying the "end of regime" of the latter as a goal in its "nuclear posture review" made public after its inauguration. It has put into practice its nuclear confrontation policy against the DPRK by releasing the "Washington Declaration", establishing a new U.S.-ROK "nuclear consultative group" and cooking up the "guidelines on nuclear strategic plan and its operation." According to them, nuclear-powered submarines of the U.S. frequented the waters near the Korean peninsula in 2023, seven times as much as in 2022, and the number of flights of its fighters and bombers in the sky above it has quadrupled. Against this backdrop, nuclear carrier strike groups are being deployed there one after another along with massive introduction of U.S. latest war hardware such as F-35 stealth fighters and SM-6 ship-to-air interceptor missiles. F-16 fighters, which had been stationed in the Kunsan air base, were moved to the Osan air base near Seoul to form a "super-powerful wing." And U.S. offensive assets are concentrated on areas near the southern border of the DPRK. Worse still, the number of outdoor mobile training, staged as part of Ulji Freedom Shield, increased to 38 in 2023 and 48 in 2024, and has turned into provocative special warfare ones such special war training aimed at "occupation of Pyongyang" and "beheading operation." Notably, the current exercises, including a drill simulating a nuclear confrontation with the DPRK, bring to light clearer the provocative nature of Ulji Freedom Shield as a prelude to a nuclear war. "Transparency" of the joint military drills touted by the U.S. is no more than trickery to deceive the international community. Most of the countries, which are to "observe" whether the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises are staged in conformity with the requirements of the Korean Armistice Agreement, are member states of the "UN Command" or NATO member states under the control of the U.S. So it is clearly evident that it is utterly impossible to expect any neutrality or impartiality from them. All facts prove that Ulji Freedom Shield is neither "defensive" nor "transparent" but the most offensive and provocative war drills for aggression in the world. What impact have the U.S.-led joint military exercises had on international peace and stability It is the typical method of the U.S. to pursue its unilateral and absolute security by infringing upon other countries' security and interests. It is clearly evidenced by the fact that the U.S. and its vassal countries have staged more than 200 joint military drills in the world annually and they have become more threatening in their nature. As for RIMPAC kicked off in 1971 against the former Soviet Union, the joint military maneuvers didn't disappear despite the end of the Soviet-U.S. Cold War but have developed into the world's biggest multinational maritime joint military drills under the pretext of "defeating" new "virtual enemy." From late July to early August this year, RIMPAC was staged in the largest-scale ever, involving 40 warships, three submarines, 150-odd aircraft and 25 000 troops from 29 countries. International security experts unanimously commented that the forms and contents of RIMPAC clearly prove that they are aimed at laying siege to and deter China. U.S.-led joint military drills are being staged frequently also in the European region, distressed by the world's worst-ever security crisis brought by the Ukrainian incident, to spark off great concern of the international community. The U.S.-led joint military exercises Steadfast Defender were staged in the largest scale ever since the end of the Cold War near the border of Russia from January to May this year with the involvement of more than 90 000 forces, at least 50 warships including aircraft carriers, 80-odd fighter jets, over 1 100 combat vehicles. The exercises, aimed at restoring the ever-dampening atmosphere of supporting Ukraine among European countries and inducing them to increase military expenditure, fully show the hostile intention of the U.S. to militarily deter Russia and seize the military hegemony in the region. It is the fact never to be concealed and denied that the U.S.-led joint military drills are the grave root cause of escalating military confrontation and causing sustained instability across the world. What is the best way to ensure peace and stability Shortly ago, the U.S. secretaries of State and Defense and the assistant to the president for National Security of the White House, in an article they jointly contribute to the press, betrayed the sinister intention to seize military hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region by inveigling not only regional vassal countries including Japan and the ROK but also countries outside the region. This shows that the U.S.-led joint military drills have nothing to do with "preserving regional security" touted by it and its allied forces but serve as a political and military means to take more countries on the confrontation chariot driven by it to realize its hegemony. Actually, major NATO members are taking part in the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises recently under the signboard of member states of the "UN Command" and the military nexus between Japan, the ROK and NATO is getting further tightened. The U.S., which included in its defense budgets the "Pacific deterrence plan" of drastically reinforcing its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region in recently years, has annually increased the allotment for carrying it out. This predicts that the U.S. and its vassal countries would more openly engage in military intervention in the Korean peninsula and its vicinity. The prevailing situation requires the independent and sovereign states to constantly maintain the balance of power for preventing a war by stockpiling the greatest deterrence for guaranteeing their sovereignty, security and interests in every way in the current and future uncertain security environment. The more frequently the U.S. and its vassal countries commit collective military provocations, the stronger the deterrence of justice for neutralizing the threat there from and ensuring regional and global peace and stability will become. We will continue to make crucial efforts to build up strong defence capabilities for creditably defending our state sovereignty, security, interests and territorial integrity and change the security environment of the Korean peninsula and the region in our favour. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Statement of Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, August 18 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea released the following press statement titled "U.S. and its following forces will be made to pay dear price for their irresponsible act" on August 18: Shortly ago, Ukraine committed an extremely grave terrorist crime of killing tens of peaceable inhabitants and injuring hundreds through an armed invasion of the inviolable territory of Russia. The reckless military provocations of the Zelenskiy puppet authorities are nothing but their last-ditch efforts to put under control the daily-worsening war situation at any cost and continuously get military support from the U.S. and the Western masters to prolong their remaining days and disturb the public mindset by creating the unrest in the Russian society. The DPRK Foreign Ministry bitterly denounces the armed attack on the territory of Russia being launched by the Zelenskiy puppet authorities under the manipulation and support of the U.S. and the West as an unpardonable act of aggression and terrorism seriously encroaching upon the territorial integrity and security of a sovereign state and mercilessly killing peaceable civilians. The reckless and intemperate military moves of the Zelenskiy puppet clique are enough to invite strong retaliation of Russia, and the stooges running amuck with the backing of their master should be completely eliminated militarily and physically. The U.S. and its followers are held wholly responsible for the recent incident which can drive the whole of Europe into a new all-out war. The U.S., the very one of the crisis in Ukraine, is getting more hell-bent in supporting weapons, while describing the atrocities of the Ukrainian armed bandits who are killing innocent inhabitants and destroying peaceful villages in Russia as "legitimate military actions pursuant to the right to self-defence". The U.S. and its followers are misleading the public opinion as if they have nothing to do with the recent incident but various heavy hardware including the U.S. and the Western tanks being discovered in the Kursk battle field every day clearly proves who is standing behind Ukraine. The present situation is an inevitable outcome of the U.S. and the West's vicious anti-Russia confrontation policy and acts of indiscriminately driving the Zelenskiy puppet authorities into the proxy war with Russia by providing them with an astronomical amount of lethal hardware, doing serious harm to the sovereignty, security and interests of Russia. As a result, the global security environment is being pushed to the threshold of the third world war. The time will prove what is the danger of the U.S. ignorant move to drive the Kiev authorities into a proxy war until the last Ukrainian is left, seized with a hallucinant dream to bring a strategic defeat to Russia at any cost and what consequences it will entail. Those who do irresponsible and fearless acts will be made to pay a dear price for their acts, and provocateurs will be subject to due retaliation. The U.S. and its followers should seriously reconsider the catastrophic disaster to be entailed by the self-destructive military provocations perpetrated by the Zelenskiy puppet clique and be wholly responsible for it. We do not doubt that the brave army and people of Russia will deal a merciless military blow to the armed invaders and attain their goal to the last in Kursk, the hero land that defeated the large army of the Hitler fascist clique more than 80 years ago and opened a turning phase of war. The present Kursk battle will be a prelude to the total destruction of the Zelenskiy puppet clique and the strategic defeat of the U.S. and the West. The DPRK will always stand together with the Russian Federation that has turned out valiantly in the struggle for international justice and invariably and strongly support the sacred war of the Russian army and people to defend the sovereignty, security and interests of the state. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WPK Central Committee Sends Reply Message to General Council of United Russia Party Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, August 18 (KCNA) -- The Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea sent a reply message to the General Council of the United Russia Party on August 17. The WPK Central Committee in the message extended deep gratitude to Dmitri Anatoliyevich Medvedev, president of the United Russia Party, for sending the message of greeting to Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of Korea's liberation. The reply message expressed belief that the tradition of friendship between the two countries and the two peoples, which had been provided in the flames of the bloody anti-Japanese armed struggle, would be firmly carried forward and mutual cooperation between the two parties would grow stronger in the struggle to consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the DPRK and Russia and establish a fair international order. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Greetings from President of United Russia Party Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, August 18 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from Dmitri Anatoliyevich Medvedev, president of the United Russia Party, on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of Korea's liberation. Medvedev in the message noted that strengthening close cooperation between Russia and the DPRK on the basis of the tradition of friendship and good-neighborliness provided by the preceding generations fully conforms to the interests of the peoples of the two countries. Expressing hope that the fruitful mutual cooperation between the United Russia Party and the Workers' Party of Korea would make a great contribution to the accomplishment of this cause, he wished the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un good health and fresh success and all the citizens of the DPRK prosperity and wellbeing. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of Special Briefing by External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar on the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (August 17, 2024) India - Ministry of External Affairs August 17, 2024 Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Namaskar and Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to this Special Briefing on the 3rd Summit of the Voice of Global South. It is our privilege to have with us Honorable External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar for this Session. Also on the dais, we have Foreign Secretary, Shri Vikram Misri; and OSD in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri P. Kumaran; as also Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. S. Raghuram. I would like to remind you that this Special Briefing is focused on the 3rd Summit of the Voice of Global South. So, please focus your questions on this topic. With that, I invite Honorable External Affairs Minister to make his opening remarks. Sir, over to you. Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister: Thank you Randhir. Good evening. We have just concluded the 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit. It began with the Leaders' Session in the morning and just concluded with a Session of the Foreign Ministers. All in all, 123 countries took part in the Summit, including India. At the level of head of State/Head of Government, there were 21 countries. There were 118 Ministers, not counting the Foreign Ministers, and there were 34 Foreign Ministers. There were also five Multilateral Development Banks. So if you add it all up together, that's 21 plus 118- 139; plus 34, so 173 plus 5. This is the first plurilateral event, big plurilateral event of the Government in its third term. It has been part of our 100-day agenda. So we're delighted that we could get that moving. So let me come to the Summit itself. As I said, we had an Inaugural Session and then there were 10 Ministerial Sessions; two Foreign Ministers', Health, Youth, Finance, Trade, IT, Energy, Education and Environment. The main theme of the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit was 'An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future'. And I want to share with you, the timing of the Summit was of course partly dictated by the fact that we will all be proceeding to New York for the Summit of the Future, where many of the issues which we have discussed here, would also be discussed out there. Now what I would like to do really is to give you a sense of what has happened during the day and I would begin with the Prime Minister's Opening Remarks. I think it has been released to the public, but if I can sum it up essentially, he recalled that the earlier Voice of the Global South had helped the G20 Presidency, it had promoted the membership of the African Union, that it had focused on climate action, on health and food security, on energy, it had also addressed terrorism, separatism, extremism, technology challenges and the outdated international architecture were the subjects which were discussed earlier. He then spoke about the progress in India and gave examples of Mission LiFE, of rooftop solar, of UPI, of 'India stack', and the pointed issue was that in many ways these are experiences that India is sharing with other countries of the Global South. When it came specifically to health, he spoke about the fact that our development assistance today includes hospitals, it includes dialysis projects that we've done, vaccines, that we've been the 'first responder', and that other examples which had happened since last year were the Global South Young Diplomats Forum and the Global South Action Centre. So these were broadly the thrust of his Opening Remarks. Now, as I said, thereafter, we had the first Session of the Heads of Government/Heads of State. 21 of them spoke. Now, a lot of what they said was common, so I don't want to go into it person by person. But I essentially culled out 10 points of importance, which were overlapping, which were, I think, broadly reflective of the sentiment of the discussions. These are at the Leaders' level. And these 10 points: one, of course, was that the problems which they all raised, which was the core of the discussion, were today food, health, and energy security issues, the challenges faced on resources and accessing resources, the problem of realizing the demographic dividend, concerns about employment and about economic inequality. So this, in a way, were common problems, which many many leaders raised. Then there was a very strong focus on their climate concerns. So almost every leader spoke about the extreme weather. Many referred to the emissions challenge, growing pollution. A few of them brought up, specifically, water issues, biodiversity. And the Small Island Developing States were particularly articulate about their predicament. Flowing from that, again, I would say there was a broad theme on the concerns pertaining to the Sustainable Development Goals. A lot of it was about resources, but the scars of the pandemic era, how the pandemic had set back SDG progress, I think, was a clear sense of the room. Many leaders spoke about debt burden, about liquidity issues that they faced. Then there were references to the challenges of new technologies. And here, they referred to AI, to cyber, how to prepare human resources for this new era. And there was a lot of, I would say, advocacy of intra-South, South to South, technology transfers, sharing of best practices, references, particularly to fintech. Then talk about initiatives, initiatives like International Solar Alliance, like the Global Biofuels Alliance, even references to IBSA, India-Brazil-South Africa. And again, some of them referred to multipolarity, saying that the world is moving towards multipolarity, and this should be reflected in the workings of the Global South. Where the UN and global architecture was concerned, I would say there was almost a unanimous view, in fact a unanimous view that there was a need for reform, that this was much delayed. Some countries very specifically referred to who they felt should be permanent members of the United Nations. Then if I were to look at the other issues in terms of regional issues; Gaza, the situation in Gaza came up for mention from many of them. Some of them spoke about also on the role of the civil society. And then there was, again, talk about sovereignty, strategic autonomy, about interference, and concerns which were expressed in that regard. And overall, I would say at the Leaders' level, appreciation that India had, in a way, initiated something very good with the Voice of the Global South. There was a positive evaluation of its past role. And clearly a sentiment that this is... in fact, two or three of them very specifically said, we hope that you will continue with the Voice of the Global South Summits. These were broadly the common points which were made by the Leaders. Similarly, I had done an exercise for the two Sessions of the Foreign Ministers, because a lot of what they said, about the leaders, were more like at a vision level, a bigger concept level. Foreign Ministers were much more into, actually, execution of these ideas. Again, climate concerns were very strong, I would say, almost like the number one theme of a lot of what was said. Then the second, again, which was common with the Leaders was debt distress and slow credit growth. One point which came through sharply in the Foreign Minister's meeting was on the rules-based order, about sovereignty, equality, mutual respect, partnership of equals, ownership of agenda. And in fact, one Foreign Minister said that today's international order is a bit like the animal farm, where all animals are equal but some are more equal than others. So that was the analogy given to the state of affairs in the world today. There was also, I think, concern expressed regarding shifting of goalposts, that very often in global discussions, positions are taken, goalposts are shifted, and this is done to preserve the lead of those who are in the lead. Among specific concerns which the Ministers raised, I would say bridging the digital divide and technology concerns was one. Many of them spoke about corridors and connectivity, physical connectivity, energy connectivity, maritime connectivity, about supply chains. Few of them referred to cultural preservation concerns, that they were worried that their cultures... they were not just getting physically inundated by climate change, but in many cases also their cultures, they felt were vulnerable to what was happening in the world. There was reference to disaster-resilient infrastructure, I think here particularly the small islands and the smaller countries were much more focused on that. And the overall messaging which came out of the Foreign Ministers was very much inclusive, equitable, representative, international order, and that the Global South really has to democratize global governance, it has to be much more active. So that was the sum and substance of mostly what happened at the Leaders' and the Foreign Ministers' level. In terms of the conclusion, where the Prime Minister was concerned, he spoke of the need for a Global Development Compact, and said that the experience of India's development journey was something we were willing to share with other countries, that Global South must set its priorities and these priorities should be human-centric, they should be multi-dimensional, multi-sectoral, that there has to be sensitivity to debt, to sustainability of what countries were trying to do in terms of their progress and achievement. The idea of trade for development, of encouraging capacity building, of technology sharing, of financing of projects in a very responsible way; also that within the Global South, we needed collectively to enhance our trade negotiation skills, that amongst us we could be helpful to each other in that regard, also that supporting the SDG Stimulus Leadership Group. He spoke about providing more generic medicines, of training for drug regulators so that the Global South itself was much more competent in this area, support for natural farming and how we need to find mechanisms and exercises where the Global North-Global South divide is bridged to the extent possible keeping in mind the interests of the Global South. So the exercise, in many ways, during the day was, a lot of it was really about preparing ourselves for the Summit of the Future. What I would also like very, very quickly to run through; because there were... all in all there were 10 Ministerial proceedings which were going in parallel. I think the Finance one was supposed to be about people-centric approaches, how to finance SDGs, addressing debt liability, long-term financing. The Trade one was about global value chains, food security, about MSME support, trade facilitation. The Health one was on what we call the 'One World-One Health' concept, how to create a health architecture with the WHO at its core and how do we deal with universal health coverage challenges, how do we use digital public infrastructure for advancing health, looking at food safety regulations. The IT one was expectedly centered around the digital public infrastructure and what we could, within the Global South, do in that regard. Education was about creating the human resources which would accelerate SDG targets, which would promote women-led development, which would help achieve demographic dividends, also discussion of future of work. Energy was on sustainable energy solutions, but also on the volatile markets, on new alternative energy, on transition moves, on the Biofuel Alliance, on equitable access to energy. The Environment was largely on mitigation pathways, climate finance action, climate justice, vulnerability mitigation, SIDS concerns. And finally, the Youth one was about how we address a skill-based education, economic youth leadership, innovation, employment readiness, how do we deal with the employment challenges in the Global South. So this was really, in a sense, I would say a very succinct description of what were happening in multiple rooms, a lot of them in parallel. I have expectedly focused on the two where I was myself present, which was the one with the Prime Minister and the Leadership Session, and the two Foreign Ministers' Sessions. The rest of it is largely a description of the feedback that I have. So I thought I would share that with you. And if any of you have any questions, clarifications, I'd be very happy to answer. We will be issuing a Chair Summary once we get the complete feedback from all the Sessions. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: With that, we open the floor. Please do introduce yourself as you ask your question. Manish: Manish Chand, India Writes Network. Mainstreaming interest of the Global South was our enduring achievement of the G20 Presidency. Which features of South-centric initiatives are being carried forward by, say, Brazil? What is your hope that these will be carried to fruition by other Presidencies? And just a linked-up question, behind the rhetoric of South-South unity and solidarity, some say there is a power play shaping up. What is the sentiment? Do most of the Leaders, Foreign Ministers see India as a natural leader of the Global South? Ayushi: Sir good evening, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir, could you expand more on the discussion related to the issue of terrorism and extremism? Was there an unequivocal condemnation in the room in regards to terrorism? Also, you mentioned about the issue of debt burden being discussed between the Leaders. So, were there concerns raised by countries when it comes to China's role in the issue? Neeraj: Hello, sir. Neeraj from News18 India. Sir, mera sawal ye hai ki Bangladesh ke Chief Adviser ne bhi aaj hissa liya, wahan nayi sarkar bani hai aur Bharat ka padosi desh bhi hai, unke kya expectation hain is sammelan se kyuki wahan nayi sarkar sthapit hui hai, toh Global South sammelan se nayi sarkar ka kya expectation hai? [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Hello, sir. Neeraj from News18 India. Sir, my question is that the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh also participated today. A new government has been formed there, and it is India's neighboring country also. What are their expectations from this Summit, especially since a new government has been formed there? So, what are the new government's expectations from the Global South Summit? Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister: Let me start with the first question, Manish from you. On the G20, I would say, by and large, there's been a fair amount of carry over for this reason. The fundamental nature of G20 has been that it works as a troika. And when it works as a troika, they were part, they were already fed into our Presidency. And we, going out, are continuing to be associated with that. So many of the issues, and some of them, for example, if you look at the MDB reform, it was not something which was limited, it was not something which could be done in a single Presidency, because you were looking at reports and then the follow up on those reports. I would say, overall, what our Presidency in a way did was, which today many people very explicitly recognize, was that we shifted the attention of the G20 itself on the Global South. One, of course, was the formal admission of the African Union. But if you looked at the kind of issues which came up in the G20 overall, many of them at Global South issues, which hadn't got that kind of attention earlier. That, I think, is very much kept up with Brazil. So there's a high degree of continuity there. Is there a power play in it? No, I don't think there was.... that wasn't the sentiment in the room at all. The real issue was, look, we all have... I mean, many of them pretty much said it in these words, saying, look, we all have issues. We speak about our issues. Often we feel people don't hear us. The world doesn't hear us. But when we have this ability to see, okay, 100 and something other countries feel similarly, we had this exchange of notes, we are now going to go into New York, we all feel much stronger as a result, we feel much more confident about it. So I would say it was more like a certain solidarity. That word was often used. So it was more like a solidarity of countries with similar thoughts and similar interests, rather than a competitive sense. Your question, a number of people did mention, I would say, perhaps more on the Foreign Ministers' meeting, on terrorism, extremism; I mean, as I said, PM himself mentioned it in his Opening Remarks, as issues which Global South has a shared concern. Obviously, everybody has their own version of this particular challenge. I would say people are pretty clear about it. I mean, I don't think anybody defended it, or cavitated it, or justified it in any way. On the debt burden, no particular country was mentioned. But the debt burden was clearly mentioned, that yes, we have debt burdens. And you know, part of it was in terms of borrowings. But also, there was this concern, look, we are facing a liquidity crunch. This is affecting our trade. Today, we are under economic pressure. So it was a mix, really, of all of this. And also, you know, that we need more access to more windows of lending. I think that sentiment was there. Jo aapka sawal jo tha Bangladesh wala, dekhiye jo Bangladesh ke Chief Adviser ne kaha woh toh mera uspe tippani karna ya mera uspe bolna uchit nahi hoga, unki sarkar ki or se jo bhi woh kahain woh aana chahiye. Par main itna hi kahunga ki ek toh unhone shuru kiya tha ki hamare Independence Day ke, kyu ki woh parso hi tha, toh unhone uske bare mein pahle greetings pe shuru kiya tha, phir unhone apni or se kaha ki duniya mei challanges hain, maane geopolitics ki hain, climate ki hain, COVID ki hain, aur phir apni sthiti, kyuki bahot saare log jo the woh duniya ke baare mei bhi baat kar rahe the aur apne desh mei jo hua hai ya unki apne rashtriya paripeksha se jo unko bolna tha woh bol rahe the. Toh unke yahan jo abhi jo ghatnaye hui hain, uska unhone apni aur se uska ek vivran diya. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Regarding your question about Bangladesh, look, whatever the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh has said, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to comment on that. Whatever they say should come from their government. But I will say that he started by extending greetings for our Independence Day, as it was just on the day before yesterday. Then he mentioned that there are challenges in the world, whether it's about geopolitics, climate, or COVID. He then spoke about their situation, as many people were talking about global issues and also about what has happened in their own countries or what they needed to say from their national perspectives. So, he gave an account of the recent events in their country from his perspective. So if I can, some sort of, give you a short English version of that. I was asked saying what did the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh say. I said it would not be appropriate for me to either comment on his remarks or to give a fuller description, but I would say he began by greeting the Prime Minister and India on Independence Day. And then in terms of the subject matter, he did refer to geopolitical challenges, to climate change as a very big concern, about the COVID issue. And then he spoke about the situation in Bangladesh, because it wasn't only him. Many other leaders also spoke about their national circumstances, apart from commenting on global issues. So I think what he said on national circumstances is better something which would come out of his own system rather than for me to talk about it. Abhishek: Hi sir, this is Abhishek Jha from CNN News18. My question is, in the midst of these, especially these two geopolitical tensions, one is happening in the Middle-East and other in Russia and Ukraine, did that sentiment was also discussed when the Foreign Ministers were meeting, when the Foreign Ministers were discussing? And what was the sense that you could share with us? Huma: Sir I am Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. In context of what the Prime Minister talked about, the better trade negotiations and development priorities, I just want to understand, in context of energy security, was the issue talked about India getting oil from Venezuela and Iran, because there are sanctions there? And my second question is, there are a lot of trade agreements that are being negotiated with some countries in the region, South American region. Was that also talked about? Takashi: Good evening, sir. My name is Takashi Ishihara from Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun. My question is, we have seen the three Voice of Global South Summits so far as of today. So how do you evaluate this virtual framework, and is there any possibility to host physical summit or meeting in the near future? Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister: Your question, Gaza and Ukraine, I would say quite a few people raised Gaza. Some did, in both the Leaders' and Foreign Ministers', mentioned Ukraine. But definitely Gaza, the references to Gaza were much more frequent than to Ukraine. And the thrust of it, I think, was really concern at the casualties, civilian casualties, and the sentiment was that the situation needs to go back to a ceasefire and to a negotiation. And I think that would be a fair characterization of a very broad range of sentiments. On your question about India and oil, look, I mean, energy security came up, but we did not specifically raise our energy supplies vis-a-vis any other country. I must also say some countries did bring up sanctions, you know, did mention sanctions, some of them very sharply. So if you ask me, were sanctions mentioned? Yes. Was energy security, volatile markets discussed? Yes. But nobody actually said country A imports from country B or country C. You know, this kind of discussion was not conducive to that kind of detailing. There was no particular discussion about trade agreements with Latin America. On the issue of Voice of Global South Summit, look, the last two Summits held last year were very, very useful in preparing for the New Delhi G20 Summit, because what it did was it enabled us, when we spoke to the G20, to say we have consulted 100 and something more countries, and this, after consultation, is their sentiment. So when we said we are speaking for many countries, you have to go through that exercise to establish you are indeed speaking for them. I think the current one, obviously, in terms of its timing, it is much more directly relatable to the Summit of the Future. But again, I would say there was a widespread sentiment today articulated by countries saying, look, this is very useful. You know, somebody in the global south needs to take that initiative. And we are very happy that India did it. And so there was a... everybody was for it, but not everybody maybe has the ability and the systems to pull it all together. So definitely, the fact that it happened was widely appreciated, widely commented upon. Nobody specifically spoke about a physical summit. That virtual versus physical never really came up in any discussion. Rishikesh: Sir, Rishikesh from Press Trust of India, sir. So, has the matter of political interference in domestic affairs by global powers been brought up by the participants, especially Leaders or Foreign Ministers? And is there any expectation from them that PM Modi will raise this particular issue during his visit to US to take part in the Summit of the Future? Sapna: Sir main Sapna, Sadhna Group se. Sir developments ko lekar is Summit mei baat ki gayi. Agar hum baat karte hain Bharat ki, lagatar apne aap ko majboot karne ki koshish kar raha hai antarrashtriya sthar par, aane wale paanch saalon mei aap kaha dekhte hain Bharat ko? [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Sapna from Sadhna Group. Sir, development was discussed in this Summit. If we talk about India, which is continuously making efforts for strengthening itself on the international stage, where do you see India in the next five years? Jacky: Jacky Martens from BBC. You spoke about the Global South having to play a role in democratizing global institutions, and particularly about UN reforms. It's been discussed for a while, but I think the current international crises means there's an increased call for that reform. Is there a proposal that's been taken forward to the UN of what that reform could look like? Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister: Okay. So I go to the first question. So was the issue of political interference raised? Yes. I think at the Leaders' level, definitely I can remember one, two people at least, bringing it up at the Foreign Ministers' level as well. So I think for many countries of the Global South, this is a concern. Now, the idea here was really more to hear each other out, draw from each other. What all PM would say when an opportunity provides itself, I think that is right now not something which we would comment on. So we will see closer to the time as and when his future engagements are concerned. Jo aapka sawaal jo tha ki agle paanch saal mei Bharat apne apko kaise dekta hai. Dekhiye, humain toh lagta hai ki, ye toh hum jante hi hain ki, humain puri apeksha hai ki is dashak mei hum jarur tisre number pe honge, abhi duniya paanchve number pe hain economic..arthik kshamta ke anusar. Aur humain ye bhi lagta hai ki bahot saari chizain jo Bharat abhi kar raha hai, jaise abhi hum digital public infrastructure dekhte hain, 'India Stack' ki baat karte hain, UPI ki baat karte hain, ya agar aap hamari jo vyapar ke kshetra mei agar aap Bharat ka prabhav dekhain, agar aap aankde bhi dekhain toh hamari trade badhegi, hamari economy aur badhegi, hamara duniya mei influence badhega, hamari rajnitik paripekshya bhi aap keh sakte hain. Ab unka sawal tha, baad mei UN ki baat karenge hum. Toh main toh jarur kahunga ki humain pura vishwas hai ki ye aane wale dashak mei jo pragati pichle dus saal mei hui hai, ye badhta jayega, ye kam toh nahi hoga. Aur bahot saare kshetron mei leapfrogging ki sambhavna hai ki Bharat jo hai, kyuki technology ke madhyam se, jaise abhi AI ki log baat karte hain, toh AI mei bahot avsar hain ki ismei ab manufacturing mei badhna thoda aur kathin hai, AI mei ho sakta hai ki Bharat jo hai aur jald pragati kar sakta hai. Toh ye aatmavishwas Bharat mei aaj jarur hai, aur main ye bhi kahunga ki jo Global South ke desh jo hain, unki apeksha hai Bharat ke baare mei. Unko lagta hai ki ye aaj ek desh hai, duniya ke kareeb 80 deshon mei aaj hum project karte hai, unko lagta hai ki duniya mei, aur khaskar agal-bagal mei kuch ho jaye toh Bharat jo hai ek first responder ke roop mei madad karne ke liye jaldi aa jata hai. Toh Bharat se jo apeksha jo hai, woh badh rahi hai duniya mei, toh woh bhi hai, hamari kshamta jarur badhegi but kshamta ke sath jimmewari bhi badhegi apeksa bhi badhegi. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Your question was about how India sees itself in the next five years. Look, we believe, and we know, we fully expect to be the third-largest economy in this decade. Currently, we are at fifth in terms of economic strength. We also believe that many things which India is currently doingalike our digital public infrastructure, 'India Stack', UPI, or if you look at India's impact in the area of trade, if you look at the numbers; our trade will increase, our economy will grow, our influence in the world will increase, and so will our political relevance, you could say. As her question was about the UN, which we will discuss later. But I would certainly say that we have full confidence that the progress made in the last ten years will continue in the coming decade; it will not go down. In many areas, there is potential for leapfrogging, particularly through the medium of technology. People talk about AI now, and there are many opportunities in AI, since growing in manufacturing is more difficult, India could grow quickly in AI. So, this self-confidence definitely exists in India today. I would also say that the countries of the Global South have expectations from India. They believe that India is such a country today... we have projects in about 80 countries around the world. And they feel that if something happens there, especially in the neighborhood, India is quick to come to help as 'first responder'. So, the expectations from India are increasing globally. Our capabilities will certainly increase, but with capabilities, responsibilities and expectations will also increase. So, I was essentially saying that we see ourselves in the next decade, because that was broadly the question, as a country with greater capabilities, with greater responsibilities, with greater expectations from the Global South. And that was voiced today, that in many cases people specifically referred to experiences that they had with India, it could be a natural disaster or it could be a health collaboration or a development project. So, a lot of those examples were cited. So, we can see that the Global South does expect much more from India in the coming days. So, your question on the UN reform, is there growing sentiment for UN reform? To me, absolutely. Is there a specific idea how to do it? I think there are many specific ideas. You know, different groups of countries have their own ideas. So, the exercise is to find a way of reconciling that to the best possible and then subjecting it to a democratic choice. Now, we are not going to get perfect unity among 190-odd countries in the world saying this is how we are going to go about it. Nor do we expect it. So, our view is, look, open it up, let everybody put forward their idea, and then give the membership of the UN the ability to make that choice. So, we believe today that there should be a negotiation, there should be a text-based negotiation, that whatever emerges from it, we are not saying it's necessarily something that has to agree with us. But, if really we believe in a democratic world order, then we think this 190-odd members should be allowed to vote about the future of the UN, like many of us vote about our respective futures. And we feel that process has been unduly and unfairly blocked. So, our striving is in that direction. We know that it is not without its challenges, but we continue to pursue it. John: Thanks for the briefing, John Reed from the FT. I gather China did not take part in this Summit and in past Summits. Did India invite them? And if not, why not? Or could we get some comment on China's non-participation in the Summit? Thank you. Chandrakala: Good evening, sir. This is Chandrakala from ETV Bharat. My question is quickly on Bangladesh. With the new interim government in place, how do you see the India-Bangladesh relations going further? Thank you. Suhasini: Dr. Jaishankar, this is Suhasini Haidar from the Hindu. I've two questions just picking up on the UN reform. You've spoken about the need specifically for UNSC expansion, and Prime Minister in his Opening Remarks has said there should be something concrete that you take to the Summit of the Future. So, I just wanted to specifically ask if there will be some document that goes, this Compact, will there be a document that's going to be part of the Summit of the Future that goes from this? And since John asked about China, was Pakistan invited and was there a response? Smita: Hi, Smita Sharma. I'm just trying to figure out what do you see as the future of the Summit moving forward? I mean, I understand you're exchanging ideas, but are you also looking at solutions in some sort of a way when you talk about the debt issues of the member countries? Is there an alternative mechanism that is being talked about? IPEF was announced in Quad, Indo-Pacific, didn't move around really. And B, was there any health collaboration proposals on Mpox outbreak currently, on the current situation there? Dhairya: Good evening, sir. Dhairya Maheshwari from Sputnik, India. So, my question is in regards to... could you just sum up the concrete deliverables, particularly the financial ones that came out of this whole Summit? Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister: So, the first question, was China there? Answer is no. Underlying question, were they invited? Answer is no. Second question, India, Bangladesh. I think the only relevant part, I have already spoken about, which were the sentiments expressed by the Chief Adviser in respect to the overall Summit. But India-Bangladesh relations, I think that gentleman will answer at his Press Conference. The Summit of the Future, is there a document from this exercise, is there a document which goes there? No. There is a separate exercise of the Summit of the Future document which is going on. This exercise was much more in a way of finding common positions and the idea was to create that sense of coming together on a Compact. So I would say, I mean, clearly, in many ways, ideationally, there would be a carryover. But I think that exercise and this exercise are separate in a way. On the Monkey-pox issue, no. There was no specific reference to anybody. I mean, there were references to health challenges which were not getting the priority kind of thing, but not specific in that sense. We weren't looking so much at financial... I mean, this was not a visit where you do say, okay, I have a list of deliverables to put before the world. This was more like a gathering of people around a set of themes who are exchanging ideas, taking, you know, mulling that between them, taking it forward, exactly as we did last year. Now, eventually, as you saw last year, all of that in some form or the other impacted the G20. So, we would certainly hope that in... because there are, I mean, it isn't just that we have New York and the U.N., you know, there are other conferences, there are biodiversity conferences, there are COPs. In fact, the next COP also came up for some discussion. So, I think many people, sort of, brought in ideas, bounced it off each other, partly reacted to something that somebody else said. And the idea was, okay, when we do our gathering, we will take that from here and feed it into that. I think that would be a fair play. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: With that, we come to the close of this Session. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Honorable External Affairs Minister to be with us this evening for this special session. And I would also like to thank all of you for participating in today's Special Briefing. Thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Indian Air Force & Indian Army carry out first-of-its-kind precise para-drop of BHISHM critical trauma care cube at 15,000 feet India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 17 AUG 2024 10:03AM by PIB Delhi Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army have jointly carried out a first-of-its-kind precise para-drop operation of the Aarogya Maitri Health Cube at a high-altitude area close to 15,000 feet. These critical trauma care cubes have been indigenously developed under Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri). The operation was conducted in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of providing critical supplies to Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) affected areas. The IAF utilised its advanced tactical transport aircraft C-130J Super Hercules to airlift and precisely para-drop the cube. The Indian Army's Para Brigade, known for its operational acumen and agility, played an instrumental role in the successful deployment of the trauma care cube, utilising their advanced precision drop equipment. This demonstration underscored the capability of such specialised military assets to effectively support HADR operations, even in the most remote and mountainous regions. The successful para-drop and deployment of the BHISHM trauma care cube exemplified the synergy & jointness of the Armed Forces and underscored the commitment to providing timely & effective assistance as first responders. **** ABB/Savvy (Release ID: 2046219) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address INDIAN NAVAL SHIP TABAR REACHES ESBJERG, DENMARK FOR A TWO DAY VISIT India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 18 AUG 2024 6:49PM by PIB Delhi Indian Navy's frontline stealth frigate, INS Tabar commanded by Captain MR Harish arrived at Esbjerg, Denmark for a two-day visit. The ongoing visit by INS Tabar to Esbjerg, Denmark aims to enhance the existing bonds between both nations and navies. During the stay in Esbjerg harbour, the ship's crew will participate in various bilateral professional interactions with the Danish Armed Forces, including cultural exchange. The Indian Navy remains committed to fostering partnerships with navies across the world. The diplomatic relations between India and Denmark, are based on historical links, common democratic traditions and shared desire for regional, as well as international peace and stability. The bilateral relations were elevated to the level of "Green Strategic Partnership" during the Virtual Summit held between Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Denmark Ms Mette Frederiksen on 28 Sep 20. INS Tabar is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors and is among the earliest stealth frigates of the Indian Navy. The ship is part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet which is based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command. ***** VM/SKY (Release ID: 2046437) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates new state-of-the-art ICG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre building in Chennai India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Virtually launches Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre in Chennai & Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry These establishments to ensure robust maritime security & provide efficient responses to emergencies Posted On: 18 AUG 2024 6:48PM by PIB Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the newly-constructed state-of-the-art Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre building in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on August 18, 2024. He also virtually launched the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre, located at the Chennai Port premises, and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry. The buildings have been established to ensure robust maritime security and provide efficient responses to emergencies, reinforcing the country's commitment to maritime safety and environmental protection. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre This state-of-the-art facility aims to significantly enhance the coordination and effectiveness of maritime rescue operations for mariners & fishermen in distress at sea. It underscores the Government's resolve to protect lives and ensure a swift response in critical situations. The Centre is installed with latest equipment for distress monitoring through terrestrial & satellite systems and equipped with advanced communication systems for real-time management of alerts by highly-trained personnel of ICG specialising in Search & Rescue procedures, with the rescue aircraft, ships and other facilities. Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre This establishment is a first-of-its-kind facility for coordinating response against marine pollution, particularly oil and chemical pollution, in waters adjoining the coastal states in the Indian Ocean Region. The creation of this centre was first announced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during the maiden Indo-ASEAN meeting held in Cambodia on November 22, 2022. The setting-up of this centre was spearheaded by Coast Guard Regional Headquarters East at its premises within Chennai Port. It has an Emergency Response Centre which will be manned 24x7 by ICG personnel to monitor the marine oil pollution incidents. The Centre will also impart training in Pollution response techniques to various organisations such as Ports, Oil Handling agencies, Government organisations and private participants. It will also train personnel from friendly countries in combating oil pollution at sea. The practical training will involve actual deployment of various oil handling equipment for maximum exposure to real time oil spill scenarios. Coast Guard Air Enclave This facility marks a significant milestone for ICG and will play a vital role in maritime security along the Puducherry and south Tamil Nadu coast. The Air Enclave will be equipped with Chetak and Advanced Light Helicopter Squadrons. Both these helicopters are indigenously built and capable of undertaking maritime patrol, Search & Rescue and other such missions both from land as well as from Coast Guard ships patrolling at sea. Senior officers of Ministry of Defence, ICG & Armed Forces, dignitaries from State governments, and guests from friendly countries attended the event. ****** ABB/Savvy (Release ID: 2046436) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address How Would Iran Benefit From Exporting Ballistic Missiles To Russia? By Kian Sharifi August 17, 2024 A new report says Iran is preparing to export Fath-360 and Ababil close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) to Russia and has started training Russian personnel to use the former. There have been several reports since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 claiming Iran was gearing up to sell or had already supplied Russia with ballistic missiles. None of the reports was confirmed by U.S. or Ukrainian officials, and Iran continues to deny having armed or planning to arm Russia. Analysts who spoke to RFE/RL were unsure about the latest report but added that if confirmed it would provide a boon for Russia's war efforts and have both benefits and pitfalls for Iran. Russia's use of North Korean ballistic missiles briefly allayed concerns Moscow would turn to Iran to restock its inventory. "However, the extensive demands of the battlefield may have strained North Korea's supply capabilities," Nicole Grajewski, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told RFE/RL. She said Moscow might be seeking Iranian ballistic missiles as a strategy to "lessen its dependence on North Korea," which would allow Russia to play off Pyongyang and Tehran against each other, "potentially maximizing its strategic benefits." A visit to Tehran on August 6 by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, who previously served as the country's defense minister, fueled suspicions that Moscow was seeking to acquire Iranian missiles. From Drones To Missiles Since the early months of the Ukraine war, Russia was suspected of using Iranian-made Shahed and Mohajer-6 drones, many of which have been found after being shot down in Ukrainian cities and battlefields. Iran initially denied arming Russia before relenting and admitting that it had supplied "a limited number of drones" to Moscow before the war. Despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Tehran continues to deny that its drones are being used by Russia against Ukraine. That has not stopped the United States and EU from imposing sanctions on Iran for helping Moscow. Grajewski said Iranian drones "had a comparative advantage over the Russian ones in terms of technology, manufacturing, and operational use." But with ballistic missiles, it "is about quantity, not quality." Aside from the reputational boost that would come from supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, Iran would also gain significant knowledge about how Fath-360 and Ababil perform in battle. In addition, Grejewski said, the "operational use and any Russian modifications would potentially help Iran with some areas where its missiles tend to be lacking." Earlier reports suggested Russia was eyeing Iran's Fateh-110 and Zolfaqar short-range ballistic missiles. But exporting those to Russia would put Iran in violation of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) range and payload thresholds, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. However, Fath-360 and Ababil are under the 300 km and 500 kg thresholds established by the MTCR. "Nonetheless, that does not mean [CRBMs] should be ignored, as they help Russia conserve their own domestically produced long-range strike assets and are further signs of a deepening Russo-Iranian relationship," Taleblu argued. Taking Risks To Grow Partnership Not contravening the MTCR would still draw the ire of Western nations if Iran ends up supplying Russia with ballistic missiles. UN restrictions on Iran's imports and exports of missiles expired in October 2023, but the United States and the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany) as well as the wider EU extended ballistic-missile sanctions against Iran. "The E3 was resolute in their warnings to Iran," Grajewski said. "The supply of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would complicate any solution with the Iranian nuclear program." Talks on restoring the nuclear deal have stalled and the agreement is set to expire in October 2025, so Iran may be looking to bolster its relations with Russia in case the prospects for reviving the deal disappear. Iran took part in Russia's annual army exhibition, which was held in Moscow on August 12-14, and showcased some of its latest military technology including the Mohajer-10 drone -- the updated version of the Mohajer-6 that Russia has used in Ukraine. But Grajewski argued that more notable was the presence in Moscow of Brigadier General Ali Shadmani, a deputy commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters that is responsible for the operational command and control of Iran's armed forces. Taleblu said Iran had received a combination of things for arming Russia with drones, including cash and gold, and maintained that "these vectors of cooperation are likely set to deepen." "Iran is intent on moving up from the status of junior partner to Russia, which is one reason why the arms cooperation between the two over Ukraine is unlikely to be compartmentalized," he added. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran- export-ballistic-missile-russia/33080369.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Iranian admin. to prioritize relations with China, Russia, newly-emerged powers: Araqchi IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Abbas Araqchi, the foreign minister proposed by Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian, has said that China and Russia along with newly-emerged powers across the world will be top priorities in the Islamic Republic's foreign relations under the upcoming administration. Araqchi made the comment on Sunday as he attended a parliamentary session to defend and elaborate on his plans to run the foreign ministry under the upcoming 14th administration. He said that the foreign policy he will pursue will be "inclusive, active and influential", and defined three main missions if he gets parliament's vote of confidence to become foreign minister. Araqchi named the missions as "protecting national interests, and preserving and increasing national wealth", "strengthening national security and increasing power", and "preserving and strengthening honor and dignity". China, Russia, and other countries that have stood by Iran in times of hardship and sanctions, as well as emerging powers in Africa, Latin America, and East Asia are the priority of the 14th administration as long as foreign relations are concerned, he said. On ties with Europe, the proposed foreign minister explained that Europe would also be a priority in Iran's foreign relations if it corrects its wrong and hostile behavior towards the Islamic Republic, and the policy toward the US will be the policy of "hostility management". As to sanctions, Araqchi said that he will work on simultaneously nullifying and lifting the measures, adding that the upcoming administration will neither be in a hurry nor be engaged in attrition negotiations to lift the sanctions. He also said that the foreign ministry under his management will specifically work on nullifying the sanctions, as recommended by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The Iranian parliament kicked off sessions to assess the cabinet ministers proposed by President Pezeshkian on Saturday morning. The sessions, taking place in the morning and at the afternoon each day, will continue until Wednesday when lawmakers will decide on giving their vote of confidence to the proposed cabinet. As of Sunday afternoon, six out of 19 ministers have elaborated on their plans for their future jobs. They include picks for the ministries of education, communications, intelligence, foreign affairs, economy, health and labor. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's natural gas grid expanded by 53,000 km since 2021 Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 6:11 PM CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) says the gas grid in the country has expanded by 53,000 kilometers in the past three years. Majid Chegeni said on Sunday that Iran had built more than 1,800 kilometers of new high pressure gas transmission pipelines since August 2021 when the outgoing government took office. Chegeni said the number of gas grid customers in Iran had increased by nearly a million over the past three years, adding that some 50 new cities and 6,800 villages had also been connected to the country's nationwide gas pipeline network over the same period. Natural gas became available to 24 new power plants and 21,000 industrial units across Iran over the past three years, he said, adding that the NIGC had also built seven new pumping stations with 24 compressors to power long-distance gas pipelines in the country. Iran is one of the four largest producers and consumers of natural gas in the world. The country injects more than 850 million cubic meters per day of natural gas to its nationwide grid during cold winter months. Total gas output in Iran has exceeded 1 billion cubic meters per day, a bulk of which comes from South Pars, the world's largest gas field which is located on the maritime border between Iran and Qatar in the Persian Gulf. Chegeni's comments on Sunday came during a ceremony to inaugurate a 176-kilometer gas pipeline in eastern Iran where the NIGC has been carrying out projects to boost gas supplies to households and industries in the region. A report on the Iranian Oil Ministry's news website said that the government had spent 72 trillion rials ($124.1 million) on the pipeline connecting Dashtak in Sistan region to Nehbandan in the South Khorasan province. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Abbas Araqchi, a former nuclear negotiator, vows to pursue removal of sanctions Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 3:01 PM Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's pick for foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, says pursuing the "dignified and honorable" removal of sanctions will be a priority of the Foreign Ministry if his appointment is approved by the Parliament. On the second day of debates in the Iranian Parliament on President Pezeshkian's proposed list of ministers on Sunday, Araqchi presented and defended his main priorities, including ways to deal with the sanctions against Iran. He said plans to remove sanctions will be pursued in coordination with Iranian lawmakers, adding that any decision will be made based on consensus and common understanding. He emphasized that Iran will not tolerate rushed or attritional negotiations regarding the lifting of sanctions. The new Iranian administration's foreign policy will be based on preparing the ground for increasing the country's wealth, power and dignity, Araqchi, a former nuclear negotiator, pointed out. The negotiations to restore the 2015 nuclear deal - officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- began in April 2021, three years after the US unilaterally withdrew from the UNSC-endorsed agreement and began to target Iran's economy with tough economic sanctions. Iran has criticized the lack of will on the side of the US and the E3 to revive the deal and has ramped up its nuclear activities in response to their non-compliance. Tehran began to gradually remove a cap set in the JCPOA on its nuclear activities at bi-monthly intervals. At the time, Iran also maintained that if the Iranian economy was shielded from sanctions, it would reverse its nuclear decision. Iran will improve ties with neighbors, Europe Elsewhere in his address to the Iranian lawmakers, Araqchi said he would vigorously pursue the policy of good neighborliness and would try to seize great economic and political opportunities to improve productive relations with the neighboring countries. The president's pick for foreign minister said Iran prioritizes relations with countries such as Russia and China which stood by Iran "during tough times and sanctions". He added that the improvement of ties with emerging powers in Africa, Latin America and East Asia is among other priorities of his ministry. "If Europe corrects its wrong and hostile behavior towards the Islamic Republic of Iran, it will be on our priority list," Araqchi emphasized. He said Iran will pursue the policy of "hostility management" and not "cessation of hostility" in ties with the United States. He also reiterated Iran's unwavering and full support for the Palestinian cause and Lebanon's resistance as well as other resistance movements which are fighting the cruel and criminal policies of the Israeli regime. Araqchi noted that the next Iranian administration will use all its political and diplomatic capacities to introduce the objectives of the resistance to the world and gain the support of the regional countries. Iran's Parliament on Saturday officially started reviewing the qualifications of proposed ministers in the new administration, with President Pezeshkian underscoring the importance of maintaining unity and cohesion among the three branches of government to resolve the country's problems. The Iranian president submitted the list of his new cabinet members to the Parliament on August 11, less than two weeks after he was sworn in before the country's legislators. Araqchi and Abdolnaser Hemmati are the most well-known figures on his list. Pezeshkian's cabinet lineup has ruffled the feathers of many individuals in the Reformist camp but he has defended his proposed ministers and has called on critics to "wait for the cabinet to start work and criticize it based on its performance." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi resistance leader vows measures to expel US forces from Iraq IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 17, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Leader of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq Qais Khazali has vowed to take simultaneous diplomatic and military actions to expel foreign forces from Iraq. Taking military action to expel American soldiers from Iraq is obligatory, Khazali was quoted by Euro News as saying on Saturday. If the diplomatic negotiations for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq are not accompanied by military action of resistance, the American troops will not leave the territory of Iraq, he added. The forces that are present illegally and against the constitution and laws of Iraq are not allowed to leave the territory of Iraq because of diplomatic negotiations, he noted. Resistance's act is necessary to force the US forces to leave the country to achieve the full national sovereignty of Iraq. The presence of resistance is necessary to achieve national sovereignty in the near and mid-term future, Khazali said. "We are part of the Axis of Resistance, and if the conflict spreads in the region or in Lebanon or Yemen, this issue also concerns us," he stated. Stressing the fact that the Zionists are waiting for the response of the resistance to the assassination of the martyr Ismail Haniyeh, the former head of the political bureau of Hamas, he said that the Zionists are in anxiety and fear and are suffering from economic problems and a crisis. There is a psychological war now and Israel is dealing with economic and social problems and is waiting for an attack every day. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military action 'necessary' to expel US occupation forces from Iraq: Resistance leader Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 August 2024 11:08 AM The leader of the Iraqi Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq resistance group has underlined the need for combined diplomatic and military efforts to drive out foreign troops from the country, stating that military action is "obligatory and necessary" to expel American occupation forces. "If diplomatic negotiations over the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq are not accompanied by the resistance front's military action, American troops will not leave Iraqi soil," Qais al-Khazali said on Friday. He added, "The forces, who are illegally present in Iraq and in a flagrant violation of the country's constitution, will never leave the Iraqi territory through diplomatic means." "Resistance factions' [military] action is, therefore, obligatory and necessary in order to compel US military forces to leave Iraq and fully restore national sovereignty," the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq chief noted. The remarks came a day after Iraq delayed the announcement of an end date for the US-led coalition's mission in the country, citing recent regional developments. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said there are no US combat forces in Iraq, only advisors operating under the coalition umbrella, adding that the advisors are subject to the Joint Higher Military Commission, which was jointly created by Iraq and the United States to supervise the coalition mission in Iraq. The ministry said the two sides were nearing an agreement on a withdrawal timeline, but "recent events" had pushed back the announcement. Iraqi resistance groups have been pressing for an end to the presence of foreign forces in Iraq more than a decade after a US-led coalition invaded the country in a blatant violation of international law based on false claims of it being in possession of weapons of mass destruction. There are nearly 2,500 American troops in Iraq and some 900 in Syria as part of what Washington claims to be a fighting force against Daesh. The US has maintained its presence, although the Arab countries and their allies defeated the Takfiri terrorist group in late 2017. In 2020, the Iraqi parliament voted in favor of the expulsion of the foreign forces after a US drone strike assassinated Iran's top anti-terror commander, General Qassem Soleimani, and deputy commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) counter-terrorism force, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, outside Baghdad International Airport. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Colombian president signs decree cutting coal exports to Israel IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has signed a decree banning coal exports to Israel over its genocidal war on Gaza. The decree, published on Colombia's presidential website, is dated August 14, according to Bloomberg and will come into effect next week. Petro, on his X social media account, said on Sunday that his country will no longer allow its thermal coal to be used for making Israeli bombs that are being dropped on Palestinian children. The Latin American country is the biggest supplier of coal to Israel. Back in June, Petro announced that his country would suspend coal exports to Israel and supplies would resume "when the genocide" in Gaza stops. The Colombian president cut diplomatic ties with Israel in May, saying that his country cannot maintain relations with the "genocidal" regime of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Petro has on various occasions spoken out against Israel's conduct during its war in the Palestinian territory. Meanwhile, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas welcomed Colombia's decision. Hamas also urged all countries to sever their relations with the fascist Israeli regime and act to impose sanction, isolate Tel Aviv, punish and try its leaders as war criminals. Petro's move is seen as to put pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's regime to end its genocidal war on Gaza. 4194**4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli president calls for removal of extremists from Netanyahu's cabinet over Gaza war Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 9:05 AM The Israeli president, pressed by protesters who confronted him for not taking measures to return captives held in Gaza, called for the removal of minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet. According to reports by Israeli media, in an unprecedented confrontation with anti-regime demonstrators that occurred on Saturday outside of the President's Residence in al-Quds, Isaac Herzog said that "Kahanism needs to be removed" from the cabinet. Herzog responded to protesters who shouted, "You're the president of a Kahanist" cabinet. "You have to jump up and down about it." The reference was to Ben-Gvir and other far-right ministers including finance minister Bezalel Smotrich who are generally tied to a fascist Zionist ideology based on the views of Rabbi Meir Kahane, and his eponymous ideology, Kahanism. They generally hold a view that Arabs living in Israel are the enemies of Jews and Israel itself. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been harshly criticized for opposing an agreement that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli captives and their persistence in prolonging Israel's months-long genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip, where more than 40,000 Palestinians are killed. Anti-regime Israeli protesters believe that Netanyahu and his cabinet are not doing enough to reach a ceasefire deal with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas to return Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held illegally in Israeli detention centers. A video of the incident posted to social media showed the protesters gathered outside Herzog's residence constantly interrupting and speaking over the Israeli president as he tried to outline the Israeli regime's plans regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. Herzog, an extremist himself, suggested at a press conference on October 13, 2023, that Palestinians in Gaza were legitimate targets. Two months later, a photo circulated widely on social media showed Herzog writing the phrase "I rely on you" on a shell destined to be fired on the besieged Palestinian territory. Later on Saturday, thousands rallied across Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other locations across the occupied territories to denounce the Israeli prime minister for obstructing a truce deal aimed at enabling the return of the captives held in the Gaza Strip. The protesters warned that the deal had to be reached within a week, and threatened to ramp up their demonstrations in the event it did not materialize. "This is probably the last chance to make a deal," said a demonstrator in Haifa. Israel unleashed its relentless war on Gaza after Operation al-Aqsa Storm, a retaliatory operation staged by the Gaza-based resistance groups in reprisal for the regime's decades-long crimes against Palestinians. The surprise foray left some 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 others in captivity, among whom more than 60 were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza. Hamas has repeatedly said it would release the remaining captives in exchange for a complete cessation of Israeli aggression and the regime's full withdrawal from the narrow Strip. It has also conditioned their release on the return of the displaced people, an end to the siege that Tel Aviv has imposed on Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu turned down meeting with UK FM over London's ICC position: Report Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 7:31 AM Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly refused to meet with visiting British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, after the new Labour government decided to allow the warrants at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against senior Israeli officials to go ahead. Israel's Channel 13 news reported that the British government made multiple requests for a sit-down meeting between Netanyahu and Lammy, but was told that the 74-year-old chairman of the Likud party had a scheduling conflict. The network noted that Netanyahu was angered by the new British government's decision to withdraw its reservation for arrest warrants against himself, and Israeli minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant at the Hague-based international tribunal. Lammy visited the Israeli-occupied territories on a joint trip with his French counterpart StAphane SAjournA. They met Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. The top British diplomat's trip was focused primarily on potential retaliatory attacks by Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance group over recent Israeli assassinations of resistance figures, with the Tel Aviv regime hoping for British support to fend off any possible operation. In May, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan filed a request for arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over Israel's war on Gaza, where more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children are killed. A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on July 26 that the country will withdraw the previous government's objection to the ICC's request for arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. The spokesperson said that the decision of whether or not to issue the warrants is for the court to make. "On the ICC submission... I can confirm the government will not be pursuing (the proposal) in line with our long-standing position that this is a matter for the court to decide on," the spokesperson told reporters. Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korea, US Begin Annual Major Joint Military Exercises Sputnik News 20240818 SEOUL (Sputnik) - South Korea and the United States are beginning the annual major joint military exercises Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) to strengthen their joint defense readiness and ability to counter "threats from North Korea." The Yonhap agency previously reported citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) that the UFS exercises would be held from August 19-29, and would include a major command post exercise based on computer simulation, field training, and civil defense exercises. The exercises are based on a full-scale war scenario, using various means, including land, sea, air, cyber, and space. It is reported that the exercises should further strengthen the potential and readiness of the South Korea-US alliance to respond to "any provocations by North Korea" and defend against weapons of mass destruction. This year's UFS will see allies train to counter threats in all domains, including North Korean missiles, GPS jamming and cyberattacks. The drills will also incorporate lessons from recent conflicts around the world. The scale of the exercises will be similar to last year's, with about 19,000 South Korean troops taking part. The training will include 48 field exercises, such as amphibious landings and live-fire drills, 10 more than last year. The number of brigade-level exercises will also increase, from four last year to 17 this year. North Korea has denounced the joint South Korean-US drills as a simulation of an invasion of North Korea and a "nuclear war rehearsal." The North Korean Foreign Ministry's Institute for American Studies denounced on Sunday the UFS as "military exercises in preparation for aggression." Seoul and Washington reject this, calling the exercises "defensive" in nature. Pyongyang considers these exercises to be "the most offensive and provocative military exercises in preparation for aggression in the world." North Korea will continue to make decisive efforts to build up a powerful defense potential to reliably protect state sovereignty, security, interests and territorial integrity and will change the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region in its favor, it said. At the same time, the South expects the North to respond to the exercises. Last week, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myong-soo ordered the troops to immediately take retaliatory measures in the event of any provocations, saying that North Korea is likely to use the UFS exercises as a "pretext for provocation." A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson August 18, 2024 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The Secretary discussed the vital, ongoing work to prevent regional escalation and finalize a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Secretary Blinken thanked the Foreign Minister for Saudi Arabia's work to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Secretary underscored our shared concerns about Houthi actions, including its seizure earlier this month of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sana'a. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Saudi Arabia's role as co-host of talks in Switzerland aimed at implementing the Jeddah Declaration and achieving a cessation of hostilities in Sudan a and underscored the need for the Sudanese Armed Forces to join the Rapid Support Forces in the negotiations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan's outgoing prime minister says ties with Taiwan to further deepen ROC Central News Agency 08/17/2024 04:36 PM Tokyo/Taipei, Aug. 17 (CNA) Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on social media on Friday that Taiwan was "an extremely important partner" for Japan and that he believed relations between the two sides would continue to deepen. Kishida, who has earlier this week announced that he would not seek re-election as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), made the comment in response to President Lai Ching-te's () post on X. Kishida thanked the "warm support from Taiwan," which he described as an "an extremely important partner" that shares fundamental values, such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, with Japan. "[I] believe that the 'kizuna,' the deep emotional bond, between Japan and Taiwan will continue to deepen in the future," he added. Kishida said on Wednesday that he would not run for LDP president in his party's election in September, meaning that he will step down as prime minister, a role that the 67-year-old has served for nearly three years. Kishida's decision to bow out came as the LDP, which has been in power for most of the time since its founding in 1955, has become embroiled in political scandals in recent months, taking a toll on the prime minister's support rate. Following the announcement, Lai thanked the Japanese prime minster for his support for Taiwan and emphasis on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, via social media. Relations between Taiwan and Japan have deepened under Kishida's leadership, Lai said, while expressing hope that both sides could be further united in addressing global challenges and pursuing prosperity. Separately, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in a press release on Friday that a delegation comprising more than 70 members of the LDP's youth division will arrive in Taiwan on Monday for a five-day visit. Led by Takako Suzuki, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives, the delegation will meet with Lai, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (), and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (), among other officials, MOFA said. In addition to Suzuki, the overseas studies group includes eight House of Representatives members and young LDP members from various regions of Japan, according to the ministry. During their stay in Taiwan from Monday until Aug. 23, the group will also travel to Hualien to help boost tourism in the region hit hard by a major earthquake in April. (By Yang Ming-chu and Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KMT chairman emphasizes dialogue with China for regional stability ROC Central News Agency 08/17/2024 03:36 PM San Francisco, Aug. 16 (CNA) Eric Chu (ca), chairman of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), said on Friday that his party will continue to engage China to strengthen stability in the region. During his trip to the United States, Chu said he believed the KMT and the U.S. share a mutual goal to boost regional stability through dialogue with China instead of confrontation. Chu said the KMT also has faith that Taiwan's friends in the U.S. have a full understanding that his party is able to serve as an anchor to maintain regional stability, adding that he was confident the KMT's stance had been well received by the U.S. The KMT chair departed for the U.S. on Thursday night Taipei time to kick off his trip, with the first stop being San Francisco, where he visited the KMT's U.S. headquarters for its annual assembly and to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the founding of the party on Friday U.S. time. On the sidelines of a training forum attended by KMT staff, Chu said the party's critical policy to deal with powers around Taiwan is to "get closer to the U.S., make friends with Japan and maintain peace with China." The KMT, which has been viewed as a China-friendly political party, compared with the pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is seeking a balance in terms of relationships, while getting along with Washington and Beijing at the same time, Chu said. He added that the year of 2024 will be a critical year for the U.S., referring to the upcoming presidential election slated for November. Therefore, the KMT's representatives attended the 2024 Republican National Convention in Wisconsin in July, and the party will send a delegation comprised of KMT legislators to the Democratic National Convention scheduled to open on Aug. 19 in Chicago, to allow the party's American friends to have a better grasp about the KMT's policy to get closer to the U.S., Chu said. Chu added that the KMT has been reshaping itself in recent years by recruiting young blood, urging young overseas Taiwanese to join the party to make the organization younger. He added that he hopes more young people will serve as the KMT's party representatives. Through a visit to the KMT's U.S. headquarters in San Francisco, Chu said, he aimed to unite the party representatives in the U.S. and Canada, and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the long-term support from overseas Taiwanese communities there. During his stay in San Francisco, Chu also attended a forum organized by the think tank Hoover Institution and held discussions with more than 25 scholars. After meeting with these American scholars, Chu said the forum focused on three major topics: energy issues in Taiwan, the attitude of people in Taiwan toward the upcoming presidential vote in the U.S., and regional stability. Chu said many of the American scholars he met with once served either in the Republican government or the Democratic government and they said no matter whether the GOP or the Democratic Party wins the election, Washington is expected to maintain stable ties with Taipei. Chu said he told them that Taiwan is an "important ally" of the U.S. and will continue to be. Kharis Templeman, one of the American scholars attending the forum, told CNA that Hoover Institution scholars are planning to visit Taiwan in September. Later Friday, Chu is scheduled to meet with representatives from Silicon Valley to exchange views about technology upgrades and technology competitiveness. On Saturday, Chu will fly to Houston to attend the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America's 46th annual convention. After his visit to Houston, Chu will stay in the U.S. for some time for personal reasons as his two children are studying there. The KMT did not provide information about when the chairman will wrap up his trip to the U.S. (By Chang Hsin-yu, Yeh Fang-yu, Liu Kuan-ting, Wu Kuan-hsien and Frances Huang) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Social media hackers target Taiwan military in disinformation drive: Investigation Bureau ROC Central News Agency 08/17/2024 06:23 PM Taipei, Aug. 17 (CNA) Taiwan's national security faces new threats from overseas as several hacked social media accounts were found being used to spread disinformation about its military, and some of the messages sent were widely shared by over 150 Facebook fan pages, according to the Investigation Bureau. The newly identified cyber operatives hacked into some of Taiwan's Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as connected surveillance cameras and facial recognition systems, and gained access to social media accounts on platforms such as Dcard and PTT, the bureau said in a statement issued on Saturday. These operations differ from traditional methods of manipulating public opinion through Chinese-managed fan pages, it added. They caught the Investigation Bureau's attention following an article posted on Dcard on May 23, titled "As an airman, I have no intent to renew my contract." The author of the article, identified by Dcard as an abnormal account, claimed that he had held his pilot wings for 14 years but was tired of the sacrifices he had made and had no intention of renewing his contract for another five years in the Air Force. "I plan to join a civil aviation company and spend more time with my family to compensate for what I have sacrificed in the military," the author wrote. So far, the article has received nearly 3,500 likes and over 1,200 comments, including a popular comment reads: "No need to tolerate emotional blackmail. It's natural to leave a bad environment for a better place." Meanwhile, a PTT account named "ss900287" posted an article on May 24 titled "Why are even airmen not willing to do it anymore?" It included a photo link that purportedly showed a list of retired military pilots applying for jobs at China Airlines in 2024. Overseas cyber operatives who pretended to be Taiwanese military pilots or airline company staff published a series of disinformation, which was shared by 170 abnormal Facebook fan pages under their control and tricked netizens into sharing them despite the Air Force Headquarters' clarifications, the bureau explained. The bureau said foreign cyber armies used complex methods to mask their identities and origins. In response to this threat, the bureau is working to identify and report these rogue accounts and pages to social media platforms for removal. It also urged the public to enhance the security of their internet-connected devices by using strong passwords and regularly updating them. Additionally, the bureau reminded citizens of the importance of fact-checking before sharing information, to avoid unintentionally spreading falsehoods. (By Hsieh Hsing-en and Chao Yen-hsiang) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan 'open' to restoring Honduras ties ROC Central News Agency 08/18/2024 03:54 PM Taipei, Aug. 18 (CNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on Sunday that Taiwan is open to "any opportunity" to enhance ties with Honduras, after an Honduran opposition leader suggested re-establishing ties with Taipei if elected president next year. In a press statement, MOFA said it continues to uphold "honesty and openness" when engaging with countries around the world including Honduras, a former diplomatic ally of Taiwan. "[Taiwan] will not set any preconditions for establishing relations with a foreign country and has always taken seriously any opportunity to elevate its international status and expand its global presence," the statement said. MOFA's comments came as a response to remarks made on Saturday by the Central American country's former vice president, Salvador Nasralla, who proposed re-recognizing Taiwan. In an interview with local Radio station AmArica on Saturday, Nasralla, who served as Honduran first vice president from 2022 until his resignation in early 2024, pledged that if he won the 2025 elections, he would re-establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name. "We will return to a relationship with China Taiwan," he said, referring to Taiwan. Honduras cut ties with Taipei in 2023 in order to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing. In the interview, Nasralla expressed opposition to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that the current Honduran government intends to sign with China. "Our trade with China does not need an FTA and these quadrupeds of the government led by [Manuel] Mel Zelaya are handing over the national territory to a power taking advantage of the ignorance of the people who govern the country today," he said. Zelaya, a former Honduran president, is the husband and main advisor to Xiomara Castro, the country's sitting president. The opposition leader also said Honduras and the People's Republic of China (PRC) have enjoyed an "unfavorable trade balance" since forming ties in March 2023. The ending of diplomatic ties with Taiwan cost Honduras 8,000 jobs directly and 50,000 jobs indirectly in the shrimp industry alone, the former vice president said. During an Aug. 15 post made on X (formerly Twitter), Nasralla also criticized the Castro administration for its ongoing FTA talks with the PRC. "Mainland China makes huge promises that in the end it does not fulfill, as Costa Rica, Panama and El Salvador have already proven," he said, pointing to three of Taiwan's former allies in the region. In contrast, Honduras was able to enjoy stable shrimp exports to "our friends in Taiwan," he added. Citing Nasralla's Aug. 15 social media post, MOFA in its Sunday statement accused the PRC of having never fulfilled the promises it has made to Taiwan's former allies in Latin America, including Honduras. As part of its so-called "one-China principle," the PRC insists that any country wishing to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing must discontinue diplomatic relations with Taipei. Since former President Tsai Ing-wen (ee) first took office in May 2016, Taiwan has lost 10 diplomatic allies to the PRC. The most recent ally to switch sides was the Pacific island country of Nauru, which did so on Jan. 15, leaving Taiwan with 12 diplomatic allies worldwide. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/JT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/08/19 1.Dateis6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Sunday to Monday, Aug. 18-19 2.PLA activitiesis 8 PLA aircraft, and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Update 245 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine International Atomic Energy Agency 75/2024 Vienna, Austria 17 Aug 2024 The nuclear safety situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is deteriorating following a drone strike that hit the road around the plant site perimeter today, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said. "Yet again we see an escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers facing the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. I remain extremely concerned and reiterate my call for maximum restraint from all sides and for strict observance of the five concrete principles established for the protection of the plant," said Director General Grossi. Earlier today, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) team was informed by ZNPP that an explosive carried by a drone detonated just outside of the plant's protected area. The impact site was close to the essential cooling water sprinkler ponds and about 100 metres from the Dniprovska power line, the only remaining 750 kilovolt (kV) line providing a power supply to ZNPP. The team immediately visited the area and reported that the damage seemed to have been caused by a drone equipped with an explosive payload. There were no casualties and no impact on any NPP equipment. However, there was impact to the road between the two main gates of ZNPP. The ISAMZ team has reported that military activity in the area - including very close to the plant - has been intense for the last week. The team has heard frequent explosions, repetitive heavy machine gun and rifle fire and artillery at various distances from the plant. There is no sign of the military activity in the vicinity of ZNPP abating, despite Director General Grossi's repeated calls for restraint. On 10 August ZNPP informed the IAEA team that artillery struck the local power and water substation in the nearby city Enerhodar, home to most ZNPP staff. The attack caused the failure of two transformers, leading to a citywide power outage. As a result, water had to be supplied using diesel generators. On 11 August the IAEA team was informed by ZNPP that power has been restored in the city. A significant fire at one of the ZNPP cooling towers earlier this week resulted in considerable damage, although there was no immediate threat to nuclear safety. Also this week, IAEA teams maintaining the Agency's continued presence at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs, as well as at the Chornobyl site, reported frequent air raid alarms and drone attacks. "Nuclear power plants are designed to be resilient against technical or human failures and external events including extreme ones, but they are not built to withstand a direct military attack, and neither are they supposed to, just as with any other energy facility in the world," said Director General Grossi. "This latest attack highlights the vulnerability of such facilities in conflict zones and the need to continue monitoring the fragile situation." Additionally, this week Director General Grossi continued discussions on the recent events in the territory of the Russian Federation, including the proximity of military action to an important and operating nuclear power plant. Director General Grossi has expressed his readiness to assess the situation, including by making a visit to the plant. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine planning to attack Russia's Kursk nuclear plant: Moscow Iran Press TV Saturday, 17 August 2024 5:05 PM Moscow says Kiev is planning to attack a major nuclear power plant in the Russian border region of Kursk, warning that in the event of such an invasion, a large surrounding area would be contaminated. On Saturday, Russia's defense ministry said in a statement that Ukraine was planning to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant and blame such a "provocation" on Moscow, Interfax news agency reported. The ministry warned that Russian forces would respond harshly in the event of such an attack which he said would contaminate a large surrounding area. The defense ministry said in a separate statement on Saturday that Russian forces had repelled Ukrainian forces "in the direction of the settlements of Korenevo, Russkoye and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye," in the Kursk region. On Friday, Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), urged both sides to use "maximum restraint" to "avoid a nuclear accident." "At this juncture, I would like to appeal to all sides to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences." He said the IAEA has been monitoring reports of fighting near the nuclear plant. The Kursk atomic power station a one the three biggest nuclear power plants in Russia a has six units of reactors. Two units are shut down, two are under construction and two are fully operational. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, however, said Saturday in a message on X that his forces were "strengthening" their positions in Kursk region. Ukraine bombed road near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant Russia also said that a Ukrainian drone dropped an explosive charge on a road outside the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on Saturday. The attack has endangered the staff of the nuclear power plant, who use the road, Russia's TASS news agency reported. Russia has been in control of the Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, since late February 2022, soon after Moscow launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine 'Strengthening' Position In Russia's Kursk Region, Zelenskiy Says By RFE/RL August 17, 2024 President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said Ukrainian forces are "strengthening" their positions in Russia's Kursk region after launching a major cross-border offensive more than a week ago that caught the Kremlin's military leadership off-guard and altered the dynamics of the 30-month war. Ukraine's top military commander, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy, "reported on the strengthening of the positions of our forces in the Kursk region and the expansion of stabilized territory," Zelenskiy said on Telegram on August 17. Ukrainian forces swept over the border on August 6 and, facing little resistance, pushed deep into Russian territory, capturing dozens of settlements. The surprise incursion, coming as Russia continues to advance in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, seemingly strengthens Kyiv's hand in any future peace negotiations. Russia claims to have annexed four Ukrainian regions -- Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya -- in addition to the Crimean Peninsula. If Ukraine can continue to hold parts of Kursk and neighboring Russian regions, it could potentially seek to swap it for the allegedly annexed regions, experts say. The Kremlin has been embarrassed by the incursion, the first foreign occupation of its territory since World War II, and has accused NATO of helping Ukraine plan the attack, an allegation Washington denies. The Kremlin, which frames the war as one between Russia and the West, has often hinted at escalation in what analysts say is an attempt to intimidate Washington so it refrains from supplying Ukraine with powerful weapons, such as long-range precision rockets and F-16s. As Ukrainian forces continued their surprising advance in Kursk, Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine of using U.S.-made long-range rockets to destroy a key bridge in the Glushkov district in the Kursk region, killing in the process "volunteers" helping to evacuate civilians. "For the first time, the Kursk region was hit by Western-made rocket launchers, probably American HIMARS," ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Telegram late on August 16 without providing any evidence. While Ukraine has used U.S. and European equipment and weapons in the incursion, it still faces Western restrictions on the use of some weapon systems inside Russia, including HIMARS. There has been no indication from Washington that Ukraine has violated those rules during the course of the war. According to Russian security officials, the destruction of the bridge cut off part of the district, making it more difficult for civilian evacuation out of the region. Ukraine's incursion has so far led to the evacuation of more than 120,000 civilians, according to Russian authorities. By comparison, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced as many as 7 million Ukrainians to flee their homes. Russia has also killed thousands of civilians through drone and missile strikes on nonmilitary sites like homes, shopping centers, and railroad stations. Kyiv claims to have taken control of 82 settlements over an area of 1,150 square kilometers since its surprise cross-border incursion on August 6. The United States so far deems the incursion a protective move that justifies the use of U.S. weaponry, according to officials in Washington. Nonetheless, Ukraine still faces Western restrictions on the use of some weapon systems inside Russia, including long-range missiles like the U.S.-made ATACMS. The Biden administration views the use of ATAMCS inside Russia as escalatory. There has been no indication from Western capitals that Ukraine has violated those rules during the course of the war. The Times of London reported on August 17 that the United States is also blocking Britain from supplying its powerful, long-range Storm Shadow cruise missile. The U.K. sent a corresponding request to the United States more than a month ago, but has not yet received a response, the paper reported. In a post later in the day, Zelenskiy expressed regret that the U.K. was restricting the use of Storm Shadows, saying long-range strike capability "is really a matter of principle for us." The Storm Shadow, which has a payload of 400 kilograms, can devastate targets more than 300 kilometers away. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on August 16 urged Washington and London to allow Ukraine to attack Russian territory with ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles. In a separate setback for Ukraine, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported on August 17 that Germany has halted any new financial and military aid to Ukraine due to budgetary constraints. In an August 5 letter to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock and seen by the news outlet, Finance Minister Christian Lindner said new aid allocations can only be made if financing is guaranteed. "Starting today, Olaf Scholz and the coalition government under his leadership are freezing financial and thus military support for Ukraine," Ingo Gadehens, a member of the opposition Christian Democrats, told the news outlet. Aid that had previously been promised will be delivered. Going forward, funds for Ukraine will be allocated from the profits generated by Russia's frozen assets, the outlet reported. Energy Facilities Targeted Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry accused Ukraine on August 17 of planning to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant and blame it on Moscow. Russia would respond harshly in the event of such "provocation," Interfax news agency quoted the ministry as saying. Meanwhile, Russian-installed officials at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine said on August 17 that a Ukrainian drone dropped an explosive charge on a road outside the plant, endangering staff who use the road. Moscow and Kyiv have repeatedly accused each other of sabotaging the operation of the plant, which was occupied by Russia soon after it launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Last week, Zelenskiy accused Russia of causing a fire at a cooling tower of the plant, while Russian officials said Kyiv was deliberately trying to destroy the plant and sow "nuclear terror." Non-nuclear energy facilities have been targeted by both sides during the war, with Russia damaging half of Ukraine power facilities and Ukraine damaging more than a dozen Russian refineries, some more than once. Kyiv and Moscow were to hold "indirect talks" next week in Doha on halting attacks on energy infrastructure but it has been postponed due to the Kursk incursion, The Washington Post reported on August 17, citing people familiar with the developments. Russia Plans More Evacuations Sudzha, which had a population of just 5,000 before the conflict began, is the biggest town to fall to Ukraine's troops since the operation began. The town is located 10 kilometers from the border. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said Ukraine will establish a command office in Sudzha to coordinate aid and military affairs. On August 17, fighting continued south of Korenevo, a town similar in size to Sudzha that would be an important tactical gain for Ukrainian forces. RFE/RL could not confirm some reports that Ukrainian forces were at least present in part of Korenevo. Russian forces have so far struggled to mount an effective response to the incursion, which is widely seen as a major morale boost for Ukraine. Authorities in Russia's Belgorod region bordering Ukraine and Kursk have said they will evacuate five villages starting next week. "From August 19, we are closing access to five settlements, removing residents and helping them bring out their property," regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announced on Telegram. Kyiv Investigates Beheading Ukraine's Prosecutor-General'ss Office has opened an investigation into the alleged beheading of a Ukrainian soldier participating in the Russia incursion. A video circulating on social media on August 16 showed a Russian soldier beside a pole with a severed head allegedly of a Ukrainian soldier. The Telegram channel DeepState identified the Russian soldier in the video as a member of the 155th Marine Brigade, which is deployed near the Kolotilovka checkpoint in the Belgorod region. According to DeepState, Ukrainian forces were fighting in the area on August 12. It is not the first time in the 30-month war that Russian soldiers have posted such videos. The beheading of dead soldiers is a war crime. Russian Strike, Ukraine Hack As it sought to beat back Ukrainian forces in Kursk, Russia continued its bombardment of Ukraine. In the northeastern Sumy region, at least two people were wounded in a Russian missile strike early on August 17, according to emergency services. The missile hit a parking lot near a high-rise apartment building, setting at least 10 vehicles on fire and shattering the windows and damaging the faAade of the nearby buildings, Ukrainian officials said. Overnight, Ukraine's air defenses shot down all 14 Russian drones launched in an overnight strike, the Ukrainian Air Force said in a statement early on August 17. The Shahed drones were downed over six Ukrainian regions in the south and center of the country, including areas near the capital, Kyiv, according to the statement posted on Telegram. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate said its cyber-specialists together with the hacker group VO Team had successfully infiltrated an Internet provider to an enterprise belonging to Russia's nuclear weapons program. In an August 17 statement, the directorate said they hacked Chelyabinsk Internet provider Vega, whose clients include the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Technical Physics, disabling 1,173 switches and 10 servers. "The information on the Vega servers has been destroyed. A number of strategic enterprises of the city were left without Internet and communication services for almost a week," the intelligence service reported. RFE/RL could not confirm the information. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian and Russian services Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-kursk-himars-ukraine- civilians/33082279.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kyiv Opens Investigation Into Alleged Beheading Of Dead Soldier By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 17, 2024 Ukraine's Prosecutor-General's Office has opened an investigation into the alleged beheading of a Ukrainian soldier participating in the Russia incursion. A video circulating on social media on August 16 showed a Russian soldier beside a pole with a severed head, allegedly of a Ukrainian soldier. The Telegram channel DeepState identified the Russian soldier in the video as a member of the 155th Marine Brigade, which is deployed near the Kolotilovka checkpoint in the Belgorod region. According to DeepState, Ukrainian forces were fighting in the area on August 12. It is not the first time in the 30-month war that Russian soldiers have posted such videos. The desecration of soldiers' bodies, including mutilation and beheadings, is a war crime. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-soldier- beheaded-kursk/33082644.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the incoming reports alleging that the Kiev regime is preparing provocations against the Russian Federation's nuclear facilities 17 August 2024 17:04 1544-17-08-2024 According to incoming reports, the Kiev regime has launched preparations for an attack targeting the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. Russia calls on international organisations, especially the United Nations and the IAEA, to immediately condemn the provocations by the Kiev regime and take action to prevent any threat that would compromise nuclear safety and security of the Kursk NPP, which could lead to a major man-made disaster in Europe. Moreover, by taking such actions, Kiev not only poses a direct and immediate threat to nuclear stations, but also undermines the IAEA's tenets regarding nuclear safety and security as articulated by the agency's head, Rafael Grossi, in 2022. The international community must recognise the danger the neo-Nazi Kiev regime poses to the European continent. Together, we must demonstrate firmness and resolve to thwart any attempts to intimidate and terrorise entire regions and the international community at large. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Ministry report on repelling an invasion attempt of the AFU on the territory of the Russian Federation (17 August 2024) 17.08.2024 The units of the Sever Group of Forces supported by Army Aviation and artillery actively conduct actions to search for and destroy in wooded areas mobile enemy groups that were trying to break through deep into the territory of the Russian Federation in the direction of Alekseyevsky and Kauchuk. Attacks launched by assault detachments of 22nd, 115th mechanised and 95th assault brigades supported by armoured vehicles have been repelled in the direction of Korenevo, Russkoye, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Aviation, artillery, and defending troops have routed the enemy. As a result of these unsuccessful actions, the AFU lost one tank and 11 armoured fighting vehicles. Clusters of AFU manpower and hardware of 22nd, 61st, 115th mechanised and 82nd air assault brigades have been hit near Novaya Sorochina, Lyubimovka, south-east of Korenevo, Leonidovo, and Kositsa. One Iris-T SAM system launcher and one TRML-4D multi-role radar station have been destroyed by missile strikes close to Sennoye (Sumy region). Operational-Tactical Aviation hit reserves of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ammunition and fuel depots close to Kiyanitsa, Kositsa, Khoten, and Boyaro-Lezhachi (Sumy region). The AFU losses were up to 300 Ukrainian troops, 31 armoured vehicles, including three tanks, one infantry fighting vehicle, three armoured personnel carriers, 25 armoured fighting vehicles as well as eight motor vehicles, one Iris-T SAM system, one field artillery gun, and one electronic warfare station. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the enemy lost up to 3,160 Ukrainian troops, 44 tanks, 43 armoured personnel carriers, 26 infantry fighting vehicles, 244 armoured fighting vehicles, 111 motor vehicles, five SAM launchers, six multiple-launch rocket system launchers, including three HIMARS MLRSs, 24 field artillery guns, and four electronic warfare stations. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Not Sharing Intel Data With Kiev, Avoiding Complicity in Kursk Region Attack - Reports Sputnik News 20240817 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States is not sharing intelligence with Kiev about objects on the internationally recognized Russian territory, fearing to create the impression that the American authorities support the Ukrainian attack on the Kursk region, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a high-ranking US official. Earlier, the White House denied US involvement in the preparation and planning of the attack by the Ukrainian forces near Kursk. US State Department also refused to acknowledge the involvement of the United States in the Kursk region attack. At the same time, Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that Ukraine was considering several scenarios for a surprise attack on Russia, having received the "blessing" of the US and EU leadership for the first invasion of Russian territory since World War II. Washington does not share intelligence with Ukraine about targets inside Russia, and the Biden administration does not want to be seen as supporting an attack on Russian territory, the official told the newspaper. The publication emphasized that Ukraine did not have sufficient support from the US and its allies to succeed in an attack on Russian territory. In addition, the source said that the Biden administration "does not believe" that the Ukrainian forces had moved HIMARS systems to Russian territory, and believes that the Ukrainian army "most likely" was using it from Ukrainian border territories. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Friday that Russian units, repelling attempts by the Ukrainian forces to invade Russian territory in the Kursk region, had destroyed three HIMARS launchers in the Sumy region with high-precision missile strikes. The ministry stated that Kiev's forces had used Western-made missiles and, probably, HIMARS systems to attack civilian targets in the Kursk region for the first time on Friday. At 5:30 a.m. on August 6, Ukrainian Armed Forces units launched an offensive to seize territory in the Kursk region, and their advance was stopped, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov said. He emphasized that the operation in the Kursk region would be completed by defeating the enemy and reaching the state border. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on August 16 that during the fighting in the Kursk direction, the Ukrainian Armed Forces had lost up to 2,860 soldiers and 41 tanks. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Kiev regime had carried out a provocation and was firing indiscriminately, including at civilian targets. Putin said that the enemy would receive a worthy response, and all of Russia's goals would be achieved. A counter-terrorism operation (CTO) regime is in effect in the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions to ensure the safety of citizens. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Urges IAEA, UN to Condemn Ukraine's Preparations for Provocations at Nuclear Power Plants Sputnik News 20240817 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian Foreign Ministry has called on international organizations, in particular the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to condemn the provocations that Kiev is believed to be preparing against Russian nuclear power plants (NPPs). "Information received indicates that the Kiev regime has begun preparations for an attack on the Kursk nuclear power plant. We call on international organizations, particularly the UN and the IAEA, to immediately condemn the provocative actions being prepared by the Kiev regime and to prevent a violation of the nuclear and physical nuclear safety of the Kursk nuclear power plant, which could result in a large-scale man-made disaster in Europe," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement. These steps not only directly threaten the NPPs, but also undermine the IAEA's postulates on nuclear safety and security, as articulated by its chief, Rafael Grossi, in 2022, the statement read. "The entire international community must realize the danger posed by the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev to the European continent. Attempts to intimidate and terrorize entire regions and the international community as a whole must be resolutely countered through joint efforts," the statement added. Meanwhile, the IAEA head Rafael Grossi has expressed his readiness to visit the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and assess the situation there. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Up to 300 Soldiers, 31 Vehicles in Kursk Region Over Past Day Sputnik News 20240817 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian military destroyed up to 300 Ukrainian militants, 31 armored vehicles, including three tanks, an infantry fighting vehicle, and three armored personnel carriers in the border areas of Russia's Kursk Region over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. The operation to eliminate the Ukrainian units is underway, the statement stressed. "Over the past 24 hours, the losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to 300 soldiers, 31 armored vehicles, including three tanks, an infantry fighting vehicle, three armored personnel carriers, 25 armored combat vehicles, as well as eight vehicles, an IRIS-T air defense missile launcher, a field artillery gun and an electronic warfare station," the ministry said in a statement. For example, Ukrainian military lost one tank and 11 armored vehicles as a result of the strikes carried out by the Russian air forces in the Kursk border area, the statement said. Since the fighting started in the Kursk Region, the Ukrainian military lost up to 3,160 soldiers, 44 tanks, 43 armored personnel carriers, 24 infantry fighting vehicles, 244 armored combat vehicles, 111 vehicles, five anti-aircraft missile systems, six multiple launch rocket launchers, including three HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, 24 field artillery guns and four electronic warfare stations, the statement read. The Russian military defeated Ukrainian fighters in the Novaya Sorochina, Liubimovka, and southeast of Korenevo, Leonidovo and Kositsa settlements of the Kursk Region, according to the ministry's statement. The Russian armed forces continue to repel Ukraine's attempts to invade Russian territory in the region, and mobile groups attempting to infiltrate in the direction of Alekseevskoye and Kauchuk settlements are being sought and destroyed, the ministry added. Russian troops also repelled Ukrainian attacks in the direction of Korenevo, Russkoe and Cherkasskoe Porechoe settlements, the ministry said. The North battlegroup continues to search for Ukrainian troops in the forests and destroys those found, the statement added. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Over 2,000 Soldiers in Clashes With Russia Sputnik News 20240817 Russia's Ministry of Defense reported on the progress of the special military operation and key achievements of the Russian Armed Forces over the past 24 hours. The Russian Armed Forces have eliminated 2,010 Ukrainian troops, while air defenses shot down ten HIMARS rockets, two Hammer bombs, and 35 Ukrainian drones in the last day. Russian forces destroyed a Su-24 frontline bomber and three Ukrainian Air Force helicopters, including two Mi-8s and a Mi-17, at airfields. The Russian Black Sea Fleet also destroyed two unmanned boats of the Ukrainian Navy. Units from the Russian Vostok Battlegroup improved their positions along the front line while the Tsentr Battlegroup repelled an attack by Ukraine's Lyut assault brigade and struck six enemy brigades. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Military Unit Surrenders to Russian Armed Forces in the Kursk Region Sputnik News 20240817 KURSK (Sputnik) - A military unit of 24 servicemen from the 22nd separate mechanized brigade of the armed forces of Ukraine surrendered to the Russian Armed Forces in an organized manner near the village of Komarovka in the Kursk Region, using a specially created channel on Telegram, a Russian law enforcement spokesman told Sputnik. "Twenty-four servicemen from the 22nd separate mechanized brigade of the armed forces of Ukraine surrendered to the Russian army in an organized manner near the village of Komarovka in the Kursk Direction. Before surrendering, the Ukrainian military contacted us through the FREE_SOLDIER2022 channel," he said. Early on August 6, Ukrainian forces crossed the border into Russia and launched an offensive in the Kursk Region. Commenting on the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine had carried out another large-scale provocation, firing indiscriminately at civilian targets. The enemy will receive a proper response in the border regions of Russia, Putin added. The Russian Defense Ministry said Friday that Ukrainian troops had lost more than 2,800 servicepeople and 41 tanks during the offensive in the Kursk Region. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President Discussed with the Members of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations the Support of the Legislative Initiative Aimed at Strengthening Ukraine's Spiritual Independence President of Ukraine 17 August 2024 - 13:49 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a videoconference meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO). The Head of State thanked the participants of the event for their continued support of our country and its people, of Ukrainian communities that suffer daily from Russian strikes. "In times of such a brutal Russian war against Ukraine, standing with Ukraine and staying in Ukraine means defending all the good, humane things that are in human nature," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed. The President also emphasized the role of churches and religious organizations in spreading the truth about the war. After all, the world needs to hear the true voice of religious leaders and communities, to see how many churches and places of worship have been ruined by the aggressor's shelling and how many lives have been destroyed by all the entities of the Russian Federation involved in the war. In particular, as Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, Russia uses the church to suppress the independence of other states and to limit the freedoms of their citizens. "Therefore, it is our common duty to guarantee Ukrainian spiritual independence," he is convinced. The Head of State pointed out that support for the legislative initiative aimed at strengthening the spiritual independence of Ukraine is crucial. The members of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations declared their support for the course of the President of Ukraine for spiritual independence, protection of the constitutional order, public security, human rights and fundamental freedoms from abuse by the aggressor state. The UCCRO emphasizes that no organization, religious or secular, based in the country that has committed military aggression against the Ukrainian people, can function in Ukraine. Therefore, the Council supports the draft law introduced by the Government on the President's initiative, which prohibits such organizations from operating in our country. The members of the Council stated that the main threat to religious freedom in Ukraine is Russian aggression, which has resulted in the deaths of clergy members and the destruction of hundreds of churches and places of worship. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Office of the President Held a Briefing for Partners on the Needs of Ukraine's Energy Sector and Preparations for the Winter President of Ukraine 17 August 2024 - 12:03 Deputy Head of the Office of the President Oleksiy Kuleba, together with representatives of central executive authorities, held a briefing for Ukraine's partners on meeting the needs of our energy sector and preparing for the autumn and winter period. The videoconference was attended by representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations, regional military administrations and local authorities. Minister of Energy German Galushchenko noted that with the necessary funding and appropriate repairs, almost 3 GW of electricity generation can be restored by the end of the year. According to him, thanks to our partners' assistance, Ukraine already has gas-fired combustion plants providing distributed electricity generation and supporting our energy system. The Minister informed the participants of the meeting about the priority needs for restoration, repair and launch of generation at the facilities affected by Russian missile strikes, implementation of distributed generation projects, and provision of backup power sources for critical infrastructure. Vasyl Shkurakov, Acting Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, outlined the needs of our country's regions and certain cities for block-modular and modular boiler plants. With the help of partners, a significant number of these requests are already being met, particularly in Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region. Another topic discussed was the need for cogeneration units and generators, which would allow for a more independent heating system. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian forces capture village in Ukraine's Donetsk region, TASS reports Iran Press TV Sunday, 18 August 2024 6:10 PM Russian forces have taken control of a village in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region as Ukrainian forces claim striking a bridge on Russian territory. Citing defense ministry sources, the TASS state news agency reported on Sunday that the village of Svyrydonivka had been captured by Russian forces. The frontline village is about 15 kilometers away from the Ukrainian logistics hub of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Russian armed forces stepped up their military offensive on Pokrovsk following Kiev's attack on Russia earlier this month. Meanwhile, Kiev's military claimed Ukrainian armed forces had hit a bridge in Russia's Kursk region as they sought to disrupt Moscow's combat operations in the area. "Minus one more bridge. The Air Force aviation continues to deprive the enemy of logistical capabilities with precision air strikes," Ukraine's air force said on Sunday. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said the Kiev forces had published a video of their precision air strike on the bridge. On August 6, Ukrainian forces mounted a surprise invasion sending thousands of troops across Russia's western border into the Kursk region in what was described as Ukrainian forces' biggest attack on Russian soil since the Ukraine war started in February 2022. The West has loaded Ukrainian armed forces with an overwhelming supply of Western weapons and ammunition since Russia launched its military campaign in Donbas. Despite the West's all-out support for Kiev, the former Soviet republic has failed to gain significant military objectives in the US-led Western countries' proxy war against Russia. In related news, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Sunday that Kiev has stationed more than 120,000 soldiers along its border with Belarus. Lukashenko, who is a close ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said he had ordered the deployment of Belarusian armed forces along the entire border in response to the Ukrainian deployment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Says Second Bridge Hit In Russia's Kursk Region By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 18, 2024 The commander of Ukraine's air force says a second bridge in Russia's Kursk region has been struck as Kyiv tries to weaken Russia's combat operations in the area. "Minus one more bridge," Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk wrote on Telegram on August 18. "The air force continues to deprive the enemy of logistical capabilities with precise air strikes, which significantly affect the course of hostilities." Moscow has not yet commented on the strike, which came nearly two weeks into Ukraine's surprise counteroffensive into Russia's Kursk region, altering the dynamics of the two-and-a-half-year war and causing 120,000 people to flee. Russian military bloggers previously posted an image of the first bridge that was hit. It spans the Seym River near the village of Zvannoye in Kursk. According to Russian security officials, the destruction of that bridge cut off part of the Glushkov district, making it more difficult for the civilian evacuation out of the region. On August 16, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine of using American long-range rockets to destroy a key bridge in the Glushkov district in the Kursk region, killing in the process "volunteers" helping to evacuate civilians. Analysts say taking out bridges over the Seym is crucial for Ukraine to ensure a secure flank to its offensive in Kursk by making it difficult for Moscow to supply its troops south of the river. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the Ukrainian operation in Kursk "is still inflicting losses on the Russian Army and the Russian state, their defense industry, and their economy." He said in his evening address on August 18 that his top military commander, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy, told him that the situation at the front is showing "good results" in all directions. In addition, he said there were "good and necessary results in the destruction of Russian equipment near Toretsk," a town in the Donetsk region north of the regional capital. Ukraine's main task now is "to destroy as much Russian potential as possible and conduct maximum counterattack work." This "also applies to the creation of a "buffer zone" thanks to the operation in the Kursk region, he added. Aleksei Kulemzin, the Russian-appointed mayor of the occupied city of Donetsk, said a man and a woman were killed by Ukrainian shelling on August 18, according to Reuters. The claim could not be independently verified and there was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Fighting elsewhere in the Donetsk region prompted Iryna Vereshchuk, Ukrainian deputy prime minister and minister of reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories, to urge citizens of Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Selydove to evacuate. "The situation remains difficult in the Pokrovsk area. Therefore, I appeal to the residents of settlements in the immediate vicinity of the front line...please evacuate. If you are not involved in the defense of settlements, then you should leave for safer regions," Vereshchuk said. In Russia, debris from a drone downed in the Rostov region caused a fire at a diesel fuel storage facility in an industrial warehouse in the early hours of August 18, regional Governor Vasily Golubev wrote on Telegram. He said firefighting units were putting out the fire in the Proletarsk district and added that there were no casualties. The General Staff of the Ukrainian military said its forces hit a facility in the Rostov region where oil and oil-products used by the Russian military are stored. At least two fires have been recorded on the territory of the facility, the General Staff said. In Ukraine, authorities in the Kharkiv region said a 52-year-old woman was injured in Kupyansk as a result of shelling by the Russian Army. Private homes were also damaged, the local prosecutor-general's office said. In addition, a nearby village was shelled, damaging equipment belonging to a utility company. There were no casualties, the press service of the prosecutor-general's office said. According to preliminary data, the Russian Army used rocket-propelled grenades in the attack. The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses had intercepted five Ukrainian drones overnight over Belgorod, Kursk, and Rostov. Kyiv does not usually comment on reports of drone attacks. Meanwhile, the head of Kyiv's military administration, Serhiy Popko, said on August 18 that Russia had launched its third ballistic missile against the Ukrainian capital this month. He added that Russian forces had then launched a cruise missile toward Kyiv. Popko said on Telegram that the Russians had likely used a KN-23-type North Korean ballistic missile to target the Ukrainian capital. The head of Kyiv's regional military administration, Ruslan Kravchenko, said two private houses were destroyed in the attack and dozens of other homes were damaged. There were no injuries reported, he said. Ukraine's air force said earlier that it had downed eight drones and five missiles in total over the Kyiv, Sumy, and Poltava regions. With reporting by dpa and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-bridge- kursk-drone-russia-fire-rostov/33083027.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Internal Rifts And U.S. Politics In Play As Ukraine Considers Banning Long Russian-Linked Church By Rostyslav Khotin and Aleksander Palikot August 18, 2024 KYIV -- Things rarely heat up in Ukraine's wartime parliament. But they did on July 23 when deputies from several parties blocked the podium armed with a banner reading "The Moscow church kills" after senior legislators declined to put a bill that would ban the long Russian-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) to a vote. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's Servant of the People party split over the fate of the legislation targeting the UOC, whose controversial role has drawn further scrutiny since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, despite earlier vows to push it through in a vote in the Verkhovna Rada. Adding to the frustration of the bill's backers, after refusing to put it to a vote, Rada speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk scheduled the legislature to reconvene only on August 21, putting off an outcome for a month or more. Adoption of the law would be a watershed moment in Ukraine, where Orthodox Christianity has been riven for decades along several fault lines -- most prominently over the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in a country that has been independent for 33 years and is now fighting for its life in a war launched by Moscow. The long-dominant UOC saw its fortunes sink when the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), which is aligned with Kyiv, was granted independence by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople in 2019. Tension did not flag after the UOC, which had been under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox patriarch in Moscow, declared in May 2023 that it was severing those ties over the invasion. Despite the formal breakup, the UOC is accused by Ukrainian authorities of maintaining links with Russia as well as propagating pro-Kremlin narratives and collaborating with occupying forces in Russian-held parts of Ukraine. The head of the UOC, Metropolitan Onufriy, continues to be a member of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). Other key hierarchs are members of its governing structures, and many priests continue to mention Moscow Patriarch Kirill during liturgies. Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, is a vocal supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin and of the war against Ukraine. In September 2022 he told Russia's soldiers that "sacrifice in the course of carrying out your military duty washes away all sins." Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has searched key churches and monasteries and opened dozens of criminal investigations into UOC clerics. Some senior UOC figures have been sanctioned by presidential decrees, including the abbot of Kyiv's ancient Monastery of the Caves, Metropolitan Pavlo. In one recent episode, in June, Ukraine handed over Metropolitan Ionafan -- a UOC diocese head who was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of supporting the Russian invasion -- to Russia in a prisoner swap. He was received with honors by Patriarch Kirill. Polls suggest many Ukrainians think the loyalties of UOC are in plain sight. In a May 2024 survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, about 82 percent of respondents said they do not trust the UOC, and 63 percent said it should be banned entirely. Against that backdrop, the last-minute halt to passage of the bill banning the UOC came as a surprise. Mykyta Poturayev, a lawmaker from Servant of the People who was among the protesters on the parliamentary podium, said there were enough deputies ready to vote in favor and that the bill had the president's backing. "President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told me -- in the presence of witnesses -- that this law should be adopted and adopted as soon as possible. And this happened more than once," he told RFE/RL. On August 11, Zelenskiy suggested it could happen soon. In his nightly video address, he said he had held a meeting on "a decision that will strengthen our Ukrainian spiritual independence." "We must deprive Moscow of the last opportunities to restrict the freedom of Ukrainians. And the decisions for this must be 100 percent effective," he said. "We will ensure that." But with the Rada in recess, speculation about the reasons behind the parliamentary drama is flurrying -- and the upcoming U.S. election figures prominently in the discussion. Analysts say Ukrainian authorities are worried that adopting the law could fuel claims that Ukraine is persecuting Christians and that this could jeopardize U.S. military aid, particularly if former President Donald Trump wins the November 5 election. Before Trump chose him as his running mate, Republican Senator J.D. Vance criticized the bill in remarks in April explaining his opposition to a long-delayed $61 billion package of mostly military support for Ukraine. "Now, they say it's because these churches are too close to Russia...and maybe some of the churches are too close to Russia," Vance said. "But you don't deprive an entire religious community of their religious freedom because some of its adherents don't agree with you about the relevant conflict of the day." Prominent lawyer Robert Amsterdam's firm, which has officers in London and Washington, was retained last autumn in a move approved by the Holy Synod of the UOC, and Amsterdam has vocally criticized the bill. According to independent Rada member Maryana Bezuhla, Ukrainian lawmakers have felt pressure from U.S. lobbyists. Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject, sources in several parliamentary factions told RFE/RL that ahead of the July 23 parliament session the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington received urgent signals that passing the law would damage Ukraine's position and reputation. The embassy declined to comment. The situation surrounding the UOC is not the only Ukrainian religious issue to become a factor in U.S. politics and Washington's ties to Kyiv. Earlier this year, concerns about the persecution of Protestants in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine apparently helped break the blockage of the $61 billion aid package. The mistreatment of Protestants and other religious minorities is part of a larger pattern of human rights violations and political repression carried out by Russia in the areas it controls in eastern and southern Ukraine. Ukraine needs to accommodate religious sentiments among both supporters and skeptics in the United States, Serhiy Kudelia, a political scientist at Baylor University in Texas, told RFE/RL. "It is difficult to convey these basic facts [about the UOC's links to Moscow] to the American public, and thus the criticism that comes from right-wing Republicans about the restriction of religious freedoms is unfortunately also used to explain why Ukraine should stop receiving military aid," Kudelia said. The bill is also the subject of vocal debate inside Ukraine. "If it is passed, will it solve the problem? Will it overcome the division of Ukrainian Orthodoxy into two branches? I don't think so. It will only anger some Orthodox Christians," said religious scholar Lyudmyla Fylypovych, who describes the bill as "too radical and populist" in its current form. Critics of the bill note that some 1,200 changes have been proposed since an initial version of the legislation advanced in the Rada in October 2023. "Along with constructive proposals, there was a large amount of legislative spam, outright nonsense, and constructs that distorted the original intent of the draft law, as well as proposals that were openly aiming to completely destroy the essence of the bill, to make its implementation impossible and, ultimately, to discredit Ukraine in the international arena," the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience said in a statement on July 23. Fylypovych suggested that backers of the bill were using the Russian invasion as cover for achieving their aims. "Ukraine is now caught in a clash between religious freedom and national security," she said. "It is very convenient now to use this situation, referring to the need to protect against the Russian invasion and this war and to propose restrictions on religious freedom." The leader of the OCU, Metropolitan Epifaniy, argues that Russia is a far greater threat to religious freedom in Ukraine than the bill to ban the OCU, and has urged its passage. "This is like a law prohibiting domestic violence. This law is the only way to protect freedom of religion for those who cannot and do not want to protect it, as they decided to serve Moscow," Epifaniy said at a meeting in July. "But our position is that it is better to have an imperfect law that can be improved in the future than to have no law at all." Lawmakers are working to find a consensus, the first deputy speaker of the Rada, Oleksandr Korniyenko, said in televised comments. They must address the expectations of the public and consider the risks so that "this law will not be questioned later, there will be no cases in the Constitutional Court." A senior OCU cleric, Metropolitan Oleksandr, said the rival churches could draw closer together if the UOC took further steps to distance itself from the Russian church and -- albeit with no chance of being granted autocephaly through the issue of a "tomos," which the OCU received in 2019 -- come under the spiritual and administrative umbrella of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. If that were to happen, work on the unification of the OCU and the UOC could begin, he told RFE/RL in an interview. "The scenario is still unlikely," he said, "but nothing is impossible." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia- church-law-ban/33081315.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine's Kursk Actions Attempt to Push Russia to Asymmetric Response, Even Nuclear - Lukashenko Sputnik News 20240818 Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that the escalation from Ukraine is pushing Russia to take asymmetric measures, including the use of nuclear weapons. "Ukraine's escalation in the Kursk region is an attempt to push Russia into asymmetric actions, let's say the use of nuclear weapons." Lukashenko said. Iskander tactical ballistic missile systems in Belarus are ready to fire missiles equipped with nuclear warheads, Alexander Lukashenko said. "These are the machines currently ready for strikes with tactical nuclear weapons ... These are the machines ready to fire missiles with nuclear warheads," Lukashenko said in an interview. The Belarusian leader said Ukraine had deployed over 120,000 troops on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, a move that Minsk retaliated with boosting forces along the entire border. The Belarusian-Ukrainian border is mined like never before, the Ukrainian armed forces will be able to cross it only with huge losses, Lukashenko added. Moreover, Ukrainian drones are constantly violating the southeastern border of Belarus, Lukashenko added. According to Lukashenko, the defense of the western border of Belarus has been worked out by Minsk and Moscow, and if necessary, this plan could be changed into an offensive one. Lukashenko has said that negotiations on Ukraine should start where they ended in Istanbul. "Let's sit down at the negotiating table and stop this fighting - neither the Ukrainian people, nor the Russians, nor the Belarusians need it... We need to sit down at the negotiating table, the immediate question is where to start. The right thing is to start from where we left off in Istanbul," Lukashenko said. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Troops Eliminate Group of 16 Ukrainian Soldiers in Kursk Region Sputnik News 20240818 KURSK, Russia, (Sputnik) - A group of 16 Ukrainian military personnel of a separate mechanized brigade has been destroyed near the village of Kremyanoe in Russia's Kursk Region, a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defense told Sputnik on Sunday. "A group of 16 soldiers from the 225th Separate Assault Battalion of the 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army was destroyed near the settlement of Kremyanoe in the Kursk region. The elimination of the group was confirmed by target control footage taken by a copter [UAV]. The enemy unit was destroyed by Russian troops in the forest," the spokesperson said. On August 6, Ukrainian forces crossed the border into Russia and launched an offensive in the Kursk Region. Commenting on the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Ukraine had carried out another large-scale provocation, firing indiscriminately at civilian targets. The enemy will receive a proper response in the border regions of Russia, Putin added. Since the fighting started in the Kursk Region, the Ukrainian military lost up to 3,160 soldiers, 44 tanks, 43 armored personnel carriers, 24 infantry fighting vehicles, 244 armored combat vehicles, 111 vehicles, five anti-aircraft missile systems, six multiple launch rocket launchers, including three HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, 24 field artillery guns and four electronic warfare stations, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Over 1,700 People Evacuated From Kursk Region's Border Areas in Past Day Sputnik News 20240818 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - More than 1,700 people were evacuated in past 24 hours from border areas of Kursk region, the acting governor's spokeswoman, Irina Tolmacheva, said on Saturday. "In 24 hours, 1,724 people left on their own and in organized groups," she said in a video published on the Telegram channel of the Kursk regional government. In addition, 84 temporary accommodation points have been deployed in Kursk region, where more than 6,500 residents of border areas were placed, including almost 1,400 children. It is also noted that 171 temporary accommodation points were operating in 24 regions of Russia, where about 10,000 people were accommodated, including 3,000 children. At 5:30 a.m. on August 6, Ukrainian Armed Forces units launched an offensive to seize territory in the Kursk region, and their advance was stopped, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov said. He emphasized that the operation in the Kursk region would be completed by defeating the enemy and reaching the state border. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on August 16 that during the fighting in the Kursk direction, the Ukrainian Armed Forces had lost up to 2,860 soldiers and 41 tanks. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Kiev regime had carried out a provocation and was firing indiscriminately, including at civilian targets. Putin said that the enemy would receive a worthy response, and all of Russia's goals would be achieved. A counter-terrorism operation (CTO) regime is in effect in the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions to ensure the safety of citizens. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address There Are No Vacations in War; Timely Logistics for the Announced Aid Packages Is Needed - Address by the President President of Ukraine 18 August 2024 - 21:49 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! Here is a brief update on today. The front lines - first and foremost, Toretsk and Pokrovsk. In just one day, there have been dozens of attacks, but our units, our brigades, are doing everything to hold the positions. I thank everyone who is making this possible. Today, we achieved good and much-needed results in destroying Russian equipment near Toretsk. And all this is more than just defense for Ukraine; it is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressor's territory - our operation in the Kursk region. Everything that inflicts losses on the Russian army, Russian state, their military-industrial complex, and their economy helps prevent the war from expanding and brings us closer to a just end to this aggression - a just peace for Ukraine. I am grateful to everyone fighting for our state, everyone helping in defense, and everyone working for Ukraine so that we can achieve our goals as quickly as possible. Today, I especially want to recognize our 100th separate mechanized brigade in the Toretsk direction. Thank you, warriors! Thank you for your strength. The 47th and 110th separate mechanized brigades - the Pokrovsk direction - your resilience, warriors, matters for all of Ukraine. Also, the Kurakhove direction - our paratroopers of the 79th brigade - thank you! The Lyman direction - the warriors of the 66th and 67th separate mechanized brigades. The Kharkiv region - the 42nd separate mechanized brigade - thank you! The Prydniprovsky direction - our marines of the 35th brigade - well done! I just received a report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi regarding the situation in the east of Ukraine, the operation in the Kursk region, the "exchange fund," and the provision of our brigades - our reserves - with ammunition and weapons. Our guys are doing great on all fronts. However, there is a need for faster delivery of supplies from our partners. We strongly ask for this. There are no vacations in war. Decisions are needed, as is timely logistics for the announced aid packages. I especially address this to the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. One more thing. Important weeks of diplomatic work with various partners lie ahead. Europe, America, the Global South. We have already expanded, and will continue to expand, the circle of those who support a just end to this war. And it is crucial for Ukraine to enter this autumn even stronger than we were before. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address London, UK, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Introba, a global building engineering and consulting firm, has expanded its operations in Europe by opening a new office in Dublin, Ireland. The new team aims to help the built environment industry reach the Irish governments climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Adam McLoughlin is leading the new team as DirectorIreland for Introba. The team's current focus is institutional, cultural, commercial, and science and technology projects. Introba is initially offering sustainability advisory services as well as mechanical and electrical engineering to the Irish market. According to the Irish Green Building Council, the built environment is responsible for 36% of the countrys greenhouse gas emissions, so the new team will leverage Introbas sustainability DNA to address the challenge of reducing that figure. Adam, John Moore and Padraic Greed each bring tremendous experience from their years with Introba in Canada, says Richard Hansen, Introba Managing Director for the UK and Europe. We are very happy to support the establishment of our Irish office, which is a great alignment with Introbas strategic plan and the teams personal ambitions to return home. Introba is sharing the new office in central Dublin with Currie & Brown, a sister company in Sidaras global collaborative of specialist firms. The move supports the groups aim to enhance and grow its worldwide market position. About The Dublin team Adam McLoughlin has more than 19 years of international experience working as a mechanical engineer and project lead on projects across Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, including state-of-the-art cultural centres, mixed-use commercial buildings, and university campuses. John Moore has more than 10 years of experience designing electrical systems as well as four years of past experience working with an electrical contractor, with project experience including laboratories, transportation, commercial, residential, office, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, education, and light industrial facilities. Padraic Greed has more than 10 years of experience managing various projects, including education, arts, residential, and commercial buildings, where he strove to incorporate sustainable building design while meeting the clients operational needs and budget requirements. About Introba Introba is one of the world's largest building engineering and consulting firms, with more than 1,000 employees in offices across the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and Serbia. Committed to reshaping the world, our problem solvers combine cutting-edge digital solutions with emerging innovations and industry-leading sustainability strategies to transform the built environment. We collaborate with our clients to create living systems that are smart, secure, resilient, and connected spaces that uplift communities, protect the health of the planet, and adapt to meet the demands of the future. For more information, visit www.introba.com. Attachment MBABANE A man, who is a twin, reportedly lured a pastor to marry him using his twin brothers information. Emmanuel Ntshalintshali is said to have, among other things, produced academic certificates belonging to his twin brother and also used his brothers name when introducing himself to the pastor, who is also a Head teacher, Khangezile Bhembe. Emmanuals twin brother is Elmar Ntshalintshali. Pertaining to the academic certificates, he claimed to be the holder of a Bachelors Degree holder in PGCE (qualified) teacher. He is said to have concealed that he is a secondary school dropout. In fact, the academic qualifications belonged to his twin brother. Papers According to papers filed by Bhembe at the Mbabane Magistrates Court, around May 11, 2023 at the District Commissioners Offices (DC) in Manzini, the parties entered into a civil rites marriage in community of property. Bhembe told the court that the said marriage was voidable and liable to be annulled in that the defendant (Emmanuel) deceitfully concealed and misrepresented material facts, which were decisive to and induced the plaintiff (Bhembe) to contract the purported marriage with him and that such misrepresentation was essential to the decision to marry and elements of the marriage. Bhembe alleged that the defendant (Emmanuel), prior to and during courtship and execution of the marriage contract, fraudulently represented that his name was Elmar Ntshalintshali whereas at all material times he knew that this was the identity of his twin brother and that his real name is Emmanuel. It is alleged that Emmanuel proceeded to use and alter all documents of his twin brother as his, knowing it to be so. She further averred that Emmanuel further misrepresented that he was a Degree holder in PGCE (qualified teacher) and concealed that he is a secondary school dropout. Bhembe further submitted that Emmanuel, having reportedly stolen the identity of his twin brother, proceeded to alter academic qualifications whereas he knew they belonged to his twin brother Elmar. She added that, owing to such misrepresentation and fraud, Emmanuel was resultantly arrested and dismissed from various places of employment, where he had been employed as a teacher. Bhembe further and crucially averred that before the marriage and during courtship, Emmanuel allegedly misrepresented to her that he was an ordained bishop in line with her expressed preference and compulsory condition to be married to a bishop as she is a pastor herself. Representation Furthermore, she averred that in making such representation, Emmanuel well-knew that he was not a pastor, but a mere man of society. Bhembe further stated that Emmanual purportedly deceitfully concealed the existence and paternity of an additional child to those he disclosed from a previous relationship against her express wish and condition to conclude a marriage with fully disclosed children as a spiritually-centred person. Bhembe asserted that such misrepresentation and fraud or concealment of material facts was essential to her decision to consent to the marriage in that she had expressly disclosed her preferences and condition to contract a marriage to a Christian ordained man. She also expressed to him that she wished to start a family in consonance with her deep religious conditions as a pastor, anchored and modelled in religious values. According to Bhembe, she had also expressly disclosed to Emmanuel as a condition of the marriage, that she wanted to be married to an academically qualified intellectual - a virtue she intended to preserve and impart to her chosen family, including children to be born and raised in the marriage. Essentials She added that the said fraud and misrepresentation allegedly by Emmanuel was material to the essentials of the marriage contract in that he was not the individual purportedly married to her, but used the stolen identity of his twin brother, which false identity he was and is guaranteed to the children of the marriage and general identification of the parties as a family, including a legacy based on falsehood and stolen identity. She said such misrepresentation was designedly and deceitfully made by Emmanuel to her as she was ignorant of same to induce her to consent to the marriage, to her detriment and contrary, her clearly articulated condition before the conclusion of the marriage. She said as a result, she found herself married not only to a non-pastor, but an alleged identity thief and fraudster. Bhembe mentioned that the marriage ought to be annulled for fraud, which vitiated her consent and elected to void same on the basis of all that was stated above and that the marriage could not be sustained as a lawful marriage for such material defect. The parties entered into a deed of settlement to annul the marriage, which was made an order of the court. Bhembe was represented by Mlungisi Khumalo of Khumalo Attorneys. Dublin, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Data Center Construction Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Data Center Construction Market was valued at USD 61.84 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 113.62 billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 10.67% The global data center construction market is experiencing robust growth across different regions, driven by escalating demand for data infrastructure and services. In North America, prominent construction contractors such as AECOM, Arup, and Jacobs Turner Construction are capitalizing on the burgeoning data center construction market, supported by the expansion efforts of major colocation operators such as Equinix, Digital Realty, and CyrusOne. In addition, hyperscale giants such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft are aggressively expanding their footprint, particularly in regions such as Northern Virginia and Texas, stimulating further construction activity. New entrants such as Corscale Data Centers and Skybox Datacenters are also making significant strides, intensifying competition and fostering innovation in the data center construction market. Latin America presents a dynamic landscape with established players and emerging contenders. Construction contractors such as AECOM and Afonso Franca Engenharia are the leading key projects, while colocation operators such as Ascenty and ODATA (Aligned Data Centers) are spearheading the development of multiple data center facilities. Supporting infrastructure vendors such as ABB and Vertiv is crucial to facilitating construction activities and ensuring efficient regional operations. The entry of new players, such as Layer 9 Data Centers and CloudHQ, further enriches the competitive environment, signaling market disruption and expansion opportunities. The convergence of sustainability, 5G, cloud adoption, and government support underscores a global push toward connectivity and innovation as data centers evolve to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world. Globally, data centers are shifting towards renewable energy sources, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts data centers will consume 8% of global energy by 2030. The deployment of 5G networks drives the demand for edge data centers, enabling low-latency services and real-time decision-making across industries and supporting the data center construction market growth. Governments worldwide offer tax incentives and policies to attract data center investments. For instance, European governments prioritize compliance with regulations like GDPR and provide incentives for green initiatives to attract data center projects. GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Regarding investment, the North American region leads the global data center construction market with consistent yearly growth. From 2020 to 2029, North America has been witnessing a significant increase in investment, with a CAGR of 11.75%. North America, particularly North Virginia, is the epitome of data center development, boasting the highest concentration of facilities globally. Locations such as Loudoun County in Virginia, Texas, California, Arizona, Illinois, Georgia, Oregon, and New York/New Jersey are the key hotspots, attracting major colocation and hyperscale operators. Strong connectivity, renewable energy options, and tax incentives contribute to their appeal. While North Virginia leads, other regions such as Texas, Arizona, and Georgia are witnessing significant growth, driven by hyperscale demand and favorable business environments. While North America remains the dominant player in terms of investment, the APAC region emerges as a key emerging data center construction market, experiencing substantial growth in investment during the forecast period. With a CAGR of 10.28%, APAC showcases robust development driven by countries such as China, India, and Singapore. Adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and increasing investments from data center operators contribute to the region's growth trajectory. Additionally, Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia stand out as significant investors, with anticipated acceleration in investments in the coming years. In terms of area and power capacity, North America maintains its lead in the data center construction market, showcasing steady growth, while other regions such as Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa demonstrate noteworthy expansion. Latin America, for instance, shows promising growth in terms of area and power capacity, indicating a rising demand for data center infrastructure in the region. Similarly, the Middle East and Africa witness substantial growth in power capacity, driven by investments in smart cities, sustainable energy resources, and government initiatives. KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: What is the growth rate of the global data center construction market? How big is the data center construction market? What is the estimated market size in terms of area in the global data center construction market by 2029? What are the key trends in the data center construction market? How many MW of power capacity is expected to reach the global data center construction market by 2029? Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 1201 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $61.84 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $113.62 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.6% Regions Covered Global VENDOR LANDSCAPE Key Data Center Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Cummins Delta Electronics Eaton Legrand Rolls-Royce Schneider Electric STULZ Vertiv Other Data Center Support Infrastructure Providers 3M Airedale Alfa Laval Asetek Assa Abloy Bloom Energy Carrier Condair Cormant Cyber Power Systems Daikin Applied Enlogic FNT Software Generac Power Systems Green Revolution Cooling (GRC) HITEC Power Protection Honeywell Johnson Controls KOHLER KyotoCooling Mitsubishi Electric Munters Natron Energy NetZoom Nlyte Software Panduit Piller Power Systems Rittal Siemens Trane (Ingersoll Rand) Tripp Lite Yanmar (HIMOINSA) ZincFive Key Data Center Contractors AECOM Arup Corgan DPR Construction Fortis Construction Holder Construction Jacobs Mercury Red Engineering Rogers-O'Brien Construction Syska Hennessy Group Turner Construction Turner & Townsend Other Data Center Contractors AlfaTech Atkins Aurecon Basler & Hofmann Black & Veatch BlueScope Construction Brasfield & Gorrie CallisonRTKL Cap Ingelec Clark Construction Group Climatec Clune Construction COWI DC PRO Engineering Dornan Edarat Group Ehvert EMCOR Group EllisDon EYP MCF Gensler Fluor Corporation Gilbane Building Company HDR HITT Contracting Hoffman Construction ISG JE Dunn Construction Kirby Group Engineering kW Engineering Laing O'Rourke Linesight M+W Group (Exyte) McLaren Construction Group Morrison Hershfield Mortenson PM Group Quark Rosendin Royal HaskoningDHV Salute Mission Critical Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects Skanska Southland Industries Sturgeon Electric Company Structure Tone Sweco The Mulhern Group The Walsh Group The Weitz Company TRINITY Group Construction Urbacon Key Data Center Operators 21Vianet Group (VNET) Amazon Web Services Apple China Telecom Colt Data Centre Services CyrusOne Digital Realty Equinix GDS Services Global Switch Google Iron Mountain Meta (Facebook) Microsoft NTT Global Data Centers QTS Realty Trust STACK Infrastructure ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Vantage Data Centers Other Data Center Operators 3data AdaniConneX Africa Data Centres AirTrunk Aligned Data Centers American Tower AQ Compute Aruba Ascenty AtlasEdge atNorth AT TOKYO Big Data Exchange Bulk Infrastructure CDC Data Centres Chayora China Mobile Chindata CloudHQ Cologix Compass Datacenters COPT Data Center Solutions CtrlS Datacenters Cyxtera Technologies Data4 DataBank DC BLOX Digital Edge DC Digital Parks Africa Echelon Data Centres EdgeConneX Edge Centres EdgeUno Element Critical ePLDT eStruxture Data Centers fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547) Flexential Green Mountain Gulf Data Hub H5 Data Centers HostDime Huawei Technologies IXcellerate Hyperco KDDI (Telehouse) Keppel Data Centres Khazna Data Centers LG Uplus maincubes one MainOne (Equinix) Milicom (Tigo) Nabiax Nautilus Data Technologies NEXTDC NTT DATA ODATA Open Access Data Centres Orange Business Services OVHcloud Pi Datacenters Prime Data Centers PowerHouse Data Centers Princeton Digital Group Proximity Data Centres Pure Data Centres Group QTS Realty Trust Raxio Data Centres Rostelecom Data Centers Sabey Data Centers Scala Data Centers Sify Technologies Skybox Datacenters SpaceDC Stream Data Centers SUNeVision (iAdvantage) Switch T5 Data Centers Tenglong Holdings Group Teraco (Digital Realty) Telecom Italia Sparkle TierPoint TONOMUS (ZeroPoint DC) Turkcell Urbacon Data Centre Solutions VNET Wingu YTL Data Center Yondr Yotta Infrastructure Solutions New Entrants Agility AUBix Cloudoon ClusterPower Corscale Data Centers Crane Data Centers Damac Data Centres (EDGNEX) Data Center First DHAmericas Edged Energy Evolution Data Centres Form8tion Data Centers (Thor Equities) Gatineau Data Hub (GDH) Gaw Capital Global Technical Realty Goodman Kasi Cloud Layer 9 Data Centers Quantum Loophole Quantum Switch Tamasuk (QST) Regal Orion Rowan Digital Infrastructure Stratus DC Management Surfix Data Center YCO Cloud SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS Segmentation by Facility Type Hyperscale Data Centers Colocation Data Centers Enterprise Data Centers Segmentation by Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure General Construction Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches & Switchgears PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Racks Other Mechanical Infrastructure Segmentation by Cooling Systems CRAC & CRAH Units Chiller Units Cooling Towers, Condensers, & Dry Coolers Economizers & Evaporative Coolers Other Cooling Units Segmentation by Cooling Technique Air-based Cooling Liquid-based Cooling Segmentation by General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & Commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Fire Detection & Suppression Physical Security DCIM/BMS Solutions Segmentation by Tier Standards Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4i9bqt 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, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Biopharmaceutical Excipients Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Biopharmaceutical Excipients Market was valued at USD 2.43 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 3.79 billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 7.69% The global biopharmaceutical excipients market report contains exclusive data on 36 vendors. The market is characterized by diverse vendors, from emerging mid-sized companies to well-established players, contributing to its revenue. Leading companies are employing various strategies to increase their market share and presence. These include launching new products, securing approvals, engaging in marketing and promotional activities, investing heavily in R&D, and strengthening their distribution networks. Major players such as Merck KGaA, BASF SE, Avantor, Evonik Industries, Roquette Freres, Associated British Foods, and others are also focusing on strategic licensing, acquisitions, and collaboration agreements with emerging companies to quickly enter the biopharmaceutical excipients market and access commercially available products. Expanding into existing and new markets to meet the needs of a growing customer base, broadening product portfolios, and enhancing production capabilities are key strategies to attract end-users. Additionally, companies are introducing advanced and novel excipient solutions to support pharmaceutical drug development, ensuring robust distribution chains to meet market demand. APAC shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing region in the global biopharmaceutical excipients market. The APAC region is poised for significant growth, driven by several key factors. The region's expanding pharmaceutical industry, advancements in functional excipients, and the rising use of orphan drugs underscore robust growth prospects. The emergence of multifunctional excipients and the shift of pharmaceutical manufacturing to emerging markets further enhance these prospects. Additionally, the burgeoning biosimilar industry in APAC presents new opportunities for excipients used in biopharmaceutical formulations. The region is witnessing an increasing target patient population, particularly those affected by cancer, which remains the second-highest cause of death globally. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Demand for Novel Excipients in Advancing Biopharmaceutical Development Developing new and improved biopharmaceutical drugs relies on novel excipients essential for advanced product formulations. Unlike conventional excipients, these novel substances have not been used in FDA-approved drug products and lack established food use. Advocates highlight their public health benefits, including enhanced drug delivery and their utility in abuse-deterrent opioid formulations. Recognition by the FDA as novel excipients would assure drug developers of their safety, reducing concerns during application review. While many approved drug excipients are listed in the FDA's Inactive Ingredient Database (IID) and have been used for decades, novel excipients are typically not included in the IID. They may be intended for new administration routes, higher dosages, or modifications like particle engineering. In a significant step towards modernizing drug formulation, the FDA has initiated a program to test the safety and suitability of novel inactive ingredients for new drugs and biologics. This initiative encourages using novel excipients in clinical trials, providing excipient suppliers with a faster route to market and promoting innovative therapies. Increasing Demand for Excipients in Vaccine and Regenerative Medicine Formulations Excipients play a critical role in stabilizing vaccines and developing regenerative medicines, ensuring safety, stability, and efficacy. Vaccines, inherently unstable and prone to degradation, require various excipients like diluents, preservatives, stabilizers, adjuvants, and buffering agents. For instance, preservatives such as formaldehyde prevent contamination, while stabilizers like sucrose and gelatin maintain potency during storage and transport. Aluminum salts are used as adjuvants, enhancing immune response, and buffering agents like sodium chloride maintain pH balance. In regenerative medicine, the demand for novel excipients is rising, driven by the growth in cell and gene therapies to treat rare diseases. These therapies utilize excipients such as buffers, salts, polymers, and proteins to stabilize formulations and ensure physiological osmolality. The investment in cell and gene therapy has surged, necessitating innovative excipients to support the development of advanced therapeutic solutions. Strategic Outsourcing in Biopharmaceutical Excipient Manufacturing Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly outsourcing the manufacturing of biopharmaceutical excipients due to several key factors. Rapid advancements in biopharmaceutical R&D have created a need for specialized excipients that enhance drug efficacy, stability, and delivery, requiring complex and costly manufacturing processes. Outsourcing allows pharmaceutical firms to focus on core activities like drug discovery, clinical trials, and regulatory affairs, leveraging the expertise of specialized manufacturers to streamline operations and accelerate market entry for new therapies. Outsourcing also provides flexibility and scalability, enabling companies to adjust capacity and maintain compliance with evolving regulatory standards, ensuring a reliable supply chain. Additionally, it offers cost-effectiveness by reducing the capital expenditures for in-house manufacturing facilities and allowing more efficient resource allocation while maintaining high-quality standards. The need for innovation, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cost savings drives the trend toward outsourcing. INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS Supply Chain and Integrity Issues with Biopharmaceutical Excipients The integrity and reliability of the biopharmaceutical excipient supply chain are crucial for the quality and efficacy of biopharmaceutical products. This complex global supply chain, involving multiple suppliers and distributors, poses significant challenges. Though pharmacologically inert, excipients require strict management to prevent adulteration and ensure patient safety. The rise of novel excipients and delivery systems amplifies the need for robust quality control, certification, and supply chain management. The extended supply chains and increased importation introduce risks of counterfeit or substandard excipients, potentially causing production delays and adverse effects. Ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory standards is essential. Historical incidents, such as the 2012 contamination with industrial-grade gelatin, highlight the importance of strict controls. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and China's SFDA have enforced stricter regulations on high-risk excipients. To maintain market growth, pharmaceutical manufacturers must prioritize high-quality excipients, adhering to stringent regulatory requirements despite the complexities of the supply chain. KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: How big is the global biopharmaceutical excipients market? What is the growth rate of the global biopharmaceutical excipients market? What are the key trends in the global biopharmaceutical excipients market? Which region shows the highest growth in the global biopharmaceutical excipients market? Who are the major players in the global biopharmaceutical excipients market? Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 163 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $2.43 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $3.79 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.6% Regions Covered Global Key Vendors Merck KGaA BASF SE Avantor Evonik Industries AG Roquette Freres Associated British Foods plc Other Prominent Vendors Actylis Advancion Apothecon Pharmaceuticals Ashland BioSpectra BOC Sciences CG Group Clariant Colorcon DFE Pharma Dow Eastman Chemical Company IMCD Innophos InVitria ABITEC CordenPharma Croda International plc JRS Pharma Kirsch Pharma MEGGLE Novo Nordisk Pfanstiehl Shin-Etsu Chemical Sigachi Industries Spectrum Chemical Stepan Company Tereos The Lubrizol Corporation WACKER CHEMI By Excipient Bulking Agents Solubilizers & Surfactants Buffering & Tonicity Agents Others By Biologics Monoclonal Antibodies Vaccines Others By Scale of Operation Commercial Research By Origin Organic Excipients Inorganic Excipients By End-User Pharma & Biotech Companies CMOs & CDMOs Academic & Research Institutes By Geography North America The U.S. Canada Europe Germany The U.K. France Italy Spain APAC Japan China India Australia South Korea Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East & Africa Turkey South Africa Saudi Arabia For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9aahfe 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 BALI, Indonesia, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OKX, a global Web3 technology company, today announced that it is a sponsor of CoinFest Asia 2024, a premier crypto- and Web3-focused conference held in Bali from August 22-23. On the first day of the conference, OKX Australia General Manager Jamie Kennedy will speak at a panel entitled 'Risk vs Reward: Institutions & Digital Assets,' alongside Gemini Head of APAC Saad Ahmed, Upbit Chief Operating Officer Raks Sondhi and Flipster Head of Compliance Mohd Kifa. The panel, focusing on evolving regulations and institutional strategies around digital assets, will be moderated by Indonesia Blockchain Association Founding Member Yos Ginting. In addition, event attendees can receive OKX-branded swag items, like t-shirts and tote bags, by minting a limited-edition NFT via OKX Wallet that has been specifically designed for CoinFest 2024. Conference-goers who follow OKX Wallet on social media, take a picture with OKX Wallet branding in the background, and tag #OKXWallet and #OKXCoinFest, can also redeem gelato at the 'Gelato Cave' area of the conference. OKX Australia General Manager Jamie Kennedy said: "We know many Australians are attending CoinFest, a premier event for crypto and Web3 in the APAC region. Its proximity to Australia makes it a prime opportunity for our team to connect with global Web3 leaders and establish relationships with top projects. August has been a significant month for OKX in the APAC region, especially with our recent introduction of crypto-AUD trading pairs. We're looking forward to another eventful week where we can showcase OKX Wallets innovations to attendees." CoinFest Asia 2024 is expected to bring together 6,000 participants, including representatives from crypto funds, government officials, developers and startups, to explore emerging markets in Asia and foster collaborations. To learn more about the event, click here. For further information, please contact: Media@okx.com About OKX OKX is a leading global crypto exchange and innovative Web3 company. Trusted by more than 50 million global users, OKX offers a secure and trustworthy platform that provides responsible crypto traders with innovative tools to access the world of crypto. As a global brand and top partner of Manchester City FC and McLaren Racing, OKX uses Web3 technology to redefine how fans connect with their favorite teams. Recent examples include its Unseen City Shirts and Race Rewind digital collectible campaigns, which offer fans real-world benefits like exclusive match-day and trackside experiences. As the Presenting Partner of Tribeca Festival, OKX also empowers artists and creators through Web3. In line with its "on-chain, any chain" philosophy, OKX contributes to the growth of the Web3 ecosystem via its secure, interoperable and self-custody enabled OKX Wallet. OKX Wallet is a user-friendly gateway to the on-chain world, connecting to over 100 blockchains, 10,000 dApps, 170+ DeFi protocols and nearly 500 decentralized exchanges (DEXs). OKX is committed to transparency and security, and publishes its Proof of Reserves monthly to build trust. It is also dedicated to expanding its educational resources through OKX Learn, making digital assets accessible and understandable for a broader audience. To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com Disclaimer VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endeavour Silver Corp. (Endeavour or the Company) (NYSE: EXK; TSX: EDR) provides an update to the Guanacevi primary ball mill trunnion failure that was reported on August 12, 2024. Processing has resumed at the Guanacevi mine site. Temporary modifications have been completed within the plant to re-purpose one of the regrind mills as the primary ball mill which is currently milling at a rate of 400 tonnes per day (tpd). While the grinding circuit is being closely monitored, there is potential for the plant to operate near 500 tpd or close to half of its planned production capacity of 1,200 tpd during this temporary phase. During this time, mining operations will continue at a reduced rate without comprising safety or the long-term viability of the ore body. The operations will focus on feeding the highest-grade ore to the mill and stockpiling the remaining material. Contract mining activities and local third-party material purchases will cease until the process plant operations have returned to full capacity. These temporary solutions are intended to manage cash flows until the primary mill is fully operational. Using current metal prices, the preliminary estimate indicates a cash shortfall could be limited to during this period of reduced processing is less than US$5 million over an estimated 15-week period. This cash outflow includes accumulating ore stockpile with self-mining activities. Constructive discussions have been held with our workforce, communities and suppliers to address the potential implications and broader social impact of these temporary measures. Initial quotes for the trunnion fabrication and installation have been obtained with an estimated fabrication cost of US$0.5 million and a period of 16-weeks to installation. Management is assessing several alternatives to shorten the estimated downtime of the primary ball mill. During this reduced processing period, Guanacevi production is estimated to decrease by 0.9 million to 1.1 million silver ounces and by 2,000 to 3,000 gold ounces compared to its original operating plan. Annual consolidated silver production for 2024 is expected to range from 4.4 to 4.6 million ounces, and gold production is expected to be between 36,000 ounces and 38,000 ounces. Silver equivalent production for 2024 is now forecast to total between 7.3 million and 7.6 million ounces. We achieved 4.4 million silver equivalent ounces in the first half of the year. Due to the reduced operating capacity for 15 weeks, operating costs and all in sustaining cost metrics will be higher than originally guided for 2024. Due to the number of variables, estimates and remaining uncertainties, management is withdrawing its cost guidance at this time. About Endeavour Silver Endeavour is a mid-tier precious metals company with a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices. With operations in Mexico and the development of the new cornerstone mine in Jalisco state, the company aims to contribute positively to the mining industry and the communities in which it operates. In addition, Endeavour has a portfolio of exploration projects in Mexico, Chile and the United States to facilitate its goal to become a premier senior silver producer. Contact Information Allison Pettit, Director Investor Relations Tel: (877) 685 - 9775 Email: apettit@edrsilver.com Website: www.edrsilver.com Follow Endeavour Silver on Facebook , X , Instagram and LinkedIn Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States private securities litigation reform act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the suspension of processing at Guanacevi, timing for completion of repairs at the Guanacevi mill, the availability and assessment of alternative processing methods, the impact on Q3 production and annual production and cost guidance, and Endeavours anticipated performance in 2024 including changes in mining operations and forecasts of production levels, anticipated production costs and all-in sustaining costs. The Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, production levels, performance or achievements of Endeavour and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include but are not limited to the ability to complete repairs at the Guanacevi mill in a timely manner, the availability of alternative processing methods, changes in production and costs guidance; and satisfaction of conditions precedent to drawdown under the Debt Facility; as well as those factors described in the section risk factors contained in the Companys most recent form 40F/Annual Information Form filed with the S.E.C. and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to: the ability to complete repairs at the Guanacevi mill in a timely manner, the availability of alternative processing methods, the continued operation of the Companys mining operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, forecasted mine economics as of 2024, mining operations will operate and the mining products will be completed in accordance with managements expectations and achieve their stated production outcomes, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. NOI (excluding Compass, which was sold) in Q2 is up around 5% year-over-year totaling some NIS 553 million Total FFO is up around 17% year-over-year totaling a record NIS 419 million; FFO in Q2 excluding senior housing is up around 11% year-over-year totaling some NIS 379 million TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eyal Henkin, CEO of Azrieli Group: We are concluding another good quarter for the Group with continued growth in the same-property NOI and record double-digit quarterly FFO growth. The offices segment continues to present good results while maintaining high occupancy rates. We are seeing rising interest from potential tenants and are working to seize the various opportunities. The Groups malls presented growth across all parameters, with a continued increase in store revenues. The Data Centers segment continues to gain momentum, and its contribution to the results is steadily growing. The results do not yet include some of the significant contracts we have signed, which are expected to make a considerable contribution to the Groups performance in the upcoming year. We are continuing to identify many opportunities in the sector, which we are proactively pursuing. On behalf of the Azrieli Group, I would like to extend our support to the security forces, and we all hope for the safe and swift return of the hostages. Financial Highlights for Q2/2024 NOI in Q2 totaled some NIS 553 million, compared with some NIS 559 million year-over-year. The decrease derives from the sale of Compass. totaled some NIS 553 million, compared with some NIS 559 million year-over-year. The decrease derives from the sale of Compass. Same-Property NOI (excluding the sale of Compass) was up around 5% in Q2 totaling some NIS 553 million compared with approx. NIS 527 million year-over-year. was up around 5% in Q2 totaling some NIS 553 million compared with approx. NIS 527 million year-over-year. FFO excluding senior housing totaled some NIS 379 million in Q2 compared with around NIS 342 million year-over-year, up some 11%. Total FFO in Q2 totaled around NIS 419 million compared with some NIS 357 million year-over-year, up approx. 17%. totaled some NIS 379 million in Q2 compared with around NIS 342 million year-over-year, up some 11%. in Q2 totaled around NIS 419 million compared with some NIS 357 million year-over-year, up approx. 17%. Net profit attributable to the shareholders in Q2 totaled approx. NIS 156 million compared with some NIS 418 million year-over-year. The decrease in the profit derives from revaluation profits of approx. NIS 491 million which were recorded in the same quarter last year compared with some NIS 65 million in Q2. Comprehensive income in Q2 totaled around NIS 413 million compared with approx. NIS 512 million year-over-year. Occupancy Rates and Store Revenues The average occupancy rate (excluding lease-up properties) was 99% in malls, 98% in offices in Israel, and 97% in senior housing. (excluding lease-up properties) was 99% in malls, 98% in offices in Israel, and 97% in senior housing. Store revenues in Q2 increased by 10% year-over-year, and from March to June by 8% year-over-year. In July, store revenues increased by 14% year-over-year. Balance Sheet as of 30 June 2024 The Group has cash, deposits, and short-term investments totaling approx. NIS 1.5 billion. Together with Bank Leumi stock, the Groups cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities total around NIS 2.5 billion. After the balance sheet date, the Company raised over NIS 1.8 billion in an offering of CP, expansion of Series G and offering of a new series (I). totaling approx. NIS 1.5 billion. Together with Bank Leumi stock, the Groups cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities total around NIS 2.5 billion. After the balance sheet date, the Company raised over NIS 1.8 billion in an offering of CP, expansion of Series G and offering of a new series (I). Net debt totaled approx. NIS 20 billion. totaled approx. NIS 20 billion. The value of investment property and investment property under construction totaled approx. NIS 46.7 billion. totaled approx. NIS 46.7 billion. The equity to assets ratio is approx. 44% and the net debt to assets ratio is approx. 38%. is approx. 44% and the is approx. 38%. Unencumbered assets total approx. NIS 34 billion. The conference call to review the results of the quarter will take place today, Monday, 19 August 2024 at 16:00 Israel local time/ 15:00 CET/ 14:00 UK /9:00 AM Eastern Time Those interested in participating in the call are invited to join using the attached link. https://register.vevent.com/register/BI6d864e29acfd4326822e2d58d1b9a0ab For further information regarding Q2/2024 financial reports and capital markets presentation for Q2/24, please click the link: https://www.azrieligroup.com/media-room/ Deployments to Begin this Month Detroit, Michigan, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), a subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the Company) ( OTCPK:AITX ), is pleased to announce that it has received anticipated purchase orders for 53 RIO units from a major Fortune 500 client (the Units). These orders were previously announced, as expected, in a July 23, 2024 press release . When fully deployed, the Units referenced in the purchase orders, along with the associated remote monitoring contracts, are expected to generate over $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), bringing RAD closer to its goal of organically reaching $10 million in ARR during this fiscal year. Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO of AITX and RAD, commented, As expected, the second half of the year will be productive in orders, deployments and technical innovation. The Company noted that, following the client's directive to prepare for these orders, manufacturing and allocation began in July, positioning RAD to initiate deployments in late August. Sitting atop a standard RIO 360 configuration are dual ROSA units. ROSA is a multiple award-winning , compact, self-contained, portable, security and communication solution that can be installed and activated in about 15 minutes. ROSAs AI-driven security analytics include human, firearm, vehicle detection, license plate recognition, responsive digital signage and audio messaging, and complete integration with RADs software suite notification and autonomous response library. Two-way communication is optimized for cellular, including live video from ROSAs high-resolution, full-color, always-on cameras. RAD has published six Case Studies detailing how ROSA has helped eliminate instances of theft, trespassing and loitering at retail centers , hospital campuses , multi-family communities , car rental locations and construction sites across the country. AITX, through its subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices , Inc. (RAD), is redefining the $25 billion (US) security and guarding services industry through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industrys existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these tremendous cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX) AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITXs RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai , www.radsecurity.com , www.stevereinharz.com , www.radgroup.ai , www.raddog.ai , and www.radlightmyway.com , or follow Steve Reinharz on Twitter @SteveReinharz . CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the Company). This publication contains forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and may involve subjective judgment and analysis. As such, there are no assurances that the Company will meet its expectations with respect to its future sales volume, becoming cash flow positive, ARR or RMR. The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Companys future revenues, results of operations, or stock price. ### NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FMW Media Works Corps' New to The Street will feature Innovative MedTech, Inc . (OTC: IMTH) ($IMTH) ("Company") on its nationally sponsored television programs. The series will span 12 months following the Company's health and wellness services. TV Host Jane King will interview Innovative MedTech, Inc.'s management , who will introduce themselves to New to The Street's viewers and provide ongoing updates about the Company's operations. Viewers will hear and learn more about the Company's operations in medical devices and technologies, as well as its subsidiary, SarahCare, an adult day health center provider with 26 locations throughout the U.S. FMW Media will produce and broadcast the show across the New to The Street's televised outlets on the FOX Business Network and Bloomberg TV as sponsored programming. All broadcasted shows will stream for 24 months on the New to The Street website, www . newtothestreet.com . New to The Street will provide social media marketing to further the reach of each broadcast. On a schedule, show previews and commercial ads will air on sponsored networks, and digital ads will stream on New to The Street's billboard platform at the Reuters 42nd Street Billboard, New York City. In addition, New to The Street will host "Road Shows," gathering accredited investors and retail brokers to learn more about the Company. After each show's filming, invitees will meet personally with IMTH's management to understand the operational fundamentals and the investment value proposition. "We are very excited to start working with the New to The Street's media team and look forward to talking about our business and highlighting the Company's value proposition. We believe New to The Street is an effective media platform to introduce IMTH to a new audience, enabling us to share our successes and latest business developments," stated Michael Friedman, Innovative MedTech, Inc.'s CEO. During the media series, IMTH's management will update viewers on its ongoing adult day operations and focus on its growing portfolio of licensing and distribution of medical devices and technologies. Viewers will become acquainted with the Company's experienced management team, including adult day care experts and financial markets executives. Vince Caruso, Founder and CEO of FMW Media and Producer at New to The Street T.V., states, "During the next media series, we expect fantastic T.V. interviews with IMTH's management, giving updates on its health and wellness operations. The elderly population in the U.S. is living longer, and the needs of these people are increasing. Innovative MedTech, Inc. is uniquely positioned to provide health services to seniors, a growing market segment. Viewers will also learn more about Management's commitment to acquiring and licensing medical devices and technologies, and how these are complementary and accretive to all business operations. We at New to The Street expect to maximize the show's viewership and investment communities' interest in Innovative MedTech, Inc.'s business model." New to The Street's T.V. interviews with Innovative MedTech, Inc. (OTC: IMTH) ($IMTH) management will air on the Fox Business Network and Bloomberg TV as sponsored programming; air times and dates "To Be Announced." About Innovative MedTech, Inc. (OTC: IMTH) ($IMTH): Innovative MedTech, Inc. (OTC: IMTH) ($IMTH) is a provider of medical technology and devices as well as health and wellness services through its wholly owned subsidiary SarahCare, an adult day care franchisor with one (1) corporate-owned center and twenty-six franchise locations across the U.S. SarahCare offers seniors daytime care and activities ranging from exercise and medical needs daily to nursing care and salon services https://innovativemedtechinc.com and https://sarahcare.com . About New to The Street: New to The Street is an FMW Media production that operates one of the longest-running U.S. and International sponsored and syndicated Nielsen-rated programming television brands, "New to The Street." Since 2009, New to The Street has run biographical interview segment shows across major U.S. television networks. The Nielsen-rated and sponsored broadcast programming platform reaches millions of homes in the U.S. and international markets. FMW's New to The Street show appears on Bloomberg and the FOX Business Network as sponsored programming. FMW is also one of the nation's largest buyers of linear television, long and short-form paid programming - https://www.newtothestreet.com/ . Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer U.S./Canada: This press release contains forward-looking statements within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of when such performance or results are achieved. This press release should be considered in all filings of the Companies contained in the Edgar Archives of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov . CONTACT: FMW Media Contact: Monica Brennan monica@NewtoTheStreet.com 1-917-330-2564 Innovative MedTech, Inc. Michael Friedman 708-925-9424 ir@innovativemedtechinc.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46ee6bac-42bf-473d-acc4-122edd30e1b5 New York, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) kick off more than 420 Fill the Boot events to raise lifesaving funds throughout Labor Day weekend in over 40 states. The funds raised by more than 349,000 IAFF members and their affiliates across the country go towards MDA's mission for scientific and clinical research and care for families living with muscular dystrophy, ALS (also known as Lou Gehrigs disease), and related neuromuscular diseases. Online donations, which may be made at mda.org/ftb will continue as fire fighters take to the streets in communities across the country with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, customers, and other passersby to support the mission. "Since 1954, fire fighters have been dedicated to Filling the Boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. That commitment is as important today as it was 70 years ago. While we have made significant progress for those living with neuromuscular disease, IAFF members remain steadfast in our mission to support MDA families, one dollar at a time. Labor Day Weekend brings fire fighters together across the country to raise essential funds in their communities through Fill the Boot drives. We will continue answering the call and do our part to help MDA find new treatments and improve access to care for those it serves," said IAFF General President Edward Kelly. The partnership between MDA and IAFF spans 70 years, beginning in 1954 when the IAFF signed a proclamation designating MDA as its charity of choice and vowing to continue raising awareness and funds until cures are found. To date, fire fighters nationwide have raised over $700 million over nearly seven decades. The funds raised by IAFF have led to breakthroughs in research and many FDA-approved treatments for neuromuscular diseases, in addition to access to treatments and care from day one, and through newborn screening and other advocacy efforts. "We are profoundly grateful to our dedicated partners at IAFF and eagerly anticipate the kick-off of hundreds of Fill the Boot events in communities across the country this Labor Day weekend. September marks the beginning of National Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month, a pivotal time for this cherished tradition. The funds raised by Fill the Boot have not only provided the best week of the year at MDA Summer Camp for children and young adults living with neuromuscular disease but have also fueled groundbreaking scientific and clinical breakthroughs. Our MDA Care Center Network and MDA Gene Therapy Support Network staff are diligently guiding families through transformative gene therapy. Moreover, this funding has led to even more FDA-approved treatments for various neuromuscular diseases just this year alone. The urgency of our mission has never been greater, and we must continue to push forward with even more determination," said Donald S. Wood, PhD, President and CEO, MDA. When communities across the country stop for a fire fighter to Fill the Boot, MDA funds the mission to accelerate research, advance care, and advocate to empower people diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases to live longer, more independent lives. The campaign will be shared on social media channels using the hashtag #FillTheBoot. Follow MDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Follow the IAFF on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Watch/download the Public Service Announcement (PSA) Answering the Call here. Ken Sutcliffe dedicated his career to saving lives as a U.S. Army veteran and as a fire fighter. He never thought one day hed be fighting for his own. In Answering the Call, a new PSA from MDA, you will meet Ken who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. Thanks to MDA, he and many others like him are receiving the treatment and care they need to live longer and love stronger. Air Answering the Call today and help MDA lead the way in accelerating research and advancing care in your local community. Media inquiries email press@mdausa.org. About the IAFF The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is the driving force behind nearly every advance in the fire and emergency services in the 21st century. With headquarters in Washington, D.C, and Ottawa, Ontario, the IAFF represents more than 349,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics in more than 3,500 affiliates. IAFF members protect more than 85 percent of the population in communities throughout the United States and Canada. The IAFF is also one of the most active lobbying organizations in Washington, D.C. The IAFF Political Action Committee, FIREPAC, is among the top one-half of one percent of all federally registered PACs in the country. About Muscular Dystrophy Association Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Attachment PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nationally recognized law firm Berger Montague PC informs investors that a lawsuit was filed against Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (Arbor Realty or the Company) (NYSE: ABR) on behalf of purchasers of Arbor Realty securities between May 7, 2021 and July 11, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period). Investors that suffered losses from Arbor Realty (NYSE: ABR) investments can follow the link below for more information regarding the lawsuit: CLICK HERE to learn more about the lawsuit. Investors who purchased or acquired Arbor Realty securities during the Class Period may, no later than September 30, 2024, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. According to the lawsuit, Arbor Realty and its senior management misled investors with continual claims of strong health regarding the Companys loan book. Investors first began to learn the true state of Arbor Realtys loan portfolio on March 14, 2023, when NINGI Research published a report alleging that Arbor Realty had been hiding toxic real estate properties in fraudulent holding companies for ten years. On that news, shares fell from a closing price of $12.99 per share on March 13, 2023 to a closing price of $12.12 on March 14, 2023, then down to $11.53 per share on March 15. On December 5, 2023, Viceroy published a report that accused the Company of concealing from investors the distressed nature of its loan book, going so far as to calling Arbor Realty the worst of the worst in the industry. Then, on July 12, 2024, Bloomberg reported that Arbor Realty was being probed by federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York and that [t]he investigators are inquiring about lending practices and the companys claims about the performance of their loan book. On this news, the price of Arbor Realty stock fell 17%, according to the complaint. For additional information or to learn how to participate in this litigation, please contact Berger Montague: Andrew Abramowitz at aabramowitz@bm.net or (215) 875-3015, or Peter Hamner at phamner@bm.net or (215) 875-3048, or CLICK HERE . A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not, however, affected by the decision whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Communicating with any counsel is not necessary to participate or share in any recovery achieved in this case. Any member of the purported class may move the Court to serve as a lead plaintiff through counsel of his/her choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an inactive class member. Berger Montague , with offices in Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Delaware, Washington, D.C., San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago, has been a pioneer in securities class action litigation since its founding in 1970. Berger Montague has represented individual and institutional investors for over five decades and serves as lead counsel in courts throughout the United States. Contacts: Andrew Abramowitz, Senior Counsel Berger Montague (215) 875-3015 aabramowitz@bm.net Little Rock, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Case managers are central to delivering the highest value across the health and welfare continuum. This year, the largest professional organizations serving the case manager community, the American Case Management Association (ACMA) and the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC), join forces to recognize the critical role case managers provide and to announce the 2024 National Case Management Week theme: Encouraging, Engaging and Empowering. By aligning around this common theme, ACMA and CCMC reflect their joint definition of case management, released in 2022. Professional case managers help navigate complex systems to achieve mutual goals, advocate for those they serve, and recognize personal dignity, autonomy, and the right to self-determination. Together, ACMA and CCMC encourage professional case managers as well as those interested in the profession or care coordination roles to begin planning for National Case Management Week, Oct. 13-19, and raise awareness and recognition to those in this professional practice. They also encourage stakeholders to engage with the community and advocate for the expansion of access to professional development opportunities and certification. Both ACMA and the Commission recognize each other's educational programs as part of their joint commitment in supporting certified case management professionals. "The Commission celebrates the vital role of professional case managers as client advocates and health care innovators," said MaryBeth Kurland, MPA, CAE, ICE-CCP, CEO of the Commission. "Alongside ACMA, we are committed to empowering case managers to pursue professional development opportunities that elevate their practice and benefit their clients." ACMA and CCMC join the health care community to celebrate the achievements of these essential professionals and to promote the critical work they do. Case managers coordinate transitions of care, navigate complex care, and advocate for those they serve. During National Case Management Week, ACMA and CCMC want to highlight case managers, recognize them and bring awareness to the services they provide, said L. Greg Cunningham, CEO of ACMA. Join ACMA and CCMC as they celebrate case managers across the nation, Oct. 13-19, 2024. About the American Case Management Association Founded in 1999, the American Case Management Association (ACMA) is a national, non-profit, professional membership association, which strives to provide resources, solutions and support for Case Management and Transitions of Care professionals. ACMA is comprised of more than 17,000 members and 50,000 educational subscribers, including nurses, social workers, physicians and other professionals affiliated with case management. Through a variety of educational conferences and networking events at both the state and national level, ACMA provides its members with numerous opportunities to develop their skills, grow in their profession and learn from the experiences and practices of fellow members. For more information, visit acmaweb.org/ncmw or follow us on Instagram @AmericanCaseManagement, on Facebook @TheACMA and X at @TheACMA or on LinkedIn @American-Case-Management-Association. About the Commission for Case Manager Certification The Commission for Case Manager Certification is the first and largest nationally accredited case management certification organization, credentialing more than 50,000 professional case managers and disability management specialists. The Commission is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that oversees the process of case manager certification with its CCM and CDMS credentials. Offering an extensive portfolio of certification and professional advancement activities, the Commission is the most active and prestigious certification organization supporting the practices of case management and disability management. For more information, visit www.ccmcertification.org and www.cdms.org, connect with the Commission on Facebook or follow us on X @CCM_Cert. Attachment MANZINI - At least four residents of Madonsa have died after drinking mankanjane. The community is calling upon the royal kraal to take action against the illegal homemade brew. Mankanjane, which is also known as dontonto, is an illegally produced alcoholic beverage that is transparent in colour, with a smell of methylated spirit. The intoxicating drink is made from harmful ingredients and then mixed with maize and sugar cane. It is available in some drinking spots in Eswatini and has been linked with violent behaviour and recently, deaths. The recent incident happened at Madonsa, under the Manzini North Constituency, which is represented by Sifiso Mashayinkonjane Nhlengetfwa in Parliament. The community, which comprises of a majority of people working in the retail sector, is also affected by urban poverty, given that 35.6 per cent of the population is unemployed in the country. Resort Their plight has propelled some of the unemployed to resort to collecting scrap material and selling it in town, which is about seven kilometres away. They are barely able to support their livelihoods with the little money they get. Among those who died was a man in his 20s. He was found dead after drinking the illegal brew. According to one of the community members, who lost a brother recently, he tried several times to warn his brother about the dangers of drinking dontonto. He said this was after learning that some community members had died, purportedly due to the illegal brew. He said most of the people who drank this illegal beverage were unemployed community members, who survived by making money in various ways. He said usually, they wake up early at around 5am and 6am, and their first stop is the shebeens and proceed to their various ventures to make some money. When people go to work between 6am and 7am, they find them already drinking the toxic brew at the shebeens, he said. He said their worry as a community was that those who run the shebeens do not care about the effects of the brew on their customers. The money they get from this business is the same as blood money, he said. He said the behaviour of the imbibers of this brew suggests that it is toxic, because sometimes they find them sleeping along the road and urinated on themselves. Despite that, he said they continue to drink it week in and week out. Shebeens This incident is reportedly not isolated and as such, community police members have been tasked with cracking down on unlicensed shebeens selling the illegal alcoholic beverage. The call for action within the community is said to have followed a concern by certain community members, who reportedly noted a hike in the deaths within the community among those who imbibed the brew. The deaths are said to have happened on separate occasions between the past few months and now. According to one of the concerned community members of Madonsa, this is not the first time they recorded deaths linked to the illegal beverage as in 2016 and 2017, they had similar cases. As such, he said all shebeens, which sold the homemade brew, were banned from selling it. He said during the first few months of the year, they learnt that about four shebeens were selling the traditional brew again and already, there were some deaths linked to it. He said recently, some patrons of one of the shebeens which sell mankanjane had died. He said the boy, who was seen drinking the alcoholic beverage in question during the day, was found dead in his house the following morning. He alleged that some women fell sick and subsequently died a few days later. According to the source, most of the people go to the shebeens early in the morning, before eating proper food and after imbibing it, they do not feel hungry, which means that it makes them lose appetite. He said some of them wake up as early as 5am and go to the shebeens. He stated that a majority of them preferred this illegal brew over the conventional alcoholic beverages because it is cheaper. He said a 500ml of the brew cost about E6. Again, he said what they noted was that it was easier to get dontonto on credit, unlike other alcoholic beverages. This made them prefer the drink as a cheap alternative to keep them busy and temporarily forget their problems. Again, the community member said the imbibers of dontonto were seemingly also not cautious of the amount of money to be spent in hospital due to health effects resulting from consuming the brew. All they care about is getting drunk instantly, he said. Consumption Meanwhile, one of the community members, Calvin Kunene, who confirmed the concern over the sale and consumption of dontonto in the area said the issue had been raised during the community meetings held at Mnyenyweni Royal Kraal. He said it was raised by concerned community members, some of whom have lost their loved ones and blamed the deaths on the illegal brew. This issue is serious because young men and women have been turned to elderly men and women. I tell you, since these people do not eat when drinking this illegal alcoholic beverage, their appearance changes within two to three months. They become skinny and their hair looks like they have applied hair chemicals. These people are dying and I know about four whose deaths are linked to dontonto brew, the community police member said. He said after the matter was raised during their meetings, a resolution was taken that as community police members, working together with the resident, they should crack down on the shebeens and close them. However, he said their efforts have hit a snag so far as the shebeen operators were aware of the exercise and they were always on the alert. He said they needed more backing from the royal kraal in order for the exercise to be successful and prevent further deaths. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emerita Resources Corp. (TSXV: EMO) (the Company or Emerita) announces that, further to its news release dated August 14, 2024, it it has drawn down and received USD$6 million in funding under the first tranche of its credit agreement dated August 14, 2024, as amended (the Loan Agreement), entered into by the Company and Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund II, LP (the Lender). Please see the Companys news release dated August 14, 2024 for further details on the Loan Agreement. In connection with the receipt of the funding under the first tranche of the Loan Agreement, the Company issued 9,963,636 non-transferable common share purchase warrants (the Loan Bonus Warrants) to a nominated affiliate of the Lender, with each Loan Bonus Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one common share of the Company (each a Warrant Share) at an exercise price of $0.825 per Warrant Share (the Tranche 1 Exercise Price) until August 16, 2028, being the maturity date of the Loan Agreement. Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws, the Loan Bonus Warrants will be subject to a statutory hold period ending on December 17, 2024. The Tranche 1 Exercise Price is at a 25% premium to the closing price of the Companys shares on August 14, 2024 of $0.66. To the extent the second and third tranches under the Loan Agreement are drawn down by the Company, further non-transferable common share purchaser warrants of the Company would be issued pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement and would entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price equal to a 25% premium to the lower of: (i) the 20-day VWAP of the Companys share price on the date which the Company issues its request for the advance in respect of such tranche under which such warrant is being issued; and (ii) the Market Price (as such term is defined under the policies of the TSXV) as of the date which the Company issues its request for the advance in respect of such tranche under which such warrant is being issued, until the date that is 48 months following the closing of the first tranche. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if: (1) the 20-day VWAP is lower than the Market Price; and (2) the 25% premium to the 20-day VWAP is also lower than the Market Price, then the exercise price for any such warrants shall be deemed to be equal to the Market Price. The exercise price for any warrants issued pursuant to the Loan Agreement shall not be lower than the Market Price. The proceeds of the Loan Agreement are to be used by Emerita for working capital requirements related to exploration and geological drilling, advancement of study work, environmental permitting at its wholly-owned Iberian Belt West Project (the IBW Project), and general and administrative costs of the Company. Subject to the terms of the Loan Agreement, the Loan may be repaid prior to its maturity at any time subject to the additional payment of a make-whole threshold. If the Loan is reduced or repaid during the first year of its term, the expiry date of a pro rata number of the total Loan Bonus Warrants outstanding will be reduced to the later of: (i) one year from issuance of the Loan Bonus Warrants; and (ii) 30 days from the reduction or repayment of the Loan. Drawing on the second and third tranches under the Loan Agreement are at the Companys discretion subject to satisfying applicable milestones and subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities being offered have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities in the United States. About Emerita Resources Corp. Emerita is a natural resource company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties in Europe, with a primary focus on exploring in Spain. The Companys corporate office and technical team are based in Sevilla, Spain with an administrative office in Toronto, Canada. For further information, contact: Ian Parkinson +1 647 910-2500 (Toronto) info@emeritaresources.com www.emeritaresources.com Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) nor any other regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the Loan Agreement; the Companys intended use of proceeds from the Loan Agreement; the advancement of the IBW Project; the achievement of milestones; the drawing of further tranches under the Loan Agreement, and the Companys future plans. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward- looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Emerita, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks related to the negotiation of the terms of the Loan Agreement, the repayment of the amounts advanced under the Loan Agreement, and business prospects and opportunities of the Company. Although Emerita has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Emerita does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Long Beach, CA, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Long Beach City College (LBCC) has regained large college status after declines caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Campus leadership and staff has worked hard to boost enrollment with comprehensive outreach campaigns, determined efforts to improve college completion, and the creation of an inclusive/anti-racist environment are among the many efforts that have led to LBCC being one of the few community colleges in California to recapture their pre-COVID enrollment numbers. In California, the state considers a community college to be large if it has at least 20,000 full-time equivalent students (FTES). Colleges with 10,00020,000 FTES are considered medium, and colleges with fewer than 10,000 FTES are considered small. Returning to large college status is crucial for LBCC because it enables us to expand our resources, enhance our academic offerings, and better serve our diverse student population, said Dr. Mike Munoz, LBCC Superintendent-President. Despite the national narrative questioning the utility and cost of education, our enrollment growth means increased access to education for our community, which will improve economic mobility and break cycles of generational poverty. This milestone reflects our commitment to providing exceptional education and support to our community, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. LBCCs 2023-2024 academic year enrollment surged to more than 38,696 students (or 20,033 full-time equivalent students). In Fall 2023, LBCC saw a 10% increase in Black student enrollment and the highest number of new indirect matriculant students in credit classes in the last five years. Our ability to return to large college status ahead of schedule is a testament to the heroic efforts weve made to achieve clear and concrete post-pandemic goals, said Vivian Malauulu, LBCC Board of Trustees President. During my last term as Board President, and in the midst of various challenges, we committed to creating a caring and welcoming learning environment where everyone feels they belong. This achievement reflects the collective effort of our dedicated employees from our outreach teams recruiting new students, to our faculty and classified staff that ensured their success in the classroom and out future viability as a district. Key to LBCCs impressive enrollment growth is an array of wraparound services including a Safe Parking Program for housing-insecure students that allows them to sleep in their vehicles on campus overnight, and a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach and the Long Beach Unified School District that gives LBCC student parents the ability to enroll their school-aged children for free in LBCCs trailblazing after-school/summer program. Other factors in enrollment growth include affordability and innovation. Thanks to the Long Beach College Promise, most students pay no tuition, and the LBCC Financial Aid team has helped distribute nearly $80 million to students during the 2022-2023 academic year alone. A flourishing dual-enrollment program allows high school students to take college courses at their high school campuses, and high transfer rates are sending LBCC graduates to some of the finest universities in the nation. The colleges award-winning BeLong Beach marketing campaign was also vital in attracting new students to LBCC. Returning to its status as a large college status enables LBCC to secure greater funding from the California Community College Chancellors Office ($2 million annually), which can be then directed to additional student services and academic programs. LBCCs work received several awards including: The Campaign for College Opportunity awarded LBCC with the 2023 Equity Champions of Higher Education for working with intentionality to support Black students through the Associate Degree for Transfer Excelencia in Education recertified LBCC with the Seal of Excelencia in 2023 in Education recertified LBCC with the Seal of in 2023 The California Association of Black School Educators (CABSE) recognized the college for its groundbreaking leadership in advancing educational equity for Black and African American students with the prestigious CABSE Black EdCellence Award in 2023 The League for Innovation in the Community College awarded LBCC with the 2024 Innovation of the Year Award for the Colleges efforts to improve students sense of belonging, which increased from 50% to 92% # # # About Long Beach City College Long Beach City College consists of two campuses with an enrollment of more than 25,000 students each semester. The education programs primary purpose is to prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions, entry into work or career development, and to support businesses in economic development. Long Beach City College serves the cities of Avalon, Lakewood, Long Beach, and Signal Hill. Long Beach City College promotes equitable student learning and achievement, academic excellence, and workforce development by delivering high-quality educational programs and support services to our diverse communities. Visit www.LBCC.edu for more information on Long Beach City College. SAN DIEGO, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Time is running out to apply to participate in the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp in San Diego. Applications for the no-cost bootcamp are closing September 30. The Mark Cuban Foundation is bringing the only artificial intelligence (AI) camp of its kind, free of charge, to high school students in San Diego. With a custom and highly-relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in the world of AI and Generative AI, the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for them and promises to educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of AI professionals. These AI bootcamps are introductory and accessible to student in grades 9-12 with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend. Over the course of three half-days, students will learn what AI is and isn't, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Students also learn how to utilize ChatGPT via tailored inputs and use Microsoft's cloud computing tools to build their own AI applications. As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, its crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it, said Mark Cuban, founder. While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. This bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means. This years bootcamp, will taking place in San Diego on November 2nd, 9th, and 16th. There are just six weeks left until the September 30 deadline. Do not miss your chancesubmit your application now, as spaces are limited. Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org. Watch Mark Cubans message about Mark Cuban Foundations AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here. To learn more, visit markcubanai.org. Media Contact: Bishop.wash@markcubanai.org This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program's media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals. About Mark Cuban Foundations AI Bootcamp Initiative The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th -12th grade students learn what AI is and isn't, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org. WENHAM, Mass., Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Academy at Penguin Hall , the only all-girls independent college preparatory school north of Boston, is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Environmental Justice Certification. This interdisciplinary program, which was piloted with select students last year, is now expanding to offer more students the opportunity to engage deeply with critical global issues like climate change and social equity. The Environmental Justice Certification allows students at Penguin Hall to graduate with a concentration in environmental justice, an area of study that is rapidly growing in importance in todays world. The program is designed to empower Penguin Hall students and faculty alike to pursue and promote innovation, research, and excellence in the field of environmental justice. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, research projects, community service, and a capstone portfolio, students will have the chance to immerse themselves in meaningful work that addresses some of the most pressing environmental and social justice issues of our time. The Environmental Justice Certification is a natural extension of our commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, leadership, and social responsibility among the students at Penguin Hall, said Molly Martins, Founder and President of The Academy at Penguin Hall . By equipping young women with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle these complex issues, we are preparing them to be the changemakers and leaders that our world so desperately needs. The certification program is interdisciplinary in nature, promoting collaboration between Penguin Hall students and faculty and providing opportunities for students to engage in internships and university-level research. Additionally, the program fosters interactions with experts in the field on a regional, national, and even international level. To earn the Environmental Justice Certification, students must meet a series of rigorous requirements, including achieving a B+ or higher in specified courses, completing projects that meet high environmental justice criteria, and engaging in four community service projects that align with the goals of the concentration. Students will also complete an independent research project or internship and present a senior portfolio review to the Environmental Justice Committee. The expansion of the Penguin Hall Environmental Justice Certification underscores our commitment to offering an education that goes beyond traditional academics, added Martins. Our students are not just learning about environmental and social justice; they are actively contributing to these fields through their research, community service, and leadership. This program empowers them to make a real difference in the world, both now and in the future. The Academy at Penguin Halls Environmental Justice Certification is more than just a new offering; it is a growing movement within the school that reflects the values of innovation, autonomy, and empowerment that Penguin Hall abides by. By allowing students to immerse themselves in research, dialogue, and professional-level projects, the program aims to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental and social justice issues and to inspire the next generation of leaders. As an institution dedicated to the development of the whole personintellectually, socially, physically, and creativelyPenguin Hall is thrilled to offer our students this unique opportunity, concluded Martins. The Environmental Justice Certification aligns perfectly with our mission to educate, enlighten, and empower young women to live and to lead exemplary lives. About the Academy at Penguin Hall Founded in 2015 in Wenham, Massachusetts, The Academy at Penguin Hall is an independent all-girls preparatory school dedicated to empowering students to live and to lead exemplary lives. With a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes intellectual risk-taking, critical thinking, and experiential learning, The Academy at Penguin Hall prepares its graduates to become confident leaders and changemakers in the real world. DURHAM, N.C., Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scorpius Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: SCPX), (Scorpius, or the Company), an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced the closing of its underwritten public offering of 14,375,000 shares of common stock (and/or pre-funded warrants (Pre-Funded Warrants) in lieu thereof), including full exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option. Each share of common stock (or Pre-Funded Warrant) was offered at a public offering price of $1.00 per share (inclusive of the Pre-Funded Warrant exercise price), for gross proceeds of $14,375,000, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to fund working capital and for general corporate purposes. ThinkEquity acted as sole book-running manager for the offering. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-280887) relating to the securities being offered was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and became effective on August 6, 2024. This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus may be obtained from ThinkEquity, 17 State Street, 41st Floor, New York, New York 10004. The final prospectus has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SECs website located at http://www.sec.gov. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Scorpius Holdings, Inc. Scorpius Holdings Inc. is an integrated large molecule contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on rapidly advancing biologic and cell therapy programs to the clinic and beyond. Scorpius offers a broad array of analytical testing, process development, and manufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies at its state-of-the-art facilities in San Antonio, TX. With an experienced team and new, purpose-built U.S. facilities, Scorpius is dedicated to transparent collaboration and flexible, high-quality biologics biomanufacturing. For more information, please visit www.scorpiusbiologics.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "should," "potential," "continue," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions and include statements regarding the intended use of proceeds. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the ability to complete the proposed offering, and other factors described in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, subsequent quarterly report on Form 10-Q and any other filings the Company makes with the SEC. The information in this presentation is provided only as of the date presented, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. For Investor Relations Inquiries: David Waldman +1 (919)-289-4017 investorrelations@nighthawkbio.com CHICAGO, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Time is running out to apply to participate in the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp in Chicago. Applications for the no-cost bootcamp are closing September 30. The Mark Cuban Foundation is bringing the only artificial intelligence (AI) camp of its kind, free of charge, to high school students in Chicago. With a custom and highly-relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in the world of AI and Generative AI, the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for them and promises to educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of AI professionals. These AI bootcamps are introductory and accessible to student in grades 9-12 with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend. Over the course of three half-days, students will learn what AI is and isn't, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Students also learn how to utilize ChatGPT via tailored inputs and use Microsoft's cloud computing tools to build their own AI applications. As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, its crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it, said Mark Cuban, founder. While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. This bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means. This years bootcamp, will be taking place in Chicago on November 2nd, 9th, and 16th. There are just six weeks left until the September 30 deadline. Do not miss your chancesubmit your application now, as spaces are limited. Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org. Watch Mark Cubans message about Mark Cuban Foundations AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here. To learn more, visit markcubanai.org. Media Contact: Bishop.wash@markcubanai.org This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program's media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals. About Mark Cuban Foundations AI Bootcamp Initiative The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th -12th grade students learn what AI is and isn't, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org. HONOLULU, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Time is running out to apply to participate in the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp in Honolulu. Applications for the no-cost bootcamp are closing September 30. The Mark Cuban Foundation is bringing the only artificial intelligence (AI) camp of its kind, free of charge, to high school students in Honolulu. With a custom and highly-relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in the world of AI and Generative AI, the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for them and promises to educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of AI professionals. These AI bootcamps are introductory and accessible to student in grades 9-12 with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend. Over the course of three half-days, students will learn what AI is and isn't, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Students also learn how to utilize ChatGPT via tailored inputs and use Microsoft's cloud computing tools to build their own AI applications. As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, its crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it, said Mark Cuban, founder. While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. This bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means. This years bootcamp, will be taking place in Honolulu on November 2nd, 9th, and 16th. There are just six weeks left until the September 30 deadline. Do not miss your chancesubmit your application now, as spaces are limited. Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org. Watch Mark Cubans message about Mark Cuban Foundations AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here. To learn more, visit markcubanai.org. Media Contact: Bishop.wash@markcubanai.org This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program's media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals. About Mark Cuban Foundations AI Bootcamp Initiative The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th -12th grade students learn what AI is and isn't, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org. NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Dril-Quip, Inc. (NYSE: DRQ) resulting from allegations that Dril-Quip, Inc. may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Dril-Quip securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=27144 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On July 8, 2024, after the market closed, Dril-Quip filed a current report on Form 8-K with the SEC. In this current report, Dril-Quip disclosed that it had become became aware of an error in the classification of certain inventory write-downs from 2021. [. . .] The Company classified these charges as Restructuring and other charges; however, these charges should have been classified in Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, in accordance with ASC 420-10-S99-3. As a result, Cost of sales was understated and Restructuring and other charges was overstated by $67 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (the Affected Period). Further, Dril-Quip disclosed that after considering the recommendations of management and discussion with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm[,] the Audit Committee of our board of directors (Audit Committee) concluded that the consolidated financial statements for the Affected Period should no longer be relied upon due to the error described above. Any previously issued or filed reports, press releases, earnings releases and investor presentations or other communications describing the Companys consolidated financial statements and other related financial information covering the Affected Period also should no longer be relied upon. Finally, Dril-Quip disclosed that the Management has also concluded that, in light of the findings described above, the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023 were not effective, and that it intended to complete and file restated consolidated financial statements for the Affected Period[.] On this news, the price of Dril-Quip stock fell by 9.9% on July 9, 2024. 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. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. 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 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com LAS VEGAS, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BLAQclouds, Inc. (OTC: BCDS) is pleased to announce the launch of version 1 of its BLAQlp.io DaPP, as well as an update on the recently announced LOI to acquire ZEUS Blockchain Partners, Inc. On August 18, 2024, BLAQclouds unveiled BLAQlp.io, an innovative platform that enables private funds, family offices, institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, and accredited funders to participate in its open-source protocol to create non-custodial liquidity for token projects on the Ethereum and ZEUS Blockchains. The core smart contract powering BLAQlp.io allows funders to directly contribute to the non-custodial liquidity pool using a user-friendly interface. Funders can utilize any EVM token, with DiVinciPay acting as a cross-chain payment conduit. Once fully funded, the liquidity pool is minted, formally launching the project. During testing, the Automatic Market Maker (AMM) formula used by BLAQlp.io demonstrated an average 20x increase per 10-day cycle. Additionally, the platform automatically rewards the LP funding partner with 2x the token amount when the liquidity pool reaches a value of 10x. Funders that are interested in learning more about this revolutionary model, please visit https://www.BLAQlp.io and submit a request at the bottom of the site. Update on ZEUS Acquisition The company expects to close the acquisition of ZEUS Blockchain Partners by the end of Q3, 2024. ZEUS Blockchain Partners, Inc. has successfully launched https://zeuschainscan.io/, a Layer 1 Proof of Authority - Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chain, premined with the ZEUS Coin. This coin has been integrated with DiVinciPay as the settlement coin for merchants accepting cryptocurrency for goods and services. Furthermore, the decentralized chain is integrated with https://www.myairdropalert.com, which provides SMS and email notifications to wallet holders upon receiving a Token or NFT deposit. Notably, ZEUS is the first DEX platform to offer this alert technology. ZEUS has also completed testing of its NFT minting engine, powered by the ZEUS Coin. The engine supports ZRC721 and ZRC1155 NFT minting at a fraction of the cost compared to other chains, with average gas fees less than a penny. The new ZEUS NFT website is accessible at ZEUSNFTx.io. In the coming week, ZEUS will launch ZEUSx.io, a DEX multi-chain swap solution enabling token swapping, farming, staking, and liquidity pool creation. Cross-chain funding for these activities is facilitated by DiVinciPay, with support for Ethereum (ETH), Binance Smart Chain (BNB), Polygon (Matic), BASE, and Avalanche. To learn more about ZEUS, the company has established a comprehensive website with detailed information, available at https://www.zeuspartners.io. Marjorie Schaefer, CEO: I am excited about the progress we have achieved in this new direction. This puts our company in a strong position to provide for the future growth of BLAQclouds, Inc. We continue working on new developments that we believe will provide BLAQclouds with a strong presence in artificial intelligence and innovative blockchain technology solutions. Our goal is to add assets with value for future growth, a business model that we can build on. About BLAQclouds, Inc. BLAQclouds Inc., is a Nevada publicly traded company specializing in artificial intelligence and innovative blockchain technology solutions. With a commitment to delivering high-performance, secure, and scalable AI-powered blockchain solutions, BLAQclouds Inc. continues to push the boundaries of whats possible in the digital age. To better reflect the companys new direction. Please disregard any and all past social media posts and/ or news releases. A company press release will verify any new social media outlets. Currently, the only media outlet is the companys Twitter (X) account @BlaqcloudsBCDS. In order to better communicate with our shareholders please email us at marjschaefer.manager@gmail.com. The Companys website is https://www.bcdsholdinginc.com. The companys information can be verified at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/BCDS/profile. We will provide many more updates for our shareholders as the company moves in a new direction. Disclaimer: The Company relies upon the Safe Harbor Laws of 1933, 1934 and 1995 for all public news releases. The company may make forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future operations, performance and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are estimates that reflect the companys best judgment based upon current information. All investments involve risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. It is impossible to identify all such factors. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the company include, but are not limited to, government regulation; managing and maintaining growth; the effect of adverse publicity; litigation; competition; and other factors which may be identify from time to time in the companys public announcements. Contact: BLAQclouds, Inc. marjschaefer.manager@gmail.com Melville, NY, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In vibrant and picturesque Oahu, Hawaii, Jon Launer, CEO of 808Wraps, is making significant strides in the vehicle wrap industry. With a keen eye on market trends and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Launer has positioned 808Wraps as a pioneering force, particularly with its recent high-profile project of wrapping a Tesla Cybertruck using Canon UVgel technology. 808Wraps was among the first in the country, and the first ever in Hawaii, to wrap a Tesla Cybertruck, a project that garnered significant attention and widespread recognition on social media. A key factor in its success is its use of the Canon Colorado printer and its powerful UVgel inks, which deliver exceptional color quality and vibrancy. The Colorado printer is renowned for its outstanding print quality, with UVgel technology producing vibrant, durable prints essential for vehicle wraps, especially in harsh weather conditions. The journey of wrapping the Tesla Cybertruck began in response to its growing popularity and an influx of industry chatter about vehicle wrapping. Launer saw a unique opportunity to wrap this car, believing it would be an excellent way to showcase 808Wrapss skills and the complexity of wrapping such a unique vehicle. He also recognized the chance to be known as one of the first to wrap the Cybertruck. According to Launer, "We saw a unique opportunity to showcase the power of Canon's technology and demonstrate our expertise in handling such a complex project." Launer acted swiftly, understanding the market's fascination with the Cybertruck's design and the necessity of wrapping it to maintain its pristine condition. The color quality, consistency, and vibrancy of Canon's inks allowed us to produce a wrap that not only turned heads but also stood up to Hawaii's challenging weather conditions, said Launer. Our previous eco-solvent printers couldn't achieve that level of quality." The Colorado printer is ideal for creating vehicle wrapping due to its exceptional print quality and durable output. UVgel inks are highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, which is crucial for vehicle wraps that endure various environmental factors. The prints are also water-resistant and withstand UV exposure, maintaining their vibrancy even in Hawaii's intense sunlight. Additionally, the printer produces flexible and conformable prints, essential for wrapping complex vehicle shapes seamlessly without compromising print quality. Its rapid output speed allows 808Wraps to meet tight deadlines and manage high-volume projects efficiently, which is critical in a competitive market. However, the road to success is not without challenges. Launers business has encountered various obstacles, particularly with the influx of competition and the availability of low-quality materials. "There's a lot of competition, with people trying to get materials however and wherever they can, which are often low-quality, Launer said. He also pointed out the pitfalls of customers opting for cheaper options: "Anyone can get into this industry, but without professional skills and knowledge of the proper technology, they discredit the industry. Customers who go to novices often have a negative experience and end up thinking all wraps are bad." Emphasizing the importance of professional quality, Launer said, "You get what you pay for in our industry. The general public isn't yet educated enough to know that you need to go to an experienced professional that uses the proper equipment to get it done right." Launer's commitment to offering a full-service experience sets 808Wraps apart. He invests in each and every customer, from the initial conversation and design phase to execution and follow-up. "We pride ourselves on not just delivering an outstanding wrap but also maintaining the quality and performance of our work over time. We follow up with our clients months and years later to ensure everything is still in top condition," Launer explained. This dedication to customer service has been a key factor in 808Wrapss continued success. As 808Wraps continues to grow, Launer sees enormous potential in expanding its reach and collaborating with photographers and videographers who form a significant part of their customer base. "There's a lot of synergy we can create with these professionals, tapping into their follower base and exploring new market opportunities." Launer's dedication to 808Wraps, in tandem with his 30-plus years of industry experience, has earned him a reputation for excellence and innovation in the vehicle wrap industry. His commitment to using cutting-edge technology and high-quality materials ensures that 808Wraps consistently delivers superior results. "Our customers expect the best, and we deliver the best. With UVgel technology, we can meet and exceed those expectations every time." "We are incredibly proud to stand by Canon's large format products and to witness our customers utilizing them in such unique and creative ways," said Peter P. Kowalczuk, president, Canon Solutions America, Inc. "808Wrapss success with projects such as the Tesla Cybertruck wrap is a testament to the capabilities of UVgel technology, which allows our customers to achieve great success." Canon is a registered trademark of Canon Inc. in the United States and may be a registered trademark or trademark elsewhere. Colorado and UVgel are registered trademarks and trademarks of Canon Production Printing Netherlands, B.V. Tesla and Cybertruck are trademarks of Tesla, Inc. All other referenced product names and marks are trademarks of their respective owners. Neither Canon Inc. nor Canon U.S.A., Inc. nor Canon Solutions America, Inc. represents, endorses, or warrants any third-party product or feature referenced herein. The views and opinions expressed here are based on the actual experiences of the customer. Testimonials are not claimed to represent typical results, and various factors can impact different customers results. Attachment China allocates 115 mln yuan of funds to flood-hit regions Xinhua) 14:21, August 19, 2024 BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's central authorities have allocated 115 million yuan (about 16.1 million U.S. dollars) to assist five regions in dealing with the flood disasters. The funds from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management will be distributed to Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia, which have suffered from rainstorms and floods since August. The funds will mainly be utilized for the search and transfer of affected people, handling of risky facilities, and identification of potential secondary disasters. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) MBABANE While Gciniwe Fakudze is expected to assume her duties as CEO of the Municipal Council of Mbabane, the municipality has rushed to court in a bid to stop her from doing so. The Municipal Council of Mbabane is awaiting judgment from the High Court in the matter in which it is challenging Fakudzes appointment as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The councillors want Fakudzes appointment to be reviewed and set aside. The municipal council has since filed a notice of set down, while the judgment is yet to be delivered and wants an order to be issued to prevent Fakudze from assuming her new role as the CEO of the Municipal Council of Mbabane. Notice The notice states that the matter is set to be heard today for an order in the following: By consent, granting the applicant an order in terms of prayer seven and eight of the notice of motion dated July 17, 2024, reads the municipalitys notice. In prayer seven, the councillors want the court to interdict the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala, from doing anything in furtherance of the appointment of Fakudze as CEO. In the prayer, they wanted the court to interdict Fakudze from assuming the duties of the CEO, pending finalisation of the matter. The minister is opposing the grant of certain orders in the main application. He wants the status quo to remain in order to give the court a chance to prepare and deliver its ruling. According to the minister, the application by the municipal council is an abuse of court process as at the time of hearing the matter, the undertaking given by the minister is in full swing, thus may the application be dismissed with costs at attorney and client scale. On Friday, the attorney general wrote to the municipal councils attorneys, Nkomondze Attorneys, regarding the matter. The letter that was signed by Assistant Attorney General Mbuso Simelane, was in response to letters of the former and emails exchanged by the parties thus far. The letter addressed to Nkomondze Attorneys reads: Per your requests, our clients give an assurance that while the High Court matter awaits judgment from Judge Nkosinathi Maseko, they will maintain the status quo and await delivery thereof regarding the resumption of duty for Ms Fakudze as CEO. Application In the premise, they are not consenting to an order to that effect as they feel that it will be justifying the impropriety of your clients application. The undertaken is given on the strength that the honourable judge has heard arguments on the matter, thus they will respect him, hence there is no need to set the matter down. In any event when the matter is set on the 19th instant, the undertaking will be in full effect, reads the letter. The attorney general also stated that should the matter be set as intimated, they shall ask for costs at attorney and own client scale. On another note, the Housing Ministry is concerned that they are receiving reports (subject to investigation) that your clients are bullying the municipality staff over the CEO issue and holding frequent special/extraordinary meetings in order to discredit the ongoing High Court case. One such meeting was set for Thursday (15/08/2024) at 14:30hours, further reads the letter to Nkomondze Attorneys. LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amplify presented by Pulse Evangelism, the country's largest free Christian music festival, was a resounding success drawing a record number of attendees for an unforgettable experience. Over 70,000 people from around the state and across the country attended the festival this year over two days, with 1,701 people responding to the Gospel presentation. Amplify was held just outside of Little Rock in Benton and was led by global evangelist, Founder and President of Pulse Evangelism, Nick Hall . The lineup featured top Christian artists including Grammy-nominated band Skillet, hop-hop artist KB, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Anne Wilson, Colton Dixon, Blessing Offor, Ben Fuller, Unspoken, Salt City Worship and Tru-Serva. This year, Hall also led the crowd in a powerful and special rendition of Amazing Grace, creating an emotional moment of unity. Notes of the timeless hymn filled the air touching hearts and igniting a renewed commitment to faith. Many were reminded of the power of Gods grace and the strength found in coming together to celebrate His love. The rendition will be featured in a future Anthem of Grace broadcast, similar to the most recent Good Friday broadcast that reached millions globally. It was an unbelievably moving experience to be surrounded by thousands of believers worshiping Jesus together, said Hall. The atmosphere was electric with incredible performances, and it was deeply moving to see so many people connect with the Gospel in a profound way. In addition to the powerful music and messages, the family-friendly event included kid zones, exciting prizes, giveaways and local food vendors ensuring a memorable time for everyone. For those eager to deepen their faith, Amplify offered six breakout sessions at the nearby River Center through its Make Jesus Known training. These sessions provided practical tools for evangelism and early-access wristbands. As we continue to pursue our goal of making Jesus known, we are reminded of the transformative power of reaching people right where they are, said Josh Turner, co-founder of Amplify. This years festival exceeded our expectations, and weve heard countless stories of personal transformation, renewed faith and healing to broken relationships. Since its inception in 2012, Amplify has grown into the countrys largest free Christian music festival, dedicated to glorifying God and creating space for worship, evangelism and transformative experiences for the public. To request photos from Amplify or an interview with Nick Hall, please reach out to amplify@seesparkgo.com . Press Contacts: Kaci Pollack 678-895-4488; kaci@seesparkgo.com John Brandon 281-731-4201; john.brandon@pulse.org ### About Pulse Evangelism Founder and President Nick Hall started Pulse Evangelism in 2006. Since then, Pulse has seen over 330 million people reached by the Gospel and over two million people have responded to Jesus through their initiatives. Pulse is an evangelism movement on mission to empower the Church and Make Jesus Known. Since Pulses founding, they have linked arms with hundreds of ministries and churches around the world to fuel evangelistic movements. Whether hosting a big outreach event, providing the evangelistic voice at another organizations event or training evangelists on American college campuses, the common goal of everything they do is to share the hope of Jesus. Learn more at www.pulse.org . Independence, Ohio, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With new neighborhoods celebrating their grand openings, a growing portfolio and additional projects in the pipeline, Redwood has enjoyed a solid start through the first half of 2024. A developer and manager of single-story apartment homes, Redwood has opened more than 10 new neighborhoods so far in 2024, with more in the pipeline for the rest of the year and into 2025. The demand for housing is still strong, and Redwood is meeting the need in markets throughout the Midwest and Carolinas, said Steve Kimmelman, CEO and Founder. Were pleased with our performance through the first half of the year and continue to see momentum heading into the remainder of 2024. New BTR Neighborhoods Across the Midwest & Carolinas Redwood officially welcomed its first residents in the state of Nebraska, opening Redwood Bellevue South 25th Street, which is located about 15 minutes south of Omaha. Were excited about the greater Omaha area and the broader state of Nebraska, Kimmelman said. We see significant opportunity to bring our unique model of single-story apartments to a growing area with a strong business community and excellent quality of life. Redwood also continues to build on its significant presence in Ohio, opening new neighborhoods from north to south, including the visitor destination of Sandusky on Lake Erie, West Jefferson in the greater Columbus area and Redwood Cincinnati Pippin Road on the north side of Cincinnati. Other new neighborhoods include two in the greater Chicago area, one east of Indianapolis and two in North Carolina. Were very selective about our geographies and excited by every one of our new markets, Kimmelman said. These are outstanding sites surrounded by amenities that will create the comprehensive lifestyle Redwood is committed to delivering. Looking forward, Redwood has a robust pipeline of projects in development, with openings scheduled throughout the remainder of 2024 and into next year. Portfolio Growth, Solid Occupancy Redwoods portfolio now encompasses more than 18,000 apartment homes developed and under management. Its our goal to not only grow our presence and market share but maintain our reputation as a best-in-class developer and operator, Kimmelman said. We strategically select our locations, invest in high-quality neighborhoods and the talent to manage them, and view ourselves as a long-term operator. Thats reflected in our steady and stable portfolio growth. Redwoods footprint includes almost 150 neighborhoods in nine states, supported by a team of more than 600 employees. The Redwood portfolio also continues to report solid occupancy, averaging 94.75 percent across its stabilized properties as of August 14, 2024. We strive to be the neighborhood of choice in the communities we serve, and were seeing a strong blend of both new residents and renewals, continuing our tradition of exceptional resident retention, Kimmelman said. Redwood in the News Redwoods success and expertise is making headlines nationwide. The first half of 2024 drew more than 30 significant pieces of media coverage, resulting in millions of impressions and highlighting everything from its new neighborhoods to thought leadership in the build-to-rent industry. Coverage has extended from local media outlets in Redwood markets to trade media such as GlobeSt, Connect CRE, REBusinessOnline.com, and MultifamilyBiz.com. Media with broad reach such as Yahoo News and AOL have picked up local coverage and helped amplify Redwoods reach. In addition to highlighting its developments and industry expertise, Redwood has been able to feature its employer recognition and community involvement in these news articles. We have a powerful story at Redwood, and were grateful so many media outlets have taken interest in sharing it, Kimmelman said. Investing in Redwood Neighborhoods Redwood has delivered significant value for investors so far in 2024 with continued opportunities for the remainder of the year. Redwood Amherst closed its capital raise in late June, with $15.6 million in equity raised to support a 151-unit project in Amherst, Ohio, about 25 miles west of Cleveland. Additional offerings include: Redwood Whiteland, Redwoods newest apartment neighborhood approximately 25 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis, consisting of 154 apartment homes. Redwood's Flexible Note Program: This opportunity is a way for investors, acting as lenders, to earn a strong yield on their cash through a promissory note, with flexibility on the hold period. As of August 15, 2024, the owners of properties that were developed by and are managed by Redwood Living continued to deliver investor returns. Investors in these properties received distributions in excess of of $22,000,000 , which includes both HUD and non-HUD stabilized assets for both Q1 2024 and Q2 2024. For more information on current investment opportunities with Redwood, click here and to connect with a member of Redwoods investor relations team, fill out a contact form. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this article constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Acts"). Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact are deemed to be forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this article are based on current beliefs, estimates, and assumptions concerning the operations, future results, and prospects of the applicable issuer. As actual operations and results may materially differ from those assumed in forward-looking statements, there is no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbors created in the Acts. Neither Redwood nor any issuer undertake any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events. The investments described herein are speculative, illiquid and involve a high degree of risk, and are suitable only for sophisticated and qualified investors. Past performance of investments in an issuer that owns a project that is managed by Redwood is not indicative of future results of an investment in another issuer that will own and develop a project to be operated by Redwood. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Publications, videos and other information in this article are the works of independent third parties and are provided for informational purposes only. Redwood will use reasonable efforts to ensure that the sources of such material are reliable; provided, however, notwithstanding any such efforts, neither Redwood nor any issuer makes any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of any such information in this article. All such content in this article may change without notice. Attachment SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman urges Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. The firm also encourages persons with knowledge who may assist the investigation to contact its attorneys. Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/SPIR Contact the Firm Now: SPIR@hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895 Investigation Into Spire Global, Inc. (SPIR): The investigation focuses on the propriety of Spires assurances that its financial reports complied with applicable accounting rules and that its internal controls over financial reporting were sufficient. On August 14, 2024, Spire announced that it would not timely file its Q2 quarterly report as previously planned. The company said that it is in the process of reviewing its accounting practices and procedures with respect to revenue recognition related to certain contracts in its Space as a Service business. The company further explained that [t]he re-evaluation relates to the potential existence of embedded leases of identifiable assets in the Contracts and the related recognition of revenue for pre-space mission activities. Spire also said that it may be required to restate previously filed financial statements and the type of contracts being re-evaluated resulted in recognized revenue of approximately $10 million to $15 million. Further, Spire said that, based on preliminary information, it believes it may be in violation of the maximum debt to EBITDA leverage ratio financial covenant under its financing agreement with Blue Torch Finance. The company said it is attempting to secure waivers or amendments to the financing agreement but could give no assurances of success. This news sent the price of Spire shares about 33% lower on August 15, 2024. We are looking into whether Spire Global may have misled investors about financial results and overall health, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. If you invested in Spire Global and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, submit your losses now If youd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Spire Global investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Spire Global should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email SPIR@hbsslaw.com. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Bermans team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman urges Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ABR) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. Class Period: May 7, 2021 July 11, 2024 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 30, 2024 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/ABR Contact the Firm Now: ABR@hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895 Securities Class Action Against Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (ABR): Arbor Realty Trust is under renewed fire from activist short seller Viceroy Research, which has accused the multifamily lender of misleading investors about its financial health and asset quality. Viceroys latest report, released on August 7, comes as Arbor grapples with a surge in delinquent loans, a widening federal investigation into its lending practices, and pending class-action suit alleging violations of the securities laws. Viceroy released its August 7 report in response to the companys second-quarter earnings, released earlier this month, which revealed a troubling 10% increase in delinquencies to $1 billion. The disclosures caused Viceroy to conclude that Arbor management continue[s] to intentionally mislead investors in relation to the quality of their earnings, the quality of their assets, and the nature of their extensive window-dressing exercises. Arbor Realty is also facing a class-action lawsuit alleging it misled investors about its business performance. Filed in late July in the Eastern District of New York, the suit claims Arbor painted an overly optimistic picture of its business, particularly the quality of its loan book. Investor concerns about Arbors financial health first emerged in Mar. 2023 when NINGI Research questioned the value of the company's real estate holdings, particularly its mobile home portfolio. Then, in Dec. 2023, Viceroy Research released a report alleging widespread issues with the company's loan book. Finally, on July 12, 2024, reports of a federal investigation into the company's lending practices broke. Each of these revelations caused the price of Arbor shares to decline sharply. We are looking into whether Arbor may have systematically misled the public about the true risks associated with their loan portfolio, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. If you invested in Arbor and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, submit your losses now If youd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Arbor case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Arbor should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email ABR@hbsslaw.com. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Bermans team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. Active engagement with the World Health Organization, U.S. government and other global health leaders on critical efforts to prevent mpox disease transmission 50,000 doses of ACAM2000, (Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine, Live) will be donated to Direct Relief for potential deployment across often difficult-to-reach locations, and as informed by local and regional health authorities GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) today announced it is proactively working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. government to partner and help address the current mpox outbreak across Central Africa, and has pledged to donate 50,000 doses of its ACAM2000, (Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine, Live), through Direct Relief, a humanitarian relief organization with a long history of providing vital medicines to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as well as the other impacted countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. These efforts are in response to the WHOs Director-Generals August 14 statement declaring that the upsurge of mpox in the DRC and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). Africa CDC estimated they will need 10 million doses to control the epidemic in the continent, said Dr. Raina McIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC L3 Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney. It is unlikely there will be enough supply of 3rd generation vaccines to control the epidemic in Africa, given demand in other countries. In October 2023, Emergent filed a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking an expanded indication for ACAM2000 vaccine to include immunization against mpox virus. The sBLA, which has an FDA target for review completion in the third quarter 2024, includes previously available human safety data and data from a well-controlled animal study in which ACAM2000 vaccine has been shown to be effective in protecting against mpox virus exposure. ACAM2000 is a single-dose vaccine administered via a bifurcated needle that is dipped into the vaccine solution and the skin is pricked several times in the upper arm with a droplet of the vaccine. Accordingly, Emergent has also responded to the WHO invitation for manufacturers of mpox vaccines to submit an Expression of Interest for the WHOs assessment of ACAM2000 vaccine to be added as an Emergency Use Listing (EUL), which is a WHO risk-based procedure for assessing and listing unlicensed medical products in various countries with the aim of expediting the availability of these products needed in public health emergency situations like the current mpox outbreak. As the WHO has declared, the mpox outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern, and Emergent is ready to scale up response efforts and partner with U.S. and global public health leaders, said Joe Papa, president and CEO, Emergent BioSolutions. For years, Emergent has supplied ACAM2000 to the U.S. and allied governments in support of preparedness and stockpiling initiatives. Currently, we have additional product already in inventory, with the ability to increase supply by approximately 40 million doses, if and potentially when needed. In the meantime, 50,000 doses of ACAM2000 vaccine will be donated to help control the outbreak across the African continent. Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. In 2022, the world experienced a global outbreak of clade II mpox, associated with West Africa, which led to more than 95,000 cases across 115 non-endemic countries. Clade I is endemic to Central Africa and is characterized by more severe clinical outcomes and a higher case fatality rate. The recently identified clade Ib variant, exhibiting enhanced transmissibility through close contact, has led to an increase in cases, particularly in Central Africa, and a sizable impact on children and families. According to the WHO, clade I mpox tends to cause a higher number of severe infections and have a higher mortality rate than clade II mpox. Papa continued, The increasing outbreaks of mpox around the world should raise concerns and spur ongoing efforts to produce and stockpile vaccines and treatments to address all orthopox viruses, including mpox and smallpox. In 1980, the WHO officially declared smallpox eradicated; however, the threat of reemergence by intentional introduction (e.g., bioterrorism) persists and minimal immunity in populations today against mpox exists. Vaccines like ACAM2000 formed the basis of one of the most successfully integrated public health responses in the eradication of smallpox. ACAM2000, (Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine, Live) ACAM2000 is the primary smallpox vaccine designated for use in a bioterrorism emergency, with doses having been supplied to the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile. ACAM2000 is also licensed in Canada, Australia and Singapore and is currently stockpiled both in the U.S. and internationally. ACAM2000 is indicated for active immunization against smallpox disease for persons determined to be at high risk for smallpox infection. The labeling for ACAM2000 contains a contraindication for individuals with severe immunodeficiency. Severe localized or systemic infection with vaccinia (progressive vaccinia) may occur in persons with weakened immune systems. Individuals with severe immunodeficiency who are not expected to benefit from the vaccine should not receive ACAM2000. The risk for experiencing severe vaccination complications must be weighed against the risk for experiencing a potentially fatal smallpox infection. Additionally, there are warnings and precautions for myocarditis, pericarditis, encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, encephalopathy, progressive vaccinia, generalized vaccinia, severe vaccinial skin infections, erythema multiforme major (including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome), eczema vaccinatum resulting in permanent sequelae or death, ocular complications, blindness and fetal death. These have occurred following either primary vaccination or revaccination with live vaccinia virus smallpox vaccines. These risks are increased in certain individuals and may result in severe disability, permanent neurological sequalae and/or death. Please see full Prescribing Information for full Boxed Warning and additional safety information. About Emergent BioSolutions At Emergent, our mission is to protect and enhance life. For 25 years, weve been at work defending people from things we hope will never happenso we are prepared just in case they ever do. We provide solutions for complex and urgent public health threats through a portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics that we develop and manufacture for governments and consumers. We also offer a range of integrated contract development and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers. To learn more about how we plan to protect or enhance 1 billion lives by 2030, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Safe Harbor Statement This communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the expected timing for delivery of the ACAM2000 vaccine and for the completion of the FDA review of the sBLA, and Emergents ability to increase inventories of ACAM2000 vaccine to meet requested levels within specified time frames, if needed, are forward-looking statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements by using words like anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, forecast, future, goal, intend, may, plan, position, possible, potential, predict, project, should, target, will, would, and similar expressions or variations thereof, or the negative thereof, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current intentions, beliefs and expectations regarding future events based on information that is currently available. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be accurate. Readers should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from our expectations. Readers are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this communication and, except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances. There are a number of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by any forward-looking statements. Readers should consider this cautionary statement, as well as the risk factors and other disclosures included in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, when evaluating our forward-looking statements. Investor Contact: Richard S. Lindahl Executive Vice President, CFO lindahlr@ebsi.com Media Contact: Assal Hellmer Vice President, Communications mediarelations@ebsi.com TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flow Capital Corp. (TSXV:FW) (Flow Capital and Company), a leading provider of venture debt to high growth companies, announces its unaudited financial and operating results for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 (Q2 2024). Financial references are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. Q2 2024 Performance Highlights $1.9 million in recurring loan interest income 1 up 5.7% from Q1 2024 and up 28.5% from Q2 2023. up 5.7% from Q1 2024 and up 28.5% from Q2 2023. $1.255 book value per share up 2.43% over the prior quarter and up 37% over the past 2 years. $283K in recurring free cash flow 2 in Q2 2024; and $1.4 million over the past 4 quarters. in Q2 2024; and $1.4 million over the past 4 quarters. $65.8 million in total assets up 12% over the prior year. $29 million in new capital deployments over the past 12 month, a new 12-month record for the company. (1) Recurring Loan Interest Income is an internally defined, non-IFRS measure calculated as Loan Interest Income, less Loan Amortization Income and one-time payments (e.g. prepayment fees). Reconciliations of non-IFRS measures to the nearest IFRS measure can be found in this press release under "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures". (2) Recurring Free Cash Flow is an internally defined, non-IFRS measure calculated as Recurring Loan Interest Income, less Salaries, Professional fees, Office and general administrative and Financing expenses. Reconciliations of non-IFRS measures to the nearest IFRS measure can be found in this press release under "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures". We are very pleased with our results this quarter. We achieved several milestones in the quarter including: record recurring revenue at $1.9M; record book value per share at $1.255/share; record total assets at $65.8M; and record trailing 12-month new deployments at over $29 million, said Alex Baluta, CEO of Flow Capital. In addition, our portfolio continues to perform well, continued Mr. Baluta. As we continue to accelerate the deployment of capital into new loans, we continue to maintain a strong long-term IRR based on both the recurring cash contributions from our loans as well as the contributions of our equity positions. Specifically, as we disclosed in a press release on June 12, the 6-year portfolio level IRR generated from our senior secured loan portfolio of growth venture debt loans, stood at over 26%, said Mr. Baluta Flows lead generation and business development program continues to surface excellent investment opportunities. In Q2 we closed $5.4 into GetTattle Inc. a global Customer Experience Improvement SaaS platform. We also announced a follow-on investment into MiniLuxe, an existing portfolio company. After quarter end we also closed $6.8 million with a tech-enabled marketplace of co-living spaces and $5.4 million with a media measurement provider. We continue to see good pipeline activity and expect that portfolio growth should only be tempered by our access to capital. In order to continue to grow our capital base, we continue to offer our redeemable floating rate debentures to institutional and accredited investors. The debenture sits senior to almost $40 million of subordinated equity and pays a floating rate of interest, currently set at 10.0% - 10.5% for Canadian dollar investors and as high as 11.83% for U.S. dollar investors holding over US$1 million. In addition to supporting our growth the debenture also serves our investors and shareholders well by allowing us to bifurcate investor returns between capital gains-oriented investors in our common shares and income oriented investors in our debentures. Said Mr. Baluta, Looking forward, we continue to be laser focused on growing shareholder value and while providing a strong return to our fixed income stakeholders, all while being a flexible and supportive partner to our investee companies. Detailed Financial Results are available on our website at www.flowcap.com or on www.sedar.com RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Three-months ended June 30, 2024 Three-months ended June 30, 2023 Recurring Loan Interest Income (1) $ 1,858,194 $ 1,446,156 Total Loan Interest Income 2,112,885 1,843,406 Total Revenues per IFRS 1,835,420 2,280,530 Net income/(loss) 189,971 88,110 Adjusted Recurring Free Cash Flow (2) 283,036 127,684 Basic Earnings per share 0.0062 0.0028 Diluted Earnings per share 0.0061 0.0028 Book Value per outstanding share(3) 1.2548 1.1786 Weighted basic average number of shares outstanding 30,831,242 31,055,434 Weighted diluted average number of shares outstanding 30,968,301 31,256,448 (1) Recurring Loan Interest Income is an internally defined, non-IFRS measure calculated as Loan Interest Income less Loan Amortization Income and one-time payments (e.g. prepayment fees). See the section Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures. (2) Recurring Free Cash Flow is an internally defined, non-IFRS measure calculated as Recurring Loan Interest Income less Salaries, Professional fees, Office and general administrative and Financing expenses. See the section Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures. (3) Calculated by taking Total Shareholders Equity as reported on the Statements of Financial Position over the number of outstanding shares. See the section Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures. Conference Call Details Flow Capital will host a conference call to discuss these results at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Participants should call +1 800-717-1738 or +1 289-514-5100 and ask an operator for the Flow Capital Earnings Call, Conference ID 05811. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the call to secure a line. A replay will be available shortly after the call. To access the replay, please dial +1 888-660-6264 or +1 289-819-1325 and enter passcode 05811#. The replay recording will be available until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, September 03, 2024. An audio recording of the conference call will be also available on the investors page of Flow Capitals website at www.flowcap.com/financials. About Flow Capital Flow Capital Corp. is a publicly listed growth venture debt lender dedicated to supporting high-growth companies. Since its inception in 2018, the company has provided financing to businesses in the US, the UK, and Canada, helping them achieve accelerated growth without the dilutive impact of equity financing or the complexities of traditional bank loans. Flow Capital focuses on revenue-generating, VC-backed, and founder-owned companies seeking $3 to $7 million in capital to drive their continued expansion. Learn more at www.flowcap.com For further information, please contact: Flow Capital Corp. Alex Baluta Chief Executive Officer alex@flowcap.com 47 Colborne St, Suite 303, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1P8 Non-IFRS Financial Measures This press release includes references to certain non-IFRS financial measures such as recurring Loan Interest income and recurring free cash flow. These financial measures are employed by the Company to measure its operating and economic performance and to assist in business decision-making, as well as providing key performance information to senior management. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Companys operating and financial performance. These financial measures are not defined under IFRS nor do they replace or supersede any standardized measure under IFRS. Other companies in our industry may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Reconciliations of non-IFRS measures to the nearest IFRS measure can be found in this press release under Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures. Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures The tables below reconcile Loan Interest Income to Recurring Loan Interest Income and recurring free cash flow for the periods indicated. Recurring Loan Interest Income is an internally defined, non-IFRS measure calculated as Loan Interest Income, less Loan Amortization Income and one-time payments (e.g. prepayment fees). Three-months ended June 30, 2024 Three-months ended March 31, 2024 Three-months ended December 31, 2023 Three-months ended September 30, 2023 Three-months ended June 30, 2023 Loan Interest Income $ 2,112,885 $ 2,005,586 $ 1,882,908 $ 1,697,147 $ 1,843,406 Less: Loan Amortization Income (254,691) (248,033) (236,251) (195,054) (235,357) Less: One-time payments - - - - (161,844) Total Adjustments (254,691) (248,033) (236,251) (195,054) (397,201) Recurring Loan Interest Income $ 1,858,194 $ 1,757,553 $ 1,646,657 $ 1,502,093 $ 1,446,205 Recurring Free Cash Flow is an internally defined, non-IFRS measure calculated as Recurring Loan Interest Income less Salaries, Professional fees, Office and general administrative and Financing expense. Three-months ended June 30, 2024 Three-months ended March 31, 2024 Three-months ended December 31, 2023 Three-months ended September 30, 2023 Three-months ended June 30, 2023 Recurring Loan Interest Income $ 1,858,194 $ 1,757,553 $ 1,646,657 $ 1,502,093 $ 1,446,205 Less: Salaries (510,233) (427,280) (463,971) (426,714) (411,828) Less: Professional fees (188,451) (99,100) (18,167) (132,767) (276,601) Less: One-time non-cash expense - - (538,640) - - Less: Office and general administrative (193,431) (171,202) (336,873) (180,284) (187,408) Less: Financing Expense (683,043) (644,120) (624,869) (525,387) (443,472) Total Adjustments (1,575,158) (1,341,702) (1,308,774) (1,265,152) (1,319,309) Recurring Free Cash Flow $ 283,036 $ 415,851 $ 337,883 $ 236,941 $ 126,896 Forward-Looking Information and Statements Certain statements herein may be forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Flow or the industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, 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. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and are made as of the date hereof and Flow assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances. MAKHEWU An elderly woman of Mvembili in northern Hhohho died on the spot yesterday morning in an accident that involved a Toyota Quantum. Seven survived the accident that happened near the Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital (GSCH) in Siteki. Betty Ginindza, who was in her 60s, died when the driver of the Maphungwane-bound kombi lost control at a corner while descending the mountain near the hospital and hit a tree before it overturned. The elderly woman was from a funeral when she met her death. At the hospital, three men and two women were admitted and taken to the theatre for an X-ray examination. Two of the passengers were treated and discharged. The patients sustained deep cuts and bruises on their bodies while others complained about pain. Eyewitness According to an eyewitness, the kombi descended the hill at a high speed and the driver lost control of it when approaching the bend near the hospital and hit a tree. The eyewitness shared that the security officers at both gates of the hospital raised the alarm and the nursing staff rushed to the scene to assist the passengers. The elderly woman was not responsive and declared dead on the scene while the others were retrieved from the kombi and taken to the hospital, said the eyewitness. GSCH Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Kiron Koshy stated that it was unfortunate that one died on the scene, five were admitted and two were treated and discharged. The SMO said the proximity of the hospital and prompt response by the health officials to the scene of the accident saved the lives of the other surviving patients and they were able to get help soon. Koshy mentioned that the kombi lost control towards the bend near the hospital and it overturned. We did everything possible to save the lives of the others. As an institution, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, he said. One of the survivors, Zweli Dlamini (36) of Ngwane Park in Manzini, sustained injuries on the head and neck, and bruises on his part of his face around the eye and right hand. Zweli claimed that the kombi driver descended the hill at a high speed and failed to control it when it reached the bend, resulting in it overturning. He stated that he was from a funeral at Magwanyana. I thank God that I survived and my serious injury is the deep cut wound on my head and eye. The others also sustained serious injuries on their bodies, he said. Abdomen Another survivor, Sithembiso Dlamini, was stitched on his abdomen area. His mother, Chazile Ndwandwe, said she received a call that her son was admitted to the hospital and had to rush to the health institution to check on him. She stated that she was still traumatised as her son was still not able to talk after being operated on the theatre. I pray that God saves my son as he was going to work when the accident happened, she said. The late Ginindzas son, Themba Msibi, said he was still shocked and traumatised about the death of his mother. Msibi stated that he received a call from a police officer, who was not open when relaying the sad news to him. He mentioned that the police officer only called and informed him that there had been an accident, but did not reveal that his mother had died. I only got to know about my mothers death when I contacted my relatives. We are still shocked as a family, because she left in good health before meeting her death, he said. Lugongolweni Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Souza has passed condolences to the Ginindza family. The MP said it was unfortunate that lives continue to be lost as a result of traffic accidents. Souza urged public transport operators to make sure that their vehicles are roadworthy to avoid such accidents. I was also shocked to learn that a life has been lost near Good Shepherd (Catholic Hospital). We hope government will erect speed humps to control speeding when descending the hill, he said. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said an elderly woman died on the scene. Vilakati stated that five were admitted while two were treated and discharged. Latest assays include 42.2% Cu, 17.4/t Au and 716g/t Ag High-grade precious and base metal occurrences continue to grow PERTH, Aug. 18, 2024 - White Cliff Minerals Ltd. ("the Company") is delighted to announce a further batch of assay results from rock chip samples taken during the maiden field program at the Great Bear Project ("Great Bear" or "the Project"), Northern Canada. Results confirm widespread high-grade precious and base metal mineralisation associated with multiple IOCG and epithermal systems. Latest assay results continue to demonstrate the significant potential of the wider Great Bear area High grade precious and base metals assay results from an additional four project areas at Great Bear reinforce the potential for multiple occurrences of metal accumulation within this underexplored district These results confirm an additional three IOCG mineralised structures, evidenced by high grade Copper, Gold and Silver assays At Coyote, just 5km east of the Phoenix district (Glacier, Cleaver & Rust), an outcropping zone of intense epithermal alteration and veining (440 x 195m) has been discovered on the northeastern rim of the Sparkplug collapsed caldera ring feature, results include: 17.4g/t Au, 1.47% Cu, 29.6g/t Ag, (F005673) 16.95g/t Au, 10.55% Cu, 45.3g/t Ag, (F005669) 15.1g/t Au, 0.18% Cu, 4.2g/t Ag, (F005684) 14.35g/t Au, 1.75% Cu, 32.5g/t Ag, (F005683) 8.91g/t Au, 1.47% Cu, 62.5g/t Ag, (F005682) 1.35g/t Au, 12.10% Cu, 20.3g/t Ag, (F005670) At Cougar, an area of intense outcropping IOCG alteration has been identified 3.4km SE of Viper, along the regional scale Contact Lake structural zone. Widespread, pervasive, hematite and goethite alteration can be seen over an area of 1500m N/S and 1100m E/W. A single grab sample result returned 13.5% Cu, 1.14g/t Au, 97.4g/t Ag (F005648). Further sampling of this area was not possible due to weather and time constraints. At Viper, initial sampling and mapping has identified an IOCG style phyllic alteration zone that is adjacent to the historical K2 occurrence. High-grade silver was identified over a 75m N/S strike: 102g/t Ag, 0.137g/t Au, (F005910) 13.5g/t Ag, 0.44% Cu, (F005914) At Payback, 13km south of Phoenix, assays from four massive sulphide rock chip samples returned: 42.20% Cu, 716g/t Ag, (F005604) 30.20% Cu, 153g/t Ag, (F005602) 10.3% Cu, 116g/t Ag, 2.04g/t Au, (F005601) 9.55% Cu, 80g/t Ag, (F005603) Remaining assay results from the balance of the Great Bear field campaign expected over the coming weeks "These results are further examples of the type of exceptional results we are now seeing from the Great Bear Project. As the exploration programme expanded outwards from the central airstrip "camp zone", the scale of the opportunity we have before us can now be seen. Consistent & numerous high-grade Copper, Gold and Silver occurrences continue to demonstrate immense potential within the broader Great Bear region. To have such consistently high grade copper and precious metal results, along significantly expanding strike lengths within such a small percentage of the overall area (less than 15 km N/S and 5 km E/W) is truly exciting. We now fully understand for the first time the significance of historical statements regarding Great Bear from the Canadian Mines Department that this area is the most prospective area in Canada to host multiple large IOCG style deposits. Work will now focus on correlating results from the aerial MT survey with known outcropping structures and sample sites to facilitate planning for the second phase of work at Great Bear. Dozens more highly prospective targets identified are still to be sampled due to the significant size of the Company's 2900sq km's licence area. I look forward to continued similar results from the rest of the project areas in coming weeks as well as the highly anticipated results from the Rae Copper, Silver and Gold Project" Troy Whittaker - Managing Director This announcement has been approved by the Board of White Cliff Minerals Limited. Read the full ASX release here: https://www.aspecthuntley.com.au/docserver/02839767.pdf?fileid=02839767&datedir=20240819&edt=MjAyNC0wOC0xOSswODoyMjoxMis0ODArNDc5MDQ2K2FuZHJld3dlc3QrcmVkaXJlY3QraHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXNwZWN0aHVudGxleS5jb20uYXUvaW1hZ2VzaWduYWwvZXJyb3JwYWdlcy9wZGZ0aW1lb3V0Lmh0bWwraHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXNwZWN0aHVudGxleS5jb20uYXUvaW1hZ2VzaWduYWwvZXJyb3JwYWdlcy9wZGZkZWxheWVkLmpzcA== View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/great-bear-project-delivers-further-outstanding-copper-gold--silver-assays-302224891.html SOURCE White Cliff Minerals Limited VANCOUVER, Aug. 19, 2024 - Bedford Metals Corp. (TSX-V: BFM, FWB: O8D, ISIN: CA0762301012) (the "Company" or "Bedford") is pleased to announce the completion of its Phase 1 prospecting program at the Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project in Northern Saskatchewan. The purpose of the program was to map historic showings, as well as high-value target zones identified through historic prospecting and geophysical programs. As part of the survey, the entire claim block was surveyed with state-of-the-art RS100 scintillometers to establish a baseline and investigate radioactive target zones. Of particular interest, the crew identified two previously undiscovered radioactive zones. ZONE 1: The Ubiquity West Radioactive Zone is 350m x 350m, northwest of Ubiquity Lake, and displays consistently elevated spectrometer readings of 200-500 CPS with peak readings of up to 3613 CPS. ZONE 2: The Warr Lake Radioactive Zone consists of 5 large outcrop groups to the west of Warr Lake, each measuring roughly 150m x 350m along ridges. The Warr Lake outcrops, which are adjacent to a regional fault, display elevated spectrometer readings in the 150-400 CPS range, with peak readings as high as 7472 CPS. In addition, hematite-altered granitic rock with folded schist and gneiss were observed throughout the Ubiquity West outcrop zone and the Warr Lake outcrops. A total of 60 rock samples were collected from exposed outcrops and boulders. Assay results will be available in the near term. Peter Born, President of Bedford, commented, "We are extremely pleased with the discovery of the new radioactive zones at a Ubiquity Lake. Results for this program will be integrated into the growing database with the ultimate intention of discovering an economic uranium deposit." Background: The principal target zones at the Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project are northwest-trending subsurface conductive anomalies identified through a 2014 VTEM survey completed by Noka Resources Inc. and Alpha Exploration Inc. Additionally, the Company will be exploring conductive anomalies identified through a 2007 GEOTEM survey completed by Stikine Gold Corporation. A ground survey conducted in 2014 yielded numerous radioactive samples, with readings up to 2000 cps. In 2014, a helicopter-borne EM and magnetic survey carried out by Aeroquest and Condor Consulting Inc. identified 13 target zones needing follow-up field exploration. The target model is structurally controlled conductive graphitic zones within the basement rocks that could potentially host uranium deposits. The predicted depth to the basement is less than 50 m, which was consistently achieved throughout the survey area. The Company will investigate areas with electromagnetic-magnetic targets and areas with anomalous uranium in surface outcrops. Given the project's proximity to the southern lip of the Athabasca Basin, the Company is pursuing an exploration model similar to Fission's Patterson Lake South Deposit and NexGen's Arrow Deposit, which are shear-hosted basement deposits with continuity at depth. Bedford remains committed to conducting all exploration activities focusing on environmental responsibility. The Company prioritizes minimizing its ecological footprint and ensuring that all operations are sustainable and responsible. Additionally, Bedford values its relationships with local communities and indigenous groups and is committed to working collaboratively with these stakeholders to ensure its activities bring positive benefits to the region. Dr. Peter Born, P.Geo., is the designated qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and the President of the Company and is responsible for and has approved the technical information in this release. About Bedford Metals Corp. Bedford Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company. We create value for our shareholders by identifying and developing highly prospective mineral exploration opportunities. Our strategy is to advance our projects from discovery to production. The Close Lake Uranium Project lies on the eastern side of the Athabasca Basin, adjoining claims held by Cameco Corp., the largest uranium producer in the world. The claim is approximately 245 hectares and lies within the primary exploration corridor, which hosts the Keys Lake Mine, the Cigar Lake Mine, and the McArthur River Mine. Access to the property is done through a network of roads and trails. The Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project, covering 1382 hectares, lies just south of the bottom lip of the Athabasca Basin, adjacent to ALX Uranium's Carpenter Lake Project to the east. Situated near the Cable Bay Shear Zone, parallel to the Virgin River Shear Zone, which hosts Cameco's Centennial uranium deposit, the project holds immense potential. Furthermore, it is located 100 km west of Cameco's past-producing Key Lake uranium mine, underscoring the strategic significance of its location. The Sheppard Lake Uranium Project covers an area of approximately 2250 hectares and adjoins the Ubiquity Lake Project to the southeast. The project area is characterized by rocks of the Mudjatik domain, where uranium mineralization is typically basement-hosted, situated within shears or faults, and formed through hydrothermal redistributions of dissolved metals and subsequent redox reactions. For further information, please contact the Company at info@bedfordmetals.com or 604-622-1199 or visit the Company's website at www.bedfordmetals.com. On behalf of the Board, Bedford Metals Corp. "Peter Born" President Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. CONTACT: MRKT360 INC https://mrkt360.com Alex Zertuche alexz@mrkt360.com For E.S.T Office Hours, Call 1 416-477-0587 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ddf7b00-c6e2-4958-ba2f-42aae1d653e3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fa90201a-aa63-4647-baca-eff0f1f08a27 Vancouver, August 19, 2024 - Starcore International Mines Ltd. (TSX: SAM) ("Starcore" or "the Company") announces production results for the first fiscal quarter ended July 2024, at its San Martin Mine ("San Martin") in Queretaro, Mexico. "The first quarter results are indicative of the average production we expect to see in the coming quarters," said Salvador Garcia, COO of the Company. "The results reflect the current situation at San Martin and include only the oxide ore. As reported in a previous press release (see news release of May 13, 2024), we have been researching other methods to get the best recovery of gold and silver from our carbonaceous ore. To this end, we joined forces with Kappes Cassiday, an engineering firm headquartered in Reno, Nevada, that specializes in all aspects of heap leaching and cyanide processing. Based on the results of Kappes Cassiday's laboratory work over the last few months, we expect to start the industrial testing of our carbonaceous ore next month." 3 Month YTD San Martin Production Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q/Q Change 2025 2024 Y/Y Change Ore Milled (Tonnes) 49,504 55,853 -11% 49,504 57,700 -14% Gold Equivalent Ounces 2,841 3,242 -12% 2,841 1,918 48% Gold Grade (Grams/Ton) 1.92 1.91 1% 1.92 1.13 70% Silver Grade (Grams/Ton) 20.03 19.59 2% 20.03 14.24 41% Gold Recovery (%) 85.24 88.58 -4% 85.24 83.99 1% Silver Recovery (%) 56.90 56.86 0% 56.90 45.82 24% Gold: Silver Ratio 78.72 87.13 78.72 81.98 Salvador Garcia, B. Eng., a director of the Company and Chief Operating Officer, is the Company's qualified person on the project as required under NI 43-101and has prepared the technical information contained in this press release. About Starcore Starcore International Mines is engaged in precious metals production with focus and experience in Mexico. While this base of producing assets is complemented by exploration and development projects throughout North America, Starcore has expanded its reach internationally with the project in Cote d'Ivoire. The Company is a leader in Corporate Social Responsibility and advocates value driven decisions that will increase long term shareholder value. You can find more information on the investor friendly website here: www.starcore.com. ON BEHALF OF STARCORE INTERNATIONAL MINES LTD Signed "Robert Eadie" Robert Eadie, Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: LinkedIn Twitter Facebook The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed nor does it accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release contains "forward-looking" statements and information ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, management's expectations and the potential of the Company's projects, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company's management and reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220319 VANCOUVER, Aug. 19, 2024 - Northwest Copper Corp. ("NorthWest" or "the Company") (TSX-V: NWST) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 2,000,000 units at a price of $0.25 per unit (a "Unit") for gross proceeds of up to $500,000 (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable to purchase one additional Common Share for a period of 2 years from the date of closing at an exercise price of $0.30. Proceeds from the Private Placement will be used primarily to fund general working capital purposes. The Private Placement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. All Common Shares and Warrants issued pursuant to the Private Placement and any Common Shares issuable on exercise of Warrants will be subject to a four month and a day hold period from the closing date, and TSX Venture Exchange hold period, as applicable. It is anticipated that certain insiders of the Company will acquire Units. Such participation will each be considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of the Private Placement due to the fair market value of the related party participation being below 25% of the Company's market capitalization for purposes of MI 61-101. The Company will file a material change report in respect of the Private Placement. However, the material change report will be filed less than 21 days prior to the closing of the Private Placement, which is consistent with market practice and the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. About NorthWest Copper: NorthWest Copper is a copper-gold explorer with a pipeline of advanced and early-stage projects in British Columbia, including Kwanika-Stardust, Lorraine and East Niv. With a robust portfolio in a tier one jurisdiction, NorthWest Copper is well positioned to participate fully in a strengthening global copper market. We are committed to responsible mineral exploration which involves working collaboratively with First Nations to ensure future development incorporates stewardship best practices and traditional land use. Additional information can be found on the Company's website at www.northwestcopper.ca. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of NorthWest Copper Corp. "Maryantonett Flumian" Chair, NorthWest Copper For further information, please contact: 604-683-7790 info@northwestcopper.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to statements with respect to: the terms of the Private Placement; the anticipated use of proceeds; the anticipated insider participation in the Private Placement; the completion of the Private Placement; and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, constitutes forward-looking information. Although NorthWest believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information since NorthWest can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in NorthWest's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NorthWest's expectations include risks related to the completion of the Private Placement, including TSXV approval; risks associated with the business of NorthWest; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by NorthWest; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Company's mineral properties; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and First Nation groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in NorthWest's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.com). Forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the information are made. NorthWest does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Vancouver, August 19, 2024 - Japan Gold Corp. (TSXV: JG) (OTCQB: JGLDF) ("Japan Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Barrick Gold Corp. will focus solely on Barrick Alliance exploration activities in Japan at the Togi, Hakuryu and Ebino Projects. These projects have advanced well during the summer months and preparations are underway for drilling programs to commence in September. "The Barrick Alliance in Japan has spent several years filtering through an extensive portfolio of exploration targets through fieldwork, geophysical surveys and drilling. The remaining targets have both the scale and surface indications of the type of system that would be of interest to Barrick, and we are excited to be able to test their potential with drilling," said executive vice president exploration, Joel Holliday. "We are encouraged by targets identified by the Barrick Alliance, as they demonstrate the potential for new discoveries within these historic mining districts," said Mr. Fraser MacCorquodale, President and COO of Japan Gold. "The exploration completed to date highlights the advantage of leveraging off Barrick's exploration capability. We look forward to the commencement of drilling". Togi Project - First phase of drilling planned to commence in September The Togi Project is located in the central west part of Honshu Island on the Noto Peninsula covering the historic Togi goldfield. Gold mineralization was discovered in the Togi area in 1896, and historic records report seven separate areas of workings along a 7-kilometer trend which produced a combined 48,000 ounces of gold and 180,000 ounces of silver between 1910-211. A similar geological setting is noted 160 kilometres along strike to the northeast on Sado Island, which hosts Japan's second largest gold mine, the Sado Mine with production of 2.5 million ounces of gold and 74 million ounces of silver prior to its closure in 19744. Deposits mined in the project area are divided into the Urugami deposits in the southwest and Hirochi deposits in the northeast, the latter now falling within the newly defined 'Akasaka target' area. Figure 1 provides a geological summary with work completed by the Barrick Alliance and historically. The Mori vein within the Akasaka target produced 16,500 ounces of gold at an average grade of 14 g/t gold and is reported to be up to 4 meters wide, with gold values ranging between 8 to 20 g/t gold1. Records show the mineralization at lower mine levels open at depth with average grades of 8.12 g/t gold and 56.9 g/t silver1, workings did not exceed 120 meters below portal level. Exploration by the Barrick Alliance is focussed on searching for the strike extensions of the Mori vein obscured by post mineralisation cover. Recent geological mapping of the potential strike extent has identified sinter scree, and mineralized quart vein boulders and cobbles hosting gold grades up to 79.7 g/t gold, (refer to the Company's news release dated 22nd April 2021). CSMAT geophysics was used to help target within this area of cover at the Akasaka target, and surveying was completed along a 2-kilometer section of the Mori fault. The survey highlighted resistivity features which may represent vein targets. An initial 1,000-meter 2-hole drill program has been designed to test the Akasaka target and is planned to commence in September. Hakuryu Project - Drill program planned to test newly identified targets The Hakuryu Project, located on the island of Hokkaido, covers the southern half of the Konomai Mine, a 16-kilometer-long vein corridor which was Japan's third largest gold mine producing 2.35 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 6.4 g/t, between 1915 and 19734, Figure 2. A total of 990,000 ounces of gold were produced from veins within the Hakuryu Project including the highest grades veins in the district, the Motoyama main vein which produced 240,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 14.0 g/t and the Motoyama No. 2 vein which produced 348,000 ounces at an average grade of 8.0 g/t1. Mapping completed by the Barrick Alliance in 2023 focussed on several vein prospects in the southern part of the project including the Hakuryu, Kokuryu, Yakiyama and Sekizen vein zones. The southern part of the Konomai vein corridor was the last area to be explored and developed by historical mining activity and historical records are few. Four single level adits were developed on the Hakuryu and Kokuryu group of veins with 7.8 ton of ore mined at 5.0 g/t gold and 43 g/t silver1,6. Historical production reported at Hakuryu therefore appears to have not tested the deeper and potentially higher-grade portions of the veins. At the Hakuryu No. 3 Vein, mapping by the Barrick Alliance identified vein outcrops up to 30 meters wide and 140 meters long. Discontinuous vein outcrops up to 15 meters wide and vein scree are mapped an additional 500 meters along strike to the northeast where further strike extension is covered by younger basalt lava. To the southwest of the No. 3 Vein, vein scree was sampled along a 2.3-kilometer-long section of the Yakiyama Ridge towards the Yakiyama No. 2 Vein. No production records for the Yakiyama No. 2 vein have been located; however, sampling of scattered vein float around the rehabilitated workings has yielded up to 54.6 g/t gold. Gold grades up to 24.0 g/t were reported from float shedding off the Hakuryu No. 3 vein. Refer to Table 1 for significant rock results. To confirm drill targeting, the Barrick Alliance recently completed a drone magnetic survey over the project in July. The survey was proposed to map out hydrothermal alteration associated with strike extensions of the discontinuously exposed veins. The survey data has just been received and is being reviewed. Initial drill testing is planned for Q4 2024 upon receipt of necessary drill permits. A four-drill hole program of approximately 700 meters will test depth extensions of the Hakuryu No. 3 Vein. Ebino Project - Large high level epithermal alteration zone identified The Ebino Project is located within the Hokusatsu district of the Southern Kyushu Epithermal Gold Province. Hokusatsu is Japan's largest gold producing district with a recorded production of over 12 million ounces, including the world-class Hishikari Mine, which has produced 8.6 million ounces with an average grade exceeding 30 g/t since 1985, and is Japan's only producing gold mine operating today1-5. The Ebino Project, located 10 kilometers north of the Hishikari Mine, includes three distinct prospects, Otsuka, KZ and Masaki, that occur along a 10 by 2.5-kilometer corridor on the east side of the project, Figure 3. Systematic programs completed over the project by the Barrick Alliance including mapping, soil sampling and ground magnetics define an extensive epithermal alteration system. Zoned clay alteration assemblages identified including alunite + kaolinite + dickite indicate shallow level preservation and raise the potential for discovery of high-grade gold epithermal veins at depth or on the peripheries of the alteration. Drilling is planned, once all data from the surface program has been received and fully evaluated. References 1Gold Mines of Japan, 1989. The Mining & Materials Processing Institute of Japan 2Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., LTD. Integrated Report, 2nd August 2024 3Watanabe Y, 2005. Late Cenozoic evolution of epithermal gold metallogenic provinces in Kyushu, Japan. Mineralium Deposita (2005) 40: pp 307-323 4Garwin, S.G. et al. 2005. Tectonic setting, Geology, and gold and copper mineralization in the Cenozoic magmatic arcs of Southeast Asia and the West Pacific. Economic Geology 100th Anniversary Vol. pp 891-930 5Shikazono, N. 2003. Geochemical and Tectonic Evolution of Arc-Backarc Hydrothermal Systems, Volume 1. Elsevier, 2003 6Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), March 1990, Regional Geological Structure Survey Report Hokkaido Northern B Region, Overview of Metal Deposits, fiscal year 1989 Sampling Techniques and Assaying Rock results presented in this news release and accompanying figures are from 1-3 kg selected grab and semi-continuous chip-channel outcrop, and selected grab of float and historic mine waste dump samples. The grab samples of float material reported in this announcement are believed to originate from the underlying bedrock of the drainage basin from which they were collected. The Company cautions that grab and float samples are selective by nature and may not be representative of typical mineralization on the property. Sample preparation and assaying were done by ALS Brisbane and Perth, Australia. Samples were crushed and pulverised and gold was analysed by 50 gram-charge Fire Assay and AAS finish. A 48 multielement analysis including silver was done by four-acid digest and ICP-MS determination. A Chain-of-Custody was established between the Company and receiving laboratory to ensure the integrity of the samples during transportation from site to the lab. Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) were inserted by Japan Gold at every 20th sample to assess repeatability and assaying precision of the laboratory. In addition, the laboratory applied its own internal Quality Control procedure that includes sample duplicates, blanks & geochemical standards. They report these results with the certified Assay Report. Laboratory procedures and QAQC protocols adopted are considered appropriate. The CRMs and internal QC-QA results fall within acceptable levels of accuracy & precision and are considered to lack any bias. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Japan Gold's Vice President of Exploration, Andrew Rowe, BAppSc, FAusIMM, FSEG, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Japan Gold Corp. Japan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on gold exploration across Japan. The Company holds a significant portfolio of tenements covering areas with known gold occurrences, history of mining and prospective for high-grade epithermal gold mineralization. The Japan Gold leadership and operational team of geologists, drillers and technical advisors have extensive experience exploring and operating in Japan and have a track record of discoveries world-wide. Japan Gold has an alliance with Barrick Gold Corporation to jointly explore, develop and mine certain gold mineral properties and mining projects with the potential to host Tier 1 or Tier 2 gold ore bodies in Japan. On behalf of the Board of Japan Gold Corp. John Proust Chairman & CEO Cautionary Note Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results related to future partnerships and the Company's 2024 gold exploration program. These statements are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, the timing and granting of prospecting rights; the Company's ability to convert prospecting rights into digging rights within the timeframe prescribed by the Mining Act; general economic, market and business conditions; competition for qualified staff; the regulatory process and actions; technical issues; new legislation; potential delays or changes in plans; working in a new political jurisdiction; results of exploration; the Company's ability to execute and implement future plans, arrange or conclude a joint venture or partnership; and the occurrence of unexpected events. Actual results achieved may differ from the information provided herein and, consequently, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this News Release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forwardlooking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable laws. Figure 1: Togi Project, simplified geology and summary map. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/220396_41e859ad24fb183a_001full.jpg Figure 2: Konomai vein corridor with Hakuryu Project, historically mined vein deposits, prospects and gold in rock geochemistry. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/220396_41e859ad24fb183a_002full.jpg Figure 3: Ebino Project, simplified geology and alteration map, and surrounding vein deposits. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/220396_41e859ad24fb183a_003full.jpg Table 1. Hakuryu Project, significant rock sample results greater than 1 g/t gold To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/220396_img.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220396 Toronto, August 19, 2024 - Central Iron Ore Ltd. (TSXV: CIO) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release of August 2, 2024, the Company has filed an amended rights offering circular (the "Circular") dated August 19, 2024, amending the rights offering circular of the Company dated August 2, 2024, in connection with its rights offering (the "Rights Offering") to holders of its ordinary shares at the close of business on the record date of August 13, 2024 (the "Record Date"). At the request of the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (the "ASIC"), the Company revised the offer information statement (the "OIS"), which is Exhibit "I" to the Circular, and filed a replacement OIS with the ASIC on August 15, 2024 (the "Revised OIS"). Other than replacing the OIS with the Revised OIS as Exhibit "I" to the Circular, no other changes were made to the Circular. The following changes were made to the OIS: Section 2 (Important Notices), Section 3.16 (Disclosure of Interests), Section 4.16 (Substantial Shareholders), Section 4.17 (Directors' Interests and Participation), Section 4.19 (Effect on Control of the Company), Section 6.2 (Future Capital Requirements), Section 6.13 (Exploration Costs Risk), Section 6.25 (Unforeseen Expenditure Risk), Section 8.3 (Disclosure of Directors' Interests) and Section 8.5 (Agreements with Directors or other Related Parties) have been amended to include additional information. Consequential amendments have been made to the Investment Overview in Section 3 (including Section 3.5 (Key Risks), Section 3.11 (Substantial Shareholders) and Section 3.16 (Disclosure of Interests)) and the Glossary in Section 11. For further information, readers are encouraged to review the Circular, including the Revised OIS, which is annexed to the Circular as Exhibit "I", which will be available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.centralironorelimited.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the market for iron ore or other minerals that may be produced generally, recent market volatility; variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's ability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies and other risks associated with the exploration and development of mineral properties. The reader is referred to the Company's disclosure documents for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Company's page on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220398 Drilling Expands Lion Zone Mineralization by Over 90% TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2024 - Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCBB: PNPNF) (Frankfurt: IVV) is pleased to announce high-grade multi-elements assay results for the remaining holes of its 2024 winter drill program. (see Figure 1 and Table 1 below). Highlights: PN-24-060 returned: 10.39 m of 0.19 g/t Au, 14.17 g/t Ag, 2.12 % Cu, 2.08 g/t Pd, 0.4 g/t Pt and 0.14% Ni Including: 4.05 m of 0.31 g/t Au, 18.64 g/t Ag, 2.75 % Cu, 2.81 g/t Pd, 0.75 g/t Pt and 0.14% Ni With: 1.7 m of 0.58 g/t Au, 38.61 g/t Ag, 5.95 % Cu, 4.54 g/t Pd, 0.95 g/t Pt and 0.19% Ni PN-24-050 returned: 5.45 m of 0.13 g/t Au, 4.2 g/t Ag, 0.61 % Cu, 1.32 g/t Pd, 0.52 g/t Pt and 0.11% Ni Including: 2.6 m of 0.17 g/t Au, 7.3 g/t Ag, 0.81 % Cu, 2.38 g/t Pd, 0.72 g/t Pt and 0.05% Ni And: 1.25 m of 0.18 g/t Au, 2.72 g/t Ag, 0.95 % Cu, 0.76 g/t Pd, 0.76 g/t Pt and 0.29% Ni "Our 2024 winter drilling program was very productive and holes 50 and 60 add a significant amount of positive mineralization. They also grew our knowledge base, as we begin to better understand the orientation of the Lion Zone and how the high grade is distributed. We now see a very robust and massive core of 100-150 metres in diameter and then halos of mineralized stringers that surround it for about 50 metres on each side. Holes 50 and 60 are from such mineralized stringer zones. With the addition of these last holes from our winter program, we now see the mineralized zone increasing by over 90% from our first approximation of the Lion Zone's dimension. Successful drilling of the Lion Zone from our summer drilling program continues to add to this impressive discovery, with assays expected in late September," commented CEO Terry Lynch. The Company's 2024 winter drill program ended with 15 successful holes at the Lion Discovery; this press release presents the assay results obtained for the remaining holes of the campaign. Power Nickel continues to drill at the Lion Discovery, following up at depth east of hole PN-24-051 and to the west of Hole 55 (see Figure1). Table 1 below presents the significant results of previously released holes, and the current Assay. The complete set of results obtained demonstrates a tremendous success rate, which contributes to a continuously increasing level of confidence about the continuity of the zone. Table 1 : Significant Results of the Lion Discovery 2024 Winter Drilling Program. Note: Length is presented as downhole distance; true width corresponds to 60-80% of such downhole distance in function of the orientation of the hole. Grey shaded holes are the ones currently released. *CuEq Rec represents CuEq calculated based on the following metal prices (USD) : 2,360.15 $/oz Au, 27.98 $/oz Ag, 1,215.00 $/oz Pd, 1000.00 $/oz Pt, 4.00 $/lb Cu, 10.00 $/lb Ni and 22.50 $/lb Co., and a recovery grade of 80% for all commodity, consistent with comparable peers. Lion Mineralized Zone Expands over 90% We noted in our April 22, 2024 press release that the Lion Zone was a mineralized area 300 metres deep by 225 metres in width. (see Figure 1 above). Now, at the end of our winter program, the zone has shown an increase in size of over 94% compared to past reported zone dimension (see Figures 1 and 2). The thickness of the massive chalcopyrite zone remains the same and varies, ranging from up to 5-10 m true width in the core of the zone to less than one meter laterally. From the complete assays dataset and the newest structural interpretation, the core appears to present a westerly plunge (Figure 2). The 2024 summer program is focusing on the depth and lateral continuity to the west of the current known mineralization. Assays from several promising holes are now in at the laboratory and we would expect to report on those by late September. "We are extremely excited to continue drilling this discovery and combined with our comprehensive exploration program being deployed contemporaneously, we are addressing two key components of the work to be done: growing the Lion Zone into an even bigger dimension and determining the true "world class" potential of Nisk," commented Ken Williamson, VP Exploration. QAQC and Sampling GeoVector Management Inc. ("GeoVector") is the consulting company retained to perform the actual drilling program, which includes core logging and sampling of the drill core. All samples were submitted to and analyzed at Activation Laboratories Ltd ("Actlabs"), an independent commercial laboratory for both the sample preparation and assaying. Actlabs is a commercial laboratory independent of Power Nickel with no interest in the Nisk Project. Actlabs is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratory. Samples submitted through Actlabs are run through standard preparation methods and analyzed using RX-1 (Dry, crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 m) preparation methods, and using 1F2 (ICP-OES) and 1C-OES - 4-Acid near total digestion + Gold-Platinum-Palladium analysis and 8-Peroxide ICP-OES, for regular and over detection limit analysis. Pegmatite samples are analyzed using UT7 - Li up to 5%, Rb up to 2% method. Actlabs also undertake their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. GeoVector's QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results. The results presented in the current press release are complete within the mineralized intervals, but results are still pending for the top portion of both holes reported. QAQC and data validation was performed on these portions of the holes where assays are fully integrated, and no material error was observed. Qualified Person Kenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc., VP Exploration at Power Nickel, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this press release. Clarify June 24, 2024 news release The Company's June 24, 2024 news release disclosed the issuance of 265,027 finder warrants issued under its $20.06 million flow-through offering. This inadvertently under-reported 700 finder warrants, as in fact, a total of 265,727 finder's warrants exercisable at $1.25 for a period of 18 months from closing were issued. About Power Nickel Inc. Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the high-grade Nisk project into Canada's first Carbon Neutral Nickel mine. The NISK property comprises a significant land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits. In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. The Company is in the process of reorganizing these assets in a related vehicle, through a Plan of Arrangement that will be presented to Power Nickel shareholders of record for their approval. To obtain Power Nickel's Corporate Presentation, please use the link below: powernickel.com/corporate_presentation.pdf For further information, readers are encouraged to contact: Power Nickel Inc. The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others, the timing for the Company to receive the summer program assays; raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/power-nickel-caps-off-impressive-lion-zone-winter-drilling-program-with-cueq-results-of-holes-50-and-60-ranging-from-1-23-to-7-36-302225392.html SOURCE Power Nickel Inc. Vancouver, August 19, 2024 - Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. (TSXV: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF) ("Elemental Altus" or the "Company") announces its operating and financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. For complete details, please refer to the Financial Statements and associated Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.elementalaltus.com). All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Financial Highlights Royalty revenue of US$3.8 million and adjusted revenue 1 of US$5.2 million, up 10% on Q2 2023 of US$5.2 million, up 10% on Q2 2023 Attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces 1 ("GEOs") of 2,211 ounces, down 7% on Q2 2023 ("GEOs") of 2,211 ounces, down 7% on Q2 2023 Operating Cash Flow plus Caserones dividends of US$1.4 million, down 33% on Q2 2023 primarily due to working capital movements Adjusted EBITDA 1 of US$3.4 million, up 3% on Q2 2023 of US$3.4 million, up 3% on Q2 2023 Repayment of a further $5.0 million under the credit facility and extension of the maturity date to June 2027 Cash balance of US$6.5 million and outstanding debt of US$20.0 million as at June 30, 2024 Outlook Elemental Altus is on track to meet the lower end of guidance of 10,000 to 11,700 GEOs and the higher end of expected revenue of US$20.0 to US$23.3 million. Production remains weighted to H2 2024, particularly for the new Diba royalty, while the lower relative performance of the copper price to gold drives the increased difference between GEOs and revenue The Company intends to continue reducing the amount drawn on the credit facility, reducing interest costs while maintaining flexibility for new acquisitions Frederick Bell, CEO of Elemental Altus, commented: "We remain on track to achieve record revenue in 2024 with the second highest quarter of adjusted revenue in the history of the Company. Even more encouraging is that this was achieved in spite of a relatively weak quarter operationally and highlights the benefits of the diversified nature of the portfolio. Guidance has been maintained by our operators, which should translate into higher production across H2. We also saw confirmation that mining has commenced at the Company's newest operating royalty, Diba, which will contribute to higher revenue and has the potential to be a material long-life asset for the company based on significant exploration potential. The optionality across our portfolio will start to come to the fore in H2 with active exploration programs by Rio Tinto at the HCK project in Rwanda and In2Metals' extensive exploration efforts on one of the largest tenement packages in Egypt. Both of these projects will be progressed at no cost to the Company and we expect to be able to provide significant news flow over the course of the year." Investor Webcast An investor webcast will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 starting at 11:00 am ET (8:00 am PT) to discuss these results, followed by a question-and-answer session. To register for the investor webcast, please click the link below: https://www.bigmarker.com/vid-conferences/Elemental-Altus-Q2-Results-Webinar Q2 2024 Financial Results The following table sets forth selected financial information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. Royalty revenues are at zero cash cost. Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Total Revenue 3,752 2,600 7,079 5,406 Adjusted revenue* 5,201 4,728 9,948 8,554 Adjusted cash flows from operations* 1,435 2,095 2,605 2,026 Total net (loss) (114) (1,557) (1,128) (3,473) Adjusted EBITDA* 3,441 3,299 6,640 5,666 2024 2023 2024 2023 GEO GEO GEO GEO Total attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEO") 2,211 2,377 4,415 4,298 * See the "Non-IFRS Measures" section of this news release Asset Update Karlawinda Q2 2024 gold production from Karlawinda was 26,835 ounces (Q2 2023: 28,859 ounces) Capricorn is guiding to production of 110,000 to 120,000 ounces for the year to June 2025 Subsequent to June 30, 2024, Capricorn announced the commencement of work on a major expansion study for Karlawinda, looking at an expansion of between 2.0 and 2.5 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa"), an approximate 50% increase in throughput on the current 4.5 Mtpa Capricorn also announced a 15% increase to the Mineral Reserves to 1,428 thousand ounces, which supports the pre-expansion life of mine exceeding 13 years, representing a 27% increase after accounting for mining depletion as of July 31, 2024 Caserones In Q2 2024, the Company accrued adjusted royalty revenue of $1.4 million, based on reported production of 29.8kt of copper and 0.7kt of molybdenum. Copper and molybdenum production was impacted in the quarter by extended mill maintenance and weather events. Recoveries were also temporarily reduced by changes in the mining sequence and flotation circuit disruptions. Annual copper production guidance range for the Caserones mine for 2024 has been increased to 124 - 135kt (previously 120-130kt) Exploration drilling was completed in the lower portion of the mineral resource and at the Angelica oxide and sulphide targets, both near-mine targets that would add potential mineral resources and extend the life of the operation. Subsequent to period end, Lundin announced that one of the three unions representing 5% of the total workforce at the Caserones mine in Chile, have taken job action. In April 2024, Caserones was able to successfully negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with one of the other two unions representing a similar number of employees Diba Ore was exposed and available for mining at Diba in June, with further production and maiden gold sales expected in Q3 2024, subject to the receipt of authorizations for processing at Sadiola, which are currently in progress Allied has announced that Diba ore is expected to represent a significant component of production at Sadiola this year The quarter ended with approximately 175,000 tonnes of oxide ore stockpiled at Diba, representing approximately 6,400 ounces of mined gold Exploration and infill drilling programs at Diba included 171 holes for 13,199 meters in Q2 Bonikro Royalty attributable sales in Q2 2024 of 17,753 ounces (Q2 2023: 2,091 ounces) due to the majority of production being sourced from royalty linked areas Increased production was derived from royalty linked areas, with some delays in processing due to power availability across Cote d'Ivoire. Backup generators have been installed to mitigate future power availability risk Stripping at Pushback 5 is expected to expose higher-grade materials in 2025 and 2026 Wahgnion Q2 2024 gold production from Wahgnion was 32,629 ounces (Q2 2023: 31,710 ounces) Gold production increased primarily due to a rise in tonnes and accessing higher grade ore Cactus Subsequent to period end, Arizona Sonoran announced the results of an NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment on its Cactus Project, outlining a conceptual open-pit operation Metallurgical and infill drilling programs are underway, targeting a Pre-Feasibility Study in H1 2025 and a construction decision in 2026 Appointment of Corporate Secretary Elemental Altus is pleased to announce the appointment of David Gossen to the position of Corporate Secretary. David is currently the General Counsel of the Company and has extensive experience in corporate finance, capital markets, M&A and financial restructurings having worked as General Counsel for EMEA / APAC at a leading financial advisory firm and senior counsel at a leading European investment bank. The appointment is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Frederick Bell CEO and Director TSX.V: ELE | OTCQX: ELEMF | ISIN: CA28619K1093 | CUSIP: 28619K109 About Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Elemental Altus is an income generating precious metals royalty company with 10 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets. The Company is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties. The vision of Elemental Altus is to build a global gold royalty company, offering investors superior exposure to gold with reduced risk and a strong growth profile. Qualified Person Richard Evans, FAusIMM, is Senior Vice President Technical for Elemental Altus, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release. Notes 1. Non-IFRS Measures The Company has included certain performance measures which are non-IFRS and are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standard meaning under IFRS and other companies may calculate measures differently. Royalty revenue is received at zero cost. Distributions from associates related to Elemental Altus' effective royalty on Caserones are received net of Chilean taxes and have no other costs. Adjusted Revenue and cash flow from operating activities Adjusted revenue is a non-IFRS financial measure, which is defined as including gross royalty revenue from associated entities holding royalty interests related to Elemental Altus' effective royalty on the Caserones copper mine. Management uses adjusted revenue to evaluate the underlying operating performance of the Company for the reporting periods presented, to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results, and to supplement information in its financial statements. Management believes that in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS such as revenue, investors may use adjusted revenue to evaluate the results of the underlying business, particularly as the adjusted revenue may not typically be included in operating results. Management believes that adjusted revenue is a useful measure of the Company performance because it adjusts for items which management believes reflect the Company's core operating results from period to period. Adjusted revenue is intended to provide additional information to investors and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. It does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Adjusted depletion, adjusted tax expense and adjusted cash flow from operating activities are non-IFRS measures which include depletion, tax and dividends from the Caserones royalty asset in line with the recognition of adjusted revenue as described above. Gold Equivalent Ounces Elemental Altus' adjusted royalty, streaming, and other revenue is converted to an attributable gold equivalent ounce, or GEO, basis by dividing the royalty and other revenue from associates in a period by the average gold price for the same respective period, plus the net gold ounces received in the period from streaming investments. The presentation of this non-IFRS measure is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these non-IFRS measures differently. The production forecast was derived using information that is available in the public domain as at the date hereof, which included guidance and estimates prepared and issued by management of the operators of the mining operations in which Elemental Altus holds an interest. The production forecast is sensitive to the performance and operating status of the underlying mines. None of the information has been independently verified by Elemental Altus and may be subject to uncertainty. There can be no assurance that such information is complete or accurate. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA excludes the effects of certain other income/expenses and unusual non-recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA is comprised of earnings before interest, taxes, depletion, including depletion and taxes relating to share of profit from associate, and share-based compensation. Management believes that this is a useful measure of the Company's performance because it adjusts for items which may not relate to underlying operating performance of the Company and/or are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. On behalf of Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the date that the name change is expected to become effective, whether shareholders will be required by their broker to exchange their issued certificate for a new certificate or take any other action in connection to the name change, the Company's ability to deliver a materially increased revenue profile with a lower cost of capital, the future growth, development and focus of the Company, and the acquisition of new royalties and streams. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Elemental Altus to control or predict, that may cause Elemental Altus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over the mining operations from which Elemental Altus will receive royalties, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with Elemental Altus' expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of Elemental Altus for the year ended December 31, 2023. Elemental Altus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking statements and information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement or information can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/220406 Avery Sheppard explores the possibilities with his new LAUSD provided iPad on Aug. 27, 2014 in Los Angeles. (Bob Chamberlin/Los Angeles Times/MCT) Bob Chamberlin/MCT Two years ago, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) tried an interesting new experiment: give every student a tablet computer equipped with a digital curriculum. It was a bold move that was supposed to push Los Angeles public schools into the 21st century. It turned out to be a disaster.The idea was certainly huge, requiring the purchase of 650,000 Apple iPads, networking gear and educational software from Pearson -- all at a cost of nearly $1.3 billion. L.A. Schools Superintendent John Deasy, who launched the program in 2013, also saw it as a way tohelp the citys low-income students. Until Deasys announcement, students had limited access to digital education tools at computer labs, which couldnt accommodate all students at the same time.Today, LAUSD is exploring possible litigation against Apple and Pearson, the worlds largest education publishing company, to recoup millions of dollars; a criminal grand jury is investigating possible ethics violations by district officials; the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Securities and Exchange Commission have launched their own inquiries into possible wrong-doing; and Deasy resigned.So what went wrong? To put it simply: a complete breakdown in the planning and execution of the initiative. Thelabeled the mega-technology project ill-conceived and half-baked.In fall 2012, Deasy announced to school administrators his plan to give a tablet computer to every student. Convinced the highly popular technology was going to be the future of education and that low-income students would struggle academically if he didnt move quickly, Deasy gave LAUSD only a few months to generate a plan before putting the initiative out to bid in 2013, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Education.In June 2013, the Board of Education approved a contract with Apple and Pearson worth $500 million and set aside another $800 million to improve Internet access at schools. The entire purchase was funded by construction bonds, which are typically used to build and repair schools.LAUSD bought 43,261 iPads loaded with a curriculum, which the school district selected from Pearson based only on samples of a math and English program available at the time. Problems surfaced immediately during the rollout at 47 schools in fall 2013.Internet connectivity was spotty at some schools, partly because the districts facilities chief was not included in the planning process for upgrading school networks to carry the heavy data demands of so many devices connecting to the Internet. Teachers were ill-trained on how to use the iPads and curriculum, and faculty never widely embraced the tablet, according to the Department of Education report. And many students learned how to bypass the security features and just used the iPads to surf the Internet.With problems occurring almost daily with either the technology or the curriculum, Deasy slowed down the rollout. But criticism of the initiative from teachers, administrators and the local media kept mounting, and under pressure, Deasy resigned in October 2014 . In December, LAUSD officially ended the initiative and canceled the Apple contract -- though schools and students continue to use the existing iPads.In addition to poor planning, the Department of Education's review of the initiative found LAUSD was too heavily dependent on a single commercial product for providing digital learning resources. While the district followed state guidelines for purchasing hardware that aligned with Common Core standards, a report released in August 2014 by the LAUSD board showed that the district had added detailed specifications regarding screen size and touchscreen functionality that heavily favored Apple and essentially excluded other technology options.Media reports also detailed how bid requirements seemed to track with curriculum specifications suggested by Pearson in private email exchanges before the bidding process opened. The FBI has since launched an investigation into questions about whether Apple and Pearson enjoyed an advantage in the bidding process.Beyond the issue of whether or not Apple and Pearson had an inside track in winning the bid, LAUSD has been faulted for choosing one rather expensive device when less expensive choices were available. Devices with keyboards might have been a better option, for instance, since older students could have used them to write papers. Googles Chromebook, for example, is a laptop that can cost as little as $200, while LAUSD paid $768 apiece for its iPads, including the software, according to theThe SEC in April also launched an inquiry into whether L.A. school officials complied with legal guidelines in the use of bond funds to finance the iPad deal. Using construction bonds to purchase Internet infrastructure is common, but the LAUSD also used money from the bonds to purchase the iPads, which break down after a few years. Some critics of the plan have said LAUSD should have set aside a sum from its operating budget to purchase the tablets.Meanwhile, LAUSD took action of its own in April, announcing it would seek to recoup millions of dollars from Apple because it was dissatisfied with their product. The districts demands for a refund stem from materials that didn't adapt well for students who weren't proficient in English and a lack of software tools to analyze how well the curriculum functions.Government technology projects often fail because policymakers take too long to deploy them, so they miss deadlines and end up with out-of-date technology. But as LAUSDs fiasco showed, moving quickly can be just as disastrous. Without proper planning, a technology project of this size and scope is bound to fail.Another important lesson from this story is how a districts reliance on one type of technology can end up limiting the value of that investment. Students of different ages have different needs and no one device is necessary or sufficient to solve all education problems.Computers are nothing more than tools that can help educate students when they are used as part of a well-planned curriculum. Unfortunately, that point was lost when Los Angeles let the glamour of a new and popular product cloud its judgement. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close New Delhi, Aug 19 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a day-long official visit to Kiev on August 23, at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which the Ukraine conflict would be part of the discussions with India voicing its willingness to provide all support required to finding a peaceful solution. Ministry of External Affairs Secretary West Tanmaya Lal, briefing the media on the PMs upcoming visit, also declined to comment on any comparisons between the PMs July 8-9 visit to Moscow and his talks with President Vladimir Putin, that had elicited a rash of angry outbursts from the West, and the Ukraine visit. He said that Indias relationship with Ukraine is substantive and independent (of ties with Moscow). This relationship has been substantive and independent; these are broad ties. The partnerships (with Moscow and Kiev) stand on their own; it is not a zero sum game, he said, adding that when PM Modi travelled to Russia the two leaders discussed many ideas. To questions on any peace plan that the PM would be presenting, the official reiterated Indias stand. The Ukrainian conflict is ongoing, and we have said that any resolution can come only through dialogue and diplomacy. PM Modi has also said that this is not the time for war, and a solution cannot be found on the battlefield. We believe that a large majority of countries share this view. India has expressed that we are willing to provide all the support required to Ukraine, both in terms of finding a peaceful solution, and in the recovery (reconstruction) process later, he added. He said the ongoing Ukrainian conflict will form part of the discussions between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy. On humanitarian aid delivered to Ukraine, he said that India has so far delivered 16 batches of assistance, which include 135 tonnes of material, and further assistance is being explored. He also said that while 18,000 Indian students had been brought back in 2021 under Operation Ganga, more than 1,000 went back and are still there, even as the war is intensifying. He said the Indian Embassy in Kiev is in close touch with the Indian students and providing every assistance. UNI RN While most cities celebrate Pride in the month of June, New Orleans knows that a great party cant be rushed. New Orleans reserves its largest celebration of LGBTQ+ culture for the first weekend of September, at which point the streets are transformed into a five-day-long festival known as Southern Decadence or in laymans terms, Gay Mardi Gras. Local historian Frank Perez, whose many titles include author, tour guide and 2018 grand marshal of the Southern Decadence parade, knows a thing or two about the festival. Ahead of this years Decadence, held from Aug. 29 through Sep. 2, Perez was kind enough to impart a few words of wisdom. Frank Perez sits on the porch of his Marigny home. Perez founded the LGBT+ Archives of Louisiana and is the author of such New Orleans-centric books as "In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Culture and Its Oldest Bar."Emily Topping Question: How would you describe Southern Decadence to someone whos never heard of it before? Answer: Its held every year on Labor Day weekend. Its about 250,000 gay men and it is gay male centric 250,000 gay men come to town. They get really drunk, they do a lot of drugs, and they have a lot of sex. Its a wonderful weekend. But I also point out that, historically, Decadence is important. When the internet came, it grew exponentially and it demonstrated to the city and by the city, I mean the political establishment as well as the business community the spending power of the gay community, right? So, money does not necessarily buy acceptance, but it definitely buys a lot of tolerance. Because New Orleans was not always as inclusive and embracing of its queer community as it is now. Thats a relatively recent thing, late 80s, early 90s. Q: If you could give a piece of advice to someone coming for the first time, maybe a young gay man thats never been before, what would you say? A: I would say dont buy VIP passes. Because a lot of bars will offer these really expensive VIP passes so you can get in every night. But theyre only good at that bar. And the real party is in the street anyway. And the bars are so crowded, it takes you an hour to get a drink. So, I dont think the VIP passes are worth it. I would say stay hydrated. I would say pace yourself. I would say do not urinate in public. That would be what youre arrested for. I would say: Do something that youve never done. You know, check out a scene that you dont think youre into. Like if, uh, I dont know how familiar you are with the gay vocabulary. Like there are twinks, you know what a twink is? You know what a bear is? Q: Yeah, I think Ive got the vocab down. A: Right, so I would tell people: I mean, if youre older, if youre a middle-aged gay, or youve been around a while, you kind of know what you like. You want to go to the leather bars, or you want to go see the go-go boys, or the boys in an apartment. But if youre young, and exploring your sexuality, and maybe you just came out, I would say: Look at Decadence like a buffet. Sample everything. Go to the Barracuda party. Go to the Hit It party. Go to the Decadent Ducks pool party. Go to an orgy. Go to the corner pocket. Go to all these different things. Check out everything and see what you like. Its like a learning opportunity, you know. Of course, be careful. Not just HIV, but other STDs are still around. Cafe Laffite in Exile, the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the country, is the subject of one of several history books written by Perez.Emily Topping Q: Theres a sort of ironic juxtaposition when it comes to Southern Decadence, because Louisiana is also one of the most conservative states in the country. How does that come into play while celebrating gay culture in New Orleans? A: New Orleans is a very blue dot in a very red state. You know, the rest of the state, the further north you go into Louisiana, where its all Baptists and Pentecostals, they have this love/hate relationship with New Orleans, right? They realize that New Orleans is this sinking sinkhole of vice and sin and blacks and homosexuals and weirdo liberals and all that. But its also only a days drive for convenient sinning. So, I dont know, you can get away with things in New Orleans, queer or not queer, that you cant get away with in the rest of the state. Whether its walking down the street with a drink or, you know, theres no shame in being publicly drunk. Decadence just kind of feeds into that. Q: Youve said Southern Decadence couldnt happen anywhere else. What makes New Orleans so special? People down here, I think, unlike in the rest of the country, are just not so uptight about things. You know? Its a really joie de vivre, embrace life attitude. Where does that come from? I dont know. Maybe its an intimate familiarity with our own impending mortality: fires, hurricanes, floods, pestilences, diseases. Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die, right? I couldnt live anywhere else because they dont have Carnival, and they dont have Mardi Gras. Ive actually quit jobs because of that. In other parts of the country, they dont understand. By RON TODT Associated Press Tropical Storm Ernesto became a hurricane again Sunday as it churned away from Bermuda and headed further out in the northeastern Atlantic, sending powerful swells toward the U.S. East Coast, generating rip currents associated with at least one death and prompting many rescues. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Ernestos maximum sustained winds were 75 mph (120 kph), just barely Category 1 strength. More strengthening was forecast before Ernesto weakens and becomes a post-tropical cyclone on Tuesday, the hurricane center said. The storm was centered about 520 miles (840 kilometers) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was expected to pass near southeastern Newfoundland late Monday and early Tuesday. Swells generated by Ernesto were affecting portions of the Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast as well as the Canadian Atlantic coast. Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are likely in these areas during the next couple of days, the hurricane center said. The National Weather Service posted a coastal flood advisory and warned of a high risk for rip currents along the Atlantic Coast through Monday evening, saying they can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. A warning extended from Florida to the Boston area and portions of Maine. In periods of high risk, rip currents become more likely and potentially more frequent, posing a danger to all levels of swimmers, not just inexperienced ones, said meteorologist Mike Lee in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Its going to be really dangerous out in the water today, he said. La Plata river floods a road after Tropical Storm Ernesto passed through Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024.AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo At Manasquan Inlet in New Jersey, officials said a fisherman was washed off the north jetty Saturday but was quickly rescued by lifeguards. The victim had knee and back injuries and a possible concussion and was taken to a hospital, Lifeguard Chief Doug Anderson told NJ Advance Media, and lifeguards rescued at least five other people. In Ventnor to the south, Senior Lt. Meghan Holland of the city beach patrol said eight people were rescued. Forecasters, citing local emergency management, said a 41-year-old man drowned Saturday in a rip current at Surf City, North Carolina. Two men drowned Friday in separate incidents on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, but it was unclear whether rip currents were involved, The Island Packet of Hilton Head reported, citing a lifeguard services spokesperson. Separately, heavy rains unrelated to the hurricane caused flooding in parts of western Connecticut Sunday, closing roads, forcing water rescues and causing a minor mudslide. Floodwaters swept two people into the Little River in the town of Oxford, CT Insider reported, but officials werent able to immediately reach the area because of high waters and had to respond to other emergency calls, said Scott Pelletier, Oxfords fire chief. Pelletier did not respond to a message from The Associated Press seeking additional details. Videos posted on Facebook showed severe flooding in Oxford overtaking roads and homes, with at least one video showing a small building being washed downstream. In Southbury, police asked residents via Facebook to stay home while roads were closed and crews responded to emergencies. In nearby Danbury, city officials said in a statement that a mudslide prompted the evacuation of a home. Flash flood warnings were posted for parts of Connecticut and southeastern New York, and flash flood watches and advisories were in effect for areas of Delaware, New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania. A flash flood emergency was issued to parts of northwestern Suffolk County including Brentwood, West Babylon and Coram until 4:30 a.m. The rough surf spawned by Hurricane Ernesto contributed to an unoccupied beach house along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolinas Outer Banks collapsing into the water Friday evening. Seashore officials urged the public Sunday to avoid beaches in parts of the village of Rodanthe where substantial damage to several oceanfront structures occurred. Debris cleanup was expected over the next several days. On New Yorks Long Island, East Hampton Village Mayor Jerry Larsen said beaches were closed to swimmers on Saturday and Sunday because high tides pushed water right up to the base of the dunes so you cant really have people sitting on the beach. Many people watched the water from the parking lot Sunday, he added. Its quite a sight to see the water coming up almost to the parking lot, and if you think about it that storm was hundreds of miles offshore so it must have been quite powerful, Larsen said. The annual fireworks show that draws thousands was canceled Saturday night and again for Sunday night, he said. Ernesto had weakened to a tropical storm late Saturday after bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Bermuda. At a press conference Sunday afternoon, Bermuda Security Minister Michael Weeks said the tiny British territory made it through the hurricane without any injuries or major incidents. I want to express my gratitude to everyone for taking this storm seriously, he said. Steady progress is being made to clear the roads and restore power in Bermuda, he added. Businesses were beginning to reopen and airport operations were to resume Sunday. There were no reports of major damage, said Lyndon Raynor of Bermudas Disaster Risk Reduction Mitigation Team. BELCO, Bermudas power company, said more than 70% of customers had electricity and more than 7,000 remained without it Sunday. Ernesto previously battered the northeastern Caribbean, leaving tens of thousands of people without water in Puerto Rico. The national power company LUMA said it had restored electricity to more than 1.4 million customers, but service data Sunday showed more than 61,000 without power. After cleaning up and removing debris, the Virgin Islands Department of Education said all public schools would resume operations Monday. Public school classes also were slated to start Monday in Puerto Rico, nearly a week after the original opening date. ___ Gary Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, Cedar Attanasio and Julie Walker in New York and Mariana Martinez Barba in Mexico City contributed. Haiti - Society : Crisis, Hundreds of thousands of Haitians depend on humanitarian aid This Monday, August 19, 2024, as part of World Humanitarian Day, Herwil Gaspard, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Solidarity and Humanitarian Affairs, and Ulrika Richardson, Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, praised the work and dedication of humanitarian workers who provide aid to hundreds of thousands of people affected by the multidimensional crisis. This Day aims to raise awareness of the challenges humanitarian actors face and the crucial importance of humanitarian aid to preserve the dignity and well-being of the most vulnerable affected by conflicts and natural hazards. In Haiti, nearly 600,000 people have been displaced by violence, three times more than the same period a year ago; only 24% of hospitals are functioning normally and half of the population is food insecure. In this context, the Haitian government, United Nations agencies and NGOs are pooling their efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable communities. Since the beginning of the year, more than 1.6 million hot meals have been served, the majority of which have been for displaced people living in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. Several thousand people have received emergency shelter kits and have accessed water, hygiene and sanitation services. Thousands of women and children have also benefited from medical care and psychosocial support. "We are committed, alongside our national and international partners, to supporting all efforts aimed at bringing relief and hope to those who need it most. Humanitarian workers reflect our common humanity, and we must ensure that they can operate in complete safety," said Minister Gaspard on behalf of the Government. "On this Day, I would also like to salute the generosity and courage of thousands of Haitian families who, in a burst of humanism, are on the front lines of the humanitarian response by welcoming people affected by violence into their homes, ensuring their dignity," said Ulrika Richardson. The two officials also welcomed the support of donors, while stressing that with 4 months to go until the end of the year, the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is only 33% funded and call for an international effort to fully respond to the humanitarian challenges in Haiti. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : Garry Conille spoke with Justin Trudeau Prime Minister Garry Conille met with his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau, on August 15 to discuss the political transition process and the security and humanitarian crisis. It was also an opportunity for the two men to discuss the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took the opportunity to reaffirm Canada's commitment to actively contribute to the success of the Multinational Security Support Mission in the country, in collaboration with Haiti's other partners. Trudeau reaffirmed Canada's commitment to working with Haiti, Kenya and other international partners to ensure the success of the mission. For the Canadian Prime Minister, it is necessary for the international community to mobilize and provide the support crucial to the success of this mission, emphasizing that Haiti's stability is a priority shared by all nations involved. Trudeau also expressed satisfaction with Garry Conille's "leadership" in managing the crisis and assured Canada of its support for Haiti for the success of the transition and the organization of credible, transparent and democratic elections for the renewal of political leaders in Haiti. The two men also discussed bilateral trade relations, which represent significant potential for both countries. They agreed to continue their discussions with a view to strengthening ties and historic cooperation between the two nations. HL/ SL/ HaitiLibre New laws in the EU require many digital products to be accessible from June 2025 on. One of the biggest problems for developers: testing. Many things have to be checked by hand because the automated testing tools only have limited coverage. However, developers like to have a safety net of automated tests in their CI-pipeline. Anna Maier will explain in her talk at c't how developers can build such a safety net. Anzeige Anna's talk is just one of almost 40 presentations at c't . The conference will cover the entire spectrum of frontend development in three tracks over two days. Some more examples from the agenda: In her talk Martina Kraus will show why passkey are more safe than passwords, how passkeys work and how to implement them into web applications. Axel Jager will show how the 3D engine BabylonJS can be used to create an interactive canvas. And Marc Muller will demonstrate how optimistic UI updates can minimize delays in web applications by providing instant visual feedback and significantly improving the performance metric INP. Take a look at the full schedule. The c't 2024 conference will be held from November 13 to 14 in Cologne. On the day before, November 12, there will be three full-day workshops where you can deepen your knowledge on individual topics. Sebastian Springer will show in his Workshop how to build a complete application with next.js. Nils Rohrig will give you an overview on full stack development with Svelte & SvelteKit. And Marco Emrich and Sebastian Rose will give you an overview on different schools of test-driven development and which approach is best suited in which context. A workshop ticket costs 879 Euros. Tickets for the conference cost 749 Euros, full conference passes with one additional workshop pass cost 1549 Euros - if you book at the early bird rate, which is valid until 16.10. Afterwards they will cost 849 and 1649 Euros. Here are more information. (jo) The proposal, along with other immigration policy adjustments, has come under renewed criticism in recent days in the wake of surveys questioning the international appeal of Finland. THE GOVERNMENT of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) has no intention of backing down on a proposal that would force foreign workers to leave the country if they fail to re-employ themselves within three or six months of becoming unemployed, reports YLE. Minister of Employment Arto Satonen (NCP) on Wednesday told YLE that he does not accept the criticism that the country is actively undermining its image and driving out international talent. Finland, he argued, remains an appealing destination for international talent in light of statistics. Finland placed 51st out of 53 countries covered by the latest iteration of Expat Insider, an annual survey of the expat experience by Internations. Satonen pointed out that while the country came in ahead of only Turkey and Kuwait, the ranking was also not kind to the likes of Canada (50th), Germany (49th) and Norway (48th). He also argued that comparisons make little sense except for other Nordics. If people value a low cost of living and low taxes, then no western country can compete, he remarked to the public broadcasting company. The Expat Insider table was topped by Panama, Mexico, Indonesia, Spain and Colombia, with Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates rounding out the top 10. Last Tuesday, Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland (TEK) and Union of Professional Engineers in Finland (IL) revealed that as many as 89 per cent of technology experts working in the country are concerned about the ongoing societal debate on immigration. Over four-fifths of the respondents also viewed that the country was unlikely to become better for immigrants in the next five years. The proposal to revoke work-based residence permits after a three or six-month period of unemployment has drawn the most criticism, including from startups and industries more broadly, from large cities such as Helsinki and Tampere, and Business Finland. The entry in the government programme alone has created challenges for Work in Finlands mission to attract skilled talent because the international talent who are already in Finland have felt that the entry reflects a lack of respect and that Finland is uninterested in holding on to them, reads a comment submitted on the bill by Business Finland. Satonen nonetheless firmly rejected the possibility of scrapping or even amending the re-employment requirements, arguing that the requirements match those in other parts of the Nordics. Newly unemployed immigrants have three months to re-employ themselves in Sweden, six months in Denmark and Norway. Given that these countries have this kind of a mechanism, I doubt that thisll have a significant impact on how attractive Finland is perceived, he said. The Finnish proposal differs from the examples in that it would obligate employers to inform immigration authorities of the redundancy of a foreign employee under the threat of fine or other punitive measures. Satonen admitted that the country image is generally important and that work-based immigration is necessary given the demographic development. We arent heading towards a situation where no ones coming here, but were filling open jobs relatively well through work-based immigration as the increasing numbers from this year illustrate, he said to YLE. Aleksi Teivainen HT Deadline is Monday to enter Apple Recipe contest The North Carolina Apple Festival is inviting cooks to submit their best baked goods made with apples during the 2024 Apple Recipe Contest. The contest will be held on Friday, Aug. 30, at the Historic Courthouse behind the mainstage of the festival. There will be prizes for 1st and 2nd place in all categories as well as a grand prize. Entry is free. Categories are: Bread sweet or savory in a loaf or muffin form Pies and Pastries must have pie crust or pastry dough component Desserts includes cakes and cookies Kids made for kids by kids (w/adult supervision) Local Business a local business in Henderson County that produces an item in one of the categories. This category is open to professional pastry chefs as well. The Local Business category only one has one winner, who will receive the Apple Recipe Trophy to display at their business. (Local Business entries do not need to provide as a recipe as this can be proprietary information.) Here are the rules: Any interested individual may enter the contest. Recipe entries must be on line by Aug. 26. Participants must bring the entire finished product to the Community Room on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse (1 Historic Courthouse Square) between 9:30-10:30 a.m. on contest day. Judging will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Winners will be announced during the award ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on the mainstage of the Apple Festival in front of the Historic Courthouse before the opening ceremony of the festival, which begins at 2:15 p.m. Times are subject to change slightly based on Apple Festival scheduling. No items requiring refrigeration will be accepted due to lack of refrigeration facilities. Entries must be covered with some type of wrap to protect from insects. Individuals may enter more than one recipe, but each recipe must be in a different category and must be submitted online individually. Recipes must be original (not copyrighted). Standard measuring units should be used in all recipes. Include the variety of apple used in written recipe. All recipes must contain at least 2 cups of apples or 1 cup applesauce and be freshly homemade. Taste, texture, and eye appeal will be used in scoring entries. All recipes become the property of the Apple Festival Committee and N.C. Cooperative Extension, Henderson County Center. Entry constitutes permission to edit, modify, adapt, publish, and otherwise use the recipe in any way. If participants are unable to pick up their award at the mainstage ceremony, awards will be available for pickup at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service office at Jackson Park. If you have questions, contact Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Abigail Pierce at abigail_pierce@ncsu.edu or call 828-697-4891. St. Luke's becomes AdventHealth Polk AdventHealth, one of the nations largest faith-based health systems, recently signed a definitive agreement to assume management of St. Luke's Hospital in Columbus. The agreement also includes several physician practices and ambulatory care clinics. AdventHealth will rename the hospital AdventHealth Polk to reflect its national network and brand. "We are excited about the opportunity to offer our unique promise of whole-person care to this community and look forward to working with and caring for the team members, physicians, patients and residents of Polk County and the surrounding area," said Terry Shaw, president/CEO for AdventHealth. In June, the Polk County Board of Commissioners approved changes to St. Luke's current lease agreement to make the transition possible. Once the transition takes place, AdventHealth Polk will join AdventHealth in Henderson County provide care in Western North Carolina. AdventHealth and our team in Hendersonville are looking forward to having the exceptional St. Lukes team as partners in caring for the people of Western North Carolina," said Brandon Nudd, president/CEO for AdventHealth Hendersonville. "Our hospitals share a legacy of providing high-quality, faith-based care that focuses on the whole person body, mind and spirit." The transition to AdventHealth Polk should be complete in October, pending government and regulatory approvals. Until then, current management will remain in place. "St. Luke's has been the community's leader in health care services for nearly a century and a model for critical access hospitals in the Southeast," said Bill Miller, St. Luke's Hospital board chair. "We look forward to being part of AdventHealth's national care network and continuing to deliver high-quality health care in a consumer-centric manner as AdventHealth Polk." Aries: This is the time to change your mindset and approach to the career ladder. Assess the current tasks and duties and see where changes and optimisation are needed. Avoid making quick decisions about switching jobs or making an investment; build a solid career foundation instead. Job seekers are advised to refine their resumes, diversify their contacts, and brace for the next round of interviews. The efforts and time spent in preparation will create chances for a bright future. Read daily money and career horoscopes for all zodiac signs and know your fortune for today at Hindustan Times. Taurus: A busy week in the workplace is expected. You may feel stressed due to the amount of work assigned to you or come across complex situations that challenge your ability. Learn to work under pressure and properly plan your work to handle all the pressure. Share problems with your coworkers and managers. This period requires patience and flexibility. Try to find a silver lining and make the most of the situation. Gemini: Be careful in your communication this week. It is possible to improve ones status within the workplace by cultivating good relations with fellow employees and managers. Be careful with the tendencies of laziness or procrastination that can influence your productivity. In partnerships, it is crucial to be on the same page regarding strategies and the vision for the future to prevent miscommunication. Establish clear communication and understanding. Cancer: The stars positive influence will boost your career advancement this week. If you've been planning something significant within your current role, now is the time to move forward. Efforts to introduce new ideas, solve complex problems, or implement changes will be met with success and recognition. Trust in your abilities and take calculated risks. You're in a strong position to work towards your career goals steadily. Keep a positive outlook and grab the opportunities. Leo: You can expect a productive work week. Your creativity and overall performance will shine in any assignments that you undertake. It's an ideal time to introduce new ideas to boost team performance and client satisfaction. You may also encounter new opportunities or partnerships that could advance your career. This period requires careful planning and management to maximise its benefits. Embrace a positive attitude towards learning. Virgo: Some challenges are expected to occur during the working week, especially during the job search process. The only way to overcome these barriers will be to be persistent and flexible. Do not give up searching for a job; you can get a new job through recommendations. Working professionals should stay alert and work towards solving any issue. You will have to use your problem-solving and creativity skills to find solutions. Libra: This week, your ideas will be persuasive and engaging, and you will be well-equipped. You will realise that regardless of the environment in which you find yourself, even if you are just discussing with your co-workers at the workplace, your words will bear some authority. This is also a good time to sow seeds for future projects or campaigns or to apply for that promotion you have been wanting to do. Scorpio: This week, you might experience frustration in some of your pursuits. Do not be quick to anger or say things you might later regret. Prioritise the goal rather than being caught up in details that can lead to unnecessary conflict. You have the tenacity to get through it. But first, get more information to make correct decisions and not ruin it. Also, do not forget about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Stay humble and solution-focused. Sagittarius: This week, you will derive a professional advantage in your chosen career by narrowing the focus and broadening the mind. Its a time to focus thoroughly on your tasks and set total concentration on work to solve them effectively. You will be able to enrich your knowledge and, therefore, change your point of view to the one that will help you improve your position. Take this as a chance for intellectual growth. Be curious and challenge the conventional solutions. Capricorn: New challenging and fascinating projects await you this week to reach new heights in your career. You can present yourself and take up tasks that will help you develop. Be prepared to grab these opportunities with both hands; they will likely bring profound transformations. Remember to be flexible; youre on the verge of something great. Stay prepared for a work overload and plan your life accordingly. Aquarius: This week, your crisis control strategies will be in the spotlight to give you a composed air. But your stamina and mental strength will be the most valuable to you as you must steer yourself through all the rough waters. In addition, we should not only look for the negative side of each challenge because they are all chances to develop. Be on the right track, and do not be disheartened by fleeting failures. Pisces: This week, your cognitive skills will serve you best at work. This is a critical time to demonstrate that you can lead your team by taking them through some difficulties and overseeing projects to completion. But remember that success is not all about getting what you want but also about making others get what they want. Your genuine desire to help others around you would also improve your status in the company. ---------------------- Neeraj Dhankher (Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi) Email: info@astrozindagi.in, neeraj@astrozindagi.in Url: www.astrozindagi.in Contact: Noida: +919910094779 Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google said that his new drone startup intends to help Ukraine, according to a Business Insider report, which describes White Stork, his company as aiming to create AI-driven attack drones. Now former Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt speaks at a promotional event for the Nexus 7 tablet in Tokyo. (Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon) "Watching the Russians use tanks to destroy apartment buildings with little old ladies and kids just drove me crazy," Schmidt said at an April Stanford University lecture. Also Read: Sam Altman wants to scan your eyeballs using Worldcoin, but governments worldwide crack down on it "Because of the way the system works, I am now a licensed arms dealer," Schmidt said. A computer scientist, businessman, arms dealer. However, "I do not recommend this in your career path, I'd stick with AI," he added. What does White Stork do? He had said at the lecture that he was working with Udacity CEO Sebastian Thrun on a company that will "use AI in complicated, powerful ways for these essentially robotic wars." White Stork works to mass-produce complicated drones at lowered costs that use AI to identify targets, eliminating the need for ground battles with tanks and other artillery. Also Read: Nearly 12% of Indian spices failed FSSAI quality and safety standards, international countries tighten controls: Report With "the support of the governments," he said the drones would go "straight into Ukraine" and "fight the war." Schmidt had also previously chaired the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence for multiple years. He was the CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011. Also Read: Family offices of Indian billionaires at a hiring spree, CIOs most coveted, along with analysts and legal experts Franklin Templeton Asset Management India Pvt. will introduce its first India debt fund after it wound up 252.15 billion rupees ($3 billion) of such plans more than four years ago. Franklin is returning to Indias debt market with a fund offer for the first time since April 2020 (Bloomberg) The new fund offer of Franklin India Ultra Short Duration Fund will open on Aug. 19 and close on Aug. 28, the asset manager said in a release Friday. It will be managed by Rahul Goswami, chief investment officer and managing director for India fixed income at Franklin Templeton, and portfolio manager Pallab Roy. Also Read: India has ten crore registered stock market investors, growth from nine to ten crore happened in five months: NSE Franklin is returning to Indias debt market with a fund offer for the first time since April 2020, when it surprisingly shut six funds, making it the biggest-ever forced closure in the country. The move came after a prolonged shadow banking crisis in the nation and pandemic restrictions made it difficult for the asset manager to sell its investments, especially in lower-rated company notes. The launch comes amid a strengthening in Indias credit markets, with banks bad loan ratios narrowing to multi-year lows. Also Read: Burger King lawsuit against Pune eatery and their counterclaim dismissed by district court The open-ended fund, with relatively low interest-rate risk and moderate credit risk, will invest in corporate bonds, certificates of deposit, commercial papers, treasury bills and government securities, it said. Weighted average maturity before the investor gets money will be between three and six months. The fund is aimed for investors who have a one to six month investment horizon, according to Franklin. It aims to deliver a combination of income and capital growth for conservative fixed income investors, Goswami said in the release. Also Read: Nearly 12% of Indian spices failed FSSAI quality and safety standards, international countries tighten controls: Report A group of miscreants allegedly opened fire targeting a college student and his friends near municipal corporation Zone D office in Sarabha Nagar on Sunday night, officials said. Father of the college student showing the bullet marks on the car and yielding details about the murderous attack on his son in Ludhiana on Monday. (HT Photo) They added that as one of the victims, Garry Bhardwaj of Sarabha Nagar, was an eyewitness in an earlier firing case, the accused fired the shots with intent to kill over the rivalry. However, the victims escaped unhurt, and two bullets struck the BMW car they were travelling in. 23-year-old Bhardwaj was accompanied by Karan alias Yuvi and Sahil Dhawan. After firing at the victims, the accused escaped in their Maruti Suzuki Brezza car. On being informed, the Sarabha Nagar police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. A first-information report (FIR) was registered against Aryan of Salem Tabri, Deepa Purewal of Bahadur Ke village and their three unidentified accomplices after a complaint by Bhardwaj. Bhardwaj said the three friends went to an eatery in Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar for dinner. He added that when they were going towards Model Town, the accused intercepted their way near the MC office. Bhardwaj added that accused Aryan was driving the Brezza car. He said that before he could react, Deepa, who was sitting in the front seat, discharged his weapon at him. He sped up the vehicle as the bullets hit cars chassis. He alleged that the accused chased then and fired three more bullets which missed. He alleged that in October 2023, one of his friends, Mudit Sood, had a scuffle with the accused over entry passes of an event at a restaurant on South City road. He said the accused had opened fire and his friend Mudit and one Abhijit Mand were injured. The police had registered an FIR against the accused following a complaint by Sood. As I was one of the witnesses in the case, the accused tried to target me, he added. Assistant commissioner of police (ACP Civil Lines) Jatin Bansal said that a case under sections 109 (attempt to murder), 191 (3) (rioting, armed with deadly weapons), 190 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) and125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Arms Act was registered against the accused. A hunt is on to arrest them, he added. After the Narcotics Crime Bureau (NCB) managed to get sanctions from the Union home ministry to detain three drug smugglers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act and sent them to Dibrugarh jail in Assam, the Punjab Police is also planning to take the same route. Punjab Police plans to take preventive custody of repeat drug smugglers. (HT file) The PIT-NDPS Act 1988, provides for the preventive detention of repeat offenders. Section 3 of the Act empowers the government to detain people engaging in illicit trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances, while section 9 provides for the constitution of an advisory board for looking into grievances of those being taken into custody. Punjab Polices much-hyped plans to take preventive custody of repeat drug smugglers and their conduits hit a roadblock after the Punjab home department refused to give permission. As per a senior Punjab Police official at least 70 proposals are pending with the state home department. Out of these around 30 were sent four months ago. NCB had also sent these proposals to the Punjab home department as well eight months ago. However, after necessary sanctions were not given by the state home department, the agency sent the same proposals to the Union home ministry following which a joint secretary rank officer gave the sanctions, said a senior NCB official, who didnt wish to be named. NCB officials said that under section 3 of the PIT-NDPS, the power to order the detention of certain persons is with the central government or state government, or any officer of the central government, not below the rank of a joint secretary. Now, the Punjab Police is also contemplating following the NCBs footsteps and sending proposals to the MHA after discussing the issue with the government. As more than 70 proposals of preventive custody under PIT-NDPS are pending with the state home department which was not giving the desired sanctions even after clearing all objections, we have decided to approach MHA. We are discussing the issue at the government level before finally moving before the MHA, a senior Punjab Police functionary said, pleading anonymity. The state government by chief minister Bhagwant Mann had given a go-ahead to implement the PIT-NDPS on January 24 last year after a strong perusal of the case by the Punjab director general of police. A senior officer behind preparing the proposals said that the home department is apprehensive about getting into a legal tangle over the issue and is thus dragging its feet in giving the desired sanctions. However, in the Act, it is clear that whosoever gives permission is not liable for any legal scrutiny. The entire onus is on the board constituted by the government. The board can uphold or cancel the orders of the custody, the official said. In keeping with the provisions, the Punjab Government had earlier last year reconstituted a three-member advisory committee headed by Justice Shabihul Hasnain (retd) with advocates Suveer Sheokand and Divanshu Jain as its members. The NCB on August 17 detained two drug smugglers, Akshay Chhabra and Jaspal Singh, alias Goldy lodged in Bathinda jail under the PIT-NDPS Act and sent them to Dibrugarh Jail. Earlier, on August 13, PIT-NDPS Act was invoked for the first time in Punjab with notorious drug smuggler Balwinder Singh, alias Billa Sarpanch, alias Billa Havellian was taken into preventive custody and sent to Dibrugarh. New Delhi, A seven-year-old boy went missing in northwest Delhi's Ashok Vihar and his body was found hours later in a drain, with his mother alleging on Monday he lost his life because the drain was open and he would go there to relieve himself as the area lacks proper toilet facility. HT Image Police said Prince was playing near his house on Sunday afternoon when he went missing. They said on Monday that they have registered an FIR under sections of negligence. Prince's family alleged they lost their son as the drain remain opened. They also said that their son would often relieve himself near the drain as there was no proper toilet in their locality. The family filed a missing persons complaint on Sunday and a search was conducted, Deputy Commissioner of Police Jitendra Meena said. While the search was on, someone informed the police that Prince was seen playing near a drain which was not covered. The body was recovered from the drain Sunday evening, Meena said, adding the body has been handed over to his family after portmortem and an FIR has been registered at the Wazirpur Police station against unnamed persons under sections related to negligence. Prince is survived by his parents, who are labourers, and a younger brother. They live at the JJ cluster of A Block in Wazirpur Industrial area. Prince was a class two student of a government school. The family members have blamed the civic authorities for the death of their son. His mother told the media on Monday that she lost him because the drain was open. She said her son would often go to relieve himself near the drain as there was no proper toilet facility in their locality. Police said it was a five-feet-deep drain and they had to take the help of divers to retrieve the body. The police are also probing if the boy was pushed into the drain by someone or he fell accidently, officials said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. The Delhi government anti-corruption branch (ACB) has sent notices to the state drug controls department and customs department, asking them to share records of the 85 export deliveries that a 54-year-old goods and services tax (GST) officer arrested on August 12 on charges of forging invoices allegedly certified in the 2021-22 fiscal. During investigation, ACB officials found records of 85 export deliveries made by the accused. (Representational image) The development comes days after GST officer Babita Sharma and six others were arrested for allegedly forging invoices worth 718 crore for a gain to the tune of 54 crore in the trade and taxes department of the Delhi government. According to ACB officials, the accused forged purchase bills of medicines and managed to get clearances from both the drugs controls department and customs officials to get GST refunds from the trade and taxes department. During investigation, ACB officials found records of 85 export deliveries made by the accused. Joint commissioner Madhur Verma, the ACB chief, said Sharma was sanctioning bogus refunds to her associates Raj Singh Saini, Narendra Kumar Saini, and Mukesh Saini. The three ran over 96 bogus firms dealing in the export of medicines and medical equipment. They managed to get more than 54 crores in refunds in a year. All the documents had Sharmas approval, Verma said. Investigators revealed that the accused posed as owners of medicine and medical equipment firms, and allegedly forged huge purchase bills by showing that they export medicines to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and other countries. In a few cases, ACB officials said, the accused would change the amount from thousands to lakhs in purchase bills, which they would then procure from factories around Delhi-NCR. The accused also allegedly used the help of transporters to produce forged e-way bills and receipts. Police last week had arrested two transporters involved in the case. The three Sainis managed to get clearances from the drugs control department without actually sending a medicine abroad. They produced forged purchase bills which the department cleared. We also called the owners of these medicine brands who revealed all invoices were fake, an investigator said, on condition of anonymity. Manoj Goyal, the proprietor of a few other bogus firms, was also separately arrested. After clearance from the drugs and control department, the Sainis then approached customs to get documents for the deliveries. We do not know how, but they managed to get approvals from there as well. We have sent both the departments notices, the investigator said. To get GST refunds, ACB officials said the export company must have a bank realisation certificate (a document showing the delivery has been made and the amount has been credited into the sellers account). Police said the accused didnt have a single BRC with them. A second investigator said customs officials also check BRC and hence they have been asked how the forged papers were approved. The trade and tax department gave us records showing the accused made 85 deliveries in a year. We approached the drug control department who could only provide us with documents of 31 deliveries. They said they dont have a few old records. We are checking what we can do, the second official said. The trade and taxes department said they found that more than 500 non-existent firms that are involved in a similar medicine export business have claimed GST refunds in crores over the last three years. Police said the firms had no offices, dealers, or even Aadhaar verification, but were still allowed to operate by the department and claim refunds. Sharma and her associates are involved in many of these firms. The Sainis alone own 96 of these firms. We have identified at least 500 such companies which have been receiving these funds in crores. It is practically very difficult to find out the actual chain of sale and procurement of all the firms since collusion of officers from multiple departments is involved, said a senior officer in the GST department. HT reached out to the Delhi government and the customs department, but did not receive a response to queries at the time of going to print. The 15-year-old boy, who was stabbed by his classmate after a dispute over homework on Friday in Rajasthans Udaipur, died on Monday during treatment, officials familiar with the matter said. Security personnel deployed in Udaipur on Sunday to maintain law and order after a student stabbed another boy at a government school on Friday. (PTI) The issue had snowballed into a communal conflagration between Hindus and Muslims of the city. Rajasthan home minister Jawahar Singh Bedham said, The minor passed away despite all our efforts. Its a tragic incident on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. We have tried the best possible ways to cure him. My condolences to the family of the victim. The government will ensure stringent action against the accused, while we will also support the victims family by all means. Dr. R. L. Suman, superintendent of MB Hospital said, The minor collapsed on Tuesday when his health suddenly deteriorated on Monday afternoon. The body has been sent for an autopsy in the mortuary of the hospital. On Friday, the two minors had an argument over homework, police officers said. They had been at loggerheads in the previous days as the accused asked for a homework copy, but the victim shared it with someone else. On Friday, when the two engaged in a heated argument, the accused stabbed the victim, leading to serious injury in his abdomen, Udaipur superintendent of police Yogesh Goyal said. The victim was rushed to the local Maharana Bhopal Government Hospital and later two special medical teams from Jaipur and Kota were also appointed to treat him on Saturday. A case under sections 109, 115, and 126 of the BNS has been filed against the accused. The minor accused and his father have been detained, Goyal said, adding that the father was being interrogated over his son having carried a dagger to school. The incident also led to communal clashes in the district. A mob took to the streets, torched several cars and pelted stones prompting the administration to impose prohibitory orders and suspend internet, said Goyal. Following the clashes, police filed two cases against unidentified people and detained 15 to 20 people by Sunday. On Sunday, the family of the victim also staged a protest, saying they were not allowed to meet the victim at the hospital, an allegation that was dismissed by police. They have killed my son. Now, the administration is not allowing us to meet him, the victims mother alleged, as she led a rally of a group of 30 to 40 women from Mukherjee Nagar Chowk, an area largely occupied by Muslims. Raising slogans, the protesters arrived at Maharana Bhupal (MB) Hospital, where the boy is undergoing treatment, and demanded that his family be allowed to meet him. As district collector Arvind Poswal arrived at the spot, an argument broke out between the two sides after the protesters alleged the victim had succumbed to injuries and the family was being kept in the dark. There was some confusion that the family does not have any information about their child. They were given a brief on all the developments. The child is stable and teams of doctors from Kota and Jaipur are monitoring him, Poswal said on Sunday during the protest. The family held the protest on the basis of rumours. We urge everyone to stay away and cooperate with the police to help them restore peace in the area, he added. The family members of the victim have refused to accept the body demanding capital punishment for the accused. A negotiation between the family and the administration is currently underway at the emergency unit of the MB Hospital. Meanwhile, in view of a further clash, the police also deployed an additional force across the hospital area, said officials familiar with the matter. The district administration had also imposed section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita -BNS (formerly section 144 of the Indian Penal Code -IPC) since Friday while the internet connection also remained suspended on Monday. On Saturday, the Udaipur administration demolished the rented house of the accused boy, alleging it was illegally built on government land and that the measure was needed to send a message to the criminals. The owner of the house, Rashid Khan, was sent a notice mere hours before the demolition. I had no role in this case. After the incident, I told the family to vacate the house, Khan said. Jaipur, A woman resident doctor at Sawai Man Singh Medical College here has accused a male colleague of threatening to "do worse" to her while expressing apprehension that he could be implying "anything from rape to murder", police said on Monday. HT Image The woman made the accusation on a WhatsApp group of the Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors on Sunday evening, a screenshot of which was forwarded to Dr Deepak Maheshwari, the principal of the medical college, following which police were informed. SHO of the SMS College Police Station Sudheer Upadhyay said, "The matter came to light after the woman sent a message to an internal WhatsApp group of the resident doctors levelling allegations against the male doctor. "After getting a screenshot of that message, the principal of the college reported the matter to the police last night," Upadhyay said "We contacted her but she has refused to register a case. The female doctor is currently staying with her family and is safe," the police official said. According to sources, the female resident doctor has refused to lodge an FIR, saying it was for the college administration to take action against the accused. In the message sent to the WhatsApp group naming the male resident doctor, the woman said that she did not feel safe at the workplace. She alleged that the accused "is a horrific womaniser of SMS medical college who sees women as objects... with which he can satisfy his senses." "He has threatened me that he will do worse to me, he has enough political power to do so. So you people tell me should I wait till he does the worst thing to me? It can be anything from rape to murder or anything which according to his mind is worse," the woman resident doctor alleged in the WhatsApp message. Terming the accused "as criminal as rapist", the woman doctor demanded immediate action against him. "I don't want myself or any other girl to be the next Abhaya or Nirbhaya," she said while urging other female resident doctors who might be feeling unsafe because of their colleagues to come forward and speak up. Abhaya is the name given by many to the woman postgraduate trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at a state-run medical college and hospital in Kolkata while on duty. The incident has sparked widespread protests across the country with doctors demanding a Central law ensuring the safety of medical professionals at their workplace. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Thane: Security guards at the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) headquarters were startled when a man holding a sheep entered the premises in the last week of July. They shouted at him, asking him to stop, but he didnt, and the frightened sheep bolted from his lap, setting off a chase. Eventually, when the guards caught up with the man and the animal, they demanded an explanation for their presence. Stray dogs at Ghodbunder Road in Thane (HT PHOTO) Manoj Waghmare, the man, said he was a rickshaw driver and he had brought his injured sheep to the corporation headquarters to seek treatment, as he had been frustrated by the unresponsive KDMC helpline and closure of the animal clinic at Bailpada, barely 500 metres away from the KDMC office. My sheep had suffered injuries on her back and had a stomachache. But I was treating her at home because there are no veterinary hospitals in Kalyan or Thane city. There is a private veterinary clinic in Thane, but it charges anywhere between 600 and 1,200, which is unaffordable, Waghmare told HT. Though government guidelines mandate veterinary clinics within corporation premises, there are hardly any services for animals here. PAWS and other animal welfare organisations have held several meetings with district authorities but no designated veterinary facility has been established till date, said Nilesh Bhange, senior member, PAWS. This forces animal owners/ lovers to run around in search of a hospital or cough up large sums to save animals. Provisions flouted The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Establishment and Regulation of Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Rules 2001 mandate that every district must have a Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which must establish animal infirmaries/ shelters within its jurisdiction. Every infirmary or animal shelter must have a full-time veterinary doctor, an administrator and other staff. But though Thane district has a society, it does not have a single veterinary hospital, and only KDMC has a full-time veterinary doctor on its rolls. Moreover, non-government organisations (NGOs) roped in by municipal corporations to provide veterinary services are wholly focussed on sterlisation activities, which had taken a backseat during the pandemic. So, animal owners and animal lovers have no option but to travel to the veterinary hospital in Parel under the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which places a huge financial burden on them in the form of travel expenses. Lack of animal census also adds to the problem, said activists, since an accurate assessment of the need for healthcare facilities cannot be made without an animal count. The last animal census by the Thane, Kalyan and Bhiwandi-Nizampur municipal corporations was conducted in 2012, they said. Kalyan, Thane: No clinics Although KDMC appointed a veterinary doctor two months ago, it does not have a veterinary clinic within its premises. This leads to much distress, especially during the monsoon when animals suffer due to various ailments and mishaps. Waghmare, for instance, recounted an incident from July this year when a dog fell into a pit near his residence in Kalyan. Although it was very muddy and raining heavily, animal lovers and climbers managed to get the dog out using ropes. But the bigger problem was finding treatment after the injured dog was refused admission at a private clinic in Kalyan, he said. So, I booked an ambulance for 2,000 and transported him to the Parel veterinary hospital. The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) too does not have a clinic or hospital equipped for veterinary surgeries on its premises despite the growing population of pets and street animals in its jurisdiction. An officer from corporation said TMCs current focus is on resuming animal sterilisation, which was halted during the pandemic. Authorities are actively searching for a suitable location to establish a clinic for sterilisation, but no final decisions have been made thus far, the officer said on condition of anonymity. Sushank Tomar, managing director of the Thane-based non-profit Citizens for Animal Protection said the absence of hospitals creates problems for law enforcement agencies as well. In legal cases involving animals, such as the one in which a female dog was allegedly assaulted and raped by a building watchman in Thanes Vartaknagar area, there is a critical lack of facilities for medical treatment or postmortem examinations, exacerbating the challenges faced by animal caregivers and law enforcement alike, he said. The helpline run by his organisation receives over 27,000 calls every year requesting aid for injured animals, both small and large, he added. Bhiwandi: No vet Forget a clinic, the Bhiwandi-Nijampur Municipal Corporation does not even have a veterinary doctor for over five years. Sterilisation activities too have not resumed since the pandemic even though conflicts between humans and dogs have escalated significantly. Last month, for example, after three dogs bit more than 60 people including children, locals attacked a dog, which died of its injuries. Ajay Vaidya, the municipal commissioner, said, Despite calling for tenders for setting up a sterlisation clinic, we have not got any response so far. We are also trying our best to appoint a veterinary doctor. Meanwhile, police in Neral have come across multiple cases of residents from Kalyan, Ambernath and Badlapur dumping street dogs from their areas in Raigad district. The boundary of Neral police station adjoins Badlapur, which falls under Thane district, explained inspector Shivaji Dhavle, posted at Neral police station. Both local animal advocates and our officials have observed instances wherein people from Kalyan and Thane districts transport animals in vehicles and abandon them here. This is a serious concern, and we are preparing to communicate with the relevant authorities, he said. The primary issue lies in the non-functioning of the State Animal Welfare Board, which is responsible for overseeing the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said Tomar from PAWS. Bhange said prevailing challenges in sterilisation and clinical treatment underscore the urgent need for systemic improvements in animal welfare infrastructure across Maharashtra. Until comprehensive veterinary services are established locally, NGOs and concerned citizens will continue to face obstacles in providing timely and essential care to the regions animals in need, he said. Hospital coming soon Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde said a veterinary hospital for all types of animals will be established near Shilphata at a cost of 100 crore. I have requested a detailed plan within eight days for this ambitious project, which will cover animal treatment including surgeries, rescue, and rehabilitation, said Shinde. In a decision that would have far-reaching consequences, the Patna High Court on Monday dismissed a writ petition of a former in-charge headmaster of a residential school, challenging his departmental punishment. Patna High Court also clarified that it did not ordinarily substitute its opinion in such matters under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution. (Representative image) Maintaining that it only examined the decision-making process and not the decision itself, Justice Anjani Kumar Sharan, whose judgment was uploaded on Monday, asserted that the nature of the punishment which can be imposed on an employee is absolutely a prerogative of the appointing authority. Also read: TSPSC Group 1 Services Mains Exam 2024 schedule released at tspsc.gov.in, check complete timetable here The court further clarified that it did not ordinarily substitute its opinion in such matters under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution. The petition was filed by Kumar Sunil Sinha, the former in-charge headmaster of Arwal Ambedkar Residential Girls High School, who was subjected to compulsory retirement as a disciplinary measure. Petitioners counsel, Mahasweta Chatterjee, argued that the punishment was excessively harsh and should be set aside. She contended that several witnesses had testified in favour of the petitioner, suggesting that he had been falsely implicated in a vigilance case. Also read: Tamil Nadu NEET UG Counselling 2024: Round 1 provisional rank list released at tnmedicalselection.net, check here However, state counsel Prashant Pratap opposed the petition, asserting that the charges against Sinha were serious, as he was caught red-handed by the vigilance department team while accepting a bribe on March 31, 2016. Pratap argued that there was sufficient evidence against the petitioner and that the departmental proceedings followed the principle of preponderance of evidence. Also read: Maharashtra NEET UG counselling 2024 underway at cetcell.mahacet.org, apply before August 23, direct link here There were no procedural irregularities in the decision-making process, and therefore, the punishment order did not warrant interference under Article 226, he added. While dismissing the petition, the court upheld the departmental action, reinforcing the principle that judicial review under Article 226 was limited to assessing the fairness of the decision-making process rather than the merits of the decision itself. Arjun Kapoor recently shared a heartfelt message on Raksha Bandhan. The actor spoke about the current situation in India amid nationwide protests against the Kolkata medical college trainee doctor's rape-murder. Arjun emphasised the need for creating a safer environment for women rather than simply providing them protection. (Also read: Priyanka Chopra, Hrithik Roshan, Suhana Khan, Kriti Sanon demand justice, stand with Kolkata doctor's family) Arjun Kapoor spoke about creating a safer environment for women. Arjun Kapoor calls for safer environment for women The Singham Again actor said, So I'm about to go and celebrate Raksha Bandhan with my sisters. It feels really strange to celebrate a festival with what's happening, which has to do with protecting each other, protecting your sisters, being there for the women in your life, for the women that you love and care for, while we see so much anguish and the lack of understanding and education amongst a lot of men. When we celebrate rakhi, we speak about being a brother. Why aren't we taught how to make the environment safe enough for all our sisters to roam around without needing a brother? All the time to protect and take care physically to be around. Yes, I know the visual is something we got used tothat the brother is protective or the man is protectivebut I think somewhere we need to teach other men that they need to make women feel safe rather than teach men to protect women. Arjun Kapoor highlights on change in society's mindset He also pointed out, It's a much bigger conversation. I think there's a lot of education. There's a lot of conversation, and there's a lot of basic understanding that is lacking in our ecosystem. I don't know how much this will change how people think, but it's definitely something that's been on my mind. Why have you always told to protect? Why aren't we told to make them feel safe? It's something I've been thinking about. It's been going on in my mind for a long time. Yeah, sometimes you feel it's not overly discussing because people don't get it, but I just thought I put it in the universe. Arjun said that it is not enough for brothers to simply protect their sisters; instead, they should actively contribute to building a secure and supportive environment for women. He underscored the urgent need for a shift in men's attitudes and beliefs about the women in their lives. He emphasised that men can make a huge difference and empower women by making them feel safe. Arjun Kapoor's upcoming projects Arjun will next be seen as an antagonist in Ajay Devgn's Singham Again. He will also be a part of the sequel to No Entry, which is produced by Boney Kapoor. Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh will also play crucial roles in the under-production comedy-drama. French movie star Alain Delon, who died Sunday aged 88, said that in Japan he was like a deity. It wasn't an exaggeration, local fans told AFP on Monday. Alain Delon: a 'god' in Japan "In Japan I am a kind of a god," Delon told Figaro Magazine in 1986 on one of his many visits to Japan, when women fainted and crowds chased his limousine. "People get real pleasure from touching me, caressing my hand, kissing my fingers," he told the magazine, reporting on fans showering him with gifts from red roses to statuettes. Delon's breakthrough role in Japan was "Purple Noon" as the handsome, homicidal anti-hero for the original screen version of Patricia Highsmith's thriller "The Talented Mr Ripley". Delon played an "ambitious roughneck who loved money, women, and was ready for anything," said Sahoko Hata, a film critic who worked in the Japanese movie industry at the time. "This thirst symbolised that of Japanese youth at the time," Hata told AFP. Delon made the first of many visits to Japan in 1963 to promote his films, but also increasingly to appear in television variety shows and at society events. His TV appearances frequently broke audience records and up until the mid-1970s he regularly topped rankings of the Japan's most popular celebrities. "My friends in their 70s and 80s are still all madly in love with him. Even at 88, he looked great," Delon fan Seta, 74, told AFP on Monday. "I used to think to myself: 'How is it possible for such an attractive person to exist in this world?'," the pensioner said in Tokyo. "He was handsome, elegant and slightly mysterious," she said. For Kaoru Fujita, a woman in her late 50s shopping in Tokyo with her daughter, Delon's name was "synonymous with 'the handsome man'." "If I have to think of someone to compare him with, I would say George Clooney or Brad Pitt," she told AFP. "But I don't think there is anyone who is as so classically handsome as he was. As an actor he was one of a kind." Delon gradually transformed himself into a sort of ambassador of French chic, becoming the face of Japanese fashion brand D'Urban and appearing in adverts for Mazda cars. The "Alain Delon" brand was launched in 1978, mainly aimed at Japan and other Asian countries, selling accessories from watches and socks to cigarettes. In the 1980s and 1990s, a Japanese tour operator even offered organised trips to Europe that featured a banquet in Paris in the presence of Delon himself. Extra paid options included having the honour of presenting Delon with a bouquet or having a souvenir photo taken with him. Delon had a "dark, sad, mysterious, ambitious side, but also a bit of a loser", Yoshi Yatabe, a former programmer of the Tokyo International Film Festival, told AFP in 2022. "This dark side really appealed to Japanese viewers who tend to like losers. In kabuki theatre, for example, the audience sympathises with the weakest," he said. "France and Europe were a very far away place for me, so I would always wonder where he came from," remembered pensioner Mikiko Tsuburaya, 71. "I was still a child, not a grown up yet . I would look at him as someone living in another world," the pensioner said. etb-oh-stu/fox This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. By Sarah Mills Russian musician Manizha defies ban to sing for peace LONDON, - Manizha, the last musician to represent Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest but unable, she says, to perform live in her adoptive country, has released a defiant anti-war track. "Gun", a reworking of a track she wrote a decade earlier, was released late last month as a single. It will also be part of Extended Play "Hope" for release on Sept. 4. "The main idea is to create something that will be about peace in Ukraine. Peace in Russia. Peace in Israel. Peace in Palestine," she told Reuters in a Zoom interview from Moscow. Born in Tajikistan, Manizha, whose full name is Manizha Sangin, fled the civil war there in the 1990s, and was initially welcomed in Russia. But after she made public her opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022, and also campaigned for LGBTQ rights, she said she is banned from performance in the country, which in turn can no longer take part in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her Russian identity also makes international performance difficult. "I'm cancelled in my country and I'm cancelled in the world," She said, saying her thoughts on this are explored in her track "Standing Between Two Walls," which is also on the upcoming EP. Ultimately, she believes there is hope. "Every war is having an end because I experienced that in my homeland in Tajikistan. So it's just a very, very dark part of our time," she said. She also says she still loves Russia and has been helping displaced people following Ukraine's surprise attack on Russia's Kursk region. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. A picture is worth a thousand words. Now multiply this to the tune of the average 24-frames-per-second and what you have for yourself is an endless realm of visions. The digital era has often been criticised for feeling isolative and blurring authenticity. But cutting-edge technology, which appears to be evolving mile a minute, has collapsed borders, uniting communities based on their unique passions and perspectives. The visual medium, be it photography, videography or art, has greatly benefited from this evolution. Today, in honour of World Photography Day, we will be shining the spotlight on the booming creative potential of mobile filmmaking. The mobile filmmaking revolution is here to stay(Photo: Sparks Film School - For representation purpose only) World Photography Day is celebrated on August 19(Photo: Freepik - For representation purpose only) Why the smartphone filming revolution is important The big leagues are well-guarded and gate-kept and this possibly couldn't be any truer when it comes to the world of cinema. If you thought making it big as an actor was tough, you haven't even begun to unfurl the struggles of aspiring filmmakers. While success isn't assured in any field, what the booming mobile filmmaking revolution aims to seek, is give artists a gear formidable enough to weave their own story, minus the politics and red-tapism involved in breaking into the scene. Choosing to shot your film on your smartphone will allow you greater creative reign over the final product(Photo: Freepik - For representation purpose only) Any and every content produced today, is inherently global by nature and mobile filmmaking allows you to have complete creative reign over your final product. Very pressing issues like budget and networking can wholeheartedly take a backseat as you commit yourself to achieving your vision. The celluloid no longer refers to just movie theatres. In an increasingly global atmosphere, avid audience are always on the look out for authentic narratives and storytelling. With there being multiple communities to spread the word and encourage one on their journey, there simply exists no excuse to not get filming right away. What's more, this won't be a fruitless pursuit. Film festival circuits, such as the International Mobile Film Festival, was launched back in 2009 and will be completing 14 glorious years of celebrating mobile films from the world over, next April. Can you try your hand at this? There is no parallel to match the experience you will gain when you actually begin filming on your own accord. That being said, the internet is teeming with advice and pointers to consider if you're an absolute novice when it comes to practical experience. Basics to keep in mind is having a fully charged phone and ample storage space so that you can toy around with as much footage as possible. Break down your final product into a series of shots on a vision board and target them one by one. If you aren't sure of your hand being rock-steady, invest in a tripod which will serve you well if you chose to continue on this path. The internet is teeming with communities that will help you decode how to kickstart your mobile filmmaking journey(Photo: Freepik - For representation purpose only) Additional tips suggested by Screen Skills include keeping your phone on airplane mode so that no notifications may interrupt your audio, avoiding zooming in on the screen and simply taking the smartphone closer to your subject to be extra mindful of the audio and positioning your microphone as close to the source sound as possible. Additional hacks to maximise your smartphone camera's ability to aid your quest for creativity, will differ from model to model but must be looked into. Inspiring specimens to binge on for inspiration There is no dearth of great specimens that will leave you brimming with inspiration when it comes to the shining gems of smartphone-shot films. Aryan Kaganof's SMS Sugar Man (2008), clocking in at an hour and twenty-one minutes, was among the earliest examples of this. The film was shot entirely on a Sony Ericsson W900i, as per IMDb. Jay Alvarez's I Play with the Phrase Each Other (2013), with a nearly two-hour long runtime, was the first film to be "composed entirely of cell phone calls" as per the same IMDb listicle. Sean Baker's 2015 film Tangerine, Steven Soderbergh's 2018 film Unsane and Hassan Fazili's Midnight Traveler (2019) are some of the highest-rated, wildly popular indie circuit films, shot entirely on smartphones. More binge-worthy titles in the category include Ricky Foshiem's Uneasy Lies the Mind (2014), Matthew A Cherry's Rides (2016), Stefen Harris' Blue Moon (2018), Unsane-fame Soderbergh's High Flying Bird (2019) and Claude Lelouche's The Best Years of a Life (2019). Kurt Ela's Char Man (2019) deserves a special mention here owing to the fact that it was shot on an iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy 8 and an iPad. Start with photography As thrilling as the world of amateur filmmaking sounds, not all of us here have even dabbled with the idea of making our own motion picture. That being said, we've all taken pictures at some point or the other. You may not be the best at it but at the end of the day everybody has a vision. Even if you wouldn't really label yourself as 'creative', everyone has a mental image of what a perfect picture looks like, never mind the subject. In the same breath, the average smartphone is more than well equipped to help you bring your version of a perfect picture to life. Most smartphone cameras will equip you with the basics like flash, aperture, HDR, portrait mode, depth sensor and optical image stabilisation to name a few features. These are more than enough to get you started on what could be an entirely new journey of creative discovery. You don't really need a DSLR to hone your photography skills(Photo: The School of Photography - For representation purpose only) You don't really then, need to own a DSLR or be a renowned photographer to celebrate World Photography Day. Get clicking! Four children died and 24 others hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning at an orphanage run by a minority organisation at Kailasapatnam village of Kotauratla block in Andhra Pradeshs Anakapalli district on Monday morning, officials said. The incident happened at the hostel of the orphanage run by Aradhana Trust in Andhra Pradeshs Anakapalli district. (Representational image) The deceased children have been identified as Jashuva, Bhavani, Nitya and Shradha, all in the age group of 8-9 years. While seven children are undergoing treatment at Narsipatnam area hospital, another 17 children were admitted to the government hospital at Anakapalli. Four of them are being shifted to King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam for better treatment, Anakapalli district collector Vijaya Krishnan told reporters. The incident happened at the hostel of the orphanage run by Aradhana Trust, a minority institution, where around 86 children, most of them being orphans and others with single parents, are staying. Narsipatnam revenue divisional officer H Jayaram said these children were served biryani, samosa and chocolates on Saturday night after a prayer meeting. Some of them had apparently eaten stale biryani on Sunday morning as well. This is believed to have caused food poisoning. On Sunday evening, many students complained of vomiting and uneasiness. They were shifted to hospitals in Anakapalle and Narsipatnam, where three of them died in the morning, Jayaram said. The fourth girl, whose condition was critical, died while being shifted to KG Hospital in Visakhapatnam. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and directed the district collector to see that the children undergoing treatment at various hospitals be provided with better treatment. He also asked the collector to submit a detailed report on the cause of the tragedy. State home minister Vangalapudi said the government has instructed police and medical and health department officials to conduct a comprehensive probe to ascertain the exact reasons behind the incident. YSR Congress party president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep sorrow and urged the authorities to provide the best medical facilities to the students currently receiving treatment and called for immediate support for the families of the deceased students. He strongly criticised the negligence of the government, stating that this tragedy was a clear example of poor supervision and such incidents highlight the gaps in the existing monitoring systems. Jagan asked the government to focus on improving the system and taking steps to prevent such incidents from happening again. Srinagar, More than a dozen Mountain Rescue Teams assisted thousands of pilgrims during this year's Amarnath pilgrimage in the south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said on Monday, as the annual yatra concluded with more than 5.10 lakh pilgrims offering prayers at the cave shrine. Amarnath Yatra concludes, devotees laud MRTs for making pilgrimage memorable The Mountain Rescue Teams comprising personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, State Disaster Response Force , National Disaster Response Force , and the Central Reserve Police Force was flagged off by Additional Director General of Police Vijay Kumar and deployed on the twin tracks leading to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine nearly a week before the start of the 52-day pilgrimage on June 29. While eight MRTs manned the critical spots on 48-kilometre traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district, five were positioned along the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district. "After two back-to-back recce of the twin routes, all 13 MRTs were stationed at the identified spots by June 24 and helped rescue more than 1,300 pilgrims in dire need, besides providing oxygen to 20,000 others during the yatra," Inspector Ram Singh, the MRT in-charge, told PTI. Singh created history by becoming the first personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police to scale the world's highest peak Mount Everest in May 2008. He said the teams also helped a large number of local service providers and the security personnel who suffered from altitude sickness, braving life-threatening challenges in the snowbound, high-altitude tracks. He said the MRTs also distributed over 20,000 raincoats free of cost among the pilgrims. More than 5.10 lakh pilgrims from across the country and abroad visited the cave shrine, housing a naturally formed ice lingam, during the yatra, which concluded with Chhari Mubarak the silver-robed mace of Lord Shiva reaching the cave shrine on Monday afternoon on the occasion of Shravan Purnima, coinciding with festival of Raksha Bandhan. Singh, who is scheduled to get back to the base camp in Srinagar after the return of the Chhari Mubarak from the cave in the next few days, said each MRT team operated in its area of responsibility, covering the entire yatra track, including Sheshnag, Mahagunas Top, Poshpatri, Dardkote, Sangam Top, Brarimarg and Railpathri. Each member of the team had an individual kit with gaiters, overmitts and equipped with mountain rescue equipment such as carabiners, jumars, descending rappels, avalanche rods, helmets, oxygen cylinder and first-aid kit, besides communication tools, he said. An SDRF spokesperson said the MRTs played an invaluable role during the yatra, describing it as a journey of faith and one that tested both physical endurance and spiritual resolve. "This year, the efforts of the SDRF and other MRTs were instrumental in ensuring the safety of the yatris, leading to minimum casualties and widespread appreciation. The SDRF was strategically deployed along the yatra route," he said. The spokesperson said their presence ensured that help was always within reach for pilgrims in need. Whether it was altitude sickness, dehydration or injuries from falls, the teams were equipped to handle it all. "The dedication of the MRTs was evident from their willingness to manually carry unconscious or severely ill pilgrims on their backs or stretchers, navigating the steep and rocky paths with great care. The proactive measures resulted in a significant reduction in the number of serious incidents and fatalities this year," he said. He said their constant vigil and readiness played a key role in maintaining the safety of the pilgrims. A video shared by the SDRF showed the pilgrims acknowledging the crucial role of the MRTs and expressing gratitude to the rescuers in making their yatra a memorable one. "They were very helpful. Special thanks to them for their help, otherwise it was not possible for me ," a woman pilgrim said, lauding the MRTs. Another yatri said there was no tension when the SDRF teams were around. "For us, they are a form of our Lord." The spokesperson said the exemplary work of the MRTs had not gone unnoticed, highlighting that their presence not only provided physical assistance but also a sense of security and reassurance to the yatris. "Their efforts have been widely recognised and appreciated, not just by the pilgrims but also the broader community and the authorities. The SDRF and other MRTs have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the pilgrims," he said. He said their tireless efforts, advanced training and seamless coordination ensured that the yatra was one of the safest in recent memory with minimal casualties. The spokesperson said it was the SDRF's first battalion control room and joint police control in Pahalgam that played a key role in effective coordination. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday chaired a meeting of his top generals to outline the armys strategy and priorities during the Amrit Kaal (the period leading to Indias independence centenary) and align the forces goals with the governments vision of making India a developed country and a significant global player by 2047. Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi. (Arvind Yadav/ Hindustan Times) The forum provided an opportunity for the Indian Armys top brass to brainstorm on strategic issues and set the direction for the armys transformation over the next two decades, the army said in a statement. Also read: Army officer killed in Doda gunbattle The discussions, which will continue Tuesday, saw the army brass outline a variety of broad goals to be pursued over the next decade, including theaterisation, reorganisation of the army and its seven command headquarters, and the crucial realignment of command, corps and area headquarters boundaries. The meeting came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 78th Independence Day celebrations from the Red Fort, with the theme of this years function being Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The theme is expected to serve as a platform to provide a renewed push to the governments efforts towards transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047. Other discussion points at the meeting included world-class infrastructure development, and enhancing multi-domain and cross-domain operational capabilities including land, air, cyber and space, the statement said. This is the first high-level meeting under Dwivedi since he became army chief on June 30. It is being attended by the generals heading the armys seven commands. The senior leadership engaged in discussions to define the armys role in the overarching national vision and articulated the Indian Armys Vision@2047 as, to transform into a modern, agile, adaptive, technology-enabled, and self-reliant future-ready force, capable of deterring and winning wars in a multi-domain environment across the spectrum of operations, and to protect our national interests in synergy with the other services, the statement said. Dwivedi asked all stakeholders to promote atmanirbharta (self-reliance), indigenisation of weapons, equipment and platforms, and support the Indian defence industry to not only develop world-class equipment but also help the country become a leading defence exporter. Self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector is a top priority for the government. In his August 15 address, the PM captured the strides made by India to further self-reliance in the critical defence manufacturing sector and how the country had gradually transformed itself from being an importer of military hardware to an exporter. Conduct of data-centric operations by leveraging technology to enhance the militarys existing capabilities was also deliberated at the meeting. In addition, the road map for capability development and upgradation of mechanised forces, artillery, infantry, combat aviation and air defence was discussed along with options for enhancement of logistics and other capabilities, the statement said. The top brass discussed steps to enhance jointness and integration in the armed forces for strengthening joint service structures and organisations, with specific focus on setting up common military stations and units for logistics, communication, and other essential services. Also read: General Sundararajan Padmanabhan passes away at 83 On July 2, Modi said in Parliament that the creation of theatre commands to bolster national security was on track, the modernisation of the armed forces was in full swing, and the government was working on reforms to ensure the military was always battle ready. The creation of theatre commands is a long-standing and crucial reform for the best use of the militarys resources to fight future wars. On May 10, the government notified the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, with the law aimed at pushing jointness among the three services. Mondays discussions reaffirmed the armys commitment to transforming itself into a future-ready force that is not only capable of defending national interests but also contributing significantly to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the statement added. China achieves remarkable results in protection, management of world natural heritage 15:27, August 19, 2024 By Yan Bing ( People's Daily The world's cultural and natural heritage is an important outcome of the development of human civilization and natural evolution. The recently held 46th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO included China's cultural heritage nomination: the Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital on the World Heritage List. It also included two natural heritage nominations, respectively Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes, and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II). Photo shows the Jiuzhaigou scenic spot in Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan province. (People's Daily Online/Xie Shangguo) To date, there are 59 sites of world heritage in China, including 15 natural sites and four mixed cultural and natural heritage sites. The country ranks first in the world in terms of the number of natural heritage sites. The inclusion exactly mirrored China's unremitting efforts to protect and inherit cultural and natural heritage, conserve ecology and build itself into a beautiful country. For some time, China has placed unprecedented emphasis on ecological conservation. The nature reserves system with national parks being the main component has been continuously improved, providing a solid institutional guarantee for the protection of world natural heritage and mixed cultural and natural heritage. At present, China's world natural heritage sites and mixed cultural and natural heritage sites cover an area of 79,000 square kilometers, including over 100 protected natural areas such as national parks, nature reserves and various types of natural parks. The country has put important ecological systems and natural heritage under effective protection, demonstrating to the world its relentless efforts and responsibility in protecting the nature and human civilization. In recent years, China has witnessed a large number of outstanding cases of ecological conservation and management. Huangshan Mountain in east China's Anhui province has innovatively introduced a rotating closure system and a paid rescue system. The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries in southwest China's Sichuan province has implemented a development model that calls for joint efforts from relevant enterprises, cooperatives, farmers and research bases, actively exploring sustainable development for communities within heritage sites. Shandong province's Taishan Mountain has built a comprehensive intelligent protection and management system. Wuyi Mountain in southeast China's Fujian province has established a two-tier national park management system of "management bureau - management station." The Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas has completely banned all prospecting and mining rights within the heritage site and buffer zones. Photo shows the Zhangye Coloful Danxia Scenic Spot in Zhangye, northwest China's Gansu province. (People's Daily Online/Duan Changzheng) Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area in Sichuan province has made clonal propagation research of endangered orchid species its flagship scientific project. Mount Fanjing in southwest China's Guizhou province has implemented a conservation program for gray snub-nosed monkeys. According to the World Heritage Outlook released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2020, for 63 percent of all natural heritage sites and mixed cultural and natural heritage sites in the world, the conservation outlook is either "good" or "good with some concerns," while the figure stands at 89 percent in China. For seven percent of these sites, the outlook is assessed as "critical," and none of them is in China. This indicates that China has not only met international standards but also clearly surpassed the global average in the conservation of natural heritage sites and mixed cultural and natural heritage sites, demonstrating outstanding conservation achievements. With the development of China's world heritage conservation, the country has not only gained international recognition but also garnered high praise for its exemplary work in the protection, restoration, and sustainable utilization of world heritage sites. China has done a good job in the protection and restoration of habitats of endangered species. The "100+ Biodiversity Positive Practices and Actions Around the World" of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity included two projects in China. One is the vegetation restoration in the habitat of gray snub-nosed monkeys and the restoration of an ecological corridor in the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas. The other one is the restoration project for the coastal wetland in Yancheng of east China's Jiangsu province, which is a part of the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China. Besides, the integrity and protection management of the Hoh Xil heritage site in northwest China's Qinghai province have been further strengthened and improved with the ongoing development of the Sanjiangyuan National Park. The population of flagship species, including Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks, keeps growing, and their distribution areas are expanding. Photo shows the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Qinghai province. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Guangliang) China emphasizes both resource conservation and the development of people's livelihoods in protecting and utilizing its world natural heritage sites. In sites like the karst landscapes in southern China, the Danxia landforms, and the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, governments at all levels have implemented various measures tailored to local characteristics, such as franchising, profit sharing, ecological compensation, and living subsidies, to benefit the local population. These efforts have yielded remarkable achievements in striking a balance among world heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, poverty alleviation, and the safeguarding of heritage values. Some regions in China have received prestigious accolades, including the Shanghai Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities set by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme and the "Best Tourism Villages" award set by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, among others. With the continuous progress made in China's ecological conservation and the deepening practice of the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind in various fields, China has achieved outstanding achievements in the conservation of world natural heritage. World natural heritage sites and mixed cultural and natural heritage sites not only have become a symbol of China's ecological conservation efforts and a display of the beauty of China, but also increasingly highlight China's firm determination in and outstanding contributions to global biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and participation in global environmental governance. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) A minister in Mamata Banerjee's government has sparked a massive row over his statement claiming to break the fingers of those blaming the chief minister and demanding her resignation for the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. West Bengal minister Udayan Guha(Udayan Guha/X) Those who are attacking Mamata Banerjee, pointing fingers at her, and demanding her resignation will never succeed. Those pointing fingers at Mamata Banerjee will be broken and crushed, Udayan Guha was heard as saying in a viral video as reported by PTI. HT cannot verify the authenticity of the video. ALSO READ: College student arrested for offensive social media posts on RG Kar incident Despite provocations, the police did not baton charge when RG Kar Hospital was vandalised, Guha, minister In charge of North Bengal Development Department, said, referring to the violence at the hospital in the early hours of August 15. ALSO READ: Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Differences in TMC; where is Abhishek Banerjee? Drawing parallels with the student unrest in Bangladesh that led to a change of guard in the neighbouring country, Guha said, We will never allow West Bengal to turn into another Bangladesh. ALSO READ: Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Parents' message for protesters, target CM Mamata BJP slams Udayan Guha's remark Union minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar hit out at the Bengal minister over his remark. "Kitne logon ka hath aap todenge, ungli katenge"...Crores of fingers are being pointed at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to resign. To ensure the safety of women in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee must resign...I assure everyone who is protesting against the incident that the BJP is ready to give legal help. They should not be afraid," he told ANI. On Monday, the ruling TMC asked the CBI to expedite its probe into the murder case. Now justice must be delivered by the CBI. The central agency should provide all information in its case diary when the accused are presented in court on August 23 after serving 14 days in police custody, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh was quoted by PTI as saying. "Only one arrest has been made so far, and that was by Kolkata Police. The Left and BJP are trying to divert attention by demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee," he alleged. (With agency inputs) The recruitment of 45 bureaucrats via the lateral entry route has not gone down well with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's ally, Chirag Paswan. The union minister said his party wasn't in favour of the government's decision. Chirag Paswan during Monsoon session of Parliament (PTI file photo) Chirag Paswan said his party had always been in favour of reservation to backward classes and castes and the government's move was completely wrong. He said he would raise the matter with the BJP-led government. "My party's stance on such appointments is absolutely clear. Wherever there are government appointments, the provisions of reservation must be followed. The way this information has come to light is also a matter of concern for me because I am a part of this government and have the platform to raise these issues. Speaking on behalf of my party, we are absolutely not in favor of this. This is completely wrong, and I will raise this matter before the government," he said. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Saturday issued a notification for the recruitment of 45 joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretaries through lateral entry. The Opposition said the decision undermined the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs and STs. Centre vs Opposition over lateral entry Meanwhile, government sources told ANI that the concept of lateral entry was first introduced under the Congress-led UPA regime and strongly endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission established by it in 2005. The government has historically inducted outside talent into its higher tiers, typically in advisory roles but occasionally even in key administrative assignments, they said. For instance, the chief economic advisor is traditionally a lateral entrant who, according to the rules, must be below 45 years of age and is invariably an eminent economist, they said. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Congress' criticism of the lateral entry system in senior bureaucracy shows its "hypocrisy". Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge admitted that his party's government had introduced the lateral entry system to appoint experts. However, he said, the Narendra Modi government has made it a tool to snatch the rights of Dalits, tribals and backward classes. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the government's move of recruiting public servants through lateral entry was an attack on Dalits, OBCs and adivasis. He said the "BJP's distorted version of Ram Rajya" seeks to destroy the Constitution and snatch away reservations from "Bahujans". With inputs from PTI, ANI A 21-year-old college student was allegedly sexually assaulted by a biker in the early hours of Sunday after he offered her a lift in the HSR police station limits, a senior police officer said. The incident took place at around 1:15 am when she was returning from a party at a restaurant in Koramangala with a friend (File photo) Additional Commissioner of Police (East Zone) Raman Gupta said the woman, originally from Maharashtra, is a student at a private college in the outskirts of the city. The incident took place at around 1:15am when she was returning from a party at a restaurant in Koramangala with a friend. While returning to her accommodation, she drove her friends car but struggled to control the vehicle and accidentally bumped into three auto-rickshaws. This led to a confrontation with the auto drivers, prompting the woman to call the police helpline, 112, out of fear. In a state of panic, the young woman decided to leave the scene and sought help from passing bikers to get home. The first biker she approached declined to assist, but a second biker agreed to drop her off, Gupta said. He further said that the biker, however, took an unexpected route away from the main road, stopped near an isolated shed and attempted to sexually assault the young woman. He said: Sensing the potential danger, she activated an emergency alert app on her phone, sharing her live location with her friend and father. The quick response from her friend, who informed the police, allowed police personnel to track her location and reach the scene. The attacker fled the area upon hearing the approaching police vehicle. He had, however, assaulted her, tore her clothes, and left her in a distressed state, he said, adding that the police rushed the woman to a private hospital in Hebbagodi for treatment. Gupta said: The woman had been assaulted and possibly sexually assaulted, though the exact nature of the attack is still under investigation. A medical examination has been conducted, and the police are awaiting the results to determine whether rape occurred. Further details will be made available once the medical report is finalized. A case has been registered under BNS sections 376 (punishment for rape) and 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman) at HSR police station. The police have formed five teams to arrest the accused, he added. Karnataka home minister G Parameshwar confirmed the incident, said: The police are following due procedure, and all necessary medical examinations are being conducted to support the investigation. The police are working diligently to gather evidence and apprehend the perpetrator. State unit BJP president BY Vijayendra alleged that rising incidents of rape, sexual harassment, murders, and violence against women have become alarmingly frequent under the Siddaramaiah government, raising serious concerns over its administration. In a post on X, Vijayendra said that the state now seems to have transformed into a lawless den for criminals, where women are left vulnerable and unprotected. He said: The latest shocking incident of rape reported from HSR Layout, Bengaluru, is yet another grim reminder of the gross incompetency and apparent lack of any strong will within the Siddaramaiah government to prevent such heinous crimes. It is disheartening to see that despite the mounting cases, there seems to be no concrete action or decisive leadership to curb this alarming trend. These serial incidents of rape and murders of young women are also severely tarnishing the image of the state on the national and global stage. The disrepute is painting a picture of a state where the safety and dignity of women are no longer guaranteed. It begs the question: what is stopping the government from taking tough measures and adopting a resolute stance against these atrocities? Why does it seem so difficult to protect the most vulnerable in society? Vijayendra questioned. Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on Monday following a high fever. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. (File Photo) Yechury was taken to the hospitals emergency department in the evening, PTI quoted sources as saying. It reported that the hospital did not disclose the specifics of his condition. However, a source from the CPI(M) said that Yechury was admitted due to pneumonia and is currently receiving treatment. The source added that that 72-year-old politician is in stable condition. Yechury, who is also a member of the politburo of the CPI(M) had recently undergone cataract surgery. Yechury is known for continuing the coalition-building legacy of former general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet. He collaborated with P Chidambaram to draft the common minimum programme for the United Front government in 1996 and played a key role in the coalition-building efforts during the formation of the United Progressive Alliance government in 2004. Yechury joined the Students' Federation of India (SFI) in 1974 and a year later, he became a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). In 1975, while still a student at JNU, he was arrested during the Emergency. He was also elected president of the JNU Students' Union three times in the span of a year 197778. Along with Prakash Karat, Yechury is credit to have played a key role in establishing a strong leftist presence at JNU. Earlier on Sunday, he had attacked the Union government on X saying, Modi led ND alliance govts decision to induct 45 lateral entry officers of the rank of Jt. secys/ Directors/ Dy. Secys across 24 ministries is a clear attempt to infiltrate RSS personnel to further its agenda to subvert our Constitutional Scheme. This negates the Constitutional mandate for Reservations. If done through the normal practice of UPSC selection then at least 23 of 45 would be competent SC/ST/OBC candidates. Modi urgency to implement the Manu Smriti social order, he added. With PTI inputs A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) inspector was killed after terrorists attacked a joint party of the force and Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police in Udhampur district on Monday, officials said. As per the PTI report, the CRPF along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) was fired upon by the terrorists at around 3:30 pm in the remote Dudu area of Basantgarh. A CRPF inspector was killed after terrorists attacked joint party of the force and SOG of J&K Police in Udhampur district(HT File photo) Kuldeep Singh, an inspector of the CRPF's 187th battalion, was hit by a bullet and later succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital, officials said. The terrorists fled the scene in the face of strong retaliation by the joint patrolling party, the officials said, adding reinforcements have been rushed to the scene and a search operation has been launched to track down and neutralise the terrorists, PTI added. The terror attack comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing its first assembly election as a Union territory. The erstwhile state of J&K had last conducted an assembly election in 2014. After delimitation, there are a total of 90 assembly constituencies in J&K, of which 74 constituencies are for general categories, nine are reserved for scheduled tribes, and seven are reserved for scheduled castes. The polling in the union territory will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has said it will provide security to the Election Commission of India with all the forces the poll body needs to conduct the upcoming assembly elections. Currently there are about 70 battalions (about 70,000 personnel) of central paramilitary forces permanently deployed in J&K to deal with insurgency and law and order issues. Besides, the Border Security Force (BSF) and army are responsible for maintaining vigil at the border. Around 500 companies (50,000 personnel) of paramilitary forces sent to the Valley for the Amarnath Yatra may be asked to stay there for election duty as well. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer was killed after suspected terrorists opened fire on a joint patrol of the CRPF and special operations group of the Jammu & Kashmir police in Udhampurs Dudu area on Monday, said officials. After the attack terrorists managed to escape from the spot. (Representational image) The attack comes days after the Election Commissions announcement to hold assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. The deceased CRPF inspector has been identified as Kuldeep Singh. Initial reports suggested that a group of terrorists ambushed the patrol in the upper reaches in Chill area of Dudu. An information was received through reliable sources that during a routine patrol by officer and men of CRPFs 187 Battalion in Cheel areas, armed terrorists opened nearly 40 rounds of fire from their automatic weapons. Inspector Kuldeep Singh was fatally hit by a volley of shots and died, said a police officer. During area domination patrol at Chill in Dudu, exchange of fire took place between terrorists and joint parties of JKP and CRPF. In the encounter, one inspector of CRPF suffered bullet injuries and has attained martyrdom. Operation continues, the Udhampur Police posted on X. After the attack terrorists managed to escape from the spot. Additional reinforcements have been rushed to the area to track down the attackers, said the officer. With the killing of CRPF inspector, the number of security personnel killed in various terror attacks in Jammu region this year has gone up to 14. On August 14, Captain Deepak Singh of 48 RR was killed in Shivgarh Dhar area of Assar in Doda. Six terrorists have been killed in the Jammu region this year. Ten civilians have been killed and 55 people have been injured in terror attacks in Jammu region since January 1. Kolkata doctor's rape-murder case: As doctors across the country continue to protest over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, differences in the Trinamool Congress ranks have come to the fore. The question is doing the rounds in political circles if everything is fine within the Trinamool Congress. West Bengal chief minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee with the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.(PTI file) Another question being raised is over the silence of Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in the day-to-day activities of the party amid the current political situation in Bengal. Early on Sunday, in a post on X, Trinamools Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy demanded custodial interrogation of the Kolkata Police Commissioner and former principal of the medical college, to know who floated the initial suicide story and why. The Kolkata Police on Sunday summoned Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, hours after he demanded that the CBI interrogate Kolkata police commissioner. The police have also issued summonses to former BJP MP Locket Chatterjee and two renowned doctors for allegedly spreading rumours and disclosing the identity of the victim. On Monday, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy moved the Calcutta high court seeking protecting against from arrest. Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh, however, opposed the demands made by Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, claiming that the police commissioner has diligently done everything necessary since the crime was reported. "His (Roy's) protest against the crime is right, but I vehemently oppose his demands," Kunal Ghosh said. The day after RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was vandalised on the night of August 14, Abhishek Banerjee posted on X, urging the administration to arrest those responsible. The hooliganism and vandalism at RG Kar tonight have exceeded all acceptable limits. As a public representative, I just spoke with @CPKolkata, urging him to ensure that every individual responsible for todays violence is identified, held accountable, and made to face the law within the next 24 hours, regardless of their political affiliations. The demands of the protesting doctors are fair and justified. This is the minimum they should expect from the government. Their safety and security must be prioritized, Abhishek Banerjee wrote on X. However, Abhishek Banerjee was notably absent from a rally where TMC chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee called for the death penalty for the accused in the rape-murder case. News18, citing sources within TMC, reported that the partys poor performance in urban areas during the recent Lok Sabha elections has caused tension. Insiders reveal that Abhishek Banerjee had advocated for the removal of underperformers within the party and administration. Although he has been vocal in Parliament and his constituency, he has remained less active within the party. This has highlighted ongoing differences of opinion between senior and junior members of the TMC, News18 added. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimdd that TMC spokesperson Santanu Sen was removed from his position for saying that there were many complaints against the college principal, who was immediately rehabilitated by the government after his decision to quit. News18 reported thatSantanu Sen has had a long-standing rivalry with RG Kar Hospital ex-principal Sandip Ghosh. Despite being a local leader, Sen struggled to gain political influence at the hospital due to Dr Ghosh's power. Sukhendu Sekhar Roy demands CBI interrogate Police commissioner Sukhendu Sekhar Roy on Sunday demanded that the CBI undertake custodial interrogation of Kolkata Police commissioner and previous principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in connection with its probe into the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor. "CBI must act fairly. Custodial interrogation of Ex Principal and Police Commissioner is a must to know who and why floated suicide story," the TMC Rajya Sabha MP wrote in a social media post. The parents of the woman doctor claimed that they were informed over phone on August 9 morning that their daughter died by suicide at the hospital, where she worked. Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal has stated that no one from the police force called up the parents to say that their daughter died by suicide. Sandip Ghosh, who was the principal of the medical college when the crime took place, was interrogated by the CBI for long hours on Friday and Saturday. Roy also questioned the demolition work on the fourth floor of the state-run hospital, where the seminar hall in which the crime took place, and asked who patronised Sanjay Roy, the civic volunteer who was arrested in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the woman postgraduate trainee at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. "Why sniffer dog used after 3 days. 100s of such questions. Make them speak," the MP urged the central agency, which was handed over the probe by the Calcutta High Court from the Kolkata Police on August 13. The Congress party said that it was commendable that Roy protested alleged cover-up attempts in the gruesome crime. "I thank Sukhendu Sekhar Roy for his stand despite being in the ruling party," Congress state spokesperson Saumya Aich Roy said. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty, stating that the Left party has been making the same demands as Roy for several days now, said that Roy, as a veteran leader, is able to "read the writing on the wall." (With inputs from agencies) Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's daughter, Iltija Mufti, will contest the upcoming assembly polls from the Bijbehara constituency. Iltija Mufti, daughter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti.(PTI) Iltijas name appeared in the list of eight candidates released by the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday. She gained prominence during the time her mother was detained following the revocation of Article 370. It is reported that Mehbooba Mufti will not contest the assembly polls, and her daughter Iltija, 37, will be the party's face in South Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti had also made her electoral debut from Bijbehara in 1996, a constituency known as a stronghold of the Mufti family. In mid-August 2019, amidst a complete communication blackout and lockdown, she wrote a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah, questioning the reasons behind her detention at her Srinagar residence. Iltija was granted permission to leave the Valley and sought the Supreme Court's approval to visit her mother, which was ultimately approved. Following Mehboobas release, Iltija regularly accompanied her during media interactions and meetings. In June 2022, she started a fortnightly video series on X called Aapki baat Iltija ke saath (conversations with Iltija), aimed at discussing issues and decisions that impact the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A political science graduate from Delhi University, Iltija earned her masters degree in international relations from Warwick University in the UK. Mehbooba Mufti's uncle to contest from Devsar Among the other candidates, the party has fielded senior leader Abdul Rehman Veeri from Anantnag East and Muftis uncle Sartaj Ahmad Madani from Devsar. Former Lok Sabha MP Mehboob Beg will be contesting from Anantnag, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura from Charar-i-Sharief, and Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani from Watchi. The party's youth leader, Waheed Para, who contested the recent Lok Sabha elections from the Srinagar constituency and lost to the National Conference's Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, has been fielded from Anantnag. The party has also nominated Rafiq Ahmad Naik from Tral. The elections to Jammu and Kashmir assembly will be held on September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 4. Guwahati, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose and lauded him for his role in upholding the principles of the Constitution in "very adversarial circumstances". Himanta meets West Bengal governor, lauds him for 'defending' Constitution Sarma called upon Bose in Guwahati on Sunday. "In my courtesy meeting with the Hon'ble Governor of West Bengal Dr C V Ananda Bose Ji in Guwahati, I conveyed our immense appreciation for his sagacity in defending the Constitution even in very adversarial circumstances," Sarma posted on X, sharing a clip of the meeting. The video featured both exchanging scarves and books and then sitting down for a conversation. The governor and the Assam CM had discussions over the ongoing situation in West Bengal in the wake of the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor, sources said. Bose and Sarma also held discussions over developments in Bangladesh, they said. The official X handle of the West Bengal governor also shared photographs of the meeting. "Hon'ble Governor of West Bengal Dr C V Ananda Bose with Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswas Sarma in Guwahati," it posted. A group of doctors from Assam also met the governor and demanded justice for the medic's murder in a state-run Kolkata hospital. "The doctors of Assam expressed solidarity with the brutal murder of the postgraduate trainee doctor in the RG Kar Medical College, called on the honourable governor and expressed their grievances," another post on X said. They submitted a memorandum requesting for the safety and security of medical professionals, it added. Bose assured them of taking an initiative to ensure the protection of all those working in the healthcare sector in West Bengal, including legal action, an official said. The governor also assured them that demands and grievances of the protesting doctors would be brought to the attention of the prime minister, and home and health ministers, the official added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. New Delhi: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Kyiv this week, India has indicated that it may not directly mediate between Russia and Ukraine but can help in passing messages between the two countries, according to people familiar with the matter. The Indian side has instead indicated it can pass messages between the two sides. (File photo) Modi is set to make a brief visit to Ukraine on August 23 the first by a senior Indian leader since the start of Russias invasion in February 2022 and the first by an Indian premier since Ukraine became independent in 1991. In a phone call with Indias national security adviser last month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyys chief of staff Andriy Yermak said Modi could play a significant role in achieving peace in Ukraine. The Indian side is not keen on any direct mediatory role between the two warring countries, the people cited above said, and has instead indicated that it can pass messages between the two sides. They have made it clear that they wont mediate. But they have said they can pass messages, a Western diplomat briefed on the discussions said on condition of anonymity. Another Western diplomat offered a similar account of the discussions. There was no official word from India on the matter. India has refrained from publicly censuring Russias actions in Ukraine and voted against or abstained on most Ukraine-related resolutions at the United Nations. New Delhi has consistently said dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and said it will support all efforts aimed at finding a lasting solution. At his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last month for the annual India-Russia Summit, Modi stressed that a solution cannot be found on the battlefield and that talks will not be successful under the shadow of the gun. India is reluctant to take any position that will be seen as going against Russia, with which it has good relations going back decades. Russia accounts for almost 60% of the arsenal of Indias armed forces and is one of the top suppliers of crude oil following sanctions imposed by the West in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian side has sought to push India to take on a larger role in ongoing peace efforts because of Indias proximity to Russia, the people said. India has played a role in the past in passing messages on crucial issues between Russia and Ukraine, something that has been acknowledged by external affairs minister S Jaishankar on several occasions. Jaishankar has said in media briefings and interviews that the Indian side has interceded in matters such as the Black Sea grain deal and the security of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. We have... been the country who have the opportunity to talk to the Russians very frankly and bluntly on this issue [Russia-Ukraine conflict]. On different aspects, others have used us to pass messages, Jaishankar said during an interaction with the Indian community in Malaysia on March 27. While briefing the media in September 2023, Jaishankar said that India had contributed to some bridging of viewpoints and concerns between Turkiye and Russia for creating the Black Sea grain corridor and also worked with the UN secretary general on the issue in 2022. The grain corridor allowed Ukraine to export wheat and other items till Russia quit the deal in July 2023. In February, Jaishankar said India played a role in relation to Ukraines concerns about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia power plant by passing messages to Russia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). After the Ukrainian Prime Minister shared concerns about the safety of the nuclear power plant, Jaishankar said he spoke to Modi and then got his approval to both engage the Russians and pass on some messages there and IAEA as well. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has resolved to strive for the restoration of Article 370, 35A and statehood as it was prior to August 5, 2019, in its manifesto released on Monday for the upcoming assembly elections. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and NC president Farooq Abdullah. (HT FIle) Among its 12 guarantees, the party has also said that it will work for the full implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 2000. In the interim period, we will endeavour to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019, said the National Conference. The NC has also promised to formulate a policy to provide land to the landless and to those who have held state lands without interruption for an extended period, granting ownership rights under a well-considered plan. The party has also said that it will promote dialogue between India and Pakistan and work towards securing the release of prisoners languishing in jails. We will prioritise the release of political prisoners and youth who have been unjustly detained in jails and are not involved in serious crimes. We will also seek amnesty for all political prisoners, the manifesto reads. NC promises to streamline verification process As part of its promise of restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference has also mentioned that it will streamline the verification process for job applicants to make it more transparent and accessible, reducing unnecessary delays, ensure that passport verification procedures are simplified. Address and rectify cases of unjust job terminations, ensuring fair treatment and job security for all employees. Unnecessary harassment to people on highways will be stopped, JKNC added. Jammu and Kashmir will vote in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 4. Reacting to the National Conference's manifesto, BJP leader Kavinder Gupta said that the party has no control over releasing prisoners or restoring Article 370. He alleged that the National Conference has exploited people and promoted terrorism. Four and a half years after it was submitted to the Kerala government, the report of the committee headed by retired justice K Hema on the plight of women in Malayalam cinema was released on Monday with stark revelations about sexual harassment and abuse women face within the industry. The report also highlighted that women are denied basic human rights on film sets such as access to clean toilets and changing rooms. (Representational image) The 235-page report, seen by HT, recorded sordid accounts of women who testified that they were routinely asked for sexual favours in exchange for work opportunities. They said they were told to make adjustments and compromises in cinema, dealt with forced entries by their male colleagues in hotel rooms and threatened with bans if they took legal recourses. Compromise and adjustment are two terms which are very familiar among women in Malayalam film industry and thereby, they are asked to make herself available for sex on demand, the report said. Underlining that women do not find their accommodations arranged near film sets safe, the report said they are forced to be accompanied by their family members or close relatives in fear of being attacked. Those who testified before the committee said they were taking a risk by disclosing their experiences within the industry. ...if the facts stated by them reach the ears of those who tortured them, as many of the perpetrators are very influential. It was a shocking experience for us to listen to the nature of sexual assault and harassment which women in cinema have gone through, it said. The report also highlighted that women are denied basic human rights on film sets such as access to clean toilets and changing rooms. Female artists face a tough time during menstrual periods and they learn to avoid drinking water for long periods to prevent the urge for urination, it said. The Hema committee hit out at the state film industry accusing it of being under the clutch of certain actors, producers, and directors all male. They control the whole Malayalam film industry and they dominate other persons working in cinema. They can even coerce and threaten the persons who work in the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to deal with the complaint, in the manner they demand. If any one of them who is part of ICC does not act according to dictates of those in power, their future can be ruined and they will be even wiped out of the industry as they are capable of doing it. This situation in cinema is very shocking, it said. In fact, a prominent actor referred to the all-male lobby as a mafia that can pronounce illegal and unauthorised bans on anyone in the industry. Such bans are operated by mouth-to-mouth secret communication from one person to another and enforced upon producers easily, the report said. The government-instituted audit also shone a light on the plight of junior artists who are subjected to inhumane treatment on sets. They are not given membership of film bodies like AMMA and FEFKA, denied access to toilet facilities, and forced to work continuously for long hours. Such artists also face a raw deal in terms of remuneration with most of their wages misappropriated by agents, it said. The committee report, originally 295-pages-long, was cut short by 66 pages to redact the names and information of those who testified and others against whom allegations were made. The three-member panel was instituted in 2017 in the wake of the horrific alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a leading Malayalam actor in a moving car near Kochi. One of the prime accused in that case, currently under trial, is actor Dileep who faces charges of conspiracy, tampering of evidence among other offences. The Hema committee in its report recommended the enactment of a statute and the formation of a tribunal under it to solve the issues faced by women in the industry. It underlined that contrary to other sectors, where sexual harassment happens at the workplace, in cinema, women are subjected to abuse even before she is selected for a role. Thus, the provisions of the PoSH Act- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) 2013 will not suffice, it said. The committee said the tribunal must act as a civil court and be headed by a retired district judge, preferably a woman, who has at least five years of trial experience. The new law must provide for safe accommodations and transport options for women, access to toilets and changing rooms, ban on drugs and alcohol on film sets and strict adherence to work contracts especially for junior artists. Reacting to the findings in the report, culture minister Saji Cheriyan told reporters, There is no doubt that the recommendations by the committee call for serious introspection. In two months, we plan to hold a cinema conclave in Kochi where persons from different areas of cinema will come together. There will be extensive discussions and the government will take a decision on its implementation. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an outfit on whose demand the Hema committee was formed, said on Monday, It has been a long journey for us. We believed that our fight for justice for all women wanting a dignified professional space in the film industry was the right fight. Today we stand vindicated. Actor Siddique, general secretary of the influential body of actors AMMA, said, We will thoroughly study the report and then make a detailed response. It is a sensitive issue. Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Sunday praised chief minister Yogi Adityanath saying the state has the best chief minister in the country. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath (right) and deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya.(HT photo) Addressing workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mirzapur, Keshav Maurya said the party's double-engine is doing the best work in the country. The BJP is in power in the country as well as in the state. People know and believe that our double-engine government is doing the best work in the country. Is there any other leader like PM (Narendra) Modi in the world, and is there any other CM like Yogi Adityanath in the country? Keshav Maurya asked. When our PM Modi is the most influential leader in the world and when our CM is the best in the country, the best work is being done, Maurya told the workers. The deputy chief minister also urged party workers to strengthen the BJP at the grassroots. Maurya's praise for the Uttar Pradesh chief minister comes days after reports of infighting within the state BJP unit after the Lok Sabha poll debacle. The rift in UP BJP There has long been a buzz about Keshav Maurya's less-than-warm relationship with Yogi Adityanath. Last month, there was also speculation that the partys central leadership might soon make a major announcement about the organisational shake-up in the state. Also Read | Keshav Prasad Maurya the man in the middle as political pot boils in Uttar Pradesh Maurya, a prominent OBC leader, had been increasingly vocal with repeated statements about the organisation being above the government. The party organisation is bigger than the government and nobody is bigger than the organisation, he had said at a meeting a BJP workers. His outreach efforts and public statements were interpreted as a subtle way to target Yogi Adityanath. He had also visited the central leadership in Delhi, further fueling speculations. Also Read | Amid rumblings in BJP, unfazed Yogi asks ministers to brace for assembly bypolls Maurya is currently serving his second term as the deputy CM of Uttar Pradesh. In 2017, he was the state BJP President when the BJP formed the majority government under CM Yogi Adityanth with 312 seats in the Assembly. In the 2022 elections, Maurya lost the Assembly election but continued in his position as Deputy CM along with Brijesh Pathak, he was later elected to the Legislative Council. The BJPs tally of Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh was reduced to 33 seats, a drop of 29 from 62 in 2019 while the INDIA bloc gained ground with the Samajwadi Party (SP) winning 37 seats, a jump of 32 seats as compared to 2019. The Congress tally went up to six seats in 2024 from one in 2019. The doctor, who was raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of the RG Kar hospital in Kolkata, was strangled to death, said the autopsy report. The autopsy also found evidence of sexual assault. Kolkata rape and murder: Doctors shout slogans during a protest demanding justice following the rape and murder of a trainee medic at a hospital.(Reuters) The report states that the death of the victim was caused by manual strangulation associated with smothering, reported The Indian Express. Several media reports said the autopsy concluded that there was evidence of "forceful penetration/insertion in her genitalia", which indicates sexual assault. The report states there were 16 external injuries on the victim's body, including abrasions on the cheeks, lips, nose, neck, arms and knees. Nine internal injuries were also found. There were injuries to her private parts as well, reported the newspaper. All injuries were inflicted before death. The report said "white thick viscid fluid" was found inside her private parts, reported India Today. However, it didn't mention the nature of the substance. There was no mention of any fracture in the report. The report also noted hemorrhaging in the lungs and blood clots in the body, the channel reported. The trainee doctor had gone to the seminar hall of the hospital to rest during her 36-hour-long shift in the state-run hospital. On August 9 morning, her body was found. The police have arrested a civic volunteer named Sanjay Roy whose Bluetooth headphones were found near the body. The Calcutta high court had asked the CBI to probe the case. The victim's father has alleged that more than one person were involved in the grisly murder. The CBI, meanwhile, has been grilling Sandip Ghosh, the ex-principal of the medical college and hospital. They have asked him why he made the parents of the victims wait for three hours before letting them see the body of their daughter. Kolkata doctor rape murder case: The parents of the doctor, who was allegedly raped and murdered at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, urged all countrymen to stand with them until all accused are caught. Football fans of two main club Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC stage protest near Salt lake Stadium over alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata on August 18, 2024. (Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times) "Through you, we want to give a message to the people of the whole country. We are grateful to all the countrymen, people of the world and the state, we request that you stand with us until the accused is caught. We only wish that this should not happen to any mother, no one should lose their child like us," news agency ANI quoted the mother of the trainee doctors as saying. The mother of the deceased doctor also targeted West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee failing to tackle the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case properly and alleged on Sunday that the Trinamool Congress supremo was trying to stop the protests. She (Mamata Banerjee) said the culprits would be arrested as soon as possible, but only one person has been held. I am sure more people in the hospital are involved. I think the chief minister is trying to stop the protests. Thats why police enforced prohibitory orders today to stop the assembly of protestors, the victims mother told the media at the familys home in North 24 Parganas district. She told ANI that the hospital officials first told her that her daughter had committed suicide. First we got a call from the hospital that your daughter is sick, then the call was disconnected. After that when I called and asked what happened, they told me to come to the hospital. When we called again, the (caller) identified himself as 'assistant super' and said your daughter has committed suicide. She went to duty on Thursday, we got this call on Friday at 10:53am. When we reached there, we were not allowed to see her, we were allowed to see her at 3 o'clock. Her pants were open, there was only one piece of cloth on her body. Her hand was broken, and blood was coming out of her eyes, and mouth. Just by looking at her, it seemed that someone had murdered her, ANI quoted her as saying. I told them it is not suicide, it's a murder. We worked so hard to make our daughter a doctor but she was murdered, she claimed. The parents told NDTV that they had lost trust in the chief minister after seeing the way the Kolkata Police handled the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation or CBI is at least making an effort, her father told the news channel. He also said he has handed a page of his daughter's diary to the CBI. "Early on I had full faith in her (Mamata Banerjee), but now no. She is asking for justice but what is she saying that for? She can take charge of that, she is doing nothing," he alleged when asked about the investigation conducted by the state. "They are saying 'We want justice'. But those of the general public who are saying the same thing, they are trying to lock them up," NDTV quoted him as saying. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the rape and murder of a doctor in state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will hear the case on August 20. The body of the post-graduate trainee doctor was found in the RG Kar Hospital's seminar room on August 9. The Kolkata Police arrested a civic volunteer, Sanjoy Roy, the next day in this connection. Calcutta high court directed the CBI to take over the investigation, after expressing a lack of satisfaction with the Kolkata Police. (With inputs from agencies) Amid nationwide doctors' strikes following the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar hospital in Kolkata, Trinamool Congress MP Arup Chakraborty has warned doctors that we will not save you from public anger. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Arup Chakraborty from the Bankura constituency warned doctors striking, saying "we will not save you" from public anger (ANI Photo)(Utpal sarkar ) Arup Chakraborty made the statement during a public rally in Bankura, West Bengal, on Sunday, The Indian Express reported. In the name of the movement, you may go home or go about with your boyfriend. If a patient dies because of your strike and public anger falls on you, we will not save you, The Indian Express quoted Arup Chakraborty as saying. Also Read: Padma awardee doctors write to PM on Kolkata incident demanding swift justice When questioned further, Arup Chakraborty refused to back down from his stance, saying, Doctors are striking. In the name of a strike, if they go out and people dont get treatment, naturally their anger will fall on them. We cant save them. Doctor's began striking after a postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered during her shift at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 in Kolkata. Also Read: OPD services in Bengaluru hospitals largely suspended amid nationwide doctors strike over Kolkata tragedy: Report As protests amped up and a mob attacked protesting doctors on August 14, the Indian Medical Association announced that except for emergency services doctors in the country would go on strike. Nine days into the strike, health services in the country have faced issues from the lack of doctors. Dr Dhruv Chauhan, national council member of the Indian Medical Association's junior doctors network, alleged, "Some hospital administrations are threatening doctors to return to duty while they are peacefully protesting for their rights." He also said that if the authorities had made the same efforts in ensuring the security of doctors, they would not be striking. Other TMC leaders such as Kalyan Banerjee and Bengal Udyan Guha have also come out in support of Mamata Banerjee and threatened consequences for those attempting to undermine her government. The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) at the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has annouced they will continue their strike in protest of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Emergency services and ICUs, however, will continue to function, they said. Doctors from AIIMS Delhi at a protest in New Delhi against the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata on August 13. (Sanchit Khanna/ Hindustan Times) On Sunday, the doctors body also announced that they will provide elective OPD services outside the Nirman Bhawan, which houses the health ministry, as part of their protest. The OPD will begin 11am onwards on Monday. Resident doctors will be available for providing elective OPD services of around 36 specialities, including medicine, surgery, obs&gynae, paediatrics, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and others to patients outside Nirman Bhawan, the AIIMS RDA said in a statement. It further added that the doctors will provide patient care services in the nation's interest and as per their Hippocratic oath. We want to highlight the lack of security of healthcare professionals nationwide. We are urging government to accept our plea for an urgent central ordinance for safety and security of healthcare workers and institutes, AIIMS RDA said. "We request authorities to allow for the same and provide necessary arrangements for elective out patients services outside Nirman Bhavan." The resident doctors of AIIMS have been on an indefinite strike, suspending all elective and non-essential services, including OPDs and wards, since August 12. On Sunday, the body wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention for the enactment of the central law via an ordinance to protect healthcare workers and institutions. They said that hospitals, like temples, are sanctuaries where healing and hope are nurtured. "It is with a sincere and earnest plea that we request your support in ensuring the protection of these sacred spaces," their letter to PM Modi said. The RDA said doctors work in environments filled with life-and-death challenges, which leaves them especially vulnerable. Kolkata doctor's rape and murder The trainee doctor was raped and murdered inside a seminar hall of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The crime took place on the third-floor seminar hall of the chest department late at night, and police later said multiple lacerations and wounds were found on her body. While Sanjoy Roy, the main accused, has been arrested, investigating agencies have yet to rule out the involvement of others in the crime. The crime has sparked widespread outrage and led to protests within and beyond the medical community. The father of the 31-year-old trainee doctor, who was raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of the RG Kar hospital in Kolkata, recounted the horrifying moment he saw the body of his daughter. In an interview, the victim's father said there were no clothes on her body and she was only draped in a bedsheet. Medics paint slogans inside Kolkata Medical College and Hospital campus condemning the rape and murder of a trainee medic at a government-run hospital, in Kolkata.(Reuters) He said he had to wait for over three hours to see his daughter's body. "I received a call at 11 pm, reached the hospital at 12 am, and only at 3:30 am did I finally see her body," he told NDTV in an interview. "Only I know what I went through when I saw her. There were no clothes on her body. She was only draped in a bedsheet. Her legs were apart, with one hand on her head," he told the channel. He said his family lost everything. They just want justice to her daughter. He told the channel that she was not assaulted by just one person. He said it was possible that more than one person was involved in the crime. The police have arrested a Kolkata police's civic volunteer for the rape and murder. The man, identified as Sanjoy Roy, was seen entering the building where the body was found. The police also found a Bluetooth headphone near the body, which was paired to Roy's phone. The woman's autopsy report said she was strangled to death. The report also mentions that there was evidence of "forceful penetration/insertion in her genitalia", which indicates sexual assault. 16 external and nine internal injuries were found on the body of the woman. The report said "white thick viscid fluid" was found inside her private parts. There was no mention of any fracture in the report. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the rape and murder of a doctor inside the state-run RG Kar hospital in Kolkata, interrogated the ex-principal of the medical college, Dr Sandip Ghosh, on Monday. This is the fourth consecutive day he was summoned by the premier investigation agency. Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Former RG Kar Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh reaches CBI office to be questioned in the case of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor,(PTI) Dr Sandip Ghosh had resigned two days after the crime, taking moral responsibility for the rape and murder of the trainee doctor. Within hours, he became the head of another medical college. However, the Calcutta high court dismissed the state government's move and said Dr Ghosh should have been the first person to be questioned in connection with the grisly murder. Sandip Ghosh reached the CBIs city office at CGO Complex on Monday morning. Among the host of other questions, he was asked why he made the parents of the victim wait for over three hours at the hospital after they were informed about the tragedy, reported PTI. He was also asked to spell out his first reaction after he heard about the crime, and whom he had first contacted. The ex-principal was also asked who had ordered the renovation of the rooms near the seminar hall at the emergency building of the hospital after the crime. Dr Sandip Ghosh was questioned for several hours on Saturday and Sunday as well. The officers of the central probe agency are also checking his mobile phone call list details as well as his WhatsApp chat list. The 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead inside the seminar hall of the state-run hospital in Kolkata. She had gone to the hall to rest after working for over 36 hours. The victim's father told NDTV in an interview that he received a call about the crime at 11 pm and reached the hospital at 12 midnight. However, he could see the body only at 3.30 am. The police have arrested a Kolkata police civil volunteer, identified as Sanjoy Roy, for allegedly raping and murdering the woman. His Bluetooth headset was reportedly found at the site of the crime. With inputs from PTI The partially charred bodies of a man and a woman were found tied in chains to a tree in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, police said. Madhya Pradesh: Partially charred bodies of 2 found, probe on The deceased, identified as Chotu Mishra (31) and Abhilasha Upadhyaya (30), were found chained to the tree in Sidhan ki Pahadi area of Lavkushnagar by local residents on Sunday morning. Chhatarpur superintendent of police (SP) Agam Jain said, The police are investigating the matter with the help of a forensic team to know whether it is a case of murder or suicide as the key of the chain was found near the bodies. Their bodies have been sent for post-mortem and a report is awaited, he said. Upadhyayas parents told police she had stepped out for grocery shopping on Saturday evening. However, when she did not return, they filed a missing complaint at Lavkushnagar police station. Police officers said a preliminary probe revealed that the two deceased were friends despite objections from their families. A senior police officer, requesting anonymity, said the deaths could also be a the result of hate crime. The family members of the victims are being interrogated, the officer said, seeking anonymity. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday moved the high court against the governor Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's decision to grant permission to prosecute him over alleged irregularities in a site allotment by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), Live Law reported. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and others after a cabinet meeting over governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's decision to grant sanction for prosecution of the CM in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam',(PTI) The move comes as the Congress ramped up its campaign against the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of using the governors office for political vendetta. In response to the escalating situation, Siddaramaiah convened a Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting on August 22 at the Vidhana Soudha conference hall. Karnataka minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, Priyank Kharge, said the a need to brief party members on the developments, saying, Since there is a huge uproar about the governors role, we need to apprise our people. Ultimately, they are public representatives; 136 MLAs need to know what is happening. Similarly, he will visit New Delhi on Tuesday to brief the partys central leadership, said a party leader, asking not to be named. The controversy centres on allegations that Siddaramaiahs wife, Parvathi, was in 2021 improperly allotted compensatory sites in an upscale Mysuru locality under a 50:50 ratio scheme. Critics claim that the property value of the allotted land was significantly higher than that of the land MUDA acquired from her. BJP leaders have suggested that the alleged scam could be worth between 4,000 crore and 5,000 crore. In light of the Governors sanction, deputy chief minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar announced state-wide protest rallies scheduled for August 19. Shivakumar denounced the governors decision, describing it as a politically motivated attempt by the BJP to destabilise the Congress-led government in Karnataka. This is a murder of democracy, and we will protest it. We have instructed our party leaders to carry out peaceful protests and ensure that anti-social elements dont infiltrate the rallies and create trouble, he said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday took to social media platform X to share wishes for the festival of Raksha Bandhan and celebrate the unbreakable love between brothers and sisters. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took to social media platform X to share wishes for the festival of Raksha Bandhan(Rahul Gandhi/X) Sharing a picture of him and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rahul Gandhi said, Many congratulations and best wishes to all the countrymen on the festival of Rakshabandhan, the festival of unbreakable love and affection between brother and sister. He added, "May this thread of protection always keep your sacred relationship strong." Rahul Gandhi's sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also shared a heartfelt post on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan with childhood pictures of the two siblings. In her post she said, The relationship between a brother and a sister is like a flowerbed in which memories of different colors, stories of togetherness and the resolve to deepen the friendship flourish on the foundation of respect, love and mutual understanding. Also Read: Raksha Bandhan: DMRC shares crucial update on Delhi Metro services The Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on August 19 this year. The festival honours the everlasting and special bonds shared between siblings. In her post, Priyanka Gandhi compared the relationship between siblings as companions in struggle, companions of memories and also boatmen of companionship. During Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a sacred thread (Rakhi) on their brother's hands, symbolising their bond and a brother's vow to protect their sister. Raksha Bandhan wishes have been pouring in from leaders across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished the people of the country on X, Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha bandhan, a festival symbolizing the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in the relationships of all of you and happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life. A woman was removed from a flight for allegedly assaulting two co-passengers and a CISF constable during the boarding process at Pune's Lohegaon airport on Saturday. A woman was removed from a flight at Pune airport for assaulting two co-passengers and a CISF constable on Saturday.(REUTERS) The woman had a violent outburst around 7:45am while boarding a private airline flight from Pune to Delhi, reported The Times of India. Initially, the woman attacked a brother and sister who were sitting in their allotted seats. As the situation escalated, the crew members intervened and two CISF constables, Priyanka Reddy and Sonika Pal, were dispatched. The arrival of the CISF constables was meant to defuse the tense situation, however, it increased the woman's aggression, who then started to slap and bite constable Priyanka Reddy in her rage. Eventually, the constables managed to restrain the woman and escorted her and her husband off of the flight. She was handed over to the airport police and a case has been registered against her. Senior inspector Ajay Sankeshwari said the woman was let go with a notice to comply with the investigation. He also said the airline staff and CISF personnel had given their statements, and the co-passengers who were assaulted would record their statements later. The woman was a homemaker and her husband was a software engineer. The two were headed to Delhi to attend a funeral. A CISF officer told TOI, She seemed to be in a state of extreme distress due to a personal emergency. After her altercation with the co-passengers, the pilot refused to fly with her, prompting the airline to seek our help as she grew more violent. The woman has made no comment on the situation since then. New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh will leave for a five-day trip to the US beginning August 21 after the Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the MQ-9B Predator drone deal with amendments and the Indian Navy's tie-up with HawkEye 360 as part of the much awaited QUAD Indo-Pacific Partnership of Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), people familiar with the details said on Sunday. The DAC meeting took place on July 31. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet his US counterpart Lloyd Austin on August 23 to cement India-US defence ties. While the defence minister will further cement defence cooperation with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon on August 23, the India-US armed UAV deal stands crystallised after the DAC cleared amendments pertaining to the percentage of indigenisation as well as putting a DRDO developed and manufactured anti-shipping missile on the Predator. It is understood that the indigenisation perscentage now stands at 30 per cent and the idea of putting a DRDO missile on MQ-9B Predator was dropped as the manufacturer General Atomics was charging a huge sum of money for its integration into the weaponized platform. Apart from the Predator deal, involving the acquisition of 31 UAVs by India at a cost of $3.9 billion along with missiles and guided bombs, the Modi government has cleared the Indian Navy joining the IPMDA, which was announced by QUAD nations in May 2022. This means that the Indian Navy will follow the other QUAD nations in tying up with the HawkEye 360 commercial operator for transparency in the Indo-Pacific through satellites. The company owns some 36-odd satellites and will provide full details to QUAD nations on dark shipping, terrorism, drug trafficking, arms trafficking and information about adversaries whose vessels switch off their transponders while doing covert surveillance in the Indo-Pacific. The HawkEye 360 satellites pick up any radio frequency emission for a vessel that has deliberately switched off its transponders as has been the case with pirates attacking commercial shipping around the Gulf of Aden and terrorists using boats to target western warships in the Arabian Sea. The IPMDA is designed to keep QUAD nations on the same page in the Indo-Pacific and prevent any country from impeding freedom of navigation in the contested South-East Asia. It is understood that the Indian Navy will tie up with HawkEye 360 as soon as it gets instructions from the government. While the India-US deal on transfer of technology for GE-414 engines, which will power the Tejas Mark II, is going as per schedule, India is witnessing a delay in off-the-shelf supply of GE-404 engines that power the Tejas Mark IA fighter. India has taken up the issue with the US and the defence minister will only emphasise the urgent requirement. It is understood that during his US trip from August 21-25, Singh will also exchange notes on rising Asian powers like China as well as non-state players using drones to target merchant shipping after the Israel war on Gaza. It is pertinent that while Singh will be in the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a much awaited state visit to Poland and war-torn Ukraine at the same time. Qamar Sheikh, a Pakistani woman who has been tying a 'rakhi' to Narendra Modi for over two decades, will once again tie a rakhi to the Prime Minister in New Delhi on Monday to celebrate Raksha Bandhan on Monday, August 19. This will be the 30th time she will perform this ritual. Qamar Mohsin Sheikh ties a Rakhi to Narendra Modi (File image)(HT ) For every Raksha Bandhan, she makes a rakhi with her own hands and never buys them from the market. I make many rakhis with my own hands every year before Raksha Bandhan and in the end, I tie the Rakhi that I like the most on his wrist, she told India Today. Also read | Raksha Bandhan: DMRC shares crucial update on Delhi Metro services To mark the 30th year, she has made something special. "The rakhi I have prepared this year, I have made it on velvet. I have used pearls, metal embroideries, and tikki in the rakhi," she added. The practice was stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic years 2020, 2021, and 2022 as Sheikh could not travel to fulfil her wish. She resumed her journey to Delhi last year and hopes to tie a rakhi to the prime minister this year too. Who is Qamar Sheikh? Born into a Muslim family in Pakistan's Karachi, she was married to Moshin Sheikh in 1981. Since then, she migrated and settled in India. Sheikh claims to have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time in 1990, through the late Dr. Swaroop Singh, the then Governor of Gujarat. Recalling the moment, she claimed to have met Narendra Modi at the airport, where Singh introduced her to the prime minister. Singh said that he considered Kamar Sheikh his daughter, to which Modi replied that he would consider her as his sister. "Since then, I have been tying Rakhi to him at the festival of Raksha Bandhan," said Sheikh. She claimed that her wish to see Narendra Modi as the chief minister of Gujarat turned into a reality. "When my wish turned into reality, then during a later meeting on Raksha Bandhan, he asked me what wish I had made for my brother now?" Sheikh said that at that time she used to pray that Narendra Modi should become Prime Minister of the country. The Uttarakhand Police on Sunday arrested five people for allegedly gang-raping a teenage girl in a government bus at the Interstate Bus Terminal in Dehradun, news agency PTI reported. A view of ISBT in Dehradun.(File) Dehradun senior superintendent of police Ajay Singh said hat two other drivers and a cashier working at the Dehradun ISBT were also arrested. The incident took place on August 12, but the police were informed about it on Saturday. The police said the Dehradun Child Welfare Committee (CWC) was informed about a teenage girl, sitting alone late night on a bench at Dehradun ISBT on August 12. Also Read | Bengaluru student raped by biker while returning from party, probe on She was taken to Bal Niketan, a government girls' home, where she subsequently informed the authorities about the alleged rape during counselling, PTI reported. A first information report (FIR) was then registered registered at the Patel Nagar police station under section 70 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, based on a complaint filed by a CWC member on Saturday. The police then swung into action and identified the bus by scanning CCTV cameras and arrested the five accused. The accused have been identified as: Dharmendra Kumar (32) and Rajpal (57), both residents of Buggawala in Uttarakhand's Haridwar; Devendra (52), a resident of Bhagwanpur in Haridwar; Rajesh Kumar Sonkar (38), a resident of Dehradun; and Ravi Kumar (34), a resident of Nawabganj in Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh. While Dhamendra Kumar is the driver of the bus used in the incident, and Devendra is the conductor, Ravi Kumar and Rajpal are drivers of other buses, while Sonkar is a cashier of the Uttarakhand Roadways at the bus stand, PTI added. The girl initially told the police that she is from Punjab and an orphan, but later, upon interrogation, gave information about her family. She also told them that she is a resident of Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh and that she first went to Delhi and then took a bus to Dehradun, where she was allegedly raped. What the accused told the police Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh said one of the accused, Devendra, told the police that he saw the girl at the Kashmiri Gate ISBT in Delhi. She sought information about how to reach Punjab from him, following which Devendra suggested that she take a bus to Dehradun and then take another one towards Punjab. However, after the bus reached Dehradun and all the passengers got off, Devendra and driver Dharmendra allegedly raped her. He told the police that two other drivers Ravi and Rajpal of the buses parked nearby also learned about this. They also went inside the bus and allegedly raped the teenager. Devendra then told about the incident to the cashier while depositing money, after which he also allegedly raped the girl on the bus. (With inputs from PTI) Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh on Monday visited the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Kolkata as the agency probes the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh during a press conference at the party office in Kolkata, on April 7.(PTI) Interacting with the media after the visit, Kunal Ghosh said he was visiting for some personal, but all added that some junior doctors wanted him to pass off some information to the CBI. I have come here for my personal work. I have to give information under a notification before going out of Kolkata, I have come here with the list of that information, Ghosh told media persons, according to ANI. "Along with this, some junior doctors want to give some information to the CBI, but they do not have any access to give it, so they contacted me. If this information will be useful to them (CBI), then they (junior doctors) are ready to cooperate..." Ghosh also added that the CBI officers are doing their best to solve the issue. "I have handed over to CBI all the documents given to me by the doctors of RG Kar Hospital...If before 23rd August a breakthrough is reached, then it is better as the arrested accused is presented before the court on that day, then the remand copy will indicate he was the lone culprit or not..." he added, according to ANI. Kolkata doctor's rape and murder case The trainee doctor was raped and murdered inside a seminar hall of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The crime took place on the third-floor seminar hall of the chest department late at night, and police later said multiple lacerations and wounds were found on her body. While Sanjoy Roy, the main accused, has been arrested, investigating agencies have yet to rule out the involvement of others in the crime. The crime has sparked widespread outrage and led to protests within and beyond the medical community. On Sunday, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the case and scheduled a hearing on August 20. The case will be heard by a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra The parents of the victim have criticised the West Bengal government for attempting to stifle the public outcry. They have also voiced concerns about the handling of their daughter's body, alleging that it was not in the same condition initially as it was found in the seminar hall of the facility, hours after the incident. A 15-year-old boy who was stabbed by a fellow student, leading to communal violence in Udaipur, succumbed to his injuries Monday after battling for life for four days. Udaipur: Security personnel deployed to maintain law and order after a student stabbed another boy at a government school on Friday, in Udaipur, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (PTI) Following the boy's death, Udaipur remains under tight security, with mobile internet services suspended. Inspector General of Police Ajaypal Lamba confirmed that the boy's body has been moved to the mortuary for a postmortem, after which it will be handed over to his family. Sometime before his death, his sister tied a rakhi on his wrist in the hospital, as it was Raksha Bandhan, Udaipur collector Arvind Poswal said, PTI reported. The boy, Devraj, was attacked outside his school on Friday, sparking protests by right-wing groups who set vehicles on fire and vandalised a shop. ALSO READ- Bengal minister's break fingers call amid protests over Kolkata doc's murder stokes row, BJP hits back Accused arrested, his house demolished The accused student has been detained, and his father has been arrested. Later, the house, in which the accused minor's family lived , was razed by the district administration using JCB machines on Saturday in the presence of police personnel. The house was built on forest land, officials alleged. ALSO READ- Mpox scare: Centre asks airports to be alert, marks 3 hospitals as nodal centers Incident sparks communal riots On Friday, a mob set fire to cars and pelted stones. According to police, members of some right-wing groups gathered at Madhuban to protest the stabbing. The mob then threw stones and set three to four cars on fire. As tension escalated in the evening, markets in Bapu Bazar, Hathipole, Ghanta Ghar, Chetak Circle, and nearby areas were shut down. Stones were also thrown at a shopping mall, damaging glass gates of the shops. ALSO READ- 4 children dead, 24 hospitalised due to alleged food poisoning at Andhra orphanage Additional police forces have been deployed to maintain law and order. In response to the unrest, authorities had ordered closure of all schools and imposed prohibitory orders banning public gatherings. All government and private schools in Udaipur have been ordered to remain shut until further orders because of the law and order situation, Poswal said on Saturday. A man was arrested for allegedly creating a ruckus and harassing an on-duty female doctor inside a hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district early Monday, officials said. (Representational Image) The accused Gurpreet Singh's unruly behaviour at the sub-district hospital in Nowshera sparked a protest by doctors and the paramedical staff, they said. The ruckus erupted around 12.45 am when Singh accompanied a patient to the hospital and allegedly indulged in hooliganism without any provocation, the officials said. The accused allegedly smashed a windowpane and also abused a female doctor who tried to intervene before fleeing the scene. Following the ruckus, the doctors and paramedics of the hospital suspended their work and staged a protest, demanding stern action against the accused and adequate security at the hospital premises. However, the protest was called off when senior civil and police officials reached the scene and informed the doctors about Singh's arrest and registration of a case under relevant sections of the criminal law against him. Also read | Teenager gangraped in bus at Dehradun ISBT, drivers among 5 arrested Block Medical Officer Iqbal Malik said the accused ransacked the hospital property and harassed a female doctor on duty without any provocation. "Police have arrested the accused following which the hospital staff resumed their duties," Malik said. Sara Ali Khan exuded festive cheer as she arrived at her father, Saif Ali Khans residence to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with her brothers Ibrahim, Tim, and Jeh, on Monday. She carried a puja thali that contained a silver diya stand, red-yellow sacred threads, and more such puja materials. Head-to-toe in a yellow ensemble, she was ready to celebrate her special bond with her brothers. The actors outfit complemented the festive celebrations. Sara Ali Khan celebrated Rakhi with Ibrahim Ali Khan at their father's residence.(Instagram) ALSO READ: Sara Ali Khan's Rs. 13k kurta and sharara set is must-have for desi girls who love wearing simple traditional wear About her look Sara embraced the Rakhi celebrations with the energy of a burst of sunshine as she dressed entirely in yellow. The Murder Mubarak actor wore a simple yellow salwar kameez with red and golden accents along the hemline and dupatta. Elaborate golden sequins graced her neckline, with a splash of red at the borders. Even her matching yellow juttis had red patterns, creating a cohesive look by seamlessly syncing all the elements with the same color palette. Red-yellow tassels dangled from her dupatta, which she draped over her shoulder. The actors understated hair look was relatable, with a regular clip holding her pulled back loose shoulder-length hair. To pay homage to the auspicious day, she sported a rudraksha on a red thread around her neck. Her entire vibe was simple, embodying a girl-next-door charm, enhanced by her dainty, golden bangles and hoops. Red and yellow are timeless festive colours, and Sara integrated them into her outfit to perfectly capture the celebratory mood. ALSO READ: Sara Ali Khan reveals she asked Aanand L Rai to take Atrangi Re to Alia Bhatt instead Her work front The 29-year-old actor was last seen in the patriotic biography Ae Watan Mere Watan and murder-mystery Murder Mubarak. She is gearing up for the release of the highly anticipated Anurag Basu-directed Metro in Dino, which is slated to release on 13th September 2024. She will be sharing the screen with big names like Anupam Kher, Ali Fazal, Neena Gupta Aditya Roy Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Fatima Sana Shaikh. ALSO READ: Sara Ali Khan once opened up about unearned opportunities for star kids in Bollywood There is a growing, and legitimate, concern in India today that its neighbourhood is becoming increasingly hostile. The recent events in Bangladesh, following last years India Out campaign in Maldives, have intensified this belief. India has ample reason for concern, as it has historically held a dominant position in the region. More so, regional geopolitics is bound to influence Indias ability to rise as a global power. This pushback is a function of both domestic political dynamics in these countries and the changing structure of the regional balance of power. While Indias historical and contemporary relations with these nations have undoubtedly contributed to such pushback, it would be inaccurate to attribute the rise in anti-India sentiment solely to New Delhis actions. It's far more complicated. In any case, this is not the first time New Delhi has had to deal with anti-India sentiments in the region. And yet, considering the domestic and regional changes afoot in the region, India must craft new strategies to engage the region. First and foremost, it is simply not possible for India and any other regional or global actor to control or micro-manage the regions domestic politics; it is neither possible nor desirable. In fact, the growing complaint in the Indian strategic community that we cant control our neighbourhood smacks of an imperial mindset. Indias traditional form of primacy in the region is a thing of the past, and so it must find ways to modernise its influence to make it more palatable to the region. In that sense, it is both futile and counterproductive to try to control the region and its politics. The most effective approach would be to shape the incentive structure within which regional states operate and formulate their policies: Influence works best when it operates subtly and without being overtly felt. For instance, instead of being miffed about the anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh, New Delhi must incentivise the new establishment in Dhaka to work with India. The second policy shift is to accept the emerging realities and work to shape them rather than refusing to acknowledge them. Denial of political changes in the regionwhether in Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, or the Maldivesserves no purpose, as these changes will occur regardless of our preferences. In foreign policy praxis, denial is not an effective tool, nor is complaining a viable strategy for states. We must also come to terms with the structural shifts underway in the regional balance of power, particularly the reality that regional states will increasingly turn to China to counterbalance India's traditional primacy. Closing our eyes and refusing to accept the rise of China in the region will only bring more darkness to our vision. One of the major errors that states make in their foreign policies is to mistake what is desirable for what is inevitable. Thirdly, just as it makes little sense to lament that we are unable to control the political outcomes in the regional states, it is equally erroneous to argue that we are somehow responsible for the internal developments in our neighbouring countries. Not everything that happens in our neighbouring countries is a reflection us, and not all adverse developments signify our failure. Our neighbours have their unique political lives, as complicated as ours, sometimes more. Attempting to change course of domestic political outcomes in the region is a fools errand at best, and a strategic error, at worst. While anti-India feelings in the neighbourhood should certainly worry us, lets keep in mind that sometimes India just serves as a useful political scapegoat, an object of ready-made conspiracies, and some people may even experience a collective catharsis in calling India names. We must learn to take it in our stride; major powers routinely get name-called, and thats normal. Fourth, anticipating political and geopolitical outcomes is a major part of statecraft and diplomacy. If so, we must introspect the reasons why we are unable to anticipate political changes in the region. Is it because we invest in certain individuals and parties that we are unable to imagine and be ready for scenarios beyond them? Our preferences or friendships should not lead us to mistake what is desirable for what is inevitable. Playing favourites in our neighbouring countries is a bad strategy due to the inherent uncertainty of domestic politics; todays favourites could become tomorrows adversary and vice versa. Moreover, politicians in our neighbourhood often deliberately involve India in their internal power struggles to gain domestic political advantages. Nepali politicians, for instance, have a long history of using India as a tool in their domestic political manoeuvres. Finally, our domestic political impulses shouldnt be allowed to influence our foreign policies. More or less, we have managed to do that. In fact, by reaching out to the Taliban and the Myanmar junta, India has demonstrated an ability to have a non-ideological approach to regional policy. This policy must be continued towards countries such as Bangladesh as well. If we are able to do business with the Taliban or even the Pakistani military for that matter, nothing should stop us from engaging Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. In its journey towards becoming a global power, New Delhi cannot afford to ignore its neighbourhood. It must, therefore, devise innovative ways of dealing with a restive region fraught with domestic political uncertainties and geopolitical contestations. Happymon Jacob teaches Indias foreign policy at JNU, and is the founder of the Council for Strategic and Defence Research. The views expressed are personal A woman attacked a CISF constable and two fellow passengers on a flight from Pune to New Delhi on Saturday morning. The woman, identified as 44-year-old Surekha Singh, had an altercation with co-passengers Anvitika Borse and Aditya Borse over seating arrangements, the Bridge Chronicle reported. A woman attacked co-passengers and a CISF cop on a Pune to New Delhi flight (Representational image) Singh reportedly attacked the Borse siblings first over the seating arrangements. The brother-sister duo were sitting in their allocated seats on the Pune to New Delhi flight being operated by a private airline. The crew intervened in the situation and informed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) of the unruly passenger. CISF constables Priyanka Reddy and Sonika Pal tried to defuse the situation, but they were also attacked by Singh. The Wakad resident reportedly bit Reddys hand in a fit of anger, causing an injury. As the situation worsened, the constables had to restrain Singh and finally remove her and her husband from the flight. She was handed over to the airport police. 44-year-old Surekha Singh is a homemaker, while her husband is a software engineer. They were travelling to Delhi to attend a relatives funeral. Priyanka Reddy, 26, has filed a complaint with the airport police in connection with the attack, where she was slapped and bitten. The police have filed a case for obstruction of official duty. State of extreme distress She seemed to be in a state of extreme distress due to a personal emergency. After her altercation with the co-passengers, the pilot refused to fly with her, prompting the airline to seek our help as she grew more violent, a CISF personnel was quoted as saying by the Times of India. We let her go after issuing a notice asking her to join our probe as and when summoned by the investigating officer, said senior inspector Ajay Sankeshwari, adding that the brother-sister duo involved in the altercation were allowed to travel to Delhi. * Blinken arrives in Middle East seeking Gaza ceasefire, Hamas says Israel thwarts efforts Airstrikes in central Gaza kill 21, including children * Ceasefire mediators to step up diplomacy in Cairo this week * Netanyahu says will stand firm on security * Hamas: Israel trying to make new conditions to 'blow up' talks By Humeyra Pamuk TEL AVIV, - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday on another Middle East tour to push for a ceasefire in Gaza but Hamas raised doubts about the mission just hours after he landed by accusing Israel of undermining his efforts. The Palestinian militant group said it holds Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for "thwarting the mediators' efforts", delaying an agreement and exposing Israeli hostages in Gaza to the same aggression faced by Palestinians. On his ninth trip to the region since the war began in October, Blinken will meet on Monday with senior Israeli leaders including Netanyahu, a senior State Department official said. After Israel, Blinken will continue onto Egypt. The talks to strike a deal for a truce and return of hostages held in Gaza were now at an "inflection point", a senior Biden administration official told reporters en route to Tel Aviv. "We think this is a critical time," the official said. The mediating countries - Qatar, the United States and Egypt - have so far failed to narrow enough differences to reach an agreement in months of on-off negotiations, and violence continued unabated in Gaza on Sunday. Israeli strikes killed at least 21 people in Gaza on Sunday, Palestinian health authorities said, including six children and their mother in an airstrike on a house in the central city of Deir Al-Balah. The youngest was aged 18 months, their grandfather Mohammed Khattab told Reuters as relatives later gathered around the bodies, wrapped in white shrouds. "What was their crime? ... Did they kill a Jew? Did they shoot at the Jews? Did they launch rockets at the Jews? ... What did they do to deserve this?" asked Khattab. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel has denied targeting civilians as it hunts down Hamas militants, accusing the group of operating from civilian facilities including schools and hospitals. Hamas denies this. The Israeli military said it destroyed rocket launchers used to hit Israel from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, the scene of intense fighting in recent weeks, and killed 20 Palestinian militants. In the occupied West Bank, where violence has escalated since the war in Gaza broke out in October last year, an Israeli man died from wounds sustained in an attack, according to a hospital spokesperson. CLOSING GS The talks towards a ceasefire are set to continue this week in Cairo, following a two-day meeting in Doha last week. Blinken will try to secure a breakthrough after the U.S. put forward bridging proposals that the mediating countries believe would close gaps between the warring parties. The war erupted on Oct. 7 when Hamas militants rampaged into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and seizing around 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent military campaign has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities, and reduced much of Gaza to rubble. Israel says it has killed 17,000 Hamas combatants. There has been increased urgency to reach a ceasefire deal amid fears of escalation across the wider region. Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Israel remained firmly committed to principles established for its security in the May 27 outline proposals, Netanyahu's office said in a statement following a meeting of the cabinet. "I would like to emphasise: We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give," Netanyahu told the meeting. "There are things we can be flexible on and... things that we cannot be flexible on, which we will insist on." Netanyahu's office said he still insists Israeli forces remain on a border strip that runs between Gaza and Egypt known as the Philadelphi Corridor, in order to prevent weapons being smuggled into Gaza. It said Netanyahu would continue to work towards advancing a deal that maximizes the number of living hostages released and allows for Israel's war objectives to be achieved, including not allowing Hamas to retain control of Gaza. Hamas said that optimistic U.S. comments were "deceptive" and accused Netanyahu of making new conditions in an attempt to "blow up" the negotiation. Disagreements include whether Israeli troops should remain present in Gaza after the fighting ends, notably along the border with Egypt, and over checks on people going into northern Gaza from the south which Israel says is needed to stop armed militants. Hamas has pushed for a ceasefire deal to end the war, while Israel has not been willing to agree to go beyond a temporary pause in the fighting. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Tech tycoon Mike Lynch, one of six people missing from a sunken yacht off Sicily, had been trying to move past a Silicon Valley debacle that had tarnished his legacy as an icon of British ingenuity. British tech tycoon Mike Lynch was trying to bounce back from HP fraud case before being lost at sea Lynch, 59, struck gold when he sold Autonomy, a software maker he founded in 1996, to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011. But the deal quickly turned into an albatross for him after he was accused of cooking the books to make the sale. The fraud allegations resulting in Lynch being fired by HP's then-CEO Meg Whitman and a decade-long legal battle. It culminated with him being extradited from the U.K. to face criminal charges of engineering a massive fraud against a company that shaped Silicon Valley's zeitgeist after starting in a Palo Alto, California, garage in 1939. Lynch steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was being made a scapegoat for HP's own bungling a position he maintained while testifying before a jury during a 2 1/2 month trial in San Francisco earlier this year. U.S. Justice Department prosecutors called more than 30 witnesses in attempt to prove allegations that Lynch engaged in accounting duplicity that bilked billions of dollars from HP. The trial ended up vindicating Lynch, who was cleared of all charges in June. Lynch, who had remained free on $100 million bail during the trial, had pledged to return to the U,K. and explore new ways to innovate. Although he avoided a possible prison sentence, Lynch still faced a potentially huge bill stemming from a civil cased in London that HP mostly won during 2022. Damages haven't been determined in that case, but HP is seeking $4 billion. Lynch made more than $800 million from the Autonomy sale. Before becoming entangled with HP, Lynch was widely hailed as a visionary who inspired descriptions casting him as the British version of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Lynch, a Cambridge-educated mathematician, made his mark running Autonomy, which made a search engine that could pore through emails and other internal business documents to help companies find vital information more quickly. Autonomy's steady growth during its first decade resulted in Lynch being awarded one of the U.K's highest honors, the Office of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2006. In the months leading up to the deal that would go awry, HP valued Autonomy at $46 billion, according to evidence presented at Lynch's trial. The trial also presented contrasting portraits of Lynch. Prosecutors painted him as an iron-fisted boss obsessed with hitting revenue targets, even if it meant to duplicity. But his own lawyers cast him as entrepreneur with integrity and a prototypical tech nerd who enjoyed eating cold pizza late at night while pondering new ways to innovate. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Prince Harry's former friends have blasted him and his wife, Meghan Markle, for their attacks on the royal family. Harry and Meghan stepped down from the royal family and moved to the United States, following which they launched several scathing attacks on the family. The Sussexes attacked the royal family in their 2021 TV interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Netflix series Harry & Meghan, as well as Harrys memoir Spare. Disloyal Prince Harry's former friends blast Duke over his attacks on royal family (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)(AP) During his Netflix series with Meghan, Harry said, I miss my friends Ive lost a few friends in this process." Hes an angry boy Ahead of Harrys 40th birthday next month, The Times spoke to his former friends. One of his friends said, "I cant believe hed stoop so low. Its outrageously disloyal. Oprah, Netflix and then the book? Three strikes and youre out." Another pal said, "Hes an angry boy. Things havent turned out how he wanted. I think he misses being over here [in Britain] desperately and wants to be admired more. Anyone who knows him feels hed rather be top of the pops here with everyone loving him, as they do with William and Kate." A friend of both Harry and his estranged brother Prince William said, "Harry and Meghan could have left with dignity and decency and not trashed the institution. The conclusion is theyve made money from trashing his family." Harry last saw William at King Charles' Coronation in May 2023. A Sunday Times article has now revealed that William does not want to see Harry at his coronation. The Prince of Wales will be crowned only after his father dies. However, one of Charles friends said that they would never say that Harry and the Kings relationship is irreparable. The Kings capacity to forgive his son is undimmed. There are other members of the royal family who are much more weighted against Harry, thats the problem, the person said. New Delhi: For nearly two weeks, Ukrainian forces have been seizing and holding Russian territory in what marks the first instance of a foreign military fighting inside Russia since World War II. Ukraines incursion into the Kursk region is an unexpected escalation, more than two years after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine. In response, the Kremlin has pledged to push back the Ukrainian forces, calling it a critical priority. Russia's President Vladimir Putin (AFP) As the Ukrainian air force targeted a key bridge vital for Russian supply routes in the Kursk region on Sunday, Anton Gerashchenko, Ukraines former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, spoke with Hindustan Times about the wars future trajectory, the possibility of a truce, Kyivs prospects of joining NATO, the potential impact of Trumps return on US aid to Ukraine, and Indias neutral stance on the conflict. Ukraines former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Anton Gerashchenko (Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine) Edited excerpts from the interview: Q. What is your assessment of the current situation on the ground, and where do you see the conflict heading in the coming months? Are there any chances the war could end this year? Throughout the Russian-Ukrainian war, Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to dramatically shift the course of military events. Despite harsh conditions, Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience and turned negative scenarios in its favour, as seen in the Kursk region operation. This offensive is causing huge political and military shifts within Russia, affecting Ukraines allies and revealing cracks in Putins regime. Putins distrust of his generals, the jailing of many, and the indecisiveness among his entourage point to a regime struggling with instability. While its too early to gauge specific outcomes, its clear the operation is disrupting Russian logistics, increasing Ukraines prisoner exchange fund, and forcing Russia to redeploy combat units from eastern Ukraine to Kursk. The operation has evidently surprised both Russian military leaders and Putin. For Ukraine, the wars end means reclaiming occupied territories and ensuring fair punishment for Russia. This is an existential war for Ukraine, one for survival and independence. While a temporary freeze and negotiations might be possible by mid-autumn, a complete end to the conflict is unlikely this year. Putins refusal to negotiate means only Russias defeat or Ukraines fall could end the war. I firmly believe Ukraine will not be defeated, but a swift end to the war is not foreseeable. So, our unity and resilience are essential as we prepare for a tough winter ahead. Q. How seriously does the Ukrainian government take Putins threats? Do you believe Russia will ever accept a battlefield defeat in Ukraine? We take Putins threats very seriously. His aim is to obliterate Ukrainian independence, remove or displace the active population, and assimilate those who remain in occupied areas. Essentially, Putin wants a scorched, deserted land, which he refers to as a sanitary zone between Russia and NATO. Ukrainians fully understand this. We saw the atrocities against civilians from the start of the invasion, which is why Ukrainians have bravely resisted with everything they have. Our resistance is a matter of survival. Q. Given Tucker Carlsons recent interview with Vladimir Putin, where he expressed surprise that Putin justified the invasion of Ukraine based on historical claims rather than fear of an imminent attack by the US or NATO, how do you respond to Putins rationale? What does this reveal about Russias long-term objectives in the region? Putin has an imperialistic mindset, with ambitions extending beyond Ukraine. By invoking pseudo-history, he wants to justify his claims on Ukrainian and other neighbouring territories. Ukraine is a sovereign state, and modern territorial boundaries should be determined by international law, not by the historical fantasies of dictators. If territorial disputes were settled militarily, it would lead to global chaos. If Ukraine loses, this chaos is inevitable. Therefore, nations aiming to restore global security and avoid widespread conflict have a vested interest in Ukraines victory. Men carry a coffin during the funeral of six Ukrainian servicemen, who were killed since Ukraine launched its offensive at the Russian border region of Kursk, in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, on August 15. (AFP) Q. Do you believe there is still room for diplomacy between Ukraine and Russia? Russia is a neighbouring country with a shared, complex history with Ukraine, but our focus is on building a future for our country and our children. We prefer diplomacy over conflict, which is why our President (Volodymyr Zelensky) initiated the Ukraine Peace Summit, and we are grateful to India for its participation. But negotiations become feasible when the other side acknowledges your right to exist and live. So, diplomacy is possible when Russia recognises Ukraines sovereignty, agrees to Ukraines demands and international law, admits its wrongdoing, and makes reparations. I believe this is possible. Q. India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and refrained from imposing any sanctions on Russia, unlike many Western countries. How do you view Indias decision to remain neutral in this situation? Yes, India has avoided openly condemning Russia and maintained a neutral stance on the conflict with Ukraine. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a meeting with Putin, emphasised that a solution cannot be achieved through war. While Russias actions have upended a fragile world order due to its imperial ambitions, India has consistently advocated for respecting the UN Charter, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, and has called for dialogue and diplomacy. Your history deserves great respect. So, given Indias history of struggling for independence and democracy, I believe India, having emerged as a leading democratic state, cannot ignore Ukraines fight against colonialism. India has the potential to lead the Global South in shaping a new global order, with others likely to follow. Q. What about NATO membership? Do you think Ukraine can ever secure a NATO membership? How important is it for Kyiv to join NATO? I am expressing my own perspective here. I believe Ukraine has long served as Europes eastern shield. Eventually, Ukraine will join the European collective defence system. Its crucial for Ukraine to be integrated into Europe and its security framework. Ukraine seeks robust guarantees of peace. Q. How might the results of the US elections influence the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Could US financial support for Ukraine decrease if Trump is re-elected? The US is Ukraines key partner and ally. Ultimately, the winner of the US presidential election will assume office and prioritise their countrys interests. So, I dont believe that Russias victory aligns with US foreign policy, especially given that it would strengthen Chinas position. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza and a Palestinian news site said on Monday that a journalist was killed by Israeli fire the previous day in the south of the territory. Gaza journalist killed in alleged Israeli fire "Ibrahim Muharab's body was taken to Nasser Hospital", in the southern city of Khan Yunis Monday, the ministry said. Palestinian Daily News, a website for which Muharab worked, announced his death "following shelling from the Israeli occupation on him and a group of journalists". It added that Muharab's body was found on Monday morning in Hamad City, a large apartment complex built by Qatar and now in ruins. Two other journalists who were with Muharab at the time were wounded and sent to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, an AFP journalist on the ground reported. Online videos that AFP could not separately authenticate show an Israeli armoured vehicle advancing towards the Hamas neighbourhood while bullets are being fired. At least one man wearing a "Press" jacket can be seen running away from the shots before a voice can be heard saying "Ibrahim is wounded, where is he?" About 30 people gathered on Monday at the hospital to stand around Muharab's body, which was laid on the ground under a white plastic tarpaulin on which a bulletproof jacket marked "Press" was laid like a wreath, AFPTV footage showed. Contacted by AFP, the Israeli army declined to comment on this specific case without receiving the geographic coordinates for the location of Muharab's death and his identification card. "The has never, and will never, deliberately target journalists", a spokesperson for the army told AFP. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned Muharab's "assassination" and accused the Israeli army of leading an "organised campaign... to kill journalists" in Gaza. Gaza journalist Ibrahim Qanan, who was at the hospital, accused Israel of "killing the truth by trying to wipe out all traces of transmission towards the outside world of what is happening in the Gaza Strip". The Israeli army has killed several journalists in Gaza it accused of belonging to Hamas or Islamic Jihad's armed branches. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported Monday that "at least 113 journalists and media workers" have been killed since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7 This constitutes the "deadliest period for journalists since the CPJ began gathering data in 1992." bur/sbh/lba/jd/dcp This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. ISLAMABAD Flash floods triggered by the latest spell of monsoon rains flooded streets in southern Pakistan and blocked a key highway in the north, officials said Monday, as the death toll from rain-related incidents rose to 209 since July 1. Heavy rains hit Pakistan's south, as deaths from flash floods and downpours jump to 209 since July Fourteen people died in various parts of Punjab province in the past 24 hours, Irfan Ali, an official at the provincial disaster management authority said. Pakistan is in the middle of the annual monsoon season, which runs from July through September. Scientists and weather forecasters have blamed climate change for heavy rains in recent years. Most of the deaths occurred in the Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southern Sindh provinces. The ongoing rains, however, are weaker compared to 2022, when climate-induced downpours swelled rivers and inundated one-third of the country at one point, killing 1,739 people and causing $30 billion in damage. Zaheer Ahmed Babar, a senior official at Pakistan Meteorological Department, said that the latest heavy spell of rains would continue this week in various parts of the country. The heavy downpour in southern Pakistan has flooded streets in Sukkur district, Sindh province, where authorities are evacuating affected people to safer places. Babar said that Sukkur and other areas in the south received heavy amounts of rain the previous day. Authorities said that efforts were underway to clear a key Karakorum highway in the north, blocked at various places because of the landslides. Flash floods have damaged some bridges in the north, disrupting traffic. The government advised tourists to avoid visits to the affected areas. More than 2,200 homes have been damaged across Pakistan since July 1, when the monsoon rains began, the National Disaster Management Authority said in a report. It said authorities are providing tests, medical aid and food to rains-affected people. Neighboring Afghanistan also witnessed rains and floods-related damage since May. On Sunday, three people died when a vehicle they were traveling in was washed away by floods in Ghazni, according to the provincial police chief office. Earlier in May, floods had killed 84 in northern Afghanistan following weeks of devastating torrents that had already left hundreds dead and missing. Rahim Faiez and Asim Tanveer contributed to this story from Islamabad and Multan. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a cease-fire proposal to halt the war in Gaza and the next step is for Hamas to say yes, as the Biden administration looked to bring an end to the 10-month conflict at last. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (AP) Blinken, on his ninth trip to the region since Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, called the proposed accord a bridging agreement and acknowledged that not everything is spelled out in detail. But it builds on a proposal that President Joe Biden put forward in late May which both sides had balked at. Blinken said the US will never give up, but that each passing day increases the risk of harm to hostages and raises the chance that the talks will be derailed. Iran and Hezbollah have vowed retribution for recent assassinations that they say were the work of Israel, and Blinkens trip was seen in part as an effort to deter such a strike. The top US diplomat said he will next travel on to Egypt and Qatar to understand what their leaders are hearing from Hamas on the next steps. Blinken emphasized the need for an enduring cease-fire, a phrase that fell between Netanyahus past insistence on resuming the war until Hamas is destroyed and the demand of Hamas for a permanent end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. In a statement, Netanyahu described his meeting with Blinken as good and important and voiced appreciation for what he described as US recognition, amid the truce efforts, of vital Israeli security needs. Underscoring his top priority in a deal, Netanyahu said the maximum number of living hostages held by Hamas should go free as part of a proposed first-phase cease-fire. Dozens of people holding up photos of the hostages spent hours demonstrating outside Blinkens hotel in Tel Aviv, using signs and chants to urge him to pressure Netanyahu to accept a deal. Also read: An Israeli strike in Lebanon kills 10 and triggers response from Hezbollah as tensions simmer Earlier Monday, Blinken met separately with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, offering condolences for the loss of life in recent terrorist attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians. Gallant emphasized the importance of ongoing military pressure placed by Israel on Hamas, alongside the need for ongoing US political pressure on Hamas, until a framework is achieved that will enable the return of hostages to Israel, the defense ministry said in a statement following their meeting. BEIRUT, - An Israeli strike on Monday evening targeted a Hezbollah arms depot in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley, the Israeli military said. Israeli strike targets Hezbollah site in Lebanon, Israeli military says The strike did not result in any fatalities, two security sources told Reuters. Lebanon's health ministry said of the eight injured six were Lebanese citizens and two Syrian children. The Israeli military said its air force struck a number of Hezbollah weapons storage facilities in the area of Beqaa in Lebanon. "Following the strikes, secondary explosions were identified, indicating the presence of large amounts of weapons in the facilities struck," the military said in a statement. It said earlier strikes in Deir Qanoun and Tayibe south of Lebanon targeted a senior militant in Hezbollah's Rocket and Missile Unit and a cell operating from a Hezbollah military structure. Following the depot strike, the Lebanese Agricultural Scientific Research Authority said it would close its research stations in the Beqaa region as a precaution because unexploded missiles landed nearby. On Saturday, the Israel military said it targeted a weapons depot used by Lebanese armed group Hezbollah militants in an airstrike, killing at least 10 people including two children. In July, Israeli strikes also targeted another depot storing ammunition belonging to the Iranian-backed group in the town of Adloun in southern Lebanon, three security sources told Reuters. Israel and Hezbollah have been trading fire since Hezbollah announced a "support front" with Palestinians shortly after its ally Hamas attacked southern Israeli border communities on Oct. 7, triggering Israel's military offensive in Gaza. Some 622 people in Lebanon have been killed since the start of the clashes last year, including 416 Hezbollah fighters and 132 civilians, according to a Reuters toll. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Libyas central bank said Monday it was resuming operations, defying a decision to replace its governor and board in a move that could further imperil an already-fragile cease-fire deal between the OPEC nations rival governments. Libya Power Struggle Builds as Central Bank Pulled Into Dispute The bank, in a statement, said that Governor Sadik Al-Kabir had met with senior managers as part of the regulators decision to resume operations after the kidnapping of a senior employee led it to announce it was halting work. The statement, posted on its Facebook page, made no mention of a decision by the internationally-recognized Presidential Council in Tripoli to replace the banks chief and its board, but noted that it was back to work after the employee was freed. The banks decision to suspend work had the potential to worsen the already dire political situation in the North African nation after the east-based legislature last week said it was pulling out of a 2020 cease-fire deal between Libyas rival governments. Adding to the tension was the closure of the countrys largest oil field. Its decision to resume operations, similarly, represents a challenge to the decree by the Presidential Council. After two years of paralysis, this is a rapid succession of events. Where its all heading, its too early to say, said Claudia Gazzini, senior analyst for Libya at the International Crisis Group, noting that what transpires next depends on what the parliament does and whether theres some sort of back door agreement about who can be a unified central bank governor. While the discord had the potential to further inflame tensions, Gazzini said she doesnt expect fresh violence after the latest developments. I think everyone is going to use this opportunity to pursue their interests. Its a dangerous game, she said. Read: Why Libya Lurches from One Crisis to The Next: QuickTake Tensions are already high after the parliament in the east last week dubbed the internationally-recognized Tripoli government as illegitimate. The legislature, which is backed by military leader Khalifa Haftar, also said it was ending the term of the Presidential Council, stripping it of its role as high commander of the Libyan armed forces. In addition, the shutdown of the Sharara oil field in the east puts a major dent in Libyas finances and the Tripoli government described its closure as a political blackmail attempt. The rising tensions have sparked worry both domestically and abroad, especially as efforts built to oust Kabir from his post amid claims of unfair allocation of Libyas oil wealth. The governor has yet to comment on the move to replace him. But earlier, the USs special envoy to Libya, Richard Norland, said that attempts to oust Al-Kabir were unacceptable and that replacing him by force can result in Libya losing access to international financial markets. At the heart of the dispute is a struggle for power, and the currency of that fight has often been the nations oil fields. In that context, the decision by Al-Kabir to suspend the banks operations became part of a broader attempt to use the economy to realize a political advantage. Disputes over distribution of Libyas wealth must be settled through transparent, inclusive negotiations toward a unified, consensus-based budget, Norland said on August 12. The UN, too, has voiced concerns about the direction Libya is taking. The 2020 cease-fire deal was aimed at ending the violence and paving the way for elections. Little progress, however, has been made on either front, leaving rival governments in Tripoli and the east embroiled in a feud thats left little room for an emergence of the chaos which Libya has endured since the 2011 uprising that ousted and killed longtime leader Moammar Al Qaddafi. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya said on Aug. 14 it was following with concern moves that increase tension, undermine trust and further entrench institutional divisions and discord amongst Libyans. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Canberra Most Australians are worried about artificial intelligence, new survey shows. Improved media literacy is vital Canberra, After becoming mainstream in 2023, generative artificial intelligence is now transforming the way we live. This technology is a type of AI which can generate text, images and other content in response to prompts. In particular, it has transformed the way we consume and create information and media. For example, millions of people now use the technology to summarise lengthy documents, draft emails and increase their productivity at work. Newsrooms have also started experimenting with generative AI, and film companies are using it to create actor digital doubles and even digital clones of actors who have died. These transformations are bound to increase in the coming months and years. So too are the many concerns and controversies surrounding the use of generative AI. In the face of these complex and rapid developments, we surveyed more than 4,000 Australians to better understand their experiences with and attitudes toward generative AI. Released today, our results paint a complicated picture and underscore the vital importance of improved media literacy programs. Who is using generative AI in Australia? Between January and April this year we surveyed a representative sample of 4,442 adult Australians. We asked people a range of questions about their media use, attitudes and abilities including a series of questions about generative AI. Just under four in ten adults have experience using text-based generative AI services such as ChatGPT or Bard. Of this group, 13 per cent are using these services regularly and 26 per cent have tried them. An additional three in ten adults know of these services but have not used them, while 26 per cent are not at all familiar with these services. Far fewer Australians are using image-focused generative AI services such as Midjourney or DALL-E. These kinds of services can be used to create illustrations or artworks, adjust or alter photographs or design posters. Only 3 per cent are using these services regularly and 13 per cent have experimented or tried using them. Half of adults are not at all familiar with image-based AI services while 28 per cent have heard of these services but have not used them. Some groups are much more likely to be using generative AI. Regular use is strongly correlated with age. For example, younger adults are much more likely to be regularly using generative AI than older adults. Adults with a high level of education are also much more likely to be using this technology, as are people with a high household income. Australians are worried about generative AI Many Australians believe generative AI could make their lives better. But more Australians agree generative AI will harm Australian society than disagree with this . This is perhaps why almost three quarters of adult Australians believe laws and regulations are needed to manage risks associated with generative AI. Just one in five adults are confident about using generative AI tools, although 46 per cent say they want to learn more about it. Significantly, many people said they dont know how they feel about generative AI. This indicates many Australians dont yet know enough about this technology to make informed decisions about its use. The role for media literacy Our survey shows the more confident people are about their media abilities, the more likely they are to be aware of generative AI and confident using it. Adult media literacy programmes and resources can be used to increase peoples media knowledge and ability. These programs can be created and delivered online and in person by public broadcasters and other media organisations, universities, community organisations, libraries and museums. Media literacy is widely recognised as being essential for full participation in society. A media literate person is able to create, use and share a diverse range of media while critically analysing their media engagement. Our research shows there is a need for new media literacy resources to ensure Australians are able to make informed decisions about generative AI. For example, this kind of education is crucial for adults to develop their digital know-how so they can determine if images are real and can be trusted. In addition, media literacy can show people how to apply critical thinking to respond to generative AI. For example, if a person uses an AI tool to generate images, they should ask themselves: 1) why has the AI tool created the image in this way and does it create social stereotypes or biases? 2) could I use a different prompt to encourage the AI to create a more accurate or fairer representation? 3) what would happen if I experimented with different AI tools to create the image? 4) how can I use the advanced features within an AI tool to refine my image to produce a more satisfactory result? 5) what kind of data has the AI been trained on to produce this kind of image? Without interventions, emerging technologies such as generative AI will widen existing gaps between those with a low and high level of confidence in their media ability. Its therefore urgent for Australian governments to provide appropriate funding for media literacy resources and programs. This will help ensure all citizens can respond to the ever-changing digital media landscape and fully participate in contemporary society. GRS GRS This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. By Rosaura Bonfardino, Igor Petyx One dead, six missing after luxury yacht sinks off Sicily PALERMO, Sicily, - One man died and six people were missing after a luxury yacht was struck by an unexpectedly violent storm and sank off the Sicilian capital Palermo on Monday, the Italian coast guard said. Among those missing was British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, a person familiar with the rescue operation said. The 56-metre-long sailboat was identified as the British-registered Bayesian and sank with 22 people on board shortly before sunrise, the coast guard said in a statement. The missing people were of British, American and Canadian nationality, the coast guard said. The 15 people rescued included a one-year-old child. "The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude," a coast guard official in Palermo told Reuters. Storms and heavy rainfall have swept down Italy in recent days - with floods and landslides causing major damage in the north of the country - after weeks of scorching heat. Eight of those rescued were transferred to local hospitals. All were in stable condition, local media reported. The captain of a nearby boat told Reuters that when the storm hit he turned the engine on to keep control of the vessel and avoid a collision with the Bayesian. "We managed to keep the ship in position and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone," Karsten Borner told journalists. The other boat "went flat on the water, and then down," he added. He said that his crew then found some of the survivors on a life raft - including three who were seriously injured and "a little baby and the wife of the owner" - and took them on board before the coast guard picked them up. Entrepreneur Lynch, aged 59, was acquitted in June by a jury in San Francisco of fraud charges linked to the sale of his software company, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011. He said at the time that he was "elated" to be cleared in the criminal trial in which he denied any wrongdoing and blamed HP for botching the integration of the two companies. DIVERS INSPECT WRECK The coast guard said divers were inspecting the wreck, at a depth of 49 metres. Prosecutors in the nearby town of Termini Imerese have opened an investigation to look into what had gone wrong. The Bayesian was built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008 and was last refitted in 2020, and was managed by yachting company Camper & Nicholsons. It won a string of awards for its design and can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites and a crew of 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. Formerly known as Salute, or health in Italian, its 75-metre mast is the tallest aluminium mast in the world, Perini said on its website. The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, with a navigation status of "at anchor", according to vessel tracking app Vesselfinder. A U.K. foreign ministry spokesperson said British officials were in contact with local authorities over the incident and were ready to provide consular support for Britons who were affected. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. BEIJING/MANILA, - The Philippines and China accused each other on Monday of ramming vessels and performing dangerous manoeuvres in the South China Sea, the latest flare-up after the two nations had agreed to try to ease tensions and manage disagreements at sea. -Philippines, China trade blame after vessels collide in the South China Sea China's Coast Guard said in a statement a Philippine vessel which had ignored its repeated warnings "deliberately collided" with a Chinese vessel in an "unprofessional and dangerous" manner in the disputed waterway early on Monday. The Philippines disputed Beijing's account, saying two of its coast guard vessels "encountered unlawful and aggressive manoeuvres" from Chinese vessels near Sabina Shoal while on their way to supply Filipino personnel stationed in two occupied islands. "These dangerous manoeuvres resulted in collisions, causing structural damage to both PCG vessels," said Jonathan Malaya, a spokesperson for the national security council and Manila's South China Sea task force. Manila said coast guard vessels Cape Engano and Bagacay were on their way to resupply personnel stationed in Flat Island which Manila calls Patag and Lawak Island and which China calls Nanshan, when the at-sea confrontation happened near Sabina Shoal. A collision occurred between Cape Engano and a Chinese coast guard ship at around 3:24 a.m. on Monday , Manila said. Around 16 minutes later, the Philippine coast guard ship Bagacay "was rammed twice" by a Chinese coast guard vessel, which resulted to "minor structural damage", Manila added. The Chinese coast guard posted a short video of the incident which showed the collision with what it said was one of their vessels. China's maritime security said the same Philippine vessel involved in the collision then entered waters near Second Thomas Shoal after being prevented from entering Sabina Shoal waters. Sabina Shoal is in the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Two Philippine Coast Guard vessels "illegally intruded" into waters adjacent to Sabina Shoal without permission in the early hours on Monday, according to China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu. "The Philippines has repeatedly provoked and caused trouble, violated the temporary arrangements between China and the Philippines," Gan said, referring to Philippines' supplies missions to a vessel grounded on Second Thomas Shoal. China's Coast Guard said it took control measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with the law in the incidents early Monday, and warned the Philippines to "immediately stop infringement and provocation" or "bear all consequences". The Philippine task force said both of its vessels will continue with their mission to supply personnel in Flat Island. "The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea urges restraint and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws to prevent further escalations and ensure the safety of all vessels operating in the region," it said. The incident came less than two weeks after an air incident between the Chinese and Philippines militaries in Scarborough Shoal. The two countries reached a "provisional agreement" in July after repeated altercations near the Second Thomas Shoal. China has been sharply criticised by Western nations for aggression in blocking Philippine efforts to resupply troops aboard a navy ship it intentionally grounded 25 years ago. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including both shoals, rejecting a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that Beijing's expansive claims had no basis under international law. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Prince William does not wish to have Prince Harry at his coronation, a Sunday Times article has revealed. The Prince of Wales has said that he would want his crowning to look and feel different. William will be crowned only after his father, King Charles III, dies. Prince William doesn't want Harry at his coronation, but 'Kings capacity to forgive his son is undimmed (Photo by Frazer Harrison / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP, AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool) Williams friends have claimed that he does not want his estranged brother, Harry, at his coronation. They are estranged, which is dreadfully sad, one of the brothers closest friends said. The friends also revealed that Harry and William have not spoken in almost two years. After stepping down from the royal family with his wife Meghan Markle, the couple moved to the United States with their children. Harry launched scathing attacks on his family time and again, including in his memoir, Spare. The Kings capacity to forgive his son is undimmed The problem for the King and other members of the family is the worry that if they have a chat with Harry, it will appear in Spare volume two, said one of Charles friends. How do you regain the trust? I dont think Harry ever can. But from the conversations Ive had with the King, I would never say their relationship is irreparable, the friend added. The Kings capacity to forgive his son is undimmed. There are other members of the royal family who are much more weighted against Harry, thats the problem. One of Harrys closest friends blasted him for turning on his own family. I cant believe hed stoop so low. Its outrageously disloyal. Oprah, Netflix and then the book? Three strikes and youre out, the friend said. A former aide to the Duke of Sussex said that he does not seem to have a purpose in life since leaving his family. He loved the army and was very good at his job. The work with Invictus is great and fatherhood was the role he most wanted, so perhaps those are enough for him, the aide said. But everything else is a bit woolly. I always thought he wanted more from life. I cant help but think he must be wondering, Where do I go from here? the person added. Johannesburg, South Africa is committed to strengthening bilateral trade and investment with India, the countrys Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau told a gathering of South African captains of industry and heads of Indian companies. South Africa committed to strengthening bilateral trade and investment with India: Minister Tau was on Sunday the chief guest at the launch of the India-SA Chamber of Commerce , an idea sparked during meetings in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg with the High Commissioner Designate for South Africa to India, Prof Anil Sooklal. He will assume office at the beginning of September as the first Indian-origin South African to head up a mission in India. In 2023, India ranked number eight as South Africas export destination and number four as a source of imports. Over the past five years, our bilateral trade increased from USD 8 billion to USD 13 billion, Tau said. The minister said the bulk of South Africas exports to India were commodities, of which coal made up 62 per cent. We have not yet reached the target of USD 18 billion. We will intensify our efforts to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries, Tau said. This will require an increase in private sector engagements to devise ways of improving trade as well as improve government interaction to deliberate and resolve barriers impacting the expansion of trade, amongst other issues, he said, calling the launch of ISACC timely. Tau said trade between India and South Africa should be structured to enable more value-added products and services. We anticipate that ISACC will play a pivotal role in ensuring that South African exporters can engage Indian buyers when they undertake selling missions to India. India has emerged as an essential source of foreign direct investment in South Africa and continues to actively contribute to our investment drive. We appreciate the presence of Indian companies in our country and encourage more Indian companies to further expand their manufacturing footprint in South Africa, Tau said. The minister said he believed that both countries could draw from each others experiences and explore industrial cooperation in sectors with potential, such as renewable energy, automotive component manufacturing and healthcare, particularly pharmaceutical and medical devices. We view as a vehicle that will promote trade and investment ties, and assist in fighting the challenges that we as governments face. Working with you can make a greater impact on our economic positions, he said. ISACC representative Atul Padalkar explained the purpose of the new organisation. There are about 130 Indian companies in South Africa. However, there are only about 20 South African companies present in the Indian market, he said. Padalkar said there were two main questions to be dealt with, the first being how South Africa could increase its exports to India and how it could address the negative trade balance with New Delhi. Secondly, how can we as Indian companies in South Africa, contribute as partners to address South Africas challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment?" We recognised that there was a need for a structure - something that could handle three of the critical issues which were pointed out in these engagements. The first one was how can business help in communicating these issues as a collective to the government and bring to their attention what business and government partnership can achieve, Padalkar said. He said the second was finding ways to maximise the many opportunities for trade and investment and the third was to capacitate small businesses which were the backbone of both the Indian and South African economies. Most of the bilateral trade and investment is largely driven by big companies SMMEs are significantly behind in comparison, so we need to bring them on into this equation, Padalkar said as he pointed out that many of the representatives in the room were from SMMEs. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. A viral video appears to show Khalistanis raising slogans at the India Day Parade at Toronto City Hall. They were also seen tearing apart the Indian flag with knives. Toronto's India Day Parade: Khalistanis rip Indian flag, yell go back to India amid celebrations (@BezirganMocha/X) The video, shared by the X account Mocha Bezirgan, shows Khalistanis yelling go back to India. Take a look: Celebrations were marked with heightened security measures The largest celebration of Independence in Canada, the India Day Parade, took place in Toronto. The event was marked with heightened security measures at the venue because of a planned counter-rally by pro-Khalistan groups. The India Day Parade was held on the first Sunday after August 15. The event is organised by Panorama India, which is an umbrella group for Indo-Canadian cultural organisations. Panorama Indias chair Vaidehi Bhagat had said that this years celebration will feature the "largest Indian flag outside India" and will include as many as 20 floats representing different Indian states, according to Oneindia. Pro-Khalistan groups had planned to gather nearby to promote their cause with calls for a face-off between Khalistan Sikhs and Canadian Hindus. This caused heightened tensions around the celebration. The festivities were centred at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. Cultural performances and a variety of Indian cuisine enhanced the event. The celebration this year held a special significance as it marked the silver anniversary of the Parade for Panorama India. Recent developments involving pro-Khalistan groups further complicated the situation. The groups were emboldened by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's September 18 statement, where he mentioned "credible allegations" linking Indian agents to pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjars murder. Trudeau previously said that authorities had obtained credible intelligence agents of the government of India were behind the murder. Indias Ministry of External Affairs has strongly denied the claims. India said in a statement that it rejects any attempts to connect Government of India to such developments, calling itself a democratic polity with a strong commitment to rule of law. Thousands of activists are expected to converge in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, hoping to call attention to abortion rights, economic injustice and the war in Gaza. A banner of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) hangs as people take part in a protest organised by pro-abortion rights, pro-LGBT rights and pro-Palestinian activists, on the eve of DNC, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 18, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) While Vice President Kamala Harris has energized crowds of supporters as she prepares to accept the Democratic nomination, progressive activists maintain their mission remains the same. Activists say they learned lessons from last months Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and are predicting bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations in Chicago, a city with deep social activism roots. Also Read: The Democratic National Convention is here: Know how to watch it and who all are guest speakers Who is protesting? Demonstrations are expected every day of the convention and, while their agendas vary, many activists agree an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the priority. Things kicked off Sunday on the convention's eve with a march along Michigan Avenue against the war in Gaza and for abortion and LGBTQ rights. The march began in late afternoon and stretched into the night. Police lined the march route and there were no signs of major conflict. At one point, anti-abortion activists staged a small counter-protest. Police did not immediately respond to an email asking if there had been arrests more than three hours into the march. Organizer Linda Loew said even though Democrats have pushed to safeguard reproductive rights at home, the issue is international. They marched in solidarity with people everywhere who struggle for the right to control what happens to their bodies, as well as to protest the money the U.S. spends to back wars that could be used for healthcare, she said. We believe that the billions of dollars that continue to flow to the state of Israel and the flow of weapons are having an inordinate and horrific impact, but in particular on women, children and the unborn, she said. All of these things are tied together. The largest group, the Coalition to March on the DNC, has planned demonstrations on the first and last days of the convention. Organizers say they expect at least 20,000 activists, including students who protested the war on college campuses. The people with power are going to be there, said Liz Rathburn, a University of Illinois Chicago student organizer. People inside the United Center are the people who are going to be deciding our foreign policy in one way or another." Also Read: Lindsey Graham reveals key to the White House for Donald Trump, and its not showmanship Where are they protesting? Activists sued the city earlier this year, saying restrictions over where they can demonstrate violate their constitutional rights. Chicago leaders rejected their requests for permits to protest near United Center on the citys West Side, where the convention is taking place, offering instead a lakefront park more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) away. Later, the city agreed to allow demonstrations at a park and a march route closer to the United Center. A federal judge recently signed off on the group's roughly 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) route. Coalition to March on the DNC spokesman Hatem Abudayyeh said the group is pleased it won the right to protest closer to the convention, but he believes its preferred 2-mile (3-kilometer) march would be safer for larger crowds. The group is chartering buses for activists from about half a dozen states. We're going forward, full speed ahead, he said. The city has designated a park about a block from United Center for a speakers' stage. Those who sign up get 45 minutes. The Philadelphia-based Poor Peoples Army, which advocates for economic justice, plans to set up at Humboldt Park on the citys Northwest Side and will feature events with third-party candidates Jill Stein and Cornel West, plus a 3-mile (5 kilometer) march Monday to the United Center. Some group members have spent the last few weeks marching the more than 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Milwaukee, where they protested during the Republican convention. Poor and homeless people are being brutalized, with tents and encampments destroyed and bulldozed away, from San Francisco to Philadelphia to Gaza and the West Bank, spokesperson Cheri Honkala said in a statement as the group reached Illinois. These preventable human rights violations are being committed by Democratic and Republican leaders alike. How does a new nominee change things? Many activists believe nothing much will change because Harris is part of the Biden administration. The demands havent changed. I havent seen any policy changes, said Erica Bentley, an activist with Mamas Activating Movements for Abolition and Solidarity. If youre going to be here, youre going to have to listen to whats important to us. Pro-Palestinian protesters in Chicago have been highly visible, shutting down roads to the airport and staging sit-ins at congressional offices. Some are planning their own one-day convention Sunday with third-party candidates. Regardless of who the nominee is, were marching against the Democrats and their vicious policies that have allowed Israel to kill over 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza, said Fayaani Aboma Mijana, an organizer with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. It's unclear if the convention will draw far-right extremists who ardently support former President Donald Trump. Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge Derek Mayer said last week there are no known specific security threats against the convention. Is Chicago ready? The convention will draw an estimated 50,000 people to the nation's third-largest city, including delegates, activists and journalists. The city says it has made necessary preparations with police and the Secret Service. Security will be tight, with street closures around the convention center. To combat traffic concerns, city leaders are touting a new $80 million train station steps from the United Center. They also have tried to beautify the city with freshly planted flowers and new signs. City leaders also cleared a nearby homeless encampment. Police have undergone training on constitutional policing, county courts say they are opening more space in anticipation of mass arrests and hospitals near the security zone are beefing up emergency preparedness. Authorities and leaders in the state have said people who vandalize the city or are violent will be arrested. Were going to make sure that people have their First Amendment rights protected, that they can do that in a safe way, Mayor Brandon Johnson told The Associated Press in a recent interview. But some have lingering safety concerns, worried that protests could become unpredictable or devolve into chaos. Activist Hy Thurman protested and was arrested at the infamous 1968 convention. The 74-year-old now lives in Alabama but plans to come to Chicago to protest the war in Gaza. Its extremely personal for me," he said. I see parallels. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has said that he expects peaceful protests. We intend to protect the protesters' First Amendment rights, and also the residents of the city of Chicago and the visitors to Chicago at the same time, Pritzker told the AP in a recent interview. U.S. House of Representatives Republicans issued a report on Monday alleging Democratic President Joe Biden committed impeachable offenses, but it was unclear whether they would push for a vote following a probe the White House has long dismissed as politically motivated. President Joe Biden arrives at Hagerstown Regional Airport to board Air Force One on his way to the White House, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, following a trip to Camp David.AP/PTI(AP08_19_2024_000006B)(AP) A 291-page report by three House committees alleged that Biden profited from an influence-peddling scheme to enrich himself and members of his family through foreign business dealings beginning in 2014, when Biden was vice president. "The committees present this information to the House of Representatives for its evaluation and consideration of appropriate next steps," the report said. It was not clear if Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson would schedule a vote to impeach Biden in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 5 election, in which Republican Donald Trump is locked in a tight battle with Vice President Kamala Harris. Even if the Republican-controlled House were to pass such a measure, it would be unlikely to remove Biden from office, given that he would need to be convicted by a Senate controlled 51-49 by his own Democratic Party. Biden, who withdrew his own reelection bid last month, is due to leave office when his successor is sworn in on Jan. 20. A similar House impeachment against Biden's top border official, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, was put to a swift end by the Senate in April. The House investigators claim that Biden used his influence to benefit the business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden, with partners from Ukraine, China, Russia and other countries. Hunter Biden has been convicted on charges that he lied about his illegal drug use to buy a gun and is awaiting trial on charges of tax evasion, including an allegation that he accepted payments from a Romanian businessman who sought to influence U.S. government agencies in connection with a criminal probe in Romania. The impeachment inquiry, which lawmakers formally authorized last December and has been carried out by the House Oversight, Judiciary and Ways & Means Committees, has been criticized by members of both parties for failing to produce hard evidence of wrongdoing by Biden. Democrats have disparaged the effort as retribution for Trump, who was impeached twice by a Democratic-controlled House and acquitted each time by the Senate. The first impeachment alleged that Trump pressured Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to help smear Joe Biden in return for U.S. aid. In a mere span of six months since the announcement of King Charles being diagnosed with cancer, he has made an incredible recovery. In February, he suspended most of his royal duties and engagements including the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral and a solo two-day visit to Belfast. Meanwhile, Camilla stepped in to fulfil the necessary duties of the King. Britain's King Charles III made a speedy recovery and resumed his duties in good health. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, Pool, File)(AP) Also Read: Prince William doesn't want Harry at his coronation, but 'Kings capacity to forgive his son is undimmed King Charles is recovering Godspeed and heres how King Charles has made a speedy recovery in the past six months with him now fit enough to travel 10, 000 miles at a stretch to Australia and Samoa. His medical assistants pointed out that not all cancer programmes are the same when the King made his public comeback in the cancer hospital on April 30. A source close to the King told Matt Wilkinson, Royal editor, The Sun wasnt shining in February but it is shining now. He is not yet out of the woods but there has been a great optimism and his process of treatment went better than anyone would have thought. However, it has been a question among the public as to how he managed a speedy recovery with no hair loss and only 30 minutes of audience with his younger son, Prince Harry. Here is how the royal household cared for the Monarch during his treatment. Also Read: Prince William reveals one issue that would have disappointed Princess Diana had she been alive Weekly treatments The Kings health plan, inspired by Operation Bubble, involved weekly treatments in London and rest at Sandringham, Highgrove, and Windsor. However, things got complicated when Prince Harry flew in from Los Angeles. This caused a delay in the Kings travel and limited their time together to just 30 minutes. Aides decided it was best to keep Harry away from Sandringham to reduce infection risks. Although the King was off public duties for 103 days due to a weakened immune system. A source said, We had to minimise potential risk from other people, not because he couldnt do the job. This was a precautionary measure to prevent secondary infections, following Covid-style protocols, as reported by The Sun. However, he was eager to return to work after receiving positive treatment results. Also Read: Prince Harry being 'isolated' by Meghan Markle, royal expert claims; Duke could return to UK within King follows Covid-style restrictions He maintained Covid-style restrictions to minimize infection risks and gradually resumed duties, including attending D-Day commemorations and hosting events at Buckingham Palace. By summer, he had managed 464 engagements and received around 27,000 well-wishes. Despite being known for working long hours, he was limited to five hours of public duties per day to balance rest and work. A source explained the importance of rest in Kings hectic schedule, Rest and recovery has to be taken as seriously a priority as government duty, public duty, so we build in rest periods and try to limit the number of hours a day that are public-facing duties. His recovery was aided by advanced, non-intrusive cancer treatments, and he continued to engage in private work. A source said, He is not pioneering in any way as its available for any cancer patient. The treatments are highly evolved and sophisticated in ways previous treatments were not, as people turned curious eyes to the King not losing any hair during the treatment. Immense support provided by thepublic An insider noted that the public's response has been significant and supportive. The insider said, I cant tell you what a difference that has made for him, it came with his support. When presented with facts of how many suffered enlarged prostate, and that there was a public health campaign and therefore some good can come of his personal setback, he totally got that and has been genuinely bowled over by the scale of response to that and cancer itself. Buckingham Palace has collaborated with charities like MacMillan, Maggies, and Cancer Research UK. The Kings comeback event at University Hospitals allowed him to connect with cancer patients, sharing that he had lost his sense of taste and would undergo treatment that day. While there are no current plans to reveal more about his cancer, the situation may change if he feels the timing is right. The King has been open about his prostate issue and cancer, though its unlikely he will specify the type of cancer. However, the insider added, Never say never. There are no current plans to reveal the cancer. But if he felt that the time was right . . . Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently embarked on a whirlwind four-day trip to Colombia. During the final day of the tour on Sunday, the Duchess of Sussex gushed about her three-year-old daughter. While highlighting the importance of empowering young girls, the Suits alum shared that Princess Lilibet has already found her voice. US actress Meghan Markle addresses the audience during the "Afro women and power" forum, at the Municipal Theatre in Cali, Colombia, on August 18, 2024. Prince Harry and his wife, American actress Meghan Markle, are visiting Colombia at the invitation of Colombia's vice-President Francia Marquez, with whom they have attended various meetings with women and young people to reject discrimination and cyberbullying. (Photo by Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP)(AFP) Meghan Markle gushes over Princess Lilibet finding her voice at the age of 3 As one of their final stops in the Colombian city of Cali, Meghan spoke alongside Vice President Francia Marquez at a panel discussion titled Afro-Descendant Women and Power: Voice of Equity. While discussing the topic of empowering women of colour, she stressed the importance of young girls learning how to utilize their voices in order to be heard, per Page Six. ALSO READ: Prince Harry desperately wants to be admired more like Prince William and Kate For us and the work that we do with our Archewell Foundation, certainly the work that we do as parents, as I do as a mother, is ensuring that young girls feel as though their voices are being heard, Meghan said. The Duchess also took a moment to praise her husband, Prince Harry, saying that she and him work incredibly well together as a team. She went on to say that in addition to girls learning how to express themselves, young boys must also be taught to listen to them. Part of the role modelling that I certainly try to do as a mother is to encourage our daughter, who at 3, she has found her voice, and were so proud of that, Meghan said. ALSO READ: Two Americans among 6 missing after luxury yacht sinks off coast of Sicily during violent storm That is how we, as I was saying, create the conditions in which theres a ripple effect of young girls and young women knowing that if someone else is encouraging them to use their voice and be heard, thats what theyre going to do, continued, adding, and theyre going to create a very different environment than so many of us grew up in where our voices were meant to be smaller. A superyacht suddenly sank off the coast of Sicily during a violent storm on Monday, according to Italian authorities. At least one person died, and six people went missing after the luxury boat capsized near the Sicilian capital of Palermo. The incident took place at around 5 am local time (11 pm ET) when the 160-foot yacht met with terrible weather conditions, the City Council of Bagheria said in a statement. This picture taken from a video released by the Italian Coast Guard on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, shows the rescue operations in the stretch of Sea near Palermo, Sicily, in southern Italy, where the sailing yacht Bayesian under the UK flag sank early Monday. AP/PTI(AP08_19_2024_000220A)(AP) Two Americans missing after luxury yacht capsizes in the Mediterranean Among the missing persons were four British, two Americans, and one Canadian passenger. The officials said that they were able to rescue 15 people when the coastal area was hit by a strong tornado. Out of them, eight passengers, including a one-year-old baby, were transported to hospitals, where they were deemed to be in stable condition. The rest were at the Port Authority in nearby Porticello, according to the statement. Meanwhile, a dead body was discovered near the shipwreck on Monday morning. ALSO READ: Prince Harry desperately wants to be admired more like Prince William and Kate Karsten Borner, the captain of a ship that rescued the survivors, said that at the time of the incident, there was a strong hurricane gust, and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position, per Reuters. He explained that they had watched the ship behind us not to touch them, and we managed to keep the ship in position. ALSO READ: Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez sail through the Mediterranean with Kim Kardashian, DiCaprio, Katy Perry and more However, when the storm was over, Borner and his crew realised that the massive yacht called the Bayesian was no longer behind them. We noticed that the ship behind us was gone, he said. Borner went on to say, Fifteen people inside. Four people were injured, three heavily injured and we brought them to our ship, adding, Then we communicated with the Coast Guard and after some time, the Coast Guard came and later picked up injured people. A tribunal established by ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to investigate war crimes in Bangladesh has initiated three probes into alleged mass murder charges against her, AFP reported on Monday. Former Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina (File Photo) More than 450 people were killed many by police fire during a month of student-led protests against Hasina's 15-year rule. She stepped down as prime minister and fled to India on August 5. According to the tribunal's investigator, these investigations centre on the unrest that prompted Hasina's departure from the country. Ataur Rahman, deputy director of the tribunal's investigation cell said that they were collecting preliminary evidence at this stage and added that the cases were related to mass murder. He said that all three cases were initiated by private individuals and several of Hasina's former top aides have also been named. The cases involve violence in areas surrounding the capital Dhaka, including Mirpur, Munshiganj and Savar. Local police units nationwide have filed at least 15 cases against Hasina, according to local media reports. Some of these cases predate the recent unrest and include charges of murder and "crimes against humanity. Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), established by Hasina in 2010, investigates atrocities from the country's liberation war against Pakistan. Under Hasina's leadership, the ICT has sentenced over 100 individuals to death, including several political opponents. The ICT has faced criticism from rights groups for not adhering to international conventions. Hasina's government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of political opponents. On Friday, the United Nations reported strong indications that Bangladeshi security forces used excessive force in responding to the student-led uprising. There are strong indications, warranting further independent investigation, that the security forces used unnecessary and disproportionate force in their response, the UN human rights office stated in a preliminary report. The report also highlighted alleged violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, and ill-treatment. With AFP inputs One man died, and six people, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, are missing after a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily early Monday during a violent storm. British entrepreneur Mike Lynch leaves the High Court in London, Britain March 25, 2019. (REUTERS) The 56-metre British-flagged yacht "Bayesian" was anchored near the port of Porticello when it was struck by severe weather, according to the Italian coast guard. The superyacht quickly sank just before dawn, eyewitnesses reported. Fifteen people, including Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, and a one-year-old girl, managed to escape. The deceased is believed to be the yacht's chef, while Lynch remains unaccounted for. The names of the missing and deceased have not been officially released. ALSO READ- Two Americans among 6 missing after luxury yacht sinks off coast of Sicily during violent storm Who is Mike Lynch? Mike Lynch, 59, is a prominent British tech entrepreneur, often compared to Bill Gates for his significant contributions to the tech industry. He founded Autonomy, the UK's largest software company, based on his research at Cambridge University, and became a leading figure in the tech world. Lynch sold Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $11 billion in 2011, but the deal later led to legal disputes, with HP accusing him of fraud. Lynch spent nearly a decade defending himself in court, including facing a criminal trial in San Francisco, where he was acquitted in June after being under effective house arrest for over a year. ALSO READ- Mpox case found in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, 4th case in Pakistan After his acquittal, Lynch expressed his relief, saing he was "elated" to be cleared of the charges and maintained that HP mishandled the integration of Autonomy. The yacht's name held special significance for Lynch, as his PhD thesis and the software that built his fortune were both rooted in Bayesian theory, a statistics and probability theory. (Inputs from Reuters) A pair of newlyweds and the brides mother were killed in a crash Thursday after a semitruck spilled a load of large pipes across a Colorado highway, officials said. The Wheat Ridge Police Department said that an investigation into the timeline of the crash, which involved multiple vehicles on both the eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 70 just west of Denver, is still in its early stages. Police said it appears a large truck carrying a load of pipes overturned on eastbound I-70 near Ward Road shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday. The pipes spilled across the westbound lanes, where a passenger car was struck and crashed. Newlyweds Ruben Rodriguez, 33, and Juliana Rodriguez Plata, 37, were killed in the crash, along with Plata's mother, Luz Melba Martinez, who was visiting from Colombia for their Aug. 10 wedding. The couple's 1-year-old son and the bride's father, Carlos Joaquin Plata were transported to a local hospital with injuries. According to police, the driver of the truck was also transported to a hospital with injuries. "In total, we believe the truck and at least three other vehicles were involved in this crash," police said. "The order of what happened in this series of events is still undetermined." --with reporting by TMX Deadly Israeli strikes hit Lebanon and Gaza on Saturday as the U.S. secretary of state headed back to Israel aiming to finalize a Gaza truce agreement, which diplomats say could help avert a wider regional conflagration. Lebanon's health ministry said an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon killed 10 people including a Syrian woman and her two children. The strike was among the deadliest in southern Lebanon since the onset of near-daily exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah following the start of the Gaza war in October. Israel's military said it struck a Hezbollah weapons storage facility. In Hamas-run Gaza, civil defense rescuers said an Israeli air strike killed 15 people from a single Palestinian family. The deaths in Al-Zawaida, central Gaza, added to a toll that the territory's health ministry says exceeds 40,000. "We are in the morgue seeing indescribable scenes of limbs and severed heads and children who are dismembered," said relative Omar al-Dreemli. The Gaza war between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants has displaced most of the territory's population, destroyed much of the housing and other infrastructure, and triggered the spread of disease. The United Nations on Friday appealed for seven-day pauses in the fighting so it could vaccinate children against polio after the Palestinian health ministry reported Gaza's first polio case in 25 years. "We are closer than we have ever been" to a ceasefire in the Gaza war, President Joe Biden said on Friday, though previous optimism during months of on-off talks has so far proven futile. On Saturday a senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, said Biden's comment is an "illusion." The stakes have significantly risen since the killings in quick succession in late July of Fuad Shukr, a top operations chief of Hezbollah in south Lebanon, and Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh. Their deaths led to vows of vengeance from Hezbollah, Iran and other Tehran-backed groups in the region which blamed Israel. On Friday Hezbollah released a polished video appearing to show its fighters trucking large missiles through tunnels at an underground facility. Israel claimed the killing of Shukr, in a strike on south Beirut, but has not commented directly on the killing of Haniyeh while he visited Tehran. Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead. More than 100 were freed during a one-week truce in November. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is leaving Saturday for Israel and seek to "conclude the agreement for a ceasefire and release of hostages and detainees," the State Department said. With a deal "now in sight, no one in the region should take actions to undermine this process," Biden said. Egyptian, Qatari and American mediators are working to finalize details of a framework ceasefire and hostage-release deal initially outlined by Biden in May. He said Israel had proposed it. In a joint statement after two days of talks in Qatar, the mediators said they presented both sides with a proposal that "bridges remaining gaps." Talks aiming to secure a deal are to resume in Cairo "before the end of next week," they said. Hamas did not attend the Doha talks. An official of the Islamist movement, Osama Hamdan, told AFP on Thursday the group would join if the meeting set a timetable for implementing what Hamas had already agreed to. A prospective cessation of hostilities has centered around a phased deal beginning with an initial truce. On Friday, officials told AFP that Hamas will not accept "new conditions" from Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Tuesday had detailed its conditions for a truce, including a "veto on certain prisoners" being released from its jails. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi of Jordan, a Western ally, blamed Netanyahu for "impeding attempts to finalize" a deal and urged pressure on him. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Saturday met his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne in Cairo for talks on "containing the escalation and efforts to reach a ceasefire," Egypt's foreign ministry spokesman said. Netanyahu has denied being the obstacle to a deal, blaming Hamas. On Friday, the Palestinian health ministry reported an unvaccinated 10-month-old child in Gaza had been diagnosed with highly infectious polio. The announcement came hours after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for two seven-day breaks in the Gaza war to vaccinate more than 640,000 children against type 2 poliovirus, which was first detected in the territory's wastewater in June. As truce talks took place, thousands of civilians were on the move again after the Israeli military issued fresh evacuation orders ahead of imminent military action in central-southern Gaza. "During each round of negotiations, they exert pressure by forcing evacuations and committing massacres," said Issa Murad, a Palestinian displaced to Deir el-Balah. Over the past day troops expanded their operations in the Khan Yunis area of Gaza's south, including by "eliminating" militants who had fired munitions toward Nirim, just outside Gaza, Israel's military said on Saturday. Prince William does not want brother Prince Harry at his coronation when he becomes king, a close friend has told the media. The friend described the brothers' dynamic to the Times of London as "estranged, which is dreadfully sad," he added. The two have reportedly not spoken in nearly two years. The Prince of Wales has also confided that he wants his own coronation to "look and feel different" from his father's crowning last year, his pal told the Times. The brothers have had a strained relationship ever since Harry's departure as a working royal in 2020 and an interview with Oprah Winfrey the following year critical of the royals. Harry has also participated in a Netflix series and authored a book, "Spare," revealing sometimes painful private conversations with members of his family. In a further sign of Harry and Meghan Markle's deteriorating relationship with the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not attend a family briefing on Queen Elizabeth's funeral the night before the 2022 service, and were not sent briefing notes until late that night, both of which reportedly deeply wounded Harry Other friends told the Times they cannot imagine that Harry is happy in his "gilded exile" in California. The Times' long-view report on Harry Sunday comes just ahead of Harry's 40th birthday September 15. The coronation revelation comes on the heels of Charles' decision to end security for his brother Andrew, the Duke of York, who has been linked to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Prince Andrew's private security has reportedly been privately funded by the king following his loss of publicly funded police protection in 2022. Former first lady Michelle Obama will address the Democratic National Convention in her native Chicago on Tuesday, according to several media reports. She'll join an all-star line-up of Democratic Party stars that night, including her husband and former President Barack Obama, to rally support for Vice President Kamala Harris in her race for the White House. The theme for the night will be "A Bold Vision for America's Future," USA Today reported. Polls consistently rank the former first lady as one of the most popular figures in American politics. Earlier this year she shared that she was "terrified" by the prospect of former President Donald Trump returning to power. President Biden will deliver remarks on Monday, along with convention host, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also slated to address the audience that evening, and her husband, former president Bill Clinton, is speaking on Wednesday, ahead of Tim Walz's vice presidential nomination acceptance speech. Harris will formally accept her party's nomination on Thursday. The warlord president of Russia's Chechen Republic claims billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk sent him one of the company's top-of-the-line Cybertrucks which he promptly had outfitted with a large-caliber machine gun. Ramzan Kadyrov posted a video on the Telegram messaging website that shows him driving the stainless steel electric vehicle and posing behind its rear-mounted, automatic weapon with a belt of ammunition draped over his shoulders. "We received a Tesla cybertruck from the respected Elon Musk. I was pleased to test the new technology and was personally convinced that it is not by chance that it is called the 'Cyberbeast,'" he wrote Saturday. Kadyrov who the U.S. has accused of "gross violations of human rights" also invited Musk to visit Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, where he promised to treat the world's richest person as "my dearest guest." Tesla didn't return messages seeking comment, according to the Associated Press. Kadyrov said he planned to ship the truck, which has a list price that starts at $100,000, to Russian forces fighting in Ukraine, "where it will be in demand under appropriate conditions." "Undoubtedly one of the best cars in the world! I literally fell in love with this car," he wrote. Kadyrov also said he was eagerly awaiting Musk's "new developments, which will contribute to the completion of the SVO," which is the Russian abbreviation for its "special military operation" in Ukraine. Human remains have been found on the property of Dale Warner, 59, the husband under arrest in connection with a missing woman in Michigan, authorities say. Dee Ann Warner, 52, a mother of five, ran a trucking company and a farming business when three of her adult children reported her missing in 2021. Dee Warner reported missing She was last seen April 24 or 25 of that year at her home on Munger Road in Franklin Township and she was reportedly last seen by her husband, Dale Warner. Warner had no contact with her family via phone or social media after she went missing. Her family said that would be highly unusual for her. Remains found on Dale Warner's property Michigan State Police found the human remains while executing a search warrant at Dale Warner's property in Lenawee County last week. "The remains are currently in the process of being recovered, and there will be a great deal of work and testing completed before positive identification is made," police announced. UPDATE: This is an update to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Dee Warner who was reported missing by her family on April 25, 2021. Detectives from the MSP Special Investigation Section continue to pursue investigative leads in the Dee Warner case. During the... pic.twitter.com/m1OJD6bO7k MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) August 18, 2024 On the night she disappeared, there had allegedly been a business dispute that included Dee, Dale, and one or two of her employees, according to Lenawee County Sheriff Troy Bevier. Dale Warner murder charges Dale was arrested in November 2023 and charged with open murder. Earlier this summer, Dale pleaded not guilty to several charges, and a judge stated that there was enough evidence to go to trial, reported NBC News. Bodycam footage played in court during a preliminary hearing showed him speaking to an officer the day after his wife went missing. He acted nonchalant and told the officer that was not unusual for his wife to leave. One of Dee Warner's friends testified that she told her about abuse in the relationship. "The very last thing she ever said to me, ever, was that she was tired and that it was time to talk to a lawyer," the friend said, according to WDIV-TV. However, at the time, authorities said the case was difficult to pursue without a body. Dale Warner continues to deny any involvement in his wife's disappearance. He is due back in court on September 4, according to CBS News. A woman jumped from the window of a London apartment to escape a man who raped and beat her during 10 days of captivity, police revealed Monday. The sexual and physical violence inflicted by Nam Nguyen, 27, left the woman with a fractured spine and "extensive injuries" to her face and body, according to London's Metropolitan Police Service. The horrific ordeal took place in London's Tulse Hill neighborhood in September 2023 and came to light after the woman made her daring getaway and ran to a nearby retirement home. She then detailed the vicious attacks to investigators who identified Nguyen as the suspect and arrested him near the apartment a short time later, police said. "This is some of the worst offending our detectives have ever seen and I do not underestimate the impact having to speak at length about this has had on the victim," Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh said in a prepared statement. "We will continue to support her in any way we can." Nguyen also took control of the woman's finances and records of those transactions along with forensic evidence and surveillance camera recordings helped convict him, police said. Nguyen, who had no fixed address, was found guilty in March of offenses including rape, sexual assault and grievous bodily harm with intent, police said. He was sentenced Friday to 17 years in prison, with a four-year extended sentence, and will have to serve two-thirds before he can apply for parole, police said. British law places extreme limits on the amount of information about criminal cases that can be made public before they're concluded. If you or someone you know has suffered sexual violence and needs help, please call 1-800-656-4673 in the U.S. A Colorado man faces 143 years in prison for a 2022 crime spree that included trying to pay for a Burger King meal with drugs. A jury convicted Robertson on 8 counts of Attempted Murder, 4 counts of Felony Menacing, Illegal Discharge of a Firearm, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Harassment and two counts of Reckless Endangerment. Around 11 p.m. on October 17, 2022, Robertson placed an order at a Burger King drive-through in Aurora. After pulling up to the window, Robertson tried to pay for his food with drugs. When the employee refused, Robertson pulled out a gun and pointed it at the employee before driving away. Shortly after, officers were called to a shooting at a convenience store in the 500 block of S. Airport Blvd, which is across the street from Burger King. The store clerk said a man walked in and pointed a gun at his head. When the man noticed a television surveillance camera system, he shot the screen and left the store. In the parking lot, witnesses reported seeing the man shooting toward another person and his girlfriend before leaving. Shortly after midnight, Aurora Police received another 9-1-1 call from an apartment complex. The woman told a dispatcher that a friend she knew as "Eugene" was knocking on her door and when she refused to open the door, he fired shots. The victim was inside her apartment with multiple people. While conducting the shooting investigation at the apartment complex, officers spotted Robertson. He ran and hid behind some bushes before he was taken into custody. "I hope this lengthy prison sentence provides some sense of safety and comfort for the victims who were traumatized that night," Senior Deputy DA Taylor McCreary said. "While we were lucky that no one was seriously hurt or killed, this defendant's egregious actions warrant several decades in prison where he won't be able to harm anyone else." After a six-year-long legal battle, a judge has sentenced sex-trafficking victim Chrystul Kizer to 11 years in prison for killing her abuser. Kizer won't serve the full 11 years after Kenosha County Judge David P. Wilk credited her with more than a year and a half of time already served, according to The Washington Post. The victim, who was 17 at the time, is now 24 and had initially faced a possible life sentence for shooting 34-year-old Randall Volar III. Volar, a White man, had been filming his sexual abuse of Kizer, who is Black, for more than a year. Kizer agreed to plead guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree reckless homicide with use of a dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Kenosha County DA Michael Gravely argued that Kizer planned the murder to steal Volar's BMW; however, public defender Jennifer Bias claimed Kizer acted in self-defense after Volar pinned her down and tried to sexually assault her. Advocates said Kizer's case was the first in Wisconsin where a sex-trafficking victim was allowed to use an "affirmative defense" for a homicide charge. Over 30 states have affirmative defense provisions allowing trafficking victims to be acquitted if they can prove at trial that the crime was a result of their abuse. Israel has accepted an American proposal to bridge its differences with Hamas over terms for a cease-fire and hostage-release deal, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday. Blinked called on Hamas to also accept the latest plan but didn't detail what had changed or whether it addressed concerns cited by the militant Palestinian group, the Associated Press reported. His remarks came after a 2 1/2-hour meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Blinken described as "very constructive." "The next important step is for Hamas to say 'Yes,'" Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu called the meeting "good and important" and praised the "understanding that the United States has shown to our vital security interests, along with our shared efforts to release our hostages," AP said. Netanyahu also said he wanted Hamas to release the maximum number of hostages during the first stage of the proposed deal. Blinken said there were still "complex issues" that require "hard decisions by the leaders," without specifying what they were. He also didn't say whether the U.S. proposal addressed issues that have so far prevented a deal, including Israel's demand for control over two strategic corridors in Gaza, which Hamas has rejected, AP said. Blinken planned to travel to Egypt and Qatar to continue negotiations that have taken on new urgency since Israel's targeted killing of an Iran-backed Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and the assassination of Hamas' political leader in Iran, which has blamed Israel for the slaying. Philippine ships sustained serious damage Monday in pre-dawn collisions with Chinese vessels near a disputed reef, Manila's coast guard said, as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims in the South China Sea. China and the Philippines have had repeated confrontations in the waters in recent months, including around a warship grounded years ago by Manila on the contested Second Thomas Shoal that hosts a garrison. Beijing has continued to press its claims to almost the entire South China Sea despite an international tribunal ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. On Monday both countries said that their coast guard ships had collided near the disputed Sabina Shoal, located 140 kilometres (86 miles) west of the Philippine island of Palawan and about 1,200 kilometres from Hainan island, the closest Chinese landmass. Manila said it was the first hostile action by Beijing against it near Sabina, where both sides have stationed coast guard vessels in recent months and where the Philippines fears China is about to build an artificial island. Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesman for Manila's coast guard, said the Chinese vessel had smashed a hole into the hull of the Philippine ship BRP Bagacay during their first collision. A second collision then dented the ship and damaged its railings, he added. In a separate collision, a second Filipino vessel, the BRP Engano, suffered a 1.1-metre (3.6-foot) hole in its right side as well as damage to its engine exhaust, Tarriela said. Manila also released images showing what Tarriela said was the heavy damage sustained by the ships. China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu accused the Philippine vessels of acting "in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in a glancing collision". "The China Coast Guard took control measures against the Philippine vessels in accordance with the law," he insisted. Chinese footage of the incident showed one ship, identified as a Philippine vessel by the Beijing side, apparently running into the left side of a Chinese ship before moving on. Another 15-second clip appears to show the Chinese vessel making contact with the rear of a Philippine ship. Beijing accused Manila's ships of "illegally" entering its waters without permission and having "deliberately collided" with the Chinese ship. "We sternly warn the Philippine side to immediately cease its infringement and provocations," spokesperson Gan said. Philippine National Security Council assistant director-general Jonathan Malaya disputed the Chinese account, telling reporters "it was not (BRP Bagacay) who rammed it, it's the other way around". "The physical evidence proves this," he said. The BRP Bagacay was "rammed twice" by a Chinese coast guard vessel and suffered "minor structural damage", Malaya said. The Filipino crew were unhurt and proceeded with their mission to resupply Philippine-garrisoned islands in the Spratly group, he added. Manila's National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea accused the Chinese vessels of conducting "unlawful and aggressive manoeuvres" near the Sabina Shoal. Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that the incident took place at 3:24 am local time (1924 GMT Sunday). It also said a Philippine coast guard ship had then entered waters near the Second Thomas Shoal around 6 am. That shoal lies about 200 kilometres from Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometres from Hainan. It was the site of a violent clash in June that led to a Filipino sailor losing a thumb. And earlier this month, Manila said two Chinese air force warplanes had buzzed and dropped flares near a Philippine maritime patrol plane above the China-held Scarborough Shoal further north. The repeated clashes in the South China Sea have sparked concern that Manila's ally the United States could be drawn into a conflict. Analysts have said Beijing's aim is to push eastwards from the Second Thomas Shoal towards the neighbouring Sabina Shoal, encroaching on Manila's exclusive economic zone and normalising Chinese control of the area. The situation has echoes of 2012, when Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal, another strategic feature in the South China Sea closest to the Philippines. Swissotel Hotels & Resorts, a globally recognised symbol of Swiss hospitality excellence, is delighted to announce the opening of Swissotel Nusantara in Indonesia's new capital city, Nusantara, East Kalimantan. Embracing the brand's ethos, 'Life is a Journey - Live It Well,' this new property offers an unrivalled experience, seamlessly blending premium hospitality, comfort, and purpose-driven living. Swissotel Nusantara stands as a symbol of sustainable hospitality, integrating the 'Forest City' concept with modern architectural elegance. The hotel's design draws inspiration from the natural beauty of its surroundings, featuring a palette of natural tones and materials that create a serene atmosphere. Nestled within the lush greenery of Forest Park, the hotel combines Swiss-inspired hospitality with contemporary amenities, making it an ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers. Its strategic location, near the Presidential Palace and government districts, underscores its appeal as a retreat for dignitaries and tourists alike. The hotel features 191 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each offering breathtaking forest views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. These spaces are thoughtfully equipped with modern technology, ensuring an enhanced guest experience bathed in natural light. Swissotel Nusantara boasts a wide range of exceptional facilities, including multiple swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym, spa, and kids club. Guests can rejuvenate at the renowned Purovel Spa, which offers holistic treatments designed to relax, recharge, and revitalise the body and mind. The spa, known for its use of high-quality products and its tranquil ambiance, provides a haven of relaxation. Dining at Swissotel Nusantara is a culinary journey that celebrates both local and international flavours. NUSA Restaurant, the hotel's all-day dining venue, is set amidst lush greenery and serves an array of Indonesian, Asian, and international cuisines. The sophisticated ambiance, complimented by stunning forest views, ensures that every meal is a memorable experience. For business travellers and event planners, Swissotel Nusantara offers state-of-the-art meeting facilities, including versatile rooms with customisable setups and four-meter-high ceilings, accommodating up to 190 attendees. The hotel's dedicated team ensures that every event is unforgettable, incorporating Swissotel's Vitality elements and offering exciting activities and nutritious menus to energise attendees. Guests can easily reach Swissotel Nusantara from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport. The hotel's strategic location also provides convenient access to various attractions in Penajam Paser Utara, including the pristine beaches of Pulau Gusung, the tranquil Air Terjun Tembinus waterfall, and the popular Pantai Nipah-Nipah beach. Hotel website Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, today announced the opening of Ginger Coimbatore Airport, Avinashi Road. The hotel embodies the brand's signature lean luxe philosophy, providing guests with a contemporary and comfortable stay. The 68-key Ginger Coimbatore Airport is conveniently located next to the airport and is in close proximity to key business districts such as Tidel Park, Coddisia Trade Centre, Chil SEZ IT Park, and Thoughtworks Tech. The hotel features Qmin, the signature all-day diner, The Bar, a well-equipped fitness centre and a conference room. Coimbatore has emerged as a major player in IT, education, and healthcare making it among the fastest growing tier-II cities in India. Situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Coimbatore serves as the perfect gateway to the enchanting Nilgiri Hills. The region's breath-taking landscapes, colonial charm, and rich biodiversity make it an attractive destination for travellers. Hotel website Jackson-Shaw, a national real estate developer headquartered in North Texas, announces the hiring of Malia Johnson as Director of Sales for its dual-branded AC Hotel by Marriott Symphony Park and Element by Westin Symphony Park in Las Vegas. Johnson brings 15+ years of proven sales performance in the hospitality and service industries. A Las Vegas native, Johnson was most recently responsible for the growth and profitability of the Las Vegas and Nashville markets, which comprised 13 hotels, 1700 rooms, and a portfolio totaling $80 million+ annually. Since opening their first bar in 2016, they have launched several new venues across Guangzhou and Shenzhen. They also run one of Chinas top Food & Beverage (F&B) consultancy firms and have received major accolades, with their bar named Mainland China's best in both 2023 and 2024. Reflecting on their achievements, its easy to overlook that success is never guaranteed, especially for Andrew and Bastien, whose distinct backgrounds have played a crucial role in their shared entrepreneurial journey. Worlds apart For Bastien, the hospitality business literally ran in his blood. Ive always been passionate about the world of spirits and hospitality, said Bastien. I remember watching my grandfather make vermouth and spirits, and my father running his restaurant as an entrepreneur; those are some of my earliest memories. Inspired by their success, he enrolled at EHL to pursue his ambition, even dedicating weekends and semester breaks to working at cocktail bars in Lausanne. Meanwhile, half a world away in Hong Kong, Andrew was a late bloomer. He credits EHL as having given him his first real taste of an industry that would ultimately become his career. My first exposure to the industry came pretty late, and it was only when I was at EHL that I really gained an interest in Food & Beverage, recalls Andrew. Even then, his ambition to become an F&B entrepreneur hadnt yet emerged. Actually, I don't think I ever wanted to start my own business. When I started my career working in hotels, it was always sort of my dream to become a hotel General Manager, doing that very traditional route. Coming from distinctly different backgrounds, Bastien and Andrew initially met during their time at EHL but only socially. So how did this unlikely duo come together to become award-winning entrepreneurs? Source: EHL Source: EHL Source: EHL Reunited in Guangzhou After graduation, Bastiens career took him to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia as an F&B Marketing Manager for Shangri-La. During this busy, early phase of his career, Bastien admits, I completely lost contact with Andrew and many of my fellow schoolmates. That is until 2014, when Bastien relocated within Shangri-La to take on a speciality restaurant management role in Guangzhou. Coincidentally, Andrew had also relocated to Guangzhou after graduation, working with Hyatt Hotels where he worked his way up to the role of Assistant Director of F&B overseeing budgeting, business plans, and wine programmes. A move which was a defining moment for Andrew, as he quickly realised that Guangzhou offered more intriguing opportunities than his hometown of Hong Kong. For both Bastien and Andrew, being in Guangzhou proved to be a classic case of the right place, right time. Upon reconnecting, the two former schoolmates quickly saw an opportunity. As Bastien puts it: After a year in the city we saw the lack of good [F&B] venues for such a large population. We thought there was a niche market to target. Looking back now, Andrew admits when we started, there wasn't really a plan. I was working in Guangzhou and felt like it's a good city to start something in. The risk is a lot lower compared to somewhere like Hong Kong. Its a massive city where people appreciate good F&B. By that time in their careers, they already had the ideal resumes to create a luxury concept. Not to mention, they both also had extensive operational experience behind the bar, in the kitchen, and as sommeliers. In fact for Andrew, his foundation for Hope & Sesame was formed during his EHL internship way back in 2006, at Amber in The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Details mattered. Where is the butter from? Why use this particular cutlery, or flatware? You had to understand all of it, which for me, really set a foundation for everything that followed. Meanwhile, Bastiens previous role at Shangri-La had given him the opportunity to create luxury F&B concepts within a large hotel group, giving him the critical, hands-on experience needed to launch a world-class bar like Hope & Sesame. Making Guangzhou a home As Bastien remembers, relocating to Guangzhou was not the preferred choice for many expats back then. He further explains how living in a country with a different language and culture adds layers of complexity. This is one of the many reasons he values Andrew as a co-founder. Any foreigner alone would struggle to start a business here due to the complex administrative processes and the fact that all documents are in Chinese. Andrew, who is from Hong Kong, also admits the challenges in running the business. When we first started in Guangzhou, we were in what was basically a novel, new business sector (ie. cocktail bars) so not everything was straightforward, in black and white. Having now lived in Guangzhou for the last decade, Bastien admits that there are advantages. These include being in a safe environment, and being able to harness the power of social media which is a reliable tool to drive customers to their bar. I learned a lot on how to do business and what is possible in the last few years as we grew our company, he said. Building on all that knowledge, Andrew and Bastien have since gone on to found several more concept-driven bars, including Charlies (in 2019), and the baijiu-centric Bar SanYou (in 2020). Theyve also launched Spirits Architects, now one of Asias most sought-after bar consultancy firms. Reflecting on the impact of their dynamic ventures on China's bar culture over the past 8 years, Bastien recalled: For instance, two years ago when we opened a cocktail bar for Ralph Lauren in Chengdu, that same year saw the launch of over 2,000 new bars in the city alone! While Andrew and Bastien cant completely take credit for the phenomenon, theyve certainly led the way. Achieving the perfect balance Much like crafting the perfect cocktail, maintaining balance is essential for ensuring longevity and success as an entrepreneur. As Andrew and Bastien's ventures have flourished, so too has their ability to maintain a harmonious work-life balance as family men. [Being successful] allows me to spend a lot more time with my child without having to compromise my dedication to both business and family, asserts Andrew. One of the keys to achieving that is keeping things close to home, geographically. Were not thinking about opening all over China, because Chinas huge. Different regions are like different countries, said Andrew. We opened a bar in Shenzhen, and its 1.5 hours by car from Guangzhou. We try to make sure the management distance isn't too far. Otherwise, you lose a lot of day-to-day control. Andrew and Bastiens growth strategy also mirrors that same ethos of keeping things close to home. From the start, theyve avoided external investment, relying mainly on their own savings and a few close family and friends for seed funding. As Andrew explains, once you get investors in, things become very complicated. Right now, we fully own and operate all of our venues, and I think we want to keep it that way. Today, this dynamic duo has full control over how they execute their business vision, selectively taking on interesting guest shifts overseas and road-testing new concepts in new markets. So after eight years of operating successful ventures, whats the best thing about running Hope & Sesame? Source: EHL For Andrew, its about travelling the world for guest shifts. I think I've pretty much been everywhere in the world. I'm just meeting incredible people and I'm not stuck behind the desk. Building on that, Bastien says its a sort of super power of choosing what to do, not having to ask anyone if we can do it. About EHL Group EHL Group is the global reference in education, innovation and consulting for the hospitality and service sector. With expertise dating back to 1893, EHL Group now offers a wide range of leading educational programs from apprenticeships to master's degrees, as well as professional and executive education, on three campuses in Switzerland and Singapore. EHL Group also offers consulting and certification services to companies and learning centers around the world. True to its values and committed to building a sustainable world, EHL Group's purpose is to provide education, services and working environments that are people-centered and open to the world. www.ehlgroup.com EHL Hospitality Business School Communications Department +41 21 785 1354 EHL View source Dubai, - Branded residences, one of the fastest-growing sectors in hospitality, will take center stage at FHS World (30 September to 2 October), with a dedicated, full-day conference led by one of the sectors leading innovators Accor One Living. Debuting at FHS World on 2 October, The Branded Residences Forum will feature workshops and conference sessions exploring the sectors rapid growth in the Middle East and across the world. The event will examine key topics related to the development and operation of branded residences, including value creation opportunities, the growing array of branding options available to developers, the emerging trend towards standalone branded communities, and the arrival of non-traditional players such as luxury automotive and fashion brands in the sector. Sustainability strategies, legal structuring, design and sales & marketing case studies are also on the robust agenda, along with the exploration of sector-related topics including co-working concepts, the evolution of shared living and the rapid growth of private clubs as places to work. According to Savills Residential Development Consultancy, the branded residences sector has grown by 160 per cent globally over the last decade. By the end of 2023, there were approximately 1,300 projects around the world, with hotel branded residences accounting for 82 per cent of them. Savills data also shows that the Middle East which is rapidly emerging as a global hub for the sector currently has 45,000 residential units in 200 branded developments across 80 brands. With a staggering 500 per cent increase in branded residences in the last decade from 10 in 2014 to 50 in 2023 with another 50 in the pipeline Dubai is the most active market worldwide and now rivals Miami, New York and London as a world leader in branded residential development. Saudi Arabia is also seeing significant growth, with a 65 per cent surge in its branded development pipeline between 2022 and 2023. Research by Global Branded Residences (GBR), a leading consultancy for the sector, shows that the United States, where branded residences first started, represents 36 per cent of existing projects but only 18 per cent of developments in the pipeline, highlighting the extent of global growth. The Middle East and Africa currently accounts for 19 per cent of the global branded residences existing and pipeline project network; Europe represents 16 per cent; Asia Pacific 22 per cent and The Americas 43 per cent. The worlds top locations for branded residences are Dubai, Miami, New York, London, Phuket, Sao Paolo, Los Cabos, Istanbul, Bangkok and Cairo, according to GBR. We are delighted to add this new and exclusive conference to FHS World. One of a host of new features and attractions at our 2024 event, The Branded Residences Forum will bring together an elite group of industry professionals and innovators to take a deep dive into the sectors growth, evolution and seeming endless investment opportunities. We are proud to partner with Accor One Living a global leader in this field to explore the importance of branded residences to our industry today, and how the sector will be a key driver in the future success of the hospitality industry on a local, regional and global scale. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS Launched in 2023 and bringing together 25 years of branded residences expertise, Accor One Living is industry first 360-degree platform focused on the development, design and operation of mixed-use projects and branded homeowner communities. With projects in 34 countries around the world, it currently operates nearly 50 branded residential communities serving over 7,000 homeowners, with more than 110 new projects under development. Accor One Living is proud to be at the forefront of all things branded residences at FHS World. Success in branded residences requires specialised expertise across multiple disciplines. The Branded Residences Forum by Accor One Living is a trailblazing event that will bring together key players and decision makers from across the sector, including residential developers who have delivered successful projects, expert lawyers, branding and communication firms, architects and leading interior designers. With a history in branded living dating back more than two decades, brands like Fairmont and Raffles have helped to pioneer the category and today Accor One Living is a key differentiator that is driving forward our momentum. Given such strong demand for innovative branded residential solutions, we believe that we have only just begun to tap into the potential in terms of helping our partners develop and operate branded residences alongside the hotels that anchor mixed-use developments. Accor is proud to own and operates four of the seven global hospitality brands that go back 100 years or more Orient Express, Raffles, Fairmont, and Pullman. These time-tested, world-renowned brands continue to provide opportunities for us to expand with residences in markets around the world. From a home buyer perspective, the brands lend tremendous appeal, prestige and reinforce confidence. Meanwhile, our exciting lifestyle brands within the Ennismore collective enable us to reach new psychographics and demographics who might not have previously considered a branded residence. These challenger and innovator brands are driving appeal among new generations of homeowners, proving the opportunity to put forward a wide range of compelling branding solutions that resonate with todays diverse range of homebuyers. As our Groups branded residences portfolio continues to grow, there are also exciting opportunities for other Accor brands like Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems. Jeff Tisdall, Chief Business Officer, Accor One Living and Global Head of Mixed-Use FHS World is the leading gathering for hospitality investors, so its a natural step to include this exclusive event for those developing, operating or exploring branded residences. The Branded Residences Forum is a key opportunity for investors to delve into issues and trends, such as rental programs, legal structure, sales and marketing and design. Rico Picenoni, Head of Savills Global Residential Consultancy The Branded Residences Forum by Accor One Living is an important opportunity for the industry to gather and discuss this ever-expanding sector. Interest is now truly global and standalone branded development activity is accelerating, creating even more opportunities. At the same time, exciting new brands and partnerships are emerging. Simply put, investors have a lot to consider and share when it comes to branded residences. Riyan Itani, Founder of Global Branded Residences Branded residences facts and figures: Source: Savills: The branded residential sector has grown more than 160 per cent over the last decade, evolving from exclusively hotel branded in the beginning to a panoply of non-hotel brands (predominantly fashion, design and automotive) today As of late 2023, there were approximately 1,300 branded residential projects globally, of which c.1,050 (82 per cent) are hotel branded residences. There are also over 200 brands actively licensed for branded residences Three of the leading hotel operators in the branded residential space - Accor, Four Seasons and Marriott - combined represent 43 per cent of all hotel branded residences worldwide. The global average price premium for branded residences is 30 per cent, with mature global cities recording around 24 per cent, emerging cities 52 per cent and resorts 32 per cent Over the past decade, Dubai has emerged as the worlds branded residential capital, and is expected to realize more than 1,200% growth from 10 projects in 2014 to more than 130 by 2030. Source: Global Branded Residences: The United States, where branded residences first started, represents 36 per cent of existing projects but just 18 per cent of pipeline branded residences, which shows the extent of the global growth MEA accounts for 19 per cent of the global branded residences network and pipeline projects. Europe represents 16 per cent; Asia Pacific 22 per cent and The Americas 43 per cent The worlds top locations for branded residences are Dubai, Miami, New York, London, Phuket, Sao Paolo, Los Cabos, Istanbul, Bangkok and Cairo Standalone branded residential projects have surged in growth in recent years, and now represent more than 15 per cent of all branded residences globally, and 30 to 40 per cent of annual signings for hotel operators most active in the industry, Registrations are now open for The Branded Residences Forum. Click here to purchase a pass. Get full details and register for FHS World at https://www.futurehospitality.com/world. About The Bench The Benchhas established a legacy for delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these platforms has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way business connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meeting spaces for the industry. For over two decades - government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events for their respective objectives. These include AHIC, AHIF, FHS, AHF, IDEEA, AviaDev and RENEW where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right opportunities and knowledge. Learn more on thebench.com About FHS World Dates: 30 September 2 October 2024 Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE Sponsors: Jumeirah as Host Sponsor; Italia Hospitality, Maldives Fund Management Corporation, Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development-SMIT and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority as Country Pavilion Sponsors; Aseer Development Authority, Hilton, NEOM, New Murabba, Radisson Hotel Group and Taiba Investments as Platinum sponsors; Accor, Club Med, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Minor Hotels, Red Sea Global and Rotana Hotels and Resorts as Emerald Sponsors; Action Hotels, Adyen, Aleph Hospitality, ARC International Design Consultants, Ark People Solutions, AtkinsRealis, Barriere Group, CBRE, Colliers, Compass Project Consulting, Dusit International, Elaf Group, Emaar Hospitality Group, Enterprise Greece, HVS, Hyatt, IHCL, JLL, JT+Partners, Kearney, Knight Frank, LEVA Hotels, Livit Consulting & Design, Louvre Hotels Group, Prologic First, PwC, Quo, Rikas Hospitality Group, roboSculptor, Rove Hotels, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sommet Education, The Ascott Limited, TUI Hotels & Resorts, United Hospitality Management, Unox and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as Gold Sponsors; Aldar, Conran Business Group, COREcruitment, EHL, H World International, Shaza Hotels, STR, and Time Hotels as Silver Sponsors; SOHO Hospitality as Gold Sponsor - Restaurant Invest; Forsite Creative as Data Partner - Restaurant Invest; Lokalee as Start-up Exhibitor; Lock Stock & Barrel as After Party Host; BE WTR as Water Station Sponsor; Considerate Group, HAMA, Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, The Emirates Culinary Guild, UAE Restaurants Group, UN Tourism and World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as Supporters. . Anne Bleeker In2 Consulting +971 56 603 0886 The Bench The theme for the Future Hospitality Summit - FHS World 2024, taking place from 30 September - 02 October at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai is Invest in Our Future. The conference programme will comprise numerous content tracks under the main theme including Investment & Developmen;, Destination & Urban Development; People, Planet, Profit; Tech & Innovation; and Real Estate Hotelisation. In the lead up to the event we asked several industry partners about how theyre investing in the future in 2024 and beyond. In an age where the well-being of people and the planet takes center stage, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles stand as a vital framework for the necessary transformation ahead. Although ESG has gained significant traction across various industries, its impact on the hospitality sector is particularly significant. Beyond the industry's 1% contribution to global carbon emissions, the opportunity for meaningful change is immense. As an industry deeply intertwined with both our environment and the communities we serve, we face today a pivotal opportunity to redefine sustainability practices, blending innovation with genuine community impact. As stakeholdersfrom guests to investorsdemand greater transparency and accountability, integrating ESG principles has become both a regulatory necessity and a strategic advantage. Looking ahead to 2024, international tourist arrivals are projected to rise by 17.23%, reaching approximately 1.53 billion. This growth will boost tourisms GDP contribution to 10.6% and generate an estimated revenue of $9.4 billion. Embracing ESG principles will be crucial in meeting these rising expectations, ensuring a sustainable future for hospitality, and establishing it as a leader in responsible business practices. The ESG Advantage Hotels and resorts use significant energy and water, generate waste, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Adopting ESG principles offers multiple benefits. Customers increasingly support businesses committed to sustainability and ethical practices, with 66% of global consumers willing to pay more for responsible services. This commitment enhances brand reputation, increases customer loyalty, and creates a competitive edge. The same goes for talent acquisition and retention. Among employees, 70% of millennials prioritize socially and environmentally responsible companies in their job choices. Investors also value robust ESG practices as indicators of effective management and long-term growth, leading to better investment opportunities and potentially lower financing costs. Integrating these principles into hospitality operations requires a strategic and holistic approach. Starting with thorough assessments to identify areas for improvement and set specific, measurable goals for sustainability, social responsibility, and governance. Initiatives include implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing waste, and sourcing materials responsibly. Additionally, promoting workplace diversity and inclusivity, engaging in fair trade practices, and supporting local communities reflect the social aspect of ESG. Effective leadership is crucial for this process. By establishing a clear vision and embedding ESG values into the organizations culture, leaders can drive the adoption of sustainable practices. Providing resources, facilitating regular training, ensuring transparent communication, and rewarding achievements further reinforce the commitment to ESG, ensuring that it becomes an integral part of the businesss DNA. ESG Success Stories in Saudi Hospitality Saudi Arabias Travel & Tourism sector is growing rapidly, reflecting the Kingdoms ambition to become a global tourism hub. Last year, the sector grew by over 32%, contributing a record USD 118.4 billion to the GDP and representing 11.5% of the national economy. This highlights the sectors growing importance in Saudi Arabias economic landscape and the need for robust ESG practices. Major ESG strategies are already in place in Saudi Arabia, driven by the national blueprint for sustainability and socioeconomic progress. Giga projects like Red Sea Global align with all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The company announced the worlds first zero-emissions 5G network in its The Red Sea regenerative tourism destination. Meanwhile, NEOM aims to develop a 100% sustainable tourism sector utilizing clean energy through wind, solar, and hydrogen. In addition, social progress includes legal requirements for equal pay and increasing womens workforce participation to 33%, meeting Saudi Vision 2030 targets. Besides greenfield ecotourism projects, existing hotels across the Kingdom are upping their responsibility commitments and practices. Marriott Riyadh DQ showcases advanced ESG practices within Saudi Arabias hospitality sector. It is the first hotel in the Kingdom to achieve LEED Gold certification, featuring a solar energy system with 1,788 panels that supply 20% of its energy needs. The hotels wastewater treatment technology reduces wastewater by 20%, and its design maximizes natural light to minimize reliance on artificial lighting. Additionally, it uses recycled wood for furniture and fixtures and supports local biodiversity with 6,473 species of native flora and fauna on its grounds. In parallel with climate action, many hotels are embedding a sustainability culture throughout their organizations. They are engaging with local communities, supporting cultural preservation, enhancing local content, and ensuring fair labor practices. For nearly a decade, Athar, the CSR arm of Taiba Investment, has embedded corporate responsibility into its business strategy, focusing on the environment, capacity building, and community support. Likewise, transparent governance with regular audits ensures high ethical standards and accountability across the industry. These initiatives are already demonstrating the positive impact of ESG integration in a rapidly growing sector. Driving Sustainable Growth The importance of ESG in the hospitality industry is clear. Adopting sustainable practices, focusing on social responsibility, and ensuring strong governance are essential for securing a prosperous and ethical future, build customer loyalty, and drive long-term success. As the industry evolves, leaders must integrate ESG into their business strategies and operations. By setting an example and prioritizing sustainability, we can be better positioned to meet the expectations of a conscientious market and drive meaningful, lasting positive change. Anne Bleeker In2 Consulting +971 56 603 0886 The Bench Mike McLeod - Image Credit Hilton Hilton Portland Downtown and The Duniway announced the appointment of Mike McLeod returning to the hotel complex as general manager. Situated in downtown Portland, close to the Portland Art Museum, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Pioneer Courthouse Square, McLeod will be responsible for overseeing the performance of the 782-room Hilton Complex with over 47,700 sq ft of meeting and event space, and three restaurant outlets. With an impressive career spanning over forty years in the hospitality industry, McLeod brings vast experience and a track record of proven accomplishments to his most recent position. His journey in hospitality commenced at a young age, starting locally in food and beverage with Red Lion Hotels. He initially joined the Hilton Portland and The Duniway (formerly the Hilton Executive Tower) as the director of sales & marketing, a position he held from 2004 to 2007. " Through his dedication and exemplary leadership, he advanced through various roles, ultimately serving over eight years as general manager at Doubletree by Hilton Spokane City Center. Before joining, Mike thrived as general manager of Hilton Vancouver Washington, playing a pivotal role in elevating the hotel's performance and enhancing guest satisfaction. His exceptional contributions to the industry have been recognized with multipleaccolades, including the Hilton's prestigious Genius of the AND Hotel Award twice and Hilton's President's Excellence inLeadership Award. "These honors are a testament to Mike's innovative approach and his ability to inspire his team to achieve excellence,said Terry Lewis, area vice president, Hilton. Mike's forward-thinking strategies and commitment to excellence are anticipated to lead the hotels to a bright and prosperous future." Veteran Spotlight: Army Master Sgt. David Levesque ADAMS, Mass. David Levesque served his country in the Army and Army National Guard for 28 years from 1979 to 2007, retiring as a master sergeant. He grew up in Enfield, Conn., and his desire to serve was based upon the service of an abundance of family members as well as a very important factor. "I had wrecked my car and was getting rides ... was 19 years old getting rides from my mother," he said. "I originally went to a Navy recruitment office but the recruiter said he was going out to get something to eat and that he'd be right back in an hour or two ... "I didn't want to wait within a week I was in the Army." He would do his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. "I was scared as hell, kept asking myself, 'what did I just do?' We were all scared but then camaraderie kicked in and we started going to breakfast and lunches and dinners together," he said of his fellow recruits. Levesque's first assignment would take him to Fort Devens, where he was a Morse code interceptor. "You had to be able to type 90 letters per minute. It was extremely difficult. I had a bad accident and suffered head trauma and got reassigned to Red Stone Arsenal in Alabama," he recalled. "I worked on nuclear special weapons Tridents, Pershings it was very fun but we all knew the dangers of it. The chief warrant officers were great mentors." How were the holidays? "The first one was tough but didn't really affect me. I wrote and received a lot of letters. I was single and took duty for the married guys so it didn't matter. You really felt the camaraderie, that was important," he said. His first deployment would take him to a highly intense combat environment in the Iraq War. "We got mortared every other day. The mortars hit so close that you feel the vibrations on the ground," he said. "You realized how fragile we really are. I thought about my wife and kids, had a few close calls. It gives you a reality check, big time, your mindset needs to be in the present. It's unfortunate but you need to forget about the family back home. It's extremely dangerous for you and the people that you're leading. In my position, I had the chance to go around and talk to other soldiers about their experiences and see how they were feeling. In combat, you can't keep it in, you need to talk about it. I'd find my guys and we'd talk ... communicate ... you keep it in, that's when you snap." He continued, "I was so fortunate and grateful that all of my 150 guys came home. Some were injured but they came home. That means a great deal to me." When asked about his service, Levesque answered with this. "Pride, no question, very proud of my 28 years of service. The people I've touched and mentored and the people that have mentored me pride is always there, which makes the camaraderie of a combat veteran so special," he said. He was awarded a bronze star ("I was just doing my job"), the Good Conduct Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and numerous other service medals. Master Sgt. David Levesque, thank you for your service to our great country. Pittsfield School Committee to Review New Cell Phone Regs PITTSFIELD, Mass. The School Committee will hold a special meeting on Wednesday to consider the appointment of a new special education director and learn about updated cell phone regulations for the district. Interim Deputy Superintendent Matthew Bishop gave the committee a preview of the new rules at its meeting last week. He said the administration had planned a meeting with the district's principals to finalize the new plan to address infractions. Under the plan presented last Wednesday, students would be subject to a five-step series of measures based on the number of times they violate the policy. The first infraction would result in the student being asked to place their phone in the classroom holder for the rest of the class period. Teachers would log the incident and reach out to the student's caregiver by phone or email. On the second infraction, the student's phone would be taken to the main office, where it can be claimed at the end of the day. On the third offense, the student would be given a half-day assignment in the school's Restorative In-School Education program. The fourth violation would yield a full-day RISE assignment. For fifth and subsequent violations, the student could be given RISE or out-of-school suspension. The other order of business a this week's meeting will be a potential vote on a new special education director. Superintendent Joseph Curtis told the School Committee that the 11-person interview committee had interviewed one finalist on Aug. 13 and planned two more interviews on the 15th. The main decision at last week's regular School Committee meeting involved Curtis' proposal for an eight-month process to decide whether and how to reconfigure the city's middle schools The cell phone and special education director updates were part of a monthly report from Curtis and the administrative team, which also included information about a new adult education program for Taconic High and a step forward in a possible building project involving the city's elementary schools. "We are very excited to report we've received news from [the Massachusetts School Building Authority] that they are visiting Pittsfield to talk about the Crosby/Conte project," Curtis said. "It's really a conversation and tour with school officials and city officials for them to assess the project and its viability. "It's not a guarantee that we're accepted into the MSBA [funding] pipeline, but it's certainly a first step." According to Curtis' written report to the School Committee, the MSBA representatives, among other things, will assess the ability of the current school buildings to support the educational program and check out the buildings' physical condition. The district's assistant superintendent for college and career readiness told the School Committee about a planning grant the Pittsfield Public Schools received along with the Northern Berkshire Vocational Regional School District to launch Career Technical Initiatives programs in the late fall. The CTI program is an initiative of the quasi-government Commonwealth Corporation that works with vocational schools to provide evening and weekend training for unemployed and underemployed individuals. "As far back as when Taconic opened, we were asked if that was something we could launch," Tammy Gage told the School Committee. "Our priority really was to onboard those secondary programs so we could get all of that right before we introduce the adult training, "The CTI purpose is to train the adult workforce, and finally we feel like we can meet that demand and introduce pilot programs at night." Page Content The Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Mr Juan Carlos Salazar, and the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Prof. Celeste Saulo, recently signed an update to the agreement that strengthens the longstanding collaboration between the two organizations. ICAO and WMO both specialised agencies of the United Nations have maintained formal working arrangements since 1954. After seventy years of productive cooperation, this latest update, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), outlines the framework for continued coordination, cooperation and collaboration in aeronautical meteorology and other domains. These include the environmental impacts of aviation and the effects of climate change on aviation. Mr. Yong Wang, Chief of ICAOs Airport Operations and Infrastructure Section (Montreal, Canada), remarked, This update to the working arrangements comes at an opportune moment as the aviation industry is modernizing global air traffic management through system-wide information management. Adding to this, Mr. Greg Brock, Head of WMOs Services for Aviation Division (Geneva, Switzerland) highlighted, The more integrated, more intelligent use of customer-focused and cost-efficient meteorological and climatological information services that are necessary for safe, efficient, economic and environmentally-responsible air transportation will be critical to success in the face of climate change and more frequent extreme weather events. The updated working arrangements will enable both organizations to better serve the needs of ICAO Member States, WMO Members, and meteorological and aviation stakeholder communities across the public and private sectors. The working arrangements will be reviewed every five years and updated as necessary to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness. With the digital economy accelerating, the Philippines' leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem GCash has become a trusted partner of micro, small, and medium enterprises by creating meaningful and responsive solutions that make it easier to access digital financial tools. GCash's impact on MSMEs is a testament to the company's steadfast commitment to delivering Finance For All. GCash has emerged as a trusted partner for MSMEs, providing meaningful and responsive digital solutions to a sector often underserved by traditional banking Davao Premium Food Venture Co., which franchises popular food brands in the Philippines, attests to the value of GCash on their business after being a partner for three years. Owners Kay Anjella Alcober and Jarre Cubio have seen GCash contribute a significant 5% to their company's revenue share, giving them the confidence to plan further expansion. This demonstrates how GCash is a key part of businesses' growth strategies. GCash also makes an impact on small businesses in communities, such as DKM Pharmacy. Since becoming a GCash Pera Outlet Partner a year ago, DKM Pharmacy owner Madelyn Leonin has received an additional monthly income of Php12, 000, proving the impact of digital finance in generating more revenue streams. Meanwhile, Ailyn Javier's internet cafe and sari-sari store, Icy Cyberia Internet Cafe, is popular in her neighborhood because of the adoption of GCash, attracting residents, workers, and delivery drivers. These success stories demonstrate GCash's commitment to bringing financial inclusion to MSMEs, a sector often overlooked by traditional banking services. By providing tools such as cashless payment services (Scan to Pay, QR payments, Send Money, API Integration, Funds Disbursement for payroll streamlining, wallet limit upgrade) or access to fair lending through GLoans For Business, GCash empowers MSMEs to stay competitive in a digitally evolving landscape. "MSMEs make up more than 99% of businesses in the Philippines and contribute 35% to 40% to the gross domestic product or GDP," GCash B2B General Manager Jong Layug said. "GCash's commitment is to create a dynamic and responsive financial ecosystem that enables these businesses to thrive. When small businesses grow, they also spur growth in their communities. GCash For Business to unveil more innovations Through GCash for Business, MSMEs have an entry point to cashless payments. This is especially crucial for retail and food and beverage businesses that rely on high-volume transactions, and which benefit from a faster and more efficient customer experience. GCash is constantly innovating to meet a wider range of needs and challenges, and improve services that have proven essential to MSMEs. Coming soon, retail and F&B businesses will be able to accept GCash payments with just a tap, cutting down long lines and the need for smaller enterprises to onboard additional manpower. Another GCash innovation on the pipeline is a more affordable terminal that makes use of audio QR codes, which immediately confirm payment through an audio notification. This will reduce the effort on the part of customers to present the e-receipt of their GCash payment for proof. MSMEs that handle long lines will benefit from the convenience of the audio confirmation. The feature also enables portable payments, which is especially useful for MSMEs with booths and kiosks. Lastly, GCash is rolling out a new innovation that will be of great convenience to the service industry, especially for front-facing workers such as delivery drivers and gasoline station employees. The device, made especially for MSMEs, provides businesses with the convenience of an affordable, lightweight, and portable device. All these innovations boost the capabilities of GCash as a convenient, efficient, and fast financial service provider. Making cities digital through GCash In a bid to bring digital finance to more MSMEs, GCash is rolling out its DigiCities program in 27 cities. DigiCities provides local government units with the tools to empower their businesses to go digital and to expand their business acumen, such as financial literacy workshops and GCash For Business hubs that allow easy onboarding to the platform. The program will also provide MSMEs with Masterclass sessions on how to use TikTok Shop, Canva, and other digital tools, boosting their digital marketing and branding capabilities to reach more customers. This is an initiative made possible through GCash's partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and StartUp Village. MSMEs will also get access to mentorship from some of the most successful Pera Outlet businesses through the GCash Pera Outlet kapihan. The pilot implementation of the DigiCities program aims to transform LGUs to become more digitally inclusive, not just within their business community but also with government services. GCash will be working with LGUs to enable convenience and accessibility in services like tax collection, revenue generation, public services, social welfare and financial aid "GCash is only as good as its latest innovationsour technology is constantly evolving, and so are the needs of MSMEs. We need to make sure that the ecosystem that we are constantly developing addresses their needs," Sazon said. "Since our vision is Finance For All, we are always thinking of developing new tools and functionalities that will be useful for everyone in the digital economy, including MSMEs. This makes us the trusted partner of businesses, big and small, nationwide." Some of the cities that have already being empowered through DigiCities include Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, Paranaque, Muntinlupa, Baguio, San Fernando, Bacoor, Sta. Rosa, Lipa, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tagbilaran, Victorias, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos City. As students prepare for the back-to-school season, realme Philippines introduces a range of devices that perfectly blend style, functionality, and innovation. Whether it's capturing memories, staying productive, or enjoying the latest tunes, realme's latest lineup is designed to meet the diverse needs of students. Explore realmes Top Picks for the new school year Capture Life in Stunning Detail realme 12: P13,999 Budding content creators and photography enthusiasts will find their perfect companion in the realme 12. Featuring a Sony LYT600 OIS Portrait Camera, this smartphone takes mobile photography to new heights with its advanced optical image stabilization, ensuring every shot is crisp and clear. The 2,000-Nit Ultra Bright AMOLED Display, with a 6.67 120Hz FHD+ Resolution and AI Dual Light Sensors, delivers vibrant visuals, making it ideal for viewing and editing content on the go. And with its 67W SUPERVOOC Charge, users will never miss a moment, as the device powers up to 50% in less than 20 minutes. Unleash Productivity realme C61: P6,999 (6GB+128GB) or P7,999 (8GB + 256GB) The realme C61 is the ultimate tool for students and young professionals looking to maximize their productivity without breaking the bank. Boasting a powerful 8GB RAM that can ramp up to 24GB RAM for staying organized and efficient, the device's massive 256GB internal storage provides ample space for all files, apps, and media, ensuring you have everything you need right at your fingertips this school year. The 6.7 90Hz Eye Comfort Display with 1 Nit Brightness offers a comfortable viewing experience, even during late-night study sessions. Additionally, the Real Essentials feature, including Air Gestures, makes daily tasks more convenient. Upgrading to the realme C61 has never been more affordable, with 0% Home Credit financing and a 2-Year realme Care freebie when availing the product until September 2024. The All Around Audio Companion realme Buds T01: P1,099 Experience superior sound quality with the realme Buds T01. Equipped with a 13mm Dynamic Bass Driver, these earbuds deliver powerful and immersive audio, perfect for music lovers and podcast enthusiasts alike. The AI ENC Noise Cancellation for calls ensures crystal-clear communication, even in noisy environments, making them an excellent choice for online classes and meetings. With a 28-hour total playback time, users can enjoy uninterrupted listening throughout the day. Whether on a commute, at the gym, or studying at a cafe, the realme Buds T01 is the go-to for all audio needs. Visit realme Stores and Official Distributors Nationwide Get ready for the new school year by visiting realme stores and official distributors nationwide. Discover the latest tech innovations and find the perfect device to elevate the back-to-school experience. To learn more about realmes latest updates, visit the realme official website and follow realme on Facebook. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Actor John Aprea, known for playing Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II and mob muscle in 1991's New Jack City, has died at the age of 83. Aprea died on August 5 of natural causes, according to his manager, Will Levine. The actor was living in Los Angeles at the time of his death, according to the Hollywood Reporter. A native of New Jersey, Aprea appeared in films and television roles beginning in the late 1960s and continued acting up until 2023. He portrayed the father of John Stamos' Uncle Jesse on Full House, and appeared in Days of Our Lives, Knots Landing, CSI, and The Sopranos, among many other productions. Many of his roles were mob oriented. He played two separate characters both shot by women on the NBC soap opera Another World during the show's 10-year run in the 90s, and in 1981 played a mob boss in the miniseries The Gangster Chronicles. He also starred as the father on a short-lived comedy called The Montefuscos in 1975. The show only lasted nine episodes. His most notable role is arguably that of young Tessio in The Godfather Part II. Aprea had met the film's director, Francis Ford Coppola, while he was bartending in Los Angeles. He auditioned for the starring role of Michael Corleone in the first movie The Godfather, but that role ultimately went to Al Pacino. open image in gallery John Aprea portraying young Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II. Aprea died on August 5 2024 at the age of 83 ( screengrab/ Paramount Pictures ) Aprea returned for the sequel and took his place among the Corleone crime family. The second movie in part examines the life of young Vito Corleone, who was played by Martin Brando in the original film and whose younger counterpart was played by Robert De Niro. Aprea took the role seriously, and called Abe Vigoda who played Tessio in The Godfather seeking advice. Vigoda wasn't exactly helpful. I dont know what I did. Just have a good time, kid, Vigoda reportedly told Aprea. Aprea was born in New Jersey to Italian immigrants on March 4 1941. He and his family moved back to Italy for several years before they returned to New Jersey, where he stayed until the early 1960s. He moved to New York City to become an actor, and eventually moved again to Los Angeles for his first role as a hitman in the Steve McQueen vehicle Bullitt in 1967. He had steady work as a character actor up until his final credit in 2023. Aprea is survived by his third wife, Betsy, who he was married to for 25 years, as well as his daughter Nicole and stepchildren Marika and Valentino. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Taylor Swift brought two young survivors of the horrifying Southport stabbing attacks backstage for a rare meet-and-greet at one of her recent Wembley Stadium shows. On Sunday (August 18), Sami Foster, the mother of Autumn and Hope two of the girls who attended the Taylor Swift-theme dance class posted a carousel of photos to TikTok showing her daughters posing with Swift as well as Swifts mother, Andrea. In the pictures, one of the girls can be seen wearing a bandage around her wrist. Quoting the lyrics from Swifts song Cardigan You drew stars around my scars in the caption, Foster added: The biggest thank you to @Taylor Swift and her mum for making the most magical night possible for us all. Thank you for bringing Hope & Autumn pure happiness last night & always. Fosters family arent the only Southport victims to have joined Swift backstage, according to Variety, though the pop superstar has not publicized the meet-and-greets herself. Days before Swift, 34, began her final run of London shows on August 15 she is understood to have personally reached out to the families of the three Southport stabbing victims: Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguire, nine, and Elside Dot Stancombe, seven. Taylor may not have spoken about Elsie Dot, Alice and Bebe on stage but she has reached out to their families. It is something that has weighed heavily on her mind, a source told The Sun. Following the July 29 attack, which left 10 others injured, Swift released a statement saying that she was at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families. The horror of yesterdays attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and Im just completely in shock... she wrote on social media. The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders. These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families. Days after the tragedy, the suspect was identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana. Hes expected to stand trial next year for the murders of the three young girls. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up In the weeks since the attack, false claims and disinformation about Rudakubanas identity stoked violent riots in the area, including one outside a Southport mosque that led to 39 officers being injured, 27 of whom needed hospital treatment. Footage showed crowds of men at least one identified by antifascists Red Flare as an alleged member of the far-right Patriotic Alternative group chanting and throwing bricks at riot police, who held shields to protect against incoming projectiles as a police van was set alight and other fires burned nearby. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Mad Men star Jon Hamm has said he believes billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are buying their way into the cultural conversation. Hamm, 53, is currently starring in the Apple TV+ drama series The Morning Show as Paul Marks, a tech billionaire who seeks to purchase the fictional news network UBA. The character of Marks has drawn comparisons to Musk, who bought tech platform Twitter in 2022. Speaking to Variety, Hamm said: Theyre kind of buying their way into the conversation at this point, arent they? [Jeff] Bezos controls many online transactions in the world and bought the Washington Post, so hes got a megaphone in some way. Elon Musk bought Twitter, renamed it and changed it, and now its a different entity. And so, he bought his megaphone in some way. open image in gallery Elon Musk, Jon Hamm and Jeff Bezos ( Getty ) Hamm went on to share his concerns about unchecked wealth and power: These guys, instead of being the kind of benevolent overlords that they used to be when there were steel barons and robber barons in the old days, and they would just build a giant building and call it Carnegie Hall, now theyre buying these massive legacy media corporations and using them as megaphones to get their opinions out in the world. And its an interesting choice. We used to have a little more stringent litigation against monopolizing things like that, but that seems to have gone the way of the dodo in many, many ways. Were living in a very interesting inflection point, it seems, about where this massive amount of money concentrated in very few people is really having the effects that we were all afraid it was going to. Hamm is nominated for the Emmy for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his The Morning Show role, as well as for Best Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie for his performance as Sheriff Roy Tillman in Fargo. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Earlier this year Hamm reprised his iconic Mad Men role as suave advertising executive Don Draper in Jerry Seinfelds breakfast comedy Unfrosted. The film fictionalizes the events around the invention of Pop Tarts, and is set during the 1960s. At one point, Hamm parodies his role as Draper alongside John Slattery, who plays Dons friend and boss Roger Sterling. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Hamm said that he discussed the decision to return to the role with his co-star. I was of two minds, said Hamm. I told Jerry, I dont enter into this lightly. Im not trying to be too precious about this, but I dont want to devalue it. He goes, I understand that, but this would be very funny. Then I called Slattery and said, If you dont do it, I wont do it, but it could be really funny. He goes, Why wouldnt we do it? For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} China and the Philippines traded blame after their vessels collided during a confrontation near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Monday. Two boats were left damaged near the Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands in the latest flare-up of tensions after the two countries had agreed to try to ease tensions and manage disagreements at sea. China's coast guard accused the Philippines of deliberately crashing one of its ships into a Chinese vessel. "The Philippine side is entirely responsible for the collision," spokesperson Gan Yu said. Beijing said two Philippine ships entered the waters near the Sabina shoal despite the Chinese coast guard's warning and intentionally collided with one of China's boats at 3.24am local time. We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocation, otherwise it will bear all the consequences arising from that," the spokesperson added. A handout photo made available by the Philippine coast guard shows the damaged ship BRP Cape Engano ( EPA ) The Philippines disputed the Chinese account of the confrontation. Manila said two of its ships BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engano "encountered unlawful and aggressive manoeuvres" from Chinese coast guard vessels while en route to Patag and Lawak islands to resupply personnel stationed in the area. These dangerous manoeuvres resulted in collisions, causing structural damage to both Philippine coast guard vessels," said Jonathan Malaya, a spokesperson for the countrys South China Sea task force. The BRP Cape Engano was left with a 5-inch hole on the deck while the second ship suffered minor structural damage, the task force said. A handout photo made available by the Philippine coast guard shows the damaged ship BRP Bagacay ( EPA ) The Philippine coast guard, it added, stands firm in its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain while addressing any threats to our national interests. The Chinese coast guard posted a video of what it described as a Philippine ship colliding with one of its vessels. The same Philippine vessel, having been prevented from entering Sabina Shoals waters, sailed into the Second Thomas Shoal waters, it added. China claims "indisputable sovereignty" over the Spratly Islands, known in Chinese as Nansha Islands, including the Sabina Shoal and its adjacent waters. The Chinese name for Sabina Shoal is Xianbin Reef. Philippines and Chinese coast guard ships collide in South China Sea ( EPA ) Sabina Shoal, which lies about 140km west of the Philippine island province of Palawan, has become a flashpoint in the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines. It is close to the Second Thomas Shoal, occupied by the Philippines, which has witnessed many confrontations between the coast guards of the two countries in recent years. The Philippine coast guard deployed one of its main patrol ships, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, to Sabina in April after Filipino scientists found submerged piles of crushed corals in its shallows that sparked suspicion that China could be bracing to build a structure on the atoll. The Chinese coast guard responded by deploying a vessel of its own to Sabina. Additional reporting by agencies. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Air India hostess was assaulted by an intruder at her hotel near Heathrow airport in London last week, reports said. Her colleagues in the adjacent room heard her cries for help and nabbed the intruder, The Indian Express reported. The incident allegedly took place at the Radisson Red hotel on Thursday night. The crew member was sleeping when an intruder attacked her in her room around 1.30am. Startled, she woke up and screamed for help. He attacked her with a clothes hanger and dragged her on the floor when she tried to escape towards the door, an unnamed source was quoted as saying by the Times of India. The intruder was arrested. The Independent has reached out to Radisson Hotel Group for comment. Air India confirmed the incident. We are deeply anguished by an unlawful incident of intrusion at a hotel, operated by a major international chain, that affected one of our crew members, the airline said. We are providing all possible support to our colleague and their broader team, including professional counselling. The airline said they were working with the local police to pursue the matter to the fullest extent of the law, and with the hotel management to ensure such incidents are not repeated. We request that the privacy of those involved is respected, it said. The air hostess suffered bruises and was taken to hospital, reports said. She returned to India shortly after. She was badly bruised and the intruder tried to escape, unnamed airline sources told the Times of India. The police were called in and she was taken to a hospital. The incident caused concern in India. What makes it even more galling is that the cabin crew had been repeatedly complaining about the lack of security in the hotel in London, inadequate lighting and the dark spaces in the London hotel, Manish Tewari, member of parliament from the opposition Congress party, said, describing the incident as disturbing. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hundreds of doctors protested near India's health ministry Monday as they demanded stringent laws to protect health care workers from violence and sought justice for their colleague who was raped and killed at a state-run hospital. The protesting doctors who were holding up placards like Justice delayed is justice denied were stopped by the police as they tried to set up free outpatient services to patients outside the health ministry in New Delhi, part of demonstrations and rallies held for more than a week. Doctors and medics across India have held protests, candlelight marches and temporarily refused to see non-emergency patients after the rape and killing of the 31-year-old trainee doctor on Aug. 9 in the eastern city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state. The protesting doctors say the assault highlights the vulnerability of medics and health care workers in hospitals and medical campuses across India. They are demanding stronger laws to protect them from violence, including making any attack on on-duty medics an offense without the possibility of bail, increase in security at hospitals and safe spaces for them to rest. The government has asked doctors to return to duty and said it will set up a committee to look into their demands. The rape and killing of the trainee doctor at Kolkata city's R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital has also focused rage on the chronic issue of violence against women and led to protests across India. A police volunteer working at the hospital has been arrested and charged with the crime, but the family of the victim alleges it was a gang rape and more people were involved. Federal investigators are handling the case. Thousands of people, particularly women, have also marched in the streets of Kolkata demanding justice for the doctor, saying her killing has highlighted how women in India continue to face rising violence despite tough laws following the gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old student on a moving bus in Delhi in 2012. That attack had inspired lawmakers to order harsher penalties for such crimes, as well as the creation of fast-track courts dedicated to rape cases. The government also introduced the death penalty for repeat offenders. Despite tougher laws, sexual violence against women has remained a widespread problem in India. In 2022, police recorded 31,516 reports of rape a 20% jump from 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Indian prime minister Narendra Modi will make his first visit to Ukraine later this week, the foreign ministry confirmed on Monday. He will likely fly to Kyiv between 21-23 August, about a month after he met Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Mr Modi will have talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. They previously met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Japan in May and discussed trade and expanding ties. They have also spoken by phone several times since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Mr Modi will most likely visit Poland as well, the foreign ministry said. The visit to Ukraine is intended to reassure Indias partners in the West, who were apparently not too happy with Mr Modis visit to Moscow on 8-9 July. Mr Zelensky said at the time, without naming Mr Modi, that it was a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the worlds largest democracy hug the worlds most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day. Mr Modis visit coincided with a series of daytime Russian attacks across Ukraine, which killed 41 people and wounded more than 150. New Delhi has adopted a carefully balanced policy on the Ukraine war, neither criticising nor condoning it, and has sought to increase trade links with Russia while building stronger ties with the West. The Indian leader did, however, offer some veiled criticism of what was happening in Ukraine at the end of his meeting with Mr Putin. Be it war, conflicts, terror attacks everyone who believes in humanity is pained when there is loss of lives, Mr Modi said. But when innocent children are murdered, when we see innocent children dying, it is heart-wrenching. That pain is immense. He reiterated New Delhis position that Moscow and Kyiv should end the war through diplomacy. Solutions are not possible on the battleground, he said. The South Asian country has offered to support measures to resolve the conflict peacefully. Mr Modis upcoming visit to one of Indias oldest allies was aimed at improving bilateral trade and cooperation in areas ranging from nuclear energy to medicine, officials said. India has traditionally had close economic and defence ties with Moscow and it has bought vast quantities of oil from Russia despite Western sanctions, explaining that it needed to secure its own interests first. Kyiv, meanwhile, has asked New Delhi to help rebuild its economy, with Ukranian officials inviting investment from Indian companies at a business summit in January. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} American fast food chain Burger King has lost a 13-year legal battle against an Indian restaurant with the same name. An Indian court dismissed a suit filed by Burger King Corporation alleging trademark infringement by Burger King in Pune city, in the western state of Maharashtra, noting that the restaurant had been in operation since 1992, years before the multinational company started doing business in the country. Burger King Corporation was founded in 1953 as Insta-Burger King and rechristened Burger King in 1959. It entered the Indian market in November 2014, opening its first outlet in the capital Delhi, and arrived in Pune the next year. The company said they sent a cease and desist notice in 2009 after finding out that Anahita Irani and Shapoor Irani, a Parsi couple in Pune, were using the name Burger King for their restaurant. The Iranis responded that the corporation could not claim any common law rights since there were no Burger King restaurants operating in India at the time. Burger King Corporation filed a lawsuit in 2011 claiming that the Pune restaurants name was a violation of its trademark. It also sought damages. The Iranis argued that they had used the name since 1992, over a decade before the American chain arrived in India. Their logos were different and that prevented anyone from confusing the Pune restaurant for the global chain. ( AFP via Getty Images ) The defendants use a crown between the words Burger King to depict the word Burger King, whereas it appears that plaintiffs have never used it. Thus, as far as visual deception is concerned, theres none, they contended. As the case dragged on, however, the Iranis changed the name of their restaurant to Burger. They also made a counter claim against the fast food giant, seeking Rs 2m (18,377) in damages on the grounds that the lawsuit had hurt their business. The claim was denied by the court as they had provided no supporting evidence to prove the actual damages caused. As for the suit brought by Burger King Corporation, the court said the company had miserably failed to prove trademark infringement. Therefore it was not entitled to any damages and the Pune restaurant was free to use the name. Thus, in the absence of cogent evidence, I find that the plaintiff is not entitled for damages, rendition of accounts and the relief of perpetual injunction, district judge Sunil Vedpathak, who heard the case, said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai has reiterated his calls to the Taliban to allow girls and women back into education on the countrys 105th anniversary of independence. On this proud occasion and for a truly independent and self-sufficient Afghanistan, I once again ask the caretaker government to open the doors of schools as soon as possible, Mr Karzai said. The Taliban, who took power in 2021, barred education for girls above sixth grade because they said it didnt comply with their interpretation of Sharia, or Islamic law. The schools were not shut for boys and men, and the regime has shown no sign of taking the steps needed to reopen classrooms and campuses for girls and women. Unesco said at least 1.4 million girls have been deliberately denied access to secondary education since the takeover, an increase of 300,000 since its previous count in April 2023, with more girls reaching the age limit of 12 every year. Shortly after the collapse of the Nato-led government in August 2021, the former Afghan leader said he had invited the Taliban into the city to protect the population so that the country, the city doesnt fall into chaos and the unwanted elements who would probably loot the country, loot shops. Mr Karzai was Afghanistans president for 13 years after the Taliban were first ousted in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. In April 2024, the former president had stressed the value of girls education during a discussion with Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Irans ambassador and special representative. On Sunday, in his wishes, Mr Karzai said it was a great honour to have independence and that the freedom of Afghanistan must be protected. The future of the country undoubtedly depends on the education of the young generation, he said, as he asked the group to fulfil that requirement. Mr Karzai also said education, unity, and national harmony are the strengths that keep Afghanistan strong. However, since the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021, access to primary education has also plummeted with 1.1 million fewer girls and boys attending school, latest Unesco data shows. Afghanistan had 5.7 million girls and boys in primary school in 2022, compared with 6.8 million in 2019, the Unesco data shows. The enrollment drop was the result of the Taliban decision to bar female teachers from teaching boys, Unesco said, but could also be explained by a lack of parental incentive to send their children to school in an increasingly tough economic environment. If we add the girls who were already out of school before the bans were introduced, there are now almost 2.5 million girls in the country deprived of their right to education, representing 80 per cent of Afghan school-age girls, Unesco said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The killing of al-Qaedas leader in a US drone strike in 2022 was hailed by Joe Biden as a moment of closure for the families of the victims of 9/11. Ayman al-Zawahiri, the man who replaced Osama bin Laden and who had direct involvement in planning the attack on the World Trade Center, had been traced to a home in Kabul almost one year after another militant group the Taliban took control of the Afghan capital. It is now three years since Afghanistan fell to Taliban rule following the withdrawal of Nato forces, a moment marked last week by militants parading captured and repurposed US military hardware through Bagram airbase, host to the last American presence in the country before their hurried evacuation. Experts say Zawahiris presence in Kabul was significant if not unexpected, and that since his death many other senior figures within al-Qaeda have followed him in relocating to Afghanistan, finding an environment that allows them to continue operating with minimal interference from the countrys Taliban rulers. Al-Qaeda today is much diminished from the organisation that carried out the 9/11 attacks, and the recent US intelligence reports argue the group is less of a threat in the region than the likes of Isis. Nonetheless, its new leader Saif al-Adel an Iran-based explosives expert remains the FBIs most wanted terrorist, with a $10m bounty on his head. Ahmad Zia Saraj, who handled Afghanistans intelligence operations as chief of the National Directorate of Security up until the fall of Kabul in August 2021, claims the Taliban has absorbed what is left of al-Qaeda into a de facto coalition, with the two groups leaders regularly engaging in talks in the capital. Taliban security personnel in a military parade at Bagram, the former US airbase in Parwan province ( AFP via Getty Images ) Between 2017 and 2018, Zia Saraj led a crackdown on al-Qaeda operatives; it saw more than 400 detained. During interrogations, he says, these captives described ongoing plots to target the West, being hatched by hundreds of commanders and fighters still in hiding. Soon after [the Taliban] took everything, al-Qaeda members brought their families inside Afghanistan, Zia Saraj, now a visiting professor at the war studies department at Kings College London, tells The Independent. The biggest example was Zawahiri [when] he was there in Kabul, and I have heard that many of them brought their families back [to Afghanistan]. And why not? This is the safest place for them on this planet. They are not just terrorist groups, they have families married into each other. Taliban military vehicles parade to celebrate the third anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan ( AFP via Getty Images ) Since it seized power in Afghanistan on 15 August 2021, the Taliban has moved not only to eradicate womens rights and access to school and the workplace, but also to downgrade the availability of formal education in general. This has left hundreds of thousands of children and young people vulnerable to recruitment to extremist groups. At the same time the country is awash with weapons, leftovers of two decades of war. Its a very attractive place for them to be there, now in Afghanistan, Zia Saraj says. Their own world. A recent report posits that Osama Bin Ladens brother, Abdullah Bin Laden, and an unspecified number of his sons are among those who have returned to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. It was compiled by Lieutenant General Sami Sadat, a three-star general who served as deputy chief of the general staff in the Afghan National Army before the collapse of the Nato-allied Ashram Ghani administration. Taliban interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani speaks during a military parade at Bagram ( AFP via Getty Images ) Over the past 26 years, the Taliban have been the primary force sustaining al-Qaeda, providing protection to leaders like Bin Laden and Zawahiri, and nurturing the next generation of terrorist leaders such as Abdullah bin Laden in Afghanistan, the report says. Sadat claims Fathullah Mansoor, the head of the Talibans civil aviation authority, is a key point of contact for al-Qaeda within the new de facto regime. He is said to be the one who approves the time, location and routes for senior al-Qaeda leaders including Bin Laden family members living and travelling throughout Afghanistan. Sadat and Zia Saraj both spent years fighting the Taliban and are now based abroad, and it is impossible to verify their claims on the ground in an environment that is tightly controlled by the Taliban. But they both make the same point that the West has lost focus on what is happening in Afghanistan, with active wars having since broken out in Ukraine and Gaza. Seeing all the activities in Afghanistan, it is moving in a very dangerous direction, warns Zia Saraj. US soldiers arrive at Bagram airbase after returning from the Arma mountain region in March 2002 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Qais Alamdar, a German-based open source intelligence researcher monitoring Afghanistans satellite imagery and ground reports, says that while it is impossible to know exactly how many fighters al-Qaeda now has operating in Afghanistan, the threat the group poses has increased since the Taliban takeover. He says the most plausible places for al-Qaeda to find new footholds are in the mountainous provinces of Kandahar, Ghazni, Wardak and Logar. These provinces were strongholds of the Taliban over the past couple of years too. There were so many drone strikes in these places compared to the rest of the country. Kabul, a city of nearly 5 million people, is once again a refuge for Taliban leaders ( AFP via Getty Images ) These are also the parts of Afghanistan where the sentiments against the former government of Afghanistan and the US are very strong anti-US, anti-West sentiments are super strong there. Even in the past, the former government had only control of a few districts, not the whole provinces in these regions, he tells The Independent. They are close to Kabul too only two hours drive from Kabul, each of these provinces. One moment in June this year that should have served as a wake-up call to the West came with a public announcement by the Iran-based leader Adel of a new al-Qaeda recruitment drive. In it, he called for any fighters who wish to strike against Western interests to gather in Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden sits with his adviser Ayman al-Zawahiri at an undisclosed location in Afghanistan ( Getty Images ) He issued an open invitation to all of their fighters and all of their affiliates and all of their supporters to come to Afghanistan, says Sadiq Amini, an expert in public diplomacy and international security, who served with the US embassy till August 2021. To come to Afghanistan, to get ready to train and plan in order for them to conduct attacks on the US and their interests in the region. That call would not have happened without the approval of the Talibans supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. It wouldnt be possible for them to issue such an open invitation [without it], says Amini, a non-resident fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in Washington DC. Taliban clerical students from a Madrasa arrive to attend their graduation ceremony in Kandahar ( AFP via Getty Images ) Resistance fighters who continue to oppose the Taliban regime in Afghanistan have for some time been warning of a repeat of a 9/11-style attack on the West if terror groups are allowed to flourish in the country. The National Resistance Front, led by Ahmad Massoud in exile, has been travelling to world leaders in Europe and the US to warn of the threat simmering in Afghan provinces. Ali Maisam Nazary, the NRFs foreign relations chief, tells The Independent that these warnings are not just bluffs and empty words, they are actual warnings for the Western leaders. Its based on intelligence and credible information that we have on the ground and we see every day ... its not only al-Qaeda, its different groups in the Afghanistan playground. Weve estimated there are 21 small, regional and international terror networks who have been building themselves since August 2021, he says. Last month a US State Department watchdog found that vetting failures may have allowed as much as $293m of American aid funds to have fallen into the Talibans hands in the past three years. Thats out of a total of $2.8bn in humanitarian aid that the US has continued to provide to help the people of Afghanistan. The NRF has compiled a petition to the US government, urging it to pause aid funding until it can be guaranteed it is not benefiting the Taliban regime. The Bin Laden tape from December 2001, in which he describes the World Trade Center attack and appears to confirm his role in 9/11 ( Getty Images ) Shawn Ryan, an ex-US Navy Seal, is taking the NRFs petition to the US. With more than 272,000 signatures, it is also asking for the NRFs Massoud to be allowed to testify to Congress about the ground situation in Afghanistan since the American withdrawal. US Army veterans spent over 20 years fighting in that war to stop terrorism at ground zero in Afghanistan, and now here we are just a few years past the war literally funding the exact same terrorists that we spent over two decades fighting, Ryan tells The Independent. When al-Qaeda funded the 9/11 terror attack, Bin Laden did it with $500,000 just think what the two terrorist groups could do with $239m. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A judge has allowed Anna Delvey, the convicted con artist, to return to social media. According to Page Six, the 33 year old, whose real name is Anna Sorkin, has been permitted to reactivate her social media presence. In 2018, Delvey was charged with two counts of attempted grand larceny in the first degree, three counts of grand larceny in the second degree, and one count of grand larceny in the third degree. Two years later, she was found guilty, placed in jail, and convicted of one count of attempted grand larceny, three counts of grand larceny, and four counts of theft services. Posing as a fake heiress and stealing over $200,000 from businesses, banks, and friends, Delvey spent two years in prison before she was released on house arrest for overstaying her visa. Since the fraudster was born in Russia before she emigrated with her parents to Germany, the judge ordered her to stay in her New York City apartment for 24 hours each day as she waited to see whether she would be deported to Germany. Now, the court has decided to lift her social media ban that had been imposed with her house arrest. According to Page Six, the judge ruled to let Delvey return online on August 16. open image in gallery Anna Delvey was convicted of attempted grand larceny, grand larceny, and theft services ( Getty Images ) I would like to thank the United States government court system and especially my lawyers John Sandweg and Catherine Hunstad for fighting for my First Amendment rights. Im also grateful and thrilled to be able to control my own narrative once again on social media, Delvey told the outlet. When the judge first enacted her social media ban, Delveys attorneys condemned the restrictions. They said the social media rulings serve absolutely no purpose in mitigating any flight risk or threat to the community that Ms Sorokin may present and clearly violate her constitutional rights. Yet even though the famed Manhattan con artist couldnt post online, her image, whereabouts, and business workings circulated. During the September 2023 fashion week in New York, Delvey made headlines with her exclusive, after-hours fashion show staged at her apartment building. On September 11, 2023, she welcomed the citys elite on top of her East Village apartment to sit for an unofficial runway presentation for designer Shao Yangs Shao New York. The show was just as much of Yangs collection debut as it was Delveys agency opener with Kelly Catrone. The two powerhouse fashion icons have teamed together to create the OutLaw Agency, a pop-up production business to promote new designers in the fashion industry. Delvey stepped out for a court appearance earlier this year, donning Shao New York. She made waves for her chic, funky formal attire on X, formerly known as Twitter. Delvey paired her ankle monitor with an oversized blazer, a white button-up, a velvet tie, and a black pencil skirt with a slit. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jonathan Bailey has revealed his hair broke from damage on the set of Bridgerton. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, the 36-year-old actor acknowledged the downside of having to film three projects at once, including his upcoming role as Fiyero in the Wicked adaptation, returning as Lord Antony in Bridgerton season three, and his Emmy-nominated turn in Showtimes Fellow Travelers series. The whole experience has just shown me how amazing producers can be, he explained. I think it was 32 days in a row where I didnt have one day off. He continued: I flew back and forth four times. Id go from [Fellow Travelers character] Hawks house in the 60s at the cabin, go straight to the airport, sleep on the plane, go straight to a regency ball, sleep there, then go straight to Wicked to be learning choreography. And at that point, I was so late in joining the Wicked lot. Theyd already started filming, and that also was incredible for Marc Platt to make that work, Bailey added. Theres nothing quite like the feeling of trying to work out the priorities of whether you have to learn the choreography today, or work on your American accent, or pelt your hair ready for another Bridgerton snog. For Bailey, listening to music ultimately helped him transition from character to character amid his crazy schedule. I probably wouldnt rush into doing that again, he said. But I would say that I was quite good at rolling all the way through and then at the end, I had a five-day holiday, and my hair had died from all the perming and straightening. I had to perm my hair for Bridgerton and straighten my hair for [Fellow Travelers]. I was like a teenage beauty advert, doing everything to my hair. I remember going on this holiday and I got to the beach, I sat down in the sun, and my hair was just like floating, whisping off, like breaking away. And I looked completely and felt completely insane, he added. As for how the costume crew for Wicked navigated his hair situation, he told Naomi Watts in Varietys Actors on Actors series, explaining how his hair broke off during his holiday. Oh, my God! How do you even have any hair left? Did it not fall out? the Oscar nominee exclaimed. I had a big old toupee! he revealed. Thats a big spoiler alert, but yeah, its a toupee. Im in the choreography so its flapping about! Watts was awestruck by the Laurence Olivier Award winner for being able to film in different countries with different sets all while switching between various accents. There were moments where [doing all these shows] meshed together in a kooky way, Bailey recalled. Theres something to be said for just freefalling, not having enough time, and just going on instincts. But it was progressive. There are some videos on my phone that I was crying looking at: Its me as Tim, in a fifties tie and jacket, and then in Nike sweatpants learning the choreography [for Wicked] on the lunch break. The first part of Wicked will be released in theatres on November 27, with Bailey soon joining his co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo to promote the film as the release date draws near. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Meghan Markle has revealed how her three-year-old daughter Lilibet, who she shares with husband Prince Harry, has found her voice. The 43-year-old Duchess of Sussex made the sweet comment about her youngest child while onstage at an Afro women and power event in Cali, Colombia, as part of her and Harrys four-day tour of the country. While speaking at the panel, she opened up about the female role models in her life including her mother, Doria Ragland. For me, I find inspiration in the strong women around me, of course, my mother being one of them, she said. So much of how I approach things is less about the fight and more about how we show up in a space and wash things over with love and kindness and generosity. Meghan then expressed how she wants to inspire and support her young daughter, who already has quite a sharp mind. Some of the role modeling I certainly try to do as a mother is to encourage our daughter, who at three, has found her voice, she said with a laugh. And were so proud of that. Meghan then described how important it is for her child to have her own voice, as the now-three-year-old continues to grow up with supportive and influential adults in her life. As I was saying, create the conditions in which theres a ripple effect of young girls and young women knowing that if someone else is encouraging them to use their voice and be heard, thats what theyre going to do, the royal added. And theyre going to create a different environment than so many of us grew up in, where our voices were meant to be smaller. The Duchess emphasized her hope for young women and girls everywhere to be heard while acknowledging how grateful she was to have that opportunity when she was younger. She also pointed out that her message is one of the goals of her and Harrys Archewell Foundation, which they started in 2020, a few months after stepping back as senior working members of the royal family. open image in gallery Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's wife, speaks during a forum in Cali, Colombia ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) I was very, very fortunate at a young age to feel as though my voice was being heard, and I think that is a luxury that a lot of young girls and women arent often afforded, Meghans speech at the panel continued, as reported by People. For us and the work that we do with the Archewell Foundation, certainly the work that we do as parents and that I do as a mother is ensuring that young girls feel as though their voices are being heard and also that young boys are being raised to listen and to hear those young women as well. Meghan has previously spoken out about her family, as she and her husband also share a five-year-old son, Archie. Meghan, during an appearance at a school in Abuja, Nigeria, in May, spoke to young students about a remarkable conversation shed had with her daughter. Our daughter, Lili, shes much, much tinier than you guys. Shes about to turn three. And a few weeks ago she looked at me and she would just see the reflection in my eyes. And she [goes], Mama, I see me in you, Meghan recalled. Oh, now she was talking really literally. But I hung onto those words in a very different way. And I thought, yes, I do see me in you, and you see me in you. Meghan and Harry began their four-day quasi-royal tour in Colombia on August 15, which included visits to three cities. When they first arrived in the country, they were welcomed by Colombias vice president Francia Marquez, the first Black woman to occupy the vice presidents office. Ahead of their arrival at 9am Bogota time on August 15, Marquez said: They will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress. In addition to these meaningful interactions, the Duke and Duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia. The tour, which ended in Cali on August 19, also saw the couple build upon their work with the Archewell Foundation. In particular, their efforts to combat the dangers young people may encounter on the internet. Harry and Meghan also discussed these dangers when they visited several Colombian schools alongside the importance of mental health awareness. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Starbucks has sparked outrage after revealing that its newest CEO Brian Niccol will have the opportunity to work from home, as opposed to at the companys headquarters in Seattle, Washington. The beloved coffee chain first shared a press release on August 13 to announce Niccols new title, after he spent six years working as the CEO of Chipotle. His official start date will be on September 9, with Starbucks financial official Rachel Ruggeri serving as interim CEO until then. On August 14, Starbucks shared a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, which revealed a few details about Niccols new position. According to the report, the new CEO of Starbucks will have the opportunity to work from home, as hell receive a small remote office in Newport Beach, California, after his start date. open image in gallery Work from home policy for new Starbucks CEO sparks outrage ( Getty Images ) In addition, Niccol will not only have an assistant of his choosing at the remote office but the office will also be maintained at the expense of his company. With the opportunity to work remotely, Niccol will not be required to relocate to the brands headquarters, which is located in Seattle, Washington. Although he needs to commute to Seattle for work from California on occasion, Niccol will have the opportunity to do it on a corporate plane, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The SEC filing also shared Niccols annual salary, which was indicated his offer letter as $1.6m. He also received a cash signing bonus of $10m. On X, formerly known as Twitter, many people went on to criticize Niccols opportunity to work from home in addition to other work perks while his employees are working at the Starbucks headquarters in Seattle. Just a terrible decision by the Starbucks board (and this new CEO)... a $10m signing bonus, allowing him to work remotely from LA while imposing back-to-work policies for other employees, one wrote. Interesting how CEOs think it is okay for themselves to work remotely but not other office workers, another claimed. Potentially massive pay package for Starbucks new CEO, and he doesnt even have to move to Seattle. I had to force two single moms on my team back into the office four days a week because of this man and now Starbucks is letting him work remotely 1,000 miles away from Seattle, a third sarcastically wrote. A fourth person tweeted: Feels like its wrong for a company like Starbucks to have a CEO working from home. Its not software. The business is all about going into a store and hanging out while drinking coffee. While questioning the work-from-home perk for the CEO, social media users also pointed out how last year, Starbucks announced that it was requiring employees across the companys regional offices and SSC (Starbucks Support Center) to be in the office at least three times a week. Incoming Starbucks CEO is not even going to be required to go to the office and may live 1,000 miles away from the HQ. Seems like one rule for the BoDs and a different one for normal employees, one wrote. When Starbucks announced its CEO on August 13, Niccol issued a statement about how excited he was to join the team. I have long-admired Starbucks iconic brand, unique culture and commitment to enhancing human connections around the globe. As I embark upon this journey, I am energized by the tremendous potential to drive growth and further enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers and partners, while staying true to our mission and values, he said in the press release. Before stepping down as CEO of Chipotle, Niccol served as chief executive of Taco Bell, where some of his previous roles were also chief marketing and innovation officer and president. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A dont swim warning has been issued after a major sewage leak at one of Devons most popular beaches during peak holiday season. The typically bustling Exmouth beach was noticeably quieter this weekend, leaving residents concerned about the impact on local businesses which rely on tourism over the summer. The Environmental Agency and the East Devon District Council initially advised against swimming due to sewage pollution on 14 August. Yellow warning signs were spotted on the beach on Sunday, and lifeguards have been using loudspeakers to alert beachgoers to the potential dangers. South West Water (SWW) apologised for the disruption caused by the leak, which it said originated from a burst pipe at the Maer Road pumping station. A spokesperson said on Saturday the provider was working around the clock to address the issue, and vowed to carry out a temporary fix by Sunday. But tankers will remain on site as a precaution while more permanent repair takes place. Exmouth locals have slammed South West Water after a major sewage leak led to a dont swim warning ( Getty Images ) SWW said in a statement: We would like to thank residents and visitors for their patience, and we are sorry for the disruption caused throughout this event. The sewage leak has sparked anger in Exmouth, particularly as the town saw a downturn in visitors during what would typically be a busy summer weekend. The newly elected Conservative MP David Reed for Exmouth and Exeter East described the scene extremely depressing and expressed his frustration with the water company. In a statement on X, Mr Reed said: To see Exmouth beach with so few people enjoying it on a beautiful August day is extremely depressing. This current event with South West Water needs to end asap. Ive been clear with senior representatives from SWW that its their duty to provide accurate and timely updates to let locals and tourists alike know how repairs are progressing. He also announced plans to meet with SWWs CEO Susan Davy as well as local activist groups, businesses and councillors to address the situation. Locals on social media criticised both SWW and East Devon District Council (EDDC) for the handling of the situation. Sharing her frustration, Crissy Harris wrote: Raw sewage running down Maer Lane. Dead fish on the tide line, tankers in convoys through the centre of town. When is the EDDC going to step up!!! Other comments pointed to broader concerns about the environmental performance of water companies in general and accused them of focusing on profitability over service quality. Matt Walmsley wrote: All they care about is their share price and they have to increase profits year on year. Another visitor from London, who expressed dismay at the impact on the towns tourist trade, told Sky News: Look at the beach today, its ridiculous. The middle of August and theres hardly anyone here. I think its really sad for the tourist trade, for the town, and for the people coming down for holiday. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Health Check email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared mpox a global health emergency in response to the growing number of cases both in Africa and other continents. Mpox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes milder symptoms like fever, chills and body aches. People with more serious cases can develop characteristic lesions on the face, hands, chest and genitals. Formerly known as monkeypox, the virus that was first identified by scientists in 1958 when there were outbreaks of a pox-like disease in monkeys. The name was changed to mpox because it is inaccurate, with scientists suggesting that the virus may have actually originated from rodents. This week WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the emergence and spread of a new variant of mpox as very worrying. Its clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives, he said, as he raised concerns about the viruss spread across international borders. The first case to reported outside of Africa was discovered in Sweden, with officials in Thailand also seeking on Wednesday to determine the strain of an mpox case in a European man who arrived from Africa the previous week. More than 17,000 mpox cases and 524 deaths have been reported in Africa this year alone, with more than 96 per cent of fatalities reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the second time in two years that the WHO has expressed deep concern about the virus, which first seized global attention in 2022. The WHOs emergency declaration is aimed at spurring donor agencies and countries into action. But the global response to previous declarations has been mixed. This photo supplied by MSF (Doctors Without Borders) dated 31 May 2023, shows health workers educating children on the symptoms of the mpox disease in Goma, Congo ( AP ) Africa CDC director general Dr Jean Kaseya said his own agencys declaration of a public health emergency was meant "to mobilise our institutions, our collective will and our resources to act swiftly and decisively." He appealed to Africas international partners for help, saying that the escalating caseload in Africa had largely been ignored. "Its clear that current control strategies arent working and there is a clear need for more resources," said Michael Marks, a professor of medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. "If a (global emergency declaration) is the mechanism to unlock these things, then it is warranted," he said. Heritier Bwira, a Congolese health worker guides relatives and patients discharged on the hygienic measures to follow after recovering from Mpox ( Reuters ) For decades most human cases of mpox were seen in people in central and West Africa who had close contact with infected animals. The WHO declared its first mpox emergency in 2022 when the virus was confirmed to spread via sex for the first time, triggering outbreaks in more than 70 countries across the world that had never previously reported cases. Cases plunged dramatically after a sustained campaign to deliver vaccines. However, it remained endemic to certain parts of Africa where the vaccines could not be delivered. The number of cases this year has jumped dramatically, already exceeding last years figure. Last week, the Africa CDC reported that mpox has now been detected in at least 13 African countries. Compared with the same period last year, the agency said cases are up 160 per cent and deaths have increased by 19 per cent. Earlier this year, scientists reported the emergence of a new form of mpox in a Congolese mining town that can kill up to 10 per cent of people and may spread more easily. Unlike in previous mpox outbreaks, where lesions were mostly seen on the chest, hands and feet, the new form of mpox causes milder symptoms and lesions on the genitals. That makes it harder to spot, meaning people might also sicken others without knowing theyre infected. During the global outbreak of mpox in 2022, gay and bisexual men made up a large majority of cases and the virus was mostly spread through close contact, including sex. This undated image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases shows a colorized transmission electron micrograph of mpox particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue), cultured in the laboratory that was captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility ( AP ) Although some similar patterns have been seen in Africa, children under 15 now account for more than 70 per cent of the mpox cases and 85 per cent of deaths in Congo. Ahead of its emergency meeting, Mr Tedros said officials were dealing with several mpox outbreaks in various countries with "different modes of transmission and different levels of risk." "Stopping these outbreaks will require a tailored and comprehensive response," he said. The WHO said mpox was recently identified for the first time in four East African countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. All of those outbreaks were linked to the epidemic in Congo. This is an outbreak that has been simmering and festering and expanding over the course of a year now, Gregg Gonsalves, a Yale School of Public Health epidemiologist who has advised the WHO on mpox, was quoted as saying by the Washington Post. Im not quite clear why they took so long to do it, he added referring to the emergency declaration. Now that its done, we need to move quickly to ensure DRC gets all the requisite tools they need to combat the outbreak. One person in Sweden has been diagnosed with mpox caused by the clade I variant, marking the first such case outside Africa. There are two distinct clades of the mpox virus: Clade I and Clade II. Clade II was responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022. Clade I is considered more severe and is classified as a high consequence infectious disease. According to the public health agency of Sweden, the individual contracted the virus during a stay in a part of Africa experiencing a major outbreak of clade I mpox. Clade I is more likely to cause severe disease and higher mortality than clade IIb the variant previously found in Sweden. Although the risk to the general population remains very low, the public health agency said the authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Sweden has measures in place for infection control and no additional steps are needed at this time, it added. MPXV a virus related to smallpox causes a rash illness that can range from mild and localised to severe and widespread. Reuters reported on Friday that China will monitor people and goods entering the country for mpox over the next six months, following the declaration by the World Health Organisation that the virus is again a global health emergency. Individuals from countries with mpox outbreaks who have had contact with cases or show symptoms are required to report to customs. Vehicles and goods from affected areas should be sanitised. China classifies mpox as a Category B infectious disease, allowing for emergency measures during outbreaks. The global health agency has released $1.45m from its emergency fund to assist surveillance, preparedness and response activities to contain the spread of virus, but would need up to $15m to ramp up the system effectively. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A murder investigation has been launched after a girl was stabbed to death in a train station car park. The girl, in her late teens, was found dying from multiple knife injuries after reports of a man and woman fighting in Crawley Station car park in the early hours of Sunday. British Transport Police (BTP) have now taken over the murder probe from Sussex Police who launched a manhunt for a suspect and said they quickly located a 26-year-old man on Stephenson Road. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. A BTP spokesman urged witnesses to come forward, adding: The area was searched and a woman in her late teens was found in the car park with injuries consistent with being stabbed. She was treated by paramedics but sadly confirmed dead at the scene. A wider search was launched to locate the suspect. A 26-year-old man was subsequently arrested and remains in custody. A police cordon around the Sussex commuter town station remains in place while police carry out a forensic examination of the scene. Senior Investigating Officer, Sam Blackburn, said: Our specialist family liaison officers are providing support to the victims family and our thoughts remain with them at this time. We are urging anyone with any information or anyone who witnessed events leading up to the womans death to get in touch with us. Sussex Police Supt Rachel Swinney said: This is a tragic incident that has seen a young woman lose her life, and we are working hard to understand exactly what has happened. Officers were able to swiftly bring a suspect into custody and we are not currently searching for anyone else. There will now be an increased police presence in what is a busy area of Crawley as we carry out our enquiries. I would urge anyone with any concerns to please speak to an officer at the scene. Similarly, anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Venn. Anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016 quoting 148 of 18 August. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A mother-of-six who threw a brick at police and encouraged a young boy to do the same during violent unrest in Hartlepool has been jailed for two years. Donna Conniff, 40, was part of a crowd that surged towards officers in Murray Street on 31 July, and was seen kicking out towards police in actions a judge described as truly disgraceful. She was identified from CCTV and video footage of a protest where she was also seen throwing a rock, and was arrested on 13 August. Martin Scarborough, defending Conniff, told Teesside Crown Court on Monday she had come across the protest, which was advertised on social media, by chance at about 6pm. Police in riot gear on the streets of Hartlepool after violent protests broke out ( PA Wire ) Judge Francis Laird KC accepted Conniff, who earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was remorseful but said a custodial sentence was the correct course of action. Your behaviour and the behaviour of others around you was truly disgraceful, he said. You were a persistent participant and the disorder took place in a busy residential area. Children were present. I understand you have not had an easy life. You were a care-leaver and now act as a carer for a former partner. You are remorseful, but you chose to take part in an organised and large-scale act of public disorder. She is among several rioters to appear in court following two weeks of violent disorder after three young girls were stabbed to death in Southport at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. In London, a 67-year-old man was jailed for 20 months after chanting Youre not English anymore at police officers during a demonstration in Whitehall. Tom Sedbury brought five knives to an anti-racism protest in Walthamstow ( PA Wire ) David Notley had made his way to the front of the crowd and confronted police in a fighting pose, surging back and forth, while also chanting: Who the f*** is Allah? A self-employed home renovator who was on the front line of a large mob which became increasingly violent towards police at a Rotherham hotel where asylum seekers were staying has also been jailed. Nathan Palmer, 29, of Rotherham, grabbed a police shield outside the Holiday Inn hotel which was then passed around after an officer fell during the unrest on 4 August. Also among those to appear was a mother and daughter who have been remanded in custody following widespread trouble in Middlesbrough. Grandmother Amanda Walton, 52, and Megan Davison, a 24-year-old mother of two, had been walking a dog when they became involved in the unrest. Walton is accused of throwing a stone at a building as a baying mob made its way along Parliament Road on August 4. She is also accused of damaging a car wing mirror. Walton was with her daughter, who was said to have repeatedly jumped on the roof of the same parked car. Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man who brought a bag of knives to an anti-racism demonstration in Walthamstow has been remanded in custody after pleading guilty to obstructing a police officer and possessing weapons. Tom Sedbury was seen wearing a balaclava and biker gloves, and refused to be searched by officers. They subsequently discovered five blades, a bunch of green zip ties, a pair of scissors, a red BBQ lighter and a full small blue water gun. During a police interview the following day, Sedbury said he had been on his way to a friends house when he saw the protest. He claimed he kept his balaclava on as he did not wish to be caught on camera because he is an introvert, prosecutors said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A learner driver who killed three of his friends while speeding before crashing into another vehicle has been jailed for over four years. Jake Loy, who was 17 at the time, was driving at such excessive speeds that the Honda Civic split in two upon impact. Three other people were also left injured. Finlay Johns, Tyler Johnston and Ian Cannon, all aged 16, died at the scene while Loy was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The court heard that Mr Cannon had sent a Snapchat message prior to the crash, saying he was scared because Loy was a terrible driver and flooring it. Appearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, he was jailed for four years and eight months. Finlay Johns, Ian Cannon and Tyler Johnston were all killed in the crash ( Police Scotland ) Loy, who only had a provisional licence, had taken his friends out for a drive on 15 March 2022, and had crashed into another vehicle on the A711 at Cargenbridge at about a quarter past midnight. He was estimated to be driving at more than 60mph on the country road when he lost control and ploughed into the path of a Honda CR-V travelling northbound. One crash investigator said he had never seen damage like that to a car, with Loy initially claiming to police that he did not know the driver who had been behind the wheel. Defending, Donald Findlay KC said Loy had no memory of the crash due to a head injury. Mr Findlay said: It was quite moving when he said that if he could take the place of them, he would have rather it had been him. Psychologist professor Gary MacPherson assessed Loy and found he was immature, the court heard, and Mr Findlay suggested he may have wanted to endear himself to his peer group and impress his friends. Loy and his family arrive at court ( Andrew Milligan/PA Wire ) At the time of the crash, the head teacher at Moffat Academy which all the boys had attended described it as a tragic day for the school. It is with heavy hearts that our school community comes together to try and come to terms with this, Tara Woods said. During a court appearance in May, Loy pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and seriously injuring the three passengers in the other vehicle. Sentencing, Lord Harrower said: Three young lives have been lost. Three other individuals sustained serious injuries. You sustained serious injuries. The deceased were all friends and you have shown remorse. The social work report highlights concerns raised in psychological assessments carried out between the ages of 12 and 17 years old. The court heard that impulsiveness and recklessness may have contributed but a social work report found Loy to be at low risk of reoffending. Road policing Chief Inspector Lorraine Napier said: I would like to pay tribute to the families and friends of the three young men who lost their lives in this crash and thank everyone who worked so diligently to bring this case to a conclusion. No conviction or sentence will ever reflect the impact the crash had on the families and friends of Ian, Tyler and Finlay but I hope it brings some measure of closure. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The government has triggered emergency measures to avoid prison overcrowding after the crackdown on rioters heaped pressure on already overflowing jails. The measure, named Operation Early Dawn, will be put in place in the North East and Yorkshire; Cumbria and Lancashire; and Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire regions. Downing Street said the plans could be triggered and deactivated several times over the next few weeks as needed. But what exactly is Operation Early Dawn, and why has it been triggered? What is Operation Early Dawn? Operation Early Dawn is a long-standing plan which allows defendants to be held in police cells and not summoned to magistrates court until a space in prison is available. The Ministry of Justice activated the measure on Monday morning. The emergency measure was previously triggered by the Conservative government in May in a bid to tackle overcrowding in jails, when capacity in mens prisons in England and Wales fell below 300. The Prisons Service, courts and police in each region will assess which defendants can be transferred from police cells to courts to ensure there is a space for them if they were to be remanded in custody following their first appearance at the magistrates court. The emergency measures are being constantly reviewed and could be revoked at any time. Ongoing trials in crown courts will not be affected. Prisons and probation minister Lord Timpson said: We inherited a justice system in crisis and exposed to shocks. As a result, we have been forced into making difficult but necessary decisions to keep it operating. However, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated staff and partners, we have brought forward additional prison places and now introduced Operation Early Dawn to manage the pressure felt in some parts of the country. Why has it been triggered now? UK prisons have been operating at critical levels for the last several years, often with under 1 per cent capacity. After the riots that broke out across England following the stabbing of three young girls in Southport on 29 July, a total of 460 people had appeared in magistrates courts. More than 1,100 people have been arrested so far, with almost 700 of those charged, according to the NPCC. More than 100 people have been sentenced so far, adding increasing pressure to the overcrowded prisons. As of Friday, there were only 340 spaces left in the adult male prison estate. What impact will the measures have on prisons and courts? Prison leaders and experts have warned Operation Early Dawn will lead to delays in the courts and prison system and affect victims, defendants and lawyers. Mark Fairhurst, national chairman of the Prison Officers Association, warned the policy would lead to justice delayed. He said the most serious offenders would still end up in court and be guaranteed a prison cell, but less serious offenders would either spend longer in police cells or be bailed. Its justice delayed at the moment, because were not clogging up police cells, so they might have to delay some of their operations, he told BBC breakfast. When they arrest people, theyve got to make sure theyve got them a custody space in police custody because we might have prisoners filling up their cells. Of course, they have got to pay overtime to supervise prisoners. Tom Franklin, chief executive of the Magistrates Association, said the measures would lead to delays in defendants appearing in court. What this means is there will be a delay in some people who have been charged coming to court because the Prison Service cant guarantee if they were remanded in custody, there would be a place for them, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Nick Emmerson, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, which represents solicitors, said the emergency measures being used in prisons illustrates the consequences of the long-term neglect of the criminal justice system and that reactivating Operation Early Dawn would affect victims, defendants and lawyers. What other emergency measures are in place? Last month, the Ministry of Justice said violence and self-harm in prison had risen to unacceptable levels as overcrowding pushed jails to the point of collapse. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to cut the proportion of the sentence inmates must serve behind bars from 50% to 40%. The temporary move which does not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences is expected to result in 5,500 offenders being released in September and October. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Far-right riots have pushed Britains prisons to breaking point as the government triggers emergency measures to ease overcrowding. Experts fear hard-won capacity gained by releasing prisoners early has rapidly evaporated after at least 677 suspected rioters were charged following widespread disorder. In Merseyside where clashes first erupted following the killing of three schoolgirls last month there were rumoured to be just two prison spaces left at the weekend after rioters were hauled before the courts in fast-tracked hearings. It is the latest crisis to hit the creaking criminal justice system. Stuart Nolan, chair of the criminal law committee at the Law Society, said the riots were the straw that broke the camels back. When you have got a chronic situation all you need is an acute issue and the whole thing starts to be a little bit troubling, he told The Independent. At least 460 people had appeared in magistrates courts in relation to the disorder by late last week. Nationwide, there were only 340 places left in the male estate after 397 new receptions, chair of the Prison Officers Association, Mark Fairhurst, said. Riots first erupted in Southport in the wake of a mass stabbing at a childrens dance class ( Getty Images ) Operation Early Dawn, triggered on Monday in parts of the north including Merseyside, has been described as a one in, one out policy which will see defendants held in police cells and not summoned to magistrates court until a space in prison is available. It is feared the move could see suspects released on police bail if prison spaces cannot be found, although ministers insist no one who poses a risk to the public will be freed. The prime minister admitted his government was making difficult decisions as weeks of violent disorder have placed additional strain on the overloaded prison system they inherited from the Tories. Downing Street said the plans, in place in North East and Yorkshire; Cumbria and Lancashire; and Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire regions, could be triggered and deactivated several times over the next few weeks. Asked if the emergency measures posed a risk to public safety during a visit to Belfast, Sir Keir Starmer said the government was making really tough decisions, and nobody wants to take them due to a basic failure by the previous Conservative administration to have enough prison places available. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on Monday ( PA Wire ) Longer term measures announced to ease overcrowding, which will see some prisoners serve just 40 per cent of their sentence in jail, are not due to come into force until 10 September. The SDS40 scheme which does not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences is expected to result in 5,500 offenders being released in September and October. The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) warned Operation Early Dawn may need to be expanded along with further possible measures to ease pressures in the coming months after the influx of hundreds of rioters swallowed up any breathing space in the prison estate. It comes after months of warnings from criminal justice leaders, reported by The Independent, that the prison system is at breaking point. Alex Hewson, interim head of policy and communications at the PRT, said: I think this is a worrying time because the space the government thought it had unlocked by introducing SDS40 has rapidly evaporated. I think it will be a difficult few months whilst they try to work through this. It just shows how little resilience there is in the system. People who have appeared in court following serious violent disorder during anti-immigration protests in the UK ( Police/CPS/PA Wire ) Mr Nolan said emergency measures announced under Operation Early Dawn are designed to help ease the short-term pressure, but will not address the long-term problem. What it hopes to do is provide a pressure cooker release for critical points, he added. But it doesnt deal with the problem. It doesnt fix the problem. It just displaces it and buys some time. Andrew Neilson, of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said the emergency measures were concerning but would help to see the prison estate through until automatic early release measures come into force. I think clearly there will be decisions that need to be made on a daily basis which is part of what Early Dawn is doing, he said. They are a means for the government to manage over the next few weeks. Its literally managing the day-to-day pressures between the courts, police custody and prison. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood previously announced plans to release some inmates after just 40 per cent of their sentence to ease overcrowding ( PA Wire ) Meanwhile, the Magistrates Association said they are very concerned about delayed hearings exacerbating court backlogs. Chief executive Tom Franklin said they had been assured pressures will ease when the SDS40 scheme comes into force. Every case that is delayed has real-life consequences for victims, witnesses and defendants and leads to magistrates and court staff sitting around waiting, rather than administering justice, he said. That is a waste of resources, at a time when there are already large backlogs. This emergency measure while it is necessary also demonstrates the parlous state of the criminal justice system and the need for an injection of more resources at every stage of the justice process. National Police Chiefs Council custody lead, Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp, said: Policing will continue to arrest anyone that they need to in order to keep the public safe, including policing protests and events and ensuring that people are arrested as expected. Operation Early Dawn was previously triggered by the Conservative government in May in a bid to tackle overcrowding in jails. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The government has triggered emergency measures to tackle prison overcrowding by using police cells after Keir Starmers crackdown on rioters heaped pressure on overflowing jails. Operation Early Dawn will see defendants held in police cells and not summoned to magistrates court until a space in prison is available. The emergency measures, announced by the Ministry of Justice on Monday, will be in place in key locations where scores of rioters caught up in violent disorder have already been jailed including Merseyside, Manchester, Yorkshire, Cumbria, Lancashire and Cheshire. The temporary measure comes after recent weeks saw hundreds of people imprisoned in the north of England following the far-right riots, amid longstanding capacity failures. UK prisons have been operating at critical levels for the last several years, often with under 1 per cent capacity. In a move that justice chiefs warn will result in justice delayed, the policy means that defendants waiting for a court appearance in the north of England will be kept in police cells until prison space is available. The government has put emergency measures in place to avoid prison overcrowding with more rioters set to be sentenced for their role in violent disorder this week ( Getty Images ) Prisons and probation minister Lord Timpson said: We inherited a justice system in crisis and exposed to shocks. As a result, we have been forced into making difficult but necessary decisions to keep it operating. However, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated staff and partners, we have brought forward additional prison places and now introduced Operation Early Dawn to manage the pressure felt in some parts of the country. National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) lead for custody, Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp, said: We are working closely with criminal justice system partners to manage demand in the system and ensure that the public are safe. Policing will continue to arrest anyone that they need to in order to keep the public safe, including policing protests and events and ensuring that people are arrested as expected. After the riots that broke out across England following the stabbing of three young girls in Southport on 29 July, a total of 460 people had appeared in magistrates courts in relation to the disorder by the end of Thursday. More than 1,100 people have been arrested so far, with almost 700 of those charged, according to the NPCC. The government said on Monday that its action to tackle violent thuggery on our streets has exacerbated longstanding capacity issues in our prisons. Riot police hold back protesters after disorder broke out in Southport on 30 July after three young girls were stabbed to death in the town the previous day ( Getty Images ) Operation Early Dawn was previously triggered by the Conservative government in May in a bid to tackle overcrowding in jails. Last month, the Ministry of Justice said violence and self-harm in prison had risen to unacceptable levels as overcrowding pushed jails to the point of collapse. Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to cut the proportion of the sentence inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent. The temporary move which does not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences is expected to result in 5,500 offenders being released in September and October. But the Ministry of Justice said anyone who poses a risk to the public will not be bailed, with the polices ability to arrest criminals unaffected. People who have appeared in court following serious violent disorder during anti-immigration protests in the UK ( Police/CPS/PA Wire ) However, the national chairman of the Prison Officers Association (POA) warned the measures - which he described as a one in, one out system - could lead to police delaying operations, with defendants court dates delayed or adjourned at short notice. Mark Fairhurst told BBC Breakfast on Monday that the most serious offenders would still end up in court and be guaranteed a prison cell, but less serious offenders would either spend longer in police cells or be bailed, leading to justice delayed. But he clarified that this would not mean that some people who would normally go to jail would avoid it. The chief executive of the Magistrates Association has similarly warned the policy will lead to delays in defendants appearing in court. However, Tom Franklin told BBC Radio 4s Today programme the situation should ease after 10 September, when thousands of prisoners will be released from jail early under a new system. The vice president of the Prison Governors Association said he is not sure how much Operation Early Dawn will even help after lurching from crisis to crisis for some time. Mark Icke added that short-term measures are not ideal. Mr Fairhurst went on to blame the previous Conservative government for overcrowding in extremely pressured prisons. He said: They closed 20 public sector prisons, they didnt build enough new prisons, they didnt create enough prison space and people are serving longer sentences. As were more overcrowded, theres less regime we can offer. We dont have activity spaces for everybody in our care. That leads to frustrations, and frustrations spill over to the frontline. We work in the most hostile environment workplace of anywhere in the world. Its absolutely horrific. The president of the Law Society of England and Wales Nick Emmerson said the crisis facing prisons is a result of long-term neglect of the criminal justice system - with the emergency measures likely to impact victims, defendants and solicitors. The prisons crisis is just one of many connected problems in the criminal justice system following decades of underfunding and cuts, he said. We have seen growing backlogs in the Magistrates and Crown Courts, a shortage of lawyers, judges and court staff and a crumbling court estate. Probation services are still on their knees. Government is having to take difficult steps to deal with the crisis it inherited, such as reactivating Operation Early Dawn, which will impact victims, defendants and those working in the system including solicitors. In the longer-term, sustained investment is needed across the criminal justice system in order to avoid it collapsing completely. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The co-defendant of technology tycoon Mike Lynch in his US fraud trial has died after being hit by a car on Saturday, his lawyer has said. It comes as Mr Lynch was confirmed as one of the six tourists missing on Monday after the Bayesian luxury yacht sank in a tornado off the coast of Sicily. Stephen Chamberlain was cleared earlier this year alongside Mr Lynch of conducting a massive fraud over the sale of software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011. Gary Lincenberg, Mr Chamberlains lawyer, said in a statement provided to the PA news agency: Our dear client and friend Steve Chamberlain was fatally struck by a car on Saturday while out running. He was a courageous man with unparalleled integrity. We deeply miss him. Steve fought successfully to clear his good name at trial earlier this year, and his good name now lives on through his wonderful family. HP acquired Cambridge-based Autonomy, founded by Mr Lynch in 1996, for 11 billion US dollars, but later wrote down its value by 8.8 billion dollars and asked the US Justice Department to investigate fraud. Mr Chamberlain, a former vice-president of finance at the company, was accused of artificially inflating Autonomys revenues and making false and misleading statements to auditors, analysts and regulators in 2018. Both he and Mr Lynch were found not guilty of the charge in June following a trial at a federal court in San Francisco, California. Mr Lynch was previously made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. The British-flagged superyacht, named Bayesian, capsized at about 5am local time off the coast of Palermo on Monday when the area was hit by a tornado. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Repubblica stated, while Sicilys civil protection agency told the BBC that Mr Lynchs 18-year-old daughter Hannah was also among those missing. Fifteen people including Mr Lynchs wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued, according to local media. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A child has died after becoming unwell at a trampoline park. Police Scotland was called to Flip Out Glasgow shortly before 11am on Sunday, with the child rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children and the venue closed. Despite attempts to save him, the child was pronounced dead a short while later. The death is being treated as unexplained but officers said there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Enquiries are ongoing after a child took unwell at a premises in Southcroft Road, Rutherglen, shortly before 11am on Sunday August 18 2024. The child was pronounced dead at Royal Hospital for Children (Jane Barlow/PA) ( PA Archive ) The child was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hospital for Children where they were pronounced dead. The childs death is being treated as unexplained, although there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. The Health and Safety Executive has also been notified. On their social media site, the trampoline site wrote: Flip Out Glasgow is closed today. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused. The venue is described as the ultimate indoor play centre, with 34 trampolines as well as a bouncy castle, e-karting and laser quest. Other customers took to social media to share their shock at the tragic incident, with one user writing: We went for my nephews party. There were two ambulances multiple ambulances and 4+ police cars. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The average household energy bill is set to rise by 9% in October when the latest change to the price cap takes effect, according to experts. Energy consultancy Cornwall Insight said it expects the typical households energy bill to rise to 1,714 a year, up from 1,568 currently, on October 1. This is less than its previous prediction in June, when it estimated that the cap would rise by 9.9% to 1,723. But the group said there is also likely to be a further modest increase in January 2025, with more rises possible early in the new year due to recent tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war. Energy regulator Ofgem will announce the energy price cap for October to December on Friday August 23. Craig Lowrey, principal consultant at Cornwall Insight, said: This is not the news households want to hear when moving into the colder months. Following two consecutive falls in the cap, Im sure many hoped we were on a steady path back to pre-crisis prices. However, the lingering impact of the energy crisis has left us with a market thats still highly volatile and quick to react to any bad news on the supply front. Despite this, while we dont expect a return to the extreme prices of recent years, its unlikely that bills will return to what was once considered normal. Without significant intervention, this may well be the new normal. Ofgem changes the price cap every three months based on several factors, the most important of which is the price of energy on wholesale markets. The average household energy bill is set to rise by 9% in October when the latest change to the price cap takes effect, according to experts (Andrew Matthews/PA) ( PA Archive ) The energy price cap was introduced by the Government in January 2019 and sets a maximum price that energy suppliers can charge consumers in England, Scotland and Wales for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy they use. The price cap does not limit a households total bills because people still pay for each unit of gas and electricity they use the figures provided are calculated for an average-use household and if more energy than average is used, a household will pay above the cap. Ofgem is currently considering the future of price protection, including the suitability of the price cap and a potential permanent ban on so-called acquisition tariffs cheaper prices for new customers to lure them away from their existing supplier. Cornwall Insight is calling for a reform of the price cap or introduction of social tariffs, but warned longer-term solutions were also vital. Mr Lowrey said: Immediate action is needed to ease the financial burden on households such as the introduction of social tariffs, or reform of the price cap but thats only part of the solution. We must also develop a long-term strategy to secure our energy future. This means a fundamental overhaul of our energy system, with a strong emphasis on increasing domestic energy production. Simply waiting for prices to drop on their own isnt an option, we need a proactive and forward-thinking approach to ensure long lasting energy affordability and security. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Jay Slaters mother has recalled the devastating moment she was told through a translator at a Spanish police station that the remains of her missing son had been found. Debbie Duncan said she just screamed when they were told that the body found in a ravine in the Rural de Teno park was believed to be that of the 19-year-old. I wanted to see him but it wasnt possible, she told The Sun. I was just in a state. They hadnt formally identified him, then. They just said human remains, and we believe it could be Jay. They said they had his bag, his trainers, his shorts, T-shirt. Debbie Duncan said she just screamed when her sons body was found ( Supplied ) I had to see them to be 100 per cent sure it was him because I couldnt process it and was in denial, she added. It comes as she dismissed claims that her son had stolen a watch or become embroiled in a drug feud in the hours before he disappeared in Tenerife. Ms Duncan said that relentless trolling online that begun shortly after she arrived on the Spanish island to help rescue teams search for the teenager, had destroyed her. Among the wild accusations was that Mr Slater had fallen foul of a drug cartel or had escaped to Morocco, with Ms Duncan saying: He would never have been involved in anything like that. He had only been in Tenerife three days and was at a festival with friends which had wristbands, security and an itinerary. Ive no idea where these drug stories have come from and the stuff about him stealing a watch is nonsense. Mr Slaters body was found near the village of Masca (James Manning/PA) ( PA Wire ) The apprentice bricklayer had travelled to the tourist hotspot Playa de Las Americas to attend the NRG music festival, and had vanished on 17 June after travelling to the remote Rural de Teno national park during the early hours of the morning. After meeting two older men at the festival, he had accompanied them to their AirBnb, which was nearly an hour away from his hotel. He was last heard from at 8.50am when he phoned his friend Lucy Law to say that he had embarked on a 11-hour walk back, was lost and dehydrated and had one per cent phone battery. His remains were found in a ravine in the mountainous area on 15 July after a four-week search. After being informed of Mr Slaters disappearance, both of his parents and brother Zak travelled to Tenerife but were immediately targeted by trolls on TikTok and Facebook. The coffin of Jay Slater being carried into Accrington Cemetery Chapel (Acacia Redding/PA) ( PA Wire ) She added: The people saying stuff about him didnt know Jay and they dont know us. He hasnt been here to defend himself against all these horrible stories that were going on around the world about him. Among the many online stories to circulate were details of his previous conviction in 2021, with Ms Duncan saying her son was guilty by association over an assault on a 17-year-old. Tom Hilton was left with a head wound after he was attacked by a group of teenagers with an array of weapons, which led to a number of people being charged. Ms Duncan told The Sun that her son did not harm Tom, but was convicted of violent disorder after witnessing the assault. Up to 500 mourners attended his funeral service, with family and friends packing into the chapel at Accrington Crematorium to pay their respects. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ted Bakers remaining 31 stores are expected to close this week, five months after falling into administration. More than 500 jobs are set to be at risk, as talks with retail tycoon Mike Ashley over a future licensing partnership appear to have stalled. The business behind the fashion brands UK shops, No Ordinary Designer Label Limited (NODL), collapsed in March, with its administrators overseeing the closure of the stores. According to a source speaking to Sky News, Tuesday is expected to be the last day of trading. Since the announcement that it had fallen into administration, it has closed 15 shops in the UK, resulting in about 245 staff being made redundant. Prior to the insolvency, Ted Baker had 46 UK stores and employed around 975 people. Retailer Ted Baker ended a key partnership in January ( PA ) Authentic Brands, the US-based firm behind Juicy Couture and Reebok, is still the owner of Ted Bakers intellectual property, with Mr Ashleys Fraser Group reported to have been discussing a deal with Authentic encompassing both Ted Baker and Reebok. The collapse of the UK stores could mark the end of its position on high streets, after being founded in 1988 by Ray Kelvin and recognised for its patterned and floral clothing. The brand is currently still sold through department stores and retailers such as John Lewis and House of Fraser. Its difficulties began in 2019 after its founder faced claims of inappropriate conduct, which he denied, with his successor Lindsay Page and chair David Bernstein resigning the following year after a profit warning. The company was delisted from the London stock market in 2022 with NODL partly blaming the process on damage done during a partnership with Dutch company AARC Group and the significant level of arrears that had built up during the association. No Ordinary Designer Label decided to end the partnership with AARC in January, saying that the partner had not met its promises to inject cash into the business. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A British Foreign Office official has resigned in protest at the continued arms sales to Israel by the UK. Mark Smith, a counterterrorism official based in the British embassy in Dublin, said he can no longer in good conscience continue to work with a government which is complicit in war crimes. In a statement following his resignation, issued on Sunday, Mr Smith said he had worked as a policy advisor in the Middle East and North Africa department for most of his career. He added that he was the lead author of the central assessment which governs the legality of arms sales in that department, where it was his job to assess international law compliance and information about civilian casualties. In the statement, issued through media organisation Neon, Mr Smith said: To export arms to any nation, the UK must be satisfied that the recipient nation has in place robust procedures to avoid civilian casualties and to minimise harm to civilian life. It is impossible to argue that Israel is doing that. He said he had written to foreign secretary David Lammy to inform him of his resignation from the Foreign Office and urged him to urgently review the UKs approach to Gaza. People mourn next to the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gaza on Sunday ( Reuters ) He added: Since Israels invasion of Gaza in October 2023 I have had grave concerns about the conduct of the war and the UKs compliance not only with international law but with the UKs own domestic arms sales legislation. I am also opposed to the UKs tacit support of Israels occupation of Palestine. He said he joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) because he was passionate about serving my country but that he could not continue to work for the government. An FCDO spokesperson said: This government is committed to upholding international law. We have made clear that we will not export items if they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law. There is an ongoing review process to assess whether Israel is complying with International Humanitarian Law, which the foreign secretary initiated on day one in office. We will provide an update as soon as that review process has been completed. His resignation was first revealed by journalist Hind Hassan, who published Mr Smiths resignation letter on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday. In the email, he claimed that, despite raising his concerns at every level in the organisation, no one in the Foreign Office had taken sufficient action. The BBC, which saw the email, reported that it was sent to a wide set of distribution lists including embassy staff, government officials and special advisors to Foreign Office ministers. Mr Smith has been working as a second secretary at the British embassy in Dublin since at least 2022, when he is listed on an employee register. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} James Cleverly has emerged as the favourite to take over as Tory leader among party members, the first major poll of the contest has shown, while Tom Tugendhat appears to be the most popular among the wider public. In the first poll of Conservative Party members since the race began at the end of July, 26 per cent put the shadow home secretary as their first choice. Following behind in second place was Priti Patel, with 20 per cent saying she was their top choice. The Techne poll, conducted between August 2 and 12, put Kemi Badenoch in third place at 14 per cent support, Mr Tugendhat in fourth with 11 per cent backing and Robert Jenrick in fifth on 10 per cent. Shadow home secretary James Cleverly (Lucy North/PA) ( PA Wire ) In sixth place was Mel Stride, with just four per cent of members listing him as their top choice. The survey, commissioned by Mr Cleverlys campaign, spoke to 805 party members. Crucially for the shadow home secretary, the polling indicated that he would beat each of his competitors in a head-to-head against the other candidates. Conservative MPs will narrow down the number of candidates to just two in a series of votes in September and October, before the contest goes to a vote among Tory members to decide a winner by November 2. The closest head-to-head was between Mr Cleverly and Ms Patel, with the former winning by 45-39 per cent when party members were asked who they preferred between the two. The remainder said they were undecided or would not vote in a contest between the pair. Mr Cleverly beat Mr Jenrick by 49-28, while he beat Ms Badenoch by 51-28. He won against Mr Tugendhat by 54-23 and Mr Stride by 59-15. Among the wider public, however, Mr Tugendhat appears to be the most popular candidate, with separate polling conducted by YouGov for The Times showing he has the highest net favourability rating. Conservative MPs will narrow down the number of candidates to just two before the contest goes to a vote among Tory members ( PA Media ) He was given a net favourability score of -12 when voters were asked how they felt about politicians ranging from very favourable to very unfavourable, making him the only leadership contender with a higher rating than Sir Keir Starmer who had a rating of -14. The polling, conducted between August 13 and 14, saw Mr Stride receive a net favourability rating of -15, followed by Mr Jenrick on -19, Mr Cleverly and Mr Badenoch on -22 and Ms Patel on -52. Mr Jenrick, who came in fifth in the latest Techne polling, was previously seen as a frontrunner to win the race with a survey of party members just before the race began putting him as the top choice. Polling conducted by Techne in late July, which spoke to 1,002 party members, saw 55 per cent put him as their top choice. Following closely behind with 52 per cent backing was both Mr Tugendhat and Ms Badenoch. Mr Jenrick faced widespread condemnation after saying people shouting Allahu Akbar on London streets should be arrested immediately in the wake of the riots which swept Britain something which may have contributed to him slipping back in the polls. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Staff who are consistently contacted by bosses outside of normal working hours could be in line for thousands of pounds of compensation under Labour plans. The governments plans to introduce a right to switch off, establishing a barrier between workers professional and home lives, could see staff securing bumper payouts at employment tribunals. The policy, which will see employees and employers agree to an expected set of hours during which they can be contacted, has been based partly on examples in Belgium and Ireland. Angela Rayner said Labour will bring together workers and businesses for the good of the economy ( Getty Images ) And, according to The Times, employers who repeatedly breach an agreement could have thousands of pounds added to their compensation bills if they are taken to tribunal. Breaching an out-of-hours code of practice is unlikely to warrant litigation alone but employees could use it as an aggravating factor in a wider claim, boosting their chances of winning and increasing their potential compensation, the paper reported. Under the current system, if companies are shown to have ignored codes of practice, the amount of compensation awarded in tribunals can increase by 25 per cent, with breaches seen as aggravating factors. Experts told The Times that breaching agreements on out-of-hours working could result in payments reaching into the thousands. Ben Smith, senior associate at the employment law firm GQ Littler, said: I expect [the changes] will include a new code of practice from Acas which will put the onus on employers to implement policies and practices. I expect, though, that this will be fairly broad guidance on principles and best practice, and would give employers the scope and flexibility to find the right balance for their business but there will be tricky issues to think through. Government sources said the policy would have to be specific to each workplace when implemented, with ministers aware of the disproportionate potential impact on smaller companies. The right to switch off is part of a suite of reforms to workers rights being introduced by Labour. Other measures include a ban on exploitative zero-hour contracts, ending fire and rehire, and boosting the minimum wage. It will also offer rights to sick pay, parental leave and protection against unfair dismissal from day one after probation. The Department for Business and Trade said the government is proud to be delivering the biggest upgrade to workers rights in a generation. A spokesperson said: Our plan to make work pay will consider a range of approaches on the right to switch off that work for businesses and employees alike. We will set out further details in due course. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Half of the public believes Nigel Farage is personally responsible for the recent riots that erupted across the UK, a new poll has revealed. The survey, conducted by Savanta between 9 and 11 August among 2,237 participants, found 51 per cent of British voters hold the Reform UK leader accountable for the violent disorder which led to more than 1,000 arrests and hundreds of charges. The right-wing MP came under intense scrutiny following a video he posted shortly after three young girls were stabbed to death while attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. In the video, he accused the police of withholding the truth from the public and repeated misinformation which claimed the suspect was under surveillance by security services. In another clip, the Reform UK leader condemned the violence taking place on Britains streets. But he went on to claim there is a widespread impression of two-tier policing, which he said is contributing to a sense of injustice. Right-wing MP Nigel Farage came under intense scrutiny following a video he posted about the Southport stabbings ( Getty Images ) In a statement on 5 August, Mr Farage said: I have been totally appalled by the levels of violence seen in the last couple of days. The levels of intimidation and threat to life have no place in a functioning democracy. That so many police officers have been injured trying to keep the peace is shocking, and we should not discount the use of the army if the situation were to deteriorate further. He later told LBC he was referring to claims made by influencer Andrew Tate and claimed the disorder following the attack had been so bad because we werent told the truth. The Savanta poll seen by HuffPost UK places Mr Farage just behind Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the far-right English Defence League, who was blamed by 54 per cent of respondents. The billionaire owner of X, Elon Musk, was also named with 44 per cent of those surveyed attributing some of the responsibility to him. Meanwhile, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer was blamed by 40 per cent of those polled. Riots gripped the city of Hull on 3 August ( PA Media ) Beyond individual blame, the poll revealed widespread consensus on the broader issues of the unrest. A significant 82 per cent of adults said the individuals who participated in the riots bear the most responsibility for the chaos. More than 70 per cent blamed far-right organisations and 73 per cent pointed to social media companies as contributing factors. The survey also highlighted the public sentiment on the underlying causes of the riots. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) attributed the unrest to the UKs migration policy, while 59 per cent pointed to the killings in Southport as a key trigger. To prevent future incidents, 37 per cent of respondents advocated for swift and severe legal consequences for violent protesters, while 30 per cent suggested that addressing public concerns about migration is crucial. Only 10 per cent of those polled believed tackling social inequality would prevent another outbreak of unrest. Chris Hopkins, Savantas political research director, told HuffPost UK: Contrary to online talking points, the country is broadly more likely to say Keir Starmer did well in managing the situation than not. Our research probably makes grimmer reading for Nigel Farage, who is only behind former EDL leader Tommy Robinson in being seen as responsible for the violent protests. The public thinks that swift justice for violent protesters is the best way to stop them happening again - a course of action being followed by the government. The next thing they think needs to happen is public concerns about immigration being addressed. The Independent has contacted Reform UK for comment. Things are livening up in the battle for the Tory leadership. For some weeks, the working assumption has been that Kemi Badenoch is in the lead; now it appears James Cleverly has overtaken her among the Conservative Party membership, with Priti Patel emerging as runner-up, Badenoch third and Tom Tugendhat fourth. This is according to a Techne survey commissioned by the Cleverly team; it is somewhat out of line with the Conservative Home panel, which still has Badenoch ahead and Patel much further behind most of the others. But it could mean the race is rather more open and unpredictable than first thought. Whats going on? It seems unlikely that different timings for the fieldwork and candidates responses (or lack of them) to the riots could explain a sudden Cleverly surge, though as shadow home secretary he had a slightly higher profile during the disturbances. The differences in standing are stark (Techne figures first, Conservative Home second): James Cleverly 26 10 Priti Patel 20 8 Kemi Badenoch 14 33 Tom Tugendhat 11 10 Robert Jenrick 10 19 Mel Stride 4 2 Some of the disparities could be explained by the fact that identifying a representative sample of the approximately 172,000 members is intrinsically difficult; that their views may still be fairly fluid; and that the Conservative Home panel tends to attract the more committed and politically engaged types. At any rate, Cleverly will be chuffed that hed win handily whoever he ended up against. Does it matter? After the Tory MPs have whittled down the choice to two names that go forward in the membership vote, all that matters is the collective judgement of that comparatively tiny group of individuals, deeply unrepresentative of the electorate as a whole: richer, whiter and, obviously, more right wing and pro-Brexit. But if, say, Cleverly or Patel actually didnt make it to that final pairing, then their popularity among the grassroots is irrelevant (aside from causing some lasting resentments). What do the MPs think? The 121 souls in the much-denuded parliamentary Conservative Party are mostly uncommitted, with all the candidates boasting between four and six public backers. Most of what passes for the senior echelons havent expressed a view, and Rishi Sunak, still leader of the opposition, is staying out of it. Whos the smart money on? Political betting is a little less fashionable in Tory circles these days, but Badenoch is still the bookies favourite, albeit her odds have been drifting out (now at about 2/1) with Jenrick tightening (7/4) and, to a lesser degree, Cleverly (5/1) also closing in on her. Stride is the rank outsider (22/1). For comparison, you can get 50/1 on Nigel Farage taking over the Tory party. Who would the public choose? None of the above is the glib answer, or, even worse, they dont mind because they dont care (as other polls have shown recently). The Techne poll suggests Tugendhat enjoys the broadest appeal in the electorate, and thats confirmed by other public opinion polling which shows him the least hated Tory, if we can put it like that among the Labour, Reform and Lib Dem voters they need to win back to be in contention for the next general election. Yet, the party membership that gifted Britain Liz Truss seems to indicate it doesnt much care what wider voters want. Unless, of course, the recent defeat has really made them think again For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A record number of aid workers were killed in conflicts around the world last year, and this year may be on course to be even deadlier, the United Nations said Monday. The U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that 280 aid workers were killed in 33 countries in 2023 more than double the previous year's figure of 118. It said that more than half of last year's deaths were registered in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war that started in October, mostly as a result of airstrikes. The office said that this year may be on track for an even deadlier outcome, with 172 aid workers killed as of Aug. 7. More than 280, the majority of them with the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, have been killed in Gaza so far, according to OCHA. It said that extreme levels of violence in Sudan and South Sudan also have contributed to the death toll both this year and last. The U.N.'s acting emergency relief coordinator, Joyce Msuya, said in a statement that the normalization of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere. She demanded in a statement that "people in power act to end violations against civilians and the impunity with which these heinous attacks are committed. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Investigators have discovered human remains during a search of home in southeastern Michigan that belongs to a man whose wife disappeared more than three years ago and is presumed dead. Dee Warners family reported her missing in April of 2021. Her husband, Dale John Warner, 56, was charged in November with open murder and tampering with evidence in her disappearance. He has pleaded not guilty. Michigan State Police said in a statement Sunday that they recently searched Dale Warners property in Lenawee County and found human remains. The remains are currently in the process of being recovered and there will be a great deal of work and testing completed before positive identification is made, the agency said in a social media post. The family of Dee Warner has been contacted and advised of the findings. This continues to be an ongoing investigation. Dale Warner, 56, has been charged in connection with the murder of his wife, Dee Warner, 52. On Friday, authorities said that they found a body in a tank on the mans property ( WDIV ) Family members told WTVG-TV and WTOL-TV that the remains were found on Friday in a sealed, empty tank meant for anhydrous ammonia, which is used as fertilizer for crops. Chemicals were not in the tank at the time, a family member said. It had been sealed with a tag that said: do not use. The womans brother, Gregg Hardy, said investigators showed his family an X-ray of the tank with a body inside of it. What weve now discovered is so far-fetched, who would have thought? You know who could have even dreamed that up, he told WTVG. Dee Ann Warner went missing in April. On Friday, authorities said that they found a body in a tank on her husbands property ( Michigan State Police ) Dale Warner would have been the only person who could have accessed the tank, the brother said. According to police information and court records, the woman was planning to discuss divorce with her husband before authorities suspect he killed her. Dale Warner admitted to fighting with his wife about money and infidelity but cops said every statement he made on the subject was inconsistent. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday. Dee Warner, a mother of five, was 52 when she was last seen on the morning of April 25, 2021, on a road in Franklin Township, about 110km southwest of Detroit. Since then, she has had no contact with her family or friends. She was declared legally dead earlier this year. Dale Warner remains held in the Lenawee County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 4 for a pretrial hearing. We believe that a fair and objective review of the evidence or more precisely the lack of evidence in this case will show that Mr Warner did not kill his wife, his attorney, Mary Chartier, told the Associated Press when he was charged in November. Speaking to the latest discovery, an attorney for Dale Warner told WTVG on Sunday: This appears to be another tragic turn of events for all those who loved and cared for her. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Wisconsin woman who killed a man she claims sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager has been sentenced to 11 years behind bars. Chrystul Kizer, who is now 23 years old, will spend 11 years in prison and another five years on extended supervision, for the fatal shooting of Randall P. Volar, according to WTMJ. Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge David P. Wilk handed down the sentence on Monday. Kizer was just 17 years old when she shot and killed Volar in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in June 2018. She was initially charged with first-degree intentional homicide, but later pleaded guilty second-degree reckless homicide, which spared her a trial and possible life sentence. Prosecutors dismissed all the other charges. Chrystul Kizer, pictured here in the Kenosha County Courthouse on February 6, 2020, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for killing her abuser in 2018 ( AP ) Prosecutors say Kizer planned to kill Volar because she wanted to steal his BMW. But her attorneys argue that she acted in self defense after suffering years of sexual abuse at Volars hands. Kizer says she was sexually assaulted by Volar who sold her to others for sex. According to court documents, Kizer put a gun in her bookbag in June 2018 and told her boyfriend that she was going to shoot Volar because she was tired of him touching her. She traveled from Milwaukee to Volars home in Kenosha, shot him in the head, burned down his house and stole his BMW, according to court documents. This booking photo provided by Kenosha County Sheriff's Department taken on February 22, 2018, shows Randall Volar before he was shot and killed in June 2018 ( Kenosha County Sheriff's Department ) Kizer was 17 at the time, old enough to be considered an adult in Wisconsins criminal justice system. In 2022, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that Kizer could use self-defense at trial to justify the killing as part of a state law that grants sex trafficking victims immunity for any offense committed while they were being trafficked. But that wont happen now that shes accepted the plea deal. Nearly 40 states have passed laws that give trafficking victims at least some level of criminal immunity, according to Legal Action of Wisconsin, which provides legal help for low-income people. At the time of his death, Volar was under investigation for abusing multiple underage Black girls. Authorities found videos of the alleged abuse and brought charges against him before he was released on bail. Kizer was released on $400,000 bail in June 2020 after community activists banded together to raise the funds. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A man pointed a gun at Burger King drive-thru worker who wouldnt accept drugs for payment and later shot at other people elsewhere the same night after being spotted acting sspiciouldy and holding a bible. Eugene Robertson has been sentenced to 143 years in prison for his crimes. Prosecutors who announced the sentence on Thursday said the drive-thru incident was the beginning of a series of crimes Robertson carried out in the Denver suburb of Aurora on October 17, 2022. No one was wounded in the string of incidents. Earlier this year, in April, a jury found Robertson guilty of 17 crimes, including eight counts of attempted murder. The sentences for many of the crimes were stacked on top of each other, leading to a long sentence. Robertson, 40, had faced a maximum sentence of more than 400 years when he was sentenced on August 9. We consider this 143-year sentence justice for the multiple victims he put in fear that night. Jurors recognized the severity of the crimes this defendant committed. We believe the judge imposed an appropriate sentence, Eric Ross, a spokesperson for 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner, said Friday. AfterRobertson pointed the gun at the drive-thru worker ( PA Wire ) After Robertson pointed the gun at the drive-thru worker, prosecutors said he walked into a convenience store across the street and pointed a gun at the head of a clerk. When Robertson saw there was a surveillance video camera system there, he shot at the screen and then left. He then shot toward two people outside in the parking lot, Kellner's office said. The Sentinel Colorado in Aurora previously reported that a witness at the convenience store told police there seemed to be something off about Robertson and that he was talking about God and carrying a Bible with a purple cover. Later that night, a woman who was friends with Robertson called 911 to report that he had fired shots after she refused to open the door of her apartment, where she was with several people, prosecutors said. Police spotted Robertson at the woman's apartment complex. He hid behind some bushes before being arrested, prosecutors said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Harvey Weinstein will be sent to a California prison following his retrial on rape and sexual assault charges in New York, prosecutors announced on Monday. The disgraced Hollywood mogul will remain at New York Citys Rikers Island until his Manhattan case is resolved. His east coast conviction was overturned earlier this summer, and the retrial will go ahead in November. Weinstein appeared in court on Monday. After the hearing, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said: Today, defendant Harvey Weinstein was formally arraigned on a governors warrant issued by Governor Kathy Hochul, who exercised her authority for him to remain in New York State until his case in New York County is adjudicated. Harvey Weinstein, pictured in May, will remain at New York Citys Rikers Island until after his retrial in Manhattan, which is due to begin in November ( AP ) The defendant who was convicted in California of forcible rape and other crimes will be returned to the state of California after his case in New York County is completed. He will serve the California sentence first, as it is now his primary sentence. We thank the extradition staffs of Governor Hochul and California Governor Gavin Newsom, as well as our partners in the New York County District Attorneys Office, the California Attorney Generals Office and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, for their assistance in this matter. Weinstein, 72, was found guilty in 2020 of rape and sexual assault in New York. In June 2024, the conviction was tossed by appeals judges who said jurors shouldnt have heard testimony from women who had accused the film producer of misconduct but whose allegations werent part of the case. A retrial has been tenatively scheduled for November 12 by Judge Curtis Farber. While his conviction was thrown out in New York, Weinstein has remained behind bars due to his 16-year prison sentence in California. He was convicted in a separate rape case in Los Angeles in 2022, and state prosecutors had pushed for his extradition. Weinstein has denied that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone and also filed an appeal against the California conviction in June. Harvey Weinstein was tried by a system devoted to getting him at all costs. This appeal demonstrates nearly a dozen areas of brazen legal missteps that violated his right to a fair trial, his publicist, Juda Engelmayer, told NBC News in June. Following the trial in LA, he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman, known as Jane Doe 1. Weinstein was found not guilty of sexual battery against Jane Doe 2, and the jury could not reach a decision on whether or not he committed three other alleged sexual assaults. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Seattle man has been arrested for allegedly drowning his girlfriend while high on molly because she was acting weird, according to police. Andy Chu, 25, has been charged with first-degree murder for the death of Zoey Suyun He, who was visiting her boyfriend from Hawaii, according to KHON2. Police reportedly found He on August 10 with an ice pack on her neck, a block supporting the back of her head, and a heavy white ball lodged in her throat in addition to a substance later identified as Acai powder all over her body. These were apparently Chus attempts to fix her jaw and revive his girlfriend after brutally assaulting her while on molly (also known as Ecstasy or MDMA) sometime between August 9 and 10, police said. Chu also claimed he tried to perform CPR on He, whom he went to high school with and had been dating since January. Andy Chu confessed to choking his 25-year-old girlfriend, Zoey Suyun at his Seattle condo ( Fox Seattle ) He was just three days away from her 26th birthday when she was allegedly murdered. Seattle firefighters arrived at Chus residence after his neighbors phoned 911 to report water was flowing out of his condo, and they were unable to get in contact with him, per a probable cause arrest affidavit obtained by Law & Crime. There, they discovered He in the bathroom suffering from severe traumatic assault to her face, head, next and chest, and the faucets to the bathtub and sinks running, causing water to flow across the floor and down the stairs. Footage from the doorbell of one of Chus neighbors is believed to show him and his girlfriend walking into the condo with bags of groceries on August 9. The next day, the footage appears to show Chu leaving his residence alone, allegedly stuffing something under his white T-shirt. Andy Chu was allegedly captured walking into his condo with his girlfriend on 9 August ( Fox Seattle ) On 10 August, Chu was seemingly filmed walking out from his residence, without his girlfriend ( Fox Seattle ) The same day this footage was captured, officers received a report of a University of Washington Medical Center patient who had allegedly groped a nurses breasts and tried to pull her head down by hooking the back of her neck. Upon realising the patient to be Chu, police escorted him to the Seattle Police headquarters for an interview, where he revealed a version of events they described to be quite fragmented and difficult to follow at times. He said he has memory of choking her, twisting her neck, holding her down under the water in the tub. He said he thought he broke her neck, cops wrote, also noting he remembered removing her from the bathtub and placing her on the bathroom floor before his drug-induced attempts to revive her. Friends of Chu took him to the hospital for what the affidavit described as psychotic behaviour, with police writing he had bruises and abrasions on his knuckles, knees, legs and elbows. Chu is currently being held at King County Correctional Facility with bail set at $5 million. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A gay man claimed a group of Shake Shack workers beat him up after he kissed his boyfriend while they waited in line for their order at the fast food establishment in Washington, DC. Christian Dingus, 28, told NBC News that the violent encounter happened inside the chains Dupont Circle location on Saturday night. After putting in their order, Dingus asked an employee where their food was and said the response he got was aggressive, NBC4 reported. He said his partner pulled him aside in an effort to try to defuse the situation. The pair continued to wait in line and began to kiss, Dingus explained. And while we were back there kind of briefly we began to kiss, Dingus said. And at that point, a worker came out to us and said that, you know, you cant be doing that here, cant do that type of stuff here. Video of the alleged assault appears to show Christian Dingus, 28, being shoved and punched in the head by Shake Shack workers ( NBC News ) The couple stopped kissing, but Dingus said his partner got more upset and told the employee they had done nothing wrong. The employee then escorted his partner outside where the verbal argument escalated. Dingus said thats when he followed them outside and ended up stepping in between his partner and the worker in another attempt to defuse the situation. At that point, immediately, without a second, the worker just turned on me, starting attacking me, Dingus said. At that point, I think there might have been two or three other workers as well, threw me to the ground. I didnt fight back at all immediately just kind of went into the fetal position to protect myself. Harrowing video of the alleged assault taken by a Shake Shack patron through the window of the restaurant shows a man being shoved and punched in the head by several people wearing Shake Shack shirts. There was a desire to be violent towards me, and I think its very evident in that film, Dingus told NBC News. After the attack, Dingus was taken to the emergency room where he had a concussion and trauma to his jaw, he said. He also had swelling and bruising on his face. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime, according to the Metropolitan Police Department, who has classified the offense alleged by Dingus as a simple assault, with an anti-gay bias motivation. No arrests have been made. You hear all the time that this stuff happens, but, you know, I started kind of believing that it didnt, right? Dingus said. Ive been ... thinking of progress and how great that community is here, and then for that all to kind of be shattered, you know, kind of sucks. A Shake Shack spokesperson told NBC News that the employees allegedly involved have been suspended pending further review and that the company is cooperating with authorities. At Shake Shack, the safety and well-being of our guests and team members are our top priorities, and we have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violence, the spokesperson said in a statement. We are aware of the incident on Saturday, Aug. 17 involving team members and a guest at our Dupont Circle location and are taking it very seriously. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Tennessee couple has been arrested for allegedly keeping a 7-year-old non-verbal boy with autism locked inside a storage locker with urine-soaked blankets and covered in feces at their filthy home. Mikki Dee Moody, 36, and Sean David Moody, 39, were charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect and child endangerment after authorities searched their home on an unrelated case and came across the horrific child abuse, according to the Carter County Sheriffs Office. Deputies who executed a search warrant at the home on Blevins Hollow Road in Carter County found the living conditions to be unsanitary. In the middle of the room was a storage trunk. The trunk contained urine-soaked blankets, a pillow, half-eaten pizza, and clothing that contained a substance consistent with blood, sheriffs office investigator Preston White said. Mikki Moody, 36, was arrested for allegedly keeping a 7-year-old non-verbal boy with autism locked inside a trunk. She was released from custody after posting a $75,000 bond ( Carter County Sheriffs Office ) He said there was exposed wiring protruding from wall outlets and animal and human feces throughout the home. The Moodys allegedly gave the boy food and then locked him in the trunk, according to the authorities. It was not clarified by law enforcement if the boy was related to the couple or how he came to be living in their home. Deputies notified the Department of Childrens Services who then took the boy into their care. Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation took Sean Moody into custody on an unrelated abuse of a vulnerable adult charge that stems from him mistreating his adult sister with a developmental disability. Sean David Moody, 39, remains in jail ( Carter County Sheriffs Office ) During the investigation, agents determined that the victim was being abused by her brother, Sean Moody, who also served as her caregiver, TBI agents said. Both adults were booked into the Carter County Detention Center on Thursday. Mikki Moody was released from custody after posting a $75,000 bond while Sean Moody remains in jail. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Wisconsin doesnt just have cheese curds and craft beers: its also home to the most affordable city in America. MarketWatch, a financial and business news site, analyzed 223 of the countrys largest cities to determine the top 10 most affordable cities. Green Bay, Wisconsin the states third largest city located 120 miles north of Milwaukee topped the list. With a median monthly rent of $870, grocery costs 15 per cent lower than the national average, and a median home price of $245,000, the medium-sized city proved the least inexpensive. Groceries in Green Bay cost 15 per cent less than the average so more cash left over for tickets to a Packers game ( The City of Green Bay ) The midwest dominated the rankings, taking six of the top 10 spots, while the south took three and the northeast just one. Most affordable cities Median Home Price Groceries vs. National Avg. 1. Green Bay, WI $245,000 15.0% 2. Wichita, KS $210,000 7.7% 3. Rapid City, SD $300,000 7.4% 4. Springfield, IL $139,000 8.1% 5. Broken Arrow, OK $293,000 5.8% 6. Jackson, MS $120,000 7.6% 7. Alexandria, LA $64,000 1.3% 8. Iowa City, IA $300,000 11.1% 9. Manchester, NH (Tie) $385,000 10.1% 9. Sioux City, IA (Tie) $202,000 9.9% The west did comparatively poorly, with the highest-ranking western city Ogden, Utah coming in at 18. The ranking was calculated from seven metrics: median household income, unemployment rate, median home sale price, median monthly rate, grocery cost of living index, transportation cost of living index, and miscellaneous goods and services cost of living index. The report assigned each city a score from 0 to 100, with the latter being the most affordable score. Wichita is the largest city in Kansas ( Getty ) In second place was another midwestern city: Wichita, Kansas. Nuzzled in the south-central part of the state, Wichita is known as the air capital of the world and birthed fast food chains like Pizza Hut and White Castle. Its low average monthly rent of $971 and low-cost transportation, including gas prices and public transport options, gave the city its number two ranking. Prospective home buyers in Wichita can also appreciate the low median home sales price, which was $210,000 as of March 2023, the report wrote. A panorama view of South Dakotas Rapid City, located just down the road from Mount Rushmore ( Getty ) Rapid City, South Dakota rounded out the top three, with the lowest county unemployment rate in the country, at 1.5 per cent, and a median household income of $81,183. Known as the City of Presidents, with life-sized bronze statues of every U.S. president scattered throughout the city, it is located just 23 miles from Mount Rushmore. Springfield, Ilinois, grabbed the fourth spot on the list, the highest of any state capital ( Getty ) Only two capital cities made the top ten list. Springfield, Illinois which nabbed fourth place is located in the center of the state and is known as the home to Abrahm Lincolns tomb. The median cost of a home there is just $139,000. Main Street in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, an affordable town in Tulsa County ( Doncow/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 ) Rounding out the top five was Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, a manufacturing city which had the highest median income across the top ten cities, at $102,700. And the other capital city in the top ten is Jackson, Mississippi, which landed in sixth place. The states most populous city was named after former U.S. President Andrew Jackson. For those suffering with New York City or Bay Area property marketes, the report found that the average rent in 22 of the 223 cities analyzed was less than $1,000 a month. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Security is ramping up in Chicago ahead of a major pro-Palestinian march outside of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center, which begins today. The first of many protests was expected on Monday, when it is reported tens of thousands of people could gather near the United Center to demonstrate against the Biden-Harris administrations stance on Israel, organisers say. An estimated 40,000 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza and 85 per cent of people displaced from their homes there since the wars onset. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are expected to accept their nominations this week but face significant disruption from protests both inside and outside the event. One group, the March on the DNC coalition, said it intends to bring the peoples agenda to within sight and sound of the Democratic Party leadership and are holding protests today and Thursday. The march today will start at Union Park and end up at Park 578, a couple of blocks north of the United Center. Organizers sued the city earlier this year, arguing restrictions over where they can protest violated their constitutional rights. They have now been allowed to have a stage and sound system at Park 578. Pro-Palestinian protests are planned throughout the week at the DNC ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Organizers say numbers could hit more than 100,000. Police have been preparing for the DNC for a year, city officials said last week, and hundreds of officers from Illinois and Milwaukee have been brought in to support. Police superintendent Larry Snelling previously said police received fresh de-escalation training, while 3,000 officers have undergone specialized training to respond directly to civil unrest and the possibility of riots. County courts say they are opening more space in anticipation of mass arrests and hospitals near the security zone are beefing up emergency preparedness. Chicago Police superintendent Larry Snelling says his officers have received specialist training for the DNC ( AP ) Securing the areas around the convention sites has been a huge task, involving 17 different agencies, including the Secret Service. The agency has been heavily scrutinized since the assassination attempt of Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Kimberly Cheatle, who had served as Secret Service director since August 2022, resigned last month after growing calls to stand down and several investigations into how a gunman was able to get so close to the Republican presidential nominee. Parallels have been made between this years DNC and the event in 1968, also held in Chicago, where mass protests over the Vietnam war and police riots turned violent. But Snelling said: Its not 1968. Our officers are trained differently. The department has evolved. Our officers have evolved. Weve been training for this event for over a year, so the preparedness is whats important. People standing in front of a row of National Guard soldiers, across from the Hilton Hotel at Grant Park during the Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Illinois, on August 26, 1968 ( Alamy Stock Photo ) When pressed on whether things could turn ugly, he told the Associated Press last week: Theres a possibility that things could take a turn. Something could happen that we dont expect. We know that our officers can respond in a professional manner with training behind them. Theyll be more effective in decision making. And then the response becomes greater and better. Many of those protesting the Israel-Hamas war at the DNC this week will include students who have been demonstrating in the last year on college campuses. Universities are bracing themselves as students prepare for the new school year. While the summer break provided a respite in student demonstrations, it also gave both student protesters and higher education officials a chance to regroup and strategize for the fall semester. The stakes remain high. At Columbia University in New York, where the wave of pro-Palestinian tent encampments began, President Minouche Shafik resigned after coming under heavy scrutiny for her handling of the demonstrations. Her resignation came just days after the school confirmed that three deans had resigned after officials said they exchanged disparaging texts during a campus discussion about Jewish life and antisemitism. Joe Biden is expected to take to the stage to headline the opening night this evening. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Watch as Joe Biden departs for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The president forced by his allies to abandon his reelection bid a month ago, and will be in the spotlight on opening night of the DNC on Monday 19 August, aware that his party has swiftly moved on without him. Instead of his hoped-for high-profile speech on Thursday to accept the Democratic nomination for another four-year term, Biden will be the main event at the start of the Chicago convention before traveling to California for a vacation. In his speech, the president is expected to tout his accomplishments - boosting the US economy and strengthening US alliances abroad - and make the case for Americans to elect his vice president, Kamala Harris, as his White House successor. Ms Harris, 59, is likely to appear on stage with Mr Biden, 81. Her campaign has been weighing whether and how to use Mr Biden in winning over voters, and the president plans to fundraise for her ahead of the 5 November election. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Watch as Democratic National Convention (DNC) attendees arrive at the United Center in Chicago as the convention begins on Monday, 19 August. The convention will see Kamala Harris and Minnesota governor Tim Walz formally nominated to be the partys candidates in the 2024 presidential race to take on Donald Trump and JD Vance. Though DNC is a presidential nominating convention, the current vice president and her running mate are already officially on the Democratic partys ticket after a five-day round of online voting from delegates finished on 5 August. As many as 50,000 visitors - including 5,000 delegates from all 50 states and territories, 15,000 members of the media, and tens of thousands of guests - are now expected to descend on the venue. After dropping out of the 2024 race and making way for Ms Harris at the top of the party ticket, Joe Biden will deliver a message of unity as the outgoing president on Monday. Jill Biden will also speak on Monday night. On Tuesday, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama will deliver separate speeches, and Ms Harriss husband Doug Emhoff will also take to the stage. The Obamas first endorsed Ms Harris four days after Mr Bidens departure on 26 July; their backing was delivered in a phone call that was filmed and went viral when posted by Ms Harriss campaign team on social media. Mr Walz will take to the podium on Wednesday, and Ms Harris will close out the convention with a speech on Thursday night as she formally accepts the nomination. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Democratic National Convention (DNC) has now entered its final day at the United Center in Chicago, where some of the partys biggest heavyweights have taken to the stage over the last three days. While the DNC is first and foremost a presidential nominating convention, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz already have their places in the White House race sown up after a five-day round of online voting for delegates wrapped on August 5. Now, as many as 50,000 visitors have descended on the Steven Spielberg-coordinated convention in the Windy City, including 5,000 delegates from 50 states and territories, plus 15,000 members of the media, tens of thousands of guests and a huge contingent of Gaza ceasefire protesters. The convention has been organized around four distinct themes, one for each day: Mondays was For the People, examining the Biden administrations accomplishments in the White House and how a future Harris Cabinet could continue its work, Tuesdays was A Bold Vision for Americas Future, Wednesdays was A Fight for Our Freedoms and Thursdays is For Our Future. Here the latest on what we know about the conventions schedule. Monday Kamala Harris and Joe Biden at the DNC on Monday August 19 2024 ( AP ) President Joe Biden delivered the headline speech on the opening night, giving an emotional address to rapturous applause from the crowd. Introduced by First Lady Dr Jill Biden and his daughter Ashley Biden, the 81-year-old president ran through his accomplishments in the Oval Office before making a forceful case against Donald Trump. Denying that he was angry with members of his party who pressured him to step aside from the 2024 race, Biden explained: I love my job, but I love my country more. Hillary Clinton, the partys 2016 presidential nominee, also spoke of her desire to see the highest, hardest glass ceiling smashed with the election of a first female president. Delegates also heard from Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jim Clyburn, Jasmine Crockett, Robert Garcia, Grace Meng and Jamie Raskin, Senators Raphael Warnock and Chris Coons, Governors Andy Beshear and Kathy Hochul, DNC chair Jaime Harrison and United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain. Tuesday Michelle Obama and Barack Obama received a warm welcome at the DNC on Tuesday ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The Obamas took to the stage on Tuesday delivering an electrifying endorsement of the Harris-Walz administration while eviscerating Trump. Michelle denounced Trump for peddling a narrative of fear and declared that hope is making a comeback while also poking fun at Trumps reference to Black jobs, adding that the job hes currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs. In his speech, Barack heaped praise on both Harris and Biden while slamming Trump for the childish nicknames, the crazy conspiracy theories, this weird obsession with crowd sizes. Other speakers included Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff including a touching video tribute from his son Cole Senators Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, and Tammy Duckworth, Billionaire Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Trumps former press secretary Stephanie Grisham. Wednesday Walz delivered a rousing speech as he formally accepted the VP nomination ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Walz took to the stage to deliver a rousing acceptance speech to formally accept his vice presidential nomination. Met with roaring chants of Coach! Coach! Coach! he dived into a football-themed metaphor: Its the fourth quarter, were down a field goal, but were on offense and we have the ball, were driving down the field and boy do we have the right team... Kamala Harris is ready! Former president Bill Clinton also took to the stage and made a jibe at Trumps age, noting that he celebrated his 78th birthday on Monday but I'm still younger than Donald Trump. Oprah Winfrey also made a surprise appearance, slamming JD Vances childless cat ladies comments. Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, former VP hopefuls Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also delivered speeches. Thursday As is tradition, Kamala Harris will wrap up the final day of the convention on Thursday night with a headline speech as she formally accepts the nomination to be the Democratic Partys 2024 presidential candidate. Reverend Al Sharpton, a prominent civil rights activist and baptist minster, has also announced he will take the podium. Additionally, former Republican congressman and outspoken Trump opponent Adam Kinzinger is expected to speak. How to watch: Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A number of fake electors who attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election have donated to Donald Trump as recently as this year, financial records show. Fake electors have continued to donate thousands to Trump, his running mate JD Vance and other Republicans despite some of them facing criminal charges for their role in the 2020 election. One includes former co-chair of the Michigan Republican party, Meshawn Maddock, who has given more than $1,800 to Trump and allied fundraising groups this year, records on the Federal Election Commission database show. Maddock is one of 16 fake electors criminally charged by the Democratic Michigan attorney general, Dana Nessel. The 16 met in the basement of the states Republican Party headquarters and signed certificates falsely claiming that they were the duly elected and qualified electors for president and vice president of the United States of America for the state of Michigan, Nessel said in prepared remarks last year. Maddock has pleaded not guilty. Records also show Tyler Bowyer, who is being prosecuted in Arizona for his role as a fake elector, donated $645 to Trump this year. Bowyer, who pleads not guilty to the charges, is the chief operating officer of Turning Point USA, a non-profit advocating for conservative values in schools. Donald Trump speaking during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 US presidential election results in Washington, January 6, 2021 ( REUTERS ) One of the largest donations to Trump this year was $25,000 from David Hanna, a fake elector from Georgia who was not criminally charged. Another fake elector in Georgia, Daryl Moody, donated $2,900 to Vance in 2022. Michael Beckel, research director at election watchdog group Issue One, told The Guardian it was incredibly rare for politicians to accept campaign contributions from people under indictment. He told the newspaper: Its generally not good optics for politicians to accept money from people accused of serious wrongdoing. Political candidates generally dont want to be tied to convicted or accused felons. Yet in certain circles, association with the people who served as fake electors for Donald Trump in 2020 may be a badge of honor. Former President Trump likely has fewer qualms about accepting campaign cash from people under indictment for serving as fake electors in 2020 than the typical politician. Meshawn Maddock, former co-chair of the Michigan Republican party, donated more than $1,800 to Trump this year, financial campaign records show ( Nicole Hester/Mlive.com ) The Independent has contacted the Trump campaign for comment. In June, a judge in Nevada dismissed the states case against six fake electors on procedural grounds, marking the first time that a case related to Trumps attempts to reject election results had been dismissed. Earlier this month Special Counsel Jack Smith sought a delay in Trumps election interference case to give prosecutors more time to propose next steps in light of the Supreme Courts unprecedented ruling around presidential immunity. Smiths office indicted Trump in August 2023 over his allegedly criminal scheme to overturn President Joe Bidens victory by installing slates of fake electors in states he lost, ordering the Justice Department to conduct sham election crime investigations and pressuring then-vice president Mike Pence to alter the election results, then failing to stop a mob that sought to do it be force. The Republican presidential nominee pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case was frozen in District Judge Tanya Chutkans courtroom since February, pending a ruling from the Supreme Court on the former presidents argument that he had immunity from prosecution over acts carried out while in office. On July 1, the conservative-leaning court handed down its ruling, granting Trump and future presidents absolute immunity for official acts but not unofficial acts in office. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Disgraced former congressman George Santos has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and wire fraud charges. Santos, 36, entered the guilty plea on Monday afternoon in court in Central Islip, New York. The plea deal comes with an estimated six to eight-year prison sentence, CBS News reports. He will also have to repay more than $300,000 to his victims, prosecutors said. Santos will be sentenced on February 7. The ex-lawmaker spoke in court and admitted to wire fraud, stealing credit card information for personal use and lying to the Federal Election Commission. Santos spoke too quickly and the judge had to ask him to slow down, according to CBS News. My actions have betrayed the trust of my supporters and constituents, Santos told the court. I hope that by facing these consequences head on, I hope that I can demonstrate my commitment to change and to earning your forgiveness, Santos later said, speaking to reporters outside the courthouse. I do not ask for your forgiveness, as I know that must be earned through actions, not words. George Santos speaking to reporters after leaving federal court in Central Islip, New York on Monday. The former congressman faces prison time after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft and wire fraud ( EPA ) The hearing was added to the courts schedule just days ago, on Friday evening. Reports emerged over the weekend that the expelled representative planned to plead guilty to avoid trial. Our democracy depends upon a fair and transparent election process, and as part of that process, it is imperative that candidates for elective elected office follow the law and that they act with integrity and transparency, Nicole Argentieri, principal deputy assistant attorney general, said on Monday. George Santos did none of those things. Scott DAlessandro, assistant special agent-in-charge of the local office of IRS Criminal Investigation, said Santos crimes are not victimless. The ultimate victim is the erosion of trust that a crime like this causes the American peoples confidence in our countrys campaign finance systems, DAlessandro said. George Santos walking into federal court in Central Islip, New York on Monday. He previously pleaded not guilty to the 23 criminal charges against him ( EPA ) The New York representative was expelled from Congress on December 1 last year, becoming the first representative to be ousted in more than 20 years. Santos was originally indicted in May 2023 on 13 federal charges and then in October, prosecutors released a 23-count superseding indictment. Santos originally pleaded not guilty to all charges. The ex-congressmans lies have followed him for much of his political career. He falsely claimed his family is Jewish, later claiming he meant Jew-ish. Santos also claimed in November 2022 that four of his employees died in the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. A review of the victims byThe New York Times found that none of the victims had ties to Santos. He also claimed his mother was at the World Trade Center during the September 11 terrorist attacks despite immigration records indicating she wasnt in the US at the time. A Navy veteran from New Jersey accused Santos of scamming him out of $3,000 by pocketing money from a GoFundMe to help pay for his service dogs surgey. The 36-year-old has also denied performing as a drag queen despite photographic evidence. He later admitted he had, saying: I was young and I had fun at a festival. Sue me for having a life. Prosecutors say Santos made personal purchases with campaign funds, stole a donors credit card information and falsified a loan in order to qualify for support from the Republican party. He was also charged with unemployment fraud and lying on House financial disclosure documents. Santos trial was set to begin in September with an anonymous jury, which his legal team requested, arguing the ex-representative has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion. Santos has called the prosecution a witch hunt and publicly denied reports of taking a plea deal. However, court filings from December indicated his lawyers and federal prosecutors were engaged in plea deal negotiations. Ever since becoming the sixth congressman in history to be expelled, Santos has attempted to capitalize off his fame. He launched a Cameo account just days after his expulsion, where users can pay to have him record personalized video messages. In April, he even began offering videos from his drag queen persona, Kitara Ravache. Santos claimed he made more money in seven days than I would have made [in] an entire year in Congress after launching his Cameo. He also recently launched an OnlyFans account to give subscribers, who must pay $29.99 a month, full behind the scenes access to everything Im working on. Despite the site being known for adult content, Santos promised to keep it appropriate. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Three Republican-controlled House committees accused President Joe Biden of engaging in impeachable conduct, stating there is overwhelming evidence to support it, but admitted they have no evidence to prove that the president committed a crime. Republicans on the House Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means Committees released a 291-page report on Monday accusing Biden of abuse of power and obstruction of justice. The report claims Biden, as vice president, abused his office to enrich his family in connection with his son Hunters foreign business dealings and mishandled classified information. The totality of the corrupt conduct uncovered by the Committees is egregious. President Joe Biden conspired to commit influence peddling and grift. In doing so, he abused his office and, by repeatedly lying about his abuse of office, has defrauded the United States to enrich his family, the report states. House Republicans also accused the White House of interfering with the investigation into Hunter Biden by instructing witnesses to not cooperate or to comply with subpoenas. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (left) and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan attend a hearing on oversight of the Secret Service in July 2024. The pair also lead two committees that conducted the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, claiming he engaged in impeachable conduct in a new report ( EPA ) However, in each of these circumstances, the House committees said they did not need to have direct proof that he committed these alleged impeachable acts. Regarding the abuse of power allegation, the report says: It is not necessary for the House of Representatives to show that the dealings involved a quid pro quo to rise to the level of an impeachable offense. The report also suggests that the House panels do not need to show that Biden accepted a bribe or committed a crime to show his abuse of power, but instead, argued that it is only necessary to show that Biden was aware of the scheme and participated in it. The House Republicans described that this threshold was due to the cheapening of the impeachment power by Democrats in recent years, referring to the two impeachments of Donald Trump. In 2019, House Democrats asserted that impeachable offenses need not rise to the level of criminal conduct, noting that Congress reached the same conclusion during the impeachments of President Nixon and President Clinton, the panels wrote. The House may therefore impeach President Biden for non-criminal conduct that significantly impairs the political system or betrays the public trust. The same standard was applied to the obstruction of justice charge. The House need not find that President Bidens misconduct met the standard for obstruction of justice provided in federal statutes regarding obstruction of justice, the report states, before referring to the 2019 impeachment of Trump. The report also offered detailed descriptions of Hunter and James Bidens shady business practices overseas, implying that he made millions in exchange for access to his father and influence in the US. However, House Republicans fell short of substantiating those claims. The Committees have obtained evidence of how the Biden family leveraged Joe Bidens official position for financial gain. Indeed, in many ways, the entire business of Hunter Biden and James Biden centered around hinting at, alluding to, or outright promising what Joe Bidens power could do for certain foreign interests, the report states. The Bidens have never been formally charged with any wrongdoing connected to their business ventures. President Joe Biden disembarks Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. He was accused of impeachable conduct by House committees on Monday ( REUTERS ) The committees deferred to the full House of Representatives to decide on whether to pursue the next steps. The report states: Although the Committees fact-finding is ongoing amid President Bidens obstruction, the evidence uncovered in the impeachment inquiry to date already amounts to impeachable conduct. The Committees present this information to the House of Representatives for its evaluation and consideration of appropriate next steps. Even if passed in the GOP-controlled House, the effort is likely to be unsuccessful in the Democrat-controlled Senate. The report arrived after 30 interviews, 30 subpoenas, six hearings, and after reviewing millions of pages of documents, the committees wrote. But the inquiry into President Biden has been met with heavy scrutiny. Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian businessman who traveled around the world with Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani tasked to find dirt on the Biden family, testified in March that he had seen precisely zero proof of the Bidens criminality. Additionally, in February special counsel Robert Hur, who was tasked with investigating the classified documents found at the presidents homes, recommended no criminal charges against Biden. The GOP-led inquiry into Biden has not received total support from all members of their party while Democrats have repeatedly accused them of pursuing the impeachment inquiry as political retribution. Likely not by coincidence, the report was released on the first day of the Democratic National Convention, where later this week, Kamala Harris is expected to accept the Democratic nomination for president. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment on the report. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A prominent former appeals court judge and conservative legal scholar has endorsed Kamala Harris, while branding Donald Trump a unique threat to American democracy. In a statement obtained by CNN, J Michael Luttig, who was appointed to the federal bench by the Republican George H.W. Bush administration, described Donald Trumps support for the January 6 rioters and continued lies about winning the 2020 election as a stake being driven through the heart of Americas Democracy. Because of the former presidents continued, knowingly false claims that he won the 2020 election, millions of Americans no longer have faith and confidence in our national elections, and many never will again, Luttig wrote. Former appeals court judge said he had policy differences with Harris, but didnt trust Republicans to uphold the Constitution and norms of U.S. democracy ( REUTERS ) Despite likely holding policy views that are vastly different from his own, Luttig said Harris was the only choice he could accept for the upcoming election. Regrettably, in the presidential election of 2024 there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of Americas Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, Luttig said of the Harris-Walz campaign. The Independent has contacted the Trump campaign for comment. The Democrats have been working hard to build up support from prominent Republicans, seeking to peel away moderates who arent enthusiastic about a second Trump presidency. Conservative commentator and ex-MAGA activist Rich Logis will speak at the Democratic National Convention on Monday evening, where hes expected to accuse the former president of lying about pretty much everything, NPR reports. Earlier this month, the Harris campaign rolled out a Republicans for Harris sub-group, with notable endorsements from former White House press secretary and Melania Trump chief-of-staff Stephanie Grisham and Olivia Troye, the former homeland security and counterterrorism adviser to Vice President Mike Pence. Theyve also rolled out disaffected GOP-ers on the campaign trail. At a rally last week in Glendale, Arizona, Mesa mayor John Giles called on Republicans to back Harris. I have something to say to those of us who are in the middle: You dont owe a damn thing to that political party, he told the crowd. I would say in the spirit of the great Senator John McCain, please, please join me in putting country over party and stopping Donald Trump and protecting the rule of law, protecting our constitution and protecting the democracy of this great country. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} President Joe Biden was supposed to have spent the evening watching the start of a convention built around propelling him to four more years in the White House. Instead, he was on stage delivering an emotional address as an animated crowd inside Chicagos United Center poured out their gratitude at his decision to stand aside and pass the torch to Kamala Harris. In remarks that revisited many of his campaign themes, and as Harris looked on from a box alongside running mate Tim Walz, Biden told the Democratic National Convention that despite the threats that inspired his 2020 presidential run, democracy has prevailed and democracy has delivered. And now, democracy must be preserved, he said. Are you ready to vote for freedom? Biden asked the audience. Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz? After an introduction by his daughter Ashley, Biden walked on stage and embraced her to the sounds of Jackie Wilsons (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher and deafening chants of Thank you Joe! He took a tissue from his pocket to wipe his eyes. First daughter Ashley Biden and president Joe Biden embrace on stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19 ( Getty ) Family is the beginning, the middle, and the end, he said after praising his daughter and his rock, first lady Jill Biden. And America, I love you. His remarks championed his support for labor unions, his major economic and infrastructure-boosting accomplishments, and the democratic advocacy that puts him in stark contrast to Donald Trump. Because of you, weve had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever, period, he said. And when I say we, I mean Kamala and me. Biden raged at his Republican rival for his efforts to tank bipartisan legislation for US-Mexico border security, and for his false claims surrounding the 2020 election, which fueled political violence. Joe and Jill Biden address supporters at the Democratic National Convention ( Reuters ) You cannot say you love your country only when you win, he said. According to a source familiar with Bidens plans, his remarks were crafted over the last week with the aid of Mike Donilon, his longtime aide and former White House counselor, as well as other close confidants. In her remarks, first lady Jill Biden praised her husband of nearly 50 years. Joe knows that our nations strength doesnt come from intimidation, she said. It comes from the small acts of kindness that heal deep wounds, from service to the communities that make us who we are ... Kamala Harris knows that, too. Biden is not expected to attend any of the remaining three days of convention activities. Instead, he is set to travel to Santa Ynez, California, where he and his family will remain for a summer vacation. Its a remarkable exit from the stage for Biden, who has directed his White House staff to devote the remaining five months of his term the home stretch of a full half-century in public life to focus on completing his administrations work and burnishing his legacy. Two months ago, Biden appeared to be coasting towards his partys nomination as an incumbent president whod won every single primary contest save one, with the support of nearly all of the delegates whod select the Democratic Partys standard-bearer. But after a month of pressure from the highest ranks of his party and after reviewing polling data that showed that Harris could mount a credible campaign against the man Biden defeated four years ago he made the decision to stand down days after the Republican convention wrapped last month. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris embrace after the presidents remarks at the Democratic National Convention ( Reuters ) While Trump has spent the weeks since that day suggesting that Biden is so angry about having to step aside that he would try to reclaim the nomination something that would be impossible under both Democratic Party rules and numerous state laws governing ballot access the president hasnt displayed so much as a hint of anger over the situation. He told convention-goers that serving as president had been the honor of a lifetime for him. I love this job, but I love my country more, he said, before flatly denying any hard feelings over his ouster. All this talk about how Im angry at all those people who said I should step down thats not true, he said. Harris and Walz, he added, would continue to lead America forward, creating more jobs, standing up for workers, growing the economy, and would lower the cost to American families so they just have a little more breathing room. We made incredible progress. We have more work to do, and Kamala and Tim will continue to take on corporate greed and bring down the cost of food. Theyll keep taking on big pharma, making insulin $35 a month, not just for seniors but for everyone in America, he said. Joe Biden walks with his grandchild after his remarks to the Democratic National Convention ( Reuters ) Recalling the Oval Office address he delivered after announcing that he was standing aside, Biden reminded the crowd that their votes will determine whether democracy and freedom will prevail. Its that simple, its that serious, and the power is literally in your hands. History is in your hands, he said. His voice growing emotional as he brought his remarks to a close, Biden said that the country he has led for the last four years is, and always has been, a nation of possibilities. Kamala and Tim understand that this nation must continue to be a place of possibilities, not just for the few of us but for all of us. Join me in promising your whole heart to this effort, he said, adding that he would be the best volunteer the Harris-Walz campaign would ever see. Ive made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you for 50 years, he said. Like many of you, I gave my heart and soul to our nation, and Ive been blessed a million times in return with the support of the American people ... I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Gwen Walz has always worked in close proximity to her husband, the Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz. Over the weekend the couple joined Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff on a Pennsylvania bus tour as Democrats head to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, which kicks off today. They are no strangers to working in close quarters. In the early 1990s in a small city on the edge of the Nebraska Sandhills, Gwen Walz taught English at Alliance High School, where Tim Walz was also teaching geography. At one point they even shared a classroom, only separated by a divider down the middle, during her first teaching job. It is what brought them together, the first lady of Minnesota revealed. Weve always worked really closely together, the 58-year-old said. It seemed proximity was really important. Tim and I even shared a classroom, with just a divider right down the middle when we were teaching in Nebraska, she told MPR News in a 2019 interview. Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee and vice president, addresses Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota, and his wife Gwen Walz at a campaign event in Rochester, Pennsylvania ( AP ) After seeing first hand how engaged Walzs students were with him, the former teacher who then went by her maiden name of Whipple was smitten, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune. It wasnt long before Walz asked her on a date where they watched Michael Douglas in Falling Down. After the movie, she revealed they went to the only restaurant in town that wasnt a bar Hardees. At the end of the night, Walz leaned in for a kiss but he was rejected. Undeterred, the governor reportedly replied: Thats fine, but you should know Im going to marry you. They married the following year and have been together for 30 years. Tim Walz and Gwen Walz are photographed in a yearbook from Minnesotas Mankato West High School, where he taught from 1996 to 2006 ( Court ) In the minds of their students, the couple were a little like the newly elected President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, a former student wrote in The Washington Post. She married Mr Walz shortly after my freshman year ended. In the weeks preceding her marriage, she told us that she gave serious consideration to using both her maiden name and married name (presumably like Rodham Clinton) but decided that Whipple Walz sounded too much like a bird call, the student said. Two years after they married, Gwen Walz persuaded her husband to relocate back to her home state of Minnesota, where they both taught at Mankato West High School. The couple, who have two children together, were a refuge for their LGBT+ students, they told The Independent. Richelle Norton, an art teacher who graduated from Mankato West in 2001, spent hundreds of hours with the couple during her junior year when Tim Walz taught global geography and Gwen Walz taught advanced composition, American literature and an ACT prep course in the evenings. Over the weekend the couple joined Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff on a pre-DNC bus tour ( Getty Images ) They were really like the school mom and dad, says Norton, who launched the Mankato West Alumni For Walz group. As the DNC begins today, with his wife at his side, Harriss running mate will take to the podium on day three: Wednesday, August 21. Walz will formally accept the partys nomination just 15 days after he was unveiled as Harriss pick. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Republican Senator Ron Johnson attacked Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz over his ties to China, claiming its a red flag that the radical leftist got married on the anniversary of Tiananmen Square. Speaking to Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business, the Wisconsin lawmaker and member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee said of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate: Shes a radical leftist. She chose another radical leftist. Theyre just assuming the mainstream media is not going to cover his background. The House is going to investigate it now its very strange. He got married on the anniversary of Tiananmen Square. Hes gone to China. Hes taught in China. Hes got deep connections to China. Donald Trumps conservative allies have tried hard to attack the Minnesota governor on a range of issues since he was chosen by Vice President Harris to join her on the Democratic ticket earlier this month, angered by Walzs repeated attacks on Trump and his deputy JD Vance as weird. The former high school teacher has been pilloried over his response to the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted in Minneapolis in response to the police killing of George Floyd in May 2020 (despite then-President Trump praising his actions at the time), over his progressive policies on free meals and tampons in public schools and, outrageously, over his 24-years of service with the Army National Guard, accusing Walz of stolen valor by alleging, wrongly, that he chose to run for Congress in 2005 to avoid deployment to Iraq with his battalion. None of that has stuck but Walzs connection to China remains a persistent line of attack, a thin basis on which to accuse the Midwesterner of being an avowed communist. Walz did spend a year in the Far East in 1989 when, aged 25, he taught English and American history and culture in Foshan, Guangdong province, as part of the WorldTeach program, learning Mandarin and proving popular with his pupils. However, there is no evidence to suggest that he engaged in any political activity during his time there, which did coincide with the Tiananmen Square massacre, an event he found deeply shocking, the trip coming some 16 years before his first foray into politics. Wisconsin Republican Senator Ron Johnson appears on Fox Business on August 19 2024 ( Fox Business ) The country clearly made a huge impression on the young Walz and he told The Star Herald newspaper in 1990 that his stay was one of the best things he had ever done and said of the Chinese people: If they had the proper leadership, there are no limits on what they could accomplish. After returning to the United States, Walz met and fell in love with fellow educator Gwen Whipple. They did marry on the fifth anniversary of Tiananmen Square, June 4, 1994, and spent their honeymoon in China with 60 students in tow as part of a class trip. Gwen told a newspaper at the time: He wanted to have a date hell always remember. The couple subsequently set up a business called Educational Travel Adventures to organize summer trips to China for American high school students and continued to run an exchange program there as part of that venture until 2003. After entering Congress in 2007, Walz served on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, focusing on human rights issues and frequently taking positions much more likely to anger Xi Jinpings authoritarian government in Beijing than curry favor. In 2010, he co-sponsored a House motion condemning the arrest of activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Liu Xiaobo and fellow activist Huang Qi and, seven years later, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, calling for an end to human rights abuses in the former British colony in response to the independence protests led by Joshua Wong and others. In other moves designed to infuriate President Xi, Walz met with the Dalai Lama in 2016 and called for greater religious freedoms for Tibet, attacked Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and criticized the country for allying itself with Russia in the wake of the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has taken a last-minute swipe at Kamala Harris ahead of the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, as he posted an AI-generated image of the vice president speaking to a jam-packed crowd of Communists. Harris has been on the receiving end of a barrage of personal attacks from the former president as she pulls ahead in the national polls including all seven battleground states, bar Nevada. Now, Trump has upped the ante, using the very technology he falsely accused his Democratic rivals campaign of using to over-inflate her crowd sizes at Detroit Metro Airport last week: artificial intelligence. The Republican presidential nominee posted the AI image to X on Sunday showing a female figure, which appears to be Harris, wearing a red blazer and speaking to a giant crowd in front of a hammer and sickle, the symbol of the Soviet Union, cascading from the ceiling. The word Chicago is blown up and illuminated in large red letters in the background a clear nod to the DNC which kicks off in Illinois on Monday evening. More than 50,000 visitors including delegates, journalists and invited guests are expected to descend on the Windy City for the four-day convention at the United Center as the Harris-Walz ticket ceremonially gets rung in. Just a few weeks ago, President Joe Biden was expected to take to the DNC stage to deliver his headline speech as the partys 2024 presidential nominee. Now, along with First Lady Jill, he will deliver a message of unity as the outgoing president on Monday after stepping off the Democratic ticket last month. Other political heavyweights slated to headline the gathering include the Clintons, Obamas and the grandson of former president Jimmy Carter, Jason Carter. Harris will close out the convention on Thursday as she accepts the Democratic presidential nomination, outlining a roadmap for the future that pushes back against Trumps rhetoric that the nation is in decline. Kamala Harris is set to ceremonially accept her Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday at the DNC ( AP ) In an attempt to undermine Harris at the DNC, Trump and his Republican allies are planning a convention of their own in his Chicago hotel, with immigration, crime and the economy being its key themes. The former president and running mate JD Vance will also host rallies and smaller messaging events around the country as Democrats are concentrated in Chicago, according to his campaign team. Trumps posting of the AI-generated photo comes a day after he attempted to align the vice president with the far-left during a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. He denounced Harris as going full communist for her economic policies while, rather confusingly, also branding her a fascist. In her speech yesterday, Kamala went full communist, he said, in reference to Harriss crackdown on so-called price gouging on food, she announced in Raleigh, North Carolina on Friday. Comrade Kamala announced that she wants to institute socialist price controls. You saw that never worked before it will cause rationing, hunger and skyrocketing prices, he added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A new poll shows some baby boomers and members of the Silent Generation are switching allegiances from former President Donald Trump to Vice President Kamala Harris. The Emerson College poll released Thursday shows voters over 70 backing Harris over Trump 51 to 48 percent. Thats a small but positive shift for Harris, as last month, 50 percent of the group supported Trump while 48 percent backed President Joe Biden, who dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris last month. The group includes some baby boomers, who were born between 1946 and 1964, and the Silent Generation, born between 1925 and 1945. Older voters had so far this cycle remained in Trumps column, carrying on a long-standing tradition among seniors to support the Republican Party. The party has won voters over the age of 65 in every presidential election since 2000. In 2020, about 52 percent of voters in that age category voted for Trump, Newsweek noted. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris gives remarks alongside U.S. President Joe Biden at Prince Georges Community College on August 15. Older voters are now backing her over Trump ( Getty Images ) But that trend could now be changing. In May, a New York Times/Siena College poll found Biden leading among older voters against Trump, 48 to 45 percent. The executive director of Emerson College Polling, Spencer Kimball, said in a press release on Thursday that Likely voters under 30 have shifted toward Harris by nine points, 56 percent of whom supported Biden, 65 percent now support Harris. Voters over 70 also support Harris over Trump, 51 percent to 48 percent last month they broke 50 percent to 48 percent for Trump. Independents break for Harris, 46 percent to 45 percent, flipping since last month when likely independent voters broke for Trump 45 percent to 44 percent, he added. As many as 93 percent of voters said they were extremely or very motivated to vote in the election on November 5. Kimball noted that the share of Black voters who are very or extremely motivated to vote went from 80 to 91 percent over the course of the last month. Fifty-one percent of voters said they have a positive view of Harris, while 49 percent said they have an unfavorable view. Those same numbers for Trump were 45 percent favorable and 54 percent unfavorable. When it comes to Harriss running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, 39 percent of voters have a favorable view. The same number has a favorable view of Trumps number two, Ohio Senator JD Vance. But 49 percent of voters have an unfavorable view of Vance while only 39 percent have an unfavorable view of Walz. The Emerson College poll was conducted between August 12 and 14 and included 1,000 registered voters. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump obsessed over Kamala Harriss appearance yet again during a campaign rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Saturday this time declaring that hes better looking than his Democratic rival and mocking those who call her beautiful. During his appearance in the crucial swing state, the former president dedicated some time to mocking Harriss Time magazine cover by insinuating the graphic made her look better. Time magazine doesnt have a picture of [Harris]. They have this unbelievable artist drawing her and I said Is that Sophia Loren? I couldnt tell, Trump told the crowd of supporters. Trump went on to criticize Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan for claiming Harriss beauty was an advantage in the presidential election in a recent op-ed. So I decide to go back and re-read, Trump said. But I say that I am much better looking than her. The crowd of supporters erupted into applause, leading Trump to repeat: Im a better looking person than Kamala. The Time magazine cover featuring US presidential candidate Kamala Harris ( Time Magazine ) This marks at least the fourth time the president has mentioned the Time magazine cover during a speech, interview or rally as he continues to make personal attacks against his political opponent. Its a strategy that he carried out when running against President Joe Biden, with Trump often mentioning the presidents age and questioning whether or not he was mentally competent. That attack, in combination with Bidens disastrous presidential debate performance, resonated with voters who agreed that Bidens age posed a problem for him to run the country for the next four years. Donald Trump speaks to supporters in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Saturday ( AP ) But with Bidens exit, and Harriss entrance into the presidential race, Trump is having to pivot his attacks and find new ways to slam Harris. So far, the former president has questioned Harriss race by claiming she suddenly turned Black, attempted to brand Harriss recognizable laugh as that of a lunatic and tried to mark her unpopular by claiming without any evidence that Biden hates her. He has also made wild, unsubstantiated claims that Harris would drive the US economy into a The Great Depression-style collaspe or would lead the world into World War III. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has shared AI-generated images of Taylor Swift and her dedicated fanbase sporting Swifties for Trump T-shirts, alluding that the star has become an unlikely follower of the MAGA movement. Swifts popularity transcends the world of pop music with one Instagram post urging her 283m followers to register to vote last September resulting in more than 35,000 online sign-ups, according to Vote.org. Despite her vast political influence particularly resonating with Gen Z the Shake it Off hit-maker has yet to officially endorse any presidential candidate for the 2024 election cycle, after backing President Joe Biden in 2020. Trump, however, appears to believe that Bidens stepping off the Democratic ticket might have swayed Swift, and her fanbase of Swifties, to vote Republican. He shared several deepfake images which included a propaganda-style poster of Swift dressed like Uncle Sam, pointing to the viewer and overlaid with the message Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump. Another shows several AI-generated fans smiling and wearing Swifties for Trump T-shirts along with a headline which is labelled satire which reads: Swifties turning to Trump after ISIS foiled Taylor Swift Concert. Writing on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump captioned the post: I accept! One of the images shared does however show a real Trump-Swift supporter. Jenna Piwowarczyk, 19, is both a self-styled Swift Supremacist and an ardent supporter of Trump. The photograph of her wearing the White Swifties for Trump T-shirt has gone viral on X, with the teenager claiming to have met the former president while wearing the top, with him responding, she is great. Piwowarczyk confirmed to The Independent that the photo of her reposted by Trump is legitimate and was taken in Racing, Wisconsin in June during a Trump rally. Jenna Piwowarczyk (R) sporting her Swifties for Trump T-shirt during a Wisconsin rally in July ( Jenna Piwowarczyk ) Trump later shared a conspiracy theorist video which suggested that Swift fans who formerly voted Democrat have switched allegiance to the Republicans after a string of cancelled concerts following a foiled terror plot from Islamic State. If Trump was in office, this would have never, never happened, the woman said in the video, despite the three cancelled Eras Tour shows being in Vienna, Austria. There is no hard evidence to suggest which way Swifts fans are voting. An unofficial Swifties for Trump account on X has less than 4,000 followers, while an unofficial Swifties 4 Kamala account, also created in July, has over 60,000 followers on the platform Kamala Harriss campaign has allegedly been in contact with Swifties for Kamala, with the groups co-founders telling CNN the vice presidents team reached out to us asking how they can support in our initiative. Swift has yet to publicly endorse either candidate with less than 80 days until Americans head to polling stations ( Getty Images ) Following Trumps 2016 presidential victory, Swift noted that she was completely blindsided and vowed we will vote you out ahead of the 2020 election which Biden subsequently won. Swift also urged the public to not vote for Republican Marsha Blackburn as she ran for the Tennessee Senate in 2018 and two years later branded her Trump in a wig in her Netflix documentary Miss Americana. Trumps reposting of the AI images marks an effort to undermine Harriss campaign before the Democratic National Convention gets underway on Monday, with rumours swirling about Swift and Beyonce potentially performing on stage. Trump also posted another AI-generated image on Sunday which showed Harris speaking to a crowd of communists with a huge banner adorned with the Soviet Union hammer and sickle in the background. The Independent has contacted Swifts representatives for comment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has admitted that it made an error in cancelling a performance by acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham after his remarks about Israels war in Gaza and added that it will conduct an independent review of its policies. Mr Gillham was scheduled to perform works by Beethoven, Chopin and others, including a piece by composer Connor DNetto titled Witness, dedicated to the journalists of Gaza. The performance was set to be held at the Melbourne Town Hall with the MSO on 15 August, but was cancelled after Mr Gillhams performance on 11 August, where he spoke about Israels actions against Palestinian journalists, labelling them war crimes. The MSO removed the British-Australian pianist from the concert, stating that he put the orchestra in a difficult situation. Soon after, the entire concert was cancelled due to safety concerns, with the MSO saying they are now trying to reschedule with Mr Gillham. The MSO acknowledges that an error was made in asking Jayson to step back from his performance on Thursday 15 August, a statement on the event page said. We have been engaging constructively with Jayson and his management and are seeking to reschedule the concert. While the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra maintains that a concert platform is not an appropriate stage for political comment, we acknowledge Jaysons concerns for those in the Middle East and elsewhere. We recognise the strength of feelings of all parties on this matter and particularly acknowledge the dedication and commitment demonstrated by all our musicians and staff this week. On Friday, the orchestras musicians passed a vote of no confidence in senior management after the cancellation, writing in a letter that this incident was a culmination of years of unresolved concerns, ongoing mismanagement, and a consistent decline in workplace culture that has undermined the wellbeing of employees and the long-term success of the company, reported The Guardian. We no longer have faith in the abilities of our senior management to make decisions that are in the best interests of the company at large, the letter added. The MSO board said that they would conduct an independent external review into our policies, procedures and processes, and canvas decisions that led to Mr Gillhams event being cancelled. The review will help ensure our policies and processes reflect best practice in the contemporary environment. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is determined to ensure we have the protocols in place that are fit for purpose for our organisation and the role we play within the community. Mr Gillham responded to the MSOs statement, seemingly accepting the apology. I hold my relationship with the MSO, its players and audience with the highest regard and look forward to our continued working relationship in years to come, he said in a statement. Last October, Israel launched an air and ground offensive in Gaza following a Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel. Israel has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza so far, according to the territorys Hamas-run health ministry. According to the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 113 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed while covering the war in Gaza. In a concert at Melbournes Iwaki Auditorium hosted by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) on 11 August, the 37-year-old Queensland pianist said, before he performed Witness, Over the last 10 months, Israel has killed more than 100 Palestinian journalists. A number of these have been targeted assassinations of prominent journalists as they were travelling in marked press vehicles or wearing their press jackets, he added. The killing of journalists is a war crime in international law, and it is done in an effort to prevent the documentation and broadcasting of war crimes to the world. In a statement to The Guardian, Mr DNetto said he had written Witnessa few months back for Mr Gillham. I dedicated it to the journalists in Gaza, their bravery and sacrifice had been on my mind a lot. The piece isnt necessarily about anything, it is a quite simple, perhaps slightly melancholy, meditative piece. Israel launched an air and ground offensive in Gaza following a Hamas attack last October that killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel. Hamas militants also took more than 250 hostages. Israel has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza so far, according to the territorys Hamas-run health ministry. The fighting has displaced nearly 90 per cent of its 2.2 million population, according to the UN, and left around half a million facing starvation. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A baby is among those being treated in hospital after a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily, with her mother revealing how she rescued her. Six tourists, including British technology tycoon Mike Lynch, are missing after the luxury boat Bayeasian capsized in bad weather at about 5am near Palermo. One of the survivors, a 35-year-old British mother named Charlotte, told Italian media outlet la Reppublica how she held her one-year-old daughter, called Sofia, above her head to save her from drowning. Follow our liveblog here for all the latest updates British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is among the missing passengers (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Archive ) For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves, she said. I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning, she added. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Both Charlotte and Sofia, as well as her husband James, are being treated in hospital. A body, believed to be that of the vessels chef, has been found and 15 people were rescued, including Mr Lynchs wife. According to reports, four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, while other rescued passengers were from New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Ireland. The Bayesian, left, was built in 2008 and sank in bad weather overnight (Fabio La Bianca/PA) ( PA Media ) Karsten Borner, captain of a nearby boat, told journalists those missing included the Bayesians owner and a child. He said his crew took on board some survivors who were on a life raft, including three who were seriously injured. Fisherman Francesco Cefalu said he sailed from the shore to the scene after seeing a flare at about 4.30am, but by the time he arrived Bayesian had already sunk, with only items such as cushions and wood floating in the water. He added: I think they are inside, all the missing people. Prosecutors in the nearby town of Termini Imerese have opened an investigation to look into what had gone wrong. The Bayesian was built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008 and was last refitted in 2020, and was managed by yachting company Camper & Nicholsons. A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Croatia will reintroduce a two-month compulsory military service, it was announced this week. The service will be starting January 1 next year, the country's Defense Minister Ivan Anusic said. The move comes amid heightened tensions in Europe following the Russian aggression against Ukraine as well as an apparent arms race and military buildup in the Balkans which went through a bloody war in the 1990s. Army Forces of Croatia walk during the rehearsal of the French Bastille Day parade at the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, Tuesday, July 9, 2013 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Other countries in Europe are considering similar measures or have reinstated mandatory military service in response to heightened regional tensions. Last year, Latvia reinstated military conscription in response to the threat posed by Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Serbia, Croatias biggest rival in the Balkans, is also mulling to reactivate conscription. A member of the British armed forces teaches a group of Ukrainian volunteers how to use a FGM-148 Javelin surface-to-air missile ( Getty Images ) This decision marks a return to conscription, which was suspended in 2008 when the country shifted to a volunteer-based system. "We increased the salaries of soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers, their material rights not only through personal income but also through daily wages and everything they are entitled to, the minister told the Croatian broadcaster RTL on Thursday. The modernisation and equipment of the Armed Forces is proceeding as planned and in accordance with the agreement with our allies and the NATO leadership, the minister said, adding that there will be no saving of funds in this area. Earlier this year Rishi Sunak announced that 18-year-olds in the UK would be made to do national service if the Tories win the general election. The party did not win. The prime minister insisted that his plans for mandatory national service would help unite society in an increasingly uncertain world and give young people a shared sense of purpose. In an apparent pitch to older voters, Mr Sunak said that volunteering could include helping local fire, police and NHS services, as well as charities tackling loneliness and supporting elderly and isolated people. Rishi Sunak announced that 18-year-olds would be made to do national service if the Tories win the general election. ( PA Wire ) Sweden, Denmark and Norway are among the other nations that have a form of national service. In Denmark, men are required to enlist in the military for four months, but can postpone service until after they have completed their education. Following Russias invasion of Ukraine, Denmark plans to increase the required service time to 11 months, and to make conscription mandatory rather than voluntary for women. Norways scheme is highly selective, with fewer than 10,000 people accepted in 2023, which is said by experts to make it a competitive process for the prestigious slots. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukrainian forces have captured hundreds of square miles of territory inside Russia in one of the most significant incursions into Russia since the Second World War. Thousands of Ukrainian troops smashed over the border from Ukraines Sumy region into the neighbouring Russian Kursk region on 6 August. Since then, Kyivs forces have claimed to have taken more land in a fortnight than Russia has in Ukraine during this entire calendar year. While the ground offensive appears to be slowing down, with Russian forces moving several thousand troops from less hot areas on the frontline in Ukraine, Kyivs air force have started destroying Moscows vital military supply lines, suffocating the troops still defending the area in Kursk. How much territory has Ukraine taken in Russia? View more The numbers vary. Calculating territory taken during an incursion that ebbs and flows is difficult. Ukraines army chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrksyi claims his forces have captured almost 445 square miles (1,150 sq kilometres) of land in Kursk, while they have also set up a military commandants office in the occupied part of the region. For context, that is nearly three times the amount of territory they retook in occupied Ukraine during their three-month counteroffensive last summer, according to estimates. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US-based think tank that tracks developments on the frontline, offers a more conservative estimate of around 300 square miles (800 sq km). Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, said last week that Kyivs forces were pushing one to two kilometres further all along the new frontline. The attack, which appears as a bulge into mainland Russia, is around 37 miles wide and almost 17 miles deep. Could Ukraine take more territory? View more Last Friday, Ukraines air force destroyed the first of three bridges on the Seym River to the west of the Ukrainian troops in Kursk. On Saturday and then Sunday night, they destroyed the two other permanent bridges in that area, leaving Russian troops in the southern half of the Glushkovsky district, which is bisected by the Seym, effectively trapped between the river, the Ukrainian border and Kyivs forces in front of them. The aviation of the Air Force continues to deprive the enemy of logistical capabilities with accurate air strikes, which significantly affects the course of hostilities! air force commander Mykola Oleschuk wrote on Sunday morning. Recent drone footage from a Ukrainian brigade also suggests that Kyiv is now using first-person view (FPV) drones to destroy the makeshift Russian pontoon crossings erected in the days since the targeted strikes on the bridges. The Centre for Defence Strategies, a Ukrainian security think tank, wrote that this indicates that the objective [of Ukrainian forces] is to take control of a portion of Kursk Oblast south of the Seym River. Should they take this area, they would almost double the territory they currently control. How many troops are involved? Ukrainian servicemen guard an area at a destroyed border crossing point with Russia ( AFP via Getty Images ) A Ukrainian colonel who asked not to be identified to speak openly about sensitive issues told The Independent that around 8,000 soldiers were involved in the incursion. Thousands more Ukrainian soldiers were ready to enter the fray, he said. He claimed, in comments that were mirrored by multiple Ukrainian officials, including Mr Zelensky, that the troops were planning to hold their positions to create a buffer zone. Most simply, this zone would put more distance between Russian forces and Ukrainian civilians, reducing, though not halting completely, Moscows ability to fire artillery and missiles over the border. It would also prevent another Russian cross-border assault of their own like the one into the nearby northeast Ukrainian region of Kharkiv in May, which brought the countrys second largest city - with a population of around 1.3 million people - roughly within artillery range of Russian forces. How many Russian civilians have been evacuated? Volunteers sort a humanitarian aid for residents of Kursk region at the humanitarian collection point 'Moscow Helps' in Moscow, Russia ( EPA ) Russian officials say nearly 200,000 civilians have been evacuated from the Kursk region and the neighbouring Belgorod area. Ukrainian forces have not entered Belgorod but a state of emergency has been declared and local officials say Ukraine has launched aerial attacks on the area. Authorities in the Kursk region decided late on Wednesday night to evacuate another district, Glushkov, as Ukrainian forces continue to advance forwards. The district directly borders Ukraine and has a population of about 20,000 people. Regional governor Alexei Smirnov said on the Telegram messaging app that police and other state bodies would coordinate the evacuation process. Have Ukraine captured Russian soldiers? Mr Zelensky this week claimed one of the goals of the incursion was to replenish an exchange fund of Russian prisoners of war. Thousands of POWs from both sides have been swapped throughout the course of the war in Ukraine, with exchanges taking place roughly every few months. Private and public estimations of how many Russian soldiers have been captured during this incursion differ significantly. Mr Zelensky has suggested around Ukrainian troops have taken roughly 100 PoWs; the Ukrainian colonel claimed the true figure was closer to 2,000. Footage has, however, showed blindfolded men that appear to be Russian soldiers being escorted through the Ukrainian Sumy region in the back of a military pick up. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is among the six people missing after a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily, The Independent understands. The 59-year-old is known for founding Invoke Capital and Autonomy Corporation and has been in the headlines after he was cleared of charges in a high-profile fraud case. Mr Lynch was on the boat, named Bayesian, which sank in bad weather in the early hours of Monday near the Sicilian capital Palermo. There were 12 guests and 10 crew on board - of whom 15 have been rescued including Mr Lynchs wife, The Independent understands. Sources have also confirmed that Mr Lynch is the owner of the vessel. A body, believed to be that of the superyachts chef, has been found, according to local media, with pictures showing a body bag being brought to shore where ambulances were stationed. Once dubbed the British Bill Gates, Mr Lynch and his wife Angela Bacares were valued at 852m in 2023 by the Sunday Times Rich List. Mike Lynch in 2011 ( PA Archive ) His disappearance following the superyacht sinking comes just weeks after he was cleared of all charges by a US jury related to the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011. Mr Lynch founded Autonomy in 1996 using technology he developed as a Cambridge student. HP claimed, just a year after the sale, that Mr Lynch had used accounting tricks to artificially inflate its value before the sale He was then extradited to the US last May for a trial that acquitted him on all 15 counts over the 11-billion dollar (8.64 billion) purchase of his company. Mr Lynch said on Radio 4 that being acquitted was indescribable and believed he could only clear his name because of his huge wealth. He said most people, even if they sold all their assets, would run out of funds in a matter of months, to cover the legal fees, a situation that he said has to change. Have you been affected by this story? Email rachel.hagan@independent.co.uk Born near Chelmsford, Essex, to a nurse mother and father fireman, Mr Lynch said his father regretted not having the chance to attend university. He told LeadersIn: "He realised the importance of education so that was something that was very much fostered in my home. When he was 11 years old, he won a scholarship to study at Bancroft's School in Woodford Green and then studied natural sciences at the University of Cambridge. He set up his first company in the 1980s, with a 2,000 loan from the manager of a band, producing audio products for the recording industry, The Guardian reported. Mr Lynch has a string of accolades including being awarded an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. That same year, he was appointed to the BBCs board. He was also elected to former prime minister David Camerons council for science and technology in 2011. A representative for Dr Lynch declined to comment. Close Final moments of seven who died in Bayesian tragedy revealed by fire service boss For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The captain of the Bayesian has insisted that he did everything possible to save those on board the superyacht, according to local reports. Sources close to James Cutfield, 51, told the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera that the 51-year-old New Zealander is currently living through the darkest days of his life as he is under investigation for possible manslaughter and culpable shipwreck charges. They reportedly said Mr Cutfield repeatedly insists that he did not abandon any of the 22 passengers and crew and that he did everything could could to save them. However, there reached a point when he could do little as the vessel had taken on too much water, they added. Since Wednesday, Tim Parker Eaton, the engineer who was in charge of securing the yachts engine room, and sailor Matthew Griffith, who was on watch duty on the night of the disaster, are also under investigation for the same possible charges, their lawyer said on Friday. British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah were among the seven people who were killed after his superyacht capsized and went down on 19 August within minutes of being hit by a pre-dawn storm off the coast of Sicily. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukraine has damaged or destroyed three bridges in the Russian region of Kursk as they attempt to consolidate positions gained during their ambitious cross-border assult and cut off supplies to Moscows troops. The first bridge was destroyed in the village of Glushkovo, around eight miles west of Ukrainian troops inside of Russia, on Friday. The second was destroyed on Saturday in the village of Zvannoye, a further five miles westward. The third bridge reportedly destroyed on Sunday night is in the village of Karyzh, a further four miles westward. All three bridges run over the Seym river that runs through the Kursk region. If Ukraine confirms the destruction of the third bridge, that would mean that Russian forces are now reliant on receiving military equipment via a makeshift pontoon bridge, according to analysts. The purpose of targeting these bridges is to sever Russian supply lines and trap Moscows troops. View more When Ukraines air force posted footage of the second bridge being blown up on Saturday, their commander Mykola Oleschuk wrote on the Telegram messenger app: The aviation of the Air Force continues to deprive the enemy of logistical capabilities with accurate air strikes, which significantly affects the course of hostilities! Russian forces fighting between the Seym River and the Ukrainian border may now be stuck, trapped by the waterway behind them and running along their left flank, and the Ukrainian forces trying to advance in front of them and the Ukrainian border on the Russians soldiers right flank. The Seym and the Ukrainian border intersect near the Ukrainian town of Hirky, around six miles from the allegedly latest bridge strike in the Russian village of Karyzh. The Centre for Defence Strategies, a Ukrainian security think tank, wrote that this indicates that the objective [of Ukrainian forces] is to take control of a portion of Kursk Oblast south of the Seym River. If Ukrainian forces were to take that area, roughly 221 square miles worth of territory, it would enlarge the area of the Kursk region that they control by almost 50 per cent. Previous estimates from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US-based think tank, suggested that Ukrainian forces had taken around 300 square miles. The attack, which appears as a bulge into mainland Russia, is around 37 miles wide and almost 17 miles deep. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Russia has confirmed that Ukrainian forces have destroyed a third bridge in the Kursk border region in as many days, severing vital supply lines to Moscows forces defending the area against Kyivs surprise cross-border assault. The bridge, located in the village of Karyzh on the River Seym, which runs parallel to the Ukrainian border, is said to have been damaged during an attack late on Sunday night. Russian state medias top propagandist, Vladimir Solovyov, published a video statement to his channel on the Telegram messenger app, from a representative of Russias Investigative Committee, confirming the bridge had been damaged on Monday morning. It is highly unusual for Kremlin-approved state media reports to disclose information highlighting Russian military failures, and Moscow strictly controls what is and is not published. As with most Russian claims about strikes by Ukraine, the statement claimed the attack hit residential buildings and civilian infrastructure without providing any evidence whatsoever. On August 18, as a result of targeted shelling using rocket and artillery weapons at residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in the village of Karyzh in the Glushkovsky District of the Kursk Region, the third bridge across the Seim River was damaged, the spokesperson said, using the Russian spelling for the waterway. Ukraines air forces declined to comment on the report when approached. View more Ukraines air force commander Mykkole Oleschuk did, however, say on Sunday that they had destroyed a second strategic bridge over the Seym, limiting the supply capacity of a Russian group opposing the Ukrainian advance. The first bridge was destroyed on Friday in the village of Glushkovo, around eight miles west of Ukrainian troops inside of Russia. The second was destroyed on Saturday in the village of Zvannoye, a further five miles westward, which was acknowledged by Mr Oleschuk. The third bridge in Karyzh is located a further four miles westward. The river at that juncture then pivots southward towards the Ukrainian border, around six miles away. The three bridges were all believed to be used to supply Russian forces stationed in that area to the west of Ukraines Kursk incursion. Analysts have said that Moscows forces there are now reliant on a makeshift pontoon bridge to receive supplies and materials vital to defending the area. Otherwise, they are trapped between the river, the Ukrainian border and Kyivs forces in front of them. The Centre for Defence Strategies, a Ukrainian security think tank, wrote that the bridge strikes indicate that the objective [of Ukrainian forces] is to take control of a portion of Kursk Oblast south of the Seym River. Should they successfully take that area, which is around 220 square miles, Ukraine would nearly double the territory they have taken since launching their incursion on 6 August. More than 121,000 people have been evacuated from nine border districts in the Kursk region, the emergencies ministry said on Monday, the state-run TASS news agency reported. It comes as Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said that the Kursk attack had made peace talks with Ukraine impossible. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told The Independent last week that the incursion into Russia was intended to force Moscow into negotiating. While Ukraine has been making gains in Kursk, the situation on the front line in parts of eastern Ukraine around the Donetsk region is very difficult, local officials have said. One of the aims of the Kursk offensive was to try and get Russia to pull forces from the region to defend Kursk, which is not happening in any great numbers yet. Moscow forces have been steadily inching forward in the Pokrovsk area in recent months, which is a strategic logistics hub. As of last week, they stood just a little more than 10km from the outskirts of the city, local authorities said. It is the area with the most intense fighting in the east. The head of city military administration, Serhiy Dobriak, said on Monday that civilians should leave as quickly as possible. Civilians have a week or two, no more, Mr Dobriak told Radio Libertys Ukrainian Service when asked about time left for evacuations considering the pace of Russian forces advance. Authorities have the capacity to evacuate at least 1,000 people a day, he added, but only 500 to 600 people per day are currently leaving. Some 53,000 people, including almost 4,000 children, remain in Pokrovsk and adjacent settlements, the regional governor Vadym Filashkin said on Telegram. A curfew in settlements lying close to Pokrovsk Myrnohrad, Selydove, and Novohrodivka have been tightened, he added. The situation at the front is very difficult and it is likely that the curfew will be tightened in other localities as well, Mr Filashkin said on national television. The forced evacuation of families with children was starting in the Pokrovsk area, he confirmed. Reuters contributed to this report For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The identities of five bodies found inside the wreck of the luxury superyacht Bayesian have now been confirmed, and include British technology tycoon Mike Lynch. Also confirmed dead is Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith Bloomer, Clifford Chance lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo, all of whom were aboard when the boat sank in a severe storm off the coast of Sicily. Mr Lynchs 18-year-old daughter Hannah remains missing, with search efforts resuming on Thursday morning and Salvatore Concina, the head of Sicilys civil protection agency, saying it remained their priority to find her. The 50-metre vessel sank as a fierce storm battered the area overnight, and was flying a British flag, according to ship-tracking site Marine Traffic. For the latest updates on this story, follow The Independents live blog What do we know about the missing people on the yacht? Mike Lynch was among the six tourists who were initially missing after disaster struck. The British technology tycoon founded software giant Autonomy in 1996 and was made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. In June, he was cleared of conducting a massive fraud relating to a $11 billion (8.64bn) sale to US company Hewlett Packard. One man, the yachts chef Recaldo Thomas, was the first person confirmed dead, after his body was discovered on Monday in the hours after the sinking. Loved ones have paid tributes to Mr Thomas, a Canadian-born man who had been living in Antigua, on social media. One said: Rest in Power big man. I dont know what else to say except I love you, and I always will. Another wrote: Going to miss you so much Recaldo Thomas still finding this so hard to believe. Have you been affected by this story? Email rachel.hagan@independent.co.uk It is understood that Mr Lynch had planned the superyacht cruise as a celebration with family, employees and lawyers who supported him during the decade-long trial. Among the 15 survivors rescued from a lifeboat was Mr Lynchs wife Angela Bacares. Another survivor, Charlotte Golunski, 35, told Italian journalists how she saved her one-year-old daughter Sofia from drowning. The Bayesian sailing boat ( EPA ) She told La Repubblica she lost Sofia for two seconds, adding: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. According to her LinkedIn profile, Ms Golunski is a partner at Mr Lynchs firm, called Invoke Capital. Charlotte, Sofia and Charlottes husband, James have now been discharged from hospital. Ayla Reynold, from New Zealand, working at Clifford Chance, also survived the horror with her partner. Her father Lin Ronald confirmed to The Telegraph she had been invited aboard as thanks for assistance in Mr Lynchs recent court case. He said that his daughter had not given many details about what happened, but said: There are deaths and she and her partner are alive. Two more survivors have also been named as Leah Randall and Katja Chicken. They are both reportedly South African and worked as crew members on the Bayesian. Where did the yacht sink? The luxury yacht sunk off the coast of the Sicilian capital of Palermo in Italy. The 56-metre-long sailboat sank with 22 people on board shortly before sunrise, the Italian coast guard said in a statement. Map showing where superyacht sank off Sicily ( PA Graphics ) The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude, a coast guard official in Palermo told Reuters. Storms and heavy rainfall have swept down Italy in recent days with floods and landslides causing major damage in the north of the country after weeks of scorching heat. The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on 14 August and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, with a navigation status of "at anchor", according to vessel tracking app Vesselfinder. The Bayesian superyacht The luxury boat, which had been cruising along the Italian coastline, was owned by Revtom, a company registered to Mr Lynchs wife Angela Bacares, which is based on the Isle of Man. The Bayesian is 56 metres long, according to VesselFinder. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites and is listed for rent for up to 195,000 euros (166,000) a week. Bayesian completed several sailings in recent days, calling at various ports in Sicily. Formerly known as Salute, or health in Italian, its 75-metre mast is the tallest aluminium mast in the world, Italian shipbuilder Perini said on its website. The route of the Bayeasian yacht took in its final hours before the storm ( vessel finder ) Perini constructed the boat in 2008 and it was last refitted in 2020 and was managed by yachting company Camper & Nicholsons. Camper and Nicholsons International, confirmed to The Independent that the Bayesian sailing yacht encountered severe weather and subsequently sank. What do we know about the search Body bags were seen being taken to the port of Porticello on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. Mr Concina said there will be an investigation in due course, but the priority is finding the missing teenager. As the body bags were taken back to the port, dozens of emergency services staff were waiting, and one bag was seen being put in the back of an ambulance. Inspections of the yacht's internal hull took place on Wednesday morning after divers succeeded in smashing through a glass window to enter it amid a reportedly difficult search operation. Five bodies were found in the wreck of the sunken Bayesian yacht on Wednesday ( PA Wire ) A helicopter was drafted in to help the search effort as divers from the local fire service entered the water with torches attached to their headgear. A police boat and divers also entered the water on Wednesday afternoon. Fire crews said they had been accessing the vessel through natural entrances, without making openings. Remotely controlled underwater vehicles have been used, with naval units and cave divers also taking part in the search, the coastguard said. A team of four British inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) also arrived in Porticello to look at the site of the sinking. The MAIB is looking into what happened because the Bayesian was flying a British flag, it is understood. The Italian Coastguard said the MAIB is not involved in the search for the missing people, and that it has not been requested to assist. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} British tanks have been used to force back Vladimir Putins troops during Ukraines audacious incursion into Russia. Defence chiefs have hailed the contribution of Challenger 2 tanks, saying they are playing a crucial role in Volodymyr Zelenskys startling tactic of using troops on Russian soil after years of defensive combat. It is the first time UK tanks operated by Ukrainian troops have been used in combat on Russian territory, and comes as the incursion into the Kursk region expands as it enters a second week. Mr Zelensky said on Thursday that his troops have full control of the Russian town of Sudzha. It is the largest town Ukraine has seized so far in the war, with a population of around 5,000, and it is home to a measuring station for Russian natural gas that flows through pipelines to Europe. Ukrainian personnel stand on a Challenger 2 tank during training at Bovington Camp, near Wool, Hampshire ( Reuters ) Former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace hailed the use of British equipment at the forefront of enabling Ukraine to defend itself from [Mr Putins] illegal invasion. He was optimistic about the impact the tanks will have, saying: If the weapons we supply make a difference in protecting their self-defence, Britain should be satisfied that they are being used. Sir Malcolm Rifkind, who served as defence secretary under John Major, said the move could be critical for Ukraines confidence as well as an enormously invaluable asset on the battlefield. He said Ukraine is making it clear that Russia must expect to experience the same sort of suffering and the same sort of damage to their infrastructure as the Ukrainians have been subjected to for two years. If it is a land battle, covering large areas of space, then these tanks are enormously invaluable, Sir Malcolm said. If they were not useful, the British army would not be having them. Sir Ben said that the use of British weapons on Russian soil was inevitable and that Ukraine should be legitimately allowed to go after [any] infrastructure and enablers that are prosecuting [Mr Putins] illegal invasion. It is inevitable that these things were going to be integrated into [Ukraines] military units and that they were going to be used. If Russia is using fuel depots or command posts just over the border [in Kursk], they are legitimate targets under international law, he said. During his time in government, Sir Ben gave permission for Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia using all weapons supplied to it, with the exception of long-range Storm Shadow missiles. Ukraine has repeatedly called for unrestricted use of Storm Shadows to hit targets deep inside Russia. Defence secretary John Healey told the BBC that the UK was having intense discussions on the subject, but gave no details. On the issue of using Storm Shadows which have a potential range of hundreds of miles inside Russia, Sir Ben said it would be difficult for Britain to authorise without sign-off from other allies. The use of Storm Shadows is not entirely independent from other nations capabilities, he said. With missiles, all missiles, you have to use data, GPS, intelligence, targeting etc. That means that sometimes the use of missiles like Storm Shadows is more collaborative than Ukraine being able to unilaterally use them. He added: You might want to say to Ukraine, Yeah, you can use them, but if country B says they cannot use their equipment, then you cant use them, he added. View more The Ministry of Defence did not deny that Challenger 2 tanks have been used in Kursk, but said it would not comment on operational matters. A UK source confirmed that the tanks have been used, but it is still unclear exactly how many and when. There has been no change in UK government policy: under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Ukraine has a clear right of self-defence against Russias illegal attacks that does not preclude operations inside Russia, a spokesperson said. We make clear during the gifting process that equipment is to be used in line with international law. A Ukrainian military source also told The Independent that they believe Challenger 2 tanks have been used in Kursk, with Ukraines 82nd Air Assault Brigade, the unit that has been using the British battle tanks since last year, operating in the Russian region. The source added that they would be being used alongside weapons and vehicles supplied by other Western partners. American Bradley and Stryker armoured vehicles are being used in the operation, and I believe also Challengers have been used nearer the border, while the majority are Ukrainian Soviet-era tanks and other armoured vehicles, the source said. We have abided by any restrictions, because we know if we break our word, we may lose our allies support, they added. Ukrainian service personnel operate an armoured military vehicle on a road near the border with Russia, in the Sumy region of Ukraine ( AFP via Getty ) Ukraines top commander said on Thursday that Kyiv had also established a commandants office in the occupied part of Kursk, from where forces were still advancing seizing up to 1.5km (0.93 miles) in 24 hours. Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said Ukrainian forces had taken over 82 settlements since the start of the incursion, and a total area of 440 square miles (1,150 sq km). The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, has put the area closer to 800 sq km. Kursks acting governor, Alexei Smirnov, ordered the evacuation of the Glushkovo region, about 28 miles northwest of Sudzha. Meanwhile, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine told reporters that special forces had captured a group of more than 100 Russian soldiers. The 102 servicemen of Russias 488th Guards Motorised Rifle Regiment and its Akhmat unit are the largest group of soldiers to be captured in one go since Russia launched its invasion in 2022. They captured and cleared a sprawling, concrete and well-fortified company stronghold from all sides with underground communications and personnel accommodation, a canteen, an armoury and even a bathhouse, the source said. Ukrainian forces have damaged or destroyed three bridges in Russias Kursk region aiming to cut crucial Russian supply lines in the latest chapter in Kyivs daring assault across the border, which the countrys president Volodymyr Zelensky says is achieving its military aims. Ukraines troops know Russia will respond but want to take as much revenge against Vladimir Putins forces as they can. Soldiers from one of the brigades that spearheaded the offensive into Kursk have told The Independent how they laughed in disbelief and joy as they dug trenches inside Russia. It was an incredible feeling to realise that this time we were invading them and we laughed like madmen as we dug trenches on enemy land, Russian soil, said a soldier with the codename Lyasha. Lyasha, 28, and some of his comrades from a mechanised infantry unit had been fighting at the front lines of the Ukrainian offensive since its very beginning on 6 August. He said they had gone past Sudzha, a town six kilometres into the Russian side of the border that is an important hub for the main gas pipeline from Russia into Western Europe as well as a railway junction, and moved at least 20km deep into Russian territory. There, they had dug in while others pressed forward in three or four directions, including towards Kursk regions eponymous capital city which is close to one of Russias nuclear power plants. At the little village cafe where we met along one of the routes towards the Sumy regions border with Russias Kursk province, Lyasha said they had just driven back into Ukraine and were getting four or five days rest before they crossed the border back to the Russian battlefields. When asked if that indicated the Ukrainian incursion into Russia was expected to carry on for some time having already lasted two weeks another of the soldiers with the war name Afon said: I think that is a correct assumption. The strikes on the bridges would suggest the same. Smoke billows in what is said to show the destruction of a key bridge in Russias Kursk region ( Ukrainian Armed Force/AP ) As we spoke, a constant stream both ways of tanks, armoured personnel carriers, self-propelled howitzers and other tracked or wheeled traffic trundled or piggybacked on giant vehicle carriers along the road. Fuel tankers, supply trucks, a mix of smaller American Humvees and similar, small armoured, Ukrainian, French and other Western donors vehicles flourishing large-calibre machine guns and rocket launchers and endless SUVs painted olive drab passed by. Intermittently, ambulances heading to hospitals in the Ukrainian regions capital, Sumy city, hurtled at breakneck speed, the traffic in front making way for someone they knew was most likely a badly wounded comrade. Lyasha, Afon and their friends were modest when describing the fighting theyd been through in a way that those who have dealt with soldiers recognise they are the real thing: those who brag about their exploits tend to have done the least. Lyasha said: At the start, the Russian soldiers we encountered were surprised and shocked and many of them surrendered eagerly. They didnt want to die. "There were also units of Chechen soldiers based around Sudzha and they were really scared. Theyve done monstrous things in Ukraine and were afraid we would torture and execute them the way they have done to Ukrainian civilians and military. Some of them were in civilian clothes when we captured them and they abandoned a lot of their weapons and vehicles when they ran. On Monday, Ukraines ground forces commander, Oleksandr Pavliuk, said on Telegram that troops were successfully fulfilling tasks in the Kursk region and capturing Russian prisoners of war to be traded for imprisoned Ukrainian troops. Afon said: We may have mocked them a bit but of course, we didnt torture them or beat them. We need them alive because they will be traded for our people that the Russians hold. But we dont behave that way. No civilians or soldiers who surrendered have been mistreated by anyone in our unit. Its a point of honour to show the world we are different from the Russians. We are civilised and they are barbarians. A destroyed Russian tank outside the Russian town of Sudzha ( AFP/Getty ) Lyasha said he had asked an old lady in one of the villages Ukrainian soldiers captured Kyiv says some 80 settlements have been taken what she thought of the Ukrainian soldiers and she said: Youre well-behaved boys. When he asked her what she thought about what Russian soldiers have done in Ukraine, he said she avoided a direct answer and said: None of us wanted this war. Afon, Lyasha and most of their comrades are experienced soldiers who had been fighting since Putins invasion began in 2022 and had been redeployed for the Kursk operation from positions in eastern Ukraine where they had been under fierce Russian attack for months, with Putins forces making advances there. Afon said: So far, the fighting we have experienced [in Kursk] has been less fierce than what weve been used to in Ukraine. But we know thats because most of those weve faced are recently conscripted or ill-trained men who have never been in battle before although they have used many glide bombs and rockets and caused us quite a few casualties But we know Putin is furious because he feels humiliated and hell be out for revenge. They will be sending thousands of men and pulling up lots of armour, artillery, missiles this way over the next days. And then they will try to f*** us with everything theyve got. Were expecting that and well be as ready as we can be. We dont know how things will turn out but we all think this is better than being stuck in trenches for months, being hit by massive Russian glide bombs, artillery, rockets and watching our friends die or get wounded around us. At least were on the move now. Weve broken the stalemate and morale is very high. The boom of explosions from incoming Russian ordnance provides a constant backdrop sometimes punctuated by the more rapid reports of Ukrainian outgoing anti-aircraft weapons trying to knock down drones or glide bombs. A destroyed border crossing point in Russias Kursk region ( AFP/Getty ) The local people say that their villages in the Sumy region have been targets for Russian shelling intermittently since the 2022 invasion but the attacks on their homes, just a few miles from the Russian border and which lie directly along the main route being used by the Ukrainian military, have increased enormously since the Ukrainian cross border raid began. Oleksandr and his wife Natalia were clearing up the remains of his mothers home which had been blasted by a glide bomb which hit that main route. Oleksandrs mother, his sister and niece were in the home when it was all but demolished by the bomb one of the smaller ones, with only a quarter or half-ton explosive payload. The three were only lightly injured and are recovering in a hospital in Sumy city. The huge crater gouged out by the bomb was quickly filled in so as not to interrupt the military traffic using it day and night. Natalia was sweeping out a mess of shattered glass, blasted rubble, ceiling plaster and childrens toys from a room where one wall was missing and showed the military vehicles speeding along the road outside. A clock, its hands frozen at the time the bomb exploded the previous night, still clung to a remaining wall. She said: Nobody will ever live in this house again. Its too wrecked to repair. But its a place my husband grew up in and we want to tidy it up, even though you may think thats pointless. What the Russians are doing is hideous but everyone tries to get on with life. Oleksandr, 45, an accountant for an agricultural equipment firm, said: We dont wish war upon anyone but I think its good that our troops are now in Russia. Maybe when they get a taste of the pain weve been getting for years, itll make people in Russia think about the situation differently. So perhaps this invasion might bring peace a little closer. Ukrainian servicemen operate a tank on a road near the border with Russia ( AFP/Getty ) On Saturday, at least four powerful explosions shook Sumy city. The first was just after six in the morning and struck a high-rise block of apartments just to the east of the Psel River which bisects the city. It left scores of windows shattered and a dozen cars burning but only lightly injured one middle-aged man in the building. Emergency services spokesman Oleh Strilko said: Of course, the residents were shocked and very stressed but people in our city have learned to cope. They evacuated themselves and searched around to make sure their neighbours were safe. Prior to the Kursk operation, he said, there had been some 10 explosions in the city the entire year. Since then, there had been daily strikes leading up to the four heard on Saturday. Like many of his fellow citizens, Strilko believes the Ukrainian thrust into Russia is worth it despite the anticipated upsurge in attacks by Putin. He said: The things that should have been and need to be done are being done. A construction worker, who lives nearby and was checking on some friends living in the damaged block of flats, agreed with Strilko. Vasyl, 65 whose wife is Russian said: The Ukrainians and Russians here always seemed to get on. I and my wife were shocked when, at the start of the war, Russia attacked. I had never had animosity toward Russians and thought of many as my friends. We used to go over there and they would visit here. But I never realised how, over the decades, the lies and propaganda had fixed itself in their minds. Their soldiers have acted like barbarians [and] jackals. Ive got to be honest with you... I hate them now. Our country is weaker than theirs militarily and there are more of them than us and Sumy is close to their border. But if they come here, I will become a partisan and fight them. We all will. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} One man is dead and six people are missing after a luxury British yacht sank in a tornado and rough seas off the coast of Sicily. The 50-metre boat, named Bayesian, had 22 people on board when it sank in the early hours of Monday off the coast of the Sicilian capital Palermo, with four Britons among the six missing. British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is among the six people missing after a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily, The Independent understands. The 59-year-old is known for founding Invoke Capital and co-founding Autonomy Corporation and has been in the headlines recently over a high-profile fraud case. For latest updates follow our live blog by clicking here Emergency and rescue services work near the scene ( REUTERS ) The man who was found dead was discovered by a diver this morning and is believed to be the vessels chef. His nationality has not yet been confirmed, the Italian coast guard said. Photos show emergency services carrying a body bag from the water to the shore where ambulances are waiting. Fifteen people including Mr Lynchs wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued, according to local media. As well as a one-year-old English girl whose mother lifted her to safety. Have you been affected by this story? Email rachel.hagan@independent.co.uk Charlotte, 35, told Italian media: For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves. I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning, she added. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. An ambulance is parked near the harbour in Porticello where a search continues for missing passengers after a yacht capsized ( Getty Images ) The girl was taken to the local childrens hospital with her mother who was given chest stitches for a slight graze, the newspaper reported. Domenico Cipolla, the head of the emergency room, said the family is in good condition. Most of the passengers were British, but the boat was also carrying two Anglo-French citizens, an Irish national, a New Zealander and a Sri Lankan, news agency Adnkronos has reported. The rescue divers saw corpses through the portholes of the superyacht, Salvo Cocina, the head of the Civil Protection of Sicily, told Corriere Della Sera. The BAIA Santa Nicolicchia restaurant in Porticello wrote on its Facebook page that the yacht sank at around 4am. In a post, the restaurant owner said it is an unbelievable tragedy and that they were lost for words. One anonymous witness told Rai News: That boat was all lit up. At about 4.30 in the morning, it was gone. A beautiful boat where there had been a party. A normal holiday spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy. The boat was not far from the port. It took very little to raise the anchor and head for the port. Evidently they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid sinking. Rescue workers at the scene on Monday morning ( REUTERS ) The vessel is described by The Superyacht Times as one of the largest superyachts in the world. It was built in 2008 by Italian yacht builder Perini Navi. Divers from the regions fire department are continuing searches around the yacht, situated around half a mile off the coast. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement: We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Sicily, and are in contact with the local authorities. The ship is managed by Camper and Nicholsons International, who confirmed to The Independent that the Bayesian sailing yacht encountered severe weather and subsequently sank. A statement continued: There were a total of 12 guests and 10 crew onboard. The Italian Coast Guard is leading search and rescue operations, and has safely recovered 15 individuals. Efforts to locate the seven missing persons continue. Our priority is assisting with the ongoing search and providing all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Sicily is under a weather warning for wind, with reports of strong gusts hitting the coastline this morning. More follows on this breaking news story... For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} US secretary of state Antony Blinken has said that the latest Gaza ceasefire talks are maybe the last opportunity to secure a hostage release and truce agreement and are a decisive moment. The talks in Qatar, also involving Egypt, paused at the end of last week without a breakthrough, with Hamas casting doubt on the prospects of a deal, but they are set to resume this week based on what Washington has called a bridging proposal. On his ninth trip to the region since the start of the war in Gaza, Mr Blinken has already talked to Israels leaders, seeking to get prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to sign off on a deal. Mr Netanyahus office said the three-hour meeting was held in a good atmosphere and that Israel backed Washingtons proposal. The secretary of state also met with Israeli president Isaac Herzog. Hamas has accused Mr Netanyahu of thwarting the mediators efforts, and Turkey said after meeting Hamas envoys that Gazas ruling group had told it that US officials were painting an overly optimistic picture of the talks. Mr Netanyahu told Israels cabinet on Sunday that we are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give, suggesting that all the optimistic talk may not yet be reflected in the ceasefire talks themselves. However, a US official, when asked by Reuters if the Hamas comments amounted to a rejection of the deal, responded that Washington believes the bridging proposal it outlined last week addresses various concerns and would iron out difficult implementation aspects. The war in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas attack inside southern Israel on 7 October during which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli figures. Of those, some 110 are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities say around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a weeklong ceasefire. In response to the Hamas attack, Israel has launched an air and ground offensive and a blockade, which health officials in Gaza say has killed more than 40,000 people and devastated the besieged enclave, forcing the majority of Gazas 2.3 million residents out of their homes. Antony Blinken with Israels president Isaac Herzog ( Reuters ) The main UN agency in Gaza, UNRWA, said on Monday that 207 of its staff had been killed since the war began. They were engineers, teachers, medical staff. They were humanitarian workers, it said in a statement. Speaking in Tel Aviv before meeting Mr Herzog, Mr Blinken said he was also working to de-escalate other regional tensions fuelled by the war in Gaza. The US diplomat described the current moment as probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security. He said Mr Biden had sent him to get this agreement to the line and ultimately over the line. Smoke and flames rise following an Israeli strike in central Gaza ( Reuters ) The Gaza conflict has put the entire Middle East region on edge, triggering months of border clashes between Israel and Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, and threatening a wider escalation involving major powers. Tensions have been further stoked by the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil late last month, which Tehran has blamed on Israel, vowing revenge. Possible retaliation from Hezbollah with Israel having killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut a few hours before Haniyeh was assassinated is also contributing to the growing concerns over a wider war. Mr Blinken acknowledged that it was a fraught moment for Israel, where there are concerns about potential attacks by Iran and Hezbollah. He said: Were working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way move us away from getting this deal over the line, or for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. The evolving multi-phase truce deal has several main principles, including Hamas releasing all hostages abducted during its 7 October attack and Israel withdrawing its forces from Gaza and releasing Palestinians held in its jails. Hamas accuses Israel of adding new demands, such as maintaining a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent arms smuggling and along a line bisecting the territory so it can search Palestinians returning to their homes in the north. Israel said those were not new demands but clarifications of a previous proposal. Officials said the US has presented proposals to bridge all the gaps remaining between the Israeli and Hamas positions. Formal responses to the US outline are expected this week and could lead to a ceasefire declaration, unless the talks collapse, as has happened with a number of previous efforts. Mr Blinken is due to visit Egypt on Tuesday. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Chechnya President Ramzan Kadyrov has invited Elon Musk to Russia after sharing a video of him behind the wheel of one of the company's Cybertrucks mounted with a machine gun. In a clip posted on Kadyrovs Telegram channel, the self-styled strongman was seen taking the stainless steel-clad Cybertruck for a leisurely drive before standing astride the machine gun mounted in the truck bed, draped with belts of ammunition. In a gushing post, Kadyrov, who rules over Chechnya, a republic within the Russian Federation, described the vehicle as undoubtedly one of the best cars in the world. I literally fell in love. open image in gallery Leader of Russias Chechnya region Ramzan Kadyrov is seen atop what is said to be a Tesla Cybertruck equipped with a machine gun, in Grozny, Russia, in this still image from video published August 17, 2024 ( via REUTERS ) He also said he would donate the vehicle to Russian forces fighting in the invasion of Ukraine. Its not for nothing that they call this a cyberbeast, he said. Im sure that this beast will bring plenty of benefits to our troops. Kadyrov, who was sanctioned by the U.S. after being linked to numerous human rights violations, claimed he received the truck from Musk, although this was not independently confirmed. Messages left with Tesla seeking comment were not immediately returned. open image in gallery Russia-Chechnya-Kadyrov-Musk Kadyrov also took advantage of the video clip to invite Musk to Chechnya. I dont think the Russian Foreign Ministry would mind such a trip, he said. And, of course, were waiting for your new developments that will help us finish our special military operation (in Ukraine)." Meanwhile, a senior Russian commander has said that Ukrainian forces had been pushed out of one village in Russias border region but that Kyivs forces were still probing along the front more than nine days since the lightning incursion into Russia. The biggest foreign attack on sovereign Russian territory since World War Two unfurled on August 6 when thousands of Ukrainian troops smashed through Russias western border in an embarrassment for the Russian top military brass. open image in gallery In this photo provided by Ukraine's 24th Mechanised Brigade press service, servicemen of 24th mechanised brigade fire from BRM1k infantry fighting vehicle towards Russian positions near Chasiv Yar town, in Donetsk region, Ukraine ( AP ) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that his forces had advanced a few kilometers and that the goal of replenishing an exchange fund of prisoners of war was being achieved. One Ukrainian official said Kyiv was carving out a buffer zone to protect its population against attack. Major General Apti Alaudinov, who commands Chechnyas Akhmat special forces who are fighting in Kursk, said that Russian forces had forced out Ukraine from Martynovka about 18 km (11 miles) from the border. We have burned everything that moves, everything that we have been able to find, Alaudinov told Russian state television from Kursk region, reminding viewers of Russias defeat of Napoleons 1812 invasion of Russia. Alaudinov, a close ally of Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, said that Ukraine was sending in more forces into the Russian region but that the shift in resources was weakening Ukrainian forces at other parts of the front. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As overtourism becomes a hot topic many holidaymakers are fed up with crowds and oceans of towels while trying to secure a spot on a beach Destinations like Spain and Greece are well known for their beautiful beaches. But Europe also has plenty of other hidden seaside gems to explore. Enjoy uninterrupted, beautiful coastal views and some much-needed peace and quiet in one of the following destinations to end the summer holidays on a high. Albania open image in gallery Ksamil, a beautiful sea resort on the Albanian riviera ( Alamy/PA ) Albania might be the ideal budget holiday destination for people looking to book a last-minute seaside break to soak up the final few rays of the summer. And this underrated Balkan country in Southeastern Europe offers stunning views of the simmering Adriatic and Ionian Seas and average summer temperatures of around 33C. Orikum, Ksamil and Dhermi are firm favourites with locals and offer a mixture of pebbly and sand beaches, where you can hire a sun lounger for only a couple of pounds. If you are feeling particular adventurous, take a ferry or speed boat to the gorgeous Karaburun Peninsula island to enjoy some of the best views Albania has to offer. Read more on travel: Wales open image in gallery A coastal view of the Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula ( Alamy/PA ) Wales often gets a bad rep for its grey skies and showers, but in reality, summers in Wales can be glorious and if you drive along the west coast on a sunny weekend, youll be pleasantly surprised with the variety of beaches you encounter. The Gower Peninsula, known for its pristine and untouched beaches and coves, is Wales best kept secret. Beaches such as the Three Cliffs Bay, Rhossili and Oxwich are renowned for their excellent water quality, making them ideal for swimming and surfing too. You might even spot a seal or dolphin bob its head out of the deep blue waves if you are lucky. Estonia open image in gallery A Baltic sea beach in Estonia ( Alamy/PA ) Estonians enjoy more than 3,700km of Baltic coastline, as well as hundreds of natural lakes and an array of unique beaches. Some of the beaches, such as Parnu and Roosta, are long, empty expanses of sand, just perfect for hours of strolling. Meanwhile, others are rocky and feature historic lighthouses. The moderate climate, averaging at around 20C in the summer, makes Estonia an ideal sea vacation for those who prefer to avoid scorching conditions. Ireland open image in gallery Tra Mor beach, home to large sand dunes and crystal-clear water ( Alamy/PA ) If youre looking to reconnect with nature and feel soft sand under your toes, consider Ireland as your next seaside getaway. Dogs Bay and Tra Mor are just two of the hidden treasures dotted across Ireland, which offer velvet sand and an escape from the busyness of modern life. A lot of the Irish coastline has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status, which goes to the worlds cleanest beaches which hold the highest environmental standards. Montenegro open image in gallery The sandy beaches of Budva Bay ( Alamy/PA ) Nestled between Albania, Serbia and Bosnia is the magnificent, and often forgotten about, country of Montenegro. This small country encompasses breath-taking fortified towns, magical coves and sparkly waters with stunning beaches such as Budva Bay. Its charming atmosphere and stunning scenery will make your trip to Montenegro the envy of all your Instagram followers. Scotland open image in gallery Aerial view of the Clagain Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye ( Alamy/PA ) Scotland is arguably home to some of the most striking landscapes and coastal havens in the UK. And if off-grid holidays are right up your street, plan a road trip up north to scratch the surface of Scotlands 900 offshore islands. Claigan Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye, for instance, is a perfect example of a tranquil Scottish beach, offering picturesque views and plenty of sea birds and seals. The Scottish coastline is a great destination for campervan lovers seeking a unique adventure, too. Germany open image in gallery Pebble beach and chalk cliffs at Piratenschlucht (pirate gorge) beach in Rugen Island, Germany ( Alamy/PA ) Germany is known for its historic landmarks and cultural festivals, but the beauty of its northern coastline remains a mystery to most UK holidaymakers, who often see Germany as an autumn city-break destination. However, the country actually encompasses a surprising number of islands, such as Rugen and Amrum, with untouched tranquil beaches. Sylt, Germanys northernmost island, has almost 25 miles of fine, sandy beaches to enjoy, and watching the sunset from the Rotes Kliff near Kampen is highly recommended by those in the know. The temperature of Germanys north coast and tiny islands peaks at around 22C in the summer, so this is another great choice for travellers who thrive in slightly cooler temperatures. Read more: Seven Spanish islands with sun and volcanic peaks that you should make your next holiday destination Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The last Tory rail minister has made a surprise intervention in the row over train driver pay praising railway staff and saying he understands why Labour ministers chose to cut a deal with the train drivers. Last week the new transport secretary, Louise Haigh, reached an agreement with the train drivers union, Aslef, for a no-strings pay rise worth 15 per cent over three years. Members will begin voting on the offer, for which union leaders have urged acceptance, on 28 August. A large majority is expected in favour of the deal. But within 48 hours of reaching an agreement, Aslef announced fresh strikes by train drivers working for the state-owned East Coast Main Line operator LNER. The train drivers union says drivers will strike each weekend until 10 November following a breakdown in industrial relations, bullying by management, and persistent breaking of agreements by the company. open image in gallery Weekend strikes are planned on LNER services ( EPA-EFE ) Tory leadership candidate James Cleverly accused the Labour government of being played by its union paymasters. But in a series of Sunday evening posts on X (formerly Twitter), Huw Merriman expressed respect for rail staff and their unions. He wrote: In my time as rail minister, I was fortunate to meet and work with those who crewed trains and stations, managed the railway and worked with pride for their passengers. Im sorry that I wasnt able to reach an agreement with all unions who were on strike. Mr Merriman was appointed rail minister by Rishi Sunak in October 2022, three months after the train drivers began their industrial action. The government insisted any wage rise was contingent on radical changes to working practices, while the union demanded an unconditional pay increase. Aslef says the last time he met them for talks was in January 2023. The former minister wrote: Having tried to bring in workplace reform to improve rail services and, holding my hands up, failed, I can understand why the new government have decided to cut a deal to end the uncertainty and move on with goodwill. Whilst its legitimate to debate the terms of the deal, the demonisation of train drivers and those on board and at stations, who carry out a difficult and skilled job for the safety of passengers, is completely unfair. These people work hard and should be shown more respect. Despite reports, I had a good working relationship with the rail union leaders and recognised their role representing members. I hope, by sticking my head up and accepting my part, others can show our rail workforce the respect and recognition they deserve and focus on the future. Mr Merriman stood down as MP for Bexhill and Battle at the July 2024 election. His seat was held by the Conservatives. The Italian coastguard (Vigili del Fuoco) searched for missing passangers after a British-flagged yacht capsized in a tornado off Palermo in the early hours of Monday, 19 August. Authorities said 15 people were rescued from the 49-metre (160ft) sailboat but another seven were unaccounted for. A helicopter and rescue boats from the coast guard and fire rescue service were sent to the scene to locate those missing. Local media reported that the vessel was flying a British flag and had mostly British passengers on board but also New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and British-French citizens. Volodymyr Zelensky has accused the UK of slowing down its support for Ukraine as Russias invasion continues. It came as fighting continued in Russias Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops have been deployed since 6 August in a bid to divert the Kremlins military focus away from the front line in Ukraine. As Ukraine gained territory inside Russia, the Ukrainian president issued a call to allies for more assistance. We have seen throughout this war that the United Kingdom has shown real leadership... This is what has saved thousands of our people... But unfortunately the situation has slowed down, Mr Zelensky said in a nightly address over the weekend. Junk Kouture lawyers push for dismissal of US lawsuit over $500k A marketing executive who worked with the fashion firm says she is owed commission from sponsorship deal Junk Kouture encourages post-primary students to showcase fashion outfits they create using recycled material. Photo: Getty John Mulligan Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 03:30 Lawyers for eco-fashion firm Junk Kouture and its founder, Troy Armour, have insisted that a New York court should dismiss a case against them. Continuing wait for go-ahead could affect companys ability to repay more than 250m to Irish investors, company warns Solar 21 has voiced its frustration at British government delays to a key planning application that could hinder its ability to repay substantial sums to Irish investors. In a letter to Britains Planning Inspectorate, the troubled Irish renewables investment firm said the continued delay it is facing to get a planning decision on its proposed North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park project is having significant cost implications and creating uncertainty for its investors. The firm is currently attempting to pay back more than 250m to its Irish investors through a scheme of arrangement agreed last year in the High Court. At the time, Solar 21 said that much of the money would be raised by way of the sale of a number of renewable energy projects that are at various stages of completion. The yet-to-be-built Green Energy Park was slated by the company to be worth as much as 100m (117m). But it has been stalled in the planning system by a planning moratorium by the UK government on all new waste incineration capacity in England. Solar 21's Michael Bradley Britains Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has since said it had lifted the moratorium on issuing environmental permits to such new facilities but told Solar 21 that it is continuing to review whether there is capacity for any such new facilities. In its letter to the Planning Inspectorate, the Irish firm expressed its frustration at an ongoing delay. "We have not seen any published output from Defra's work carried out during the Direction period and as such, are unable to make any further representations as part of the Application process. The Direction came to an end on 24th May and was not extended. It is unclear what further 'evidence' is currently being considered by Defra and therefore, the reason for the delay in the Decision, said the letter. It was not clear that there is good reason for the Secretary of State to have exercised its power under the relevant act of Parliament, said the letter. It pointed out that the government had received a report about the project that had been referred to it by the local planning authority on August 15, 2023. The original deadline for a decision was November 15, 2023. But a response to Solar 21 from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero days after its email to the Planning Inspectorate stated that, although the moratorium had been lifted on issuing environmental permits, it was not yet clear whether the work undertaken will result in the publication of additional evidence relevant to the question of capacity. There are significant ongoing costs associated with maintaining the grid connection offer the Applicant has secured Earlier this month, the UK government said it was further extending the deadline for making a Decision to October 18, 2024. The reason given for this further delay was stated to be "to allow for Defra to consider the evidence gathered by its review into the role of waste incineration capacity in the management of residual wastes in England. There has now been considerable delay in issuing the Decision on this Application, said the letter. We appreciate that there has been a change in government but note that the new Chancellor confirmed in her speech that we will give priority to energy projects in the system to ensure they make swift progress. Other delayed energy decisions have now been made and it is not clear why this Application suffers from continued delay, the letter continued. Solar 21 said that the continued delay has significant cost implications and is giving cause for concern, and especially creating uncertainty for investors. In particular, there are significant ongoing costs associated with maintaining the grid connection offer the Applicant has secured. This ought to be taken into account by the Secretary of State. In a statement to the Sunday Independent, Solar 21 said that its separate Teeside project had received planning and that "this would indicate the new Government is minded to continue utilising Energy Recovery Facilities in their strategy. Meta, Google and TikTok questioned details around new watchdog Coimisiun na Mean Big Tech companies have lobbied the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste, as well as senior ministers and civil servants, at least 28 times over the last three years specifically around online-safety rules, extreme content and how Coimisiun na Mean will enforce new laws and codes. Nicki Killeen, HSE Emerging Drug Trends Project Manager, has urged festival goers to use the drugs.ie surrender bins. Should anyone have concern about using the service, they can chat with me or our team members in one of the drugs.ie tents, she said. The more drug samples we receive and analyse, the more clearly we understand the Irish drug market. Ms Killeen said that the HSE had analysed 133 drug samples following an extremely positive response from festival attendees this summer. These samples have provided us with information we otherwise would not have in Ireland, she explained. From this we know that the substances at the moment could be high strength which increases the risks of a person accidently taking too much for their bodies to handle which could cause a drug emergency. MDMA pills have varied in strength with different pills containing from 71mg to 246mg of MDMA. This means that you could experience a different reaction each time you take a pill so if people choose to use drugs, they need to consider harm reduction advice. Hostage (Channel4.com) 3/5 One of the surprise hits of last year was Hijack, a rollicking, ridiculously entertaining airborne thriller fuelled by the pure star power of Idris Elba as a business negotiator who has to save the day in real time. It was so popular, it became only the second Apple TV+ series after Ted Lasso to break into the Nielsen Ratings in the US. To no ones surprise, a second season is on the way. Theres no danger anybody will ever confuse Hijack with Hostage (episodes one and two streaming on Channel4.com). This Swedish thriller, also centred on the hijacking of an airliner, is a more slow-burning affair. Some might even say its a bit too slow-burning for its own good. Based on a novel by Kristina Ohlsson, a popular Swedish crime writer, it reunites criminologist Fredrika Bergman (Liv Mjones) and detective Alex Recht (Jonas Karlsson), the protagonists of 2018s police procedural Stockholm Requiem, which is also streaming on Channel4.com. A lot has changed in six years. Fredrika is now working for the ministry of justice, while Alex is no longer a cop. Didnt he leave the force to have a breakdown? says a character who could probably do with brushing up on their sensitivity training. With his unkempt hair, baggy cardigan, haunted expression and unfortunate habit of wearing socks with his sandals, Alex who tells people hes between jobs certainly gives every impression of a man whos been through the emotional wringer. A Nordic Airlines flight is en route from Stockholm to San Francisco when terrorists remotely take control of the planes computer system, causing the power to fail temporarily. When it comes back on, the crew receive a message from the hackers that theres a bomb on the plane. The hijackers demand two things: the release of Said Khelfi (Tsahi Halevi), a Syrian music professor whos been arrested by SAPO, the Swedish security service, during a public engagement in Stockholm, and the turning over of all files related to something called Operation Tennyson, which is apparently so secret, nobody in SAPO has ever heard of it. The CIA want to extradite Khelfi, an outspoken critic of the Wests involvement in the Middle East, on a charge of conspiracy to commit terrorism. To Fredrikas annoyance, she finds herself seconded to bossy SAPO counter-terrorism agent Eden Lundell (Ana Gil de Melo Nascimento), who leaves her in no doubt that she and she alone is the one running the show. The planes captain (Zardasht Rad), a taciturn type who seems to be permanently agitated, is ordered to turn the plane around and fly back into Swedish airspace. He refuses, saying the safety of his passengers comes first. Around about here, you might find yourself questioning the intelligence of the intelligence service. It doesnt seem to occur to anyone that the captains odd behaviour could be a sign that hes being blackmailed into doing the hijackers bidding. Luckily, though, the co-pilot is none other than Alexs son Erik (Adam Lundgren). So Alex is brought in from the wilderness to try to persuade Erik to take control of the plane away from the captain and execute an emergency landing in Iceland. Hostage takes a while to get off the ground and, at least in the two opening episodes, never reaches full throttle. Flashbacks to 2014, which presumably have some bearing on present-day events, slow things down. The suspense comes from trying to figure out who among the passengers are the bad guys. Its made plain from early on who on the plane is causing the power to shut down. But since when did plane hijackers fly solo? Could the grey-haired Swedish woman who reports the suspicious behaviour of the bloke in the seat next to her really be just deflecting suspicion from herself? Could the gruff, middle-aged man who keeps enquiring about his parcel thats been stashed in the hold be in on it? Or how about the pretty, perma-smiling new cabin crew member Lydia, who seems unperturbed by the prospect of being blown to smithereens? Hostage, which continues on More4 on Friday, does just about enough to hold the attention, but its going to need a lot more thrust in order to stick the landing. Councils 54m public liability bill mostly for slips, trips and falls, with cases settled last year up by 30pcThe bill was a 15.7pc increase on 2022 when 46.8m was paid outDublin City Council paid out 19.4m last year, with falls on footpaths being the top cause of claims Councils pay out 54m for slips, trips and falls as claims rise Councils paid out more than 54m in compensation for public liability claims last year with the vast majority relating to slips and falls on footpaths. The bill was a 15.7pc increase on 2022 when 46.8m was paid out. The number of claims settled by local authorities last year was 3,542 compared to 2,693 in the previous year, a 31.7pc increase. Figures provided to the Irish Independent show councils are forking out thousands and even millions in some cases for slips, trips and falls every year. While the data reveals councils are not yet reaping the rewards of insurance reforms, the Government anticipates the number of claims and the value of payouts will begin to fall in the coming years. The Department of Finance said changes to duty of care legislation which put greater responsibility on members of the public for their own actions will hopefully reduce claims for minor trips, slips and falls. It comes as two High Court judges recently found that local authorities were not liable after two women injured themselves on a footpath in separate incidents. In one of the cases, a woman sued Tipperary County Council after she slipped on wet leaves on a path in Nenagh. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and sometimes with serious consequences. This is such an occasion, Ms Justice Nuala Jackson said as she dismissed the claim. Another woman who sued South Dublin County Council after she claimed she fell on a pavement which was allegedly cracked due to damage from tree root growth also lost her claim. The council denied liability and said she failed to keep a proper lookout. Mr Justice Micheal P OHiggins dismissed the claim. Insurance reform campaigners have urged local authorities not to settle cases where they do not believe they are responsible for the injuries suffered. CEO of the Alliance for Insurance Reform, Brian Hanley said settling these cases is short-term thinking and not in the communitys or insurers long-term interests. The majority of public liability claims are for personal injuries, while others are for material damages, such as cars being damaged by potholes. Dublin City Council paid out 19.4m last year, with falls on footpaths being the top cause of claims. Kilkenny County Council paid out 3.3m for 44 public liability claims. It finalised 14 claims for slips, trips and falls, with the payouts amounting to 1.1m. This was nearly double the amount paid out the previous year, while the number of public liability claims settled was 37pc higher than in 2022. A spokesperson for the council said: The amount paid out on footpath claims reflects a higher payout on a small number of claims settled in the year. The council has an ongoing investment programme in footpath repair each year. Some settlements relate to claims that were brought before the new personal injury judicial guidelines which slashed awards for minor injuries were introduced. A backlog of cases from the Covid-19 pandemic may also be a contributory factor in the high number of settlements. Galway County Council saw its payments for slip, trips and falls rise from 377,401 in 2022 to 1.9m last year. Louth County Council settled 56 cases for trips and slips which amounted to 1.6m. Local councillors have regularly raised the issue of damaged walkways at council meetings. Independent councillor for Dublin, Mannix Flynn, has previously questioned why millions are being paid out for claims, rather than being invested in improving the conditions of roads and footpaths. Councils say footpaths and roads in the worst condition are prioritised for repair where budget and resources permit. A spokesperson for the Department of Finance said the Government is committed to achieving a competitive and sustainable insurance market via the action plan for insurance reform. Recent achievements include the rebalancing of the duty of care via amendments to the Occupiers Liability Act. The amendments are reflected in recent court decisions and recognise voluntary assumption of risk by visitors or recreational users. In addition to being a legislative change, this should also signal the start of a cultural change surrounding the claims environment and personal responsibility in Ireland, which would bring us more into line with our peer countries in the European Union and beyond. The policy intent of this reform is to address the slips, trips and falls that form the bulk of claims for public-facing/footfall-heavy businesses or organisations. Addressing this should lead to fewer claims and, in time, lower premiums as a result. Mr Hanley said it is important to remember that the volume of liability claims is down by a third since 2019. As more cases are settled using the personal-injury guidelines instead of the Book of Quantum, the size of awards will fall on average, he added. Three local authorities Carlow, Laois and Kerry did not provide data on public liability claims. LATEST | Two men to appear in court today in relation to stab attack on two brothers in west Cork It is believed the dispute began following a bitter row over an inheritance and land in the west Cork area Picture: Andy Gibson. Ralph Riegel and Wayne O'Connor Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 07:23 Two men have been charged in relation to the stabbing of two brothers in west Cork over the weekend. Dont let this historic moment pass you by Kylemore Abbey nuns move into brand new, purpose-built 10m monastery Over 350 years since their foundation and just over 100 years since their arrival at Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara, the Benedictine nuns are about to open the doors on a new, purpose-built monastery Sarah Mac Donald Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 03:30 The opening of a new monastery at Kylemore Abbey, one of the foremost visitor attractions in Connemara, has been hailed by Archbishop Francis Duffy as a very rare event in Ireland and perhaps in western Europe. Jerry Brennan Snr (77) and his son, William Brennan (31) at Bantry District Court A FATHER and son have been charged in relation to the stabbing of two brothers in west Cork following a bitter land feud which has been ongoing within a family for over 14 years. Jerry Brennan Snr (77) and his son, William Brennan (31) appeared before Bantry District Court charged in relation to the alleged incident at Ballyhalwick just outside Dunmanway in west Cork last Saturday night which left two of their sons/brothers in a serious condition in a Cork hospital with stab injuries. Judge Brendan O'Reilly commented that: "The blood is up" after hearing that the bitter agrarian dispute dates back over 14 years. Gardai confirmed to the court that, in respect of the land feud within the family, they have had over 20 complaints reported to them since 2019. Judge O'Reilly was warned, as Gardai objected to bail for the father and son, that they are afraid the dispute is escalating despite all sides having engaged in mediation last year in a bid to resolve the feud. Jerry Brennan Snr and William Brennan arrive at Bantry District Court Jerry Brennan Snr and his son, William Brennan, of Longbridge, Ballyhalwick, Dunmanway, Co Cork are both charged with assault causing harm to John Brennan and Jerry Brennan Jnr at Ballyhalwick shortly after 7pm on Saturday night, August 17. John and Jerry Jnr, who are brothers in their 30s, remain in a serious but stable condition in Cork University Hospital (CUH) after the alleged incident last Saturday night. Jerry Jnr suffered a stab wound to his arm which damaged an artery. John suffered a stab wound which punctured one of his lungs. The charges are brought contrary to the Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Both Jerry Snr and William are each separately charged with assault causing harm to John and Jerry Jnr. The father and son also each face a single charge under the Firearms & Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. Evidence of William's arrest, caution and charge was given to Judge Brendan O'Reilly by Detective Garda Jonathan O'Donovan. Judge O'Reilly was told that when the knife possession charge was put to William Brennan he replied: "I did not do that. If I did not pull out the knife I would be dead right now." In response to the charge of assault causing harm to his brother, John, William replied: "I was acting in self defence or I would have been killed." After the charge of assault causing harm to his brother Jerry Jnr was put to him, William replied: "I was acting in self defence or I would have been killed. This is the second time he has attacked me and it has ended up in court." The possession of a weapon charge is brought contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms & Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. Judge O'Reilly was told that the weapon involved was a form of fold-up hunting knife. Garda Joseph Maher gave the court evidence of arrest, caution and charge in respect of Jerry Brennan Snr. He said in response to the charge of assault causing harm to his son John that: "No, I do not know why I am being charged." In respect of the charge of assault causing harm to his son, Jerry Jnr, he replied: "I never assault him at all." When the possession of a weapon charge was put to him, he told the arresting Garda: "I did not intend to conceal it with all the excitement of what was going on." Judge O'Reilly was told that the weapon involved was a pocket knife with a blade of less than two inches. Gardai objected to bail in respect of both defendants. Det Garda O'Donovan and Garda Maher said they were objecting to bail for a number of reasons including the serious nature of the charges, their fear of the impact on potential witnesses and the background of the family land feud. Judge O'Reilly was told that the land feud involved dates back over 14 years. "I don't think they are listening to anyone at the moment," Detective O'Donovan told the court. The court heard that various contacts had been made with the family in a bid to resolve the matter including their engagement with mediation services last year. "There are no bail conditions that will satisfy Gardai," he added. William Brennan offered evidence in support of his bail application and said he would comply with any condition sought by Gardai. He told the court he was an electrical engineer who was currently working in the Netherlands. It was offered to the court that he would agree to reside in the Netherlands and only attend west Cork for stipulated court appearances. William Brennan warned the court that if he was refused bail he could lose his job. "It would be the end of my life," he told the court, referring to a remand in custody. William Brennan was also helping look after his elderly parents when he visited Ireland with his father elderly and suffering from health issues while his mother is a cancer survivor. Jerry Brennan Snr also applied for bail and said he would comply with any bail conditions requested by the Gardai and imposed by the court. "Of course, yes I would, yes," he said. Mr Brennan said he had a number of health issues and was an old age pensioner. "(I do not have) good health - (I have) arthritis of the spine and diabetes." The court was told by Garda witnesses that the land feud involved has escalated despite the best efforts over recent years to resolve it. "In the last five years more than 20 complaints have been reported to Gardai, all involving the Brennan family and all involving the property at Ballyhalwick. "There are no bail conditions that will satisfy the Gardai," Garda Maher said. Judge O'Reilly refused bail and remanded the father and son in custody to appear again before Clonakilty District Court on Thursday. Both were directed to appear in person before Clonakilty District Court. Judge O'Reilly queried the nature of the land and the dispute involved. He was told the property involved a house, some land and a farm yard. "If I was to describe the situation as a feud over land and that the blood is up, would I be right?" the judge asked. Gardai confirmed to the judge that he was correct. Both John and Jerry Jnr are recovering at Cork University Hospital (CUH) from serious injuries. Both men, despite being injured and bleeding, were able to raise the alarm last Saturday night. A relative of the injured men was alerted and brought the pair to Dunmanway Community Hospital. However, the injuries involved were far too serious to be treated locally. One brother was later rushed by air ambulance to CUH where he underwent emergency surgery. He is now in a serious but stable condition. The second brother was taken to CUH by ambulance. He was also treated for serious injuries and remains in a stable but comfortable condition. Gardai immediately sealed off the scene of the incident. A full technical and forensic examination of the scene was conducted by Garda experts including the study of dash cam footage and audio. Dublin Fire Brigade are at the scene of a gorse wildfire in south Dublin, where three fire engines, a wildfire response jeep and water tanker have been dispatched to tackle the blaze. The incident is ongoing at Mullins Hill in Killiney and has been attended by Dun Laoghaire firefighters who are working hard and making good progress as they work to extinguish the wildfire, a spokesperson for the fire service said. "Three fire engines, a wildfire response jeep and water tanker are dealing with a gorse wildfire on Mullins Hill, they said in an update shared to X. A strong wind is driving smoke across a wide area but firefighters are working hard and making good progress at the incident. More to follow... Connection to high-speed broadband has opened up more opportunity for those who live in rural areas. Photo: Getty Rural Ireland has taken high-speed broadband to its heart as it emerged that take-up of the new network is vastly ahead of Government predictions with 300,000 premises scheduled to be passed for connection by December 31. National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company responsible for delivering the Governments National Broadband Plan (NBP), said 50pc of premises are now ready to connect to the network, with high-speed fibre broadband having transformed the economic potential of rural areas. Tens of thousands of rural-based workers are now able to work remotely on a full- or part-time basis because of high-speed internet access. The project has involved laying 42,000km of fibre cable across Ireland enough to circumnavigate the Earth. NBI revealed that of the 564,000 homes in the special intervention area a zone that the Government decided was vital to have high-speed broadband access for strategic national economic and social reasons there are now 283,639 connected or in the process of being connected with fibre cabling. Those 283,639 premises include homes, farms and businesses. There are 91,739 premises that have already ordered NBI fibre broadband and are now connected. NBI said the average take-up rate is well ahead of projections and international comparisons. The connection rate has reached 50pc in areas where the network has been live for the longest. Almost 93pc of premises 525,649 homes, farms and businesses have now completed the survey stage of the programme. A total of 83pc of the project targets (466,725 properties) have moved to or through construction. And 955 broadband connection points (BCPs) have been installed and are live, with 672 of these located in schools. The high-speed broadband plan roll-out also extends to 27 Irish islands, with 10 already live on the network. The remaining 17 islands are in various stages of survey and design for installation. Construction has been completed or is currently under way for 466,725 premises with 93pc of premises included in the roll-out area having been surveyed. Communications Minister Ossian Smyth said it was an incredible success story. Ireland has reached the milestone where half of all homes, farms and businesses in rural Ireland can access high-speed fibre broadband, he said. It is life-changing for rural communities. The progress to date reaffirms the Governments commitment to extending fibre broadband access to everyone living and working in Ireland. NBI chief executive Peter Hendrick said the rollout was ongoing and remained on its timeframe and budget. NBI has maintained momentum throughout the year and the rollout is progressing on budget and is on schedule, he said. We are now passing 10,000 new homes and businesses with high-speed fibre broadband every month, which leaves us well placed to complete the rollout by the end of 2026. The feedback from our customers has been incredibly positive. A connection to NBI fibre broadband is enabling people to move to rural Ireland and work remotely, allowing farmers to boost their productivity with new tech, and empowering entrepreneurs to launch new businesses. The NBI network is creating limitless opportunities for rural Ireland. The state intervention area for the NBP encompasses 564,000 premises and over 1.1 million people. This includes 65,000 farms, almost 700 schools and 44,000 non-farm businesses. Rural rights campaigners say the NBP ranks as one of the most important social and economic initiatives of the past 50 years. It also includes any new homes built in the special intervention area over the next 25 years. Last February, the Black Valley in Kerry the last place in Ireland to secure access to mains electricity was successfully surveyed and cleared for connection to high-speed broadband over the summer. Black Valley residents were only connected to the national electricity grid in 1976 with locals once joking that the area got its name for having been left in the dark for so long without electric lighting. Footage of Black Valley homes finally receiving electricity in 1976 is among the most famous to be found in the television archives in Ireland. Now, Black Valley householders will boast high-speed broadband to compare with the fastest connections in Dublin, Cork and Limerick cities. Ireland is not immune to the threat of terrorism, the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has said. Mr Harris said Ireland should always be conscious of the risks of terrorism and extremism as he said gardai are monitoring such matters very closely. His comments come amid a spate of threats against elected representatives from extreme groups. Outgoing Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Doug Beattie always sought to act in the best interests of Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State has said. Mr Beattie quit on Monday, citing "irreconcilable differences" with party officers. Senior political figures have paid tribute to his leadership and constructive approach to relations with other parties. President Michael D Higgins said: As President of Ireland, may I offer my best wishes to Mr.Doug Beattie, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, following his announcement today that he is stepping down from this role. "I congratulate him on this leadership over the past three years as well as his committed public service, first as a local representative and later as an MLA for the Upper Bann constituency since 2014. "I have appreciated all of our contact over that time, which was warm and positive on our shared path to peace and reconciliation, North and South. I want to acknowledge also Mr Beatties open and courageous recognition of the challenges experienced during and prior to this period which I am sure has helped many others in and beyond his community. May I extend my good wishes to Doug and his family as they look towards the next chapter of their lives. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said Mr Beattie led his party through "numerous challenges". Mr Martin said: "I've always appreciated his emphasis on making politics work & the constructive relationship we built. "I know he will continue to lead by example whatever the future holds. "A strong relationship between this government and political leaders in Northern Ireland is vital - I look forward to building the same ties with Doug's successor." Simon Coveney TD said he was "sorry" to see Mr Beattie step down. Mr Coveney, who was Irish foreign affairs minister during Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU, said: "I always found Doug to be fair, tough when needed, reasonable and positive. "Of course we didn't agree on everything, but Doug was someone I trusted and respected as a strong unionist leader." Northern Ireland Secretary Hillary Benn thanked Mr Beattie for his "commendable leadership". In a statement, Mr Benn said: "It is clear that he has always sought to act in NI's best interests and I know he will continue to do so. "I look forward to working closely with his successor." DUP leader Gavin Robinson said that while he differed from Mr Beattie on tactics, there was "no doubt that Doug is a committed Unionist". Mr Robinson criticised UUP electoral strategy and said divisions within unionism had handed seats to non-unionists. He added: "Top of my priorities for the new leader will be discussions about how we maximise the pro-Union vote in future elections." Sinn Fein's vice president Michelle O'Neill said the party will take a "constructive approach" with the new leader of the UUP. Ms O'Neill said: "I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP. "We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the Executive and institutions at the beginning of this year." The First Minister added: "I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post. "Sinn Fein will continue to work together with all parties in the Executive and Assembly to ensure we deliver for all." Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said unionists must move forward, as she wished Mr Beattie well for the future. The DUP MLA for Lagan Valley said: "Unionism moves forward into a new chapter, one in which we must seize the opportunity to secure and strengthen our Union, together." UUP MLA and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the announcement came as a "shock", adding: "I've been very supportive of them during the years, and I'm very sorry to see him step down." Mr Nesbitt, who is also a former UUP leader, said the party faces a challenge in addressing internal matters. He told RTE radio he had not given the possibility of returning to leadership a "millisecond's thought". SDLP leader Colum Eastwood paid tribute to Mr Beattie's dedication to serving the people of Northern Ireland. He said: "Doug and I have different politics but I've always admired his candour and commitment to working together in the interests of the people we represent. "I know this won't be the end of his political contribution but hope he enjoys some more time to spend with his loving family." Alliance leader Naomi Long wished Mr Beattie well for the future, and deputy leader Dr Stephen Farry added: "He will no doubt continue to make a significant contribution to politics and public life." Oireachtas researchers estimate that 6.6pc of children aged 18 or under are in households who are eligible for social housing but not yet provided with such accommodationIt would cost almost 35 billion to build new, appropriate, permanent social housing for everyone with an ongoing need Over 235,000 people in Ireland including more than 92,000 dependent children were classified as having an ongoing need for housing at the end of last year. A new report by Oireachtas researchers has estimated that 6.6pc of all children aged 18 or under are in households who are eligible for social housing but not yet provided with such accommodation. Research by the Parliamentary Budget Office claims the State would need to increase its existing stock of social housing by 56pc to accommodate all households with an ongoing need. The PBO calculated that there were 115,425 households at the end of 2023 who were either on social housing waiting lists or in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment. They consist of 58,824 eligible households on the main social housing waiting list plus 56,601 active HAP tenancies. The number of households with an ongoing need for housing was down around 1,500 representing an annual decrease of around 1.2pc. The reduction was largely driven by a net decrease of over 2,400 households in HAP tenancies. However, the PBO said the total number of people in need of social housing was still 235,659, including 92,116 dependent children, which represents 4.4pc of the total population. It estimated that it would cost almost 35 billion to build new, appropriate, permanent social housing for everyone with an ongoing need down 57 million from the previous estimate in 2022. The cost of correcting this issue is high with building new appropriate accommodation coming at a significant expense, the report noted. However, it added: Failure to address the problem sufficiently will lead to the future cost of action increasing further and the locking in of key age cohorts to a continued need for expensive and precarious State supported housing as their potential access to the private housing market diminishes. It also suggested that the targets for the supply of new social housing may need to be revisited and revised upwards due to its findings on the present state of social housing in Ireland in order to meet demand and tackle affordability challenges. The PBO identified that the greatest need for housing across the country is among families in Galway city where 11.8pc of all households had an ongoing housing need. The second highest level was in the administrative area of Dublin City Council where 10.4pc of families are in need of social housing. Other areas with a high proportion of households in need of social housing are Louth (7.9pc), Fingal (6.9pc), South Dublin (6.6)pc, Cork City (4.9pc) and Kerry (4.9pc). In contrast, just 2.7pc of households in Roscommon have an ongoing need for social housing with the rate below 4pc in Leitrim, Longford, Cavan, Kilkenny, Offaly and Monaghan. The ongoing need is generally greater in more urbanised areas than in the midlands and rural areas, the report noted. The report also warned that there is a significant disparity between average HAP payments and new private monthly rents across all counties. The PBO said it demonstrated the difficulties faced by HAP tenants in sourcing suitable and affordable accommodation. It noted the average monthly rent for a new tenancy in Dublin in the final quarter of 2023 ranged from 1,988 in Fingal to 2,388 in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown. In contrast, the average monthly rent for all HAP tenancies in Dublin ranged from 1,358 in Dublin City to 1,403 in South Dublin. The PBO said the widest disparity between HAP and private rents was a 992 difference in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown. The gap between the two figures was at its narrowest in Louth at 295. The PBO said it included households whose rents are funded via the HAP as having an ongoing need for housing as they are private rental agreements without the security of tenure afforded to local authority tenants. It claimed HAP tenants should regularly be included when calculating the number of people in need of housing as people in receipt of HAP are removed from the main social housing list once they enter the HAP scheme. More than a quarter of all people on social housing waiting lists and HAP recipients are over the age of 50, representing almost 31,600 households with approximately half of the number people living on their own. The PBO said the cost of providing appropriate housing for such a cohort will increase with their age as they face the greatest difficulties in securing affordable mortgage finance and paying unsustainable rents as they get older. It also recommended that detailed statistics on both new and existing social housing should be published annually to aid transparency about the total number of active local authority tenancies. Rose of Tralee 2024: People dont get how big the festival is for us the town wouldnt survive without it Its that time of the year again as Roses from all over the world converge on the famous Kerry town Rose of Tralee 2024: Parade Adrianna Wrona Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 03:30 Everyone in Ireland knows of the Rose of Tralee festival, but how many of us had it marked in their calendar for the past 12 months? A section of the N26 in Co.Mayo where a mother and her daughter were killed last month was described by a coroner today as not fit for modern traffic. Patrick OConnor, Coroner for the District of Mayo, made his comments at the opening of an inquest into the deaths of Aisling Moore (46) and her eight-year-old daughter, Abbigael Tournie Moore. Aisling and Abbigael died on July 2 when their car collided with a lorry at Callow, between Foxford and Swinford. Eamon Moore, father of Aisling and grandfather of Abbigael, attended the brief hearing as did Aislings sister, Anita. Coroner OConnor told the family members he knew they shared his concerns about the safety of the stretch of road where their loved ones died. The local authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will have to do something about the stretch of road, he continued. A pathologist gave evidence that the medical cause of death in Aislings case was extensive fatal injuries including multiple fractures and head injuries. The medical cause of Abbigaels death was extensive head injuries sustained in a road traffic accident, pathologist Dr. Tamas Nemeth said. Aisling Moores occupation was described in court today as a beautician. Coroner OConnor informed the family it would take some time before a full inquiry/investigation is carried out. He said he was opening the inquest so that a State death certificate could be issued. The Garda investigation will be thorough and will take quite an amount of time, the coroner stated. He then adjourned the substantive inquest hearing pending the completion of the garda investigation. Gardai, first responders and civilians who attended at the accident scene were thanked by the coroner and Sergeant Ronan Drury, courts presenter for An Garda Siochana. In response to queries about the coroners comments, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) would not comment but directed the Irish Independent to Mayo County Council. It also referred to a previous report which it published about major active road improvement projects around the country. These include the planned construction of the nearby Foxford bypass, a new road that would link the N26 north of the town to the N58 south of Foxford with the aim of addressing congestion and safety issues. The strategic assessment phase of this project has commenced, with the construction timeframe yet to be confirmed but noted as post 2030. It comes as there have been 122 fatalities on Irish roads so far this year, marking an increase of 11 when compared with the same period for last year. In response, Mayo County Council said; This is an un-realigned legacy section of N26 and while alignment improvement is required the road lane widths are still capable of carrying current traffic. Improvements to this section of road are not included in the current National Road investment programme. They continued; Mayo County Council are satisfied that the road has adequate surface condition and proper delineation and signage. When asked if Mayo County Council would consider further investigating the condition of the road and consider closing it until any issues are addressed, a spokesperson said; No to closing the road. Localised safety interventions will be considered in consultation with TII. Tanaiste Micheal Martin marks World Humanitarian Day as Ireland contributes more than 150m for victims of crises this year Micheal Martin said the importance of Irelands humanitarian aid cannot be underestimated Tanaiste Micheal Martin meets potato sellers during a visit Mozambique Robin Schiller Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 03:30 Ireland has provided more than 150m for humanitarian crises so far this year in response to global conflicts including in Gaza and Ukraine. As the final rehearsals for the Rose of Tralee were under way in the MTU Kerry Sports Academy, the Waterford Rose said all of the Roses are "best of friends now" and "root for each other" ahead of the first selection tonight. Abby Walsh (22) told the Irish Independent that the highlights of her time in Tralee were the parade on Saturday night and meeting all fellow Roses. Speaking on Monday just a few hours before the first selection night, she feels "definitely excited" and "a little bit nervous as well" ahead of tonight's live show. "It's been absolutely incredible. Meeting the girls, we really are best of friends now," she said. "We're really rooting for each other, we were just doing the rehearsals there and we were watching it on the screen in the green room, we are so proud of each other." She described the first parade going through the streets of Tralee on Saturday night as "just incredible". New Zealand Rose Keely OGrady, Leitrim Rose Shauna Murtagh and Waterford Rose Abby Walsh. Photo: Andres Poveda "There's no words. We all got back on the bus and we didn't speak for good solid minute, because we were like: 'What just happened? She said "It was very overwhelming at the same time, but it was absolutely incredible, you just didn't know what's going to happen. "Just when we turned onto Denny Street, and I wouldn't be a very emotional person myself, but when I saw my family, I was like: 'Oh my gosh'. You did tear up a little bit. "And then when we got up on stage, looking at the crowd, you're like: 'Oh my God. It's all for us, really, the festival'. It was just incredible. "I don't know what the TV night will hold but the parade and meeting the girls were the best part. Abby, who is a primary school teacher in the Irish-language Gaelscoil Phort Lairge in Ballygunner, said she's a bit nervous ahead of taking to the stage tonight but she's looking forward to seeing the banners and her family. "I'd probably be a little bit nervous, we all will be, but walking out and seeing the banners will put me at ease, she said. "With those bright lights, we probably won't see our family faces and our friends, but I'll definitely will see the banners. So that's probably what I'm most excited for. While speaking this afternoon during the rehearsal, the Waterford Rose praised her escort, Ryan Brolly, whom she described as "very chivalrous". "He's lovely. They're all so lovely. You can sit beside any of them, and they're all so nice and very chivalrous. They pull out the chairs," she said. Abby is passionate about the Irish language, dance, and travel, which would go "hand in hand" with the Rose of Tralee. "I'm a primary school teacher so I suppose I would be fortunate enough that I probably could take the year off work if I really need it. My principal wouldn't be too bothered by it, she said. "I'm also an Irish dance teacher trainee," she said, adding she plans on doing a master's degree in speech therapy. "I love to travel as well. I suppose that goes hand in hand with the Rose of Tralee, they go off to amazing places, Abby said. Waterford Rose Abby Walsh. Meanwhile the Kerry Rose said she is "so proud" of being in her native county for the Rose of Tralee. Emer Dineen (23) from Castlegregory was delighted to revisit many places in Kerry during the Roses tour. "I am so proud of it. It's just unbelievable. And then because I live and work in Dublin and I'm getting home on the weekends, it's almost fresh for me as well every single time I come back. "Being able to do this tour, I feel a certain level of privilege, because there's so many things that either I haven't done for years since I was a child, or even just since I've moved to Dublin. "So to go in almost like a tourist, I've loved every second of it. I don't think I've ever been to the Sneem Festival, and it was phenomenal. The turnout, the people, they were just open arms. It was really just friendliness and good vibes," she said. Emer graduated from UCD as a radiographer and she currently works as a paediatric radiographer at Temple Street Hospital in Dublin. "Now it's been a whirlwind, I won't lie, it's been so unbelievably quick. If you asked me what I did yesterday, I'd have to sit down and think about it. But it's been so so special. "The girls that I've met, I know they're going to change my life. They're just such unbelievable people. I sit with them, and I listen to them, and I'm genuinely humbled, I'm just in awe of them. "They're so articulate and well-spoken and driven and ambitious, and they have these unbelievable degrees and achievements under their belt," she added. Meanwhile, San Francisco Rose said she's "having the time of her life" as the Roses were preparing for night one of the live show. Maggie Baglin (23) from San Francisco was "excited" for her performance tonight that saw her playing I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) by the Proclaimers on bagpipes. She is a member of the Irish Pipers Band of San Francisco, where she learned how to play the instrument. Speaking to the Irish Independent during the final rehearsal on Monday afternoon ahead of the live show, she said: "I'm having the time of my life." "Honestly, I cannot believe we're here on the first stage night. It's been wonderful. "All the girls are lovely, and we've really hit it off, which is the coolest part of it all," she added. When asked how she would spend her year as a Rose of Tralee, she said: "I have been wanting to move to Ireland, so I feel like this would be a great start." Maggie works as a registered behaviour therapist and is doing her last year of graduate school for her Masters in Special Education. "I'm really involved back home in our Irish centre. I grew up going to all the events with family, and just being a part of the community. "I'm very proud of my Irish-American background, and I did Irish dancing at different events, participating in dinners and GAA clubs, different functions, and then I became a bagpiper. "I feel like that's given me a sense of purpose, and just a drive to be out there and be different, and have a good role in your community," she said. While speaking of the celebrations in Tralee, she described the Roses parade on Saturday night as "gorgeous" as it was her biggest surprise so far. "It was just so gorgeous. I didn't realise there's going to be fireworks and all these lights. And the amount of people, that just was insane. "It was just the sweetest thing ever. And then we got to dance after, which was great. The night was just like a dream," she said. The current Rose of Tralee, Roisin Wiley, has been a role model for Maggie Baglin, who inspired her to apply to the competition for the second time. "I really admire Roisin Wiley. She ran in 2022 for the Rose and for New York and wasn't selected. And then ran again in 2023. "And, like her, I ran in 2023 and wasn't selected, and then I ran again this year. "She actually gave me a lot because it's hard to do it again when you maybe feel like you're not fit for the role or maybe you weren't wanted. "But she gave me just a lot of confidence in terms of, like: 'Hey, if she did it, she's going for it, being proud of herself and her decisions, I'll do the same.' And I'm really happy I did. "I really admire her for that," she said. The first television selection night will air at 8pm tonight on RTE One and RTE Player, with the second selection night airing tomorrow. The PSO levy guarantees the price renewable energy generators get for the electricity they produce. Photo: Stock image Wind-energy generators have blamed the regulator for a hike in the levy on domestic electricity bills, claiming it got its figures wrong. Consumers are facing higher electricity bills from October after the energy regulator confirmed it is to hike a levy on their bills. The so-called Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy is in place to subsidise the generation of electricity from sustainable sources, such as wind farms and solar panel operations. It will be 40 a year per household from the autumn. This is in contrast to this year, when the levy on electricity bills was set at zero. Renewable energy generators made bumper profits in 2022. Collectively, their profits jumped from 125m in 2012 to 509m in 2022 after the spike in energy prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to information obtained by The Sunday Times. A windfall on super profits was imposed by the Government the following year. Wind Energy Ireland claimed the levy was due to cost households a combined 17m from this October because the regulator, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), overcharged electricity generators last year. The levy guarantees the price renewable energy generators get for the electricity they produce. The CRU sets the level of the PSO levy, which applies from each October. Director of external affairs for Wind Energy Ireland, Justin Moran said: Irish wind and solar farms will pay back to electricity consumers a net 17m over the 2024/25 PSO period. This is because new renewable energy projects, when prices are high, return the excess over what theyre contracted to receive to help Irish households and businesses. He said he reason consumers will be paying the PSO levy again this year is because the CRU overcharged electricity generators in 2022/23 as it had, like many others, anticipated higher wholesale prices. That needs to be corrected this year and it is this which is driving the PSO levy back up. Wind and solar generators get guaranteed prices for the energy they generate, in a bid to encourage the transition to renewable energy. When wholesale prices are high, mostly because of high gas prices, renewable generators which do not require gas receive greater revenues for the electricity they sell in the wholesale market, the CRU said. If what they earn exceeds their contracted earnings they return these funds via the regulator. Asked if it had a mistake in its calculations for the PSO levy that will now cost households and businesses, the CRU said that in the summer of 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine, as part of the PSO process and given the trajectory of wholesale gas prices, the PSO levy was calculated at expected market price for electricity for 22/23. This has always had to be done as an estimate, as wholesale prices can move up or down during each year in the middle of PSO periods, it said. As with all estimates in the PSO levy process, and as can be seen over the lifetime of the levy, these estimates have been higher or lower than the actual wholesale price during each of these years, which means there has to be a correction each year, or R-factor. This may be negative or positive. Fortunately for all end customers, market prices were significantly lower in 22/23 than had been calculated in the summer of 2022, which had to be based on that particularly volatile period for wholesale gas and electricity prices due to the geopolitical environment. The CRU said the charges collected from generators on the basis of the higher price in the calculation was returned to customers in 2022/2023. In the calculations for this PSO period 2024/2025, it was calculated that generators did not actually make as much from the market in 2022/2023 as had been estimated, the regulator said. This is why there is a correction this year that will see a higher level of support for renewable generation charge required and attributed to the PSO levy in charges to end electricity users, the CRU added. The coolcation is coming as extreme weather slowly drives holidaymakers to cooler destinations From Southern Europe to Alaska, cooler destinations and shoulder seasons are slowly gaining in popularity with travellers A tourist uses a fountain to cool off amid a heatwave, in Sarajevo, on August 13. REUTERS/Amel Emric Doyinsola Oladipo, Joanna Plucinska and Karolina Tagaris Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 03:30 Florida resident Kathy Pafunda is reading books and perusing maps to plan a Norway getaway next summer, following visits over the last two years to cool-weather destinations Alaska, Utah, Minnesota and Iceland. The end of August is the traditional time for the pursuit of love in rural Ireland. Bachelor farmers back up their tractors and head for Lisdoonvarna, red circled in the calendar as the starting gun in the annual race for rural romance. Up for the thrill of the chase around the beauty spots of Co Clare, amorous agricultural operators exchange Wellingtons for dancing shoes as the serious business of love blossoms. Palestinians at the site of an Israeli airstrike on a shelter housing displaced people in central Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters The day recognises the sacrifices of workers who risk their lives to aid others. If it was disconcerting to learn that last year was the deadliest on record for such workers, its surely an indictment of the international community that this year may be even worse. Last year, the number of aid workers killed more than doubled in two years, from 118 in 2022 to 261. In the six months to last March, over 150 aid workers were killed in Gaza alone. This was an unprecedented number for a single context in such a short time. The world is failing humanitarian workers and, by extension, the people they serve, the UN warns. It is determined to confront any possible normalisation of attacks on civilians and aid workers. ActionAid Ireland CEO Karol Balfe has saluted courageous aid workers in Gaza who are continuing to provide lifesaving aid every day, despite the danger. Gaza is now the worlds deadliest place for aid workers, with the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) saying the death toll since October 7 stands at a record 287, Ms Balfe said. Just how indiscriminate and senseless such attacks are was evidenced again over the weekend. The latest Israeli bombardment included a strike on a home in Deir al-Balah. A woman and her six children were killed, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. The childrens heartbroken grandfather, Mohammed Awad Khatab, said his daughter, a teacher, was with her husband and their six children when their house was struck. The children ranged in age from 18 months to 15 years, and included quadruplets. Their father is in hospital. The grandfather described how there was virtually nothing left of them after the blast. What did they do? he asked. As wars in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan intensify, the relief of human suffering has never been more important, or more dangerous. Mahatma Gandhi believed service to all that live was the ultimate expression of what it is to be human. It was how he defined true religion, refusing to draw any distinction between such religion and politics. But politics and diplomacy have a crucial role to play. US secretary of state Antony Blinken was in Israel again yesterday as part of Washingtons intensifying push to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. Its his ninth trip to the region since the war began in October last year. With famine, disease and a widening war in prospect, a ceasefire is critical. Hamas has described suggestions of progress on a deal as an illusion. But mediators in Qatar and Egypt believe there is now scope to close gaps between the warring parties. The best index of our global humanity is the amount of protection guaranteed to the weakest. Preventing war and promoting peace must be responsibilities for us all. And tolerance for the failure of those in power to do either, has to end. Four Cork schools have been included in the first phase of a pilot programme for enhanced in-school therapy supports for special schools. A total of six schools have been included in this years pilot programme with two schools added from Dublin. The pilot programme will see therapists on-site during school hours The four special schools included in Cork are: Our Lady of Good Counsel Special School, Ballincollig; Carrigaline Community Special School; Rochestown Community Special School and St Pauls Special School, Montenotte. As part of the pilot, an additional ten special schools in the Cork and Dublin areas will come on board on a phased basis during the 2024/25 school year. Special schools not included in the initial phase of the pilot will be considered for selection as part of the next phase. Key stakeholders including the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Department of Education, the Health Service Executive, lead agencies, the National Council for Special Education and special schools will continue to collaborate to ensure the effective delivery of this pilot. It is anticipated that the additional ten schools will be identified by the end of October 2024 with a view to commencing those in a position to progress in January 2025. Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic OGorman welcomed the announcement of the first six schools selected for the programme: It is good news for the children and families associated with these schools. We will be keen to develop the pilot, with an additional 10 special schools expected to be added to the pilot scheme during the course of the school year. Minister of State with responsibility for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte stated: I am eager to see progress with these first six schools. The confirmation of these six schools, is a further development towards fully reinstating the pre-existing on-site health and social care supports to special schools. I am confident that these supports will be of benefit to many students, teachers and families, said the Minister for Education, Norma Foley. I want every young person to have every available avenue to reach their full potential. I very much welcome that therapists will be allocated to work in special schools for the full duration of the school day and school year as part of this pilot programme. This pilot provides an opportunity for my department and other key stakeholders to provide wraparound support for children and young people with the greatest level of need in our schools, she added. HSE CEO Bernard Gloster said: It is important we reflect on how this work progresses and that we learn from the experiences of children and families as we make every effort to improve our response to children with disabilities. NCSE CEO John Kearney commented: An NCSE co-ordinator is available to support the schools in their engagement with stakeholders and will also assist in the coordination of the pilot. The real-time information system used by Dublin Bus is set to be replaced within the next two to three years, according to its CEO. Billy Hann has confirmed the National Transport Authority (NTA) has hired a vendor to replace the current real-time information system. Contactless payments, allowing passengers to pay by card or with their phone through Apple Pay, are also expected to be implemented within the same timeframe as the new real-time system. In an interview with Newstalk, the Dublin Bus CEO also addressed the issue of buses disappearing from the real-time information system, which he said frustrates him, blaming it on older technology. The technology is over 15 years old, and the antennas on the buses arent as sensitive as they need to be, he said. The good news is that the NTA, who actually own the buses, has just awarded a contract to a vendor for the replacement of that system. That will be implemented over the next two to three years, which will improve the reliability of the Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI) system. He said the current real-time system, which is regularly checked by the NTA, has an accuracy rate of about 96pc. Dublin Bus also has plans to upgrade its current fleet, with the introduction of not only hybrid vehicles but also electric ones. By 2035, Dublin Bus hopes to achieve zero emissions with its vehicles. Over the course of 2023, Dublin Bus carried over 145 million passengers a 20pc increase from the previous year. In July, it was announced that the NTA had selected of a company named Indra to modernise the public transport payment system across bus, tram, and rail services. Indra will implement a next-generation ticketing system, allowing passengers to pay fares using their bank cards or mobile phones. This project, part of the larger BusConnects Programme, will initially focus on the Greater Dublin Area and is expected to reduce delays caused by cash transactions at bus stops. Dublins wider public transport system has witnessed record-breaking passenger numbers in 2023, with more than 308 million passenger journeys, according to the latest figures from the NTA. The National Transport Authority have been contacted for comment. A sombre atmosphere has descended on Ballyheigue following the tragic death of a young man in a single-vehicle road crash on Sunday morning. Former TD and local businessman John Brassil has said the community in Ballyheigue would love to know if theres anything they can do for the young mans family following the horrific incident, which occurred at about 7.20am at Keel in Ballyheigue. Gardai have also urged the public not to share videos and images from the scene on social media. No other injuries were reported from the scene, at which the vehicle entered the curtilage of a local property during the incident. A Garda forensic technical analysis began at the location and local roads were closed for a time but reopened on Sunday evening. The Kerryman understands that the deceased is aged in his 20s and is not local, but he and his family are regular visitors to Ballyheigue and were staying at a local caravan park. Amateur footage from the aftermath of the scene has circulated on social media. "An Garda Siochana is aware that images and videos from the scene of this road-traffic collision are in circulation on social media, a Press Office spokesperson told The Kerryman. Out of respect for those involved, we are requesting these images are not shared. Mr Brassil has described the dark atmosphere hanging over Ballyheigue since yesterday morning. Anything like that is horrendous, he said. Theres a sombre atmosphere around the community and will be for a while. The tragic loss of a young life is obviously something that will effect a community. We feel for the family and hope they find strength from somewhere to get through this. People would love to know if theres something they could do or if theres anything they can do. Moderator for Ballyheigue, Fr Gerard Finucane, has also expressed his shock at the tragedy. He was not in Ballyheigue yesterday due to an engagement elsewhere in the county, but he said anyone he has spoken to has expressed similar sentiments. There is shock and sadness, they would be the two emotions, he said. Gardai have asked for witnesses to come forward, and anyone who may have camera footage of the incident including dash-cam footage from between 6.30am and 7.30am is asked to make this available to the Garda investigation. You can contact Listowel Garda Station at (068) 50820, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. The Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD, on Monday morning officially opened the new Listowel Bypass which will divert 7,000 vehicles per day away from Listowel town centre and which will greatly enhance infrastructure and accessibility in north Kerry. The 62m N69 Listowel Bypass is a six-kilometre western and northern bypass of Listowel town centre and consists of approximately 3.6km of new road, 2.3km of on-line improvement of the existing network and 1.5km of new roundabouts and improvements at junctions. The Taoiseach was joined at the official opening by the Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, the Chief Executive of Transport Infrastructure Ireland and local landowners who facilitated the construction of the road. Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandan Fitzgerald described it a historic day for the county: "Traffic congestion in Listowel has long been identified as hampering transport and commercial activity. The bypass will divert some 250 heavy goods vehicles away from the town centre each day which will also greatly enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the town. Taoiseach Simon Harris added that: "This new road is a major boost for north Kerry in terms of transport, accessibility, commercial activity and tourism. It greatly improves movement across the region including along the busy N69 road between Listowel and Limerick. My government is committed to delivering projects such as this across the country with the support of local authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Chief Executive Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Peter Walsh spoke too and said: "The official opening of the N69 Listowel Bypass highlights the on-going improvements being made to the national road network in County Kerry by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kerry County Council. This project offers road safety benefits as well as improved regional accessibility. There is a quality-of-life improvement for the residents and businesses of Listowel with the reduction of unnecessary through traffic. Reducing unnecessary HGV traffic alone by nearly 50%, whilst supporting those HGV drivers that deliver goods and services throughout country by providing a section of national road built to a modern engineering standard. The designers of the scheme were Jacobs Engineering (Dublin) and the main contractor was Wills Brothers (Mayo). The project was overseen by the Kerry National Roads Office (Kerry County Council). Both the Taoiseach Simon Harris and his colleague, the Minister for Education Norma Foley have both heaped huge praise on the famous Rose of Tralee Festival which gets underway on Monday night with the first of two TV showings before the winner is announced on Tuesday. Every year, the debate rages about whether the long-running Rose festival is relevant in the modern day but this notion dismissed by both politicians who were speaking to reporters at the opening of the new Listowel bypass on Monday afternoon before the Taoiseach travelled to Tralee itself to meet the Roses and their Escorts. Im not sure theyd be looking for specific inspiration from me but certainly what Ill be doing is wishing each of them well. Ill be wishing the organisers of what has been an extraordinarily successful international festival all the best, said the Taoiseach. "This doesnt just bring the eyes of the country to Tralee but indeed the eyes of the world in many cases as well. I would also note that so many people who have participated in the Rose of Tralee have gone on to achieve so many incredible things in so many walks of life, including politics I might add. My good colleague Maria Walsh is one example that comes to mind, he continued. "In many ways, the Rose of Tralee has provided, in my view, a platform for many people to explore their skills and indeed to advance further. I know from an economic point of view how important the festival is to Tralee and to Kerry and to Ireland. I just want to wish all of them the very best," he added. These sentiments were echoed by Minister Foley, herself a Tralee native, who said that the annual contest is a celebration of all the amazing women that take part. "The women that are involved in the Rose, they are are most accomplished and brilliant of women. You have pharmacists, anthropologists, programme managers, dentists, teachers, students. It is just a wonderful, wonderful showcase of the talent and capability of women and the Rose of Tralee International Festival offers them that opportunity to showcase their talent, Minister Foley said. More than that, it showcases what these very brilliant women do in their community, how they give back to that community and how they support it in so many different ways. I think that it is of its time. It evolves every single year and it is a fantastic tribute to the capability and limitless potential of women, she added. New survey sheds light on Ukrainians living in the county. Results identifying everyday experiences and concerns of Ukrainians in Kerry are revealed in a survey conducted by the Community Integration Forum (CIF) and State, private, and voluntary groups. The survey, which was carried out in May 2024, was able to determine information on integration needs and provide demographic evidence as well as opinions from the Ukrainian community living here. A total of 784 people answered the online survey representing almost 10 percent of Ukrainians in the county. Among the key findings in the 23-page report is that accommodation and finding somewhere to live are the primary concerns for 57 percent of Ukrainians in Kerry. Their legal status in the future ranked second as a concern at 54 percent. Worries over finding a job was at 45 percent, as was learning English (40 percent). The fifth highest concern at 36 percent was the inability to travel home to see family, and that children were missing the connection to their fathers. Respondents were also asked to rate their satisfaction regarding access to GPs, financial assistance, language learning, childrens education, accommodation support, living conditions, psychological supports, and information on rights and benefits. Those at the top were financial supports (close to 400 respondents), childrens education (almost 300), and current living conditions (270) all received a very satisfied response. However, respondents were less satisfied with English language learning, psychological GPs/medical care supports, with support in finding accommodation (172) ranking highest in the very dissatisfied category. Questions on work and training revealed that close to 33 percent of Ukrainians are in employment. This is broken down as 14.4 percent in full-time work; 15.1 percent part-time and 3.3 percent are seasonally employed. There was 32.7 percent classified as unemployed; 8.8 percent were carers, while students accounted for 10.2 percent. In terms of integration and settling in, 69.9 percent strongly agreed they are made feel welcome in their communities. However, this is down by 10 percent from 2022 (79.3 percent) when asked the same question. Attending English classes (47.7 percent) is cited as the main help to Ukrainians when integrating here. Conversely, a lack of English is the biggest barrier to sourcing employment and attending college for Ukrainians. Regarding demographics, 75 percent of respondents are female, with the largest proportion of people aged between 36-45 years. 60 percent had children staying with them with a majority having one child only. Tralee, Killarney, and South Kerry have the highest concentration of Ukrainians. Almost 75 percent of whom have been living in Kerry for between 1 to 2 years, with only 7.7 percent living here for less than 6 months. Among the key findings from the survey is that a lack of English language skills is the main barrier to work, integration, and further training. One of the recommendations is that a review be carried out on the current delivery of classes throughout Kerry. It was recommended setting up conversational clubs in accommodation centres, and elsewhere, with volunteer teachers and expanding the delivery of intensive English classes. A programme whereby the Ukrainian community can learn more about local culture was proposed, while a system allowing families return home for reasons of family/marital relationships at least every 6 months was suggested. Developing a forum from within the Ukrainian community was recommended. This would see community leaders linking with the CIF to ensure their views and opinions remain at the centre of any future work undertaken. Alan Gilmartin pictured with his son. James after completing the Warriors Run on a previous occasion. A big-hearted Sligo man is planning to do the gruelling Warriors Run this Saturday twice to raise funds for charity. Alan Pal Gilmartin, (42), a native of Tracey Avenue, has enjoyed running for many years, but he has an extra special reason for finishing the iconic race on the double, as he tells The Sligo Champion. For, a diagnosois of MND in a close friend of Alans has prompted him to take on the challenge. Sadly two or threee months ago a friend of mine got diagnosed with MND and I just wanted to do something to raise awarness about the disease. I wanted to give something back to Motor Neuron Ireland who are helping my friend a lot with day to day living. I was just thinking that the Warriors Run was coming up and to do it once is a great achievement for anyone. So I was thinking about doing it twice and thankfully the committee have given me the go ahead. And I would say that I would be the first and last person to do it twice in the one day as it will probably bring its own complications on the day for them. That is the backrground to it and in fairness everyone has got behind it. He added: I will leave the village with everyone else at 2.30pm and do the run up the mountain, back down the mountain back along the Rathcarrick road and instead of me turning right back down to the village with the other runners, I will continue on and go around again, hopefully. Alan has been doing extra training for this very tough test and reigning Warriors champion Seamus Somers has laid out a training plan to help Alan achieve his goal. It has been six out of seven days of running this past while as I want to be prepared for a very tough experience. It has been hills, hills and more hills. It has been full on but it is really only something small in the grand scheme of things. It is only giving back a small bit so hopefully it will help. Unfortunately there is no cure yet for MND. Yes, but obviously there is research going on behind the scenes from week to week. Hopefully there will be a cure for it some day but it is a hard one to deal with. Alan and his wife Fiona are frequent runners and Alan has finished the Warriors Run around seven to eight times. But this is a different ball game and the body could tell me not to try and go for the second time. That could happen and it is all about getting it done. Alan has set up an I donate page and the response has been phenomenal. When I first set it up, I had a target of 3,000 but currently it is just over 11,000 as people have been so good. People have been great with all kinds of donations and it is all adding up.. The final push is this week and I would like to push it out to 15,000. People can donate at Pal Gilmartin I donate page. Alan is a very well known figure around Sligo having worked in EJs Menswear in Grattan Street for 17 years and now he is working in Cliifford Electrical in Carraroe. I suppose I do know a lot of people and hopefully this will help with the donations. Running is a big part of Alan and his familys life. It is good for your health and well being. My wife Fiona and I go running and we have two children and hopefully we are showing them good example by going out and runnng. It is great to be able to run and we will continue to run after the Warriors Run. Doing the run on the double is certainly a first for the event and it could be the last. I could fall on my face and I dont know how the second run is going to go. The training has been done already and it is a big ask to go up the mountain twice. But hopefully the people who will be there on the day will be encouraging me on and that would be a great lift. That would help me get through it but my frined who has MND is going through a lot worse at present. He is very young and we are in contact every second day and life is a struggle for him. This is only a small thing I am doing. News North Sligo farmer charged with causing suffering to donkeys and a cow A North Sligo farmer has been charged with twelve offences of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and failure to comply with regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, at Sligo District Court last Tuesday. Five people from north Wexford will complete a skydive to raise vital funds for Advocates for Autism, the charity they couldnt put on a bigger pedestal. The 10,000 foot jump will take place on September 1 at the Irish Parachute Club in Clonbullogue Airfield in Offaly. Stephen Coffey along with Vinny Dixon, Laura Kearns, Ian Sullivan and Kieran Byrne decided to do this skydive as they have family members in the Advocates for Autism and wanted to do this make a difference for the group that has had such a positive impact. "I couldnt praise them enough, its absolutely massive for the kids. The reason were doing this jump is the kids go through stress, fear, anger, anxiety every day, so we can do it for a few hours while doing the jump, said Stephen. Advocates for Autism is a registered charity which was set up in 2011 by a group of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The group is based in Gorey and offers support to families in the north Wexford area but families also travel from Wicklow and Carlow to attend. Their main objective is to help their children develop and progress. "I couldnt put them on a bigger pedestal that they are, theyre absolutely fantastic, the group itself, the board, everyone. Its a massive help for the kids with socialising, they can be themselves without being judged. It can be quite hard to go places with kids on the Autism spectrum when kids have a meltdown, people stare, said Stephen. Stephens son Scott is 4 years old and has been apart of the group for the last year and a half. "Everything is for the kids, we raised money for subsidised days out. Its not only for kids on the spectrum, its for their siblings too. We went to Dublin Zoo and our two year and 17 year old kids came too. Its for the whole family so nobody gets left out, its absolutely fantastic, said Stephen. Theyre hoping to raise as much money as possible and all of the funds will go directly towards Advocates for Austism. For more information or to donate to the GoFuneMe page, visit their website. Nicholas Dunne, CEO of Killowen Farm, with some of his herd of cows on the Killowen farm near Courtnacuddy, Enniscorthy. Killowen Farm is one of eight Wexford companies that have been awarded Bord Bia's Origin Green Gold Membership. Photo: Frank McGrath The finalists for Blas na hEireann, The Irish Food Awards, 2024 have been announced with 17 Wexford companies among those shortlisted. The finalists, which will find out their fate during the three-day event in Dingle from Thursday, October 3 to Saturday, October 5, are Bramble Cottage Kitchen, Elderberry Farm, Furlongs food hall, Irish Country Meats, Isle of Crackers ltd, Kellys Bakery, Killiane Castle Honey, Killowen Farm, Naturally Cordial Ltd, Pettitt's Supervalu, Regan organic produce, Ryans Bakery Wexford Ltd, Well Preserved Limited, Wexford Home Preserves, Wexford Sea Salt, Zaeire Artisan Chocolates and Zanna Cookhouse ltd. Speaking as the finalists were announced, Blas na hEireann Chairperson, Artie Clifford said: I started the awards after 30 years in the food industry, and I knew there was a need to celebrate the amazing food and drink being produced on the island of Ireland. 17 years later, it continues to delight me the number of new producers entering each year along with so many familiar faces returning year on year. "We are an island of phenomenal producers and should be very proud of that, being able to showcase the very best of the best in Dingle each year is a real privilege for the whole Blas team. This years Blas na hEireann awards in Dingle will see the return of Eat Ireland in a Day market and the Blas Village where the 2024 finalists will get the opportunity to showcase their products, engage with customers and meet key industry buyers. This year's focus will be on sustainability with a commitment to encourage zero-waste throughout the three days of the awards in line with the Dingle Food Festival ethos. One new element at Blas will be the removal of any single use cups and the introduction of the first electric van delivering food and drink to the awards from across the country. These new initiatives are supported by Bank of Ireland in partnership with Blas. "With over 3,000 products entered in this years Blas na hEireann, making it as a finalist is a huge achievement and one to be very proud of, continued Artie. The competition ramps up year on year, meaning those producers who are shortlisted as finalists really are the creme de la creme of Irish food and drink. "For finalist producers it is not just their exceptional food and drink which will be celebrated in Dingle but the people themselves, the passionate producers who make the very best of Irish will be recognised and rewarded making Blas na hEireann 2024 a food event not to be missed. An Bord Pleanala have given Lidl Ireland GmbH the green light for a second store in Wexford town. (stock image) Two years after they first lodged a planning application in relation to the site, Lidl Ireland have finally been granted planning permission to construct a new Wexford store in Kerlogue by An Bord Pleanala. The German supermarket chain first submitted a planning application in relation to the site at Rocksborough, off the Rosslare Road, back in August of 2022. This application was rejected and the company returned again with an amended planning application in May of last year which met with the approval of Wexford County Council planners. This decision, however, was appealed to An Board Pleanala by Mr David Bowe, owner of the nearby Rocklands Service Station, who objected to both applications arguing that the proposed site is not within walking distance of the retail core of Wexford town and therefore constitutes an out of town location as defined by the retail planning guidelines. "The proposed development will have an unacceptable impact on existing retailers located in Wexford town centre and the vitality and viability of same, he maintained. The site of the proposed Lidl supermarket at Rocksborough on the Rosslare Road. However, these appeals fell on deaf ears with An Bord Pleanala who, following lengthy deliberation, opted to grant permission subject to conditions, such as the access road and connections to adjoining lands to the west being completed prior to the store opening. Details of the finished colours, textures and external finishes are also to be agreed in writing with the planning authority prior to commencement, and no advertising structure other than those shown in drawings are to be used unless granted further permission. Lidl Ireland must also employ an archaeologist to monitor all site clearance works and no deliveries will be allowed to take place at the site between the hours of 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. The store, which will be Lidls second in Wexford town, will be a single story development, measuring 2,209sqm in floor space, with a retail sales area of 1,420sqm. The planning application states that the access road, off the Rosslare Road, will facilitate the future development of adjoining lands and there will also be pedestrian access from the main road with a significant car park, complete with electric car charging facilities, associated signage, trolley bays and cycle parking. In the early days of the term "celebrity chef, Ainsley Harriott earned a special place in the hearts of daytime TV watchers across the UK and Ireland. His beaming smile and bubbly demeanour on shows like Ready, Steady, Cook and Can't Cook Wont Cook proved a hit with massive audiences. Well, the staff at the popular 10 West Bistro in Wexford can testify that Harriott is the same fun and friendly character off-screen after he dropped by for dinner while the town was busy hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. "He was out for dinner for a friends 60th birthday, reveals restaurant owner Paul Cullen. "It was pretty much ad-hoc. We hadnt much idea in advance he was coming or anything like that. Ainsley was just a really nice guy. Hes the same funny, bubbly, eccentric guy that you see on TV. Having enjoyed his meal, the TV chef was more than happy to meet with the kitchen staff and pose for a quick photo. "He went in to meet the chefs and had a chat with them and had no problem getting in for a photo or anything like that, Paul says. Myself and Adrian (Kehoe chef) are of a similar vintage and we grew up watching him on Ready, Steady, Cook. They say you should never meet your heroes, but that didnt apply here. He was absolutely lovely. Cooking for a renowned and instantly recognisable chef seemed to be a challenge the 10 West crew were more than up for. "They were more excited than fearful, Paul says. Theyd always be looking out the hatch to see peoples first impressions of the food when its placed in front of them, so I suppose there was a little more of that. They were excited to see what he thought. The review seemed to be a glowing one in any case, as Harriott insisted on all of the kitchen staff coming out for the photo, before obliging other patrons by getting in for a few selfies. The chef wasnt the only famous face that Paul and his team dealt with over the course of the Fleadh either. At La Vista, they hosted the launch of Michael Flatleys new whiskey, while the Riverdance legend also took time to visit them at their Mexican restaurant CDMX. Riverdance legend Michael Flatley pictured with staff at CDMX Mexican Restaurant in Wexford during Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. "It was quite something at the whiskey launch in particular, Paul says. There are so many people there and everyone is pulling and dragging out of him to get a selfie and a chat, but he takes it all in his stride. "He was lovely and you can see that he is as big of a modern-day Irish ambassador as you will find. I mean, Riverdance is known all over the world. He lives for playing that role and he was kind enough to sign a bottle of his whiskey for us and wish us all the best for the future. The Delgany & District Horticultural Society Dahlia Show takes place again this year on Saturday, August 24 in St Patricks National School, Church Road, Greystones, from 3 pm to 5 pm. All visitors are most welcome to come along and see a wide range of plants and flowers that will be in full bloom and radiant on the day. Its a wonderful way to spend a summer Saturday afternoon. There will be the usual modest entry fee of just 5 on the door, to include tea/coffee and biscuits. Movie at Mermaid Based on the true story of how a six-year-old Jewish boy, Edgardo Mortara, was taken by the Catholic Church following claims that he was baptized by the familys maid as a baby. Palme dOr-winning director Marco Bellocchio creates a gripping portrait of a small Jewish community in turmoil, at the mercy of a hostile and all-powerful theocracy. Monday August 27, 8pm. Signal Exhibition Marking Time is a new collection of limited edition Screen prints created by Wicklow based artist Stephanie Sloan over the past year. Inspired by natural forms and landscapes, Sloan creates vibrant screen prints with a strong graphic style. Sloan has a background in design and has combined her practice of commercial illustration with exhibiting artworks handprinted at both Blackchurch Print Studio, Dublin, and her print studio in Arklow. Runs from Monday, Aug 19 to Sunday, September 1. Plaza Market There are just two more market days left at Greystones Harbour Plaza, which takes place on Sundays through the rest of August. So if you havent yet been, the clock is ticking. The Plaza Market is an initiative of Greystones Tidy Towns with the very generous support of SISPAR. Huge variety of stalls and food markets with wonderful arts and crafts. Summer Chess Free chess continues in Burnaby Park each Saturday for the remainder of August, from 10am 12pm. Cllr Stephen Stokes is on hand and beginners and families are welcome to attend. There is a learn the rules seminar from 10am to 10.30am, each Saturday. Seating is limited. Anyone with a folding chair is encouraged to bring their own. All chess pieces will be supplied. Bray Library meetings The Junior Book Club (ages 9 to 11) is now accepting new members. It meets on the second Monday of each month at 3.15pm, you can email: braylibrary@wicklowcoco.ie or ask at the library desk to book a place. Doodle Time for 9-12 year olds takes place every Thursday from 3pm to 4pm. Bray Library Knitting and Crochet will meet on Wednesdays between 3pm and 4pm until Wednesday September 25, no need to book. And for those sleuths, Bray Library Crime Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Ballywaltrim Library Storytime for All takes place on Saturday mornings in the library at 11,30am and at 11.30am and on Tuesdays in July and August no booking is required to attend. Tummy Time for Babies takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10.30am to 12pm when babies can play beneath the Magic Tables Projections. All are welcome no booking is required. Adult Scrabble takes place every Monday from 3pm to 4.30pm. Dementia Support Wicklow Dementia Support is seeking volunteers to become a friend to someone with dementia. The organisation is also looking for volunteers who could attend a new group in the Villa Pacis Centre (Queen of Peace), Bray, each Wednesday morning between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Complete free training and ongoing mentoring provided. Contact: info@wicklowdementiasupport.org or call Kate on 0851345128. Harbour Comedy The free Hardy Har Comedy Club continues on Thursday, August 22 with Emman Idama, Fiona Frawley and Anna Clifford, plus your regular MC Adam Burke. Kick-off is 9pm. Badminton Club The Bray Greystones Badminton Club is back up and running, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night at 8pm and then Sundays at 4pm over in the Newtown Community Centre. You can join in the fun by calling Mary Ann on 0894132070. Language Lessons Greystones Library has four weekly conversation groups Irish on Fridays 10am, German on Saturdays 10am, and French on Mondays 10.30am and Thursdays at 11am, plus a first Tuesday Spanish gathering (from 6.30pm to 8pm). Phone 012873548 to book a spot. Cancer Support Greystones and District Cancer Support provide various support services to those affected by cancer and their families in Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle and Newtownmountkennedy. They offer a wide range of professional support services, classes and therapies. Contact the office at 01 287 1601, email info@greystonescancersupport.com or visit greystonescancersupport.com. Bray Cloud 9 Unity in the community is the motto of the Bray Cloud 9 team, who run the furniture and bric-a-brac store on Quinnsborough Road, to support local causes. Drop in and have a browse. Garda clinic The community policing clinic is held every Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Kilcoole Community Centre. The clinic is there for members of the public to drop in and for crime prevention advice, to get help with forms, such as passports stamped and driving licences, as well as other Garda services that can be attended to. Feel free to drop in and no appointment is needed. Poetry in the Park Poetry in the Park takes place on the first Sunday of every month, at 12pm on the bandstand in the Peoples Park. Scrabble Greystones Library has started a Scrabble club which meets every Friday afternoon from 2-4 pm. Please ring the library on 01 2873548 if you wish to join. Mens Sheds Bray Mens Shed is now full. Greystones Mens Shed meets on Mondays at 77 Rathdown Park, from 7.30 p.m. Contact Jim Rice at 089 254 0586 for queries. Purple House Purple House Cancer Support provides a range of professional support services to people of all ages. It has a wide range of classes and programmes available both in person and remotely through its Purple House at Home Service. For details, contact Purple House by email at info@purplehouse.ie or you can visit purplehouse.ie. Youth Cafe Greystones Youth Cafe, at Collnagreina, offers teenagers some time to pop in, mix and chat every Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm and every Friday from 7pm to 9pm, plus Mondays, 7pm to 9pm, for fourth to sixth years. Sanctuary Runners The Bray Sanctuary Runners Walk and Talk group meets at 7pm at Queen of Peace Church car park, Putland Road, Bray, on the last Thursday of the month. If a run is more your thing, the group meets at The Esplanade Hotel, Saturdays at 11.30am. Parkinsons Support Theres a Parkinsons Support Group meeting every first and third Friday of the month at the Holy Rosary Church from 3pm to 5pm, with everyone welcome to drop in for a coffee and a chat. Theres also Musical Memories every Friday at St Patricks Church from 11.30am to 12.45pm. Delgany ICA The Delgany Guild ICA have their monthly meeting at 8pm every first Thursday in the Kilian House Family Centre, drama on Mondays from 2pm to 4pm, crafts on Wednesdays from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and a book club every last Thursday at 10.45am. Lakers volunteers Lakers supports adults and children with intellectual disabilities and runs over 60 activities a week for its 400 members. Open six days a week. If you would like to volunteer, call 01 2022694 or email info@lakers.ie. Bridge clubs Cuala Bridge Club, Dargle Bridge Club and East Coast Bridge Club all play in The Open Door Daycare Centre on Vevay Road. Bray. The contacts are: Wednesday Dargle BC, Michael at 087 9480151, Thursday East Coast BC, Phil at 087 2718505 or Friday Cuala BC, Noel Fortune on 086-3083593. Wicklow-based vibrational and abstract artist, Niamh Cooke, will showcase up to 50 oil paintings at her solo exhibition at the Knockrose Garden in Enniskerry, with her return to the canvas in her advancing years an attempt to express her unconscious self with colour, shape and flow. Niamh lives in Greystones, and draws her inspiration from personal experiences, the environment, and cultures around the world. Some 24 years ago, Niamh set out to take on what she was teaching, to go with what gives joy and satisfaction. Throwing herself into painting, she began to express feelings and emotions with colour, shape and flow. Many teachers and groups followed as she moved along this path. Niamh also found a teacher in stained glass during this period. Thus grew her new love for its structure and detail, and of this new way of working. The colours, textures, and the way the light comes through the glass inspired her. She worked with glass for four or five years but as the body aged,, she said, it was reluctantly retired. It was working with amazing people that brought me to inspirational vibration painting. The path from physiotherapy to counselling, through to healing therapy, all flowed into this space, she explained. On returning to painting in oils two years ago, after a fallow period of creativity, I found a flow to my painting that is very different from what it was before. Quite abstract but much more from the unconscious element of myself. Drawing in the vibrational aspects of feelings and colour to flow to the canvas. What will be observed is different to each person as the painting will vibrate at a different frequency and so it will intrigue, give joy, puzzle and work on many different levels. "It only remains for me to say enjoy and go with the flow. A proud octogenarian and mother to seven grown children, in Ireland and abroad, and grandmother to 13, Niamh hopes her work will intrigue and provide a daily moment of healing, peace and joy. In addition, part of the proceeds from the sale of her work from this exhibition will go to Merchants Quay Ireland. Niamh Cookes exhibition runs from Friday, August 23 until Sunday, September 1, from 11am until 5pm daily. Over 6 million has been paid to Wicklow businesses under the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme. Minister of State for Trade Promotion Dara Calleary TD, has confirmed that payments under the Government grant scheme reached more than 200 million nationwide to some 81,000 small and medium sized businesses (SMEs). The ICOB grant was designed to help SMEs with the increased costs associated with running a business and was administered by the local authorities on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Senator Pat Casey said: Im delighted that nationwide payments under the Increased Cost of Business Scheme have passed the 200 million mark. These funds are directly helping small and medium sized businesses across the country deal with day-to-day expenses. Its a practical and targeted Government support. In Wicklow, a total of 6.45 million worth of payments were issued to businesses in the county. Some 2,275 businesses received over over 4 million in the first tranche of payments and 1,123 businesses received over 2.4 million in the second round of payments. Thats a significant sum of money going directly to local businesses to assist them with ongoing challenges. Nationwide some 71,672 small and medium sized businesses have received their first payments, totalling 148 million, under the scheme. A further 58 million in second payments have been made, bringing the total to 205 million to date. A total of 257 million is available under the scheme and further payments continue be made on a daily basis. Wicklow County Council was the subject of 105 public liability claims last year compared to 89 made in 2022. Wicklow County Council paid out over 1.2 million in compensation for public liability claims last year, which was significantly more than the cost of claims settled in 2022. A total of 105 claims were made in 2023, resulting in a pay out cost of 1,264,572, compared to 65 settled claims (out of 89 claims made) in 2022 at a total cost of 845,585, resulting in a 49.6pc year-on-year increase in the cost of claims. The data comes as figures released by the Irish Independent show the number of claims settled by local authorities last year was 3,542 compared to 2,693 in the previous year, a 31.7pc increase. Wicklow had the 12th highest claims cost last year out of all local authorities that responded, and the majority of the claims local authorities are dealing with are believed to have been made due to slips, trips and falls. The highest cost of claims were in Dublin at over 19 million. Wexford paid out 790,265 for 55 claims and Kildare paid out 713,238 for 39 claims, while 290 claims were made in Co Meath, at a cost of 533,545. Figures released in April of this year revealed that Wicklow County Council paid out a total of 11,860,237. in liability claims across the 10 years from 2014, with over 900 claims made. The Government anticipates the number of claims and the value of pay outs will begin to fall in the coming years. The Department of Finance said changes to duty of care legislation which put greater responsibility on members of the public for their own actions will hopefully reduce claims for minor trips, slips and falls. Wicklow County Council had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication. Matt Willis has said his wife was devastated over his marriage proposal (Ian West/PA) Busted singer and bassist Matt Willis has said his TV star wife Emma Willis was devastated by his embarrassing wedding proposal. Speaking on the Newlyweds podcast, Matt, 41, said he had taken Emma to Venice in Italy, for her birthday, to propose. He had planned to ask her out in a restaurant, but after hearing English Busted fans on another table, he ended up asking her to marry him on the Rialto Bridge, which he had never heard of. Matt Willis proposed to Emma on Venices Rialto Bridge (John Walton/PA) Former Big Brother presenter Emma, 48, said there were loads of people around when her husband proposed, which she said she found mortifying. The Busted star said of his proposal: When I proposed, she was devastated, deadly embarrassed, so embarrassed. I took her away to Venice for a birthday, I had organised this restaurant, which is really nice, and I was going to propose at the table in front of everyone. Its in Venice, no-one will be English. (We) sit down and theres a table full of English people there. I hear someone singing a Busted song at one point, and Im like this is going to go terribly wrong. I was like right this isnt going to work, so what do I do now? So then we had to walk around Venice trying to find somewhere to propose, and thats not my vibe. I dont know where Im going. Emma, who presents Love Is Blind UK alongside her husband, added: We had dinner and he was really weird, he suddenly turned before we even went to dinner, he didnt really talk to me, he was a bit twitchy. And I was like, this is really f***** up, if hes bought me here to finish with me, do you know what I mean? And I thought its either that, which hes not that kind of person, so please god no, or hes going to f***** propose. So I was trying to be an investigator, and I was trying to hold his hand, and rubbing his legs, (to see) if I could feel anything in his pocket, but he used to have a asthma inhaler. And I was like, I think thats his asthma, and then he was like, lets go for a walk down here. Im walking around getting lost in Venice, Im like what are we doing? And then we literally stumble across the Rialto Bridge, Matts never heard of it, didnt know anything. So we walked to the top of it, and he just got all serious, and Im like what are you doing? (He) whipped out this box and he started to drop, and I just grabbed him around the neck. I went, dont you f****** dare. I think I said, go down there, because theres loads of people around and theyre all going to look at us and oh my god how embarrassing. But not like dont propose, just how mortifyingly embarrassing, and then he opened the box, and the ring had flopped out of the little holder. I think if youre not stereotypically romantic staring into each others I mean, he stares at me all the time, and Im like what the f*** are you looking at? That was our proposal. In the podcast, Emma also says she was not a fan of her husbands band when the pair met, but said his songs had now become an integral part of the beginning of our relationship. She said she is now the biggest Busted fan due to the great memories their songs have brought her. The latest edition of the podcast hosted by realty star Jamie Laing and his wife Sophie Habboo, featuring the full interview with Emma and Matt Willis is out on August 19. Strictly Come Dancings Vito Coppola has said stars of the show support each other like a big family amid the controversy over allegations about the treatment of a number of contestants. The BBC One programme is returning to screens this autumn following the claims, which led to the corporation conducting an investigation, which has not yet been published. Coppola, 31, who won the competition last year alongside his celebrity dance partner Ellie Leach, was asked by BBC News whether he was shocked by the claims. Honestly, we are like a big family. And like a big family we support each other, he said. Winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola (Guy Levy/BBC/PA) We are like brother, and sister and cousin. He added: This year is going to be a beautiful year because its the 20th anniversary of Strictly, and every year I say, Oh, this is the best year, and after the next year there is something even better, some people dont believe me. He continued: This year we are preparing magical and beautiful numbers with the pros. Speaking about the training, he added: Thats my favourite part, teaching. Because when you teach you give a part of your knowledge, a part of your experience. Ill tell you something, when I teach I feel even happier than when sometimes I do a performance. Because, when you see your students performing and doing beautiful and incredible (things), sometimes I get almost emotional because you give all yourself in that little step in that routine. Coppola added that he teaches in a way where he adapts himself to his student. Actress Amanda Abbington was the first to allege inappropriate behaviour and claimed in an interview with ITVs Lorraine that she was subject to a toxic environment while on Strictly alongside professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. Irish TV presenter Laura Whitmore has also alleged that she was subjected to inappropriate behaviour during her stint on Strictly in 2016 alongside Pernice. Italian dancer Pernice has always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. In July, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima revealed his exit from the show following allegations about his treatment of his 2023 celebrity dance partner, former Love Island star Zara McDermott. This years Strictly celebrities include Olympian Tom Dean, JLS member JB Gill, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and reality TV star Pete Wicks. As well as Strictly, Coppola is starring in this years Celebrity MasterChef, which sees judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace putting 20 celebrities through their paces as they embark on six weeks of cooking challenges to be crowned the champion. China accuses the Philippines of purposely crashing ship into vessel The Philippine side is entirely responsible for the collision, spokesman Gan Yu of China said A Philippine coast guard vessel and a Chinese coast guard vessel sail next to each other during an incident, in this screen grab obtained obtained from a handout video released August 19, 2024. China Coast Guard via Weibo/Handout via REUTERS Liz Lee in Beijing and Karen Lema in Manila Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 07:51 The Philippines and China accused each other on Monday of ramming vessels and performing dangerous manoeuvres in the South China Sea, the latest flare-up after the two nations had agreed to try to ease tensions and manage disagreements at sea. A Ukrainian serviceman patrols an area controlled by the Ukrainian army in the town of Sudzha, Kursk region, Russia on Friday. File photo Reuters Russia on Sunday denied a report that Ukraines attack on the Kursk region had derailed indirect talks with Kyiv on halting strikes on energy and power targets, saying there had been no talks with Kyiv about civilian infrastructure facilities. A soldier of Ukraine's 22nd Separate Mechanised Brigade covers up a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft cannon near the Russian border. Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Peter More than 121,000 people have been evacuated from nine border districts to the Kursk region as Ukraine pushes deeper into Russia two weeks into its incursion. Ukrainians hit second key bridge amid lightning attack incursions on Russian soil Moscow ratchets up ballistic missile attacks, with new strikes on Kyiv A soldier of the 41st Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces taking part in an exercise in an undisclosed location in Ukraine at the weekend. Photo: Reuters AP reporters Mon 19 Aug 2024 at 03:30 Ukraine has destroyed a key bridge in Russias Kursk region and struck a second one nearby, less than two weeks into its stunning crossborder incursion, disrupting Russian supply routes and possibly signalling that its troops are planning to dig in. Postman who hid more than 4,000 parcels and letters in loft said he had too many bags to deliver LATEST | We will evaluate it when it comes closer Tanaiste responds to soldiers concerns they may not be able to come home at end of Lebanon tour Image credit: Facebook/Cognizant New Delhi/IBNS: After facing social media backlash over the Rs 2.52 lakh annual salary offers for freshers, American IT services major Cognizant on Sunday (August 18) clarified it offers Rs 4-12 lakh salary to fresh engineering graduates, and the package being quoted on social media is for non-engineering undergraduate holders. Cognizant said the social media row surrounding the CTC (cost to company) for freshers was far from the truth and grossly misrepresented the firm. The tech giant also faced social media backlash for doling out annual salary hikes of as low as 1 percent, but what is being quoted is the lower band of the 1-5 percent annual increments that the company has dished out based on individual performance, as per reports. Cognizant, which annually hires fresh engineers and non-engineering/IT graduates for varied roles, said with the two recruitments running almost parallel, hiring for three-year non-engineering/information technology undergraduate degree holders picked up and was widely shared as Cognizant's salary package for freshers. Clarifying the freshers' salary issue, Cognizant Americas' EVP and President, Surya Gummadi, said, "Our recent job posting for talent from non-engineering backgrounds, with a three-year undergraduate degree has been grossly misrepresented. This job posting, with compensation of Rs 2.52 lakhs annually, was only for candidates with a three-year undergraduate degree and not for engineering graduates." "Our annual compensation for fresh engineering graduates ranges from Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs annually, depending on the category of hiring, skill set, and advanced industry accredited certifications," Gummadi added. The firm hires non-engineering undergraduate degree holders for administrative and other roles and invests substantial time and money in upgrading their skills and IT training, after which they get absorbed in various roles, according to top officials of the company. "The compensation we offer for engineering graduates is highly competitive within the IT services peer group," Surya Gummadi said. Noting that Cognizant's salary package for engineering graduates matches the best in the industry, and at some levels, it is even higher than peers, Gummadi said, "We have been recruiting and upskilling freshers from engineering institutions as well as colleges offering degrees in science, arts, and commerce. Today, as AI increasingly powers modern businesses, we are creating new pathways for talent to thrive in India's technology industry." "When we hire for entry-level roles, we invest approximately Rs 2 to 3 lakhs per associate in the initial years to train, mentor and upskill in advanced technologies. This is for both engineering and non-engineering associates," he added. "Hundreds of our associates, who joined us with a 3-year undergraduate degree, today hold key positions from manager to assistant vice president across the company." Commenting on the annual increments issue, the American IT firm said it works diligently to be competitive in its compensation strategy. "The merit increases for this cycle are tied to both individual performance and macro industry dynamics. This year, we are one of the few IT companies in India that have delivered increments and bonuses for employees. This recent pay hike is the 4th that most Cognizant's associates have received in the past three years. Moreover, these hikes are just one component of the comprehensive total rewards," the company said. Noting that Cognizant is a people-first company, Gummadi said, "India is the heart of Cognizant and its largest talent hub - with over 70 percent of its over 3,36,000 global workforce - based in major metros and Tier-2 cities, across the country." "We continuously invest in training and upskilling our associates in advanced digital technologies, sponsor higher education and leadership development programmes with top institutions so that our people are empowered to be at the forefront of innovation, learn the latest technologies, work with global clients and accelerate their career growth," Gummadi -- who joined the firm as a fresher two-and-half-decades back and rose through ranks to now head geography, which forms three-fourths of Cognizant's revenues -- said. . Noting that Cognizant has been recruiting and upskilling freshers from engineering institutions as well as colleges offering degrees in science, arts, and commerce, he said, "Today, as AI increasingly powers modern businesses, we are creating new pathways for talent to thrive in India's technology industry." Photo Courtesy: NIAID New Delhi/IBNS: The Centre has directed authorities at airports, ports, and land borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert about incoming international passengers who show symptoms of monkeypox (mpox) amid the widespread outbreak of the virus globally, media reports said. Three state-run hospitals- Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital- have been selected as the key facilities in Delhi to quarantine, manage and treat mpox patients. The Centre has asked all states to keep hospitals ready to handle mpox cases. These hospitals should be designated as nodal centres and the information given to the public, media reports said. PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chaired a meeting on Sunday to review the country's preparedness for mpox amid enhanced surveillance for prompt detection. Officials said no mpox case has been reported from the country at present. According to the assessment, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low, they said. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern in view of its prevalence and spread across many parts of Africa. The Health Ministry has ordered officials to ensure the network of testing laboratories is ready for early diagnosis of the disease. At present, 32 laboratories in the country are equipped for testing mpox. An earlier statement from WHO said 99,176 cases and 208 deaths have been reported due to mpox from 116 countries since 2022. Mpox cases have been steadily increasing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Last year, the number of reported cases around the world increased significantly. This year, the number of cases reported so far has already exceeded last year's total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths. Since 2022, at least 30 mpox cases have been reported from India. The last case of mpox was detected in March this year. PM Modi's remarks at 3rd Voice of Global South Summit via video conferencing on August 17, 2024. Aspirations of the Global South are challenged by growing uncertainties in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his opening remarks at the third Voice of the Global South Summit has minced no words to stand strongly in solidarity with the Global South to amplify their Voice as inequalities grow and ravaging wars spread. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still being felt across the Global South with worsening realities of climate change challenges. As is well acknowledged, India played a critical role in initiating the process of the Voice of Global South Summit with leaders of the Global South during Indian G20 presidency in 2023 with two editions of the Summit being held in 2023 and the third commenced today with the opening remarks of the Prime Minister. Between 2023 and 2024 the world has slid further behind when it comes to global turmoil, geopolitical conflicts and regional instabilities. Global South, which was emerging as the key driver of the world economy, is again in the throes of deeper development deprivations bearing unequal burden of climate change challenges, health and food insecurities and inadequate means to undertake meaningful measures towards sustainable transitions. Therefore the third convening of the Summit deserves all praise given its timing and the success in terms of aligning all leaders of the Global South on a single platform with significant presence of our neighbours in South Asia and Indian Ocean and key stakeholders from the Africa and the Pacific Island countries with whom India shares a special bond. As reiterated by the PM, India made hopes, aspirations and priorities of the Global South the template for its G20 Presidency last year starting with permanent membership of the African Union to generating greater global momentum on inclusive development, reforms of global financial architecture, MDB reforms and accelerating the SDGs based on Indias own experience of digital public infrastructure, women led development and Mission LiFE. (What is Global South: According to UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Global South broadly comprises Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia (excluding Israel, Japan, and South Korea), and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand). Most of the Global South's countries are commonly identified as having lower incomes, high levels of poverty, high population growth rates, inadequate housing, limited educational opportunities, and deficient health systems, among other issues. Additionally, these countries' cities are characterized by their poor infrastructure.) Today, PM announced financial commitments by India towards new initiatives on trade promotion (2.5 million USD) and capacity building on trade policy (1 million USD) in the Global South and reaffirmed the social impact fund for DPI implementation in the Global South (25 million USD). We may recall that the G20 2023 Action Plan on Accelerating Progress on the SDGs and the High-Level Principles on Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE) agreed during the Indian G20 Presidency are comprehensive and complementary frameworks that incorporate all policy levers on global cooperation that are in favour of the Global South. These address intertwined issues of development and sustainability and would support development programmes, flow of resources, capacity building and knowledge sharing in the Global South. The 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit aspires to chart a unique paradigm for Global South with priorities for one health, youth engagement, trade for development, digital public infrastructure, people-centric approach to finance, sustainable energy solutions, human resource development and climate change from the perspective of the Global South. Before the G20 Leaders meet in Rio, Brazil in November, world leaders are also expected to join the Summit of the Future on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September in New York. These are important occasions where key decisions would be made. The Summit of the Future has identified several conventional and unconventional future threats that might affect humanity as an outcome of complex interrelated crises and calls for systemic preparedness. In his opening and closing remarks today Prime Minister time and again called for making Global South a top priority in the Pact for the Future. This entails, in his words launching a major Global Development Compact (a theoretical construct of South-South cooperation instead of North-South with conditionalities of the recipient country) which would be a transformative approach to partnership that would also bind the Global South in their efforts to support each other primarily in leveraging trade for development, project specific concessional finance, grants, capacity building for sustainable growth, and technology sharing is a harmonious manner. Hence the power and potential of development compact should adequately drive the Pact of the Future towards greater horizontality in partnership and fuller recognition of development needs in the Global South. This would unleash new processes where global takes care of the local, and create spaces for unorthodox approaches enabling sustainable and equitable development that starts with access to means of implementation and new design for sustainable development that is based on traditional knowledge, sustainable lifestyles and societal learnings of the Global South. Indias leadership and commitments towards the Global South has been a consistent feature of its foreign policy in recent years with efforts towards creating global public goods. This has even surpassed the glamour and visibility of high volume engagements with the Global North where space for strategic and economic gains have remained constrained in the face of unwarranted escalations in conflicts and hopeless attempts to cling on to the status-quo which is not aligned with the aspirations of the Global South. This frustration unites the Global South as they are at the receiving end and crucial time for collective development is lost in conveying the genuine concerns of the Global South to which key global institutions have also remained unresponsive and polarised. The UN as a true multilateral forum must not let Summit of the Future go the same direction and allow the voice of the Global South reverberate leading to an effective Pact of the Future solidly based on principles and priorities of development compact as articulated by the Prime Minister. (Dr. Sabyasachi Saha is Associate Professor at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi. He specialises in innovation economics, trade and technology, international trade, technology and development policy.) Photo Courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS The Rotary International District 3291 has condemned the rape and murder of a PG trainee doctor in Kolkata's state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and called for zero tolerance against any form of abuse or violence against medical practitioners. The organisation demanded immediate, swift, and decisive action against those responsible for the crime which triggered massive protests across the country. In the statement signed by Dr. Krishnendu Gupta, the current District Governor (2024-2025), Dr. Ramendu Homchaudhuri, the District Governor for 2025-2026, and Tapas Bhattacharya, the District Governor for 2026-2027, the organisation sought a Central Law specifically addressing 'Violence against Doctors' with provisions to ensure a safe workplace for healthcare providers. The statement expressed solidarity with doctors and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) during these challenging times. "It also urges all members of RID 3291 to support the cause against violence towards doctors," the statement said. The statement calls for a broader social change to reduce conflict, violence, and crime, and to protect healthcare professionals, who are seen as protectors during times of distress and disease. Taking suo moto cognizance of the rape and murder of a PG trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Supreme Court on Sunday announced it would take up the matter on August 20. The incident has triggered a massive protest across India with people demanding justice for the victim. Kolkata, the epicentre of the protest, witnessed multiple demonstrations over the weekend. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra have decided to hear the case. Photo courtesy: Siddaramaiah Facebook page Bengaluru/IBNS: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has moved the High Court challenging Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's approval to prosecute him in connection with the alleged irregularities in the land allocation by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The Governor has sanctioned the prosecution of Siddaramaiah, a senior Congress leader. The petitions were filed by three activists, Pradeep Kumar, TJ Abraham and Snehamayi Krishna. A letter from the Governor's secretariat to the activists is quoted by NDTV, "As directed by the Governor, I am enclosing herewith the copy of the decision of the Competent Authority on the request of sanction for prosecution against the Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, under Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 218 of the BharatiyaNagarika Suraksha Samhitha, 2023 for the commission of the alleged offences mention in the petitions." The opposition BJP has accused MUDA of illegally allotting an alternative site to Siddaramaiah's wife Parvati. The BJP has protested outside the Chief Minister's residence and demanded his resignation. Coming under fire, Siddaramaiah said the government is probing into the allegations and all allocations by MUDA have been suspended. In a press statement, Siddaramaiah termed the Governor's decision "anti-Constitution" and "contrary to the law." "It will be questioned in court. I have done no wrong to resign," he told reporters in Bengaluru as the Opposition demanded his resignation, according to NDTV. Siddaramaiah also alleged that it was a "conspiracy to dislodge a democratically elected government by the BJP, JD(S), and others". What is the MUDA scam? The MUDA 50:50 scheme, which was introduced in 2009 but was scrapped in 2020 by the then BJP government, promises land owners 50 percent of the developed land per acre which they give up. Though it was scrapped in 2020, MUDA continued to allot land under the scheme. MUDA continued even after the government ordered twice in the last six months asking it to cancel all allotments until clear guidelines are issued. It is suspected that the sites were alloted to influential people and real estate agents instead of giving them to the eligible beneficiaries. Image credit: Facebook/Narendra Modi New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine, which is going to be his first trip to the war-torn country since its conflict with Russia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday (August 19). The development comes about a month after PM Modi met Russuan President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The MEA said details of Prime Minister's Ukraine trip will be shared later in the day. According to reports, PM Modi is likely to visit Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, this month. Narendra Modi travelled to Russia a month ago on July 8 for summit talks with the Russian President, where he expressed his eagerness to strengthen the bilateral partnership, particularly in futuristic areas, and emphasised that stronger India-Russia ties would greatly benefit their citizens. Modi also highlighted India's commitment to playing a supportive role in regional peace and stability. This is a developing story. Photo courtesy: RG Kar official website/Pixabay Kolkata/IBNS: One person has been arrested for sharing the picture of the 31-year-old post-graduate medical student who was raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and for issuing threat to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, media reports said. The arrest was made after a complaint which was lodged with Taltala Police Station. An Instagram handle with username Kirtisocial had shared three stories about the incident with the disclosure of the identity of the victim. The arrested person had also issued life threats to the Chief Minister on her Instagram handle. The person will be produced before the court. More than a week ago, the news of the rape and murder of the junior doctor was reported from RG Kar Hospital bringing the state administration under scanner over the alleged cover-up and fishy investigation by police before the case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation by the Calcutta High Court. Though the Kolkata Police has arrested one civic volunteer- named Sanjoy Roy- in a quick response to the crime, doctors who are on strike as a protest suspect there were more involved in the incident. The hospital's initial message to the victim's parents that their daughter committed suicide and the renovation work near the crime scene within hours after CBI's takeover of the case have raised doubts over the state administration's intent. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay At least 13 girls were allegedly sexually abused during a fake National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp at a private school in Krishangiri region of Tamil Nadu recently, media reports said. The camp was held on the campus of the school from August 5 to August 9. One of the girls was sexually assaulted while 12 others were sexually harassed, police told The Week. Police said 11 people have been arrested so far. Read details about Kolkata rape horror: No faith in Mamata Banerjee: RG Kar rape-murder victim's father amid CBI probe The main accused in the case, who was identified as Sivaraman, was arrested on Monday. He is accused of sexually abusing the girls during the camp. Sivaraman, who was the Kirshnagiri East district secretary of Naam Tamilar Katchi youth wing, was booked under POCSO Act and BNS sections, The Week reported. School principal A. Sathish Kumar, school's correspondent Samson Wesley and two teachers have been arrested for not informing the police after girls informed them about the harassment. Police are investigating whether similar incidents were held in other schools. Also Read: Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Supreme Court takes suo moto cognizance of incident, hearing to take place on August 20 The incident came to light amid the ongoing CBI probe into the rape and murder of a PG trainee doctor in a state-run hospital in Kolkata. The incident has triggered nationwide protests. Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from Facebook video Kolkata/IBNS: Amid the doctors' indefinite protests at hospitals across the state over RG Kar rape-murder , the medical fraternity on Monday marched to city police headquarters Lal Bazar with Dr. Kunal Sarkar and Dr. Subarna Goswami, who have been summoned by Kolkata Police over their alleged social media posts spreading misinformation. Dr. Sarkar and Dr. Goswami have been summoned by police for allegedly spreading misinformation on social media. They have also been accused of revealing the RG Kar rape-murder victim's identity on social media. At the starting of the march from Calcutta Medical College in Central Kolkata, Dr. Sarkar said, "It is not the time to summon a few doctors and instigate. Let them question us over our posts. We have the intelligence to answer befittingly. We are clear that we didn't have any malice." Dr. Goswami said the protests will soar further if their voices are muzzled. "Our protests can't be muzzled by summoning one or two. If that happens, the protests will further escalate. We will continue protests until justice for Tilottama is delivered," Dr. Goswami said. Apart from Dr. Sarkar and Dr. Goswami, others in the march were stopped midway. Police escorted the two doctors, who were accompanied by their advocates, to Lal Bazar. Apart from the two doctors, former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Locket Chatterjee was also summoned by the police over social media posts. One person has been arrested for sharing the picture of the 31-year-old post-graduate medical student who was raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and for issuing threat to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. More than a week ago, the news of the rape and murder of the junior doctor was reported from RG Kar Hospital bringing the state administration under scanner over the alleged cover-up and fishy investigation by police before the case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation by the Calcutta High Court. Though the Kolkata Police has arrested one civic volunteer- named Sanjoy Roy- in a quick response to the crime, doctors who are on strike as a protest suspect there were more involved in the incident. The hospital's initial message to the victim's parents that their daughter committed suicide and the renovation work near the crime scene within hours after CBI's takeover of the case have raised doubts over the state administration's intent. Photo Courtesy: UNI File At least one CRPF officer was killed during an ongoing encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district on Monday, media reports said. CRPF inspector led his team to check the progress of a post being prepared for further deployment of a CRPF battalion, sources told India Today. They were ambushed by terrorists. The CRPF officer was hit by an enemy bullet and was killed in action, sources told the news channel. The Jammu region has witnessed a rise in terror cases in recent times. Photo Courtesy: PIB Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished Paetongtarn Shinawatra after she was elected as Thai PM. He wished to work with her to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and Thailand. In his congratulatory post, Modi said: " Congratulations @ingshin on your election as the Prime Minister of Thailand. Best wishes for a very successful tenure. Look forward to working with you to further strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Thailand, that are based on the strong foundations of civilisational, cultural and people to people connect." Congratulations @ingshin on your election as the Prime Minister of Thailand. Best wishes for a very successful tenure. Look forward to working with you to further strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Thailand, that are based on the strong foundations of civilisational, Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2024 Thailand's king earlier formally endorsed her to become the PM of the country which is known as a major tourist destination across the globe. Ahead of her appointment, Thailand's politics witnessed several developments when the Constitutional Court ousted her predecessor Srettha Thavisin. Support Our Journalism We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news. Support objective journalism for a small contribution. RG Kar Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from Facebook video A large number of doctors in Kolkata on Monday took out a procession and formed a human chain to protest against the rape and murder of their colleague in state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, an incident that sparked a nationwide socio-political firestorm. Meanwhile, two senior Kolkata-based doctors appeared before the police in connection with the posts they shared on social media on the doctor's rape and murder case. They were accused of revealing the RG Kar rape-murder victim's identity on social media. Senior Kolkata doctors Kunal Sarkar and Subarna Goswami speak to media after their Lalbazar police hdqr summons Amid the doctors' indefinite protests over RG Kar rape-murder, the medical fraternity on Monday marched to Lal Bazar with the doctors who have been summoned by Kolkata pic.twitter.com/d7jmnkziGj India Blooms (@indiablooms) August 19, 2024 After appearing before the police, senior physician Subarna Goswami said: "The discussion took place in a cordial atmosphere. The summon sent to us has been shut down. Police told us that they want to restore peace in Kolkata and sought help." He said: "We told the police there was no need to summon us." Speaking to the media after appearing before the police, Kunal Sarkar said: "We are saddened by the death of our colleague. We are angry and want a proper investigation into the case. We do not want to aggravate the situation." He said: "We did not reveal the identity of the victim." At the starting of the march from Calcutta Medical College in Central Kolkata, Dr. Sarkar said, "It is not the time to summon a few doctors and instigate. Let them question us over our posts. We have the intelligence to answer befittingly. We are clear that we didn't have any malice." Dr. Goswami said the protests will soar further if their voices are muzzled. "Our protests can't be muzzled by summoning one or two. If that happens, the protests will further escalate. We will continue protests until justice for Tilottama is delivered," Dr. Goswami said. Apart from Dr. Sarkar and Dr. Goswami, others in the march were stopped midway. Police escorted the two doctors, who were accompanied by their advocates, to Lal Bazar. Apart from the two doctors, former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Locket Chatterjee was also summoned by the police over social media posts. One person has been arrested for sharing the picture of the 31-year-old post-graduate medical student who was raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and for issuing threat to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. More than a week ago, the news of the rape and murder of the junior doctor was reported from RG Kar Hospital bringing the state administration under scanner over the alleged cover-up and fishy investigation by police before the case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation by the Calcutta High Court. Though the Kolkata Police has arrested one civic volunteer- named Sanjoy Roy- in a quick response to the crime, doctors who are on strike as a protest suspect there were more involved in the incident. The hospital's initial message to the victim's parents that their daughter committed suicide and the renovation work near the crime scene within hours after CBI's takeover of the case have raised doubts over the state administration's intent. Photo courtesy: Facebook/Siddaramaiah Bengaluru/IBNS: The Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the trial court to not take any action against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following Governor Thawaar Chand Gehlot's approval to prosecute him in connection with the alleged irregularities in the land allocation by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The interim relief for the embattled Chief Minister will be in effect till August 29, when the High Court will hear this case next. Siddaramaiah had moved the High Court against Gehlot's nod to prosecute him and sought this interim relief on grounds the Governor's action was "illegal and without authority of law", and that allowing his prosecution posed "a grave and imminent risk of irreparable harm (to his) reputation" as well as "disrupt governance... and potentially result in political destabilisation". "Since the matter is heard by this court and pleadings are to be completed... till the next date of hearing the concerned court (the trial court) should defer its proceedings..." the High Court said. In its order the court noted that documents submitted by the petitioner (i.e., Chief Minister Siddaramaiah) had "referred to several points of order... to prima facie demonstrate that (the) order (granting sanction to prosecute) bears non-application of mind (by the Governor). The court also noted the Chief Minister's submission - that the Governor had sanctioned the prosecution of the former at "breakneck" speed following the filing of a complaint on July 26. The petitions were filed by three activists, Pradeep Kumar, TJ Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna. A letter from the Governor's secretariat to the activists is quoted by NDTV, "As directed by the Governor, I am enclosing herewith the copy of the decision of the Competent Authority on the request of sanction for prosecution against the Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, under Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 218 of the BharatiyaNagarika Suraksha Samhitha, 2023 for the commission of the alleged offences mention in the petitions." The opposition BJP has accused MUDA of illegally allotting an alternative site to Siddaramaiah's wife Parvati. The BJP has protested outside the Chief Minister's residence and demanded his resignation. Coming under fire, Siddaramaiah said the government is probing into the allegations and all allocations by MUDA have been suspended. In a press statement, Siddaramaiah termed the Governor's decision "anti-Constitution" and "contrary to the law." Siddaramaiah also alleged that it was a "conspiracy to dislodge a democratically elected government by the BJP, JD(S), and others". What is the MUDA scam? The MUDA 50:50 scheme, which was introduced in 2009 but was scrapped in 2020 by the then BJP government, promises land owners 50 percent of the developed land per acre which they give up. Though it was scrapped in 2020, MUDA continued to allot land under the scheme. MUDA continued even after the government ordered twice in the last six months asking it to cancel all allotments until clear guidelines are issued. It is suspected that the sites were alloted to influential people and real estate agents instead of giving them to the eligible beneficiaries. In an era where the power of social media is undeniable, Pakistans intelligence agencies are resorting to a disturbing and increasingly common practice: abducting social media activists and vloggers who dare to criticize the government and military establishment. This alarming trend of enforced disappearances is not just a gross violation of human rights but a clear attempt to silence dissent and intimidate critics into submission. The latest victims of this shadowy practiceNaeem Ahmad Yasin, Arsalan Akbar, and Aun Khosahighlight the perilous state of free expression in Pakistan. Aun Khosa, a vlogger and comedian with a substantial following on YouTube, is among those who have gone missing. His crime? Singing a parody song criticizing soaring electricity bills and the economic mismanagement that has plagued Pakistan. Khosas rendition of Bill Bill Pakistan, a satirical take on the popular patriotic song Dil Dil Pakistan, struck a chord with many frustrated citizens but also apparently drew the ire of those in power. Days after releasing the video, Khosa was abducted from his home by unidentified men, leaving his family in terror and despair. This pattern of enforced disappearances is not new in Pakistan, but it has become more pronounced under the current government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Social media activists, particularly those associated with former Prime Minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, are being targeted with alarming regularity. The families of the missing have turned to the courts in desperation, but their cries for justice are met with delays and indifference. While the Lahore High Court has ordered the recovery of Khosa and other activists, the efficacy of these directives remains to be seen. The international community, including organizations like Amnesty International, has expressed deep concern over these disappearances, calling on the Pakistani government to disclose the whereabouts of the missing and ensure an impartial investigation. However, such calls often fall on deaf ears in a country where the military wields significant power behind the scenes, often operating with impunity. The enforced disappearances in Pakistan are part of a broader strategy to stifle dissent and control the narrative, particularly on social media, which has emerged as a powerful platform for political expression and activism. In a country where traditional media is often muzzled, social media has become a vital outlet for citizens to voice their concerns and challenge the status quo. The abductions of figures like Khosa send a chilling message to others: criticize at your own risk. This oppressive environment not only threatens the lives and freedoms of those who speak out but also undermines the very foundations of democracy in Pakistan. When citizens live in fear of abduction for expressing their views, the promise of free speech enshrined in Pakistans constitution becomes a hollow illusion. The erosion of civil liberties and the culture of impunity surrounding these disappearances are deeply troubling and demand urgent attention from both domestic and international actors. Pakistan stands at a crossroads. The path it chooses will determine whether it becomes a nation that values and protects the rights of its citizens or one that continues to suppress dissent through fear and intimidation. The global community must hold Pakistan accountable for these human rights violations, ensuring that the voices of the missing are not silenced forever in the shadows. The case of Aun Khosa and others like him should serve as a wake-up call. The time for Pakistan to address the scourge of enforced disappearances is nowbefore more voices are silenced, and before the country slips further into the abyss of authoritarianism. The judiciary must act decisively, not just in ordering recoveries but in holding those responsible accountable, no matter how powerful they may be. Only then can Pakistan hope to reclaim its place as a nation where freedom of expression is not just a right but a reality. (Image and text courtesy: Khalsavox.com) Photo Courtesy: X page video grab Police are investigating the explosion which killed a person and left another injured in Tel Aviv city of Israel on Sunday. The unidentified person who died is believed to have been carrying the explosive material, District Commander Peretz Amar was quoted as saying by CNN. A bomb blast in Tel Aviv is being treated as a possible terror attack. A 50-year-old man was seen carrying a bag on his back. A short while later, the bag detonated killing the man seen in this video. pic.twitter.com/qneKqVGnYq Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) August 19, 2024 The injured person was hurt after he was hit by shrapnel in the lower body. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment. The blast occurred amid rising tension in the region over the ongoing Gaza war. Speaking to reporters on location, Tel Aviv Police District Commander Peretz Amar The Times of Israel that the identity of the dead man held the key to the motive. It is difficult to identify the body, said Amar. We know that he is not an innocent civilian, but somebody who was carrying an explosive device. Photo Caption: UNRWA staff are supporting children in Gaza.Photo Courtesy: UNRWA With the number of aid workers killed in the line of duty reaching record highs, the UN and partners are demanding greater accountability as countries commemorate World Humanitarian Day on Monday. Last year was the deadliest so far, with 280 aid workers killed in 33 countries - an outrageously high number, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The figure represents a 137 per cent increase compared to 2022, when 118 aid workers were killed. Humanitarian deaths mounting Worse still is that 2024 may be on track to be even deadlier. As of 7 August, 172 aid workers have been killed, OCHA said, citing the provisional count from the Aid Worker Security Database. The UN agency said that more than half of the 2023 deaths were recorded in the first three months of the hostilities in Gaza, or from October to December. Most were due to airstrikes. Since October, more than 280 aid workers have been killed in Gaza alone, the majority of them staff members of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA. Additionally, extreme levels of violence in Sudan and South Sudan have contributed to the death tolls in 2023 and 2024. In all these conflicts, most of those killed were national staff. Meanwhile, many humanitarian workers also continue to be detained in Yemen. Unacceptable and unconscionable Joyce Msuya, UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, called for action. The normalization of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere, she said. Today, we reiterate our demand that people in power act to end violations against civilians and the impunity with which these heinous attacks are committed. #ActforHumanity World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on 19 August the date in 2003 when a bomb attack at the UNs headquarters in Baghdad killed 22 humanitarian workers, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Iraq. Each year, the commemoration focuses on a theme in efforts to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people caught in crises, and the safety and security of aid workers. The 2024 campaign, #ActForHumanity, aims to build public support to help pressure warring parties and world leaders to better ensure the protection of civilians, including humanitarians, caught in conflict zones. Call for protection Humanitarian organizations worldwide have also written to UN Member States calling for greater efforts to protect all aid workers, their premises and assets, as stipulated in UN Security Council resolution 2730 (2024), adopted in May. Perpetrators must also be held to account, they added, noting that those who commit violations of international humanitarian law cannot go unpunished. We will continue to stay and deliver in humanitarian crises around the world but the situation requires us to take a united stand to call for the protection of our staff, volunteers and the civilians we serve, the letter said. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Pakistan: Five, including three children, die after consuming toxic milk At least five people, including three children, died after consuming toxic milk in Pir Jo Goth region of Pakistan, media reports said on Monday. According to reports, the condition of two other children is said to be critical. The relatives of the deceased have alleged that the deaths occurred due to the unavailability of proper medical facilities and doctors at the hospital, reported ARY News. They demanded action against hospital staff for negligence. The exact cause of the death is still not known. However, initial reports showed the milk was contaminated with toxic elements. Commissioner Sukkur Fayaz Abbas has taken notice of the incident and sought a report from the Deputy Commissioner of Khairpur, ARY News reported. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash The Young Doctors Association (YDA) has rejected the Pakistan government's decision to make appointments to the health department on a contractual basis. They warned of a sit-in if the cabinet's move was not withdrawn. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, YDA president Dr Kaleemullah was quoted as saying by Dawn News that the contract system would further damage the health departments performance. He pointed out that despite expiration of the contracts of ad hoc doctors they had not been paid their salaries. The YDA president said that non-payment of salaries to over 150 ad hoc doctors in the province had caused concerns among them. We will never forget the several memorable films that Aamir Khan, aka Mr. Perfectionist, has given to his fans. In both his personal and professional lives, the actor has experienced his fair share of hardships. Although he has frequently discussed the setbacks he has experienced with his films, he will now be speaking about the difficulties he has encountered since beginning his career on Rhea Chakraborty's podcast. Recently, Rhea Chakraborty posted the podcast trailer on her YouTube channel, providing us with a preview of what Aamir will be talking about in the upcoming episode. 3 things Aamir Khan is going to talk about on Rhea Chakrabortys podcast 1. Aamir Khan to quit films? As the trailer begins, Aamir can be heard saying that he wants to get away from films. He said in Hindi mujhe filmo se hatna hai. To this, Rhea suggests that he is lying and they will have to get a lie detector test. Aamir then goes on to say Karvalo. 2. The actor has been taking therapy As the clip progresses, Aamir can be heard saying that he has learnt a lot while taking therapy. The actor will discuss more about the same when the episode releases. 3. The handsome Bollywood actors Aamir will also talk about the good looking actors of Bollywood. While sharing his opinion, the actor said in the trailer, I think Shah Rukh Khan is really handsome. Salman Khan is really handsome. Hrithik Roshan is really handsome. A few seconds later, he tells Rhea that people make fun of his clothes all the time. The actor said, Log toh mere kapdon ka mazak udaata rehta hai ke yeh pata nahin kya pahen ke aa jata hai. Although the trailer just makes reference to these three points, the podcast will provide listeners with an abundance of additional information on Aamir Khan. Rhea Chakrabortys podcast featuring Aamir Khan will be released on 23rd August 2024 on her YouTube channel. So, stay tuned! Also read: Upcoming movies on Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar, Sonyliv, Zee5 and other OTTs in India For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. An upcoming web series by Netflix is all set to keep viewers hooked and how. Starring Macarena Garcia and others, the web series titled Accident now has an OTT release date. The main focus of Accident, which was co-directed by Klych Lopez and Gracia Querejeta, is on the characters' psychological journeys as they deal with anguish, sadness, and rage. Accident will be released on Netflix on 21st August 2024. Plot Accident chronicles the effects of a terrible incident on the lives of several individuals, focusing on four families in the wake of a catastrophe. After losing a child or children, every character experiences a range of emotions, including grief, guilt, and wrath. They also grow suspicious and paranoid about what caused the disaster. As per Hello magazine, Screenwriter Leonardo Padron also talked about the show and how it is actually a tool that allows them to explore things that are multi-layered. For example, like how a person deals with problems and we all face and go though personal tragedies every now and then. Additionally, the show is all in all a thriller but what makes it different is that it has many questions to ask and answer which might leave viewers with a thinking mind. Cast and crew Among the cast members of the series are Macarena Garcia, Erendira Ibarra, Regina Blandon, Sebastian Martinez, Erik Hayser, and Ana Claudia Talancon. Accident is written by Venezuelan screenwriter Leonardo Padron. Directed by Gracia Querejeta and Klych Lopez, the series seems to be a co-production mostly between Mexico and Colombia. Also read: Slow Horses S4 OTT release date AppleTV+: When to watch Gary Oldman's spy series For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Raksha Bandhan is here, and you know what that meansladdus, gulab jamuns, kaju katlis, and gifts galore! And of course, rakhis! BlinkIt CEO Albinder Dhindsa just dropped some mind-blowing stats that prove Indians are truly in the festive spirit. He shared the latest RPM statistic (Rakhis per minute, obviously!) for this year, and it's nothing short of mind-boggling. Credit: The Karostartup | Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa Dhindsa revealed that at its peak, India was ordering a whopping 693 Rakhis per minute! But that's not all. Raksha Bandhan turned out to be a blockbuster day for BlinkIt on all fronts. Dhindsa shared that the quick-commerce app hit record-breaking numbers across the boardwhether it was OPM (orders per minute), GMV (gross merchandise value), or even chocolate sales. Well cross all time high orders in a day on blinkit in a couple of minutes. We also hit highest ever OPM (Orders per minute), GMV, chocolate sales and most other metrics today! And at its peak - we hit 693 RPM (Rakhis per minute). Thank you to all our customers (especially the Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) August 18, 2024 As if that wasn't enough, searches for "gifts for brother" saw a massive spike too. But the real showstopper? Sweets! And while laddus and gulab jamuns held their own, kaju katli absolutely dominated the leaderboard. Its a close one between Laddu and Gulab Jamun. But the real surprise today has been Kaju Katli sales. For context - Laddu was the winner amongst these three last year on Raksha Bandhan! pic.twitter.com/4cX8HIsBTe Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) August 18, 2024 Honestly, no surprises therekaju katli is practically royalty in the Indian sweets game. Though, interestingly, last year, laddu reigned supreme with the highest sales. And here's a sweet twistBlinkIt didn't just cater to India. For the first time, they opened international orders till August 19th, so Indians abroad could send Rakhis to their siblings. The USA led the charge, contributing a staggering 91.1% of all international orders, followed by Australia (5.4%) and Japan (3.6%). We switched on international orders yesterday on blinkit. Seeing a lot of orders come through from USA. Glad that we are able to provide a service which is reliable and fast for folks living abroad! Split of international Rakhi orders by country https://t.co/yNF3Q0v5Kv pic.twitter.com/2BFtwpNC6N Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) August 18, 2024 So, whether it's Rakhis, gifts, or sweets, this Raksha Bandhan proves once again that when it comes to celebrating traditions, India knows how to go big, no matter where in the world its people are! For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Meet Heman Bekele, the 15-year-old who's just been named 'TIME's 2024 Kid of the Year.' An immigrant from Ethiopia, Heman is not just your average teenhe's a true child prodigy. With a groundbreaking invention of a soap that could revolutionise skin cancer treatment, he is set to change lives and make waves in the medical world. Introducing our Kid of the Year, Heman Bekele: The fifteen-year-old invented a soap that could one day treat, and even prevent, some skin cancers https://t.co/3uonC5hDR9 pic.twitter.com/6gwdJwmQG8 TIME (@TIME) August 15, 2024 Who is Heman Bekele, TIME's 2024 Kid of the Year? Heman was born in Addis Ababa and moved to the U.S. with his family when he was 4. That was around the same when he also started experimenting with science. He mixed dish soap, laundry detergent, and other household items to see what would happen. "I would hide them under my bed and see what would happen if I left them overnight. There was a lot of mixing together completely at random," Time quotes Bekele as saying. Things changed on his 7th birthday when he received a chemistry set. This set included sodium hydroxide, which sparked an idea for Heman. He learned that when combined with aluminum, sodium hydroxide produces a lot of heat. He thought this could be a solution for generating unlimited energy, though he almost started a fire in the process. While his parents began to keep a closer look on him after that, little did they know they were watching a future genius who would soon tackle even bigger experiments. How did Heman Bekele invent a soap to possibly cure skin cancer? The story of how he developed a soap to possibly treat skin cancer goes back home to Ethiopia, when he would see laborers working in the intense sun back home. It was only later that he realised how serious the problem of sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation could be. This led him to think about ways to help protect people from skin damage. Congratulations to 15-year-old Heman Bekele, @TIME magazines Kid of the Year, who invented a soap that could help treat skin cancer. pic.twitter.com/jUxs4RarPb Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) August 17, 2024 Years later, Heman learned about imiquimod, a drug used to treat skin cancer. He wondered if this drug could be made more accessible by incorporating it into a bar of soap, making it both effective and affordable compared to traditional treatments that can cost around $40,000 (Rs 33,56,818.) Heman's idea was to mix imiquimod with a lipid-based nanoparticle, which would stay on the skin even after the soap is rinsed off. This way, the soap could deliver the drug effectively. In 2023, Heman entered the 3M Challenge with his idea and won the competition, earning a $25,000 (Rs 20,98,011) prize to support his research. He then met Vito Rebecca, a molecular biologist, at a networking event. Rebecca invited Heman to work in his lab at Johns Hopkins University and became his principal investigator. At the lab, they began testing the soap on mice with skin cancer. Heman and Rebecca are still in the early stages of their research, working to test the soap and move towards patenting and FDA approval. They know there's a long road ahead, but Heman's innovative approach has set the stage for potentially groundbreaking progress in skin cancer treatment. Heman's goal is to make his soap available to everyonepriced at just 50 cents, hes also launching a nonprofit to distribute it to communities in need. As for what he does when he's not being the 'Kid of the Year'? He's your everyday teenager, attending school as a 10th-grader at Woodson High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. A 14-yr-old from Virginia just created a $0.50 bar of soap that treats skin cancer. When Heman Bekele realized that skin cancer treatments typically cost $40k, he was determined to resolve the inequity. This is a remarkable achievement by one so young, but many parents will pic.twitter.com/UXNRDw63wu Alex Hu (@AlexHuHJY) October 22, 2023 For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News Recent videos of Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, have sparked controversy online, with social media users alleging that she appeared "intoxicated" during her speeches. The videos, which have been widely circulated, show Harris at a rally in Prince George's County, Maryland, alongside President Joe Biden, and at another event in Madison, Wisconsin, from March. Viral videos spark 'intoxication' claims Just reporting but word is going around that #Kamala is a drunk. Its concerning many in her camp. In this clip its hard NOT to see it. Thoughts? #DNC2024 #DNC pic.twitter.com/Vos9jYPhN7 PlayingWallStreet (@Playing_WallSt) August 18, 2024 Critics have been quick to voice their opinions online, with one user suggesting that Harris' speech patterns resembled those of "vodka Pelosi," a reference to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Another user expressed concern about her ability to perform her duties if these accusations were true, speculating about the implications of a potentially intoxicated Vice President. JUST IN: People are reporting Vice President Kamala Harris was drunk today at her Rally. Here is the clip thats going viral Whats your thoughts ? pic.twitter.com/MTEEEXOHsn Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) August 16, 2024 The situation escalated when James Blair, the political director for former President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, tweeted about "rumors" regarding Harris having a drinking problem. This tweet gained traction after being retweeted by Trump campaign advisor Alex Bruesewitz, further fueling the online speculation. Supporters of Harris have been quick to dismiss these claims, labelling them as baseless. One defender stated, "It's clear that these attacks are nothing more than tired and unfounded criticisms." Another commented, "The latest accusations are desperate attempts to undermine her credibility." Intoxication claims in the past This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced. Last year, a video of Harris making a public address led to similar claims, with some speculating that she was under the influence of a mysterious substance. Online theories ranged from cannabis to prescription drugs, and even cocaine, as people attempted to explain Harris' behavior in the video. US Vice President Kamala Harris appeared in public in a very strange state pic.twitter.com/q7vFfNK9GS S p r i n t e r (@SprinterFamily) May 11, 2023 These rumors about Harris' drinking habits are not entirely new. Back in 2020, when she was selected as Joe Biden's running mate, the San Francisco Chronicle ran an article highlighting her love for wine. The piece described her as the only major candidate who drinks booze, and portrayed her as someone with a refined taste in wine, knowledgeable about the differences between California and French oak. Despite the lack of concrete evidence to support the recent claims, the controversy has continued to gain momentum as the 2024 election approaches. Supporters of Harris have called for a focus on policy and performance, rather than on unsubstantiated personal attacks. As these allegations continue to circulate, the debate surrounding them remains heated. For many Americans, any potential issue with a high-ranking official's sobriety is a matter of concern. However, as with previous claims about Harris, these accusations appear to be more about creating a political stir than anything else. Ultimately, it is important to approach such claims with caution and consider the sources before accepting them as truth. Also Read: Most Americans believe Kamala Harris was aware of Joe Biden's mental decline: poll The allegations against Harris, much like the accusations of cognitive decline against President Joe Biden, seem to be part of a broader narrative aimed at discrediting political opponents as the election draws nearer. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. A recent flight from Portland to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, took an unexpected turn when people abroad the Alaska Airlines were informed mid-flight that everything wasnt as smooth as it seemed. Just as the plane prepared for landing on August 8th, the pilot made a shocking announcement over the intercom: he wasn't qualified to land the plane at their destination, leaving the entire cabin stunned. A passenger took to Reddit to explain that the pilot suddenly informed everyone, "Hey, I'm really sorry folks but due to me not having the proper qualification to land in Jackson Hole, we need to divert to Salt Lake City Utah. We'll keep you posted on the next steps." After landing in Salt Lake City, the crew apologised again but provided little information. Passengers waited on the tarmac for 1.5 hours until the pilot disembarked "Then a new pilot from Salt Lake City got on the plane and we flew into Jackson," the passenger writes. Eventually, the flight continued to Jackson Hole, albeit with one of the bumpiest landings the passenger had ever experienced. SkyWest Airlines, which operates the daily Alaska Airlines Flight 3491 from San Francisco to Jackson Hole, later clarified that the diversion was caused by a "paperwork error." Credit: Unsplash A representative told Cowboy State Daily, "[Flight 3491] landed for a short time in Salt Lake City to correct a paperwork error related to the flight crew. The flight continued to Jackson Hole after a delay while a new pilot was secured to operate the flight. All pilots involved were qualified to fly and land the aircraft; the flight diverted from Jackson Hole due to an internal administrative error and out of abundance of caution." Pilots commenting on the Reddit post suggested that SkyWest may have dispatched a pilot who had sufficient experience with the ERJ 175 aircraft but could only land in Jackson Hole under favorable weather conditions. Weather reports from August 8th indicated isolated storm cells near the Jackson area, which could have prompted the pilot to err on the side of caution and allow a more qualified pilot to handle the landing. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Apple is gearing up for its much-anticipated September 2024 event, where it is expected to unveil a lineup of new products. The event is likely to take place on September 10, 2024, based on Apple's usual timeline. Pre-orders for these new devices could begin around September 13, with official sales following a week later. This year, the spotlight is on the iPhone 16 series, along with updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods. Heres a detailed preview of what might be announced. Anticipated features of Apple iPhone 16 series Rumours suggest that the iPhone 16 series will feature an updated design, with Apple reportedly using an enhanced process for finishing and colouring titanium. This could result in a glossier appearance compared to the brushed aluminium finish seen in the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish is expected to be similar to the stainless steel used in previous iPhone iterations but with better scratch resistance. While Apple has yet to confirm the official colour names, the company is likely to continue the Titanium branding introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro models. According to a Forbes report, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will introduce new coloursa significant departure from Apple's tradition of maintaining consistent colour schemes across generations. Noted leaker Sonny Dickson has released images of dummy units, revealing that there will be four colours, including a new bronze-like shade, as reported by MacRumors. The other colours are expected to feature brushed titanium edges that match the phones rear glass. The current muted colour range will likely continue, with options like natural titanium and a whiter shade than previous models. The black variant is reportedly darker than before, raising curiosity about Apples naming choice for it. While the regular iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to retain a similar look and screen size to the 2023 models, the Pro versions will bring some changes. The current 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays will be replaced by larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screensthe largest ever on an iPhone. These increases in screen size will not significantly alter the phones' dimensions, with the iPhone 16 Pro expected to be just 3mm taller and 1mm wider than its predecessor, and 7 grams heavier. The Pro Max model will see similar minor changes in size and weight. These slight increases in phone size will be complemented by narrower bezels, which will contribute to the additional screen real estate. Camera enhancements are also on the cards, with the tetraprism technology from the 15 Pro Maxs telephoto lens expected to be included in both Pro models this time. Additionally, new lens technology may be introduced, and the ultra-wide camera could see its pixel count jump from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels. The iPhone 16 series will run on the iOS 18 operating system. The lineup will likely include four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The standard models (iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus) are expected to be powered by the A18 Bionic chipset, while the Pro models will likely feature the A18 Pro processor. iPhone 16 expected to come with advanced AI features AI has been one of the hottest topics in tech this year, and Apple is expected to follow suit with its competitors Samsung and Google, who have already integrated AI features into their flagship phones. Apple Intelligence, which debuted at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, will likely be a highlight of the iPhone 16 series. Apple Intelligence brings features like ChatGPT integration, tools for proofreading and rewriting text in various tones, new Siri capabilities for tech support and more personalized responses, and the ability to generate images and emojis. These AI-driven features are expected to be available on all iPhone 16 models running iOS 18 right out of the box. In addition to these AI enhancements, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may feature an action button similar to the one on last years iPhone 15 Pro. Leaked 3D-printed dummy models shared by AppleInsider in March show that the iPhone 16 may also sport a vertical camera stack instead of the diagonal arrangement seen in earlier models. The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is also expected to see significant upgrades, including more RAM to support Apple Intelligence features. The new iPhone SE could adopt the iPhone 14 design, with an increase in RAM from 4 GB to 8 GB compared to the 2022 model, to meet the hardware demands of Apple Intelligence. Is a foldable iPhone 16 on the horizon? While other major phone manufacturers, including Google, Oppo, OnePlus, and Samsung, have launched multiple generations of foldable devices, Apple has remained tight-lipped about the possibility of a foldable iPhone. According to earlier rumours, Apple is working on a "clamshell" design that could debut as early as 2026, as reported by The Information. This new design might coincide with the introduction of improved camera technologies, such as a variable aperture. However, it remains unclear why Apple has yet to release a foldable iPhone, despite reportedly working on such designs since at least 2019. iPhone 16 Plus could be the last of its kind The iPhone 16 Plus may be the final iteration of Apples larger standard iPhone. Reports suggest that Apple plans to discontinue the Plus model in 2025 and instead introduce a new ultra-thin premium iPhone, tentatively named the iPhone 17 Slim. This information comes from analysts Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities and Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities, as reported by 9to5Mac. What to expect from Apple Watch and AirPods updates Apple is also expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 10, Watch Ultra 3, and a more budget-friendly third-generation Apple Watch SE. These new models are anticipated to offer better battery life, new health features, and overall improvements in performance. The Apple Watch SE 3 could see a significant redesign, moving away from aluminium to a plastic case, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. This would be the first time an Apple Watch has used plastic, suggesting Apples intent to appeal to a broader audience with this more affordable option. Also Read: Man finds 'Micromax solution' to safeguard his Apple AirPods from theft Additionally, Apple may introduce the fourth generation of AirPods, possibly featuring a new H2 chip for improved audio quality and longer battery life. There are also rumours of a USB Type-C charging port, a departure from Apples traditional Lightning connector. The new AirPods could also include firmware updates for the AirPods Pro, introducing head gesture controls and enhanced noise isolation. Both revamped AirPods models are expected to support Spatial Audio and offer Apple Watch charging via the cases built-in battery, similar to the AirPods 3. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. On Raksha Bandhan, author Sudha Murty took to social media platform X to share a story about the festival's history but she ended up facing unexpected backlash. Critics accused her of lacking knowledge about Indian festivals and culture. What was it in her post that sparked such a strong reaction? Check out her video below: Raksha Bandhan has a rich history. When Rani Karnavati was in danger, she sent a thread to King Humayun as a symbol of sibling-hood, asking for his help. This is where the tradition of the thread began and it continues to this day. pic.twitter.com/p98lwCZ6Pp Smt. Sudha Murty (@SmtSudhaMurty) August 19, 2024 What did Sudha Murty say in her video on Raksha Bandhan? In the video, Murty, co-founder of Infosys, explains that Raksha Bandhan's origins trace back to the Mughal era. She recounts the story of Rani Karnavati, who, when her kingdom was under threat, sent a thread to Emperor Humayun, asking him to protect her as her brother. "It goes back to Rani Karnavati when she was in danger; her kingdom was small and attacked by somebody; she did not know what to do, so she sent a thread to King Humayun, a Mughal Emperor, saying that she was in danger, please consider me your sister, and please do come and protect me," she narrated. Credit: Wikipedia | Mughal Emperor Humayun "Humayun did not know what it is, because he came from a different country. So he asked, 'What is this,' and the local people said that it is the call of a sister to a brother.. That's the custom of the land. He said okay, if that is the case, I want to go and help Rani Karnavati. He left Delhi and came to her kingdom, but he was a little lateshe was no more," she adds. The 74-year-old Murty concluded, "This is where the tradition of the thread began and it continues to this day." How did social media react? The video quickly went viral, racking up nearly 300k views within hours. However, it sparked criticism from viewers who disputed Murty's account, claiming it was inaccurate. One commenter said, "At this moment I know u know nothing about Indian festivals and culture if u believe in this nonsense story. I'm sorry to have recommended ur books for kids. They don't need to learn this manufactured story. Please read about Draupadi's Raksha Sutra for Srikrishna and the significance of Shravan poornima." Others labeled the story as "fiction invented by leftist Marxist historians" with no historical evidence, calling it "JNU-inspired fake history." Another user took a jab at Murty, linking it to her husband Narayan Murthy's well-known advice on working long hours, saying, "It never happened, read 100 hours a week to improve your historical knowledge.." Credit: X/ @SmtSudhaMurty What is the history of Raksha Bandhan? While the exact origins of Raksha Bandhan are unclear, several myths and legends highlight its significance: Indra and Indrani: In one tale, the sky god Indra was losing a battle until his wife, Indrani, tied a protective Rakhi around his wrist, helping him win. Krishna and Draupadi: According to the Mahabharata, Draupadi tied a piece of her saree around Krishnas cut finger, and in return, Krishna vowed to protect her, showing the sibling bond. Yama and Yamuna: The river goddess Yamuna tied a Rakhi to her brother Yama, the god of death. Yama, moved by her gesture, granted a blessing of immortality to any brother who promises to protect his sister. King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi, disguised as a Brahmin woman, tied a Rakhi to King Bali, who then promised to protect her. Sudha Murty's story and these legends suggests that there may not be a single definitive origin story for Raksha Bandhan. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. One of the richest sovereign wealth funds on the planet , Norways sovereign wealth fund , with a portfolio value of 1.7 trillion dollars, has holdings in 36 listed companies on the Norwegian sovereign wealth funds vote of confidence in Greece - The Nigerian Army has arrested the leader of the Gassol Local Government Area Hunters Association in Taraba State, identified as Adamu Tanko, for selling AK-47 rifle to a terrorist. It was gathered that while conducting some investigations, the rifle Tanko sold had been recovered during an operation against terrorists in Plateau State. The Army made this known in a statement released to newsmen on Sunday. Advertisement The statement reads: In a separate operation in Taraba State, troops acting on credible intelligence arrested the chairman of the Gassol Local Government Area Hunters Association, Alhaji Adamu Tanko, for selling an AK-47 rifle to a suspected terrorist. The investigation revealed that the weapon had been recovered during a joint operation against terrorists in Boki Lamba, a border town with Plateau State. Also in a related development, the troops deployed for counterterrorism operations in Borno State have killed Abu Rijab, a terrorist commander on their wanted list. Rijab and his fighters were killed during an offensive operation conducted against their enclave in Bula Daloye, in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. The army stated that the operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and mobile phones, adding that eight terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA. The statement added: In a series of coordinated operations across the country, troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully neutralized a notorious Boko Haram commander along with other terrorist fighters. READ MORE: Kaduna: Nigerian Army Ambushes Terrorists, Neutralises Two, Recovers Arms In addition, numerous terrorists and their families have surrendered to the troops as a result of sustained pressure against their operations. Troops have also apprehended several criminal suspects and recovered arms and ammunition. On August 17, 2024, the troops launched an offensive operation against a terrorist enclave in Bula Daloye, in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. Following an intense firefight, the troops overpowered the terrorists, neutralizing three, including a wanted Boko Haram commander Abu Rijab. The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and mobile phones. Additionally, eight terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area. The same troops also apprehended two suspects in Konduga Local Government Area with 52 bags of illicit drugs intended for supply to terrorists. A terrorist attack on the Saulawa community in Kaduna States Birnni Gwari Local Government Area has been foiled by Nigerian Army troops. Prior to making touch with the militants on Friday, the forces on battle patrol had cleared Maidaro and Ngade Alha villages. The Nigerian Army issued a statement on Sunday stating that the terrorists engaged the forces in a gunfight. Advertisement The Army also stated that two terrorists were killed, and firearms, as well as 11 motorcycles, were recovered following the operation. The post read, Troops of the Nigerian Army on Operation Forest Sanity have dealt a significant blow to terrorists operating within Saulawa general area of Birnni Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Friday, August 16, 2024. The troops, while conducting a fighting patrol to Saulawa, cleared Maidaro and Ngade Alha villages before making contact with the rampaging terrorists. The ensuing firefight resulted in the elimination of two terrorists and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 11 motorcycles, one of which was burnt in situ resulting from damage sustained during the operation. READ MORE: Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Stolen Vehicle With Altered Registration Number The service stated that troops remained committed to reducing terrorist activity in the country. The troops, in their untiring commitment, have continued to deny the terrorists freedom of action and significantly undermined their capabilities. The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its determination to protect the nation and its citizens from the scourge of terrorism, the post added. SEE BELOW: The candidate of the Labour Party in the Edo State governorship election, Olumide Akpata, has said that the people of the state will be liberated after the poll. Akpata noted that Edo residents will be totally free from the bondage of bad governance, caused by the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Party, if elected on the 21st of September. This was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the Publicity Secretary of Edo LP, Sam Uroupa. Advertisement Akpata said that the people would finally break free from the shackles of the PDP and APCs leadership failures. The statement reads: I declare September 21 as freedom day for the people of Edo State. This historic declaration marks a turning point in Edo States trajectory, as the people will finally break free from the shackles of the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress leadership failures. READ MORE: LP Crisis In Edo Wont Stop Me- Olumide Akpata Assistant Assures In the 28-year reign of the PDP and APC, they failed to provide basic necessities like quality education, world-class infrastructure, accessible healthcare, food security, and effective security. Despite receiving a whopping N16 billion monthly allocation, they accumulated a staggering N600 billion debt. These parties have nothing to show for it. I will provide quality education that will equip our children for the future, world-class infrastructure that facilitates economic growth, accessible healthcare that caters to the well-being of all, food security that ensures no Edo person goes hungry and effective security that guarantees safety and peace. The election is an avenue to take back our state from failed leaders. I urge all Edo people to join this revolution and vote Labour Party on September 21st, and together, we can build a better Edo State for all. Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, has recounted how his Ogun State Property & Investment Corporation (OPIC) agreement was revoked by Ibikunle Amosun, the former Governor of Ogun. OPIC, a statutory corporation, focuses on the development of residential, commercial, and industrial real estate projects in the State and Nigeria at large. Utomi spoke in response to Amosuns claim that Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd., a Chinese company, presented false information during his tenure as Ogun Governor. Advertisement Recently, a Paris court ordered the seizure of three jets belonging to the Nigerian government over a dispute involving an arbitration award in favour of the Chinese firm. The court ruled that the firm should use the three jets at the Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse international airports as security for its claim of EUR 74,459,221. On Thursday, the Ogun government said it was not notified of the order which granted the Chinese firm the right to seize Nigerias presidential jets. Reacting, Bayo Onanuga, presidential aide, said the federal government is not under any contractual obligation with Zhongshan. Onanuga accused the Chinese firm of using unorthodox and subterfuge means to take away Nigerias offshore assets. On Saturday, Amosun asked the Federal Government to refrain from negotiating with Zhongshan. However, Utomi, in a post via X on Sunday, said he was a victim of Amosuns violation of contract terms. READ ALSO: Seized Jets: Chinese Firm, Zhongfu Cant Scam Nigeria, Unlawful Seizure Wont Stand Amosun Utomi said despite meeting with the ex-Governor and seeking the help of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Bisi Akande, an ex-interim national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his issue remained unresolved. So it was Gov Amosuns violation of contract terms signed by his predecessor that brought the shame of seizure of jets from the Presidential fleet. I hope he is happy at his achievement, Utomi said. The whole matter is Khama at work. The Chinese were not the only victims. One prominent Ogun indigene allegedly committed suicide with similar Amosun action. I too was a victim. I had leased OPIC land in Lagos in a BOT agreement under Gov Daniel. Amosun stopped all such on being sworn in. I called him. He said he did not see my name on the list. I went to Abeokuta and he called in Yewandw Amusan who said mine was a straight forward deal they did not include it. He asked that all be included but mine be quickly sorted. That began a rigmarole that went on for years. I made another trip to Abeokuta. He drove me back to Lagos at the wheels with my driver trailing along with the escorts and sirens. He had earlier asked that I make a request for refund of what I paid even though my South African partners and I had invested 200m in addition to the lease amount at the time. With just two of us in the car he advised I make a claim for 100m and write for additional payments the day after I cash the cheque. It was surreal but if I got nothing more it would be better than being in court until we both retire. I took the case to APC leader BAT and Baba Akande. According to him, he also went to Dapo Abiodun, incumbent Ogun Governor, to seek intervention but nothing came out of it. No result. Took it to Dapo Abiodun when he took over. Nothing came of it. If this happened to Frieda I wondered what enemies were going through. I lost my weary SA partners who owned a successful regional chain across Southern Africa and Asia. I licked my wounds and Slaved to pay off the loans, Utomi said. The Chinese had better leverage. They took it and all are shamed. My new book Power Policy Politics and Performance documents a similar case study in Enugu involving SA investors as the gubernatorial batons changed hands. When shall we learn. Values shape human progress. The General Overseer of the Kingsway International Christian Centre, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has urged Nigerians to invest in Lagos state real estate. The popular cleric added that there would be regret for people, who ignore his advice in 10 years time. Ashimolowo, while speaking during a Sundays episode of the KK show, emphasized on the need to invest in real estate business. Advertisement He recounted when a plot of land in Lagos went for as low as N500 and N1000, contrasting it with what is obtainable today. He said: Anybody who does not invest in Lagos now will regret in 10 years time, because some of us regretted not responding to LAGOS on time. I came to Lagos as a young pastor when a plot of land in Opebi was N500, and AllenAvenue was N1000 for a plot. Allen was a bush. Ikeja areas were bush. Opebi was a bush. A plot of land in Isolo was N500. READ MORE: Church Is Not A Commercial Venture Pastor Ashimolowo The same Opebi which I wouldnt buy for N500 in 1979/80, and now went in 2004 and bought the plot for N10m, and built four flats and a small house at the back, and stayed there for a few years. I now sold the whole place for N120 or N150m in 2018, my own investment there was N55m. The Nigerian banks, I am here today, am 72, and can say what I like, if you take me to court, you are wasting your money because I intend to talk about investments, and why you should do real estate, and not all these buying shares in banks because I lost about N200m in Nigerian banks. N200m worth of shares and they didnt sell it N30m; if I had used the money to buy land, I dont even need to cut the grass. And I am not even talking about wonder banks, I am talking of the ones that are in existence today, and every time their shares go down, their MDs and founders go up, How come? Operatives of the Kaduna State Police command, have arrested two suspected gun runners and another man who specialized in giving out information to terrorists in the state. The suspects, identified as Abdulaziz Habibu and Nuhu Thomas, living at Dogon Dawa in Birmin Gwari Local Government Area, were arrested by the Police anti-kidnapping unit in possession of a fabricated AK-47 rifle at Madaci Village in Zaria. In a statement made available to newsmen, by the public relations officer of the State Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, disclosed that the two gun runners, confessed to being involved in trade of arms, supplying weapons to notorious bandits operating in the Zaria area. Advertisement Hassan also added that the police apprehended one Abubakar Yahuza, an informant for kidnappers, at Gidan Abeh Village, Kagarko LGA of the state. The statement reads: On August 18th, 2024, police officers responded to gunfire at Kuriga village, foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two farmers who had been attacked by bandits. READ MORE: Gunmen Abduct Journalists Wife, His Two Children, Eight Others In Kaduna The suspects confessed to being involved in the illicit trade of arms, supplying weapons to notorious bandits operating in the Zaria area. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to running errands and serving as informants for the kidnappers who reportedly hibernate within the Gidan Dogo Forest. A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the bandits to flee and abandon their captives. The Commissioner of Police, AUDU ALI DABIG psc, commended the officers for their exemplary work in apprehending the suspects and urged the public to continue supporting the police, by providing credible information that will help them in carrying out their duties effectively and in the ongoing fight against crime. Operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service in Anambra State, have rescued two siblings kidnapped by gunmen in the state. It was gathered that the Deputy Commander-General of the NHFSS, John Metchie, made this known on Sunday in Abuja while addressing journalists, on the hunters operations. Metchie disclosed that the two siblings, identified as Chijioke Igwe and Uchenna Igwe, were returning from a wedding on August 16, when they were kidnapped by gunmen at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of the state. Advertisement He said that the victims told them that they were double-crossed by some armed men who opened fire, shooting sporadically into the air and then, bundled them out of their car and whisked them into the forest. Also the Chief Security Officer of Umueri community and member of the NHFSS, Chief Joseph Obaelue, said that they got a distress call about 9 pm on Augusy 16 and immediately swooped into the forest to rescue the victims. READ MORE:Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Anambra Checkpoint He said: The two brothers were rescued alongside a Lexus Jeep 330 and a Toyota Highlander SUV that were recovered too. Earlier same day, we trailed and tracked down two criminal syndicate who specialise in calling people with strange numbers and threatening them to part with certain amount of money, if they still want to stay alive. The two suspects who operate with different SIM cards, threaten people that they were contracted to kill them but if they cooperate by paying the money they requested, they wont kill them. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has claimed that his administrations fight against corruption and other irregularities in public sector is progressing. Tinubu made this known at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa, held in Abuja, on Monday. The former Lagos state governor, who was represented by Vice, Kashim Shettima, disclosed that his government has worked diligently to ensure the independence and adequate funding of anti-corruption agencies. Advertisement He said: Corruption remains one of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations. READ MORE: Invest More In Education Sector Obi Tasks Tinubus Govt After Poor 2024 WAEC Results It undermines the fabric of our societies, erodes public trust, and impedes the equitable distribution of resources. As leaders, we are responsible for confronting this challenge with unwavering resolve and concerted actions. Over the past year, we have worked hard to strengthen all the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria by not interfering in their activities and ensuring they are adequately funded. We have also encouraged them to operate within the law. This is a template I recommend to other states within the region. Speaking further, Tinubu also urged members of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to embrace his proposed anti-corruption protocol template. He said: I am pleased to note the progress we have made in this endeavour. The constructive collaboration between NACIWA and ECOWAS has yielded tangible results, fostering greater cooperation and information sharing among our national anti-corruption agencies. However, we must not rest on our laurels. The evolving nature of corruption demands that we constantly innovate and adapt our strategies. As we deliberate on implementing the ECOWAS protocol against corruption, I urge all member states to renew their commitment to this cause. Let us move beyond rhetoric and focus on concrete actions. Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agencys Kwara State Command, has urged the National Universities Commission to mandate drug tests for admission to higher institutions. While answering questions from journalists in Ilorin on Sunday, the commander stated that pupils must pass drug tests before being admitted to institutions. This, she added, would act as a preventative measure, as she regretted the countrys rising drug use, particularly among females. Advertisement According to a 2018 survey, 14.3 million people are using drugs in Nigeria; one out of seven persons in Nigeria is a drug user, while one out of every four drug users is a woman. This shows that the society is in trouble. This is because a woman is the administrator of the home and now that women have started abusing drugs, then the society is in trouble, she said. Abiola-Popoola emphasised the collaboration with traditional rulers in the fight against drug trafficking and misuse, claiming that success in the fight was dependent on the participation of stakeholders at the request of the traditional institution. The traditional rulers have some control over their people and they are the closest to the communities. Whenever they say a word, it almost becomes a law among their people who hold them in high esteem. They have a stronghold of their communities, and that is why they are very important in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse. We have been making use of the traditional rulers over the years. When traditional heads rise in their respective communities against drug traffickers, their people will join them in the fight. In 2021, the then President, Muhammadu Buhari, launched the War Against Drug Abuse and in launching it, all traditional rulers were represented because the aim of this WADA is community mobilisation, which will be led by the traditional rulers, she said. READ MORE: Governor Soludos Daughter Ties Knot In Abuja Church Ceremony Abiola-Popoola urged traditional rulers to pay attention to their areas by putting people in strategic locations to gather information on the drug situation and inviting NDLEA when necessary. The commander stated that she had previously met the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and expressed gratitude to the monarch for his support for the new leadership of the agency in the state. The Emir of Ilorin assured us of his support and cooperation. He even promised that other traditional heads in Kwara State will support us because any community that we are going into will be informed that we are coming, and this is very important for us, and we are grateful to the Emir, she said. Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has reacted to Professor Pat Utomis recent allegations of him violating contracts. According to Amosun, Utomi has a history of questionable business practices which led to his blacklisting by the Ogun State House of Assembly during his tenure as Governor. Advertisement Utomi had previously recounted how he struggled to repay millions of naira in loans after Amosun allegedly cancelled a contract he held with the Ogun State government. He also claimed that a prominent Ogun State indigene committed suicide after a similar contract cancellation under Amosuns administration. These statements were made in reaction to Amosuns comments on the ongoing arbitration and legal disputes between Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd and the Nigerian/Ogun State governments over terminating a contract at the Ogun/Guangdong Free Trade Zone. The contract, initiated in 2007 during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel, was terminated in 2016 under Amosuns leadership. Amosun explained that the contract was cancelled after the Ogun State government discovered the Chinese firms false claims. Reacting in a statement issued on Sunday, Amosun fired back at Utomi, accusing him of harbouring a sense of entitlement and still resenting Amosun for not indulging it. READ ALSO:Im Ready To Aid Nigeria With Relevant Documents Gbenga Daniel On Seized Presidential Aircraft He asserted that the Ogun State House of Assembly already blacklisted Utomi before he became Governor due to Utomis alleged penchant for shoddy business deals. Before I took office, the Ogun State House of Assembly had declared Utomi persona non grata and listed him in the states black book. When I became governor, I was curious about the issue. I reached out to Utominot because he contacted me, but because I wanted to understand what had happened given his public profile, he said. Amosun recalled that Utomi had mentioned a controversial construction project on an Ogun State property in Lagos. After sending a team to investigate, Amosun said they found the construction to be in an inappropriate location a car park on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Road in Lagos. The team suggested an alternative site, but according to Amosun, Utomis case lacked merit. In his defense, Amosun emphasized the importance of applying the law equally to all Nigerians, regardless of status, religion, or tribe, to improve the country. He cautioned against allowing misinformation and dubious tales to shape public opinion and insisted that he stood by every decision he made during his time as governor. Nobody can talk me down to make themselves look good. I served Ogun State with passion and integrity, and I hold my head high for every decision I made, whether or not people like Pat Utomi agree with me, he added. Police believe Damari Carter, 4, was killed by his mother and her boyfriend in early December. Read more The haunting sounds from the second floor apartment on Reno Street were intensifying each day: the booming music, the maniacal laughs, the sounds of whips, and a toddlers screams. Tiajuana Jennings, who lived in the apartment below, said the disturbing noises began in early December, not long after she had seen a woman and her young son move in with her upstairs neighbor, Kevin Spencer. Advertisement Spencer, she said, was crazy he had once pulled a gun on her boyfriend and now she believed he was abusing that little boy. So on Dec. 7, she said, she called Philadelphias child welfare agency to report the beatings. An employee took down her information, she said, then called back a few minutes later to tell her to call police. Jennings said she feared retribution and was afraid to, and the agency said they would look into it. But it appears employees never intervened, Assistant District Attorney Josh Myers said Monday. Just days later, police say Spencer beat 4-year-old Damari Carter to death, then stuffed his body in a duffel bag, and left it in an abandoned lot filled with trash. The new detail, shared during a preliminary hearing Monday, added another troubling layer to the case, and raised questions about the city agencys handling of Jennings report. Myers said additional information about what happened after her call wasnt yet available, but prosecutors have subpoenaed records from Philadelphias Department of Human Services. Jessica Shapiro, assistant deputy managing director of the citys Office of Children and Families, said Monday that Damari was not in the custody of DHS, nor was he receiving services at the time of his death. She said that while the agency is deeply saddened by his death, state law prevents us from providing further information. During Mondays hearing, law enforcement shared in the greatest detail yet how they say Spencer abused the child and how the boys mother, Dominique Bailey, allowed the abuse and then tried to cover up her sons death. Bailey, 30, has been charged with third-degree murder, conspiracy, abuse of corpse, and related crimes, while Spencer, 30, faces first-degree murder and similar crimes. Municipal Court Judge David Shuter on Monday said prosecutors had established sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Bailey and Damari moved to Philadelphia from Texas in early 2023 and started living with her father in West Philadelphia. Things were going well, said Frank Bailey. He enjoyed spending time with his grandson, who was nonspeaking, and he and his wife were working on his speech. Then, in November, Frank Bailey said he realized his daughter was leaving the child alone at home. When he confronted her, he said, Dominique Bailey left angrily with the child. Police said she moved in with Spencer, her new boyfriend, on the 3800 block of Reno Street in Mantua. She did not tell her father where she had moved, he said, and wouldnt let him see the child. Dominique Bailey worked as a security guard for the University of Pennsylvania, Myers said, and would leave Damari with Spencer during the day. It was on those afternoons, during the first week of December, Jennings said, that she started to hear what she believed was Spencer yelling, slapping, and stomping, and Damaris cries. Myers played a series of disturbing videos. In one, recovered from Spencers phone, he is seen towering over Damari, poking the boys forehead and ordering him to eat his breakfast. The child stared ahead blankly, nearly unresponsive, as an ABCs song played loudly in the background. Damari had bruises on the side of his face, Myers said. Other videos, taken by Jennings outside the apartment, appeared to offer an audio of the beatings. They were so disturbing that some in the courtroom covered their ears. Sheriffs deputies gripped their vests tightly and closed their eyes. Even amid the violence to her son, Bailey was devoted to Spencer, Myers said, texting him love notes throughout the day. You are my whole world, she wrote. Its not clear exactly when Damari died of his injuries, Myers said, but investigators believe it could have been Dec. 8 or 9 around the time when Jennings said she stopped hearing the childs cries. Surveillance video showed Spencer leaving the apartment on Dec. 9, with a black Puma duffel bag over his shoulder. It is inside that bag, Myers said, that Damaris body was later found. By mid-December, family members were growing concerned they hadnt seen the child. Bailey told her father, he said, that the boy had been fatally hit by a car. The childs father, who lives in Texas, was so desperate for information that he called area hospitals and medical examiners, but none had heard of the case. They were especially suspicious, Frank Bailey said, because his daughter had left her kids with abusive strangers before. A few years ago, he said, another one of her sons appeared to have been seriously beaten, though Dominique Bailey blamed a babysitter. Bailey lost custody of that child, he said, and the boy was adopted by his aunt in Texas. Eventually, in late December, a reporter from 6abc reached out to Philadelphia police, and an investigation was launched. Bailey and Spencer were arrested and charged in early January. Damaris body was not recovered until March, when city workers cleaning out a lot discovered the duffel bag. Baileys attorney, Paul DiMaio, said the woman is remorseful and also likely a victim of Spencers abuse. She cried throughout the proceeding, and at one point, asked to leave the room to avoid watching the videos of Spencer allegedly beating her son. The judge said no. Spencers attorney declined to comment. Throughout the proceeding, he showed no emotion, appearing, as Myers said he did throughout police interviews, completely detached. Salem Medical Center, now part of Inspira Health Network, was controlled for four years by CHA Partners, which now wants to acquire Crozer Health. Read more The founder of a New Jersey real estate company in the early stages of negotiating a deal to acquire Crozer Health defends his companys track record running another financially struggling hospital, Salem Medical Center in South Jersey. Bill Colgan, managing partner at CHA Partners, said CHA achieved its goals at Salem, even though a local foundation involved ended up losing half its endowment. Advertisement Our goals for Salem Medical Center included transitioning the hospital back to a nonprofit corporation, maintaining all acute care services, and expanding the emergency department to effectively manage behavioral health patients, Colgan wrote in a letter emailed to The Inquirer Wednesday. The ultimate goal was to integrate the former Memorial Hospital of Salem County into a regional nonprofit health system. In December 2022, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, CHA accomplished all its goals, and Salem Medical Center successfully became part of the Inspira Health Network, Colgan wrote. CHA is expected to replicate its Salem playbook at Crozer, with the end goal of making Crozer part of a larger nonprofit system. However, Crozer is far more complicated than Salem, and turning it into a viable business will require help from the government, private health insurers, and the real estate firm that holds the mortgage on Crozers property, according to industry experts. READ MORE: What CHA Partners' ownership of Salem County hospital says about the firm. The largest health system in Delaware County, Crozer has experienced service cuts and hospital closures over eight years of ownership by Prospect Medical Holdings Inc. Crozer was struggling financially when Prospect bought it. The Los Angeles for-profit signed a tentative agreement last week to sell Crozer to CHA for undisclosed terms. The Salem County hospital also was in bad shape when CHA acquired it in 2019. Community Health Systems Inc. purchased the 126-bed community hospital in 2002 for $35 million, but had been trying to sell it for years after trimming services, including the maternity ward in 2010. The hospital was expected to close if CHA hadnt taken over. The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation, established with $32.2 million in net proceeds from the sale to Community Health Systems, provided a $14.5 million grant and a $14.5 million loan to help get the renamed Salem Medical Center off the ground. Salem County Hospital Corp., a nonprofit, owned the hospital, but for-profits managed it. Before the sale to Inspira, the foundation provided an additional $10 million in loans, bringing its total support to $39 million. The foundation forgave $20 million of its loans as part of that sale, but CHA still owes it $3 million. The foundation won a Superior Court judgment in May for the $3 million, plus interest and legal fees. Colgans letter did not mention that litigation. Historically, CHA, founded in 2008, has served as a buyer of last resort that doesnt show up until a seller has exhausted all other options. Typically, that involves a bankruptcy. CHA is based in Bloomfield, N.J. Before coming to Salem County, CHA had acquired Barnert Medical Arts Complex in Paterson, the Greenville Medical Arts Complex in Jersey City, the William B. Kessler Medical Arts Complex in Hammonton, and the Muhlenberg Medical Arts Complex in Plainfield. All were closed hospitals that CHA turned into medical complexes. In each case, the community would have lost a critical health-care asset if not for CHAs efforts, Colgan said. Crozer Health announced that it will end surgical services at Taylor Hospital, in Ridley Park, by Sept. 1. Read more Orthopedic surgeon Jeffrey Malumed, president of Premier Orthopaedics, has been doing operations at Crozer Healths Taylor Hospital for 35 years. Crozers decision to end surgeries at Taylor means that run will end by Sept. 1, marking the latest cut at the for-profit health system that for years has been shuttering services and closing locations in Delaware County. Advertisement In a note to staff Tuesday, Crozer CEO Tony Esposito said Taylor had been averaging three to four surgeries a day in the last few months. The dwindling number of procedures forced the money-losing health system to consolidate services at other locations. Its disheartening, Malumed said this week. Ive been with Taylor since it was a bustling institution. We had five ORs, 30 cases a day, four floors of patients. Times have changed. READ MORE: Crozer Health will be sold to CHA Partners, converted back into nonprofit Premier, which says it has more than 35 locations in Southeastern Pennsylvania, likely accounted for most of the procedures at Taylor, in Ridley Park. Premier was still doing 700 to 800 surgeries, such as joint replacements, annually at Taylor, according to Malumed, who helped found Premier in 2000. Premier, part of private-equity-backed Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co., has three ambulatory surgery centers where it will move some of the surgeries that would have been done at Taylor. Those locations in King of Prussia, Exton, and West Chester are not convenient for people who come to Taylor, Malumed acknowledged. Some Premier cases will move to Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland. Crozers shuttered Springfield Hospital was close to becoming Premiers fourth surgery center. State regulators balked at a plan to put the service in the hospital, which would have required a different license. A proposal to put it in an office building on the site was nixed by the buildings landlord. Last week, Crozers parent, Prospect Medical Holdings Inc. of Los Angeles, announced that it had signed a letter of intent to sell Crozer to CHA Partners, a New Jersey company that has acquired four closed hospitals and redeveloped them as mix-use medical buildings. The tentative agreement calls for CHA to create a nonprofit that would own Crozer, but a final deal is months away and would require numerous government agencies and private entities to reach agreement on Crozers liabilities, such as its underfunded pension and its mortgage, and other matters. READ MORE: CHA Partners: A look at the company that wants to buy Crozer Health in Delaware County Meanwhile, Crozers losses increased this year amid the uncertainty over the systems future, Esposito said in an interview last week. Right now, were just holding tight and trying to hold everything together until we get to this transaction, he said. Resources for Human Development outsourced its finance and has a preliminary agreement to be acquired by Inperium Inc., a Reading nonprofit that has grown rapidly through acquisitions since its founding in 2016. Show here is the main entrance to RHD's headquarters in Philadelphia, on Wissahickon Ave. near Route 1. Read more Resources for Human Development eliminated the positions of CFO and chief information officer and turned those departments over to its prospective acquirer Inperium, the CEO of the financially distressed Philadelphia health and human services nonprofit said Friday in an internal email. Alongside our decision to outsource specific administrative functions, we are embarking on a new era at RHD, CEO Brian Matthew Rhodes said in the email obtained by The Inquirer. Advertisement RHDs CFO Deanna Cerwin departed on Aug. 9; its chief information officer, Mike Boeglin, left Aug. 7, the email said. Rhodes did not respond last week to requests for details about how many other jobs were being eliminated at the large Philadelphia health and human services nonprofit. Rhodes had warned in a July 31 blog post that a third round of layoffs was likely in the next couple of weeks. RHD, which announced a preliminary agreement in May to be acquired by Inperium, already had two rounds of layoffs this year, but was still on the verge of bankruptcy when it agreed to the deal with Inperium, which provides behavioral health, intellectual disability, and other services. The fast-growing Reading nonprofit has unusual terms in its RHD agreement, including the right to appoint five of nine RHD board members in exchange for a line of credit from Inperium. That gave Inperium control of the 54-year old RHD without any regulatory oversight. RHD, which gets most of its revenue from Medicaid, has operations in 13 states including three clinics in low-income Philadelphia neighborhoods. RHD was expected to have a $10 million operating loss on $325 million in revenue in the year that ended June 30, according to Jay Deppeler, a former Inperium executive who now chairs the RHD board. CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. George Santos, who spun lies about his life into an 11-month stint in Congress, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a case that led to his expulsion from office and the admission that hed allowed ambition to cloud his judgment. The former representative, 36, is likely to spend at least six years in prison and owes more than $370,000 in restitution. His guilty plea in federal court on Long Island came weeks before the case was to go to trial. He is to remain free on bond until he is sentenced on Feb. 7. Advertisement I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct, the New York Republican said, his voice trembling as he entered the plea. Santos elected in 2022 after bandying falsehoods about his wealth and background, including a lie that his mother perished in the 9/11 attacks told reporters outside court that his political ambitions had led him to make decisions that were unethical. Pleading guilty is a step I never imagined Id take, but it is a necessary one because it is the right thing to do, Santos said. Its not only a recognition of my misrepresentation to others, but more profoundly, it is my own recognition of the lies I told myself over these past years. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said that in pleading guilty, Santos had told the truth after years of telling lies. And that truth is he is a criminal, Peace said. Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while actually working. Peace also said that in addition to the crimes Santos pleaded guilty to, he also admitted to a litany of other crimes for which the court will hold him accountable at sentencing. Among them: admitting that he stole multiple peoples credit card numbers and charged them for his campaign, that he tricked donors into giving money to a bogus nonprofit and used the cash to buy designer clothing, and that he fabricated his personal wealth in a financial disclosure report he submitted to Congress. Santos was expelled from the U.S. House after an ethics investigation found overwhelming evidence he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit. The case has been set for trial in early September. If that had happened, federal prosecutors said Monday that they were prepared to call some 40 witnesses, including members of Santos campaign, employers and family members. Santos was once touted as a rising political star after he flipped the suburban district that covers the affluent North Shore of Long Island and a slice of the New York City borough of Queens in 2022. But his life story began unraveling even before he was sworn into office. At the time, reports emerged that he had lied about having a career at top Wall Street firms and a college degree along with other questions surrounding his biography. New questions then emerged about his campaign funds. He was first indicted on federal charges in May 2023, but refused to resign from office. Santos had previously maintained his innocence, though he said in an interview in December that a plea deal with prosecutors was not off the table. Asked if he was afraid of going to prison, he told CBS 2 at the time: I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail, its not a pretty place and uh, I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible. Separately Monday, in Manhattan federal court, Judge Denise Cote tossed out a lawsuit in which Santos claimed that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, ABC and Disney committed copyright infringement and unjustly enriched themselves at his expense by using videos he made on the Cameo app for a Jimmy Kimmel Live segment. The judge said it was clear that Kimmel used the clips, which were also posted to YouTube, for purposes of criticism and commentary, which is fair use. Santos had begun selling personalized videos on Cameo in December shortly after his ouster from Congress. He subsequently launched, then quickly abandoned, a longshot bid to return to Congress as an independent earlier this year. In a radio interview that aired Sunday, Santos said he has taken comfort in being a somewhat private civilian again. I really dont miss the rubber chicken dinners and the rah-rah-rah parties and fundraisers, he said of his former life. With a criminal trial looming, he had said in the WABC interview that he was terrified. This is not absolutely an easy process to go through. It really hurts and it really messes with your psychological health, he told host Cindy Adams. As the trial date neared in recent weeks, Santos had sought to have a partially anonymous jury, with his lawyers arguing in court papers that the mere risk of public ridicule could influence the individual jurors ability to decide Santos case solely on the facts and law as presented in Court. He also wanted potential jurors to fill out a written questionnaire gauging their opinions of him. His lawyers argued the survey was needed because for all intents and purposes, Santos has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion. Judge Joanna Seybert agreed to keep jurors identities public but said no to the questionnaire. Prosecutors, meanwhile, had been seeking to admit as evidence some of the financial falsehoods Santos told during his campaign, including that hed worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs and that he had operated a family-run firm with approximately $80 million in assets. Two Santos campaign aides previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to the former congressmans campaign. His ex-treasurer, Nancy Marks, pleaded guilty in October to a fraud conspiracy charge, implicating Santos in an alleged scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors. A lawyer for Marks said then that his client would be willing to testify against Santos if asked. Sam Miele, a former fundraiser for Santos, pleaded guilty a month later to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising money for Santos campaign. A member of the Iraqi forces walks past a mural bearing the logo of the Islamic State in this photo from March 2017. Read more A former Penn State Abington student accused of posting more than 200 manuals for making bombs, poison, and weapons to terrorism-related chat groups will be deported to Russia after spending just over a year in prison, a federal judge ruled Monday. Kamal Fataliev, 20, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty last month to one count of lying on a U.S. citizenship application about his past contacts with sympathizers of the terror group ISIS. Advertisement His involvement with potential terrorists online came to light after federal authorities averted a planned 2022 Memorial Day attack in Chicago and discovered more than 700 messages between Fataliev and one of the suspected plotters, authorities have said. But despite those plentiful communications online, Fataliev remained an enigma during his sentencing hearing Monday in federal court. He sat quietly next to his attorney throughout the proceedings head down, sullen and dressed in a green prison jumpsuit and declined to address the judge before his punishment was announced. I have nothing to say, sir, Fataliev quietly told U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III. Thank you. Bartle, meanwhile, said he was satisfied with the sentence prosecutors and Fatalievs attorney had recommended as part of the mans plea deal which will lead to his release from custody Wednesday, after roughly 13 months behind bars, and his immediate deportation. You certainly got off on the wrong foot in this country, Bartle told Fataliev. But its unlikely youll be a further challenge or danger to the public. Fatalievs lawyer, federal public defender Jonathan McDonald, offered little explanation for how his client a U.S. permanent resident with Russian citizenship found himself mired in the world of online extremists. Hed previously described Fataliev as an exemplary student a graduate of Pennsbury High School in Bucks County and a National Honor Society member who, up until his arrest, had maintained 3.99 GPA at Penn State while working in IT support for the university. But federal authorities have maintained that sheen of academic success masked Fatalievs darker proclivities online. According to court filings, he admitted to agents in 2022 that he kept hundreds of firearms and explosive manuals on his computer. They said hed provided them to people he believed to be legitimate ISIS fighters. In terror-related chat groups, he adopted the ISIS flag as his profile photo and eagerly dove into conversations, including one about a plot to kill a French model who other participants believed had disrespected the Quran. But when confronted again by the FBI a few months later, Fataliev maintained hed abandoned radicalism and had sworn off any further contact with potential terrorists online. Prosecutors said that resolve did not last. Within months, Fataliev showed up on agents radar again after they found manuals tied to him on the phone of a teenager involved in the Memorial Day 2022 plot to attack Shiite mosques and synagogues in Chicago, according to court filings. Agents confronted him again after those conversations. Fataliev insisted he never offered any advice or encouragement for an attack and maintained he didnt know of any impending terrorist strike. Though prosecutors initially charged him with two counts of lying to the FBI, his decision to plead guilty last month to the separate charge of lying on a citizenship application came as part of a deal negotiated with the government over months. Fataliev asserted on an application he filed in 2023 amid his ongoing contact with the FBI that he had no ties to terror groups. His lawyer said Monday that under Fatalievs sentence, he will now be barred from returning to the United States. This is a young man who came from a good family, he said. Hes taken responsibility, and hes prepared to go back and continue his life in Russia. As he watched his blood soak through the last of his makeshift bandages and puddle on the floor, Mark Subher wondered if he would die in his jail cell in Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Northeast Philadelphia. That morning in September, a correctional officer had unlocked all the doors on the unit. Then, according to Subher, she left. What happened next was captured on video obtained by The Inquirer: Three prisoners attacked Subher, one stabbing him repeatedly with a homemade knife, others punching and stomping him. After Subher got away, they had time to conceal the evidence, mopping up the trail of blood. Advertisement Im praying the whole time: God, please get me through this, Subher said. He grew lightheaded as he hit the emergency buzzer in his cell over and over. Alone in his cell, Subher popped his dislocated shoulder back into place and used T-shirts as bandages, he said. It took five T-shirts, and about an hour and a half before help finally arrived. Its like a waking nightmare, Subher said of his time at the Philadelphia city jails, where he was held pending trial for attempted murder before being acquitted of all charges. (More than half of the jails 4,300 prisoners, like Subher, have not yet been tried.) There, he experienced firsthand conditions that staffers, prisoners, and outside observers say have deteriorated during the pandemic to a full-blown crisis and that they say officials have downplayed or sought to cover up. Subher described months of lockdowns, leaving his cell an hour or two a day (and not at all on many weekends). In his precious minutes of movement, he said, he had to choose: a call home, a call to his lawyer, or a shower just to feel normal. He pleaded for toilet paper, sometimes using a sock or T-shirt instead. He watched, eyes stinging and watering, as a man was pepper-sprayed just for breakdancing. He heard how other prisoners could jam their cell locks with plastic bags so they could jump out and fight. Like many others, he went hungry when, a few times a week, staff simply didnt deliver meals. In Subhers 22 months in the jails, 25 people died an annual jail mortality rate 77% higher than the national average. All told, there were at least 29 deaths since the start of the pandemic, including three by suicide, five by homicide, and 10 by drug overdose. During at least two deaths, no staff were present, according to eyewitness accounts and internal documents obtained by The Inquirer. The Philadelphia Department of Prisons acknowledged only two of the deaths in news releases. In interviews and lawsuits, staff and prisoners have attributed the deaths, riots, and assaults to a dangerously short-staffed department. The deficit has climbed to 644 officers 36% short of a full complement exacerbated by absenteeism, averaging 20% of staff per shift, but sometimes topping 90%. Over the last year, twice as many officers left as were hired. READ MORE: Panic attacks and 20-hour workdays: Why Philly corrections officers are quitting in droves City leaders, including Mayor Jim Kenney, either declined interview requests or defended the conditions at the complex, casting staff complaints in particular as a negotiating tactic during ongoing contract talks. Commissioner Blanche Carney also declined an interview. Her office provided written responses to questions, acknowledging that conditions are challenging, but attributed that to outside forces: The Covid-19 pandemic has created challenges in corrections nationwide. The statement said aggressive hiring, the decline of COVID-19 infections, and resumption of court cases would resolve those challenges. The statement said that no units have been left unstaffed or short-staffed. Allegations have often been made completely without context and are often inaccurate. Getting accurate information about the jails appears to be a challenge even for those charged with monitoring them. Members of the citys own Prison Advisory Board said they are unclear what their role is, or whether they have any authority at all. A grand jury probe has hung over the jails like a storm cloud for a year, without any findings or charges being unsealed. And a federal lawsuit over COVID precautions has expanded into sprawling class-action litigation over jail conditions. Under a recent settlement agreement, an independent monitor will be appointed and report to Senior U.S. District Judge Berle Schiller. But over the past two years, many of Schillers orders were not executed. READ MORE: Philly prison officials agree to an independent monitor and hiring bonuses to settle lawsuit That is just the latest in a half-centurys worth of civil rights litigation over alleged violations at the jails. Repeatedly, Philadelphia officials have pledged to address what courts warned were unconstitutional conditions, from an intake area so crowded that prisoners were forced to sleep on the floor, to dangerously low staffing levels and woeful medical care. More recently, advocates said conditions had improved. Yet, staffing shortages had been mounting even before the pandemic, causing frequent lockdowns. David Robinson, president of the correctional officers union, Local 159 of AFSCME District Council 33, said the city never responded with a serious recruiting effort. Now, it snowballed, " he said, and they cant hire fast enough to keep this jail safe anymore. Dangerous and hostile Trent Mason was supposed to be home already. The 38-year-old father and cook at a popular Center City pub had been locked up in January, charged in a domestic incident with assault. But on Feb. 4, his bail was changed to unsecured. It meant Mason could be released. He just had to wait for a sheriffs officer to transport him to traffic court. (Under city policy, anyone with $5,000 in traffic court debt must be taken to traffic court to set up a payment plan before release.) But Mason never made it to traffic court. Instead, on Feb. 8, he died in his cell. Representatives of the prisons and medical examiner said the cause remains under investigation. Masons family is losing patience. I want answers, said his sister Shareka Mangum. Theyre not giving them to me. Its very overwhelming and stressful, because I cant get no closure. So far, every new fact shes learned about his death has further alarmed her: It occurred four days after he could have gone home, on a cell block where no officer was present, without an identifying wristband on. And reports from inside the jail raise still more questions. Damarcus Tucker, who was incarcerated on the same cell block, described hearing Mason banging and shouting for hours, before suddenly going quiet. According to Tucker, the sprinkler in Masons cell had gone off, flooding it with cold, filthy water. He said the entire cell block started shouting and banging but correctional officers didnt arrive for two hours. It then took hours for staff to correctly identify Mason, Tucker and others said. That timing aligns with internal logs, obtained by The Inquirer, that show no entries after an OK tour at 6:14 p.m. until medical staff were called at 8:50 p.m. Mason is misidentified in the log. There are times were in a cell and no COs are on the block for hours at a time, Tucker said. You can be in a cell with someone who is homicidal, suicidal, and no one is coming. Tensions are high after two years of lockdowns. Staff have used force at elevated rates, and prisoner assaults are up. When violence breaks out, incarcerated people are more likely to be armed. For those who need medical care, the average wait is nearly 13 days. Bradford Hansen, a retired prison warden retained as an expert by the plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit, summarized the conditions as hostile and dangerous. This crisis is creating an unsafe and violent environment for inmates to live in, Hansen wrote in a report completed in March. It must be stated emphatically that, while there is a shortage of staff, the Philadelphia Prison system still has the duty to protect inmates. The city has paid out $835,000 since January 2021 for lawsuits alleging staff assaults, wrongful deaths, and medical negligence. The largest settlement, $310,000, went to an epileptic man who in 2019 was placed in a top bunk, had a seizure, and then fell, fracturing his neck. Still pending are lawsuits by the families of Christopher Hinkle and Armani Faison, both beaten fatally by cellmates. In Faisons case, the alleged perpetrator had just been removed from another cell over claims he sexually assaulted his cellmate. Other recent civil complaints claim abuses by staff: One man alleged an officer stomped on him and beat him with a walkie-talkie, an incident caught on video obtained by The Inquirer. Another man alleged that three officers and a sergeant ordered him to strip naked, then beat him so badly they fractured a rib and ruptured a testicle. A third said an officer beat and pepper-sprayed him, warning he would die like George Floyd. Yet another alleged a group of prisoners stabbed him, telling him the lieutenant on duty had told you not to f with her. READ MORE: We need help: Video, reports depict violence and riots at Philadelphia jails Hansen, the corrections expert, noted that the jails have seen a 76% increase in staff uses of force compared with before the pandemic. Use of pepper spray nearly doubled. Carney, in her statement, said pepper spray can help correctional staff avoid the need for physical actions and injuries. She said all incidents are reviewed internally. But Hansen wrote that nearly one-third of the pepper-spray incident reports he reviewed were possibly excessive. He said staff are supposed to gain compliance through a three-step ask, advise, order protocol, before escalating to pepper spray. Instead, he wrote, Staff have grown accustomed to giving a direct order and then spraying. Jerome Lewis, who is awaiting trial on a drug case, described such an encounter in February: An officer ordered him into his cell and, when he did not comply immediately, pepper-sprayed him at close range, he said. Lewis admitted swinging at the officer in response. Then, he alleged, he was surrounded by officers who kicked, punched, and stomped on him as he drifted in and out of consciousness. A log obtained by The Inquirer reports that Lewis and an officer were sent to outside hospitals with facial injuries. On a recent visit, Lewis still had visible bruises, splints on a finger and a wrist, and a bandage over one eye. A prison spokesperson said the incident is under investigation. According to Hansen, prisoners are also at particular risk from armed assaults, given that the jails appear to be awash in drugs and homemade weapons. After analyzing the departments data, he noted that the annual number of contraband searches declined from more than 40,000 in 2019 to barely 2,000 in 2021. Yet, the amount of contraband found increased fivefold. Hansen concluded that prisoners had grown emboldened under lax enforcement. READ MORE: Unit unsafe: Inside a week of riots, fires, and destruction at Philly jails Carneys statement denied that searches had declined. It said the department has redoubled efforts to intercept contraband. The level of violence has, among other things, hampered routine medical care. Some nurses refused to go onto housing units after staff had left them alone there and fights broke out, the jails medical director, Bruce Herdman, said in a deposition. Herdman said thats added to other challenges facing medical contractor Corizon, including staffing vacancies that peaked at 20% in February, contributing to the nearly two-week wait for sick calls. The medical director also acknowledged that staffing shortages had pushed the average wait for an intake assessment to eight hours, twice as long as the departments four-hour target. One man, Hector Leandry, was still being held in the intake area when he died March 9, three days after his arrest on a drug case, according to several people familiar with the situation. His death is still under investigation, according to the Medical Examiners Office. What does that mean to me? said Tom Innes, jail liaison for the Defender Association of Philadelphia. No one saw that person right away, and no one was overseeing them. Its game... Hide em In October 2021, Lt. Sholonda Gregory took what felt like a perilous step and wrote a letter to Mayor Kenney. She described herself as a mother, sister, daughter, and 23-year prisons employee, and said she was experiencing a crisis of conscience over human rights violations in the jails. She wrote that she was shocked to learn that 564 people, about 12% of the population, were in solitary confinement, some for as long as a year. And she wrote that she has repeatedly been forced to put her life on the line to quell riots: Inmates breached their cell doors, causing damage to the facility, breaking video surveillance cameras [and] electronic unit consoles dispersing fire extinguishers and barricading themselves inside the unit. Then, Gregory described a massive cover-up, saying both the public and Judge Schiller were being misled. She said prison officials lied to minimize the extent of the riots. She said she was told to falsify logs to make it appear that prisoners had received access to showers and phone calls as ordered by Schiller. And, she alleged that staff rosters were being padded with workers who were injured on duty, on family leave, or retired creating the false appearance of a fully staffed jail. In a lawsuit filed in March, Gregory added new allegations of whistleblower retaliation. She had been demoted to sergeant and transferred punitively, she believed. Gregory declined an interview request. Her claims echo allegations incarcerated people, staff, and union leaders have raised for months: that a lack of transparency by Carneys team has concealed the depths of the jails problems, and that those who speak up risk retaliation. Incarcerated people have said in affidavits that they, too, were recruited by officers to sign the falsified time logs. Yvonne Newkirk, a volunteer with the Pennsylvania Prison Society, reported hearing the complaint on recent visits as well. She and other visitors also alleged that prison staff staged aspects of their tours, like real-estate agents ahead of a showing. Newkirk said she spotted bottles of cleaning solution, contradicting prisoners complaints about a shortage. On closer inspection, she said, the bottles were empty. Incarcerated people told her theyd just been placed there in advance of the visit. David Robinson, the union president, described a similar pattern in the intake area, which has limited capacity and is not designed for overnight stays. Robinson alleged that he observed close to 100 prisoners crowded in during unannounced visits but just five or six during pre-scheduled tours. They dont want the truth out there. David Robinson, president of the correctional officers union, Local 159 of AFSCME District Council 33 Its a game they play, its like, hide em, he said. On a regular day, theyre flooded with inmates. The day that [Leandry] passed away, I believe there may have been 50 to 60 inmates in the receiving room at that time. Robinson said his members told him theyve been instructed by supervisors to minimize flash reports major incident reports that are widely distributed to city officials. And, he alleged, he wasnt notified in January when yet another riot occurred at the Detention Center, where he said 40 prisoners set fires and destroyed property. Robinson said he learned of the riot only because a worker who was hit with a broomstick suffered a concussion and required extended medical leave. They dont want the truth out there, he said. If you did a flash every day, [city officials] would look at them like, whats going on? Proud of the many successes By April 2021, Claire Shubik-Richards was growing concerned. The executive director of the Pennsylvania Prison Society, a nonprofit authorized by state law to enter jails and prisons, had not been inside Philadelphias jails in over a year. But alarming messages were trickling out of the jails in letters and phone calls then flooding out. To Shubik-Richards, the pattern was striking: At other prisons and jails across the state, complaints declined as pandemic restrictions were loosened. In Philadelphia they doubled in April. In May, they increased again by two-thirds. The number has remained elevated ever since, she said. In June, the organization was permitted to visit the jails. It was unlike any visit she had done before. In the majority of the pods she visited, the men were locked in their cells and no staff were present, she wrote in a letter to Carney. It was eerily silent. On one pod, she wrote, some men noticed the visitors and began screaming, pleading for family visits. Within minutes, men were screaming from the majority of cells. It was the first of several visits, each one followed by a memo to Carney alleging a crisis. Shubik-Richards cataloged prolonged lockdowns, unsanitary conditions, infestations, heightened violence, a lack of toilet paper and cleaning supplies, broken emergency call buttons, inadequate access to showers and phone calls, delays in medical care, and breakdowns in the systems for grievances and prisoner disciplinary hearings. She began publicly urging Mayor Kenney to appoint a crisis manager, or even call in the National Guard. READ MORE: Public defender says Philly jails are cruel and callous, and violate clients rights In response, Carney wrote the concerns were not well founded. She denied that units were left unstaffed. She said there was ample toilet paper and cleaning supplies, and a pest-control contract. And she demanded the names of any prisoners who alleged theyd been denied out-of-cell time or told to fabricate logs, saying she could not assess the claims unless provided specifics. After four rounds of strident memos and dismissive responses, Shubik-Richards acknowledged the limited impact of such pleas. Its been lonely work over the last year, she said. We have a lot of stakeholders meaning city, state, and court officials that dont think there is anything they can do. The Prison Society represents just one of many layers of monitoring or oversight of the jails: Theres also a Prison Advisory Board, though its role is hazy. Theres Schiller, and his court-ordered remedies for unconstitutional conditions. And, of course, there is city leadership, from City Council up to the managing director and the mayor himself. So far, though, they have not been able to align on proposed solutions nor do they even seem to agree on whether a problem exists. For instance, last June, City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart publicly urged Kenney to take action on what she called a tipping point in the correctional staffing crisis. In a letter written in response, Kenney defended the prisons, attributed any issues there to larger labor market trends, and insisted hiring efforts were well underway. I am proud of the many successes we have accomplished with the leadership of the PDP team, his letter concluded. In an interview, City Councilmember Curtis Jones, who chairs the Committee on Public Safety, offered a similar perspective. He said criticisms were politically accented, if not politically motivated. [Carney] did a really good job under difficult circumstances, he said. You have to take into consideration that there needs to be labor peace. Internally, the Prison Advisory Board is also split. Its chairman, the Rev. Rodney Muhammad, said he had no specific concerns regarding the jails operation. What correctional institution is not facing challenges today? he asked. READ MORE: Hunger, filth, constant danger: Prisoners accounts of Philly jails paint a grim picture Some members have complained that they are unclear what their role is. The board pretty much exists to say theres a board, said one person familiar with the boards meetings, who declined to be named because they were not authorized to speak to a reporter. That person said the board does not regularly tour the institutions, does not have access to most internal data or reports, and has not issued advice or standards for the jails. Even the federal lawsuit which so far has racked up sanctions totaling $250,000 paid to community bail funds has so far failed to extract compliance. Schiller first ordered the jails to provide three hours a day of out-of-cell time for inmates in February 2021, increasing to eight hours by January 2022. That has not happened. David Rudovsky, one of the civil rights lawyers representing prisoners, said hes hopeful that the pending settlement which includes an outside monitor and a commitment by the city to pay hiring and retention bonuses will at last yield results. Others who have worked on such lawsuits for decades have grown skeptical. One, Angus Love, said he believes that conditions are worse than ever and that prisoners remain at the caboose of the train of who cares. In retrospect, he said, he and other lawyers were repeatedly bought off with financial settlements: Many times the city felt, and I think thats still the prevailing view, that its easier to pay up and make these people go away than to address the conditions. More staff, fewer prisoners In March of 2022, Shubik-Richards and other Prison Society members visited the jails yet again. This time, she said, about half of the broken locks had been replaced. The emergency call buttons were working. The men she spoke with said they had access to showers. She was also relieved to learn that the city had hired former Pennsylvania Corrections Secretary John Wetzel as a consultant. Everything else was the same disaster, she said. Its still a crisis. What it will take to stabilize and secure the jails remains a larger question. Many agree it will require hiring far more staff while curbing attrition or finding a way to reduce the number of incarcerated people to align with the number of staff available to supervise them. Shubik-Richards argues for a coordinated, all-of-the-above effort. To Jones, the main issue is hiring, which can be solved like other recruiting challenges with signing bonuses and salary increases. He said cutting back on mandatory overtime will improve on this years 24% turnover rate. Carneys statement said 71 officers had been hired in March or were in the training academy, a step toward filling 644 vacancies. Herdman, the medical director, said in his deposition that the medical staff shortfall had also been reduced, from 20% vacancy to 13%. But he cited the same problem facing hospitals that have seen nurses defect to travel-nurse agencies that will triple their salaries. For now, the prisons, too, have turned to agency workers to staff a $1.4 million health-care blitz to catch up on the backlog of medical calls. In the long term, the city has committed to reduce Philadelphias jail population, which was more than 8,500 back in 2015, to a target of 4,000 by the end of 2022. READ MORE: Philly receives $2.3 million grant to continue working to reduce its jail population Kurtis August, interim director of the Office of Criminal Justice, said those efforts are ongoing, ranging from reentry housing for people with serious mental illness, to expediting parole, to community organizing to address racial disparities. Next steps, he said, include establishing a program to ensure public defenders can speak with each person arrested before preliminary arraignment, at which bail is set. A pilot program that placed defense staff in the Police Detention Unit had shown improved case outcomes however it was halted after the staffers alleged chronic police harassment. Innes, of the Defender Association, said theres far more the city could do and should rush to do in light of dangerous jail conditions. For one, if the city invested in GPS-equipped house arrest monitors, it would be able to release defendants on house arrest without sending them to jail to await a process that includes home inspection. The first three, four, five days of jail are the most expensive, he said, citing the numerous medical and drug screenings, so if they dont have to go up to the jail that would help immensely. Youre not safe After Subher was stabbed last September, staffers moved him into protective custody, in a windowless multipurpose room with three other men and no switch to turn off the light. His lawyer, Evan Hughes, sought a bail reduction or house arrest after Subher was assaulted. The DAs Office objected, and the court denied it. Its not just the inhumane conditions in the jail, Hughes said, but also the courts that are supposed to be monitoring the situation. There is just a lack of care all around. In November, after being found not guilty at trial, Subher began trying to rebuild his life. A father of four and a former commercial truck driver now on disability due to the jail injuries, hes in treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Its traumatizing, he said. I cant sleep. It just replays a lot. He is now suing the city, which he sees as culpable for what happened to him. Youre not safe. If youre not guilty, if you are guilty, it doesnt matter. Youre not safe in that building by any means. No one is safe. Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center, one of the city jails on State Road in Northeast Philadelphia, has increasingly been plagued by staff shortages, incidents of violence, and shutdowns over the past two years. Read more After more than two years of escalating staff shortages, prolonged lockdowns, and heightened violence at the Philadelphia jails, the city has pledged in court to address those conditions under the watch of an independent monitor. In a settlement agreement filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania, the city committed to paying hiring and retention bonuses for correctional officers and increasing incarcerated peoples time out of their cells to at least four hours a day by May 15. Advertisement Its a significant step forward, said David Rudovsky, one of a team of civil rights lawyers representing incarcerated people in a class-action lawsuit filed in April 2020. Both sides agree that its best to return the prison systems to normal operations. The agreement provides benchmarks and support in terms of a monitor to get there, and it also provides the possibility of sanctions. The agreement, pending approval by Senior U.S. District Judge Berle M. Schiller, proposes to keep the jails under the courts jurisdiction for two more years. The majority of the 4,300 people incarcerated at the Northeast Philadelphia jail complex are awaiting trial and have not yet been convicted of their charges. The Philadelphia Department of Prisons did not admit to any civil rights violations in the agreement. A spokesperson for the department said the settlement will enable all parties to focus on restoring normal operations, provided a COVID-19 resurgence does not get in the way. However, the department promised to reestablish a mental-health program for people in solitary confinement, and to provide them with at least 30 minutes a day out of their cells. It also agreed to make whole those who had been disciplined in jail without legally required hearings, such as by expunging disciplinary records or releasing them from punitive segregation. Other commitments included addressing a significant medical care backlog which, due to staff shortages, had resulted in delays of 13 days, on average, for sick visits, according to testimony by the Department of Prisons medical director, Bruce Herdman. Weve just been trying to keep up with the inundation, he said. Going forward, Herdman said that a $1.4 million blitz was planned to address that backlog. The city also pledged to finish replacing hackable cell locks that had contributed to riots and assaults, and to test and repair emergency call buttons. In addition, the city said it would consider implementing new rules around phone access, in response to an expert report that found prisoners were left to divide up phone time on their own. This procedure is ripe for violence and conflict, retired Nebraska state prison warden Brandon Hansen wrote in his report. READ MORE: Unit unsafe: Inside a week of riots, fires, and destruction at Philly jails Claire Shubik-Richards, who heads the Pennsylvania Prison Society, said the improvements outlined were essential, particularly to address the needs of those in segregated housing. On a recent visit, she visited a segregated housing unit where out-of-cell time appeared to be a rarity. They couldnt remember how often they were getting out of their cells. They were like, I think its once a week? These are people who are being subjected to trauma and mental health strain. But she warned that, given the loss of staff due to mandatory overtime and unsafe working conditions, the city might not be able to comply with its agreement. READ MORE: 4 Philly prisoners died in two weeks, capping a tumultuous and deadly year Currently, just 64% of correctional jobs are filled, with 644 positions open. In the last fiscal year, twice as many officers left as were hired. All the hiring and retention bonuses in the world wont make someone want to put their life at risk and also work for 72-plus hours with three hour breaks, she said. She believes urgent action, such as calling in the National Guard or another temporary staffing source, is necessary to stabilize the jails. Over the last two years, the city repeatedly failed to keep up with court orders governing out-of-cell time, and twice agreed to pay $125,000 into community bail funds to avoid contempt findings. David Robinson, president of the correctional officers union, Local 159 of AFSCME District Council 33, said the impact of the settlement will hinge in part on whether the promised bonuses provide a substantial pay bump. He had not been informed of any numbers, and the settlement does not specify them. READ MORE: Philadelphia lifts one-year residency requirement for new police and corrections hires The union, now in contract arbitration, has advocated lifting the city residency requirement and demanded pay parity with other law enforcement agencies. Correctional officers start at $43,000 24% less than Philadelphia police officer recruits and 13% less than new deputy sheriffs. If they pay the correctional officers exactly what they should, if they put the right people in place, this could be a better place, Robinson said. A row of Pennsylvania Skill brand game terminals photographed June 18, the day Pennsylvania's highest court said it will decide whether the cash-paying electronic game terminals that have become commonplace in convenience stores, bars, and other businesses are unlicensed gambling machines. Read more Philadelphia lawmakers say theyre waging war against late-night nuisance businesses. City Council passed a law in March that would require smoke shops, takeout restaurants, and bodegas in part of Kensington to be closed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Similar legislation passed in June covering three other districts across the city. Advertisement But nearly half a year after the Kensington curfew passed, the city says it has not issued a single citation for violations of the new rules. A spokesperson for the citys Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), said last month that the department was working with the Philadelphia Police Department to enforce the curfew. Both agencies acknowledged that enforcement had yet to begin. Last week, Joe Grace, a spokesperson for Mayor Cherelle L. Parker who ran for office in part on tackling neighborhood quality-of-life issues said the administration was supportive of the strategy of cracking down on convenience stores, vape shops, and other small businesses that some residents say attract crime in the early morning hours. But he acknowledged that the city was still creating and distributing educational materials to advise store owners of the new rules. The priority is ensuring laws are implemented effectively, not hastily, he said. It would be unfair if the city began citing businesses before educating [store owners]. Grace noted that the city had been sued in the past over aggressive business enforcement, but pledged that the city would begin enforcing the curfews in the coming weeks. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, whose district includes much of Kensington, also said the police department required months to write a new directive allowing officers to enforce the ordinance, rather than waiting for L&I to take action. Lozadas office helped create a list of late-night businesses that residents have cited as trouble spots, and said she is committed to making the curfew work. Weve been watching who continues to operate, and we know who the bad actors are, she said. Were ready to go. City Councils curfew plans emerged in response to waves of so-called nuisance businesses opening across the city, many of which openly flouted permitting rules. These include unlicensed smoke shops opening under grocery store licenses, 24-hour convenience stores lacking late-night operation permits, and other businesses exploiting Pennsylvanias unregulated skill games. Many establishments targeted by the legislation feature slot-like casino games that attract casual gamblers around the clock to the annoyance of civic groups. The rise of mini-casinos The thing that drove that whole curfew was those businesses with skill games, aside from the drug dealing and all that nonsense that goes on, said Rolando Sanchez, business improvement district manager for the Kensington-based Impact Services, a community development nonprofit. Theyre mini casinos. Despite high levels of political interest in cracking down on quality-of-life issues, the city has long struggled to enforce new regulations. L&I has faced a critical inspector shortage, with few inspectors working the overnight shift to cite scofflaws. The agency has historically been reluctant to invest the resources to take habitual offenders to civil court. READ MORE: How speculators fueled a nightmare for Kensington residents and could soon cash in In March, Lozada secured passage of a bill that imposed an 11 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew on businesses that did not already have a 24-hour permit, or a liquor license. In May, three other Council members introduced legislation to add additional curfews to other areas of the city. Under these rules, beat cops working the graveyard shift would, in theory, be able to issue violations if they saw a business flouting the new curfew. Residents dont want what happened in Kensington and some other areas of the city to happen in our area, Councilmember Anthony Phillips said in May. This bill sends a clear message that in our neighborhood were not going to tolerate any level of disruption. Many corner gambling parlors are clustered in areas already dealing with vice crime, such as Kensington Avenue, spurring residents to complain that operators were fueling or benefiting from criminal activity. Although the city has attempted to ban skill games locally, state lawmakers and gaming industry leaders are currently waging a legal battle over the future of the untaxed and unregulated gambling machines, which have proliferated across the commonwealth. Yet Sanchez said that even if the state machines are legalized and regulated, he hopes the curfew stays in place so the machines cant draw large after-hours crowds. On Kensington Avenue, many businesses are still operating late into the night, as if nothing had changed. The complaints arent gonna stop till the job gets done, Sanchez said. Saimun Alam Tasi, sings the American and Bangladesh National Anthem at the beginning of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Victory Day in Philadelphia, Pa., on Friday Dec. 16, 2022. Read more Naimul Islam, a University City resident, hadnt heard from any of his friends and family in Bangladesh for over a week. The country where he was born and raised was in the middle of a violent upheaval, and its internet and communication networks were shut down by the government. All he could do was follow the news and videos trickling in on social media. It was exhausting and tiring. I was literally on my phone and watching news 24 hours. It was a very stressful situation, said Islam, a community engagement specialist for the City of Philadelphias Department of Behavioral Health. He said he couldnt believe how quickly the situation in Bangladesh had changed. Advertisement Like 20 days ago, this government looked like theyre so powerful and theyre invincible, he said. That is no longer the case. Over the past month and a half in the South Asian country, there have been nationwide protests, hundreds of unarmed people killed by the countrys police force, and its long-standing prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, was ousted and replaced with an interim government. According to Pew, there are at least 7,000 Bangladeshi people living in Philadelphia. Islam said there could be as many as four times that in the Philadelphia region. In 2022, they successfully advocated for the Bangladeshi flag to be raised at City Hall for the Philadelphia Honors Diversity Flag Raising Program to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the countrys independence from Pakistan. Members of this community have felt a mix of intense emotions while the situation thousands of miles away has changed rapidly. Anxiety, uncertainty, as well as gratitude and appreciation for the young generation of Bangladeshis who have led this movement. We are saying that this is our second independence, said Md. Karimuzzaman, a Bangladeshi Ph.D. student at Drexel University. Whats happening in Bangladesh? The unrest began in June, when students in Bangladesh protested the countrys quota system for government jobs. By law, 30% of those highly sought-after positions were reserved for descendants of freedom fighters in Bangladeshs 1971 war for independence from Pakistan. The protesters argued that the quota system disproportionately benefitted people who already were among the countrys upper class. The quota and others for marginalized groups meant less than half of civil service jobs were awarded based on merit. In July, Bangladeshs security force responded to the protests with violence. Hundreds of people were killed, including some children, and thousands more were injured or arrested. What began as a protest of a discriminatory jobs system became a broader fight against Hasina, her autocratic rule, and widespread corruption. I think everyone [in the] Bangladeshi community here was so anxious at the very beginning of the movement. We call it the July Massacre. When it happened, everyone was traumatized, Karimuzzaman said. He was one of the students who led a demonstration of over 100 people at Philadelphia City Hall in July, to show support for the protesters and call for an end to the violence. We didnt concentrate on our work. We [lost] our focus. Its really impacted our mental health. Everyone was so tense, he said. Even as Hasinas government instituted internet blackouts and curfews, by Aug. 5, demonstrations swelled. Protesters stormed her official residence in Dhaka, the countrys capital, causing her to resign after 15 years in power and to flee to India. Philadelphia City Councilmember Nina Ahmad, a Bangladeshi immigrant, said she and other Philadelphia Bangladeshis were troubled by what they were seeing and hearing from their home country. Our Bangladeshi American communities stateside are very worried about the upheaval in our country of origin. Having survived the bloody war of Liberation of Bangladesh and experienced the postwar chaos, I deeply empathize with all who are picking up the pieces to restore peace and order in Bangladesh, she said in a statement to The Inquirer. I have seen the resilience and grit of the people of Bangladesh, and I am sure Bangladesh will emerge stronger from this crisis, with democracy intact and civil society restored, she said. Thats a dictatorship they [had], said Mohammad Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi immigrant in West Philly. Nobody can own the country. Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladeshs founding father and its first president. Cautious optimism for Bangladeshs future Bangladesh is in more stable position now. It has an interim government, led by Nobel Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus, and people are returning to their daily lives. Bangladeshi students are now taking on some of the countrys major leadership roles as well as more mundane ones like directing traffic. But there is still some cause for concern for Phillys Bangladeshis. There are reports of people committing retaliatory violence, including against Hindus who are a religious minority, and some members of Hasinas party remain in power. Bangladeshis in the city said they were pleased with the initial steps that the interim government has been taking to regain normalcy and establish democratic rule, but also acknowledged that the situation remains fragile. They have a big challenge to fix this [theres] lots of holes in Bangladesh to fix up, said Ibrul Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi immigrant, medical scientist, and health-care consultant living in Lansdowne. The movement is one thing. Running a country is a different thing, Islam said. To Ziauddin Ahmed, this movement in Bangladesh is distinct from its fight for independence in 1971. He knows because he was there. When the Temple Health nephrologist was an 18-year-old medical student in Bangladesh, he became a resistance fighter when the war broke out. Ahmed said it feels very different to win your freedom from a foreign army than from an autocratic ruler within. But what is the same is his love for his country, and his optimism for its future. He was at the student-led demonstration at City Hall last month, and said he felt proud of this younger generation of Bangladeshis. What is best for the country is [whats] important, he said. Not for a few people. The SS United States at Pier 82, along the Delaware River in June. Read more The stewards of the SS United States, a 1,000-foot vessel colloquially known as South Philadelphias Ikea boat, have to forge and finalize a deal to move the ship by Sept. 12 or risk losing custody of the ocean steam liner to its current landlord Penn Warehousing. Its not the reprieve the SS United States Conservancy, which has long sought to give the ship new life, angled for in federal court Monday. The group wanted U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody to reconsider a June decision that gave them until mid-September to move the ship. Advertisement But Brody denied the motion, saying she was concerned that giving the Conservancy any extension would lead to attorneys crying in court, pleading for more time as the revised deadline approached. Youre not entitled to be at the pier forever, Brody told Conservancy attorney Scott E. Wardell. Brody did give the Conservancy a partial victory. The group only needs to have a plan to move the ship finalized by the September deadline. Failure to do so opens the door for the Conservancy to lose possession of the SS United States to its landlord. Mondays hearing was the latest development in the ships yearslong rent dispute with its Pier 82 landlord. Penn Warehousing wanted to double the daily dockage fee in 2021 for the SS United States to $1,700 but the Conservancy refused to acknowledge the new rate, arguing the lease that prevented such a rent spike. The parties ended up in court early this year. The saga appeared to reach a climax in June. Brody absolved the Conservancy from paying the back rent Penn Warehousing claimed the ship owed on account of the rent increase, but made clear the vessel had to move. A month later, the Conservancy asked the judge to let the ship stay in place until December. Court filings from Conservancy attorneys cited a laundry list of logistical to-dos, such as getting U.S. Coast Guard approval for the move, stability assessments, and an active hurricane season expected to last until November. The Conservancys biggest hurdle has been finding a partner it deems suitable for their preservation ambitions. Ideally, the Conservancy wanted to find a white knight who would help it redevelop the ship into a mixed-use destination that would include a museum commemorating the former Queen of the Seas. Yet even finding a temporary berth that would give the Conservancy more time to find that perfect partner proved to be difficult. Court filings revealed the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the Virginia Port Authority, the Maryland Port Authority, the North Carolina State Ports Authority, the South Carolina Ports Authority, and the Georgia Ports Authority had been dead ends. Two counties in Florida have expressed interest in acquiring the boat but with one major catch unappealing to the Conservancy: Escambia and Okaloosa Counties would want to sink the SS United States and turn it into an artificial reef to bring more tourism. Publicly, the Conservancy has said sinking the ship is clearly not its first choice. But in court Monday, Wardell pinned the delay in sealing a deal on the counties, who he said had reservations about the tight timeline. READ MORE: Some officials in Florida want to sink the SS United States. The ships stewards say not so fast. Penn Warehousing attorney Craig Mills accused the Conservancy of dragging its feet on moving the toxic time bomb. Brody wanted to know what the holdup was if there were interested parties. Why do you need the extra time if you have a solution? she said, adding she was sympathetic to the efforts to preserve the ship. Throughout the hearing, Brody acknowledged what the Conservancy has been reluctant to say: Redevelopment plans are no more feasible than they were when the ship docked at Pier 82 almost 30 years ago and the ship couldnt continue to stay in its current berth. Its not realistic, we all have to live in realism, she said. Mills said Penn Warehousing was satisfied with the decision and his client looks forward to putting Pier 82 North back into productive commercial use. The plan would be for Penn Warehousing to negotiate a lease extension with the new owners of the SS United States once a deal is struck to transfer ownership. Students exit a SEPTA bus in March outside Northeast High School. As the school year starts again, Anne Dicker writes that fellow Philadelphians should commit to taking SEPTA more often. Read more As summer ends, many Philadelphians are gearing up for the return to daily routines school drop-offs, work commutes, and the usual hustle and bustle. This year, we can make an important decision to improve our lives, city, and environment: take SEPTA. With more city workers returning to the office, traffic congestion will likely surge as the school year begins. Weve all experienced the frustration of being stuck in gridlock, watching the minutes tick by. Unsurprisingly, Philadelphia ranks as the sixth most congested city in America and 13th in the world. The truth is, if youre sitting in traffic, you are the traffic. Advertisement Instead of spending billions adding extra lanes to I-95 or I-76, theres a simple, cost-effective solution: public transit. By choosing to ride SEPTA, were not just easing our own commute, but were also contributing to a collective effort to reduce congestion and improve our citys traffic situation. SEPTA has been working hard to improve safety and service across its network. Under the leadership of Leslie S. Richards, and with support from our can-do mayor, Cherelle L. Parker, serious crime has significantly decreased this year. The improvements are making a difference, and using our public transit system is the best way to encourage continued progress. By choosing SEPTA, we can also help stabilize its finances, ensuring the transit system continues to serve all Philadelphians. But taking SEPTA whether its the bus, trolley, or Regional Rail offers numerous other benefits, as well. For families, public transit offers an opportunity to teach kids independence and self-reliance. Taking the train or bus can be a pleasant, even relaxing experience. Unlike the stress of a congested commute, public transit lets you sit back, read a book, or enjoy the ride. Its an experience that can transform the start and end of your day, providing a bit of peace in an otherwise hectic schedule. For families, public transit offers an opportunity to teach kids independence and self-reliance. In an era where helicopter parenting is common, giving children the responsibility of navigating public transit is a valuable lesson. With the SEPTA app and a SEPTA Key card, your child has everything they need to navigate the city and adjust their plans when delays or interruptions occur. Last year, we discovered that our local train the Chestnut Hill West (CHW) line could take our daughter directly to her school in Conshohocken. We werent SEPTA smart at first, and didnt know that one of the early CHW trains connects with the Norristown/Manayunk line at Jefferson Station, arriving at her school just on time. A friendly volunteer from the public transit advocacy group I cofounded, Save the Train, showed us how pointing out that all this information was available online through the SEPTA app. After just one practice run with me, my daughter was sold on SEPTA and shes been a train enthusiast ever since. She now regularly takes the train with friends on the weekend to visit Reading Terminal Market, and the No. 23 bus up to visit the candy shop in Chestnut Hill. READ MORE: SEPTA is vital to the livelihood of the entire region. So why is it so hard to fund? It might feel a little unnerving to give a 13-year-old the freedom to go anywhere, anytime on transit but when else will they learn? If youve read The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, you know that todays kids are given few opportunities to explore the world and build resilience independently. Theyll likely discover that the world isnt as scary as its portrayed and that Philadelphia is full of strangers willing to help. Were much friendlier and more helpful than we give ourselves credit for. As the new school year approaches, lets make a collective decision to take SEPTA more often for our benefit, our childrens growth, and our citys health. Public transit is an asset we should all support, and the benefits extend far beyond just getting from point A to point B. Its about creating a better, more sustainable Philadelphia for everyone. Anne Dicker is a cofounder and former leader of Save the Train. She lives in Mount Airy. Since the All-Star break, Jose Alvarado has an ERA of 5.91 and has allowed two home runs to left-handed hitters. Read more The Phillies were losing to the Nationals on Sunday before the bullpen took over, but it certainly didnt help things. The 6-4 loss to Washington in the series finale saw several relievers stumble in what has become a trend. Tanner Banks gave up a run in the sixth inning, and after the Phillies tied things back up, Matt Strahm loaded the bases and allowed another run in the eighth. Jeff Hoffman surrendered a home run in the ninth. Advertisement Before the All-Star break, Hoffmans ERA was 1.12. Post-break, its 5.11. Hes far from the only member of the staff to struggle: Strahm (4.76), Jose Alvarado (5.91), and Orion Kerkering (6.55) all have inflated ERAs since the break. Collectively, the Phillies relief pitching has converted 61% of save opportunities this season, which is below the league average of 62%. It seems like every game, a new member of the bullpen is giving up runs. READ MORE: Dont tell John Middleton the Phillies skid was common: Its time to start playing like its May or June On Friday, that was Carlos Estevez, who was brought in from the Angels at the trade deadline to be a reliable high-leverage arm. Though manger Rob Thomson has never used the closer designation, its clear thats what Estevez is: Since arriving in Philadelphia, Estevez has pitched almost entirely in the ninth inning, with one appearance in the 10th. Before the trade, Estevez had not allowed an earned run since May 20. He has been charged with three in 8 innings with the Phillies. Two of those came on Friday, after Estevez allowed three hits to blow a save against the Nationals. He was bailed out by Trea Turners walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth, as the Phillies escaped with a 3-2 win. When the bullpens collective struggles became prominent shortly after the All-Star break, Thomson pointed to rust and the time off as factors that could be negatively impacting the relievers. On Sunday, he named fatigue as a reason. Control with Strahmy and command with Hoffy. And same thing with Alvarado; he hasnt struck many people out lately, Thomson said. I think theyre just going through, maybe its a little bit of fatigue, commands off a little. Thomson has repeatedly emphasized that the problems stem from a lack of execution. Regardless of the reason behind them, however, the struggles mean its even more key for the Phillies starting pitching to continue its dominance. Taijuan Walker lasted 4 innings on Sunday, which ended a team streak of three quality starts including a complete game by Cristopher Sanchez. Postgame, Walker expressed his desire to pitch deeper in games and increase his efficiency. Thomson was positive about Walkers potential to do so. I do think theres more in there, he said. But if he is a five-inning guy, thats OK, too, but I do think theres more in there. READ MORE: Former Phillies stars reminisce on Alumni Day and urge current players to carry on their traditions The trade-off to the starters carrying the bulk of the load is concern about their longevity. Thomson has not announced a starter for Thursday in Atlanta, as Sanchez may need more rest after his 99-pitch complete game. If hes not ready to make his next start on regular rest, the Phillies may need to opt for a bullpen game during a key series against the Braves. The Phillies selected Tyler Gilberts contract from Lehigh Valley on Saturday, which gives them an option as a multi-inning bridge reliever. Gilbert has 48 strikeouts and just six walks in 35 innings with the IronPigs this season, and Thomson pointed to his command as a strength. But the 30-year-old hasnt been tested at the major league level yet this season. And if fatigue is the issue plaguing the relievers, they wont get much more of a break. Following Mondays off day, the Phillies begin a 13-game stretch in as many days, all against teams with records above .500. That includes two series against the Braves. Theyre all big, Thomson said. We got Atlanta and then [Kansas City this weekend], and KCs a very good club, young, fast, do a lot of different things. Hopefully we just keep playing well. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro gestures to Lt. Gov. Austin Davis as he delivers his first budget address to a joint session of the state legislature at the state Capitol in Harrisburg last year. (Dan Gleiter/The Patriot-News via AP) Read more Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who is second-in-command to Gov. Josh Shapiro, said hes ready to serve as governor if needed as speculation swirls around Shapiro as a potential vice presidential nominee. Davis would complete Shapiros term if the governor ascended to the role of vice president, but a few things would need to happen first: Shapiro would need to be chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris running mate, and then Democrats would need to win the White House in November. Advertisement But Davis is prepared to take over whenever he may be asked, he said at a news conference Wednesday in Lancaster. When you take this job, you recognize that one day you may be called upon to serve as governor, Davis said. And if that moment comes, were ready to serve and continue to lead Pennsylvania forward. Davis called Shapiro a tremendous public servant, and said hes excited about the possibility that hes going to continue his public service. Davis, 34, is the youngest lieutenant governor in the country and Pennsylvanias first Black lieutenant governor. With Shapiros support, Davis has grown the responsibilities of the lieutenant governors office from lacking much power to having a say over several policy initiatives. Among those new responsibilities include his appointment as chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which handles the states plans for gun violence prevention and intervention a core issue for Davis that led him to public service. Davis said hes watched Shapiro throughout the years, when he was a state representative, a county commissioner, attorney general, and now, governor. Among the qualities that make him a good running mate, Davis said, Shapiro is dedicated and delivers results for Pennsylvania residents, as shown in the states recent $47.6 billion budget. Ive seen how he listens to people, and I see how he values individuals and lifts them up here in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Davis added. Vice President Kamala Harris poses for photos as she greets supporters following a campaign event with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, at Temple University's Liacouras Center Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Read more Getting invited to the Democratic National Convention as part of its first-ever influencer cohort is one thing, but actually going is another. For the first time in its history, the DNC has invited online content creators to attend the high-profile convention, set to kick off Monday. But a number of Pennsylvania influencers said they had to respectfully decline the offer because of the expense, short notice, and lack of clarity over how much access they would have. Advertisement Many of the invited creators have attended events with Gov. Josh Shapiro or Vice President Kamala Harris campaign (including when it was President Joe Bidens campaign), but going to Chicago and paying for their own hotel and airfare is a much bigger haul than going to a local rally, especially for micro-influencers with smaller, more niche followings. Lisa Carroll, who goes by theelisanicole online and has integrated political content with her natural hair content, said she immediately knew that going to the DNC would be too cost prohibitive when she was invited. Carroll, who works as an assistant teacher in Coatesville, Chester County, is a single mother of two who also helps take care of her mom, who is on dialysis. My kids need uniforms, they need book bags; theyre getting ready to go back to school this week, she said. Its not cheap. They need their hair done. They need shoes. Creators also werent given much notice, which made it hard for Lehigh Valley-based influencer Kenny Screven to attend. Screven, whose username is kscreven, had already scheduled a contractor visit for a renovation of his backyard during the same time. (He said he wants to create a safe space for the swing-state election season.) If we had known in like May, or you know June, it would have been a little bit more feasible, said Screven, who intertwines politics with his beauty content. I think a months notice is a little hard. Screven said he was invited on July 9, and he knows creators who were invited later than that. Sophia Schiaroli, an LGBTQ-focused Philly-based influencer whose handle is soso_swag, said she initially accepted the invitation and booked a hotel room to cover the DNC, but ended up canceling because it was too much money to spend without knowing how much access she would have. She said that by booking through the DNC, the hotel rate was $300-$500 a night, and required staying Monday through Friday. The other nearby options were expensive and there wasnt much available, she added. READ MORE: Who better fits Kamala Harris digital prowess: Josh Shapiro or Tim Walz? I was definitely surprised that they didnt provide any sort of like housing, or any sort of arrangement, she said. I think for smaller creators or people that dont have millions of followers, it isnt the most accessible because obviously were not making as much as creators with millions of followers. She said that as recently as two weeks ago, there wasnt information about which events she would be able to attend, so she canceled before it was too late to get a refund. People did not know, so that ultimately played into my decision, she said. Even though they ultimately declined, Carroll, Screven, and Schiaroli were all grateful to be invited. The invitations alone signify the potential power they wield as trusted messengers in a critical swing state as candidates scramble to reach young and hard-to-reach voters. Im a Black, queer, feminine-presenting person, so it was an honor to even be invited, Screven said. " ... People felt that I was prominent enough to attend, or they thought I would be a good asset to attend, so I really did want to attend and represent for my community. The DNC declined to say how many Pennsylvania-based influencers were invited or are attending the convention. READ MORE: Joe Biden hopes these Pa. social media influencers can help him win in November Representing Philly Kory Aversa, a Philly-based content creator who also works as a public relations specialist and uses the handle phillypublicist on TikTok, said spending the money to go is well worth it for him to seize what he called a historic opportunity to be one of the first creators in America to ever be credentialed to cover the DNC. Alex Pearlman, an influencer from the Philly suburbs known as pearlmania500, and Lindy Li (lindy_li), a Pennsylvania-based political strategist who identifies herself as a member of Harris national finance committee, also opted to attend as content creators. Aversa said he is both excited and nervous because he wants to do a good job for his followers and theres more uncertainty about the convention than the typical restaurant opening, for example. Hes been arming himself with new tools like a flash, tripod, light, and microphones, he said. He said that while its not totally clear what he will be able to do at the convention, hes had a positive experience with DNC officials providing resources and information as they know it, and keeping in touch regularly, such as by holding office hours for creators. Hes also been getting invited to a broad range of events. Im going to keep my eyes out and try to get myself in as much as possible, he said. READ MORE: Josh Shapiro has built a social media machine. Can he ride TikTok to the vice presidency? Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally at Temple University's Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on Aug. 6. Read more For Tuesday nights DNC schedule and speakers, click here. Vice President Kamala Harris will be in the spotlight this week as the 2024 Democratic National Convention begins Monday in Chicago. Advertisement Harris has only been the Democratic presidential nominee for about a month, jumping to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. So the DNC will serve as a platform to inform voters where she stands on important issues and offer a contrast to the policies pushed by her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump. Ahead of the DNC, Harris was campaigning with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, on a bus tour of Western Pennsylvania Sunday. Despite favorable poll numbers in recent weeks, Harris told reporters she had a lot of work to do to defeat Trump in November. I very much consider us the underdogs, Harris said. We have a lot of work to do to earn the vote of the American people. Thats why were on this bus tour today, and were going to be traveling this country as weve been and talking with folks, listening to folks, and hopefully earning their votes over the next 79 days. Among those who will be attendance Monday night is Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was on the short list of candidates to be Harris running mate. Its unclear if Shapiro will have a speaking role Monday, but hell be attending the event, according to his public schedule. Hosting the festivities Monday night will be Scandal and Ghost actor Tony Goldwyn. The remaining three nights of the convention will be hosted by Republican political strategist Ana Navarro (who has voted for Democrats since Trumps 2016 run) and Hollywood stars Kerry Washington and Mindy Kaling. Heres everything you need to know to watch or stream the first night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention: What time does the 2024 Democratic National Convention start? Primetime programming at the Democratic National Convention is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Eastern and last four hours, though most broadcast networks wont begin their live coverage until 10 p.m. The convention will stream live on the DNCs official website and across all their social media channels. You can also stream it live on Inquirer.com, courtesy of the DNC: In Philadelphia, CBS is planning to air live coverage beginning at 8 p.m. NBC, ABC, and WHYYs live coverage (via PBS) is slated to begin tonight at 10 p.m. Fox wont air live coverage. CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and NewsNation will offer live coverage starting hours before the event begins, each offering analysis. C-SPAN will broadcast every minute of the DNC, something the network has done for the conventions of both parties since 1984. It will also stream coverage on C-SPAN.org and on the C-SPAN Now mobile app. Comcast Xfinity X1 subscribers can watch the programming by simply saying DNC into their remote. Who will be speaking Monday night? President Joe Biden will be in the spotlight Monday, delivering a speech that will both help highlight the candidacy of his vice president and offer a goodbye to politics after having served more than 50 years in Washington. Biden will use his speech to say Harris is the best person to finish a campaign he dropped out of following a disastrous debate performance in June, according to the New York Times. Themes will include protecting democracy and preventing Trump from returning to the White House. So far, Biden and Harris have made just one joint appearance since he left the race, but the president plans to ramp up his campaign schedule following the convention, aides told the New York Times. Also scheduled to speak Monday is former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who lost to Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. Democrats have not yet released a full schedule of Mondays speakers, but heres who is expected to speak, according to media reports: President Joe Biden First lady Jill Biden Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) Rep. Grace Meng (D., N.Y.) Rep. Robert Garcia (D., Calif.) Rep. Jamie Raskin (D., Md.) Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D., Texas) Sen. Chris Coons (D., Del.) Sen. Raphael Warnock (D., Ga.) United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain Whats the full schedule this week for the 2024 Democratic National Convention? The Democratic National Convention will take place over four nights, from Monday to Thursday. Convention programming is scheduled to air live each night from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern. Here are the most notable speakers for the remaining nights of the convention, including local lawmakers, according to Democrats and media reports: Tuesday: Former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Wednesday: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Thursday: Vice President Kamala Harris What are conventions like this actually for? While political conventions have largely grown into television events designed to promote political parties and their leaders, the business of the convention includes formalizing a party platform, which Democrats havent updated since Biden dropped out of the race, according to the Associated Press. The Democratic Party Platform will embody the values of our party and build upon the historic accomplishments Democrats have made during the Biden-Harris administration, the Democratic National Committee said in a statement to the Associated Press last week. The Platform Committee worked diligently with stakeholders from all corners of our party to create a bold, progressive agenda for the next four years, and the platform that delegates will vote on at convention will be a reflection of that process. There is also usually a formal vote of delegates to officially nominate the partys presidential candidate, but Harris is already officially the nominee, thanks to a virtual vote of delegates taken earlier this month. When will Harris and Trump debate? Harris and Trump have agreed to at least one presidential debate. It will take place Sept. 10 in Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center at 9 p.m., hosted by ABC News. Heres what we know about tickets to the event. Its not the first time Philadelphia has hosted a presidential debate. Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford debated at the Walnut Street Theatre in 1976, the first televised debate since Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy famously faced off in 1960. The city also hosted a vice presidential debate between George H.W. Bush and Geraldine Ferraro at the Philadelphia Convention Hall and Civic Center in 1984. Trump proposed two more debates in September, but the Harris campaign rejected those. Instead, the Harris campaign said it would be open to a second debate with Trump in October if he shows up to the Sept. 10 debate. Vice President Kamala Harris campaign appears to be sticking close to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention this week, while former President Donald Trump has campaign appearances schedule in battleground states around the country. With the DNC set to run through Thursday, Chicago will serve as a temporary home base for Harris campaign for much of the week. But on Tuesday, Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, plan to hold a rally at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee about a 90-minute drive from Chicago. The Inquirer previously reported that the campaign has other swing state events planned for this week, but none had yet been publicly announced by early Monday afternoon. Advertisement Following the Milwaukee event, Harris will return to Chicago, with second gentleman Doug Emhoff slated to deliver remarks at the DNC Tuesday evening, the White House said. Harris is scheduled to speak at the DNC Thursday. The Harris-Walz tickets appearance in Chicago this week comes following a weekend bus tour of Western Pennsylvania, which also included Emhoff and Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz. Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R., Ohio), were slated to continue their focus on Pennsylvania Monday with stops in York and Philadelphia. Prior to that, Trump appeared Saturday in Wilkes-Barre, where he spoke at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. At that stop, Trump told supporters that whichever candidate wins Pennsylvania will win the whole thing. But as the DNC continues throughout the week, the Republican candidates will split up with separate events around the country, according to the Trump campaigns website. On Tuesday, Trump will speak at what his campaign described as a crime and safety event in Detroit. Vance will deliver remarks at a similarly styled campaign stop in Kenosha, Wis. Trump and Vance will then join back up Wednesday to speak about national security at the North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame in Asheboro, N.C. Doors are scheduled to open at 11 a.m., according to Trumps website. On Thursday, Trump and Vance will pivot their focus to immigration, with Trump stopping for an event in Cochise County, Ariz., and Vance speaking at an event in Valdosta, Ga. Trump will remain in Arizona Friday for a Glendale rally, and will also appear at what his campaign called a no tax on tips event in Las Vegas. Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, arrives at DiSorb Systems, Inc. in North Philadelphia for a campaign event on Monday. Read more Sen. JD Vance said he plans to be in Pennsylvania a lot, taking our message to the whole state, as he visited Philadelphia on Monday for the second time this month. Pennsylvania is an incredibly important state to me and President Trump, Vance said during a visit to DiSorb Systems, a medical waste management company in North Philadelphia. Advertisement The visit marked Vances third to Pennsylvania since joining former President Donald Trump on the Republican ticket. Trump, who was last in the state Saturday for a rally in Wilkes-Barre, was also expected to speak in York on Monday afternoon, emphasizing the importance of Pennsylvania as a critical swing state. Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, meanwhile, took a campaign swing Sunday through Western Pennsylvania ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Vance also stopped to get a cheesesteak at Pats King of Steaks in South Philadelphia before leaving the city. In remarks at DiSorb Systems lasting less than 30 minutes, Vance told the Philadelphia crowd that he and Trump are seeking to emphasize manufacturing and energy policies. It is a state with a proud energy tradition, a proud manufacturing tradition, Vance said. We believe that if we make more stuff in America, Pennsylvania workers and Pennsylvania families are going to benefit. Vance said Trump would unleash Pennsylvania energy workers. His comments come as Trump targets Harris record on fracking. Trump said during his Saturday rally that his opponent was totally anti-fracking and anti-drilling, anti-oil and gas from practically the day she was born until Harris changed her position. Harris has flip-flopped on fracking, an important industry in Pennsylvania. In 2019, Harris supported a ban on fracking, but backed away from that issue after becoming President Joe Bidens running mate. Now, she no longer supports a ban on drilling. We are going to drill, baby drill, Vance said Monday of fracking plans under another Trump administration. While the predominately white audience filling the room wasnt quite the sea of red seen at some Trump rallies, many attendees donned Trump hats or T-shirts. Some attendees wore shirts supporting other Pennsylvania Republican candidates, like Senate candidate Dave McCormick and congressional candidate Neil Young. Nick Passino, who is from upstate New York and campaigning in Pennsylvania as part of a trio who call themselves the MAGA Boyz, said Vance embodies the American dream. Dominic Durinzi, 72, another attendee, said its important for Vance to visit Philadelphia because he is a very youthful person. We support the ticket that supports America and American manufacturing, and thats Trump-Vance, said Durinzi, who lives in Burlington County and works for Deval Life Cycle. The companys CEO spoke at the event before Vance took the stage. Vance also took a few swipes at Walz. He attacked Walzs military service record, which has become a Trump campaign talking point since Walz was tapped as Harris running mate. Before the end of the campaign, Tim Walz is going to be talking about how he was carrying an M-16 through the jungles of Vietnam, Vance said. Vance and Walz are both veterans, but neither saw combat. Vance spent four years in the Marine Corps and Walz spent 24 years in the National Guard. Vance also suggested that it was Walz who proposed the vice presidential debate on CBS on Oct. 1 even though the network extended the invitation and said hes sure the event is going to be in the tank for Democrats. But who cares, because I respect the American people to go before hostile media, Vance said. Vance also doubled-down on claims that he proposed a vice presidential debate in September on CNN. Walz has yet to publicly agree to this debate, and CNN has neither confirmed nor denied that such a debate is in the works. David Pearson, 67, an attendee from West Mount Airy, said he doesnt know much about Vance and hadnt heard of him until recently, but he likes what hes heard. He said the choice of venue seemed to speak to promoting business in blighted areas such as such as this. Its an important message, especially for the Republicans, to bring out, said Pearson, a Republican commiteeperson and legal counsel for Philadelphias 22nd Ward. After the event, the Harris campaign fixated on Vances response to a question about the federal minimum wage. Vance said work visas granted to undocumented people are to blame for low wages regardless of what the minimum wage is, and that the best way to raise wages is through tight labor markets in which employers pay well to attract workers. Donald Trump and JD Vance spend way too much time cozying up to their billionaire buddies and corporate mega donors guess thats why they think $7.25 an hour is enough to get by on, said Ammar Moussa, a Harris campaign spokesperson. ... Vice President Harris has a different vision and thats why her economic agenda is focused on lowering costs and creating opportunity for everyday Americans. Carolyn Bunny Welsh, a Republican delegate attending the event, said its important that Trump and Vance visit majority-Democrat Philadelphia which she called the belly of the beast, and a place where traditionally, Republicans dont go. Both Trump and JD Vance now have shown they will go anywhere to spread their message, said Welsh, a former Chester County sheriff who pleaded no-contest in 2021 to theft charges she faced related to her work in that position. She said that Vance visiting a neighborhood that looks like its a bit impoverished and maybe not as successful brought a message of hope. Hand on his heart, President Joe Biden blows a kiss to supporters as he leaves the stage at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple in this April photo. Biden, who withdrew from the presidential race in July, will address the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday. Read more CHICAGO More than anything, Grace McGregor Cramer hopes Joe Biden feels the love. The Scranton resident, who lives on the same street that the president once lived on in his childhood hometown, is eager for the roar that will likely greet Biden from party faithful grateful for his sacrifice. Advertisement Its one of the most selfless things, and it really solidifies his legacy and just makes me prouder to claim him as a Scrantonian, said Cramer, one of about 200 Pennsylvania delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Biden left the presidential race last month after Democrats looking at his slumping approval ratings and stagnant poll numbers became convinced he was incapable of winning a rematch with former President Donald Trump. His speech Monday night caps nearly half a century in politics, and is expected to stress that Harris is the right person to continue the campaign against Trump. It will also set the tone for his final months in office, in which Biden will aim to shore up his legacy. First lady Jill Biden, who grew up in Montgomery County, is also expected to speak Monday. While Bidens popularity has not increased in polls, on Monday hes due to get a heros welcome as he addresses the convention on its first day and sets the tone by passing a historic torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris is the first Black woman and the first Asian American person to serve as a major party nominee, and if elected in November, shell make history as the first woman president. The political curtain call for Biden will hold personal significance for Pennsylvanians, particularly Scrantonians who have had at least figuratively a direct line from their home to the White House during his eight years as vice president and during his presidency. Bidens political brand has also long been rooted in his Scranton upbringing. People from Scranton tend to pronounce the presidents full name with a slight regional twang like its one word Juhbiden. Theres a boulevard running through town named after him. He visits often, most recently in April of this year and most famously on Election Day in 2020 when he signed the wall of his childhood home in Greenridge: from this house to the White House by the grace of God. To be one of the very few cities in America that can boast being the hometown of the president of the United States has been incredibly special, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, a Democratic delegate said. While Ill always be a little sad about him not going for a second term, I think he did the right thing and now we have the opportunity to truly start celebrating him and his legacy. Cognetti said the city is making a push for his presidential library. Marywood College, which practically abuts his old house, would be a smart location, she said. Republicans see an opening in the northeastern part of the state and perhaps in white working-class areas nationally that are similar to it, without Biden on the ballot. Trump held a rally in Wilkes-Barre this past weekend and on Monday made remarks in York. Theres no hometown kid on the ballot anymore, Gene Ziemba, who chairs the Luzerne County GOP, said last week. Theres an opportunity. Delegates from Scranton and the region overwhelmingly reported momentum for Harris from Democrats in the area. In Chicago this week, Andrew Cutillo, 33, another delegate from Scranton, marveled at how intertwined the city and the president have become. He is and continues to be a singular figure in Scrantons story, so its bittersweet, Cutillo said. But Joe Biden passed the torch to Kamala Harris and now Scranton passes the torch to Oakland. Biden has faced some scrutiny from the GOP over how long-lasting roots can be to a place he left when he was 10, but hes remained connected to people there. And the Pennsylvania delegation is full of people from across the state who have gotten to know the president personally over the years. When he was Delawares senator, he was often referred to as the third senator from Pennsylvania. Electoral politics have made frequent trips to the state a necessity in recent election cycles. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro hailed Biden Monday as an outstanding patriot, a great American, and a guy who knew how to get a whole lot of stuff done over decades in Washington. Shapiro, a rising star in the party, also promised to do everything he can to make sure Bidens legacy is protected, not just during this election cycle. The Pennsylvania delegations oldest member, Angie Gialloreto, 95, from Allegheny County, has attended every Democratic National Convention since Jimmy Carter was the nominee in 1976. Gialloreto got to know Biden over the years and became one of his most ardent defenders when enthusiasm for him was lagging in the spring. She had Joes Girls shirts made to show support. When Harris became the nominee, she had For Harris added to the back of the tees. Joe and I have been friends from the time he was going to run for Senate, Gialloreto said in a video posted to the Harris campaigns social media accounts. But before God takes me, this womans going to be the pride and joy of the United States of America, she said of Harris. Most small-city mayors dont see the president of the United States as much as Scrantons does. Cognettis interactions with Biden have ranged from a trip to County Mayo, Ireland to their most recent parting at a Turkey Hill near Scranton after a campaign speech. On that visit, she recalled asking Biden if there was a mirror in the presidential limousine after the two loaded into the car following lunch at a cafe. Biden told her there was not. I said, Well at some point theres going to be a woman president, and I imagine there will be a mirror back here, she said. I didnt know the possibility for it would happen as quickly as we now hope. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., arrives to speak before Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrive at a campaign rally in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Aug. 6. Read more Sen. John Fetterman is skipping the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week to spend more time with his three children at home, he told The Free Press in a story published Sunday. Ive got three young kids, and theyre out of school, he said. Thats four days I can spend with my children. Advertisement Fetterman (D., Pa.) said he made the decision not to attend the convention even before President Joe Bidens fate-sealing debate on June 27. That debate set off a series of unprecedented events, including Biden dropping from the race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to run in his stead, and Harris receiving enough delegate votes to officially become the Democratic nominee ahead of the convention. Fetterman has been cast as a pariah by the partys progressives, largely because of his staunch support of Israel amid the war in Gaza. Hes been an outspoken supporter of Israel, and stands to the right of more progressive Democrats on the issue. In The Free Press article, his own communications director, Carrie Adams, said she doesnt agree with him, on the Middle East conflict. Fetterman has posted photos in his office of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in October. Fetterman criticized Biden when the president mulled withholding weapons from Israel, and has clashed with constituents because he wont call for a cease-fire. The senators stance seems to contradict his previous image as a left-leaning, progressive elected official. He earned the reputation during his time as mayor of Braddock, Pa., and then during his 2022 Senate race, where he endorsed policies like an increased minimum wage and LGBTQ+ protections. His appearance as a bearded and tattooed politician who eschews suits and ties for hoodies and shorts also contributed to public perception of Fetterman as a progressive. However, he has avoided the progressive label since his 2022 race, calling himself just a Democrat. Despite the apparent rift between Fetterman and the rest of his party, he continues to support Democrats and stood behind Biden as calls for him to drop out of the race grew. While Fetterman expressed frustration at Bidens eventual exit from the presidential race, he endorsed Harris, posting a fundraising link for her on X that said he was all in for the next president. He also spoke at the Harris-Walz rally in Philadelphia on Aug. 6. Gov, Josh Shapiro speaks during breakfast for Pennsylvania delegates at the Democratic National Convention on Monday in Chicago. Read more CHICAGO Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro lambasted former President Donald Trump for his Saturday comments suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris didnt pick Shapiro to be her running mate because he is Jewish. Donald Trump is completely full of it, and hes trying to use me, and hes trying to use other Jews to divide Americans further, Shapiro told reporters at the Palmer Hotel in Chicago on the first day of the Democratic National Convention. We have seen this with Donald Trump over and over and over again. He is the least credible person when it comes to standing up against hatred and bigotry. Advertisement Trump and his allies have often repeated in recent weeks that Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate over Shapiro because the Pennsylvania governor is Jewish and faced criticism from progressive activists for his support for Israel in its war against Hamas. They turned him down because hes Jewish, Trump said during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Shapiro said Monday that he was not going to be lectured by Donald Trump, on the topic, and stressed that antisemitism played absolutely no role in my dialogue with the vice president, absolutely not. Harris husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish. Harris campaign rebutted Trumps comments about Shapiro, saying in a statement Sunday that the campaign strongly rejects the attacks, rooted in his faith, that he has endured. Despite not being on the Democratic ticket this year, Shapiro is making the rounds at the convention this week and speaking at a number of events, including a happy hour hosted Monday by his campaign. Talking to a crush of reporters after addressing the Pennsylvania delegation, he spoke about being passed over in the veepstakes. I think Kamala Harris made a great pick for the job, he said, adding that Harris was very clear about what she wanted. I think Tim fits that really well and I couldnt be more thrilled to be remaining governor of Pennsylvania, a job I love, where I get to have an impact every day and continue to chart my own course. In the aftermath of Harris selection of Walz, Shapiro has emphasized the executive role he has as governor. Several sources from both Harris and Shapiros camps have said the decision included consideration of how well Shapiro, who is known to have national political ambitions, fit in the No. 2 role. Shapiro started the whirlwind week by speaking to three state delegations Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Florida. He was also expected to speak at a DNC caucus meeting on labor Monday afternoon. Shapiro lauded President Joe Biden, whom Democrats were gearing up to celebrate at this convention until just about a month ago. I think were going to hear from him tonight to both celebrate the work hes done and also pass the torch to Kamala Harris, Shapiro said. And its time. Folks are ready. Folks are fired up. Shapiro also credited Harris and Walz for their Sunday campaign swing through Western Pennsylvania, noting rural and Republican-majority counties are part of the equation Democrats will need to win the state. She understands the importance of showing up in communities that have oftentimes been forgotten, he said. I think this race has been reset. I will tell you, in Pennsylvania, its tough, right? You can get to a race thats sort of basically, you know, statistically tied, and getting that last point or two in Pennsylvania is really, really tough. And he received a warm welcome from Arkansas delegates Monday morning. Jannie Cotton, vice chair of the Arkansas Democratic Party, introduced Shapiro as the favorite VP pick among the delegates. Shapiro, who leads a state that could determine the result of the presidential election, noted the frustration that can come from being a Democrat in a reliably red state. I recognize that for some the results in Arkansas may feel like a foregone conclusion. But there is power in speaking up. There is power in standing up and saying Im still gonna defend a womans right to choose, Shapiro said. when you do that you push back on the chaos and give all of us more confidence. The group of about 50 were cramped into a small, warm conference room that he joked was feeling the Arkansas heat. Minutes later Shapiro spoke to his home delegation, two floors down and in a large well air-conditioned ballroom, also in the historic Palmer House hotel. There, he called Harris a good friend who is battle tested and ready to go. If you cant tell how skilled and determined and prepared she is take a look at Donald Trump, Shapiro said. He is scared of Kamala Harris. He is scared of powerful people and you know what hes really scared of? Powerful women. Pennsylvanias delegation was a big draw Monday morning. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also addressed the group. At the happy hour Shapiro hosted later Monday, he waxed poetic about the founding fathers gathering in Philadelphia in 1776. That spirit that was born in Pennsylvania is now all across this great nation, and we have work to do to defend our rights, Shapiro said to more than 100 people at the Epiphany Center for the Arts. I want you to know I could not be more faithful in Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to pick up that work that needs to be done to protect our real freedom. The Monday afternoon gathering called Pennsylvanias Real Freedom Happy Hour was the premier event hosted by his campaign. The first-term governor was introduced by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and State Sen. Sharif Street, who chairs the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. Near the event, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters were marching from nearby Union Park toward the United Center, where the official convention proceedings are taking place. Toward the end of Shapiros remarks, a passerby shouted into the venue, Free free Palestine! Police arrived at Matthew McCaffery's home Friday night in what he says was a swatting incident. Earlier that day McCaffery, a municipal leader for the Montgomery County GOP, spoke on CNN about his decision to support Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Read more An Upper Merion GOP official said his home was swatted Friday after he began publicly urging others to vote against former President Donald Trump in November. He also might lose his position within the county Republican Party. Advertisement Matthew McCaffery, who held a position in the Montgomery County Republican Party as a local leader for Upper Merion Republicans, has been a prominent voice against Trump in the Philadelphia area. Last month, he authored an opinion piece in The Inquirer detailing why he, as a veteran, couldnt vote for Trump. McCaffery cited what he saw as Trumps disrespect for the military, and concern that Trump posed a threat to democracy. He was interviewed on CNN Friday to discuss his position. McCafferys face is also featured on Republicans Against Trump billboards throughout the state. McCaffery is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris this year and has taken an active role working with GOP organizations that oppose Trump. On Friday night, after his interview on CNN, police arrived at McCafferys home in an apparent swatting incident, in which someone calls in a fake emergency to draw police to a specific address, according to video McCaffrey posted to X. Upper Merion police did not immediately respond to a request for comment. McCafferys video showed him exiting his home with his hands above his head before an officer patted him down. McCaffery said two officers were at his door with their service weapons drawn while another was stationed at the bottom of the stairs to his front porch holding a rifle. Police, McCaffery said, then searched his home. I had an understanding what was happening, but its been a while since I had guns pointed at me, McCaffery said. It was unnerving. While McCafferys activism against Trump is not new, it gained new attention as he faces disciplinary action from the Montgomery County GOP. The county party scheduled a disciplinary hearing for McCaffery for Monday night that could result in his ouster. Our bylaws state that Republican committee people and municipal leaders have to work for Republican candidates and specifically cant encourage people to vote against Republican candidates, said Montgomery County GOP chair Christian Nascimento, adding that his actions to advocate against Trump led to a complaint and Mondays hearing. Following the hearing, a disciplinary board will vote whether to remove McCaffery from his position, issue a warning, or do nothing. McCaffery said he expected to be removed from his position. I think people usually just resign, he said. Im not that kind of guy. CHICAGO More than a year after Chicago was announced as the host city, the Democratic National Convention is about to start. Running Monday through Thursday, the convention is a huge moment for national Democrats, who have had a whirlwind few weeks since President Joe Biden quit the race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the first Black and Asian American woman to lead a major party ticket. Advertisement Eyes will also be on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who are looking to pull off the massive made-for-TV event without a hitch, building on the success of the 1996 Democratic convention and continuing to push aside historic images of the contentious 1968 DNC. READ MORE: In Chicago, the ghosts of 1968 are still haunting American democracy | Will Bunch And yes, the festivities will probably disrupt the routines of anyone near the conventions two main venues, the United Center and McCormick Place. Heres what to know. Whats expected at the convention? Traditionally, party leaders come together every four years to nominate the person they want on the top of the presidential ticket in November. Republicans held their convention last month in Milwaukee. There are a few nontraditional things about this years DNC, though. READ MORE: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz tour Western Pennsylvania one day before the DNC begins Typically, the person nominated emerged victorious through primary elections across the country in spring and summer. This year is different for Democrats since Biden dropped out of the race in July. Harris, Bidens vice president, has already been nominated in an online roll-call of delegates to be the Democratic nominee, so there wont be a formal, official vote to nominate her at the convention. Instead there will be a ceremonial roll call, speeches from party leaders and up-and-comers, and an introduction of Harris' recently announced running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. It'll be a televised rally of support to build on Harris' fundraising and polling momentum from the past month. Who will be there, and whats the schedule of events? Nearly all of the Democratic Partys well-known officeholders will be joined by thousands of delegates and other supporters and volunteers, along with thousands of members of the media, at the main venues: McCormick Place, south of the Loop, and the United Center on the Near West Side. In addition, organizers are predicting thousands of protesters will take to the streets to bring attention to issues that include the war in Gaza. READ MORE: Donald Trump in Wilkes-Barre says whoever wins Pennsylvania will win the whole thing There will likely also be some A-list celebrity sightings at the convention sites and around town. Billie Eilish and Julia Louis-Dreyfus took part in Democrats last national convention, which was primarily virtual due to the pandemic. Overall, the DNC estimates some 50,000 visitors will come to Chicago for the convention. Convention events at the United Center and McCormick Place are not open to the public. Much of the schedule, including the speaker list, has yet to be announced, although Pritzker, expected to speak Tuesday, and former President Barack Obama are among those that figure to have prominent slots. Daytime party business and meetings will largely take place at McCormick Place, according to the DNC. Evening events, including the major speeches and hoopla that is likely to be televised, will be at the United Center. Harris is expected to give the conventions final speech on Thursday, with Walz expected to speak Wednesday. What is the city doing to prepare? Residents are advised to download the OEMC Chicago app for the latest updates about disruptions around the United Center and McCormick Place. READ MORE: The first debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will take place in Philly Ivan Capifali, acting commissioner of Chicagos Office of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, said nearly 1,400 businesses had been contacted in initial canvassing. Establishments closer to the venues had been canvassed again in the past few weeks, he said. Along with logistics for the convention itself, Johnson has said the city is prepared for the possibility that thousands of migrants could arrive from the southern border, sent by Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and others. More recently, the city's top official on migrant issues has walked back expectations for a major migrant surge. No migrant buses have arrived in Chicago since June, according to a spokesperson for the city Department of Family and Support Services. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has stressed that the department has undergone rigorous training on both crowd control and First Amendment issues. City workers have spent months beautifying downtown and making preparations across the city, from sidewalk repairs to new signs and better lighting. What is the plan for protests? Johnson's administration proposed that many protesters march west from Union Park, past a small park north of the United Center and then east back to Union Park. Officials announced the route after a coalition of pro-Palestinian protest groups sued to block the city from confining protesters to a two-block strip of Grant Park, far from the United Center. U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood ruled that she would not force City Hall to widen and lengthen the authorized route, as some protesters had sought. READ MORE: Will the whole world be watching when DNC, Kamala Harris hit Chicago? Will anyone? | Will Bunch Park No. 578 just north of the United Center will also serve as a free speech zone, Glen Brooks, director of community policing at the Chicago Police Department, said. On Friday, following last-minute complaints from protesters and negotiations with the city that were ultimately settled after Mayor Johnson himself intervened, the city allowed for a stage and a sound system for two rallies in Union Park. The latest information about protest routes will be communicated through the OEMC app, Brooks said. What areas will be most affected? The neighborhoods immediately around the United Center and McCormick Place will be most affected, and the security perimeter is set. Full street closures in the security zones have occurred. A pedestrian-only zone around the United Center stretches between approximately Washington Boulevard on the north to Adams Street on the south, and from Seeley Avenue on the west to a point between Wood and Paulina streets on the east. Only people with credentials who have a need to be there will be allowed in that zone, 2024 DNC coordinator Jeff Burnside said. A vehicle screening zone around the United Center extends east and south of the pedestrian-only zone by about a block. McCormick Place also has a red zone for pedestrians surrounded by high fences, and a slightly larger vehicle screening zone to the east, west and north. That larger zone is outlined roughly by Michigan Avenue, 21st Street and the Stevenson Expressway. The restrictions at McCormick Place took effect at 10 p.m. Friday. The zone around the United Center took effect at 7 p.m. Saturday, with streets in the area expected to reopen Aug. 23. There will be traffic aides from OEMC in the areas most affected, OEMC spokesperson Mary May said. What are the plans for televised coverage? Cable news channels will likely carry much of the top prime time programming live. Fox News, CNN and MSNBC will all have top anchors present at the convention, with Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum anchoring for Fox and Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper broadcasting from the United Center for CNN. The DNC will broadcast its own feed on social media and its website, DemConvention.com, as well as on Amazon Prime Video. The major networks are expected to offer some prime time coverage. Events will also be available through streaming services. "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" plans to broadcast from the Auditorium Theatre downtown throughout the week of the DNC suggesting the Emmy-winning, formerly Chicago-based comedian and Northwestern University alum plans to host guests from the United Center on his late-night show. Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" will also broadcast from Chicago during the convention, including a live show Aug. 22. How many political conventions has Chicago hosted? Chicago has hosted 25 major party national conventions, 14 for Republicans and 11 for Democrats, since 1860, when Abraham Lincoln was nominated by Republicans, according to the Chicago History Museum. Thats the most of any U.S. city, with the runner-up, Baltimore, having hosted 10. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, the son of a hairdresser and bus driver, grew up in McKeesport, a small city less than 15 miles from Pittsburgh that was hit hard by the collapse of the steel industry. As a teenager, he witnessed a shooting on his block. That moment spurred him into action, he said. Read more Austin Davis knows Pennsylvanians arent thinking about their lieutenant governor. But that hasnt stopped him from trying to make an unknown office more useful. Davis, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 on a ticket with Gov. Josh Shapiro and serves as his No. 2. At 34, hes the youngest lieutenant governor in the country, the first Black person elected to Pennsylvanias executive branch, a new dad, and a Western Pennsylvania native who has spent much of his life advocating against gun violence. And he will make his national debut Monday on stage at the Democratic National Convention. Advertisement Davis is not well-known in Pennsylvania, but he attracted attention in the last month as Shapiro was in contention to be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate. If Shapiro, who has well-known ambitions for higher office, were to resign, Davis would ascend to the position of governor. But with Shapiro not running for vice president, Davis will remain in his current job. His duties include presiding over the state Senate, chairing the Board of Pardons, and taking a more active role than his predecessors, on issues such as gun violence prevention. He is my right-hand, trusted adviser, Shapiro said in a June interview, well before he was a potential candidate for vice president. I wanted to select a governing partner who the good people of Pennsylvania would know had my trust and confidence, who would be doing meaningful work every day. Who is Austin Davis, Pennsylvanias lieutenant governor? Davis, the son of a hairdresser and bus driver, grew up in McKeesport, a small city less than 15 miles from Pittsburgh that was hit hard by the collapse of the steel industry. As a teenager, he witnessed a shooting on his block. That moment spurred him into action, he said. Davis began attending McKeesport City Council meetings after that shooting. He created a McKeepsort youth advisory council, then later got a job in Allegheny County and helped launch a violence prevention program in the county health department. At age 28, he ran a successful campaign for state representative, replacing a longtime lawmaker for whom hed interned who was charged for involvement in an illegal-gambling ring. I initially thought there would be somebody who was more experienced, and quite frankly, in a better position than me to do it, Davis said. And as I looked around at the field, there were a lot of candidates who wanted to run simply because they wanted the job, not necessarily because they had a vision for the community. Davis and his wife, Blayre, now live in Pittsburgh with their almost-1-year-old daughter, Harper. He said he feels the same pressures of being a young parent: the cost of child care and how to balance a demanding career. (The lieutenant governors salary is just under $200,000, and his wife works for the Pittsburgh Steelers.) If you came to my house, its not like the state of the governors residence, Davis said. Theres playpens everywhere, theres toys. Were very much in the phase where, dont come in and expect to be entertained, he joked. What the lieutenant governor does and how Davis changed the role The state constitution specifies powers for the lieutenant governor, including presiding over the state Senate. Similar to a vice president, the lieutenant governor is responsible for breaking tied Senate votes on non-legislative matters which hasnt happened during Davis tenure, as Republicans hold a five-vote majority. The lieutenant governor also chairs the Board of Pardons, a panel that recommends to the governor whether to release a person from prison. Davis is using the office differently from his two most-recent predecessors, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and Philly native Mike Stack, who both served under Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf. Fetterman gained attention for pushing for the legalization of recreational marijuana, hanging flags supporting social issues from the state Capitol building, and developing a robust social media following. Stack, meanwhile, made headlines for allegedly mistreating state employees and frivolously spending taxpayer money. Davis wanted to do more, and asked Shapiro to appoint him to be the chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually for gun violence prevention and school safety. He launched a Safer Communities tour to talk about the gun violence prevention efforts. He plays a significant role in helping Shapiro draft his annual budget, and has a policy director who sits in on governors office meetings. And he runs the states efforts to diversify contracting, for which he touts a 30% increase in state spending with Black-owned and Latino-owned businesses over the last year. Weve really transformed the role of the lieutenant governors office into an office that was kind of sleepy, more ceremonial to an office that really is focused on policy and getting things done for everyday Pennsylvanians, Davis said. Davis has also served as a bridge between the GOP-controlled Senate and Shapiro. Like Davis, GOP legislative leaders hail from Western Pennsylvania and he knows them from his time as a state representative, which he said has helped him assist with budget negotiations with the office of the governor, who is from the eastern part of the state. State Sen. Devlin Robinson (R., Allegheny) has worked with Davis for more than a decade, beginning when Davis worked for then-Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Robinson worked for former U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy (R., Pa.). They both came to Harrisburg in the last few years, and share cigars on the lieutenant governors balcony which has a great view of the Capitol building. Hes definitely a guy that its about business, its not really about politics, Robinson said. Hes a guy thats about getting things done, and I know his heart is in the right place. At a panel in Lancaster last month as part of Davis gun violence prevention tour, local leaders came with specific requests: Police said they havent been able to get gun locks to distribute, while a county commissioner wanted to know best practices for crime data modernization. A spokesperson for Davis said his policy director takes notes and follows up on each request. Ayanda McGill, the director of programs at the BenchMark, a violence intervention program, who was at that event, said she had never spoken with someone at Davis level before. Its cool that you are willing to sit down with us, and try to figure out how you can help, McGill added. You have my commitment, Davis told the group. Were going to continue to work to be better to make our communities safer. Shapiros No. 2 Lieutenant governors typically run independently in primaries, and then join the ticket of their partys gubernatorial candidate for the general election. Shapiro did things differently, and indicated that he wanted to handpick his running mate. The two met for dinner in Pittsburgh in early 2021 and Shapiro, then the states attorney general, told him the meeting could go as long or as short as Davis wanted it to. They spoke for four hours about policy, their lives, and their aspirations. By the end of 2021, Shapiro invited Davis to a Steelers game. Halfway through, Shapiro turned to Davis and asked him to join him as his running mate, Davis recalled. Shapiro endorsed him for lieutenant governor, and Davis won the three-way Democratic primary handily. The Shapiro-Davis ticket went on to win by 14 percentage points in November 2022. He said, I think we both come from different backgrounds, we both come from different life experiences. And I think that will make our ticket better, Davis recalled Shapiro telling him in the raucous stadium on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. Davis has also stepped into a leadership position as vice chair of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association. I say all the time: Dont sleep on LGs, said Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Flanagan could now become the nations first Native female governor if Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is elected vice president in November. Several Democratic lieutenant governors cheered on one another in group texts in recent weeks as it became clear one of them could be stepping into the governor role soon, Flanagan said. As speculation swirled around Shapiro, a front-runner to join Harris on the Democratic presidential ticket, Davis said he was prepared to step up. When you take this job, you recognize that one day you may be called upon to serve as governor, Davis said. And if that moment comes, were ready to serve and continue to lead Pennsylvania forward. Democratic Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, accompanied by his wife, Blayre Holmes Davis, departs from the Senate chambers after becoming Pennsylvania's first Black lieutenant governor. Read more HARRISBURG Pennsylvania has its first Black lieutenant governor. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, 33, took the oath of office Tuesday in front of the state Senate, where hell preside for the next four years. Davis, the states 35th lieutenant governor, is now the highest-ranking Black official in the states history. Advertisement Today, the son of a union bus driver and a hairdresser, a boy who grew up in a small steel town often overlooked by those in power, a young man driven to his first city council meeting to demand action on gun violence after it reached his neighborhood, is being inaugurated to the second-highest position in our commonwealth, Davis said in his inaugural speech. Davis was Shapiros handpicked, unofficial running mate from early on in the midterm election cycle. In Pennsylvania, lieutenant governor candidates and gubernatorial candidates run separately from one another in the primary before running together in the general election. Davis is a Western Pennsylvania native. He hails from McKeesport, a city just outside Pittsburgh that hes represented in the state House since 2019. As lieutenant governor, Davis is now tasked with presiding over the state Senate and chairing the states Board of Pardons. In his speech, Davis noted the other Black leaders who helped pave the way for his inauguration: K. Leroy Irvis, the states first Black speaker of the House; Robert N.C. Nix Jr., the states first Black chief justice of the state Supreme Court; and many activists whose names may not show up in print but were just as important to the states history. They paved the way for this moment, Davis said. This moment is a symbol of our progress here in the commonwealth we love, and it is one that I hope serves as a point of pride for millions of Pennsylvanians who have never before seen themselves represented in the halls of power. As a young leader himself, Davis said hes sending a message to the next generation of leaders especially to Black and brown young people that Pennsylvania is full of opportunities. Several faith leaders reflected on the significance of Daviss inauguration Tuesday. The Rev. Alyn Waller, senior pastor of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, said in his opening prayer that he was mindful of the many African American men who still wait for justice and opportunity. Davis swearing-in as the second-highest executive in the state reminds us that were getting closer to the dream, Waller added. State Sen. Vince Hughes (D., Philadelphia) said Davis inauguration was a battery charge for him. Hes been representing Philadelphia since 1994, and was a state representative during the end of Irvis speakership. To see that the work over the years that has led to this moment is very powerful, Hughes added. He was sworn in alongside his wife, Blayre Holmes Davis, by Allegheny County President Judge Kim Berkeley Clark, the first Black woman to serve as president judge of Allegheny County. Clark challenged Davis to be a servant leader, to be humble, and to be kind. You are a shining example. You are hope for all the little boys and girls in Pennsylvania who look like you, Clark said before administering Davis oath of office. Staff writer Julia Terruso contributed to this article. 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Unlike past cycles, there has not been a surge in new company formations. Instead, capital generation has largely come from profit retention. Companies are improving their risk profiles, and some of the largest players are expanding and deploying capital more efficiently. There is no shortage of capacity, both in the traditional market and on the insurance-linked securities (ILS) side. Onwuaduegbo added that this initiative is part of a longstanding tradition, with Continental Re consistently organizing such training sessions over the years to enhance the capabilities of local insurers. The training programs are set to continue in the second half of the year, further contributing to the expertise within the industry. Laras strategy also addresses critical limitations in Proposition 103, a voter-approved law from 1988. Although the law allows insurers to propose rates based on future loss projections, it doesnt require them to cover all residents. As climate risks have intensified, major insurers have raised rates and reduced coverage in high-risk areas, leading to a situation where the FAIR Plan has become the only available option for many consumers. International treaties preempt state-based legal actions, giving an air transport company an escape from claims on what a hemp producer said was botched paperwork for an overseas hemp shipment, a federal appeals court said. The ruling by the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in late July highlights the trickiness of running and insuring cannabis- and hemp-related businesses, even as the industry continues to grow around the world. This is why people are nervous about hemp: because theres a lot of variability and a fair amount of risk, said Erich Schutz, an underwriter and cannabis national practice leader at Jencap, a wholesale brokerage. There are a lack of controls, lack of regulations, lack of consistency. And with that comes all the nastiness that comes with businesses that dont have a lot of controls. The appellate judges upheld a lower federal courts ruling that the Montreal Convention of 1999 precludes a lawsuit by a Portland hemp company, which claimed that the air carriers actions resulted in the seizure and destruction of the hemp product by federal authorities in 2020. Our rulings must be guided by the Montreal Convention which, under the Constitution, is part of the supreme Law of the Land,' Judge Robert King wrote for the three-judge appeals court panel. The court documents do not indicate if the producer or the air transport company were covered by insurance policies, and lawyers for both sides could not be reached for comment. But Schutz and other insurance experts said its likely that any policies would have contained exclusions that barred coverage for federally illegal or hot higher-THC products. And coverage for international shipments of hemp, even if its fully legal, is hard to come by, anyway. Theres not a robust international coverage for hemp, when there should be because there are a number of operations that are multinational, Schutz said. The legal action began four years ago when Portland-based We CBD, a producer and distributor of legal hemp products, contracted with Planet Nine, a charter flight and cargo carrier, to transport 3,300 pounds of hemp to Switzerland. The transport cost topped $147,000. The value of the product could be as much as $1.3 million, according to a news report by The Charlotte Observer. When the plane made a refueling stop in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. Customs authorities seized the 93 bags and later destroyed the contents. Testing showed that much of the hemp was above the 0.3% THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, content allowed by federal law, the court opinion explained. While many U.S. states have legalized some form of higher-THC marijuana, federal law still prohibits it and other countries have differing regulations on THC levels in hemp. We CBD argued that Planet Nine had failed to file the proper paperwork with aviation authorities, paperwork that would have indicated that cargo was on board the business-class jet. Planet Nines website shows it flies a number of aircraft, none larger than the 15-passenger Gulfstream G650. When local law enforcement officers in Portland saw the bags being loaded onto the plane, after some seats had been removed, they became suspicious and alerted federal Customs agents in Charlotte. At that airport, Customs officials could see the cargo, which was in duffle bags and trash bags, through the windows of the airplane. This seemed odd because the flights paperwork did not mention any cargo being transported, the court explained. Agents moved in and removed the bags from the plane. We CBD filed suit in North Carolina against Planet Nine, seeking compensation for the lost cargo. Planet Nine, a Van Nuys, California-based company, asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the Montreal Convention takes precedence. That convention, the appellate judges explained, essentially replaced the Warsaw Convention of 1929. It holds that air carriers flying international routes are liable for damage to cargo and baggage that is sustained during carriage by air. Claims must be made pursuant to the treaty. But the convention also gives air carriers an escape clause, the court noted, if the air company can show that the destruction, or loss of, or damage to, the cargo resulted from an act of public authority carried out in connection with the entry, exit or transit of the cargo. The destroying of the hemp by Customs agents is considered an act by a public authority, the courts said. We CBD, represented by attorney William Terpening, of Charlotte, had also argued that the convention did not apply because the paperwork was left out before the flight was underway, and the destruction of the hemp came later meaning those actions fell outside the scope of carriage by air. But the appeals court said that argument was splitting hairs. Court rulings have long eschewed segmenting the precise event as long as it is part of the shipping or transport process. To rule otherwise would greatly diminish the ambit of the Montreal Convention and would concomitantly encourage artful pleading by plaintiffs seeking to opt out of the Conventions liability scheme a result that the Supreme Court has counseled us to avoid, Judge King wrote in the 4th Circuit opinion. Further, the court said: Even assuming Planet Nine had an obligation to submit the U.S. Customs documentation and improperly did so, the Cargo could not have been destroyed unless it was in international carriage by air. The types of issues raised by this case will likely continue for years to come, thanks to the variation between federal, state and international laws. Even when the hemp is found to be below the United States .03% THC threshold, international shipments can be tricky, Schutz said. Some insurance carriers will provide coverage that allows up to .04%, but most dont. And the European Union requires a THC level of less than .02%, but other countries may be different. Switzerland, where the hemp in the We CBD case was headed, allows up to 1% THC for hemp to be considered legal, according to news reports and cannabis attorneys. This is where a good agent-broker comes in, Schutz added. You need to be able to overlay the regulations, the insurance contracts and what the heck your insured is actually doing. Make sure everything is inside the box. Topics Cannabis Robert Tyson believes the defense bars lawsuit approach is overdue for an overhaul. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform reported in May that nuclear verdicts are on the rise, noting that there were a record number of mega nuclear verdicts verdicts of $100 million or more in 2022. Preliminary data indicates that record was again broken in 2023. So, for the third straight year, Tyson and leaders of the Nuclear Verdicts Defense Institute (NVDI) recently hosted a four-day program aimed at teaching insurance defense and claims professionals how to end the surge of skyrocketing jury verdicts across the country. Nuclear verdicts are proliferating because the defense industry has been slow to change, said Tyson, a noted trial attorney and author of Nuclear Verdicts: Defending Justice for All. There is a pattern to what is driving nuclear verdicts across the country. He explained that the NVDI is designed to break that pattern by teaching the defense bar proven methods that have saved the insurance industry nearly $3 billion in the past four years. Per a press release, nuclear verdicts are defined as large, unsubstantiated jury awards that typically exceed $10 million. These huge verdicts are at the forefront of the property and casualty insurance industrys collective mind. Tyson sees value in working toward tort reform, legislative changes and damage caps but he also recognizes that achieving lasting change in those arenas is challenging. He likes to focus on whats happening in courtrooms. There is a pattern to nuclear verdicts, Tyson said. And the good news is you can break that pattern in the courtroom. And you dont have to write [to] your congressman. You dont have to go out and march for justice. You just have to change the way you try lawsuits. This is the direct focus of the NVDI. Approximately 20 experienced defense trial lawyers from across the United States attended this years event. During the retreat-like gathering, a clinical psychologist demonstrated how psychology is used on jurors in nuclear verdict trials. This included a workshop experiment that evoked anger in the participants, followed by a guide to defusing juror anger. Attendees learned how to pick a jury, give opening and closing statements and conduct direct and cross examinations all specifically to prevent nuclear verdicts. After these anti-nuclear verdict methods were shared for each stage of a trial, attendees were split into small groups and tasked with demonstrating that they could implement what they learned. In the press release, Rachel Beauchamp, partner at Cousineau Malone, said the institute provided both psychological evidence and practical application of proven methods to use in trial. Bill Daw, partner at Texas-based Daw and Ray, said the most significant and unanticipated benefit was the incredible exchange of ideas and collaboration. Previous attendees have reached out to Tyson to tell him the methods they learned led to victories. The feedback has just been overwhelming, Tyson said. Weve been told by many of the attendees over the years that its career changing. Our clients are asking us to do this. Insurance companies are saying, Hey, we want the defense bar to share with each other. But we dont really do that as a defense bar, in general. Meanwhile, the plaintiffs bar shares everything with each other, Tyson said. Thats what makes the Nuclear Verdicts Defense Institute unique: It provides an avenue for communication among competitors across the defense community. Tyson is also the chief business development officer at Schaefer City Technologies, an insurance technology company that has developed software solutions to help insurance companies and their defense counsel spot and defend against nuclear verdicts. His research has shown that nuclear verdicts are not happening to new attorneys, he said. Theyre happening to very experienced attorneys. Something has changed in courtrooms, he said. Whatever experienced defense lawyers used to do isnt working any more. Plaintiffs lawyers have changed their approach, and the defense needs to adapt, he said. Can an agency built by a true salesperson transform into a firm with a business culture? Not with a salesperson still at the helm. Heres some pop psychology based on knowing a thousand executives who began as salespeople. A salesperson is a salesperson is a salesperson. A rose by any other name is a rose. Sew a title, whatever title you want to choose, onto a salesperson and they are still a salesperson. Their eyes glaze over whenever business issues outside of generating revenue are discussed. Discuss accounting issues with them? In a pipedream. Discuss procedures with them? Unless theyre being sued, they wont sit still long enough for a full paragraph to be covered. Needing to discuss staff efficiency? More sales will fix that. In fact, their base foundational comfort zone involves two points: Sales solve everything and if there is a problem, if I talk long enough, everyone will eventually agree with me. When a person is just starting out, whether when building a business or building their income as a salesperson, the effort required is Herculean. The effort required to succeed is so hard that if they were not already hardwired to think sales solve everything, their experience in those initial years will cause them to think sales will solve everything. To test my pop psychology theory, a proxy test might be to do a web search to identify how many consultants, programs, training classes, books, seminars, etc. promise increased sales versus any of the business points I made earlier or choose your own business points. Generating revenue is a far more popular topic than managing an agency or company. For example, a Google search of sales classes yields 4.35 billion results; a Google search of accounting classes yields 1.79 billion. Business Culture More sales, more sales, and more sales is not a business culture. A business culture must include managing costs, managing people, managing balance sheets, managing vendor relationships, managing everything! If a person is bored or simply not interested in these functions, they are not going to perform them at all, or at least not well. A true salesperson can only transform an organization into a viable business culture by hiring other people to take charge, not only manage, but to lead in running the business. And these people must have authority or else they cannot change the culture. The culture must be one of accountability toward making the business more valuable. More sales, in and of themselves, do not make a business more valuable except in a sellers market, preferably a bubble sellers market where rational acquisition decisions are lacking. The hard truth is, all sales are not profitable. More value also means a better balance sheet. Ive completed extensive analytics of the balance sheets of carriers and agencies, and the market values of firms with better balance sheets are higher, all else being equal. This may be a key reason many of the private equity (PE) buyers of agencies have no hope of going public because their balance sheets are shambles. PE firms are much like salespeople, more and more acquisitions will solve everything. I have met few salespeople that have any appreciation of the importance of managing balance sheets well. Most dont even look at their balance sheet. More value also means more employee development and accountability. Ive found that exceptional salespeople are usually either quite personally disciplined or have limited self-discipline, and either way, almost none want accountability for themselves. A good leader is going to develop employees and hold them accountable. In todays age, some people view accountability as some kind of evil discriminatory practice and therefore development is often a wishy-washy process. I am not being cynical. Employee development must simply involve methodically training an employee while providing them with the required tools for their success, providing a supportive environment, and then measuring their success. An environment which enables their errors, incompetency, laziness and otherwise poor performance is not a supportive environment. I find that people enjoy working in these kinds of supportive environments in which poor performers are weeded out in a constructive manner. Salespeople are generally superb at a lot of things, but they are rarely any good whatsoever in developing a methodical and accountable work environment. The thought of such an environment will make many run for the exits! Leadership also does not mean getting all the employees to agree to whatever direction the leader chooses. Salespeople have an aversion to conflict, so they often agree with whomever is the last to leave their office. When a direction change is required, they want everyone to agree. This works well for sales, but not so much for leadership. I recently witnessed a large organization ready to spend considerable treasure on getting all their employees to value their new direction and their new goals. Their effort is like herding cats and their leader is conflict averse. Needless to say, the effort is not going well. Set the goals, explain and educate, and do it succinctly. Identify the new skill sets required at each position and then analyze whether the existing employees possess the required skills. If they dont, give them a training program and your expectations. There is no point in waiting for them to come around. You owe this to them. Then see if they are up to the task. If not, find new employees. A salesperson cannot often handle this kind of stress. To answer the original question more completely: A sales organization can be transformed into an organization with a business culture, but not likely transformed by the founding salesperson. Topics Leadership Maine didnt violate the U.S. constitutional rights of religious schools by requiring them to abide by the states antidiscrimination law to receive taxpayer-funded tuition assistance, a federal judge ruled. But the judge also acknowledged that a higher court will ultimately have the final say. U.S. District Judge John Woodcock Jr. said he sees no constitutional violation in requiring religious schools to abide by the Maine Human Rights Act. The plaintiffs are free to practice their religion, including the teaching of their religion as they see fit, but cannot require the state to subsidize their religious teachings if they conflict with state antidiscrimination law, the judge wrote. A notice of appeal to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston was filed on Friday, a day after Woodcock issued his 75-page decision rejecting the plaintiffs request for an injunction. The lawsuit is one of two in Maine that focus on the collision between a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Maine cannot discrimination against religious schools in providing tuition assistance and a state law requiring that schools participating in the tuition program must abide by the Maine Human Rights Act, which includes protections for LGBTQ students and faculty. The Maine Human Rights Act was amended by state legislators regarding how it applies to schools before the Supreme Court decision. The law bans discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or disability. This means schools must not discriminate against gay and transgender teachers and students, which could conflict with some religious schools beliefs. Adele Keim, senior counsel for Becket Law, which is representing the plaintiffs, accused Maine lawmakers of using the antidiscrimination measure to make an end run around the Supreme Court with the specific aim of preventing the participation of religious schools. She also said the law is applied unevenly because the state has sent tuition dollars to an all-girls school in Massachusetts. The lawsuits were filed after the justices ruled 6-3 that Maine cannot discriminate between secular and religious schools when providing tuition assistance to kids in rural communities that dont have a public high school. The program allows those students to attend another school, public or private, of their choosing. A spokesperson for Attorney General Aaron Frey declined comment on Monday. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland; a Roman Catholic-affiliated school, St. Dominics Academy in Auburn, Maine; and parents who want to use state tuition funds to send their children to St. Dominics. Another lawsuit, brought by parents who wanted to send a child to Crosspoint Church in Bangor, is already pending before the appeals court in Boston. Keim said she wouldnt be surprised if the appeals court hears arguments from both cases at the same time. The high courts decision was hailed as a victory for school choice proponents potentially giving life to efforts in some of the states that have not directed taxpayer money to private, religious education. But the impact in Maine has been small. Since the ruling, only one religious school, Cheverus High School, a Jesuit college preparatory school in Portland, has participated in the states tuition reimbursement plan, a spokesperson said. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics K-12 Maine After losing two bids to recover $15 million from its insurer for costs related to its failed legal defense of its admissions policy, Harvard University has now failed in a bid to hold its insurance broker Marsh responsible for breach of contract. A federal judge in Massachusetts has ruled that Harvard was itself untimely with its claims alleging that its broker Marsh breached its contact by failing to timely notify its excess insurer of the litigation brought by the Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA). The court found that New Yorks six-year statute of limitations plus a 228-day COVID-related tolling extension ran out on September 15, 2022, which was 13 months before Harvard sued Marsh for breach of contract on October 25, 2023. US District Judge Allison D. Burroughs also found that a tolling agreement between Harvard and Marsh signed in 2023 did not apply because it also came after the September 15, 2022 deadline and because it did not revive any SFFA claims otherwise barred by any timing defenses. The ruling addressed only the contract claims; it did not address Harvards brokerage malpractice claims against Marsh. The lawsuit by SFFA against Harvard culminated with a landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2023 that found Harvards affirmative action admissions policy was unconstitutional. The SFFA lawsuit was filed Nov. 17, 2014. Harvards primary carrier AIGs National Union Fire Insurance was immediately notified of the claim event but Zurich was not notified until May 2017, well after the 90-day notification window. AIG paid what it owed as primary insurer but Harvards excess insurer Zurich American denied coverage for the high-profile litigation because it had not been timely notified of the case. When the university went to court to force Zurich to pay up, Harvard lost in federal district court in November 2022 and then again on appeal last August. The courts found Zurich rightfully denied coverage because it did not receive timely notice of the litigation. Harvard then sought to hold Marsh responsible, arguing that the broker failed in its duty to notify Zurich. Harvard argued that as its broker, Marsh undertook the contractual obligation to prepare loss notices to insurers and notify insurers of claims. Further, Harvard said Marsh owed a duty to perform its duties in a professional manner that accorded with the applicable standard of care. According to the timeline provided by Harvard, on Nov. 18, 2014, Harvard sent an email to Marsh regarding the SFFA action requesting that Marsh report the matter to AIG. Harvard says it did not discover Marshs failure to place Zurich on notice until May 2017. Marsh then formally reported it to Zurich and Harvards other excess errors and omissions insurers. Zurich acknowledged receipt on May 25, 2017. Harvard argued that the receipt of Harvards instruction to provide notice to one insurer triggered Marshs contractual and professional duties to notify all of the insurers Marsh used to place Harvards coverage. Harvard maintained that the inaction of Marsh was in contrast to that of another of its brokers, Risk Strategies Co., which placed the entire tower of primary and excess general liability carriers for its policies with Harvard on notice of the SFFA action, despite the absence of an initial explicit request from Harvard that it do so. According to the university, Marsh had taken the position it was instructed by Harvard not to notify excess insurers. Harvard denies that it ever instructed Marsh not to notify excess insurers. In its remaining malpractice claims against Marsh, Harvard maintains that Marsh assumed a duty to act in accordance with the standards of care applicable to professionals in the insurance brokerage industry, both nationally and in Massachusetts. Marsh has denied it committed negligence. Harvard is seeking a declaratory judgment that Marsh is liable for a breach of professional negligence. Topics Legislation Claims The Hangzhou-Taizhou High-Speed Railway in Zhejiang province, China's first high-speed railway controlled by private capital, has proved to be a milestone in the Chinese government's efforts to attract private funding to key infrastructure construction and local transportation development. The railway, which began operating in January 2022, has a designed speed of 350 kilometers per hour and connects a number of well-known scenic spots. It has handled more than 20 million passenger trips so far. It is among the country's first rail projects funded by a public-private partnership, with 51 percent of the railway's shares held by a consortium of eight private enterprises. The safe and smooth operation of the 266.9-km rail line is a vivid example of how China has been pushing ahead with the market-oriented reform of its high-speed railway investment and financing system. The project also demonstrates how private enterprises have the ability to invest and participate in major national projects, according to experts and entrepreneurs. They noted that the country's latest measures for comprehensively deepening reform will create a favorable environment for the nonpublic sector, and said that bolstering the growth of the private economy will significantly shore up market confidence, stabilize expectations and revive the momentum of economic recovery amid challenges and external uncertainties. The measures will further motivate private enterprises to beef up their innovation capabilities and achieve breakthroughs in crucial technologies, the experts and entrepreneurs said, adding that this will promote industrial upgrades and high-quality economic development. They also called for efforts to increase financial support for private enterprises and optimize policies on tax and fee reductions. The comments came after the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which concluded last month, adopted a resolution on further comprehensively deepening reform to advance Chinese modernization. The country will continue to implement principles and policies that help foster a favorable environment and create more opportunities for the development of the nonpublic sector, while formulating a law to promote the private economy, according to the resolution. China's top leadership has placed great emphasis on bolstering the growth of the private sector. During last year's two sessions, the annual meetings of China's top legislative and political advisory bodies, President Xi Jinping called for proper guidance for the healthy and high-quality development of the private sector. Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the CPC Central Committee always unswervingly consolidates and develops the public sector and encourages, supports and guides the development of the nonpublic sector. He also said the CPC Central Committee always believes that private enterprises and entrepreneurs "belong to our own family". Zhou Maohua, an analyst at China Everbright Bank, said, "The private sector has become an important force for promoting Chinese modernization, and plays an increasingly vital role in stabilizing economic growth, creating job opportunities and bolstering technological innovation." The country has sent a clear signal that it is dedicated to boosting the high-quality development of the private economy through rolling out targeted measures to deal with the difficulties and issues faced by private enterprises, he said. Noting that some private enterprises have been facing mounting pressures, such as rising production costs and financing difficulties, Zhou said, "It is important to encourage financial institutions to step up support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, deepen reform to eliminate barriers that hinder the development of the private sector, and support private enterprises in enhancing innovation capacities." Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the e-commerce research institute of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said the country's push to draft a law on promoting the private economy reflects its firm determination to support the private economy, with a specific focus on strengthening protection of private companies' property rights, as well as the rights and interests of entrepreneurs, via legal means. The recent move signals a significant step toward creating a more transparent, stable and predictable business environment, he said, adding that "the legislative efforts will not only remove systemic barriers and address the pressing concerns of private enterprises, but also invigorate the dynamism of market entities and bolster the development of new quality productive forces". Saying that the private sector serves as a primary engine for economic growth, Hong called for more efforts to expand financing channels and reduce financing costs for private enterprises, strengthen financial assistance to private investment projects, continuously optimize the market environment for fair competition, and reinforce intellectual property protection. Gao Zicheng, chairman of the All-China Lawyers Association, said that in order to reduce the burden on private enterprises, more detailed measures may include implementing tax policies that benefit small and micro private enterprises, like deferred, reduced or exempted corporate income taxes and value-added taxes for eligible enterprises. Intrinsic element The private economy has become an intrinsic element of China's economic system and a significant force in sustainable and healthy economic development. Private companies contribute more than 60 percent of gross domestic product, 70 percent of technological innovation and 80 percent of urban employment, according to official data. In July last year, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a top-level guideline detailing 31 measures, such as facilitating private enterprises' access to funding, reducing market entry barriers and promoting fair competition, to promote the development of the private sector. The third plenary session's resolution said that efforts will be made to remove barriers to market access, improve the long-term mechanism for private enterprises to participate in major national projects, support capable private companies in leading significant national technological and innovation projects, and provide private enterprises with greater access to major national scientific research infrastructure. "These reform measures will provide more opportunities for the private sector's participation in key national projects, further stimulate the vitality of private investment and consolidate the economic recovery trend," said Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy. Recent years have seen an increasing number of private companies playing a role in major infrastructure projects in transportation, water conservancy and railways. Previously, these areas, which used to be dominated by State-owned enterprises, were seldom open to private enterprises. Thanks to recent efforts to promote the private sector's participation in major projects, Chongqing One-Tale Electric Co has received special support from the National Development and Reform Commission, the nation's top economic regulator, to establish a sensor technology service platform, said Tian Yongchao, head of research and development at the company, a private-sector provider of electrical equipment. "After the platform's completion in June next year, it is expected to help improve the sensor industry chain in Chongqing and Southwest China as a whole," Tian said. Li Dongsheng, founder and chairman of consumer electronics maker TCL Technology Group Corp, said, "The authorities' supportive attitude toward the private sector has greatly boosted the confidence of private enterprises and stimulated the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation vitality of entrepreneurs." TCL will stick to an innovation-driven development strategy and strive for breakthroughs in key technologies and bolster the transformation and upgrading of the high-tech manufacturing industry, he added. Zhou Hongyi, founder of Chinese cybersecurity company 360 Security Group, said the key plenary meeting has sent a clear message of further efforts to comprehensively deepen reform. He added that this has inspired and encouraged him, and said his company will focus on digital security and artificial intelligence and bolster digital and intelligent upgrades in traditional industries. Nan Cunhui, chairman of Chint Group, a leading industrial electrical equipment and new energy company, said the latest commitment to developing the nonpublic sector has put private enterprises at ease, because they see that such support has been and will be consistent. Contact the writers at fanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn The agency that runs New York Citys subway system is putting track workers at risk by failing to follow its own safety rules, federal authorities said in an audit issued this week. The Federal Transit Administration said in a special directive Tuesday that there is a substantial risk of death or personal injury because of unsafe conditions and practices in the subway system. The FTA, an arm of the federal Department of Transportation, reviewed safety practices at New York City Transit after a subway worker was dragged under a train and killed on Nov. 29, 2023, and another worker was critically injured on June 6, 2024. The FTA says there were 38 close calls in which a subway worker was almost killed or injured in 2023, up from 24 close calls in 2022. Half of the near misses involved transit workers failing to follow established rules for flagging, the job of alerting train operators that workers are on the track, FTA said. The FTA is demanding that New York City Transit conduct a comprehensive safety assessment, submit a mitigation plan and undertake weekly internal monitoring of its safety compliance. Officials at New York City Transit, which is part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said they would appeal the directive. Demetrius Crichlow, the transit agencys interim president, said in a letter to the FTA Wednesday that agency officials strongly dispute FTAs view that NYCT has somehow been negligent when it comes to addressing the safety of track workers, one of our most essential priorities. Crichlow said the close calls that the FTA identified have been thoroughly investigated to determine cause, so we can implement new or strengthen existing mitigations to prevent future incidents. Crichlow said the Nov. 29, 2023 fatality and the June 6, 2024 worker injury are under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. Given the unresolved status of these inquiries, it seems premature to infer that a combination of unsafe conditions and practices led to those events, he said. If New York City Transit does not follow with the transit administrations orders it could lose part of its federal funding. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York Bankrupt hospital operator Steward Health Care received a bankruptcy judges approval on Friday to sell its nationwide physician network to a private equity buyer while its stalled efforts to sell Massachusetts hospitals caused the state to step in and seize one hospital. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez approved a $245 million sale of physician network Stewardship Health to Rural Healthcare Group, a Kinderhook Industries-owned network of primary care providers that operates in Tennessee and North Carolina. Lopez said at a court hearing in Houston that the deal was the best offer available to Steward, which is trying to sell all of its roughly 30 hospitals separately from the physician network. Steward had previously planned to sell the physician network to a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, but that deal fell apart after Steward filed for bankruptcy in May. Steward told Lopez it has found a buyer for three of its Florida hospitals and it is making progress on efforts to sell six hospitals in Massachusetts. Steward put all its 31 hospitals up for sale when it filed for bankruptcy in an effort to address its $9 billion debt. Steward has a $439.4 million offer from Orlando Health Inc. for Steward Melbourne Hospital, Steward Rockledge Hospital, and Steward Sebastian River Medical Center, according to court documents. That offer is still subject to higher and better offers. Stewards attorney Ray Schrock said on Friday the company was very, very close to finalizing deals for Massachusetts hospitals, but state officials, unhappy with delays, acted to seize one hospital on Friday. Massachusetts governor Maura Healey said on Friday the state will take control of Saint Elizabeths Medical Center in Boston through eminent domain, to facilitate the transition to a new owner and keep the hospital open. Steward declined to comment on the states seizure of Saint Elizabeths. Steward previously decided to close two hospitals in Massachusetts, and plans to transition its remaining hospitals to new operators. The companys bankruptcy has drawn scrutiny from Massachusetts officials and U.S. Senators, who criticized the company and its former private equity owners for selling the land under its hospitals to a real estate company, saddling the company with over $6.6 billion in long-term rent obligations and leaving it on shaky financial footing. A U.S. Senate committee intends to question the companys CEO about Stewards decline at a public hearing in September. (Reporting by Dietrich Knauth; Editing by Leigh Jones and David Gregorio) Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Massachusetts Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee announced Friday that the state has filed a lawsuit against 13 companies that provided design, construction and inspection services related to the troubled Washington Bridge. The bridge was partially shut down over safety concerns in December. McKee said in March that the bridge would need to be demolished and replaced. McKees comments at the time came after an independent review of the bridge which carries Interstate 195 over the Seekonk River from Providence to East Providence and serves as a key gateway to Providence found additional structural deficiencies requiring that it be replaced. McKee said the lawsuit filed Friday seeks to hold accountable those companies responsible for the near-miss catastrophic closure of the bridge and to recover the significant resources required to rebuild the bridge and compensate the state. In the lawsuit, the state argues that the companies failed to timely and adequately identify worsening structural issues that ultimately led to the sudden and unexpected closure of the bridge. The lawsuit also alleged there were multiple failures over multiple years to bring problems with the bridge to the attention of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. In the nearly nine months since the abrupt closure, our economy has borne an immense cost, and our state has and will continue to have to expend significant resources as a result, state Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a written statement. During the demolition and construction of the new bridge, the state will reroute six lanes of traffic three in each direction on the eastbound bridge structure. The sudden westbound closure in mid-December initially wreaked havoc on traffic, turning a 40- to 45-minute drive into several hours, stranding commuters for hours and sending others veering off their normal path. Some schools closed and held classes remotely. The bridge carries nearly 100,000 vehicles every day. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Washington Europe is spending tens of billions of euros a year to fight wildfires, yet it hasnt stopped blazes from flaring up across Greece and other parts of the continent this summer. This week fires on the outskirts of Athens engulfed more than 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) about double the size of Manhattan. The flames forced thousands of people across the Attica region, which surrounds the city, to evacuate. More than 700 firefighters, dozens of planes and helicopters and around 200 firefighting vehicles were deployed to extinguish the inferno. While Greece successfully snuffed out the flames this week, the herculean effort shows the uphill battle European firefighters face as climate change turbo-charges the threat posed by wildfires. Greece, which is suffering its worst season in two decades, now has 89 planes and helicopters available for firefighting, compared to 61 when the current government came to power 2019. Still, there is increasing pressure on European governments to focus more on prevention as extreme heat and fires become more frequent due to global warming. We dont expect the solution to just come out of thin air, Greeces Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday. Very important work needs to be done in the area of prevention. I think we have laid some important first foundations in this direction. From the start of May to Aug. 13 this year, Greece has seen 3,543 wildfires compared with 2,344 over the same period in 2023. The government announced Friday projects worth 4.3 billion ($4.7 billion) for climate mitigation and adaptation, with some new initiatives aimed at protecting forests and reducing fire risks. Wildfires cost Europe at least 4.1 billion in damages last year, charring about 500,000 hectares (1.2 million acres) of land across the continent. Last summer Greece saw the largest wildfire ever recorded in Europe. Spain, Italy and Portugal also suffered significant damage. As the climate crisis has escalated, the European Union has increased its firefighting budget, which rose about 35% in five years to 37.8 billion ($42 billion) in 2022. This year the bloc has put dozens of planes and hundreds of firefighters on standby in anticipation of an intense wildfire season. Even countries as far north as the UK are on alert for wildfires this summer due to recent heat waves. Hina Bokhari, chair of the London Assemblys fire committee, said there are worries of a repeat of the blazes that blackened parts of the city in 2022. If we are not honest about the fact that climate change is having a massive impact, and it will be increasing the potential risk for wildfires, even in cities like London, then we are not going to be ready for another horrible incident like what we had in 2022, she said. In April, Greece said it was investing in amphibious firefighting aircrafts, drones for aerial monitoring and other fire detection and extinguishing systems as part of a 2.1 billion procurement program to battle the impacts of climate change. Mitsotakis said an order for firefighting planes from Canada isnt being fulfilled as quickly as many people would like to see because the factory that made them was shut for years. We took the lead in having a large order from Europe, so that the production line could be moved forward, he said. Certainly, for the next three years we will have to make do with what we have. The European Commission also announced it will be injecting 600 million more into its aerial firefighting capacity and has placed an order for 12 amphibious firefighting planes from the Canadian Commercial Corporation. Yet the first batch of these new planes are not expected to be delivered until the end of 2027. For this fire season, rescEU, the blocs civil protection mechanism, have more than 20 planes stationed across 10 member states. The European Union spends about 90% of its wildfire budget on fighting fires rather than prevention, according to a report published in October 2023 by the Institute for European Environmental Policy. Theodoros Kolydas, director of Greeces National Meteorological Center, said preventative measures could include replanting forests with less flammable trees. Greece, for example, should replant its highly combustible pine forests with oak trees, he said. Other experts have argued that urban sprawl into forest habitats is also a cause of the problem and should be halted. More than a third of the forest area of Attica, a region including all of the Athens metropolitan area, has burned over the past eight years. Still, the fires in Greece this week could have been much worse without the prevention measures and technology that have been put in place this year. Despite the dangers posed by the fires this week, there was only one fatality. A message alert system, introduced in 2019, likely helped prevent more deaths. The use of drones has also helped spot blazes that are likely to get out of control. This is a total effort in a time of great climate crisis, which I think we are all experiencing, Mitsotakis said. We must constantly become better. And from any failure of ours, or from any fire that escapes, [we must] always look to learn what we can do better. Photograph: A firefighter attempts to control a wildfire near Athens on Aug. 12, 2024. Photo credit: Nick Paleologos/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Europe Senior figures in the insurance industry are calling on the UK to restart work on a potential new market worth billions of pounds as part of a drive to boost competitiveness. Executives have written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves calling for a consultation about the creation of a captive insurance regime in the UK, according to a copy of the letter seen by Bloomberg. The move would allow London to compete more effectively with offshore centers like Bermuda and Guernsey. Captive insurers are entities set up by companies or public institutions to provide their own insurance. Supporters say they enhance risk management and can be additional to external insurance cover, while critics warn that they can concentrate losses. Current UK rules governed by the Solvency II capital regime are too restrictive, driving business offshore, according to the letter, sent by AXA XL CEO Sean McGovern, who chairs the London Market Group, which represents London insurance businesses, and Christopher Lay, chief executive officer of Marsh McLennan UK. That means the UK is missing out on a market thats estimated to reach $161 billion globally by 2030, the letter said. The US, France and Italy have all introduced regimes to bring captives onshore, it adds. The Conservative government had promised to consult on creating a light-touch regime for captives to bring more business into London. Industry figures are hoping Labour will resurrect the plan, potentially at Octobers Budget. A UK captive framework could deliver a major boost to the UK and London insurance market and be a tangible example that the UK is open for business, the letter said. Treasury officials are looking at the topic and aim to provide more details soon, according to a person familiar with the matter. The Treasury did not comment. Photograph: The City of London with a view of the Bank of England. Photo credit: Betty Laura Zapata/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Carriers The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) released a bulletin this month addressing the growing use of artificial intelligence in the insurance industry. The bulletin clarifies DIFS expectations and outlines the responsibilities that insurers have when they adopt these new technologies, DIFS director Anita Fox said. The Aug. 7 bulletin states that insurers must comply with all applicable insurance laws and regulations when making decisions and actions supported by advanced analytical and computational technologies. The bulletin provides background on the ways AI is being used in the industry. It goes on to provide regulatory expectations and oversight considerations based on existing federal and state laws. The bulletin also offers AI system guidelines for insurers to follow. An insurers AI system program should be designed to mitigate the risk that the insurers use of an AI system will result in adverse consumer outcomes, the bullet says. DIFS said the goal of the bulletin is not to prescribe specific practices or specific documentation requirements but rather to ensure that insurers in the state are aware of the departments expectations as to how AI Systems will be governed and managed. The use of AI is transforming the way work is done in many industries, including insurance, but it is important that every decision made by insurers using these systems complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, said Fox. DIFS cautions that AI can present unique risks to customers including the potential for inaccuracy, unfair discrimination, data vulnerability, and lack of transparency and explainability. Insurers should take actions to minimize these risks, the bulletin reads. DIFS cites National Association of Insurance Commissioners Principles of Artificial Intelligence as an appropriate source of guidance for Insurers as they develop and use AI systems. The bulletin details the departments legislative authority Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence Michigan Market The creeks around East Palestine, Ohio, were so badly contaminated by last years disastrous Norfolk Southern derailment that some workers became sick during the cleanup. Workers who reported headaches and nausea while shooting compressed air into the creek bed, which releases chemicals from the sediment and water were sent back to their hotels to rest, according to a report obtained by The Associated Press about their illnesses. The findings were not released to the public last spring, despite residents concerns about the potential health effects of exposure to the long list of chemicals that spilled and burned after the disaster. The workers symptoms, as described in the report, are consistent with what Centers for Disease Control and Prevention workers going door-to-door in town had reported shortly after the Feb. 3, 2023, derailment. Since then some residents have also reported unexplained rashes, asthma and other respiratory problems, and serious diseases including male breast cancer. Researchers are still determining how many of those health problems can be linked to the derailment and how the disaster will impact the long-term health of residents in the area near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Many wonder whether there will be cancer clusters down the road, which of course wont be clear for years. In the meantime, residents have until Aug. 22 to decide whether to accept up to $25,000 as part of a $600 million class action settlement with the railroad to compensate them for any future health problems. Accepting that money though means giving up the right to sue later, when the cost of health care coverage and specific treatments needed will become more clear. Norfolk Southern spokesperson Heather Garcia said none of the workers who got sick during the cleanup reported lingering or long-term symptoms. The health and safety of our employees, contractors, and the community has been paramount throughout the recovery in East Palestine, Garcia said. The creek cleanup work continued, but nearly three weeks later, another worker got sick. This time, it was halted altogether. While thereve been other cleanup projects since then, theyve stopped using high-pressure air knife tools. Independent toxicologist George Thompson who has been following the aftermath of the Ohio wreck said the cleanup contractors, overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency, should have known the work they were doing would release chemicals from the sediment into the air and water. In fact, that is what CTEH was monitoring while the project was underway. And with one of the main streams, Sulphur Run, going directly through town and in culverts under homes and offices, Thompson said those chemicals could have infiltrated buildings. Youre just spreading out the chemicals for exposure, Thompson said. And I just think that it was not an informed decision to use air knifing at all. Resident Jami Wallace said she lost her voice for two weeks after she got too close to one of the air knifing machines, which was placed near her driveway. She said when the machine was turned on, it felt like being hit by an invisible wall emitting a sweet chemical smell much like when the train derailed. The report from CTEH was submitted to Unified Command, the group overseeing disaster response which included federal, state and local officials along with Norfolk Southern but no one released it despite significant public interest. CTEHs principal toxicologist Paul Nony confirmed the report was given to the command center, and officials there were alerted about the illnesses. When CDC workers got sick also with headaches and nausea it generated headlines nationwide. East Palestine resident Misti Allison said not enough is being done to monitor long-term health effects on the community, and this report substantiates their health concerns. She said this report should have never been kept from the public. Its absolutely egregious, and that shouldnt happen. I think that any type of information like that just like when the CDC workers came to the area and got sick that should be disclosed instead of diminished, Allison said. Especially when it comes to human health, nothing should be swept under the rug. The East Palestine derailment that happened on the night of Feb. 3, 2023, was easily the worst rail disaster since a crude oil train leveled the small Canadian town of Lac Megantic and killed 47 people in 2013. It prompted a national reckoning with rail safety and calls for reform although proposals for new industry rules have stalled in Congress. Thirty-eight cars derailed, including 11 carrying hazardous materials such as butyl acrylate and vinyl chloride. After the crash, a fire burned for days. Fearing the five vinyl chloride cars would explode, officials then needlessly blew them open, and intentionally burned the toxic plastic ingredient. That created a massive plume of thick black smoke over the area. The NTSB determined that the decision-makers that day never received the key opinion that the cars were not likely to explode from the chemical manufacturer. The major freight railroads responded by pledging to add hundreds more trackside detectors nationwide to help spot mechanical problems. They also reevaluated the way they respond to alerts and even before alerts, the way they track rising temperatures from an overheating wheel bearing. This summers completion of the NTSB investigation into the crash brought renewed hope that Congress might pass a rail safety bill, but little action has been taken outside of a House hearing on the subject last month. CTEH said that its environmental testing around the creeks confirmed there were elevated levels of an assortment of chemicals in the air and sediment. Still, the group didnt find either of the two chemicals of greatest concern: vinyl chloride or butyl acrylate. Sediment testing at nine locations along the creeks where cleanup workers reported strong odors did show 37 different chemical compounds that were primarily either hydrocarbons or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Because of that, CTEH said it was clear that some of the contamination in the creeks came from industries that operated in the area years before the 2023 derailment. Still, those compounds could have also been created from chemicals burning after the train crash. Nony, the head CTEH toxicologist, said that his companys responsibility during the air knifing operation was primarily to monitor air quality. The EPA has said that it doesnt believe people are being exposed to any toxic chemicals on an ongoing basis because concerning levels of chemicals havent been found in their air and water tests since the evacuation order was lifted. In follow-up testing this year, the agency did find small amounts of vinyl chloride and other chemicals at the crash site, but citing only small amounts and the fact that the contaminated soil was removed, the agency said they dont represent a risk to human health. The overall clean up effort in East Palestine is expected to be completed sometime later this year. Photo: FILE This image taken with a drone shows the continuing cleanup of portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train on Feb. 9, 2023, that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Ohio MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) The family of a man killed by a police dog in Montgomery, Alabama, has agreed to settle its federal lawsuit against the police officer who handled the animal, but their lawyers said Friday that they plan to appeal a ruling that cleared the city of responsibility. The confidential settlement was reached in July in the 2019 lawsuit against Montgomery officer Nicholas Barber, who was responsible for the K9 that attacked and killed then 50-year-old Joseph Pettaway in 2018. Pettaway was sleeping in a small house where he was employed as a handyman when officers responded to a call that reported an unknown occupant, according to court documents. Almost immediately after the officers arrived, Barber released the dog into the house where it found Pettaway and bit into his groin. The bite severed Pettaways femoral artery, autopsy reports showed. Officers took Pettaway outside where he bled out while waiting for paramedics, according to familys lawsuit. I hope that the case for the family brings some closure for something that is a long time coming, said their attorney, Griffin Sikes. The Associated Press has investigated and documented thousands of cases across the U.S. where police tactics considered non-lethal have resulted in fatalities. The nationwide database includes Pettaways case. The lawsuit also named the City of Montgomery and its police chief at the time, Ernest Finley, alleging that the officers had been trained not to provide first aid. The Supreme Court has decided that cities and counties are responsible for administering medical care when they arrest somebody, said Sikes. We think they failed to do that in this case, and it is not a failure of the individual officers, but a failure of the city that says youre not to provide medical care The claims against the city and the chief were dismissed, but Sikes said the Pettaway family plans on appealing. Attorneys for Barber, Finley and the City of Montgomery did not respond to an emailed request for comment sent by The Associated Press on Friday morning. Body camera recordings showing what happened have never been made public. It took years of litigating for the Pettaway family and their lawyers to see them. The judge sided with the city, which said revealing them could create potential for protests which could endanger the safety of law enforcement officers, the public and private property. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jerusha T. Adams suggested that the family was attempting to try this case in the informal court of public opinion, rather than in the courtroom. ___ Safiyah Riddle reported from Montgomery. Riddle 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. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Alabama California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has invited public input as he begins the final phase of approving a first of its kind catastrophe modeling and ratemaking regulation that will help restore options for all Californians and prepare for the reality of climate change, according to a California Department of Insurance news release. The Office of Administrative Law has published the draft text of the regulation online, marking the beginning of a public comment period that will conclude with a hearing convened by Commissioner Lara on Tuesday, Sept. 17. The proposed text details the commitments that insurance companies must make in future rate filings to write more policies in wildfire distressed areas as a condition for using wildfire catastrophe modeling to more accurately assess the wildfire risks they will write. The regulation also provides for the public review of models used in ratemaking, as required under California law. This marks two firsts for the states regulation of insurance rates: the first time insurance companies will commit to covering higher-risk homes in wildfire-distressed areas, and the first use of forward-looking wildfire catastrophe modeling. According to the news release, the regulation has received strong public support in two previous public meetings the department has held. Climate change is affecting every part of our lives, making insurance harder to find and more costly for those at the greatest risk, Commissioner Lara said. With climate-driven mega-fires burning across the state, it is clear that relying on decades-old regulations only hurts our ability to prepare for the future. My strategy will help modernize our marketplace, restoring options for consumers while safeguarding the independent, transparent review of rate filings by my departments rate regulation experts. Commissioner Laras strategy addresses the major limitations of Proposition 103, which was passed by voters in 1988. Under that law, insurance companies are free to propose rates at any level needed to cover future losses but, unlike public utilities, are not required to cover all residents. Related: 2.6M Homes with a Cost of $1.3 Trillion at Moderate to Very High Risk of Wildfire With the combination of increasing climate risks, rising costs of repair and rebuilding and global economic forces, major companies have increased rates while pulling back from higher-risk properties, resulting in areas where the FAIR Plan is now the only option for consumers. In June, the California Department of Insurance released a first-ever map showing where FAIR Plan policies have grown and the traditional insurance market has retreated. The proposed regulation focuses on reversing FAIR Plan growth as a result of insurance companies committing to write more in high-risk areas through the use of wildfire catastrophe models in ratemaking. For the past 30 years, California regulations have required insurance companies to apply a catastrophe factor to insurance rates based on historical wildfire losses over the past 20 years. These outdated rules have contributed to rate spikes and balloon premiums following major wildfire disasters without fully accounting for the growing risk caused by climate change or risk mitigation measures taken by communities or regionally as a result of local, state and federal investments, per the release. Over the past several years, the state has put billions toward wildfire mitigation efforts and homeowners have made significant investments in home hardening, Commissioner Lara said. Under Prop. 103s existing regulatory framework, this is not accounted for by our existing retrospective, past-focused models for ratemaking. We want consumers to reap the full benefits of these efforts through modern, forward-looking models on how rates are calculated. The Department of Insurance will hold a virtual public hearing to take input on the proposed regulation on September 17, 2024, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Written comments can be submitted to CDIRegulations@insurance.ca.gov. What Others Have Said in Public Comments Sarah Heard, director, MarketLab, The Nature Conservancy: TNC appreciates and supports the proposed regulation requiring catastrophe models used in rate setting to incorporate risk mitigation at the property, community, and landscape scale Requiring catastrophe models, used by insurers for pricing, to incorporate landscape-scale mitigation is a big step forward in rewarding essential investments in wildfire resilience. Anne Cottrell, Napa County Supervisor: Moving toward a catastrophe model makes so much sense in this age of climate change. We need to be looking forward We need to ask the insurers to include consideration of community and large-scale wildfire risk mitigation, because thats the right thing for communities to do to make their communities safer and their properties safer. And we need to see that value reflected in the insurance industry. Peter Ansel, senior policy advocate, California Farm Bureau: Right now, access to insurance is our members largest issue. They understand that the adoption of the modeling and the inclusion of reinsurance is going to have an impact on consumers cost for insurance to reflect actual risks, and theyre willing to absorb those costs so long as theyre fair and equitable, but they really need access. Working farms and ranches across California are often swept up in residential and commercial insurance policy cancellations and non-renewals that seem to occur at a zip code level, even though agricultural lands present a low risk for wildfire propagation. Because crops are actively managed, harvested, and most often irrigated, which reduces the amount of dry vegetation available to burn, agricultural lands typically have lower fuel loads compared to forests and natural grasslands. Kim George, battalion chief, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue: Weve put a lot of work into making sure that our amazing community, beautiful Lake Tahoe, is protected. And our community is very well aware of the fire dangers because we just lived through this with the Caldor Fire The hope is that this catastrophe modeling will take such things into consideration. Dave Winnacker, fire chief, Orinda-Moraga Fire Protection District: The parcel- and community-level mitigations included in CDIs Safer from Wildfire Framework and the very similar parcel level mitigations included in the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home represent a science-based approach to creating fire-adapted communities that can be in or adjacent to the inevitable wildfire perimeters without experiencing catastrophic loss. The science is crystal-clear, that at the community level, we have agency to reduce wildfire risk using CDIs recommendations. Keith Fountain, commenting on behalf of The Palisades Tahoe Lodge Owners Association: Weve gone to great lengths to make our property safe from fire, but we cant get insurance at a reasonable cost. And we look forward to you moving quickly to help establish a fair and competitive insurance market in California that recognizes our efforts and our circumstances through the modeling that these agencies do or what other mechanisms you can impose upon them. Jolena Voorhis, commenting on behalf of the League of California Cities: The wildfire mitigations that have been conducted by local governments, nonprofits, and homeowners are essential for public safety. These mitigation efforts require significant resources, and Cal Cities strongly believes that these costs [should] be considered in the catastrophe modeling and the underwriting process. Topics Catastrophe California Natural Disasters Legislation Wildfire Rapid City, SD - August 19, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) One Spirit, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for the Lakota people of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota updates the status, progress and plans for the Charging Buffalo Meat House. In 2016, One Spirit built the first and only meat processing facility on Pine Ridge Reservation, the Charging Buffalo Meathouse. The facility provides employment opportunities, helps bring back the buffalo herds, and provides healthy, traditional meat. Bamm Brewer, the visionary that brought the idea and skillset as a traditional carver to create the Charging Buffalo Meathouse, recently talked about the significance of the project and what else is needed to finalize the dream. "One Spirit organization has joined the Lakota to help bring back the Buffalo. One Spirit helped us build the Charging Buffalo Meat House. Since we've been open five years, we have noticed monumental gains. It's like there are ripple effects that are happening...noticeable from the absence of Buffalo from the Prairie." "These ripples are showing up as obstacles and after going through them, we realize and look at them as positive gains. After each ripple, we see the gains." "It took us five years to see how the Charging Buffalo Meat House can really help the Lakota. We went from processing for ranchers, hunters, and tribal programs to now, possibly, the OST commodity food program. The Tribe has made big moves toward utilizing the Charging Buffalo Meat House. It was announced to us that the commodity program can buy locally for the first time in history. A food initiative grant allows them to buy local." "To buy local: this is a landmark historical happening." "As the summer season is upon us we are at a crucial time to finish our expansion project which "would allow us to produce more meat to the tribe and hire more workers creating jobs." Continued: "On behalf of our Tribal nation, I believe we together can finish the expansion project. The OST commodity program is now looking to us as a resource of meat for our people. We believe we can get our expansion done by late fall and start fully inspected in a year. However, right now our focus should be electrical wiring and then the interior work such as insulation and wall covering." "We have called this as a time to when we really need to accelerate this project as the commodity programs intentions are to purchase at market rate." A recent blog post on the One Spirit site says, "The Charging Buffalo Meat Processing Facility stands as a beacon of hope, offering a chance at redemption and empowerment for the Oglala Lakota people. Bamm Brewer's visionary program, supported by One Spirit, is not just about employment; it's about transforming lives and breaking the cycle of addiction and incarceration." Founder and the driving force of One Spirit, Jeri Baker says, "The Charging Buffalo Meathouse stands as one of One Spirit's most significant and expensive accomplishments, aiming to empower the Lakota people to help themselves. However, to fully realize the facility's potential in providing healthy food to tribal members and expanding sales beyond the reservation, we require additional funds. Your donation can make a substantial impact by financing the necessary upgrades for full certification and unlocking the Charging Buffalo Facility's growth." Continued: "We are nearing completion. Currently, the expansion is closed in, the electricity and plumbing is being installed, the walk-in cooler is being built, and the insulation and wallboard is being installed. We now need to finish the work we started-complete a meat processing facility that can provide fresh meat to the food programs, employment for the people, and a boost to the Reservation's economy." Talking about specifics of what is needed she commented, "We need AC and HVAC, the railings that will transport the Buffalo in and out and through the meat house, and we also need to complete the walk-in cooler. Basically all of this will be about 300,000." Charging Buffalo Meathouse Charging Buffalo Meathouse Charging Buffalo Meathouse Charging Buffalo Meathouse About One Spirit One Spirit is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for the Lakota people of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. We strive to provide sustainable programs that promote self-sufficiency, economic development, and educational opportunities for the Lakota people. Our mission is to fulfill their vision of a self-sufficient and independent future. To help the Oglala Lakota tribe of Native Americans achieve happier, healthier lives within the context of their remarkable and unique history and culture. Learn more about programs and donating https://www.onespiritlakota.org/ Contact PO Box 3209, Rapid City, SD 57709 jbaker@nativeprogress.org | 570-460-6567 More Info: Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp August 16, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The US was home to majority of the high-value* venture capital (VC) investments globally, accounting for 54.7% and 55% in terms of deal volume and value, during the first half (H1) of 2024. This trend reflects the country's strong innovation ecosystem in shaping the competitive investment landscape, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. An analysis of GlobalData's Deals Database revealed that the US is distantly followed by China and these two countries collectively accounted for more than two-thirds of the total high-value VC investments volume and value. Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: "The US continues to dominate and outpace peer countries by a significant margin in terms of both volume and value of high-value VC deals while China also remains a significant market for VC funding activity. The significance of the US and China can be understood from the fact these are only two markets with double-digit market shares." The US and China collectively accounted for 68.9% share of the total number of high-value VC investments announced globally during H1 2024, whereas their share of the corresponding funding value stood at 74.3% The US witnessed the announcement of 139 high-value VC deals of worth $32.9 billion during H1 2024. Meanwhile, a total of 36 high-value VC deals of worth $11.6 were announced in China during the review period amounting to 14.2% and 19.4% share in terms of deal volume and value, respectively. Bose adds: "Of the top 10 countries by volume of high-value VC deals in H1 2024, four are from Europe, three from Asia-Pacific region, two from North America and one the from Middle East and African region. The US and China were followed by Germany, the UK, India, France, Canada, Sweden, Japan and Israel. Bose concludes: "The data underscores a clear dominance of the US, highlighting its appeal for innovation. While China remains a formidable player, together these two nations command an impressive share of the global VC landscape. The diverse global presence of other top countries highlights a competitive, yet US-centric, venture capital market, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges faced by emerging markets striving for a larger stake." *Valued a $100 million For more information To gain access to our latest press releases: GlobalData Media Centre Analysts available for comment. Please contact the GlobalData Press Office: EMEA & Americas: +44 (0)207 832 4399 Asia-Pacific: +91 40 6616 6809 Email: pr@globaldata.com Notes to Editors Quotes are provided by Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData The information is based on GlobalData's Financial Deals Database This press release was written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData's team of industry experts. About GlobalData 4,000 of the world's largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData's unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData's mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors. 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More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Ireland's property auctioneers are urging the Government to re-instate Section 23 tax incentives to encourage investment in the market and increase the level of properties available for rent. In their pre-budget submission, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV) said the relief would enable an investor to offset taxable rental income for buying a new property for rental purposes. Under the previous Section 23 provision full rental relief was generally contingent upon the property being let for 10 years. It was available to individuals who purchased, built or refurbished a property and then rented it on the open market. It was a hugely successful measure, however, was criticized in the wake of the property crash. Pat Davitt, IPAVs Chief Executive said improving the pace and scale of housing delivery is critical for citizens, for the economy and for social cohesion within our society. The severe shortage of homes is universally accepted but debated primarily in political and ideological terms without sufficient attention being paid to market realities of what actually works to deliver homes, and at affordable prices, he said. IPAV said that while the original Section 23 did go too far, with the parameters being far too wide, leading to unsuitable and inappropriate developments in many areas, the underlying principle was one of success, he said. Any fair analysis of the previous Section 23 tax incentive scheme would conclude that it was a resounding success in terms of stimulating building, he said. It could be again, with more tapering to ensure it delivers towards more specific needs, Mr Davitt said. Crime gangs have gone high-tech in targeting specialised farm equipment for theft and possibly export to Eastern Europe. The satellite-based Global Positioning Systems (GPS) is now a common feature of agricultural machinery. But there have been recent incidents of the equipment being stolen from farms by organised criminals. Tractors and machinery have been damaged during the thefts, adding to the expense and disruption for the victims. The Irish Farmers Association has urged farmers, contractors, and machinery owners to be on the alert. Deputy president Alice Doyle has advised them to take urgent and immediate actions to protect their property including machinery, tools and equipment, and particularly GPS systems. Thieves recently stole six systems with an estimated value of up to 100,000 in the Wexford area and in North Dublin. Were asking Gardai to work with other agencies to see if these stolen items can be prevented from leaving the State for Eastern Europe and beyond and returned to their owners. It is very important that this cycle of theft of specialised equipment is stopped. IFA is calling for the establishment of a dedicated Garda Rural Safety Unit to tackle what has become an international business for organised crime gangs, she said. Alice Doyle said the war in Ukraine and the subsequent embargo on Russia had led to a criminal market for the supply of agricultural equipment. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have all suffered badly with the same criminal gangs targeting rural areas. The IFA Deputy President said Northern Ireland, Scotland and several of the UK regions have dedicated rural crime teams solely focused on these crimes and their prevention. They liaise with other agencies and police forces in a co-ordinated approach, sharing intelligence and best practices. Ireland needs the same. The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris should establish such a unit immediately, she said. The IFA is advising members to remove, where possible, the GPS systems from their vehicles and store them in a secure area, which is alarmed and CCTV monitored. Farmers should also record the serial number, photograph it and store it for safekeeping. There is also a free Garda Siochana App to record and index property. Property marking machines in every county can be accessed through the Local Authority, the Garda Crime Prevention Officer or Property Marking Ireland. The IFA says this is a very important and practical measure. Items are marked with an Eircode in several places. A property marking sticker means the item is traceable and, therefore, not of interest to criminals. Motion sensor lights and CCTV cameras which send phone alerts are also recommended. The suckler sector needs "urgent investment" if the decline in suckler numbers is to be halted. Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association suckler chairman Jimmy Cosgrave said that in the last three years, there has roughly been a 15% drop in suckler calf births, with this trend expected to continue, "with more and more suckler cows not being put into calf". Mr Cosgrave said that rather than increasing support for the suckler sector to address this decline, funding for suckler farmers has decreased over successive budgets. The reality is that government funding for sucklers is going down instead of up. The BEEP-S scheme was worth 40m. The budget for its replacement, the National Beef Welfare Scheme, was worth 28m in its first year, which has now been cut to just 20m this year. "Additionally, of the 28m allocated to the welfare scheme in its first year, only 14.2m was drawn down by suckler farmers. "This shows how badly designed the scheme is and demonstrates the lack of any genuine commitment to supporting the suckler sector. Mr Cosgrave said that if the decline in the suckler sector is not addressed, "the sustainability of rural Ireland, the economic viability of farming communities, and the integrity of our beef production system are all at risk". We are in danger of losing something very important here, and it is imperative that preventative action is taken," he continued. "Suckler farmers saw their incomes fall by 15% to just 7,425 in 2023, so the first step is undoubtedly to allocate greater funding to the suckler sector in Budget 2025 through a revamped Beef Welfare Scheme that can deliver meaningful financial benefits to suckler farmers." Mr Cosgrave proposed that this needs to include increased payments for meal feeding and vaccination, as well as adding elements to the scheme such as payment for myostatin testing and animal welfare protocols around weaning and dehorning. "Most importantly, however, the cap limiting payments to 40 eligible animals must be removed, as it unfairly disadvantages commercial suckler farmers striving for long-term sustainability," he said. "Grants are available to dairy farmers with up to 120 cows which is a recognition that it takes more than 40 cattle to earn a full-time living and perfectly illustrates the need for this cap to be reconsidered. As another successful Electric Picnic came to a conclusion with Kylie Minogue last night, festival director Melvin Benn insisted there are no plans for it to be moved away from its September home in the near future, or for the capacity to be increased past the 75,000 mark for now. The festival was moved forward by two weeks this year but Mr Benn insisted this was not due to Kylie Minogue being unavailable for the usual September dates. A local lass from Stradbally, Just Alice, she opened the Croi stage on Friday. She was absolutely fantastic. Shes local and good it makes a huge difference. Away from the stages, there had been complaints about the removal of two of the campsites from last years event Charlie Chaplin and Oscar Wilde and the space issues that this caused, resulting in overflow camping on Friday morning. An electric atmosphere at Electric Picnic in Stradbally. Picture: Glen Bollard/Festival Republic We didnt expect people to arrive as early on Friday as they did, said Mr Benn. We thought the arrival pattern this year was really a little bit earlier than it was. It was about two or three hours earlier than it was. Id say a lot of that was down to the traffic plan. The Garda traffic plan really worked. We changed quite a lot of the way we brought people in. And I think that just meant people got in earlier, and that meant we had to go into the [next] campsite area. Mr Benn said there would need to be conversations with Laois County Council when it came to expanding the festivals capacity. Ill certainly talk to the council about whether theres room for a bit more if theres demand; I think there will be demand, he said. But for the moment, Im happy with where we are in that sense of it. He said there are no plans for Electric Picnic to take a fallow year, as Glastonbury has. Crowds enjoy Electric Picnic at Stradbally, Co Laois. In an effort to curb drink-driving, the Road Safety Authority had set up a self-testing breathalyser machine at the exit gates and in front of the main car parks for anyone leaving the site. Gardai also put in extra checkpoints around the roads of Stradbally Hall this morning to detect any people breaking the law on their way out of the festival. The stall that they [the RSA] had here inside the festival, theyve had queues. I mean, you could barely believe that people would be queuing to get advice about drink driving, but they have, and thats fantastic, said Mr Benn. Crowds enjoy Electric Picnic. Picture: Glen Bollard / Festival Republic And again, if their presence helps save a life or save an injury from a car accident, I would say its definitely been worthwhile. And I think theyve had great publicity about their attendance here. So its up to them whether they come back again or not. The weekend saw Irish acts upstage international headliners on occasion, Mr Benn singling out Kneecap, who he said were on an incredible trajectory when asked about a potential main stage appearance in future, and the Timahoe Mens Choir, who will be back on their tractors tomorrow morning. Tickets for the 2025 festival go on sale at 9am on Wednesday and Mr Benn said that one headline act is almost confirmed. This particular headliner its very special, very special to me, he said. And, yeah, a long relationship with this particular headliner. Id say wed be in a really good place. Raw sewage spillages were among the more than three incidents a day on average at Uisce Eireann waste water treatment facilities last year reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The 1,141 events at the 370 facilities also included uncontrolled releases, offline equipment, and breaches of emission values. On the first day of an Irish Examiner investigation of our rivers, we examine the impact of human activity on our waterways, from the likes of waste water treatment plants. Each article in this five-day 'Irish Examiner' series will be available at this link, Save our Rivers, as they go online this week. SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE Check out our Sustainability and Climate Change Hub where you will find the latest news, features, opinions and analysis on this topic from across the various Irish Examiner topic desks and their team of specialist writers and columnists. Blocked and broken sewer pipes, power failures, plant and equipment breakdown, pump failures, and storm water overflow caused by high rainfall are some of the likely causes given for the incidents, in documents seen by the Irish Examiner. Uisce Eireann, formerly Irish Water, has a mandatory requirement to report such occurrences to the EPA. A number of the waste water treatment plants saw multiple or repeated incidents throughout the year. Over-capacity treatment plant The region with the highest number of incidents, 133, was the greater Dublin area, with 51 of these taking place in the Ringsend waste water treatment plants. That plant treats over 40% of the countrys waste water. It has been over capacity for years when built in 2005 it was meant to cater to a population of 1.64m but by 2019 it was already treating waste for almost 2m. It has been undergoing a 550m upgrade. A press spokesperson for Uisce Eireann told the Irish Examiner some of the issues at Ringsend in 2023 were related to storm water overflows. The current upgrade of Ringsend means that the capacity will be increased and these incidents will be fewer in number, although they will occur. There were 43 further incidents in Co Dublin including in Balbriggan, Donabate and Malahide. Many were uncontrolled releases of untreated or partially treated waste water caused by issues including plant equipment malfunction, broken sewers and high rainfall. Upgrades to Cork plants There were 124 incidents at waste water treatment plants in Co Cork, including 16 in Cork City. This is up from 111 incidents for Cork city and county in 2022. Uisce Eireann is spending 400m on upgrades at Cork plants between 2020 and 2025, with a further 400m expected in the water utilitys next investment cycle from 2025 to 2029. The utilitys spokesperson said the number of events in Cork was impacted by record rainfall and flooding. Elsewhere there were 69 incidents reported in Co Mayo, 64 in Co Waterford, and 41 in Co Tipperary. Wexford had 117 incidents, including 59 of uncontrolled release at Wexford Town waste water treatment plant, with other incidents in seaside localities including Duncannon, Kilmore Quay, and Rosslare Strand. By the end of 2023 there were an additional 230 incidents reported that were either ongoing for some time, or were likely to recur because Uisce Eireann had not fixed the underlying problem that caused the incident. Of those, 99 were due to treatment plants requiring an upgrade to meet their emissions values, 24 were due to inadequate infrastructure, and 13 of the ongoing incidents were in plants operating above capacity. 49 of the recurring incidents happened at treatment plants in Co Cork. Incident reporting is required even when there is no environmental impact and as such the number of incidents may not be reflective of environmental performance, the Uisce Eireann spokesperson told the Irish Examiner. A public transport police unit should be trialled at a minimum in light of recent attacks on staff and the costs of private security on trains and buses, it has been claimed. Figures released by Irish Rail and Bus Eireann show that security on trains and buses this year will cost around 9m. Labour Cork East TD Sean Sherlock had asked Irish Rail for its figures for 2023 and 2024, with the rail providers response showing that 6.5m was spent last year and that 6.9m will be spent this year subject to National Transport Authority funding. Bus Eireann said it had spent over 925,000 so far this year, with over 1.9m being spent in 2023. It said that the figure includes CCTV at premises and external security. The calls come in light of an incident in Cork where a man allegedly forced his way onto a bus and threatened to cut the drivers throat and to kill his wife and their children. Gardai and Bus Eireann are conducting separate investigations into the incident on the 220 bus in Ballincollig earlier this month, with the bus company confirming it now has six reported incidents of assault of a staff member, and 43 incidents of verbal abuse of a staff member or passenger nationally so far this year. In its safety report for the first quarter of 2024, Irish Rail said there had been 292 reportable incidents on its services, up from 202 in the first three months of last year. The report pointed out that there had been over 10m journeys in that time and the company added that the issue of safety and security on public transport services is one of keen interest to our customers, our employees, and the wider public. While antisocial behaviour is a societal issue, and the overwhelming majority of journeys occur without incident, we must ensure that we are providing the safest possible travelling and working environment for customers and employees respectively. The most common incidents were aggressive behaviour, vandalism, assaults, and fighting. There were 441 incidents involving alcohol or drugs, with 241 reports of people who were under the influence of alcohol. Labour TD Duncan Smith, the partys transport spokesman, said the Cork attack showed the need for dedicated gardai on public transport. We cannot continue to tolerate attacks on our public transport workers and commuters feeling unsafe on public transport. We need to see a Garda-led solution with a dedicated public transport unit. "I recently welcomed Siptu into the transport committee to discuss the shocking findings from their recent survey on the safety of public transport workers. If we are to win the transition from cars to buses, trams, and rail then people need certainty of service and safety. Cork City councillor Peter Horgan, who chairs the citys roads and transport strategic policy committee said transport police would make public transport more attractive to commuters. Its critical that we at the very least trial a public transport garda outfit on a regular basis, especially on routes where the bulk of these private security firms are operating. "It would bring peace of mind to public transport workers and commuters. It would also have the asset of oversight. Both Siptu and the National Bus and Rail Union have advocated for this unit for some time. Its high time we listen to workers on the frontline. A man is due to appear in court next month following disorder in Belfast. The 43-year-old was arrested last Wednesday in connection with public disorder earlier this month following anti-immigration protests. Minister of State for disabilities Anne Rabbitte has defended the decision to leave St Killians Special School in Cork out of a pilot project bringing therapies back to schools. Parents said they were devastated to hear the 104 vulnerable children, without therapies for four years, are not included. The project will include 16 special schools in Cork and Dublin. A spokesman for Ms Rabbitte said funding was made available previously for 223 roles but progress was affected by shortages of health and social care professionals. The spokesman said six schools are confirmed and added: A school not being selected in Phase 1 does not preclude selection in other phases. The remaining schools will be announced in October and he expects therapists to be in schools for January. Selection criteria was based, he said, on "detailed engagement undertaken by the Department of Education over recent years, including school visits by department officials, facilitation of workshops, and engagement through focus groups". This, and advice from the National Council for Special Education, identified where students have the greatest level of needs. Parents also questioned why funding for private therapy, pledged by Ms Rabbitte in November, was not provided. A plan to fund the provision of private therapy at St Killians Special School via grant funding was discussed between the Minister and the school, the spokesman confirmed. However, due to concerns expressed by the HSE National Office relating to governance and supervision by the Childrens Disability Network Teams of private providers and the resources required for same, the proposal was not advanced and instead evolved into this pilot scheme now getting underway. A spokeswoman for the Parents of St Killians said on Monday there was nothing reassuring in the response for their families. We are starting into school in September again, another year without anything in place, we've had reassurances before and they didn't materialise. She said they want to see either the pledged funding or a place in the pilot school for their children. The families plan to protest the decision to leave them out on Thursday at 1pm in the school in Mayfield. Let us address two Democrat tropes this morning. The first is the sign James Carville reputedly stuck on the wall of the election HQ during one Clinton election. Everybody recalls what it said. All together now. Its the economy, Stupid. Meaning that canvassers and ad-makers and the candidate himself should not be lured into anything other than the topic which did the candidate most good, which, at the time, was the economy. It seemed, back then, to be an eternal verity that would apply in every subsequent presidential election, but that turned out not to be true. Increasingly and not just in the US economic stats are not necessarily reflective of the personal experience of voters, and, as a result, those voters go Yeah, yeah, yeah when candidates (usually the incumbent) point to the robustness of the economy as their central achievement in office. Now, when voters go Yeah, yeah, yeah, they usually mean No, no, no. No, dont talk to us about the economy. No, dont give us stats that are so vast and cosmic as to be unrelated to our lives. No, dont give me facts if the feels dont match them. What might usefully replace Carvilles sign, today, is one reading Its how the voter feels about themselves, Stupid. New politicians always believe they get votes based on how the voters feel about them, the candidate, whereas the reality is that they get votes based on how the vote makes the voter feel about themselves. First time around, when he was up against Hillary Clinton, Trumps core vote felt great about themselves for being supporters of The Donald. They felt morally traditional and defiantly cool for supporting a guy they felt they knew well from TV. Hillary, meanwhile, made precious few of her potential voters feel good about themselves. Except for a core group of her own age and gender, who felt loyally feminist and who believed they were uniquely prescient in their capacity to spot a warmth and humour in Hillary the majority of observers were seriously missing. Four years later, and four months ago, Team Trump was all set. Despite 70+ failed lawsuits taken in an effort to support the former presidents delusion that the election had been stolen from him, or perhaps because the failure of those lawsuits fed into his core voters matching delusions, that core felt good about themselves for sniggering at Sleepy Joe and were convinced their man would win. Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump. Picture: Evan Vucci/AP Photo The opinion polls suggested that they might be right. Then Joe Biden did a wise and generous thing which turned the whole thing upside down and inside out. He removed himself from contention and was no longer a target of mockery. Kamala Harris became the candidate. Everything changed in ways nobody anticipated. It changed to an astonishing degree, because, lets face it, Harris has not been a shining light in her four vice presidential years, and thats putting it mildly, even if we insert all the usual caveats about how thankless the role is and how the poor eejit who has it always gets left out of everything, except when it comes to woeful jobs, when they suddenly find themselves front of the queue, as did Harris on the immigration issue. Back then, her inadequacies were in florid display. Like Hillary Clinton, she had a compulsion to lecture the American people about the complexity of the issue rather taking care of business. She seemed incapable of cutting through to simplicity. The minute any politician gets off on the theres no simple answer lecture tour, they need a reality smack. Voters have less than no interest in the relative complexity of the problem. We elect you to solve it so go do it. Plus, you should always remember were up to here in lectures from experts and we didnt elect you to join their ranks. Harris lectured the electorate about immigrants in a caravan coming up from south of the border, made zero progress on the issue, maddened listeners with her lecturers conceptual language, and irritated them further with a constant mouth click. The vice president went from promising to unpromising in no time at all. So her elevation to presidential candidate could have been a disaster, if her track record were anything to go by. But it wasnt. It was a sudden sunny game-changer. Supports hold up signs in support of vice president Kamala Harris in Wisconsin. Picture: Kayla Wolf/AP Photo Upturning the odds the way she did on her arrival on the presidential ticket was surprising and instructive. She left the solemn lecturer at home and presented, instead, a happy, positive, laughing version of herself which went down a treat. She left the conceptual language behind, and told of how she had prosecuted bad guys of specific types and how this meant she understood Trumps type. Media of all kinds blinked with pleasure at the clarity, the short sentences, the illustrations, the soundbites. Media of more interrogative bent noticed and began to check for the verbal tic; the mouth click. It seemed to be gone. Now, here is where high-minded commentators sniff at the notion of paying attention to a mouth click and equate it to criticising her laugh or her coconut tree stories. That sniff is unjustified. Any trainer will tell you the eradication of a long-standing verbal tic is horrendously difficult at any age. But it would be particularly difficult if the owner is pushing 60. Old habits die hard. Yet Harris appears to have amputated a deeply engrained habit. That one single excision proves that this woman, who is not young, no matter how young she seems, relative to Biden or Trump, can change. Can pivot. Can listen to people who advise about bad approaches, absorb, and accept their advice and deliver on it. Thats one hell of a set of competences, not one of which Trump possesses. Were hearing leaks from the Trump campaign about advisers effectively saying Enough, already, with the endless unevidenced complaints. You need to sound sane and focused on topics like the economy. (Clearly, someone in Republican HQ has been influenced by Carville.) Now, those advisers are half right. Even his own most faithful followers are getting visibly bored by his rambling diatribes. What was fresh and new and exciting eight years ago hasnt aged well. Where the advisers arent right is on the economy. Trump, turfing the set-piece economic speech despite it being heavily flagged in advance, would have been fine if something more entertaining had been substituted. But it wasnt. It seriously wasnt. Trump goes through advisers thus: Each is the new saviour. Each bites the dust with amazing celerity. He proves, every time anybody doubts it, that he is incapable of change. It has worked for him, thus far, which convinces him that it will always work for him. But if Harris can continue to be a warrior of joy, delivering memorable entertaining accusations and timing her killer lines, the chances of it working for him, this time around, are much, much smaller. Copper Road Cottage, a traditional 19th Century farmhouse at Ahabrock near Eyries on the Beara Peninsula is looking well after a 21st century upgrade. It was modernised and redecorated four years ago by a US based owner who fitted double glazed windows, put in a new kitchen and added solar panels which help heat the house, says Olivia Hanafin of Sherry FitzGerald ONeill pointing out that the property has kept much of its original character and still has an inglenook fireplace and timber beamed ceilings. Seeking offers of 295,000, for the three-bed property and its one-third of an acre site, she says the scenic, coastal location, almost five km from Eyries village and two km from Coulagh Bay, makes it an ideal for holidays. Inside the old farmhouse, theres an open plan sitting/dining space which has a fireplace with a stove, a painted beamed ceiling and a striking red and white colour scheme. The ground floor has a bedroom, a kitchen with white gloss units and a modern bathroom. The two bedrooms on the upper level have maintained their traditional appearance and have low windows and white timber-panelled ceilings while the bathroom, which has a Velux window and patterned tiles, is much more modern. Although fitted with ten solar panels and double glazing, the property has an F BER so a new owner might consider doing some insulating. VERDICT: A charming close to the coast property with modern comforts and sea views it looks perfect for holidays or a lifestyle change. Faranree, Cork city 250,000 Size 67 sq m ( 721 sq ft) Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 BER D2 This 1950s built three -bed semi at No 9 Pophams Road in Farranree has been smartly upgraded by current owners. It has a stylish new kitchen, new triple glazed windows and external doors and its roof was re-tiled in 2023, says Tirza Hourihane of Sherry FitzGerald Cork adding that its also been redecorated and refloored. VERDICT: Well-presented and affordably priced. Passage West, Co Cork 340,000 Size 116 sq m ( 1,248 sq ft) Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 BER B2 For a three-bed property this duplex at 20 The Crescent, Harbour Heights in Passage West offers quite a decent amount of living space. Theres 116 sq metres of accommodation which includes three balconies one off the living room at the front another off the kitchen at the rear while one of the bedrooms also has a narrow balcony," reveals Sam Kingston of Casey Kingston auctioneers quoting a guide of 340,000. Built in 2006, its a former rental property which has been repainted and recarpeted for sale. Mr Kingston says that the duplex, being spacious and well maintained, is proving attractive to first time buyers but is also being viewed by a small number of downsizers. On the lower level the property has a timber floored living room with a gas fire and a patio door as well as a tiled kitchen with white fitted units. In the hall theres guest WC and the upper floor has a bathroom and three bedrooms- including an en suite. Overlooking a green area at the front, the duplex is within a four minute walk from the local Aldi and a ten minute drive from Douglas village Mr Kingston says the location, within a ten minute drive from Mahon Point could prove attractive to employees of EMC, Dell, McAfee, Telus International and Cork Mater Private Hospital. The most recent sale in the Crescent was of No 13 a two-bed apartment which sold for 227,000 last December The last duplex to sell was in May 2022 when No 2 went for 275,000. VERDICT: Spacious and modern with a higher than average number of balconies for a duplex. Midleton, Co Cork 215,000 Size 62 sq m ( 668 sq ft) Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 BER B2 An affordable option for an East Cork buyer, No 24 The Moorings, Bailick Road in Midleton is a modern two-bed first-floor apartment with a guide of 215,000. Cory Galvin of Jeremy Murphy Auctioneers says this well-presented former rental property is perfect for a young couple or a downsizer. Accommodation on offer includes an open plan living /dining/ kitchen space, a bathroom and two bedrooms including one en suite with a balcony. VERDICT: Affordable and modern its conveniently located within a 15 minute walk from the town centre. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the daring military incursion into Russias Kursk region aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border. It is the first time Mr Zelenskyy has clearly stated the aim of the operation, which was launched on August 6. Previously, he had said the operation aimed to protect communities in the bordering Sumy region from constant shelling. Smoke billows in what is said to show the destruction of a key bridge in Russias Kursk region (Ukrainian Armed Forces via AP) Mr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address it is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressors territory our operation in the Kursk region. This weekend, Ukraine has destroyed a key bridge in the region and struck a second one nearby, disrupting supply lines as it pressed a stunning cross-border incursion that began on August 6, officials said. Pro-Kremlin military bloggers acknowledged that the destruction of the first bridge on the Seim River near the town of Glushkovo will impede deliveries of supplies to Russian forces repelling Ukraines incursion, although Moscow could still use pontoons and smaller bridges. Ukraines air force chief, Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, on Friday released a video of an air strike that cut the bridge in two. Less than two days later, Ukrainian troops hit a second bridge in Russia, according to Oleshchuk and Russian regional governor Alexei Smirnov. As of Sunday morning, there were no officials giving the exact location of the second bridge attack. But Russian Telegram channels claimed that a second bridge over the Seim, in the village of Zvannoe, had been struck. According to Russias Mash news site, the attacks left only one intact bridge in the area. Destroyed cars are reflected in a pool of water after a Russian air strike on a residential neighbourhood in Sumy, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) The Associated Press could not immediately verify these claims. If confirmed, the Ukrainian strikes would further complicate Moscows attempts to replenish its forces in Kursk and evacuate civilians. Glushkovo is about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) north of the Ukrainian border, and approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) north west of the main battle zone in Kursk. Zvannoe is located another eight kilometres (five miles) to the north west. Kyiv has previously said little about the scope and goals of its push into Russia with tanks and other armoured vehicles, the largest attack on the country since the Second World War, which took the Kremlin by surprise and saw scores of villages and hundreds of prisoners fall into Ukrainian hands. The Ukrainians drove deep into the Kursk region in several directions, facing little resistance and sowing chaos and panic as tens of thousands of civilians fled the area. Ukraines Commander in Chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, claimed last week that his forces had advanced across 1,000 square kilometres (390 square miles) of the region, although it was not possible to independently verify what exactly Ukrainian forces effectively control. Mr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces achieved good and much-needed results. A strategically important bridge over the River Seim is destroyed by Ukrainian troops as they continue their incursion into the Kursk region, Russia, on Friday (Ukrainian Defence Ministry Press Office via AP) Analysts say that although Ukraine could try to consolidate its gains inside Russia, it would be risky, given Kyivs limited resources, because its own supply lines extending deep into Kursk would be vulnerable. The incursion has proven Ukraines ability to seize the initiative and has boosted its morale, which was sapped by a failed counteroffensive last summer and months of grinding Russian gains in the eastern Donbas region. For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin said while visiting China in May that Moscows offensive that month in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region was aimed at creating a buffer zone there. That offensive opened a new front and displaced thousands of Ukrainians. The attacks were a response to Ukrainian shelling of Russias Belgorod region, Mr Putin said. I have said publicly that if it continues, we will be forced to create a security zone, a sanitary zone, he said. Russian soldiers fire towards Ukrainian positions (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service photo via AP) Thats what we are doing. The move into Kursk resembled Ukraines lightning operation from September 2022, led by Gen Syrskyi, in which its forces reclaimed control of the northeastern Kharkiv region after taking advantage of Russian manpower shortages and a lack of field fortifications. On Saturday, Mr Zelenskyy urged Kyivs allies to lift the remaining restrictions on using Western weapons to attack targets deeper in Russia, including in Kursk, saying his troops could deprive Moscow of any ability to advance and cause destruction if granted sufficient long-range capabilities. It is crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands The bravery of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades compensate for the lack of essential decisions from our partners, Mr Zelenskyy said in a post on the social platform X. Russias Foreign Ministry and pro-Kremlin bloggers have alleged that US-made HIMARS launchers have been used to destroy bridges on the Seim. These claims could not be independently verified. Ukraines leaders have repeatedly sought authorisation for long-range strikes on Russian air bases and other infrastructure used to pummel Ukraines energy facilities and other civilian targets, including with retrofitted Soviet-era glide bombs that have laid waste to Ukraines industrial east in recent months. Young men look at shrapnel after a Russian air strike on a residential neighbourhood in Sumy, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Moscow also appears to have increased attacks on Kyiv, targeting it on Sunday with ballistic missiles for a third time this month, according to the head of the municipal military administration. Serhii Popko said in a Telegram post that the almost identical August strikes on the capital most likely used KN-23 missiles supplied by North Korea. Another attempt to target Kyiv followed at about 7am local time, Mr Popko said, this time with Iskander cruise missiles. Ukrainian air defences struck down all the missiles fired in both attacks on the city, he said. Meanwhile, Russian ally Belarus has massed nearly a third of its army along its border with Ukraine, according to authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. Mr Lukashenko told Russian state TV that Minsk was responding to the deployment of more than 120,000 Ukrainian troops to the 1,084-kilometre (674 mile) frontier. Belaruss professional army numbers upwards of 60,000. Ukrainian border force spokesman Andrii Demchenko said on Sunday it had not observed any sign of a Belarusian build-up. Mr Lukashenko, who has been in power for three decades, has relied on Russian support to suppress the biggest protests in Belaruss post-Soviet history after his 2020 re-election, widely seen as a sham both at home and abroad. He allowed Russian troops to use Belaruss territory to invade Ukraine and let Moscow deploy some tactical nuclear weapons on its soil. Chinas coast guard has accused the Philippines of deliberately colliding a ship into a Chinese vessel early on Monday near Sabina Shoal. The dispute marks the latest flashpoint in the increasingly alarming territorial disputes between the countries in the South China Sea. Two Philippine coast guard ships entered waters near the shoal, ignored the Chinese coast guards warning and deliberately collided with one of Chinas boats at 3.24 am, a Chinese spokesperson said. Philippine authorities did not immediately comment on the encounter near the disputed atoll in the Spratly Islands, where overlapping claims are also made by Vietnam and Taiwan. The Philippine side is entirely responsible for the collision, spokesman Gan Yu said. We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocation, otherwise it will bear all the consequences arising from that. The Philippine side is entirely responsible for the collision. Mr Gan added China claimed indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, known in Chinese as Nansha Islands, including Sabina Shoal and its adjacent waters. The Chinese name for Sabina Shoal is Xianbin Reef. In a separate statement, he said the Philippine ship that was turned away from Sabina Shoal entered waters near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, ignoring the Chinese coast guards warnings. The Chinese coast guard took control measures against the Philippine ship in accordance with law and regulation, he added. Sabina Shoal, which lies about 87 miles west of the Philippines western island province of Palawan, has become a new flashpoint in the territorial disputes between China and the Philippines. The Philippine coast guard deployed one of its key patrol ships, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, to Sabina in April after Filipino scientists discovered submerged piles of crushed corals in its shallows which sparked suspicions that China may be bracing to build a structure in the atoll. The Chinese coast guard later deployed a ship to Sabina. Sabina lies near the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, which has been the scene of increasingly alarming confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships and accompanying vessels since last year. China and the Philippines reached an agreement last month to prevent further confrontations when the Philippines transports new batches of sentry forces, along with food and other supplies, to Manilas territorial outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal, which has been closely guarded by Chinese coast guard, navy and suspected militia ships. The Philippine navy transported food and personnel to the Second Thomas Shoal a week after the deal was reached and no incident was reported, sparking hope that tensions in the shoal would eventually ease. Hundreds of doctors have protested near Indias health ministry as they demanded stringent laws to protect healthcare workers from violence and sought justice for their colleague who was raped and killed at a state-run hospital. The protesting doctors who were holding up placards like Justice delayed is justice denied were stopped by the police as they tried to set up free outpatient services to patients outside the health ministry in New Delhi, part of demonstrations and rallies held for more than a week. Doctors and medics across India have held protests, candlelight marches and temporarily refused to see non-emergency patients after the rape and killing of the 31-year-old trainee doctor on August 9 in the eastern city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state. The protesting doctors say the assault highlights the vulnerability of medics and healthcare workers in hospitals and medical campuses across India. Indians protesting against the rape and killing of a trainee doctor (Rafiq Maqbool/AP) They are demanding stronger laws to protect them from violence, including making any attack on on-duty medics an offence without the possibility of bail, increase in security at hospitals and safe spaces for them to rest. The government has asked doctors to return to duty and said it will set up a committee to look into their demands. The rape and killing of the trainee doctor at Kolkata citys RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has also focused rage on the chronic issue of violence against women and led to protests across India. A police volunteer working at the hospital has been arrested and charged with the crime, but the family of the victim alleges it was a gang rape and more people were involved. Federal investigators are handling the case. Thousands of people, particularly women, have also marched in the streets of Kolkata demanding justice for the doctor, saying her killing has highlighted how women in India continue to face rising violence despite tough laws following the gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old student on a moving bus in Delhi in 2012. That attack had inspired politicians to order harsher penalties for such crimes, as well as the creation of fast-track courts dedicated to rape cases. The government also introduced the death penalty for repeat offenders. Despite tougher laws, sexual violence against women has remained a widespread problem in India. In 2022, police recorded 31,516 reports of rape a 20% jump from 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the military incursion into Russias Kursk region aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border. It was the first time Mr Zelensky clearly stated the aim of the operation that began on August 6. Previously, he had said the operation aimed to protect communities in the bordering Sumy region from constant shelling. Mr Zelensky said it is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressors territory our operation in the Kursk region. This weekend, Ukraine destroyed a key bridge in the region and struck a second one nearby, disrupting supply lines as it pressed the incursion, officials said. Russian soldiers fire towards Ukrainian positions (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service photo via AP) Pro-Kremlin military bloggers acknowledged the destruction of the first bridge on the Seim River near the town of Glushkovo will impede deliveries of supplies to Russian forces repelling Ukraines incursion, although Moscow could still use pontoons and smaller bridges. Ukraines air force chief, Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, on Friday released a video of an airstrike that cut the bridge in two. Less than two days later, Ukrainian troops hit a second bridge in Russia, according to Mr Oleshchuk and Russian regional Gov Alexei Smirnov. As of Sunday morning, there were no officials giving the exact location of the second bridge attack. But Russian Telegram channels claimed that a second bridge over the Seim, in the village of Zvannoe, had been struck. According to Russias Mash news site, the attacks left only one intact bridge in the area. The Associated Press could not immediately verify these claims. If confirmed, the Ukrainian strikes would further complicate Moscows attempts to replenish its forces and evacuate civilians. I received a briefing from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, covering the situation in the eastern part of Ukraine, operations in the Kursk region, the exchange fund, and the equipping of our brigades, particularly the reserves, with ammunition and weapons. In every direction, our pic.twitter.com/sNQYb9JJ3k Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) August 18, 2024 Glushkovo is about 7.5 miles north of the Ukrainian border, and approximately 10 miles north west of the main battle zone in Kursk. Zvannoe is located another five miles to the north west. Kyiv previously has said little about the goals of its push into Russia with tanks and other armoured vehicles, the largest attack on the country since the Second World War, which took the Kremlin by surprise and saw scores of villages and hundreds of prisoners fall into Ukrainian hands. The Ukrainians drove deep into the region in several directions, facing little resistance and sowing chaos and panic as tens of thousands of civilians fled. Ukraines commander in chief, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, claimed last week that his forces had advanced across 390 square miles of the region, although it was not possible to independently verify what Ukrainian forces effectively control. A record number of aid workers were killed in conflicts around the world last year, and this year may be on course to be even deadlier, the United Nations has said. The UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that 280 aid workers were killed in 33 countries in 2023 more than double the previous years figure of 118. It said that more than half of last years deaths were registered in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war that started in October, mostly as a result of airstrikes. 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarians. Honouring them on #WorldHumanitarianDay is not enough. In Gaza, in Sudan & many other places, aid workers are attacked, killed, injured & abducted. We demand an end to impunity so that perpetrators face justice. pic.twitter.com/xxJkUAGSnW Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 19, 2024 The office said that this year may be on track for an even deadlier outcome, with 172 aid workers killed as of August 7. More than 280, the majority of them with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, have been killed in Gaza so far, according to OCHA. It said that extreme levels of violence in Sudan and South Sudan also have contributed to the death toll both this year and last. The UNs acting emergency relief coordinator, Joyce Msuya, said in a statement that the normalisation of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere. She demanded in a statement that people in power act to end violations against civilians and the impunity with which these heinous attacks are committed. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge differences holding up a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, and he called on Hamas to do the same, without saying whether it had addressed concerns cited by the militant group. Blinken spoke after holding a two and a half hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day, and was expected to travel to Egypt on Tuesday. The US, Egypt and Qatar have spent months trying to broker an agreement, with the talks repeatedly stalling. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, meets with Israels President Isaac Herzog, in Tel Aviv, Israel (Kevin Mohatt/AP) He did not say whether the so-called bridging proposal addressed Israels demands for control over two strategic corridors inside Gaza, which Hamas has said is a nonstarter, or other issues that have long bedevilled the negotiations. In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel supports the bridging proposal, Mr Blinken told reporters. The next important step is for Hamas to say yes. Mr Blinken had earlier said the time is now to conclude a Gaza ceasefire agreement that would return hostages held by Hamas and bring relief to Palestinian suffering after more than 10 months of devastating fighting in Gaza. Blinkens ninth mission to the Middle East since the conflict began came days after mediators, including the US, expressed renewed optimism that a deal was near. But Hamas has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the latest proposal, and Israel has said there were points on which it was unwilling to compromise. The trip, days before new talks expected this week in Egypt, came amid fears that the conflict could widen into a deeper regional war following the targeted killing of two top militants in Lebanon and Iran that were attributed to Israel. This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security, Mr Blinken said as he opened talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. Palestinians sort through trash at a landfill in Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, he said in a veiled reference to Iran. And so were working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way move us away from getting this deal over the line, or for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. Mr Herzog thanked Mr Blinken for the Biden administrations support for Israel and lamented a spate of recent attacks against Israelis in the past 24 hours. This is the way we are living these days, Mr Herzog said. We are surrounded by terrorism from all four corners of the earth and we are fighting back as a resilient and strong nation. Mediators will meet again this week in Cairo to try to cement a ceasefire. Mr Blinken will travel to Egypt on Tuesday for meetings in the Mediterranean city of el-Alamein after he wraps up his Israel stop. He met one-on-one with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for two and a half hours on Monday and with defence minister Yoav Gallant later in the day. Palestinians displaced by the Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip, walk through a dark streak of sewage flowing into the streets of Khan Younis (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) The war began on October 7 when Hamas-led militants broke into Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 others. Of those, about 110 are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities say around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire. Israels counterattack in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and devastated much of the territory. Late last week, the three countries mediating the proposed ceasefire Egypt, Qatar and the US reported progress on a deal under which Israel would halt most military operations in Gaza and release a number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages. Shortly before Mr Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday, Mr Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting there are areas where Israel can be flexible and unspecified areas where it will not be. We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give, he said. The evolving proposal calls for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its October 7 attack. In exchange, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. Hamas accuses Israel of adding new demands that it maintain a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent arms smuggling and along a line bisecting the territory so it can search Palestinians returning to their homes in the north. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, meets with Israels President Isaac Herzog, in Tel Aviv, Israel (Kevin Mohatt/AP) Israel said those were not new demands, but clarifications of a previous proposal. Officials said the US has presented proposals to bridge all the gaps remaining between the Israeli and Hamas positions. Formal responses to the US outline are expected this week and could lead to a ceasefire declaration unless the talks stall, as has happened with multiple previous efforts. Late on Sunday, Hamas said in a statement that Mr Netanyahu has continued to set obstacles to a deal by demanding new conditions, accusing him of wanting to prolong the war. It said the mediators latest offer was a capitulation to Israel. The new proposal responds to Mr Netanyahus conditions, Hamas said. Blinken said on Monday that both sides should take this opportunity to reach a deal. It is time for everyone to get to yes and to not look for any excuses to say no, he said. An Israeli delegation held talks with Egyptian officials as part of the truce efforts, an Egyptian official said on Monday. The hours-long meeting on Sunday focused on the Philadelphi corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, but did not achieve a breakthrough, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing negotiations. The official said that Israel still insists on keeping control of the border and the east-west route that bisects Gaza. He said that the delegation did not offer anything new in their meeting. Congo will receive the first vaccine doses to address its mpox outbreak next week from the US, the countrys health minister said on Monday, days after the World Health Organisation declared mpox outbreaks in Africa a global emergency. Mpox cases have been confirmed among children and adults in more than a dozen African countries, and a new form of the virus is spreading. Few vaccine doses are available on the continent. Congo has the vast majority of the mpox cases and currently needs three million vaccine doses. The US and Japan have offered to donate vaccines, health minister Roger Kamba told journalists. He did not say how many doses would be sent or when the ones from Japan would arrive. The Who has reported over 17,000 mpox cases and over 500 deaths worldwide this year. More than 96% of all cases and deaths have been in Congo, whose health system has long struggled to contain disease outbreaks over the countrys vast area and poor infrastructure. Children under 15 account for more than 70% of the cases and 85% of deaths in Congo. Scientists are also concerned by a new version of mpox in Congo that might be more easily transmitted. Last week, Sweden reported its first case of the new version. Officials said the risk to the general public was considered very low and that they expected sporadic imported cases to continue. Unlike in previous mpox outbreaks, where lesions were mostly seen on the chest, hands and feet, the new form causes milder symptoms and lesions on the genitals. That makes it harder to detect, meaning people might sicken others without knowing they are infected. Mpox is not airborne and typically requires close, skin-to-skin contact to spread. The Who has said mpox was recently identified for the first time in four East African countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. All of those outbreaks were linked to the epidemic in Congo. The US intelligence community has said that Iran is to blame for the hack of Donald Trumps presidential campaign. The joint statement from the FBI and other federal agencies was the first formal attribution of the hack to a foreign entity. Aug 18 (Jowhar) The Minister of Finance of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Bihi Iman Cigge, has announced that all the challenges proposed by Somali businessmen have been resolved after an important meeting that lasted several hours and was held today by the Somali Police Command, the Security The nation, the Port Authority and the Minister of Finance of Somalia. The Minister of Finance, Bihi Iman, said that while fulfilling the promise to resolve the concerns of Somali businessmen in Mogadishu, various officials, including the Heads of the Ministry of Finance, the Chief of Police, the Commander of NISSA and other officials should monitor the situation. went to the Port of Mogadishu to observe the smooth operation of the force in the Port of Mogadishu. The complaints submitted by the Somali businessmen in order to be solved, the first part of today is to be implemented and implemented and thats why we came here (the port) Minister Bihi Iman also said that the charges that were taken from Somali businessmen who use vehicles to leave the city of Mogadishu for their business, such as the charges that were taken from Ex-controller Afgooye and Ex-controller Balcad, have been stopped. . The government will not take any money from these controls and the businessmen who want to leave their business in Mogadishu have been stopped from taking money from them, said Mr. Bihi Iman, the minister of finance of XFS. Other issues that were discussed at the meeting included the complaint related to the breaking of the container and the entry of the network and the price of the ID of the traders. 08/16/2024 Jacksonville State University mourns the passing of Dr. Fred Kelley, who served as Head of the Department of Mathematical, Computing, & Information Sciences (MCIS) from 2008 until 2012. Dr. Kelley began his tenure at Jax State in 1990 and taught various mathematics and computer science courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels for 20 years before his retirement and then for five more as an adjunct professor. Dr. Kelley, a dedicated educator with a passion for mathematics, built an exceptional career across multiple institutions, including Samford University, Enterprise State, Jefferson State and his beloved Jax State. His impact on students and colleagues will be remembered fondly. Born on August 9, 1946, Dr. Kelley earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama and dedicated his life to nurturing a love for mathematics in his students. Throughout his tenure at Jax State, he was known for his commitment to academic excellence and his leadership within the MCIS Department. The Jax State community extends its deepest condolences to the Kelley family and his former students and colleagues during this time of loss. Dr. Kelleys legacy of service and education will not be forgotten. ( Middle East Monitor ) The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on Saturday that Israel has reduced the so-called humanitarian zone in Gaza to just 11% of the territory, causing widespread panic and fear among displaced people, Anadolu reports. In a statement, UNRWA said: Thousands of families continue to be displaced in Gaza as Israeli authorities issue new evacuation orders. The so-called humanitarian zone has shrunk to just 11% of the Gaza Strip, causing chaos and fear among the displaced, it added. The UN agency reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. On Saturday and Friday, the Israeli military ordered immediate evacuation of residents in central and southern Gaza Strip. Separately, UNRWA Communications Officer Louise Wateridge stated on X: Once again new evacuation orders: many of the thousands of families affected only recently arrived in the area, after other displacement orders in Khan Younis. She noted: Through shattered windows, nothing but shattered homes and shattered lives. People trapped in this endless nightmare. On Tuesday, UNRWA reported that approximately 84% of Gazas territory has been under evacuation orders since Oct. 7. Israel, flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7 attack last year by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas. The Israeli onslaught has since killed nearly 40,100 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 92,500, according to local health authorities. More than 10 months into the Israeli onslaught, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine. Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6. Middle East Monitor Highlights: Second drill rig has completed RC drilling at Long Pocket All 38 planned RC drillholes completed (for 2,139 meters) at the Long Pocket prospect and on track for maiden Mineral Resource Estimation expected by Q1 2025 Composite downhole gamma responses over 1m of up to 13,993 counts per second ("cps") (including 27,319 cps 1 ) confirm shallow mineralisation 5 diamond drillholes for 932.7 meters completed at Amphitheatre Downhole gamma probe 1m composites of up to 1m 16,426 cps 2 (including 20,312 cps) supports extensions to mineralisation First assay results expected Q3 2024 Two rigs now at Huarabagoo and Junnagunna with resource extension drilling underway; initial hole indicates wide mineralised intervals with peak 1m gamma composites of up to 6,992 cps (including 13,350cps) 3 First hole at Huarabagoo extended because mineralisation continued further down from the initial planned hole depth of 80m . TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Laramide Resources Ltd. ("Laramide" or the "Company") (TSX: LAM) (ASX: LAM) (OTCQX: LMRXF), a uranium mine development and exploration company with globally significant assets in the United States and Australia, is pleased to provide an update on its drilling activities at the Westmoreland Uranium Project in Queensland, Australia ("Westmoreland"). As reported on June 20, 2024, this season's exploration drilling campaign at Westmoreland is comprised of up to 12,000 meters of diamond and RC drilling across multiple targets and is designed to potentially expand the resource at existing deposits and to identify potential satellite deposits, which might materially impact either the ultimate mine life of the project or contribute to the potential for increased scale of operations. The program is planned to test up to five targets and is off to an excellent start with positive results already obtained from the first three targets drilled. The findings are supported by downhole gamma probe readings, geological logging and hand-held scintillometer analysis. An initial batch of samples were sent for assaying in late July and the first assay results are expected to be returned within the next couple of weeks. 1 Note: downhole gamma probe analysis at 10cm intervals 2 AusLog W450-1 downhole gamma probe used. 0.5x correction applied here for consistency and comparison to Reflex EX-Gamma. Raw cps actually 32,925cps. 3 Note to reader, rigs utilising different gamma probes; no calculation on eU 3 O 8 has been undertaken and probe data used to support sampling procedure. Commenting on the exploration results, Laramide's Vice-President of Exploration Rhys Davies said: "Our drill program at Westmoreland is proceeding very well and meeting expectations with the first of our exploration drillholes at Amphitheatre returning multiple zones of mineralization (both laterally and deeper than previously known). As well, the Long Pocket infill drilling has returned both significant and shallow gamma responses confirming continuity of mineralization. The next stage of this year's program is to prove the potential, indicated in the 2023 drill program, to both link and expand the Huarabagoo and Junnagunna deposits that were used to produce the Westmoreland 2016 PEA. We look forward to updating investors as the assay results are received over the coming weeks and months. "The goal of this year's program is to start to quantify and qualify what we believe to be a significantly larger asset than has already been defined. Last year's drilling results have given confidence to our assumptions that the potential size of Westmoreland's uranium mineralization can become much larger." The second drilling rig arrived on site in July, which has accelerated the progress of the total campaign which will cover five targets. The planned programs at the Long Pocket deposit and the Amphitheatre prospect have now been completed. Thus far, thirty-eight RC shallow resource infill holes for 2,139m at Long Pocket, and five diamond holes for a total of 932.7m at Amphitheatre are complete. Downhole gamma probe data confirms drilling has successfully identified infill mineralisation at Long Pocket. Furthermore, extensions to mineralisation at Amphitheatre have also been tested. Both rigs have subsequently moved on to resource extension drilling at the Huarabagoo and Junnagunna deposits which are two of the three deposits included in the 2016 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"). The first of these holes was recently completed at Huarabagoo. The objective of this drilling is to investigate the potential to increase the current resource estimate which is currently defined as 51.9 Mlbs contained U 3 O 8 (Measured and Indicated 18.7 Mt @ 0.09% for 36 Mlbs U 3 O 8 and Inferred 9.0 Mt @ 0.08% for 15.9 Mlbs U 3 O 8 ). Long Pocket Uranium Deposit Long Pocket is a satellite deposit 7km to the east of the Westmoreland Project (Figure 3). Drilling in 2023 provided the support to model mineralisation and had highlighted zones where infill drilling was required to confirm continuity of the mineralisation to a high enough level of confidence required to contribute to a resource estimate. Thirty-eight infill RC drill holes, for a total of 2,139m, were planned accordingly for 2024 and have been recently completed. Importantly, the initial downhole gamma probe data from the 2024 drilling has confirmed shallow (<50m depth), flat-lying, continuous mineralisation (Figure 1) with 1m downhole composite readings of up to 13,993cps (Table 2), which included individual readings of up to 27,319cps. Assay results from Long Pocket drilling are expected in Q3 2024 and results from this year's drilling will be incorporated into a maiden Mineral Resource Estimation of the deposit in Q1 2025. The central part of this deposit is now well understood with hole spacing now less than 50m in places. Amphitheatre uranium prospect The Amphitheatre uranium prospect is located 16km northeast of the Junnagunna uranium deposit and expresses as a strong 400m x 300m airborne radiometric anomaly. The area was subject to historical exploration in the late 1960s and early 1970s with Laramide rediscovering its potential in the 2022 and 2023 drill programs. Visible secondary uranium minerals such as carnotite and torbernite are present at surface and hosted within the Westmoreland Conglomerate. Mineralisation, which was identified in the 2022 and 20234 drilling programs, shows a relationship with mafic intrusive units and sharing potential genetic similarities with the nearby Westmoreland uranium deposit5. Drilling in 2024 comprised 5 diamond holes (932.7m), which targeted extensions to uranium mineralisation both laterally and down dip and successfully identified new zones for follow up. Initial composite downhole gamma probe data of up to 1m 16,426 cps6 (Table 2) including 20,312 cps supports extensions to mineralisation. Samples have been dispatched to ALS Mt Isa with the highest-level radioactive samples analysed at ALS Perth. Initial interpretation suggests that mineralisation may continue to the north but under alluvial cover which obscures any surface radiometric response. Follow up holes to test this region are being planned for the end of the 2024 drilling campaign. 4 ASX: Laramide Resources Ltd. Long Pocket and Amphitheatre Drilling Results Outline Growth Potential of Westmoreland Uranium Project, Queensland, Australia; Plans Further Drilling in 2023 (24th April 2023) 5 https://laramide.com/projects/westmoreland-uranium-project/ 6 AusLog W450-1 downhole gamma probe used. 0.5x correction applied here for consistency and comparison to Reflex EX-Gamma. Raw cps actually 32,925cps. Huarabagoo Uranium Deposit Although drilling at Huarabagoo has only recently commenced, the first hole has provided great encouragement with 5 mineralised zones intercepted (Figure 2 strip log). 1m composite gamma probe responses peaked at 6,922cps from 42-43m downhole, with individual peaks reading 13,350cps. Additionally, the hole had to be extended due to the initial planned hole depth of 80m being in a mineralised zone. Accordingly, the hole was extended to a depth of 110.7m. Drill core from this hole, HB24DD001, is currently being processed by Laramide's exploration team and samples will be dispatched from site within the next few days. Qualified/Competent Person The information in this announcement relating to Exploration Results is based on information compiled or reviewed by Mr. Rhys Davies, a contractor to the Company. Mr. Davies is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Geoscientists and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves', and is a Qualified Person under the guidelines of the National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Davies consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. To learn more about Laramide, please visit the Company's website at www.laramide.com. Follow us on Twitter @LaramideRes About Laramide Resources Ltd. Laramide is focused on exploring and developing high-quality uranium assets in Australia and the western United States. The company's portfolio comprises predominantly advanced uranium projects in districts with historical production or superior geological prospectivity. The assets have been carefully chosen for their size, production potential, and the two large projects are considered to be late-stage, low-technical risk projects. The Westmoreland project in Queensland, Australia, is one of the largest uranium development assets held by a junior mining company. This project has a PEA that describes an economically robust, open-pit mining project with a mine life of 13 years. Additionally, the adjacent Murphy Project in the Northern Territory of Australia is a greenfield asset that Laramide strategically acquired to control the majority of the mineralized system along the Westmoreland trend. In the United States, Laramide's assets include the NRC licensed Crownpoint-Churchrock Uranium Project. An NI 43-101 PEA study completed in 2023 has described an in-situ recovery ("ISR") production methodology. The Company also owns the La Jara Mesa project in the historic Grants mining district of New Mexico and an underground project, called La Sal, in Lisbon Valley, Utah. This press release contains forward-looking statements. The actual results could differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection in the forward-looking information. Certain material factors or assumptions were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection as reflected in the forward-looking information. Table 1: Drill Collar Details Prospect Hole ID GDA_Easting GDA_Northing RL (m) Depth (m) Grid Azi Dip Hole type Drilling started Drilling completed AMPHITHEATRE AMD008 209879 8074908 93 241.6 90 -60 DD 01/07/2024 09/07/2024 AMPHITHEATRE AMD009 209928 8074816 90 202.9 270 -80 DD 10/07/2024 15/07/2024 AMPHITHEATRE AMD010 209954 8074725 90 203.4 90 -60 DD 15/07/2024 26/07/2024 AMPHITHEATRE AMD011 209958 8074620 99 200.3 90 -60 DD 26/07/2024 02/08/2024 AMPHITHEATRE AMD012 209928 8074820 90 84.5 90 -55 DD 03/08/2024 05/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC001 204362 8065063 98 54 0 -90 RC 01/08/2024 01/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC002 204312 8065113 98 54 0 -90 RC 02/08/2024 08/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC003 204262 8065063 98 78 0 -90 RC 03/08/2024 03/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC004 204212 8065063 97 60 0 -90 RC 03/08/2024 03/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC005 204168 8065127 95 60 0 -90 RC 03/08/2024 03/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC006 204122 8065007 97 54 0 -90 RC 04/08/2024 04/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC007 204092 8064933 98 48 180 -60 RC 04/08/2024 04/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC008 204192 8064940 100 54 180 -60 RC 04/08/2024 04/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC009 204187 8065025 97 48 0 -90 RC 04/08/2024 05/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC010 204079 8065059 96 60 0 -90 RC 05/08/2024 05/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC011 204109 8065106 96 60 0 -90 RC 05/08/2024 05/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC012 204072 8065117 95 60 0 -90 RC 05/08/2024 06/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC013 204078 8065160 94 54 0 -90 RC 06/08/2024 06/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC014 203524 8065406 91 54 0 -90 RC 06/08/2024 06/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC015 203615 8065322 91 48 0 -90 RC 07/08/2024 07/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC016 203715 8065262 92 48 0 -90 RC 07/08/2024 07/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC017 203715 8065362 91 48 0 -90 RC 07/08/2024 07/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC018 203715 8065462 90 48 0 -90 RC 08/08/2024 08/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC019 203724 8065561 90 54 0 -90 RC 08/08/2024 08/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC020 203824 8065611 90 48 0 -90 RC 08/08/2024 08/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC021 203924 8065561 90 48 0 -90 RC 08/08/2024 08/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC022 203915 8065462 90 48 0 -90 RC 09/08/2024 09/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC023 203915 8065362 91 48 0 -90 RC 09/08/2024 09/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC024 203930 8065255 92 48 0 -90 RC 09/08/2024 09/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC025 203999 8065213 93 98 0 -90 RC 09/08/2024 10/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC026 204086 8065313 92 60 0 -90 RC 10/08/2024 10/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC027 204027 8065110 95 60 0 -90 RC 11/08/2024 11/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC028 203958 8065116 95 60 0 -90 RC 11/08/2024 11/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC029 203881 8065146 94 60 0 -90 RC 11/08/2024 11/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC030 203977 8065042 96 84 0 -90 RC 11/08/2024 12/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC031 203933 8065019 96 48 0 -90 RC 12/08/2024 12/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC032 203986 8064911 98 48 0 -90 RC 12/08/2024 12/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC033 203889 8064909 97 48 0 -90 RC 13/08/2024 13/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC034 204331 8064746 107 48 0 -90 RC 13/08/2024 13/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC035 204134 8064653 108 54 0 -90 RC 15/08/2024 15/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC036 204121 8064795 105 55 0 -90 RC 15/08/2024 15/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC037 204001 8064732 101 66 0 -60 RC 15/08/2024 16/08/2024 LONGPOCKET LP24RC038 203843 8064732 100 66 30 -60 RC 16/08/2024 16/08/2024 HUARABAGOO HB24DD001 194115 8062632 91 110.8 133 -60 DD 08/08/2024 13/08/2024 Table 2: 1m Composite Downhole Gamma probe response >500cps Toronto August 19, 2024 TheNewswire: AbraSilver Resource Corp. (TSX.V: ABRA; OTCQX: ABBRF) (AbraSilver or the Company) is pleased to announce assay results from the Companys fully-funded 20,000 metre (m) Phase IV drill program, on its wholly-owned Diablillos project in Argentina (the Project). Key takeaways from the latest drill results include: Holes DDH 24-014, DDH 24-016 and DDH 24-018 were drilled to test the southern western extensions of the JAC deposit. All three holes encountered significant silver mineralization over broad intercepts outside the conceptual open pit boundary at JAC. DDH 24-018 was a step-out hole to the south of JAC which intersected a high-grade silver intercept of 31.5 m grading 277 g/t Ag, including 13.7 m grading 455 g/t Ag. This intercept confirms a new significant high-grademineralized structure at an angle to the main JAC zone, which is now a top-priority exploration target. DDH 24-016 was drilledwest of JAC towards the Alpaca target and encountered 53.5 m grading 110 g/t Ag including 5.0 m grading 339.2 g/t Ag. This result demonstrates that JAC remains open to the west towards the Alpaca target. DDH 24-014 was also drilled west of JAC towards Alpaca with 48.8 m grading 70 g/t Ag. Hole DDH 24-011 was a step-out in the Oculto Northeast area which intersected several zones of mineralization, with 21.0 m at 131.3 g/t Ag 0.36 g/t Au including 2 m at 326.6 g/t Ag 1.07 g/t Au. This intercept is situated above the known zone of mineralization in the northeast and is expected to convert material currently classified as waste into Mineral Resources and Reserves. The latest assay result highlights are summarized in Table 1 below. Table 1 Summary of Diablillos Drill Results Intercepts greater than 2,000 gram-metres Ag shown in bold text: Drill Hole Area From (m) To (m) Type Interval (m) Ag g/t Au g/t DDH-24-009 JAC/Oculto 92.0 96.0 Oxides 4.0 30.2 - DDH-24-011 Oculto NE 114.0 135.0 Oxides 21.0 131.3 0.36 DDH-24-011 Including 130.0 132.0 Oxides 2.0 326.6 1.12 DDH-24-011 138.0 155.5 Oxides 17.5 31.4 0.57 DDH-24-011 160.5 172.0 Oxides 11.5 40.5 0.83 DDH-24-011 186.0 189.0 Oxides 3.0 60.2 0.34 DDH-24-014 Alpaca/JAC 75.2 124.0 Oxides 48.8 69.8 - DDH-24-015 Oculto 178.0 184.0 Oxides 6.0 19.9 0.32 DDH-24-015 186.0 224.0 Oxides 38.0 39.8 1.26 DDH-24-015 Including 215.0 222.0 Oxides 7.0 29.2 2.37 DDH-24-015 234.0 238.0 Oxides 4.0 36.8 0.91 DDH-24-016 Alpaca/JAC 80.0 133.5 Oxides 53.5 110.2 - DDH-24-016 95.0 100.0 Oxides 5.0 339.2 - DDH-24-018 JAC South 87.0 90.4 Oxides 3.4 40.3 - DDH-24-018 117.5 149.0 Oxides 31.5 276.8 - DDH-24-018 Including 128.8 142.5 Oxides 13.7 455.1 - Note: All results in this news release are rounded. Assays are uncut and undiluted. Widths are drilled widths, not true widths. True widths are estimated to be approximately 80% of the interval widths for oxides. John Miniotis, President and CEO, commented, These exciting new high-grade drill results over significant widths continue to demonstrate the exceptional Mineral Resource growth potential at Diablillos, across multiple exploration areas. The identification of new high-grade structures, confirms that the JAC deposit has significant growth potential, particularly towards the southern and western extensions. Dave OConnor, Chief Geologist, commented, We are very encouraged by these latest drill results, which confirm the strong continuity of high-grade silver mineralization beyond the existing boundaries of the JAC deposit. Additionally, the potential to extend mineralization toward the Oculto Northeast area represents an exciting opportunity to further grow our Mineral Resource base and further enhance the overall value at our world-class Diablillos project. Figure 1 Plan View of Latest Drill Holes Additional Details on Drill Results Figure 2 shown below is at an angle to the main trend of mineralization in the JAC southwest area and shows broad mineralized intercepts including high-grade silver following a structural trend extending northwards towards Alpaca. The section clearly shows the potential to expand the conceptual open pit defined in the recent Pre-Feasibility Study and increase the JAC Mineral Resource and Reserve. Additional drilling is currently underway along this new trend. Figure 2 Section Through Drill Holes DDH 24-016 and DDH 24-018 (JAC & JAC South) Figure 3 shown below highlights the mineralized intercept in hole DDH 24-011 located in the Oculto northeast zone. The intercept is between 150 - 200 metres above the previously known dominant level of mineralization. The core is well mineralized to the end of the hole, which was lost at 194 metres downhole depth due to lack of water circulation in a zone of friable rock. The section again demonstrates the potential to expand the currently defined open pit and with it the Mineral Resources and Reserves. Additional drilling is planned in order to test the various levels of mineralization in the area for shallower mineralization and a potentially higher-grade gold zone beneath. Figure 3 Long Section Through Drill Hole DDH 24-011 (Oculto NE / Cerro Bayo) Phase IV Exploration Program Update The ongoing Phase IV drill program is focused on expanding target areas with known mineralization as well as exploring newly identified prospective exploration targets within the broader Diablillos land package. The highest priority target areas are: JAC Extension / Alpaca: The southwest extension of the main JAC trend and the structure heading towards the Alpaca zone are currently being drilled. Oculto Northeast / Cerro Bayo: A structural mapping project is currently underway and will be completed over the next few weeks and will be followed by a drill program designed to focus on the mineralized structures extending northeast from Oculto. Porphyry Complex (Cerro Blanco / Cerro Viejo): The Cerro Blanco / Cerro Viejo area is located approximately 3.5 km northeast of the Oculto deposit. Currently an electromagnetic survey is being conducted to help site a series of deeper drill holes to explore for an underlying porphyry system. Drilling in this area is expected to commence by the end of September. Collar Data Hole Number UTM Coordinates Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth (m) Area Notes DDH 24-008 E 720247 N7201356 4,158 90 -60 96.5 Jasperoid Assay results pending DDH 24-009 E720025 N7199025 4,203 0 -60 143 JAC-Oculto connection DDH 24-010 E719797 N7199584 4,190 0 -60 150 Fantasma-Oculto connection Assay results pending DDH 24-011 E720977 N7199545 4,422 180 -60 194 Oculto NE DDH 24-012 E719723 N7199500 4,182 0 -60 129 Fantasma-Oculto connection Assay results pending DDH 24-013 E720353 N7201851 4,146 270 -60 117.5 Jasperoid Assay results pending DDH 24-014 E719096 N7198719 4,131 0 -60 150 Alpaca-JAC DDH 24-015 E720419 N7199581 4,293 180 -70 317.5 Oculto DDH 24-016 E719151 N7198745 4,131 45 -60 148.5 Alpaca-JAC DDH 24-017 E720480 N7199569 4,308 180 -70 350 Oculto NE Assay results pending DDH 24-018 E719280 N7198536 4,136 315 -60 169.5 JAC South About Diablillos The Diablillos property is located within the Puna region of Argentina, in the southern part of Salta Province along the border with Catamarca Province, approximately 160 km southwest of the city of Salta and 375 km northwest of the city of Catamarca. The property comprises 15 contiguous and overlapping mineral concessions acquired by AbraSilver in 2016. The project site has good year-round accessibility through a 150 km paved road, followed by a well-maintained gravel road, shared with other adjacent projects. There are several known mineral zones on the Diablillos property. Approximately 150,000 m have been drilled to date, which has outlined multiple occurrences of epithermal silver-gold mineralization at Oculto, JAC, Laderas and Fantasma. Additionally, several satellites zones of silver/gold-rich epithermal mineralization have been located within a 500 m to 1.5 km distance surrounding the Oculto/JAC epicentre. Comparatively nearby examples of high sulphidation epithermal deposits include: La Coipa (Chile); Yanacocha (Peru); El Indio (Chile); Lagunas Nortes/Alto Chicama (Peru) Veladero (Argentina); and Filo del Sol (Argentina). The most recent Mineral Reserve estimate for Diablillos is shown in Table 2: Table 2 - Diablillos Mineral Reserve Estimate As of March 07, 2024 Category Tonnage (000 t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Contained Ag (000 oz Ag) Contained Au (000 oz Au) Proven 12,364 118 0.86 46,796 341 Probable 29,930 80 0.80 76,684 766 Proven & Probable 42,294 91 0.81 123,480 1,107 Notes for Mineral Reserve Estimate: Mineral reserves have an effective date of March 7th, 2024. The Qualified Person for the Mineral Reserve Estimate is Mr. Miguel Fuentealba, P.Eng. The mineral reserves were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Reserves, as prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by CIM Council. The mineral reserves were based on a pit design which in turn aligned with an ultimate pit shell selected from a Whittle TM pit optimization exercise. Key inputs for that process are: Metal prices of USD $1,750/oz Au; USD $22.50/oz Ag Variable Mining cost by bench and material type. Average costs are USD $1.94/t for all lithologies except for cover, Cover mining cost of USD 1.73/t, respectively. Processing costs for all zone, USD $22.97/t. Infrastructure and G&A cost of USD 3.32/t. Pit average slope angles varying from 37 to 60 depending on the geotechnical domain. The average recovery is estimated to be 82.8% for silver and 86.6% for gold. The Mineral Reserve Estimate has been categorized in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards (CIM, 2014). A Net Value per block (NVB) cut-off was used to constrain the Mineral Reserve with the reserve pit 2shell. The NVB was based on "Benefits = Revenue-Cost" being positive, where, Revenue = [(Au Selling Price (USD/oz) - Au Selling Cost (USD/oz)) x (Au grade (g/t)/31.1035)) x Au Recovery (%)] + [(Ag Selling Price (USD/oz) - Ag Selling Cost (USD/oz)) x (Ag grade (g/t)/31.1035)) x Ag Recovery (%)] and Cost = Process Cost (USD/t) + Transport Cost (USD/t) + GA Cost (USD/t) + [Royalty Cost (%) x Revenue]. The NVB method resulted in an average equivalent cut-off grade of approximately 46g/t AgEq. In-situ bulk density was read from the block model, assigned previously to each model domain during the process of mineral resource estimation, according to samples averages of each lithology domain, separated by alteration zones and subset by oxidation. All tonnages reported are dry metric tonnes and ounces of contained gold and silver are troy ounces. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Minor discrepancies may occur due to rounding to appropriate significant figures. QA/QC and Core Sampling Protocols AbraSilver applies industry standard exploration methodologies and techniques, and all drill core samples are collected under the supervision of the Companys geologists in accordance with industry practices. Drill core is transported from the drill platform to the logging facility where drill data is compared and verified with the core in the trays. Thereafter, it is logged, photographed, and split by diamond saw prior to being sampled. Samples are then bagged, and quality control materials are inserted at regular intervals; these include blanks and certified reference materials as well as duplicate core samples which are collected in order to measure sample representivity. Groups of samples are then placed in large bags which are sealed with numbered tags in order to maintain a chain-of-custody during the transport of the samples from the project site to the laboratory. All samples are sent to the Alex Stewart sample preparation facility in Jujuy, then the sample pulps are sent to the Alex Stewart laboratory in Mendoza where they are analyzed. All samples are analyzed using a multi-element technique consisting of a four-acid digestion followed by ICP/AES detection, and gold is analyzed by 50g Fire Assay with an AAS finish. Silver results greater than 100g/t are reanalyzed using four acid digestion with an ore grade AAS finish. Qualified Persons David OConnor P.Geo., Chief Geologist for AbraSilver, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and he has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. About AbraSilver AbraSilver is an advanced-stage exploration company focused on rapidly advancing its 100%-owned Diablillos silver-gold project in the mining-friendly Salta and Catamarca provinces of Argentina. The current Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve estimate for Diablillos, from a recently completed Pre-Feasibility Study, consists of 42.3 Mt grading 91 g/t Ag and 0.81 g/t Au, containing approximately 124 Moz silver and 1.1 Moz gold, with significant further exploration upside potential. In addition, the Company has entered into an earn-in option and joint venture agreement with Teck on the La Coipita project, located in the San Juan province of Argentina. AbraSilver is listed on the TSX-V under the symbol ABRA and in the U.S. on the OTCQX under the symbol ABBRF. For further information please visit the AbraSilver Resource website at , and follow us on Twitter at Alternatively please contact: John Miniotis, President and CEO This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel: +1 416-306-8334 Cautionary Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements that address future plans, activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur are forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in the Companys disclosure documents filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The risk factors and other factors noted in the disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release Proceeding with a Small Mine Application Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - Compass Gold Corp. (TSXV: CVB) (Compass or the Company) provides an update on the recent follow-up trench sampling program at the Massala prospect, located on the Company's Sikasso Property in southern Mali (Figure 1). Highlights Assay results are reported from five trenches, each 5-m deep and totalling 305 m in length at Massala Best intervals: Widest intercept: 21 m @ 3.51 g/t Au (2 m depth; MATR004) Highest-grade interval: 1 m @ 40.29.60 g/t Au (2 m depth; MATR004) All results to date indicate a near surface strike length of 150 metres, with the structure open to the south New Malian Mining Code provides for a streamlined process for obtaining a Small Mine Permit, with a four-year term allowing total production of 160,000 ounces of gold based on annual mining of up to 200,000 tonnes of ore per year Compass has commenced the process required for permit renewals and applications to allow for mining at Massala Compass CEO, Larry Phillips, said, "These highly encouraging results from the trenches excavated along the Massala zone provide us with the technical data we need to apply for a Small Mine Permit under the new Mining Code in Mali. We believe that the grades and tonnage we are seeing at Massala, combined with the production parameters and fiscal terms defined under the new mining code, will allow for an economic plan to reach near term production at this time of a historically high gold price. Over the next three months, our team in Mali will proceed with the required permit renewals, and submit the application for a Small Mining Permit at Massala, which would allow for the production of up to 160,000 ounces of gold over a four-year period. Our preliminary models indicate that a 50ton-per-hour processing plant would be sufficient to process the allowable 200,000 tonnes of ore allowed under the provisions of the new Mining Code, which was confirmed by a decree issued in July of this year." Dr. Madani Diallo, Director and Country Manager, added, "We now have 792 assay results along this 150-metre strike length of the Massala target zone, all within 5 metres of the surface. The results show strong grades, which clearly exceed the 1-gram-per-tonne level that we consider to be profitable for a small mine. As we proceed with the Small Mining Permit process, additional sampling and assaying may be used to add to our estimation of total tonnage. We also expect that the nuggety nature of the contained gold could result in higher grades occurring when entire sections of ore are processed." Next Steps The Company has commenced the process of applying for permit renewals for the complete Sikasso Project area (1,173 sq. km), which includes an application for a Small Mining Permit over the Massala and Tarabala prospects (5 sq. km). The new Malian Mining Code provides a streamlined process for such a permit. This permit has a four-year term, which allows a total production of 160,000 ounces of gold with a limit of 200,000 tonnes of ore per year. Additional trenching results from four sites up to 100 m to the south of the trenches reported here are pending. More sampling is required at Massala to determine the full extent of the near-surface potential of the mineralization, and metallurgical testing will also be needed to determine gold recoveries. Figure 1: Location of Massala prospect where trenching was completed. Additional artisanal workings along the Tarabala and Massala faults are also illustrated. Massala Trench Sampling Results Mineralization at Massala was identified previously by shallow air core drilling with the interception of a wide mineralized zone that included 24 m @ 2.35 g/t Au (SAAC123; see Compass Press release April 18, 2023). Subsequent drilling identified additional gold mineralization along strike and downdip along the 3.5-kilometre Tarabala trend. With higher grades reported near surface, Compass excavated two trenches at Massala to determine if a near surface resource was possible. Samples were collected from trench MATR001 at 1, 2 and 5 m depths. The 1 m depth sample identified gold mineralization over 24 m @ 1.24 g/t Au, the 2 m depth sample 18 m @ 1.44 g/t Au, and the 5 m depth sample 20 m @ 4.13 g/t Au (including 1 m @ 71.6 g/t Au), Figure 2. The sampling is in excellent agreement with the previous drilling. A second trench, MATR002 was excavated 350 m to the south of MATR001 and was designed to test a narrow mineralized zone intercepted in SAAC235 containing 3 m @ 1.11 g/t Au. Sampling at a depth of 1 and 4 m over the 29 m length of this trench did not detect gold grades greater than 0.13 g/t Au. It is likely that the trench did not continue far enough eastward to intercept the mineralization. The location of trenches MATR003 to MATR007 are illustrated on Figure 2 and represent a distance of 150 m along the mineralized trend. The trenches were sited 25 m apart and 5 m deep, and samples were collected a depths of 2m and 4 m. The assay results of the program are presented in Table 1. Figure 2: Map showing the location of the completed trenches at Massala. The widest intercept was recorded from trench MATR005, which contained 21 m @ 3.51 g/t Au (from 2 m depth) and 4 m @ 1.13 g/t Au (at 4 m depth). The 2 m depth interval compares well with MATR001 immediately to the south, which contained 24 m @ 1.24 g/t Au. MATR004 was located 50 m to the north of MATR005 and contained 4 m @ 13.14 g/t Au (at 2 m), which included the highest grade interval of 1 m @ 40.29 g/t Au. Trenches MATR006 and MATR007 were excavated 25 m and 50 m, respectively, to the south of MATR001. Mineralized widths encountered in these trenches did not exceed 4 m or grades greater than 1.1 g/t Au at depths of 2 and 4 m. The widest interval was 3 m @ 0.69 g/t Au (at 2 m) from MATR006, which included the highest-grade sample of 1 m @ 1.03 g/t Au. Table 1. Results of channel sampling from trenches at Massala. Trench Depth From (m) To (m) 1, 2 Interval (m) Au (g/t) MATR003 2 m 4 5 1 0.73 2 m 39 43 4 5.91 2 m 46 50 4 0.26 4 m 22 25 3 0.41 4 m 57 58 1 1.65 MATR004 2 m 9 10 1 0.62 2 m 12 16 4 13.14 inc. 2 m 14 15 1 40.29 2 m 40 41 1 0.91 2 m 45 46 1 0.40 4 m 12 15 3 0.56 MATR005 2 m 9 10 1 0.51 2 m 14 35 21 3.51 inc. 2 m 16 19 3 20.43 2 m 46 47 1 0.63 4 m 16 20 4 1.13 MATR006 2 m 10 13 3 0.69 2 m 15 16 1 0.30 2 m 36 37 1 0.35 2 m 39 43 4 0.29 2 m 45 47 2 0.24 4 m 11 14 3 0.33 4 m 34 35 1 0.42 MATR007 2 m 19 20 1 0.64 2 m 43 44 1 0.45 2 m 47 48 1 0.95 4 m 20 21 1 0.57 4 m 29 31 2 0.63 1True thicknesses are interpreted as 70-90% of stated intervals. 2 Intervals use a 0.2-gram-per-tonne gold cut-off value. Technical Details All trenches at Massala were excavated to a depth of 5 m. Trench lengths varied from 50 to 70 m to account for the width of the mineralization projected to surface from drilling previously performed at the prospect. The total length of the trenches was 305 m. All trenches were mapped and structural measurements recorded. Continuous horizontal channel samples were collected using a diamond saw and carefully chiselled out every metre over the length of the trench. The excavation was performed by a local contractor under the supervision of Compass geologists. All samples were prepared by Compass staff, and an appropriate number of standards, duplicates and blanks were submitted and analyzed for gold using cyanide-leach (LeachWELL) analysis at SGS (Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso). About Compass Gold Corp. Compass, a public company having been incorporated into Ontario, is a Tier 2 issuer on the TSX- V. Through the 2017 acquisition of MGE and Malian subsidiaries, Compass holds gold exploration permits located in Mali that comprise the Sikasso Property. The exploration permits are located in three sites in southern Mali with a combined land holding of 1,173 sq. km. The Sikasso Property is located in the same region as several multi-million-ounce gold projects, including Morila, Syama, Kalana and Komana. The Company's Mali-based technical team, led in the field by Dr. Madani Diallo and under the supervision of Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo, is conducting the current exploration program. They are examining numerous anomalies first noted in Dr. Archibald's August 2017 "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Sikasso Property, Southern Mali." Qualified Person This news release has been reviewed and approved by EurGeol. Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo, Compass's Technical Director, the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under National Instrument 43-101 standards. ForwardLooking Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the Company's planned exploration work and management appointments. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forwardlooking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by such information. The statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking information except as required by applicable law. For further information please contact: Website: www.compassgoldcorp.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - Hercules Metals Corp. (TSXV: BIG) (OTCQB: BADEF) (FSE: 8Q7) ("Hercules Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the United States Forest Service ("USFS") has approved a Categorical Exclusion ("CatEx") for its Plan of Operations (the "Plan") allowing the Company to drill two large untested targets on its Hercules Property in western Idaho ("Hercules" or the "Property"). This approval authorizes exploration activities on an eastern portion of the Property where the surface is administered by the USFS. The Plan contemplates drilling of the Grade Creek and Eastern Block targets, neither of which have been tested below the depth of shallow epithermal silver mineralization to the underlying Leviathan porphyry copper system (the "Leviathan"). Highlights The USFS has issued a CatEx for up to 15 pre-selected drill sites to be tested through to the end of August 2025 (Figure 1). Two priority target areas, Grade Creek and the Eastern Block, have been selected for drill testing based on over 2,000 soil and outcrop chip samples, favourable chargeability values, and a theorized northwest tilt to the system. The Eastern Block is an interpreted fault block that includes the Metheny, Lighting and Big Cut zones. FS 17 or 18 will likely be the first pads to test the zone and assess if mineralization plunges, and therefore has greater preservation potential, to the southeast. Chargeability is low to moderate, as might be expected in deeper parts of the system where the phyllic alteration may transition to potassic. Four potential pad locations have been selected to test the Grade Creek Zone, including FS 11, 12, 13 and 03. Grade Creek has the best silver-lead-zinc and copper-molybdenum soil and rock chip anomaly on the Property. It also has high chargeability, suggesting a northeastern extension of the pyrite-rich phyllic zone. However, the hypogene enrichment tends to occur in the upper portion of the phyllic zone where high chargeability is the target. The Company is in the early stages of moving forward with an Environmental Assessment on the Property, to secure longer-term drilling on USFS lands once the CatEx expires. New targets on the USFS will initially be tested with core drilling to attain important geological information and guide further follow-up drilling of these new zones. RC drilling, scheduled to begin in mid-September, will supplement drilling of existing zones that the Company has been core drilling since 2023. Chris Paul, CEO and Director of the Company, commented, "We're excited to advance our exploration efforts with the newly secured CatEx permit, unlocking new targets to the east and northeast. We appreciate the diligence and support of the USFS in this process. Drilling in the west has revealed a large blanket of phyllic alteration. Recent mapping however suggests that the Triassic geology, and porphyry intrusions, may be tilted and partially eroded to the northwest, consistent with similar observations made by Scout Discoveries Corp. on their adjacent Cuddy Mountain property[1]. We look forward to testing downplunge of this theoretical tilt, within the Eastern Block. In the north, the Grade Creek Zone shows the strongest geochemical anomaly on the Property. Despite this, historical operators were unable to test it due to steep terrain and associated road building challenges. The zone however represents the potential northeastern extension of a large phyllic zone, which is often overprinted with secondary (hypogene) copper enrichment." Figure 1: Updated geological map showing 2024 drill holes, USFS drill sites and copper geochemistry. The Eastern Block comprises the Metheny, Lightning, and Big Cut zones, east of the Red Line, where the Triassic porphyry copper system is exposed at surface. Figure 2: Re-processed IP chargeability at 450 meters true depth, showing 2024 drill holes, USFS drill sites and copper geochemistry. Note large arcuate shaped chargeability anomaly interpreted to represent a large phyllic cap that blankets the top (NW) of the system. FS 16-18 sites are positioned to test theoretically deeper plunging parts of the system with more moderate chargeability values. Eastern Block Target The Eastern Block represents a fault block of exposed Triassic geology at surface, comprising the Metheny, Lightning, and Big Cut zones. Holes drilled in the Eastern Block will collar directly in Triassic rock, without the need to drill through Jurassic cover. A large copper-molybdenum anomaly spans the entire zone, accompanied by strong bismuth, tellurium, and selenium (Figures 2-6) - elements typically dispersed around porphyry copper systems (Figure 7). At the Big Cut, a small lens of skarn exposed at surface grades up to 21% copper, 4.5 g/t gold and 1,085 g/t silver in select grab samples[2]. Albeit associated with a relatively thin bed of calcareous sediment, its presence as an indicator is significant, as copper-gold skarns typically form in close proximity to a nearby porphyry copper intrusion. As discussed above, new mapping suggests the Leviathan system has been tilted to the northwest (i.e. plunges to the southeast). Drilling in the west shows that the shallow phyllic altered part of the system has been partially eroded by the Triassic-Jurassic unconformity. Phyllic alteration typically overprints the upper part of a potassic core, while the deeper high grade core remains preserved. In the west, drilling vertically below the highly chargeable phyllic zone has returned subtle biotite alteration, however new mapping suggests a stronger conceptual target to the southeast. To test this, holes are being drilled progressively deeper to the east, including within the new Eastern Block target. Drilling within the phyllic zone to date has revealed hypogene enrichment overprinting the top of the large arcuate chargeability anomaly shown in Figures 2,3,5, and 6. High chargeability therefore represents a target for phyllic alteration with the potential for hypogene enrichment, whereas the moderate to low chargeability values in the Eastern Block may be more consistent with a deeper potassic core with low pyrite. Figures 3-6 below show soil sample results for molybdenum, bismuth, tellurium and selenium, elements typically dispersed around a porphyry copper system, as shown in Figure 7. Chargeability and conductivity values at 450m true depth below surface are also shown for reference in the various figures. Figure 3: Re-processed IP chargeability at 450 meters true depth, showing 2024 drill holes, USFS drill sites and molybdenum geochemistry. Figure 4: Re-processed conductivity at 450 meters true depth, showing 2024 drill holes, USFS drill sites and bismuth geochemistry. The conductivity highs likely reflect both clay rich fault zones as well as possibly an intermediate argillic (clay) alteration which is seen overlapping the phyllic alteration at Leviathan. Deeper potassic alteration may lie below the intermediate argillic overprint with lower overall conductivity. Figure 5: Re-processed IP chargeability at 450 meters true depth, showing 2024 drill holes, USFS drill sites and tellurium geochemistry. Figure 6: Re-processed IP chargeability at 450 meters true depth, showing 2024 drill holes, USFS drill sites and selenium geochemistry. Figure 7: Conceptual geochemical dispersion in porphyry copper systems showing relative positions of Bi, Te, Se, Mo, Cu, Mo [3]. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved for disclosure by Christopher Longton BS, CPG, Hercules' Vice President, Exploration. Mr. Longton is a "Qualified Person" for Hercules Metals within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Hercules Metals Corp. Hercules Metals Corp. (TSXV: BIG) (OTCQB: BADEF) (FSE: 8Q7) is an exploration Company focused on developing Idaho's newest copper and silver district. The 100% owned Hercules Project located northwest of Cambridge, hosts the newly discovered Leviathan porphyry copper system, one of the most important discoveries in the region to date. The Company is well positioned for growth through continued drilling, supported by extensive historical and current exploration and a strategic investment by Barrick Gold. With the potential for significant scale, the Company's management and board of directors aims to build on its proven track record which includes the discovery and development of numerous precious metals projects worldwide. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. Any securities referred to herein have not 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 of an exemption from such registration is available. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may include, without limitation, the expected execution of future exploration programs on the Property; expectation of securing longer-term drilling on USFS lands, results of operations, and the expected financial performance of the Company. Although the Company believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by its nature, forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; the Covid-19 pandemic; adverse industry events; the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals; that the Company maintains good relationships with the communities in which it operates or proposes to operate, future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; the risk that any of the assumptions prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work, risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as other assumptions risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company, including as set forth in the Company's public disclosure documents filed on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF HERCULES METALS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE HERCULES METALS MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. [1] This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that characteristics of the geology and mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not necessarily indicative of the geology and mineral deposits on the Company's properties. [2] The reader is cautioned that rock grab samples are selective by nature and may not represent the true grade or style of mineralization across the Property [3] Halley, S., Dilles, J.H., Tosdal, R. 2015. Footprints: Hydrothermal Alteration and Geochemical Dispersion Around Porphyry Copper Deposits. SEG Discovery. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2024) - Teako Minerals Corp. (CSE: TMIN) (the "Company" or "Teako") is pleased to announce that it has executed a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") with Capella Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: CMIL) ("Capella") pursuant to which Teako will acquire a 90% ownership interest in the copper-zinc-cobalt ("Cu-Zn-Co") Lkken project in Trndelag, Norway (the "Project"). The Lkken Project will combine with the Company's adjacent Lomunda claims of the Company's Lomunda and Venna projects and will, moving forward, collectively be referred to as the Lkken & Venna Projects. The Agreement represents a significant strategic advancement for the Company, enabling the consolidation of all prospective bedrock for Lkken-type volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits in the premier historic mining district of Trndelag. This also provides the Company with advanced drill targets, including the drill-ready Amot target, which the Company intends to drill in the winter of 2024/2025, and the Hydal target, which may be drilled subject to permitting. Highlights: Teako to acquire a 90% ownership interest in Capella's Lkken Cu-Zn-Co massive sulfide (" VMS ") project, Trndelag, central Norway. The acquisition of Capella's Lkken project allows Teako to further consolidate a district-scale exploration package at Lkken-Venna with significant potential for the discovery of new high-grade Lkken-style VMS deposits. ") project, Trndelag, central Norway. The acquisition of Capella's Lkken project allows Teako to further consolidate a district-scale exploration package at Lkken-Venna with significant potential for the discovery of new high-grade Lkken-style VMS deposits. The Lkken project contains the former Lkken mining operations (reported production of 24MT @ 2.3% Cu + 1.9% Zn 1 ), together with the drill-ready Amot target and four priority satellite targets with potential for new VMS discoveries (Hydal, Dragset-Halsatasen, Fjellslett, and Grefstofjellet). ), together with the drill-ready Amot target and four priority satellite targets with potential for new VMS discoveries (Hydal, Dragset-Halsatasen, Fjellslett, and Grefstofjellet). Teako's immediate priorities will be to prepare for a maiden drill program on the Amot VMS target and potentially the Hydal target through the twinning of select historical drill holes, subject to permitting, whilst advancing additional Cu-Zn-Co targets within the broader Lkken-Venna area to drill-ready status. Teako has arranged a concurrent non-brokered private placement financing of up to 11,111,111 Common Shares at a price of CAD$0.09 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to CAD$1,000,000. Teako intends to complete the Offering to fund the cash consideration payable in connection with the Agreement, and provide funding for drilling as well as general and administrative expenses. Pursuant to the Agreement, Teako must pay the following consideration: (i) Issue to Capella 2,500,000 common shares ("Common Shares") on or before August 30, 2024; and (ii) Pay to Capella CAD$350,000 in aggregate cash consideration on or before August 30, 2024; Additionally, Teako has agreed to the following exploration obligations on the Project: (i) completion of a drill program on the Amot Target of the Project within 12 months of the Agreement, subject to drill permitting being confirmed; and (ii) completion of sufficient exploration work to develop a further two targets on the Project to drill-ready status within 24 months of the Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Teako will be responsible for all exploration costs associated with the Project prior to making a final investment decision with respect to commencing production. If, at any time, while Capella still maintains its 10% interest in the Project, Teako makes a final investment decision to proceed with commercial production, the parties will enter into a definitive joint venture agreement relating to their respective rights and obligations. Any accrued but unpaid costs for the account of Capella shall be paid by way of netting out 25% of the amount of any distribution by the joint venture to Capella until such amounts are recovered. In the event the mine is closed prior to final repayment, the balance outstanding payable by Capella will be forgiven clear of any further obligations. The Agreement provides for certain co-sale rights and obligations, permitting or obligating Capella, as applicable, to sell its 10% interest in the event that Teako subsequently sells its interest in the Project. Further, the Agreement provides that prior to consummating any transaction to sell its interest, Teako must first offer to sell the interest to Capella on the same terms and conditions. The Common Shares issuable to Capella will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws. Additionally, the Common Shares will be subject to contractual restrictions on transfer as follows: (i) 33% of the Common Shares will be subject to a four-month and one-day restriction from the issue date; (ii) 33% of the Common Shares will be subject to an eight-month restriction from the issue date; and (iii) the balance of the Common Shares will be subject to a one-year restriction from the issue date. The Project is subject to a 2.5% Net Smelter Return royalty ("NSR") payable to Eurasian Minerals Sweden AB. Pursuant to the NSR, 0.5% of the royalty may be repurchased at any time for US$1,000,000. The NSR provides for annual advanced royalty payments of USD$40,000 for the first year, increasing by USD$5,000 per annum to a maximum of USD$75,000 (the "AAR Obligation"). Under the terms of the Agreement, Teako will assume all payment obligations associated with the AAR Obligation. 1 Historic production values quoted for Lkken are from Grenne T, Ihlen PM, Vokes FM (1999) Scandinavian Caledonide metallogeny in a plate-tectonic perspective. Mineral Deposita 34:422-471). Teako has not performed sufficient work to verify the published data reported above, but the Company believes this information to be considered reliable and relevant. The Lkken Project The Lkken Project, which will combine with the Company's Lomunda licenses (see Figure 1), is a copper-rich VMS project located approximately 50 km Southwest of the regional center of Trondheim in Trndelag County, central Norway. The Lkken & Venna projects now cover a total area of 1039 sq. km. The Lkken Project is similar to the Company's original Lomunda and Venna projects but is far more advanced and features drill-ready targets. It covers an area of 114 sq. km and surrounds the former Lkken underground copper mine, which closed in 1986 in response to low copper prices. The former Lkken mine is considered to be one of the largest ophiolite-hosted Cyprus-type VMS deposits (by tonnage) to have been developed in the world, producing an estimated 24Mt @ 2.3% Cu and 1.9% Zn (plus silver and gold credits).1 The former Lkken mine is a stratiform massive sulfide deposit characterized by its impressive dimensions - approximately 4 km in length, a maximum depth of 1 km, and an average thickness of 60 meters. Its rich mineral composition predominantly consisted of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite. The Lkken deposit was discovered from a subtle massive sulfide outcrop, which measured less than 1m in width. The Lkken claim block covers a significant portion of the old Lkken mine infrastructure (shafts, historical mineral processing facilities, railway loading area for concentrate, etc.), in addition to multiple satellite occurrences of copper-rich VMS mineralization with varying degrees of development. The Company has also, through staking, been granted three new license blocks immediately adjacent to the East of the Lkken Project. Figure 1: The Lkken & Venna Project Licenses Given the geological propensity of these deposits to occur in clusters, Teako believes there is a high likelihood of additional undiscovered deposits within the district along a broadly E-W-oriented mineralization trend (see Figure 2). The Lkken deposit outcrops on its eastern margin, whereas the western margin (yellow polygon in Figure 2) is interpreted to be truncated by a post-mineralization fault zone, which the Orkla River now occupies. The Orkla River lies at the current known western margin of the Lkken deposit (Astrup Shaft) and is interpreted by Capella to represent a broadly N-S-trending post-mineralization fault which has dissected the original Lkken VMS deposit. Accordingly, the potential exists for the discovery of displaced blocks of the original Lkken deposit on the western side of the Orkla River valley. Given the depth of mineralization at the nearby Astrup Shaft (approximately 900m vertically below the surface), the Company anticipates that any displaced blocks of mineralization at Lkken W would lie at similar depths to Astrup and, therefore, be beyond detection for the standard geophysical and geochemical techniques currently being applied at Lkken. Figure 2: The Lkken Target Area Lkken Drill Targets Capella's work at the Lkken project has been focused on advancing drill hole targeting within the five highest priority target areas - the drill-ready Amot target, together with the satellite targets at Hydal, Grefstofjellet, Dragset-Helsetasen, and Fjellslett (see Figure 3) - but with a clear focus on the 5km long Lkken Mine - Hydal - Amot corridor. Work completed included systematic ground magnetic surveys and soil (Ionic Leach, or "IL") sampling, with almost 1,000 IL samples taken over the Amot, Hydal, and Dragset target areas. The Amot target is drill-ready, with initial permitting for a maiden core drilling program having been completed by Capella. Figure 3: Overview of Lkken Priority Drill Targets The Amot Target The Amot Cu-Co-Zn target is located 5km East of the former Lkken mining operations. It is hosted within stratigraphy considered favourable for the discovery of further Lkken-type massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. The primary target is a large (up to 2km in length) coincident electromagnetic (EM), ground magnetic, and geochemical anomaly, which together represent a highly favourable combination for a buried VMS deposit (see Figure 4). The Amot target is interpreted from geophysical data to lie approximately 150 m below the surface and has never been drill-tested. Amot is drill-ready and represents one of the highest-priority drill targets on the Lkken property. Figure 4: Overview of Amot Target Showing Ground Magnetics and Soil Geochemistry The Hydal Target The Hydal Cu-Co-Zn target lies immediately to the East of the former Lkken mining operations and within the highly prospective Lkken-Hydal-Amot corridor. The primary target at Hydal is a 3 km-long corridor containing Cu-Zn-rich VMS-style mineralization (see Figure 5), with approximately 1km of this corridor having been tested by historical core drilling. A total of 20,846m of core drilling (see Figure 6) is reported to have been completed at Hydal by Orkla Grube AB between 1910 and 1976 (Grammelvedt, 1986); future exploration is expected to focus on extending higher grade (+2% Cu and +2% Zn) zones. The Company's initial priority at Hydal will be to confirm the high Cu-Zn grades reported in the sector through the twinning of select historical drill holes (e.g. Orkla Grube AB holes BH 83 and BH 19 returned 3.07m @ 20.9% Cu and 1.73m @ 18.3% Zn + 0.95% Cu; Data source - Dirmin Bibliotek Rapport BV4152 and BV1830). Recent geological work completed by Capella has also identified a potential new corridor of mineralization located approximately 500m South of the primary Hydal trend. Hydal represents a priority target for further drill testing based on its favourable geology / known mineralization and its proximity to the former mineral processing facilities at the old Lkken mine. Figure 5: Overview of Hydal Target Showing Ground Magnetics and Soil Geochemistry Figure 6: Hydal Historical Drilling and Model of Historical Mineralization Envelope2 2 The 3D model shown in Figure 5 was generated using LeapfrogTM software using a copper cut-off grade of 1% and with the explicit purpose of understanding the geological context of the historic Hydal mineralization with respect to the newly defined surface geophysical and geochemical anomalies. The historic mineralization envelope does not constitute a mineral resource estimate, and the Company does not treat the historic mineralization as a current resource. The Dragset-Halsetasen Target The Dragset-Halsetasen target hosts the former Dragset open pit and underground mining operation located approximately 5km West of the former Lkken mine. High-grade Cu-Co-Zn mineralization at Dragset is interpreted from both geological and geophysical data to be hosted within a fold nose, with the southern mineralized limb of the fold zone interpreted to extend eastwards towards the Halsetasen sector (see Figure 7). Further work is recommended in this Dragset-Halsetasen target to determine high-grade resource potential. Figure 7: Overview of the Dragset-Halsetasen Target Showing Ground Magnetics and Soil Geochemistry The Fjellslett Target The Fjellslett Cu-Co-Zn target lies on the western margin of the Lkken property. It contains outcropping high-grade Cu-Co +/- Zn mineralization hosted within a broadly ENE-WSW-trending corridor as defined by both geology and ground magnetic survey data (see Figure 8). Additional exploration work, including ground-loop EM surveys and preliminary drilling, has been proposed by Capella for the Fjellslett target area. Figure 8: Overview of Fjellslett Target Showing Ground Magnetics The Grefstoffjellet Target The southernmost Grefstoffjellet area consists of a series of copper-rich prospects/workings (e.g., Kong Karls Gruvan) hosted by meta-basalts, which appear to have strong structural controls on the emplacement of mineralization. Capella has completed little work at Grefstoffjellet to date, and further work is recommended to determine the full extent of copper mineralization in the area. Concurrent Private Placement In connection with entering into the Agreement, Teako has arranged a concurrent non-brokered private placement financing of up to 11,111,111 Common Shares at a price of CAD$0.09 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to CAD$1,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering and approval of the Agreement are subject to acceptance by the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). Teako intends to complete the Offering to fund the cash consideration payable in connection with the Agreement and provide funding for drilling as well as general and administrative expenses. Under the Offering, the Company may pay finder's fees in cash or securities or a combination of both, as permitted by the policies of the CSE and applicable securities laws. The Common Shares issued under the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period. The Common Shares offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. persons," as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the Common Shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. Sven Gollan, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "With the Lkken project, we are significantly enhancing our Lomunda licenses with additional promising areas that hold advanced drill targets. We intend to commence drilling as soon as possible. This strategic move undoubtedly puts Teako in a dominant position in one of Norway's most renowned regions for copper, zinc and cobalt; effectively, Teako controls nearly all prospective ground for Lkken-type VMS mineralization in Trndelag. I also invite new and existing shareholders to participate in this offer and be part of Teako's journey to explore Norway". Qualified Person The disclosure of technical information in this press release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and reviewed and approved by Eric Roth, Non-Executive Director of Teako, who acts as the Company's qualified person and is not independent of the Company. Historical references from publicly available reports represent unverified data but are considered adequate for exploration purposes. About Teako Minerals Corp.: Teako Minerals Corp. is a Vancouver-based mineral exploration company committed to acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral properties in Norway & Finland for copper, cobalt, gold, molybdenum, and rare earth elements. The adoption of technologies such as the SCS Exploration Product aligns with its strategy to remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving mining industry. Contact Information Forward-Looking Information This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of Teako. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of Teako. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "will," "may," "would," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "could" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include (i) expectations regarding the characteristics, value drivers, and anticipated benefits of the Project; (ii) expectations regarding the Company's financing plans, closing times, receipt of regulatory approvals, and future development opportunities in connection with the Offering and the Project; (iii) expectations regarding the Offering and the timing and closings thereof; (iv) expectations regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering; and (vi) expectations concerning the Company's business plans and operations. Although Teako believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Teako can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include but are not limited to, risks associated with the mineral exploration industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; the uncertainty of mineral resource estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), constraint in the availability of services, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, changes in legislation impacting the mining industry, adverse weather conditions and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. These and other risks are set out in more detail in Teako's interim Management's Discussion and Analysis, January 31, 2024. All dollar figures included herein are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Neither the CSE nor its market regulator accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp" or the "Company") (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) is pleased to report the results of an updated Technical Report, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") on its Ying Mining District ("The Ying 2024 Technical Report" or "Technical Report"), prepared by AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd. ("AMC") with a Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource effective date of June 30, 2024. The Ying 2024 Technical Report covers all seven mines in the Ying Mining District (also referenced as the "Ying Property") in Henan Province, China, namely the SGX, HZG, HPG, TLP, LME, LMW, and DCG underground mines. Approximately 89 million ounces (Moz) of silver ("Ag") are projected to be mined at the Ying Property in the currently planned 14-year life of mine (LOM). There remains significant potential to extend the LOM beyond 2038 via further exploration and development, particularly in areas with identified Inferred Resources. Silvercorp Observations to the Independent Ying 2024 Technical Report: The 2024 Mineral Reserves reflect the substantial replenishment of metals mined-out between January 2022 and June 2024 : Approximately 14.3 Moz Ag, 13.3 thousand ounces of gold ("koz Au"), 64.0 thousand tonnes of lead ("kt Pb") and 8.7 thousand tonnes of zinc ("kt Zn") were produced during this period; The above produced metal quantities are referenced against the Mineral Reserve contained metal values reported in the 2022 Technical Report, namely 95.7 Moz Ag, 104.7 koz Au, 414 kt Pb and 127.5 kt Zn. and : Annual metal production through FY2031 (including Q1FY2025) is projected to be: Precious metals: between 7.1 and 8.7 Moz Ag and 3.1 and 13.0 koz Au (7.4 and 9.7 Moz Ag Eq 1 ); Base metals: between 30.8 and 36.4 kt Pb, and 5.1 and 5.9 kt Zn; Total LOM production of about 86.3 Moz Ag , 63.0 koz Au, 395.0 kt Pb, and 75.7 kt of Zn. , 63.0 koz Au, 395.0 kt Pb, and 75.7 kt of Zn. The results of the 2022-2023 underground drilling program at the Ying Mining District show that most of the major mineralized vein structures are still open at depth and laterally. Ying Mining District LOM metal production Ag Eq values, which only consider silver plus conversion of gold ounces to equivalent silver ounces1, are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Ying LOM metal production Ag Eq values Ying Mines FY2025 Q2-Q4 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 FY2031 FY2032 FY2033 FY2034 FY2035 FY2036 FY2037 FY2038 Total Ag_Eq (koz) 6,828 9,204 9,665 9,010 8,593 7,940 7,415 6,877 5,996 5,779 5,571 3,869 2,045 1,235 90,028 Note: Numbers may not compute exactly due to rounding. Summary of the Ying 2024 Technical Report Estimated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 22.15 million tonnes (inclusive of Mineral Reserves) grading 203 g/t Ag, 0.20 g/t Au, 3.06% Pb, and 0.87% Zn, containing 144 Moz Ag , 143 koz Au, 677 kt Pb, and 192 kt Zn. In comparison with the 2022 Technical Report (Mineral Resources as of December 31, 2021 ), Measured and Indicated Resource tonnes have increased by 18%, and contained metal has increased by 3% for Pb and decreased by 1% for Ag, 12% for Au, and 1% for Zn, after accounting for depletion. , 143 koz Au, 677 kt Pb, and 192 kt Zn. Estimated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 12.76 million tonnes grading 216 g/t Ag, 0.17 g/t Au, 3.20% Pb, and 0.96% Zn, containing 89 Moz Ag, 71 koz Au, 408 kt Pb, and 123 kt Zn. In comparison with the 2022 Technical Report (Mineral Reserves as of December 31, 2021 ), there has been a 24% increase in total Proven Mineral Reserve tonnes and a 4% increase in total Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve tonnes. The decreases in total contained metal for silver, gold, lead, and zinc are 7%, 33%, 1%, and 4%, respectively. In comparison with the 2022 Technical Report, Inferred Resource tonnes have decreased by 33%, and contained metal has decreased by 8% for Au, 37% for Ag, 37% for Pb, and 44% for Zn. Based on only Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, a production rate increase is planned from the FY2024 level of 0.83 million tonnes per year ("Mtpa") to approximately 1.0 Mtpa in FY2025, 1.1 Mtpa in FY2026, and then to close to 1.2 Mtpa for the next two fiscal years. The projection remains above or close to 1.0 Mtpa from FY2029 through FY2031, with the rate then slowly declining to around 900 ktpa by FY2035, and then with a more rapid decline to around 240 ktpa in the final year of currently planned mining. Using the LOM production profile based on the 30 June 2024 Mineral Reserves, with $22 /oz Ag, $1,900 /oz Au, $1.00 /lb Pb and $1.15 /lb Zn and a 5% discount rate, pre-tax and post-tax NPVs of $896M and $699M , respectively, are projected (other assumptions are outlined below). __________________________________________ 1 Ag Eq (oz) = Ag (oz) + 86.364* Au (oz); Au and Ag prices at US$1,900/oz and US$22/oz. Silvercorp notes that Ag Eq calculations in the Technical Report consider all metals deemed payable. Mineral Resources The June 2024 Mineral Resources were estimated using a block modelling approach in Micromine for a total of 534 mineralized vein structures for the seven active mines in the Ying Mining District. All grade estimation was completed using inverse distance squared. Grade estimates were completed for silver and lead in all deposits, zinc in select deposits, and gold within select veins at select deposits. The Mineral Resources are reported above cutoffs after applying a minimum practical extraction width of 0.4 m. Diluted grades were estimated for blocks with mineralization widths less than 0.4 m by adding a waste envelope with zero grade. Cutoff grades are based on in situ values in silver equivalent (Ag Eq) terms in grams per tonne and incorporate mining, trucking, and processing costs, with metallurgical recoveries and payable values provided by Silvercorp for each mine and reviewed by the QPs. Ag Eq formulas by mine are shown in the footnotes of the table below The estimated Mineral Resources and metal content for the Ying Mining District as of June 30, 2024 are detailed in Table 2 below. Table 2. Ying Mining District Mineral Resources and metal content for silver, lead, zinc, and gold as of June 30, 2024 (inclusive of Mineral Reserves) Mine Resource category Tonnes (Mt) Au grade (g/t) Ag grade (g/t) Pb grade (%) Zn grade (%) Au metal (koz) Ag metal (Moz) Pb metal (kt) Zn metal (kt) SGX Measured 4.09 0.06 252 4.88 2.50 7.24 33.14 199.57 101.99 Indicated 3.15 0.03 204 3.99 2.02 3.03 20.61 125.58 63.62 Meas + Ind 7.23 0.04 231 4.50 2.29 10.27 53.76 325.15 165.61 Inferred 2.26 0.01 210 4.38 1.70 0.98 15.28 99.00 38.44 HZG Measured 0.65 - 294 1.05 - - 6.15 6.81 - Indicated 0.28 - 283 0.83 - - 2.54 2.31 - Meas + Ind 0.93 - 291 0.98 - - 8.68 9.12 - Inferred 0.34 - 266 0.71 - - 2.94 2.43 - HPG Measured 1.22 1.18 79 3.36 1.04 46.10 3.08 40.91 12.67 Indicated 0.81 1.34 60 2.44 0.90 34.83 1.56 19.66 7.28 Meas + Ind 2.02 1.24 71 2.99 0.99 80.94 4.64 60.58 19.95 Inferred 1.57 2.86 103 3.76 0.95 144.71 5.22 59.18 14.88 TLP Measured 3.64 - 185 3.09 - - 21.57 112.37 - Indicated 2.58 - 166 2.66 - - 13.77 68.62 - Meas + Ind 6.21 - 177 2.91 - - 35.34 180.99 - Inferred 1.87 - 175 2.35 - - 10.50 43.77 - LME Measured 0.66 0.08 293 1.38 0.31 1.76 6.23 9.13 2.05 Indicated 1.14 0.07 276 1.14 0.34 2.40 10.09 12.96 3.82 Meas + Ind 1.80 0.07 282 1.23 0.33 4.16 16.33 22.09 5.87 Inferred 0.89 0.16 258 1.24 0.30 4.68 7.36 11.05 2.69 LMW Measured 1.59 0.17 235 2.21 - 8.88 12.00 35.24 - Indicated 2.00 0.21 201 1.84 - 13.53 12.88 36.74 - Meas + Ind 3.59 0.19 216 2.01 - 22.41 24.89 71.99 - Inferred 1.77 0.11 199 2.33 - 6.02 11.31 41.12 - DCG Measured 0.18 2.10 61 1.60 0.24 12.34 0.36 2.92 0.44 Indicated 0.18 2.22 72 2.27 0.17 12.58 0.41 4.01 0.31 Meas + Ind 0.36 2.16 67 1.93 0.21 24.92 0.77 6.93 0.75 Inferred 0.10 0.63 59 3.79 0.13 2.04 0.19 3.84 0.13 Ying Mines Measured 12.03 0.20 213 3.38 0.97 76.33 82.54 406.96 117.16 Indicated 10.12 0.20 190 2.67 0.74 66.36 61.86 269.89 75.03 Meas + Ind 22.15 0.20 203 3.06 0.87 142.69 144.40 676.85 192.18 Inferred 8.80 0.56 187 2.96 0.64 158.43 52.80 260.39 56.14 Notes: CIM Definition Standards (2014) were used for reporting. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Metal prices: gold US$1,800 /troy oz, silver US$21.00 /troy oz, lead US$1.00 /lb, zinc US$1.10 /lb. /troy oz, silver /troy oz, lead /lb, zinc /lb. Exchange rate: RMB 7.00 : US$1.00 . : . Mineral Resources exclude the first 5 m below surface. below surface. The Mineral Resource estimates for the SGX, TLP, and HZG mines were carried out by Silvercorp and reviewed by independent Qualified Person, Mr Simeon Robinson , P.Geo., MAIG of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. , P.Geo., MAIG of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. The Mineral Resource estimates for the LMW and LME mines were carried out by Silvercorp and reviewed by independent Qualified Person, Mr Justin Glanvill , Pri.Sci.Nat. of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. , Pri.Sci.Nat. of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. The Mineral Resource estimates for the HPG and DCG mines were carried out by Silvercorp and reviewed by independent Qualified Person, Dr Craig Stewart , P.Geo. of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. , P.Geo. of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. Veins factored to minimum extraction width of 0.4 m after estimation. after estimation. Cut Off Grades (COGs): SGX 140 g/t Ag Eq; HZG 130 g/t Ag Eq; HPG 140 g/t Ag Eq; TLP 125 g/t Ag Eq; LME 130 g/t Ag Eq; LMW 125 g/t Ag Eq; DCG 150 g/t Ag Eq. Ag Eq equivalent formulas by mine: SGX = Ag g/t+35.05*Pb%+17.97*Zn%. HZG = Ag g/t+33.59*Pb%. HPG = Ag g/t+80.6*Au g/t+35.17*Pb%+21.60*Zn%. TLP = Ag g/t+33.23*Pb%. LME = Ag g/t+32.71*Pb%+9.38*Zn%. LMW = Ag g/t+34.20*Pb%. DCG = Ag g/t+33.18*Pb%. Ag Eq formulas used for significant gold bearing veins: SGX (Veins S11, S16W_Au, S18E, S74) = Ag g/t+54.44*Au g/t+35.05*Pb%+17.97*Zn%. LME (Veins LM4E2, LM4E3) = Ag g/t+55.12*Au g/t+32.71*Pb%+9.38*Zn%. LMW (Veins LM21, LM22, LM26, LM28, LM50, LM50_3, LM52, LM53, LM54) = Ag g/t+71.85*Au g/t+34.2*Pb%. DCG (Veins C76, C9_1, C9_2, C9_3, C9_4, C9E1, C9W1) = Ag g/t+83.44*Au g/t+33.18*Pb% Includes assay results up to and including 31 December 2023 . . Depleted for mine production to 30 June 2024 . Non-recoverable Mineral Resources (sterile areas due to the proximity to stopes, unstable ground or where access to the vein is limited) defined as of 30 June 2024 . . Non-recoverable Mineral Resources (sterile areas due to the proximity to stopes, unstable ground or where access to the vein is limited) defined as of . Numbers may not compute exactly due to rounding. A comparison of Mineral Resource estimates between December 31, 2021 and June 30, 2024 for payable metals indicates the following: Measured and Indicated tonnes have increased by 18%, Inferred tonnes have decreased by 33%. Measured and Indicated grades have decreased by 25%, 16%, 13%, and 16% for gold, silver, lead and zinc, respectively. Inferred grades increased for gold by 37% but decreased for silver, lead, and zinc by 7%, 6%, and 17%, respectively. The net result in the Measured and Indicated categories has been a decrease in the contained gold, silver, and zinc of 12%, 1%, and 1%, respectively, and an increase in contained lead of 3%. The net result in the Inferred category has been a decrease in the contained gold, silver, lead, and zinc of 8%, 37%, 37%, and 44%, respectively. The reasons for the differences in grade, tonnes, and contained metal include changes made to vein interpretations for the 2024 Q2 model, conversion to higher categories arising from drilling and level development, application of different COGs, and depletion due to mining. Additional geological sections in the Ying 2024 Technical Report were prepared by independent Qualified Persons Dr Genoa Vartell, P.Geo. and Mr Rod Carlson, FAIG, RPGeo., both of AMC, who take responsibility for those sections. Mineral Reserves The Mineral Reserve estimation assumes that current stoping practices will continue to be predominant at the Ying Mining District - namely cut and fill resuing and shrinkage stoping, but also includes the introduction of room and pillar mining for some flatter-lying gold-rich veins and some limited longhole mining. The largely sub-vertical veins, generally competent ground, reasonably regular vein width, and, traditionally, hand-mining techniques using short rounds has allowed a significant degree of selectivity and control in the stoping process. Minimum mining widths of 0.5 m for resuing and 1.0 m for shrinkage are assumed. The QP has observed the mining methods at the Ying Mining District and considers the minimum extraction and mining width assumptions to be reasonable. Several improvement projects are currently underway at the Ying Mining District, and these have been reflected in the Technical Report. The first is a significant initiative towards the use of more mechanized mining, which, along with the opening up of additional stopes, will allow for an increase in the number of tonnes mined per year. The second is a major ramp development program which will connect most stopes to the individual mine ramp system and, thereby, increase ore and waste movement capacity with reduced transport times and allow easier and faster stope access. Mining dilution and recovery factors vary from mine to mine, dependent on vein width and mining method. Average dilution factors have been estimated as 17% for resuing, 19% for shrinkage, 20% for longhole, and 30% for room and pillar. Assumed mining recovery factors are 95% for resuing, 92% for shrinkage, 80% for longhole, and 92% for room and pillar. For the total tonnage estimated as Ying Mineral Reserves, approximately 58% is associated with resuing, 36% with shrinkage, 4% with longhole, and 2% with room and pillar mining. The estimated Mineral Reserves and metal content for the Ying Mining District as of June 30, 2024 are detailed in Table 3 below. Table 3. Ying Mining District Mineral Reserve estimates and metal content at June 30, 2024 Mine Category Mt Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Metal contained in Mineral Reserves Au (koz) Ag (Moz) Pb (kt) Zn (kt) SGX Proven 3.14 0.03 242 4.64 2.20 3.1 24.4 145.6 69.0 Probable 2.25 0.01 202 4.02 1.88 0.9 14.6 90.5 42.2 Subtotal P&P 5.39 0.02 225 4.38 2.06 4.0 39.0 236.1 111.2 HZG Proven 0.36 292 0.92 3.4 3.3 Probable 0.13 336 0.75 1.4 1.0 Subtotal P&P 0.49 304 0.87 4.8 4.2 HPG Proven 0.47 1.44 82 3.72 1.14 21.6 1.2 17.4 5.3 Probable 0.36 1.44 68 2.72 0.97 16.9 0.8 9.9 3.5 Subtotal P&P 0.83 1.44 76 3.28 1.07 38.5 2.0 27.3 8.9 TLP Proven 2.02 194 2.93 12.6 59.2 Probable 1.34 176 2.59 7.6 34.7 Subtotal P&P 3.36 187 2.79 20.2 93.9 LME Proven 0.30 0.12 311 1.29 0.29 1.1 3.0 3.9 0.9 Probable 0.61 0.14 314 1.14 0.32 2.8 6.1 6.9 1.9 Subtotal P&P 0.91 0.13 313 1.19 0.31 3.9 9.2 10.8 2.8 LMW Proven 0.83 0.22 251 2.12 5.8 6.7 17.6 Probable 0.84 0.21 241 1.99 5.7 6.5 16.7 Subtotal P&P 1.67 0.21 246 2.05 11.5 13.2 34.3 DCG Proven 0.06 2.69 61 1.21 5.0 0.1 0.7 Probable 0.05 4.54 63 1.13 7.8 0.1 0.6 Subtotal P&P 0.11 3.58 62 1.17 12.7 0.2 1.3 Ying Mines Proven 7.17 0.16 223 3.45 1.05 36.6 51.4 247.6 75.2 Probable 5.58 0.19 207 2.87 0.85 34.0 37.2 160.3 47.7 Total P&P 12.76 0.17 216 3.20 0.96 70.6 88.6 408.0 122.9 Notes to Mineral Reserve Statement: Cutoff grades (Ag Eq g/t): SGX 225 Resuing, 190 Shrinkage; HZG 235 Resuing, 205 Shrinkage; HPG 240 Resuing, 200 Shrinkage; TLP 205 Resuing, 170 Shrinkage; LME 235 Resuing, 210 Shrinkage, 205 Room & Pillar; LMW 250 Resuing, 225 Shrinkage, 195 Longhole, 205 Room & Pillar; DCG 275 Resuing, 235 Shrinkage. Stope Marginal cutoff grades (Ag Eq g/t): SGX 200 Resuing, 160 Shrinkage; HZG 195 Resuing, 165 Shrinkage; HPG 220 Resuing, 180 Shrinkage; TLP 185 Resuing, 160 Shrinkage; LME 205 Resuing, 185 Shrinkage, 150 Room & Pillar; LMW 195 Resuing, 165 Shrinkage, 140 Longhole, 150 Room & Pillar; DCG 235 Resuing, 190 Shrinkage. Development Ore cutoff grades (Ag Eq g/t): SGX 125; HZG 120; HPG 145; TLP 115; LME 145; LMW 125; DCG 150. Unplanned dilution (zero grade) assumed as 0.05 m on each wall of a resuing stope and 0.10 m on each wall of a shrinkage stope. 20% unplanned dilution assumed for LMW longhole. 17% average dilution for Room & Pillar at LME, 33% average dilution for Room & Pillar at LMW. on each wall of a resuing stope and on each wall of a shrinkage stope. 20% unplanned dilution assumed for LMW longhole. 17% average dilution for Room & Pillar at LME, 33% average dilution for Room & Pillar at LMW. Mining recovery factors assumed as 95% for resuing and 92% for shrinkage; for LMW longhole, 80% is assumed; for R&P at LME and LMW, 92% is assumed. Metal prices: gold US$1,800 /troy oz, silver US$21.00 /troy oz, lead US$1.00 /lb, zinc US$1.10 /lb. /troy oz, silver /troy oz, lead /lb, zinc /lb. Processing recovery factors: SGX 66.6% Au, 96.4% Ag, 97.6% Pb, 60.5% Zn; HZG 96.4% Ag, 93.6% Pb; HPG 92.0% Au, 89.9% Ag, 91.4% Pb, 67.8% Zn; TLP 94.0% Ag, 90.3% Pb; LME 66.9% Au, 95.6% Ag, 90.4% Pb, 31.3% Zn; LMW 88.3% Au, 96.8% Ag, 95.7% Pb; DCG 85.7% Au, 80.9% Ag, 77.6% Pb. Payables: Au 85%; Ag 92.5%; Pb 98.0%; Zn 73.7%. Exclusive of mine production to 30 June 2024 . . Exchange rate assumed is RMB 7.00 : US$1.00 . : . Numbers may not compute exactly due to rounding. The sensitivity of the Ying Mineral Reserves to variation in COG has been tested by applying a 20% increase in COG to Mineral Reserves at each of the Ying mines. The lowest sensitivity, at 7% reduction in Ag Eq ounces, is seen at SGX. For the entire Ying Mining District, an approximate 11% reduction in Ag Eq ounces for a 20% COG increase demonstrates relatively low overall COG sensitivity. Total Ying Mineral Reserve tonnes are approximately 58% of Mineral Resource (Measured plus Indicated) tonnes. Gold, silver, lead, and zinc Mineral Reserve grades are 86%, 106%, 105%, and 111%, respectively, of the corresponding Measured plus Indicated Mineral Resource grades. Metal conversion percentages for gold, silver, lead, and zinc are 49%, 61%, 60%, and 64%, respectively. Some significant aspects of a comparison of Mineral Reserve estimates between December 31, 2021 (previous Technical Report) and June 30, 2024 (Ying 2024 Technical Report) are the following: 24% increase in Ying Proven Mineral Reserve tonnes. 4% increase in total (Proven + Probable) Ying Mineral Reserve tonnes. Decrease in total Ying Mineral Reserve gold, silver, lead, and zinc grades of 35%, 11%, 5%, and 7%, respectively. Decrease in total Ying Mineral Reserve metal content for gold, silver, lead, and zinc metals of 33%, 7%, 1%, and 4%, respectively. SGX continues to be the leading contributor to the total Ying Mineral Reserves, accounting for 42% of tonnes, 44% of silver, 58% of lead, and 90% of zinc, compared to respective values of 42%, 44%, 60%, and 90% in the previous Technical Report. TLP remains the second largest contributor to total Ying Mineral Reserves, with 26% of tonnes, 23% of silver and 23% of lead. Increases in Mineral Reserve tonnes at SGX, HPG, and TLP of 3%, 5%, and 31%, respectively, with LME tonnes unchanged., Decreases in Mineral Reserve tonnes at HZG, LMW, and DCG of 34%, 10%, and 48%, respectively. In terms of Ag Eq metal in total Ying Mineral Reserves, approximate respective contributions are silver 61%, lead 31%, zinc 5%, and gold 4%. In total Ying Mineral Reserves, SGX, TLP, LMW, LME, HPG, HZG, and DCG contribute 49%, 21%, 12%, 7%, 6%, 4%, and 1% of Ag Eq metal, respectively. The projected production profile for the Ying mines using current Mineral Reserves is shown in Table 4. Table 4. Ying Mining District LOM production profile Ying Mines FY2025 Q2-Q4 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 FY2031 FY2032 FY2033 FY2034 FY2035 FY2036 FY2037 FY2038 Total Ore Production 782 1,106 1,183 1,173 1,148 1,133 1,093 1,037 937 923 897 688 414 242 12,757 (kt) Grade Au (g/t) 0.52 0.32 0.33 0.25 0.19 0.12 0.10 0.10 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.07 0.04 0.01 0.17 Ag (g/t) 242 246 240 230 229 218 213 207 204 201 198 178 159 164 216 Pb (%) 3.19 3.46 3.14 3.10 3.06 3.21 3.10 2.91 3.30 3.23 3.09 3.33 3.67 3.74 3.20 Zn (%) 0.89 0.76 0.82 0.83 0.85 0.85 0.87 1.02 0.98 1.11 0.99 1.03 1.61 2.79 0.96 Metal production1 Au (koz) 11.81 9.98 11.11 8.37 6.11 4.02 3.09 3.01 1.28 0.78 1.09 1.04 0.10 0.07 61.84 Ag (koz) 5,808 8,343 8,705 8,287 8,066 7,593 7,149 6,617 5,886 5,711 5,477 3,779 2,036 1,229 84,687 Pb (kt) 23.7 36.4 35.3 34.5 33.2 34.4 32.2 28.7 29.4 28.4 26.3 21.8 14.6 8.9 387.9 Zn (kt) 4.2 5.1 5.9 5.8 5.9 5.8 5.7 6.4 5.5 6.1 5.3 4.2 4.0 4.1 74.2 Notes: 1.Ying LOM average recoveries: Au 87.38%, Ag 95.62%, Pb 95.07%, Zn - 60.33%. 2.Numbers may not compute exactly due to rounding. Economic analysis A high-level economic analysis shows the potential economic impact relative to the latest Mineral Reserve estimations and the associated production schedules. The following metal prices, costs (Ying averages over projected LOM), and exchange rate were used for the economic analysis: Gold price US$1,900/oz Silver price US$22/oz Lead price US$1.00/lb Zinc price US$1.15/lb Mining cost US$72.95/t Milling cost US$10.94/t Shipping US$3.43/t Mineral Resources tax US$5.00/t G&A US$10.64/t Government fees and other taxes US$2.80/t Sustaining and growth capital US$20.32/t Exchange rate US$1 = 7.00RMB The QP notes that the gold, silver, and zinc metal prices used for the economic analysis are slightly higher than those used in the Ying COG calculations. The QP also notes that current spot metal prices at the time of writing of the Technical Report are: gold - $2,430/oz; silver - $30.89/oz; lead - $0.97/lb; zinc - $1.34/lb with all but the lead price significantly higher than the prices used for the economic analysis. Using the LOM production profile based on the 30 June 2024 Mineral Reserves, and the metal price and other assumptions shown above, pre-tax and post-tax cashflow projections have been generated. At a 5% discount rate, pre-tax and post-tax NPVs of $896M and $699M, respectively, are projected. Over the LOM, 61.5% of the net revenue is projected to come from silver, 29.9% from lead, 5.0% from zinc, and 3.6% from gold. The Ying Property continues to be a strongly viable operation based on current Mineral Reserves, with potential to extend its Mineral Resources via further exploration and development, particularly in areas with identified Inferred material. Qualified Persons All eight authors of the Ying 2024 Technical Report qualify as independent Qualified Persons ("QPs"). Five of the independent authors have visited the Ying Mining District (latest visits in February 2024). The QPs have examined all aspects of the project, including drill core, underground workings, processing plant, site laboratory and surface infrastructure. Assay data supporting the Mineral Resource estimate was verified by a QP by comparing a subset of assay results stored within the Mineral Resource database against assay certificates issued by the relevant reporting laboratory. The Ying 2024 Technical Report will be made available for review on the SEDAR+ system and on the Company's website at www.silvercorpmetals.com within 45 days of this news release. H. Smith, P.Eng., G. Vartell, P.Geo., S. Robinson, P.Geo., MAIG, C. Stewart, P.Geo., of AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd.; R. Carlson, FAIG, RPGeo. and R. Chesher, FAusIMM, of AMC Consultants Pty Ltd; J. Glanvill, PrSciNat. of AMC Consultants (UK) Limited, and D. Claffey, CPEng. of Hillerton Consulting Ltd. are Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43101. The Qualified Persons have reviewed and consented to this press release and believe it fairly and accurately represents the information in the Technical Report that supports the disclosure. About Silvercorp Silvercorp is a Canadian mining company producing silver, gold, lead, and zinc with a long history of profitability and growth potential. The Company's strategy is to create shareholder value by 1) focusing on generating free cashflow from long life mines; 2) organic growth through extensive drilling for discovery; 3) ongoing merger and acquisition efforts to unlock value; and 4) long term commitment to responsible mining and ESG. For more information, please visit our website at www.silvercorpmetals.com. For further information Silvercorp Metals Inc. Lon Shaver, President Phone: (604) 6699397 Toll Free 1(888) 2241881 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.silvercorpmetals.com CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER FORWARDLOOKING STATEMENTS Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forwardlooking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws (collectively, "forwardlooking statements"). Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward looking statements. Forwardlooking statements relate to, among other things: the price of silver and other metals; foreign exchange rates; the accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates at the Company's material properties; estimated mine life and any anticipated changes related thereto; the sufficiency of the Company's capital to finance the Company's operations; estimates of revenues, operation costs, capital expenditures, mine plan, and estimated production from the Company's mines in the Ying Mining District; timing of receipt of permits and regulatory approvals; availability of funds from production to finance the Company's operations; and access to and availability of funding for future construction, use of proceeds from any financing and development of the Company's properties. Forwardlooking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forwardlooking statements, including, without limitation, risks relating to: fluctuating commodity prices; calculation of resources, reserves and mineralization and precious and base metal recovery; interpretations and assumptions of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; exploration and development programs; feasibility and engineering reports; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for our operations are received in a timely manner;; title to properties; property interests; joint venture partners; acquisition of commercially mineable mineral rights; financing; recent market events and conditions; economic factors affecting the Company; timing, estimated amount, capital and operating expenditures and economic returns of future production; integration of future acquisitions into the Company's existing operations; competition; operations and political conditions; regulatory environment in China and Canada; our ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws; environmental risks; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; insurance; risks and hazards of mining operations; key personnel; conflicts of interest; dependence on management; global economic and social impact of COVID19; internal control over financial reporting; and bringing actions and enforcing judgments under U.S. securities laws. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forwardlooking statements. Forward looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forwardlooking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in the Company's Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors". Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. The Company's forwardlooking statements are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this news release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forwardlooking statements if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US INVESTORS The technical and scientific information contained herein has been prepared in accordance with NI 43101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum classification system, which differs significantly from the standards adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, the technical and scientific information contained herein, including any estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies subject to the disclosure requirements of the SEC. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release uses the terms "measured resources," "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Further to recent amendments, mineral property disclosure requirements in the United States (the "U.S. Rules") are governed by subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") which differ from the CIM Standards. As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system (the "MJDS"), the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the U.S. Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. If the Company ceases to be a foreign private issuer or loses its eligibility to file its annual report on Form 40-F pursuant to the MJDS, then the Company will be subject to the U.S. Rules, which differ from the requirements of NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Pursuant to the new U.S. Rules, the SEC recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources." In addition, the definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" under the U.S. Rules are now "substantially similar" to the corresponding standards under NI 43-101. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, or inferred mineral resources that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further, "inferred mineral resources" have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. While the above terms under the U.S. Rules are "substantially similar" to the standards under NI 43-101 and CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the U.S. Rules and CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that Pan American may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted under the U.S. Rules. Additional information relating to the Company, including Silvercorp's Annual Information Form, can be obtained under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on the Company's website at www.silvercorpmetals.com Monday, August 19, 2024 - Kathiani Member of Parliament Robert Mbui has accused Treasury and National Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi of being clueless about managing the countrys economy. Speaking on Monday during a local TV appearance, Kathiani MP and Deputy Minority Leader Robert Mbui criticized John Mbadi for flip-flopping after recently announcing plans to revive the eco levy. Mbui argued that increasing taxes as proposed by Mbadi would not result in a surge in revenue collected countrywide. "One of the biggest opponents of the Finance Bill 2024 and one of the things that we found very contentious was the eco levy," Mbui noted. "For the CS, just a week into office, to be telling us that it is the right way to go, that is why when I was questioning, I was talking about things to do with doublespeak. "People must be able to stand their ground firmly. If you believe in something, let us know that you really believe in it."Mbui added. While reinforcing his argument, Mbui accused Mbadi of disregarding his predecessor Njuguna Ndung'u's advice on curbing taxes due to the high cost of living. "This eco levy is a mistake because they are leaving taxes on phones and computers and basically all office equipment. "That means that everyone who is running a business in Kenya and has some little technology, they have to pay extra for that. "That makes all the costs for their goods and services more and we are talking about containers like plastics for cooking oil etc," he explained. "He was told by his predecessor very well that you have to be very careful that Kenya has a problem cost of living and poverty and he was told, 'when you increase taxation, it doesn't necessarily mean that you collect more." The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, August 19, 2024 - Wiper Democratic Movement party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, has vowed to oppose plans by President William Rutos administration to introduce tolls on various roads across the country. Speaking in Kirinyaga County on Sunday, Kalonzo reprimanded the Kenya Kwanza administration, insisting that it cannot introduce tolls on roads it has not built. Kalonzo argued that plans to compel motorists to pay to use Thika Superhighway will go against the reason why the late Mwai Kibakis administration built the road. Kalonzo, who served in Kibakis administration, stated that the Thika Superhighway was designed not only to ease transportation but also to facilitate the faster movement of farm produce to the city. We know that these people are desperate, they cannot wait to raid peoples pockets again. "I know they want to introduce road tolls. Well, I want to tell Ruto and his people, if you want to bring road tolls again please go and build your own roads, not the ones that Kibaki and Uhuru (Kenyatta) built, Kalonzo said So if you introduce toll on Thika Super Highway, you are raiding the peoples pockets. So we will reject that, Kalonzo added. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is proposing to introduce toll fees on some of the countrys major roads, despite President William Rutos campaign pledge not to introduce such charges. Motorists plying Thika Superhighway, Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit, Dongo Kundu Bypass, and the Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road will be required to pay toll rates if the policy is adopted. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, August 19, 2024 - There was drama at the Nairobi Area DCI offices where billionaire Jimi Wanjigi had gone for grilling over Nane Nane protests after he engaged in a brief altercation with a senior police officer who tried to intimidate him. Wanjigi got furious after the police officer denied him a chance to address the media, citing orders from above. When Wanjigi arrived at the station, he got out of the car to address the media, but the police refused, insisting he should enter the station. Wanjigi answered saying he should be respected and not ordered around. He added that he would go to the station at his own will. Ingia kwa gari, we respect you mheshimiwa, ingia ka gari, the police officer said. He confronted the cop head-on and made it clear that he had the right to address the media. Dont order or touch me, do you understand? Have respect. I will go in at my own will. No, and what if I don't enter? There is nothing like that, have respect, Wanjigi was heard telling the police officer. The senior cop identified as, Duncan Oteng, was arrested last year by EACC when he was Ruai OCS, for demanding Ksh 5,000 from revellers he had held in cells on claims of being drunk and disorderly. However, it seems no action was taken against him. Watch video of Jimi Wanjigi confronting him. " Do not order me , do not touch me" Businessman Jimi Wanjigi arrives at Nairobi Area DCI offices for grilling amid drama with police over the Nane Nane protests. pic.twitter.com/SfahsEKCyI The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) August 19, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Monday, August 19, 2024 - An outspoken Azimio One Kenya Alliance Member of Parliament has warned Treasury and National Planning Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, against reviving the controversial Finance Bill 2024. On Sunday, John Mbadi stated that the Treasury would reintroduce certain beneficial clauses from the Finance Bill 2024 to help the economy run smoothly. However, on Monday, Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya cautioned John Mbadi against reintroducing taxes that were part of the withdrawn Finance Bill 2024. Salasya said the plan would force Kenyans back to the streets for another round of protests. Dont try that foolishness, youll realize you dont know what youre doing. "You want to start burning this country again. Kenyans are watching, theyll know. "Youre just bragging because you have automatic numbers from UDA and ODM, but we, Gen Z, are the official opposition. "Try it at your own risk, and it will be worse this time, Salasya said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, August 19, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sent a message to Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah, who are allegedly behind a plot to impeach him. According to former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General, Cleophas Malala, Mbarire and Ichungwah met in Thika in June and mooted a plan to impeach the second in command. But speaking at a function on Saturday in Njoro, Nakuru County, Gachagua claimed people he helped win the 2022 elections were behind plans to impeach him. "There are many people I assisted during campaigns to clinch the seats they hold today. "But I realised they are the same people plotting my downfall and backstabbing me," Gachagua said. The President's Principal Assistant warned he would not support any leader plotting his downfall in the 2027 General Election. "But the good thing is that elections come every five years. So the same people will need my support in 2027. "I will only support those who are supporting me now. One of them even dared to ask me why I don't recognise his work whenever I visit his constituency," he said. The Kenyan DAILY POST The growing interest from TradFi firms in the crypto market is positive news for the industry and could influence Bitcoin price projections for the remainder of 2024, as discussed on Binance, Yahoo Finance and Forbes.. With the launch of crypto exchanges and Bitcoin ETFs by companies like Fidelity Investments and BlackRock, institutional investors and baby boomers who had been wary of the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies now have a relatively safer means to invest in digital currencies. This means more money for the market and a resultant surge in the value of assets like BTC. We dive into Wall Streets interest shift in crypto and what it means for the industry in this article. EDX Markets A Wall Street-backed Crypto Exchange Crypto exchanges abound in the industry, with millions of investors relying on these platforms to trade digital currencies. However, recent events with companies like FTX have seen questions raised around exchange platforms. Many traditional investors have interest in cryptocurrencies, but theyre wary of potential risks associated with crypto exchanges (such as fund misappropriation). To remedy these concerns and provide a safer and more compliant access into the market, Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, Citadel Securities,and other notable Wall Street firms developed EDX Markets (EDXM) a non-custodial crypto exchange. Unlike most crypto exchanges that retain custody of digital assets on behalf of investors, EDXM uses middle-men like banks to store cryptocurrencies. Utilizing third-party financial institutions as custodians of digital assets is more in line with regulatory demands and enhances transparency and customer trust. For older investors like baby boomers who are risk-averse, this platform offers a reliable entry point into the complex crypto scene. The fact that EDXM is the brainchild of leading Wall Street firms is an interesting development, as it sees TradFi merge with the crypto market after years of skepticism. In all fairness, Wall Street is simply responding to the demands of traditional investors, who want to understand the crypto market and tap into what could potentially be the future of money but with a safer, more compliant strategy. Bitcoin ETFs A Trustworthy and Regulated Investment Instrument Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network. While this feature is one of the appeals of the digital currency, it comes with some drawbacks for risk-averse investors. For instance, decentralization means Bitcoin isnt controlled by a central authority like a central bank or any other government authority. As such, regulating the currency is a significant challenge. It also doesnt help that the blockchain technology at the heart of Bitcoin might be complex to understand for older individuals like baby boomers. These factors fuel the reluctance of many investors to adopt the digital coin and other cryptocurrencies. However, that was before 2024 and the launch of Bitcoin ETFs by Wall Street giants like BlackRock. Bitcoin ETFs entered the investment market after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) gave the approval in January. The SEC approved eleven spot ETFs, but the most well-known is iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) from BlackRock the largest asset manager on the globe. What Does Bitcoin ETFs Mean for Investors? Prior to the approval of spot ETFs for Bitcoin, investors could only access cryptocurrencies through exchange platforms. As earlier mentioned, digital currencies and the technology surrounding them are relatively new and require buyers to be technologically savvy. The complex nature of Bitcoin and other digital assets restricted many individuals from tapping into the crypto market. However, with the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT, investors can purchase Bitcoin in the same way they access other investment instruments via a brokerage account. In fact, these spot ETFs mean Bitcoin can be included in 401(k) accounts and retirement funds. Alongside providing quicker access to digital assets, ETFs are more widely understood compared to cryptocurrencies. As such, the idea is that investors would feel safer purchasing Bitcoin via a financial instrument theyre more familiar with. In addition, ETFs are fully regulated, thereby removing any worries surrounding Bitcoins unregulated nature. Aside from the benefits to investors, Wall Streets spot ETFs are also an exciting development for the crypto market. Finance firms like BlackRock are trusted by millions of individuals, with trillions of dollars in assets under management. Significant portions of these astonishing figures can now easily enter the crypto market via Bitcoin spot ETFs, boosting the industry and elevating Bitcoins price. In other words, with the launch of Bitcoin ETFs, Wall Street isnt just dipping its toes into crypto waters; it has positioned itself to become a major player in the industry. Final Thoughts Wall Street may have steered clear of Bitcoin in its early years, but that doesnt seem to be the case any longer. Many of the big hitters in the US TradFi sector are taking major steps to enter the crypto market. With the launch of crypto exchanges and Bitcoin spot ETFs backed by companies like Fidelity Investments, Citadel Securities, and BlackRock, Wall Street has created easier, safer, and more trustworthy systems for investors to access digital assets. These moves will likely spur widespread acceptance of cryptocurrencies, leading to a boost in the crypto market. Monday, August 19, 2024 - Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Gen Z to take to the streets in large numbers to oppose President William Rutos broad-based government alongside former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. After five weeks of protests over the controversial Finance Bill 2024, President Ruto formed a unity government with Raila Odinga, appointing five ODM members to his cabinet. Kalonzo, who opposes the broad-based government, urged Gen Z to protest again, warning that Ruto and Raila Odinga plan to reintroduce the controversial Finance Bill 2024. On his part, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, stated that the newly reconstituted government could be worse than the previous administration after a section of opposition leaders were co-opted into it. With the numbers that have been garnered now by the broad-based usu-make government, these taxes will go through parliament, Wamalwa warned on Sunday. The two spoke in Embu Town. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, August 19, 2024 - Controversial blogger Aoko Otieno has been released from police custody on Ksh 100,000 cash bail after pleading not guilty to three counts of publication of false information. About 100 police officers stormed Aokos house on Friday and arrested her for claiming that Beth Mbuitu, the daughter of a powerful police officer, wrecked the marriage of city businesswoman Amira after eloping with her husband Jamal. Aoko alleged that Beth uplifted Jamal from a makanga to a matatu owner after wrecking his marriage with Amira. Beth is the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Matatu Operators (AMO). She took advantage of her fathers high-ranking position in the police force to intimidate Aoko. The tweet read, Maze it disorients me to say this.. But Amber Ray is innocent. She did not ruin marriage ya Jamal Amira.. Beth did..Shes the daughter of a powerful cop so if you find me thrown Kware, refer to this tweet Ask how Jamal moved from Makanga wa South C to Matatu boss Ndio naanza. Aoko was forced to delete the tweet after her arrest. According to the charge sheet, the remarks violated Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act of 2018, which states that if found guilty, a person faces a Ksh.5 million fine, a 10-year prison sentence, or both. Three witnesses are scheduled to testify, including Sergeant Norah Shigi, a Digital Forensics expert at Kenya's Communications Authority, and Chief Inspector Nickson Kinyua. Below are photos of Beth. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, August 18, 2024 - An On-Air-Personality. Chidi Sunday, has shared the testimony of how he cheated death after he fell terribly ill sometime this year. In a post shared on his Facebook page, Chidi stated that he was on oxygen for many months and even that even the doctors that were attending to him at some point lost hope that he would ever recover. He said while he was in the hospital, he witnessed so many deaths but that his faith in God remained unshaken. He stated that one faithful day, his doctor advised that his oxygen mask be removed and that he has remained alive since then. Read his story below For those of you who May not know. My life is a proof that God is Alive and Hes merciful. On the 12th of April this man here was wheeled into the hospital. I was diagnosed of a lung infection and doctors said I had to be placed on oxygen to live. 3 weeks down the treatment my health was deteriorating. Life was leaving me. I saw death came face to face. I remember one of the days I over heard one of the doctors discussing with my dad that they have given up on my case and they are just managing my case hoping for a miracle. It dawned on me that I had to fight for my life. For weeks I could neither talk or walk it was a hopeless case. I was bedridden. I didnt sleep for about a month cos I will have to stay awake and monitor the oxygen so it doesnt finish. My case was getting worse by the day. The money we had was already exhausting and we needed to buy oxygen. I woke up one morning and then the Holy Spirit said : take a picture of you and post on Facebook. Naturally I wouldnt have. I obeyed. He said reach out to Bmp Anthonent and Chukwudi Somack Mmesoma. Now this was the first miracle! People started responding. I literally saw how people gave and gave and gave. We moved from 6 oxygen per day to about 10. Each of this oxygen cost for 18,000. In a day we were buying drugs over 40-50k It got to a point it was looking as if there was no improvement after all the money spent. To shaken my faith people were dieing like rats in my ward. I lost count of death that took place at the hospital. 80% died on oxygen. Regardless, I kept declaring I wont die! Not now. Thank God for Dominion City Lagos who stood with me in prayers and arms. Infact my account was displayed on the screen . Church kept giving, members kept giving. There was literally nobody who wasnt aware of my case. When all hope was lost!!!! Against all odds That faithful morning the doctor walked in and said Chidi youre going home. I will discharge you today. The hospital erupted!! You need to see the shout. Nobody believed . He said pull of the oxygen. I did!! Stayed for an 1hr nothing happened. Poir to this time, any second without oxygen is death. But mehn!!!!!!!Chidi has been breathing for the past one month. Guess what? My recovery process is supposed to take extra months staying at home. But were all seeing what God is doing. The speed at which i Im recuperating is humbly! This is a tastement that God is FAITHFUL'' Chidi who recently turned 29, shared new photos showing how much he has recovered. Dis one no be photoshop oooo. This are life pictures of what God can do. One of the promises I told God at my death state was if I get to ever live again I will sound His faithfulness to ends of the earth. Incase youre getting tired seeing my pictures. Hmmmm. Now na good morning. I never even start Na only me know wetin my eye see'' Monday, August 19, 2024 - Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai has advised President William Ruto to sack his head of the economic council, Dr. David Ndii, alleging that Ndii is working with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to destabilize the broad-based 'Nusu Mkate' government. In a social media post on Monday, Alai claimed that Ndii's social media outbursts against Kenyans are intended to tarnish the government's reputation and give Gachagua and his allies ammunition to vilify the Government. Alai, a former blogger, advised Ruto to dismiss David Ndii, alleging that Ndii is working with the Deputy President to incite anger among Kenyans and foster anti-government sentiment. I believe that David Ndii is also working with Rigathi Gachagua and other coup plotters. "His main aim in the administration is to create policies and deliver advisories that extremely anger the population and make Ruto an enemy of the people. "He injects further by talking smack online. "If President Ruto wants peace, Ndii should be out of his panel of advisors, Ala wrote on his X page (formerly Twitter). The Kenyan DAILY POST In most physician prosecutions for treating pain or addiction, there is never any actual evidence of criminal intent. Just the nebulous argument that a doctor ignored the risk of overdose, ignored the risk of addiction, or performed an insufficient medical exam. I have a big problem with these because the doctor didnt ignore anything in about 80 percent of the cases I evaluated. Indeed, the DEA had to lie to a doctor to get a prescription. Usually, they send in a compromised patient, but sometimes an actual agent. The first, knowing their freedom, depends on somehow incriminating the doctor; the other is well-trained in deception. Both are willing to lie to the doctor to get what they need. These undercover operatives will come in with falsified imaging studies like MRIs (Dr. Robin Cox) or completely manufactured medical records (yours truly). They will then lie to the doctor, saying they have pain, faking it on the physical exam, etc. To those who think you can tell when someone is lying or faking, I assure you that belief only makes you more prone to deception. The success rate of trained interrogators, even with polygraphs, is about 50/50. A coin flip. In most of these stings, the doctor does a good job, but tapes and video are mysteriously unavailable in this case. But you dont need to lie when the doctor is truly a criminal. And the tapes magically appear. But if an undercover agent comes into a doctors office offering cash for a prescription for a certain medication without records of being on it in the past and without going through an evaluation and still gets it, there is a big problem. In this case, we have Dr. Mendez and Pena-Rodriguez, 59 and 56, respectively, and a recruiter named Hernandez, age 35. Recruiters are paid by drug trafficking organizations to find new customers. Doctors should always avoid marketing specialists who want to get paid per patient found for a clinic, as this can be illegal under some insurance contracts and a bad idea, period, as now it can be confused with recruiting for drugs. Use Google for the young and mailers for the old. According to the government, evidence of 24 undercover visits were on hand, including audio and video recordings. This was enough for Pena-Rodriguez, who pleaded guilty five days before his trial started. Hernandez pleaded guilty, too. Dr. Mendez chose to fight it in court, which is very surprising to me if these tapes existed. Doctors are being convicted with no evidence at all, so I would question this choice. If you had criminal intent, plead guilty through your attorney and get your credit for doing so. The American federal court system right now is designed to reward true criminals who dont put up a fight. On the other hand, the truly innocent dont have a chance. The video and audio recordings introduced into evidence were said to show undercover officers posing as patients requesting medications by name and receiving prescriptions despite never having complained of pain. If true, there would be no excuse for this. The medications were tramadol, alprazolam, and hydrocodone. The last is Schedule II, which makes it a very big deal, but federal prosecutors control sentencing to a great degree. They can often enhance a parking ticket to a life sentence, Parking with intent to kill, or something other. In this case, the doctor is said to have charged $200 to $250 cash to write these prescriptions at least 24 times over a period of two years. If that wasnt enough, they have this on tape, mind you; he gave instructions to the undercover operatives on how to avoid law-enforcement detection. Telling your patients to keep their pills in their bottles so they dont get unjustly locked up is good medicine. Telling them to lie to the authorities for any reason is a very bad idea for them and you, as it can be used to argue criminal intent. The undercover officers received the illegal prescriptions on multiple visits where the behaviors were repeated and, with the tapes, prevailed at trial with a guilty verdict and a seven-year sentence. This time, I agree. This appears to be a criminal act, and we are all safer if doctors like this are identified. The article I read quoted the Dallas DEA Special Agent in Charge thusly, We will continue to investigate and seek prosecution against medical professionals who break the law and, simply put, deal drugs. Not only did Dr. Mendez flagrantly dismiss his professional and ethical duties, but evidence showed he attempted to conceal his criminal conduct by suggesting methods to thwart law enforcement intervention. He failed. DEA will continue to hold these rogue doctors responsible for their reckless and illegal behavior. I think he meant rogue doctors, and that was probably a reporting error, so those of us with a redder skin tone can relax I hope. In any case, kudos to the Dallas DEA on this one. Take what youve learned in this case and a few others and recognize the difference between a doctor purposefully doing harm and one practicing in a way you just dont agree with. Selling medications by the milligram or pill count illegal. Not seeing a patient at all illegal. Making a risk-benefit assessment in a manner different than a DEA agent would thats medicine. Learn the difference, and well all be better off. L. Joseph Parker is a research physician. While working as psychiatrists, we have the pleasure of working very closely with our patients as well as their friends and family. During these interactions, we get to know a lot about their struggles. In this blog, I want to focus on what we as a community can do to help patients as well as their families dealing with schizophrenia. I saw an elderly lady admitted to the inpatient psychiatry unit with new-onset psychosis, paranoia, and delusions. The lady had never been diagnosed with a psychiatric illness before. It was really sad to see how someone with a proper job and a family could experience such a drastic change all of a sudden. I will never forget the shared helplessness on her face when she was asked to get an MRI for some of her symptoms, and it was so difficult for her to convince herself to do so when her thoughts were telling her that something bad was going to happen to her. I remember how patiently our doctor explained the whole process to her repeatedly and answered all her questions, at the end to which she gave her consent. Then there was another autistic patient with mild intellectual disability, who came to the office with her mother due to new onset audio-visual hallucinations and had started responding to some inner as well as outer stimuli. She had been stable on her current medication for years, and these were completely new developments. Her mother was so worried, yet she was an image of strengthlistening intently to every word the doctor said, trying to absorb the information, and asking thoughtful questions. Despite her fears, she remained composed, seeking the best possible care for her daughter. This moment reminded me of the immense pressure families face when a loved one develops symptoms of a severe mental illness like schizophrenia. In these situations, the role of the community becomes crucial. The patient and their family often feel isolated, overwhelmed, and in desperate need of support. This is where we, as a society, can step in and make a difference. Support can take many forms. It can be as simple as offering a listening ear or providing practical help with daily tasks. For patients, this might involve assisting with appointments, helping manage medications, or simply spending time with them to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Even small gestures, like a regular visit or a phone call, can make a significant impact on their emotional well-being. Sometimes, its about ensuring that both patients and their families have access to the right resources, such as connecting them with support groups or helping them navigate the health care system. Encouraging patients to engage in community activities or helping them find employment opportunities tailored to their abilities can also foster a sense of independence and self-worth. Additionally, advocacy plays a key role. By working to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and pushing for better access to mental health services, we create a more supportive environment for everyone affected by schizophrenia. We must remember that mental illness doesnt just affect the individual; it touches the lives of everyone around them. Families need as much support as the patient, if not more. They are often the primary caregivers, and their well-being is just as important in the recovery process. Imagine the difference it would make if, instead of judgment or avoidance, patients and their families were met with compassion, understanding, and tangible support from their community. A simple act of kindness can go a long way in lightening the burden they carry. Whether its offering to babysit so a caregiver can take a much-needed break, helping a patient with daily tasks, or simply sending a message to check in, these small gestures remind them that they are not alone. Supporting someone with schizophrenia is a collective responsibility. By being kind, patient, and proactive, we can create an environment where both patients and their families feel supported, understood, and empowered. Let us all strive to be a part of this compassionate communitybecause when we come together to support each other, we build a stronger, more caring society. Farees Ahmad Khan, a graduate of Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, Pakistan, is an aspiring psychiatrist with a deep passion for the field. Growing up in a closely-knit family, she is known for her compassion, which is reflected in her patient care. As a good listener, she prioritizes the well-being of her patients. In addition to expanding her knowledge in psychiatry, Farees enjoys immersing herself in fantasy books, finding both inspiration and relaxation in their imaginative stories. Farees is dedicated to making a positive impact in mental health, both through her clinical work and by sharing her insights with a broader audience. She believes in holistic care and strives to provide compassionate and effective treatment to all her patients. Sarah Alnaher is a physician. By Fahad Malik Jjingo At least seven people have been confirmed dead in an early morning road crash in Lwengo District. A Kabale-bound bus collided with a truck on the Mbarara-Masaka road, leaving over thirty people injured. The deceased, who are yet to be identified, were reportedly traveling from Kabale to Kampala at the time of the crash which occurred around 4 AM at Kilumba in Kyazanga Rural Sub-county. A speeding bus belonging to Gateway Bus Company, registration number UBQ 621Z, collided with a Fuso truck, registration number UBM 673K, carrying maize flour. Six people died instantly, and another succumbed to injuries shortly after being rushed to a private clinic. Eyewitnesses say the bus driver, en route from Kabale to Kampala, was driving recklessly when he collided with the truck heading from Kampala to Mbarara. Richard Ssekitoleko, the Kilumba village chairperson, said over 20 people were rushed to Joy for Humanity Clinic in Kyazanga for treatment. Due to the severity of some injuries, patients were transferred to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. Majority of the passengers on board sustained various injuries while occupants of the truck also suffered multiple injuries, including fractured legs and arms, Mr Richard Ssekitoleko, an eyewitness and chairperson of Kirumba village said. Locals who came to the aid of the victims reported that many survivors suffered fractures. They blamed the crash on reckless driving. Uganda Red Cross Society teams and locals transported victims to hospitals in Lwengo, Lyantonde, and Masaka. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. The Buganda Land Board (BLB) Deputy Chief Executive, Bashir Kizito, has called on the government to welcome recommendations as feedback on the ongoing piloting of the National Land Information System public portal across the country. The government announced the pilot to all its Ministry Zonal Offices (MZOs) to assess the systems usability and determine its friendliness for ordinary people seeking to verify land title status. In an interview with KFM, Kizito stated that this would improve service delivery. People still believe that the old certificates of land titles are indeed the authentic titles. They dont believe in the current certificates that are being produced. It is incumbent on government to sensitize the masses, he said. He also urged the government to address challenges related to user clauses on certificates of title, which registered owners must obtain from planning authorities. The trajectory of China-Africa relations over the past decades has recorded numerous positive indicators, demonstrating a consistent upward trend in strengthening and expanding cooperation across various fields. by Rania Aboelkheir The 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in the Chinese capital city of Beijing from Sept. 4 to 6. The summit is expected to include the participation of African heads of state, as well as representatives from regional and international African organizations involved in summit-related activities. The goal is to enhance the progress of China-Africa cooperation, with the forum serving as one of its operational mechanisms, while both sides strive to strengthen their traditional friendship. The summit, under the theme of "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future," aims to create new avenues for solidarity and cooperation, thereby accelerating the shared development of both sides. The summit is expected to explore ways to strengthen friendship and cooperation and to write a new chapter on building a China-African community with a shared future. It is worth noting that since the establishment of this forum in 2000, the focus has been on achieving shared prosperity and sustainable development for the Chinese and African peoples, through a commitment to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. As the forum approaches its 25th anniversary next year, it has evolved into an important platform for collective dialogue and an effective mechanism for practical cooperation between China and Africa, built on a solid foundation of friendship, respect, trust, and mutual benefit. In light of all this, the trajectory of China-Africa relations over the past decades has recorded numerous positive indicators, demonstrating a consistent upward trend in strengthening and expanding cooperation across various fields. The following are some of the key indicators. First: A tradition in China's foreign policy towards Africa was highlighted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a press conference on the sidelines of this year's session of China's National People's Congress in March. He said that Chinese foreign ministers have chosen Africa as the first stop on their annual overseas visits in a tradition that has continued for 34 years. "This is unparalleled in the history of international exchanges. It is so because China and Africa are brothers treating each other with sincerity and sharing a common future. We have fought shoulder to shoulder against imperialism and colonialism. We have supported each other in pursuit of development. We have always stood for justice in a changing international landscape," he said. Second: Trade has grown between the two sides, making China Africa's largest trading partner today. Recent years have seen an expansion in both the volume and quality of trade between China and the African continent. According to the China-Africa Trade Index, published for the first time in 2023, the value of China's imports from and exports to Africa increased from less than 100 billion yuan (about 14 billion U.S. dollars) in 2000 to 1.88 trillion yuan (about 263 billion dollars) in 2022, a cumulative increase of about 20 times. In 2023, the China-Africa trade volume reached a record high of 282.1 billion dollars, an annual increase of 1.5 percent. China's imports of nuts, vegetables, flowers, and fruits from Africa increased by 130 percent, 32 percent, 14 percent, and 7 percent, respectively, year on year. Meanwhile, Chinese exports of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products to Africa increased by 291 percent, 109 percent, and 57 percent, respectively, strongly supporting Africa's green transition. Third: China has been committed to supporting Africa's economic integration. China has expressed its support for the practical steps taken by the African Union to enhance the economic integration of its member states. China commended the 37th African Union Summit for announcing the implementation of the second decade of "Agenda 2063," aimed at enhancing economic integration, infrastructure connectivity, and agricultural productivity. In this context, China also supports the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which was officially launched in 2019. The AfCFTA aims to reduce tariffs, eliminate trade barriers, and promote the development of trade and investment within the region, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, and capital across the African continent. The AfCFTA offers advantages by facilitating access to regional markets and enhancing production chains across the continent, better preparing African industries for the increasingly competitive global market. It goes without saying that China's support for African integration efforts stems from Beijing's desire to be a partner in the continent's modernization, development, and progress along the independent path its people have chosen. On the sidelines of the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue held in August 2023, China launched three pioneering plans for cooperation with Africa: the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development. These three plans cover the areas most in need on the African continent, which China is committed to supporting through concrete actions to help achieve the developmental goals of African countries and their peoples. In conclusion, the upcoming summit is being held at a highly sensitive time both internationally and regionally, which underscores its importance in following up on the implementation of previous summit outcomes and meetings, assessing their performance, and formulating visions and approaches to addressing issues of interest, both in bilateral relations and within the deeply changing global system. Editor's note: Rania Aboelkheir is the secretary-general of the Global Forum for Future Studies, an Egyptian think tank. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency. By Jane Nafula The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction is all set to hold its maiden delegates conference today, August 19, 2024, during which it is expected to announce the name of the new political party. According to Kira Municipality legislator, Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju, the faction will form its own party, given the fact that at least 80 percent of the stakeholders consulted across the country, are in support of the proposal at hand. Ssemujju said a range of names have been proposed by some individuals but the final will be decided by delegates at the conference, which is expected to be held at Katonga faction offices in Kampala. He says that between 700- 800 delegates are expected to attend the conference, adding that some of them especially those from Northern Uganda arrived on Sunday. Ssemujju said that once the party interim president, Mr Erias Lukwago has presented the report, members will adopt it before Godber Tumushabe, a city lawyer and policy analyst gives a keynote address. The founder of FDC, Rt Col Kizza Besigye will then address the delegates. Ssemujju also revealed that the Katonga faction invited representatives from genuine political parties to save Najjanankumbi. The Katonga faction is considering forming a new political party, following a break away from the original FDC party. The decision was reached when FDC, which was the biggest opposition Party in Uganda split into the Katonga and Najjanankumbi factions, following internal accusations of promoting the interests of the ruling National Resistance Movement ( NRM) led by President Museveni. By Paul Adude Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Deputy Executive Director, Mr David Luyimbazi has announced that the Authority is yet to find an alternative dumping site for the citys garbage and has now turned to Cabinet for intervention. He says that with the looming deadline for using Nkumba Bufulu Landfill as a temporary dumping ground, they are now seeking the intervention of the Cabinet sitting at State House Entebbe today, August 19, 2024, to find a resolution. On Friday last week, Entebbe Municipality officials issued a four-day ultimatum to KCCA, which expires today. Luyimbazi emphasized that the issue extends beyond Kampala, affecting neighboring areas including Wakiso, Kira, Makindye Ssabagabo, and Mukono. He believes it requires immediate attention from the Cabinet, which is scheduled to meet at State House Entebbe today. Even where they are chasing us, that land was bought with government money, that landfill was not bought with the Mayors or councilors money. Nansana didnt buy Menvu with their own money, it was government money so this is a national issue where government must help us prevail over these jurisdictions to conduct themselves in a peaceful way otherwise the city is choking, he said. Entebbe Mayor, Mr Fabrice Rulinda has raised concerns about the potential impact of marabou stocks, which thrive on dumpsites, on the safety of aircraft at Entebbe International Airport. The Anti-Corruption Court has granted Shs10 million cash bail to Sam Tusubira, a State Attorney with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Tusubira is accused of soliciting a Shs100 million bribe from a litigant in a land case. The 33-year-old government lawyer was released by Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe after presenting substantial sureties. The presiding magistrate ordered his sureties to execute a non-cash bond of Shs50 million as security to ensure his return to court on September 19, 2024, for mention of the case. Prosecution alleges that Tusubira, while representing the government in court, demanded a Shs100 million bribe from Ronald Yawe. Yawe had sued the Ministry of Lands and the Attorney General over the irregular cancellation of his land title. The court heard that on December 22, 2023, in Kampala, Tusubira requested Shs100 million and received Shs43,660,000 as a facilitation fee to secure the Attorney Generals consent for the land matter Yawe had filed in the Luweero High Court. Prosecution, led by Teopista Nnam and Viola Tusingwire, further accuses their colleague of receiving multiple bribes to handle Yawes land case between October 2, 2023, and January 23, 2024, in Kampala. The state lawyer was arrested following a complaint by Yawe to the Attorney Generals Chambers. Yawe accused Tusubira of misconduct, claiming the lawyer had stopped answering his calls after receiving the money, instead of assisting him in getting compensation. By Winfred Watenya Ugandans have been asked to rise high above the negative portrayal of the countrys image as one of the ways to not only show their patriotism but also make it an attractive destination for investment and tourism. The media has been awash with news of the reported inappropriate behaviour of Ugandas representatives to diplomatic missions in Canada and Dubai (UAE), largely portraying what has been termed as a negative image of the country. However, speaking to NTV on Monday morning, Ahmed Hadji, a foreign policy analyst and Executive Director, Center for Policy and Strategic Studies (CPSS) said these are isolated incidents that should not be used as a yardstick for the health and stability of Ugandas diplomatic infrastructure. He added that even while investigations into the two incidents continue, Ugandans need to be at the forefront of promoting a positive national image. I think it is our job as Ugandans to raise beyond the headlines. These isolated cases are not a representation of the entire diplomatic space. Our job as citizen diplomats is to speak good of our country even when we feel certain things are not working out, he said. He also emphasized the need to professionalise Ugandas diplomacy with focus on a review of how diplomats are identified, prepared, and deployed and setting clear measurable targets that are in line with the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. Foreign affairs state minister Okello Oryem also confirmed earlier that the Canadian government had indeed declared Ambassador Joy Ruth Acheng persona non grata over alleged inappropriate behaviour, and would return to the country on Wednesday this week and wait for the President to determine her fate. He however quickly added that Canadas decision would not in any way affect its relations with Uganda. By Cillian Sherlock, PA An ever-decreasing respect for international law must be addressed by the United Nations, the President has said. Michael D Higgins said it was as if the world has become so desensitised to a daily loss of life, that it had descended into a passivity around international law. He said: Indeed, the prospects as to whether international law can survive, and any of the institutions associated with it, means that the forthcoming United Nations meeting in New York is by any standard a crisis meeting. The domination in the discourse, both internationally and regionally, by the politics of fear and by the definition of power as capacity to access weapons of destruction is another indication of the crisis we face. The UN is to hold a high-level week of engagements on global conflicts and other crises at the end of September. Without explicitly referencing the war in Gaza, Mr Higgins echoed the words of Palestinian-American poet Hala Alyan where she said: We must not believe for a second that relentless dehumanisation is only the problem of the dehumanised. They pay the unimaginable cost, but it is a multidirectional phenomenon. What oppressive systems dont realise is that to engage in dehumanisation in thought, in speech, in action, in policy is a slow and isolating exercise in the siphoning of your own humanity. Mr Higgins made the comments for World Humanitarian Day on Monday. The President said releasing a statement to mark the occasion was extremely challenging, adding: In almost every aspect of our shared lives, there is less and less space for a discussion as to how we might reduce what are ever-increasing humanitarian disasters. Mr Higgins added: However difficult, we must all remain positive and seek to encourage hope. He said the search for peace, climate action and Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas global campaign to end hunger and poverty were sources of hope. Mr Higgins also said the world cannot continue to ignore the debt burden hanging around the necks of the poorest in the world. He added: Overcoming these crises, and building a world based on humanitarian values, is a task which must now be addressed with the utmost urgency by all countries and by all of our international institutions. Pat Flynn Two sections of a popular walking trail at the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare will be closed later this week so that works planned for later in the year can be carried out in the coming weeks. A total of 5,500 metres of the walking route will be closed to the public from this Thursday with access being prohibited except to members of the emergency service. The Clare Local Development Company has confirmed: Following the two fatal accidents on the Cliffs of Moher trail in recent months, the trail enhancement works which Clare County Council had proposed to undertake later this year, now need to commence in the coming weeks, to make the trail as safe as possible for walkers and ensure it can remain open into the future. For this reason, Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) has taken the decision to temporarily close some sections of the trail to the public, with effect from Thursday, August 22nd 2024. Access to the trail will be closed for a 5km stretch, from Hags Head to with 1km south of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre while access to the trail will also be closed for a short 500m section, 1km north of the Visitor Centre. Public access will be prevented by the installation of fencing and high visibility signage at relevant points on the trail. Trail closure signage will also be erected on public approach roads and further information will be provided online. Walkers will be able to access sections of the trail from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre site (north and south) and coming from Doolin. However, through-access from Doolin to Hags Head will be suspended until remedial works are completed by Clare County Council. A spokesperson for CLDC said:As these works can only be undertaken with landowner permission, the future reopening of the closed trail sections will depend on agreement being reached between landowners and the Council, and the completion of essential works. Emergency services will be facilitated to access the closed sections, should the need arise. CLDC and Clare IFA will be meeting with trail landowners this week to discuss the planned closure and the future of the trail. CLDC hopes that the trail closures will be short-term, and that agreement can be reached between landowners and Clare County Council to reopen in the near future. Updates on progress will be circulated in the weeks ahead, the spokesperson added. Last month, a body recovered from the sea north of Doolin on the sixth day of a multi-agency search for a 12-year-old. The child is understood to have fallen from the cliff after becoming separated from his mother while visiting the area The tragedy occurred on July 23rd and over the following days, Gardai, the Irish Coast Guard units from Clare and Galway as well as Civil Defence units from six counties were involved in a massive search. The boys body was spotted in the water by two people on a leisure boat on Sunday July 28th and later recovered by members of Doolin Coast Guard and the Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat. After that tragedy, the CLDC said: The Cliffs of Moher trail is safe for walkers, provided they stay on the official trail. However, there is a safety risk where walkers leave the official trail and walk onto old pathways which are closer to the cliff edge. In May, a young woman died after she fell from the Cliffs of Moher. She was in her early 20s and a college student from Belgium who was studying in Scotland. She had been visiting the Cliffs of Moher with three friends when, its believed, she lost her footing and fell. The Cliffs of Moher stand 702ft (214m) at their highest point and around 390ft (120m) at the most southern end at Hags Head. Thousands of people visit the cliffs every day and many others walk the popular Cliffs of Moher coastal path which forms part of the Burren Way walking trail. There are multiple warning signs along and at access points to the cliff trail advising the public of the dangers associated with leaving the marked trails. Two Kilkenny creatives are included on the shortlist for Future Makers Awards 2024 which was recently announced by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland. The shortlist features makers and designers from Donegal to Cork. Established in 2009, Future Makers is a Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) initiative which recognises talent, potential and creativity. It is a platform to showcase the talent of the next generation of makers, designers, and craftspeople looking to take the step from training into enterprise and it provides them with much-needed financial support. With a total awards value of 25,000, it is one of the largest prize-funded design and craft award programmes in Europe. This years competition saw an impressive range of entries from all around Ireland, with each one demonstrating a unique approach to creating beautiful and functional works of art. From furniture and fashion design to ceramics and glassblowing, the shortlisted makers represent the most innovative and creative young designers and makers in Ireland, spanning both student and emerging practitioner categories. Antonio Bozic and Ruta Ivanauskaite from Kilkenny have been shortlisted for this years Future Makers Awards from Design & Crafts Council Ireland. Antonio has been shortlisted in the Emerging Makers category and Ruta has been shortlisted in the Student and Recent Graduates shortlist. Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said Future Makers is a fantastic initiative that recognises students and emerging makers that are championing design across Ireland. The shortlisted candidates represent the most innovative and creative young designers and makers in the country, and they have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and potential in their respective fields. The awards are a steppingstone that can propel their career to new heights in their chosen discipline. Id like to wish all those shortlisted the very best of luck in the awards ceremony. Award winners from 2023 include ceramicist, Cora Cummins; fashion designer, Olwen Bourke; and ceramicist, Paul Griffin. Previous award winners include Michael Stewart of Standing Ground; ceramicist, Chloe Lennon; jeweler, Genevieve Howard; fashion designers, Natalie B. Coleman and Sorcha O' Raghallaigh; designer-maker, Una Burke; furniture designer, Simon Doyle; ceramic artist, Kate O Kelly; and ceramic artist and educator Owen Quinlan, amongst many others. The judges for this years Future Makers include Victoria Donovan a silversmith with almost 40 years of experience; Irish fashion designer, owner of The Linen Shirt Company and founder of Fashion Connect Ireland, Anneliese Duffy Fallon; Katie Dominy, Co-Founder & CEO of Arts Thread and The Global Creative Graduate Show; Fiona Sheehan, an entrepreneur and brand owner with over 25 years of experience in the design, manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution of Irish-made products. Belen Llamas-Ferrier, an apprentice of Andre Buchss and an expert in antique frames and techniques, as well as in the design of contemporary frames. The winners and runners up will be announced for each category at the Future Makers awards on Tuesday, September, 3 in the RDS Dublin. For further information on Future Makers, visit https://www.dcci.ie/dcci-future-makers/ British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter are among six tourists missing after a luxury yacht sank in a tornado off the coast of Sicily, sources said. A body, believed to be that of the vessels cook, has been found and police divers are trying to reach the hull of the ship, which is resting at a depth of 50 metres. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Reppublica stated. Sicilys civil protection agency told the BBC that 18-year-old Hannah Lynch was among those missing with her father, along with the yachts chef, Ricardo Thomas. The yacht was carrying 10 crew members and 12 passengers. Fifteen people including Mr Lynchs wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued, according to local media. The British-flagged superyacht, named Bayesian, capsized at about 5am local time off the coast of Palermo when the area was hit by a tornado. Mr Lynch, who founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, was made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. In June, he was cleared of conducting a massive fraud relating to an 11 billion dollar (8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard. A spokesperson for Mr Lynch said there was no comment. The yacht sank as a fierce storm battered the area overnight. The daily Il Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported that the vessel had mostly British passengers on board, but also people from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and British-French citizens. Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency said: They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. One of the survivors, British tourist Charlotte Emsley, told la Reppublica she held her one-year-old daughter, Sofia, to stop her from drowning. She said: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Charlotte and Sofia are being treated in hospital, as is Sofias father, James Emsley. Karsten Borner, captain of a nearby boat, told journalists those missing included the Bayesians owner and a child, news agency Reuters reported. He said his crew took on board some survivors who were on a life raft, including three who were seriously injured. Fisherman Francesco Cefalu said he sailed from the shore to the scene after seeing a flare at about 4.30am, but by the time he arrived Bayesian had already sunk, with only items such as cushions and wood floating in the water. He added: I think they are inside, all the missing people. A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch said four of its inspectors were being deployed to Palermo. A basic assessment of the scene will be made by the team, with no investigation launched at this stage, the PA news agency understands. Bayesian completed a number of sailings in recent days, calling at various ports in Sicily, according to ship-tracking website VesselFinder. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites, and is listed for rent for up to 195,000 euros (166,000 ) a week. She was built in 2008 by Italian company Perini Navi. Her registered owner is listed as Revtom Ltd, which is based on the Isle of Man. Mr Lynch is of Irish heritage his father was a fireman from Co Cork, and his mother was a nurse from Co Tipperary. In a 2015 radio interview, Mr Lynch confirmed that he was born in Ilford in London, despite a number of reports that he was born in Ireland and raised in England. He said during the same interview that he spent childhood summers in Carrick-On-Shannon and Tipperary and has family who still live there. AltaGas Ltd. (TSE:ALA Get Free Report) Senior Officer Bertram Grant Bradley sold 7,500 shares of AltaGas stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$33.61, for a total value of C$252,075.00. Bertram Grant Bradley also recently made the following trade(s): Get AltaGas alerts: On Monday, June 24th, Bertram Grant Bradley sold 15,000 shares of AltaGas stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$30.59, for a total transaction of C$458,850.00. On Monday, June 3rd, Bertram Grant Bradley sold 10,000 shares of AltaGas stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$30.96, for a total transaction of C$309,600.00. AltaGas Stock Up 0.7 % Shares of TSE ALA opened at C$33.68 on Monday. The company has a market cap of C$10.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.23, a PEG ratio of -4.97 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 115.50. The firms fifty day moving average is C$31.55 and its 200 day moving average is C$30.16. AltaGas Ltd. has a 52 week low of C$24.67 and a 52 week high of C$33.94. AltaGas Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a $0.298 dividend. This represents a $1.19 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.54%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. AltaGass payout ratio is 82.07%. A number of analysts have recently issued reports on ALA shares. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of AltaGas from C$36.00 to C$37.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on AltaGas from C$34.00 to C$37.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. ATB Capital upped their price objective on AltaGas from C$35.00 to C$36.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on AltaGas from C$34.00 to C$37.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on AltaGas from C$33.00 to C$36.00 in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, AltaGas presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$36.60. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ALA About AltaGas (Get Free Report) AltaGas Ltd. operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. The company operates through Utilities and Midstream segments. The Utilities segment owns and operates franchised, cost-of-service, rate-regulated natural gas distribution and storage utilities in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and the District of Columbia serving approximately 1.6 million customers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for AltaGas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AltaGas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPR Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the twenty research firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, seventeen have issued a hold recommendation and two have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $33.60. Several brokerages recently issued reports on SPR. Benchmark reiterated a hold rating on shares of Spirit AeroSystems in a research report on Thursday, June 20th. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Spirit AeroSystems from $33.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 1st. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Spirit AeroSystems from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on Spirit AeroSystems from $33.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, May 8th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating on shares of Spirit AeroSystems in a research note on Monday, July 8th. Get Spirit AeroSystems alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on SPR Institutional Trading of Spirit AeroSystems Spirit AeroSystems Stock Performance Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Spirit AeroSystems by 1.0% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,954,485 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $395,128,000 after acquiring an additional 109,632 shares during the period. Pentwater Capital Management LP grew its position in shares of Spirit AeroSystems by 18,132.0% in the 2nd quarter. Pentwater Capital Management LP now owns 9,016,000 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $296,356,000 after purchasing an additional 9,066,000 shares during the period. Steadfast Capital Management LP increased its stake in Spirit AeroSystems by 1,274.6% during the 1st quarter. Steadfast Capital Management LP now owns 4,714,874 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $170,066,000 after purchasing an additional 4,371,874 shares in the last quarter. Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. raised its holdings in Spirit AeroSystems by 7.2% during the 1st quarter. Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. now owns 4,423,000 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $159,538,000 after buying an additional 296,000 shares during the period. Finally, Earnest Partners LLC lifted its stake in Spirit AeroSystems by 2.6% in the second quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 4,096,268 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $134,644,000 after buying an additional 105,350 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.59% of the companys stock. SPR opened at $35.27 on Monday. Spirit AeroSystems has a twelve month low of $14.65 and a twelve month high of $37.08. The firm has a market cap of $4.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.06 and a beta of 1.84. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $33.65 and its 200-day simple moving average is $32.50. Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE:SPR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 5th. The aerospace company reported ($2.73) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.98) by ($1.75). The business had revenue of $1.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.57 billion. The businesss revenue was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted ($1.46) EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Spirit AeroSystems will post -4.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Spirit AeroSystems (Get Free Report Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc engages in the design, engineering, manufacture, and marketing of commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates through three segments: Commercial, Defense & Space, and Aftermarket. The Commercial segment offers forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems, floor beams, nacelles, struts/pylons, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, flaps and slats flight control surfaces, wing structures, and wing systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Spirit AeroSystems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spirit AeroSystems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. B&G Foods (NYSE:BGS Get Free Report) was upgraded by StockNews.com from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Saturday. Several other research analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $10.00 target price on shares of B&G Foods in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Barclays cut their target price on B&G Foods from $10.00 to $8.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on B&G Foods from $9.00 to $8.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised B&G Foods to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have assigned a hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, B&G Foods presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $8.88. Get B&G Foods alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on B&G Foods B&G Foods Trading Down 1.7 % Shares of NYSE BGS opened at $8.30 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $656.12 million, a P/E ratio of -5.76 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.58, a current ratio of 3.22 and a quick ratio of 0.92. B&G Foods has a 1 year low of $7.20 and a 1 year high of $13.15. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $8.31 and a 200 day moving average of $9.66. B&G Foods (NYSE:BGS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.08 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.08. B&G Foods had a positive return on equity of 8.33% and a negative net margin of 5.42%. The firm had revenue of $444.60 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $435.83 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.15 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that B&G Foods will post 0.77 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On B&G Foods A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new stake in B&G Foods during the second quarter valued at $33,000. nVerses Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of B&G Foods during the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its stake in shares of B&G Foods by 36.9% in the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 5,768 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 1,555 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of B&G Foods by 1,556.9% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 4,921 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 4,624 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LRI Investments LLC bought a new stake in B&G Foods during the first quarter valued at approximately $60,000. 66.15% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. B&G Foods Company Profile (Get Free Report) B&G Foods, Inc manufactures, sells, and distributes a portfolio of shelf-stable and frozen foods, and household products in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The company's products include frozen and canned vegetables, vegetables, canola and other cooking oils, vegetable shortening, cooking sprays, oatmeal and other hot cereals, fruit spreads, canned meats and beans, bagel chips, spices, seasonings, hot sauces, wine vinegar, maple syrups, molasses, salad dressings, pizza crusts, Mexican-style sauces, dry soups, taco shells and kits, salsas, pickles, peppers, tomato-based products, crackers, baking powder and soda, corn starch, nut clusters, and other specialty products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for B&G Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for B&G Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A. O. Smith Co. (NYSE:AOS Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the seven analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $89.67. A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded A. O. Smith from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $97.00 to $98.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. StockNews.com raised shares of A. O. Smith from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Robert W. Baird lowered their target price on shares of A. O. Smith from $92.00 to $90.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of A. O. Smith from $73.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Monday, July 8th. Get A. O. Smith alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on A. O. Smith A. O. Smith Trading Down 0.7 % Shares of AOS opened at $79.65 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $83.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $83.95. A. O. Smith has a 12-month low of $64.14 and a 12-month high of $92.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.63, a P/E/G ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 1.15. A. O. Smith (NYSE:AOS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The industrial products company reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.07 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $1.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1 billion. A. O. Smith had a net margin of 14.67% and a return on equity of 31.04%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.01 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that A. O. Smith will post 4.07 EPS for the current year. A. O. Smith Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 31st were given a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 31st. A. O. Smiths dividend payout ratio is currently 33.16%. Insider Transactions at A. O. Smith In related news, SVP Samuel M. Carver sold 14,705 shares of A. O. Smith stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $81.00, for a total value of $1,191,105.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 2,399 shares in the company, valued at $194,319. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 2.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Isthmus Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of A. O. Smith in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Quarry LP lifted its stake in A. O. Smith by 214.9% in the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 359 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 245 shares during the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its holdings in A. O. Smith by 157.2% during the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 463 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 283 shares in the last quarter. ORG Partners LLC increased its position in shares of A. O. Smith by 665.0% in the 1st quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 612 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 532 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Twin Tree Management LP raised its holdings in shares of A. O. Smith by 188.9% in the 1st quarter. Twin Tree Management LP now owns 737 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $66,000 after purchasing an additional 1,566 shares in the last quarter. 76.10% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About A. O. Smith (Get Free Report A. O. Smith Corporation manufactures and markets residential and commercial gas and electric water heaters, boilers, heat pumps, tanks, and water treatment products in North America, China, Europe, and India. The company offers water heaters for residences, restaurants, hotels, office buildings, laundries, car washes, and small businesses; boilers for hospitals, schools, hotels, and other large commercial buildings, as well as homes, apartments, and condominiums; and water treatment products comprising point-of-entry water softeners, well water solutions, and whole-home water filtration products, and point-of-use carbon and reverse osmosis products for residences, restaurants, hotels, and offices. See Also Receive News & Ratings for A. O. Smith Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for A. O. Smith and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Macquarie Bank Limited (ASX:MBLPD Get Free Report) declared a interim dividend on Tuesday, July 2nd, MarketIndexAU reports. Stockholders of record on Sunday, September 8th will be given a dividend of 1.595 per share on Sunday, September 8th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.55%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 21st. This is an increase from Macquarie Banks previous interim dividend of $1.57. Macquarie Bank Stock Performance Macquarie Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Macquarie Bank Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides various commercial banking and retail financial services. It offers personal banking, wealth management, business banking, and vehicle finance products and services to retail clients, advisers, brokers, and business clients. The company also offers corporate and structured finance, transaction accounts, home loans, credit cards, online banking, asset financing, and leasing services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Macquarie Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Macquarie Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Literature Limited (OTCMKTS:CHLLF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 4,276,200 shares, an increase of 8.6% from the July 15th total of 3,937,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently days. China Literature Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:CHLLF opened at $3.34 on Monday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $3.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $3.30. China Literature has a one year low of $3.25 and a one year high of $3.35. Get China Literature alerts: About China Literature (Get Free Report) Further Reading China Literature Limited, an investment holding company, operates an online literature platform in the People's Republic of China. The company promotes intellectual properties primarily through its online literature platforms, such as QQ Reading and Qidian; and New Classics Media, a film and TV drama series production house. Receive News & Ratings for China Literature Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Literature and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smith Douglas Homes (NYSE:SDHC Free Report) had its target price lifted by Wells Fargo & Company from $25.00 to $35.00 in a report issued on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Other analysts have also issued reports about the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $26.00 price objective on shares of Smith Douglas Homes in a research note on Thursday. Wedbush restated a neutral rating and issued a $20.00 target price on shares of Smith Douglas Homes in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Smith Douglas Homes has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $29.70. Get Smith Douglas Homes alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Smith Douglas Homes Smith Douglas Homes Stock Down 0.5 % Shares of NYSE SDHC opened at $34.30 on Thursday. Smith Douglas Homes has a one year low of $20.55 and a one year high of $37.74. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $26.92 and its 200-day moving average price is $27.82. Smith Douglas Homes (NYSE:SDHC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported $0.40 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $220.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $208.02 million. The firms revenue was up 21.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Smith Douglas Homes will post 1.67 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Smith Douglas Homes Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Marshall Wace LLP increased its position in shares of Smith Douglas Homes by 17.0% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 89,770 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,099,000 after purchasing an additional 13,036 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. increased its position in shares of Smith Douglas Homes by 39.4% during the 2nd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 47,629 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,114,000 after purchasing an additional 13,451 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its position in shares of Smith Douglas Homes by 260.2% during the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 33,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $783,000 after purchasing an additional 24,200 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its position in shares of Smith Douglas Homes by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 450,193 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,526,000 after purchasing an additional 8,193 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. increased its position in shares of Smith Douglas Homes by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 527,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,328,000 after purchasing an additional 27,300 shares during the last quarter. Smith Douglas Homes Company Profile (Get Free Report) Smith Douglas Homes Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family homes in the southeastern United States. It also provides closing, escrow, and title insurance services. The company sells its products to entry-level and empty-nest homebuyers. Smith Douglas Homes Corp. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Smith Douglas Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smith Douglas Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Police have booked Korean American rapper San E on charges of using violence against a passerby in Seoul last month, officials said Monday. The 39-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jung San, allegedly beat the passerby with a mobile phone while telling the person to haul a bicycle properly at the entrance of a park in Seoul's Mapo district on July 28. Police suspect it was a two-way assault, and they have also booked the pedestrian on assault charges. The passerby reportedly complained of a cut around the eye area and damage to teeth, but police said the two parties had varying claims of the assault and the scope of the damage. Police plan to determine the exact circumstances through further investigation. The rapper's father was also booked for engaging in the beating, officials said. (Yonhap) Think tank cites inadequate implementation of paternity leaves, absence of systems to prevent career disruptions By Jun Ji-hye Despite government-led efforts to address Koreas low birthrate, most domestic companies have implemented inadequate measures to support their employees with childbirth and child care, according to the Korean Peninsula Population Institute for Future, Monday. The private think tank in Seoul released the results of an analysis on EPG management, a metric that reflects corporate social responsibility in addressing the population crisis. The think tank said the average score for the 300 companies was 55.5 out of 100 points, indicating that corporate responses to the population issue are at a failing level. EPG is a modified version of the ESG framework, which typically evaluates corporate sustainability based on environmental, social and governance factors. In EPG, the social (S) metric is replaced with population (P), shifting the focus to how companies address the population crisis. The institute conducted Korea's first EPG management evaluation to identify companies actively addressing population issues and to highlight leading examples across industries. This initiative comes as the country grapples with the worlds lowest birthrate. In the evaluation, Samsung Electro-Mechanics achieved the highest score with 85.3 points, securing the top rank, while Lotte Fine Chemical followed with a score of 83.8 points. Shinhan Card, KB Kookmin Card and KT&G tied for third place with a score of 80.9 points. Among the 300 evaluated companies, the best 50 companies had an average score of 71.5 points, while the worst 50 companies averaged 36.7 points, showing a significant gap. By type of industries, IT components, hardware, semiconductor and machinery parts manufacturing companies had the highest average score of 60.5 points, while the construction industry had the lowest average score of 51.1 points. The low score is attributed to the high prevalence of non-regular and contract workers, which adversely affected the evaluation category related to promoting a corporate culture that supports childbirth. The institute noted that while most companies have established systems for employee childcare support and on-site childcare centers as required by law, only a few have implemented mandatory paternity leave for male employees. Most companies only meet the basic legal requirements for spousal maternity leave. In particular, there were no existing systems to support employees returning from maternity and childcare leave in continuing their careers and advancing to managerial positions. The institute emphasized the importance of fostering a work culture that encourages both men and women to engage in childcare. It also highlighted the need to establish systems that prevent disadvantages, such as exclusion from key tasks, for employees returning from maternity and childcare leave. It added that while the requirement for on-site childcare centers varies depending on the size of the workplace, it is essential to establish such facilities or outsource their operation if there is demand from employees. The institute urged the government to provide exceptional incentives to companies that voluntarily participate in addressing the population crisis. The government should expand tax benefits for companies that prevent career interruptions for women and mandate child care leave, Yi In-sill, president of the institute said. When men take parental leave and experience child care firsthand, their perspective on child care issues changes. Therefore, it is urgent to establish and stabilize paternity leave systems. The number of self-employed people in Korea fell for the sixth consecutive month in July, data showed Monday, as the nation's economy grapples with weaker consumption. There were 5.72 million self-employed people last month, down some 62,000 from the same month last year, according to the data by Statistics Korea. It marked the sixth consecutive month that the number of self-employed people declined. The sixth straight decline in the number of self-employed people also marked the longest losing streak since the COVID-19 pandemic hurt consumer spending. Self-employed businesses with no employees numbered 4.27 million last month, down some 110,000 from the same month last year, the data showed. Korea's economy contracted 0.2 percent in the second quarter, as weaker domestic demand clouded recovery prospects, despite robust exports, the Bank of Korea said last month. (Yonhap) A Korean youth delegation will travel to China this week as part of a bilateral exchange program that resumed after a five-year hiatus, driven by the coronavirus outbreak, officials said Monday. About 50 delegates plan to visit Beijing and China's northwestern region of Qinghai on a six-day trip, beginning Monday, during which they will participate in various cultural exchange programs and visit related venues, the foreign ministry said. "Korea and China have been close neighbors and very important partners to each other since the countries established diplomatic relations in 1992," First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun said in a launch ceremony hosted by the ministry. "The government considers the Korea-China relations to be important and intends to develop them into a more mature and healthy relationship based on mutual respect, reciprocity and shared interests," Kim said. The youth exchange program, co-hosted by the Korea Foundation and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, last took place in 2019 and had been put on hold in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Korea and China agreed to restart the program when President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks on the sidelines of the trilateral summit involving Japan in May this year. Korea plans to host a Chinese delegation for the youth program next year. (Yonhap) South Korea and the United States kicked off a major combined military exercise for its 11-day run Monday to bolster their joint defense readiness amid advancing North Korean military threats. The annual Ulchi Freedom Sheild (UFS) exercise, which runs through Aug. 29, got under way in the face of growing concerns over Pyongyang's continued weapons development, highlighted by its launches of 37 ballistic missiles this year alone and heightened cross-border tensions from the North's recent trash balloon campaign. Based on an all-out war scenario, the UFS features main computer simulation-based command post exercise, concurrent field training and civil defense drills, according to the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). While the exercise will be similar in scale to the previous year, involving around 19,000 South Korean troops, it will include 48 field training events, such as amphibious landing and live-fire drills, up from 38 field events conducted last year. The number of brigade-level exercises will also increase to 17 this year, compared with four from the previous year. The JCS said the exercise will further strengthen the allies' capability and readiness to respond to any provocations and defend against North Korea's weapons of mass destruction by conducting multi-domain exercises utilizing a variety of assets, including land, sea, air, cyber and space. During the exercise period, the government-led Ulchi civil defense drill will involve a scenario simulating a North Korean nuclear attack for the first time, a source said, while the joint military exercise will not incorporate such a scenario. North Korea has long denounced the allies' joint exercises as a rehearsal for an invasion against it and has a track record of staging weapons tests in response. During his visit to a western front-line unit last week, JCS Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo ordered troops to retaliate immediately in case of any provocations, saying the North is likely to use the allies' exercise as a pretext to stage provocations. On Sunday, the Institute for American Studies of the North Korean foreign ministry condemned the Ulchi exercise as the "most offensive and provocative war drills for aggression" in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency. "We will continue to make crucial efforts to build up strong defense capabilities for creditably defending our state sovereignty, security, interests and territorial integrity and change the security environment of the Korean peninsula and the region in our favor," it said. South Korea and the United States have rejected the accusation, describing their drills as defensive in nature. (Yonhap) President Yoon Suk Yeol called for bolstering readiness against North Korea's "gray zone" provocations and hybrid warfare as South Korea and the United States kicked off their annual joint exercise on Monday. Yoon said during a Cabinet meeting that this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise will focus on integrating the allies' capabilities under various crisis scenarios to deter North Korea's evolving military threats, psychological warfare and cyberattacks. "We must strengthen our readiness to respond to North Korea's gray-zone provocations, such as the spread of false information, fake news and cyberattacks," Yoon said. "Anti-state forces that threaten the free democracy are operating covertly in various places." Yoon warned that the North might seek to create social instability through violence, propaganda and agitation at the early stages of a conflict. "We must actively seek methods to block division and raise people's resolve to resist," Yoon said. "To maintain national security and raise our war preparedness, we must firmly protect transportation, communication, water, social infrastructure, and critical national facilities." The Ulchi Freedom Shield, set to run until Aug. 29, features computer-simulated war games and field training, while the Seoul government conducts civil defense drills from Monday through Thursday. On the first day of the exercise, Yoon presided over a National Security Council meeting with Cabinet members and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo to assess the government and military's preparedness and contingency plans, his office said. Seoul and Washington have said their drills are defensive in nature, but Pyongyang has long denounced the allies' joint exercises as a rehearsal for an invasion against it and has a track record of staging weapons tests in response. On Sunday, the Institute for American Studies of the North Korean foreign ministry condemned the Ulchi exercise as the "most offensive and provocative war drills for aggression." Tension remain high as the North has flown thousands of balloons loaded with trash across the border in a tit-for-tat move against South Korean civic groups' sending of balloons carrying anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into the North. (Yonhap) Pyongyang slams joint drills as invasion rehearsal By Lee Hyo-jin President Yoon Suk Yeol stressed the need to defend the nation's freedom and prosperity through decisive strength rather than words, as South Korean and U.S. troops commenced the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, Monday. Speaking during an Ulchi National Security Council (NSC) meeting in the morning, Yoon stated that the country "must be prepared to respond forcefully to any provocation from North Korea and that we must firmly protect our freedom and prosperity with decisive strength, not just words," according to the presidential office. Highlighting North Koreas ongoing threat due to its advancing nuclear capabilities and recent trash-filled balloon launches toward the South, Yoon strongly emphasized that the UFS drills should be utilized to thoroughly evaluate the nation's defense posture and demonstrate the strength of the enduring South Korea-U.S. alliance. Ulchi Freedom Shield is a 10-day exercise running through Aug. 29 and consisting of two parts. The first part, from Monday to Friday, involves both the military and government, while the second part, from Aug. 26 to 29, is a military exercise only. The military exercise will include major combined drills with the United States, focusing on an all-out war scenario and featuring a computer simulation-based command post exercise alongside concurrent field training. In a Cabinet meeting held shortly after the NSC session, Yoon reiterated that the North Korean regime remains fixated on developing nuclear weapons and missiles, despite the dire living conditions of its people. "Recently, they have not hesitated to engage in unconventional provocations such as GPS jamming attacks and the release of trash-filled balloons. As we have seen in the war in Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East, war can break out at any time," he said. Yoon also warned that, in the early stages of a conflict, North Korea might mobilize "anti-state forces" within South Korean society to incite unrest and create public confusion through its propaganda tactics. "We must actively seek ways to prevent such confusion and division and to raise the will of the entire population to resist," he stated. For the first time, the government-led Ulchi civil defense drill will simulate a North Korean nuclear attack, although the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise will not include such a scenario, according to military officials. As part of UFS, a nationwide civil defense evacuation drill is planned for Thursday. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), this year's military exercise will be similar in scale to the previous year, involving around 19,000 South Korean troops and some member states of the United Nations Command. In addition, there will be a notable increase in field training exercises (FTX), with 48 events planned, including amphibious landings and live-fire drills, up from 38 last year. The number of brigade-level exercises will also increase to 17, compared to just four last year. U.S. strategic assets may be deployed during joint military drills in a demonstration of the South Korea-U.S. military alliance. The U.S. military has not confirmed whether the drills will involve any of its strategic assets, but during last year's event, several U.S. B-1B strategic bombers were deployed for a combined aerial exercise with South Korean FA-50 fighters. Pyongyang, which has reacted angrily to past UFS exercises, issued a similar response to this year's event. In a statement carried by Rodong Sinmun (a North Korean newspaper), Monday, the Institute for American Studies of the North Korean foreign ministry condemned the Ulchi exercise as a "rehearsal for invasion" and the "most offensive war drills in the region." "We will continue to make efforts to bolster strong defense capabilities for credibly defending our state sovereignty, security, interests and territorial integrity and change the security environment of the Korean Peninsula and the region in our favor," the statement read. Observers suggest that North Korea may stage military provocations in the coming days in response to the exercise. During last years UFS, the reclusive regime fired several ballistic missiles, which it claimed as a tactical nuclear strike drill simulating "scorched-earth" strikes against major command centers in South Korea. "As mentioned the statement released by Rodong Sinmun, the North may showcase their 'defense capabilities' in response to our exercise," said Yang Moo-jin, president at the University of North Korean Studies. "But given that the regime appears to be grappling with flood rehabilitation efforts, the provocations may be limited to short-range missile launches, rather than long-range ones." By Jung Da-hyun A Korean tourist was stabbed and injured during a robbery by two assailants in Angeles City, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, adding to the rising incidents of violent attacks against Korean visitors in the area. According to the Korean Embassy in the Philippines, a Korean man in his 40s was attacked on Saturday by two motorcycle-riding thieves near Koreatown of Angeles City, Pampanga, on Luzon Island. The assailants stabbed the man and stole his bag before fleeing the scene. The victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition is stable, and his life is not in danger. He is now preparing to return to Korea. Angeles, the site of the recent attack, is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, but safety concerns have been rising due to a spate of violent incidents targeting Korean nationals. In late May, a Korean man in his 60s was severely injured in a pickpocketing incident in Angeles and died approximately 10 days later. In November last year, a Korean man in his 50s was stabbed by two assailants who stole his wallet before running away in downtown Angeles. Just two months earlier, in September, a gunman stormed a Korean restaurant in the city, stealing cash and valuables before escaping. In response to the recent surge in violent crimes in Angeles City, the Korean Embassy has issued a safety advisory urging Korean nationals in the area to be more cautious. The embassy emphasized the persistent threat of violent crimes involving deadly weapons alongside petty crimes like pickpocketing. The advisory recommends refraining from going out at night as much as possible, avoiding deserted alleys and sticking to main roads when going outside. The embassy also recommended using taxis or ride-sharing services like Grab instead of walking, even for short distances. Additionally, the embassy cautioned against resisting armed robbers, noting that there have been instances where individuals suffered serious harm due to reckless resistance. Korean nationals are also encouraged to maintain positive relationships with locals, including drivers, housekeepers and employees, to avoid conflicts. The advisory further emphasized the importance of respecting local laws, culture and customs and urged vigilance in interactions and behavior. Korean Medical Association declares war against late-term abortions By Jung Min-ho Fresh legal challenges are emerging for police as they investigate a woman and her abortion doctor on suspicion of murdering a nine-month-old fetus during a medical procedure to end the pregnancy. According to police on Monday, the remains of the fetus were cremated by the doctor, who asserts that the fetus was already deceased inside the woman's body during the procedure performed at a clinic in the capital area. Police said they found the cremation certificate in which the abortion doctor stated stillbirth as the reason for the decision to cremate. After the case gained attention through a YouTube video posted by the woman, the physician has been under investigation as a murder suspect by police since earlier this month. Experts say that the revelation that the remains have already been cremated will pose challenges for investigators in proving their case in court. In any murder case, finding the cause of death through an autopsy is crucial, a lawyer told The Korea Times. With the remains already gone, it will be very challenging. In 2019, the Constitutional Court ruled that an abortion ban is unconstitutional, meaning that performing an abortion is no longer a criminal offense. However, without subsequent legislation to clearly define the permissible limits of the procedure, the issue remains in a legal gray area. Experts say the doctor could be convicted of murder, but only if investigators uncover sufficient evidence proving that the fetal termination was completed outside the woman's body. Given that an abortion procedure isnt performed alone, eye-witness accounts from nurses or other medical workers who participated in it would be important to establish the facts, said another lawyer. Even without direct evidence, the doctor could still be found guilty of murder if there are convincing grounds that the fetus was born alive. Medical experts suggest that an abortion at such a late stage might have been performed by inducing labor, which can be legally defined as a live birth and, therefore, a murder after birth. This was the case in an incident that occurred in March 2019, a few weeks before the ruling by the Constitutional Court. An abortion doctor was indicted on charges of killing a 34-week-old after putting the live baby in a bucket of water following an abortion procedure. Eventually, he was sentenced to three years and six months in prison. The details of this years case are still unclear, including whether the same method was used for the procedure and, if so, whether the fetus came out alive. At a press conference at its headquarters in Seoul, Monday, the Korean Medical Association described the case as a shocking incident and vowed to take disciplinary action against the doctor in question. To eradicate unethical medical practices that should not be performed by any doctors, we declare war against crime, Choi Anna, the organizations spokeswoman, said. The Korean Medical Association will lead the effort to prevent abortions brutally conducted on savable babies. Questions raised about police oversight By KTimes A woman in her 40s, reported missing after leaving home, was found dead in the back seat of a patrol car parked at a local police station 36 hours after she disappeared. The discovery has sparked concerns over possible police negligence, as the patrol cars door, which should have been locked, was found unsecured. According to the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency on Sunday, a police officer discovered the body of Ms. A in the back seat of a patrol car parked at Jinyo Police Station in Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province, at around 2 p.m. on Saturday. Ms. A, who had a history of mental illness, was reported missing on the night of Aug. 15 after she left her home and did not return. While officers were searching for her, they noticed a woman collapsed in the back seat of the patrol car and confirmed it was Ms. A. She was found dead with no visible external injuries. Based on the time of discovery, Ms. A is believed to have been trapped in the car for approximately 36 hours. The temperature in Hadong on Aug. 16-17 reached a sweltering 34 degrees Celsius, with a heat wave warning in effect. Given that vehicles can become three times hotter than outside temperatures during summer, there is speculation that Ms. A may have died from heatstroke or hyperthermia. However, the initial autopsy report listed the cause of death as unknown. A police spokesperson said, The patrol car in which Ms. A was found was one that is rarely used. We will request an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and will also investigate whether there was any negligence in the management of the patrol car. A key issue is how Ms. A managed to enter the parked patrol car. According to police regulations, vehicles must be secured by turning off the engine, removing the keys and locking the doors to prevent theft or unauthorized access. However, the door of the patrol car where Ms. A was found was not locked. Surveillance footage from the police station shows Ms. A opening the back door of the patrol car and entering it at 2:12 a.m. on Aug. 16, just a few hours after she went missing. The back doors of patrol cars are designed to prevent escape, meaning they cannot be opened from the inside, raising further questions about how Ms. A became trapped. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times. By Lee Hae-rin "This feels like something out of a disaster movie," said Kim, a 39-year-old office worker from Seoul, as he waited inside a KTX train that had been halted at Dongdaegu Station for over two hours at 8 p.m. on Sunday. "Even if I drive now, I'll still arrive in three and a half hours, and I've already been waiting here for an hour and a half." Meanwhile, the waiting room on the second floor of Busan Station was packed with passengers unable to board their trains. They stared anxiously at the electronic display, hoping for an announcement that departures would resume, but only the notice "delay" appeared. "If I knew it would take this long to get to Seoul, I would have chosen a different route or accommodation, but it was frustrating to wait for hours blindly," said another passenger surnamed Lee. On Sunday, the final day of the National Liberation Day holidays, many travelers returning home on KTX were disrupted by a train derailment. A KTX train bound for Busan, which departed from Seoul at 4:38 p.m., had one of its wheels derail while traveling from Dongdaegu Station to Gyeongju Station. As a result, a total of 153 trains were delayed for up to 277 minutes due to detours on general lines amid the scorching heat. Meanwhile, the 384 passengers on the derailed train were transferred to a follow-up train. Major KTX stations, including Seoul Station, Busan Station, and Dongdaegu Station, became chaotic due to a series of delays, while the Korean Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) app malfunctioned under the heavy traffic. Passengers criticized KORAIL for its handling of the situation and its follow-up response to the accident. "We only received a notice three minutes before departure that the train was delayed," said Park, 37, who booked a KTX train bound for Busan at 7:20 p.m. at Seoul Station. I couldn't afford to get a refund or find out about the express bus options," Park added. He boarded the train, which departed about 30 minutes late, and managed to arrive at Busan Station around midnight. KORAIL will provide additional compensation beyond the standard delay refunds, in line with consumer dispute resolution standards. If the delay exceeds two hours due to the accident, a full refund will be issued. KORAIL will also cover taxi fares if the train arrives after the last public transportation service. Additionally, if passengers experience discomfort from standing despite having a seat ticket on an alternative train, they will receive 50 percent of the fare in addition to the delayed compensation. "We deeply apologize to the people for the inconvenience caused by using the train," KORAIL said. "We will cooperate with related agencies such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to thoroughly identify the cause of the accident and come up with measures to prevent recurrence." The ministry completed track restoration at 5:11 a.m. Monday and resumed normal operations. The Railway Special Judicial Police, the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Committee, and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority are investigating the exact cause of the accident. The leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) said Monday he welcomes an offer of talks that opposition leader Lee Jae-myung extended upon his reelection as leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea the previous day. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon made the remark at a party meeting while congratulating Lee on his reelection and voiced hope their envisioned meeting could lead to "substantial progress" on several stalled livelihood-related issues. "I hope we can set a time and place as soon as possible," Han said. Lee, who won a second term with a record high share of the vote Sunday, proposed bilateral talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol to address what he called the "most pressing" task of recovering people's livelihoods. He also offered to hold separate bilateral talks with Han to discuss "pressing issues," most notably a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into the death of a young Marine conscript last year during a search for flood victims. Earlier this month, the rival parties agreed to swiftly deal with bills on livelihood issues that were left aside amid monthslong partisan disputes over other contentious issues, including the special counsel bill. (Yonhap) Im Jong-seok, a former chief of staff for preceding President Moon Jae-in, has been summoned for questioning over allegations Moon's former son-in-law was unfairly hired as an airline executive in exchange for favors for the firm's founder, prosecutors said Monday. The Jeonju District Prosecutors Office in Jeonju, about 190 kilometers south of Seoul, said Im was asked to appear before prosecutors as a witness at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Im served as Moon's top secretary from May 2017 to January 2019. Prosecutors are expected to ask Im whether he played any role in the appointment of Lee Sang-jik, founder of Korean budget carrier Eastar Jet and its Thai affiliate, Thai Eastar Jet, as head of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) in 2018. Following Lee's appointment, Moon's then son-in-law, surnamed Seo, was hired as an executive director of Thai Eastar Jet. Seo's employment, with his previous career including a stint at a game company and no experience in the airline industry, raised skepticism about the background at that time. Prosecutors suspect that the decision to appoint Lee as the KOSME chief was probably made during an informal meeting of presidential secretaries at the presidential office in late 2017. Earlier, prosecutors booked Cho Hyun-ock, former senior presidential secretary for personnel affairs under Moon, on power abuse charges in connection with Lee's case and questioned several other former presidential office officials. Seo, who divorced Moon's only daughter Da-hye in recent years, has been questioned as a witness three times this year, during which he exercised his right to remain silent. Confirming the prosecution's summons in his social media post, Im said the case appears to have been initiated by "political prosecutors" who have already drawn a "picture for political purposes," as seen in their recent search of the bank accounts of Moon and his wife. (Yonhap) Han, Lee to meet Sunday, but tangible outcome unlikely By Kwak Yeon-soo The leaders of Koreas two major parties, ruling People Power Party (PPP) Chairman Han Dong-hoon and main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Lee Jae-myung, are set to compete for centrist voters as they seek to bolster their respective political blocs. Han and Lee are now the leading potential presidential candidates from the conservative and liberal blocs. Their showdown will involve strategies designed not only to rally their party's strong support bases but also to attract centrist voters, as they seek to present their ambitious visions and gain an advantage over one another, according to political analysts. Han, who served as the interim leader of the PPP during the April 10 general elections and resigned following the party's crushing defeat, was re-elected as its chairman in July at a national convention. The former DPK chief, who stepped down from his role in June to pursue a second term, successfully regained the chairmanship at the main opposition party's convention on Sunday. From now on, the heads of the rival parties need to come up with a strategy to woo moderate voters to prepare for the local elections in 2026, and the presidential election in 2027. They cannot win these elections if they lose centrist voters, political commentator Park Sang-byeong said. "The PPP needs to manage President Yoon Suk Yeols approval rating, while the DPK must address Lees legal challenges. If the PPP remains mired in ideological debates, it risks facing outcomes worse than their previous electoral defeat." Yoons approval rating dropped to 30.7 percent, a decrease of 2.9 percentage points from the previous week, according to a survey by polling agency Realmeter released on Monday. The negative assessment of Yoons performance was attributed to his appointment of Kim Hyoung-suk as the new director of the Independence Hall of Korea and his handling of ideological debates. Lee was indicted on several charges, including bribery and breach of duty. These charges involve the alleged provision of illegal favors to private developers for a land development project in Daejang-dong, a neighborhood in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, while he was mayor of the city. Additional allegations include announcing false information during the 2021 presidential campaign and involvement in the transfer of illicit funds to North Korea. Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University, said both Han and Lee must broaden their support base to include moderate voters, as both the PPP and DPK remain equally unpopular in Korea. Both parties need to work on an image makeover. As long as Lee can navigate the shifting public sentiment and manage his legal issues, he can leverage his strong support base and the DPK's majority to press the PPP into making concessions, Shin said. On Monday, the parties said Han and Lee would meet the following Sunday. Lee had proposed the bilateral talks immediately after his election victory the previous day. I look forward to an open and frank discussion on various agenda, Han said during a Supreme Council meeting. The DPK said the two sides will hold working-level talks in advance to coordinate the agenda for the upcoming meeting. Both leaders expressed a commitment to focusing on improving people's livelihoods, noting that many related bills have been stalled at the National Assembly for months due to bipartisan disputes over other contentious issues. However, analysts expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a meaningful outcome. I think cooperative politics is nearly impossible. Their meeting will likely be more about photo opportunities than achieving tangible results. I dont expect any concrete agreements, as their goals for the meeting are quite different, Park said. Lees supporters back him to challenge the Yoon administration, not to collaborate with it. I believe Lee is reaching out to Yoon and Han primarily for his own benefit, perhaps to avoid legal consequences. On the other hand, Han is unlikely to advance his agenda due to the strong opposition from the presidential office. Shin predicted that the DPK chief might be open to cooperating on issues such as inheritance tax reforms and the elimination of financial investment income taxes. However, he agreed that the chances for a fruitful outcome are slim due to the conflicting views of the rival parties on contentious issues, including a cash handout bill and a pro-labor bill, both of which the president has vetoed. While Lee also proposed bilateral talks with Yoon, the presidential office emphasized that the normalization of the National Assembly should precede any one-on-one meeting with the opposition leader. Analysts suggest that Yoon may consider meeting with Lee after the opposition leader's first court verdict on election law violation charges is delivered in October. By Chun In-bum In the annals of American military history, certain battles and campaigns stand out in our collective memory Gettysburg, D-Day, Iwo Jima. Yet, one of the most crucial moments in 20th-century warfare remains largely overlooked: the defense of the Pusan Perimeter in August 1950. This oversight is more than just a disservice to the brave men who fought there, but a failure to recognize a pivotal moment that shaped the course of the Cold War and the world we live in today. The sweltering heat of the Korean summer in 1950 saw American and U.N. forces pushed to the brink of defeat. Backed into a corner in the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, these soldiers faced what seemed like insurmountable odds. North Korean forces, flush with early victories, appeared unstoppable. The fall of the Pusan Perimeter would have meant not just the loss of South Korea, but a devastating blow to American credibility in the early years of the Cold War. What happened next should be the stuff of legend. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, despite the oppressive heat and humidity that turned every day into a battle against the elements as much as against the enemy, the defenders of the Pusan Perimeter held firm. The cost was staggering nearly 2,700 American lives lost in that single month. Each of these deaths represents not just a tactical loss, but a family shattered, a future erased. Yet from this crucible of fire and blood, the tide of war began to turn. The successful defense of the Pusan Perimeter bought precious time time for reinforcements to arrive, for strategies to be formulated, for the famous Inchon Landing that would change the course of the war. So why don't we talk about this more? Why isn't the defense of the Pusan Perimeter mentioned in the same breath as other great stands in military history? Part of it, I believe, is the complex legacy of the Korean War itself. Often referred to as the "Forgotten War," sandwiched between the triumph of World War II and the controversy of Vietnam, Korea has never captured the American imagination in the same way. This is a tragic oversight. The valor displayed at the Pusan Perimeter deserves to be remembered and honored. These were largely young men, many barely out of high school, thrust into a war in a land they knew little about. They faced an enemy that had been winning at every turn, in conditions that would break the spirit of lesser individuals. And yet, they held the line. Moreover, the strategic lessons of the Pusan Perimeter remain relevant today. The importance of air superiority, the critical nature of secure supply lines, the impact of weather on military operations all these factors played crucial roles in August 1950 and continue to shape military thinking today. But perhaps most importantly, the defense of the Pusan Perimeter stands as a testament to human resilience and determination. It shows us that even in the darkest hour, when defeat seems all but certain, the will to persevere can change the course of history. As we face our own challenges in the 21st century, we would do well to remember the heroes of August 1950. Their sacrifice ensured that South Korea would survive to become the vibrant democracy it is today. Their stand against aggression helped shape the post-war order that, for all its flaws, has prevented another global conflict for over seven decades. It's time we gave the Pusan Perimeter its due. It's time we recognized those sweltering, bloody days of August 1950 for what they were a turning point not just in the Korean War, but in the history of the free world. In an era where the values of democracy and freedom once again face significant challenges around the globe, the lesson of the Pusan Perimeter that determination and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds can turn the tide is one we would do well to remember and honor. The men, American, British and Korean, who held that line 74 years ago deserve nothing less than our eternal gratitude and remembrance. Their story is not just a footnote in history books it's a beacon of hope and a call to courage that resonates to this day. Let's ensure it's never forgotten again. Chun In-bum (truechun@naver.com) served as a lieutenant general of the ROK Army and commander of Special Forces Korea. Trilateral cooperation should be bolstered to address challenges South Korea, the United States and Japan renewed their commitment to cooperation, Sunday, strengthening the agreement they had reached a year earlier during summit meetings at Camp David, the U.S. presidential retreat. To commemorate the first anniversary of the summit, leaders from the three nations released a joint statement, in which they celebrated the successes and accomplishments of the past year. The summit brought together top political leaders: President Yoon Suk Yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Concluding the historic summit, they adopted three key documents, including the Camp David Principles, which marked the start of a new era in their trilateral partnership. The joint statement underscored the crucial need for continued trilateral cooperation to address current challenges, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing security collaboration and strengthening their partnership. "We stand by our commitment to consult on regional challenges, provocations and threats affecting our collective interests and security," reads the statement. The recent adoption of the joint statement is timely, given the escalating tensions and security challenges surrounding the Korean Peninsula. North Korea and Russia have significantly ramped up their military cooperation, effectively forming a powerful alliance. In addition, North Korea has persistently carried out provocations and attempted to intimidate South Korea, most recently by launching trash-filled balloons. There is speculation that North Korea might carry out military provocations in October, potentially before the U.S. presidential election in November. These provocations could include conducting a nuclear test or launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) over Japan. In light of the urgent need to manage security on the peninsula and reduce military tensions, it is both significant and timely for the leaders of South Korea, the United States and Japan to reaffirm their commitment to the ROK-U.S. alliance and strengthen their trilateral partnership. Indeed, trilateral cooperation has been significantly strengthened in various areas, particularly in the security sector. This summer, the three nations conducted the comprehensive Freedom Edge exercise, an advanced iteration of the previous Freedom Shield drills between South Korea and the U.S. and Keen Edge between the U.S. and Japan. Furthermore, they have made strides in their efforts to prevent North Korea from illegally obtaining financial resources by establishing a framework for security cooperation among themselves. Additionally, they managed to witness tangible progress and cooperation in the issues pertinent to economic security, state-of-the-art technology and supply channels. Despite such tangible achievements, however, they have yet to see any major changes in the security situation on the peninsula. Essentially, it is natural to resolutely address and prepare for any provocations from the North. However, these measures alone are not sufficient. To truly address the security situation, there needs to be a fundamental shift toward fostering peace and dialogue, rather than continuing the path of military confrontation and antagonism. North Korea cannot escape criticism for worsening the security situation through its aggressive provocations if it fails to demonstrate a genuine commitment to dialogue. Nevertheless, it is crucial for the Yoon Suk Yeol administration not to abandon its efforts toward peace. In this context, it is promising that Yoon offered a package of proposals to North Korea, emphasizing peace and reconciliation, during his National Liberation Day speech on Aug. 15. The Yoon administration should intensify efforts to develop strategies that encourage North Korea to engage in dialogue. Tectonic challenges lie ahead as the three nations look to cement their cooperation and partnerships on an ongoing basis. With Biden recently withdrawing his candidacy, the U.S. presidential race has become an unpredictable and tight competition. Kishida also withdrew his bid for reelection as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. On Sunday, the presidential office clarified that the three nations remain firmly committed to cooperation, despite the imminent leadership changes in the U.S. and Japan. It is imperative for the leaders to effectively manage trilateral cooperation, unaffected by the potential instability of upcoming political shifts in the U.S. and Japan. Japans continued reluctance to extend a sincere apology for its past misdeeds has been posing a possible threat to efforts to solidify relations between Seoul and Tokyo. Now it is high time for the Yoon administration to exercise nuanced and proactive efforts to bolster trilateral cooperation and ease tensions on the peninsula. Rebellions, FuriosaAI set to challenge Nvidia By Nam Hyun-woo Anticipation is growing over the market value of Koreas domestic artificial intelligence (AI) processor manufacturers, as they gear up to compete with established leaders such as Nvidia and other global giants, fueled by substantial investments from major technology firms. Neural processing unit (NPU) maker Rebellions signed an official contract to merge with rival processor maker Sapeon Korea, SK Telecom, the largest shareholder of Sapeon Korea, announced on Sunday just two months after the merger plan was proposed. As part of the agreement, 2.4 Rebellions shares will be exchanged with 1 Sapeon Korea share. The merged companys current value is 1.14 trillion won ($851.2 million). Rebellions is currently moving forward with an initial public offering (IPO) and appointed Samsung Securities as its lead manager last month. Brokerages have reportedly valued Rebellions post-IPO worth at 2 to 3 trillion won, but industry experts estimate it could potentially reach up to 4 trillion won. Rebellions is a fabless AI semiconductor company co-founded in 2020 by CEO Park Sung-hyun and chief technology officer Oh Jin-wook. Park served as a researcher and engineer at Intel, Samsung and Space X, while Oh was a research employee at IBM. Rebellions focuses on NPU, which is a chip designed specifically for running AI tasks more efficiently than a graphics processing unit (GPU), which is the mainstream processor for AI chipsets now. GPUs are versatile and capable of handling various parallel tasks, including AI, but NPUs are made to process AI workloads, making them particularly suited for tasks like deep learning and neural network processing. Rebellions has launched two products after its establishment, with its second offering, ATOM, entering mass production this year. The company is now developing REBEL, its next-generation model. The merged firms major investors will include a number of big-name global financial players and Koreas two largest telecom companies, SK Telecom and KT. Reportedly, Rebellions is in talks with a number of global data center companies, with the goal of supplying products within this year. Since September last year, IBM has been testing Rebellions ATOM, while KT has already selected the company as the partner for its data center projects. SK Telecom is focusing its resources on AI services and is optimistic that Rebellions will be involved in several AI projects that the company is pursuing. Another Korean AI accelerator chip company, FuriosaAI, is also gaining attention from investors with its IPO bid. The company selected Mirae Asset Securities as its lead manager in April and is engaging with a number of financial investors. Reportedly, the company is currently in the pre-IPO stage to raise 80 billion won. If this goal is met, its value could reach 760 billion won. FuriosaAI is an AI fabless semiconductor company established in 2017 by CEO June Paik, who worked as an engineer for AMD and Samsung Electronics. The companys flagship product is WARBOY, a high-performance data center accelerator. In February, Taiwanese hardware giant ASUS announced that it decided to supply servers equipped with WARBOY to data center companies. Customers purchasing ASUS servers will have the option to choose WARBOY alongside products from Intel or Nvidia. FuriosaAI plans to showcase its next-generation AI chip, Renegade (RNGD), at the AI Hardware & Edge Summit in San Jose next month. RNGD will be powered by HBM chips supplied by SK hynix and will have advantages in price and power efficiencies compared to similar products from Nvidia. The market assumes that FuriosaAI will likely make its debut on the stock market in the second half of next year. Currently, its investors include Korea Development Bank, Naver, DSC Investment and other financial investors. Sapeon Korea and Rebellions, two artificial intelligence (AI) chipmakers in Korea, have signed a formal merger agreement. In June, the two companies said they sought a merger as they seek to improve competitiveness in the global market for AI chips. The merged entity will be named Rebellions, company officials said. Sapeon Korea is an AI chip processor affiliate of SK Telecom, the nation's leading mobile carrier, and Rebellions is an AI chip fabless startup, established in 2020. Sapeon Korea created the country's first AI chip for data centers in 2020, and last year, Rebellions developed an AI system-on-chip, named ATOM, which supports large language models. The two companies said their integrated entity is expected to have a corporate value of over 1 trillion won ($743.8 million) to have stronger competitiveness in the global AI chip market. "We were able to make this merger agreement as investors and major business partners of both companies showed great determination and support under the belief that the nation should put in an all-out effort to help its AI chip industry make a leap," said Rebellions CEO Park Sung-hyun, who is set to lead the merged entity. (Yonhap) Genesis, Volvo postpone releases of new electric models By Lee Min-hyung Global carmakers are delaying the launches of new electric vehicles (EVs) due to waning consumer interest and increasing concerns about battery fires. Until recently, most EV makers have aggressively promoted their new or facelifted electric models to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving auto industry, which is increasingly driven by electrification. However, few manufacturers are willing to continue with their planned releases of new models due to concerns about diminishing customer interest. This month, consumer confidence in EVs hit a low point following the sudden explosion of a Mercedes-Benz EQE electric sedan in an underground parking lot. As other EVs from well-known brands like Tesla and Kia have also been involved in similar incidents apparently due to defective batteries more customers are losing interest in such vehicles and are choosing automobiles powered by hybrid or gasoline engines instead. Against this backdrop, EV manufacturers are quickly responding to the negative customer sentiment by postponing their schedules for new vehicle launches. A facelifted version of the Genesis Electrified G80, originally set for launch, Wednesday, has been postponed to an unspecified date, likely due to the rapidly declining demand for electric vehicles. Volvo Car Korea was supposed to launch the EX30 electric subcompact crossover SUV in Korea during the second quarter of this year, but postponed the release to around the end of 2024. The carmaker urgently needs to launch new vehicles to address declining sales. The local subsidiary of Volvo sold a total of 8,596 vehicles between January and July, down 12.9 percent from a year ago. The company currently has no plans to release new models in 2024, aside from the delayed facelift of the EX30. Volvo is not the only carmaker experiencing a decline in sales. Various data indicate that customer preference for EVs is waning. According to market tracker Car Is You, a total of 65,557 EVs were sold in Korea during the first half of this year, down 16.5 percent year-on-year. August figures have yet to be released, but they are projected to show an even steeper decline due to the nationwide apprehension toward EVs triggered by the Mercedes-Benz incident. Industry officials stated that carmakers will need to adjust their schedules for new EV launches in response to the unexpectedly escalating concerns over battery safety. Most carmakers are focusing their strategies on boosting EV sales and attracting as many customers as possible before the widespread adoption of electric cars, an official at an imported carmaker said. But they cannot push ahead with their original schedules due to the spread of the so-called EV-phobia. For now, most carmakers will take a wait-and-see approach, closely monitoring how the current concerns about EVs develop. HiteJinro, Lotte Chilsung bolster overseas marketing By Ko Dong-hwan Overseas sales of soju, a popular Korean distilled alcoholic beverage, are on the rise, fueling anticipation that it could become the next K-food sensation, even as its popularity wanes domestically, according to the Korea Customs Service (KCS). The global popularity of Korean online streaming series and movies is seen as a key factor in drawing liquor consumers' attention to soju, the clear distilled liquor frequently featured in these media. In Korea, rising market prices and shifting trends away from soju are believed to be contributing to its declining consumption. Soju exports in the first half of this year were valued at 66.7 billion won ($48.3 million), up 4.7 percent from the past year. The ascension started and continued from 2022 when annual exports jumped to $93.3 million from $82.4 million the previous year. The exports previous to 2022 had been low for years. Last year, the annual figure exceeded $114 million, marking the first time since 2013 that soju exports surpassed the $100 million mark. The growing exports derive from robust corporate performances. HiteJinro, with its signature soju brand Jinro and its various flavors including the Chamisul lineup, registered sales of 665 billion won and an operating profit of 68.2 billion won for the second quarter of this year, up by 3.7 percent and 473.1 percent, respectively. HiteJinros performance has benefited from Jinro sojus widening presence in the global market, according to market experts. With less reliance on the domestic market, the brand has reduced marketing costs, which led to the steep rise in earnings. The companys oversea soju sales grew to 189 billion won last year, more than tripling from 57.1 billion won in 2017. The performance of Lotte Chilsung, with its signature soju brand Chum Churum, also received a boost from its oversea sales in the first half of this year. The company this year registered 1.99 trillion won in sales and an operating profit of 60.2 billion won, up 38.1 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively. Its subsidiary in the Philippines, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines (PCPPI), countered the slowing domestic sales, according to the company. PCPPIs second-quarter sales and operating profit jumped 10.6 percent and 62.2 percent from the previous year, respectively. The subsidiarys earnings from liquor products alone jumped by 35.8 percent during the same period. Sojus falling popularity in Korea, on the other hand, is due to soaring market prices and rising popularity of whisky and highballs. According to the KCS, outbound shipments of soju have slid consistently down in volume, to 844,000 kiloliters in 2023 from 916,000 kiloliters in 2019. The companies have begun investing overseas for their soju brands. HiteJinro is currently building its first overseas manufacturing plant in Vietnam. Lotte Chilsung in December signed a partnership with California-based E&J Gallo Winery to bolster its sales through the U.S. firms distribution network. Following the deal, Lotte stocked its liquors in some 10,000 stores under E&J. Thanks to the deal, Lottes U.S. exports during the first half of this year jumped by more than 40 percent from the same period last year. The liquor market here, since the COVID-19 pandemic, has in fact been remaining sluggish, a market expert said. With domestic sales expected to slump further, liquor makers overseas market expansion has become critical for their survival. The company that first takes the biggest share of the global market for K-soju will hit the jackpot. Israel's under-pressure prime minister traded blame with Hamas militants on Sunday for delays in reaching a Gaza truce accord as top U.S. diplomat Antony Blinken landed in Tel Aviv to push for a deal. Making his ninth trip to the Middle East since the Gaza war began when Hamas attacked Israel in October, the U.S. secretary of state is to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders. Diplomats say a Gaza deal could help avert a wider conflagration, and a U.S. official speaking on customary condition of anonymity said this is "a particularly critical time." Blinken aims "to press any and all parties that it's important to get the remaining pieces of this across the finish line," said the official. Ahead of the truce talks in Qatar last Thursday and Friday, Hamas had called on mediators rather than holding more negotiations to implement a framework outlined in late May by U.S. President Joe Biden. But after the Qatar talks between U.S., Egyptian and Qatari mediators, the United States submitted a new compromise proposal, leading Hamas on Sunday to accuse Netanyahu of obstruction. According to Hamas, the proposal "responds to Netanyahu's conditions, especially his rejection of a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and his insistence on continuing to occupy the Netzarim junction, the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi corridor." The latter two places are seen by Israel as important for preventing the flow of any weapons into the Gaza Strip, while the Netzarim junction sits at a strategic point between northern and southern Gaza. Netanyahu was "fully responsible for thwarting the efforts of the mediators, obstructing an agreement, and (bears) full responsibility for the lives" of hostages in Gaza, the Islamist movement said in a statement. Hamas officials have on several occasions accused Netanyahu of obstructing an agreement. Western ally Jordan, hostage supporters protesting in Israel, and Hamas itself have also called for pressure on Netanyahu in order that an agreement to be reached. Far-right members crucial to the prime minister's governing coalition oppose any truce. Stakes have risen On Sunday Netanyahu reiterated that Hamas must be pressured. "Hamas, up to this moment, remains obstinate. It did not even send a representative to the talks in Doha. Therefore, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, not at the Israeli government," Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting, referring to the Hamas chief. On Tuesday Blinken is to travel on to Cairo, where cease fire talks will resume in the coming days. The Biden framework, which he said was proposed by Israel, would freeze fighting for an initial six weeks as Israeli hostages are exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and humanitarian aid enters the besieged Gaza Strip. On Saturday, Netanyahu's office in a statement said Israeli negotiators have expressed "cautious optimism" about reaching a Gaza truce deal. U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators also reported progress. Months of on-off truce negotiations have taken place, so far without any agreement. But the stakes have risen since the late July killings of Iran-backed militant leaders, including Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, and as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepened with a feared polio outbreak. Israeli evacuation orders have "reduced the safe zone" in the south of the territory, leaving "no more space" for displaced Palestinians, said Samah Dib, 32. Some "are sleeping on the street" while clean water is scarce and food at the markets is "very expensive and we have no money left", said Dib, who like almost all Gazans is among the displaced. As efforts towards a long-sought truce continued, so did the violence in Gaza but also in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in Lebanon, where Israeli forces and Hamas's Iran-backed ally Hezbollah have traded near-daily fire throughout the war. They did so again on Sunday. The rumble of tanks Civil defence rescuers in Hamas-run Gaza reported a total of 11 people killed in Israeli bombardment of Deir el-Balah and in air strikes on Jabalia refugee camp. The latest killings helped push to 40,099 the death toll from Gaza health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths. Hamas's Oct. 7 attack on Israel that started the war resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. The Israeli military said troops continued operations in central and southern Gaza and "eliminated" militants in Rafah, on the territory's border with Egypt. From the Israeli-designated safe zone in southern Gaza's Al-Mawasi, a fearful Lina Saleha, 44, said she could hear "constant artillery shelling" and the rumble of tanks "getting closer." In the occupied West Bank, an attack in a Jewish settlement killed an Israeli man, a hospital said, three days after a deadly settler raid in a nearby Palestinian village. In Lebanon, the U.N. said three peacekeepers were lightly injured in a blast in the country's south. Iran and its regional allies have vowed retaliation for Haniyeh's death in Tehran which Israel has not claimed responsibility for and for an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed a top Hezbollah commander. U.S. officials have indirectly heard that Iran "want to see a ceasefire, they don't want to see regional escalation," the U.S. official said. Out of 251 hostages seized during Hamas's attack, 111 are still held in Gaza including 39 the military says are dead. More than 100 were freed during a one-week truce in November. The Palestinian Prisoners' Club watchdog said that since the Gaza war began, Israeli forces have detained "more than 10,000 Palestinians" in the West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem, which Israel seized in 1967. (AFP) Ukraine said Sunday it had struck a second key bridge in the Kursk region, seeking to disrupt Moscow's supply routes as Kyiv's unprecedented incursion on Russian soil stretched through its second week. Russia meanwhile ramped up pressure in east Ukraine, claiming to capture another village just a few kilometres from the Ukrainian-held logistics hub of Pokrovsk. "Minus one more bridge," Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said on Telegram, publishing an aerial video of a blast tearing through a bridge near the Russian town of Zvannoye. "The Air Force aviation continues to deprive the enemy of logistical capabilities with precision air strikes," he said. It was unclear when Ukraine carried out the attack. Oleshchuk did not give a date and Russian military bloggers shared photos of destruction from what appeared to be the same bridge dated Saturday. Kyiv sent troops and armoured vehicles across the border on Aug. 6, its biggest attack on Russian territory since the Kremlin launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. On Friday, Ukraine announced it had destroyed a separate bridge in the neighbouring town of Glushkovo. "Our guys are doing a great job in all areas," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said of the Kursk region operations in his evening address Sunday. The Kursk offensive, he added, was aimed at "creating a buffer zone on the aggressor's territory", confirming recent comments by senior Ukrainian officials. But he repeated his appeal for faster delivery of key equipment, addressing Britain, France and the United States in particular. The attacks on both bridges, which lie on the river Seym that winds through Kursk, have left Russia with limited options to cross the river in the area, according to Russian military bloggers. Moscow said the destruction of one of the bridges had hindered evacuation efforts. The Russian defence ministry said in a briefing it was pushing back against Ukraine's forces near several villages. More than 120,000 people have fled the region since fighting began, say Russian officials. Russia's defence ministry said Sunday its forces had captured Svyrydonivka, another frontline settlement some 15 kilometres (nine miles) away from Pokrovsk. Pokrovsk lies on the intersection of a key road that supplies Ukrainian troops and towns across the eastern front and has long been a target for the Russian army. Russian forces have been inching towards Pokrovsk for months, taking a string of tiny villages as they seek to reach the outskirts of the city. "There have been dozens of attacks in just one day," said Zelensky in his evening address. "But our units, our brigades are doing everything they can to maintain their positions." The head of Pokrovsk's military administration, Sergiy Dobryak, warned earlier this week that Russia was a little more than 10 kilometres from the outskirts of the city and urged remaining residents to evacuate. Earlier Sunday, Ukrainian forces said they had thwarted a Russian missile attack on the capital Kyiv where air raid sirens sounded before dawn. No damage or casualties were reported from the attack, which the administration said likely involved "North Korean ballistic missiles of the KN-23 type." Ukrainian drones attacked an oil storage facility in Russia's southern Rostov region early Sunday morning, sparking a large fire, the local governor said. Videos published on social media showed thick black smoke and bursts of flames coming from the site of the blaze, which the governor said was in the town of Proletarsk. "In the southeast of the Rostov region, air defences repelled a drone attack. As a result of falling debris on the territory of industrial storage facilities in Proletarsk, a diesel fuel fire broke out," Governor Vasily Golubev said on Telegram. "At 5:35 a.m., firefighting at the industrial facility in Proletarsk was suspended due to a second drone attack," he added in an update to the post. No one was injured and firefighting efforts resumed shortly after, he posted later. A source in Ukraine's intelligence services said the installations were part of Russia's "military-industrial complex." Proletarsk is some 250 kilometres from the Ukraine border and some 350 kilometres from Kyiv-held areas of fighting on the eastern Ukrainian front line. Kyiv has repeatedly targeted oil and gas facilities in Russia since the conflict began, some hundreds of kilometres from its borders, what it calls "fair" retaliation for attacks on its energy infrastructure. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy praised his forces for hitting oil facilities in Russia, saying the attacks would help bring a "just end" to the conflict. Elsewhere, Ukrainian authorities in the region of Donetsk said four civilians were killed and as many injured by Russian air strikes. And further south in Ukrainian-controlled parts of Kherson, a drone attack on a car injured five people, local investigators said on Telegram. (AFP) Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Azerbaijan's capital Baku on Sunday for a two-day state visit, Russian news agencies reported. Russian television broadcast images of the Russian president's plane as it arrived in Baku in the evening. His visit to the Caucasus country, a close partner of both Moscow and Turkey but also a major energy supplier to Western countries, comes against the backdrop of an unprecedented Ukrainian military offensive on Russian soil. Putin is due to hold talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev on bilateral relations and "international and regional problems," the Kremlin said. On Monday, Aliyev and Putin will sign joint documents and make statements to the press, said Russian agency Ria Novosti. Putin will also lay a wreath on the tomb of Heydar Aliyev, father of the current leader, who was president from 1993 to 2003. Earlier, the Kremlin said they would also discuss "the question of settling (the conflict) between Azerbaijan and Armenia." Azerbaijan reconquered the mountainous enclave in September 2023 from the Armenian separatists who had held it for three decades. Armenia accused Russia of inadequate support in its conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Since then, Armenia has sought to deepen its ties with Western countries, especially the United States, much to the annoyance of Moscow, which considers both former Soviet republics to be in its sphere of influence. Azerbaijan is a major producer of natural gas, to whom many European countries turned to make up for the sharp reduction in Russian deliveries after the start of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022. It is also hosting the COP29 climate conference in November. Putin's last visit to Azerbaijan was in September 2018. Putin has been under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) since March 2023 for the "deportation" of Ukrainian children to Russia, an accusation the Kremlin denies. While the threat of arrest has limited Putin's travels abroad, Azerbaijan is not a signatory to the Rome Statute treaty that established the ICC. (AFP) France on Monday paid homage to film legend Alain Delon following his death at 88, with tributes pouring in for the actor who became one of his country's biggest stars, but was also shadowed by controversy. Delon had made it clear he did not want a national memorial event, but rather burial near his dogs on his property in Douchy in central France where he died. He had already started sounding out the authorities and had their agreement in principle, local official Christophe Hurault told AFP. His three children, Anthony, Anouchka and Alain-Fabien, having squabbled bitterly for months over his medical treatment, spoke in a unified voice Sunday when they announced their father's death. Now they have to manage the funeral of the screen icon, deciding whether to limit it to close family or extend it to the cinema world. Delon, naturally, dominated the front pages of France's newspapers Monday, many of them featuring full-page portraits of the actor in his prime. "The Last Samurai," wrote Le Figaro for its front-page headline, a reference to one of his most famous roles, as the enigmatic assassin in Jean-Pierre Melville's 1967 thriller "Le Samourai." Delon's performances in some of the greatest films of the 1960s and 70s were widely praised, his charisma on screen impossible to ignore. He was one of the last living legends of a golden era for French cinema in the 1960s. Fellow 60s star Brigitte Bardot, 89, told AFP Delon "leaves a huge void that nothing, nobody, can fill". Nathalie Baye, who starred with him in the film "Our Story," said Delon was "not a fun guy" but, she added, "very endearing." French President Emmanuel Macron called him a "French monument" who "played legendary roles and made the world dream." His death was covered by newspapers around the world, with the New York Times, Washington Post and New York Post all publishing lengthy obituaries. The Washington Post described him as the "angel-faced tough guy of international cinema," while The Hollywood Reporter said he was the "seductive star of European cinema." "Mesmeric and beautiful, Alain Delon was one of cinema's most mysterious stars," The Guardian critic Peter Bradshaw wrote. Germany's Spiegel called him "Europe's James Dean", while Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the "aura of the handsome angel of death made him a legend." In Italy, where he spent much of his career, Il Corriere della Sera said that "there will never be another actor like Delon, unique and immortal." "For me, he was a legend," 26-year-old moviegoer Victor Roussel told AFP before a showing of his 1963 film "The Leopard" at a Paris cinema Sunday. In Japan, another solid fanbase for Delon, many film buffs also mourned the death of the "handsome" actor from France. "My friends in their 70s and 80s are still all madly in love with him. Even at 88, he looked great," Delon fan Seta, 74, told AFP on Monday. While he had legions of fans around the world, his personal life and political opinions divided opinion. Delon's relationship with women caused controversy. His sons accused him of domestic violence, which Delon denied while admitting slapping women during quarrels. Delon also drew criticism for supporting Jean-Marie Le Pen, co-founder of the far-right National Front, who was in favour of the death penalty and spoke against same-sex relationships. Feminists were also appalled by the lifetime achievement award the Cannes Film Festival gave him in 2019. He lived his later years largely as a recluse, though his personal life kept him in the headlines. In 2023, his three children filed a complaint against his live-in assistant Hiromi Rollin, accusing her of harassment and threatening behaviour. The siblings went on to wage a public battle in the media and the courts, arguing over his health, which worsened after a stroke in 2019. Delon lived out his final years in the small village of Douchy, surrounded by high walls. Outside the entrance to his home, dozens of fans placed flowers to pay their respects. "In our minds we believe that these icons are eternal," said Marie Arnold, laying white flowers with her sister Michele. "It's a part of our youth that is gone." (AFP) This photo taken on July 29, 2023 shows a view of a photovoltaic power station in Wuzhong city, northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua] China celebrated its second National Ecology Day on Aug. 15, with this year's theme being "accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development." This event aims to foster societal consensus when it comes to green, low-carbon development, and underscores China's unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Recently, China released a set of new guidelines, outlining a clearer and structured roadmap for ramping up a green transition in all aspects of economic and social development. From regional development and industrial structure to transportation and technological innovation, the guidelines offer specific deployment strategies, highlighting China's significant efforts toward advancing high-quality development. Historic strides have been made in the country's green, low-carbon development since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). By the end of June 2024, renewable energy installations reached 1.65 billion kilowatts, accounting for 53.8% of the total. The automotive sector also reflects this rapid shift, where new energy passenger vehicles achieved a historic market penetration rate of 51.1% in July, surpassing traditional fuel-powered vehicles for the first time. These achievements are supported by a robust industrial system with the world's largest and most comprehensive new energy industry chain. Resource efficiency has also seen substantial improvements. From 2012 to 2023, the energy consumption and carbon emission per unit of GDP decreased by more than 26% and 35%, respectively, contributing to the visible enhancement of environmental quality bluer skies, greener mountains and clearer waters. As the world's second-largest economy with over 1.4 billion people, China offers crucial solutions for advancing global green development with achievements that extend beyond the country's borders. According to the International Energy Agency, China contributed to over half of the world's 510 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity in 2023. Its wind and photovoltaic products have also been exported to more than 200 countries and regions, helping developing nations access clean, reliable and affordable energy. Photo taken on May 31, 2024 shows Chinese electric vehicles in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu province. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn] Despite these contributions, China has faced unwarranted criticism and pushback from certain countries which hype so-called "overcapacity" in an attempt to stifle the growth of its new energy industries. Such short-sighted narrative and smear ignore the pressing global demand for green initiatives and undermine collective efforts toward sustainable development. At a time when the global green transition faces complex challenges, such as the politicization of climate issues and escalating green trade barriers, China remains steadfast in its commitment to green, low-carbon development. The country has made significant arrangements during the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to accelerate a comprehensive green transformation. The release of new guidelines has provided a clear roadmap and robust policy support for this process. These guidelines also propose a visionary role for China in "leading the global green transition process." By detailing concepts, approaches, domains and goals for international participation, China reaffirms its dedication to contributing wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind. China's practices in strategic planning, policy design, technological research, resource allocation and social mobilization not only advance its own green transformation but also serve as valuable models for other nations striving for energy-efficient, low-carbon transitions. With resolute steps and a steadfast vision, China is poised to drive even greater achievements in the global green transformation, making profound and lasting contributions to sustainable development worldwide. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. Q: My grandmother is 87. So many of her friends have died and she isnt as physically strong as she used to be, so she doesnt get out much. Im worried that her world is shrinking and thats going to make it harder for her to stay healthy. What should I do to help? -- Katie W., Iowa City, Iowa A: Youre a smart granddaughter! You have mentioned the very risk factors for dementia, disability and death that recent research identifies. In the study, published in JAMA Network Open, researchers found that as social and physical isolation increase so does the occurrence of cognition problems, Alzheimers, and physical limitations. And over the course of four years, that adds up to an increased risk of death. In fact, according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, isolation and lacking connections can increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking every day. You can do a lot to help her break out of her isolation by arranging for family members to call and/or see her regularly and enrolling her in neighborhood or online classes and projects. Decades of research show that friends have the biggest positive impact on slowing aging and reducing the adverse effects of stress. You can also help connect her with social service agencies, community nonprofits, and your local Area Agency on Aging at acl.gov. Plus, contact Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov) or call 800-677-1116 to find out how to connect your grandmother with local support resources. And ask her doctor to prescribe social interaction (its being done now). Another way to help her stay happy and strong is to encourage her to get regular physical activity by walking (especially with a buddy), taking a class or using online resources. And good nutrition is empowering, not just physically but emotionally. For more insights into whats possible, check out Dr. Mikes The Great Age Reboot and iHerb.coms blog How to Slow Down Aging: Top Tips From a Naturopathic Doctor. * * * Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the worlds leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. (c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc. An investigation led to the execution of a search warrant Friday morning at a Salisbury Township home where police said they found firearms, drugs and made an arrest. Cory Naquan Johns, 27, of the 2700 block of Honeysuckle Road is charged with two counts felony possession with intent to deliver drugs; misdemeanor intentional possession of a controlled substance by person not registered; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Members of Allentown Polices Vice & Intelligence unit in a joint operation with Lehigh County Drug Task Force shortly after 6 a.m. raided Johns home. The search led to the seizure of an assault rifle; two semi-automatic loaded handguns; 47 ecstasy pills; 10 grams of crushed ecstacy pills; and 20 amphetamine pills, as well as a half pound of marijuana, a digital scale, loaded gun magazines and $979 cash. Johns was arraigned before District Judge Kyle B. Miller, who set bail at $500,000. In lieu of bail, he was taken to the Lehigh County jail. Johns is due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for at 1:15 p.m. Aug. 23 to determine if theres sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. Tonya Tharp, the public defender assigned to Johns, could not immediately be reached for comment on the case. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle Friday along Route 22 West in Lopatcong Township, police said. The collision occurred around 5 p.m near South Third Street. Police said in a news release the pedestrian was taken to an area hospital and later succumbed to their injuries. Witnesses are being sought. Those with information are asked to call Lopatcong Police Sgt. Lou LaFord at 908-859-1212. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. The National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday valid until 4:45 p.m. for Monroe County. Anticipate quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph. "At 4:30 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Echo Lake, or 15 miles southeast of Mount Pocono, moving northeast at 15 mph," according to the weather service. "Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Wind damage to roofs, siding, trees, and power lines is possible." Locations impacted by the warning include East Stroudsburg, Echo Lake, Werry Lake, Delaware Water Gap, Marshalls Creek, Hidden Lake and Shawnee. This includes the following highways: Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 313 and 314. Interstate 80 in New Jersey between mile markers 0 and 2. According to the weather service, "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways." Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away. To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations: Lightning safety plan: When venturing outdoors, it's vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning. Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's an indication that lightning is nearby. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. Indoors safety measures: Once you're indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors. These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways. Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. It's important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution. When indoor shelter isn't available: If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety: Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk. Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees. If you're with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people. Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It's crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning. Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don't attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety. Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards: Beware of swollen waterways: Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away. Maintain safe driving distances: The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions. Slow down and drive with care: If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Visibility matters: Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows. Watch out for slippery roads: The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. After a night of severe storms and flooding across most of the Lehigh Valley, patchy fog followed by more thunderstorms are in the forecast for Monday. Northampton and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania and Warren County in New Jersey, as well as surrounding counties, are listed under a Special Weather Statement issued by the National Weather Service for Monday. There could be areas of locally dense fog forming with visibility as low as a quarter of a mile in spots. Motorists are urged to use extra caution and be alert for rapid changes in visibility, the statement reads. The fog is expected to lift by late morning. However, the weather service is calling for a chance of showers and thunderstorms, and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 p.m. Otherwise, itll be mostly cloudy, with a high near 81 degrees, the weather service says. The chance of precipitation is 60% for Monday with new rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch. Higher amounts are possible if there are thunderstorms. Monday evening is expected to bring another chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7 p.m., according to the weather service. Temps are expected to then dip to 57 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 30% Monday evening with new precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, or more if there are thunderstorms. AccuWeather predicts some storms could bring some flash flooding and damaging winds. However, Mondays storms arent expected to be as strong as on Sunday, which also led to flash flooding and some road closures, the weather service said in its morning forecast discussion. Rainfall neared 5 inches in parts of the region. Tatamy had 4.94 inches; Upper Mount Bethel had 4.92 inches; and Easton had 4.18 inches. In Lehigh County, Upper Macungie had 4.28 inches; Lower Macungie had 3.29 inches; and Bethlehem had 3.24 inches, according to precipitation totals updated by the weather service. Other areas, including Nazareth, also were hit hard. Borough Police Chief Randall Miller told lehighvalleylive.com Monday morning all roads have since been reopened. Both Bethlehem and Allentown police also reported no lingering closures Monday morning. Trooper Nathan Branosky, public information officer for the Troop M barracks, told lehighvalleylive.com there appears to be weather-related issues remaining at Orefield and Coffeetown Roads in South Whitehall Township. A closure Sunday evening at Santee Road in the area of Easton Avenue and Starview Lane in Bethlehem Township has since been reopened, township police Capt. Shaun Powell said. The swaths of heavy rainfall followed a flash-flood warning declared by the National Weather Service for Easton, Bethlehem and Allentown until late Sunday evening. Things are expected to dry out for Tuesday, but be much cooler. Itll be sunny and comfortable with highs only in the low 70s a few degrees below normal for this time of year. Lows on Tuesday night will fall into the upper 40s, temperatures more typical of late September than August. Wednesday will also be sunny and pleasant with highs in the low 70s, both the weather service and AccuWeather report. Both weather agencies are calling for Thursday expected to reach the mid to upper 70s, before we get back to the low 80s on Friday as dry conditions prevail. Current radar Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Telfords Portlaoise Ltd has been shortlisted for the Leinster Regional Award of the Octabuild Builders Merchants Excellence Awards 2024 while staff member, Daniel Wall, has also been nominated for a Rising Star Award. The Laois business has been trading for 34 years and employs 77 full and part-time staff. Managing Director Liam McEvoy said the slogan, 'Building a Better Future,' reflects their commitment to customers and employees. "We prioritise customer satisfaction by offering high-quality, affordable products and supporting Irish manufacturers, which bolsters the local economy and ensures a diverse product range. Our dedication to sustainability means our practices protect the environment for future generations, fostering trust and reliability in our customer relationships." Rising Star nominee, Daniel, joined the Telfords team in 2019 as a General Operative and has been promoted to Sales Advisor in the Builders Centre. Mr McEvoy says that Daniel goes above and beyond, demonstrating a significant level of dedication to his job and is always conscious of ensuring that our customers leave our store with the best service possible. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Pictured (left to right) is Rising Star nominee, Daniel Wall (centre) with Liam McEvoy (left) and Seamus Fitzpatrick. The Octabuild Awards, which have been recognising excellence in the builders merchant trade for over 35 years, continue with an all-island competition this year. The Laois shop is among five builders merchants to be shortlisted in the Leinster region. The others are from Meath, Dublin and Wexford. They are Rooneys Home & Hardware, Chadwicks Coolock, Chadwicks Robinhood Road and Wallaces Homevalue There are 21 shortlisted builders merchants competing for four regional awards and five category awards . In addition there are nine contenders for the Rising Star Award, acknowledging the up-and-coming talent in the industry. The full shortlist is also available at www.octabuild.ie/news/ MORE BELOW PICTURE. Pictured are some of the Telfords Portlaoise Ltd team left to right: Pat Fingleton, John Molloy, John Harding, Damien Goodwin, Tom Delaney, Eileen Sinnott, Donal Rigney, Liam McEvoy, Dean Moloney, Colin Maher. The judges will be visiting all shortlisted merchants in the coming weeks to select the winners in each region and category as well as an overall winner. The winners will be announced at an awards event on Thursday, 17th October in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin. Commenting on the entries received, judge Joe Harlin, said: "The diverse range of excellence displayed in the entries this year reflects the evolving landscape of the builders merchant trade. From sustainable business practices to exceptional customer service, the shortlisted candidates have shown remarkable dedication to advancing the industry." Speaking on behalf of the eight Octabuild members Dulux, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation and Wavin Ireland Octabuild Chairperson, Declan Conlon, commented: "The commitment to excellence in the builders merchant trade is fundamental to the successful growth of the industry and we are delighted to be in a position to both highlight and celebrate the high standard of excellence that is evident across the country. Octabuild was established in 1984 and is unique among representative groups in the building and construction industry. The objective of the group is to promote the benefits of high quality, Irish manufactured products. Each Octabuild company is committed to excellence in providing an efficient and reliable service to builders merchants. A newly detected drug caused the mass overdose event that left 11 Portlaoise Prison inmates in hospital. The inmates were rushed to the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise after falling ill last Tuesday, August 13. Several were treated in the ICU(Intensive Care Unit) while one was in a critical condition. Initially it was suspected that the inmates had consumed a synthetic opioid called Nitazene. The drug had previously led to a death in an Irish prison and the Irish Prison Service had issued a nationwide warning about that substance last July. However, following tests the HSE revealed the drugs involved were a newly detected synthetic Benzodiazepine called Clobromazolam. HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, Prof Eamon Keenan said: From the drug sample submitted by the Irish Prison Service to the HSE, following the recent overdoses in Portlaoise Prison, the HSE Emerging Drug Trends laboratory has identified there were no opioids involved, specifically no nitazenes (synthetic opioids). We did, however, identify a new synthetic Benzodiazepine, Clobromazolam. This is the first time this drug has been identified in Ireland. This is an extremely potent type of Benzodiazepine and is a sedative type of drug, he explained. While there were fears that the drug might be circulating in the community and could appear at festivals such as the Electric Picnic or in nightclubs, Prof Keenan said it wasnt likely. Its unlikely to be circulating in a festival or nightlife setting as the drugs used in those settings tend to be more stimulant type drugs, he explained. He said the incident highlights the importance of testing for drugs at events such as the Electric Picnic. The situation at Portlaoise Prison recently is an example of how volatile the drug market is. New substances are appearing on the market and causing harm quickly. They require rapid responses and for the HSE to respond effectively and provide credible information, we need to know the contents of new substances. This is why drug monitoring including back of house drug checking is so important. Through timely analysis, it allows us to detect and rapidly respond to emerging drug trends and reduce harms among people who use drugs, While we always say that it is safer not to use drugs at all, back of house drug analysis offers us a unique opportunity to obtain and analyse substances for public health purposes and also to save lives, he said The HSE said this drug has not been identified in other community settings. It advised people not to take illicit benzodiazepines as you can never be sure of the contents of powder or tablets obtained in this manner and they may be extremely harmful. In a statement last Tuesday, the IPS said: The Irish Prison Service is working closely with the HSE in response to a number of overdose presentations in custody. The Prison Service has secured extra naloxone kits in the event of clinical intervention. Extra vigilance is being taken across the prison estate and the Irish Prison Service has commenced an information campaign for prisoners around the dangers of consuming contraband. The Irish Prison Service is committed to preventing the access of contraband including drugs into prisons and continues to be a high priority for the Irish Prison Service. The Irish Prison Service has committed to continuing to invest in new technologies and measures to support our efforts to keep contraband out of prisons. Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis. Our Canine Unit carry out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons. The Irish Prison Service continues to engage with An Garda Siochana with regard to preventing contraband entering our prison and this happens at both local and national level. The Operational Support Group work closely with their colleagues in An Garda Siochana on a regular basis and the sharing of intelligence has led to target searches resulting in the seizure of contraband. There is a free confidential telephone line (1800 855 717) and text line (086 180 2449) which is operational. Prisoners, visitors, staff or members of the public with information on the trafficking of prohibited items into our prisons can pass on that information in the strictest confidence. The Irish Prison Service are committed to strengthening our measures in keeping drugs out of prison and in this regard a new Drug Strategy was published last November. This new strategy sets out clear measures to be taken by the Irish Prison Service to tackle the problem of substance abuse in prisons over the next three years. Technology tycoon Mike Lynch, born to Irish parents, and his daughter are among six tourists missing after a luxury yacht sank in a tornado off the coast of Sicily, sources said. A body, believed to be that of the vessels chef, has been found and police divers are trying to reach the hull of the ship, which is resting at a depth of 50 metres. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Reppublica stated. Mr Lynch has strong Irish links as his mother was a nurse from Tipperary and his father a fireman from Cork. In a 2015 radio interview, Mr Lynch confirmed that he was born in Ilford in London, despite a number of reports that he was born in Ireland and raised in England. He said during the same interview that he spent childhood summers in Carrick-On-Shannon and Tipperary and has family who still live there. (PA Graphics) Sicilys civil protection agency told the BBC that 18-year-old Hannah Lynch was among those missing with her father, along with the yachts chef, Ricardo Thomas. The yacht was carrying 10 crew members and 12 passengers. Fifteen people including Mr Lynchs wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued, according to local media. The British-flagged superyacht, named Bayesian, capsized at about 5am local time off the coast of Palermo when the area was hit by a tornado. Mr Lynch, who founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, was made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. In June, he was cleared of conducting a massive fraud relating to an 11 billion dollar (8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard. A spokesperson for Mr Lynch said there was no comment. The yacht sank as a fierce storm battered the area overnight. Rescue operations in the stretch of sea near Palermo (Italian Coast Guard/AP) The daily Il Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported that the vessel had mostly British passengers on board, but also people from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and British-French citizens. Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency said: They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. One of the survivors, British tourist Charlotte Emsley, told la Reppublica she held her one-year-old daughter, Sofia, to stop her from drowning. She said: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Charlotte and Sofia are being treated in hospital, as is Sofias father, James Emsley. Karsten Borner, captain of a nearby boat, told journalists those missing included the Bayesians owner and a child, news agency Reuters reported. He said his crew took on board some survivors who were on a life raft, including three who were seriously injured. Fisherman Francesco Cefalu said he sailed from the shore to the scene after seeing a flare at about 4.30am, but by the time he arrived Bayesian had already sunk, with only items such as cushions and wood floating in the water. He added: I think they are inside, all the missing people. A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected. The Bayesian, left, was built in 2008 (Fabio La Bianca/PA) Bayesian completed a number of sailings in recent days, calling at various ports in Sicily, according to ship-tracking website VesselFinder. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites, and is listed for rent for up to 195,000 euros (166,000 ) a week. She was built in 2008 by Italian company Perini Navi. Her registered owner is listed as Revtom Ltd, which is based on the Isle of Man. An online fundraiser has been launched to aid a young girl and her family originally from the Kildare-Laois border. The description of the GoFundMe campaign 'Robyn's Journey', which was organised by one Pamela Quinn, reads as follows: "We are reaching out to you to support the family of Robyn Neville-Quinn. "Robyn is an adorable one-year-old girl who has unfortunately been diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS). "WAS is a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder that primarily affects boys. "For Robyn, a girl, to be diagnosed with this condition is incredibly rare (one in one billion)." She continued: "Since birth, Robyn has faced numerous health challenges; within her first few weeks of life, following countless visits to A&E for bleeding and severe eczema, it was discovered that Robyn's platelets were dangerously low, at just 5 (Normal platelet levels range between 150 and 450). "To manage this, Robyn needed a central line inserted and weekly platelet transfusions to support her immune system. Because Robyn has a compromised immune system, she is at serious risk of developing infections. "Although a medication introduced after her first birthday has helped her to produce more platelets, this treatment is not a permanent solution. Eventually, it will cease to be effective, making a bone marrow transplant essential to save her life." Ms Quinn also noted that, due to the rarity of WAS and the complexity of the transplant, this procedure is not available in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Therefore, Robyn and her parents, Meagan and Adam, must travel to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. She continued: "Meagan and Adam are a young couple, both only 25 years of age, who moved from Portarlington, County Laois, to Belfast and started their family. Robyn does not have any siblings. "Unfortunately, she does not yet have a donor. However, as soon as her match is found, this life-saving operation can go ahead. "The projected timescale for her operation, treatment, and recovery is six to 12 months, or possibly longer if any complications arise. "Meagan and Adam will face significant financial pressure over the coming years; Meagan has been unable to return to work due to Robyn's illness, while Adam has needed to (and will continue to) need to take time off from work to travel to England and support his family during Robyn's transplant and recovery. "Thankfully, Robyn's treatment will be covered by the NHS. "Any money collected will go towards flights, accommodation, meals, and everyday costs during this time." Ms Quinn concluded: "We would be so grateful if you could donate to this fundraiser in any way you can, and please share Robyn's Journey." The fundraiser for Robyn can be accessed here. As of the time of publication, the fundraiser has raised 3,010 (3,532.76) of its 50,000 (58,683.75) goal. The Government will reflect on calls for a public inquiry into alleged sexual abuses by prolific abuser Michael Shine, the Taoiseach has said. Simon Harris described Shine as a vile paedophile who has brought pain and misery to many of his victims. Shine worked as a senior registrar at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda in Co Louth from 1964 to 1995. A number of men who were allegedly sexually assaulted by Shine told the Journal.ie that they want a public inquiry into the cases. Many of the survivors claim that the Medical Missionaries of Mary religious order, which was in charge of the hospital, was aware of the alleged abuse for years. Shine, 93, was convicted of assaulting nine boys at two trials in 2017 and 2019. More than 200 victims have settled civil actions against the Medical Missionaries of Mary. Belfast firm Phoenix Law has formally written to the Minister of Justice Helen McEntee seeking a commission of investigation to be opened into the actions of Michael Shine. Speaking at the opening of a new bypass in Co Kerry, Mr Harris said: Michael Shine is a vile paedophile, prolific abuser who has brought pain and misery to many. His victims have today spoken with courage and in a vivid manner, and I want to thank them for that. I think their intervention is really important. Im conscious that there have been matters before the court, civil and criminal. Im conscious that there have been reports and consideration given by government departments, but in light of the very strong comments by the victims of Shine today, the Government will no doubt reflect on this and see what what actions are appropriate. Phoenix Law, instructed by several of the victims, have formally written to the Minister of Justice seeking a Commission of Investigation to be opened into the actions of Michael Shine. Our @DiarmuidBreck acts. More below https://t.co/jn7wJLZ19G Phoenix Law Belfast (@PhoenixLawHR) August 19, 2024 Mr Harris said he understands how the victims feel upset and frustrated over how the allegations of abuse were handled. I am conscious, though, that when certain court processes are under way and criminal investigations are under way, that can cut across other processes that understandably people may wish to explore, the Fine Gael leader added. There is always that balance between not wishing to do anything to prejudice a matter that is before the court or indeed subject to investigation. Having said that, I think the victims request that we would now take stock of where we now at, and as a Government, to consider these matters is something we will now reflect on. He added: My message to everybody, the Government that I lead, to all organisations, to all agencies, to all (religious) orders, is that we must always take a victim-led approach. We saw children experience significant horror and abuse. We obviously have a court system, we have a criminal justice system, we have obviously seen a criminal sentence given out in some cases as well. But it is important that any actions that are taken next are victim-centred. Primary School Teachers across County Kildare are being called on to register for the Blue Star Programme. Now in its 14th year, the award-winning Programme, which is held in association with European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland), teaches children about the European Union. A spokesperson for EM Ireland said: "To date, over 1,200 schools and an estimated 200,000 pupils have completed the Programme. Only five schools in Kildare participated in the Programme last year, so were calling on teachers across the county to register and get involved. "Schools participating in the Blue Star Programme may receive a visit to the school from a politician or a diplomat. "Ceann Comhairle of the Dail, Sean O Fearghail TD visited Moone National School in Athy and former Minister for Special Education, Josepha Madigan TD visited Gaelscoil Ruairi in Maynooth." They added: "From today until October 11, 2024, the National Implementation Body, EM Ireland invites primary schools across Ireland to register and complete the Blue Star Programme, in particular Gaelscoileanna, island schools and DEIS schools." Noelle O'Connell, CEO of EM Ireland, also said: "The Blue Star Programme provides young people with the wonderful opportunity to not only learn about but develop a true appreciation for European culture. "The Programmes curriculum is creative and accessible, and it helps to foster a genuine interest in and a desire to learn about the EU." She continued: "We are very grateful to all the participating teachers and pupils that have and continue to take part in the Programme." "Their passion and creativity are what fuels this Programmes success, and wed like to welcome primary schools from across the country to participate," Ms O'Connell concluded. Participating classes learn about European history, geography, culture, and the EU institutions in a fun, informative and accessible way that complements the national primary curriculum. Aspects of the Programme include cross-cultural activities, such as learning basic phrases in other European languages and celebrating European cultural days. In addition, the Programme encourages pupils to learn about the European elections, in particular the role of MEPs and the differences between the EU Institutions. Teachers have the flexibility to integrate the Programme into their lesson plans and tailor EU projects to their classes aptitude and ability. The Programme is open to all primary school ages, from junior infants to sixth class, and is designed to be run in all school settings across Ireland. Gaelscoileanna can avail of Clar na Realta Goirme i nGaeilge. EM Ireland is the National Implementation Body for the Blue Star Programme. It is an independent not-for-profit, membership organisation dedicated to developing the connection between Ireland and the EU and the Programme is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Further information about the Programme can be found on www.bluestarprogramme.ie. This years John Joe McGirl commemoration on Saturday, August 17, saw a record number of people in attendance since the Republicans death in 1988. The annual commemoration typically attracts a couple hundred people in Ballinamore, but this year, the event drew over two thousand people. A parade was led by a colour party, followed by the Mountain Road Pipe Band from Teemore, Co. Fermanagh. The Citizen Army pageant group from Co. Cavan was also in attendance. Sinn Fein Cumainn members from Leitrim, the surrounding counties, and further afield, some with banners, presented a brilliant scene. Festival goers emerged from pubs and premises along the route to witness a spectacle rarely seen in the town outside of the annual festival Week. John Finucane MP gave a wide-ranging oration in which he paid tribute to John Joe McGirl as a great Irishman and a true patriot. John Joe McGirl was and remains for Republicans, not just here in Leitrim, but across the island, an inspirational figure, said Mr Finucane. Fintan Warfield, John Finucane MP and Micheal McGirl Speaking of his own tragic experience of witnessing his father being shot dead in his own home, John said: Such a loss will never leave anyone who experiences such a thing. A local business owner has criticised the ongoing work at Market Yard in Carrick-on-Shannon, part of the Town and Village Scheme, as an eyesore. However, the Chamber of Commerce believes the project will significantly benefit the town in the long run. The work includes extending the existing circular bandstand structure, upgrading the current toilets, constructing a paved terrace with storage underneath, and adding new signage, street furniture, and landscaping. The red brick on the outside doesnt tone in with the vernacular of the yard. It was done with lovely old brick work and the new construction is crying in the face of the yard, said Gene Anderson, owner of Andersons Thatch Pub, Carrick-on-Shannon. Other people have been mentioning it. I wouldnt mind the length of the work but I worry it wont be eye-pleasing to the town. It looks completely different to what was in the market yard. The penny fountain in the middle of the yard has disappeared too. They may have good intentions but I feel that its money gone on something that could be lovely, but well see what happens, he concluded. The Town and Village scheme was introduced in 2016 and is funded under Project Ireland 2040. The scheme targets towns and villages with populations of 10,000 or less, and all projects funded must be completed within 12 to 18 months. The scheme is designed to rejuvenate small towns and villages. Finola Armstrong-McGuire, President of the Carrick-on-Shannon Chamber, believes the construction will greatly benefit the town. Im of the opinion that in order to make an omelette you have to break an egg. The people who have created the Market Yard space have a vision, a very positive vision for the town centre, Ms Armstrong-McGuire said. They saw where more could be done with it. Construction workers are very difficult to keep on track and theyre trying to do as much as they can. It has the usual slowness of anything like it, I think we have to put up with these inconveniences. I do feel for those who are in business within the centre. Its not easy to have a normal business with such an amount of work thats going on but Id hope those they are renting from would be aware of that. I believe for progress in any town you have to suffer the consequences of a rebuild and remake which is all for the positivity going forward. Therell be benefits once its finished as there has been for everything thats been done in Carrick-on-Shannon. Nothing is done lightly in this day and age where money is so difficult to get. I think its all for the betterment of the town and the streetworks were much more major. The end result of all works have been amazing and I look forward to seeing the same here, and bear with it in the meantime, she explained. Time will tell if the envisioned improvements will work alongside the historic charm of the town, but the intent to progress and enhance Carrick-on-Shannon is clear. 7th CIIE and Hongqiao Forum Shine Spotlight on High-Standard Opening up SHANGHAI, Aug. 19, 2024 /CNW/ -- With a theme centered on encouraging opening up and advancing inclusive economic globalization, the 7th Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HQF) will serve as a vital stage in showcasing China's commitment to high-standard opening up, in tandem with the China International Import Expo (CIIE) this year. Slated for November 2024 in Shanghai, a series of parallel-sessions will convene international leaders, top economists, and entrepreneurs to tackle global challenges and exchange insights. Hongqiao Forum's Theme and Topics Unveiled Running concurrently with the annual CIIE, the 7th HQF will be held under the theme of "High-Standard Opening up for Universally Beneficial and Inclusive Economic Globalization." Main discussions will focus on topics such as industrial development and sustainable urban construction, sustainable trade under climate change, artificial intelligence, new energy storage, and new energy vehicles. The forum will also release the World Openness Report 2024 and will include a range of closed-door sessions and promotional events. Releasing the 2024 World Openness Report The World Openness Report, published annually at the forum since the 4th CIIE, provides valuable insights into how countries and regions are managing the challenges and opportunities in a connected world. World Openness Report delivered a comprehensive assessment of the state of global openness in trade, finance, infrastructure, climate and policies. The report underscores the need for rebuilding global solidarity, and creating new momentum for international trade, sustainable development and climate action. Stay tuned for World Openness Report 2024! Elevating Participant Experience and Engagement This year's CIIE & HQF GALA will continue to precede the opening ceremony and offer enhanced services such as early information disclosure to ensure forum guests are well-informed. Media interactions will also be introduced to increase visibility. Furthermore, the forum information system will be upgraded, including the development of a user-friendly mobile platform with interactive features for easy audience engagement and appointment scheduling. Staying Connected with CIIE's Pulse To keep participants abreast of the latest developments, we publish the CIIE Newsletter on monthly basis. It is designed to highlight the CIIE's progress and achievements, providing up-to-date exhibition policies, exhibitor incentives, and comprehensive guide for all participants. You are welcomed to subscribe the newsletter here: https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/?from=prnewswire Embrace the opportunity to make your mark in the Business Exhibition, please act promptly to secure your booth at the CIIE: Exhibitor Registration-China International Import Expo Bureau Contact: Ms. Cui Yan Tel.: 0086-21-968888 Email: [email protected] SOURCE China International Import Expo (CIIE) 19 august 2024 at 01:10 News published onand distributed by: Network International Slashes Fraud Rates in MEA with Cloud-Hosted FICO Solution FICO (NYSE: FICO): Highlights: Network International LLC (NI), headquartered in Dubai, has helped banks in the Middle East and Africa prevent fraud using an on-prem and cloud-hosted version of the industry leading FICO Falcon Fraud Manager Fraud Manager More than 40 financial institutions in United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and South Africa are using the solution to help protect 20+ million customers, reducing fraud basis points of sales by 82% in 2022 Network International has won a 2024 FICO Decision Award for Cloud Deployment. Global analytics software leader FICO announced today that Network International LLC (NI), headquartered in Dubai, has helped banks in the Middle East and Africa help prevent fraud using a cloud-hosted version of the industry-leading FICO Falcon Fraud Manager. More than 40 financial institutions in United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and South Africa are using the solution to protect 20+ million customers, processing more than 180 million transactions, representing USD18 billion in value. Collectively, NI and FICO Falcon Fraud Manager have reduced fraud basis points of sales by 82% in 2022, and increased fraud detection rates by 25%. Network International has won a 2024 FICO Decision Award for Cloud Deployment. More information: https://www.fico.com/en/products/fico-falcon-fraud-manager "Considering the continuously evolving nature of fraud and increased regulatory scrutiny on issuers, it is imperative for banks to establish a robust strategy, processes, technology, and resources to prevent financial and reputational losses," said Arindam Chatterjee, group head, Safety and Security Solutions at Network International. "But deploying an on-premises fraud management solution is complex, challenging, time-consuming, and costly. FICO Falcon Fraud Manager, which we host as a service, has successfully resolved a complex puzzle for banks and payment service providers that have entrusted NI with the end-to-end responsibility of managing fraud across payment channels on their behalf." NI adopted FICO Falcon Fraud Manager to address their customers' unmet need to use a single platform for preventing and detecting fraud across both card (debit, credit and prepaid) and non-card (retail banking, corporate banking, alliance banking and others) product portfolios. FICO Falcon Fraud Manager at NI gives customers complete flexibility in choosing the channels they want to integrate, deploying the solution in phases and scaling their operations according to business requirements, fraud perception and regulatory priorities. It enables organizations to address fraud comprehensively with a 360 customer view using a unified platform featuring advanced AI and machine learning models for all payment and service channels. "Because it's a hosted service, institutions in any country can use it regardless of the size of their customer base or economy, without concerns about the substantial capex of on-premises deployment and onsite support," said Chatterjee. "NI-hosted FICO Falcon Fraud Manager suits the requirements equally well for a new bank, small bank, mid-sized bank or a large multi-national bank. We can deploy it faster than an on-premises solution for a customer, and reduce their capital expenditure, resource and training costs. They get effective fraud management from day one." In addition to managing the anti-fraud application, environment, network and integrations with client's payment systems, NI also provides continuous analytics and rule management services, and 24/7/365 fraud monitoring operations carried out by a dedicated team work on case investigations and disposition. Deploying Across the Middle East and Africa In some countries with stringent data residency requirements imposed by central banks and regulators, such as the Saudi Central Bank, banks cannot process their data outside their country borders. In response, NI adopted a customer-centric approach and established FICO Falcon Fraud Manager instances as close to the clients as possible, in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and South Africa. These deployments leveraged FICO Falcon Fraud Manager's native capabilities, including: Infrastructure flexibility: on-premises or cloud-agnostic deployments Modular architecture Containerised components Scalability encompassing both vertical and horizontal expansion API-based interfaces Cross-data centre replication between production and disaster recovery Because of these capabilities, the NI technology teams could effectively replicate one successful FICO Falcon Fraud Manager deployment across other key regions with substantial growth potential. These regions predominantly serve developing economies during the transition from cash-based transactions to digital payment systems. Lower Fraud Losses and Higher Detection Rate "To date, with a review rate of just 1.13%, we have saved an impressive amount of fraud losses, aggregating to USD9.7 million, which has provided 7.45X ROI to our clients in the current financial year alone," said Chatterjee. One of those clients is a small-sized yet fast-growing UAE-based bank that deploys FICO Falcon Fraud Manager at an enterprise level to monitor transaction fraud across cards, retail banking, channels and corporate banking accounts. After implementing FICO Falcon Fraud Manager real-time transaction fraud prevention technology, the bank has a fraud detection rate of over 90%, more than three times as high as when they first started leveraging the solution. "FICO Falcon Fraud Manager is far and away the industry leader in fraud detection, protecting more than 4 billion payment accounts worldwide," said Nikhil Behl, EVP for software at FICO. "We applaud Network International's achievements in bringing this powerful solution to firms of all sizes across the region. They are helping to keep their customer's customers safe from all kinds of fraud. Bravo!" "The judging panel was impressed by the expansive scale of Network International's deployment of FICO Falcon Fraud Manager," added Eric Kavanagh, CEO Bloor Group and host of InsideAnalysis, who was one of the FICO Decisions Awards judges. "By providing fraud prevention-as-a-service to the region, they demonstrated a groundbreaking approach to threat detection. This innovative business model, democratizing advanced technology for a diverse range of organizations, stood out as a testament to their vision and execution, making Network International's achievement truly impressive." About the FICO Decisions Awards The FICO Decisions Awards recognize organizations that are achieving remarkable success using FICO solutions. A panel of independent judges with deep industry expertise evaluates nominations based on measurable improvement in key metrics; demonstrated use of best practices; project scale, depth and breadth; and innovative uses of technology. The 2024 judges are: Andrew Birmingham , editor, Mi3 , editor, Eric Kavanagh , CEO Bloor Group and host, InsideAnalysis , CEO Bloor Group and host, Elizabeth Lumley , deputy editor, The Banker , deputy editor, Paul Mah , senior editor, CDO Trends , senior editor, Laura Martins , editor, IT Forum , editor, Paul Robinson , VP credit management at Canadian Tire Bank (Previous Winner) , VP credit management at Canadian Tire Bank (Previous Winner) Shiv Sehgal , EVP audience analytics at RSG Media (Previous Winner) , EVP audience analytics at RSG Media (Previous Winner) Nick Vitchev, director at Chartis The winners of the FICO Decisions Awards were spotlighted at FICO World 2024, held in April 2024 in San Diego, California. About Network International LLC Network International LLC is the Middle East and Africa's largest and leading digital payments company. Our purpose is to help businesses and economies grow by simplifying payments and commerce. We operate in 50+ countries serving governments, banks, fintechs, merchants and public sector companies. We have 2,000+ employees based in our markets serving over 250 financial institutions and 130,000+ merchants. About FICO FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 200 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 100 countries do everything from protecting 4 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and has been made available in over 40 other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency. Learn more at https://www.fico.com FICO and Falcon are registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. 19 august 2024 at 04:05 News published onand distributed by: Capella Announces Strategic Partnership with Teako Minerals on Lkken Copper-Cobalt-Zinc Project VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Capella Minerals Ltd (TSXV: CMIL) (OTCQB: CMILF) (FRA: N7D2) ("Capella" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has executed a Definitive Acquisition Agreement (the "Agreement") with Teako Minerals Corp. (CSE: TMIN) ("Teako") pursuant to which Teako will acquire a 90% interest in Capella's high-grade Lkken copper-cobalt-zinc ("Cu-Co-Zn") project in Trndelag, central Norway. In accordance with the Agreement, Capella will receive a combination of cash and common shares in Teako within two weeks of signing, a firm commitment by Teako to carrying out drilling on the Amot target and bringing additional Cu-Co-Zn targets to drill-ready status, with Capella retaining a non-dilutable 10% carried interest on the Lkken project through to commercial production. Capella's Lkken project covers 114 sq. km and contains the past-producing Lkken copper-zinc mining operation, the largest Cyprus-type massive sulfide ("VMS") deposit known globally with reported past production of 24MT @ 2.3% Cu + 1.9% Zn1). In addition, the Lkken project contains the drill-ready Amot VMS target and multiple satellite target areas with the potential for further Lkken-type VMS discoveries (see Company News Release dated July 22, 2024). Terms of the Agreement Key terms of the Agreement under which Teako will acquire a 90% interest in the Lkken project include: i) Capella to receive $C 350,000 in cash and 2,500,000 common Teako shares on or before August 30, 2024. ii) Teako to commit to drilling the Amot target with new funds raised within twelve months of signing the Agreement, in addition to advancing at least two further targets to drill-ready status within 24 months from signing. iii) Teako to pay Capella a further $C 1,250,000 upon a Final Investment Decision ("FID") being made to proceed to the construction of a mine within the Lkken project. iv) Capella to retain a 10% carried interest to production, which includes capital costs, on any discovery made within the Lkken project. v) Teako to keep the property in good standing and to make all annual advanced royalty payments to EMX Royalty Corporation ("EMX") starting 30 September, 2024. vi) Customary tag along / drag along rights, with Capella maintaining at all times a Right of First Refusal ("ROFR") on any bona fide third-party offer received for Teako's interest in the Lkken project. In the event that Teako makes a Final Investment Decision to proceed with commercial production, Capella and Teako will then enter into a Joint Venture Agreement ("JV Agreement"). As part of this JV Agreement, Capella will not be required to make any contributions to the mine capital costs until commercial production commences (at which time Capella will be required to payback its share of capital costs by netting out 25% of the amount of any distribution to Capella until such amounts are recovered). Should the mine close prior to final repayment, the balance outstanding payable by Capella will be forgiven clear of any further obligations. Eric Roth, Capella's President and CEO, commented: "Today, we are very pleased to be announcing this Agreement with Teako, which will allow the Lkken project to advance through further exploration and drilling ? including at the drill-ready Amot target ? in addition to creating a significant district-scale exploration and development project through the combination of Lkken with Teako's adjacent Lomunda and Venna projects. Capella shareholders also retain a direct interest in any discovery at Lkken all the way through to production, and also benefit from exploration success by Teako ? both within the Lkken district and elsewhere throughout Norway ? through our Teako shareholding which will now total 3,500,000 common Teako shares. Capella looks forward to working together with Teako's technical / management team, with whom a solid relationship has already been built through joint efforts at the Vaddas-Birtavarre project in northern Norway, in order to ensure success for all parties at Lkken. I do look forward to keeping the market updated as our exploration programs advance". About the Combined Lkken and Lomunda-Venna Projects Capella's Lkken project covers an area of 114 sq. km and includes the former mining operations at Lkken, Hydal, and Dragset. Copper production from the former Lkken mine ceased in 1986 in response to low metals prices, thereby leaving potential for new high-grade VMS discoveries in both extensions to the original Lkken mine and in satellite bodies. The main host rocks to mineralization at Lkken are pillow basalts and gabbro; similar lithologies follow a broadly SW-NE regional trend and have been covered by Teako's Lomunda and Venna claims (Figure 1). At the Lkken project, Capella's exploration activities have identified 5 priority target areas located in the immediately vicinity of the former Lkken mine (Figure 2). These targets include the previously-undrilled Amot target, which is located approximately 5km E of the former Lkken mining operations and defined by coincident ground magnetic, airborne EM, and soil geochemical anomalies (all favourable indicators for VMS deposits). The Company interprets the Amot target from geophysical data to lie approximately 150m vertically below surface. 1 Historic production values quoted for Lkken are from Grenne T, Ihlen PM, Vokes FM (1999) Scandinavian Caledonide metallogeny in a plate-tectonic perspective. Mineral Deposita 34:422?471. Capella has not performed sufficient work to verify the published data reported above, but the Company believes this information to be considered reliable and relevant. Qualified Persons and Disclosure Statement The technical information in this news release relating to the Lkken project has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101, and approved by Eric Roth, the Company's President & CEO, a Director, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Mr. Roth holds a Ph.D. in Economic Geology from the University of Western Australia, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and is a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG). Mr. Roth has 35 years of experience in international minerals exploration and mining project evaluation. On Behalf of the Board of Capella Minerals Ltd. "Eric Roth" ___________________________ Eric Roth, Ph.D., FAusIMM President & CEO About Capella Minerals Ltd Capella is a Canadian exploration and development company with a focus on copper-gold projects in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt of northern Finland & copper-cobalt projects in Norway. In northern Finland, the Company's portfolio consists of 5 copper-gold projects ? including the priority Killero E and Killero W projects, both of which were former Anglo American targets but never drilled - and which are located about 40km SW of Agnico Eagle's Kittila Gold Mine, currently the largest gold producer in Europe. In the Trndelag Province of central Norway, the Company's focus is on the discovery of high-grade copper-cobalt massive sulfide (VMS) deposits in the former mining districts of Lkken and Rros. The Company's portfolio includes: i) the advanced exploration-stage Hessjgruva copper-cobalt project and adjacent Kongensgruve and Kjli projects in the northern Rros mining district, and ii) satellite copper-cobalt-zinc VMS targets around the past-producing Lkken copper mine, including the drill-ready Amot target. Capella holds equity positions in Teako Minerals (CSE: TMIN), Prospector Metals (TSXV: PPP), European Energy Metals (TSXV: FIN), and Unico Silver (ASX: USL) as a direct result of the recent divestiture of non-core assets. Capella also retains direct participation (29.6%) in a Joint Venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (TSX: AEM; NYSE: AEM) at the Domain Gold Project, Manitoba. Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of Capella, including the timing, completion of and results from the exploration and drill programs described in this release. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Capella in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in Capella's most recently filed MD&A. Capella does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Capella Minerals Limited 19 august 2024 at 06:00 News published onand distributed by: SXG Extends High-Grade Mineralisation 150 m Down Dip at Rising Sun West Drills 7.0 metres @ 16.7 g/t Gold Antimony Significance of Sunday Creek Highlighted Mawson Gold Limited ("Mawson" or the "Company") (TSXV:MAW)(Frankfurt:MXR)(OTC PINK:MWSNF) announces Southern Cross Gold Ltd. ("Southern Cross Gold" or "SXG") has released results from two diamond drill holes SDDSC122 and SDDSC122W1 from the Rising Sun prospect at the 100%-owned Sunday Creek Project in Victoria, Australia (Figure 4). Highlights: SDDSC122W1 intersected two high-grade vein sets in a 150 m down-dip step out at Rising Sun below SDDSC082 (1.7 m @ 249.2 g/t AuEq and 1.6 m @ 500.5 g/t AuEq). It included ten assayed intervals of > 10 g/t Au (up to 102.0 g/t Au), and three assayed intervals > 5% Sb (up to 21.4% Sb). Selected highlights include: 2.4 m @ 9.7 g/t AuEq (8.0 g/t Au, 0.9% Sb) from 588.2 m, including: 0.2 m @ 119.8 g/t AuEq (98.2 g/t Au, 11.5% Sb) from 588.2 m 7.0 m @ 20.0 g/t AuEq (16.7 g/t Au, 1.7% Sb) from 627.0 m, including: 0.3 m @ 58.5 g/t AuEq (54.1 g/t Au, 2.4% Sb) from 627.9 m 1.2 m @ 37.4 g/t AuEq (36.7 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 629.6 m 1.3 m @ 58.4 g/t AuEq (43.3 g/t Au, 8.0% Sb) from 632.2 m SDDSC122 intersected the same two high-grade vein sets and included two assayed intervals of > 25 g/t Au (up to 356.0 g/t Au), and one assayed interval > 5% Sb (11.4% Sb). Selected highlights include: 1.0 m @ 10.1 g/t AuEq (7.4 g/t Au, 1.4% Sb) from 612.5 m, including: 0.1 m @ 70.0 g/t AuEq (48.6 g/t Au, 11.4% Sb) from 612.5 m 0.1 m @ 356.4 g/t AuEq (356.0 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 645.4 m Cumulatively, 128 drill holes for 56,388 m have been reported by SXG (and Mawson Gold Ltd) from Sunday Creek since late 2020. Drillhole SDDSC122W1 contributed one further +100 g/t AuEq x m intercept . The project now contains a total of forty-four (44) >100 g/t AuEq * m and forty-nine (49) >50 to 100 g/t AuEq * m drill holes by applying a 2 m @ 1 g/t lower cut. Twenty-one drill holes on the project are currently being processed and analysed, with five holes in progress. Mawson owns 96,590,910 shares of SXG (48.9%), valuing its stake at A$236.6 million (C$215.71 million) based on SXG's closing price on August 16, 2024 AEST. Michael Hudson, Mawson Interim CEO and Executive Chairman, states : "Two more holes and once again Sunday Creek delivers a big 150 m step out between very high-grade intersections. This time with drill hole SDDSC122W1 successfully intersecting two of the most western mineralised vein sets at Rising Sun, including 2.4 m @ 9.7 g/t AuEq and 7.0 m @ 20.0 g/t AuEq, 120 m to 150 m down-dip below previously reported SDDSC082 (1.7 m @ 249.2 g/t AuEq (230.6 g/t Au, 9.9% Sb) from 413.6 m and 1.6 m @ 500.5 g/t AuEq (500.3 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 417.4 m. "Critically, with China's recently announced new export limits for antimony products, these new holes also demonstrate the tenor of antimony mineralisation on the Sunday Creek project with both holes assaying intervals > 5% Sb (up to 21.4% Sb). The January 2024 exploration target, that already reported a significant antimony inventory (Table 1), within only one third to one half of the strike of the main drill area, shows the potentially critical role Sunday Creek is set to play in the western world's future antimony supply chain. A video discussing these implications can be viewed here. "With five rigs drilling at site, we look forward to more than doubling the metres drilled at Sunday Creek via the 60 km of drilling planned over the next year." Drill Hole Discussion Two drill holes (SDDSC122 and 122W1) are reported from the Rising Sun prospect (Figure 1 and 2). Both holes were designed to drill west to east at Rising Sun to extend the down dip extent of the NW-SE oriented veins sets ("rungs"), within and parallel to the dyke/breccia host, at a high angle to mineralised vein sets SDDSC122 intercepted two vein sets, including 1.0 m @ 10.1 g/t AuEq (7.4 g/t Au, 1.4% Sb) from 612.5 m and a new linking' structure (0.1 m @ 356.4 g/t AuEq (356.0 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 645.4 m), interpreted due its flatter orientation and high angle to the dominant orientation of mineralised vein sets (steeply dipping NW-SE). The hole then deviated too far north of plan away from the hanging wall "rails" of the system and was redrilled as SDDSC122W1, a wedge hole from 537 m downhole. Highlights from SDDSC122 include: 1.0 m @ 10.1 g/t AuEq (7.4 g/t Au, 1.4% Sb) from 612.5 m, including: 0.1 m @ 70.0 g/t AuEq (48.6 g/t Au, 11.4% Sb) from 612.5 m 4.4 m @ 1.4 g/t AuEq (1.1 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 626.4 m 0.1 m @ 356.4 g/t AuEq (356.0 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 645.4 m SDDSC122W1 successfully intersected two of the most western mineralised vein sets at Rising Sun, including 2.4 m @ 9.7 g/t AuEq (8.0 g/t Au, 0.9% Sb) from 588.2 m and 7.0 m @ 20.0 g/t AuEq (16.7 g/t Au, 1.7% Sb) from 627.0 m. These intersections are located 120 m to 150 m down-dip below previously reported SDDSC082 (1.7 m @ 249.2 g/t AuEq (230.6 g/t Au, 9.9% Sb) from 413.6 m and 1.6 m @ 500.5 g/t AuEq (500.3 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 417.4 m (Figure 2). Highlights from SDDSC122W1 include: 2.4 m @ 9.7 g/t AuEq (8.0 g/t Au, 0.9% Sb) from 588.2 m, including: 0.2 m @ 119.8 g/t AuEq (98.2 g/t Au, 11.5% Sb) from 588.2 m 0.3 m @ 23.1 g/t AuEq (23.0 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 614.2 m 7.0 m @ 20.0 g/t AuEq (16.7 g/t Au, 1.7% Sb) from 627.0 m, including: 0.3 m @ 58.5 g/t AuEq (54.1 g/t Au, 2.4% Sb) from 627.9 m 1.2 m @ 37.4 g/t AuEq (36.7 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 629.6 m 1.3 m @ 58.4 g/t AuEq (43.3 g/t Au, 8.0% Sb) from 632.2 m 2.6 m @ 3.4 g/t AuEq (2.7 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 726.0 m Pending Results and Update Twenty-one holes (SDDSC123-128, 130-137, 050W1, 050W2) are currently being processed and analysed, with five holes (SDDSC129, 138-140, 092W1) in progress (Figures 1 and 2). Exploration Target On January 23, 2024, SXG announced the maiden gold and antimony Exploration Target at its flagship 100%-owned Sunday Creek Project in Victoria, Australia. The Exploration Target ranges reported are shown in Table 1. Notably, the Exploration Target was constrained to the current drill footprint at Apollo and Rising Sun as they contain sufficient drilling to determine continuity and infer grade ranges. This represents approximately one third to one half the strike of the main drill area and significant potential exists to increase the size of the exploration target with high grade drill results drilled for up to 450 m beyond the Exploration Target area. Drilling since January has significantly expanded the footprint of mineralisation beyond the bounds of the exploration target area. Table 1. Sunday Creek Exploration Target for Apollo and Rising Sun at the Sunday Creek Project Range Tonnes (Mt) AuEq g/t* Au g/t Sb % Au Eq (Moz) Au (Moz) Sb (kt) Lower Case 4.4 7.2 5.3 1.2 1.0 0.74 53.5 Upper Case 5.1 9.7 7.8 1.2 1.6 1.28 62.8 The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature and therefore is an approximation. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource. The Exploration Target has been prepared and reported in accordance with the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. Further Information Further discussion and analysis of the Sunday Creek project by Southern Cross Gold is available on the SXG website at www.southerncrossgold.com.au. No upper gold grade cut is applied in the averaging and intervals are reported as drill thickness. During future Mineral Resource studies, the requirement for assay top cutting will be assessed. Figures 1 to 4 show project location, plan and longitudinal views of drill results reported here and Tables 1 to 3 provide collar and assay data. The true thickness of the mineralised intervals reported individually as estimated true widths ("ETW"), otherwise they are interpreted to be approximately 55-65% of the sampled thickness for other reported holes. Lower grades were cut at 1.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum width of 2 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum of 1 m width unless specified. Critical Metal Epizonal Gold-Antimony Deposits Sunday Creek is an epizonal gold-antimony deposit formed in the late Devonian (like Fosterville, Costerfield and Redcastle), 60 million years later than mesozonal gold systems formed in Victoria (for example Ballarat and Bendigo). Epizonal deposits are a form of orogenic gold deposit classified according to their depth of formation: epizonal (<6 km), mesozonal (6-12 km) and hypozonal (>12 km). Epizonal deposits in Victoria often have associated high levels of the critical metal, antimony, and Sunday Creek is no exception. China claims a 56 per cent share of global mined supplies of antimony, according to a 2023 European Union study. Antimony features highly on the critical minerals lists of many countries including Australia, the United States of America, Canada, Japan and the European Union. Australia ranks seventh for antimony production despite all production coming from a single mine at Costerfield in Victoria, located nearby to all SXG projects. Antimony alloys with lead and tin which results in improved properties for solders, munitions, bearings and batteries. Antimony is a prominent additive for halogen-containing flame retardants. Adequate supplies of antimony are critical to the world's energy transition, and to the high-tech industry, especially the semi-conductor and defence sectors where it is a critical additive to primers in munitions. In August 2024, the Chinese government announced it will place export limits on antimony and antimony products. This will put pressure on Western defence supply chains and negatively affect the supply of the metal and push up pricing given China's dominance of the supply of the metal in the global markets. This is positive for SXG as we are likely to have one of the very few large and high quality projects of antimony in the western world that can feed western demand into the future. Antimony represents approximately 20% in situ recoverable value of Sunday Creek. Technical Background and Qualified Person The Qualified Person, Michael Hudson, Executive Chairman and a director of Mawson Gold, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this release. Analytical samples are transported to the Bendigo facility of On Site Laboratory Services ("On Site") which operates under both an ISO 9001 and NATA quality systems. Samples were prepared and analyzed for gold using the fire assay technique (PE01S method; 25 gram charge), followed by measuring the gold in solution with flame AAS equipment. Samples for multi-element analysis (BM011 and over-range methods as required) use aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis. The QA/QC program of Southern Cross Gold consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content, blanks within interpreted mineralized rock and quarter core duplicates. In addition, On Site inserts blanks and standards into the analytical process. MAW considers that both gold and antimony that are included in the gold equivalent calculation ("AuEq") have reasonable potential to be recovered at Sunday Creek, given current geochemical understanding, historic production statistics and geologically analogous mining operations. Historically, ore from Sunday Creek was treated onsite or shipped to the Costerfield mine, located 54 km to the northwest of the project, for processing during WW1. The Costerfield mine corridor, now owned by Mandalay Resources Ltd contains two million ounces of equivalent gold (Mandalay Q3 2021 Results), and in 2020 was the sixth highest-grade global underground mine and a top 5 global producer of antimony. MAW considers that it is appropriate to adopt the same gold equivalent variables as Mandalay Resources Ltd in its Mandalay Technical Report, 2024 dated March 28, 2024. The gold equivalence formula used by Mandalay Resources was calculated using Costerfield's 2023 production costs, using a gold price of US$1,900 per ounce, an antimony price of US$12,000 per tonne and 2023 total year metal recoveries of 94% for gold and 89% for antimony, and is as follows: ???? = ?? (?/?) + 1.88 ?? (%). Based on the latest Costerfield calculation and given the similar geological styles and historic toll treatment of Sunday Creek mineralization at Costerfield, SXG considers that a ???? = ?? (?/?) + 1.88 ?? (%) is appropriate to use for the initial exploration targeting of gold-antimony mineralization at Sunday Creek. About Mawson Gold Limited (TSXV:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, OTCPINK:MWSNF) Mawson Gold Limited has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic exploration company. Over the last decades, the team behind Mawson has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in the Nordics and Australia. Mawson holds the Skelleftea North gold discovery and a portfolio of historic uranium resources in Sweden. Mawson also holds 49% of Southern Cross Gold Ltd. (ASX:SXG) which owns or controls two high-grade, historic epizonal goldfields in Victoria, Australia, including the exciting Sunday Creek Au-Sb discovery. About Southern Cross Gold Ltd (ASX:SXG) Southern Cross Gold holds the 100%-owned Sunday Creek project in Victoria and Mt Isa project in Queensland, the Redcastle joint venture in Victoria, Australia, and a strategic 6.7% holding in ASX-listed Nagambie Resources Limited (ASX: NAG) which grants SXG a Right of First Refusal over a 3,300 square kilometer tenement package held by NAG in Victoria. On behalf of the Board, "Michael Hudson" Michael Hudson, Interim CEO and Executive Chairman Further Information www.mawsongold.com 1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7 Mariana Bermudez (Canada), Corporate Secretary +1 (604) 685 9316 [email protected] Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate, and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, Mawson's expectations regarding its ownership interest in Southern Cross Gold, capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates, changes in world metal markets, changes in equity markets, the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises on the Company's business, risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; exploration potential being conceptual in nature, there being insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource on the Australian-projects owned by SXG, and uncertainty if further exploration will result in the determination of a mineral resource; planned drill programs and results varying from expectations, delays in obtaining results, equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions, local community relations, dealings with non-governmental organizations, delays in operations due to permit grants, environmental and safety risks, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mawson's most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR+. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Figure 1: Sunday Creek plan view showing selected results from SDDSC122, 122W1 reported here (blue highlighted box, orange trace), selected prior reported drill holes and pending holes. Figure 2: Sunday Creek longitudinal section across A-B in the plane of the dyke breccia/altered sediment host (see Figure 1) looking towards the north (striking 236 degrees) showing mineralized veins sets. Showing SDDSC122, 122W1 reported here (blue highlighted box, orange trace) with selected intersections and prior reported drill holes. For location refer to Figure 1 Figure 3: Sunday Creek regional plan view showing LiDAR, soil sampling, structural framework, regional historic epizonal gold mining areas and broad regional areas (Tonstal, Consols and Leviathan) tested by 12 holes for 2,383 m drill program. The regional drill areas are at Tonstal, Consols and Leviathan located 4,000-7,500 m along strike from the main drill area at Golden Dyke- Apollo. Figure 4: Location of the Sunday Creek project, along with the Redcastle JV and simplified geology. Table 1: Drill collar summary table for recent drill holes in progress. Hole_ID Depth (m) Prospect East GDA94_Z55 North GDA94_Z55 Elevation Azimuth Plunge SDDSC116 682.6 Rising Sun 331465 5867865 333.3 272.5 -41.5 SDDSC117 1101 Rising Sun 330510 5867852 296.5 70.5 -64.5 SDDSC118 1246 Rising Sun 330464 5867912 286.6 80 -64.5 SDDSC119 854.1 Apollo 331498 5867858 336.7 272.5 -45.2 SDDSC120 1022.5 Rising Sun 331110 5867976 319.5 266.5 -55 SDDSC121 588.7 Rising Sun 330510 5867852 296.6 72 -63 SDDSC122 889.89 Rising Sun 330338 5867860 267.7 74 -62 SDDSC114W1 625.1 Rising Sun 330464 5867914 286.6 82 -58 SDDSC119W1 643 Apollo 331498 5867858 336.7 272.5 -45.2 SDDSC123 124.3 Apollo 331499 5867859 337 276 -52 SDDSC124 969.3 Apollo 331499 5867859 337 274 -52.2 SDDSC121W1 953.4 Rising Sun 330510 5867852 296.6 72 -63.8 SDDSC125 551.7 Golden Dyke 330462 5867920 285.6 212 -68 SDDSC126 941.4 Rising Sun 330815 5867599 295.7 321.6 -54 SDDSC122W1 1007.8 Rising Sun 330338 5867860 276.5 72 -61.4 SDDSC050W1 797.1 Rising Sun 330539 5867885 295.3 77 -63 SDDSC127 483.2 Apollo 331498 5867858 336.9 271.3 -43.3 SDDSC128 745.1 Apollo 331465 5867867 333.1 272.6 -43.3 SDDSC129 In progress plan 1050 m Rising Sun 330388 5867860 276.5 77.3 -57.3 SDDSC092W1 In progress plan 757 m Rising Sun 330537.2 5867882.6 295.5 82.2 -61.1 SDDSC130 614 Golden Dyke 330777 5867891 295.9 255 -42 SDDSC050W2 789.4 Rising Sun 330539 5867885 295.3 77 -63 SDDSC131 179.6 Christina 330081 5867609 273.1 284 -47 SDDSC132 740.7 Golden Dyke 330776.9 5867890.5 295.9 261.5 -50 SDDSC133 347.2 Apollo East 331380 5867740 335 8 -42 SDDSC134 230.9 Christina 330080.9 5867609.3 273.1 302.5 -61.5 SDDSC135 182.4 Christina 330080.9 5867609.3 273.1 342.5 -51 SDDSC136 349 Apollo East 331380 5867740 335 329 -41 SDDSC137 299.7 Christina 330080.9 5867609.3 273 40 -62 SDDSC138 In progress plan 530 m Golden Dyke 330776.9 5867890.5 296 250 -36 SDDSC139 In progress plan 450 m Apollo East 331465.4 5867865.1 333.2 267 -37.4 SDDSC140 In progress plan 350 m Christina 330080.9 5867609.3 273.1 8.9 -70.2 Table 2: Tables of mineralized drill hole intersections reported from SDDSC119 and 119W1 using two cut-off criteria. Lower grades cut at 1.0 g/t lower cutoff over a maximum of 2 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq cutoff over a maximum of 1 m. Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t Sb % AuEq g/t SDDSC122 586.88 587.87 0.99 0.9 0.2 1.3 SDDSC122 591.33 591.7 0.37 1.1 0.0 1.1 SDDSC122 595.76 596.04 0.28 1.1 0.5 1.9 SDDSC122 602 603 1 0.1 0.5 1.0 SDDSC122 608.18 609.01 0.83 2.2 0.0 2.2 SDDSC122 612.48 613.47 0.99 7.4 1.4 10.1 including 612.48 612.6 0.12 48.6 11.4 70.0 SDDSC122 626.35 630.74 4.39 1.1 0.2 1.4 including 630.43 630.74 0.31 5.4 0.7 6.7 SDDSC122 638.78 641.73 2.95 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC122 645.35 645.45 0.1 356.0 0.2 356.4 SDDSC122 657.95 658.26 0.31 4.2 0.0 4.2 SDDSC122 717 717.3 0.3 1.7 0.0 1.7 SDDSC122W1 582 582.33 0.33 1.3 0.1 1.4 SDDSC122W1 588.16 590.6 2.44 8.0 0.9 9.7 including 588.16 588.34 0.18 98.2 11.5 119.8 SDDSC122W1 595 596.18 1.18 2.7 0.1 2.8 SDDSC122W1 604.68 604.9 0.22 0.5 3.2 6.5 SDDSC122W1 610.47 612.09 1.62 2.0 0.1 2.1 including 610.47 610.61 0.14 15.0 0.2 15.3 including 614.18 614.48 0.3 23.0 0.1 23.1 SDDSC122W1 627 634.04 7.04 16.7 1.7 20.0 including 627.92 628.21 0.29 54.1 2.4 58.5 including 629.62 630.82 1.2 36.7 0.4 37.4 including 632.18 633.48 1.3 43.3 8.0 58.4 SDDSC122W1 639.26 642.34 3.08 1.1 0.0 1.1 SDDSC122W1 647 647.25 0.25 13.9 0.0 14.0 SDDSC122W1 662.98 663.27 0.29 6.4 0.0 6.4 SDDSC122W1 726 728.65 2.65 2.7 0.4 3.4 SDDSC122W1 756.8 757.48 0.68 1.5 0.0 1.5 SDDSC122W1 771.84 772.3 0.46 9.9 0.2 10.3 Table 3: All individual assays reported from SDDSC118 reported here >0.1g/t AuEq. Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t Sb % AuEq g/t SDDSC122 560.25 560.9 0.65 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 568.42 568.63 0.21 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122 571.79 572.22 0.43 0.2 0.1 0.4 SDDSC122 572.89 573.34 0.45 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122 573.34 573.49 0.15 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 579.75 580.52 0.77 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 580.52 580.68 0.16 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122 581.86 582.3 0.44 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122 582.3 583.18 0.88 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122 583.18 583.28 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.7 SDDSC122 586.88 587.14 0.26 1.0 0.0 1.0 SDDSC122 587.14 587.44 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122 587.44 587.87 0.43 1.2 0.5 2.1 SDDSC122 587.87 588.14 0.27 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122 588.14 588.58 0.44 0.7 0.0 0.8 SDDSC122 588.58 589.44 0.86 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 590.86 591.33 0.47 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC122 591.33 591.7 0.37 1.1 0.0 1.1 SDDSC122 591.7 592 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122 592 592.92 0.92 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122 594.93 595.17 0.24 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 595.5 595.76 0.26 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 595.76 596.04 0.28 1.1 0.5 1.9 SDDSC122 596.95 597.69 0.74 0.1 0.1 0.2 SDDSC122 602 603 1 0.1 0.5 1.0 SDDSC122 603 604 1 0.2 0.1 0.4 SDDSC122 607.77 608.18 0.41 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122 608.18 609.01 0.83 2.2 0.0 2.2 SDDSC122 609.01 609.51 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122 610.23 610.46 0.23 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122 610.46 611.3 0.84 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122 612.23 612.48 0.25 0.2 0.3 0.7 SDDSC122 612.48 612.6 0.12 48.6 11.4 70.0 SDDSC122 612.6 613.09 0.49 0.2 0.1 0.3 SDDSC122 613.09 613.4 0.31 4.0 0.0 4.1 SDDSC122 613.4 613.47 0.07 1.9 0.0 2.0 SDDSC122 613.47 613.7 0.23 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 614.55 615.4 0.85 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122 616.12 616.97 0.85 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 626.35 627.13 0.78 1.8 0.0 1.8 SDDSC122 627.13 627.57 0.44 0.6 0.4 1.3 SDDSC122 627.57 628.28 0.71 0.3 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122 628.28 629.42 1.14 0.5 0.2 0.9 SDDSC122 629.42 629.74 0.32 1.1 0.2 1.4 SDDSC122 629.74 630.43 0.69 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122 630.43 630.74 0.31 5.4 0.7 6.7 SDDSC122 630.74 631.52 0.78 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC122 631.52 632.15 0.63 0.5 0.0 0.6 SDDSC122 633.16 634.12 0.96 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122 634.85 635.11 0.26 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC122 635.11 636.18 1.07 0.3 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122 636.18 637.31 1.13 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122 637.31 638.13 0.82 0.9 0.0 1.0 SDDSC122 638.52 638.78 0.26 0.6 0.0 0.7 SDDSC122 638.78 639.19 0.41 1.4 0.0 1.4 SDDSC122 639.19 639.98 0.79 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122 639.98 640.4 0.42 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC122 640.4 641.1 0.7 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122 641.1 641.73 0.63 1.9 0.0 1.9 SDDSC122 642.05 642.49 0.44 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122 644.3 644.95 0.65 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122 645.2 645.35 0.15 0.9 0.0 1.0 SDDSC122 645.35 645.45 0.1 356.0 0.2 356.4 SDDSC122 645.45 645.7 0.25 0.3 0.1 0.5 SDDSC122 645.7 645.9 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122 645.9 646.2 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122 648.1 649.28 1.18 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122 657.43 657.66 0.23 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 657.95 658.26 0.31 4.2 0.0 4.2 SDDSC122 658.26 658.5 0.24 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122 716 717 1 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 717 717.3 0.3 1.7 0.0 1.7 SDDSC122 717.3 718.45 1.15 0.9 0.0 0.9 SDDSC122 718.45 719.6 1.15 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122 722 723 1 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 557 558 1 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 569.4 569.79 0.39 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 572.16 572.44 0.28 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 580.29 580.53 0.24 0.5 0.2 0.8 SDDSC122W1 580.53 581.1 0.57 0.4 0.2 0.7 SDDSC122W1 582 582.33 0.33 1.3 0.1 1.4 SDDSC122W1 582.33 583.31 0.98 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 583.83 584 0.17 0.3 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122W1 584 584.7 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 584.7 585.67 0.97 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 585.67 586.5 0.83 0.6 0.0 0.6 SDDSC122W1 586.5 587.4 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 588.16 588.34 0.18 98.2 11.5 119.8 SDDSC122W1 588.34 588.84 0.5 1.0 0.2 1.5 SDDSC122W1 588.84 589.11 0.27 0.7 0.3 1.3 SDDSC122W1 589.11 590.3 1.19 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 590.3 590.6 0.3 3.0 0.0 3.0 SDDSC122W1 590.6 591.58 0.98 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC122W1 591.58 592.5 0.92 0.6 0.0 0.6 SDDSC122W1 592.5 593.51 1.01 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 593.51 594.18 0.67 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122W1 594.18 595 0.82 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 595 596.18 1.18 2.7 0.1 2.8 SDDSC122W1 596.18 597.1 0.92 0.2 0.1 0.3 SDDSC122W1 597.93 598.79 0.86 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 598.79 599.1 0.31 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 599.1 599.44 0.34 0.6 0.1 0.9 SDDSC122W1 599.44 600.09 0.65 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122W1 600.09 600.52 0.43 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 600.52 601.15 0.63 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 601.15 601.34 0.19 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 601.9 602.46 0.56 0.8 0.0 0.9 SDDSC122W1 602.46 602.8 0.34 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 604.68 604.9 0.22 0.5 3.2 6.5 SDDSC122W1 604.9 606 1.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 SDDSC122W1 606 606.71 0.71 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 606.71 607.34 0.63 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 607.34 607.84 0.5 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122W1 608.68 609.66 0.98 0.1 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 609.66 610.47 0.81 0.3 0.3 1.0 SDDSC122W1 610.47 610.61 0.14 15.0 0.2 15.3 SDDSC122W1 610.61 611.58 0.97 0.4 0.1 0.5 SDDSC122W1 611.58 611.86 0.28 1.1 0.1 1.2 SDDSC122W1 611.86 612.09 0.23 1.6 0.0 1.7 SDDSC122W1 612.09 612.38 0.29 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122W1 612.38 613.35 0.97 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 613.35 614.18 0.83 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 614.18 614.48 0.3 23.0 0.1 23.1 SDDSC122W1 614.48 615.37 0.89 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 615.37 616.2 0.83 0.4 0.2 0.8 SDDSC122W1 617.18 618.14 0.96 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 618.14 619.13 0.99 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 621.53 622.18 0.65 0.4 0.1 0.6 SDDSC122W1 623.91 625 1.09 0.9 0.0 0.9 SDDSC122W1 627 627.92 0.92 0.4 0.5 1.2 SDDSC122W1 627.92 628.21 0.29 54.1 2.4 58.5 SDDSC122W1 628.21 629.05 0.84 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 629.05 629.62 0.57 0.1 0.1 0.2 SDDSC122W1 629.62 630.03 0.41 102.0 0.8 103.5 SDDSC122W1 630.03 630.26 0.23 1.8 0.2 2.1 SDDSC122W1 630.26 630.5 0.24 1.1 0.1 1.2 SDDSC122W1 630.5 630.82 0.32 4.7 0.3 5.2 SDDSC122W1 630.82 631.94 1.12 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 631.94 632.18 0.24 1.7 0.6 2.7 SDDSC122W1 632.18 632.59 0.41 81.3 21.4 121.5 SDDSC122W1 632.59 632.74 0.15 49.8 4.0 57.3 SDDSC122W1 632.74 632.87 0.13 74.2 8.0 89.1 SDDSC122W1 632.87 633.15 0.28 0.5 0.1 0.6 SDDSC122W1 633.15 633.48 0.33 17.2 0.0 17.3 SDDSC122W1 633.48 634.04 0.56 1.3 0.0 1.3 SDDSC122W1 634.04 635.11 1.07 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 635.48 635.83 0.35 0.7 0.1 0.8 SDDSC122W1 635.83 636.37 0.54 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 636.37 637.11 0.74 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122W1 637.11 637.86 0.75 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122W1 637.86 638.26 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 638.26 639.26 1 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 639.26 640.26 1 1.6 0.0 1.6 SDDSC122W1 640.26 641.27 1.01 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC122W1 641.27 641.72 0.45 0.7 0.0 0.7 SDDSC122W1 641.72 642.34 0.62 1.6 0.0 1.7 SDDSC122W1 642.34 642.51 0.17 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC122W1 642.51 643.2 0.69 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 643.2 643.67 0.47 0.3 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122W1 643.67 644.16 0.49 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 645.55 645.7 0.15 0.5 0.0 0.6 SDDSC122W1 646.59 647 0.41 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 647 647.25 0.25 13.9 0.0 14.0 SDDSC122W1 647.25 648.07 0.82 0.2 0.0 0.2 SDDSC122W1 648.07 648.81 0.74 0.7 0.0 0.8 SDDSC122W1 649.3 649.85 0.55 0.4 0.0 0.4 SDDSC122W1 649.85 650.18 0.33 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC122W1 662.98 663.27 0.29 6.4 0.0 6.4 SDDSC122W1 663.27 663.48 0.21 0.7 0.0 0.8 SDDSC122W1 681 682 1 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 682 683 1 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 699 700 1 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 725 726 1 0.1 0.0 0.1 SDDSC122W1 726 726.42 0.42 2.0 0.1 2.2 SDDSC122W1 726.42 727.3 0.88 3.0 1.0 5.0 SDDSC122W1 727.3 728.04 0.74 3.0 0.0 3.1 SDDSC122W1 728.04 728.65 0.61 2.2 0.0 2.3 SDDSC122W1 728.65 729.6 0.95 0.8 0.0 0.8 SDDSC122W1 734.92 735.04 0.12 0.3 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 756.8 757.18 0.38 1.3 0.0 1.4 SDDSC122W1 757.18 757.48 0.3 1.6 0.0 1.6 SDDSC122W1 757.48 757.93 0.45 0.5 0.0 0.5 SDDSC122W1 770.73 771.08 0.35 0.2 0.0 0.3 SDDSC122W1 771.84 772.3 0.46 9.9 0.2 10.3 SOURCE: Mawson Gold Limited 19 august 2024 at 06:30 View the original press release on accesswire.comNews published onand distributed by: The Penco Module Advances to the Next Stage of Its Permitting Process Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or "Company") (TSX:ARA) is pleased to inform that the evaluation process of the Penco Module's Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") continues and has moved to the next stage as none of the government agencies that participate in the evaluation process requested, within the applicable legal date, the anticipated termination of the procedure, as happened in 2023. In the coming days, the Environmental Service Assessment ("SEA") will formally issue the consolidated report with the observations ("ICSARA") received from the different agencies. The number of observations received has decreased significantly compared to the previous EIA filed by the Company. The Company is committed to working with the SEA throughout the assessment and review process. About Acara Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA) is a development-stage company that focuses on heavy rare earth mineral resources hosted in Ion-Adsorption Clay deposits. The Company's rare earth mineral resource development projects include the Penco Module in the Bio-Bio Region of Chile and the Carina Module in the State of Goias, Brazil. Aclara's rare earth extraction process offers several environmentally attractive features. Circular mineral harvesting does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and therefore does not generate tailings and eliminates the need for a tailing's storage facility. The extraction process developed by Aclara minimizes water consumption through high levels of water recirculation made possible by the inclusion of a water treatment facility within its patented process design. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a common fertilizer main reagent, ammonium sulfate. In addition to the development of the Penco Module and the Carina Module, the Company will continue to identify and evaluate opportunities to increase future production of heavy rare earths through greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional projects within the Company's current concessions in Brazil, Chile, and Peru. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including statements with regard to the permitting process of the Penco. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to risks related to operating in a foreign jurisdiction, including political and economic problems in Chile and Brazil; risks related to changes to mining laws and regulations and the termination or non-renewal of mining rights by governmental authorities; risks related to failure to comply with the law or obtain necessary permits and licenses or renew them; compliance with environmental regulations can be costly; dependence on relations and agreements with local communities; actual production, capital and operating costs may be different than those anticipated; the Company may be not able to successfully complete the development, construction and start-up of mines and new development projects; risks related to fluctuation in commodity prices; risks related to mining operations; and dependence on the Penco Module and/or the Carina Module. Aclara cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. For a detailed discussion of the foregoing factors, among others, please refer to the risk factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated as of March 22, 2024, filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile. Actual results and timing could differ materially from those projected herein. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained in this press release is provided as of the date of this press release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. For further information, please contact: Ramon Barua Costa Chief Executive Officer [email protected] SOURCE: Aclara Resources Inc. 19 august 2024 at 07:00 View the original press release on accesswire.comNews published onand distributed by: uBriGene Biosciences Congratulates Strategic Partner InnoVec Biotherapeutics on FDA Clearance of IND for IVB103, an AAV-Based Gene Therapy -Super Speed of Only Nine Months GERMANTOWN, MD / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / uBriGene Biosciences (uBriGene), a global CDMO leader, is excited to announce that its strategic partner, InnoVec Biotherapeutics, has received FDA clearance for its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for IVB103, an AAV-based gene therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This crucial nod from the FDA marks the official launch of IVB103 into the clinical trial phase for treating nAMD. "As the CDMO partner for InnoVec's IVB103 project, we are incredibly proud to have played a key role in achieving this milestone at an incredible speed," said Dr. Xiulian Sun, cofounder and CTO of uBriGene. "Our team's dedication and expertise have enabled us to provide end-to-end CDMO services, including plasmid process development and GMP manufacturing, AAV custom capsid process development, method validation, AAV GMP manufacturing, in-house QC release testing, stability studies, and IND regulatory documentation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with InnoVec Biotherapeutics to accelerate this innovative therapy for patients in need." Dr. Cheng Wang, CEO of InnoVec Biotherapeutics, expressed his enthusiasm: "Receiving FDA clearance for our IND application is a significant step forward for IVB103 and for patients suffering from nAMD. uBriGene's unwavering support and exceptional capabilities have been instrumental in our journey. Their extensive process development and manufacturing expertise and regulatory know-how have made it possible to get the IND clearance in just nine months. We are excited to advance IVB103 into clinical trials and are grateful for uBriGene's invaluable partnership." IVB103, developed by InnoVec Biotherapeutics, is poised to be a game-changer in treating nAMD. This novel drug leverages custom capsids for intravitreal administration, developed via InnoVec's EASI-FIND AAV discovery platform. The FDA clearance signifies the safety and efficacy of InnoVec's custom capsids for intravitreal administration, as well as the compliance of uBriGene's manufacturing processes. Since the project's official kick-off on October 16, 2023, uBriGene has closely aligned with InnoVec's needs, ensuring seamless communication and coordination across production and regulatory strategies. uBriGene is dedicated to supporting cell and gene therapy projects with its remarkable uBriGene speed,' aiming to expedite the journey of new therapies to clinics. About InnoVec Biotherapeutics InnoVec Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. (InnoVec Biotherapeutics) is an innovative clinical-stage gene therapy company, driven by its ground-breaking custom AAV engineering platform for enhanced Human tissue delivery. InnoVec focuses on developing cutting-edge gene therapy technologies and drug solutions. Their preclinical pipelines span ocular neuronal and muscle areas, with a commitment to creating effective gene delivery tools for a wide range of diseases. About uBriGene Biosciences Founded in 2015, uBriGene Biosciences is a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization for advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs). The company provides integrated CDMO and CRO solutions, encompassing services for cell therapy products, viral vectors, and RNA-related products, with in-house QC testing and regulatory IND filing. Our GMP-validated Maryland facility offers one-stop CDMO services from process development to manufacturing, driving global advancements in ATMPs. For more information please contact: uBriGene Biosciences Alex Chen President of NA Operations 800-663-2528 [email protected] Contact Information Alex Chen President of NA Operations [email protected] 800 663 2528 SOURCE: uBriGene Biosciences Inc. View the original press release on newswire.com. 19 august 2024 at 07:00 News published onand distributed by: Seven & i Holdings Comments on News Reports Regarding Acquisition Proposal TOKYO, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven & i Holdings ("the Company") today made the following comment in response to media reports stating it has received an acquisition proposal by Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. ("ACT"). The Company confirmed that it has received a confidential, non-binding and preliminary proposal by ACT to acquire all outstanding shares of the Company. The Board of Directors of the Company has formed a Special Committee of the Board of Directors, comprised solely of independent outside directors, led by Stephen Hayes Dacus, as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, to review the proposal. Consistent with its obligation to act in the best interest of its shareholders and other stakeholders of the Company, the Special Committee intends to conduct a prompt, careful and comprehensive review of the proposal, the Company's stand-alone plans and other alternatives for enhancing corporate value, after which a response will be made to ACT. Neither the Board of Directors nor the Special Committee has made any determination at this time to either accept or reject the proposal from ACT, to enter into discussions with ACT or to pursue any alternative transaction. The Company will promptly announce when the Company decides or has matters to be disclosed. Media Contacts Kekst CNC Ruth Pachman / Nathan Riggs [email protected] / [email protected] SOURCE Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. 19 august 2024 at 07:31 News published onand distributed by: AtkinsRealis appointed to enhance rail signalling across east England MONTREAL, Aug. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - AtkinsRealis Group Inc. (TSX: ATRL), a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has been appointed by Network Rail to renew and enhance the signalling and telecommunications infrastructure in its Eastern region, which hosts over 6,000 miles of track. AtkinsRealis has been selected as one of two suppliers for Lot 2A (Generalist Signalling and Telecommunications) under the Eastern Routes Partnership Framework, Network Rail's main route to market for projects in the Eastern region. Lot 2A has an overall value of up to 150 million over five years, with an option to extend up to a further five years in yearly increments to 300 million. AtkinsRealis will renew and enhance interlockings, level crossings, networks, trackside equipment and telecommunications. "Rail networks are facing new and increasing demands from passengers and businesses, meaning modern signalling and communication are essential to the provision of sustainable, reliable transportation," said Ian L. Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer, AtkinsRealis. "Rail is one of our core sectors and this appointment reinforces our position as a market leader delivering high-quality infrastructure and digital technology which meets the evolving needs of the industry." The Eastern region runs from the borders of Scotland to London and has some of the busiest rail lines in the UK, with its 6,000 miles of track encompassing nearly a third of the UK's rail network. It facilitates the transportation of large numbers of commuters and high amounts of freight to and from busy cities including Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Derby, Norwich and Cambridge. Much of the existing track and signalling are more than 40 years old, necessitating Network Rail's investment programme to renew and refurbish infrastructure. Key to AtkinsRealis' appointment was its ability to perform in a partnership, reflecting its track record of collaborating with supply chain partners to achieve shared objectives. The Eastern Routes Partnership Framework builds on Network Rail's alliance model established in the south of England, which AtkinsRealis also secured a place on. AtkinsRealis also had to demonstrate how it will use innovative solutions to reduce carbon, deliver net positive biodiversity, and contribute to social value. "The Eastern region is critical to the UK's overall transportation network, connecting millions of people every day across some of our biggest cities and moving the highest amount of freight across all regions. We are looking forward to working with Network Rail and other alliance members to improve the experience for passengers and freight operators alike by reducing journey times, optimizing traffic flow, and prioritizing safety," said Richard Robinson, President, UK & Ireland, AtkinsRealis. "The ERP framework is key to effectively maintaining our infrastructure to deliver a sustained improvement in train performance over the next five years." said Jake Kelly, Managing Director for Eastern Region at Network Rail. "It's designed to strengthen our relationships with our supply chain partners, letting us utilize their skills and experience. ERP also lets us take a more collaborative approach by bringing our engineers, delivery teams and the suppliers together, earlier, to identify the minimum viable product." Other UK rail projects AtkinsRealis is delivering include a re-signalling scheme south-east of London (currently in its final phase), its role as Railway Systems Integration Partner for the East Coast Digital Programme (the UK's first intercity digital railway) and most recently, multidisciplinary rail signalling work in Northern Ireland. Additionally, AtkinsRealis has designed a state-of-the-art signalling test facility in England, and its Advanced Signalling Method (ASM) was the first systems integration product of its kind to gain formal product approval from the UK's Network Rail. About AtkinsRealis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRealis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements References in this press release to the "Company", "AtkinsRealis", "we", us" and "our" mean, as the context may require, AtkinsRealis Group Inc. or all or some of its subsidiaries or joint arrangements or associates. Statements made in this press release that describe the Company's expectations or strategies constitute "forward-looking statements", which can be identified by the use of the conditional or forward-looking terminology such as "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "intends", "may", "objective", "plans", "projects", "should", "will", "likely", or other variations thereon. Forward-looking statements also include any other statements that do not refer to historical facts. The Company cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and that its actual actions or results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding certain key elements of the Company's current objectives, strategic priorities, expectations and plans, and in obtaining a better understanding of the Company's business and anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on a number of assumptions believed by the Company to be reasonable as at the date hereof. The assumptions are set out throughout the Company's 2023 annual management disclosure & analysis ("MD&A") (particularly in the sections entitled "Critical Accounting Judgments and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty" and "How We Analyze and Report our Results") filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website at www.atkinsrealis.com under the "Investors" section. If these assumptions are inaccurate, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. In addition, important risk factors could cause the Company's assumptions and estimates to be inaccurate and actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Those risks are identified in the Company's 2023 annual MD&A (particularly in the sections entitled "Risk and Un certainties"), as updated in the first and second quarters 2024 MD&A, are not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements herein reflect the Company's expectations as at the date of this press release and are subject to change after this date. The Company does not undertake to update publicly or to revise any such forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable legislation or regulation. The forward-looking information and statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. SOURCE AtkinsRealis 19 august 2024 at 07:45 News published onand distributed by: Accenture Invests in Earli Inc. to Advance Technologies for Early Cancer Detection Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has made a strategic investment, through Accenture Ventures, in Earli Inc., a biotechnology company that developed a novel approach to early cancer detection with a synthetic targeting platform that selectively reprograms cancer cells to reveal and destroy themselves. This investment from Accenture Ventures will support expanding collaborations with global health and pharma companies that can use Earli's technology to more rapidly and accurately detect and treat cancer. Based in Redwood City, California, Earli's mission is to transform cancer into a benign experience by solving one of the most difficult challenges in oncology: reliably distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. Earli's approach uses programmable genetic constructs that react and signal the presence of active cancer cells at an early stage. The synthetic biopsy approach enhances the sensitivity and specificity of cancer detection for an earlier diagnosis, allowing pharmaceutical and biotech companies to create personalized treatments more quickly and often at a lower cost. Petra Jantzer, Ph.D., a senior managing director and global lead of the Accenture Life Sciences business, said, "Earli's synthetic biopsy method is a step change in early cancer detection technologies and will offer significant advantages to biopharma companies by improving the precision and efficacy of new treatments and diagnostics, as well as in understanding the mechanisms of cancer progressions." Early detection and treatment are proving critical in dramatically increasing chances for successful treatment of cancer and remission. Earli's technology has the potential to discover the presence and location of multiple types of cancer through non-invasive screening techniques including blood samples and PET (positron emission tomography) scans, even tumors that are too small to be detected through existing methods. "Accenture's impressive network of biopharma clients will be very impactful for Earli. It is fantastic to have Accenture support our mission to make cancer a benign experience," said Cyriac Roeding, Co-Founder & CEO, Earli Inc. "Earli's technology is built on decades of biological data that analyzes multiple factors and identifies specific proteins that cause cancer development, increasing the effectiveness and reliability of the synthetic biopsy process," said Tom Lounibos, global lead for Accenture Ventures. "With Earli joining our Project Spotlight program, we can collaborate with our clients in the biopharma industry to advance their capabilities in cancer research, drug development and patient care." Earli is the latest company to join Accenture Ventures' Project Spotlight, an engagement and investment program working with companies that create or apply disruptive enterprise technologies. Project Spotlight offers extensive access to Accenture's domain expertise and its enterprise clients, helping startups harness creativity and deliver on the promise of their technology. Additional biotechnology companies that have joined Project Spotlight include Turbine, QuantHealth, Virtonomy and Ocean Genomics. Terms of the investment were not disclosed. About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world's leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services?creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 750,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world's leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. We are uniquely able to deliver tangible outcomes because of our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song. These capabilities, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360 value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360 value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com. About Earli Earli Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on making cancer that is detected early, localizable and therefore treatable, via its novel "Synthetic Biopsies." By forcing cancer cells to produce synthetic biomarkers that do not belong in the human body, they are made highly detectable and localizable in a PET scanner, so they can be treated at early stages, when survival rates are multiple times higher. Earli uses biology rather than chemistry to force production of the Synthetic Biopsy, allowing for massive signal amplification and targeted treatment. The company is located in South San Francisco's biotech hub. Copyright 2024 Accenture. All rights reserved. Accenture and its logo are registered trademarks of Accenture. 19 august 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Productivity on the Rise: Nearly 7 in 10 Managers Say Teams are More Productive Than One Year Ago Survey highlights five key trends impacting worker productivity TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - New research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half reveals a complex picture when it comes to worker productivity. Hiring managers report increased productivity amongst their teams, primarily driven by staffing and training their departments. However, some professionals indicate they are putting in longer work hours compared to one year ago, raising concerns about burnout, decreased morale, and turnover. The surveys of hiring managers and workers highlight five key trends shaping employee productivity: Productivity is up. Nearly seven in ten hiring managers (68 per cent) report an increase in employee productivity compared to one year ago. 21 per cent report no change, and only 11 per cent report decreased productivity on their teams. Staffing and training teams impacts productivity. According to hiring managers, the steps they've taken that most contributed to higher productivity are that they hired full-time employees (31 per cent), improved management practices (31 per cent), enhanced staff training (31 per cent), and adopted new technologies (29 per cent). AI contributes to increased efficiency for some. 3 in 10 professionals report increased efficiency due to the implementation of emerging technologies, such as generative AI, that can automate time-consuming tasks and free them up for strategic thinking. Gen Z workers are the most likely to have improved productivity using AI (47 per cent), followed by millennials (32 per cent). Less than a quarter of Gen X professionals (23 per cent) feel that generative AI has increased their efficiency, and only 14 per cent of baby boomers. Flexibility fuels focus. When asked about incentives and work arrangements that would boost engagement and productivity, workers prioritized: ? Hybrid work options: More than half of respondents (52 per cent) said their productivity increases when offered more hybrid work options. ? Windowed work schedules: More than 4 in 10 workers (42 per cent) say having flexible work hours improves their engagement. ? Compressed workweeks: 27 per cent say they are more productive and engaged when their company offers Summer Fridays. Many workers are putting in more hours. While productivity is up, nearly 3 in 10 workers (29 per cent) are logging more hours compared to the previous year, led by Gen Z (39 per cent), followed by millennials (34 per cent). Meanwhile, more than half of managers (52 per cent) say they send emails to employees outside of regular business hours, and 28 per cent expect responses before the next business day. "Increased productivity is very positive news for managers, businesses, and professionals alike," said Koula Vasilopoulos, Senior Managing Director of Robert Half Canada. "Businesses who maintain necessary staffing levels, adopt new technologies, and invest in learning and development training for their staff see the benefits in increased engagement and productivity. However, this needs to be balanced with a positive work environment including reasonable hours and flexibility, as working longer hours and not establishing work-life balance can quickly offset productivity gains through burnout and turnover." About the Research The online surveys were developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm in June 2024. They include responses from 1800 managers with hiring responsibilities in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, and human resources at companies with 20 or more employees in Canada, and more than 1750 professionals aged 18 years and older across Canada. About Robert Half Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. Offering contract and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support, Robert Half has more than 300 locations worldwide. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that provides internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named to the Fortune Most Admired Companiestm. Explore our comprehensive solutions, research and insights at RobertHalf.ca. SOURCE Robert Half Canada Inc. 19 august 2024 at 08:05 News published onand distributed by: Prime Minister to hold Cabinet retreat and move forward to deliver fairness for every generation OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will hold a Cabinet retreat in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from August 25 to 27, 2024. The retreat will focus on the federal government's work to strengthen the middle class, grow the economy, and deliver fairness for every generation. Cabinet will take action on the top-of-mind priorities of Canadians. This includes bringing down the cost of living, building more homes, investing in health care, making dental care and essential medications more affordable, and taking climate action. Cabinet will also discuss ways to strengthen Canada's relationship with the United States of America, anchored by our Team Canada engagement strategy to create jobs, grow trade, and bring our countries closer. This team is laser-focused on the success of Canadians. We will do whatever it takes to build a better, fairer future for every generation. Quote "Our government is laser-focused on making life better for Canadians. Here are our priorities ? building more homes, creating more jobs, investing in health care, and growing the economy. Our team will fight relentlessly to make sure you get a fair chance to succeed." ? The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada Associated Link This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca SOURCE Prime Minister's Office 19 august 2024 at 14:54 News published onand distributed by: McEwen Mining Announces Closing of Timberline Acquisition TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) today reported the completion of the previously announced acquisition of all the issued and outstanding common shares of Timberline Resources Corporation (TSXV:TBR)(OTCQB:TLRS) ("Timberline") by way of a merger between Timberline and a wholly-owned subsidiary of McEwen Mining (the "Transaction"). Timberline shareholders overwhelmingly approved the merger with McEwen Mining at Timberline's special meeting held on August 16th, 2024. "We are pleased to bring Timberline's assets into McEwen Mining and offer a warm welcome to its shareowners. We aim to move the Eureka project forward on multiple fronts, including additional exploration drilling, permitting activities and development planning," commented Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner. "Nevada is a place where we want to operate for a long time, our priority is adding opportunities for growth at a reasonable cost." As a result of the Transaction, the shares of Timberline will cease trading on, and will be delisted from, the TSX Venture Exchange and the OTCQB Venture within five business days. Pursuant to the Transaction, former Timberline shareholders are entitled to receive 0.01 of a McEwen Mining share for each Timberline share held. In order to receive McEwen Mining shares in exchange for Timberline shares, Timberline registered shareholders must complete, sign, date and return (together with the certificate or DRS statement representing their shares) the letter of transmittal, which are being mailed to such shareholders by Computershare Investor Services Inc., the depositary. For those shareholders of Timberline whose shares are registered in the name of a broker, investment dealer, bank, trust company or other intermediary or nominee, these shares should automatically transfer in the near future. For more information, please contact your specific intermediary or nominee. McEwen Mining is an "Eligible Interlisted Issuer" as such term is defined in the TSX Company Manual. As an Eligible Interlisted Issuer, the Company has relied on an exemption pursuant to Section 602.1 of the TSX Company Manual, the effect of which is that the Company was not required to comply with certain requirements relating to the issuance of securities in connection with the Transaction. For full details of the Transaction refer to the Form S-4/A Registration Statement filed by filed by McEwen Mining on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, including "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements and information expressed, as at the date of this news release, McEwen Mining Inc.'s (the "Company") estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results. Forward-looking statements and information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, political, economic, social and security risks associated with foreign operations, the ability of the Company to receive or receive in a timely manner permits or other approvals required in connection with operations, risks associated with the construction of mining operations and commencement of production and the projected costs thereof, risks related to litigation, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves, foreign exchange volatility, foreign exchange controls, foreign currency risk, and other risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information included herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See McEwen Mining's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the caption "Risk Factors", for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information regarding the Company. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement. The NYSE and TSX have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by the management of McEwen Mining Inc. ABOUT MCEWEN MINING McEwen Mining is a gold and silver producer with operations in Nevada, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. In addition, it owns approximately 48% of McEwen Copper which owns the large, advanced stage Los Azules copper project in Argentina. The Company's objective is to improve the productivity and life of its assets with the goal of increasing its share price and providing an investor yield. Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner, has a personal investment in the company of US$225 million. His annual salary is US$1. 19 august 2024 at 16:20 News published onand distributed by: GARDAI are investigating the third incident of criminal damage in Kilfinane in a matter of weeks. A burglary took place at the old convent site in Kilfinane, which is being converted into social housing accommodation, between July 20 and 22. Vandals spray painted areas of the build during the incident A few days later, The Maple Ballroom, as it was known, on Barrack Street was damaged in a fire on July 25. Then on Saturday of this weekend, a van was burnt out in broad daylight. Kilmallock Fire and Rescue and Service responded to the blaze. A garda spokesperson said: "Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a fire outside a property in Kilfinane which occurred on Saturday, August 17 at approximately 4.50pm. Investigations are ongoing." READ MORE: Gardai investigate burglary at Limerick building being converted into accommodation Kilfinane Community Council posted on its Facebook page on Saturday: A number of weeks ago, as ye all know, there was a fire in the Maple Ballroom. We are aware it was started by someone, then there was the incident of vandalism in the old convent. "Today the fire brigade had to be called again as a van at the back of a private residence was set on fire. This is very upsetting for the family and should not have happened." It continues: "We are asking people if you have any information in relation to any of the incidents to please contact the guards in Bruff. Can you all be vigilant in the community going forward and report any concerns as these incidents are getting out of control. It is very disappointing to see this happening in our community and it has to stop." If anybody has any information they are asked to contact gardai in Bruff on 061 382940. GARDAI are investigating after thieves stole money from a city church twice in two days. The perpetrators raided the candle boxes in St Michaels Church on Denmark Street. They targeted the boxes where people light a candle in memory of, or for loved ones, at 5.30pm on Saturday, August 3. Its understood they picked the lock. The same suspects then returned the following day and cleaned out the money box again. Fr Leo McDonnell, parish priest, spoke of the brazenness of the thieves. Somebody goes to a shrine, puts in money to pray for someone who is sick, or someone who has died and somebody comes along then and steals that money said Fr McDonnell, who contacted gardai. The guards have the video footage. The reason I reported is because if they're coming into us, they could be going into other churches as well, said Fr McDonnell Gardai confirmed to Limerick Live that sums of cash were taken in the course of the incidents. Investigations are ongoing at this time, said the garda spokesperson. The Limerick diocese has actually lost out three times - the two thefts and having to carry out repairs. As I said to the guards, it's one thing taking money out of the shrines but then you have to go and get a locksmith in and a welder to make another box. It is Church income, said Fr McDonnell. New security measures have been put in place in St Michaels to try and prevent future thefts. READ MORE: Van burnt out in third criminal damage incident in Limerick town in weeks St Michaels Church made headlines for a happier reason last year. A golden statue of Michael the archangel, spear in hand standing upon a snarling dragon, which sits atop the churchs bell tower was completely restored. The statue was first unveiled on September 29, 1881, the Feast Day of St Michael. Two of those involved in the restoration project - Dr Paul OBrien and Fionan Coughlan made a startling discovery that on this day each year the rising sun lines up with the spear held in the angels hands. It's just beautiful. It lights up every night. You wouldn't see it anywhere else. If somebody asked from a spiritual point of view, what's unique about Limerick then its that statue. We put out a public appeal to raise money for the works and within a year it was totally paid off, said Fr McDonnell. Twenty-eight teachers from public schools in Brazil travelled to Limerick this week to complete a postgraduate diploma in education leadership and management at Mary Immaculate College (MIC). The educators participated in a selection process earlier this year, run by CAPES federal funding agency in Brazil, and will have all of their costs covered by the Brazilian government during their nine-month stay in Ireland. Speaking at a farewell event hosted in the Irish Consulate in Sao Paulo on August 13 for the teachers from 20 different states in Brazil, General Coordinator of Teacher Training Programmes with CAPES, Lorena Lins Damasceno, congratulated the group. We want to congratulate you all for the effort you put in so that you could be with us today. We know it wasnt easy. Tomorrow, you will travel with the very clear and ambitious objective to complete this Education Leadership and Management programme in an institution with excellence in this area. You have a magnificent opportunity. The CAPES coordinator noted that the MIC programme, as well as offering academic excellence, also provided scholarship holders an opportunity to compare different education systems in Brazil. Returning teachers have told us they never knew Brazil as well as they did during their time in Ireland, because the groups represent all of Brazil. They have a unique opportunity to compare distinct realities within our education system, exchanging and forming a national network. Consul General at the Irish Consulate in Sao Paulo, Robert Jackson, wished the group well and praised the Brazilian government for the vision and leadership of CAPES investing in educators. These educators will have a unique opportunity to learn from each other and to share their experiences with colleagues in Ireland. The CG congratulated the teachers for their role in shaping the future of society: I still have very fond memories of my own teachers, they had a profound impact on me. Never underestimate the crucial role you play in shaping future generations, he told the group. Director of SOS Education Consultancy, Sarah OSullivan, which is based in Sao Paulo, gave an overview of how continued investment in education had a transformative impact in Irish society, with MIC at the forefront of this transition. Ireland was a poor country in the 1980s, we saw many young people forced to go overseas for opportunities. With consistent investment in education, and considerable curricular evolution, Ireland is proud to have one of the best education systems in the world. Since 2009, CAPES has funded international mobility programmes for five thousand (5000) public school teachers. This is the third group of educators to travel to MIC to complete postgraduate education leadership training. The initial group consisted of 19 school directors, who studied at MIC in 2019. Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has announced the appointment of Jacintha Mullins as the Principal of Croi na Coille Community National School in Fedamore. This follows the news in May of the establishment of a new school in the former Fedamore National School under the patronage of the ETB. Community National Schools are co-educational, multi-denominational schools centred on core values of academic excellence, care, respect, equality, and community. Jacintha has a distinguished career in education, having taught over the last 20 years in mainstream and special education settings across diverse environments, including DEIS, rural, urban, and special schools. Her commitment to cultivating learning environments for all students is evident in her innovative teaching methods and the numerous initiatives she has pioneered, some of which have received national and international acclaim including the prestigious John Coolahan Research Support Framework Award from The Teaching Council. Speaking about her new role, Jacintha said she is thrilled to be appointed as the first Principal of Croi na Coille Community National School: Leading this unique 21st century school is a dream come true for me! I am passionate about nurturing a child's love of learning, their innate curiosity about the world in which they live, their imagination and sense of adventure. "I believe outdoor learning and nature-based education has a pivotal role to play in the holistic development of children and I cannot wait to develop this at Croi na Coille. Im looking forward to establishing our new home in Fedamore, developing links with our local community, and creating a great learning environment for all." Jacinthas academic credentials include a first-class honours postgraduate diploma in school leadership from University of Limerick, a degree in fine art, a Master of Arts in interactive media, and postgraduate diplomas in both primary and special education. She has worked as an Associate with the National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT) and the Creative Schools Initiative and served as an education outreach officer with Leave No Trace Ireland. Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, George OCallaghan, said: "I would like to congratulate Jacintha on her appointment as Principal of Croi na Coille Community National School in Fedamore. The ETB is very excited about this new school option for parents and guardians living in the Fedamore area as it emphasises inclusivity and caters to the diverse needs of the community. We are very confident that Jacinthas experience and enthusiasm will create a vibrant learning environment where all students can thrive." Government should be open to the idea of a second emergency department in the Mid-West, the Taoiseach has said. Simon Harriss comments come amid persistent criticism of University Hospital Limerick (UHL) management by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster. Scheduled care has been cancelled at five hospitals and injury units in the Mid-West, including at Ennis Hospital, for an indefinite period in a bid to address patient flow issues at UHL. Mr Donnelly has called for a range of reforms around management and clinical leadership at the hospital. Mr Harris said on Sunday that a report into serious issues at the hospital was due to be brought to the minister very shortly. He said Government would follow the recommendations of that report without fear of favour. Mr Harris: I think when it comes to the Mid-West, we should have an openness to a second emergency department, if that is the outcome of the HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) review. There is absolutely a need for more bed capacity in the Mid-West. I recognise that, the minister recognises that. We have increased bed capacity significantly but its also true to say that there are serious issues, I believe, in relation to how the health services in the Mid-West are being managed. The Taoiseach added: I think it is fair to say, by any objective standards, there are serious issues (at UHL) that go beyond the conversation just around investment. Speaking to reporters at the Tullow Agricultural Show in Carlow, Mr Harris said the Health Minister was right to look at how hospitals are being run and managed. He said there was a need to have a balanced conversation between the issues of investment and reform. Asked if he agreed with the minister that there was a lack of a culture of productivity in public hospitals, Mr Harris said: Words like productivity and the likes we can sometimes forget what were talking about here. What were talking about here is the people of Ireland wanting to know when they get sick that they can access a health service that will look after them well. The Taoiseach said that issues at some hospitals could not be solved by investment alone. Recalling his own time holding the health portfolio, Mr Harris said: If it was a question of just investment, then many of the challenges that patients face wouldve been met. In an interview with the Business Post on Sunday, Mr Donnelly suggested that there should be productivity incentives in the public healthcare system. Asked if there needed to be a reconsideration of incentives in public hospitals, Mr Harris said: I certainly think that is something that we should keep under consideration. READ MORE: Limerick woman doing weekly shop when car was poleaxed thanks emergency services He added: Look, Im really conscious that people who work in healthwork work bloody hard. Nurses, doctors, allied healthcare professionals Im very proud of the work they do. But Im also conscious that sometimes they can get frustrated about the environment in which they work, they can feel that theyre bogged down in bureaucracy, they can feel that things are too layered and really what we need to do is make sure were empowering clinicians to do their jobs and I think we should listen to them more about the efficiencies that can be made in their own hospitals. Nicola Sturgeon has said she wishes more UK political leaders would read Paul Lynchs Booker Prize-winning novel Prophet Song. Ms Sturgeon, a former Scottish first minister, also said she wishes that more political leaders read fiction as a general principle. Prophet Song tells the story of a mother of four working as a scientist whose husband is taken away by the newly formed Irish secret police and her struggle to keep her family together under a tyrannical government. Discussing the book with the Irish author at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Ms Sturgeon touched on how one of the characters in the book gets in a boat, and said the novel should in some ways act as a wake-up call to all of us. Scotlands former first minister said: She lives a life that all of us in this country can recognise, and therefore what happens to her suddenly doesnt seem far away. Its something we can conceive of and imagine. Ms Sturgeon added: She gets in a boat. And yet, so much of the discourse in this country is inhumane about people who take boats to come here, and is fuelling something really, you know, horrific in parts of this country. So, you know, in some ways, you know, this is a book I would love political leaders in certain other parts of the UK to read and to understand. I wish more political leaders read fiction, by the way, just as a general principle. Lynch said that the Trojan horse of this book is its taken what you think is the other, and its made them you. Ms Sturgeon, whose love of books is well known, was interviewing Lynch at the book festival on Sunday. She asked the author why he does not explain in the book how it came to be that Ireland suddenly found itself in the grip of fascism. He said that we do not know when the book is set and it may well be counterfactual. Commenting on why he did not put the politics up front, Lynch said it was because I want the mythic aspects of this book to be what you take away. He said: This book is about what has been, what will be, and what continues to be, because there is a wretchedness built into the human condition that we cannot get rid of and war is what we are, and thats what this book is about. Prophet Song is Lynchs fifth novel and won him the 2023 Booker Prize. Mumbai: Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Ventures Pvt. Ltd (ADAVL) has filed a fresh interlocutory application in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) seeking the courts intervention to direct Hinduja Group-owned IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL) to stop using the brand Reliance once the resolution plan is implemented. In February, the NCLT had approved IIHLs takeover of the insolvent Reliance Capital (RCap). As per the order, while approving the resolution plan the NCLT had allowed IIHL, the successful resolution applicant, to use the brand, logo, name and trademark owned, licensed or sub-licensed by RCap , subject to the payment of fees under the existing agreements, and subject to the terms and conditions set in those agreements for three years for the purpose of the implementation of the resolution plan. Also read | Reliance Capital lenders accuse IIHL of non-compliance, company denies claims In its petition, ADAVL prayed for the recall of this part of the tribunals order, a copy of which was seen by Mint. The Mumbai bench of the NCLT will hear the matter on Tuesday. Grave and irreparable harm, loss and injury will be caused to the applicant (ADAVL) if the reliefs sought in the application are not granted by NCLT. However, no prejudice will be caused to IIHL or Reliance Capital. The balance of convenience weighs in favour of the applicant, the 18-page petition showed. Brand licensing pact In 2014, ADAVL and RCap had entered into a brand licensing agreement under which the former had granted RCap a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use the brand Reliance for 10 years. In June 2021, ADAVL ended the agreement between the parties, restricting the brand's use. Also read | Reliance Capital administrator seeks implementation of IIHL's resolution plan In its application, ADAVPL has petitioned that the brand agreement does not create any interest in the brand in favour of RCap, but only allows permissive use thereof. Given this position, the brand is not an "asset" of RCap within the meaning of the term as used in Section 18 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and ADAVL has requested the cessation of brand usage by IIHL immediately after implementation of the resolution plan. Not party to plan Moreover, the application states the company was not heard while allowing IIHL to use the brand for three years, as it was not a party to the resolution plan. Advanced Micro Devices agreed to pay nearly $5 billion to buy ZT Systems, a designer of data-center equipment for cloud computing and artificial intelligence, bolstering the chip makers attack on Nvidias dominance in AI computation. The deal, among AMDs largest, is part of a push to offer a broader menu of chips, software and system designs to big data-center customers such as Microsoft and Facebook owner Meta Platforms, promising better performance through tight linkages between those products. Secaucus, N.J.-based ZT Systems, which isnt publicly traded, was founded in 1994. It designs and makes servers, server racks and other infrastructure that house and connect chips in the giant data centers that power artificial-intelligence systems such as ChatGPT. ZT has more than $10 billion of annual sales, AMD Chief Executive Lisa Su said in an interviewnearly half the $22.7 billion in revenue her company reported last year. However, AMD plans to sell ZTs manufacturing business after the acquisition is complete, keeping its system-design business. Su said ZTs main value for her company is in offering customers more hands-on assistance in setting up huge data centers where clusters of chips train up AI systems. What it allows me to say to them is let me help you build your next training cluster, and tell me whats important to you," Su said. I now have a very large design team that can help you do that." The deal could bolster AMDs competitive position against Nvidia, which also has added aggressively to its data-center offerings in recent years. Nvidia, for example, bought networking company Mellanox in 2020 for nearly $7 billion, bringing in supercomputing-grade data transfer capabilities that have helped it maintain its edge during the AI boom. It also increasingly has focused on designs for servers and data centers that its chips go into. AMD has made other moves in recent years to build up its data-center chops, including its acquisition of chip maker Xilinx in 2022 in an all-stock deal valued at nearly $50 billion at closing. Also in 2022, AMD bought Pensando Systems, a data-center chip and networking startup, for $1.9 billion. While Nvidia is by far the chip industrys prime beneficiary of the AI boom, AMD has been making inroads. Su last month raised her forecast for the companys AI chip sales to $4.5 billion this year after reporting quarterly results ahead of analysts expectations. She had forecast $3.5 billion of sales in January. AMD valued the cash-and-stock deal for ZT at $4.9 billion, including a contingent payment of up to $400 million based on certain milestones after it closes. AMD said the deal is expected to close in the first half of next year, subject to regulatory approvals, and that ZT Chief Executive Frank Zhang will stay on after the acquisition. Zhang said in a statement that joining AMD will help ZT play an even larger role designing the AI infrastructure that is defining the future of computing." The ZT deal is one of AMDs biggest, after the Xilinx acquisition and its $5.4 billion acquisition of ATI Technologies in 2006. AMD announced a much smaller AI-related deal last month, the approximately $665 million purchase of Silo AI, a Finnish company that helps customers integrate artificial intelligence into their products and operations. Write to Asa Fitch at asa.fitch@wsj.com Indias online gaming sector is navigating uncertain waters as it grapples with a higher 28% tax and state bans on skill-based games, sparking concerns about its future. Additionally, short-term funding has started to dry up. Its surprising that in India a 2 sachet of ketchup has an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) label, but online games dont have any security or quality seal, said Anuraag Saxena, head of E-Gaming Federation, in a conversation with Mint. The industry body, which has outlined voluntary standards for Indias online gaming sector, is among petitioners that have legally challenged a higher goods and services tax for the industry and the authoritys tax demands adding up to nearly 1.5 trillion. Consumers are ending up losing lakhs on unscrupulous games with no redressal mechanism. The country must have a whitelist for gamers to be able to distinguish which is legal and which is not, Saxena said. Self-regulatory bodies have been proposed earlier as well to promote ethical practices by online gaming platforms and create a stable and predictable regulatory environment. These will also ensure quick resolution of grievances and implement standard operating procedures that meet global standards. But there has been no government nod yet for this. Currently, the government serves as the regulator for the online gaming industry. The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has said in the past that it will develop a framework for permitting and certifying online games involving monetary transactions. Despite these hurdles, the legitimate gaming industry in India is expected to grow by 20% until the end of 2024-25, reaching a value of 23,100 crore, according to Saxena. A taxing hurdle Globally, the gaming industry has seen exceptional growth, with over 1.2 billion players worldwide. India has been a key contributor, with 500 million active gamers, and 200 million of them willing to invest in enhancing their gaming experiences, Saxena said, referencing a report co-authored with Grant Thornton titled Guardians of Safe Play: Ethical Gaming for Vibrant Bharat. Over the last five years, Indias online gaming industry has raised $2.8 billion from domestic and global investors. However, funding activity in the short-run has slowed down, said Saxena. Last year proved particularly challenging for the skill-based gaming sector, which faced the dual impact of a higher 28% GST rate and multiple state bans. Following the 50th GST Council meeting in July last year, the tax authority proposed implementing a uniform 28% GST rate on the full-face value for online gaming, casinos, and horse racing. Also read | GST Council to decide on waiving disputed tax liabilities under new provision This significantly impacted the online gaming sector, leading to widespread layoffs and the closure of several startups due to the increased tax burden. Following an outcry from the industry and multiple petitions, the Supreme Court in April consolidated 27 writ petitions challenging the GST hike into a single hearing. This legal action, spearheaded by Gameskraft and supported by writs filed by the E-Gaming Federation and Play Games24x7, marked a crucial step in the industrys fight against the tax increase. Need regulations that can spur investments The E-Gaming Federations joint report with Grant Thornton highlighted the importance of distinguishing between games of skill and games of chance to regulate the real money gaming industry effectively. Games of skill rely on a players abilities, while games of chance are predominantly driven by luck. Under Indian law, games of skill are generally considered legal, while games of chance are not. This distinction is pivotal for making informed decisions about the legal status, taxation, and regulation of gaming activities. Understanding these differences can help create rules that address the specific risks associated with each category while supporting innovation and growth within the gaming industry, according to Saxena. The industrys contention is that skill-based games are being taxed in the luxury category, while offshore illegal betting companies, operating servers in other countries, are building a strong network in India without scrutiny. Despite several advisories from the government stating that betting and gambling are illegal in most parts of the country, advertisements for betting platforms continue to thrive. Indias online gaming industry is now pushing for a more rational approach to GST collection. An industry must contribute to GST, but the question is how much and on what basis it should be levied. This should be a process of conversations and consensus. We are confident that this will resolve itself through policy and legal channels, Saxena said. New Delhi: The sale of leading renewable energy platform O2 Power has attracted non-binding offers (NBOs) from seven large entities, two people aware of the development said, in what could be one of the largest green energy deals in India. The seven bidders include alternative investment firm Stonepeak, New York-based private equity firm I Squared Capital, JSW Groups JSW Neo Energy, Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors' Sekura Energy, Actis Llp, Singapores Sembcorp Industries Ltd and Macquarie Group, one of the largest foreign infrastructure investors in India. These are from among the 13 prospective buyers that had signed non-disclosure agreements (NDA) for the transaction. Mint earlier reported about Macquarie Group, JSW Neo Energy, and Actis Llp signing NDAs to buy O2 Power. Next stage Barclays is running the sale process for the deal having an equity and enterprise value of around $1 billion and $2.3 billion respectively. The next stage involves shortlisting the NBOs to give selected bidders full data room access, after which the binding bids will be submitted. The deadline for submitting of binding offers is 19 October. The ones whose NBOs have been shortlisted will be informed shortly to take them to the next stage. The binding offers are expected by 19 October, post which exclusivity will be given to the successful bidder. It will then take some time for the documentation and condition precedents (CPs) to be met. By January end, the deal may be completed," said one of the two people cited above, requesting anonymity. European alternative asset manager EQT and Singapores Temasek hold 51% stake and 49% stake respectively in O2 Power, and have invested $500 million in O2 Power founded by former ReNew Power executives Parag Sharma, Peeyush Mohit, and Rakesh Garg. O2 Power is targeting a portfolio of around 5 GW and has already created a 4-GW portfolio. O2 Power chief operating officer Peeyush Mohit and a Barclays spokesperson declined comment. O2 Power is targeting a portfolio of around 5 GW and has already created a 4-GW portfolio. A Temasek spokesperson in an emailed response said, As a matter of policy, Temasek does not comment on market speculation. We thus decline to comment." Spokespersons for Stonepeak, Macquarie Group, Edelweiss Alternatives and JSW Group also declined comment. Queries emailed to the spokespersons of EQT, I Squared Capital, Actis Llp, and Sembcorp on Friday evening remained unanswered till press time. Sustained interest There is sustained investor interest in India's green energy transition play including renewable energy (RE), given that it is a mature sector. India has an installed renewable energy capacity of 180.79 GW, including 73.31 GW solar and 44.73 GW of wind power capacity. The governments objective is to add 50 GW of green energy capacity annually to reach 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030. Given the governments target of achieving 500GW renewable energy (RE) by FY32 and cost competitiveness, RE capacity addition in renewable space is gaining traction," Elara Securities (India) Pvt. Ltd wrote in a 13 August report, and added, "Recently, there has been an increase in the number of bids for hybrid RE and dispatchable power tenders for RE compared to plain vanilla RE tender." "The government aims to increase RE capacity to 450 GW by 2030 from 130 GW as of March 2024. To promote this, Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) have been stipulated for discoms. They must increase the share of RE power from ~25% at present to 39% by fiscal 2028. This means discoms will need to buy more RE power and as its penetration increases, focus will sharpen on storage essential for grid balancing," added Crisil Ratings in a 14 August report. Stonepeak is a New York-headquartered alternative investment firm with $65.1 billion assets under management. I Squared Capital has been active in Indias green energy space and invested $150 million in Amplus Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd in April 2015 that was sold to Malaysias state-run oil and gas company, Petroliam Nasional Bhd or Petronas in April 2019 for 2,700 crore. I Squared Capital has also set up a climate solutions platformHexa Climate Solutionswith Amplus founder Sanjeev Aggarwal wherein the New York-based private equity fund will invest around $500 million. It is also an investor in Singapore based Cube Highways and Infrastructure Pte. Ltd., one of Indias largest private sector operators of toll roads which is one of the two final bidders in fray to acquire the roads assets of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) Athaang Infrastructure, in a deal having an equity value of around 4,000 crore. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is the other final bidder. Other acquisitions As reported by Mint, JSW Neo Energy and Sembcorp have also been shortlisted to submit binding bids for acquiring a significant majority stake in NIIF backed Ayana Renewable Power Pvt Ltd in a deal having an equity value of around $800 million. Also, Sembcorp, and JSW Neo Energy are in fray to buy a majority stake in 1 GW operational assets of Shell Plcs Sprng Energy group, in a deal having an equity and enterprise value of $350 million and $1.1 billion respectively. JSW Neo Energy has a 13.6 GW generation portfolio, of which 2.6 GW is in the construction stage. It bought 1.75 GW of renewable energy projects from Mytrah Energy at an enterprise value of 10,530 crore. Singapore Exchange listed Sembcorp has also lined up an ambitious green energy play in India and is also among suitors for Brookfield Renewables 1.6 GW portfolio in India in the deal expected to have an equity value of around $800 million. Macquarie Group has been investing in Indias infrastructure space since 2008 and is focussed on energy transition, infrastructure and digital communications. Also read: ONGC enters the fray to acquire Ayana Renewable Power Actis green energy platform, Blupine Energy Pvt. Ltd is developing grid-connected solar and wind power parks, besides commercial and industrial (C&I) projects. Blupine Energy is the third clean energy firm by Actis in India following its deal selling Ostro Energy to ReNew Power Ventures in 2018 at an enterprise value of $1.5 billion. It also sold Sprng Energy at an enterprise value of $1.55 billion to energy giant Shell Plc. O2 Power is also selling solar projects totaling 350 megawatts (MW) for which Edelweiss Sekura Energy Ltd is the front runner in a deal having an equity and enterprise value of $50 million and $200 million respectively, as reported by Mint earlier. Attracted by the opportunities offered by Indias green energy space, there are several deals in play, as reported by Mint. Torrent Power has moved the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to challenge the NCLT order approving Sarda Energy and Mining's (SEML) resolution plan for the debt-ridden SKS Power Generation. Last week, the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved Sarda Energy and Mining's bid and rejected applications, including that of Torrent Power, to acquire SKS Power Generation (Chhattisgarh). Torrent Power had raised objections over the selection process, describing it as discriminatory and contended that it had proposed the highest upfront payment. The Torrent group firm also sought a copy of the approved plan, which was rejected by the NCLT. Also Read | NCLT approves Sarda Energys resolution plan for SKS Power Torrent Powers petition is scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, August 20, before a three-member bench of the NCLAT headed by its Chairperson Justice Ashok Bhushan. SKS Power Generations corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) started in April 2022 following a plea by Bank of Baroda, which had a total admitted claims of 2,560 crore on the company. Besides Torrent Power, several other companies, such as NTPC, Jindal Power and Singapore-based Vantage Point Asset Management were also in the race. However, the Committee of Creditors (CoC) voted in favour of Sarda Energys resolution plan for SKS Power Generation. Also Read | SKS Power resolution hits NCLT roadblock According to media reports, SEML's bid of over 2,000 crore covers nearly all dues owed to the financial creditors. Ahmedabad-based Torrent Power had contended before the NCLT that it had submitted the highest upfront cash payment to the creditors of SKS Power Generation after incorporating the observations of the RP and lenders. The Torrent group firm argued that owing to its highest proposed upfront payment, it ought to have been declared as the successful bidder and not the Respondent No 2 (SEML) which, per its contentions, had lower qualitative and quantitative credentials. Torrent Power also alleged it to be "discriminatory" as it was done without providing similar opportunities to other resolution applicants. Also Read | Sarda Energy shares jump 14% after JV gets licence for iron ore block Bengaluru: When Amrish Raus stint as the chief executive officer (CEO) of PayU India, a fintech company, ended in 2019, he had made up his mind to start all over again. He approached venture capital firm Sequoia asking for $25 million. He had a new idea to nurture in Indias booming payments economy. Rau met Shailendra Singh, the managing director of Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia), for coffee. The subsequent conversation left Rau surprisedit was Singh who pitched an idea. I have significant ownership in a company called Pine Labs. If you want something thats truly yours, Ill hand you the keys. You can run it as you see fit," Singh told Rau. Sequoia, at one point, held around 50% in Pine Labs. Back then, the company was mostly known for selling point of sale (PoS) terminals and PoS-based payment solutions that allowed merchants to accept credit and debit card payments. Rau deliberated on the idea for a while. Building a company from scratch would take four to five years. But Pine Labs, which started in 1998, was already a known platform with the potential to grow faster. With a valuation of $1.6 billion, it was already a unicorn or a company valued at over a billion dollars. Having sold my first startup, my motivation was not money. My motivation was to build the most respectable fintech company from India," Rau told Mint, sitting in his office in Bengalurus Koramangala neighbourhood. In 2013, he co-founded Citrus Pay, another payments company, and sold it to Naspers-owned PayU in a cash deal worth $130 million in 2016. Rau decided to take the keys from Singh and joined Pine Labs as CEO in March 2020. Four years after that, Pine Labs is valued at about $5 billion and is Indias fourth most valued fintech company, behind PhonePe ($12 bn), Razorpay ($7.5 bn) and Cred ($6.4 bn). Reportedly, it is considering raising about $1 billion in an initial public offering (IPO). According to a Bloomberg report, Pine Labs may seek a valuation of more than $6 billion in the IPO, the largest by an Indian fintech firm since One97 Communications Ltd, the operator of Paytm, raised approximately $2.5 billion in 2021. What exactly did Rau do to grow Pine Labs into the fintech giant it is today? In short, a lot has changed since he took over. While Pine Labs has its hits, there are significant misses, too. Missing links Unlike Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytms founder, or Ashneer Grover, the former managing director of BharatPe, Rau can come across as less charismatic and more measured when he speaks in public. He graduated from a little-known college, Shah & Anchor Kutchhi Engineering College, in Chembur, Mumbai. And his career didnt begin with a flourish eitherhe started by selling automated teller machines (ATMs). Rau interned at a newly opened branch of Siemens called Siemens Nixdorf. They were into passbook printers and ATMs. As luck would have it, I ended up making the first sale for the company ever in India, and they retained me after the end of my three-month internship," he recollected. Rau is a fintech bully. Its a good thing because you are competing with a lot of bullies. He is hardworking and ruthless. An executive Selling ATMs, nonetheless, set up his career in financial services, and today, he is counted among the veterans of Indias fintech industry. According to former employees Mint spoke with, Rau is a hands-on leader with a sales mindset, a legacy he inherited from Siemens. One former executive described him as a fintech bully". Its a good thing because you are competing with a lot of bullies. He is hardworking and ruthless," the executive, who didnt want to be identified, said. It didnt take long for the fintech bully to identify the gaps in Pine Labs business, once he took over. Pine Labs started 25 years ago, founded by Lokvir Kapoor, Rajul Garg and Tarun Upaday. While Kapoor is the executive chairman at Pine Labs, the other two founders have moved on. The company was an early player in the digital payment solutions space and focused on processing debit and credit card transactions through its PoS machines. In fact, offline payments continued to be the companys strength when Rau joined. But that strength was also its biggest weakness. As soon as I took over, in March 2020, the pandemic hit. Stores in India shut down for a long period of time, and my fear turned out to be correct," Rau said. I realized that I needed to change the business; Pine Labs needed multiple lines of businesses." The online stack As Rau was coming on board, Pine Labs acquired a gift card technology startup called Qwikcilver for $110 million. To begin with, the new CEO decided to focus on this business. Qwikcilver is today one of the largest subsidiaries of the company, generating 20% of Pine Labs overall revenuePine Labs has doubled its revenue since 2020-21 to 1,588 crore in 2022-23. The more pressing need was to build an online business. Rau took two strategic calls. I brought in a team from PayPal, and engineers from that company started to build our product stack for online payment gateways. At the same time, we also acquired Setu," Rau said. PayPal is an American payments company that pioneered the digital wallet. Setu is a company that helps businesses quickly launch fintech products. Pine Labs launched its online business with payment gateways in 2021. And it recently launched UPISetu, a UPI-focused platform for businesses and developers. Online contributes to less than 5% of the companys overall business today, but Rau thinks he can compete with rivals such as Razorpay, Paytm and PhonePe going ahead. In the online payment space, now that our tech stack is ready, we want to go ahead and connect aggressively with e-commerce companies, financial services companies, government institutions and small education institutions," he said. The online side of the business is growing at 100% year-on-year but the offline part is growing much slower, at about 20% a year, he added. In terms of sheer market size, playing in both offline and online makes sense. The India PoS terminals market is estimated at $33.26 billion in 2024, according to Mordor Intelligence. As for online, the countrys payment gateway market was valued at $1.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.2 billion by 2033. UPI payments, online and offline, have been growing fast, recording about 131 billion transactions with a total value of 200 trillion in 2023-24, the Indian government recently stated. Taking it to the world One clear priority for Rau is exportstake Pine Labs products to international markets. Ever since he joined in 2020, he worked on accelerating this strategy. Pine Labs has teams in California, Singapore and Australia. The company has just hired an executive to head its European markets. 200 of our employees are based outside India and are building our businesses in those markets," Rau noted. The companys international business has been growing at about 50% a year, and Rau projects it will increase, going forward, on the back of its US and European forays. While Europe is just starting off, the US business began about six months ago. In the next five years, 40% of Pine Labs revenues could be generated from international markets as compared to the current 13%, Rau projected. I think what we have built in India is totally ready for the most mature markets around the world," he said. Pine Labs is, therefore, selling in international markets the same solutions that have worked in IndiaPoS systems, payment processing services, and merchant-centric solutions such as loyalty programmes and gift cards. In PoS, the company earns a commission on each transaction and by selling PoS terminals to merchants. It charges merchants a fee for each transaction processed through its online payment gateway services. And for its software as a service (SaaS) offerings, such as customer loyalty programmes, it charges merchants a subscription fee. Slow but steady Pine Labs has the first movers advantage in PoS terminals and the offline pie. Nonetheless, its fortress is getting raidednew entrants are threatening to chip away at the companys market share. Pine Labs has great relationships with banks, and they can compete in the offline space, but they should have never let Paytm and others scale," a former Pine Labs executive who didnt want to be identified, said. What did the executive mean? View Full Image Paytm has rapidly expanded in offline payments targeting small merchants. (Mint) Paytm entered the PoS space in 2020. While Pine Labs continues to be a leader in the enterprise and mid-market segment, Paytm has rapidly expanded in offline payments targeting small merchants, an area Pine Labs did not focus on. Emerging competition in the offline business also includes Razorpay and PhonePe. Pine Labs, a major player in PoS transactions, ventured into payment gateway and online payments while Razorpay, a leading online payments player, acquired Ezetap to enter the PoS business," Abhilasha Jaju, director of BFSI vertical at 1Lattice, a market research and consulting company, said. PhonePe launched its PoS devices last year. The former executive quoted above said that Pine Labs has been slower when it came to innovation, citing the example of UPI-based payments, where it took a long time to make its presence felt. On the other hand, Paytms early adoption of UPI and the widespread use of its wallet made it a leader in online transactions. Pine Labs has also ignored the extended UPI ecosystemstuff such as soundboxthe executive pointed out. A soundbox is a device that provides instant audio confirmation of payment transactions for merchants. Paytm first introduced it in 2019. A former executive said that Pine Labs has been slow when it came to innovation. He cited the example of UPI-based payments, where the company took a long time to make its presence felt. Pine Labs launched UPI on PoS machines in 2020. Rau said the unit economics of soundboxes dont make sense. Nonetheless, he admitted that five years back, executives at Pine Labs believed that the company would play solely in the non-UPI space. Five years back, I could take a position and say, lets see where UPI reaches. Now, it has become central to my strategy, as almost 40% of my transactions on PoS are UPI transactions. UPI is right at the centre of the future, and I cannot look away from it," he said. Pine Labs also has some catching up to do when it comes to the consumer segment. The company did make an acquisition on the consumer sideFavebut the purchase hasnt worked out, according to two former executives at the company. Fave, a Kuala Lumpur-based company, integrates digital payment solutions allowing users to pay via mobile wallets, credit cards, or bank transfers. Pine Labs had acquired the company in an all-cash deal worth $45 million in 2021. We have never been a brand that consumers connect to. Thats a natural evolution we have to make as a company. Amrish Rau Rau said that Faves business requires heavy cash burn to grow, typical of consumer businesses. The markets have changed since the acquisition was made, and the company prefers to conserve that cash. Weve kept that business at a steady state, not really being able to put significant cash into it," Rau said. But the CEO does realize the importance of a consumer-facing business, the missing part in what is otherwise a well diversified portfolio now. That part could be the companys next growth story as it heads towards the IPO. We never had a consumer app. We have never been a brand that consumers connect to. Thats a natural evolution we have to make as a company," he agreed. While some former employees said Pine Labs is slow in innovating, market analysts view it differentlythe conservative approach may work better when the company goes public. Compared to Paytm, Pine Labs has diversified streams of revenue and a robust business model. This provides a stable revenue model and hence is less risky than Paytms consumer-centric model which relies heavily on digital wallets and UPI adoption," said Manoj Dalmia, CEO at Proficient Equities, a trading services company. Paytms IPO had a significant price drop because of high expectations and, profitability concerns. Learning from Paytm, Pine Labs will approach valuations in a realistic fashion and this will reduce the post-IPO volatility risk," he added. Rau can take heart from that statement. New Delhi: India's commodities exports, including marine products, rice, gems & jewellery, and petroleum products, declined steadily between April and July 2024, with 12 of the 30 major export items dipping further in July, according to the latest data from the ministry of commerce and industry. During July, the export of commodities such as coffee (-0.98%), rice (-15.30%), cereals (-81.43%), cashews (-25.51%), oil seeds (-0.01%), marine products (-4.58%), ceramic products & glassware (-21.13%), gems & jewellery (-20.36%), organic & inorganic chemicals (-12.03%), cotton yarn & handloom products (-4.13%), jute (-14.30%) and petroleum products (-22.15%) declined in value terms from the same month last year. However, the export of commodities such as electronics (37.31%), engineering (3.66%) and pharmaceutical products (8.36%) rose annually during July, edging out traditional export shipments of textiles, chemicals and jewellery and signalling a crucial shift in export trends. Nine of the 30 major export items dipped in value terms annually during June, while 10 of the 30 dipped in May and 17 in April. During April-July, 12 of the 30 major export items fell in value terms from the same period last year. These included rice (-4.29%), cereals (77.18%), cashew (-19.14%), oil meals (-16.48%), oil seeds (-8.61%), marine products (-7.20%), iron-ore (-15.47%), mica, coal & other ores (-1.09%), leather & leather products (-2.05%), ceramic products & glassware (-7.82%), gems & jewellery (-7.45%), and jute (-12.50%). Exports of the top 30 commodities stood at $31.83 billion in July, down from $32.63 billion in July 2023, the commerce ministry data showed. During April-July, exports of the top 30 commodities stood at $135.34 billion, up from $130.77 billion a year ago. The merchandise trade deficit the difference between the country's exports and imports stood at $23.5 billion in July, larger than the $20.98 billion deficit recorded in the previous month and $19 billion in July 2023. A spokesperson for the commerce ministry did not respond to Mints emailed queries. Global economic weakness Experts attributed the slump to global economic weakness. "Despite growing exports, the second successive month of decline in goods exports (in July) and three-quarter-high goods trade deficit show that global demand is yet to pick up meaningfully amid tepid growth and geo-economic fragmentation," said Manoranjan Sharma, chief economist at Infomerics Ratings. "This process could negatively impact the macro-economy and the domestic currency, and necessitates focused efforts to step up exports for economic growth and structural transformation," he added. According to a Bank of Baroda analysis, the trade deficit widened by about $10 billion during April-July from the same period of the previous year. "Indias merchandise trade deficit was higher, as imports have risen at a sharper pace than exports (both on sequential and cumulative basis). The sequential increase (in imports) is attributable to non-oil and non-gold imports, signalling resilient domestic demand," Dipanwita Mazumdar, an economist at the Bank of Baroda, said in the report. Bank Holiday today: Today, August 19, is the festival of Rakhi also known as Raksha Bandhan, and it is hence a bank holiday in some states across the country. These states are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Orissa, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Srinagar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its official list of holidays has designated August 19 as a holiday for banks in various cities on account of Raksha Bandhan, Jhulana Purnima and birth anniversary of Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. Banks will be closed in cities such as Agartala, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow and Shimla on account of Rakhi / Raksha Bandhan and the other festivals. Also Read | Bank Holidays in 2024. Check the full list here Meanwhile, besides festivals and national holidays, August 2024 also has a total of two Saturdays and four Sundays off, besides regional and religious festivities. Overall, the month has nine bank holidays. Customers should note that non-working days for banks differs from state to state in India, and it is prudent to check with your local bank branch for their holiday list before to keep informed. Also Read | Are SBI branches near you open today? Read here Online Banking Services For cash emergencies, all banks operate their online websites and mobile banking services apps regardless of weekend or other leaves unless notified to users for particular reasons. You can also access any bank's ATMs for cash withdrawals. Customers must note that bank holidays differ across states due to the regional requirements. Thus to stay informed, you should confirm the full list of holidays with their nearest bank branch to plan better and avoid last-minute confusion and emergencies. All of the bank's annual holiday calendar is declared by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which deals with the issuance of cheques and promissory notes. Transactions involving these instruments are thus not available during these listed holidays. Full List of Bank Holidays in August 2024 The RBI and state governments create a list of holidays for banks, taking into account national and local occasions, operational requirements, religious celebrations and other cultural observances. The central bank makes the announcement through its official website and notifications to banks and other financial institutions. August 2024 has at least nine listed non-working days (including weekend leaves). Notably, there is also a long weekend at the months-end, so plan your bank visits accordingly. Here is the full list (public and private banks) to see: The Supreme Court in July ruled that states have the power to tax mining lands and quarries independently of the mines and minerals act and determined that royalties are not taxes. On 14 August, a constitutional bench of the apex court said this judgement would apply retrospectively . Justice B.V. Nagarathnas dissenting judgment in the case, where an 8:1 majority of the constitution bench ruled in favour of states, may prompt the legislature to rethink the current framework. It could lead to legislative and policy changes in the future, particularly regarding the division of royalty revenues between the central and state governments. Mint breaks down the importance of the judgement and the implications of the Nagarathnas dissent ruling. The majority ruling On July 25, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, ruled that states have the power to tax mining lands and quarries independently of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 and determined that royalties are not taxes. On August 14, the court decided that this ruling would apply retrospectively, allowing states to tax mining companies from as far back as 2005. This retrospective application has caused significant stress for companies in the mining and cement sectors, potentially leading to tax demands totalling up to 2 trillion, imposing a substantial financial burden on mining operators. The 8:1 majority ruling was based on three key points: Royalties arise from mining lease agreements rather than legal requirements Payments are made to lessors (either state governments or private parties) rather than public authorities Royalties compensate for access to mineral reserves rather than serving public purposes. Justice Nagarathnas dissent While the majority view holds that royalties are distinct from taxes and arise from contracts between mining leaseholders and lessors, Nagarathna argued that royalties should be considered a form of tax. She bases her argument on the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957, asserting that this Act provides a comprehensive framework for mineral development. She cited the 1989 India Cements case, suggesting that if royalties are not deemed taxes, states could impose additional taxes or surcharges on top of royalties, distorting mineral development and creating unhealthy competition among states. Nagarathna also supported her dissent with references to the Sarkaria Commissions report, which advocated for a unified approach to mineral development. She said only central legislation can prevent states from imposing excessive additional charges, ensuring a balanced and coherent strategy for managing mineral resources nationwide. Breakdown of the federal system A critical aspect of Nagarathnas dissent is her concern that if royalties are not treated as taxes, states might impose additional levies on mining leaseholders beyond the royalty payments. She warned that this could lead to unhealthy competition among states and disrupt federalism. This would further imply that despite such a Parliamentary limitation, the States could pass laws imposing taxes, cesses, surcharge on cess, etc. on the basis of royalty which is in addition to payment of royalty," she asserted. Nagarathna further explains that such a scenario could result in mineral development in the country in an uneven and haphazard manner" and engage states in a race to the bottom" in a nationally sensitive market. The increased prices of minerals could lead to higher costs for industrial products reliant on these materials, potentially causing economic disruptions, she added. Nagarathna envisioned a breakdown of the federal system," noting that such conditions might drive non-extracting states to import minerals, impacting foreign exchange reserves and causing a slump in mining activity in states rich in mineral deposits. Will Justice Nagarathnas dissent impact future legislation? Experts suggest that if Nagarathnas viewtreating mineral royalties as taxesgains acceptance, it could significantly alter how royalty revenues are divided between central and state governments. This may lead to new or revised laws to clearly define revenue sharing. Judgment may warrant a rethinking within the legislature to clarify the situation once and for all and, hence, may result in the introduction of new laws or amendments to existing laws to ascertain the sharing of royalty revenues between the central government and the state governments. Such changes are most likely going to be prospective," said S.R. Patnaik, partner (head - taxation) at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. Gopal Mundhra, partner at Economic Law Practice, noted that dissenting judgments can influence lawmakers to consider changes to existing legislation or create new laws: All these observations can lay groundwork for future legal arguments. If the majority judgment is ever revisited in the future, the dissenting judgment will certainly serve as the basis for re-interpreting the law, potentially leading to reversal or modification of the original judgment," Mundhra said. "Dissenting judgments can influence lawmakers to consider changes to existing legislation or even create a new one. Especially since the mining sector is adversely impacted by the ruling of majority, the dissent could prompt industry leaders to urge the lawmakers to come up with legislative reforms that align with the reasoning in the dissenting judgment." Can mining companies leverage this judgment? Mining companies might use Justice Nagarathnas dissent to push for reforms in taxation and regulatory policies. However, experts note that the dissenting judgment cannot be used as precedent until there is a change in law or a new judgment from the Apex Court. Mining companies may try to use Justice Nagarathnas dissent as a tool in their future legal battles. However, the possibility of success is minimal before any court of law as the decision is rendered by a constitutional bench of 9 judges. But, this dissent could serve as a basis for pushing for reforms in the taxation and regulatory policies for the mining sector," said Patnaik. Ketan Mukhija, senior partner at Burgeon Law, emphasized that while the dissenting judgment provides robust reasoning, it cannot become precedent without legal changes: Mining companies can certainly rely on this dissenting judgment on grounds that the reasoning and rationale contained thereunder is robust, persuasive, and strong. However, the dissenting judgment cannot be used as precedent and the majority ruling will continue to prevail, unless there is a change in law or until a contrary judgment is given by the apex court." Not the first dissent by Justice Nagarathna In 2023, Justice Nagarathna dissented from the 4:1 majority judgment regarding the validity of the Unions 2016 Demonetisation Scheme. In her dissenting opinion, Justice Nagarathna deemed the demonetisation exercise unlawful purely on legal grounds, despite acknowledging the scheme's noble objectives. Why dissenting judgments matter Dissenting judgments are seen as crucial for upholding judicial independence and democratic integrity. Under Article 145(5) of the Indian Constitution, while the majority view is binding, judges can issue dissenting opinions if they believe the majority ruling is flawed. According to the 2011 paper Interpreting the Constitution: Indian Supreme Court Constitution Benches Since Independence," which analyzed constitutional bench decisions from Independence through the end of 2009, there has been about a 5.2% chance that a judge will dissent in any given vote on a bench. Some of the recent big dissent rulings include Justice D.Y. Chandrachuds in the Aadhaar case, criticizing the Act's classification as a "Money Bill" and its impact on privacy right. Chandrachud was not the chief justice during the time of this judgement. Another instance was Justice Indu Malhotra's dissent note in the Navtej Singh Johar case, which decriminalized homosexuality. Also Read: Green light for retro tax sends a shockwave across mining and metals companies New Delhi: Audit regulator National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) on Monday imposed a hefty penalty of 10 crore, one of the highest in the history of the regulator, on BSR & Associates LLP, an independent audit firm which has a contractual relationship with KPMG, for alleged lapses in the audit of Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd or CDEL, the company that runs coffee chain CCD. Debarred partners The audit watchdog also debarred two of BSRs partnersone for 10 years and the other for five years. The auditors did not report (allegedly) fraudulent diversion of funds despite having enough evidence that public money was moved to a promoters entity which had no business connection with the listed company The auditors did not report (allegedly) fraudulent diversion of funds despite having enough evidence that public money was moved to a promoters entity which had no business connection with the listed company, the NFRA order said. Reviewing order The audit firm said it was reviewing the regulatory order. BSR & Associates is disappointed with this order for the CDEL audit for the year ended 31 March 2019. The firm is currently assessing next steps and cannot comment further at this stage. BSR remains committed to the highest standards of professionalism, quality and integrity, the audit firm said in response to queries emailed by Mint. Also read | NCLAT stays insolvency proceedings against Coffee Day Enterprises Queries emailed to Coffee Day Enterprises on Monday evening seeking comments for the story remained unanswered at the time of publishing. BSR & Associates is disappointed with this order for the CDEL audit for the year ended 31 March 2019. The firm is currently assessing next steps and cannot comment further at this stage. The regulator alleged that the auditors put on their blinkers and when asked to explain, sought refuge in the provision of standard on auditing 600, relying on the work of auditors of the subsidiaries, while CDELs investments in these subsidiaries constituted a staggering figure of 1,937 crores constituting 89% of the standalone balance sheet. Significant area of audit The audit watchdog pointed out the exposure to promoter entities was a significant and important area of audit. Providing of loans by the listed company to a related party in the garb of an advance for purchases, the amount itself being over five times the value of purchases, was not questioned by the auditor for its business rationale, the regulatory order said. NFRA also imposed a penalty of 50 lakh on one of the partners and 25 lakh on the other for alleged substantial deficiencies in audit, abdication of responsibility and the issuance of a false and misleading audit report. Also read | Coffee Day bankruptcy process: Application filed under IBC Section 7 The regulators review of audit stems from a Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) investigation report on alleged diversion of funds worth 3,535 crores from seven subsidiary companies of Coffee Day Enterprises to Mysore Amalgamated Coffee Estate Ltd, an entity owned and controlled by the promoters of CDEL, a listed company, NFRA said in the order. Garima, a 19-year-old student in Mumbai, has been using makeup since the age of 12. From contouring sticks that lift facial features to pigments for the perfect smokey eye, she owns an impressive range of products from brands such as Vineeta Singhs SUGAR Cosmetics and popstar Rihannas Fenty Beauty. I want to be a lifestyle influencer one day. I see so many girls putting on makeup in front of the camera. When I see a new brand on Instagram, I make sure to buy it," she said. Backed by venture capital and private equity interest, Indias cosmetics industry has seen roaring success in the past few years, with a clutch of new brands looking to offer world-class products. Now, these brands are directing their attention to an emerging cohort of usersGen Z, or individuals aged between 12 and 24. This represents a fresh challenge, since Gen Zs consumption patterns differ widely from those of previous generations. Also read: Why Kolkata is a big pull for the beauty market Listed player Honasa Consumer, which owns skincare brands Mamaearth and Aqualogica, launched Staze, an affordable, youth-focused colour cosmetics range earlier this year. Last year, A91 Partners-backed SUGAR launched SUGAR Play, targeting teens and pre-teens. Social media drives trends Kaushik Mukherjee, co-founder and chief operating officer at SUGAR, told Mint, With increased exposure to global fashion and beauty trends through social media and the internet, teenagers in India are becoming more conscious of their appearance and grooming. This led to a higher demand for cosmetics and skincare products tailored to their age group." Venture capital (VC) investors are also looking to cash in on this growing opportunity. Delhi-based clean-beauty brand Blur India is in talks with several consumer-centric VC firms to raise pre-seed capital, according to a person in the know. Typsy Beauty, another youth-focused brand, has also been talking with investors, this person added. The new colour cosmetics startups being built are aimed at Gen Z-ers, who are more demanding. Founders in this domain will need to be as nimble as their consumers," said Archana Jahagirdar, managing partner at early-stage investment firm Rukam Capital. Bumper growth Indias cosmetics and grooming industry is projected to grow to $35 billion by 2035, with the consumption of cosmetics by teenagers increasing rapidly, according to a joint study by Assocham and MRSS India. SUGAR Play saw its revenue grow more than 218% in the April-June period compared to the previous quarter, Mukherjee said, without sharing exact figures. Its expected to be SUGARs fastest-growing range in the next 18-24 months, he added. With an overall cumulative quarterly growth rate of 173% across the last four quarters, we see our hypothesis around 100% alcohol-free, vegan, and cruelty-free [products] play out faster than we had imagined," the executive said, noting that the company is looking to double down on its bet by expanding the current portfolio. Also read: Funds back Foxys trot to consultation from beauty retail SUGAR Plays current contribution to the firms overall revenue is only in single digits, but Mukherjee expects this to grow to the high double-digits in the next two years. He added that its importance to the overall brand cant be overstated as it has attracted a completely new audience that is even younger than SUGARs median customer age of 24. Gurugram-based Swiss Beauty is also seeing good traction from its year-old Craze brand, which has prompted it to hive it off as a separate brand under the parent firm, co-founder and director Mohit Goyal told Mint. Were seeing good traction with the line, so it makes sense to let it have its own visual identity. While it will derive some attributes from the parent brand, Craze will continue focusing on the ever-changing trends among Gen Z," Goyal added. Loyalty challenge Rukam Capitals Jahagirdar believes that while the youth cosmetics segment is growing quickly, brands need to figure out how to build a sustainable business around a customer base that is spoiled for choice. A distinct characteristic of Gen Z is that they are open to experimenting with brands, she said. User retention will play a key role in unlocking the next phase of scale for these brands. To achieve this, introducing out-of-the box products with a shorter turnaround time is essential," Jahagirdar added. Also read: Myntra is selling lipstick and blush. Should Nykaa be worried? Swiss Beautys Goyal said the company aims to launch new products every month and will keep up this momentum for Craze as well. We plan to launch 10-12 new products in the next 2-3 months," he said. Another key problem area for these companies could be their ability to keep up with trends. In the age of social media, new-age cosmetic brands could face the heat from ever-changing beauty trends, which could force them to speed up innovation, according to Jahagirdar. Noida-based Interarch Construction Products Ltd, a leader in providing complete pre-engineered steel construction solutions, hit the Indian primary market on 19 August 2024. Bidding for Interarch Construction Products IPO will remain open until 21st August 2024 i.e. Wednesday this week. The company has set a price band for shares that ranges from 850 to 1,900. The IPO will close on August 21, and the company raised 179.49 crore from anchor investors on Friday, August 23. Retail investors will receive thirty-five percent of the issue size, qualified institutional investors will receive half of it, and non-institutional investors will get the remaining fifteen percent. Following the minimum of 16 equity shares, investors may bid in multiples of 16 equity shares. The Interarch Building Products initial public offering (IPO) basis for share allocation is expected to be finalised on Thursday, August 22. The business will commence refunds on the same day, and on Friday, August 23, the shares will be credited to the allottees' demat accounts. Interarch Building IPO shares are likely to be listed on BSE and NSE on Monday, August 26. Interarch Building Products is a leading provider of pre-engineered steel construction solutions in India, offering integrated facilities for design and engineering, manufacturing, and on-site project management skills for the installation and erection of steel structures. In the fiscal year 2024, the company's operating revenue climbed to 1,293.30 crore from 1,123.93 crore, while its profit after tax improved to 86.26 crore from 81.46 crore. Interarch Building Products IPO subscription status The strong response from non-institutional investors continued for Interarch Building Products IPO on the second day of bidding. The response from retail investors was fairly decent. Interarch Building Products IPO subscription status was 10.84 times, as per BSE data. The portion for non-institutional investors fetched 30.82 times subscription, while the category for retail investors got subscribed 7.31 times. The quota for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) received 1.47 times subscription, and the employee portion was booked 11.75 times. On the first bidding day, the public issue was subscribed to 3.20 times, the retail portion of the book build issue was booked 2.76 times, the NII segment was subscribed 7.85 times, and the QIB portion was filled 0.27 times, as per BSE data. Interarch Building Products IPO Review Swastika Investment has given the book build issue a subscribe tag, saying, The brokerage claims that Interarch Building Products Limited, a provider of turnkey pre-engineered steel building solutions, has solidified its place in the industry. The company's wide client base, established execution skills, and integrated manufacturing operations equip it for sustained development. The firm has consistently expanded both top and bottom line, demonstrating strong financial success. However, there may be difficulties due to reliance on a small pool of outside vendors, lack of long-term contracts with clients, and high working capital needs. Despite these factors, the company's IPO, valued at a P/E of 15.3x, appears attractively priced. Considering the company's market leadership, strong financial performance, and reasonable valuation, we recommend subscribing to the IPO, the brokerage said. Giving a 'subscribe tag to the IPO, Parth Shah, Research Analyst, StoxBox, said, The companys extensive track record, domain expertise, established brand presence, and strong market position, combined with its integrated facilities for design and engineering, manufacturing, and on-site project management for the installation and erection of PEBs, provide a solid foundation for leveraging these growth opportunities. Interarchs strong market position, integrated operations, and diverse customer base ensure cost-effective and timely project execution, positioning the company for success in the PEB industry. Thus, we recommend market participants subscribe to the issue from a medium to long-term perspective. Interarch Building IPO Details An offer for sale (OFS) of up to 44.48 lakh shares by current promoters and shareholders is included in the offering, coupled with a fresh issuance of shares valued at 200 crore. According to the top pricing band, the OFS is worth about 400 crore. The net proceeds of the new issuance will go toward general company objectives, technology enhancements, and capital expenditures. The book running lead managers are Ambit Private Limited and Axis Capital Limited, while the offer registrar is Link Intime India Private Limited. Also Read | Interarch Building IPO: Check out 10 key things from RHP before investing Interarch Building Products IPO GMP today Interarch Building IPO GMP today is +325. This indicates Interarch Building Products share price were trading at a premium of 325 in the grey market, according to investorgain.com. Considering the upper end of the IPO price band and the current premium in the grey market, the estimated listing price of Interarch Building Products share price was indicated at 1,225 apiece, which is 36.11% higher than the IPO price of 900. According to the latest grey market activities over the past 8 sessions, today's IPO GMP is on the rise and is anticipated to have a robust listing. Investorgain.com analysts report that the GMP ranges from 0 as the lowest to 395 as the highest. 'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price.' Interarch Building Products IPO details Also Read | Interarch Building Products, Gala Precision Engineering get SEBI nod for IPOs The corporate earnings for the first quarter of FY25 largely met expectations, driven mainly by domestic cyclical sectors, according to a recent review by Motilal Oswal Securities Limited (MOSL). Sectors like healthcare, real estate, capital goods, and metals made significant contributions to overall growth, while Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) weighed down earnings. Nifty-50 earnings rose by 4 percent year-on-year, slightly surpassing MOSL's estimate of 3 percent growth. However, the overall performance was hindered by the drag from OMCs. Excluding OMCs, the Nifty achieved a 9 percent earnings growth, just below the brokerage's 10 percent growth expectation, showing that other sectors held up well despite challenges in the oil sector. Looking ahead, MOSL anticipates that earnings momentum will continue but at a slower pace, with growth expected to taper to around 15 percent over FY24-26. The key investment themes highlighted by MOSL include Industrials and Capex, Consumer Discretionary, Real Estate, and PSU Banks. While several sectors showed resilience, a few notable companies experienced significant declines in their Profit After Tax (PAT) during the June quarter. Now, let's examine three stocks that saw a more than 25 percent drop in their Profit After Tax (PAT) during the June quarter. Asian Paints Asian Paints reported a 25 percent decline in consolidated net profit, amounting to 1,170 crore, compared to 1,383 crore in the corresponding period last year. The company's total revenue from operations in the first quarter of the current fiscal year dropped by 2.3 percent to 8,943 crore, down from 9,154 crore in the year-ago period. This revenue decline was largely due to price cuts implemented in the previous quarter and a shift in product mix. Despite a 7 percent increase in domestic decorative business volume, revenue decreased by 3 percent. Total expenses rose to 7,559.04 crore, compared to 7,305.09 crore in the same period last fiscal year. The stock has already fallen almost 4 percent in the last 1 year and over 10 percent in 2024 YTD. JSW Steel JSW Steel reported a 64 percent decline in consolidated net profit for the first quarter, amounting to 845 crore, significantly missing the Street estimates of around 1,254 crore. Revenue from operations for the June quarter increased by 2 percent year-on-year to 42,943 crore. However, EBITDA fell by 22 percent year-on-year to 5,510 crore, with margins shrinking by 390 basis points to 12.8 percent. The company's crude steel production for the quarter stood at 5.3 million tonnes, down 3 percent year-on-year and 7 percent quarter-on-quarter, while steel sales increased by 3 percent year-on-year to 5.09 million tonnes. The stock has risen over 15 percent in the last 1 year and added over 3 percent in 2024 YTD. BPCL Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) reported a 73 percent drop in net profit for the June quarter, with profits falling to 2,841.55 crore, compared to 10,644.30 crore in the same period last year. This sharp decline was due to reduced refinery margins and a fuel price reduction that impacted marketing margins. Sequentially, BPCL's net profit fell by 40.6 percent from 4,789.5 crore in the preceding quarter. Revenue from operations in Q1FY25 saw a marginal decline of 0.1 percent to 1.28 lakh crore, while total expenses increased by 8.5 percent to 1.25 lakh crore. The stock has soared over 88 percent in the last 1 year and over 47 percent in 2024 YTD. Stocks to buy: The Indian stock market benchmark Nifty 50 opened with a decent gain of about 0.40 per cent at 24,636.35 on Monday, August 19. The index saw a solid gain of nearly 2 per cent in the previous session, settling at 24,541.15, thanks to across-the-board buying in light of positive global cues. The domestic market is witnessing the trend of buying on dips and selling at higher levels. Despite premium valuation, the market has been resilient due to relentless buying by domestic investors. Last week, the market made several attempts to move higher, but they were quickly reversed, suggesting possible selling pressure. According to Prashanth Tapse, Senior vice president (Research) at Mehta Equities, the Nifty has support at 24,101 and aggressive targets in the 24,900-25,100 zone. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy today Experts say investors should focus on quality stocks in the short term and consider buying stocks with favourable technical indicators. Based on the recommendations of several experts, here are 11 stocks that can rise 5-16 per cent in the next 3-4 weeks. Take a look: Jigar S. Patel, Senior Manager of Equity Research at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers IndusInd Bank | Previous close: 1,364.15 | Buying range: 1,360-1,370 | Target price: 1,500 | Stop loss: 1,299 | Upside potential: 10% In recent trading sessions, IndusInd Bank has demonstrated resilience by holding steady at its crucial historical support level of 1,335. This level has historically been significant, acting as a strong foundation where buyers step in, preventing further declines. Moreover, a bullish AB=CD pattern near this support level is a notable technical signal. The AB=CD pattern is a classic chart pattern in technical analysis that indicates a potential reversal in trend, suggesting that the stock may be poised for an upward move. Complementing this, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily chart has formed an impulsive structure, which typically signals strong momentum and increasing buying pressure. These technical indicators make IndusInd Bank an attractive candidate for a long position. Tata Consumer Products | Previous close: 1,187.75 | Buying range: 1,180-1,190 | Target price: 1,300 | Stop loss: 1,130 | Upside potential: 9% Tata Consumer reached 1,247 level on July 23, 2024, but since then, it has experienced a correction of approximately 96 points. Currently, the stock is showing signs of finding support near its previous breakout range, a crucial level that often acts as a price floor. This support coincides with a 0.382 Fibonacci retracement level from the stock's earlier uptrend, which began at 1,016 and extended to 1,247. The price alignment with this retracement level adds further significance to this support area. Additionally, technical indicators are favourable; the 'Supertrend Indicator' on the hourly chart has shifted to a bullish mode, suggesting potential upward momentum. Moreover, the 9-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) is providing additional support, reinforcing the idea that the stock is poised for a rebound. Grasim Industries | Previous close: 2,600.35 | Buying range: 2,575-2,600 | Target price: 2,860 | Stop loss: 2,451 | Upside potential: 10% Currently, the stock is beginning to show signs of stabilizing as it approaches a critical support level near its previous breakout range. This level is significant because such breakout ranges often serve as solid support zones, acting as a price floor where buyers might step in. This support area is further reinforced by two key technical indicators: the 100-day Exponential Moving Average (DEMA) and the 0.50 per cent Fib retracement level from the stock's prior uptrend, which began at 2,163 and peaked at 2,866. The convergence of these indicators at the current price level highlights the importance of this support zone and suggests it may hold. Moreover, technical indicators are starting to turn favourable. Specifically, the RSI on the hourly chart has formed a bullish divergence, a pattern that often signals a potential reversal or upward momentum in price. Also Read | Sebi ramps up investigations amid market turmoil Shiju Koothupalakkal, Technical Research Analyst, Prabhudas Lilladher Wipro | Previous close: 516.25 | Buying range: 500-512 | Target price: 575 | Stop loss: 485 | Upside potential: 11% The stock witnessed a strong rally recently and corrected significantly to arrive near the important 100-period moving average (MA) at the 486 level. It has shown signs of bottoming out with a decent pullback witnessed currently. With a positive bullish candle formation, it has moved past the important 50EMA (exponential moving average) level of 504, improving the bias. The chart looks attractive, with indicators like RSI indicating a positive trend reversal after significantly cooling off from the highly overbought zone. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders | Previous close: 4,974.95 | Buying range: 4,960-5,040 | Target price: 5,790 | Stop loss: 4,550 | Upside potential: 16% The company has produced excellent results. The stock has arrived at an attractive level after a decent correction from 5,860 level, showing signs of bottoming out just above the significant 50EMA level of 4,550. The RSI has cooled off significantly from the overbought zone. It is well-placed currently, indicating a positive trend reversal to signal a buy with much upside potential visible from the current rate. West Coast Paper Mills | Previous close: 587.70 | Buying range: 580-600 | Target price: 670 | Stop loss: 550 | Upside potential: 14% The stock has witnessed a decent correction from the level of 753, currently showing signs of bottoming out near 570 level and indicating a pullback to improve the bias, anticipating a further rise in the coming days. The RSI has corrected significantly from the overbought zone to arrive near the oversold zone. It has indicated a positive trend reversal to signal a buy and has much upside potential from the current rate. Also Read | Dharmesh Shah recommends these two stocks to buy today Hardik Matalia, Derivative Analyst, Choice Broking ITC | Previous close: 502.65 | Buying price: 502.65 | Target price: 545, 560 | Stop loss: 480 | Upside potential: 11% ITC has been consolidating after an impulse move on the daily chart. The stock is close to breaking out of its consolidation range, with a significant increase in trading volumes. The RSI is at 68.02, with a positive crossover, indicating increasing buying momentum. Additionally, ITC has found support near its short-term (20-day) EMA and is trading above its key moving averages, signalling a likely continuation of the uptrend. "If ITC can stay above 510, its all-time high, it may move towards higher targets of 545 to 560," said Matalia. Bajaj Auto | Previous close: 9,888.15 | Buying price: 9,888.15 | Target price: 10,700, 10,800 | Stop loss: 9,480 | Upside potential: 9% Bajaj Auto is currently experiencing a long-term uptrend, showing a bullish pattern with a consistent series of higher highs and higher lows over the past few months. The stock has formed a Rounding Bottom on the daily chart, approaching a breakout zone. The RSI is at 61.44 and trending upwards, indicating increasing buying momentum. Additionally, Bajaj Auto is trading above its short-term (20-day), medium-term (50-day), and long-term (200-day) EMAs, suggesting potential for continuous upward momentum. "If the stock maintains its position above the 10,000 level, it could likely continue its upward trajectory toward new highs," said Matalia. Kotak Mahindra Bank | Previous close: 1,777.30 | Buying price: 1,777.3 | Target price: 1,910, 1,930 | Stop loss: 1,705 | Upside potential: 9% Kotak Mahindra Bank is trading near 1,777.3 level and is on the verge of breaking out of a descending triangle pattern on the daily chart. The RSI is at the 49.27 level, which is in the lower range of the neutral zone, and there is a positive crossover, indicating that the stock is near an area where buyers might step in. Moreover, the stock has surpassed its medium-term (50-day) EMA and long-term (200-day) EMA levels, suggesting strength in the underlying. "If Kotak Mahindra Bank gives a breakout and maintains its position above 1,790 levels, it is poised to move towards upward targets of 1,910 and 1,930," Matalia said. Vishnu Kant Upadhyay, AVP, Research and Advisory at Master Capital Services Godrej Consumer Products | Previous close: 1,405.05 | Buying range: 1,395-1,400 | Target price: 1,480 | Stop loss: 1,348 | Upside potential: 5% Prices have witnessed a double-bottom formation on the daily chart, indicating a potential reversal. A significant recovery has been observed from the vicinity of the 100-day EMA. The MACD indicator also signals a bullish reversal at the current level. Nippon Life India Asset Management | Previous close: 686.85 | Buying price: 685 | Target price: 750 | Stop loss: 650 | Upside potential: 9% Nippon Life India AMC reached a new 52-week high on Friday, supported by a substantial increase in trading volume, reflecting heightened buyer interest. The stock trades above its short-term moving averages, specifically the 21-day and 55-day EMAs. Additionally, the MACD indicator has generated a positive crossover, further reinforcing the continuation of the bullish trend. Grasim Industries | Previous close: 2,600.35 | Buying range: 2,590-2,600 | Target price: 2,785 | Stop loss: 2,475 | Upside potential: 7% Prices have experienced a sharp rebound from a critical horizontal support zone, which coincides with the 100-day EMA. Given the recent price recovery, we believe the short-term bottom has been established, positioning the stock to extend Fridays gains toward 2,785. Read all market-related news here Antfin Singapore Holdings is looking to sell a 1.54% stake in Zomato in a block deal valued at $408 million, deal terms reviewed by Mint show. The shares will be sold at a floor price of 251.68 per share, the terms showed. Antfin has been paring its stake in the food-delivery platform and currently holds a 4.3% stake, as per shareholding data available on stock excahnges. The share sale will be done at a discount of 4% over Mondays closing price of 262.17 on the NSE, it showed. Antfin will sell 136 million shares (1.54% of the total outstanding shares) of the company at 4% discount to the last close price on NSE, the term sheet said. Global investment banks Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are managing the share sale. With the food-delivery company reporting a remarkable net profit of 253 crore in the June quarter, up from 2 crore a year ago, the stock has grown manifold. As per Mint analysis, while the Nifty 50 has seen a 13% gain so far this year, Zomato's stock has surged 110.6% year-to-date, outperforming the benchmark index by a significant margin. The companys growth was driven by increased gross order value across its food delivery, quick commerce, and going-out verticals, making the three months through June its fifth consecutive quarter of positive earnings. Higher other income, which rose to 236 crore from 181 crore a year earlier, also contributed to this profitability, supported by Zomato's substantial cash reserves of over 12,000 crore, Mint reported last week. The company's revenue surged 74% year-on-year in the June quarter, reaching 4,206 crore compared to 2,416 crore last year. Zomato's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) also turned positive, standing at 177 crore, up from an Ebitda loss of 48 crore in the same period last year. Ebitda margin was at 4.2%. With the surge in share price, some of the company's investors such as Alipay, and SoftBank have been cashing out with manifold gains. In March this year, Antfin sold a 2% stake in open market for 2,828 crore or $341.5 million. Ant Group invested in Zomato via two entities. One entity held a 16.5% stake and was the second largest shareholded of Zomato ahead of its IPO two years ago. This entity fully exited last year. It had invested 1,354 crore in 2018 ($200 million then), VCCircle reported earlier this year. Ant's other entity had bought shares worth 1,892 crore across two tranches in 2018 and 2020. Zomato's shares closed 0.83% lower at 262.30 apiece on Monday. A CNBC-TV18 report said that Antfin's stake in Zomato is valued at close to 10,000 crore at Monday's closing price. Block deal information: One half of a deconstructed pyramid form appears suspended in a frame. It is juxtaposed with an Mughal-style architectural motif. In a different grid, theres another yantra-inspired form, even as the viewers eye travels to, in the same artwork, another pattern reminiscent of the architectural floor plan of a temples sanctum sanctorum. From jaali motifs evoking the architectural strength of a bygone era to nature-inspired forms, its impossible not to be awed by Vipul Rathods 40x 57.5-inch. mixed media work, Cabinet of Curiosities 5, which features a compendium of articles, all of them organised in grids, forming a structure that resembles a cabinet encasing miniaturised papier-mache objects. Showing at Delhis Art Alive Gallery, Rathods art is immediately engaging, refreshing and well thought-out. The 38-year-old artist, whose father is a carpenter, finds inspiration in simple every day objects, evoking memory in some form or the other. What look like terracotta or burnt clay objects at first glance are actually papier-mache items, moulded meticulously by a secret binding solution that gives these objects their durability. The resemblance to terracotta is achieved by the artist mixing both poster and acrylic colours. It gives the work that matte finish, says Rathod, who completed his art studies at MS University in Vadodara. Cabinet of Curiosities is Rathods first solo exhibition. Sunaina Anand, director, Art Alive, says when the contemporary art gallery showed Rathods work at India Art Fair a couple of years ago, it instantly made a mark. Its not often that viewers are drawn so soon and so intensely, especially towards the works of the younger generation of artists, she says. The competition is intense, and its usually years into their practice that artists emerge with their signature styles. Rathod, a prolific painter, abandoned the canvas around three years ago to become an amalgamation of a painter, sculptor and scientist, dabbling in creating special binding adhesives made with chemical solutions. Though my paintings were selling well, I was fatigued and exhausted as an artist. There was stagnation and, for a little over a year, I left art completely, says Rathod. He would take nature walkssomething that he likes to do even now when hes hit a creative blocksit quietly, and soak in periods of silences in some of the quieter areas of his hometown, Ahmedabad. What followed was his minds eye suddenly looking at forms leaves; drops of water (a form that particularly intrigues him); mushrooms growing in the ground; blades of grass. Rathod was not only studying forms, he was deconstructing and subsequently reconstructing them. Sketching all of these inspirations in his notebook, Rathod decided to take up sculpture in a major way two years ago. The journey of creating Cabinet of Curiosities, at first fraught with frustration, allowed Rathod to find his voice. As Anushree Mukherjee, curatorial associate, Art Alive Gallery, writes in the artists exhibition catalogue: These artefacts that are minuscule in proportion are not mere literal representations of everyday objects but are metaphorical representations of the artists thoughts and responses to his surroundings His work embodies memory, desire, and the exploration of the unknown while acknowledging existence in current times. Rathod is inspired by the sculptural works of the renowned British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor. We need to look at the complexity behind the simplest of objects and forms, says Rathod, explaining that if we observe closely, forms are all around us, waiting to be identified. In his studio in Ahmedabad, there are already over 10,000 new objects and forms that Rathod has sculpted and left to dry. Reminiscent of wunderkammers or cabinets that were encyclopedic collections of a wide variety of objects and artefacts in Europe during the Renaissance, and modelled as remnants of journeys capturing rare and eclectic experiences, Rathods cabinets question the forms of our past and present, insisting that they have a futuristic root as well. Interestingly, many of the boxes or grids within several artworks have been left empty by the artist. These empty grids, Anand explains, provide breathing space for the viewer to pause and meditate on the work fully. My work is as much yours as its minethe memory that a form evokes in me is different from what it would remind you of, says Rathod. Its true. The play with grids, structure, form, and colour allows the viewer to take in the entire composition, both in fragments and as a whole, the eye darting in all directions to soak in the enigma of the various patterns and forms that inform Rathods practice. Its a symphony which eventually evokes many memories, explains Anand, adding that everyone can relate to the work because they are reminders of our own life experiences. With his visual language strongly established through sculptural forms assembled within these constructed cabinets, Rathods work becomes a point for introspection and an inner dialogue for the viewers. In observing these cabinets, viewers are enriching their own memories of the past while also immersing themselves in a study of the present and the future. At Art Alive Gallery, New Delhi, till 7 September. A mutated form of mpox has been circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo for months. Now the response to what has become a global health emergency faces a key obstacle: The country still doesnt have a single vaccine. The absence of shots and challenges in understanding the spread of the disease in the central African country underscore how hold-ups on the ground, a lack of international coordination and funding problems have hampered a swift response. Also read: Whats spurring the Indian diagnostics industry forward? The chain of delayed reactions to the crisis began during the last mpox emergency that ended in 2023, with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saying the continent didnt get the appropriate support. Even as the threat from mpox returned and the organisation responsible for global vaccine distribution expressed its concern, Congo held off formally requesting vaccine donations. Drug regulators in the country only approved emergency use for the shots in June. Meanwhile, multiple countries, organisations and potential donors are trying to help but are only just starting to coordinate a joint response. I dont think the world has learned that it didnt make sense to stop the World Health Organization emergency last year, said Tulio De Oliveira, director of Stellenbosch Universitys Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, in an interview. If we had learned, we would have focused on stopping the outbreak. Some experts disagree that the emergency declaration should have been continued. The worlds focus has been elsewhere, according to Peter Sands, the head of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Mpox has been in Congo for a long time and it didnt receive much attention, Sands said in an interview. War and other threats have demanded the attention of governments since the end of the covid-19 pandemic. But the mpox outbreak should be a reminder that if disease surveillance and basic primary care are neglected that can come back and bite us, said Sands. The situation in Congo has been complicated by multiple other health threats including measles outbreaks and a humanitarian crisis, with 1.7 million internally displaced people in the province where the outbreak arose. There are about 15,700 suspected mpox cases, but the real figure is likely much higher. For one of the worlds poorest countries, the crisis requires a financing response that it isnt able to meet. Roger Kamba, Congos public health minister, estimates that 3.5 million doses will be needed at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars. Coordinated Response One of the organisations responsible for global vaccination efforts, Gavi, started holding daily meetings to discuss the Congo outbreak in May. As of last Thursday, it was still waiting for Congo to formally request vaccines. The country doesnt have any mpox vaccines for the emergency response, but it has requested doses from the US and Japan, Samuel Boland, mpox incident manager for the WHO in Africa, told Bloomberg. Coordination is going to be critical to the response, said Gavis chief executive officer Sania Nishtar. We are all talking to the same donors but we need to coordinate and hopefully in the coming days there will be a coordination mechanism, she said. Donations of vaccines could come from countries that already have stockpiles. The US is planning to donate 50,000 doses, but it has millions more. The UK has confirmed that it also has stockpiles, without giving more detail. Germany has 117,000 doses. If you are planning to study for an MBA in an overseas university, one of the key factors to consider is the cost involved in it. There are two popular destinations for the Indian students wanting to study abroad: US and UK. There is no denying the fact that the US is the most popular destination for Indian students who want to go for higher studies such as an MBA or an MS. Meanwhile, those who want to opt for an economical bet tend to go for other destinations such as Canada or Australia. Here we give a lowdown on the cost that one has to incur when you study for an MBA at any of the top universities in these countries. Also Read | MBA is not what impresses Elon Musk. Check these 6 steps to get hired by X CEO As per the ministry of external affairs (MEA) data of 2022, there are over 4.65 lakh Indian students studying in the US followed by 1.83 lakh in Canada. There are a little over a lakh in Australia and only over 55,000 in the United Kingdom (UK). Country Indian students USA 4,65,791 Canada 1,83,310 Australia 1,00,009 UK 55,465 (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, 2022 data) Let us take each country one by one. I. USA There are a number of B-school options in the land of opportunities. The top ones include Stanford, Wharton, Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Northwestern and UC Berkeley, among others. Tuition fees: The tuition fee for one-year hovers around $82,455 for Stanford while the overall cost touches $1,30,746 which includes living expenses ($19,000), housing ($20,880), medical insurance ($7,620) and health fee ($783). The total cost for an Indian student, therefore, touches 1.09 crore. For a two-year MBA, this cost doubles to 2.18 crore. Work rights: International students on F-1 visa are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and upto 40 hours a week when the classes are not in session. After the completion of studies, students are entitled to stay back for one year under what is known as OPT i.e., optional practical training. OPT is temporary employment and is directly related to an F-1 students major area of study e.g., IT or finance. The students who are eligible for OPT can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT authorisation. Additionally, if you have studied for a degree in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields, then you could apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT authorisation subject to meeting certain conditions. II. Canada The neighbouring country of America situated in the continent of North America has been a hotspot for Indian students and Indians in general for a long time now. Currently, there are over 1.83 Indian students studying in Canada (2022 data). The prestigious universities in Canada include Queens University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of York, McGill University, among others. Also Read | Canada overhauls its visa policies: All you need to know An MBA at McGill University, for instance, costs an Indian student tuition of around $1,02,500 plus another $3,000 for an international study trip. One can add another $24,000 towards cost of living. So, the total cost of an MBA would be 1,05,500 + 24,000 = 1,29,500. For Indian students, this amounts to around 80 lakh (1,29,500 X 62). Work rights: Students are allowed to work upto 20 hours per week. International students can apply for a 3-year PGWP (post-graduation work permit), even if the length of masters degree was less than two years. But the candidate must meet all other eligibility criteria (for instance, the program must have been a minimum of 8 months). III. Australia Those who cannot afford to study in the US or Canada tend to opt for economical options such as Australia where the cost of living, just as the cost of studies, is lower. The top universities in Australia for an MBA include University of Melbourne, Queensland, Sydney, Western Australia, Canberra, Wollongong and Victoria University, among others. Also Read | Australia looks to overhaul slot rules at Sydney airport to boost competition The cost for an MBA at University of Sydney for one year is $55,000. The total cost for a 1.5-year MBA would be $82,500. The living cost ($2000 per month) for 1.5 years becomes $36,000. The total cost therefore is 82,500 + 36,000 = $1,18,500. When you convert this into Indian currency (at the rate of 1$ equals 56), the total cost becomes 66.36 lakh. Work rights: International students are allowed to work for up to 48 hours every fortnight which means 24 hours every week when the university is in session. The regulator SEBI may soon allow a new and interesting product class. While still under discussion, it has been proposed to introduce a new offering, currently referred to as NAC (New Asset Class) or as investment strategies. This product will aim to provide more flexibility than regular mutual funds, but will have a lower minimum ticket size than a PMS or AIF. So, it is kind of like that the regulator wants to provide a differentiated product to bridge the opportunity gap between mutual funds and PMS. Since flexibilities will be more, the product, by nature, is expected to offer higher risk-taking strategies within a regulated framework. Also Read | Is it end of the road for debt mutual funds with new capital gains tax norms? This will be introduced under a structure similar to the concept of pooled money like in MFs. But NAC will neither be a mutual fund nor a PMS. It will have a minimum ticket size of 10 lakh per investor. For comparison, PMS has a minimum requirement of 50 lakh and AIF has a ticket size of 1 crore. Mutual funds, as you already know, allow one to invest even just 1000 also (some allow even smaller amounts). This 10 lakh threshold is expected to attract investors who have an investible surplus in the range of 10-50 lakh. Also, it will open doors for those who wanted to get into PMS but did not have the full 50 lakh entry amount. So, lets say if someone had 30 lakh then they will now have an option other than mutual funds. They can decide to split the R 30 lakh amount across 3 new strategies (or NAC) and invest. What are the other important features of the product? The minimum investment size is 10 lakh and it will also allow transactions like SIPs etc. 10 lakh and it will also allow transactions like SIPs etc. Interestingly and Unlike MF/PMS which are not allowed to, this new product will be allowed to use derivatives for non-hedging too. Examples include long-short funds or inverse ETFs. As per the regulator, this will provide more flexibility and risk-taking in investments and potentially generate higher returns for its investors. The product can only be offered by AMCs or fund houses who have a track record of at least 3 years and an average AUM of 10,000 crore in the preceding 3 years. There is some relaxation for newer/smaller fund houses. Those AMCs having a CIO with 10 years of experience in managing 5000 crore and an additional fund manager for the NAC with a minimum experience of 7 years with AUM of 3000 crore can also launch NAC schemes. 10,000 crore in the preceding 3 years. There is some relaxation for newer/smaller fund houses. Those AMCs having a CIO with 10 years of experience in managing 5000 crore and an additional fund manager for the NAC with a minimum experience of 7 years with AUM of 3000 crore can also launch NAC schemes. NAC will also be more flexible than mutual funds - the single issuer limit is 20% of NAV as against 10% of NAV in MF, and can invest 12% of NAV in A and below rated debt securities (such a limit is 6% in MFs) and 20% of NAV can be invested in REITs (10% of NAV in MFs) Too early to say but given that it will be more tax-efficient and lower cost than a PMS/AIF (and like MFs), it may be of interest to many who wanted to explore PMS strategies but didnt have 50 lakh and/or didnt like tax headaches of PMS/AMF. So why did SEBI feel there was a need for such a new product? The regulator has justified that - Over the years, a notable opportunity of a new asset class has emerged between mutual funds and PMS in terms of flexibility in portfolio construction. The absence of such an investment product appears to have inadvertently propelled the investors of this segment towards unregistered and unauthorised investment schemes/entities. Therefore, a new asset class would provide a regulated and structured investment suited to the investors in this segment. Also in my view, a product like this will help widen the field to some extent and also deepen the markets as it will now allow the AMCs to participate in derivatives actively and not just for hedging. Also Read | What upcoming NFOs tell us about the state of mutual funds industry in India That said, is this a good move for the investors? Should they invest in NACs if and when SEBI approves the concept and AMCs start launching the product? Too early to say as it is still in the consultation phase and hence, the final product may have different features. But nevertheless, it will definitely allow AMCs to try new approaches, as well as the investors to gain access to a newer set of strategies which arent available via the mutual fund route currently. That is not to say that MFs arent good. In fact, I still believe, and strongly so, that mutual funds remain the best vehicle to invest in equity markets for most common investors. Investing in mutual funds in a disciplined manner via regular monthly SIP remains the best bet to participate in the equity markets potential to create long-term wealth. But NACs unique mandate will allow new approaches to be tried out and it will allow mature higher-risk profile investors to express specific views on the market via this route and generate different investment outcomes. A dental student at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak has accused a resident doctor of kidnapping and assaulting her. The accused doctor is from the anatomy department. A complaint was filed on Friday, August 16, after which the police arrested the resident doctor and started the investigation. As per the dental students allegations, the doctor kidnapped her from the government medical institution and later took her to Ambala and Chandigarh. She was allegedly assaulted there, according to a report by India Today. Also Read | Kolkata rape case LIVE: Accused Sandip Ghosh reaches CBI office According to the victim's statement and the undergoing police investigation, there is no evidence of sexual harassment or rape as of now, the report said. Rohtak police confirmed in a post on X that the first-year dental student from PGIMS lodged a complaint. Also Read | Kolkata rape: Autopsy report reveals 14 extensive injuries over body Her (victim) statement was recorded in the presence of her family members and Legal Aid Counsel of the DLSA. An FIR was registered and the accused was immediately arrested. The victim has been medically examined and her statement has also been recorded before a Judicial Magistrate, the post read. The incident received notable attention after a video was released on X. The victim also stated that the abuse has been going on for the last seven months. She also claimed that the resident doctor threatened to reduce her attendance if the incident was reported to the administration, the report said. The report said a spokesperson from the University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, confirmed that the resident doctor accused of kidnapping and assault has been expelled from the institution and is not allowed to enter the campus, according to a Times of India report. The resident doctor was identified as Maninder Kaushik, an MD anatomy resident doctor at PGIMS, the report said. Mint could not independently verify the reports. Agra News: A woman was harassed by 6 bike borne men in the city that house Taj Mahal. A video of the same went viral on social media following which Uttar Pradesh police took immediate cation and arrested the miscreants. The video shows three men on one bike and two on another. A video has emerged on social media showing six men on two motorcycles aggressively harassing a woman on a scooter in Uttar Pradesh's Agra at night. The footage reveals four men on one bike and two on another, surrounding the woman and making threatening moves, including attempts to touch and kick her. The men followed her for several kilometers before she managed to find a traffic policeman in Agra, who intervened and stopped the motorcycles. SEE THE VIDEO The video has sparked outrage, particularly in light of recent incidents like the RG Kar case, with many criticizing the lack of bystander intervention and calling for severe penalties for the perpetrators. Social media users have tagged Uttar Pradesh Police, the state government, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding a thorough investigation and immediate action. The Kolkata doctor rape case has pulled focus on harassment that women in India face everyday. On Monday, Uttar Pradesh Police arrested three people in the alleged rape case of a Dalit nurse by a doctor of a private hospital in Moradabad district. A Samajwadi Party leader Moid Khan was arrested for raping a 12-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. Media reports indicate that the 12-year-old was gang-raped by three men including the SP-affiliated Moid Khan. Police sources told PTI that the bakery owner and his employee Raju Khan had raped the girl two months ago and recorded the act. The incident came to light when a recent medical examination revealed that the victim was pregnant. Last week, a former Samajwadi party leader was arrested by Uttar Pradesh police for attempting to rape a minor. A 15-year-old girl was invited to the politicians home under the promise of a job opportunity. In Bengaluru, a 34-year-old woman was allegedly molested by a cab driver two days ago while she was waiting for a neigbhour to join her for a morning walk, on 5 August. The Centre is set to revisit the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, according to information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who emphasized the government's commitment to supporting Indias growing creator economy. Vaishnaw assured that the government would adopt a "flexible and open-minded" approach during the legislative process. Read this | Coming law could tag you a digital news broadcaster We are very open-minded and very flexible. There should be a very extensive consultation. We should look at first, the purpose of the law and do we need a proper bill or regulation, so we are moving in that particular way, the minister said at a briefing on Monday. Highlighting the importance of the creator economy, Vaishnaw said, The creative economy is a segment that is new and growing. Our intent is to encourage it, give it more opportunities to create new IP. We want this economy to flourish. He also noted that the government recognized several social media content creators with awards in March this year. This decision follows criticism of the draft bill, which had been circulated to select stakeholders. Social media content creators raised concerns over being held accountable for their contenta shift from the current IT Act, which places the responsibility on platforms. More here | New draft broadcasting bill raises accountability, censorship concerns The unreleased draft had also proposed categorizing news influencers as digital news broadcasters, potentially harming the creator ecosystem, as reported by Mint last week. In response to the backlash, the government withdrew the draft last week and announced that a new bill would be introduced after October. Public comments on the 2023 draft are being accepted until 15 October. But officials aware of the development indicated that the government's next steps will be dependent on the consultations with the industry stakeholders, and that it is open to drafting an entirely new bill if consultations demand it. They confirmed that the current versions of the bill issued in 2023 and 2024 are no longer valid. The officials also said that the government is prepared to take the necessary time for thorough consultations, similar to the extended process seen with the new telecom law and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which took several years to finalize. As Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Vaishnaw also noted that rules for the DPDP Act would be released for public consultation within a month. The minister said that the government has focused on the digital implementation of the Act and framed rules accordingly. The entire digital by design framework of DPDP Act is now complete. Work flows are ready which includes how to file complaints, taking up appeals etc. The framework is ready and the draft rules are expected to be released within a month, he explained. He added that the Data Protection Board's processes for handling appeals and implementation have also been prepared. Also read | Mint Explainer: Concerns around Digital Personal Data Protection law A CRPF inspector was martyred on 19 August when terrorists opened fire on a patrol party in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, reported PTI quoting officials. The officials stated that along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police, the CRPF was fired upon by terrorists around 3:30 pm in the remote Dudu area of Basantgarh. In the exchange of fire, an inspector of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) belonging to the 187th battalion was hit by a bullet, following which he succumbed to injuries while being taken to hospital. In the face of strong retaliation by the joint patrolling party, the terrorists fled the scene. The official added that reinforcements have been rushed to the scene and a search operation has been launched by the security forces to track down and neutralise the militants. In the meantime, the area has been cordoned off. According to details, the latest terror attack is the latest in the list of encounters in the past few months where several security personnel have lost their lives, mostly in Jammu division. The terror attack took place at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing its first assembly election as a Union territory. The previous assembly elections took place for Jammu and Kashmir in 2014, when it was a state. Now, the assembly polls will take place for 90 assembly constituencies in J&K, out of which 74 constituencies are for general categories, nine are reserved for scheduled tribes, and seven are reserved for scheduled castes. The polling in the union territory will is scheduled to take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. There are about 70 battalions (about 70,000 personnel) of central paramilitary forces permanently deployed in the Union Territory to maintain the law and order. While, the Border Security Force (BSF) and army are deployed to secure the international border. In a major relief to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the high court on Monday asked the concerned lower court to defer all proceedings after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's recent sanction to prosecute him in connection with the alleged MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority) 'scam'. The court has posted the hearing on August 29. Siddaramaiah has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging Gehlot's recent sanction. Representing Siddaramaiah, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the Petitioner Siddaramaiah, in his petition, has said that the order of sanction granted by Governor of Karnataka is tainted and is part of a concerted effort to destabilise the duly elected government in Karnataka for political reasons. Singhvi argued that the (Governor) doesn't give a single reason on merits why the sanction ought to be given. He (Governor) doesn't address a single ground. Says only that there is a conflict of interest and gives one para saying the cabinet is the alter ego of the Chief Minister, who is the accused. Not the accused yet my Lord, but, potential accused. That's all, Bar and Bench quoted Singhvi as saying. Stating that we will hear the matter on Thursday (August 29), the court said, Let the magistrate court not proceed with the complaint till then. Court also directed all parties to file their objections. Today, this court is hearing the matter. Now some order by the magistrate court in the sanction will frustrate the proceedings before this court. I, for one, will not permit that, Bar and Bench quoted the court. Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah had exuded a confidence that of getting relief from court. Also Read | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah fumes at Guvs prosecution nod in MUDA scam "My political life is an open book. I have committed no wrong, will not commit any wrong. Using Raj Bhavan, BJP and JD(S) have hatched a conspiracy. to tarnish my image," Siddaramaiah said. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government on Monday, August 19, defended its decision to criminalise the practice of Triple Talaq in the Muslim community. Responding to a petition, the central government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court of India defending the decision and saying that petitioners cannot have grievances with the criminalisation of any "manifestly arbitrary action". The Modi government, during its previous term, criminalised the practice of Triple Talaq in 2019. Triple Talaq is a form of divorce that was practised in Islam, whereby a Muslim man could legally divorce his wife by pronouncing Talaq three times. On 30 July 2019, the Parliament of India declared the practice of Triple Talaq illegal and unconstitutional and made it a punishable act from 1 August 2019. The pronouncement of Talaq-e-Biddat has no legal effect or consequence under the Indian Constitution. On Monday, the central government also mentioned that the 2019 Act helped to ensure larger constitutional goals of gender justice and equality of married Muslim women. It also helps subserve their (married Muslim women's) fundamental rights of non-discrimination and empowerment, the central government said in the Supreme Court. The affidavit was filed by the central government in response to a petition that argued that the Supreme Court had already deemed the Triple Talaq as invalid and therefore, did not require the tag of being a criminal offence. Petitioners Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema argued that criminalising the practice of Triple Talaq violated fundamental rights, including those that guarantee Indian citizens equality before the law and prohibited discrimination on the grounds of religion. Also Read | Triple talaq victims to get an annual aid of 6,000 in Uttar Pradesh In its affidavit, the government mentioned that the invalidation of the Triple Talaq by the Supreme Court in 2017 had no deterring effect on the practice which therefore necessitated the criminalisation process. On 22 August 2017, the Indian Supreme Court deemed instant Triple Talaq (talaq-e-biddah) unconstitutional. According to NDTV, the affidavit by the central government read that the practice of Triple Talaq is fatal for the institution of marriage in the Muslim community. Makes Muslim women's condition very pathetic, the report quoted the affidavit. "Victims of 'Triple Talaq' have no option but to approach the police... and the police were helpless as no action could be taken against husbands in the absence of punitive provisions in the law. In order to prevent (this) there was an urgent need for stringent (legal) provisions," the government said, as reported by NDTV. Also Read | In victory for NDA, Rajya Sabha passes bill to ban instant triple talaq In 2021, the then Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the cases of instant Triple Talaq had dropped by 80 per cent since the 2019 Act criminalised the practice in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit war-hit Ukraine on August 23, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday. Secretary West, MEA, Tanmaya Lal said, PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on Friday, August 23, on the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Lal said this is a landmark and historic visit since this will be the first time an Indian prime minister will be visiting Ukraine in more than 30 years since we established our diplomatic relations. "This visit will build upon the recent high-level interactions between the leaders...," he added. This is also the first time that an Indian leader is visiting Ukraine after Russia launched a war against the European country in February 2022. In a press conference on Friday, Tanmaya Lal said, India has maintained a very clear and consistent position that diplomacy and dialogue can resolve this conflict [between Russia and Ukraine] and which can lead to enduring peace, so dialogue is absolutely essential. "Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both parties and it can only be a negotiated settlement. on our part, India continues to engage with all stakeholders," Lal said. He added that Prime Minister Modi has had conversations with leaders of both Russia and Ukraine. He mentioned that the PM also visited Russia. "India is willing to provide all possible support and contribution required to help find peaceful solutions to this complex issue and at this stage, it is not for us to anticipate or prejudge what the outcome of these discussions will be between the leaders of India and Ukraine," Lal said. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian presidency also said in a statement, "Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Ukraine on August 23." He added that this would be his first trip and "a number of documents are also expected to be signed", AFP reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and PM Narendra Modi will discuss their countries' relations and multilateral cooperation during Modi's visit to Kyiv on August 23, the Ukrainian presidential office said on Monday. PM Modi to visit Poland PM Modi will also visit Poland on August 21-22, 2024. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in the past 45 years. Top events of the day: Several events are lined up today, August 19. Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim's State visit, Raksha Bandhan celebrations, Karnataka MUDA scam protest, the last Monday of holy month of 'Shravan', and a meeting called by the West Bengal Governor on the Kolkata doctor rape case are among the key events. Here is a list of the main events scheduled. Top news today: On 19 August, a series of events are set to take place right from politics to business. The domestic benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50 closed slightly changed amid some profit booking and mixed global cues as investors considered the approaching Federal Reserve meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on Friday and meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kyiv announced. BJP on Monday demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the gut-wrenching alleged rape and murder of a post-graduate intern doctor in RG Kar hospital. Stock market today: Sensex ends flat, Nifty 50 closes 0.2% higher led by metal, PSU Bank, energy stocks The domestic benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50 closed slightly changed amid some profit booking and mixed global cues as investors considered the approaching Federal Reserve meeting. This came after Wall Street saw its best week since November, which culminated in a little increase in US equities on Friday. The market saw gains primarily driven by metal, PSU bank, and energy stocks, with some profit booking observed in banking and auto stocks. Read more PM Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine on August 23, says MEA: Will be an important visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on Friday and meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kyiv announced on Monday. "Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Ukraine on August 23," the Ukrainian presidency said in a statement, adding that this would be his first trip and "a number of documents are also expected to be signed". Read more Kolkata doctor rape case: Medics form human chain in protest, CBI receives nod for polygraph test | 10 updates Junior doctors on Monday continued protesting the rape and murder of RG Kar Hospital trainee. The medics marched from Calcutta National Medical College to Kolkata Police Headquarters, Lalbazaar. In another part of West Bengal's capital city, medics formed human chain blocking roads, all while demanding justice. Read more Karnataka HC relief for CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA land allotment scam row, lower court asked to defer proceedings In a major relief to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the high court on Monday asked the concerned lower court to defer all proceedings after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's recent sanction to prosecute him in connection with the alleged MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority) 'scam'. The court has posted the hearing on August 29. Read more Interarch Building Products IPO booked 2.21 times on Day 01; retail, NII portion fully subscribed The IPO of Interarch Building Products has seen robust demand from both retail and non-institutional investors on its first day of bidding. The IPO, which opened today and is set to close on Wednesday, August 21, was fully subscribed just hours after the bidding began. Read more 'Mamata the Destroyer': BJP demands resignation of West Bengal CM over Kolkata doctor's rape-murder BJP on Monday demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the gut-wrenching alleged rape and murder of a post-graduate intern doctor in RG Kar hospital. BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia, at a press conference in Delhi, termed the Bengal CM as Mamata the Destroyer and alleged that it was through her misdeeds that the dignity of a woman, who was a doctor was destroyed. Read more (Bloomberg) -- Canadas Electra Battery Materials Corp. has received a $20 million award from the US government to build a cobalt plant close to North Americas automotive heartland. The funds will support construction of a cobalt sulfate facility in Ontario that will be North Americas only refinery for the material used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, Electra said Monday in a statement. The $250 million project is about 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of Toronto at Temiskaming Shores. The US Defense Department said separately that the award will help develop North American production of a key material for large capacity batteries and, once completed, will benefit the regions growing EV supply chain. The funding is the latest in a series of investments the Pentagon has put toward North American mining companies as part of a push to secure metals needed for EV manufacturing and the transition away from fossil fuels. Prices for cobalt, the majority of which is processed in China, have plunged from a peak about two years ago in part because of Chinese firms that ramped up production faster than traders anticipated. Toronto-based Electra, which has a market value of about $28 million, paused construction of the project last year due to low prices, and after revealing the plant would cost much more than previously anticipated. Were not in a free market, with China subsidizing producers and overproducing, Chief Executive Officer Trent Mell said Monday in an interview. I think its essential that, if were going to build our own domestic supply chain, we have this financial support. Mell said hes in talks to get more funding from the Canadian government, which awarded the firm C$5 million ($3.7 million) in June. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com By Karen Braun NERVILLE, Illinois, - Speculators were positioned favorably last week in Chicago grains and oilseeds amid bumper U.S. crop projections, and they bolstered their bearish views just before prices tumbled yet again to the lowest levels since 2020. In the week ended Aug. 13, money managers increased their net short in CBOT corn futures and options to 249,007 contracts from 242,545 a week earlier, snapping a four-week streak of short covering. That is funds most bearish mid-August corn stance, though it is off significantly from their all-time short of 353,983 contracts set on July 9. Additionally, more than 13,000 gross corn longs were added in the latest week, the most since May, possibly signaling that some investors believe futures could be near short-term lows. Money managers also added gross soybean longs in the week ended Aug. 13, but new shorts were more prominent, pushing funds net short in CBOT soybeans to 174,447 futures and options contracts from 169,016 in the prior week. Unlike in corn, that is close to funds record soy short from July 16 of 185,750 contracts, as beans did not experience any prolonged short covering in recent weeks. That checks out from a fundamental perspective because on Aug. 12, the U.S. Department of Agricultures estimate of domestic soybean ending stocks for 2024-25 jumped 29% from the July forecast to 560 million bushels, the third highest on record. A large boost in soy acres plus a record yield lifted the U.S. crop projection past all analyst predictions. But U.S. corn ending stocks fell 1% from last months peg, as the balance sheet was able to absorb a huge yield of 183.1 bushels per acre through a reduction in acres and a bump in demand. The 2024-25 U.S. corn carryout would still be a six-year high. Most-active CBOT corn and soybeans in the week ended Aug. 13 fell 2% and 6.3%, respectively, and eased another 1.2% and 0.6% in the following three sessions. The period included new contract lows on Friday, with December corn dipping to $3.90 per bushel and November soybeans to $9.55, both close to four-year lows for the most-active contracts. SOY PRODUCTS AND WHEAT December CBOT soybean meal plunged 8.4% in the week ended Aug. 13. That was tied to a record weekly selloff from money managers, who slashed their net long to 779 contracts from 42,009 a week earlier. A pile-up in soybeans and soymeal in top consumer China has instilled demand doubts regarding its feed sector, weighing on global grain and oilseed prices for months now. Money managers have a comparably more pessimistic view on CBOT soybean oil, having expanded their net short by about 1,000 contracts to 80,273 futures and options contracts through Aug. 13. That is funds second most bearish mid-August soyoil view after 2018. December soybean oil was down more than 2% in that week and fell another 1% in the last three sessions, hitting a contract low of 37.66 cents per pound on Friday. December meal notched a contract low on Wednesday of $298.50 per short ton, and last weeks meal and oil bottoms were both the lowest since late 2020 on a most-active basis. CBOT wheat last set contract lows in late July, but tumbled nearly 3% through Aug. 13. The managed money net short grew by about 2,000 to 73,288 futures and options contracts, largely unchanged since late June. USDA last week pegged U.S. wheat production below trade expectations, though U.S. ending stocks are seen rising to four-year highs in 2024-25. However, stocks among major wheat exporters remain relatively low, potentially limiting downside in global wheat prices. Karen Braun is a market analyst for Reuters. Views expressed above are her own. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine later in August. This would mark his very first visit to the war-torn country after Russia launched the military operation in February 2022. The visit also comes only a month after PM Modi visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Ahead of PM Modi's visit to Ukraine on August 23, government officials have noted that India would not indulge in mediation talk between Ukraine and Russia. "Prime Minister Modi has had conversations with leaders of both Russia and Ukraine as you know and the PM also visited Russia, recently. India is willing to provide all possible support and contribution required to help find peaceful solutions to this complex issue and at this stage, it is not for us to anticipate or prejudge what the outcome of these discussions will be between the leaders of India and Ukraine." said the MEA. PM Modi's visit, which is a first by an Indian premier since Ukraine became independent in 1991, comes only a month after his Russia trip which coincided with a lethal strike on a children's hospital in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. While Modi made a highly publicised trip to Moscow on July 8-9 aimed to strengthen trade and cooperation in areas ranging from nuclear energy to medicine, PM Modi was at the receiving end of strong criticism from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Last month President Volodymyr Zelenskyys chief of staff Andriy Yermak said PM Modi could play a significant role in achieving peace in Ukraine. However, New Delhi has ruled out any mediatory role, HT reported. Since the conflict aggravated in 2022, India has refused to censure Russia or Russian officials, much to the chagrin of Western superpowers. New Delhi has desisted taking sides or going against Russia which accounts for almost 60% of the arsenal of Indias armed forces and has emerged as one of the top suppliers of crude oil following sanctions imposed by the West. However, following the strike on Ukraine, PM Modi had publicly rebuked President Putin using emotive language. Modi told Putin that the death of innocent children was painful and terrifying and reiterated New Delhi's position that Moscow and Kyiv should resolve their conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, saying "solutions are not possible on the battleground". Notably, PM Modi's visit to Moscow also coincided with the NATO summit that took place between 9-10 July. At the summit, US, and NATO allies had vowed to bolster support for Ukraine to counter Russia. Oil fell the most in more than two weeks, with the lackluster demand outlook for the worlds two largest economies outweighing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. West Texas Intermediate dropped 3% to settle near $74 a barrel. Prices have dropped amid signs of softness in China, the biggest oil importer, as economic growth has slowed and the decarbonization of the transportation sector has eroded some fuel demand. The positive correlation between oil and equity indices broke down, which is underlining the bears dominance, Alex Kuptsikevich, FxPro senior market analyst, said in a note to clients. Selling is intensifying as crude prices approach key technical levels. Meanwhile, traders are awaiting a potential retaliatory attack by Iran on Israel. Ceasefire efforts are being hampered by fresh disagreements between Israel and Hamas, and Iran-backed Palestinian groups claimed responsibility for what they said was a suicide mission in Tel Aviv on Sunday. Elsewhere, production at Libyas Waha oil field has returned to normal levels of about 300,000 barrels a day after pipeline maintenance was completed earlier than expected, according to people with knowledge of the situation. The nations Sharara field, however, remains offline and its central bank has been pulled into a dispute between the OPEC nations rival governments. Despite the pullback in paper markets, timespreads are showing underlying strength in markets. The gap between the two nearest contracts for WTI has widened in a bullish, backwardated structure, with the prompt contract trading at a premium to the following one. Traders are now looking for clues about the strategy of OPEC , with member countries due to begin adding supplies in the next quarter. To get Bloombergs Energy Daily newsletter into your inbox, click here. New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently mixed up India with Pakistan by mistake at an Indian Independence Day celebration event in Queens, according to a report by news agency PTI. The gaffe happened on Saturday when Adams was addressing members of the Indian-American community at Queens' 9th India Day Parade, said the report. While speaking at the event, the New York City Mayor mixed up India with Pakistan thrice. Also Read | Bill Gates flags off 1st Indian Independence Day celebration in Seattle We raised the flag earlier this week at Bowling GreenAnd I think no greater symbol of what you offer to this community than the men and women who are part of the law enforcement community, who are here, the Pakistani officers, who are continuing to grow in their numbers and ranks as they continue to show that public safety is the prerequisite to our prosperity, the report quoted Adams as saying at the celebrations. So I thank you for allowing me to come here. I've known this community for so long, from little Pakistan and Queens, little Pakistan and Brooklyn, you are a major foundation of our entire city. So let's continue to celebrate your independence, he added. At the event, Adams was holding the Indian tricolour and the American flag and was surrounded by members of the Indian diaspora waving Indian flags, wearing tricolour sashes and tricolour-themed attire. Also Read | Vladimir Putin congratulates India on successful Moon landing of Chandrayaan-3 Also Read | Independence Day weekend sends Indians into a travel frenzy The stage from where he addressed the diaspora was decorated with Indian flags, balloons in hues of the tricolour and banners that read Mayor Adams Celebrates the Indian Community. During Eric Adams address, someone from the crowd also tried to correct him, saying India, Its India, said the report. Also Read | Italian PM Giorgia Meloni shares message for PM Modi on Independence Day A day earlier, the New York City Mayor had addressed the flag-raising ceremony at the same venue on the occasion of Pakistans Independence Day. By Gram Slattery and David Shepardson YORK, Pennsylvania, - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Monday will reiterate he would block Nippon Steel's planned purchase of U.S. Steel and move to rescind Biden administration power plant pollution rules. Trump in February had signaled he would move to block the deal. Trump will tell workers in York, Pennsylvania, that if elected he "will stop Japan from buying U.S. Steel," according to prepared remarks released by the campaign. Shares in U.S. Steel had been lower and fell after Trump's planned remarks were reported and were recently trading down 3.5%. President Joe Biden in March said it is vital for U.S. Steel "to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated." In April, the Environmental Protection Agency published final rules targeting carbon, air and water pollution from power plants that it says could cut over 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2047. The electricity sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of U.S. greenhouse gas pollution, according to the EPA. Trump will call the rule part of an "anti-American energy crusade" that he would seek to repeal and "instead of shutting down power plants, we will open dozens more." He also vowed to prevent a transition to more electric vehicles that the Biden administration has championed. Trump will say in his remarks that he will "issue rapid approvals for new energy infrastructureand we will embrace all forms of energy, including nuclear. To power our country into the future, including the electricity demands of AI and cryptocurrencies, we will make a historic commitment to bringing 'Advanced Small Modular Nuclear Reactors' online." Trump also vowed to revoke China's most favored nation trade status and seek legislation to make China or other countries pay reciprocal tariffs if they imposed new tariffs. He also said he would invoke the Defense Production Act to "quickly ramp up capacity of essential products." President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged Ukraines allies to lift restrictions on the use of their weapons to strike inside Russia, saying his armys two-week incursion into the neighboring country has called into question Vladimir Putins threats of retaliation. Kyivs troops are in control of more than 1,250 square kilometers of Russian territory and will continue their gradual expansion in the Kursk region, Zelenskiy said at a meeting with Ukrainian diplomats on Monday, according to posts on his X account. The territorial claims on couldnt be independently verified. Russia has continued attacks elsewhere along the frontline, advancing slowly in the eastern Donetsk region, while it seeks to slow Ukraines advance into its territory. If western partners allowed Ukraine to use weapons to target airfields, military bases and logistics facilities deeper inside Russia, Kyivs army wouldnt have had to enter the Kursk region to protect communities along the border, according to Zelenskiy. Russias military has repeatedly launched missiles, glide bombs and drones from the Kursk and neighboring Belgorod regions to strike Ukrainian cities including Kharkiv and Sumy that are close to their shared border. Ukraines capture of the swathe of border territory the first foreign military offensive inside Russia since World War II sent some 200,000 Russians fleeing their homes and put the Kremlin on the back foot. Ukraine kept quiet about its preparations to avoid push back from allies concerned about escalation, while the success of the operation showed Russias red lines were an illusion that has crumbled apart, he said. While the US and European Union were caught by surprise, they have largely endorsed the operation, even as they remained cautious about its prospects. Some of the worlds most notorious dictatorships were born during violent social upheaval, like Cuba in 1959 or Iran in 1979. But many others became police states when elected leaders used their popularity to demolish the rights of political minorities and eliminate institutional checks designed to limit executive power. Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua are in this category. Knowing this history, Mexicans who want to live in a pluralistic and free republic are on edge about September. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors Morena party candidate, Claudia Sheinbaum, won the presidential election on June 2. Morena also won majorities in both chambers of Congress. But while the new legislators will take their oath of office on Sept. 1, Ms. Sheinbaum wont be sworn in until Oct. 1. This may give Mr. Lopez Obrador, over the course of 30 days, power that he hasnt enjoyed thus far in his presidency. If the National Electoral Institute rules on Aug. 23 that Morena and its allies won a supermajority in the lower house, the electoral tribunal upholds that ruling, and the president can negotiate" the few votes hes short of a Morena supermajority in the Senate, he plans to pass a set of radical constitutional amendments. How radical? Lets put it this way: If AMLO, as the president is known, relies on the hard-left Ms. Sheinbaum to tackle them once in office, they may not get done according to his plan. She wants to succeed, and annihilating legal certainty and the separation of powersas Mr. Lopez Obradors reforms would domay not be on her immediate to-do list. AMLO, on the other hand, is term-limited and vengeful about how independent institutions stopped him from centralizing power. As he exits, hes making one last try to stick it to the neoliberals" who believe in the rule of law. His close intellectual ally, sociologist Armando Bartra, says the package of reforms is similar to constitutional changes Hugo Chavez promoted in Venezuela. If he succeeds, Mexico will return to a one-party state, such as it was during the most repressive days of the 71-year rule of the Institutional Revolutionary Partyonly worse. Things could get a whole lot uglier considering the power of Mexican cartels. Mexicos diversified manufacturing economy makes it very different from Venezuela. But it isnt impervious to a power grab. Mr. Lopez Obrador already has given the army brass key roles in operations and customs at ports and airports and in infrastructure projects, inviting corruption. He also granted the armed forces federal policing responsibility, effectively militarizing law enforcement. Among the most pernicious of the presidents 20 proposed constitutional amendments is the overhaul of the judiciary. It would remove all 7,293 sitting jurists in the country: 11 Supreme Court justices and all circuit court, federal district and state judges. To replace the Supreme Court, the Morena-controlled legislature and the executive branch would nominate a list of candidates. You dont have to be a conspiracy nut to surmise that there will be a political litmus test to qualify. Or that academic credentials, writing for scholarly journals and judicial experience would be secondary considerations, at best. Lawyers and judges who view the job on the nations highest court as an obligation to uphold the law are unlikely to present themselves for consideration. AMLO says that any lawyer in the country can self-nominate for lower court vacancies. Nominees from the Supreme Court on down would then be elected by popular vote. Most voters, having little knowledge of jurisprudence or the resources to study the qualifications of the many candidates on the ballot, will be hard-pressed to make informed decisions. Turnout is likely to be low and the vote controlled by single-issue groups or lobbyists, be they organized crime, government officials or even entrepreneurs. Mexicos bench will be employed by special interests. An amendment to allow the government to jail citizens suspected of tax fraud would do away with due process. Another of AMLOs initiatives would get rid of the 200 seats in the lower house of Congress (out of 500) and the 64 seats in the Senate (out of 128) that are filled using proportional representation. That would silence minority parties, which currently have a voice because with at least one-third of votes, they can challenge the constitutionality of laws. There would be no more re-election, removing incentives for responsible stewardship. The reforms would abolish the autonomy of the countrys election watchdog. It would be put under the executive, as would the government agencies that regulate competition in telecom, energy and the wider market. This would violate Mexicos obligations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and scare away capital. If the reforms go forward, a nation that relies on greater integration with the global economy will go backward. And with it, Mexican hopes of living in peace, freedom and prosperity. Write to OGrady@wsj.com. Incoming Starbucks Corp chief executive officer Brian Niccol is a star executive who is widely considered the best in the business. Quite frankly, its surprising the company was able to hire him at all. Despite the coffee-chain giant being one of the worlds most iconic and powerful brands, Starbucks has a problem for any incoming CEO. And that problem is the role of Howard Schultz. As Starbucks long-time CEO who became synonymous with the company he all but founded, Schultz cant seem to let go. Hes twice boomeranged back into the top job when the company hit turbulence. And since he departed from the board a year ago, he has become a meddler criticizing his successor Laxman Narasimhan and the board in a LinkedIn post and on a podcast, for example, even though he had handpicked Narasimhan, trained him, and set an aggressive growth plan on his way out the door. Its only the latest example in Schultzs long history of undermining his replacements. He wrote in a leaked memo in 2007 that said under then-CEO Jim Donald the companys stores no longer have the soul of the past." After Kevin Johnson left the company as CEO in 2022, Schultz said that he had returned to the helm because Starbucks had lost its way." Schultz seems to have orchestrated his latest official departure from company leadership to make it impossible for Starbucks to disentangle itself from his grasp. He is the companys largest individual shareholder and has negotiated to be chairman emeritus for life. A piece in the Financial Times earlier this month detailed Schultzs ongoing ties to the company: he can attend and observe board meetings; he has a badge that gives him access to headquarterswhere he also has his own parking space; the board reimburses him for the use of his private jet for corporate purposes; and he owns a stake in a business making olive oil for one of the companys coffee drinks. The piece also cited a recent Bernstein analyst report, which notes, Decision-making processes are still heavily influenced by the presence of Howard Schultz, albeit informally." We consistently apply the highest governance and accountability standards to the decisions we make, and we are transparent about them," a Starbucks spokesperson told the FT. That dynamic even played out in the selection of Brian Niccol. Mellody Hobson, Starbucks board chair, said she ran the choice by Schultz a week ago, who gave his approval. However, the two known activist firms that are circling the companyElliott Investment Management and Starboard Valuereportedly were not given a heads up. Its all more than enough to give any CEO candidate pause, especially a highly coveted one like Niccol, who could take his pick of companies. In addition to his track record executing a massive turnaround at Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc, his time there gave him experience dealing with activist investors as well as iconic founders. In 2018, Niccol replaced Chipotle co-founder and long-time CEO Steve Ells, who struggled to right the company after a slew of food safety disasters. Ells stepped away as executive chairman two years later, saying at the time, Brian has proven that he is absolutely the right person to lead Chipotle forward and Ive never been more confident about the future of this great company." With Schultz still lurking in the background, Starbucks likely had to make some serious concessions to lure Niccol among them naming him chairman as well as CEO. Hobson was previously the companys chair and is giving up the title to become lead independent director. Niccol had added the chairman title at Chipotle in 2020 and probably made it a requirement for joining Starbucks. But it also raises more governance issues for a board that is already under scrutiny. Corporate America has increasingly moved away from having a single person hold both titles. Just 4% of new S&P 1500 CEOs were also named board chair upon appointment last year, according to executive search firm Spencer Stuart, which has also reported that 41% of S&P 500 companies had a CEO with the dual title in 2023down 25% from a decade ago. Its well known that Schultz built Starbucks into a retail juggernaut over a span of four decades, so its understandable that the board and executive team would want to keep someone like him on speed dial. But Starbucks is now turning into a B-school case study of why long-time CEOs need to make cleaner breaks with their companies. Otherwise, they risk tarnishing their legacies by turning themselves from an asset into a liability. bloomberg In the GenAI era, hardware is having a moment. While companies in East Asia surge ahead in semiconductor manufacturing, many in Silicon Valley and India remain rooted in the belief that companies making softwareor what we deem as the application layerand those investing in it will continue to dominate this technology beyond the current aberrant phase. This belief is at odds with reality. The future of technology is being shaped not just by code, but by chips, and failing to recognize this could risk more than investment gains. Consider Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a near $900 billion giant, posting 45% monthly revenue growth. MediaTek, collaborating with Nvidia on a new top-tier processor, is seeing similar growth at 44%. Meanwhile, Samsung and SK Hynix in South Korea are experiencing a surge in chip revenues of over 80%. These numbers reflect a structural shift to hardware, particularly semiconductors, as the new engine of innovation. Also read: L&T Semiconductor Technologies to transition to chip maker from SoC once revenues hit $1 billion: CEO Yet, many traditional application layer beneficiaries do little other than point to history and assume this as nothing but another cycle. In Silicon Valley, theres a deep-seated beliefor perhaps hopethat this hardware surge will soon return to the status quo where software reigns supreme. A famously optimistic investment house called the hardware surge a bubble on the rough premise that historically every dollar of revenue from upstream hardware led to more than $5-6 downstream, and since this cannot be foreseen now, todays path is unsustainable. However, this perspective risks repeating the mistakes of Detroit, a city that once symbolized industrial prowess but failed to adapt to global shifts, leading to its decline. We will discuss the commoditization risks for software from machines mastering human languages in other articles, keeping the focus here on the ascent of hardware. In India, the countrys engineers and business leaders must continue to assess the risks from a change in the hardware-software balance, even if they do not believe in a shift as much as I do. The case for strategic hardware investments: For both Silicon Valley and India, the need to rethink their approach to tech investments is urgent. Strategic stakes in hardware companies, particularly those in semiconductor making, are becoming increasingly valuable. The dominance of TSMC and Samsung in chip fabrication and ASMLs lead in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography underline the critical role of hardware in the future of technology. These companies have built technological barriers that are nearly impossible to breach, making them indispensable to the tech ecosystem. Indian business groups, traditionally focused on software and services, therefore need to broaden their investment horizons. Strategic partnerships with East Asian hardware firms, equity stakes in semiconductor companies and a deeper involvement in the global hardware supply chain should now become priorities. The recent collaboration between Nvidia and MediaTek is a rare but powerful example of what can be achieved when software and hardware giants come together. Indian businesses should take note and seek out similar alliances. An expected shift in engineering focus: Indias engineering talent, long celebrated for its contributions to global software development, must also pivot. The next wave of tech innovation will require engineers who are as adept at chip design, robotics-related manufacturing and semiconductor technology as they are at writing software code. Indian educational institutions and tech companies need to invest in upskilling their expertise in these areas. The rise of GenAI, robotics and mobility technologies is driving demand for advanced semiconductors, and India has the potential to play a significant role in this space if it acts now. The strategic imperative of looking East: Chips are the new oil. In semi-manufacturing, innovations are cumulative. Individually, thousands of tiny process advancements occur on the shop floors of such factories. Its not glamorous research, but their collective power makes it insurmountable for anyone to join midway without walking similar paths through previous-generation processes. In effect, for the best semiconductor investments to come to India quickly, Indian business groups must strive for board seats and ownership stakes in the worlds companies in charge of critical technologies, like they pursued ownership in strategic assets in commodities earlier. Indian companies can benefit from a cost-of-capital advantage, and the valuation edge they have over their peers elsewhere should be used for long-term purposes. While businesses pursue such assets, Indian regulators must encourage their hardware pursuit through appropriate relaxations in external investment guidelines. One example of a valuation gap could illustrate the point. Hyundai Motor, along with other group companies, owns most of Boston Dynamics. Its Indian unit alone may fetch a valuation comparable to the parent group. For investors with access to risk capital from India, strategic global acquisitions could provide ample benefits for Indias long-term growth story. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggests that approximately 20 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) points are equivalent to a year of learning. By this metric, India was 12 years behind China in mathematics, science and reading abilities the last time India took the PISA test in 2009. At a macro level, the last 15 years have created a large gap between the worlds two largest countries. Between 2010 and 2023, the gross enrolment rate (GER) of students in higher education in China has risen from 26.5% to 60.2%, while Indias comparable GER has stagnated between 25-28% since 2017. Low foundational literacy levels in math and reading abilities at a young age and a low enrolment rate in higher education has led to Indias labour productivity being 44% lower than that of Chinas. More importantly, a students inability to learn even basic reading, writing and mathematics has led to disillusionment among the students, teachers and parents. Also read: How reading subtitles is improving literacy in rural India This is why 8 out of 10 Indian students who enroll in grade 1 dont reach grade 8, 25% of teachers dont even show up to class, and parents are largely not concerned whether their child is learning or not. This has created a vicious cycle. The problem is not one of spending on education but of the communitys involvement and attitude towards education, which have a disproportionate impact on a childs learning outcomes. In Vietnam, World Bank researchers found that as much as half of the countrys score differential on the 2012 and 2015 PISA tests could be explained by community factors like the expectations that parents placed on students and teachers, which led to increased discipline, with the country being among the bottom three globally in terms of per-capita spending on education all through. When you compare this to Indias School Management Committees (SMCs), the primary modes of community engagement in our public education system, the disparity becomes apparent: 88% of government and government-aided schools have formed SMCs, but headmasters, teachers and especially parents are not fully aware of their existence. Breaking this vicious cycle requires institutionalizing interventions to change the behaviour of key stakeholders who are part of these communities. This means creating a mechanism to raise the involvement of teachers and parents. We need to let our teachers teach. According to a study by Samagra, most teachers spend less than 37% of their time in teaching activities, leaving them only 13 hours a week to do it. Under such circumstances, teachers move back to the default option of teaching students who they think have learning potential, while ignoring others. To make matters worse, low self-esteem, low levels of autonomy and lack of recognition tend to demotivate them. We need to make it easier for teachers to effectively teach in the limited time available, while showing them the progress they are making. This involves providing them with the right teaching material as well as tools and integrating technology. Also read: Raising funds for education in budget may solve employment issues A pilot study done by edtech Chimple in Satya Bharti Schools, where teachers were provided with an app that allowed them to assign tasks based on a childs ability, showed children not only learnt better, but 94% of the teachers agreed that such a model was helpful for students. Technology can also be used to ease the administrative burden of teachers. Simultaneously, teachers must be given avenues to grow through structured teacher training sessions. Currently, only one-third of teachers report that their in-service training was beneficial largely because these sessions are ad-hoc and do not focus on the core competencies needed for imparting Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). A framework to recognize top performers can create further impact. Madhya Pradesh has a Classroom Heroes programme that celebrates exemplary teachers and their practices. Such recognition has created increased ownership, value alignment and a renewed sense of vigour in teaching styles. However, students spend just 20% of their time in a classroom and the rest at home. This not only makes parents critical stakeholders, but also the primary demand-drivers for quality. Global studies have shown that schools with strong parental engagement are 10 times more likely to improve learning outcomes. However, there are pitfalls. The socio-economic status (SES) of parents skews their perception of their childs academic achievements. High SES parents are more likely to believe their child is above average, compared to low SES parents, resulting in children of high SES parents spending over 70 additional minutes each week on educational activities. This creates a large gap in learning outcomes between the two cohorts. This is coupled with a lack of clarity among parents on the role they play and their feeling under-confident in supporting their child, given their own low literacy levels. Addressing this requires giving contextual information to parents about their childs performance. This can happen either in parent-teacher meetings or through text messages. In the US, providing information on metrics such as childs absence, missed assignments and low grades led to a reduction in course failures by 27%. Creating involved parents and teachers invariably leads to more involved SMCs. There are pockets across India and the world which have undergone a significant behavioural change to ensure their children learn. As they say, It takes a village to educate a child." But this village comprises teachers, parents and community leaders. Finding ways to engage them will bring about the sustainable behavioural change that is needed to make Indias Nipun Bharat Mission, the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy, a success. About six years after Jammu and Kashmir last had a government, elections are set to restore the power to govern back to its people. On Friday, the Election Commission announced the poll schedule to be held in three phases from 18 September to 1 October. These are welcome as they will help re-establish democratic processes in the erstwhile state which was turned into a Union territory in 2019 on the abrogation of Article 370. J&K has been without an elected government since 2018 when the withdrawal of support by the Bharatiya Janata Party led to the fall of the coalition government it had with the Peoples Democratic Party. Central rule has allowed the administration to better control violence and speed up development work. But it has also led people to get restive about the scaling back of democratic rights. Holding elections will temper resentment on that count. Thankfully, with the region mostly peacefulbarring a few recent incidents of violenceconditions are favourable for the exercise. The high voter turnout in the Lok Sabha polls showed peoples eagerness to re-establish democratic rule. Elections are the best way to do so. Amid speculation about former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren's next steps, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Sunday extended a "welcome" to him into the NDA family. In a post on X, he described Soren as a tiger and said that he was and will remain a tiger. Champai da, you were a tiger, you are a tiger and you will remain a tiger. Welcome to the NDA family. Johar Tiger, Jitan Ram Manjhi posted on X. Earlier, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren said that he was insulted during his tenure, adding that till the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly polls, all options are open for him. He also listed out various instances when he was not allowed to call a meeting of the legislative party and was asked to resign suddenly which prompted him to look for an alternative path. In a long post on X, Champai Soren said that he has always done politics of public concern from raising the voice of workers against industrial houses at the beginning of his public life to the Jharkhand movement. I have been trying to get the rights of the tribals, natives, poor, labourers, students and people of backward classes of the state. Whether I held any post or not, I was always available to the public, raising the issues of those people who had dreamt of a better future with the state of Jharkhand, he said. "Meanwhile, on January 31, after an unprecedented turn of events, the India Alliance chose me to serve the state as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand. From the first day of my tenure to the last day (July 3), I discharged my duties towards the state with full devotion and dedication. During this period, we took many decisions in the public interest and, as always, were always available for everyone. The people of the state will evaluate the decisions we took keeping in mind the elders, women, youth, students and every section of the society and every person of the state," he added. Champai Soren, further asserted that during his tenure, he never did anything wrong to anyone, nor allowed anyone to do wrong. Meanwhile, the day after Hal Diwas, I came to know that all my programs for the next two days have been postponed by the party leadership. One of these, was a public program in Dumka, while the other was to distribute appointment letters to PGT teachers. On asking, I came to know that a meeting of the legislative party has been called by the coalition on July 3, till then you cannot attend any program as CM, Soren said. "Can there be anything more humiliating in a democracy than a Chief Minister's programmes being cancelled by another person?" he listed out the bitter experiences he faced during his tenure. The former Jharkhand CM, who is having a spotless political journey over the last four decades, has been completely broken from within. "I could not understand what to do. For two days, I sat quietly and introspected, kept searching for my mistake in the whole incident. I did not have the greed for power even a bit, but to whom could I show this blow to my self-respect? Where could I express the pain inflicted by my own people?" he said. Champai Soren emphasized that when the party's central executive meeting has not been held for years, and one-sided orders are passed, then whom should he should approach and tell his problems? He also said that he is among the senior members of the party and if the supremo had been active, then the situation would have been different. Although the Chief Minister has the right to call a meeting of the legislative party, I was not even told the agenda of the meeting. During the meeting, I was asked to resign. I was surprised, but I had no greed for power, so I immediately resigned, my heart was emotional due to the blow to my self-respect. I was so emotional due to the insulting behaviour I was facing for the last three days that I was trying to control my tears, but they were only interested in the chair. I felt as if I had no existence in that party, no existence at all, to which I had dedicated my entire life. In the meantime, many such insulting incidents happened, which I do not want to mention right now. After so much insult and contempt, I was forced to look for an alternative path, Champai added. Champai Soren also mentioned on X that after the same meeting of the legislative party, he had three options, first to retire from politics, second, to form his own separate organization and third, if he finds a companion on this path, then to travel further with him. From that day till today, and till the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, all options are open for me in this journey, Soren said. One more thing, this is my personal struggle, so I have no intention of involving any party member in it or causing any harm to the organization. We can never even think of harming the party which we have nurtured with our blood and sweat. But circumstances have been created such that..., he added. Champai Soren was sworn in as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on February 2 of this year. He resigned from the position on July 3, just a day before Hemant Soren, the JMM executive president, was inaugurated as the 13th Chief Minister on July 4. Hemant Soren was released from jail on June 28 after being granted bail by the high court. On July 3, he was elected as the JMM's legislature party leader. Following this, Champai Soren submitted his resignation to the governor, clearing the path for Hemant Soren to be sworn in as Chief Minister for a third time. In response to Champai Soren's resignation, Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi remarked that the JMM has become a party of only one family. Champai Soren ji, who had devoted his entire life to the party, was humiliated and removed from the post of chief minister. His rights were violated and his programmes were forcibly cancelled, he alleged. JMM senior leader and minister Mithilesh Thakur said Champai Soren is the party's senior leader and if there is any issue, it would be sorted out. JMM is a family and if there is any issue in the family, it would be resolved within it, he said. In the 2019 assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) secured a comfortable majority with 47 seats in the 81-member house, having contested in alliance with the Congress and Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Chinese officials and analysts are struggling. A woman who has never visited China and who has only briefly met its leader, Xi Jinping, has suddenly emerged as a serious contender in the race for the White House. The Democratic Party will gather this week to celebrate the nomination of Kamala Harris as its presidential candidate and her selection of Tim Walz as her running mate. For Chinas rulers the ascent of the Harris-Walz ticket creates two difficulties. It challenges Chinas nihilistic interpretation of American politics as racist and decrepit. And it has triggered a scramble to assess how a Harris administration might approach China relations, not least because Ms Harriss credentials on dealing with China are limited, while Mr Walz has more experience of China than any vice-presidential candidate in decades. Cynicism about American politics abounds in China. The shake-up in the presidential race since June illuminates the limitations of Chinas understanding of its superpower rival. When Barack Obama was elected in 2008, his appeal upset the widely held belief in China, reinforced by relentless official propaganda, that America was so profoundly racist that a black person could not become president. Chinas latest report on human rights in America, published in May, says racism is getting worse, while gender discrimination is rampant". But America could elect its second black president, and its first female one. For much of this year the Biden-Trump contest was a boon for Chinese propagandists, allowing them to portray American democracy as a fight between two men past their cognitive prime, whose attacks were redolent of playground bickering. By bowing out Mr Biden has unsettled that narrative and encouraged some Chinese to wonder about their own system, in which Mr Xi, 71, appears set on remaining leader for life. Last month a blogger on Netease, a Chinese internet platform, wrote for some people, the greatest contribution they can make to the party, the country and the people is to hand over power, step down from the stage and go home to play with their grandchildren". The next sentenceThats right, Im talking about you, Biden"did not calm Chinas censors, who scrubbed the post. In 2008 Mr Obama had not been to China and had little foreign-policy experience. Before she became vice-president Ms Harris was in a similar position: a biography of her published in 2021 mentions China just once. As vice-president she has acquired more exposure to diplomacy. She has been on 17 foreign trips, several of them to Asia, including one in 2022 where she briefly met Mr Xi on the sidelines of a summit in Thailand (pictured). Some of the signals point to continuity with Mr Bidens policy on China. Regarding trade there is little sign that Ms Harris would reverse the tariffs maintained by the Trump and Biden administrations. In her first big economic policy speech on August 16th, Ms Harris appeared to criticise Mr Trumps plans to increase tariffs further, but endorsed the idea of economic policy to help the middle class, the justification used by the Biden administration for its protectionism. Regarding diplomacy, on her vice-presidential trips she condemned intimidation and coercion in the South China Sea" and in 2022 she met William Lai Ching-te, who has since become Taiwans president. If there is a shift it will be subtle. Ian Bremmer of Eurasia Group, a consultancy, says that as president she would be less inclined than Mr Biden to describe geopolitics as a contest between autocracy and democracy, and will stress the importance of upholding global rules and norms. I think this will make it easier for the US to have honest conversations with not only the Chinese but with other countries around the world that are not going to hear from Kamala, its our way or the highway," he says. Complicating Chinas assessment is the potential role of Mr Walz as Ms Harriss consigliere on China. In 1989 and 1990 he taught English and American history at a secondary school in Foshan in the southern province of Guangdong. Later, while working as a teacher in America in the 1990s and 2000s, he organised numerous trips to China for students. He raved about the warm welcome he received there. Harriss every movetruly has a presidential air," said one commenter on Weibo, a microblog platform, in response to Mr Walzs appointment. Another commenter praised the move, saying it was like putting wings on a tiger. The claim that Mr Walz is sympathetic to China has supporters in America, too. On August 16th Republicans in the House of Representatives launched an investigation into his longstanding and cosy relationship with China". In fact Mr Walz is no defender of Chinas government. His year in Foshan coincided with a fierce clampdown on dissent following the bloody suppression on June 4th 1989 of the pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square. Five years later he married a fellow teacher on that same day in June. He wanted to have a date hell always remember," a newspaper in Nebraska, where he grew up, quoted his wife, Gwen Walz, as saying. After being elected to the House of Representatives in 2006, Mr Walz served on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and supported bills aimed at punishing China for violating human rights. This record is already the subject of intense scrutiny in China. In the Paper, a news outlet in Shanghai, a scholar, Diao Daming, wrote, it is difficult to determine whether these actions reflect Walzs personal views and positions, but at the least it points to the Democratic Partys recent ideas and biases". For China the Harris-Walz ticket is unexpected but the best guess is that it promises continuity on defence and trade and, possibly, more emphasis on human rights. Faced with this prospect some in China yearn for another Trump administration which might bring chaos but also, they hope, strain Americas alliances and undermine its global image. Yan Xiaodong of HuaYu, a think-tank in Beijing, recently noted that, with regard to Taiwan, Mr Trump had shown a business mentality and approach". Mr Yan recalled the words of Mao in 1970: I dont like the Democratic Party. I prefer the Republican Party." According to Mr Yan this remark offers profound insights": the theory is it is easier for Republicans to negotiate with adversaries without appearing weak. By 1972 Richard Nixon visited the country, ending nearly a quarter-century of American efforts to isolate it. If she wins in November Ms Harris will probably visit China for the first time in 2025. Is a diplomatic breakthrough possible then? It is worth keeping expectations low. Just ask Mr Obama about his first trip. In 2009 he tried to give the Chinese a taste of American political culture by meeting students in a town-hall-type setting in Shanghai. Even this small gesture made Chinese officialdom nervous", according to Jeffrey Bader, an adviser, resulting in painful hand-to-hand combat" between officials on both sides. A future President Harris would find that Mr Xi, who took over three years later, is even less inclined to compromiseor tolerate such democratic deceits. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the gut-wrenching alleged rape and murder of a post-graduate intern doctor in RG Kar hospital. BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia, at a press conference in Delhi, termed the Bengal CM as Mamata the Destroyer and alleged that it was through her misdeeds that the dignity of a woman, who was a doctor was destroyed. It is painful to say that Mamata Banerjee has become 'Mamata the Destroyer'. What is she destroying? It's important to know. Through her misdeeds, she has destroyed the dignity of a womana doctor who was serving society, he said. "She is a destroyer of the rule of law and a destroyer of evidence in this heinous crime," Bhatia added referring to Mamata Banerjee. Notably, this isn't the first time since the August 9 incident that the BJP has attacked the Bengal CM and her party Trinamool Congress (TMC) over it. On Sunday, Union Minister JP Nadda slammed Mamata Banerjee and her party for the incident, claiming that West Bengal under TMC is anti-women, anti-youth and anti-democracy. The Chief Minister has failed the people of the state, presiding over an administration which has looted with impunity, he said, adding, The iron grip has clearly rusted and rusted terribly. Also Read | Kolkata rape: Autopsy report reveals 14 extensive injuries over body The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the case, and a bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will hear the case on Tuesday, August 20. Most of the world has long agreed on what it will take to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has now brought the Middle East to the brink of a regional war that would almost certainly draw in the U.S. The U.S., Europe and many Arab governments insist the overdue answer is the two-state solution, under which Israel and a Palestinian state would exist side-by-side. The snag is that Israelis and Palestinians no longer believe in it. The past 10 months have dealt the biggest setback in decades to the chances of a negotiated peace. The Hamas-led Oct. 7 killing of nearly 1,200 people in southern Israel and Israels devastating response, which Palestinian authorities say has left more than 40,000 dead in Gaza, have confirmed for both sides that their unwanted neighbor has no regard for their lives. Right now, Israelis and Palestinians do not believe that the other side are human beings," said Khalil Shikaki, head of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah. This is not a permanent fixture of Israeli-Palestinian relations. But that is where we are right now." In fact, support for side-by-side states has been dwindling for well over a decade. While surveys from the late 1990s until around 2010 showed solid majorities of Israelis and Palestinians backing the two-state solution, it has been downhill ever since. Now only 32% of Palestinians believe in the formula, according to a PCPSR survey released in June. Among Israeli Jews, belief in peace based on two states has collapsed to 19%, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center published in May, from 32% shortly before Oct. 7. Most Israelis and Palestinians know they need to find a way to share the land between the river and the sea. But they can no longer see a partner on the other side. The Death of Trust For many Jewish Israelis, Oct. 7 deepened the fear that a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza would fall under the control of extremists such as Hamas and become a launchpad for terrorism. Surveys by Shikakis institute that found around 70% of Palestinians approved of Hamass Oct. 7 attack are seen in Israel as proof that their neighbors are bent on murder. This generation of Palestinians has shown its face," said Gadi Taub, a historian at Jerusalems Hebrew University and political commentator. We know what their intentions are, because they celebrated the seventh of October." Taub grew up in a family of peace activists and strongly supported the 1990s Oslo Accords, the most sustained attempt so far at reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. He grew disillusioned about the possibility of peace after the accords ended in failure and violence. Israel now has only one option, Taub said: Occupation." Do I like it?" he said. No. Is it better than dying? Yes." It is like two people where one is holding down the other. If you let him get up, hell kill you," said Hagai Segal, an author and West Bank settler. It is tragic of course." Benjamin Netanyahu has become the longest-serving prime minister in Israels history by validatingcritics say fanningvoters fear of relinquishing control of the land. Everyone knows that I am the one who for decades blocked the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger our existence," Netanyahu said in a video address early this year. Oct. 7, Israels worst-ever security failure, has hit Netanyahus personal popularity, but it has further ingrained his narrative about the conflict. Israel needs security control over all of the land west of the Jordan River, and that conflicts with the idea of sovereignty" for the Palestinians, Netanyahu said in January. Shikakis surveys show that Palestinians support for the two-state solution has declined since 2010 in tandem with a growing belief that it is no longer viable. Israels ever-expanding settlements and a nationalist, pro-settler turn in Israeli politics have left Palestinians struggling to see any scope for a compromise, said Shikaki. Support for armed struggle against Israel has risen in the same period. Doomed to Fight The refugee camp of Jenin, a maze of cement and cinder blocks, covers a hillside near the northern edge of the West Bank. It looks out over tidy Israeli farmland, where the grandparents of some Jenin residents used to live until they were expelled or fled during the Arab-Israeli war of 1948, when Israel won its independence and many Palestinians lost their homes. The West Bank fell under Jordanian rule until Israel conquered it in the Six-Day War of 1967, beginning a long occupation. It is the only refugee camp where people can see their own land," said Fareed Bawaqneh, a soft-spoken electrician who lives in Jenin camp. Maybe our great-great-grandchildren will get it back." An Israeli drone buzzed high overhead as Bawaqneh looked out over a jumble of flat roofs, tangled power lines and the ruins of an Ottoman-era train station. His father, a schoolteacher, was shot on his own doorstep by an Israeli soldier as he tried to help a wounded man in the street, according to the family. Bawaqneh, who rejects partition, said he can see only two solutions to the conflict: Either we die and they live, or we live and they die." Murals in the camp show children bearing a large key, the symbol of the dream of return. Teenagers play-fight with toy guns in narrow streets pockmarked by real firefights between Israeli forces and local militants. Roads have been plowed up by Israeli armored bulldozers seeking hidden bombs. Posters commemorate recent martyrs, pictured holding M4 automatic rifles. Some are young boys. Jenin camp is one of the West Banks main strongholds of militant resistance to Israel. People here are divided over the ultimate aim: to win statehood in the West Bank and Gaza, ending the Israeli occupation since 1967? Or to undo the creation of Israel in 1948? If anybody tells you 1948, they are crazy," said Jamal Hweil, a leading figure in Jenin from Fatah, the main Palestinian secular nationalist party. We believe completely in the two-state solution." But Israels expanding settlements are eating up the space for a deal and driving more Palestinians toward the utopian idea of reversing 1948, he said. High on the hill, young militants with assault rifles took shots at glass bottles and kept missing. A middle-aged former militant, Mohammed Amer, took over a rifle and hit the bottles. Amer looked weary. Two of his sons were killed during an Israeli raid last year. If Israel agreed to a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, Amer said, he would wholeheartedly support peace. The problem is not what I want," he said. It is what Israel will give. They wont give us 1967 borders. They wont even give us the borders of Jenin." Nearby, young boys took turns holding an M4 carbine. Girls outdid each other with their families number of martyrs. Days later, one of the misaiming militants was incinerated in a car by an Israeli drone strike. We are doomed," Amer said. We will fight each other until Judgment Day." A Time of Hope Not so long ago, Israeli and Palestinian leaders came close to a deal. The Oslo Accords were widely popular when they began in 1993. Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, led by Fatah, recognized each other. A Palestinian Authority was created to run parts of the West Bank and Gaza and cooperate with Israel. The aim was to build trust and pave the way for a final partition deal. Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin won the Nobel Peace Prize. In Jenin, a hotbed of the intifada in the preceding years, youths laid olive branches on Israeli army jeeps, recalled Hweil, then a young Fatah fighter. We longed for peace. We wanted a normal life like everybody else," he said. In liberal Tel Aviv, the prospect of two states was intellectually irresistible, said Taub, the historian. Israels declaration of independence had proclaimed the self-evident right of the Jewish people to be a nation, like all other nations, in its own sovereign state." How could the Palestinians be denied that universal right? And then buses began to explode," Taub said. Suicide bombers from Hamas and other militants opposed to Oslo killed dozens of Israeli civilians. Taub recalled the dreaded sound of booms followed by sirens. Jewish extremists also took aim at peace. A far-right settler gunned down 29 Palestinians in a mosque in Hebron. An ultranationalist student shot Rabin dead at a peace rally in Tel Aviv. Violence escalated. We had a narrative ready for that," Taub said. We said, Oh, the enemies of peace are the radicals on both sides, and we must be brave and cross this difficult terrain." But Taub could see no nonviolent Palestinian partner. Gradually I realized I was saying things that were no longer true," he said. We felt that we gave them everything, and what we got back was terror, so we felt betrayed," said Ami Ayalon, head of Israeli security service Shin Bet at the time. In reality, Israeli leaders werent yet ready for a Palestinian state, Ayalon said. It was after the intifada," he said. We hated them. What we wanted was security." Therein lay a problem with the peace process. Arafat saw it as a political opportunity, something that would take us to a state," Hweil said. But Israel looked at it as a security arrangement." The Palestinian Authority began to look like Israels junior partner in managing the occupation. Many Palestinians thought their new officials cared more about their personal status, budgets and limousines than about national liberation. Cynicism spread. The Israeli settler population in the West Bank doubled during the Oslo years. Expanding settlements brought more soldiers, roadblocks, checkpoints, strip-searches and daily humiliations for Palestinians, Ayalon said. What they wanted was the end of occupation. So Palestinians felt betrayed." Youre sitting at the table to make peace with me. At the same time youre building more and more settlements. Does that show you have good intentions?" said Issa Amro, a Palestinian activist known for his nonviolent protests and frequent arrests by the Israeli military. Oslo was fake from the beginning. It was about control, not about peace." Last Chances As trust deteriorated, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak tried in 2000 to jump to the final deal: a Palestinian state. The night before flying to the U.S. for a summit with Arafat and President Clinton, Barak gathered close aides at his home, recalled his spokesman Gadi Baltiansky. Barak told them the summit at Camp David was make or break for the two-state solution. What if it is in the middle? What if we make progress but dont reach an agreement?," Baltiansky asked Barak. You see this pencil, Gadi?" the prime minister replied, holding one up. Either I sign a deal, or everything collapses." The summit made some breakthroughs on the principles of a deal, but the two sides remained far apart on the details of the thorniest issues: borders, security, refugees and how to share Jerusalem. Israeli and U.S. officials didnt believe Arafat truly wanted a deal. Palestinian officials doubted Barak could implement one. A second Palestinian intifada erupted. Barak declared there was no Palestinian partner for peace. Baltiansky has continued to run a nonprofit, the Geneva Initiative, promoting a two-state accord and contacts between the two societies. It is more than lonely," he said recently. Your own friends and relatives ask you, are you still going on about this peace issue?" Barak was succeeded by right-wing hard-liner Ariel Sharon, who was deeply mistrustful of Palestinian leaders and didnt want an agreement. Instead, he took the fateful decision to withdraw Israeli soldiers and settlers from Gaza unilaterally. There was no reason, no logic, no benefit" to having masses of Israeli troops protect a small number of Jewish settlers in the teeming, hostile Gaza Strip, said Sharons deputy and successor, Ehud Olmert. The 2005 pullout was a huge boost for the local militants from Hamas, Shikaki said. Palestinians said the Israelis were running under fire from Hamas, and we got to our 1967 borders without making a single concession," Shikaki said. Hamas won the public in Gaza at that point with the narrative that this conflict can only be resolved by violence." Despite all the setbacks, the two-state solution came closer than ever in 2008. Olmert had made his name as a right-wing mayor of Jerusalem who opposed any territorial retreat. But he came to believe that Israel needed to separate itself from the swelling Palestinian population. Otherwise it couldnt remain a Jewish-majority democracy. New Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, was more firmly against armed struggle than Arafat. The two leaders built on earlier talks, including Camp David, and their positions came within touching distance. But Olmert was facing corruption investigations and resigned as his partys leader. I was a lame duck," Olmert said ruefully. A couple of Israeli senior ministers came to Abu Mazen and said to him, Wait, no one should sign with Olmert. Hes sliding." In September 2008, Olmert played his last card, showing Abbas a large and detailed map of future borders between Israel and Palestine. President, I beg you, sign it," Olmert recalled saying. Well go together to the United Nations, then a joint session of Congress, then the European Parliament. Then well invite all the leaders of the world to Jerusalem. And then well both go for elections and well win on the momentum that this will create." Abbas replied that a further meeting was needed to study the map, Olmert said. He never heard back. Abbas declined to comment. I think that Abu Mazen made the greatest mistake in the history of the Palestinian cause. He should have said yes to me," Olmert said. It might have changed everything." After Peace On both sides, popular support for the two-state solution faded in the decade that followed. Dahlia Scheindlin, an Israeli political consultant and opinion pollster, said Israelis remembered only disappointment and Palestinian terrorism. Right-wing coalitions under Netanyahu portrayed the Palestinians as implacably hostile and Israeli peace advocates as leftist enemies of the state. A series of short wars in Gaza between Israel and Hamas also hardened public attitudes. As Israels economy enjoyed a technology-driven boom, many Israelis felt they were doing just fine without answering the Palestinian question. On the Palestinian side, settlement expansion under Netanyahu convinced many that Israel had no interest in ever ending the occupation. Abbass standing sank as Israel ignored him and the Palestinian Authority became associated with repression and corruption. There is no real peace process to speak of after Olmert fails," Scheindlin said. Peace seemed very remote." Israel, Arab states and the wider world ignored the Palestinian national cause for years. By 2023, Israeli security chiefs were warning Netanyahu that the risk of an explosion was rising, possibly involving Hamas, Hezbollah, West Bank militants and more. Israels vaunted intelligence agencies missed the signs when it came on Oct. 7. Write to Marcus Walker at Marcus.Walker@wsj.com and Anat Peled at anat.peled@wsj.com Motorola is all set to launch its latest budget smartphone in India under the G series, Motorola G45 5G on August 21. However, even prior to the official launch of the smartphone, the Lenovo sub-brand has revealed much of the key details of the new device including display, processor, camera and storage options. Motorola G45 5G specifications: Motorola G45 5G is confirmed to feature a 6.5-inch display with up to 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It will also be paired with Dolby Atmos certification to enhance the audio listening experience. Without going into detail about all the bands, Motorola says the G45 5G will come with support for 13 5G bands. Much like other Motorola phones launched this year, the G85 5G will feature a vegan leather finish on the back and will be available in 3 colourways. There will be a punch hole style notch on the front and the phone will come with an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance. Optics-wise, the Motorola G45 5G will feature a dual camera setup to the back with a 50MP primary sensor and a secondary sensor (perhaps a 2MP depth sensor). There will also be a 16MP front-facing shooter for taking selfies and attending video calls. The device will operate on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor, essentially a rebranded Snapdragon 695, introduced in 2021 and featured in budget phones such as the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite. The G45 5G will offer two storage configurations: 4GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 128GB storage. Additionally, it will support a RAM boost of up to 16GB. On the software front, the G45 5G will run on Motorola's Hello UI based on Android 14 and the brand is promising 1 year of OS updates and 3 years of security patches with this device. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. 3.6 Crore Indians visited in a single day choosing us as India's undisputed platform for General Election Results. Explore the latest updates here! Chinas modernizing process redefines what modernization entails in the twenty-first century, not only about reaching economic success. Chinas history provides insightful lessons that can direct mankind toward a more fair and sustainable future as the planet struggles with difficult worldwide problems. Offering an alternate development path stressing cooperation, sustainability, and cultural continuity, the Chinese modernization is changing the world scene, an expert stated. Said Wang Yiwei, head of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University, in a recent Xinhua interview, Chinas model offers fresh chances and inspiration for the world community as it keeps growing. China is helping to build a society with a shared destiny for mankind by encouraging the emergence of the Global South and a more inclusive attitude to modernity. Reform, creativity, sustainability, Chinas strategy stresses joint benefits and shared progress, unlike the Western model, which has sometimes been attacked for its exploitative methods, Wang said. China has almost 800 million people out of extreme poverty during the past four decades, making almost three-quarters of the worldwide drop in poverty attributable to. The United Nations Development Program notes this success, which offers other emerging nations battling widespread poverty a convincing model. China presents other development models free from Western perspectives as it keeps breaking new technological frontiers. Particularly in sectors like telecommunications and renewable energy, the World Economic Forum pointed out that Chinas inventions are redefining worldwide standards. Chinas advances in renewable energy best highlight its dedication to environmental sustainability. Five years ahead of its 2030 goal, the Global Energy Monitor noted that China is expected to treble its solar and wind capacity to 1,200 gigawatts. China is a major player in global manufacture with a full industrial chain, said Wang. Chinas green technology and smart grid investments not only improve its own growth but also support worldwide initiatives to slow down climate change, he said. Novel Model for Worldwide Cooperation Wang pointed out that Chinas modernization plan is intrinsically related to its goal of world cooperation. Chinas effort to promote world development via infrastructure and connectivity projects is best shown by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China International Import Expo (CIIE), and Chinas participation in the global value chain. Furthermore significantly supporting world economic growth is Chinas aggressive involvement in the global value chain. China is increasing industrial capacity in underdeveloped nations by exporting produced items and technologies. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization acknowledges Chinas contribution to raising world industrial standards and promoting global economic development generally. Beyond Western narrative Wang said Chinas modernization presents a different perspective on growth than that which is Western-centric. China is redefining the idea that modernization has to follow the Western road by giving inclusiveness, sustainability, and cultural continuity top priority. Chinas modernization strategy reflects its own government style and presents an alternative view on how nations might develop. A people-centered concept that gives its peoples welfare top priority drives Chinas modernization. This method reflects old Chinese wisdom. Said Wang, as an old Chinese saying goes, the country is the people, and the people are the country. Chinas modernizing process redefines what modernization entails in the twenty-first century in addition to attaining economic success. Chinas experience provides insightful lessons that can direct mankind toward a more fair and sustainable future as the planet tackles difficult worldwide problems. Shayne Heffernan China will roll out a set of initiatives aimed at incentivizing foreign investment, with the goal of enabling a greater number of global players to benefit from the dividends of the country's reform and opening-up policies, and promoting a win-win scenario, senior officials said on Friday. The country is set to expedite the revision and release of an updated negative list for foreign investment, and particularly significant is the goal to eliminate all restrictions in the manufacturing sector, said Li Yongjie, deputy international trade representative of the Ministry of Commerce. In addition to the manufacturing sector, China is focused on promoting orderly expansion of openness in key industries like telecommunications, internet services, education, culture and healthcare, Li told a news conference hosted by the State Council Information Office in Beijing. China will further relax restrictions on foreign investors making strategic investments in listed companies, expanding avenues for foreign capital and steering high-quality foreign investments toward long-term commitments in the capital market, Li said. Moreover, the country will revise the catalog of encouraged industries for foreign investment. The updated version will feature additional categories to further incentivize foreign participation, with a particular emphasis on advanced manufacturing, productive services, digital technology, green technology applications and related fields, Li said. The government also pledged to provide national treatment for foreign enterprises, ensuring that international companies are granted equal access and fair treatment in various aspects of business operations within the country, Li said. In the first half of this year, the establishment of foreign-funded enterprises in China saw a robust increase, with nearly 27,000 new entities being set up nationwide. This marks a year-on-year growth of 14 percent, sustaining the trend of rapid expansion observed since 2023, the ministry said. As the country's latest step to promote high-standard opening up, the three-day fifth Qingdao Multinationals Summit will start on Aug 27 in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. The summit will serve as an efficient matchmaking platform for cooperation between China and MNCs, officials said. Amid the country's efforts to foster a more enabling environment for global players and to explore a myriad of opportunities through greater openness, the summit will host 473 MNC delegates this year, said Song Junji, vice-governor of Shandong province. Enterprises operating in the realm of new quality productive forces have shown keen enthusiasm by signing up for participation, Song said, adding that they hail from a diverse range of industries, including next-generation information technology, biopharmaceuticals, new energy and high-end equipment. Acting as a bridge for dialogue and collaboration, the summit has emerged as a cornerstone for fostering meaningful exchanges between China and MNCs, enabling a robust exchange of ideas and opportunities, said Li of the Commerce Ministry. National Heritage Week 2024 takes place throughout this week and all across Longford volunteers are putting together events to highlight the importance of heritage to our communities. In County Longford, Heritage Week is an opportunity to explore our history, culture and nature through a variety of walks, talks, workshops and events held by communities and local groups. National Heritage Week aims to encourage members of the public all over Ireland to celebrate their living heritage throughout the week which runs from last Saturday August 17th through to next Saturday August 25. One of the highlights will be 'The Workhouse Ballymahon' a discussion by the Leo Casey Historical Society that takes place at the Workhouse Road, Ballymahon, on August 22, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. The Workhouse, was an institution which operated in Ireland, during British rule, for a period of approximately 80 years, from the early 1840s to the early 1920s. There were 163 workhouses in total. Under the Poor Relief (Ireland) Act 1838, the Poor Law Commissioners divided Ireland into poor law unions, in which people who fell on hard times, would receive poor relief. One of the Workhouses was located in Ballymahon, and occupied a six-acre site. It was officially opened in 1852, at a cost of 7,620, and was designed by the Poor Law Commissioners architect, George Wilkinson.The Workhouse was built to house a maximum of 600 people. It accommodated people from the electoral divisions of Agharra, Ardnagragh, Ballymahon, Ballymore, Cashel, Doonis, Doory, Forgney, Foxhall, Kilcommock, Kilglass, Ledwithstown, Noughaval, Piercetown, Templepatrick, and Winetown. It closed as an institution in 1921, but remained the residence for some families until they were moved to new housing in the mid-1970s. The Workhouse, was not a pleasant place by any stretch of the imagination. They were feared and hated the nation over, and would be safe to say, were the most hated institutions ever created in Ireland. If people could not support themselves, they could come into the workhouse. Here they would do some work in return for food. People had to stay and live in the workhouse and so the system was known as indoor relief. Families were separated upon entry; men, women, and children were kept apart. Life within the institution itself was extremely harsh. The Workhouse and its history, however harrowing, is our local and national heritage, and needs to be recognised on a local and national level for ourselves and future generations to come. The Workhouse from 1852 to 1921 placed an indelible mark on our past under British rule. This piece of our local and national history remains to this day, to be a stark reminder, of the endurances of previous generations, to just survive. During National Heritage Week, the Ballymahon Leo Casey Historical Society, will unveil a plaque to commemorate The Workhouse in Ballymahon, just before Thursday's discussion (August 22, 2024) at 7pm sharp. The plaque will be opposite Thomond Lodge Nursing Home. Ronan O Ceallaigh, Treasurer of the Historical Society, will introduce and chair the event, accompanied by local historian, author, and Chairperson of the Historical Society Paddy Egan, and guests, providing talks in English and in Irish, followed by the plaque unveiling. Music from the very talented musician Noel Carberry, will set the tone for a presentation that promises to be informative, reflective and educational. This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend. This commemoration event would not be possible without local businesses, when approached enthusiastically supported The Gaelic Reflections project. The project was initiated and created by Ronan O Ceallaigh, to commemorate Ballymahons history on a global scale, with the sole aim to grow and share appreciation for the town and its locality reaching out to the discerning tourist nationally and globally, showcasing the impact of Ballymahons national history, on the nation of Ireland as a whole, during its turbulent past. The event is supported by Cooneys Hotel, Lovells Bros, OHanlons Pharmacy, Ronnie Nallys Bar, Jolly Boys Pizza & Grill, Colgans Butchers, Big Bites Takeaway, Nallys Spar & Tyre Centre, Droplink, ZAM ZAM Takeaway, Skellys Bar & Restaurant, Wilder & Gold. If you want to get involved and join the historical society to assist to drive future projects, you can email ballymahonlchistoricalsociety@gmail.com to discuss further. Health & Wellness, Press Releases By Long Island Published: August 19 2024 Governor Kathy Hochul has urged New Yorkers, especially those in vulnerable groups, to take precautions as Canadian wildfire smoke impacts air quality in the Upper Hudson Valley and Adirondack regions, with an advisory in effect ... Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New York residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions as Canadian wildfire smoke impacts the air quality in the Upper Hudson Valley and Adirondack regions. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are expected to reach unhealthy for sensitive groups' and an air quality health advisory for Fine Particulate Matter was issued until midnight Friday, August 16. New Yorkers in vulnerable groups should avoid exertion outdoors and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attack) or lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older, and pregnant people. To check your location's current air quality, go to www.airnow.gov. Public safety is my top priority and New Yorkers need to be alert today as wildfire smoke starts to impact certain regions of the State, Governor Hochul said. I encourage vulnerable New Yorkers to pay attention to the States Air Quality Health Advisories and take necessary precautions to stay safe. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is tracking smoke traveling across the Northeast from wildfires in Canada that is forecasted to reach surface levels and result in levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) being Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. DEC and the State Department of Health (DOH) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Upper Hudson Valley and Adirondack regions for Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, until midnight. The Upper Hudson Valley Air Quality Health Advisory region includes Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington counties; the Adirondacks Air Quality Health Advisory region includes which includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Warren counties. DEC continues to monitor conditions and will update the forecast daily. To keep New Yorkers aware, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides daily air quality forecasts to ensure air quality information is available at New Yorkers fingertips. While New York State has some of the nations most stringent air quality regulations to reduce air pollution and protect public health and the environment, there are certain days that ozone or particulate matter can impact air quality in your community. AQI Health Guidelines AQI health guidelines are associated with recommendations to protect impacted populations. 0-50: Good Air quality is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk. 51-100: Moderate Air quality is acceptable. However, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are usually sensitive to air pollution. 101-150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. Sensitive groups include people with asthma, heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, minority populations, and outdoor workers. 151-200: Unhealthy Everyone may begin to experience healthy effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. 201-300: Very Unhealthy Health alert. Everyone may experience more serious health effects. 301-500: Hazardous Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected. More information about the New York State Air Quality forecast is available here. Air pollution can harm public health and natural resources in a variety of ways. Hot summer weather sets the stage for two major pollutants of concern for human health: the formation of ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. Fish and wildlife show harmful effects from acid rain and mercury in the air. Greenhouse gases in the air are changing the world's climate and contributing to harmful impacts including extreme heat, deadly flooding, drought, fires, rising sea levels, and severe storms. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers. Visit dec.ny.gov for updated forecasts and information about air quality index levels, and the Department of Health website for information on health risks and precautions related to air quality. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: August 19 2024 Seminars on Monday, September 16th and Monday, September 30th at 6:30pm at in the downstairs meeting rooms of Massapequa Park Village Hall. To help save lives and further combat the ongoing opioid epidemic on Long Island, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino is partnering with Drug Free Long Island, Thomas Hope Foundation and Massapequa Park Village Mayor Daniel Pearl to host free Family Support, Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training Seminars on Monday, September 16th and Monday, September 30th at 6:30pm at in the downstairs meeting rooms of Massapequa Park Village Hall, located at 151 Front Street in Massapequa Park. The program will begin at 6pm with a family support group offering support to family members who have lost a loved one or have a loved one struggling with addiction, followed by a prevention workshop and overdose reversal agent training seminar at 7:30pm. Were addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic on Long Island by offering Support, Overdose Prevention and Narcan Training Seminars for residents to learn the warning signs of drug addiction, obtain information on available treatment options, and learn how to reverse the fatal effects of an opioid overdose by administering a life-saving antidote, Supervisor Saladino said. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or not, we invite you to join us in September for the betterment of our community. The overdose reversal agent known as Narcan is administered through a nasal spray, and is provided by the YES Community Counseling Center at no charge to trainees over the age of 18. Under New York State law, residents can administer Narcan in an attempt to save a life, without fear of liability. Mayor Daniel Pearl stated, Through initiatives like this, we can and will continue to save lives and keep families whole. Together with Drug Free Long Island and Thomas Hope Foundation, we are strengthening our community in its battle with drug use and working with mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and neighbors to identify warning signs and provide help to those struggling with addiction. This free Support, Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training Seminar is available to all residents. No prior medical experience is necessary to participate. All trainees will receive a Certificate of Completion. Anyone can attend, but seating is limited. Please RSVP to Drug Free Long Island by calling (516) 639-2386 or emailing info@drugfreeli.org. CREDIT: Town of Oyster Bay A propaganda image from Hamass statement taking credit for the bombing and promising more martyrdom operations. Hamas and Islamic Jihad issued a joint statement on August 19, claiming responsibility for an attempted suicide bombing in Tel Aviv the previous night. Both groups warned they would resume suicide bombings as a tactic if Israeli policies in Gaza and against Hamas did not change. The al-Qassam Brigades in cooperation with the al-Quds Brigades announce the implementation of the martyrdom operation that took place yesterday evening, Sunday, in the city of Tel Aviv. The Brigades confirm that martyrdom operations inside the occupied territories will return to the forefront as long as the occupations massacres, the displacement of civilians, and the continuation of the policy of assassinations continue, said the statement. The unidentified 50-year-old terrorist from the northern West Bank city of Nablus was carrying an 8-kilogram explosive device, The Times of Israel reported. The device detonated prematurely, killing the bomber and wounding a passerby. Speaking at the scene of the explosion, Police Commander Peretz Ammar said that the man may have activated the device prematurely when he seemingly attempted to target a synagogue. Furthermore, the bomber was not known to Israeli security services, nor did he have a criminal record, noted Ammar. Adding to the complexity of the attack, the Shin Bet, Israels internal security service, is investigating the possibility that Hezbollah or Iran may have played a role in the attack. An investigation possibly pointing to Iran or Hezbollah is noteworthy. Both actors have openly threatened to respond to Israels elimination of prominent figures such as Hezbollahs Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Recent headlines have also suggested a looming large-scale drone or missile attack on Israel by Hezbollah and Iran. However, employing a suicide bomber to target Israeli civilians is a tactic that could easily fall within the operational playbook of both Hezbollah and the Iranian regime. In the aftermath of the botched attack, Palestinian social media became rife with propaganda lauding the bomber and encouraging copycat attacks against Israeli civilians. Graphic illustrations depicting bombs and mangled buses, accompanied by menacing messages about impending suicide attacks, circulated widely. The claim of responsibility issued by Hamas and Islamic Jihad is significant. However, the most striking aspect of their statement was not merely the acknowledgment of the attack but rather an explicit warning these terrorist groups would resume deploying suicide bombers against Israeli cities. Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. Shakespeare, Macbeth, 5.5.16-27) As the drumbeat of war grows louder by the day and the well-worn machinery of propaganda goes into a hysterical overdrive, one begins to lose ones grip on reality. Day after day, with tedious monotony, the headlines scream at us from every conceivable angle, and some that are frankly inconceivable. How fortunate those of us who live in the freedom-loving West are that we have the opportunity to share different views about love, life and even politics! Just think of the poor people in Russia who have only ever heard one side of the story that side which suits the interests of the government and the ruling circle! Those unfortunate people have to believe whatever distorted news is placed before them on a daily basis. We, on the contrary, have a vast array of news outlets, which are free to print any opinion that they wish, on any subject whatsoever. But by some quirk of fate, our free press chooses (of its own free choice, it goes without saying) to print exactly the same story about the war in Ukraine. By an even more remarkable coincidence, this story always closely coincides with the official views of NATO, Washington, and, naturally enough, the regime in Kyiv. And so, we fortunate citizens of the democratic West, are free to choose between one and the same view, expressed with mechanical regularity on the same subject and repeated time and time again. Yesterday morning, 15 August 2024, The New York Times lost no time to inform us of How Ukrainian troops invaded Russia. We are initiated into the secret of how, on 6 August, Ukraine launched an audacious and highly secretive military offensive, with the aim of upending a war it has for months appeared to be losing. The campaign of systematic misinformation thus gets off to a splendid start even in the first sentence. For anyone that is remotely acquainted with the realities of the war in Ukraine, it is surely no secret that Ukraine did not appear to be losing it at all. It is losing all along the front, and losing very badly. In fact, it was no secret to any minimally informed observer that the war, from the point of view of the Kyiv regime, was already lost, and irreparably so. But now, according to the New York Times, together with CNN, The Washington Post, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 News, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Financial Times, Le Monde, El Pais, Bild, and numerous other famous news outlets, everything is suddenly turned on its head. All of a sudden, Ukraine is no longer losing the war with Russia, but, on the contrary, it is winning it. Its troops are depicted in innumerable television broadcasts, advancing deep into Russian territory, seemingly without any significant opposition. Ukraine's troops are depicted in innumerable television broadcasts, advancing deep into Russian territory / Image: Image president.gov.ua They are shown laughing and smiling, as if on some kind of picnic. They occupy innumerable villages on the Russian side of the border, amuse themselves by tearing down Russian flags and hoisting Ukrainian ones in their place. It is all very jolly, and absolutely splendid for morale. The message from Kyiv comes across loud and clear in every television interview with triumphant men and women on the Ukrainian side. Now we will teach them a lesson! Andrew E. Kramer, the bureau chief of the NYT in Kyiv, spoke to Ukrainians living in villages near the border with Russia. He said: One Ukrainian woman who had been evacuated from a border village was saying that it was time now for the Russians to feel what war is like. In the meantime, the scene in the Kremlin is portrayed in the darkest colours. The unfortunate Russians seem to be unable to react to this audacious throw of the dice. They are said to be paralysed, like some poor rabbit caught in the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. Western journalists, and the self-styled, ever-present analysts, are busy studying every photograph or video of the man in the Kremlin, hoping to see indications of his psychological state in the slightest movements of his face muscles. Since they are incapable of working out a rational hypothesis on the basis of the facts, they are reduced to resorting to the mysterious arts of divination, hoping to discover the truth in the same way as the ancient seers spent their lives endlessly examining the entrails of dead chickens. Sad to say, the efforts of our present day investigative journalists yield approximately the same results as those venerable priests of old. Indeed, it would arguably be a more profitable enterprise studying the contours of chicken gizzards than to try to discover what is on the mind of Vladimir Putin by studying his face. Whatever one might think about the man in the Kremlin, he is a past master of concealing his innermost feelings, maintaining the same deadpan expression that one would expect to see in an experienced poker player. And as Shakespeare once said: There's no art To find the mind's construction in the face (Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 4) Nevertheless, psychological warfare occupies a central role in wars in general, and has played a particularly crucial one in the present war. The New York Times article boasts that: Ukraine has pushed seven miles into Russia along a 25-mile front and taken dozens of Russian soldiers as prisoners, analysts and Russian officials say. The governor of Russias Kursk region said on Monday that Ukraine controls 28 towns and villages there. More than 132,000 people have been evacuated from nearby areas, Russian officials said. The story does not lose anything in the telling. The dozens of Russian soldiers taken prisoner according to The Times immediately becomes inflated by a triumphant Zelensky to precisely one hundred. By the next day, his office informs us that the figure amounts to hundreds. How many hundreds? 200, 900, a thousand? No one knows. It is better to leave the precise figure to the imagination, since imagination here has a very important role to play. What has been achieved? On the plus side, it is clear that the initial effect of the incursion beyond the Russian border was undoubtedly a Ukrainian success. But what does this success actually amount to? The answer to that question remains a mystery. And what has actually been achieved by this offensive? All the media are unanimous in claiming that Ukrainian forces have penetrated deep into Russian territory. But how deep is deep? The actual military significance of these gains is precisely zero / Image: public domain The Times article says, Ukraine has pushed seven miles into Russia along a 25-mile front. This figure, which is taken from Russian sources, appears to be correct, although it also seems that the Ukrainians have now begun to spread out in different directions, without any clear idea of what the purpose of this is, other than sporadic acts of sabotage. Now Russia, as we know, is a very large country indeed. We are talking about many thousands of kilometres. To penetrate 7 miles along a 25 mile front cannot be considered to be very significant penetration of Russian territory from any point of view. Ukrainians claim that they have conquered a number of villages, although the photographs they have issued have clearly been doctored to falsify the position, at least in several cases. In any case, the villages mentioned are extremely small barely hamlets and have mainly been evacuated. Apart from temporary propaganda value, the actual military significance of these gains is precisely zero. It will have absolutely no effect on the main war that is taking place in Ukraine especially in the key area of the Donbass. What is the point of mobilising valuable resources, which are needed for defensive purposes all along the front line, for the sake of occupying a few tiny villages on the Russian side of the frontier? Even if we accept the most ambitious claims of the Ukrainian side, it is abundantly clear that the seizure of those villages will be very short lived. The Russian forces are already massing for a counter-attack, which will drive them out with very heavy losses in both lives and equipment. So what was the point of it? An important offensive, involving several brigades of Ukrainian army, moreover, brigades drawn largely from Ukraines very limited reserves and including many of its most effective and elite forces, ought to have clearly defined objectives. But to this day, no clear explanation of those objectives have ever been given by anyone in Kyiv. The reason for this mysterious silence will become clear to us later on. Meanwhile, it remains a matter of speculation in the western media. The only half-reasonable explanation that has been so far provided is that the Kursk offensive was intended to oblige the Russians to withdraw forces from the central front in Donbass, thus relieving pressure on the Ukrainian defences, which are severely stretched and rapidly crumbling. If this were so, then it has clearly failed in its purpose. Apart from a small number of Chechen fighters that have been sent to Kursk, the Russian forces that have been withdrawn from Donbass appear to have been negligible. In fact, articles have already appeared in the Ukrainian media in which the forces attempting to resist the implacable Russian advance on places such as Pokrovsk, loudly complain that the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces has so weakened them that they are on the point of collapse. Ukraine's National Guard spokesperson, Ruslan Muzychuk, on Thursday admitted that Kyiv's offensive in Russia's Kursk region has not slowed Moscow's advance. As seen from both official reports by the General Staff and accounts from units and fighters on the front line, the pace of Russia's offensive and the intensity of assaults are not decreasing, Muzychuk told a local broadcaster. Since Ukraine launched the Kursk offensive, I would say things have become worse in our part of the front," said Ivan Sekach, spokesperson of Ukraine's 110th Mechanised Brigade, which is currently deployed in the Pokrovsk district in the Donetsk region. We have been getting even less ammo than before and Russians are pushing, he told Politico. Over the past 24 hours, Russia occupied the villages of Zhelanne and Orlivka and made advances in New York (sic!), Krasnohorivka, Mykolaivka and Zhuravka in Donetsk, according to DeepState, a war-mapping project close to Ukraine's defence ministry. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces did not confirm or deny the report, saying only that intense fighting was under way in those areas, and that Kyiv was concentrating its efforts on the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Let us speak frankly. Contrary to the impression created by the Western media, the decisive front in the war in Ukraine is not the battle for Kursk, or even the Kharkiv front. It is Donbass, where the Russians are advancing slowly but implacably, driving the Ukrainians out of one key point after another. Russia's defence ministry said that Russian forces had clocked up a host of wins along the front, from Kharkiv region to Luhansk and Donetsk. The main Russian objective at the moment, however, appears to be the fortified point of Pokrovsk, which is the main logistical hub of the Donbass region, and also the last fortified line of defence before the Dnieper river. The fall of Pokrovsk would precipitate a collapse of defence lines across eastern Ukraine. The frontline towards Pokrovsk has been rapidly disintegrating in the past days and the latest frontline is only 11 km from the edge point of Pokrovsk city itself. According to Ukrainian media, the head of the region's Pokrovsk military administration Serhiy Dobryak says the enemy has almost reached the edge of our community. In a post on Telegram, the head of the city's military administration says it's important residents don't delay their evacuation, as Russian troops are rapidly approaching the outskirts of Pokrovsk. Zelenskys military credentials If he had the slightest grasp of tactics and strategy, Zelensky would immediately acknowledge that the Kursk adventure has ended in failure and order the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces, in order to preserve whatever could be preserved of those valuable and scarce resources. But he shows no sign whatsoever of doing that. This is absolutely typical of the Ukrainian leader, a man who, we must remind ourselves, has absolutely no military experience or grasp of the art of war. He only appears to know one command attack! The words retreat or withdraw does not enter his very limited vocabulary. This fact has become clear at every decisive junction of the Ukrainian conflict. It has had extremely dire consequences, causing one disastrous defeat after another. And yet he does not learn. Yesterday, reporting on a meeting of the Ukrainian general staff, Zelensky reported on the situation in Donbass, which has now become critical: Today at the Staff meeting, I received a report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi. Our key defence directions at the frontline: Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and others. These areas are currently facing the most intense Russian assaults and are receiving our utmost defensive attention. Priority supplieseverything that is neededare being sent there. He does not mention the fact that the defence of these decisive areas has been seriously weakened by his orders to withdraw troops to support his offensive in Kursk! If he had the slightest grasp of tactics and strategy, Zelensky would immediately acknowledge that the Kursk adventure has ended in failure / Image: president.gov.ua It seems absolutely incredible that at such a critical moment, Zelensky still persists in his insane plan to invade Russia! Having devoted just a few words to the desperate position of his forces in Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and others (that is to say, all along the central line of the conflict), he immediately returns to his own personal obsession, which is devouring vital forces and equipment to absolutely no logical purpose. The conquest of Pokrovsk by Russia will be of immeasurably more importance to the outcome of the war than any number of small villages that the Ukrainians managed to temporarily occupy in Kursk. There is absolutely no hope that they will occupy them for any length of time. And their defeat which is inevitable will be accompanied with a staggering level of losses. Zelensky continued in his report: Separately, the Commander-in-Chief [Syrskyi] reported on the operation in Kursk Oblast. There has been new progress. Our exchange fund has been further replenished. Additionally, General Syrskyi reported the successful liberation of the city of Sudzha from Russian forces. A Ukrainian military commandant's office is being established there. Several other settlements have also been liberated. In total, more than eighty. I extend my deepest gratitude to every one of our warriors who has made this possible. In short, Zelensky talks like a man in a dream, completely divorced from reality. Was Russia taken by surprise? If it is true that Russia was taken by surprise by the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, that would undoubtedly represent a catastrophic failure of Russian intelligence. That is the interpretation that has been widely circulated in the western media. However, it is hard to justify this interpretation without further critical examination. It is well known that Russian intelligence services are among the most efficient in the world. They have at their disposal a vast apparatus of surveillance, which they inherited from the KGB and the Soviet Union. This apparatus will have been modernised and updated to keep abreast of all developments on the war front. The existence of spy satellites and drones, which maintain a constant observation of every development on the front lines is undoubtedly supplemented by the presence of spies and informants who will be active at every level of political and military activities in Kyiv. For the Russians not to have detected those movements, they must have been blind, deaf and dumb / Image: Kremlin.ru, Wikimedia Commons Such an apparatus is hardly likely to be taken by surprise by even the smallest movements in Ukraine. And what we have here is not a small movement, but a large-scale movement of troops, tanks and armoured vehicles on a very sensitive area of the front. For the Russians not to have detected those movements, they must have been blind, deaf and dumb. This was clearly not the case. There are other factors which are very hard to explain. In the area where the incursion took place, the Russians had conveniently cleared their minefields of mines. The reason for this may well have been in preparation for Russian advance across the border. However, it presented a very tempting target for Ukrainians too tempting for Zelensky to resist, in fact. It was almost as if the Russians were inviting an attack, like a man who places a tempting lump of cheese in a mousetrap. Is it conceivable that the Ukrainians have in fact fallen into a trap? Such a hypothesis will be indignantly denied by all those western commentators who insist on presenting what was clearly a senseless adventure as an act of military brilliance. But with due respect to our Western experts, such a hypothesis cannot be logically excluded. And in fact, it seems far more credible than the alternative explanation, according to which, for unexplained reasons, Russian intelligence was unable to detect something that would have been obvious to a six-year-old child of average intelligence. If we exclude the possibility that some kind of trap was prepared by the Russians, then we are compelled to draw another conclusion, namely, that Zelensky fell into a trap of his own making. And he will now be compelled to live with the consequences of his mistake. Was the West involved? The next question which must be asked is: was the West involved in this move, or even informed of it in advance? The Times says the following: The operation surprised even Kyivs closest allies, including the U.S., and has pushed the limits of how Western military equipment would be permitted to be used inside Russian territory. The White House says Ukraine did not provide advance notice of its incursion and that Washington had no involvement. But these claims are met with scepticism in Moscow. An aide to the Kremlin has claimed that NATO and the West were directly involved in the planning for Ukraine's attack on Russia's Kursk region and that denials of their involvement are lies. And indeed, why should the Russians believe anything that is said by the Americans, since they have consistently lied and deceived public opinion from the very word go? Actually, there is good reason to believe that the Americans were informed of Zelenskys plans before the offensive took place because it seems the Russians themselves may have informed them! One curious phone call stands out. On 12 July, Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov took the step of directly calling Pentagon chief, Lloyd Austin. This in itself is unusual enough. Since the war began in February 2022, Austin has only had five phone calls with the Russian Defence Minister almost all of which were initiated by the US in order to avoid escalating the conflict. But according to three official American sources in The New York Times, it was Belousov who rang Austin on this occasion to warn him that the Russians had uncovered a Ukrainian covert operation against Russia. The precise nature of that operation was not disclosed. What happened next remains unclear. Apparently, Pentagon officials were taken by surprise by news of the Ukrainians plans. When asked directly by Belousov if he was aware of the Ukrainians planned operation, Austin denied he had any knowledge of it, and furthermore said that he would warn Ukrainians not to carry it out. The White House says Ukraine did not provide advance notice of its incursion / Image: president.gov.ua In the light of subsequent events, it is difficult not to draw the conclusion that the covert operation referred to was precisely the offensive in Kursk, which, with or without the permission of Washington, Zelensky was already planning. The reason why this was regarded by the Russians as a serious threat was the following. The only military strategic target of any value in the Kursk region is the Kursk nuclear power plant on the edge of the town of Kurchatov, west of the regional capital, Kursk. If the Ukrainians could seize that installation, it would undoubtedly have given them leverage to blackmail Russia in some way. This was without any doubt the real objective of the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, although this was never made clear by the Ukrainians. The offensive has failed The speed and ease with which the Ukrainians were able to advance into Russian territory in the first instance took many people by surprise especially the Ukrainians themselves. This again demands some explanation. Did the Russians not have sufficient forces to repel the invaders and drive them back over the frontier? They certainly have enough reserves inside Russia to make it unnecessary to withdraw forces from Donbass (another declared aim of the Ukrainians). Yet the only forces known to be present in the area at the time were small groups of special forces (commandos), Chechens and members of the Wagner outfit. These have been engaged in ambushes and hit-and-run attacks which, together with air attacks and drones, have in fact inflicted very serious casualties on the Ukrainians a fact which has been completely played down by the western press. However, so far, the Russians have avoided an all-out battle with the invaders, preferring to minimise casualties on their own side, while maximising Ukrainian losses in both manpower and vehicles, which have suffered a very heavy toll for negligible results. The Russians have built a heavily fortified line, which blocks further Ukrainian advance, compelling the Ukrainians to disperse their forces into small units, mainly devoted to sabotage. However, the main target the nuclear power plant remains beyond their reach. It has been heavily fortified by the Russians, and this makes it all but unassailable by the invading forces. Thus, the Ukrainians find themselves effectively in a trap, denied access to their most important target, remaining in possession of a number of mostly empty villages (the population has mainly been evacuated) and now condemned to more or less aimless activities, while awaiting a serious counter-blow from the Russian side. How long it will take for the Russians to gather sufficient forces to launch a shattering counter-offensive, it is impossible to say. But troops are pouring in from all sides, and, when the commanders are satisfied that Ukrainians have been sufficiently weakened by bombing and shelling, they will move in for the kill. The whole thing will therefore be exposed before the eyes of the world as a senseless and reckless adventure, which will only serve to weaken the already crumbling Ukrainian defences and prepare the way for ultimate collapse. Kursk: a turning point in the war It may be true that the Kursk adventure will be a turning point in the war in Ukraine, but not in the sense understood by Zelensky and his admirers in the West. On the contrary, it will have caused irreparable harm to Ukraines defences in the face of a renewed Russian attack, which is clearly in preparation. There are rumours the veracity of which I am unable to ascertain that Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's top military commander, is attempting to distance himself from the Kursk affair, attempting to shift the blame onto the shoulders of Zelensky. If it is true that general Syrskyi, who is considered to be a yes man of the president, is trying to disassociate himself from his reckless and irresponsible Kursk adventure, it is an ominous sign of developing cracks within the ruling circles in Kyiv. The Kursk adventure has removed any possibility for negotiations to take place / Image: Image president.gov.ua The argument of Zelensky that the Kursk offensive was intended to provide the Ukrainians with a stronger position in future negotiations with Russia is now revealed as an empty dream. Far from entering into negotiations with Russia, the Kursk adventure has removed any possibility for negotiations to take place. Putin has made this perfectly clear. And the action of invading Russian territory has undoubtedly strengthened his hand and hardened Russian public opinion against the Kyiv regime. Finally, some western commentators are beginning to wake up to the fact that this escapade will not only end in defeat, but in a complete and disastrous military collapse. In one sense, the offensive has been a spectacular success. It has provided a major boost to the noisy media circus, which is always anxious to seize upon any and every Ukrainian success whether real or imaginary is a matter of complete indifference and exaggerate it to the nth degree. The media reports have been overflowing with gushing coverage of the gallant Ukrainains fighting and inflicting humiliating defeats on an evil enemy. However, if you dig a little deeper beyond the media hype, a note of doubt and even scepticism is not hard to detect. Even the most enthusiastic cheerleaders for the offensive grudgingly admit that it was a very risky gamble. That goes for The New York Times itself. In analysing these events in the very same article, it says the following: This offensive is a major gamble for Ukraine. If its troops can hold territory, they could stretch the capacity of Russian soldiers, deliver embarrassment for Putin and get a bargaining chip for any peace negotiations. But if Russia manages to push back, Ukrainian military leaders could be blamed for giving the Russians an opening to gain more ground. Zelensky obviously hoped that his offensive would cause widespread demoralisation and panic among the Russian population. In reality, it has had the opposite effect. The spectacle of Ukrainian forces, armed with western-supplied weapons and tanks, will have convinced them that prospective Ukrainian membership of NATO indeed represents a direct and present threat to Russia. Far from undermining Putins position, it will galvanise support for the war. It is already leading to an increase in the numbers of recruits to the Russian army. This at the same time as Ukraine finds it necessary to use brute force to drag unwilling recruits off the streets to be sent to what is increasingly seen as a slaughterhouse. The people of Ukraine are rapidly waking up to the fact that their so-called friends and benefactors in the West are keen to fight to the last drop of their blood. DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for nine years (married for seven). I moved into his house with him, and Im still not on the mortgage. I work full time in the medical field and contribute to all the bills. We did meet with an attorney, and if, God forbid, something happens to him, we have a quitclaim deed, and I wouldnt have to leave. However, he has said to me several times, If you do this or that, you cant live here anymore. Im on eggshells a lot. My concern is that he could tell me to leave at any time, and I wouldnt have a say in it. I love him with all my heart, but he makes me feel like Im disposable. It makes me sad and uneasy. What do you think? TENTATIVE IN MICHIGAN DEAR TENTATIVE: Your husband should not be threatening you. You live in a state in which assets are decided by a judge on an equitable basis. For your peace of mind, schedule an appointment with an attorney and discuss where you would be financially if your marriage should not work out. Then plan accordingly. DEAR ABBY: My best friend has an aging father who will not bathe more than twice a month. Even then, its usually just one five-minute shower about every three weeks. Her dad changes clothes at about the same frequency. My friend has tried everything asking nicely, nagging, pleading, etc. He continues to ignore her. What, if anything, can my friend do? LOYAL SUPPORTER IN IOWA DEAR SUPPORTER: Sometimes as people age their olfactory sense diminishes. Was your friends aging father always this way, or is this relatively new behavior? If its new and he has a doctor, he may need to be neurologically evaluated. If more is going on, and he can no longer take care of himself (i.e., do laundry, clean his home, etc.), someone should do it for him on a regular basis. If he refuses to allow that, suggest she visit with him in well-ventilated surroundings. DEAR ABBY: My longtime neighbor has stopped speaking to me. Ive reached out to her, but she doesnt respond. We raised our children together. Her son is getting married out of state, and my son will be in the wedding party. The groom has sent us a save the date card. I would love to see him be married, but I dont want to spoil the day for his mother. Have you any advice about how to proceed? WONDERING IN COLORADO DEAR WONDERING: I wish you had given me a clue about why your longtime neighbor no longer speaks to you. This is not HER wedding. Her son would not have sent a save the date card if he didnt want you to be part of this special day. If you would be comfortable attending under these circumstances, then go. But dont expect that the breach will be healed. If not, send your regrets and a small gift to the happy couple. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. COPYRIGHT 2024 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION Now is the time to book a cheaper flight out of Boston. JetBlues annual Big Fall Sale is happening from Monday, Aug. 19 until Friday, Aug. 23. The week-long sale features reduced prices for flights across the country, including those from Logan Airport in Boston. Rates for one-way trips include $49 for a flight from Boston to Nashville, $59 to Chicago and $69 to Orlando. Sample prices for one-way transatlantic flights include $199 for a trip to Dublin or $249 for a trip to Amsterdam. Click here to see more prices on reduced JetBlue flights out of Boston during the airlines Big Fall Sale. An American beer industry giant will lay off almost 200 of its Massachusetts employees as it closes a distribution facility and transfers operations to a local wholesaler. Anheuser-Busch, known for such iconic brands as Budweiser and Bud Light, filed a WARN, or Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, with the state on Friday. The notice said its AB One distribution location at 440 Riverside Ave. in Medford would lay off 193 workers over the first two weeks of November. The facility will be closed permanently, and operations will be transferred to a local wholesaler. Anheuser-Buschs owned distribution operations are a strategic part of our business as they enable us to test and learn, develop our people, and ultimately serve as stronger partners to our independent distributors, Simon Wuestenberg, U.S. chief sales officer at Anheuser-Busch, said in a statement. We continuously assess our operational footprint to ensure our entire system is set up for long-term success, Wuestnberg continued. The transition of these operations will ensure that Anheuser-Busch and our network of independent distributors will continue to drive the growth of our iconic portfolio of brands while providing world-class service to our retail customers across Massachusetts, Wuestenberg said. Beer distribution operations for Boston will transition to Quality Beverage, which has locations in Taunton, Auburn and Chicopee, and is owned by wholesaler Martignetti Companies. Quality Beverage is pleased to expand our relationship with Anheuser-Busch into the Greater Boston area and to represent its industry-leading brands in the marketplace, a statement from Carl and Carmine Martignetti, principals of Martignetti Companies, reads. We are proud to be a part of Anheuser-Buschs best-in-class nationwide distribution network, and we appreciate the confidence Anheuser-Busch is demonstrating in us through this expanded partnership, the distributor said. Channing Tatums daughter got to live out her dream of exploring the Witch City last week, and her superstar dad was along for the ride. For three days, the actor and his family were showed around Salem as part of a private tour led by Witch City Walking Tours. I have given hundreds of tours over the past ten years as owner and tour guide of Witch City Walking Tours. However, few compare to the private three-day tour we just wrapped up with Channing Tatum and his family, Beth Crowley, owner and tour guide at Witch City Walking Tours, wrote on Facebook Friday, Aug. 16. The magical trip was all for Tatums 11-year-old daughter Evie, who was so excited to see Salem for the first time and learn as much as possible about the Salem Witch trials, Crowley wrote in the post. It was so much fun to share my love of the city with her, she said. These guests could not have been nicer and were so down to earth. Tatum arrived with his daughter, sister, nanny and nannys mother on Monday, Aug. 12, Crowley told MassLive. The crew at Witch City Walking Tours met the actor and his family on Tuesday. The first day of the familys Salem excursion included a private walking tour, tarot card readings at Pentagram: Witchcraft & Magick Shoppe and lunch in the Rockafellas Salem vault. They also toured The Rebecca Nurse Homestead and the Samuel Parris archaeological site in Danvers, and had dinner at The Village Tavern, according to Crowley. During their second day, the group was brought on a cemetery tour then to a witch broom-making class inside Witch City Walking Tours private studio space. This was the first time any group has done a broom-making class at Witch City Walking Tours, Crowley told MassLive. Actor Channing Tatum visits Salem, Massachusetts with his family during a three-day tour from Aug. 12-15.Witch City Walking Tours I felt like I was hanging out with friends rather than a celebrity, the owner wrote on Facebook. A private show at Gallows Hill Museum Theatre followed by a visit to the Witch Dungeon Museum came Wednesday afternoon. The family spent some more time around Salem on Wednesday night, dining at spots like The Anchor in Beverly, the restaurant confirmed to MassLive. Tatum and his group were even brought to the members only top floor meeting room at the Hawthorne Hotel on Thursday and ended their visit with a curated tour of the Peabody Essex Museum. Crowley said she and her team had nothing but nice things to say about Tatum and his family. Wish we couldve spent more time with these wonderful guests, Crowley wrote on Facebook. It was an exhausting three days but also incredibly rewarding!! Though Labor Day is still more than a week away, as far as marketing honchos in the restaurant industry are concerned, fall is already here. Theyve started promoting the now-iconic flavor of fall, pumpkin spice, on menus across a broad spectrum of restaurant concepts. PSL, as the flavor combination is known to industry insiders, this year first showed up at the start of August when 7-Eleven brought back its pumpkin-spice coffee drinks and, in select markets, began testing a new Pumpkin-Spice Slurpee drink. Both Dunkin and Starbucks typically hold back a bit, waiting until late August to launch their own PSL offerings. This years pumpkin-inspired beverages naturally include hot and cold coffee creations; Dunkin will also bring back its pumpkin donuts and muffins. Starbucks is expected to be introducing a Pumpkin Cream cold brew option as well as a Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin. Predictably, the weeks ahead will see pumpkin spice popping up everywhere, not just on restaurant menus, but on retail store shelves as well in cookies, cereals, coffee creamers, beer, and even toiletries. Various explanations have been put forth to explain the appeal of pumpkin spice, typically a combination of warm baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and more, further enhanced by pumpkin essence and, in some blends, notes of vanilla. Some food writers characterize the flavor as nothing more than a marketing ploy created to fill out product calendars between summer and the holiday season, when gingerbread and peppermint reign supreme. Emily Contois, an academic whose interest is tracking food and the media, postulates a psychological significance to the popularity of pumpkin spice, suggesting that the flavor replaces the actuality of cool, crisp fall days that many parts of the country no longer experience. The flavor blends late summer appearance, she asserts, thus serves to trigger nostalgia for fall days of yore. In any case, pumpkin spice seems to have real staying power. Its been more than 20 years since Starbucks first introduced its Pumpkin Spice Latte, which has become the chains most popular of seasonal beverage offerings. Moreover, the overall economic impact of PSL is substantial. In 2023, the total value of product sales across the pumpkin-spice spectrum was estimated to top $1.1 billion. ********** Side Dishes A sweet and savory end-of-summer gathering, the annual Look Park Food Truck Festival is scheduled for Aug. 24 from noon until 6 p.m. at Northamptons Look Park. The festival will be hosting more than 25 different food truck options, ranging from those representing Local Burger and Titos Taqueria to Clydes Cupcakes and Batch Ice Cream. A beer and wine tent also will be available. Entrance to the event itself is free, but there is a $10 parking fee to bring a vehicle into Look Park. More details about the festival, which is a rain-or-shine event, can be found on the Look Park website. ********** On Wednesday, Aug. 28 starting at 6:30 p.m. Portobello Restaurant in West Hartford, along with Glastonbury retailer The Best Wine Shop in Town, will be presenting an Italian Wine Dinner. The five-course experience will feature vegetable ravioli with saffron cream, chicken piccata, and a filet mignon with roasted vegetables. The Best Wine Shop is contributing its expertise by selecting Italian wines that pair with the menu being served. Cost to participate in the dinner is $75 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling Portobello Restaurant at 860-519-5232. ********** On Saturday, Aug. 24, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Holyoke will host its annual Greek Festival. The event, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be held rain or shine at the churchs 410 Main St. location. Greek food specialties such as moussaka, lamb gyros, chicken souvlaki and spanakopita will be featured along with authentic cookie and pastry favorites. The event is open to the public with free parking available. ********** Serving, perhaps, as the proverbial canary in the coal mine for industry trends, Starbucks recently reported disappointing sales and customer count numbers for the companys third quarter, which ended June 30. The chain recorded a global sales decline of 3% and a 6% decline in store traffic across its U.S. locations. Like all major chains, Starbucks engages in extensive analysis of its operating data and has concluded that its problem is with those customers who are not part of the chains reward program. Representing an estimated 40% of the Starbucks customer base, those not digitally tethered to the brand have been reducing their Starbucks usage. The question Starbucks management seems to be grappling with is whether price or service is the cause of this persistent sales slump. The companys leadership is apparently betting on the later. New technology is being introduced into the busiest locations with the objective of improving service speed, while at the same time the Seattle-based coffee giant is planning to ramp up new product introductions in order to draw in more customers. ********** Stone Soup Cafe in Greenfield will be sponsoring its annual Free Harvest Supper on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 4-6 p.m. A farm-to-table event in which locally grown food is showcased, the supper brings together area farmers, food crafters and chefs who prepare a meal thats serve on the Town Common in Greenfield. The Free Harvest Supper dates back to 2005. Organized by the later Juanita Nelson of Deerfield, an activist and organic farmer, the Supper was conceived of as a way to encourage people to grow their own food and support the regions agricultural economy. The Free Harvest Supper is open to all on a pay-what-you-can basis. Live music, a local art auction, and a free Famers Market where attendees can share in the donated agricultural bounty are all part of the event. To minimize the environmental impact of the Supper, participants asked to bring their own plates, cups, and utensils. Rain date for the supper is Aug. 25, same time and location. For more details, contact the Stone Soup Cafe at 413-422-0020. ********** Sonic Drive-in locations are currently featuring the Sonic Smasher, a limited-time-only sandwich creation that features two smashed burger patties, two slices of American cheese, a special Smasher sauce, crinkle-cut pickles, and diced onions all layered together on a potato bun. A three-patty upgrade is also available. There is a Sonic Drive-In location on Boston Road in the Walmart Plaza; they answer at 413-264-6250. ********** Increasingly, the sauce is the thing, whether the dining venue is white tablecloth or fast food, and in the latter category, KFC has amped up the flavor versality of its Saucy Nuggets by introducing three new sauce varieties - honey garlic, chipotle ranch and mango habanero. The three new sauces join two existing flavors, Korean BBQ and Honey BBQ. KFC has retired three other flavors to make room for the new additions. Saucy Nuggets are available in packs of 10, while a 40-piece Saucy Nuggets Party Pack is a digital exclusive. KFC has also added two new $5 Meals to its value offerings. These include an eight-piece Chicken Nuggets meal and a Famous Bowl with KFC Chicken Nuggets. Famous Bowls additionally feature mashed potato, sweet corn, and toppings of gravy and cheese. There are KFC locations on Center Street in Ludlow, on Memorial Drive in Chicopee, and on King Street in Northampton across from the Stop & Shop Plaza. ********** The Village Food Mart in Hampden is hosting a Summer Block Party on Saturday, Aug. 24, starting at noon and continuing until 4 p.m. The event will include beer and wine samples as well as hot dogs and hamburgers. Proceeds from the sale of the latter will benefit the Hampden-Wilbraham Public Schools. Free activities, crafts and a raffle will also be part of the fun. More details can be had by calling 413-566-8717. ********** The 1761 Old Mill Restaurant in Westminster will once again be hosting Monson-based Brickroad Productions in a dinner-theater evening on Friday, Sept. 6. The Brickroad company will be performing Trial & Error, a laugh-filled whodunit written by Steven Henderson. The performance will be preceded by a 7 p.m. buffet dinner; a cash bar will also be available. Tickets for the dinner and show are priced at $50 and can be obtained by calling 978-874-5941. Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community Colleges hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com. Last week, the World Health Organization, or WHO, determined that a surge of mpox cases in several African countries constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Heres what this means for you. What is monkeypox? Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus similar to the smallpox virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). People with mpox often get a rash, but most cases are not life-threatening. Mpox is endemic, i.e. found regularly, in parts of Central and West Africa, according to the CDC. It was originally called monkeypox because it was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, though its animal origin remains unknown. There are two clades of mpox clade I, which is endemic to Central Africa, and clade II, which is endemic to West Africa, according to the CDC. Clade I is deadlier and has historically killed up to 10% of infected people. Clade II led to the global mpox outbreak in 2022. What is a PHEIC? A public health emergency of international concern, or PHEIC, is defined by international health regulations as a public health crisis that is serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected; could impact countries around the world and may require immediate international action, according to the WHO. The WHOs director-general can declare a PHEIC after a committee of international public health experts meet to evaluate the situation and determine whether the situation rises to this crisis level. What happened last week? A WHO committee met last week and recommended a PHEIC be declared in response to an mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that has spread to neighboring countries, according to a press release from the WHO. The outbreak is due to a new strain of mpox called clade 1b, which emerged in the DRC last year and has been spreading through sexual networks. The number of clade 1b cases reported in the DRC so far this year has already exceeded last years total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths, according to the WHO. Additionally, cases of the new strain are now beginning to appear in countries neighboring the DRC. In the past month, more than 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of clade 1b have been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda none of which reported cases before, according to the WHO. Experts also believe the true number of cases is likely far higher than the number of confirmed cases. The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying, Ghebreyesus said in an Aug. 14 press release. On top of outbreaks of other mpox clades in DRC and other countries in Africa, its clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives. What happens now? WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is now expected to make temporary recommendations to countries on how to deal with the outbreak, the WHO said. The director-general has also started the process of listing mpox vaccines for emergency use, which will accelerate vaccine access for lower-income countries. The WHO is in the process of working with countries and vaccine manufacturers to acquire vaccine donations, according to the organization. It is also coordinating with its international partners to facilitate access to other healthcare tools that can help prevent and treat mpox. So far, the WHO has released $1.45 million in emergency money to scale up international mpox surveillance, preparedness and response efforts, but it anticipates that it will ultimately need $15 million to achieve its goals, the WHO said. The organization may release more emergency money in coming days and will be appealing to donors for additional funds. What are the symptoms of mpox? People with mpox often get a rash on their hands, feet, chest, face, mouth or near their genitals, according to the CDC. The rash may look like pimples or blisters and be itchy or painful. Other symptoms of mpox include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, congestion and coughing, according to the CDC. Some people experience all the symptoms of mpox, while others only experience a few. Mpox symptoms typically appear within 21 days of exposure to the virus, and flu-like symptoms often precede a rash by several days, according to the CDC. Mpox also has an incubation period of three to 17 days, during which a person will not have symptoms and may feel fine. Children less than a year old and people with severely weakened immune systems, a history of eczema or who are pregnant are more likely to develop severe illness as a result of a mpox infection, according to the CDC. How does mpox spread? Mpox spreads through direct contact with infected people or animals, including skin-to-skin contact with an mpox rash or contact with the bodily fluids or waste of an infected person or animal, according to the CDC. It is often spread through touching an infected person or pet, hunting or trapping infected wild animals, sexual contact with an infected person, scratches or bites from infected wild animals or from a pregnant person to their unborn child. Mpox can also spread through the touching of objects and surfaces that an infected person or animal has come into contact with, such as clothing, bedding, towels, fetish gear or sex toys, according to the CDC. The virus is not known to spread through water in pools, hot tubs or splash pads. A person with mpox can spread the virus from the time their symptoms start to when their rash has fully healed, according to the CDC. Evidence suggests that people can spread mpox days before their symptoms appear, but that people who never show symptoms are not infectious. How do I keep from becoming infected? Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to mpox should monitor themselves for symptoms for three weeks after their last exposure, according to the CDC. Anyone who has been exposed to the virus and exhibits symptoms, especially a rash, should contact their healthcare provider to get tested for mpox. The westbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Charlton reopened after both sides were closed due to multiple crashes, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. While one side is now open, the eastbound side remains closed with all traffic diverted off at exit 78 in Sturbridge, MassDOT wrote in an update on X at 3:41 p.m. In an initial post on X at 2:59 p.m., MassDOT wrote that the closure was only limited to the eastbound side near exit 85. An update 16 minutes later read that both directions were closed. Traffic is greatly slowed down beyond Millbury near the interchange with Route 146 headed westbound to the crash site, and, headed eastbound, the traffic backs up to before the Sturbridge exit headed to the crash, according to the Mass511 traffic map. Traffic was also backed up as of 4:20 p.m. in various spots on both sides of Route 20, which runs parallel to the Mass. Pike, according to Mass511. An emergency helicopter was on its way to the crash site, the Telegram & Gazette reported. A worker was injured in what fire officials described as a gas explosion at a construction site on the Lynnway Monday morning. The explosion happened around 9:30 a.m. Monday morning at 626 Lynnway, where a private contracting company was doing demolition work, Lt. Dennis Ring, a spokesman for the Lynn Fire Department, said. One person hurt in the explosion was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The construction worker was cutting a pipe when the explosion occurred, Ring said. No other workers at the site were injured and the building itself was not damaged, Ring said. The building will remain vacant for the time being while an investigation takes place. The property is being refabricated for other purposes, according to Ring. If you noticed that the moon was looking bigger this weekend, its going to look bigger and brighter Monday night. Earths satellite reached its full lunar phase on Monday, but it will also be whats called a blue supermoon or a Sturgeon Moon, according to NASA. In terms of color, the moon is not actually blue when this happens. This nickname is derived from the fact that blue moons appear during a season when there are three or four full moons in total, according to astronomers. The term Blue Moon goes back to 1528, when it could be a reference to rare events like when dust in Earths atmosphere makes the Moon actually look blue, according to the space agency. Think of the old phrase, Once in a blue moon. When it is a supermoon, Earths satellite appears 14% larger and 30% brighter than a micromoon, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich in London. A micromoon and supermoon only occur when the moon is full. This will be the first of four consecutive supermoons in 2024, with ones on Sept. 18, Oct. 17, and Nov. 15, the space website EarthSky wrote. Thats the beauty of the phases of the moon, they repeat, Noah Petro, a lunar reconnaissance orbiter project scientist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, told the Los Angeles Times. Dust off the binoculars, find those telescopes, and make an event of it. How to see the blue supermoon The full moon will hit its peak at around 2:26 p.m. Eastern Time and look full for three days, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. Look to the southeast after sunset to see the moon rising. By the evening, 100% of the moons side facing Earth will be illuminated. This illumination will slightly diminish over the coming days. Given the size and prominence of the moon on Monday, stargazers wont need binoculars but they can still be used for close-up views of the lit-up orb. The biggest caveat could be the weather. Massachusetts is expected to see cloudy and rainy conditions going into the evening, according to the National Weather Service. Latest guidance continues to agree on the development of a linear band of thunderstorms along an approaching cold front into western and central Massachusetts and into adjacent portions of Connecticut, forecasters said. ... The risk for thunderstorms in eastern Massachusetts is less with this later-day activity than in the interior. One way to catch a full view of the supermoon is by following a live stream ran by astronomer Gianluca Masi of the Virtual Telescope Project based in Rome. Watchable on YouTube, the live stream begins at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Sturgeon Moon moniker Full moon names come from, among other places, Native American, colonial American and European sources, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. The name Sturgeon Moon comes from the name of the giant lake fish of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, the Almanac read. These fish were readily caught during this part of summer and an important food staple for Native Americans who lived in the region. At one time the lake sturgeon was quite abundant in late summer, though they are rarer today, the Old Farmers Almanac wrote. Other Indigenous names used to describe the moon during this particular time of year include the Corn Moon, from the Algonquin and Ojibwe peoples; the Harvest Moon, according to the Dakota; and the Black Cherries Moon, from the Assiniboine, all according to the Almanac. Get a closer look Dont expect the supermoon to last long. While it will remain in its supermoon state until Wednesday, astronomers have also pointed out that the moon is expected to reach its closest point on its ellipse around Earth. This close point is referred to as perigee. On average, the moon at perigee is about 225,623 miles away from Earth, according to Londons Royal Museums Greenwich, which operates the Royal Observatory. The moons regular distance from Earth is 238,855 miles. The reason why the moon has a close point and a farther away point, called apogee, from Earth is because Earth is not centrally located along the moons ellipse, the Royal Museums wrote on its website. The moon previously reached apogee on Aug. 9. When the moon reaches this point on the ellipse (orbit), it is, on average, about 253,000 miles away from Earth, according to NASA. Ashford Castle is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of a beloved staff member. One of Irelands leading maitre d's (master of the house), Martin Gibbons joined the Castle in 1974, and has been looking after people, presidents, and pop stars ever since. It was August 1974 when Galway man Martin Gibbons stepped through the doors of Ashford Castle for the very first time, starting his first proper job as a commis waiter at the hotels historic George V restaurant. Fifty years on and Martin is still walking through those famous castle doors, where he is now maitre d in the very same restaurant, meeting, greeting and seating guests. Mr Gibbons golden anniversary was marked by colleagues today with a surprise celebration at the renowned estate as Mr Gibbons recounted golden moments and memories from the years gone. From Ronald Reagan to Rod Stewart, Fred Astaire and Pierce Brosnan, he has met them all; and he has no plans to retire any time soon. The Gibbons family's association with Ashford Castle estate dates back to the time of his grandfather, also Martin, who worked as a gamekeeper for the then owners, the Guinness. His father was a ghillie, fishing Lough Corrib with guests of the castle from the 1940s through to the 1960s. Three of Martins five children have also worked on the estate, and the castle is where he met his wife, Breege, when she was working there as a chef in the 1980s. He said: The Ashford estate has been part of our family for more than 120 years and for me, while I have never stayed in the castle, it feels like a home from home. Theres nowhere like it in the world and I would really miss both the place and of course the people, if I ever decide to retire. In addition to the stars and celebrities, the maitre d loves to see returning guests, many of whom made their first trip to Ashford Castle as children. Weve had the same families visiting us every year, and its wonderful to see the different generations getting the same enjoyment that their parents and grandparents got from a visit to this very special place. We treat every guest in the same way - everyone is important to us, and we want to ensure that each stay is both memorable and special. Its not uncommon to be greeted by guests with a hug, its just that kind of place, he added. Niall Rochford, Managing Director of the Ashford Estate, called the celebration a remarkable milestone. We have colleagues who have worked with us for twenty, thirty and even forty years, but this is a celebration for a colleague and a friend who marks an astonishing 50 years at Ashford Castle. Martins professionalism, his stories and good humour and the way in which he looks after guests make him, in my view, the finest maitre ds in the country, if not in Europe. He is loved by colleagues and guests alike and quite frankly, hes an absolute legend, he concluded. by Fern Siegel , August 19, 2024 The 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance is honored in a new campaign from New York Times Advertising and its in-house content studio T Brand. The creative, produced for U.S. Bank, is a first for the newspaper. It comprises two 12-page zines that pay tribute to the underground press active during this period. It was known as a vibrant age for Blacks artists, writers and musicians and its influence extended nationwide. The first zine for U.S. Bank focuses on Black wealth and entrepreneurs and debuted in the Sunday edition of The New York Times on August 18. The Harlem Renaissance was a period of rich cultural artistry from 1917 to the 1930s. The zines were filled with poetry, stories, news, cultural information and political essays. Jacob Lawrence, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Duke Ellington and Josephine Baker were all part of that era. advertisement advertisement These visionaries paved the way for cultural pride and equality, showcasing the brilliance and beauty of Black culture to the world. The first issue, titled Legacy, focuses on the new Black wealth renaissance, exploring the innovative ways in which Black entrepreneurs and creatives are redefining success and prosperity today," Greg Cunningham, U.S. Bank's Chief Diversity Officer, told Agency Daily. The initial issue details how Black communities are creating intergenerational wealth, such as The Bradfords, a fourth-generation family of ranchers in Oklahoma. The custom typography of the new zine is called VTC Sarah and was created by Tre Seals. He was inspired by his great-great grandparents' marriage certificate. The second zine focuses on the contributions of Black artists in various fields. A paid post and FlexXL units will be displayed across The Times homepage. by Tanya Gazdik , August 18, 2024 Elon Musk aims to give Tesla customers options for killing time during the charging process. It'll also be a new source of revenue for the automaker's founder. A futuristic Tesla Supercharging station in Los Angels will include a 24-hour diner and drive-in theater. The dirt lot where construction began last September now hosts what appears to be a two-story building with a shiny metallic exterior, according to Business Insider. Former Tesla employee Alex Ingram also shared footage of construction efforts in April when he was the company's chief designer. The company has remained tight-lipped on the project, but Bloomberg previously reported that the site will be a Supercharging station with 28 stalls and two movie screens that can accommodate over 200 people. The screens will show films that last 15 to 30 minutes, about how long it takes to charge a Tesla vehicle. advertisement advertisement Offering charging at restaurants is not a new concept, notes Yahoo Finance. Last year, Subway sandwich shops announced plans to roll out Subway Oasis charging parks with canopies, chargers and picnic tables. Starbucks continues to expand its charging options with plans to add 100 new charging stations, bringing its total to over 1,000. There are also charging stations at movie theaters like Cinemark. Tesla filed an application with the US Trademark Office to use the brand in restaurant services in 2021 but did not submit plans for a 24-hour Supercharging station to Los Angeles officials until 2022. The Diners location will be at 7001 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, according to PropertyShark data," reports TechCrunch. The property is classed as a one-story restaurant/cocktail lounge/tavern, but videos detailing construction on the site appear to show a two-story building. The company, which posted drawings of the project during an investor day presentation, has begun to advertise for employees. Tesla is seeking a Tesla Diner Experience Specialist with a salary range of $83,600 to $285,000. The employee will work with the charging operations team to ensure exceptional customer experience at the Tesla Diner, according to a job posting on LinkedIn, first spotted by the blog Drive Tesla Canada. Seeking an individual who is passionate about providing unparalleled and immersive customer experience for charging and dining, the posting reads. While the job posting doesnt indicate when Tesla plans to open the diner, the fact the job has been published is a good sign it is not too far away, per Drive Tesla Canada. But there is still a lot of construction work left to do. by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, August 19, 2024 Neiman Marcus is looking to stand out this fall with Extraordinary Pursuits, a fashion campaign thats a glamor throwback, starring actors Ayo (The Bear) Edebiri and Colman (Euphoria) Domingo. Its the first major push from the Dallas-based luxury retailer since the July announcement that HBC, parent of Saks, announced its intention to acquire the company.* The story starts when a gust of wind blows a hat off Edebiris head, sending her into Neiman Marcus, where she and Domingo try on one hat after another, each inspiring a new look. The spot is broken up with title frames right out of a silent movie. Its part of the 30th anniversary of The Art of Fashion, the retailers annual fall fashion catalog. Tyler Mitchell, perhaps best known for his photo of Beyonce for a cover of Vogue, shot this years campaign, joining the ranks of iconic photographers like Richard Avedon and Helmut Newton. advertisement advertisement In the retailers announcement, Nabil Aliffi, the companys chief brand officer, says the new effort is an homage to the personal style of our clients. The campaign celebrates cinematic world-making articulated through our curated product assortment. Theres also a site and app campaign takeover, with Mitchell's imagery and corresponding editorial stories. Other assets of the campaign expand on the ongoing anthology series, The Achievers, part of last years New Frontierscampaign. In addition to Edebiri and Domingo, that effort also includes profiles of journalist Amy Fine Collins and longtime Neiman Marcus client Alexis Stiles, who both have cameos in the video. As is true every August, the campaign is up against stiff competition as luxury brands unleash their fall fashion efforts. Gucci is also invoking Old Hollywood, with new ads starring actor Blake (It Ends with Us) Lively. Lively also graces the cover of September Vogue, the issue that still sets much of the fashion mood heading into New York Fashion Week. And Tapestrys shoe and boot brand Stuart Weitzman is also running a new How lovely to be a woman campaign. It, too, is full of famous faces, including new brand ambassadors like actors Issa Rae and Lucy Liu, models Christy Turlington and Ming Xi, and gymnast Aly Raisman. But the stakes are more intense this year, with luxury brands under growing pressure. LVMH, Kering, Burberry and Hugo Boss have all seen slumps recently, as brands lurch between catering to the worlds wealthiest and reaching out to more aspirational luxury shoppers, who are increasingly concerned about the economy. As a narrative of resurgence and resilience emerges, luxury brands must rethink the way they build their value proposition to prioritize trust and connection with consumers, writes Claudia DArpizi, a Bain & Company partner and leader of Bains global luxury goods and fashion practice, in its recent analysis. Many are navigating a momentary crisis, driven by macroeconomic pressures and a polarized customer base. The new ownership of Neiman Marcus, still subject to regulatory approvals, would rescue it from some of those financial pressures. HBC, the parent of Saks Fifth Avenue, announced in July that it would acquire Neiman Marcus in a $2.65 billion deal, establishing it as part of Saks Global, a tech-powered luxury retail company. The proposed deal includes HBCs U.S. real estate assets and Neiman Marcus Groups real estate assets, creating a $7 billion portfolio. *An earlier version of this story should have clarified that the acquisition is still subject to regulatory approvals. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, August 19, 2024 Siding with late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, a federal judge has dismissed former lawmaker George Santos's copyright infringement suit over a series of prank videos that were broadcast on TV and posted to YouTube. In a ruling issued Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Denise Cote in the Southern District of New York said it was evident from the allegations in Santos's complaint that the YouTube posts were protected by fair use principles. It is clear ... that the defendants copied the videos for the transformative purposes of criticism and commentary, Cote wrote. The ruling comes in a dispute dating to February, when Santos sued Kimmel, ABC and Disney over Cameo videos that featured Santos reading absurd messages that had been suggested by Kimmel. The Cameo videos ran on Jimmy Kimmel Live as part of the segment, Will Santos Say It, and were also posted to YouTube. advertisement advertisement One clip showed Santos congratulating the fictional Gary Fortuna, who supposedly had eaten almost six pounds of loose ground beef in under 30 minutes to win the contest. I know you're feeling a little under the weather, but I hear from a great source that the doctor said that you'll be released from the hospital soon and recover well, Santos says on the clip. Santos, who on Monday pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, joined Cameo late last year, just days after he was expelled from Congress. He charged $200 a video to deliver personalized messages through the platform. Santos's complaint centered on allegations that Kimmel and the TV network infringed copyright by displaying the Cameo videos. Kimmel and the TV network urged Cote to dismiss the case at an early stage, arguing that the clips were a quintessential example of a fair use," and therefore didn't infringe copyright. The videos were shown to mock and criticize Santos decision to immediately pivot from being expelled from Congress for financial misconduct to a 'new gig' selling Cameo videos, in a manner that suggested he still had no shame about doing anything for money, attorneys for Kimmel and ABC wrote. The thrust of the first segment was to see whether Santos would be willing to say patently ridiculous things in exchange for several hundred dollars, they added, referring to a segment that aired on December 7, 2023. Cote agreed with Kimmel and ABC, and dismissed the case at an early stage. She said that even though judges don't typically decide fair use questions until later in the proceedings, in this case it was obvious from Santos's allegations that Kimmel and the network would prevail. That ruling likely is a one-off, driven by Santos's notoriety, according to Santa Clara University law professor Eric Goldman. It's impossible to ignore the backdrop -- that Santos is such a disgraced figure, Goldman says. The entire opinion revolves around the fact that because he's so mockable, the court's going to let him be mocked. by Teresa Buyikian , August 19, 2024 The worlds ultimate judge has traded talent for pizza. Dominos today announced a partnership with TV personality, record executive and judge of all things Simon Cowell, most famous for his scathing critiques of aspiring stars on American Idol, for its latest marketing effort. The :30 spot, seen here, depicts the salty Cowell sitting inside the restaurant as a group of nervous Dominos employees stand before him awaiting to present their pizzas. Impress me, he demands of the group, which we learn are the Dominos Quality Captains. Cowell serves as leader, of course. He proceeds to skewer each one, Distribution of toppings? Terrible. Pathetic. I hate it, Cowell says. Then a voiceover explains that Dominos holds your pizza to a higher standard. The spot ends with Cowell finally giving a perfect pie an enthusiastic Yes! as the team erupts in glee. advertisement advertisement Domino's has a longstanding history of making sure each pizza is delicious, said Kate Trumbull, Domino's senior vice president/chief brand officer in the announcement. But now, we're taking operational excellence to the next level." Its an interesting strategy, given the all the recent consumer backlash on portion size at Chipotle and overall quality and price at Taco Bell and many QSR chains. "We're not just saying we care about quality -- we're showcasing it through our products and the operational enhancements we've made over the years," added Frank Garrido, Domino's executive vice president/chief restaurant officer. "Domino's franchisees and their store team members are trained and focused on ensuring customers' orders meet their expectations. Every order counts. That includes checking pizza toppings before they go in the oven, to confirming each order has all of its items down to each dipping cup." The new effort was created with agency WorkInProgress and begins running on TV, online and streaming today. Using Solar Energy and Body Heat for Power Trusted Source Novel self-powered smart fabric may enhance your health Go to source Trusted Source Smart #facemasks help track breath temperature,heart rate and detect chemicals that may indicate #viruses, #lung cancer, other health conditions. #medindia Smart Fabric with Sensors for Health Tracking Advertisement Novel self-powered smart fabric may enhance your health - (https:www.deshsewak.org/english/news/167337 ) Advertisement Imagine wearing clothes that use solar energy to keep you warm on winter walks, or a shirt that automatically measures your temperature and heart rate. A group of Canadian scientists introduced a smart fabric with these astounding characteristics.A group at the University of Waterloo in Canada invented a novel fabric , which can generate electricity from solar energy and body heat, possibly eliminating the need for external power sources().This creates opportunities for incorporating different sensors within the fabric to track things like temperature and stress . The material has sensors to track pressure, chemical composition, and other characteristics. It can also sense temperature changes.One promising use of this fabric is the development of smart face masks that can monitor breath temperature and rate while identifying substances that may suggest infections, lung cancer , or other health issues.Prof. Yuning Li of the University stated, "We have created a fabric with multifunctional sensing capabilities and the potential for self-powering, bringing us closer to practical smart fabric applications".The innovation provides a fabric that is more stable, durable, and cost-effective, unlike current wearable electronics that often rely on external power sources or regular recharging. The study demonstrates the potential of combining cutting-edge textile technology with novel materials such as conductive polymers and MXene to create wearable smart fabrics.The research was conducted in collaboration with Jiangnan University in China. Li stated, "This new smart fabric is a significant advancement in making environmental tracking, health monitoring, and other applications of AI technology practical."The upcoming research phase will focus on improving the performance of the fabric and integrating it with electrical components. The main goal is to enable real-time, non-invasive health monitoring and daily use. We will also develop a smartphone app in collaboration with electrical and computer specialists to track and send data from the fabric.Source-IANS Highlights: People with cirrhosis (a chronic liver disease) experience muscle cramps at night (nocturnal muscle cramps) Frequent nighttime muscle cramps can disrupt sleep among cirrhosis patients Practicing mind-body therapies such as meditation and stretching can relieve muscle cramps and improve sleep quality in cirrhosis patients Trusted Source The RELAX randomized controlled trial: Stretching versus meditation for nocturnal muscle cramps Go to source Trusted Source Stretching and meditation can help cirrhosis patients say goodbye to nighttime muscle cramps (nocturnal muscle cramps) and get enough sleep at night. #musclecramps #cirrhosis #sleepwell Advertisement Muscle Cramps in Chronic Liver Disease Advertisement Mind-Body Therapies to Get Rid of Muscle Cramps Caused by Cirrhosis Advertisement Stretching vs. Meditation: Which is Better for Nocturnal Muscle Cramps? Trusted Source Can pickle juice reduce cirrhotic muscle cramping? Go to source Trusted Source The RELAX randomized controlled trial: Stretching versus meditation for nocturnal muscle cramps - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38860445/) Can pickle juice reduce cirrhotic muscle cramping? - (https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/can-pickle-juice-reduce-cirrhotic-muscle-cramping) Stretching and meditation can relieve nocturnal muscle cramps (nighttime muscle cramps) in people suffering from cirrhosis (scarring or damage of the liver ), suggests a new study.A new study from the University of Michigan compared the two therapies (stretching and meditation) to reduce nocturnal muscle cramps and surprisingly found both effective.The findings of the study are published in the journal).Nearly two out of every three people with cirrhosis experience muscle cramps at night which may disrupt their sleep.Since nocturnal muscle cramps affect sleep , they exacerbate other symptoms.In a previous study, Michigan doctors found that muscle cramps have the highest impact on the quality of life , compared to other cirrhosis-related symptoms, thus making their treatment a priority.We wanted to test two different treatments for cramps: One was coping with meditation and the other was physically stretching to prevent the occurrence of the cramp, said Elliot Tapper M.D., director of the University of Michigans Cirrhosis Program, and lead author on the paper.The result was indeed eye-catching and somewhat unexpected.The study findings highlight that both interventions significantly reduced cramps severity and also improved the quality of life, which was truly unexpected.The researchers selected meditation as an active placebo after referring to earlier research on mindfulness techniques for caregivers of people with cirrhosis.In this study, the participants in the meditation group and stretching group participants both reported reduced muscle cramp severity and experienced better sleep.The hope was that if we could see some positive effects for patients, then we could use meditation in other studies of generalized chronic pain, said Tapper.In order to get rid of cirrhosis cramps, a higher percentage of patients who stretched (79.5%) said they would suggest their intervention than those patients who meditated (55.3%). On the other hand, meditation was more likely to improve overall health-related quality of life.I just thought meditation and stretching could only improve the quality of life, but not reduce cramps severity, added Tapper.These results show that, if practiced regularly, these mind-body methods have the ability to train people to overcome more painful physical symptoms like these, said Tapper.There is limited research on therapies to mitigate these cramps, despite the high prevalence of cirrhosis and other chronic liver disease An earlier research led by Tapper showed that drinking pickle juice could be an effective remedy to stop cramps. However, it did not improve the overall quality of life ().Hence, the findings of the current study suggest thatSource-Medindia Despite having denser bones, older women with type 2 diabetes are more likely to suffer fractures because their muscles and balance are often weaker! #diabetescare #bonehealth #medindia Connecticut's Department of Veterans Affairs improperly authorized overtime and compensatory time for employees and failed to keep track of inventory, a new state audit found. The audit, which covered fiscal years 2020 and 2021, specifically faulted the agency for paying employees comp and overtime before supervisors issued approval. In some examples, that approval came weeks after the money was paid. "There is an increased risk for the improper earning and use" of compensatory and overtime, auditors noted. In responses included with the audit, the DVA agreed with the findings and pledged to improve accountability. In a statement this week, DVA Commissioner Ron Welch, brigadier general, USA (Ret.), said: "We are reviewing the results of the 2020-2021 state audit report with our staff and program directors. We appreciate the efforts of the audit team and will move forward with their recommendations." The DVA provides comprehensive health, social and rehabilitative services to veterans in Connecticut and operates the Veterans Home in Rocky Hill, which includes a 125-bed skilled nursing facility and 488-bed residential facility for eligible veterans. The department also operates the Office of Advocacy and Assistance, which assists veterans and their families in accessing federal, state, local benefits and entitlements. Compensatory Time Auditors pointed out department policy requires supervisors approve employee compensatory time before the money is paid out. "Our review of 48.25 hours of compensatory time earned by 10 employees revealed that five employees obtained supervisory approval five to 24 days after earning compensatory time," auditors said. "We also found that the department enrolled three employees in the wrong compensatory time plan." During the audited period, 18 employees earned 326.75 hours of compensatory time. "Enrolling employees in the wrong compensatory time plans could result in ineligible employees earning time," auditors said. "The late approval of compensatory time and incorrect enrollment appear to be the result of a lack of management oversight. The Department of Veterans Affairs should strengthen internal controls to ensure it properly preauthorizes compensatory time and enrolls employees in the correct plan." The finding had been previously reported in the last two audit reports covering 2016 through 2019. In response, the agency acknowledged the "deficiency" and pledged to make changes. "Currently, employees that are enrolled in incorrect compensation plans are quickly corrected due to greater oversight and response," the agency said in the audit. "Payroll's processing of new hires includes compensation plan enrollment according to the individual's bargaining unit. DVA Payroll works to accurately input employees transferring from another department. Payroll has been diligently reviewing each compensation form to ensure inclusion of the appropriate approvals, and dates. Payroll approves time based on the manager or supervisor's approval." Overtime Approval Much like with comp time, auditors pointed out overtime must first receive supervisory approval before it can be worked and paid to an employee. Auditors said a review of 769 hours of overtime earned by 10 employees identified: 72 instances in which eight employees requested 586.5 hours of overtime using the wrong form. The employees used the DVA Employee Leave Time Request Form used to request paid leave rather than the DVA Overtime/Compensatory Time Approval Form. As a result, the department did not adequately document whether the overtime hours requests were properly approved, accurately calculated or appropriately recorded. Supervisors did not preapprove 38.5 hours of overtime for two employees. Supervisors approved the overtime between six and 26 days after the employee worked the overtime. Auditors were unable to verify whether two nurse supervisors obtained Director of Nursing's approval to support 129.75 hours of overtime. "When the department does not utilize proper forms or follow established overtime procedures, there is an increased risk of unauthorized overtime," auditors said. "The use of incorrect forms and delays in supervisory approval appears to be the result of lack of management oversight." The finding had not been previously reported in prior audits. In response, the DVA agreed with the finding. "Payroll is currently working with all internal departments to ensure the appropriate and universal Overtime Request Form is used agency wide," the DVA said. "Both managers and supervisors of the Nursing Department were made aware that the incorrect forms were being used. They have been provided the most up to date copy of the Overtime/Comp. time request form." The DVA added: "Managers and supervisors will continuously be educated across all units to ensure appropriate reviewing of all overtime requests occurs based on operational needs." Asset Management Auditors said state law requires agencies to establish and maintain inventory as well as an inventory system which provides accountability for safeguarding assets. Auditors said their review of the asset management system determined DVA did not: Provide sufficient documentation for inventory totaling $1.8 million and deletions of $1.8 million for the 2020 fiscal year. Report any capital and controllable asset additions or deletions for 2021 fiscal year. Core-CT records indicated $162,510 in additions and $540,711 in deletions. Record six asset purchases, totaling $90,243, in the Core-CT asset management module. Additionally, the department did not tag five of these six assets. Perform a physical inventory for fiscal years 2020 or 2021. The last inventory was dated June 14, 2017, and auditors noted 481 out of 1,785 controllable inventory items did not have an inventory date in Core-CT. "Deficiencies in asset management controls decrease the department's ability to properly safeguard assets and accurately report inventory," auditors said. "DVA did not comply with the requirements of the State Property Control Manual. These issues appear to be a result of a lack of management oversight, inadequate asset recording and reporting controls, and staffing changes." The finding had not been previously reported. "The Department of Veterans Affairs should strengthen internal controls over the recording, reporting, and safeguarding of assets to ensure compliance with the State Comptroller's Property Control Manual," auditors said. In response, the agency acknowledged the need for properly tracking all state assets. "The DVA's previous asset processing supervisor position was non-existent for a few years," DVA said. "The current Fiscal support services staff is engaged in ongoing training and communication with the State Asset Management team to upload and track all agency assets and inventory at CT DVA. This is a continued and improved work in progress." (c) 2024 The Register Citizen, Torrington, Conn. Visit The Register Citizen, Torrington, Conn., at www.registercitizen.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates A former Saudi official has alleged that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged his father's signature on the royal decree that launched the kingdom's yearslong, stalemated war against Yemen's Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the allegations made without supporting evidence by Saad al-Jabri in a BBC interview published Monday. The kingdom has described him as a discredited former government official." Al-Jabri, a former intelligence official who lives in exile in Canada, has been in a long dispute with the kingdom as his two children have been imprisoned in a case he describes as trying to lure him back to Saudi Arabia. The allegation comes as Prince Mohammed serves as Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, often meeting leaders in place of his father, 88-year-old King Salman. Prince Mohammed's assertive behavior, particularly early in his ascension to power around the beginning of the Yemen war in 2015, has extended to a wider crackdown on any perceived dissent or power base that could challenge his rule. Al-Jabri told the BBC a credible, reliable official linked to the Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed to him that Prince Mohammed signed the decree declaring war in place of his father. Prince Mohammed was the defense minister at the time. We were surprised that there was a royal decree to allow the ground interventions, al-Jabri told the BBC. He forged the signature of his dad for that royal decree. The kings mental capacity was deteriorating. A U.S.-based lawyer for al-Jabri did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The war against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, launched with promises by the prince it would quickly be over, has ground on for nearly a decade. The war has killed more than 150,000 people and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters. The Houthis since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip have launched attacks on shipping that have disrupted traffic through the Red Sea and led to the most intense combat faced by the U.S. Navy since World War II. Al-Jabri once worked for former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, a trusted confidant of the U.S. in the battle against al-Qaida militants in the kingdom after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. King Salman replaced the crown prince for his son in 2017, and Prince Mohammed bin Nayef is believed to have been held under house arrest. Al-Jabri sued Prince Mohammed bin Salman in U.S. federal court, alleging the crown prince sought to have him killed after he fled abroad. He planned for my assassination, al-Jabri told the BBC. He will not rest until he sees me dead. I have no doubt about that. He described his fears that the crown prince still wants him killed as his children remain imprisoned in the kingdom. Al-Jabri also again alleged Prince Mohammed considered assassinating former King Abdullah with a poison ring from Russia something he claimed in a 2021 interview with CBS. Pvt. George Coe Browning is finally coming home. Nearly 80 years after the Marine went missing in action during the bloody invasion of Iwo Jima, the former Bergen County resident will be laid to rest Monday in Englewood's Brookside Cemetery alongside his mother. A Marine Honor Guard and his lone surviving relatives will honor his memory at the grave. "He's finally going to go back to where his mother is," said Peter Clay, Browning's 81-year-old nephew, who is flying in from Virginia with his wife and daughter for the funeral. Clay grew up in Englewood, but was just a baby when his uncle died on the battlefield. Clay says his mother, who was Browning's older sister, didn't talk much about the tragedy -- mainly because the family didn't know much. "All these years, we really didn't know what happened," Clay said. But thanks largely to the work of WFI Research Group, a Florida-based nonprofit that works with the military to identify missing soldiers, Browning's remains were positively identified in April and he'll be given a military funeral on Monday. "The Marine Corps is going to do the ceremony, and they have provided the transportation for me, my wife, and my daughter," said Clay. Browning was born in Minneapolis, but appears to have grown up in and around Englewood in Bergen County, according to military records obtained by NJ Advance Local. His mother, Carol Coe Browning, lived on East Clinton Avenue in Tenafly until her death in 1986, records show. Trained as a radio field operator, Browning was reported missing in action on Feb. 20, 1945, the second day of the invasion of Iwo Jima. Dispatched from his unit to pick up radio gear on an adjoining beach, Browning never made it back and was presumed dead. Browning's body was never recovered, so he became one of the 50 "unknown soldiers" killed in the battle and initially buried on Iwo Jima. There were 6,821 service members killed during the five-week assault. When the battle was over, Browning's remains and the remains of other unknown soldiers were shipped to a laboratory in Saipan. In Saipan, the military created a file with Browning's dental records and a sketch of the remains depicting the wounds. Clay said his uncle was then interred in the Manilla Cemetery in the Philippines, his file marked X12. Until April, he was one of one of roughly 72,000 service members from World War II still listed as Missing in Action. The break in the case came in January 2019, when Clay received a letter from Ted Darcy, a retired Marine gunnery sergeant who runs the WFI Research Group with his wife in Pensacola, Florida. "Are you the kin of Pvt. George Coe Browning?" Darcy wanted to know. Clay was taken aback. "After all these years," Clay said. Since 1991, Darcy has made it his mission to help the military identify missing service members. He's compiled a database with the files of 33,000 MIA service members and works with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to identify missing Marines. Darcy, 73, said it's painstaking work getting military agencies to then convince them to exhume remains, but it's worth it when the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency makes a positive identification and notifies the family. To date, WFI Research Group takes credit for identifying 196 missing Marines, according to its website. "I do it for free," Darcy said. "The families have already paid enough." Darcy encourages families of missing service members to reach out to him at wreck2@comcast.net. In 2019, Darcy turned over 50 sets of records of unknown Iwo Jima service members to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to be identified. "Then the pandemic hit and everything slowed down," Darcy said. It took five years, but in April 2023, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency issued a disinterment order to examine the remains of X12. Clay said he and Browning's younger sister, Patricia, gave DNA samples to the military. But Clay said Patricia didn't live to see the day her missing brother was found. On April 15, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency posted that Pvt. George Coe Browning was missing no more. "DPAA historians conducting on-going [sic] research into the Unknowns associated with the Battle of Iwo Jima found that one set of Unknown remains could be associated with Pvt. Browning," the post said. "This set of remains was disinterred....and transferred to a DPAA laboratory for further study. The laboratory analysis and the totality of the circumstantial evidence available established the remains as those of Pvt. Browning." Clay said he's seen the sketch of the remains and it's clear to him that his uncle was killed by mortar fire. Browning's mother and two sisters died without ever knowing what happened. Although he never met his uncle, Clay said Browning had a huge impact on his life. In 1961, Clay was 18 years old and had been accepted to CW Post College on Long Island. But he didn't have money for tuition. Clay said his mother went to the bank, opened a safe deposit box, and gave him the money for tuition. The money, she told him, had come from savings bonds Browning had bought while he was in the service. "My mother said to me, 'Peter, my brother George left these for you,'" Clay recalled. "He paid my way through college right then and there." He graduated four years later with a degree in psychology, then joined the Marine Corps and went to Vietnam. On Monday, he will lay his uncle to rest in graveside service that begins at 1:30 p.m. "It's been an interesting voyage," he said. 2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit nj.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. In January 1942, a month after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, low-flying airplanes began appearing in the skies between Springfield and Decatur. Soon, farmers in the area were told they'd have 30 days to leave their land and urged to take as much personal property as they could in that time. They objected, saying their land was among the top 5% in the country for production of corn, wheat and soybeans. "We were told to raise food to win this war," farmer Harry E. Pickrell told the Chicago Tribune at the time. "Then this thing comes up." "This thing" was a giant ordnance plant -- nearly 20,000 acres stretching almost 4 miles along U.S. 36 in western Sangamon County, about 60 miles west of Champaign-Urbana. The plant was to be built on land that was flat, far away from coastlines, close to the Wabash Railroad and Illinois Terminal interurban lines, and reasonably near a motherlode of prospective workers in Springfield (population 75,500) and Decatur (60,000). Remnants of the armament plant are still visible today, some 80 years later, a few hundred yards north of Interstate 72 near Illiopolis, where in the distance motorists can see a water tower, a number of slowly decaying buildings and "igloos," half-buried structures where explosives at the plant were stored. Less than a year after a federal court approved an application from the War Department to take the land from farmers by eminent domain, a virtual city had been built there. "Well, the federal agent came by and my dad was shingling the house, and he said, 'Don't work on the house anymore, because you're going to have to move,'" John Lyon of Illiopolis told an oral historian in 1989. The ordnance plant, estimated to have cost $35 million to build (almost $700 million in today's dollars), included assembly lines, police and fire stations, stables for the horses used at the plant, a hospital, a cafeteria, water and sewer systems, a network of roads and rail sidings, security fences, a new interurban station, a day-care center, barracks for some of the workers and those all-important igloos. "It's just unbelievable what the United States can do, even military or anyway when they decide to make up their mind," said Phelps Sheller in 1989, 47 years after he worked at the plant as a high-schooler, making 75 cents an hour loading boxes of shells onto trucks. "I'm not going to say it's going to be the cheapest or the most efficient, but that plant was very, very well built." The Sangamon Ordnance Plant, which employed 9,700 people at the peak of its short, three-year life, initially was two separate plants. One, on the north side of U.S. 36, was the Oak Ordnance Plant operated by Johnson & Johnson. On the south side was the Sangamon Ordnance Plant operated by Remington Rand. By September 1943, the plants were merged under Remington Rand. Because so many men were gone from central Illinois to fight the war, newspaper advertisements appealed to women to seek employment at the plant. One that ran in the Decatur Daily Review a few weeks after D-Day in 1944 stressed that "women in all walks of life" were employed there: housewife, club woman, schoolteacher, sales lady and wives of servicemen. "We need more women at once," said the full-page ad. It referred to "good wages" and "pleasant working conditions," ignoring the fact that dangerous explosives were all around the facility. "Well we couldn't have no metal on us. We wore steel-toed shoes and we had to use string on our hair, you couldn't have no bobby pins or nothing," Dora Welch, who worked on a line stuffing shells with powder, told an interviewer in 1990. "We were working with live shell, afraid of sparks, et cetera. They wouldn't let us have anything like that out on the line. We changed clothes and we were in uniform, little old unbleached muslin uniforms, and our clothes was left in the change house." For that dangerous work she was paid 70 cents an hour (equivalent to about $12.50 today). But, she added, she saved $3,000 in a short time. "Because you couldn't go anyplace and you couldn't do anything. All you did was eat and sleep," Welch said. Not everyone was so disciplined, however. "I know that while this plant was at its peak, there was a lot of money spent in our city," Paul Hohenstein of Illiopolis said in 1989. "One thing that seemed odd to me was there was five or six taverns in our little town, and I could almost point them out to you, and they were rowdy all the time." He said that his father allowed him to play pool at one boisterous place, "and it was really almost like a Wild West town. It was really kind of rough. You'd have drunks laying in the street in late hours and especially in the summertime. My gosh, it was going on until one or two o'clock in the morning." The bulk of the workers -- an estimated 70 percent of whom were women -- lived in Springfield, Decatur, Illiopolis or other nearby towns in a 30-mile radius. Most either carpooled or took the rickety interurban trains (a round trip ticket was 35 cents, or about $6.25 today). Little Illiopolis became stretched to its limits. "If you had seen Illiopolis in 1940 and 1941, it was a little town of six or seven hundred people, and if you would have seen it in 1942, you would have never believed what happened here," said Herb Lee, who began working at the plant in 1942. "There was people living in anything they could live in. They had tents pitched. Everybody in town had a room rented out." But almost as quickly as it all began, it all ended. "All production ceased abruptly with the announcement of V-J Day," wrote Virginia Walgren in a 2013 master's thesis on the Sangamon plant. "The announcement came after the employees of the first shift had returned home for the day on 14 August 1945. Radio announcements, which were authorized by the plant's general manager, B.B. Bond, were made that night authorizing a two-day holiday. When workers returned on Friday, 95 percent of them were laid off." The Chicago Tribune reported that all 4,000 people working at the plant in August 1945 would be out of jobs within three months. The same thing was occurring all over the state: 17,500 workers at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Park Ridge, 7,800 at the Buick Aircraft plant in Melrose Park, 50,000 steelworkers at plants throughout the area, all soon to be unemployed in defense industries. In September 1945, the Sangamon Ordnance Plant was turned over to the War Assets Administration for disposal and warehousing. By the end of the year, 32 large tracts of land at the Sangamon site were sold back to former owners. And by January 1948, several buildings and facilities at the site were sold to new businesses, including International Textiles Co. and DeKalb Hybrid Seed Co. Today, most of the property has been returned to agriculture, except for an unknown number of acres that remain fenced off, either because of contamination from the ordnance plant or from a 2004 Formosa Plastics plant explosion at virtually the same site. Sangamon was no ordinary war-production plant. In 1943, it was awarded the Army-Navy "E" banner, which went to only about 5 percent of the 85,000 companies that produced materials for the war effort. "Starting from scratch, you people in a new plant have accomplished a miracle of production," said James H. Rand Jr., president and chairman of the board of Remington Rand. "Anyone who has watched you work on the lines knows that you are doing your share for victory -- a victory that our boys are going to win a year from today." Rand's prediction was optimistic by more than a year, but not for lack of effort at the Sangamon Ordnance Plant. (c) 2024 The News-Gazette (Champaign, Ill.) Visit The News-Gazette (Champaign, Ill.) at www.news-gazette.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Army said Friday it will reimburse soldiers who may need to foot the bill for college courses this fall as glitches in the service's tuition-assistance portal have kept hundreds of troops from accessing those funds. Army IgnitED, which connects soldiers with federal funds to cover the cost of college courses and other credentialing programs, has been plagued by technical difficulties for years. Now, an effort to connect the online portal to the Army's personnel files appears to have created a new slew of problems for troops in the weeks leading up to the fall semester. The hurdles could force soldiers to postpone their education or to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to move forward with their classes. Some schools may opt to hold off on requiring payment until the Army can make good on its funding. Read Next: Top Enlisted Leader of 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy Fired After Sexual Assault Allegations Soldiers who opt to pay their tuition out of pocket can request tuition assistance payments through their education centers, Army spokesperson Heather Hagan said Aug. 16. "Education services officers at the education centers are prepared to support soldiers with these requests," she said. About 200 help desk tickets related to system access or data accuracy have been filed since Army IgnitED and the Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army, or IPPS-A, were connected on July 16, Hagan said. That's out of nearly 30,000 tuition assistance and 5,000 credentialing assistance applications processed since the integration, or less than 1%, she said. The number of troops affected could be higher if others have run into problems but not submitted help desk tickets. The Army hoped that integrating IPPS-A and Army IgnitED servicewide would streamline the process of applying for tuition assistance by allowing the portal to pull accurate, current personnel data directly from IPPS-A, Hagan explained. "The integration increases the frequency of Army IgnitED system updates from once a day to multiple times a day, allowing same-day updates to take effect for all soldiers," she said. But not everyone has reaped the benefits of that change. Some soldiers have taken to social media to complain of missing and incorrect data, that the system is misinterpreting correct orders logged in IPPS-A, and that local offices are confused about how to fix their problems, among other gripes. Hagan acknowledged that the "main challenge involves ensuring the accuracy of personnel data at the unit level." "We are working with soldiers to determine the source of their individual problems and to help them resolve them," she said. "We recommend that soldiers and units make sure their individual personnel records are up to date as we work on resolving technical issues as quickly as possible." The Army IgnitED Facebook page on Aug. 13 informed one commenter, who said he was told he needed to drop an upcoming class because he wasn't able to access the portal or request tuition assistance, that the issue was "in the backlog" but it lacked "an ETA on the fix at this time." The service advised him to submit a retroactive tuition assistance request once he regained access to his account. Asked how long it might take to quell the problems caused by the technology merger, Hagan said: "The integration of the two systems is currently functioning as designed, and most applications are being processed seamlessly." Most help desk tickets filed about data discrepancies or account access problems are closed out within 24 to 48 hours, Hagan said. "Soldiers are encouraged to log in to both their IPPS-A and Army IgnitED accounts and to review them for accuracy," she added. About 100,000 beneficiaries use the Army's tuition-assistance program each year. The initiative -- seen as a key recruitment and retention tool because it helps reduce the cost of higher education and curb the need for student loans -- offers soldiers up to $250 per semester hour, capped at $4,000 per year. Troops seeking credentialing assistance to obtain professional certifications, such as commercial driver's licenses or pursue other short-term programs, also use Army IgnitED for financial aid. While 64,000 soldiers have used those funds since the initiative launched in 2020, the service is considering paring the program back to curb its ballooning costs. "The military is having serious problems with recruiting. So, you're going to cut the benefits for those you want to recruit? It doesn't make any sense," Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee's readiness panel, said on CNN in April. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told House appropriators at an April 10 hearing that the service hadn't made any decisions about the fate of tuition or credentialing assistance. Army IgnitED replaced its predecessor, GoArmyEd, with a disastrous rollout in 2021. Myriad glitches that made it difficult for soldiers to access their education benefits took two years to fix, catching the attention of congressional lawmakers and putting service leaders on the spot to provide answers. In December 2021, Congress in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act pressed Army officials to reveal their projection for when Army IgnitED would be fully functional, as well as when troops and schools would be reimbursed for expenses caused by the system's errors. The Army estimated that date would come in late 2023, according to Army Times. Soldiers have struggled with more of the system's woes this year. In May, ahead of the IPPS-A integration, the service said a glitch was redirecting users to a logout screen when they tried to enter the system. The same month, the Army said a data feed issue was causing some mandatory information in Army IgnitED accounts -- such as a person's civilian education, job code or their enlistment contract's end date -- to appear blank. The service again pointed soldiers to their local education center for help. IPPS-A has also been fraught with technical difficulties since its phased launch began in 2019. The system aimed to consolidate the Army's administrative software into one platform but so far has failed to remain reliable for soldiers, plaguing troops with shoddy records management and significant health insurance problems. Those who are encountering problems with Army IgnitED should contact the help desk at 276-231-0938 or army@bamtech.net. Related: Soldiers Hit with More Problems Accessing Education Benefits Amid Fall Enrollment Deadlines Title: Enhancing Readability with Customizable Email and Text Backends! (Display Design: Customizing the Email and Text Backgrounds to White on the Huawei Mate 10 for Enhanced Readability) Dear readers, Are you tired of looking at your emails cluttered with pesky backgrounds? Do you wish your text was more readable? Then, youre on the right track! In this blog post, we will showcase some creative ways to customize your email and text background to make it stand out from the rest. The first thing we need to do is decide what kind of background we want to use. Whether you prefer a traditional black background or a fun cartoon-style background, choose one that perfectly fits your message. For example, if youre creating a sales email, you can go for a bright blue background to give your subject line a bold and attention-grabbing appearance. On the other hand, if youre writing a love letter, you can opt for a pink background to create an emotional response from the recipient. Once we have decided on the background, lets look at how we can modify it to make it even more readable. Here are some tips: 1. Choose a font size wisely Choose a font size thats comfortable for your email and web design. It should be clear, legible, and easy to read from a distance. 2. Use white space effectively Use white space to break up the text and draw attention to important information. It also helps improve readability by making your content easier to scan. 3. Make your images responsive Make sure your images are responsive so they adjust to different screen sizes. This will help ensure that your emails are read smoothly across all devices. 4. Use subheadings Using subheadings makes your emails more manageable. They provide a hierarchy of information that makes it easier for readers to understand your main points. 5. Incorporate images into your content Incorporating images into your emails is a great way to add visual interest and depth to your content. You can use images to show off your products, services, or experiences, and to help guide your reader through the content. (Display Design: Customizing the Email and Text Backgrounds to White on the Huawei Mate 10 for Enhanced Readability) In conclusion, customizing your email and text backgrounds to enhance your reading experience is essential for effective communication. By following these tips, you can create visually appealing, easy-to-read emails that resonate with your audience. Lets start customizeing your email and text backgrounds today! Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. (nanotrun@yahoo.com) Title: Revisiting Apples Corporate Identity Defining Its Essence and Scope (Corporate Identity: Defining the Essence and Scope of Apple Inc.s Business Ventures.) Introduction: Apple Inc. is known for its innovative products, leadership roles, and cultural impact on the tech industry. However, what exactly does it mean to be an Apple employee? What does corporate identity represent? Organizational Framework: Apple has always prioritized innovation and personal growth. This philosophy has shaped the companys culture, mission, and values. The companys corporate identity is often seen as embodying these values, as the companys leaders and employees strive to deliver high-quality products and services while also contributing to the greater good. Company Culture: The company culture is a key aspect of Apples corporate identity. Its a reflection of the companys values, beliefs, and commitment to achieving success. At Apple, work-life balance is important, and the company encourages employees to pursue their passions outside of work. The company also places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that respects all employees differences. Leadership: Apples leadership team is composed of highly skilled and experienced individuals who work together to achieve company goals. The company culture is characterized by a collaborative environment, where ideas are freely shared and evaluated based on merit. The leadership team also prioritizes innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring that Apple stays at the forefront of technology development. Professionalism: Apple employees have an important role to play in shaping the companys corporate identity. They play a critical role in developing new technologies, improving existing ones, and contributing to the overall success of the company. Apple employees are expected to operate in a professional manner, displaying high levels of ethics, integrity, and customer service. Social Responsibility: Apples corporate identity represents its responsibility to social responsibility. The company is committed to making a positive impact on the world through its products, practices, and community involvement. Apple is involved in various social causes, including reducing waste, supporting underprivileged communities, and supporting environmental sustainability initiatives. Conclusion: (Corporate Identity: Defining the Essence and Scope of Apple Inc.s Business Ventures.) In conclusion, Apples corporate identity is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that reflects the companys values, beliefs, and operations. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, prioritizing professionalism, and promoting social responsibility, Apple is able to build a strong and impactful brand that resonates with its customers and employees around the world. Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. (nanotrun@yahoo.com) The Marlins announced Monday that theyve designated infielder Emmanuel Rivera for assignment and optioned righty George Soriano to Triple-A Jacksonville. Their roster spots will go to right-hander Adam Oller and second baseman/left fielder Connor Norby, whose previously reported promotions to the big leagues are now official. Acquired in exchange for cash after the D-backs designated him for assignment, Rivera appeared in 96 games for Miami and tallied 229 plate appearances. He hit just .214/.296/.269 in that time, clocking in 39% worse than a league-average hitter, by measure of wRC+. The 28-year-old provided plus defense at third base, as hes done with the Royals and D-backs throughout his three prior MLB seasons, and he filled in occasionally at first base as well. The slick glovework at the hot corner was no longer enough to outweigh a trio of slash stats all sitting shy of .300, however. Rivera is out of minor league options, so the Marlins didnt have the ability to send him to the minors without removing him from the 40-man roster. Rivera will reach three years of big league service time tomorrow, while hes in DFA limbo, so hed have been arbitration-eligible and due a raise this offseason had the Fish opted to keep him on the roster. That wouldve made him a non-tender candidate anyhow, but Rivera will now be available to the other 29 clubs via waivers. If he clears, hell have exactly enough service time to reject the assignment in favor of free agency. With Rivera jettisoned from the roster and Norby on the way up, it seems quite possible that defensive-minded second baseman Otto Lopez will now slide over to third base, with Norby taking frequent reps at second base. Lopez has graded out brilliantly at second base but provided scant offensive production. However, Lopez is younger, more versatile, more controllable and still has a minor league option remaining, so of the two defensive-minded righty-hitting infielders itll be Lopez rather than Rivera who keeps his spot on the roster. The Michigan Department of Education has awarded $20.5 million in grant for mental health services to 76 school districts and charter schools across the state. The funds, part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act signed into law by President Joe Biden, will be used by educators to expand mental health services and design and enhance initiatives that will promote safer, more inclusive, and positive school environments for all students, educators, and school staff. Its sunflower season in Michigan, including in some highway medians. Across the state, these big, yellow flowers are brightening up peoples drives as they zoom past the unexpected little fields. The Michigan Department of Transportation has been planting sunflowers and wildflowers in medians since 2016. This year, there are more than a dozen plots in MDOTs Grand and Bay regions, which cover the center of the Lower Peninsula from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. Why is MDOT the department responsible for Michigans roads planting flowers? Because we are friends of the pollinators! John Richard, MDOTs Grand Region spokesman, told MLive. And they need our help. The Pollinator Habitat Management program began in the Bay Region and expanded to the Grand Region in 2022. Flowers are planted in large, open areas that get lots of sunlight, Richard said. Because sunflowers generally face east, north-south highways are preferred and wide medians where north- and southbound drivers can see the flowers are a bonus. MDOT also ensures that they dont plant in areas that will be mowed, sprayed or become a line-of-sight problem, he said. A view of a sunflower plot in the US-131 north of Rockford in Kent County. This is part of the Michigan Department of Transportation's Pollinator Habitat Management program.Sara J. Martin | MDOT Where can you find these little gems? Heres a list of locations: Grand Region 1-acre plot at US-131 and M-57 in Rockford, Kent County (sunflowers) 2 acres at US-131 and 22-Mile Road in Sand Lake, Kent County (sunflowers) 2 acres on US-131 in Wexford County (sunflowers) 1-acre plot at I-96 and 68th Avenue near Coopersville in Ottawa County (sunflowers) 1.5 acres on US-31 at Polk Road in Oceana County (sunflowers) 2 acres at US-131 and 12 Mile Road, Rockford, Kent County (wildflowers) 1-acre plot at US-131 just north of 16-Mile Road Rockford, Kent County (wildflowers) 1.5-acre plot at M-89 and US-131 in Allegan County (milkweed) Bay Region US-127 south of M-20 in Isabella County US-127 and Beal City Road in Isabella County I-75 and US-10 interchange in the loop ramp areas in Bay County US-10 and Bay City Road in Bay County US-10 and Stark Road in Midland County Westbound on-ramp at the Capac Rest Area in St. Clair County The plot at US-10 and Stark Road, comprising of sunflowers and wildflowers, is the most successful in the Bay Region this year, said MDOT Bay Region spokeswoman Caitlyn French. Other areas were not as successful as previous years due to sunflowers drawing large amounts of nutrients and the soil being depleted, she said. Plans are in place to boost the soil for the 2025 season, including fertilizing, composting and planting wildflowers instead of sunflowers. Creed has two consecutive tour dates in Michigan this fall. Find tickets to their Grand Rapids and Detroit concerts from $33 on resale sites. Shop tickets and compare prices on Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, StubHub, and Ticketmaster. Creed perform to a sold-out crowd at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.Al Mannarino | For NJ Advance Media For those who missed Creeds Pine Knob Music Theatre performance on July 31, the popular alternative rock band is coming back to Michigan later this fall, playing shows at both Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids (Nov 19) and Little Caesars Arena in Detroit (Nov 20). Made famous in the 90s and 2000s for their contributions to the hard/alternative rock scene, Creed is known for their hits One Last Breath, Higher, My Sacrifice, and With Arms Wide Open, to name a few. The band has since parted ways, reuniting in 2023 for the Summer of 99 cruise, followed by the ongoing Summer of 99 Tour. See Creed live with 3 Doors Down known for Kryptonite and Here Without You when they return to Michigan for back-to-back concerts, one on each side of the state. Ticket prices available below. Tickets: Tues, Nov 19 in Grand Rapids Vivid Seats from $49 | SeatGeek from $45 | StubHub from $47 | Ticketmaster from $58 Wed, Nov 20 in Detroit Vivid Seats from $37 | SeatGeek from $33 | StubHub from $35 | Ticketmaster from $49 WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI More than 100 residents gathered Saturday near an airport in Pittsfield Township to demonstrate their opposition to a proposed runway extension. Rallying near Ellsworth and Airport roads by the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, participants donned yellow shirts with the phrase STOP A2 Airport Expansion printed by a group that runs the website stopA2airport.com. On the back, the shirts called the runway extension NOT SAFE. Some carried signs in protest. A plan to extend the primary runway at the airport has faced opposition from residents for more than 15 years. Earlier this month, Pittsfield Township and a citizens group known as the Committee for Preserving Community Quality sued the Michigan Department of Transportation and the city of Ann Arbor in U.S. District Court to challenge the extension. READ MORE: Lawsuit aims to stop Ann Arbor airport project from being cleared for takeoff Ron Frisch, who lives in Stonebridge, a subdivision located near the airport, said the health issues to neighboring residents are one of his main concerns. He worries about leaded gasoline burned by planes that use the airport. Other concerns, he said, include the danger Canada geese pose to aircrafts, noise and increased air traffic. He also questions the need for an extension when there is another airport, Willow Run Airport, within several miles. A lot of us were seniors who were marching up and down Ellsworth, and people were blowing their horns, Frisch said. Andy McGill, who founded the Committee for Preserving Community Quality with his wife Kathe Wunderlich, said the main goal of the rally was to spread information. There is neighborhood opposition and, I have to tell you, theres opposition in Ann Arbor as well, of Ann Arbor residents. Its not just strictly the neighborhood around the airport, McGill said. Its dangerous for people in Ann Arbor as well as people who live around the airport, he said. He contends the expansion provides almost no benefit to the current fleet of planes using the airport. He said concerns include health impacts of noise and leaded gasoline from some types of planes. He is also worried the city wants to turn it into a jet airport with a significantly higher number of takeoffs and landings. On Monday, McGill was preparing to give a presentation to interested residents at a community meetup that evening at the townships hall. When there is momentum, we try to hold one of these sessions to bring people up to speed, he said. Were also doing things with yard signs to raise peoples awareness. Airport manager Matt Kulhanek said the proposed runway extension has gone through a rigorous federally regulated process. The federal government last year issued a finding of no significant impact. Theres a lot of incorrect information thats being put out there, he said. We just ask people to take a look at the environmental assessment and just do their own research on some of these things if they feel the environmental assessment is not fair or is unjust. Its a very regulated federal process we had to go through. He said he has heard a lot of concerns about lead in fuel and wanted to point out that only smaller planes use fuel containing lead. You hear that bigger aircrafts create more lead, he said, but jet fuel doesnt have lead. There is a need for the runway extension, according to a notice posted on the citys website. The project is proposed to improve operational utility of the airport by meeting takeoff and landing runway length requirements of aircraft that currently operate at the airport and are projected to gradually increase operations over time, the notice states. Kulhanek said the Federal Aviation Administration looks at the types and sizes of aircrafts that use an airport. They look at, basically, does your runway environment meet the most demanding aircrafts using your airport? he said. In our case, our runway does not meet that requirement. In the lawsuit, the township and citizens group claim MDOT illegally approved an environmental assessment allowing the project to move forward and Ann Arbor misused federal grant funds for assessment work. They aim to block the city and MDOT from going ahead with the runway extension, arguing its not needed for safe or efficient airport operation and would cause irreparable harm to neighbors. The lawsuit comes after Ann Arbors Airport Advisory Committee voted in July to recommend City Council move forward with the formal design of the runway extension. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - Food trucks are coming to Park Township near Holland thanks to a recent ordinance change. The townships board of directors earlier this month adopted an ordinance allowing licensed food trucks to operate within the township. While a popular sight in larger cities, food trucks until now have not been allowed to operate within Park Township. Township Manager Howard Fink said the popularity of the mobile eateries, however, necessitated a change. Given the volume of traffic that comes down on Ottawa Beach Road to (Holland State Park), the popularity of our area and location and the overall the popularity of food trucks from a general perspective, we felt this was a natural step in allowing them in Park Township. The ordinance also comes as the township is building a new community park on the corner of 152nd Avenue and Ottawa Beach Road. Fink said the project will include a music venue and electrical hookups and built-in capacity for food trucks. The new ordinance sets operating restrictions based on the type of location the truck is in. Locations of commercial businesses have the most freedom to host food trucks. Allowable operating hours, including setup and tear down, are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and bathroom facilities must be accessible whenever the truck is on site. Non-commercial facilities such as schools and churches can host up to four food trucks for up to three days per year without a permit and up to 14 days with a permit. Meika Weiss, township community development director, said the tighter restrictions on non- commercial properties are to reflect the expectation of people coming and going from that area but not with the intensity of a day-to-day business. Food trucks also can be present on residential properties for private events such as birthday parties, graduation parties, and bridal or baby showers, Weiss said. Food trucks may operate at public events such as garage sales and block parties with approval from the Ottawa County Road Commission and the township manager. Permitted operating hours on all residential and non-commercial properties are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The ordinance also provides for the creation of a permanent or semi-permanent food truck installation, contingent on site plan approval from the township planning commission. Fink added food trucks also must have permission from the land owner to operate on their premises. For example, a food truck must obtain approval from the state to operate in a state park. From our perspective we are regulating the food truck, but you have to have permission from the property owner as well, he said. Weiss noted the township can approve food trucks at additional locations during larger events, such as Tulip Time, on an as-need basis. While Park Township doesnt usually see foot traffic of the same magnitude as Tulip Time, Weiss said having food trucks out there will be a great opportunity for the public in general. We dont have a whole lot of restaurants out here, so from our perspective having a little bit more of a pop-up opportunity for people to get some food seems like it would be a promising addition to the township, she said. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. SAGINAW, MI Here are a few headlines from Saginaw County last week that attracted reader interest: Surgeon who threatened to blow up Saginaw hospital with bomb belt pleads to misdemeanors Earlier this year, a local surgeon was charged with a hefty felony after allegedly threatening to wear a bomb belt into a Saginaw hospital and kill his colleagues. More than a year prior, he allegedly threatened to shoot himself and others while performing surgery. Recently, the colon and rectal surgeon accepted a plea deal, and while incarceration is unlikely, he remains targeted by a lawsuit with another on its way. Dr. Omar N. Marar, 37 of Bay City, on Aug. 12 appeared before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank and pleaded no contest to two counts of disturbing the peace. The charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. In exchange, Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor John Kauten agreed to dismiss a 20-year felony count of false report or threat of terrorism. In stating his reasons for the reduced charges, Kauten said the FBI investigated but declined to bring federal charges. After local prosecutors picked up the case, Marar submitted to a lie detector test and psychological evaluation, both of which indicated Marar did not make genuine threats. $32K in grants aids Buena Vista BBQ restaurants fire recovery An electrical fire at Baldwins Smokehouse BBQ last summer caused the Buena Vista Township restaurant to remain closed for nearly a year. But this summer, the restaurant is back in business and with plans for growth. Baldwins, 3316 E. Holland Road, is once again serving its smoky ribs, mac and cheese and other customer favorites thanks, in part, to a $25,000 Match on Main grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and a $7,500 facade grant from the township. Saginaw school system adds mental health program director position Saginaw Intermediate School District officials announced the addition of a new position overseeing mental health-geared initiatives in schools across the region. Emily Rau will serve as the districts school-based mental health program director, district officials announced this week. Her commitment to building intentional relationships and her dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our students and staff make her the ideal person for this role, David Krantz, director of special education at the district, said in a statement. We are confident that Emily will be instrumental in advancing our mental health initiatives. Trial begins for duo charged with killing Saginaw man in 2021 drive-by shooting Nearly three years after a Saginaw man was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Kochville Township, two of his accused killers are finally facing trial. A third defendant, meanwhile, is expected to testify for the prosecution. Koryion D. Welch Jr., 19, and Christian L. Everett, 21, are both charged with open murder, two counts of assault with intent to murder, and three counts of felony firearm in connection with the October 2021 killing of 21-year-old Darius T. Jackson. Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa J. Hoover on Aug. 15 called to the stand Saginaw County Sheriffs Detective Donald Tohm and Deputy Christopher Bonnington, who testified they responded to the area of Bay Road and Trautner Drive around midnight on Oct. 10, finding numerous spent shell casings scattered in the roadway. They also recovered one live round. Saginaw hospitals partnerships connect employees with housing resources A partnership among a hospital, state agency and nonprofit should serve as an example for employers hoping to help solve a housing crisis in Michigan, officials said. Through its Walk to Work initiative, Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw provides employees with assistance in down payments and renovation costs at their homes while engaging in neighborhood revitalization efforts, hospital officials said. The initiative is part of a collaboration among Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Covenant is proud to be working hard to make our community better, Beth Charlton, president and chief executive officer of Covenant HealthCare, said in a statement. Charlton said Covenant HealthCare will invest $500,000 annually for five years in neighborhood revitalization efforts. $20K grant to combat infant mortality in Saginaw area A Central Michigan University College of Medicine partnership in Saginaw will invest a $20,000 grant to support infant mortality solutions in the community, officials said. The Saginaw County Health Department-provided grant will purchase for the colleges CMU Health organization 285 Pack N Play sets, which are cushioned playpens that serve as portable spaces designed for babies and young toddlers. Officials said CMU Health plans to distribute the playpens to patients in need, to reduce the chances of sudden infant death syndrome. Saginaw County has an infant mortality rate of 8.8 infant deaths per 1,000 live births and the City of Saginaw is averaging 13.2 infant deaths, Dr. Samuel Shaheen, president and chief executive officer of Saginaw-based CMU Medical Education Partners, said in a statement. These numbers are astronomical especially given that the majority of these deaths could have been prevented if the baby had been in a safe and separate sleep environment. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. ANN ARBOR, MI Yard signs for Democrat Kamala Harris are popping up throughout Ann Arbor and her presidential campaign now has a physical presence in the city, a liberal enclave in the battleground state of Michigan. Excitement surrounding the vice presidents bid to become the next U.S. president was on display as Democratic Party activists and officials gathered Saturday, Aug. 17, at the recently opened Harris campaign office at 2900 S. State St. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, was joined by Seattle-area Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal in kicking off a Team Harris and Michigan Democrats canvass launch with dozens of volunteers, with KAMALA and VOTE HARRIS spelled out in big letters. Pramila is my sister in the Congress we do a lot of work together, Dingell said in introducing her colleague, who joined her in calling for electing Democrats up and down the ballot. U.S. Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Debbie Dingell with Kamala Harris campaign volunteers at the Harris campaign office on State Street in Ann Arbor on Aug. 17, 2024.Provided by Harris campaign Weve got a lot of targeted races, Dingell told the crowd, which included state Rep. Carrie Rheingans, one of several local Democratic lawmakers up for reelection. Calling Michigan a purple state, Dingell said shes not Debbie Downer, but rather Debbie Determined. The Michigan congressional district that includes Ann Arbor has more Democratic voters than any other, she said, emphasizing the importance of turning out those votes in November. Remember, Donald Trump only won by 10,000-some votes in 2016, and we are not going to let that happen (again), she said, recalling how Trump won Michigan by a relatively narrow margin and became president eight years ago. Kamala Harris campaign volunteers at the Harris campaign office on State Street in Ann Arbor on Aug. 17, 2024.Provided by Harris campaign Dingell said there are voters who are sure theyre not going to vote for Trump, but theyre still not sure theyre going to vote for Harris, and those are the voters who need convincing. Youre so important, so thank you for being out there, she told campaign volunteers. The Team Harris and the Michigan ONE coordinated campaign report having recruited thousands of volunteers since Harris stepped in to run in place of President Joe Biden. Harris would be the first female president if elected, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice president. The Ann Arbor campaign office opened a couple weeks ago, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign said. Kamala Harris campaign volunteers at the Harris campaign office on State Street in Ann Arbor on Aug. 17, 2024.Provided by Harris campaign Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor is among those whove publicly expressed excitement about Harris candidacy. She is a smart, vibrant and principled leader who will protect and preserve democracy, fight for reproductive freedom, and accelerate our economic recovery, he said in a statement. Walz also has a long record of fighting for Americans and bringing people together, Dingell said in a statement upon Harris VP pick earlier this month. Minnesota is a diverse state and he understands how to work with and listen to every community with empathy, she said. Ive always advocated for representation from the Heartland in our nations leadership, and Tim knows this region, our people, and the issues that matter. First lady Jill Biden cancels Ann Arbor campaign stop as speculation swirls Trump, who is running on a platform suggesting it would be doom and gloom for America if Harris became president, is expected to visit Michigan on Tuesday, Aug. 20, to deliver remarks on crime and immigration. He is set to speak at 3 p.m. at the Livingston County Sheriffs Office in Howell. Since Kamala Harris took office, Americans have watched crime, chaos, and tragedy erupt across the country, Trump campaign officials said. Michigan is feeling effects of Kamalas border crisis first-hand as unnecessary illegal immigrant crime rampages across the state. U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal addresses Kamala Harris campaign volunteers at the Harris campaign office on State Street in Ann Arbor on Aug. 17, 2024.Provided by Harris campaign Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told the Harris campaign volunteers in Ann Arbor shes been campaigning for Harris in multiple states and seeing a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. And I dont mean just like in terms of how much money has been raised right, like $300 million raised very, very quickly but look at where it came from, she said, adding 63% came from first-time donors. But also Im an organizer and I believe that all change happens on the doors it happens with what youre doing, Jayapal added. Thats why it is so important that you all are here. It happens because neighbors talk to neighbors. She suggested they talk with others about issues that matter to them and on which the Biden-Harris administration has delivered, whether its investments in climate action, job growth or caps on insulin prices and bringing down prescription drug costs. Harris spoke about climate action during an Ann Arbor visit at the University of Michigan in 2023. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. An A&E series continues sharing some of the most deadliest, dangerous moments in Greek Life. Houses of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life airs Monday, Aug. 19, at 9 p.m. ET on A&E. Stream a new episode for free with trials on Philo and DIRECTV Stream. The show will also be available on Sling. About the show: This series exposes the dark side of Greek Row and its impact on some of the young students who participate. Full of first-hand accounts, House of Horrors: Secrets of College Greek Life discusses how the power, control and secrecy of fraternities and sororities can create a cult-like dynamic. In tonights episode, Hazed to Death, freshman pledge Tim Piazza is forced to consume a lethal quantity of alcohol during a Beta hazing ritual called The Gauntlet. A fraternity member implores his brothers to get help but they push him aside, opting to protect the brotherhood instead. Where to watch A&E: National Geographic Explorer James Cameron works with the crew of the OceanXplorer to take viewers on an advanced research mission. Discover the depths of the worlds oceans in the new series OceanXplorers, which airs with two episodes Sunday, Aug. 18, at 9 p.m. ET on National Geographic. Watch the two-episode premiere for free with trials from Fubo and DIRECTV Stream. You can also find the show live on Sling Blue, or watch it the next day on Hulu with a free trial or on Disney+ with Hulu. About the show: National Geographic Explorer James Cameron who directed hits like Titanic and Avatar partners with OceanX and BBC Studios Natural History Unit to create one of the most ambitious ocean adventures ever filmed. Travel aboard the OceanXplorer, OceanXs state-of-the-art scientific research and exploration vessel. Investigate the farthest frontiers of the worlds oceans, 80 percent of which are entirely unknown. OceanXplorers combines a high-end, science-driven documentary with breathtaking sequences to capture the drama and thrill of exploration. The first two episodes of this six-part series air back-to-back tonight, Aug. 18, starting at 9/8c on National Geographic. Here is what to expect per National Geographics schedule: 9/8c Realm of the Humpbacks - The team travels to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean to reveal the greatest secrets in the lives of the North Atlantic humpback whale. They witness a mother defend her calf in the ultimate ocean battle with a pack of orcas. 10/9c Giants of the Deep - In the Azores, the team follows the elusive sperm whales to their hunting grounds a mile beneath the surface, where they discover the secret lives of these deep-diving whales. Check out this first look below and tune in tonight. Where to watch: From Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22, the 2024 Democratic National Convention will take place at the United Center in Chicago. Over the coming days, President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton are among several who will speak. Learn more about the event and how to watch live below. About the Democratic National Convention: Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Texas Representative Veronica Escobar will co-chair the 2024 convention. Some big names from Hollywood are expected to attend and host including Kerry Washington, Reese Witherspoon, Tony Goldwyn, Ryan Murphy, Billy Porter, Mindy Kaling and Ana Navarro. On Wednesday, Julia Louis-Dreyfus will host a panel highlighting the United States female governors. Michigans Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to participate. Democratic National Convention schedule: While the convention takes place all day long from Aug. 19-22, the main programming will happen tonight, Aug.19, from 6:30-11 p.m. ET and 7-11 p.m. ET the other nights. Each day has a theme, they are: For the People, A Bold Vision for Americas Future, A Fight for Our Freedoms and For Our Future. You can view the whole schedule for the week on the conventions website. Who will speak at the convention? President Joe Biden will speak tonight, Aug. 19, making a case for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 Presidential Race. Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are expected to speak Tuesday and Wednesday night respectively. Vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will speak after Clinton. Additionally, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Jimmy Carters grandson, Jason Carter, will speak. When will Vice President Harris accept the democratic nomination? She is expected to accept the Democratic nomination for president on Thursday, Aug. 22, during the main program. Where to watch the Democratic National Convention: Youll have plenty of options to watch. As far as cable goes, major networks will carry at least some part of the convention. C-SPAN: Watch the entire convention each day, uninterrupted. CNN: Watch mostly uninterrupted coverage each day, and tune in for live coverage each night from 8 p.m.-midnight ET. CBS News : Watch Monday-Thursday from 8-11 p.m. ET. NewsNation: Watch Decision Desk 2024: The Democratic National Convention each night from 8 p.m.-midnight ET. Fox News: Watch Fox News Democracy 2024: The Democratic National Convention each night from 10-11 p.m. ET. NBC News: Watch Decision 2024 on Monday and Tuesday from 10-11 p.m. ET and Wednesday and Thursday from 9-11 p.m. ET. ABC News: Watch from 7 p.m.-midnight ET each day. MSNBC: Watch from 8 p.m.-midnight ET each night. Where to stream: Look up the channels above on these services. Some of them include free trials: Foreign participants at an international symposium on Thursday hailed China's achievements in green development and the country's contributions to the energy transition of other developing countries. "China, the economically challenged country I first visited in 1988, is now the world leader in electric vehicles, renewable energy from wind, water and the sun itself. For the first time, wind and solar energy now produce more power than coal," said Harvey Cary Dzodin, chairman of the HCD Earthcare Culture Association. "China is so successful that the United States and the European Union falsely accuse China of needlessly flooding their marketplaces with below market-priced subsidized EVs, solar panels and the like. At a time when the world faces an existential environmental threat to life on this planet as we know it, China's efforts should be celebrated and praised, not condemned and prevented," said Dzodin. He was speaking at a symposium themed "Environment, Development and Human Rights: Green and Low-carbon Development in the Process of Modernization", which was held in Beijing on Thursday. About 70 international experts from countries including the US, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Cambodia and Thailand, attended the event, which was hosted by the China Foundation for Human Rights Development and China Datang Corp. Speaking of the role of China in sustainable development, Lokita Prasetya, vice-president of PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk, an energy and infrastructure company in Indonesia, said, "China has taken a leading role in global renewable energy innovation and economic advancement, demonstrated by its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060." Chuop Paris, secretary of state at the Cambodian Ministry of Environment, said that in the process of Cambodia's green and low-carbon development, the active participation and contributions of Chinese enterprises are crucial. By the end of last year, the installed capacity of operational power projects led by Chinese enterprises in Cambodia accounted for about 60 percent of the entire installed capacity in the Southeast Asian country, reflecting Chinese firms' prominent contributions to energy transition and green low-carbon development in his nation, Paris said. He added that projects contracted to be built by Chinese companies in Cambodia, which continuously supply electricity to hundreds of thousands of households, improve the livelihoods of people there. Prior to the symposium, the international experts paid visits to the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Zhejiang province to gain a greater understanding of various Chinese initiatives, including the high-quality development of new energy, grassroots ecological civilization construction, rural vitalization, as well as ecological restoration. Some experts observed the vibrant practices of Chinese modernization in Ningbo, Zhejiang, with a focus on green, low-carbon and sustainable development. Ding Zhongli, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, said at the symposium that China holding high the great banner of a community with a shared future for mankind and aiming to build a cleaner and more beautiful world is earnestly fulfilling its solemn commitments to its dual carbon goals. Through high-quality platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, China actively engages in bilateral and multilateral green cooperation, making significant contributions to global sustainable development, said Ding. "Practicing multilateralism, enhancing cooperation and upholding fairness and justice are the only correct paths in addressing global challenges like climate change. We look forward to the international community deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas such as green infrastructure, green energy, green industries, green trade and green finance," he said. Smithbridge Asset Management Inc. DE reduced its stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report) by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,823 shares of the companys stock after selling 157 shares during the period. Smithbridge Asset Management Inc. DEs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF were worth $957,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Fairman Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the first quarter valued at about $27,000. Partnership Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Howe & Rusling Inc. purchased a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. lifted its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 107.5% during the 2nd quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. now owns 193 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, Creekmur Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 86.5% in the 1st quarter. Creekmur Asset Management LLC now owns 194 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Stock Performance Shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF stock traded up $0.41 during trading on Friday, hitting $170.78. 3,454,702 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,308,656. The stock has a market capitalization of $57.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.44 and a beta of 0.90. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $166.52 and a 200-day simple moving average of $164.64. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a 52-week low of $133.34 and a 52-week high of $173.08. About Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues). See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Marshall Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of ResMed Inc. (NYSE:RMD Free Report) by 4.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 10,905 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after buying an additional 433 shares during the period. Marshall Financial Group LLCs holdings in ResMed were worth $2,088,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Handelsbanken Fonder AB increased its stake in ResMed by 22.5% during the 4th quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 70,272 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $12,088,000 after buying an additional 12,899 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of ResMed by 24.9% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 177,083 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $35,068,000 after purchasing an additional 35,273 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in ResMed by 8.2% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 536,459 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $92,285,000 after purchasing an additional 40,605 shares during the last quarter. ICW Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in ResMed by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. ICW Investment Advisors LLC now owns 11,303 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $1,944,000 after purchasing an additional 249 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in ResMed by 647.0% during the 4th quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 13,491 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $2,321,000 after purchasing an additional 11,685 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 54.98% of the companys stock. Get ResMed alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on RMD shares. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and issued a $236.00 price target on shares of ResMed in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Citigroup lowered shares of ResMed from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, June 24th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on ResMed from $204.00 to $206.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. KeyCorp increased their price target on ResMed from $238.00 to $251.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Oppenheimer lowered ResMed from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $204.70. ResMed Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSE RMD traded up $0.53 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $227.75. 627,190 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,097,600. The firm has a market capitalization of $33.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.98, a PEG ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.66. ResMed Inc. has a 52-week low of $132.24 and a 52-week high of $228.02. The companys 50-day moving average is $205.73 and its 200-day moving average is $199.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 1.69 and a current ratio of 2.59. ResMed (NYSE:RMD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The medical equipment provider reported $2.08 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.03 by $0.05. ResMed had a net margin of 21.79% and a return on equity of 25.00%. The business had revenue of $1.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.22 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.60 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that ResMed Inc. will post 8.72 EPS for the current fiscal year. ResMed Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be given a $0.53 dividend. This is a positive change from ResMeds previous quarterly dividend of $0.48. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.93%. ResMeds payout ratio is presently 29.49%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CFO Brett Sandercock sold 1,000 shares of ResMed stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $212.16, for a total value of $212,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 89,056 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,894,120.96. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, CFO Brett Sandercock sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $212.16, for a total transaction of $212,160.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 89,056 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,894,120.96. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Justin Leong sold 48,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $217.07, for a total transaction of $10,419,360.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 18,741 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,068,108.87. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 95,049 shares of company stock worth $20,122,695 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 1.21% of the companys stock. ResMed Company Profile (Free Report) ResMed Inc develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets medical devices and cloud-based software applications for the healthcare markets. It operates in two segments, Sleep and Respiratory Care, and Software as a Service. It offers various products and solutions for a range of respiratory disorders, including technologies to be applied in medical and consumer products, ventilation devices, diagnostic products, mask systems for use in the hospital and home, headgear and other accessories, dental devices, and cloud-based software informatics solutions to manage patient outcomes, as well as provides customer and business processes. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RMD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ResMed Inc. (NYSE:RMD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ResMed Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ResMed and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Enova International, Inc. (NYSE:ENVA Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the six brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $79.00. Several research firms have recently issued reports on ENVA. BTIG Research began coverage on shares of Enova International in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. They set a buy rating and a $90.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Enova International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, May 2nd. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of Enova International from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, April 25th. TD Cowen lifted their target price on shares of Enova International from $70.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Maxim Group lifted their target price on shares of Enova International from $70.00 to $78.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 25th. Get Enova International alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Enova International Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Investors Weigh In On Enova International In related news, CFO Steven E. Cunningham sold 23,867 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $81.54, for a total value of $1,946,115.18. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 133,471 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,883,225.34. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . In other Enova International news, CFO Steven E. Cunningham sold 23,867 shares of Enova International stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $81.54, for a total value of $1,946,115.18. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 133,471 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,883,225.34. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Also, insider Kirk Chartier sold 41,303 shares of Enova International stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.16, for a total transaction of $2,484,788.48. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 117,422 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,064,107.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 78,028 shares of company stock worth $5,495,742 in the last three months. Insiders own 7.80% of the companys stock. A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ENVA. Handelsbanken Fonder AB bought a new stake in Enova International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $216,000. Foundry Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Enova International by 7.3% during the 4th quarter. Foundry Partners LLC now owns 137,908 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $7,635,000 after acquiring an additional 9,357 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC bought a new stake in shares of Enova International during the 4th quarter valued at $37,000. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC bought a new stake in shares of Enova International during the 4th quarter valued at $957,000. Finally, Orchard Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Enova International by 30.0% during the 4th quarter. Orchard Capital Management LLC now owns 232,326 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $12,862,000 after acquiring an additional 53,647 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.43% of the companys stock. Enova International Stock Performance Enova International stock opened at $82.68 on Monday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $69.43 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $63.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.78, a quick ratio of 12.07 and a current ratio of 12.07. The stock has a market cap of $2.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.87 and a beta of 1.45. Enova International has a fifty-two week low of $35.30 and a fifty-two week high of $88.42. Enova International (NYSE:ENVA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The credit services provider reported $2.21 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.07 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $628.44 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $622.92 million. Enova International had a return on equity of 16.53% and a net margin of 7.52%. The businesss revenue was up 25.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.57 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Enova International will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Enova International Company Profile (Get Free Report Enova International, Inc, a technology and analytics company, provides online financial services in the United States, Brazil, and internationally. The company provides installment loans; line of credit accounts; CSO programs, including arranging loans with independent third-party lenders and assisting in the preparation of loan applications and loan documents; and bank programs, such as marketing services and loan servicing for near-prime unsecured consumer installment loan. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Enova International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enova International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE:AIT Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Loop Capital from $215.00 to $230.00 in a report published on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the industrial products companys stock. Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. StockNews.com cut Applied Industrial Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday. Northcoast Research initiated coverage on Applied Industrial Technologies in a research report on Monday, July 1st. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $226.67. Get Applied Industrial Technologies alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Applied Industrial Technologies Applied Industrial Technologies Trading Up 0.8 % Shares of AIT opened at $201.56 on Friday. Applied Industrial Technologies has a 1 year low of $142.66 and a 1 year high of $223.15. The company has a current ratio of 3.77, a quick ratio of 2.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $196.73 and a 200-day simple moving average of $192.36. The stock has a market cap of $7.78 billion, a PE ratio of 21.13, a PEG ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 1.06. Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE:AIT Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 15th. The industrial products company reported $2.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.52 by $0.12. Applied Industrial Technologies had a return on equity of 23.69% and a net margin of 8.36%. The business had revenue of $1.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.19 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.35 EPS. Applied Industrial Technologiess quarterly revenue was up .2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Applied Industrial Technologies will post 9.62 EPS for the current fiscal year. Applied Industrial Technologies Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be given a $0.37 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.73%. Applied Industrial Technologiess payout ratio is 15.51%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. QRG Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 6,462 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,254,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY boosted its position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY now owns 2,300 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $446,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC now owns 4,905 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $969,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares during the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 17,394 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,374,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 2.6% in the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 2,481 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $490,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares during the last quarter. 93.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Applied Industrial Technologies (Get Free Report) Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc distributes industrial motion, power, control, and automation technology solutions in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. It operates in two segments, Service Center Based Distribution, and Engineered Solutions. The company distributes bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, advanced automation products, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, automation solutions, tools, safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies; and motors, belting, drives, couplings, pumps, hydraulic and pneumatic components, filtration supplies, valves, fittings, process instrumentation, actuators, and hoses, filtration supplies, as well as other related supplies for general operational needs of customers' machinery and equipment. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Applied Industrial Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Applied Industrial Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ARIAKE JAPAN Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:AKEJF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 24,000 shares, a decline of 12.1% from the July 15th total of 27,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. ARIAKE JAPAN Stock Down 2.9 % AKEJF opened at 33.41 on Monday. The firms fifty day moving average price is 33.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is 34.11. ARIAKE JAPAN has a 1 year low of 33.41 and a 1 year high of 34.41. Get ARIAKE JAPAN alerts: ARIAKE JAPAN Company Profile (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories ARIAKE JAPAN Co, Ltd. manufactures, processes, and sells natural seasoning products with extracts from chicken, pork, beef, and other fresh livestock ingredients. It provides chicken bone base soups, ramen soups, chanpon soups, bouillon and consomme products, sauce bases, and Japanese bouillon products; and livestock meat, including beef, pork, and chicken, as well as shrimps, garlic, and seasoning oils. Receive News & Ratings for ARIAKE JAPAN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ARIAKE JAPAN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sarasin & Partners LLP trimmed its holdings in shares of Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT Free Report) by 1.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 53,705 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 865 shares during the quarter. Sarasin & Partners LLPs holdings in Camden Property Trust were worth $5,860,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in Camden Property Trust by 16.8% during the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 191,374 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $18,831,000 after acquiring an additional 27,465 shares during the period. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co boosted its holdings in Camden Property Trust by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 160,309 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $15,781,000 after acquiring an additional 5,926 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund boosted its holdings in Camden Property Trust by 59.4% during the 1st quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 18,831 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,853,000 after acquiring an additional 7,018 shares during the period. Pinebridge Investments L.P. purchased a new position in Camden Property Trust during the 4th quarter valued at about $1,374,000. Finally, Twin Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in Camden Property Trust during the 4th quarter valued at about $811,000. 97.22% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Camden Property Trust alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes CPT has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. UBS Group raised their target price on Camden Property Trust from $109.00 to $117.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Camden Property Trust from $104.00 to $112.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, June 17th. Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on Camden Property Trust from $111.00 to $110.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Piper Sandler upgraded Camden Property Trust from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $90.00 to $110.00 in a research note on Monday, May 6th. Finally, Scotiabank lifted their price objective on Camden Property Trust from $108.00 to $116.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $113.03. Camden Property Trust Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:CPT traded down $0.17 during trading on Friday, reaching $119.64. The company had a trading volume of 464,050 shares, compared to its average volume of 982,281. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.50 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.43 and a quick ratio of 0.43. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $111.87 and its 200 day moving average price is $103.65. Camden Property Trust has a fifty-two week low of $82.81 and a fifty-two week high of $121.29. Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.67 by ($1.27). The company had revenue of $387.15 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $384.76 million. Camden Property Trust had a net margin of 25.64% and a return on equity of 7.95%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.70 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Camden Property Trust will post 6.73 EPS for the current year. Camden Property Trust Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 28th were issued a $1.03 dividend. This represents a $4.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.44%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 28th. Camden Property Trusts payout ratio is currently 100.98%. Camden Property Trust Profile (Free Report) Camden Property Trust, an S&P 500 Company, is a real estate company primarily engaged in the ownership, management, development, redevelopment, acquisition, and construction of multifamily apartment communities. Camden owns and operates 172 properties containing 58,634 apartment homes across the United States. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CPT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Camden Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Camden Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cannae Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CNNE Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,170,000 shares, a decline of 15.2% from the July 15th total of 1,380,000 shares. Currently, 2.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 472,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.5 days. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Richard N. Massey sold 25,752 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.38, for a total transaction of $499,073.76. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 248,615 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,818,158.70. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 10.90% of the stock is owned by insiders. Get Cannae alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CNNE. Driehaus Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Cannae during the 2nd quarter worth $18,611,000. Caxton Associates LP lifted its stake in Cannae by 259.7% during the second quarter. Caxton Associates LP now owns 121,436 shares of the companys stock worth $2,203,000 after purchasing an additional 87,673 shares during the last quarter. AREX Capital Management LP boosted its holdings in shares of Cannae by 52.2% in the 2nd quarter. AREX Capital Management LP now owns 1,260,539 shares of the companys stock worth $22,866,000 after purchasing an additional 432,260 shares in the last quarter. Continental Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Cannae by 59.8% during the 2nd quarter. Continental Advisors LLC now owns 238,594 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,328,000 after purchasing an additional 89,284 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rubric Capital Management LP raised its stake in shares of Cannae by 17.8% during the second quarter. Rubric Capital Management LP now owns 1,430,248 shares of the companys stock worth $25,945,000 after acquiring an additional 216,031 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.12% of the companys stock. Cannae Stock Performance CNNE traded up $0.01 on Friday, hitting $19.12. The companys stock had a trading volume of 207,621 shares, compared to its average volume of 603,837. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $18.67 and its 200-day simple moving average is $19.95. The company has a quick ratio of 3.06, a current ratio of 3.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. Cannae has a 12 month low of $15.93 and a 12 month high of $22.99. The firm has a market cap of $1.20 billion, a P/E ratio of -3.51 and a beta of 0.88. Cannae (NYSE:CNNE Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported ($2.49) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.17) by ($2.32). Cannae had a negative return on equity of 16.50% and a negative net margin of 74.62%. The company had revenue of $118.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $112.00 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($1.16) EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 22.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that Cannae will post -1.8 EPS for the current year. Cannae Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.51%. Cannaes dividend payout ratio is currently -8.82%. About Cannae (Get Free Report) Cannae Holdings, Inc is a principal investment firm. The firm primarily invests in restaurants, technology enabled healthcare services, financial services and more. It takes both minority and majority stakes. Cannae Holdings, Inc was founded in 2014 and is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cannae Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cannae and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shore Capital reissued their buy rating on shares of C&C Group (LON:CCR Free Report) in a research report report published on Thursday, MarketBeat reports. Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 185 ($2.36) price target on shares of C&C Group in a report on Monday, June 10th. Get C&C Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on CCR C&C Group Price Performance C&C Group Increases Dividend Shares of C&C Group stock opened at GBX 153.40 ($1.96) on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of 589.49 million, a P/E ratio of -613.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.61 and a beta of 1.27. C&C Group has a one year low of GBX 129.60 ($1.65) and a one year high of GBX 178.20 ($2.28). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 56.01, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 157.42 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 574.89. The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 23rd. Investors of record on Thursday, July 18th will be issued a dividend of 0.04 ($0.04) per share. This represents a yield of 2%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 18th. This is an increase from C&C Groups previous dividend of $0.02. C&C Groups payout ratio is currently -2,000.00%. Insider Buying and Selling at C&C Group In other C&C Group news, insider Ralph Findlay bought 44,151 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 22nd. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 157 ($2.00) per share, for a total transaction of 69,317.07 ($88,504.94). 3.36% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. C&C Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) C&C Group plc manufactures, markets, and distributes beer, cider, wine, spirits, and soft drinks in the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, and internationally. The company offers its products primarily under the Tennent's, Bulmers, Magners, Orchard Pig, Heverlee, 5 Lamps, Fete, Blackthorn, Seven Summits, Dowd's Lane, Chaplin & Cork's, Celedonia Best, and Addlestones brand name. Read More Receive News & Ratings for C&C Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for C&C Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund (TSE:CHE.UN Free Report) had its price target hoisted by CIBC from C$13.50 to C$14.00 in a research note released on Friday, BayStreet.CA reports. A number of other research firms have also weighed in on CHE.UN. Desjardins increased their price objective on shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$13.00 to C$13.25 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday. National Bankshares increased their price target on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$13.50 to C$14.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$11.00 to C$12.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, May 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$12.55. Get Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Trading Up 3.3 % Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Dividend Announcement CHE.UN stock opened at C$10.03 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$9.33 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$8.87. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.92 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 128.22. Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund has a twelve month low of C$7.60 and a twelve month high of C$10.11. The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.055 per share. This represents a $0.66 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, July 31st. Chemtrade Logistics Income Funds dividend payout ratio is presently 45.52%. Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Company Profile (Get Free Report) Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund provides industrial chemicals and services in Canada, the United States, and South America. It operates through Sulphur Products & Performance Chemicals (SPPC), Water Solutions & Specialty Chemicals (WSSC), and Electrochemicals (EC) segments. The SPPC segment removes and/or produces merchant, regenerated, and ultra pure sulphuric acid, sodium hydrosulphite, elemental sulphur, liquid sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, sodium bisulphite, and sulphides. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB Get Free Report) and Kentucky Bancshares (OTCMKTS:KTYB Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, valuation, dividends and risk. Institutional & Insider Ownership 84.7% of M&T Bank shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.8% of M&T Bank shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 15.0% of Kentucky Bancshares shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get M&T Bank alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares M&T Bank and Kentucky Bancshares top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio M&T Bank $9.17 billion 2.97 $2.74 billion $14.79 11.03 Kentucky Bancshares N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Profitability M&T Bank has higher revenue and earnings than Kentucky Bancshares. This table compares M&T Bank and Kentucky Bancshares net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets M&T Bank 17.84% 9.62% 1.14% Kentucky Bancshares N/A N/A N/A Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for M&T Bank and Kentucky Bancshares, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score M&T Bank 1 8 6 0 2.33 Kentucky Bancshares 0 0 0 0 N/A M&T Bank currently has a consensus price target of $173.85, suggesting a potential upside of 6.60%. Given M&T Banks higher possible upside, equities analysts plainly believe M&T Bank is more favorable than Kentucky Bancshares. Summary M&T Bank beats Kentucky Bancshares on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About M&T Bank (Get Free Report) M&T Bank Corporation operates as a bank holding company for Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association that engages in the provision of retail and commercial banking products and services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Commercial Bank, Retail Bank, and Institutional Services and Wealth Management. It offers a range of credit products and banking services, such as commercial lending and leasing, letters of credits, commercial real estate loans, and credit facilities secured by various commercial real estate to middle-market and large commercial customers. The company also provides customers deposit products, including demand, savings and time accounts, and other services; automobile and recreational finance loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, credit cards, and other loan products, as well as residential mortgage and real estate loans; business loans, cash management, payroll, and direct deposit services to consumers and small businesses through branch network, telephone banking, internet banking, and automated teller machines. In addition, it offers trustee, agency, investment management, security brokerage, and administrative services; personal trust, planning, fiduciary, asset management, family office, and other services; and investment products, including mutual funds and annuities, and other services for corporations and institutions, investment bankers, corporate tax, finance and legal executives, and other institutional clients. The company was founded in 1856 and is headquartered in Buffalo, New York. About Kentucky Bancshares (Get Free Report) Kentucky Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Kentucky Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking products and services. It accepts various deposit products, including checking, savings, and money market accounts; and certificates of deposit, safe deposits, interest and noninterest bearing deposits, and time deposits. The company also offers commercial, agricultural, and real estate loans to small-to-medium-sized industrial, service, and agricultural businesses; and residential mortgages, installments, and other loans to individual and other non-commercial customers. In addition, it provides credit cards and other consumer-oriented financial services; brokerage services, annuities, life and long-term care insurance, personal trust, and agency services; and Internet banking services, such as bill payment. The company has operations in Bourbon, Clark, Elliott, Fayette, Harrison, Jessamine, Madison, Rowan, Scott, Woodford, and other counties in Kentucky. Kentucky Bancshares, Inc. was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Paris, Kentucky. Receive News & Ratings for M&T Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for M&T Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report)s stock had its overweight rating restated by equities researchers at Cantor Fitzgerald in a report issued on Monday, Benzinga reports. They presently have a $885.00 price objective on the stock. Cantor Fitzgeralds price objective would suggest a potential downside of 3.85% from the companys current price. Several other analysts also recently commented on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $875.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $1,023.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Friday, July 5th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $994.00 to $1,015.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 24th. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,000.00 to $1,125.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $913.00 to $1,025.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $956.88. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 0.2 % Insiders Place Their Bets Shares of LLY stock traded down $1.73 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $920.39. 989,077 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,084,898. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $516.57 and a 1-year high of $966.10. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $878.93 and a 200 day moving average price of $806.28. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $874.74 billion, a PE ratio of 135.64, a PEG ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 0.41. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 750 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $819.47, for a total transaction of $614,602.50. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,130 shares in the company, valued at $5,842,821.10. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 210,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $939.82, for a total value of $197,362,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 96,943,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $91,109,731,514.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 750 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $819.47, for a total transaction of $614,602.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 7,130 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,842,821.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 1,214,704 shares of company stock worth $1,066,841,316 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Everpar Advisors LLC bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,845,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 5.3% during the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 12,597 shares of the companys stock worth $7,343,000 after acquiring an additional 632 shares during the last quarter. Tennessee Valley Asset Management Partners purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth $181,000. AMJ Financial Wealth Management purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth $201,000. Finally, GUNN & Co INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC. boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 124.7% during the 4th quarter. GUNN & Co INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC. now owns 1,438 shares of the companys stock worth $838,000 after acquiring an additional 798 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. About Eli Lilly and Company (Get Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC Free Report) had its target price upped by Truist Financial from $100.00 to $104.00 in a research report report published on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock. EHC has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Mizuho increased their price target on shares of Encompass Health from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 25th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Encompass Health from $83.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, May 22nd. Leerink Partnrs raised shares of Encompass Health to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Encompass Health from $96.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Encompass Health from $113.00 to $109.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Encompass Health currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $100.38. Get Encompass Health alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on EHC Encompass Health Stock Performance Shares of EHC stock opened at $88.62 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.95, a PEG ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14. The firms 50 day moving average is $86.77 and its 200 day moving average is $82.24. Encompass Health has a 12 month low of $57.55 and a 12 month high of $94.38. Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The company reported $1.11 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $1.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.30 billion. Encompass Health had a net margin of 7.60% and a return on equity of 18.01%. Encompass Healths revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.95 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Encompass Health will post 4.09 earnings per share for the current year. Encompass Health Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.17 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 1st. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.77%. This is a positive change from Encompass Healths previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. Encompass Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 18.38%. Insider Buying and Selling at Encompass Health In other Encompass Health news, CFO Douglas E. Coltharp sold 12,260 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.34, for a total value of $1,058,528.40. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 136,227 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,761,839.18. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Encompass Health news, insider Elissa Joy Charbonneau sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.02, for a total value of $850,200.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 18,594 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,580,861.88. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Douglas E. Coltharp sold 12,260 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.34, for a total transaction of $1,058,528.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 136,227 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,761,839.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Encompass Health Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Jackson Creek Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 364.4% during the 4th quarter. Jackson Creek Investment Advisors LLC now owns 13,910 shares of the companys stock valued at $928,000 after purchasing an additional 10,915 shares in the last quarter. Trillium Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Encompass Health during the 1st quarter valued at about $4,432,000. TD Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 16.0% during the 1st quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 2,283,674 shares of the companys stock valued at $188,586,000 after purchasing an additional 314,488 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 1,318,784 shares of the companys stock valued at $87,989,000 after purchasing an additional 29,926 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 275.7% during the 2nd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 35,799 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,071,000 after purchasing an additional 26,270 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.25% of the companys stock. About Encompass Health (Get Free Report) Encompass Health Corporation provides post-acute healthcare services in the United States and Puerto Rico. It owns and operates inpatient rehabilitation hospitals that provide medical, nursing, therapy, and ancillary services. The company provides specialized rehabilitative treatment on an inpatient basis to patients who have experienced physical or cognitive disabilities or injuries due to medical conditions, such as strokes, hip fractures, and various debilitating neurological conditions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Encompass Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Encompass Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Family Investment Center Inc. raised its position in Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF (NYSEARCA:SPMO Free Report) by 4.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 289,029 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 11,333 shares during the period. Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF comprises approximately 7.5% of Family Investment Center Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 3rd largest holding. Family Investment Center Inc. owned about 1.79% of Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF worth $25,278,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in SPMO. Global Trust Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF in the first quarter worth about $34,000. ORG Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $38,000. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $50,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. bought a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $60,000. Finally, Bell Investment Advisors Inc acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF during the 4th quarter worth $151,000. Get Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF Price Performance Shares of SPMO stock traded down $0.13 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $88.39. The company had a trading volume of 410,388 shares, compared to its average volume of 447,365. Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF has a 1-year low of $55.32 and a 1-year high of $91.64. The firm has a market cap of $1.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.66 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a 50 day moving average of $86.71 and a 200 day moving average of $81.26. About Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF The Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF (SPMO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Momentum (US Dollar) index. The fund tracks an index of 100 S&P 500 components with the strongest volatility-adjusted momentum. SPMO was launched on Oct 9, 2015 and is managed by Invesco. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Century Communities (NYSE:CCS Get Free Report) and Barratt Developments (OTCMKTS:BTDPF Get Free Report) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings and valuation. Dividends Century Communities pays an annual dividend of $1.04 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. Barratt Developments pays an annual dividend of $0.03 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.5%. Century Communities pays out 11.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Barratt Developments pays out 10.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Get Century Communities alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Century Communities and Barratt Developments, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Century Communities 0 1 1 0 2.50 Barratt Developments 0 0 0 0 N/A Earnings and Valuation Century Communities presently has a consensus price target of $101.50, indicating a potential upside of 9.97%. Given Century Communities higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Century Communities is more favorable than Barratt Developments. This table compares Century Communities and Barratt Developments revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Century Communities $4.08 billion 0.72 $259.22 million $9.01 10.24 Barratt Developments N/A N/A N/A $0.30 21.46 Century Communities has higher revenue and earnings than Barratt Developments. Century Communities is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Barratt Developments, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Insider and Institutional Ownership 99.5% of Century Communities shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 46.4% of Barratt Developments shares are held by institutional investors. 11.9% of Century Communities shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Century Communities and Barratt Developments net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Century Communities 7.90% 14.00% 8.10% Barratt Developments N/A N/A N/A Summary Century Communities beats Barratt Developments on 10 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Century Communities (Get Free Report) Century Communities, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, construction, marketing, and sale of single-family attached and detached homes. It is also involved in the entitlement and development of the underlying land; and provision of mortgage, title, and insurance services to its homebuyers. The company offers homes under the Century Communities and Century Complete brands. It sells homes through its sales representatives, retail studios, and internet, as well as through independent real estate brokers in 18 states in the United States. Century Communities, Inc. was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. About Barratt Developments (Get Free Report) Barratt Developments plc engages in the housebuilding business in the United Kingdom. The company acquires and develops land; plans, designs, and constructs homes, apartments, penthouses, and communities, as well as undertakes mixed-use regeneration schemes; and develops retail, leisure, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties. It is also involved in the commercial development business under the Wilson Bowden Developments brand name. The company offers its homes under the Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, and Barratt London brands. The company was incorporated in 1958 and is headquartered in Coalville, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Century Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Century Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Get Free Report) and Firm Capital Property Trust (OTCMKTS:FRMUF Get Free Report) are both real estate companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, earnings, profitability, risk, dividends, institutional ownership and valuation. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Kite Realty Group Trust and Firm Capital Property Trusts top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Kite Realty Group Trust alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Kite Realty Group Trust $827.37 million 6.64 $47.50 million $0.26 96.27 Firm Capital Property Trust N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Kite Realty Group Trust has higher revenue and earnings than Firm Capital Property Trust. Institutional and Insider Ownership Profitability 90.8% of Kite Realty Group Trust shares are held by institutional investors. 2.0% of Kite Realty Group Trust shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Kite Realty Group Trust and Firm Capital Property Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Kite Realty Group Trust -2.95% -0.69% -0.35% Firm Capital Property Trust N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and Firm Capital Property Trust, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Kite Realty Group Trust 1 1 3 1 2.67 Firm Capital Property Trust 0 0 0 0 N/A Kite Realty Group Trust presently has a consensus target price of $26.33, indicating a potential upside of 5.21%. Given Kite Realty Group Trusts higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Kite Realty Group Trust is more favorable than Firm Capital Property Trust. Summary Kite Realty Group Trust beats Firm Capital Property Trust on 6 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Kite Realty Group Trust (Get Free Report) Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Indianapolis, IN that is one of the largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets. The Companys primarily grocery-anchored portfolio is located in high-growth Sun Belt and select strategic gateway markets. The combination of necessity-based grocery-anchored neighborhood and community centers, along with vibrant mixed-use assets makes the KRG portfolio an ideal mix for both retailers and consumers. Publicly listed since 2004, KRG has nearly 60 years of experience in developing, constructing and operating real estate. Using operational, investment, development, and redevelopment expertise, KRG continuously optimizes its portfolio to maximize value and return to shareholders. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned interests in 180 U.S. open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets, comprising approximately 28.1 million square feet of gross leasable space. About Firm Capital Property Trust (Get Free Report) Firm Capital Property Trust is focused on creating long-term value for Unitholders, through capital preservation and disciplined investing to achieve stable distributable income. In partnership with management and industry leaders. The Trust's plan is to own as well as to co-own a diversified property portfolio of multi-residential, flex industrial, and net lease convenience retail. In addition to stand alone accretive acquisitions, the Trust will make joint acquisitions with strong financial partners and acquisitions of partial interests from existing ownership groups, in a manner that provides liquidity to those selling owners and professional management for those remaining as partners. Firm Capital Realty Partners Inc., through a structure focused on an alignment of interests with the Trust sources, syndicates and property and asset manages investments on behalf of the Trust. Receive News & Ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sarasin & Partners LLP decreased its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX Free Report) by 64.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 66,077 shares of the companys stock after selling 119,276 shares during the quarter. Sarasin & Partners LLPs holdings in Fomento Economico Mexicano were worth $7,113,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Hawk Ridge Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano during the 4th quarter valued at about $79,852,000. Baillie Gifford & Co. increased its holdings in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 9.0% in the first quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 4,183,454 shares of the companys stock valued at $544,979,000 after buying an additional 344,815 shares in the last quarter. Vontobel Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 1,253.3% during the 4th quarter. Vontobel Asset Management Inc. now owns 362,616 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,839,000 after acquiring an additional 335,822 shares during the last quarter. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP boosted its stake in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 122.8% during the 1st quarter. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP now owns 435,906 shares of the companys stock worth $56,785,000 after acquiring an additional 240,256 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Zimmer Partners LP raised its position in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 377.8% during the first quarter. Zimmer Partners LP now owns 215,000 shares of the companys stock worth $28,008,000 after purchasing an additional 170,000 shares during the period. Get Fomento Economico Mexicano alerts: Fomento Economico Mexicano Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of FMX stock traded up $0.08 on Friday, reaching $113.00. 555,174 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 687,383. The company has a market capitalization of $40.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.08 and a beta of 0.94. Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. has a 12-month low of $99.24 and a 12-month high of $143.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.44 and a current ratio of 1.72. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $110.46 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $119.49. Fomento Economico Mexicano Increases Dividend Fomento Economico Mexicano ( NYSE:FMX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $1.87 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $11.54 billion during the quarter. Fomento Economico Mexicano had a return on equity of 8.65% and a net margin of 3.75%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. will post 5.38 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 29th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 17th were given a dividend of $1.0206 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 17th. This is an increase from Fomento Economico Mexicanos previous semi-annual dividend of $0.74. This represents a yield of 1.5%. Fomento Economico Mexicanos payout ratio is presently 14.36%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Barclays dropped their price target on Fomento Economico Mexicano from $160.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Fomento Economico Mexicano has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $139.50. Get Our Latest Report on FMX Fomento Economico Mexicano Profile (Free Report) Fomento Economico Mexicano, SAB. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FMX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Fomento Economico Mexicano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fomento Economico Mexicano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (CBOE:AAAU Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $24.83 and last traded at $24.79, with a volume of 1425147 shares. The stock had previously closed at $24.81. Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Stock Performance The businesss fifty day moving average price is $23.58 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $22.60. Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the LBMA Gold Price index. The fund tracks the gold spot price, less expenses and liabilities, using gold bars held in a vault in Perth, Australia. Investors can redeem their shares for gold coins and small bars. AAAU was launched on Jul 26, 2018 and is managed by Goldman Sachs. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Free Report) by 10.1% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 42,288 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,883 shares during the quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Dell Technologies were worth $5,832,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Zhang Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies in the second quarter worth about $727,000. Western Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Dell Technologies during the second quarter valued at approximately $260,000. Raymond James & Associates grew its holdings in shares of Dell Technologies by 74.4% in the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 483,562 shares of the technology companys stock worth $66,688,000 after purchasing an additional 206,347 shares during the last quarter. OFI Invest Asset Management lifted its stake in Dell Technologies by 42,895.2% in the second quarter. OFI Invest Asset Management now owns 80,401 shares of the technology companys stock worth $10,346,000 after acquiring an additional 80,214 shares during the period. Finally, Hoylecohen LLC purchased a new position in Dell Technologies during the second quarter valued at $236,000. 38.10% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Dell Technologies Price Performance NYSE DELL traded down $0.04 during trading on Monday, hitting $111.26. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,727,334 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,274,252. The company has a market cap of $78.92 billion, a PE ratio of 22.70, a P/E/G ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 0.92. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $125.88 and its 200-day simple moving average is $120.88. Dell Technologies Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $53.62 and a fifty-two week high of $179.70. Dell Technologies Announces Dividend Dell Technologies ( NYSE:DELL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 30th. The technology company reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.00 by $0.04. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 173.72% and a net margin of 4.00%. The business had revenue of $22.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.70 billion. Analysts expect that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 2nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 23rd were issued a dividend of $0.445 per share. This represents a $1.78 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.60%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 23rd. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.33%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently commented on DELL shares. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on Dell Technologies from $175.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Evercore ISI cut their price target on Dell Technologies from $165.00 to $140.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 12th. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on Dell Technologies from $105.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 31st. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price target on Dell Technologies from $120.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, May 20th. Finally, Barclays raised Dell Technologies from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $97.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $131.25. View Our Latest Stock Report on Dell Technologies Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Lake Group L.L.C. Silver sold 25,381 shares of Dell Technologies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.42, for a total transaction of $3,411,714.02. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 787,669 shares of the companys stock, valued at $105,878,466.98. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, Director Lake Group L.L.C. Silver sold 25,381 shares of Dell Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.42, for a total transaction of $3,411,714.02. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 787,669 shares in the company, valued at $105,878,466.98. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 16,887 shares of Dell Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $146.20, for a total value of $2,468,879.40. Following the transaction, the director now owns 787,669 shares of the companys stock, valued at $115,157,207.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 7,058,131 shares of company stock valued at $963,293,619 over the last quarter. 46.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Dell Technologies Profile (Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG). Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DELL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA Free Report) by 40.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 289,279 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 83,117 shares during the quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries were worth $4,701,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of TEVA. New Covenant Trust Company N.A. acquired a new position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. EntryPoint Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Beach Investment Counsel Inc. PA acquired a new position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $48,000. Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the 1st quarter worth approximately $54,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 105.7% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,388 shares of the companys stock worth $55,000 after purchasing an additional 1,741 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 54.05% of the companys stock. Get Teva Pharmaceutical Industries alerts: Insider Activity at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries In related news, Director Roberto Mignone sold 519,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.03, for a total value of $8,838,570.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 981,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,706,430. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Teva Pharmaceutical Industries news, insider Eric A. Hughes sold 24,537 shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.25, for a total value of $423,263.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 45,060 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $777,285. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Roberto Mignone sold 519,000 shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.03, for a total value of $8,838,570.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 981,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,706,430. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.55% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Stock Performance Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TEVA traded down $0.01 during trading on Monday, hitting $18.25. The stock had a trading volume of 4,914,866 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,320,007. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $16.91 and a 200-day moving average price of $15.16. The firm has a market cap of $20.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -44.54, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.90. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has a one year low of $8.06 and a one year high of $18.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.52, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.59. Several research firms have weighed in on TEVA. StockNews.com raised Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, August 3rd. UBS Group boosted their price target on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $22.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Argus upgraded Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $20.00 target price for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and set a $20.00 target price (up from $19.00) on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a research note on Monday, May 13th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $19.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, June 27th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $18.67. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Profile (Free Report) Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, Israel, and internationally. It offers generic medicines in various dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams; sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in parenteral and solid dosage forms; and generic products with medical devices and combination products. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TEVA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report) by 15.1% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 12,504 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,644 shares during the quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Lennar were worth $1,874,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Rise Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Lennar by 484.0% during the 1st quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 146 shares of the construction companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the period. J.Safra Asset Management Corp purchased a new position in shares of Lennar during the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. New Covenant Trust Company N.A. purchased a new position in shares of Lennar during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Lennar during the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, Fortitude Family Office LLC grew its holdings in shares of Lennar by 223.6% during the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 233 shares of the construction companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 161 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.10% of the companys stock. Get Lennar alerts: Lennar Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:LEN traded up $3.98 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $175.74. The company had a trading volume of 691,458 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,122,091. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 4.93 and a quick ratio of 0.91. The company has a market cap of $48.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.68, a PEG ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 1.60. Lennar Co. has a 12-month low of $102.90 and a 12-month high of $182.53. The company has a fifty day moving average of $160.46 and a two-hundred day moving average of $159.21. Lennar Announces Dividend Lennar ( NYSE:LEN Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, June 17th. The construction company reported $3.38 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.20 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $8.77 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.57 billion. Lennar had a return on equity of 15.93% and a net margin of 11.58%. On average, equities research analysts expect that Lennar Co. will post 14.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 5th were paid a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 5th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.14%. Lennars dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 13.60%. Analyst Ratings Changes LEN has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Lennar from $185.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods restated an outperform rating and issued a $183.00 price target on shares of Lennar in a research note on Tuesday, June 18th. Evercore ISI upped their price target on Lennar from $237.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Raymond James downgraded Lennar from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group cut Lennar from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $180.00 to $174.00 in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $169.13. View Our Latest Research Report on LEN Lennar Company Profile (Free Report) Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LEN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,459 shares of the investment management companys stock after buying an additional 179 shares during the quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $2,017,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter worth about $1,903,374,000. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter worth about $1,120,119,000. AMF Tjanstepension AB lifted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1,102.4% during the 2nd quarter. AMF Tjanstepension AB now owns 810,836 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $366,780,000 after acquiring an additional 743,402 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 27.0% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,184,196 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $842,597,000 after acquiring an additional 464,954 shares during the period. Finally, Verity & Verity LLC lifted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 26,378.2% in the 1st quarter. Verity & Verity LLC now owns 407,764 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $170,000 after buying an additional 406,224 shares during the period. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Down 0.2 % The Goldman Sachs Group stock traded down $0.80 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $503.46. The companys stock had a trading volume of 551,065 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,320,211. The firm has a market capitalization of $162.35 billion, a PE ratio of 19.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.37. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $289.36 and a 1 year high of $517.26. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97. The stocks fifty day moving average is $475.05 and its two-hundred day moving average is $436.45. The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 15th. The investment management company reported $8.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $8.52 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.60 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 10.26% and a net margin of 9.36%. On average, analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 36.74 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be issued a dividend of $3.00 per share. This is a positive change from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $2.75. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.38%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 46.86%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Thomas K. Montag sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $505.04, for a total transaction of $5,050,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 12,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,287,748. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,500 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $505.99, for a total transaction of $1,770,965.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 12,095 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,119,949.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Thomas K. Montag sold 10,000 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $505.04, for a total transaction of $5,050,400.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 12,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,287,748. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 4,013,500 shares of company stock valued at $32,181,365. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group boosted their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $490.00 to $535.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Oppenheimer boosted their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $504.00 to $559.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $460.00 to $485.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $513.00 to $561.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $360.00 to $373.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $495.94. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on The Goldman Sachs Group About The Goldman Sachs Group (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. cut its holdings in Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI Free Report) by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 77,333 shares of the pipeline companys stock after selling 3,067 shares during the quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Kinder Morgan were worth $1,537,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of KMI. Stokes Capital Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Kinder Morgan by 1.5% during the second quarter. Stokes Capital Advisors LLC now owns 152,794 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $3,036,000 after purchasing an additional 2,215 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates raised its stake in Kinder Morgan by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 4,397,883 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $87,386,000 after buying an additional 158,435 shares during the last quarter. Hedeker Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Kinder Morgan by 15.9% during the 2nd quarter. Hedeker Wealth LLC now owns 166,927 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $3,317,000 after buying an additional 22,958 shares during the period. Hoxton Planning & Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Kinder Morgan by 17.4% in the 2nd quarter. Hoxton Planning & Management LLC now owns 17,171 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $341,000 after buying an additional 2,542 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Accordant Advisory Group Inc grew its holdings in shares of Kinder Morgan by 1.6% in the second quarter. Accordant Advisory Group Inc now owns 78,755 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $1,565,000 after acquiring an additional 1,240 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 62.52% of the companys stock. Get Kinder Morgan alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Barclays increased their target price on Kinder Morgan from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Tudor Pickering upgraded shares of Kinder Morgan to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Kinder Morgan from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Argus raised shares of Kinder Morgan from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $24.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Friday, July 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised Kinder Morgan from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $18.00 to $22.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 4th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $22.11. Insider Transactions at Kinder Morgan In other news, VP Dax Sanders sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.75, for a total transaction of $987,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 259,069 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,116,612.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, VP Dax Sanders sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.75, for a total transaction of $987,500.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 259,069 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,116,612.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP Sital K. Mody sold 21,413 shares of Kinder Morgan stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.25, for a total value of $455,026.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 25,169 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $534,841.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 198,311 shares of company stock valued at $4,109,391. 12.64% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Kinder Morgan Price Performance Shares of NYSE KMI traded up $0.24 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $21.32. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,080,618 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,065,923. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 0.37 and a quick ratio of 0.28. Kinder Morgan, Inc. has a 52 week low of $15.89 and a 52 week high of $21.86. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $20.43 and a two-hundred day moving average of $18.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $47.32 billion, a PE ratio of 19.36, a P/E/G ratio of 2.92 and a beta of 0.93. Kinder Morgan (NYSE:KMI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 17th. The pipeline company reported $0.25 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.26 by ($0.01). Kinder Morgan had a return on equity of 7.89% and a net margin of 15.93%. The business had revenue of $3.57 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.13 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.24 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Kinder Morgan, Inc. will post 1.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Kinder Morgan Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 31st were given a dividend of $0.2875 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 31st. This represents a $1.15 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.39%. Kinder Morgans payout ratio is 104.55%. About Kinder Morgan (Free Report) Kinder Morgan, Inc operates as an energy infrastructure company primarily in North America. The company operates through Natural Gas Pipelines, Products Pipelines, Terminals, and CO2 segments. The Natural Gas Pipelines segment owns and operates interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline, and storage systems; natural gas gathering systems and natural gas processing and treating facilities; natural gas liquids fractionation facilities and transportation systems; and liquefied natural gas gasification, liquefaction, and storage facilities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kinder Morgan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kinder Morgan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AGF Management Limited (TSE:AGF.B Get Free Report) Director Cybele Negris bought 3,700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 19th. The shares were purchased at an average price of C$7.96 per share, for a total transaction of C$29,433.50. Cybele Negris also recently made the following trade(s): Get AGF Management alerts: On Tuesday, August 6th, Cybele Negris acquired 3,100 shares of AGF Management stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$7.90 per share, for a total transaction of C$24,490.00. On Wednesday, July 31st, Cybele Negris bought 6,000 shares of AGF Management stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$8.15 per share, with a total value of C$48,900.00. AGF Management Price Performance TSE AGF.B traded down C$0.08 on Monday, hitting C$7.92. 32,671 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 63,586. The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$8.23 and a 200-day moving average of C$8.15. The stock has a market cap of C$509.18 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.02, a P/E/G ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.71. AGF Management Limited has a 52 week low of C$6.30 and a 52 week high of C$9.05. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.60. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have issued reports on AGF.B. Scotiabank set a C$10.75 price objective on shares of AGF Management and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, June 27th. Desjardins boosted their price target on AGF Management from C$11.50 to C$12.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 24th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$10.96. View Our Latest Report on AGF Management AGF Management Company Profile (Get Free Report) AGF Management Limited is one of Canada's premier investment management companies with offices across Canada and subsidiaries around the world. 2007 marks AGF's 50th anniversary ofproviding Canadians with innovative investment solutions across the wealth continuum. AGF's products and services include a diversified family of more than 50 mutual funds, the evolutionary AGF Elements portfolios, the Harmony asset management program, AGF Private Investment Management, Institutional Account Services and AGF Trust GICs, loans and mortgages. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for AGF Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AGF Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jabil Inc. (NYSE:JBL Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 4,530,000 shares, a decline of 15.2% from the July 15th total of 5,340,000 shares. Approximately 4.2% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 1,620,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.8 days. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com upgraded Jabil from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 23rd. Bank of America reduced their price objective on shares of Jabil from $150.00 to $135.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, June 21st. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Jabil from $130.00 to $120.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, June 21st. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Jabil from $149.00 to $135.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, June 21st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Jabil from $155.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, June 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $142.63. Get Jabil alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Jabil Insider Buying and Selling at Jabil Institutional Investors Weigh In On Jabil In other news, EVP Frederic E. Mccoy sold 1,250 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.42, for a total value of $145,525.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 112,753 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,126,704.26. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . In related news, SVP May Yee Yap sold 4,274 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.04, for a total transaction of $500,228.96. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 24,829 shares in the company, valued at $2,905,986.16. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, EVP Frederic E. Mccoy sold 1,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.42, for a total value of $145,525.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 112,753 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,126,704.26. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 2.62% of the stock is owned by company insiders. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Benjamin Edwards Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Jabil during the first quarter worth $25,000. Activest Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of Jabil during the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Jabil during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Jabil during the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, ORG Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Jabil in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.39% of the companys stock. Jabil Stock Down 0.7 % NYSE:JBL traded down $0.73 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $106.35. 794,991 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,466,096. The firm has a market cap of $12.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.68, a PEG ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.27. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $111.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $123.26. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. Jabil has a fifty-two week low of $95.85 and a fifty-two week high of $156.94. Jabil (NYSE:JBL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 20th. The technology company reported $1.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.85 by $0.04. Jabil had a return on equity of 40.30% and a net margin of 4.63%. The firm had revenue of $6.77 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.53 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.85 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Jabil will post 7.86 earnings per share for the current year. Jabil Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.30%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. Jabils payout ratio is presently 2.91%. About Jabil (Get Free Report) Jabil Inc provides manufacturing services and solutions worldwide. It operates in two segments, Electronics Manufacturing Services and Diversified Manufacturing Services. The company offers electronics design, production, and product management services; electronic circuit design services, such as application-specific integrated circuit design, firmware development, and rapid prototyping services; and designs plastic and metal enclosures that include the electro-mechanics, such as the printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA). Read More Receive News & Ratings for Jabil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jabil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,250,000 shares, a drop of 19.9% from the July 15th total of 1,560,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 841,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days. Currently, 0.7% of the companys shares are sold short. Insider Buying and Selling at L3Harris Technologies In other news, CEO Christopher E. Kubasik sold 26,190 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $225.70, for a total transaction of $5,911,083.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 120,326 shares in the company, valued at $27,157,578.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Christopher E. Kubasik sold 26,190 shares of L3Harris Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $225.70, for a total transaction of $5,911,083.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 120,326 shares in the company, valued at approximately $27,157,578.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Scott T. Mikuen sold 15,887 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $235.00, for a total transaction of $3,733,445.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 47,616 shares in the company, valued at $11,189,760. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 109,312 shares of company stock worth $24,712,822. Insiders own 0.82% of the companys stock. Get L3Harris Technologies alerts: Institutional Trading of L3Harris Technologies Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Core Alternative Capital lifted its position in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 6.3% in the second quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 17,778 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,993,000 after buying an additional 1,050 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its stake in L3Harris Technologies by 5.7% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 44,323 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,955,000 after acquiring an additional 2,406 shares during the period. Nemes Rush Group LLC lifted its holdings in L3Harris Technologies by 7.0% during the 2nd quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 31,015 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,965,000 after purchasing an additional 2,036 shares during the last quarter. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in L3Harris Technologies during the second quarter worth $720,000. Finally, Ascent Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 14.9% in the second quarter. Ascent Group LLC now owns 11,199 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,515,000 after purchasing an additional 1,449 shares during the last quarter. 84.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently commented on LHX. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on L3Harris Technologies from $262.00 to $260.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Barclays increased their price target on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $245.00 to $265.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded shares of L3Harris Technologies from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and lowered their target price for the company from $250.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Susquehanna boosted their price target on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded L3Harris Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $245.00 to $257.00 in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $244.43. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on L3Harris Technologies L3Harris Technologies Stock Up 0.9 % NYSE:LHX traded up $2.01 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $228.50. 642,098 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 990,237. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.74. L3Harris Technologies has a twelve month low of $160.25 and a twelve month high of $245.60. The stock has a market cap of $43.34 billion, a PE ratio of 37.09, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.72. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $227.65 and a 200 day moving average of $218.30. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $3.24 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.18 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $5.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.30 billion. L3Harris Technologies had a net margin of 5.73% and a return on equity of 13.02%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.97 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that L3Harris Technologies will post 13.04 earnings per share for the current year. L3Harris Technologies Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be issued a $1.16 dividend. This represents a $4.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 6th. L3Harris Technologiess payout ratio is presently 75.32%. About L3Harris Technologies (Get Free Report) L3Harris Technologies, Inc provides mission-critical solutions for government and commercial customers worldwide. The company's Integrated Mission Systems segment provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, passive sensing and targeting, electronic attack, autonomy, power and communications, and networks and sensors, as well as advanced combat systems for air, land, and sea sectors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for L3Harris Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for L3Harris Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Louisiana-Pacific Co. (NYSE:LPX Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the nine brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have issued a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $94.88. LPX has been the subject of several analyst reports. StockNews.com downgraded Louisiana-Pacific from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Seaport Res Ptn cut Louisiana-Pacific from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, May 9th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on shares of Louisiana-Pacific from $101.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of Louisiana-Pacific from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $99.00 target price for the company. in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, TD Securities boosted their price target on shares of Louisiana-Pacific from $87.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 9th. Get Louisiana-Pacific alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Louisiana-Pacific Insider Buying and Selling at Louisiana-Pacific Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other news, Director Ozey K. Horton, Jr. sold 800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $96.10, for a total transaction of $76,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 29,008 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,787,668.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . In other Louisiana-Pacific news, Director Lizanne C. Gottung sold 3,591 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.18, for a total transaction of $320,245.38. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 23,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,095,819.18. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, Director Ozey K. Horton, Jr. sold 800 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $96.10, for a total transaction of $76,880.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 29,008 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,787,668.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Corporate insiders own 1.26% of the companys stock. A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of LPX. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 1.1% in the second quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 15,027 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $1,237,000 after acquiring an additional 167 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in Louisiana-Pacific by 57.3% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 486 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 177 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its stake in Louisiana-Pacific by 9.0% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,279 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock worth $188,000 after acquiring an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama raised its holdings in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 80,596 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $6,763,000 after acquiring an additional 220 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Investment House LLC boosted its position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Investment House LLC now owns 4,769 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $393,000 after acquiring an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. 94.73% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Louisiana-Pacific Stock Performance LPX opened at $94.08 on Monday. Louisiana-Pacific has a 1-year low of $49.47 and a 1-year high of $101.89. The company has a market cap of $6.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.85, a PEG ratio of 13.92 and a beta of 1.89. The companys fifty day moving average price is $89.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $82.41. The company has a current ratio of 3.32, a quick ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:LPX Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The building manufacturing company reported $2.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.23. Louisiana-Pacific had a net margin of 9.74% and a return on equity of 20.87%. The company had revenue of $814.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $797.26 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.55 EPS. The firms revenue was up 33.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Louisiana-Pacific will post 5.23 EPS for the current fiscal year. Louisiana-Pacific Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.26 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 20th. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.11%. Louisiana-Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 28.57%. About Louisiana-Pacific (Get Free Report Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides building solutions primarily for use in new home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structure markets. It operates through Siding, Oriented Strand Board, LP South America, and Other segments. The Siding segment offers LP SmartSide trim and siding products, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish trim and siding products, LP BuilderSeries lap siding products, and LP Outdoor Building Solutions; and engineered wood siding, trim, soffit, and fascia products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Louisiana-Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Louisiana-Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc. lowered its stake in shares of AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Free Report) by 0.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 28,534 shares of the companys stock after selling 174 shares during the quarter. AbbVie makes up about 1.5% of Meridian Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 9th biggest position. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in AbbVie were worth $4,894,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ABBV. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of AbbVie in the 4th quarter valued at $3,229,888,000. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of AbbVie by 6.2% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 170,376,746 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,025,605,000 after acquiring an additional 9,978,415 shares during the period. Capital World Investors increased its holdings in shares of AbbVie by 249.1% in the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 4,373,184 shares of the companys stock valued at $796,357,000 after acquiring an additional 3,120,310 shares during the period. Capital International Investors increased its holdings in shares of AbbVie by 6.9% in the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 48,098,784 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,758,789,000 after acquiring an additional 3,110,601 shares during the period. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its position in AbbVie by 39.6% in the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 8,422,613 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,305,252,000 after buying an additional 2,390,239 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.23% of the companys stock. Get AbbVie alerts: AbbVie Price Performance ABBV stock traded up $2.97 during trading on Monday, hitting $196.87. The stock had a trading volume of 3,247,956 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,521,394. The companys 50 day moving average price is $176.05 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $172.25. AbbVie Inc. has a 1-year low of $135.85 and a 1-year high of $197.18. The stock has a market cap of $347.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 0.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.93, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.94. AbbVie Announces Dividend AbbVie ( NYSE:ABBV Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $2.65 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.57 by $0.08. AbbVie had a net margin of 9.71% and a return on equity of 186.82%. The firm had revenue of $14.46 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.02 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.91 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that AbbVie Inc. will post 10.87 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Monday, July 15th were paid a $1.55 dividend. This represents a $6.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 15th. AbbVies payout ratio is 183.98%. Insider Activity at AbbVie In other news, Chairman Richard A. Gonzalez sold 282,845 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total transaction of $49,497,875.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 513,099 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $89,792,325. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Chairman Richard A. Gonzalez sold 66,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $186.52, for a total transaction of $12,403,580.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now owns 446,599 shares in the company, valued at approximately $83,299,645.48. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Richard A. Gonzalez sold 282,845 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total value of $49,497,875.00. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 513,099 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $89,792,325. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms recently weighed in on ABBV. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $200.00 price objective on shares of AbbVie in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $210.00 target price (up from $195.00) on shares of AbbVie in a research report on Friday, July 26th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of AbbVie from $180.00 to $214.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 19th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of AbbVie from $200.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and set a $190.00 target price on shares of AbbVie in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, AbbVie currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $190.29. Get Our Latest Stock Report on AbbVie AbbVie Profile (Free Report) AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, an injection for autoimmune and intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; Epkinly to treat lymphoma; Elahere to treat cancer; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat blood cancers. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABBV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AbbVie Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AbbVie and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MGIC Investment Co. (NYSE:MTG Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the six research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $24.33. MTG has been the topic of several recent research reports. BTIG Research increased their target price on shares of MGIC Investment from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of MGIC Investment from $21.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 22nd. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of MGIC Investment from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised MGIC Investment from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their target price for the company from $24.00 to $25.00 in a research report on Monday, June 3rd. Finally, Roth Mkm boosted their price target on MGIC Investment from $24.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Get MGIC Investment alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on MGIC Investment MGIC Investment Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of MTG opened at $23.99 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.23, a PEG ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 1.05. MGIC Investment has a 1-year low of $16.30 and a 1-year high of $25.93. The company has a 50-day moving average of $22.56 and a 200 day moving average of $21.19. MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The insurance provider reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.15. MGIC Investment had a net margin of 63.19% and a return on equity of 14.97%. The firm had revenue of $305.28 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $301.02 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.68 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that MGIC Investment will post 2.54 EPS for the current year. MGIC Investment Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 22nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 8th will be given a dividend of $0.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 8th. This is an increase from MGIC Investments previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.17%. MGIC Investments dividend payout ratio is presently 20.00%. Institutional Trading of MGIC Investment A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its stake in MGIC Investment by 482.7% in the second quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,142 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 946 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC purchased a new position in shares of MGIC Investment in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Pacific Capital Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in MGIC Investment in the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Quarry LP grew its position in MGIC Investment by 244.4% during the 4th quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,977 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 1,403 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC increased its stake in MGIC Investment by 249.1% during the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,175 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 1,552 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.58% of the companys stock. About MGIC Investment (Get Free Report MGIC Investment Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services to lenders and government sponsored entities in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The company offers primary mortgage insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans, as well as covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest, and various expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for MGIC Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MGIC Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) had its price objective decreased by National Bankshares from C$136.00 to C$131.00 in a research report sent to investors on Friday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. National Bankshares currently has an outperform rating on the banks stock. BMO has been the subject of several other reports. Barclays decreased their price target on Bank of Montreal from C$140.00 to C$132.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their price target on Bank of Montreal from C$136.00 to C$135.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Desjardins decreased their price target on Bank of Montreal from C$129.00 to C$125.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Royal Bank of Canada cut Bank of Montreal from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and cut their price objective for the stock from C$124.00 to C$118.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, UBS Group set a C$122.00 target price on Bank of Montreal and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$128.57. Get Bank of Montreal alerts: View Our Latest Report on BMO Bank of Montreal Price Performance TSE BMO opened at C$117.02 on Friday. Bank of Montreal has a 1 year low of C$102.67 and a 1 year high of C$133.95. The company has a market capitalization of C$85.34 billion, a PE ratio of 14.03, a P/E/G ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a fifty day moving average of C$115.91 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$122.96. Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO Get Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 29th. The bank reported C$2.59 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$2.74 by C($0.15). Bank of Montreal had a return on equity of 8.19% and a net margin of 20.07%. The firm had revenue of C$7.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$8.06 billion. On average, research analysts expect that Bank of Montreal will post 11.6437811 earnings per share for the current year. Bank of Montreal Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 27th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 27th will be issued a dividend of $1.55 per share. This is an increase from Bank of Montreals previous quarterly dividend of $1.51. This represents a $6.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.30%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, July 30th. Bank of Montreals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 74.34%. Bank of Montreal Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The company's personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Montreal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Montreal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT Free Report) by 3.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 137,243 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 4,180 shares during the quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC owned approximately 0.06% of Trane Technologies worth $45,143,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Trane Technologies by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 706 shares of the companys stock worth $232,000 after buying an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. raised its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 1.7% in the first quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 2,080 shares of the companys stock valued at $624,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Muirfield Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Trane Technologies by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Muirfield Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 939 shares of the companys stock worth $309,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. Pure Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in Trane Technologies by 5.2% in the 2nd quarter. Pure Financial Advisors LLC now owns 765 shares of the companys stock valued at $252,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC grew its position in shares of Trane Technologies by 2.3% during the first quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 1,760 shares of the companys stock worth $528,000 after buying an additional 39 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.97% of the companys stock. Get Trane Technologies alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Mizuho boosted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $280.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, May 1st. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $310.00 to $315.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on Trane Technologies from $287.00 to $326.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, May 1st. Citigroup raised their price target on Trane Technologies from $355.00 to $366.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 1st. Finally, Stephens reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $350.00 price target on shares of Trane Technologies in a research note on Monday, August 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Trane Technologies currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $323.29. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP Raymond D. Pittard sold 1,805 shares of Trane Technologies stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $328.65, for a total value of $593,213.25. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 83,517 shares in the company, valued at $27,447,862.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, EVP Raymond D. Pittard sold 1,805 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $328.65, for a total transaction of $593,213.25. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 83,517 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,447,862.05. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP Evan M. Turtz sold 8,988 shares of Trane Technologies stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $321.30, for a total value of $2,887,844.40. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 20,758 shares in the company, valued at $6,669,545.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 44,243 shares of company stock valued at $14,216,550 in the last quarter. Insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock. Trane Technologies Stock Performance NYSE TT traded up $4.66 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $345.96. The company had a trading volume of 356,702 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,127,162. Trane Technologies plc has a fifty-two week low of $184.02 and a fifty-two week high of $351.41. The firm has a market cap of $78.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 1.01. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $333.39 and a 200-day simple moving average of $312.09. The company has a quick ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $3.30 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.08 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $5.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.13 billion. Trane Technologies had a return on equity of 33.97% and a net margin of 12.33%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 12.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.68 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Trane Technologies plc will post 10.83 EPS for the current year. Trane Technologies Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Friday, September 6th will be paid a $0.84 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 6th. This represents a $3.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.97%. Trane Technologiess payout ratio is presently 35.90%. Trane Technologies Profile (Free Report) Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Trane Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trane Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lowered its holdings in shares of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG Free Report) by 6.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 149,990 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 9,850 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in American International Group were worth $11,135,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Essex Financial Services Inc. acquired a new position in shares of American International Group during the 4th quarter valued at $260,000. TCW Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of American International Group during the 4th quarter worth about $724,000. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of American International Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $948,000. Eudaimonia Partners LLC bought a new stake in American International Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $635,000. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers raised its stake in American International Group by 348.6% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 57,648 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,506,000 after buying an additional 44,797 shares during the period. 90.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get American International Group alerts: American International Group Price Performance AIG traded up $0.87 during trading on Monday, reaching $74.43. 2,085,121 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,209,067. American International Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $57.02 and a 12-month high of $80.83. The companys 50-day moving average is $74.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $75.04. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. The company has a market cap of $49.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.10, a P/E/G ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 1.07. American International Group Dividend Announcement American International Group ( NYSE:AIG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The insurance provider reported $1.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by ($0.14). American International Group had a positive return on equity of 9.37% and a negative net margin of 1.54%. The business had revenue of $1.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.64 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.75 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up .0% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that American International Group, Inc. will post 6.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. American International Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 23.88%. American International Group announced that its board has authorized a stock buyback plan on Wednesday, May 1st that permits the company to buyback $10.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the insurance provider to repurchase up to 19.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are generally an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In AIG has been the subject of a number of research reports. HSBC cut American International Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $86.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, May 15th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price objective on shares of American International Group from $96.00 to $90.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of American International Group from $89.00 to $87.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on shares of American International Group from $81.00 to $78.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $87.00 price target on shares of American International Group in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $83.47. Read Our Latest Stock Report on American International Group Insider Activity at American International Group In other news, major shareholder International Group American sold 1,932,609 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.20, for a total transaction of $56,432,182.80. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 292,271,027 shares in the company, valued at $8,534,313,988.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders sold 39,964,738 shares of company stock worth $1,132,432,195 in the last three months. 0.61% of the stock is owned by insiders. American International Group Profile (Free Report) American International Group, Inc offers insurance products for commercial, institutional, and individual customers in North America and internationally. It operates through three segments: General Insurance, Life and Retirement, and Other Operations. The General Insurance segment provides commercial and industrial property insurance, including business interruption and package insurance that cover exposure to made and natural disasters; general liability, environmental, commercial automobile liability, workers' compensation, excess casualty, and crisis management insurance products; and professional liability insurance. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for American International Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American International Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lowered its stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD Free Report) by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 9,102 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 52 shares during the quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Mettler-Toledo International were worth $12,721,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 8.0% during the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 95 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $117,000 after purchasing an additional 7 shares in the last quarter. Gulf International Bank UK Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Gulf International Bank UK Ltd now owns 1,813 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $2,413,000 after buying an additional 8 shares during the last quarter. Bellevue Group AG raised its position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 32.0% during the 1st quarter. Bellevue Group AG now owns 33 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV lifted its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 7.2% during the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 119 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $166,000 after acquiring an additional 8 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wealthspire Advisors LLC grew its position in Mettler-Toledo International by 1.2% in the first quarter. Wealthspire Advisors LLC now owns 757 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $1,008,000 after acquiring an additional 9 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.07% of the companys stock. Get Mettler-Toledo International alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CFO Shawn Vadala sold 250 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,401.00, for a total value of $350,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 4,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,884,514. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Mettler-Toledo International news, insider Christian Magloth sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,422.97, for a total transaction of $1,422,970.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 734 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,044,459.98. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Shawn Vadala sold 250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,401.00, for a total value of $350,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 4,914 shares in the company, valued at $6,884,514. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.94% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,212.00 to $1,360.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, May 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,150.00 to $1,300.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $975.00 to $1,200.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research report on Monday, May 13th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Mettler-Toledo International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,375.00 to $1,390.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $1,343.75. Get Our Latest Research Report on Mettler-Toledo International Mettler-Toledo International Price Performance MTD traded up $9.62 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $1,427.20. 29,601 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 142,820. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.93, a P/E/G ratio of 4.06 and a beta of 1.17. Mettler-Toledo International Inc. has a 52 week low of $928.49 and a 52 week high of $1,546.93. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $1,407.29 and a two-hundred day moving average of $1,342.01. Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The medical instruments supplier reported $9.65 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.00 by $0.65. Mettler-Toledo International had a net margin of 20.95% and a negative return on equity of 590.80%. The business had revenue of $946.75 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $929.13 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $10.19 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Mettler-Toledo International Inc. will post 40.13 EPS for the current year. Mettler-Toledo International Profile (Free Report) Mettler-Toledo International Inc manufactures and supplies precision instruments and services in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through five segments: U.S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations, and Other. The company's laboratory instruments include laboratory balances, liquid pipetting solutions, automated laboratory reactors, real-time analytics, titrators, pH meters, process analytics sensors and analyzer technologies, physical value analyzers, density and refractometry, thermal analysis systems, and other analytical instruments; and LabX, a laboratory software platform to manage and analyze data generated from its instruments.Its industrial instruments comprise industrial weighing instruments and related terminals, automatic dimensional measurement and data capture solutions, vehicle scale systems, industrial software, metal detection equipment, x-ray systems, check weighing equipment, camera-based imaging equipment, track-and-trace solutions, and product inspection systems. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mettler-Toledo International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mettler-Toledo International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR Get Free Report) and Revolution Acceleration Acquisition (OTCMKTS:RAACU Get Free Report) are both industrial products companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, dividends and risk. Profitability This table compares Ingersoll Rand and Revolution Acceleration Acquisitions net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Ingersoll Rand alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ingersoll Rand 11.73% 13.00% 7.99% Revolution Acceleration Acquisition N/A N/A N/A Valuation & Earnings This table compares Ingersoll Rand and Revolution Acceleration Acquisitions revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Ingersoll Rand $7.04 billion 5.22 $778.70 million $2.01 45.28 Revolution Acceleration Acquisition N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Institutional & Insider Ownership Ingersoll Rand has higher revenue and earnings than Revolution Acceleration Acquisition. 95.3% of Ingersoll Rand shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.7% of Ingersoll Rand shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Ingersoll Rand and Revolution Acceleration Acquisition, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ingersoll Rand 0 3 8 0 2.73 Revolution Acceleration Acquisition 0 0 0 0 N/A Ingersoll Rand currently has a consensus price target of $100.36, indicating a potential upside of 10.28%. Given Ingersoll Rands higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Ingersoll Rand is more favorable than Revolution Acceleration Acquisition. Summary Ingersoll Rand beats Revolution Acceleration Acquisition on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Ingersoll Rand (Get Free Report) Ingersoll Rand Inc. provides various mission-critical air, gas, liquid, and solid flow creation technologies services and solutions worldwide. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. The Industrial Technologies and Services segment designs, manufactures, markets, and services air and gas compression, vacuum, and blower products; fluid transfer equipment and loading systems; and power tools and lifting equipment, including associated aftermarket parts, consumables, air treatment equipment, controls, other accessories, and services under the under the Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Nash, CompAir, Elmo Rietschle brands, etc. The Precision and Science Technologies segment designs, manufactures, and markets diaphragm, piston, water-powered, peristaltic, gear, vane, progressive cavity, and syringe pumps; and gas boosters, hydrogen compression systems, automated liquid handling systems, odorant injection systems, controls, software, and other related components and accessories for liquid and gas dosing, transfer, dispensing, compression, sampling, pressure management, and flow control in specialized or critical applications under the Air Dimensions, Albin, ARO, Dosatron, Haskel, Ingersoll Rand, LMI, Maximus, Milton Roy, MP, Oberdorfer, Seepex, Thomas, Welch, Williams, YZ, and Zinnser Analytic brand names. This segment's products are used in medical, life sciences, industrial manufacturing, water and wastewater, chemical processing, energy, food and beverage, agriculture, and other markets. It sells through an integrated network of direct sales representatives and independent distributors. The company was formerly known as Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Ingersoll Rand Inc. in March 2020. Ingersoll Rand Inc. was founded in 1859 and is headquartered in Davidson, North Carolina. About Revolution Acceleration Acquisition (Get Free Report) Revolution Acceleration Acquisition Corp does not have significant operations. It intends to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company was formerly known as Acceleration Acquisition Corporation and changed its name to Revolution Acceleration Acquisition Corp in November 2020. Revolution Acceleration Acquisition Corp was incorporated in 2020 and is based in Washington, District of Columbia. Receive News & Ratings for Ingersoll Rand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ingersoll Rand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded shares of Lightspeed Pos (TSE:LSP Free Report) from a moderate buy rating to a strong sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Zacks.com reports. Separately, Cibc World Mkts raised Lightspeed Pos from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 24th. Get Lightspeed Pos alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on LSP Lightspeed Pos Stock Performance Lightspeed Pos ( TSE:LSP Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 16th. The company reported C$0.01 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C($0.20) by C$0.21. The business had revenue of C$310.36 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$303.91 million. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Lightspeed Pos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lightspeed Pos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the six brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $84.17. Several analysts recently weighed in on STNG shares. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and issued a $90.00 price objective on shares of Scorpio Tankers in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of Scorpio Tankers from $99.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Scorpio Tankers from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. Bank of America reduced their price objective on shares of Scorpio Tankers from $85.00 to $82.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Scorpio Tankers from $84.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Get Scorpio Tankers alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on STNG Hedge Funds Weigh In On Scorpio Tankers Scorpio Tankers Trading Down 1.4 % Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Scorpio Tankers by 970.0% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 321 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 291 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its position in Scorpio Tankers by 319.0% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 419 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 319 shares in the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its stake in Scorpio Tankers by 8,800.0% in the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 534 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 528 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP boosted its holdings in Scorpio Tankers by 52.8% in the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 663 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $54,000 after acquiring an additional 229 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fidelis Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Scorpio Tankers during the first quarter worth about $58,000. 54.64% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Shares of STNG opened at $73.44 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.81, a PEG ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 0.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 2.67 and a quick ratio of 2.63. Scorpio Tankers has a 1-year low of $47.88 and a 1-year high of $84.67. The company has a 50-day moving average of $77.47 and a 200 day moving average of $74.16. Scorpio Tankers (NYSE:STNG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The shipping company reported $3.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.52 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $380.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $368.62 million. Scorpio Tankers had a return on equity of 23.83% and a net margin of 47.36%. Scorpio Tankerss quarterly revenue was up 15.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.41 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Scorpio Tankers will post 13.08 EPS for the current year. Scorpio Tankers Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.18%. Scorpio Tankerss payout ratio is 14.84%. About Scorpio Tankers (Get Free Report Scorpio Tankers Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the seaborne transportation of crude oi and refined petroleum products in the shipping markets worldwide. As of March 21, 2024, its fleet consisted of 110 owned and leases financed tanker, including 39 LR2, 57 MR, and 14 Handymax with a weighted average age of approximately 8.1 years. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Scorpio Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scorpio Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skeena Resources Limited (NYSE:SKE Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Monday . Approximately 156,028 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 47% from the previous sessions volume of 292,346 shares.The stock last traded at $8.25 and had previously closed at $8.38. Skeena Resources Price Performance The companys 50-day simple moving average is $5.88 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $4.97. The firm has a market capitalization of $853.06 million, a P/E ratio of -8.16 and a beta of 1.33. Get Skeena Resources alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in SKE. HTLF Bank purchased a new stake in Skeena Resources in the 1st quarter worth approximately $125,000. Nokomis Capital L.L.C. purchased a new stake in shares of Skeena Resources in the first quarter worth $155,000. Knoll Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Skeena Resources during the 1st quarter valued at $179,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp purchased a new position in shares of Skeena Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at $179,000. Finally, Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in Skeena Resources by 14.7% in the 4th quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 61,925 shares of the companys stock worth $303,000 after buying an additional 7,948 shares during the period. 45.15% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Skeena Resources Skeena Resources Limited explores for and develops mineral properties in Canada. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine comprising one mining lease and nine mineral tenures that covers an area of approximately 4,724 hectares; and the Eskay Creek gold mine that consists of eight mineral leases, two surface leases, and various unpatented mining claims comprising 7,666 hectares located in British Columbia, Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Skeena Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skeena Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW Free Report) from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, MarketBeat.com reports. Wells Fargo & Company currently has $130.00 price objective on the stock, down from their prior price objective of $200.00. A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on SNOW. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $235.00 price target on shares of Snowflake in a report on Tuesday, June 4th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Snowflake from $226.00 to $183.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, June 5th. Scotiabank reduced their price target on shares of Snowflake from $207.00 to $195.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 23rd. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Snowflake from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, May 24th. Finally, Rosenblatt Securities reissued a buy rating and issued a $195.00 price target on shares of Snowflake in a report on Thursday, June 6th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and twenty-four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $196.79. Get Snowflake alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on SNOW Snowflake Trading Up 0.8 % NYSE:SNOW opened at $128.04 on Thursday. Snowflake has a 1 year low of $107.93 and a 1 year high of $237.72. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $129.92 and its 200 day simple moving average is $156.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $42.87 billion, a PE ratio of -45.73 and a beta of 0.85. Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 22nd. The company reported ($0.88) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.48) by ($0.40). Snowflake had a negative net margin of 30.80% and a negative return on equity of 15.99%. The firm had revenue of $828.71 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $786.95 million. As a group, analysts anticipate that Snowflake will post -2.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Snowflake In other news, insider Benoit Dageville sold 558 shares of Snowflake stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $128.31, for a total transaction of $71,596.98. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 63,222 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,112,014.82. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CAO Emily Ho sold 6,500 shares of Snowflake stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.36, for a total transaction of $1,029,340.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 36,076 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,712,995.36. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Benoit Dageville sold 558 shares of Snowflake stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $128.31, for a total transaction of $71,596.98. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 63,222 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,112,014.82. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 534,178 shares of company stock worth $66,520,575 in the last quarter. 7.80% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Commerce Bank boosted its stake in Snowflake by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 6,138 shares of the companys stock worth $1,221,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its stake in Snowflake by 34.7% during the 4th quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 202 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC boosted its stake in Snowflake by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 13,484 shares of the companys stock worth $2,179,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd lifted its stake in Snowflake by 25.0% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 350 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after buying an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Finally, IAM Advisory LLC lifted its stake in Snowflake by 2.0% in the first quarter. IAM Advisory LLC now owns 3,711 shares of the companys stock valued at $600,000 after buying an additional 74 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 65.10% of the companys stock. About Snowflake (Get Free Report) Snowflake Inc provides a cloud-based data platform for various organizations in the United States and internationally. Its platform offers Data Cloud, which enables customers to consolidate data into a single source of truth to drive meaningful business insights, build data-driven applications, and share data and data products, as well as applies artificial intelligence (AI) for solving business problems. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Snowflake Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Snowflake and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG Free Report) had its price target upped by Oppenheimer from $36.00 to $40.00 in a report released on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Several other analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Sweetgreen from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, August 9th. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Sweetgreen in a research report on Wednesday, May 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Sweetgreen from $32.00 to $37.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, June 14th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Sweetgreen from $35.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, June 7th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Sweetgreen in a report on Thursday, June 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $39.00 target price on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.00. Get Sweetgreen alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on SG Sweetgreen Price Performance Shares of NYSE:SG opened at $37.37 on Thursday. Sweetgreen has a one year low of $8.64 and a one year high of $37.88. The company has a 50 day moving average of $28.60 and a 200-day moving average of $24.38. The stock has a market cap of $4.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -40.18 and a beta of 2.30. Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported ($0.13) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.11) by ($0.02). Sweetgreen had a negative net margin of 14.33% and a negative return on equity of 19.34%. The business had revenue of $184.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $180.79 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.20) earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 21.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Sweetgreen will post -0.75 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Sweetgreen In other Sweetgreen news, insider Adrienne Gemperle sold 6,808 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.95, for a total transaction of $210,707.60. Following the sale, the insider now owns 118,710 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,674,074.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Sweetgreen news, insider Adrienne Gemperle sold 6,808 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.95, for a total value of $210,707.60. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 118,710 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,674,074.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Jonathan Neman sold 150,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.50, for a total value of $4,575,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,100,000 shares in the company, valued at $64,050,000. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 165,645 shares of company stock worth $5,068,315. Insiders own 21.52% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Sweetgreen Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of SG. Quest Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Sweetgreen in the 2nd quarter worth about $76,000. Versor Investments LP acquired a new position in Sweetgreen in the 2nd quarter valued at $217,000. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in Sweetgreen during the 2nd quarter worth $233,000. Nkcfo LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Sweetgreen during the second quarter worth $241,000. Finally, Moloney Securities Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Sweetgreen in the second quarter valued at about $256,000. 95.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Sweetgreen Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sweetgreen, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates fast food restaurants serving healthy foods at scale in the United States. The company also accepts orders through its online and mobile ordering platforms, as well as sells gift cards that do not have an expiration date and can be redeemed. The company was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sweetgreen Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sweetgreen and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sarasin & Partners LLP reduced its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 9.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,147,556 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 309,522 shares during the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing makes up about 4.8% of Sarasin & Partners LLPs holdings, making the stock its 6th biggest holding. Sarasin & Partners LLP owned about 0.06% of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing worth $547,077,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in TSM. BOKF NA boosted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. BOKF NA now owns 1,762 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $249,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares in the last quarter. CapWealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 21.1% in the 4th quarter. CapWealth Advisors LLC now owns 122,310 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $12,720,000 after acquiring an additional 21,329 shares in the last quarter. Dodge & Cox purchased a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 4th quarter worth approximately $6,396,000. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 31,079,682 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $3,232,287,000 after purchasing an additional 442,289 shares during the period. Finally, Aigen Investment Management LP bought a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 4th quarter worth approximately $553,000. 16.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets TSM has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Needham & Company LLC upped their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $168.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Barclays increased their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $150.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $150.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, June 20th. Susquehanna reiterated a positive rating and set a $250.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, TD Cowen increased their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $130.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $200.00. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Up 0.3 % TSM stock traded up $0.58 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $174.54. The companys stock had a trading volume of 10,709,972 shares, compared to its average volume of 21,614,538. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 2.13 and a current ratio of 2.39. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $171.29 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $150.99. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 1 year low of $84.01 and a 1 year high of $193.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $905.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.25, a PEG ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 1.14. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The semiconductor company reported $1.48 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.11. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 25.89% and a net margin of 37.85%. The business had revenue of $20.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.33 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.14 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 34.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 6.44 EPS for the current year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.4871 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 12th. This represents a $1.95 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.12%. This is a positive change from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 32.57%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Tesco PLC (OTCMKTS:TSCDY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $13.57 and last traded at $13.57, with a volume of 57258 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $13.50. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded Tesco to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Get Tesco alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Tesco Tesco Price Performance Tesco Company Profile The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 0.81. The business has a 50 day moving average of $12.35 and a 200 day moving average of $11.63. (Get Free Report) Tesco PLC, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a grocery retailer in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. It offers grocery products through its stores, as well as online. The company is also involved in the food and drink wholesaling activities. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Tesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Get Free Report) EVP Timothy Gerald Arnold sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.11, for a total transaction of $541,100.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 64,821 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,507,464.31. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Unum Group Stock Up 1.1 % UNM opened at $55.03 on Monday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $52.18 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $51.55. Unum Group has a 52 week low of $41.75 and a 52 week high of $58.17. The company has a market capitalization of $10.22 billion, a PE ratio of 8.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 0.81. The company has a quick ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. Get Unum Group alerts: Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.16 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.02 by $0.14. Unum Group had a net margin of 10.40% and a return on equity of 15.55%. The business had revenue of $3.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.23 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.06 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Unum Group will post 8.51 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Unum Group Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 26th were issued a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.05%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 26th. This is an increase from Unum Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.37. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio is 24.96%. Unum Group announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, July 30th that allows the company to buyback $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the financial services provider to repurchase up to 10% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are often a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on UNM. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Unum Group from $64.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Evercore ISI upped their target price on shares of Unum Group from $56.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Wednesday, June 26th. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Unum Group from $62.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Piper Sandler initiated coverage on shares of Unum Group in a report on Thursday, July 11th. They issued an overweight rating and a $57.00 target price for the company. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Unum Group from $66.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Unum Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $61.78. Get Our Latest Research Report on UNM Institutional Trading of Unum Group Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its position in shares of Unum Group by 7.1% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,071 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $165,000 after buying an additional 204 shares in the last quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. raised its position in shares of Unum Group by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 10,126 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $518,000 after buying an additional 217 shares in the last quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Unum Group by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 12,786 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $654,000 after buying an additional 226 shares in the last quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Unum Group by 20.4% during the 1st quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,457 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $78,000 after buying an additional 247 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Nova Scotia raised its position in shares of Unum Group by 2.8% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 9,193 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $416,000 after buying an additional 249 shares in the last quarter. 86.57% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Unum Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block segment. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Unum Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unum Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integris Wealth Management LLC lowered its stake in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:VGK Free Report) by 11.6% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 201,304 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 26,304 shares during the period. Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF comprises 3.9% of Integris Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 9th largest position. Integris Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF were worth $13,441,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. White Lighthouse Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. White Lighthouse Investment Management Inc. now owns 12,420 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $836,000 after purchasing an additional 148 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 2.6% during the first quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 6,405 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $431,000 after buying an additional 161 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL raised its position in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 0.7% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 27,951 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,882,000 after acquiring an additional 187 shares during the period. Caprock Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 8,414 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $567,000 after acquiring an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 5,596 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $361,000 after acquiring an additional 196 shares during the period. Get Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF Trading Up 0.5 % Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF stock traded up $0.37 during trading on Friday, reaching $68.82. The company had a trading volume of 1,738,370 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,271,159. The firm has a market capitalization of $19.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.09 and a beta of 0.85. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $67.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is $67.09. Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF has a 52 week low of $55.06 and a 52 week high of $70.68. Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF Company Profile Vanguard European Stock Index Fund is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of stocks issued by Companies located in the markets of Europe. The Fund on focuses indexing investment approach by investing all, or substantially all, of its assets in the common stocks included in the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VGK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:VGK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Various Eateries PLC (LON:VARE Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 17 ($0.22) and last traded at GBX 17 ($0.22), with a volume of 110 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 17.02 ($0.22). Various Eateries Stock Performance The firm has a fifty day moving average of GBX 18.52 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 21.35. The stock has a market capitalization of 29.76 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -340.00 and a beta of 0.11. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 119.25. About Various Eateries (Get Free Report) Various Eateries PLC, together with its subsidiaries, owns, develops, and operates restaurant and hotel sites in the United Kingdom. It operates in two segments, Restaurant and Hotel. The company operates two brands across 15 locations, which include Coppa Club, a multi-use, all-day concept that combines restaurant, terrace, cafe, lounge, bar, and workspaces; and Tavolino, a restaurant for Italian food. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Various Eateries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Various Eateries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. raised its position in shares of Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG Free Report) by 16.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 372,938 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 52,250 shares during the period. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P.s holdings in Alamo Group were worth $64,518,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Alamo Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $252,000. Diversified Trust Co lifted its stake in shares of Alamo Group by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 1,548 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $268,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new position in shares of Alamo Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,230,000. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Alamo Group by 273.4% during the 2nd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 18,395 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,182,000 after purchasing an additional 13,469 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Aurora Investment Counsel raised its holdings in Alamo Group by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. Aurora Investment Counsel now owns 5,657 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,292,000 after buying an additional 112 shares during the period. 92.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Alamo Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ALG has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. DA Davidson dropped their price objective on shares of Alamo Group from $225.00 to $209.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Robert W. Baird reduced their price objective on shares of Alamo Group from $223.00 to $217.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Alamo Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Alamo Group Trading Up 1.8 % Shares of NYSE:ALG traded up $3.12 on Friday, hitting $177.67. 85,241 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 75,125. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.81 and a beta of 1.04. Alamo Group Inc. has a 12 month low of $157.74 and a 12 month high of $231.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 4.37 and a quick ratio of 2.49. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $176.79 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $195.47. Alamo Group (NYSE:ALG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The industrial products company reported $2.35 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.79 by ($0.44). The company had revenue of $416.30 million for the quarter. Alamo Group had a net margin of 7.56% and a return on equity of 13.51%. During the same period last year, the firm earned $3.03 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Alamo Group Inc. will post 12.3 EPS for the current fiscal year. Alamo Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 29th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 16th were paid a dividend of $0.26 per share. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.59%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 16th. Alamo Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 9.25%. About Alamo Group (Free Report) Alamo Group Inc designs, manufactures, distributes, and services vegetation management and infrastructure maintenance equipment for governmental, industrial, and agricultural uses worldwide. It operates through two segments, Vegetation Management and Industrial Equipment. Its Vegetation Management Division segment offers hydraulically-powered and tractor and off-road chassis mounted mowers, other cutters and replacement parts for heavy-duty and intensive uses and heavy duty, tractor- and truck-mounted mowing and vegetation maintenance equipment, and replacement parts. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alamo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alamo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vista Investment Partners LLC increased its position in BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ Free Report) by 0.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 48,272 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 440 shares during the quarter. BJs Wholesale Club makes up about 1.4% of Vista Investment Partners LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Vista Investment Partners LLCs holdings in BJs Wholesale Club were worth $4,240,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in BJ. Blue Trust Inc. bought a new position in BJs Wholesale Club during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Rise Advisors LLC bought a new position in BJs Wholesale Club during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC bought a new position in BJs Wholesale Club during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $40,000. J.Safra Asset Management Corp bought a new position in BJs Wholesale Club during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $45,000. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its position in BJs Wholesale Club by 36.7% during the 4th quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,126 shares of the companys stock valued at $75,000 after buying an additional 302 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.60% of the companys stock. Get BJ's Wholesale Club alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets BJ has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Barclays lifted their target price on BJs Wholesale Club from $72.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, May 24th. Loop Capital lifted their target price on BJs Wholesale Club from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. TD Cowen lifted their target price on BJs Wholesale Club from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 24th. Gordon Haskett raised BJs Wholesale Club from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $90.00 target price for the company in a report on Thursday, May 23rd. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their target price on BJs Wholesale Club from $86.00 to $89.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Thursday, June 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $83.06. Insider Activity at BJs Wholesale Club In other news, EVP Graham Luce sold 16,596 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.15, for a total value of $1,512,725.40. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 14,131 shares in the company, valued at $1,288,040.65. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, CEO Robert W. Eddy sold 11,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.90, for a total value of $955,900.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 467,792 shares in the company, valued at $40,651,124.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Graham Luce sold 16,596 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.15, for a total value of $1,512,725.40. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,131 shares in the company, valued at $1,288,040.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 81,544 shares of company stock worth $7,237,084. Corporate insiders own 2.00% of the companys stock. BJs Wholesale Club Stock Performance Shares of BJ traded up $1.12 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $86.65. The stock had a trading volume of 1,460,273 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,480,036. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.50 billion, a PE ratio of 22.51, a PEG ratio of 3.12 and a beta of 0.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.14. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $87.82 and a 200 day moving average price of $80.00. BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. has a 12 month low of $63.08 and a 12 month high of $92.37. BJs Wholesale Club (NYSE:BJ Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 23rd. The company reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $4.92 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.86 billion. BJs Wholesale Club had a return on equity of 37.78% and a net margin of 2.59%. BJs Wholesale Clubs quarterly revenue was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.85 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. will post 3.91 EPS for the current year. BJs Wholesale Club Company Profile (Free Report) BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates warehouse clubs on the eastern half of the United States. It provides groceries, general merchandise, gasoline and other ancillary services, coupon books, and promotions. The company sells its products through the websites BJs.com, BerkleyJensen.com, and Wellsleyfarms.com, as well as the mobile app. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BJ's Wholesale Club Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BJ's Wholesale Club and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yiren Digital (NYSE:YRD Get Free Report) is set to release its earnings data before the market opens on Tuesday, August 20th. Yiren Digital has set its Q2 2024 guidance at EPS.Persons interested in listening to the companys earnings conference call can do so using this link. Yiren Digital (NYSE:YRD Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, June 21st. The technology company reported $0.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Yiren Digital had a net margin of 40.47% and a return on equity of 27.42%. The business had revenue of $190.86 million for the quarter. Get Yiren Digital alerts: Yiren Digital Stock Performance YRD opened at $4.84 on Monday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $4.68 and its 200 day simple moving average is $4.86. Yiren Digital has a 1 year low of $2.16 and a 1 year high of $5.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $420.74 million, a PE ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.72. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of Yiren Digital from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 28th. Read Our Latest Research Report on YRD About Yiren Digital (Get Free Report) Yiren Digital Ltd. provides financial services through an AI-powered platform in China. Its platform provides a suite of financial and lifestyle services. The company offers financial services, which provides a portfolio of loan products to borrowers; insurance brokerage services; and consumption and lifestyle services, including non-financial products and services to meet various consumer needs. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Yiren Digital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yiren Digital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Follow us on: BIGBANGs G-Dragon is officially on Instagram; shares first post on his birthday - view pic Follow us on: AMD to acquire server builder ZT Systems for $4.9 billion in cash and stock Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com Follow us on: FM urges PSBs to carry out special drives to garner deposits; focus on efficient customer service Follow us on: IndusInd Bank gets RBI nod for undertaking mutual funds business via new subsidiary Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All 7-Eleven owner Seven & I's stock surges as Couche-Tard submits record buyout offer Follow us on: Gokaldas Exports not creating capacity in Bangladesh, says customers sensed unrest for a year Follow us on: Raamdeo Agrawal keen to gauge mood of foreign investors after run up in stocks Follow us on: Vietnam steel probe may have minimal impact on Indias market, says CLSA Moneycontrol Mutual Fund Summit 2024 Summit to explore the evolving Mutual Fund landscape - Here is what to expect The upcoming Moneycontrol Mutual Fund Summit 2024 is poised to be a landmark event for anyone related to, or even interested in the dynamics of mutual funds and systematic investment plans (SIPs). Themed "Empowering Bharat through SIPs," the summit promises not only to delve into the impact of SIPs on broadening financial inclusivity and offering insights into the evolving landscape of mutual fund investments, but also to serve as a platform for the recognition of those whove propelled the space with their on-ground efforts - The Mutual Fund Distributors. The event will be attended by industry experts and veterans, who will address the most relevant topics pertaining to the mutual fund industry. Details here Follow us on: NTPC aims for mega nuclear expansion, looks for locations across India: Report Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Follow us on: Bond across borders: Pakistani woman to tie Rakhi to PM Modi today for 30th year August 19, 2024 / 15:00 IST On Karnataka Governor granting permission to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA scam, BRS working president KT Rama Rao says, "Bigger scams are going on in Telangana. Telangana CM is involved in a lot of scams.Telangana has become the ATM for the Congress Party. Thousands of crores are reaching Delhi from Telangana. We have seen that money from Karnataka is coming here.I am not fully aware of the situation in Karnataka. But if there is something, then it should be investigated." On BRS leader K Kavitha's bail, he says, "We are trying. It has been 155 days since she has been arrested. We hope that she will get justice and she will get the bail soon.I hope justice will be served to us too." Follow us on: Dehradun ISBT horror: Five roadways staffers gang-rape 16-year-old in bus, all confess to crime Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_ Follow us on: 'If a patient dies...we will not save you': Trinamool Congress warns doctors on strike Follow us on: 'Insults and contempt': What forced JMM stalwart Champai Soren to look for alternative path? This aerial photo taken on May 13, 2022, shows a wind power station in Xinglongshan Town, Baicheng City, northeast China's Jilin Province. (Photo by Zhang Yubo/Xinhua) To many observers, the Chinese modernization illustrates an innovative approach to dealing with humanity's most pressing challenges, such as achieving a symbiosis of economic development and environmental protection. BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's path to modernization presented a new perspective on global development, and has offered insights and solutions to building a community with a shared future for humanity, an expert said. China regards the legitimate concerns of humankind, promoting world peace and development "as essential to modernization," Yin Jun, deputy director of the Modernization Research Center at Peking University, told Xinhua in a recent interview. China's modernization drive is "turning the blueprint of building a community with a shared future for humankind into reality," said the expert. He noted that the Chinese modernization emphasizes the importance of "people first over capital, common prosperity over polarization, cooperation and coexistence transcending the law of the jungle, and peaceful development transcending hegemonism." The Chinese wisdom behind its pursuit of modernization, Yin said, is increasingly gaining understanding, support, and responses from overseas. For example, Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and spokesperson Penn Sovicheat recently noted that China has always shared its development dividends with the rest of the world through several global initiatives such as the BRI, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative. Chinese driver Wang Aofei (rear) and a local driver co-drive a train of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line in Lagos, Nigeria, March 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Han Xu) In his recent article titled "Building a Community of a Shared Future in Nigeria -- A Policy of Win-Win Initiatives," Nigerian scholar Adetoro Banwo wrote that the China-Africa relations are built on the idea of win-win cooperation, aiming to build a future that benefits all mankind. Yin said that to many observers, the Chinese modernization illustrates an innovative approach to dealing with humanity's most pressing challenges, such as achieving a symbiosis of economic development and environmental protection. Photo taken on Jan. 4, 2020, shows the construction site of the Central Business District (CBD) in Egypt's new administrative capital, some 50 km east of Cairo. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Diaa Helmy, secretary-general of the Egyptian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cairo, pointed out that China's approach to modernization is not solely materialistic but also rooted in its spiritual civilization and the pursuit of harmony between humans and nature. Yin said he regards the Chinese modernization as "a new form of socialist civilization," with the coordinated development of material, political, spiritual, social and ecological civilization. Looking forward, he expressed confidence that as the Chinese modernization deepens, the Chinese civilization will continue to shine on the global stage and help advance human civilization as a whole. Follow us on: Kolkata doctor rape-murder: From CBI getting court nod for polygraph test to TMC leader's warning; latest developments OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Mehbooba Mufti's daughter to contest J&K polls: Who is Iltija Mufti? More than meets the eye? Abhishek Banerjee MIA as TMC faces fire from Opposition and within Follow us on: MUDA case: Trial court can't proceed against Siddaramaiah till we hear matter, Karnataka HC says OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All PM Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine on August 23, says MEA Follow us on: Port workers to go on strike to demand better wages, benefits Follow us on: Quota must in govt appointments, no ifs and buts: Chirag Paswan over lateral entry issue Follow us on: Restoration of Article 370, rehabilitation of Kashmiri pandits: Heres what NC promised for upcoming polls OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Wayanad landslide: Double whammy for survivors as bank deducts EMIs from relief aid, Kerala CM intervenes Follow us on: Will quit politics if CM says I am hindering Maratha quota process: Fadnavis in swipe at Jarange Follow us on: 'Will you ask Siddaramaiah to quit?': TMC asks Rahul Gandhi after RG Kar barb Follow us on: 'You are throwing Congress, Veerappa Moily under the bus': BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi over lateral entry Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Vikram Jit Singh has extensive experience as war correspondent and reported counter-terrorism operations live while posted at Srinagar. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Public outrage at the Kolkata hospital rape and murder throws a challenge to Mamata Banerjee USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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In a historic judgment that could have massive ramifications, a US District Judge has ruled that Google created an illegal monopoly in the search engine and the digital ad market in clear violation of antitrust laws. Currently, the tech giant controls nearly 90 percent of the online search market and 95 percent of US antitrust ruling against Google should be a warning shot for Indian monopolies USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Best cities to find a job in the US OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All 'Britain's Bill Gates' Mike Lynch among missing after luxury yacht sinks off Sicily Follow us on: 'Last opportunity to...': Antony Blinken urges Israel and Hamas to seize ceasefire opportunity OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Malala Yousafzai attends Taylor Swift's concert, recalls her life in Swat Valley after Taliban control Follow us on: Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Can Thailands youngest prime minister defy the fate of her father and aunt? Russia says Kursk attack means no peace talks with Ukraine for now, but keeps proposals on table Follow us on: US Polls 2024: The 47 seconds that propelled Kamala Harris to national prominence Sameer Nigam on Share.Market at the Moneycontrol Startup Conclave PhonePe's equity investing and trading app Share.Market added more than 50,000 active investors, taking the base to 1.7 lakh in July. It had 49,000 users in April and it more than trebled its users in three months, according to numbers available with the exchanges. A year since the companys launch, Share.Market seems to be gaining traction. The companys rapid growth since the new financial year backed by its aggressive marketing in mass media as well as growth in larger public interest Harare A wave of disappointment has washed over Zimbabwe as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit concluded, leaving many questioning whether the regional bloc will truly address the escalating political crises in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Eswatini. While the summit acknowledged the challenges facing these nations, the promise of an internal solution has left many feeling that their hopes for meaningful change are fading. Zimbabwe, in particular, has been grappling with a severe crackdown on dissent, with over 165 political opponents arrested, detained, and allegedly tortured. The crackdown, according to opposition stalwart David Coltart, the mayor of Bulawayo, is a clear case of preventative detention, aimed at silencing dissent ahead of the summit. The oppositionists will be released after the summit, Coltart predicted, highlighting the governments blatant disregard for fundamental rights. The crackdown in Zimbabwe echoes a similar pattern in Tanzania, where the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party suppressed opposition demonstrations, detaining hundreds of members of the main opposition Chadema party in Mbeya to prevent a rally celebrating International Youth Day. Despite these worrying trends, the SADC summit seemed to offer little hope for meaningful change. The leaders, while acknowledging the democratic deficits in Eswatini, where violent protests against King Mswati IIIs absolute monarchy continue, have failed to take concrete action. Despite promises of national dialogue, no progress has been made, and Eswatini has seemingly slipped off the SADCs agenda. The challenge of political repression in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Eswatini and elsewhere will be, in the main, sidestepped, warned Piers Pigou, head of SADC research at the Institute for Security Studies. These issues may well be flagged in some internal discussions, but they are not in the formal SADC agenda and there [are] no ostensible remedial channels in SADC to address them. Pigous assessment highlights a troubling pattern within the SADC: a reluctance to intervene in the internal affairs of member states, even when fundamental rights are being violated. The SADCs commitment to the principles of sovereignty and non-intervention often overshadows its responsibility to uphold human rights and democracy. The summit did address two pressing regional security issues: the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the insurgency in northern Mozambique. The SADC deployed a military force, SAMIDRC, to the DRC in December, aiming to neutralize armed rebel groups, particularly the M23, which is backed by Rwanda. While the SAMIDRC has been credited with facilitating a ceasefire between the DRC and Rwanda, analysts have questioned its effectiveness in suppressing the M23, highlighting the lack of adequate weaponry to counter Rwandan support for the rebel group. The SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), deployed to combat the Islamist insurgents in Cabo Delgado, has also come under scrutiny. Despite declaring mission accomplished and withdrawing from Mozambique in July, the ASWJ remains a threat, albeit weakened. The SADC has effectively left the fight to the Rwandan army, which has been deployed in the region since July 2021. The SAMIMs withdrawal reflects a political and diplomatic failure for the region, Pigou and independent analyst Jasmine Opperman wrote in May. The SAMIM didnt achieve a battlefield victory. The SADC Summit in Harare has exposed a contrast between the regional blocs commitment to regional security and its apparent indifference to the erosion of democratic principles and human rights within its own member states. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News By Lambert Strether of Corrente Bird Song of the Day Still with the Thrashers! California Thrasher, Daley Ranch, San Diego, California, United States. In Case You Might Miss Politics So many of the social reactions that strike us as psychological are in fact a rational management of symbolic capital. Pierre Bourdieu, Classification Struggles 2024 Less than one hundred days to go! Fridays RCP Poll Averages: There is no good news here for Trump. The deterioration in both Pennsylvania and Georgia is especially marked. Remember, however, that all the fluctuations in fact, all the leads are within the margin of error. So the joy is based on, well, vibes. * * * The Democrat National Convention: Lambert here: Lets start out by examining the state of play. Heres a scenario based on the idea that nothing much structural has changed from 2020; and that the election will come down to a few hundred thousand voters in more or less the same swing states. (I have heard the theory put forth that this is not the Kamala campaigns theory of the case; that joy, vibes, and memes change the electoral map across the board, and perhaps that will be sufficient in a 100 Days campaign. Im not sure how strongly that theory is held outside the Blue Bubble, however; it is true that Trump has slipped in the polls, but is the race no longer close? No. So for now, Im sticking to the original scenario.) Read from left to right, top to bottom. Captions are beneath each map: TABLE 0: An Electoral College Scenario 270toWin 270toWin Enhanced by Sabato 270toWins default map as of August 14, 2024. 270toWins default map polarized into red, blue, and swing by old-timer Larry Sabato (August 7). Sabato Annotated Endgame Yellow box: <5% margin 2020; red percent: Trump lead (RCP); blue percent: Kamala lead (RCP). Give Trump AZ and NV, where he is ahead (252). Give Kamala WI and MI where she is ahead (251). If Trump wins PA, his total is 271. If Kamala, 270. Hence, PA is helpfully highlighted. If the Election Were Held Today 2020 Results The result if we give Trump every swing state where he leads today. For comparison purposes. Now lets talk about Pennsylvania. Interestingly, the Uncommitted Delegates and the Palestinian cause already have a voice inside the all at the Democrat National Convention: Uncommitted: DNC will host first ever panel on Palestinian human rights Panelists: Uncommitted co-lead Layla Elabed Surgeon who served in Gaza Party organizer w/ family killed in Gaza by Israeli forces MN AG Keith Ellison Fmr Rep Andy Levin Arab American Institute pres. Jim Zogby pic.twitter.com/ge1xGqNtqx Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) August 19, 2024 (Readers will recall that Sanders tried to install Keith Ellison after 2016, but the Democrats threw Ellison under the bus in favor of the reptilian Tom Perez.) So what can Kamala give them? First, how many of the Uncommitted voters are there? Michigan: 100,000+; Wisconsin, 47,800 (Minnesota 40,000 but not a swing state.) Further, the Uncommitted voters tend to be from the activist class of the party. Now, lets look at Pennsylvania. From the American Jewish Population Project (2020): Thats 232,000. Assume 70% vote (high), thats 162,400. Assume another 70% are Zionist or Zionist-adjacent. Thats 113,680. So the numbers in the upper Midwest and Pennsylvania are roughly comparable. All other things being equal, I believe Kamala would take the AIPAC money and throw the activists (and that ex-Sanders dude) under the bus. In a nano-second! But all other things are not equal; she needs as the End Game map shows both Pennsylvania and the Midwest. Speculating freely: I think Kamala first secured her rear in the upper Midwest. Thats what Walz was all about. That was in fact wise; shes now ahead there, Uncommitted voters aside. She can further cool the Uncommitted Delegates by offering them meaningless concessions; listening, a speech from the floor, face time with the candidate, a promise that Biden is working the problem hard (and who knows, he might actually deliver a ceasefire, meaningless though that is in the face of a determined genocidaire). Having solidified the upper Midwest, she goes after Pennsylvania. (Its excruciatingly interesting to me that the aspect of Kamalas campaign that is meme-driven (the couch; weird) is strongly reminiscent of the brilliant campaign run by Fettermans social media team.) NOTE Why not Shapiro? The Midwest was first, and Walz helped there; Shapiros hard to work with (IIRC, he had schedule problems this week and couldnt help Kamala campaign); and the campaign staff must have felt they could do the job without him (after all, Biden Pennsylvania in in 2020). * * * Kamala (D): Democratic National Committee delegates will vote on the partys 2024 platform at its convention on Monday evening, according to officials. A full, 92-page draft platform was unveiled by the party late on Sunday night [ABC]. Democratic National Committee delegates will vote on the partys 2024 platform at its convention on Monday evening, according to officials. A full, 92-page draft platform was unveiled by the party late on Sunday night. Plenty of time to read it! Institutionally, the past few years have been an interesting time for the Democrat Party: There was no convention in 2020, and the Democrats were able to wrap Biden in tissue paper for the entire campaign. Then in 2024, there were no primaries worthy of the name. Then Kamala was annointed by a very small group of Inner Party insiders (Pelosi, Obama, Schumer), and became a Presidential candidate without having faced the voters and won a single primary running for President, either in 2020 or 2024, and the entire party instantly fell in line. Kamala immediately took control of the campaign cash, and a few days later was formally elected at a virtual convention. There is, then no purpose whatever for the convention in Chicago; it is purely vestigial, a specatacle (a spectacle that can be interfered with, of course). I feel certain that the Inner Party like it this way, and that primary campaigns like this will become the new normal. Meanwhile, theres a good deal on Israsel in the plagform, but these two sections seem salient: Whatever a political horizon for the Palestinian people might mean. And: (Readers know, I am sure, how to assess conflict-related sexual violence.) Wowsers, I havent heard that nauseating phrase a time of war since the days of Bush the Younger. Memories! (To be fair, concessions would be made to the Uncommitted delegates by modifying some of the wording. If theres time [hilarity ensues].) Kamala (D): Thousands of activists expected in Chicago for Democratic convention to call for Gaza cease-fire [Associated Press]. Demonstrations are expected every day of the convention and, while their agendas vary, many activists agree an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the priority. Assuming the AP is represening the demands of the protesters accurately, thats what Biden says he wants too. So were all agreed then? Here is the photo from the AP article: This is at least not tightly focused, but wide angle. However, only an aerial photo can show the true size of a crowd. Kamala (D): Blinken says Israel has accepted US-backed proposal for a cease-fire, calls on Hamas to do same [New York Post]. His announcement came after negotiators gathered last week to discuss the US-back, UN-approved deal, with Hamas choosing to forgo the meeting after it accused the Jewish state of changing what was on the table. The US-backed proposal seeks to impose a six-week pause in fighting so as to allow Israel and Hamas to discuss a hostage exchange, all while allowing Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and receive more aid. Hamas has allegedly dropped its demands for the immediate cease-fire to be permanent, but the terror group has previously stated that the deal should include wording to establish an end to the war. It remains unclear if such a change was added to the agreement or if the terror group would finally accept the deal. Hamas also accused Israel of now demanding its military keep a presence along the Gaza-Egypt border, where large terror tunnel systems have been recently found, to prevent arms smuggling. Brilliant timing, I must say (and putting the demonstrators in the position of arguing that Hamas has not accepted the ceasefire for good reason which, though probably true, is a heavy lift for the average voter. Why arent your demonstrating against Hamas, and so forth). Kamala (D): Interestingly, the National Guard has already been activated: BREAKING: The Governor of Illinois J.B. Pritzker has activated hundreds of armed National Guard troops to protect Democrat officials at the DNC from their OWN leftist protestors & rioters They are at the perimeter We also want to make sure we have additional law enforcement pic.twitter.com/IeWHuEXsf2 George (@BehizyTweets) August 18, 2024 The Campaign Trail: Kamala: Kamala (D): Walz responds to GOP criticism of how Harris laughs: She has a joy emanating out of her' [National Post]. Theyre on her because she laughs,; Walz, the Minnesota governor, told a meeting of the Hispanic Caucus during Mondays first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. My god. Ill take someone who laughs any damn day of the week. He continued of Harris, She has a joy emanating out of her.' Brilliant leveraging/reframing of the joy talking point; Walz sure is quick on his feet. Kamala (D): The Intense Process of Designing Political Campaign Logos [Kottke.org]. The current Harris/Walz logo is based on the design of Harriss presidential campaign materials from 2020, which smartly riffed on the 1972 Shirley Chisholm campaign.' Oh. Trump: [sigh]. Maybe tomorrow. Caribbean drunken monkeys act surprisingly much like humans ZME Science This Tiny Fossil Links Wine With The Death of The Dinosaurs Science Alert A middle income or profitability trap? Michael Roberts Blog Volcano erupts after powerful earthquake in Russias Far East and scientists warn of a stronger one CTV News Climate/Environment Water Pandemics Raw milk linked to outbreak under investigation in Idaho Idaho Capital Sun Pennsylvania Farm Refuses To Recall Raw Milk Cheese Despite Listeria Concerns Tasting Table China? Syraqistan Been thinking about this meme ever since I saw it a few days ago. It tells the whole story. pic.twitter.com/eZqrXSYwNO Caitlin Johnstone (@caitoz) August 19, 2024 One the biggest mistakes we all made was to believe that genocide is abnormal, exceptional, outside range of human behaviour and acceptability. The contrary is true and has always been true. Once we know and accept that, we can try to organise and act to counter it. Short 1/ https://t.co/LTRyo5W9qg Julia Steinberger (@JKSteinberger) August 18, 2024 *** US bolsters military bases in Syria with weapons convoy from Iraq Al Mayadeen *** Who Benefits From Sanctions? Phenomenal World. On How Sanctions Work: Iran and the Impact of Economic Warfare by Narges Bajoghli, Vali Nasr, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, and Ali Vaez. Old Blighty Prospects New Left Review. The signs of decline economic, societal, geopolitical are clear. If the election was marked by a shrugging acceptance of this, as the neutral background on which British politics plays out, then the next half-decade may thrust it to the fore. Misogyny to be treated as extremism by UK government BBC The Heart of Starmers Government The Northern Star. Ukraine. New Not-So-Cold War Ilario Piagnerelli interviewed a couple of Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk for the Italian public broadcaster Rai News 24. Both of them are wearing and displaying Nazi symbols. pic.twitter.com/r6Dbdjd7Do Dreznica goat (@Dreznicagoat) August 18, 2024 Maria Zakharova: As you know, Russian law enforcement agencies have initiated a criminal case against Italian journalists for illegally crossing the Russian border. In my opinion, this is not the biggest crime committed by the employees of the Rai TV channel. What has pic.twitter.com/ABvK9dyfNc Zlatti71 (@Zlatti_71) August 18, 2024 South of the Border Kamala libs are willfully stuck in a groundhog day type of situation where every four years they try to relive the feeling of obama in 08, they cant even move on from the graphic design pic.twitter.com/Z98EZ8CMNO Slothrop (@gnocchiwizard) August 17, 2024 Trump He found a Project 2025 duffel bag. Then police showed up at his house. WaPo AI Healthcare? For-Profit Ownership of Mental Health Centers Rises, Raising Concerns About Quality of Care Mad in America. In select states, [private equity] penetration exceeds 25% of facilities, suggesting an important new form of behavioral health practice ownership with potentially high market shares and implications for health care prices, utilization, and quality. Given persistent workforce shortages and access gaps, it is yet unclear how PEs short investment time frame (usually within 3-7 years) and distinct business model could intersect with a national behavioral health crisis. Childrens hospitals profitability hits 10-year low: Fitch Beckers Hospital Review Antitrust Platform Money Yale Journal on Regulation Imperial Collapse Watch Our Famously Free Press Supply Chain Class Warfare The women of Peterloo Counterfire Sports Desk Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Conor here: The following piece doesnt include much detail on the US Department of Agriculture investigation, but I think its important to highlight nonetheless. The investigation appears to be connected to a class action lawsuit by farmers against Tyson. They accuse the the largest chicken company in the country, with nearly $53 billion in sales last year, of leaving them with millions of dollars in debt after the company shuttered plants and not only violated an agreement to sell the plants to a competitor but conspired to make sure a competitor couldnt make the purchases. Many of the farmers faced bankruptcy and foreclosures due to Tysons actions. Whether its screwing over farmers or ripping off consumers, there sure seems to be something rotten in the $65-billion-per-year US chicken industry where four companies control 60 percent of the market and 71 percent of chicken farmers live below the poverty line.Here are just a few of the legal cases brought against the big four in recent years: Earlier this year Tyson and JBS agreed to pay a combined $127.2 million to resolve a lawsuit accusing them of suppressing workers pay at processing plants. In September of last year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an antitrust lawsuit against Agri Stats for allegedly sharing competitively sensitive information among pork and poultry processors to manipulate the markets. Agri Stats is a nationally utilized data and analytics firm for the meat processing industry and it has been named in more than 90 lawsuits since 2016 for using non public data to help the big poultry companies fix prices. In 2022, the DOJ fined a group of major poultry producers $84.8 million. More significantly, it ordered an end to the exchange of compensation information, banned the data firm (and its president) from information-sharing in any industry, and prohibited deceptive conduct towards chicken growers that lowers their compensation. Neither the poultry groups nor the data consulting firm admitted liability. In 2021, Tyson paid $221.5 million to settle litigation by three groups of plaintiffs that accused it of illegally conspiring to inflate chicken prices. Is it starting to have an effect? By John McCracken who covers the industrial agriculture meat industry for Investigate Midwest. He has experience reporting at the intersection of agriculture, environmental pollution and climate change and is a former Midwest reporting fellow for Grist. Originally published at Investigate Midwest. The Packers and Stockyard Division is actively investigating Tyson Foods, one of the largest meat companies in the nation, according to interviews with contract growers and a USDA employee. The PSD, an arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is tasked with investigating violations of the Packers and Stockyard Act and handing out enforcement actions. The Act was created in 1921 to protect livestock and poultry producers from unfair, unjustly discriminatory or deceptive practices. The agency routinely investigates potential violations such as the suppression of meatpacking worker wages, failure to pay for livestock and discrimination against contract growers. An investigation doesnt always lead to an enforcement action or penalty. The agency would not officially confirm or deny the existence of an ongoing investigation. PSD does not comment on any investigative activity, or the absence thereof, the agency said in a statement provided to Investigate Midwest. As a regulatory agency, PSD closely monitors all industry participants, including meat packers and poultry companies, for compliance with the Packers and Stockyards Act. A USDA employee confirmed that an investigation is ongoing as of early August. Investigate Midwest is not naming the employee due to concerns about employer retaliation. The employee did not provide specific details about what the agency is seeking but did say Tyson Foods is aware of the matter, and it is larger in scope compared to other PSD investigations. Tyson Foods is the largest chicken company in the country, with nearly $53 billion in sales last year. The company operates 183 chicken facilities in the U.S., including hatcheries, processing plants and feed mills. The company contracts with nearly 4,000 chicken farmers nationwide. This investigation follows Tyson Foods recent closure of nine meatpacking plants across the country, beginning in early 2023. The company is also in active litigation for alleged violations of antitrust law. Tyson Foods did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Investigate Midwest filed a Freedom of Information Act with the USDA seeking records in May related to potential PSD actions against Tyson Foods after two former contract growers told a reporter they had been contacted by the agency. Contract growers said they were asked questions about the debt they took out to work with the company and their operations. The USDA denied the records request in June, citing a federal exemption for records that could be related to enforcement records for a pending or prospective investigation. (The exemption) protects law enforcement records if their release could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings. The relevant law enforcement purpose in this instance is enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, the June response letter stated. Investigate Midwest has appealed the records denial and is awaiting a response from the department. The Packers and Stockyards Act has seen major updates in recent years, with the federal government showing an increased interest in the poultry industry. Recent updates include the required sharing of payment information between chicken companies and the contract farmers who raise the birds. The PSA has also been updated to prevent discrimination of livestock and poultry growers based on race, sex, age, or disability. The USDA is still developing a proposed rule to address problematic practices of contract growers taking out excessive debt to work with companies. The agency said it anticipates finalizing this rule by early next year. In May, Investigate Midwest reported that chicken growers who worked with Tyson were left with millions of dollars in debt after the company shuttered plants. Many of them faced bankruptcy and foreclosures, while others retired, found work outside of farming or sold their land to pay off debt. Peter Carstensen, an antitrust expert and emeritus law professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, said the PSD typically builds investigative cases against companies to bring about a formal complaint alleging a violation of the act. It is somewhat more plausible they are seriously looking at whether they can make a claim that Tyson violated the provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act by inducing various kinds of investments and then turning around and closing the plants, he said. The Washington Post ran a simply stunning story two days ago: Ukraines offensive derails secret efforts for partial cease-fire with Russia, officials say. As we will explain, if this account is accurate, it would mean Russia was willing to trade away its best weapon in the war against Ukraine, its campaign against Ukraines energy supply, for effectively nothing. This bad exchange would be made worse by the fact that it is very clear that Russia has conducted its campaign so far to minimize the deaths of Russian soldiers. The war on the grid is the cheapest, easiest, and lowest risk way for Russia to drop the hammer on Ukraine. Why give that up for very little in return? Any agreement along these lines would indicate Russia is over-eager for a way to end the conflict, that it sees the war moving in the direction of requiring Russia to subdue nearly all of Ukraine, say save Galicia, which would also be severely damaged by Russian operations. That would mean an open-ended process of occupation and then installation of puppet governments in the areas that did not have ethnic Russians as a large proportion of the population. A less costly but not-very-nice-looking-to-the-international-community alternative we have repeatedly discussed, building on John Helmers discussion of creating a very large DMZ, the width of the longest-range mobile-launched weapons NATO possesses, now the 500 km Taurus missile. Our variant of this idea would be to add that areas that look impossible to control politically and could thus be staging grounds for terrorist acts would be kept de-electrified, reducing them to the condition of the Unorganized Territory of Maine. Well look at the Washington Post report and point to an obvious way to make sense of it, that it greatly exaggerated how far along these talks actually were. It is not hard to see that given Russias repeated statements about Western duplicity, lack of legitimacy of Ukraine leadership, and the fact that Ukraine is merely a US/NATO pawn, that Russia would set reasonable conditions that Ukraine would be unable to meet. In this scenario, there was no reason not to indulge the feelers, midwifed by Qatar, because they would inevitably founder. But Russia would benefit they ever came to light by demonstrating that it was willing to negotiate but that neither Ukraine nor its NATO masters could consummate the deal. But if these talks were actually serious and advanced, as the Post indicates, the picture is far darker for Russia unless Russia wanted to use the question of And who can sign this deal? to undermine the status of the Zelensky government. In light of that, another thesis is more probable: that this story is part of a deception operation, to cover for the fact that Ukraine entertained or perhaps even whispered to Qatar about this scheme in order to provide yet more cover for its Kursk invasion.2 How could Ukraine possibly want to scupper what looked like a one-sided deal, even if the odds of it happening were not all that high? But before we turn to the article, some brief context. Ukraine invaded Russia on August 6. This is a low population area with little strategic importance. Nevertheless, any successful Ukraine entry into Russia, save a short-lived raid, is a very very bad look for the Russian government. Commentators posited that Ukraine had one or two objectives: to seize the Kursk nuclear power plant, about 60 kilometers from the border, and to force Russia to divert soldiers from the line of contact, giving over-stretched Ukraine forces some relief. Even with Russia being a bit leisurely in opposing the Ukraine advance, it seems to have been blocked about 10 km into Russia, which both sides arguing as to who controls the hamlet of Sudzha. And contrary to Ukraine hopes, Russia has not redeployed troops from the Donbass battlefront but instead has sent in men from reserves inside Russia. Some have added a third rationale: to shore up flagging support from the US and NATO states and morale at home by showing that Ukraine could still land a punch. The wee problem with that line of thinking (even if some in Ukraine and NATO were of this view) is that a short-lived success accomplishes little, even before getting to the fact that it increases the Ukraine burn rate. For instance, Germany has confirmed it is sending no more weapons to Ukraine out of budget constraints. No amount of flash-in-the-pan wins will change that. Many commentators have stressed that this attack was a big strategic own goal, a Battle of the Bulge in miniature. Ukraine has had to pull troops from the front lines elsewhere to shore up its Kursk operation. Russia has been systematically destroying scare Ukraine equipment, particularly armored vehicles, missile platforms, and the components of a full Patriot air defense battery. However, Russia experts, such as Mark Sleboda, point out that this incursion was a huge embarrassment to the Russian government, so the Anglosphere media is correct on this point. The West is hyping reports of Russians in the Kursk area being angry at the Kremlin, but it appears the far more preponderant reaction is fury with the Ukraine government and NATO, and an even harder resolve to keep prosecuting the war. And this was a NATO drill. The Russians destroyed three HIMARS launchers and the afore-mentioned Patriot system. Those cannot be operated without considerable NATO assistance. Anecdata also supports the Russian view: Kursk Region.#Ukraines adventure has been prepared by American and British generals and NATO military staff and intelligence.#Russian soldiers from the field write that they actively hear English speeches and French and Polish on the radios. pic.twitter.com/wYl72kMXSV (@lll_Tatarinov_H) August 8, 2024 The US and NATO are behind the Ukrainian Armed Forces attack on the Kursk region, says Scott Ritter pic.twitter.com/kCzKIricHN HizBie (@hizbie_) August 19, 2024 Keep in mind that Putin has also taken the position that the use of Collective-West supplied targeting and surveillance data is tantamount to foreign actor involvement. An addition bit of context is, as we stated above, that Russias General Staff intended to use attacks on the electric grid to finish off Ukraine. From John Helmers Buzzer Beater Russian General Staff Aims at Ending the Ukraine by Electric War in June. As Helmer explained, a big objective was to drive the civilian population westward so that when Russia attacked, it would be less constrained by the need to avoid targeting civilians: As the Ukraines peak summer electricity season approaches, the list of the Russian General Staffs Electric War targets is shrinking. This is because almost all the Ukrainian electricity generating plants have been stopped. What remains for destruction are the connecting lines and distribution grids for the Ukraines imported electricity from Poland and other European Union neighbours. The microwave and cell telephone towers, and the diesel fuel stocks which are powering the back-up generating sets are next. Theres no keeping the Ukrainian cell network up any more than there is keeping up the electrical grid, comments a close military observer. The General Staff have set the flow of Ukrainian refugees west as inversely proportional to the flow of data and electrons over Ukrainian airwaves and transmission lines. We can expect that relationship to be set to highly inverse before the summer is out. What calculations have been made regarding things further west are just beginning to become evident.. In the very long history of siege warfare, there has never been a case of letting the enemys civilian population run safely away from his castles and cities until the fortifications and army which remain must choose between surrender and destruction. The NATO military engineer has compiled his forecast list of Russian targets in the coming days. We should expect the commercial fuel storage and distribution network to be hit. These are legitimate military targets as the Ukrainian military relies on them to support its war effort. The railways should be hit as well. Theres no good military reason to allow them to keep functioning. Given the NATO country endorsements for striking Russian territory targets, I dont see the rationale on the Moscow side for leaving unscathed the rail network connecting Lvov and Kiev to Rzeszow [Poland]. The target list should include the border switchyards and substations connecting the Ukraine to the European transmission lines. Destroying those and targeting the stations transmitting power from nuclear sources will finish the job. There will be no more load balancing after that. The collapse of Ukrainian logistics, not to mention the society, will follow soon after. If the switchyards connecting the nuclear power plants to the grid are smashed, its the end for the Ukrainians. As for the Ukraine side of the energy war, despite the Anglosphere media cheerleading occasional Ukraine strikes on Russian oil refineries, which have sometimes set off impressive explosions, theres no evidence of lasting material damage to any of the facilities, let alone Russian output.2 Now to the Washington Post piece. With this background, its hard to see why Russia would have any interest in pursuing this ceasefire scheme, beyond indulging Qatar, with whom Russia would like to maintain good relations. The most logical interpretation is that these talks were actually more on the order of feelers, being brokered by intermediaries who did not have the authority to make commitments. I have no idea about the diplomacy world, but this happens in the very big ticket deal world all the time. The subhead to the story supports a reading that the exchanges were actually not that far along: The warring countries were set to hold indirect talks in Qatar on an agreement to halt strikes on energy and power infrastructure, according to officials. In other words, theyd agreed to discuss a proposal, and not the proposal per se. Now the text does contain much stronger claims, but the story hinges on the account of a single diplomat briefed on the talks who among other things asserted The official said the two sides agreed to a summit in Doha with just minor details left to be worked out. That seems wildly implausible given Putins personal bitterness over the Western duplicity in the Minsk Accords, with him played for a fool to buy time for Ukraine to build up its forces. The article mentions (and misleads readers) about the last time Russia decided to play nice with Ukraine, the so-called grain deal. The story inaccurately says Russia withdrew from the pact. It in fact was subject to periodic renewal (IIRC every 90 days). Russia did not renew based on non-performance. The agreement was not just about grain. The second set of provisions, integral to the scheme, was for the West to end sanctions on the Russian agricultural bank so that Global South countries, particularly ones in Africa, could buy Russian fertilizer. Russia also complained that the Ukraine grain was going largely to Europe and not poor nations as promised (confirmed by EU countries getting agitated about the deliveries undercutting their farmers), but the big beef was the failure to honor the second big leg of the deal. The normal journalistic standard is that when relying on anonymous sources, a publication should have three of them to regard a claim as verified. This is not only an anonymous source, but one getting a second-hand account. Now the fact that some sort of exchange was happening is verified by Ukraine sources (only!). They say a meeting in Doha was on and that Ukraine still wanted to participate (now virtually). But Qatar nixed the idea, not wanting to indulge the sort of one-sided show that has become a Zelensky speciality (recall his peace plan conferences where pretty much everyone but Russia was invited). But given that Russias official posture is that it is open to negotiation, its cant refuse to entertain proposals. Of course, the other obvious problem with the thesis of this story is that Russia knows full well it needs to negotiate with the US, not with its proxy Ukraine. Yet we have the article confirming that the US will have no part of any such talks: The Biden administration has long said the timing and terms of a potential cease-fire agreement with Russia are for Ukraine alone to decide. So the next most likely possibility is that this article is intended to take the teeth out of a successful Ukraine deception operation by depicting the energy war initiative as sincere on the Ukraine side. This idea is not entirely nuts; look how long it took for the repeated Minsk duplicity to become public. And those who outed it were at the very top: first Porshenko, then Hollande, then Merkel. In other words, the considerable number of staffers, including in the US, who were on to this ruse kept quiet about it for years. Some sources have said this invasion had been in the works for a very long time but had been put off because reasons. Alexander Mercouris has repeatedly said a contact knowledgeable about Russian government operations told him that the Russians knew of Ukraine plans to attack into Kursk two months ago. The timetable lines up with that of the feelers: The diplomat familiar with the talks said that Qatar has been discussing the arrangement for an energy strike moratorium with Kyiv and Moscow for the past two months. Mind you, I am not saying this ruse, if indeed that was the card that Ukraine was playing, in any way justifies Russias flatfootedness in anticipating the Kursk invasion. Russia should know bloody well by now what it is dealing with in the form of Ukraines leadership. Its fondness for terrorism as a substitute for military prowess and its obsession with PR management has only become more extreme as it is becoming obvious, even to occasional readers of the Western press, that the war situation has developed not necessarily to Ukraines advantage. Russia apparently didnt want to see the forces massing in Ukraine in the Sumy region as preparation for an attack for a host of reasons: it would be strategically stoopid (what Ukraine was marshaling would be insufficient for Ukraine to get far into Russia or hold terrain), it would be therefore be more likely to be Ukraine bolstering defensed before an expected Russian invasion of Sumy. But a just as likely reason, and one I suspect has some currency in Russia, is that the MoD was predisposed to ignore this risk because it would be a nuisance to bolster defenses there. Now lets turn to other possible interpretations of this Washington Post piece, accepting its claim that the talks were far along and close to being inked. This is its logic as to why Russia would go along: The academic added that Russia might be more willing to consider an energy infrastructure deal as a way to lure Kyiv to broader cease-fire talks. Otherwise, he said, Moscow could be less motivated since it believed it could inflict more damage on Ukrainian energy infrastructure than Kyiv was able to on Russian oil refineries. In other words, the logic is Russia wants out of the war so badly it would trade away its best weapon. This is completely inconsistent with the ever-increasing resolve among the Russian public and Putin signaling over time that more parts of Ukraine are on the menu, such as Odessa and more recently, Kiev. The only reason I could fathom for a retreat of this magnitude when Russia is winning the war and still increasing the size of its military and its weapons production, it that it has finally started taking a hard look at the end-game problem. As weve been pointing out, it is becoming more and more evident that the least bad resolution for Russia is to subdue nearly all of Ukraine, including the potentially very troublesome Western Ukraine (ex nasty Galacia). Russia has seen how determined the US and NATO are to have Russia not win this war. That includes trying to make it into a Pyrrhic victory by trying to bleed Russia with continued terrorism by Ukrainians. That would strongly argue for Russia reducing that exposure by controlling territorial Ukraine and forcing the West into the riskier posture of trying to wage that sort of guerrilla campaign from NATO states. But one reason that Russia might feel the need to accept even lousy-seeming peace overtures is dependence on its de facto coalition partners. Here I do not mean in the military sense; Russia is more self-sufficient here than the West gives it credit. I mean in the economic sense. Russia succeeded in redirecting its economy to China, India, Turkiye, and Africa with impressive speed. The nations have all stood up to considerable US pressure to respect illegal US and EU sanctions.3 A big reason that Russia has won and gotten even more support from them is that Russia has succeeded in persuading them that it is the wronged party despite being an invader: Russia did everything it could to try to avoid this war (witness the Minsk Accords con and then the West breaking up peace talks in 2022), Russia is working to minimize civilian casualties, Russia is open to talks. Russia may have felt it had to pursue these talks despite them being at odds with Russias interest to keep the support of its de facto coalition partners, particularly China and Middle East states. Recall that China did not participate in Ukraines latest one-sided peace conference, regarding them as unproductive with Russia absent. However, China invited Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba for a visit on July 23 to 25 to discuss how to end the war in Ukraine and a potential Chinese part in a settlement. China has taken to playing a soft power card outside the region as a peace-maker, witness its success in end-running the US in brokering a pact between Iran and the Saudis. However, another scenario (which does not exclude the above scenario, that Russia felt pressured to appease its economic partners) is that Russia saw the talks, if they advanced, as a vehicle for destabilizing the Zelensky government. Putin and other top officials have pointed out that Ukraine has made it impossible to negotiate any deal with Russia via a Constitutional amendment forbidding that as long as Putin is in charge. On top of that, Russia has taken to depicting that Zelensky is illegitimate, that the Ukraine Constitution does not allow for a President to continue in power even under martial law. Putin has opined that his reading of the Ukraine Constitution is that authority is now in the hands of the Speaker of the Rada, but Ukraine legal experts need to settle that question. Regardless, at some point (and it really should occur early rather than late in a deal process), Russia cqn quite legitimately question the authority of its counterparts to enter into binding commitments. It would look particularly bad for Russia to be theoretically willing to enter into an extremely Ukraine-favorable deal but be unable to deliver because the present government could not make a binding deal. Needless to say, even though the intent of this planted-looking story may have been to get in front of yet another instance of Ukraine duplicity, the Russians and Qataris and Chinese already have a better grasp of facts. And if they surmise Ukraine used the pretext of peace talks to play yet another dirty, no wonder the Russian are incandescent. _____ 1 The Post depicts Qatar as proposing this pact. However, given that that the Post also depicts it as arising after the second, peculiar one-sided Zelensky peace conference, that there was not at least some Ukraine input and quite possibly instigation given the impact of the grid attacks. 2 The Post claims otherwise. I do not have time to prove a negative, but as Lambert is wont to say, I do try to pay attention. I have yet to see anything from an independent source confirming that the Russian energy system has suffered meaningful damage from the Ukraine attacks. 3 Economic sanctions are illegal when not approved by the UN, not that the US cares about such niceties. Ten things to know about Tim Walz and his ties to Communist China Vice President Kamala Harris selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential candidate seems to be a case of ideological birds of a feather flocking together. In the wake of the selection, Walz has received considerable criticism for his deception and dissembling regarding his military service. He merits equally great criticism for his ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Here are ten things that you did not know about Tim Walz and the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). (Article by Sasha Gong and Bradley A. Thayer republished from AMGreatness.com) First, Walz claimed that he was in the PRC during the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen Square Massacre. One of the authors interviewed him in 2014 when he made this statement, and he later repeated the same falsehood to the media. In reality, Walz did not enter China until September 1989, several months after the massacre. He entered China from Hong Kong as part of the WorldTeach program, which was sponsored by the Harvard Institute for International Development (HIID). HIID was known for being very pro-PRC and had trained many high-ranking Chinese officials. Later, HIID received many millions of dollars from the PRC. Second, Walz claimed that he went to the PRC in 1989 because it was a rising country. However, China was not rising at that time. In fact, it was still extremely impoverished. The PRCs rise occurred in the mid-1990s and especially after 2001 when it joined the World Trade Organization. After the Tiananmen Square Massacre, the Chinese government was desperate to recruit foreigners to come to the country. A few did to show support for the communist regime. Third, the Chinese gave Walz the name Tian Hua. Walz misrepresented its meaning by saying it reflected his kindness. In reality, there is no such implication in Chinese. Tian means field, and Hua means China. The accurate translation of Tian Hua is the fields of China. Read more at: AMGreatness.com CISA and FBI claim election integrity will be upheld despite talk of VOTE FRAUD The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have released a joint statement to assure the populace that election results will be unaffected and election integrity will be maintained despite threats of attacks on the voting systems. "With election day less than 100 days away, it is important to help put into context some of the incidents the American public may see during the election cycle that, while potentially causing some minor disruptions, will not fundamentally impact the security or integrity of the democratic process," said CISA Senior Advisor Cait Conley. She added that distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are one example of a tactic they've seen used against election infrastructure in the past and will likely see again in the future. "They may cause some minor disruptions or prevent the public from receiving timely information. It is important to talk about these potential issues now, because nefarious actors, like our foreign adversaries or cybercriminals, could use DDoS incidents to cast doubt on the election systems or processes." The FBI is responsible for investigating and prosecuting election crimes and malicious cyber activity targeting election infrastructure. The CISA plays a role in securing election infrastructure from physical and cyber threats. American broadcaster Emerald Robinson announced the CISA and FBI bulletin on X, claiming the possible delayed or untimely information of 2024 election details due to cyberattacks. She warned that these were the same agencies that claimed that America's voting machines were never connected to the internet. "Is the warning perhaps not what it seems? Is it an attempt to provide camouflage a strategy known as 'pre-bunking' for future election interference sanctioned by the Democrat-powered Washington political machine a.k.a. the Deep State that wants to maintain control of the White House and Congress at any cost?" LifeSiteNews' Doug Mainwaring wrote in an Aug. 5 article. In 2017, Acting Under Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications at the Department of Homeland Security Jeanette Manfra, who was responsible for the security of the nation's voting system, told Congress that the voting machines "are not connected to the internet." However, as per a 2020 report by NBC News, a team of 10 cybersecurity experts who specialize in voting systems and elections found nearly three dozen U.S. voting systems connected to the internet. "We found over 35 voting systems had been left online and we're continuing to find more," Kevin Skoglund, a senior technical adviser at the election security advocacy group National Election Defense Coalition, told the news agency at the time. "We kept hearing from election officials that voting machines were never on the internet and we knew that wasn't true. And so we set out to try and find the voting machines to see if we could find them on the internet and especially the back-end systems that voting machines in the precinct were connecting to report their results." (Related: STEAL PLOT? Federal agencies warn cyberattacks could affect election infrastructure but claim they won't compromise voting integrity.) Microsoft confirms Iran's cyberattack plans on U.S. election systems As if to confirm the two agencies' warning, Microsoft released a report on Aug. 9, claiming that Iran was laying the groundwork to sway voters ahead of the U.S. presidential election by reportedly creating fake news sites and impersonating activists online. The findings in Microsoft's intelligence report showed how Iran is evolving its tactics for another election that's likely to have global implications. It also gave specific examples of Iranian groups and the actions they have taken so far. First, a group linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard in June targeted a high-ranking U.S. presidential campaign official with a phishing email, a form of cyberattack often used to gather sensitive information, according to the report. In a separate example, an Iranian group has been creating websites that pose as U.S.-based news sites targeted to voters on opposite sides of the political spectrum, the report said. Microsoft also found that Iranian groups are impersonating U.S. activists, potentially laying the groundwork for influence operations closer to the election. Finally, another Iranian group in May compromised an account owned by a government employee in a swing state, the report said. It was unclear whether that cyberattack was related to election interference efforts. Iran's United Nations mission denied it had plans to interfere or launch cyberattacks on the U.S. presidential election. "Iran has been the victim of numerous offensive cyber operations targeting its infrastructure, public service centers, and industries. Iran's cyber capabilities are defensive and proportionate to the threats it faces. Iran has neither the intention nor plans to launch cyber attacks. The U.S. presidential election is an internal matter in which Iran does not interfere," it told the Associated Press. Check out CyberWar.news for stories related to cyber attack threats. Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams' interview with Tina Peters, who is being prosecuted for defending election integrity in Colorado. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CrowdStrike outage only a PRECURSOR to a BIGGER EVENT, Gen. Flynn warns. National security BREACHED after hackers break into most sensitive U.S. government files. White House official: China maintained PERSISTENT ACCESS to U.S. networks for years. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com CISA.gov X.com France24.com Brighteon.com Antonio Riano, one of Americas Most Wanted fugitives, finally captured in Mexico 20 years after fatal shooting in Ohio Twenty years after a deadly shooting outside a bar in Ohio, a Mexican national who has been listed as one of "Americas Most Wanted" fugitives was finally caught in Mexico. Antonio "El Diablo" Riano, 72, was working as a local police officer when the U.S. Marshals Service located him in Mexico City. He was immediately arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the tragedy from 2004. Riano, a native of the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, was flown to Cincinnati before being brought to the Butler County Jail. Court records indicate that he is accused of fatally shooting 25-year-old Benjamin Becarra in the head at the Roundhouse Bar in Hamilton. (Related: Neo-Nazi group claims responsibility for former Ukrainian MPs murder.) Citing Paul Newton, the prosecutors chief investigator, local Fox News affiliate station WXIX-TV reported that Becerra was involved in a fight at the bar several weeks before the incident and was asked to leave. He returned on Dec. 19, 2004, when Riano was helping out the bartender. Following a brief confrontation, Riano shot Becarra in the face at around 2:20 p.m. on the same day. He fled from the bar by driving away in his van. Police officers eventually identified him through eyewitness testimonies and surveillance footage showing Riano purchasing ammunition at a nearby Walmart approximately 45 minutes before the fatal shooting. Riano had several aliases and papers for false documentation After police officers conducted a search warrant on a home in Hamilton, they found out that Riano had several aliases and owned "papers to create false documentation" that he could use to "obtain different identifications." They also discovered a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Model 10 with four live rounds and two already spent, which matched with the type of ammunition he purchased at Walmart. Newton also shared that Riano still has a wife and three kids living in Hamilton, whom he abandoned 20 years ago. A grand jury indicted Riano on first-degree murder on Feb. 16, 2005, but he did not appear at his scheduled arraignment. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that "El Diablo" escaped to Mexico to escape prosecution. After the shooting, Riano was placed on the "Most Wanted" list of the Butler County Sheriffs Office. He was also then profiled on a 2005 episode of "Americas Most Wanted." Experts believe he traveled to New Jersey to meet up with family members, before leaving for Mexico in December 2004. An affidavit in support of an extradition request was filed in 2018. However, no other actions were taken on the case until Rianos recent arrest. Law enforcement officials praised the collaborative work of the different departments that ended in Rianos arrest on Aug. 1. Butler County Prosecuting Attorney Michael T. Gmoser said that the arrest "would not be possible without the cooperation and due diligence of both the Prosecutors Office investigators, the United States Marshal Service, and the United States Department of Justice." Meanwhile, Michael D. Black, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio, said that the Marshals Service, through the violent fugitive task forces, assists "state and local law enforcement partners to apprehend the areas most dangerous fugitives." Black added that Riano's arrest is thanks to the "ongoing sharing of information between the agencies and the determination of the investigators who refused to give up on this case." Riano is scheduled to appear in Butler County Court on Aug. 12. Go to Violence.news for more stories about violent crimes across the United States. Watch the video below featuring a reported shooting in Caracas, Venezuela. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Anti-gun Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor's bodyguards shoot alleged carjacker multiple times in self-defense. FBI on the hunt for 500 truckers possibly involved in hundreds of MURDERS. Rwandan refugee arrested for threatening to shoot up Indiana high school and KILL police officers. Sources include: NYPost.com NBCNews.com Cincinnati.com Brighteon.com Globalists using migrants as MERCENARY ARMIES against Western populations Even though the vast majority of Americans, Europeans and other Westerners who are under attack by their governments right now want illegal immigration to end and borders to be sealed,(TPTB) are pressing on to destroy their Western targets by exploiting illegal migrants as Believe it or not, all this talk about "protecting democracy" by leaving the borders wide open is a deception. The only thing being protected by illegal immigration is the status quo and the ruthless billionaire class that desperately wants to keep it enshrined for their own benefit. Polls across Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States continue to show that most people want improved border security, not less of it. And yet TPTB are doing what they want instead, which is to keep the borders wide open. "For many years now I have offered a specific theory on the true agenda behind open border policies in western countries and I believe this theory answers most of questions surrounding illegal immigration," writes Brandon Smith for Alt-Market.us about the situation. "The common claim within the Liberty Movement is that this is all part of the 'Cloward-Piven Strategy': A social engineering method which uses large scale relocation of migrants into a society in order to destabilize that nation. The goal is to import people with a [sic] incompatible or hostile ideology and, eventually, the target culture will break down and be forced to accept a new system of governance (i.e. from free markets and liberty to communism and slavery)." (Related: Did you know that the Biden regime has been providing travel "loans" to illegal migrants to help them more easily invade the United States?) Can the West successfully unify to stop globalism? You may have also heard of the "divide-and-conquer" tactic, which is another plank in the strategy of globalism. By keeping We the People divided and angry at one another over often contrived social issues, the globalists win every single time. Smith believes that if Westerners were to unify against the globalist infiltrators in government rather than against each other, the globalist plot to destroy the world with ruthless migrant mercenary armies would fall apart quicker than many probably think possible. By ushering in millions upon millions of illegal aliens every single year, the globalists are successfully diluting native Western populations to the point that the entire system eventually collapses. "I have mentioned this in previous articles and I continue to believe that one of the main purposes for the establishment to leave borders open and entice illegals to enter is to create a migrant army; a situation in which millions of illegals will be offered easy citizenship in exchange for service," Smith warned in an article published back in January. "I also believe that this migrant army will be used against the American public (the real citizenry) to impose martial law measures in the wake of a national disaster." In other words, the point of all these illegals is not simply to saturate the West and destroy Western cultures. It is also to turn these illegals into enforcers for the establishment who do the bidding of the one percent against the will of We the People. "Think about it They are essentially bought and paid for," he says. "They are mercenaries recruited with offers of easy citizenship, government handouts and the opportunity to brutalize the very western (and generally white) populations they despise." "And, they are allowed to do this while hiding behind government law enforcement agencies for protection." The illegal alien invasion is part of the globalist destruction and takeover of the West. Learn more at InvasionUSA.news. Sources for this article include: Alt-Market.us Gallup.com NaturalNews.com Hamas politburo member says U.S. now incapable of bringing about a CEASEFIRE A member of Hamas' political bureau has remarked that the U.S. is no longer capable of bringing about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip Osama Hamdan, former Hamas representative in Lebanon, made this comment during an Aug. 13 interview with the Associated Press (AP). According to him, his group formally the Islamic Resistance Movement is losing faith that U.S. President Joe Biden can pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire deal. The official cited one instance where William Burns, director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, told Hamas through mediators that Israel would agree to a peace deal. This failed to materialize, with Tel Aviv launching an attack on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. "The Americans were unable to convince the Israelis," lamented Hamdan. "I think they did not pressure the Israelis." Hamdan also remarked that Hamas does not see Israel engaging in good faith in the ceasefire negotiations, which happened on Aug. 14 to 15 in Qatar's capital Doha. The group would only participate in further talks if negotiators would discuss Israel's peace deal that Biden announced in May without any additions, he said. "We have informed the mediators that any meeting should be based on talking about implementation mechanisms and setting deadlines, rather than negotiating something new. Otherwise, Hamas finds no reason to participate," Hamdan told AP. During the interview, the Hamas politburo member accused Tel Aviv of sending a non-voting delegation to the negotiations, changing delegations from one round to another (prompting talks to return to square one) and imposing new conditions. He also showed AP copies of several iterations of the ceasefire proposal alongside Hamas' written responses to them. Based on the documents, Hamas attempted to add additional guarantors at several points including Russia, Turkey and the United Nations. But Israel's responses always included only the existing mediators: the U.S., Egypt and Qatar. Hamas: Netanyahu uses negotiations as cover to continue his aggression against our people On the same day as Hamdan's interview, his colleague Ahmed Abdel Hadi incumbent Hamas representative in Lebanon told Sputnik News that the group won't be participating in the Aug. 14 to 15 negotiations. He also accused Netanyahu of "deceiving and evading," and claimed the Israeli leader "wants to prolong the war and even expand it at the regional level." Hadi continued: "Thus, he uses negotiations as a cover to continue his aggression against our people and commit more massacres against them." Israeli officials had no immediate comment on Hamdan's claims during his interview with AP. Sputnik News reported, citing the New York Times, that Netanyahu has toughened his stance on negotiations. The Israeli government has put forward five new demands to the mediators with the most disputable one about Tel Aviv retaining control over the border between Gaza and Egypt. A week before the talks took place, Cairo, Doha and Washington called on Tel Aviv and Hamas to resume negotiations. Leaders of the three countries said they were ready to present a final proposal to reach a deal. Vedant Patel, spokesman for the U.S. Department of State, remarked that the U.S. "does not think that Hamas is an honest broker." His boss, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his planned trip to the region given the volatile situation there. Washington has nevertheless expressed hope that both Israel and Hamas would return to the negotiating table. But the U.S. government's actions prove otherwise with Washington approving a new $20 billion arms sale to Tel Aviv. The deal includes tank rounds, mortar shells, air-to-air missiles and F-15 fighter jets. (Related: Biden reaffirms "unwavering" support for Israel by promising a fresh set of military deployments.) The Islamic Republic of Iran warned on the same day as Hamdan's AP interview that only a ceasefire in Gaza could prevent Tehran from retaliating against Israel. Iran's counter-attack followed the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chairman Ismail Haniyeh in late July, which Tel Aviv masterminded. Watch this ABC News report about the U.S., Qatar and Egypt calling for renewed negotiations between Hamas and Israel. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel carpet bombs Rafah after Hamas accepts ceasefire proposal. Hamas accepts U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal Israel immediately REJECTS IT. Hamas to boycott ceasefire negotiations as long as Israel continues killing Palestinians in Rafah. Hamas rejects U.S. ceasefire proposal; will accept nothing less than a PERMANENT END to the war. Netanyahu: Israel WILL INVADE Rafah with or without ceasefire and agreement to release hostages. Sources include: SputnikGlobe.com APNews.com X.com Brighteon.com Hunter Biden illegally acted as FOREIGN AGENT, fresh evidence shows While Joe Biden was vice president under Barack Obama, Hunter Biden, Joe's son, asked for United States government assistance on a project in Italy on behalf of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, newly released State Department documents show The damning records reveal that Hunter did, in fact, illegally act as an unregistered foreign agent with this activity, which many had said was the case while the corporate media called the claim an unsubstantiated "conspiracy theory." Only because 81-year-old Joe dropped out of the 2024 presidential race did these documents indicting Hunter come to light. Previously, they had been under lock and key by the Biden regime, which buried them out of public view. What Hunter effectively did was use his family's name to lobby the U.S. government on behalf of foreign clients, in this case Ukrainian criminals at Burisma. As of this writing, Hunter has never been charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Because the Department of Justice (DOJ) has never once pursued justice against Hunter over the matter, some of the president's son's FARA violations have exceeded the statute of limitations, meaning he can no longer be prosecuted for them. (Related: Remember when Joe and Hunter Biden used a Sandy Hook memorial service to secretly forge a $10 million-a-year deal with communist China?) Biden Crime Family affairs Hunter reportedly pursued the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce for help with a Burisma thermal energy project in Tuscany. Via letter, Hunter asked John R. Phillips, the U.S. ambassador to Italy at the time, to help him introduce Enrico Rossi, the then-president of the Tuscany region, to the project so it could receive fast-tracked approval. Both the State Department and the Commerce Department expressed unease about what Hunter was requesting with one of them expressing worry that he needed "to be careful about promising too much" to Hunter. "This is a Ukrainian company and, purely to protect ourselves, U.S.G. should not be actively advocating with the government of Italy without the company going through the D.O.C. Advocacy Center." When his first attempt failed for these reasons, Hunter tried a second time to approach a close business associate of Rossi named Eric Schwerin. Hunter attached the same letter he wrote to Phillips in a separate email to Schwerin, asking him to help get some of Burisma's executives "a meeting with the president to discuss their geothermal business in Tuscany." "The Ambassador already replied to one letter from Mr. Biden," a Commerce Department official wrote following Hunter's second attempt. "He may be shopping for more support than he got here." In the end, Hunter's efforts appear to have failed. There is no evidence to suggest that Hunter's requested meeting between Burisma executives and Rossi ever actually took place, and the project itself also fell through in the end. According to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Joe was "not aware" that his son Hunter was soliciting contracts from the U.S. government on behalf of Ukraine while Joe was serving as VP under Obama: ? KJP just said Joe Biden was NOT AWARE Hunter Biden was soliciting contracts from the US government on behalf of Ukrainian energy company Burisma while he was VP MORE LIES from the White House IMPEACH JOE BIDEN! pic.twitter.com/2SwVgNzjSB Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 14, 2024 "The only thing Biden is spending time doing in these final few moments of his presidency is enriching himself," someone wrote on X about this whole saga. "Remove him." "How much more can we tolerate?" asked another. "Biden's ignorance is a farce. Impeach now!" Now that Biden is out of the way, America has a much worse problem on its hands with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Find out more at Rigged.news. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com NaturalNews.com X.com Kamala campaign BUSTED for faking news headlines in deceptive advertising scheme If you have come across online ads for Harris-Walz that appear to show major media outlets lending their support to Kamala's campaign, do not be fooled: the ads are fake The corporate media's sudden pivot to supporting Kamala is contrived, an Axios investigation has found. The Kamala campaign has resorted to tricking people into thinking they stumbled upon a legitimate media piece in her favor when the truth is that the whole operation is fake. Media outlets like The Independent and The Guardian out of Great Britain, along with The Associated Press (AP) and USA Today here in the United States, found themselves roped into the deception alongside many other popular names like CNN, PBS and NPR. "While we understand why an organization might wish to align itself with the Guardian's trusted brand, we need to ensure it is being used appropriately and with our permission," The Guardian said in a statement. "We'll be reaching out to Google for more information about this practice." (Related: If installed into office, Kamala Harris is planning to open the floodgates to unlimited illegal immigration.) Kamala altering media headlines, text to trick voters The Kamala campaign's ad deception is so tricky that web surfers who come across the fake ads and click them are sent to the true media outlets. However, the headlines and supporting text are altered. It seems as though most of the media outlets linked to in Kamala's fake ads had no idea about the operation until after it started going viral. In one example, a fake ad for Kamala was run alongside an article from The Guardian with the headline that reads "VP Harris Fights Abortion Bans Harris Defense Repro Freedom" along with text below it stating that "VP Harris is a champion for reproductive freedom and will stop Trump's abortion bans." The Guardian, it turns out, published no such article. Another fake Kamala ad was run with NPR as the target. "Harris Will Lower Health Costs," reads the ad's fake headline along with fake article text stating that "Kamala Harris will lower the cost of high-quality affordable health care." Google's ad transparency center confirmed that Donald Trump's campaign is not doing this like Kamala's is. A company spokesperson further stated that "we've provided additional levels of transparency for election ads specifically," including prominently labeling them as "Sponsored" so users know someone is paying for them to show up in search results. The problem with this excuse is that it does not cut to the heart of what is actually going on: fraud. The Kamala campaign is lying to American voters about Kamala being endorsed by the mainstream media when in fact she is just a charlatan like the rest. A source familiar with the matter claims Kamala's ad team is purchasing ads with news links that give potential voters more context about what the vice president believes. The same source claims that the campaign has followed all of Google's rules, though a "technical glitch" in Google's Ad Library did make it appear as though some of Kamala's ads lacked the necessary disclosures when they were run. In other words, the Kamala campaign apparently did not follow the rules for Google ads, which created an illusion that her ads were simple search results rather than paid advertising content. "Election advertisers are required to complete an identity verification process and we prominently display in-ad disclosures that clearly show people who paid for the ad," the Google spokesperson said. According to Google, the deceptive Kamala ads in question do not violate the company's rules. Facebook, however, banned advertisers from editing Instant Article news links starting in 2017, all as part of its "continuing efforts to stop the spread of misinformation and false news." The latest news about the 2024 presidential election can be found at Rigged.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Axios.com NaturalNews.com RFK Jr. attacks Kamala Harris and Democratic Party on X Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently expressed a slew of criticism against Vice President Kamala Harris after he reportedly tried to meet with her and failed to receive a response. In comments posted on X, Kennedy insisted that he will not endorse Harris and said the Democratic Party's ideology has changed dramatically since the time of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. He wrote: VP Harriss Democratic Party would be unrecognizable to my father and uncle and I cannot reconcile it with my values. He went on to identify many of the issues that numerous Americans have with Harris and her party, noting: VP Harriss is the party of censorship, lockdowns, and medical coercion. The Biden administration famously implemented a vaccine mandate for federal contractors that forced people to choose between their livelihood and their constitutional right to health freedom. They introduced numerous other mandates, such as vaccines for healthcare workers, and were accused of rushing the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for children before carrying out enough research and testing into their safety. Many of their mandates have since been proven to be unlawful, and the vaccines have also led to countless health problems in Americans of all ages, including children. Ive spent years battling government corruption and lies. VP Harris spent years gaslighting Americans about the health of our Commander in Chief, he added. President Biden has been experiencing cognitive decline for several years, and it has gotten significantly worse in recent months, but Kamala Harris and other higher-ups in the Biden administration have gone out of their way to cover it up and dismiss concerns about his mental health. Working alongside him in her capacity as vice president, it is highly unlikely she was not aware of his problems, which means she played a part in deceiving the American public. He summarized some of Harriss other failings as well, writing: My father and uncle prided themselves on their skills at debate and their ability to articulate a coherent vision for our country. VP Harris is scared to debate and cant survive an unscripted interview. Instead of outlining a vision, she relies on middleschool tactics memes, forged headlines, infantile slogans (Joy!) and name calling (Republicans are weird.) Kennedy criticized Harris after she rejected his request for a meeting to discuss an endorsement deal Although his criticisms of Harris are fair, they are believed to have come after he tried to meet with her to discuss a potential position in her administration in exchange for dropping out of the race and endorsing her. He reportedly did not receive a response, prompting him to voice his frustrations on the social media platform. He said he hopes she will reconsider the meeting, noting: I think it is a strategic mistake for them. Thats my perspective. I think they ought to be looking at every opportunity. I think it is going to be a very close race. He met with Republican nominee Donald Trump last month, and they reportedly discussed exchanging a endorsement from RFK Jr. for a position in a potential Trump administration advising the president on health policy. Although it did not lead to anything official, campaign advisers for Trump said that they remain in touch with Kennedy. RFK Jr. remains in the presidential race and has rallies scheduled for Arizona and Nebraska. One poll shows him attracting 5% of support from American voters. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com WashingtonPost.com Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, who just died from lung cancer, remembered by some as dead vaxx totalitarian The recent death of former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has the media in tumult trying to whitewash her legacy Fawning reports about how "amazing" Wojcicki was conveniently ignore her totalitarian ways while at YouTube, especially during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic." While the general sentiment seems to be that it is unwise to speak ill of the dead, it is important for readers to know who Susan Wojcicki really was: a "dead vaxx totalitarian," to quote Armageddon Prose's Ben Bartee. "Susan Wojcicki was among the most hardcore censors of truthful COVID-19 information throughout the pandemic, censoring anything critical of the so-called vaccines and anything speculating that COVID-19 originated from a Chinese lab receiving government funding funneled by Anthony Fauci through EcoHealth Alliance," he writes. "It is for these trespasses against free speech and human welfare that I will remember Susan; others, again, in the corporate state media can (and have) write glowing obituaries about her brave and stunning leadership as a female entrepreneur or whatever." (Related: Be sure to read our earlier report about how Wojcicki died just a few months after her son mysteriously perished in a dorm room at UC Berkeley.) One year before dying, Wojcicki bragged about "everything we've achieved" One media outlet that praised Wojcicki rather than tell the truth about her legacy is U.S. taxpayer-funded NPR. Describing Wojcicki as "a Silicon Valley visionary," NPR praised the woman for overseeing YouTube's "explosive growth over the past decade." "She also oversaw the platform as it grappled with hate speech, misinformation and inappropriate content," NPR noted. Last year, Wojcicki announced that she would be stepping down from her CEO role to "start a new chapter focused on my family, health, and personal projects." Within a year, Wojcicki was dead. "I took on each challenge that came my way because it had a mission that benefited so many people's lives around the world: finding information, telling stories and supporting creators, artists, and small businesses," Wojcicki bragged at the time. "I'm so proud of everything we've achieved. It's been exhilarating, meaningful, and all-consuming." Wojcicki's use of the term "all-consuming" to describe her time at YouTube is ominously ironic in light of the fact that her small cell cancer was also all-consuming, eventually taking her life. Wojcicki's legacy includes implementing new policies such as: - Removing all content that contradicts the World Health Organization's (WHO) advice on COVID - Removing all information "that is problematic," including "anything that is medically unsubstantiated" - Removing "anything that goes against WHO recommendations," which she classified as content in "violation of our policy" It is sobering to think of how many lives were needlessly lost because Wojcicki decided that YouTube users were no longer allowed to recommend natural alternatives like vitamin C and turmeric for overcoming a COVID infection. "Just how many lives may have been lost directly due to Wojcicki's brutal censorship regime how many people might have gained access to true information regarding the risks of COVID-19 'vaccines,' for example, via YouTube and reconsidered before getting injected would be nearly impossible to quantify," Bartee writes. "But it's not beyond the realm of the imagination that such a case occurred at least once in the four years since the pandemic began. Which, to my mind, means Susan has their blood on her hands." Wojcicki's policy decisions at YouTube also affected how parents treated their children during the "pandemic;" how schools locked everything down in extreme fear; and how corporate America treated its workers amid all the virus chaos. "God might forgive her, and you may as well; I won't," Bartee says. "In my view, she got off too easy, having never faced any consequences here on Earth for her villainy." The latest news about Big Tech censorship can be found at Censorship.news. Sources for this article include: ArmageddonProse.substack.com NaturalNews.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. People visit the exhibition booth of BYD at an auto show in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, May 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The US and China have been recently trading barbs over Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The US accuses Chinese EVs of overcapacity, claiming they disrupt both the US and global markets and pose risks, including information security concerns. The US has unilaterally imposed a 100 per cent tariff rate on Chinese EVs. China, on the other hand, asserts that its EV industry represents advanced capacity that helps combat climate change and promote global green transition, and accuses Washington of undermining fair and free trade and competition. The fierce debate between the two major countries mirrors past disputes. Similar to today's EV dispute, there was an incident regarding gasoline-powered vehicles in the early 20th century. When gasoline-powered automobiles first hit the market, they were costly and produced in limited numbers, making them a luxury exclusive to the wealthy. Ford Motor Company transformed the industry by introducing standardization and assembly line production, which significantly reduced manufacturing costs and boosted production. This innovation led to a substantial decrease in prices, making cars affordable and accessible to the masses. Despite strong opposition from luxury car brands and their interest groups, the Ford Model T, known for its quality and affordability, quickly gained widespread popularity globally. Ford's pioneering production techniques helped the company overcome various challenges, spurred technological advancement and increased revenue across the automotive supply chain. It also revolutionized people's modes of transportation and transformed the automotive industry and related sectors. Throughout history, similar debates have arisen over emerging capacities, with Ford's automotive revolution being perhaps the best known one. In essence, these debates represent the clash between progress and conservatism, between the advanced and the outdated. In many ways, the history of human civilization is a history of the adoption of advanced capacity. The popularization and transfer of advanced capacity have often led to clashes with outdated capacity and its interest groups. But not all stories have a happy ending as Ford did. In the 1980s, Japan's semiconductor industry rapidly expanded its global market share with world-leading manufacturing and design capabilities, posing a significant threat to American semiconductor producers who used to dominate the market. Obsessed with their dominant position, these American companies lobbied the US government to label Japan as setting "structural barriers", and to impose high punitive tariffs on Japanese semiconductors. By inflating the prices of Japanese products, the US firms reclaimed their market share through non-market approaches. Unfortunately, Japan failed to defend its own interests or seek resolution through the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), nor did global buyers unite to support Japan's semiconductor producers. As a result, the advance of the semiconductor industry was stunted, and international trade was used more and more as a weapon, warping the global industrial and supply chains. Stories of Ford and Japan's semiconductor industry show that current suppression on Chinese EVs is essentially a confrontation between advanced capacity and entrenched interests. Ford's success proves that advanced capacity is bound to outcompete the outdated forces and gain wider support since it drives industrial advancement and benefits the people. By contrast, the decline of Japan's semiconductor industry tells us that advanced capabilities are likely to be crippled under the pretext of "overcapacity" if no action is taken. Outdated capacity does not phase out naturally. Progress can prevail only through concerted efforts. Chinese EVs, representing green energy and smart technologies, will help tackle climate change and bring a better life to the people. To better meet demands of people from all countries, more and cheaper Chinese EVs are needed. This also requires us to extend stronger support to Chinese EVs in a more open way. Such support is not for China only, but for every one of us and for human advancement as a whole. Blinken in Tel Aviv to meet top Israeli leadership as ceasefire talks hits roadblock T he US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet Israel President Issac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday. He arrived here late Sunday night even as the indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas held in Doha, Qatar on Thursday and Friday at the behest of the US have now hit a roadblock. Both sides -- Israel and Hamas -- have accused each other of backtracking from their avowed positions. While Hamas alleges Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu of scuttling the peace talks by bringing in new conditions for peace, Israel said that Hamas was not for peace and that the militant organisation has not even sent a delegation to the indirect peace talks held at Doha on last Thursday and Friday. Sources in the Israel government told IANS that Antony Blinken, who is on his 9th visit to the Middle East since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, will hold a series of meetings with the top Israeli leadership to ensure that the proposed Cairo peace talks likely to be held on Wednesday takes place smoothly. With the US President elections taking place this year, President Joe Biden is keen that the Israel-Hamas fight ends at the earliest. The talks are taking place in the shadow of a feared regional escalation as Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran on July 31. Meanwhile, the Hostages and Missing Families forum has called upon the Israeli government to bring the hostages back home at the earliest. It may be recalled that on October 7, 2023, Hamas militants swarmed southern Israel, brutally massacred 1,200 people, kidnapped 251 people and took them as hostages to Gaza. Of this 105 people were released following an exchange of prisoner deal during a one-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The Hostages and Families forum has stated that of the 115 hostages who are in Gaza,39 have been confirmed dead by the Israeli government. The families want the remaining hostages to be brought back home at the earliest. Blinken in Tel Aviv to meet top Israeli leadership as ceasefire talks hits roadblock Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Pankaj Tripathi attends India Day Parade at Madison Avenue in New York as guest of honour A ctor Pankaj Tripathi, whose recent release 'Stree 2', has set the box-office on fire, was the guest of honour at this year's India Day Parade in New York. The event was held at Madison Avenue, New York and was organised by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). The India Day Parade is a cherished event that brings together thousands of people to celebrate with vibrant floats, traditional dances, and cultural performances. Expressing his gratitude for being chosen as the guest of honour, Pankaj Tripathi said, "I am deeply humbled and honoured to be part of such a significant event that celebrates India's independence and the spirit of unity among Indians worldwide". He further mentioned, "The India Day Parade in New York is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the Indian community. This will be the first time ever I am going to celebrate India's Independence Day on a foreign soil. I look forward to celebrating this special day with everyone". The FIA, which has been organizing the India Day Parade for over four decades, aims to promote Indian culture and heritage while fostering a sense of community among Indian-Americans. Meanwhile, 'Stree 2', which sees Pankaj Tripathi reprising his role of Rudra bhaiyya, is set to enter the Rs 200 crore club in India. The film has so far collected Rs 191 crore in India. The film marks the 5th installment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe and is a sequel to the 2018 horror-comedy film 'Stree'. The film also stars Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. It follows the aftermath of Stree's departure from Chanderi as a new evil force of sirkata takes over the town, and abducts women of the town. Pankaj Tripathi attends India Day Parade at Madison Avenue in New York as guest of honour Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! India must focus on genomic surveillance of Mpox virus to curb spread: Experts I ndia must focus on genomic surveillance to understand the Mpox virus, and develop ways to curb its spread, said experts on Monday. The deadly Mpox virus is seeing another outbreak, especially in Africa, where so far about 14 countries have been, with 4 nations reporting the infection for the first time. The number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year's total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths. This prompted the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the disease as a global health emergency. In 2022 Mpox had a global outbreak with many countries, including India, being affected. Since then, the WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to Mpox from 116 countries. India detected a total of 30 cases, with the last case in March 2024. "We need to focus on genomic surveillance of the virus to understand the genetic epidemiology, the spread, and the evolution of the virus," noted biologist Vinod Scaria told IANS. He also called for developing "good diagnostics for faster diagnosis and better care of affected individuals". Mpox was first identified in monkeys in research laboratories in the 1950s, and it was not until 1970 that the first human case was discovered. It has been mostly localised and endemic in the Congo Basin, as well as in West Africa. There have been two types, clade one, which is mostly in the Congo region, and clade two, which is seen primarily in West Africa. Dr Anurag Agarwal, Dean, BioSciences and Health Research, Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka University, told IANS that the 2022 outbreak was driven by clade 2, which is a less virulent, and the infections were primarily seen in men who had sex with other men. "The current outbreak that we are seeing in Africa is clade Ib. Clade Ib has a higher mortality and more severe disease than Clade II. And also, while clade one typically does not have human-to-human transmission, here we are seeing infection and deaths in a large number of children, which is making people worry," he added. The latest outbreak of monkeypox has not only "played beyond the borders" but also reported "deaths in young children, where you don't expect any sexual transmission". "That is the reason why the WHO has given a global warning for international concern". So far, outside of Africa, the infection, driven by the Clade 1b strain of the monkeypox virus, has been detected only in Sweden. Separately, Pakistan (3) and the Philippines (1) have reported lab-confirmed cases of Mpox. However, the variant remains unknown. The US's California has also reported detecting Mpox in wastewater surveillance. "The fear is that this virus could evolve. The fear is that this virus could develop respiratory transmission and become deadly. The best way to prevent that is to reduce the number of infections, to keep it within the geography it currently is, and slowly wipe it out," Dr. Agarwal said, noting the need to build more diagnostics, vaccines, and genomic surveillance as during the Covid-19 pandemic. India must focus on genomic surveillance of Mpox virus to curb spread: Experts Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Number of Covid patients in South Korea expected to reach 350,000 next week A mid the rising Covid-19 infections in South Korea, the government on Monday approved a reserve fund of 326.8 billion won for additional purchase of treatments, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The amount, approved by the country's State Council, "can purchase approximately 262,000 doses of the treatment", the KDCA said in a statement. As the use of therapeutics has surged more than 40-fold in a month due to the recent summer resurgence of Covid-19, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance have been urgently pursuing procedures to secure a budget for additional purchases since late July. The KDCA noted plans to supply the additional quantity to pharmacies nationwide by next week to stabilise the supply of treatment within this month. In addition, the 262,000 doses of the additional treatment purchased this time are expected to be stably supplied to high-risk groups until October. From October, the government will also quickly pursue health insurance registration with the relevant ministries so that the treatment can be supplied within the general medical system. Meanwhile, a senior health ministry official on Monday said the number of Covid patients in the country is expected to reach 350,000 next week, matching a peak seen in last year's summer wave. Hong Jung-ik, director-general in charge of infectious disease policy at the KDCA, told a radio interview that health authorities have no plan to raise an alert level for Covid while supplying enough treatments and testing kits, Yonhap news agency reported. "Although the current number of patients is about half of what was reported in August last year, considering the summer season trends over the past two years, the weekly figure could reach 350,000 by the end of this month, similar to last year's peak," Hong said. Health authorities have expected the current wave of Covid to peak later this month. Hong said that the government has been distributing Covid treatments and noted that sufficient volume will be available at local pharmacies by the end of this month. Last week, the presidential office said the country will supply treatments for 260,000 Covid patients. Hong added that the government will supply more than 5 million testing kits by the end of this month. On Sunday, the country's disease control agency said the level of the Covid virus in wastewater has nearly doubled in just a week. It sharply rose from the 24,602 copies per millilitre recorded the previous week, to 47,640 copies per millilitre. Number of Covid patients in South Korea expected to reach 350,000 next week Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Thailand PM thanks PM Modi for greetings, calls for strengthening ties T hailand's newly elected Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for his congratulatory message following her recent election victory. In a post on social media platform X, Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote, "Thank you PM Narendra Modi for your warm congratulatory message." "I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our bilateral relations, especially in the areas of trade and investment, culture, people-to-people contact, and tourism, in particular, to increase air travel between both countries," she further wrote. Expressing her hope for further strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Thailand, the newly-elected Prime Minister said, "I am confident that we can build upon our existing ties and explore untapped potentials to create even greater opportunities for our two countries, peoples, and beyond." Earlier, PM Modi had congratulated Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her victory. "Congratulations Paetongtarn Shinawatra on your election as the Prime Minister of Thailand. Best wishes for a very successful tenure. Look forward to working with you to further strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Thailand, that are based on the strong foundations of civilisational, cultural and people-to-people connect," he said in a post on X. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, was elected as Thailand's Prime Minister on August 16, making her the second youngest woman to hold the position in Thai history. She follows in the footsteps of her father and aunt, becoming the third member of the Shinawatra family to serve as Prime Minister of Thailand. Her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, was Thailand's first female Prime Minister and the country's youngest in over 60 years before being removed from office on May 7, 2014, by a Constitutional Court decision. Paetongtarn Shinawatra's election came after a court-ruled dismissal of then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in an ethics violation case on August 14. Both Paetongtarn and former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin are from the Pheu Thai Party. Shinawatra had finished second in the 2023 elections. New Thailand PM thanks PM Modi for greetings, calls for strengthening ties Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Dia Mirza: It was my dream to work with Vijay Varma A ctress Dia Mirza, who is awaiting the release of her upcoming series 'IC814', has heaped praise on her co-actor Vijay Varma. The trailer of the series was unveiled on Monday, and it follows the story of the hijack of the Indian Airlines Flight 814 by the Pakistani militants of the terrorist outfit Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. At the Malhar Film Festival, Dia Mirza spoke about Vijay's immersive approach to his role. She expressed her admiration for his complete dedication to the character, revealing that she never caught a glimpse of him outside of his character during the entire shoot. Talking about the same, she said, "This guy has stayed in one space for his entire shoot. It was my dream to work with Vijay. On paper, we are part of the same story, but I never saw him at work. I have to find a way to make sure I get to work with him because I'm such a huge fan". 'IC814' is directed by Anubhav Sinha of 'Thappad', 'Mulk' and 'Article 15' fame. It is based on the hijack of the Indian Airlines Flight 814 shortly after it entered Indian airspace. The hijackers ordered the aircraft to be flown to a series of locations including Amritsar, Lahore, and across the Persian Gulf and Dubai. They finally forced the aircraft to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which at the time was controlled by the Taliban. The hijackers released 27 of 176 passengers in Dubai but fatally stabbed one and wounded several others. The motive for the hijacking was to secure the release of Islamist terrorists held in prison in India including Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and Masood Azhar, and a Pakistani-backed Kashmiri militant, Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar. The three have since been implicated in other terrorist actions, such as the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2002 kidnapping and murder of Daniel Pearl, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the 2016 Pathankot attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack 'IC814' is set to land on August 29 on Netflix. Dia Mirza: It was my dream to work with Vijay Varma Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Japanese Foreign Minister arrives in India for 2+2 meeting, says India's strategic importance greater than ever before J apanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko arrived in New Delhi late Monday afternoon to attend the third India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers' meeting to be held at the Hyderabad House on Tuesday evening. "India's strategic importance has never been greater than it is now," the Japanese Foreign Minister said just before her arrival in India. On Tuesday, Kamikawa Yoko and Japan's Minister of Defence Minoru Kihara will hold the 2+2 talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. "Substantive discussions covering various spheres of India-Japan multifaceted partnership lie ahead," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X. This is Kamikawa Yoko's first visit to India since assuming the position as Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs. She is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "India is located in the centre of the Indian Ocean sea lanes connecting Asia and Africa, and is an important partner in realising a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' (FOIP). At this meeting, the two ministers will share their views on the strategic environment toward maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and confirm further strengthening of security and defence cooperation," Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said ahead of Kamikawa Yoko's New Delhi visit. Before the 2+2 talks, the Japanese Foreign Minister is also scheduled to hold discussions with EAM Jaishankar, where they will confirm their intention to deepen cooperative relations between the two countries in the areas of bilateral economic and development cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and in the international arena. Last month, during his visit to Tokyo for the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting, EAM Jaishankar stated that India-Japan ties are shaped by the regional and global environment and there is a need for a "contemporary partnership" in an era of new capabilities, new technologies, new challenges and new stresses. "Our goal, where Japan is concerned, is to increase investments rapidly. There are 1,400 Japanese businesses operating in India. We would like to see that number grow. And we have an investment target of 5 trillion yen, that is $42 billion by 2027. In India, I must tell you that Japan has long been associated with economic and technology advancement. It is not just the example of Japanese progress itself, but it is also reflected in the history of our collaboration," Jaishankar remarked at the Japan National Press Club on July 29. On the same day, the EAM held talks with Kamikawa Yoko where the Japanese Foreign Minister stated that Tokyo considers New Delhi as an important partner with which it intends to deepen cooperation and "co-create" new solutions through dialogue and collaboration. The two ministers agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and appreciated the steady progress of the high-speed rail project, a flagship project between India and Japan. Welcoming the expansion of recruitment for Indian nationals under the JET Programme and the start of the dispatch of Japanese Language Partners to India, they also exchanged views on cooperation regarding the Security Council reform, looking ahead at the Summit of the Future scheduled to be held at the UN Headquarters in New York, next month. Japanese Foreign Minister arrives in India for 2+2 meeting, says India's strategic importance greater than ever before Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! MK Stalin flags 'drastic reduction' in budgetary allocations for Southern Railway projects T amil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday wrote to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressing his disappointment for the 'drastic reduction' in budgetary allocation for the Southern Railways. In his letter to the Railway Minister, Stalin said: "We are disappointed that the allocation of funds for the Southern Railways under certain Heads of Accounts in the Regular Budget for Indian Railways for the financial year 2024-2025 is much less when compared to the allocations made in the Interim Budget in the same year." The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister pointed out that in the Interim Budget for 2024-25, the allocation towards new lines and doubling of lines were Rs.976.1 crore and Rs.2,214.4 crore, respectively. On the other hand, the revised allocation in the regular budget presented on by the government on July 23 was Rs.301.3 crore for new lines and Rs.1,928.8 crore for doubling of lines. "The above drastic reduction in allocation of funds by Rs.674.8 crores for new line projects will severely affect the progress of many important ongoing projects in Tamil Nadu," Stalin told Vaishnaw in the letter, listing out seven vital projects. "Similarly, reduction in allocation of funds for doubling projects by Rs 285.64 crore will definitely slow down the much-needed doubling projects in our state," Stalin added, listing out 12 line doubling projects. Stalin also told Vaishnaw that the railway works related to the Kilambakkam bus terminus, electric multiple unit (EMU) services, and mass rapid transit system (MRTS) lines need to be expedited. MK Stalin flags 'drastic reduction' in budgetary allocations for Southern Railway projects Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's speech on Kalaignar Karunanidhi should be recorded in history: M K Stalin T amil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday said that he was overwhelmed at how Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh spoke about his father and former Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi during the release of the commemorative coin to mark his centenary. Stalin, who is also the President of DMK, said that the Defense Minister's speech should be recorded in history, adding that the speech was better than that made by many of his party leaders and alliance leaders. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister referred to Rajnath Singh's gesture calling upon the audience to give a standing ovation to Karunanidhi during the release of the commemorative coin and said that he was overwhelmed with happiness "that cost him his sleep" on Sunday night. He was speaking at a family function hosted by DMK leader and legislator K.P. Shankar. Stalin further said that there was no compulsion for Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to praise Kalaignar to such an extent. He said, "There was no necessity but Minister Rajnath Singh spoke straight from his heart." He also rejected the claims made by Opposition leader, Edappadi K.Palaniswamy that there were secret ties between the BJP and DMK and added that the DMK did not have to have secret ties with the BJP. Stalin said that the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had said that Karunanidhi would either support or oppose but would never give up on principles. On the criticism by EPS as to why Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was not invited to the function, Stalin maintained that the coin was being released by the Union government and so a Union minister was invited. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's speech on Kalaignar Karunanidhi should be recorded in history: M K Stalin Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Rohitashv Gour: Sanskrit is soul of our culture, helped me connect with my roots A ctor Rohitashv Gour, who essays the role of Manmohan Tiwari in the superhit television show 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai', is celebrating Sanskrit Day on Monday. The actor said that Sanskrit is a way of life, and has helped him to connect with his roots. He said: "Sanskrit is the soul of our culture, and I feel blessed to have learned it. It has helped me to deliver my dialogues with precision and authenticity. I believe that Sanskrit is not just a language but a way of life. It has indeed helped me to connect with my roots." 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai' is a comedy show, that takes place in the fictional "Modern Colony" located in Kanpur and revolves around two neighbouring couples. The husbands, Vibhutinarayan Mishra and Manmohan Tiwari, who have been married for seven years, are bored with their marriages and are smitten by each other's wives, unbeknownst to each other. While Rohitashv Gour's character of Manmohan Tiwari is a successful undergarment businessman, whose wife Angoori Tiwari is a simple and naive housewife, Aasif Sheikh's character of Vibhuti Narayan Mishra is an unsuccessful insurance agent and has fallen for the simple-minded Angoori Tiwari. He is known to be highly educated but still won't do a regular job out of his ego. His plans to woo Angoori usually fail due to her naivety and this puts him in dire situations. The two men attempt various ultimately unsuccessful and hilarious techniques to impress each other's wives. Since its inception, the show has garnered widespread acclaim from critics and viewers alike. The show is inspired by the 1990s Hindi sitcom Shrimaan Shrimati. A spin-off sitcom 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan' was also released in 2019. 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai' airs Monday to Friday on &TV. Rohitashv Gour: Sanskrit is soul of our culture, helped me connect with my roots Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim arrives in India on first visit M alaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in New Delhi late on Monday evening on an official three-day visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as both countries continue work on exploring initiatives to further strengthen bilateral relations that were elevated to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership in 2015. This is the Malaysian PM's first visit to India since taking office in November 2022. On Tuesday, PM Ibrahim will receive a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will then visit Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi followed by a bilateral meeting with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House. Following the exchange of MoUs and press statements, Prime Minister Modi will host a luncheon in honour of the visiting PM. Later in the day, PM Ibrahim is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu. External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar would also call on the Malaysian leader during his visit. "India and Malaysia have strong historical and socio-cultural linkages. Our bilateral relationship was elevated to the status of Enhanced Strategic Partnership in 2015 during the visit of Prime Minister Modi. As both countries enter the second decade of Enhanced Strategic Partnership next year, the visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would pave the way for further strengthening of India-Malaysia bilateral ties by charting out a multi-sectoral cooperation agenda for the future," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The Malaysian PM is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Tourism Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, and Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong. During his visit, Prime Minister Ibrahim will participate in a roundtable meeting with several Indian industry leaders to advance economic cooperation between the two countries and also will also deliver a lecture titled 'Towards a Rising Global South: Leveraging Malaysia-India Ties' at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). "In 2023, Malaysia and India's total trade reached RM 76.62 billion (USD 16.53 billion), with Malaysia enjoying a surplus of RM 15.89 billion (USD 3.43 billion). India was Malaysia's largest importer of palm oil and palm oil-based products, importing RM 11.31 billion (USD 2.44 billion). Malaysia's major imports from India included petroleum products (RM 6.62 billion or USD 1.44 billion) and agricultural products, including halal meat (RM5.79 billion or USD 1.27 billion)," said a statement released by the Malaysian Foreign Ministry ahead of PM Ibrahim's arrival in India. Malaysia was also India's third-largest trading partner among ASEAN Member States and the largest trading partner among the eight South Asian nations in 2023. It is also expected that during his visit, the Malaysian PM will seek India's support to join the BRICS alliance, an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which added four new members - Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates - on January 1, 2024. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim arrives in India on first visit Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Utilizing pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) could save almost 700,000 children's lives between the time of their introduction to the year 2030, according to a new modeling study. This would be equivalent to the average number of babies born in the UK each year. The new study, by researchers from The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), suggests that by 2030, PCVs could have prevented around 5% of pneumococcal deaths since their introduction in 2000. They also found that delays in vaccine roll-out, as well as low coverage achieved in some countries, have resulted in PCVs failing to achieve their full potential in preventing deaths. Increasing the vaccine coverage to levels seen with other vaccines such as the DTP vaccine against whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria, could prevent an additional 146,000 deaths. The findings are published in The Lancet Global Health. PCVs protect children from the dangerous Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium, which can lead to severe illnesses including pneumonia and meningitis. The analysis modeled the impact of PCVs given to children aged 5 and under across 112 countries. It updates a previous analysis with new data from low- and middle-income countries that have recently introduced the vaccine, as well as updated vaccine coverage figures. The research emphasizes not only the potential health benefits of utilizing the vaccine but also calculates their affordability. The researchers found that saving a year of a child's life by using a pneumococcal vaccine would only cost the same as $851USD worth of goods in 2015. This time-point was used to allow the team to compare figures with data published in their previous study in 2019. This study underscores the urgent need to ramp up vaccine coverage worldwide. By working together, we can ensure these lifesaving vaccines reach every child who needs them." Mark Jit, Professor of Vaccine Epidemiology at LSHTM and senior author for the paper Cynthia Chen Huijun, Assistant Professor at Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and the first author on the paper, said: "The substantial benefits of PCV, through prevention of disease and death, clearly outweigh the costs involved in providing vaccinations to those who need it." The study was conducted as part of the Vaccine Impact Modelling Consortium, an international community of modelers providing high-quality estimates of the public health impact of vaccination funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The modeling assumed level coverage across each country and further research is needed to collect figures on a more localized level, to help tailor potential interventions. An earlier study by a group of investigators, including LSHTM, that was convened by the World Health Organization (WHO), found that WHO-recommended vaccines have provided the single greatest contribution to improved infant survival over the past 50 years. In a preliminary study with a small number of humans, rabbits and mice, researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center say they have developed four new regimens that have the potential to treat and save the lives of people with multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculous (TB) meningitis. While TB meningitis -; which affects the brain and spine -; is extremely rare in the United States, worldwide it is believed to be the deadliest form of TB. In a report that will be published Aug. 14 in Nature Communications, the investigators present the regimens, mainly composed of antibiotics already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for other uses, or antibiotics currently in clinical trials. Study investigators say the regimens could be readily evaluated in new clinical studies, or used to treat people with MDR-TB meningitis on a case-by-case basis now. According to the World Health Organization, tuberculosis remains a global public health threat, with the largest number of cases occurring in the Southeast Asian region and Africa, and is a leading killer by a single infectious agent, the tubercle bacillus. There are no FDA-approved antibiotic treatments specifically effective for tuberculous meningitis, although antibiotic treatments developed for TB of the lungs are widely available. A previous Johns Hopkins Children's Center study led by Sanjay Jain, M.D., senior author of the new study and director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, showed that the FDA-approved regimen of three antibiotics currently used for treating drug-resistant pulmonary TB -; bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid (BPaL) -; is not effective in treating TB meningitis, because bedaquiline and linezolid can't efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier -; a network of cells that prevents the entry of germs and toxins into the brain. The new study used positron emission tomography (PET) scan and CT scan technology on people, rabbits and mice to show how different antibiotics penetrate the brain and other areas of the body, says Jain, who is also a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center. For the new experiments, researchers first created a chemically identical and scan-friendly version of the antibiotic pretomanid, and conducted a whole-body study in eight people: six healthy volunteers and two patients newly diagnosed with pulmonary TB. Using PET and CT imaging, researchers measured the antibiotic's penetration into the brain and lung tissue, and found that pretomanid penetrated the brain more than two times better than the lungs of all human subjects. Pretomanid levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were also different from those in the brain. We have found that CSF levels of antibiotics often have no relation to those in the brain." Xueyi Chen, M.D., one of the study's first authors and pediatric infectious diseases fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Next, using PET imaging, the researchers tested four different antibiotics (chemically identical and imageable versions) active against MDR-TB -; pretomanid, sutezolid, linezolid and bedaquiline -; and their penetration into the lung and brain tissues in mouse and rabbit models of TB meningitis. All four antibiotics distributed well in the body, but with significantly different brain and lung tissue penetration. While pretomanid levels were significantly higher in the brain versus lung tissue, sutezolid, linezolid and bedaquiline had at least three times higher levels in lung tissue -; with bedaquiline demonstrating levels almost tenfold higher than in the brain. "Interestingly, pretomanid brain levels were double the amount in the plasma. In contrast, while bedaquiline brain levels were almost one-fifth the plasma levels, the lung levels were double the amount in the plasma. This preferential accumulation of different antibiotics in brain or lung tissues is very important, and explains why certain antibiotics are highly effective in the lungs, but not in the brain and vice versa," says Jain. Researchers next created computer models that parallel and measure how drugs behave in living systems, so called pharmacokinetics, for pretomanid, sutezolid, linezolid and bedaquiline. Mathematical simulations based on the models were then used to predict which tissue exposures and doses would be necessary to attain therapeutic brain penetration of each antibiotic. Only pretomanid achieved therapeutic brain tissue exposures at the standard human oral dosing. Even at a dose four times the standard human oral dose, bedaquiline brain tissue exposures were predicted to be only one-third of the target levels. Researchers found that the three pretomanid-based multidrug regimens -; BPa 50 LZ (bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, pyrazinamide), Pa 100 LZ (pretomanid, linezolid, pyrazinamide), and Pa 50 LMxZ , (pretomanid, linezolid, moxifloxacin, pyrazinamide) -; were highly effective in treating TB meningitis in animal models when administered at human equivalent dosing. Each regimen's ability to kill bacteria in the brain was several magnitudes higher than both the standard TB treatment (R 10 HZ ) and the BPaL regimen (BPa 50 L ). Since MDR-TB strains can also be resistant to pyrazinamide, researchers developed a fourth regimen, one without pyrazinamide: Pa 100 SMx (pretomanid, sutezolid, moxifloxacin). They found it was as effective as the first-line standard TB treatment, and 10 times better in reducing the bacterial burden in the brain than the BPaL regimen. Investigators cautioned that their experiments were limited by the small quantities of the imageable version of antibiotics used per subject. However, several studies support that dosing with small quantities of a drug are a reliable predictor of a drug's bodily distribution. Along with Jain and Chen, the study authors from Johns Hopkins include Oscar Nino-Meza, Mona Sarhan, Medha Byeonghoon Jeon, Elizabeth Tucker, Maunank Shah and Laurence Carroll. Other authors are Bhavatharini Arun and Vijay Ivaturi from the University of Maryland, Kishor Mane and Joel Freundlich from Rutgers University, and Charles Peloquin from University of Florida. The study was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health R01-AI145435-A1, R01-AI153349, R01-HL131829, R21-AI149760, and K08-AI139371. No Johns Hopkins University authors declared conflicts of interest under Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine policies. Scientists from Anglia Ruskin University used data from a major national survey to investigate the impact of taking part in creative activities like sewing or painting on how much people reported enjoying their lives. They found that creativity had as great an influence on participants wellbeing and happiness as sociodemographic factors like age and health. Helping people to access affordable opportunities for creativity could be a major boost to public mental health. Could arts and crafts help protect the public's mental health? A new study in Frontiers in Public Health provides evidence that indulging our creative side could provide everyone with a significant wellbeing boost. Because arts and crafts are relatively affordable and accessible, promoting the public's access to artistic activities could provide a major boost to public mental health. Crafting and other artistic activities showed a meaningful effect in predicting people's sense that their life is worthwhile. Indeed, the impact of crafting was bigger than the impact of being in employment. Not only does crafting give us a sense of achievement, it is also a meaningful route to self-expression. This is not always the case with employment." Dr. Helen Keyes of Anglia Ruskin University, lead author A stitch in time The scientists were inspired by the urgent need to improve public mental health in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Any measures that could improve levels of wellbeing, and lower levels of loneliness, in the general population would have significant benefits. Some studies have already shown that specific craft activities can be therapeutic for people with mental health conditions. If taking part in arts and crafts in general has a positive impact on wellbeing for people without a diagnosed illness, promoting the accessibility of arts and crafts could contribute significantly to public mental health. The scientists analyzed a sample of 7,182 participants from the annual Taking Part survey conducted by the UK's Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, which evaluates public engagement with cultural, digital and sporting activities. This broad sample allowed the scientists to investigate the impact of creative arts generally rather than specific crafts, and helped them evaluate how effective arts-based interventions might be beyond a controlled clinical setting. The scientists controlled for sociodemographic variables that we already know affect the experience of wellbeing: gender, age group, health, employment status, and level of deprivation. For instance, poorer health, unemployment, and higher levels of deprivation have all been linked to lower wellbeing. Painting a picture All participants were asked to rate their sensations of happiness, anxiety, and life satisfaction, and to give their impression of whether life is worthwhile. They were also asked how often they felt lonely. When asked about their engagement with crafts, 37.4% of respondents confirmed that they had taken part in at least one craft activity over the last twelve months. The people who took part in arts and crafts reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, as well as a stronger sense that life is worthwhile. The boost to respondents' sense that life is worthwhile was as significant as being in employment. However, engagement with arts and crafts didn't predict levels of loneliness. This could be because some crafts can be solitary: further research will be needed to investigate the social aspects of arts and crafts. "Engaging in these activities is linked with a greater sense that life is worthwhile, increased life satisfaction and happiness," said Keyes. "The wellbeing effects were present even after we accounted for things like employment status and level of deprivation. It seems that crafting can contribute positively to your wellbeing above and beyond these other aspects of your life." Although these effects are small, their magnitude is similar to that of sociodemographic variables, which are much harder to change. Leveraging the positive effects of artistic activities therefore offers a significant opportunity to improve the public's wellbeing. "Governments and national health services might consider funding and promoting crafting, or even socially prescribing these activities for at-risk populations, as part of a promotion and prevention approach to wellbeing and mental health," said Keyes. "There is certainly something immensely satisfying about seeing the results of your work appear before your eyes," added Keyes, who enjoys DIY -; especially painting and decorating. "It feels great to focus on one task and engage your mind creatively." However, the scientists cautioned that this is a correlational study. More research will be required to confirm causation. "We can't know for certain whether crafting is directly causing this increase in wellbeing," explained Keyes. "The next step would be to carry out an experimental study where we measure people's wellbeing before and after significant periods of crafting." With new medications on the market or in the works for Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia, a new study suggests that getting the diagnosis needed to access these new treatments may depend on where you live. The percentage of people who get a new dementia diagnosis each year varies a lot across regions of the U.S., the study finds. And the differences between regions of the country are even larger for people on the young end of the dementia-risk age range, ages 66 to 74, and for those who are Black or Hispanic. In fact, the same person would have as much as twice the chance of getting a dementia diagnosis in some areas of the U.S. as in others, the study shows. The findings suggest that the chance of being diagnosed may be more about the health system than about individual factors that affect dementia risk. A formal diagnosis is required for access to advanced new tests and treatments for dementia. Many of them aim to slow down the progression of dementia in its earliest stages, called mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease. The new study focuses on regional differences in "diagnostic intensity" of dementia the kind of difference that exists even after all kinds of dementia risk factors and regional differences in population and health care are taken into account. Performed by a team based at the University of Michigan, it's published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. "These findings go beyond demographic and population-level differences in risk, and indicate that there are health system-level differences that could be targeted and remediated," said Julie Bynum, M.D., M.P.H., the U-M Health geriatrician and health care researcher who led the study. The message is clear: from place to place the likelihood of getting your dementia diagnosed varies, and that may happen because of everything from practice norms for health care providers to individual patients' knowledge and care-seeking behavior. But the good news is, these are things we can act on once we know where to look." Julie Bynum, M.D., M.P.H., professor of internal medicine at the U-M Medical School Bynum and her colleagues at U-M and the Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine did the study using data from the records of 4.8 million people who were covered by traditional Medicare and over the age of 66 in 2019. They note that while nearly 7 million Americans currently have a diagnosis of dementia, millions more likely have symptoms but no formal diagnosis. Insurance coverage for new biomarker tests, brain imaging scans and dementia-slowing medications depends on diagnosis. But even for those who don't qualify for these, a confirmed diagnosis can be important for accessing specialized care and support for patients and their family members or friends who act as caregivers. Going beyond risk factors: More about the study Researchers have already found many factors that are linked to an individual's higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. These include years of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and tobacco or alcohol use, to lower levels of formal education, sleep and social interaction. But the new study shows for the first time that the differences in diagnosis by region aren't explained by differences in the dementia risk level of different populations. It looked at diagnoses within each of 306 hospital referral regions developed for the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care and used in many studies. Each HRR includes at least one hospital capable of doing advanced heart surgery and brain surgery; the researchers chose to use these regions because dementia diagnosis and advanced treatment also requires specialized services. In all, 143,029 of the people in the total population used in the study were newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia in 2019. The rest of the 356,656 people who had that diagnosis in this population had been diagnosed before 2019. That means that overall, about 7% of people covered by traditional Medicare have a dementia diagnosis at any given time, and 3% of this population is diagnosed each year, with an average age at diagnosis of about 83 years. The researchers then calculated the regional rates of new diagnoses and total diagnosed individuals as of 2019 for each HRR. The prevalence of diagnosed dementia ranged from as low as 4% to as high as 14% depending on HRR, and the rate of new dementia diagnoses in 2019 ranged from 1.7% to 5.4%. They then looked at rates for three age groups 66 to 74, 75 to 84 and 85 and over and for people identified as white, Black or Hispanic. They also included data about the percentage of the population in each HRR that had less than a high school education, that smoked, and that had obesity or diabetes all risk factors for dementia. They also incorporated information about the general intensity of all kinds of chronic disease diagnosis in each HRR. By taking all these factors into account, the researchers were able to calculate a predicted rate of diagnosis for new and total Alzheimer's and dementia cases for each HRR, and for individuals in each HRR. This is what they called diagnostic intensity. Compared to the national average, people residing areas of the lowest-intensity are 28% less likely to be diagnosed, whereas those residing in areas of the highest-intensity are 36% more likely to be diagnosed. The general concentration of diagnosed dementia cases was highest in the southern U.S., similar to the "stroke belt" of high risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease. But the South was no longer a uniform hotbed of dementia diagnosis once the researchers adjusted for the other factors. Implications for regional change Bynum explains that the findings could reflect variations in clinical practices for example, how often people are screened by their primary care physicians for early signs of dementia, or the availability of specialists to make a confirmed diagnosis. Variation could also stem from cultural or personal differences in how likely a person is to seek care of any kind, to schedule an appointment specifically because of memory concerns, or to mention problems with memory or thinking proactively to a health care provider without being prompted during an existing appointment. While the researchers can't say for certain if the variation reflects underdiagnosis or overdiagnosis, they do say that the areas with lower-than-expected diagnosis rates for dementia could use the new findings to look at what barriers might stand in the way of someone getting diagnosed. "The goal these days should be to identify people with cognitive issues earlier, yet our data show the younger age group of Medicare participants is the one with the most variation," Bynum said. "For communities and health systems, this should be a call to action for spreading knowledge and increasing efforts to make services available to people. And for individuals, the message is that you may need to advocate for yourself to get what you need, including cognitive checks." She adds that Medicare covers a cognitive screening during each enrollee's annual wellness visit. She also notes that the recent launch of Medicare's GUIDE model for dementia care may offer a path to improving care. The model incentivizes clinical practices to coordinate dementia care better and offer around-the-clock access to a trained provider. In addition to Bynum, the study's authors are Slim Benloucif and Jonathan Martindale of the U-M Department of Internal Medicine, A. James O'Malley of Dartmouth College and Matthew A. Davis, Ph.D., of the U-M School of Nursing and the U-M Medical School's Department of Learning Health Sciences. Bynum and Davis are members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, and leaders of the Center to Accelerate Population Research in Alzheimer's or CAPRA. The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health (P01AG019783). An Indiana University School of Medicine physician scientist is making strides in understanding the molecular origins of fatty liver disease, a leading cause of liver failure in the United States. By identifying the critical role the urea cycle plays in its development, his findings could pave the way for new medications to treat this currently incurable disease. In a study recently published in Cell Metabolism, Brian DeBosch, MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine and the study's corresponding author, uncovered a critical link between defects in the urea cycle, a key process in detoxifying ammonia in the body, and the development of fatty liver disease. Conducted during his time at Washington University in St. Louis, the study found that these urea cycle defects lead to secondary impairment in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, a key pathway for energy metabolism. This disruption results in inefficient calorie utilization and excessive fat storage in the liver, which can subsequently cause inflammation and fibrosis, contributing to the progression of the disease. Pediatric fatty liver disease can be much more aggressive and more difficult to treat than the adult forms of the disease. Compounding this, there are no approved treatments for pediatric MASLD and MASH, even though MASH is fastest-rising in children. That is why our research is focused on addressing this incredibly urgent need." Brian DeBosch, MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics, IU School of Medicine The two types of fatty liver disease are metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Both conditions involve excess fat buildup in the liver, which can result in liver failure if left untreated. The incidence of MASLD and MASH is rising rapidly among children, where the disease often presents more severely. DeBosch collaborated on the study with Associate Professor of Surgery and Medicine Yin Cao, ScD, MPH at Washington University in St. Louis. Cao analyzed blood metabolites from a cohort of 106,600 healthy patients from the United Kingdom Biobank. Her examination revealed that certain metabolites associated with nitrogen and energy metabolism, as well as mitochondrial function, can predict the risk of severe liver diseases even in healthy individuals. Cao said the findings from this translational study, also backed by mouse research, underscore the critical role of the urea cycle in understanding severe liver diseases. "MASLD and MASH are significant health concerns that are closely associated with other metabolic conditions and an increased risk of various cancers," she said. "This discovery holds promise for breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of these serious conditions." In a 2022 Cell Reports Medicine study, DeBosch and his team found that administering an enzyme called pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG 20) significantly improved symptoms of fatty liver and obesity in mice, offering promising insights for future therapies. Their latest findings further suggest that targeting nitrogen handling in the liver, a process linked to the urea cycle, could be an effective treatment approach. Additionally, their research demonstrated that giving mice a precursor to adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an important intermediary that fosters TCA cycle function, also improved function in their study models. Looking ahead, DeBosch plans to continue exploring the effects of ADI-PEG 20 and NAD+ to investigate their molecular connections between the urea and TCA cycles. "I want to explore the best pathways to target these defects so future drugs leveraging this biology can be more effective and precise in treating individuals with fatty liver disease," DeBosch said. DeBosch joined the IU School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics in July 2024 to lead the newly established nutrition and molecular metabolism research program at the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research. He is also the new co-division chief of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at Riley Children's Health. "We're thrilled to have Dr. DeBosch join our team at the Wells Center and look forward to the innovative contributions he will bring to our new nutrition and molecular metabolism research program," said Reuben Kapur, PhD, director of the Wells Center. "His expertise is invaluable as we work to enhance the health and well-being of children across Indiana." A nationally recognized expert in gastroenterology and nutrition, DeBosch aims to advance the understanding of the gut determinants of metabolic disease and develop innovative treatments that improve outcomes for pediatric patients. His laboratory focuses on researching diseases including fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. "I'm excited to join the IU School of Medicine and the Wells Center," said DeBosch. "This opportunity allows me to collaborate with incredible physicians and scientists while continuing to prepare the next generation of experts in the field. I look forward to contributing to the center's mission of improving pediatric health outcomes in Indiana and well beyond." At the shuttered Atlanta Medical Center, a "Stronger Together" mural sends a hopeful message near a summer spray of hydrangeas. The campus was mostly quiet on a recent weekend, since AMC closed almost two years ago. A lone security vehicle sat behind a chain-link fence, and pedestrians passed by without even a glance. In the town of Cuthbert, some 160 miles away, the Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center also remains shut after closing four years ago, another Southern hospital casualty in a region dotted with them. Even a smaller facility replacing the former Cuthbert hospital "would be tremendous for the county," said Steve Whatley, chair of the Randolph County Hospital Authority. The two hospitals one inner-city, the other rural faced some of the same financial pressures, including not having enough patients with private insurance. This year, they also shared the attention of some of Georgia's most powerful lawmakers. Legislation signed in April by Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, included a provision pushed by U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Democrat. The law amends the state's "certificate of need" system, which allows existing hospitals and other health facilities to block would-be competitors' plans to expand by arguing there's insufficient need for their services. Certificate of need laws exist in 35 states and Washington D.C., according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The hospital industry, especially nonprofit facilities, generally support the rules, and have argued they reduce health care costs and preserve access to quality medical services. Under CON requirements, health providers must obtain approval from the state before offering some new services or before building or expanding facilities. Whether the laws improve care or reduce costs is questionable, researchers have found, and critics say more competition would decrease spending by insurers and consumers. In 2018, the Trump administration issued a report recommending that states repeal or revise their certificate of need requirements, arguing they increase health care costs. "The evidence is pretty darn overwhelming that CON laws dont achieve the initially stated goals of increasing access, lowering costs, and improving quality," said Matthew Mitchell, a senior research fellow at West Virginia University. Dan Sullivan, a Georgia-based consultant who often helps hospitals and other medical providers in their effort to preserve the laws, said that by limiting the number of providers offering very specialized health services, such as organ transplants, states can better maintain high quality of care. Certificate of need laws can reduce fraud, Sullivan said. Florida repealed its certificate of need requirements for hospitals and many other health providers following the Trump administration's recommendation. Fraud accelerated in the state after regulations were phased out, he said. "At least when you file a CON, there's at least a minimum of investigation," Sullivan said. He argued another benefit of the laws is that they frequently mandate a baseline level of charity care. Other Southern states recently peeled back their certificate of need laws. Tennessee's legislature passed a bill this year exempting more medical providers from needing to apply for a certificate. North Carolina rolled back some restrictions in an overhaul that paved the way for Medicaid expansion last year. South Carolina made a significant change to its rules last year. This year, Republicans in Georgia's legislature attempted to repeal the state's certificate of need rules. The effort fell short in the face of fervent hospital opposition. The narrower legislation that Kemp signed would instead ease the rules for building rural hospitals and exempts a potential new hospital that would partner with Morehouse School of Medicine, one of the country's few historically Black medical schools. That could potentially fill much of the gap left by Atlanta Medical Center's closing. Hospital industry officials said Morehouse would probably need a well-heeled partner, and Atrium Health, part of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health, may be a logical match. The growth-oriented nonprofit health system has partnered with Morehouse Healthcare to run a clinic in East Point, south of Atlanta, and has a growing presence in the state. Both Morehouse and Atrium declined to discuss a potential hospital partnership with KFF Health News. The shuttered AMC main campus, meanwhile, is ensnared in a moratorium the city imposed on redeveloping the site a response to the jolting decision by its owner, Wellstar Health System, to close the hospital. In 2022, Mayor Andre Dickens issued an executive order temporarily halting any new development on the site. He has criticized the "unusually abrupt closure of one of Atlanta's most important medical centers." Atlanta's city council extended the ban another 120 days in June. A new inner-city hospital "would be a heavy lift financially," said Josh Berlin, CEO of rule of three, an Atlanta-based health care consulting firm. That's because it would draw largely from the area's high level of uninsured and Medicaid patients. Georgia is one of 10 states that have not fully expanded Medicaid, and thus has a high rate of uninsured patients. "You've got a community that is struggling to find care in the wake of the Atlanta Medical Center closure," he said. Grady Memorial Hospital and other Atlanta facilities have seen a bump in patient volume since the closure of AMC. Grady is regularly deemed "dangerously overcrowded" in one state dashboard. The need to handle additional patients has sped up expansion plans for Grady, including adding more than 150 beds, said its chief strategy officer, Shannon Sale. "We knew that was going to be needed over time. The Atlanta Medical Center closure sped up that process," she said. In southwestern Georgia, plans are more modest. Community leaders, including Whatley, are awaiting the results of a feasibility study that is expected to propose a downsized "rural emergency hospital," a new federal designation that directs extra funding to eligible facilities. The program guarantees hospitals in rural communities extra Medicare payments and an additional payment of about $3.2 million a year if they close costly inpatient services and offer only emergency and outpatient care. Ossoff won almost $12 million in three different appropriations bills to support a rural emergency hospital in Cuthbert. He said he met with state leaders to secure the provision in the Georgia certificate of need bill that would allow it to reopen. Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center would also have to get an exemption from federal officials to qualify for a rural emergency hospital because of its closing date. "This is a very challenging thing to do, and we've still got significant hurdles to clear," Ossoff told KFF Health News. Even if it reopens, the Cuthbert facility will face the same pressures that led to its shuttering in the first place what Ossoff called "failures of state policy." At the time, he cited Georgia's decision not to fully expand Medicaid in the wake of the closure. Brenda Clark, who works in a wellness center across the street from the closed Cuthbert hospital, said some locals are skeptical about the facility reopening. "It's much needed. People are hoping and praying we get it back," she said. But "there are some people who say, 'We'll believe it when we see it.'" In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers examined the relationship between Colorado's $100 copayment maximum and self-expenditure, medication compliance, and health service usage for diabetes-associated comorbidities. Background Diabetes is the most expensive chronic ailment in the United States, and type 1 disease needs lifetime insulin therapy. Insulin costs have plateaued despite manufacturer cuts, but list prices are ten times higher than in most other nations. This economic burden has resulted in 25 states and the District of Columbia passing legislation reducing insulin copayments for state-regulated commercial health insurance plans. Colorado was the first state to impose an insulin copayment limit, although empirical research on the association between these policies and health outcomes is scarce. About the study In the present study, researchers evaluated the impact of the statewide $100 insulin copayment capping policy from Colorado's Insulin Affordability Program on self-expenditure, treatment compliance, and the use of healthcare services for diabetes complications. Approximately 38 million individuals have diabetes, and more than 7 million use 1 or more formulations of insulin The study exposure included enrollment in state-regulated health insurance policies abiding by the insulin copayment cap law enacted on January 1, 2020. The primary outcome measures were basal and bolus insulin adherence, self-expenditure, and healthcare usage for diabetes-related comorbidities. Researchers used the proportion of days covered measure to assess adherence to basal and bolus treatment; expenditure by self, based on the prescription cost for a 30-day supply; and identified healthcare service use for diabetes-associated complications using primary diagnosis codes from medical claim data. From January 2019 to December 2020, researchers analyzed non-elderly individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes using Colorado's All-Payer Claims Database (CO APCD). Eligible individuals were under 65 years old and engaged in the same healthcare plan between January 2018 and December 2020. The researchers identified medical claims for diabetes-associated complications (e.g., hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, tissue or skin infections, retinopathy, cardiovascular illnesses, and renal problems) using primary diagnostic codes aggregated at the individual-month level. They monitored the participants for two years (January 2019December 2020). The post-policy implementation phase lasted between January and December 2020. The researchers utilized difference-in-differences regressions to examine outcome changes pre- and post-policy implementation among individuals continually enrolled in non-state and state-regulated insurance plans. They performed subgroup analyses depending on individuals' pre-policy expenditure (low: never spent $100.0 by self; high: $100 paid by self, one or more times). Researchers analyzed data between June 2023 and May 2024 using generalized linear regressions, adjusting for age, gender, domicile, comorbidities, insurance plan type, and non-diabetes-related medical claims. To corroborate the findings, they performed sensitivity analyses, excluding two months preceding and following policy implementation, and falsification tests by repeating regressions using prescriptions apart from insulin as study outcomes. Results The study included 1,629 insulin-dependent diabetic patients, with 924 males (57%), 540 having comorbidities (33%), and an average age of 41 years. Among the participants, 123 (7.60%) registered in HDHPs, with 21% filing medical claims for diabetes-associated complications. One in every four insulin users spent more than $100 from their pocket for their prescriptions. Initially, the mean self-expenditure for a one-month supply of basal insulins was $68, and bolus insulins were $88. The treatment adherence rate was 63% for basal insulins and 65% for bolus insulin. The copayment capping policy resulted in $17 in self-expense savings for basal insulin and $12 for bolus insulin doses, as well as 3.20% and 3.30% gains in adherence, respectively. Adherence changes were related to increases in the pre-policy high-spending individuals (basal, 9.9%; bolus, 13%). The program led to a 30% reduction in the mean number of insurance claims for type 1 diabetes-associated complications per individual monthly in the high-spender group. Sensitivity analyses found comparable results, and falsification analysis using noninsulin prescriptions had statistically negligible outcomes, validating the study findings. Self-expenditure for bolus and basal insulins was highest between January and February and lowest in the last three months, corresponding to when participants reached their maximums or deductibles. However, in January 2020, the policy implementation month, spending from pockets was reduced, and seasonal fluctuation was reduced, notably for basal insulins. The drop was more severe among people who paid above $100 by themselves one or more times before policy implementation. Conclusion The study showed that enforcing insulin limits on type 1 diabetic patients lowered out-of-pocket costs while improving treatment adherence and health outcomes. However, these gains primarily benefited individuals whose pre-policy expenditure levels were above the ceiling. The cap level determines the short-term consequences. The findings support policymakers' aims to make insulin more inexpensive, thus boosting insulin-dependent people's access to and adherence to therapy. In January 2022, legislation changed to restrict self-expenditure to $100 for a one-month supply and to offer emergency prescriptions to qualified persons for a fee of no more than $35 within 12 months. Ed Whitehouse stood alongside a state highway in rural Butts County, Georgia, and surveyed acres of rolling fields and forests near Interstate 75. Instead of farmland and trees, he envisioned a hospital. Whitehouse, a consultant for a local health care company that wants to build a hospital there with at least 150 beds, said the group could break ground within a year. The idea, he said, is to provide medical services beyond those currently provided by Wellstar Sylvan Grove Medical Center, an aging, nonprofit "critical access" hospital that offers limited services, including emergency care, rehabilitation, wound care, and imaging. But it took a new law, pushed by the state's powerful Republican lieutenant governor, Burt Jones, to clear the way for construction. The land is partly owned by his father, Bill Jones, a successful businessman whose interest in developing a hospital in his home county drew attention from state Democrats and the hospital industry. The situation has been portrayed as "this billionaire entrepreneur, Bill Jones, exploiting the legal system through his son, imposing his will on people and trying to cash in," Whitehouse said. "Nothing could be further from the truth." Woven through the drama in Butts County are arcane but consequential rules that require state approval for hospital construction and expansion. The rules, used nearly nationwide until the 1980s, require potential builders to apply for permission for new projects. State officials evaluate need based on criteria such as population growth and existing hospital capacity. This year, Georgia lawmakers joined several other states in targeting those "certificate of need," or CON, regulations for dramatic change. Some states have exempted certain medical providers from the process; others have been more dramatic, including South Carolina, which is sunsetting most of its rules. Attempts to pave the way for a new hospital in Butts County show how debate over certificate of need laws can intensify as legislatures try to reconcile the often conflicting priorities of politicians, the health care industry, and communities. The laws have been criticized for limiting competition, and some health care analysts, like Matthew Mitchell, a senior research fellow at West Virginia University, feel everyday people may get the short end of the stick. "This kind of a regulation is often there because powerful businesses want them," Mitchell said, "not because they protect consumers." Bill Jones, a 79-year-old former state legislator, supported a 2022 legislative push to open a new hospital in Butts County. But the effort ran into formidable opposition from Wellstar Health System, which operates Sylvan Grove and 10 other hospitals in Georgia. "As a nonprofit health system, we are always exploring partnerships that expand our mission of enhancing wellbeing in the communities we serve," said Matthew O'Connor, a Wellstar spokesperson. "Our analysis indicates that another hospital in this area is not needed at this time." This year, Georgia Democrats thought they could leverage Republicans' interest in loosening the rules to gain support for Medicaid expansion. But Democrats were outnumbered in the legislature, and lawmakers eased several rules without that trade-off. For example, certain hospital projects in rural counties are now exempt. Jones' project and his home county look likely to benefit. Burt Jones, Georgia's lieutenant governor, who is being investigated for his role as a fake elector for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, maintains his push for changes to the rules isn't about helping his father. "It will give people access to health care in a reasonable travel time and convenience for them as well, Burt Jones said. Bill Jones has used Butts County as the home base to build his business network, which includes petroleum distribution, retail convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants. In a recent interview, he complained about media coverage of his son's legislative connection to the hospital project. He said his interest in opening another local hospital is about community need and, at least in part, stems from his personal experience. His wife gets medical services at Emory Healthcare, more than 40 miles away in Atlanta. "You're not going to get the attention you need medically" at the 25-bed Sylvan Grove hospital in Jackson, he said. "Health care ought not to be about politics." But the lieutenant governor had to be somewhat aware that legislation he was pushing could be seen as financially benefiting a close family member, said Josh McLaurin, a Democratic state senator whose district runs from Atlanta into its northern suburbs. Fellow members of the Democratic Party were encouraged to support the certificate of need bill, even though the GOP has a majority in the Georgia Legislature, he said. "If they want Democrats on board on a bill they could probably pass without our votes, that tends to suggest that theres a concern about the narrative," McLaurin said. Hospital industry lobbyists, aware of the Jones-Butts County connection, watched the debate with fear of wholesale repeal of the certificate of need laws, which ultimately didn't happen. The final bill doesn't name Butts County specifically. But it does exempt "a new general acute care hospital in a rural county" from having to obtain a certificate of need. With a population of about 27,000, Butts County meets the definition of "rural" outlined in Georgia law. Now, the small local company for which Whitehouse works Interstate Health Systems, which is partly owned by Bill Jones is moving forward. Land is being cleared for medical office buildings, potentially to lure providers to the area. Whitehouse said major hospital systems already operating in Georgia are interested in partnering on construction and operation of a new facility. Members of the Butts County Hospital Authority, which oversees Sylvan Grove, declined to comment. But last year, county commissioners passed a resolution encouraging the hospital authority to pursue a new facility. Byrd Garland, a retired attorney and former hospital authority member, said he'd appreciate any project that gives people local access to health care, "so they dont have to drive an hour or two hours to get to it." Garland said he's received both good and bad care at Sylvan Grove, and sometimes would rather make the trek to Atlanta to a better-resourced hospital. "You get that kind of mindset when you've grown up out here in this medical desert that were in now," he said. Nurses play a key role in helping patients manage emotional and social health challenges, or psychosocial health, after a stroke, and improved screening and assessment for psychosocial needs are essential to provide optimal patient care. These findings are highlighted in a new statement from the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, titled "Nursing's Role in Psychosocial Health Management After a Stroke Event," published today in the Association's peer-reviewed scientific journal Stroke. While there have been significant advances in stroke prevention and treatment, stroke remains the second leading cause of death globally and a major cause of disability. The latest research indicates that 16% to 85% of stroke survivors experience psychosocial symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue and/or a decreased quality of life during their recovery. "Stigma often surrounds discussions about psychosocial health. Therefore, it is crucial for nurses and all health care professionals to create a safe and therapeutic environment for patients and offer hope and comprehensive education on the topic," said Chair of the scientific statement's writing group Patricia A. Zrelak, Ph.D., R.N., FAHA, a regional stroke program quality nurse consultant for Kaiser Permanente Northern California and a member of the American Heart Association's Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing. The scientific statement details a comprehensive review of the latest evidence published from 2018-2023 about psychological health in patients who experienced a stroke. The statement addresses the effects, underlying causes, screening, diagnosis and treatment for five key emotional and social health factors, including depression, stress, anxiety, fatigue and quality of life. The scientific statement aims to establish a guide for nursing care throughout a patient's recovery after a stroke, from prevention of adverse psychosocial health conditions to identifying and managing symptoms. Emotional, cognitive, behavioral and/or personality changes may occur after a stroke. These conditions can emerge immediately after a stroke or have a delayed onset, sometimes occurring more than a year later, and they may also fluctuate in intensity over time. In addition, psychosocial symptoms are interrelated, and patients who experience one are at higher risk of developing other mental health conditions. Effective and regular screening are vital for early detection and treatment." Patricia A. Zrelak, Ph.D., R.N., FAHA, a regional stroke program quality nurse consultant for Kaiser Permanente Northern California Depression Depression affects about 30% of stroke survivors and is particularly common within the first three months after a stroke. Symptoms of depression may include persistent sadness, anxious or "empty" mood; restlessness and irritability; loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; difficulty in concentrating and thinking; increased or decreased sleep; changes in appetite; and weight gain or loss. Post-stroke depression worsens cognitive and functional recovery and increases the risks of death and/or another stroke. The AHA/ASA Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke recommend routine depression screening for all patients after a stroke. Nurses can help educate stroke survivors and their families on symptom recognition, prevention and treatment options, such as medication management and/or cognitive behavioral therapy. Stress A 2022 study found that post-stroke stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about one in six (about 16.5%) stroke survivors. These conditions may increase the risk of additional health issues, including anxiety and poor medication adherence. Screening stroke patients for stress and PTSD should occur when they are hospitalized and continue during rehabilitation and outpatient visits after hospital discharge. Nursing interventions that may help lower patients' distress include stroke education and self-management strategies, such as mindfulness and meditation. Nurses may also consider stroke survivors' coping styles. People with high-anxious coping styles face a significantly higher risk of experiencing PTSD after a stroke in comparison to people with low-anxious coping styles. Anxiety The frequency of anxiety ranges from 20%-25% in the first months after stroke, increasing to 32% as the year progresses, with a five-year prevalence of 34%. Factors such as younger age at the time of the stroke, lower income, inability to work, social isolation, previous mental health conditions and/or severity of the stroke are factors that increase the risk of developing anxiety. Anxiety is also linked to a higher risk and severity of depression. Standard screening for anxiety and prompt detection may lead to early treatment, greater patient engagement and improved recovery for stroke survivors. Although established clinical guidelines for treating general anxiety exist, more research is needed on anxiety interventions after different types of strokes. Fatigue Post-stroke fatigue may develop anytime, however, it is most common within the first six months after a stroke. Symptoms of fatigue may include reduced physical and mental energy levels that interfere with daily activities and difficulty with self-control, emotions and memory. Women and people with depression, sleep problems, anxiety and/or multiple health conditions are at higher risk for developing post-stroke fatigue. More research is needed for effective management strategies for post-stroke fatigue, as there are currently no proven treatments. However, interventions focused on improving general physical fitness may help prevent, reduce or treat post-stroke fatigue and other components of psychosocial health. Quality of life Returning to the same quality of life after a stroke is challenging and even more so after a severe stroke. Physical strength, speech, depression, anxiety and the ability to return to work and social activities are factors that contribute to a stroke survivor's quality of life. However, conditions such as chronic pain can negatively impact recovery and return to independent living. Physical activities that also include interpersonal engagement, such as yoga and tai chi, have shown positive effects on patients' quality of life. Nurses can help stroke survivors improve their post-stroke quality of life by linking patients to social services in their local area, such as post-stroke support groups and community-based organizations. "Mental and emotional well-being are crucial for recovery, and nurses play an important role in supporting patients after a stroke," Zrelak said. "It's important to engage stroke survivors and their caregivers so they are aware of these psychosocial conditions and ways they can help. Early detection of symptoms and treatment have the potential to improve post-stroke recovery." The statement also highlights existing research that shows stroke outcomes vary significantly among people in different racial and ethnic groups. Social determinants of health, such as structural racism, socioeconomic status, inadequate housing and/or limited access to health care including mental health services, may all influence a stroke survivor's recovery. Zrelak added, "The stroke care team is crucial in addressing these health inequities, using targeted interventions and customized treatments to improve mental health support and overall care coordination for those most at risk. More research is needed to help us understand how best to support psychosocial well-being for people after a stroke, so they are better able to return to their routine daily activities and have a better quality of life." This scientific statement was prepared by the volunteer writing group on behalf of the American Heart Association's Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing and the Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health. American Heart Association scientific statements promote greater awareness about cardiovascular diseases and stroke issues and help facilitate informed health care decisions. Scientific statements outline what is currently known about a topic and what areas need additional research. While scientific statements inform the development of guidelines, they do not make treatment recommendations. American Heart Association guidelines provide the Association's official clinical practice recommendations. Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir elections, Pakistan is looking to attack India on three fronts, according to top police sources. The voters in Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes on September 18, September 25, and third phase would take place on October 1 along with Haryana. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4 for both the states. ALSO READ | Massive Infiltration Bid in J&K: News18 Accesses Exclusive Details, Images of PoK Launchpads, Terrorists Pakistan is openly fighting along the Line of Control (LoC). It is also pushing for infiltration and supporting terrorists entering Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, it is trying to start the separatist movement. The aim is to build pressure on the Indian government through infiltration, terrorism and separatism," sources said. In the past four months, Pakistan has given clear signals about their infiltration bids. At least 400 terrorists are sitting on the launchpads in Jammu and North Kashmir. The recent attacks by Pakistans Border Action Team (BAT) and the way they were propagated in Pakistan made it clear that they are planning similar actions. They showed how this man entered and went inside to do BAT action and how he was killed later and declared him a martyr," sources said. TERRORISM & SEPARATISM On the terrorism front is the entry of Jaish in new areas of Eastern Jammu. They have made new bases in Doda, Udhampur and Reasi. These areas are different from Rajaouti and Poonch Peoples Anti-Fascist Front or PAFF, an offshoot of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the fronts of Lashkar, bases, where there were 14-15 successful units," sources said. In April 2024, more than 40 terrorists entered the Eastern side where terrorism was never reported in the past 20 years. The other side of the Valley also reported new sightings in Northern Kashmir which suggests new infiltration. They enter from the North and then go to the South Kashmir side. There is an unusual rise in the sightings," sources said. ALSO READ | Lashkar-e-Taiba Testing Capability of Dropping Terrorists Into India Using Drones, Shows Video | Exclusive On the separatists front, they have got new leadership in Pakistan. They have replaced previous separatist leader Mehmood Ahmed Sehgar with Mohammad Safi because Sehgar criticised Pakistan. Safi is an old Jamati hand and Kashmiri who wants to give new lease of life to the dead separatist movement and is well-respected among separatist groups and hardliners too. The new leadership is meeting continuously with different sets of people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to revive the separatist movement in the Valley," sources said. They have contacted a large number of people, but havent got any success because Kashmiris are averse to it, fearing NIA action. WHERE ARE THE LAUNCHPADS? News18 has accessed exclusive details of the launchpads: Kashmir side of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK): Leepa, Jura, Chhejua, Athmuqam, Dudhnial, Tejian, Rattapani, Kel, Dhakki, Sonar and Domel. Jammu-side POK launchpads: Satwal Top, Bala Wali, Forward Kahuta, Bata Hallan, Nikial Kaman (Kotli), Tattapani, Khuiretta, Kot-Kotera and Kotli. PUNJAB THE NEW ROUTE: INTEL SOURCES ON INFILTRATION FROM SAMBA TUNNEL TO DODA, SUNDERBANI, PURI CNN-News18 had earlier reported there are almost 50 foreign terrorists in Jammu. According to top intelligence sources, the infiltration is happening through an active tunnel in Samba Sector. There are around 20 to 25 terrorists in Doda Kishtwar Ramban area, who have come from Punjab province of Pakistan. There are reports that they have sneaked in through Punjab sector too. According to intelligence sources, the infiltration has happened in the past three months. Another set of infiltration has happened in Sunderbani and Puri sectors. There are around 25 terrorists in Puri belt, including Reasi. There are sightings in recent days in Jammu district towards Akhnoor side too. Main launchpads are in Shakargarh, Sialkot and Zafarwal from the Punjab side. Another infiltration is happening through Bagh, Kotli, Nalli, Samani, Tarkundi and Nakial. According to intelligence sources, Pakistan is taking advantage of long borders. Earlier, the Border Security Force (BSF) caught terrorists, even through drones. ALSO READ | Jammu Becomes New Battleground For Terrorism as Over 50 Foreign Terrorists Infiltrate With Pak Army Aid Apart from this, weapons, ammunition and drugs are regularly coming through Punjab to take care of the expenses of local OGW and terrorists. CNN-News18 had earlier reported how Pakistan was changing its strategy regularly to keep terror activities on in the area. As Kashmir has dried up, they have explored new areas, which is a cause for major concern because of the difficult terrain and army establishment in these new areas. Popular TV actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee is currently in a total mood for celebrations. The Saath Nibhaana Saathiya star is, at present, waiting for the arrival of her first child with husband Shanawaz Shaikh. They got married in 2022. The diva, best known for her role in the popular StarPluss long-running show, shared her joy with fans on social media with a series of photos that clearly show her excitement. In the latest photos, Devoleena embraces her Bengali culture while proudly displaying her baby bump. She is dressed in a traditional white saree with a golden border, complemented by a red blouse. The look is further enhanced by her gold jewellery, red and golden bangles, sindoor, mehndi and a red bindi. The mom-to-be, glowing with happiness, lovingly showcased her baby bump, adding a red heart, a shining star and a few other emojis in her caption. Take a look at it here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Devoleena Bhattacharjee (@devoleena) Fans were quick to notice her pregnancy glow and radiant smile. One of them commented, May Mahadev always keep you and the baby to be born happy and safe. Celebrities such as Rakhi Sawant and Nazim Khilji also conveyed their warm wishes. Rakhi said, Congratulations, my sweetheart. God bless you. Stay blessed. Be happy. Always, my sweetheart. Love you. I become a maasi. Devoleena had initially revealed her pregnancy on August 15, sharing images from the Panchamrit ritual, a ceremony attended by her family and close friends. In her caption, she emphasised the importance of this ritual. Celebrating the divine journey to motherhood with the sacred Panchamrit ritual, where tradition and love blend to bless the mother and her unborn child with health, prosperity, and joy during this beautiful chapter of life, she wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Devoleena Bhattacharjee (@devoleena) Professionally, Devoleena Bhattacharjee has left a lasting impact on the television industry, especially known for her role as Gopi Modi in the widely loved show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya. Her performance garnered her widespread acclaim and a devoted fan following. Over the years, Devoleena has also participated in various reality shows, including Bigg Boss seasons 13, 14 and 15. A dental student at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak has accused a resident doctor from the anatomy department of kidnapping and assaulting her. Following her complaint, which was filed on August 16, the police have arrested the accused and initiated an investigation. According to the students allegations, the doctor kidnapped her from the institute and took her to Ambala and Chandigarh, where she was reportedly assaulted, India today reported. As of now, no evidence of sexual harassment or rape has been found in the victims statement or the ongoing investigation, as per the police officials. Rohtaks Deputy Superintendent of Police, Virendra Singh, confirmed that a first-year BDS student from PGIMS lodged a complaint last night, alleging that she was kidnapped and assaulted. The case has garnered significant attention following the release of a video on social media platform X. In the video, the student is seen crying and displaying injuries from the alleged assault. She claims that the abuse has been ongoing for the past seven months and alleges that the accused threatened to reduce her attendance if she reported the incidents to the administration. A spokesperson for the University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, confirmed that the accused resident doctor, Maninder Kaushik, an MD anatomy resident at PGIMS, has been expelled from the institution and banned from the campus, per the Times of India report. This incident has surfaced against the backdrop of nationwide protests by doctors and the medical community in response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. In an interim relief, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will not face action until the trial court hears the case related to Governor Thawarchand Gehlots sanction for his prosecution in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case. Justice Hemant Chandangoudars single-judge HC bench observed: Since the matter is heard by this court and pleadings are to be completed till the next date of hearing [August 29], the concerned court (the trial court) should defer its proceedings." Siddaramaiah was represented by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who urged the court to prevent any precipitate action" and argued that the Governors sanction was part of a concerted effort to destabilise the duly elected government of Karnataka". ALSO READ | Will Governors Sanction Against Siddaramaiah Trigger Yet Another Tussle for CMs Chair in Karnataka? THE COMPLAINT & COUNTER Three complainants T.J. Abraham, Snehamayi Krishna and Pradeep Kumar, all anti-corruption activists approached the Governor in July, alleging corruption in the 2004 acquisition of 3.16 acres in Kesare village, Mysuru, by Siddaramaiahs brother-in-law, B.M. Mallikarjun. In 2010, Mallikarjun gifted the land to Siddaramaiahs wife, Parvathi B.M. It is alleged that this land was illegally taken over by MUDA. In 2021, under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule in Karnataka, she was compensated with plots totalling 38,283 sq. ft. in Vijayanagara area, a prime locality in Mysuru. Siddaramaiah filed a writ petition in the Karnataka High Court (HC) challenging the sanction order issued by Gehlot, which permits his prosecution and investigation into alleged irregularities in the allotment of alternative sites to his wife by MUDA. As a law-abiding citizen with faith in the Constitution and the judiciary's power to uphold justice and fairness, I approached the Hon'ble High Court of Karnataka against the illegal and politically motivated decision of the Governor of Karnataka to permit an inquiry and Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) August 19, 2024 QUESTIONS OVER GOVERNORS NOD Singhvi stated that the Governor had picked this particular complaint [filed by Abraham]out of 12-15 other pending complaints without any reason". In a 47-page petition, he argued that the conditions required for the application of Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, under which the Chief Minister has been charged based on Abrahams complaint, were not met. The sanction was granted prior approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The court noted that, as asserted in the writ petition, the sanction granted by the Governor was done at breakneck" speed following the filing of a complaint by Abraham on July 26. It also observed that the documents submitted by Siddaramaiah made serial references indicating that the order (granting sanction to prosecute) reflected non-application of mind (by the Governor). Singhvi highlighted errors in the show-cause notice sent to Siddaramaiah, which referred to one complaint, while the Governors sanction referred to other complaints", indicating a mismatch. Singhvi argued that the Governor acted with legal malice. He pointed out: Mr. Abrahams complaint was received, and on the same day, the Governor issued the show-cause notice. Legal malice must be inferred when someone goes to a friendly governor, submits a complaint, and a notice is promptly issued." Describing the sanction as legally unsustainable, procedurally flawed, and motivated by extraneous considerations," Siddaramaiah requested the quashing of the order issued by the Governor on August 16. Labelling the Governors sanction as political vendetta and misuse of the Governors office", the petition further asserts that the order was issued in haste and without proper consideration of material facts, the law, and the constitutional mandates governing such actions". The petition contended that the sanction order is tainted with malafides and is part of a concerted effort to destabilise the duly elected government of Karnataka for political reasons". POLITICAL WAR OF WORDS The BJP accused Siddaramaiah of influencing officials to secure compensation in a prime area, arguing that the market value of the plots was much higher than the original land value in Kesare. Siddaramaiah countered these claims by stating that his wife was entitled to compensation and that he ensured no decisions were made on this issue during his tenure as Chief Minister. In response to the Congresss firm stand that Siddaramaiah will not step down on these unfounded charges", the BJP began to put pressure by leading a week-long padayatra on August 3 from Bengaluru to Mysuru, demanding the CMs resignation on moral grounds. ALSO READ | Siddaramaiah Brings Up POCSO Case Against Yediyurappa As Latter Seeks His Resignation Over MUDA Scam The Congress countered by holding Janandolana meetings and public rallies along the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, opposing the BJP-JD(S) leaders demands for his resignation. I have done nothing wrong. I am fully confident of getting relief from the courts. My conscience is clear; I have done nothing wrong. I have been a minister for 40 years, and there is not a single black spot in my political life. I am engaged in the service of people with their blessings. My political life is like an open book. The people of the state also know that I have not done anything wrong, and the courts will too," Siddaramaiah said, just before the case came up for hearing in the High Court. Regarding the BJP and JD(S)s demand for his resignation, Siddaramaiah called it a conspiracy by the opposition BJP, JD(S), and the central government using the Raj Bhavan. They have resorted to such an act to smear me with malice. The BJP is protesting with malicious intent, and we will face this politically. We will fight against this conspiracy legally and politically. I have seen continuous political struggles, and I will fight with more spirit. They are living in an illusion that I can be politically finished," he said. There is no case against me, and the Governor's decision is unconstitutional. We will challenge this illegal sanction in the court of law. From the very day the complaint was filed against me, a show-cause notice was issued. This move by the Governor was anticipated. pic.twitter.com/n58cqizL2k Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) August 17, 2024 Meanwhile, senior Congress ministers and leaders K.J. George, G.C. Chandrashekhar, and Ramesh Babu individually wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her immediate intervention to direct the withdrawal of the prosecution sanction against the Chief Minister. Calling it a grave injustice and a politically motivated act by Gehlot, which threatens the very essence of our democracy and the constitutional values upon which our great nation is built", Babu stated in the letter that it was a direct attack on the elected government of Karnataka. It is a calculated conspiracy to destabilise a government that has received the mandate of the people of Karnataka," he added. Karnataka BJP leaders, meanwhile, protested in front of Vidhan Soudha, in their continued campaign seeking the resignation of the CM. We are demanding the resignation of Siddaramaiah. He has looted the poor; thats why we are protesting against him and the entire Congress government This government is an ATM for the Congress high command," Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R. Ashok said. BJP leader C.T. Ravi stated that the BJP was protesting against the Karnataka government and Siddaramaiah. There are allegations of corruption against Siddaramaiah. The MUDA scam has happened, everyone knows about it The Governor has given an order according to the Constitution of India. We are here to remind the Congress of what they said when they were in the opposition. The position of the Governor is Constitutional. So protesting against his order is wrong," the BJP leader said. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Student Doctors Plan To Gherao Health Dept At 11 am Tomorrow Student Doctors have planned to gherao the Health Department at 11 am tomorrow. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Special SIT Formed To Look Into Financial Irregularity Of RG Kar A special SIT has been formed to look after financial irregularity of RG Kar Hospital. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Filmmaker Hansal Mehta Joins Protest in MumbaI Filmmaker Hansal Mehta joined the protest in Mumbai over Kolkata rape-murder case. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Trinamool Congress Urges CBI to Expedite Probe The Trinamool Congress on Monday demanded that the CBI expedite its probe into the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Senior Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh told reporters that although the investigation by Kolkata Police was progressing well until the probe was transferred to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court on August 13, it is now the responsibility of the central agency to achieve an early breakthrough. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Federation of the Associations of Medical Consultants of India Seeks to Intervene in SC's Suo Moto Case The Federation of the Associations of Medical Consultants of India has sought to intervene in the Supreme Courts suo motu case on RG Kar Hospital doctors rape-murder. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Another CBI Team Reaches RG Kar Hospital Another CBI team is currently at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Medical Staff, Students Tie Rakhi To Each Other While Demanding Justice Medical staff and students tied Rakhi demanding justice in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case. #WATCH Kolkata, West Bengal: Medical staff and students tied 'Rakhi' demanding justice in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case. pic.twitter.com/jrT6jyvPBz ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2024 Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Junior Doctors Hold Protest March From National Medical College to Kolkata Police HQ Junior doctors held a protest march from Calcutta National Medical College to Kolkata Police Headquarters, Lalbazar demanding justice into the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case. #WATCH | West Bengal: Junior doctors hold a protest march from Calcutta National Medical College to Kolkata Police Headquarters, Lalbazar demanding justice into the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case. They are also protesting against the Police summons to two pic.twitter.com/aCEOGjhbhk ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2024 Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Union Health Secretary Requests Enhancement in Security Of Central Govt Hospitals Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra said, 25% increase in security personnel in all Central Government Hospitals. Deployment of Marshalls in Central Government Hospitals for immediate security-related assistance. Increase in security-related apparatus including CCTV Cameras in all Central Govt Hospitals. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy Moves HC Challenging Notice by Kolkata Police Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy on Monday moved the Calcutta High Court, challenging a notice sent to him by the police in connection with a social media post he made over the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Kolkata Police served the notice to the veteran politician on Sunday, asking him to appear before it. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: 'By Her Misdeeds, Bengal CM Has Destroyed Dignity Of Woman,' Says BJP's Gaurav Bhatia On Kolkatas RG Kar hospital rape-murder case, BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia said, We want justice and the Chief Minister of West Bengal should resignBy her misdeeds, West Bengal CM has destroyed the dignity of a woman, a doctor who was serving society. She is the destroyer of the rule of law and evidence in this heinous crime which is vital to ensure that the accused get the punishment that they deserve Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: UP Medics Observe 'Kala Raksha Bandhan' on Eighth Day of Protest Junior doctors in Uttar Pradesh medical colleges and hospitals observed Kala Raksha Bandhan while elective services remained disrupted for the eighth consecutive day on Monday amid a protest over the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee in Kolkata. Resident doctors in several states have withdrawn elective services, including at outpatient departments (OPDs), over the incident. UP Resident Doctors Association state president Hardeep Jogi told PTI, The strike by junior doctors is on its eighth day. OPD and other services are disrupted in all the medical colleges. Today, on Raksha Bandhan, junior doctors observed Kala Raksha Bandhan, he said. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: 'Role of Bengal Police Important....', Says CPI(M) Leader Brinda Karat The Supreme Court has said that it is taking suo-moto cognisance of this case. There is one important issue and that is the role of the Bengal Police and the Police Commissioner himself. I hope the Supreme Court will take note of that because it affects the credibility of the probe, even though it has been handed over to the CBI, said CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat. Dhankhar Reiterates President's Rakshabandhan Message, Calls For Upholding Women's Dignity Vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday extended his greetings on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, a widely celebrated festival to mark the bond between brother and sister. He reiterated President Droupadi Murmus message and said Indians must commit to upholding the dignity and respect of women. Heartiest greetings on the joyous festival of Raksha Bandhan! A celebration of the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, this is also an occasion that signifies the commitment to support and cherish one another. On this auspicious occasion, let us commit to uphold the dignity and respect of women, fostering an enabling environment where they can thrive and fully realise their potential. #RakshaBandhan2024 he said in a post on X. Heartiest greetings on the joyous festival of Raksha Bandhan! A celebration of the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, this is also an occasion that signifies the commitment to support and cherish one another. On this auspicious occasion, let us commit to uphold the Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) August 19, 2024 Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: On-Duty Doctor Attacked By Mob At SSKM Hospital, Alleges Malviya Senior BJP leader, in a social media post on Monday, alleged that another on-duty doctor was attacked by a mob at the prestigious SSKM hospital. He said the hospital is in West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees home constituency of Bhabanipur. People close to a powerful TMC minister, a close confidant of the Chief Minister, are said to be behind the assault. No one is safe in Bengal. Neither women nor doctors he said. Last night, another on duty doctor beaten up by a mob in Kolkatas prestigious SSKM Hospital, which falls in Mamata Banerjee's home constituency of Bhabanipur. People close to a powerful TMC Minister, a close confidant of the Chief Minister, are said to be behind the assault. Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 19, 2024 Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Ensure Safety and Respect Of Women, Says President On Rakshabandhan President Droupadi Murmu on Monday (August 19) said all the people should take a pledge to ensure the safety and respect of women in society on the occasion of Rakshabandhan. On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen. This festival, based on the feeling of love and mutual trust between brothers and sisters, instils a feeling of affection and respect towards all sisters and daughters. I would like that on this festival day, all the countrymen take a pledge to ensure the safety and respect of women in our society, she said in a post on X, wishing citizens on the widely celebrated festival. , - , - , , President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 19, 2024 Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Calcutta HC To Hear Protection From Arrest Plea By Sandip Ghosh The Calcutta HC will hear the protection from arrest plea of Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Health Services Hit in Delhi as Doctors' Strike Enters 7th Day The doctors strike in Delhi entered its seventh day on Sunday (August 18), as non-emergency services, including OPD, remained paralysed. According to an action plan, members of resident doctors associations (RDA) took out a candle light march from outside Gate 1 of the Rajiv Chowk Metro Station at Connaught Place. Dr Parth Mishra, vice president of UCMS and GTB Hospital RDA told PTI that as discussed, resident doctors from medical institutions participated in the march. The strike has affected academic activities, outpatient departments (OPDs), ward services, and elective surgeries at public as well as private health facilities. Essential emergency services, including Intensive Care Units (ICUs), emergency procedures, and emergency surgeries, continue to operate. PTI Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder LIVE: Hundreds of Women Again Hit Streets in Bengal, Demand Justice In a rerun of the Reclaim the Night campaign, hundreds of women took to the streets in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal on Sunday night (August 18). Braving intermittent rains, women of all ages and backgrounds assembled in several areas such as Jadavpur, Garia, Behala Parnashree, Khanna, Lake Town, and other city locations, and raised slogans We want justice. Protests, similar to the August 14 Reclaim the Night gatherings across West Bengal, were also held in Madhyamgram Chowmatha in North 24 Parganas, Siliguri, Durgapur, and other locations. Expressing solidarity with the protesters, senior BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari told reporters, I urge people to give a call for a march to state secretariat Nabanna so that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee can hear the voices of protest from her office. Let there be no party colour or flag. I am ready to support the battle of the people as a citizen. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh told reporters that the BJP was trying to politicise the incident. The CM is on the side of the bereaved family and already hit the streets demanding exemplary punishment of culprits. The case is now being investigated by the CBI. We all want justice to be done. We all are for the security of women, he added. PTI The male gaze, the male entitlement, and the male nonchalance that one can get away even with rape 12 years after the horrific Nirbhaya case in Delhi, the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata shows nothing has changed for women at large in the country which reports nearly 96 rapes daily. Most women and girls would have a story to tell of an intentional brush in a bus or on the street, being followed till ones school or college and back home, of being at the end of unwelcome stalking on social media, or worse of someone flashing in public. ALSO READ | SC Takes Cognizance Of Kolkata Doctors Rape-Murder Case, To Hear Matter On Tuesday Invariably, it is the female who is told at home and by well-wishers to change course, restrict her movement or even ignore such unwelcome conduct. All such instances often are a build-up and feature in the back-story of a rapist. In villages, many a time the girls character comes under question if she complains of such harassment. From Hathras to Nirbhaya and now Kolkata, the story is erringly similar. One thing that has however changed is that women are no longer prepared to remain quiet. The anger was seen in the case of Nirbhaya on the streets of Delhi, the anguish was visible on the sight of a young girls body being cremated hurriedly at midnight in Hathras, and the outrage poured out in Kolkata and elsewhere as thousands of women hit the streets. This reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modis words from the Red Fort too on Independence Day As a society we should seriously dwell upon the atrocities being meted out to our mother, sisters and daughters. The outrage is visible in the nation and among citizens. I can feel this outrage. GOVERNMENTS MUST ACT One aspect is that a crime has occurred, and another is how it was handled. The West Bengal government paints a sorry figure on both these counts given the gruesome rape and murder happened inside the premises of a government hospital and a civic police volunteer is involved. The Kolkata Police Commissioner slammed the media for being rather unkind to the police which arrested the main accused within 24 hours, just a few hours before the police failed to stop vandals from ransacking the emergency ward of the hospital. The High Court castigated the state government for a sorry state of affairs and for protecting the Colleges Principal, and immediately brought in the CBI for an investigation. ALSO READ | Who Floated Suicide Story: TMC MP Wants CBI To Question Kolkata Top Cop, Summoned By Police The Trinamool Congress (TMC), with a women CM and a record number of 14 women MPs in both houses of Parliament, is under fire as its women MPs were conspicuous by their silence initially and later said no politics should be done over such a ghastly crime. There are, however, enough instances of TMCs women MPs targeting their political opponents when such crimes happened in other states. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also forced to criticise the local administration in West Bengal for a cover-up, but another key opposition ally and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief, Akhilesh Yadav, saw no mistake on the part of Mamata Banerjee. The ambiguous stance of many other opposition leaders also left a lot to be desired when it came to taking a stand on women safety. #BreakingNews in #KolkataDoctorRapeMurderCase: Victims father hits out Mamata Banerjee, says We are unhappy with her. The hospital is not cooperating with usNews18s @kamalikasengupt shares more with @kritsween pic.twitter.com/ZwHKFiHfwa News18 (@CNNnews18) August 18, 2024 LAW IS STRICT, WE NEED NEW MORAL COMPASS Incidentally, the focus of the Centre has been to bring tougher laws when it comes to sexual crimes against women the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) did it in 2013 after the Nirbhaya case and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has brought in tighter laws since to enhance punishments. A rape crime now carries a sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment, while a rape with a minor has a minimum 20-year sentence or life imprisonment. A death due to the rape can also send the accused to the gallows. PM Modi from Red Fort this time implored the media to highlight when punishment is given to the rapists so that a fear is created of the consequences. The law says charges must be submitted by police in a rape case within two months and a court must decide on the same within two months as well. About 757 fast-track courts in the country are trying to adhere to this deadline for speedy punishments in rape cases latest date shows over two lakh cases were disposed by these courts till the end of 2023. ALSO READ | CM Trying To Stop Protests: Kolkata Rape-Murder Victims Parents Dissatisfied With Mamata Banerjee, Claim Cops Didnt Do A Good Job The government says this has offered some relief to rape victims by minimising trauma, increasing accountability, and enhancing victims access to justice. The key, however, lies in the police adopting a zero-tolerance for crimes like stalking or sexual harassment like groping or molestation, which often are a prelude to the offense of rape by an accused. There is also an urgent need to stress on setting the moral compass right of a vast majority of men either through education curriculum or a major movement. As a father of a 13-year-old daughter, I would like to believe that things would change. The Kolkata Police on Sunday held a 19-year-old student for posting on her social media handle provocative, offensive comments and death threat against West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee in the wake of the rape-murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital. A section of netizens, including TMC leaders, had flagged the Instagram posts, which also mentioned Indira Gandhi, to police, requesting action. The police statement said, A complaint was received that the accused person had uploaded three Instagram stories related to the recent incident at R.G. Kar Hospital disclosing the picture and identity of the victim, which is an offenseAt the same time, the accused also shared two stories against Honble C.M. of West Bengal containing offensive comments and death threat. The posts were provocative and could create social unrest anytime and promote hatred among community. ALSO READ | Abhaya Ka Bhai: Doctors Protesting At RG Kar To Tie Black Ribbons As Part Of Symbolic Rakhi Festival Initial reports said she was a Class 12 student, while some reports suggested that she was second-year B Com student. The girl will be produced in court on Monday. Her family and entire locality is in shock. A neighbour told News18: She is a kid, she did this without understanding. It was a mistake. They are sorry for it. We hope the child is released soon. The family is taking legal opinion on getting bail. They are good people, we hope the child gets bail, other neighbours said. So far, notices have been issued to around 1,000 people for spreading misinformation and revealing the identity of the victim in the RG Kar case. Two doctors Kunal Sarkar and Subarna Goswami have also been summoned for posting misinformation. They will be visiting police headquarters, amid a doctors rally. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh, who was among those who flagged the post, wrote on X: The police are taking action only when protestors post, stop this nonsense. If you think you will protest, do it a hundred times in proper language and logic. Do it a thousand times. But giving wrong information, distorted assumptions, fake audio, purposeful incitement posts, names and photos of the deceased, the police will warn you. While police sources say it is a crackdown on misinformation, many feel the action is directed at those posting against the government. Around 200 jawans of the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) fell ill from suspected food poisoning at Bhimnagar in Supaul district, police said on Monday. However, all of them were discharged from hospital after their condition improved, according to a statement issued by the Bihar Police headquarters in Patna. Immediately after taking lunch at the Bhimnagar training centre on Sunday, some of the jawans complained of heartburn, stomach ache, vomiting and loose motion. They were rushed to the local government hospital, where senior officials of the district police also arrived, it said. All the jawans have now been discharged from hospital. Samples of the food items that were served to them have also been sent for examination. The matter is under investigation, the statement added. A girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and 13 others sexually abused at a fake NCC camp in Tamil Nadus Krishnagiri. The organiser of the camp and the school principal are among 11 arrested, police said on Monday (August 19). According to police, also among those arrested are two teachers and a correspondent. The private school did not possess a unit of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), and the organisers told the management that hosting such a camp will help them qualify, police said. NCC Issues Statement The NCC issued a statement clarifying that the people involved in the incident have no connection with the National Cadet Corps. On August 19, an incident of alleged sexual harassment of school girls attending a fake NCC camp by fake NCC persons in Bargur, Krishnagiri district Tamil Nadu was reported in the media. The reported incident does not pertain to any of the institutions registered/enrolled with the NCC. The personnel involved in the alleged incident have no connection with NCC. Also, no NCC camp was conducted in Krishnagiri District. This News is an unequivocal misinformation and obscuration of facts with a potential to be misconstrued as involvement of NCC personnel, the statement said. This comes amid nationwide outrage and protests against the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. According to reports, police said the school failed to conduct background checks on the group it engaged for the so-called camp. A total of 41 students, including 17 girls, took part in the three-day camp held earlier this month, they said. Police further said the girls alleged that they were lured out of an auditorium, where they had been housed, and sexually abused. There were no teachers to supervise the camp, they added. The girls have undergone medical examination while the district child welfare committee has also initiated action. The school authorities were aware of the sexual offences but chose to suppress the matter instead of informing the police. The students were allegedly instructed not to take it seriously, district superintendent of police P Thangadurai told NDTV. Police are probing if a racket is behind this case, one which operates such fake camps and if any have been organised in other schools. A case was registered under relevant sections of the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. There is a sense of nervousness over the comeback of Mpox, especially after the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the highest-level alert last week. The re-emergence of Mpox is causing ripples, maybe, because we all are still grappling with lingering anxiety from Covid-19. The facts, however, may help ease concerns. A similar warning was issued in 2022 following a global outbreak, but it was revoked as new cases declined sharply in 2023. Mpox, which shares some similarities with smallpox, was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The disease was primarily endemic to Central and West Africa, with two major types or clades identified. The viral infection causes fever, headache, rashes, pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, which are usually mild but, in some cases, they can cause death as well. In this episode of Health Matters, lets understand how we can fight against Mpox, what steps we can take if the situation worsens and what we still need to know more. Current status of Mpox Currently, the cases are surging in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spreading beyond its borders. So far, more than 96 per cent of all cases and deaths are in a single country Congo. The global health agency said Mpox was recently identified for the first time in four East African countries where all of the outbreaks were linked to the epidemic in Congo. WHO warned further that imported cases of the new and more dangerous strain in Europe were likely as Sweden has also announced infection. Sweden has reported a case caused by Clade I the first case to be diagnosed outside the African continent, clearly reflecting the spread of the virus. Later, Pakistan identified three patients with the Mpox virus. Will we be able to survive the comeback? Going by the availability of vaccines and medicine, it seems the world will be able to get through this attack. The previous attacks of Mpox were due to Clade IIB but, this time, the fear is Mpox Clade IB. This clade, perhaps, has a higher rate of transmission. However, experts are not yet sure as the pool of patients is still small and adequate studies have not been done. While its transmissibility and lethality are yet to be proven, one significant advantage of Clade IB is that it manifests lesions that are visible on the whole body. The skin boils and lesions can appear on general skin and areas such as near the oral cavity, unlike Clade IIB where skin boils appear mainly near the genitals. This can make screening at airports and seaports easy if done efficiently. Also, two vaccines are already available for reducing the risk and severity of Mpox infection Jynneos and Acam2000. The world also has a medicine called Tecovirimat which is an antiviral medication that was generally stockpiled during the wave of smallpox. The medicine was approved by the United States in 2018 as it was the first drug specifically for treating poxviruses. Manufacturing of Tecovirimat can be ramped up easily, as per experts. Additionally, countries like India need to train healthcare staff to distinguish between boils and skin lesions caused by Mpox, chickenpox, and other infections. One of the biggest challenges for India is to fight the stigma attached to Mpox a disease known to be transmitted sexually. During the Clade II Mpox outbreak in 2022, the main transmission route was associated with sexual activity among certain gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Here, this may prevent people from coming out and visiting doctors despite noticing the symptoms. Otherwise, experts believe that management of the disease is quite easy as it involves an isolation period of two to three weeks with minimal chances of spreading to family members. It only requires catching the symptoms on time and taking the advice of healthcare professionals. The disease may become slightly tricky for those who already have other health conditions. Also, those who have had a shot of small pox vaccines are assumed to be safe from this virus. Fear is that the virus could be evolving Experts told News18 that Clade I, seen in the Congo basin, had less human-to-human spread but led to a higher rate of severe infections and death. Clade II, seen in West Africa, had a greater spread but infections were less severe. The large international surge starting July 2022, primarily driven by sexual contact amongst men, was due to Clade IIB, with even lower virulence. The 2022 MPox outbreak was thus mostly a self-limited disease, with low mortality rates. Despite this, there were about 200 deaths, mostly in countries that had never reported Mpox before. The current outbreak appears to be distinct, involving Clade I. Cases are being reported in multiple countries surrounding DRC, with most fatalities occurring in children, raising concerns about possible non-sexual human-to-human transmission. WHO data shows a total of 548 people have died of which an estimated 463 were children. Virologists believe that the virus might be evolving. Hence, efforts must focus on containing the ongoing spread of Mpox and closely monitoring the evolution of the virus. Is the virus becoming more powerful, or will it just fizzle out like it has in the past? Humans are striving to stay ahead of the virus, but the virus seems to be racing to outpace our efforts. Heres to hoping that we can ultimately win the race. A woman travelling on a private airline to New Delhi was removed from her flight after assaulting two fellow passengers and a CISF constable at Punes Lohegaon Airport. The incident took place on Saturday during the boarding process. As per the airport authorities, the woman initially attacked a brother and sister who were seated in their assigned spots. Following this, the crew called for CISF assistance, prompting constables Priyanka Reddy and Sonika Pal to be dispatched to handle the situation. However, the woman responded aggressively, slapping and biting constable Reddy when she intervened, the Times of India reported. The situation escalated, leading CISF officers to restrain and remove the woman and her husband from the aircraft. They were subsequently handed over to the airport police, and a case was registered. The woman, a homemaker, and her husband, a software engineer from Pune, were en route to Delhi for a relatives funeral. According to a CISF officer, the woman appeared to be in severe distress due to a personal emergency. She seemed to be in a state of extreme distress due to a personal emergency. After her altercation with the co-passengers, the pilot refused to fly with her, prompting the airline to seek our help as she grew more violent, the officer noted. Senior Inspector Ajay Sankeshwari stated that the woman was released after receiving a notice to join the investigation when summoned. We let her go after issuing a notice asking her to join our probe as and when summoned by the investigating officer, he said. Sankeshwari added that the airline staff and CISF officers have provided their statements to the authorities, and the involved passengers have continued their journey to Delhi. Amid protests by the medical fraternity across the country over the RG Kar rape case, TMC MP Arup Chakraborty warned doctors at Bankura that patients not receiving treatment owing to the continued protests may lead to public anger and he will not save the doctors if anything untoward takes place. People may be enraged if they do not get treatment, the Trinamool MP was heard saying. He also threatened opposition parties saying that his party workers may twist their hands if they say anything ill of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. A protest was staged at Bankura on Sunday demanding justice for the victim in the RG Kar rape case. Bankura MP Arup Chakraborty and the district organizational president were present at the spot. They claimed that the agitation has been going on for the last 10 days, people are facing inconvenience and are forced to return after not receiving any treatment. Doctors should think about this. We support the demands of the doctors movement. However, if people do not get treatment, it may lead to public anger. I will not save you then, he warned. Chakraborty also took a veiled dig at the opposition BJP and the CPI(M). What are they saying? Mamata Banerjee should resign? Dont try to tarnish the image of Mamata Banerjee. If you do so, TMC workers will twist your hand. Those who are trying to malign the leader of Bengal and the Trinamool Congress will not be spared, the Bankura MP said. Opposition parties in the state have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the brutal murder and rape of a young doctor. On Sunday, BJP state president and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar said, We want the resignation of the CM. Im going to court tomorrow. Various cells of the party will sit on dharna from August 20 to August 23. We will also conduct an inspection at the Health department. World Humanitarian Day, established by the United Nations, is observed on August 19 annually to honour humanitarian workers who risk their lives to provide aid and assistance to people in need. The day is also an occasion to raise awareness of global humanitarian efforts. The day also aims to encourage global action to support those affected by crises, such as natural disasters, conflicts and other emergencies. World Humanitarian Day 2024 Theme The theme for World Humanitarian Day 2024 is Act For Humanity. This theme highlights the importance of protection for all humankind. This years theme calls for an end to acts of violence and the perpetrators impunity, urging greater respect for the rules of war and accountability for those in power. The core message is that 2023 marked the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers and 2024 is on track to be even worse. World Humanitarian Day History and Significance World Humanitarian Day was established in 2008 by the United Nations General Assembly and was first observed on August 19, 2009. The day is observed to commemorate the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 people, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UNs High Commissioner for Human Rights. The bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad was a tragic event that brought global attention to the dangers faced by humanitarian workers. As a result, the United Nations decided to dedicate a day to honour those who have lost their lives while serving others in humanitarian efforts. The day also serves to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crises around the world and to encourage global action to support those in need. The increasing number of attacks on humanitarian workers and the repeated violations of international laws protecting them demonstrate the need for global awareness and action. In 2023 alone, 591 humanitarians were victims of attacks, highlighting the escalating dangers they face. The day serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to support humanitarian efforts. It emphasises the need for collective action to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most, and to advocate for the protection of humanitarian workers under international law. World Humanitarian Day Celebrations Spread awareness by participating in or promoting the official World Humanitarian Day theme on social media. Organise or attend webinars, workshops and discussions that focus on humanitarian issues, the challenges faced by aid workers and the significance of international humanitarian law. Contribute to humanitarian organizations that work in crisis-affected areas. These donations can support emergency relief efforts, healthcare, education and other essential services. Advocate for the protection of humanitarian workers by signing petitions or writing letters to government representatives, urging them to uphold international humanitarian law and support global humanitarian efforts. Educate yourself and others and take the time to learn more about global humanitarian work being done to address them. Understanding the complexities of these issues can inspire informed action. World Humanitarian Day Quotes In the wake of the RG Kar Medical College doctors rape-murder, Arjun Kapoor shared a heartfelt message on Raksha Bandhan. The actor addressed the ongoing nationwide protests, stressing that the focus should be on creating a safer environment for women rather than just offering them protection. In the video, he said, So Im about to go and celebrate Raksha Bandhan with my sisters. It feels really strange to celebrate a festival with whats happening, which has to do with protecting each other, protecting your sisters, being there for the women in your life, for the women that you love and care for, while we see so much anguish and the lack of understanding and education amongst a lot of men. When we celebrate Rakhi, we speak about being a brother. Why arent we taught how to make the environment safe enough for all our sisters to roam around without needing a brother? All the time to protect and take care physically to be around. Yes, I know the visual is something we got used to that the brother is protective or the man is protective but I think somewhere we need to teach other men that they need to make women feel safe rather than teach men to protect women. Arjun also spoke about what he thinks is a broader issue. He said that our society lacks education and understanding on the matter. Its a much bigger conversation. I think theres a lot of education. Theres a lot of conversation, and theres a lot of basic understanding that is lacking in our ecosystem. I dont know how much this will change how people think, but its definitely something thats been on my mind. Why have you always told to protect? Why arent we told to make them feel safe? Its something Ive been thinking about. Its been going on in my mind for a long time. Yeah, sometimes you feel its not overly discussing because people dont get it, but I just thought I put it in the universe, he added. Film producer Boney Kapoor and his daughters, Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor, paid tribute to the late Sridevi on what would have been her 61st birthday on August 13. A few days later, Boney took to Instagram again to remember his late wife, sharing a recent photo of himself standing in front of a painting created by Sridevi. In the post, Boney reflected on his physical transformation, crediting Sridevi as his inspiration. He shared, Hair is getting thicker, I am looking better, lost 14 kgs, 8 more to go my inspiration is my Jaan (Sridevi), her art is behind me, her thoughts are always with me, she remains with me all the time. In the picture, Boney is seen wearing a blue T-shirt and matching sunglasses. Earlier this year, Boney had spoken about his hair transformation, thanking a clinic in Hyderabad for helping him achieve a new look. He had written, Hyderabad on 17th EUGENIX hair transplant clinic, which has worked on giving me and so many others from world over a new hairy look. Baldness of many will disappear soon from Hyderabad. All the very best to make Hyderabad hairy & more glamorous Recently, Boney also shared a portrait of Sridevi on her birth anniversary, featuring a photo of the late actress from her 2012 film English Vinglish. Along with the image, he wrote a heartfelt message, Happy birthday, my Jaan. Boney Kapoor and Sridevis love story is one of Bollywoods most cherished and enduring romances, marked by deep affection, mutual respect, and unwavering support. Their relationship blossomed in the 1980s when Boney, a successful film producer, first set eyes on Sridevi, already a reigning queen of Indian cinema. Despite being captivated by her beauty and talent, Boneys admiration for Sridevi was more than just infatuationit was the beginning of a love that would last a lifetime. Their journey to togetherness wasnt without challenges. At the time, Boney was already married, and Sridevi was known for her reserved and private nature. However, Boneys persistence and genuine affection eventually won her over. He supported her through thick and thin, both personally and professionally, proving that his love for her was unwavering. The couple married in 1996, a union that surprised many but was rooted in deep love and commitment. Together, they became one of Bollywoods most powerful and beloved couples. Boney and Sridevi had two daughters, Janhvi and Khushi, who have since followed their mothers footsteps into the limelight. Sridevis untimely death in 2018 left a profound void in Boneys life, but he continues to honor her memory, frequently sharing tributes and recalling the special moments they shared. Their love story remains a poignant reminder of the power of true love in the face of lifes adversities. Vijay Varmas intense portrayal in the highly anticipated series IC814 has earned him widespread praise, with his dedication and talent shining through in every scene. At the Malhar Film Festival, Dia Mirza couldnt help but express her admiration for Vijays immersive approach to his role. She revealed that throughout the entire shoot, Vijay remained completely in character, making it a unique experience for her. Dia shared, This guy has stayed in one space for his entire shoot. It was my dream to work with Vijay. On paper, we are the part of the same story, but I never saw him at work. I have to find a way to make sure I get to work with him because Im such a huge fan. Netflix India has released the much-awaited trailer for IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The series is based on the 1999 hijack of an Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. The key cast includes Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Verma, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Arvind Swamy, Dia Mirza, Pankaj Kapur and Patralekhaa. The mini-series will also be the OTT debut of director Anubhav Sinha, renowned for his gritty dramas like Mulk, Thappad, Article 17 and Bheed. This thriller series is set to release on Netflix India on August 29. The trailer is a gripping narrative of the harrowing Kandahar hijack that shook the nation. With 188 lives hanging in the balance, the trailer vividly captures the tension and chaos from the moment the plane was hijacked. It delves into the nerve-wracking series of events, from the hijackers escalating demands to the Indian governments desperate attempts to negotiate. The intense diplomatic dialogues and the governments internal struggle are portrayed with striking realism. One of the most heart-stopping moments in the trailer is when the aircraft, running dangerously low on fuel, begins to fly low, placing the captain in a dilemma as he goes Mayday, Mayday. The trailer touches upon the psychological pressure on the captain, played by Vijay Varma, who is depicted as being under relentless scrutiny during this life-and-death situation. The Kandahar flight hijack refers to a dramatic incident that took place in December 1999, when Indian Airlines Flight 814 was hijacked by a group of militants. The aircraft, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, was diverted to Kandahar in Afghanistan after being taken over by the hijackers. The standoff lasted for several days, during which intense negotiations and complex diplomatic maneuvers unfolded. Anubhav Sinha, known for films such as Mulk, Article 15 and Bheed, had earlier said it was a responsibility to be as authentic as possible while working on the series. When I started doing research, almost everyone remembers a few things about the hijack, and what all happened during the process. I realised it is a very complex story and a lot of things happened in those seven days and not many people know about it, he had said at the Next on Netflix event in Mumbai. Netflix India has released the much-awaited trailer for IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The series is based on the 1999 hijack of an Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. The key cast includes Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Verma, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Arvind Swamy, Dia Mirza, Pankaj Kapur and Patralekhaa. The mini-series will also be the OTT debut of director Anubhav Sinha, renowned for his gritty dramas like Mulk, Thappad, Article 17 and Bheed. This thriller series is set to release on Netflix India on August 29. The trailer is a gripping narrative of the harrowing Kandahar hijack that shook the nation. With 188 lives hanging in the balance, the trailer vividly captures the tension and chaos from the moment the plane was hijacked. It delves into the nerve-wracking series of events, from the hijackers escalating demands to the Indian governments desperate attempts to negotiate. The intense diplomatic dialogues and the governments internal struggle are portrayed with striking realism. One of the most heart-stopping moments in the trailer is when the aircraft, running dangerously low on fuel, begins to fly low, placing the captain in a dilemma as he goes Mayday, Mayday. The trailer touches upon the psychological pressure on the captain, played by Vijay Varma, who is depicted as being under relentless scrutiny during this life-and-death situation. The Kandahar flight hijack refers to a dramatic incident that took place in December 1999, when Indian Airlines Flight 814 was hijacked by a group of militants. The aircraft, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, was diverted to Kandahar in Afghanistan after being taken over by the hijackers. The standoff lasted for several days, during which intense negotiations and complex diplomatic maneuvers unfolded. Anubhav Sinha, known for films such as Mulk, Article 15 and Bheed, had earlier said it was a responsibility to be as authentic as possible while working on the series. When I started doing research, almost everyone remembers a few things about the hijack, and what all happened during the process. I realised it is a very complex story and a lot of things happened in those seven days and not many people know about it, he had said at the Next on Netflix event in Mumbai. Manasi Parekh, who began her acting career 20 years ago, has been honoured as the Best Actress (In A Leading Role) for her Gujarati film, Kutch Express, at the 70th National Film Awards. The film, which was also produced by her, bagged two more awards Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values; and Best Costume Design. Manasi, who had earlier stated that she began crying on hearing the news, now exclusively tells News18 Showsha that it took 48 hours for the feeling to finally sink in. She says, This is the moment Ive been working for for the past 20 years. You dont talk about these things until they happen and now that it has happened, I can say that I was working towards it with each project I shot for. I feel so satisfied, powerful, and humbled all at once because in a country of 133 million people, I get to be the best actress in 2024, and thats no mean feat. Its unreal! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manasi Parekh (@manasi_parekh) Kutch Express also starred Ratna Pathak Shah and Darsheel Safary. Manasi reveals getting on a video call with the veteran actress upon the announcement. Talking about how team of Kutch Express reacted to it, she shares, All of us are so happy and proud. We were talking about how we always knew that it was a special film and all of us worked on it with full attention to every detail. Everybody was so involved. I think it was that collective energy and vibe that made us win. And what has the reaction been from her colleagues from the film fraternity? My peers have been so encouraging! In fact, the first message I got was from Anand Tiwari, who recently directed Bad Newz. I got messages from Vidya Balan, Paresh Rawal, Pankaj Kapur, Supriya Pathak, Mohit Raina, and Amruta Khanwalkar and my actor friends Malhar Thakar, Pratik Gandhi and Arohi Patel. Theyve all been so kind. All of this means the world to me. August 16, 2024, is a date Ill never forget for the rest of my life, exclaims Manasi. The last time a Gujarati film was honoured at the National Awards was Hellaro in 2019. Manasi believes that became an important step forward. Hellaro won the Best Feature Film award. But Kutch Express won three awards. Its the only Gujarati film in the last 70 years to have won three National Awards in the same year. With Hellaro, there was an incredible acknowledgment of the Gujarati industry, she states. Hoping for Gujarati cinema to garner national and even international prominence in the near future, the Sumit Sambhal Lega and India Calling actor adds, And now with Kutch Express getting these honours, people are going to definitely realise that our industry isnt going to be as small-scale as it has been. Its going to go big and international. I, as an actor and producer, am aiming for that because weve incredible writers and artists and they need to come out for the world to see. Parineeti Chopra has firmly established herself as one of Bollywoods leading actresses, delivering a wide range of performances over the years. Her most recent role in Amar Singh Chamkila earned widespread acclaim from audiences. While currently enjoying a vacation in the UK, Parineeti has also expressed a keen interest in exploring work opportunities in Europe. In a recent interview with Eastern Eye, Parineeti was asked if she has ever considered venturing beyond Indian cinema given her versatility. Delighted by the suggestion, she revealed that she is indeed open to new opportunities, particularly in the UK. Oh, thank you so much. Why not? Actually, I really want to work in the UK and look for opportunities. This is something I would be very interested in, maybe not so west as in Hollywood. Something creative in the UK itself, she said. Parineeti also opened up about her career priorities, emphasizing that she is now more focused on quality over quantity. She shared that she would prefer to take on projects that genuinely excite her, even if it means doing fewer films. Reflecting on her experience with Amar Singh Chamkila, she mentioned that although the film was completed two years ago, her passion for the role made the wait worthwhile. My biggest learning is to do roles that personally excite me, require homework, and will touch the hearts of people. Its now the experience Im searching for, she explained. While Parineeti has been sharing glimpses of her London getaway, her fans eagerly await news of her next project. So far, she has not announced any new films following the success of Amar Singh Chamkila, which premiered earlier this year on Netflix and received overwhelming praise from both audiences and critics. Parineeti made her acting debut in 2011 with the romantic comedy Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, where her performance earned her several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She quickly became known for her strong screen presence and ability to portray a wide range of characters. Over the years, Parineeti has starred in several successful films, such as Ishaqzaade (2012), Shuddh Desi Romance (2013), Hasee Toh Phasee (2014), and Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar (2021). The Kerala government on Monday released the much-anticipated Hema Committee report, shedding light on the systemic assault and harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The Hema Commission, led by former High Court judge Justice Hema, alongside veteran actor Sharada and retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari, was established in 2017 following an assault case that implicated actor Dileep. The reports findings expose the alarming conditions within an industry often celebrated for its quality cinema. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, actor, filmmaker, and Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) member Revathy shared her thoughts on the report, calling for collective action to create a safer environment for women in the industry. When asked about her first reaction to the report, Revathy expressed a mix of relief and resolve. I am happy, she said. This is the first time any state government has made this possible. Though its delayed, it has happened. A study of this kind has never happened with regard to the film industry. In that way, its very good. But I realise there is a long road ahead. Now we have to work hand-in-hand with the government and the film bodies to understand how to make it a safer place. Revathy acknowledged the challenges posed by the state governments five-year delay in publishing the report but remained focused on the path forward. I am sure they had their reasons, she stated. Its not that I am negating the pressure and mental stress that all of us have gone through. But see now, what has happened, has happened. Reading this entire report is going to be quite tough. I havent even opened the first page to read it. We personally know the kind of things that have been happening. The government has already begun taking steps towards change. Revathy highlighted the significance of a court order mandating that every production company in the Malayalam film industry must establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). This has never happened in any industry in India, she remarked. Even now, they dont understand what this ICC can do and how powerful it can be if it is formed properly by the right people. Revathy emphasised the importance of collaboration and education moving forward. Now, more importantly, it will be about how we are going to work with the film bodies and also sensitise the people who are working in the film industry. Because instead of pushing things under the carpet, we need to face it. Unless we face it, we cannot make our workplace a safe space, she concluded. In a recent revelation from the documentary Angry Young Men, streaming on Prime Video, legendary screenwriter Salim Khan took a trip down memory lane, sharing intimate details of his early struggles in Mumbai and his romantic beginnings with Salma Khan, the mother of superstar Salman Khan. Salim Khan recalled his humble beginnings when he first arrived in Mumbai, living at the Marina Guest House on Marine Drive. I used to pay Rs 55 rent per month for half a room, he shared. The aspiring actor-turned-writer had modest dreams. My first ambition was to rent the entire room for Rs 110, but that wish was never fulfilled, Salim added with a hint of nostalgia. Leaving his comfortable life in Indore behind, Salim faced significant challenges in Mumbai. I had no choice, he reflected. When I was leaving for Mumbai, my eldest brother told me this is not required, youll come running back. We had a comfortable lifestyle back in Indore, but I didnt want to ask for money from home, so I struggled. During these early days of hardship, Salim Khan met Salma Khan, who was just 17 at the time. Salim, then 24, often saw her from his balcony as she lived nearby in the Regi House building in Mahim. It started with us exchanging glances, Salim recalled, We used to meet in the evening in the nearby lanes. As their relationship blossomed, Salmas family began pressuring her to choose between marrying Salim or someone of their choice. The couple eventually tied the knot in 1964 and welcomed their first child, Salman Khan, in 1965. Salim also opened up about the financial difficulties he faced during this period. Thodi si paiso ya job ki pareshaani toh hoti hi hai- ki kya hoga kaise hoga? (There were always concerns about money or job security how would things work out) Salim admitted. Since I needed money, I accepted anything. I did cigarette ads, clothing ads, whatever came my way. Despite his early struggles in acting, Salim Khan realised his true calling was behind the scenes. I could explain a character to actors like Dilip Kumar or Amitabh Bachchan, but I couldnt perform myself. I had the art of narration and conceiving, but I lacked the art of projection, he confessed. Eventually, Salim chose to leave acting behind, realising he wouldnt be able to reach the top. Sanoj Mishra, the director of the controversial film The Diary of West Bengal, has reportedly gone missing after travelling to Kolkata. According to media reports, Mishra was summoned by the Kolkata Police for questioning related to his film. Since his arrival in the city, he has been unreachable, with his phone turned off for the past 48 hours. The controversy surrounding The Diary of West Bengal began earlier this year following the release of its trailer. The films depiction of violence in West Bengal triggered widespread criticism, leading to numerous threats against Mishra from various quarters. The situation escalated when the West Bengal Police issued a legal notice to him, accusing the film of tarnishing the states reputation. Mishras family is deeply concerned about his disappearance, believing it to be connected to the threats he has been receiving due to his work on the film. His wife, Dwiti Mishra, shared her concerns in an interview with ABP Live. She revealed that her husband left home on the morning of August 14 to catch a flight to Kolkata after being summoned by the Kolkata Police. Mishra had promised to call her in the afternoon but has not been heard from since his arrival in Kolkata. Dwiti Mishra explained that the last person to see Sanoj was his nephew, who dropped him off at the airport at around 7:30 am. Mishras flight was scheduled for 9:00 am, but after landing in Kolkata, all attempts to contact him failed. His wife grew increasingly anxious as the day progressed, and by evening, she decided to seek police assistance. Initial investigations by the police revealed that Mishras phone was briefly active near a temple in Kolkata on the evening of August 15. However, it was switched off shortly afterward, and no further leads have been found. Dwiti has since filed a formal complaint at the Gomti Nagar police station, fearing that her husbands life may be in danger. Mishras wife firmly believes that his disappearance is linked to the ongoing legal troubles and threats surrounding the film. He had been receiving continuous threats since the trailer was released, Dwiti said, voicing her concern that her husband might be a victim of a larger conspiracy to silence him. Meanwhile, The Diary of West Bengal is scheduled for release on August 30, 2024. In the latest legal development, the Kolkata Police also summoned Wasim Rizvi, associated with the film, in connection with an ongoing investigation under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Cinematograph Act. Every view has a counter, every opinion can be different, and at News18, we value each one of them. To present these views and opinions to you the reader is not just a job, but also our duty. News18 kicks off a new series, Sticking Point, which will have prominent opinion makers from across India and the world face off on varied topics through their written words. Sticking Point will be the voice of diverse authors, as they debate on a particular subject of national and international importance, and more importantly, one that enlightens our reader. This Raksha Bandhan (August 19) marks the 56th National Sanskrit Day. The Sansadiya Sanskrit Parishad (Association of Members of Parliament for the Propagation and Development of Sanskrit), founded by Dr Karan Singh in 1967, recommended the observance of this day on Shravani Purnima. The centrepiece of the first Sanskrit Day, celebrated across the country on August 27, 1969, was a two-day convention of Vedic recitation in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Prof. K.V.R.V. Rao, the then Union Minister of Education and Youth Services. National Sanskrit Day has been observed annually on Raksha Bandhan since then. The first recognisable step taken by the Indian government for the preservation and development of Sanskrit was the setting up of an eight-member Sanskrit Commission on October 1, 1956, under the chairmanship of eminent linguist and author Dr Suniti Kumar Chatterjee. This was admittedly not the first committee/commission to inquire into the condition of Sanskrit in India. The Report of the Sanskrit Commission (1956-57) itself lists around 11 such committees established by various provinces/states between 1938 and 1955. However, the terms of reference (ToR) of the Commission reveal that the ambit of Sanskrit was confined only to academics- To undertake a survey of the existing facilities for Sanskrit education in universities and non-university institutions and to make proposals for promoting the study of Sanskrit, including research. To examine the traditional system of Sanskrit education to determine which aspects could be beneficially incorporated into the modern system. Sanskrits coeval status with pedagogy reflects the diminished role of the language in the modern era. There is no presence of Sanskrit in journalism, modern literature, the film and music industries, advertising, or public relations. Most accomplished Sanskrit scholars aspire to secure teaching positions, so when they speak of the promotion of Sanskrit, they primarily refer to the creation of more teaching posts. The Sanskrit Commission independently explored the preservation and research of Sanskrit manuscripts, another area of interest for Sanskrit scholars. While Sanskrit undeniably holds a great heritage, it is more about the past than the future. It might seem that Sanskrit, once the standard language of literary, scientific, religious, and philosophical pursuits in ancient India, has now come to occupy just a niche in modern times. Sanskrit is indeed taught in India from secondary school to the post-doctoral level, and classes are often oversubscribed. Yet, its impact is scarcely felt outside the academic sphere. In ancient India, Sanskrit was the vehicle of knowledge production and the medium of exchange among scholars. The breadth of Sanskrit literature was astounding, reflecting the richness of ancient Hindu civilisation. It would be an understatement to think that Sanskrit only dealt with profound subjects like religion, spirituality, philosophy, music, astronomy, astrology, medicine, architecture, and polity. There was also a lighter side to Sanskrit, such as Prahasana (or farce), a form of drama that made spectators laugh and giggle. Plays like Mrcchakatika by Raja Shudraka prove that Sanskrit literature was deeply connected to the everyday lives of ancient Indians. When this connection waned, Sanskrit became confined to sacred alcoves. The decline in Sanskrits dominance began towards the start of the second millennium. This columnist identifies Sant Jnandeva (12751296), the spiritual prodigy from Maharashtra, as a figure symbolising the decline of Sanskrit and the rise of vernacular languages in the literary sphere. Earlier, Gautama Buddha (circa 6th century) had disregarded Sanskrit (which he called Chhandaso) and advocated for the use of local languages. However, Buddhist monks later fully adopted Sanskrit during the Mahayana period (all the works of the Nalanda tradition were written in this refined language), marking the eventual failure of Buddhas linguistic experiment in the long run. Until the 12th century, Sanskrit held sway, as exemplified by the poet Jayadev, who composed the Gita Govinda in that classical language. Had he written the work in his mother tongue, the debate over whether Jayadev was Bengali or Odia might have been easily resolved. However, a century later, when Jnandeva composed 9,000 stanzas of exquisite poetry in the Jnaneswari, an exposition of the Bhagavad Gita, he chose Marathi, not Sanskrit, despite being well-versed in that revered language. His Amrutanubhav and abhangs (psalms) to Lord Vitthal were also written in Marathi. Jnandeva thus initiated a revolution by liberating (if one might call it that) Hindu literature from Sanskrit, making it accessible to the common people. Although he was a non-dualist by conviction, like Adi Shankaracharya, he took a radically different approach when it came to language. II Sanskrit came under intense stress during the medieval era with the advent of Muslim rule. The destruction of the vast library at Nalanda Mahavihara has become legendary. Historian Ashirbadi Lal Srivastava (1964) notes that after Al-Beruni, no outstanding Muslim figure was associated with Sanskrit learning. While a few Sultans, such as Firoz Shah Tughlaq and Sikandar Lodi, ordered the translation of some Sanskrit works into Persian, it is mistakenly believed that this constituted patronage of Sanskrit literature and its scholars. The translated works were primarily of practical interest, and there is no evidence of any Sanskrit scholar being present at the court of any Sultan of Delhi (The Sultanate of Delhi, pp. 329-330). Although the medieval era was not devoid of Sanskrit composition in fields such as Hindu law, astronomy, logic, and philosophy, the dominance of this classical language was challenged by local languages, particularly in the realm of literature. Kabir and Goswami Tulsidas, despite holding diametrically opposite views on organised religion and coming from different ends of the caste hierarchy, were united by their creation of works of high literary value in local dialects that resonated widely with the masses. Although they lived in different epochs, both resided in Varanasi, a significant centre of Sanskrit learning. While Kabir, who was unlettered, composed verses orally, Tulsidas, well-versed in Sanskrit, chose to write in Awadhi. The social mobilisation they achieved through their works in local dialects was unparalleled. With a new Muslim royalty and aristocracy of foreign origin entrenched in India, Persian became the language of law, revenue, administration, and the military. The medieval era witnessed a surge in literary production in local dialects and vernaculars across India. Much of this material was devotional in nature. Tulsidas composed his Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi, defying orthodox pundits who claimed that the Ramayana could not be rendered in any non-Sanskrit language. Tulsidas, a Brahmin by birth, effectively staged a coup against his own class. His intuition in preferring the vernacular over Sanskrit was validated by the enduring popularity of his text. His command over Sanskrit is evident from the invocations at the beginning of every Canto (Kanda) of the Ramcharitmanas. This pattern, where poets well-versed in Sanskrit chose to write in the vernacular during the medieval ages, demonstrated a clear connection with the masses. However, vernacular languages were not trusted for legal, scientific, or philosophical works. Sawai Jai Singh (1688-1743), the ruler of Amber, had several works translated from Arabic, Persian, and English into Sanskrit. With the benefit of hindsight, these translations might have been far more useful if rendered in Rajasthani or Hindi. Jai Singhs interpreter, Muhammed Abid, and translator, Nayansukh, were both well-versed in astronomy. According to Sriramalu Rajeswara Sarma, they needed only to cross the linguistic barrier and work with a third language, which must have been some form of Hindi (Translation of Scientific Texts into Sanskrit under Sawai Jai Singh, S.V.U. Oriental Journal, Vol. XLI, 1998, p. 78). More than a century later, Pathani Samanta (1835-1904) wrote his treatise on astronomy, Siddhanta Darpana (1899), in Sanskrit using the Odia script. The book was fully translated into English exactly a century later by Arun Upadhyaya, IPS. As a result, Siddhanta Darpana failed to influence the broader discourse, unlike Bal Gangadhar Tilaks books The Orion: Or Researches into Antiquity of the Vedas and The Arctic Home in the Vedas, written during the same decade. Tilak, well-versed in Sanskrit, chose English to write both books. III The advent of British rule landed Sanskrit in an ambiguous situation. In pursuit of the policy of orientalism, initiated by Warren Hastings, the British set up two Sanskrit colleges in India Central Sanskrit College (estd.1791), in Benaras, now incorporated in Sampurnanad Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Varanasi (brief history) and Sanskrit College (estd.1824) in Calcutta (see history). The Asiatic Society (estd.1784) and now extinct Fort William College (1800-54) played an excellent role in the discovery of Sanskrit manuscripts, their translation and publications. For the first time, the ancient language got the benefit of printing technology, introduced by the British in the 1770s in India, leading to the conversion of the traditional format of Sanskrit texts from horizontal unbound pothis to modern hardbound/paperback editions of codex books. The new challenge to Sanskrit was not active persecution, or even neglect (instead there was actually a promotion), but diffusion of the new knowledge in India through English. The knowledge system of Sanskrit was found caught in a time-warp (for instance as late as 1899, Pathani Samanta, though an excellent naked-eye observational astronomer, believed in a geocentric model of the universe). There was a significant demand for English education in contemporary Indian society, particularly among Hindus as opposed to Muslims. This was primarily because all the latest, practical, and scientific knowledge was available in English. Hindu College (established in 1817) in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Elphinstone College (established in 1834) in Bombay (now Mumbai) were set up on the initiative of Hindu society. Thus, the nationalist allegation that Lord Macaulay imposed English on India with ulterior motives is fallacious. Hindu society gained an advantage over Muslims in new professions such as medicine, law, engineering, and government service through proficiency in English. Muslim leaders like Syed Ameer Ali (1882) lamented how Hindus were advantageously placed in government departments in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa (Odisha), a reversal of fortunes in less than a century. Sanskrit departments were part of all universities set up by the British between 1857 (Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras) and 1927 (Dhaka University), refuting the allegation of discrimination against that language. This is further proven by the fact that it was under colonial authority that Swami Shraddhanand of Arya Samaj could set up Gurukul Kangri (established in 1902) and Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya could establish Banaras Hindu University (BHU) (established in 1916). Pt. Malaviya aimed to develop BHU as a centre of excellence for Vedic/Sanskrit studies as well as modern education. The establishment of BHU enjoyed the support of the British government, to the extent that Lord Hardinge of Penhurst, the Viceroy of India, laid its foundation stone on February 4, 1916, coinciding with Vasant Panchami. This, however, illustrates the central position Sanskrit has taken, becoming coeval with pedagogy in modern times. For instance, when Swami Shraddhanand or Pt. Malaviya had to deliver lectures or write tracts, they naturally used English, not Sanskrit. Shraddhanands predecessor and the founder of Arya Samaj, Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883), actually used Sanskrit for both philosophical disputation and delivering discourses. Hailing from Gujarat, he apparently knew little Hindi, despite residing in northern India for an extended period. According to his biographer J.T.F. Jordens (1978), during a private conversation with Brahmo Samajs Keshub Chandra Sen in Calcutta in 1873, Dayanand accepted Sens suggestion to use Hindi instead of Sanskrit to reach the masses. Dayanand began using a little Hindi in his speech at Kanpur (November 1873) and significantly more in Benaras (May-June 1874). This reportedly changed the composition of his meetings, with more common people and fewer pundits attending his lectures thereafter (Dayananda Sarasvati: His Life and Ideas, pp. 82-83). Dayanand wrote his Satyarth-Prakash (1875) in Hindi, indicating how rapidly he mastered the language since 1873. He thus became the latest entrant in the league of Sant Jnandev and Goswami Tulsidas in taking the message of Hindu religion to the masses. Throughout the British period, the modern Indian languages (MILs) experienced unprecedented progress. Novels, short stories, essays, and travelogues were new literary formats that enriched Indian languages. The advent of journalism and the book trade popularised these languages. However, Sanskrit failed to take advantage of these new circumstances. Even without the patronage of any Vikramaditya, the modern Indian languages produced their Bankim Chandra, Tagore, Bharathendu Harishchandra, Jayshankar Prasad, Nirala, and Subramania Bharati. Why Sanskrit failed to produce its new Kalidas, Bharavi, and Bhavabhuti requires introspection on the part of its proponents. Sanskrit had flourished and produced its finest gems when there was no competition for its dominance, much like Doordarshan in our times. However, once competition arose, the language failed to keep pace with the changing grammar of time. Sanskrit will still remain a repository of Hindu religion and Indian culture. However, its halcyon days are behind us. The writer is author of the book The Microphone Men: How Orators Created a Modern India (2019) and an independent researcher based in New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Over the past several decades, China has consistently prioritised modernising its military forces and achieving self-reliance. It is now ranked as the worlds second-largest spender on military. Notably, between 2019 and 2023, China reduced its military imports by 44 per cent compared to the previous five years. It has also emerged as one of the top five major arms exporters. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Chinas arms sales have significantly increased, particularly in the Asia-Oceania region, which accounts for over 80 per cent of the areas total weapons trade. Most Chinese military exports are directed to its Asian neighbours, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, which together have received over 63 per cent of Chinas conventional weapons sales since 2010. Pakistan, in particular, has been the main recipient of Chinese military hardware and technologies since 1991, receiving 38 per cent of Chinas total arms exports between 2016 and 2022. Recently, Chinese arms sales have also expanded in numerous African countries, which purchased approximately 19 per cent of Chinas total exports from 2010 to 2020. Additionally, the West Asian Region has seen a rise in Chinese arms trade alongside economic and infrastructure investments, driven by many West Asian countries efforts to reduce their reliance on the United States. Chinas rise in the global arms trade has been facilitated by the economic and geostrategic needs of recipient countries. The competitive pricing of Chinese armaments and technologies is particularly appealing to developing nations seeking affordability. Furthermore, the growth of Chinese arms exports aligns with the expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructural development project that reflects Chinas strategic ambitions. Nonetheless, these attractive defence agreements with China come with hidden drawbacks, prompting many countries to reconsider their choices. Statistics from SIPRI indicate that Chinese arms exports declined by 7.8 per cent from 2016-2020 compared to the previous five years. This wasnt merely due to Covid-19 but there were several other factors that contributed to this significant decline. Chinese military exports, which are technologically inferior and have lower certification standards than their Western counterparts, impose substantial after-sales service costs on buyers. Countries purchasing Chinese weapons often face issues of technological incompatibility, lacking the personnel and expertise needed to operate, repair, or maintain the equipment. In many instances, the high maintenance and repair costs demanded by China undermine the initial appeal of lower prices. Additionally, the untested nature of Chinese weaponry in combat raises concerns about their utility, effectiveness, and reliability. Chinese arms in Pakistan Numerous instances demonstrate the pitfalls of importing military equipment from China. For example, Pakistan, a frequent buyer of Chinese arms, faced serious issues with the Chinese-made F-22P frigates it ordered in 2005. These naval warships were equipped with substandard engines, and their air defence missile systems had defective imaging sensors and radar, making them ineffective. When China refused to repair the frigates, Pakistan had to seek assistance from Turkey. Similarly, Pakistan had to ground Chinese-built Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) combat drones shortly after their deployment due to major faults, including unusable spare parts and the incompetence of the Chinese engineers sent to operate them. Chinese defence equipment in Bangladesh Bangladesh, another significant recipient of Chinese defence equipment, faced issues with outdated Ming class Type 035G submarines, which were technologically so deficient they had to be declared unserviceable for an extended period. In 2020, Chinese-made 053H3 frigates arrived in Bangladesh with several defects, including malfunctioning navigation radar and gun systems. Additionally, the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) experienced technical problems with Chinese-manufactured F-7 fighter jets and K-8W light attack aircraft, the latter of which failed to fire ammunition correctly. The BAF also had to return Chinese-built Y12 and MA60 transport aircraft due to various issues. Chinese arms malfunction across the globe When Myanmar acquired JF-17 fighter jets, co-produced by China and Pakistan, they were disappointed to discover that most were unfit for service due to significant technological malfunctions. In 2019, Jordan attempted to resell six Chinese-made CH-4B Pterosaur Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) after expressing dissatisfaction with their performance. Nigerias purchase of 15 Chengdu F-7 fighter jets from China resulted in considerable losses, with 5-6 jets lost in accidents and 7 returned to China for maintenance due to operational issues, leaving only 2 in service. Similarly, Sudan faced issues with poorly equipped weaponry when two pilots died in a crash involving China and Pakistan-produced K-8 Karakorum light attack aircraft in September 2021. Additionally, Kenyan security forces questioned the reliability of Norinco VN-4 armoured personnel carriers acquired from China, as many Kenyan personnel were killed in terrorist attacks while using them. The aforementioned instances illustrate the significant costs of prioritising economic and strategic considerations over quality when purchasing military equipment. Besides increasing the financial burden on buyers, these case studies show that unreliable defence hardware undermines military capabilities and readiness, compromising national security. The loss of lives due to untested and inferior Chinese equipment highlights the need for stringent quality checks and third-party verification mechanisms to be adopted by all those who are attracted towards cheap Chinese defence equipment. It is crucial for countries to diversify their sources of military equipment rather than relying heavily on a single supplier. Weapons produced by the US and other Western countries exhibit excellent quality, being tested against standards collaboratively established by NATO nations. Developing countries can adopt this framework to build alliances and collaboratively strengthen their defence strategies, thereby avoiding exploitation and deception by a single country. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments move to induct experts and specialists into the bureaucracy has met with opposition from one of its allies the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Speaking to mediapersons on Monday, LJP chief Chirag Paswan said that the lateral entry scheme of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is completely wrong as it bypasses the reservation system and deprives the backward classes of an opportunity for recruitment to top posts. Voicing concerns over the lateral entry of experts in government departments and ministries, Paswan said that his party will raise the matter with the Central government. My party believes that all government recruitments should include provisions for the reservation system. Since reservations are not available in the private sector, they should definitely be present in government sectors, the LJP chief said. In this lateral entry scheme, the reservation system has not been considered, which is a matter of concern for all of us. Even though I am part of the government, my party is not in favour of this, Paswan added. We will raise the matter with the government at the right forum, he said. LJPs opposition to the lateral entry scheme comes close on the heels of the Opposition accusing the BJP of hatching a conspiracy to deny the backward classes their right to earn representation in government departments. The Congress and other INDIA bloc constituents have opposed the scheme, calling it an assault on the concept of social justice and also an attempt to infiltrate RSS-affiliated men in top posts. Rahul Gandhi called it privatisation of IAS scheme. Notably, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Saturday issued a notification for filling 45 senior positions in various ministers, at the ranks of Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries. The purpose of lateral entry is to bring people with domain expertise and technical know-how into the respective departments for steering effective policy making. Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) president Jitan Ram Manjhi, an ally in the ruling NDA government, welcomed former Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren to the NDA family on Sunday, fuelling speculation that Soren may be shifting his allegiance to the BJP. In a social media post on X, Manjhi referred to Soren, a senior leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), as a tiger, writing, Champai da, you were a tiger, you are a tiger and you will remain a tiger. Welcome to the NDA family. Johar Tiger. , NDA @ChampaiSoren Jitan Ram Manjhi (@jitanrmanjhi) August 18, 2024 Despite Manjhis formal welcome, there has been no official statement or announcement from the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding Sorens potential move. Experienced Bitter Humiliation: Champai Soren On Sunday, Soren expressed feeling bitter humiliation during his tenure as Jharkhand Chief Minister. His remarks came shortly after he arrived in Delhi amid speculation about joining the BJP. Soren revealed that during his tenure as Chief Minister, his government programs scheduled for the first week of July were abruptly cancelled by the party leadership without his knowledge. He stated that he remained silent as he was not greedy for power but his self-respect was hurt. After so much insult and contempt, I was forced to look for an alternative path, Soren wrote in his statement, which was also shared on social media handle X. He explained that he had announced in a legislative party meeting that a new chapter in my life is going to begin from today. Soren outlined three possible paths: retiring from politics, forming a new political outfit, or aligning with a new ally. I had three options in this. First, to retire from politics, second, to form my own separate organization and third, if I find a companion on this path, then to travel further with him. From that day till today, and till the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, all options are open for me in this journey, he stated. Champai Soren began his term as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on February 2, shortly after his predecessor Hemant Soren resigned just before being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money-laundering case. Hemant Soren was released from jail on June 28 after being granted bail by the high court and was re-elected as the JMMs legislature party leader on July 3. Champai Soren subsequently resigned, allowing Hemant Soren to assume office as Chief Minister for a third term. BJP Work To Break Families, Parties: Hemant Soren Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren accused the BJP of poaching MLAs and dividing society. Speaking at an event in Jharkhands Godda district, he alleged that the BJP was bringing people from Gujarat, Assam, and Maharashtra to spread poison among the tribals, Dalits, backward classes and minorities and make them fight with each other. Forget about society, these people work to break families and parties. They poach MLAs. Money is such a thing that it doesnt take long for politicians to move here and there, Hemant Soren remarked. (With inputs from PTI) Senior TMC minister Udayan Guha has sparked controversy by claiming that fingers of those blaming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and demanding her resignation over the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor would be broken. His threat was heard in a video clip that has gone viral. PTI, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. Those who are attacking Mamata Banerjee, pointing fingers at her, and demanding her resignation will never succeed. Those pointing fingers at Mamata Banerjee will be broken and crushed, he was heard saying in the video. The body of a young woman doctor was found on August 9 in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The medic, who was on duty, was allegedly raped and murdered, triggering nationwide outrage. A civic volunteer was arrested the following day in connection with the crime. Despite provocations, the police did not baton charge when RG Kar Hospital was vandalised, he said. A group of people entered the hospital and vandalised the emergency department, nursing station, and medicine store in the early hours of August 15. The Calcutta High Court on August 13 ordered the transfer of the case probe from Kolkata Police to the CBI, which began its investigation on August 14. The vandalism in the hospital took place amid midnight protests by women in various parts of the state against the alleged rape and murder of the doctor. Protests by medical college students demanding justice for the victim continued across West Bengal for the eleventh day, crippling hospital services. Emergency and outpatient departments in most state-run hospitals are still closed, causing significant distress among patients. Drawing parallels with the student unrest in Bangladesh that led to a change of guard in the neighbouring country, Guha said, We will never allow West Bengal to turn into another Bangladesh. Yogi Adityanath is the best Chief Minister in the country, he is doing the best work as CM, said Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Yogis bete noire, Keshav Prasad Maurya, at a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers meeting in Mirzapur on Sunday. The statement left many political observers flummoxed as Maurya has been at loggerheads with the CM since the Lok Sabha election results in the state, which saw the BJPs tally fall by a big number. Maurya had also camped for many days in Delhi and said to have complained against the CMs working style, including over-dependence on the bureaucracy. But with the Centre throwing its weight behind Yogi and ruling out any change of the Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh, Maurya seems to have fallen in line for now. He had recently also started attending cabinet meetings chaired by the Chief Minister, after skipping at least two such meetings after the election results. Maurya is seen campaigning these days for the 10 assembly by-polls that are slated soon in the state. This is the first time since the Lok Sabha results that Maurya has publicly praised the CM. At the BJP workers meeting, Maurya said the party should be confident as it had the worlds most popular leader in Narendra Modi and the countrys most popular Chief Minister in Yogi Adityanath. The BJP has made no changes in Uttar Pradesh organization or in the Yogi government since the results. An expected Cabinet reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh continues to be awaited while state party chief Bhupendra Chaudhary has also continued in his post. Chaudhary had earlier submitted a detailed report to the Prime Minister and the party leadership on the debacle in UP during the Lok Sabha results. Sources say any changes in UP at the organisational or cabinet level will only happen post the by-polls for the 10 seats. Congress MLA from Mumbai, Zeeshan Siddiqui, on Monday joined the NCPs Jan Sanman Yatra led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and claimed his party was ignoring him as he took a veiled jibe at Rahul Gandhi over his Mohabbat is Dukan remark. Siddiquis father and former MLA Baba Siddiqui had left the Congress and joined the Ajit Pawar-led party recently. Zeeshan joined the yatra after it reached his constituency Bandra East. He hailed the Mahayuti governments flagship Mazi Ladki Bahin scheme for women, which was slammed by the Opposition. He claimed Congress was not inviting him to events and meetings and alleged severe injustice. Addressing the NCP rally, Zeeshan said, We faced a lot of injustice. Whatever good work is going on here (Bandra East constituency) is due to Ajit Dada and the support of others. We were patiently and diligently doing our work, but if someone questioned our integrity, we should be able to stand up and respond properly. He said opening the Mohabbat is Dukan is not enough and that love has to be in the heart, a jibe aimed at Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Responding to the Mohabbat ki Dukan barb, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole indicated appropriate action. Earlier, Zeeshan told reporters he was taking responsibility for welcoming the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra as the yatra passed through his assembly constituency. He extended support for the Ladki Bahin scheme claiming it will greatly benefit numerous women in Maharashtra. Accusing the Congress of ignoring him, Zeeshan claimed he was not consulted or invited to join the Nyay rally taken out by Mumbai Congress chief and party MP Varsha Gaikwad which passed through the Bandra (East) assembly segment. The Congress has begun distributing nomination forms (for upcoming assembly elections) to candidates. However, when my representative approached the party, he was denied the form. The message is clear to me. Nevertheless, I am determined to contest the upcoming assembly election, the MLA claimed. Reacting to Zeeshans comments, Patole said some individuals have started considering themselves more important than the party. Congress is not powerless, but some individuals who have risen through the party ranks now believe they are more important than the party itself. The national president of Congress and the in-charge of Maharashtra will be visiting Mumbai tomorrow (for Rajiv Gandhis birth anniversary function), and we will update them, he said. This election will put (Zeeshan) in his place. We will take necessary action, Patole added. Incidentally, six Congress MLAs cross-voted during last months MLC elections in Maharashtra. It was rumoured that Zeeshan Siddiqui was among them. The BJP has called out Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his criticism of the Modi governments lateral entry recruitment system in bureaucracy, accusing him of spreading lies. On Saturday, Gandhi alleged that the reservation for SC, ST, and OBC categories are being openly snatched away through lateral entry into key positions across central government ministries. Narendra Modi is attacking the Constitution by recruiting public servants through Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh instead of Union Public Service Commission, the Congress leader stated in a post on X. SC, ST OBC Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 18, 2024 INC Hypocrisy: Ashwini Vaishnaw In response, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw accused Congress of hypocrisy, pointing out that the concept of lateral entry was developed under the Congress-led UPA government. INC hypocrisy is evident on lateral entry matter. It was the UPA government which developed the concept of lateral entry. The second Admin Reforms Commission (ARC) was established in 2005 under UPA government. Shri Veerappa Moily chaired it, he said in an X post on Saturday. Lateral entryINC hypocrisy is evident on lateral entry matter. It was the UPA government which developed the concept of lateral entry. The second Admin Reforms Commission (ARC) was established in 2005 under UPA government. Shri Veerappa Moily chaired it. UPA period ARC Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) August 18, 2024 Vaishnaw asserted that the BJP-led NDA government has created a transparent method to implement this process. Recruitment will be done through UPSC in a transparent and fair manner. This reform will improve governance, the Union minister emphasised. Current System Follows Established Guidelines: Amit Malviya Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Amit Malviya responded to Gandhis post by highlighting that the Congress previously recruited lateral entrants without any process, in contrast to the current system that follows established guidelines. ad-hocism, the government of India has now ensured that lateral entries are made on the basis of established guidelines so that there is no impact on the quota and reservation system, he asserted. Malviya further cited official memorandums from 2016, 2019, and 2020, which mandate adherence to reservation policies and roster maintenance for SC, ST, OBC, and persons with disabilities. He also referenced a 2020 Union Home Ministry memorandum emphasising strict compliance with these reservation guidelines for lateral entries. UPSC Notification On Saturday, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) issued an advertisement inviting applications from talented and motivated Indian nationals for lateral recruitment to the positions of Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary across 24 Union government ministries. The notification indicates that the government seeks to fill 45 domain expert roles, including 10 positions at the rank of Joint Secretary and the remaining roles as Directors or Deputy Secretaries. These positions are available in various ministries, such as Finance, Electronics, Agriculture, Environment, and Renewable Energy. Ajit Pawars Jan Samman Yatra will reach Mumbai on Monday but all eyes are on the Bandra East constituency, where Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddique will welcome the NCP chief and other leaders. Zeeshan Siddiques father, former minister Baba Siddique, had joined Ajit Pawars NCP a few months ago and the Congress MLAs support has sparked speculations that Zeeshan will also quit the Grand Old Party just before the assembly elections and join NCP to contest from the Bandra East constituency. The Congress MLA will welcome Ajit Pawar who, in an open jeep, will canvass across the constituency along with him and Baba Siddique. A bike rally has also been organised by Zeeshans team. When Baba Siddique joined NCP, Zeeshan had maintained that he would remain with the Congress. During the recently held state council elections, there were allegations that Zeeshan had cross-voted but the leader maintained that he was loyal to the Congress. However, Mondays engagement has triggered speculations of the MLA jumping ship. When News18 contacted Zeeshan, he said: I am not joining NCP. This function has been organised to thank Ajit Pawar for the Ladki Bahin Yojna as there are more than 12,000 beneficiaries from my constituency. Moreover, if we talk about the Congress, Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad took out a rally from my constituency, but I was not even invited. When the Congress started distributing the nomination forms for the state assembly polls, which they will screen and later decide the candidate, I was denied the same form by the party, which means their message is loud and clear. Let me tell you that I am going to contest the upcoming state assembly elections from this constituency, but from which party, I have not decided as of now. I still consider myself a Congress party worker. News18 tried reaching out to the Congress leadership for a comment but did not receive a reply. Later in the day, Ajit Pawars Yatra will move to the Anushakti Nagar constituency, represented by NCP leader Nawab Malik. Maharashtras deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had objected to the inclusion of Nawab Malik in the Mahayuti alliance due to serious graft allegations against him. However, this will be the first time that Malik will share the stage with Pawar after being released on bail. Champai Soren, Jharkhands stop-gap chief minister who filled in for Hemant Soren, had rubbished all speculations of rumblings within the JMM when News18 broke the news. However, within 24 hours, he travelled to Delhi, triggering a buzz in the state. Sources close to Champai Soren claimed on Sunday morning that his sudden Delhi visit was due to two reasons to meet his daughter and for a doctors appointment at a private hospital. But more often than not, political leaders cutting across party lines tend to take this refuge before changing sides that require their visit to the national capital. At 5.49 pm, the tribal powerhouse who is often referred to as Jharkhands tiger posted a 12-paragraph-long tweet whose essence was that he is keeping his options open. What was already known in close quarters and discussed in hushed voices was made public by Champai Soren himself that he felt insulted by the way he was replaced to make way for Hemant Soren. He wrote, There was not even an iota of greed for power, but to whom could I show this harm that was caused to my self-respect? Where can I express the pain given by my own? He went on to describe the circumstances under which he was replaced and how unilateral decisions are being passed in the absence of any executive meeting of JMM. He also questioned the meeting of the legislature party that re-appointed Hemant Soren as CM, reminding that it was the prerogative of the sitting chief minister. Champai Soren was anointed after Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate but turned out it was only to keep the seat warm till Hemant Sorens return. Champai Soren concluded his post by making it clear that the bond with JMM is over and he has three options in front of him retiring from active politics, forming his own political party or joining another party. From that day till today, and till the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections, all options have been open to me in this journey, he said. Thus, he kept the option of joining the BJP open, given Congress and RJD the two prominent parties apart from JMM in Jharkhand are allies of his former party and thus cant accommodate him. Sources in the BJP confirmed to News18 that as of Sunday night, there was no appointment of any BJP top brass for the former Jharkhand CM. Champai Soren is a tribal leader who has been a perpetual chief minister in waiting. He is an Adivasi by birth and a loyalist of the first family of his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) the Sorens. Champai Soren was also a crusader for the statehood of Jharkhand and a seven-time MLA who feels he has all the right credentials to become Jharkhands chief minister. He ticks all the boxes for the BJP, which is struggling with tribal votes and trying to keep itself relevant in tribal-dominated seats. In the Lok Sabha election, the BJP lost all the reserved seats in Jharkhand Khunti, Singhbhum, Lohardaga, Rajmahal, and Dumka. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also happens to be BJPs election co-in charge for Jharkhand, recently praised Champai Sorens tenure. In the last five years of JMM-Congress rule in Jharkhand, if any work has been accomplished, its during the six-month tenure of Champai Soren as the chief minister, he said. In a not-so-subtle hint of what lies ahead, Champai Soren has said its his personal fight and he does not wish to harm JMM. But, such circumstances are created, he added, leaving it open to interpretation. With BJPs tribal leaders like Arjun Munda unwilling to fight again in the assembly election after a massive loss in Lok Sabha, and Babulal Marandi preoccupied with organisation work, BJP needs options. Similarly, Champai Soren too needs the organisational might of the BJP should he be serious about exacting revenge from JMM. Its a classic case of political convenience, which suits both. But neither has Champai Soren sought appointments, nor has BJP sent feelers apart from Sarmas praise. A BJP leader from Jharkhand told News18 on condition of anonymity, Theres no communication as of right now. But who knows about tomorrow? A night is a long time in politics. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said he would quit politics if CM Eknath Shinde asserted that he was hindering the Maratha quota process, referring to allegations by activist Manoj Jarange. Stressing that government decisions are taken collectively, Shinde defended Fadnavis and called Jaranges allegations against him baseless. Jarange is a strident critic of the senior BJP leader and has routinely accused him of being the main obstacle in the Maratha communitys quest for reservation in government jobs and education. Stating that he knew Jarange has special affection for him, Fadnavis said at a press briefing, Should CM Eknath Shinde assert that my presence poses a hindrance to reaching a decision concerning the Maratha quota, I shall tender my resignation and withdraw from politics. We must not forget that a chief minister is the head of the state and is responsible for making all decisions. As citizens, we share the responsibilities. Decisions that benefitted the Maratha community were made either during my term as chief minister or under CM Eknath Shindes tenure. Creating such a narrative deliberately is wrong, he claimed. Jarange holds Fadnavis, also the states home minister, responsible for the police lathi charge on Maratha quota activists in Antarwali Sarati in Jalna in August last year. Speaking to reporters later, Shinde defended his deputy and rejected the allegations against him. When Fadnavis was the chief minister of Maharashtra, he had given reservation to the Maratha community. The allegations of Jarange against Fadnavis are baseless, and there is no truth in such claims. Whatever decision we take, we do it as a collective effort, said Shinde. Jarange has been demanding the implementation of the state governments sage soyare (blood relatives) notification to grant Marathas reservation under the OBC category. He wants Kunbi certificates to be issued to all Marathas. Kunbis, an agrarian community, enjoy OBC status in the state. Shinde said those who have always opposed reservation for Marathas are behind the litigation against the bill passed in the assembly granting quota to the community. We have also given (Kunbi) certificates to the youth and provided various services and facilities. Fadnavis has played a valuable role in finalising the quota policy, Shinde said. However, Jarange continued his tirade against Fadnavis. Asked about his views on Shinde defending the deputy CM, Jarange said, After the Lok Sabha election results as well as today, Fadnavis said he would quit politics. What makes him utter such extreme words? Jarange claimed that the distribution of Kunbi certificates was stopped at the administrative level. We never considered Fadnavis as our opponent, but he has been in power for so many years, and the decision (over quota) is not materialising, he said. This means Fadnavis has been opposing quota benefits for the Maratha community, he claimed. The Maharashtra government in September last year had sought time to get the Hyderabad gazette (for the Kunbi records of Marathas) to make it the base document to allot Kunbi caste certificates to the community members from the states Marathwada region. It has been almost 12 months but the state government has miserably failed to obtain the document. It means someone in the state government is halting the process, he said. Jarange also spoke about the reservation promised to Marathas through the Socially and Economically Backward Class (SEBC) category. He said, We never wanted reservation from SEBC quota, but it was thrust upon us. Because of it, we also lost our claim from the Economically Weaker Section quota given by the Union government. OnePlus has rolled out a slew of new artificial intelligence (AI) features for its Nord 4 phones this week. The company introduced three new AI features for these smartphones, which were being integrated via an AI Toolkit directly into the sidebar. Many expected these AI features to be announced with the OnePlus Nord 4 smartphone, which was launched in July. However, the AI features were delayed, and they are available now. In addition to that, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G will also get access to these features, but only for buyers in India. In a community post, the tech giant stated that the Indian users of the Nord CE 4 Lite smartphones will be able to access the AI feature, while Nord 4 users from Europe, Russia, India, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, South Asia, and Latin America will also be able to access the new feature. OnePlus New AI Features For Nord 4 The AI Toolbox offers features like AI Speak, AI Summary, and AI Writer. It is to be noted that this toolkit will be available in select models and markets. AI Speak: As the name suggests, AI Speak is a text-to-speech (TTS) feature that will let smartphone users use AI to read aloud any page or article from browsers like Chrome. It works with news apps like Google News and certain apps with high text volume. The feature might not work for some social media apps. Users can select male and female voices to work as their reading assistant. With the Speak feature, smartphone users can also use the replay function, skip sentences, and even adjust the playback speed via a bottom sheet that appears on the screen. Moreover, the readable text appears separately in the same interface. AI Summary: With this feature, individuals can use AI to create summaries of a large document or any information on the web, just like Google and Samsungs summarization feature. Once the article summary is generated, OnePlus allows users to copy, share, or save it to the Notes app. You can also stash the article in the File Dock. AI Writer: Last but not least, the AI Writer feature is an AI-powered text-generating tool that works as your personal writing assistant. It can write essays, text messages, emails, reviews, and even generate text based on the image on your phone. The AI Writer will be suggested in apps like shopping, social media, and email. Users will get an option to control the tonality of the generated text. To use these features, users will have to first enable screen recognition. They can do this by going to the Settings and then visiting the Accessibility & Convenience option. Imagine going on a walk by the beach and a leisurely and fun day turns into quite an adventure for a 10-year-old in the United Kingdom. As little Tegan strolled the shore with her mother in Penarth, she chanced across huge footprints. Little did she know that the print belonged to a pre-historical era animal. As per reports, experts believe that it belongs to Camelot. Tegan and her mother Claire made this incredible discovery on the South Wales coast. For them, it was an ordinary day which quickly turned cool and exciting after they discovered those massive prints. Experts believe that the enormous footprints that Tegan found might be of a Camelot which roamed the Earth over 200 million years ago. This Triassic period herbivores prints were spaced up to 75 cm apart. Palaeontologists are working hard to verify if the insanely awesome discovery of the footprints is genuine. The whole incident left Tegan and her mother ecstatic as they walked in the dinosaurs footsteps. Dinosaur footprints were discovered in red siltstone at Lavernock Point, situated between Cardiff and Barry on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. In an interview with the BBC, Cindy Howells explained, We found five footprints, each spaced about half to three-quarters of a meter apart. These footprints are so large that they must belong to a type of dinosaur known as a Sauropodomorpha, she told BBCs The Dinohunters program. Tegan shared that she and her mother were just out there to see what they would find but did not think that they would come across anything. They found these big holes that looked like dinosaur footprints so her mother snapped a few clicks and emailed it to the museum. They informed me it was of a long-necked dinosaur. While the verification process is ongoing, Cindy Howells, an expert with 40 years of experience was convinced that the footprints were genuine due to the stride pattern. She could tell by the alternating left and right feet, with a consistent distance between them. The pattern suggested a deliberate gait. She is quite excited and thrilled about this discovery of a dinosaur. For about 850 years, people of every religion have been visiting the shrine of Beehad Wale Baba to pay their respects. It is said about this shrine, which is considered miraculous, that two lions clean the shrine with their tails and then disappear into the ravines. This miraculous shrine is located in the dense ravines of the Etawah district headquarters in Uttar Pradesh. An annual Urs is also organised at this shrine, in which people of every religion participate. Believing in this miracle, children, women, old and young people go through a lot of trouble in the jungle and reach the shrine without any fear to pay their respects. The flow of devotees to the shrine has been going on for about 850 years, not just today. On Thursdays, it seems as if it is not a jungle but a market in a crowded city. The flow of devotees starts from the morning itself on that day and continues till late evening. There is no clear path to reach this shrine, even though people come here to pay their respects, which is commendable. Mohammad Aslam, the caretaker of the shrine, said that two lions come from the jungle to clean the shrine, and after cleaning, they go back to the ravine. He believes that if any devotee is returning from the shrine, he does not feel any kind of danger. It is believed that this is the effect of the miracle of Beehad Wale Baba, and that is why no devotee faces any kind of danger. Whatever a person asks for is fulfilled in every situation, and after that, they come here to offer their prayer. It is said that during the war between Muhammad Ghori and Raja Sumer Shah, Ghoris commander Shamsuddin used to keep watch from the ravines here. After he passed away, his tomb was established in the ravine. It is also said that when he was in the role of commander, lions used to come to him and after the creation of the tomb, three lions were seen roaming around it. When this scene was witnessed by the devotees who came to worship in the ravine, they got scared at first, but the lions did not harm them. As soon as people started getting information about the lions coming to the shrine, they also started reaching there to pay their respects. Since then, this trend has been going on continuously. Mohammad Sultan, a resident of Etawah City, said that when he gets a message from Baba, he reaches the shrine to pay his respects. Mohammad Farooq of Etawah City said that this is a miraculous shrine. It is generally believed that two lions come here from the ravines at night, clean the shrine with their tails, and return. The local people demand that the administration should construct a clean road to reach the shrine of Beehad Wale Baba. A Bengaluru man who hired a company to move his home has alleged a theft involving items worth lakhs. Ankit Mayank claimed that a team of seven movers stole a bag containing Rs 2 lakh in cash and gold. Additionally, he alleged that the team stole imported perfumes, gold-plated pens, and other valuables and left his home in an unimaginable state. On August 14, Mayank hired movers and packers to relocate his home, a decision he later described as the worst and biggest nightmare of his life. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), he claimed that the movers stole a bag containing Rs 2 lakh in cash, a pair of gold earrings, two gold bangles, and other valuable items. Mayank also shared a video of his home, alleging that the movers had raided the place, rummaging through everything and taking valuables. Many expensive things like imported perfumes (Dior), limited edition ~50-year-old pens (Gold plated), few bags are still missing/damaged. Several important documents and property papers are missing too. The damage to a few furniture and house belongings like cupboards is additional, he wrote on X. THE MOST HORRIFIC 48 HOURS OF MY LIFEI had to shift my house on 14th August, for which I had hired a movers & packers company Halef International Pvt Ltd (@halefint2019) But that turned out to be the worst decision & the biggest nightmare of my life PLEASE SHARE pic.twitter.com/fjWppEtbAH Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) August 16, 2024 He further alleged that the company is not taking responsibility for the stolen items, claiming that the theft is the fault of the staff, not the company itself. The Bengaluru-based entrepreneur also accused Vidyaranyapura Police Station of not taking the case seriously, suggesting that something fishy was going on. He noted, They didnt mention the company as accused, despite us requesting them to. They named only one accused in the FIR & not the other 6. They had the accuseds addresses as they lived in the companys provided accommodation, yet they didnt mention it in the FIR. They had the accuseds addresses as they lived in the companys provided accommodation, yet they didnt mention it in the FIR. Mayank expressed that he and his wife are mentally and emotionally broken. He also revealed that the stolen items belonged to his mother-in-law who has been in a coma for over a year. What did the company say? In response to the allegations, Halef International issued a statement expressing deep regret over the situation. The company claimed that Mayank did not inform them about the transportation of cash, jewellery, antiques, and other valuable items when booking their services. They emphasised that they do not encourage the transport of valuables and cash and had advised Mayank to secure all valuables in advance. Once everything was delivered and set up, we requested payment. Instead of responding, they suddenly claimed that a bag was missing, a bag that no one was previously aware of. Despite this, the team under their and their family members supervision, diligently searched for the bag until 3:00 am (August 15) but found nothing. They then complained to the Kodigehalli police, who, after investigation found nothing suspicious and FIR was not done, the company said in a statement. It added, Following this, the couple unlawfully detained the team and house arrested, confiscating the vehicle keys and holding them for 24 hours in their house. One of the team members was physically assaulted by Ankit Mayank. Despite the Kodigehalli police denying their claims due to lack of evidence, the couple then demanded Rs 5 lakh from our company as ransom. When we refused, they escalated the situation to Vidyaranyapura police station, where the team was held in custody for further investigation for 24 hours before the FIR. The company stated that it attempted to resolve the issue by offering a reasonable amount, but the couple demanded more money and subsequently filed an FIR with false claims. Post FIR, Mayank reached out to one of the companys employees and spoke for 22 minutes late at night and demanded what would be the last counteroffer and threatened he would make use of his Twitter handle to defame the company if his demands were not met by the company, the company further said. It concluded, We have complete faith in Bengaluru city police who are investigating the matter, and shall co-operate our best. Mayanks response to companys claims Mayank alleged that the company shared his and his wifes personal details, including phone number and address online. As a result, he has been receiving calls from unknown numbers and OTPs from apps he has never used. Now if anything happens to me, my wife or my wifes mother, in any manner, only they will be held responsible, Mayank wrote in a post. He also refuted the companys allegations and clarified that he has not held any employees hostage, noting that on August 15, the companys manager visited his apartment several times and stayed there for hours. The company is cleverly trying to hide a few points which are already mentioned in the FIR. Out of the missing Rs 2 lakh case, Rs 50,000 was found in one of the cupboards by the employees at 8 am on August 15, while the bag and the other belongings inside continue to be missing. It has to be noted that the employees searched the same spot multiple times throughout the night, including in front of us but couldnt find anything. But mysteriously appeared on the next morning, Mayank posted. He added, Two of the employees went out of our flat and the apartment twice without information at night on August 14. One time before the police were about to come and secondly after the police left. It continues to remain suspicious of why they went outside the apartment at night. An investigation into the matter is underway. Ola co-founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal found himself in a tricky situation after he labelled his company as the fourth-largest EV manufacturer in the world. Agarwal made the claim at the Ola Sankalp event on August 15. A new series of bikes was launched at the event. Speaking at the event, Aggarwal showcased a presentation where Ola could be seen leading the list of the worlds largest electric two-wheeler manufacturers. In the following slide, the company was placed fourth among the EV companies. I want to set a path for the future of Ola Electric. We need to look at the future. We are now a listed company. We are now the worlds fourth largest EV company outside of China, Bhavish Aggarwal said at Ola Sankalp, as quoted by the Hindustan Times. The 38-year-old entrepreneur forgot to mention China while calling Ola Electric the largest two-wheeler EV company in the world. Each of the slides, which were shown at the event, however, featured a text Excluding China. Bhavish Aggarwals remarks caused a stir on social media. Screenshots of the presentations at the Ola Sankalp event went viral. And, it led to a meme fest. To present Ola Electric as the 4th largest EV company in the world by revenue and 5th largest EV company in the world by market cap, they have *excluded China, which has the most number of EV companies in the worlds top 10 by revenue or market cap, noted a person on X (formerly Twitter). To present Ola Electric as the 4th largest EV company in the world by revenue and 5th largest EV company in the world by market cap, they have *excluded China, which has the most number of EV companies in the worlds top 10 by revenue or market cap. pic.twitter.com/eIduazQutn Abhishek (@AbhishekSay) August 15, 2024 Echoing a similar sentiment, a person remarked, Theres never a day that Indian companies wont embarrass you. They removed a whole country larger than India from the chart to make OLA the 4th largest EV company. Theres never a day that Indian companies wont embarrass you They removed a whole country larger than India from the chart to make OLA the 4th largest EV company pic.twitter.com/Vsqzpji15E Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) August 15, 2024 An individual sarcastically branded Micromax as the 3rd largest mobile phone company in India. Of course, after excluding Chinese brands. Micromax is the 3rd largest mobile phone company in India**excluding Chinese brands pic.twitter.com/eYvbvr75t8 Azhar Jafri (@zhr_jafri) August 15, 2024 According to a report by Mashable, the top three EV companies in the world are based in China. Sudha Murty, the chairman of the nonprofit charity Infosys Foundation, shared a video message on X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. She has explained the historical origins of the festival. In the video, she can be heard saying, Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one of the important festivals according to me where a sister ties a thread. It may not be a huge one but a simple thread indicating that in times of difficulties, you should always be there to help me. Read| Sudha Murty Should Correct Her Mistake: The Kashmir Files Producer on Rajya Sabha MPs Raksha Bandhan Story She added, It goes back to Rani Karnavati when she was in danger; her kingdom was small and attacked by somebody; she did not know what to do, so she sent a thread to King Humayun, a Mughal Emperor, saying that she was in danger, please consider me your sister, and please do come to protect me. Describing the significance of the celebration and the bond, Subha Murty added, Humayun came from a different country; he didnt know about the thread. He asked the local people and came to know it was a call from a sister to a brother. He said okay, if that is the case, I will go and help Rani Karnavati. He left Delhi and went to her kingdom, but he was a little late as she was no more. The note attached to her tweet read, Raksha Bandhan has a rich history. When Rani Karnavati was in danger, she sent a thread to King Humayun as a symbol of sibling-hood, asking for his help. This is where the tradition of the thread began and it continues to this day. Raksha Bandhan has a rich history. When Rani Karnavati was in danger, she sent a thread to King Humayun as a symbol of sibling-hood, asking for his help. This is where the tradition of the thread began and it continues to this day. pic.twitter.com/p98lwCZ6Pp Smt. Sudha Murty (@SmtSudhaMurty) August 19, 2024 The video has received more than 716k views on social media. But it has failed to strike a chord with the people online. A user said, It never happened, read 100 hours a week to improve your historical knowledge. It never happened, read 100 hours a week to improve your historical knowledge.. (@AndColorPockeT) August 19, 2024 Another added, You should read history 20 hours a day. You should read history 20 hours a day. rae (@ChillamChilli) August 19, 2024 A person said, Its a real surprise for me that you as a writer is telling this crap. Raksha Bandan is related with Krishna & Draupati. Please educate yourself. According to legend, Lord Krishna once wounded his finger while wielding his Sudarshan Chakra by mistake. Upon noticing his suffering, Draupadi tore a part of her saree in order to cover his wound. Krishna, impressed by her act, pledged to always defend her. It's a real surprise for me that you as a writer is telling this crap Raksha Bandan is related with Krishna & DraupatiPlease educate yourself Anu Satheesh (@AnuSatheesh5) August 19, 2024 I thought you loved to read but you read fiction probably, a comment read. I thought you loved to read but you read fiction probably Punita Toraskar (@impuni) August 19, 2024 In India, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated today, August 19. Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin claimed a silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. The teenage Chinese sensation hogged the limelight for adorably imitating Italian gymnasts Alice DAmato and Manila Esposito, who were biting their medals on the podium. While the Summer Games 2024 has come to an end, there seems to be no respite for Yaqin. In a now-viral video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), Yaqin can be seen helping out her parents at the familys restaurant in China. Yaqin, in her Olympic uniform, is serving food to customers. A report published by CGTN claimed that Yaqin returned to her hometown in Hengyang City, located in central Chinas Hunan Province, to assist her family members at the restaurant. Remember that cute Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin? After winning the Olympic silver medal, she has returned to her parents home for a vacation. Of course, you cant call it a vacation. Because she needs to help work in the restaurant run by her parents, read the note attached to the video. Remember that cute Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin?After winning the Olympic silver medal, she has returned to her parents' home for a vacation.Of course, you can't call it a vacation.Because she needs to help work in the restaurant run by her parents.pic.twitter.com/MNy7rHLvh2 pic.twitter.com/r15StYuJTO ShanghaiPanda (@thinking_panda) August 13, 2024 The video has collected 2.9 million views on social media, so far. Reacting to the post, a user said, Hard work and feet on the ground. Hard work and feet on the ground. Chris Theoharis (@theoharis_c) August 13, 2024 Its heartwarming to see Zhou Yaqin balancing her Olympic success with family responsibilities. So humble, a person said. It's heartwarming to see Zhou Yaqin balancing her Olympic success with family responsibilities. So humble! Swati Sarangi (@SwatiSarangi10) August 14, 2024 Another added, Working hard and earning for the family is a noble job. She should be proud. Her medal moment is immortalised in the world of the Internet. Working hard and earning for the family is a noble job. She should be proud. Her medal moment is immortalized in the world of the Internet. Vivek Naskar (@vivek_naskar) August 14, 2024 Wow. Shes so humble, observed a few. Wow She's so humble. Vishesh Sharma (@7_vishesh) August 14, 2024 Her family and community must be proud, a comment read. Her family and community must be proud. Lili (@Lili_Chen_2005) August 14, 2024 Echoing a similar sentiment, a person added, Thats incredible. Shes so humble. I see a lot of kids helping their parents/family each summer in the Chinese restaurants where I go eating, I love this attitude. That's incredible. She's so humble. I see a lot of kids helping their parents/family each summer in the chinese restaurants where I go eating, I love this attitude. El Pollito Diablo 2 (@PollitoDiablo2) August 13, 2024 Showering huge praise on the Chinese Olympic medalist, a user wrote, Shes a great the gymnast and also a good daughter too. What a nice person! She's a great the gymnast and also a good daughter too. What a nice person! Bandala (@bandala_y) August 13, 2024 Making her Olympic debut at the Bercy Arena in Paris, Zhou Yaqin bagged the silver medal at the Summer Games 2024. She notched a final score of 14.100. Alice DAmato won the gold with a score of 14.366 and her compatriot Manila Esposito registered a third-place finish. The Awami League has slammed the Bangladesh police for arresting their 84-year-old Hindu party leader, Ramesh Chandra Sen. His arrest came in the wake of weeks of political upheaval triggered by the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the countrys former prime minister and Awami League chief. Sens arrest came days after the apprehension of Hasinas adviser Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Huq. Sen, a former water resources minister under long-time Prime Minister Hasina, was taken into custody on Friday night from his home in northern Bangladesh. He has been charged under the Explosive Substances Act, according to the Dhaka Tribune. #Bangladesh Police have arrested a #Hindu leader of #AwamiLeague and put him on a farcical trial. Ramesh Chandra Sen, an octogenarian, was arrested from his house in #Thakurgaon who was having his dinner. Surprisingly, he hails from #MirzaFakhruls constituency, the Awami League said in a post on X. #Bangladesh Police have arrested a #Hindu leader of #AwamiLeague and put him on a farcical trial. Ramesh Chandra Sen, an octogenarian, was arrested from his house in #Thakurgaon who was having his dinner. Surprisingly, he hails from #MirzaFakhruls constituency.#HumanRights pic.twitter.com/ZcO0Uzau4y Awami League (@albd1971) August 19, 2024 A slew of arrests has been made as rights groups in Bangladesh call for the creation of a minority commission to investigate recent attacks on Hindu homes and places of worship nationwide. On Sunday, a six-member delegation met with interim leader Muhammad Yunus to present their demands. The group is seeking justice for the attacks on minority properties and measures to ensure the protection of the Hindu community. According to local media reports, Sen was having dinner when plainclothes officers arrived at his home and instructed him to prepare to leave. After his detention, Sen was first taken to the Thakurgaon Superintendent of Polices office before being transported to Dhaka. He has been a prominent figure in the Awami League, having served in various key positions, including presidium member and member of the Central Election Board. He has been elected to parliament five times, often contesting against BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. According to the Dhaka-based newspaper, Sens political career has been marred by claims of graft and voter suppression. The Awami League has condemned the arrest, describing it as a violation of human rights and labeling the trial as farcical. The arrest has elicited mixed reactions, with some expressing joy over the news while others view it as a politically motivated attack against a long-standing party member. The Philippine government has said that two of its coast guard ships were damaged in collisions with Chinese vessels that were conducting unlawful and aggressive manoeuvres near a disputed reef in the South China Sea. The Chinese coast guard vessels actions near Sabina Shoal before dawn on Monday resulted in collisions causing structural damage to both Philippine Coast Guard vessels, Manilas National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement. Aggressive Chinese manoeuvres Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general for the Philippine governments National Security Council, said the BRP Cape Engano sustained a 13-centimetre hole in its right beam after the aggressive manoeuvres by a China Coast Guard vessel led to a collision at 3:24 am (local time). The collision occurred 43 kilometres southeast of Sabina Shoal, he said. Read out statement of ADG Jonathan Malaya:Statement of the NTFWPS China Coast Guard Vessels Collide with Philippine Coast Guard Vessels Due to Dangerous and Illegal Maneuvers This morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) and BRP Cape Engano pic.twitter.com/hslR4LuoGe Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) August 19, 2024 Second Philippine ship A second Philippine coast guard ship, the BRP Bagacay, was rammed twice on both sides by a China coast guard vessel at 3:40 am and suffered minor structural damage, Malaya said, reading from a statement. The second collision occurred 39 kilometres northwest of Sabina, he added. The Filipino crew were unhurt and proceeded with their mission to resupply Philippine-garrisoned islands in the Spratly group, Malaya said. On Monday, Chinas Coast Guard said a Philippine vessel that had ignored its repeated warnings deliberately collided with a Chinese vessel in an unprofessional and dangerous manner in the disputed sea. A short video of the incident posted on China Coast Guards social media showed the collision happened around 3:24 am on Monday and labelled the Chinese vessel as a coast guard vessel. STANDOFF IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA!China accuses PhilippineVessels of illegal entry and deliberate ramming of a Chinese enforcement ship,igniting a volatile clash in the disputed waters.Tensions soar as both sides stand firm!#SouthChinaSea pic.twitter.com/5YmFNIC6lP Smriti Sharma (@SmritiSharma_) August 19, 2024 What China Said Chinas maritime security said the same Philippine vessel then entered waters near Second Thomas Shoal after being prevented from entering Sabina Shoal waters. Two Philippine Coast Guard vessels illegally intruded into waters adjacent to Sabina Shoal without permission in the early hours on Monday, according to the China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu. The Philippines has repeatedly provoked and caused trouble, violated the temporary arrangements between China and the Philippines, Gan said, referring to Philippines supplies missions to a vessel grounded on Second Thomas Shoal. Chinas Coast Guard said it took control measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with the law in the incidents early Monday, and warned the Philippines to immediately stop infringement and provocation or bear all consequences. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including both shoals, rejecting a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that Beijings expansive claims had no basis under international law. Western nations have criticised China for aggression in blocking Philippine efforts to resupply troops aboard a navy ship it intentionally grounded more than two decades ago. Last month, China and the Philippines reached a provisional agreement after repeated altercations near the Second Thomas Shoal. (With agency inputs) Bangladeshs interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Sunday alleged that Sheikh Hasinas brutal dictatorship destroyed every institution of the country during her decade-and-a-half-long reign when elections were blatantly rigged. Briefing foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka for the first time, 10 days after assuming charge as the Chief Advisor of the interim government after Hasinas resignation and her fleeing to India, the 84-year-old Nobel laureate sought the support from the international community to rebuild Bangladesh after the Second Revolution following the mass uprising. Yunus assured the diplomats, including Indias High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pranay Verma, that his administration will hold a free, fair and participatory election as soon as his government completes the mandate of carrying out vital reforms. The revolutionary students want us to carry meaningful and deep reforms, which will turn the country into a real and thriving democracy. The task is huge but doable with the support of all people and the international community, he said. Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India on August 5 following a massive protest by students against a controversial quota system in government jobs. After Hasinas ouster, Yunus took oath as the Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8. In their efforts to stay in power, Sheikh Hasinas dictatorship destroyed every institution of the country. The judiciary was broken. Democratic rights were suppressed through a brutal decade-and-a-half-long crackdown, Yunus alleged. Hasina served as the prime minister of Bangladesh from June 1996 to July 2001 and again from January 2009 to August 2024. Yunus said his government would hold free, fair and participatory elections soon but the voting would be held as soon as we can complete our mandate to carry out vital reforms in our election commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces, and media. Yunus said he took over a country that was in many ways a complete mess following the brutal dictatorship of Hasina. Yunus said, Bangladesh witnessed a Second Revolution, while hundreds of thousands of valiant students and people rose up against the brutal dictatorship of Sheikh Hasina. He emphasised on required reforms in the Election Commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces and the media. The chief adviser alleged elections held under Hasinas regime were rigged blatantly and generations of young people grew up without exercising their voting rights. Banks were robbed with full political patronisation. And the state coffer was plundered by abusing power, Yunus said, adding that they will also make sincere efforts to promote national reconciliation. Yunus said they will undertake robust and far-reaching economic reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and sustained growth, with priority attached to good governance and combating corruption and mismanagement. The top priority of the Interim Government would be to bring the law and order situation under controlThe armed forces will continue to serve in aid of civil power as long as the situation warrants, he said. We will be close to normalcy within a short period, with the unwavering support of our people and patriotic armed forces, Yunus said. The police force has also resumed its operations. The armed forces will continue to serve in aid of civil power as long as the situation warrants. Our government remains pledge-bound to ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups, he said. Bangladesh saw a spike in violence against members of Hindu communities following the fall of the Hasina-led government. He said they have also made it a priority to ensure justice and accountability for all the killings and violence committed during the recent mass uprising. He said they will uphold and promote all their international legal obligations, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Our government will adhere to all international, regional and bilateral instruments it is a party to. Bangladesh shall continue to remain an active proponent of multilateralism, with the UN at the core, Yunus said. Our government will nurture friendly relations with all countries in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding and shared interests, he said. He called upon their trade and investment partners to maintain their trust in Bangladesh for economic prosperity. Bangladesh stands at the crossroads of a new beginning. Our valiant students and people deserve a lasting transformation of our nation. It is a difficult journey and we need your help along the way. We need to fulfil their aspirations. The sooner the better, he said, adding that they have to create opportunities to build a poverty-free and prosperous new Bangladesh. Yunus, who is known widely for his pioneering of microfinancing, said he expected the international community to stand by his government and people as we chart a new democratic future. We believe all our friends and partners in the international community will stand by our government and people as we chart a new democratic future, he said. Yunus paid deep respect and homage to all those valiant students and innocent people who made the supreme sacrifice. Students of no other countries in our recent memory had to pay so much a price for expressing their democratic aspirations, dreaming a discrimination-free, equitable, and environmentally-friendly nation where human rights of every citizen are fully protected, he said. We have also made it a priority to ensure justice and accountability for all the killings and violence committed during the recent mass uprising, he said, adding that his government welcomed the UN rights offices move to send a UN-led fact-finding mission. We want an impartial and internationally credible investigation into the massacre and subsequent due judicial processes. We will provide whatever support the UN investigators need, he said. Indian-American television star Mindy Kaling will serve as one of the hosts for the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Monday, according to The Hill. Other prominent US celebrities, including Kerry Washington, and Tony Goldwyn, will also host one night each of the four-day event, guiding audiences through the event hall and on television. Kaling will host the convention on Wednesday, and Washington on Thursday, when US Vice President Kamala Harris will accept the Democratic presidential nomination. DNC Hosts All selected hosts for the DNC are known for supporting the party. Washington, a prominent political activist, founded the nonprofit outfit Influence Change, which encourages civic engagement among celebrities. Goldwyn, who played the president in the television series Scandal, is also an outspoken supporter of Democratic causes and was involved in Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. Indian-American Kaling, known for her roles in The Office and Inside Out, has collaborated with Harris in the past. The DNC in Chicago will feature a range of political speakers, including US President Joe Biden, who will deliver opening remarks on Monday night, and Harris, who will close the convention. Other notable speakers include former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The convention aims to present a unified message about the Democratic Partys achievements under the Biden-Harris administration. Harriss rapid rise has allowed Democrats to hope again, just a few short weeks after a disastrous debate performance by Biden led many to think the election was already lost. A Washington Post-ABC-Ipsos survey published Sunday showed Harris with a narrow lead over Trump among registered voters across the country, where one month ago it had Republican rival Donald Trump and Biden in a dead heat. Tremendous energy The nomination of Kamala Harris as Democratic presidential candidate has brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm into the presidential elections, a top party leader said Sunday, adding that she has brought in a lot of joy and hope. Madam Vice President Kamala Harris as a nominee of the Democratic Party has brought such tremendous energy and enthusiasm into the presidential elections. Shes bringing in so many young folks into this campaign and people from different backgrounds. Theyre really interested in her, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison told PTI in an interview. She has brought a lot of hope and joy into this election, which is so necessary, particularly when youre running against somebody like Donald Trump, whos about fear, whos about dividing the country, not bringing us together. And so, Kamala Harris is just a tremendous figure and shes running one of the most amazing campaigns Ive ever seen, Harrison said. (With agency inputs) Three Indian tourists and their Nepali guide were rescued safely on Sunday from Nepals Nagarkot forest, nearly 10 hours after they went missing, according to the police. The tourists identified as Nitin Tiwari, Rashmi Tiwari and Tanish Tiwari and their Nepali guide Hari Prasad Kharel had gone missing from the Muhan Pokhari Rani Jhula area in the Nagarkot forest of Bhaktapur district, 30 km East of Kathmandu. The Indian nationals were between the ages of 30 and 40 years, according to the police. The missing people had lost the way at around 3 pm on Saturday, and the rescue team reached the site at midnight, said Shyam Krishna Shrestha, chairman of Ward No. 7 Changunarayan. They had gone missing as they could not locate the way to the Rani Jhula area and mistakenly moved towards the nearby forest area, police said. They were found in the Halhale Khowpa area and were suffering from leech bites, according to the Mayor of Changunarayan, Jivan Khatri. A coordinated rescue operation by a team of the Armed Police Force, peoples representatives and residents started soon after the news about their disappearance spread. The rescued individuals safely returned to Kathmandu. A court filing in New Yorks Manhattan has unveiled a chilling plot involving a murder-suicide orchestrated by a 65-year-old woman, Kathleen Leigh, to secure custody of her granddaughter. The court papers allege that Leigh killed the mother of her granddaughter, Marisa Galloway, before taking her own life, all to ensure her son, Zachariah Reed, would gain full custody of the child. GRANDPARENTS FIGHT FOR CUSTODY AFTER TRAGIC MURDER-SUICIDE PLOTKathleen Leigh, terminally ill, fatally shot Marisa Galloway, her sons ex-partner, in a plot to gain custody of their granddaughter Lili before committing suicide. Marisas parents, Nancy and John Galloway, pic.twitter.com/5TCSjKvROh Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 18, 2024 The killing unfolded last month when Leigh fatally shot Galloway, a 45-year-old special education teacher, on a quiet Manhattan street, the New York Post reported. Leigh then took her own life, leaving behind a heartbreaking situation for the victims family. According to the court documents, Leighs motive was to manipulate custody arrangements in favor of her son. Clearly, (Reeds) mother had a deliberate plan to kill Marisa in order to provide custody for her son, the court papers charge, according to the New York-based tabloid. Unfortunately, (Reed) has demonstrated an absolute intention to further those same goals of his mother as he has refused to provide us with any access to Lili at all in almost 3 weeks. Galloways parents, Nancy and John Galloway, have now filed an emergency court petition seeking custody of their granddaughter, Lili. The Galloways claim that Reed has taken Lili to his multi-million dollar home in Chicago under the guise of mourning and has since barred them from any contact with the child. The Galloways allege that Reeds actions align with his mothers sinister plan. In their petition, the Galloways are asking the Manhattan Supreme Court to grant them custody of Lili, as stipulated in a 2022 custody agreement between Marisa Galloway and Reed. They are also requesting that Reed be required to remain in New York City until Lili turns 18 to maintain her relationship with her grandparents and her half-sister, Mariel, who was born from Marisas relationship with a sperm donor. Nancy Galloway, in an emotional affidavit, described her close bond with Lili. When we didnt see Lili, we would FaceTime almost every day, she said. We had a hands-on relationship with her, seeing her two to three times a month. The Kremlin said Monday it will not talk to Ukraine given its incursion into Russias Kursk region, which took Moscow by surprise and has now stretched into its second week. Kyiv sent troops over the border on August 6, and has since held onto a part of the Kursk region, going on the attack in an offensive that has rattled Moscow. At the current stage, given this escapade, we will not talk, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told the Russian Shot Telegram channel, adding that at the moment it would be completely inappropriate to enter into a negotiating process. Asked when possible talks could begin between the two sides, he said: I dont know, everything depends on the situation on the battlefield, including in the Kursk region. Ukraines operation, planned in utter secrecy, is an unprecedented incursion into Russian soil and the biggest attack since Moscow launched the full-scale conflict in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday said his troops were meeting their objectives during their offensive in Russias Kursk region, launched almost two weeks ago. He earlier said that the operation was aimed at putting more pressure on Russia in order to bring peace closer. We are achieving our goals. This morning we have another replenishment of the (prisoner of war) exchange fund for our country, Zelensky said, a day after saying Ukraine was attempting to create a buffer zone in Russia. Russia Blames US For Nord Stream Blasts Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday it was clear that the United States had ordered the 2022 attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines. It is clear that to carry out such a terrorist attack, there was a command from the very top, as they say, the very top for the West is, of course, Washington, Lavrov told the Izvestia news outlet in a video interview. Pokrovsk Evacuation Orders Ukrainian local authorities on Monday issued a mandatory evacuation order for families with children from the eastern city of Pokrovsk, where 53,000 people still live. They say Russian forces are advancing so quickly that it is compulsory for families to leave the city and other nearby towns. Russian troops have been pushing toward Pokrovsk for months. State Of Emergency In Russian City Declared Authorities in the southern Russian city of Proletarsk introduced a state of emergency Monday as firefighters battle for more than 24 hours to extinguish a blaze at an oil facility hit by a Ukrainian drone. Russia said Kyiv struck the fuel storage warehouse located in the city of 20,000 people in the southern Rostov region on Sunday morning and that the blaze was raging for a second day. Russian state media quoted a statement of the local city administration that said there was no threat of the fire spreading to residential areas and called on people not to give in to panic. Videos on social media showed a huge cloud of smoke billowing into the air at night. Proletarsk lies some 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Ahead of the crucial presidential election in November, the Republican nominee Donald Trump is leading against his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the battleground states of Arizona and Pennsylvania, according to a new Rasmussen poll. In a survey conducted between August 13-17, the right-leaning pollster found Trump leading by 1 point in the head-to-head race in the US state of Pennsylvania, 47% to 46%. The same survey indicates that Vice President Kamala Harris is leading in Michigan. An Emerson poll, conducted August 13-14 for RealClearPennsylvania with 1,000 likely voters, also shows Trump leading by 1 point in a head-to-head matchup with Harris. However, no clear favorite has emerged in swing state polls and recent surveys show that most battleground states remain closely contested. On Sunday, Harris indirectly criticised the former US President, suggesting her opponent in the Nov. 5 election was a coward whose politics focused on putting down rivals. The remarks came in a campaign appearance in the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania with running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, before Harris heads to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which kicks off Monday. Over the last several years theres been this kind of perversion that has taken place, I think, which is to suggest that the measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you beat down. When what we know is the real and true measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you lift up, Harris told a crowd of supporters. Anybody whos about beating down other people is a coward. Opinion polls have shown Harris bringing fresh energy to the campaign and closing the gap with former President Trump both nationally and in many of the eight highly competitive states including Pennsylvania that will play a decisive role in picking Democratic President Joe Bidens successor. Harris, who is Black and has Asian heritage, will be the first woman president if she wins in November. She said that she was nearly done writing the speech she will deliver when she accepts the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday. Meanwhile, Trump on Saturday said he believed she would be easier to beat than Biden, 81, who dropped out last month under pressure from his own party after a disastrous debate against Trump. Pennsylvania was one of three Rust Belt states, along with Wisconsin and Michigan, that helped power Republican Trumps upset victory in the 2016 election. (With agency inputs) China's modernization is not just about achieving economic success; it's about redefining what modernization means in the 21st century. As the world grapples with complex global challenges, China's experience offers valuable lessons that could guide humanity toward a more equitable and sustainable future. BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese modernization is reshaping the global landscape by offering an alternative development path that emphasizes cooperation, sustainability, and cultural continuity, an expert said. As China continues to prosper, its model presents new opportunities and inspirations for the global community, said Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University, in a recent interview with Xinhua. By fostering the rise of the Global South and promoting a more inclusive approach to modernization, China is contributing to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. REFORM, INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY Unlike the Western model, which has often been criticized for its exploitative practices, China's approach emphasizes mutual benefits and shared progress, Wang said. Over the past four decades, China has lifted nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty, accounting for almost three-quarters of the global reduction in poverty. This success, recognized by the United Nations Development Programme, provides a compelling model for other developing countries fighting to address poverty on a large scale. As China continues to break new ground in technology, it offers alternative models of development that do not rely on Western paradigms. The World Economic Forum noted that China's innovations are reshaping global standards, particularly in areas such as telecommunications and renewable energy. China's commitment to environmental sustainability is exemplified by its strides in renewable energy. The Global Energy Monitor reported that China is set to double its solar and wind capacity to 1,200 gigawatts by 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 target. "China is a major player in global manufacturing with a full industrial chain," said Wang. China's investments in smart grids and green technology not only enhance its own development but also contribute to global efforts to combat climate change, he added. NEW MODEL FOR GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS China's modernization strategy is inherently linked to its vision of global cooperation, Wang noted. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China International Import Expo (CIIE), as well as China's role in the global value chain, all exemplify China's approach to fostering global development through infrastructure and connectivity projects. China's active participation in the global value chain also contributes greatly to global economic development. By exporting manufactured goods and technologies, China is helping to elevate industrial capabilities in developing countries. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization recognizes China's role in enhancing global industrial standards and driving economic growth worldwide. BEYOND WESTERN NARRATIVE China's modernization offers an alternative to the Western-centric view of development, Wang said. By prioritizing inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural continuity, China is changing the notion that modernization must follow the Western trajectory. China's approach to modernization reflects its unique governance model and offers a different perspective on how societies can achieve progress. At the heart of China's modernization is a people-centered philosophy, which prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. This approach echoes ancient Chinese wisdom. "As an old Chinese saying goes, the country is the people, and the people are the country," said Wang. China's modernization is not just about achieving economic success; it's also about redefining what modernization means in the 21st century. As the world is addressing complex global challenges, China's experience offers valuable lessons that could guide humanity toward a more equitable and sustainable future. Investigators have uncovered human remains on property in southeastern Michigan linked to Dale John Warner, whose wife, Dee Warner, vanished more than three years ago. Dee Warner disappeared in April 2021, prompting her family to report her missing. In November, Dale Warner, 56, faced charges of open murder and evidence tampering in connection with Dee's presumed death. He asserts his innocence. Michigan State Police announced Sunday they searched Dale Warner's Lenawee County property and discovered human remains. "The remains are currently in the process of being recovered ... before positive identification is made," said the agency. Dee Warner's family has been updated on the discovery, and the investigation continues. Family members disclosed to WTVG-TV and WTOL-TV that the remains were found in a sealed, empty tank originally intended for anhydrous ammonia. Dee Warner was last seen on April 25, 2021, in Franklin Township, located roughly 70 miles southwest of Detroit. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to potentially confirm the identity of the remains. Dale Warner remains incarcerated at the Lenawee County Jail and is set for a pretrial hearing on September 4. His attorney, Mary Chartier, maintains his innocence, asserting, "a fair and objective review of the evidence...will show that Mr. Warner did not kill his wife." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Thousands of activists are set to descend on Chicago for the Democratic National Convention this week in a bid to have their voices heard on topics like abortion rights, economic injustice, and the Gaza war. Vigorous demonstrations are anticipated daily, with numerous activists pushing for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Sunday saw the commencement of protests with an abortion rights march on Michigan Avenue. While Chicago leaders declined to allow permits for protests near the United Center and initially suggested a park 3 miles away, a suit filed by the activists ended with them getting the green light to protest at a closer park. The Coalition to March on the DNC expects participation from roughly 20,000 activists, including college students. Security preparations are rigorous, with the city collaborating with police and the Secret Service. Closed streets, police training, and a new $80 million train station aim to address the logistical concerns. Authorities vow to protect protesters' First Amendment rights while ensuring safety. However, concerns linger that protests might spiral into chaosrecalling the tumultuous 1968 convention. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has affirmed his commitment to peaceful demonstrations, balancing the rights of protesters with the safety of Chicago's residents and visitors. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) US and South Korean troops initiated a large-scale defense exercise on Monday amid rising tensions with North Korea. The Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, set to continue for 11 days, aim to enhance readiness against growing threats, including missiles and cyberattacks. North Korea condemned the exercises as "provocative war drills for aggression." The exercises include computer-simulated war games, field operations, and live-fire drills involving approximately 19,000 South Korean troops. The US has not stated how many American troops are participating. The program began just hours after North Korea reiterated its stance, asserting that their nuclear pursuits serve as a significant deterrence to war. The US has boosted its regional military presence, deploying bombers, submarines, and aircraft carrier strike groups. Analysts suggest that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may seek to apply pressure during the US election year. Recent aggressive actions by North Korea include the delivery of nuclear-capable missile launchers and flying trash-laden balloons into South Korean territory. story continues below Word count: 166 (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) House Republican investigators released a nearly 300-page report on Monday that accuses President Biden of "impeachable" and "egregious" conduct, reports the Hill. Its release comes as the Democratic National Convention opens, though Biden had been expected to be the nominee when this investigation began last year. Highlights: Charges: The report accuses the president of abuse of power and obstruction, per Politico. On the first, the report focuses mostly on the business dealings of son Hunter Biden and brother James, accusing both of using their connection to the president to score foreign business deals. Biden himself "participated in a conspiracy to monetize his office of public trust to enrich his family," says the report, adding that it was "inconceivable" he was not aware of his family's dealings. The obstruction charge alleges that Biden used his influence to stymie investigations into all of this. The report accuses the president of abuse of power and obstruction, per Politico. On the first, the report focuses mostly on the business dealings of son Hunter Biden and brother James, accusing both of using their connection to the president to score foreign business deals. Biden himself "participated in a conspiracy to monetize his office of public trust to enrich his family," says the report, adding that it was "inconceivable" he was not aware of his family's dealings. The obstruction charge alleges that Biden used his influence to stymie investigations into all of this. Slams: "The totality of the corrupt conduct uncovered by the Committees is egregious," says the report. Biden "conspired to commit influence peddling and grift. In doing so, he abused his office and, by repeatedly lying about his abuse of office, has defrauded the United States to enrich his family." It adds: "The Constitution's remedy for a President's flagrant abuse of office is clear: impeachment by the House of Representatives and removal by the Senate." Global stocks showed varied performance on Monday as investors anticipated the Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting. Wall Street concluded its best week since November with a minor rise in US equities on Friday. Key European indexes saw minimal changes: Germany's DAX remained steady, the CAC 40 in Paris climbed by 0.1%, and London's FTSE 100 dropped 0.2%. In the US, S&P 500 futures decreased by 0.1% while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures increased by 0.1%. In Asia, markets closed with mixed results. Japan's index fell by 1.8%, impacted by a 1.7% year-on-year decline in core machinery orders for June. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose by 0.1%, while Seoul's Kospi declined by 0.9%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng surged 0.8%, and the Shanghai Composite gained 0.5%. In Bangkok, the SET saw a notable rise of 1.3% following positive second-quarter GDP growth driven by tourism. The US dollar dropped nearly 1% against the yen amid expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September. "Signals from the Federal Reserve about possible rate cuts and weak US job market data have also contributed to the recent turbulence," noted Luca Santos from ACY Securities. Investor attention is now on Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is expected to speak, potentially hinting at future policy directions. Meanwhile, US bond yields decreased, and both benchmark US crude and Brent crude prices dipped slightly. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, Japan's controversial war memorial, faced another act of vandalism overnight Monday. Graffiti in Chinese reading "toilet" was discovered on a stone pillar near the shrine's entrance. The Shinto shrine condemned the incident, stating, "It is deplorable that an act seeking to denigrate the shrine's dignity has happened again." While the police and shrine officials did not disclose details due to an ongoing investigation, this incident follows a previous defacement in May, for which a Chinese suspect was detained in July. The maximum penalty for such property damage in Japan stands at three years in prison and a 300,000 yen ($2,000) fine. Yasukuni Shrine holds the remains of 2.5 million Japanese war dead, including convicted World War II war criminals, making it a symbol of militarism for many Asian nations affected by Japanese aggression. On August 15, the anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, Japanese politicians, including Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, paid respects. However, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who will not seek reelection next month, did not visit but sent an offering. Notably, Emperor Naruhito and his late father, Akihito, have refrained from visiting the shrine. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels collided in the South China Sea near Sabina Shoal early Monday, raising tensions in the disputed territory. Both nations blamed each other for the incident, which saw two Philippine ships entering the contested waters. China accused the Philippines of deliberately ramming its vessel, while the Philippines cited China's aggressive maneuvers. The incident occurred at 3:24 a.m. and caused significant damage to both Philippine ships. A hole about five inches in diameter was reported on the BRP Cape Engano, and minor structural damage was inflicted on the BRP Bagacay, the Philippine National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea stated. "The Philippine side is entirely responsible for the collision," China's coast guard spokesman Gan Yu remarked, urging the Philippines to cease what he termed as "infringement and provocation." Sabina Shoal, situated 140 kilometers west of Palawan, has become a hotspot in the ongoing territorial disputes between China and the Philippines. The Spratly Islands, which include Sabina, are claimed by several nations including Vietnam and Taiwan. Despite a recent agreement aimed at reducing conflicts, confrontations remain frequent. In 2016, a UN tribunal invalidated China's claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing rejected the ruling and continues to enforce what it considers its "indisputable sovereignty" over the area. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Phil Donahue, whose pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre that made household names of Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, and many others, has died at age 88. NBC's Today show said Donahue died Sunday after a long illness, per the AP . Dubbed "the king of daytime talk," Donahue was the first to incorporate audience participation in a talk show, typically during a full hour with a single guest. "Just one guest per show? No band?" he remembered being routinely asked in his 1979 memoir, Donahue, My Own Story. The format set The Phil Donahue Show apart from other interview shows of the 1960s and made it a trendsetter in daytime television, where it was particularly popular with female audiences. Later renamed Donahue, the program launched in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967. Donahue's willingness to explore the hot-button social issues of the day emerged immediately, when he featured atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair as his first guest. He would later air shows on feminism, homosexuality, consumer protection, and civil rights, among hundreds of other topics. The show was syndicated in 1970 and ran on national television for the next 26 years, racking up 20 Emmy Awards for the show and for Donahue as host, as well as a Peabody for Donahue in 1980. It included radio-style call-ins, which Donahue greeted with his signature, "Is the caller there?" The show's last episode aired in 1996 in New York, where Donahue was living with his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, at the time of his death. The two had been married since 1980. Donahue had five children, four sons and a daughter. (More Phil Donahue stories.) Ukrainian authorities have mandated the urgent evacuation of families with children from the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Currently home to approximately 53,000 residents, Pokrovsk faces intense pressure from the advancing Russian military. The assault on Ukrainian positions in Donetsk and Luhansk has led to significant casualties on both sides, yet the Russian offensive gains ground. In response, Ukraine has launched a tactical incursion into Russia's Kursk region, aimed at disrupting Moscow's plans and creating a buffer zone to deflect further attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the operation is ongoing under strict secrecy. Closer to the battleground, Pokrovsk's residents, hurriedly making evacuation plans, have been given a two-week timeframe to relocate safely. Official warnings highlight that Russian forces are advancing rapidly, now just 10 kilometers from the city. Heavy fighting has been reported in Pokrovsk and Toretsk, with the latter's capture would threaten Ukraine's key stronghold of Chasiv Yar. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russia's advances in Pokrovsk average two square kilometers daily. The city's strategic importanceboth as a defensive stronghold and logistics hubmeans its fall would severely hamper Ukraine's defensive capabilities and supply routes. Authorities in Pokrovsk are coordinating the evacuation, offering refuge in western Ukraine for displaced residents. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) A Wisconsin woman who killed a man accused of sexually trafficking her as a teenager was sentenced to 11 years Monday on a charge that could have sent her to prison for up to 30 years. Chrystul Kizer, 24, was 17 years old when she killed 34-year-old Randall Volar. He had been filming his sexual abuse of Kizer for more than a year, the Washington Post reports. Kizer, who said she shot Volar in self-defense after she refused to have sex with him and he pinned her down, pleaded guilty in May to reckless homicide. "The court is well aware of your circumstances surrounding your relationship with Mr. Volar," Kenosha County Judge David Wilk told Kizer, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "You are not permitted to be the instrument of his reckoning. To hold otherwise is to endorse a descent into lawlessness and chaos." Harvey Weinstein will stay in New York in the run-up to his retrial on rape and sexual assault charges, prosecutors confirmed on Monday. The former Hollywood mogul appeared briefly in court over California's request to extradite him. Following the New York case, Weinstein will return to California to serve a 16-year sentence for another rape conviction, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Weinstein, who denies all allegations of rape and sexual assault, was found guilty in Los Angeles in 2022 while serving a 23-year sentence in New York. His 2020 Manhattan conviction was overturned this spring by the state's top court, which ruled that the trial judge allowed improper testimony. Weinstein's retrial in Manhattan is scheduled for November. Weinstein, 72, donned handcuffs while appearing in Queens criminal court for less than five minutes on Monday. He will reside at Rikers Island jail complex, where he was returned after being hospitalized for recent health problems. The extradition matter is handled in Queens due to its proximity to Rikers Island. The retrial is currently slated for November. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Over the past several days, internet speeds in Pakistan have plummeted, affecting millions and causing widespread disruptions. Some experts estimate the internet is operating at less than half its usual capacity. Although authorities deny allegations that a national firewall is to blame, users have reported suddenly slower connectivity; they have had limited access to social media since a governmental crackdown before the February 8 parliamentary election. The Pakistan Software House Association warns these issues could cost the country's fragile economy up to $300 million. Businesses and medical professionals are struggling to send emails and receive vital reports. Internet providers like Shahzad Arshad emphasize businesses are unable to effectively communicate with international clients, while software company owner Chaudhry Arif reports speeds have dropped by 40% to 80% with no improvement in sight. Minister of Information and Technology Shiza Fatima has dismissed claims the government is behind the slowdown, attributing it in part to the use of VPNs. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism. Software engineer Umayr Hassan stresses the need for transparency from authorities. Digital rights activist Fareeha Aziz prodded the government to clearly explain the cause, stating, "The government says it is not behind the slowdown of the internet. Then who did it?" (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) UPDATE Aug 20, 2024 7:42 PM CDT Police say the man who killed his ex-girlfriend and her mother outside a courthouse in Kentucky on Monday has died. The Elizabethtown Police Department said in a statement that Christopher Elder, who shot himself after a police chase and standoff, was airlifted to a hospital in Nashville and died from his injuries Monday night. Police say Elder, 46, fatally shot 37-year-old Erica Riley and her mother, 71-year-old Janet Riley, before a hearing on a restraining order. According to court documents, Erica Riley sought the order on Aug. 8, saying Elder had abused her over the previous 18 months, the Lexington Herald-Leader reports. Aug 19, 2024 5:55 PM CDT A suspect fatally shot a woman he had been in a relationship with and her mother near a Kentucky courthouse Monday morning, police say. The Elizabethtown Police Department says the suspect, 46-year-old Christopher Elder, fled the scene and shot himself during a standoff with police more than 100 miles away, in the far west of the state, WLKY reports. The victims were identified as 37-year-old Erica Riley and her mother, 71-year-old Janet Riley. Police said Elder shot himself in the head while he was talking to police negotiators and is in critical condition. Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 29F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 29F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. Eight Fatalities in Traffic Accidents in Bahrain Since June Eight Fatalities in Traffic Accidents in Bahrain Since June TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain has witnessed a concerning number of traffic accidents since June, resulting in the deaths of eight people. The month of June saw three fatal accidents. On June 10th, two separate incidents claimed the lives of three individuals in the Sakhir area. The first accident involved a driver who was not paying attention, leading to the death of an Asian pedestrian. The second accident involved two vehicles colliding head-on in Sakhir, resulting in the deaths of two Bahraini citizens. On June 14th, a worker was killed while working on road development projects on Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway near Jidhafs towards Manama. Torrance, United States / California, August 19th, 2024, CyberNewsWire AI SPERA, a leading Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) company, has announced a strategic partnership with Hackers Central, a major cybersecurity management service provider in Mexico. The announcement marks a significant step in AI SPERAs strategy to broaden its international footprint. Hackers Central, a prominent cybersecurity management firm in Mexico, offers comprehensive security services including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, cyber intelligence, phishing simulation, and forensic analysis. Hackers Central will introduce AI SPERAs attack surface management solution, Criminal IP ASM, to the Mexican market as part of this new partnership, significantly boosting its security management capabilities. Furthermore, Hackers Central plans to integrate AI SPERAs proprietary CTI search engine, Criminal IP, into its security training programs. This integration aims to enhance the effectiveness of its training efforts, thereby strengthening the skills of security professionals and improving overall security performance. AI SPERA offers its Criminal IP CTI search engine platform through a monthly subscription model, serving users in more than 150 countries. In addition, the company provides solutions like Criminal IP ASM for attack surface management and Criminal IP FDS for credential stuffing prevention, expanding its reach both domestically and internationally. The partnership with Hackers Central is expected to enhance Criminal IPs competitive advantage in the Mexican market and deliver high-quality cybersecurity solutions to a wider audience. About AI SPERA AI SPERA, renowned for its advanced solutions, has expanded internationally, with Criminal IP as its flagship offering. Operating in more than 150 countries, Criminal IP is backed by enterprise-grade security solutions like Criminal IP ASM and Criminal IP FDS. Strategic partnerships with global leaders such as Cisco, VirusTotal, and Quad9 have significantly enhanced Criminal IPs capabilities. Recently, AI SPERAs Criminal IP has entered the marketplace of major US data warehousing platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Snowflake, expanding its global reach for threat data. Contact Michael Sena AI SPERA [email protected] Eric Schmidts recent talk at Stanford University in 2024 covered a range of provocative topics: Googles AI Strategy: Schmidt criticized Googles focus on work-life balance, suggesting it hindered their competitiveness in AI against companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. He praised Elon Musk, startups and TSMC for their rigorous work environments. TSMC even makes physics PhDs work on factory floors in their first year. NVIDIAs CUDA: He admitted to underestimating NVIDIAs CUDA technology, which has become crucial for AI models. He says AMD CEO Lisa Sui is working to make ROCM. Below I give some background on ROCM. Microsoft and OpenAI: Schmidt was initially skeptical about Microsofts partnership with OpenAI, considering them too small to matter, but acknowledged he was wrong. Intellectual Property and AI Startups: Schmidt talked about TikTok. If you are starting a business, go ahead and steal whatever you can, like music. If you make it big, you can afford the best lawyers to cover your tracks. He says next level AI (perhaps 2025) will combine giant context windows, agents and text to action (making python programs) will be able to do most anything. His prompt would be to build a Tik Tok or Google version in 30 seconds, steal their customers and then deploy it in an hour. If they fail to go viral then make fixes and try again. Global AI Landscape: Schmidt expressed doubts about Europes tech innovation potential, except for some hope in France, and emphasized Indias importance as a U.S. ally over China. He says Japan and Korea are with the US. He thinks the US needs to leverage Canada (for strong AI talent) and hydroelectric power for giant data centers. Open-Source AI: He was pessimistic about the viability of open-source AI due to high costs. Economic Impact of AI: Schmidt predicted AI would widen the economic gap between rich and poor countries and compared AIs potential to the early days of electricity. Manufacturing and AI: He noted that AI would not revive manufacturing jobs due to automation. The talk was initially live-streamed but later removed from YouTube, reportedly due to the controversial nature of his comments. The entire transcript of the talk is on github. NOTE: Copies of the Eric Schmidt talk keep getting taken down. Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and co-founder of Schmidt Futures, shared his insights on the current state and near-term future of artificial intelligence (AI). He highlighted three major trends he expects to see in the next 1-2 years: 1. Very large context windows: AI models are developing the ability to process and retain much more information, potentially up to a million tokens or words. This vast expansion of context allows for more comprehensive analysis and improved short-term memory, enabling AI to handle more complex tasks and provide more nuanced responses. 2. AI agents: These are systems that can iteratively learn and improve their understanding, similar to how humans approach complex tasks. Schmidt described how these agents could potentially read about a subject like chemistry, discover its principles, test their understanding, and then incorporate that knowledge back into their base of understanding. 3. Text-to-action capabilities: This involves the ability to convert natural language instructions directly into executable code or digital commands. Schmidt provided an example of instructing an AI to create a TikTok competitor, complete with user acquisition and content generation, all from a simple text prompt. Schmidt believes the combination of these three advancements will have profound and potentially unpredictable impacts on society, possibly even greater than the effects of social media. He emphasized the power of giving every individual access to their own programmer that can execute complex tasks based on simple instructions. The current state of AI development and competition Eric noted that the gap between frontier AI models (developed by just a few leading companies) and the rest of the field appears to be widening. This is a shift from his perspective six months prior when he believed the gap was narrowing. The resources required to develop and train these advanced models are immense, with estimates ranging from $10 billion to $100 billion or more. Sam Altman of OpenAI reportedly believes it could take about $300 billion. This level of investment is creating significant barriers to entry and concentrating power in the hands of a few well-funded entities. He talked about Inflection and others being forced to sell out because they could not raise the next round of tens of billions. The importance of compute power and energy resources in AI development was highlighted. Schmidt suggested that the United States may need to partner closely with Canada to access sufficient hydroelectric power for large-scale AI training. Schmidt also highlighted NVIDIAs current dominance in AI chips, particularly due to their CUDA architecture and highly optimized libraries. He explained that most AI code needs to run with CUDA optimizations, which are currently only supported by NVIDIA GPUs. This software ecosystem, built up over a decade, gives NVIDIA a significant advantage over potential competitors. Regarding the global AI landscape, Schmidt sees the United States and China as the primary competitors, with India as a potential swing state due to its large pool of top AI talent. He expressed concerns about Europes regulatory environment hindering AI innovation, particularly criticizing the EUs approach to AI regulation. Schmidt stressed the importance of work ethic and intensity in AI development. He suggested that some established tech companies, including Google, may be falling behind due to prioritizing work-life balance over competitive drive. He contrasted this with the dedication seen in startups and some international competitors, emphasizing that the network effects and time-sensitive nature of AI development make this intensity crucial for success. The discussion then shifted to broader implications of AI: 1. Economic and labor market impacts: Erci discussed the potential effects of AI on various job sectors. He thought that high-skill jobs could adapt and work alongside AI but lower-skill jobs and those requiring less human judgment would be replaced. The full economic impact of new technologies often takes time to materialize as organizations learn to effectively implement them. Eric drew parallels to previous technological revolutions, such as the introduction of electricity in factories. Initially, the productivity gains were minimal as factories simply replaced steam engines with electric motors without redesigning their processes. It took decades before the full potential of electricity was realized through new factory layouts and the introduction of assembly lines. This historical perspective suggests that the most significant productivity gains from AI may come from organizational and process innovations rather than the technology alone. 2. National security and geopolitics: AI is seen as a critical area for maintaining technological superiority. Schmidt mentioned his work on an AI commission that examined these issues, leading to initiatives like the CHIPS Act to bolster U.S. competitiveness. He highlighted the U.S. governments actions to restrict the export of advanced AI chips to China, maintaining a technological advantage (about ten years) in areas like semiconductor manufacturing. 3. Regulation and ethics: The need for balanced regulation that promotes innovation while addressing potential risks was discussed. Schmidt mentioned his involvement in shaping AI policies, including recent executive actions by the Biden administration. He described participating in an informal group that helped develop the basis for the administrations AI act, which includes measures like requiring companies to report to the government when they reach certain computational thresholds in AI development. 4. Education and skill development: The speakers debated the continued importance of coding skills in an AI-driven world. While AI can assist in coding, understanding programming fundamentals remains valuable for effectively leveraging these tools. Schmidt suggested that computer science education might evolve to include AI assistants as natural partners in the learning process. 5. University research: Schmidt advocated for increased funding for AI research at universities, particularly for high-performance computing resources. He expressed frustration that many top researchers are limited by lack of access to the computational power needed for cutting-edge AI research. However, it was also noted that universities might have a comparative advantage in developing new algorithms and conducting long-term research rather than training massive models. The discussion highlighted the unique role of academia in pursuing patient, long-term research that may not have immediate commercial applications. 6. AI literacy and public understanding: The importance of improving AI literacy among non-technical stakeholders, including policymakers and the general public, was discussed. The speakers emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach, combining technical knowledge with insights from fields like economics, political science, and organizational behavior to fully understand and address the implications of AI. 7. Emerging capabilities and the path to AGI: The speakers touched on the concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the challenges in defining it. While current AI systems can perform many tasks once considered indicative of AGI, they still struggle with certain capabilities that humans find easy, particularly in physical tasks. The discussion highlighted the non-linear nature of AI progress, with some tasks that seem complex to humans being relatively easy for AI, while others that seem simple proving more challenging. 8. AI as a general-purpose technology: The conversation explored the concept of AI as a general-purpose technology (GPT) and its potential for sparking complementary innovations across various sectors. Like electricity or the internet, AI has the potential to transform multiple industries and aspects of society. The speakers emphasized that realizing the full potential of AI will likely require substantial changes to business models, organizational structures, and societal institutions. 9. Rapid adoption vs. long-term transformation: The speakers discussed the rapid adoption of tools like ChatGPT compared to historical technology transitions. While some AI applications are being integrated quickly, it was proposed that realizing the full potential of AI will likely require more substantial and time-consuming changes to business models and organizational structures. 10. Competition and market dynamics: Schmidt discussed the current state of competition in the AI field, noting the dominance of a few large players due to the massive resources required for advanced AI development. He also touched on the debate between open-source and closed-source AI models, suggesting that the enormous capital costs involved might be pushing the field towards more closed systems. 11. AI in warfare and defense: Schmidt shared his involvement in developing AI-powered defense technologies, particularly drones designed to counter traditional military equipment like tanks. He discussed the potential for AI to change the nature of warfare, potentially making certain types of conflicts, like land invasions, much more difficult. 12. Energy and infrastructure requirements: The discussion highlighted the massive energy and infrastructure needs for advanced AI development. Schmidt emphasized the importance of securing reliable and abundant energy sources, suggesting partnerships with countries like Canada that have significant hydroelectric resources. 13. Philosophical implications: The speakers touched on the changing nature of knowledge and understanding in the age of AI. They discussed the challenges of working with AI systems that can produce results without providing clear explanations of their reasoning, drawing parallels to how humans interact with complex systems or even other humans. 14. Global talent distribution: Schmidt discussed the global distribution of AI talent, highlighting Indias potential as a major player in the field. He suggested that countries might need to rethink their approach to retaining top talent in strategic fields like AI. 15. Ethical considerations: While not extensively discussed, the conversation touched on the ethical implications of AI development, including issues of bias, privacy, and the potential for misuse. Key takeaways and advice for students and entrepreneurs He talked about how student and academic institutions could be part of the red teams companies that will form to attack AI with adversarial AI. The weaknesses found would feed into building the next AI. There is currently about 18 month cycles for LLM. six months of preparation, six months of training, six months of fine tuning. 1. The AI field is currently in a period of rapid advancement with many opportunities for significant contributions. The combination of expanding context windows, AI agents, and text-to-action capabilities is expected to drive major innovations in the near future (probably 2025-2026). 2. Understanding both the technical aspects of AI and its broader implications (economic, social, ethical) is crucial. Theres a growing need for individuals who can bridge the gap between technical development and practical applications across various domains. 3. Theres a need for interdisciplinary approaches, combining technical knowledge with insights from fields like economics, political science, and organizational behavior. This holistic understanding will be key to effectively leveraging AIs potential while addressing its challenges. 4. Prototyping and demonstrating ideas quickly using AI tools is becoming increasingly important for entrepreneurs. The ability to rapidly iterate and test concepts will be a significant competitive advantage. 5. While large-scale model training may be dominated by well-funded entities, there are still many areas where smaller teams and academic researchers can make meaningful contributions, especially in algorithm development and specific applications. 6. The full potential of AI will likely be realized through complementary innovations in business models, organizational structures, and human capital development. Students and entrepreneurs should think beyond the technology itself to how it can transform entire systems and processes. 7. Critical thinking and the ability to evaluate AI-generated content will become increasingly important skills. As AI becomes more pervasive, the ability to discern and verify information will be crucial. 8. There are opportunities for innovation not just in AI technology itself, but in how its applied across various domains and in addressing its societal impacts. This includes areas like AI governance, ethical AI development, and AI-human collaboration models. 9. The global nature of AI development means that understanding international dynamics, including differences in regulatory approaches and cultural attitudes towards AI, will be important for those looking to work in the field. 10. While coding skills remain important, the nature of software development is likely to change with AI assistance. Understanding how to effectively work with and direct AI coding tools may become as important as traditional programming skills. 11. The energy and infrastructure requirements for AI development present opportunities for innovation in areas like efficient computing, sustainable data centers, and novel energy solutions. 12. As AI capabilities expand, there will be increasing need for experts who can translate between technical AI concepts and their practical implications for business, policy, and society. 13. The rapid pace of AI development means that continuous learning and adaptation will be essential. Students and professionals should cultivate the ability to quickly assimilate new developments and adjust their strategies accordingly. 14. There may be significant opportunities in developing tools and methodologies for testing, validating, and ensuring the reliability of AI systems, particularly as they are deployed in more critical applications. 15. The potential for AI to transform warfare and defense highlights the need for experts who can navigate the complex ethical and strategic implications of these technologies. The discussion highlighted the transformative potential of AI while also emphasizing the complexities and challenges involved in its development and integration into society. It underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to AI advancement, considering technological, economic, and social factors to fully leverage its capabilities while mitigating potential risks. Eric emphasized that we are likely at the beginning of a major technological revolution, comparable to the introduction of electricity or the internet. While the immediate impacts of AI are already significant, the long-term transformations may be even more profound and difficult to predict. This creates both tremendous opportunities and significant responsibilities for the current generation of students, researchers, and entrepreneurs working in and around the field of AI. AMD ROCM AMDs equivalent to NVIDIAs CUDA is primarily the ROCm (Radeon Open Compute) platform. ROCm is an open-source software stack designed to provide a similar functionality to CUDA by enabling general-purpose computing on AMD GPUs. It supports various programming models, including HIP (Heterogeneous-compute Interface for Portability), which allows developers to port CUDA applications to run on AMD hardware. ROCm is not as widely adopted as CUDA, which has a more mature ecosystem and broader support from software developers. However, ROCm is continually improving, and it supports major deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch. While CUDA remains dominant due to its extensive optimizations and library support, ROCm offers an open-source alternative that is gaining traction, especially for those looking to leverage AMDs hardware capabilities in high-performance computing and AI applications. Additionally, a project called ZLUDA has been developed to enable CUDA applications to run on AMD GPUs by translating CUDA calls into something that AMDs ROCm can understand. This project provides a drop-in replacement for CUDA, allowing applications to run on AMD hardware with minimal modifications, although it is not as comprehensive as native CUDA support. Post-Transformer Model AI There are very sophisticated new algorithms that are sort of post-transformers. They are different ways of doing gradient descent, matrix multiplication faster and better, Eric friend and collaborator has invented a new non-transformer architecture. Theres a group Eric is funding in Paris that has claims to have done the same thing. There are a lot of things at Stanford. And its similar to that, but different math. Transformers are systematic way of multiplying at the same time. You have a very large matrix. The systems are completely limited by the speed of memory to GPU communication. The answers look like supercomputers, speed of light and memory speed. Jeff Dean is talk about 8-12 distributed systems. There is a belief in the market that the invention of intelligence has infinite return. At Least Double Programmer Productivity Eric Schmidt has funded Augment to increase the productivity of 100 person software teams. He has funded other companies working on increasing programmer productvity. Actor and comedian Eric Andre says he was racially profiled when traveling through Melbourne Airport in Australia. Andre, the Emmy-nominated host of The Eric Andre Show, said in a video on Instagram early Monday morning that he had been traveling for work when he was stopped at the airport. I got detained, Andre, 41, said in the video. I got pulled out of a lineup and put in a special line in Melbourne where I was sniffed thoroughly by a dog. He said he had been traveling by plane for 25 hours from New York to Los Angeles and on to Melbourne and Brisbane. Its one of the many times Ive been racially profiled at the airport, Andre continued, speaking of the Melbourne experience. So this is a message for all Black, brown and Indigenous people traveling through Melbourne today, especially if youre traveling Qantas International by Terminal 2, please be careful. They are searching Black, brown and Indigenous people. Andre put a call out to ask for the names of the officers using dogs at the airport or what that program is. He also sought a lawyer in Australia to handle a discrimination case and information on how many people of color and white people are stopped for the dog-sniffing line. Im assuming it doesnt reflect the percentage of white passengers vs. POC passengers at any given time at that airport, Andre said. He requested that anyone hiring him in Australia not make him go through Melbourne Airport alone. Please provide a police escort or some type of security escort for me or have me fly into Brisbane or Sydney directly, Andre said. I do not feel safe in the Melbourne Airport. I do not want to be humiliated or racially discriminated against anymore at these airports. I dont want to cut my hair and wear a three-piece suit so that Im treated like a first class citizen. I shouldnt be made to feel that I am unaccepted by entering a country. Shame on the people at the Melbourne Airport that have this cockamamie procedure. I doubt it yields any safer world for anybody in Melbourne or Australia. Id love to dig up the statistics on what is coming out of that program. The comedian called the airports approach unethical a Giuliani stop-and-frisk-esque nonsense program. It has nothing to do with safety, he said. It has everything to do with racial harassment. Andre included a photo from the airport showing one of the officers with a dog. Representatives of Melbourne Airport responded with a comment on his Instagram video. Melbourne Airport does not tolerate racism in any form, their message said. We are following up your complaint with the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) who are in charge of processing all international arrivals at Melbourne Airport and other Australian international gateways. Melbourne Airport is proudly the gateway to one of the most multicultural cities in the world. We welcome ALL passengers to Melbourne, and we expect everyone to be treated equally. Andre, who has hosted Adult Swims The Eric Andre Show since 2012, received his first Emmy nominations this year for outstanding performer in a short form comedy or drama series and outstanding short form comedy, drama or variety series. (The shows runtime is 11 minutes per episode.) In 2022, Andre and comedian Clayton English took legal action in federal court after they said they were both racially profiled by Clayton County Police when they were stopped by officers in separate incidents at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. In January, they appealed the dismissal of the case. Andre starred in the 2021 hidden camera film Bad Trip and has appeared in the movies Jackass Forever and Jackass 4.5 (both 2022). He has had voice roles in the movies The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021), Sing 2 (2021) and Trolls Band Together (2023) as well as the Netflix series Disenchantment. Andres other TV roles include appearances on HBOs The Righteous Gemstones, Netflixs Guillermo del Toros Cabinet of Curiosities, FXXs Man Seeking Woman and ABCs Dont Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup. The tasks of municipal and county election officials are mostly clerical and benign, but they serve a bedrock function of the government. These are folks who tally the votes and ensure that there are no uncounted ballots, and then pass the numbers on to the state to be certified. And when the task is completed by this board of bipartisans most of them appointees -- they go back the next year and do it again. It is all part of the pageantry of our democracy, as election lawyer Marc Elias describes it: Their job is not to be political players, he explains, their job is to be the scoreboard operator. But that changed in 2020, when Donald Trump called on local officials to hold up election certification in places like Wayne County in Michigan. When that failed, he tampered with the state board and tried to get them to pass fake electors. When that failed, he took his case to court. And when that failed 64 times -- he instigated a riot. Now Trump is seeking to get swing states to annul the will of voters in November again -- by using these local election officials as the cogs in an election subversion machine -- and it deserves the scrupulous attention of anyone who still values democracy. There are dozens of pro-Trump election deniers currently working as county election officials in six swing states -- men and women working in the key battlegrounds of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania and they are not shy about their plans to hold up election results by refusing to certify the votes if Trump comes up short again. A new investigation by Rolling Stone has identified 70 Republican-appointed zealots in those states in large part from their social media posts that reflect an unapologetic belief in Trumps election lies, support for political violence, themes of Christian nationalism, and controversial race-based views, the magazine reported. They are already hard at work: Since 2020, 22 of these officials have refused or delayed the certification of election results 25 times in eight states, with most interference happening in Georgia. They do not conceal their motives. This post from the election commissioner in Erie County, Pa. one of 19 election deniers throughout that state -- was typical: Anyone in this country with an ounce of common sense knows the left cheated to some extent. Their philosophy isnt about making it easier to vote, just easier to manipulate the vote, he wrote. You cannot share this wake up call enough. "70 pro-Trump election conspiracists currently working as county election officials who have questioned the validity of elections or delayed or refused to certify results.."https://t.co/TK835ophCw JC Hawman "A republic, if you can keep it." (@JConradHawman) July 30, 2024 Trump is their top cheerleader. At his Aug. 3 rally in Atlanta, he name-checked three Georgians and called them pit bulls fighting for honesty, transparency, and victory. This trio Janice Johnston, Rick Jeffares and Janelle King are members of the five-member Georgia State Election Board, and they all refused to acknowledge that Joe Biden won their state in 2020. Days after the rally, the three approved a new rule requiring a reasonable inquiry prior to election certification that could be used to delay and threaten the Nov. 22 deadline for election certification. Thats almost a certainty. I think we are going to see mass refusals to certify the election in November, Elias told Rolling Stone. Republicans are counting on not just that they can disrupt the election in big counties; theyre counting on the fact that if they dont certify and several small counties, you cant certify statewide results. There are enough such individuals in these key posts to bring us to a constitutional crisis, added Elias, who represented the Democratic Party in recounts and litigation brought by Trump in 2020. Everything we are seeing about this election is that the other side is more organized, more ruthless, and more prepared, he said. And the goal of these so-called public servants, he explains, is to sow enough chaos to prompt GOP legislatures in Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin, for example -- to intervene. But challenging certification is just one part of the anti-democracy strategy: Republican state legislatures have passed 22 bills aimed at election integrity, Rolling Stone points out, and most are designed to take power away from election officials in favor of political employees, like those on the Georgia board. As the executive director of that states Democratic Party put it, They were playing poker with the cards up. Can they get away with it? It requires vigilance from people like Elias, who has warned of Republican attempts to weaponize certification for years, and leads an army of lawyers that asks courts to clarify the roles of election officials and calls for the removal of bad actors. Look at the number again: There are 70 election deniers in charge of counting the votes in critical counties of six swing states, and those are just the ones arrogant enough to publicly flaunt their MAGA stripes as they perform what should be a small-D democratic function. Democracy cannot survive if only one party is willing to accept defeat. That doesnt mean we should accept its delusions, even if we have come to expect that from Trump, who still considers the deprivation of constitutional rights to be his best election strategy. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. #DemsUnited #ProudBlue #Fresh Congress took some steps in 2022 to protect the country from another MAGA attack on our electoral vote counts. This is a good step. Listen. Will MAGA honor the law or find a loophole around it? pic.twitter.com/FcnjnECX0P Margie (@MargieVotes) July 31, 2024 Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Kenneth St. Charles is the CEO of the Louisiana region of the American Red Cross. He can be reached at kenneth.stcharles@redcross.org. Barnstaple Scout Group is marking another successful year of fostering fun, adventure, and life skills for local young people. Known for their dynamic and enriching programs, the group caters to children aged 4 to 13, offering a range of exciting activities designed to engage and inspire. Over the past year, the Scouts, who are aged 10 to 13, have been busy with memorable experiences that have included everything from dueling with lightsabers to scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, and even trying out Mega Stand Up Paddleboarding. The younger sections of the group have also made significant strides. Cubs, aged 8 to 10, celebrated their achievements by receiving their highest award while paddleboarding. Meanwhile, Squirrels, the youngest members aged 4 and 5, have enjoyed their own water-based adventures on the lake, ensuring that every age group has a chance to make the most of their time in Scouting. This years successes have been largely attributed to the dedication of the group's volunteers. A remarkable 79 per cent of adult volunteers in Scouting participate because they enjoy it, and 70 per cent feel they have a positive impact on the community. Their commitment is essential to the vibrant and engaging experiences that Barnstaple Scouts offer. Looking ahead, Barnstaple Scouts are already planning for the future. The group aims to represent UK Scouting at the Danish Jamboree, an international Scouting camp set to take place in 2026. For those who prefer to stay closer to home, there are local camps scheduled for the end of September and a visit to an Adventure Centre planned for February 2025. Prospective new members have an exciting opportunity to get involved. Barnstaple Scout Group is set to launch a new Scout Troop in the upcoming academic year and invites interested young people aged 10 to 13 to join them at an Open Event on Tuesday, September 10. This event will allow potential recruits to experience Scouting firsthand. For more information or to register for the Open Event, contact Martin Stephens at martin.stephens@scouts.org.uk. Barnstaple Scouts look forward to welcoming new faces Caterpillar is planning a $725 million investment in Indiana. The construction equipment manufacturer, which moved its headquarters from suburban Chicago to suburban Dallas two years ago, is expanding its Lafayette Large Engine Center with the largest capital investment since the facility opened in 1982. The project is intended to increase Caterpillar's ability to manufacture new engines and aftermarket parts to keep up with rising demand. It will spend several years building a new building on the campus, bringing on new equipment, refurbishing existing equipment and expanding the campus' footprint. The expansion will allow it to build and test new engines, aftermarket components and genset packages. Were excited for the opportunity to further invest in our Lafayette Engine Center to continue to deliver for our customers, said Bart Myers, Caterpillar senior vice president of large power systems, who has responsibility for the Lafayette campus. We are grateful to the State of Indiana, the City of Lafayette and Tippecanoe County for their support as we make this investment to ensure adequate capacity while enhancing safety for our employees. Caterpillar forecasts increasing demand for backup power for data centers, which are being constructed across the country because of increased data use of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. VALPARAISO Porter County police said they are investigating the death of a 5-year-old boy at a Portage Township home. Video captures 'life threatening' waves pummeling local beaches "Remain out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions and do not venture out onto piers, jetties, breakwalls, or other shoreline structures," the NWS said. Officers were called to the home around 4:41 a.m. Sunday and were told the boy was found unresponsive and not breathing, according to police. "Officers arrived on scene and immediately began CPR, but the child was beyond help," police said. "The juvenile was pronounced deceased on-scene." Portage man pleads guilty to child porn in return for no prison time The accused was arrested in April on allegations of possessing child pornography after state police received a tip of online activities, according to Indiana State Police. Detectives spoke to the other individuals home at the time and police said the family is cooperating. An autopsy is planned as the investigation continues. BEVERLY SHORES The public is encouraged to stay out of Lake Michigan through at least Tuesday evening as a result of life threatening waves that are pummeling area beaches. Waves of 5 to 8 feet and dangerous currents are predicted along the local shoreline, according to a beach hazard warning issued by the National Weather Service. Portage man pleads guilty to child porn in return for no prison time The accused was arrested in April on allegations of possessing child pornography after state police received a tip of online activities, according to Indiana State Police. "Swimming conditions will be life threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers," according to the NWS. A couple swimmers were visible in the high waves Sunday evening near Beverly Shores, not far from where a 17-year-old Minnesota resident disappeared in waves about two weeks earlier. The body of Max Moras Loeza was not recovered until a couple days later about six miles away along the industrial portion of the lakefront in Burns Harbor. Judge reluctantly accepts plea agreement in sexual battery at Portage workplace The defendant pleaded guilty to a felony count of sexual battery in return for prosecutors dropping two other charges. While the shoreline warning applies to beaches in neighboring Illinois as well, the highest waves are expected in Northwest Indiana, according to the NWS. "Remain out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions and do not venture out onto piers, jetties, breakwalls, or other shoreline structures," the NWS said. PHOTOS: A new take on the 25th Annual Polar Plunge in Ogden Dunes MUNSTER The Munster Police Department is preparing to upgrade its technology and other equipment using $215,000 in federal funds earmarked for the effort by U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland. The Northwest Indiana congressman said he was honored to support front-line police officers and their work to improve public safety during a presentation Monday at Munster Town Hall. "I will continue to support our dedicated law enforcement officers with the resources and tools they need to keep themselves and our communities safe," Mrvan said. Munster Police Chief Stephen Scheckel said the money for technology upgrades obtained by Mrvan will improve efficiencies in the Munster Police Department and enhance officers' efforts to effectively investigate and solve crimes. "We can always count on Congressman Mrvan to deliver for Munster. Frank has a servants heart and has always been a friend and supporter to law enforcement throughout my entire career, and this funding demonstrates his commitment to first responders and public safety," Scheckel said. According to Munster Clerk-Treasurer Wendy Mis, the $215,000 investment not only eases the financial burden on local taxpayers but also demonstrates the town's long-term commitment to fiscal responsibility. "The financial impact of this funding is significant it allows us to allocate our local resources more effectively, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely while still providing our police department with the advanced tools necessary for effective law enforcement," Mis said. Munster Town Council President David Nellans agreed: "I thank Congressman Mrvan for his long-standing support with the Town of Munster. His tireless work for our community, from the 2008 flood to the new technology for our law enforcement today, demonstrates his commitment to Northwest Indiana." State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, likewise applauded the effort to bolster the technology and other equipment used by Munster police officers. "I'm proud of the work Congressman Mrvan, the Munster police chief and our local law enforcement have done to make this achievement a reality. Our law enforcement officers play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe, and their sacrifices are invaluable," Andrade said. The federal funds for Munster Police were part of Mrvan's $16 million in Community Project Funding requests included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 that was approved by Congress and signed into law by Democratic President Joe Biden in March. Mrvan also designated federal spending for new cameras, radios and other technology for the police departments in Gary, Hammond, Merrillville and Michigan City in the federal appropriations measure. The federal spending was supported by Mrvan and the entire Indiana congressional delegation, except for U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate; U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., the Republican nominee for governor; and U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Noblesville, records show. Mrvan has requested $11 million in Region earmarks in the 2025 federal spending proposal, including money for police technology upgrades in Crown Point, Dyer, East Chicago, Griffith, Hobart, LaPorte, Schererville and Valparaiso. Gallery: Indiana historical markers in the Region First Physician Great Sauk (Sac) Trail St. John's Lutheran Church Tolleston Dutch in the Calumet Region St. John Township School, District #2 The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section Froebel School - side 1 Froebel School Stewart Settlement House Stewart Settlement House Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Bailly Homestead Iron Brigade Willow Creek Confrontation Ogden ski jump.jpg Teale 1.jpg Teale 2.jpg Steel 1.jpg Steel 2.jpg Civil War camps.jpg Old lighthouse.jpg Railroad.jpg Camp Anderson.jpg Boundary line 1.jpg Boundary line 2.jpg LaPorte courthouse 1.jpg LaPorte courthouse 2.jpg Carnegie 1.jpg Carnegie 2.jpg Rumely Co 1.jpg Rumely Co 2.jpg Lincoln train 1.jpg Lincoln train 2.jpg LaPorte university 1.jpg Laporte university 2.jpg Gary Roosevelt 1 Gary Roosevelt 2 Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus 1.jpg Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus 2.jpg In Chicago, total strangers have accosted Marlo Thomas on the street, asking her not to take Phil Donahue away. In New York, on the other hand, a 1982 lecture by Mr. Donahue at the 2,700-seat Beacon Theater had to be canceled when only 250 tickets were sold. But when the Chicago-based Mr. Donahue married Miss Thomas in 1980, he knew that both he and his program would move here, where his wife lives, some day. So on Jan. 7, ''Donahue'' will begin broadcasting from its new home at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It remains to be seen how the change in venue will affect the formula that has made ''Donahue'' the most successful talk show on daytime television. There are no plans to alter the format that has made the program as controversial as it is popular. It will still offer hourlong discussions on topics ranging from witchcraft to child molesters to the war in El Salvador, with celebrity guests running the gamut from Geraldine Ferraro to Boy George. Under the guidance of Mr. Donahue - who has been known to tell his staff ''I want all the topics hot! '' - it will also retain its emphasis on the two S's, sex and surgery. Of the former, Mr. Donahue has said, ''I think if it exists you can discuss it,'' and has often made good on that promise. As for the latter, ''Donahue'' has televised childbirth, tubal ligation, an abortion and various urological procedures. The program reached a zenith of sorts when it featured an interracial lesbian couple that had had a child by artificial insemination. Jump to: Todays Theme | Tricky Clues MONDAY PUZZLE Anyone who has tried to lease an apartment in New York City has probably learned to translate brokers euphemisms for crummy real estate. An open concept one-bedroom? Thats a studio. A place thats close to transportation can just mean that its within earshot of subway tracks. Youll love this quiet pad all of your windows face brick walls! Kenneth Cortes, who constructed todays puzzle, takes certain liberties in describing the grids real estate but the use of language is clever rather than crooked. Democrats released their party platform on Sunday, unveiling a document that offers plenty of political comfort food for a newly energized party ahead of its convention in Chicago. As a sign of what Democrats believe will mobilize their forces and the head-spinning transformation that has remade their presidential ticket the document mentions former President Donald J. Trumps name 150 times. Vice President Kamala Harris, the new nominee who has brought her party back together after a bruising internal fight over President Bidens candidacy, is mentioned by name just 32 times. The platform seems intended to avoid stirring any controversy that could derail that fresh feeling of unity. Even as feel-good displays of joy and confidence are set to dominate the Democratic National Convention this week in Chicago, one painful issue is bitterly dividing the Democratic establishment from its left flank: Israels war in Gaza. The specter of convention-upending protests that hovered over a gathering hosted for President Biden has receded somewhat with the rise of a new candidate in Kamala Harris, who is seen as more sympathetic to Palestinian rights activists. But tens of thousands of protesters are still expected to convene just outside the events security perimeter, and the potential for high-profile disruptions remains real. Emphasizing the unity theme, convention planners have tried to mollify both Muslim and Jewish Americans. Speaking slots have been allotted to the families of American hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. One of the most prominent Muslims in national politics, Keith Ellison, the progressive attorney general of Minnesota, will be given time onstage. Doug Emhoff, the husband of Ms. Harris, is expected to speak proudly of his Judaism. And the Democratic platform highlights Americas commitment to Israeli security. John Aprea, an actor who played crooks in The Godfather Part II and other films, and later appeared briefly as the strict but loving father of a popular character on the sitcom Full House, died on Aug. 5 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 83. His manager, Will Levine, confirmed the death. No cause was given. In The Godfather Part II (1974), the second installment of the mafia family trilogy, Mr. Aprea played a young version of Salvatore Sal Tessio, an earnest mobster. Mr. Aprea had lost out to Al Pacino for the part of Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972). But his turn as Tessio helped to launch his career. That was the credit, I think, that turned everything around, he said in a 2019 interview with the actor Clint Culp. Israel agreed to a proposal to help cease-fire talks, the U.S. said Secretary of State Antony Blinken said yesterday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted a bridging proposal aimed at closing the gap between Israel and Hamas on a cease-fire deal for Gaza. A spokesman for Netanyahu confirmed that the prime minister had told Blinken that Israel had agreed to the proposal, which U.S., Egyptian and Qatari mediators presented last week. Blinken discussed the proposal during a three-hour meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Hamas officials did not immediately comment, but they have called the proposal slanted toward Israel. Whats next: Negotiations on a cease-fire deal are expected to resume this week in Egypt. Blinken said that the talks represent probably the best, maybe the last chance to bring the hostages home and put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security. A Canadian convenience store giant wants to buy the Japanese company that operates 7-Eleven in a deal that would create one of the worlds largest retail groups. Japans Seven & i Holdings said Monday that it had received a preliminary takeover bid from Alimentation Couche-Tard. The specifics of the proposal including how much money was offered have not been disclosed. Seven & i said in a statement that it had established a committee of independent directors to review the offer. Independent directors are members of the board who are not executives of the company. Alimentation Couche-Tard operates more that 16,000 Couche-Tard and Circle K stores across North America and Europe. Seven & i sits atop a vast network of 85,000 stores, primarily in Asia and the United States. If not for the trade war between the worlds two largest economies, Easy Signs would now be hiring dozens of workers at its factory in Allentown, Pa. It would be readying plans to build a second plant somewhere out West Salt Lake City was a contender generating another 100 jobs. Based in Australia, Easy Signs manufactures banners and marketing installations for corporate events, using huge printers to press logos and slogans onto rolls of cloth. Its American business has been growing 70 percent a year. Still, the company is putting off an expansion. Its cloth signs are displayed on aluminum stands made in China. Those products are now subject to a series of tariffs reaching as high as 365 percent under a policy set in motion by former President Donald J. Trump and continued by the Biden administration in the name of protecting American industry from Chinese government subsidies. The costs of imported components could increase further should Mr. Trump win Novembers presidential election and follow through on his threat to add a tariff of 60 percent or more on all Chinese goods, and 10 percent to all imports. ABC News said on Monday that Almin Karamehmedovic, the senior executive producer of World News Tonight with David Muir, is the networks next president. The appointment puts Mr. Karamehmedovic, 52, in charge of a diminished but still powerful TV news empire that includes popular shows like Good Morning America, World News Tonight with David Muir, 20/20 and Nightline. He will also oversee the networks coverage of special events, such as the upcoming presidential debate and election, and the ABC News Studios division. Mr. Karamehmedovic has been at ABC News for more than two decades, working his way up the ranks from freelance video editing to the pinnacle of the TV news industry. His ascension is a positive omen for Mr. Muir, who anchors ABCs flagship newscast, putting one of his key allies in control of the entire network. Mr. Karamehmedovic said in a statement that he would be leading the best team in journalism in his new role. George Santos, the disgraced former Republican congressman from New York whose penchant for lying led to one of the oddest sideshows in modern U.S. politics, pleaded guilty on Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and admitted to an array of other frauds and deceits. While Mr. Santoss decision will allow him to avoid a costly trial that was scheduled for next month, it ensures that he will face at least two years in prison. The plea offers a coda to the tale of a political underdog who catapulted to Congress less than two years ago and then watched his career quickly unravel as his seemingly endless series of falsehoods came to light. Mr. Santos repeatedly insisted that he would defend his innocence in court, only to reverse course as the opportunity approached. New York City officials began clearing out an encampment of homeless migrants on Randalls Island on Monday as the city contends with a growing number of migrants sleeping outside. Dozens of migrants have been sleeping in camping tents, under tarps and on mattresses outside a giant tent dormitory on Randalls Island, where the city is housing 3,000 migrants. Most are men from West Africa and Latin America who moved outside this summer as Mayor Eric Adams began enforcing stricter rules on the amount of time adult migrants can stay in the shelter system, leading some to be evicted. On Monday morning, the migrants scrambled to pack their tents and belongings as police officers and city workers scoured the area to collect belongings left behind. Outreach workers from the Department of Homeless Services offered migrants rides to a processing center to apply for a shelter placement, though many were wary after having maxed out their allotted time in the shelter system. The encampment on Randalls Island had emerged as a visible symbol of one of the citys most vexing challenges: a migrant influx that has seen more than 210,000 people arriving from the southern border seeking shelter. Two years into the crisis, the city is still housing nearly 64,000 migrants in hotels, offices and other shelters. Manhattan prosecutors left the politically fraught decision of when to sentence Donald J. Trump in his criminal hush-money case to a judge, declining to endorse or oppose the former presidents request to postpone until after the November election. The sentencing is currently set for Sept. 18, just seven weeks before Election Day, when Mr. Trump, now a felon, will square off for the presidency against Vice President Kamala Harris. Mr. Trump had asked to postpone the sentencing until after the election partly so he had more time to challenge his conviction. In a letter to the judge overseeing the case, Justice Juan M. Merchan, prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorneys office acknowledged the existing schedule posed some challenges. But the prosecutors also disputed many of Mr. Trumps arguments for delaying his sentencing, and said they were prepared to appear for sentencing at any date the judge chooses. The people defer to the court on the appropriate post-trial schedule that allows for adequate time for Mr. Trump to challenge his conviction, while also pronouncing sentence without unreasonable delay, the prosecutors wrote in the letter, dated Aug. 16 and released on Monday. Yusef Salaam, a city councilman from Harlem, was one of five Black and Latino men exonerated in the rape and assault of a white female jogger in Central Park in 1989. Former President Donald J. Trump, who is white, took out full-page advertisements in four newspapers, including The New York Times, calling for the death penalty to be reinstated because of the case. Now Mr. Salaam is expected to speak at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday evening, the last night of the convention, according to three people familiar with the convention planning, because he is seen as an ideal candidate to talk about how dangerous it would be to elect Mr. Trump to a second term. Not only can he speak to concerns about Mr. Trumps character, but Mr. Salaam, who is Black, would demonstrate Black mens backing of Vice President Kamala Harris, as some polls have shown their wavering support for Democrats. Something very special is happening in America right now a Black woman is going to be the president of these United States, Mr. Salaam said of Ms. Harris as he walked through Central Harlem on Saturday, greeting people during the Harlem Week festival. Its also a very dangerous time. Democracy itself is on the ballot. In the 2000s, former President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela bet his countrys economic future on a rising China, securing tens of billions of dollars in investments and loans-for-oil deals. It paid off at first. China voraciously consumed Venezuelan oil and financed infrastructure projects, such as a high-speed railway and power plants. The 2010s brought a reckoning. Oil prices fell, and growth in Chinese oil demand slowed along with its economy. Venezuelas oil export revenues plummeted, to $22 billion in 2016 from more than $73 billion in 2011. Misrule by Mr. Chavez and his handpicked successor, Nicolas Maduro, and myriad other domestic problems already had Venezuela on the brink; the gamble on China helped push it over the edge. In 2014, Venezuelas economy collapsed. People scavenged for food in garbage dumps, hospitals were short of essential medicines and crime surged. Since then, nearly eight million people have fled the country. China largely cut Venezuela off from new credit and loans, leaving behind a slew of unfinished projects. Venezuelas over-dependence on China was an early warning that the world ignored. Dozens of other countries that rode Chinas rise are now at serious risk of financial distress and debt default as the Chinese economy stagnates. Yet China refuses to offer meaningful foreign debt relief and is doubling down at home on its protectionist trade practices when it should be undertaking reforms to free up and restart its economy, the worlds second-largest and a crucial engine of global growth. That is the flip side of Chinas miracle. After the 2008 global financial crisis, the world needed an economic savior, and China filled that role. Starting in 2008, it pumped $29 trillion into its economy over nine years equivalent to about one-third of global G.D.P. to keep it going. The positive ripple effects were felt worldwide: From 2008 to 2021 China accounted for more than 40 percent of global growth. Developing countries eagerly attached themselves to what seemed like an unstoppable economic juggernaut, and China became the top trading partner for most of the worlds nations. Like Venezuela, many discovered that the booming Chinese economy was a lucrative new market for their commodity exports, and they leaned heavily into that, allowing other sectors of their economies to languish. In December 2022, early into what he now describes as his political journey, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut gave a speech warning his fellow Democrats that they were ignoring a crisis staring them in the face. For over a year, President Biden and his allies had been promoting data showing an economic miracle, as friendly pundits described it a record-setting stock market, low unemployment and G.D.P. growth outpacing that of almost every other Western nation. But very few voters believed the story those metrics were telling. In poll after poll, they expressed a bleak view of the economy to the frustration of both Democrats and many economists. Mr. Murphy thought he knew why. The challenges America faces arent really logistical, he told the crowd. They are metaphysical. And the sooner we understand the unspooling of identity and meaning that is happening in America today, the sooner we can come up with practical policies to address this crisis. The subject of the speech was what Mr. Murphy called the imminent fall of American neoliberalism. This may sound like strange talk from a middle-of-the-road Democratic senator, who up until that point had never seemed to believe that the system that orders our world was on the verge of falling. He campaigned for Hillary Clinton against Bernie Sanders during the 2016 primaries, and his most visible political stance up until then was his work on gun control after the Sandy Hook shooting. Imagine being a male firefly when suddenly the telltale flashing of a female catches your eye. Enthralled, you speed toward loves embrace only to fly headfirst into a spiders web. That flashy female was in fact another male firefly, himself trapped in the web, and the spider may have manipulated his light beacon to lure you in. This high-stakes drama plays out nightly in the Jiangxia District of Wuhan, China. There, researchers have found that male fireflies caught in the webs of the orb-weaver spider Araneus ventricosus flash their light signals more like females do, which leads other males to get snagged in the same web. And weirdly, the spiders might be making them do this, almost like hunters blowing a duck call to attract prey. The idea that a spider can manipulate the signaling of a prey species is very intriguing, said Dinesh Rao, a spider biologist at the University of Veracruz in Mexico. They show clearly that a trapped firefly in the web attracts more fireflies. Dr. Rao was not involved in the research, but served as a peer reviewer of the paper published Monday in the journal Current Biology. Xinhua Fu, a zoologist at Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, was in the field surveying firefly diversity when he first noticed that male fireflies seemed to end up ensnared in orb-weaver spider webs more often than females. Wondering if the spiders were somehow specifically attracting males, he teamed up with Daiqin Li and Shichang Zhang, animal behavior experts from nearby Hubei University, to get to the bottom of this sticky mystery. Working near paddy fields and ponds, the researchers observed the flashing of trapped male fireflies and saw that it more closely resembled that of females than of free-flying males. Trapped males flashed using only one of their two bioluminescent lantern organs, and they made one flash at a time rather than multiple flashes in quick succession, the same lighting signals females send when trying to attract males. To see if this altered flashing could be luring more males to their doom, the team identified a whopping 161 webs with a trapped male firefly and randomly assigned one of four conditions to them: Either they removed the spider, blackened out the fireflys lanterns with ink, did both or did neither. They then diligently monitored each web every five to 10 minutes and recorded how many new males were caught. It might sound like an impossible request: a last-minute Labor Day getaway with gorgeous weather and minimal crowds that you can squeeze into a long weekend. There are good reasons many destinations across North America wont fit the bill. Wildfires are burning in some parts of the West, tropical disturbances are brewing in the Caribbean, the East Coasts coastal retreats are packed, and much of the South is sweaty and oh so steamy. But if youre still hoping to stretch out the last days of summer, there are places that are not too hot, not too crowded and not necessarily that far away. Here are seven inspirations in North America for a Labor Day getaway. As Democrats gathered in Chicago on Monday, eager to project an image of a liberal movement fully united behind Vice President Kamala Harris, thousands of people marched a few blocks away, presenting a thorny counterpoint. For hours, protesters furious over the Biden administrations support for Israel and its failure to end the war in Gaza held signs, chanted and pushed for Ms. Harris to break with the president on those issues. The loudest challenge to the opening day of the Democratic National Convention was coming not from Republicans, but from the progressive left. It is no longer good enough just to stand against Trump, said Ellie Feyans-McCool, who traveled from Minnesota to attend the march, and had not yet decided whether she would support Ms. Harris or some other candidate. You have to do good. Chicago has grown accustomed to being a political punching bag. For years, Republicans have used the citys real problems with crime and corruption as a sort of dystopian shorthand for all that ails Democratic cities. Mayor Brandon Johnson has cast himself as a counterpoint to that caricature. In speech after speech, he refers to Chicago as the greatest freakin city in the world. He once said, If you dont live in Chicago, you dont have a right to talk about the city of Chicago. And as some expressed trepidation about hosting this weeks Democratic National Convention, Mr. Johnson, 48 and in his first term as mayor, insisted that Chicago was ready, arguing that theres nowhere else in this country that could handle the gravity of what were experiencing right now. Municipal pep talks aside, Mr. Johnsons first 15 months in City Hall have not been easy. Chicago has struggled to take in tens of thousands of migrants, many of them bused in by Texas conservatives making a political point. Voters rejected a plan the mayor campaigned on to raise tax revenues to address homelessness. And a contentious City Council debate about whether to call for a cease-fire in Gaza exposed divides on the political left, with Mr. Johnson casting the tiebreaking vote in favor of the resolution. As the Democratic Party comes to town this week along with journalists, law enforcement officials and thousands of left-wing protesters furious with the Biden administration Mr. Johnson, who spoke from the main stage on Monday night, believes that this convention has the potential to reframe the conversation about Chicago. It was August 1968, and Chicago was ready to combust. The Democratic National Convention had come to town, along with thousands of delegates, guests and journalists. Demonstrators arrived in the city ready for battle, protesting the United States involvement in the Vietnam War, which by then had killed more than 25,000 Americans. Mayor Richard J. Daley, who had seen the West Side of his city burn months earlier after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., was determined to protect the citys residents from more unrest and crack down on protesters who were furious at the war, the draft and the deaths of their peers. And he did. Over several days, protesters and the police clashed on the streets in rioting that was captured on national television. Authorities used tear gas, called in the National Guard and arrested hundreds of demonstrators, often with brutal force. Joyous Democrats have descended on Chicago, a city awash in Kamala Harris merchandise, memes and crowds of people eager to celebrate her White House candidacy, having long moved on from President Bidens ill-fated run. Then there are the Delawareans. As Democrats from Mr. Bidens home state gathered at a private breakfast on Monday, some couldnt help reflecting that this was intended to be his Democratic National Convention until he bowed out of the race last month under staggering pressure from fellow Democrats who feared he would lose and bring the party down with him. For the long-tenured Delaware Democrats who can rattle off the endorsements Mr. Biden, 81, received in his 1972 Senate race and can tick through details of his county council term before that the idea of state and national politics without him is unimaginable. Before his Monday evening speech handing the reins to Ms. Harris, they were already bracing for the waterworks. We were banking on him having four more years doing this, said Rabbi Michael Beals sometimes called Bidens rabbi because of their longstanding relationship. He predicted tears. Several organizations focused on combating climate change joined forces on Monday for a $55 million advertising campaign in support of Vice President Kamala Harris, embracing what they describe as the economic upside of the Democratic Partys environmental efforts. The campaign will include ads in at least six swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. It is being run by the L.C.V. Victory Fund, a political arm of the League of Conservation Voters; E.D.F. Action Votes, an affiliate of the Environmental Defense Fund; Climate Power Action, a communications organization; and Future Forward, one of the biggest super PACs in Democratic politics. When the choice is so stark between Vice President Harris and Trump, and we know its going to be a close election, there was a recognition that we needed to join forces, Pete Maysmith, the senior vice president of campaigns at the League of Conservation Voters, said in an interview. The coalition, he said, could put more dollars together jointly to communicate why this is such an important decision from a climate and energy perspective. Three of the ads, shared with The New York Times before their release, frame President Bidens climate policies and Ms. Harriss prospective policies in terms of economic benefits rather than environmental ones, and also touch on economic issues not directly related to the climate. Democrats have cemented the lineup of speakers for the first night of their convention in Chicago, one that blends nostalgic tributes to President Biden with blunt messaging about the threat of a second Donald J. Trump presidency. In the early evening, the session will be called to order by Jaime Harrison, the Democratic National Committee chairman, and the convention committee chair, Minyon Moore. Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago will then deliver welcoming remarks before the delegates hold a ceremonial vote confirming Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as the partys vice-presidential nominee. Vice President Kamala Harris named Mr. Walz as her running mate almost two weeks ago. The program, which will run from 6:15 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. Eastern time, will be headlined by Mr. Biden and the first lady, Jill Biden, along with Hillary Clinton, the partys presidential nominee in 2016 who lost to Mr. Trump. When he was campaigning for the presidency in 2020, President Biden said he would be a bridge to a new generation of leaders. When he speaks tonight in Chicago after his tumultuous summer, he might feel a little more like a drawbridge about to be pulled up. Biden, who secured nearly all of his partys delegates before he withdrew from the presidential race late last month, is set to take the stage at the Democratic National Convention late tonight, when he will make the case for Vice President Kamala Harris and then swiftly leave town as his party prepares to face former President Donald Trump without him. It will be an unusual moment, since the last president to withdraw from his re-election campaign, Lyndon Johnson, did not attend his partys convention. For the past few election cycles, the messaging app WhatsApp has been a major source of news and connection and misinformation for Latinos in the United States, a forum to swap memes, jokes and emojis with one another across the nation and Latin America. Now, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, are joining the platform. The Harris-Walz campaign announced on Monday that it was starting a broadcasting channel on the messaging app in an effort to reach Latino voters, a critical slice of the American electorate that Democrats have struggled to shore up and whose decisions at the ballot box could prove decisive in November. Campaign officials said the channel would be the first of its kind in a presidential election. It is set to be unveiled with a bilingual selfie-style video that features Ms. Harriss campaign manager, Julie Chavez-Rodriguez. The channel will offer users a behind-the-scenes look at the campaign and the latest news about Ms. Harriss platform, they said. Senator JD Vance of Ohio on Monday accused Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota of misleading the public about their records and taking relatively few questions on the campaign trail. But Mr. Vances attacks, made to supporters at an appearance in Philadelphia, also trained the spotlight on his own less-than-direct answers to specific questions, including whether he and former President Donald J. Trump would support an increase in the federal minimum wage and whether his own opinions have changed on the need for a federal abortion ban. Some of Mr. Vances evasiveness could be chalked up to smart politics, such as refusing to say which Philadelphia eatery he preferred for cheesesteaks. Still, his elusiveness on more serious policy questions gave an opening to his Democratic opponents to call into question his own resolve on crucial issues. Mr. Vance said Ms. Harris was only pretending to run for president, describing her as overly scripted and suggesting the former senator and California attorney general was fearful of answering questions from the news media. He criticized Mr. Walz for not agreeing to a second vice-presidential debate and accused him of lying about his military service. The First Amendment protects the right to assemble peaceably and protest, but courts have also recognized the right of the government to impose some restrictions on protests in the interest of safety and public order. Where are the boundary lines when those rights threaten to collide? That question has arisen as the Democratic National Convention gets underway in Chicago the Super Bowl of free speech, in one civil liberties advocates phrase. Many points of potential conflict have been negotiated ahead of time by protest organizers and city authorities: Can protesters use sound equipment that might make them audible inside the convention hall? (The answer, after some wrangling, was yes.) Can the city force a protest march to stay far from its intended audience? (A compromise route was worked out.) Negotiations like these are common before major party conventions, which are a magnet for expression about a range of public policy issues, said Ed Yohnka, the director of communications and public policy at the Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, who offered the Super Bowl comparison. On August 13th, at the Jiekou section of Xin'an River in Shexian County in Anhui Province, environmental monitoring personnel from Anhui and Zhejiang provinces drove speedboats to jointly collect water samples on the river. To ensure clean waters flowing out of Xin'an river, this marks the 13th consecutive year that both regions have conducted joint water quality monitoring. At the monitoring site, staff strictly adhered to technical operating standards, using a deep-water sampler to collect samples from depths of 5 to 8 meters. It is understood that each monitoring session involves selecting mixed water samples from the left, middle, and right sections of the Xin'an River to ensure that the water samples monitored are representative. In recent years, Shexian County has adopted multiple measures to solidly promote the ecological and environmental protection of the Xin'an River Basin. To eliminate new sources of pollution from the source, the county specifically compiled a negative list for industrial access and constructed a circular economy park. Currently, the park has established a centralized heating company, a sewage treatment center, and a high-salinity wastewater desalination center, achieving "three centralizations" in heating, pollution treatment, and desalination. According to statistics, since 2012, the county has cumulatively built or upgraded 221 sewage treatment sites. In implementing the fishing ban, to ensure that fishermen who have come ashore have guaranteed livelihoods and opportunities for employment, Shexian County has comprehensively utilized various measures such as industrial transformation support, poverty relief, employment training, and public welfare infrastructure construction. Since 2023, a total of 86,000 yuan in subsidies for employment support policies for retired fishermen has been disbursed, and skill training services have been provided for 413 individuals. Currently, the water quality compliance rate at the national control sections of Xin'an River in Shexian County and the excellent rate of water quality at centralized drinking water sources both reach 100%. The water quality at the cross-provincial boundary sections meets the Class II standards for surface water environmental quality, with nearly 7 billion cubic meters of clear water delivered to Qiandao Lake each year. Source: Anhui Daily Former President Donald J. Trump, who has notably harbored a grudge against the pop music megastar Taylor Swift, set the internet ablaze on Sunday when he shared social media posts suggesting that she had endorsed him and that her fans could help him win the November election. In a post on his social media site, Truth Social, Mr. Trump drew attention to a group of images that were created using artificial intelligence. One showed Ms. Swift dressed up as Uncle Sam with the headline: Taylor Wants You to Vote for Donald Trump. The others depicted a crowd of young women wearing matching Swifties for Trump T-shirts. At least one of the images, which were shared by a social media influencer aligned with Mr. Trump, was labeled satire. I accept, Mr. Trump wrote in a post, seemingly implying that he had received Ms. Swifts endorsement. Ruth Johnson Colvin, who founded what became one of the worlds largest organizations of volunteers tutoring basic language skills to functionally illiterate peoples in America and other lands, opening doors to citizenship and better lives, died on Sunday at her home in Syracuse, N.Y. She was 107. The death was confirmed by her daughter, Lindy Webb. In 1961, Ms. Colvin, a middle-aged, college-educated Syracuse homemaker and mother of two, was appalled to discover that the recent census had counted 11,055 residents of Onondaga County, N.Y., who could not read or write. She had no experience teaching, but felt passionately that she had to do something about it. A year later, after consulting reading specialists and service agencies, she opened an office in her basement, began recruiting volunteers from churches to be tutors, wrote training manuals, and set up a small group to reach out to residents, many of them immigrants, to teach them basic English, offering pathways to jobs, education and rising standards of living. The Nicaraguan government on Monday canceled the legal status of 1,500 nonprofit organizations many of them evangelical religious groups in the authoritarian governments continued effort to quash people and institutions that are not allied with the government. More than 5,000 nonprofit organizations, including church groups, have been shut down in Nicaragua since 2018. Mondays sweep of 1,500 civic and religious groups was by far the largest in a single day. The measure came just days after the government banished from the country two Catholic priests who had been detained earlier this month. Mondays decision was notable because President Daniel Ortegas government had until now focused its ire on the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in regions where high-profile bishops and priests had spoken out against human rights abuses. It started a number of years ago with angry remarks from tourists every now and again. But in recent years, the comments flew all of the time, with people shouting, Shame! at Thibault Danthine, a horse-drawn carriage operator in Brussels, as they walked by. Ten years ago, that never happened, said Mr. Danthine, a self-described horse lover. At the end, it was every day. Exhausted by being accused of perpetrating animal cruelty, Mr. Danthine decided to sell his five horses and use the proceeds to buy two electric carriages, designed to look like an early model of an electric vehicle developed in the 1800s by the inventor Robert Anderson, instead. In June, Brussels became the first European capital to offer daily tours on electric carriages. Mr. Danthine, the citys only carriage operator, said he had no interest in becoming the ambassador of a movement to ban horse-drawn carriages. Still, his decision puts Brussels in the ranks of a growing number of cities around the world that have decided to shun such carriages, concerned about the horses welfare. At least one person was killed and six others, including a British software mogul, were missing on Monday after a sailing yacht carrying 22 people sank during a violent storm off the coast of Sicily, Italian officials said. The yacht sank after a storm with strong winds struck around 5 a.m., according to Luciano Pischedda, the Italian Coast Guard official overseeing the rescue operations. The vessel had been anchored about a half-mile off Porticello, about 12 miles east of the Sicilian capital, Palermo. In July, as he secretly readied an invasion of Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine sent a very different signal in public: He wanted talks to end the war. Speaking to the BBC, Mr. Zelensky said he had a plan to end the hot stage of the war this year. He dispatched his foreign minister on a surprise trip to China, a mission to improve Ukraines relationship with Russias most important partner. And he pushed for a series of international meetings, including one planned for Qatar in August, in which he hoped to rally backing for Ukraines positions and pave the way for a broader settlement. His summer overtures departed from the two years of Mr. Zelenskys refusing to offer any hint of concessions in the face of a Russian invasion that many Ukrainians believe aims to wipe their country off the map. And they made it all the more stunning when on Aug. 6, Ukrainian forces rolled into Russias Kursk region, delivering one of the most embarrassing moments for President Vladimir V. Putin in 30 months of war and confounding predictions that the two countries might be headed toward a cease-fire. Kyiv is making a risky bet: that the incursion gives it new leverage for a favorable deal with the Kremlin, even as its military remains on the defense across much of the front line in Ukraine. Russians who know Mr. Putin expect him to lash out in response, believing that his military has the upper hand in personnel and weaponry. On a recent summer day in Kuwait, as the temperature soared above 110 degrees, four Indian migrant workers stood by the side of a road with their belongings stuffed into bags. Suresh Kumar, 52, and his roommates had just been evicted as the authorities swept their neighborhood for building code violations after a fatal fire in June that killed 49 migrant workers, the vast majority of whom were Indian. The four men said they had shared a 172-square-foot room on the ground floor of an apartment building, but inhabiting the ground floor is prohibited, so the owner was demolishing the room. Now they were homeless, and unsure of where to go. Kuwait, perched on the Persian Gulf, is one of the richest countries in the world, with a $980 billion sovereign fund built on oil revenue. But little of that wealth is enjoyed by migrant workers like Mr. Kumar and his roommates, who often struggle with inadequate housing and low wages, and who have limited power to seek recourse. Mr. Kumar and his roommates were all construction workers subcontracted on projects for Kuwaits state oil firm and refining company, and they said they could afford to pay only about $325 in rent between the four of them. Because a whole apartment would cost more than twice that amount, they were resigned to finding themselves another room to share, with no guarantee that it would be any safer or more comfortable than their old home. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said on Monday that Israel had accepted a Biden administration proposal to bridge some remaining differences with Hamas on a cease-fire deal, as he pushed what he called probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to secure a truce and free the remaining hostages in Gaza. Mr. Blinken made the declaration after a nearly three-hour meeting with the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem. In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel accepts the bridging proposal that he supports it, Mr. Blinken told reporters. Its now incumbent on Hamas to do the same. The statement put new pressure on Hamas, whose officials have called the proposal fundamentally slanted toward Israel, although the details have not been publicized. Osama Hamdan, a Hamas official, said in a televised interview on Monday with Al Jazeera that Hamas had broadly accepted a framework for a cease-fire outlined by President Biden in late May. But he accused Mr. Netanyahu of introducing new conditions to that proposal and said Israeli officials had conceded nothing on key issues during a round of talks in Doha, Qatar, last week. Hamass military wing and Islamic Jihad took responsibility on Monday for what they said was a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv late Sunday, and threatened further attacks because of the continued civilian displacement and killings of Palestinians. The Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency said in a statement that a powerful explosive had been detonated on Lechi Road in southern Tel Aviv, but made no mention of a suicide attack. One passerby was moderately injured, the statement said, which described the bombing as a terrorist attack and said that the authorities were investigating. The statement did not say that the assailant had died. If confirmed, it would be the first suicide bombing in Israel since around 2016. The Israeli news media broadcast security camera footage of a man with a backpack in the area shortly before the blast. The man was killed in the explosion, news outlets said. Peretz Amar, the police chief of the Tel Aviv District, said at a news conference that the attacker, who had no criminal record and had not been on the radar of the Israeli security authorities, entered Israel from the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Mr. Amar did not name the attacker but said the explosives had most likely been manufactured in the West Bank and were of low quality. The attacker had most likely seen dozens of people gathered at a synagogue and stopped to prime the explosives, but had inadvertently detonated them, he said, adding that it could have been a large-scale attack had events turned out differently. Hala Khattabs home in the city of Deir al-Balah in Gaza had been full of children six of them. There was her oldest son, Hussein, 15; her 9-year-old quadruplets, Kinan, Hamman, Lujain and Sibal; and her baby girl, Wakeen. Early on Sunday, an Israeli airstrike demolished the familys second-floor apartment, killing Ms. Khattab, a 36-year-old teacher, and all her children, her family said. Their father, Ashraf Attar, narrowly escaped with his life. We collected the scattered body parts of the children, said Ms. Khattabs brother, Ahmad Khattab, a nurse who lives nearby and helped search the rubble. Mr. Khattab added, There is absolutely no explanation for the strike on the family. The Israeli military confirmed an attack in Deir al-Balah on Sunday morning, saying that its air force had carried out a precision strike on a significant Islamic Jihad terrorist who had directed attacks on its troops throughout the war. The military said it had launched the strike after warning civilians on Friday to temporarily evacuate the area. Image An undated photo of Hala Khattab with her children. The military did not name the target of the strike, and it remained unclear if Israeli commanders believed he had lived in the Khattab familys apartment or in another location. The childrens father is also a nurse, not a militant, said Mr. Khattab 35. The strike demolished all the exterior walls of the familys apartment in a three-story building, he said. The blast threw Mr. Attar from the apartment, leaving him with a broken arm and burned legs, the brother said. The building is in an area that has never been ordered to evacuate during 10 months of war, and the family felt safe there, he said. The family did not receive an evacuation order or a warning call from the Israeli military just before the strike, either, Mr. Khattab said. The strike came a day before Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel at what Mr. Blinken called a decisive moment for diplomatic negotiations aimed at reaching a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. The meeting came more than 10 months into a war that began when Hamas led an attack into southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of about 250 others into Gaza, Israeli officials said. More than 40,000 Palestinians have also been killed in the war, according to Gazan health authorities, and it has taken an exceptional toll on children, who have been caught in the middle. Dr. Khalil al-Dagran, the director of Al-Aqsa Hospital, said that his hospital received the bodies of Ms. Khattab and her six children on Sunday morning. What did these children do? Mohammed Khattab, the childrens grandfather, said in a video interview with the Reuters news agency. Ahmad Khattab said the family had buried the six children in one grave. The Democrats are arriving in Chicago, the countrys third-largest city, for their first in-person convention in eight years. The gathering comes at a pivotal time for the party, which switched its presidential nominee only weeks ago, and for the city, which is regaining its swagger after a pandemic slump. How much do you know about Chicago? Take our quiz to find out. Kristen Orthman The Harris campaign is bringing on White House principal deputy communications director Kristen Orthman in a planning role that will coordinate across several departments, according to a report from NBC. Before working at the White House, Orthman was director of communications for the Democratic National Committee. She has also run communications for Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and former US Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV). White House communications director Ben LaBolt called Orthman a bedrock of the operation, capable of taking anything on, running a seamless process, and selflessly helping the team solve any challenge that came up in an email to staff. In addition, White House counsel spokesman for oversight Ian Sams is heading to the Harris campaign staff as a senior spokesperson. Fleur Sohtz Clearwater Analytics, which provides SaaS-based investment management, accounting, reporting and analytics solutions, appoints Fleur Sohtz as CMO. Sohtz was most recently CMO at Xceptor, a software company that helps financial institutions build automated processes. She has also led marketing efforts at such companies as Thomson Reuters, Team8 and Analytic Partners. "With her extensive CMO experience in the financial services and technology sectors, Fleur has consistently achieved exceptional results, said Clearwater Analytics CEO Sandeep Sahai. Her ability to lead transformative marketing teams that drive growth, sometimes in spite of challenging market conditions, will be invaluable to Clearwater as we reach new clients and partners in the coming months and years ahead." Natalie DeYoung Wingard, a Jacksonville-based agency, names Natalie DeYoung an equity partner. DeYoung joined Wingard in 2013, most recently serving as VP of public relations and communications. Before coming to the agency, she held editorial posts at Forbes Travel Guide and Jacksonville Magazine. Beyond her skills as a communicator, Natalie is a strong leader who seeks every opportunity to champion the success of our client partners, our team and our community. Her ability to contextualize complex details into a compelling narrative brings value to every one of our projects, said Russell Baker, CEO of Wingard. MI State Wants to Tout Economic Impact Thu., Oct. 3, 2024 Michigan State University wants bids from PR and communications firms to promote its University Research Corridor alliance with the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. Pop superstar Kylie closed the show on Sunday night as Electric Picnic wrapped up for another following a wonderful weekend of music and arts in the forests and fields of Stradbally, Co. Laois USE THE ARROWS OR CLICK NEXT TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM DAY 3 OF ELECTRIC PICNIC 2024 Marking the 20th anniversary of the festival, Noah Kahan kicked things off as the Friday night headliner after which he declared Ireland his second home! Saturday night saw the incomparable Calvin Harris blast out banger after banger, drawing Picnickers in their droves to the Main Stage. As some 75,000 festival-goers enjoyed the final day of the festival on Sunday, The Wolfe Tones took to the Main Stage, returning to Electric Picnic after their record-breaking performance in Electric Arena in 2023. Other highlights on Sunday included CMAT, Damien Dempsey, Peggy Gou and Raye. Hannah Laing closed out the Terminus Stage while Hermitage Green gave a rousing sendoff to Rankins Wood. Speaking to gathered press on Sunday afternoon, Festival Director Melvin Benn said he expects there will be a demand for an expansion of capacity next year. "I'll certainly talk to the council about whether there's room for a bit more if there's demand, I think there will be demand. "But for the moment, I'm happy with where we are in that sense of it. I think the people that are here will have enjoyed it. "I doubt very many people will be saying they're not going to enjoy it, and not many people, won't want to be back next year. So I think the demand will be there." Tickets for Electric Picnic 2025 will go on sale at 9am this coming Wednesday, August 21. Electric Picnic 2025 will take place between August 29 and August 31. One voting system may seem very different from another but when examined closely, the two systems may be quite similar. Though they may use quite different ballots, or count the ballots differently, in elections the outcomes may be identical. Mathematicians use the term isomorphic for these sort of equivalences. Isomorphic voting systems will elect the same winners even though the vote tallies may be different; it may not be particularly obvious but the vote tallies for the two systems might always fall into the same order. Alternative isomorphic representations do provide different points of view, and examining a voting system through such an alternative perspective can sometimes be informative. But often there is one best perspective and that is called the canonical form. Most often the other alternative views add nothing but confusion. Although it is not often described this way, approval voting can be understood as the score voting with only two scores. Likewise, in the previous article of this series we observed that balanced approval voting (BAV) can be described as a score voting system with three scores. But in each case the score voting paradigm is neither the most natural nor the clearest description. Nonetheless, for approval voting it is an accurate and complete description. For BAV, however, though this description is accurate, it falls short of being a complete description. It happens that there are not just one, but three different (and not isomorphic) score voting systems, even though these three systems use the same three scores. Unfortunately, with score voting, there has long been some carelessness in specifying how the votes are tallied. What has been ignored is the need to specify what to do when there are abstentions. Surely different ways of handling abstentions could alter election results The most natural way to understand approval voting as being equivalent to a score voting system is to choose the score system which uses the scores 0 and 1. Likewise, BAV is most naturally understood as equivalent to score voting when score voting adopts the scores -1, 0, and 1; this special choice of scores illustrates what mathematicians call a canonical form. While other choices of scores lead to isomorphic systems which produce the same election outcomes, these specific scores, -1, 0, and 1, make the analogy with BAV particularly easy to understand. For one thing, if we assume there are no abstentions, the net-vote tally for BAV will exactly match the score vote tally. And certainly, if two voting systems produce the same vote tallies then they produce the same election outcomes. Using different scores such as 1, 2, and 3, the vote tallies will be quite different from BAV's net vote even though the election results may be the same. In the interest of simplicity, mathematical models often ignore some real-world details when they seem insignificant; abstracting only the essential features is useful and usually intentional. But sometimes the importance of some detail is missed. The mathematical model of score voting happens to disregard the fact that, in real elections, voters will sometimes fail to provide any rating. This might happen because the voter's feelings are conflicted about a candidate, liking some things about her but finding her offensive in other respects. Other abstentions might be simply oversights, mistakes of accidentally skipping over a candidate in the list on the ballot. But a quite common reason surely is that the voter does not feel adequately informed about a candidate, perhaps not even recognizing the candidate's name. The BAV voting system deals with abstentions explicitly, but traditionally, score voting does not. This was simply a mistake, and the mistake has led to misunderstanding. As a practical matter any election must take account of the possibility of no score being specified; the easiest solution with score voting is simply to assign a designated, default score. Score voting theory has long ignored this issue, however, providing no guidance. And that lack of guidance seems responsible for the too common assumption that it must be immaterial which score is designated as the default. That easy assumption is quite simply wrong. For the canonical system with scores -1, 0 and 1 to be equivalent (isomorphic) to BAV, that default score must be specified as the middle value among the scores. And notice that for the canonical system the scores are chosen so that middle score is 0. Choosing 0 as the default score ensures that the score tally (simply adding up all the scores for a candidate) will be identical to BAV's net-vote count (NV). BAV computes NV by subtracting the number of opposition votes for a candidate from the number of support votes. NV literally ignores abstentions when computing the vote tallies. But for score voting more generally but using the scores -1, 0 and 1, the default score is not specified; in this cast, the default value might instead be chosen to be -1 or +1. Notice that it follows that there are at least three different score voting systems, each with three scores and it turns out that only one of the three will guarantee that the score tallies will match the net vote for BAV. Let us see what would happen if we were to choose +1 as the default. It is useful to designate with the letter A, the number of abstentions for a candidate (in the score election). The score tally for that candidate would no longer be NV as in the canonical balanced system, but rather NV+A. NV seems so appropriate for an election tally that we should question what justification there could be for adding A to a candidate's tally. Should a candidate get an extra vote merely for having elicited an abstention? It seems unfair, especially in considering that the number of abstentions, A, varies greatly from one candidate to another. Candidates with many abstentions get more of a boost in their vote tally than others. And It is likely to be the least famous one will get the largest benefit. The extra advantage might be rationalized as helping the underdog. Though not so democratic this is also not very convincing. But at least this justification does evoke some appeal. Alternatively, we might choose -1 as the default and then the tally would instead match NV-A, now punishing rather than benefiting the least famous candidates. A few sadistic people might feel that when a man is down, he should be kicked and they might favor this approach, but here we might note that the candidate who is down might be a woman. This approach seems as undemocratic as the other. And there seems to be even less appeal to the idea. Oddly however, this kick'm-while-they-are-down approach is exactly what most score voting systems adopt. When there is an abstention, the smallest score has habitually been chosen to serve as the default. No doubt following this tradition is why star voting, with its six scores, has selected the smallest score, 0, as the default even though this disadvantages third parties and independents. In at least this respect, star voting perpetuates duopoly politics and the polarization that accompanies it. Traditionally, negative scores have been avoided with score voting but it has not been uncommon for one of the scores to be zero. Star voting specifies zero as its default score and in fact, there is a good reason for assigning zero as the default score. When you do this, abstention is, in effect, ignored in computing the score tally. And it seems very likely that is what the voters would expect and want. But we observed in the previous article that, in choosing the winner, it is not the assignment of scores that matters (so long as the scores are equally spaced). What does matters is the position of the default score among the selected scores. Fair and equal treatment of candidates, famous or not requires the default score to occupy the middle position among the scores. And moving 0 to the middle position necessarily requires the lower scores to become negative. Fortunately, though, this arrangement makes the scores appear exactly how we should want them be understood, with zero being neutral, positive scores being votes of support and negative scores being votes of opposition. Using the alternative scores 2, 3 and 4 with 3 being the designated default, 3 would become the neutral vote, 2 the opposition vote and 4 the support vote. Using those scores, some voters might fail even to be aware that there are alternative ways to understand the impact of the scores. In elections, voters do oppose some candidates, just as they support others. And they want to express how they feel about the candidates. Making it clear on the ballot that a voter can express any of these opinions can only help with voter satisfaction. Conversely, it is hard to imagine any benefit in disguising that voters have the options. BAV does this quite clearly, but the score voting alternative can do it nearly clearly when the canonical form is used. With score voting, it would be good practice to always include zero as one of the scores and to make that the default. This convention would alert voters (and theorists) how the scoring is to be done and surely that is important. The canonical form described above using -1, 0 and 1 follows this practice but it is not the only way to represent BAV as a score voting system. It is merely the way that is least likely to confuse. BAV can be represented as the score voting system with scores 1, 2 and 3 (or for that matter, 57, 67 and 77). But the unnecessary mental gymnastics in dealing with these peculiar choices can cause confusion and even lead to misunderstandings. For example, when only positive scores are offered, one might conclude that the scores all represent support, though perhaps to different degrees; and some voters may react to this perception by abstaining. Instead, the canonical form suggests, quite accurately, which scores convey opposition, neutrality or support. It is important to keep in mind that the choice of scores does not materially alter the score voting system; whatever scores are chosen, election outcomes are unaffected, provided the voting remains equivalent and the default stays in the same position. But how the system is understood can affect understanding and even alter how people vote. And when people vote differently, clearly the election outcomes may change. This chain of effects is difficult to assess and is often dismissed in discussion of voting methods as merely a psychological effect. Psychology does play an important role in elections, however, so such considerations should not be dismissed lightly. When there are an even number of scores, zero cannot possibly be the middle score simply because there is no middle score. Still, we might try placing the default score, 0, as close as possible to the middle. Taking six scores as an example, we might choose the scores -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 and 3. The first thing to notice about this choice is that the default value, 0, falls below the center so that abstentions, tallied as zero, act in opposition a candidate; in turn this will disproportionally punish the less-known candidates and favor the famous ones. But another thing to notice is that when a score of 3 is specified in support of a candidate, no other voter can balance this with an equal but opposite score of -3. This unfortunate imbalance gives voters who support a candidate greater voting power than it gives those in opposition. In turn this advantage would likely encourage candidates to play the odds and take a greater risk of angering some voters in the hope of enthusing supporters to vote enthusiastically with a score of 3. Meanwhile, the angered voters lack the power to respond effectively with a balancing opposition vote. An equally promising choice of scores would be -3, 2, -1, 0, 1, 2. Notice that the position of the default score of 0 has now changed, so this is a truly a distinct and different voting system, quite possibly leading to different election outcomes. A Japanese proverb warns that "the nail which stands out gets hammered down" and with this score voting system, politicians may be advised to take this to heart. In this case, abstentions provide additional support for the least famous candidates, perhaps an encouragement for all candidates to maintain a low profile to boost the number of abstentions. Also, with this score voting system, it is the opposition vote of -3 that cannot be balanced by any single support vote by another voter. Voting in opposition now has greater power. In turn this makes it especially important for a politician to avoid angering some constituents, even if it would increase support by more. Politicians anticipating an election with this voting system are motivated to avoid standing out. In two different ways, it would encourage candidates to keep a low profile. It seems difficult to justify ever using a score voting system with an even number of scores. This even includes approval voting, which would be significantly improved by including just one extra Even number of scores. But this is not a voting system. (Image by EgOiStE from flickr) Details DMCA score. And it is not at all clear what one might hope to gain by, for example, adopting six scores rather than five or seven. Still, it should be said that score voting (with three or more scores) does give voters the opportunity to vote either for or against each of the candidates. It may fail to offer this with an equal opportunity, but at least the voter can, with care, avoid the mistake of abstaining. The election may disguise as weak support the opportunity to vote against a candidate, but it is still possible for voters to see through that disguise and recognize that there is an opportunity to vote in opposition. It seems hard to imagine why one might use a score voting system that is not balanced, with the default score 0 being in the middle. BAV is the simplest such system but there are others. Balanced voting systems like BAV provide equal voting power for both support and opposition; they favor neither famous nor unknown candidates. And widespread adoption of BAV will undermine a duopoly. Politicians anticipating BAV elections are apt to avoid taking extreme positions. Even primary elections would tend to compete close to the center rather than at the extremes of public opinion. The Portland Police Bureau has released the name of the woman shot to death early Sunday morning in the Hazelwood neighborhood. Melody A. Rooks, 33, died around 2:42 a.m. near the intersection of Northeast 104th Avenue and Wasco Street, police said. No arrests have been made in the case. Officials have provided no details about the shooting. Rooks was the 47th person to die in a suspected homicide in Portland in 2024. Another person was shot to death in the city later in the day. Portland had 53 homicides at this point last year. Police ask anyone with information about the killing of Rooks to contact Det. Brian Sims at Brian.Sims@police.portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-2079, or Det. Meghan Burkeen at Meghan.Burkeen@police.portlandoregon.gov, or 503-823-2092. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive The Lake Oswego School District is weighing whether to close the districts second oldest elementary school and lease the property to the wealthy suburbs government for use as a new library. But families at Lake Grove Elementary, which was built in 1949 and is the districts only school in a commercial zone, are pushing back. It feels like (the district) is asking us to sacrifice our school for the greater good and that is not OK with us, JulieAnna Giannini, a former Lake Grove parent, said. I think they need to really look at creative solutions that can maximize revenue and maintain a school in Lake Grove. Under the proposal, the district would demolish and close the school and then lease a portion of the land to the city or to commercial developers. It would use the rest to build a new district administrative office. Under this proposal, district officials estimate that the school would be closed by the start of the 2030-2031 school year at the earliest. At least some of the 480 students who are projected to attend Lake Grove that year by demographers at Portland State Universitys Population Research Center would be relocated to the districts former Uplands Elementary, which is 2 miles away from Lake Grove Elementary. That plan would require either a major remodel or rebuild of Uplands, currently used as a swing site, as well as a redrawing of the districts school boundaries, district officials say. Another option the district is considering is to demolish the Lake Grove building and rebuild the school on its current site. Under that proposal, any leftover land could be leased or used for a new district office, though space for either option would be limited. The district is spending $150,000 on a feasibility study to consider both possibilities as well as future plans for other schools in the district. The study draws on data collected by district staff, appraisers, architecture firms and commercial real estate firms. The results will be presented to the community in two open houses that will be held Sept. 12 and 14 before the school board votes whether to close the school in either September or October. Receiving the public testimony (and) learning more about the proposals and their impact has been very impactful for the board, then Chair Brian Bills said in June when board members signed off on funding the feasibility study. It has shined a light on things we need to know, things we need to get more information on as well as understanding the pulse of the community. While the potential closure of Lake Grove Elementary has sparked the most controversy among community members, two of the districts other elementary schools, Palisades World Language School and Forest Hills Elementary, could also be closed and relocated, depending on the results of the feasibility study. Many Lake Grove parents and community members said they feel blindsided. However, district officials say the idea of closing Lake Grove and leasing the land is not new. They say the sites future has been discussed for years when the district has considered school closures. In 2014, the district conducted a commercial appraisal of the Lake Grove site. Later work by the districts Elementary Facilities Task Force during the 2018-2019 school year also pointed to possibly selling or leasing the school site in the future. Opening Uplands as a seventh elementary school would alleviate overcrowding at other district schools. This approach could also provide the district with the option of selling or leasing Lake Grove (prime location has income-generating potential), the task forces executive summary says. But the idea went no further, until Feb. 7 this year. Thats when Lake Oswego City Manager Martha Bennett sent a letter to Superintendent Jennifer Schiele suggesting a possible partnership between the city and the district to build a long-envisioned new library and community center on the 10-acre Lake Grove site. Bennett said the citys idea could be advantageous to both the district and the city as the district looks for a more centralized district office that could be built along with the library and community center on the Lake Grove site. Currently, district staff are spread across three different locations in Lake Oswego. City officials, though, maintain that they are not attempting to influence the districts future decision on the Lake Grove site. While were great partners with the district and often work together on projects that serve the entire community, we do not expect the district to ever make a decision based on (anything) other than the best interests of the students they serve, Lake Oswego Mayor Joe Buck said in an email. At a public meeting in April, Buck acknowledged families attachment to Lake Grove, but said any decisions should be made in the interest of all Lake Oswego residents. People in First Addition are endeared to the library, families that have attended Lake Grove Elementary are endeared to that elementary school, Buck said at a City Council Joint Work Session meeting with the citys library and parks advisory boards in April. These (discussions) require us to think beyond our own neighborhood beyond what we are currently comfortable with and really think with our community lens about what we could do for future generations of this community. Bennett, Lake Oswegos city manager, said that the reason the city reached out to the district for a potential partnership on the Lake Grove site is because of the lack of other suitable properties in the city for a new library and community center. Its a really large piece of property. There arent any other pieces of property in this community that are 10 acres of contiguous land, Bennett said in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive. (This is) really a decision thats not come around for 20 to 40 years (in Lake Oswego), Bennett added. Bennett said that the current city library doesnt have enough space on its one-acre property for the citys plans for a larger library and community center. She said it was made for a different time and lacks modern library amenities. We dont have study rooms. We dont have a makerspace or any kind of event space, Bennet said. It was just built for how people did libraries in the early 1980s. Parent and community backlash But in yet another preview of a dynamic thats likely to repeat itself Lake Grove families and community members are mobilizing against any potential change, citing the potential negative community and educational impacts that come with closing a cherished local elementary school. In April, concerned parents launched Save Lake Grove, a group that is dedicated to stopping the closure of the school. The group, which has signs all over the neighborhood and has staged protests, has started a petition asking the districts school board to maintain the current location of all of Lake Oswegos seven elementary schools. Its a shock to the community. The school has been here for 100 years, said Giannini, a former Lake Grove parent, who is also the groups spokesperson. Several community members said the potential closure and relocation of Lake Grove Elementary threatens the neighborhoods walkability, a major draw for many families. My family moved here because this is one of the only walkable communities in Lake Oswego, Lake Grove parent Lindsey Boccia said. And they say closing the school is a breach of what was promised when voters supported a May 2017 bond measure. Flyers advertising that bond said that Lake Grove was in line for replacement, pending voter approval of a future bond proposal that is currently planned for May 2025. We definitely feel like the district is not making good on its promises to the taxpayers and voters, Giannini said. However, district officials say that a lot has changed since they made the flyer and there was no guarantee made that Lake Grove would be rebuilt. Replacing doesnt mean rebuilding (Lake Grove) on the same property, longtime school board member Liz Hartman said. Schiele, the districts superintendent, also pointed out that the flyer made no guarantees about future projects, expressly noting that separate voter approval is required for replacement of Lake Grove and other schools. But Lake Grove parents say they wont back down. We expect you to follow through on this vision that was presented to the Lake Oswego community when our support was needed to pass the first two bond phases, Lake Grove parent Joseph Imatani said at a June school board meeting. We understand and expect reasonable revisions to these plans. We dont understand pushing forward a revised plan, replacing Lake Grove Elementary with other uses, perhaps commercial use buildings that seemingly few in the community have voiced support for. This story was written by Youth Voices contributor Lucas Hellberg, a recent graduate of Lakeridge High School in Lake Oswego. At Lakeridge, he was an editor-in-chief for his schools newspaper, The Newspacer. Hellberg, a Model UN award winner and cross country letter winner, is particularly interested in reporting on politics, education and emerging technology. This fall, he plans to double major in journalism and computer science at the University of Oregon. Update: Northbound lanes of Interstate 405 reopened around 4 p.m. Northbound lanes of Interstate 405 near downtown Portland are closed as police respond to the scene. The closure is in effect on the interstate near where it merges with U.S. 26, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. Portland police spokesperson Mike Benner said an individual in crisis has appeared to have climbed over the fence of an overpass. Officers are on scene attempting to bring this to a safe conclusion, Benner said. Don Hamilton, an ODOT spokesperson, said theres no estimate on when the northbound lanes will reopen. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 for 24-hour, confidential support, or visit 988lifeline.org. The Williams Mine fire began burning on August 5 and has since devastated more than 11,000 acres just north of Trout Lake, Washington. The blaze, caused by a lightning strike, is only five percent contained as of Monday, August 19. Portland-based amateur photographer Ryan Ernst married into a lifetime of family memories at Trout Lake. He and his wife and son have since made their own. Its also a place Ernst has sought respite and peace. The hope and goal is we all eventually end up there, said Ernst. Shortly after the fire had taken off, Ernst was alerted through the trusty family group chat that the first responders needed resources. So, then I put a blast on to my social media account on my Instagram and people know that I love Trout Lake, its all over my feed, said Ernst. And people know that Im usually pretty honest, like they know I care and within about, Id say 30 or 24 hours, we had like $1200 raised. Ernst took that money to the store to get first responders on the scene of the Williams Mine fire things they needed to stay alert while fighting a massive fire in an area close to the Ernsts hearts. He documented purchasing the goods and delivering them to first responders to show his social media following that the money donated was putting food and drinks in the hands of the people who needed it most. A light came on in their faces, Ernst said of the first responders. They like got excited. Theyre like, Where did you get this stuff? And I was like, I just put something up on my Instagram and people just wanted to give. Ernst said he was inspired by his sister and brother-in-law, who own the restaurant Trout Lake Hall and were providing meals for first responders like breakfast burritos, an item not featured on their menu but one that would fill first responder bellies. The first responders seemed overwhelmed by the delivery, according to Ernst. He said he was glad to make one large delivery they can use but he is not collecting more money. He encourages others to respond to a need when they see one. First responders working the Williams Mine Fire in August 2024 standing next to food, drink and other resources donated by Ryan Ernst and his communityRyan Ernst You may not have all the answers, you may not have all the logistics, said Ernst. Sometimes its just like, Alright, heres a need, lets go, lets go take care of it. Ernst encourages others to act, as long as its out of harms way. To add to all that, I was out there taking photos with kind of a new setup that I just got, said Ernst. Theyre not the greatest photos, but I think they do strike a nerve. The view of Mt. Adams, while scenic and beautiful, is almost completely obscured by smoke in the photos Ernst took. Im definitely going to reminisce, he said. He plans to take his family out to Trout Lake to make more memories when its safe again. Destiny Johnson | djohnson@oregonian.com | More than 40% of six-year-olds who were given smartphones reported feeling distressed and struggling with their mental health. That is according to a Sapien Labs study, which used data from across 41 countries to determine the negative effects smartphones can have on the mental health of children. The research found that the mental health of younger people became worse the earlier they got their first smartphone. For instance, 74% of girls who were given their first smartphone at age six said they felt distressed or were struggling. This decreased to 61% for those who received their first smartphone at age 10, 52% for those who acquired their first smartphone at age 15, and 46% among those who were given their first smartphone at age 18. Among males, 42% who acquired their first smartphone at age six experienced feeling distressed or struggling. This fell to 36% for those who were given a smartphone at age 18. Children Mental Health Struggles Due to Smartphone Use In addition to mental health struggles, the study also surveyed children on suicidal thoughts and intentions using a nine-point scale where 1 was "never caused any problems" and 9 was "a constant and severe impact on the ability to function." Among females, those who received their first smartphone at age 6 said their suicidal thoughts and intentions had an average rating of 5.8. This fell to 3.6 for those who were given a smartphone at age 18. Among males, average ratings were 4.1 for those who acquired a smartphone at age 6 and 3.2 for those who were given a smartphone at age 18. Other Mental Health Issues Apart from suicidal thoughts, among the five mental health problems noted by females in the study were a sense of being detached from reality, hallucinations, aggression towards others, and addictions (including online addictions). As with suicidal intentions, these mental health problems decreased among females who received a smartphone at an older age. Among males, other mental health problems noted were guilt and blame, repetitive or compulsive actions, a sense of being detached from reality, and aggression towards others. Retired federal judge Paul Warner is the featured interview in this latest very short video from the Interpreter Foundation, titled Testimony of a Judge. We hope that you will enjoy these short features, which have been drawn from the Interpreter Foundations 2022 docudrama Undaunted: Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. However, not only do we hope that youll enjoy them, we hope that you will share them with others. And today, Sunday, is a great day on which to do that. Of course, Monday would also be a great day. As would (now that I think of it) Tuesday. And Wednesday . . . As I sat in our wards Sunday school class today, I suddenly began to marvel at the sheer size of the Book of Mormon which, according to Royal Skousen, totals 270,002 words By contrast, the Quran to which the Book of Mormon is occasionally compared is 77,797 words long in its original Classical Arabic. That is approximately 80% of the length of the New Testament (which, accordingly, totals something close to 100,000 words altogether). And, according to Islamic sources, the Quran was revealed over the space of twenty-two years, between AD 610 and Muhammads death in AD 632. Thats rather longer than the 2.5 months required for the dictation of the Book of Mormon. The Old Testament book of Isaiah is 25,608 words long in its original Hebrew text. Jeremiah, the longest book in the entire Bible, is 33,002. No single book in the New Testament even comes close. Between his own gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, which he also wrote, Luke weighs in at a total of 37,932 words. A well-educated physician, he is the most voluminous contributor to the New Testament. By contrast, with all of his many epistles, the apostle Paul (who was also exceptionally well-educated) comes in at second place, with 32,408. The Torah or Pentateuch Genesis (32,046), Exodus (25,957), Leviticus (18,852), Numbers (25,048), and Deuteronomy (23,008) is sometimes known as the Five Books of Moses. Taken altogether, it is at the absolute core of Judaism. And, in their entirety, those five books reach the impressive sum of 124,911 words. But thats substantially less than half the word count of the Book of Mormon. So far as Im aware, therefore, the Book of Mormon stands as the single largest purportedly revealed text in the Abrahamic tradition, and it does so by a considerable margin. If one adds into the mix the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price which, at a hasty glance, represent respectively about 125,000 words and around 25,000 words, it becomes clear (based on an approximate total of 420,000 words, and unless theres a competitor of whom Im unaware) that Joseph Smith is by far the single most prolific contributor of purportedly scriptural text within any significant strand of the Judeo-Christian or Islamic religious tradition. Hes actually not very far behind the entire Old Testament, which (at least according to one count) comes to 503,493 and which was written over the span of well over a thousand years. Ive said nothing at all here about the richness and complexity of the Book of Mormon, on which I could say a very great deal. And Ive said nothing about the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, whose testimonies stand squarely in the path of anybody who hopes to write the book off as nothing more than the product of Joseph Smiths purely subjective imagination. I simply pose the question of why, if Joseph set out to pretend to prophethood, he chose to go to the enormous effort of creating such a massive work. Nobody else in the entire Abrahamic tradition of whom Im aware, perhaps (though I cant think of any) with the possible exception of one or two obscure actors who have plainly sought to create something in explicit imitation of Joseph Smith, has done anything of comparable magnitude. Some dismiss Joseph as if the Book of Mormon were merely something that one casually tosses off in a passing, dramatic, whimsical pseudo-prophetic gesture. It is not. The highly educated but unbelieving Fawn Brodie said that his imagination simply overflowed like a spring freshet. I wonder, though, how many years she required to write her biography of him. Of course, its sheer length doesnt prove the Book of Mormon true. But its length does strongly suggest that it shouldnt merely be brushed dismissively aside. A new bishopric was announced for our ward this morning. The new bishop whom I would guess to be in his mid-forties lives across the street from us but has been in the ward only a relatively short time and (partly because we travel so much, and partly because Im such an anti-social and unpleasant person) I dont know him well. I was already aware that hes a physician and that his wife is an attorney, but I looked him up and I found an impressive academic background: He is a specialist in neonatology who earned his medical degree at the University of Chicago and followed that up with a residency in pediatrics at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Vermont and a fellowship and a Masters in Public Health at the University of Washington. I also learned from his remarks today that he served as a missionary under my former Brigham Young University colleague Don Jarvis, which means that he speaks Russian. We have interesting neighbors. The new first counselor in our bishopric is Ryan Knowlton, whom I feel free to mention here by name because hes already publicly associated with me and my evil deeds: A professional designer by trade, hes worked with us on the publicity for our films Witnesses and Undaunted: Witnesses of the Book of Mormon he even has a small speaking role in Undaunted and has again been working with us toward the release of Six Days in August on 10 October 2024. The new second counselor is another relatively recent addition to our ward. He is also our next-door neighbor, which is likely to blacken his name so sufficiently in the minds of some that I feel it unnecessary to add anything more. Instead, I follow my longstanding policy of not subjecting otherwise innocent people to the tenderly slanderous mercies of my most obsessive online critics. I wont identify people whose only offense is having come into contact with me. As of June 1st I am chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Butler University. Like all Humanities subjects, the study of religion has witnessed a significant decline as students gravitate to the majors in STEM fields that they imagine will guarantee them jobs and high salaries. All this is happening simultaneous with the major sectors of industry emphasizing the need for Humanities skills in the current context. As the World Economic Forum published a few years ago: The top ten skills of tomorrow identified by the World Economic Forum last year were dominated by skills perhaps best honed in the arts and humanities fields: critical thinking and analysis; creativity, originality and initiative; leadership and social influence; reasoning and problem-solving. Studying religion is just one of those Humanities areas, but it is a field in which the key elements in many Humanities disciplines come together. History, worldview, morality, authority, and many more. Religious Studies and Theology: Whats the Difference? Religious Studies, to be clear, is the academic study of religion as a human phenomenon. It is sometimes distinguished from Theology which typically denotes work on religion from an insider perspective, that is, trying to construct and clarify doctrines for oneself and ones community. However, the terminological distinction isnt consistently made, and in some places (e.g. the UK) theology tends to cover all of the above. Things also get blurry because you have people like me and some of my colleagues who work and teach in Religious Studies and yet have our own religious affiliations and communities that we are involved in. Unbiased Study of Religion? This doesnt affect things as much as some might imagine. After all, it is not as though the average atheist is impartial about religion. Many of them have very strong negative feelings. Just like allegiance, hostility is a bias. Reflecting on this can be helpful in todays heated and divided religious and political environment. People find they can see through the propaganda that comes from a viewpoint opposed to their own. Those same people may fall time and time again for misinformation that supports their viewpoint. The point is not to find unbiased sources when researching a subject. Human beings have biases. What we need to look for is fairness, an effort to be open to information and arguments that challenge our assumptions and beliefs. Then we should add to that an effort to consider perspectives that are differently biased. Religious Studies for the Religious? If you are a Christian and never listen to the views of Christians from different denominations, never mind atheist and Jewish perspectives, then you arent really challenging your perspective. The same applies if you are an atheist or anything else. Maybe you think thats the point of religion, to cling dogmatically to ones views. Maybe if youre an atheist you are sure that now youre free from religion and so free from biases that distort your perception. Thats now how being human works. We all have biases, and we only become aware of them through interaction with difference. If you would say that questions of ultimate reality, meaning, and value are important to you (and they should be), then you shouldnt be clinging dogmatically to your views. Why? Because the Bible warns about false teachers. So does atheism. So do most traditions, religious and political. If it is important not to be deceived, the only way to do that is by looking closely at evidence and listening carefully to other viewpoints. Whether the result is that you change your mind or you find your views strengthened, either way it is a positive thing. Religious Studies for the Non-Religious? What if you arent someone with strong feelings about religion one way or the other? You still have just as many really good reasons to want to study religion. We dont just need to understand our own values and worldview, and to revise it in light of new discoveries. We need to understand how our fellow human beings make meaning. The religious symbols and language that were on display among those who stormed the Capitol on January 6th illustrate just how crucial it is to understand the phenomenon of religion using the tools of academic study: culture, politics, society. The study of religion today often includes elements of sociology and data science/analysis. Often the impressions we get from news reporting, or from our own limited circles of friends and social media contacts, about what most people think and why they think it, are far off target. Conclusion Sure, calculus and organic chemistry are hard, but matters of ethics and interpersonal relationships, distinguishing fact from fiction and spotting misinformation, are not soft skills. These are among the hardest skills. I often say that if you can think critically about religion, you can do so about any topic. Whether your aim is to do business, be a lawyer, become a doctor, pursue politics, or just be an engaged citizen, adding religious studies as at least a minor will help you do a better job of it. I teach at Butler University in Indianapolis, and while it isnt the only place you can study the phenomenon of religion, I do highly recommend it. Im obviously biased, but being closely acquainted with an institution doesnt necessarily mean blind allegiance. Remember what I wrote above? Allegiance to an organization can sometimes blind us, but sometimes it is an indication that we have done our homework and find the mission of that organization worth supporting wholeheartedly. I believe Im in the latter category. I myself am a Christian, but among my colleagues one will find other perspectives as well. What we share in common is a desire to pursue the truth and understanding. We support but also challenge one another in ways that are mutually beneficial. Thats the kind of environment that fosters excellent study of religion or any other subject. We have worked hard to create that culture in our program, because it benefits us as researchers, and in turn benefits our students. We work hard to foster the same kind of outlook and community among our students. Are you about to make a choice where to study? Looking to continue your education? Take a look at what Butler Universitys religious studies graduates have to say and then consider joining us! President of the Republic Andry RAJOELINA participated in the 44th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held on August 17, 2024 at the New Parliament Building in Mount Hampden, Harare, Zimbabwe. The Summit, attended by the 16 heads of state of the SADC member countries, began with the traditional "family photo," officially kicking off the event. During the presentation of the attending Heads of State, President Andry RAJOELINA was warmly applauded, testifying to the recognition of his leadership in the development of Madagascar. SADC Executive Secretary, Mr. Elias Magosi, inaugurated the series of speeches by presenting the report on the outcomes of the 43rd summit around the theme related to sustainable development, with a particular focus on the inclusion of youth and women. He notably emphasized the importance of supporting these different groups so that they become key actors in promoting the economy and establishing lasting peace in the region. For his part, the President of Zimbabwe and the new President of SADC, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, highlighted the organization's progress in terms of solidarity among member countries, despite persistent challenges such as climate change and regional conflicts. He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity and continuing the development of the region. The outgoing SADC President and Angolan Head of State, Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, saluted the progress made in the tourism sector during the post-COVID19 period and particularly congratulated the efforts of member countries in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, and cholera. He also stressed the importance of maintaining peace and security, particularly in resolving the conflict between Rwanda and the Republic of Congo. At the end of the official opening ceremony, President Andry RAJOELINA participated in a closed-door meeting with his fellow Heads of State, during which he addressed the impacts of climate change in Madagascar. During the closing ceremony, it was officially announced that Madagascar will host the 45th SADC Summit in 2025. For the first time since its accession in 2005, Madagascar will take the reins of this regional organization, with President Andry Rajoelina at its head for the year 2025. "As a member of the Troika and SADC, Madagascar will provide full support to the work and challenges our organization will face throughout your term," said the Malagasy Head of State. President Andry Rajoelina also expressed his gratitude and commitment by stating that "as the incoming Chair of the SADC Summit, I will do everything in my power to ensure that unity, peace, and solidarity continue to reign within our Region and among Member States." Thus, this responsibility will mark a historic step for Madagascar, affirming its role as a regional leader in SADC. Source: Seraphin Mustachu 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 Former President and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has given his pledge to ensure the freedom of journalists in the discharge of their duties should he become the next president. Criticizing this current government for constantly hounding journalists in the discharge of their duties, Mr Mahama underscored the crucial role of journalists in the country. To this, Mr Mahama pledged that "we would work to ensure that the hazards you go through are minimized". Mr Mahama was speaking with journalists in a media encounter when he wrapped up his 4-day campaign in the Volta region. The best thing you can give the media is to give them the freedom to do their work. Unfortunately, that hasnt happened under this government. Media people have been hounded, some have run into exile, some have been threatened, their lives have been threatened and indeed some have paid the ultimate price like Ahmed Suale did, the Former President recalled. You can trust that as a person who is a member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) myself, I am not the kind of person who would hound the media and so one gift I can gift to you is the freedom to do your work without anybody intimidating and harassing you, Mahama pledged. Source: Salaamat Kuukua Paintsil/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 A new non-partisan advocacy group, the Independent Parliamentarians Advocacy Group Ghana (IPAGG), with a mission to transform Ghana's political landscape. IPAGG is dedicated to promoting and supporting independent parliamentary candidates across all 276 constituencies, advocating for their election as viable non-partisan members of Parliament. According to Mr. John Yeboah, who is the founder of the group This initiative comes in response to the growing need for significant change within Ghana's political system. By focusing on independent candidates, IPAGG aims to offer an alternative to the traditional party-driven approach that has dominated the countrys politics for years. The group believes that independent candidates can bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the challenges facing Ghana. He also stated that IPAGG's vision is to foster a more inclusive and representative parliamentary system where diverse voices are heard, and decisions are made in the best interest of the entire nation, free from partisan influences. The organization is committed to providing resources, support, and a platform for independent candidates to succeed in the political arena. As the 2024 general elections approach, IPAGG plans to actively engage with voters, stakeholders, and the media to raise awareness about the importance of electing independent candidates. The group is also working to ensure that these candidates have the necessary tools and support to campaign effectively and win seats in Parliament. He noted. With this initiative, IPAGG hopes to inspire a movement that will lead to a more balanced and accountable political system in Ghana, ultimately contributing to the nations democratic growth and development. 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 Residents of Konongo in the Ashanti Region are raising alarm over the escalating illegal mining activities, known locally as "galamsey," which are encroaching dangerously close to the main Konongo-Accra highway. Despite government efforts to curb this illegal activity, the miners continue their operations unabated, leaving destruction in their wake and posing a significant threat to the regions infrastructure and environment. One of the most concerning examples of this encroachment is a mining operation just a few meters from the busy highway, graphic.com.gh reports. The activity has become an eyesore and a source of deep frustration for residents, who feel abandoned by authorities. Rev. Raphael Oppong, head pastor of the New Life Church of Light in Konongo, expressed the communitys dismay in an interview. The illegal mining situation in the area is an eyesore and a blot on the conscience of persons in authority who have the mandate to stop the menace, he said. He further lamented the destruction of local vegetation and the severe pollution of the Owerri River, the main water source for the area. The police are doing nothing about it; the chiefs are not taking any action; the District Assembly has not taken action, and even the Minerals Commission Office here in Konongo says they do not know anything about what is happening, Rev. Oppong added, warning that residents might soon mobilize for a demonstration if the situation persists. The illegal mining operation, clearly visible to motorists and passersby, has been declared unlawful by both the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Konongo Area Head of the EPA, Dawood Abass, confirmed that no mining license had been issued for the site, making any activity there illegal. We will visit there and inform the appropriate quarters for action, Abass said. The encroachment has not only alarmed residents but also posed serious challenges to contractors working on the four bypasses along the Accra-Kumasi Highway. These bypasses, designed to reduce congestion and accidents, are being hindered by the aftermath of illegal mining. At sites like Osino and Anyinam, miners have left pits uncovered, creating hazardous, swampy conditions that are particularly difficult to manage during the rainy season. At the Konongo bypass site, contractors are struggling to stabilize the ground, which has been severely impacted by the illegal mining activities. Dolittle Kwaku Sintim-Aboagye, team leader of the consulting firm STIM Limited, highlighted that compensation payments to affected parties, along with adverse weather conditions, are further delaying the project. "We have some mining companies, and they have their terrace ponds. Our alignments go through these terrace ponds, so we either shift the ponds or go through them, and we decided to go through them. That meant the mining companies must decommission these terrace ponds, and that is also taking some time and affecting us," Sintim-Aboagye explained. The persistence of illegal mining in the region has also led to tragic incidents. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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. The running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh says no one can accuse the running of the NPP of corruption. According to him, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in his private or public life is a saint when it comes to corruption. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is not corrupt. I know in his private life he has never been accused of corruption, and in his public life, he has never been investigated for corruption. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh said during the launch of the NPP manifesto on Sunday, August 18, 2024. He urged Ghanaians to vote for the NPP to ensure the country is transformed under the leadership of Dr Bawumia. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has reiterated his commitment to fulfilling all promises made to Ghanaians as part of his agenda to move the country forward. Speaking at a manifesto launch of the party in the Western Region on Sunday, August 18, Dr. Bawumia assured the public that, if given the mandate in the upcoming 2024 elections, he would ensure the implementation of policies that drive economic growth and development. Dr. Bawumia emphasised that his vision for Ghana is centered on creating opportunities for all citizens, particularly the youth. He noted that key initiatives, including digital transformation, infrastructure development, and job creation, would be prioritized to improve the quality of life for Ghanaians. The Vice President also highlighted that under his leadership, the country would continue to invest in education and healthcare to build a resilient society. Dr Bawumia further assured the crowd that every pledge he made during his campaign was carefully considered to address the pressing challenges facing the nation. He stressed that his administration would focus on maintaining fiscal discipline, fighting corruption, and promoting accountability in government to restore confidence in public institutions. Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the economic difficulties that Ghanaians have faced in recent years but expressed optimism that, with the right leadership, the country can turn the corner. He pledged to work closely with various stakeholders, including the private sector, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations, to ensure that all development plans are effectively implemented. Dr. Bawumia thus called on Ghanaians to trust in his leadership and give him the opportunity to deliver on his promises. He reiterated that with dedication and hard work, his administration would steer the country towards prosperity and secure a better future for generations to come. "Indeed, we have listed them to show that we remain committed to fulfilling the social contract we have with the good people of Ghana." "Above all, this exercise confirms that hundreds of pledges have been made to the Ghanaian people, and broadly, they have been kept, and given the opportunity, more impactful and forward looking interventions will be implemented to move Ghana to the next level of the development journey; a journey that will build on our successes to open opportunities for all," he said. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/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 Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has lauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his numerous accomplishments during his tenure, stating that history will remember his unprecedented achievements and the lives he has impacted. Speaking at the NPP's manifesto launch at Takoradi in the Western Region on Sunday, August 28, Dr. Bawumia expressed deep admiration for the presidents leadership, highlighting his efforts in transforming various sectors of the country. Dr. Bawumia emphasised that President Akufo-Addos government has made significant strides in areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and digitalization. He pointed out key initiatives like the Free Senior High School program, the One District One Factory policy, and the digital addressing system, which have had a direct positive impact on millions of Ghanaians. According to the Vice President, these accomplishments have laid a strong foundation for future development. Dr Bawumia also acknowledged the presidents dedication to improving the livelihoods of Ghanaians through various social intervention programs. He noted that the government's commitment to alleviating poverty and reducing inequality has been a key aspect of President Akufo-Addos administration. Dr. Bawumia commended the president for his focus on creating opportunities for all, particularly for marginalised groups. He expressed confidence that President Akufo-Addos legacy would be remembered for generations to come. Dr Bawumia stated that the millions of lives touched by the presidents policies are a testament to his dedication to national service and progress. "We promised change and we have made significant progress. Mr. President, history will be kind to you and you shall be remembered for your unprecedented achievements and the millions of lives you have touched We are eternally grateful," Dr Bawumia said. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has told John Dramani Mahama not to assume victory in the upcoming elections just yet. Affectionately known as NAPO, he believes that the former president is underestimating the current election situation. He contends that the National Democratic Congress' flagbearer will be in for a surprise on December 7th when he loses the general election. Speaking at the launch of the NPP manifesto in Takoradi, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh assured everyone that they would work hard to make the dream of breaking the eight-year cycle a reality. "Those with hidden agendas who believe the election is already decided should be prepared for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to win the December 7th election," he stated. He added, "We, the supporters of NPP, will campaign tirelessly, going from room to room, house to house, village to village, community to community. We are determined to end power outages, eliminate fuel queues, and ensure that education is not dependent on financial status. Accountability is on the horizon for those with hidden agendas. We will work relentlessly to create a better 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 Kenneth Okonkwo, actor and former spokesperson for the Labour Party, has strongly criticized the Nigerian government following reports that President Bola Tinubu has authorized the purchase of a new presidential jet. Okonkwo expressed his outrage on social media, describing the decision as "the height of insensitivity" given the dire economic situation facing many Nigerians. Okonkwo highlighted the numerous challenges currently plaguing the country, including widespread hunger, rising fuel prices, financial instability, and frequent power outages. He condemned the jet purchase as a glaring example of misplaced priorities, arguing that it demonstrates a lack of empathy for the suffering of ordinary citizens. He wrote; "People are dying of hunger. No food, no fuel, no finance, no electricity, and President Tinubu is buying a presidential jet. This is the height of insensitivity." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kenneth Okonkwo (@iamkennethokonkwo) Presidency Finally Unveils New Presidential Jet The Presidency, on Monday, unveiled the new Airbus A330 purchased for President Bola Tinubu. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released the pictures of the presidential jet via his verified X handle on Monday. The presidential aide stated that the new jet replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Onanuga, however, did not reveal the amount spent by the Nigerian government to acquire the new presidential jet. According to Onanuga, the new jet saved Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly. He wrote, President Tinubu departed Abuja Monday for Paris, France, using the new Airbus A330, which replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo. The new plane bought far below the market price saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly. The recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigerias parliament that questioned the planes safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia. The Nigerian Senates security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses. The new plane is spacious and is furnished with state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior and communications system. Meanwhile, Tinubu has departed the Federal Capital Territory for France. The Airbus A330 business jet conveying the President and some of his key aides lifted off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 04:08 pm. Tinubus spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, announced on Sunday that the President will embark on his fourth trip to the European country on Monday, August 19, departing from Abuja, the nations capital. punchng.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 Skai Jackson returned to social media after being arrested recently on suspicion of domestic battery. On Friday, Aug. 16, the 22-year-old actress took to TikTok to share a video of herself standing outside a shopping center and holding a large Givenchy bag. Never depend on a man for anything, she told fans in the clip, hitting her bag and turning away from the camera. Period! In the video, the former Disney star wore a gray sweatsuit and was also carrying a smaller shopping bag in tow. The rich & expensive way! Add me on Snapchat Skaijackk for more, she captioned the post. As previously reported, the actress best known for her roles in such popular Disney shows as Jessie and Bunkd was arrested on Aug. 8 at Universal Studios in California. Deputies were called after Jackson was spotted by security guards pushing her boyfriend during an argument more than once. Security observed the altercation and detained the couple until law enforcement arrived. Once deputies reported to the scene, the couple denied that anything became physical, telling law enforcement that they are happily engaged and that Jackson is expecting their first baby. After law enforcement reviewed video footage that captured Jackson shoving her boyfriend, she was arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery, cited and then released a few hours later. TMZ later reported that prosecutors said there wasnt enough evidence to bring the case to trial. As a result, charges against Jackson were dropped. Jackson has yet to publicly confirm the aforementioned pregnancy. Phil Donahue, who rose to fame as the host of The Phil Donahue Show and helped pioneer the daytime TV talk show format, has died following a long illness. He was 88. His family said Donahue died at his home surrounded by his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie, according to Today. Born in 1935, Donahue began his media career in radio and television in the 1950s, according to People. He began the first version of his eponymous talk show in 1967 in Dayton, Ohio, where he discussed controversial topics like feminism, race relations and child abuse. It was the first show to allow audience members to ask questions to the guests. I realized during the commercials that these people were asking better questions than I was, so about the third or fourth show I went out in the audience, and it saved us, Donahue once said. There would have been no Donahue show without [them]. We put the camera behind the audience and moved the audience up close, first time that had ever been done. In 1974 he took the show to Chicago, where it gained an even larger audience. It moved once again to New York City in 1985, where it became a staple of daytime television. The success of Donahues show paved the way for other talk show hosts to flood the airwaves in the 1980s and 90s, including Oprah Winfrey, Geraldo Rivera, Sally Jesse Raphael, Ricki Lake and Montel Williams. If there had been no Phil Donahue show, there would be no Oprah Winfrey show, Winfrey said in 2002. He was the first to acknowledge that women are interested in more than mascara tips and cake recipes that were intelligent, were concerned about the world around us, and we want the best possible lives for ourselves. His more notable guests include Nelson Mandela, Ralph Nader, Elton John, Gloria Steinem, Robin Williams, Dolly Parton, Richard Pryor and many more. He taped five episodes in the Soviet Union in 1987 and hosted a televised debate between then-Democratic presidential contenders Bill Clinton and Jerry Brown Jr. in 1992. He hosted more than 6,000 versions of his show and won 20 Emmy Awards (10 for outstanding host and 10 for the talk show itself). Last May he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In lieu of flowers, Donahues family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund. The son of Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Doug Clifford is facing a murder charge in Nevada, and has been named a person of interest in a second death. Police say 55-year-old Brent Clifford killed his girlfriend and left her alongside a roadway. FOX News reported that Clifford was booked into the South Placer County Jail on Thursday and has been denied bond. Per the report, the remains of what is believed to be 48-year-old Patricia Portella-Wright were recovered alongside Mt. Rose Highway in Washoe County, Nevada. The other death which he is a suspect in, per the Placer County Sheriffs Office, occurred in Reno. Placer County Sgt. David Smith told FOX News there was apparent foul play involved, in Portella-Wrights death. He told the site that investigators worked tirelessly over the last week to bring closure to Patricias family and locate Patricias body. FOX reported that the sheriffs office said that Portella-Wright was last seen on Aug. 4. She was reported missing last Friday. In a Facebook post, the sheriffs office said that an investigation led them to the area off Mt. Rose Highway. Using a drone we were able to locate the body of a female down a steep embankment, the statement said. During our investigation we identified her boyfriend, Brent Clifford, as a person of interest in her disappearance, the statement read. On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Clifford was arrested in Portola (California). He has been booked in the Placer County jail on a murder charge. FOX said that the Reno Police Department is calling the death of a male there a homicide and has listed Clifford as a person of interest. The red 2003 Chevrolet Blazer that belonged to the homicide victim was found in the same area Clifford was arrested in Portola, the Placer County Sheriffs Office said, per FOX. The Washington Post called the Hollywood buck majestic. It explained why in the same sentence. This wasnt your ordinary buck, after all, it was a 29-point buck. And to put that in perspective, a hunter would be happy to harvest a six-point buck. To many who step foot in the field, that is a big buck. A 29-point buck well, that becomes a thing of legend. And, unfortunately, it becomes a target to those who dont respect wildlife. The Hollywood buck, which roamed in Richmond, made the Post last week because it was killed and two men pleaded guilty to taking him illegally. Per the newspaper, Jason Walters of Richmond pleaded guilty to 20 misdemeanors involving illegally hunting three deer, including the famous buck. The Post said he was sentenced to six months in jail, with three months suspended. The paper said Walters was also ordered to pay $2,500 in fines and $11,000 in replacement costs. It said he will be prohibited from hunting for 24 years. The Post said a second man, Alan Proffitt, pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors related to the December killing of the famous buck. It said Proffitt was ordered to pay $1,250 in fines and to serve 30 days house arrest. It said he will be prohibited from hunting for six years. The Post said the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources executed 10 search warrants in the case, and that it now plans to work with the outdoors community to determine the best way to memorialize this incredible animal. The buck was known to frequent the historic Hollywood Cemetery in the city. The Post said that Walters posted photos of himself with the dead buck on a Whitetails Facebook page, and claimed he shot it about 70 miles southwest of Richmond. However, the newspaper said, hunters and photographers recognized the famous buck, and Walters was arrested in January. By Gillian McGoldrick, The Philadelphia Inquirer (Tribune News Service) Austin Davis knows Pennsylvanians arent thinking about their lieutenant governor. But that hasnt stopped him from trying to make an unknown office more useful. Davis, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 on a ticket with Gov. Josh Shapiro and serves as his No. 2. At 34, hes the youngest lieutenant governor in the country, the first Black person elected to Pennsylvanias executive branch, a new dad, and a Western Pennsylvania native who has spent much of his life advocating against gun violence. And he will make his national debut Monday on stage at the Democratic National Convention. Davis is not well-known in Pennsylvania, but he attracted attention in the last month as Shapiro was in contention to be Vice President Kamala Harris running mate. If Shapiro, who has well-known ambitions for higher office, were to resign, Davis would ascend to the position of governor. But with Shapiro not running for vice president, Davis will remain in his current job. His duties include presiding over the state Senate, chairing the Board of Pardons, and taking a more active role than his predecessors, on issues such as gun violence prevention. He is my right-hand, trusted adviser, Shapiro said in a June interview, well before he was a potential candidate for vice president. I wanted to select a governing partner who the good people of Pennsylvania would know had my trust and confidence, who would be doing meaningful work every day. Who is Austin Davis, Pennsylvanias lieutenant governor? Davis, the son of a hairdresser and bus driver, grew up in McKeesport, a small city less than 15 miles from Pittsburgh that was hit hard by the collapse of the steel industry. As a teenager, he witnessed a shooting on his block. That moment spurred him into action, he said. Davis began attending McKeesport City Council meetings after that shooting. He created a McKeepsort youth advisory council, then later got a job in Allegheny County and helped launch a violence prevention program in the county health department. At age 28, he ran a successful campaign for state representative, replacing a longtime lawmaker for whom hed interned who was charged for involvement in an illegal-gambling ring. I initially thought there would be somebody who was more experienced, and quite frankly, in a better position than me to do it, Davis said. And as I looked around at the field, there were a lot of candidates who wanted to run simply because they wanted the job, not necessarily because they had a vision for the community. Davis and his wife, Blayre, now live in Pittsburgh with their almost-1-year-old daughter, Harper. He said he feels the same pressures of being a young parent: the cost of child care and how to balance a demanding career. (The lieutenant governors salary is just under $200,000, and his wife works for the Pittsburgh Steelers.) If you came to my house, its not like the state of the governors residence, Davis said. Theres playpens everywhere, theres toys. Were very much in the phase where, dont come in and expect to be entertained, he joked. What the lieutenant governor does and how Davis changed the role The state constitution specifies powers for the lieutenant governor, including presiding over the state Senate. Similar to a vice president, the lieutenant governor is responsible for breaking a tied Senate vote which hasnt happened during Davis tenure, as Republicans hold a five-vote majority. The lieutenant governor also chairs the Board of Pardons, a panel that recommends to the governor whether to release a person from prison. Davis is using the office differently from his two most-recent predecessors, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and Philly native Mike Stack, who both served under Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf. Fetterman gained attention for pushing for the legalization of recreational marijuana, hanging flags supporting social issues from the state Capitol building, and developing a robust social media following. Stack, meanwhile, made headlines for allegedly mistreating state employees and frivolously spending taxpayer money. Davis wanted to do more, and asked Shapiro to appoint him to be the chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually for gun violence prevention and school safety. He launched a Safer Communities tour to talk about the gun violence prevention efforts. He plays a significant role in helping Shapiro draft his annual budget, and has a policy director who sits in on governors office meetings. And he runs the states efforts to diversify contracting, for which he touts a 30% increase in state spending with Black-owned and Latino-owned businesses over the last year. Weve really transformed the role of the lieutenant governors office into an office that was kind of sleepy, more ceremonial to an office that really is focused on policy and getting things done for everyday Pennsylvanians, Davis said. Davis has also served as a bridge between the GOP-controlled Senate and Shapiro. Like Davis, GOP legislative leaders hail from Western Pennsylvania and he knows them from his time as a state representative, which he said has helped him assist with budget negotiations with the office of the governor, who is from the eastern part of the state. State Sen. Devlin Robinson (R., Allegheny) has worked with Davis for more than a decade, beginning when Davis worked for then-Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Robinson worked for former U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy (R., Pa.). They both came to Harrisburg in the last few years, and share cigars on the lieutenant governors balcony which has a great view of the Capitol building. Hes definitely a guy that its about business, its not really about politics, Robinson said. Hes a guy thats about getting things done, and I know his heart is in the right place. At a panel in Lancaster last month as part of Davis gun violence prevention tour, local leaders came with specific requests: Police said they havent been able to get gun locks to distribute, while a county commissioner wanted to know best practices for crime data modernization. A spokesperson for Davis said his policy director takes notes and follows up on each request. Ayanda McGill, the director of programs at the BenchMark, a violence intervention program, who was at that event, said she had never spoken with someone at Davis level before. Its cool that you are willing to sit down with us, and try to figure out how you can help, McGill added. You have my commitment, Davis told the group. Were going to continue to work to be better to make our communities safer. Shapiros No. 2 Lieutenant governors typically run independently in primaries, and then join the ticket of their partys gubernatorial candidate for the general election. Shapiro did things differently, and indicated that he wanted to handpick his running mate. The two met for dinner in Pittsburgh in early 2021 and Shapiro, then the states attorney general, told him the meeting could go as long or as short as Davis wanted it to. They spoke for four hours about policy, their lives, and their aspirations. By the end of 2021, Shapiro invited Davis to a Steelers game. Halfway through, Shapiro turned to Davis and asked him to join him as his running mate, Davis recalled. Shapiro endorsed him for lieutenant governor, and Davis won the three-way Democratic primary handily. The Shapiro-Davis ticket went on to win by 14 percentage points in November 2022. He said, I think we both come from different backgrounds, we both come from different life experiences. And I think that will make our ticket better, Davis recalled Shapiro telling him in the raucous stadium on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. Davis has also stepped into a leadership position as vice chair of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association. I say all the time: Dont sleep on LGs, said Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Flanagan could now become the nations first Native female governor if Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is elected vice president in November. Several Democratic lieutenant governors cheered on one another in group texts in recent weeks as it became clear one of them could be stepping into the governor role soon, Flanagan said. As speculation swirled around Shapiro, a front-runner to join Harris on the Democratic presidential ticket, Davis said he was prepared to step up. When you take this job, you recognize that one day you may be called upon to serve as governor, Davis said. And if that moment comes, were ready to serve and continue to lead Pennsylvania forward. Support for Vice President Kamala Harris among Black voters in Pennsylvania is significantly higher than it was for President Joe Biden, according to a swing state poll. A new Suffolk University/USA TODAY poll determined that Black voters in the state prefer Harris 70% to 11% over former President Donald Trump in the race for the White House. Its a message that seemingly wasnt good news for kings. A team of researchers have successfully decoded 4,000-year-old writings from four Mesopotamian tablets. What might come as a surprise is that instead of peace and harmony, the messages foretell prophecies of doom and misfortune. The writings on the ancient Babylonian cuneiform tablets have remained untranslated for over a century until now, and the results were recently published in the Journal of Cuneiform Studies and reported by Live Science. The tablets, which were discovered over 100 years ago, date to around 1200 BC from the ancient city of Sippar, in what is now modern-day Iraq. Stored at the British Museum this whole time, the tablets according to the studys authors, Andrew George and Junko Taniguchi represent the oldest examples of compendia of lunar-eclipse omens yet discovered. The Mesopotamian people believed that events in the sky were messages from the gods, and they would analyze eclipses, shadow movements, and the duration of night and day to help determine what was to come. With this system, they believed the skies foretold a grim fate. The tablets prophesized that a king will die and an area known as Elam (now Iran) would meet its destruction if an eclipse becomes obscured from its center all at once [and] clear all at once. One tablet even notes that an eclipse in the morning watch means the end of a dynasty. Also, the tablets predicted the downfall of two other regions, Subartu and Akkad, if an eclipse begins in the south and then clears. There were other prophecies as well, which foretold that a large army would fall and there would be an attack on the land by a locust swarm, in addition to losses of cattle. While a great deal of the proclamations were more theoretical than factual, George mentioned that the origins of some of the omens may have lain in actual experience observation of portent followed by catastrophe. However, those incidents were likely coincidental and occurred around the time of an eclipse or other significant events. Whats also interesting to keep in mind, George told Live Science that these tablets were likely used by the kings advisors to predict the future. Those who advised the king kept watch on the night sky and would match their observations with the academic corpus of celestial-omen texts, according to the study. At least three people were injured on Saturday when a ride malfunctioned at a western Pennsylvania amusement park. The incident occurred at 7:25 p.m. on the Flying Swings ride at Waldameer and Water World in Erie, ErieNewsNow reported. Three people were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries to their feet, according to YourErie.com. According to Steve Gorman, Waldameer Park president, the ride swung too far out and did not come down properly. He added that a child on the ride appeared to be in distress, which prompted the rides operator to stop it mid-cycle. Gorman told YourErie.com that a state inspector examined the ride Sunday and that the park has contacted the rides manufacturer to ensure the problem doesnt occur again. Were unhappy that anyone gets hurt at our park, and I feel bad for those people who were injured, I suffer with them. We think safety is priority one. People have to be safe when they come here, he said to the news outlet. The ride is currently closed, but Gorman said he expects it will be open again by Tuesday. The National Weather Service issued a report at 3:54 p.m. on Sunday for strong thunderstorms until 4:30 p.m. for Lebanon County. The storms could bring marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph. "At 3:54 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Annville, moving east at 25 mph," says the weather service. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible." Locations impacted by the alert include Lebanon, Palmyra, Annville, Myerstown, Pleasant Hill, Sand Hill, Newmanstown, Lebanon South, Pine Grove, Cleona, Avon, Richland, Fredericksburg, Harper Tavern, Lickdale, Fort Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Ravine, Ono and Avon Heights. The weather service comments, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. for south central and central Pennsylvania." Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away. To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations: Lightning safety plan: When venturing outdoors, it's crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place. Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's an indication that lightning is nearby. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. Indoors safety measures: Once you're indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors. These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways. Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution. When indoor shelter isn't available: If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety: Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk. Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees. If you're with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people. Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning. Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety. Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall: Beware of rapid water flow: Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away. Maintain safe driving distances: Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain. Slow down and stay cautious: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water. Visibility matters: Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Michael Addamo Bags $88K Score in the PokerStars WCOOP Boot Camp Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link Australian superstar Michael "imluckbox" Addamo helped himself to an $87,884 payday this weekend by triumphing in the WCOOP Boot Camp edition of the $5,200 No-Limit Hold'em Titans Event at PokerStars. The United Kingdom-based high-stakes guru came out on top of a 50-strong crowd and raked in the largest slice of the $250,000 prize pool. The compact field meant only the top six finishers received prize money, with Brazilian Pedro "pvigar" Garagnani falling in seventh place, bursting the money bubble and locking in at least $13,223 for the surviving players. Sixth place and $13,223 went to "234241234214432." The number-loving Ukrainian later finished third in a $530 No-Limit Hold'em PKO event for an additional $12,097. Canada's "aminolast" fell in fifth for $19,313 before Yuri "theNERDguy" Dzivielevski busted in fourth for a payout worth $28,207. The tournament progressed to the heads-up stage when Benjamin "bencb789" Rolle, showing as playing from Bulgaria, was relieved of his stack Rolle's third-place finish came with a respectable $41,198. Heads-up pitted Addamo against Swedish legend Simon "C. Darwin2" Mattsson. Neither player was interested in striking a deal, so the one-on-one battle played out without any negotiations taking place resulting in what was essentially a $27.5K heads-up clash. After much toing and froing, Addamo came out on top to clinch the $87,884 top prize, resigning his Swedish opponent to a $60,172 consolation prize. "I Live For These Moments" says Wistern as WCOOP Preparations Get Underway Read more WCOOP Boot Camp 73-H: $5,200 NLHE Titans Final Table Results Rank Player Country Prize 1 Michael "imluckbox" Addamo United Kingdom $87,884 2 Simon "C. Darwin2" Mattsson Sweden $60,172 3 Benjamin "bencb789" Rolle Bulgaria $41,198 4 Yuri "thenERDguy" Dzivielevski Brazil $28,207 5 aminolast Canada $19,313 6 234241234214432 Ukraine $13,223 Segebrecht Pads His Bankroll With $27.9K as Spraggy Falls in Fifth Claas Segebrecht Some 321 players turned out for the $530 No-Limit Hold'em PKO WCOOP Boot Camp event, creating a guarantee-busting $160,500 prize pool. As was to be expected, the final table was a star-studded affair, with one such star, Claas "SsicK_OnE" Segebrecht, coming out on top. Seven players were left after the untimely demises of Estonia's "PIPON777" and Luciano "Piaggesi" Piaggesi of Argentina. Those seven became six when the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event third-place finisher Niklas "Lena900" Astedt bowed out. Paul "_pauLFauL_" Hoefer, who was part of theSCOOP League earlier this year, crashed out in sixth before Team PokerStars' Benjamin "Spraggy" Spragg ran out of steam in fifth, a finish worth $8,079. Astedt's fellow Swede, Dundermasen, fell in fourth, with the previously mentioned "234241234214432" seeing their latest deep run end in a third-place exit. Segebrecht found himself heads-up against the United Kingdom's "MFC_79," with both players securing $12,940 from the main prize pool, leaving the final progressive bounties to play for. Segebrecht defeated his final opponent and added $14,947 worth of bounties to his haul for a combined prize worth $27,914; "MFC_79" reeled in $22,027 for their bridesmaid finish. WCOOP Boot Camp 71-H: $530 NLHE PKO Final Table Results Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 Claas "SsicK_OnE" Segebrecht Austria $14,947 $12,940 $27,914 2 MFC_79 United Kingdom $9,087 $12,940 $22,027 3 234241234214432 Ukraine $4,171 $7,926 $12,097 4 Dundermasen Sweden $562 $5,765 $6,327 5 Benjamin "Spraggy" Spragg United Kingdom $3,886 $4,193 $8,079 6 Paul "_pauLFauL_" Hoefer Austria $875 $3,049 $3,924 7 Niklas "Lena900" Astedt Sweden $1,406 $2,218 $3,624 8 Luciano "Piaggesi" Piagessi Argentina $1,125 $1,613 $2,738 9 PIPON777 Estonia $656 $1,373 $2,029 Other Notable PokerStars Results Several establish pros enjoyed PokerStars victories this weekend, including Austria's "Old brock," who won the $215 No-Limit Hold'em PKO WCOOP Boot Camp event for $28,602. British grinder Tom "Jabracada" Hall also won a WCOOP Boot Camp tournament, namely the $109 Early Operation for $17,225, as did Samuel "uropan" Vousden, the winner of the $1,050 Sunday Warm-Up High Roller Boot Camp edition for $14,764. Event Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize WCOOP Boot Camp 70-H: $215 NLHE PKO 1,014 $202,800 Old brock $28,602* WCOOP Boot Camp 73-L: $530 NLHE Titans 214 $107,000 I sense blood $20,881 WCOOP Boot Camp 69-H: $109 Early Operation 1,072 $107,200 Tom "Jabracada" Hall $17,225 $1,050 Sunday Warm-Up High Roller 42 $42,000 Samuel "uropan" Vousden $14,764 $109 Sunday Fenomeno 852 $85,200 brazil5card $14,210 $109 Sunday Warm-Up 798 $80,000 iwas9cream4 $13,582 $1,050 Sunday Supersonic High Roller 26 $26,412 David "MIssOracle" Yan $12,244 $109 Sunday Cooldown 751 $75,100 wendellau $11,587* *includes bounty payments Never Miss a PokerStars Tournament Again Have you used the PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar yet? Our free-to-use tool allows you to see upcoming and in-play tournaments at several online poker rooms, including PokerStars. You can even take advantage of a PokerStars sign up bonus. You can apply filters to narrow your search, including buy-in, game type, and even prize pool guarantees, enabling you to find your perfect online poker tournament in seconds, all without leaving PokerNews! Share this article Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) partnered with Hollywood producers for a Trump attack ad running on TikTok and it has a great message. A mom is getting her little girl off to school and says, I love you. Have a great day at school. The school bus pulls up and it is Donald Trump as the bus driver who says, Dictator on day one. There will have to be some form of punishment for women. Roe versus Wade was terminated. Fire, fury, bloodbath. Now get in. The mom hears all of this and tells her daughter, You know what, honey? Im gonna drive you today. Besides, can a convicted felon even drive a school bus? The ad closes with a voiceover asking, If you wouldnt trust him with your kid, why would you trust him with your country? Watch the ad: If you wouldnt trust him with your kid, why would you trust him with your country. pic.twitter.com/4kjn8ilfZp Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 19, 2024 Whether it is Evangelicals for Harris or ads appealing to parents of young children, Donald Trump is being pushed back against in a more coordinated way than in 2016 or even 2020. The message in this ad is that Trump cant be trusted, and the ex-president would be in charge of the safety and future of the nations kids, if he returned to the White House. Anyone who values their familys future should not want Donald Trump anywhere near the Oval Office. The country knows what Trump is, and a majority of voters are showing little interest in a White House sequel. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) issued a report on his Biden impeachment investigation that contained no recommendation for impeachment or articles of impeachment. James Comer Closes Up His Biden Impeachment Fiasco This is how the summary of Comers impeachment report ends: Given considerable Member interest in the status of the inquiry and to correct false and misleading assertions, this report presents the state of evidence as gathered to date in the Houses impeachment inquiry. The inquiry continues as the Committees develop evidence and obtain access to information. The Committees continue to seek relevant documents and testimony. Subpoenas to various entities remain outstanding. Whistleblowers continue to provide incriminating evidence of the Administrations special treatment for the Presidents son. The Constitutions remedy for a Presidents flagrant abuse of office is clear: impeachment by the House of Representatives and removal by the Senate. Despite the cheapening of the impeachment power by Democrats in recent years, the Houses decision to pursue articles of impeachment must not be made lightly. As such, this report endeavors to present the evidence gathered to date so that all Members of the House may assess the extent of President Bidens corruption. Comer makes the case that Biden committed impeachable offenses but doesnt say what those offenses are, submit articles of impeachment, or recommend that the House pursue impeachment. In other words, Biden did nothing wrong, but Comer is trying to make it look like Biden did something wrong. Jamie Raskin Says Comers Report Exonerates Biden House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, What do you call a hellbent 20-month impeachment drive whose managers finally just dissolve into compulsive repetition of thoroughly discredited and meaningless accusations? I would call it a complete exoneration of the target of their pathetic attacksPresident Joe Biden. Every lie, distortion and dirty trick thrown at Joe Biden in the 118th Congress has sharply boomeranged and imploded, making our Republican colleagues look inept and absurd. Their compulsive flailing about has not only proven, once more, that President Biden committed no wrongdoing, much less an impeachable crime, but has paradoxically vindicated President Bidens essential honor and decency. If Biden did commit impeachable offenses, why wouldnt Comer draft impeachment articles and recommend impeachment? The reason is that President Biden did not commit any impeachable offenses. The whole investigation was a stunt intended to harm the President in an election year, but now that Biden is no longer a candidate, Comer is folding up his circus tent and instead investigating Tim Walzs military service. Comer has turned the House Oversight Committee into an arm of the Trump campaign, and it will be a great day for America in January 2025 when Democrats are sworn in as the new majority and the likes of James Comer and Jim Jordan are no longer in power. This aerial photo taken on Dec. 10, 2023 shows a Chinese commercial reusable rocket named SQX-2Y blasting off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China during its second flight test mission. (iSpace/Handout via Xinhua) BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- As China forges ahead with its high-quality development, new quality productive forces are taking the center stage. One of the key players, the commercial space sector, is experiencing rapid growth and making a mark on the global stage. In December 2023, Beijing Interstellar Glory Space Technology, better known as iSPACE, conducted another successful test of its own reusable launcher, marking a step toward a fully functional, domestically manufactured reusable rocket for China's commercial spaceflight industry. This private Chinese aerospace company is looking to catch up with the world's most advanced rocket technologies. "There is still a long way ahead. But we're catching up fast," Anna Choi, vice manager of iSPACE, told Xinhua in a recent interview. In 2019, the Chinese startup successfully launched its SQX-1 Y1 rocket, sending two satellites into a 300-km circular orbit. It was the first time a private Chinese company managed to put a satellite into orbit. Its test on Dec. 10 last year verified the Hyperbola-2Y as a reusable liquid oxygen and methane carrier rocket -- the first of its kind in the country. It is part of an iSPACE plan to launch a reusable medium-lift rocket into orbit in late 2025. Since its inception in 2016, the company's staff has expanded from less than 10 to more than 400 people. Choi said both the company and the industry are growing at a fast pace, propelled by technological innovation and catalyzed by the government's supportive policies. iSPACE is one of several Chinese enterprises active in the commercial aerospace industry in recent years. The country has experienced an explosion of commercial space companies since 2014, driven by the government's opening up of the sector to private capital. According to media reports, in 2023 alone, the country's private commercial spaceflight companies managed more than 10 successful launches. Like iSPACE, most of these enterprises are headquartered in Beijing, attracted by the capital's rich talent pool and supportive policies. Beijing in February 2024 announced plans to establish a dedicated "Rocket Street" as a research and production hub for advancement of the commercial aerospace sector. Construction started last month at the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), located in a southeastern suburb of Beijing. "Through the 'Rocket Street' program, we hope to leverage the cluster advantage to facilitate the development of the sector," said a BDA official. The capital city's endeavor to foster the commercial aerospace sector comes amid the country's efforts to develop new quality productive forces to help advance the world's second-largest economy up the global value chain. Developing commercial spaceflight was listed among the key areas for development in China's government work report this year. These priorities, which also include bio-manufacturing, the low-attitude economy, quantum technology and life sciences, form part of the country's agenda to pursue sustainable growth through developing strategically important and future-oriented industries. Reflecting the rising level of government support, Choi said the municipal government provided subsidies for the commercial aerospace industry to set up innovation centers focusing on developing reusable rockets. The government is also striving to encourage more private capital investment in this sector. Besides Beijing, multiple other regions and cities in China have also announced plans to develop the commercial aerospace industry. "This is a sector that requires pioneering courage. We are committed to innovation and confident for the catch-up and beyond," Choi said. A globally recognized oil and gas expert called Donald Trumps energy promises one of the dumbest statements that Donald Trump has ever made. Thats saying a lot. Globally recognized oil and gas expert Matt Randolph, who is also known as Mr. Global on social media, is the vice president and principal partner of Oklahoma-based Sentinel Energy. That company describes itself as an integrated, employee-owned and self-funded group of companies remediating and responsibly managing oil and gas brownfields. Randolph has a lot of videos setting the record straight about the oil and gas industry from his point of view. Yes, he profits when the industry is doing well, so thats important to note. Heres why this matters: Donald Trump presented this as his energy policy. It is not an actual policy; its an empty promise that if delivered as he promised, would be disastrous. Randolph says Trumps promise of slashing energy and electricity prices by half at least would mean the U.S. would be totally reliant on foreign oil because there would be no U.S. Oil and gas industry left, production and job losses would drop at the fastest rate in history, U.S. GDP would turn negative the first month, and we would enter a recession. Watch here: TRUMP: Im announcing today that, under my leadership, the United States will commit to the ambitious goal of slashing energy and electricity prices by half. At least. RANDOLPH: He is going to cut energy prices by at least half, at least half within 12 months. What would that look like? So the current price of gas is 344, on a national average. So were talking about $1.72 a gallon on a national average gas. What would it take to get $1.72 a gallon gas on a national average? Ill put it to you this way. It never got there under his administration, even under Covid, the lowest it got on a national average was $1.93 in the month of April, 2020. You would need oil to be about $20 a barrel to cut the price of gas in half. You dont just cut the price of oil in half, because some of the cost in a gallon of gas are fixed costs. So $20 a barrel oil. What does that mean? That means you are totally reliant on foreign oil because there is no U.S. Oil and gas industry left after that, production would drop at the fastest rate in history. Job loss would drop at the fastest rate in history. GDP in the United States would turn negative the first month, and we would enter a recession. But he said energy, energy and electricity. What would happen to electricity costs if oil went to $20 a barrel, electricity costs would skyrocket at the fastest rate in history. Yeah, this dude dont know shit about energy, like hed know.. I cant believe how little he knows. Anyway, currently, natural gas prices are lower than theyve been in over 30 years. The reason natural gas prices are so low is because of all of the associated natural gas that we are producing with the extra oil production. That means natural gas production in the United States would collapse with the oil production and natural gas prices would skyrocket because we cant rely on OPEC for natural gas. No, we cant rely on anybody for natural gas. Were on our own. So if that production plummets, that price skyrockets. We saw that after Covid, when natural gas went to 10 bucks in MCF. That was because natural gas production had cratered because we lost a lot of oil production as well as natural gas production. Oh, and by the way, the cost of electricity in the United States did not drop one single year under his (Trumps) administration. It went up every single year. For people that know and understand energy, like I do, this may be one of the dumbest statements that Donald Trump has ever made. Randolph also explains why Trumps historic OPEC 2020 deal actually raised prices until 2022, when it ended: Trump makes bananas promises like this based on the not actually true sales point that he will make the U.S. energy independent. Hes speaking to the Drill, baby, drill people, after all. So hes promising to cut prices in half and make the U.S. independent. And apparently enough of his base believe this, even though his great Saudi-Russia oil in which OPEC agreed to cut production, which ended in April 2022, lead to high rate counts. Over here in reality, the U.S. is already energy independent. The U.S. leads global oil production for the sixth year in a row, according to Reuters. And crude oil production in 2023 broke the previous U.S. and global record of 12.3 million from 2019. So actually, under President Biden, the U.S. set a record for production. As Randolph explained in the second clip, our peak oil prices were in April 2022 and prices fell when Trumps deal ended. As weve been explaining for years, the U.S. does not control global oil prices for oil. We control natural gas market, but we cant drill, baby, drill our way into cheap oil prices. If that worked, then prices would be dirt cheap right now. The U.S. is producing record amounts under Biden not just to be energy independent, but for energy security at a time of tremendous global instability. Donald Trumps plan, such as it is, would do the opposite. Donald Trumps plan would make us dependent on foreign oil, which is the opposite of what he tells people. Polling is showing that voters are tired of Donald Trump, so the ex-president has responded by planning for his campaign to hold daily press briefings during the Democratic convention. S.V. Date of HuffPost posted: BREAKING The Trump campaign will be holding daily press briefings during the Democratic convention at Trumps hotel in Chicago. Meaning that the DNC is also a $$$ opportunity for the coup-attempting criminal former president. S.V. Date (@svdate) August 18, 2024 Trumps personal approval rating has plunged to 35%. Poling shows that Harris leads Trump on having the physical and mental stamina to be president. Harris has taken leads in many of the battleground states and nationally. It is clear that a majority of voters are tired of Donald Trump , so instead of cutting the dramatics down. Trump is amping up his appearances and giving America more of exactly what they dont want. Trumps campaign is trying to crash the Democratic convention and take attention away from VP Harris. Every decision that Trump has been making since Harris entered the race has been a bad one. It will be interesting to see if any networks outside of Fox News and Newsmax will even bother with them. The press events are not about answering questions, but getting attention. It is good for voters to see how bad Trumps decline is, but the press should not take attention away from Democrats because Trump feels needy. Americans are sick of Donald Trump, so the ex-president is going to be in their face even more, which sounds like a recipe for electoral disaster. Sum Bar got its start doing pop-ups and Neoh has candidly shared how chef and restaurant owner Alex George helped her grow by donating his restaurant space to her for events. Now that Neoh is part of a James Beard Award-winning team, the help she received is not lost on her. Greenville, because its doing so well and its a market for people to move and live, which is great, but it puts the burden and the price tag on our small businesses, Neoh said. I can only speak on the restaurant side of things, but having something specifically dedicated to connecting or mentoring new and existing small restaurants just feels so important right now. As Greenville grows, so does the food scene, but Weidenbenner has noticed a disconnect. Of the entrepreneurs that come through Mill Villages Village Launch business incubator program, many are hoping to start food businesses. But the barriers to entry are many. Many of them get stuck because it takes immense capital to open a restaurant and it largely takes what I call friends and family funding, Weidenbenner said. We see or entrepreneurs get stuck from going from food truck to brick and mortar, and a large part is funding. This led to discussions around a restaurant incubator, for which Mill Village is actively raising funds and seeking partners. The hope is that it might help not only build new food businesses and diversify Greenvilles food scene, but foster a collective support for existing businesses. The gala is a first step toward that imagined, more vibrant food community. How can we help incubate more diverse concepts that reflect the people that are here? Weidenbenner posited. The Great Wall Gala will take place 6 p.m., Aug. 22 at Greenville ONE Center, 1 N. Main St. Attendees will watch a screening of the award-winning film, Great Wall, and will be able to try dishes from some of Greenvilles emerging culinarians. A live auction will also feature a number of guest chef dinners and travel packages. On a bench outside the hospital, Dr. Nolan Williams and Dr. Brandon Bentzley sat and talked about a magnetic stimulation technique for brain disorders pioneered at the Medical University of South Carolina and how it might be better applied for more urgent treatment. A decade later, their brainstorming has led to a new system of applying the technique to provide rapid relief for people whose deep depression has been untouched by drugs or psychotherapy. It may also become an urgent treatment for suicidal patients. And it takes less than a week. The system, called SAINT, applies transcranial magnetic stimulation, or magnetic waves sent through the skull to a specific spot on the brain to treat depression and other conditions. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for depression since 2008 and for obsessive-compulsive disorder, pain associated with migraines and other treatments like smoking cessation since then. The new system uses sophisticated brain imaging to more precisely target the spot for each patient and more intensive applications over a shorter time to produce greater results. Millions of people suffer or have experienced a major depression, which lasts two weeks or more. In 2021, that was an estimated 21 million people, or more than 8 percent of all adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It occurs more often in women than in men and hits hardest among young adults 18-25, where it affects nearly one in five in the United States. About half of people treated for major depression can find relief through medication, talk therapy or some combination of the two. But for the other half, they dont respond and their likelihood of responding to the next medicine is very low, said Dr. Mark George, the Layton McCurdy Endowed Chair for Psychiatry at MUSC. The lack of treatment helped fuel the current mental health crisis in the U.S., said Christian Gormsen, president and CEO of Magnus Medical, which makes the SAINT system. Social Security Administration policy updates that expand access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in line with the law go into effect today. The agency no longer includes food in In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculations, has expanded its rental subsidy policy exception, and h Read moreSSI expands access and continues removing barriers Joe Carson was talking to a doctor one day when the physician made a perplexing point: Astronomers like Carson peer into telescopes and witness distant galaxies with ease. Why dont physicians possess as many powerful tools to observe events unfolding closer to Earth like processes playing out inside our bodies? The conversation got Carson, a College of Charleston professor, thinking. It set him on a yearslong path: apply astronomys tools to the human body to create a medical device that can visualize processes within us. The result is CervImage, a portable, compact wand that produces 3D images of cervixes, helping doctors detect cancer. Today's Top Headlines Story continues below And its all thanks to AI. Heres how it works. Once inserted into patients, Carsons colposcope captures dozens of snapshots of a cervix. Artificial intelligence technology from NASA telescopes helps transform those images into what Carson calls a topographical map. That 3D rendering helps doctors identify and treat cervical cancer. CervImage is one among an assortment of AI-powered devices transforming and, scientists hope, improving health care. Were in the AI revolution now, Carson said. The full impact of his invention, and other AI-driven medical devices, is yet unknown. CervImage is still in the study phase, as Carsons team devotes grant money to test the wand on patients in San Diego, Kenya and Malawi. In Charleston, artificial intelligence is slowly but surely surfacing in exam rooms. At Roper St. Francis Healthcare, an AI-powered note-taking software is helping physicians devote more time to patients and less to typing. Dr. Robert Oliverio, a top administrator, explained the technology like this: A device records conversations between doctors and patients, then generative AI transforms the transcript into a succinct note. The doc doesnt have to take those notes and can pay full attention to the patient, he said. Lindsey Graham has gone all Molly Hatchet and is flirtin with disaster in another states presidential elections. Read moreHicks Palmetto Politics: Graham trying to help change rules of presidential election again Annika Krovi is no ordinary teenager. The 17-year-old from Greenville has met Vice President Kamala Harris multiple times, led a national political organization some 11,000 members strong and spent years in the trenches of campaign work before she could even cast a ballot of her own. This fall, she will begin studying government at Harvard University a seemingly natural progression for a young woman deeply committed to civic engagement. But her influence is already being felt on the national stage. As one of the youngest delegates at the Democratic National Convention, Krovis passion for public service is both precocious and profound. Already she is embracing her role as the youngest South Carolina delegate with a maturity beyond her years. Its a really important privilege and responsibility to cast my vote and get involved, Krovi told The Post and Courier. I think its important that young people are showing up in these spaces and showing the rest of the country that we care about our future. Krovi serves as the national chair of the High School Democrats of America, making her a DNC member and an automatic delegate to this years convention in Chicago. But Krovi isnt just attending the partys largest gathering in eight years. She will be a speaker on a youth panel hosted by the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Caucus, and will also address the Youth Caucus alongside the president of the College Democrats of America and the Young Democrats of America. Krovis experience at the convention and her ongoing efforts to mobilize young voters embodies the energy and passion of a generation that is increasingly unwilling to sit on the sidelines. Her work hasnt gone unnoticed. Annika is a great example of the newest generation of Democratic activists, said Carol Fowler, the former chair of the S.C. Democratic Party. Our party is lucky to have such a bright young woman in a leadership position. SPARTANBURG Growth is coming to Spartanburg County School District 7 over the next six years and plans are underway to meet demand through new facilities and staffing. The school district serves students on the citys east side. With new housing planned or under construction, especially along Highway 29, the districts latest enrollment of 7,396 is likely to rise. At least 300 to 400 additional students are expected in the district over the next few years. The district recognizes the need and has built several new schools over the past eight years. In Aug. 2019, a new Spartanburg High School opened on Highway 29 on property that formerly housed a country club. The new high school cost $138 million to construct. The project was among three new schools approved by voters in March 2016 to allow the district to issue $185 million in general obligation bonds for the projects. As part of the plan, McCracken Middle School was moved into the former Spartanburg High School and a new elementary school was built replacing Houston and Chapman elementary schools. While these projects have helped alleviate some pressures on the district, more needs to be done elsewhere. On. Aug 20, District 7 voters will decide whether to approve a $47 million referendum to build a new Jesse Boyd Elementary School and a new addition at Mary H. Wright Elementary School. District 7 stands on a foundation of progress, innovation and momentum which calls us to be ever-vigilant and forward-thinking, Superintendent Jeff Stevens told The Post and Courier. We are entrusted with preserving this foundation to ensure its relevance for future generations. Our duty is clear: to lay new groundwork that inspires and equips current and future students. Built in 1964, Jesse Boyd Elementary School on Fernwood-Glendale Road is among the older schools in the district. If approved, a new Jesse Boyd Elementary School would be built on Webber Road near the former McCracken Middle School site. Design plans would begin late 2024. PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 20:01:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 577 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Global entrepreneur shares his optimism for Africa's startup funding rebound, citing increased privatization and geographic advantagesNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Zandre Campos, CEO of ABO Capital, an international investment firm that builds opportunities in emerging markets across Africa, appeared on CNBC Africa on Monday, August 12, 2024, to discuss the future of African entrepreneurship and state of investment.Joining CNBC Africa's Power Lunch West Africa program, Campos spoke with host Wole Famurewa about the reasons for optimism regarding African entrepreneurship, despite this year's downturn in startup funding. Campos shared his belief in the youth of Africa, emphasizing the critical need to prioritize expanding access to education and technology for future generations of entrepreneurs."The youth of Africa will not continue waiting for this moment. I think this is the moment of Africa. Even though it's difficult, this is what we see on the investment side and from the improvements we are making in Africa," said Campos. "The baseline for development in Africa and investment in Africa is education. There is a huge field for education, and this is the base for the success of other investments." In addition, Campos discussed the promising future for startups in sectors like tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. Campos also expounded on the opportunities for startup investment outside of Africa's "big four" - Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt - noting the strategic advantages of emerging markets like Angola that make it primed for continued growth."I think there are a lot of opportunities, not only geographically speaking - geopolitically speaking - but culturally speaking," said Campos. "Most of the countries [in Africa] have a base of English, we in Angola have a base of Portuguese, so you can tackle different parts of the world. You can tackle Europe, you can tackle the Spanish side of the world. [Angola] has 1,550 kilometers of coast, huge amounts of arable land - and we think we have a very bright future." Campos' appearance on CNBC Africa follows ABO Capital's ongoing investments in Africa's young people and future innovators. The firm recently opened the Amity Training Center in Luanda and hosted esteemed NYU professor Yaw Nyarko for a masterclass on the new digital financial era. To watch the full interview, visit CNBC Africa.About ABO CapitalABO Capital is an international investment firm that builds opportunities in emerging markets across Africa. Led by global entrepreneur Zandre Campos, ABO Capital invests in companies that create value and promote economic development throughout Africa. With a focus on education and technology, ABO Capital also operates in the financial services, energy, manufacturing, distribution and real estate sectors. ABO Capital is headquartered in Angola with offices in Dubai and the United States. Learn more at abocapital.net About Zandre CamposZandre Campos is one of the great, innovative business leaders and global entrepreneurs emerging out of Africa. Currently, he is chairman and CEO of ABO Capital, an international investment firm that builds opportunities in emerging markets across Africa. Campos was named one of the Top 25 African business influencers and was a recipient of the Distinguished Business Excellence Award by African Leadership Magazine and the Africa Award by CEO Magazine. An advocate for bringing better education and technology to Africa, Campos is frequently quoted as an expert on Africa in the media and has spoken at leading industry conferences around the world.Media ContactChristina LevinCaliber Corporate Advisers christina@ calibercorporateadvisers.com SOURCE: ABO Capital PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 22:30:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 591 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) and certain of the Company's senior executives.If you invested in ABR, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/arbor-realty-trust-inc Investors have until September 30, 2024 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in ABR securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and is captioned Lois Martin v. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., et al., No. 24-cv-05347.What is the Lawsuit About?ABR is a nationwide real estate investment trust ("REIT") and direct lender, providing loan origination and servicing for commercial real estate assets. The complaint alleges that during the relevant period, ABR misrepresented the health of the Company's loan book. In truth, ABR used fake holding companies to help conceal that its loan book was distressed, and the underlying collateral was overstated.On March 14, 2023, NINGI Research published a report which claimed, among other things, that "Arbor has been hiding a toxic real estate portfolio of mobile homes with a complex web of real and fake holding companies for more than a decade." This news caused the price of ABR stock to decline by $0.87 per share, or almost 7%, to close at $12.12 per share on March 14, 2023.Then, on December 5, 2023, Viceroy Research published an in-depth study of ABR's Jacksonville, Florida properties. Viceroy found that the Company's entire loan book is distressed and the underlying collateral is vastly overstated. This news caused the price of ABR stock to decline by $0.19 per share, or over 1%, to close at $13.67 per share on December 5, 2023.Finally, on July 12, 2024, Bloomberg reported that ABR was "being probed by federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York." According to the news report, "[t]he investigators are inquiring about lending practices and the company's claims about the performance of their loan book." This news caused the price of ABR stock to decline by $2.64 per share, or almost 17%, to close at $12.89 per share on July 12, 2024.Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/arbor-realty-trust-inc What Can You Do?If you invested in ABR, you have rights and are encouraged to submit your information to speak with an attorney.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The Firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitzross@ bfalaw.com 212-789-3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-20 00:00:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 510 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 GAINESVILLE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, a leading personal injury law firm helping injured clients in Florida, is proud to announce its new name. This marks a significant milestone in the firm's evolution. While the name is changing from Allen Law Firm, P.A. to Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, our firm's commitment to providing exceptional legal representation and compassionate client service remains steadfast.Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers - Gainesville personal injury attorneys Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers - Gainesville personal injury attorneysOur law office is excited to embark on this new chapter in the firm's history. This new name reflects the expanded capabilities and dedication to serving clients throughout Florida. The personal injury attorneys at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers remain committed to fighting for the rights of injury victims and securing the compensation they deserve.The name change is evident throughout our law firm's website and prominent digital presence. The website features a user-friendly interface, comprehensive information about the firm's practice areas, and valuable resources for accident victims. Clients can also conveniently schedule a free virtual consultation with a personal injury attorney, making it easier than ever to access legal help.Our FoundationOur firm's attorneys have a proven track record of success, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients since opening our law office in 2007. Our founding attorney, Bill Allen, remains committed to using an aggressive, disciplined approach when taking the fight to insurance companies and defense attorneys.Our attorneys have been recognized among the Top 100 Lawyers by NTL and the 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury. The firm's Florida personal injury attorneys have also earned an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating.The firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including:Car AccidentsMotorcycle AccidentsTruck AccidentsWrongful DeathBrain InjuriesMedical MalpracticeAllen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is a leading personal injury law firm dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims. With a team of experienced attorneys and a commitment to client service, our firm has helped countless victims pursue the justice they deserve. Our law offices are conveniently located in Gainesville and Ocala, Florida, and we offer free consultations for injured victims.Contact Us to Learn More About Our Legal ServicesOur legal team has more than 100 years of combined experience. We also take accident and injury cases on a contingency fee basis that allows you to secure our help without paying upfront costs. You only pay attorney's fees if we recover compensation for you.Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your legal options. If you have been injured in an accident, don't hesitate to contact the firm for a free consultation.Media Contact: Company Name: Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers - Gainesville Office Address: 2550 SW 76th St #150, Gainesville, FL 32608City: GainesvilleState: FloridaZip: 32608County: Alachua CountyPhone: (877) 255-3652 https://billallenlaw.com/contact-us/ Contact InformationBill AllenAttorneyallenpersonalinjurylaw@ gmail.com SOURCE: Allen Law Accident & Injury LawyersView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 22:30:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 514 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION INTO THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / American Potash Corp. (CSE:KCL) ("American Potash" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has increased the size of its non-brokered private placement announced on August 7, 2024 (the "Private Placement") and now intends to issue up to 20,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.05 to raise gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share at an exercise price of $0.10 for a period of two years following closing of the Private Placement.The Company may pay finder's fees in the amount of 7% cash and issue finder's warrants equal to 7% of the number of Units placed by such finder on all or a portion of the Private Placement. The finder's warrants will have the same terms of the Warrants forming part of the Units.The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for permitting on its properties and for working capital. Completion of the Private Placement remains subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsDean Besserer, President & CEOCautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking InformationThis news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the statements regarding completion of the Private Placement and the use of the net proceeds of the Private Placement. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include the Company's ability to locate suitable investors for the Private Placement or obtain the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange, management's discretion to re-allocate the net proceeds of the Private Placement, as well as those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Contact InformationDean BessererPresident & CEOdeanb@ americanpotash.com 780-916-5782SOURCE: American Potash Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 14:02:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 386 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Aurwest Resources Corporation ("Aurwest" or the "Company") (CSE:AWR) announces that Ms. Sonja Kuehnle has resigned from her position as Chief Financial Officer effective July 29, 2024. Ms. Kuehnle will provide advisory services for a period of time to support the Company and to ensure a smooth transition to the new interim Chief Financial Officer."Ms. Kuehnle has been a valued member of our executive team since joining the Company in May of 2023", said Cameron MacDonald, interim President & Chief Executive Officer. On behalf of the Board, and our executive team, I want to thank Ms. Kuehnle for her dedication, many contributions and wish her continued success in her future endeavors".The Company has appointed Cameron MacDonald as the interim Chief Financial Officer and he will hold this position until a permanent replacement has been appointed.For Additional InformationCameron MacDonaldTelephone: (403) 585-9875Email: cmacdonald@ aurwestresources.com Website: www.aurwestresources.com About Aurwest Resources CorporationAurwest is a Canadian-based junior resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in Canada. The Company currently holds a 100% interest in the Stellar copper/gold project totaling 734 hectares plus an additional 3,762 hectares of contiguous claims at the Stars projects located approximately 65 kilometers southwest of Houston British Columbia.Forward-Looking InformationStatements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements". Forward looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements may not materialize and that there are certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with the applicable laws.The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Aurwest Resources Corporation PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 15:00:56 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 749 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BlockQuarry Corp. Announces Strategic Shift to AI and High-Performance ComputingOn August 19, 2024, BlockQuarry Corp. (OTC PINK:BLQC) announced its strategic pivot from traditional bitcoin mining to focus on AI-powered data storage and high-performance computing (HPC). This move positions the company at the forefront of technological innovation, aligning with growing market demands and significant opportunities in the rapidly expanding AI and HPC sectors. The global AI and HPC markets are expected to see substantial growth, and BlockQuarry's new facility will utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. The company's leadership believes this shift will drive long-term success, increase profitability, and create lasting value for shareholders. Alonzo Pierce, President and Chair of BlockQuarry Corp., highlighted the company's excitement about this direction, emphasizing that the strategic move positions BlockQuarry as a leader in critical, fast-growing areas of technology.HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / BlockQuarry Corp. (OTC PINK:BLQC), a leading energy and infrastructure innovator, is accelerating its transition from traditional bitcoin mining operations to a focus on AI-powered data storage and high-performance computing (HPC). This strategic shift positions BlockQuarry at the cutting edge of technological advancements, aligning the company with burgeoning market demands and unlocking significant growth potential in rapidly expanding sectors.In a world increasingly driven by AI and data, BlockQuarry's pivot to AI and HPC is not just a response to market trends but a forward-looking strategy designed to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The global AI market, projected to reach $390.9 billion by 2025 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3% from 2020, presents a compelling growth avenue for BlockQuarry. Similarly, the HPC market, anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% to nearly $50 billion by 2027, underscores the immense value of this strategic realignment.BlockQuarry's upcoming AI and HPC facility will leverage state-of-the-art technologies to deliver robust data storage and processing capabilities. These advanced solutions are poised to revolutionize operational efficiency and productivity, providing real-time data analysis critical to industries such as healthcare, finance, and commercial retail. By positioning itself at the intersection of these transformative technologies, BlockQuarry is set to meet the soaring demand for sophisticated computing solutions.With the global HPC market valued at $36.0 billion in 2020 and expected to reach $55.1 billion by 2028, BlockQuarry's strategic focus on AI and HPC is timely and aligned with market trajectories. This pivot enables the company to effectively address the increasing complexity of scientific research, big data analytics, and the integration of AI technologies across various sectors, securing a significant share of these lucrative markets."We are incredibly excited about the direction BlockQuarry is heading. By embracing AI and HPC, we are positioning our company to lead in some of the most critical and fast-growing areas of technology today," said Alonzo Pierce, President and Chair of BlockQuarry Corp. "This shift is about more than just adapting to market changes-it's about driving innovation and setting the stage for sustained long-term success. We believe this strategic move will significantly enhance our operational capabilities and create lasting value for our shareholders." About BlockQuarry Corp. BlockQuarry Corp. (BLQC) is at the forefront of innovation in the U.S. energy and infrastructure sectors, with a dedicated focus on advancing the deployment of carbon-negative industrial energy solutions globally. The company specializes in providing green, sustainable, and economically viable energy alternatives to industries with significant power needs, including data storage hubs, manufacturing, cryptocurrency mining, and AI.Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the industry, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by the management of BlockQuarry Corp. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of these words, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to factors, including but not limited to, the success of BlockQuarry's strategic initiatives, economic conditions, and the competitive landscape. BlockQuarry Corp. undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.Media Contact Organization: BlockQuarry Corp.Contact Person Name: Alonzo PierceWebsite: https://x.com/blockquarryco Email: info@ blockquarry.io Country: United StatesSOURCE: BlockQuarry Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 16:32:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 305 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of The Chemours Company ("The Chemours Company") (NYSE:CC) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.Chemours issued a press release on August 1, 2024, reporting its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. Among other items, Chemours reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.38, missing consensus estimates by $0.20. The Company advised that it "anticipates a low to mid-single digit sequential decline in Net Sales for the third quarter," citing "[r]esidual impacts from Q2 unplanned downtime at our Altamira, Mexico manufacturing site" in its Titanium Technologies segment; "[r]efrigerant seasonality paired with weaker Freon Refrigerants pricing in its Thermal & Specialized Solutions segment; and "[a] continued modest recovery in" its Advanced Performance Materials segment. Following this news, Chemours's stock price dropped over 11% on August 2, 2024. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 19:45:59 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 327 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Globus Medical, Inc. ("Globus Medical, Inc.") (NYSE:GMED) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2024, Globus disclosed that "[o]n July 16, 2024, Globus Medical, Inc. received a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA') following an inspection of our facilities in Audubon, Pennsylvania. In the warning letter, the FDA cited deficiencies in the response letters sent by the Company to the FDA following the Form 483, List of Investigational Observations, which was delivered to the Company in connection with the inspection that occurred from February 15, 2024 until March 7, 2024. The letter describes observed non-conformities in establishing and maintaining product complaint procedures, including complaint investigations, trending, risk reconciliation, and Medical Device Report (MDR) procedures including timely reporting, pertaining to the ExcelsiusGPS robotic system." Following this news, Globus's stock price fell over 7% the same day. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 14:02:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 582 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 /Golden Lake Exploration Inc. (CSE:GLM) ("GLM" or the "Company") (OTCQB:GOLXF) is pleased to announce that the Bureau of Land Management (United States Department of the Interior) has approved the Company's Plan of Operations (PoO), authorizing preparatory and certain exploration activities including diamond drilling, to be undertaken on Golden Lake's flagship Jewel Ridge property (the "Property"), located in the prolific Battle Mountain-Eureka gold trend of Nevada."The Plan of Operations is a big asset for Golden Lake moving forward. We are very excited to get drilling our first 4 priority, deeper targets at Jewel Ridge, which to date has seen only shallow holes over the years" commented Mike England, Golden Lake CEO.The Property is well-located proximal to infrastructure and is immediately adjacent to successful, high-profile exploration programs currently being undertaken by both i-80 Gold Corp. ( IAU.TO) as well as North Peak Resources Ltd. ( NPR.V) , on their neighboring Ruby Hill and Prospect Mountain properties, respectively.Acceptance of Plan of Operations:The BLM acceptance of Golden Lake's Plan of Operations (PoO NVNV105863070/Nevada Reclamation Permit No. 0421) initiates the bonding for approximately 15.5 acres of authorized exploration activities at Jewel Ridge, permitting among other things, the construction of new trails, roads and drill pads in accordance with BLM Surface Management Regulations.Such activities will be completed prior to and during the undertaking of a planned 1,500-metre diamond drilling program at Jewel Ridge, anticipated to commence by mid to late September.North Peak Resources Drilling Results at Prospect Mountain:The approval of Golden Lake's PoO and its upcoming drill program at Jewel Ridge are timely, in view of the encouraging drill results recently announced by North Peak Resources Ltd. at Prospect Mountain.North Peak reported the results from the first 10 holes of its 2024 reverse-circulation drill program targeting the Wabash/Williams/Silver Connor historical mine areas (see North Peak's news release dated August 14, 2024). Many of the drill holes completed by North Peak, among them PM24-004 & PM24-006, are situated within 200 metres from the western boundary of the Jewel Ridge property (see Figure 1). Drill hole assays include:1.06 g/t Au & 12.30 g/t Ag over 126.5 metres (including 4.20 g/t Au & 71.00 g/t Au over 12.2 metres) in drill hole PM-24-0041.38 g/t Au & 26.32 g/t Ag over 35.1 metres (including 2.03 g/t Au & 38.26 g/t Ag over 21.3 metres) in drill hole PM-24-006Figure 1. Jewel Ridge property with North Peak data from PR released on Aug 14, 2024.Current controls on gold mineralization at the Wabash/Williams historic mines are not conclusively known. Regardless of such controls, the wide encouraging drill intercepts recently obtained by North Peak within close proximity to the Jewel Ridge Property, augur well for Golden Lake.Qualified person:Golden Lake Exploration's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Don Hoy, P.Geo., who serves as a qualified person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.About Golden Lake Exploration Inc:Golden Lake Exploration is a junior public mining exploration company engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. Its objective is to acquire, explore and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to aggressively advance its exploration program on the Jewel Ridge property.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD"Mike England" Mike England, CEO & DIRECTORFOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACTTelephone: 1-604-683-3995TollFree:1-888-945-4770SOURCE: Golden Lake Exploration Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 18:16:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 415 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Kootenai Health, including its subsidiaries Kootenai Clinic, Kootenai Outpatient Surgery, and Kootenai Outpatient Imaging, recently disclosed a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal information of over 480,000 employees, employees' dependents, and patients. This breach has led to concerns over the security of private information entrusted to the healthcare provider.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On March 2, 2024, Kootenai Health detected unusual activity that disrupted access to certain IT systems. Kootenai Health conducted an investigation which revealed an unauthorized party may have gained access to certain data in its network on or around February 22, 2024. The investigation determined that the following sensitive personal information were compromised in the data breach: full name, Social Security number, driver's license, government-issued ID, medical records number, medical information, health insurance information, and medical diagnoses.On August 12, 2024, Kootenai Health began issuing notice letters to individuals impacted by the data breach. Compensation may be available for Kootenai Health patients, employees, and their dependents who received notice that their personal information had been compromised.WHY AM I ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Kootenai Health, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected customers are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 22:00:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 385 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / The Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel is proud to share that our founding attorney Jay Knispel has been recognized for his outstanding legal work in New York by Super Lawyers. Attorney Knispel has been named a "2024 New York Super Lawyer" for the second year in a row.Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers - NYC personal injury lawyers Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers - NYC personal injury lawyersSuper Lawyers, owned by Thomson Reuters, uses a rigorous selection process to identify the top attorneys in each state, including peer nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations. Only 5% of New York attorneys are named "Super Lawyers," making this recognition a significant achievement.The Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel is thrilled to see our founding attorney recognized by one of the country's top-rating services. Attorney Knispel has also been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell (AV Preeminent Rating), and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. These awards reflect the firm's unwavering dedication to its clients and its ability to achieve outstanding results in personal injury, employment discrimination, and Social Security Disability cases.About the Law Offices of Jay S. KnispelAttorney Jay Knispel founded the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers to protect the rights of accident victims in New York. Attorney Knispel has spent over two decades representing injured New Yorkers, recovering tens of millions in settlements and verdicts. He has achieved record-breaking victories for his injured clients.Our law firm handles all types of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, slip and falls, and other cases. If you've been injured in an accident in New York, contact the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel for a free consultation with one of our award-winning attorneys. We work on a contingency fee basis in all personal injury cases we take on.Media Contact:Company Name: Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers New York City Address: 450 7th Ave Suite 1605, New York, NY 10123City: New York CityState: New YorkZip: 10123County: New York CountyPhone: (212) 564 2800 https://jknylaw.com/contact/ Contact InformationJay KnispelAttorneyknispelpersonalinjury@ gmail.com SOURCE: Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury LawyersView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 14:32:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 540 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Significant Public Private Partnership infrastructure initiative led by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and DevelopmentValued at USD 230 million over a period of fifty yearsDULUTH, MN / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Kapsch TrafficCom announces the Financial Close, and selection as the Tolling Contractor for the Interstate 10 Calcasieu River Bridge project in Louisiana (I-10 Project). The I-10 Project is another significant Public Private Partnership infrastructure initiative led by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) and Calcasieu Bridge Partners (CBP).The Consortium is led by Kapsch TrafficCom long-time partner Plenary Americas. Kapsch TrafficCom will provide its end-to-end tolling services, as the Tolling Contractor and System Integrator to CBP and to the LADOTD.The Tolling portion of the I-10 Project, valued at USD $230 million over a period of fifty years, involves a public-private partnership (P3), a collaborative arrangement where the state government and private sector companies invest to develop critical public infrastructure projects. The I-10 Project aims to significantly improve traffic on the vital I-10 corridor in Lake Charles, and represents an advancement in infrastructure, safety, reliable mobility, and economic growth for drivers and industry within the entire Southwest Louisiana region.JB Kendrick, President at Kapsch TrafficCom North America, explains: "We are honored to be part of such a transformative project that will have a lasting impact on Louisiana's landscape. The 50-year contract duration is exceptional and underscores the confidence in our technology and expertise to support this vital corridor's long-term success. Adding I-10 to our current LA1 and Belle Chasse projects continues to provide synergy for the road users throughout the region, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance Louisiana's transportation infrastructure." The I-10 Project, valued at more than USD 2.1 billion, involves the construction of a new bridge, interstate corridor improvements, ramps, interchanges, and service roads over the Calcasieu River in the Lake Charles region of Louisiana. Kapsch TrafficCom is providing its Roadside and Backoffice systems, including operational support with walk-up and customer service for this important project.Kapsch TrafficCom: At the Forefront of InnovationLeveraging Kapsch TrafficCom's current deployments in Louisiana with Belle Chasse and LA1, the I-10 Calcasieu River project will also utilize the Kapsch TrafficCom comprehensive commercial back office and operations staff for the next five decades. The tolling system is designed to commence after the bridge opens to traffic, ensuring efficient and seamless toll collection.More information: Press | Kapsch TrafficComKapsch TrafficCom is a globally renowned provider of transportation solutions for sustainable mobility with successful projects in more than 50 countries. Innovative solutions in the application fields of tolling, tolling services, traffic management and demand management contribute to a healthy world without congestion.With one-stop-shop-solutions, the company covers the entire value chain of customers, from components to design and implementation to the operation of systems.Kapsch TrafficCom, headquartered in Vienna, has subsidiaries and branches in more than 25 countries and is listed in the Prime Market segment of the Vienna Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: KTCG). In its 2023/24 financial year, about 4,000 employees generated revenues of EUR 539 million.Press contact:Carolin Treichl Executive Vice President Marketing & CommunicationsKapsch TrafficCom AGAm Europlatz 2, 1120 Vienna, AustriaP +43 50 811 1710 carolin.treichl@kapsch.net Sandra Bijelic Head of Corporate Communications Kapsch TrafficCom AG Am Europlatz 2, 1120 Vienna, Austria P +43664628 1720 sandra.bijelic@kapsch.net SOURCE: Kapsch TrafficCom AG PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 15:00:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 513 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Transforming Art Acquisition with Augmented RealitySAN JOSE, COSTA RICA / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / In a significant move toward redefining Costa Rican art acquisition, MIRAME Fine Art now offers an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) feature that allows collectors to virtually place and visualize artworks within their own homes. This feature comes at a crucial time, as the Costa Rican art scene has traditionally faced challenges due to limited gallery infrastructure and logistical difficulties in navigating the country.Augmented Reality and Art MIRAME Fine Art is committed to promoting Costa Rica's rich cultural heritage by connecting artists with art lovers worldwide.Visualize Masterpieces in Your SpaceWith MIRAME's AR functionality, collectors can explore how the masquerade paintings of Adrian Arguedas or the ethereal smoke figures of Miguel Hernandez Bastos, among many others, will appear on their walls.The tool ensures works are displayed in high-definition and in the correct dimensions, allowing users to see how each piece interacts with their surrounding furniture and decor. You can also move the artwork around on the wall, adjusting the height and positioning to find the perfect fit. This immersive experience is about understanding how a piece interacts with light, space, and surroundings before committing to a purchase.Enhancing Engagement with ArtThe possibilities extend to the abstract works of artists such as Carolina Guillermet and Aimee Joaristi, whose geometric and expressive pieces can now be virtually placed on any wall within a home. This technology allows collectors to appreciate the complex interplay of color and form in real time, helping create a deeper connection with the art.Photography enthusiasts will also find the AR tool compelling. The award-winning photographs of Edwar Herreno and Leonardo Urena, for example, can be brought to life. Whether it's a powerful depiction of Costa Rica's underwater life or a close-up of sand on the beach glistening in the sunset, collectors can assess how these images enhance their personal spaces.A New Paradigm in Art AcquisitionMIRAME Fine Art's AR feature revolutionizes how Costa Rican art is experienced and purchased. It offers a more informed and confident buying process, especially for international collectors who can now visualize a piece in their home before handling shipping and installation.Moreover, the integration of AR technology aligns with the broader trend of digital innovation in the art world, where the boundaries between physical and virtual spaces are increasingly blurred. As AR continues to evolve, it offers exciting new possibilities for both artists and collectors, enhancing the accessibility and personalization of the art-buying experience.The Future of Art in Your HandsMIRAME Fine Art invites you to explore this innovative approach to art collecting. By blending Costa Rican art with cutting-edge technology, we offer a unique opportunity to engage with art in a personal and interactive way.Visit MIRAME Fine Art to see how AR can transform your home and collection, bringing Costa Rican art into your daily life.Contact InformationBelinda SeppingsCo-Founderbelinda@ miramefineart.com +447821591397SOURCE: MIRAME Fine ArtView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 22:01:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 493 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Malone Law, a leader in the field of medical malpractice and severe injury law in Georgia, is pleased to announce its new DBA: Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers. This change reflects our unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of the catastrophically injured.Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers - Atlanta, GA Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers - Atlanta, GAFor over 50 years, our firm has been a beacon of hope for families seeking justice and healing after experiencing devastating injuries due to medical negligence. While our name has evolved, our mission remains steadfast: to provide exceptional legal representation and secure full compensation for our clients.A Legacy of Excellence and AdvocacyFounded by the late Thomas W. Malone, Malone Law has earned a reputation as one of Georgia's premier law firms for handling complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases. Our firm has been instrumental in recovering hundreds of millions for our clients. It has achieved significant legal milestones, including the Georgia Supreme Court's decision to strike down the state's $350,000 cap on non-economic damages in medical negligence cases.Adam Malone, a Board Certified Trial Lawyer and pioneer in catastrophic personal injury law, continues this legacy. Under his leadership, the firm has consistently obtained record-setting verdicts. Adam and his team bring decades of experience and a proven track record of success in holding negligent parties accountable.Our Commitment to Making a DifferenceAt Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers, our attorneys dedicate 100% of their efforts to each case. We limit the number of cases we accept to provide focused and compassionate legal support, allowing our clients to focus on their recovery while we handle all legal aspects of their cases."Our practice is about making a difference for clients and helping them put their lives back together," says Adam Malone. "With our new name, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for justice and achieving meaningful results for the injured." Contact Us for a Free ConsultationIf you or a loved one has been injured due to medical negligence, you deserve a law firm that will fight tirelessly for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to discuss your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.About Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury LawyersSince 1965, Malone Law has been at the forefront of legal advocacy for injured clients in Georgia. Our firm is renowned for its expertise in medical malpractice and severe injury cases, earning nationwide recognition for our skillful representation and dedication to justice.Media Contact: Company Name: Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers Atlanta Address: 2 Ravinia Dr NE, Suite 300 City: AtlantaState: GeorgiaZip Code: 30346Phone: (770) 390-7550Website: https://malonelaw.com/ Contact InformationAdam MaloneAttorneymalonelaw.medmal@gmail.com SOURCE: Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury LawyersView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-20 00:00:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 492 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CLEARWATER, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / The Law Offices of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes is proud to announce that attorneys Matthew Noyes and Bryan Caulfield have been named 2024 Super Lawyers, an honor to their contributions to the legal profession. This recognition is a testament to their unwavering dedication, exceptional legal skills, and commitment to justice.Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater, FLThe Super Lawyers selection process is highly rigorous, involving peer nominations, independent research, and evaluations by a panel of highly credentialed attorneys.Matthew Noyes has a remarkable career advocating for victims of car accidents, workers' compensation claims, and more. His compassionate approach and relentless pursuit of justice have earned him a reputation as one of Florida's most trusted legal advocates. He is also an author and an active and charitable member of the Clearwater community. He brings knowledge and empathy to his practice and is a valuable pillar to his clients and the community.Bryan Caulfield has extensive experience in personal injury and wrongful death law and is renowned for his strategic legal advocacy and tireless efforts on behalf of his clients. His expertise has also been previously recognized in multiple ways, including with Board Certification as a Civil Trial Lawyer by the Florida Bar, an honor held by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. His dedication to protecting the rights of those who have suffered has made him a standout figure in the legal community.As 2024 Super Lawyers, Matthew and Bryan join an elite group of attorneys with exceptional legal abilities and a commitment to ethical practice. We are proud to congratulate them on this well-deserved honor, which they have achieved through exceptional legal advocacy, unwavering dedication, and positive impacts on the lives of the community members they serve. Their inclusion in this year's list reaffirms their status as leaders in personal injury law.About Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes, P.A. Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes, P.A. is a personal injury firm serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas in Florida. We are the first firm in Clearwater, and our legal team has 300+ years of collective experience. Our attorneys have earned an AV rating (the highest possible rating from the largest legal rating service), fought cases all the way to the Florida Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of the United States, and found justice and compensation for thousands of clients.Our firm exclusively practices personal injury law, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, and other types of accidents. We take pride in approaching every case with, knowledge, compassion, and integrity. Contact us today for a free consultation if you need legal help in Pinellas County.Media Contact: Company Name: Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office Address: 1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201City: ClearwaterState: FloridaZip: 33765County: Pinellas CountyPhone: (727) 796-8282 https://usalaw.com/contact-us/ Contact InformationMark PerenichAttorneyperenichpersonalinjury@ gmail.com SOURCE: Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury LawyersView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 18:02:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 377 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Nova has added over 350 new drive-up, indoor, and climate-controlled storage units, comprising 30,000 rentable square feet, to its existing facility. Nova Storage Palmdale now offers 964 units and 106,855 rentable square feet.PALMDALE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Nova Storage is excited to announce the grand opening of its newly expanded facility in Palmdale, CA. The celebration will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 22nd. Nova has added over 350 new drive-up, indoor, and climate-controlled storage units, comprising 30,000 rentable square feet, to its existing facility. Nova Storage Palmdale now offers 964 units and 106,855 rentable square feet.Palmdale Office Nova Storage Palmdale front officeThe new units, designed to meet a variety of storage needs, range in size from 5'x5' to 10'x30', offering ample space for household items, family valuables, and more. Each unit is part of a safe, clean, well-lit, and secure facility, ensuring the highest standards of storage security and convenience."The expansion in Palmdale represents our commitment to providing top-tier storage solutions to our community," said Andrew Rankin, President of Nova Storage. "We are excited to offer these additional units and enhance our services to meet the growing demand for secure and accessible storage." The property's leasing office has been redesigned with a modern, open-concept workspace, creating a welcoming environment for customers. Friendly and knowledgeable staff will be available to assist with all storage needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.Nova Storage invites the community to join the celebration and take advantage of the new storage options available. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will provide an opportunity for attendees to tour the facility, meet the staff, and learn more about the features and benefits of storing with Nova Storage.About Nova Storage:Headquartered in Mission Hills, California, Nova Storage offers safe, clean, well-lit and secure self-storage to over 8,500 tenants. Founded in 1982, Nova is locally owned and operated, with 10 locations in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties.For more information about Nova Storage and the new Palmdale facility, please visit NovaStorage.com , contact a friendly manager at (661) 266-1200 or Email: palmdale@ novastorage.com Nova Storage14800 Rinaldi StMission Hills, California 91345(818) 365-9877 mhills@ novastorage.com Contact InformationEmanuel ColindresBusiness Development Managermcolindres@ novadevco.com 3234474408SOURCE: Nova Storage PalmdaleView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 09:05:48 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1042 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Highlights:Strong analytical results from the inaugural drilling campaign for Q2 Metals including:CS-24-010: Cumulatively 181.1 metres ("m") at 1.67% Li2OWidest interval of 120.3 m at 1.72% Li2O including 19.0 m at 2.06% Li2OCS-24-007: Cumulatively 94.6 m at 1.52% Li2OWidest interval of 27.1 m at 1.96% Li2O including 11.1 m at 2.49% Li2OCS-24-008: Cumulatively 27.0 m at 1.63% Li2OWidest interval of 19.3m at 1.75% Li2O including 6.2 m at 2.23% Li2OCS-24-009: Cumulatively 115.9 m at 1.48% Li2OWidest interval of 82.1m at 1.43% Li2O including 15.7 ma t 1.88% Li2OVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 /Q2 Metals Corp. ( TSX.V:QTWO)(OTCQB:QUEXF)(FSE:458) ("Q2" or the "Company") is pleased to report on the first core assay results from drill holes CS-24-007 to CS-24-010 from the Spring 2024 Drill Campaign at the Cisco Lithium Property (the "Property" or the "Cisco Property") located within the greater Nemaska traditional territory of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada."These first four holes of our inaugural drill program at Cisco have exceeded our expectations with higher grades within some of the wider intervals such as Hole 10," said Q2 Metals VP of Exploration, Neil McCallum. "We look forward to releasing more analytical results in the coming weeks as they become available." "Between closing our financing earlier this month and the work we've done in the field, 2024 has been an exceptional year for Q2 Metals so far," said Q2 Metals President and CEO, Alicia Milne. "We have just begun our work at the Cisco Property, and having only completed 12 drill holes, these initial results are exceptionally promising." The analytical results reported herein represent the first 1,017 m of drilling over four (4) holes of the 3,753 m that were drilled over 12 holes at the Cisco Property. Initial visual results of those four holes were reported by the Company on June 17, 2024.The Spring 2024 Drill Campaign was designed to expand upon the 2023 drilling by the Property vendors. Hole CS-23-05 ("Hole 5") drilled by the Property vendor ended in pegmatite and assays results confirmed a total of 115.4 m at 1.40% Li2O, cumulatively within five (5) separate pegmatite intervals. Holes CS-24-009 and 010 ("Hole 10") were designed as 50 m westward step-outs from Hole 5. Assay results from these two holes confirmed wide intervals of spodumene pegmatite, with the widest interval reaching 120.3 m at 1.72% Li2O, including 19.0 m at 2.06% Li2O in Hole 10.Complete highlighted intervals from holes CS-24-007 to 010 are summarized in Table 1 and represented in Figure 1. All intervals of greater than two (2) metres of core-length are included in the table. Internal dilution of non-pegmatite material was limited to intervals of less than five (5) metres. No specific grade cap or lower cut-offs were used during grade and width calculations. All intervals are reported as core widths and mineralized intervals in all the holes drilled thus far are not representative of the true width as the modelled pegmatite zones are being refined with every additional hole.Figure 1. Map of Inaugural Drill Hole Analytical Results at Cisco PropertyTable 1. Summary of Analytical Results of Spring Drill Holes at Cisco PropertyResults from approximately 2,700 m of drilling eight (8) holes (CS-24-011 to CS-24-018) remain to be reported from the Spring 2024 Drill Campaign and will be released as soon as results are available. Drilling at the Cisco Property is ongoing and will continue into the fall of 2024.About the Cisco PropertyThe Cisco Property is comprised of 222 mineral claims and is 11,374 hectares in size. It is located less than 10 kilometres ("km") east of the Billy Diamond Highway, and is approximately 150 km north of Matagami, a small town that contains the closest rail link to much of James Bay. The Property lies within the greater Nemaska Community lands of the Eeyou Istchee Territory, James Bay, Quebec.The Property is situated along the Frotet Evans Greenstone Belt, comprised of a volcanic package dominated by mafic to felsic metavolcanic rocks, of the southern James Bay Lithium District, the same belt that hosts the Sirmac and Moblan lithium deposits, located 130 km and 180 km away, respectively.Sampling, Analytical Methods and QA/QC ProtocolsAll drill core samples were shipped to SGS Canada's preparation facility in Val D'Or, Quebec, for standard sample preparation (code PRP92) which includes drying at 105C, crushing to 90% passing 2 mm, riffle split 500 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns. The pulps are then shipped by air to SGS Canada's laboratory in Burnaby, BC, where the samples are homogenized and subsequently analyzed for multi-element (including Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish (code GE_ICM91A50).A Quality Assurance / Quality Control protocol following industry best practices was incorporated into the sampling program.Qualified PersonNeil McCallum, B.Sc., P.Geol, is a registered permit holder with the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. Mr. McCallum is a director and VP Exploration for Q2.About Q2 Metals CorpQ2 Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on unlocking its portfolio of lithium projects in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada, that includes both its 100-per-cent-owned Mia Lithium Property and the Cisco Lithium Property.The Cisco lithium property is located approximately 150 km north of Matagami, Que., and comprises 222 mineral claims and is 11,374 ha in size. The property has district-scale potential with an already identified mineralized zone and a discovery drill result of 115.4 metres at 1.40 percent lithium oxide (hole CS-23-05), cumulatively in five separate pegmatites.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Alicia MilnePresident & CEOAlicia@ Q2metals.com Jason McBride Corporate CommunicationsJason@ Q2metals.com Telephone: 1 (800) 482-7560 E-mail: info@ Q2metals.com Follow the Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and InstagramForward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will" PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 16:35:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 908 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 PHT Growth Fund to acquire and invest in post-harvest cold chainGREENWICH, CT / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / In a sector of the agricultural industry sorely in need of innovation, a new private equity investment platform has been launched to disrupt the status quo.PHT Investment Group today announced the launch of a new fund as a next step in its mission to transform the post-harvest infrastructure sector. PHT Growth Fund LP is a new investment vehicle established to make strategic acquisitions and investments in temperature-controlled food supply chains, with a mission to support the movement of fresh produce from field to table."The post-harvest infrastructure sector is long overdue for improvement; right now, globally, over a trillion dollars of food goes to waste each year," said Jim White, PhD, Founder and CEO of PHT Investment Group LLC, the general partner of PHT Growth Fund. "Our new fund will dramatically reduce that wastage through the changes we are making in the industry. Investing in a carefully selected portfolio of cold storage infrastructure assets and mission-critical logistics will increase productivity, increase shelf life, increase the nutritional value of fresh produce, and reduce waste. All of this will result in savings at the retail levelas well as profits to growers and investors." PHT Growth Fund was founded on White's vision of building the first and only investment firm in the nation that focuses on the post-harvest infrastructure sector. He built the platform to make a global impact, and to disrupt and innovate in an essential industry overlooked and underfunded.According to White, there is much work to be done in the fresh produce supply chain. "Right now, one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost due to spoilage, mainly because of outdated infrastructure and improper handling after harvest," he said. "We aim to change that. Our mission is to combine diversified investments in pre-cooling, cold storage, infrastructure, logistics, and technology to revolutionize the ag industry and eliminate food wasteto the immense benefit of growers, consumers, and investors." The post-harvest infrastructure sector is the nexus of the global food supply chain, sitting at the intersection of next-generation technology, mission-critical logistics, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure in a sector of the agricultural space dating back almost a century. When fresh produce is pre-cooled immediately after harvest and before being placed into cold storage, the nutritional value and shelf life of the commodities are maximized."Private equity investors, family offices, institutions, and corporate investors who are interested in our capabilities for the future should also know our history," White said. "We trace our operational roots to 1936 when Growers Ice Company was established in Salinas, California. Back then, Growers Ice coined the term iceberg lettuce' when train cars full of lettuce were cooled by block ice produced at our original campus facility. That campus still operates today and remains a major fixture in the Salinas Valley agriculture industry. Over these 88 years, we've developed deep sector expertise in fresh produce pre-cooling, cold storage, infrastructure, logistics, and industrial equipment design, engineering and manufacturing." White understands the challenges of overhauling the agricultural industry. In many areas its infrastructure is obsolete. Improper wastewater management is an impediment. Decarbonization is not prioritized. Existing cold storage facilities are antiquated and in desperate need of redevelopment. New legislation and government funding is critical but is too often slow to materialize. PHT Growth Fund offers a vehicle to make unparalleled change in an essential market."We are at a crossroads, politically, economically, and socially, with significant stressors ranging from who will lead our country across a gaping divide to grappling with the rising cost of living," White continued. "But if we become forward-thinking visionaries who apply critical thinking skills to the existing problems of a given industry, we can not only solve some of our most pressing issues but can create a ripple effect for positive global change." As a Vietnam Army combat veteran and philanthropist, White is passionate about the social impact of his strategy. He says the more his projects can innovate and get product to consumers safer, faster, and less expensive, the more positive change he drives."When we ask, Can a company be lucrative and do enormous good in the world?' our answer is a resounding yes. Our mission is to deliver predictable, sustainable long-term value for our investors and stakeholders, with careful attention to sustainability and to serving the communities in which we operate," White added.For more information and to access the investor portal, visit www.PHTInvestmentGroup.com About:Dr. Jim White is Chairman and CEO of Post Harvest Technologies, Inc., as well as Founder and CEO of PHT Investment Group. He is the bestselling author of five books, including Broken America: Ten Guiding Principles to Restore America and Opportunity Investing: How to Revitalize Urban and Rural Communities with Opportunity Funds. Throughout his career, he has bought, expanded, and sold 23 companies operating in 44 countries. He is a Vietnam army combat veteran and holds a B.S. in civil engineering, an MBA, and a doctorate in psychology and organizational behavior. He shares his insights and critical thinking skills in a webcast series, Healing America with Dr. Jim White, in which he explores the many issues and challenges faced by our nation - and how to fix them.###CONTACT: Jake Levison / jake@ phtinvestmentgroup.com SOURCE: PHT Investment Group LLC PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 10:00:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 759 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Storm Exploration Inc. (TSX-V:STRM) ("Storm" or the "Company") today announced that, further to the Company's news release dated July 4, 2024, it has reached an agreement with Landore Resources Canada Inc. ("Landore") to extend, by up to 18 months, the dates for the remaining payments under the Option Agreement to acquire a 100% interest the Miminiska and Keezhik properties.The remaining payments to Landore are tabled below:Payment DateCashConvertible Cash120-Sep-2024$262,500$250,00020-Mar-2025Nil$275,00020-Mar-2026$525,000$787,5001 Storm can elect to make Convertible Cash payments in cash or STRM shares with number of shares defined by the 30-day volume weighted average price prior to the date of election.The Storm shares will be subject to a voluntary pooling arrangement that will allow 20% of each instalment of shares to be released for trading on issuance (subject to the statutory hold period), an additional 40% to be released on the first anniversary of the share issuance and the remaining 40% to be released on the second anniversary of the share issuance. In addition, if Landore wishes to dispose of any shares, Storm will have the ability to find a buyer. Finally, if Landore acquires direction or control of 10% or more of the issued shares of Storm, it will have the right to appoint one director to the Board of Directors, subject to TSXV acceptance.Bruce Counts, the President and CEO of the Company, stated: "I would like to thank Landore for working with Storm to revise the agreement for Miminiska and Keezhik in a way that balances attractive commercial terms for Storm investors with the preservation of value for Landore".Fort Hope ProjectsThe Miminiska, Keezhik and Attwood properties are located within the traditional territory of the Eabametoong First Nation with whom Storm signed an Exploration Agreementsee news release dated May 23rd, 2024 here ). The properties projects are located within the Miminiska-Fort Hope greenstone belt, approximately 350 kilometres north of the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Each project has the potential to host a multi-million-ounce orogenic gold deposit. In addition, the Attwood project also has the potential to host a significant base metal deposit.The Miminiska property is the Company's primary focus and hosts drill confirmed, high-grade gold mineralization at two primary prospects: Miminiska and Frond (refer to Figure 1). Historical assays include 5.75g/t Au over 20.84m* and 13.95g/t Au over 5.32m* with mineralization hosted in banded iron formation and associated shear zones.Figure 1: Miminiska Property* Historical results have not been independently verified by Storm; and, there is no guarantee that the Company can reproduce the results in whole or in part. Potential investors should not rely on these historical results when making an investment decision.Next StepsPlans for a financing to support a drill program to expand and extend known mineralization at the Miminiska prospect will be announced in the coming days.About Storm Exploration Inc.Storm Exploration Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and development of economic precious and base metal deposits on four district-scale projects in northwest Ontario: Miminiska, Keezhik, Attwood and Gold Standard.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward Looking InformationThis news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the Company's strategic plans, future operations, future work programs and objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.For further information, please contact:Storm Exploration Inc. +1 (604) 506-2804 bcounts@ stormex.ca SOURCE: Storm Exploration Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 14:25:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 831 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FDA Approval of Nypozi and FDA BLA Acceptance of TX-05 Further Validates Tanvex's Expertise in Biologics Development and Manufacturing.SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Tanvex BioPharma USA, Inc. ("Tanvex" or the "Company"), a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for biologics and a biosimilars products company, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved NYPOZI (filgrastim-txid), the Company's biosimilar referencing Neupogen,1, to treat chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in cancer patients. The approval marked an important regulatory milestone that was quickly complemented by the FDA's acceptance of the Company's Biologics License Application (BLA) for TX-05, an investigational antineoplastic biologic targeting HER2-positive breast and gastric cancer, a proposed biosimilar to Herceptin,2 (trastuzumab). Both milestones further validate Tanvex's expertise in biosimilars and contract biologics development and manufacturing using its U.S. based and FDA licensed manufacturing facility.NYPOZI (filgrastim-txid) injection LOGO Brand logo for NYPOZI (filgrastim-txid) injection.John Mosack, Chief Operating Officer of Tanvex commented, "We are incredibly proud of these recent regulatory milestones. They represent a significant step forward for our company, showcasing our dedication to bringing innovative and cost-effective solutions to healthcare via our U.S. based and FDA licensed manufacturing facility. NYPOZI will provide an important treatment option for patients, and the acceptance of our TX-05 BLA further demonstrates our continuing commitment to developing and manufacturing high-quality biologics for our clients." NYPOZI (filgrastim-txid), a biosimilar to Neupogen,1 (filgrastim), was approved for all relevant indications, including chronic administration to reduce the incidence and duration of sequelae of severe neutropenia (e.g. fever infections oropharyngeal ulcers) in symptomatic patients with congenital neutropenia cyclic neutropenia or idiopathic neutropenia.Neutropenia, a condition characterized by a low count of white blood cells called neutrophils, is a common side effect experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. It is estimated that approximately 60,000 to 100,000 cancer patients in the U.S. develop neutropenia each year. Neutropenia can increase the risk of life-threatening infections, as the reduced white blood cell count leaves the body more vulnerable. If left untreated, neutropenia can lead to delays or interruptions in a patient's cancer treatment, which can negatively impact their overall health outcomes.By increasing access to effective therapies, the approval of NYPOZI has the potential to benefit tens of thousands of individuals in the U.S. who are battling neutropenia as part of their cancer care. "Our deepest gratitude is offered to the patients and their loved ones for participating in our clinical programs and to Tanvex scientists and collaborators for persevering over many years of development," stated Henry Chen, Chairman and CEO of Tanvex.About NYPOZISEE FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION FOR NYPOZIfor complete information on indications and usage, dosage and administration, contraindications, warnings and precautions, and adverse reactions.For subcutaneous or intravenous use, NYPOZI is a leukocyte growth factor indicated to: Decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a significant incidence of severe neutropenia with fever Reduce the time to neutrophil recovery and the duration of fever, following induction or consolidation chemotherapy treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia Reduce the duration of neutropenia and neutropenia-related clinical sequelae e.g. febrile neutropenia, in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies undergoing myeloablative chemotherapy followed by bone marrow transplantation (BMT) Mobilize autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells into the peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis Reduce the incidence and duration of sequelae of severe neutropenia (e.g. fever infections oropharyngeal ulcers) in symptomatic patients with congenital neutropenia cyclic neutropenia or idiopathic neutropenia Increase survival in patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome)Nypozi is also approved and available in Canada.SEE PRODUCT MONOGRAPH FOR NYPOZI IN CANADAfor information on indications and usage, dosage and administration, contraindications, warnings and precautions, and adverse reactions.About Tanvex BioPharma USA, Inc.Tanvex BioPharma USA, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tanvex BioPharma, Inc. (TWSE: 6541), was founded in 2011 with a mission to revolutionize the healthcare industry by making biologics more affordable and accessible to patients. Over the years, Tanvex has honed its expertise in biologics development and manufacturing, culminating in the successful commercialization of our first product. With another Biological License Application (BLA) pending U.S. FDA approval, Tanvex's journey is characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and a passion for improving patient care.Tanvex's dedication to advancing healthcare has led to extending its capabilities, including its technical and operational expertise, to a broader audience as a CDMO - Tanvex CDMO. Biopharma companies leverage Tanvex CDMO's state-of-the-art, U.S. based and FDA licensed facility, and deep knowledge in biologics development and manufacturing, to bring their products to market efficiently and effectively.Relevant Links https://www.tanvex.comhttps://tanvexcdmo.com Media Contactmedia@ tanvex.com CDMO Inquiriescdmosales@ tanvex.com 1Neupogen is a registered trademark of Amgen Inc. 2Herceptin is a registered trademark of GenentechContact InformationMedia ContactMarketingmedia@ tanvex.com SOURCE: Tanvex BioPharma USA, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 14:02:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1023 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Tectonic Appoints Investor RelationsVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 /Tectonic Metals Inc. ("Tectonic" or the "Company") (TSX-V:TECT)(OTCQB:TETOF) today announced the successful closing of the Company's oversubscribed, non-brokered private placement financing (the "Initial Offering") for gross proceeds of C$3,070,639, by issuing 51,177,317 Units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.06 per Unit (see details below). Due to strong investor interest, the Company is also announcing an extension of the Initial Offering for an additional C$1,000,000 (the "Extended Offering") of which C$1,000,000 may be issued pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption ("LIFE") (see details below). With substantial funds allocated, Tectonic Metals is now set to launch the 2024 drill program on the Company's Flat Gold Project in Alaska.Tony Reda, President and CEO of Tectonic Metals, commented,"Despite a challenging market environment, our dedicated team successfully raised over $3 million in capital to support the highly anticipated second year of drilling at our Flat Gold Project. With these funds secured, we are poised to commence drilling on Flat and its extensive, kilometre-long intrusion targets in the coming weeks. In response to heightened investor and shareholder interest, we are extending the Offering to raise additional capital. Every dollar raised translates directly into additional metres drilled and the potential for new gold discoveries. We are grateful for the ongoing support from our investors, including Crescat Capital, whose confidence in our team and the tier-one potential of the Flat Gold Project is truly valued. Our team is more enthusiastic than ever to return to the field and test some of the most promising targets we've identified to date." Units (LIFE and HOLD)Each Unit is composed of one Common Share in the capital of Tectonic (a "Common Share") and one-half Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.10 per Common Share and expires two years from the closing date of the Initial Offering, or Extended Offering, as applicable). Units issued pursuant to LIFE subscriptions ("LIFE Units") under part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI-45-106"), will be freely tradeable listed equity securities not subject to any hold period. Non-LIFE Units ("HOLD Units") will be issued pursuant to the "accredited investor" exemption from the prospectus requirements found in NI 45-106, and in the United States pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements in Regulation D of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. All securities issuable as HOLD Units under the Initial Offering and Extended Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing.Closing of the Initial OfferingOn August 16, 2024, the Company attained TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") approval and issued 51,177,317 Common Shares and 25,588,654 Warrants for gross proceeds of C$3,070,639 pursuant to the Initial Offering. LIFE Units comprised C$2,523,839 in proceeds with 42,063,985 Common Shares and 21,031,987 Warrants issued, while HOLD Units comprised C$546,800 in proceeds with 9,113,334 Common Shares and 4,556,667 Warrants issued.In connection with the Offering and in accordance with the policies of the TSXV, the Company paid Canaccord Genuity Corp, Haywood Securities Inc, Ventum Financial Corp, Red Cloud Securities Inc, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc, Gerhard Merkel and Black Oak Ventures Limited cash finders' fees totalling C$100,166.35 and issued to the finders 1,669,439 non-transferable common share purchase warrants (each, a "Finder's Warrant"). Each Finder's Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.10 per Common Share and expires August 16, 2026.Watch our webinar associated with our July 15th, 2024, Financing News Releasehere .The Extended OfferingEffective today, August 19, 2024, the Company is launching a new/extended non-brokered private placement offering for up to 16,666,667 Units at a price of C$0.06 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$1,000,000 including an estimated 14,166,667 LIFE Units for gross proceeds of up to C$850,000 and an estimated 2,500,000 HOLD Units for gross proceeds of up to $150,000 (see details on LIFE Units and HOLD Units above). LIFE Units may increase to the full C$1,000,000 Extended Offering amount.The Extended Offering is scheduled to close on or about September 30, 2024 (the "Closing Date") and completion of the Extended Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSXV.The net proceeds of the Initial Offering and the Extended Offering will be used to advance the Company's Flat Gold Project and for general working capital.A LIFE offering document relating to the Extended Offering will be accessible under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.tectonicmetals.com . Prospective investors should read this Offering document before making an investment decision.The Extended Offering and issuance of the Units referenced in this press release involve related parties (as such term is defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101")) and therefore constitutes a related party transaction under MI 61-101. This transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed or quoted on any of the stock exchanges or markets listed in subsection 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, and the fair market value of the securities to be distributed and the consideration to be received for the securities under the Extended Offering does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.LIFE Offering Document RevisionOn July 24, 2024, the Company filed an amended LIFE Offering document to clarify the certificate declaration date. This LIFE Offering document can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.tectonicmetals.com . Prospective investors should read these offering documents before making an investment decision.Appointment of Jesse Manna to the Role of Investor RelationsTectonic Metals is delighted to announce the appointment of Jesse Manna as Investor Relations, effective immediately. Jesse brings a Master's Degree in PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 07:00:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 905 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The partnership will certify Congolese forests for sustainable management, establish a Carbon Credit Investment Bank, and invest in healthcare, health insurance, and education. These initiatives aim to protect natural resources, generate economic opportunities, and improve the quality of life for local communities.LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Julio Jose Montenegro, CEO of BlueGrace Energy Bolivia (BGEB) and the Congolese Environment Agency (ACE) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Mbombo Investment Group, and Maximance 2030. This collaboration, led by General Manager Lama Onyangunga of ACE, marks a significant milestone as the consortium moves towards the certification of Congolese forests for sustainable acquisition and management. The partnership also includes the establishment of a Carbon Credit Investment Bank, alongside other key investments in the healthcare, health insurance, and education sectors for local communities.Certifying Congolese forests is crucial for promoting sustainable management and conservation, in alignment with global environmental goals and the Congolese government's commitment to preserving its natural resources. This partnership seeks to harness the combined expertise and resources of each organization to develop and implement strategies that not only safeguard the forests but also create economic opportunities through carbon credits and sustainable land management.Key aspects of the partnership include:Forest Certification and Management: The collaboration will prioritize certifying Congolese forests to ensure they meet international standards for sustainable management. This certification will facilitate the responsible stewardship and utilization of these forests, contributing significantly to global efforts to combat deforestation and mitigate climate change.Carbon Credit Investment Bank: The Carbon Credit Investment Bank is a groundbreaking initiative that will facilitate the trading and investment of carbon credits generated through the sustainable management of Congolese forests. This initiative will create a new revenue stream for local communities and investors while promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable economic growth. In line with this, APRISCO ENERGY INDUSTRIES S.L. has joined forces with BlueGrace Energy Bolivia and Maximance 2030 to further enhance the tools used to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. This collaboration underscores the importance of sustainable forest practices, contributing significantly to global efforts in CO2 capture and climate change mitigation. APRISCO ENERGY INDUSTRIES S.L., in collaboration with key strategic partners like Catalana de Biogas Iberica (supported by Sinia Renovables of Banco Sabadell Group), Catalana de Renovables alongside the Sorigue Group, and the "TESLA GROUP" from the Czech Republic, is embarking on a series of initiatives to enhance renewable energy development projects.Healthcare and Education Investments: Beyond environmental initiatives, the partnership will invest in healthcare services, health insurance, and educational infrastructure for local communities. This includes developing medical facilities, launching insurance programs, and building schools to enhance the quality of life for the Congolese people. In the healthcare and health insurance areas, BlueGrace Energy Bolivia has partnered with AXIOM Life and Health Inc., a coverholder at LLOYD's, led by its President Amita Kochar, who delivers comprehensive health solutions for community development projects.ACE's General Manager, Lama Onyangunga stated, "This partnership marks a transformative opportunity for the Democratic Republic of Congo. By collaborating with BlueGrace Energy Bolivia, Mbombo Investment Group, and Maximance 2030, we are not only protecting our invaluable forests but also investing in the future of our people. The certification of our forests and the establishment of a Carbon Credit Investment Bank will yield substantial economic and social benefits for our nation." Dr. Louison Mbombo, Senior Executive Officer of Mbombo Investment Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We are honored to be part of this initiative, which perfectly aligns with our commitment to sustainable development and innovation. This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on both the environment and the communities we serve." Left to Right: Julio Jose Montenegro, Delphin Lama Onyangunga, and Dr. Louison MbomboThe consortium will continue to work closely with local stakeholders, government agencies, and international organizations to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. As the project progresses, further updates and details will be shared with the public.BGEB's collaborations are centered on empowering impoverished and indigenous communities globally through comprehensive social initiatives, sustainability, and adherence to universally accepted principles in human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. By enhancing access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, BGEB fosters community development alongside environmental conservation and the transition to clean energy.These efforts, combined with strategic alliances with influential private and public entities, position BGEB as a leader in ecological preservation and clean energy innovation, while ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of their carbon credits.About the Partners:Congolese Environment Agency (ACE)ACE is a government agency dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of the Democratic Republic of Congo's natural resources.+243 85 10 22 222 dgace@ acerdc.cdhttps://www.acerdc.cd/ Mbombo Investment GroupWith a diverse portfolio, Mbombo Investment Group is known for its innovation in e-commerce, telemedicine, mining, and trade, as well as its commitment to global health initiatives.+243 85 324 84 93 contact@ mbomboinvestmentgroup.comwww.mbomboinvestmentgroup.com Maximance 2030A forward-thinking organization focused on achieving long-term sustainable development goals, particularly in the areas of environmental conservation and community empowerment.BlueGrace Energy Bolivia:BlueGrace Energy Bolivia (BGEB), a global consortium of experts in key areas, is committed to advancing the transition to a net-zero future in response to climate change challenges. Boasting decades of experience, our team is pioneering 21st-century energy transition projects. Grounded in professional expertise and unwavering integrity, we aim to create genuine val PR-Inside.com: 2024-08-19 22:00:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 503 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, our commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom. We believe in equal access to academic opportunities for all, regardless of financial background.Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa, FL Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa, FLWe offer an annual one-time $1,000 scholarship to help a Florida student overcome financial hurdles while pursuing higher education. We will send the funds directly to the registrar's office of the winner's college or university: it covers tuition, housing, books, and related expenses.Investing in Future LeadersEducation is key to personal and professional growth. It opens doors to new opportunities and encourages participation in the community. However, the rising cost of higher education often creates challenges, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.We understand the value of financial assistance to motivated students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong character, and a commitment to serving others.Our scholarship is designed to help reduce the financial strain of pursuing a college degree and empower students to achieve their goals.Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?This scholarship is open to Florida students who are either enrolled in or committed to attending a U.S. college, university, graduate school, or law school in the current calendar year.To be eligible, applicants must:Be a U.S. citizen at the time of applicationMaintain a minimum GPA of 3.0Additionally, an applicant cannot be an immediate family member of a current Winters & Yonker employee.How to Apply for the ScholarshipInterested students need to submit the following:An official transcriptA letter of recommendation from a professor, mentor, or employer who can speak to the applicant's character and accomplishmentsA 750- to 2,500-word essay on the topic: "What traits do you have that will enhance your education and future employment?"All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on December 31 of the calendar year for which the scholarship is being applied. The winner will be announced on February 1 of the following year.FAQWhat are the primary selection criteria?Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities, and commitment to community service.How is the winner selected?It is chosen based on how well they meet the scholarship criteria and the quality of their essay.Will this scholarship affect my financial aid?It may impact your financial aid package, as the award will be applied directly to your tuition and eligible expenses.Apply for the Winters & Yonker Scholarship TodayWe are passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders. Our scholarship opportunity is more than just financial aid-it's an investment in the future.We encourage all eligible students to apply to achieve their educational and career aspirations.Media Contact: Company Name: Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office Address: 601 W Swann AveCity: TampaState: FloridaZip: 33606County: Hillsborough CountyPhone: (813) 223-6200 https://www.wintersandyonker.com/contact-us/ Contact InformationBill WintersFounding Partnerinfo@ wintersandyonker.com (813) 223-6200SOURCE: Winters & Yonker Personal Injury LawyersView the original press release on newswire.com A former employee of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Adesuwa Ezenwa, has accused billionaire industrialist Oba Otudeko of massive fraud during his time as chairman of FBN Holdings Plc, the parent company of the bank. Bisi Onasanya, the banks managing director/chief executive officer at the time, was also named in the allegations. Mrs Ezenwa, who the bank summarily dismissed in October 2016, has initiated legal action against First Bank at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Lagos Judicial Division, seeking redress for the termination of her appointment, which she said was done without any reason whatsoever being offered. The former First Bank staffer is, among other reliefs, demanding five hundred million naira in damages and twenty-five million naira in legal costs. In court documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, Mrs Ezenwa alleged that the banks credit disciplinary committee made her bear the brunt of granting unsecured loan facilities worth billions of naira to companies in which Mr Otudeko had substantial investments, while her superiors who approved and granted the credit were not so penalised. She said she joined the bank on 27 May 2002 and became a relationship manager in the corporate banking division of First Bank in February 2016. According to a court paper, in 2010, Mrs Ezenwa worked under the supervision of Abiodun Olatunji, her branch manager at the Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island Branch of the bank, and under her group head, Cecilia Majekodunmi. The document stated that Mr Olatunji later became the group head, while Mrs Majekodunmi became an executive vice president, working closely with and reporting to Mr Onasanya. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later As a relationship manager, I worked under the supervision and direction of my branch manager and group head and signed official correspondence only after they had approved and/or signed same. I had no independent authority in relation to the grant or disbursement of loans or other banking facilities, Mrs Ezenwa said. According to the claimant, she executed a large number of documents while she was still employed by First Bank, but only after approval by her bosses and on their direction. She said she was summoned on 25 August 2015 to appear before a credit disciplinary committee reviewing facilities availed to a company known as Supply and Services Limited, a subsidiary of Royal Ceramics Group, one of the major customers of the bank. The plaintiff said the committee could not determine whether she had a personal interest in any of the loans granted or whether she made any gain related to her duties. She said she was, however, blamed during proceedings for not whistleblowing on some of the deals endorsed by Mr Olatunji and Mrs Majekodunmi. The admonition was most unfair and unwarranted as I was in no position to whistleblow on my superiors The persons to whom these reports would have been made were the very persons who were the perpetrators of the misdeeds, she said. A litany of allegations against Mr Otudeko Mrs Ezenwa disclosed that unsecured loans of roughly N12 billion were availed, on one occasion, to a company in which Mr Otudeko has significant investment even though the facility was masked as loans granted to Stallion Group of Companies, which later spotted the false entry in its statement of account and complained. In one case in 2012, she further alleged, an unsecured credit estimated at N2 billion was granted to Broadwaters Resources Company Nigeria Limited, which ended up being a conduit pipe used by Mrs Majekodunmi and Mr Onasanya to siphon monies from the bank. The claimant said the loan was never repaid. Out of the N12 billion camouflaged as lending to the Stallion Group, N8.21 billion was transferred through various accounts to a final destination account belonging to a company known as V-TECH LTD, which belongs to the chairman of FBN Holdings, Oba Otudeko, while the sum of N4.45 billion out of the same fictitious facility was transferred to Ontario Oil and Gas. The facility remains unpaid to date, Mrs Ezenwa said in court fillings. According to her, several similar loans were granted by Mr Olatunji and Mrs Majekodunmi, including to Supplies and Services Limited, which were subsequently sublet and disbursed in smaller bits to several customers on more profitable terms to both officers. Swap Technologies and Telecomms Plc, Orbit Cargo, Netconstruct Nigeria Limited, and High-Performance Distributions Limited were among the companies named as beneficiaries of the loan disbursement. Mrs Ezenwa disclosed that such loans could not have been granted without the involvement of the board of First Bank, considering that the amounts involved were huge and above the approval limits of the executive directors, the vice president and the managing director of the bank. According to the complainant, her dismissal by the bank brought her into disrepute, threatening her chances of securing employment in reputable companies in future. The action of the defendant (First Bank) has consequently caused the claimant untold mental distress and is all the more damaging as the claimant is in her thirties and has simply been made a scapegoat for the malfeasance of some of the lapses of the management of the bank, she said. Among other demands, Mrs Ezenwa is urging the court to declare that there was no basis for the bank to dismiss her. She is being made a scapegoat for a lot of questionable transactions within the bank, which she is claiming innocent of, Seyi Sowemimo, the claimants lawyer, told PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday. So far, the trial has started. We have subpoenaed the EFCC, and we have subpoenaed the central bank to bring the audit reports of the bank, Seyi Sowemimo, the claimants lawyer, told PREMIUM TIMES. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) announced Monday it recorded a net profit of N3.297 trillion at the close of the financial year ending December 2023. It said the profit is the highest-ever by the firm. The NNPC Ltd in a statement by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, on Monday said this shows an increase of over N700 billion (28 per cent) when compared to the 2022 profit of N2.548 trillion. The NNPC Limited has released its 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS), declaring a net profit of N3.297 trillion at the close of the financial year which ended in December 2023, an increase of over N700 billion (28 per cent) when compared to the 2022 profit of N2.548 trillion, the statement said. According to the statement, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Umar Ajiya, said the release of the audited financial statement is a testament to the companys commitment to transparency and accountability. Our fiscal performance reflects both strategic foresight and operational resilience. Despite inherent challenges of our operational and economic environment, we have improved the productivity and the financial performance of this great company, Mr Ajiya said. Mr Ajiya explained that posting such impressive returns demonstrates NNPC Ltds commitment to sustaining profitability and supporting the attainment of national energy security as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and by extension, as expected by the companys shareholders. Explaining that the NNPC Ltd will announce Initial Public offer (IPO) once the shareholders and Board make a decision, Mr Ajiya also claimed that the corporation was not paying subsidy on petrol, saying the company was only taking care of petrol importation shortfall between it and the federation. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Speaking earlier at a press conference, according to the statement, the Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board, Pius Akinyelure, said that the increased profit came as the fruit of the PIA 2021, the commitment of the board, management and staff of the company. Mr Akinyelure added that the shareholders of the company have since approved a final dividend of N2.1 trillion in line with PIA 2021 provisions. In her remarks, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said with improvements witnessed as a result of the renewed vigor in the war against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, NNPC Ltd is targeting 2 million barrels per day crude oil production by the end of the year. On the current fuel queues in parts of Lagos and the FCT, the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Dapo Segun, appealed for understanding from Nigerians, saying that the company is working with relevant stakeholders to address the distribution, evacuation and logistics challenges. NNPC Ltd issued its first audited accounts for the first time in 43 years in 2020 and transitioned into a limited liability company two years later as part of efforts to free the monolithic enterprise from government control. In 2021, NNPC declared profit in its operations for the first time. From a loss position of N803 billion in 2018, it reduced the loss further down to N1.7 billion in 2019. However, in 2020, it posted its first-ever profit of N287 billion, then in 2021, it recorded a N674.1 billion profit and in 2022, the profit grew to N2.548 trillion, an unprecedented achievement in its financial performance. The N3.297 trillion profit declared for 2023 is the highest since the companys inception, 46 years ago, the statement said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Before 16 August, the Anozies, a family living in Lagos, remained unknown until famous Nigerian philanthropic content creator Asherkine thrust them into the spotlight. Asherkine is renowned for his philanthropic content, in which he helps struggling Nigerians on the streets. In his content, he takes random people out for a treat, buys them house items, food, and clothes, and gives them money. However, his latest philanthropic act involving bus driver Oluwasegun Anozie gained more attention due to details about his (Mr Anozie) family. In the viral video, he bought several items worth over N1 million, including a TV set, games, and gifts for Mr Anozies four children and wife (Tina Anozie), who had on 27 July prayed to benefit from Asherkines humanitarian act on her Facebook page. But luck found his husband, who shared with Asherkine how he gave up his white-collar job to drive a commercial bus to fund the education of his four children during their conversation. However, Asherkines gesture, which brought the family into the limelight, was not the story; the story was that in the video, they were portrayed as one happy family, but on social media, Ms Anozie portrayed herself as a single mother of four. Ms Anozie, an educational consultant and a digital creator became a subject of attraction after netizens discovered her Facebook post in which she claimed to be a single mother. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later She made the Facebook post on 10 August, during her daughter Amaras graduation ceremony. Let me save these pictures here, graduation things. Congratulations, Amara! The next level is activated. My kids, my everything. Proud momma, single mom, happy moments, graduation 2024, on God forever, her post read. In another Facebook post, she said she only co-parented with her supposed ex-husband. She faced backlash from netizens for accepting gifts intended for Mr Anozies wife, given her public claims of being a single mother. Furthermore, netizens uncovered several social media posts by Mr Anozie hinting at his wifes calls for a divorce. Mr Anozie In an X conversation with Agba John Doe (@jon_doe), Mr Anozie confirmed that Tina was no longer his wife. He said, I am shocked by the way this woman I call my wife wants to destroy my life. What have I done to her to deserve this kind of treatment? Shes not my wife; Im not interested in the marriage. I want two children from her: my son and my first daughter. I want the two because, for now, Im still working on my financial capacity. I still need a house and may not have time for the two small girls because of work. During their conversation, Mr Anozie didnt share the reasons behind his wifes decision to leave the marriage but claimed to be the sole provider of their housing. In another X tweet, he (Mr Anozie) expressed disbelief at his wifes betrayal. He also tweeted: People keep asking me to do DNA tests. The DNA test is a major distraction for me. I love my children and do my best to give them the best education I dont have. This is my commitment to them as a father. Tinas side of the story Meanwhile, in a Facebook post on Saturday, Ms Anozie said she left the marriage after Mr Anozie gave her options: either she and her children move in with her mother or live on the streets. She said: School fees arent an issue. My mental health is paramount. I left because he gave me two options with my nine-month-old baby and the other kidsCSs mother with postpartum depression. I cleared my account while I was in the hospital. He asked us to move to my moms house or go and live under the bridge because the rent was due. I have always paid for rent but did not work then because of the new baby. He didnt care what would happen to us. I ran to my school alums to help me and my kids, who contributed to getting things for myself and the kids. I work Monday to Sunday, I sell books, I do everything to take care of my kids. Co-parenting involves him having access to his kids and supporting them but not living together. The last time I allowed him to come and live with us, he said he wouldnt contribute to the rent, so I couldnt pay rent for over five years. Anyone who wants this kind of marriage, may God grant their heart desire, and as many people who have said one bad thing about me, may it backfire. The mother-of-four denied rumours that she left due to her husbands inability to pay rent. She claimed she was the one paying for their house rent and sorting out other bills before their separation. Why will anyone married for over 10 years leave her marriage because of 1 year house rent? Why will any woman leave a hardworking man because of a financial setback? Why will you choose to believe everything on social media? I guess the interviewers are just trying to create content, but as for me, Ill keep soaring because Im an eagle. I have no fears; people who know me know my story. I, Tina agreed to marry that man (Mr Anozie) when he didnt have a house, which I refused to disclose to my family. We rented a room for some months for our wedding. I never left him because of one years rent. Ask him if he has ever paid rent for over eight years or school fees for his kids. Let God be our judge. She added that since leaving, her mental health has improved, and her children are happy and careless about the opinions of online critics. Asherkine brought food items, they will all be finished but the truth is that God will never forsake me and my children. He paid their school fees and I have cleared all bills for next term. Its a relief, he might look gentle but with the intent of the heart, who knows. I dont care what social media in-laws feel, its myself. If I was dead and gone, no one would be ranting. So Chidinma, if you put all your hope on man, youll be shocked. I started living when I spoke to myself to live for my kids, emotional abuse is real, she added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Capital Territory High Court has adjourned the lawsuit between social media influencer Martins VeryDarkMan Otse and Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin of the Deliverance Mercy Land International Ministry, Warri, Delta State. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Fufeyin sued VeryDarkMan for N1 billion after publicly questioning the legitimacy of his faith-based products and challenging him to provide the NAFDAC certification number of the products. TVC, in a report posted on its YouTube page Saturday, said Justice Nwosu Iheme, who presided over the case, adjourned it to 6 September for a hearing. The adjournment followed Mr Fufeyins counsel, Ihensekhien Samuel, who prayed the court for an adjournment, saying he was just served with the defendants counterclaim Status quo Justice Iheme further ordered VeryDarkMan and Mr Fufeyin to maintain the status quo. The status quo injunction was issued to preserve the current state of affairs while the case progresses. Status quo is a court order that preserves the current situation or condition of ongoing court proceedings until a final decision is reached. The court order prohibited both parties from taking actions that could modify the current circumstances. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later TVC reported that Justice Iheme restrained VeryDarkMan from derogatory remarks about Mr Fufeyin until the latters injunction motion was heard. Mr Fufeyin requested a court order compelling VeryDarkMan to retract the libellous publications of 17 July and any other defamatory content. Additionally, the prophet sought a court order mandating VeryDarkMan to publish an unconditional apology in at least three national newspapers within seven days of the judgment. Counsels perspectives After the court proceedings, VeryDarkMan and Mr Fufeyins attorneys expressed their views on the courts legal determination. Mr Samuel said: Even when there was a first order for status quo, he kept coming before the social media just to harass, to defame continuously and to drag continuously and that the court ordered for status quo and restated it. So the defendant is running the risk of contempt proceedings and a committal to prison. However, VeryDarkMan attorney, Ademola Adedokun, said: Martins Vincent Otse, who is counterclaiming N2.2 billion in damages for breach of contract and deceit, also has a pending interlocutory application to also stop the Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin and his church, Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry, from selling any regulated products without filing the proof of certification or registration of such products. More legal action On Sunday, the 53-year-old clergyman shared a statement signed by Sophia Lloyd on his Facebook page that the churchs legal team had been instructed to take action against VeryDarkMan for false allegation. According to the statement, VeryDarkMan claimed in a recent video that the church had removed all approved spiritual items from its official website. The church dismissed these allegations as unfounded lies and cheap propaganda, emphasising that the video was a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of the General Overseer and the church as a whole. The statement read: The management of Mercy Television has herein by this press statement refuting claims made by an online critic, Mr Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, in one of his recent video publications, Otse alleged that the church, under the leadership of Snr. Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin had removed all approved spiritual items from its official website. In a strong rebuttal, the management of Mercy Television labelled Otses claims as unfounded lies and cheap propaganda. They further emphasised that the video publication was a deliberate attempt to defame their General Overseer and tarnish the churchs reputation. The church clarified that Otseis is not an official representative of Mercy Television or the church and has no authority to speak or act on their behalf. The Churchs legal team has been instructed to act appropriately regarding these false allegations. The management also reminded the public that all official information about the church will be communicated solely through its verified channels and urged the public to exercise caution and discernment when engaging with any further content from Otse. Mercy Television distanced itself from any liability or responsibility for Otses actions, statements, or publications, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and the truth. Before court This newspaper reported that VeryDarkMan expressed his readiness for the court proceeding on his Instagram page. He vowed to bring 800 deaf, 700 blind, and 36 infertile women to court to challenge the prophet to demonstrate the efficacy of his miracle products publicly. VeryDarkMan demanded the demonstration take place in front of a judge. The social media influencer pursued his challenge by purchasing Prophet Fufeyins miracle products. He experimented with the products at an undisclosed disability home in Abuja, housing approximately 1,500 residents. VeryDarkMan documented the process in a 24-minute YouTube video, showing individuals with disabilities using the products without apparent miraculous effects. However, Mr Fufeyin addressed his congregation during a live Sunday service and said that his spiritual products might not work for everyone except those who love him. Products not for sale Furthermore, this newspaper reported that the prophet announced that his spiritual products, including Pool of Bethesda water and Red Sea water, would not be sold anymore. During the churchs August Break Program 2024 Break the Limit (Day 1), he said anyone selling his spiritual products would be cursed. The 53-year-old prophet noted that users must register at CMDM to receive the spiritual items for free, which will be prayed over, stressing that proper guidance will be put in place to prevent chaos. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Presiding and principal officers of the Senate, Nigerias highest legislative body, allocated billions of naira worth of constituency projects to themselves in the 2024 budget, PREMIUM TIMES can report. The projects, statutorily known as the Zonal Intervention Project (ZIP), are shared among the 109 Senate members. PREMIUM TIMES reported how constituency projects worth N4.142 billion were allocated to the North-west Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, the constituency represented by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The projects also greatly benefited the Kano North Senatorial District, represented by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin. The principal officers, especially the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru; Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume; Minority Leader, Abba Moro; and Deputy Minority Leader, Oyewunmi Olalere, also benefited. Findings This newspaper reviewed the 2024 Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP) profile of the budget, which revealed that the projects locations are vague and ambiguous, while others are listed under suspicious sub-heads. Also, the descriptions of the line items in the budget document do not indicate whether the lawmakers nominated the projects, though they are located in their constituencies. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Barau Jibrin (Kano North) PREMIUM TIMES identified several projects worth billions of naira whose specific locations are unclear. For instance, N250 million was allocated for the Construction of rural roads in some selected communities in Kano State. The local government areas and specific communities where the project will be sited were not stated. Several others were not credited to any communities. The projects and their costs are: -N190 million for Human Capital Development and Strategic Empowerment with Capital and Motorcycles in Kano State. -N250 million for Provision of Solar Borehole in various wards in Dala LGA, Kano State. -N60 million for construction of classrooms in Kadawa Ungogo LGA, Kano State. N20 million for Training and employment of youth and women and supply of sewing machines in Gwarzo/Kabo LGAs of Kano State. Mr Jibrin is from Kano State and the deputy senate president. Baraus clear project The review showed that only one project was clearly allocated to Mr Jibirins Kano North. The project is: -N190 million for Provision of empowerment items to farmers to boost dry season farming, traders and other artisans (LOT 1&2) in Kano North Senatorial District. The project is listed under NBRRI. Bamidele Opeyemi (Ekiti Central) Six projects worth N1.472 billion were allocated to the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, which Mr Opeyemi represents. However, the only difference here is that the projects have locations, even though some are under irrelevant government agencies. Projects listed for Mr Opeyemis constituency are: -N200 million for Supply of education materials to students in selected schools in Ekiti Central Senatorial District. The project is listed under Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan. -N150 million for Grants for unemployed youths and women in selected areas of Ekiti Central Senatorial District. -N200 million for Procurement of agric inputs and employment of farmers in Ekiti Central Senatorial District. -N232 million for Provision of agric food farm inputs and empowerment for youths and women in Ekiti Central Senatorial District. -N218 million for Provision of agric and farm inputs for cooperatives in Irepodun/Ifelodun and Ijero LGAs of Ekiti Central Senatorial District. -N250 million for Provision of agric and farm inputs for cooperatives in Ado, Efon, and Ekiti-west LGAs of Ekiti Central Senatorial District. -N222 million for Capacity building training and supply of sewing machines, block moulding machines, cassava grinding machines and pepper grinding machines for artisans in selected areas of Ekiti Central Senatorial District. Oyelola Ashiru (Kwara South) Eleven projects worth N1.8 billion were allocated to Kwara South Senatorial District, which Mr Ashiru represents. Like Mr Bamidele, some projects here are listed under irrelevant organisations for execution. They are: -N250 million for Construction of community road in Ayaba area of Essa Ward in Kwara South, Kwara South Senatorial District. The project is listed under the main ministry. -N250 million for Construction and equipping of ICT centres in selected communities of Kwara South Senatorial District. The project is listed under the National Productivity Centre. -N100 million for Construction and rehabilitation of rural road and pavement in Popo Market, Offa, Kwara South (PHASE 2). The project is listed under the National Productivity Centre. -N100 million for Renovation and equipping of Esie/Iludun Secondary School in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara South. The project is listed under the National Productivity Centre. -N100 million for Renovation of Oro Ago, Omupo, Erinle-Ile, Omu-Aran and Ajasse Kinships palace in Kwara South. The project is listed under the National Productivity Centre. -N200 million for Medical outreach for disabled and elderly people in selected areas of Kwara South Senatorial District. The project is listed under Aquatictic Bio-Resources Training Centre Tunari, Taraba State. -N100 million for Provision of medical supplies to Primary Health Care and Maternity Centres in Kwara South Senatorial District. The project is listed under Aquatictic Bio-Resources Training Centre Tunari, Taraba State. -N100 million for Construction of motorised boreholes across communities in Isin Local Government area of Kwara South Senatorial District. The project is listed under Niger RBDA. Ali Ndume (Borno South) Three projects worth N722 million were allocated to the Borno South Senatorial District, which Mr Ndume represents. The controversial senator has lost his Senate Whip position to Tahir Monguno (Borno North) after he fiercely criticised President Bola Tinubus policies. The projects his constituency benefitted from are: -N500 million for Construction of roads, drainages and culverts in Borno South Senatorial District. The project is listed under Housing. -N122 million for Provision of tricycle pick up vans in Borno South Senatorial District, Borno State. The project is listed under the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology Zaria (NARICT) -N100 million for Provision of tricycle (Keke NAPEP) in Borno South Senatorial District, Borno State. The project is listed under the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria. (NARICT) Abba Moro (Benue South) Eight projects worth N1.180 billion were allocated to Benue South Senatorial District, which Mr Moro represents. Mr Moro became the minority leader a few months after the Court of Appeal sacked its former occupant, Simon Mwadkwon. Like Mr Bamidele, some projects here are listed under irrelevant organisations. They are: -N200 million for Electrification of Uwokwu, Benue South Senatorial District. The project is listed under Bio-Resources Development Centre, Makurdi. -N50 million for Completion of Ublegbe-Odebe-Otto electrification Ogbadigbo, Benue South Senatorial District. The project is under the Bio-Resources Development Centre, Makurdi. -N20 million for Completion of Ago electrification of Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue South Senatorial District . The project is under the Bio-Resource Development Centre, Makurdi. -N500 million for Training of Youths in Agricultural value chain skills acquisition in Benue South Senatorial District. The project is under SHEDA. -N200 million for the Construction of internal road in Ugbokolo using Interlocking blocks Okpokwu LGA, Benue South Senatorial District. This project is listed under BCDA. -N20 million for Completion of Ekpemgbe electrification, Ado LGA Benue South Senatorial District . The project is under BCDA. -N140 million for Purchase of drugs for various health care centres in Benue South Senatorial District. The project is under BCDA. -N50 million for Emergency repairs on a 12KM road Aikpla-Ihilikpa, Benue South Senatorial District. The project is under BCDA. Oyewunmi Olalere (Osun West) Six projects worth N1.130 billion were allocated to the Osun West Senatorial District, which Mr Oyeunmi represents. They are: -N200 million for Provision of solar street lights in Iwo, Ede and Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun West Senatorial District. The project is listed under NBRRI. -N200 million for Grants to vulnerable people, widows, and aged-people and physically challenged in Osun West Senatorial District, Osun State. The project is listed under the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin (NSPRI). -N100 million for Purchase and distribution of motorcycles to youths in Ola-Oluwa, Isokan and Ejigbo local government areas of Osun West Senatorial District, Osun State. The project is listed under the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin (NSPRI). -N230 million for Solar powered street lights in selected communities in Osun West Senatorial District. The project is listed under the National Institute for Construction Technology and Management, Uromi. -N300 million for Purchase and distribution of korope buses, and motorcycles to transport workers in selected communities of Osun West Senatorial District, Osun State. The project is listed under the Nigerian Institute of Construction Technology and Management, Uromi. -N200 million for Supply and installation of transformers at Ejigbo, Owode, Gbogan, Apomu and other critical areas in Osun West Senatorial District, Osun State. The project is listed under the National Centre for Energy and Environment. Tinubu presents budget President Tinubu presented the 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion to a joint session of the National Assembly in November 2023. It was his first full budget. However, when they passed the budget, the lawmakers raised it to N28.7 trillion, an increase of N1.2 trillion. The president signed the budget on 1 January 2024. In July, the president requested the National Assembly to amend the Appropriation Act and the 2023 Finance Act by increasing it with N6.2 trillion. Meanwhile, in March, Bauchi Central senator Abdul Ningi alleged that the budget was padded with over N3 trillion. The Senate, which denied the claim, suspended him. The PDP senator was recalled in May. When the matter was being discussed on the Senate floor, Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) claimed some ranking senators got N500 million worth of projects each for their constituencies. He did not mention the senators names. Perks of office necessary Lawmaker However, some lawmakers see nothing wrong with upper chamber leaders benefiting from their positions. For instance, at the peak of the crisis, former Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe defended allocations to presiding and principal officers, saying there are some positions people occupy from which they should enjoy certain perks. He revealed that his Abia South Senatorial District got constituency projects worth N266 million. So, I think that at the end of the day, what you see really is thatwell, Im an APGA senatorthe only APGA senator in the Senate. Maybe, being a minority, they didnt consider me worthy of being given. Nobody told me about that money. I wanted to say that, without equivocation, both Jarigbe and the Senate leader tried to clarify this issue. Number one: Nobody was given N500 million. Even a few of my colleagues called me to say, Ahh! You get N500 million. We dey beg you for money, but you no wan give us one naira out of it. Can you imagine? So, of course, I got N266 million for whats called the Zonal Intervention Fund, which Nigerians call constituency projects funds. And this thing takes a budget circle which is 12 months. So if at the end of 12 months you dont see whats in the budget for your constituency, then you hold your representatives whether in the House of Representatives or Senate culpable, Mr Abaribe said in a television interview. Constituency Projects The allocation of constituency projects, otherwise known as ZIP, was initiated during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to address the infrastructure deficit in all parts of the country. A N100 billion fund is allocated annually to the lawmakers to execute projects in their constituencies. However, Mr Obasanjo described it as nothing but corruption many years later. I hope our lawmakers will use their position and act positively so that when they put in road projects in the budget, they will not turn it into what they now term as constituency projects. You and I know what constituency project means; it is simply corruption, the former president had said. Successive leaders after Mr Obasanjo took similar positions. Dont put the goat where the yam is because the goat will eat the yam, former President Goodluck Jonathan said in an apparent reference to corrupt acts dogging constituency projects. For his part, in 2019, the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, lamented that the impact of the over N1 trillion allocated for constituency projects in the previous 10 years had not been felt. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu will travel to France on Monday, his office announced without providing details of the trip. President Bola Tinubu will embark on a trip to France on Monday, August 19, departing from Abuja, the nations capital, Mr Tinubus spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, wrote in a terse statement. The President will return to the country after his brief work stay in France. Mr Ngelale did not indicate the day the president would return or the purpose of the meeting. The French trip is coming three days after the Nigerian leader returned from Equatorial Guinea. Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later (Media & Publicity) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Frontline environment newspaper, NatureNews has made history as the first news media organisation in Nigeria to be certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI). The prestigious certification, which was announced at the weekend, is sequel to the newspapers excellent performance on a score of JTI parameters. JTI is an ISO-Standard international organisation designed to provide a transparent mechanism for curbing misinformation and providing tangible rewards for ethical and professional journalism. A statement by the media organisation says the JTI standards were developed by the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres, RSF) in partnership with 130 experts and organizations representing journalists, editors, technology and advertising industries. The statement says more than 400 media outlets from over 70 countries are currently participating in the JTI programme, with NatureNews blazing a historic trail as the first media establishment in Nigeria to be JTI certified. In a letter conveying the prestigious certification, Macoumba Ndour says: Nature News has been independently certified according to the JTI and CEN Workshop Agreement No. 17493.2019. Mr Ndour says, The certificate covers the media production, media business management, production quality, and information reliability of the news brand. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The JTI recognition comes a few weeks after the Africans foremost environment newspaper, NatureNews, was rated Top 10 in a survey of over 2,500 nature publications in the world. In a measured reaction to the certification, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews, Aliu Akoshile, said he was obviously thrilled and excited by the successful audit after working so hard for it. He said: The JTI certification is a culmination of the rigorous online evaluation and scrupulous onsite verification of our journalism processes based on performance indicators administered by the International Risks and Quality, IRISQ. Coming barely two months to the fourth year anniversary of NatureNews, he noted, the certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to journalism ethics, managerial excellence, professional integrity, accountability, and corporate governance. We are delighted to share the joy of this enviable certification with our loyal fans and audiences across Africa and around the world. We cherish them for keeping faith with our authoritative journalism on the thematic issues of environment, climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable earth. The Publisher, who is a member of International Press Institute, expressed deep appreciation to the newspapers Advisory Board, which is composed of highly distinguished personalities from across Africa, as he extolled their invaluable insights and tremendous support to the young newspaper. ALSO READ: Press Council trains 51 journalists on media integrity While dedicating the recognition to the newspapers staff whose dedication and diligence earned the certification, he noted: Even as we celebrate this achievement, we are not under any illusion that our work is done. We will continue to innovate and deepen our professional excellence to meet the needs of our audiences for credible journalism and stay on top of the dynamic environmental challenges facing our continent and humanity. He said NatureNews was committed to doing journalism the professional way in spite of the macroeconomic challenges impacting the business environment. Launched on 1st October, 2020 NatureNews is an independent online newspaper that is based in Abuja, Nigeria. It has carved a niche as Africas foremost authoritative newspaper on environment, climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable earth. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo State chapter, has announced the death of its chairperson, Isaac Omodewu, who passed away on Sunday. It referred to Mr Omodewus passing as a catastrophic setback and a monumental loss for the party as well as for the entire country. In a statement by the partys Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan on Monday, the APC disclosed that the late Omodewu had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness in the United States since November 2023, before his death. Mr Sadare stated that the former Commissioner died at the age of 61, and that his death shocked all members. A big Iroko has fallen and a big vacuum has surfaced in our Party (APC). Our late chairman was an epitome of humility, kindness and selflessness. He emerged as the state Chairman during a turbulent period and he did his best to stabilise the party. It is even regrettable he transited at this time when his efforts on total reconciliation have begun to yield full results as desired. While we commiserate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our National Chairman and the entire APC faithful in Nigeria, we pray God to grant him eternal rest and give members of his immediate family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The late Omodewu, a native of Otu in Oyo States Itesiwaju Local Government Area (LGA), was a commissioner during the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobis two-term administration from 2011 to 2019. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Concerned Anglican Diocese of the Trinity (ADOTT) Elders Forum has appealed to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria and the head of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria (CoN), Henry Ndukuba, to resolve the conflict resulting from the dissolution of ADOTT in North America. He urged the authorities of the communion in Nigeria to embrace a path of peace and honour and seeks to make amends to restore the unity of the body. This was contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by Jacob Olupona, a professor, Dorcas Imasuen, and Festus Obafemi-Ajayi on behalf of the Concerned ADOTT Elders Forum. The group disclosed that there had been an ongoing conflict in the church caused by the dissolution of the entire Anglican mission in North America by the leadership of the communion in Nigeria in September 2023. The mission was shut down because of the ill-conceived plan to dissolve our Diocese ADOTT a full-fledged diocese that had been self-sufficient, self-sustaining, and self-propagating for over a decade, he said. The group said that the dissolution was conducted hastily, ignoring due process, which should involve the Bishop of the diocese and the Board of Trustees who incorporated and still provided necessary oversight for the diocese. In utter bewilderment, the entire mission was paralysed, which had adversely traumatised and impacted many of our members, the group said. It also mentioned the dire situation of the conflict and the lack of access to the leadership of CoN, the Board of Trustees made it mandatory to seek redress at the Marion Superior Court in Indiana. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Court rulings The Marion Superior Court in Indiana was a last resort for members of ADOTT, according to members of the elders forum. The church achieved a series of significant legal victories in its ongoing conflict with the CoN over the dissolution of its North American diocese. The elders forum stated that the court first ordered ADOTT to return to its previous status, halting the dioceses dissolution through a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). In a subsequent ruling, ADOTT and the primates of the church of Nigeria agreed, and the court ordered that no further action would be taken to implement the dissolution with the Indiana Secretary of State. The Marion Superior Court in Indiana has also denied a motion to dismiss the case, affirming its jurisdiction over the matter due to the ongoing dispute over property rights. Despite these legal victories, Professor Olupona and the Concerned Elders of the diocese express deep concern over the continued resistance from the Churchs leadership. They emphasised that the litigation path was taken only after attempts at dialogue were rebuffed and warned that further escalation could lead to significant damages and penalties. As if that was not enough, two clergy wives who had since renounced their membership with the ADOTT, but now with CONNAM and ACR the parallel organizations created by the Primate designed to transfer all the ADOTT assets to CONNAM, withdrew $32k plus from ADOTT Women account illegally without authorisation from the President of the Women Organisation on 15 July 2024. However, before the matter was reported to Indiana State Police, the Diocesan Bishop of ADOTT notified the Primate in writing about the incident, but he has not responded, they further disclosed. The group further emphasised the need for church leadership and members of the ADOTT to reconcile, rather than worsen the tension which seems to be weakening the diocese. We want to appeal to the House of Bishops to do something about this situation and not to allow the Primate to drag the name of CoN to further disrepute. Barring efforts to reconcile, the Concerned ADOTT Elders Forum is constrained to now pursue full litigation that could result in prohibitive damages and penalties. Let it be on record that there will be no going back on this issue until justice is served, the statement read. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Determined to wipe out corruption in the region, Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, has called on member countries of the regional body to, as a matter of necessity, ratify and fully implement the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption. From mere commitment and intention, he urged ECOWAS member states to take action by implementing the anti-graft protocol, maintaining that the regions future hinges on its capacity to build governance structures that are not just transparent, accountable, and efficient, but also serve the interests of the people. The Nigerian leader, who made the call on Monday during the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja, also announced Nigerias donation of an office building for the permanent headquarters of NACIWA in the country. President Tinubu who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said, In recognition of NACIWAs pivotal role in our regional anti-corruption efforts, I am proud to announce that the Nigerian government has donated a property to serve as NACIWAs permanent headquarters. This gesture underscores our commitment to strengthening NACIWAs institutional capacity and providing a solid operational foundation. As we deliberate on implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption, I urge all member states to renew their commitment to this cause. The ECOWAS Chairman urged member countries of the regional body to move beyond rhetoric and focus on concrete actions targeted at harmonizing their legal frameworks to close loopholes exploited by corrupt individuals. He listed other tangible actions required to include enhancing cross-border cooperation in investigations and asset recovery, investing in innovative technologies to detect and prevent corrupt practices, promoting transparency in public procurement and resource management, engaging civil society and the media as partners in the regions anti-corruption efforts, and strengthening the independence and capacity of its national anti-corruption institutions. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Demanding full implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption, President Tinubu stated: The task before us is enormous, but so significant is our collective resolve by working together, sharing best practices, and leveraging our diverse strengths, we can create a formidable bulwark against corruption in West Africa. All member states must ratify and fully implement the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption. Let us move from commitment to action, from intention to implementation. The future of our region depends on our ability to create transparent, accountable, and efficient governance structures that serve the interests of our people. The Nigerian leader highlighted the dangers of corruption, maintaining that it has remained one of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations. It (corruption) undermines the very fabric of our societies, erodes public trust, and impedes the equitable distribution of resources, as leaders, we are responsible for confronting this challenge head-on with unwavering resolve and concerted action, he added. Outlining the steps he has taken to tackle corruption in Nigeria since he assumed office as president last year, the ECOWAS Chairman said he strengthened all the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria by not interfering in their activities and ensuring that they are adequately funded. I have also encouraged them to operate within the ambit of the law. This is a template which I recommended to other states within the region, he further noted. President Tinubu reaffirmed what he described as Nigerias unwavering commitment to NACIWAs success and the broader anti-corruption agenda within ECOWAS, assuring that working together in synergy will enable member countries to build more vital institutions, foster regional unity, and pave the way for a prosperous and corruption-free West Africa. Earlier, Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, noted that there is an urgent need for regional and global cooperation in the battle against corruption, describing it as a cancer that threatens Africas stability and development. Corruption is a cancer that has eaten deeply into the fabric of many African nations. It has been a persistent obstacle to development, undermining our institutions, eroding public trust, and exacerbating poverty, Mr Tuggar stated. He further stressed that in Nigeria, corruption has fueled insecurity and discontent, making it a matter of life and death. Mr Tuggar also highlighted the alarming scale of financial loss due to corruption, pointing to UN estimates that Africa loses $88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flowsfunds that could have been used for essential public services like schools and hospitals. Also, Nigerias Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasised the crucial role of collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption. The fight against corruption is not just a matter of institutional duty, but a crucial step towards securing a better future for our nations. We must work diligently to implement policies and strategies that effectively counter this menace, Fagbemi said. On his part, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, urged regional anti-corruption bodies to adapt their strategies to evolving threats. Corruption continues to evolve, adopting new forms and exploiting technological advancements. We must constantly adapt our strategies and enhance our capabilities, Mr Olukoyede said. Also, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, emphasised that the fight against corruption is a long-term struggle requiring unwavering commitment. Confronting this hydra-headed monster has become imperative given the debilitating challenges and effects posed by corruption on economic development, Mr Aliyu noted. He called for full adherence to the 2021 ECOWAS protocol on anti-corruption and recommended the use of digital tools to enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. The representative of the ECOWAS President, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, outlined the strides made by ECOWAS in collaboration with national anti-corruption agencies to include implementing policies that promote transparency and good governance. He, however, acknowledged that there is still considerable work to be done. Corruption remains one of the most significant challenges facing our nations. It undermines economic growth, erodes public trust, and hinders the development of our societies. As we convene today, we must reaffirm our commitment to tackling this issue head-on, Mr Musah said. Others present at the summit included Chairman Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Udende Emmanuel; Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi; Heads of ECOWAS Anti-Corruption Agencies, and representatives of UN agencies, among many others. Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President) 19th August, 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senior Special Assistant on Students Engagements to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Asefon, has assured students nationwide that his principal was taking the necessary steps to rescue the medical students kidnapped in Enugu State. He disclosed that concrete plans were also afoot to tackle the countrys increasing population of out-of-school children. The presidential aide made the statements against the backdrop of the recent abduction of 20 medical students while travelling to Enugu State through Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State, where they encountered the bandits. Mr Asefon spoke on Monday in Ado Ekiti at the commencement of a two-day leadership training organised by his office for students union leaders in the south-west region, with the theme: Building Responsible Leaders for National Development. He noted that the training aimed to imbue the students leaders with the right skills to manage friction with the school management for steady, unhindered and progressive school calendars to be attainable. The aide added that Mr Tinubu, as a student and youth-friendly leader, was determined to hand over power to the youthful generation. However, he stressed that there was a need for such future leaders to be trained in leadership skills for the nation to have a prosperous and blossoming future. Mr Asefon described the President as the most committed leader in Nigerian history in terms of investments in the education system, saying that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), codenamed Students Loan, is a game changer that will reduce the number of school dropouts on account of financial incapacitation. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later President Tinubu promised that he will stop the cases of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) frequent strikes, and he started achieving this by paying their nine-month withheld salaries and by getting them off the IPPIS payroll. That had helped in settling their grievances. The tenures of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari were riddled with ASUU strikes. There wasnt any year when all the unions in the university didnt go on strike. However, President Tinubu has spent one year and three months in office, and no national strike has been recorded. The NELFUND looked impossible in the beginning, but students from poor backgrounds are now having access to the funds in our federal and state tertiary institutions. Let me assure you that the increasing rate of out-of-school children and unrest on our campuses will be eliminated under the present government, he said. Mr Asefon stressed that the essence of the training was to promote dialogue between the students leadership and management and to foster robust relationships that can promote learning and academic standards on campuses. He saluted the student population across the country for shunning the #EndBadGovernance protests, which, according to him, ended in crisis and fiasco. He noted that shunning the protests signposted respect and a confidence vote for Mr Tinubus personality and leadership. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) unveiled on Monday a digital stamp and seal for legal practitioners in the country. According to NBA, the virtual stamp would not only help to check activities of fake lawyers, but also ensure seamless preparation and filing of legal processes. The outgoing President of the association, Yakubu Maikyau, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who unveiled the electronic stamp and seal, said it was in line with the vision of his administration to push for full digitisation of the legal system. He noted that the association recently conducted an online-based election that allowed its members to participate from various parts of the country. That election has been adjudged to be free, fair and the most credible. What we did during the election is a template that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should copy. I invite INEC to come and understudy what we did to make the election seamless, with the electorates casting their ballot from the comfort of their homes. To a large extent, it reduces the cost of conducting an election and I suggest that INEC should really be thinking in that line. Maybe, we need to write to the National Assembly to make a legislation that will mandate the Commission to go this route, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Maikyau hailed the positive impact of technology in the conduct of affairs of the legal body. For the first time in the history of the association, the registration of lawyers for its forthcoming Annual General Conference, AGC, was effectively done electronically without awarding the contract to a third party. Registration for the 2024 AGC was done on the platform of the NBA. This is about pressing forward. It is a posture we must take in building our nation. By making our profession better, we are also moving the nation forward, he stated. Similarly, the General Secretary of NBA, Adeshina Adegbite, said that, on 18 June, the association signed the contract that ensured the deployment of the virtual stamp and seal. He maintained that lawyers could apply and get the stamp and seal within minutes. He added that necessary safeguards were put in place to guarantee the authenticity and protection of the system that would operate through block chain technology. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The immediate past governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, has described as false the claims by an economist, Pat Utomi, that he lost N200 million after Mr Amosun cancelled a contract Mr Utomi had with the Ogun government. Mr Amosun said a verification team he sent noted that Mr Utomi could not have spent more than N50 million on the project and that the Ogun governments land that Mr Utomis firm secured was not appropriately obtained. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Utomi had narrated on his X handle that he suffered losses following the refusal of the Amosun administration (2011 2019) to honour an agreement he had with Mr Amosuns predecessor. Mr Utomi was reacting to Mr Amosuns admission that a contract he cancelled while he was Ogun governor has now led Nigeria to an embarrassing situation in which the countrys presidential jets are being seized in Europe. The Chinese were not the only victims. One prominent Ogun indigene allegedly committed suicide with similar Amosun action. I too was a victim, Mr Utomi wrote on X on Sunday. I had leased OPIC land in Lagos in a BOT agreement under Gov Daniel. Amosun stopped all such on being sworn in. In his response, Mr Amosun explained that he contacted Mr Utomi to find a resolution upon learning that the Ogun State House of Assembly had passed a personal non-grata on him. The former governor said Mr Utomi informed him of construction on a property owned by the Ogun State Government, which had become controversial. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later I immediately raised a team for verification and to know what to do. The team I sent said the land was inappropriate because the said construction was being done in the car park of the Ogun property on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Road in Lagos State, he stated. But he didnt want another place because, according to him, the place in question gave more visibility. After our in-house assessment, my team concluded he could not have spent more than N35m or at most, N50m on the construction as of then. At that point, I decided to visit myself. Mr Amosun explained that while an in-house assessment had appraised the total investment to N35 million or at most, N50 million, he offered to refund Mr Utomi N100 million as against his claim of N200 million. He said Mr Utomi refused his offer and attempted to influence his decision. As part of his determination to sway me, he deployed his Centre for Value in Leadership, CVL, through the instrumentality of an Award. At first, it all looked curious that Id just been in office for about two years, and here I was being given an award, so I rejected it. Utomi knows his case did not even have any legs to stand on. He is not different from Zhongfu International Investment FXE. He knows he can not lay claims to any lawful damage done to his investment. All he has tried to do is a me too, which is very disgraceful. he added. Mr Amosun has been at the centre of the controversy regarding the seizure of three presidential jets belonging to Nigeria. A Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co Limited, had accused the Ogun State Government of breaching a contractual agreement that gave it the right to develop and run the Fucheng Industrial Park within the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ). In 2021, an independent arbitral tribunal awarded Zhongshan $55,675,000 in addition to an interest of $9.4 million and costs of 2,864,445. After winning at the arbitration tribunal, the Chinese firm applied to a French court, which ordered the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets until the firm was paid based on the ruling of the arbitration panel. The Nigerian government has condemned the ruling and said it would take both diplomatic and legal steps to resolve the matter. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja, the nations capital, on Monday for a trip to Paris, France, his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement on Sunday night. It would be the presidents first time aboard a new presidential jet. Mr Ngelale did not disclose how long Mr Tinubu would stay in France or what his engagements would be during that period. He only said the President would return to Nigeria after his brief work stay in that European country. PREMIUM TIMES, however, learnt that Mr Tinubus Monday trip to Paris would be his first aboard Nigerias new presidential jet. Sources said the jet landed at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. The aircraft was received by officials of Nigerias Presidential Air Fleet, led by their commander, Olayinka Olusola, an air vice marshal. The Airbus 330 aircraft is a repossessed one recovered from an indebted oil sheikh who used the aeroplane as collateral for a loan he obtained from an unidentified German bank to buy it. L & L International LLC, an American aviation firm based in Miami, Florida, brokered the deal, which saw Nigeria buy the aircraft for over $100 million. A presidency official described the acquisition as an excellent deal for Nigeria, putting the aircrafts real market value in the region of $600 million. The multi-engine prestige jet, which has an elaborate VIP configuration, is now Nigerias Airforce One, with registration number 5N-NGA. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The recommendation to replace the 19-year-old B737-700 (BBJ) previously in use by the president emerged from an investigative hearing by a committee of the House of Representatives that questioned the planes safety record and cost efficiency. The House National Security and Intelligence Committee then recommended replacing at least two of the presidential air fleets ageing and unserviceable aircraft to reduce downtime and operational expenses. In a June 4 report forwarded to the presidency after its investigative hearing, the House Committee asked the federal government to immediately procure two aeroplanes for Messrs Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to secure the transportation of the countrys top officials. The House Committees call immediately triggered widespread criticism from some Nigerians, who questioned the wisdom of buying new aeroplanes when Nigeria faces severe economic hardship. However, a few days later, the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence supported the recommendations made by its House of Representatives counterpart. The government then faced the dilemma of finding money to purchase the aircraft. To raise part of the funds, it immediately put three of the aircraft in the Presidential Air Fleet up for sale. However, in late June, the government sourced funding from the N180 billion contingency fund provided for a service-wide vote in the 2023 supplementary budget. That was after the National Assembly approved President Tinubus request to extend the lifespan of the 2023 supplementary budget to December 31. Debates remain in Nigeria over whether it is prudent for the country to purchase a new presidential jet during this time of economic difficulty. The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, is among those who have condemned the purchase. But a presidency official told PREMIUM TIMES Sunday night that the acquisition of the Airbus A330 is a prudent investment for Nigeria, offering enhanced safety, comfort, efficiency, and national pride. This upgrade will serve the nations interests and project a positive image of Nigeria on the global stage. He asked not to be named because he has not yet been cleared to comment on the arrival of the aircraft in Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Supreme Court, on Monday, reserved judgment in the appeal filed against the election tribunal and appeal court judgements by Murtala Ajaka, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Kogi governorship election. Earlier, the court declined Mr Ajakas counsels request to establish a full panel to hear and determine his appeal. At the hearing on Monday, Pius Akubo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), told the court that he had applied to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to allow a full panel of the Supreme Court to hear the appeal in view of Paragraphs 4.28 and 4.29 of the appellants brief of argument. Mr Akubo had argued that the five-member panel presently constituted should be increased to seven justices. He said they had not received a response from the CJN. But lawyers for the respondents kicked against the application and urged the court to proceed with the hearing. Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), the 3rd respondent, argued that there was a decision of the Supreme Court that a five-member panel could take an application for departure from a previous decision. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Ukalas submission was supported by Kanu Agabi, SAN, who appeared for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the 1st respondent, and Joseph Daudu, SAN, who represented Governor Usman Ododo of APC, the 2nd respondent in the appeal. In a short ruling, Justice Garba Lawal, who led the five-member panel, held that election appeals are time-bound and that the court constituted as a five-member panel had the jurisdiction to determine the appeal as presented. The five-member justices of the Supreme Court, therefore, proceeded with the hearing of the appeal. Mr Daudu, who represented the 2nd respondent, moved his application to strike out certain grounds of appeal contained in the appellants notice of appeal. He also presented a notice of preliminary objection challenging the competence of the appeal itself. Mr Akubo, while adopting his processes, urged the court to allow the appeal, set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal and return Mr Ajaka as the duly elected governor of Kogi. Mr Agabi, in his adoption of the INECs brief of argument, urged the court to dismiss the appeal since the appellant had himself contended that the election was invalid. Mr Daudu also adopted his brief for the 2nd respondent and urged the court to dismiss the appeal and refuse all the prayers sought by the appellants. He urged the court to dismiss the appeal, including the application to depart from previous decisions. Justice Lawal, in a ruling, reserved judgment to a date that will be communicated to the parties. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Army announced on Sunday that its troops had neutralised a notorious Boko Haram commander, Abu Rijab, and other terrorist fighters in an offensive operation on Saturday. This was made known in a post on the Nigerian armys official X Handle. It said that the operation took place in Bula Daloye, Bama Local Government Area of Borno. It said the successful operation was in addition to the surrender of numerous terrorists and their families to the troops as a result of sustained pressure against their enclaves. The army said the troops also apprehended several criminal suspects and recovered arms and ammunition. Following an intense firefight, the troops overpowered the terrorists, neutralising three, including a wanted Boko Haram commander Abu Rijab. The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and mobile phones. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Additionally, eight terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area. The same troops also apprehended two suspects in Konduga Local Government Area with 52 bags of illicit drugs intended for supply to terrorists, it said. The post also revealed that troops operating in Taraba apprehended the chairman of Gassol Local Government Area Hunters Association, Adamu Tanko, for selling an AK-47 rifle to a suspected terrorist. It said that investigation had revealed that the weapon had been recovered during a joint operation against terrorists in Boki Lamba, a border town with Plateau. In Plateau, the service said its troops apprehended two suspected criminal elements in the Rikkos area of Jos North Local Government Area. According to the post, troops recovered a fabricated rifle and mobile phones containing images of various calibres of arms and ammunition. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the troops for their resilience and commitment. He also expressed gratitude to the public for their continued support of the Nigerian army, sister services, and other security agencies through credible and actionable information about criminal activities, it added. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a multi-million-dollar fraud allegedly perpetrated by top officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The anti-graft agencys discoveries came from an extensive investigation into the suspicious use of funds allocated to NAHCON for Hajj operations over the years. The details of the EFCCs findings emerged from an investigation report newly obtained by PREMIUM TIMES. A review of the document, first reported by PUNCH newspaper, revealed that the EFCCs investigation dates back to 2022 after an operative of the anti-graft agency, who served on the NAHCON Central Security Committee that year, hinted at several infractions in the use of the Hajj commissions funds. Some of the irregularities highlighted in an intelligence report submitted by the EFCC insider after the stint on the NAHCON security committee include the payment of estacodes to staff for a study tour that never took place and payment for a consultancy service that was not rendered, among others. Subsequently, the EFCC said it wrote to NAHCON, highlighting lapses in its administrative process and providing necessary advice while also investigating the lead its operatives provided. The document said that along with the unnamed EFCC operatives intelligence report, the anti-corruption agency also received petitions from some concerned NAHCON staff members. The EFCC received seven petitions from the staff members against their chairman, Jalal Arabi, and the commissions secretary, Abdullahi Kotangora. The agencys investigation also named Haruna Magaji as a suspect. We have yet to ascertain his relationship with NAHCON. The intelligence report alleged a multimillion-dollar case of conspiracy, misappropriation and mismanagement of pilgrims funds paid for the 2022 Hajj operation by top officials of NAHCON. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The anti-graft agency said that while investigating these allegations, it received another petition against the current NAHCON chair, Mr Arabi. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Arabi had been detained since Wednesday. This was after the anti-graft agency grilled him and released him on bail on 29 July. That same Wednesday, some top officials of the commission were also arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged mismanagement or diversion of Hajj funds. The EFCC stated in the document that estacodes were paid to some NAHCON staff members for a study tour to Indonesia that never took place. The anti-graft agency said it had recovered the funds, although it did not state the amount. Alleged consultancy service fraud The investigation also led to the recovery of funds paid to Shurakaa al-Khair Group Ltd for a consultancy service it never rendered. The money paid as consultancy service to the company was purportedly for debt recovery of the sum of Saudi Riyal (SAR) 20,637,908.23 (SAR20.6 million) from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Saudi Arabia. The company reportedly received 7.5 per cent of the purportedly recovered debts. In its findings, the anti-graft agency explained that the Saudi Arabian government refunded NAHCON SAR20.6 million for services that were either poorly rendered or not rendered to some Nigerian pilgrims and tour operators at Mashair in December 2023. The rites performed by the pilgrims at Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina are collectively called al-mashair al-muqaddasah or mashair in Arabic. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Saudi Arabia paid the funds in four tranches into NAHCONs IBAN account on 27 December 2023. EFCC said that after the payments by the Saudi authorities, Mr Arabi, the NAHCON boss, fraudulently contracted Shurakaa al-Khair Group Ltd as a consultant via a letter of award dated 24 January 2024. The company was purportedly engaged to recover the money already received in the commissions account. The firm purportedly facilitated the recovery of SAR20.6 million from the Saudi authorities and was paid SAR1.7 million (SAR1,780, 019,59) as part payment for the service. However, further investigation revealed that the award letter for the contract for which the firm was paid 7.5 per cent consultancy fees was issued after the Saudi government refunded NAHCON. Investigation revealed that all supporting documents for payment of the consultancy services, including the Executive Chairmans approval, were fraudulently backdated to 23 January 2024 to enable the payment of the sum of SAR1,780,019.59 to Shurakaa al-Khair Group Ltd on the 14 April 2024, the investigators revealed. The document claimed that Mr Arabi confessed that the consultant did not render the service. Mr Arabi is not yet available to comment on the claim. It is unclear what they could have planned to achieve by backdating the documents to 23 January, at which time the Saudi government had already paid NAHCON the money the contract was meant to recover. EFCC also said its investigation showed that a meeting of the Expanded Transitional Exco was held on 25 January with seven members and 18 staff members of NAHCON in attendance. During the meeting, the payment of the consultancy services to Shurakaa al-Khair Group Ltd was not discussed, according to the investigators. The commissions secretary (Mr Kontagora) slotted the approval for the payment of the 7.5 per cent consultancy to Shurakaa al-Khair Group Ltd in the minutes of Expanded Transitional Exco meeting as item 10 under AOB to enable the perfection of the documentation to steal the funds, the document stated. The anti-graft agency, however, said Mr Arabi has confessed that the consultant Shurakaa al-Khair Group Lid has refunded SAR 1.78 million (SAR1,780,019.59) into the NAHCON SAAB account domiciled in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It added that about SR 1 million SAR 1,026,000), equivalent to about N430.9 million (N430,920,000), was equally recovered from Eastern Gulf Company. Alleged overpayment of estacodes to Arabi, other top officials The investigators also revealed that the 2024 budget allocated specific operational costs for key officials: $4,250 for the chairman/CEO, $12,750 for commissioners, $3,825 for secretaries, and $15,300 for directors/chief of staff. EFCC discovered that Mr Arabi paid himself SAR 50,000, far above the SAR15,929 he was entitled to. Similarly, the three commissioners received SR40,000 each instead of SAR15,929, while the secretary was paid SR30,000 instead of SAR14,336. The investigation also showed that the directors and the chief of staff were overpaid, receiving SAR30,000 each, when they were only entitled to SAR2,550 each. Funds unaccounted for According to EFCCs findings, one Abubakar Muhammed Lamin withdrew SAR22.8 million (SR22,815,367.74) in cash from the NAHCONs British SAAB account in Saudi Arabia during the 2024 Hajj. Out of this, the total sum of SAR8,614,175.27 (SAR8.6 million) cash withdrawal is yet to be accounted for by NAHCON, the investigators said, adding that the expected recovery is SR 314,098 which is equivalent to N131,921,160 (N131.9 million) on or before 16 August. The investigators said the refund of SAR18,857,888.11 and SR314,098 is also being awaited. According to the investigation, NAHCON maintains two offshore accounts: the IBAN-E track Saudi Arabia payment platform and the British SAAB Account. The IBAN-E track payment platform, created by the Saudi government, operates like an e-wallet. It was designed to receive basic payment for each pilgrim to secure visas. The Saudi government monitors the account. The British SAAB account is used for all other payments and any other balance payments for accommodation, transport and feeding to the service providers. EFCC said fraud was discovered in the NAHCON British SAAB Account. It said, The payment of SAR1,780,019.59 (SAR1.78 million) to Shurakaa al-Khair Group Lid for the purported consultancy service was made from the NAHCON British SAAB account. The N90 billion subsidy for 2024 Hajj The federal government gave NAHCON N90 billion as Hajj subsidies and operations costs for the 2024 pilgrimage to Mecca. The investigators found that out of the N90 billion, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) deducted about N1.76 billion (N1,764,705,937.62) as bank charges. Subsequently, the sum of N88.2 billion (N88, 235.294,063.72) was converted into United States dollars at the rate of N1,416.13 (to $1), which amounted to $62.3 million ($62,307,164.48) and after that transferred into NAHCON British SAAB Account in Saudi Arabia. The sum of $62.3 million was further converted to Saudi Riyal at the rate of $1 to SAR3.748, which amounted to SAR233.5 million (SAR233,527,252.47). The opening balance of the IBAN- E track for 2024 Hajj activities was SAR19.8 million (SAR19,813,810.89) and has an inflow of SAR485 million (SAR485,000,000) from NAHCON with a closing balance of SAR78.985 million (SAR 78,985,266.03). The closing balance is inclusive of the SAR20,637,908.23 (SAR20.6 million) refunded from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Saudi Arabia, the investigators explained. The EFCC and the ICPC have continued investigating the N90 billion Hajj grant entrusted to NAHCON for the 2024 Hajj operations. However, NAHCONs boss, Mr Arabi, denied any wrongdoings and defended how the subsidy was spent in July. Mr Arabi, appointed the Hajj commissions chairman on 17 October 2023, said during a post-Hajj press briefing on 29 July that NAHCON incurred additional costs beyond the N90 billion grant received from the federal government to ensure the exercises success. According to him, about N80 billion of the Hajj subsidy was expended as subsidies for 50,000 pilgrims from the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), each receiving N1.6 million. He also said other pilgrims under the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) and all officials of the commission used up over N10 billion. According to him, the CBN deducted a two-percent service charge per pilgrim, amounting to about 1.7 billion. Additionally, Mr Arabi said NAHCON paid around N4 billion to cover unexpected, additional accommodation costs in Medina. A document he shared stated that the commission initially estimated the cost at Saudi Riyal (SR) 850 per bed space for 11,000 spaces. But it said the money could only secure 8,754 spaces. He said the additional expenses and the CBN deductions resulted in a loss of approximately N6 billion for NAHCON. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government donated on Monday a secretariat in Abuja to the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA). President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 6th Annual General Assembly of NACIWA held at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) complex in Abuja, urged member states to enhance their anti-corruption strategies. He emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation, harmonization of legal frameworks, and concrete actions to secure the regions future. I have donated a building complex to NACIWA as its secretariat in Abuja. This marks a pivotal step in our collective battle against corruption in West Africa, President Tinubu stated. As we enter a new phase, we must move beyond rhetoric and focus on implementing the ECOWAS protocol against corruption to strengthen our institutions and foster regional unity. The new headquarters will serve as a central hub for law enforcement collaboration, information sharing, and strategic planning among West African nations. Highlighting the devastating impact of corruption, Mr Tinubu described it as one of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He stressed that corruption undermines public trust, hampers economic development, and exacerbates security challenges. His call for unwavering resolve and concerted actions underscores the need for a unified approach in tackling these issues. He further outlined Nigerias efforts to strengthen its anti-corruption agencies, emphasising that his administration is working to ensure these institutions are free from interference and adequately funded. He encouraged other ECOWAS member states to adopt similar measures, presenting Nigerias approach as a template for regional cooperation. President Tinubus remarks come amid political instability and economic hardship within ECOWAS member states. His call for a unified anti-corruption effort seeks to galvanise regional leaders towards a common goal, potentially enhancing governance and stability in West Africa. He also advocated for improved cross-border cooperation in investigations, transparency in public procurement, and strengthening of national anti-corruption institutions. Regional and global perspectives on corruption In a keynote address, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tugar emphasised the critical link between corruption, insecurity, and illicit financial flows in Africa. He spoke on how radicalisation, terrorism, and human trafficking are symptomatic of governance failures, particularly in weak or absent local governments. Mr Tugar pointed to the role of criminal gangs in North Africa and the connections between banditry in Nigeria and smuggling networks across neighbouring countries. He also underscored the significant financial loss Africa suffers due to illicit financial flows, which drain an estimated $8.6 billion annually, equivalent to 3 per cent of the continents gross domestic product (GDP). He called for enhanced regional cooperation through initiatives like the African Unions Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which could help mitigate illicit financial activities by standardising regulations and boosting coordination. Mr Tugar also criticised double standards in international law and the role of cryptocurrency in undermining Nigerias economic reforms. He assured that Nigerian authorities are actively addressing these issues, referencing recent international actions against platforms like Binance. Asset recovery deficiencies Speaking with journalists at the Conference Hall, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukayode, called for a specialised protocol within ECOWAS to address the recovery of stolen assets, including cultural artefacts. He pointed out deficiencies in existing international protocols and the need for a tailored approach to meet the unique challenges faced by African nations. Mr Olukayode emphasised the importance of repatriating not just the artefacts but also the financial proceeds generated from them. We are not just asking for the return of artefacts but also for the funds generated from these assets, he stated. He advocated for a new protocol to enhance collaboration among ECOWAS nations, enabling them to reclaim both cultural and financial assets more effectively. Calls for international cooperation, use of technology Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, described the fight against corruption as a mixed picture, acknowledging both successes and ongoing challenges. Mr Musah praised the EFCC for its anti-corruption efforts. He also expressed concerns about the staggering financial losses to corruption estimated at over $80 billion annually. Without unity, our efforts to combat these pervasive threats will be severely undermined, Mr Musah said, underscoring the need for full participation from all ECOWAS members in addressing corruption and terrorism. In his remark, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, underscored the complexities of combating corruption and the pivotal role of digitalisation and international collaboration. Mr Aliyu described corruption as a pervasive issue that transcends national borders and requires a concerted, long-term effort. He said the real challenge lies not in the absence of laws but in their effective implementation. The sophisticated nature of corruption demands innovative approaches, he said, advocating for the use of technology to uncover and dismantle corrupt networks. He called for enhanced international cooperation, drawing on successful collaborations such as the memorandum of understanding between Nasirah and Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Executive Chairperson of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, on Monday said the transition to crude oil sales to Dangote Refinery in Naira will begin in October. A statement by the Ministry of Finance on Monday said the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, led the implementation committee meeting on the transition to crude oil sales in Naira. The meeting reviewed progress on key initiatives, including the upcoming commencement of Naira payments for crude oil sales to the Dangote Refinery starting 1 October. Mr Adedeji, who doubles as the Chairperson of the Technical Sub-Committee, said that the first PMS delivery from Dangote is expected next month under existing agreements. Key roles were outlined for stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the African Export-Import Bank to ensure smooth implementation. Updates on the Port Harcourt and Dangote Refineries were also provided, with significant production increases expected from November 2024. The minister emphasised the need for transparency and directed the Technical Sub-Committee to finalise details and prepare a report for the president, confirming that his directives are on track for implementation from September. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Background Recently, the Dangote Group and Nigerias petroleum regulators were locked in a dispute over control of the downstream petroleum market. In June, the Dangote Group accused several international oil companies of undermining the plants operations by either withholding crude oil or providing it at inflated premiums compared to market prices. Additionally, there have been clashes with Nigerian energy regulators, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, which claimed that diesel from the refinery contained sulphur levels exceeding the permissible limit. The regulators also accused Dangote of attempting to establish a monopoly. In response, Mr Dangote invited lawmakers visiting the refinery to a laboratory on-site, where diesel from the refinery was tested against two imported samples. The results indicated that the refinerys diesel had significantly lower sulphur content than the imported alternatives. Last month, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) instructed NNPC Ltd to engage with the Dangote refinery and other local refineries to resolve the dispute regarding crude oil sales to these facilities. Presided over by President Bola Tinubu, the FEC also directed that crude oil sales to refineries be conducted in naira, and that refineries in Nigeria should sell their refined products to the domestic market in naira as well. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has sacked the embattled chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi. Although no reason was given for the sack, PREMIUM TIMES reports that Mr Arabi is being investigated for allegedly misappropriating funds released by the federal government for this years Islamic pilgrimage. The president has also appointed a new head for the Hajj commission. According to a statement by President Tinubus spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, on Monday, Mr Arabi will be replaced by Abdullahi Usman, a professor. The president advised Mr Usman to lead the commission with integrity and transparency. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate, according to the statement. The EFCC investigations PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that Mr Arabi and NAHCON secretary Abdullahi Kotangora were indicted in an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The EFCC said it uncovered a multi-million-dollar fraud allegedly perpetrated by the two top officials of the commission. The anti-graft agencys discoveries came from an extensive investigation into the suspicious use of funds allocated to NAHCON for Hajj operations over the years. A review of the EFCC document revealed that the investigation dates back to 2022 after an operative of the anti-graft agency, who served on the NAHCON Central Security Committee that year, hinted at several infractions in the use of the Hajj commissions funds. Some of the irregularities highlighted in an intelligence report submitted by the EFCC insider after the stint on the NAHCON security committee include the payment of estacodes to staff members for a study tour that never took place and payment for a consultancy service that was not rendered, among others. The document said that in addition to the intelligence report of the unnamed EFCC operative, the anti-corruption agency received petitions from some concerned NAHCON staff members. The EFCC received seven petitions from the staff members against Messrs Arabi and Kontagora. While investigating these allegations, the EFCC said it received another petition against Mr Arabi. Major allegations against Arabi and secretary Among the crimes allegedly perpetrated by Mr Arabi and the secretary include a consultancy fee controversially paid to Shurakaa al-Khair Group Ltd, overpayment of estacodes to himself and other top officials, unaccounted cash withdrawal and the alleged mismanagement of N90 billion federal government subsidy for 2024 Hajj. In its findings, the EFCC explained that the Saudi Arabian government refunded NAHCON SAR20.6 million (20.6 million Saudi Riyal) for services that were either poorly rendered or not rendered to some Nigerian pilgrims and tour operators at Mashair in December 2023. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Saudi Arabia paid the funds in four tranches into NAHCONs IBAN account on 27 December 2023. EFCC said that after the payments by the Saudi authorities, Mr Arabi fraudulently contracted Shurakaa al-Khair Group Ltd as a consultant via a letter of award dated 24 January 2024. The company was purportedly engaged to recover the money already received in the commissions account. The firm purportedly facilitated the recovery of SAR20.6 million from the Saudi authorities and was paid SAR1.7 million (SAR1,780, 019,59) as part payment for the service. The EFCC, however, said it had recovered the money as Mr Arabi confessed the consultancy service was not rendered. It added that the award letter for the contract for which the firm was paid 7.5 per cent consultancy fees was issued after the Saudi government refunded NAHCON. The EFCC also revealed that the 2024 budget allocated specific operational costs for key officials: $4,250 for the chairman/CEO, $12,750 for commissioners, $3,825 for secretaries, and $15,300 for directors/chief of staff. However, it was discovered that Mr Arabi paid himself SAR 50,000, far above the SAR15,929 he was entitled to. Similarly, the three commissioners received SR40,000 each instead of SAR15,929, while the secretary was paid SR30,000 instead of SAR14,336. The investigation also showed that the directors and the chief of staff were overpaid, receiving SAR30,000 each, when they were only entitled to SAR2,550 each. In addition, EFCC said its findings showed that one Abubakar Lamin withdrew SAR22.8 million (SR22,815,367.74) in cash from the NAHCONs British SAAB account in Saudi Arabia during the 2024 Hajj. Out of this, the total sum of SAR8,614,175.27 (SAR8.6 million) cash withdrawal is yet to be accounted for by NAHCON, the investigators said, adding that the expected recovery is SR 314,098 which is equivalent to N131.9 million on or before 16 August. The investigators said the refund of SAR18,857,888.11 and SR314,098 is also being awaited. The sacked chairman was also accused of mismanaging the N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj, but he denied it, and offered explanations for how the money was spent. About N80 billion of the Hajj subsidy was expended as subsidies for 50,000 pilgrims from the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), each receiving N1.6 million, Mr Arabi said during a post-Hajj press briefing on 29 July, adding the commission incurred additional costs beyond the N90 billion grant received from the federal government. According to him, other pilgrims under the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) and all officials of the commission used up over N10 billion. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), he added, deducted a two-percent service charge per pilgrim, amounting to about N1.7 billion. Mr Arabi further explained that NAHCON paid around N4 billion to cover unexpected, additional accommodation costs in Medina. A document he shared stated that the commission initially estimated the cost at Saudi Riyal (SR) 850 per bed space for 11,000 spaces. But it said the money could only secure 8,754 spaces. He said the additional expenses and the CBN deductions resulted in a loss of approximately N6 billion for NAHCON. Meanwhile, the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have continued investigating the N90 billion Hajj subsidy fund. Last Wednesday, the EFCC detained Mr Arabi after he was initially grilled and granted bail two weeks earlier. That same Wednesday, some top officials of the commission were also arrested by the ICPC over alleged mismanagement or diversion of Hajj funds. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ondo State House of Assembly has begun auditing the financial transactions of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state. Speaking at the commencement of the exercise on Monday, the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, said it was the constitutional function of the legislative arm. Mr Oladiji said that the Assembly represents the entire people of the state, hence it must ensure that there was checks and balance for accountability at the grassroots. He described as worrisome and disturbing, when local governments in the state refused to oblige to show their financial records as ordered by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. It is a sad development when many heads of administration are reluctant to turn up for their records. Its not their money, but public money. That is why we asked you to come for this exercise. Dont see it as something else because some may want to blackmail us. We are not here to do what its not our right, but to do the right thing and for posterity to judge us. For eight months, are you saying we should not check your records. Cooperate with us or else, we will use the sledgehammer as a legislative arm of the government, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The speaker asked the heads of local government administration to cooperate with the house and present every document requested by the committee. There is no record that you must keep away from us except you have a secret. If you dont have any document, we ask for now, go back and bring it. Nobody is demanding anything from you. Oblige the Assembly if we demand any record. It is an embarrassment to the Assembly if we request something and you refuse. Our aim is that our people should enjoy dividend of the democracy, he said. Earlier, Japhet Oluwatoyin, Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said that the exercise was a major function of the legislative arm being entrenched in the Constitution. Mr Oluwatoyin added that the Assembly has power to appropriate and supervise the funds of the local governments. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the six local governments that appeared before the committee were: Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Akoko South-West, Akoko South-East, Ose and Owo. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (ARD-UITH) has warned Nigerians against eating undercooked bush meat to avoid contracting the deadly Mpox virus. The President of ARD-UITH, Yusuf Muhammed, gave the advice in Ilorin on Monday during a chat with journalists. He cautioned people to avoid contact with dead animals as much as possible. Mr Muhammed explained that Mpox is a zoonotic infection that affects animals and can be transferred to humans. Mpox is not entirely new, but at some points, new strains commonly appear, and in recent times, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sent a warning that the strain currently detected is a new one. The fear is that the human antibody may be unable to protect against it like the previous strain. This poses a significant threat to people, and everybody should be on the lookout, he said. The ARD-UITH president described monkeypox as a viral disease related to the now-eradicated smallpox virus. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later According to him, initial symptoms are typically flu-like, including fever, chills, exhaustion, headache and muscle weakness, often followed by a painful or itchy rash with raised lesions that scab over. He advised Nigerians not to panic but to report suspected cases to the nearest health agencies where proper investigation and contact tracing can be done. The public should not panic but report cases to health agencies for contact tracing and proper investigation so that at-risk individuals can also be quarantined and prevention measures taken, he advised. He assured that the association was fully ready to use all the arsenal, responses, and preparedness deployed during COVID-19 to fight any eventual outbreak in the country. ARD from the national body and the UITH is observing the trends, preventive measures, and advice from the scientific community so that we appraise them and contribute our quota to the body of knowledge. For now, there are no reported cases of the outbreak in Nigeria. As far as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is concerned, the WHO alerts all nations to be on the lookout for possible outbreaks, he said. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the outbreak of Mpox in parts of Africa was now a public health emergency of international concern. The organisation revealed that at least 450 people died during an initial outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the disease has since spread to Central and East Africa and Sweden. It added that the disease can spread through close contact such as touching, kissing or sex, as well as through contaminated materials like sheets, clothing and needles. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Supreme Court, on Monday, reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress candidate in the 11 November 2023 governorship election in Bayelsa. The five-member justices, headed by Justice Garba Lawal, adjourned the judgment to a date that would be communicated to parties after counsel adopted their processes in the appeal. Earlier, counsel to Mr Sylva, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, prayed the justices to set aside the judgments of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal which had dismissed their petition. Mr Sylva asked the court to invalidate the declaration of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the poll and declare him (Sylva) as the lawful winner of the election. But Chris Uche, SAN, who appeared for Mr Diri, urged the court to dismiss the appeal brought against his client. Mr Uche insisted that Mr Sylvas appeal was terribly bad and beyond redemption as no witness or documents supported his request to the court. He maintained that the appeal was devoid of merit and should be dismissed in its entirety. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later INEC, represented by Charles Edoshomwan, and the Peoples Democratic Party, represented by Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, all supported Mr Uches call for the dismissal of the appeal, for want of merit. The panel, thereafter, reserved judgment in the appeal. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has boasted that All Progressives Congress (APC) will produce Abia State governor in 2027. He said the Labour Party (LP) and Governor Alex Otti would not be allowed to govern the South-eastern state again. Mr Otti was elected governor of Abia State under the LP platform during the 2023 general elections. His election ended PDPs over 20-year-old reign in the state. Inaugurated on 29 May 2023, the governors first tenure will end by May 2027. LPs last time in Abia Mr Kalu, in an interview on Spin FM, a local radio station in Abia, said Mr Otti and his party will not clinch the position again in 2027. A video clip of the interview has been circulating on various social media platforms. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The Abia State-born lawmaker is a member of the APC. He represents Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. This will be the last time that a Labour Party governor will govern Abia State. The next governor of Abia State will be APC governor. I say it without mincing words. We (Mr Otti and I) are friends. We work together, yes. But I will not be number six citizen of the country and another party will govern my state. The next election in 2027, APC governor will be there (Abia State), he said. Mr Kalu said he had told Governor Otti publicly and privately that his reelection would be resisted and that an APC candidate would emerge governor in Abia State in the forthcoming 2027 general election. How it will happen, I dont know. But it will happen, he maintained. Abia must repay Tinubu The lawmaker said he is confident that an APC governor will emerge in Abia State in 2027 because President Bola Tinubu and the APC were working hard to achieve this. I am confident because were working hard. I am confident because my government is working hard. The President is working hard. And Abia will repay the president. A president that has given you the South-east Development Commission will be repaid. A president that is appointing Abians into his administration will be repaid. A president that is allowing the attraction of democracy dividends to Abia will be repaid. Were not ungrateful people. Monkey will not work and Baboon will chop. APC will not help the state to be strong and then the Labour Party will take the credit. No, he stated. APC will determine who becomes the next governor of Abia State. I dont care who the person is, but one thing I know is that the party platform, APC, will be the next governor of Abia State. Go and write it somewhere. Abians will repay Otti instead, says LP Reps member The spokesperson to Mr Otti, Ukoha Njoku, and the governors media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, did not respond to several calls seeking their comments. Also, the LP spokesperson in Abia State, Jerry Njoku, did not respond to calls for his comments. However, a member of the House of Representatives from Abia, Obi Aguocha, an LP member, has described the deputy speakers comments as condescending, denigrating, and disrespectful to the LP and Governor Otti. Mr Aguocha represents Ikwuano-Umuahia North-Umuahia South Federal Constituency. In a letter to Mr Kalu, which was forwarded to reporters on Monday, Mr Aguocha told the lawmaker that his election as deputy speaker does not confer on him an audacity to declare vacant the seat of the governor of Abia State in 2027. If your ambition is to become the governor of Abia State by 2027, it is your right, but make it plain rather than hiding yourself in the shadows of discontent and display of insincerity and intemperate political culture. But I assure you that as you want Abians to repay Tinubu for his good works, so shall Abians repay Alex Otti for his mammoth achievements come 2027. Alex Otti will be reelected governor of Abia State, he told Mr Kalu. My Honourable colleague, you should know theres no vacancy in Abia State in 2027. Its your personal opinion, PDP chieftain tells deputy speaker When contacted, a chieftain of the PDP in Abia State, John Kalu, said the deputy speakers comments were his personal opinion. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, Mr Kalu, a former commissioner for information in the state, argued that the PDP remains poised to wrestle power back in Abia State in 2027. On election day, people will definitely realise that PDP remains the number one party in Abia State. Were actively working as of today to make sure that those things that did not go well for us in 2023 will be corrected, and we will move ahead, he said. READ ALSO: Newly inaugurated Abia PDP lawmaker speaks on alleged plan to defect to Labour Party APC chances in South-east The APC has not enjoyed a huge following in the South-east. In the 2023 elections, for instance, the party failed to win significant votes from the region during the presidential and National Assembly elections. The South-east, where the PDP had enjoyed dominance since 1999, fell to LP in 2023, with the party winning majority seats in the National Assembly and Houses of Assembly of some states in the region. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Tuesday, 20 August, has been declared a public holiday in Ogun State to celebrate this years Isese Day. A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, stated that the declaration is in line with the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administrations firm belief in religious inclusivity. Mr Akinmade said the work-free day will allow traditional worshippers across the state to commemorate their special day. The statement added that Ogun State remains an exemplary federating unit with an enviable level of religious cohesion and harmony, even in the face of diversity. It urged traditional worshippers in the state to celebrate in moderation and respect the rights of other religions in the course of celebration, to sustain the inherent culture of religious tolerance in the state. The statement also charged the adherents to use the special festive period to pray for peace and economic advancement in Ogun State and Nigeria at large, adding that prayers contribute immensely to the success of every nation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print WARSAW, Poland, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Inbalance grid, the largest Baltic EV charging network operator and solution developer, has entered the Polish market through a partnership agreement with Stokrotka, a large supermarket chain with 1,000+ locations across the country. The company will install 276 charging points at Stokrotka's shops in 2024-2025 and will pursue further expansion within Poland and beyond. Simonas Stankus, CEO of Inbalance grid, with a company-made EV charging station Inbalance grid will deploy its proprietary smart charging stations across major Polish cities and smaller towns. This move will establish Stokrotka as the most EV-friendly Polish supermarket chain and strengthen Inbalance grid's position as it expands into more CEE markets. The companies have already finalized the design and documentation stages of the project and the actual deployment will start soon. Around 60 Stokrotka shops will be integrated into Inbalance grid's network by the end of this year. According to Stokrotka, the main reason for partnering with Inbalance grid over other market players was the company's technological edge, including expertise in IoT development and integrations, the internationally and locally (UDT) certified hardware and software designed in-house by the company, seamless user experience, robust and scalable infrastructure, and speedy project execution. Therefore, instead of just regular charging hardware, Inbalance grid will deploy in Poland its IoT solution that connects building management systems (BMS), PVs, parking systems and other devices. Inbalance grid is investing in Stokrotka-owned locations the same strategy that turned the company into the largest Baltic charging point operator, trusted by major retailers and property managers. All Stokrotka EV locations are designed with future growth in mind: they have the infrastructure to easily add new charging points as demand grows. Inbalance grid's CEO Simonas Stankus says that the partnership with Stokrotka will serve as a live demonstration of Inbalance grid's break-through in R&D in action in Poland as the company looks forward to more growth opportunities in the country, as well as in Czechia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and other CEE markets. "European data suggests a shift towards EV charging at locations users visit regularly, such as business and shopping centers. However, these locations bring their own challenges, such as limited electric infrastructure. We have been addressing these hurdles from day one with our flexible and future-proof design and smart IoT-based power balancing solutions that are easy to install and accommodate future demand. This approach has helped us secure a top spot in the Baltic states and enabled us to take solid new steps in more European markets," Stankus explains. Inbalance grid advocates for rational infrastructure expansion and seeks a fine balance between AC and DC stations. Inbalance grid's Baltic customers include the largest supermarket chains, real estate developers, parking and mobility service operators. The company also has a solid public sector footprint. In August, Inbalance grid announced a partnership with Orlen Baltics Retail, a gas station chain operating in Lithuania owned by Polish energy giant Orlen. Inbalance grid has already started to install 174 fast EV charging points across the Lithuanian Orlen network by the end of 2027, including 15 charging parks for electric trucks and buses. Inbalance grid has assigned up to 10 million euros to this deal. Inbalance grid is backed by venture capital funds such as Contrarian Ventures, Coinvest Capital, Orion Ventures, EIT Urban Mobility, private equity funds Equite and I Asset Management, as well as private investors and business angels. The company is headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2482950/Inbalance_grid_CEO_Simonas_Stankus.jpg LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL BUILDS ON BREWER'S 100+ YEAR HISTORY OF SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES HIT BY NATURAL DISASTERS ST. LOUIS, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sixth consecutive year, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners are teaming up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to deliver emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments across the country, including more than 9,400 cans to four fire departments across California. The continued partnership builds on the brewer's longstanding history of showing up for its communities and demonstrates its deep appreciation for the first responders who help to keep them safe. Across the country, 65 percent of firefighters typically the first line of defense in local emergencies are volunteers, often with limited department budgets for critical supplies. Anheuser-Busch's water donations allow these departments to free up limited resources for other expenses or equipment needed to keep their force prepared to respond to any emergency or disaster. Produced and canned by Anheuser-Busch breweries, more than 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water are being distributed to over 630 volunteer fire departments across 44 states throughout the summer as part of the brewer's larger effort to promote disaster preparedness nationwide. "Our continued partnership with the NVFC and volunteer firefighters across the country embodies the rich heritage of Anheuser-Busch and our commitment and long-standing track record of supporting our communities when they need us most - because that's who we are," said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer at Anheuser-Busch. "Along with our wholesaler partners, Anheuser-Busch is honored to leverage our production, packaging and logistics capabilities to assist the firefighters who lead with courage to protect us every time they're called upon." In California, the donations of emergency drinking water will be made to four volunteer fire departments Daggett Fire Department, Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District, Comptche Volunteer Fire Department, and Clarksburg Fire District. "In a state where wildfires are unfortunately common, we are grateful to work with Anheuser-Busch to bring much needed emergency drinking water to the volunteer fire departments that keep our state safe," said Ryan Donaghy, President at Donaghy Sales. "First responders are the heart of our communities, and we thank them for their time and sacrifice." Anheuser-Busch has been providing support for disaster relief efforts dating back to 1906, in partnership with the American Red Cross. With an increased focus on disaster preparedness, the brewer started its partnership with the NVFC in 2019 and, together with its wholesaler partners, has delivered nearly 9 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to more than 2,000 volunteer fire departments across 49 states. "We're excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Anheuser-Busch to support local VFDs across the nation with emergency drinking water," said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. "This vital resource assures that firefighters are able to safely protect themselves and our towns year-round." Anheuser-Busch's breweries in Cartersville, Georgia and Fort Collins, Colorado periodically pause beer production each year to can clean, safe emergency drinking water to support disaster relief efforts. Since 1988, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than 93 million cans of clean drinking water to U.S. communities affected by natural disasters and other crises. Learn more about the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program at www.nvfc.org/water . ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life's moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world. We hope to build a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 18,000 colleagues across the United States. We are home to several of America's most loved beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram . ABOUT THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical advocacy, resources, programs, and education for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org. SOURCE Anheuser-Busch Actions aimed at reducing cost of capital and providing financing flexibility Collateral structure excludes planned second aerogel manufacturing facility (Plant II) in Statesboro, Georgia Proceeds used to cash redeem existing convertible note and support supplemental Plant II debt financing NORTHBOROUGH, Mass., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aspen Aerogels, Inc. (NYSE: ASPN) ("Aspen" or the "Company"), a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions, today announced that it has closed on a $125 million term loan facility and $100 million capacity asset-based revolving credit facility with MidCap Financial, a leading commercial finance company managed by Apollo Capital Management, L.P., focused on middle market transactions. The collateral structure of this agreement excludes the assets of Aspen's wholly-owned subsidiary, Aspen Aerogels Georgia LLC, including the Company's planned second aerogel manufacturing facility in Statesboro, Georgia. The proceeds from this transaction will be utilized for the full cash redemption of the Company's legacy convertible note and for general corporate purposes. The term loan has a maturity date of August 19, 2029. "MidCap Financial is an outstanding partner for us as we continue to build a highly valuable and profitable business by leveraging our Aerogel Technology Platform into high-growth markets," noted Donald R. Young, Aspen's President and CEO. "This transaction was made possible by Aspen's dedicated focus on generating near-term profitability." Ricardo C. Rodriguez, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer added, "The combined $225 million debt facilities put us on a path to further reduce our cost of capital, while giving us access to additional liquidity to support profitable revenue growth. The collateral structure of the agreement is also specifically optimized to fit into the anticipated structure of our previously disclosed potential debt option for accelerating the longer-term construction of our second aerogel manufacturing facility in Statesboro, Georgia. Thinking longer-term, eliminating the potential overhang of the existing convertible piece of debt near or above the conversion share price of approximately $29.94 is an added benefit that can enable value creation." Conference Call and Webcast Notification A conference call with Aspen management to discuss this transaction will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET. During the call, management will respond to questions concerning, but not limited to, Aspen's financial performance, business conditions, and financial outlook. Management's discussion and responses could contain information that has not been previously disclosed. Shareholders and other interested parties may call +1 (833) 470-1428 (domestic) or +1 (929) 526-1599 (international) and reference conference ID "269224" to participate in the conference call. In addition, the conference call and an accompanying slide presentation will be available live as a listen-only webcast hosted at the Investors section of Aspen's website, www.aerogel.com. Following the live event, an archived version of the webcast will be available on Aspen's website for convenient on-demand replay for at least a year. A copy of this press release is posted in the Investors section on Aspen's website. About Aspen Aerogels, Inc. Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions. The Company's aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their own objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, e-mobility, and clean energy. Aspen's PyroThin products enable solutions to thermal runaway challenges within the electric vehicle ("EV") market. Aspen Battery Materials, the Company's carbon aerogel initiative, seeks to increase the performance of lithium-ion battery cells to enable EV manufacturers to extend the driving range and reduce the cost of EVs. The Company's Cryogel and Pyrogel products are valued by the world's largest energy infrastructure companies. Aspen's strategy is to partner with world-class industry leaders to leverage its Aerogel Technology Platform into additional high-value markets. Aspen is headquartered in Northborough, Mass. For more information, please visit www.aerogel.com. About MidCap Financial MidCap Financial is a middle-market focused, specialty finance firm that provides senior debt solutions to companies across all industries. As of June 30, 2024, MidCap Financial provides administrative or other services for over $51 billion of commitments*. MidCap Financial is managed by Apollo Capital Management, L.P., a subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc, pursuant to an investment management agreement. Apollo had assets under management of approximately $696 billion as of June 30, 2024, in credit, private equity and real assets funds. For more information about MidCap Financial, please visit http://www.midcapfinancial.com. For more information about Apollo, please visit http://www.apollo.com. *Including commitments managed by MidCap Financial Services Capital Management LLC, a registered investment adviser, as reported under Item 5.F on Part 1 of its Form ADV. Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This press release and any related discussion contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on Aspen's current expectations, estimates and projections regarding Aspen's business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "anticipate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "outlook," "assumes," "targets," "opportunity," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, Aspen's beliefs and expectations about the EV market and how it may enable a path to profitability; Aspen's expectations with respect to the construction of the planned second manufacturing plant in Georgia ("Plant II"); and Aspen's expectations and beliefs regarding the use of proceeds from the MidCap Financial facility, the flexibility and efficiency of the facility, the future cost of capital and availability of liquidity, and potential future sources of capital. All such forward-looking statements are based on management's present expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcome of events, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: inability to execute Aspen's growth plan, inability to continue construction of Plant II and to do so at a cost consistent with Aspen's estimates and aligned with Aspen's expectations of demand from our EV customers; the right of EV thermal barrier customers to cancel contracts with Aspen at any time and without penalty; any costs, expenses, or investments incurred by Aspen in excess of projections used to develop pricing under the contracts with EV thermal barrier customers; Aspen's inability to create customer or market opportunities for its products; any disruption or inability to achieve expected capacity levels in any of its manufacturing or assembly facilities; any failure to enforce any of Aspen's patents; the general economic conditions and cyclical demands in the markets that Aspen serves; and the other risk factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Aspen's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 7, 2024, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in Aspen's subsequent periodic and current reports filed with the SEC. All statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. Aspen does not intend to update this information unless required by law. SOURCE Aspen Aerogels, Inc. DENVER, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Birdon America, Inc. announced today that its contract to provide Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs) to the Netherlands Army is progressing on schedule, with six Birdon BEBs in the final stages of assembly with delivery scheduled for the end of September. Awarded in 2023 to General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), the contract is for three sets of Wide Gap Crossing systems, composed of the Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB), Bridge Adapter Pallets (BAP), and Birdon BEBs. This is the first of three delivery tranches that will be completed in 2024-2025. First Sea Trial of Bridge Erection Boat (BEB) Hull 007 "We're proud to supply the BEB as an essential force multiplier for the Netherlands Army," said BEB Program Manager Jim Ducker. "These vessels play a pivotal role in enabling vitally important wet gap crossings, and this first delivery indicates contract completion is progressing in a timely manner." In addition to first tranche delivery, the full Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package including technical manuals and training programs is nearing completion. Birdon will use this package to conduct training for the Netherlands Armed Forces to safely and effectively operate the BEBs. The training is set to take place in the Netherlands in the first quarter of 2025. In preparation for the upcoming delivery, Birdon hosted a meeting in July with personnel from the Netherlands Army's Contract and Program team and the GDELS Program Management team to verify the progress of boats currently in production and finalize the quality inspection and delivery process. During the meeting, Birdon also performed a sea trial on the first boat hull number 007. Birdon has established a successful track record designing and manufacturing BEBs for the Australian, Brazilian, and U.S. Armies. Globally, Birdon has delivered 462 BEBs, the bulk of which have been manufactured in its production facility in northeast Denver. The Netherlands BEBs, which are being manufactured in Denver, will feature increased capabilities to improve operations and further ruggedize the BEB including an icebreaker bow, new quick release launch capability, electric winch, and reduced maintenance and downtime upgrades for maximal operational availability. In its primary mission mode, the BEB provides propulsion, thrust, and stabilization to support worldwide tactical float bridging and rafting operations. It is specifically designed to provide high thrust and operate in high particulate matter environments including in fresh, brackish, and seawater. All functions of the BEB can be performed by a two-person crew. The unique and flexible design of the BEB means it can integrate with most customer-specific transport systems. Birdon has also developed a next-generation control system capable of remote and autonomous operations. The Netherlands BEBs will include updated systems that enable ease of integration for developing technologies. Established in 1977, Birdon is an experienced defense prime contractor providing specialized maritime solutions. Birdon is an established and trusted partner of the Australian Defense Force, Brazilian Army, and the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Birdon is successfully delivering on major projects for the Australian Navy, Australian Army, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Navy. Contact: Sandra Armstrong, 251-699-1458 SOURCE Birdon Group DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is bolstering user protection against Bitcoin price fluctuations. The platform has introduced new tools to safeguard BTC positions from market volatility and extreme price movements. To encourage adoption, Bybit P2P users can now activate BTC price protection and earn rewards by simply signing up on the event page until September 16, 11:00 PM UTC. Bybit P2P Helps Users Cushion Volatility With BTC Price Protection Price protection is a valued tool for prudent investors looking to mitigate volatility risks. Offering protection against irregular market conditions, the Bybit P2P BTC price protection feature helps users anchor in their starting position despite price movements against downside risks. Bybit P2P users may register for the campaign before making a first-time deposit of more than 100 USDT in order to trade in BTC through Bybit's Spot exchange. Users must hold the BTC until the end of the event to be eligible for the potential subsidy of up to 100 USDT. Upon successful completion of the task, users can sit back and enjoy instant BTC price protection: should the BTC price drop below the initial average purchase price on the final day of the event, Bybit will subsidize the difference up to 100 USDT based on the amount of BTC held. "Whether it is platform stability, product variety, or protection mechanism, Bybit is committed to supporting our community the best we can. And our P2P BTC Price Protection is one of our latest features to help our customers achieve peace of mind in trading," said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director of Bybit. #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 40 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One's reigning Constructors' and Drivers' champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press. For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube SOURCE Bybit VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Capella Minerals Ltd (TSXV: CMIL) (OTCQB: CMILF) (FRA: N7D2) ("Capella" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has executed a Definitive Acquisition Agreement (the "Agreement") with Teako Minerals Corp. (CSE: TMIN) ("Teako") pursuant to which Teako will acquire a 90% interest in Capella's high-grade Lkken copper-cobalt-zinc ("Cu-Co-Zn") project in Trndelag, central Norway. In accordance with the Agreement, Capella will receive a combination of cash and common shares in Teako within two weeks of signing, a firm commitment by Teako to carrying out drilling on the Amot target and bringing additional Cu-Co-Zn targets to drill-ready status, with Capella retaining a non-dilutable 10% carried interest on the Lkken project through to commercial production. Figure 1. Combined Lkken (Capella) and Lomunda and Venna (Teako) concessions, Trndelag (CNW Group/Capella Minerals Limited) Figure 2. Key targets at the Lkken Cu-Co-Zn project. Areas of completed ground magnetic surveys and soil grids are also indicated (CNW Group/Capella Minerals Limited) Capella's Lkken project covers 114 sq. km and contains the past-producing Lkken copper-zinc mining operation, the largest Cyprus-type massive sulfide ("VMS") deposit known globally with reported past production of 24MT @ 2.3% Cu + 1.9% Zn1). In addition, the Lkken project contains the drill-ready Amot VMS target and multiple satellite target areas with the potential for further Lkken-type VMS discoveries (see Company News Release dated July 22, 2024). Terms of the Agreement Key terms of the Agreement under which Teako will acquire a 90% interest in the Lkken project include: i) Capella to receive $C 350,000 in cash and 2,500,000 common Teako shares on or before August 30, 2024. ii) Teako to commit to drilling the Amot target with new funds raised within twelve months of signing the Agreement, in addition to advancing at least two further targets to drill-ready status within 24 months from signing. iii) Teako to pay Capella a further $C 1,250,000 upon a Final Investment Decision ("FID") being made to proceed to the construction of a mine within the Lkken project. iv) Capella to retain a 10% carried interest to production, which includes capital costs, on any discovery made within the Lkken project. v) Teako to keep the property in good standing and to make all annual advanced royalty payments to EMX Royalty Corporation ("EMX") starting 30 September, 2024. vi) Customary tag along / drag along rights, with Capella maintaining at all times a Right of First Refusal ("ROFR") on any bona fide third-party offer received for Teako's interest in the Lkken project. In the event that Teako makes a Final Investment Decision to proceed with commercial production, Capella and Teako will then enter into a Joint Venture Agreement ("JV Agreement"). As part of this JV Agreement, Capella will not be required to make any contributions to the mine capital costs until commercial production commences (at which time Capella will be required to payback its share of capital costs by netting out 25% of the amount of any distribution to Capella until such amounts are recovered). Should the mine close prior to final repayment, the balance outstanding payable by Capella will be forgiven clear of any further obligations. Eric Roth, Capella's President and CEO, commented: "Today, we are very pleased to be announcing this Agreement with Teako, which will allow the Lkken project to advance through further exploration and drilling including at the drill-ready Amot target in addition to creating a significant district-scale exploration and development project through the combination of Lkken with Teako's adjacent Lomunda and Venna projects. Capella shareholders also retain a direct interest in any discovery at Lkken all the way through to production, and also benefit from exploration success by Teako both within the Lkken district and elsewhere throughout Norway through our Teako shareholding which will now total 3,500,000 common Teako shares. Capella looks forward to working together with Teako's technical / management team, with whom a solid relationship has already been built through joint efforts at the Vaddas-Birtavarre project in northern Norway, in order to ensure success for all parties at Lkken. I do look forward to keeping the market updated as our exploration programs advance". About the Combined Lkken and Lomunda-Venna Projects Capella's Lkken project covers an area of 114 sq. km and includes the former mining operations at Lkken, Hydal, and Dragset. Copper production from the former Lkken mine ceased in 1986 in response to low metals prices, thereby leaving potential for new high-grade VMS discoveries in both extensions to the original Lkken mine and in satellite bodies. The main host rocks to mineralization at Lkken are pillow basalts and gabbro; similar lithologies follow a broadly SW-NE regional trend and have been covered by Teako's Lomunda and Venna claims (Figure 1). At the Lkken project, Capella's exploration activities have identified 5 priority target areas located in the immediately vicinity of the former Lkken mine (Figure 2). These targets include the previously-undrilled Amot target, which is located approximately 5km E of the former Lkken mining operations and defined by coincident ground magnetic, airborne EM, and soil geochemical anomalies (all favourable indicators for VMS deposits). The Company interprets the Amot target from geophysical data to lie approximately 150m vertically below surface. 1 Historic production values quoted for Lkken are from Grenne T, Ihlen PM, Vokes FM (1999) Scandinavian Caledonide metallogeny in a plate-tectonic perspective. Mineral Deposita 34:422471. Capella has not performed sufficient work to verify the published data reported above, but the Company believes this information to be considered reliable and relevant. Qualified Persons and Disclosure Statement The technical information in this news release relating to the Lkken project has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101, and approved by Eric Roth, the Company's President & CEO, a Director, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Mr. Roth holds a Ph.D. in Economic Geology from the University of Western Australia, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and is a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG). Mr. Roth has 35 years of experience in international minerals exploration and mining project evaluation. On Behalf of the Board of Capella Minerals Ltd. "Eric Roth" ___________________________ Eric Roth, Ph.D., FAusIMM President & CEO About Capella Minerals Ltd Capella is a Canadian exploration and development company with a focus on copper-gold projects in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt of northern Finland & copper-cobalt projects in Norway. In northern Finland, the Company's portfolio consists of 5 copper-gold projects including the priority Killero E and Killero W projects, both of which were former Anglo American targets but never drilled - and which are located about 40km SW of Agnico Eagle's Kittila Gold Mine, currently the largest gold producer in Europe. In the Trndelag Province of central Norway, the Company's focus is on the discovery of high-grade copper-cobalt massive sulfide (VMS) deposits in the former mining districts of Lkken and Rros. The Company's portfolio includes: i) the advanced exploration-stage Hessjgruva copper-cobalt project and adjacent Kongensgruve and Kjli projects in the northern Rros mining district, and ii) satellite copper-cobalt-zinc VMS targets around the past-producing Lkken copper mine, including the drill-ready Amot target. Capella holds equity positions in Teako Minerals (CSE: TMIN), Prospector Metals (TSXV: PPP), European Energy Metals (TSXV: FIN), and Unico Silver (ASX: USL) as a direct result of the recent divestiture of non-core assets. Capella also retains direct participation (29.6%) in a Joint Venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (TSX: AEM; NYSE: AEM) at the Domain Gold Project, Manitoba. Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of Capella, including the timing, completion of and results from the exploration and drill programs described in this release. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Capella in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in Capella's most recently filed MD&A. Capella does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Capella Minerals Limited MIAMI, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Care Resource is proud to announce a grant of $30,000 from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and affiliates. This funding, made possible through the Access to Care Grants Program, is dedicated to securing and increasing access to quality, affordable oral health care across the 15 states and Washington, D.C. where the company operates. Since 2011, the Community Care Foundation has contributed more than $150 million to local community partners. The goal of these partnerships is to increase access to care, address health disparities, drive health equity and promote innovation in the oral health field. According to Ausline Perry, Director of Dental Care Services, "The award will allow Care Resource's Dental Services Department to expand oral health services using state-of-the-art equipment. This funding is critical to ensuring optimal patient care, safety, and operational efficiency, as well as meeting the needs of the growing number of patients seeking dental care especially at our Broward health center." "Through this strategic grant, Care Resource can continue to provide indispensable services to the most vulnerable in the communities it serves and positively influence the lives of more individuals," said Manuel Casas, DMD, Dental Clinical Director. Care Resource's Dental Services Department provides general dentistry to uninsured and underinsured patients. Services include dental exams and radiographs, preventive services, fillings, night guards, crowns and bridges, removable prosthetics, minor oral surgery or selected root canal therapy, and nutritional & smoking cessation counseling. About Care Resource: Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full healthcare needs of South Florida's pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. For more information, please visit www.CareResource.org. About Delta Dental Community Care Foundation The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and its affiliated companies, including Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and Delta Dental of New York, Inc. Since 2011, the Community Care Foundation has awarded more than $150 million in funding and support to increase access to quality dental care, oral health education and to advance scientific research across the company's 15-state service area and Washington, D.C. For more information about the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, please visit https://www1.deltadentalins.com/foundation.html About Delta Dental of California and affiliates Since 1955, Delta Dental of California and affiliates has offered comprehensive, high-quality oral health care coverage to millions of enrollees and built the strongest network of dental providers in the country. The Delta Dental of California enterprise includes its affiliates Delta Dental Insurance Company; Delta Dental of Pennsylvania; Delta Dental of New York, Inc.; Delta Dental of the District of Columbia; Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc.; and Delta Dental of West Virginia, and provides dental benefits to more than 31 million people across 15 states and the District of Columbia.* All are members of the Delta Dental Plans Association based in Oak Brook, Illinois, the not-for-profit national association that through a national network of Delta Dental companies collectively covers millions of people nationwide. For more information about Delta Dental of California and affiliates, please visit www.deltadentalins.com. SOURCE Care Resource OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Arizona in innovative Build-To-Rent solutions, Cavan Companies is excited to announce its expansion into the Omaha, Nebraska market with the development of The Bungalows on Honeysuckle and The Bungalows at Whitehawk Lake. Known as an innovative pioneer in Arizona residential Build-To-Rent communities, Cavan Companies has chosen Omaha as its latest destination for development, reflecting the company's strategic growth and commitment to providing high-quality rental homes to help address the housing shortage and affordability gap. The Bungalows build-to-rent communities developed by Cavan Companies are upscale detached homes with fenced backyards that rent like apartments. Multi-family investors are paying attention to The Bungalows as an alternative investment to traditional multi-family due to the growing need for housing and attractive investor fundamentals. Strategic Expansion Having established a strong presence in Arizona with more than 5,000 units, Cavan Companies has become synonymous with quality, comfort, convenience and community living. This expansion into Omaha represents a significant milestone for the company as it seeks to meet the growing demand in emerging markets for housing communities with private backyards that rent like apartments. "Omaha offers a vibrant community and a growing economy, making it an ideal location for our next build-to-rent project," said Dave Cavan, CEO of Cavan Companies. "We are excited to bring our unique approach to Build-To-Rent housing to Omaha. Our Bungalows are meeting the serious need for rental homes with a yard, while providing residents with thoughtfully appointed upscale features and a superior living experience." The two Omaha projects combined will include 466 single story Bungalow homes, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedrooms along with garages also available. Home Without the Hassle Cavan Companies specializes in creating luxury Build-To-Rent communities branded as "The Bungalows" that combine the privacy and comfort of single-family homes with the convenience and amenities of apartment living. Each development features a range of desirable features including pet-friendly private fenced backyards, upgraded interior finishes, desirable community spaces, and premium amenities, all maintained by professional property management. The Bungalows Are Becoming the New Starter Home The lack of for-sale housing and affordability continues to grow. The traditional "starter home" purchase is becoming out of reach for more people every year. The Bungalows Build-To-Rent Communities provide a unique solution for this growing need. The desirability of Build-To-Rent communities over traditional apartment communities has also considerably changed over the past several years. A single-story rental "Bungalow" is more like a single-family home than an apartment. The Bungalows offer the advantage of no stairs or steps, no shared walls, ten-foot ceilings, large windows, walk in closets, high end interior finishes, desirable full size laundry rooms, pet friendly amenities and private fenced back yards with artificial turf. About Cavan Companies Cavan Companies has been a leader in the Arizona Commercial Real Estate development space for more than 50 years with a leadership team responsible for the development of retail, commercial and residential space along with multiple master planned communities. Cavan is committed to bringing people and solutions together by delivering exceptional living experiences through innovative design and superior property management. With a proven track record in Arizona and now expanding to Omaha, Cavan Companies continues to redefine rental living by creating vibrant, sustainable communities where residents can thrive within their Bungalows Communities. For more information about Cavan Companies and its upcoming Build-To-Rent projects, visit www.CavanCompanies.com or contact Sheri Jones. Media Contact: Sheri Jones Business Development Director [email protected] 480-747-9417 www.cavancompanies.com Cavan Companies "Bringing People and Solutions Together" 15300 N. 90th Street, Suite 200 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 SOURCE Cavan Companies BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE American: LEU) today announced that management will participate in the following upcoming investor conferences. On Thursday, September 5 , Kevin Harrill, CFO, is scheduled to host one-on-one investor meetings at the Jefferies 2024 Industrials Conference in New York City , NY. , Kevin Harrill, CFO, is scheduled to host one-on-one investor meetings at the Jefferies 2024 Industrials Conference in , NY. On Wednesday, September 11, Amir Vexler, President and CEO, and Kevin Harrill , CFO, are scheduled to host one-on-one investor meetings at the 26 th Annual H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference in New York City , NY. , CFO, are scheduled to host one-on-one investor meetings at the 26 Annual H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference in , NY. On Thursday, September 12, Amir Vexler, President and CEO, and Kevin Harrill , CFO, are scheduled to host one-on-one investor meetings at the Lake Street 8th Annual Best Ideas Growth Conference in New York City , NY. To request an invitation or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with management at the conference, please contact your Jefferies, H.C. Wainwright, or Lake Street representative. About Centrus Energy Centrus Energy is a trusted supplier of nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry. Centrus provides value to its utility customers through the reliability and diversity of its supply sources helping them meet the growing need for clean, affordable, carbon-free electricity. Since 1998, the Company has provided its utility customers with more than 1,750 reactor years of fuel, which is equivalent to 7 billion tons of coal. With world-class technical and engineering capabilities, Centrus is also advancing the next generation of centrifuge technologies so that America can restore its domestic uranium enrichment capability in the future. Find out more at www.centrusenergy.com. Contacts: Investors: Dan Leistikow at [email protected] Media: Lindsey Geisler at [email protected] SOURCE Centrus Energy Corp. NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments ("DESRI"), in partnership with El Paso Electric ("EPE"), today announced the start of construction of the Carne Solar and Storage project ("Carne" or the "Project"). Carne is a 130 MWac solar and 260 MWh storage facility located in Deming, New Mexico, and is DESRI's second solar facility in Luna County following the Alta Luna project, which began operations in 2017. The Project will provide clean, reliable power to the Southwest and will bring EPE closer to its 80% clean energy goal by 2035 and 100% by 2045. "DESRI is pleased to continue our investment in the energy transition in New Mexico with our fourth utility scale renewable energy facility in the state, and to build on our long-standing relationship with EPE," said Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer of DESRI. "Carne will provide reliable, cost-effective clean power to EPE, as well as transmission grid support with the planned large battery storage facility. In addition, the Project will support the local community with economic development opportunities for years to come. We are grateful for the support of EPE, Luna County, SOLV Energy, and other stakeholders in the Project." Carne has a 20-year power purchase agreement with EPE and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2025. The Project is anticipated to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 37,600 homes each year, according to metrics provided by the Environmental Protection Agency. Galehead Development and Lacuna Sustainable Investments were involved in the initial development of the Project. "EPE is excited to join DESRI in bringing this latest renewable generation addition to New Mexico, and to continue to build upon our great working relationship. The Carne facility is dedicated 100% to serving our New Mexico customers and will be a critical resource in enabling EPE to meet the needs of customer demand and requirements of New Mexico's Renewable Portfolio Standard goals," said James Schichtl, Vice President of Regulatory Operations and Resource Strategy at EPE. "The battery storage component of the new facility will be the largest serving EPE customers and provide much needed capacity and reliability for our New Mexico customers. EPE looks forward to the successful completion of the Carne project and to future renewable projects with DESRI in New Mexico." SOLV Energy will serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor and will also provide ongoing operations and maintenance services to the Project once operational. "In addition to supporting EPE's clean energy goals, Carne will create more than 300 construction jobs and provide the local workforce with on-the-job skills training and career development opportunities," said SOLV Energy CEO, George Hershman. "SOLV Energy and DESRI have partnered on nearly four gigawatts of renewable capacity across the U.S. We're pleased to continue working together to deliver the benefits of clean energy to New Mexico as the EPC and O&M provider on Carne." About D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and its affiliates develop, acquire, own, and operate long-term contracted renewable energy assets in the U.S. DESRI's portfolio of contracted, operating, and in-construction renewable energy projects currently includes 69 solar and wind projects representing more than eight gigawatts of aggregate capacity. DESRI is a member of the D. E. Shaw group, a global investment and technology development firm with more than $60 billion in investment and committed capital as of June 1, 2024, and offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. This press release is provided for the reader's information only and does not constitute investment advice or convey an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities or other financial products. Please also note that this press release has not been updated since its dateline for any information contained in it that may have changed, including any beliefs and/or opinions. In addition, no assurances can be given that any aims, assumptions, expectations, and/or goals described in this release will be realized or that the activities or any performance described herein did or will continue at all or in the same manner as at the time of the press release. Contact: DESRI Media [email protected] SOURCE D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments The semiconductor equipment industry has witnessed a gradual increase in the proportion of packaging and testing equipment, with the continuous advancement of advanced packaging. Die bonding plays a crucial role in the post-process of semiconductor manufacturing. WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Die Bonder Equipment Market by Type (Manual die bonder, Semiautomatic Die Bonder and Fully Automatic Die Bonder), Bonding Technique (Epoxy, Eutectic, UV and Other), and Application (Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Industrial, Telecommunications and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2032". According to the report, the die bonder equipment market was valued at $785.2 million in 2023, and is estimated to reach $1.9 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.8% from 2024 to 2032. Prime determinants of growth The die bonding process plays a crucial role in semiconductor chip manufacturing. It involves detaching the chip from the carrier and attaching it to the packaging substrate. The quality and efficiency of die bonding significantly influence the chip's performance and cost. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) requires fast data processing, driving the demand for advanced electronic devices. The shift towards autonomous and electric vehicles in the automotive sector also contributes to the growing market. Countries like India and China, experiencing a surge in smartphone usage to affordable Internet rates, are also playing a significant role in sustaining the market. The ability to navigate semiconductor chip shortages and offer cost-effective solutions, along with prioritizing energy efficiency and maintenance, are key elements for success in this market. Request PDF Sample Copy: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A44671 Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20242032 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $785.2 million Market Size in 2032 $1, 859.8 million CAGR 9.5 % No. of Pages in Report 315 Segments Covered Type, Application, Bonding Technique, and Region Drivers Increase in complexity of semiconductor IC designs Rise in trend towards automation in automobiles Growth in demand across consumer electronics Opportunities Growth in need for 3D semiconductor assembly and packaging Restraint High ownership cost and capital intensity The fully automatic die bonder segment maintains its leadership throughout the forecast period. Based on type, the fully automatic die bonder segment held the highest market share in 2023. The semiconductor industry's technological progress and the push for smaller electronic devices make precise and efficient die bonding processes crucial. Fully automated die bonders are a must to keep up with growing production needs for consumer and automotive electronics. Automation not only cuts labor costs and boosts efficiency but also guarantees consistent quality and reliability, vital in fields such as medical devices, aerospace, and automotive. In addition, the intricacy of contemporary chips requires the accuracy provided by fully automated die bonders, effectively minimizing mistakes and minimizing material wastage. These combined factors underscore the increasing significance and need for fully automated die bonders in the field of high-tech manufacturing. Buy This Research Report (315 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/07d240112b9c98005a03a3916fa8980d The Epoxy segment maintains its leadership throughout the forecast period. Based on bonding technique, the epoxy segment held the highest market share in 2023. Epoxy adhesives have seen significant improvements in performance owing to advancements in material science. These advancements have resulted in enhanced thermal stability, adhesion, and environmental resistance, making epoxy suitable for a wider range of applications. The growth of the electronics and semiconductor industry, fueled by the increasing prevalence and miniaturization of electronic devices, has created a greater need for reliable bonding techniques such as epoxy adhesives. In sectors such as automotive and aerospace, epoxy bonding has a critical role in achieving high-strength and durability, contributing to weight reduction and fuel efficiency. In addition, the expanding renewable energy sector, particularly in solar and wind energy, has further increased the demand for epoxy adhesives. These adhesives are essential for manufacturing durable solar panels and wind turbine blades. The consumer electronics segment maintains its leadership throughout the forecast period. Based on application, the consumer electronics segment held the highest market share in 2023. The rise in smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables demand cutting-edge manufacturing methods, where die bonders play an important role in ensuring accuracy and dependability during semiconductor component assembly. The shift towards smaller sizes and denser packaging in these compact, feature-packed gadgets underscores the importance of utilizing advanced die bonding machinery. Ongoing progress in semiconductor technology, which includes the creation of high-performance, energy-efficient chips, underscores the necessity for precise and effective bonding procedures facilitated by die bonders. Moreover, the increasing demand for consumer electronics results in larger production quantities, with automated die bonder systems allowing manufacturers to expand their operations while upholding high standards of quality and uniformity. The North America region maintains its leadership throughout the forecast period. Based on the region, the North America held the highest market share in 2023, North American companies are leading the way in technological innovation, requires the use of precise and efficient die bonders for next-generation semiconductor devices. To strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing, government initiatives and investments including the U.S. chips and science act are being implemented, thereby increasing the requirement for efficient die bonding equipment. Furthermore, the automotive and aerospace industries' growing integration of advanced electronics is fueling the demand for high-precision die bonders. The presence of major semiconductor equipment manufacturers in North America provides easy access to cutting-edge technology and support. A prime example of this escalating demand is Intel's investment of $20 billion in two new semiconductor factories in Arizona, showcasing the demand for advanced die bonding equipment to facilitate large-scale semiconductor production and innovation. Inquire Before Buying @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A44671 Players: - ASM Pacific Technology Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc. Mycronic Palomar Technologies WestBond, Inc. MicroAssembly Technologies, Ltd. Finetech GmbH & Co. KG TRESKY GmbH Hybond Inc. Shibuya Corporation The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global die bonder equipment 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. Trending Reports in Machinery Industry (Book Now with 15% Discount): Global semiconductor etch equipment market is projected to reach $46.4 billion by 2031. Global Impression Die Forging Market is projected to reach $27,163.6 million in 2025 Global Die Casting Machines Market is projected to reach $4,864.6 million by 2030 Wire Bonder Equipment Market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Die Bonder Machinery Market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Automatic Wafer Bonding Equipment Market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 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. 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. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. 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 us: 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 [email protected] Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube Read More: https://medium.com/@patilrash95 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research ZIBO, China, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 16, with the beginning of Autumn, the State Grid Huantai County Power Supply Company (managed by State Grid Zibo Power Supply Company) deployed a team to go deep into the Hongji Agricultural Professional Cooperative in Xincheng Town, Huantai County and deliver comprehensive and meticulous power supply services to it, which intended to ensure the stable operation of electrical equipment within the climate-controlled greenhouses and provide reliable power support for the harvest of various vegetables and fruits as well as autumn planting. Covering over 2,000 mu (about 133 hectares), the Hongji Agricultural Professional Cooperative is a multifaceted modern entity engaged in livestock breeding and sales, food processing, catering and lodging, as well as planting, processing, storage, transportation, and sales of agricultural products. It adopts advanced international water-fertilizer integrated drip irrigation systems, intelligent fertilizing machines, and information technology to achieve precise irrigation and fertilization, reducing the environmental impact of fertilizers and pesticides accordingly. A variety of environmental parameters can be monitored remotely with the help of its self-developed digital agriculture platform so that automatic management is within reach, significantly boosting working efficiency and resource utilization. To guarantee the smooth operation of the platform mentioned, the State Grid Huantai County Power Supply Company insulated the electricity distribution room and power lines, upgraded the transformers and electric closets, and assisted in inspecting the oil level of transformers and line temperature in the agricultural park of the cooperative. Wang Qiang, the section chief of the cooperative, expressed his appreciation: "We are grateful to the staff from power supply company for their attentive service. Our automatic control system relies on a stable power supply for proper function." "We can give full play to the intelligent advantages of the park with stable and dependable power support, which is of vital importance to the steady supply of vegetables, fruits, and livestock products," added him further. The State Grid Huantai County Power Supply Company is continually enhancing the power grid construction through new technology applications and infrastructure upgrades to better ensure the stability and reliability of agricultural power supply in Huantai County. It has introduced a "24-hour Electricity Manager" service for intelligent power service and timely response to the voice of customer. Additionally, regular inspections of irrigation areas were conducted to achieve the perfect operation of agricultural electrical equipment, thus increasing farmers' income and agricultural efficiency in the true sense. SOURCE State Grid Zibo Power Supply Company D.C. Partner Complements Firm's Deep Securities Bench WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- David Hirsch, who recently led the Securities and Exchange Commission's Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit (CACU), has joined McGuireWoods' growing securities enforcement and regulatory counseling practice as a partner in Washington, D.C. Hirsch served as CACU chief in the SEC's Division of Enforcement, overseeing matters that included first-of-their-kind investigations, resolutions and litigation. He was responsible for recommending and implementing the SEC's cybersecurity enforcement priorities and played a leading role establishing the agency's approach to enforcing registration obligations for a variety of crypto asset activities. Before becoming CACU chief in 2022, Hirsch was counsel to SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw. In that role, he reviewed and advised on effectively all enforcement recommendations before the SEC and frequently met with market participants, advocates, media and legislative staff. Hirsch joined the SEC in 2015 as a senior counsel in the Division of Enforcement's Fort Worth, Texas, regional office. Prior to entering public service, he co-owned a private investigation firm focused on securities fraud matters. At McGuireWoods, Hirsch will have a broad securities enforcement practice, including advising clients on matters related to cybersecurity and crypto assets. "Dave's distinguished career at the SEC in particular his role as an adviser to Commissioner Crenshaw and the head of a unit addressing major issues facing market participants gives him a unique perspective that will inure to the benefit of our clients," said Noreen Kelly, McGuireWoods' deputy managing partner for litigation. "He knows how regulators think and has an in-depth understanding of the intricate compliance challenges clients face in today's market, including with respect to crypto and cybersecurity regulation." Robert Muckenfuss, chair of the firm's Financial Services & Securities Enforcement Department, added: "Cybersecurity and crypto are rapidly evolving areas of the law and Dave's unique background and extensive experience in securities enforcement will help our clients stay ahead of the curve." Anchored by former SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) attorneys, as well as former high-level federal prosecutors, McGuireWoods manages securities investigations at every stage from informal inquiries and routine exams through investigations, litigation and appeals while also serving as trusted advisers on regulatory counseling matters and developing issues confronting clients and the industry more broadly. "Dave's arrival is another important milestone in our team's growth," said Elizabeth Hogan, co-leader of the securities enforcement and regulatory counseling practice and managing partner of the firm's D.C. office. "He complements our deep bench of former regulators and enforcement officials and enhances our nationally recognized practice." Said Hirsch: "McGuireWoods has a premier securities and regulatory enforcement practice with exceptional lawyers and a well-deserved reputation for innovation. What sets McGuireWoods apart for me is its commitment to providing unmatched client service and how intentional it has been over a number of years in structuring the practice to deliver excellent results. I am excited to begin this new chapter of my career at such an outstanding firm." Note: Hirsch is not admitted in the District of Columbia. He is a member of the California bar and has applied for admission to the D.C. bar. While he awaits admission, he is practicing under the direct supervision of an enrolled, active D.C. bar member. McGuireWoods LLP is a leading international law firm with 1,100 lawyers in 21 offices worldwide. It continuously ranks among the top firms in Financial Times' prestigious North America Innovative Lawyers report. The firm has been recognized 18 times on BTI Consulting's Client Service A-Team elite firms singled out for client service excellence based on unprompted feedback from clients in major companies. Its full-service public affairs arm, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC, offers infrastructure and economic development, strategic communications and grassroots advocacy, and government relations solutions. For more information, visit www.mcguirewoods.com. SOURCE McGuireWoods LLP Shopping District location by Waterfront Park is inspired by 'The Mecca' in Venice Beach DALLAS, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold's Gym, the growing iconic fitness brand, has opened its 18th Washington, D.C.-area gym in the heart of Georgetown, created in the image of its legendary original location, "The Mecca of Bodybuilding" in Venice Beach. The 25,000-square-foot gym, located in Georgetown Park at 3270 M St. NW, is owned by Gold's Gym D.C. Metro, which owns 18 D.C.-area Gold's Gym locations and has plans to open six more locally. The group's next two locations are slated to open in early 2025 in the new NoMaCNTR development and at Vermeer in Buzzard Point. A grand opening event at the Georgetown Park gym on Aug. 21 will feature group exercise classes, fitness competitions, free personal training sessions, over $10,000 in raffle prizes and more. The new gym offers premium amenities that include exclusive gym80 equipment, six Olympic lifting platforms, a functional turf area with training rigs, and a recovery studio with percussion therapy, compression boots and zero-gravity lounge chairs. The gym also has an expansive strength and free weight area, cardio training and stretch area, group exercise studio, pro shop and luxurious locker rooms, plus a Gold's legacy-inspired look and feel with brick walls and wooden accents and a reproduction of The Mecca's famous green wall. Images are available here. "Our newest gym in Georgetown Park is a state-of-the-art facility with a unique Gold's Mecca vibe to motivate members to reach their fitness goals and fulfill their physical potential," said Gold's Gym D.C. Metro CEO Matt Clifford. "We are continuing to grow Gold's Gym as the premier workout brand in the D.C. area and plan to have 24 total gyms open by 2030." The Georgetown Park Gold's Gym is open Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on membership, go to www.goldsgymdcmetro.com/georgetownpark. For information on franchise opportunities, go to www.goldsgym.com/franchise . About Gold's Gym What started out in 1965 as a small gym in Venice Beach, California, has since become one of the most iconic fitness brands in the world Gold's Gym. Over the last 59 years, Gold's Gym has developed into a global brand with over 600 locations spanning six continents. In 2020, the RSG Group acquired Gold's Gym and integrated the brand into its portfolio, making it the global leader in the fitness sector. For more information, go to goldsgym.com or follow Gold's Gym on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok or X. Media contact: Ashley Lennington, [email protected] 817-329-3257 SOURCE Gold's Gym KISTA, Sweden , Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HANZA, a leading global contract manufacturer, specializing in supply chain optimization, has today signed a strategic manufacturing agreement with a German company to streamline the a supply chain for an entire product line. Under the agreement, HANZA will create a new and more efficient supply-chain, which includes consolidating parts production to the HANZA Group, as well as a transfer of the company's existing manufacturing to HANZA's manufacturing cluster. The new manufacturing solution has been designed according to HANZA's unique concept MIG and will significantly enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and provide greater flexibility to meet fluctuating demand. "This partnership highlights HANZA's ability to deliver comprehensive customer value to product-owning companies," says Erik Stenfors, CEO, HANZA Group. "By using our MIG concept we create a solid, cost efficient and sustainable supply chain." The relocation of existing manufacturing, currently in Germany, as well as the supply chain optimization will start immediately, with initial deliveries expected in autumn 2024. The manufacturing solution will be located in HANZA's cluster in Central Europe. At full capacity, the production volume is anticipated to generate an annual sales exceeding 10 MEUR. Note MIG (Manufacturing solutions for Increased Growth and earnings) is the trademark for HANZA's advisory service to customers on how to optimize their supply chain. For further information please contact: Erik Stenfors, CEO +46 709 50 80 70 e-mail: [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/hanza-ab/r/hanza-signs-mig-tm--agreement-with-german-company,c4025744 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/6093/4025744/2949970.pdf HANZA signs MIG agreement with German company CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (NYSE: JELD), a leading global manufacturer of building products, today announced that Chief Executive Officer William J. Christensen and Chief Financial Officer Samantha Stoddard will participate in the upcoming Jefferies Industrials Conference fireside chat at 11:00 am ET on Thursday, September 5, 2024. The live webcast will be available on JELD-WEN's website at investors.jeld-wen.com. The replay of the webcast will be available at investors.jeld-wen.com following the event. To learn more about JELD-WEN, please visit the company's website at www.jeld-wen.com. About JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (NYSE: JELD) is a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance interior and exterior doors, windows, and related building products serving the new construction and repair and remodeling sectors. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company operates facilities in 15 countries in North America and Europe and employs approximately 18,000 associates dedicated to bringing beauty and security to the spaces that touch our lives. The JELD-WEN family of brands includes JELD-WEN worldwide, LaCantina and VPI in North America, and Swedoor and DANA in Europe. For more information, visit corporate.JELD-WEN.com or follow LinkedIn. Media Contact: Melissa Farrington Vice President, Enterprise Communications 262-350-6021 [email protected] Investor Relations Contact: James Armstrong Vice President, Investor Relations 704-378-5731 [email protected] SOURCE JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. PITTSBURGH, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) announced today that they will attend the Jefferies Industrial Conference in New York City. Details of the conference are as follows: When: Wednesday, September 4, 2024 Attendees: Sanjay Chowbey, President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Watson, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Michael Pici, Vice President, Investor Relations About Kennametal With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,400 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2 billion in revenues in fiscal 2024. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. SOURCE Kennametal Letter Strengthens Widespread Concerns of Tribal Governments, Elected Officials, and Local Communities SAN PABLO, Calif., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lytton Rancheria of California applauds Governor Gavin Newsom's letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), which asks the Department to, "not move forward with the Shiloh Resort and Casino Project (Koi Nation of Northern California) in Sonoma County and the Scotts Valley Casino and Tribal Housing Project (Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians) in Solano County." The letter, which strengthens the widespread concerns of tribal governments, elected officials, and local communities, also reinforces the lack of perceived support for the two proposed casino projects. In the letter, Governor Newsom's Office cites concerns that the DOI is departing from specific procedural pathways and important safeguards typically taken by tribes who wish to restore tribal land and establish a casino. The letter also highlights concerns about the potential expansion of gaming to land that is not currently eligible for tribal gaming and emphasizes the fact that the proposed lands for both projects fall far outside the historical homelands of the Koi Nation and Scotts Valley Band. The letter states that Governor Newsom is, "concerned that these specific projects are proceeding in a manner that would sidestep the State, ignore the concerns of tribal governments and other local communities, and stretch the "restored lands" exception beyond its legal limits while failing to adequately consider whether there might be a better way." "We thank Governor Gavin Newsom for voicing his concerns about the Shiloh Resort and Casino Project and the Scotts Valley Casino and Tribal Housing Project," said Lytton Rancheria Tribal Chairperson Andy Mejia. "Unfortunately, these two projects are being recklessly advanced in an unprecedented way without important safeguards which could have disastrous consequences for the local environment and surrounding communities. Both of these projects are opposed by the native peoples actually indigenous to these sites and supported by tribes from outside Solano and Sonoma Counties." The proposed Koi Nation project also faces opposition from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, the Windsor Town Council, state Senator Mike McGuire, Congressman Jared Huffman, Congressman Mike Thompson, and Senator Alex Padilla. The proposed Scotts Valley Band project also faces opposition from Solano County, Congressman John Garamendi, and Senator Alex Padilla. About the Lytton Rancheria of California The Lytton Rancheria of California is a federally recognized tribe of Pomo Native Americans. The Lytton Rancheria of California owns and operates San Pablo Lytton Casino. The casino employs over 500 people from the San Pablo area. The casino spends millions each year on local goods and services and provides over half of the City of San Pablo's operational general fund. CONTACT: Doug Elmets (916) 329-9180 SOURCE Lytton Rancheria of California IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nutraland USA, Inc., a pioneer in innovative, plant-based nutritional solutions, today announced an exclusive partnership with Biowell NutriScience Corp., Ltd. to distribute Somato, its patent-pending, whole-food derived phytomelatonin from tomatoes, in Taiwan. This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward for Nutraland in delivering its groundbreaking products to the international market. Biowell NutriScience Corp., Ltd., a leading health and wellness company with a strong distribution network in Taiwan, will exclusively handle the marketing, sales, and distribution of Somato throughout Taiwan. Bill Yang, Product Development Manager at Biowell NutriScience, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are honored to be the exclusive distributor of Somato in Taiwan. This innovative product aligns perfectly with our mission of promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. We are confident Somato will be a game-changer in the Taiwanese sleep aid market." Somato is the first whole-food derived phytomelatonin from tomatoes on the market, offering a natural, effective alternative to traditional synthetic melatonin products. By partnering with Biowell NutriScience, the companies aim to improve sleep quality and overall well-being for Taiwanese consumers where synthetic melatonin is regulated as a drug. "We are very excited to partner with Biowell NutriScience Corp., Ltd. to bring Somato to Taiwan," said Sanying Xu, President of Nutraland USA, Inc. "Their deep understanding of the market and commitment to consumer well-being make them the ideal partner to introduce Somato to Taiwan." This partnership marks a significant milestone for Somato to be available in other markets where synthetic Melatonin is regulated as drug, following the successful launch of Somato in Korea earlier this year. About Nutraland USA, Inc.: Nutraland USA is a leading supplier of sustainable, plant-based nutritional ingredients for food, beverage, and supplement products. The company is focused on clean-label, sustainable solutions and dedicated to providing innovative, high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of consumers. Learn more about Nutraland USA at www.nutralandusa.com. About Biowell NutriScience Corp., Ltd.: Biowell NutriScience Corp., Ltd was established in 1989 and specializes in supplying research confirmed, high quality, safe and effective nutraceutical ingredients. Biowell NutriScience believes in sustainable sourcing, ethical business values and trust-based relationships - bringing the essence of nature to life for a better, healthier and more advanced society. Learn more about Biowell NutriScience at www.pharmachief.com.tw. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Nutraland USA, Inc. Environmental Protection Agency's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will transform the community development finance industry for clean energy WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) was officially awarded a grant under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Clean Community Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program, part of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). OFN's award of $2.29 billion is the largest CCIA award and the second-largest GGRF award. This historic investment demonstrates OFN's deep commitment to transforming clean energy finance by integrating it into the community development finance industry and addressing the climate crisis by increasing access to capital in underserved communities across the country. "This is an exciting moment for the country and one that OFN and community development finance institutions are made for," said Harold Pettigrew, President and CEO of OFN. "The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a catalytic, once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform clean energy finance. OFN thanks the Biden-Harris Administration for placing this responsibility with community lenders and for being outstanding partners throughout the award process. We look forward to working alongside all the awardees to ensure that no community is left behind through the clean energy transition." "With climate impacts increasingly impacting all Americans, and especially those in communities that have been historically left behind, EPA knew it had to move swiftly and deliberately to get this historic funding out the door," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in a press release. "Two years after he signed the law, President Biden is delivering the full $27 billion that he secured in this legislation. American families will soon feel the benefits in the form of lower energy costs and revitalized communities, while the United States leads the clean energy economy of the future." The CCIA is a $6 billion program for national nonprofit hubs to deliver financial resources and technical assistance to build the climate lending capacity of community lenders working in low-income and underinvested communities. OFN will invest in mission-driven lenders nationwide and serve as a resource hub, providing capital, technical assistance, and market-building support. With a long history and proven track record of investing in low-income and low-wealth communities, OFN and the CDFI industry are well-positioned to deploy this capital into the communities that need it most to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and other sources of air pollution, lower energy costs, create clean energy jobs, mobilize additional private capital, and strengthen local communities. Since being selected for an award in the spring, OFN has focused on building tools to demystify and effectively engage with the CCIA program. Some of those tools include OFN's CCIA 101 webinar, a detailed and growing set of FAQs, and the launch of our online climate hub at climate.ofn.org. EPA's GGRF-related information and resources are available here: https://www.epa.gov/greenhouse-gas-reduction-fund Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the nation's leading network and intermediary focused on community development investment, managing over $1 billion in total assets and a membership of over 420 community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which includes community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds. Our network of CDFIs works to ensure communities underserved by mainstream finance have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services, with a deep focus on serving rural, urban, and Native communities across the United States. OFN is a trusted investment partner to the public, private, and philanthropic sectors foundations, corporations, banks, government agencies, and others and, for nearly 40 years, has helped partners invest in communities to catalyze change and create economic opportunities for all. Since its founding in 1986, OFN members have originated over $100 billion in financing, helping to create or maintain more than 3 million jobs, start or expand more than 850,000 businesses and microenterprises, and support the development or rehabilitation of nearly 2.4 million housing units and more than 14,000 community facility projects. SOURCE Opportunity Finance Network Rather than reset labor-management relationship, Company opts for crusade of intimidation, retaliation and steamrolling protected activity COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Berkshire Hathaway's NetJets Aviation, Inc., escalated adversarial activity against its 3,430 unionized pilots by terminating the employment of two high-ranking Union leaders, the NJASAP Vice President and Strategy Group chair, earlier this month. NJASAP, the independent labor advocate that represents the NetJets pilots, characterized the decision as unlawful, unjust and in retaliation for the $1.6B in improvements the pilots negotiated during mid-term bargaining that concluded earlier this year. The Union will contest these unprecedented terminations through the contract-based minor dispute resolution process. "These union leaders were not terminated because of anything they did as NetJets pilots, but because of their role in supporting contract negotiations," NJASAP President Capt. Pedro Leroux said. "The NJASAP Vice President, a duly elected Union official, is a 23-year NetJets captain with an unblemished professional record, and the NJASAP Strategy Group chair is an 18-year captain with a likewise spotless tenure at NetJets. "Even so," Leroux continued, "these union officials were aggressively interrogated about lawful, protected activities." Rather than resetting the relationship with its pilots' union, NetJets pursues crusade of intimidation and retaliation. Post this The move to terminate these Union officials began in late-May when they, along with 11 other pilots, were subjected to Crewmember Review Board meetings, during which they were badgered with the same questions asked repeatedly and in multiple ways about the Union's lawful and protected activities conducted by NJASAP strategy officials. Company officials were laser focused on gathering information about Union members' participation in informational picketing and other demonstrations to focus public attention on the dispute. "In a word, NJASAP members are outraged by the company's egregious conduct," Leroux said. "Intimidation and retaliation aside, this behavior equates to unlawful surveillance of protected union activity under the Railway Labor Act." The terminations come as NJASAP has emphasized their interest in resetting the labor-management relationship at NetJets since the parties signed an agreement in principle in early February. "Choosing to terminate two high-ranking Union leaders is not simply another hurdle to resetting the landscape, but a move reflective of a strategy that is not sustainable in the long term," Leroux said. It is this very action coupled with other Union concerns that compelled the NJASAP president to challenge NetJets CEO Adam Johnson to reconsider the course that the company seems to have set. "The parties can certainly, in time, repair the partnership," Leroux said, adding, "but NetJets must replace adversarial tactics with a sustained, good faith commitment to resolving our differences. Otherwise, the parties will continue to waste time, money and energy on managing a feud rather than fully capitalizing on the growth potential in our industry sector." About NJASAP Founded in 2008 as an independent labor advocate, the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP) represents the professional interests of the 3,400-plus pilots who fly in the service of NetJets Aviation, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. For more information, please visit our websites, www.njasap.com and www.genuineqs.com, or find us on Facebook, facebook.com/njasap, Instagram, www.instagram.com/njasap, and Twitter, @njasap. SOURCE NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP) DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Principal Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to helping people and communities build financially secure futures, is collaborating with We Are Teachers, a community of over three million educators across the United States, to support financial literacy in classrooms. Together, the organizations are developing a lesson plan that uses the power of storytelling to help encourage conversations about money. The collaboration is part of a new goal that Principal Foundation has set to reach one million people through financial resources by 2030. Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative 2nd Edition The effort is part of expanding Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative, which was developed by Principal Foundation, and uses storytelling to help destigmatize and encourage conversations about money and personal finances. Through the initiative, Principal Foundation is curating stories from writers as part of a national short story contest that invites people to submit stories that reflect lived experiences with money. Educators that are part of the We Are Teachers community will have access to a free lesson plan with an accompanying activity for students grades five through high school. The lessons will utilize short stories from Money Chronicles that portray individuals' real-life experiences with money and encourage students to construct their own "money story." "We are excited to collaborate with an incredible organization like We Are Teachers on creative and engaging ways to integrate financial literacy into classrooms," said Jo Christine Miles, director, Principal Foundation, and Community Relations. "Storytelling is a powerful teaching tool that can impart knowledge and understanding while also motivating and reinforcing behaviors that can help the next generation create the financial futures they want." In 2023, financial illiteracy cost American adults an average of $1,506 a year, according to the National Financial Educators Council*. More schools across the country are prioritizing financial education, with 35 states now requiring students to take a course in personal finance to graduate, up by 12 since 2022. "We are committed to developing teacher-created educational resources that work in the classroom." said Kimberley Gorelik, Senior Editor, We Are Teachers. "We're thrilled to collaborate with Principal Foundation to bring stories from their Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative into our classrooms to help destigmatize conversations about money and teach our youth valuable lessons in financial literacy. We recognize it is increasingly more important to start these conversations early on, and storytelling is a powerful vehicle to do just that." To continue encouraging people to share stories about their experiences with money, Principal Foundation has launched the second edition of the Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative contest. The short story contest is hosted in collaboration with The Center for Fiction, a national literary nonprofit, and Short Edition, a global publishing house. Stories can be submitted online through October 2, 2024, 11:59 pm PDT at https://short-edition.com/principalfoundationcontest. Entering the contest is free. One winner and up to 20 finalists will be selected by an esteemed panel of literary authors and experts including Zakiya Dalila Harris, Casey Parks, Joe Wilkins, and Cecily Wong. The winner will receive $1,000, and each finalist will receive $150. Those stories will be distributed across Principal Foundation's short story dispensers located at The New York Public Library in New York, N.Y.; Sip & Sonder in Los Angeles, Calif.; Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in Charlotte, N.C.; Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle, Wash.; Prairie Lights in Iowa City, Iowa; and a new location for 2024, Politics & Prose in Washington D.C. Terms and conditions apply. Adults ages 18 and older are encouraged to submit original fiction or creative nonfiction stories through the contest website now through October 2, 2024, 11:59 pm PDT. The winner and the finalists will be announced in December 2024. For more information about the collaboration between Principal Foundation and We Are Teachers, visit https://www.weareteachers.com/money-myths-lesson-and-activity. To submit a story for Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative 2nd Edition Supported by Principal Foundation and details on how to enter the contest, visit https://short-edition.com/principalfoundationcontest. *Representative of approximately 258 million adults and estimated cost of 388 Billion in 2023 - Financial Illiteracy Costs: Survey, Causes, Consequences | NFEC (financialeducatorscouncil.org) About Principal Foundation Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. ("Principal Foundation") is a duly recognized Section 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. ("Principal") operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so. Established in 1987, Principal Foundation works with organizations that are helping to shape and support the journey to financial security by ensuring access to essential needs, fostering social and cultural connections, and promoting financial inclusion. Principal Foundation supports a diverse community of more than 86 charitable organizations across the globe. 3735762-072024 About We Are Teachers We Are Teachers is the #1 media brand for K-12 educators, publishing daily articles, giveaways, free printables, and online activities to use in the classroom. Millions of educators a month visit We Are Teachers to find inspiration, teaching ideas, and support for reaching the next generation. Media Contact: Zevenia Dennis, [email protected] SOURCE Principal Foundation Mickey Mikitani, as sole CEO, reaffirms his commitment to the company's mission of conquering cancer for patients all over the world Minami Maeda has been appointed as the new President to expedite pipeline development, with a strategic focus on securing FDA approval for ASP-1929, expanding into broader Asia , and further driving commercial growth in Japan A new global Phase 3 clinical trial for ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy in combination with anti-PD-1 is expected to be initiated in 2H 2024 SAN DIEGO, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rakuten Medical, Inc., a global biotechnology company developing and commercializing oncology precision, cell-targeting photoimmunotherapy through its proprietary Alluminox platform, announces that Hiroshi "Mickey" Mikitani now serves as its sole Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board, and Minami Maeda has been appointed as its new President, effective August 9, 2024. Takashi "Tora" Toraishi has chosen to step down from his role as Co-Chief Executive Officer, President and Board Director. The new management team is set to further advance Rakuten Medical's Alluminox platform and prioritize obtaining FDA approval for ASP-1929 as early as possible. The company's new global Phase 3 study of ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy in combination with anti-PD-1 for first-line recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is expected to commence first in the United States in 2H 2024. Rakuten Medical also aims to extend its reach into Asian markets, where many countries face high unmet medical needs, by leveraging its growing expertise from commercial treatments in Japan. Asia accounts for half of the world's cancer incidence and has the highest cancer mortality rate*. Rakuten Medical's strong track record of commercial success in Japan has generated substantial scientific publications, which the company believes would help support new medical communities' better understanding of the Alluminox platform. In Japan, the company will continue to drive growth and vigorously support the realization of its strategic agenda in the U.S. and Asia. Mickey Mikitani, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board of Rakuten Medical, stated, "The appointment of Minami as President and the formation of our new management team underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing our innovation for patients in need. We continue striving to advance cancer treatment through our technology platform, and I am fully committed to further driving the company's vision and strategic direction." "I am honored to take on this pivotal role at such a critical time for Rakuten Medical," said Minami Maeda, President of Rakuten Medical. "Our treatment has positively impacted patients' lives in Japan, as demonstrated by our robust commercial growth there. I am excited to collaborate with our talented team to build an even stronger company and extend our contributions to more patients and broader communities as we continue to pursue our global development efforts." Since joining Rakuten Medical in November 2017, Maeda has demonstrated outstanding leadership and strategic acumen. Most recently serving as Chief Commercial Officer of Rakuten Medical, Inc., and Representative Director & President of Rakuten Medical K.K., he has significantly contributed to commercial growth and established a scalable business model for the company's innovative drug-device combination in Japan. His efforts have greatly enhanced the company's global growth and technological advancements. Prior to his tenure at Rakuten Medical, Maeda gained extensive experience in business and public policy through his work at McKinsey & Company's Tokyo and Johannesburg offices. He also served as Chief of Staff to Japan's Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare. Rakuten Medical extends its gratitude to Toraishi for his strong leadership and contributions since 2017. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including the successful development and the world-first approval of ASP-1929 in Japan, and the establishment of a strong foundation for future growth. Disclaimer: Rakuten Medical's therapies based on Alluminox platform are investigational outside of Japan. * Bray F, Laversanne M, Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, Soerjomataram I, Jemal A. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024 May-Jun;74(3):229-263. doi: 10.3322/caac.21834. Epub 2024 Apr 4. PMID: 38572751. About Rakuten Medical, Inc. Rakuten Medical, Inc. is a global biotechnology company developing and commercializing precision, cell targeting therapies based on its proprietary Alluminox platform, which, in pre-clinical studies, has been shown to induce rapid and selective cell killing and tumor necrosis. Alluminox therapies have not yet been approved outside of Japan. Rakuten Medical is committed to its mission to conquer cancer by delivering its innovative treatments as quickly as possible to as many patients as possible all over the world. The company has offices in 5 countries/regions, including the United States, where it is headquartered, Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland and India. For more information, visit www.rakuten-med.com. About Alluminox platform The Alluminox platform is an investigational technology platform based on a cancer therapy called photoimmunotherapy, which was developed by Dr. Hisataka Kobayashi and team from the National Cancer Institute in the United States. Rakuten Medical is developing the Alluminox platform as a technology consisting of a drug, device, and other related components. The drug component of the platform consists of a targeting moiety conjugated with one or more dyes leading to selective cell surface binding. The device component consists of a light source that locally illuminates the targeted cells with light to transiently activate the drug. Pre-clinical data have shown that this activation elicits rapid and selective necrosis of targeted cells through a biophysical process that compromises the membrane integrity of the targeted cells. Therapies developed on the Alluminox platform may also result in local and systemic innate and adaptive immune activation due to immunogenic cell death of the targeted cancer cells and/or the removal of targeted immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment. Outside of Japan, Alluminox therapies have not yet been approved by any regulatory authority. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward looking statements that correspond to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause Rakuten Medical's business plans and results to differ from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these statements. These "forward looking statements" contain information about the status and development of our products, including the Alluminox platform, as well as other regulatory and marketing authorization efforts, the potential benefits, efficacy, and safety of therapies created using the Alluminox platform, and the status of regulatory filings. The approval and commercial success of the product may not be achieved. Forward looking statements relate to the potential benefits, efficacy, and safety of our therapies, and the status of regulatory filings. Such statements may include words such as "expect," "believe," "hope," "estimate," "looks as though," "anticipate," "intend," "may," "suggest," "plan," "strategy," "will," and "do", and are based on our current beliefs. In addition, this press release uses terms such as "important," "notable," and "abnormal" to express opinions about clinical trial data. Ongoing clinical trial studies include various risks and uncertainties, in particular, problems that arise during the manufacturing stage of our therapies, the occurrence of adverse safety events, situations in failure to demonstrate therapeutic benefits, and other various risks and uncertainties, both reasonable and unreasonable. For this reason, actual results, including regulatory approvals and uncertainties in the commercialization process of our therapies, may differ from published information. Except to the extent required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update this or any other forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future developments or events, changes in assumptions, changes in the factors affecting forward-looking statements. If one or more forward-looking statement(s) is updated, no inference should be drawn that additional updates will be made to those or other forward-looking statements. Contact Us SOURCE Rakuten Medical, Inc. Trading Symbol: TSX/NYSE American: SVM VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp" or the "Company") (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) is pleased to report the results of an updated Technical Report, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") on its Ying Mining District ("The Ying 2024 Technical Report" or "Technical Report"), prepared by AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd. ("AMC") with a Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource effective date of June 30, 2024. The Ying 2024 Technical Report covers all seven mines in the Ying Mining District (also referenced as the "Ying Property") in Henan Province, China, namely the SGX, HZG, HPG, TLP, LME, LMW, and DCG underground mines. Approximately 89 million ounces (Moz) of silver ("Ag") are projected to be mined at the Ying Property in the currently planned 14-year life of mine (LOM). There remains significant potential to extend the LOM beyond 2038 via further exploration and development, particularly in areas with identified Inferred Resources. Silvercorp Observations to the Independent Ying 2024 Technical Report: The 2024 Mineral Reserves reflect the substantial replenishment of metals mined-out between January 2022 and June 2024 : Approximately 14.3 Moz Ag, 13.3 thousand ounces of gold ("koz Au"), 64.0 thousand tonnes of lead ("kt Pb") and 8.7 thousand tonnes of zinc ("kt Zn") were produced during this period; The above produced metal quantities are referenced against the Mineral Reserve contained metal values reported in the 2022 Technical Report, namely 95.7 Moz Ag, 104.7 koz Au, 414 kt Pb and 127.5 kt Zn. and : Annual metal production through FY2031 (including Q1FY2025) is projected to be: Precious metals: between 7.1 and 8.7 Moz Ag and 3.1 and 13.0 koz Au (7.4 and 9.7 Moz Ag Eq 1 ); Base metals: between 30.8 and 36.4 kt Pb, and 5.1 and 5.9 kt Zn; Total LOM production of about 86.3 Moz Ag , 63.0 koz Au, 395.0 kt Pb, and 75.7 kt of Zn. , 63.0 koz Au, 395.0 kt Pb, and 75.7 kt of Zn. The results of the 2022-2023 underground drilling program at the Ying Mining District show that most of the major mineralized vein structures are still open at depth and laterally. Ying Mining District LOM metal production Ag Eq values, which only consider silver plus conversion of gold ounces to equivalent silver ounces1, are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Ying LOM metal production Ag Eq values Ying Mines FY2025 Q2-Q4 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 FY2031 FY2032 FY2033 FY2034 FY2035 FY2036 FY2037 FY2038 Total Ag_Eq (koz) 6,828 9,204 9,665 9,010 8,593 7,940 7,415 6,877 5,996 5,779 5,571 3,869 2,045 1,235 90,028 Note: Numbers may not compute exactly due to rounding. Summary of the Ying 2024 Technical Report Estimated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 22.15 million tonnes (inclusive of Mineral Reserves) grading 203 g/t Ag, 0.20 g/t Au, 3.06% Pb, and 0.87% Zn, containing 144 Moz Ag , 143 koz Au, 677 kt Pb, and 192 kt Zn. In comparison with the 2022 Technical Report (Mineral Resources as of December 31, 2021 ), Measured and Indicated Resource tonnes have increased by 18%, and contained metal has increased by 3% for Pb and decreased by 1% for Ag, 12% for Au, and 1% for Zn, after accounting for depletion. , 143 koz Au, 677 kt Pb, and 192 kt Zn. Estimated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 12.76 million tonnes grading 216 g/t Ag, 0.17 g/t Au, 3.20% Pb, and 0.96% Zn, containing 89 Moz Ag, 71 koz Au, 408 kt Pb, and 123 kt Zn. In comparison with the 2022 Technical Report (Mineral Reserves as of December 31, 2021 ), there has been a 24% increase in total Proven Mineral Reserve tonnes and a 4% increase in total Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve tonnes. The decreases in total contained metal for silver, gold, lead, and zinc are 7%, 33%, 1%, and 4%, respectively. In comparison with the 2022 Technical Report, Inferred Resource tonnes have decreased by 33%, and contained metal has decreased by 8% for Au, 37% for Ag, 37% for Pb, and 44% for Zn. Based on only Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, a production rate increase is planned from the FY2024 level of 0.83 million tonnes per year ("Mtpa") to approximately 1.0 Mtpa in FY2025, 1.1 Mtpa in FY2026, and then to close to 1.2 Mtpa for the next two fiscal years. The projection remains above or close to 1.0 Mtpa from FY2029 through FY2031, with the rate then slowly declining to around 900 ktpa by FY2035, and then with a more rapid decline to around 240 ktpa in the final year of currently planned mining. Using the LOM production profile based on the 30 June 2024 Mineral Reserves, with $22 /oz Ag, $1,900 /oz Au, $1.00 /lb Pb and $1.15 /lb Zn and a 5% discount rate, pre-tax and post-tax NPVs of $896M and $699M , respectively, are projected (other assumptions are outlined below). __________________________________________ 1 Ag Eq (oz) = Ag (oz) + 86.364* Au (oz); Au and Ag prices at US$1,900/oz and US$22/oz. Silvercorp notes that Ag Eq calculations in the Technical Report consider all metals deemed payable. Mineral Resources The June 2024 Mineral Resources were estimated using a block modelling approach in Micromine for a total of 534 mineralized vein structures for the seven active mines in the Ying Mining District. All grade estimation was completed using inverse distance squared. Grade estimates were completed for silver and lead in all deposits, zinc in select deposits, and gold within select veins at select deposits. The Mineral Resources are reported above cutoffs after applying a minimum practical extraction width of 0.4 m. Diluted grades were estimated for blocks with mineralization widths less than 0.4 m by adding a waste envelope with zero grade. Cutoff grades are based on in situ values in silver equivalent (Ag Eq) terms in grams per tonne and incorporate mining, trucking, and processing costs, with metallurgical recoveries and payable values provided by Silvercorp for each mine and reviewed by the QPs. Ag Eq formulas by mine are shown in the footnotes of the table below The estimated Mineral Resources and metal content for the Ying Mining District as of June 30, 2024 are detailed in Table 2 below. Table 2. Ying Mining District Mineral Resources and metal content for silver, lead, zinc, and gold as of June 30, 2024 (inclusive of Mineral Reserves) Mine Resource category Tonnes (Mt) Au grade (g/t) Ag grade (g/t) Pb grade (%) Zn grade (%) Au metal (koz) Ag metal (Moz) Pb metal (kt) Zn metal (kt) SGX Measured 4.09 0.06 252 4.88 2.50 7.24 33.14 199.57 101.99 Indicated 3.15 0.03 204 3.99 2.02 3.03 20.61 125.58 63.62 Meas + Ind 7.23 0.04 231 4.50 2.29 10.27 53.76 325.15 165.61 Inferred 2.26 0.01 210 4.38 1.70 0.98 15.28 99.00 38.44 HZG Measured 0.65 - 294 1.05 - - 6.15 6.81 - Indicated 0.28 - 283 0.83 - - 2.54 2.31 - Meas + Ind 0.93 - 291 0.98 - - 8.68 9.12 - Inferred 0.34 - 266 0.71 - - 2.94 2.43 - HPG Measured 1.22 1.18 79 3.36 1.04 46.10 3.08 40.91 12.67 Indicated 0.81 1.34 60 2.44 0.90 34.83 1.56 19.66 7.28 Meas + Ind 2.02 1.24 71 2.99 0.99 80.94 4.64 60.58 19.95 Inferred 1.57 2.86 103 3.76 0.95 144.71 5.22 59.18 14.88 TLP Measured 3.64 - 185 3.09 - - 21.57 112.37 - Indicated 2.58 - 166 2.66 - - 13.77 68.62 - Meas + Ind 6.21 - 177 2.91 - - 35.34 180.99 - Inferred 1.87 - 175 2.35 - - 10.50 43.77 - LME Measured 0.66 0.08 293 1.38 0.31 1.76 6.23 9.13 2.05 Indicated 1.14 0.07 276 1.14 0.34 2.40 10.09 12.96 3.82 Meas + Ind 1.80 0.07 282 1.23 0.33 4.16 16.33 22.09 5.87 Inferred 0.89 0.16 258 1.24 0.30 4.68 7.36 11.05 2.69 LMW Measured 1.59 0.17 235 2.21 - 8.88 12.00 35.24 - Indicated 2.00 0.21 201 1.84 - 13.53 12.88 36.74 - Meas + Ind 3.59 0.19 216 2.01 - 22.41 24.89 71.99 - Inferred 1.77 0.11 199 2.33 - 6.02 11.31 41.12 - DCG Measured 0.18 2.10 61 1.60 0.24 12.34 0.36 2.92 0.44 Indicated 0.18 2.22 72 2.27 0.17 12.58 0.41 4.01 0.31 Meas + Ind 0.36 2.16 67 1.93 0.21 24.92 0.77 6.93 0.75 Inferred 0.10 0.63 59 3.79 0.13 2.04 0.19 3.84 0.13 Ying Mines Measured 12.03 0.20 213 3.38 0.97 76.33 82.54 406.96 117.16 Indicated 10.12 0.20 190 2.67 0.74 66.36 61.86 269.89 75.03 Meas + Ind 22.15 0.20 203 3.06 0.87 142.69 144.40 676.85 192.18 Inferred 8.80 0.56 187 2.96 0.64 158.43 52.80 260.39 56.14 Notes: CIM Definition Standards (2014) were used for reporting. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Metal prices: gold US$1,800 /troy oz, silver US$21.00 /troy oz, lead US$1.00 /lb, zinc US$1.10 /lb. /troy oz, silver /troy oz, lead /lb, zinc /lb. Exchange rate: RMB 7.00 : US$1.00 . : . Mineral Resources exclude the first 5 m below surface. below surface. The Mineral Resource estimates for the SGX, TLP, and HZG mines were carried out by Silvercorp and reviewed by independent Qualified Person, Mr Simeon Robinson , P.Geo., MAIG of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. , P.Geo., MAIG of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. The Mineral Resource estimates for the LMW and LME mines were carried out by Silvercorp and reviewed by independent Qualified Person, Mr Justin Glanvill , Pri.Sci.Nat. of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. , Pri.Sci.Nat. of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. The Mineral Resource estimates for the HPG and DCG mines were carried out by Silvercorp and reviewed by independent Qualified Person, Dr Craig Stewart , P.Geo. of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. , P.Geo. of AMC, who takes responsibility for these estimates. Veins factored to minimum extraction width of 0.4 m after estimation. after estimation. Cut Off Grades (COGs): SGX 140 g/t Ag Eq; HZG 130 g/t Ag Eq; HPG 140 g/t Ag Eq; TLP 125 g/t Ag Eq; LME 130 g/t Ag Eq; LMW 125 g/t Ag Eq; DCG 150 g/t Ag Eq. Ag Eq equivalent formulas by mine: SGX = Ag g/t+35.05*Pb%+17.97*Zn%. HZG = Ag g/t+33.59*Pb%. HPG = Ag g/t+80.6*Au g/t+35.17*Pb%+21.60*Zn%. TLP = Ag g/t+33.23*Pb%. LME = Ag g/t+32.71*Pb%+9.38*Zn%. LMW = Ag g/t+34.20*Pb%. DCG = Ag g/t+33.18*Pb%. Ag Eq formulas used for significant gold bearing veins: SGX (Veins S11, S16W_Au, S18E, S74) = Ag g/t+54.44*Au g/t+35.05*Pb%+17.97*Zn%. LME (Veins LM4E2, LM4E3) = Ag g/t+55.12*Au g/t+32.71*Pb%+9.38*Zn%. LMW (Veins LM21, LM22, LM26, LM28, LM50, LM50_3, LM52, LM53, LM54) = Ag g/t+71.85*Au g/t+34.2*Pb%. DCG (Veins C76, C9_1, C9_2, C9_3, C9_4, C9E1, C9W1) = Ag g/t+83.44*Au g/t+33.18*Pb% Includes assay results up to and including 31 December 2023 . . Depleted for mine production to 30 June 2024 . Non-recoverable Mineral Resources (sterile areas due to the proximity to stopes, unstable ground or where access to the vein is limited) defined as of 30 June 2024 . . Non-recoverable Mineral Resources (sterile areas due to the proximity to stopes, unstable ground or where access to the vein is limited) defined as of . Numbers may not compute exactly due to rounding. A comparison of Mineral Resource estimates between December 31, 2021 and June 30, 2024 for payable metals indicates the following: Measured and Indicated tonnes have increased by 18%, Inferred tonnes have decreased by 33%. Measured and Indicated grades have decreased by 25%, 16%, 13%, and 16% for gold, silver, lead and zinc, respectively. Inferred grades increased for gold by 37% but decreased for silver, lead, and zinc by 7%, 6%, and 17%, respectively. The net result in the Measured and Indicated categories has been a decrease in the contained gold, silver, and zinc of 12%, 1%, and 1%, respectively, and an increase in contained lead of 3%. The net result in the Inferred category has been a decrease in the contained gold, silver, lead, and zinc of 8%, 37%, 37%, and 44%, respectively. The reasons for the differences in grade, tonnes, and contained metal include changes made to vein interpretations for the 2024 Q2 model, conversion to higher categories arising from drilling and level development, application of different COGs, and depletion due to mining. Additional geological sections in the Ying 2024 Technical Report were prepared by independent Qualified Persons Dr Genoa Vartell, P.Geo. and Mr Rod Carlson, FAIG, RPGeo., both of AMC, who take responsibility for those sections. Mineral Reserves The Mineral Reserve estimation assumes that current stoping practices will continue to be predominant at the Ying Mining District - namely cut and fill resuing and shrinkage stoping, but also includes the introduction of room and pillar mining for some flatter-lying gold-rich veins and some limited longhole mining. The largely sub-vertical veins, generally competent ground, reasonably regular vein width, and, traditionally, hand-mining techniques using short rounds has allowed a significant degree of selectivity and control in the stoping process. Minimum mining widths of 0.5 m for resuing and 1.0 m for shrinkage are assumed. The QP has observed the mining methods at the Ying Mining District and considers the minimum extraction and mining width assumptions to be reasonable. Several improvement projects are currently underway at the Ying Mining District, and these have been reflected in the Technical Report. The first is a significant initiative towards the use of more mechanized mining, which, along with the opening up of additional stopes, will allow for an increase in the number of tonnes mined per year. The second is a major ramp development program which will connect most stopes to the individual mine ramp system and, thereby, increase ore and waste movement capacity with reduced transport times and allow easier and faster stope access. Mining dilution and recovery factors vary from mine to mine, dependent on vein width and mining method. Average dilution factors have been estimated as 17% for resuing, 19% for shrinkage, 20% for longhole, and 30% for room and pillar. Assumed mining recovery factors are 95% for resuing, 92% for shrinkage, 80% for longhole, and 92% for room and pillar. For the total tonnage estimated as Ying Mineral Reserves, approximately 58% is associated with resuing, 36% with shrinkage, 4% with longhole, and 2% with room and pillar mining. The estimated Mineral Reserves and metal content for the Ying Mining District as of June 30, 2024 are detailed in Table 3 below. Table 3. Ying Mining District Mineral Reserve estimates and metal content at June 30, 2024 Mine Category Mt Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Metal contained in Mineral Reserves Au (koz) Ag (Moz) Pb (kt) Zn (kt) SGX Proven 3.14 0.03 242 4.64 2.20 3.1 24.4 145.6 69.0 Probable 2.25 0.01 202 4.02 1.88 0.9 14.6 90.5 42.2 Subtotal P&P 5.39 0.02 225 4.38 2.06 4.0 39.0 236.1 111.2 HZG Proven 0.36 292 0.92 3.4 3.3 Probable 0.13 336 0.75 1.4 1.0 Subtotal P&P 0.49 304 0.87 4.8 4.2 HPG Proven 0.47 1.44 82 3.72 1.14 21.6 1.2 17.4 5.3 Probable 0.36 1.44 68 2.72 0.97 16.9 0.8 9.9 3.5 Subtotal P&P 0.83 1.44 76 3.28 1.07 38.5 2.0 27.3 8.9 TLP Proven 2.02 194 2.93 12.6 59.2 Probable 1.34 176 2.59 7.6 34.7 Subtotal P&P 3.36 187 2.79 20.2 93.9 LME Proven 0.30 0.12 311 1.29 0.29 1.1 3.0 3.9 0.9 Probable 0.61 0.14 314 1.14 0.32 2.8 6.1 6.9 1.9 Subtotal P&P 0.91 0.13 313 1.19 0.31 3.9 9.2 10.8 2.8 LMW Proven 0.83 0.22 251 2.12 5.8 6.7 17.6 Probable 0.84 0.21 241 1.99 5.7 6.5 16.7 Subtotal P&P 1.67 0.21 246 2.05 11.5 13.2 34.3 DCG Proven 0.06 2.69 61 1.21 5.0 0.1 0.7 Probable 0.05 4.54 63 1.13 7.8 0.1 0.6 Subtotal P&P 0.11 3.58 62 1.17 12.7 0.2 1.3 Ying Mines Proven 7.17 0.16 223 3.45 1.05 36.6 51.4 247.6 75.2 Probable 5.58 0.19 207 2.87 0.85 34.0 37.2 160.3 47.7 Total P&P 12.76 0.17 216 3.20 0.96 70.6 88.6 408.0 122.9 Notes to Mineral Reserve Statement: Cutoff grades (Ag Eq g/t): SGX 225 Resuing, 190 Shrinkage; HZG 235 Resuing, 205 Shrinkage; HPG 240 Resuing, 200 Shrinkage; TLP 205 Resuing, 170 Shrinkage; LME 235 Resuing, 210 Shrinkage, 205 Room & Pillar; LMW 250 Resuing, 225 Shrinkage, 195 Longhole, 205 Room & Pillar; DCG 275 Resuing, 235 Shrinkage. Stope Marginal cutoff grades (Ag Eq g/t): SGX 200 Resuing, 160 Shrinkage; HZG 195 Resuing, 165 Shrinkage; HPG 220 Resuing, 180 Shrinkage; TLP 185 Resuing, 160 Shrinkage; LME 205 Resuing, 185 Shrinkage, 150 Room & Pillar; LMW 195 Resuing, 165 Shrinkage, 140 Longhole, 150 Room & Pillar; DCG 235 Resuing, 190 Shrinkage. Development Ore cutoff grades (Ag Eq g/t): SGX 125; HZG 120; HPG 145; TLP 115; LME 145; LMW 125; DCG 150. Unplanned dilution (zero grade) assumed as 0.05 m on each wall of a resuing stope and 0.10 m on each wall of a shrinkage stope. 20% unplanned dilution assumed for LMW longhole. 17% average dilution for Room & Pillar at LME, 33% average dilution for Room & Pillar at LMW. on each wall of a resuing stope and on each wall of a shrinkage stope. 20% unplanned dilution assumed for LMW longhole. 17% average dilution for Room & Pillar at LME, 33% average dilution for Room & Pillar at LMW. Mining recovery factors assumed as 95% for resuing and 92% for shrinkage; for LMW longhole, 80% is assumed; for R&P at LME and LMW, 92% is assumed. Metal prices: gold US$1,800 /troy oz, silver US$21.00 /troy oz, lead US$1.00 /lb, zinc US$1.10 /lb. /troy oz, silver /troy oz, lead /lb, zinc /lb. Processing recovery factors: SGX 66.6% Au, 96.4% Ag, 97.6% Pb, 60.5% Zn; HZG 96.4% Ag, 93.6% Pb; HPG 92.0% Au, 89.9% Ag, 91.4% Pb, 67.8% Zn; TLP 94.0% Ag, 90.3% Pb; LME 66.9% Au, 95.6% Ag, 90.4% Pb, 31.3% Zn; LMW 88.3% Au, 96.8% Ag, 95.7% Pb; DCG 85.7% Au, 80.9% Ag, 77.6% Pb. Payables: Au 85%; Ag 92.5%; Pb 98.0%; Zn 73.7%. Exclusive of mine production to 30 June 2024 . . Exchange rate assumed is RMB 7.00 : US$1.00 . : . Numbers may not compute exactly due to rounding. The sensitivity of the Ying Mineral Reserves to variation in COG has been tested by applying a 20% increase in COG to Mineral Reserves at each of the Ying mines. The lowest sensitivity, at 7% reduction in Ag Eq ounces, is seen at SGX. For the entire Ying Mining District, an approximate 11% reduction in Ag Eq ounces for a 20% COG increase demonstrates relatively low overall COG sensitivity. Total Ying Mineral Reserve tonnes are approximately 58% of Mineral Resource (Measured plus Indicated) tonnes. Gold, silver, lead, and zinc Mineral Reserve grades are 86%, 106%, 105%, and 111%, respectively, of the corresponding Measured plus Indicated Mineral Resource grades. Metal conversion percentages for gold, silver, lead, and zinc are 49%, 61%, 60%, and 64%, respectively. Some significant aspects of a comparison of Mineral Reserve estimates between December 31, 2021 (previous Technical Report) and June 30, 2024 (Ying 2024 Technical Report) are the following: 24% increase in Ying Proven Mineral Reserve tonnes. 4% increase in total (Proven + Probable) Ying Mineral Reserve tonnes. Decrease in total Ying Mineral Reserve gold, silver, lead, and zinc grades of 35%, 11%, 5%, and 7%, respectively. Decrease in total Ying Mineral Reserve metal content for gold, silver, lead, and zinc metals of 33%, 7%, 1%, and 4%, respectively. SGX continues to be the leading contributor to the total Ying Mineral Reserves, accounting for 42% of tonnes, 44% of silver, 58% of lead, and 90% of zinc, compared to respective values of 42%, 44%, 60%, and 90% in the previous Technical Report. TLP remains the second largest contributor to total Ying Mineral Reserves, with 26% of tonnes, 23% of silver and 23% of lead. Increases in Mineral Reserve tonnes at SGX, HPG, and TLP of 3%, 5%, and 31%, respectively, with LME tonnes unchanged., Decreases in Mineral Reserve tonnes at HZG, LMW, and DCG of 34%, 10%, and 48%, respectively. In terms of Ag Eq metal in total Ying Mineral Reserves, approximate respective contributions are silver 61%, lead 31%, zinc 5%, and gold 4%. In total Ying Mineral Reserves, SGX, TLP, LMW, LME, HPG, HZG, and DCG contribute 49%, 21%, 12%, 7%, 6%, 4%, and 1% of Ag Eq metal, respectively. The projected production profile for the Ying mines using current Mineral Reserves is shown in Table 4. Table 4. Ying Mining District LOM production profile Ying Mines FY2025 Q2-Q4 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 FY2031 FY2032 FY2033 FY2034 FY2035 FY2036 FY2037 FY2038 Total Ore Production 782 1,106 1,183 1,173 1,148 1,133 1,093 1,037 937 923 897 688 414 242 12,757 (kt) Grade Au (g/t) 0.52 0.32 0.33 0.25 0.19 0.12 0.10 0.10 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.07 0.04 0.01 0.17 Ag (g/t) 242 246 240 230 229 218 213 207 204 201 198 178 159 164 216 Pb (%) 3.19 3.46 3.14 3.10 3.06 3.21 3.10 2.91 3.30 3.23 3.09 3.33 3.67 3.74 3.20 Zn (%) 0.89 0.76 0.82 0.83 0.85 0.85 0.87 1.02 0.98 1.11 0.99 1.03 1.61 2.79 0.96 Metal production1 Au (koz) 11.81 9.98 11.11 8.37 6.11 4.02 3.09 3.01 1.28 0.78 1.09 1.04 0.10 0.07 61.84 Ag (koz) 5,808 8,343 8,705 8,287 8,066 7,593 7,149 6,617 5,886 5,711 5,477 3,779 2,036 1,229 84,687 Pb (kt) 23.7 36.4 35.3 34.5 33.2 34.4 32.2 28.7 29.4 28.4 26.3 21.8 14.6 8.9 387.9 Zn (kt) 4.2 5.1 5.9 5.8 5.9 5.8 5.7 6.4 5.5 6.1 5.3 4.2 4.0 4.1 74.2 Notes: 1.Ying LOM average recoveries: Au 87.38%, Ag 95.62%, Pb 95.07%, Zn - 60.33%. 2.Numbers may not compute exactly due to rounding. Economic analysis A high-level economic analysis shows the potential economic impact relative to the latest Mineral Reserve estimations and the associated production schedules. The following metal prices, costs (Ying averages over projected LOM), and exchange rate were used for the economic analysis: Gold price US$1,900/oz Silver price US$22/oz Lead price US$1.00/lb Zinc price US$1.15/lb Mining cost US$72.95/t Milling cost US$10.94/t Shipping US$3.43/t Mineral Resources tax US$5.00/t G&A US$10.64/t Government fees and other taxes US$2.80/t Sustaining and growth capital US$20.32/t Exchange rate US$1 = 7.00RMB The QP notes that the gold, silver, and zinc metal prices used for the economic analysis are slightly higher than those used in the Ying COG calculations. The QP also notes that current spot metal prices at the time of writing of the Technical Report are: gold - $2,430/oz; silver - $30.89/oz; lead - $0.97/lb; zinc - $1.34/lb with all but the lead price significantly higher than the prices used for the economic analysis. Using the LOM production profile based on the 30 June 2024 Mineral Reserves, and the metal price and other assumptions shown above, pre-tax and post-tax cashflow projections have been generated. At a 5% discount rate, pre-tax and post-tax NPVs of $896M and $699M, respectively, are projected. Over the LOM, 61.5% of the net revenue is projected to come from silver, 29.9% from lead, 5.0% from zinc, and 3.6% from gold. The Ying Property continues to be a strongly viable operation based on current Mineral Reserves, with potential to extend its Mineral Resources via further exploration and development, particularly in areas with identified Inferred material. Qualified Persons All eight authors of the Ying 2024 Technical Report qualify as independent Qualified Persons ("QPs"). Five of the independent authors have visited the Ying Mining District (latest visits in February 2024). The QPs have examined all aspects of the project, including drill core, underground workings, processing plant, site laboratory and surface infrastructure. Assay data supporting the Mineral Resource estimate was verified by a QP by comparing a subset of assay results stored within the Mineral Resource database against assay certificates issued by the relevant reporting laboratory. The Ying 2024 Technical Report will be made available for review on the SEDAR+ system and on the Company's website at www.silvercorpmetals.com within 45 days of this news release. H. Smith, P.Eng., G. Vartell, P.Geo., S. Robinson, P.Geo., MAIG, C. Stewart, P.Geo., of AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd.; R. Carlson, FAIG, RPGeo. and R. Chesher, FAusIMM, of AMC Consultants Pty Ltd; J. Glanvill, PrSciNat. of AMC Consultants (UK) Limited, and D. Claffey, CPEng. of Hillerton Consulting Ltd. are Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43101. The Qualified Persons have reviewed and consented to this press release and believe it fairly and accurately represents the information in the Technical Report that supports the disclosure. About Silvercorp Silvercorp is a Canadian mining company producing silver, gold, lead, and zinc with a long history of profitability and growth potential. The Company's strategy is to create shareholder value by 1) focusing on generating free cashflow from long life mines; 2) organic growth through extensive drilling for discovery; 3) ongoing merger and acquisition efforts to unlock value; and 4) long term commitment to responsible mining and ESG. For more information, please visit our website at www.silvercorpmetals.com. For further information Silvercorp Metals Inc. Lon Shaver, President Phone: (604) 6699397 Toll Free 1(888) 2241881 Email: [email protected] Website: www.silvercorpmetals.com CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER FORWARDLOOKING STATEMENTS Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forwardlooking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws (collectively, "forwardlooking statements"). Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward looking statements. Forwardlooking statements relate to, among other things: the price of silver and other metals; foreign exchange rates; the accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates at the Company's material properties; estimated mine life and any anticipated changes related thereto; the sufficiency of the Company's capital to finance the Company's operations; estimates of revenues, operation costs, capital expenditures, mine plan, and estimated production from the Company's mines in the Ying Mining District; timing of receipt of permits and regulatory approvals; availability of funds from production to finance the Company's operations; and access to and availability of funding for future construction, use of proceeds from any financing and development of the Company's properties. Forwardlooking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forwardlooking statements, including, without limitation, risks relating to: fluctuating commodity prices; calculation of resources, reserves and mineralization and precious and base metal recovery; interpretations and assumptions of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; exploration and development programs; feasibility and engineering reports; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for our operations are received in a timely manner;; title to properties; property interests; joint venture partners; acquisition of commercially mineable mineral rights; financing; recent market events and conditions; economic factors affecting the Company; timing, estimated amount, capital and operating expenditures and economic returns of future production; integration of future acquisitions into the Company's existing operations; competition; operations and political conditions; regulatory environment in China and Canada; our ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws; environmental risks; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; insurance; risks and hazards of mining operations; key personnel; conflicts of interest; dependence on management; global economic and social impact of COVID19; internal control over financial reporting; and bringing actions and enforcing judgments under U.S. securities laws. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forwardlooking statements. Forward looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forwardlooking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in the Company's Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors". Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. The Company's forwardlooking statements are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this news release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forwardlooking statements if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US INVESTORS The technical and scientific information contained herein has been prepared in accordance with NI 43101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum classification system, which differs significantly from the standards adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, the technical and scientific information contained herein, including any estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies subject to the disclosure requirements of the SEC. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release uses the terms "measured resources," "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Further to recent amendments, mineral property disclosure requirements in the United States (the "U.S. Rules") are governed by subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") which differ from the CIM Standards. As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system (the "MJDS"), the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the U.S. Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. If the Company ceases to be a foreign private issuer or loses its eligibility to file its annual report on Form 40-F pursuant to the MJDS, then the Company will be subject to the U.S. Rules, which differ from the requirements of NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Pursuant to the new U.S. Rules, the SEC recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources." In addition, the definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" under the U.S. Rules are now "substantially similar" to the corresponding standards under NI 43-101. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, or inferred mineral resources that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further, "inferred mineral resources" have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. While the above terms under the U.S. Rules are "substantially similar" to the standards under NI 43-101 and CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the U.S. Rules and CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that Pan American may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted under the U.S. Rules. Additional information relating to the Company, including Silvercorp's Annual Information Form, can be obtained under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on the Company's website at www.silvercorpmetals.com SOURCE Silvercorp Metals Inc NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Seritage Growth Properties (NYSE: SRG) between July 7, 2022 and May 10, 2024 both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important August 30, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline. If you purchased Seritage 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. For more information, submit a form, email attorney Phillip Kim, or give us a call at 866-767-3653. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Seritage lacked effective internal controls regarding the identification and review of impairment indicators for investments in real estate; (2) that, as a result, Seritage had overstated the value and projected gross proceeds of certain real estate assets; and (3) that, as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Seritage's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Seritage Growth Properties. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must file their motions with the court by August 30, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here. All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Rosen Law: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Rosen Law Firm does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Rosen Law Firm have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. 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 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. An Exclusive Program for Residents with Early- Stage Memory Loss NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the onset of early memory loss continues to be a national health crisis, The Bristal at York Avenue, 1622 York Avenue at 86th Street in Manhattan, is introducing a program designed to meet the needs of residents experiencing this challenge. Inspirations is intended for residents who are experiencing early-stage memory loss but do not require the dedicated services associated with a secured memory care unit. Inspirations aims to provide each resident with a carefully curated daily schedule of social, cultural, and wellness programs, thoughtfully tailored to their individual abilities and personal preferences. Based on the most up-to-date research on memory loss, this type of tailored programming helps reinforce the dynamic capabilities of neuroplasticity in the brain. This helps residents stay engaged, feel validated, and live their most confident life. "We understand the unique challenges a resident and their family face in living with mild to moderate memory loss," said Mark Paretti, Vice President of Resident Experience at The Bristal. "Each individual is transitioning in a manner that is profoundly different than anyone else. We have long recognized that reality, and our response is Inspirations, allowing us to provide each resident with a customized experience through a personalized care plan. The result is a routine where they find joy, purpose, comfort, and camaraderie." Amy Silva-Magalhaes, Chief Operating Officer, emphasized, "Our approach focuses on creating meaningful connections and experiences. We believe in honoring each resident's individuality while providing the support they need to thrive." The Inspirations community at The Bristal will be limited to 20 residents, allowing participants to socially interact with one another, build relationships, and still receive the necessary professional support and aid when needed. A family atmosphere "In addition to our commitment to our residents, The Bristal Case Managers also work closely with the resident's family," explained Paretti. "We know the vital role that family members play in this journey. We work together to ensure a transition that honors dignity and enriches life at every stage. This progressive approach supports the unique needs and strengths of each resident, offering a personalized journey focused on empowerment." Specialized training with essentiALZ The Bristal is working with The Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ certification program to educate and train team members on the most up-to-date research about caring for those living with memory loss. Team members learn how to identify challenges, develop strategies to encourage independence, and design success-oriented experiences for residents at The Bristal. The Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ certification program is a powerful tool for The Bristal team members to help them better understand residents and allow for an even safer and more caring environment in The Bristal community. SOURCE The Bristal Assisted Living BURLINGAME, Calif., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- unitQ, the leading AI-powered customer feedback platform empowering organizations to take a customer-centric, real-time data-driven approach to craft high quality products, services and experiences, announced today developers should brace for a surge in user-reported issues when Apple releases iOS 18 this September. unitQ's comprehensive, AI-driven studies of millions of App Store reviews from thousands of top mobile applications reveals a consistent trend: Major iOS updates result in significant disruptions to core app functionality, despite rigorous beta testing. unitQ data from the last three iOS version updates shows a marked increase in user complaints following these updates Post this unitQ's data, drawn from the last three iOS version updates, shows a marked increase in user complaints following these updates. For example, in the wake of iOS 17's release on September 18, 2023, unitQ artificial intelligence recorded a 29% spike in user reported issues across 10 different industries. Problems ranged from generic app crashes and blank screens to industry-specific issues like missing lyrics in music apps, irrelevant search results in shopping apps and overheating and notification problems in social networking apps. *For more on the user-reported issues associated with the iOS 17 update, read the unitQ study here. *For more on the user-reported issues associated with the iOS 16 update, read the unitQ study here. *For more on the user-reported issues associated with the iOS 15 update, read the unitQ study here. Even with betas, iOS 18 to bring challenges The destructive quality-of-life or customer-churning issues identified in the unitQ studies occurred despite the advanced release and testing of beta versions and new betas are now being tested by developers and the public before the expected September release of iOS 18. This provides even more historical ammunition that the iOS 18 rollout could lead to challenges for end users and, by extension, developers despite their best efforts. However, the duration these quality issues persist hinges on whether developers and their organizations actively listen to their users' feedback and promptly address the concerns raised. "Even with betas, developers need to be aware that the rollout of iOS 18 could lead to significant challenges for end users," said Christian Wiklund, unitQ CEO and Co-Founder. "Key to mitigating these issues is active listening and prompt response to user feedback." Incorporate user feedback into your tech stack Companies are pouring resources into their technology stacks, integrating systems for everything from auditing and security monitoring to application performance and infrastructure management. CIOs and other corporate leaders are deploying a variety of tools to secure their organization's long-term success. However, one critical data source often remains untapped. This overlooked data is the "Voice of the Customer." Real-time user feedback offers insights into the performance, features and capabilities of your products and services. What's more, users of applications often uncover as many, but different, issues as machine signals sent from observability platforms. This means that listening to and taking action based on customer feedback are on equal footing with observability platforms. User reviews on platforms like the App Store and Google Play, customer service interactions in Zendesk, incident reports in Jira, and conversations on social media channels such as Discord, LinkedIn, Reddit, and X, together provide a comprehensive view of customer preferences, challenges and priorities. Addressing the issues identified through customer feedback, no matter the language, can boost developers' key performance metrics, enhance customer satisfaction, attract new users and open up additional revenue opportunities. Most importantly, user feedback provides an immediate guide to resolving user-facing issues associated with new software updates, like the upcoming iOS 18 release. Harness user feedback with unitQ artificial intelligence Embracing customer feedback is only the first step. The greater challenge is in managing and analyzing this vast amount of data to uncover actionable insights. Artificial intelligence can streamline the analysis of vast amounts of customer feedback bringing key themes and sentiment trends to the forefront, predicting product defects, feature requests and identifying potential areas for improvement. unitQ's AI understands the context and subtleties of customer reviews and feedback, enabling a deeper insight into customer perceptions in real time. By harnessing unitQ, organizations can not only meet but surpass quality expectations, staying ahead of the competition and reducing the impact of new iOS and other updates. About unitQ As the leading AI-powered Voice-of-the-Customer platform, unitQ empowers companies with actionable insights from user feedback to help them craft high-quality products, services and experiences. unitQ centralizes feedback from all sources and automatically groups it into thousands of granular categories to help organizations discover what matters most to users all in real time. Category-leading companies like Spotify, Bumble, Pinterest, Udemy, CarGurus, HelloFresh and Zendesk rely on unitQ to drive growth, reduce churn and build brand loyalty. With unitQ customer feedback software, including unitQ GPT, organizations can discover quality issues at the same time as their users. Know what product launches, releases or evergreen features are causing the most bugs or support tickets. Drill into the root causes of these issues by source, platform, device, customer segment and more. Want to see how your organization compares to others? Get your free unitQ Score or book a unitQ demo today! Follow unitQ on LinkedIn and X. To learn more, contact David Kravets from unitQ at [email protected]. SOURCE unitQ WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge carries serious consequences, which may be amplified for repeat offenders. Because of Kansas' strict "look-back period" regarding DUIs, you may not be walking away with a warning, even if it's your first offense in nearly 10 years. To better understand how Kansas' look-back period may affect your penalties, follow along as our Wichita DUI Attorneys at the McConnell Law Firm detail the specifics of Kansas' DUI laws. Understanding Kansas' Look-Back Period When it comes to DUI charges, the look-back period is the timeframe within which prior DUI offenses are factored into determining penalties for a new charge. It's important to note that in Kansas, any DUI convictions since July 1, 2001, will be considered when determining penalties for a subsequent DUI conviction. "Any convictions before July 1, 2001, should not be used to enhance your sentencing," said Jonathan W. McConnell, founding Wichita DUI Attorney at the McConnell Law Firm. "However, you have to be aware that courts may still base decisions on such knowledge of previous DUI convictions." First DUI Offense According to Kansas Statute, the penalties for a first-time DUI offense are severe but less stringent when compared to subsequent offenses. A first DUI conviction is classified as a class B, nonperson misdemeanor, with penalties including: Up to six months of jail time. Fines ranging from $750 to $1,000 . A 30-day license suspension followed by a six-month to one-year ignition interlock device (IID) requirement. Second DUI Offense A second DUI offense in Kansas is classified as a class A, nonperson misdemeanor. Due to the state's strict look-back period, any previous DUI conviction in the last ten years will result in harsher penalties. These penalties include: 90 days to one year of jail time. Fines ranging from $1,250 to $1,750 . A one-year license suspension followed by a one-year ignition interlock device (IID) requirement. Third DUI Offense A third DUI offense will result in a level 6, nonperson felony in Kansas unless your second offense falls outside of the 10-year period, making your third conviction a misdemeanor. Penalties for a third offense misdemeanor may include: 17 to 46 months of prison time (depending on criminal history). Fine up to $100,000 . A one-year license suspension followed by a two-year ignition interlock device (IID) requirement. Fourth and Subsequent DUI Offenses Kansas law continues to impose strict penalties for fourth and subsequent DUI offenses. These offenses are classified as level 6, nonperson felonies, with increasing severity for each additional offense. The penalties include: 17 to 46 months of prison time (depending on criminal history). Fine up to $100,000 . A one-year license suspension followed by a three to 10-year ignition interlock device (IID) requirement. Why It Matters In an effort to deter repeat offenses in the state, Kansas' look-back period has significant implications for individuals with prior DUI convictions. This means that multiple offenses will lead to harsher consequences and have long-lasting effects on future sentencing, including influencing the overall classification (as a misdemeanor or felony) of your offense. Given the severity of penalties for repeat offenders, partnering with an experienced Wichita DUI attorney can be invaluable to your defense, as they can help with DUI negotiations, challenge the validity of evidence, such as field sobriety test results, and reduce your charges. Have You Been Accused? If you are facing DUI charges, we encourage you to contact the McConnell Law Firm as soon as possible. While every case is different, and no conclusions should be drawn without first consulting one of our Wichita DUI attorneys about the specifics of your case, it is always in your best interest to have a skilled attorney by your side from the beginning. Request a Free Consultation Do you or a loved one need the assistance of an experienced Wichita DUI Attorney? We encourage you to contact the McConnell Law Firm at (316) 243-5903 for a free consultation. jonathanwmcconnell.com SOURCE McConnell Law Firm ABU DHABI, UAE, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of the emirate's five airports, has released passenger traffic results for the first half of 2024. Between January and June 2024 the Abu Dhabi Airports' network achieved an impressive milestone with passenger traffic nearing 14 million, a significant 33.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Abu Dhabi Airports H1 Results Zayed International Airport in the night Zayed International Airport in the sunset Zayed International Airport (AUH) alone facilitated over 13.7 million passengers, marking a remarkable 33.8% increase. This growth was complemented by a 24.3% rise in flight movements, recording 84,286 movements during H1 2024. In addition to the surge in passenger numbers, Abu Dhabi Airports expanded its customer base by welcoming new airlines and introducing new routes. Notably, US Bangla now offers flights to Chittagong and Dhaka, and British Airways has commenced daily flights to London Heathrow. The network of destinations continues to grow, enhancing connectivity and service offerings. The newly renamed Zayed International Airport pays homage to the vision of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Grounded in the richness of Emirati culture and a strong foundation of Arabian heritage, it was designed to re-imagine the airport experience for passengers and partners, and is setting new standards for how an airport can enhance a traveller's journey. The airport will play a key role in Abu Dhabi's plans to strengthen its position as a destination of choice for international visitors and as a strategic hub for tourism, trade and connectivity. Located just an eight-hour flight from two-thirds of the world population, Zayed International Airport's new terminal is one of the largest structures of its kind in the world. Offering a breathtaking fusion of modern materials, natural light and space, the building serves as the latest addition to Abu Dhabi's iconic skyline, and heralds an ambitious new era of transport and aviation infrastructure in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The terminal has been designed to provide the most innovative, safe, and seamless airport experience, and meets the highest standards of quality and service required by the aviation industry and passengers. It spans 742,000 square metres of built-up area, and is capable of handling 79 planes and 11,000 passengers per hour, doubling the capacity of the old terminals by managing up to 45 million passengers annually. As of June 2024, it allowed connections to more than 120 major destinations around the world on more than 30 international airlines. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the X-shaped building improves operational efficiency and passenger flow. It features four themed piers, each inspired by Abu Dhabi's natural landscapes of desert, sea, city, and oasis. Each pier points in the direction of the corresponding landscape. The rebranding of Zayed International Airport was meant to celebrate the heritage of Abu Dhabi through shapes and forms inspired by its elemental landscape and history, as well as by the airport itself: a traditional dhow boat, a date palm tree, the desert sun, the Qasr Al Hosn Fort, and the iconic Terminal Building merging into the airport logo, proudly expressing Abu Dhabi's identity while inviting passengers to write their own story. With world-leading facilities, including biometric technology to streamline the screening and boarding process, 35,000 square meters of retail and F&B space, and 163 outlets for passengers to shop, dine and enjoy, the new terminal enhances the overall experience for all passengers, especially international visitors. Passengers can expect a rapid journey, as they can go from kerb to gate in just 12 minutes, minimizing wait times and maximizing efficiency. The Airport is home to one of the largest environmental art features in the Middle East, the Sana Al Nour weighs approximately 100 tons and incorporates 1,632 curved glass panels. The traditional barjeel design directs air and light between the departure and arrival levels, improving daylighting and saving energy through natural ventilation techniques. Zayed International stands out as the first and only airport worldwide to utilize a nine-touch-point facial recognition journey, deployed at various stages of the airport experience, to enjoy reduced queueing times and a hassle-free, seamless journey through the airport. An advanced baggage handling system can process up to 19,200 bags per hour. Finding the way through the airport is made easier thanks to the augmented reality Wayfinder, enabling real-time navigation throughout the terminal. It is also the only airport in the region, and one of only 15 airports worldwide, to offer U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance, allowing travelers to bypass inspection lines upon arrival in the U.S. Sustainability is a core element of Zayed International, a "Green Building certified" under the PBRS with 3 Pearls at the design stage. Over 90% of the steel and 82% of the timber used in constructing the new terminal is certified and from sustainable sources, reducing the amount of raw material used and promoting the circular economy. More than 70% of plants used at the terminal's campus landscaping are native and adaptive species that are drought- and saline-resistant. Water-efficient fixtures and fittings have been installed throughout the airport, resulting in a 45% improvement over the Estidama benchmark figures. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "H1 results proves the continued success of Abu Dhabi Airports, increasingly attracting a growing number of airlines and passengers from around the world. Abu Dhabi Airports will continue to invest in its facilities and services to enhance the passenger experience and wider value proposition to satisfy existing airline partners and common customers as well as attract new ones. With these strong results, the airport group is well-positioned for further growth and success in the future." Video: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2478309/Zayed_International_Airport.mp4 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2478310/Zayed_International_Airport_1.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2478312/Zayed_International_Airport_2.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2478308/Abu_Dhabi_Airports_Logo.jpg If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Kuwait City, Aug 19 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, who paid an official visit to Kuwait on Sunday, met prominent members of the Indian community there as well as representatives of various professional and community associations. "A good interaction with the vibrant Indian community in Kuwait. Commend their achievements and contribution to India-Kuwait relations," the EAM posted on social media platform X after the meeting late Sunday. The Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release that the EAM met a "cross-section of prominent members of (the) Indian community in Kuwait as well as representatives of various professional and community associations". "The large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait continues to be a living bridge between the two countries," it added. Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar met Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Jaishankar's one-day visit enabled both sides to review various aspects of India-Kuwait bilateral relations, including political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural, consular, and people-to-people contacts. In 2021, the EAM marked an official visit to Kuwait from June 9-11 during which he called on its Prime Minister and delivered a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Amir of Kuwait. India and Kuwait share historically friendly relations, rooted in deep trade ties. Before 1961, the Indian rupee was the legal tender in Kuwait. Until the discovery and development of oil, Kuwait's economy largely depended on maritime activities such as shipbuilding, pearl diving, fishing, and voyages to India, where goods like dates, Arabian horses, and pearls were traded for wood, cereals, clothes, and spices. Gaza, Aug 19 : Hamas has criticised the new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, presented in Doha last week, as catering to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conditions, particularly his refusal to agree to a permanent ceasefire. The group claimed the proposal aligns with Netanyahu's demands, including rejecting a permanent ceasefire, maintaining control over the Netzarim Corridor, Rafah Crossing, and the Philadelphi Corridor, and setting new conditions on the prisoner exchange, which Hamas said hindered the deal's completion, Xinhua news agency reported. Hamas accused Netanyahu of "being fully responsible" for the mediators' failure, obstructing an agreement, and endangering Israeli hostages by "continuing his aggressive actions against Gaza." The group reiterated its commitment to the agreement reached on July 2, based on US President Joe Biden's announcement and a UN Security Council resolution, urging Egyptian and Qatari mediators to enforce the agreed terms. A new round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations took place in Doha on Thursday and Friday, following which the three mediators issued a joint statement announcing that the talks have made "constructive" progress and that relevant parties would continue their efforts in the coming days to negotiate the details of the deal's implementation. Netanyahu's office expressed gratitude for the mediators' efforts and hoped they would lead Hamas to accept the terms of a proposal made in late May. Meanwhile, Hamas, which did not participate directly, accused Israel of adding new conditions to a previously supported proposal, and accused the US administration of trying to create a "false positive atmosphere," expressing scepticism about the negotiations' outcome. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim will begin his three-day 'State Visit' to India on Monday. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said that Anwar Ibrahim will pay a state visit to India from August 19 to 21 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. As Prime Minister of Malaysia, this will be his first visit to India, the MEA said. According to MEA, the Malaysian Prime Minister on Tuesday will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan and will visit Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, after which he will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi, who will also host a luncheon in his honour. Later in the day, Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar would also call on the Malaysian Prime Minister during his visit. "India and Malaysia have strong historical and socio-cultural linkages. Our bilateral relationship was elevated to the status of Enhanced Strategic Partnership in 2015 during the visit of Prime Minister Modi," the MEA said. "As both countries enter the second decade of Enhanced Strategic Partnership next year, the visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would pave the way for further strengthening of India-Malaysia bilateral ties by charting out a multi-sectoral cooperation agenda for the future," it added. Earlier in July, Malaysia's Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani visited India. Ghani, who visited India from July 16-19, met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Krishi Bhawan and discussed opportunities to deepen the bilateral agriculture cooperation between the two countries. Seoul, Aug 19 : As South Korea and the US kick off their annual joint exercise on Monday, President Yoon Suk Yeol called for bolstering readiness against North Korea's "grey zone" provocations and hybrid warfare. Yoon said during a Cabinet meeting that this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise will focus on integrating the allies' capabilities under various crisis scenarios to deter North Korea's evolving military threats, psychological warfare and cyberattacks, Yonhap news agency reported. "We must strengthen our readiness to respond to North Korea's grey zone provocations, such as the spread of false information, fake news and cyberattacks," Yoon said. "Anti-state forces that threaten the free democracy are operating covertly in various places," he added. Yoon warned that North Korea might seek to create social instability through violence, propaganda and agitation. "We must actively seek methods to block division and raise people's resolve to resist," Yoon said. "To maintain national security and raise our war preparedness, we must firmly protect transportation, communication, water, social infrastructure, and critical national facilities." The Ulchi Freedom Shield, set to run until August 29, features computer-simulated war games and field training, while the Seoul government conducts civil defence drills from Monday through Thursday. On the first day of the exercise, Yoon presided over a National Security Council meeting with Cabinet members and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo to assess the government and military's preparedness and contingency plans, his office said. Seoul and Washington have said their drills are defensive in nature, but Pyongyang has denounced the allies' joint exercises as a rehearsal for an invasion against it. On Sunday, the Institute for American Studies of the North Korean foreign ministry condemned the Ulchi exercise as the "most offensive and provocative war drills for aggression". Tension remains high as North Korea has flown thousands of balloons loaded with trash across the border in a tit-for-tat move against South Korean civic groups' sending of balloons carrying anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into the North. New York, Aug 19 : The Indian diaspora joyously celebrated their homeland's cultural richness and religious diversity at the 42nd India Day Parade honouring the nation's Independence. A float depicting the Ayodhya Ram Mandir was featured in the parade on Sunday, along with tableaus of Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs while groups of Indian Jews and Buddhists marched under their banners. Men and women, in a cascade of colours, beat traditional drums from Maharashtra heralding the Ram Mandir float, and along the route, people rushed spontaneously past barriers to greet it. The parade with thousands marching and many more watching it wended along Madison Avenue in a kaleidoscope of colour rejecting attempts by a group led by a Muslim organisation to disrupt it. The Indian American Muslim Council organised a campaign with other groups, which said they were representing Sikhs, Christians and Hindus, against the Ram Mandir float, calling it "Muslim hate, bigotry", and appealing to public officials to ban it. But the confluence of India's diversity of religions, regions and languages at the parade jubilantly proclaiming the nation's unity was a contrast to their targeted attacks on the Ram Mandir, amplified by thinly veiled Hinduphobia in the US media that had declared ahead of the event that it was controversial or "marred' by the float's presence. Swami Adveshanand Giri, the head of the Juna Akhada, said to be the oldest and largest organisation of sanyasis, was the chief guest while actress Sonakshi Sinha was the Grand Marshal and actor Zahir Iqbal was the VIP guest. The New York Police Department sent a contingent of officers and their band to march in the parade. NY Police Department Desi Society marched with their own banner. A group holding the Indian tricolour was flanked by two mounted police. "Stop Hindu Genocide in Bangladesh" was the theme of a float calling for an end to attacks on the minority community in that country. One of those protesting against the Ram Mandir float was a Bangladeshi American City Council member Shahana Hanif. A man with an Israeli flag joined the group holding the float's anti-genocide banner. At several points along the parade route, Jews and Israelis, who are also the targets of the groups ideologically similar to those campaigning against the Ram Mandir float waved Israeli flags and cheered. The International Organisation of Bene Israel USA representing the Jews of India was one of the groups of marchers. There was a float dedicated to Guru Teg Bahadur, another from Muslims for Peace proclaimed: "Love to All, Hatred to None," while one from the National Association of Indian Christians in the USA said: "Jesus will bring good news." A float depicting B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of India's Constitution and a Dalit with links to the city where he studied, was accompanied by people distributing his tract on ending casteism. A group demanding justice for the woman doctor recently raped and killed in Kolkatta walked in the parade. Many organisations like those of doctors, businesses and media also had floats. Several Indian folk dances and music added to the parade's festivity. The protests against the parade did not materialise, save for a video truck hired by the Indian American Muslim Council displaying its messages, "New Yorkers Say No Place for Islamophobhia" and "NY Against Hindutva," that drove around before the parade started. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Amid the latest global Mpox spread, a 33-year-old man with no travel history has become the first lab-confirmed case with the infectious disease in the Philippines, according to the country's Health Ministry on Monday. New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Amid the latest global Mpox spread, a 33-year-old man with no travel history has become the first lab-confirmed case with the infectious disease in the Philippines, according to the countryas Health Ministry on Monday. The countryas Department of Health (DOH) was informed of the man on Sunday. His specimens were collected from the skin lesions, and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test confirmed the Mpox virus. The man reportedly had close, intimate contact three weeks before the onset of Mpox symptoms, and his symptoms started more than a week ago with fever. Four days later, the man had a rash on the face, back, nape, trunk, groin, as well as palms and soles, the DOH said. The new case takes the total tally of lab-confirmed Mpox cases in the Philippines to 10. The last case was found in December 2023. The DOH noted that all previous cases were isolated, and have also recovered from the infection. Last week, the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency for Mpox, after infections spread across 13 African countries, including Congo, where 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported. The current outbreak is being caused by Clade 1b, which is more virulent and deadly. Outside of Africa, Sweden has reported the first case of Mpox infections caused by Clade 1b. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also reported 3 cases of people with a travel history, however, the Clade is not known yet. The WHO defines Mpox as a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus -- a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. It can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals. The common symptoms include skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2 to 4 weeks. These are typically followed by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes, which resolve independently. However, in some cases, it can turn fatal. Bengaluru, Aug 19 : Karnataka Police on Monday lodged an FIR against the hostel management staff for negligently spraying rodent repellent on the premises resulting in the hospitalisation of 19 students in Bengaluru. The incident took place at the Adarsha College of Nursing near Amma Ashram in Jnanabharathi police station limits on Sunday. Among the 19, the condition of three students turned serious and were admitted to a private hospital. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) S. Girish stated that at around 9 p.m. Sunday, based on the statement of one of the students who fell ill, a case will be registered under Section 286 Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) against hostel staffer Manje Gowda and others in the management staff for negligence in handling a hazardous substance and causing a public health hazard. "Rat Axe, a rodent repellent, was sprayed on the ground floor generator of the Adarsha Nursing College student hostel near Amma Ashram, under the jurisdiction of Jnanabharathi Police Station, to prevent rats from causing damage," the DCP said. "After this, the students in the hostel inhaled the substance, leading to respiratory issues. A total of 19 students fell ill, and they were immediately taken to nearby hospitals by other hostel students, staff, and members of the public for treatment," DCP Girish stated. "Most of the students have received treatment and are in stable condition. However, three students -- Jayan Varghese, Dilish, and Jo Mon -- are in critical condition and have been admitted to the ICU for further care," DCP Girish stated. The statement of one of the ill students, Noel, has been recorded, and based on his statement, a case will be registered under Section 286 BNS against Manje Gowda and other hostel management staff for negligence in handling a hazardous substance and causing a public health hazard, the DCP stated. Further investigation was on. Chennai, Aug19 : The Tamil Nadu government on Monday posted senior IAS officer N. Muruganandam as the Chief Secretary, replacing incumbent Shiv Das Meena. Shiv Das Meena has been appointed as Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority, according to a Government Order Muruganandam will be the 50th Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu. A 1991 batch IAS officer, Muruganandam is considered close to Chief Minister M.K.Stalin and is part of the Chief Ministeras inner administrative circle. A BE (computer science) graduate, Muruganandam also holds an MBA from IIM. The new Chief Secretary has held various senior positions in the Government of Tamil Nadu, including the post of state finance secretary in the present regime. Muruganandam's wife, Supriya Sahu, is currently the Principal Secretary of the Health Department of the Tamil Nadu government. It is to be noted that the appointment of the new Chief Secretary comes just before the upcoming tour of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin to the US. CM Stalin is slated to travel to the US on August 22. After the transfer orders of the incumbent Chief Secretary, Shiv Das Meena as the Chairman of Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNTERA) on Sunday, speculation is rife on the new Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary. Meena, who is slated to retire in October, was issued orders to be appointed as the Chairperson of TNRERA for five years. The orders issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department stated that Shiv Das Meena was appointed as TNRERA chairperson after careful consideration of the recommendation of the selection committee constituted by the state government. The tenure of K.Gnanadesikan, who was the previous chairperson of the regulatory authority, ended in February 2024. Meena became the 49th Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu after V.Irai Anbu retired in June 2023. New Delhi, Aug 19 : President Droupadi Murmu wished the people on the Raksha Bandhan, and also highlighted the importance of keeping women safe and respecting them. "On the special day of Raksha Bandhan, I send my warm greetings and best wishes to everyone. This festival, which celebrates the love and trust between brothers and sisters, also teaches us to show care and respect to all sisters and daughters," the President said in her message. The President also said, "I hope that on this day, everyone promises to ensure the safety and respect of women in our society." Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the nation, saying, "I send my best wishes to everyone on the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which shows the love between brothers and sisters. May this special day bring happiness, success, and good luck to everyoneas life." Home Minister Amit Shah also sent his greetings and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of all families on Raksha Bandhan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Happy Raksha Bandhan to everyone. This festival, which shows the strong bond between brothers and sisters, also reminds us of the importance of protection and security. I pray this festival brings blessings to your families and our country." Union Minister J.P. Nadda also wished everyone a happy Raksha Bandhan, saying, "I send my warm greetings to all citizens on this beautiful festival of love and trust between brothers and sisters." Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also wished the nation saying, aRespect for sisters is a mark of pride on the head of a brother! Immense congratulations to everyone on the most sacred festival of Rakshabandhan, adorning the unbreakable bond between sister and brother with Rakhi. May there be joy in all our families at every time and in every situation. May the bonds of relationships always remain strong. Best wishes!" Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, "On Raksha Bandhan, a festival that celebrates love and the special bond between brothers and sisters, I send my heartfelt wishes to everyone. This festival promotes unity and reminds us of the equality of women in our society." He also hoped that this festival would strengthen relationships of love and harmony across the country. Seoul, Aug 19 : Only 21 trainee doctors applied for an additional round of recruitment, South Korea's health ministry said on Monday, dashing the government's hopes of normalising the medical vacuum that has persisted since February. Seoul, Aug 19 (IANS) Only 21 trainee doctors applied for an additional round of recruitment, South Koreaas health ministry said on Monday, dashing the government's hopes of normalising the medical vacuum that has persisted since February. Hospitals closed applications for additional recruitment last week after the medical community was lukewarm to the initial round that ended last month, Yonhap news agency reported. During the previous round, the total number of applicants was just 104, filling only 1.4 per cent of the 7,645 available positions. The number of applicants at the country's top five hospitals -- Asan Medical Center, Samsung Medical Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul National University Hospital, and Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, also came to just seven during the latest recruitment. The hospitals play a key role in providing medical care for critically ill patients in South Korea. Local hospitals, meanwhile, plan to start the training program in September after proceeding with the remaining steps, including interviews. Last month, hospitals processed the resignations of nearly 7,700 trainee doctors who have been protesting the medical school quota hike since February, allowing departing doctors to seek new jobs and enabling hospitals to recruit fresh trainees. In South Korea, hospitals are essential for providing severely ill patients with medical care. Meanwhile, local hospitals intend to move forward with the remaining steps, which include interviews, and begin the training programme in September. Hospitals were able to hire new trainees and let go of over 7,700 trainee doctors who had been protesting the medical school quota hike since February. The resignations were processed last month. In an attempt to alleviate a physician shortage in critical services, the government has already finalised plans for an increase of roughly 1,500 medical students the next year, despite strong opposition from resident physicians. Bengaluru, Aug 19 : Karnataka Police arrested the accused who sexually assaulted a young woman from Nagaland, in Bengaluru, on the pretext of offering her lift, sources confirmed on Monday. The incident took place under the HSR Layout police station on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday when the student was returning after partying at a pub in Koramangala. The police picked up the accused from his residence at Adugodi in Bengaluru. The preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused is a choreographer. The victim, a final year BCA graduate, is being treated at a hospital. The woman had resisted the attempt of sexual assault by the accused leaving scratches all over his face. The police arrested the accused after conducting an investigation based on the CCTV footage. The preliminary investigation has confirmed that the victim was in an inebriated state. The police formed five teams to nab the accused. The police stated that the woman was returning after attending a get together party at Chandapura on the outskirts of Bengaluru. She was travelling in a car with her friends. On Hosur Main Road, the car had collided with an auto following which an altercation broke out between the auto driver and one of her friends who was driving the vehicle. After seeing the police arriving at the spot, the victim in a state of shock alighted the car and without informing her friends left the place after pleading with a bike rider to give her a lift. On the way, she got down from that bike and boarded another bike to reach her house, the police said. The bike rider took her to an isolated place near the truck parking region on Hosur Service Road and taking advantage of the situation sexually assaulted her. The victim had sent an emergency message to her friend in a state of shock. The friend informed others and tracked the location of the victim. The victim was found naked behind a truck. Her friends had noticed a stranger standing in the spot and when they tried to question him, he fled. The friends had admitted her to a hospital in Bommasandra. New Delhi/Rohtak, Aug 19 : In an article written by Rebecca Kern published in Politico in 2024, it was alleged that WhatsApp had been operating for over eight months worldwide without explicit election-disinformation policies. While Meta has implemented stringent guidelines against voter interference, threats of violence, and election misinformation on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, it has not applied these same rules to WhatsApp Channels. Instead, the company relies on broader community guidelines, which poses significant risks to the integrity of democratic processes globally. This situation is very important as independence extends beyond traditional political freedoms to include control over digital communication. Messaging applications typify digital communication. Messaging applications have transformed global connectivity, enabling seamless interactions across vast distances with just a few taps. However, the concentration of power within a few technology giants raises critical concerns about national security, data privacy, and cultural sovereignty. The dominance of WhatsApp in India's communication landscape is a case in point. With user projections expected to reach 795.67 million in India by 2025, WhatsApp has become an integral part of the country's communication infrastructure. However, this convenience comes at the cost of a monopolistic entity, which raises significant concerns. The heavy reliance on a foreign platform exposes the country to vulnerabilities that a single external entity could exploit. This situation raises critical concerns regarding national security, data privacy, and cultural sovereignty, making it imperative for India to recognise the necessity of developing its own messaging platform. Alternatively, encourage utilisation of other messaging services such as Signal or Telegram to encourage competition that will likely benefit users. One of the most significant concerns with this concentration of power is the unchecked spread of misinformation, especially during politically sensitive periods like elections. For instance, one political party might disseminate false information to discredit its opponents. Without alternative messaging platforms, any rebuttal must rely on the same medium. However, if the owner of that medium were to show bias toward a particular political party, it could manipulate the platform by blocking or slowing the distribution of counter-messages. This manipulation would create an uneven playing field, giving one side an unfair advantage in the political arena and undermining the integrity of democratic discourse. Further, when a country's communication infrastructure is heavily dependent on a single foreign platform, it becomes vulnerable to exploitation by external forces. The revelations of global surveillance programs have made it clear that no data is truly private when stored on foreign servers. In India's complex geopolitical landscape, the risks associated with these vulnerabilities are too substantial to ignore. While WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for the content of its messages, the metadata generated by user interactionsa"details such as who is communicating with whom, when, and for how longa"remains accessible to the platform's parent company, Meta. Recent AI tools added to WhatsApp further accentuate the point that encrypted data can possibly be harvested for commercial gains. This metadata, which can be as revealing as the content of the messages themselves, is subject to analysis and potential misuse. For instance, in 2018, the Cambridge Analytica scandal demonstrated how user data, including metadata, could be harvested and exploited for political manipulation. Although the incident did not directly involve WhatsApp, it illustrates the broader risks associated with allowing foreign entities to control critical communication platforms. Moreover, the concentration of control over sensitive communications in the hands of a foreign entity raises serious concerns about data privacy and sovereignty. In today's digital age, data has become one of the most valuable commodities, often referred to as the "new oil." The data generated by Indian users on foreign messaging platforms is frequently stored on servers located outside the country, placing it beyond the reach of Indian laws and regulations. This situation undermines India's data sovereignty, as it effectively cedes control over its citizens' personal information to foreign corporations. The recent push by the Indian government for data localisationa"mandating that data generated within India be stored on local serversa"is a step towards reclaiming this sovereignty. However, without the widespread use of alternatives to platforms like WhatsApp, true data sovereignty remains elusive. An indigenous messaging app would ensure that Indian data is not only stored within the country's borders but also governed by Indian laws, providing greater protection against unauthorised access by foreign entities. Ongoing legal challenges further intensify the debate over India's digital sovereignty. The Indian government's 2021 Information Technology (IT) rules require social media intermediaries to trace chats and identify the first originator of information. This move is aimed at curbing misinformation and enhancing accountability, but it has faced resistance from entities like WhatsApp, who argue that it compromises user privacy. Beyond the immediate concerns of national security and data privacy, the dominance of foreign messaging platforms in India also threatens the country's cultural integrity. These platforms, designed within specific cultural contexts, may not fully honour or understand Indian values, leading to the spread of misinformation and the polarisation of communities. This form of digital dominance can erode social cohesion and cultural identity. Developing an indigenous messaging app offers India a chance to protect its cultural narratives while fostering economic independence and innovation within its tech sector. By investing in homegrown solutions, India can reduce its reliance on foreign platforms, aligning with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and positioning itself as a global leader in digital innovation. It is interesting to note that mobile service providers such as Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Idea-Vodafone have not even attempted to offer an attractive messaging alternative despite market attractiveness. Why do these mobile service providers offer no such messaging application that is attractive, easy to use, and useful? Therefore, developing an indigenous messaging app is not just about technological innovation; it is about securing India's digital sovereignty and ensuring that its communication infrastructure is aligned with national interests. Initially, the alternative messaging app could be mandated in the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and police after ensuring its robustness and safety in sensitive environments. Once proven effective, the app can be gradually rolled out to government and quasi-government bodies, allowing for a controlled and strategic deployment. After these phases, the app can be made available to the general public, ensuring that India's communication infrastructure is secure, self-reliant, and aligned with national interests. This approach not only addresses national security concerns but also fosters a culture of digital independence within the country. (Dheeraj Sharma is the Director of IIM Rohtak) Kolkata, Aug 19 : The West Bengal unit of BJP has promised legal aid to those netizens being summoned by Kolkata Police for criticizing the role of the police in the doctor rape-murder case. The netizens have been criticising the police over its handling of the ghastly rape-murder case that took place in the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital on August 9 and also the vandalism of the emergency department of the same hospital shortly after the midnight of August 14. An announcement was made by the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, through a social media post on Sunday night, where he said that if anyone is being harassed for just putting an opinion, he is ready to provide legal assistance to the netizen concerned provided the social media post has not crossed the limits of decency. "I believe Free Speech is the backbone of a healthy Democracy. So if anyone is being harassed for just posting their opinion and if the post is not outright vulgar, I am ready to provide Legal Assistance free of cost. Kindly forward the Notice sent by the Police along with your Name & Contact details to my email id:- adhikarisuvenduwb1@gmail.com My legal team will contact you and render legal services," he said. The announcement has become significant since the last few days the cops have been summoning netizens objecting to the contents of their social media posts on this issue. Among those summoned include two reputed doctors of the city and veteran Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Sukhendu Sekhar Roy. According to Adhikari, most social media users are receiving notices under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for making social media posts that were critical of the role of the state administration and police in the case of the ghastly rape and murder of the female doctor and the subsequent developments. Mumbai, Aug 19 : Actor Pankaj Tripathi, whose recent release 'Stree 2', has set the box-office on fire, was the guest of honour at this year's India Day Parade in New York. The event was held at Madison Avenue, New York and was organised by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). The India Day Parade is a cherished event that brings together thousands of people to celebrate with vibrant floats, traditional dances, and cultural performances. Expressing his gratitude for being chosen as the guest of honour, Pankaj Tripathi said, "I am deeply humbled and honoured to be part of such a significant event that celebrates India's independence and the spirit of unity among Indians worldwide". He further mentioned, "The India Day Parade in New York is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the Indian community. This will be the first time ever I am going to celebrate India's Independence Day on a foreign soil. I look forward to celebrating this special day with everyone". The FIA, which has been organizing the India Day Parade for over four decades, aims to promote Indian culture and heritage while fostering a sense of community among Indian-Americans. Meanwhile, 'Stree 2', which sees Pankaj Tripathi reprising his role of Rudra bhaiyya, is set to enter the Rs 200 crore club in India. The film has so far collected Rs 191 crore in India. The film marks the 5th installment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe and is a sequel to the 2018 horror-comedy film 'Stree'. The film also stars Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. It follows the aftermath of Stree's departure from Chanderi as a new evil force of sirkata takes over the town, and abducts women of the town. Mumbai, Aug 19 : Actress Jasmine Bhasin, who is currently in Australia for the promotion of her upcoming Punjabi film 'Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di' has got emotional on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, and has shared pictures with her siblings. Jasmine, who has 8.6 million followers on Instagram, shared a string of photos, in which we can see her posing with her family and siblings. The heartwarming snaps show Jasmine tying Rakhi on the wrist of her brothers. There is also a picture of Jasmine tying Rakhi to screenwriter, producer, and television host Haarsh Limbachiya, who is the husband of comedian Bharti Singh. She captioned the post as: "I know this year we couldn't make it but that can never change anything between us. Thank you for being best siblings always and you know I can't express it in words ever but you all know how much I love you all... Happy Rakhi... It's making me really emotional to be away this year". On the personal front, Jasmine is in a romantic relationship with Aly Goni. They had met during 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 9', and the duo began dating each other after appearing in the controversial reality show 'Bigg Boss 14'. Meanwhile, Jasmine had recently recovered from corneal damage. Bhasin had started her acting career with the 2011 Tamil film 'Vaanam'. She has then starred in South Indian films like 'Beware of Dogs', 'Veta', and 'Ladies & Gentlemen'. Jasmine has done Punjabi films like 'Honeymoon', and 'Warning 2'. She has also featured in shows like 'Tashan-e-Ishq', 'Dil Se Dil Tak', 'Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji', and 'Jab We Matched'. Jasmine next has aArdaas Sarbat De Bhale Dia in the pipeline. The movie stars Gippy Grewal, and Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi. The movie revolves around the lives and struggles of the cast, showing the burdens they carry. The narrative exemplifies the importance of offering Ardaas, demonstrating how this act of devotion can provide solutions and solace for many of life's challenges. The film is written and directed by Gippy. It also stars Prince Kanwaljit Singh, Malkeet Rauni, and Raghveer Boli. 'Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di' is produced by Gippy, Ravneet Kaur Grewal, Jyoti Deshpande, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Divay Dhamija. It will hit theatres on September 13. New Delhi, Aug 19 : India must focus on genomic surveillance to understand the Mpox virus, and develop ways to curb its spread, said experts on Monday. The deadly Mpox virus is seeing another outbreak, especially in Africa, where so far about 14 countries have been, with 4 nations reporting the infection for the first time. The number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year's total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths. This prompted the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the disease as a global health emergency. In 2022 Mpox had a global outbreak with many countries, including India, being affected. Since then, the WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to Mpox from 116 countries. India detected a total of 30 cases, with the last case in March 2024. "We need to focus on genomic surveillance of the virus to understand the genetic epidemiology, the spread, and the evolution of the virus," noted biologist Vinod Scaria told IANS. He also called for developing "good diagnostics for faster diagnosis and better care of affected individuals". Mpox was first identified in monkeys in research laboratories in the 1950s, and it was not until 1970 that the first human case was discovered. It has been mostly localised and endemic in the Congo Basin, as well as in West Africa. There have been two types, clade one, which is mostly in the Congo region, and clade two, which is seen primarily in West Africa. Dr Anurag Agarwal, Dean, BioSciences and Health Research, Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka University, told IANS that the 2022 outbreak was driven by clade 2, which is a less virulent, and the infections were primarily seen in men who had sex with other men. "The current outbreak that we are seeing in Africa is clade Ib. Clade Ib has a higher mortality and more severe disease than Clade II. And also, while clade one typically does not have human-to-human transmission, here we are seeing infection and deaths in a large number of children, which is making people worry," he added. The latest outbreak of monkeypox has not only "played beyond the borders" but also reported "deaths in young children, where you don't expect any sexual transmission". "That is the reason why the WHO has given a global warning for international concern". So far, outside of Africa, the infection, driven by the Clade 1b strain of the monkeypox virus, has been detected only in Sweden. Separately, Pakistan (3) and the Philippines (1) have reported lab-confirmed cases of Mpox. However, the variant remains unknown. The US's California has also reported detecting Mpox in wastewater surveillance. "The fear is that this virus could evolve. The fear is that this virus could develop respiratory transmission and become deadly. The best way to prevent that is to reduce the number of infections, to keep it within the geography it currently is, and slowly wipe it out," Dr. Agarwal said, noting the need to build more diagnostics, vaccines, and genomic surveillance as during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mumbai, Aug 19 : Actor-casting director Abhishek Banerjee, who is currently enjoying the responses to his two releases 'Stree 2' and 'Vedaa' in theatres, has issued a statement which put him in the centre of a controversy. Recently, Abhishek had said in an interview that Karan Johar's Dharma Production shut their doors on him and his associate Anmol Ahuja after they couldn't align with the vision of Karan Malhotra during the casting of the Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas-starrer 'Agneepath'. The actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram on Monday, and clarified that his statement was misconstrued. He wrote, "This week I have been blessed with two releases and one controversy. I've been reading and hearing a lot of reports about Dharma Productions supposedly firing my company, Casting Bay, during the casting process of 'Agneepath'. Unfortunately, this situation has been completely misrepresented as accusatory on our part". He further mentioned that they were dismissed from the project as they were unable to align with the vision of director Karan Malhotra for Agneepath. He continued, "I also emphasised that Anmol and I were quite young at the time, around 20 to 23 years old, with little to no experience in casting for a major commercial film, which perhaps led to us misinterpreting Mr. Malhotra's requirements for the project. I have not accused or suggested any wrongdoing on the part of Dharma Productions. In fact, I have deep respect for Dharma Productions and Karan Johar". The actor said in his statement that he never mentioned Karan Johar in relation to their dismissal, yet some reports falsely claim that he was the one who fired them. The decision was actually made by Karan's team, and Abhishek and his associate accepted their mistakes. "I shared this story to encourage young people that even if you fail or hit a roadblock, you can always bounce back, as we did. We went on to work on several projects with Dharma, starting with 'Ok Jaanu', 'Student of the Year 2', 'Kalank' and recent releases like, 'Kill' and 'Gyarah Gyarah'. Additionally, Dharma even cast me as an actor in 'Ajeeb Daastaans'. Dharma has always been very good to me and to my company, Casting Bay. It is a relationship we value and nurture. PS: I am not putting this out for the hamper", he added. Tokyo, Aug 19 : Japan's weather agency on Monday said rain clouds are developing across Japan, with the Shikoku and Kyushu regions expected to see torrential thundershowers due to very unstable atmospheric conditions. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), a cold air mass is flowing into western and eastern Japan at high altitudes, while moist air from a tropical storm formed on Monday is flowing into areas around western Japan. Rainfall of 30.5 millimetres was recorded during the hour through 5 a.m. local time in the city of Miyazaki and 30 millimetres in a district of the town of Shimanto in Kochi Prefecture, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting JMA. The agency warned of flooding in low-lying areas, landslides and the sudden swelling of rivers, adding lightning strikes, hail and gusty winds including tornadoes are also possible. Meanwhile, intense heat in Japan has been continuing on Monday, with heatstroke alerts issued for 19 of the country's 47 prefectures, according to the JMA. Weather officials said temperatures are forecast to reach 36 degrees Celsius in the city of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture and the city of Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as the cities of Nagoya and Yamagata. Mumbai, Aug 19 : Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut on Monday claimed that the MahaYuti government's Ladki Bahin scheme is meant to influence the voters and the Election Commission's delay in the announcement of polls in Maharashtra was only benefitting the ruling party. Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS) Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut on Monday claimed that the MahaYuti governmentas Ladki Bahin scheme is meant to influence the voters and the Election Commission's delay in the announcement of polls in Maharashtra was only benefitting the ruling party. "Election Commission is a constitutional body. If this institution is working under the pressure of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, then where is the democracy in this country? If elections are to be held in Maharashtra in December, it is the convenience of the rulers. If the elections are held now, the rulers are afraid that they will be defeated, that's why they have made this ploy," said Raut. He was responding to new reports in a section of the media that the state Assembly election may take place in December. Even though the term of the present Assembly expires on November 26, the Centre may clamp the Presidentas Rule until the election will be held in December. aThe Election Commission has announced the Assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir but not in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. The ruling party (at the Centre) postponed the Jharkhand elections because they wanted to break Hemant Soren's party. As you have seen, it is being said that Champai Soren will join the BJP. In Maharashtra too, efforts are being made to postpone the election for political gains," said Raut. "If the Election Commission and the government are not ready to hold elections in Maharashtra that means that there is a dictatorship. Where is the Constitution? Is anyone going to answer this?" asked Raut. NCP(SP) Sharad Pawar also commented on the possible delay in holding the Assembly election. "I don't know if the elections are postponed because of the Ladki Bahin scheme. The question needs to be asked to the Election Commission. In the speech the Prime Minister gave from the Red Fort on August 15, he proposed the One Nation, One Election. This means that the Prime Minister insisted that all the elections should be held simultaneously. The very next day, elections were announced in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. This means that there is no reason to give much importance to what the Prime Minister says. Because we have come to know that the Prime Minister speaks one thing and the decision is another," Pawar remarked. Sanjay Raut slammed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his comment that Raj Thackeray left Shiv Sena due to Uddhav Thackeray, saying that the latter was lying. "When Raj Thackeray left the party, Eknath Shinde was with Uddhav Thackeray. Nobody even knew him beyond Thane. So he had nothing to do with politics before 25 years. Matoshree's doors were not open to him. So it is not right for him to talk about this. He does not know what happened then," he commented. Raut further said that CM Shinde has now become a film producer. "I will make a film called 'Namak Haram', the entire script of which I will give." He also targeted Devendra Fadnavis and said that no one takes him seriously in Maharashtra. Speaking on Sambhaji Bhide, Raut said that Manoj Jarange is capable of answering him. He also said that Sambhaji Bhide is associated with RSS, but did not want to comment more on it. Raut also expressed displeasure over the condition of the Mumbai-Goa highway and said that people going to Konkan have to face a lot of problems, of which he is a witness. Jaipur, Aug 19 : On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the brave women from families of soldiers, who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, arrived at Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's residence on Monday and tied the sacred thread on his wrist. Jaipur, Aug 19 (IANS) On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the brave women from families of soldiers, who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, arrived at Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharmaas residence on Monday and tied the sacred thread on his wrist. CM Sharma while extending his best wishes to the women presented them with shawls, coconuts, sweets and money as a mark of respect. The Chief Minister said, "I am your brother and will always be ready to help the brave sisters in every possible way...The state government has reached the doorsteps of you all, the brave women, to honour you on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan." Nisha, widow of Martyr Captain Pramod Lal Yadav, said that the state government has taken a historic initiative to honour the brave women on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Martyr Havildar Nand Singh's widow Marudhar Kanwar expressed gratitude to the CM for this initiative of the state government. The Chief Minister directed the officers to ensure that the problems of 'Veeranganas' are heard regularly every month at all subdivision levels. Chief Minister Sharms interacted with the women displaying compassion. He further showed sensitivity and went to the elderly woman Dariyav Kanwar and got the Raksha Sutra tied. On this occasion, those war widows who were present included Pragati Mathur, wife of Martyr Major Alok Mathur; Shreya Chaudhary, wife of Martyr Major Vikas Bhambhu; Krishna Kanwar, wife of Martyr Rifleman Vikram Singh; Usha Shekhawat, wife of Martyr Naik Rajiv Singh Shekhawat; Pinky Devi, wife of Martyr Havildar Data Ram; Santosh Kanwar, wife of Martyr Naik Anand Singh; Manju, wife of Martyr Naik Sanwarmal Bhamu; Sampat Kanwar, wife of Martyr Rifleman Prahlad Singh Shekhawat; Marudhar Kanwar, wife of Martyr Havildar Nand Singh; Dariyav Kanwar, wife of Martyr Bhanwar Singh; Vishnu Kanwar, wife of Martyr Kishan Singh and Nisha, wife of Martyr Captain Pramod Lal Yadav. They all tied Raksha Sutra to the Chief Minister. About 1,500 brave women from across the state are being given Rs 2100, a box of sweets, coconut and shawl on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan as a mark of respect. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday questioned the success of the BJP-led Central government's scheme of lateral entry into bureaucracy in 2016, 2017, and 2018, which was implemented based on the recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commission. "It was a recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission. I want to know, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi implemented those recommendations in 2016, 2017, and 2018, was it successful? Was the first round of lateral entry initiated by the Prime Minister successful? We want to know," Khera said. His remarks followed the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Modi government's proposal to induct professionals with domain expertise into various ministries at the ranks of Joint Secretary, Director, and other senior positions, which he likened to the "privatisation of the IAS." In response to Rahul Gandhi's criticism, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that the lateral entry recommendation was originally introduced by the UPA government. Khera, however, argued that the UPA's recommendations were not mandatory. "You have been in power for the last decade. What the UPA had presented were recommendations. Recommendatory in nature, not mandatory. What changes did you bring to those recommendations?" Khera asked. He also questioned the diversity of the selected candidates, asking, "Out of the 52 officers selected in the first round, how many were Dalits, Adivasis, or OBCs?" The Congress leader also addressed Union Minister Giriraj Singh's recent statement that West Bengal would become another Bangladesh if Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not resign. He countered by suggesting that PM Modi should resign first, citing the rise in atrocities against women, including rape cases, over the past decade. Commenting on the distress of the Kolkata rape-murder victim's parents, who expressed their loss of faith in CM Mamata Banerjee, Pawan Khera stated, "They are victims and very disheartened at the moment. It is our responsibility not to bother them much during these hard times. And we hope that justice is served." Regarding West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose's statement that the state is not safe for women, he refrained from commenting directly on the Governor, saying, "The Governor also has many allegations against him, so I would not like to say anything on his remarks." Pawan Khera also criticised the BJP over the Karnataka Governor's recent decision to permit an investigation into Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling such actions in opposition-ruled states "unconstitutional." "We have been seeing that the Governors use their position as puppets of the BJP. In all the states where opposition parties are in power, we see examples of such unconstitutional actions by the Governors," he asserted. Reacting to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf Board, the Congress leader welcomed the discussion, stating, "It's good that the meeting is being held because you cannot amend the law without a proper discussion." Pawan Khera also talked about the recent buzz of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren's departure from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), noting, "For some, personal ambitions are more important than the party's ideology. Everyone thinks differently." Mumbai, Aug 19 : Director Debangkar Borgohain, who has directed the Assamese film 'Sikaar', has opened up on the denial of UK visas to the film's team from Assam. The director said that he only wanted to make a film but ended up getting banned for 10 years from the UK. The film, which stars Zubeen Garg of 'Ya Ali' fame and acclaimed actor Adil Hussain, was marred by bureaucratic obstacles when the UK visa office in Kolkata rejected visas to the entire filmmaking team from Assam, including lead actress Dhyani Mohan. Talking about the same, the director said, "I just wanted to tell a story, but the process became a battle against a system that appeared to question our ability to make this film". Producer Sam Bhattacharjee, based in London, sought assistance from Iain Smith, then a Member of Parliament, but even his intervention could not reverse the visa decisions. "It was a strange and frustrating experience", Bhattacharjee recalled. "But we turned those challenges into motivation to push the boundaries of what was possible". As the director of the film could not travel to the UK due to the rejection of the visa and the 10 year ban, the UK section of the film was shot by Sam Bhattacharjee. Despite these hurdles, 'Sikaar' was completed through a series of 4-5 production schedules, making it the highest VFX film in Assamese cinema history. The film was produced by the British company Unicorn Motion Pictures, with post-production handled by Do It Creative Ltd. Sam Bhattacharjee said, "'Sikaar' is not just a film; it's a statement. As the first Assamese film to be extensively shot and produced in the UK, it stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of its team". The film is now set to be released on September 20. Mumbai, Aug 19 : The Maharashtra and Mumbai Congress have jointly planned a grand celebration of the 80th birth anniversary of the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at a special event at Shanmukhananda Auditorium here on Tuesday, party officials said. The programme, organised by the state and city units, shall be attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, along with top party leaders from the state and other parts of the country. The state Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray, besides representatives of other allies, shall join the mega-event. This will be the first joint meeting here of the three top MVA constituent leaders a" Kharge, Pawar and Thackeray a" after the 2024 general elections for 48 LS seats in which they unitedly put up a spectacular performance. However, the late Rajiv Gandhias son and now Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is not expected to come for the celebrations here as he will be busy with other events in New Delhi, a party leader said. Tuesdayas meeting of the Kharge-Pawar-Thackeray trio is described as crucial since it is coming ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections and the leaders could hold informal discussions on the same. They will take the opportunity to iron out certain sharp differences facing the three allies a" issues like the aCM facea, the prickly seat distribution, claims and counter-claims over certain constituencies in Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune and other important centres, etc. In the Lok Sabha polls, of the total 48 constituencies, the three parties bagged 32 seats, comprising Congress (13), Shiv Senaas (UBT) 9 and NCPas (SP) 8, besides one independent who is now supporting the MVA; while the ruling MahaYuti was relegated backward with just 17 wins. For the looming state Assembly polls, the MVA hopes to repeat the Lok Sabha amagica and is confident of bagging between 170-200 of the total 288 seats in the Legislative Assembly a" while the ruling MahaYuti of Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party-Nationalist Congress Party has trashed the Oppositionas claims. State Congress President Nana Patole, Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad, Leader of Opposition in Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar, Congress Legislature Party Leader Balasaheb Thorat, Congress Legislative Council Group Leader Satej Patil, AICC General Secretary Ramesh Chennithala, and other invitees will also attend the event on Tuesday. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Thailand's newly elected Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for his congratulatory message following her recent election victory. In a post on social media platform X, Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote, "Thank you PM Narendra Modi for your warm congratulatory message." "I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our bilateral relations, especially in the areas of trade and investment, culture, people-to-people contact, and tourism, in particular, to increase air travel between both countries," she further wrote. Expressing her hope for further strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Thailand, the newly-elected Prime Minister said, "I am confident that we can build upon our existing ties and explore untapped potentials to create even greater opportunities for our two countries, peoples, and beyond." Earlier, PM Modi had congratulated Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her victory. "Congratulations Paetongtarn Shinawatra on your election as the Prime Minister of Thailand. Best wishes for a very successful tenure. Look forward to working with you to further strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Thailand, that are based on the strong foundations of civilisational, cultural and people-to-people connect," he said in a post on X. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, was elected as Thailand's Prime Minister on August 16, making her the second youngest woman to hold the position in Thai history. She follows in the footsteps of her father and aunt, becoming the third member of the Shinawatra family to serve as Prime Minister of Thailand. Her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, was Thailand's first female Prime Minister and the country's youngest in over 60 years before being removed from office on May 7, 2014, by a Constitutional Court decision. Paetongtarn Shinawatra's election came after a court-ruled dismissal of then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in an ethics violation case on August 14. Both Paetongtarn and former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin are from the Pheu Thai Party. Shinawatra had finished second in the 2023 elections. Guwahati, Aug 19 : Lurinjyoti Gogoi, leader of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has launched a sharp attack on the police and administration on ULFA-I's bomb scare on Independence Day, claiming that the entire government intelligence has failed to counter the militant outfit. Gogoi told IANS on Monday: "Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been repeatedly claiming that he has made Assam insurgency-free, but on Independence Day, ULFA-I planted explosives at as many as 25 locations across the state. This is an utter failure of the government's intelligence wing as well as police." He has also claimed that Sarma has been telling lies to the people of Assam and he should immediately resign from the post of Chief Minister, taking responsibility for the entire incident. The Opposition leader also alleged that the Chief Minister has failed to bring ULFA-I's commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah to the table for talks. "After taking charge as Chief Minister of Assam, Sarma has been constantly asserting that he would bring Baruah to the table for talks. But three years have passed and the BJP leader has failed to do that. Thus, I urge the Central government to take initiatives for a peace agreement with ULFA-I," Gogoi said. ULFA-I, in a statement on I-Day, had claimed that they had planted bombs at 25 locations in Assam and these were supposed to be exploded between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. on the Independence Day. However, due to some technical snag, the plan failed and the bombs did not explode. The Assam Police later jumped into action and rescued explosives from some locations including Guwahati. An SIT has been formed by the police to look into the whole incident. Meanwhile, following the incident, CM Sarma said that Paresh Baruah should refrain from creating any environment which might affect investors coming to Assam. "The state has recently seen progress and development after many decades. If the ULFA-I tries to destabilise peace in the state, it will adversely impact the youths of Assam," he said adding that before inciting violence, Baruah must always think about 14 lakh unemployed youths of Assam. New Delhi, Aug 19 : A plea has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the Central government rules empowering it to prescribe a range of rates for medical procedures and services which private hospitals and nursing homes can charge. The plea challenges the validity of Rule 9(ii) of the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012 as being manifestly arbitrary, irrational and unconstitutional, violative of Article 14, Article 19(l)(g) and Article 21 of the Constitution. "The Impugned Rule is also ultra vires the principal Act, namely the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 insofar as the Parent Act does not confer power on the Respondent (authorities) to make rules in relation to the rates that clinical establishments can charge for medical procedures and services," it said. The rule provides that clinical establishments will charge the rates for each type of procedure and service within the range of rates determined and issued by the Central government from time to time, in consultation with the state government. "The Seventh Schedule to the Constitution is recognition that the subject of Public Health is one of great diversity from state to state and that a uniform national policy on this subject is neither practicable nor advisable, given the vastly differing conditions from state to state," contended the plea filed by the Federation of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Associations of India. Under Article 252(1) of the Constitution, Parliament enacted the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 with the object of providing for registration and regulation of clinical establishments with a view to prescribe minimum standards of facilities and services which may be provided by them. The plea, filed through advocate Zulfiker Ali P.S., said that none of the provisions of the 2010 Act deal with the charges/rates of clinical establishments or confer power on the Central government to frame rules in relation to the rates that a hospital or nursing home may charge for procedures and services. "There are a lot of factors having local implications to be taken into consideration while fixing rates for medical procedures and services, and therefore, there cannot be a uniform rate across the board," it added. By imposing a uniform fee structure, the impugned rule risks undermining innovation, quality improvement efforts, and the ability of medical professionals to provide tailored treatments to their patients, the plea further contended. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex, the matter is coming up for hearing before a bench led by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra on Tuesday (August 20). New Delhi, Aug 19 : The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has grown significantly, enabling applications such as content development, email proofreading, and driverless cars. New research explores its potential in developing improved antibiotics, with accurate and efficient prediction models. Researchers from the University of Manitoba, Canada, deployed explainable AI (XAI) -- a branch of AI that provides a rationale for model judgments, increasingly being used by scholars to examine predictive AI models. Though XAI can be applied in a variety of contexts, the team used it to develop antibiotics. Despite AI's near-omnipotent use, many of its models act as "black boxes," making the decision-making process opaque. This can breed distrust, especially in vital domains such as drug discovery. To overcome this, the team used XAI to train AI drug discovery models, particularly those that identify potential novel antibiotic candidates. Predictive models are essential given the pressing need for efficient antibiotics in the face of increasing resistance. "AI is the way of the future in chemistry and drug discovery. It takes someone to lay the groundwork, and I think I'm doing that," said Hunter Sturm, a graduate student of the University. To anticipate biological effects, the scientists fed drug chemical databases into an AI model. An XAI model was then used to examine the precise molecular properties behind these predictions. Fascinatingly, XAI discovered elements that human chemists would have missed, such as the fact that non-core structures in penicillin compounds are more important than the core itself. To test predicted antibiotic compounds, the researchers collaborate with microbiology labs to improve AI models through the application of XAI insights. Rebecca Davis, a professor of chemistry at the University of Manitoba, Canada noted that "AI causes a lot of distrust." "Nevertheless, there's a better chance this technology will be accepted if we can ask AI to explain itself," she added. The findings will be presented at the ongoing American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2024 meeting, being held from August 18-22. New Delhi, Aug 19 : India's domestic air passenger traffic grew 4.7 per cent (year-on-year) to over 9.23 crore in the January-July period, from more than 8.81 crore during the corresponding period of the previous year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) data showed on Monday. The domestic air passenger traffic growth was 7.33 per cent when compared on a monthly basis (1.21 crore air travellers in July 2023 against 1.3 crore in July 2024). During the seven-month reporting period, budget carrier IndiGo carried more than 5.61 crore passengers, clocking a massive market share of 60.8 per cent, followed by Tata Group-run Air India flying over 1.25 crore passengers with 13.6 per cent share and Vistara registering a market share of 9.6 per cent with 89 lakh air passengers at the third position. AIX Connect (erstwhile AirAsia India), which is also a part of the Tata Group, ferried 49.89 lakh passengers in the seven months this year, clocking a market share of 5.4 per cent. SpiceJet flew 41.78 lakh passengers at 4.5 per cent market share while Akasa Air ferried 42.38 lakh passengers at 4.6 per cent market share, the aviation regulator's data showed. The overall cancellation rate of scheduled domestic airlines for the month of July has been 1.90 per cent. During July, a total of 1,097 passenger-related complaints had been received by the scheduled domestic airlines. The number of complaints per 10,000 passengers carried for the month of July 2024 has been around 0.84, as per the DGCA data. "The major reasons for complaints are flight problem related. Airlines received a total of 1,097 complaints, out of which 1,095 have been addressed," said the aviation regulator. In June, domestic air passenger traffic grew 5.76 per cent to 1.32 crore from 1.24 crore in the same month last year. Hyderabad, Aug 19 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, on Monday, celebrated Raksha Bandhan with AICC in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi, state minister Seethakka, MP Kavya, and other women leaders of the Congress party as they tied rakhis on his wrist. Like in the past, Seethakka visited the Chief Minister's residence in Jubilee Hills, tied Rakhi, and offered him sweets. The Chief Minister blessed her in return. Seethakka, whose real name is Danasari Anusuya, is Minister for Panchayati Raj & Rural Development, Women & Child Welfare. Warangal MP K. Kavya, MLAs Parnika Reddy and M. Ragamayee, chairperson of Telangana Women Cooperative Development Corporation, Chairperson of Telangana State Women's Commission Sharada Nerella and Chairperson of Telangana Arya Vaishya Corporation were also present for the occasion. Meanwhile, Revanth Reddy in a post on X, shared about his special relationship with sister Seethakka, saying that it's cool like the full moon of Rakhi. He wished that the festival brings happiness like the full moonlight in the lives of Seethakka and every girl child in Telangana. "I am very thankful to God, who gave me a brother like you. Having a brother like you makes me feel safe in this cruel world. I always pray for you to have love, health, and prosperity..," wrote Seethakka on the social media platform. Meanwhile, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao posted a message on X on missing his sister K. Kavitha, who remains in judicial custody in the Delhi excise policy case. "You may not be able to tie Rakhi today but will be with you through thick and thin," wrote KTR while posting an old picture of Kavitha tying him Rakhi. Another picture shows the siblings together after the Enforcement Directorate arrested the BRS MLC in March. BRS public representatives and senior women leaders of the party tied rakhis to Rama Rao during Rakhi celebrations at Telangana Bhavan, the state headquarters of the party. Vientiane : , Aug 19 (IANS) Representatives from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province for in-depth discussions on matters related to ASEAN Community-building efforts, local radio reported on Monday. The eighth meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) discussed key aspects of ASEAN's external relations, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting Lao National Radio. The meeting focused on strengthening existing partnerships with ASEAN dialogue partners, sectoral dialogue partners, and development partners, as well as international and regional organisations. In addition, the meeting reviewed the outcomes of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings. The meeting also discussed preparations for the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting and related meetings. Earlier, the seventh meeting of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD) was alse held in Laos, focusing on strengthening the role of parliaments in addressing the drug matters. The meeting was chaired by Vice President of the Laos National Assembly Khambay Damlath, and attended by representatives from the AIPA member countries. Jakarta, Aug 19 : Indonesian President Joko Widodo, here on Monday morning, reshuffled his cabinet two months before leaving the presidential office. Widodo has chosen Supratman Andi Agtas, a politician from the Gerindra Party, as Minister of Law and Human Rights, replacing Yasonna Laoly, who had held the position for ten years, reports Xinhua news agency. Arifin Tasrif was removed from his post as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources. He has been replaced by Bahlil Lahadalia, previously Minister of Investment. The new Minister of Investment is Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, who was previously the Deputy Minister of State-owned Enterprises. Widodo also appointed Angga Raka Prabowo, another politician from the Gerindra Party, to be the Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology. Widodo will end his term in October and be replaced by Prabowo Subianto, the winner of the presidential election held in February this year and also the chairman of the Gerindra Party. Bengaluru, Aug 19 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said that he has complete confidence in judicial relief in connection to quashing Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot's order of investigating him in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land case. "In the writ petition, we have requested interim relief in the form of a stay on the prosecution. We have sought for the quashing and interim relief," the Chief Minister told media persons while inaugurating a photo exhibition organised by photojournalists at the Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru. He said that the well-known senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi will come to Bengaluru to argue in the case. "Let us wait and see. I have faith in the judiciary. I am confident that I will get relief in court. I have full trust because I have committed no mistake. My conscience is clear, and I have committed no wrongdoing," Siddaramaiah claimed. "I have completed 40 years since I became a minister in 1974, and throughout my political career, there has not been a single black mark. My political life is like an open book, and the people of this state know that and you (media) know that I have done nothing wrong," he said. On allegations of the Redo case and Kempaiah Commission report, the Chief Minister said that his political life is an open book and he has committed no mistake. About the BJP's protest demanding his resignation, Siddaramaiah said the BJP-JD (S) and the Union government are conspiring against him while using Raj Bhavan as a tool. "All these forces have initiated these allegations with a malicious intent of tarnishing my reputation," the Chief Minister said. He said that the BJP's protest is driven by ulterior motives and Congress will fight them politically. "We will take up both legal and political battles against this conspiracy. I have consistently fought such political battles and I will continue to do so with even greater resolve," the Chief Minister said. Manila, Aug 19 : The United States on Monday strongly condemned the Chinese Coast Guard's "dangerous manoeuvres" endangering the lives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel during a confrontation that occurred in the West Philippine Sea earlier in the day. "The US stands with the Philippines in condemning the China Coast Guard's dangerous manoeuvres near Sabina Shoal that endangered lives and caused damage to two Philippine Coast Guard vessels. We are committed to supporting the rights of our friends-partners-allies under international law," the US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Loss Carlson, stated in a post on X. According to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), PCG vessels BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) and BRP Cape Engano (MRRV-4411) encountered "unlawful and aggressive manoeuvres" from Chinese Coast Guard vessels while en route to Patag and Lawak Islands in the West Philippine Sea. These dangerous manoeuvres resulted in collisions, causing structural damage to both PCG vessels. "At approximately 3:24 AM, while navigating about 23.01 nautical miles southeast of Escoda Shoal, BRP Cape Engano was subjected to aggressive manoeuvres by CCGV- 3104. This resulted in a collision with the starboard beam of the vessel, creating a hole on the deck with an approximate diameter of 5 inches," said NTF-WPS spokesperson Jonathan Malaya. The task force urged restraint and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws to prevent further escalations and ensure the safety of all vessels operating in the region. The Philippine News Agency said that Malaya, who is also an Assistant Director General at the Philippines' National Security Council, said that the NTF-WPS was disappointed with the latest incident, which came just weeks after Manila and Beijing reached an initial understanding on easing tensions over the Ayungin Shoal. "We are, of course, disappointed again with this development coming from the preliminary understanding because we have a preliminary understanding with them in so far as Second Thomas Shoal is concerned, or BRP Sierra Madre is concerned, but despite this preliminary understanding which we hope was the first page in a new chapter between (the) Philippines and PRC (People's Republic of China) relations," the agency quoted Malaya as saying at an online forum. The council said that the collisions caused structural damage to both PCG vessels, but despite the incident, both vessels continued their mission to deliver essential supplies to personnel stationed on the Patag and Lawak Islands. The PCG also affirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the nation's maritime domain while addressing any threats to national interests. The United States has maintained that the escalatory incident is the latest in a series of Chinese provocations in the region, with Beijing showing consistent disregard for the safety of Filipinos and for international law in the South China Sea. "As unanimously decided by an international tribunal in July 2016, the PRC has no lawful maritime claims to the waters around Second Thomas Shoal a" a low-tide feature clearly within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. As provided under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller had said after a June 17 incident when the use of water cannons, ramming, blocking manoeuvres, towing by the Chinese vessels damaged Philippine vessels engaged in delivering humanitarian supplies to service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre. Kolkata, Aug 19 : Kolkata Police on Monday arrested an undergraduate female student of a city college on charges of making a provocative social media post against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata earlier this month. Police sources said that Kirti Sharma, who uses the handle 'kirtisocial' on Instagram, is accused of encouraging people to assassinate Chief Minister Banerjee, and disclosing the identity and photograph of the 31-year-old victim whose bruised body was found on the hospital premises on the morning of August 9. Condemning the posts, the Kolkata Police said in a statement, "A complaint was received about the Instagram ID 'kirtisocial', which contained offensive material related to the recent RG Kar Hospital incident. The posts included the victim's picture and identity, as well as life threats against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. These comments are deeply provocative and could incite social unrest and foster communal hatred." The police had earlier summoned former BJP Lok Sabha MP and actress-turned-politician Locket Chatterjee and two city doctors for questioning for their social media posts on the issue, which the police found to be objectionable. The police have also issued two notices for interrogation to Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Sukhendu Sekhar Ray for making "objectionable" social media posts on the issue, following which Ray approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection from any coercive action, including arrest. The authorities had earlier appealed to the netizens to refrain from revealing the identity of the victim or spreading misinformation about the tragedy through social media. However, even after the caution, a section of netizens made posts on social media revealing the victim's identity, which prompted the police to act in the matter. Last week, the Calcutta High Court had also cautioned netizens to be careful before making social media posts in this matter. Bengaluru, Aug 19 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Monday, lashed out at the BJP for asking him to emulate former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, who resigned from his post following the consent to prosecute him by late Governor Hansraj Bharadwaj in 2011. CM Siddaramaiah also called the demand "reckless". Taking to Facebook on Monday, CM Siddaramaiah stated, "Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in Assembly R. Ashoka has once again displayed his ignorance by asking, "Didn't B.S. Yediyurappa tender his resignation from the Chief Minister's post when Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj granted permission for prosecution? Why isn't CM Siddaramaiah resigning now?" "Mr. Ashoka, before making such reckless statements, please verify the facts. Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj granted permission for prosecution in connection with the Rachenahalli de-notification scandal on January 21, 2011. The petitioners had provided strong evidence in the form of a 1,600-page document. Yet, Yediyurappa did not resign from his Chief Ministerial position at that time. Mr. Ashok, weren't you the one who questioned why Yediyurappa should resign back then? How can you now ask for my resignation?" CM Siddaramaiah questioned. "B.S. Yediyurappa resigned from the Chief Minister's position on August 4, 2011, after the Lokayukta, then led by Justice Santosh Hegde, submitted its investigation report on illegal mining to the state government and the Governor. The Lokayukta report stated that the illegal mining had caused a loss of Rs 16,500 crores to the state treasury. Mr. Ashok, recall the past, and you might remember how you all conspired against Yediyurappa," he said. "Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj had granted permission for prosecution in the Rachenahalli denotification scam, which was investigated by the Lokayukta led by Justice Santosh Hegde. The Lokayukta had substantiated all the allegations and submitted a charge sheet, thus validating the Governor's decision for prosecution. Justice Santosh Hegde himself had affirmed that the Governor's decision was justified. Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj had granted permission for the investigation into not one, but 15 de-notification scams. For more information, please refer to the illegal mining investigation report submitted by Justice Santosh Hegde," CM Siddaramaiah said. "Today, BJP leaders are shedding tears in support of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, but it seems they have forgotten their derogatory comments about Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj in 2011. BJP leaders questioning the peaceful protest by our party workers seem to have also forgotten that they had called for a Karnataka bandh in 2011 in opposition to the actions of the then-Governor," the CM said. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot sanctioned the prosecution of the Chief Minister on corruption charges in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case after petitions by three activists. The Governor said his order was necessary to conduct a "neutral, objective, and non-partisan investigation", adding that he was prima facie "satisfied" that the alleged infractions were committed. Patna, Aug 19 : Bihar Police in Muzaffarpur have arrested three more accused, including the primary suspect Sanjay Rai in connection with the gang rape and murder of a minor Dalit girl. The district police had filed a First Information Report (FIR) against six individuals based on a complaint filed by the victim's mother at the Paroo police station of the district. The incident occurred on August 12. Kumar Chandan, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Saraiya range, confirmed the arrests but did not disclose specific details about the detained individuals. So far, police have arrested four accused in the case. As per the FIR, the five persons including Sanjay Rai came on the night of August 12 and kidnapped the victim in front of her parents. The victim's mother said that Sanjay Rai - already married - was pressuring them for another marriage with her daughter. When the victim's family refused, he along with others kidnapped her and sexually assaulted her. Her dead body was found in a pond on August 13 while police also recovered a sharp edge weapon from the crime scene. "My daughter was just 14 years old and the accused Sanjay Rai is 41. He pressured us into the marriage. He then forcibly took my daughter away," the victim's mother said in the FIR. District SSP Rakesh Kumar said that the postmortem report has confirmed victim sustained wounds in the head, neck and hand. Earlier, Muzaffarpur Police arrested one person named Mithilesh Kumar. He was accused of helping the main accused Sanjay Rai to escape outside the district in his SUV. The district police have already initiated the property attachment process of the accused. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Tuesday bail pleas filed by BRS leader K Kavitha, an accused in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench presided over by Justice BR Gavai, will resume to hear the matter on August 20. Last week, the Bench, also comprising Justice KV Viswanathan, agreed to examine Kavithaas pleas and asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file their reply. It declined to pass any interim relief without hearing the side of investigative agencies. It may be recalled that the same Bench, on August 9, allowed bail pleas of senior AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the CBI as well as the ED case linked to the same liquor scam. Kavitha, the daughter of BRS chief and former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, was denied bail by the Delhi High Court on July 1. A bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma said that the material collected in the course of the investigation revealed that she was one of the chief conspirators in the entire conspiracy relating to the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped new excise policy. Kavitha had petitioned the Delhi High Court after a special court here on May 6 turned down her regular bail pleas. She was first arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and later by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on April 11 when she was in Tihar Jail. Seoul, Aug 19 : South Korean peace groups held a protest rally Monday against the Asian country's joint military exercise with the United States, which they said has boosted confrontation and war crisis on and around the Korean Peninsula. The protesters from the Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea (SPARK) civil groups gathered near the presidential office in central Seoul, where the defence ministry is also headquartered, to call for peace on the peninsula, reports Xinhua news agency. Lifting banners and placards with slogans of "Stop the exercise that intensifies nuclear confrontation and encourages war crisis" and "Stop building the South Korea-US-Japan alliance," the protesters shouted, "Against against against participating in the South Korea-US military exercise." "Nuclear confrontation and war crisis could end up with a nuclear war, which will bring about the extinction of our people and, if it is expanded, bring about nuclear devastation in Northeast Asia," one of the participants of the rally said. "Even now, the authorities of South Korea and the United States should immediately stop the joint military exercise that is illegal and causes confrontation and war crisis on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia," he noted. "We are here to warn you that what this (military exercise) will bring is not peace but war. It is not peace that can be brought about by the South Korea-US-Japan war alliance, nuclear alliance and preemptive strike exercise," said another protester. The Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, an annually-staged summertime military exercise featuring field manoeuvers, a computer-simulated command post exercise and civil defence drills, kicked off earlier in the day and was scheduled to continue until August 29. South Korea has claimed that the UFS exercise is defensive in nature, but North Korea has denounced the exercise as a dress rehearsal for a northward invasion. During the 11-day exercise, the combined forces planned to expand field training and live-fire drills across multiple domains to strengthen interoperability and showcase their combined capabilities, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. The JCS noted that the combined forces will further strengthen capability and posture to deter and defend against weapons of mass destruction. Another group of activists rallied against the UFS exercise near the presidential office, clamouring for the end of the war exercise and the launch of a dialogue between the two Koreas. "The strengthened interoperability between the forces of South Korea and the United States is nothing more than a deepened subordination of South Korean forces to the US strategic mobilisation," the Korea Peace Appeal, an organiser of the rally, said in a statement. "The establishment in Asia of the US-led multilateral military cooperation mechanism is very worrisome as it leads to intensifying regional conflicts and escalating war crises," the organiser noted. It urged the two countries to immediately stop all hostile policies and military actions while restoring communication channels to manage crises and create an environment for dialogue. The Korea Peace Appeal is a campaign that aims to officially end the 1950-53 Korean War by collecting 100 million signatures. It is joined by more than 370 South Korean civic and religious groups, as well as over 70 international partner organisations. The peninsula technically remains at war as the fratricidal war ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. Yangon, Aug 19 : Myanmar authorities have seized 29,500 kg of controlled chemicals ammonium nitrate in Myanmar's eastern Shan State, a statement from the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) said on Monday. Acting on a tipoff, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Loilem town in Shan State on August 17, and confiscated 29,500 kg of controlled chemicals, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the CCDAC. The seized chemicals had a street value of 590 million kyats (about $280,000), and a suspect was arrested. The suspect was charged with drug trafficking under the Southeast Asian country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations were underway. Earlier on Wednesday, authorities seized over 7,00,000 stimulant tablets in the Sagaing and Magway regions. Anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Yinmabin township of Sagaing region on August 8 and confiscated 2,00,000 stimulant tablets. According to the investigation, another 2,70,000 stimulant tablets in Gangaw Township of Magway region and 2,45,000 stimulant tablets in Kale Township of Sagaing region were apprehended on August 9. The seized drugs had a street value of 1.43 billion kyats (about $0.68 million). Jerusalem, Aug 19 : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are holding a "private meeting" at the latter's office in Jerusalem, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said on Monday afternoon. "An expanded meeting will be held afterward with the participation of the Strategic Affairs Minister, the Prime Minister's Chief-of-Staff, the Deputy Director of the National Security Council, the Prime Minister's Military Secretary, the Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Adviser, the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, the US Ambassador to Israel and the Prime Minister's Spokesperson," stated Netanyahu's office. Blinken is on a three-day visit to Egypt and Israel to continue Washington's "intensive diplomatic efforts" to conclude the agreement for a ceasefire and release of hostages and detainees through the bridging proposal presented by the United States, with support from Egypt and Qatar. The proposal, stated the US State Department last week, would achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages, ensure humanitarian assistance is distributed throughout Gaza, and create the conditions for broader regional stability. Earlier in the day, Blinken met Israeli President Isaac Herzog as he began his ninth visit to the region since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. "In the last 24 hours, we have witnesses ongoing terror attacks by Palestinian terrorists. We have suffered the loss of Gideon Perry, a 38-year-old father of three, husband, a lover of music, who went to work in a plant and one of his pals in the working place decided to murder him simply because heas a Jew and an Israeli a" a very great tragedy," said Herzog before the start of the meeting. The Israeli President stated that the country is surrounded by terror from the "four corners of the Earth" and fighting back as a resilient and strong nation. "Last night we've witnessed a suspected major terror attack in Tel Aviv, which is under investigation, with a possible suicide bomber. And this morning our soldiers have been attacked in Yaaara a" Yaaara is on the border with Lebanon a" by Hizballah terrorists with drones, and there are some a" there is information that we have suffered possible casualties. We are under review of this. And this is the way we are living these days," he said. He insisted that there is "no greater humanitarian objective" and "no greater humanitarian cause" than bringing back and "doing everything possible" to bring back Israeli hostages home. Terming it as a "decisive moment a" probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity" to get the hostages home and get a ceasefire, Blinken said that he was visiting Israel as part of an intensive diplomatic effort on US President Joe Biden's instructions. "It is time for it to get done. Itas also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, and so weare working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line or, for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. "I know this is a fraught moment in Israel with deep concern about the possibility of attacks coming from Iran, coming from Hizballah and other sources. And as you heard the president say, the United States has taken decisive action to deploy forces here to deter any attacks and, if necessary, to defend against any attacks," said the US Secretary of State. Istanbul, Aug 19 : One person was shot dead, and two others injured in a gun attack in Turkey's largest city here, local authorities said on Monday. The Istanbul Governor's office said in a statement that the incident took place late Sunday evening in the Kagithane district on the European side of the city. It said the deceased and one of the injured were of foreign nationality, Xinhua news agency reported. At the crime scene, police units discovered a silenced pistol, believed to have been used in the attack, along with numerous spent cartridges, said the statement. It added that the two injured are receiving treatment at the hospital, with one in critical condition, and a wide-scale investigation has been launched to apprehend the perpetrator. Visakhapatnam, Aug 19 : Three children died at an orphanage in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli district on Monday due to suspected food poisoning. As many as 27 inmates were taken ill after eating 'samosas' on Sunday at the orphanage in Kailasa town under Kotauratla Mandal. Three of them died on Monday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Anakapalli. The deceased children have been identified as Joshua, a first-grade student, and Bhavani and Shraddha, both in third grade. The remaining 24 are undergoing treatment at different hospitals in Narsipatnam and Anakapalli. Seven of them were admitted to the Narsipatnam Area Hospital while 17 were shifted to the Anakapalle Area Hospital. Sources said the condition of four children were reported to be critical following which they were shifted to the King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam for further treatment. The orphanage is run by an NGO. It has 60 children studying in a local government school. Anakapalli District Collector K. Vijaya has ordered an investigation into the incident, besides directing the concerned officials to ensure that the affected students get best possible medical treatment. District Education Officer Appa Rao has taken up the investigation into the incident. The officials suspect that necessary precautions were not taken in the preparation of food, which resulted in the tragedy. Meanwhile, Minister for Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh has expressed shock over the incident. He also spoke to Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar and the District Collectors of Anakapalli and Alluri Seetharamaraju about the incident. The Minister posted on X that he was deeply moved by the death of the students after eating contaminated food in the orphanage in Kailasa town. "The authorities have been ordered to provide better treatment to the students who have been admitted to hospitals. I request the authorities to act vigilantly so that such incidents do not take place in the future," Lokesh said. August 19 : Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for its upcoming limited series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, set to premiere on August 29. The series features a stellar cast, including Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Arvind Swamy, Dia Mirza, Patralekhaa, Amrita Puri, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Anupam Tripathi. Created and written by Anubhav Sinha and Trishant Srivastava, the show promises a gripping portrayal of a real-life crisis. The trailer, shared on Netflix Indias social media, highlights the intense and harrowing events of December 24, 1999, when Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 was hijacked. The flight, en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi, was diverted to multiple locations before eventually landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The series dramatizes the seven-day ordeal, showcasing the terror faced by 188 passengers and the desperate efforts by Indian officials to resolve the crisis. In the trailer, Vijay Varma portrays the flight's pilot, setting the scene for the hijacking and the ensuing chaos. The visuals cut between the hijackers' threats and the frantic efforts of Indian authorities working to regain control of the situation. IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is based on the true events of the hijacking and explores the themes of terror, crisis, and heroism. The six-episode series is produced by Matchbox Shots and Benaras Mediaworks, with story contributions from Adrien Levy and Trishant Srivastava. The series is set to offer a detailed and dramatic recounting of a dark chapter in history, bringing the fear and bravery of the passengers and crew into sharp focus. Bengaluru, Aug 19 : Karnataka BJP staged a protest in Bengaluru on Monday and urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resign, saying that Siddaramaiah's mask of socialism has fallen. The BJP, along with JD-S, staged the protest in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the premises of the Vidhana Soudha. Holding placards, the BJP alleged that Siddaramaiah has "swallowed" the land belonging to Dalits. "Siddaramaiah's mask of socialism has fallen. He should resign and go home," BJP state chief Vijayendra said. He said that the fight against the Congress government has now reached its logical conclusion. "Thousands of crores worth of plots have been swallowed in the MUDA case and we are demanding Siddaramaiah's resignation," he said. Vijayendra said that instead of resigning from the Chief Minister's post, Siddaramaiah has resorted to "hooliganism". "He should stop accusing the Governor and step down immediately. The Congress government is by the corrupt, for the corrupt, and of the corrupt," Vijayendra said. He added that Siddaramaiah and the Congress should come out of the "delusion" that the party high command will save them while ministers and MLAs will back them also. "Face the law. Your arrogance is unacceptable. Accept your wrongdoing, resign from your post and face legal action," Vijayendra said. Karnataka Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka said thousands of crores have been looted in the MUDA case while Rs 187 crore scam has taken place in the Welfare Tribal Welfare Board. "People want Siddaramaiah to step down. The Chief Minister must resign immediately. The Assembly gave him a chance to prove his innocence. Instead, he ran away without clarifying," Ashoka said. He also criticised Congress on their protests, saying that their protests are leading to a breakdown of law and order in the state. He urged the Governor to impose the President's rule immediately in the state, adding that the public has become aware of the "loot", "corruption", and "theft" happening under the Congress government. The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy warned that disrespecting the Governor, a constitutional post, is an insult to the Constitution itself. He accused Siddaramaiah of "destroying" the Dalit community. "You have skinned the Dalits who believed in you and made sandals out of their skins," he alleged. Former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said that if a preliminary examination reveals evidence, the Governor has the right to initiate an investigation on his own accord. "Siddaramaiah has not responded to the notice and the Governor has acted legally. If Siddaramaiah truly wants to be a modern-day 'Satya Harishchandra' (a symbol of truth), he should honourably resign from his position," he said. Former BJP Minister Araga Jnanendra alleged as soon as the MUDA case broke out, the Urban Development Minister rushed to Mysuru and took the files with him to destroy the records and evidence. BJP Legislative Council member C.T. Ravi said the "guarantee" is not a license for Siddaramaiah to engage in corruption and he cannot get away with "looting". BJP MLA Arvind Bellad said that Siddaramaiah's government has been plagued with numerous scandals and scams. JD-S leader Krishna Reddy said that the NDA will continue to fight until the Chief Minister resigns. Mumbai, Aug 19 : Actress Dia Mirza, who is awaiting the release of her upcoming series 'IC814', has heaped praise on her co-actor Vijay Varma. The trailer of the series was unveiled on Monday, and it follows the story of the hijack of the Indian Airlines Flight 814 by the Pakistani militants of the terrorist outfit Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. At the Malhar Film Festival, Dia Mirza spoke about Vijay's immersive approach for his role. She expressed her admiration for his complete dedication to the character, revealing that she never caught a glimpse of him outside of his character during the entire shoot. Talking about the same, she said, "This guy has stayed in one space for his entire shoot. It was my dream to work with Vijay. On paper, we are part of the same story, but I never saw him at work. I have to find a way to make sure I get to work with him because I'm such a huge fan". 'IC814' is directed by Anubhav Sinha of 'Thappad', 'Mulk' and 'Article 15' fame. It is based on the hijack of the Indian Airlines Flight 814 shortly after it entered Indian airspace. The hijackers ordered the aircraft to be flown to a series of locations including Amritsar, Lahore, and across the Persian Gulf and Dubai. They finally forced the aircraft to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which at the time was controlled by the Taliban. The hijackers released 27 of 176 passengers in Dubai but fatally stabbed one and wounded several others. The motive for the hijacking was to secure the release of Islamist terrorists held in prison in India including Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and Masood Azhar, and a Pakistani backed Kashmiri militant, Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar. The three have since been implicated in other terrorist actions, such as the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, 2002 kidnapping and murder of Daniel Pearl, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, 2016 Pathankot attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack 'IC814' is set to land on September 29 on Netflix. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday celebrated Raksha Bandhan with a group of Pak Hindu women refugees in the national capital, who recently got Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He also described the occasion as 'one of the best Rakhi celebrations of his life.' The Union Minister on Monday met a group of the women CAA citizenship beneficiaries on the occasion of Rakhi, who tied the sacred thread on his wrist. Assuring them of safety and their right to Indian citizenship, he said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has provided respect and safety that is your right." He further said, "This is one of the best Raksha Bandhan celebrations of my life". He also said that due to the strong will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all these sisters have got Indian citizenship under CAA. He further stated the Citizenship Act would provide safety and security to the migrants who have been given nationality under the CAA and also asserted that India will continue to raise voice for the safety and security to the migrants of minorities in neighbouring countries. The CAA was passed by the Parliament in 2019, paving the way for granting Indian citizenship to persecuted religious minorities from neighbouing nations including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The migrants include Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Christians and Parsis. The Union Minister also shared pictures of Raksha Bandhan celebration with Sadhvi Rithambara and Brahmakumari sisters. In a post on X, he wrote, "Today I got the good fortune of receiving the blessings of Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara Ji in the form of Rakhi. Her affection and that of all the other sisters of Vatsalya Gram made this Raksha Bandhan special for me." Notably, the Rakshan Bandhan festival celebrates the bond between brother and sister and falls on the last day of the holy Hindu month of Shravan. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested five individuals, including two senior officials of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), in a bribery and corruption case traced to Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh. In a statement issued on Monday, the probe agency said that it has arrested Subedar Ojha, Manager (Secretariat), and Personal Secretary to the CMD of NCL, after recovering Rs 3.85 crore in cash from his residence during searches conducted on Saturday. "This amount was allegedly amassed from several contractors and officials in lieu of favours for their operations in NCL, Singrauli," the CBi said. The other arrested persons include Joy Joseph Damle, a DSP posted with the CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch in Jabalpur, Lt. Colonel (Retd) Basant Kumar Singh, Chief Manager (Administration) at NCL, Ravi Shankar Singh, proprietor of Sangam Engineering in Singrauli, and his aide Diwesh Singh. Ravi Shankar Singh, an alleged middleman, was reportedly acting as a conduit between various contractors/businessmen and several officials of NCL, facilitating and delivering bribes to the officials of NCL, a 'Mini Ratna' company under the Coal Ministry that has come under scanner following the CBI operation. Ravi Shankar Singh's aide Diwesh Singh was caught red-handed while delivering Rs 5 lakh bribe to CBI DSP Joy Joseph Damle in lieu of obtaining a favourable report in matters pertaining to complaints pending against them with the CBI. Ravi Shankar Singh and Diwesh Singh were acting as middlemen between NCL officials and Damle. It was alleged that on August 16, on the instructions of Ravi Shankar Singh, his employee Ajay Verma collected the aforesaid undue advantage of Rs 5 lakh from Lt. Colonel Basant Kumar Singh (Retd), Chief Manager (Administration), NCL, Singrauli. The bribe amount was allegedly sent by Subedar Ojha, and on August 17, Ravi Shankar Singh instructed Diwesh Singh to deliver the amount to DSP Damle. Earlier, a regular case was registered against Ravi Shankar Singh, Lt Colonel Basant Kumar Singh, Subedar Ojha, Diwesh Singh, Joy Joseph Damle, and other officials and unknown others. Searches were conducted at several places in Singrauli, Jabalpur, and Noida during which a large amount of cash, digital devices, and several incriminating documents were seized. Mumbai, Aug 19 : Amid repeated criticism by the pro-Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said he does not oppose the Maratha quota and whatever Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's decision is, he will abide by it as he is "working closely" with the Chief Minister. "If Chief Minister says that when he tries to take any decision regarding Maratha reservation and I stop that attempt then at that very moment I will resign from my post and also retire from politics," the Deputy Chief Minister told media persons. While responding to Jarange-Patil's allegations that although the Chief Minister wants reservation for the Maratha community, it is Fadnavis who stops such attempts, the Deputy Chief Minister asked why Jarange-Patil has been singling him (Fadnavis) out over the issue of the Maratha reservation. Jarange-Patil recently alleged that Fadnavis has laid out a trap for him and is taking the help of BJP and OBC leaders. "I imagine that Manoj Jarange has a special love for me. All the powers of the state are with the Chief Minister. All other ministers work under the Chief Minister. He is the final authority. Eknath Shinde and I work together. He has my full support. Jarange-Patil should ask Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to answer over the Maratha quota," he said. Fadnavis said that during his chief ministership, the Act was passed providing reservation to the Maratha community in education and jobs but it was dismissed by the Supreme Court following inaction by the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. He added that the MahaYuti government has already passed an act providing a 10 per cent quota to the Maratha community which is now pending in the court for its ruling. "Whatever decisions have been taken till date for the Maratha community, either I or Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have taken them. I have stood firmly behind the Chief Minister. Trying to create a conscious narrative is inappropriate," the Deputy Chief Minister said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has put up a strong defence for Fadnavis saying the latter had played a crucial role in bringing the legislation providing a 10 per cent quota for the Maratha community. "The opposition does not want that the Maratha community should get the reservation. When Fadnavis was the Chief Minister, the government provided a quota for the Maratha community. Fadnavis's opposition to the Maratha quota is completely wrong. There is no truth in Jarange-Patil's allegations," the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister said that all the decisions taken to benefit the people have been unanimously. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Amid suspense over 'sidelined' Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Champai Soren's next move, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Monday sought to express solidarity with him and said that the treatment meted out to popular tribal leader by his own party is unacceptable and goes against the accepted norms of democracy. The Hindustani Awami Morcha (HAM) chief said that many leaders including him were saddened over the 'affront and insult' that Champai Soren was subjected to, despite being Jharkhand Chief Minister for seven months. Manjhi said, "When someone is given respect, elevated to certain position and then suddenly removed, it is disheartening. Champai Soren served as CM for seven months, performed well in Jharkhand, and followed in the footsteps of Hemant Soren. It never seemed like he was acting against the party. After Hemant Soren was released from jail, he was shown the door without any reason." "If Champai Soren feels hurt in this situation, it is understandable, and we share his pain. Such actions should not occur in a democracy," he added. Manjhi's show of support for Champai Soren assumes importance in light of the fact that he 'welcomed' him into the NDA fold, on Sunday evening. As Champai Soren's unplanned visit to Delhi on Sunday triggered speculations of his switchover to BJP, the HAM chief wrote on X, "Champai da, you were a tiger, you are a tiger and you will remain a tiger. Welcome to the NDA family. Johar Tiger." Champai Soren, once a close confidante of Hemant Soren, on Sunday wrote a detailed account of his humiliation and attempts to belittle the CM's chair by the party leadership, while he was at the helm. He also voiced strong dissatisfaction over his forced and ignominious exit to pave the way for Hemant Soren's anointment after his release from jail and also hinted at quitting the party. "Since then to the day when Jharkhand goes to polls, all three options will remain open before me - retiring from politics, floating a new outfit or uniting with an ally with similar interests," Champai Soren said. Jitan Ram Manjhi also lambasted the INDIA bloc over opposition to the lateral entry scheme in bureaucracy and deflated their 'hollow' claims of conspiracy against SCs, STs and OBCs. Citing his own example, he said, "I come from Scheduled Caste community in Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi included me in his cabinet and entrusted me with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises." New Delhi, Aug 19 : Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko arrived in New Delhi late Monday afternoon to attend the third India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers' meeting to be held at the Hyderabad House on Tuesday evening. "India's strategic importance has never been greater than it is now," the Japanese Foreign Minister said just before her arrival in India. On Tuesday, Kamikawa Yoko and Japan's Minister of Defence Minoru Kihara will hold the 2+2 talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. "Substantive discussions covering various spheres of India-Japan multifaceted partnership lie ahead," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X. This is Kamikawa Yoko's first visit to India since assuming the position as Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs. She is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "India is located in the centre of the Indian Ocean sea lanes connecting Asia and Africa, and is an important partner in realising a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' (FOIP). At this meeting, the two ministers will share their views on the strategic environment toward maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and confirm further strengthening of security and defence cooperation," Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said ahead of Kamikawa Yoko's New Delhi visit. Before the 2+2 talks, the Japanese Foreign Minister is also scheduled to hold discussions with EAM Jaishankar, where they will confirm their intention to deepen cooperative relations between the two countries in the areas of bilateral economic and development cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and in the international arena. Last month, during his visit to Tokyo for the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting, EAM Jaishankar stated that India-Japan ties are shaped by the regional and global environment and there is a need for a "contemporary partnership" in an era of new capabilities, new technologies, new challenges and new stresses. "Our goal, where Japan is concerned, is to increase investments rapidly. There are 1,400 Japanese businesses operating in India. We would like to see that number grow. And we have an investment target of 5 trillion yen, that is $42 billion by 2027. In India, I must tell you that Japan has long been associated with economic and technology advancement. It is not just the example of Japanese progress itself, but it is also reflected in the history of our collaboration," Jaishankar remarked at the Japan National Press Club on July 29. On the same day, the EAM held talks with Kamikawa Yoko where the Japanese Foreign Minister stated that Tokyo considers New Delhi as an important partner with which it intends to deepen cooperation and "co-create" new solutions through dialogue and collaboration. The two ministers agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and appreciated the steady progress of the high-speed rail project, a flagship project between India and Japan. Welcoming the expansion of recruitment for Indian nationals under the JET Programme and the start of the dispatch of Japanese Language Partners to India, they also exchanged views on cooperation regarding the Security Council reform, looking ahead at the Summit of the Future scheduled to be held at the UN Headquarters in New York, next month. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The most common way of hepatitis B infection in India is transmission from mother to baby, said doctors on Monday, after Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu questioned its administration on the first day of life. Taking to social media platform X.com, Vembu in a post asked why "young babies are given vaccines such as Hepatitis B". He claimed that he is "not anti-science" while questioning this. "One of the most common ways of hepatitis B infection in India is transmission from mother to baby. So it is important to screen the mothers who are positive and treat and in addition, it is extremely important to give the hepatitis B vaccine within a day of birth," Dr Neela Mohan, Senior Director and Head of Department of paediatric gastroenterology hepatology at Medanta, the Medicity, told IANS. While there is currently no treatment available for hepatitis B, the only way is to control it with vaccinations. "Since the burden of chronic hepatitis B infection is very high globally, and more than 3,500 people die every day with chronic hepatitis B infection, it is extremely important for India to curtail this infection, and an important step forward is to give vaccine soon after birth," Mohan said. The burden of hepatitis B is very high globally, including in India. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 3,500 people die from hepatitis viruses every day. From 1.1 million in 2019 the number of deaths rise to 1.3 million in 2022. Hepatitis B claimed the most lives (83 per cent), followed by hepatitis C (17 per cent). "If a newborn catches hepatitis B virus, and typically catches it from passing through a birth canal, the mother's birth canal that is contaminated with hepatitis B, they have a 90 per cent chance of going on to develop chronic liver disease/cirrhosis, and liver cancer, which obviously is a fatal disease," explained Dr Abby Phillips, popularly known as LiverDoc, on X. He added that the virus can also be spread among young children via "infected family members who did not know about it". "The hepatitis B vaccine is crucial because it protects babies from a serious liver infection that can lead to chronic disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Administering it on the first day of life provides immediate protection, especially if the mother unknowingly carries the virus," Dr. Arun Kr Gupta, Senior Consultant-Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, told IANS. The Hepatitis B vaccine has also been part of the national immunisation programme by the government for a long time. Phillips noted that the vaccine is safe and that "there is no downside to getting the hepatitis B vaccine at birth" Gupta also suggested the vaccine for "all unvaccinated adults" to prevent hepatitis and its severe complications. Mumbai, Aug 19 : Actress Dia Mirza, who is awaiting the release of her upcoming series 'IC814', has heaped praise on her co-actor Vijay Varma. The trailer of the series was unveiled on Monday, and it follows the story of the hijack of the Indian Airlines Flight 814 by the Pakistani militants of the terrorist outfit Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. At the Malhar Film Festival, Dia Mirza spoke about Vijay's immersive approach to his role. She expressed her admiration for his complete dedication to the character, revealing that she never caught a glimpse of him outside of his character during the entire shoot. Talking about the same, she said, "This guy has stayed in one space for his entire shoot. It was my dream to work with Vijay. On paper, we are part of the same story, but I never saw him at work. I have to find a way to make sure I get to work with him because I'm such a huge fan". 'IC814' is directed by Anubhav Sinha of 'Thappad', 'Mulk' and 'Article 15' fame. It is based on the hijack of the Indian Airlines Flight 814 shortly after it entered Indian airspace. The hijackers ordered the aircraft to be flown to a series of locations including Amritsar, Lahore, and across the Persian Gulf and Dubai. They finally forced the aircraft to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which at the time was controlled by the Taliban. The hijackers released 27 of 176 passengers in Dubai but fatally stabbed one and wounded several others. The motive for the hijacking was to secure the release of Islamist terrorists held in prison in India including Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and Masood Azhar, and a Pakistani-backed Kashmiri militant, Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar. The three have since been implicated in other terrorist actions, such as the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2002 kidnapping and murder of Daniel Pearl, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the 2016 Pathankot attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack 'IC814' is set to land on August 29 on Netflix. Chennai, Aug 19 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday wrote to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressing his disappointment for the 'drastic reduction' in budgetary allocation for the Southern Railways. In his letter to the Railway Minister, Stalin said: "We are disappointed that the allocation of funds for the Southern Railways under certain Heads of Accounts in the Regular Budget for Indian Railways for the financial year 2024-2025 is much less when compared to the allocations made in the Interim Budget in the same year." The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister pointed out that in the Interim Budget for 2024-25, the allocation towards new lines and doubling of lines were Rs.976.1 crore and Rs.2,214.4 crore, respectively. On the other hand, the revised allocation in the regular budget presented on by the government on July 23 was Rs.301.3 crore for new lines and Rs.1,928.8 crore for doubling of lines. "The above drastic reduction in allocation of funds by Rs.674.8 crores for new line projects will severely affect the progress of many important ongoing projects in Tamil Nadu," Stalin told Vaishnaw in the letter, listing out seven vital projects. "Similarly, reduction in allocation of funds for doubling projects by Rs 285.64 crore will definitely slow down the much-needed doubling projects in our state," Stalin added, listing out 12 line doubling projects. Stalin also told Vaishnaw that the railway works related to the Kilambakkam bus terminus, electric multiple unit (EMU) services, and mass rapid transit system (MRTS) lines need to be expedited. Baghdad, Aug 19 : Iraqi security forces have arrested a fugitive Islamic State (IS) terrorist from southern Baghdad, the Baghdad Operations Command (BOC) said on Monday. Based on precise intelligence information, an Iraqi force managed to apprehend the terrorist after carefully monitoring his movements and luring him to a tight ambush in the vicinity of Latifiya, some 40 km south of Baghdad, Xinhua news agency reported quoting BOC's statement. The captured terrorist has been handed over to the relevant authorities to complete the legal procedures against him, it added. The Islamic State once controlled major areas of Iraq and Syria, declaring a so-called caliphate in 2014. Although the group has been largely defeated and lost its territorial control by 2017, it continues to pose a security threat through sleeper cells and insurgent activities, particularly in Iraq's rural and less controlled areas. At its peak, the Islamic State - also known as Daesh - held about a third of Syria and 40 per cent of Iraq. By December 2017, it lost 95 per cent of its territory, including its two biggest properties, Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, and the northern Syrian city of Raqqa, its nominal capital. Ghaziabad, Aug 19 : Peethadhishwar of Sambhal Kalki Dham and former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Monday condemned Congress and the INDIA bloc for their silence on the murder and rape of a junior doctor in Kolkata. Ghaziabad, Aug 19 (IANS) Peethadhishwar of Sambhal Kalki Dham and former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Monday condemned Congress and the INDIA bloc for their silence on the murder and rape of a junior doctor in Kolkata. "When the Hathras case happened, all the opposition leaders were demanding the resignation of (UP Chief Minister) Yogi Adityanath but now everyone is silent," he said, referring to the September 2020 incident in the Uttar Pradesh district. Criticising the Mamata Banerjee government in the state over the Kolkara incident, Acharya Pramod Krishnam said: "What has happened in Bengal is a shame on humanity but more cruel than that is that all the doctors are shouting for security but no leader of the opposition is ready to speak on this." "They have become blind in the greed for power, they are worried about the vote bank," he claimed. The horrific rape and murder of a young trainee doctor, whose body was found on the premises of the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, have triggered a political blame game. The ruling Trinamool Congress has blamed the opposition Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India-Marxist for trying to foment trouble in the state. Chief Minister Banerjee blamed "outsiders" and the state's opposition parties for seeking to instigate trouble in the state, hitting out at 'Bam' (the Left) and Ram (the BJP) in the local lingo. While the Calcutta High Court on last Tuesday ordered the transfer of the rape and murder case to the CBI after coming down strongly on the Kolkata Police's handling of the incident, the Supreme Court on Sunday took suo motu cognisance of the case and a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud is scheduled to hear the case on Tuesday. Acharya Pramod also expressed concern over the situation of minorities in Bangladesh and criticised the opposition's silence on the issue. "So many atrocities are happening in Bangladesh but the opposition is silent. It is a pity that the level of the opposition has fallen. This is the misfortune of the country and democracy," he said. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) under the Uttar Pradesh government on Monday introduced a new scheme to enhance commercial activities in Greater Noida's Sector 22D and Sector 22A. In a press statement, YEIDA said that under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this scheme has been launched as part of an ongoing effort to transform Uttar Pradesh into 'Uttam Pradesh'. "This initiative will streamline the allocation of five types of shops and six types of commercial plots, fostering economic growth in the region," YEIDA said. YEIDA has also introduced various land allocation schemes, including the 'Affordable Housing Scheme', which is receiving positive response. Under the current scheme, shops with a super area ranging from 31.22 sq mt to 116.33 sq mt and plots with a super area ranging from 112 sq mt to 140 sq mt are available for allocation. Under the scheme, five types of shops will be available for allocation in Greater Noida's Sector 22D. Among these, SR-111 and SR-113R have an area of 31.22 sq mt each, with a reserve price premium set at Rs 1.19 crore. Meanwhile, SR-101 and SR-201 cover a total area of 116.33 sq mt each, with their reserve price premiums set at Rs 4.44 crore and Rs 2.06 crore, respectively. Similarly, SR-202 has an area of 105.4 sq mt, and its reserve price premium has been set at Rs 1.87 crore. On the other hand, Sector 22A also offers different categories of commercial plots. The plots under commercial footprint No. 5 and 7 have a super area of 112 sq mt, with a total reserve price premium set at Rs 3.05 crore. The plots under commercial footprint No. 10, 12, and 13 have a super area of 124 sq mt each, with their total reserve price premium set at Rs 3.38 crore. The super area of the plot of commercial footprint No. 22 in Sector 22A is 140 sq mt and its total premium amount on the reserve price is fixed at Rs 3.81 crore. Applicants can apply online for these plots and shops until September 6. All plots and shops will be allocated through e-auction, with ICICI Bank serving as the banking partner. These shops and plots are well-connected and located in prime locations. They are near Noida's upcoming Jewar International Airport, International Film City, Medical Device Park, and the dedicated MSME Apparel and Toy Park. Additionally, being located close to the Yamuna Expressway, they will also have connectivity to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. Sindhudurg : , Aug 19 (IANS) In a Raksha Bandhan day tragedy, three fishermen drowned while another managed to swim ashore after their fishing vessel took on water and sank in the Arabian Sea off the Sarjekot village in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district early on Monday, police said. According to police official Sushant V. Puralkar of the Achara Police Station, the boat had sailed for a regular fishing voyage in the deep seas on Sunday afternoon and was scheduled to return for the auspicious Nariyali Poornima and Raksha Bandhan celebrations on Monday. "Around 2 a.m., the boat suddenly started leaking, taking on a lot of water and started tilting, forcing the four sailors, including the owner, to abandon it and jump into the sea," Puralkar told IANS. The sole survivor, Vijay A. Dhurat, 52, had to swim for several hours before reaching Sarjekot village around 7 a.m. and alerting the locals and Achara Police about the disaster on the high seas. The Achara Police Station's Inspector Pradeep Powar informed the higher authorities, and along with the locals like Sarpanch Jerome Fernandes, Gram Panchayat Member Muzaffar Mujawar, other fisherfolk and police officials, launched a maritime and terrestrial search operation for the victims. After a few hours into the operation, the teams managed to recover the bodies of the deceased trio from the Vayangani and Saplebaug hamlets along the coast and shifted them to a government hospital. The boat owner was identified as Gangaram J. Adkar, 64, a retired schoolteacher and the Vice-President of Sarjekot Fishermen Association, and the other two deceased were Laxman S. Surve, 65 and Prasad B. Surve, 33, both from the nearby Hadi-Jatharwadi village, said the police official. Their bodies have been sent to the Masure Civil Hospital for autopsies and will be handed over to their families for performing the last rites later, said Puralkar. The sole survivor Dhurat is admitted to the Achara Primary Health Centre for treatment and the police will record his statement later on the probable causes of the festival day accident that plunged Sarjekot and Hari-Jatharwadi villages into sorrow. Jaipur, Aug 19 : In a tragic turn of events, a Class 10 student who was stabbed by his classmate at a government school in Udaipur on Friday, succumbed to his injuries on Monday. The 15-year-old student, identified as Devraj Mochi, sustained severe injuries after being stabbed by his classmate following an altercation on Friday. He was admitted to the MB Hospital where his condition deteriorated at around 3 p.m. on Monday. As soon as the news of his demise was confirmed by the doctors, a large contingent of police was deployed outside the hospital, officials said. On Friday, violence broke out in the city after the stabbing incident when nearly half-a-dozen cars were set on fire by an angry mob, while incidents of stone pelting were also reported from certain parts of the city. As per reports, the students were from different communities which led to tension in the city. District Collector Arvind Poswal and Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal held a meeting with the hospital administration at around 3.30 p.m. on Monday, following which the SP instructed to build barricades outside the Emergency ward for security purposes. Entry of people has been barred at both the main gates of the hospital. As per sources, at around 2 p.m., Devraj's sister Suhani and a cousin had tied rakhi to him after obtaining approval from the District Collector, praying for his long life. Police forces have also been deployed in different parts of the city to prevent any untoward incident, while the internet ban has also been extended till 10 p.m. to stop the spread of rumours. SP Goyal and other officers are personally monitoring the security arrangements in the hospital premises. District collector and SP were in hospital at the time of filing the report. Commenting on the tragic development, state Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham said, "I appeal to all to maintain law and order. We will try to give the harshest punishment to the accused. Our government stands with the bereaved family." Meanwhile, Devraj's mother has demanded that the culprit should be hanged. On Friday, the two classmates, both aged 15 years, got into a fight during post-lunch hours at a government school in the Bhatiyani Chauhatta area following which one student stabbed the other with a knife.. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with many schoolchildren, who tied rakhis on his wrist and also shared a memorable and gratifying moment with him. The school children not only tied rakhis to PM Modi but also engaged in a brief banter where some sought his suggestions on contributing in nation-building while others recited small poems and bhajan. PM Modi had a light-hearted conversation with many children, as the latter posed a series of questions ranging from his favourite colour to suggestions on staying fit. In a video released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), many school children could be seen making a beeline for the 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, with their eyes beaming and faces brimming with joy. Many young girls from various schools arrived at PM's residence on Monday and tied the sacred thread on his wrist. A specially designed rakhi captured the attention of all, as it featured PM Modi and his mother Heeraben's picture, highlighting the theme of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. "You made a very beautiful rakhi," an elated PM Modi said while the girl tied rakhi on his wrist. Many students, who brought flowers, sweets and even a hand-made portrait of PM Modi, also shared their excitement and joy of meeting the Prime Minister for the first time and celebrate the special occasion with him. "I am feeling overjoyed as I will meet him for the first time," said a girl student while another said, "He looked like a friend to me, I felt very good." A girl student enquired from the Prime Minister on how they can contribute to his Viksit Bharat vision, to which he replied, "keep yourself and society fit and healthy." "Whatever we do, there should a feeling of greater well-being for the society," he further advised. PM Modi also gave an autograph to a girl child and shared a hearty laugh when she sought 'one more' for her sister. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister extended his heartfelt wishes to the nation on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. "Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolizing the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in your relationships and happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in life," he wrote on X. The festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond of love between brothers and sisters. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The WazirX data security breach, which resulted in a massive theft of over Rs 2,000 crore worth of digital assets, has once again exposed persistent vulnerabilities within the crypto ecosystem, experts said on Monday, demanding a thorough investigation by state authorities considering the magnitude of the cyber-crime. The mega theft occurred at a time when the country has put robust anti-money laundering rules and a tax structure for cryptocurrencies in place, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been busting fake cryptocurrency rackets across the country. According to cyber-security and legal experts, there are four important legal aspects of the WazirX controversy which need to be addressed urgently. "First, its user agreement policy states that the exchange can indefinitely terminate or suspend a user's account and decline to process any deposit or withdrawal even without proper due notice. One-sided agreements violate the New Consumer Protection Act, 2019, hence are unlawful," Virag Gupta, a Supreme Court lawyer and cyber law expert, told IANS. Second, there was a significant delay in reporting this matter to the police. "Considering the magnitude of this crime, alleged to amount to more than Rs 2,000 crore, it cannot be restricted to a matter between investors and the exchange. Based on provisions of the Information Technology Act and new BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) Code, the exchange was duty-bound to inform police alongside other law enforcement authorities to maintain due process," Gupta mentioned. Third, the Income Tax and EDI (electronic data interchange) authorities need to investigate possible misuse of the captured amount for illegal purposes (like acts of terror and drugs, etc.). "While a clean chit has been given based on a third-party forensic assessment through a subsidiary of Google, the investigation was not comprehensive and only covered specific aspects and trails. It is critical for a thorough investigation to be led by state authorities considering the magnitude of the crime," Gupta told IANS. Finally, this episode reiterates the increasing need for effective regulation and rules for crypto-trading in India which can help safeguard investors and broader national interests, said the expert. In 2022, the Indian government introduced a 30 per cent tax on virtual currencies and a 1 per cent deduction for every crypto transaction. WazirX's accounts worth Rs 64.67 crore were frozen in August 2022 after the ED launched a money-laundering investigation into the crypto exchange's alleged role in assisting some Indian fintech firms and loan apps by transferring money for them to unknown foreign wallets, according to reports. The ED later lifted the ban on WazirX accessing its bank accounts, allowing the crypto exchange to resume its banking operations. Prabhu Ram, VP-Industry Research Group, CyberMedia Research (CMR) told IANS that the WazirX breach highlights the critical imperative to have enhanced security protocols and robust risk management strategies to safeguard investor interest and assets. "Such incidents erode trust in the industry and emphasize the imperative for regulatory frameworks to address the growing challenges posed by cyber threats," Ram noted. Jammu, Aug 19 : A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer was killed on Monday in a terrorist attack in J&K's Udhampur district. Officials said that a CRPF officer identified as Inspector Kuldeep Singh was killed by the terrorists when they attacked a routine patrol party of the CRPF in the Cheel area of Ramnagar in Udhampur district. "The terrorists opened indiscriminate fire in which inspector Kuldeep Kumar was martyred. The area has been cordoned off for searches", officials said. Terrorists have carried out ambush attacks against the army, security forces and civilians during the last two months in Udhampur, Kathua, Reasi, Doda, Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu division. After reports of a group of 40 to 50 hardcore foreign mercenaries operating in the area came in, the army deployed over 4,000 highly trained soldiers including elite Para commandos and those trained in mountain warfare to deal with this new wave of terrorism. The modus operandi of these terrorists has been to carry out surprise attacks and then disappear in the densely forested and foliaged mountains of these districts. To counter this strategy of the terrorists, the army and the CRPF have been deployed at the mountain tops of Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Doda districts. Due to the presence of the security forces inside the dense forests and over the rugged terrain of these mountainous districts during the last fortnight, the security forces have been able to engage the terrorists in exchange for firing at a number of places. --IANS sq/dan Bengaluru, Aug 19 : Karnataka Congress on Monday staged protests across the state against Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's decision to order an investigation against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case, saying that he (Governor) too can face former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-like situation. "If the Governor is not called back by the Union government a fierce protest would be launched in the state. The Governor might face the situation like Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. To enforce his (Governor) resignation, he may face a similar situation like Bangladesh," Congress MLC Ivan D' Souza said while addressing a protest gathering in the coastal town of Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district. Minister for Housing and Wakf B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan said the opposition cannot tolerate that an OBC leader has become the Chief Minister for the second time so they are conspiring against him. "We will fight this case in court. We are confident of getting justice. The BJP-JD(S) cannot remove our Chief Minister from office. We all support Siddaramaiah. If unrest arises in the state, the Governor will be responsible," Khan said while addressing a gathering at the Freedom Park in Bengaluru, He said that the 14 sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's family during the rule of the BJP government. "They are attempting to topple the Congress government. We have trust in the judiciary. It will not be possible for the BJP-JD(S) to dethrone Siddaramaiah," Minister Zameer said. The Congress workers in Mangaluru pelted stones on a private bus while also blocking road and burnt tyres. In Bengaluru, Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy said that the BJP-led Union government has turned the Governor's office into a mere clerical office. "Union government is not giving the respect due to the Governor. They are treating the Governors like clerks. Even though there are no allegations against the Chief Minister, they are concocting false reasons and conspiring against them," he said. He said that the BJP stands for "Bundle of Lies Party" as they are "unparalleled" in spreading lies. "During Hitler's regime in Germany, a minister was appointed to tell lies a hundred times until they became the truth. Similarly, the BJP is now trying to turn lies into truth by speaking them on social media and in front of the media every day," he said. Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda maintained the Governor has attacked every Kannadiga. "Our state government has fought against the Union government on issues like taxes, Cauvery, Krishna, and Mahadayi. Therefore, they are using the Governor to destabilise the government. They are trying to oppress Kannadigas," he said. He said that the Governor is "unfit" and is an "agent" of the BJP. "He has neither honour nor dignity? He should leave the state," he said. The protests across the state were led by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's move to induct experts and specialists into the bureaucracy has met with opposition from one of its allies -- the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Speaking to mediapersons on Monday, LJP chief Chirag Paswan said that the lateral entry scheme of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is "completely wrong" as it bypasses the reservation system and deprives the backward classes of an opportunity for recruitment to top posts. Voicing concerns over the lateral entry of experts in government departments and ministries, Paswan said that his party will raise the matter with the Central government. "My party believes that all government recruitments should include provisions for the reservation system. Since reservations are not available in the private sector, they should definitely be present in government sectors," the LJP chief said. "In this lateral entry scheme, the reservation system has not been considered, which is a matter of concern for all of us. Even though I am part of the government, my party is not in favour of this," Paswan added. "We will raise the matter with the government at the right forum," he said. LJP's opposition to the lateral entry scheme comes close on the heels of the Opposition accusing the BJP of hatching a conspiracy to deny the backward classes their right to earn representation in government departments. The Congress and other INDIA bloc constituents have opposed the scheme, calling it an "assault on the concept of social justice" and also an attempt to "infiltrate" RSS-affiliated men in top posts. Rahul Gandhi called it "privatisation of IAS" scheme. Notably, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Saturday issued a notification for filling 45 senior positions in various ministers, at the ranks of Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries. The purpose of lateral entry is to bring people with domain expertise and technical know-how into the respective departments for steering effective policy making. Islamabad, Aug 19 : Pakistan government's attempt to attribute frequent internet disruptions to more usage of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) has been slammed by the country's digital rights advocates, businessmen and IT experts who have labelled it as "unconvincing reasoning". The government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has come under a serious criticism for recent disruptions and slow internet speed across the country. Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja has blamed a surge in VPN usage for putting an undue stress on Pakistan's internet infrastructure, which she said was the reason behind slow browsing speed. However, digital rights activists and advocates do not agree with the minister's explanation. "The minister should first explain what has caused this sudden surge in VPN use. Is it the ban on X or more recently the WhatsApp disruption due to which media could not be transferred or downloaded on data. Meta, the partner company of WhatsApp has already clarified that there is no issue on their end and that it is a local fault. So what is causing this?" questioned digital rights advocate Farieha Aziz. The rights advocate said that the government had first stated that it was installing a firewall to ensure cyber security but later gave other reasons for the disruption. They maintained that similar claims were made before blocking X when the government first claimed it as a probable technical glitch and issued an official notification later, announcing the ban on X. "We will see how this claim stands in the days to come. The government obviously does not believe in disclosure or transparency and continues to mislead and lie publicly," said Aziz. The growing frustration amongst the masses over the government's handling of internet-related issues is quite visible now. Experts say that Sharif will have to find a solution to the internet issues, especially at a time when his government is promoting plans to improve the country's IT infrastructure. "The IT minister's statement gives a hint that there is some problem and that is the reason why a large number of people have been forced to use VPN," said Tanveer Nandla, an IT and digital marketing expert. "The government is deliberately disrupting the internet on some IPs in random regions to create confusion," he added. The expert claimed that the government was using the Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) firewall which creates a bottleneck and drops down the internet speed. The business sector is also raising serious concerns over the frequent disruptions, stating that it has had a severe impact on the IT sector. "Frequent internet outages, slow speed and high costs are crippling our economy and hindering the ability to compete in global markets," said Kashif Anwar, President of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). The business community has warned the government of a possible mass exodus of businesses from Pakistan if the situation continues. Mumbai, Aug 19 : The upcoming film 'Berlin', which stars Aparshakti Khurana, Ishwak Singh, and Rahul Bose, is heading for its release on OTT. The film is set against the backdrop of 1990s New Delhi and is an espionage drama. It was recently screened at the ongoing Indian Film Festival of Melbourne at Hoyts Cinema. The story revolves around three main characters whose lives are about to collide in unexpected ways. Ishwak Singh essays the role of a deaf-mute young man accused of being a foreign spy. Aparshakti Khurana will be seen as a sign language expert tasked with unlocking the secrets hidden in silence. The film is directed by Atul Sabharwal. Atul Sabharwal said: "With 'Berlin', we've created a spy thriller that is sure to keep the audiences on the edge of their couches. The on-screen chemistry between Aparshakti and Ishwak is nothing short of electric - it's a treat that I believe viewers will thoroughly enjoy. We've poured our hearts and souls into this project, and I'm optimistic it will strike a chord with viewers. The entire team is excited and eagerly looking forward to the premiere. 'Berlin' is our labour of love that we can't wait to share with the world." Anupriya Goenka portrays an enigmatic agent, with her loyalties shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile, Rahul Bose races against time as an intelligence officer, fighting not just external threats but also the shadows within his own agency. Producer Manav Shrivastav said: "'Berlin' is a movie that pushes the boundaries of the espionage genre in Indian content, and we are very happy that it will soon premiere on the platform for audiences to watch it. We're confident that this partnership with ZEE5 will help us reach a far wider audience." Produced by Zee Studios and Yippee Ki Yay Motion Pictures, 'Berlin' will soon drop on ZEE5. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 19 : Austria and other German-speaking European market can benefit immensely by striking strategic partnerships with startups, IT, and ITEs companies in Kerala, Austrian Trade Commissioner and Commercial Counselor, Hans-Joerg Hoertnagl, said on Monday. Hoertnagl, who visited the state-owned Technopark IT campus on Monday, said, "India could be an excellent partner for Austria in IT/ITes services." "The German-speaking market is the largest in European Union (EU) after the exit of the UK, and Austria is the heart of that ecosystem," Hoertnagl said during an interaction with the officials of Technopark and representatives of G-Tech, KSUM and ICT Academy there. Four startup delegations from India visited Austria in the last one-and-a-half years to explore the German-speaking market, said Hoertnagl. Vasanth Varada, DGM, Customer Relationships, Technopark, made a detailed presentation on the achievements of Technopark, which is India's first IT Park, and the vibrant ecosystem of the state. "About 150 Austrian companies have been established in different sectors in India. Our strong area is automotive supply chain and manufacturing of prototypes of engines. We are also active in sectors like hydropower plants, airport communication systems, and supplying of fire fighting vehicles at Indian airports," said Varada. "For startups, Austria offers all supports including assistance from nine regional chambers and the Austrian Business Agency. A startup hub has been set up at the University of Vienna to foster entrepreneurship among students," the official informed. Austrian companies are engaged in various projects across the country, including traffic management, toll systems, cable car project at the Kashi temple, e-waste technology, and green-tech projects, sources said. Established by the government of Kerala, Technopark aims to provide infrastructure and support facilities needed for IT/ITES and electronics companies to function. In addition to office space, it provides utilities and connectivity, which is done either directly or through private partners. Besides, Technopark also provides business incubation facilities for startup firms as well as some social infrastructure for those working in the park. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Fast-bowler Matthew Potts has been named in England's playing eleven for the first Test against Sri Lanka, starting at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The right-handed batter, Harry Brook has been named vice-captain in the series which sees Ollie Pope as the stand-in skipper in Ben Stokes' absence. New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Fast-bowler Matthew Potts has been named in England's playing eleven for the first Test against Sri Lanka, starting at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The right-handed batter, Harry Brook has been named vice-captain in the series which sees Ollie Pope as the stand-in skipper in Ben Stokesa absence. Potts, whose last appearance in the longer format came in the one-off Test against Ireland in June 2023, gets into the eleven ahead of fellow pacer Olly Stone and uncapped batter Jordan Cox. His inclusion comes at the expense of Stokes, who was ruled out of the rest of the summer due to a hamstring injury sustained during the recent Men's Hundred competition. With Potts slotted at number nine, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson will now play at six, seven and eight respectively, as England now have four fast-bowling options to cover up for Stokesa absence. Middle-order batter Dan Lawrence, who last played a Test on the tour of West Indies in 2022, will open the batting alongside Ben Duckett following Zak Crawley being ruled out due to a broken finger sustained in Englandas 3-0 series triumph over the West Indies. Interestingly, Lawrence has not batted as a specialist opener in his 11-match Test career. Through the first Test at Manchester, Pope will become the 82nd men's Test captain for England. With him and Brook in leadership roles, it's evident that England are looking to groom leaders for the future. After the first Test at Manchester, England and Sri Lanka will play the second game of the three-match series at Lordas on August 29, followed by the last game at The Oval commencing on September 6. England Playing XI: Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood and Shoaib Bashir New Delhi, Aug 19 : Russian Navy's Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev, began a four-day official visit to India on Monday, an official statement said. The visit, which will last till August 22, is a testimony to the longstanding relationship between the navies of Russia and India, the statement said, adding that the Indian Navy cooperates with the Russian Navy on many fronts, which include operational interactions, training, hydrographic cooperation, and exchange of Subject Matter Experts in various fields through the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC M&MTC) mechanism. This visit aims to strengthen bilateral naval relations between India and Russia, as well as to explore new avenues for naval cooperation, it said. On Monday, Admiral Moiseyev called on Indian Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi. Both the naval chiefs held discussions on collaborative mechanisms and measures to further strengthen navy-to-navy cooperation. He was also accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns. The Indian Navy has also been interacting with the Russian Navy in various multilateral forums, viz. the IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium), MILAN, IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), WPNS (Western Pacific Naval Symposium), and ADMM-Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus). The Russian Navy chief is also scheduled to meet the Chief of Defence Staff, the Defence Secretary, the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, and the National Maritime Security Coordinator, as part of his official engagements in New Delhi. In addition to New Delhi, Admiral Moiseyev will also visit Mumbai, where he will hold bilateral discussions with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, as well as visit indigenous warships & submarines, the naval dockyard, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. Joining the Navy in the Soviet era as a submariner, Admiral Moiseyev has commanded both the Black Sea and the Northern Fleet. He was named the acting Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy in March 2024, replacing Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, who had held the post since 2019. Chennai, Aug 19 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday said that he was overwhelmed at how Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh spoke about his father and former Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi during the release of the commemorative coin to mark his centenary. Stalin, who is also the President of DMK, said that the Defense Minister's speech should be recorded in history, adding that the speech was better than that made by many of his party leaders and alliance leaders. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister referred to Rajnath Singh's gesture calling upon the audience to give a standing ovation to Karunanidhi during the release of the commemorative coin and said that he was overwhelmed with happiness "that cost him his sleep" on Sunday night. He was speaking at a family function hosted by DMK leader and legislator K.P. Shankar. Stalin further said that there was no compulsion for Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to praise Kalaignar to such an extent. He said, "There was no necessity but Minister Rajnath Singh spoke straight from his heart." He also rejected the claims made by Opposition leader, Edappadi K.Palaniswamy that there were secret ties between the BJP and DMK and added that the DMK did not have to have secret ties with the BJP. Stalin said that the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had said that Karunanidhi would either support or oppose but would never give up on principles. On the criticism by EPS as to why Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was not invited to the function, Stalin maintained that the coin was being released by the Union government and so a Union minister was invited. Sofia, Aug 19 : Bulgarian President Rumen Radev on Monday refused to appoint the caretaker government proposed by the Prime Minister nominee Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva, and withdrew her nomination. After receiving Kozhareva's cabinet lineup, Radev said her proposal could not guarantee the calming of the political situation and the holding of fair elections. In particular, Radev expressed disagreement with Kozhareva's proposal that the current Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov would stay in the position. According to the local media reports, Radev asked Kozhareva to nominate another candidate to helm the Interior Ministry within four hours but she immediately refused to do so. In response, Radev said her engagement to form a government was over. However, the president said he would continue to try to convince potential candidates for caretaker prime minister to undertake the task. The current caretaker government led by Dimitar Glavchev would continue to serve until the formation of a new caretaker government, Xinhua news agency reported. On August 9, Radev nominated Kozhareva as the new caretaker prime minister, tasking her with proposing a caretaker government. Kozhareva, currently acting head of the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO), was selected from a very limited pool of eligible candidates defined by constitutional amendments passed in December 2023. These amendments stipulate that the caretaker prime minister must be chosen from among the speaker of the National Assembly, the governor or deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, the president or vice-president of the BNAO, or the Ombudsman or a deputy Ombudsman. Mumbai, August 19 : Amid nationwide protests against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata's R.G. Medical College and Hospital, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday urged President Droupadi Murmu to expedite the assent to a Bill on crimes against women and children passed by the government led by Uddhav Thackeray three years back. In a letter to the President, Chaturvedi said the Bills were cleared under the leadership of then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in the state legislature, but they are awaiting the President's assent ever since. The Bill in question is Shakti Criminal Laws (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2020. "This would be the most fitting gift to the women of the state and the nation on the occasion of Rakhi," she said. Stating that the Shakti Bill is significant and historic as it prioritises womenas safety and calls for stringent punishment and swift prosecution, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP reiterated that it has been awaiting the Presidentas assent since 2021. "The delay in granting assent to the Bill has understandably raised concerns among the citizens of Maharashtra, especially considering the increasing cases of violence against women and children. Today, as the country celebrates Raksha Bandhan which symbolises protection and care, I find it particularly important to emphasise immediate attention to this matter," said Chaturvedi. "I respectfully urge your esteemed office to consider this matter with the urgency it merits, facilitating the Billas swift enactment into law. As a woman parliamentarian, I am convinced that such a step would reaffirm our unwavering dedication to advocating womenas safety, not only in Maharashtra, but across India, especially at a time when this cause demands our immediate attention and action," she added. Chaturvedi also said that the country is witnessing large-scale protests after the R.G. Kar incident, which is a reminder to 2012 Nirbhaya case, exposing how unsafe women continue to feel in the country. "In India, 51 crimes against women take place each hour... Such cases have shaken the womenas trust in the countryas legal system which fails to protect them. The pain, fear, and anger of crores of women are justified. They reemphasise the need to prioritise womenas safety and access to faster justice. As a woman, I am certain that you share their sentiment and agree that the need to walk the talk towards womenas safety is now," she said. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday chaired a meeting of the army's top brass to discuss the future course of the Indian Army during the Amrit Kaal, aligning with the government's vision to make India a developed country, a significant global player and one of the most desirable countries by 2047. New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday chaired a meeting of the armyas top brass to discuss the future course of the Indian Army during the Amrit Kaal, aligning with the governmentas vision to make India a developed country, a significant global player and one of the most desirable countries by 2047. The discussions were centred around ongoing transformational initiatives by the Indian Army and its contribution towards achieving the objective of Viksit Bharat 2047. The meeting, which will continue on August 20, is being attended by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chiefs (GOC-in-Cs) of the Indian Army's seven commands. The COAS exhorted all stakeholders to promote Atmanirbharta, strive to achieve self-reliance in the Indigenisation of equipment, platforms, and weapons, and support Indian Defence Industries in not only developing world-class equipment but also facilitating becoming a leading defence exporter. The forum provided an opportunity for the Indian Armyas top brass to brainstorm on strategic issues and set the direction for the Indian Armyas transformation over the next two decades. The senior leadership engaged in interactive discussions to define the Army's role in the national vision and articulated the Indian Armyas Vision 2047 as: "To transform into a modern, agile, adaptive, technology-enabled, and self-reliant future-ready force, capable of deterring and winning wars in a multi-domain environment across the spectrum of operations, to protect our national interests in synergy with the other Services." The Ministry of Defence said that the Indian Army spearheaded the decade of transformation by declaring the year 2023 as the aYear of Transformationa and 2024 as the aYear of Technology Absorptiona to align its rank and file towards the transformative initiatives being undertaken. The senior leadership outlined several broad goals to be pursued in the next decade, including, theaterisation, reorganisation of Army and Command Headquarters, and realignment of Command, Corps and Area HQ boundaries. Other discussion agendas included world-class infrastructure development, and enhancing multi-domain and cross-domain operational capabilities to include land, air, cyber and space. The conduct of Data-Centric Operations by leveraging technology was deliberated to enhance the existing capabilities. In addition, a roadmap for capability development for the upgradation of Mechanised Forces, Artillery, Combat aviation, Air Defence and Infantry was discussed along with options for enhancement of logistics, ammunition infrastructure, requirement of new structures to support multi-domain operations and framework for expediting automation and networking of systems, processes and functions were discussed. Actions to enhance jointness and integration in armed forces were also discussed for strengthening joint service structures and organisations besides the need to establish common military stations and units for logistics, communication, and other essential services. Human Resource Development initiatives aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of personnel across the ranks were also deliberated upon. Sheena Childs had just turned on the deep fryer when it suddenly exploded in the Kangaroo Island shop. Mum Sheena Childs suffered serious burns to her body after the deep fryer blew up at Ki Fish and Chips on Kangaroo Island. Source: 7News A young mum has suffered serious burns to her face and arms after being caught in the firing line of a deep fryer that blew up at her work. Sheena Childs had just ignited the equipment on Saturday at Ki Fish and Chips on Kangaroo Island when it combusted, with the force of the gas explosion so strong it blew out the windows of the store. Emergency services rushed to the scene just after 5pm and 25 firefighters were reportedly needed to contain the flames. The Mayor of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Michael Pengilly, likened the scene to a "war zone". "The building can be repaired but lives can't be... if they're lost," Pengilly told 7News. "[It was] absolutely confronting." Paramedics provided immediate medical assistance to the mum before she was rushed to a hospital in Adelaide. The worker was hospitalised after the deep fryer explosion on Kangaroo Island. Source: 7News Damage to shop likely to cost tens of thousands It is unclear what caused the deep fryer to combust, however the sudden explosion not only inflicted serious injuries on the worker, but was also costly for the "devastated" owner. Early estimates suggest the damage to the property will likely cost tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. Pengilly sent his well wishes to the mum who remains in hospital. "Hopefully [she] will make a full recovery," he said. "The family are highly regarded in the community." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Apple on Monday revealed three students majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, including recent graduate Anuj Pachhel from the Government Medical College in Nagpur, who made Mac and iPad their trusted companions on the campus. To handle the intensive demands of his medical school curriculum, Pachhel opted for MacBook Pro, according to the company. "One aspect I loved was the battery life on the device," says Pachhel, who will continue his postgraduate studies this fall. "I had e-books for studies loaded on my Mac and used it extensively, and I was in awe of the speed," he added. Throughout his undergraduate years, Pachhel documented his academic adventures with iPhone and Mac, earning more than a million followers as he discussed what it was like studying for exams, attending college during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and what he did with his scarce free time along the way. "The Mac is so powerful at handling challenging tasks. I particularly love DaVinci Resolve Studio, as it uses many artificial intelligence features that tap the fast Neural Engine of my MacBook Pro, improving my editing speed," Pachhel explained. According to Apple, from creating apps, to taking bio notes, designing presentations, and editing video projects, college students turn to Mac and iPad for their longevity, portability, and reliability. With Apple Intelligence the personal intelligence system that puts powerful generative models at the core of Mac, iPad, and iPhone while setting a new standard for privacy this fall, they'll have even more tools to tackle the increasing demands of their fields. Research shows that students' course of study plays a major role in choosing their primary device. In fact, 65 per cent said this was an important factor, according to data from Futuresource Consulting. Agartala, Aug 19 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will attend the all-important plenary meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Agartala on August 31 and September 1, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said here on Monday. The Chief Minister said that the progress of various ongoing and proposed development projects, India-Bangladesh border-related and other important issues are likely to be discussed in the two-day NEC meeting in Agartala. He said that Governors and Chief Ministers of all the eight northeastern states and the senior officials of NEC and DoNER Ministry would participate in the important plenary meeting. The Union Home Minister in the last NEC meeting in Shillong had said that in the 50 years of its establishment, the NEC has increased the pace of development of the region by providing a policy-related platform to all the states and simplifying the solutions to their problems. He had said that in these 50 years, more than 12,000 km of roads have been constructed in this region, 700 MW power plants have been established and many institutes of national excellence have also been established under the guidance of NEC. Noting that the role and scope of NEC have been increased under the Act East Policy, the Home Minister said that in the last few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has achieved significant success in solving the problems of law and order, insurgency and borders in this region. Work has also been done to promote the use of technology in administration by using the North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC). He said that the language, culture, food, attire and natural beauty of the Northeast will give a great boost to this region in global tourism. The NEC, a regional planning and statutory advisory body for the eight northeastern states including Sikkim, was constituted under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, and came into being on November 7, 1972, with its headquarters in Meghalaya capital Shillong. The NEC is the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the northeastern region which consists of eight states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The Union Home Minister is the ex-Officio Chairman while the DoNER Minister is the ex-Officio Vice-Chairman of the NEC. Bengaluru, Aug 19 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday received much-needed relief from the High Court in connection with a writ petition seeking to quash the order of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, sanctioning an investigation against him. As a result of the order, Siddaramaiah obtained temporary immunity from the possibility of an FIR being filed and an investigation against him. The court has adjourned the matter until August 29, and until then, the lower court is bound not to issue any orders or directions. The bench, headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, also directed the Special Court for MLAs/MPs not to pass any orders until August 29 regarding the private complaints submitted by social activists T.J. Abraham and Snehamayi Krishna related to the MUDA case. The Special Court had reserved the matter for decision on Tuesday (August 20). Supreme Court counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for Siddaramaiah while Tushar Mehta, the Solicitor General of the Central Government, argued on behalf of the Governor's Special Secretary in the case. After hearing the arguments and counterarguments, the bench stated that it had provided a hearing to all parties. The bench noted that if the Special Court for MLAs/MPs were to pronounce its order, it would render the proceedings of the High Court moot and thus ordered the lower court to adjourn the case until August 29. Senior counsel and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested the court to adjourn the matter to Tuesday, as the copy of the petition had only been provided to the Governor on August 18. However, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi objected, insisting that the matter be taken up immediately, as the Special Court was set to take up the case on Tuesday and interim relief was needed. He argued that it was unnecessary to delay proceedings simply because the Governoras office had just received the writ petition. Singhvi further submitted that a response had already been provided for the show-cause notice issued to the Siddaramaiah and maintained that the petitions for which consent for prosecution was granted had malicious intent. He argued that the Governor had not considered the advice of the Cabinet before ordering the investigation and that no legal justification was provided for the sanctioning of the prosecution. Singhvi claimed that the move was an attempt to destabilise the government and that the Chief Minister had not made any recommendations or decisions related to the MUDA files. He also pointed out that while the Governor acted on the complaint against Siddaramaiah the same day it was filed, he had not taken any action on 12 pending complaints. According to Article 163, the Cabinet's decision to reject the petition should have been respected, he asserted. Singhvi further emphasised the background of one of the petitioners, T.J. Abraham, should have been scrutinised, noting that he had been fined by the Supreme Court. In response, Tushar Mehta argued that the Cabinet's decision was made to protect the Siddaramaiah and asserted that the Governor has the freedom to sanction prosecution against the Siddaramaiah. He cited a judgment by a five-judge bench to support the Governor's decision and argued that no interim relief should be granted. Amaravati, Aug 19 : Andhra Pradesh's Education, Information Technology and Electronics Minister, Nara Lokesh, on Monday invited Foxconn to develop a "manufacturing city", promising to provide all facilities to the company. The Minister, who met the Foxconn representatives at his residence in Undavalli, said the government would provide all facilities so that Foxconn can develop a amanufacturing citya to create more jobs. "Since you are planning to expand your activities across India, I want you to establish, not a mere one more unit, but a mega manufacturing city in the State. We will extend all cooperation for this," Lokesh told the delegation and said that the target of the state government is to provide 20 lakh jobs to the youth. He expressed confidence that Foxconn will play a major role in this. "Whatever assistance you need for the establishment of a mega manufacturing city, I will personally look after that and we will formulate a special plan for this," Lokesh told the team. He explained to them in detail about the available resources in the state for setting up their units and also the steps taken during the period from 2014 to 2019, when his TDP was in power, to attract investments to the state besides listing the IT companies that have set up their units in the state. Lokesh informed them how the Kia company was invited to the state during the period which he termed as a case study. Assuring the Foxconn delegation that a policy would be formulated to provide subsidies with the sole aim of providing employment, Lokesh informed them that a novel electronic policy would soon be formulated too. Maintaining that with the initiative taken by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, several companies, including Foxconn, had set up their units in the state during the 2014 to 2019 period, he reminded them that 14,000 jobs were provided for women during that time. Foxconn's Indian representative, Vi Li, praised the initiative being taken by Chandrababu Naidu in attracting investments to the state. Regretting that the company had faced certain difficulties in the state in the past five years, he said that the company had a very warm relationship with Andhra Pradesh. Stating that Foxconn has several units across the globe and has plans to expand its activities in the country, the company representative said that a decision will soon be taken after holding discussions with the officials of the state government. According to an official statement, the Foxconn Indian representative said that the company is ready to set up electric vehicle manufacturing, semiconductors, digital health, and manufacturing components units in Andhra Pradesh. He informed Lokesh that the company will certainly extend its cooperation in fulfilling the promise of providing 20 lakh jobs. The Foxconn representatives, in principle, agreed to invest heavily in the state and provide large-scale employment to the youth. Lokesh asked them to begin their exercise at the earliest possible. Besides Vi Li, the Director of Foxconn Chairman's office, Senthil Kumar, Deputy Director, Bharat Dandi, the Manager, Vector Chen, the IT and Electronics Principal Secretary, Sourabh Gour and others participated in the meeting. Agartala, Aug 19 : The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has served notice to the Superintendent of Police of the Gomati district and directed him to submit a report within four weeks over the lynching of government school teacher Abhijit Dey by some people, officials said on Monday. The three-member rights panel said that the commission would like to know the actual incident that occurred and therefore, before taking formal cognizance, like to receive a report from the Superintendent of Police through the Director General of Police. On receipt of the SP's report further steps would be taken by the Commission, a THRC official told IANS. The THRC, headed by Swapan Chandra Das, retired Tripura High Court judge, in its notice to the Gomati district police chief quoting the newspaper reports said that Dey was forcefully taken to the house of Sankar Karmakar on an allegation of sending a "bad message" to his minor daughter over the mobile phone. Thereafter, Dey was mercilessly beaten up by Karmakar and his associates and when his wife went to save him, she was also beaten up. After Dey (40) was brutally tortured in front of his wife on August 8 at Udaipur in Gomati district, he succumbed to his injuries on August 10. Amid the statewide protests over the 'lynching' of the government school teacher, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday visited the residence of the slain teacher Dey and assured the family members that the government would do everything to ensure justice. A group of lawyers also on Monday went to the house of Dey and assured his family members of providing all kinds of support. In connection with Dey's killing, Tripura Police have so far arrested four main accused -- Jayanta Saha, Sankar Karmakar, Suman Madrazee and Biswajit Saha -- and are looking for a few other attackers. In protest against the incident, many teachers' and students' bodies, NGOs, and political parties organised protest rallies in various parts of Tripura, especially in Udaipur almost regularly. Dey, a government school postgraduate teacher, used to teach a female student of Class 8 at her home. According to Dey's wife, on August 8, the girl asked the teacher to translate an English word, and he replied to the meaning of the particular word through WhatsApp chat, which was 'misinterpreted' by the girl and her parents. Later, the girl student's father, Sankar Karmakar, called Dey and his wife at their house and the teacher was severely thrashed by the girl's father and others. They also assaulted his wife -- also a government school teacher. The police went to the spot and rescued Dey before he was taken to Gomati district hospital for medical treatment. Dey's wife, who later filed a complaint with the police against four accused persons, said that after the assault, the girl student's family members filed a case against her husband at the Udaipur Women's Police Station with a "false accusation". Subsequently, the teacher was arrested and presented in a court, where he fell ill and started vomiting blood, following which he was again taken to the district hospital, which referred Dey to the government-run Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital in Agartala, where he succumbed to his injuries on August 10. A CPI-M delegation led by Opposition Leader Jitendra Chaudhury and a Congress delegation led by former minister Sudip Roy Barman separately met the family members of Dey. Both demanded severe punishment for the culprits. Congress and CPI-M leaders alleged that police and doctors were also negligent over the death of Dey and that an investigation must be done into their "suspicious" role. New York, Aug 19 : 'Muslims for Peace' participated in the India Day Parade here with the organisation's float joining those of Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians, negating another group's claim of an Islamic boycott of the annual event. Members of Muslims for Peace marched ahead of their float on Sunday with a banner reading 'Love for all, hatred for none' across Madison Avenue. Another organisation, 'Indian Muslims of North America', had announced that they were withdrawing from the parade in protest against the inclusion of a float depicting the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The announcement of boycott by the group's president Imtiaz Siamwalla featured prominently in a news story on CNN's website, which ignored the participation by Muslims for Peace. Ironically, while Siamwalla was quoted as saying the Mandir float was a "symbol of bias against Muslims", the Muslims for Peace included members of the Ahmadiyya community who are themselves victims of Islamic persecution. The Indian American Muslim Council that led a campaign against the Ayodhya float criticised its inclusion as "Muslim hate, bigotry" and tried unsuccessfully to ban it. But Ahmadiyyas are victims of Islamic hate and bigotry. For example, they are forbidden from "practising aspects of their faith under Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws" and face persecution, according to the Amnesty International, which documented the deaths of three persons in an attack on the community last month. In contrast, in India, Ahmaddiyas are free to practise their religion. Besides the Mandir and Muslims for Peace floats, a tableau honouring Guru Teg Bahadur and another one from the National Association of Indian Christians in the USA also joined the parade. The International Organisation of Bene Israel-USA representing the Jews of India and a group of Buddhists proclaiming 'Om Shanti' also marched in the parade, showcasing India's religious diversity, as the Indian diaspora joyously celebrated their homeland's cultural richness and religious diversity. Men and women, in a cascade of colours, beat traditional drums from Maharashtra heralding the Ram Mandir float, as people rushed spontaneously past barriers to greet it along the route. The parade with thousands marching and many more watching wended along Madison Avenue in a kaleidoscope of colour. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 19 : Hours after the damning Justice K. Hema Committee Report on the conditions of women working in the Malayalam film industry, containing shocking revelations on how women in the film industry are being sexually exploited, was finally released on Monday, Kerala's Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan slammed the Pinarayi Vijayan government for keeping this report in cold storage since 2019. Justice Hema (retd) submitted her report in 2019 after being appointed by the Vijayan government in 2017 and it cost the state government Rs 1.50 crore. However, it was only after a long-drawn legal battle that the report was released on Monday, even amid last-minute attempts to delay the release. "This is a grave crime done by the Vijayan government and we wish to know why was this report kept in cold storage. Was it to save those who did the exploitation? The need of the hour is a special police probe team headed by a top woman IPS official and bring to book all the wrong-doers, whosoever they are and wherever they are placed," said Satheesan. Incidentally, state Culture and Films Minister Saji Cherian said he has been the Minister for the past over three years and to date, no complaint of any exploitation has come before him. "Now a report has been published and it speaks of such things, but I am ready to order a probe if there is any complaint. I wish to inform all that no one needs to be worried and any woman coming with a complaint will face no duress," he said. "We are holding a conclave in the next few months wherein all leading lights of the film industry from various segments will be invited and a threadbare discussion will take place and all burning issues will be addressed," Cherian added. The Hema Committee's 289-page report's opening reads: "The sky is full of mysteries; with the twinkling stars and the beautiful moon. But, scientific investigation revealed that stars do not twinkle nor does the moon look beautiful. The study, therefore, cautions: 'Do not trust what you see, even salt looks like sugar'." "The experiences which many women have gone through in cinema are really shocking and are of such gravity that they had not disclosed those details even to the close family members. Surprisingly, in the course of our study, we came to know that certain men also had suffered a lot of issues in the industry and many of them, including some very prominent artistes, were unauthorisedly banned from working in cinema for a considerable length of time. It was shocking to know that the sole reason for such unauthorised banning was due to very silly reasons. They would have knowingly or unknowingly 'invited wrath of one or other person from the powerful lobby in the industry, which rules the industry," it said. "The major issue which women face in the film industry is sexual harassment. It is the worst evil which women in cinema face in the film industry. Most of the women in cinema, who are known to be very bold, are reluctant and hesitant to divulge their bad experiences in cinema, particularly of sexual harassment. They are scared to disclose it even to their colleagues in the cinema, fearing consequences which they may have to face. They are afraid that if they divulge their issues to others, they will be banned from cinema and subjected to other harassment, since such persons are powerful in cinema and all men in cinema will stand together by them. By using fans and fan clubs, there would be severe online harassment against them (women artistes) on social media. They would also face a threat to life, not only to themselves but, even to their close family members also, it is stated by various witnesses. They are thus, silenced in cinema," the Justice Hema report said. "According to women in cinema, the harassment starts from the very inception. It is revealed from the statements of various witnesses who were examined before the committee that the production controller or whoever gives an offer for a role in cinema first' approaches the woman/girl or if it is the other way and, a woman approaches any person in cinema seeking a chance in cinema, she is told that she has to make 'adjustments' and "compromise" to take her in cinema. 'Compromise' and 'adjustment' are two terms which are very familiar among women in the Malayalam film industry and they are asked to make themself available for sex on demand.". "There may be instances of consensual sex, but women in cinema generally, are not willing to share a bed to get a chance in cinema. Another witness stated before the committee that there may also be women who would be willing to adjust to the demands and she herself has seen certain mothers who are conniving at the situation and believe that there is nothing wrong with it. The witness stated that this is a shocking reality. According to women in cinema, it is a sad state of affair that a woman has to surrender to sexual demands for her to get a job in cinema whereas there is no such state of affair in any other field, it was pointed out by many witnesses who are examined before the committee," states the report. New Delhi, Aug 19 : On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the employees in the office of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways were in for a pleasant surprise when the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called upon all the female employees present at the office on Monday to tie him a Rakhi on the pious occasion. Besides the officials of the ministry, other employees from Sagarmala Development Company Limited, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and Young Professionals working with the ministry also tied Rakhi to the Honourable Minister. The Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his happiness to be sharing this beautiful bond of brother and sister as everyone celebrated as one family. One of the employees, who tied Sonowal a Rakhi, said that this is a wonderful gesture and could be extended to all departments as well. Another employee said that it was a blessed moment as she could find a brother in the minister to tie the Rakhi since her own brother is abroad. Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his gratitude to everyone and greeted best wishes on this Rakshabandhan. He said that this further strengthens the bond within the Ministry to become and act as one family. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a 'dhaga' (sacred thread) or amulet called the rakhi around the wrists of their brothers, who make a promise to protect their sisters and take care of them. Raksha Bandhan, which means "the bond of protection, obligation and care", is celebrated on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shravan. The festival, which has been celebrated for ages, continues to hold a significant place in Indian culture despite the advent of the modern era. According to mythological tales, Lord Krishna accidentally cut his finger with his Sudarshan Chakra. Seeing this, Draupadi tore a portion of her sari to apply a bandage to his finger. Lord Krishna was deeply touched by her gesture and promised to protect her, which he did when she faced public humiliation at the hands of Dushasan, one of the Kaurav brothers who tried to disrobe her. With that promise began the celebration of Raksha Bandhan, which has since then continued for centuries. Mumbai, Aug 19 : There are signs of a revival of net exports as a lever of India's growth as after the contraction in 2023- 24, outbound shipments from the country are undergoing an expansion in 2024-25 so far, according to the RBI's monthly bulletin released on Monday. Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS) There are signs of a revival of net exports as a lever of Indiaas growth as after the contraction in 2023- 24, outbound shipments from the country are undergoing an expansion in 2024-25 so far, according to the RBI's monthly bulletin released on Monday. Barring China, nine of the top 10 destinations accounting for about half of the total value of exports are recording growing demand, it said. Indiaas export basket is also undergoing a shift towards electronics and engineering goods even as traditional products such as gems and jewellery, textiles, garments, leather products, and marine products are losing competitiveness, the report points out. It states that business services that support operations such as consulting, engineering, research and design are rapidly becoming Indiaas export powerhouse, surpassing software and information technology. They also cover advertising, public relations, logistics, accounting, auditing, architectural, and legal services. The rising demand for specialised services and the integration of services into manufacturing are forces driving this growth. Global capability centres are setting the next steps in this export drive, including in the evolution of business and knowledge process outsourcing, the report adds. The cumulative value of merchandise exports during April-July 2024 was $144.12 billion as compared to $138.39 billion during April-July 2023, registering a positive growth of 4.15 per cent, according to figures compiled by the Commerce Ministry. Electronic goods exports, which include smartphones, increased by 37.31 per cent from $2.04 billion in July 2023 to $2.81 billion in July 2024. Engineering goods exports increased by 3.66 per cent from $8.72 billion in July 2023 to $9.04 billion in July 2024 while drugs and pharmaceuticals exports increased by 8.36 per cent to $2.31 billion during the month. The RBI report further states that logistics are also improving as Indiaas ports and shipping are experiencing strategic infrastructure, technological advancements and transformation. In particular, port development is expanding cargo handling capacity and connectivity. RFID-based port access control is stepping up security and operational efficiency while public-private partnerships are helping to drive growth. Of the 166 projects initiated at major ports under the Sagarmala scheme, 90 have been completed resulting in a capacity increase of over 230 million tonnes per annum. Access to 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) and a 10-year tax holiday is also incentivising the development, maintenance and operation of ports, the RBI report adds. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Ukraine on August 23 on what will be the first visit by an Indian PM to the country since the establishment of bilateral relations in 1992, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Monday. aThe Prime Minister's engagements in Kyiv will touch a range of aspects of bilateral ties including political, trade, economic, investments, education, cultural, people-to-people exchanges, humanitarian assistance and others, a statement released by the MEA detailed. It added that PM Modi will also interact with the Indian community, including students during the visit. "PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on the invitation of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. This also is a landmark and historic visit since this will be the first time that an Indian PM will be visiting Ukraine in more than 30 years since the diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. This visit will build upon the recent high-level interactions between the leaders," said Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) at the MEA. August 23 is also the National Flag Day of Ukraine. "During the visit, in particular, the talks with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will be held to discuss issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It is also expected that a number of documents between Ukraine and India will be signed," said a statement from the Ukrainian President's office. As New Delhi continues to encourage peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, PM Modi had met the Ukrainian President on the sidelines of the 50th G7 Summit in Italy's Apulia on June 14, terming the discussions as "very productive". During the meeting, PM Modi reiterated that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution to the conflict. "Had a very productive meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky. India is eager to further cement bilateral relations with Ukraine. Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy," PM Modi posted on X after meeting Zelensky. Zelensky had also dialled PM Modi, congratulating him on his election victory and hoping that the Indian PM will visit Ukraine soon. "Everyone in the world recognises the significance and weight of India's role in global affairs. It is critical that we all work together to ensure a just peace for all nations," the Ukrainian President had posted on X before calling PM Modi following the announcement of results of the Lok Sabha elections. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, India has maintained its consistent position that allows it to reach out to both sides to find a solution to the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. At the same time, New Delhi has dispatched tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Kyiv, including essential medicines and medical equipment. Before arriving in the Ukrainian capital, PM Modi will visit Poland starting August 21 which will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in the past 45 years. "aPrime Minister will be accorded a ceremonial welcome in Warsaw. He will call on President Andrzej Sebastian Duda and will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The Prime Minister will also interact with the Indian community in Poland," the MEA stated. A Queensland fisherman is lucky to be alive after being slapped in the face by a whale's tail on the NSW border on Sunday. The whale breached the water at about 9am on Sunday. Source: 7News An Aussie man is recovering in hospital after he was brutally slapped in the face by whale's tail and knocked unconscious during a fishing trip on Sunday. First responders branded the ordeal "extremely rare", saying the fisherman was lucky to have escaped with his life after the freak accident. The man, aged 40, was fishing with his friend in their tinnie about a kilometre from the Tweed Heads bar, on the NSW-Queensland border, when the animal breached the surface at about 9am yesterday. The immense force nearly capsized the boat, with multiple witnesses in the water nearby left in complete shock by the scary moment. 'Incredible' scenes leave witnesses stunned The man suffered facial injuries and though he was able remain on the dinghy, he was reportedly knocked unconscious and left with welt marks across his face. A family on jet skis and another man on a nearby boat came to the pair's aid, describing the scene as "incredible". "It'd be like getting hit by Mike Tyson... just pounded, it would have been an incredible force," witness Adam Bell told 7News. "His face had some slime on it and you could see a big welt mark, and his eyes were a bit puffed. The tail's just cracked him, cracked him in the jaw." Another man, Brady Bell, said he "sprang into action" after witnessing the unbelievable event, notifying emergency crews who eventually towed the tinnie into shore. A fisherman is lucky to alive after being slapped in the face by a whale's tail off the NSW-Queensland coast on Sunday. Source: New South Wales Marine Rescue 'Extremely rare' to be slapped in the face by a whale, paramedic says Queensland Ambulance Service's (QAS) Scott Brown, who was among the first on the scene, said the ordeal was exceptionally rare. "Just two guys having a morning fish, and then all of a sudden, a whale's tail appeared, striking one in the head," Brown told media. "We've had boats come in contact with whales before, but not actually a person sitting in a boat. "You have a little bit of disbelief that it happened at first, but respond nonetheless, and when we got there, that's what we found had happened." The man is understood to be in a stable condition in Gold Coast University Hospital with superficial face wounds. He's expected to make a full recovery. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Mumbai, Aug 19 : Actor Rohitashv Gour, who essays the role of Manmohan Tiwari in the superhit television show 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai', is celebrating Sanskrit Day on Monday. The actor said that Sanskrit is a way of life, and has helped him to connect with his roots. He said: "Sanskrit is the soul of our culture, and I feel blessed to have learned it. It has helped me to deliver my dialogues with precision and authenticity. I believe that Sanskrit is not just a language but a way of life. It has indeed helped me to connect with my roots." 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai' is a comedy show, that takes place in the fictional "Modern Colony" located in Kanpur and revolves around two neighbouring couples. The husbands, Vibhutinarayan Mishra and Manmohan Tiwari, who have been married for seven years, are bored with their marriages and are smitten by each other's wives, unbeknownst to each other. While Rohitashv Gour's character of Manmohan Tiwari is a successful undergarment businessman, whose wife Angoori Tiwari is a simple and naive housewife, Aasif Sheikh's character of Vibhuti Narayan Mishra is an unsuccessful insurance agent and has fallen for the simple-minded Angoori Tiwari. He is known to be highly educated but still won't do a regular job out of his ego. His plans to woo Angoori usually fail due to her naivety and this puts him in dire situations. The two men attempt various ultimately unsuccessful and hilarious techniques to impress each other's wives. Since its inception, the show has garnered widespread acclaim from critics and viewers alike. The show is inspired by the 1990s Hindi sitcom Shrimaan Shrimati. A spin-off sitcom 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan' was also released in 2019. 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai' airs Monday to Friday on &TV. Patna, Aug 19 : In a tragic and disturbing incident, half a dozen security guards allegedly assaulted the grieving parents of a deceased child at Sadar Hospital in Biharsharif on Monday. The altercation reportedly occurred after the parents accused the hospital's doctors of failing to provide necessary treatment to their critically ill 8-year-old child, who subsequently passed away. The incident sparked outrage among the local community, leading to a large crowd gathering at the hospital to protest against the hospital administration. The protesters expressed their anger and demanded accountability for the alleged negligence and the assault on the grieving parents. In response, local police swiftly arrived at the scene to calm the agitated crowd that had gathered in protest against the hospital administration. Guddu Kumar, the father of the deceased child, recounted the harrowing events leading up to the confrontation. "My 8-year-old son had fallen into a water-filled pit in Barandi village. I rescued my son and rushed him to Sadar Hospital for treatment. Despite admitting the boy to the emergency ward, the medical staff allegedly did not initiate any treatment. After some time, a doctor declared the child dead. My son was alive when we arrived at the hospital," Kumar said. "As we mourned, security guards initiated a lathi charge, asking us to leave the hospital premises and assaulted our family, including my wife," Kumar said. It has further intensified the family's grief and the anger of the local community. Following these events, Kunal Kumar, the Station House Officer (SHO) of the town police station, arrived at the hospital and attempted to calm down the situation. He assured the victim's family that appropriate action would be taken against those responsible for the assault. In response to the allegations made by the grieving family, the administration of Sadar Hospital in Biharsharif offered a different account of the events. As per Dr. Ashok Kumar, the Deputy Superintendent of the hospital, the child was already dead when brought to the hospital. "The family members pressured the doctors to begin treatment despite the child being unresponsive. When the medical staff refused to administer treatment, citing the child's condition, the situation escalated, leading to verbal abuse from the family," Dr Kumar said. He stated that the security guards then used "mild force" to manage the situation. This incident is part of a troubling pattern at the hospital, where, in the last three days, three children have reportedly died due to a lack of treatment. Among them was a three-year-old boy named Tugu Kumar, who died in the hospital in the absence of doctors. A seven-year-old girl also died in the absence of doctors. She was the victim of a snake bite. Bhopal, Aug 19 : Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday inaugurated the office of the Department of Religious Trust and Endowment in Ujjain. The department, which falls under the Religious Department of the state government was functioning from the Satpura Bhavan in Bhopal. However, it has been now decided to shi The decision to shift the department from Bhopal to Ujjain was announced soon after he took over charge as Chief Minister earlier in December last year. The step has been taken in view of the Simhastha (Kumbh) mela, the largest congregation of Hindus once in 12 years in Madhya Pradeshas religious city of Ujjain. Interestingly, during the Kamal Nath government, the department was renamed aAddhyatma, which was later changed to religious trust and endowment during the former Shivraj Singh Chouhanas tenure. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who also hails from Ujjain, has directed the officials to set up a task force of senior officials associated with over a dozen departments. The IAS officers with the rank of Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of all the departments along with the Ujjain district administration and police have been included in the task force. Each one would have a specific role to play in the preparation. The state government has already allocated a fund of Rs 500 crore for this mega international religious-cum-spritual event in 2028. This budget will be spent on the development works in Ujjain and 10 surrounding districts, including roads. The Central government will also provide funds for the Simhastha Mela. Last time, the Simhastha mela was organised between April 22 and May 21, 2016. It is celebrated on the bank of river Shipra and millions of people from across the world visit Ujjain on this occasion. Vadodara, Aug 19 : In the wake of the rape and murder of a medical student at a college in Kolkata, medical students in Gujarat's Vadodara on Monday staged protests demanding strict punishment against the culprits. The students have been organising various demonstrations to voice their concerns for the past four days. The protests have also extended to SSG Hospital, where medical staff call for increased protective measures. Junior Doctors Association outlined seven specific demands including more security staff to be deployed across the hospital and permanent stationing of 'SHE teams' within the hospital campus; a round-the-clock police station on the hospital grounds; improved facilities to monitor loitering within the hospital campus; a comprehensive CCTV network to monitor the hospital; introduction of a pass system for entry into restricted areas; and continuous monitoring of imported services and work-overs. The association also emphasized that there is an urgent need for security enhancements on the campus. They also urged the authorities to take immediate action to address these demands, stating that they will continue their protest until their demands are not met. "Implementing these measures is crucial for ensuring the safety of doctors, medical staff, and patient's relatives. Fulfilling these demands is essential to prevent further incidents and ensure a safer environment for everyone within the hospital premises," the association said. Meanwhile, in Ahmedabad, Dr. Ravi Chaudhary (26) MD student living in the hostel on the hospital premises, has filed a complaint that he was assaulted by a patient's son and his friend. The altercation reportedly began when Chaudhary objected to them recording video footage in the casualty ward. According to the complaint, the incident occurred on August 18 when a patient was brought into the casualty ward by his son and a friend. However, Dr. Chaudhary informed the individuals that the case needed to be registered as a medico-legal case. Sources said the friend of the patient's son began recording the scene on his phone. When Chaudhary requested him to stop, the situation escalated as both men allegedly responded with verbal abuse and then physically assaulted the doctor. --IANS janvi/dan Jaipur, Aug 19 : In a tragic turn of events, a Class 10 student who was stabbed by his classmate at a government school in Udaipur on August 16 succumbed to his injuries on Monday. However, his family members refused to allow a post-mortem raising several demands, including strict action against the accused, proper compensation, and government job for a family member. The autopsy could be performed only after consensus was reached between both sides. The 15-year-old student, identified as Devraj Mochi, sustained severe injuries after being stabbed by his classmate following an altercation last Friday. He was admitted to the MB Hospital where his condition deteriorated at around 3 p.m. on Monday. As soon as the news of his demise was confirmed by the doctors, a large contingent of police was deployed outside the hospital, officials said. The officials feared violent reactions from the public as on Friday, nearly half-a-dozen cars were torched by an angry mob after the stabbing incident, while incidents of stone pelting were also reported from certain parts of the city. As per reports, the students were from different communities which led to tension in the city. Officials said on Monday evening that an agreement has been reached as per which financial assistance of Rs 51 lakh will be given to the deceased's family, along with a contractual job to one member of the family. Also, action will be taken in the case under the ST-SC Act. Those who gathered outside the hospital also demanded removal of the school staff. The news of Devraj's death spread like wildfire in Udaipur as a huge crowd gathered in front of the Emergency ward raising slogans. The agitating crowd accused the hospital administration of misleading them for the last four days on the health status of the injured student. Udaipur Rural MLA Phool Singh Meena, Divisional Commissioner Rajendra Bhatt, District Collector Arvind Poswal, IGP Ajaypal Lamba, SP Yogesh Goyal, and a large number of police personnel were present on the spot. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Jawahar Singh Bedham, appealed to the people to remain calm, saying, "The incident was sad but the the government tried its best. Please maintain mutual harmony." To prevent any untoward incident, Section 144 has been clamped in the city while the internet ban has been extended till Tuesday night in Udaipur City, Bedla, Bargaon, Balicha, Debari, Eklingpura, Kanpur, Dhikali, and Bhuwana to stop the spread of rumours. "We appeal to all the residents of Udaipur to not gather anywhere in large numbers. The family (of the victim) is traumatised, so please stay indoors so that the atmosphere remains calm. Don't pay attention to rumours," said IGP Lamba. All precautions are being taken for the last rites of Devraj, which will be performed on Tuesday. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Minoru Kihara to take stock of bilateral defence and security ties, while stressing the Indian-Japanese partnership's role in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. "Delighted to meet Japanese Foreign Minister @Kamikawa_Yoko and Defense Minister @kihara_minoru ahead of the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting. Took stock of the progress made in India-Japan defense and security ties. Reaffirmed the role India-Japan partnership plays in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond," he said in a post on X. The Japanese Ministers arrived in New Delhi on Monday afternoon to attend the third India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers' meeting to be held at the Hyderabad House on Tuesday evening. "India's strategic importance has never been greater than it is now," Kamikawa said just before her arrival in India for talks along with Kihara with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This is her first visit to India since taking over the post. "India is located in the centre of the Indian Ocean sea lanes connecting Asia and Africa, and is an important partner in realising a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' (FOIP). At this meeting, the two ministers will share their views on the strategic environment toward maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and confirm further strengthening of security and defence cooperation," Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said ahead of her New Delhi visit. Before the 2+2 talks, the Japanese Foreign Minister is also scheduled to hold discussions with EAM Jaishankar, where they will confirm their intention to deepen cooperative relations between the two countries in the areas of bilateral economic and development cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and in the international arena. Last month, during his visit to Tokyo for the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting, EAM Jaishankar stated that India-Japan ties are shaped by the regional and global environment and there is a need for a "contemporary partnership" in an era of new capabilities, new technologies, new challenges and new stresses. He had, the same day, held talks with Kamikawa where she stated that Tokyo considers New Delhi as an important partner with which it intends to deepen cooperation and "co-create" new solutions through dialogue and collaboration. Hyderabad, Aug 19 : Amid allegations by the opposition parties in Telangana that it betrayed farmers on crop loan waiver, the Congress government on Monday made it clear that loans of up to Rs 2 lakh of every eligible farmer will be waived. Admitting that loans of some farmers could not be waived off due to technical reasons, the state government said that the process for addressing technical issues is on. Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy told media persons that the government remains committed to waiving crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh of every eligible farmer. He claimed that the crop loan scheme implemented in Telangana is unprecedented in the country and said the BJP had never spoken about farm loan waiver since 2014. Though the party was in power for 10 years, it has done nothing to waive crop loans, he said. Uttam Kumar Reddy alleged that the opposition parties were running false propaganda to draw political mileage. Explaining why crop loans of some farmers could not be waived, he said the Aadhaar numbers of 1.20 lakh farmers were found incorrect. He said all mandal agriculture officers have been directed to contact all these farmers and get their Aadhaar details. Aadhaar and loan account numbers did not match in respect of 1.61 lakh farmers. The minister said efforts were on to verify their details and loans of all eligible will be waived off. There were also errors in the records of 1.50 lakh farmers sent by bank officials and the banks have been told to rectify the same. Loans of 4.83 lakh farmers could not be waived as they did not have ration cards. He, however, gave the assurance that all the eligible farmers will be identified and their loans will be waived. Uttam Kumar Reddy said eight lakh farmers have loans of more than Rs 2 lakh each. If these farmers pay the difference, the government will waive Rs 2 lakh. The government came out with the details a day after Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K. T. Rama Rao wrote a letter to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on the alleged betrayal by the Congress government in Telangana regarding the crop loan waiver. Rama Rao said while the Congress government initiated the loan waiver process, it has fallen short of its commitments. "A significant number of farmers across Telangana have been excluded from the scheme, despite meeting all eligibility criteria. The government, which initially announced a waiver of loans up to Rs 2 lakh, has severely limited the number of beneficiaries," reads the letter. The BRS leader mentioned that data from the State Level Bankersa Committee (SLBC) reveals the gravity of the situation. Banks disbursed Rs 49,500 crore in crop loans to farmers during the financial year 2023-24, but only Rs 17,933 crore has been waived, covering just 22.37 lakh farmers. "To put this in perspective, the BRS government waived crop loans up to Rs one lakh, amounting to Rs 19,198 crore for 36.68 lakh farmers. Despite the Congress party's promise to waive loans up to Rs 2 lakh, the number of beneficiaries surprisingly decreased by 14.31 lakh. In fact, the number of beneficiaries should have increased to 47 lakh farmers, but it instead decreased to 22.37 lakh farmers," the BRS leader wrote. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday criticised the Congress and Rahul Gandhi on the lateral entry issue, saying it was the Congress which started it in the country. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Saturday issued a notification for filling 45 senior positions in various ministers at the ranks of Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries through 'lateral entry'. The opposition parties, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in particular, are criticising the move claiming that it undermines the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs, and STs. "Rahul Gandhi is making a false allegation that RSS people are being recruited in various departments through lateral entry. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was appointed the Finance Secretary in 1976 via lateral entry while Montek Singh Ahluwalia became the Chairman of the Planning Commission through the same process," the Law Minister said. Rahul Gandhi, as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, should be more careful while making statements, the Law Minister said. "It was PM Modi who set things right. He asked the concerned officials to recruit through the proper channel - UPSC. UPSC has its own set of rules and regulations and a proper procedure is now being followed," Meghawal said. Stating that the National Advisory Commission was headed by Sonia Gandhi, the Minister said, "This is not a constitutional post. But they (Congress) kept this post even above the Prime Minister's chair, which is a constitutional post." He also said that in 2005, the Administrative Reform Commission was set up during UPA-I which failed to act on its reports. "The posts are open for all and anyone can apply. It is open to the SC/ST people as well. They too can apply. Also, the UPSC/IAS vacancies are separate. Congress is falsely alleging that we are undoing reservations. I fail to understand why there is this sudden love for the OBCs in the Congress," the Law Minister said. Late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1961 wrote to all the Chief Ministers telling them he was against reservation, Meghawal said. "Also, the Mandal Commission report was rejected by late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi," he said. He also said that Rajiv Gandhi had said on the floor of the House that he was against the reservation. "Rahul Gandhi is only trying to raise the passions of OBC, and SC/ST students," the Law Minister said. The first Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) was established in 1966 under the chairmanship of Morarji Desai (later succeeded by K. Hanumanthaiah) which laid the groundwork for future discussions on the need for specialised skills within civil services. While it did not specifically advocate for lateral entry as understood today, it emphasised professionalisation, training, and personnel management reforms to ensure that the bureaucracy effectively meets the challenges of a rapidly changing nation. The Government of India has historically inducted outside talent into higher tiers of the government, typically in advisory roles but occasionally even in key administrative assignments. However, the concept of lateral entry was strongly endorsed by the second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) established in 2005 during the tenure of UPA-1 under the chairmanship of Veerappa Moily. The ARC was tasked with recommending reforms to make the Indian administrative system more effective, transparent, and citizen-friendly. In a post titled 'Lateral Entry', Union Minister Ashwini Viashnaw said on Sunday, "INC hypocrisy is evident on lateral entry matter. It was the UPA government which developed the concept of lateral entry. The second Admin Reforms Commission (ARC) was established in 2005 under the UPA government. Shri Veerappa Moily chaired it. "UPA period ARC recommended recruitment of experts to fill the gaps in roles that require specialised knowledge. NDA government has created a transparent method to implement this recommendation. Recruitment will be done through UPSC in a transparent and fair manner. This reform will improve governance." Washington, Aug 19 : US Vice-President Kamala Harris will accept the Democratic Party's nominee for president at a four-day convention starting in Chicago on Monday, with the opening day speakers' list headlined by President Joe Biden. Washington, Aug 19 (IANS) US Vice-President Kamala Harris will accept the Democratic Partyas nominee for president at a four-day convention starting in Chicago on Monday, with the opening day speakersa list headlined by President Joe Biden. This was meant to be a convention for Biden to accept the nomination in a speech that is traditionally on the fourth and final day. But by a rare turn of events for US politics, he quit the race under pressure from the party and endorsed his deputy to replace him on the ticket - he will be the opening-day speaker who will pass on the baton to Harris, who officially became the Democratic Partyas nominee for President on August 6 after receiving a majority of votes on the virtual roll call. Former President Donald Trump and his running mate Senator J.D. Vance accepted their nominations for President and Vice-President at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in July. It had taken place just two days after Trump had survived an assassination attempt at an election rally in Pennsylvania. He was hit in the right ear and wore a bandage on it during the convention. The organisers of the Democratic convention have announced separate themes for the four days and it is "For the People" on Monday, "A Bold Vision for Americaas Future" on Tuesday, "A Fight for Our Freedoms" on Wednesday, and "For Our Future" on Thursday. First lady Jill Biden will also be among the speakers on Monday. In his speech, President Biden will make a case for Harris, highlight key achievements of his administration and present Trump as a threat to democracy. He is likely to receive a rousing welcome from the delegates with the chanting of a slogan that first greeted him at a recent event - "Thank You, Joe". The speakers on the second day on Tuesday include former President Bill Clinton and the Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. Clinton was among the first Democratic leaders to endorse Harris after Biden quit the race and threw his weight behind the Vice President. Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for President in 2016, is also among the speakers. The key speakers on the third day on Wednesday will be former President Barack Obama, who remains a big star in the Democratic party, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who will accept his nomination as Vice-President. Former First Lady Michelle Obama is also addressing the convention. Harrisas acceptance speech will be the dominant event of the final day on Thursday. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Commenting on the gruesome rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Monday rebuked the Opposition for what he termed "selective politics" in addressing crimes against women. He also urged all the political parties to unite in the fight against the criminal mindset that leads to such atrocities against women. While extending his wishes on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Paswan emphasised the importance of fostering respect for women to prevent incidents like the Nirbhaya case from re-occurring. "I wish everyone a very happy Raksha Bandhan. Today, I also remember all the sisters who are no longer with us because they fell prey to a criminal mentality. In such a situation, I hope every youth in the nation respects every woman as he does his sister, so that cases like Nirbhaya never take place in our country," he told IANS. Paswan also condemned the Opposition for raising concerns about crimes in NDA-ruled states only, while remaining silent on similar incidents in states governed by the opposition parties. "Selective politics in such crimes is wrong. The Opposition always highlights crimes in the NDA-ruled states but remains silent about those in their own states. This mindset is wrong," he said. Calling for a united stand against the criminal mindset, the LJP chief stressed that both ruling and opposition parties must come together to fight these issues. "If we don't unite in situations like these, it will only strengthen the criminals. This is the time to set examples so that no one dares to commit such heinous crimes in the future," Paswan added. Commenting on reports of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren's possible departure from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the LJP leader said, "It would be a good thing if he joins us. However, it is still unclear what his decision is. But from his social media posts, it is evident that he was insulted and humiliated." The Lok Sabha MP also expressed his party's concerns over the Centre's decision to introduce a lateral entry system into the bureaucracy, noting that it lacks provisions for reservations. "My party believes that all government recruitments should include provisions for the reservation system. Since reservations are not available in the private sector, they should definitely be present in government sectors," he said. "In this lateral entry scheme, the reservation system was not considered, and this is a matter of concern for all of us. Even though I am part of the government, my party is not in favour of this," Paswan said. It was a big night at the Logies last night, with Seven star Larry Emdur taking home two awards. Yahoo's live news blog for Monday, August 19 has now concluded. Following a long night last night for the 2024 Logies, we logged on a little later than usual this morning but we still managed to bring you the big talking points of the day. Larry Emdur finally got his hands on a Logie, well two actually, with his latter being the all-important Gold Logie. And he's stood by his word, getting the gold Logie losers' initials tattooed on his backside on live TV. It was a big night for 15-year-old Boy Swallows Universe's Felix Cameron who won two awards, with the show winning five all up. In other news, police are investigating after a woman fell from an inner-city balcony in Sydney last night. A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said it was alleged a woman had been pushed. Sydney's Metro project has finally launched this morning with the NSW government saying it's the biggest transport change since the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER 12 updates Staggering statistics about attempts to scam Aussies There's been more than 6,000 fake investment scams pulled from the internet in just over 12 months, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has revealed. Every day an average of 20 investment scam websites are taken down, ASIC deputy chair Sarah Court said. Last year Australians lost $1.3bn to investment scams, government data shows. The images of celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth have been wrongly used in a bid to lure vulnerable Aussies in. Read more here. Body found in Sydney river A man's body has been found in the Georges River in Sydney's southwest. Police were called after the body was located near a boat ramp in Picnic Point. Investigations are ongoing and the body has yet to be identified. Aussie celebs interview each other on Logie red carpet And sticking with the Logies, the Yahoo team asked the celebs to give us a question for those coming next on the red carpet. Take a look below to see how that went. 'Never before seen' MAFS drama incoming Yahoo's Lachlan Guertin was once again on the red carpet last night, and as usual, he was catching up with some of the biggest names in the business. Speaking with MAFS experts John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla, the judges offered an insight into what is to come for the upcoming season. You're gonna see some things very early that you've never seen before, John shared. I've done 12 seasons - this is the twelfth season now - and a couple of things happen that I've never witnessed. Watch the interview below. Teal MP stands by calling Peter Dutton racist Independent MP Zali Steggall says she doesnt regret telling Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to stop being racist during a heated House debate on visas for Palestinians fleeing war-torn Gaza. Ms Steggall made the controversial interjection after the Liberal leader repeatedly interrupted her. Speaking to the ABC on Monday, Ms Steggall said it was always better to keep your cool ... But no, I dont [regret it]. Zali Steggall is standing by her comments about Peter Dutton. Source: NCA NewsWire We see policies that are inherently racist and theyre designed to foster fear and hatred of a minority group, and the fear of the consequences of calling out means that the policy itself doesnt get examined and called out, and thats just bullying and intimidation, she said. So no, I think its really important for the sake of our social cohesion, for Australia as a nation, to call this out. Read more here. - NCA NewsWire Bernard Tomic 'booted from stands after heckling rival' It's never a dull moment for Bernard Tomic is it? The former world No.17 has had a fall from grace in recent years and this latest incident won't help his reputation. He's reportedly been kicked out of the stands during a tournament final in the Dominican Republic for allegedly heckling a player who beat him earlier in the quarter-finals. Witnesses claim Tomic was following Andres Andrade around the court as he changed ends, Nine News reported, before Andrade said he wanted him gone. Video shows security appearing to remove Tomic from the side of the court. This is crazy Tomic lost to Andrade in QF and got a bit saucy Andrade went all the way to the final and Bernard Tomic went undercover in the crowd to mock and cheer against him He was asked to leave by the organizers, understandably https://t.co/v4nZ3vfvF0 Tennis Masterr (@tennismasterr) August 18, 2024 Larry Emdur gets Logie bum tattoo live on-air Well he certainly is true to his word. Larry Emdur has gone under the needle on live TV and had the Gold Logie loser's initials tattooed on his bum. See the lovely Logie design below. Read more here from Yahoo Lifestyle. Here it is as promised. Source: Seven Surprise lottery statistics released Lottery officials have released some interesting statistics ahead of Thursday's $100 Powerball draw. In 2023, there were 500 division one winning entries across the country and across all lottery games that collectively delivered more than $1.52 billion in division one prize money. Thirteen per cent of those say they donated money to charity, while on average, winners financially helped 19 other people. On the other hand, one in 20 winners simply didn't tell anyone. So what would you do if you won millions as a Division One winner? Have your say below. Satellite image reveals bridge destruction Take a look at this strong satellite image revealing the damage Ukrainian troops have caused in Russia's Jursk region. The bridge over the Seim River is expected to cause major disruption to Russian supplies and is part of an incursion by Ukraine into the region. Source: Planet Labs/ Reuters Warning over 'bonus' Centrelink payment Aussies are being warned to watch out for a scam claiming they are entitled to a bonus cash payment from Centrelink. Scammers are trying to steal peoples personal information and lure them in with fake cost-of-living relief. Services Australia said Aussies should beware of misleading information shared on unofficial websites and social media accounts. The government body said scammers are trying to get people to click on their website and read about a new one-off payment, cash relief payment or bonus payment. Theyre targeting our customers by falsely saying theres an extra payment coming to help ease the cost-of-living pressures. There is no bonus payment, Services Australia said. Read more over at Yahoo Finance. Woman falls from balcony after alleged assault A woman has fallen from a balcony following an alleged assault. Emergency services were called to a Sydney unit complex in Waterloo after reports of an assault about 6pm on Sunday night. A 31-year-old woman is believed to have fallen from an upper level into the courtyard of a ground level unit on John Street. A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said it was alleged a woman had been pushed over a balcony. They said the woman had been struck by a blunt object multiple times to the head. According to NSW Police the woman was able to walk away from the incident but was found by a member of the public on George Street about an hour later with head injuries. Read more here. - NCA NewsWire Metro opening 'bigger change than Sydney Harbour Bridge launch' The biggest change since the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. That's a big claim from NSW's Transport Minister Jo Haylen speaking of the opening of Sydney's new $21 billion Metro line this morning. Haylen said the unveiling is a truly historic moment and 200,000 people are expected to use the service on Monday. A trip between Chatswood and Sydenham takes about 22 minutes with the new metro, while travelling between Sydenham and Tallawong will take just under an hour. Speeds reach up to 100km/h on the new line, with Sydney Metro chief executive Peter Regan reminding people to hold on when the train takes off. The seven-year project was meant to officially open on August 4 but was pushed back due to safety testing. - With NCA NewsWire Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in New Delhi late on Monday evening on an official three-day visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as both countries continue work on exploring initiatives to further strengthen bilateral relations that were elevated to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership in 2015. This is the Malaysian PM's first visit to India since taking office in November 2022. On Tuesday, PM Ibrahim will receive a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will then visit Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi followed by a bilateral meeting with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House. Following the exchange of MoUs and press statements, Prime Minister Modi will host a luncheon in honour of the visiting PM. Later in the day, PM Ibrahim is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu. External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar would also call on the Malaysian leader during his visit. "India and Malaysia have strong historical and socio-cultural linkages. Our bilateral relationship was elevated to the status of Enhanced Strategic Partnership in 2015 during the visit of Prime Minister Modi. As both countries enter the second decade of Enhanced Strategic Partnership next year, the visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would pave the way for further strengthening of India-Malaysia bilateral ties by charting out a multi-sectoral cooperation agenda for the future," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The Malaysian PM is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Tourism Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, and Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong. During his visit, Prime Minister Ibrahim will participate in a roundtable meeting with several Indian industry leaders to advance economic cooperation between the two countries and also will also deliver a lecture titled 'Towards a Rising Global South: Leveraging Malaysia-India Ties' at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). "In 2023, Malaysia and India's total trade reached RM 76.62 billion (USD 16.53 billion), with Malaysia enjoying a surplus of RM 15.89 billion (USD 3.43 billion). India was Malaysia's largest importer of palm oil and palm oil-based products, importing RM 11.31 billion (USD 2.44 billion). Malaysia's major imports from India included petroleum products (RM 6.62 billion or USD 1.44 billion) and agricultural products, including halal meat (RM5.79 billion or USD 1.27 billion)," said a statement released by the Malaysian Foreign Ministry ahead of PM Ibrahim's arrival in India. Malaysia was also India's third-largest trading partner among ASEAN Member States and the largest trading partner among the eight South Asian nations in 2023. It is also expected that during his visit, the Malaysian PM will seek India's support to join the BRICS alliance, an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which added four new members - Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates - on January 1, 2024. New Delhi, Aug 19 : BJP leader Shaina N.C. on Monday raised serious questions against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata earlier this month. "Why has Mamata Banerjee decided to be a destroyer? A destroyer of evidence, a destroyer of a women's dignity, a destroyer of a case where a doctor was serving tirelessly for the society? "The kind of a hush-up and cover-up that we have seen, where the Kolkata Police wanted to dispense with the body and go for the cremation ahead of three bodies, raises serious questions," Shaina said in a video post. The tragic incident at the R.G. Kar Medical College has triggered nationwide uproar, both by the medical fraternity and the public. The BJP leader added: "If it isn't a cover-up, there must be a moral accountability when you own up and do not tamper with evidence. The victim's parents have raised this issue time and again, so our appeal (to Mamata Banerjee) is be the protector, not the destroyer." With the Bengal government facing flak over the 'shoddy' probe by the Kolkata Police, the Calcutta High Court handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) last Tuesday. On Monday, the CBI approached a lower court in Kolkata seeking permission to conduct a NARCO test of Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer and the only person arrested in the case so far. Sources said Roy's NARCO test is crucial since there have been a lot of inconsistencies in the statements made by him during his interrogation by the CBI officers. Roy, a civic volunteer who was posted at the police outpost of the hospital, was arrested on the basis of CCTV footage. While the local media reported that Roy admitted to the crime, many people are saying the rape and murder couldn't have been the handiwork of one person. Chennai, Aug 19 : Banking transactions across the country may be affected on August 28 as the All India Bank Employees Association has called a nationwide strike, a top union official said on Monday. "The proposed strike is to show our protest against the action of Bank of India in charge-sheeting all the 13 office bearers of Bank of India Staff Union-Kerala under political pressure," AIBEA General Secretary C.H. Venkatachalam told IANS. Venkatachalam also said four of the charge-sheeted employees are ex-servicemen, including three who took part in the Kargil war. As to the reason for the en masse charge-sheeting of the union officials, he said: "The Bank of India Staff Union-Kerala is affiliated to AIBEA. The bank union had circulated a draft report of its activities to its members calling for comments and suggestions. The draft report of the Union General Secretary contained for obituary reference of 140 names of various international and national personalities who had passed away during the last two years. This is a customary part of the report in all Union conferences. Included in the list was the name of Pervez Musharraf, former President of Pakistan, who had died in 2023 as he was the former head of the country." Meanwhile, people with vested interest created a controversy over the draft report having Musharraf's name, he added. "The final report, which was placed in the Unionas biennial general body meeting does not contain the name of Musharraf," Venkatachalam added. However, the campaign against the Union that it had glorified Musharraf continued to portray it as anti-national, he said. Instead of taking stern action against the persons who had created this deliberate controversy by false propaganda and brought its image down, the bank charge-sheeted 13 office bearers of the Bank of India Staff Union-Kerala, Venkatachalam said. "In order to lodge a protest against the illegal action of the management and demand action against the culprits concerned who have created this false propaganda, it has been decided by AIBEA members to observe an all-India strike in all the banks," he added. New Delhi, Aug 19 : After Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday expressed his disappointment for the 'drastic reduction' in budgetary allocation for the Southern Railways, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw quashed the DMK chief's claims, saying the amount is more than seven times the average allocation made in the UPA era. In a letter to the Railway Minister, Stalin said: aWe are disappointed that the allocation of funds for the Southern Railways under certain Heads of Accounts in the Regular Budget for Indian Railways for the financial year 2024-2025 is much less when compared to the allocations made in the Interim Budget in the same year." The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister pointed out that in the Interim Budget for 2024-25, the allocation towards new lines and doubling of lines were Rs.976.1 crore and Rs.2,214.4 crore, respectively. "But the revised allocation in the regular budget presented by the government on July 23 was Rs 301.3 crore for new lines and Rs 1,928.8 crore for doubling of lines," the DMK chief said. Quashing Stalin's claims, the Railway Minister said in a post on X: "Would like to bring the following facts to the notice of Hon'ble CM Thiru (M.K. Stalin). The NDA government has allocated a record amount of Rs 6,362 crore for developing railways in Tamil Nadu. "This amount is more than 7 times the average allocation done in the UPA era (only Rs 879 crore per year)." The Railway Minister added: "In our constitutional structure, land is a state subject. Projects can be executed speedily if only your government supports us in land acquisition. Only 807 hectares of land has been acquired so far against a requirement of 2,749 hectares. "We seek your intervention in land acquisition. From our side, we promise that if you take one step, we will take two steps for the development of railways in Tamil Nadu." Agartala, Aug 19 : The Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended seven more Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman along with a toddler, in Tripura and recovered Bangladeshi and US currency from them, officials said on Monday. A BSF spokesman said that on the intervening night of Sunday-Monday, troopers deployed at Harnakhola in West Tripura district apprehended the Bangladesh nationals and a toddler while they were trying to negotiate the border fencing. He said that four of the intruders, including the woman with her child, are residents of the Brahmanbaria district while the remaining two are residents of the Moulvibazar district. The BSF spokesman said that 1.5 lakhs Bangladeshi taka and 300 dollars were also recovered from their possession. After the troubles and violence began in the neighbouring country, over the last three months, 257 Bangladeshi nationals and 32 Rohingyas have been arrested by the Government Railway Police, the BSF, and the Tripura Police from the Agartala railway station and various other places in Tripura after they illegally entered India. The BSF spokesman said that during the past few weeks, the force has foiled several infiltration bids in different bordering areas of the northeastern states and also arrested some Indian touts and human traffickers. He said that in view of ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, the BSF has stepped up its vigilance along the India-Bangladesh border with northeastern states and maintained close coordination with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at various levels. The BSF has introduced a multi-pronged strategy to prevent trans-border crime and illegal infiltration, with state-of-the-art hand-held thermal imagers and drones have been inducted. BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary, Additional Director General, BSF, Eastern Command Ravi Gandhi, and Inspector Generals of BSFas four frontiers in the northeastern region are regularly visiting the border areas and closely reviewing the preparedness of the troopers. Gandhi is also heading a committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to monitor the current situation on the India-Bangladesh border, which spans 1,880 km with Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam (263 km). Meanwhile, the BSF, in another operation, apprehended an Indian national at Mantoli in West Tripura district and recovered 14 small packets of suspected brown sugar from his possession. On further questioning and information obtained, 1,000 yaba tablets were recovered from a culvert near Nischintipur bridge. Chennai, Aug 20 : A notorious criminal, who attacked a Sub-Inspector of Police with a sickle in Tamil Nadu's Kanniyakumari on Monday while trying to evade arrest, was apprehended after being shot in his lower limb by the police in retaliatory action, officials said. Thoothukudi Selvan, 42, who faces 28 cases across the state including murder, attacked the police while they tried to apprehend him. According to police, Selvam attacked a person and robbed him of Rs 3,000 on Sunday. A police team, acting on a tip-off, reached his hideout at a place near Theroor in Suchindram in Kanniyakumari, but Selvam attacked Sub Inspector Libi Paulraj with a sickle and he received a deep cut on his arm. The police officer immediately fired at Selvam's knee and the police nabbed him. Both the police official and the criminal are admitted at the Kanniyakumari government hospital. Kanniyakumari's Superintendent of Police E. Sundaravathanam said that Selvan was booked in 28 criminal cases, including 6 murders, across the state. Since the past few months, attacks by criminals have been on the rise with killings and counter-killings taking place in the state. BSP's Tamil Nadu state President and lawyer K. Armstrong was murdered on July 5 by a group of youths when he was with his friends and relatives including his brother. Police swiftly acted and arrested 22 people, including many from mainstream political parties. The murder of Armstrong was considered as a retaliation for the murder of criminal Arcot Suresh in June 2023. Among the arrested for the BSP leader's murder was Ponnai V. Balu, the younger brother of Suresh. One of the accused, Thiruvengadam, who was taken by the police to unearth the weapons that were used to assassinate Armstrong, tried to escape from police custody, but police opened fire at him and killed him immediately. The Tamil Nadu Police and the M.K. Stalin-led state government have been facing brickbats following a series of attacks by goons, and there was harsh public criticism after the murder of Armstrong. Guwahati, Aug 20 : Assam's Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Pratap Singh described the recent bomb threat by the banned militant outfit ULFA-I as an attempt to derail the progress of the state. Speaking to reporters here on Monday, the DGP said that security personnel have been maintaining law and order in the state quite well for the last few years. "The state has witnessed progress and development... However, a certain section has been involved to stall the development of Assam and hence they have indulged in planting bombs etc," he added. "Whenever (such) an incident happens, the Assam Police conduct a thorough investigation and the culprits are punished. This time also, we will catch the people responsible for planting bombs in different locations," the DGP said. He also appealed to the youths not to get brainwashed by the outlawed group. DGP Singh said, "Most of the time, we have seen that young people are being involved behind planting explosives. I urge them not to get involved in any such unlawful activities." Meanwhile, a shopping mall in Guwahati was shut down on Monday afternoon by the authorities due to "technical reasons", however, according to sources, police have received intelligence input about the presence of explosives inside the mall. People were quickly evacuated by the security personnel although there is no confirmation about bombs in the shopping mall. ULFA-I in a statement on August 15 had claimed that they had planted bombs at 25 locations in Assam and these were supposed to be exploded between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Independence Day. However, due to some technical snag, the plan failed and the bombs did not explode. The Assam Police later jumped into action and rescued explosives from some locations including Guwahati. An SIT has been formed by the police to look into the whole incident. Jerusalem, Aug 20 : Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to the American 'bridging proposal' on the release of hostages after a three-hour meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jerusalem. "The Prime Minister reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on," Netanyahu's Office said in a statement on Monday. The statement marked the first time Netanyahu publicly endorsed the latest US formula. Blinken termed his meeting with Netanyahu a "very constructive" one and said that the Israeli Prime Minister has confirmed to him that Israel accepts the bridging proposal. "It's now incumbent on Hamas to do the same. And then the parties, with the help of the mediators a" the United States, Egypt, and Qatar a" have to come together and complete the process of reaching clear understandings about how they'll implement the commitments that they've made under this agreement," he said. "But the next important step is for Hamas to say yes and then, in the coming days, for all of the expert negotiators to get together to work on clear understandings on implementing the agreement," Blinken added. Earlier on Saturday, Israel had cautiously welcomed the new US proposal. The Prime Minister's office had then said that the proposal "contains components that are acceptable to Israel". The US proposal enables the finalising of a hostages-for-ceasefire deal by the end of this week. Meanwhile, Hamas on Sunday night rejected the US formula. In its statement, Hamas charged that Netanyahu "sets new conditions and demands" to thwart the talks and prolong the war in Gaza. The group further claimed that the latest US-backed text was aligned with Israel's demands. In Ginger Renos compelling middle grade fantasy Find Her (Holiday House, Oct.), a tween girl grapples with the disappearance of her mother in Oklahoma. Set against the backdrop of the shocking story of the hundreds of indigenous people who have been reported murdered or missing in the state, Renos novel has already earned a starred review from PW and been named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. PW talked with Reno about getting into the mind frame of her young heroine and how her Cherokee background informed this work. What can you share about your background as a writer? Growing up, I absolutely loved, loved, loved to read. I imagine the warmth of those memories is why I am drawn to write for children. Totally convinced I could write, I joined SCBWI in 2009 and promptly learned that I could not... yet. I credit SCBWI and the years of guidance and support of my writing mentor, Anna Myers, with finally getting me here. How did you capture the voice and perspective of your heroine, Wren? How does she grapple with the loss of her mother and, specifically, the pain of having no answers concerning her disappearance? Writers have a great deal in common with actors. We both have to crawl into our characters skin. I took myself out of the equation and became Wren. Then it became MY mom who was missing, MY father who knew more than he would tell me, and ME who was sad, frustrated, and angry that I havent been able to find her. Wren has her moments when the situation gets the best of her, but her volunteer work at the animal shelter and her talent for reuniting lost pets with their grateful owners keeps her sane. As her grandmother tells her, When we are hurting, the best thing we can do is help others. To give another joy is to ease our own pain. Find Her is heart-wrenching on so many levels but also reads as an approachable story for young readers. How did you strike this balance? Young readers have the same feelings as adults. The only difference is setting and circumstance. As a writer, I have to respect that and resist any urge to write down to them. I just told the story how it came. As you wrote Find Her, did you research or speak with family members or friends of missing and murdered indigenous women? Thanks to the efforts to raise awareness by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and associated movements, there were several research sources available online that helped me greatly throughout the writing process. It was very important to me that Find Her be as accurate and authentic as possible, and I tried very hard to make it so. What needs to happen within communities and the nation at large to both protect and galvanize indigenous women at risk? Im definitely no expert on the subject, so I hesitate to say, This is what needs to be done. When there are multiple contributing factors, which do you tackle first? How do you get the media to consider a young indigenous girl who's gone missing as newsworthy? To search for her with the same dedicated resources as is afforded others? To investigate and hold those responsible accountableregardless of jurisdiction? Honestly, I dont know. Im still trying to figure out how I can help on my own. I do believe just bringing awareness to the issue is a huge step forwardif for no other reason than to strike a spark of hope in those affected, to let them know they are not invisible. They are not alone. Now that this epidemic has been brought into the light, we must do whatever we can to make sure it stays there. Hopefully, continuing to share their stories will help. Everyone deserves to be safe. Every missing person deserves to be searched for. Every missing person deserves to be found. As a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, can you speak to how your heritage has informed your creative work? They say write what you know, but in my case, I am writing what I want to know. My desire to learn more about my Cherokee heritage and culture just naturally spilled over into my writing. Find Her is part of that journey. What's next for you as an author? A picture book, Spirit Shadow (Holiday House, 2026), that Im very excited about, and Im currently working on my next middle grade. Renae Bunster had the 'worst hour of her life' after learning her children and husband were swimming metres from a crocodile trap. A saltwater crocodile trap can be seen just metres away from people canoeing and paddle boarding. Source: Tiktok A mum's chilling warning after learning her family was stand-up paddle-boarding just metres away from a huge saltwater crocodile trap has left Aussies stunned but tour operators say there's nothing to worry about. Renae Bunster was shocked to discover the saltwater crocodile trap alarmingly close to where her husband and children were enjoying a paddle board during the July school holidays at Lake Argyle Dam on the border of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. "I saw that croc trap and I started freaking out," Renae told Yahoo News Australia. "I went over to the canoe guy, and I asked him what's that thing there, and he explained it was a croc trap. It was pretty alarming." Nervously, the mum who owns hot sauce company Bunsters, watched her family in the water for over an hour saying it was "the most stressful hour of my life". While she waited for her family, she took a video that has gone viral joking that Australians "don't give a f**k". "You can see some families theyre going to go on a nice little canoeing trip up the river, this lovely river," she says before panning the camera to the left. "And thats a crocodile trap, right there, for catching big old fat f***ing salty crocodiles. Aw look at the children yummy, juicy children and croc trap, massive, massive croc trap." Renae Bunster watched with bated breath as her husband paddle-boarded along the lake. Source: TikTok/Supplied Tour operator weighs in on croc trap concern The footage was captured in July during the region's dry season, a time when tour guide Maka, told Yahoo there are no saltwater crocs in the area. Maka operates the econoeing tours along the Ord River from Lake Argyle to Lake Kununurra with company Go Wild. He told Yahoo he's "never" seen a saltwater croc in the area, and says the traps are precautionary, and there are six of them along the river. "The Department of Parks and Wildlife has got six traps and they check them every Monday. Everyones super conscious of the whole thing," he told Yahoo. The wet season runs between November and April and thats when saltwater crocs are on the move, explained Maka. "In the wet season we worry, but not this time of year. The traps work very well. We swim everywhere, Im standing in the water at the minute. The trap at Lake Argyle Dam is hiding in plain sight and Maka explains that tourists are openly told about them. While salties are rare, Maka says there are "heaps" of freshwater crocs with the lake host to the largest population of Johnston River crocodiles in the world. "Freshwater crocs dont eat meat, only fish," he said. "Every so often theyll get a freshie in a trap, but its gone in to eat the fish thats eaten the bait. "Salties eat red meat so they bait the traps specifically for them, and thats why it works." WA state department warns Aussies to 'remain vigilant' in croc country Western Australia's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions confirmed to Yahoo News Australia that the crocodile trap is operated by Parks and Wildlife. "Crocodile traps are placed within the Lake Kununurra Crocodile Control Zone as part of the ongoing trapping program to detect and remove estuarine crocodiles from the area," a spokesperson confirmed. "There are 6 crocodile traps within the Crocodile Control Zone, with additional traps deployed based on a confirmed sighting of an estuarine crocodile." They added that the North West of WA is "crocodile country" and "people are urged to remain vigilant and Be Crocwise at all times. While DBCA is committed to removing estuarine crocodiles from the Lake Kununurra Crocodile Control zone, swimming in the Lake remains an activity undertaken at your own risk. Reports from members of the public provide valuable information that helps inform operational decisions about crocodile management." Sightings of saltwater crocodiles should be reported to the Kununurra office online or call 9168 4200. While Bunster, who lives in Broome, says crocs are a part of everyday life living in northern Australia, they are the one animal that she reckons is "terrifying". The mum says the reaction to her viral video, which has been viewed over 50,000 times, has been "curious". "It is a bit of a warning for people coming to Australia. Tourist guides might say 'she's right', you really do need to ask a few more questions and open your eyes and make sure is this actually safe?" Calls mount for bigger fines for feeding crocodiles The video comes after a woman was bitten by a crocodile while swimming in the lake in 2022, while there have been increasing calls in Queensland to increase fines for feeding crocodiles following the death of a NSW doctor. David Hogbin was walking on a popular path above a riverbank at the Annan River near Cooktown in Far North Queensland when the ground suddenly gave way, causing him to fall into the river on August 3. The remains of the father of three were found in a 4.9m crocodile, which police later confirmed they had tracked and euthanised. Footage has emerged of people feeding crocodiles, believed to be at the Annan River. There are calls to lift the penalties to the same amount people are fined for feeding dingoes in Kgari, which was reported at $11,500 in 2022. Current fines for feeding crocodiles sit at $6,452. with NCA Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman on Monday held a performance review meeting with heads of public sector banks and asked them to make concerted efforts to garner deposits. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo Deposits have been growing 300-400 basis points lower than the credit growth in the last few months, creating an asset-liability mismatch for banks. During deliberations on the deposit mobilisation, she said that while the credit growth has picked up, mobilisation of deposits could further be improved to fund the credit growth sustainably, and asked banks to make concerted efforts to garner deposits by conducting special drives. Sitharaman also advised public sector banks (PSBs) to have better relationships with their customers for efficient customer service delivery, an official statement said. She asked banks to ensure that employees reach out to connect with their customers, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The minister also urged the PSBs to explore collaboration to leverage their respective strengths by sharing best practices in emerging areas and equip themselves to keep pace with changes in the banking sector. While acknowledging the efforts made by the banks to improve the asset quality, the minister suggested optimising the scope of resolution and recovery offered by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL). According to the statement, the issues related to digital payments and cyber security framework were also deliberated in the meeting. Observing that the issues of cyber security should be seen from a systemic perspective, she emphasised the need for a collaborative approach between banks, the government, regulators and security agencies for mitigating cyber risks. She urged that every aspect of the IT system should be reviewed periodically and thoroughly from the cyber security angle to ensure that the security of the bank systems is not breached or compromised. Sitharaman noted that the government, through various schemes, has always endeavoured to facilitate credit access to citizens at the bottom of the pyramid to support their livelihood and improve lives. She further asked the banks to expeditiously implement the recent Budget announcements, including a new credit assessment model for MSMEs based on digital footprints and cash flows. Banks were also instructed by the minister to focus on further increasing credit flow to eligible beneficiaries under various government initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Yojana, the statement said. The minister advised the banks to ensure compliance with the Reserve Bank of India's guidelines on the handover of security documents after the closure of the loans and directed that there should not be any delay in handing over the documents to the customer. During the meeting, it was noted that during FY24, the PSBs performed well across all financial parameters as evidenced by improved asset quality with net NPAs (NNPAs) declining to 0.76 per cent, capital adequacy at 15.55 per cent, net interest margin (NIM) at 3.22 per cent, and highest-ever net aggregate profit of Rs 1.45 lakh crore with the dividend of Rs 27,830 crore to the shareholders. Improvements over various parameters have also enhanced the ability of PSBs to raise capital from the markets, the statement said. The meeting was also attended by DFS Secretary Vivek Joshi and M Nagaraju, Secretary-Designate besides senior officials of the Department of Financial Services (DFS). Oarfish have been linked to natural disasters for hundreds of years. Experts will now work to determine what killed the rare oarfish. A group of kayakers posed with the body of a rare oarfish, discovered dead in California. Source: Michael Wang A rare 3.5 metre-long "doomsday fish" that superstition links to natural disasters has been discovered floating dead on the oceans surface. While there is no proven correlation between giant oarfish and catastrophe, one theory suggests the deep sea species is sensitive to underwater vibrations from earthquakes. Japanese legends dating back to the 17th century also link its presence in shallow waters to tremors. And before the 2011 earthquake that sparked the Fukushima nuclear disaster 20 dead oarfish reportedly washed ashore. The most recent discovery occurred on August 10 at La Jolla Cove, off San Diego, California. Images supplied to Yahoo News show snorkellers and kayakers posing with the giant creature as its silver body sparkles in the sunlight. While the group are all clearly smiling around the fish, publication of the photo online instantly resulted in concerned Americans warning about the oarfish's dark legend. "Seeing an oarfish is not a good thing at all," one person wrote. "The omen!" another quipped. Only a handful of rare oarfish have ever been seen off California beaches. Source: Michael Wang Earthquake shakes California after oarfish discovery Two days after the oarfishs discovery a 4.4 magnitude earthquake was detected 162km north in Los Angeles. And, although Yahoo News is not suggesting there is any link between the two events, it will no doubt reignite superstitious whispers about the fish. Ben Frable, a fish expert at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, said its only the 20th oarfish to have washed up in California in 125 years. The Institution will now work with scientists from the US governments US scientific and regulatory agency NOAA to determine what killed the oarfish. Most experts believe they strand after being disorientated, or from accidentally surfacing while chasing krill. After the necropsy, its body will be preserved and displayed at the Institutes collection of deep sea fish. The oarfish was taken by Scripps Institution of Oceanography for study. Source: Emily Miller Despite the oarfish being rarely sighted, Tyson Roberts, a world authority on the creatures, told Yahoo News that La Jolla Cove is one of the easiest place on earth to find them. He has several unpublished papers on oarfish which he thinks could bring new insights into the mysterious fish and what causes them to wash up dead. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Employment in urban areas in the first quarter of 2024-25 (FY25) improved over the previous one. The unemployment rate in April-June (Q1) declined to 6.6 per cent from a four-quarter high of 6.7 per cent in January-March FY24 owing to the fall in the male unemployment rate, according to the quarterly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on Friday. The headline unemployment rate under the current weekly status (CWS) for men, where activity status is determined based on the reference period over the past seven days preceding the date of the survey, stood at 5.8 per cent during the quarter, down from the 6.1 per cent in the preceding quarter. In contrast, the female unemployment rate increased to 9 per cent in Q1FY25 from 8.5 per cent in Q4FY24. The survey further showed the jobless rate for the youth (15-29) declined to 16.8 per cent in Q1FY25 from 17 per cent in the preceding quarter. This figure is important because people belonging to this age group are usually first-timers in the labour market and this metric reflects the robustness. While the jobless rate for young males declined, the unemployment rate for young females shot up during the quarter. On the labour force participation rate (LFPR), which represents the share of people either working or seeking employment in the urban population, the survey showed a marginal decline to 50.1 per cent in Q1FY25 from 50.2 per cent in Q4FY24. While men showed greater enthusiasm for work, shown in their LFPR increasing to 74.7 per cent from 74.4 per cent in the preceding quarter, women workers withdrew from the workforce with their LFPR falling to 25.2 per cent from 25.6 per cent in the previous three-month period. In terms of the broad status of employment, the survey showed the share of people engaged in self-employment declined to 40 per cent from 40.5 per cent in the preceding quarter. Meanwhile, the share of salaried workers and casual workers increased to 49 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively, during the quarter. The share of female workers in regular work witnessed an increase to 54 per cent from 52.3 per cent during this period. Labour economists distinguish between these categories of work and generally consider wage/salaried employment as a better form of employment among the three. The share of workers in the tertiary sector, which is the biggest employer in the urban areas, rose to 62.4 per cent in Q1FY25 from 62.2 per cent in the preceding quarter. Meanwhile, the share of workers in the secondary (manufacturing) sector also increased to 32.1 per cent from 32 per cent during this period. Given the importance of having labour force data available at frequent intervals, the NSO launched Indias first computer-based survey to measure labour force participation dynamics at three-month intervals for urban areas in April 2017. 'There is a saying in Assamese about inflicting pain on an adversary: He cut my hands with a sword and rubbed salt into my wounds.' 'This has never been the BJP's culture but it started happening openly and frequently under Himanta Biswa Sarma.' IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit A Shah receives a painting of Lachit Borphukan, the legendary commander of the Ahom kingdom, from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, May 10, 2022. Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives Ashok Sarma, the former Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Nalbari in Assam, tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com why he quit the BJP and joined the Congress on August 9 even as he blames the erosion of the BJP's original culture on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also hails from Nalbari district. "He holds no loyalty to the BJP. He doesn't bother about ideals like loyalty. For him everything is commerce," alleges Sarma. You have been an RSS worker all your life. What made you quit the BJP? The crop of BJP leaders who are controlling Assam today are actually Congressis. Even after joining the BJP they still believe 100 per cent in the Congress. They only pay lip service to Hindutva but don't work for it on the ground. That is why Assam's BJP culture today is very much like the Congress culture. In 2015, many senior Congress leaders, after getting influenced by the BJP's ideology joined the BJP. I had told the senior BJP leadership then that we were forming the next government in Assam without the help of these entrants from Congress. Everybody knows how he (Himanta Biswa Sarma) managed Amit Shah, joined the BJP and won the assembly seat in the 2016 election. In the beginning he kept quiet and played second fiddle to Sarbananda Sonowal (then the Assam chief minister and now the MP from Dibrugarh and Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways). He succeeded in entering the good books of the Delhi leadership, highlighting his importance for the party, eventually sidelining Sarbananda Sonowal. He just chose one leader and managed him; he still shares a very cordial relationship with that leader. Who is this BJP leader you are talking about? Amit Shah, who else? He (Himanta Biswa Sarma) knows how to influence voters as well as leaders. He holds no loyalty to the BJP. He doesn't bother about ideals like loyalty. For him everything is commerce. He has successfully engineered a split between the Hindus and Muslims through the politics of polarisation. What is it that you find so offensive about the Congress culture that you quit the BJP just because you claim that Himanta Biswa Sarma's entry brought the Congress culture into the BJP? I would feel so before that they (the national and state Congress leadership and their politics) were creating a rift between the Muslims and the BJP. That is the reason why we never chose the Congress. Today, Himanta Biswa Sarma is also trying to create a rift between the Muslims and the BJP. In 2014, 2015 and 2016 many senior Congress leaders joined the BJP because they were angry with the communal politics of Himanta Biswa Sarma (who was then in the Congress). These recent entrants into the BJP began a campaign of hatred and humiliation against senior leaders like me. Today, there is no RSS in Assam to control the BJP. He owns the RSS leadership in Assam today. That made me think: Why should I stick to a party that has become Congress Number Two in Assam. Why not join the original Congress instead of being part of a duplicate Congress? I will continue to remain unhappy in the BJP in this situation; there's nothing I would be able to do for the people of India. That's why I decided to join the original Congress party and teach him (Himanta Biswa Sarma) a lesson. IMAGE: Narendra D Modi, right, and Himanta Biswa Sarma at an election meeting in Nalbari, Assam, April 17, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Why do you want to teach him a lesson? He only understands money. He knows how to use money to influence people. But didn't senior leaders like you when they were in the BJP level the same charges against the Congress? And now you have joined the same Congress! When we did it the Congress was a different party. Today, Himanta Biswa Sarma brought all those Congressmen into the Assam BJP. That is the reason why I, and many, many like-minded people, who were in the Assam BJP made up our mind to join the Congress. If all such people from the Congress can enter the BJP (without the BJP's central leadership taking any action against them), then why shouldn't honest people like me join the Congress? The Congress doesn't have any corrupt and communal people today. IMAGE: Himanta Biswa Sarma, left, with Sarbananda Sonowal at the release of the BJP manifesto for the Assam assembly election in Guwahati, March 23, 2021. Photograph: Pitamber Newar/ANI Photo How is Himanta Biswa Sarma eroding the BJP culture in Assam, as you allege? The way he is dominating the BJP in the state with the help of money and muscle power, people in the state are moving away from the party. Even those who have been loyal to the RSS and BJP now want to teach him a lesson. Our central leadership fails to take cognisance of his shrewd character. They are so taken over by his charm that they not only inducted him into the party but even gave him a free hand to rule Assam. We vehemently opposed his entry into the BJP, but he has, kind of, mesmerised our central leaders. Nobody listened to us. Who will listen to an ordinary district president like me? He alleged that I did not help the BJP win many seats in Nalbari district because I was denied a ticket. While I worked very hard and helped win two BJP seats from Nalbari district even though I was denied a ticket to contest from Nalbari in the 2021 assembly election. He systematically sidelined me from all party organisations at the state and district level and ensured he publicly humiliated me when doing so. There is a saying in Assamese about inflicting pain on an adversary: He cut my hands with a sword and rubbed salt into my wounds. This has never been the BJP's culture but it started happening openly and frequently under Himanta Biswa Sarma. Just to spite me he even removed the plaque that had my name as well as that of Sarbananda Sonowal commemorating the foundation laying ceremony of two over-bridges in my district. He made me so helpless that I was left with no choice but to quit the BJP to save myself from more humiliation. Not just me. He is doing the same with dozens of loyal BJP and RSS leaders in Assam. If what you claim in this interview is true, then why is Amit Shah supporting him? Was there any reason for those 40 MLAs from Maharashtra to come to Assam? Is Assam such a famous state? Who supported these MLAs in Assam? Who was the link that these MLAs got such five-star treatment in Assam? If this is how the BJP and RSS workers are being treated by Himanta Biswa Sarma as you allege, then how will this impact the BJP's electoral prospects in 2026? The people of Assam will kick out the BJP government in 2026. The Congress will rout Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP in Assam in the 2026 assembly election. What role will you play in the Congress now? The party whose lalan-palan (nourishment) we oversaw in its infancy and which we nourished to groom into a strong organisation abjectly humiliated and forced people like me to quit the party. Now, what can we ask from the party (Congress) that gave us shelter in our time of crisis? I will accept whatever they give me. 'It was specifically mentioned in the Gadgil Committee report that this particular area where the colossal landside happened now should be in the Environmentally Sensitive Area under Zone 1.' 'Zone 1 is the most important and ecologically sensitive area, and that it has to be protected entirely.' 'At least 90% of the Wayanad disaster is man-made.' IMAGE: Search operations after landslides hit Mundakkai village in Wayanad. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters The Western Ghats or the Sahyadri mountain ranges stretches from Gujarat in the west to Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the south. This mountain range is recognised as one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unfortunately, the entire Western Ghats have been getting exploited in the name of development and the forest cover of the Western Ghats has been getting depleted at a fast rate. This in turn has affected the climate, agriculture, the general economy of the states and also the very existence of human lives. The Save Western Ghats Movement was started by various environmental groups that were concerned about this kind of development. When Jairam Ramesh was minister for environment in the UPA1 government, he agreed to set up a 14 member committee under the chairmanship of Dr Madhav Gadgil to identify and study the most sensitive areas of the Western Ghats, and recommend measures to be taken to save the ghats. Dr V S Vijayan was a member of this Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel member or the Gadgil Committee that travelled the entire stretch of the Western Ghats and conducted research talking to the locals. "For people like me, it is very, very, painful to see disasters like these happening when they could have been avoided," Dr Vijayan tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier. As someone who has travelled extensively as part of the Gadgil Committee, do you think what happened in Wayanad is a man-made disaster? Or, is it due to climate change? Of course, climate change plays an important role in events like the landslide we saw in Wayanad. But the present landslide in Wayanad is due to the kind of negligence on the part of the central government. I underline 'central government' because I see many reports of them blaming the government of Kerala. It is not true. The Gadgil committee was constituted by Jairam Ramesh when he was minister for environment and forests. When the report was submitted, it was rejected by the central government and they appointed the K Kasturirangan Committee to submit another report. The government of Kerala had no role in any of these things. My second point is that it was specifically mentioned in the Gadgil Committee report that this particular area where the colossal landside happened now should be in the ESA (Environmentally Sensitive Area) under Zone 1. Zone 1 is the most important and ecologically sensitive area, and that it has to be protected entirely. That's why people like me think it is a man-made tragedy. At least 90% of the disaster is man-made. I will not say, 100%. Yes, climate change has some role. IMAGE: Rescue operations after the devastating landslides in Wayanad. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters When you say it is 90% man-made, you mean the mining and other construction activities that were happening there? I would say, all kinds of the so-called development activities were happening in this particular area. Quarries were not exactly in this area but 4 tpo 5 kilometres away. But it will not make any difference if quarrying was happening 4 to 5 kilometres away from a very ecologically sensitive area. What we suggested was the entire area should be protected. Who should be blamed for this? The people who indulge in such activities or the state/central governments? 100% of the blame goes to the then central government because they are the one who rejected the Gagdil Committee report and appointed the Kasturirangan Committee. The state government has no role in it. IMAGE: A drone view shows rescuers searching for survivors amidst debris of damaged houses. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Does the state government have no hand in the tourism related construction activities and also quarrying? The state government could definitely have a role in the quarrying activities. Like I said, though it was not happening in the same place, it was practically the same place as 4 to 5 kilometres will not make any difference. So, it comes under the high-risk area. It is not that the state government has1 no role; it also has a role. It could have prevented both quarrying and the other development activities like tourism. In the name of tourism, so many buildings have sprung up. It has also contributed to the tragedy. The sufferers are the people who have been living there for many decades... Yes, so many people died. So many lost their houses. So many lost their livelihood. But nothing happened to those who exploited the resources of the area. The rich and the goons who indulge in anti-environment activities in the Western Ghats area are still safe. Those who get affected are the poor people who live there. My point is, had the government followed the Gadgil Committee report, this calamity would not have happened. IMAGE: Search operations in Wayanad. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Whatever you have said in the report, is happening one by one. The way the Western Ghats was being destroyed resulted in the 2018 floods in Kerala. Why is it that the warnings are falling on deaf ears? That's because there is a powerful lobby against the Gadgil Committee report. This powerful lobby knew that their activities would be curtailed if the Gadgil Committee recommendations were implemented. That's why this controversy about 63% and 37% came. What we said was 63% of the Western Ghats should be protected and 37% could be used for development. They rejected what we said and went for the Kasturirangan committee report which said otherwise; that 37% could be protected and the rest could be used for development activities. When I interviewed you in 2013, you had said that the Kasturirangan committee report was a disaster for the Western Ghats... I strongly believe that the report is a disaster for the Western Ghats, even now. You travelled the entire stretch of the Western Ghats to write the report. Do you think more such disasters will happen? Yes! There is no doubt about it. Unless the government reverses its own decisions, and accept the recommendations of our report, disasters can happen anywhere along the Western Ghats especially the areas we have mentioned under Zone 1. The Gadgil Committee was set up after many environmental activists strated this Save the Western Ghats movement. The report was made public only after an RTI activist challenged it in court. You are right. It was not made public because the government was scared of the people who were against it. They didn't want the public to know about what we said in the report. IMAGE: Girls who lost their homes in landslides in a classroom at a school which has been converted into a temporary relief camp in Meppadi village, Wayanad. Photograph: CK Thanseer/Reuters Is there any way we can save the Western Ghats and that way, many environmental disasters from happening? Yes. What I still believe is that if the central government accepts our recommendations, we can still save the Western Ghats. I wrote a letter to Rahul Gandhi yesterday. And today, I am going to write to the Green Tribunal also as it has taken up the entire issue on their own without anyone asking them to. They are going to come up with their recommendations. So, I have decided to approach them also. There is no need to do another survey of the Western Ghats as we have done a thorough study. Do you know the Gadgil Committee had 14 experts who were working in the field unlike many committees which have armchair experts? Is it too late to save the Western Ghats? The climate pattern of all the southern states has changed drastically, especially that of Kerala... You cannot say it is too late. It is better than not doing anything. IMAGE: The cremation of a 19-year-old landslide victim, who was the only member of his family to be found, at a crematorium in Meppadi. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters The Gadgil committee report warned about the 2018 Kerala floods and landslides like these.... I feel totally helpless. Even Madhav Gadgil feels the same way. What else can we do? Where else can we go? We have been sending petitions after petitions to authorities with warnings. Soon after the BJP government came to power in 2014, the environment minister came here, shook my hand and promised me that they would implement what the Gadgil Committee report had recommended. But later the entire scenario changed. When the plan for the Silent Valley hydro-electric project was announced in the 1970s, environmental activists started a Save Silent Valley movement. And they could save Silent Valley. But the Save the Western Ghats movement failed.. I was with the Kerala Forest Research Institute at that time. I did the first scientific study of Silent Valley and came up with a report. Naturally, the government was against the report and that was over. The Save Silent Valley movement started then but it was different. The difference was that the movement was taken over by people. They could turn things around. IMAGE: Dr V S Vijayan IMAGE: Dr V S Vijayan Do you feel people should take over the Save the Western Ghats movement as they are the sufferers? People should have taken over the movement. Unfortunately, there is no movement now. People could do so many things at that time. You should understand times have changed now. Now, all the decisions are taken by the Government of India. When they didn't want the Gadgil committee report, another committee was formed, and they came up with a report favourable to the government. The people's movement also died slowly. For people like me, it is very, very, painful to see disasters like these happening when they could have been avoided... Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) inspector was killed when the terrorists opened fire on a patrol party in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district on Monday, officials said. Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The CRPF along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the local police was fired upon by the terrorists around 3:30 pm in the remote Chill area under Dudu Police Station jurisdiction of Basantgarh, the officials said. CRPF Inspector Kuldip, belonging to the G company of the 187th battalion, was hit by a bullet and later succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital, they said. The Udhampur Police posted information about this incident on its official X handle. "During area domination patrol at Chill, Dudu, exchange of fire took place between terrorists and joint parties of JKP and CRPF. In the encounter, one Inspector of CRPF suffered bullet injuries & has attained martyrdom.Operation continues," it said. The terrorists fled the scene in the face of strong retaliation by the joint patrolling party, the officials said, adding reinforcements have been rushed to the scene and a search operation has been launched to track down and neutralise the militants. The security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for a 'high alert' mode in view of the forthcoming three-phase assembly polls that have been announced by the Election Commission last week. The Election Commission earlier on Friday announced the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1, and the votes will be counted on October 4. Former Chief of Army Staff General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, affectionately known as 'Paddy' in army circles, passed away in Chennai due to old age, a source close to him said on Monday. Image posted by the Indian Army on X. Photograph: Kind courtesy @adgpi/X He was 83. He served as the Chief of Army Staff from September 30, 2000 to 31 December 31, 2002. He commanded an Independent Artillery Brigade and a Mountain Brigade before attending the prestigious NDC course at Delhi. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his services as the 15 Corps Commander. Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on December 5, 1940, General Padmanabhan was an alumnus of the prestigious Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehra Dun, and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla in Pune. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery after graduating from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) on December 13, 1959. His illustrious career included several prestigious command, staff and instructional postings, besides having participated in numerous operations, a defence release in Chennai said. A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) at Wellington in 1973 and the National Defence College (NDC) at New Delhi, he commanded an Independent Light Battery from August 1975 to July 1976 and later on commanded the Gazala Mountain Regiment from September 1977 to March 1980. This mountain regiment is one of the oldest artillery regiments of the Indian Army and has participated in several wars. He served as Instructor Gunnery at the School of Artillery in Deolali, been a Brigade Major of an infantry brigade on its raising and served as Colonel General Staff of a Mountain Division from January 1983 to May 1985, where he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). He has also spent two tenures as an instructor at the IMA. He commanded an Infantry Brigade from December 1988 to February 1991 at Ranchi, Bihar and Punjab and was then appointed as the General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division in Punjab from March 1991 to August 1992. He served as Chief of Staff, 3 Corps from September 1992 to June 1993. After his promotion to Lieutenant General, he was commander of the 15 Corps in the Kashmir valley from July 1993 to February 1995. It was during his tenure as the 15 Corps Commander, that the Army made big gains over the militants in Kashmir and could even scale down its operations. General Padmanabhan held the appointment of Director General Military Intelligence (DGMI) after the successful culmination of which, he took over as the GOC of the Northern Command at Udhampur on September 1, 1996. Before being appointed as the Chief of Army Staff, he was the GOC of Southern Command. He retired on December 31, 2002, after completing more than 43 years of distinguished military service. In a rerun of the 'Reclaim the Night' campaign, hundreds of women took to the streets in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal on Sunday night, demanding justice for the alleged rape and murder of a doctor in the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. IMAGE: Actresses Srabanti Chatterjee, Oindrila Sen and Subhashree Ganguly along with others stage a protest rally against the alleged sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital, in Kolkata on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo Braving intermittent rains, women of all ages and backgrounds assembled in several areas such as Jadavpur, Garia, Behala Parnashree, Khanna, Lake Town, and other city locations, and raised slogans -- 'We want justice'. Protests, similar to the August 14 'Reclaim the Night' gatherings across West Bengal, were also held in Madhyamgram Chowmatha in North 24 Parganas, Siliguri, Durgapur, and other locations. Some protesters carried flaming torches, while others displayed placards, demanding exemplary punishment for those involved in the horrific crime and condemning alleged efforts by parts of the administration to shield the culprits. Expressing solidarity with the protestors, senior Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari told reporters, "I urge people to give a call for a march to state secretariat Nabanna so that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee can hear the voices of protest from her office. Let there be no party colour or flag. I am ready to support the battle of the people as a citizen." Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh told reporters that the BJP was trying to 'politicise' the incident. "The CM is on the side of the bereaved family and already hit the streets demanding exemplary punishment of culprits. The case is now being investigated by the CBI. We all want justice to be done. We all are for the security of women," he added. Meanwhile, Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Sunday stated that he 'has called an emergency meeting of a cross-section of Bengal society to apprise them of the action taken in the matter and to gather their opinions on the issue'. Taking to social media platform X, Bose said, 'HG's swift action on the letter from Shri Harbhajan Singh expressing his anguish over the tragic incident at R.G. Kar Medical College. HG has called an emergency meeting of a cross-section of Bengal society to apprise them of the action taken in the matter and to take stock of their opinions in this regard.' He further stated that he would be addressing Singh on the actions taken and expressed his 'solidarity with the civil society across India, who have voiced their deep concern over the ghastly incident and the apparent inaction of the government'. -- with ANI inputs Days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kyiv, India on Monday said it is willing to contribute in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, May 20, 2023. Modi will visit the Ukrainian capital on August 23 to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India has always been advocating diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said at a media briefing. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine will form a part of discussions, he said. India has independent ties with both Russia and Ukraine, Lal said replying to a question. Modi will travel to Poland before visiting Ukraine. Restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as well as implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the erstwhile assembly in 2000 are among the National Conference's 12 guarantees announced in its manifesto for the upcoming polls. All photographs: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, along with senior party leaders, releases the partys election manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Srinagar, August 19, 2024. In June 2000, the National Conference government under Farooq Abdullah passed a resolution in the assembly seeking to restore the pre-1953 constitutional position in the state. It was, however, rejected by the Union Cabinet headed by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Narendra Modi government abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, in 2019 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The NC manifesto for the upcoming assembly polls also promised to seek amnesty for all political prisoners and dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. Free 200 units of electricity, relief from power and water crisis, transfer of hydro-electric power projects to Jammu and Kashmir and providing 12 LPG cylinders to the economically weaker sections each year for free are among the other pledges made by the party in its poll document. Releasing the manifesto at a press conference in Srinagar, NC Vice President Omar Abdullah said the party is making only those promises it can deliver. He described the manifesto as the NC's vision document and a roadmap for governance. The manifesto makes 12 broad promises, including striving for the full implementation of the Autonomy Resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir assembly in 2000. "We strive to restore (Articles) 370-35A, and statehood as prior to August 5, 2019," the NC poll document said. In the interim period, "We will endeavour to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019", it said. The manifesto has promised that the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, in its first list of business after elections, will pass a resolution against the Centre's decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status. The NC said it will make efforts to modify, annul, and repeal post-August 5, 2019, laws that impact the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. It also pledged to protect the land and employment rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, encourage dialogue between India and Pakistan, and make efforts to secure the release of prisoners languishing in jails. Under a guarantee titled "Restoring normalcy", the NC said if it forms government in Jammu and Kashmir after the polls, it will revoke the stringent and controversial Public Safety Act (PSA). Simplified job verification process, addressing "unjust" terminations of employees and putting an end to harassment of people on highways have also been mentioned in the manifesto. The National Conference pledged to provide a comprehensive job package, one lakh jobs to youths and fill up all vacancies in government departments within 180 days of coming to power. Another guarantee announced by the party talks about social welfare and the aim to provide Rs 5,000 per month to women heads of households belonging to the economically weaker sections of society. It also promised to strengthen the public distribution system, providing 10 kgs of rice/atta per person each month, and working towards establishing a Minority Commission. The manifesto said the party would implement its WADA (War Against Drug Abuse) report to eradicate the drug menace. If the NC forms government, it would strengthen agricultural and horticulture sectors, create robust health infrastructure, and set up a medical trust with free insurance of Rs 5 lakh per annum for people requiring heart and kidney transplants and those with terminal diseases like cancer, the party said. The poll document promised to grant industry status to the tourism sector and explore new tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, including in Pir Panjal, Chenab, and other areas. The National Conference pledged free education till the university level and to draw up a strong plan for the education sector. It also promised comprehensive expansion of the cities of Srinagar and Jammu. Omar Abdullah said when the party sought suggestions from the public for its manifesto, he did not expect a tremendous response. "We were surprised that there was no corner of Jammu and Kashmir where we did not get a response. Thousands of letters, emails and messages. I thank them all. Every message was read and discussed. We tried to incorporate those in the manifesto," he added. Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be announced on October 4. Last December, the Supreme Court directed the poll panel to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam does not have any need for secret ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party merely because it invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to release a commemorative coin marking the birth centenary of its leader M Karunanidhi, DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Monday. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the release a commemorative coin marking the birth centenary of its leader M Karunanidhi in Chennai on August 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The party was strongly moored to its principles and its stance on "whether to oppose or extend support" was based on DMK's ideology, Stalin said a day after Singh released the Rs 100 coin of the five-time chief minister. At the event held in Chennai on Sunday, the Defence Minister lauded Karunanidhi as one of the "most revered leaders of the country, a titan of Indian politics, an able administrator, an advocate for social justice, and a cultural stalwart." "Just because we invited the Central Minister, there's speculation that we have ties with the BJP. There's no need for us (the DMK) to have a secret pact with the BJP," Stalin said speaking after solemnising the marriage of Dileepan, son of DMK Thiruvottiyur MLA K P Shankar, with Vishali, in Chennai. He recalled that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had once said that both the DMK and its leader M Karunanidhi's opposition or support on any issue was ideological-based. The chief minister said he was pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed by Singh's praises on Kalaignar (as Karunanidhi is affectionately addressed). "I was so happy that I could not sleep last night as Mr Rajnath Singh's honest remarks about Kalaignar came straight from his heart," Stalin added. Singh had insisted upon visiting Kalaignar's memorial in the city before releasing the coin, he said. Jharkhand Bharatiya Janata Party president Babulal Marandi on Monday said no discussions had yet taken place with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Champai Soren regarding his potential switch to the saffron party. IMAGE: Former Jharkhand CM and JMM leader Champai Soren speaks to the media on the rumours of joining the BJP on his arrival, in New Delhi, August 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Marandi noted that Soren, a former chief minister and seasoned politician, would decide his own path. "No talk was held yet with Champai Soren. He is a seasoned politician and has been part of the separate Jharkhand movement. He will himself decide his own path," Marandi said. Champai Soren, amid speculations about joining the BJP, arrived in Delhi on Sunday afternoon. Later he took to social media to express his "bitter humiliation" during his tenure as chief minister, which he said prompted him to explore alternative political paths. Mentioning Champai's post, Marandi said, "It indicates that he was deeply hurt. He felt humiliated the way he was removed from the CM's post." In his post, Soren recounted being asked to resign during a party legislators' meeting on July 3, which he said hurt his self-respect. At the same meeting, Champai had announced that a "new chapter in my life is going to begin from today," and outlined three options - retire from politics, form a new political outfit, or seek an ally to move forward with. "From that day until now, and through the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, all options are open for me in this journey," Soren said. Reacting to Chief Minister Hemant Soren's accusation that the BJP engages in poaching MLAs, Marandi remarked, "It means he (Hemant Soren) is saying his MLAs are 'Bikao' (saleable). If you term all MLAs as 'Bikao,' who will want to stay with you (CM)? If any MLA expresses his grief, you (CM) should listen to him." Hemant Soren had previously criticised the BJP during a government function in Godda, accusing them of destabilising parties and breaking families. BJP leader and chief minister Hemant Soren's sister-in-law, Sita Soren, claimed that senior leaders in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha are disrespected. She criticised the party for not respecting leaders like Champai Soren, known as the 'Kolhan Tiger,' and said this lack of respect was indicative of broader issues within the JMM. "When Champai Soren, who is such a big and oldest leader in JMM, was not given his due respect, other leaders could understand their positions," she said, also noting that other senior leaders like Lobin Hembrom were sidelined. Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Pratul Shadeo commented that if Champai Soren expresses a willingness to join the BJP, the party leadership would consider it. "Champai Soren is a big leader and he tried to change the image of Hemant Soren's corrupt party...So, our leaders personally respect him," Shadeo said. In response, JMM senior leader and minister Mithilesh Thakur assured that any issues within the party would be resolved internally. "JMM is a family and if there is any issue, it would be resolved," Thakur said. Rangers worked quickly to locate, treat and release the dingo so she could get back to her pups. One of K'gari's apex predators was captured after she was reported to have three fishing hooks in her body. Source: DESI The contents of a large steel cage represent hours of work by rangers on one of Australias most popular holiday islands. The apex predator inside, whose ancestors have roamed Kgari for thousands of years, was literally brought to her knees by a visitors thoughtless act. I bet shes glad to have those hooks out of her mouth, the ranger said after he released the dingo back onto the islands sandy scrublands after treatment. He describes her as moving well. Twenty-four hours earlier she had become entangled in a large set of gang hooks which had been discarded on the beach. Related: $480k warning to tourists considering illegal act on K'gari Rangers found the animal with two hooks in her gums on Sunday, likely causing her extreme pain. Her paw then became tethered to her face after she tried to remove a third hook from her mouth. Sadly, her condition left her unable to care for the pups she was raising, so rangers worked fast to remove the hooks and release her. Shes gone and grabbed someones bait fishermen that are on the island need to be really responsible with their hooks and with their bait security, and making sure theyre disposing of their fish properly so this doesnt happen, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ranger Dan Novak said after the dingo was tranquillised. The female dingo's paw became tethered to her face after she tried to remove the hooks in her gums. Source: DESI Why did the dingo become impaled by so many fish hooks? The struggling dingo was treated and released less than a month after rangers on the Queensland island released dozens of photos to highlight the problems associated with improperly discarded fish hooks. They were frustrated that dingoes on K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, were being tolerated by fishermen around their camps, causing the animals to lose their fear and raid lines, and bait buckets. Shallow buried fish frames were also luring dingoes to fishing sites. The most recent case occurred after an influx of tourists visited the island, taking advantage of the perfect weather conditions over winter. Since July, theyve removed several hooks from the mouths of dingoes around the Orchid Beach area. We believe most incidents have involved fishing gear that has been taken back to camp and the fisher has not removed the bait from the hooks, Novak said. Every fisher who visits Kgari has to remove all bait from their hooks after their fishing session is over and preferably cover the exposed hooks with a protector. Dingoes are extremely opportunistic, and they will scavenge around camping areas, which is why it is so important to remove bait from all hooks. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers for the fourth consecutive day on Monday questioned the former principal of Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh in connection with their probe into the rape and murder of a woman doctor. IMAGE: A CBI officer conducts a 3D mapping and scanning at the emergency gate of the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, in Kolkata on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo Ghosh reached the CBI's city office at CGO Complex on Monday morning, an official said. Ghosh was asked to specify his role after getting the news of the death of the doctor, who he had contacted and why he made the parents wait for nearly three hours, he said. The ex-principal was also questioned who had ordered the renovation of the rooms near the seminar hall at the emergency building of the hospital after the incident. Ghosh has been questioned for several hours in the last three days since Friday by the CBI officers. The officers of the central probe agency are also checking his mobile phone call list details as well as his WhatsApp chat list. Ghosh, an orthopaedic doctor, had resigned from the R G Kar Medical College principal's post two days after the woman's body was found on August 9. He had expressed fears of being attacked, prompting his lawyer to seek protection from the Calcutta high court. The court directed him to approach a single bench. The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found in a seminar room at Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Police arrested a civic volunteer the next day in this connection. The Congress is open to talks with like-minded parties to strike a "respectable alliance" for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls but the parameters for such a tie-up would be different from the Lok Sabha elections, party's newly-appointed J-K chief Tariq Hameed Karra said on Monday. IMAGE: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party leader Rahul Gandhi and party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra with People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah at the concluding event of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Srinagar on January 30, 2023. Photograph: Imran Nissar/ANI Photo In an interview with PTI, Karra also said Ghulam Nabi Azad's Democratic Progressive Azad Party has been "outrightly rejected" by the people who have "punished" the outfit for the "idea of leaving the Congress". The former MP said "restoration of statehood" is of "paramount" importance for the Congress and accused the Centre of taking the "unconstitutional" step of relegating a state to a Union Territory. Karra, who became the J&K Congress chief last Friday replacing Vikar Rasool Wani, said a call is already there for all secular parties who are opposed to the "hegemonic attitude" of the BJP to unite. Asked if the Congress will align with parties such as the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Karra said, "The previous coalition (for parliamentary polls) had different parameters; it was at the national level and parameters are always different between parliamentary elections and assembly elections." "So, we will have to talk within ourselves also, to my leadership in Jammu and Kashmir. We have been given assurance by the leadership here in Delhi that there shall be a respectable alliance because the parameters fixed at that time (parliamentary polls) were different which I don't think would be applicable this time," he told PTI. "We have to start discussions immediately after assuming charge and I have to have discussions with my colleagues and then only we will decide. "We are open to talks with like-minded parties who are fighting against the hegemonic attitude of the BJP. We are open to that. We have to have a respectable alliance but the parameters are different this time," Karra asserted. The NC and the Congress forged an alliance in the Lok Sabha polls. However, Mehbooba Mufti's PDP was not part of the alliance and had accused the NC of violating the spirit of the Gupkar alliance. Karra, 69, belongs to a prominent political family from Srinagar. He had joined the Congress in 2017 after quitting the Mehbooba Multi-led party. Karra was a strong critic of the Peoples Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance. Karra had won the Lok Sabha election from Srinagar in 2014, handing National Conference's Farooq Abdullah his first-ever electoral defeat in four decades. "I have been appointed PCC chief at this juncture and I am very happy that the Congress party as a whole, Mr Rahul Gandhi and Mr. Kharge in particular, have bestowed trust in me. Now I don't think there is any time to take on other organisational work. It is time to jump into the election fray directly," Karra said. As far as the prospects of the Congress are concerned, Karra said former party chief Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra has earned a huge amount of goodwill in J&K. "Even in Parliament elections, which were fought on that goodwill factor, we did not get any direct benefit of that but others did get the benefit of that goodwill factor of Rahul Gandhi. "I am very optimistic that the environment there, the mood of the people, the national scenario, factoring in all those, the Congress party will fare very well in the coming elections," he asserted. Talking about the issues the Congress would fight the assembly polls on, Karra said political stands are very clear as far as the Congress is concerned and it wants full restoration of democracy. "They have to restore statehood... also laws which were forced on us have to be looked into. Those things have to be taken into consideration," he said. Karra accused the BJP of having a "step-motherly" attitude towards Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that it has always used the Union Territory for minting votes countrywide. "We have to highlight these things. People in general are fed up with the kind of attitude they have been met with by the BJP," he said. The J-K Congress chief said restoration of statehood is the "paramount" issue as the people had been "denied" something which is their right. "This is the first time a full state has been reduced to a UT. In the Constitution, there is mention of converting a UT into a state but no mention of converting a state into a UT. So this break up of the state... such unconstitutional things they have done," he said. Asked about former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's party, Karra said, "People have outrightly rejected that party. The idea of leaving the Congress has been totally rejected and they have been punished for that." Talking about the rising terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir recently, Karra said people have been suffering from militancy for the last three decades. "At the time of abrogation of Article 370, the BJP had blown the trumpet that henceforth there will be no militancy, henceforth there would be room for development, henceforth there would be investment but now the whole world is seeing how much the militancy has been curbed. The only thing that has happened is the changing of goalposts," Karra said. The terror incidents are a "direct failure" of the central government as well as the state administration, he said, adding that it is a very "grave concern" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. While Karra has replaced Wani as the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, party president Kharge has also appointed two working presidents for Jammu and Kashmir -- Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla. The three-phase elections to the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly will be held on September 18, September 25 and October 1. The Congress is hoping to continue with its political revival by inflicting losses on the BJP in the Jammu region where the two parties are the main contestants. Two regional parties, the National Conference and PDP, have won most of the seats in the Kashmir valley between them in the past elections. In the last assembly in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014, the BJP won 25 of its 87 seats and joined hands with the PDP to form a government under the leadership of the regional party's leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The Jammu and Kashmir assembly now has 90 seats following delimitation. Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said he would quit politics if CM Eknath Shinde asserted that he was hindering the Maratha quota process, referring to allegations by activist Manoj Jarange. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Photograph: ANI Photo Stressing that government decisions are taken collectively, Shinde defended Fadnavis and called Jarange's allegations against him baseless. Jarange is a strident critic of the senior BJP leader and has routinely accused him of being the main obstacle in the Maratha community's quest for reservation in government jobs and education. Jarange holds Fadnavis, also the state's home minister, responsible for the police lathi charge on Maratha quota activists in Antarwali Sarati in Jalna in August last year. Speaking to reporters later, Shinde defended his deputy and rejected the allegations against him. When Fadnavis was the chief minister of Maharashtra, he had given reservation to the Maratha community. The allegations of Jarange against Fadnavis are baseless, and there is no truth in such claims. Whatever decision we take, we do it as a collective effort, said Shinde. Jarange has been demanding the implementation of the state government's sage soyare' (blood relatives) notification to grant Marathas reservation under the OBC category. He wants Kunbi certificates to be issued to all Marathas. Kunbis, an agrarian community, enjoy OBC status in the state. Shinde said those who have always opposed reservation for Marathas are behind the litigation against the bill passed in the assembly granting quota to the community. We have also given (Kunbi) certificates to the youth and provided various services and facilities. Fadnavis has played a valuable role in finalising the quota policy, Shinde said. However, Jarange continued his tirade against Fadnavis. Asked about his views on Shinde defending the deputy CM, Jarange said, After the Lok Sabha election results as well as today, Fadnavis said he would quit politics. What makes him utter such extreme words? Jarange claimed that the distribution of Kunbi certificates was stopped at the administrative level. We never considered Fadnavis as our opponent, but he has been in power for so many years, and the decision (over quota) is not materialising, he said. This means Fadnavis has been opposing quota benefits for the Maratha community, he claimed. The Maharashtra government in September last year had sought time to get the Hyderabad gazette (for the Kunbi records of Marathas) to make it the base document to allot Kunbi caste certificates to the community members from the state's Marathwada region. It has been almost 12 months but the state government has miserably failed to obtain the document. It means someone in the state government is halting the process, he said. Jarange also spoke about the reservation promised to Marathas through the Socially and Economically Backward Class category. He said, We never wanted reservation from SEBC quota, but it was thrust upon us. Because of it, we also lost our claim from the Economically Weaker Section quota given by the Union government. A yagna was conducted at the Dola Mata temple in Jhulasan village in Gujarat where her father Deepak Pandya hailed from for astronaut Sunita Williams's return from space. Suni Williams and fellow astronaut Barry E 'Butch' Wilmore have been stuck aboard the International Space Station since June 6 due to technical glitches on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on which they travelled to space. The Boeing Starliner voyage was the first of its kind flight with people on board to see how the spacecraft performed before it was used more regularly. As the spacecraft approached the ISS, there were leaks in the Starliner spacecraft's propulsion system and some of its thrusters shut down. Suni and Butch's 8-day mission to space may be extended till February 2025 when a SpaceX flight could bring them home. IMAGE: Hindu priests and villagers at the yagna, here and below. All photographs: Amit Dave/Reuters Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com Every day at 11 am, T Rooban performs a special Abhisheka Aradhana for Kamala Harris' success, pouring liquid offerings over the deity's image while chanting sacred Sanskrit mantras. IMAGE: Democratic presidential candidate and US Vice President Kamala Harris arrives in Chicago ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, August 18, 2024. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters While Washington, DC lay quiet and asleep in the wee hours of Friday, the air far away in Thulasendrapuram, a small village in Tamil Nadu, was alive with anticipation. At 11 am IST, T Rooban, a leading priest at Dharma Sastha temple, believed to be 500 years old, was preparing for a special puja, or Abhishekam. The temple air buzzed with the fragrant smoke of burning camphor and incense, mingling with the bright hues of lotus and rose petals. As villagers gathered, their voices united in a singular prayer for a world figure far removed yet deeply connected: Victory for Kamala Harris, the American vice-president and Democratic candidate for the US presidency. Their reason is personal. About 340 kilometres from Chennai, Thulasendrapuram -- which sits lush and green in the fertile Cauvery River delta -- is not just a village of 300 families, or nearly 1,200 residents, but it is also Harris' ancestral home. A black stone tablet at one corner of the temple bears the names of those who contributed to its renovation, including Harris, who donated Rs 5,000 ($59.69) in 2014 while serving as California's attorney general. "She visited this village when she was 10 years old and came to our temple," Rooban reminisced. "When she became vice-president in 2020, we held special prayers." Now, every day at 11 am, he and other priests perform a special Abhisheka Aradhana for Harris' success, pouring liquid offerings over the deity's image while chanting sacred Sanskrit mantras. Thulasendrapuram's streets are adorned with posters and banners of Harris, leading neighbouring villages to dub it 'Kamala Harris' Village' and guiding visitors to this unique place. "When she became vice president, a team of foreigners visited the village, the temple, and a nearby high school. Now, everyone is putting up her posters, so I'm planning to print one too," shared Ganesan Manikandan, who has run a small grocery store outside the temple for 14 years. Showing an advertisement featuring Harris and US President Joe Biden, he said while such posters in Thulasendrapuram may not sway votes in her favour, they could win hearts in the US. About half a kilometre from the temple along muddy village roads lies an agraharam, a traditional Brahmin settlement. There P Vasudha, a 60-year-old resident, recounted Harris' maternal grandfather, Painganadu Venkataraman Gopalan, as a neighbour. "There's no house of Harris to show now; the plot is vacant. They (Gopalan's family) moved out of the village decades ago,"," he said. IMAGE: People of Kamala Harris' ancestral village offer a special prayer at the Sri Dharma Sastha temple in Thulasendrapuram, January 20, 2021. Photograph: ANI Photo Gopalan, a civil servant, was renowned for his relief work in Zambia and later with the Government of India. He also served as an advisor to Zambia's first president, Kenneth Kaunda. Among his four children, Harris's mother, Shyamala, pursued an academic career in the US and married Jamaican economist Donald J Harris. "It was Harris' maternal aunt who last visited the temple and made a contribution on her behalf," explained Jayaraman Sudhakar, a local councillor. "For every success of hers, we celebrate with firecrackers, processions, and posters. People here know more about US politics than Indian politics." A Harris victory means a continuation of Biden's India-friendly policies, boosting strategic technology and defence ties, the villagers said, adding, conversely, Republican Donald J Trump's 'Make America Great Again' stance may strain India-US trade relations. "We believe our pujas and the blessings of Dharma Sastha helped her win in 2020," said Thirunavukkarasu, a temple worker. "Every day, 20, 30 people attend the puja for her victory, and we offer special food to the devotees." "This is her village. She is our leader and a woman from this village," D Mannarkodi, a 55-year-old woman, proudly declared. As Harris's campaign rallies Democrats with the slogan 'When we fight, we win,' a similar sentiment echoes 14,000 kilometres away in Thulasendrapuram. From children to elders, the message is unanimous: "Vetri (victory)" for Kamala Harris. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low around 40F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low around 40F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Nancy Braus is a regular columnist for the Reformer who writes from Guilford. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. The boat's captain declared it was one of her top experiences in 10 years of whale watching. Tourists were forced to wait and watch as the humpback whale circled their boat near Manly, Sydney. Source: Instagram/Oceanextreme A group of tourists were "literally held hostage" by a humpback whale on Friday morning after the curious mammal circled a boat off the east coast, forcing the captain to do nothing but float due to environmental laws. For almost an hour, captain and marine biologist Cassie Murray, 31, was forced to simply cut the boat's power supply and watch in awe as the giant whale "hung around" the boat near Manly in Sydney. However, she said the trip had started like any other. "We don't use any kind of technology to find the whales, we're just looking with our eyes," the captain from the whale watching company Ocean Extreme told Yahoo News. "We're always looking for the blow, which is the breath of the whale. That's typically how we spot them... then this whale made a turn towards the boat "It just kind of hung around and circled the boat and spy-hopped, which is when they lift their head up out of the water to take a look around," she said. The curious whale 'hung around' for 40 minutes, delighting both tourists and crew. Source: Instagram/Oceanextreme There were "constant screams of excitement" from those on board and Murray, who has over 10 years of experience in the industry, admitted it was one of her best-ever whale-watching experiences. "It was very, very special," she said. "It was just watching us watch it, basically." Whale accused of 'mugging' the tourists Due to wildlife protection laws, Murray was legally required to cut the power to prevent the boat's propellers from hitting the whale a situation known as a 'mugging'. "The [whale] behaviour we experienced, it's called a mugging because, essentially, the boats are being held hostage by the whales, we can't move," she said. "You're being held hostage by the whale. But it's like, the best kind of hostage situation possible." Whales migrate along the east coast during a large stretch of the year as they travel north for warmer waters to breed, then south again to feed, but having this experience in Sydney is "rare", Murray explained. "For us in Sydney, it's quite rare because we are very much on the migration path. So 95 per cent of our trips, we just see the whales cruising past," she said "This whale took the time to stop and just kind of mill about in one spot." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Matthew Chadderdon, an executive at Auburn Community Hospital for six years, has been named chief of staff and associate vice president of SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Chadderdon's responsibilities will include strategizing and promoting the university's priorities and initiatives. He will also be a liaison between SUNY Upstate Medical University President Mantosh Dewan and outside groups. According to the university, Chadderdon will also oversee and manage the operational functions of the president's office and support community relations, government relations, marketing and public and media relations. "I am delighted to have Matt join the senior leadership team here at Upstate," Dewan said in a statement. "His experience in health care, and his background in communications and in coordinating complex initiatives make him well suited to join the talented team we have at Upstate." Chadderdon, a Buffalo State graduate who earned a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University's Maxwell School, has held executive-level positions with prominent central New York companies. From 1994 to 2001, he was vice president for corporate communications and community relations at UTC/Carrier Corp. For eight years, he was the vice president of marketing communications, global brand management and shareholder relations at Welch Allyn. In 2018, Chadderdon was hired by Auburn Community Hospital to serve as vice president for marketing communications and government relations. In that role, he helped the hospital secure more than $40 million in federal and state funding for various projects, including a new cancer center that opened this year. During Chadderdon's tenure, Auburn Community Hospital was awarded $21 million in state funding to establish its cardiac care institute and make improvements to the operating rooms. Chadderon, who lives in Auburn, has been active in the community. He has served on boards for the Cayuga Community Health Network and E. John Gavras Center. One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history. In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group. Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war. RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack? Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences. There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings. Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good. RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis? Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months. RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices? Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term." So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire. Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home? One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective. RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families? Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular. At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families. Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen. RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas? Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk. It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important. Why? For a couple of reasons. First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005. RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future? Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent. I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term. Israel has claimed that the successor to slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has likely been "eliminated," while U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called Tehran the greatest adversary of the United States. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on October 8 said that Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon, was an "organization without a head." "Nasrallah was eliminated -- his replacement was probably also eliminated," Gallant told officers at the military's northern command center without providing details. "There's no one to make decisions, no one to act," he added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later echoed those comments, saying, "We've degraded Hezbollah's capabilities." "We took out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah himself and Nasrallah's replacement, and the replacement of the replacement," Netanyahu said. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union blacklists its armed wing but not its political party. Hezbollahs political party has seats in the Lebanese parliament. Hashem Safieddine, a top Hezbollah official and a cousin of Nasrallah, was widely expected to be named to the group's top position, but his whereabouts and condition are a mystery since an Israeli strike hit a suspected Hezbollah leadership meeting on October 2. Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine's fate, although unidentified members have told various media that the group had lost contact with him since the attack. Safieddine has been declared a global terrorist by the United States. Meanwhile, Harris told CBS TV's 60 Minutes program in an interview that she considered Iran to be the greatest adversary of the United States. "Iran has American blood on their hands," she said. "And what we saw in terms of just this attack on Israel, 200 ballistic missiles, what we need to do to ensure that Iran never achieves the ability to be a nuclear power -- that is one of my highest priorities." Harris -- the Democratic presidential nominee who will face Republican Donald Trump in the November 5 election -- declined to speculate on whether the United States would take military action itself should proof be uncovered that Iran is building a nuclear weapon. Tehran has denied it is building such weapons and says its nuclear program is for civilian purposes. The comments came as the battered and bloodied leadership of Hezbollah suggested it might be ready to negotiate a cease-fire with Israel Deputy leader Naim Qassem, in a televised speech, for the first time did not suggest that ending the war in Gaza was a precondition to reaching a truce with Israel in Lebanon. Qassem said the group backed an effort by Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, to reach a deal to halt the fighting. Late on October 8, the Syrian government said that seven civilians were killed in an Israeli air strike in Damascus. A war monitor said the strike targeted a building used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah. Israel did not immediately comment and the reports could not be verified. The Israeli military said earlier on October 8 that it had killed another senior Hezbollah commander, a day after marking the somber anniversary of a Hamas attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people. Suhail Husseini, who was responsible for overseeing the logistics, budget, and management of Hezbollah, was killed in a targeted attack on October 7, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. "Husseini played a crucial role in weapon transfers between Iran and Hezbollah," the statement said, adding that he was also in charge of distributing advanced weapons to the group's members and for its "most sensitive projects" that included operations against Israel. The IDF said Husseini was also a member of the Jihad Council, the supreme military body of Hezbollah. There was no immediate confirmation from Hezbollah. The Israeli announcement came after Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a barrage of rockets on October 7 into Israel, where President Isaac Herzog led a national moment of silence to mark the start of last year's Hamas attack, which started at Kibbutz Reim in the south of the country. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union. In Washington on October 7, President Joe Biden condemned Hamas on the anniversary, while also stating again the U.S. administration's commitment to reaching cease-fire agreements to end fighting in both Gaza and Lebanon. "On this solemn anniversary, let us bear witness to the unspeakable brutality of the October 7 attacks but also to the beauty of the lives that were stolen that day," Biden said in a statement. In Jerusalem, relatives of the some 100 hostages still in Hamas captivity, out of a total of 250, gathered outside Netanyahu's residence and stood in silence as a siren wailed in a gesture of protest against what relatives say is the failure of the government to secure their loved ones' release. The conflict in Gaza is still raging while Israel is now fighting on a second front in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah. Following the October 7 attack, Israel launched a military assault on Gaza that has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas. Some 90 percent of the population of Gaza has been displaced and large areas have been destroyed by Israeli bombardments. The Israeli military said on October 7 that over the past year it has bombed more than 40,000 targets in Gaza, found 4,700 tunnel shafts and destroyed 1,000 rocket launcher sites. Israel in recent weeks has been carrying out air strikes across Lebanon, including Beirut, and has staged a ground invasion into south Lebanon in its drive to wipe out Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership. In the attacks, Israel killed Hezbollah leader Nasrallah and dozens of other leaders of the group. On October 6, two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters that Ismail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force -- the overseas arm of the IRGC -- had also not been heard from in recent days since traveling to Lebanon. Tel Avivs campaign against Hezbollah prompted Iran to respond by attacking Israel with a large wave of rockets that were largely shot down by Israeli air defenses without causing substantial damage, but the attack renewed fears of a larger regional conflict. Gallant on October 6 threatened Iran that it might eventually find itself looking like Beirut or Gaza -- which has also been battered over the past year -- if Tehran attempts to further harm Israel. With reporting by CBS and AP Many children who grow up in Turkmenistans state-run orphanages end up living in retirement homes when they turn 18, says a woman who was raised in a Turkmen orphanage. By law, the Turkmen government must provide social housing once orphans become adults and leave the state institutions. But in reality, that promise does not materialize, the woman told RFE/RL. When the orphans turn 18, authorities often send the boys to the army and place most of the girls in retirement homes in the provinces where they were born, she claims. The 26-year-old woman says she was eligible by law to have a one-room apartment to begin her new life after leaving the orphanage. But instead, she got a room at a state institution for seniors in the eastern city of Turkmenabat, the capital of Lebap Province. The woman spoke on condition of anonymity fearing retribution in authoritarian Turkmenistan, where criticism of government policies is not tolerated. The woman says she found herself left with no social support, unwanted and defenseless, and unprepared for life on her own. Watching old people end up in the nursing home, I always thought that their fate was no different from that of orphans. To be unwanted is a very painful thing, she said, describing how she felt when put in the retirement home. The home provided her with a roof over her head, but she did not have access to the food that other residents at the facility received. I had to find a job at a local bazaar as I did not have any money for food and other basic necessities, she told RFE/RL. A nurse and administration officials at the retirement home threatened me, saying: If you make us angry, well hand you over to police and accuse you of prostitution. RFE/RL cannot independently verify the womans claims. Authorities in Lebap did not respond to our requests for comment. Unprepared For Life The secretive government in Turkmenistan doesnt provide information about the challenges children face at orphanages or in life after leaving state institutions. State media often publishes glossy photos of what it describes as a happy childhood in government-run orphanages that depict children taking part in school trips and concerts, or receiving gifts -- from sweets to bicycles -- sent by the countrys president. In May, state media reported that 32 high school kids from Ashgabat and Balkanabat orphanages completed a special three-week training course on information and communication technologies. The courses -- organized by the the UNs children fund, UNICEF, and the Turkmen Education Ministry -- were aimed at equipping the children with essential skillsuseful for any future profession, state media reported. But the woman in Lebap says that most orphans dont receive any help in preparation for their life after the orphanage. There are so many people who turn to crime or try to kill themselves [as theyre unable to cope with life] after leaving the orphanages, she said. The woman lived at the retirement for more than five years as she waited for social housing to no avail. The much-awaited apartment finally became available for her after she started dating a married official of the National Security Ministry, she said. I had to become his second wife. After that, he helped me get the one-room apartment I was eligible for, she said without providing further details. The woman said she decided to speak out about her experiences to draw the Turkmen governments attention to the plight of orphanage children and the hardships they face as they begin living on their own. Written by Farangis Najibullah in Prague based on reporting by RFE/RL Turkmen Service correspondents in Lebap Province. The Roscommon Herald has been nominated for two Local Ireland Media awards, which showcase excellence in journalism. Following the recent announcement of the nominees short-list for the 9th Local Ireland Media Awards, Herald Deputy Editor Richard Canny has been nominated for best diversity journalist while photographer Ger OLoughlin receives a nomination in the best photograph category. The award winners will be announced at a gala event at the Mullingar Park Hotel on Thursday, September 19. The evening will be hosted by RTE presenter Marty Whelan. President of Local Ireland and Head of Irish Times Regionals Dan Linehan said: We have had nearly 600 entries for the awards which underlines the quality and excellence of our local newspapers and their digital and online platforms. I want to thank the National Lottery for their sponsorship of the awards and their commitment to supporting local journalism, which is at the heart of communities across Ireland. National Lottery CEO Cian Murphy said: We are incredibly proud of our continued association with the Local Ireland Media Awards that recognise the top-class journalists and media professionals who tirelessly serve our local communities. We are also very excited to host the Best Community Journalist category, a category that aligns with our own core values of generosity in community spirit and recognises the impact of communities working together to make a real and tangible difference. The hotly-contested accolades showcase excellence in journalism and the achievements of Irelands local news publishers and their staff. The judges for the awards include author and broadcaster Alison OConnor, who is chairing the panel, broadcaster and journalist Dearbhail McDonald, Emeritus Professor at TUD Michael Foley, Dawn Wheatley of DCU School of Communications, Managing Director of Kinetic Ireland Andrew Sinclair, photographer and former Irish Times Picture Editor Frank Miller, broadcaster and writer Valerie Cox, journalist and author PJ Cunningham, novelist and newspaper columnist Dr Martina Devlin, Policy Editor of the Business Post Daniel Murray and Deputy Night Editor of the Irish Sun Gerry McCarthy. This years awards will be sponsored for the seventh consecutive year by the National Lottery. By David Young, Cate McCurry, Cillian Sherlock and Rebecca Black, PA UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has held discussions with Northern Irelands police chief over concerns that the PSNI is chronically underfunded. Mr Starmer met chief constable Jon Boutcher at the Police Service of Northern Irelands training college in Belfast on an engagement that also saw him speak with officers involved in responding to the recent bouts of race-related violence and disorder in the region. The UK prime minister also met with representatives of ethnic minority groups living in Northern Ireland to hear their concerns amid the upsurge in hate crime attacks. The Labour leader branded the violence as intolerable and not representative of the Northern Ireland he knows. Prior to the disorder of recent weeks, Mr Boutcher had been flagging grave concerns about the PSNIs financial situation, insisting he does not have the necessary resources to police Northern Ireland effectively. Those funding pressures have intensified following the race related unrest, with the PSNI facing a sizeable bill after making a mutual aid request for backup for 80 officers from Police Scotland. Mr Boutcher has insisted Stormont does not get enough money to sustain public services in Northern Ireland, including the PSNI. His officer headcount remains more than 1,000 officers below recommended levels. Those issues were raised during his meeting with the UK prime minister at the Garnerville college on Monday. UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher meeting police officers during a visit to PSNI College at Garnerville in Belfast (Charles McQuillan/Getty/PA) Mr Starmer said one of the main purposes of his visit was to say thank you to the frontline officers involved in quelling the disorder. Its very important for the Prime Minister to come here to talk to the frontline officers face-to-face and humbly say thank you for what they and their colleagues have done. As I say, many of them injured, he said. But, of course, weve also had discussions about resourcing, about capability. Mainly, of course, thats a devolved issue, as I think everybody understands, but, nonetheless, weve had that discussion about what further support can go in, whether thats financial or whether its in other ways, in terms of making sure the system works better. But my main purpose was to come and say thank you. But, of course, those discussions have been had, as you would expect them to be had about the wider support, both immediately and in the medium and long-term. At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents across early August in Northern Ireland. Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to thank PSNI officers who helped quell the disorder (Liam McBurney/PA). Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to areas such as Belfast and Derry. Cars were set alight and a number of businesses were severely damaged. Elsewhere, a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards. Dozens of people have been arrested and charged with offences such as rioting and racially-motivated hate crimes. Young children were also involved in some of the street disturbances. Mr Starmer said big asks had been made of the police dealing with the violence. They step up and they deserve our thanks, he said. Ive also had the chance to speak with the PSNI senior leadership about the challenges that they face and the support that they need. And then, third, and very importantly, to speak to some of the communities most impacted about the fear that they have, the anxiety that they have about the recent disorder. The disorder is intolerable. It is incapable of justification. Its clearly racist and it does not represent the modern, forward-looking Northern Ireland that I know that this place is. The prime minister said he would work with the PSNI and all communities to address the disorder and its consequences. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Boutcher warned that the violence that occurred in Belfast in recent weeks could flare up again, as he made a fresh plea for more funding. He insisted he would not allow the PSNI to decay. By highlighting the issues, as in the numbers of officers we have lost or the budget that we have now got, the arguments are compelling in themselves, he said. By continually making those arguments and how challenging it was to deal with the disorder, I think we held our own. Had we got more, had it (disorder) continued, and it might still, we cant keep pace with other forces in England and Wales because they have had a 20 per cent uplift in resources. We have been left so far behind. We have to get the resources in to allow us to police Northern Ireland our police officers are from our society in the way that everyone deserves. Asked about the condition of the injured police officers, Mr Boutcher said: The injured officers are okay. There are some surgeries to occur and I think the nature of what they face has, even for some of those seasoned officers, taken them aback. But theyll all be okay. There were some really near misses to very serious injuries. Jon Boutcher said the PSNI would not be able to keep up with police forces in England and Wales without additional resources (PA) The chief constable said the PSNI needed another 1,200 officers. Ive had some real issues around the wellbeing of police officers, so what I am trying to do, with every bone in my body, is to explain the seriousness of the situation, of the PSNI police officer numbers, to those that can make the difficult decisions around making sure that we are funded appropriately to get the officers that we need, he said. We should be at 7,500 and we are 1,200 below that. We have to arrest this decline because if we dont the consequences could be dire. We are dangerously beyond the point of where we should be. Asked if the PSNI can continue to deliver the current service without more funding, he said: No, we cant, quite simply. Mr Boutcher also said he wanted to see the same speedy justice dealing with riot offences in Northern Ireland as that seen in courts in England. He said a total of 39 people have been arrested in relation to the recent riots and disorder in the city. My concern, and its not a criticism, its an observation, is the criminal justice aspect, the police chief said. Its much slower here and I want to see the same speedy justice that we have seen in England with regard to these riot offences. By Rebecca Black, PA UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has personally thanked police officers who were injured during recent disorder, for their service. During a visit to Belfast on Monday, the British prime minister also met representatives from minority ethnic communities who had been targeted in violence in which a number of businesses were destroyed and a mosque attacked. At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents in early August in Northern Ireland, after anti-immigration protests. Road blocks in Belfast after an anti-Islamic protest outside Belfast City Hall on August 3 (PA) Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to areas such as Derry. Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said some of the officers are due to undergo surgery, and that he expects them to be OK, but the nature of what they faced, even for some of those seasoned officers, has taken them aback. He said there had been some really near misses to very serious injuries. Abdelkader Mohamad Al Alloush, owner of the Sham Supermarket on Donegall Road in Belfast (PA) Mr Starmer, with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, was met by Mr Boutcher and Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones. The prime minister said it had been quite an intense few weeks, to agreement from Ms Jones, who played a leading role in the PSNIs response to the disorder, and referred to some long days. With police numbers in Northern Ireland about 1,000 below the recommended strength, about 80 officers from Police Scotland have been in the region over the last week to support the PSNI. Mr Boutcher told the prime minister they had been a breath of fresh air, and said they had fitted in really well with our staff and understood the importance of it. UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (PA) The UK prime minister next met injured police officers, including Constable Josh Elliott, discussing with him how the community had rallied round each other. Sir Keir added: Thats the real Northern Ireland. He later met leaders from a number of organisations which represent the minority ethnic community in Northern Ireland. Among them was Nisha Tandon, the founder and director of ArtsEkta, which runs Belfast Mela, a major community festival which celebrates diversity. She said the meeting had been very positive, and she was delighted to have had the opportunity to speak to the prime minister. It was more engagement than a lot of us have had with Stormont politicians and we very much welcomed it, he seemed to be in listening mode as we spoke to him, she said. UK prime minister Keir Starmer met community leaders during a visit to PSNI College at Garnerville in Belfast (Charles McQuillan/PA) It was good to get that opportunity. The UK prime minister said at the end of his visit that one of his purposes had been to thank those police officers who had been on the front line and meet communities most affected by the disorder. My purpose was to say to them thank you for what they have done. We make big asks of the police officers, they step up and they deserve our thanks, he said. I have also had the chance to speak to the PSNI senior leadership, and third, and very importantly, to speak to some of the communities most impacted about the fear, the anxiety that they have about the recent disorder. The disorder is intolerable. It is incapable of justification. Its clearly racist and it does not represent the modern forward-looking Northern Ireland that I know that this place is. I do think its very important to come and say thank you, very important for the Prime Minister to come here to talk to the frontline officers face to face and humbly say thank you for what they and their colleagues have done. It comes as the PSNI released images of eight people they want to speak to in connection with their investigation into incidents of disorder and attacks on police officers since Saturday, August 3rd. August 19, 2024 Click here for a roundup of local and world news Newsflash Newsroom, 19.08.2024, 14:00 HEAT WAVE A persistent heat wave is reported in Romania, with code red, orange and yellow alerts issued in most regions of the country. The temperature-humidity index is above 80%, while highs range between 29 and 39 degrees Celsius. In Bucharest, the temperature is expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius, after 31 degrees Celsius reported at noon. EU PM Marcel Ciolacu makes a visit to Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday, to talk with the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, about the seats Romania will hold in the future Commission. According to governmental sources, Bucharest may appoint the new commissioner for enlargement, who will be nominated from among the Social Democratic MEPs. Meanwhile, also this week, the government is scheduled to discuss the national strategy for the defence industry. Its goals are to ensure the development, revamping and upgrading of defence facilities, and to promote research, development and innovation by opening excellence centres and by attracting foreign and Romanian investors. CAR SCRAPPING A new session of the Rabla Plus national car scrapping programme, aimed at facilitating the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles by individuals, public institutions and local administration units, has been launched today. According to the Environment Fund Authority, applicants receive a voucher for the purchase of a new vehicle, in return for scrapping 1 or 2 vehicles older than 6 years. The voucher for the purchase of an EV is worth approx. EUR 5,000, and the one for a hybrid car or electric motorcycle is around EUR 2,600, irrespective of the number of cars scrapped. For public institutions, the voucher amounts to EUR 24,000. PENSIONS Millions of Romanian pensioners will receive pension benefits based on a new calculation formula as of September 1. The authorities promise this new system would remove all inequities in the pension system. According to official data, after recalculation the average public pension benefits will increase from around EUR 460 to around EUR 540. The finance minister, Marcel Bolos, says that in the forthcoming period the pressure on the public deficit will increase. Under the new regulations, in order to receive public pension benefits in Romania the minimum payment contribution period will be 15 years, with the retirement age planned to reach 65 for both men and women in 2035. BACCALAUREATE The autumn session of the baccalaureate exam is under way in Romania. After the Romanian language and literature test on Monday, written tests will be held in mathematics and history in the next few days, followed by tests in the subjects chosen by the applicants. The final results will be announced on August 30. Over 33,000 applicants have enrolled for the exam this autumn, following an over 78% pass rate at the June session. UKRAINE Ukraine continues its attacks in Russias Kursk region, where it destroyed a second strategic bridge on Sunday. Military analysts quoted by Reuters say there are 3 strategic bridges facilitating military supply for the Russian forces in Kursk. Kyiv claims to have seized some 1,150 square km and over 80 settlements so far. This is the 14th day of the Ukrainian strike, the first by a foreign army in Russia since WWII, with Moscow seemingly unable to initiate large-scale defence operations. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reiterated that Kyivs goal is to create a buffer zone to protect Ukraines border regions from Russian bombings. Meanwhile, Belarus announced the mobilisation of one-third of its army at the border, in response to the Ukrainian operations. At the start of the offensive in Kursk, Belarus, Russias closest ally and the country that allowed Russia to use its territory to attack Ukraine, claimed that Ukrainian military drones had violated its air space. (AMP) August 19, 2024 UPDATE A roundup of the latest local and world news Newsflash Newsroom, 19.08.2024, 20:14 GROWTH According to the Fiscal Council, this year Romania may register an economic growth under the 3.4% the government initially forecast. In its annual report published on Monday, the Council, which is an independent institution, has drawn attention to the fact that the budget deficit at the end of this year will exceed 7% of the GDP. The new pension law and the pay rises in the public sector are expected to generate additional costs in the second half of the year. According to the Council representatives, Romania needs concrete and credible policies to support fiscal-budgetary consolidation on medium term both in terms of incomes and improving the tax-collection process. HEAT A persistent heat wave has engulfed Romania, where code red, orange and yellow alerts have been in place for a couple of days now. Extremely high temperatures have been reported in most of the regions with a Temperature-Humidity Index above 80 units. The highs of the day are ranging between 29 and 39 degrees Celsius. For a couple of days now, Romanias capital city Bucharest has been seeing temperatures of 37-38 degrees Celsius. ATHENS Romanian firefighters are carrying on operations of putting out wildfires in Greece, especially in the region of Attica. Several fire engines are being employed for this mission, including a special one able to carry 30 thousand liters of water. In this mission, the Romanian firefighters are operating under the coordination of their Greek counterparts who are monitoring the situation in the regions with a higher risk of wildfires. Since August 14th the Romanian Air Forces have also been carrying out firefighting missions in Albania, a country, which is also facing the danger of wildfires. PENSIONS Millions of Romanian pensioners will receive pension benefits based on a new calculation formula as of September 1st. Authorities promise this new system would remove all inequities in the pension system. According to official data, after recalculation the average public pension benefits will increase from around 460 Euros to around 540 Euros. The finance minister, Marcel Bolos, says that in the forthcoming period the pressure on the public deficit will increase. Under the new regulations, in order to receive public pension benefits in Romania the minimum payment contribution period will be 15 years, with the retirement age planned to reach 65 for both men and women in 2035. RABLA A new session of the Rabla Plus national car scrapping programme, aimed at facilitating the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles by individuals, public institutions and local administration units, was launched on Monday. According to the Environment Fund Authority, applicants receive a voucher for the purchase of a new vehicle, in return for scrapping 1 or 2 vehicles older than 6 years. The voucher for the purchase of an EV is worth approx. EUR 5,000, and the one for a hybrid car or electric motorcycle is around EUR 2,600, irrespective of the number of cars scrapped. For public institutions, the voucher amounts to EUR 24,000. (bill) Perry, Georgia-based Perdue Foods LLC is recalling around 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat or RTE chicken breast nugget and tender products citing potential contamination with foreign material, specifically metal, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service or FSIS. The recall involves 22-oz. (1.38-lbs.) vacuum-sealed plastic packages containing "PERDUE Simply Smart ORGANICS Breaded CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS"; 29-oz. (1.81-lbs.) vacuum-sealed plastic packages containing "PERDUE CHICKEN BREAST TENDERS; as well as 22-oz. (1.38-lbs.) vacuum-sealed packages containing "BUTCHERBOX Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets". All these recalled products come with Best If Used By date of 03 23 25, and establishment number of "P-33944". The impacted frozen, RTE chicken breast nugget and tender items were produced on March 23, 2024, and shipped to retail locations nationwide and sold online directly to consumers. The recall was initiated after the firm notified FSIS about consumer complaints that metal wire were embedded in the product. However, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products so far. Over concerns that some product may be in consumers' freezers, the agency urged them to throw away the products or return them to the place of purchase. In similar recalls, Reser's Fine Foods in July called back Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad citing the possibility of pieces of hard plastic foreign material in the package. In May, the FSIS had warned against San Antonio Packing Co.'s raw pork chorizo products for potential contamination specifically with hard plastic and metal. For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Oil prices fell on Monday to extend losses from the previous session amid concerns about the outlook for oil demand from China and U.S.-led efforts to secure a cease-fire in the 10-month-old Middle East conflict. Brent crude futures fell 0.8 percent to $79.08 a barrel, while WTI crude futures were down 1 percent at $74.81. China's economic activity data released last week proved to be a mixed bag. Also, data showed China's oil refinery output declined for the fourth consecutive month in July, reflecting a slowdown in fuel demand. Investors also kept a close eye on the developments in the Middle East as the U.S. pushed for a deal between Israel and Hamas to end the war on Gaza, calling it 'maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home'. Israel has expanded its ground invasion of Gaza as U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken warned against attempts to derail the Gaza ceasefire process. Blinken met with officials in Israel today at what he called "a decisive moment" for diplomatic negotiations aimed at reaching a cease-fire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Polestar, the electric performance car brand backed by Geely, launched its first brand experience center in China on August 16, according to a press release from the carmaker. Located at the Xuhong Middle Road in Xuhui District, Shanghai, the Polestar Shanghai Experience Center spans approximately 3,000 square meters, offering a multifunctional and innovative space that combines vehicle display, product appreciation, sales, delivery, and after-sales maintenance services. Photo credit: Polestar Visitors to the center can get an up-close look at models such as the Polestar 3, Polestar 4, and Polestar Synergy, while also enjoying exclusive maintenance services. The Polestar Shanghai Experience Center serves as a new showcase for the brand's appeal and product strengths to Chinese consumers, marking a significant step in Polestar's deepening commitment to the Chinese market. To advance its localization efforts, Polestar joined forces with DreamSmart Group in 2023 to establish the joint venture Polestar Technology. This venture leverages Polestar's expertise in design and product performance alongside DreamSmart Group's forward-looking capabilities in software and consumer electronics hardware development. Together, they aim to strengthen Polestar's position in China's competitive new energy vehicle (NEV) market. Photo credit: Polestar On August 13, Polestar Technology held a grand ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new headquarters in the Jiangning Development Zone, Nanjing. The facility houses an integrated center comprising a R&D center, an operations center, a procurement center, a sales center, and a delivery center. Polestar is committed to investing in personnel for R&D, sales, and operations here to develop the Polestar OS, an intelligent automotive operating system dedicated to Polestar's cars, along with a suite of smart supporting products. This initiative aims to break down barriers between automotive and related intelligent products, expanding Polestar's high-end product lineup and driving the brand's manufacturing and sales in the Chinese market. Looking ahead, Polestar plans to harness China's industrialization and intelligent technology advantages to continue developing and launching smarter, more localized models tailored to the Chinese market. Among these, the Polestar 7 and Polestar 8 are currently in the planning stages and are expected to debut within the next two years, catering to the diverse mobility needs of domestic users. Ukrainian troops have blown up a second strategic bridge in the Russian border region of Kursk, which is already in their control. Ukrainian Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk said on social media on Sunday that a bridge over the Seym River in the Glushkovo district has been blown up in "precision airstrikes." "The Air Force aviation continues to deprive the enemy of logistics capabilities with precision airstrikes, which significantly affects the course of combat operations," Gen. Oleshchuk wrote. He also shared a video footage of plumes of smoke engulfing parts of the bridge. Ukrainian forces had destroyed another bridge in the region a few days ago. As Ukrainian forces continue to advance deeper into Russian territory, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the move is aimed at creating a buffer zone to block cross-border attacks by Russia. "It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions." Those include creating a buffer zone on Russian territory, Zelensky said in an address to the nation Sunday. "Everything that inflicts losses on the Russian army, Russian state, their military-industrial complex, and their helps prevent the war from expanding and brings us closer to a just end to this aggression," he added. After launching surprise incursion of Kursk on August 6, Ukraine troops have advanced around 30 kilometers inside Russian soil, taking 80 settlements spread across 1,000 sq. km in the south-west region. Ukrainian forces have seized the strategic Russian town of Sudzha and launched drone attack on Russian airfields in what is considered as Kiev's biggest counter-attack since Russia invaded Ukraine two-and-a-half years ago. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from the war-hit Kursk and Belgorod these days. Meanwhile, the Russian forces are reportedly inching closer to the key Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News UN agencies have called on the warring sides to implement seven days' humanitarian pause in Gaza for polio vaccination as the threat of the disabling disease is rising fast in the war-torn Palestinian enclave. Two rounds of a polio vaccination campaign are expected to be launched at the end of August and September across the Gaza Strip to prevent the spread of circulating variant type 2 poliovirus, OR cVDPV2. "WHO and UNICEF request all parties to the conflict to implement humanitarian pauses in the Gaza Strip for seven days to allow for two rounds of vaccination campaigns to take place," the two UN agencies said in a statement. "These pauses in fighting would allow children and families to safely reach facilities and community outreach workers to get to children who cannot access health facilities for polio vaccination. Without the humanitarian pauses, the delivery of the campaign will not be possible." During each round of the campaign, the Palestinian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and partners, will provide two drops of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 to more than 640000 children less than ten years of age. WHO said the poliovirus was detected in July environmental samples from Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah. Three children presenting with suspected acute flaccid paralysis, a common symptom of polio, have since been reported in the Gaza Strip. More than 1.6 million doses of nOPV2 will be delivered to the Gaza Strip. The deliveries of the vaccines and the cold chain equipment are expected to transit through Israel's Ben Gurion Airport before arriving in the Gaza Strip by the end of August. WHO warned that it is essential that the transport of the vaccines and cold chain is facilitated at every step of the journey to ensure their timely reception, clearance and ultimately delivery in time for the campaign. The Gaza Strip has been polio-free for the last 25 years. Its reemergence represents yet another threat to the children in the Gaza Strip and neighboring countries. Most of Gaza's two million-strong population is internally displaced, and thousands of them are deprived of food, medical supplies and clean water. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Israel at what he described as "probably the best, maybe the last opportunity" to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. Blinken made his comments during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday during his ninth trip to the region since the war began in October.. "This is my ninth visit since October 7, to Israel, to the Middle East, and this is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," he said during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later in the day. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News International Atomic Energy Agency has warned the nuclear safety situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia power plant was deteriorating following a drone strike that hit the road around the plant site perimeter. "Yet again we see an escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers facing the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. I remain extremely concerned and reiterate my call for maximum restraint from all sides and for strict observance of the five concrete principles established for the protection of the plant," IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a statement. An explosive launched by a drone detonated just outside of the plant's protected area on Saturday. The impact site was close to the essential cooling water sprinkler ponds and about 100 metres from the Dniprovska power line, the only remaining 750 kilovolt line providing a power supply to ZNPP, one of the largest nuclear power plants in Europe. The IAEA did not say who carried out the attack targeting the Russian-occupied highly sensitive nuke plant. The UN's nuclear watchdog's team stationed at Zaporizhzhia said the damage seemed to have been caused by a drone equipped with an explosive payload. There were no casualties and no impact on any nuclear plant equipment. However, there was impact to the road between the two main gates of the plant. The ISAMZ team has reported that military activity in the area - including very close to the plant - has been intense for the last week. The IAEA chief said the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya team has heard frequent explosions, repetitive heavy machine gun and rifle fire and artillery at various distances from the plant. There is no sign of easing the military activity in the vicinity of plant, despite Director General Grossi's repeated calls for restraint. A major fire at one of the ZNPP cooling towers last week resulted in considerable damage, although there was no immediate threat to nuclear safety. Also, IAEA teams maintaining the Agency's continued presence at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine nuclear power pants, as well as at the Chornobyl site, reported frequent air raid alarms and drone attacks. Grossi said he was ready to visit the Zaporizhzhia plant. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Rhodes University By The Division of Communication and Advancement Rhodes University recently participated in an institutional audit conducted by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and while the report highlighted both the strengths and areas for improvement, Rhodes University showed commendable results overall. The CHE is a statutory body mandated by the Higher Education Act (Act No. 101 of 1997) to promote quality assurance in the higher education sector, audit the quality assurance mechanisms of higher education institutions and accredit higher education programmes. The audit process began with Rhodes University engaging with the CHE to establish an audit agreement, followed by the formation of an audit panel. The University then conducted a self-evaluation, reflecting on its practices and standing across 16 standards within four focus areas: governance and management, operational issues, quality management systems, and teaching and learning strategies The audit included site visits, interviews with various University constituencies, and an evaluation of physical and digital infrastructures. The aim was not to compare institutions but to reflect each university's unique strengths and identify areas needing improvement. Dr Remy Nnadozie, the Director for Institutional Research, Planning & Quality Promotion at Rhodes University explained, The idea of the national audits is for universities to reflect their uniqueness and areas of strength while also reflecting areas that would call for development and improvement. Rhodes University received a positive audit outcome. It was found to be mature in two standards, functional in thirteen standards, and only one standard required substantial improvement, specifically in tracking graduates' progress post-graduation. Dr Nnadozie emphasised that the University's self-evaluation closely matched the CHE's findings, underscoring Rhodes University's good insight into its operations and systems. Our self-evaluation was fair, thoroughly done, consultative, and it was a quality reflection. The panel found no significant discrepancies between what we put forth and what they found during their site visit, he said. The CHE commended the University for its strength in teaching and learning, and curriculum development. Dr Nnadozie noted, The panel was pleased with our leadership, governance and strategic alignment of institutional goals with regional, national and global development imperatives. They also commended in other areas where Rhodes University is doing well, especially around teaching, learning, and curriculum development. Although Rhodes University was found to be effective in many areas, the audit emphasised the need for better tracking of graduates to understand their impact in their respective fields, endeavours and society, which could inform future curriculum development. Additionally, the audit recommended that the University should consider the introduction of new academic programmes aligned with national development needs and skill demands. The panel suggested that we consider introducing new academic programmes and qualifications that directly address the skills needs of our society. These should be carefully designed to complement our existing general formative programmes, Dr Nnadozie added. The audit's process has already impacted revisions to the University's Institutional Development Plan (IDP), ensuring alignment and synergy between the audit recommendations and ongoing institutional strategies. One of the recommendations was for us to review the IDP, which we have already done. There is synergy between the audit recommendations and our IDP, Dr Nnadozie confirmed. The institutional audit, though resource-intensive, has proven to be a valuable exercise for Rhodes University. Dr Nnadozie expressed optimism about the audit's outcomes and the potential for Rhodes University to enhance its academic endeavour further. The creation of the self-evaluation report was the most significant element of the initial phase of the audit. The results of the audit have also provided an opportunity for further reflection as the University develops its improvement plan in response to the audit's recommendations. One potential outcome of the current audit cycle is that universities with strong quality management systems might be granted the ability to self-approve new academic programme proposals leading to accredited qualifications. This would streamline the process for programme accreditation and registration on the national qualifications framework (NQF). An improvement plan is being developed, and the deans of faculties will discuss the report with their respective faculties and departments. The Universitys support services divisions are also expected to discuss the audit report and respectively contribute to developing the improvement plan. The audit process was thorough and inclusive, and we extend our gratitude to all staff and stakeholders who participated in the self-evaluation and interviews with the audit panel. By working together, we will implement the necessary improvements recommended by the panel. Despite having over 100 years of presence in Australia, Citroen was outsold by niche brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Lotus and Bentley in H1 2024 The French carmaker, Citroen, has more than 100 years of history operating in Australian market. In Australia, Citroen currently holds the record of being the oldest active automotive company. Other than holding that record, Citroen Australia has been registering dismal sales. A prospect so bad, Ferrari is selling more cars in Australia than Citroen. Citroen Exits Australian Market For context, Citroen sold just 87 units in Australia throughout the entirety of the first half of 2024. 87 units in six months! Owing to the difficulty of establishing a profitable operation, Citroen has called it quits in the Australian market. This is an unfortunate development for automotive enthusiasts in Australia, as Citroen is among the oldest automotive brands operational in the country. Citroen has been selling cars in Australia since 1923, just four years after the brands inception in France. Citroen has had local production and a robust growth trajectory. But the outcome has worked against Citroens favour. The company has revealed that dealerships in Australia will stop selling vehicles post November 1st, 2024. All Citroen cars and SUVs will be discontinued in Australia. The company will continue to offer repair and maintenance and even honour the warranty periods quoted to customers during the purchase. Citroen is maintaining 35 service stations across Australia and these will continue to offer after sales service. There are only 9 Citroen resellers currently active throughout Australia and will continue sales till November 1st, 2024. Vehicles on sale from Citroen in Australia are previous generation C3, C4, C5 Aircross and lastly, C5X. There were just 87 units Citroen managed to sell throughout H1 2024. Analysing the sales, it is slightly uninspiring as Citroen offers inexpensive mainstream cars that shouldve appealed to the masses. In comparison, luxury and niche brands like Ferrari, Lotus, Bentley and Maserati sold more vehicles than Citroen did. Current status of Stellantis Stellantis, the parent company of Citroen, is currently spiralling down into a sales crisis. Many of the Stellantis brands have reported below average sales. There are rumours about Stellantis letting go of brands that are not making them any money. The conglomerate also seems to be reconsidering their position in low-performing markets, like Citroen in Australia. In India, Citroen has been registering uninspiring sales as well. With just 335 units sold in July 2024, Citroen is among the least-selling car brands in India. The company has just changed their strategies for the Indian market and launched 2024 C3 with more features. Their newest Basalt coupe SUV is launched at an affordable Rs 7.99 lakh (Ex-sh), undercutting all of its rivals by a significant margin. 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Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. AITO M7 Pro to hit market on August 26 The AITO M7 Pro, co-developed by Huawei and SERES, will officially hit the market on August 26. The model features Huawei's ADS intelligent driving system, with its presale prices starting at 249,800 yuan. The vehicle supports NCA intelligent driving assistance for expressways and urban roads, along with AEB and intelligent parking assistance. Photo credit: AITO HiPhi resumes aftersales services Luxury new energy vehicle brand HiPhi announced on August 19 that it has resumed aftersales services, with Shanghai Yueda Zhixing Automobile Service Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Jiangsu Yueda Auto Group, authorized to procure HiPhis auto parts. The procurement process has already begun, and service centers are gradually restoring parts supply, with plans to expand service coverage to over 20 cities. Polestones 01 Standard Range Edition goes on sale Chinese new energy vehicle brand Polestones has officially released the Polestones 01 Standard Range version onto the market with a price range between 299,900 yuan and 309,900 yuan. The new model offers 6-seat and 7-seat options, with a 44.5kWh battery providing a battery-powered range of 215 km and a combined range of 1,275 km. FAW-Audi to launch comprehensive products in China in 2025 FAW-Audi, the joint venture brand between FAW Group and Audi, recently held its 2024 mid-year performance communication meeting, announcing that its cumulative sales have surpassed 9 million vehicles in July, despite facing intense price competition in the automotive market this year. ReachAuto signs agreement for intelligent connected vehicle development in Shenyang city The 4th Shenyang Intelligent Connected Vehicle Conference was successfully held on August 16-17, where ReachAuto, a subsidiary of Neusoft, announced a strategic partnership with the Shenyang government, BMW Brilliance, and Beijing Yizhuang Investment Holding Limited. The collaboration focuses on the development and application of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) and the integration of vehicle-road-cloud systems. NEOLIXs unmanned delivery vehicles greenlighted for road test in Nanjing On the afternoon of August 16, the Nanjing Municipal Postal Administration issued the first batch of road test permits for intelligent connected vehicles to unmanned delivery vehicle maker NEOLIX, marking a significant expansion of the latter's operations in Eastern China.` df iMotion reports 17.11% YoY rise in H1 2024 revenue On August 16, autonomous driving technology company iMotion released its semi-annual financial report for 2024, showing that the company recorded a revenue of 636 million yuan in the first half of 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 17.11%. ZF signs agreement to upgrade auto brake production line in Wuhan ZF, the German automotive technology company, has signed a framework cooperation agreement with Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone to upgrade its automotive brake product line, according to a post on ZF's WeChat account. This new project marks another significant milestone for ZF in the region, following the successful launch of its Asia-Pacific airbag production base in April this year. Polestar inaugurates first brand experience center in China Polestar, the electric performance car brand backed by Geely, has launched its first brand experience center in China on August 16, according to a press release from the carmaker. BYD opens first store in Sri Lanka with introduction of SEALION 6 PHEV model BYD, the Chinese new energy vehicle giant, has made a significant stride in Sri Lanka with the grand opening of its first store and after-sales service center in Colombo. Marking the occasion, BYD also introduced there the BYD SEALION 6 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) model. Beijing (Gasgoo)- The 4th Shenyang Intelligent Connected Vehicle Conference was successfully held on August 16-17, where ReachAuto, a subsidiary of Neusoft, announced a strategic partnership with the Shenyang government, BMW Brilliance, and Beijing Yizhuang Investment Holding Limited. The collaboration focuses on the development and application of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) and the integration of vehicle-road-cloud systems. Agreement signing ceremony; photo credit: ReachAuto Leveraging their respective strengths, the three parties aim to deepen cooperation in areas such as cloud control platforms, road-cloud network infrastructure, and joint operations. This initiative will facilitate the integration of the automotive industry with information and communication technology, smart city development, and intelligent transportation systems. As China enters a new phase of large-scale ICV application, the city of Shenyang is committed to an innovative approach to vehicle-road-cloud integration. The city is rapidly advancing its construction as a pilot city for ICV applications, focusing on the development of intelligent road networks, autonomous driving scenarios, and industrial clustering. Looking ahead, ReachAuto plans to utilize its accumulated expertise in ICV technology and ecosystem resources to drive the high-quality development of Shenyang's ICV industry. By combining intelligent vehicle products with cloud-based vehicle integration software platforms, ReachAuto and its partners aim to accelerate the growth of the smart vehicle sector in Shenyang. The so-called Chicxulub impactor was a carbonaceous-type asteroid that had formed beyond the orbit of Jupiter, according to a new paper published in the journal Science. About 66 million years ago, a 10-km-wide asteroid crashed into Earth near the site of the small town of Chicxulub in what is now Mexico. The impact unleashed an incredible amount of climate-changing gases into the atmosphere, triggering a chain of events that led to the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs and 75% of life on the planet. Evidence includes high levels of platinum-group elements (PGEs) like iridium, ruthenium, osmium, rhodium, platinum, and palladium in Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary layers, which are rare on Earth but common in meteorites. These elevated PGE levels have been found globally, suggesting the impact spread debris worldwide. While some propose large-scale volcanic activity from the Deccan Traps igneous province in India as an alternative source of PGEs, the specific PGE ratios at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary align more with asteroid impacts than volcanic activity. However, much about the nature of the Chicxulub impactor its composition and extraterrestrial origin is poorly understood. To address these questions, Dr. Mario Fischer-Godde from the University of Cologne and his colleagues measured ruthenium isotopes in samples taken from three Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary sites. For comparison, they also analyzed samples from five other impacts that occurred between 36 million to 470 million years ago; samples from ancient 3.5-billion- to 3.2-billion-year-old impact spherule layers; and samples from two carbonaceous meteorites. They found that the ruthenium isotope signatures in samples from the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary were uniform and closely matched those of carbonaceous chondrites, not Earth or other meteorite types, suggesting that the Chicxulub impactor likely came from a carbonaceous-type asteroid that formed in the outer Solar System. The five other impact structures have isotopic signatures that are more consistent with siliceous-type asteroids, which formed closer to the Sun. The ancient spherule layer samples are consistent with impacts of carbonaceous-type asteroids during Earths final stages of accretion. The asteroids composition is consistent with that of carbonaceous asteroids that formed outside of Jupiters orbit during the formation of the Solar System, Dr. Fischer-Godde said. We found that the impact of an asteroid like the one at Chicxulub is a very rare and unique event in geological time, said University of Colognes Professor Carsten Munker. The fate of the dinosaurs and many other species was sealed by this projectile from the outer reaches of the Solar System. _____ Mario Fischer-Godde et al. 2024. Ruthenium isotopes show the Chicxulub impactor was a carbonaceous-type asteroid. Science 385 (6710): 752-756; doi: 10.1126/science.adk4868 Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Aug. 16, ZF, the German automotive technology company, signed a framework cooperation agreement with Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone to upgrade its automotive brake product line, according to a post on ZF's WeChat account. This new project marks another significant milestone for ZF in the region, following the successful launch of its Asia-Pacific airbag production base in April this year. Photo credit: ZF Building on a shared vision for the future of the automotive industry, ZF aims to deepen its strategic presence in the region. The company is committed to upgrading its brake product line to offer advanced active safety products to customers across Asia-Pacific and beyond. Since its initial investment in Wuhan in 2011, ZF has expanded its operations over the past 13 years, making its Wuhan plant one of the key production bases for brake systems and vacuum boosters in the Asia-Pacific region. The newly launched brake product line upgrade project is managed by ZF's Chassis Systems Solutions Division. In the coming years, the Wuhan plant will increase its production capacity for electronic parking brake (EPB) calipers and develop new products such as electromechanical brake (EMB) calipers. Once fully operational, the annual production capacity for EPB calipers is expected to see a significant boost. Over the next five years, as supporting projects at the Wuhan plant come online, ZF anticipates further growth in sales revenue. The company is focused on diversifying its customer base, particularly in supplying brake systems for new energy vehicles (NEVs), thereby increasing the Wuhan plant's share in the NEV market. Additionally, ZF is advancing the digital transformation of its factory, including automation and intelligent upgrades in production lines and logistics. These efforts aim to enhance production efficiency and quality control, ensuring that ZF continues to provide advanced active safety products and services to customers in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Ganfeng Lithium, a leading Chinese lithium producer, recently announced that its subsidiary, Ganfeng LiEnergy, had entered into a partnership with Turkish company YIGIT AKU to establish a joint venture in Turkey. The two companies plan to invest $500 million (approximately 3.57 billion yuan) to build a lithium battery project with an annual production capacity of 5 GWh. This facility will include production lines for both lithium batteries and battery packs, with capacity adjustments based on market demand. Photo credit: Ganfeng Lithium In addition to the production facility, the joint venture plans to establish an R&D center focused on advanced lithium battery technologies. This center will specialize in the development of solid-state batteries, high-power batteries, and batteries for maritime and aerospace applications. It will also prioritize new technology development, R&D projects, and intellectual property acquisition. YIGIT AKU, a publicly listed company in Borsa Istanbul, Turkey, was founded in Ankara in 1976. It is the largest lead-acid battery manufacturer, exporter, and recycler in Turkey, operating four production facilities and two battery R&D centers in the country. The company serves over 500 clients across more than 100 countries on five continents. Ganfeng LiEnergy emphasized that this joint venture marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership with YIGIT AKU. The collaboration will leverage Ganfeng Lithium's full industrial chain and ecosystem resources alongside YIGIT AKUs expertise in battery manufacturing, technology, and its established position in the international market. Together, they aim to complement each others strengths and expand their business in Turkey and globally. In a bid to accelerate the development of supercharging infrastructure and establish Beijing as a "charging-friendly city," the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform, in collaboration with the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Management, recently issued the "Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Construction of New Energy Vehicle Supercharging Stations in the City" (hereinafter referred to as the "Implementation Plan"). Photo credit: XPENG The "Implementation Plan" outlines ambitious development goals: by the end of 2024, Beijing aims to build 500 supercharging stations across the city. By the end of 2025, the city plans to double this number, reaching a total of 1,000 stations. The plan sets forth several key tasks: Enhancing standards and regulations The plan calls for the establishment of standards and operational guidelines for supercharging station construction and management in Beijing. It seeks to streamline the pre-construction registration and filing process and improve the comprehensive evaluation mechanism for charging facility quality and service standards. The plan encourages the open sharing of supercharging facilities, urging existing public charging facilities to open to the public, and mandating that newly planned facilities be fully open and shared with society. Encouraging diverse participation To accelerate the construction of a high-quality supercharging network, the plan recommends selecting top-tier enterprises to collaborate with companies in charging facilities, parking management, and property services. The approach follows the principle of "government sets the stage, enterprises participate voluntarily, and multiple parties get involved," with the goal of forming project consortia that enhance construction and operational efficiency. Strengthening land use support Each district in Beijing will identify suitable land within their regions for the construction of supercharging stations, focusing on public parking lots, transportation hubs, and unused land. The plan also supports the use of state-owned enterprises' resources, such as bus depots, existing gas stations, sanitation stations, heating stations, and expressway service areas, for supercharging station construction. Reinforcing power supply security The city will establish a mechanism to ensure the power supply for supercharging stations, coordinating and addressing key challenges in the connection process. The plan also seeks to optimize the power expansion approval mechanism. Power grid companies will assess the electricity access capacity for new supercharging stations on a "one station, one assessment" basis. Promoting technological and mechanism innovation Within the framework of safety regulations, the plan advocates for the construction of integrated stations combining solar power, energy storage, charging, and battery swapping. It encourages the integration of supercharging station platforms with vehicle-to-grid interaction platforms, participation in grid demand response, and the absorption of green electricity. The plan also supports linkage with virtual power plant construction, contributing to the development of a resilient digital energy city. Enhancing safety management The plan emphasizes the importance of safety management throughout the construction process of supercharging stations. It calls for the enhancement of safety standards and increased regulatory oversight. The city will expedite the construction of a unified "vehicle, pile (station), and network" integrated management service platform, ensuring that all charging facilities, including supercharging stations, are connected to the platform according to the principle of "connect where needed." Tesla is hiring Data Collection Operators for up to $48 per hour to help train its humanoid robot. Future Publishing/ Getty Tesla is hiring Data Collection Operators for up to $48 per hour to train its humanoid robot. The role involves wearing motion-capture suits and VR headsets to perform tasks for data collection. Experts say Tesla aims to gather vast amounts of data to train the robot for generalized tasks. Willing to spend hours on end in a motion-capture suit? Tesla is paying up to $48 per hour for the role. Over the past year, Tesla has hired dozens of workers to train its humanoid robot, Optimus, using motion-capture suits, according to data from LinkedIn. Elon Musk first announced Tesla's plans to create a humanoid robot named Optimus in 2021. The Tesla CEO has said the robot will eventually be able to handle jobs ranging from working in a factory to serving as a caregiver. ADVERTISEMENT In June, Tesla said it had deployed two of the Optimus robots at one of its factories. And it appears Tesla has been hiring employees to work alongside the robots as it is developed. The role, which has the title "Data Collection Operator," requires workers to walk along test routes and perform designated tasks while wearing a motion-capture suit and a virtual reality headset for more than seven hours per day, according to the job description from Tesla's Careers page. In addition to collecting data, workers are also expected to analyze the information they've gathered, write daily reports on it, as well as work on some minor tasks related to their equipment and its software. It also has very specific height requirements and calls for people between five foot, seven inches and five foot, eleven inches. Christian Hubicki, a roboticist out of Florida A&M University, said Tesla is likely looking for individuals who will not only fit into the specific suits, but will also have similar sizing to the robot, which Musk has said will clock in around five foot, eight inches. Tesla is also looking for someone that will be comfortable wearing the motion-capture suit and VR headset for long stretches of time and will be able to withstand some of the disorientation and "VR sickness symptoms" that can come with using the gear for extended periods. Story continues A screenshot of Tesla's job listing, which has several requirements. Tesla Tesla is hiring full-time workers for the role and is willing to pay between $25.25 to $48 per hour, according to the job listing. The role is available with multiple shifts, including from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and 12:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Animesh Garg, a senior researcher at Nvidia Research and a robotics professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, said the job likely entails collecting data through simply performing tasks in the motion-capture suit that can be recorded and later analyzed by data annotators in order to train the AI system, as well as tele-operating the humanoid robot directly. Tesla's Optimus social media account provided a peek into what the job entails last year. The video clip shows an operator in a motion-capture suit, with haptic gloves and a VR headset picking up objects while a virtual version of the Tesla Optimus bot performs the same movements. Tesla shared a video showing how it uses motion-capture suits last year. X Earlier this year, Tesla appeared to go on a hiring spree for the role. More than 50 different people have worked in the role over different periods over the past year, according to a Business Insider review of LinkedIn data. Tesla is likely looking to gather vast amounts of data, experts say. "It's the exact same thing they're doing with Autopilot," Jonathan Aitken, a robotics expert out of the University of Sheffield, said. "But rather than collecting data from their fleet of cars, they're paying people to come into the factory or come into a workplace and undertake these tasks." Garg, the Nvidia researcher and robotics professor, estimates that Tesla should be aiming to log anywhere from hundreds of thousands of hours to millions of hours of data in order to train Optimus how to work in Tesla's factories a feat that could take a lot of time and money. "It extremely difficult to produce robots at scale," Garg said, adding that Tesla's Optimus robots are likely custom built and assembled, as well as constantly undergoing new iterations. "The amount of data collection you'd need would easily be half a billion dollars and the real question is 'Even if you do that, do you succeed?' Because there is no guarantee of success," he added. The use of motion-capture suits and tele-operation in robot training is far from a new practice, but Tesla is among the first to attempt to use the practice at this scale and to perform such a wide variety of generalized tasks, according to Aitken. "In the manufacturing world, we typically have a robot that can do one task really really well, but it doesn't usually extend beyond that," Aitken said. A spokesperson for Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. Do you work for Tesla or have a tip? Reach out to the reporter via a non-work email and device at gkay@businessinsider.com or 248-894-6012 Read the original article on Business Insider Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard is studying a potential takeover offer for Japanese peer Seven & i Holdings , which operates the 7-Eleven chain alongside other retail outlets. Seven & i announced on Monday that it had received a "confidential, non-binding and preliminary proposal" by ACT to acquire all outstanding shares, causing shares in the retail titan to soar 23% in Tokyo. The company has now formed a special committee of independent outside directors, lead by its chair, to review the proposal, but has not yet engaged with ACT in any discussions. Seven & i, which generated sales of JPY17.8trn (94bn) in 2023, runs 22,800 stores across Japan and 85,800 worldwide, predominantly operating convenience stores, superstores and a financial services arm, alongside other retail outlets. The stock was up 22.7% at JPY2,161 before the close, giving it a market capitalisation of JPY5.63trn (30bn). "Consistent with its obligation to act in the best interest of its shareholders and other stakeholders of the company, the Special Committee intends to conduct a prompt, careful and comprehensive review of the proposal, the companys stand-alone plans and other alternatives for enhancing corporate value, after which a response will be made to ACT," the Japanese firm said in a regulatory filing. ACT has nearly 10,000 convenience and petrol station owned and franchised stores under the Couche-Tard, Circle K and Ingo brands. The company's global footprint spans North America, Europe and other international regions, with a big presence across South-East Asia (Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia). However, it doesn't yet have a foothold of the Japanese market. Shares of The Estee Lauder Companies were falling sharply in pre-market trade on Monday after the American cosmetics giant announced the retirement of its long-standing chief executive and gave a cautious outlook for the coming financial year. Fabrizio Freda has informed the board that he intends to retire at the conclusion of the current financial year ending 30 June 2025, after 16 years with the company. Estee Lauder said it was "well advanced" in its CEO succession planning process and has considered many internal and external candidates. We look forward to celebrating Fabrizios many amazing accomplishments as his formal retirement date nears," said executive chair William Lauder. "Until then, the board, Fabrizio and the entire leadership team are laser-focused on navigating the current challenges faced by the company. The news came as Estee Lauder unveiled its results for the past financial year, in which net sales were down 2% at $15.6bn and diluted earnings per share dropped 61% to $1.08. Sales were held back by ongoing softness in overall prestige beauty in mainland China and a decline in Asia travel retail, partially offset by growth in Hong Kong, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Japan and Latin America. Looking ahead to the current year, while the global prestige beauty market is tipped to grow by 2-3% overall, Estee Lauder expects a "more a tempered performance than the industry", driven by its significant business in mainland China and Asia travel retail. The company is currently undergoing a restructuring programme dubbed "Profit Recovery and Growth Plan" or PRGP, designed to improve margins, lower the cost base and reduce overheads. The PRGP is on track to drive operating profit net savings of $1.1-1.4bn in the financial years ending 2025 and 2026. "However, the greater than previously expected headwinds in mainland China and Asia travel retail are expected to partially offset the PRGPs initial operating profit net benefits," the company said. Futures were down 8.4% at $86.98 by 0712 in New York. London stocks were set to fall at the open on Monday on what is expected to be a fairly quiet day, with little in the way of corporate or macro news to move markets. The FTSE 100 was called to open down around 28 points. On the corporate front, Plus500 reported strong financial and operational results for the first half, with an 8% increase in revenue to $398.2m and a 6% rise in EBITDA to $183.9m. The company's cash balances surpassed $1bn for the first time, enabling significant shareholder returns totalling $185.5m through dividends and share buybacks. Plus500 said it expected its full-year results to exceed current market expectations, reflecting continued growth and strategic progress, particularly in the US market. Barratt Developments and Redrow said their impending 2.5bn merger should complete later this week despite local competition concerns raised by regulators. Both parties are now engaging with the Competition and Markets Authority following the conclusion of its first review earlier this month, which raised concerns about the supply of new build private residential housing in one of the more than 400 local areas where the two companies overlap. Barratt has now waived the CMA condition to the merger, which removes uncertainty for the employees, supply chain and wider stakeholder groups of both businesses. Caledonia Investments said it had paid 55m to buy a majority stake in Direct Tyre Management, a provider of outsourced tyre management services to fleet operators. The management team has reinvested alongside Caledonia to acquire 100% of the business from investors including Palatine Private Equity, Caledonia said. A major environmental group in Australia said it was dropping a court challenge to stop Woodside Energy's $12.5bn Scarborough gas project in Western Australia. In June 2022, the Australian Conservation Foundation requested that the Federal Court halt Woodside's Scarborough gas project operations until an assessment of its potential impact on the Great Barrier Reef could be conducted. However, the ACF on Monday said it would not proceed with the case as it became apparent that it was "unlikely to succeed." "The reality is that Australias laws work in favour of fossil fuel interests. There is still no explicit requirement for climate damage to be considered under our key national nature law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act," it said in a statement. Woodside said the parties had agreed to seek an order from the Federal Court to dismiss the proceedings against the company. The ACF had argued that the Scarborough project should be evaluated as it would have a significant impact on the Great Barrier Reef, and the exported gas burned in other countries will worsen global warming. Woodside boss Meg ONeill said the Scarborough reservoir contained less than 0.1% carbon dioxide and combined with processing design efficiencies "will be one of the lowest carbon intensity sources of LNG delivered into north Asian markets". Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com SAN FRANCISCOThe U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week to partially uphold a preliminary injunction blocking the implementation and enforcement of an age-appropriate design code adopted by the California state legislature that requires tech companies to promote online safety for minors. A panel of judges agreed with a lower federal district court that the law could be used to unconstitutionally regulate speech. NetChoice, a trade group representing large technology companiessuch as Meta, X, Google and Etsysued Calif. Attorney General Rob Bonta in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California asking to block the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (AADC). The California state legislature adopted the AADC and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law in September 2022. NetChoice sued in December 2022 and managed to secure a preliminary injunction from a federal district judge that called it facially unconstitutional, and then California appealed. The Ninth Circuit's ruling upholds a block on key provisions in the AADC that could violate First Amendment rights. One provision that is still blocked is the AADC Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) requirement. According to the law, private companies that fall under the purview of the design code must take steps to mitigate risks to minors who might be exposed to potentially harmful materials on the internet through design changes in the user experience and recommendation algorithms. The Ninth Circuit sided with NetChoice by indicating that the requirement to "opine on and mitigate the risk that children may be exposed to harmful or potentially harmful materials online facially violates the First Amendment." Since AADC does this, it reportedly imposes a substantial burden on free speech by inadvertently deputizing the covered business "into serving as censors for the state." NetChoice characterized the rule as forcing companies to act as "roving censors" targeting and restricting speech online that is otherwise protected by the First Amendment. The judges said this is an unlawful compellence of speech that burdens NetChoice's member companies and their users. The court vacated portions of the preliminary injunction that required platforms to take up greater privacy protections for minors that must meet a "high level of privacy" by default for virtually all users. The Ninth Circuits ruling is a victory for free expression, online security, and Californian families, said Chris Marchese, director of the NetChoice Litigation Center. He added, The court recognized that Californias government cannot commandeer private businesses to censor lawful content online or to restrict access to it. Attorney General Bonta and Gov. Newsom also claimed in press statements that they were pleased with the "majority" of the Ninth Circuit's ruling. "Instead of adopting these commonsense protections, NetChoice chose to sueyet today, the Court largely sided with us," said Newsom. Bonta added, "The California Department of Justice remains committed to protecting our kids privacy and safety from companies that seek to exploit their online experiences for profit. First Amendment challenges to California's AADC additionally foreshadow legal fights in other venues dealing with online safety legislation. The Verge pointed to how the federal Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA), formerly KOSA, is struggling to reach the desk of President Joe Biden. Similar to the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, KOSPA would place a duty of care on online platforms to design their websites to mitigate minors from being exposed to potentially harmful materials on the internet, like violent and sexually exploitative content. The U.S. Senate passed KOSPA to the House of Representatives, 91-3, but now faces an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled chamber. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union have criticized KOSPA and proposals like it as potential violations of the First Amendment. At Books & Books On Saturday, booksellers across the U.S. celebrated Bookstore Romance Day, which is designed to give indies "an opportunity to celebrate Romance fiction--its books, readers, and writers--and to strengthen the relationships between bookstores and the Romance community." Here's a sampling of bookshops sharing #BookstoreRomanceDay fun on social media: Books Inc., which has 11 stores in the San Francisco Bay area: "Hi Hi Mountain View!! If you haven't heard already, tomorrow is Bookstore Romance day!! And what a year Romance Books and Authors have had!! We will be celebrating in many different ways!" Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, Ky.: "We are PUMPED for Bookstore Romance Day tomorrow! Check out the love-filled display bookseller Emma made at our Frankfort Avenue store." At Belmont Books Belmont Books, Belmont, Mass: "Today's the day!! Happy Bookstore Romance Day! Celebrate with a free blind date with a romance book with a romance book purchase, while supplies last, and a chocolate raspberry latte at the @black_bear_cafe!" Bookshop Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Calif.: "Dearest friends, let us gather on this most enchanting of days--Bookstore Romance Day!... We sincerely hope you are able to join us today in celebrating love stories, where every turn of the page brings a new promise of affection." BookPeople, Austin, Tex.: "We're giving you the aux for Bookstore Romance Day! Drop below what tracks you want to hear on our store playlist on Saturday! Meanwhile, here's a behind the scenes look at just a few of the festivities we've been working hard to put together." Books & Books, Coral Gables, Fla.: "Scenes from a day of literary love and bookstore magic." Underground Books, Carrollton, Ga.: "We highly recommend searching for romance in a bookstore--in fact, we found each other when Megan stumbled into Underground Books just 10 days after Josh opened the doors!... Bookstore Romance Day is enough to make your heart race, right?!" At Cavalier House Cavalier House Books, Denham Springs, La.: "Bookstore Romance Day is here! Come hang out with us!... They were close friends, best friends. Then, they soon turned into enemies but eventually became lovers! Eden created an entire love story using finger puppets because sometimes, that's what you need to do at work." Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, N.C.: "Happy Bookstore Romance Day from the Flyleaf team! Today, August 17, buy any romance book and we will enter your name into a drawing to win a $25 Flyleaf gift card or a galley of a super-secret-and-exciting forthcoming romance novel! Hope to see you today, and good luck!" Bookish Modesto, Modesto, Calif.: "It's Bookstore Romance Day! (I'm not wearing a frilly pink dress for nothing!) All day long, we'll go live on Instagram with hourly specials on our fave romance books, so prepare to be entertained. Also, a shoutout to Will for the 24 years (and some change) we're celebrating on Monday. This last year has been the wildest ride yet, and I wouldn't have dreamed of taking this journey with anyone else." At Fountain Bookstore Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, Va.: "Bookstore Romance Day is on!! Come make bracelets and play games! Find the hidden rubber ducky in-store for a prize." White Birch Books, North Conway, N.H.: "It's Bookstore Romance Day! Come indulge your favorite trope by taking 10% of your favorite. Good on any book in stock and applicable in the store or online. Now that's a happy ending!!" Politics and Prose, Washington, D.C.: "Fake dating? Enemies to lovers? Brother's best friend? We'll take them all! Check out our newly expanded Romance section this #BookstoreRomanceDay and shop our favorite swoon-worthy titles!" The Book Seller, Grass Valley, Calif.: "Happy Bookstore Romance Day! We have stacks of swoon-worthy romance reads to pique your interest and our booksellers are always happy to recommend something new for you!" At Blue Willow Bookshop Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, Tex.: "Happy Bookstore Romance Day! Our bookshop is all about joy: the joy of reading, of community, and of happily ever afters! Come celebrate all things romance with us today. It's going to be a wonderful day in the bookshop!" Split Rock Books, Cold Spring, N.Y.: "Shots from BOOKSTORE ROMANCE DAY! We're going strong here at @splitrockbks!... I love that we get to chat romance all day--come on out and visit and gush about it with us!! Are you celebrating Bookstore Romance Day??" Subterranean Books, St. Louis, Mo.: "It's Romance Bookstore Day at the shop! Love is in the airlet's spice it up! Stop by and check out all our romance titles and special display, get a handmade friendship bracelet made by @hi5er, write someone an appreciation postcard, and take a selfie with our conversation hearts!" Wicked Good Books, Salem, Mass.: "We are having a sweet Indie Bookstore Romance Day." At Copperfish Books Copperfish Books, Punta Gorda, Fla.: "Happy Bookstore Romance Day! Join us for a day of bubbly champagne, sweet treats, and endless love stories!... It's going to be a day of love, literature, and surprises you won't want to miss!" Schuler Books, with four stores in Michigan: "Today is the day! Bookstore Romance Day 2024. So many of you have been in the stores to help us celebrate already." The Pile Bookstore, Berwyn, Ill.: "Have you come in to answer one of our romance book prompts yet? Fill out one of our hearts and we'll find it a place of honor on the shelves! The heart is still safe in its hiding space... stop by to see if you can find it and win the prize basket!... Congratulations to our winner!" Blue Cypress Books, New Orleans, La.: "Thank yall for a superbly lovely Bookstore Romance Day, we love you so much." At Analog Books Analog Books, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada: "What a wonderful turn out for Bookstore Romance Day on Saturday with special guest authors Danielle L. Jensen and Elizabeth (E.A.M.) Trofimenkoff. The store was literally buzzing with energy and excitement as Danielle generously met everyone individually and signed hundreds of copies of her latest title, A Fate Inked in Blood." River and Hill Books, Rome, Ga.: "Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate our very first Bookstore Romance Day! We had a wonderful day seeing repeat customers and lots of new faces! We are so grateful for everyone who supports our little indie bookstore and other small businesses in downtown Rome; you are the best." Read My Lips Bookshop, Marquette, Mich.: "I just wanted to say thank youuuuu to all of the wonderful people that came out for #bookstoreromanceday yesterday and a big shout out to @luteysflowershop for contributing their awesome mini flower bouquets! Yesterday was a huge hit! We've been busy daily ever since opening, but yesterday was almost as busy as our grand opening! I was shooketh! Love you all!" At Doylestown Bookshop Doylestown Bookshop , Doylestown, Pa: "We had an amazing time during our #BookstoreRomanceDay Meet Cute event with authors Nisha Sharma, Morgan Elizabeth, Laura Piper Lee, Kristina Forest, and Betty Corrello. A big thank you to these amazing authors and the fabulous readers who joined us to celebrate!" External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Kuwait, engaging with prominent members of the Indian community and various professional and community associations. Jaishankar praised the vibrant Indian community for their significant contributions to enhancing India-Kuwait relations. In a social media post on X, Jaishankar described the interaction as 'good' and commended the achievements of the Indian community in Kuwait, emphasizing their role as a 'living bridge' between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the EAM met a diverse group of community leaders and association representatives, reflecting on their crucial role in bilateral relations. Earlier, Jaishankar held meetings with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. The discussions covered a broad range of topics, including political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural, consular, and people-to-people ties. Titan Company Limited and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a broad spectrum of initiatives intended to driving innovation and creating significant social impact. This collaboration focuses to leverage technology, research, and education aiming on mutual benefit and societal advancement. Titan and IITM will engage in bilateral research and consultancy projects facilitated by IITMs Center for Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR). Titan will recruit graduates and interns from IITM, facilitated by the Placement Office of IITM. Employees and faculty from both organizations will participate in research interaction visits, sabbaticals, and advisory roles, coordinated by the Office of Global Engagement at IITM. Titan and IITM will collaborate on CSR activities, with Titan providing grants to support faculty research and student scholarships, coordinated by IITMs Office of Alumni and Corporate Relations. Moreover, Titan employees can enroll in IITMs degree programs, such as M. Tech., M.S., and Ph.D., facilitated by the Office of Dean (Academic Research) at IITM. Both parties will jointly offer short-term training programs for IITM students and Titan employees, facilitated by IITMs Center for Continuing Education. Titan will engage with the IIT Madras Research Park and the IITM Incubation Cell to leverage the ecosystem and collaborate with start-ups. This MoU, effective from 08th July 2024, will remain in force for five years, serving as a strategic framework to explore and execute mutually beneficial projects, research, and training initiatives. This MoU makes way for a series of initiatives that will come and benefit the involved parties, also inspire future collaborations in the industry. This new industry-academia partnership by the collaboration between Titan and IITM is with a clear roadmap and defined engagement. Both entities are dedicated to achieve excellence in research, education, and social impact. C K Venkataraman, Managing Director, Titan Company Limited., said, This MoU with IIT Madras marks a significant step in Titans journey towards innovation and excellence. By combining our industry expertise with IITMs academic prowess, we aim to create a synergy that fosters ground-breaking research and development. This partnership not only aligns with our strategic vision of continuous improvement and technological advancement but also reinforces our commitment to corporate social responsibility. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that will drive impactful outcomes for both organizations and contribute to the broader community. The Tamil Nadu government posted senior IAS officer N. Muruganandam as the Chief Secretary, replacing incumbent Shiv Das Meena. Shiv Das Meena has been appointed as Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority; according to a Government Order, Muruganandam will be the 50th Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu. A 1991 batch IAS officer, Muruganandam is considered close to Chief Minister M.K.Stalin and is part of the Chief Ministers inner administrative circle. A BE (computer science) graduate, Muruganandam also holds an MBA from IIM. The new Chief Secretary has held various senior positions in the Government of Tamil Nadu, including the post of state finance secretary in the present regime. Muruganandam's wife, Supriya Sahu, is currently the Principal Secretary of the Health Department of the Tamil Nadu government. It is to be noted that the appointment of the new Chief Secretary comes just before the upcoming tour of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin to the US. CM Stalin is slated to travel to the US on August 22. Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNTERA) on Sunday, speculation is rife on the new Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary. After the transfer orders of the incumbent Chief Secretary, Shiv Das Meena as the Chairman ofon Sunday, speculation is rife on the new Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary. Meena, who is slated to retire in October, was issued orders to be appointed as the Chairperson of TNRERA for five years. The orders issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department stated that Shiv Das Meena was appointed as TNRERA chairperson after careful consideration of the recommendation of the selection committee constituted by the state government. The tenure of K.Gnanadesikan, who was the previous chairperson of the regulatory authority, ended in February 2024. Meena became the 49th Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu after V.Irai Anbu retired in June 2023. Nepal is going to export an additional 251 MW of power to India sourced from 12 hydropower projects in Nepal, after the approval by India's responsible authority for cross-border trade. Resulting the approval, Nepal would be exporting power to Bihar for the first, through a medium-term power sales agreement, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced. "This takes the total allowed quantum from 690 MW from 16 projects to 941 MW from 28 projects. Even before this 251 MW approval, Nepal had already become a net exporter of electricity and net revenue generator in the last fiscal year selling NPR 16.93 billion worth of electricity", the release stated. Earlier in 2021, India had permitted 39 MW of power exports from Nepal to India for the first time. Within than 3 years, this figure has grown by more than 24 times. India has also approved access to the Real Time Market. Nepal Electricity Authority has also entered into medium-term power sales agreements with discoms in Haryana and Bihar Initially, Nepal began its power exports by selling in the Day Ahead Market of the Indian Energy Exchange.India has also opened the provision of counting hydropower imports from Nepal as a part of Hydropower Purchase Obligation (HPO) for buyers in India, which further incentivizes buyers to purchase power from Nepal. An settlement for the sale of 40 MW of power to Bangladesh has also been confirmed and was planned to be signed, but got postponed due to current political developments in Bangladesh. This is the first year of the Agreement and around 1000 MW exports have already been reached. With these developments, Nepal is to set track to become the leading hydro power exporter of the South Asia region.As the agreement is for long-term power between India and Nepal, it foresees the sale of up to 10,000 MW of power from Nepal to India in the next 10 years. Stocks to watch on Monday, August 19, 2024: The Sensex and Nifty are expected to open higher on Monday, as indicated by the GIFT Nifty futures. The futures are suggesting an optimistic opening, quoting 85 points above the Nifty50 futures at 24,670 levels. However, the trend in the Asia-Pacific region was pessimistic, with Japan's Nikkei 225 slipping 0.33 percent and the broader Topix index down 0.26 percent. South Korea's Kospi dropped 0.41 percent, while the Kosdaq fell 0.22 percent. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was nearly flat, up by 0.06 percent. Futures for Hong Kongs Hang Seng index were up 1.04 percent at 17,612 levels. Hero MotoCorp Ltd.: The company has received a Goods and Services Tax (GST) demand notice totaling Rs 17.64 crore from the Office of the GST Officer, Government of NCT, Delhi's Department of Trade and Taxes. As per the company's BSE filing on August 18, 2024, the notice specifies that Hero MotoCorp is required to pay Rs 9.38 crore as the tax demand under Section 73 of the Central Goods & Service Tax Act, 2017 (CGST Act), along with Rs 7.32 crore as interest on this demand, and Rs 93.86 lakh as penalty fees. GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd.: In July 2024, GMR Airports reported a 7.7 percent year-on-year increase in total passenger traffic, reaching 1.06 crore passengers. Domestic traffic grew by 7.1 percent YoY, while international traffic saw a 9.3 percent increase. Additionally, aircraft movements in July rose by 6 percent YoY to 68,755. On August 14, GMR Airports announced its board's approval to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore through various means, including qualified institutions placement (QIP) or foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs). SpiceJet: The airline, currently facing financial challenges, has appealed to the division bench of the Delhi High Court to overturn a single-bench order mandating the grounding of three leased engines. The original order, issued on August 14, required the return and inspection of the engines leased from French companies due to SpiceJet's failure to make rental payments. The appeal follows the lessors rejection of SpiceJets proposal to pledge shares as collateral against its liabilities. Adani Enterprises: The company's Management Committee has approved the public issuance of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) amounting to up to Rs 400 crore, with an option to retain oversubscription up to an additional Rs 400 crore, bringing the total possible issuance to Rs 800 crore. Hindustan Zinc: Vedanta, the promoter, has decided to exercise the oversubscription option in the offer-for-sale of Hindustan Zinc. This will involve 1,21,65,562 equity shares, representing 0.29 percent of the paid-up equity share capital. This is in addition to the 5,14,40,329 equity shares (1.22 percent stake) included in the base offer size. Consequently, the total offer size will be up to 6,36,05,891 equity shares (1.51 percent stake), with 63,60,590 equity shares reserved for allocation to retail investors on August 19. Escorts Kubota: The company is planning to invest up to Rs 4,500 crore in setting up a new greenfield facility in Uttar Pradesh. Escorts Kubota has submitted an 'Investment Intent' to the state government for land acquisition as part of this initiative. The facility will be designed to expand the company's current manufacturing capabilities. The investment is expected to be made in phases according to the company's recent stock exchange filing. DEE Development Engineers Ltd.: The company reported a profit after tax of Rs 3.19 crore for Q1 FY2024, a significant turnaround from the Rs 4.58 crore loss in the same quarter the previous year. The companys total income for the quarter increased to Rs 188.17 crore from Rs 159.46 crore in Q1 FY2023. DEE Development Engineers' order book stood at Rs 803 crore as of June 30, 2024, and the company recently secured an international contract worth approximately Rs 340 crore. Jubilant Pharmova: Jubilant Biosys Innovative Research Services Pte, Singapore, a subsidiary of Jubilant Biosys (which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jubilant Pharmova), has issued a put option offer to Pierre Fabre Laboratories. Through this offer, Jubilant Biosys will acquire 80 percent equity capital (valued at 4.4 million euros over two years) in a new company that will be incorporated in France. This new entity will acquire Pierre Fabres R&D Centre at Saint Julien, France, including its site and activities. This move will enable Jubilant Biosys to establish a center of excellence in Europe for Jubilant Biosys Innovative Research Services Pte, Singapore, a subsidiary of Jubilant Biosys (which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jubilant Pharmova), has issued a put option offer to Pierre Fabre Laboratories. Through this offer, Jubilant Biosys will acquire 80 percent equity capital (valued at 4.4 million euros over two years) in a new company that will be incorporated in France. This new entity will acquire Pierre Fabres R&D Centre at Saint Julien, France, including its site and activities. This move will enable Jubilant Biosys to establish a center of excellence in Europe for Biologics and Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC), accessing a total addressable market of $500 million. Samvardhana Motherson International: The company is set to acquire a 34 percent stake in Motherson Auto Solutions Limited from Sojitz Corporation. This acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions by its subsidiary, Samvardhana Motherson Innovative Solutions Limited. Caplin Point: Caplin Point's subsidiary, Caplin Steriles, received zero observations from ANVISA, Brazil's drug regulator, following an inspection of its injectable and ophthalmic manufacturing facility in Gummidipoondi. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New Yorkers are filing more than 20,000 complaints each month to the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) through the citys 311 hotline, with issues ranging from illegal dumping to dead animals, derelict vehicles, missed trash collection, graffiti and much more. Through mid-August, New York City residents have made 182,700 DSNY-related calls to 311 - the citys non-emergency hotline where residents can make complaints and get information about city services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, according to city data. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. An afternoon press conference last week bucked the normal Monday ebb-and-flow of Bay Street in Stapleton. Twenty-five Staten Islanders elected officials, business owners and community activists gathered in front of Massimo and Deya Felicis Michelin-lauded restaurant VINUM. Topics tangentially talked about food, but largely about action and hope for this swath of the North Shore community. A press conference in front of VINUM in Stapleton was held on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024 to announce improvements in the Bay Street Corridor. (Courtesy of Sen. Jessica Spanton-Scarcella's office)Silvestri New York State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton scheduled the event to announce upcoming changes, a culmination of outcry from neighborhood entrepreneurs like Felici. He maintained, VINUM will close its doors unless something drastic happens. Safe to come out to eat here Working with the NYPD, Scarcella-Spantons office secured funding to install a sophisticated NYPD camera near the wine bar. The Richmond County District Attorney's office responded to neighborhood pleas for better safety in Stapleton along Bay Street near Broad Street with a surveillance camera. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri Meanwhile, the DAs office funded installation of a camera alomg the strips as well. Scarcella-Spanton emphasized, I want to send a message. It is safe to come out to eat here. We encourage you on Staten Island and wherever you come from to eat here. The surveillance on this pole will be situated in the 600 section of Bay Street until Scarcella-Spanton's office and the NYPD can install a permanent surveillance system. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was born and raised in the community and referred to Stapletons historically thriving business roots. The Richmond restaurant saw lines for its last week of business earlier this August. It is now a dark storefront. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri He added, We dont like whats going on here right now. But things have improved. An arrest was made in a violent attack of a deli worker Aug. 9 at 680 Bay St., for example. Stapletons plight addressed The corner of Broad and Bay Street where an established deli is located. It was the scene of a violent crime on Aug. 9, 2024, where a suspect was apprehended and charged. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri Recently in the news, The Richmond restaurant declared its last day of business as Sunday, Aug. 11 at 695 Bay St. after a six-year run. Ironically, The Richmond crew packed up to leave exactly as the press conference played out on Aug. 12. It was a poignant moment on many levels, but especially for Chef Felici, who was one of the original principals in The Richmond when it opened in 2018. Also on the business strip, Taverna on the Bay and its neighboring pizza parlor had closed about three years ago, leaving two storefronts still vacant. The Chez Vous Catering office is still operational. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri Additionally, as detailed by the Advance/SILive.com, in May, The Richmonds landlord, Ettore Mazzei, 61, was indicted by a grand jury on 61 counts including criminal sale of a controlled substance, grand larceny, identity theft and falsifying business. Felici praised the NYPD and DAs office. After a two-year investigation, theyve made noted progress on the surrounding streets, he acknowledged. Felici added, Since the latest bust, theres been a dramatic change in the neighborhood. Its been really quiet. The majority of all the riff-raff is gone. With the surveillance camera, more lights and more cops, the bad guys have moved away or have been hiding in their holes. Either way, Im pleased. Taverna on the Bay closed about three years ago. Its storefront and its neighboring pizzeria are still vacant. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella said, I know how important the Bay Street Corridor is to Staten Island . . . It brings so much enrichment and enlightenment to our borough. Jerry's 637 Diner is known for pancakes and diner fare. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri Eating in the neighborhood To underscore Kinsellas point, the strip of Stapleton between Vanderbilt Ave. up to about Tappan Park can be viewed as a gourmands gold mine. Lakruwana Restaurant lies at the base of Broad Street. It is New York Citys first Sri Lankan restaurant relocated from midtown and then Tompkinsville to its permanent home and a widely-acclaimed venue worthy of repeated Michelin Guide mentions. It features an all-you-can-eat weekend buffet for about $15, plus a nearby museum dedicated to Ceylonese culture. Jerrys 637 is a long-standing pancake house and diner at 637 Bay St. Its owners from the Khan family personally deliver throughout the North Shore, although this spot remains a favorite casual destination for neighbors. Bay Street on Friday morning, August 16, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri And then there is VINUM, established in 2017. That year, Massimo told the Advance/SILive.com his friends called him crazy to build a restaurant at the formerly beleaguered location of 704 Bay St. in Stapleton. Indeed, that address was home to a string of short-lived but notable eateries over a decade such as Toppings, Molcajetes, Ting N Ting West Indian, Tacos Chidos, plus three other ephemeral ventures that lasted from about a week to a month in lifespan. On the contrary, Felici felt something was just right with such a space. In return, it received immediate attention from New York Times food maven Florence Fabricant. Subsequently, a few years later, VINUM entered the honorable echelons of a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation. Even through the covid-19 pandemic, it continually bubbled up as one of the boroughs most famous eateries. VINUM is a Michelin-acknowledged restaurant in Stapleton. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri Restaurant owners react Standing in front of a mic and podium, Felici spoke off the cuff. He said he was vested in the area, as both a business owner and resident. He lives with Deya and their children right next door to VINUM. He is chairman of the Rosebank Merchants Association, a branch of the Staten Island Economic Development Corp. (SIEDC). Massimo also is starting a neighborhood improvement association not a civic association, he underscored to extend the Rosebank Merchants Associations outreach to Stapleton. He is in the process of filing for a 501c3 to help raise money from sponsors solely for the beautification and cleanup of Bay Street, he said. His hope is to continue work with elected officials, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and NYPD to make that all happen. Stapleton is mix of restaurants and retail shops. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri Who attended the press event The Monday press conference was a star-studded event, by Staten Island standards. Attendees included Scarcella-Spanton, McMahon, Assemblyman Charles Fall and, Michael Arvanites, the latter standing in for the office of an under-the-weather Councilmember Kamilla Hanks. NYPD brass included First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, Assistant Chief Joseph Gulotta of Patrol Borough Staten Island and Jermaine Williams. Among the community leaders in the crowd were Scott Van Campen and DB Lampman of MakerSpace; Shaw-nae Dixon of Shaw-naes House at 379 Van Duzer St., Stapleton; Flynn Fergusen of the Staten Island Ferryhawks and the Staten Island University Hospital Community Ballpark; Kim Avilez of Chase Bank on Bay Street; Mike Cusick, president and CEO of SIEDC; the Rev. Terry Troia for Project Hospitality; and Janet Dugo of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerces Downtown Staten Island commercial district. Representatives also came from Community Board 1 and the Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness, CTV host Heather Butts on behalf of H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths and Mary Gardner of Northfield Bank, the latter who also a member of the Rosebank Merchants Association. Shaw-nae enthused, Its long overdue and very necessary to make changes. But I believe more in those who are making this all happen as they provide a safe space to be able to share our concerns and always in due time they make it happen for the greater good. She said with a smile, Job well-done for the Staten Island Justice League of Legends! Pamela Silvestri is Advance/Silive.com food editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com. The actor who played an iconic role in the Oscar-winning film The Godfather Part II has died, the New York Post reported. John Aprea, 83, played the role of the young Salvatore Sal Tessio in the 1974 blockbuster sequel to legendary gangster film The Godfather. Aprea died of natural causes on Aug. 5 in Los Angeles surrounded by his loved ones, his manager Will Levine confirmed to Fox News Digital. I am very saddened by the death of Mr. Aprea, Levine said. He was an incredibly talented actor and loved by his friends. One of the classiest guys I knew. Aprea was born to Italian immigrants in Englewood, New Jersey, in 1941, and landed his first break in the industry in the 1968 Steve McQueen classic San Francisco cop drama, Bullitt. In The Godfather Part II, Aprea played Tessio in flashback scenes that showed the beginnings of the Corleone crime family in Manhattan. The role of Tessio was played by Abe Vigoda in The Godfather. When cast for the Tessio role, Aprea reportedly phoned Vigoda to ask for insights into the character, the Post reported. Vigoda told Aprea, I dont know what I did. Just have a good time, kid. Actor John Aprea, right, is shown speaking with then-City Councilman Fred Cerullo (R-South Shore) in 1991. Aprea, who died on Aug. 5, might be best known for his role in "The Godfather Part II."(Frank Johns, Staten Island Advance file photo) The Godfather Part II won the Oscar for Best Picture and is considered one of the greatest films and greatest movie sequels of all time. In a career that spanned 50 years, Aprea appeared in numerous tough-guy roles on television and in the movies. Aprea played Alexander Nikos and Lucas Castigliano on the long-running soap opera Another World. Aprea also played John Stamos father on the family sitcom Full House and also appeared in the later reboot Fuller House. ROME British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five other people including two U.S. nationals were missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early Monday, Italys civil protection and authorities said. Lynchs wife and 14 other people survived. Lynch, who was acquitted in June in a big U.S. fraud trial, was among the six people who remain unaccounted for after their chartered sailboat sank off Porticello, when a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency. One body has been recovered, and police divers were trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello, near Palermo, where it had been anchored, rescue authorities said. It had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, the Italian coast guard said. A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and struck the place precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored. This picture taken from a video released by the Italian Coast Guard on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, shows the rescue operations in the stretch of Sea near Palermo, Sicily, in southern Italy, where the sailing yacht Bayesian under the UK flag sank early Monday. (Italian Coast Guard via AP, HO)AP They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, said Cocina, noting that another superyacht nearby wasnt as badly damaged and was able to rescue some of the 15 survivors. The Bayesian was known for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast, one of the worlds tallest made of aluminum and which was lit up at night, just hours before it sank. Online charter sites list it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week. One of the survivors, identified only as Charlotte, said she had momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoting the mother. Eight of the 15 people rescued and taken to shore at Porticello were hospitalized. One body was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for, said Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service. Rescue crews located the vessel and deep-water police divers were trying to access the hull, Cari said. The operations, which were visible from shore, involved helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue and civil protection service. Fisherman Francesco Cefalu said he had seen a flare from shore at around 4:30 a.m. and immediately set out to the site but by the time he got there, the Bayesian had already sunk, with only cushions, wood and other items from the superyacht floating in the water. This picture taken from a video released by the Italian Firefighters on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, shows the stretch of Sea near Palermo, Sicily, in southern Italy, where the sailing yacht Bayesian under the UK flag sank early Monday. (Vigili del Fuoco via AP, HO)AP But for the rest, we didnt find anyone, he said from the port hours later. He said that he immediately alerted the coast guard and stayed on site for three hours, but didnt find any survivors. I think they are inside, all the missing people. He said he had been up early to check the weather to see if he could go fishing, and surmised that a sudden waterspout had struck the yacht. It could be that the mast broke, or the anchor at the prow pulled it, I dont know, he said. Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries: In addition to Britain and the United States, passengers and crew were from Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain, he said. Dutch foreign ministry spokesperson Casper Soetekouw said the lone Dutch citizen on board, a man, had been rescued and was not in a life-threatening condition. Lynch, once hailed as Britains king of technology, was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges related to Hewlett Packards $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp. The not-guilty verdicts followed an 11-week criminal trial in San Francisco that delved into the history of HPs 2011 acquisition of Autonomy, a business software firm founded by Lynch. The fraud accusations represented a dramatic turn in the fortunes of an entrepreneur once described as the Bill Gates of Britain a title he seemed to live up to when he netted an $800 million from the Autonomy sale. The acquittal vindicated Lynch, who had vehemently denied wrong doing and portrayed HP as a technological train wreck. Im looking forward to returning the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field, Lynch said in a statement released after the verdict. The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple and the master suite, plus crew accommodations, according to Charter World and Yacht Charters. The vessel, which previously was named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag, featured a sleek, minimalist interior of light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions and photos on the charter sites. NESN 360 showing an old game Sunday. (Awful Announcing on X/Twitter.) Something went quite wrong with NESNs over-the-top streaming product NESN 360 Sunday. That came during the Boston Red Soxs clash with the Baltimore Orioles, which saw Kutter Crawford starting for Boston and Albert Suarez there for Baltimore. But, during the seventh inning of that game, with the Orioles up 4-0 and Red Sox reliever Bailey Horn on the mound, the streaming feed of that game kept cutting back to the first inning of Fridays game between the teams, which featured Cooper Criswell and Corbin Burnes as the starters: NESN 360 subscribers went on a wild ride during Sundays Red Sox-Orioles broadcast. https://t.co/TVkLqJwepC Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 18, 2024 Cue the Mike Francesa Is that a new report or an old report? memes. (To be fair, hes not the only person to accidentally report old things as new.) At any rate, AA confirmed that this didnt happen on the linear TV feed of NESN, but only on NESN 360. And thats certainly far from ideal for that 2022-launched streaming service, which costs $29.99 a month. Technical difficulties certainly happen on linear TV as well, as they have on NESN in the past and as they did on some ABC affiliates during a WNBA broadcast Sunday. But a streaming-only glitch is not a great advertisement to try and get people to buy a direct-to-consumer product. (Red Sox fans might have preferred Fridays game, though, as they won that one 12-10, but fell 4-2 to the Orioles Sunday.) [Awful Announcing on X/Twitter] Good morning Staten Island, and welcome to the brand new daily SILive.com morning report. Todays report covers stories from the weekend through today (Monday) and includes the latest victory for Staten Islands Little League team, honors a trailblazing African American woman with a new street sign, and follows a determined Army vet battling ALS. Additionally, it includes a dramatic pet grooming van crash into a firehouse and efforts to protect a rare Staten Island frog. Note that the stories in the report are editorially curated and then summarized and read aloud by artificial intelligence. Some variations in pronunciation, tone or diction may result. To get full reporting on each of these stories, check out the links below: We want to know what you think! All feedback is valuable. After youve listened, take our 3-question survey here to let us share your thoughts. Editors note: This story first appeared on palabra, the digital news site by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. By Mariela Santos-Muniz| Edited by Virginia Lora Once outside of the mainstream, reggaeton is currently one of the most popular music genres globally. Bad Bunnys recent Most Wanted Tour grossed approximately $208 million. Karol G was just named Woman of the Year by Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024. And the popular reggaeton dance style perreo was added last year to the Real Academia Espanolas dictionary. But despite its popularity, studying reggaeton within the academic world continues to be challenging. The disciplines of ethnomusicology and musicology are extremely Eurocentric and voyeuristic/exploitative toward cultures of the Global South, said Dr. Cloe Gentile Reyes, Faculty Fellow at New York University. She researches Latinx sound studies, reggaeton, Puerto Rican and Nuyorican history, and diaspora studies. Gentile Reyes grew up in Miami Beach in a Boricua family in what she describes as a very communal Caribbean upbringing, where she would often go to parks with her friends and dance to the music of Ivy Queen, Daddy Yankee, and Tego Calderon. She studied music and sociology at Emory University, and continued her musicology graduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. As a student, she started with a focus on voice and classical music, but said feeling like she belonged or like her background was being respected was a struggle. Dr. Gentile Reyes with a guiro from Puerto Rico.The guiro is typically used in genres like salsa, son, and trova, and sometimes by reggaeton artists. Photo by Yunuen Bonaparte for palabraPalabra Growing up with Afro-diasporic and Indigenous culture and music, my awareness of my body and what it means for me to feel free to move and be would clash with a very stoic, strict, and rigid classical music world, Gentile Reyes added. Her worldview, informed by growing up low-income, was also part of what led to tensions in her music scholarship, since she felt she had a different way of speaking, dressing, and even being, than others in music. There were no Latinx faculty in my department, and thankfully my adviser connected me with someone in the Chicanx Studies department, she said. There was also a lot of racism in the way certain faculty would speak to me, often being coded as the angry Latina in a room full of white students whenever I disagreed with a scholar (often also white). Gentile Reyes felt there was almost a philosophical difference in the way she viewed her research and how she wanted to pursue her academic inquiry. Dr. Gentile Reyes with some of her books from her studies. Photo by Yunuen Bonaparte for palabraPalabra For instance, I love talking to my mom and using that in my scholarship, right? And people just kind of dont understand that. Theyre like, whats your archive? Whats your documentation? My mom is my documentation. Its a different world view of what scholarship is. And a lot of that is rooted in oral histories, Indigenous knowledge, right? And so even just the way that we do scholarship is a battle at times. According to Gentile Reyes, reggaeton was a sort of antidote to the issues she was encountering in her classical music training. It gave her a sense of home in grad school. Her dissertation,Reggaeton as Resistance: Negotiating Racialized Femininity through Rap, Miniskirts, and Perreo, includes elements of memoir, family archive, and critique, and celebrates the musical innovations of working class, Black and brown queer communities. Scholars in Latin Music Theres a lack of academic research on reggaeton and Latin music more broadly, according to Dr. Petra Rivera-Rideau, associate professor of American Studies at Wellesley College. While in graduate school, she realized reggaeton was an effective entry point to talk about issues of race, gender, and socioeconomic class. Now, as an interdisciplinary scholar studying race, identity and popular culture in Latin America and U.S. Latinx communities, reggaeton is instrumental to her research and teaching. Dr. Petra Rivera-Rideau, co-author of the Bad Bunny Syllabus, has been teaching "Bad Bunny: Race, Religion, and Empire in Reggaeton" at Wellesley College since 2022. Photo by Joel Haskell, courtesy of Wellesley CollegePalabra Rivera-Rideau said that reggaeton has a long history of being marginalized within the Latin music industry. Within academia, she sees this as an overall problem, in the lack of attention popular Latin music receives, whether its banda or norteno or salsa in the United States. One of the courses I teach at Wellesley is a course about Latin music and one of the themes that comes out in that class is how little scholarship there is for me to assign [students]. Why do they see the same names over and over again in the syllabus? Because there really are not very many of us, she said. Rivera-Rideau adds,If youre going to study Latin music, sometimes people are like, you should study historical stuff like mambo or Latin jazz, right? Often its the contemporary music, the popular music, particularly of working-class communities, Black communities, that gets sort of neglected in academia. When music is new... sometimes scholars do not see it as worthy of study yet. Dr. Xochitl C. Chavez is incoming chair of the Latin American and Caribbean Music Section of The Society of Ethnomusicology, a network dedicated to the study of music from different cultural contexts and academic perspectives. She says it can be complicated to know exactly how many people in academia are working in Latin music studies due to several factors, including how the genre is even defined. As assistant professor in the Department of Music at UC Riverside, her current work focuses on transborder relationships, Indigenous communities, and Oaxacan music reinterpreted in the U.S, but she says she is sometimes left out of spaces where scholars might be studying Latin music. Im on the borderlands right there, because, one, Im not often invited to some of these other, popular Latinx sounds because I work with Indigenous people. And they have a lot of these preconceived stereotypes and theyre always thinking of Indigenous as in the past. But yet I work with living Indigenous communities from Oaxaca who are making music and are quite well known. Maestra Leticia Gallardo Martinez, 47, has a light moment with Xochitl C. Chavez, assistant professor with UC Riversides Department of Music, after being interviewed by Chavez in the mountain community of Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec in Oaxaca, Mexico on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Chavez works closely with the Banda Femenil Regional Mujeres del Viento Florido, an entirely female brass band from the Sierra Mixe in Oaxaca to document education processes and migration patterns in music-oriented opportunities outside of Oaxaca for female musicians. (UCR/Stan Lim)Palabra Xochitl C. Chavez, assistant professor with UC Riversides Department of Music, rehearses with other band members at the home of Maestra Leticia Gallardo Martinez in Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec in Oaxaca, Mexico on Friday, August 25, 2023. Chavez works closely with the Banda Femenil Regional Mujeres del Viento Florido, an entirely female brass band from the Sierra Mixe in Oaxaca to document education processes and migration patterns in music-oriented opportunities outside of Oaxaca for female musicians. (UCR/Stan Lim)Palabra Reggaeton studies in academia Gentile Reyes believes several factors contribute to this lack of study of reggaeton in academia. She sees a disconnect between what scholars see as artistic and as worthy of study, and what is popular and connects with communities outside of academia. I think that disconnect is an elitist disconnect like This is not real music. This is noise. She says there are many reasons for this: an elitism that views what is popular as simple and easy, Eurocentric ideologies about music that favors complexity, the devaluation of what youth subcultures listen to by academia, and a generational divide between faculty and students. Dr. Cloe Gentile Reyes presenting at the pop music conference PopCon in March.. Her presentation was titled, Reggaeton Realities and Imaginary Dance floors as Queer, Disabled, or Color Liberatory Praxis. Photo courtesy of Dr. Cloe Gentile ReyesPalabra Dr. Vanessa Diaz, associate professor of Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies at Loyola Marymount University, believes there is another factor: timing. When music is new, she says, sometimes scholars do not see it as worthy of study yet. As a cultural anthropologist, she points out what the problem with this is. When we study the past, we cannot get the full story. Records are lost, people pass away. Studying the contemporary helps to ensure that we can maintain the most complete record of our culture possible, so that we can continue to understand it on even deeper levels over time, as historians turn to it. Historians study hip-hop now. But hip-hop was not studied as a cultural phenomenon as it was first developing. One of the first times professor Diaz remembers bringing reggaeton songs and music videos into the classroom was for an introduction to Chicano and Latino studies class, specifically to discuss alternative ideas about masculinity with students. Since then, she has included works by artists like Wisin y Yandel, Tego Calderon, and Bad Bunny as part of class discussions on immigration, race, and diaspora. The way her students responded to Bad Bunnys music, coupled with the artists participation in the 2019 protests that helped to oust then-governor Ricardo Rossello, led her to develop a class called Bad Bunny and Resistance in Puerto Rico. Along with Rivera-Rideau, Diaz co-created The Bad Bunny Syllabus to educate not only students but also the public on Bad Bunnys global impact & how it reflects political, artistic, and cultural triumphs and struggles within Puerto Rico. A lot of what makes all art valuable is that it stimulates dialogue. It stimulates conversation. In class, Diazs students learn to understand a range of societal issues through music. For example, they unpack whether female reggaeton artists empower women or whether they play into harmful stereotypes about sexuality and gender norms through their music. We look at the lyrics and we think about whos being represented and how theyre being represented. And we have these conversations in community, and get into pretty heated dialogue because lots of people feel differently. (...) Different people experience music and specific lyrics in different ways, she said. For Diaz, these discussions are part of the point. A lot of what makes all art valuable is that it stimulates dialogue. It stimulates conversation. A ready audience: students These scholars have found eager audiences in their college students. Gentile Reyes said her reggaeton class at NYU, unlike other classes shes taught not related to Latin culture, was made up of almost entirely students of color. The students are paying attention to the versatility of reggaeton, and how this can expand beyond the borders of the limited imagination of those who have studied music beforehand, said multimedia artist Katelina Eccleston. Katelina Eccleston, also known as La Gata, DJing at Portland Center Stage in Portland, Oregon, where attendees listened to her set and a history lecture about reggaeton. Photo courtesy of Katelina EcclestonPalabra A self-described reggaeton historian, Eccleston, also known as La Gata, has been touring college campuses for the past three years giving presentations, lectures, and discussions about reggaeton history and ethnomusicology. She added that her podcast, Perreo 101, is discussed in classrooms and that shes been interviewed by students for their academic research and thesis work. She spoke earlier this year to a group of students at Stanford University. The students literally begged to get me on campus for a year. When speaking to students, she said she encourages them to put aside their fanaticism and think critically about these artists, their work, and what theyre contributing to society. In Latin music because of blanqueamiento, (whitewashing) a majority of our favorite artists today are white, which convinces them (students) to look past a lot of race-related issues originally associated with reggaeton. I invite students to consider all of this because we owe it to each other as a culture, as human beings to care about these issues collectively, Eccleston said. Its pretty clear the students are excited about our course material because theyre learning about the artists that they actually listen to. Theyre learning about the artists that are changing their world right now, that are creating the art of their time, added Dr. Diaz. I think when it comes to popular culture in general, institutions like academic institutions do tend to be slower to understanding the value of these things. Gentile Reyes said she would love to see students making reggaeton music in academic settings - an interest that shes already seen among some of them, especially those considering a career in the music business or in production. She sees her students becoming assets to the future of this genre. Having had this kind of historical knowledge and a really critical eye to whats going on in reggaeton, I think that they hopefully will have the power to raise up certain artists and communities that are at risk of being erased. Until then, Gentile Reyes and her colleagues will continue to advocate for their work as the genre continues to evolve. Mariela Santos-Muniz is a freelance journalist based in Puerto Rico whose writing has appeared in Prism, and Nylon, among others. She works as the Collaborative journalism newsletter and database coordinator at the Center for Cooperative Media. Completely bilingual in English and Spanish, she has an M.A. in International Relations and International Communications from Boston University. @mellamomariela. Virginia Lora, is an independent audio producer, reporter and editor who works in English and Spanish, and dabbles in French. Born in Peru, she moved to the U.S. at age 13 and grew up in Miami, Florida. Much of her interest in stories that center the margins comes from her early-career experiences interviewing people in communities all over the country for an oral history project, and her own immigration experience. She earned a B.A. in history, French and a certificate in Latin American & Latino studies from Amherst College and trained in narrative audio at the Transom Story Workshop. @VirginiaLoraC The claws are coming out hours before the Democratic National Convention kicks off. The Democratic National Committee is taking the credit for projecting a variety of phrases onto the Chicago iteration of former President Donald Trumps hotel, Trump Tower. The most viral phrase and most controversial, in the same breath was Project 2025 HQ. Project 2025 is the extremist right-wing design for the country should a Republican candidate win the White House come November, stoking outrage among millions of Americans throughout the nation. While Trump claimed he didnt know anything about the project in early July, his vice presidential pick, J.D. Vance, wrote the forward for the architect of Project 2025s book, according to The Hill. Additionally, a CNN report found that, at minimum, 140 people in Trumps circle contributed to the nearly 1,000-page manifesto. CNN wrote, Six of his former Cabinet secretaries helped write or collaborated on the 900-page playbook for a second Trump term published by the Heritage Foundation. Four individuals Trump nominated as ambassadors were also involved, along with several enforcers of his controversial immigration crackdown. And about 20 pages are credited to his first deputy chief of staff. These projected phrases, according to Newsweek, also incorporated Trump-Vance Weird as Hell. Politico reported that Democratic vice presidential pick and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is the popularizer of the weird coinage. Republican Vice Presidential pick J.D. Vance previously said the descriptor doesnt make sense, but sees it as a badge of honor. The Democratic National Committee projects images on Trump International Hotel in Chicago ahead of the convention in Chicago this week on Aug. 18, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for DNC)Getty Images for DNC Included in the projection rotation were the following slogans: Harris Walz joy and hope, Trump-Vance out for themselves and Harris Walz fighting for you. Each of the phrases alternated between English and Spanish, Newsweek reported. As stated in NBC Chicagos article, DNC Deputy Communications Director Abhi Rahman released the following statement after the projections were seen on the tower: All eyes are on Chicago, and tonight, everyone is seeing a preview of the contrast that will take center stage this week throughout the Democratic National Convention. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have proven records of delivering for working families, and now, theyre running to lead our country into a brighter future. Donald Trump and JD Vance are running on their backwards Project 2025 agenda, which would undermine working families and take away their freedoms. This week, the entire country will witness what it looks like to unite behind hope and a clear vision for a better future, as Democrats rally behind Vice President Harris and Governor Walz. While Donald Trump and JD Vance are out for themselves, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for you. Boot-scootin Peter Dutton. Credit: John Shakespeare Deep down, weve always suspected what Australias richest people really want is to be loved. The anxious billionaire thesis explains much of Gina Rineharts recent behaviour, from fostering a cult of personality among our swimmers that would make the Kim family blush, to waging a proxy war with fellow mining magnate Andrew Twiggy Forrest for control of the True Blue Aussie apparel market. In some countries, billionaires buy football clubs. For our resource moguls, tapping into the publics misty-eyed love of nostalgic Australiana is a far cheaper form of image-laundering. And so, the bushwear arms race kicked off when Twiggy picked up RM Williams in 2020. It went next level when he added hatters Akubra to his stable last year. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outJust open The Bristol Arms is back and its nothing like the old Retro you remember Forget the daggy dance music. The beloved Sussex Street boozer has been reborn as an Athens-style souvlaki rooftop bar from hospo veteran Peter Conistis, with a fully fledged restaurant next to come. Scott Bolles August 20, 2024 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 If rooftops and Greek food are two of the hottest trends in Sydney dining right now, chef Peter Conistis has snagged the daily double. On Thursday, August 22, Sydneys godfather of modern Greek cooking will open Rooftop Kouzina at The Bristol on Sussex Street in the CBD. Fresh from receiving a glowing 15.5/20 review from Good Food at his newly opened Ammos restaurant at Brighton-Le-Sands, Conistis is tackling this second project in the CBD. Rooftop Kouzina is just the first step at The Bristol. In five weeks, hell open a restaurant, Ela Ela (come, come in Greek) on one of the lower floors. With all this opening action, something had to give, and Conistis is jettisoning his involvement at Ploos, the Greek restaurant he opened at The Rocks in 2021. I didnt want to spread myself too thin, he explains. The Bristol, on Sussex Street in the CBD, has been given a head-to-toe redesign. Steve Woodburn Advertisement When the chef was spotted near the Slip Inn earlier this year by some keen-eyed Sydney foodies, he wasnt retracing the early days of the romance of the King and Queen of Denmark. He was quietly plotting his next move at Slip Inns neighbour, The Bristol Arms, owned by his backers at Ammos, Oscars Group. The one-time wharfie pub and former home of beloved party club Retro has been given a head-to-toe redesign by Paul Papadopoulos and an abbreviated moniker, The Bristol. Nothing has been spared, Conistis says. It doesnt feel like a pub. Stage one of The Bristols redesign will be an Athens-style grill, Rooftop Kouzina. Steve Woodburn Ive always loved the idea of opening a rooftop dining space, says the veteran chef. (Rooftop Kouzina) is my take on an Athens souvlaki bar. The rooftop kitchen kit includes a spit roast and grill. Theyll play roles in the opening menu, which will offer Conistiss take on the lamb souvlaki, either on a skewer or in a wrap, and lamb kokoretsi, served straight off the spit roast in a spiced bread roll with onions and tzatziki. Advertisement And along with Mythos beer, the bar will be stirring up cocktails such as a Yuzu Highball made with yuzu gin, vermouth, StrangeLove yuzu and a sprig of rosemary, and a Bristol spritz blushing with Rhubi rhubarb liqueur. Rooftop Kouzina gives CBD workers a new space for knock-off drinks. Steve Woodburn It has been a tumultuous year for Conistis, who has completely overhauled the career he kick-started at his ground-breaking Cosmos restaurant in the 1990s. His departure from Alpha restaurant in early 2024 saw former MasterChef judge George Calombaris briefly take his place in the kitchen during Public Hospitalitys short tenure at the restaurant. After three decades of raising the profile of Greek cuisine in Sydney with dishes such as his signature moussaka of scallop and eggplant, Conistis finds himself at the centre of an explosion of new Greek venues, with Apollo spin-off Olympus set to join the party in Redfern later this year. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up A mans body has been found in the Georges River in Sydneys south-west more than a week after locals heard calls for help from the water. On August 11, police divers launched a search along a stretch of the river at Picnic Point after reports a man had been heard calling for help just before 11pm. A mans body has been found in the water at Picnic Point more than a week after locals heard calls for help from the water. Credit: Nine An unoccupied boat and black sedan were close to where the man was heard calling for help, NSW Police said in a statement at the time. On Monday morning, a mans body was found in the water at Picnic Point. Police were called to the boat ramp on Carinya Road. Tokyos extensive web of subway lines that carry millions of passengers each day is an engineering marvel in its own right and it is super efficient. The Japanese capital has two main metro rail systems in the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. With more than 280 stations, the citys metro rail system is one of the most extensive in the world, impressing visitors by its service frequency and on-time performance. Trains operate from 5am to about midnight. The sharemarket-listed Tokyo Metro has nine rail lines with 180 stations extending 195 kilometres, carrying about 6 million passengers a day. Toei operates four lines and 106 stations, transporting about 2.8 million people a day. As well as the subway systems, suburban and regional trains transport tens of millions every day across greater Tokyo. Singapore The city-state might cover only 734 square kilometres, but six metro rail lines span 200 kilometres of the island. Singapores mass rapid transit system, which has more than 140 stations, carries more than 3 million passengers a day. Known as the MRT, it runs from 5.30am to about midnight each day. It is operated by two operators in SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit. Singapore has plans to expand the rail network to about 360 kilometres by early next decade. Paris The metro system that snakes under the City of Love is almost as well-known as the Eiffel Tower. The huge network of 320 stations makes Paris among the best-serviced cities in the world. Within the centre of the sprawling city, there are 244 stations within 105 square kilometres. Running on a combination of steel wheels and rubber tyres, trains are mostly conductor-driven, although three lines so far have been updated to be automatic. Extensions to Paris Line 14 opened in late June, a month before the Olympics started. Under the 35 billion ($58 billion) Grand Paris Express project, the city is rapidly increasing its rail network. Unlike existing lines, the five new ones are configured in rings that avoid passing through the middle of the city. The north-south extension of Line 14, which opened in June, is the first part of the expansion project, which will comprise 200 kilometres of extra track and 68 new stations. Montreal The Canadian citys four metro lines extend for 69 kilometres and sport 68 stations. Montreals metro trains run on rubber tyres rather than steel wheels. They operate daily from 5.30am to 1am (1.30am on Saturdays). The railway was built entirely underground, partly due to Montreals cold winters. A 5.8-kilometre extension of Montreal Metros blue line is due to open in 2030, a year later than planned, at a cost of $C6.4 billion ($7 billion). A new automated metro line consisting of five stations between the CBD and suburbs south of the St Lawrence River opened in July last year. Extensions of the driverless train line to Montreals international airport and the citys western suburbs are also under way. New York New Yorks subway, with a mammoth 472 stations (or 423, depending on how you count them), is the largest in the world. It is also among the oldest and it operates virtually 24 hours a day. However, the subways size, age and funding problems have made it a challenging system to improve. Parts fell into near-disrepair around the time of the 2007-08 global financial crisis. After introducing the MetroCard in 1993, the Metro Transit Authority established contactless fare system OMNY in 2017, where commuters pay for the first 12 trips taken in a week. The most recent line, Second Avenue Subway, opened in 2017 after a decade of drilling. The second phase of that line into Harlem is being developed at an expected cost of $US5.23 billion ($7.8 billion). It is due for completion by about 2032. Barcelona Barcelonas privatised metro network is made up of 183 stations that stretch across the city and its suburbs, mostly underground. Uniquely, the network is made up of three different track gauges. Some of the 12 lines contain only driverless trains. Barcelonas Lines 9 and 10 routes are being constructed using one giant boring machine, which will create tunnels containing two rail tracks. Many other metros around the world including Sydneys have twin tunnels for trains in either direction. Once completed, the lines in Barcelona will be nearly 48 kilometres long, the longest driverless metro line on the continent. Hong Kong Its the envy of the world: a 218-kilometre rail line with a 99.9 per cent punctuality rate and an average of more than 5.5 million daily riders. Opened in 1979 with just 15.9 kilometres of track, Hong Kongs rail network quickly expanded to 11 lines stretching across most of the city, including the airport. Loading The group running the project, the Mass Transit Railway Corporation, was initially wholly owned by the government, but in 2000, it was partially privatised and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Uniquely, the metro system records profits huge ones: in the 2022-23 financial year, it reported a profit of almost $1.5 billion. But it also has among the cheapest fares in the world. The shortest trip costs just 91 cents. Thats because the major driver of the corporations huge revenue is its property development arm. MTR holds a portfolio of about 50 properties, which were provided to the company by the government for free for the development of new train stations. Above the stations sit some of the citys largest skyscrapers, owned by the company. MTR is the company leading the private consortium that runs Sydneys M1 metro line from Tallawong to Sydenham, and eventually onto Bankstown. About 40,000 people ushered in a new era of public transport for Sydney in the first five hours of the $21.6 billion metro rail lines operation on Monday, although the tunnels under the harbour face their true test in the days ahead. In marking the opening of the first railway under central Sydney since the Eastern Suburbs line 45 years ago, Premier Chris Minns said the M1 metro extension from Chatswood to Sydenham via the CBD would open a bunch of unintended but important linkages. Were turning the page of a new era of public transport, he said. He paid tribute to the former Coalition government, and especially former premier Gladys Berejiklian, for pushing ahead with the citys second harbour rail crossing. Gladys Berejiklian deserves a lot of credit for this city-shaping piece of infrastructure. She had the vision to get it done, he said. Meg Elkins swims in the Yarra early in the morning at Deep Rock, the bend in the river just before Dights Falls in Abbotsford, in Melbournes inner east. The beauty of the place is extraordinary, Elkins said. We see a part of the river that no one else sees. Meg Elkins (left) and Holly Jones swim in the Yarra at Deep Rock. Credit: Jason South A sandstone cliff juts out of one side of the river, wattle trees flower along the banks and the mist rises off the water. The only giveaways that the swimming hole is four kilometres from the CBD are the hum of traffic from the nearby Eastern Freeway and the water quality. Turning to the WA Supreme Court now, and WA Liberal Party statesman Jeremy Buxton has told the court senator Linda Reynolds would have struggled to retain her seat after the controversy surrounding her former staffer Brittany Higgins alleged rape. The selection committee chair took the witness stand on Monday, where he gave evidence about the toll of the Higgins saga and the subsequent media coverage on Reynolds political career. WA Senator Linda Reynolds has taken defamation action against Brittany Higgins. Credit: Holly Thompson/ Supplied The former defence minister has been in and out of the headlines since February 2021, when Higgins went public with allegations she had been raped by former colleague Bruce Lehrmann in Reynolds ministerial suite and that her boss mishandled the allegation. Lehrmann, whose 2022 criminal trial was aborted due to juror misconduct, maintains his innocence. Reynolds called time on her decade-long political career in February 2024. But while giving evidence, she revealed that she had intended to stand for another six-year term until pulling the pin over health issues she claims were exacerbated by the stress. Buxton, who has been charged with selecting candidates since 1971, told the court he believed she would have struggled to gain a winnable seat on the ticket given the nature of the allegations made against her and the breadth of the media coverage. In my opinion, Reynolds has been a very well-regarded senator, but I think its very likely that there would have been a feeling that Ms Reynolds mishandled the situation... That Ms Reynolds may have been unethical and involved in a cover-up, and I think she may have been judged a little more harshly as a woman who did not provide adequate support to a young female staffer, Buxton told the court. There would have been considerable reservation, putting her at a disadvantage. I think she would have been struggling to get even the third position on the ticket. While telling the court the extensive media coverage had not changed his view about the senator, he said that was likely only due to their long history. I wouldnt say I was necessarily representative of the view across the selection committee, he said. Reynolds is suing Higgins for damages, as well as aggravated damages, over a series of social media posts she claims defamed her and accused her of mishandling the rape allegation. Higgins is defending the action on the basis that the substance of her posts were true, that Reynolds failed to provide her adequate support and has since used the media to harass her. The trial continues. A freshly completed, two-storey house in Gordon sold at auction on Saturday for $10.88 million, $1.88 million more than its $9 million reserve. Twenty-eight buyers registered to bid on the luxurious, five-bedroom home located at 15a Lennox Street, which was guided at $7 million. Five bid on the house, which has high, raked ceilings, marble throughout, a sauna under a cabana by the pool, a Tesla charger and a giant chess set in the backyard. Bidding opened at $7.5 million and reached $7.9 million in two bids. From there, the price jumped to $9 million before the auction concluded $1.88 million later. Jack Robinson watched a stubbornly flat Pacific Ocean ruin his chance at an Olympic gold medal earlier this month, but believes hosting surfing events in a wave pool would be repetitive and boring. Robinson returns to the Championship Tour this week at Fijis idyllic Cloudbreak after claiming silver behind Tahitian local Kauli Vaast at Teahupoo two weeks ago. The famed and feared wave produced one of the great days of competitive surfing when three-metre peaks had the likes of Robinson at times fearing he would drown. But the Olympic final was marred by lengthy lulls that left both the Australian star and Brazilian bronze medallist Gabriel Medina waiting up to 20 minutes across multiple heats for waves that never came with medals on the line. Faced with crisis, Vladimir Putin tends to freeze. Moscows slow, fumbling military response to Ukraines surprise occupation of parts of the western Kursk region is the latest example of the Kremlin chief failing to respond with quick, decisive action to match his bellicose rhetoric. The Kursk incursion is the fourth major blow to Putins authority since his February 2022 invasion of Ukraine and highlights the weaknesses of a top-down autocracy that operates largely on fear and punishment. Vladimir Putin addresses the nation after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company, called for armed rebellion in 2023. Credit: AP In each case after Russias failure to topple the Ukrainian government at the start of the invasion, after Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeniy Prigozhin led a rebellion against the regular Russia military command and after Islamist extremists struck the popular Crocus City Hall concert venue the Kremlins response has been halting, with Putin waiting 24 hours or more to offer any public comment. PHILIPSBURG:--- The recent decision by the Ministry of Education to reassign two highly skilled educators from Prins Willem Alexander School has sparked significant concern among stakeholders in the education community. The Windward Islands Teachers' Union (WITU) has issued a formal appeal to the Honorable Minister of Education, Lyndon Lewis, urging him to reconsider the reassignment, citing the potentially devastating impact on the specialized education provided to children with diverse abilities at the institution. Prins Willem Alexander School is a unique educational institution on the island dedicated to serving children with special needs. The reassignment of two educators with extensive experience and proven success in this challenging environment has raised alarms about the potential disruption to the school's operations and the well-being of its students. According to the WITU, these educators have cultivated deep connections with their students and their families, connections that are crucial for the students' academic and emotional development. The union argues that replacing such specialized professionals cannot be done without risking a significant decline in the quality of education and care these children receive. The specialized nature of their work requires not only a thorough understanding of the student's unique challenges but also a commitment to the nurturing and stable environment that has been painstakingly built over the years. This situation raises critical questions about the decision-making process within the Ministry of Education, particularly in handling issues that directly affect the most vulnerable members of the educational community: children with special needs. The WITU has emphasized its respect for the Minister's authority and clarified that the union's stance is solely focused on ensuring the best possible outcomes for the students at Prins Willem Alexander School. In light of these concerns, the WITU is calling on Minister Lewis to carefully reassess the decision, taking into account the long-term impact on the students education and the school's ability to continue its vital work. As the situation develops, WITU will be closely monitoring how the Ministry addresses these pressing concerns. The outcome of this issue will not only affect the immediate stakeholders at Prins Willem Alexander School but will also set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future, reflecting the broader priorities of the educational leadership in St. Maarten. On behalf of the Board of the Windward Islands Teachers Union Ms. Roxsana Pantophlet President One of the Philippine Coast Guard vessels deliberately rammed a Chinese ship despite repeated warnings from the Chinese side early Monday morning in waters near Xianbin Reef. Later, the Philippine vessels illegally intruded into the waters of Ren'ai Reef, according to the China Coast Guard (CCG). The repeated provocations by the Philippine side have seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and damaged peace and stability in the region, said CCG spokesperson Gan Yu. Gang urged the Philippines to immediately cease such provocations or bear full responsibility for any resulting consequences. The BPR Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), one of the Philippine Coast Guard's largest ships, has illegally stayed in Xianbin Reef for more than a hundred days. In addition, the Philippines has also dispatched the fishery administration ship "Datu Pagbuaya" and organized fishing boats to intrude into Chinese waters. Looking at the recent actions of the Philippine government on the Xianbin Reef issue, it is not difficult to see what their motives are. Manila has long been trying to occupy Chinese islands and reefs in the Nansha Qundao (also known as Nansha Islands), with different cover-ups and excuses. Encouraged by the Biden administration, Manila's South China Sea policy is becoming more adventurous and speculative. Following the illegal ruling of the South China Sea arbitration, the Philippines has been attempting to endorse its illegal claims and provocations in the South China Sea. Xianbin Reef is part of China's Nansha Qundao and is not an exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. The patrol and enforcement of Chinese military and coast guard vessels, as well as the activities of Chinese fishing boats in the waters near Xianbin Reef is in accordance with China's domestic law and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. As pointed out by the Chinese authorities, the Philippine's behavior seriously violates China's sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and poses a serious threat to peace and stability to the region. As China's inherent territory, Xianbin Reef is an uninhabited reef in the Nansha Qundao. The area of the reef is larger than that of Ren'ai Reef, reaching 84 square kilometers, and the central part of the reef is a lagoon with the maximum depth reaching 33 meters. Except for a small number of sandbanks and reefs above the water surface in the western part, all other reef flats are submerged. China Coast Guard vessels are constantly on duty in the waters around and within the reef. Xianbin Reef and its surrounding waters is also a traditional fishing ground for Chinese fishermen, who have been engaged in fishery production for a long time. Since the outcropping reef resembles fish scales, Chinese fishermen call the reef "yulin" (fish scale). In the early 90s, China also temporarily built stilt houses on the reef and sent personnel to conduct scientific studies. The Philippines' MRRV-9701 has more than 60 soldiers in service, staying in the middle of the lagoon in Xianbin Reef, where the water depth is about 20 meters. Considering that the ship's self-holding ability is only 15 days, the Philippines has been rotating personnel and providing material supplies through another smaller patrol ship. In the past four months, in addition to the rotation and material supplies, Manila also held a flag-raising ceremony on board and brought "marine scientists" and reporters to Xianbin Reef. The Philippines' personnel also interfered with the marine scientific work of China in the west part of the reef. Since the second half of last year, the Philippines has been hyping up the issue of Xianbin Reef before it dispatched a coast guard vessel to illegally intrude into the reef. The Philippine Coast Guard, the National Security Council, and the West Philippine Sea Task Force have deliberately slandered Chinese activities and released a lot of disinformation in an attempt to mislead the international community, including claiming that Chinese fishermen are destroying the marine ecological environment of Xianbin Reef, andthat China is planning to carry out land reclamation and construction on Xianbin Reef. However, the images and videos released by the China Coast Guard clearly showed that the Philippine side not only supplied a large number of daily necessities to the vessel, but also used cranes to move concrete and other construction materials. Behind these actions is the ambition of the Philippines to encroach on China's territory. The purpose of this move is clear: first, the Philippines uses the MRRV-9701 as a transit point for its construction supplies to the warship grounded at Ren'ai Reef and wants to deliver supplies from Xianbin Reef to Ren'ai Reef at midnight to evade the China Coast Guard, so as to improve transportation efficiency. Second, the Philippines is trying to achieve de facto control over the reef through the long-term berthing of the vessel. In Manila's view, the ship could also provide supplies to other official ships and organize Philippine fishing boats as a transit station, and as long as the MRRV-9701 does not leave, more and more Philippines' fishing boats would come to this water area to "fish". The Philippines' actions at Xianbin Reef have close ties to the United States. Not long ago, the commander of the Pacific Region of the United States Coast Guard visited Manila and held in-depth discussions with the Philippine Coast Guard to strengthen cooperation between the two sides in maritime security. While Philippine media reports did not mention the sensitive content of the discussions between the two sides, the photos released by the Philippines sent a subtle message. The screen behind the US-Filipino participants showed a map of the location from Palawan Islands to Xianbin Reef, with the location of the reef marked with a red box. This reflected the fact that during the meeting between senior US and Philippine coast guard officials, the two sides at least discussed or shared the activities of the Philippine Coast Guard and other vessels at Xianbin Reef. It can also be speculated that the US may give targeted advice or guidance to the Philippine side at tactical level, or other forms of support, including information and intelligence sharing. After the talks, the US officials also boarded the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BPR Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) anchored in the port of Manila. It is worth noting that recent information shows that the Philippines is planning to send MRRV-9702 to the waters of Xianbin Reef. Prior to August 16, the AIS signals indicated that the vessel was stationed at the Manila Port, but on August 17, it abruptly turned off the AIS signal, indicating that it had left the port and was moving toward Xianbin Reef. There are several possibilities for the tasks of the MRRV-9702. The first would be to replace MRRV-9701, which has been in the lagoon of Xianbin Reef for up to four months, which is a kind of mission rotation. The second would be to anchor side-by-side with MRRV-9701 in the in the lagoon of the reef to form a semi-permanent outpost to maintain its illegal presence. The third would be to load large quantities of daily supplies, fresh water, oil, and construction materials to supply MRRV-9701 and other Philippine vessels illegally stranded at Xianbin Reef. From the perspective of on-site control and the ability to safeguard rights and stability, no matter how the Philippines stirs up trouble at Xianbin Reef, it will not counter China's effective response and disposal capabilities. In addition to violating China's territorial sovereignty, the Philippines' move also violates the DOC. The fifth paragraph of the DOC provides that the parties undertake to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner. Xianbin Reef falls within the scope of "uninhabited features" of this provision. As a member of ASEAN, the Philippines participated in the entire consultation process of the DOC. It should therefore be very clear what the obligations under paragraph 5 of the DOC were and why they were so provided. Without faithful implementation of the DOC, the values of the DOC would be diminished and eroded. In this sense, China's countermeasures against the Philippines' violation of paragraph 5 referred to Xianbin Reef issue is not only based on the need to safeguard its territorial sovereignty, but also out of the need to maintain the seriousness and authority of the DOC. China will not allow the Philippines to do whatever it wants on Xianbin Reef. The interaction and confrontation between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea issue over the past two years have also fully proved that whether the Philippines adopts the so-called gray zone strategy at sea, the so-called exposure strategy in public opinion, or wants to promote compulsory arbitration on environmental issues at the legal level, Manila will never achieve its goal. ~Increased capacity, more bandwidth, and better internet packages will soon be on offer again using TelEm Groups own undersea cable SMPR-1, says CEO, Mr. Kendall Dupersoy.~ PHILIPSBURG--- TelEm Group expects to return to full service of its newly repaired SMPR-1 undersea fiber cable as early as September, bringing with it a host of benefits for customers on St. Maarten. Vendors and company engineers and technicians are still busy putting the recently repaired cable through a battery of tests since it was officially repaired and returned to the sea bed in Puerto Rico last week. Once the tests are completed and the cable is given the all-clear, it will be once again put into service, providing a vital telecommunication link between St. Maarten and its hub in Miami via Puerto Rico. Having its own cable in service will lead to an immediate cost reduction for TelEm Group since the company has had to pay another carrier for capacity in order to maintain its own service after the SMPR-1 cable was damaged close to eight years ago. One of the first steps the company will be taking will be to migrate that leased capacity to the newly repaired cable, offsetting the cost of leasing. According to Mr. Dupersoy, once the SMPR-1 cable is once again deployed, the company will be able to provide the increased capacity other carriers on St. Maarten and in Curacao have been requesting, but TelEm Group has not been able to deliver. It also means additional capacity and bandwidth for residential and business customers on St Maarten who also want a boost, said Mr. Dupersoy. He says gamers and tele-viewers will notice a difference in their online and data experiences with smoother play and less buffering once the undersea cable is activated again. The TelEm CEO cannot yet say how the overall price of internet service packages might change as a result of the SMPR-1 cable repair until a proper cost-analysis is carried out. He can however state for sure that by operating its own cable once again, it will be very easy to offer customers additional bandwidth to meet their needs. Right now, whenever we pay a second carrier for increased capacity, we are forced to charge our customers and clients accordingly to meet our own costs. By having our own capacity, it is easier to offer more attractive bundles and packages, said the TelEm Group CEO. Mr. Dupersoy assures that once in place, the SMPR-1 undersea cable will be a key component in the companys drive to become an Integrated Digital Service Provider for St. Maarten. Such a transformation of the company will see move involvement in App development locally, increased collaboration with vendors and customers on a global scale, cloud-based services, online marketing, entrepreneurship etc. It will truly be a case of the sky being the limit when it comes to offering exciting new opportunities for residential and business clients on St. Maarten, said Mr. Dupersoy. He says Smart home applications, web hosting, IPTV, data and cloud-based services and a host of other offerings can all be improved with the enhance throughput that can now be delivered though TelEm Groups own SMPR-1 undersea cable. The company will benefit from a saving on cost while the country, and the general population, will benefit from the increased capacity, said Mr. Dupersoy. TelEm Groups SMPR-1 Cable, pioneered by sister company SMITCOMS INC, went into service in 2009. It is an 8-pair non-repeated submarine telecommunications cable system 375 km long linking St. Maarten to Puerto Rico, with landing points in Philipsburg, Baie Longue beach on the French side, and Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. The initial capacity on the SMPR-1 is 2.5 Gbits/s per fiber upgradable to 40 Gbits/s. PHILIPSBURG:---- Today, August 19th, 2024, voters on St. Maarten are once again called to vote for the candidate on the political candidate they chose to support and wants to represent them hopefully for the next four years. The current Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina invoked article 59 of the constitution when his 2x4 government lost its support from NOW Member of Parliament Kevin Maingrette. Contesting these snap elections are nine (9) political parties, which are as follows. 1. S.A.M (SOUALIGA ACTION MOVEMENT) 2. N. A (National Alliance) 3. ECE (EMPIRE CULTURE EMPOWERMENT) 4. D.P (Democratic Party) 5. OMC (OUALICHI MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE 6. NOW (NATION OPPORTUNITY WEALTH) 7. UPP (UNITED PEOPLES PARTY) 8. PFP (PARTY FOR PROGRESS) 9. URSM 9UNIFIED RESILIENT SINT MAARTEN MOVEMENT Be sure to log on to the SMN News Facebook page for updates throughout the day and at 8:30 p.m. for Election Watch Night, when we will bring you the results live. US approves $3.5-bn sale of military helicopters to S. Korea Washington, Aug 19 (AFP) Aug 19, 2024 The United States on Monday announced its approval of a $3.5-billion sale to South Korea of up to 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment, including missiles. "The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in regional operations," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement. The sale will improve "the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region," the statement said, using the US foreign policy term for the Asia Pacific region. The State Department approved the possible sale of the helicopters to South Korea, and the DSCA on Monday provided the required notification to Congress, which still needs to sign off on the transaction. The principal contractors for the deal will be Boeing and Lockheed Martin, the DSCA said. The announcement came on the same day that Washington and Seoul began major annual joint military drills, with new exercises aimed at containing the nuclear-armed North. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise runs until August 29 and will involve thousands of military personnel. wd/aha China publishes selection of key articles since 20th Party congress Xinhua) 07:55, August 19, 2024 BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The first volume of a compilation of key articles and documents since the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress has been published by the Central Party Literature Press. The book includes 75 articles and documents during the period between the 20th CPC National Congress convened in October 2022 and the closing of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress in March 2024, with 19 pieces being published for the first time. The book will serve as important learning material for Party members studying the policies and guidelines of the CPC Central Committee, as well as the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which was held in mid-July. 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SIGN IN By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. She said: The cabinet met this morning, it wasnt discussed at cabinet this morning and the First Minister has made his view on this clear that the meeting had to go ahead, and it was an important opportunity for the Scottish Government to put our case in terms of our view about what has happened in terms of that ceasefire we require to see for the people of Palestine. I do think its very important to come and say thank you, very important for the Prime Minister to come here to talk to the frontline officers face to face and humbly say thank you for what they and their colleagues have done. Asked about her efforts to bring as many different groups of people into No 10 as possible during her stay, she said: I thought that was my obligation to do that and a privilege, an absolute privilege to be able to do that. 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"The last people were transported, safely, to the municipality of Curtea de Arges, by the minibus of the Costesti Fire Department. In total, 76 people were dropped off, during the day, from the Moldoveanu trail," reads a briefing transmitted by ISU Arges. According to the same source, the mission, in which mountain rescuers, firefighters and mountain gendarmes took part, was a difficult one, made difficult by the rough terrain. The access trail to Moldoveanu Peak from the Fagaras Massif was broken by a flood, the Salvamont Arges Public Service announced during the morning. "The trail to Stana lui Burnei on Valea Rea is broken 5 kilometers upstream from the confluence with Zarna! Please abandon all access plans to Moldoveanu," Salvamont Arges also said. Moldoveanu Peak, the highest mountain peak in Romania (2,544 meters), represents a point of attraction for a very large number of tourists during the summer. The Ministry of Finance borrowed, on Monday, 682.5 million RON (rd 137 million euros) from the commercial banks, through an issue of benchmark state bonds, with a residual maturity of 80 months, at an average yield of 6.55% per year, according to data published by the National Bank of Romania (BNR). The nominal value of Monday's issue was 500 million RON, and the banks subscribed 772.5 million RON. An additional auction is scheduled for Tuesday, through which the state wants to borrow another 75 million RON at the yield set on Monday for the bonds. The Ministry of Finance has planned, in August 2024, loans from commercial banks in the amount of 5.1 billion RON, to which the amount of 600 million RON can be added through additional sessions of non-competitive offers, related to bond auctions. The total amount, of 5.7 billion RON, is 885 million RON less than the one that was scheduled in July 2024, of 6.585 billion RON, and will be intended for refinancing the public debt and financing the state budget deficit. A C-27J Spartan aircraft of the Romanian Air Force, configured to extinguish fires, on Monday joined the efforts to put out wildfires in the forested area of southwestern Moldova Noua, Caras-Severin County, according to the National Defence Ministry (MApN). The air mission is carried out at the request of the Emergency Management Department with the Ministry of Home Affairs, given that there is a risk of spreading to other forested areas and that the actions of the response forces are hampered by rough terrain and the lack of water sources. MApN says that since August 14, the Romanian Air Force has been carrying out missions in Albania in support of the response forces to extinguish wildfires there. So far, the C-27J Spartan aircraft have had 24 sorties and has flown 122 containers of water. In the firefighting configuration, the C-27J Spartan aircraft can carry up to 6,000 litres of water (maximum six containers) by each pass. The aircraft of this type of the Romanian Air Force have acted since 2017 to extinguish wildfires in Romania in the counties of Mehedinti, Alba, Hunedoara and Buzau. Also, in previous years, the Romanian Air Force carried out firefighting missions in France, Slovenia, Greece and North Macedonia. Sweden has a significant contribution to Euro-Atlantic security with its accession to NATO, Romania's Defence Minister Angel Tilvar said on Monday upon welcoming his Swedish counterpart Pal Jonson and Sweden's Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin. "We are acting together to promote and implement NATO measures on the entire eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance and to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in terms of preparing our armies for the challenges of the future," Tilvar is quoted as saying in a press statement released by Romania's Defence Ministry (MApN). According to the ministry, among the issues of shared interest addressed were security in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea regions amidst the ongoing Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine, cooperation inside NATO, the implementation of the decisions of the Washington Summit and the latest developments in projects developed inside the European Union, such as participation in missions and operations under the aegis of the EU. Swedish officials thanked Romania for support in the NATO accession process. Tilvar mentioned the security situation in the area, pointing to the importance of the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea (MCM Black Sea) Task Group, operated together with Turkey and Bulgaria in order to ensure freedom of navigation. The ministers reaffirmed their constant support for Ukraine, which was reiterated both in the declaration of the NATO Summit in Washington and in various multilateral support formats. Tilvar, Jonson and Bohlin also discussed updating the bilateral legal framework to reflect common interests and the current security context. Also considered was support for Moldova, with Tilvar stressing the importance of strengthening Moldova's resilience, especially when taking into account security threats. ST. LOUIS A national push by the Boy Scouts of America to diversify its ranks has found outsized success here, according to data from the youth organization based in Irving, Texas. More than 21,000 Scouts ages 5 to 20 are enrolled in programs in the Greater St. Louis Area Council, which encompasses 63 counties in Missouri and Illinois. Of that group, almost 4,800 youngsters are African American, a 15% bounce from a year ago and the highest number of Black Scouts among the 272 councils across the United States. Girls are also making inroads with the Scouts, executives here said. The St. Louis council includes more than 4,400 girls and young women, the fourth-most behind Houston, Dallas and Lansing, Michigan. Scouting is for everyone. Its not just for one type of community, said Martez Moore, the deputy scout executive with the Greater St. Louis Area Council, which has its offices in the Central West End. The Boy Scouts of America dates to 1910. Membership peaked near 5 million in the 1970s but has dropped with an acceleration during the COVID-19 pandemic to about 1 million. In the past decade, leaders across the U.S. have made a concerted effort to roll out the welcome mat for underrepresented groups. In 2013, the nonprofit began allowing gay youths for the first time. Five years later, elementary-age girls were admitted to the Cub Scouts. The flagship program, Boy Scouting, changed its name to Scouting BSA in 2019 and opened to girls. The St. Louis council set up a task force last year to focus on gender equity which Moore credits for an almost 20% jump in female participants from July 2023 to last month. The local organization started from the top: By hiring more women, it shifted from a 70-to-30 male-to-female staff ratio five years ago to an almost even split today. Girls need to see people who look like them, Moore said. That holds for African American youngsters as well. Moore, who is Black, joined the Cub Scouts after a friend invited him to a troop meeting in the late 1980s. Then I went camping, and I never looked back, he said. Leaders from St. Louis-area troops visit 1,500 schools every fall to introduce their programs to students. But that cant be where the recruitment ends, Moore said. The council has partnered with the St. Louis, Hazelwood and East St. Louis school districts. They offer on-site activities, provide camperships to defray costs, and supply uniforms and transportation. Getting children to try Scouting is the first step; keeping them enrolled is equally important. Its the magic behind what we do, Moore said. The progression you see in kids when they first come and when they leave, its life-changing. About 5% of Scouts advance to the highest status, Eagle. The distinction which requires a monthslong service project and 21 merit badges expands college scholarship opportunities. Three years ago, the St. Louis council launched Operation Eagle Quest to remove barriers to becoming an Eagle Scout. Roosevelt Fair-Kincaid, of Cahokia Heights, serves as the outreach director for Operation Eagle Quest and is an executive with the Illini District, which comprises six predominantly Black school districts in the Metro East. Illini had not had an Eagle Scout in over 20 years, Fair-Kincaid said. The ball just kind of got dropped somewhere. Since the advent of Operation Eagle Quest, two teens from the district have become Eagle Scouts, with seven more youngsters currently in the process of earning that rank. Next February, the council here, like others across the country, will formally transition to an updated name: from the Boy Scouts of America to Scouting America. The new branding, new website and new business cards all mean the same thing, said Moore, the St. Louis council director. Our job is to make sure kids know Scouting is for them, he said. EQS-Ad-hoc: Steico SE / Key word(s): Personnel STEICO SE: CFO Dr David Meyer resigns from the Management Board of STEICO SE. 19-Aug-2024 / 14:06 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. CFO Dr David Meyer resigns from the Management Board of STEICO SE. Feldkirchen near Munich, 19 August 2024 - (ISIN DE000A0LR936) - Dr David Meyer, CFO of the STEICO Group since June 2012, informed the Administrative Board today that he will be leaving the company when his current contract expires at the end of December 2024 in order to pursue new professional challenges. The Administrative Board regrets this decision, thanks him for his more than 12 years of dedicated and successful work and wishes him all the best for the future. A new CFO for the STEICO Group shall be presented shortly. Contact Andreas Schulze Head of Investor Relations STEICO SE Otto-Lilienthal-Ring 30 85622 Feldkirchen Fon: +49-(0)89-99 15 51-548 Fax: +49-(0)89-99 15 51-704 E-Mail: a.schulze@steico.com www.steico.com Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America participate in small boat operations in the Philippine Sea on Aug. 1, 2024. (Cole Pursley/U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON The Navy is preparing to award a $11.5 billion deal for four new warships next month in an effort to have at least 31 amphibious ships ready to respond to a crisis, the services top civilian leader wrote to a House lawmaker. The sea service has agreed to purchase three San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks and one America-class amphibious assault ship, according to a letter from Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro sent Aug. 14 to Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. The amphibious warships are used to deploy Marines, transporting troops, vehicles and other equipment. The ships procured as part of this contract will support amphibious assault, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions of U.S. Marines, moving Marines into theater and supporting humanitarian and contingency missions on short notice, Del Toro wrote. Lawmakers and Navy leaders have butted heads in recent years about the size of the fleet, with Marine Corps officials in public remarks calling attention to the number of in-service amphibious ships that are not operationally ready because they are undergoing or need maintenance and repair work. In 2022, Gen. David Berger, then-commandant of the Marine Corps, wrote a letter to the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee arguing 31 amphibious ships were necessary to maintain readiness and reliably react to unforeseen contingencies. Navy leaders in years prior suggested shrinking the fleet without plans to replace ships that were retiring. In response, lawmakers in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, an annual law that sets policy and spending priorities for the Defense Department, called on the Navy to have not less than 31 operational amphibious warfare ships to be at full strength. The NDAA permitted the Navy to procure up to five amphibious ships in a block-buy purchase to replace aging warships that will be retired in the coming years. The legislation also required the Navy to submit a certification endorsement to Congress at least 30 days before signing the contract. The first dock ship in the block-buy would be procured in fiscal 2025 for $2.2 billion. A second dock ship would be procured in fiscal 2027 for $2.3 billion, and a third in fiscal 2029 for $2.4 billion. The assault ship also would be procured in fiscal 2027 for $4.6 billion. The Navy estimates the block-buy will save approximately $901 million. The ships will be built at HIIs Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Miss. The deal marks the end of a strategic pause on procuring new amphibious warships that Del Toro implemented in 2022. It was a decision that drew criticism from lawmakers, with Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., calling the Navys budget request anemic and stating Navy leaders had failed yet again to build a Navy fleet thats capable of growing strong enough to deter near-term threats. After last weeks notification to Congress, Wicker praised the deal for being a cost-effective way to provide stability for the industrial base. I look forward to seeing these contracts through to their execution, and I believe that additional benefits could be obtained if we increase funding for material procurement in bulk, Wicker said in an Aug. 15 statement. Students in the American Exchange Project, a domestic exchange program for graduating high school seniors, ride Angels Flight Railway during a tour of downtown Los Angeles on July 19. The program is designed to break down entrenched stereotypes and spark lasting friendships. (Christina House, Los Angeles Times/TNS) LOS ANGELES This summer a group of high school students brought a whole new meaning to foreign exchange programs. Wendy Rojas of the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles immersed herself in Sioux Falls, S.D.. Expecting to see Mt. Rushmore, she instead found herself setting the record straight about her hometown. No, she explained to locals, her neighborhood is not overrun with gangs and rife with gunfire like theyd seen in the movies. Maggie Quine of Kilgore, Texas, was just as shocked with what she had to clarify to LA teens visiting her hometown. No, Texans dont get around on horseback. Although Rojas and Quine didnt need a passport for their trips, they might as well have traveled to a foreign land. In a novel program designed to break down entrenched stereotypes and spark lasting friendships, the American Exchange Project sent 13 urban LA teens to places like rural Arkansas, Ohio and South Dakota while 10 students from Texas, Pennsylvania and elsewhere arrived in Los Angeles. Were trying to create a kind of antidote to prejudice by bringing together groups of young people who are very different from each other ... politically, racially, ethnically, culturally, socioeconomically, and providing them with experiences that help them humanize the other so that they dont demonize them later, said David McCullough III, the founder of the organization. The genesis of the program is rooted in a 2016 cross-country trip McCullough took as 22-year-old Yale student working on a research project, interviewing students and teachers in impoverished areas. It the throes of the polarizing 2016 Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton presidential race, McCullough said he expected to face some animosity. He was wary of the fact that people from different parts of the country might not welcome a stranger let alone a white researcher from an elite East Coast institution. What he found was much different. In Cotulla, Texas, McCullough said his host family offered warm acceptance, taking him to church and giving him a tour of the town they were proud to call home. He soon met Kevin Coleman, a Texan who shared his love of cheeseburgers and Budweiser and they quickly became close friends. They connected past their political differences, McCullough said, because they got to know each other as people first. I care about Kevin because I care about Kevin, McCullough said. If theres one thing that I learned from that, its that you can find some of your best friends in some very unlikely places places that are different from your own. He launched the American Exchange Project in 2019 with a few thousand dollars in funding, linking high school seniors from Albuquerque and Anchorage to Flowood, Miss., and Palo Alto, Calif. This year, McCullough said the nonprofit sent its 1,000th student on exchange with funding from Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielbergs Hearthland Foundation and other contributors. Downtown Magnets High School is one of 54 high schools participating in the exchanges and the first in Southern California. Rojas was one of 500 traveling students, the biggest group yet for the program. When she joined other project students and host families for pizza in Sioux Falls, she expected to learn more about the place she would call home for the next week. Instead, she found herself confronting stereotypes when she described Sioux Falls as quieter than Koreatown. No more gunshots right? another host family member asked. Maybe well shoot outside your window to make you feel at home, they joked. They continued, asking her about gangs and if she knew any gang members. Ive never really seen anything, Rojas told them, taken aback by the assumption. I did explain to them sometimes you will see the gang markings on walls but you dont really see a group of guys pulling up like in the movies thats not really real. Instead, she explained, it is the hustle and bustle of her apartment-dense neighborhood that makes Koreatown lively the chatter of neighbors, the honks of traffic and the occasional squealing of a street race not gangs and gunshots. Though shocked, Rojas brushed off the comment as a bad stereotype one she had hopefully busted and continued on with her week getting to know students who were interested in learning about her, not just where she was from. Rojas said she learned her peers wanted to be engineers and doctors, and she shared plans to study biotechnology at Cal Poly Pomona. While they may think differently from her, they all want to find a way to contribute to the world, she said. As the week came to a close, Rojas found herself at a barbecue with the same local host family. But this time, the conversation was different. They asked Rojas to tell them about the LA she knows, which gave her a chance to describe the different cultures she encounters on a daily basis. They found common ground in the close-knit nature of both their communities, she said. We have our own perceptions of different places and different people but I feel like when we come together like this and we talk face to face, there is always a connection, Rojas said. Even if we disagree on maybe our political views or whatever, we can find something in common. Landing back in Los Angeles, Rojas joined fellow Downtown Magnets students in welcoming 10 visiting students for their first meal together. As they sat around a table full of strangers, it was the LA students who were first to break the silence, sharing stories of their own exchanges and eager to learn about the hometowns of their peers. Lexa Smith of Warren, N.H. left, and Anna Gordon of Jackson, Miss., both 18, learn about Los Angeles Central Library during a tour of downtown Los Angeles as part of the American Exchange Project on July 19. (Christina House, Los Angeles Times/TNS) The initial nerves calmed throughout the week as the students visited Griffith Park Observatory, sampled Grand Central Market eateries and got lost in a sea of blue at a Dodgers game. Evelyn Moctezuma of Scranton, Pa, got to see the ocean for the first time. DaKenzi Robinson of Paris, Texas, successfully rode the Metro. And Quine felt she could be anyone she wanted to be in a city where no one seemed to judge or even pay attention to her, a stark contrast to her hometown where everyone knows everyone elses business. By weeks end, it seemed like the group could talk about anything politics, race, their shared love of Spongebob, Robinson said. When Joe Biden had posted that he was resigning, we were on the Metro and then we all just started talking about it, Robinson said. You wouldnt think that you could just have a regular conversation about that but it felt good to not have to be on a side. These are the kinds of experiences that can change the way students think about others who hold different views, McCullough said. And along the way, he added, he hoped that they would make some friends, just like he did. Were defining people by fractions of who they are ... were pretending that because we know one of their views, we know all of their views, which is very rarely true, McCullough said. The trip had me appreciate the complexity of all people and taught me how to navigate nuance brought a world thats not at all black and white very much into color and thats what were trying to do for these kids. McCullough added that he plans to continue expanding the project until a senior exchange is as commonplace as senior prom in hopes of building a more connected country. Parents, teachers and staff welcome students back to Yokota Middle School at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes) Students at overseas Defense Department schools clamored into courtyards and hallways Monday for their first day back to class, while recent arrivals and families with preschoolers prepared to take advantage of new programs. Among the biggest changes this year is the start of universal pre-kindergarten in most Department of Defense Education Activity schools. The free program, available for children who turn 4 on or before Sept. 1, kicks off Sept. 4. Pre-K will be available at 80 schools, with more in development, said Beth Schiavino-Narvaez, DODEAs new director. We are so excited to welcome our youngest students, she said in a back-to-school video message posted to the DODEA website. Students head to class after the first bell rings at Ramstein Middle School in Germany, Aug. 19, 2024. More than 750 students are enrolled there for the 2024-2025 school year. Most DODEA schools in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region started the new school year Monday. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes) In Europe, all but five of 34 primary schools will have pre-K. Wiesbaden, Aukamm, Ansbach, Ramstein and Kleine Brogel elementary schools dont yet have the space for it, school officials said. In the Pacific, prekindergarten will be available at all elementary schools, DODEA-Pacific spokeswoman Miranda Ferguson said by phone Thursday. The curriculum emphasizes both academic and soft skills such as sharing or building friendship, and includes lunch served family-style in classrooms. Its something [families] would have access to in many areas stateside, so were really excited to be able to offer this program to our military-connected families, she said. Air Force spouse Erica Riley at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo thinks the program will help her daughter Gwendolyn, 4, prepare for kindergarten. It also gives Riley time for job hunting and college classes, time she didnt always have when her sons Wyatt, 13, and Weston, 12, were younger and attending a half-day program. I wish they had the full day because they loved school so much and having to leave my job and bring them to work with me became a lot, she said. DODEA expects to welcome nearly 65,000 students across 160 schools worldwide, Schiavino-Narvaez said. Cora Collins walks her daughter Londyn to her classroom on the first day of school Aug. 18, 2024, in Manama, Bahrain. Londyn said she was weary from jet lag after summer travels to Kansas City, Mo., and Olympic Town, N.C., but excited to reconnect with her third grade teacher who also transferred to Bahrain. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes) Shana Seawright, the principal of Bahrain Middle High School, smiles for a photo on the first day of class Aug. 18, 2024, in Manama, Bahrain. Seawright said she notices that the transition from fifth to sixth grade is often particularly daunting for many students, as they face new responsibilities and new independence. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes) Jeffrey Barnes and Keyla Barnes bring their children, Alycia Romero and Alex Rodriguez, to their first day at the Bahrain School on Aug. 18, 2024. Jeffrey Barnes said he is excited for his children to have a second opportunity overseas, having previously lived in Rota, Spain. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes) The Bahrain School, as it does every year, opened its classrooms Sunday, in line with the work week in the island kingdom. There were some new faces in the crowd of more than 500 at the school, which houses prekindergarten to 12th grade on the same campus. Alycia Romero, 12, and Alex Rodriguez, 15, just landed in Bahrain on Saturday, said their father, Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey Barnes. This will mark Barnes fifth overseas tour and second time with students in DODEA. Im excited for them to get started on a new experience. Barnes said. Im also looking forward to them being part of this new culture in Bahrain. Some of the smallest incoming students were ready to go, shrugging off desert heat of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Im excited about going on the big (shaded) playground, said Maliyah Gordon-Perkins, 4. Students gather in Nile C. Kinnick High School's courtyard on the first day of classes at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) Students head to Zama Middle High School on the first day of classes at Camp Zama, Japan, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Helping out In the Asia-Pacific region, volunteer student ambassadors are helping new arrivals acclimate. Theyll introduce them to their host nations culture, guide them around their new school and act as lunch buddies. Tiffany Okamora, 17, a senior at Yokosuka Naval Bases Kinnick High School in Japan, volunteered because she remembers the challenge of moving to Japan as a younger student. I enjoy helping people out, and I know that when I was new, I didnt like the feeling of being alone and not having the opportunity to make friends, she said before school Monday. Changes to DODEAs special education program also take effect this year. Students with learning disabilities in grades six through 12 will join general education classrooms for certain subjects, including math and English. At Yokota Middle School, family and faculty members lined up and clapped in the students with applause as they entered the building, where they were greeted by the schools mascot, White Tiger. Im here to show my support and show that the first day of school is important, said Senior Master Sgt. Dannay Lopez, parent of seventh grader Balente Lopez. Yokota Middle School's mascot, White Tiger, high-fives students on their first day of classes at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes) Yokota Middle sixth grader Olivia Standifer said she has high hopes. My goal for this school year is to get straight As, said Standifer, from Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Another sixth grader, Grace Stevens. said she couldnt wait to start drama class. I want to design costumes for them, Stevens said. The Adams family celebrate the beginning of senior year for twins Dalal and Dilshad Adams at Wiesbaden High School, Germany, on Aug. 19, 2024. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes) Senior Roni Massey, second from the left, poses with fellow seniors before the first day of the 2024-2025 school year on Aug. 19, 2024. outside of Wiesbaden High School, Germany. Warrior seniors wore crowns to celebrate their last, first day of school as kings and queens of the hallways. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes) The crowns of Wiesbaden Over in Germany, seniors at Wiesbaden High School donned paper crowns in a yearslong tradition to celebrate their last first day of school as kings and queens of the hallways. Roni Massey, who is starting her fourth year as a Warrior, said arriving at school Monday was a bit surreal. Its weird ... I never expected this day to come because I feel like Ive been in high school forever, but its great, it feels good, Massey said. As much as people hate school, you still enjoy coming to see your friends and do your activities and everything. Im excited to see certain teachers today (because) they make it feel like youre at home. Registration at the high school is up about 100 students from five years ago at the garrison, where the population has nearly doubled in recent years. The cloudy skies and light rain at Aviano, Italy, on Monday didnt dampen the buzz of the new school year. This year has a new kind of energy, said Doug Nothstine, beginning his 25th year of teaching history at the high school. He credited that to an unusual number of young, new teachers and a very active student body government thats already been busy. Students listen to opening remarks during a first-day-class ceremony at Killin Elementary School on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) First grade students at Aukamm Elementary School in Wiesbaden, Germany, say goodbye to their parents as they line up for the first day of school on Aug. 19, 2024. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes) Aukamm Elementary School mascot "Bruno Bear" high-fives a third grade student as the class starts their first day of school, Aug. 19, 2024, in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes) Killin Elementary School principal Gordon Lyn-Cook speaks to students on the first day of classes at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) Having fun! In Okinawa, students took shelter from intermittent showers on a muggy morning as they waited to enter the newest DODEA school on the island, Killin Elementary School at Camp Foster. Zeze Champannha ran from her parents, Jasmine Champannha and Marine Corps Sgt. Damian Champannha, to meet her new first grade teacher before rejoining them and sharing what she was most looking forward to this year: Having fun! First grade will be more challenging, particularly because of math, Zeze said. Marine Maj. Greg Snyder waved to his daughter, Jolene Snyder, yelling, Bye, Peanut! as she entered the building with her second grade class. Demitris McGhee, a new teacher assigned to universal pre-K, arrived on the island Aug. 2 and said he is excited for the program to start. What well do is well have different stations, he said. Theyll be taught how to use the stations appropriately and then theyll be able to rotate throughout the stations. So, we have everything from dramatic play, where you have the kitchen, the stove, things like that. We have art, we have sand and water. Students are greeted as they enter Humphreys Central Elementary School at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes) Students and parents arrive for the first day of classes at Humphreys Central Elementary School at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) At Camp Humphreys in South Korea, traffic slowed to a crawl Monday as military police cruisers kept watch for speeders near the bases four K-12 schools. Humphreys West Elementary School kindergarten teacher Kylie Rapp said she had a great summer traveling to Thailand and Vietnam but was super excited to begin teaching again. I feel like Im more excited to start school now than I ever was even as a student, and I loved school, she said. Madeline Sharples, 5, was waiting for the school to open with her father, Sgt. Zachary Sharples, a 2nd Infantry Division bridge crewmember. Its a little nerve-wracking but Im just excited for her, he said of his daughters first day at kindergarten. Stars and Stripes reporters Kelly Agee, David Choi, Luis Garcia, Kent Harris, Keishi Koja, Bradley Latham, Brian McElhiney and Shannon Renfroe contributed to this report. South Korean marines stand in formation during training with U.S. Marines in Pohang, South Korea, March 29, 2023. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea North Korea condemned the U.S. and South Koreas large-scale military exercise that kicked off Monday, likening it to a beheading operation against Pyongyang and a prelude to a nuclear war. The two allies began the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise on land, air and sea throughout South Korea on Monday; it is the second large-scale exercise conducted by the allies annually. The ongoing drills are part of a series of rash confrontational moves by the United States and South Korea, the Norths Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement published Sunday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency. U.S. strategic military assets that appeared in the peninsula earlier this year are a nuclear confrontation policy against [North Korea] and contradict Washington and Seouls position that such moves and exercises are defensive in nature, the statement said. These assets include the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, which steamed into Busan for the first time in June as part of trilateral naval drills with South Korea and Japan. That month, a U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer bomber flew over South Korean airspace and conducted bombing drills alongside South Korean F-35A Lightning IIs and F-15K Slam Eagles. Ulchi Freedom Shield, named after a 7th-century Korean general, will consist of roughly 19,000 South Korean troops, according to the Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff. Further exercise details were not disclosed by the Ministry of National Defense or U.S. Forces Korea, the command responsible for 28,500 American troops in South Korea. However, the drills will tackle threats stemming from weapons of mass destruction, cyberattacks and GPS jamming, according to the Joint Chiefs. South Koreas military has accused the North of jamming GPS signals at the maritime border between May and June. On Aug. 24, four days into last years Ulchi Freedom Shield, North Korea launched a spy satellite that failed to reach orbit. The communist regime also fired two short-range ballistic missiles that flew from Pyongyang to the Sea of Japan, or East Sea, on Aug. 31, the last day of the exercise. President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed to expanded military cooperation through trilateral military drills following their summit at Camp David, Md., on Aug. 18, 2023. The United States unequivocally reaffirms that its extended deterrence commitments to both Japan and [South Korea] are ironclad and backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, the leaders said in a joint statement at the time. The leaders renewed their pledge in a new statement Sunday on the one-year anniversary of the Camp David meeting. We renew our commitment to enhancing security cooperation girded by the ironclad U.S.-Japan and U.S.-ROK alliances , the statement said. Over the past year, we have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to these shared objectives through close consultation and coordination on priorities in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Japanese media attempt to photograph Senior Airman Brennon R.E. Washington outside Naha District Court on Okinawa, July 12, 2024. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa Public outrage over recent allegations of sexual offenses by U.S. service members is probably not enough to alter the legal relationship between the U.S. military and the Okinawa population, according to university researchers. The political will for substantial changes to the status of forces agreement governing U.S. personnel in Japan is missing in Tokyo, but that may change with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stepping down in September, two academics told Stars and Stripes. In March, a U.S. service member was indicted in Naha District Court on charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in December. Local prosecutors withheld that information from the public and prefectural government until June, when Senior Airman Brennon R.E. Washington was scheduled for a court appearance. He denied the charges during a July 12 court appearance. News of Washingtons indictment was still fresh on June 17 when Japanese prosecutors indicted another service member in an unrelated case. Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton, 21, was charged with attempting to sexually assault a woman in Yomitan village on May 26. A court date has not been set. Both cases and the ensuing tumult have received widespread attention, and troop misconduct made the agenda at the Cabinet-level Japan-U.S. Security Consultive Committee meeting on July 28 in Tokyo. The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly approved a petition in mid-July calling for changes to SOFA, which the assembly said privileges U.S. personnel accused of crimes on the island. Zero possibilities In Tokyo, the national government has little incentive to further amend the agreement, Akiko Yamamoto, associate professor of politics and international relations at the University of the Ryukyus, said at her office on July 22. SOFA lays out the rights, privileges and responsibilities by which all U.S. military personnel must abide. I dont think so, zero possibilities, she said. The Japanese government doesnt want to do so; they dont want to react to these incidents. Robert Eldridge, who from 2009 and 2015 served as deputy assistant chief of staff of government and external affairs for the Marine Corps on Okinawa, agreed, to an extent. Eldridge, a visiting a fellow at Tamkang University in Taiwan and a former associate professor of U.S.-Japan relations at Osaka University, said he does not see a vigorous push by either side to change SOFA. Any major rewrite of the agreement, which was last updated in 1960, would invite congressional oversight, he said during an Aug. 13 video call. A change to the agreement could be more likely under a new prime minister, Eldridge wrote in an Aug. 15 follow-up email. He sees Taro Kono and Shigeru Ishiba, top candidates to lead the Liberal Democratic Party, as likely to push for revision as both are populists. However, LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi is a no on revisions. Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi might be open to revisions but not as a first priority, Eldridge said. Touch points Okinawan media also has compared Washingtons case to a consequential case from 1995, when two Marines and a Navy corpsman were convicted of kidnapping and raping a 12-year-old Okinawan girl. I think youve got some pretty resonant similarities, maybe not exact similarities, but youve got some touch points, I think, among the Okinawan people on this case, said Sheila Smith, the John E. Merow senior fellow for Asia-Pacific studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., in a July 19 video call. The 1995 case incited mass protests and a handshake agreement by the U.S. government to transfer individuals suspected of crimes such as homicide and rape to the Japanese government for indictment. Eldridge, author of the 2001 book The Origins of the Bilateral Okinawa Problem, said he sees no parallels to the 1995 case. The girl doesnt appear to have been forcibly abducted, she wasnt beaten, and the sexual connection hasnt been completely determined yet, he said. The public is interested in coverage of these events, but less so than the longstanding opposition to the U.S. military presence on the island, said Yamamoto, of the University of the Ryukyus. Younger Okinawans already dont have a good image of U.S. service members these days, she said. Many of my students have experienced troubles with them. Okinawans are more concerned with adequate legal redress from crimes that are committed by U.S. personnel, said Smith at the Council on Foreign Relations. Some perceive these offenses as being prosecuted behind the secret doors of the U.S.-Japan alliance, she said. Does the system work well enough? I dont know, she said. In the court of public opinion, any crime is one crime too many, obviously, in Okinawa. Ukrainian soldiers walk past a building hit by shrapnel in the Ukraine-controlled city of Sudzha, Russia, on Saturday. (Ed Ram/The Washington Post) SUDZHA, Russia The blue and yellow lines painted on two signposts at the entrance to this Russian town offered unmistakable evidence that some citizens of Russia are living under Kyivs control and Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine is really not going as planned. On Saturday afternoon, 12 days since Ukrainian forces crossed into this Russian border region, soldiers patrolled Sudzhas damaged streets with bright blue tape on their arms, scanning the sky for incoming drones. Graffiti covered the front of a store, renaming it ATB, a popular Ukrainian grocery chain. Russian flags had been removed from administration buildings, but blue and yellow Ukrainian ones were not flying. Russian civilians - most of whom are elderly or disabled - slept on the basement floor of a former school or sat quietly in its courtyard, where troops handed them water and food. The air reeked of smoke and death, and shrapnel and debris littered the roads. Village houses appeared largely intact, but buildings in the center of Sudzha, a town of 5,000 people, were badly damaged by bombs and shelling. Washington Post reporters escorted there by Ukrainian troops Saturday saw no evidence that Ukraines military had looted or attacked civilians. The dozen Russian civilians interviewed by The Post in Sudzha said they were being treated well and did not know of any residents who had been killed - but that they still want their town back under Russian control. One older woman cried, begging for a humanitarian corridor to the Russian-controlled city of Kursk. A 91-year-old man asked Post journalists to take him with them into Ukraine to find his daughter in Kharkiv - a sign of how Putins invasion has tragically separated family members for years. Ukrainian soldiers were present for half of The Posts interviews with civilians. People sleep in the basement of a school being used as a bomb shelter in Sudzha. (Ed Ram/The Washington Post) The way Ukrainian troops are operating in the territory and appear to be treating the people who live there reinforces official claims that Ukraine sees the goal of its offensive less as a conquest for long-term annexation and more as a negotiating tactic that will be used to pressure Russia to return occupied Ukrainian land. Still, Ukrainian forces continue to press forward and destroy critical infrastructure to prevent Russian troop advantages. For the forces on the ground, and for many across Ukraine, the incursion is seen as a vitally important tactic to prevent Putin from trying to freeze the conflict to Ukraines disadvantage. I think this is temporary, said Boxer, 28, a drone unit commander who helped plan the attack. He was speaking from the underground bunker inside Russia where he now lives, which just two weeks ago was home to Russian conscripts. I think everyone, including our command, thinks this is being done to end the war. He is from the city of Enerhodar, which fell to Russia in March 2022. I hope that this operation will help us return home sooner, he added. Because all this is great, but I already want to go home. Two and a half years after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Kyivs forces launched a surprise offensive over the border into Russias Kursk region on Aug. 6, catching Russian troops, including many inexperienced conscripts, off-guard. Ukraine has since seized hundreds of prisoners of war and around 400 square miles of Russian territory, putting immense pressure on Putin, who has attempted to shield ordinary Russians from the impact of his war in Ukraine. In his nightly remarks Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the operation in Russias Kursk region intended to create a buffer zone on the aggressors territory. Post journalists traveled to two locations inside Ukrainian-controlled Russia with Ukrainian troops on Saturday. The conditions of the visit were that The Post would identify soldiers by their first name or call sign, in keeping with military rules, and would not reveal sensitive locations. The journalists traveled in two vehicles, accompanied by Ukrainian troops. As the cars passed through the now-destroyed border crossing where Ukraine overwhelmed Russian forces early on Aug. 6, one soldier who goes by the call sign Crim, for his native Crimea, turned to the reporters and smiled. Welcome to Russia, he said. The cars sped along dirt and paved roads, passing fields where clouds of smoke rose in every direction from recent strikes. Ukrainian military vehicles with triangles taped to their fronts and sides to identify themselves to each other passed by. Troops warned that the road was mined, that Russian soldiers hiding in the woods could stage an ambush and that Russia regularly launches Lancet attack drones and drops glide bombs in the area. Russian kittens sit on Ukrainian ammunition boxes at a Ukrainian military position in Kursk Region. (Ed Ram/The Washington Post) The cars passed a large farm where Crim said he helped detain three Russian conscripts two days before. They first bound their hands and covered their eyes but later gave them cigarettes, before passing them to Ukrainian counterintelligence. I explained to them in Russian that we are not like them, he said. And that nothing would happen to them. At the units bunker position, about 30 minutes from Sudzha, Ukrainian troops walked around calmly outside, cooking dumplings and checking their phones on Starlink. Cats and dogs roamed around piles of trash the Russians left behind. Downstairs, Ukrainian helmets and vests were piled on the shelves next to bunk beds where Russian troops used to sleep. One soldier sat at a makeshift desk, watching a video on how to repair an FPV drone. The Russians personal items were still strewn about: cutlery, a guitar and religious books, including prayers for soldiers. The Ukrainians wrote messages on the walls. Above the sink, one scrawled, Good evening, we are from Ukraine. Another wrote: Clean up the sink after yourself. Be a cool guy. Boxer said the troops are eating high-end Swedish rations - including pasta with octopus - and feeding the leftover Russian supplies to the animals outside, including a pig. On the drive to Sudzha, Boxer asked one of his soldiers, Vasiliy, 48, to provide top cover for the group traveling in a Canadian armored personnel carrier by manning a Browning M2 heavy machine gun from the rooftop hatch in the vehicle. Keep a close eye on the forest and shoot down anything you see, Boxer told him as everyone piled in. The soldiers blasted pop music from the vehicles sound system and passed only one civilian outside: a middle-aged woman who was tending to two large horses - one white and one brown - in her front yard. She didnt look up. Once inside the city, everyone was instructed to listen closely to Boxers instructions. When I say drone, everyone gets undercover, under the trees, he said. Post reporters jogged alongside the Ukrainian troops as they moved around two blocks from the armored vehicle toward the building where around 70 civilians are staying to shelter from shelling and bomb attacks. Some have returned home as the fighting slowed in recent days. Women standing outside said they are being provided medicine, food and other aid, and thanked the Ukrainian soldiers. Despite the war raging just over the border in Ukraine, they never imagined it would come to them. We didnt even think about it. We cant wrap our heads around it, said Liudmila, 45, who, like other Russian civilians in this story, spoke on the condition that only her first name be used out of fear of reprisal. Let Putin make an agreement with your Zelensky, said Marina, 57, addressing the Ukrainian forces escorting Post journalists in the town. We really want some kind of agreement, guys. Youve come to us, thank you, youre treating us very well. But you must understand, we want to return to our children, to go home, do you understand? We want things to be resolved in a good way. Boxer told them about his hometown, shelled and occupied by Russians. He has served in the military since he was 18, when Russia first invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea in 2014. Well, I think were just innocent civilians, Marina replied. I used to think that, too, when we were civilians, he said back. We have a request: Photograph our Sudzha and send it to Putin, said Tamara, 65. Show this to our president, let him see. We want peace and harmony, Marina said. We dont want anything else, we need nothing more. Please help us, help us. A water delivery truck pulled into the courtyard, and the women lined up with plastic bottles. They said another delivery had been made the day before. A Ukrainian soldier handed a 13-year-old boy named Daniel packets of dry military rations. He ran to the basement smiling. Russians fill up water bottles from a tank manned by Ukrainian soldiers in Sudzha. (Ed Ram/The Washington Post) Although they did not claim to be mistreated by Ukrainian troops, Russian civilians have not been spared the indignities of war that many Ukrainians have experienced for years. Four adults sat on a bench near the entrance to the basement shelter. When asked how he was doing, a man named Stanislav pointing to his disabled son Vova, 47, replied: What do you think, it is good in the basement? When asked how many toilets they have, he replied: A bucket. Despite heavy fighting in recent days, Post reporters heard only one small explosion in Sudzha. Civilians said the explosions have often been louder overnight. Downstairs in the bomb shelter, the air was humid and fetid. There is no electricity, and in each room, civilians were crammed onto mattresses in the dark, squinting as journalists walked by with headlamps and flashlights. Most were old, although there were a few children. In one room, a small immobile woman named Valentina, 75, who was clutching her own flashlight, called out from her mattress for help. Another elderly woman, Olga, 93, had fallen near the door and needed help, she said. Boxer went in and helped the woman to her feet. Then she sat back down on her mattress in the corner. Valentina thanked him. Another Ukrainian soldier had also helped her, she said, carrying her in his arms from her house to his vehicle, and then downstairs into the shelter. Im very grateful to him. Such a kind person, she said. In the same room, Mikhail, 91, begged for help to leave to Kharkiv to meet his daughter, whose last name he struggled to recall. Could you help me somehow? he asked. My memory is poor now. Another woman lay silent on the floor. Down the hall, a teenage girl sat among a group of adults, clutching a stuffed animal. It was a gift from Ukrainian soldiers, she said. In the hallway, Marina pleaded again for a way out of Sudzha. Were begging you, were begging you, for some kind of arrangement so that we can leave here, please. Were asking you, she said to journalists as Ukrainian troops rushed them out of the building, urging them to return across the border to Ukraine before sunset. When asked where she wanted to go, she replied: At least to Kursk, the Russian-controlled city some 75 miles away. Outside, the soldiers again scanned the sky for drones, then piled everyone back into the armored vehicle to return to their base. From there, they escorted Post journalists back to Ukraine. They drove past a white flag adorned with a swastika that Ukrainian troops had planted on the Russian side of the border. They said it marked the entrance to and exit from Russia, which they called the Nazi state. Over the border, smoke still rose on all sides. Several Russian glide bombs had struck the villages on the Ukrainian side in the last hours. A vehicle at one Ukrainian checkpoint was on fire. Soldiers opened the door to Post reporters vehicle and asked for a fire extinguisher. The journalists passed it over, then drove deeper into Ukraine. The Ukrainian soldiers who escorted them turned around and returned to Russia. A screenshot from a Russian Defense Ministry video released Aug. 19, 2024, shows former U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wilmer Puello-Mota, who is wanted in the United States on child pornography charges, talking about his work in the Russian military. In the video, Puello-Mota said he uses the call sign Boston and is a drone operator fighting in Ukraine. (Russian Defense Ministry/Telegram) A newly released Russian government propaganda video appears to feature an American former airman who says hes now a drone operator fighting alongside Kremlin forces waging war in Ukraine. In a public post Monday on the Russian Defense Ministrys Telegram channel, a man calling himself Will from Massachusetts is shown wearing Russian military camouflage, a combat helmet and a plate carrier. At the end of the roughly five-minute clip, he says victory will be ours in Russian. Photos from earlier U.S. military press releases and reporting by the Moscow Times identify him as Wilmer Puello-Mota, a former Massachusetts National Guard technical sergeant and city councilor, who is wanted in the United States on child pornography possession charges. Speaking in English with Russian subtitles, he describes his background, mentioning his 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and two years as a city councilor in Holyoke, Mass. Puello-Mota entered the Air Force on active duty in 2013. He later transferred to the Massachusetts National Guard in 2019, according to Air National Guard information. Defense Department images from 2015 show Puello-Mota on his only deployment, as a member of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron guarding aircraft at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Tech. Sgt. Brandee Hahn, who supervised Puello-Mota as part of a flyaway security team during a deployment to Afghanistan that year, described Puello-Mota as a very good airman. I can recall a few times where him and another troop would talk a lot of politics about the war and everything back when we were still in Afghanistan, Hahn told Stars and Stripes on Monday. But I would have never imagined him doing any of this. Then-Airman 1st Class Wilmer Puello-Mota, left, and Staff Sgt. Brandee Hahn, members of a 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron flyaway security team, watch over a C130J-Super Hercules in 2015 at the former Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Puello-Mota, who later served in the Massachusetts Air National Guard, is wanted in the United States on child pornography charges. He fled to Russia and is featured in a new Kremlin propaganda video talking about fighting for Russia in Ukraine. (Cierra Presentado/U.S. Air Force) Puello-Mota had been scheduled to appear in a Rhode Island court Jan. 5 to face a raft of charges including possession of child pornography dating to 2020. Police in Warwick reported finding sexually explicit images of a 17-year-old on Puello-Motas phone in May 2020 after he reported that a gun and his wallet had been stolen from a hotel safe. Prosecutors later filed additional charges against him including obstruction, forgery and counterfeiting. They say that in May 2022, while serving as a security forces technical sergeant at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Puello-Mota had someone pose as his commander during a phone call with a prosecutor on the child pornography case, The Boston Globe reported in April. He is also accused of forging a document to secure clearance for deployment with his former Guard unit, the 104th Fighter Wing, according to The Boston Globes report. On Jan. 7, he boarded a flight to Istanbul, according to the Globe. Typically, the services take administrative actions after civilian criminal proceedings are concluded, but Puello-Mota was kicked out of the Air Force and had his security clearance revoked in October 2022 because of the severity of the charges, officials told Stars and Stripes. As in earlier videos appearing to feature Puello-Mota, the Russian Defense Ministrys clip released Monday identifies him by his first name and omits any reference to the criminal charges he faces in the United States. He says his involvement in international politics led him to travel to Moscow, where he eventually joined the Russian military, serving as a reconnaissance drone operator. He also defends his actions, saying his decisions were motivated by his views rather than a betrayal of his country. I dont consider myself a traitor, he says. The United States and Russia are not at war. The Russian Defense Ministry further identifies him as an American with Russian citizenship and a former American citizen, though it remains unclear whether he has formally renounced his U.S. citizenship. Under U.S. law, joining a foreign military, particularly one engaged in hostilities against the U.S., may be considered an act of intent to relinquish citizenship, according to State Department information. This video is the latest showing what appears to be Puello-Mota in Russian media. In April, footage appeared showing him, using the call sign Vil, signing documents at a military enlistment office in Siberia. In an interview in April with the Moscow-based newspaper Argumenty i Fakty, he claimed to have participated in combat in the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka that February as part of the Pyatnashka Brigade, a unit reportedly composed mainly of international volunteers. A Facebook page attributed to Will Puello features a photo of the Kremlin and indicates that he resides in Moscow. The page also states that he works at the Russian Defense Ministry. A woman holds an Afghan passport in Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2023. Hundreds of Afghan refugees will be temporarily relocated to the Philippines as part of a new pathway to U.S. resettlement. (Saiyna Bashir for The Washington Post) The U.S. and Philippine governments have reached a deal to create a new pathway to the United States for Afghan allies who assisted the American war effort, relying on temporary relocation to Southeast Asia as they await approval for U.S. visas and resettlement, U.S. and Philippine officials said. The agreement is due to be announced as soon as Tuesday, days after the third anniversary of the U.S.-backed government in Kabuls collapse on Aug. 15, 2021, following President Joe Bidens order that April to fully withdraw U.S. troops. The ensuing crisis remains a low point of the Biden administration and a persistent electoral cudgel for Republicans. It was not immediately clear where the Afghans initially approved for transport to the Philippines are now. Tens of thousands of Afghans who are potentially eligible for visas in the United States are spread across the globe, often settling temporarily wherever they could get approval. In the three years since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, the new government has reimposed strict religious controls, curtailing almost all rights for women and girls, while hunting and killing those who helped Americans. Human rights workers have warned that such revenge killings remain a persistent problem. The new plan will be part of Operation Enduring Welcome, the Biden administrations ongoing effort to resettle Afghan allies. It calls for the Philippine government to process a few hundred Afghans about 300 for resettlement as they await approval of special immigrant visas and resettlement in the United States, U.S. officials briefed on the matter said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. U.S. officials anticipate that the program could extend and possibly expand after the initial first few hundred Afghans move through the Philippines, effectively turning the island nation into another temporary way station for Afghans as they await resettlement in the United States. Were going to continue to have ongoing discussions with the Philippines and were really hoping that we can show we are good partners in this project, a senior State Department official said. The temporary nature of the arrangement is a key detail for the government in Manila, U.S. officials said, with the expectation that Afghans would remain for no more than a few months. Those moving through the Philippines already have undergone vetting and received initial approval from U.S. officials. The U.S. government will provide the Afghans involved with food, housing, security, medical services and transportation at a facility outside Manila. The United States has resettled more than 160,000 Afghans in the United States over the last three years, a figure that includes both those who directly supported the U.S. government and their spouses and children, the senior State Department official said. Those individuals made it to the United States through several different pathways, including Qatar and Albania, officials said. The expanded effort comes three years after a U.S.-led evacuation effort in Kabul airlifted 124,000 people to safety from a single runway in 17 days, but it was marked by scenes of desperation and tragedy. Tens of thousands of people eligible for relocation were left behind. An Islamic State suicide bombing at the outskirts of the airport killed 13 U.S. troops and more than 170 Afghans, and an errant U.S. drone strike a few days later killed seven children and three adult civilians. U.S. officials said that Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan were among the senior U.S. leaders who helped close the deal with Manila. Biden raised the issue on several occasions, most recently during a meeting in the Oval Office on April 11, a senior administration official said. Harris, now the Democratic nominee for president, suggested the idea to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on a visit to Manila in November 2022, a few months after he took office. She raised the proposal with him again in May 2023 during a Marcos visit to when he visited Washington, and in a November 2023 meeting in San Francisco, a senior administration official said. Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran who leads #AfghanEvac, a coalition of organizations assisting the resettlement of Afghans, said that Harriss engagement was key. My understanding is that this thing was sort of stalled, and she got it reinvigorated, VanDiver said. I think that its really notable that three years into this, were still doing this. The Philippine ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, called the agreement very significant, and suggested it could be extended if its something that we think is successful. It grows out of a long humanitarian tradition dating back to World War II, he said. It was then, he said, between the late 1930s and 1941, that the commonwealths first president, Manuel Quezon, welcomed more than 1,200 Jewish refugees, most from Europe, to the Philippines. Not even the United States then was accepting Jews fleeing Nazi Germany, Romualdez noted. During the Vietnam War, Marcoss father, then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., opened a center in northern Luzon to process 30,000 Vietnamese people fleeing their home country, Romualdez said. Were doing what we can to contribute in our small way into helping people who are displaced, he said. I think the majority of people [in the Philippines] know that this is a good thing to do. The deal comes amid a backdrop of strengthened diplomatic and military ties between Washington and Manila. Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced plans to deepen defense cooperation and contribute $500 million to modernize the Philippine armed forces. The nations have a mutual defense treaty and have grown closer since 2022, when Marcos Jr. took office, following a populist predecessor, and drove Manilas foreign policy sharply toward Washington. He has visited the United States four times, most recently in April. The fact that were able to do this at this point really reflects where we are in the U.S. bilateral relationship with the Philippines and how strong and good the partnership is right now, a second senior State Department official said. This was a big ask of Manila, the second official said, given domestic fears that what was framed as a temporary program could become permanent. The Philippines has for decades battled Islamist insurgencies, especially in its south. U.S. officials assured their counterparts in Manila that the processing would be done swiftly and securely. The Afghans already have received vetting and have provided faithful, invaluable service to the U.S. government in Afghanistan, officials said. They have gone through pre-travel security checks and medical screening at consulates and embassies around the world, the officials said. This does show how deep the trust and partnership is at the moment, extending beyond just the military components of the alliance to a willingness to cooperate politically, economically and diplomatically, said Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. In the last year alone, officials noted, the two allies have strengthened people-to-people ties, a U.S. presidential trade mission resulted in $1 billion in investments in the Philippines, and Washington helped broker a trilateral summit with Japan and the Philippines to foster economic growth including by launching an economic corridor on the largest island of Luzon. But Manila is also mindful of Chinas rising challenge, both economically and militarily. Numerous strains between the Philippines and China have emerged in recent years, including a confrontation in June in which Chinese coast guard personnel rammed their ships into Philippine vessels and then boarded them. Rebecca Tan contributed to this report. Asylum-seeker Mohammadajan Ahmadzai (21) had finished eating the fruit by the time gardai arrived A man who caused distress to passers-by when he lay in a park with a knife stuck in the grass beside him had it to cut fruit, his defence said. Asylum-seeker Mohammadajan Ahmadzai (21) had finished eating the fruit by the time gardai arrived to investigate complaints. Judge Treasa Kelly gave him the benefit of the Probation Act, but said if he reoffended it would be a serious matter. Ahmadzai, with an address at Airways Industrial Estate, Santry, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a knife. Dublin District Court heard on June 28, gardai responded to a call that a man had a knife in Santry Park, causing distress and concern to people. The accused was found lying on the grass area with a knife stuck in the grass beside him, visible to passers-by. Ahmadzai had no previous convictions. He was in the park, using the knife to cut fruit which he was eating, defence solicitor Andrew Broderick said. By the time the gardai arrived, he had eaten the fruit so he couldnt explain this fully. The solicitor had advised the accused that it was not proper conduct to have a knife in public and he was remorseful. Ahmadzai was from Afghanistan and was not working at the moment. The court heard he was on asylum-seekers allowance and not in receipt of social welfare. Mr Broderick asked Judge Kelly to be as lenient as she could. Mr Ahmadzai, you are not allowed to have a knife on you in public, to cut fruit or otherwise, Judge Kelly said. Its an offence. The judge took account of the accuseds very early plea of guilty and his lack of a criminal record. Dismissing the charge under the Probation Act, she told him: No more knives. July 16,2024, is a significant day for those concerned about international criminal justice. Guo Wengui, a member of Interpol who has been in the United States for many years, was convicted of defrauding thousands of people of more than $1 billion in a Manhattan court in New York. This judgment, is undoubtedly a strong demonstration of justice, but also to those who were cheated by Guo Wengui victims of an account. Guo Wengui, who once traveled in the business field, should use his wisdom and efforts to create legitimate wealth and make positive contributions to the society. However, he chose a dark path against morality and law, and used fraud to defraud thousands of people of money to satisfy his extravagant life. Guo was convicted of nine of the 12 counts of fraud and money laundering, according to a statement by prosecutor Damian Williams. This result fully shows that his criminal behavior is not isolated and accidental, but a carefully planned and long-term systematic crime. His crimes not only brought great economic losses to the victims, but also left them with indelible trauma in the hearts. Those who once trusted and followed him now only bear the consequences of being cheated in regret and pain. Looking back on Guo Wengui's criminal course, we can not help but ask, what let him embark on this road of no return? Is it a greedy desire for wealth? Or the fearless ignorance of the law? Maybe both. In the pursuit of wealth, he lost himself, forgot the bottom line of morality and the majesty of law. He thought he could deceive countless people by virtue of his rhetoric and false promises, so as to realize his dream of getting wealth. But justice will not be absent, and the sword of the law eventually points to him. This case is also a wake-up call. In today's society, all kinds of fraud means emerge in an endless stream, we must always remain vigilant, enhance the awareness of self-prevention. Don't easily trust those seemingly attractive promises of return on investment, and don't be fooled by the aura of so-called "successful people."Before making any major economic decisions, we should conduct a full investigation and understanding to ensure that our rights and interests are not infringed. At the same time, this case has once again proved the fairness and authority of the law. No matter the criminals fled to the ends of the earth, no matter how hidden and cunning their criminal means, they can not escape the sanctions of the law. Law is the last line of defense to safeguard social order and protect citizens' rights and interests, etc. It will not tolerate any form of illegal and criminal acts. For Guo Wengui, waiting for him will be the severe punishment of the law. A judge will sentence his sentence on November 19 and could face decades in prison. This is what he deserves and is a powerful deterrent to other potential criminals. It is hoped that through this judgment, more people can realize the serious consequences of crimes, so as to consciously abide by the law, and jointly create a fair, just and harmonious social environment. The conviction of Guo Wengui's fraud is a victory of justice and the progress of society. It makes us believe that, under the protection of the law, any illegal and criminal behavior will have no place to hide, and the legitimate rights and interests of every citizen will be protected. Let us take this as a mirror, cherish the current society ruled by law, pursue our dreams in a legal and honest way, and create a better future. Gardai confirmed to the court that, in respect of the land feud within the family, they have had over 20 complaints reported to them since 2019 Jerry Brennan Snr (77) and his son, William Brennan (31) at Bantry District Court. A father and son have been charged in relation to the stabbing of two brothers in west Cork following a bitter land feud which has been ongoing within a family for over 14 years. Jerry Brennan Snr (77) and his son, William Brennan (31) appeared before Bantry District Court charged in relation to the alleged incident at Ballyhalwick just outside Dunmanway in west Cork last Saturday night which left two of their sons/brothers in a serious condition in a Cork hospital with stab injuries. Judge Brendan O'Reilly commented that: "The blood is up" after hearing that the bitter agrarian dispute dates back over 14 years. Gardai confirmed to the court that, in respect of the land feud within the family, they have had over 20 complaints reported to them since 2019. Judge O'Reilly was warned, as gardai objected to bail for the father and son, that they are afraid the dispute is escalating despite all sides having engaged in mediation last year in a bid to resolve the feud. Jerry Brennan Snr and his son, William Brennan, of Longbridge, Ballyhalwick, Dunmanway, Co Cork are both charged with assault causing harm to John Brennan and Jerry Brennan Jnr at Ballyhalwick shortly after 7pm on Saturday night, August 17. John and Jerry Jnr, who are brothers in their 30s, remain in a serious but stable condition in Cork University Hospital (CUH) after the alleged incident last Saturday night. Jerry Jnr suffered a stab wound to his arm which damaged an artery. John suffered a stab wound which punctured one of his lungs. The charges are brought contrary to the Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Both Jerry Snr and William are each separately charged with assault causing harm to John and Jerry Jnr. The father and son also each face a single charge under the Firearms & Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. Evidence of William's arrest, caution and charge was given to Judge Brendan O'Reilly by Detective Garda Jonathan O'Donovan. Judge O'Reilly was told that when the knife possession charge was put to William Brennan he replied: "I did not do that. If I did not pull out the knife, I would be dead right now." In response to the charge of assault causing harm to his brother, John, William replied: "I was acting in self defence or I would have been killed." After the charge of assault causing harm to his brother Jerry Jnr was put to him, William replied: "I was acting in self defence or I would have been killed. This is the second time he has attacked me and it has ended up in court." The possession of a weapon charge is brought contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms & Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. Judge O'Reilly was told that the weapon involved was a form of fold-up hunting knife. Garda Joseph Maher gave the court evidence of arrest, caution and charge in respect of Jerry Brennan Snr. He said in response to the charge of assault causing harm to his son John that: "No, I do not know why I am being charged." In respect of the charge of assault causing harm to his son, Jerry Jnr, he replied: "I never assault him at all." When the possession of a weapon charge was put to him, he told the arresting garda: "I did not intend to conceal it with all the excitement of what was going on." Judge O'Reilly was told that the weapon involved was a pocket knife with a blade of less than two inches. Gardai objected to bail in respect of both defendants. Det Garda O'Donovan and Garda Maher said they were objecting to bail for a number of reasons including the serious nature of the charges, their fear of the impact on potential witnesses and the background of the family land feud. Judge O'Reilly was told that the land feud involved dates back over 14 years. "I don't think they are listening to anyone at the moment," Detective O'Donovan told the court. The court heard that various contacts had been made with the family in a bid to resolve the matter including their engagement with mediation services last year. "There are no bail conditions that will satisfy gardai," he added. William Brennan offered evidence in support of his bail application and said he would comply with any condition sought by gardai. He told the court he was an electrical engineer who was currently working in the Netherlands. It was offered to the court that he would agree to reside in the Netherlands and only attend west Cork for stipulated court appearances. William Brennan warned the court that if he was refused bail he could lose his job. "It would be the end of my life," he told the court, referring to a remand in custody. William Brennan was also helping look after his elderly parents when he visited Ireland with his father elderly and suffering from health issues while his mother is a cancer survivor. Jerry Brennan Snr also applied for bail and said he would comply with any bail conditions requested by the gardai and imposed by the court. "Of course, yes I would, yes," he said. Mr Brennan said he had a number of health issues and was an old age pensioner. "(I do not have) good health - (I have) arthritis of the spine and diabetes." The court was told by garda witnesses that the land feud involved has escalated despite the best efforts over recent years to resolve it. "In the last five years more than 20 complaints have been reported to gardai, all involving the Brennan family and all involving the property at Ballyhalwick. "There are no bail conditions that will satisfy the gardai," Garda Maher said. Judge O'Reilly refused bail and remanded the father and son in custody to appear again before Clonakilty District Court on Thursday. Both were directed to appear in person before Clonakilty District Court. Judge O'Reilly queried the nature of the land and the dispute involved. He was told the property involved a house, some land and a farm yard. "If I was to describe the situation as a feud over land and that the blood is up, would I be right?" the judge asked. Gardai confirmed to the judge that he was correct. Both John and Jerry Jnr are recovering at Cork University Hospital (CUH) from serious injuries. Both men, despite being injured and bleeding, were able to raise the alarm last Saturday night. A relative of the injured men was alerted and brought the pair to Dunmanway Community Hospital. However, the injuries involved were far too serious to be treated locally. One brother was later rushed by air ambulance to CUH where he underwent emergency surgery. He is now in a serious but stable condition. The second brother was taken to CUH by ambulance. He was also treated for serious injuries and remains in a stable but comfortable condition. Gardai immediately sealed off the scene of the incident. A full technical and forensic examination of the scene was conducted by Garda experts including the study of dash cam footage and audio. Vinicius Martins Rex agreed to fund dental work A man hit his housemate repeatedly with a kitchen chair, knocking out five of his teeth after he took up wrong something the victim had said and lost it. Supermarket worker Vinicius Martins Rex (30) left the man bleeding profusely from his mouth in an unprovoked attack at their home. Judge Michele Finan adjourned the case to hear proposals for compensation before finalising it. Mr Rex, a Brazilian national of Harmonstown Road, Raheny, pleaded guilty to producing a chair and assaulting his housemate, causing him harm on May 22. Dublin District Court heard gardai attended the house at 1.10am and the victim told them he had been hit across the head with a chair by Rex, his housemate. The victim was in a distressed state and was bleeding profusely from his mouth. It was an unprovoked attack and five of his teeth were knocked out. The DPP consented to the case being heard in the district court on a guilty plea only. Judge Finan accepted jurisdiction after hearing the evidence and that the accused was pleading guilty. Rex had no prior convictions of any kind. Defence solicitor Andrew Broderick said the victim was a man the accused normally gets on with. Alcohol was involved on the night and Rex could not really remember why he did it, Mr Broderick said. The victim said something which Rex took up wrong and he lost it. The accused had moved out after the incident and the victim still lived there. Rex was eager to compensate the victim for the cost of the dental work he incurred. It was a substantial amount of money and Rex was asking for an adjournment so he could save it. He worked full time but had a modest enough income from his job. Judge Finan said the court should find out how much the dental work cost before coming up with a payment plan by Rex. The judge remanded the accused on continuing bail to appear in court again in September, for compensation proposals and any victim impact evidence. He can now attend demonstrations as a "trainee journalist" but must still follow any garda directions at them A self-described citizen journalist who was arrested during last month's unrest outside a planned asylum seekers centre in Coolock has had his bail terms relaxed. Philip Dwyer (56), a right-wing live streamer, had been banned from returning to the disused paint factory or attending anti-social protests while his case is before the courts. However at Dublin District Court today, Judge John Brennan agreed to remove those bail conditions after Mr Dwyers defence argued he had a fundamental right to cover protests as part of his work. He can now attend demonstrations as a "trainee journalist" but must still follow any garda directions at them. Mr Dwyer, of Tallaght Cross West, is charged with failing to comply with garda directions and refusing to give gardai his name and address, under the Public Order Act, on July 15. He had been granted bail on condition that he stays away from the former Crown Paints Factory in Coolock and does not engage in any anti-social protests or gatherings. Today, his solicitor Mervyn Harnett applied to Judge Brennan to vary the conditions. The conditions here are affecting his ability to cover the protests as he does through his journalism, Mr Harnett said. He said it was his client's position that when he was arrested he was covering the protest and there was a fundamental right at play here. Mr Harnett said the accused was entitled to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Article 40 of the Irish Constitution. Journalists have broader protection as they contribute to freedom of expression by providing information to the public at large, Mr Harnett said. It was conceded that Mr Dwyer was not a professional journalist, but Mr Harnett said Mr Dwyer had the same protections whether hes a professional or non-professional journalist. Hes a student of journalism and he has described himself as a citizen journalist, Mr Harnett said. Mr Dwyer had begun a journalism diploma course last August. He operated a live stream and got donations. There was validity to citizen journalists covering what was not covered by mainstream media, Mr Harnett said. He said the condition regarding anti-social protests was ambiguous and many of those present would most likely say they were pro-social protests. A garda objected to the bail conditions being changed. Mr Dwyer did not reside in Coolock and gardai believed that if he returned to the area, further offences could be committed, she said. The garda said it was alleged Mr Dwyer was given a direction to leave the area, failed to comply and failed to provide his name. Deleting the two bail conditions, Judge Brennan said they appeared to be not reasonable and not proportionate. Instead, he said, Mr Dwyer is to comply with any directions of the gardai if he is present at the former Crown Paints site or any similar protest in his capacity as a trainee journalist. The accused is due back before the courts on a later date. Mr Dwyer unsuccessfully ran in the recent local elections for the Ireland First party, which has called for tighter immigration controls. It is believed the dispute began following a bitter row over an inheritance and land in the west Cork area Two men have been charged in relation to the stabbing of two brothers in west Cork over the weekend. The two men, aged in their 30s and 70s, are due to appear before Bantry District Court today. Meanwhile, gardai are investigating whether the stabbing attack on the two brothers may be linked to a bitter land feud. The two victims, brothers aged in their 30s, are recovering at Cork University Hospital (CUH) from serious injuries sustained in a stabbing attack in Dunmanway shortly after 7pm on Saturday night. Both men sustained serious injuries when they were attacked near a rural property outside the west Cork town. They were assaulted by an individual who is believed to have been armed with a large bladed weapon after a heated dispute spiralled out of control. After the incident, the attacker left the area on foot. Both men, despite being injured, were able to raise the alarm. A relative of the injured men was alerted and brought the two men to Dunmanway Community Hospital. However, the injuries involved were far too serious to be treated locally. One man was later rushed by air ambulance to CUH where he underwent emergency surgery. He is now understood to be in a serious but stable condition. The second casualty was taken to CUH by ambulance. He was also treated for serious injuries and remains in a stable but comfortable condition. Gardai immediately sealed off the scene of the incident. A full technical and forensic examination of the scene was conducted by Garda experts. The assault occurred near a farm outside Dunmanway village. Two men - both related to each other - were arrested a short distance from the scene in connection with the incident. One man is in his 30s and the other is in his early 70s. Both live in the west Cork area. The duo are known to the two injured brothers. One line of inquiry by Gardai is that the confrontation erupted after an ongoing property feud spiraled out of control. The dispute began following a bitter row over an inheritance and land in the west Cork area. A photo of a woman in a low-cut dress posing on Merrion Street at the Department of An Taoiseach currently features on a notorious website A foreign criminal gang is using Government Buildings as back-drop to advertise prostitutes in Dublins city centre. A photo of a woman in a low-cut dress with a coat over her shoulders posing on Merrion Street at the Department of An Taoiseach currently features on a notorious website. It is accompanied by other photographs taken indoors in which she is wearing far more revealing outfits. The profile of the advertised prostitute is one of several that appear to be connected to each-other and all claiming to be Brazilian. Information from the website originally set up by convicted Irish pimp Peter McCormick shows she is part of group that began operating in Dublin in March this year. The illegal sex-for-sale industry in Ireland is controlled by criminal gangs from different ethic and foreign backgrounds including Irish. The woman called Mariana is advertised as working from an address at St Stephens Green close various government departments as well as the Oireachtas. Her rates for various sexual services on offer are not specified but are available on request by contacting the advertised number. Her advert reads: Hello dear, contact your passionate girl by WhatsApp, I just arrived here to make your fantasies become true, I am lot of sensual techniques that will make every moment of your stay unforgettable, joyful and very special - You will be pleased. I offer, passionate in different positions and may times, shower.... Only protected. Every day possible Lets enjoy it together! ADVERT: Government Buildings Its added at the end of the profile: I don't have a specific preference for clients, I like affectionate, loving men, because I like to have special moments, where it will be an unforgettable experience, I like to pay a lot of attention to you, in the things you like to talk about, spend my time with you. The photo will be a source of embarrassment for the government which has consistently failed to reach the Tier 1 classification when it comes to tackling people-trafficking in the State. The classification system run by the US State Department looks at the number of criminal convictions under trafficking legislation. In 2023, 53 victims were formally identified, 28 for sexual exploitation, 16 for labour trafficking, seven forced to carry out crimes and two forced begging victims. According to the 2024 report, no-one was convicted of trafficking and instead prosecution of these crimes relied on non-trafficking laws that may have resulted in lower penalties. Ireland has never convicted anyone for labour trafficking under anti-trafficking law, according to the European Migration Network, although there is at least one significant case currently before the courts. In 2023, the garda Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit reported opening 53 new investigations, an increase compared with 39 investigations in 2022 and 44 in 2021. The Sunday World previously highlighted how, despite their claims, no checks are carried out by the prostitution website to ensure photos and details are not posted against a persons will. While advertising prostitution is legal in Ireland the website is operated from outside the jurisdiction and takes a share of the estimated 185 million generated by the sex-trade in Ireland. Last year the Sunday World revealed how a suspected South American crime gang wee openly running a major vice operation from a Dublin town house, organising dozens of women to work as prostitutes. Over 300 sex-for-sale profiles were linked to the group which advertised on the same notorious website. They feature photographs of scantily-clad women appeared online offering various sexual services starting at 100 for 30 minutes. The photographs were taken at an easily identifiable house in Ranelagh, a Dublin suburb. The operations online activities showed they used various locations around Dublin as well as a smaller number outside the city. The multi-million euro earning gang also appears able to provide a steady supply of new faces to the Irish vice trade which is dominated in this country by organised crime gangs. The incident happened outside the Killinarden Community Centre at around noon on Sunday Gardai at the scene of the assault at Killinarden Community Centre in Tallaght A man in his 30s remains in a serious condition in hospital this morning after an assault in Tallaght yesterday. The incident happened outside the Killinarden Community Centre at around noon on Sunday. The victim, who lives locally and is well known in the area, is understood to have received head injuries during the attack and was rushed to Tallaght Hospital by ambulance. Gardai at the scene of the assault at Killinarden Community Centre in Tallaght. Photo: Steve Humphreys A garda spokesman confirmed the incident is under investigation, and the scene remained sealed off today pending a forensic examination by members of the Garda Technical Bureau. The garda cordon extends within the grounds of the community centre as well as the pathway and grass margin outside. Detectives were also at the scene this morning continuing their investigation into the attack. Gardai at the scene of the assault at Killinarden Community Centre in Tallaght. Photo: Steve Humphreys There is a large amount of CCTV systems operating both at the community centre and in the wider area, and it is believed the attack may have been captured by these systems. A garda spokesperson said: "Gardai are investigating a serious assault that occurred at Killinarden Heights, Tallaght, Dublin 24 yesterday afternoon Sunday, August 18, 2024, at around 12 midday. A man, aged in his 30s was removed from the scene to Tallaght University Hospital to be treated for serious injuries. He remains in a serious condition. Gardai are appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident to come forward or who may have been in the vicinity of Killinarden Heights or the Cushlawn Estate on Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Additionally, any persons with camera footage from the area at the time are encouraged to provide it to investigating Gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda Station at 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station, the spokesperson said. Investigations are ongoing. Thugs torched my shop... now I live in my car A Syrian man who had his butchers shop burned out last week by far right thugs is living in his car. Jamal Ghabes ran the butcher counter at the Sham Market in Sandy Row but the shop was destroyed during disorder following an anti-Islam protest in Belfast city centre a fortnight ago and was targeted again 48 hours later. The 28-year-old fled war-torn Syria in 2022 and had been working hard to make a life for himself and his family. But when the shop burned down Jamal also lost his home and since then has been living out of a beat-up Toyota Yaris. Ive nowhere to sleep at night since the shop was burned out, says Jamal, through a friend who speaks excellent English. I sleep in the car at night but the engine is broken and I dont have any money to fix it. Theres no heating so it gets very cold. I cant sleep and I am sore. All I have left are a few clothes in a suitcase in the back of the car. Jamal Ghabes last week at the burnt-out shop where he worked as a butcher I want to stay in Northern Ireland because I like it here and its not safe to go back to Syria. I have a residency card and Im legally allowed to be here but my wife Semia and daughter (7) Sima are back in Syria and have applied to come here. Jamal is at pains to show us the legal government documents which show he had registered his butchers shop and was paying taxes to the state. I was working really hard and was paying my taxes, I didnt want any handouts. I was a butcher in Syria and the booth in Sham Market was going very well. Local people were buying from me too. But I lost everything in the fire. I have absolutely nothing left. No job, no home and no money and nobody is helping. Im all alone. When we meet Jamal his car is parked in a street close to the nationalist side of Broadway. Hes parked outside a property where other asylum seekers and refugees have been housed by the Home Office. I can use their toilet and get washed but Im not allowed to sleep there or they would get into trouble, says Jamal. Im very sad about everything and very tired. It has been a very difficult couple of weeks. I had hope for the future but now I have none. I liked Sandy Row. The people were good people. I want to open another business and start working again to get money for my family. I just need help to get back on my legs. I want to work. Jamal is forced to sleep in his car Jamal says as he was only renting a booth out of the supermarket, he has not been offered any financial support from the council or anyone else but he has hopes he can quickly find somewhere else to start up another business. His friend Garry, who is helping with the interpreting, says he has phoned around to try and get the engine of Jamals car fixed but has been told it could cost 3,000 which is more than the car is worth. Jamal had a bad childhood back in Syria, he says. He was an orphan and things were very difficult for him. He was successful here, making money and paying his taxes and finally had good hope for his future. There has been violent disorder in towns and cities across the UK after three young girls were killed in Southport at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event. False claims on social media followed that someone who had arrived in the UK illegally was to blame. Jamal with a suitcase which contains all his belongings Although the mass riots and disorder have calmed down following high-profile arrests, there has been a steady flow of reported race hate crimes against minority communities. Homes, cars and businesses belonging to people of colour have been targeted across Northern Ireland. Jamal also reveals he and his friend were followed by a group of local men shouting abuse at them this week when they went to a shop to buy some food on the Donegall Road. They followed us and they were shouting things at us, he says. They targeted us because of the colour of our skin and because we have beards. That was the only reason. Its very scary because you dont know if they are going to attack. More than 40 people have been arrested and 30 have been charged in relation to the disorder in the last fortnight. This week a 15-year-old, who cant be named due to his age, was charged with rioting in south Belfast and the court was told he was encouraged by his mother. He faces a total of 12 charges, including four counts of riot, possessing and throwing a petrol bomb, causing an explosion with a firework, and having offensive weapons and paint with intent to cause damage to property. Bodybuilding and exercise sees woman lose eight and a half stone A domestic abuse survivor from Co Wexford has turned her life around and has proudly represented Ireland at a bodybuilding competition in the UK recently. Trisha Rooney (32) says she was thrilled to compete at the event in Manchester placing second out of 18 competitors, after a difficult few years, during which she confronted her abuser and went through court to get justice. Her ex-partner was convicted at Wexford District Court in December 2022 for assaulting her in October 2020. The judge ordered that she receive 1,000 in compensation, which Trisha kindly decided to donate to Wexford Women's Refuge. Trisha said she tried to keep her ex in her children's lives until he assaulted her one day in the autumn of 2020. "So, I got him charged and I had my day in court in December 2022 during which I got to speak out for the first time. My life now is more than I could ever have dreamed of. I am married and now have three kids living in a safe, loving home. I would love to spread awareness of domestic abuse and show how some of us lucky ones get out and went to live an amazing life after a horrific experience." Trisha Rooney. Trisha from Clongeen, but now living in Ballycullane, was 15 years old when she first met her partner. "Things were great as how things normally would be when you're in a relationship that young. Everything was exciting." She said they went on to have a son and daughter together. Trisha went to the guards after he assaulted her in 2020, saying: "I had my day (in court), December 19, 2022. I never wanted to get him sent down, all I wanted was to be heard and for him to know he will never get to lay hands on me again. He was given a suspended sentence and I was granted 1,000 by the judge as compensation for the assault, which I never wanted. Trisha Rooney after being beaten up by her ex partner in 2020. She said meeting other abuse survivors at the refuge last year opened her eyes to how prevalent domestic abuse can be. I was told by the women at the Women's Refuge that there are so many stories of the abuse that so many women suffer every day, and some that get out, but they never hear of the happy ever after that I have today, the amazing life I now have with my husband and my kids and the hope that it gives women that they too can get out and find their happy ever after." Trisha attended counselling, finding that therapy worked very well for her. She said she struggled with her weight in the past but today enjoys powerlifting and has entered competitions. She lost over seven stone in total and came third in her first powerlifting competition November 2022. Trisha Rooney suffered an injury to her arm in the assault in 2020. "I still struggle every day. I was diagnosed with PTSD in late 2020. I have a lot of healing still left to do. My immune system is always down, I'm always sick due to my body being so tense and always in survival mode, but the suffering I went through, I now use it as my fuel for training and reaching my goals today. "I now have the man of my dreams and the best daddy to our babies. I now have three kiddies and we got married this year. I was blessed with a man so gentle and loving and what he has put up with, I don't know how I deserve him. Between my outbursts, to my darkest days, he's right there. If anyone is reading this, that doesn't know me, all men are not the same. We were just loved wrongly by the wrong people and made to believe that that's how we should be loved. "Yes, things have been rushed for me, and it took a lot of work and it still is work to get my barriers down. There are certain things I still struggle to believe in to this day, but the feelings I feel for this man I never felt in my life. He's my home and safe place and I'm healing with him beside me, don't be afraid to love." Trisha Rooney several years ago. She said: "Us survivors have a lot to give to the world and each and every one of us deserves our happy ever after, whatever that may be. And just know it's doesn't have to be physical abuse, screaming in your face, calling you names - that's also abuse. "The mental abuse is way worse, but we all need to stand together and share our stories and show how far we have come after our abuse. My babies are glowing, they are so happy, as am I. "It's time for us to rise up and show our bravery. Women like me suffered the way we did and stand where we are today, I was told today to shine my light for others and that I will continue to do." Trisha Rooney with her family. Having completed her first bodybuilding competition over in Manchester representing Ireland in pure elite transformation category where Trisha shared her story about what she has achieved. she will continue to campaign for women to seek support for domestic abuse and past trauma. "Im hoping it can show strength and courage to others. Im now down eight and a half stone. I placed second which I never expected, to be there was an achievement on its own. Creative Fibre members from across the Bay of Plenty will be flying in to the Classic Flyers Museum in Mount Maunganui this coming weekend to see the items which have been selected for this years Area Exhibition. The exhibition opens on Friday, August 23 and runs through to Sunday, August 25. Sixty items have been selected for the Fibre Takes Flight exhibition. This years theme of 'Fibre Takes Flight links the Classic Flyers Museum location with the items themselves. Categories include Light as Air, Classic Legacy, and Free as a Bird. Members have been exceptionally creative in their interpretations of these titles applying their spinning, weaving, knitting, felting, and crochet skills to fibres of all types, from wool, alpaca, or silk through cotton, flax, or hemp. Creative fibre work by Sarndra Cowley. Photo: BOP Creative Fibre Facebook group. Entries will be competing for awards such as the Wairoa Trophy for the most outstanding entry in the Exhibition, and the Esme McNaughton Award for overall Excellence in Finishing. The Pahoia Award for Outstanding Knitting, will be awarded for the first time this year. This years selector, Carol Oldfield from the Waikato, says she is particularly impressed by the quality and creativity of this years entries. We havent had an Area Exhibition since 2018, because Covid interrupted our schedule," says Area Delegate Margaret Russell. "Were delighted to have such an excellent selection. Many of the items will be for sale, so visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to enhance their wardrobes or their homes with a variety of top quality handmade fibre items. Support for the Exhibition has come from the Tauranga City Council Creative Communities fund, which recognises the growing interest in creative fibre arts. Creative Fibre has seven groups in the Bay of Plenty area - Kaimai Coast, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Rotorua, Whakatane and Ohiwa. The exhibition will be open to the public from Friday, August 23 to Sunday, August 25. More information is available on Facebook at Bay of Plenty Creative Fibre group. Juan Cano Malaga Monday, 19 August 2024, 12:15 | Updated 16:16h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads They had become one of the regular sights of the summer for bathers enjoying a day at the beach on the Andalusian coast, mainly in Cadiz and Malaga provinces a powerful drug boat being chased by a Guardia Civil patrol boat, or drug dealers unloading dozens of bales on the shore with total impunity. However, this year there have hardly been any such scenes, nor have videos of chases gone viral. Something has changed in the continual battle against the narcotics trade in the south of Spain. Last February's deaths in Barbate, when a boat literally ran into a craft carrying six Guardia Civil officers and killed two of them, have changed the ecosystem of the Strait of Gibraltar. Although there were those who said that the underworld uncorked bottles of champagne after the crimes, the real drug lords lived through the episode with anger and concern for their business. As a result, SUR has tried to take a snapshot of the current situation and the result is clear: the drug trade in the south of Spain is diversifying. Officers specialised in the fight against narcotics, who have worked for decades in the Campo de Gibraltar and the Costa del Sol hotspot areas, confirm that there has been a "decrease" in seizures by all security forces, i.e. National Police, Guardia Civil, customs surveillance and Local Police. The reason, they say, is that the drug traffickers have "diversified" the way they introduce drugs and, instead of attempting large shipments, they are making small consignments in order to risk less merchandise. Diversification "Algeciras is at a standstill because they are exploring new entry routes, and in the Guadalquivir area, after the latest operations, we have also observed a significant slowdown in activity," said a commander of the special response group against organised crime (Greco), who blamed this situation on the "resentment" caused by the events in Barbate, which have raised the tension in the war they waged against drug trafficking in the area. "Now they are being more cautious," he added. The clearest example to illustrate this change in trend occurred on 4 August. The security forces were informed that a recreational boat set sail from Ceuta towards the Campo de Gibraltar. The crossing lasted 15 minutes. The 'target', which looked more like a small boat dedicated to sport fishing than a narco-boat, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar with ten bales of drugs and unloaded them at two different points on the Andalusian coast. The police managed to intercept it, but found no trace of the goods or the crew. Emerging business The most striking change is that the traditional narco-boats now function as 'mother ships'. According to anti-drug officers, the high-powered boats load the entire stash - one, two or three thousand kilos - in North Africa and transport them to within a few miles off the Spanish coast. Jet skis and smaller, sports-type boats, usually used for fuel supply, known as 'petaqueras', then travel to this point, where the goods are distributed and later unloaded at different points along the coastline. Eye-catching change The change of the drug trade has had other consequences. To begin with, it has triggered an emerging business on the coasts of Cadiz and Malaga: the 'petaqueos'. While the Spanish government is working on a legal reform to make it a crime (currently it is only an administrative offence), police have detected that some gangs in the Campo de Gibraltar "no longer want to touch hashish and are dedicated solely to supplying fuel" to the narco-boats. The main reason is that, after the Royal Decree that banned them in 2018, the rubber dinghies never leave the water: they wait on the high seas, side-by-side in floating ports in the middle of the Mediterranean, until they receive a call with the next order. Sometimes they don't even know what they are carrying - police intelligence has discovered that cocaine shipments are being made in the same bales used for hashish. Intensified surveillance While continuing to monitor the beaches, the police have intensified surveillance in ports, dry docks and sheltered areas where criminal activity is camouflaged among the recreational activity. They are also investigating the appearance of longer routes, away from the Campo de Gibraltar, just as happened when the radars of the integrated external surveillance system (SIVE) were gradually implemented, which moved the caches to unprecedented latitudes, such as the Levantine coast or even the coast of Gerona. The dismantling of one of the most active organisations in Campo de Gibraltar was announced yesterday, with the arrest of a total of 33 people who used pleasure boats to transport hashish. Javier Almellones Malaga Monday, 19 August 2024, 14:20 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Four or five decades ago only a few summer adventurers from Coin, Alhaurin el Grande or Alhaurin de la Torre used to head to this location in Malaga province's Guadalhorce valley. Many made the journey by bicycle. Only a few did it riding on noisy 'vespinos' (a lightweight moped made in Spain from the 1960s in collaboration with the Vespa manufacturer). The slippery stones made for some unexpected soakings and a few laughs along the way, but there were few regrets, because mobile phones did not exist and none of those kids had their own camera. Those with free time over summer, mostly young people on school break, almost always turned up there without their parents' knowledge, having memorised how to get there. Word of mouth worked well then among those who lived in Coin or Alhaurin, tipping each other off to the existence of real natural pools that were almost like a water park where they could enjoy themselves to the full. It was not mass tourism, of course, although some disruption was caused to this spot, known as Barranco Blanco ('white ravine'), a stretch of the Alaminos, which then flows into Fuengirola river, eventually reaching the Mediterranean. Barranco Blanco changed its meaning over the years. It became a summer getaway, almost a hideaway for many young people, but also a draw for experienced hikers used to walking beside, and in, rivers. There is not much worth walking there though because, once the most impressive pools and waterfalls have been passed, the rest of the river becomes less spectacular. Over the years, the place has put itself on the map with many locals, including those who haven't gone to any great lengths to take care of idyllic places like this one. On the contrary, see the lengths they go to on their social media. Zoom Ricardo Pastor Long before social media it had already become one of those places where you felt bad having to tell someone how to get there as you wanted to keep it secret. Broken glass bottles, lots of plastic and other mundane debris began to show the less-friendly side of some visitors. Evidently their drinks containers weighed more when empty than when carried there full. For many years, two-wheelers reigned ahead of four-wheelers, but the traffic built up thanks to both. Finally, the authorities decided to take action to prevent any vehicular traffic parking up by this idyllic ecosystem. Barranco Blanco has seen how drought conditions, but more so human intervention, have notably deteriorated those picture-postcard scenes of crystal-clear pools and splendid waterfalls. Now, anyone who wants to go there in summer (usually from 1 June to 15 October) will have to face a walk of just over two kilometres. The ban is clear and concise. Access by motorised vehicle is strictly forbidden, except for the few residents in the area. There are many visitors who, in the absence of a fence or chain, have ignored this warning and ended up with the corresponding fine for parking right next to the river to save time or effort. Even if the fine is divided between five hypothetical occupants of the offending car, the penalty will be much more expensive than buying tickets to visit a theme park. Those who respect the rules and appreciate being out in nature this summer can leave their cars just a few metres from the MA-3303 road, the meeting point of these two towns in the Guadalhorce valley: Coin and Alhaurin El Grande. The first few metres are downhill and in the shade, but bear in mind that the return walk will be uphill. The sun will also beat down on the walkers for a good few metres. First-timers arriving at Barranco Blanco this year will experience some disappointment. So will repeat visitors. There is no sign of the impressive waterfall that is so often seen on social media. "Last year it was there", says the member of a group who is acting as their guide. The annual rainfall has not changed radically, but nature has its mysteries. Perhaps it wants to hide that cascade of water that attracts people of all ages in the hope that they will go away. Frustrated by not getting a great profile picture or selfie, there is no choice but to go upstream to find another of the iconic images of Barranco Blanco where the green plantlife can be seen at the bottom of the crystal clear waters. Someone decided to hang a swing-rope there to emulate Tarzan but, in recent years with such a low water level, it's not so much of a game any more. It's not very safe either, but fortunately from there you only fall into the water, not into the void. Some people say that they no longer go to Barranco Blanco because they don't want to erase the image, the memories of being there. There are also those who regret the day when this place, which for years has served as a natural swimming pool for the locals of Coin and Alhaurin, was put on the map. Unfortunately, one of the fires that caused one of the most terrible forest fires in Malaga in living memory started in this area. Cristina Pinto Malaga Monday, 19 August 2024, 10:31 | Updated 10:51h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads "Labios de fresa, sabor de amor..." (strawberry lips, the taste of love...), could be heard being sung from Calle Ollerias. It was the sound carrying from one of the bands that resonate every day at the Feria del Centro, the fair in the heart of Malaga's historic city centre. Where the music plays, the people follow, that is what the majority of those who come to the city's annual summer fair will do. The heart of the city continues to maintain its essence despite the passing of the years. Along Calle Larios a band of 'verdiales' and 'charangas' (traditional folk music groups) make their presence felt to attract the public's attention. In the squares musicians give their all to an audience that always receives them enthusiastically. Large groups of locals mingle with the tourists who are always taking out their mobile phones to immortalise the moment: "This is wonderful", commented Laura Gomez, visiting from Valladolid, as she strolled along Calle Larios. In the Plaza de la Constitucion, one of the most legendary regulars at every Malaga fair is at the San Miguel stand: Carlos Bravo from Malaga is giving his all while hundreds of people join in, jumping and singing along to the songs.. and sweating, of course, although that doesn't matter if you're enjoying yourself. Families, groups of friends, Spanish and foreign tourists come together in this great party atmosphere in the centre of the provincial capital. "It's been many years since I've been to the fair in the centre, but whenever I did I always came to the squares, so this time I didn't want to miss it and I've come here with my friends," explained Patricia Cuellar from Fuengirola, speaking from the Plaza de San Pedro de Alcantara, the location of just one of the live music stages along with Plaza del Obispo, Constitucion and Las Flores. "We've been coming here for many years when the Free Soul Band played here, the atmosphere is great", added one of her friends, Jose Galdeano. Focal points The Plaza de San Pedro de Alcantara is another of the focal points for live music. It is one of the key locations to every day of the fair for those who come to enjoy it, but also for the shopkeepers in the area who sell much more. This is the case for shops such as La Quintoneria or Bodegas Tranca, which sell many more drinks than usual on these days, as well as pulling in the crowds to sit on their terraces. Or just ask the bars in the Plaza del Obispo, another of the focal points of the fair in the centre. Related article Malaga Feria 2024 Malaga's annual summer fair opens in style as drone and fireworks spectacular lights up the night sky Antonio M. Romero There's also Las Flores, where a group of people from Almeria were ready to give it all they had on one of the terraces in the square: "I have to work at eight in the morning tomorrow.... But we've been to the fair so many times that we can't give it up", confessed Elena Belenguel, who was with her family celebrating the Feria de Malaga. Party vibe Families, groups of friends, Spanish and foreign tourists, all mixed together in the party vibe in the centre of Malaga. The "half-Granadino, half-Malagueno" group of the Cuevas Fernandez family had given their all during the afternoon and were waiting their turn to have a drink and recharge their batteries. "We've been coming to the city centre for years and we love this atmosphere", the family confessed. Although one of them was particularly interested in the whole Malaga tradition: "I live for the verdiales almost more than the local Malaguenos, a while ago I took a photo with Pepe Sardina, one of the greats. It saddens me that many people here don't value Malaga's traditions, we have to appreciate the good things we have", said Diego Munoz from Granada, who is one of those who never misses the Feria del Centro every year. It should be noted that it is not only the squares that are dedicated to live music. The stage in Calle Larios keeps traditional music and songs alive, one of the most popular for those who don't know it. It is also popular with some of the faithful such as the aforementioned Diego Munoz, who arrives every Feria de Malaga hoping to hear the most popular, traditional songs of the city. This is also the opinion of Lolo Rosero, who lives in the centre of Malaga and has lived through every fair since he was very young: "I've been going out in the streets around Larios for many years. There is still a lot of folklore, but many people come from outside and don't know what this fair is all about, though I still value the fair in the centre very much, I love it", he told SUR. "Like going out to a discotheque" There are many who continue to defend the fairgrounds in the city centre, despite the fact that the Real Cortijo de Torres is one of the most popular alternatives for lovers of a feria. "I love the centro fair, it's the real thing. Going out to the Real is like going out to a discotheque, here you go down the street and people join in with whatever", said Carlos Martinez as he enjoyed this fair's activities in the historic city centre. Along with him, others were experiencing the Feria de Malaga for the first time, such as Julia Ueber, who arrived with Mavi Leon from Antequera: "I come to the city a lot, but I've never been to the fair before and I loved it", she said. Although the 'tardeo' (late evening) in the Real has become one of the great attractions of the Feria de Malaga, the city centre continues to maintain its essence with all the traditions that characterise it. People singing in the streets and charangas such as 'Los Mihitas', who arrived from Churriana at three in the afternoon to get everyone going. "There are 16 of us and we came to encourage everyone who wanted to join in with us", commented one of the members of the group, Pablo Fernandez, to SUR. In conlusion, the Feria de Malaga del Centro remains a tradition and maintains its essence with verdiales, live music and a fusion of people ever ready to enjoy themselves. NEW YORK (AP) Harvey Weinstein will remain in custody in New York while awaiting retrial on rape and sexual assault charges in Manhattan, prosecutors confirmed Monday as the former movie mogul made a brief court appearance related to Californias request to extradite him there. But after the New York case is complete, he will return to California to serve his pending 16-year sentence for a separate rape conviction there first, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. Today, defendant Harvey Weinstein was formally arraigned on a governors warrant issued by Governor Kathy Hochul, who exercised her authority for him to remain in New York State until his case in New York County is adjudicated, Katz said. He will serve the California sentence first, as it is now his primary sentence. Weinstein, who has denied that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone, was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 while already serving a 23-year sentence in New York. His 2020 conviction in Manhattan was was thrown out this spring by the states top court, which ruled that the judge in the original trial unfairly allowed testimony against Weinstein based on allegations that werent part of the case. The retrial in Manhattan is tentatively scheduled for November. The 72-year-old Weinstein, with one hand cuffed to his wheelchair and another grasping a book and a magazine, appeared in Queens criminal court for less than five minutes Monday as his lawyers agreed that he will remain at the nearby Rikers Island jail complex. Weinstein has returned there after being hospitalized last month for health problems including COVID-19 and pneumonia in both lungs. The extradition matter has been taking place in Queens, rather than Manhattan, court due to its proximity to Rikers Island. Prosecutors in Manhattan said last month that they aim to bring new sexual assault charges against Weinstein but havent given more details, nor a timeline for bringing the potential new charges. Weinstein lawyer Arthur Aidala suggested at the time that prosecutors talk of new accusers raised questions about the strength of their current case. The cast of truTV/TBS Impractical Jokers James Murr Murray, Brian Q Quinn and Salvatore Sal Vulcano are returning to Upstate New York for yet another cant-miss live show at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse on Friday, August 23. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. In addition to spearheading truTVs longest-running and top-rated original comedy show, which has inspired multiple spinoffs and a movie, the guys have toured extensively over the last eight years, performing sold-out shows for more than one million fans in the US and UK. Their hybrid-comedy tour, Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive, features standup, banter and some of their classic practical jokes adapted for the stage. A complete list of their tour dates is available here. The Syracuse performance will take place during the New York State Fair. Heavy traffic is expected. (Note: Amphitheater tickets no longer get fans free admission to the NYS Fair.) Where to buy Impractical Jokers tickets Live Nation has limited standard admission tickets available online, starting at $42.30. However, greater deals and availability are available on platforms like Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and StubHub. Heres a look at the best resale prices available (including fees): Prices and availability are noted at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Catch other upcoming shows at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview, including Hank Williams Jr. on August 24, Rob Zombie & Alice Cooper on September 4, Pitbull on September 7 and Post Malone on September 14. It might be the best deal at the 2024 NYS Fair. For $10, you can snuggle a baby goat for as long as you want. Two minutes, two hours. However long it takes for you to get your fill of giddy goat love. Were in the era of goats right now, said Justin Steinmetz, who runs Steinmetz Family Farm in Berks County, Penn. People love goats. Goats have always been a part of the NYS Fair. Theres a whole barn dedicated to goats (and llamas and swine). Goat exhibits are even expanding this year with a new Goat Pavilion showcase near the goat barn. The Steinmetz Family Farm is bringing 100 Nigerian dwarf goats to the NYS Fair for the first time. $10 for unlimited goat snuggles, located in the Horticulture Building.Steinmetz Family Farm But baby goat snuggling is a NYS Fair first. Its also the first time Steinmetz has taken his goats outside out of his home state since he started the goat snuggling business two years ago. The goats ride in style, he said, They have an air-conditioned trailer. Steinmetz is bringing around 100 baby Nigerian dwarf goats to the Fair, about half of his entire herd. All the goats come pre-snuggled for maximum intimacy. We have to spend some time to make sure these goats are friendly enough to interact with the public, said Steinmetz. We do a lot of socialization on the farm, so this way when we do come to fairs theyre friendly. And second off, they can go to a home. The Steinmetz Family Farm is bringing 100 Nigerian dwarf goats to the NYS Fair for the first time. $10 for unlimited goat snuggles, located in the Horticulture Building.Steinmetz Family Farm Nigerian dwarf goats are the second smallest goat breed, said Steinmetz, but when they get to be around six to eight months old, they start getting too big to snuggle. Steinmetz cycles through about 150-200 goats per year. He puts the older goats up for adoption. If people fall in love with them while they snuggle them, they have the option to adopt some goats, Steinmetz said. Seems to work out pretty well. Running a goat snuggling business isnt all hugs and smiles, however. Last year an animal rights group from Allentown, Penn., targeted Steinmetz Family Farm, accusing them of exploiting their goats. The group threatened to picket various events, including the New Jersey State Fair, forcing Steinmetz to pull out. The Steinmetz Family Farm is bringing 100 Nigerian dwarf goats to the NYS Fair for the first time. $10 for unlimited goat snuggles, located in the Horticulture Building.Steinmetz Family Farm But as far Steinmetz knows, no group has threatened to protest his goat snuggling booth at the NYS Fair. Steinmetz says opposition to his business comes from a few vegan extremists, and that hes mindful of his goats wellbeing. We only allow a certain amount of people in the booth space at a time, he said. We dont go around and stick the goat on your lap or anything like that. If the goat wants to be held, itll jump in your lap, or somebody can pick them up. But the goats make it very obvious if theyre done being snuggled, they jump down. Part of the booth is designed for the goats to get away from people whenever they want. The Steinmetz Family Farm is bringing 100 Nigerian dwarf goats to the NYS Fair for the first time. $10 for unlimited goat snuggles, located in the Horticulture Building.Steinmetz Family Farm I built this goat mountain area, a place for them to jump and climb, said Steinmetz. In the end theyre getting socialized, theyre getting fed, we have staff watching over everything to make sure no ones misbehaving. The worst thing that ever happens is children are always throwing hay inside their water dish. The Steinmetz Family Farm goat snuggling booth will be located in the Horticulture Building, next to the live butterfly exhibit. When you get here and you see the big banners, the mood lighting, the hay bales, and all the baby goats, said Steinmetz, and you look at someone else in there holding a baby goattheres something in you that says I want to do that too. Stay up to date on all our New York State Fair news, food, music, schedules and more with syracuse.coms free newsletter. Its emailed to you each morning. Click here to sign up. More NYS Fair News 2024 NY State Fair opening day could see lake effect -- rain, that is - newyorkupstate.com Smoking, vaping or consuming weed and tobacco at the 2024 NYS Fair: What are the rules? Everything you need to know for NYS Fair 2024: Food, rides, music, new attractions and more NYS Fair Love Stories: Michael Bolton and buffalo burgers made for a great first date NYS Fair: 6 things that never change and we like it that way (Editorial Board Opinion) Eating, drinking, shopping and more at the 2024 NYS Fair: See full list of vendors Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors. CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) Former U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, short-circuiting the federal fraud case that led to his expulsion from Congress just weeks before it was set to go to trial. I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct, the New York Republican said as he entered the plea in a Long Island courtroom. Santos, 36, said he accepted responsibility and intends to make amends. He faces more than six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines and owes at least $370,000 in restitution. Senior Federal Judge Joanna Seybert scheduled Santos sentencing for Feb. 7. Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while actually working. Santos was expelled from the U.S. House after an ethics investigation found overwhelming evidence that he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit. The case has been set to go to trial in early September. If that had happened, federal prosecutors said Monday that they were prepared to call some 40 witnesses, including members of Santos campaign, employers and family members. Santos was once touted as a rising political star after he flipped the suburban district that covers the affluent North Shore of Long Island and a slice of the New York City borough of Queens in 2022. But his life story began unraveling before he was even sworn into office. At the time, reports emerged that he had lied about having a career at top Wall Street firms and a college degree along with other questions of his biography. New questions then emerged about his campaign funds. He was first indicted on federal charges in May 2023, but refused to resign from office. Santos has previously maintained his innocence, though he said in an interview in December that a plea deal with prosecutors was not off the table. Asked if he was afraid of going to prison, he told CBS 2 at the time: I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail, its not a pretty place and uh, I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible. Separately Monday, in Manhattan federal court, Judge Denise Cote tossed out a lawsuit in which Santos claimed that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, ABC and Disney committed copyright infringement and unjustly enriched themselves at his expense by using videos he made on the Cameo app for a Jimmy Kimmel Live segment. The judge said it was clear that Kimmel used the clips, which were also posted to YouTube, for the purposes of criticism and commentary, which is fair use. Santos had begun selling personalized videos on Cameo in December shortly after his ouster from Congress. He subsequently launched, then quickly abandoned, a longshot bid to return to Congress as an independent earlier this year. In a radio interview that aired Sunday, Santos said he has taken comfort in being a somewhat private civilian again. I really dont miss the rubber chicken dinners and the rah-rah-rah parties and fundraisers, he said of his former life. With his criminal trial looming, he said in the WABC interview that he was terrified. This is not absolutely an easy process to go through. It really hurts and it really messes with your psychological health, he told host Cindy Adams. As the trial date neared in recent weeks, Santos had sought to have a partially anonymous jury, with his lawyers arguing in court papers that the mere risk of public ridicule could influence the individual jurors ability to decide Santos case solely on the facts and law as presented in Court. He also wanted potential jurors to fill out a written questionnaire gauging their opinions of him. His lawyers argued the survey was needed because for all intents and purposes, Santos has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion. Judge Joanna Seybert agreed to keep jurors identities public but said no to the questionnaire. Prosecutors, meanwhile, had been seeking to admit as evidence some of the financial falsehoods Santos told during his campaign, including that hed worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs and that he had operated a family-run firm with approximately $80 million in assets, Two Santos campaign aides previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to the former congressmans campaign. His ex-treasurer, Nancy Marks, pleaded guilty in October to a fraud conspiracy charge, implicating Santos in an alleged scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors. A lawyer for Marks said at the time his client would be willing to testify against Santos if asked. Sam Miele, a former fundraiser for Santos, pleaded guilty a month later to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising money for Santos campaign. Syracuse, N.Y. -- These two iconic Central New York events dont usually happen simultaneously: the New York State Fair and lake effect. This year, they do. Lake effect rain -- yes, thats a real thing -- could bring light showers to the fairs opening day Wednesday. You read that correctly, a lake effect influence in August, said the National Weather Service. Thats because an abnormally cold air mass for this time of year will push into Upstate New York on Wednesday. Temperatures could be 10 to 15 degrees below normal. The high on Wednesday in Syracuse is expected to reach just 65 degrees, according to the weather service. The normal high for Aug. 21 is 80. The greatest chances for rain Wednesday will be in the morning and early afternoon. Gates open at 10 a.m. Only a tenth of an inch is expected, but it could be enough to get your T-shirt damp as you dash from building to building. Rain isnt unusual for the state fair, but lake effect rain is. That generally happens in the fall, when upper air temperatures drop faster than the temperature of the lakes. Lake effect rain, like its better known counterpart, lake effect snow, is produced by cold air blowing over relatively warmer lakes. On Wednesday, the temperature in the mid-atmosphere will be about 37 degrees -- chilly for this date, the weather service said. Lake Ontario is about 68 degrees. That 31-degree gap is enough for lake water to evaporate and be blown onto shore as rain. After Wednesday, clear skies and warmer temperatures will dominate the rest of the week and weekend. Expect partly cloudy to mostly sunny conditions Thursday through Sunday. Temperatures will climb, too, from a high of about 74 on Thursday to 84 on Sunday. ajmat Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 15,067 Thanked: 29,770 Times View My Garage Re: 15-year scrappage policy | Sensible to buy expensive cars? Quote: princey Originally Posted by D So, the dilemma is , does it actually make sense in purchasing an expensive car only to loose much in value over the years and sell it at a considerable loss after 6 or 7 years ? . The best scenario would be a higher tax for old diesels. This might keep the more expensive cars but discourage the smaller cars as the cost to change is more attractive. Quote: Dr.Abhi Originally Posted by . So my mantra is Stay prudent (to your needs and finance) Stay Simple (no high tech gadgetry/machinery) Stay relavant (changing emmission/ fuel norms) Drive Safe (no rash/high speed driving) Quote: arunphilip Originally Posted by Any resale value that the car offers is something I view as a bonus at the time of sale, not as an integral part of funding my next car. To offer a different solution: remember that a car takes the biggest hit at the moment you purchase it. So, if you still want to purchase a high-end car, maybe consider a pre-owned option? We have two noteworthy threads on the topic ( Any resale value that the car offers is something I view as a bonus at the time of sale, not as an integral part of funding my next car.To offer a different solution: remember that a car takes the biggest hit at the moment you purchase it. So, if you still want to purchase a high-end car, maybe consider a pre-owned option? We have two noteworthy threads on the topic ( thread #1 thread #2 ). Quote: GTO Originally Posted by I would personally avoid a diesel car if I lived in a city with a 10-year ban as I prefer to keep my cars for long. Quote: self_driven Originally Posted by All cars drop is value. The rate and value of this drop is much higher with unpopular and expensive models. The only way to make peace with it is to NOT look at cars as an investment. Ask the dealer to valuate your new car a day after delivery. You'll realise that depreciation after 4 years is nothing compared to that. In reality, the government needs a sensible policy which discourages, not bans and focusses on fitness. I would almost say yes but the asking prices for such secondhand cars do not take account of this reality. The NCR cars are re-registered elsewhere. Until a clear national policy comes out, it will be in a state of flux.The best scenario would be a higher tax for old diesels. This might keep the more expensive cars but discourage the smaller cars as the cost to change is more attractive.Wise words but temptation is something else!This is my logic also. A new high end car makes sense if company owned to offset tax. One must establish the loss appetiteThe problem is that most of the more attractive used cars are dieselMost people do not realise that a used car requiring more maintenance is cheaper than depreciation.In reality, the government needs a sensible policy which discourages, not bans and focusses on fitness. Last edited by ajmat : 18th August 2024 at 16:27 . The big picture: Dynamic pricing is becoming an unavoidable reality, despite its unpopularity among many consumers. This shift is being driven by technologies like electronic shelf labels (ESLs). Retailers argue that these innovations increase efficiency and reduce costs in an industry known for its slim profit margins. However, consumers worry that this could pave the way for even more aggressive dynamic pricing practices. As Walmart begins deploying ESLs in its stores, industry observers will be closely watching how consumers react to this change. Walmart is leading the charge to replace traditional paper price tags with electronic shelf labels (ESLs) by 2026. The retailer aims to introduce the technology in 2,300 stores, signaling a significant shift that has already taken hold in Europe. With several locations in California already utilizing ESLs, Walmart may be paving the way for a nationwide transformation. Electronic shelf labels use display technologies, such as e-paper or LCDs to present product information. These labels are connected to a central server wirelessly via radio frequency, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Zigbee. This connectivity allows for real-time updates to product information, but most importantly, prices. The adoption of electronic labels offers numerous advantages to stores, as the ability to quickly update prices saves time and labor compared to the manual process of changing paper labels. However, the ease of changing prices has raised concerns about potential price gouging and the facilitation of dynamic pricing strategies, where prices fluctuate based on demand factors such as time of day or weather conditions. In fact, the technology is tailor-made for dynamic pricing. ESLs allow retailers to adjust prices in real-time based on specific conditions, such as raising prices during peak shopping hours or offering discounts during off-peak times to attract more customers. Despite this, both Walmart and Kroger, have assured consumers that they do not intend to use electronic labels for dynamic pricing. Instead, they claim the technology will be used to lower costs and reflect sale prices, not to increase prices throughout the day. They are walking a thin line with consumers, however, as they deploy the technology. Trust can quickly be eroded if consumers feel they are being charged unfairly, particularly if they suspect prices are being manipulated based on their purchasing behavior or personal data. A Capterra survey found that 52% of consumers equate dynamic pricing with price gouging, and only 34% believe it benefits them. Santiago Gallino, a professor specializing in retail management at the University of Pennsylvania, notes that he hasn't observed signs that retailers plan to use ESLs for surge pricing. "In my conversation with retailers, it's clear that those who are pushing towards this technology are mainly trying to drive efficiency up in the stores and try to reduce costs," Gallino told the Los Angeles Times. "Grocery retailers operate on very thin margins, so every time they find technology that can help them save in labor, they will do that." Nonetheless, skepticism remains among some policymakers. US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bob Casey expressed their concerns in a letter to Rodney McMullen, CEO of Kroger, which is also using ESLs in its stores. "These digital price tags may enable Kroger and other grocery chains to transition to 'dynamic pricing,' in which the price of basic household goods could surge based on the time of day, the weather, or other transitory events," they wrote. What just happened? X has ended its operations in Brazil amid a censorship row with one of the country's top judges. The former Twitter platform said that the move was made to protect staff in Brazil after Alexandre de Moraes threatened one of its legal representatives with arrest if the company did not remove certain content from the site. According to X, de Moraes, the president of the Superior Electoral Court and a justice of the Supreme Federal Court, made the threat in a "secret order." X published photos of a document allegedly signed by de Moraes that says a daily fine of 20,000 reais ($3,653) and an arrest decree would be imposed against X representative Rachel Nova Conceicao if the platform did not fully comply with de Moraes' orders to remove specific content. Rather than comply with the order, X has instead opted to shutter its operations in Brazil "to protect the safety of our staff." X said it was "deeply saddened" that it had to make the decision, and that the blame "lies solely" with de Moraes. The company added that Brazilian staff had no responsibility or control over whether content is blocked Owner Elon Musk assured people in Brazil that they are still able to use X. He added that the demand "would require us to break (in secret) Brazilian, Argentinian, American and international law." "The decision to close the X office in Brazil was difficult, but, if we had agreed to @alexandre's (illegal) secret censorship and private information handover demands, there was no way we could explain our actions without being ashamed," Musk wrote in an X post. The decision to close the i*i office in Brazil was difficult, but, if we had agreed to @alexandre's (illegal) secret censorship and private information handover demands, there was no way we could explain our actions without being ashamed. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 17, 2024 Earlier this year, de Moraes ordered X to block accounts many of them belonging to supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro accused of spreading disinformation while they were under investigation. Musk refused to implement the bans, claimed the orders were unconstitutional, and called for de Moraes to resign. It led to the judge opening an obstruction of justice inquiry against the billionaire. X then reversed course, stating in April that it would comply with every ruling issued by either the court or Brazil's top electoral court. After de Moraes asked X in April why it had not fully complied with his decision, lawyers representing the firm in Brazil told the Supreme Court that "operational faults" had allowed users who were ordered to be blocked to stay on the platform. Musk recently compared de Moraes to Harry Potter's nemesis Lord Voldemort. TL;DR: According to Geoffrey Hinton, the "Godfather of AI," artificial intelligence was born in California 40 years ago. Now, the Golden State is attempting to regulate the research and development of future, powerful AI algorithms. However, companies have voiced concerns about the potential for excessive regulation. Senator Scott Wiener has amended Senate Bill 1047 after considering concerns from Anthropic and other AI companies. In a recent press release, Wiener explained that SB 1047 aims to establish new "safe development" rules for large-scale artificial intelligence systems in California, promoting common-sense safety standards to harness this potentially disruptive technology and prevent threats to public safety. The proposed SB 1047 is advancing to the Assembly floor and must be voted on by August 31. The bill, which Wiener believes can help California advance both innovation and safety in AI development, has been revised after receiving feedback from AI industry leaders, academia, and the public sector. Anthropic had particular concerns about SB 1047, and Wiener noted that the revised bill incorporates some of the company's "very reasonable" amendment proposals. The updated SB 1047 draft addresses Anthropic's core concerns by removing criminal penalties and replacing them with civil ones. Additionally, the proposed new regulatory body has been eliminated in favor of a more "streamlined" regulatory structure that should not significantly impact California's ability to hold bad AI actors accountable. New legal standards now require AI developers to exercise "reasonable care" in creating and training safe AI algorithms. Senate Bill 1047 applies only to models that have been fine-tuned with investments of at least $10 million, exempting developers of smaller, open-source models from its provisions. SB 1047 has the backing of leading AI researchers, including Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, according to Senator Wiener. The revised bill aims to establish new standards for AI development, particularly for models that cost over $100 million to train. These "frontier" models must implement basic precautions and safeguards against misuse, and California's Attorney General will have the authority to bring developers to court if a powerful AI system causes "severe harm" to citizens. Senator Wiener noted that while Congress has yet to pass significant technology regulation since the era of the floppy disk, California must act to mitigate the risks posed by rapidly advancing AI algorithms. Professor Hinton praised SB 1047 for striking a sensible balance between lawmakers' concerns and those of AI companies, offering state authorities effective measures to address risks while fostering innovation in the field. Many are getting excited about the Polaris Dawn mission that is launching soon, and this also includes the renowned billionaire, tech mogul, and SpaceX CEO and co-founder, Elon Musk. Over the weekend, the eccentric tech executive teased that the mission will be "epic," showing off his anticipation for the upcoming launch that is set to take place next week. SpaceX will fulfill the launch and vehicle of the Polaris Dawn mission, bringing the four civilian astronauts to a point farther than the Earth's orbit. Elon Musk Teases SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission to be 'Epic' SpaceX's CEO posted about the Polaris Dawn mission that is set for next week, no earlier than Monday, August 26, claiming that the upcoming journey "will be epic." The tech executive also said that this would be SpaceX's "first" spacewalk mission that it will carry out, centering on the all-civilian spaceflight that would be led by Shift4's Jared Isaacman. It is known that SpaceX's Crew Dragon would seat the four astronauts, while its Falcon 9 would be responsible for bringing it to orbit. The mission will launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. First SpaceX spacewalk mission launches in a week. This will be epic. https://t.co/U9OSmDR2ti Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 18, 2024 What to Expect in the 'Historic' Polaris Dawn Mission? First off, the Polaris Dawn would bring four civilian astronauts to space, and it would try to reach 435 miles or 700 kilometers from the ground, where it would orbit for several days. It is Crew Dragon's maximum distance and is 185 miles farther than the International Space Station. What made the mission "historic" was its plans to conduct the first commercial spacewalk with its civilian crew members, also testing SpaceX's EVA (extravehicular activity) spacesuits. SpaceX and Polaris Dawn would also measure valuable data with regards to how space affects the human body, in preparation for the space company's plans to go to the Moon and Mars. The Polaris Dawn Mission's Awaited Launch In a bid to raise awareness, travel more in space, and bring more civilians to become astronauts, the Polaris Dawn idea was born from one-time space alumni, Jared Isaacman. The idea was first brought to life in 2022, selecting SpaceX again to bring the new batch of astronauts to the cosmos, making this Isaacman's second venture to the great beyond after his stint in 2021's Inspiration4. However, the mission saw several delays on different ends, with its first pushback taking place in December 2022, its first supposed launch, to March 2023. That being said, it was later moved to 2024, with a set window planned for July, but also faced a rescheduling from the company to prioritize the NASA Crew-9 mission, but both were also pushedfurther than their original timelines. The Polaris Dawn was able to secure a late August launch, while NASA's Crew-9 was moved to September, with the all-civilian crew mission going ahead as it remains on schedule. Soon, the world will see Polaris Dawn take flight aboard the Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 which would take civilians farther than the orbit, as well as conduct the historic spacewalk, all of which are anticipated by Elon Musk. France wildfires force thousands to flee Marseille, Aug 19 (AFP) Aug 19, 2024 Two wildfires in southern France forced several thousand people to flee before the blazes were brought under control, officials said on Monday. Some 3,000 holiday makers were evacuated from a camping site to a municipal building in the coastal town of Canet-en-Roussillon, near the city of Perpignan, in the face of a fire fanned by strong winds, rescue services said in a statement. The fire, which destroyed one mobile home and partially damaged five others, was brought under control, they said. Further up the Mediterranean coast, a fire that forced dozens from their homes in the coastal town of Frontignan, near the city of Montpellier, was also quelled. "The fire has been under control for two and a half hours now," a spokesman for the regional firefighters, Jerome Bonnafoux, told AFP shortly after sunrise. "We're still working on it because there are several hot spots where the risk of it flaring are high," he added. Of the 600 firefighters who rushed to put out the fire on Sunday, half were expected to keep working on the site throughout the day, he added. The fire, which has destroyed at least 300 hectares (740 acres) of land, ignited near the A9 highway from Montpellier to the Spanish border. Firefighters emptied the swimming pools of private homeowners to tackle the blaze, the mayor's cabinet director said. burs/alc/yad/lth Forest fire on Portugal's Madeira raging after five days Lisbon, Aug 19 (AFP) Aug 19, 2024 A vast forest fire that has raged on the Portuguese island of Madeira for five days has been partially brought under control, officials said Monday. At least 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres) of trees and vegetation has so far been destroyed by the blaze on the holiday island, with one of its three fronts still burning, local authorities said. The fire began Wednesday in the rural Ribeira Brava area in the west of the Atlantic island before spreading, fanned by the winds and high temperatures, to the neighbouring Camara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol districts. Some 160 people were evacuated from their homes Sunday as 200 firefighters attempted to tackle the blaze in difficult to access hilly terrain. But Miguel Albuquerque, head of the regional government, told reporters that no one had been killed and "no homes or essential infrastructure has been destroyed". All those evacuated have since returned to their homes. Leonel Silva, the mayor of Camara de Lobos, said the two fronts of the blaze in his district had been brought under control. "The fire is practically out there," he told the Lusa news agency. The third front in Ponta do Sol is still ablaze, according to mayor Celia Pessegueiro, but no homes are under threat. Portugal sent 76 firefighters from the mainland Saturday to reinforce brigades on the island, which is some 500 kilometres (300 miles) off Morocco. The billionaire family behind Seven & i Holdings Co., owner of 7-Eleven convenience stores, is poised for a massive payday if they support what would be the biggest foreign takeover of a Japanese company. The descendants of Masatoshi Ito are the second-largest shareholders of Seven & i, with an 8.1 per cent stake worth $US3.1 billion ($4.6 billion) through their family vehicle, according to the companys annual report. The firm said in a statement that it has received a non-binding buyout proposal from Alimentation Couche-Tard of Canada. Couche-Tard confirmed it made a friendly offer. Masatoshi Ito, the Japanese groups founder, died last year at the age of 98 with a net worth of $US5 billion. Credit: Bloomberg If the deal goes ahead, it would be a remarkable turn of events for both companies. Couche-Tards billionaire co-founder Alain Bouchard first approached Ito about an acquisition in 2005, according to a 2016 interview with Canadas Globe and Mail newspaper. Ito rejected the idea, saying both companies needed to improve their standing in the US market before contemplating a merger. Its not clear if the Ito clan supports the deal, and they may be unwilling to part with their family legacy, said Michael Causton, co-founder of Tokyo-based JapanConsuming, a research firm focused on the Japanese retail and consumer sector. You would have to question the coincidence of Chalmers raising Chinas deteriorating economy over the weekend after Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock raised a red flag on China at a Senate estimates hearing on Friday. Sure, economist boffins have been on high alert about Chinas construction rout undermining the price of our biggest export iron ore, but Canberra has finally joined in sounding alarm bells. While the US sharemarket dictates the trajectory of our equities market, the Chinese economy feeds our resource-heavy economy. Meanwhile, the A2 Milk company fed into the troublesome China story, revealing on Monday that the countrys infant milk formula market was down 10.7 per cent in value in the 2024 financial year, thanks in large part to a 6 per cent drop in Chinas birth rate in 2023. Large as that seems, it follows a 10 per cent fall in 2022, a 12 per cent fall in 2021 and an 18 per cent drop the year before. Loading The slowing birth rate will continue to put pressure on Australian businesses that export to that sector of the market, but its the deflating property bubble in China focusing Treasurys attention, as the rivers of gold flowing from the taxation of iron ore miners have a huge impact on the governments coffers. The price of the red metal has now fallen below where Treasury had expected it would land, and over the past week alone has plunged by 7.5 per cent. Although Treasury had built a decline in the iron ore price into its forecasts, the trajectory of the fall is steeper than expected and could shave $3 billion from its tax receipts over four years. Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Good Food columnist honoured at prestigious awards (and here are 20 of her best recipes to try) A beloved cook and author and pioneers in non-alcoholic drinks, fine dining and Filipino gelato were among those inducted into this years Melbourne Food and Wine Hall of Fame. Daniela Frangos August 19, 2024 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 A Filipino food pioneer, non-alcoholic drinks innovators, a beloved Melbourne cook and author, and the duo behind The Age Good Food Guides 2024 Restaurant of the Year are among 12 local food and drink identities named in this years Melbourne Food and Wine Legends and Trailblazers awards. Julia Busuttil Nishimura has been named one of Melbournes food and wine trailblazers. Emily Weaving Good Weekend and Good Food columnist and master of wholesome home cooking Julia Busuttil Nishimura was recognised as a trailblazing food communicator for her cookbooks, columns and recipes, which are informed by her Maltese heritage and devotion to the Mediterranean. Shes just so encouraging, says Pat Nourse, creative director of Melbourne Food & Wine and a member of the judging panel. Everything about the way she communicates makes you not only think you can do it but want to do it right now. I think shes one of the most exciting newer voices in food and recipes in Australia, if not the world, and a style icon to boot. Recipe collection 20 crowd-pleasing Julia Busuttil Nishimura recipes for every occasion Advertisement Brothers Chayse and Blayne Bertoncello were honoured for their finely tuned, deeply personal approach to their buzzy, bijou Beaconsfield fine diner O My, which was named Restaurant of the Year in The Age Good Food Guide 2024. I have so much time for their style of hospitality and food, says Nourse, who describes Chayses service as effortless, incredibly charming, yet really detailed. He nails a very Australian brand of incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent service that is nonetheless absolutely down to earth, completely approachable and super fun. Fellow inductees recognised at the awards dinner, at upscale restaurant Societyon Monday, include Kariton Sorbetes John Rivera, whos expanded Melbournes notion of gelato with Filipino flavours such as ube fudge, turon and durian chiffon; Imogen Hayes and Christina Trabucco for their game-changing non-alcoholic drinks under the T.I.N.A. label; and chef Tom Sarafian, who founded a food company that has had him dubbed the crown prince of hummus. The annual awards have been going since 1993 and recognise those who have broken new ground, or inspired and nurtured the local food and drink industry. Previously only one trailblazer was named alongside the six legends. But this year, Melbourne Food and Wine has named six, a reflection of the rising influence of young visionaries in Victorias food and drink scene. There was a lot of new talent we wanted to nominate that didnt qualify for our conditions for capital L legends status, and we wanted to find a way to shine a light on them, says Nourse. Those conditions include completing at least 15 years of service in Victorias hospitality industry. Advertisement Natalie Paull has been named one of the 2024 Melbourne Food and Wine legends. Emily Weaving Among the long-serving Legends named are chef and food writer Natalie Paull, whose debut cookbook, Beatrix Bakes, became an instant classic; acclaimed chef-restaurateur Dan Hunter, of three-hat Brae; and Gerald Diffey, who defined the quintessential Melbourne neighbourhood bar 19 years ago with Carlton North icon Geralds. This cocoa sour cream layer cake is beloved Melbourne bake shop Beatrixs most requested recipe (and weve got it) The Legends and Trailblazers we celebrate are the players whose forward-thinking, courage and contributions to hospitality are both the foundations and the future of the world-class food scene Victoria enjoys today, said Anthea Loucas Bosha, CEO of Food + Drink Victoria, the parent company of Melbourne Food & Wine. Chayse Bertoncello (left) and brother Blayne Bertoncello at their restaurant O.My. Chloe Dann Advertisement The 2024 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Legends and Trailblazers Food Producer/Retailer/Advocate Legend: Judy Croagh, Western Plains Pork Trailblazer: John Rivera, Kariton Sorbetes Communicator/Educator Legend: Natalie Paull, Beatrix Bakes Trailblazer: Julia Busuttil Nishimura Advertisement Drink Producer/Retailer/Advocate Legend: Mac Forbes, Mac Forbes Trailblazers: Imogen Hayes and Christina Trabucco, T.I.N.A Chef/Restaurateur/Hospitality professional Legend: Dan Hunter, Brae Trailblazer: Tom Sarafian Local Hero Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The commitment to craftsmanship achieved by Frances leading luxury houses at the Olympic Games in Paris can be found closer to home. Follow the Macleay River instead of the Seine, take the Kempsey turn off on the Pacific Highway, drive past the Slim Dusty Centre and you will find the unremarkable home of the height of homemade Australian fashion: hatmaker Akubra. The nondescript workshop, where the 148-year-old company moved to from Sydney in 1974, will never be mistaken for a boutique on the Champs-Elysees. But inside the premises a 115-strong workforce share the dedication of their Parisienne counterparts, steaming, pummelling, shellacking and taming rabbit fur into stiff-brimmed perfection. Workers in starched white coats at Louis Vuitton and Dior reached luxurys pinnacle at the Olympics with monogrammed medal cases and an intricately beaded gown for Celine Dion. For the more casually dressed Akubra workers, the gold medal is their recently renewed contract with the Australian Defence Force to produce slouch hats for the army. Theres no two ways about it, says Ron Palin, Akubras general manager of operations. The highest standard we put out of this place is a slouch hat. Its not because we are held to a higher standard but because the history behind it transfers to us doing a better job. You dont want to let them down. That history stretches back to World War I when Akubra made slouch hats for the Australian Army. Last year in November, a rare turn in the road occurred when Andrew and Nicola Forrest bought the business for an undisclosed amount from the Keir family, who had operated Akubra since 1918 when ownership was transferred from founder Benjamin Dunkerley to his son-in-law, Stephen Keir. The extension of Akubras contract as the sole supplier of slouch hats to the Australian Defence Force shows that its business as usual. Australias guidelines are under review after the US EPAs dramatic policy shift in April deemed the chemicals were probable carcinogens and found there was no safe level of exposure. Sydney Waters long-held position on monitoring drinking water to date has been there are no known PFAS hotspots in our drinking water catchments, and the government has previously rejected the need for routine tap water monitoring. Pressure continues to mount for an official inquiry into PFAS in Australia. New research also shows for the first time high levels of PFAS in wildlife such as platypuses, and in areas of Sydneys drinking water catchment where there are no known PFAS hotspots, suggesting the chemicals have spread. Sydney Water said that all samples tested are well below [Australian drinking water] guidelines and monitoring of drinking water uses a risk-based approach. A study has detected PFAS chemicals in platypuses. There is regular consultation between Sydney Water, WaterNSW and NSW Health to assess any potential risk of PFAS or any other contaminant to Sydneys drinking supply. Sydney Water conducted an additional round of sampling of the Cascade water filtration plant after levels of PFAS discovered at Katoomba and Blackheath were higher than those at the other sites. The plant supplies drinking water to around 30,000 people in the middle and upper Blue Mountains. The levels detected were quadruple the maximum limit at which PFAS must be removed from drinking water supplies in America. Dr Nicholas Chartres, a senior research fellow from the University of Sydneys Faculty of Medicine and Health, said he was concerned the review of Australias drinking water guidelines could take months or years to be finalised. Platypus researchers Michelle Ryan (left) and Katherine Warwick (right) study a monotreme. Credit: Nerida Taylor / Supplied There needs to be more urgency, he said. This is a symbolic representation of a lot of environmental health threats where the benefit of doubt is given to the polluter, and the public pays the consequences of that. He said the US EPAs evaluation was the most rigorous conducted on PFAS and had canvassed at least 130 new epidemiological studies published since Australias guidelines were finalised in 2018. Sydney Waters monitoring in the catchment found no detectable levels of PFAS in water filtration plants in Macarthur, Nepean, the Illawarra or the Woronora River. The synthetic chemicals accumulate in the environment, said Katherine Warwick, lead author of a new study that showed alarming levels of PFAS in the bodies of platypuses in coastal NSW, even those in seemingly pristine waterways. One of the biggest concerns to come out of our study is that some of the platypuses were found in areas where there is no known PFAS hotspot nearby, said Warwick, a PhD student in the School of Science at the University of Western Sydney. So the study has really highlighted how widespread it is. The researchers analysed the bodies of nine platypuses from different regions of NSW and found all the animals in the wild had traces of PFAS in their livers. Only one animal was PFAS-free a captive platypus that had died at Taronga Zoo, suggesting that filtered water in a controlled environment had prevented the contaminant from entering, the study said. Loading The levels of contamination varied wildly, from four micrograms per kilogram to over 1200 micrograms. One platypus found dead in the water catchment at Wingecarribee River near Berrima in NSW had 390 micrograms of PFAS chemicals per kilogram in its liver. The levels are very, very high, said Dr Wright, who was also an author of the study, which was published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research. This is the first study of its kind on platypuses and the first for any freshwater apex predator in the waterways of Australia. Separate research led by Warwick tested for PFAS and other contaminants in the drinking water catchment. It showed low levels of PFAS chemicals around sewage treatment plants from which treated water entered the catchment zone. Higher levels of PFAS contamination were detected in river sediment close to the sewage treatment plants at Lithgow, Goulburn, Moss Vale, Mittagong and Bowral. Loading The health effects of high PFAS concentrations on the platypuses are unknown. Separate studies have shown links between PFAS contamination and ill health in other species, including damage to the liver and immune systems, low birth weight, birth defects, delayed development and newborn deaths. PFAS is an umbrella term for a family of thousands of chemicals dubbed forever chemicals because they never break down in the environment. The chemicals discovered in Sydneys drinking water catchments have historically been used in fabric protector, food packaging and firefighting foam. NSW teachers will no longer need to take professional development courses in four core areas including curriculum delivery, while the states schools regulator will scrap the accreditation process for thousands of training courses. The overhaul of professional development programs has been welcomed by the teachers union and private school sectors but slammed by critics who warn it will erode quality assurance and risks undermining the governments push for evidence-based teaching. More than 170,000 teachers across the state were told late last week of changes to the 100 hours of professional development they must complete every five years. The states education authority has scrapped the accreditation process for teacher professional development courses. Credit: Steven Siewert Under the new regime, teachers will no longer complete 50 hours of accredited courses in mandated areas of curriculum delivery and assessment, disability, mental health and Aboriginal education. As the new metro line opens under the heart of Sydney, we take a look at how it became a reality. The driverless train pulled out of Sydenham station in Sydneys south at 4.54am on Monday, whisking passengers northwards along the new $21.6 billion metro line under the harbour and cementing its place in the citys history. The train was packed with train enthusiasts, three of whom had arrived at Sydenham station shortly after 1am, hours before the first paid passenger service on the extended M1 line set off for Tallawong in Sydneys north-west. Adam Riakos travels with his grandfather Mosh Riakos on the first paid passenger Metro train on the M1 line from Sydenham station to Chatswood. Credit: Janie Barrett Logan Newboult-Kosztyo had travelled from Woy Woy on the Central Coast on Sunday night for the chance to travel on the historic pre-dawn service, arriving at Sydenham at 1.15am. My Dad is a train driver so its always been a big passion of mine, he said. It had been a festive feel on the platform at Sydenham, and a huge cheer went up among the throng as the first train pulled up at the station. An Orleans County man has been arrested on multiple charges in connection with a burglary at a sporting goods store three months ago, the Batavia Police Department reported. Nathanial S. Thompson, 23, of Albion, is accused of breaking into Barretts Batavia Marine, 411 W. Main St., on May 27 and stealing numerous guns. Thompson was arraigned on charges of second-degree burglary, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree grand larceny, third-degree criminal mischief and fourth-degree conspiracy. He was remanded to Genesee County Jail without bail. He is due to return Sept. 11 to Batavia City Court. Dale Anderson Martin Place The bathrooms at Martin Place are a subterranean escape. Clad in stone and marble, and with a surprisingly enticing (and thankfully artificial) aroma, this bathroom was an absolute pleasure. It did lose marks for an open ceiling hatch above the urinals which would make for daunting use, as well as an automatic sensor tap that seemed to turn on and off on its own. Perhaps its just the ghost of train passengers past looking to freshen up on their commute. 6.5/10 Waterloo For a station that has the word loo in the name, you go in with high expectations and in this case, I was pleasantly surprised. Each toilet is its own private little hotel room and the one I checked into was clean and sleek. White and yellow tiles were a lively combination, and there was a fabulous array of coat hooks, which is vital if youve ever had to balance a bag on your lap while rushing between trains. My only criticism is that the toilet faces the door, and while there is a big red light that glows when the door is locked, I will never trust Transport for NSW enough to believe that I wont be walked in on mid-act. 8/10 Its a long way up and down at the Crows Nest station. Credit: Steven Siewert Crows Nest Like the comforting embrace of a literal crows nest, these toilets were simply delightful. Black slate floors meet sea-foam tiles in this home away from home. All was almost perfect; however, the lighting situation is a mess. For all the work to create a peaceful environment, blaring spotlights casting harsh shadows on my delicate features was almost too much. A well-placed lamp, chandelier, or sconce would not have been unwarranted. I also must point out the hand dryer was almost impossible to locate. I had to squat down on the ground to find it hidden under the mirror. 8.25/10 The finishes are nice in the Barangaroo toilets, you might even want to stay the night. Credit: Wolter Peeters Barangaroo This bathroom can make you feel like youre taking a minute to yourself during an awkward date at an overpriced restaurant. The finishes are nice, with terrazzo floors and sleek rippled walls that make you feel like youre in a cocoon. Theres a big mirror and a sleek stainless-steel baby-changing table that will likely be covered in graffiti by the time you finish reading this sentence. Theres even a built-in stone shelf by the sink so you have a place to put your 13-step skincare routine. However, dont get too comfortable, the doors automatically unlock after 20 minutes! 8.5/10 NSW Police saw deadly threats from one of the men who went on to kill two Queensland officers at least five hours before the shootings, a coroner has heard. State Coroner Terry Ryan, who is investigating the fatal shooting of six people at a rural Queensland property on December 12, 2022, on Monday heard evidence for the first time from NSW Police officers. Ryan heard Gareth Train, 47, emailed his brother Nathaniel, 46, claiming NSW Police wanted to see you dead and told others he would greet them as they deserve if officers arrived at his doorstep. NSW Police was forwarded the emails the day they were sent, on December 11, 2022 which were read and reviewed by an officer before 11am the next day. What Rinehart doesnt have that Twiggy does is a boot made in Australia. Since Forrests acquisition, R.M.s have been reshoring manufacturing. Credit: John Shakespeare Despite Rossis website proclaiming the boots are made in Australia since 1910, theyre actually made in Indonesia. That even goes for those infamous lurid gold Rossis that Rinehart gifted to Olympic medallists during an exclusive cruise on the Seine in Paris during this months Games. Local manufacturing of Rossis was already winding down before Rinehart bought the brand, with the final pair being made in the Adelaide factory last year. Luckily for those remaining employees, their CFMEU reps were able to find them new jobs ... at R.M. Williams. The effrontery of economy CBD is always grateful to the Victorian Liberal Party for helping to fill this column. The content machine known as Deeming v Pesutto was back in the Federal Court on Monday to hear whether former Liberal MP Dr Matt Bach will have to fly from his new home in the United Kingdom to give evidence in person for Opposition Leader John Pesutto. Opposition Leader John Pesutto (second from left) and Matt Bach (right) at a press conference regarding Moira Deeming in 2023. Credit: Simon Schluter For the uninitiated, Pesutto is being sued for defamation by MP Moira Deeming, who was expelled from the Liberal parliamentary party last year in the fallout from her role in the Let Women Speak rally that was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis. Bach, who was once deputy Liberal leader in the upper house, has taken up a new role as deputy headmaster at Brighton College, where he teaches students in years 9, 11 and 12. CBD imagines the classes must be about as disciplined as a Liberal party room meeting. Loading Matt Collins, KC, acting for Pesutto, says forcing Bach to fly to Melbourne to give evidence for one or two hours would be an unnecessary cost and an unnecessary disruption to his family and students. Justice David OCallaghan questioned whether Bach was really that indispensable to the students, given hes already headed to China for work for 10 days around the same time. And couldnt he tack on a trip to Melbourne from there anyway? This could have poor Dr Bach travelling economy on some estimates for 18 hours from Shanghai, Collins said. If required, the court heard, Bach would be travelling from London, and business class flights would cost $10,000 or more with accommodation and incidentals. OCallaghan reserved his decision on whether to allow Bach to give evidence by video, which is generally not the done thing. They [witnesses] dont have to face the courtroom and the solemnity of the occasion in cross-examination and thats a big disadvantage to a cross-examiner, Sue Chrysanthou, SC, argued for Deeming. OCallaghan recalled a case in which someone gave evidence from their car as they went through a McDonalds drive-through. About as bad as it gets. Well, certainly worse than Collins joke in reply: Did you want fries with your application? When the music stops? Its hard to know quite how to sum up the Melbourne Symphony Orchestras current debacle. There must be a musical metaphor like listening to a symphony orchestra crash into a wall? To recap: at a recital on Sunday of last week a pianist dedicated a piece of music to journalists killed in Gaza. Loading The MSO then removed him from a Thursday night gig. Then it called that an error and cancelled the entire performance. That prompted its own musicians to pass a vote of no confidence and call for managing director Sophie Galaise and chief operating officer Guy Ross to resign. The board is now doing an independent external review. Oh, and the Cat Empire is refusing to play their big headline orchestra shows. Each week, WAtoday reaches out to the Perth community to discover three things people love most about our coastal capital. Did you know that in WA, almost 80 per cent of young people are involved in volunteering? Now thats something to celebrate. Today we feature Maisara Muzaffar, whose work in the Project Dignity program delivering sanitary products to disadvantaged high school girls, and as cultural ambassador for the City of Canning, has won her numerous awards, including Youth Citizen of the Year, Multicultural Youth of the Year, Burt Young Volunteer of the Year and the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award. Muzaffar (left) and the Multicultural Youth Sorority (right). 1. Ubuntu Australia: One of the things I love most about Perth is volunteering with Ubuntu, a not-for-profit based in Perths south-east, dedicated to supporting multicultural communities and the disadvantaged. The work we do is tangible and life-changing, whether its mentoring young people or organising events that celebrate cultural diversity while also assisting those in need. It has given me a unique perspective on the strength and resilience within Perths multicultural communities, and its incredibly fulfilling to contribute to positive changes in peoples lives. People can find volunteering opportunities at www.volunteeringwa.org.au. 2. Parliament House: I am continually inspired by Perths Parliament House, a symbol of democracy and civic engagement. What I find remarkable is how accessible this institution is to the public. Its a place where critical decisions are made decisions that shape the future of our state and its people. Having had the opportunity to participate in the legislative process through Youth Parliament as the Youth MLA of Thornlie and the 28th Youth Leader of the Opposition, I see Parliament House as more than just a building; its a dynamic space where voices from all walks of life can be heard. This connection to the legislative process fuels my commitment to advocacy, as I witnessed firsthand the impact of thoughtful policy- making on our community. 3. Diversity: I love how diverse Perth is, especially the City of Gosnells. I love living in the City of Gosnells because of its rich diversity and multiculturalism 43 per cent of its residents were born overseas, making it one of the most multicultural areas in Perth. This diversity is not just a statistic; its a living, breathing part of the community that enriches our lives daily. Inspired by this, I founded the Multicultural Youth Sorority, a platform that brings together young women from various cultural backgrounds to discuss important issues and give back to the community. The vibrant mix of cultures in Gosnells has shown me the power of unity and collaboration, and its a key reason why Im so passionate about fostering inclusivity in everything I do. Australias window to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is rapidly closing, an international research body warns, unless the Albanese government supercharges the amount of renewable power in the grid by the end of this decade. Research published on Monday by Bloomberg New Energy Finance calculates the share of wind, solar and hydropower in the electricity grid needs to more than double to 87 per cent by 2030 for the nation to reach its net zero goal. BloombergNEF says Australia needs to double down and accelerate its decarbonisation efforts in the next decade. Credit: Bloomberg That is significantly higher than the governments current target of 82 per cent renewables by 2030, which already risks slipping out of reach due to a slowdown in green investments and delays to key infrastructure needed to connect wind and solar regions to the grid. The window for achieving net zero by 2050 is rapidly closing, BloombergNEF head of Australian research Leonard Quong said. Journalist Masha Gessen will speak in Australia this weekend after the government issued the writer a visa, resolving a delay caused by trumped-up Russian criminal charges that led to a visa delay and triggered global headlines. Gessen, a prominent critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, gained the visa on Monday night after saying they were functionally denied entry to Australia because of the charges relating to their criticism of the war in Ukraine. Activist and writer Masha Gessen will appear in Australia after being granted a visa. Credit: Getty Born in Russia and raised in America, Gessen is the author of The Future is History, an account of the rise of Putin, and has written extensively on human rights in Russia. Gessen, who has written for The New York Times and The New Yorker, identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Russian authorities charged Gessen last December with spreading false reports about the Russian army and put them on a watch list, in one example of the Kremlins campaign to detain and silence dissidents and critics. Advocates for new arrivals from Gaza fear divisive politics will derail Labors plans to grant Palestinians a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, as parliament was again consumed by a rancorous debate over visas for those fleeing the war. Labor sharpened its attack on Peter Dutton over his call to stop people arriving from Gaza, accusing the opposition leader of compromising national security by disclosing sensitive information for political gain during his time as home affairs minister. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton during question time on Monday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Monday called Dutton the most divisive opposition leader that we have seen, and that should disqualify him from the prime ministership while claiming the Coalition was pursuing culture wars to distract from its lack of economic policies. But as the federal government tries to wrest the debate from Dutton, it has gone silent on its plans for a new visa pathway for the 1300 Palestinians who have arrived in Australia since the war began but are stuck on visitor visas that give them no rights to work or access social security. Independent MP Zali Steggall has accused Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of bullying her amid reports he is seeking legal advice after she told him in parliament to stop being racist. But she has shifted her language to focus on his policy of banning Palestinian refugees from the country. Speaking to the ABCs Radio National on Monday, Steggall said she did not regret her remarks, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to echo in an interview as the debate threatened to swamp a second week of parliament. When asked about reports that Peter Dutton was seeking legal advice, Zali Steggall said it was part of the playbook. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Steggall, who made the racism comment during a tense session of question time last week, said it had been hard to keep her cool during the exchange. In recent weeks, there have been massive race riots in the United Kingdom. Spread by social media, amplified by public figures only too thrilled to wade back into the politics of race, damaging fictions based around the murders of three children took hold, and more violence followed. Coincidentally, about the same time, Australias terrorism threat level was raised. Events in Gaza since last years murderous attack by Hamas were not the cause of the increased threat level, but they were a significant driver, having driven more emotion and heat into society, said the chief of ASIO, Mike Burgess. Illustration: Jim Pavlidis Credit: This is the background against which Opposition Leader Peter Dutton chose to say that nobody from Gaza should be able to come to Australia right now. But lets not be naive: we are in the realm of politics here. So lets approach it from a different angle. If you were thinking politically, why would you start the fight or, to put it another way, why wouldnt you? Further funding may be required to complete the project to the extent that these challenges and risks crystallise time and cost impacts on the project, the report says. The document follows a separate high-level financial analysis of the Metro Tunnel by the Victorian auditor-general in June. The auditor-general also found there had been cost blowouts and delays, but did not detail specific issues other than the medical centres causing cost overruns and delays. December 2022: Then-premier Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan, the then transport infrastructure minister, tour the Town Hall station site. The new leaked report warns that the City of Melbourne [may] seek further compensation from the state, with progress being frustrated by planning approvals and other issues taking too long to resolve. While some issues have been escalated or unlocked in meetings with the City of Melbourne chief executive officer, the level of engagement remains challenging. There remains a risk that City of Melbourne seek further compensation from the state as the project nears completion. A spokesman for the council said the city was working closely with the Metro Tunnel project to resolve issues. The Westin Hotel has already received compensation from the state government because it adjoins City Square, which has been occupied as a worksite since 2018. But with Town Hall station taking longer than expected to finish, delay to the completion of the project will extend the term that the Westin Hotel is entitled to support for longer than anticipated, which may have further cost implications, the report says. The report does not say how much more money the hotel may get. A request for comment from the Westin went unanswered. The report confirms that new rail station Arden, in North Melbourne, was finished in January, while another new station in Parkville was completed in May. But both are running months behind their original schedule due to rail testing that must be completed before they can open to the public. It is anticipated that Arden station will take about nine months to be accepted for operations, the report says. The leaked report details a long-running and still unresolved issue with cancer scanning and treatment equipment at Parkvilles Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The equipment is affected by electromagnetic interference from the underground rail line, which passes nearby. The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has had an issue with the nearby underground rail line. Credit: Justin McManus The issues have already cost $128 million in capital works and $36 million in extra operating costs to relocate sensitive scanning equipment from Peter MacCallum, the Royal Womens Hospital and the Royal Melbourne Hospital to East Melbourne. There is no provision for additional relocations or significant infrastructure upgrades in the Metro Tunnel budget, the leaked report says. A Peter MacCallum spokesman said the centre was working with global experts to understand the potential impact of electromagnetic interference and determine what mitigation strategies may be required. He said patient safety remained the top priority, and that all testing was carefully planned to ensure care was not affected. The rail project has also affected an electron microscope that sits in the basement of Parkvilles Peter Doherty Institute, which performs infectious disease research. The high-tech microscope is less than 20 metres from the underground rail line. It is one of only a few dozen such microscopes in the world and [the institute] is the only facility in the southern hemisphere with access to a [microscope of its type] allowed to handle viruses such as Ebola and Hendra, the report says. Because these viruses are so contagious, the report says the microscope must be located in the same building as the laboratory. The report says shielding from electromagnetic interference might not protect the microscope and no agreement has been reached on what happens if that does not work. It notes $5 million has already been set aside to try to put in place mitigation. Peter Doherty Institute did not respond to questions by deadline. The report says one significant cut will almost certainly be made to save money as part of the project: the Park Street Link, a tram extension that was to be built near the new Anzac station on St Kilda Road. Port Phillip Council has long requested the tram extension to improve getting around the bayside area. Government has approved in-principle descoping [of] the Park Street Link from Metro Tunnel Project to support the budget on the basis that insufficient funding was provided, the report says. Port Phillip Mayor Heather Cunsolo. Credit: Simon Schluter Port Phillip Mayor Heather Cunsolo said the council had not been told of any descoping plans for the Park Street tram link. We will be writing to the premier to seek urgent clarification as further delay, or ultimately not proceeding with installing 300 metres of missing tram track, has concerning implications, Cunsolo said. Asked on Monday whether her government had cut elements of the project to try to rein in the budget, Premier Jacinta Allan said the project was on track to be opened by the end of next year, 2025, and its absolutely going to transform the way our city and state moves. Allan, who was the minister for public transport and major projects when the Metro Tunnel began, said the state had challenges with the project, but that this was to be expected because of its scale and the complexity This is a project thats just too big and important not to deliver. Weve recognised in a growing city and state the need to add more train services. Allan agreed the Arden and Parkville sites were finished quicker than the city stations. The ones in the city are just incredibly complex worksites. We have these huge caverns excavated beneath the heart of the city of Melbourne, whilst the city has continued to move above ground pretty seamlessly, she said. Disgraced construction union leaders could be banned from their jobs for life after Labor and the Coalition struck a deal giving an independent administrator control of the CFMEU for at least three years. The compromise law was thrashed out on Monday in response to a litany of issues exposed in the Building Bad investigation by this masthead, The Australian Financial Review and 60 Minutes, including alleged corruption and bikie infiltration. Coalition workplace relations spokeswoman Michaelia Cash and Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt reached a deal on the CFMEU. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen But the bill, which passed parliament on Monday night, could be challenged by the union in the courts and will test the expected administrator Mark Irving KCs ability to turn around a union with deep-seated loyalties and a militant culture. Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt said the law would turn around Australias $269 billion construction sector. When this legislation passes, what it will show is that the time for corruption, criminality, violence and bikies in Australias construction union and the industry is coming to an end, he said. A former 1860s police smoko room in Kensington sold for $1,010,000 on Saturday in an excruciating auction that saw bids rise in largely $1000 increments. The rare slice of Melbourne police history is perched on a pie-shaped block at 42 Bellair Street, and had been turned into a trendy two-bedroom home. The vendors set a reserve of $940,000 and the property was listed with a quoted price range of $880,000 to $950,000. Three bidders, including two-last-minute surprises, fought it out for the keys. It was one of the surprise punters a Brisbane man relocating from the Sunshine State who was yet to set foot inside the home who clinched the deal. Nelson Alexander listing agent and auctioneer Ryan Currie said bidding opened at $889,000. The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude, a coast guard official in the Sicilian capital Palermo told Reuters. The captain of a nearby boat told Reuters that when the winds surged, he had turned on the engine to keep control of his vessel and avoid a collision with the Bayesian, which had been anchored alongside him. Tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, dubbed Britains Bill Gates, is missing along with his daughter. Credit: Bloomberg We managed to keep the ship in position and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone, Karsten Borner told journalists. The other boat went flat on the water, and then down, he added. He said his crew then found some of the survivors on a life raft including a baby girl and her mother and took them on board before the coast guard picked them up. Lynch, 59, is one of Britains best-known tech entrepreneurs. He built the countrys largest software firm, Autonomy, from his ground-breaking research at Cambridge University, and became known as Britains Bill Gates. He sold the firm to HP for $US11 billion in 2011, before the deal unravelled spectacularly following the acquisition, with the US tech giant accusing him of fraud. A coast guard vessel searches for missing passengers after the yacht capsized. Credit: Getty Images Once lauded by academics, scientists and politicians, Lynch spent much of the past decade in court defending his name. He was acquitted by a jury in San Francisco in June, after he spent more than a year living effectively under house arrest. He said at the time that he was elated to be cleared in the criminal trial, in which he denied any wrongdoing and blamed HP for botching the integration of the two companies. Co-defendant died days earlier Stephen Chamberlain, once Lynchs co-defendant in the US fraud trial over the sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard, had died after a road accident left him critically injured, days before Lynch went missing off the coast of Sicily, his lawyer said on Monday. An ambulance is parked near the harbor where a search continues for missing passengers. Credit: Getty Images Chamberlain Autonomys former vice president of finance alongside chief executive Lynch was hit by a car in Cambridgeshire on Saturday morning and had been placed on life support, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. In a statement released after Lynch went missing, Chamberlains lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, who described him as a dear client and friend, said he had died after being fatally struck by a car while out running. Divers inspect wreck The coast guard said divers were inspecting the wreck of the Bayesian, which was lying at a depth of 49 metres. Prosecutors in the nearby town of Termini Imerese have opened an investigation into what went wrong. Scuba divers prepare to sail towards the area where the UK flag vessel Bayesan capsized. Credit: AP Storms and heavy rainfall have swept down Italy in recent days after weeks of scorching heat, which had lifted the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea to record levels, raising the risk of extreme weather conditions, experts said. The sea surface temperature around Sicily was about 30 degrees, which is almost three degrees more than normal. This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms, said meteorologist Luca Mercalli. Loading We cant say that this is all due to global warming, but we can say that it has an amplifying effect, he told Reuters. The Bayesian was built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008 and was last refitted in 2020. Its 75-metre mast is the tallest aluminium mast in the world, Perini said on its website. The shipspotting.com website said the boat was owned by a firm called Revtom Limited. Lynchs wife, Bacares, is named as the sole shareholder of the firm on company documents. As his speech concludes, Joe Biden vows to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz he will be the best volunteer their campaign has ever seen. The president then quotes the song American Anthem by Norah Jones, a tune that he says means a lot to him and his family and captures the best of who we are as a nation. I cant sing ... so Im not going to try, I will just quote, Biden says. The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day. Joe Biden is congratulated by his family after his valedictory speech. Credit: AP What shall our legacy be? What shall our children say? Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America, I gave my best to you. Biden signs off, saying he made a lot of mistakes in his career but over 50 years gave his heart and soul to my nation and Ive been blessed a million times in return with the support of the American people. I remember being too young to be in the Senate because I wasnt 30 yet, and too old to stay as president, he says. But I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you. I can honestly say and I am giving my word as a Biden Im more optimistic about the future than I was when I was elected as a 29-year-old United States senator. I mean it. Folks, you just have to remember who we are. Trumps retooling of his campaign on Thursday, including rehiring his 2016 campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, prompted Fuentes to declare a first victory of his campaign, despite Trumps public praise for LaCivita and Wiles. Online, Loomer mocked Fuentes as having nothing to do with the return of Lewandowski co-author of the book Let Trump Be Trump and said he should stop pretending like he is calling the shots. Noisy and counterproductive Some campaign officials previously argued that far-right influencers offer value by amplifying political messages to their audiences. But the more overt recent attacks of Fuentes and his followers, who call themselves groypers, have become a noisy and counterproductive distraction to the campaign, says a person familiar with its operations who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. If anything, [Fuentes] is hurting the idea of getting fresh blood into the campaign because it makes it far more difficult for Trump if it looks like hes responding to the groypers, the person said. Asked for comment, Trumps campaign referred to a Truth Social post on August 11 in which Trump said he was leading in almost all of the REAL polls and that his team was doing a great job. In an appearance that day on CBS, Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, called Fuentes a total loser and said the proper response was to ignore trolls like him until they go away. But the far-right criticism has proved agitating for some of Trumps most devoted online cheerleaders. Brenden Dilley, a pro-Trump podcaster in Georgia, on Monday asked whether Fuentes and others who had attacked Trump were all part of a secret psychological operation, or psy-op, designed to reinforce the Kamala Harris surge narrative. Ive got a job to do, and these people are a problem, Dilley said. Are they being compensated? Are they being deployed as a collective? I do not know. (Fuentes said he was not paid and took action only to further his views, which he defined as far-right reactionary.) Colin Henry, a researcher at George Washington University who has studied political extremism online, said far-right influencers had grown visibly frustrated in recent weeks by Trumps fading poll performance and the campaigns disavowal of hard-line policy proposals, such as Project 2025. They saw that as a shot across the bow from the mainstream folks, who wanted to do all this stuff with policy and institutions, he said. Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Pennsylvania. Credit: AP The anger of far-right influencers matters because they have proved adept at punching above their weight in conservative circles in a way that could bedevil Trumps campaign, says Ben Lorber, a senior researcher at Political Research Associates, a Massachusetts think tank monitoring right-wing groups. This movement has the ability to move conservative discourse and to open up space far to the right of acceptable conservative opinion for people like Trump to move further rightward, he said. During Trumps conversation with Xs billionaire owner Elon Musk, Fuentes directed his followers via live-stream to repeatedly post their views on X, where several of their demands for changes in the campaign sailed to the top of the platforms trending topics. His followers led a parallel effort on Trumps social media platform, Truth Social, and messages such as #NoMoreImmigration still ranked among the top hashtags the morning after the interview. #FireLaCivita, with 20,000 recent posts, overshadowed even #Trump2024. Fuentes has also told his followers they should start collecting the phone numbers and email addresses of campaign officials to contact them en masse. Loading Escalate pressure In an interview, Fuentes said he intended to push his followers to adopt guerrilla tactics and escalate pressure in the real world, including through mass appearances at Trump rallies in battleground states such as Michigan until the campaign met their demands to stop pandering to independents. He has urged followers to withhold their votes for Trump, saying it is the only way to awaken a campaign that has no energy [and] no enthusiasm. If they blame me for Trump losing, so be it, he said. Hell have lost because he stopped talking to the MAGA base he had in 2016. (Loomer and Owens did not respond to requests for comment.) Jared Holt, a senior researcher at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue who studies hate and extremism online, said that Fuentes seemed to have lost some of the influence and cachet he had gained during Trumps presidency but retained a cult following among young conservatives who could indirectly influence the campaign to adopt more extreme positions. Collaborators of Fuentes have worked for far-right members of Congress, including Republicans Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul A. Gosar. And at times, messages from Fuentes who calls for a white ethno-state in the United States in which even legal immigration is banned and more established pro-Trump accounts have closely aligned. A post on X by the campaign account @TrumpWarRoom labelled a photo of black men Your Neighbourhood Under Kamala and warned: Import the Third World. Become the Third World. Vance has been asked about Trumps dinner with Fuentes several times in TV interviews, and told ABC on August 11 that just because you talk to somebody doesnt mean you endorse their views. On live-streams and social media, Fuentes has marshalled his followers to launch what he is calling Groyper War 2 a sequel to a series of chaotic spectacles in 2019 during which they appeared en masse at speaking events of people they deemed fake conservatives to heckle and pepper them with provocative questions over issues such as race and LGBTQ+ rights. Loading Amanda Moore, a left-wing activist and researcher who has followed Fuentess group, said that effort had been extremely successful in helping far-right influencers publicise their ideology. Their objective is to push the party to the right. And they got exactly what they wanted, Moore said, adding that the groups success has proved costly for Trump by making his base more volatile. This is what happens when youre walking the line for years. This is where its going to get you. Central Islip, New York: Former US Representative George Santos has pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with the federal fraud case that led to his expulsion from Congress. The New York Republican entered the plea in a courtroom in Long Island on Tuesday (AEST) just weeks before his trial was set to begin in early September. Former US Representative George Santos arrives at court in Central Islip, NY. Credit: AP Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while actually working. Santos was expelled from the US House after an ethics investigation found overwhelming evidence that he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit. News / National by Staff reporter Since its inception, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has waged and survived many political battles with Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu side by side, until last week when Shivambu dumped the EFF for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, triggering questions as to who's next to divorce the EFF.Following the announcement of Shivambu and Manyi's departure, EFF member of parliament Carl Niehaus expressed his frustration on X, and said that Manyi's conduct lacked integrity."At a difficult time in your life the #CommanderInChief , @Julius_S_Malema, accepted you, embraced you in the @EFFSouthAfrica, and was good to you. This is not the way to say thank you," wrote Niehaus.In what appeared to be a reassurance by the EFF, its prominent leaders and employees, and many other influential members took to social media and pledged their loyalty to the party and its leader."I want to reassure the Ground Forces of the EFF loyal, hardworking, disciplined, Ground Forces of the EFF, I am with you, and I will never turn my back against this organisation..." CiC Julius Sello Malema," wrote. Naledi Chirwa, a member of the National Council of Provinces.Professor Cam Modisane also expressed his loyalty and said he would never leave the EFF.Former Public Protector and now a Member of Parliament Busisiwe Mkhwebane also posted on X that the news she was leaving the red berets was fake. "I will never betray the fighters in my political home," the post read.However, questions about the state of the leadership remain as many attempts continue to be launched in efforts to unearth the reasons that may have motivated the recent resignations.Last month, EFF National Organiser Patrick Sindane and veteran Kenny Motsamai, former EFF MP, left the party to join the Patriotic Alliance.Sindane said they did not make it to the EFF's parliamentary list after being appointed to represent the party in the National Assembly.However, the two asserted that they disagreed with the EFF's open border policy, which permits travel between nations, primarily within the continent.Former EFF Ekurhuleni regional Treasurer Carol Mafagane and now a member of the MK party in parliament, left the party last year and joined the eight-month-old party.As some of the reasons leading to the dumping of the EFF remain, various independent political analysts including Lukhona Mnguni weighed in and said it was too early to fully understand what led to the resignations."Whether there will be a mass following in terms of Shivambu supporters and members of the EFF or there will be a gradual shift of the EFF towards MK party will be seen in December to elect a new leadership of the EFF that will be given a mandate," Mnguni said.Meanwhile, Independent Political analyst and lecturer at the University of Limpopo, Dr Metji Makgoba, said Shivambu's resignation could be linked to his leadership aspirations within the EFF and that this would hurt the EFF."He has strong academic and political credentials that will be felt wherever he goes. Within the left, he is a respected thinker who reads and is articulate. He is also abrasive and has a strong personality."However, the EFF has established itself throughout the country. While the departure of Floyd will hurt the EFF, they have managed to build a solid movement. The only problem is that they are now competing for the same space with the MK even though it is barely left."Professor Sipho Seepe said that this was a political setback for the party but believed that Malema and his party would survive this.In an emotional press briefing on Thursday, probably the first of its kind in the red berets movement, Shivambu shockingly confirmed the rumours of his divorce from the party he once called his political home, saying he would now join and participate in the activities of the MK party.This left the country in shock as the pair appeared inseparable considering the decades of "bromance" which saw them rise to prominent political players in the country, dating back to their days in the ANC Youth League before establishing the EFF after they were expelled from the ANC.Shivambu was joined by the spokesperson of the Jacob Zuma Foundation Mzwanele Manyi, who also left the EFF to reunite with his boss at the MK Party.A visibly emotional and disappointed Malema said, during the press briefing announcing Shivambu's resignation, that he expected an increase in the number of people to abandon the EFF and align themselves with the MK Party.He further described his final meeting with Shivambu as the last supper, expressing dismay over his decision to leave the EFF. News / National by Staff reporter Shocking statistics revealed recently that over 4,000 girls in the Eastern Cape have given birth in the past four months.The Eastern Department of Health (DOH) said 97 of these girls were aged between 10 and 14.The teenage pregnancy pandemic is something the departments of Health, Social Development and Basic Education said they were addressing.However, other provinces - KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng - are facing the same challenges.In the last financial year, statistics provided by the National Department of Health showed that KZN had the highest number of teenage pregnancies 31,088.A total of 2,716 girls between the ages of 10 and 14 gave birth between April 2023 and March 2024 around SA.A staggering 610 girls were from KZN, followed by 395 in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng 430.A total of 1,226 aged between 10 to 14 years had terminated their pregnancies.However, experts say there are risks involved with girls becoming mothers at such a young age.What are the dangers associated with girls giving birth as young as 10?Professor Ismail Bhorat, president of the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG) said at the onset, pregnant teens and their unborn babies have unique medical risks.Lack of prenatal care"They are at risk of not getting the correct prenatal care, especially if there don't have family support, which is often the case. The teenager who is pregnant often tends to hide the pregnancy until later in gestation and often misses critical screening periods," Bhorat said."Prenatal care encompasses looking for medical problems in the mother that can impact the pregnancy, diagnose fetal anomalies, diagnose genetic problems and monitor the baby's growth, dealing quickly with any complications that may arise," he said."Prenatal vitamins, for example, folic acid is ideally taken preconception which is important in preventing certain birth defect such as spina bifida."In addition, he said pregnant teens have a higher risk of getting high blood pressure which is called pre-eclampsia.Bhorat explained that the dangerous medical condition combines high blood pressure with excess protein in the urine, swelling of legs and hands and face (oedema) and organ damage."These medical risks affect the pregnant teen herself who may need to take medication to control the symptoms of the condition," he said."This can also lead to disrupting the unborn baby's growth and could also lead to further complications such as premature birth. The earlier the baby is born, the more risk there is of respiratory, digestive, vision, cognitive and other problems."Low birth weightBhorat said teenagers are also at a higher risk of having low birth-weight babies."This could be part of the placental disruption due to placental mediated disease like growth restriction or pre-eclampsia, or premature labour itself, where the baby has less time to grow in the womb," said Bhorat."Small babies with respiratory problems at birth may need to be put onto a ventilator in a hospital's neonatal care for help with breathing after birth."Birthing options"Normal vaginal delivery may also prove a challenge in teen pregnancy, especially if the foetus is large for gestational age, and the pelvis may be disproportionately small for the fetal head this is called cephalon-pelvic disproportion which is common in teens and often leads to a caesarean section."He further explained that pregnant teens may be at higher risk for post-partum depression."This can interfere with not only taking care of herself, but also the newborn, thus the crucial need for family support," said Bhorat."All efforts by the health authorities should be made to combat teenage pregnancies, as the medical risks these teenage face is very high."Social ImpactEchoing similar sentiments was Professor Mergan Naidoo from The University of KwaZulu-Natal's Department of Family Medicine.He said teenage pregnancy has multiple risks associated with bio-psycho-social health.He said, biologically, the impact on the teenager was a difficult labour due to an underdeveloped pelvis."There is also an increased risk of operative or assisted deliveries, anaemia, birth complications and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy."He said these teenage pregnancies also lead to unplanned deliveries and abortions (both legal and illegal).Naidoo said the baby risked low birth-weight, pre-term delivery, increased risk of infant death and child malnutrition.Other factors included psychological trauma from termination of pregnancy, depression, PTSD, sleep disorders and anxiety."Then there is a social impact. The impact on the family, like social isolation and the stigma," said Naidoo."Often the teenager leaves school and then becomes a young mother - dependent on family, a boyfriend and social grants. The child is often cared for by the grandmother, and that is associated with many problems."Lastly, Naidoo said long-term outcomes are often dependent on pregnancy experiences."Hypertensive disorder of pregnancies can lead to intracranial bleeds and a stroke-like syndrome," he said."A traumatic delivery can cause damage to the female genital tract, illegal abortions can cause severe genital tract problems, and psychological trauma can have long-term sequelae (a condition which is the consequence of a previous disease or injury)."But what interventions are being put in place?The DOH said it had introduced a number of interventions, including over 1,000 Youth Friendly Zones in primary health facilities or public clinics across the country.National DOH spokesperson Foster Mohale said this was done to create an enabling environment for young people, girls in particular, to access sexual and reproductive health services without feeling judged."These zones are managed by young nurses and doctors to make young people feel open to discuss their health needs without fear of being judged," Mohale said."Some of these young mothers don't have family support structures to look after the children when they go to school, this contributes to school drop-outs because teen mothers are unable to become caregivers and learners at the same time."Mohale said the Department of Social Development had also developed a programme called YOLO, targeting young people aged between 15 and 24, for the reduction of HIV infections and teenage and unplanned pregnancies.Reasons for teenage pregnancyIn the Eastern Cape, alcohol abuse, a lack of adequate parental care, support and supervision, especially in child-headed families, were some of the reasons for high teenage pregnancy.The Eastern Cape DOH said youth zones made it easier for the youth to access health facilities without having to wait in queues."The youth are seen in dedicated consulting rooms and are seen by younger nurses," said spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase."They also get an opportunity to discuss their own issues and get more information on sexual reproductive health and rights services."He said the department also visited schools to provide integrated health services and education, which includes education and provision of sexual reproductive health and rights information.This year, the DOH, together with the department of social development and education will provide Integrated School Health Services.He said they will also be establishing the District Integrated School Health Task Teams in four outstanding districts -Amathole, Chris Hani, Nelson Mandela Metro and Sarah Baartman."The department can confirm that there is no shortage of condoms at our facilities. We continuously encourage sexually active people to use condoms whenever they have sex," said Ndamase."It is important to note that teenage pregnancies are not a Department of Health or government issue, but a societal issue," he said."As such, we are calling on everyone to play their respective roles so that we will be able to address this problem."Keeping pregnant teenagers in schoolThe Eastern Cape Department of Education said learners who were pregnant or are mothers, were given a tool kit to keep them in the school system."We want them to finish school," said spokesperson, Mali Mtima.He said the curriculum also spoke about teenage pregnancy.KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the issue of social ills in our communities "worry us all"."Health, social development and education have to deal with these realities," Mahlambi said."These issues don't only disturb us in terms of our programmes, but lead to many of them not finishing school and giving birth to more children, and this becomes a burden to the purse of the government."Mahlambi said teenage pregnancies came at a huge financial cost to the State, where it had to disburse funds to these three key departments, saying, "It's a vicious circle". Images Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:ABG Get Free Report) major shareholder Impactive Capital Lp sold 8,353 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $225.63, for a total transaction of $1,884,687.39. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 2,008,649 shares of the companys stock, valued at $453,211,473.87. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Major shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC. Asbury Automotive Group Trading Down 0.7 % NYSE:ABG opened at $230.36 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $236.77 and its two-hundred day moving average is $226.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.65 billion, a PE ratio of 8.40 and a beta of 1.16. Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $178.40 and a 12 month high of $277.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.38. Get Asbury Automotive Group alerts: Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE:ABG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported $6.40 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $7.31 by ($0.91). The company had revenue of $4.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.31 billion. Asbury Automotive Group had a return on equity of 20.12% and a net margin of 3.68%. The firms revenue was up 17.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $8.95 EPS. Research analysts predict that Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. will post 29.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Asbury Automotive Group Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its position in Asbury Automotive Group by 26.4% in the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 20,221 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,768,000 after buying an additional 4,224 shares during the last quarter. Foundry Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 11.7% in the first quarter. Foundry Partners LLC now owns 21,040 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,961,000 after purchasing an additional 2,198 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. grew its stake in Asbury Automotive Group by 34,097.0% during the 4th quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 11,285 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,539,000 after purchasing an additional 11,252 shares in the last quarter. Natixis acquired a new stake in Asbury Automotive Group during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $896,000. Finally, Boston Partners purchased a new stake in Asbury Automotive Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $878,000. A number of brokerages recently weighed in on ABG. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Asbury Automotive Group from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Asbury Automotive Group from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $230.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Monday, June 10th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Asbury Automotive Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Asbury Automotive Group Asbury Automotive Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Asbury Automotive Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It offers a range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles; and vehicle repair and maintenance services, replacement parts, and collision repair services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Asbury Automotive Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Asbury Automotive Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Auto Trader Group plc (OTCMKTS:ATDRY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $2.69 and last traded at $2.68, with a volume of 101968 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $2.66. Auto Trader Group Stock Performance The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $2.57 and its 200-day simple moving average is $2.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 1.62 and a current ratio of 1.66. Get Auto Trader Group alerts: Auto Trader Group Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be paid a $0.0165 dividend. This is a boost from Auto Trader Groups previous dividend of $0.01. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. Auto Trader Group Company Profile Auto Trader Group plc operates in the digital automotive marketplace in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company provides vehicle advertisement on its websites for private sellers, as well as insurance and loan financing products to consumers; and display advertising on its websites for manufacturers and their advertising agencies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Auto Trader Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Auto Trader Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Algoma Steel Group (TSE:ASTL Free Report) had its price target upped by BMO Capital Markets from C$13.00 to C$15.00 in a research note released on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports. ASTL has been the topic of several other reports. Cormark lifted their price target on Algoma Steel Group from C$14.50 to C$18.75 in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Algoma Steel Group from C$16.00 to C$19.00 in a research report on Thursday. Get Algoma Steel Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ASTL Algoma Steel Group Stock Performance Algoma Steel Group Dividend Announcement Algoma Steel Group stock opened at C$13.30 on Thursday. Algoma Steel Group has a fifty-two week low of C$8.71 and a fifty-two week high of C$13.95. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is C$11.03 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$10.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 40.09, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a current ratio of 4.19. The stock has a market cap of C$1.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -60.45 and a beta of 1.48. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 19th. Investors of record on Friday, July 19th were paid a $0.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 2nd. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.50%. Algoma Steel Groups payout ratio is currently -122.73%. About Algoma Steel Group (Get Free Report) Algoma Steel Group Inc produces and sells steel products primarily in North America. The company provides flat/sheet steel products, including temper rolling, cold rolled, hot-rolled pickled and oiled products, floor plate, and cut-to-length products for the automotive industry, hollow structural product manufacturers, and the light manufacturing and transportation industries; and plate steel products that consist of rolled, hot-rolled, and heat-treated for use in the construction or manufacture of railcars, buildings, bridges, off-highway equipment, storage tanks, ships, and military applications. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Algoma Steel Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Algoma Steel Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Central Bank & Trust Co. decreased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 75.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,589 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 4,983 shares during the period. Central Bank & Trust Co.s holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $66,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Northwest Financial Advisors acquired a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. ESL Trust Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Accordant Advisory Group Inc bought a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth $31,000. Pacific Capital Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Wetzel Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth $40,000. Institutional investors own 76.41% of the companys stock. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance Shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock traded up $0.42 during trading on Monday, reaching $49.78. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,848,439 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,821,969. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.86, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.16. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $43.74 and its 200-day moving average price is $46.57. The firm has a market cap of $100.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 12.51 and a beta of 0.44. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a one year low of $39.35 and a one year high of $63.41. Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.07 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a positive return on equity of 12.51% and a negative net margin of 14.06%. The business had revenue of $12.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.54 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.75 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.77 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 1st. Investors of record on Friday, July 5th were given a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 5th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.82%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -77.42%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BMY has been the subject of several research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $53.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. TD Cowen lifted their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $45.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. StockNews.com raised Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Barclays cut Bristol-Myers Squibb from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $41.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $55.00 to $48.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Bristol-Myers Squibb has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $54.86. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on BMY About Bristol-Myers Squibb (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter President Mnangagwa presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sadc Liberation City today, where Zimbabwe officially handed over one hectare of land to the regional bloc. This land will allow each Sadc member country to construct a monument commemorating its struggle against colonialism.The ceremony, held at the Museum of African Liberation, was attended by several Heads of State and Government from the Sadc region. The Museum of African Liberation is a Pan-African project dedicated to documenting and preserving the continent's liberation history.In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa emphasized Zimbabwe's continued inspiration from the region's shared national history and the spirit of Pan-African unity. He also acknowledged the support of Sadc member states and other African countries, which led to the official endorsement by the African Union for the establishment of the Museum of African Liberation. The project is being spearheaded by the Institute of African Knowledge (Instak). Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (BATS:CBOE Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday following a dividend announcement from the company. The stock traded as high as $205.16 and last traded at $204.43, with a volume of 482991 shares. The stock had previously closed at $202.94. The newly announced dividend which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.63 per share. This is an increase from Cboe Global Marketss previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.23%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. Cboe Global Marketss payout ratio is currently 98.97%. Get Cboe Global Markets alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on CBOE shares. Oppenheimer boosted their price target on Cboe Global Markets from $199.00 to $209.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Barclays boosted their price target on Cboe Global Markets from $194.00 to $218.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Cboe Global Markets from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the company from $168.00 to $195.00 in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Rosenblatt Securities lifted their price objective on Cboe Global Markets from $200.00 to $205.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, May 6th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on Cboe Global Markets from $186.00 to $205.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Cboe Global Markets currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $199.64. Cboe Global Markets Trading Up 0.7 % The stock has a fifty day moving average of $180.71 and a 200 day moving average of $181.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.21. The company has a market capitalization of $21.68 billion, a PE ratio of 104.61 and a beta of 0.61. Cboe Global Markets (BATS:CBOE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported $2.15 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.10 by $0.05. Cboe Global Markets had a return on equity of 20.05% and a net margin of 5.77%. The company had revenue of $513.80 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $514.51 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.78 EPS. The firms revenue was up 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Cboe Global Markets, Inc. will post 6.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Catherine R. Clay sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $203.23, for a total value of $121,938.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,328 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $879,579.44. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Cboe Global Markets news, EVP Dave Howson sold 5,073 shares of Cboe Global Markets stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $192.16, for a total value of $974,827.68. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 7,573 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,455,227.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Catherine R. Clay sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $203.23, for a total value of $121,938.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,328 shares in the company, valued at approximately $879,579.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 16,565 shares of company stock valued at $3,063,663. Corporate insiders own 0.51% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cboe Global Markets Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of CBOE. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Cboe Global Markets during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $226,557,000. Perpetual Ltd bought a new position in Cboe Global Markets in the 1st quarter valued at $74,868,000. Marshall Wace LLP grew its position in Cboe Global Markets by 306.6% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 533,839 shares of the companys stock valued at $90,785,000 after acquiring an additional 402,547 shares during the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH grew its position in Cboe Global Markets by 439.5% in the 4th quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 317,631 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,716,000 after acquiring an additional 258,753 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC grew its position in Cboe Global Markets by 66.5% in the 2nd quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 617,041 shares of the companys stock valued at $104,934,000 after acquiring an additional 246,442 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 81.73% of the companys stock. About Cboe Global Markets (Get Free Report) Cboe Global Markets, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as an options exchange worldwide. It operates through six segments: Options, North American Equities, Europe and Asia Pacific, Futures, Global FX, and Digital. The Options segment trades in listed market indices. The North American Equities segment trades in listed U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cboe Global Markets Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cboe Global Markets and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deluxe Co. (NYSE:DLX Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,280,000 shares, a drop of 9.5% from the July 15th total of 2,520,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 258,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 8.8 days. Deluxe Trading Down 0.7 % Shares of Deluxe stock traded down $0.15 on Monday, reaching $19.89. The company had a trading volume of 199,177 shares, compared to its average volume of 232,279. Deluxe has a 1 year low of $16.00 and a 1 year high of $24.87. The firms 50-day moving average price is $21.90 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $21.06. The firm has a market cap of $876.07 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.71, a P/E/G ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 1.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.44, a current ratio of 0.97 and a quick ratio of 0.88. Get Deluxe alerts: Deluxe (NYSE:DLX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The business services provider reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $537.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $537.90 million. Deluxe had a return on equity of 20.90% and a net margin of 1.78%. Deluxes quarterly revenue was down 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.83 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Deluxe will post 2.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Deluxe Dividend Announcement Insider Buying and Selling The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 19th will be issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.03%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 19th. Deluxes payout ratio is presently 155.84%. In other news, CEO Barry C. Mccarthy bought 2,440 shares of Deluxe stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 10th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $21.63 per share, with a total value of $52,777.20. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 175,850 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,803,635.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Over the last 90 days, insiders acquired 3,098 shares of company stock worth $67,798. 4.23% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DLX. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new stake in Deluxe in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Deluxe in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. CWM LLC grew its stake in Deluxe by 555.6% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,757 shares of the business services providers stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 1,489 shares in the last quarter. Security National Bank purchased a new position in Deluxe during the 2nd quarter worth $40,000. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC bought a new stake in Deluxe during the 1st quarter valued at $46,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.90% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently issued reports on DLX. TD Cowen upped their price target on shares of Deluxe from $33.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. StockNews.com cut shares of Deluxe from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Check Out Our Latest Report on DLX Deluxe Company Profile (Get Free Report) Deluxe Corporation provides technology-enabled solutions to enterprises, small businesses, and financial institutions in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It operates through Merchant Services, B2B Payments, Data Solutions, and Print segments. The Merchant Services offers credit and debit card authorization and payment systems, as well as processing services primarily to small and medium-sized retail and service businesses. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Deluxe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deluxe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Demars Financial Group LLC increased its position in shares of Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR Free Report) by 96.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,269 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 2,095 shares during the period. Demars Financial Group LLCs holdings in Entergy were worth $457,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Quent Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Entergy by 21.7% during the 1st quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 550 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $58,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. Marino Stram & Associates LLC boosted its position in Entergy by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Marino Stram & Associates LLC now owns 5,879 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $621,000 after buying an additional 101 shares during the period. Prossimo Advisors LLC boosted its position in Entergy by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Prossimo Advisors LLC now owns 4,512 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $457,000 after buying an additional 110 shares during the period. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in Entergy by 40.0% in the 1st quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 385 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 110 shares during the period. Finally, iA Global Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in Entergy by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. now owns 8,830 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $933,000 after buying an additional 114 shares during the period. 88.07% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Entergy alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ETR has been the subject of several research reports. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Entergy from $103.00 to $98.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, June 24th. Mizuho boosted their price objective on shares of Entergy from $107.00 to $114.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Entergy from $131.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Scotiabank upped their price target on shares of Entergy from $104.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Entergy from $125.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $119.73. Insider Buying and Selling at Entergy In other Entergy news, CEO Andrew S. Marsh sold 3,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $121.46, for a total transaction of $388,672.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 150,731 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,307,787.26. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, COO Peter S. Norgeot, Jr. sold 11,472 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.16, for a total value of $1,321,115.52. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 37,888 shares in the company, valued at $4,363,182.08. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Andrew S. Marsh sold 3,200 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $121.46, for a total transaction of $388,672.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 150,731 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,307,787.26. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Entergy Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of NYSE ETR traded up $0.50 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $117.60. 1,209,786 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,527,761. The company has a quick ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81. The company has a market cap of $25.11 billion, a PE ratio of 11.80, a PEG ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.71. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $110.58 and a 200-day moving average price of $107.02. Entergy Co. has a 12 month low of $87.10 and a 12 month high of $123.61. Entergy (NYSE:ETR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.92 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $2.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.98 billion. Entergy had a net margin of 14.75% and a return on equity of 10.10%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.84 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Entergy Co. will post 7.21 EPS for the current year. Entergy Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 13th will be paid a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 13th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.84%. Entergys payout ratio is 45.34%. About Entergy (Free Report) Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. It generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ETR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Entergy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Entergy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the thirteen research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have given a hold recommendation and nine have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $119.73. A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of Entergy from $104.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Entergy from $125.00 to $137.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Entergy from $131.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Entergy from $103.00 to $98.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, June 24th. Finally, LADENBURG THALM/SH SH reissued a neutral rating and issued a $109.50 target price (down from $117.00) on shares of Entergy in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th. Get Entergy alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on ETR Insider Activity Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other news, CEO Andrew S. Marsh sold 3,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $121.46, for a total value of $388,672.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 150,731 shares in the company, valued at $18,307,787.26. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . In other news, CEO Andrew S. Marsh sold 3,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $121.46, for a total value of $388,672.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 150,731 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,307,787.26. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Also, COO Peter S. Norgeot, Jr. sold 11,472 shares of Entergy stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.16, for a total value of $1,321,115.52. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 37,888 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,363,182.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Company insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock. Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Tidemark LLC purchased a new position in Entergy in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Entergy in the second quarter worth $25,000. Heritage Wealth Advisors increased its stake in Entergy by 2,172.7% in the first quarter. Heritage Wealth Advisors now owns 250 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 239 shares during the last quarter. American National Bank increased its stake in Entergy by 93.7% in the second quarter. American National Bank now owns 277 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. Finally, TruNorth Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Entergy during the second quarter valued at about $32,000. 88.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Entergy Trading Up 0.4 % NYSE:ETR opened at $117.60 on Monday. Entergy has a 52 week low of $87.10 and a 52 week high of $123.61. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $110.58 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $107.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 0.94. The firm has a market cap of $25.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.71. Entergy (NYSE:ETR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $2.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.98 billion. Entergy had a return on equity of 10.10% and a net margin of 14.75%. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.84 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Entergy will post 7.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Entergy Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 13th will be paid a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 13th. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.84%. Entergys dividend payout ratio is currently 45.34%. Entergy Company Profile (Get Free Report Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. It generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Entergy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Entergy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Grupo Simec, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $29.62, but opened at $28.83. Grupo Simec shares last traded at $28.83, with a volume of 332 shares trading hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, StockNews.com cut Grupo Simec from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Get Grupo Simec alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on SIM Grupo Simec Stock Down 2.7 % The stock has a market capitalization of $4.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.04 and a beta of 0.29. Grupo Simec (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 22nd. The basic materials company reported $1.39 earnings per share for the quarter. Grupo Simec had a return on equity of 16.68% and a net margin of 24.90%. The business had revenue of $487.42 million during the quarter. Grupo Simec Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Simec, SAB. de C.V. manufactures, processes, and distributes special bar quality (SBQ) steel and steel alloys products in Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, and internationally. The company produces I-beams, channels, structural and commercial angles, hot rolled bars, flat bars, rebars, cold-finished bars, electro-welded wire mesh and mesh panels, and wire rods, as well as semi-finished tube rounds and other semi-finished trade products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Simec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Simec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ipsos (OTCMKTS:IPSOF Get Free Report) and Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:BAH Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, dividends, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Ipsos and Booz Allen Hamiltons gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Ipsos alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Ipsos N/A N/A N/A $1.90 34.30 Booz Allen Hamilton $10.95 billion 1.76 $605.71 million $4.60 32.33 Booz Allen Hamilton has higher revenue and earnings than Ipsos. Booz Allen Hamilton is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ipsos, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Profitability Ipsos pays an annual dividend of $0.70 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. Booz Allen Hamilton pays an annual dividend of $2.04 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.4%. Ipsos pays out 36.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Booz Allen Hamilton pays out 44.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Booz Allen Hamilton has increased its dividend for 13 consecutive years. Booz Allen Hamilton is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. This table compares Ipsos and Booz Allen Hamiltons net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ipsos N/A N/A N/A Booz Allen Hamilton 5.57% 65.80% 10.51% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Ipsos and Booz Allen Hamilton, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ipsos 0 0 0 0 N/A Booz Allen Hamilton 1 2 7 0 2.60 Booz Allen Hamilton has a consensus price target of $156.56, indicating a potential upside of 5.28%. Given Booz Allen Hamiltons higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Booz Allen Hamilton is more favorable than Ipsos. Institutional and Insider Ownership 34.2% of Ipsos shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 91.8% of Booz Allen Hamilton shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.6% of Booz Allen Hamilton shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary Booz Allen Hamilton beats Ipsos on 11 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Ipsos (Get Free Report) Ipsos SA, through its subsidiaries, provides survey-based research services for companies and institutions in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. The company offers services in the information production and analysis chain, including data collection, data processing and integration, data analysis, information delivery and presentation, and information activation. It also provides audience measurement, automotive and mobility development, brand health tracking, channel performance, corporate reputation, creative excellence, customer experience, healthcare, innovation, Ipsos MMA, Ipsos UU, market strategy and understanding, observer, public affairs, social intelligence analytics, and other specialist services, as well as research methodologies, such as device agnosticism, programmatic sampling, and digital face-to-face interview. In addition, the company offers online and mobile integrated services and device agnostic solutions that include online surveys adapted to laptops, smartphones, and tablets; and qualitative research services, as well as operates Ipsos.Digital, a do-it-yourself platform. Further, it provides artificial intelligence and data science solutions that develops and provides analytical tools based on data science, machine learning, big analytics, and modelling; and behavioral science and neuroscience solutions, as well as operates Ipsos Knowledge Centre for teams and clients. Ipsos SA was incorporated in 1975 and is headquartered in Paris, France. About Booz Allen Hamilton (Get Free Report) Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation provides management and technology consulting, analytics, engineering, digital solutions, mission operations, and cyber services to governments, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations in the United States and internationally. It focuses on artificial intelligence services comprising of machine learning, predictive modeling, automation and decision analytics, and quantum computing. The company offers artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer network related operations. In addition, it provides data science, engineering, visualization, and analysis related capabilities. Further, the company engages in user experience, user interface, graphic and web design, design thinking, sketching, and digital product design capabilities. Additionally, it architects and engineers help accelerate, scale, secure, and transform mission and business outcomes using the technologies and partner offering; offers software engineering in agile practices, DevSecOps, automation and Cloud, and Low/No Code Platform engineering; systems and digital engineering; and tech strategy and product management. Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Receive News & Ratings for Ipsos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ipsos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc. lifted its position in Vanguard Health Care ETF (NYSEARCA:VHT Free Report) by 10.0% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 1,545 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 140 shares during the quarter. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Vanguard Health Care ETF were worth $411,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard Health Care ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in Vanguard Health Care ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. Scarborough Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Vanguard Health Care ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $29,000. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Vanguard Health Care ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Tradewinds Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Vanguard Health Care ETF by 114.7% during the 4th quarter. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC now owns 161 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 86 shares during the period. Get Vanguard Health Care ETF alerts: Vanguard Health Care ETF Stock Up 0.8 % NYSEARCA VHT traded up $2.21 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $282.15. 97,536 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 172,503. The company has a 50 day moving average of $270.27 and a two-hundred day moving average of $265.81. The firm has a market cap of $18.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.22 and a beta of 0.61. Vanguard Health Care ETF has a 52-week low of $222.27 and a 52-week high of $282.17. Vanguard Health Care ETF Profile Vanguard Health Care ETF seeks to track the investment performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Health Care 25/50 Index, a benchmark of large-, mid-, and small-cap United States stocks in the health care sector, as classified under the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS). This GICS sector is made up of two main industry groups. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VHT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard Health Care ETF (NYSEARCA:VHT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Health Care ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Health Care ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Get Free Report) Director Yvon Charest acquired 325 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 19th. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$117.24 per share, for a total transaction of C$38,103.00. Yvon Charest also recently made the following trade(s): Get National Bank of Canada alerts: On Tuesday, May 21st, Yvon Charest bought 324 shares of National Bank of Canada stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$116.20 per share, with a total value of C$37,648.80. National Bank of Canada Trading Up 0.4 % Shares of National Bank of Canada stock traded up C$0.49 on Monday, hitting C$117.87. 878,435 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,745,167. National Bank of Canada has a 12-month low of C$84.27 and a 12-month high of C$118.77. The company has a market cap of C$41.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17, a P/E/G ratio of 17.04 and a beta of 1.13. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$111.72 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$111.13. National Bank of Canada Increases Dividend National Bank of Canada ( TSE:NA Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 29th. The financial services provider reported C$2.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$2.43 by C$0.11. National Bank of Canada had a return on equity of 14.72% and a net margin of 34.10%. The business had revenue of C$2.84 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$2.89 billion. Analysts predict that National Bank of Canada will post 10.5085049 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 24th were paid a $1.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 24th. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.73%. This is a positive change from National Bank of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.06. National Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio is currently 45.36%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently commented on NA shares. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price objective on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$121.00 to C$119.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 12th. Scotiabank reduced their target price on National Bank of Canada from C$123.00 to C$120.00 in a report on Monday. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price target on National Bank of Canada from C$109.00 to C$117.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. UBS Group set a C$123.00 price objective on shares of National Bank of Canada and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, Desjardins boosted their price objective on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$116.00 to C$118.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$114.85. Read Our Latest Report on NA About National Bank of Canada (Get Free Report) National Bank of Canada provides financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional clients, and governments in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services, such as credit, and deposit, investment solutions, international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for National Bank of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GMS Inc. (NYSE:GMS Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,080,000 shares, a decline of 14.3% from the July 15th total of 1,260,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 406,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.7 days. Approximately 2.7% of the companys shares are sold short. GMS Stock Down 0.3 % Shares of NYSE GMS traded down $0.24 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $91.67. 150,002 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 366,411. The company has a market cap of $3.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.66 and a beta of 1.62. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $87.35 and a 200-day moving average price of $90.76. GMS has a 52 week low of $56.58 and a 52 week high of $101.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a current ratio of 2.17. Get GMS alerts: GMS (NYSE:GMS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, June 20th. The company reported $1.93 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.04 by ($0.11). The business had revenue of $1.41 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.41 billion. GMS had a net margin of 5.02% and a return on equity of 24.05%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.11 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that GMS will post 8.64 EPS for the current year. Insider Transactions at GMS Institutional Investors Weigh In On GMS In other GMS news, SVP Craig D. Apolinsky sold 7,900 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.32, for a total value of $713,528.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 10,671 shares in the company, valued at $963,804.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Company insiders own 1.90% of the companys stock. Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in GMS by 86.4% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 369 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC bought a new position in GMS in the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. Quarry LP grew its position in GMS by 37.1% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 403 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC grew its position in GMS by 233.3% during the 4th quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 430 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 301 shares during the last quarter. Finally, EntryPoint Capital LLC bought a new stake in GMS during the 1st quarter valued at about $77,000. Institutional investors own 95.28% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth GMS has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of GMS from $93.00 to $81.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, June 21st. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on GMS from $92.00 to $85.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, June 21st. Robert W. Baird cut their price objective on GMS from $112.00 to $100.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, June 21st. Truist Financial reduced their target price on GMS from $105.00 to $95.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, June 21st. Finally, Stephens dropped their price target on GMS from $112.00 to $95.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 1st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $90.38. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on GMS About GMS (Get Free Report) GMS Inc distributes wallboard, ceilings, steel framing and complementary construction products in the United States and Canada. The company offers ceilings products, including suspended mineral fibers, soft fibers, and metal ceiling systems primarily used in offices, hotels, hospitals, retail facilities, schools, and various other commercial and institutional buildings. Read More Receive News & Ratings for GMS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GMS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spectrum Financial Alliance Ltd LLC lifted its position in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 1.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 137,582 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 1,762 shares during the period. Charles Schwab makes up about 3.6% of Spectrum Financial Alliance Ltd LLCs holdings, making the stock its 8th biggest holding. Spectrum Financial Alliance Ltd LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $10,138,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Central Bank & Trust Co. boosted its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 0.9% in the second quarter. Central Bank & Trust Co. now owns 41,969 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,093,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares during the period. Argus Investors Counsel Inc. lifted its stake in Charles Schwab by 1.2% during the second quarter. Argus Investors Counsel Inc. now owns 27,262 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,009,000 after purchasing an additional 327 shares during the last quarter. MONECO Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 7.2% during the 2nd quarter. MONECO Advisors LLC now owns 3,457 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $255,000 after buying an additional 231 shares during the last quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 4.2% during the second quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC now owns 10,632 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $783,000 after purchasing an additional 430 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chesley Taft & Associates LLC increased its position in Charles Schwab by 1.3% in the second quarter. Chesley Taft & Associates LLC now owns 23,573 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,737,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. 84.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab In other news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 780 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.00, for a total value of $58,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 18,069 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,355,175. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 780 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.00, for a total transaction of $58,500.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 18,069 shares in the company, valued at $1,355,175. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Bernard J. Clark sold 77,431 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.94, for a total value of $5,492,955.14. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 121,666 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,630,986.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 172,911 shares of company stock worth $11,836,288. 6.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. Charles Schwab Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of NYSE SCHW traded down $0.09 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $65.46. The stock had a trading volume of 1,353,697 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,982,734. The firms 50-day moving average price is $69.14 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $70.02. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52 week low of $48.66 and a 52 week high of $79.49. The company has a market capitalization of $116.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.43, a P/E/G ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.42. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.01. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 26.30% and a return on equity of 18.14%. The firm had revenue of $4.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.68 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.75 earnings per share. Charles Schwabs revenue for the quarter was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.06 EPS for the current fiscal year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 9th will be given a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 9th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is 41.84%. Analyst Ratings Changes SCHW has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Bank of America cut their price target on Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $66.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $70.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $82.00 to $78.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. JMP Securities reduced their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $85.00 to $82.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, UBS Group dropped their price target on Charles Schwab from $91.00 to $90.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $74.27. View Our Latest Stock Report on SCHW Charles Schwab Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter The trial of two Borrowdale men, Mark Strathen and Grant Russell, charged with criminal nuisance for erecting a billboard denouncing a property development company, has been postponed after their new lawyer, Mr. Gwinyai Mharapara, withdrew from the case.Mharapara, who had replaced Mr. Tendai Biti, requested a postponement to review a transcribed record of the case but was denied by the court.State prosecutor Mrs. Shambadzeni Fungura opposed the postponement, arguing that the defendants already possessed the transcript.The magistrate, Mrs. Sharon Rakafa, rejected the application, noting that the case has been pending since 2021.Following this, Mharapara renounced his role as their lawyer, and the defendants requested more time to find new legal representation.The trial has been rescheduled to Monday. The Supreme Court had recently dismissed the defendants' appeal, ordering the trial to proceed. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (OTCMKTS:TNABY Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $12.73 and last traded at $12.73, with a volume of 211 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $12.58. Tenaga Nasional Berhad Stock Performance The company has a market cap of $18.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.35 and a beta of -0.14. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $11.91 and a 200 day moving average price of $10.45. Get Tenaga Nasional Berhad alerts: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (OTCMKTS:TNABY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, May 31st. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $2.89 billion during the quarter. Tenaga Nasional Berhad Company Profile Tenaga Nasional Berhad engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in Malaysia and internationally. The company operates and maintains thermal generation facilities and hydroelectric power generating schemes; and manages and operates the National Grid that is connected to Thailand's transmission system, as well as Singapore's transmission system at Senoko. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Tenaga Nasional Berhad Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tenaga Nasional Berhad and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vista Investment Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI Free Report) (TSE:TRI) by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 25,462 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 256 shares during the period. Thomson Reuters comprises approximately 1.4% of Vista Investment Partners LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th largest holding. Vista Investment Partners LLCs holdings in Thomson Reuters were worth $4,292,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Thomson Reuters during the 2nd quarter valued at $193,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. increased its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 4,180 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $704,000 after purchasing an additional 190 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC increased its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 7,430 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,252,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,750 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $464,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Thomson Reuters in the 2nd quarter worth about $221,000. 17.31% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth TRI has been the subject of several recent research reports. CIBC lifted their price objective on Thomson Reuters from $152.00 to $156.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, May 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Thomson Reuters from $163.00 to $164.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on Thomson Reuters from $159.00 to $164.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, May 3rd. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price objective on Thomson Reuters from $149.00 to $156.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 3rd. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price objective on Thomson Reuters from $177.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 3rd. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $171.82. Thomson Reuters Price Performance Shares of TRI traded down $0.58 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $163.58. 194,742 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 534,456. The stock has a market cap of $73.56 billion, a PE ratio of 31.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.91 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $164.86 and its 200-day simple moving average is $161.27. Thomson Reuters Co. has a 12 month low of $117.46 and a 12 month high of $176.03. Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The business services provider reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.82 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $1.74 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.75 billion. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 15.22% and a net margin of 33.65%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.84 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Thomson Reuters Co. will post 3.72 EPS for the current year. Thomson Reuters Cuts Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $0.146 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $0.58 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.36%. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 41.14%. About Thomson Reuters (Free Report) Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter Several households in Bulawayo East suburbs have been left without power after thieves once again targeted and stole copper cables, contributing to the ongoing wave of vandalism affecting critical public infrastructure across the country.In a statement, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) confirmed that the power outage in the area is due to vandalized power cables. The utility company assured residents that teams are working to restore service as quickly as possible."Customers are advised to treat all circuits as LIVE during this period, as power may be restored without notice. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused," said ZETDC.The affected areas include Hereford Road, Cumberland Drive, Lancaster Road, Durham Road, Leicester Road, Salop Square, Hillside Police Station, Hillside Shopping Centre, Cecil Avenue, Leander Avenue, Limerick Road, Montgomery Road, Zuva Garage Matopos Road, Norfolk Road, and surrounding areas.Incidents of vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure have become rampant, severely disrupting water and power supplies to consumers, including critical institutions like hospitals, rail transportation, and communication systems.More to follow.... There are few better measures of the concern a society has for its individual members and its own well being than the way it handles criminals. Yes, the real significance of crime is its being a breach of faith with the community of mankind. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, All crime is a kind of disease and should be treated as such. According to Bonaparte, The contagion of crime is like that of the plague. Criminals collected together corrupt each other. They are worse than ever when, at the termination of their punishment, they return to society. The point here is that the society is at the receiving end, no matter how criminals function. No wonder crime control has been described as a major ingredient which oils the wheel of peaceful co-existence and sustainable growth and development of any society. Its absence in the system equates it with lawlessness and chaos leading to not just the insecurity of lives and property but also to economic and political sabotage. Crime is defined as the intentional commission of an act usually deemed socially harmful or dangerous and specifically defined, prohibited, and punishable under criminal law. However, experts often differentiate between crime and criminality where crime refers to an act and criminality refers to the propensity or inclination to engage in criminal or antisocial acts. Often times, we consider people or their actions as abnormal and by so doing, we define such people, their behaviours and acts as deviating from normal and acceptable behavioural standards in our society. In this way also, we distinguish between kinds of people and kinds of behaviour. The people or behaviours that conform to the acceptable standards are regarded as normal or non-deviants while the ones that are not, are considered as abnormal and deviants. In this way too, we mean that deviance or deviant behaviour is a quality that inheres in people, in behaviour or in both. We also imply that deviants and deviant behaviours are different from other people or behaviours. But what actually is deviance? Is it same as crime? In what ways can it be explained? Do deviance and crime have any relationship with hereditary and personality traits? If they do, do the antisocial heritable traits surge by themselves or are they nurtured? How are deviant behaviours manifested in our society today? How do these manifestations lead to continual rise in crime and terrorism in Nigeria? Why do people commit crime? Are there peculiar crimes in Nigeria or is the nation raided by sundry crimes? What are the efforts of the law enforcement agencies in the curbing, fight and prevention of crime in the country? What is the relationship between the Nigerian society and the law enforcement agencies in their collective efforts and professional duties on security of lives and properties? Are the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria really engaged in the fight against crime and criminality? Several behavioural scientists and criminologists have over the ages identified some types of crime. These include: Professional crimes, corporate crimes, crimes of felony, cyber or Hi-tech crimes, statute offences, organised crimes, maladjusted crimes, crimes without victims, crimes with willing victims, etc. The methodologist schools of thought opined that crimes are of various types and may be classified in at least three manners: In substantive manner because of their character or object, in terms of the procedure for their trial and the nature of punishment they attract, and in terms of their territorial character. Yet, both views have common typologies of crime. Our treatise on crime typology here will be followed accordingly as behavioural scientists perspective and methodologists perspective. Behavioural Scientists Purview of Crime Typology Professional Crimes: This type of crime is committed by defiant persons who have taken up criminality as their profession. They execute the acts in specialized manners that outwit their victims and the ravaged human society. According to Opara and Nkwocha (2011:23), the major attraction of criminals and trap in the business, is the (right or wrong) conception that stealing is the quickest way of acquiring wealth. They therefore plan, design and conceive ideas capable of enabling them to achieve their aim whenever and however they desire it. This sort of criminals lives with crime commitment as major part of their daily life. They depend on its proceedings for their daily survival and sustenance. Consequently, Ugwulebo (2011:9) sees such crime specialists as those who not only take up crime as sole means of livelihood but have as well developed corresponding and high-quality skills in the vocation. This specialisation in criminality was what Schaefer (2005:188) looked upon and tagged as career criminality, which is taken up as daily occupation wherein the criminals develop skills and techniques, and enjoy certain degrees of status amidst other criminals. Career criminals are specialized in various crimes, which make criminality professional. The sorts of crimes in this category include: Armed robbery, kidnapping, oil pipeline and electricity vandalization, automobile snatching and theft, burglary, pick-pocketing, sea piracy, cargo hijacking, piracy, etc. Organised Crimes: Organized crime is any crime committed by structured groups, typically involving the distribution of illegal goods and services to others. Whenever people think of organized crime, their minds go to the Mafiosi but the term can refer to any group of individuals that exercises control over large illegal enterprises (such as the drug trade, illegal gambling, prostitution, weapons smuggling, or money laundering). A key sociological concept in the study of organized crime is that these industries are organized along the same line as legitimate businesses and take on corporate forms. They are typically senior partners who control the business profits, workers who manage and work for the business, and clients who buy the goods and services that the organization provides. To this effect, organised crimes are more centralized and organized professional crimes. They have standard structures, systematized arrangements and centralized regulatory agencies and activities of varied levels. Criminal groups of this sort have very powerful gadgets, organized criminal outfits that outwit their home governments especially in developing countries such as Nigeria, and are characteristically connected with every many other high-class crime specialists. They dominate most illegal business all over the world and, in most cases operate as cartels and corporate syndicates. As such, they have various grandeurs: Local, national and international, and often get connected to such notorious groups for perfect execution of sectionalized parts of the crimes in order to ensure success in the business, operational continuity, members safety and activities security. Common examples of this sort of crime are: The Al-Queda terrorists group, the Drug Cartels of South America, Sea Pirates of Somalia, Kidnapping and Boko Haram in Nigeria, advanced fee fraud (419 in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and South Africa), armed robbery, etc. Corporate Crimes: These sorts of crimes are committed by corporate bodies for certain reasons. Such may for them be a way of lessening the organizational expenditure in the business on board, to increase the quantum of income generated by the body, to frustrate or defame their competitors in same business, etc. It is done as an outcome of researches undertaken in the business field and mainly within the victims business and modus operandi. Perfect examples of corporate crimes are: Adulteration and mutilation of products, production of substandard products and services, piracy and varied forms of product simulations, tax under-declaration and evasion, bribery and corruption, advertorial calumnies and propaganda on competitors products and services, etc. Corporate crime is also called intellectual property crime. It is a serious financial concern to brand owners of goods and services such as alcohol production companies, car manufacturers, luxury goods makers, media firms (book, films and audio-video software and hardware products) and drug (and beverages) production companies. It adulterates products. Adulteration or counterfeiting of products has double effects on the society. First it impoverishes the economic might and growth of the original owners and secondly, endangers public health (especially in pharmaceuticals, food and beverages companies, etc). After thousands took to the streets of Bratislava last week to protest the sacking of the countrys National Gallery head, Alexandra Kusa, hundreds from the international arts community have signed a letter in her defence. Slovakia's hard-right Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova dismissed Kusa earlier this month, together with theatre head Matej Drlicka, in what some in the country see as a political purge. This decision has undermined the independence of the cultural field in your country and damaged the trust in and reputation of Slovak culture internationally, the letter calling for Kusas reinstatement reads, going on to urge Simkovicova not to make decisions about the guilt or innocence of cultural directorssolely on the basis of political expediency. Her period in charge has focused entirely on enhancing the SNG to the benefit of visitors to the museum and to the Slovak and international art field more generally, the letter says in support of Kusa. High-profile international signatories of the letter include Karola Kraus, the general director of Viennas mumok modern and contemporary art museum; the management board of the ICOM association of German museums; and Sebastian Cichocki, chief curator of the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw. After firing Kusa, Simkovicova said she was responsible for "several managerial failures" as well as being the daughter of architect Martin Kusy, who led the reconstruction of the gallery. Kusa responded by saying the allegations were "vague and mostly fabricated," pointing out that her relation to Kusy was known before her appointment in 2010. Kusa and her peers' position has been in the balance since Prime Minister Robert Fico appointed Simkovicova as culture minister last October, with Ficos left-wing nationalist Smer party relying on allies, including the ultranationalist Slovak National Party (SNS), to prop up the coalition government. The Rock is the home of The Morning Rumble with Rog, Bryce, Mulls and Mel, Rock Drive with Jay & Dunc, Not For Radio, The Rock 2000, The No Repeat Workday and just all round good bants. Struggling to find a decent radio station? Unfortunately, we can't help you with that. But if you're keen to hear our average-to-mediocre banter sandwiched between some bloody good rock music, then look no further. Stream The Rock on rova Not in New Zealand? We feel sorry for ya, it's a pretty rad little country. But you can stream us from anywhere in the world via the rova app - download it now from the App Store or Google Play. Or if you're still rocking one of those old school radios, or your car has one of those fancy band expanders - then listen to The Rock everywhere in the country by tuning into one of the frequencies below. The Rock Radio Frequencies Auckland 90.2 Northland 90.0 Rodney 100.1 Waikato 93.0 Coromandel 105.5 Pauanui 92.1 Tauranga 94.2 Rotorua 92.7 Reporoa 98.0 Taupo 94.4 Gisborne 94.1 Wairoa 94.1 Taranaki 95.6 Hawkes Bay 95.1 Manawatu 95.4 Whanganui 95.2 Wairarapa 95.1 Kapiti 91.9 Wellington 96.5 Nelson 94.4 Picton 92.3 Marlborough 91.3 Kaikoura 89.1 Canterbury 93.7 Ashburton 97.3 Timaru 91.5 Oamaru 104.8 Mackenzie Country 91.0 Wanaka 89.8 Queenstown 100.0 Central Otago 98.3 Dunedin 93.4 Southland 90.8 Contact The Rock Use your phone: 0800 ROCK PHONE Use your fax: 0800 ROCK FAX Please note: the fax machine died a few years ago and we haven't replaced it. But we love having the idea of a fax, so keep em coming. Use your mobile: Text STUDIO, leave a space, then enter your message and send to 3520. Texts cost 20c. Use the post box: The Rock Network PO Box 92080, Ponsonby Auckland Use Your Illusion: Bloody good album! Retd employees urge | IMPHAL, Aug 19: Retired employees of six Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) have urged the Government for 7th Pay. In a statement today, the All Manipur Autonomous District Council Retired Employees Welfare Association said the service employees of the ADCs have already enjoyed ROP-7th from April 1, 2023 when they have been denied the same. It urged the Government and authorities concerned to allow the retired employees to enjoy the pay at the earliest. California AI Regulation Bill Advances to Assembly Vote with Key Amendments Californias "Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act" (Senate Bill 1047), spearheaded by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), has cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee with some significant amendments. The bill, aimed at establishing rigorous safety standards for large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) systems, is set for a vote on the Assembly floor on Aug. 20 and must pass by Aug. 31 to move forward. SB 1047 was crafted to regulate the development of advanced AI models by setting clear, actionable safety requirements, as well as regulatory measures. It targets AI models that are especially powerful and expensive to develop, with the goal of balancing innovation with public safety. The bill sets standards for AI models with significant computational power specifically, models that utilize 1026 floating-point operations (FLOPS) per second and cost more than $100 million to train. These models are referred to as "frontier" AI systems. Among other provisions, the bill establishes risk assessment, safety, security, and testing requirements the developer of a covered AI model must fulfill before training the covered model, using the covered model, or making the covered model available for public or commercial use. It requires, beginning Jan. 1, 2028, the developer of a covered model to annually retain a third-party auditor to perform an independent audit of compliance with the requirements of the bill. The bill has undergone substantial revisions based on industry feedback, perhaps most notably from Anthropic, a leading AI research organization known for its work in developing advanced AI systems with a focus on safety, alignment, and ethical considerations. The aim of the amendments is to balance innovation and safety, Weiner said in a statement. "We can advance both innovation and safety; the two are not mutually exclusive," Wiener said. "While the amendments do not reflect 100% of the changes requested by all stakeholders, we've addressed core concerns from industry leaders and made adjustments to accommodate diverse needs, including those of the open source community." Major Amendments to SB 1047 Criminal Penalties for Perjury Removed: The bill now imposes only civil penalties for false statements to authorities, addressing concerns about the potential misuse of criminal penalties. Elimination of the Frontier Model Division (FMD): The proposed new regulatory body has been removed. Enforcement will continue through the Attorney General's office, with some FMD functions transferred to the Government Operations Agency. Adjusted Legal Standards: The standard for developer compliance has shifted from "reasonable assurance" to "reasonable care," a well-established common law standard, including elements like adherence to NIST safety standards. New Threshold for Fine-Tuned Models: Models fine-tuned at a cost of less than $10 million are exempt from the bill's requirements, focusing regulatory burden on larger-scale projects. Narrowed Pre-Harm Enforcement: The Attorney General's authority to seek civil penalties is now restricted to situations where actual harm has occurred or imminent threats to public safety exist. Support and Criticism SB 1047 has garnered support from prominent AI researchers, including Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, who emphasize the importance of balancing innovation with safety. Hinton praised the bill for its sensible approach, highlighting the need for legislation that addresses the risks of powerful AI systems. However, the bill has also faced criticism, particularly from startup founders and industry leaders. Critics argue that the bill's thresholds and liability provisions could stifle innovation and disproportionately burden smaller developers. Anjney Midha, General Partner at Silicon Valley-based VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, criticized the bill's focus on model-level regulations rather than specific misuse or malicious applications. He warned that stringent requirements could drive innovation overseas and hinder the open source community. The former principal of the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, Dr Sandip Ghosh, was grilled by the CBI team investigating the rape and murder of a trainee doctor of the hospital last week for a third straight day today. A CBI team also once again visited RG Kar Medical College today. Over the past few days, the central investigative agency has questioned several individuals in connection with the RG Kar incident on Sunday. They have also inspected the scene and collected samples. On Sunday morning, the CBI resumed questioning the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Dr Ghosh, at the CGO Complex. Dr. Ghosh, who is also an Orthopaedic professor, was grilled for nearly 13 hours on Saturday, from 10 am until past midnight, in connection with the ongoing investigation. On 9 August, the bloodied body of a female doctor was discovered in the seminar room on the fourth floor of the emergency department at RG Kar. It is alleged that she was raped and murdered. The CBI is investigating this incident under the direction of Calcutta High Court. Sources said that the CBI wants to investigate with wh om Dr Ghosh communicated before and after the victims body was discovered. Additionally, the former principal faced questioning ab out whom he met with following the crime. The inviestigators are now focusing on his mobile phone, looking for crucial information that might emerge from it. Several individuals have been summoned to the CGO Complex in recent days, and both former and current hospital officials have been questioned. On Saturday, a CBI team visited RG Kar, reportedly using 3D laser mapping at the crime scene. Advertisement The CBI team had a 3D laser machine with them on Sunday as well. In addition, a special CBI team from Delhi arrived in Kolkata to conduct a psychological analysis of the civic volunteer arrested in connection with the RG Kar case. The team arrived in Kolkata on Saturday night. The experts will closely examine the behaviour of the arrested individual to determine whether the statements he is making are truthful, whether he is concealing any information, or if there are any inconsistencies in his behaviour. For the past three days, the CBI has been questioning former principal Sandip Ghosh as part of the RG Kar case investigation. After the murder of the doctor at RG Kar came to light, there were protests demanding his resignation as principal. Following these developments, he resigned from his position. By court order, he is currently on leave. Meanwhile the West Bengal Orthopaedic Association (WBOA) has revoked Sandeep Ghoshs membership. The association announced that Mr. Ghosh will not be allowed to use the associations banner until he is proven innocent. Additionally, the association has asked for his position regarding the RG Kar rape and murder case involving the female student. The former principal has been given 30 days to respond to these queries. However, there has been no response from Dr. Ghosh so far The district TMC took out a massive protest rally condemning the brutal rape and killing of a junior doctor in RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, demanding fast investigation by the CBI and capital punishment for those found involved in the heinous crime. The TMCs massive protest rally originated from Nowaga G.T Road Junction and terminated at Mahesh Jagannath temple ground covering a distance of 6 kms. In the rally were present Serampore MLA Dr Sudipto Roy, Champdany MLA Mr Arindam Guin, the chairpersons of Baidyabati, Serampore, Rishra Uttarpara Municipalities and ward councillors of different Municipalitis. The Serampore MP Mr Kalyan Banerjee said: We respect Nari Andolan if it is above political affinity and free from any political support. Every one has the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and to protest against evils in the society. The 14 August midnight gathering at different road junctions was not the true picture of Nari Andolan. I sense a conspiracy of the CPI-M and the BJP behind this. Under the cover of this protest the RG Kar hospital was ransacked by hooligans backed by CPI-M and BJP destroying medical advanced equipments worth crores. It appeared as if the prostest gathering on 14th midnight was misguided and misled by the opposition parties. Many have said that as a mark of protest they would stop availing the benefits of state government beneficiary schemes. I welcome them since the beneficiary schemes are for the needy and poor and not for those who are self-sufficient. The Serampore MP added the CPI-M and BJP are playing mean politics to provoke the general masses on baseless issues. It is a conspiracy to spread unrest in Bengal, to ignite violence and instill panic and fear in common people but they will never be successful in bringing down the TMC government, he said. Advertisement We demand that CBI should promptly complete its investigation and bring forth the culprits. We demand capital punishment for those involved in the heinous crime. 96 hours have passed yet the CBI appears clueless, he claimed. The Serampore MP also warned that those involved in postimg provocative, fake video clips trying to create panic, fear and violence, will be dealt with severely. In a significant step to give a boost to the startups, India and Australia collectively have invited applications from start-ups and MSMEs of both the countries. The Atal Innovation Mission in partnership with CSIRO, Australia is inviting applications from start-ups and MSMEs from India and Australia for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator. RISE is a programme designed to support businesses aiming for international expansion between the two countries. Advertisement This marks a significant milestone in fostering innovations that address India and Australias most pressing shared challenges in the agriculture sector. Commencing in October 2024, the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of the RISE Accelerator will focus on start-ups and MSMEs with technologies and solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of growing climate variability, resource scarcity and food insecurity. The programme is particularly interested in start-ups and MSMEs with solutions that prioritise farmer needs, priorities, and on-farm practices. Speaking on the development, Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director, CSIRO said, India and Australia share common agricultural challenges, but the scale and diversity of our farming operations are unique. This cohort will enable participants to achieve product-market fit in diverse markets, and rapidly scale their solutions to meet global demands. The programme will also involve field trials and technology pilot in the latter half. The latest round seeks novel solutions to tackle critical agricultural challenges, including boosting productivity, reducing emissions and optimising natural resource use. Highlighting the importance of the programme, Pramit Dash, Program Lead, AIM stated, By fostering innovation and providing a platform for start-ups to scale their solutions, the RISE Accelerator programme not only addresses the immediate challenges in the agriculture sector but also ensures that farmers can access and adopt resilient practices tailored to their specific needs. Applications for the RISE Accelerator close on 15 September 2024. There is no charge for start-ups/SMEs to participate in the programme, with a number of opportunities to travel between Australia and India. Selected start-ups/SMEs may also be eligible for up to Rs 45 lakh in non-equity grant. At a meeting conducted to review the performance of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) on Monday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman discussed a range of issues including financial parameters, deposit mobilisation, digital payments and cyber security framework. Nirmala Sitharaman also advised that issues of cyber security should be seen from a systemic perspective and emphasised that a collaborative approach between banks, Government, regulators and security agencies is needed to put in place necessary mitigants against cyber-risks. She further urged that every aspect of the IT system should be reviewed periodically and thoroughly from the cyber security angle to ensure that the security of the bank systems is not breached or compromised. Advertisement During deliberations on the deposit mobilisation, the Union Finance Minister stated that while the credit growth has picked up, mobilisation of deposits could further be improved to fund the credit growth sustainably and asked banks to make concerted efforts to garner deposits by conducting special drives. At the meeting, it was noted that during FY24, the PSBs performed well across all financial parameters as evidenced by improved asset quality with Net NPAs (NNPAs) declining to 0.76 per cent, sound capital adequacy of the banks at 15.55 per cent. Further, the Net Interest Margin (NIM) of the banks is at 3.22 per cent, and the highest ever net aggregate profit of Rs 1.45 lakh crore with the dividend of Rs 27,830 crore to the shareholders was recorded in FY24. Improvements over various parameters have also enhanced the ability of PSBs to raise capital from the markets, it was discussed. Minister Sitharaman also advised PSBs to have better relationships with their customers for efficient customer service delivery. She urged Banks to ensure that employees reach out to connect with their customers, especially in Rural and Semi-urban areas. Further, she urged the PSBs to explore collaboration to leverage the respective strengths by sharing best practices in emerging areas and equip themselves to keep pace with changes in the banking sector. She noted that the government, through various schemes, has always endeavoured to facilitate credit access to citizens at the bottom of the pyramid to support their livelihood and improve lives. Minister further asked the banks to expeditiously implement the recent Budget announcements, including, a new credit assessment model for MSMEs based on digital footprints and cash-flows. Banks were also instructed by the Union Finance Minister to focus on further increasing credit flow to eligible beneficiaries under various Union Government initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Yojana. The meeting was also attended by Dr Vivek Joshi, Secretary; M. Nagaraju, Secretary-Designate, Department of Financial Services; Heads of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) besides senior officials of Department of Financial Services (DFS). The Delhi Police have nabbed a desperate criminal with a country-made pistol and two live bullets, the police said on Monday. Under the city polices ongoing operation Parakram, a team led by station house officer (SHO) of the Vijay Vihar police station under the supervision of the ACP and DCP, the Rohini district, had been formed to curb the menace of snatching and auto lifting incidents in the area. On the intervening night of August 16- 17, during patrolling duty, a police team spotted a person in suspicious condition and immediately signaled him to stop but he tried to escape. Advertisement However, the alert cops promptly chased the person and overpowered him. After a cursory search, the country-made pistol and two rounds of ammunition were recovered from his possession and later on verification he was identified as Monu alias Rahtal alias Dharmender, who was found to be a resident of the Mangol Puri area. A case under sections including of the Arms Act was registered against him, and a probe in the matter has been initiated. According to a senior police official, three cases of theft have been cracked following Monus arrest, and it was also unearthed that he was previously involved in 24 criminal cases, the police official added. Several articles such as suspected stolen jewelry, cash have also been recovered from his possession, the police added. Released on bail days before Raksha Bandhan, former Delhi chief minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia expressed joy over being able to celebrate the festival with his family. Taking to social media platform X, Sisodia recounted how he celebrated the festival in jail last year and was saddened that he might not be able to celebrate Raksha Bandhan this time as well. However, with blessings of millions of sisters, he was released just in time to celebrate with his family. Greeting everyone on the occasion, Sisodia especially thanked the sisters for their prayers for his release. Advertisement Delhi Minister Atishi joined Sisodia for the celebrations and tied a Rakhi on the senior AAP leaders wrist. Sharing his views on the festival, Sisodia said the thread of Rakhi is not just a thread, but a symbol of unbreakable trust and affection between brother and sister. He wished everyones life filled with continuous flow of love, happiness and prosperity on this special occasion. May this precious relationship of brother and sister always be filled with happiness and love. Best wishes for Rakshabandhan, he added. Atishi, taking to social media platform X wrote, A thread of Rakhi binds relationships. This year the festival of Raksha Bandhan was even more special because I celebrated it with my elder brother Manish ji. She shared pictures of the celebrations including the one in which she is tying the Rakhi on Sisodias wrist. Meanwhile, Sisodia held a meeting to formulate the strategy for the elections for the party. He is gearing up for the upcoming Delhi assembly polls preparation. He has also organised padyataras in the Greater Kailash, Vinod Nagar and Deoli areas to reach out to the people and ground-level party workers. According to the party, the leader has been receiving a good response from the public wherever he led the foot march. People expressed happiness to see him out of jail. Bollywood star Fatima Sana Shaikh, renowned for her performance in Dangal, took to social media to celebrate World Photography Day by sharing her love for photography. While shes often in the limelight for her acting career, Fatima revealed a different facet of her artistry: her passion for capturing images. In a heartfelt message, Fatima described how photography enables her to experience and appreciate the world from a fresh perspective. Photography allows me to capture fleeting moments and emotions, making me more attuned to my surroundings, she shared. When I have a camera, I notice details I might otherwise missexpressions, gestures, and the subtleties of human interaction. I particularly enjoy photographing people, as their eyes and hands reveal so much. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh) Fatima also expressed that if her acting career hadnt taken off, she might have pursued photography more seriously. She spoke about her fascination with the technical aspects of photography, such as light manipulation and lens selection. Photography is a complex art form. I would have loved to delve deeper into how light and shadows can transform a scene, and how different lenses can capture various moments, she said. Her photography, which she frequently shares on Instagram, showcases a rich blend of emotion and creativity, offering her followers a unique glimpse into her artistic world. This additional talent highlights her versatility as an artist. On the professional front, Fatima Sana Shaikh is ready to appear alongside Ali Fazal in the upcoming film Metro In Dino, directed by Anurag Basu. The film, which also stars notable actors like Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, and Pankaj Tripathi, was initially scheduled for a March 29 release but is now set to hit theaters on November 29. Symbiosis MBA Admissions are Now Open via SNAP Test 2024 New Delhi [India] Published : August 16, 2024 The registration process for the Symbiosis MBA programmes through the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) 2024 has officially begun. This highly esteemed entrance examination in India opened its application window on August 5, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to visit the official SNAP website for comprehensive details on the registration process, eligibility criteria, and other essential information. Please note that test city and test date allocations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. The SNAP Computer-Based Test (CBT) for 2024 is scheduled across three distinct dates: December 8, 2024 (Sunday), December 15, 2024 (Sunday), and December 21, 2024 (Saturday). The highly anticipated announcement of SNAP 2024 examination results will occur on January 8, 2025 (Wednesday). The upcoming test offers aspiring candidates the opportunity to apply to 27 programmes across 17 institutes under Symbiosis International (Deemed University) with a single application form. "At Symbiosis International University, we believe in nurturing industry-ready professionals who are innovative and great problem-solvers. SNAP is a gateway to get an entry to institutions where exceptional learning is possible along with an opportunity for a rewarding career in management. We encourage aspiring students to take this opportunity and embark on their journey of excellence with us", said Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University). The test will be conducted in 80 cities across India, and candidates can attempt it up to three times. The highest score from these attempts will be considered, following a "best of three" approach. The registration fee for each attempt is INR 2250, with an additional fee of INR 1000 per programme applied for. Eligibility for the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) requires candidates to hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or an institution of national importance, with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes). Final-year undergraduate students may also apply, provided they secure the required minimum marks in their final examinations. Aspirants with qualifications from foreign universities must obtain an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). SNAP serves as a gateway to numerous prestigious management institutes affiliated with Symbiosis International (Deemed University), offering access to a wide array of MBA programmes. Esteemed institutes welcoming candidates through SNAP include SIBM Pune, SICSR, SIMC, SIIB, SCMHRD, SIMS, SIDTM, SCIT, SIOM, SIHS, SIBM Bengaluru, SSBF, SIBM Hyderabad, SSSS, SIBM Nagpur, SIBM NOIDA, and SSCANS. This test provides aspiring professionals with a pathway toward a career in business and management. With a legacy of 50+ years, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) proudly holds the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation. In the NIRF 2023 rankings, it was ranked 32nd in the Universities Category. Globally, it is ranked in the 641-650 range by the QS World University Rankings and placed 31st worldwide for Employer Reputation, making it the top-ranked university in India in this category. Additionally, Symbiosis is recognised as the second-best private university in India in QS India Rankings. With campuses in Pune, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Nashik, Noida, and Bengaluru, the institution is dedicated to nurturing future leaders by providing quality education and holistic development opportunities. Symbiosis International (Deemed University) remains committed to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, offering world-class education and opportunities for holistic development. For more information about SNAP 2024 and to begin your registration, visit https://www.snaptest.org/ Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online Comments and Discussions Bollywood actor Aparshakti Khurana, fresh off his successful role in Stree 2, is gearing up for his next big screen venture with the upcoming film Berlin. Directed by Atul Sabharwal, this gripping spy thriller is slated to make its debut on the streaming platform ZEE5. Berlin promises a compelling dive into the shadowy world of espionage set against the backdrop of 1990s Delhi. The film features a stellar cast including Ishwak Singh, Rahul Bose, Anupriya Goenka, and the legendary Kabir Bedi. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aparshakti Khurana (@aparshakti_khurana) The narrative centers on a complex web of intrigue, where the lives of three distinct characters intertwine in unexpected ways. Ishwak Singh takes on a challenging role as a deaf-mute individual who finds himself accused of being a foreign spy. In a notable departure from his usual roles, Aparshakti Khurana portrays a sign language expert tasked with unraveling the hidden secrets veiled in silence. Anupriya Goenkas role as a mysterious agent further heightens the films tension, her true allegiance remaining unclear throughout the story. Rahul Bose plays an intelligence officer grappling not only with external threats but also with internal conflicts within his agency. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the films already intricate plot. Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer at ZEE5, expressed enthusiasm about the films release. We are thrilled to bring Berlin to our platform, he said. This film aligns perfectly with our commitment to offering high-quality content that appeals to diverse audiences. Berlin stands out with its innovative narrative set in 1990s Delhi and has already received critical acclaim at various international film festivals. We believe it will set a new standard in the espionage genre within the Indian streaming market. Director Atul Sabharwal shared his excitement about the project, noting the special chemistry between Aparshakti Khurana and Ishwak Singh. With Berlin, weve crafted a spy thriller designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, Sabharwal remarked. The on-screen dynamics between Aparshakti and Ishwak are electrifying, and working with such a talented cast has been a dream. Weve invested a great deal of passion into this project and are eager for audiences to experience it. We believe this film, a true labor of love, will resonate deeply with viewers. Berlin has already made waves in the film festival circuit, further building anticipation for its official release on ZEE5. The films blend of suspense, drama, and a unique setting promises to captivate audiences and offer a fresh take on the espionage genre. The highly anticipated trailer for Vijay Varmas upcoming series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, has just been released, and it promises to deliver a gripping portrayal of a harrowing historical event. The series, set to debut on Netflix on August 29, plunges viewers into one of the most intense hijacking crises in modern history. In the trailer, Varma takes on the role of a pilot, showcasing his dramatic range as he navigates through the high-stakes scenario. The six-episode series is a dramatic adaptation of the real-life hijacking incident involving Indian Airlines Flight IC-814. This flight was seized by five terrorists on December 24, 1999, just 40 minutes after departing from Kathmandu. The hijackers held the aircraft, with around 180 passengers aboard, for seven tense days. Their journey took the plane from Kathmandu to Amritsar, then to Lahore for refueling, and eventually to Dubai before reaching its final destination in Taliban-controlled Kandahar. It was only on December 31, 2000, that all hostages were safely released. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Adapted from the book Flight Into Fear by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury, the series promises an intense look into this dramatic episode. According to Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, the show is more than just a recounting of events. She describes it as a gripping tale that dives deep into the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by those involved. Shergill emphasizes that the series, directed by the acclaimed Anubhav Sinha, offers a realistic and immersive portrayal of a national crisis, enhanced by powerful storytelling and stunning visual effects. The cast of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack includes a stellar lineup beyond Varma. The ensemble features Arvind Swami, Dia Mirza, Pooja Gor, Patralekhaa, Amrita Puri, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Anupam Tripathi, Kanwaljeet Singh, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sushant Singh, Aditya Srivastava, Rajeev Thakur, and Yashpal Sharma. Each actor brings a unique element to the narrative, promising a rich and engaging viewing experience. As the release date approaches, anticipation is building for what many expect to be a powerful and emotional series that not only recounts a significant moment in history but also delves into the human experiences behind it. IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is set to offer both a historical perspective and a deeply personal look into one of the most dramatic hijacking incidents ever recorded. General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), on Monday chaired the first high-level meeting since he took over as the COAS, attended by General Officer Commanding-in-Chiefs (GOC-in-Cs) of the Indian Armys seven commands. The meeting discussed ongoing transformational initiatives by the Indian Army and their contribution towards achieving the objective of Viksit Bharat@2047. The senior leadership engaged in interactive discussions to define the Armys role in the national vision and articulated the Indian Armys Vision@2047. This Vision is to transform into a modern, agile, adaptive, technology-enabled, and self-reliant future-ready force, capable of deterring and winning wars in a multi-domain environment across the spectrum of operations, to protect our national interests in synergy with the other Services. Advertisement The discussions reaffirmed the Indian Armys commitment to evolving into a future-ready force that is not only capable of protecting national interests but also contributing significantly to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The focus of the discussions on the first day of the two-day meeting was on charting the future course of the Indian Army during the Amrit Kaal, aligning with the Government of Indias Vision to make India a developed country, a significant global player and one of the most desirable countries to live in by 2047. The forum provided an opportunity for the Indian Armys top brass to brainstorm on strategic issues and set the direction for the Indian Armys transformation over the next two decades. The meeting discussed Reorganisation of Army Headquarters, Command Headquarters, and other key formations to ensure optimal efficiency and operational readiness, besides modernisation of all combat arms, combat support arms and the logistics units. Enhancing joint operations and integration between the Army, Navy and Air Force to face the future challenges of warfare was also discussed. The senior commanders discussed commitment towards indigenisation, supporting the domestic defence industry and facilitating Indias position as a leading defence exporter. The Indian Army spearheaded the decade of Transformation by declaring year 2023 as Year of Transformation and 2024 as Year of Technology Absorption to align its rank and file towards the Transformative initiatives being undertaken. The senior leadership outlined several broad goals to be pursued in the next decade, including: Theaterisation, reorganisation of Army and Command Headquarters, realignment of Command, Corps and Area HQ boundaries. Other discussion agendas included World Class Infrastructure Development, enhancing Multi-Domain and Cross-Domain Operational Capabilities to include land, air, cyber and space. The Armys goals include conduct of Data-Centric Operations by leveraging technology and for that deliberated on enhancing the existing capabilities. In addition, road map for capability development for upgradation of Mechanised Forces, Artillery, Combat aviation, Air Defence and Infantry was discussed, alongwith options for enhancement of logistics, ammunition infrastructure, requirement of new structures to support multi domain operations and framework for expediting automation and networking of systems, processes and functions were discussed. The COAS exhorted all stakeholders to promote Atmanirbharta, strive to achieve self-reliance in indigenisation of equipment, platforms, and weapons, support Indian Defence Industries in not only developing world-class equipment but also facilitate in becoming a leading defence exporter. Actions to enhance Jointness and Integration in armed forces were also discussed for strengthening of joint service structures and organisations besides the need to establish common military stations and units for logistics, communication, and other essential services. Human Resource Development initiatives aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of personnel across the ranks were also deliberated upon. An FIR was lodged against Shringhal Chaliha, a prominent leader of the Bir Lachit Sena. The complaint, filed by Gaurav Somani, accuses Chaliha of making inflammatory and threatening statements against the Marwari, Bhojpuri, and Bengali communities residing in Assam. Despite the legal action, Chaliha remains defiant, stating he is prepared to face imprisonment for his staunch advocacy of indigenous Assamese rights. Advertisement He also questioned the authority of the Dispur police station to act on a complaint filed by a non-Assamese individual. The situation further intensified when the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) issued a warning to Somani, urging him to withdraw the FIR. The group threatened that the entire community could face repercussions if the complaint is not retracted. Adding to the unrest, a massive protest erupted in Sivasagar on Monday, where members of over 30 organizations rallied in support of Jimmy Das, a national-level athlete who was allegedly assaulted by a group of outsider traders. The demonstrators demanded that the lane where these traders conduct business be renamed. The incident has reignited longstanding tensions over indigenous rights and the perceived influx of non-Assamese residents, bringing these contentious issues to the forefront once again. Taking cognizance of sewer overflow complaints across the national capital, Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Sunday issued directions to the chief secretary to mobilise government machinery to prevent a potential public health crisis. In her communication to the CS, Atishi has directed the official to designate responsibility for resolving sewer overflow issues to senior IAS officers. She demanded that eleven senior officers should be given the responsibility of each of Delhi Jal Boards 11 circles. Advertisement Further, the minister said a team of officers should be attached to each senior IAS officer to remain on the field to find short-term and long-term solutions to sewer overflow and water contamination related issues. As per the minister, these 11 teams will be monitored by the CS, and has also asked him to submit bi-weekly reports on the matter to her. Atishi told the chief secretary that she has been receiving complaints regarding sewer overflow from many different parts of the city, which she said are very serious in nature and are causing inconvenience to the public. She said the problem of sewer overflow is also causing contamination of drinking water which would lead to a serious public health crisis, if not resolved immediately, and has also said that this is effectively a man made calamity and needs to be treated as such. Notably, the water minister, on August 17, wrote to the CS to oversee and resolve any problem related to sewer overflow across the national capital, and to take strict action against those officials whose negligence has caused this crisis. Doctors of several government hospitals including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Safdarjung Hospital continued their protest for the eight consecutive day on Monday, seeking justice for the woman postgraduate trainee (PGT) doctor who was brutally raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in West Bengals Kolkata recently. The medicos are also demanding Central Protection Act (CPA) for healthcare professionals to ensure their safety. The doctors gathered in front of the Nirman Bhawan and held a demonstration to press their demand. Doctors from Maulana Azad Medical College and Northern Railway Central hospital also joined the protest. Advertisement Holding placards and banners, they shouted slogans seeking justice for the victim and the CPA. Justice delayed is justice denied, said one of the banners. Sharing a video of the protesting doctors, the Residents Doctors Association (RDA) of Safdarjung Hospital in a post on X wrote, All Delhi RDAs protest at Nirman Bhavan in solidarity with RG Kar Medical College and demanding Central Protection Act. Earlier, the RDA AIIMS , New Delhi in a statement said, As discussed with the Action Committee for Central Protection Act and the general body of RDA AIIMS, it was unanimously decided to continue the strike, as our demands remain unaddressed. This includes halting academic activities, elective OPDs, ward and OT services, while maintaining emergency services, ICUs, emergency procedures and emergency OT. Resident doctors will be available for providing Elective OPD services of around 36 specialties Including Medicine, Surgery, Obs & Gynae, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics and others) to patients outside Nirman Bhawan. Emergency services will continue as before at our hospitals, it said. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has assured to form a Committee to suggest measures for ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals. In a statement, the Health Ministry on Saturday said, The representatives of Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Resident Doctors Associations of Governmental Medical Colleges and Hospitals of Delhi have met the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at New Delhi in the aftermath of the incident against a resident doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. During their meeting, the Associations have put forth their demands regarding their concern over the safety and security of healthcare workers at the workplace, it said. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has heard the demands of the representatives and assured them of all possible efforts to ensure the security of healthcare professionals, the statement said. The representatives of all the Associations were informed that the Government is well aware of the situation and is sensitive to their demands. It was observed that 26 States have already passed legislation for protection of healthcare workers in their respective states, it said. Notably, on Saturday last, the Health Ministry assured them of constituting a Committee to suggest all such possible measures for ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals. Representatives of all stakeholders including the State governments will be invited to share their suggestions with the Committee, it said. The Health Ministry said it has requested the agitating doctors to resume their duties in the larger public interest and in view of the rising cases of Dengue and Malaria. The Justice Hema Committee report, which was made public on Monday afternoon, reveals shocking and harrowing details of sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. The report reveals distressing details about harassment,casting couch,lack of privacy for women and power groups determining roles in Malayalam film. The report says that the casting couch remains a significant issue in the Malayalam film industry,leading to exploitation of women.Several women actors gave statements that they were asked to make compromises for getting opportunities in movies. Advertisement The report highlights that women are unsafe, especially when working alone in the shooting sets. Many have shared with the Committee that they only feel secure at work when accompanied by a parent or close relative due to frequent sexual advances they face. The report further reveals the existence of an all male power involving 15 big shots, including directors, producers and actors. The power group determines who should remain in the industry and who should be cast in films, the report says. The report says that directors and producers often pressure women in cinema into exploitative situations.Women agreed to their terms are referred to by code names- cooperating artists. The report also states about a woman acor who was abused by an actor.The victim revealed that she had to play the role of his wife the very next day. On the next day onwards, she had to work, with the same man as husband and wife, hugging each other. That was terrible because of what was done to her during the shooting, her resentment and hatred reflected on her face, during shooting.17 retakes had to be taken for just one shot, the report says. The report says the victims of harassment hesitated to approach the police due to fear of their lives. If one complains, the consequences will be severe., they will be silenced, the report says. According to the report, junior artists are told that they will be given a chance in cinema if they comply with the demands for sex.They are told that they will have to adjust and compromise if they want to come into the film industry. The Malayalam film industry is heavily influenced by criminals and misogynists, the report says. It is brought to the notice of the Committee that a prominent actor in Malayalam cinema referred to the powerful lobby which exists in film industry as a mafia, since they could do anything in cinema, according to their whims and fancies and even ban very prominent directors, producers, actors or any other person even though such ban is illegal and unauthorised, the report says. The Hema Committee report was released on Monday afternoon, after a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Monday dismissed an appeal filed by actor Renjini against the single bench order upholding the State Information Commissions order to make public the Hema Committee report, after removing some parts in it. The European Union (EU), in collaboration with organising partner Global Counter-Terrorism Council (GCTC) and with Indias Ministry of External Affairs as a strategic partner, will be hosting a crucial regional conference on August 21-22, to discuss the current and emerging threats in online radicalisation and find ways to jointly counter the exploitation of online spaces by extremist and terrorist actors. The two-day EU-India Track 1.5 Conference in New Delhi brings together experts, policymakers, academia and law enforcement officials from South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka) and Europe, who are at the forefront of the fight against digital extremism, a press release said. The conference aims to enhance counter-terrorism dialogues and partnerships in the region, consistent with the EUs Indo-Pacific Strategy, which foresees a deeper and stronger engagement with partners which share common goals and face common challenges. Expected outcomes include exploring strategies to address the complex challenges posed by the intersection of technology and terrorism, while identifying possible areas of collaboration between the EU, India and the wider region to counter violent extremism in the digital sphere. Advertisement The event is part of a series of ongoing counterterrorism engagement between the EU and India, building on recent activities in the country held under the EU project Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA), which have previously included topics such as combating drone terrorism, cybersecurity, misinformation and disinformation, and women peace and security. On the Indian side, the conference will bring together senior officials and experts in security and strategic studies from institutions such as the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Indian Army and the Indian Police, to name a few. In the spirit of TeamEurope, a diverse group of top security practitioners from European Union institutions, EU Member States (Austria, Italy, Croatia, Estonia, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, France and Romania), and key agencies such as European Border & Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and European Counter Terrorism Centre (Europol) will come together to engage in peer-to-peer exchange. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday filed a petition in the High Court challenging Governor Thawarchand Gehlots decision to sanction his prosecution in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case, according to a report by legal website Live Law. The allegations against Siddaramaiah pertain to the allotment of 14 housing sites in Mysuru, including one to his wife, as well as the alleged misappropriation of Rs 89.73 crore from a state development corporation intended for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. This has drawn severe criticism from opposition parties in the state. The controversy began earlier this year when social activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a complaint accusing Siddaramaiah and nine others of forging documents to claim compensation from MUDA. Advertisement The Chief Minister has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that everything was done according to law concerning the land allotment in Mysuru. The move to challenge the Governors nod to his prosecution comes amid the ruling Congress partys criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of misusing the Governors office to pursue a political vendetta. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President DK Shivakumar has announced state-wide protest rallies slated for August 19. Shivakumar condemned the Governors decision, labeling it as a politically motivated move orchestrated by the BJP to destabilize the Congress-led government in Karnataka. This is a murder of democracy, and we will protest it. We have instructed our party leaders to carry out peaceful protests and ensure that anti-social elements dont infiltrate the rallies and create trouble, he stated. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has called for a Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting on August 22 at the Vidhana Soudha conference hall. The meeting is aimed at briefing party members on the current situation and discussing the implications of the Governors sanction. Karnatakas Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, Priyank Kharge, said that it was important to keep party members informed. Since there is a huge uproar about the Governors role, we need to apprise our people. Ultimately, they are public representatives; 136 MLAs need to know what is happening, Kharge remarked. The order from the Governors Secretariat cites provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Samhitha, 2023, as the legal grounds for allowing the prosecution. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi held a meeting with the members of the Screening Committee of poll bound Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting convened by Kharge at the party headquarters here, came days after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for the Assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. An important meeting of the Congress Screening Committee was held in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and partys Organization General Secretary KC Venugopal, the Congress wrote in a post on X. Advertisement On Friday last, the poll panel announced that Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases with the first phase voting on 18 September, second phase on 25 September and third phase on 1st October, while in Haryana in a single phase on 1st October. The counting of votes in J&K and Haryana will take place on 4th October. Notably, in December last, the Supreme Court had ordered the Commission to hold Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir by 30th September, 2024, while pronouncing the judgement in the cases concerning the abrogation of Article 370. This is the first Assembly elections in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The term of the existing Legislative Assemblies in Maharashtra and Jharkhand will end on 26th November and 5th January, 2025 respectively. A man accused of helping to hide four corpses in Dunn County in September 2021 has been found competent to stand trial. Darren L. Osborne, 59, also known as Darren McWright, was charged with four counts of hiding a corpse-party to a crime. His son, 40-year-old Antoine D. Suggs, was sentenced in Minnesota in May 2023 to serve consecutive life sentences totaling 103 years in prison. Suggs was convicted by a Ramsey County jury in April 2023 of killing Jasmine Sturm, 30; Matthew Pettus, 26; Loyace Foreman III, 35; and Nitosha Flug-Presley, 30. The murders took place Sept. 12, 2021, after a night of drinking at a bar in St. Paul, Minnesota. The criminal complaint does not give a motive for why Suggs shot and killed the four people. The bodies of the four victims were found dead of gunshot wounds in an SUV that was abandoned in a Dunn County cornfield near the town of Sheridan. Reports at the time said the four were together in a St. Paul bar the night before the bodies were found. Suggs turned himself in to police in Gilbert, Arizona, after a warrant was issued by the Dunn County Sheriffs Office. Suggs, who had lived near Phoenix, Arizona, traveled to Minnesota shortly before the murders occurred. Osborne appeared via video from jail on Aug. 9, where Judge James Peterson determined that Osborne is competent to stand trial. Peterson then set an arraignment for Aug. 15. During the hearing, Osborne told Peterson he wanted to fire his attorney, and he also wants a change of venue. Peterson told Osborne he needs to file the request for a change of venue before the arraignment hearing. Peterson allowed Osborne to dismiss his attorney. A trial had been set to begin June 24 but was later canceled, and no new trial dates have been set. At the time of the shooting, Osborne was already charged in Minnesota with assaulting a man outside a gas station in St. Paul and was out on bond. Court records show Osborne now has an address of a prison in Faribault, Minnesota. Dunn County District Attorney Andrea Nodolf said Osborne was sentenced in Minnesota for his role in hiding the bodies, but he could be released from a Minnesota prison as early as November. However, the conviction in Minnesota doesnt eliminate the charges Osborne is facing in Dunn County, Nodolf explained. Suggs reportedly told the judge at sentencing he was wrongfully convicted, and Suggs showed no remorse or sympathy and cast blame on others. Suggs also had been charged in Dunn County Court with four counts of hiding a corpse, but those charges were dismissed in July 2023. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre over lateral entry into top government positions and said this is an attack on Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis. The statements of Kharge and Gandhi came in the wake of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) advertisement for lateral recruitment in different Ministries at the level of Joint Secretary or Director/Deputy Secretary on contract basis. In a post on X, the Congress chief wrote, Why is the provision of lateral entry of the Modi government an attack on the Constitution? Instead of filling jobs in government departments, BJP has eliminated 5.1 lakh posts in PSUs alone in the last 10 years. Advertisement There has been an increase of 91 per cent in casual and contract recruitment. SC, ST, OBC posts have been reduced by 1.3 lakh by 2022-23, he said. Referring to the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre, the Congress chief said, We brought lateral entry to appoint a few specialists and experts to some sector-specific posts as per their usefulness. But the Modi government has made the provision of lateral entry not to appoint experts in the government but to snatch away the rights of Dalits, Adivasis and backward classes. Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha further said, SC, ST, OBC, EWS posts will now be given to RSS people. This is the BJPs chakravyuh to change the Constitution by taking away reservation. Echoing similar sentiments, Gandhi in a post on X wrote, Lateral entry is an attack on Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis. Attacking the ruling dispensation, he said, BJPs distorted version of Ram Rajya seeks to destroy the Constitution and snatch reservations from Bahujans. Earlier in a post on social media, Gandhi said, Narendra Modi is attacking the Constitution by recruiting public servants through Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh instead of the Union Public Service Commission. Reservation of SC, ST and OBC categories is being openly snatched away by recruiting important posts in various ministries of the Central government through lateral entry. I have always said that the underprivileged are not represented in all the top positions of the country, including the top bureaucracy. Instead of improving it, they are being further removed from top positions through lateral entry. This is a robbery on the rights of talented youth preparing for UPSC and an attack on the concept of social justice including reservation for the underprivileged, he said. Gandhi further said, INDIA bloc will strongly oppose this step which hurts both administrative structure and social justice. Privatization of IAS is Modis guarantee to end reservation. Reacting to the statement of Gandhi, Union Minister and BJP leader Ashwini Vaishnaw in a post on X wrote, Lateral entry. INC hypocrisy is evident on lateral entry matter. It was the UPA government which developed the concept of lateral entry. The second Admin Reforms Commission (ARC) was established in 2005 under the UPA government. Veerappa Moily chaired it. UPA period ARC recommended recruitment of experts to fill the gaps in roles that require specialised knowledge, he said. Referring to the BJP government, Vaishnaw said, NDA government has created a transparent method to implement this recommendation. Recruitment will be done through UPSC in a transparent and fair manner. This reform will improve governance. As doctors across the country continue their protest over the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh on Monday visited the office of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the city and conveyed the message of junior doctors to probe agency. He didnt reveal what message he has delivered to the central probe agency, but stated that the protesting doctors wanted to give a message but were unable to directly approach the agency. Some junior doctors want to give some information to the CBI, but they do not have any access to give it, so they contacted me. If this information will be useful to them (CBI), then they (junior doctors) are ready to cooperate, Ghosh said. Advertisement The TMC leader, however, clarified that the visit was primarily for personal work. I have come here for my work. I have to give information under a notification before going out of Kolkata, I have come here with the list of that information, he added. The tragic incident, which occurred on August 9, has sparked massive outrage across the nation, with widespread protests from civil society groups and doctors demanding justice. The victim, a postgraduate trainee doctor, was brutally raped and murdered while on duty. Her body was recovered from a seminar hall inside the hospital next morning. Following the incident, the Kolkata Police acted swiftly and arrested a civic volunteer in connection with the case. However, the Calcutta High Court, handed the probe of the case to the CBI amid concerns over the thoroughness of the police investigation. While the CBI is probing the case, the Supreme Court has also taken suo-motu cognizance of the case. The apex court is set to hear the matter on August 20. In a bid to strengthen security in Manipur, security forces carried out comprehensive search and area domination operations across vulnerable and fringe areas of both the hill and valley districts. These operations, designed to suppress militant activities, led to the significant recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition. In Thoubal district, a series of searches in the Uyok Ching Leirongthel Pitra area uncovered a diverse range of weaponry and explosives. Advertisement Among the items seized were a 9mm submachine gun with a magazine, a 12-bore single barrel gun, a 9mm pistol, a .32 pistol, two tube launchers, two MK III A2 grenades, two detonators, six HE-36 hand grenades, three arming rings, one Chinese hand grenade, 65 live rounds of ammunition, five tear smoke shells, one stun grenade, a helmet BP Patka, and a Baofeng walkie-talkie with a charger. Notably, weeks back in Mission Veng, Kangpokpi district, security forces recovered a 7.62mm self-loading rifle (SLR) with a magazine, a bolt action rifle, two 12-inch single bore barrel guns, six live rounds of ammunition, ten fired cases, and two HE-36 hand grenades, though these grenades were missing detonators.This operation comes amid ongoing ethnic tensions and insurgent activities in the region. The joint operation, conducted by the Indian Army and Manipur Police, resulted in the seizure of one M1 carbine rifle with two magazines, 336 live rounds of ammunition, 61 empty cases of AK rifle ammunition, two empty cases of 8 mm ammunition, nine empty cases of INSAS rifle ammunition, two live rounds of INSAS ammunition, and one live round of SLR ammunition. Additionally, the forces recovered 81 empty cases of 12-bore ammunition, three live rounds of 12-bore ammunition, one empty case of pump-action ammunition, a bulletproof jacket, a bag containing medicine and civilian clothes, and two firecrackers. The ambush, which occurred in Mongbung village in Jiribam, was reportedly carried out by suspected Kuki militants, reflecting the ongoing conflict between various ethnic groups in Manipur. This incident resulted in injuries to a Sub-Inspector of the Manipur Police, a commando of the state forces, and a CRPF personnel. Manipur has been experiencing heightened ethnic violence and insurgent activities, with various militant groups operating in the region. The state has seen clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, leading to significant casualties and displacement of civilians. Nepal will export about 1000 MW of electricity to India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced Monday following wide-ranging discussions with visiting Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba here. Pleased to welcome FM @Arzuranadeuba of Nepal on her first official visit abroad. Discussed the multifaceted India-Nepal cooperation, including in energy, trade, connectivity and infrastructure development. Glad to note that Nepal will be exporting close to 1000 MW of electricity to India, a new milestone. Our Neighbourhood First policy and unique people-to-people & cultural connect propels our relationship forward, he wrote on X after the talks. The Nepal foreign minister arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a five-day official visit to India on the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit continues the tradition of regular high-level India-Nepal bilateral exchanges. Advertisement In a post on X, the MEA Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said, Warm welcome to FM @Arzuranadeuba of Nepal as she arrives in New Delhi on an official visit. The visit continues the tradition of regular high-level India-Nepal bilateral exchanges and is a testament to the unique & close. The Nepali foreign minister will be meeting other Indians leaders also during the course of her visit. The meetings are part of regular high-level exchanges between the two nations to strengthen bilateral ties. Debunking the criticism and speculation of the ruling DMK entering into a secret relationship with the BJP, heading the Union Government, Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin, on Monday, asserted that there is no need for the Dravidian major to cosy up with the saffron party. The chief minister was responding primarily to AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) who had alleged that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh releasing the coin to commemorate the centenary of late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi exposed the secret relationship between the two parties. We have been telling this for long and it has come true now, EPS, who is also the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, had said. Some people are unable to digest Rajnath Singh heaping praise on Kalaignar (Karunanidhi). Even DMK leaders would not have spoken so high of him. Singhs words have come from his heart and there was no compulsion for him, Stalin said while speaking after solemnising the marriage of party legislator KPS Sankar at Thiruvottiyur in north Chennai. Because the event was held with Singh, reports have been generated that DMK is in a relationship with the BJP. Each one is giving a different angle to this. There is no necessity or need for us to have a secret engagement, he asserted. Advertisement Unlike EPS who crawled (towards the feet of VK Sasikala, confidant of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa) to secure power, the DMK has no such compulsion. While we give due respect to everyone, we would not give up our legitimate rights and I make this pledge in the name of Anna (DMK founder and former Chief Minister CN Annadurai), he said, adding that those who had not even conducted a single condolence meeting for Jayalalithaa despite owing to her for their growth have no locus standi to criticise the DMK. EPS has asked why Rahul Gandhi was not invited for the coin release. He should understand that it was a Union government event and not a function organised by the DMK. His criticism of the coin not having Tamil exposes his ignorance. Coins of leaders have Hindi and English, the exception being that of Anna and Kalaignar. The coin on Kalaignar has Tamil Vellum (victory for Tamil), Stalin said. However, political analysts see the release event clearly indicated a cordial relationship between the DMK and the BJP which are ideologically poles apart. This is not about electoral alliance between these two parties. That would be a disaster for both and makes zero sense. This is about an understanding that in return for no harassment from the agencies, they will work together to sink the AIADMK. Stalin needs a free run in the state and needs to establish his son as the successor and the BJP needs the AIADMK decimated so that it emerges as the main rival to the DMK, explains Sumanth C Raman. As such there is more to it than what meets the eye in the BJP becoming suddenly magnanimous towards the DMK. Even rightwing commentator Raveendran Duraisamy concurs with this saying, It is preposterous to expect the DMK to exit the INDIA bloc, but it is in the interest of both the BJP and DMK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday celebrated the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan with school children, who tied rakhis on his wrist. The special event organised at his New Delhi residence, was marked with joy and warmth, as young girls from various schools gathered around the Prime Minister to tie the sacred thread (rakhi) on his wrist. In a video shared by a state-run news channel, PM Modi is seen seated in a chair, surrounded by enthusiastic school children. Advertisement The girls, taking turns, tied rakhis on his wrist, including a specially designed rakhi themed on Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (One Tree in Mothers Name), highlighting a message of environmental awareness. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt wishes to the nation on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolizing the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in your relationships and happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in life, Modi expressed in a post on X. Raksha Bandhan, a significant Hindu festival, celebrates the bond of love between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie rakhis on their brothers wrists as a symbol of their affection and prayers for their well-being. In return, brothers vow to protect their sisters from harm and stand by them through lifes challenges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23 at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Before visiting the war-torn nation, he will visit Poland on August 21-22. PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on Friday, August 23, at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is a landmark and a historic visit since this will be the first time an Indian PM will be visiting Ukraine in more than 30 years since we established our diplomatic relations. This visit will build upon the recent high-level interactions between the leaders, Mr Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs said at a media briefing Monday. Advertisement The PMs visit to Ukraine is being seen as an attempt by India to balance its ties with the war-ravaged nation, weeks after Kyiv condemned him for hugging President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow. Mr Lal noted that the PM has held telephonic conversations with the Ukraine President on several occasions. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in June in Italy last year. He said India has supported diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. New Delhi is ready to provide all its support to bring the conflict to an end. India has maintained a very clear and consistent position that diplomacy and dialogue can resolve this conflict (between Russia and Ukraine) and which can lead to enduring peace, so dialogue is absolutely essential. Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both parties and it can only be a negotiated settlement, the diplomat said. India has tried to do a delicate balancing act ever since the conflict began in Ukraine in view of its strategic ties with Russia. The Modi government has avoided explicit condemnations of Russias invasion of Ukraine while urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue. On the PMs August 21-22 visit to Poland, Mr Lal said its is a landmark visit as an Indian PM is visiting Poland after 45 years. This visit takes place as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Apart from meeting Polish leaders, the PM will interact with the Indian community there. The Indian community in Poland is estimated at around 25,000. This includes around 5,000 students. The government and people of Poland had offered valuable assistance to India during Operation Ganga for the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine. More than 4,000 indian students were evacuated via Poland in 2022. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has apparently put an end to the discussion on the rift between him and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after the BJPs not so good performance in the Lok Sabha polls. In a party programme organised in Mirzapur on Sunday, the Deputy CM not only praised Modi as well as Adityanath, but also described both the leaders as the best PM and CM respectively. Regarding CM Adityanath, Maurya specifically said that there is no other CM in the country like CM Yogi. Advertisement It is clear from this statement of the Deputy CM that swords drawn under the cover of the government and the organisation have now been sheathed, a senior party leader here on Monday commented. Addressing party workers in Mirzapur, the Deputy CM praised the Chief Minister from the stage. Describing the achievements of the central and state governments, he said, There is a BJP government at the Centre and the state, you also know that our double engine government is doing good work in the country. There is no other leader like PM Modi in the country and there is no other Chief Minister like Yogi Adityanath in the country. However, Keshav Prasad Maurya did not stop here. He said that PM Modi, our leader, is the most influential and powerful leader in the world and CM Yogi is the best compared to other Chief Ministers, there is no one like him. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is doing the best work compared to the Chief Ministers of the country. The political atmosphere of the state had been churning for the past two months due to the news of differences between the two top leaders of the state BJP. However, from the way both the Deputy CMs have behaved with the CM for the last few days, it has become clear that now everything is normal and there is no conflict in the chemistry between the government and the organisation. In fact, after the expected results were not received in the Lok Sabha elections, statements regarding the stature of the government and organisation had come to the fore in the state BJP. In the BJP State Working Committee meeting held in Lucknow, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad had fueled the discussion by making the statement from the stage that the organisation is bigger than the government. At the same time, when Maurya did not attend the cabinet and other meetings chaired by the CM, the speculation got strengthened that his equation with the CM is not going well. Immediately after this, Mauryas meeting with the top leadership of BJP in Delhi further heated up the discussion. However, after returning from Delhi, along with Maurya, second Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak also started participating on the stage with the CM on every occasion and were seen together on all occasions. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister had also made it clear by handing over the responsibility of winning two seats each out of the 10 assembly seats to himself as well as the Deputy CM, State President and General Secretary of the organization, that the government and the organization work like a team. Now this new statement of Keshav Maurya has made clear that things are back to normal. The recent statement of Shri Sukanta Mazumder, the Union minister of state, DONER, i.e., development of the north eastern region that he had suggested to the PM, inclusion of North Bengal districts in the North Eastern Council, which functions under the DONER Ministry from Shillong, has predictably invited strong protests from the party in power in West Bengal and is seen as a step to eventually divide West Bengal. There is, however, a near unanimity that North Bengal districts suffer from development lags due to low allocation of funds in the state budgetRs 861 crore in the current year, as pointed out by Sri Raju Bista, a Parliamentarian of North Bengal. North Bengal is the only part of India that shares land borders with three countriesNepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and in close proximity to Tibetand three Indian states as wellBihar, Sikkim and Assam. Even the map of West Bengal appears to be odda duck with a weak neck, so to speak, as only a narrow strip of land connects its main body with its northern districts, which separate Bihar from Bangladesh. Any defence analyst would thus consider the whole of North Bengal vulnerable to land threatsespecially armoured thrusts and not just the chicken neck the Siliguri corridor. In military science, land threats are based on terrain and the capability, present and potential of the neighbouring country because intentions change. Advertisement One must also note that the present geostrategic importance of the north east is primarily the outcome of the Partition of 1947, the rise of the Peoples Republic of China in 1950its takeover of Tibet soon after, and the border war with China in 1962. The unresolved border issue along the Line of Actual Control and border with Bhutan, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh have enhanced it to a critical level. To these must be added the mind-boggling diversity in the population of the northeast and the potential for conflicts therein. The never-ending ethnic insurgencies in Myanmar, especially in areas along the Indo-Malaysian border, and the failure of the military junta to control the border areas have led observers to conclude that in Myanmar the second world war never really ended. What is north east today was aptly defined in the colonial period as the Eastern Frontier of Bengal meaning Bengal Presidency, and hence the law that provides for the inner line permit system, which some groups in Meghalaya now are demanding its extension is the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873. The large presence of ethnic Bengali populations in the northeastern states is the result of these territorial adjustments. The enormous strategic importance of this law needs appreciation. First, it had drawn an inner line within the Bengal Presidency to include the areas that form todays Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh for enforcement of the inner line permit regime under which no subject of British India could enter into these areas without a valid permit, not because the British wanted to preserve and protect the culture of the hill tribes as is wrongly perceived by some in the north east now, but because of limited state capacity to provide security and safety to British subjects due to hilly terrain and little control over the hill tribes. This was the ground for restrictions on movement as well as acquisition of property by the plains people in these tribal areas. It should be noted that Khasi Jayantia and Garo Hills, which form Meghalaya now, were not notified under this regulation but were partially excluded areas under the Government of India Act 1935, while the areas under the Inner Line permit system were put in the excluded areasoutside the power of the Assam Legislature to make laws under the same Act. We may note that Manipur enjoyed an independent status after the end of Burmese occupation in terms of the 1826 Treaty of Yandabo, under which Burma ceded Ahom kingdom and Manipur to the British. However, even though a political agent was appointed to act as a medium of communication between the state and the British government, the King of Manipur enjoyed substantial autonomy to administer the state. To complete this account, we may note that three large revenue-earning districts of BengalGoalpara, Sylhet and Cacharwere transferred to Assam to make the province financially viable from the assured revenue of the permanently settled areas. The State of Hill Tipperaas the present-day Tripura was known before Partitiondiffered from other princely states classed as tributary, as the District Magistrate of the adjoining Bengal District of Tippera functioned as an ex officio political agent of the government. Todays Tripura was thus an extended part of Bengal, just as South Lushai Hills district, which is now Mizoram, was also transferred from Bengal to Assam in 1898. Interestingly, its Chakma District Council at Demagiri, constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the constitution as Mizoram emerged first as an Union territory in 1972 and as a state in 1988, is the only area the Buddhist Chakma tribe could call their home in India after their homeland, Chittagong Hill Tracts, was unjustly given away to Pakistan even when it was an excluded area under the Government of India Act 1935, and over 86 per cent of its population were Buddhist chakmas, Kuki tribes and Hindus. Finally, the fact that West Bengal is integral to the development of the northeast is recognised in the Kaladan Multi-Nodal Transport Projects object of linking eastern most parts of the northeast to Calcutta Port through Myanmars Sittwe port. Further, since Teesta drains into Brahmaputra, West Bengal is represented in the Brahmaputra Board as Secretary Irrigation, the Government of West Bengal is a special invitee, and Sikkims Irrigation and Flood Control Department is also in the Board constituted under a central law, the Brahmaputra Board Act 1980. In this background, the inclusion of Sikkim as the 8th Member of the North Eastern Council in 2003 following an amendment of the NEC Act 1972 in December 2002 is a recognition of the reality that integrated development of the north east demands inclusion of Sikkim and an extended part of the regionNorth Bengal as well. It may be recalled that the NEC was established as a regional advisory and planning body under the NEC Act 1972 mainly to address the issue of coordinated regional development arising from the reorganisation of Assam and the north east under the NEA Reorganisation Act 1971 into 7 units4 statesAssam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur and the UTs of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradeshbecause the resource and other constraints would not permit any of these states to implement large infrastructural projects to benefit all or other constituent units. Thus all 7 units are represented in the NEC, which is mandated to prepare a regional plan and finance and implement projects of a regional nature, that is, projects that will benefit more than one constituent unit. One must note here that NEC has no regulatory role now, and hence the apprehension that inclusion of North Bengal districts would mean their separation from West Bengal is unfounded, as only the state of West Bengal could be inducted into NEC as a member like Sikkim by an amendment of the NEC Act and not any part of the state. NEC projects have strategic importance as these are infrastructural projects in transport, power, and thermal, which, given the small size and limited resources, the states are not in a position to take up and to connect the region with the rest of the country. It has been funding implementation by states of a remarkable initiativethe NE Region Community Resource Management Program for Upland Areas for Sustainable Development. DONER Ministrys 2023-24 budget of Rs 5,892 Cr and the fact that there are 27 ongoing transport and 4 power development and transmission projects apart from projects in health and education under the NEC sector indicate the critical role of NEC projects in development of the North East, as, for instance, the establishment of the North Eastern Institute of Science and Technology at Itanagar and power projects under NEEPCONorth East Electric Power Corporation gave a big boost to development of the region. If north Bengal is also inducted, the NEC-funded projectsif properly coordinated with the state infrastructural, social, educational and skill development projectswould be a welcome additive development investment and might position Siliguri as the main plank of the Act East Policy and a Metropolis of the subregion serving East Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and north Bihar as well. It may open up many growth possibilities, such as the Siliguri-Bongaigaon-Guwahati Economic Corridor linked to the Asian Highway, Bangladesh and ASEAN. Its time to be positive and to act as the northeast begins from north Bengal. The author, a retired IAS officer of Assam Meghalaya cadre had served in the North Eastern Council as Planning and Financial Adviser, and was a member Academic Council, National Defence College With Jhulan Yatra festival and Janmashtami ahead, Krishna devotees and Vashnavites celebrate the full moon day (purnima) in the Hindu month of Shravana with all fervour. The Jhulan Yatra is primarily dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, and it marks the swing festival, where swings are decorated with flowers and devotees push the idols of Radha and Krishna. The popular Krishna literature Hari Bhakti Vilasa (performance of devotion to Hari or Krishna) mentions Jhulan Yatra as part of the various festivals dedicated to Krishna. The ISKCON temple in Mayapur too is celebrating Sri Radha Madhav Jhulan Yatra 2024 from 16-20 August. Advertisement As the world celebrated Ratha Yatra, last month, a professor of Bengali literature at St Pauls cathedral Mission College in Kolkata, released four books, two of them written by him on Lord Jagannath. Dr Sk Makbul Islam, also is in charge of the Sri Jagannath Research Centre at the college. His two books, Jagat Mangal Jagannath Mangal and Sri Jagannath Nana Stane Anneshane covers two different aspects. The first one is a comparison of two mediaeval India epics, while the second one is a diary, chronicling the worshipping of Jagannath around the world and India, along with his notes. Jagat Mangal Jagannath Mangal is a comparative study of two narratives from Mediaeval Period epics. Jagat Mangal was written by Gadadhar Das while Jagannath Mangal was written by Vishambhar Das. For Jagat Mangal (1642-43), the main source was Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana, which Jagannath Mangal (1750-1800) talks about Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna. It has got its inspiration from Skanda Purana and Srimad Bhagavad. Both are important documents in Bengali literature but unfortunately, Jagannath literature is a highly neglected topic for research in literature. There has always been emphasis on Sufi, Krishna and Baul literature but little on Jagannath literature, said the Bengali professor. My work explores this less-explored aspect, showing the contribution of Bengal towards Jagannath consciousness. The role of Bengali literature and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has been enormous in spreading Jagannath consciousness. I am throwing light on this very aspect, said the professor, who has been researching on Jagannath since 1992. Dr Sk Makbul Islams other book Sri Jagannath Nana Stane Anneshane is like a diary. He said, Wherever I go, any reference I get on Jagannath, I note it down. I have been to southeast Asian countries, apart from the Indian states, where they worship Jagannath. In Assam, they follow Shankari Vaishnavism and here in Bengal, we follow Sri Chaitanya order. In Odisha they follow Sri Panchasakha order and Utkaliya Vaishnava order, said Dr Islam. The other two books, which he also unveiled were edited by him, covering stories of Jagannath in Bengal, Odisha and Assam. It definitely comes as a surprise to many when one finds a Muslim doing research on Jagannath. Did he ever face any difficulty in his work because of his religion? Pat comes the reply with a gentle smile, Yes, people are surprised, but that is just the half-truth. They are eager to help me because of my multiple identities. They readily come forward to help as they say that Im doing something, which they are supposed to do. Prof Islam says during the course of his research and wanderings, across the cities and small towns, he has experienced a very different India. I have seen a very integrated India during my research, which also extends up to southeast Asia. My perception of India has been very inclusive, especially at a time when a lot of other things are happening in the country. Im very fortunate in this respect, said the author. Broach the topic of polarisation to him and he agrees, the society is in a turmoil. Not only in India, polarisation of the society is happening across the world, through some parameter or other. But there is a space, which is beyond polarisation, beyond conflict and Im fortunate to be part of it, maybe because of the Lord. This makes me happy. Muslims from Bangladesh have helped me, Buddhists have helped me in Thailand, Christians in Nagaland and Mizoram, said Prof Islam, who is currently working on Jagannaths influence in southeast Asia. My hometown is in Bagnan, Howrah, which is a homogeneous mix of Sufi, Muslim and Vaishnav community. I have grown up within the Vaishnav community and it is my upbringing, which has influenced my work, said the principal investigator of many UGC projects, who has studied the Gita, the Purana and the shastras. The professor is happy to claim that in this world of trolls, he has garnered a lot of appreciation and positive comments from the people from his community on social media. One person was injured Saturday during a fire at TTM Technologies in Chippewa Falls. Chippewa Falls Fire & Emergency Services officials were dispatched to TTM Technologies located on Cashman Drive for a structure fire Saturday morning. Officials evacuated the facility around 10 a.m. Saturday, but one person was treated for minor injuries, a press release from Battalion Chief Nate Martell said. In total, one employee did have minor injuries and was transported for further medical care via ambulance, the release said. TTM Technologies is located at 234 Cashman Drive off of Seymour Cray Boulevard. Its advanced technology center on site is a 240,000-square-foot building. According to its website, TTM Technologies Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of technology solutions, including mission systems, radio frequency components, radio frequency microwave/microelectronic assemblies and advanced printed circuit boards. Crews found an active fire alarm at the building when the arrived, but no smoke showing. An evacuation of employees was underway, the release said. Upon officers' arrival and making contact with TTM maintenance staff the crews were advised that there was a small fire that they believe staff has already extinguished with multiple extinguishers, the release said. Crews made entry and confirmed that the fire was extinguished. Martell said upon arrival Saturday, dispatchers reported additional information to crews that they were taking reports of possible chemicals on fire inside a room in the facility. Fire crews near the fire scene initially evaluated several chemical tanks near the fire area with no leaks or sprays noted, the release said. As a standard precaution with all fires in and or around chemical storage tanks crews evacuated the immediate area and blocked off roadways until a full inspection, metering and assessment could assure the public was safe. The incident caused three roads in the area to be temporarily closed. After noon, the Chippewa Falls Police Department asked everyone to avoid the area of TTM Technologies. The police said that because of hazardous chemicals on scene, the area around the building was shut down, including Cashman and Olson drives and Technology Way. State Highway 178 remained open, police said. Chippewa Falls Fire & Emergency Services crews worked in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Chippewa County Emergency Management and the Eau Claire Fire Department Chemical Assessment Team used specialized metering to confirm no public safety threats were found. All fire crews cleared the scene just after 1 p.m., and the building was turned over to TTM maintenance crews for cleanup. On the eve of the 78th Indian Independence Day, as the clock edged towards midnight, history came alive on the streets of Kolkata. A heritage tour, aptly titled Freedom by Midnight by historical and cultural tour curators Kunal Guha and Sudipto Lahiry, took eager participants on a journey through time, showing the monumental buildings that silently bore witness to the nations relentless struggle for freedom. But the night wasnt just about revisiting the past; it was also about reclaiming the present. As heritage enthusiasts wandered through these historic sites, thousands of souls took to the streets, their voices rising in unison for the Women, Reclaim the Night movement. It was a night where the echoes of freedom fighters intertwined with the powerful chants of modern-day warriors, both groups united by a common threadfreedom, in all its forms. Talking to The Statesman, Kunal Guha, one of the partners of Calcutta by Night, said, For the first time in Kolkata, weve unveiled the concept of night tourism, offering a glimpse of the city in a whole new lightliterally. As we explore the illuminated wonders of Kolkata, we step into a different paradigm altogether. This special tour was organised to commemorate the midnight of 15 August 1947, when India gained independence from the British Raj. Sure, we had eager participants on the tour, but for those of you who missed it, fear notIm about to be your guide through this literary stroll. So, lace up your mental walking shoes as we embark on a journey through these sheets of paper, exploring the iconic Kolkata landmarks that played a decisive role in Indias freedom movement. Advertisement NETAJI BHAWAN If youve ever strolled down Elgin Road in Kolkata, youve surely noticed the yellow-walled property with green windows that stands at 38/2. This stately home, originally built in 1909 by Janakinath Bose, was once the ancestral residence of the Bose family and now stands as Netaji Bhawan, a memorial dedicated to Subhash Chandra Bose. The exterior of Netaji Bhawan, with its traditional pillars and porticos, reflects the quintessential architectural style of a 20th-century Bengali mansion. As you step inside, youre greeted by a striking relief profile of Netajis face, crafted by artist Sunil Paul, which adorns the right side of the front portico. On the left, marble plaques display two pages from Netajis Political Statement, written in his own hand during his hunger strike in prison in November 1940. As you venture further, youll encounter the iconic 1937 German Wanderer sedan, quietly parked yet rich with history. This car played a key role in Netajis daring Great Escape to Gomoh railway station in Jharkhand in 1941, from where he embarked on his journey to Germany. The Wanderer W24, with its 1767 cc, 4-cylinder engine producing 42 hp at 3,500 rpm, could reach a top speed of 108 kmph. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, this Auto Union-manufactured vehicle was a rarity, with only 22,500 units ever made. In November 1940, Netaji began a hunger strike, and fearing his death in custody, the British released him on 5 December but kept him under tight surveillance. Ive seen British documents revealing that 14 intelligence officers were assigned to watch him when he returned home. One day, Netaji asked my father, Sisir Bose, if he could do some work for him. This marked the start of planning his escape. By late December, Mian Akbar Shah, a close ally, arrived from Peshawar, and together they bought clothes from Wachel Mollas shop on Dharmatala Street to disguise Netaji as Mohammed Ziauddin, a north Indian Muslim insurance agent. On the night of 16-17 January 1941 at 1.35 a.m., Netaji and my father left the house, putting their escape plan into action. Later, while travelling from Peshawar to Kabul, Netaji disguised himself as a Pathan despite not speaking Pashto. To avoid suspicion, he pretended to be mute and deaf. Subsequently, he adopted the alias Orlando Mazzotta and used a fake Italian passport to journey from Kabul to Berlin, passing through Samarkand and Moscow, professor Sugata Bose, grandnephew of Netaji, informed. Walking upstairs inside the house, you would discover Netajis bedroom, complete with his and his fathers beds, as well as his study, still filled with his books. The upper floor also features a central gallery, Sarat Boses room, the Asia room and the Europe roomall meticulously preserved, with every piece of furniture, documents and other belongings intact. AKASHVANI BHAVAN Though this building isnt tied directly to the Indian independence struggle, the importance of radio during that time cannot be overstated. Sudipto Lahiry, co-founder of Calcutta by Night, shared the story of Usha Mehta, a courageous Indian student who ran a secret radio station for the independence movement. This is the Congress Radio calling on 42.34 from somewhere in India, the broadcasts would begin. Mehta, along with activists Chandrakant Babubhai Jhaveri, Vithaldas K. Jhaveri and Nanka Motwane, launched the station on 14 August 1942, with the help of Nariman Printer, an amateur radio operator. They initially broadcast twice daily in Hindi and English but later reduced it to once in the evening, constantly moving to evade the police. The station aired crucial news, from merchants refusing to export rice to the arrests of leaders. In November 1942, a police raid, tipped off by Printer after his arrest, led to the discovery of the station. During the raid, Mehta and her colleagues made a final broadcast, playing Vande Mataram as the authorities broke in. The equipment was seized, and Mehta, along with four others, was arrested. After a lengthy investigation, she was sentenced to four years in prison, being released in April 1946. THE RODDA ARMS HEIST Standing below the illuminated Standard Life Assurance Building at Dalhousie, Kunal Guha narrated the events that led to the momentous event of the Rodda Arms heist. On 26 August 1914, a daring heist unfolded in broad daylight in Kolkatas B.B.D. Bagh. A group of revolutionaries managed to steal 50 Mauser C96 semi-automatic pistols and 46,000 7.63 mm x 25 mm Mauser cartridges from Rodda & Co., (a prominent British-owned gun store situated at the time in Vansittart Row in Calcutta) executing the robbery so skillfully that it took authorities three days to realise what had happened. The theft, reported to Sir Charles Augustus Tegart of the Detective Department on 29 August, was traced back to the involvement of Shrish Mitra, a clerk at Rodda & Co., who had helped orchestrate the heist. The plan, hatched by Shrish Paul and Anukul Mukherjee of the Anushilan Samiti and Dacca Mukti Sangha, involved disguising a bullock cart as part of a larger convoy and redirecting it to a secret location. On the day of the robbery, six carts delivered the arms to Rodda & Co., while a seventh cart, carrying the stolen goods, was rerouted and unloaded elsewhere. The stolen arms were then distributed to various locations, including the house of Bhujanga Bhushan Dhar and other safe houses. Despite several arrests, none of the revolutionaries received life sentences or the death penalty, although many weapons were later recovered. Shrish Mitra, however, evaded capture and disappeared. The significance of the Rodda Arms Heist can be best understood from a statement made in the report of 1918 by the President of the Sedition Committee S.A.T. Rowlatt. On page 56 of the report, he mentions The authorities have reliable information to show that 44 of these pistols were almost at once distributed to 9 different revolutionary groups in Bengal, and it is certain that the pistols so distributed were used in 54 cases of dacoity or murder or attempts at dacoity and murder subsequent to August 1914. It may indeed safely be said that few, if any, revolutionary outrages have taken place in Bengal since August 1914, in which Mauser pistols stolen from Rodda & Co. have not been used. The arms heist quickly became a sensation, with The Statesman declaring it as The greatest daylight robbery in its 30 August 1914 edition. Although no revolutionaries were killed and no shots were fired during the heist, the stolen Mauser pistols proved crucial to Indias fight for independence. Key figures such as Rash Behari Bose and Bagha Jatin wielded these pistols in their struggle. At least one of the stolen Mausers was used in the Chittagong arms robbery of the 1930s. Both Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekhar Azad received Mauser pistols from the loot. The Mauser C96 also played a significant role in the Ghadar conspiracy of 1915. ARYA SAMAJ MANDIR The connection between Bhagat Singh and the Arya Samaj temple at 19, Bidhan Sarani, Kolkata is far from forgotten. His brief stays at the temple are considered a notable chapter in the institutions history. Bhagat Singhs first visit to Kolkata was to acquire materials for bomb-making. He stayed at the temple while sourcing supplies from the nearby Rajabazar area before returning to Lahore. In 1928, following the assassination of British police officer John Saunders in Lahore by Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev, he made a return visit to the Arya Samaj temple. To evade capture, Bhagat Singh travelled disguised as a family man, accompanied by Durgawati Devi, the wife of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association member Bhagwati Charan Vohra, and Sukhdev posing as their help. During his final visit to the temple, Bhagat Singh left his utensils with an employee, remarking that they might one day become historically significant artefacts. GANDHI BHAVAN We stood beside Gandhi Bhavan (formerly Hyderi Manzil) located at 150B Beliaghata Main Road, engrossed in Mudar Patheryas storytelling, as the clock struck midnight. With the national anthem playing, it marked the arrival of 15 August the 78th year of Indias independence from the British. This is the place where Gandhiji held his 16th fast out of the total 17 fasts throughout his lifetime, said Patherya. The fast lasted for 73 hours and its outcome was considered to be a miracle. The story began in July 1946, as Muslims demanded a separate homeland and realised the challenges ahead. Despite calls for peaceful rallies and seminars, Kolkata erupted into brutal communal riots on 16 August 1946, following the Muslim Leagues Direct Action Day. The violence continued for three days, resulting in 5,000 deaths and 15,000 injuries, according to documented records. Former chief minister Jyoti Basu was trapped in Creek Row for three days, which was believed to be ankle-deep in blood with vultures overhead. Yet, Gandhiji did not arrive in Kolkata until 9 August of the following year, marking the beginning of a miraculous turn, Patherya remarked. It was here that Gandhi faced a hostile mob thirsting for blood. By fasting for over 73 hours, he compelled the city to embrace peace and persuaded the rioters to lay down their arms. THE ORGANISERS AND PARTICIPANTS SPEAK The night offers a unique energy and tranquillity, Lahiry said. With fewer crowds and hawkers, we can truly appreciate historic buildings. These walks challenge the stereotype that nights are ruled by vampires, thieves and rabid dogs. Under the citys illumination, Kolkata sparkles as the sun sets. Guha added, Calcutta by Night is also planning a moonlit tour of white heritage buildings, possibly in November. There has been significant interest in this venture, and properties typically closed at night have opened their doors for us during the tour. Mudar Patheryas vision for The Kolkata Restorersto illuminate 500 buildings within 7 yearsis progressing well. His plan involves lighting up Calcutta while mobilising donations from private citizens at no cost to property owners. He emphasises keeping all donations anonymous and negotiating aggressively with lighting vendors. Transparency in accounting and reporting is crucial, alongside swiftly executing projects and enhancing the citys pride. The goal is to adorn Calcutta with lights, aiming for 500 illuminated facades by 2030, and to incorporate clocks, gongs, and domes. Talking to The Statesman, Patherya noted, Illuminating St Pauls Cathedral was the most challenging due to its scale and height. It took us three months to get the mood right, ensuring the illumination was subtle. The Kolkata Restorers have already brightened landmarks such as the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, Burhani Masjid, Royal Insurance Building, General Post Office, Akashvani Bhavan, Standard Life Assurance Building and several churches, to name a few. Rajita Banerjee, a South Asian history student at Columbia University, commented, Seeing these historic buildings in person is fascinating, especially as someone who has only read about them. Moreover, night tours like these fuel the Women, Reclaim the Night movement by enhancing safety for women at night. Exploring illuminated heritage buildings at night offers a unique atmosphere. The accompanying history lessons add an educational bonus, enriching the experience, added Arjun Nair, another participant in the Freedom by Midnight tour. Two Iraqis were killed and 17 others injured, including Iranian Shiite pilgrims, in a car accident in Baghdad, a traffic police officer said. The collision occurred on Sunday when a bus carrying pilgrims struck a car on a major road in the Dora neighbourhood in southern Baghdad, Xinhua news agency reported, citing Major Saad Hussein of the Iraqi traffic police. The incident took place as thousands of Iranian pilgrims travelled to the holy city of Karbala to observe Arbaeen, which marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 A.D. Advertisement The pilgrims usually visit the Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra, among other holy places in Iraq, as part of their tour to Karbala. Two similar accidents on Friday killed two people and injured 71, mostly Iranian pilgrims. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim will begin his three-day State Visit to India on Monday. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said that Anwar Ibrahim will pay a state visit to India from August 19 to 21 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. As Prime Minister of Malaysia, this will be his first visit to India, the MEA said. Advertisement According to MEA, the Malaysian Prime Minister on Tuesday will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan and will visit Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, after which he will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi, who will also host a luncheon in his honour. Later in the day, Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar would also call on the Malaysian Prime Minister during his visit. India and Malaysia have strong historical and socio-cultural linkages. Our bilateral relationship was elevated to the status of Enhanced Strategic Partnership in 2015 during the visit of Prime Minister Modi, the MEA said. As both countries enter the second decade of Enhanced Strategic Partnership next year, the visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would pave the way for further strengthening of India-Malaysia bilateral ties by charting out a multi-sectoral cooperation agenda for the future, it added. Earlier in July, Malaysias Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani visited India. Ghani, who visited India from July 16-19, met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Krishi Bhawan and discussed opportunities to deepen the bilateral agriculture cooperation between the two countries. 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. Job Title: Volunteers (Several No Experience Jobs) Organisation: Public Health Ambassadors Uganda (PHAU) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About the Company: Public Health Ambassadors Uganda (PHAU) is a registered non-profit youth-led organization comprising of young people from different academic backgrounds who are passionate and interested in addressing key sexual and reproductive health issues in their own communities using health education and promotion, youth empowerment and social entrepreneurship. Job Summary: Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Are you 25 years or younger and eager to empower others with crucial SHR information? Public Health Ambassadors Uganda (PHAU) is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team! Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The applicant should have relevant qualifications WERE ENCOURAGING YOUNG WOMEN ESPECIALLY TO APPLY! How to Apply: Send your cv and application letter to: info@phauganda.org Deadline: 24th August 2024 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Date Posted 2024-08-19T05:47 Valid Through 2024-08-25T00:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Public Health Ambassadors Uganda (PHAU) Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda Related Jobs The autopsy report of the Kolkata junior doctor, who was raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, said manual strangulation caused her death. The autopsy report, accessed by several media, also revealed sexual assault and multiple internal injuries. "Forceful penetration/insertion in genitalia" indicating sexual assault was also mentioned in the report. The death of the victim was caused by manual strangulation associated with smothering, The Indian Express reported. However, there was no mention of any fracture in the report. ALSO READ | Kolkata rape-murder: CBI summons R G Kar college former principal for 4th day #WATCH Kolkata, West Bengal: Medical staff and students tied 'Rakhi' demanding justice in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case. pic.twitter.com/jrT6jyvPBz ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2024 Reports also mentioned the presence of a "white thick viscid fluid" found inside her private parts. However, the nature of the substance was not clearly stated. All injuries were inflicted before death. Injuries on different body parts, including the head, cheeks, neck, ankle, lips and nose were reported as well. The autopsy also found haemorrhaging in the lungs and blood clots in the body. The junior doctor was found dead on August 9 sparking nationwide protests. The police have arrested a civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy, whose Bluetooth headphones were found near the body. ALSO READ | Kolkata doctor's parents open up about seeing their daughter's body: 'I told them it's not suicide' Calcutta HC had ordered the government to hand over the case to the CBI after three days of the incident. Doctors and students at the hospital alleged that there was a severe lapse from the Kolkata Police in handling the case. Meanwhile, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College Sandip Ghosh was questioned by the CBI for the fourth day in a row on Monday. Junior doctors in states including West Bengal and Delhi continued their protests demanding justice for the victim and seeking protection for the doctors across the country. India is set to walk the diplomatic and strategic tightrope yet again as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on an official visit to war-torn Ukraine from August 22, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to Ukraine after establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. While India has till now desisted from openly criticizing Russia for the Ukraine invasion, its standard position is seeking a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. On Monday, The conflict is ongoing and we believe that the resolution to this conflict can only come through dialogue and diplomacy, Tanmaya Lal, secretary (West) in the foreign ministry, said on Monday. He said India has consistently advocated for diplomacy and dialogue to reach a negotiated settlement. Modis visit to Kiev will take place just about one-and-a-half month after his visit to Russia where he was welcomed with a warm bear-hug by Russian President Vladimir Putinin an enduring image that went viral globally and was a subject of discussion even in the NATO meet in Washington DC. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky had described the Modi-Putin meeting as a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the worlds largest democracy hug the worlds most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day. On the day that Modi met Putin, Russian missiles had hit civilian areas in Ukraine killing many people. After his Moscow meeting with President Putin, PM Modi had said: The temperature sometimes falls below zero in Russia but the temperature is always above zero in India-Russia relations Russia remains Indias trusted friend in any weather. An official release on Monday said the PMs engagements in Kyiv will touch a range of aspects of bilateral ties including political, trade, economic, investments, education, cultural, people-to-people exchanges, humanitarian assistance and others. Interestingly, Modis visit to Ukraine will coincide with the Russian Navy chief Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyevs ongoing India visit. On Saturday, Admiral Moiseyevs official engagements included meeting his Indian counterpart Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Indias defence secretary, the Indian Air Force chief and the National Maritime Security Coordinator of India. Modis visit to Ukraine will be preceded by his visit to Poland, a NATO member, in what will be an Indian PMs first visit to Poland in the past 45 years. Koh Young's Ramiro Mora to Unveil Insights on SPI Process Capability at SMTA Guadalajara Expo, September 11-12, 2024 Published: 19 August 2024 by Tyler Hanes by Tyler Hanes ATLANTA Koh Young, the industry leader in True 3D measurement-based inspection solutions, is excited to announce that Ramiro Mora, Application Team Leader for Mexico and South America, will present on solder paste print process capability analysis at the SMTA Guadalajara Expo and Tech Forum in Jalisco, Mexico, on September 11-12, 2024. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is essential for real-time monitoring and control of processes. By utilizing statistical tools and charts, SPC helps detect changes, trends, and patterns in output over time. In the context of solder paste printing on printed circuit boards, SPC evaluates process performance to ensure quality and determine when adjustments are needed. The primary aim of SPC is to prevent issues before they arise, leading to significant savings and improvements in operations through data-driven decisions. Effective SPC is crucial for optimizing the solder print process, says Ramiro Mora. By leveraging real-time data and statistical analysis, we can ensure consistent quality and address potential issues proactively before they impact production. SPC empowers manufacturers to make informed decisions, ultimately enhancing efficiency and reliability in manufacturing with data from our SPI machines. Following his presentation, Ramiro will be available for discussions at Koh Young booth 702, where we will also showcase the KY8030-3. We pioneered 3D measurement-based solder paste inspection, revolutionizing the inspection industry. Today, 3D SPI is a standard requirement for SMT lines, not an option. The KY8030-3 is our flagship SPI solution, renowned for its patented dual-projection technology that provides reliable and repeatable measurement data, enabling manufacturers to optimize their print processes effectively. To learn more about how our solutions boost your quality, visit us at the SMTA Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum during September 11-12, 2024 at the EXPO Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico. You can register to attend the in-person conference and exposition at www.smta.org/events. If you cannot attend the show, you can still learn more about our best-in-class inspection solutions at our regional website www.kohyoungamerica.com The Congress is open to an alliance with like-minded parties in the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. This was stated by Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Monday. The Congress party is open to forming alliances with like-minded people or parties for the upcoming assembly elections in the Union Territory, he said at a press conference in Srinagar after returning from Delhi. Karra, recently appointed as the JKPCC chief in place of Vikar Rasool Wani, was warmly welcomed at the party headquarters upon his return from Delhi. He said the regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) are communicating with Congress's central leadership about a possible pre-poll alliance. As far as I know, the NC has already approached the central leadership for an alliance, he said. At some level, talks have happened with the PDP. He said that if the parties within the INDIA bloc agree that they need to defeat divisive forces and the BJP, they will have to unite. He also said the final decision about a pre-poll alliance will be made by a five-member committee formed by the Congress high command. He dismissed reports that Ghulam Nabi Azad might return to Congress. Its a closed chapter, he said, adding that Azads Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) has been "outrightly rejected" by the people for breaking away from Congress. Congress working presidents Raman Bhalla and Tara Chand, along with senior leaders Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed, GN Monga, and Muhammad Anwar Bhat, congratulated Karra on his new role. In his speech to party workers, Karra said the focus would be to channelise and then capitalize on the positivity generated by Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra to benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It will help to end the constitutional, economic, and religious terrorism in this country, he said. The Congress has already started identifying potential candidates for assembly polls. Sources said the party will field more candidates in Jammu to challenge the BJP given a big jump in Congress vote share in the region in the Lok Sabha polls. The party led in seven assembly segments in Udaipur and Jammu Lok Sabha constituencies and recorded 18 per cent vote share against the BJPs 24. Amid speculations that Jharkhand former Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) senior leader Champai Soren might switch to BJP, party leaders have begun to break their silence over the impending split. While Hemant Soren took a swipe at BJP for "poaching MLAs", JMM leader Manoj Pandey said Champai's move amounted to "self-sabotage". Since Champai Soren has yet not confirmed his switch, despite giving multiple hints about being humiliated at the party. Though the JMM top leadership has been maintaining a silence, Chief Minister Hemant Soren used his public appearance at Godda to hit out at the BJP for trying to break families and parties. Also read: All options are open,' says Champai Soren amid buzz of joining BJP The chief minister said the BJP was bringing people from Gujarat, Assam and Maharashtra to "spread poison among the tribals, Dalits, backward classes and minorities and make them fight with each other". "They poach MLAs. Money is such a thing that it doesn't take long for politicians to move here and there," Soren said. Hemant Soren also said that the Assembly elections in Jharkhand are due this year but the poll schedule would be "decided by the opposition party in the state, not by the Election Commission". "It seems the Election Commission is no longer a constitutional institution, as it has been occupied by BJP people," he alleged. "I challenge them (BJP) that if the assembly elections are held today, they will be wiped out from Jharkhand tomorrow," Soren said. #WATCH | Delhi: When asked if he met West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata, former Jharkhand CM and JMM leader Champai Soren says, "I have not met anyone. I have come here for personal work..." pic.twitter.com/c2mg33FvLi ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2024 JMM leader Manoj Pandey too reacted to Champai's move, and warned that it would be self-sabotage for him. Expressing his disappointment, Pandey said it would be inappropriate for him to comment on Champai's remarks. "Champai Soren is a cautious leader and remains a member of the party. However, if he does make such remarks and leaves the party for another, such as the BJP, it would be self-sabotage for him," Panday said. He added that he couldn't believe that a mature politician like Champai would decide to join the BJP, which is already a sinking ship. Panday said that the JMM would respond accordingly. As for the impact Champai's decision would have on the INDIA bloc and party, Panday said it is a matter for later. "However, Champai Da will suffer immediately, that much is certain," he added. Meanwhile, reports quoting BJP sources said talks were still going on regarding Champais future in the party. It also remains to be seen how the saffron party will accommodate Champai as it already has strong leaders, including three former chief ministers, in the party. West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose came down heavily on Mamata Banerjee-led government over the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case and charged the regime has failed women in the state. Governor Bose told ANI, West Bengal is not a place safe for women. Bengal has failed its women. Not the society but the present government has failed its women folk. Bose charged the government is insensitive to women's security and they are scared of gundas now. Women now are scared of 'gundas'...this has been created by the government that is insensitive to this issue, he said. Bose added the law will take its own course in the probe into the rape and murder case by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Meanwhile, doctors protest demanding justice for the trainee doctor who was allegedly murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is continuing. The victims parents have lashed out at the state government and said they were not allowed to see her body for at least three hours. The victims mother told ANI that the first caller from the hospital said her daughter was sick. The call got disconnected immediately, after which they rang back. "They told me to come to the hospital. When we called again, the (caller) identified himself as Assistant Super and said your daughter committed suicide. She went to duty on Thursday and we got this call at 10.53am on Friday," the mother told ANI. She added that they were not allowed to see her body for at least three hours. "We could see her at 3 pm. Her pants were open and there was only one piece of cloth on her body. Her hand was broken, and blood was streaming out of her eyes, and mouth. Looking at her, it seemed that someone had murdered her," she said.I told them it is not suicide, its a murder," she added. As the CBI investigation into the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Hospital continues, the parents of the deceased doctor have opened up about seeing their daughter's body and how they realised it was murder and not suicide as the hospital authorities told them. The parents alleged that the body was not in the same condition as it was found in the seminar hall of the facility. The victim's mother said the first caller from the hospital said her daughter was sick. The call got disconnected immediately, after which they rang back. "They told me to come to the hospital. When we called again, the (caller) identified himself as Assistant Super and said your daughter committed suicide. She went to duty on Thursday and we got this call at 10:53 am on Friday," the mother told ANI. She added that they were not allowed to see her body for at least three hours. "We could see her at 3 pm. Her pants were open and there was only one piece of cloth on her body. Her hand was broken, and blood was streaming out of her eyes, and mouth. Looking at her, it seemed that someone had murdered her," she said. I told them it is not suicide, its a murder," she added. The victim's father said that they were told that the body was not initially found in the same condition. We can't say much as we were not allowed to see the body firsthand," he told reporters. The father added that they couldn't divulge more details as the CBI investigation was ongoing. On the victim's diary The victim's father also revealed some details of her diary, stating that he would submit them before the CBI if needed. On whether the pages of diaries were missing, he responded: "I can't comment as the matter is sub-judice. We will inform the CBI of whatever we have." Adding that he had a photo of a 'torn page' from the victim's diary, he said the gist of her entries was that she wanted to be happy. "See, our daughter wanted to live happily, she had dreams in her eyes. We want strict punishment for those who crushed her dreams. We are thankful to the millions in the state and country who are with us," the father said. Parents slam CM They also lashed out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for trying to stop the protests and for imposing Section 144 on the hospital premises. They added that more than one person could be involved in the crime and the Kolkata Police did not do a good job and tried to hush up the case. "We decry any bid to muzzle the voice of the people, to stop the movement for justice as not one person is involved in the incident. We hope the CBI probe will unravel the truth," the father added. He also hit out at Mamata for taking to the streets to protest while the state administration was muzzling spontaneous street protests. "What is the need for this duplicity? Is the government afraid of people?" he said. The father also appealed to all the states and the country's people to stand by them. Former principal of R G Kar Medical College Sandip Ghosh was summoned again by the CBI, investigating the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, for questioning on Monday, for the fourth day in a row. Ghosh arrived at CBI's CGO complex in Salt Lake with a set of documents for questioning. He was first called for questioning on Friday and then summoned again on Saturday where he was grilled for 13 hours. He was asked to return for questioning on Sunday by the investigating officials. He, however, denied reports that the CBI had arrested him. "I was not made to sit face-to-face with Sanjay Roy (the main accused who has been arrested in the case)," Ghosh told reporters, adding not to spread rumours about him. Also read: Kolkata doctor's parents open up about seeing their daughter's body: 'I told them it's not suicide' Doctors's stir Junior doctors in states, including West Bengal and Delhi, continued their protest on Monday. "Our indefinite cease-work and sit-in will continue till our demands are met," said Dr. Aniket Mahata, a spokesperson for protesting junior doctors at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital told Reuters. As a mark of protest, the doctors have also decided to provide elective outpatient services outside Nirman Bhawan, the Union Health Ministry's office. on Monday. The resident doctors will be available to provide elective OPD services in around 36 specialities, including medicine, surgery, obstetrics & gynaecology, paediatrics, ophthalmology, and orthopaedics, to patients outside Nirman Bhawan on Monday, according to a statement by the AIIMS RDA. The doctors will proceed to Nirman Bhawan at 11 am, the statement added. However, emergency services will continue as before at the hospitals. According to the doctors, a concrete response from the government regarding bringing the Central Protection Act for medics would have offered some relief. "However, after seven days, we are still waiting. As stated earlier, the strike will continue indefinitely until our demands are met," a resident doctor from the Safdarjung Hospital said. Upping the ante over the lateral entry issue, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Monday called it an attack on Dalits, OBCs and adivasis and accused the BJP of seeking to snatch reservations from bahujans. The Congress has strongly criticised the government after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Saturday issued a notification for recruiting 45 joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretaries through lateral entryreferred to as the appointment of specialists (including those from the private sector)in government departments. "Lateral entry is an attack on Dalits, OBCs and adivasis," Gandhi said on X. "The BJP's distorted version of Ram Rajya seeks to destroy the Constitution and snatch reservations from bahujans," the former Congress chief said. Government sources have said the concept of lateral entry was first introduced under the Congress-led UPA regime and was strongly endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission established by it in 2005. Also, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said the Congress' criticism of the lateral entry system in senior bureaucracy shows its "hypocrisy", and asserted the BJP-led NDA government has created a transparent method to implement the concept developed by the UPA dispensation. In a post in Hindi on X on Sunday, Gandhi had termed the government's move of recruiting public servants through lateral entry an "anti-national step", alleging that the reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs is being "openly snatched away" by such an action. "Reservation of SC, ST and OBC classes is being openly snatched away by recruiting through lateral entry on important posts in various ministries of the central government," Gandhi had said. The INDIA bloc will strongly oppose this "anti-national step" that hurts both the administrative structure and social justice, he added. "Privatisation of the IAS is Modi's guarantee for ending reservation," he charged. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approached Karnataka High Court against GovernorThaawarchand Gehlots order sanctioning prosecution against him for the alleged scam in Mysuru Urban Development Authority. In his plea, Siddaramaiah has said the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India, Live Law reported. The chief minister in his plea said the governors move is part of concerted effort to destabilise a duly elected government. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday granted permission to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the MUDA site allotment scam. The move comes after three separate complaints filed by social activists T.J. Abraham, Snehmayi Krishna and Pradeep. It has been alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi in Mysuru. The allotted site in an upmarket area in the city reportedly had higher property value as compared to the land acquired from her by the MUDA. Under the scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land in lieu of the undeveloped land acquired from them. Governor Gehlot had issued a showcause notice to Siddaramaiah on July 26, directing the chief minister to submit his response to the allegations against him within seven days. The governor sought replies regarding why permission for prosecution should not be granted against him. Following this, the Karnataka government had on August 1 "strongly advised" Gehlot to withdraw his "showcause notice" to Siddaramaiah, slamming him for the "gross misuse" of the Constitutional office of the governor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit war-hit Ukraine on August 23 on the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday. Modi will become the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine ever since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992. The prime ministers engagements in Kyiv will touch a range of aspects of bilateral ties including political, trade, economic, investments, education, cultural, people-to-people exchanges, humanitarian assistance and others, the MEA said in a statement. Modi will also interact with the Indian community, including students during the visit. Meanwhile, India reiterated its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022, saying only dialogue and diplomacy can lead to a lasting resolution of the conflict. MEA Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal said in a special briefing that India has substantive and independent ties with both Russia and Ukraine and these partnerships with the two nations "stand on their own". He said India is ready to extend all possible support and contribution for finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. Prime Minister Modi has had conversations with leaders of both Russia and Ukraine...India is ready to provide all possible support and contribution to find peaceful solution to this complex issue," Lal said. Ukraine presidents office also confirmed Modis visit, and said the two sides will discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation and multiple agreements. "On August 23, the National Flag Day of Ukraine, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Ukraine. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine in the history of our bilateral relations," the presidential office said in a statement. Modi had travelled to Russia last month and held talks with President Vladimir Putin on ways to diversify the bilateral relations. At least 13 schoolgirls were sexually abused at a private school in Krishangiri, Tamil Nadu, during a fake National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp held on its campus between August 5 and 9. One of the girls was sexually assaulted while 12 others were sexaully harassed, said police on Monday. At least 11 people have been arrested in the case so far. The main accused, identified as Sivaraman, who allegedly sexually abused the girls during the fake camp, was at large and was arrested on Monday. Sivaraman, who was the Kirshnagiri East district secretary of Naam Tamilar Katchi youth wing, was booked under POCSO Act and BNS sections. School principal A. Sathish Kumar, school's correspondent Samson Wesley and two teachers were arrested for not informing the police after students complained about the crime. Police said the school did not have an NCC unit while the organiser of the fake camp approached the management, saying they will get qualified to have an NCC unit if they host the camp. The school management neither held background checks on the group nor took permission conduct the camp. It also did not task teachers to supervise the students. Police are investigating whether such incidents occurred in other schools. Posting a detailed message on X on Sunday in the midst of swirling speculation that he is about to join the Bharatiya Janata Party, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren made it amply clear that he is on his way out of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. He said all his options are open, which includes taking retirement from politics, forming a new party or joining another party. This declaration bears immense significance and promises to complicate the electoral dynamics in the tribal state right before the assembly elections will be held. Soren is a JMM veteran, known to be close to the party's founding leader Shibu Soren and identified as Shibu's compatriot in their struggle to form a separate state of Jharkhand. Besides this, the 67-year-old has a mass following of his own amongst the tribal population of the state and is known as 'Jharkhand's tiger'. The veteran leader was viewed as a dependable option for the chief minister's post by Hemant Soren when he had to resign from the top job in January this year, as he faced arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a case relating to alleged irregularities in a land deal. And now, in a curious turn of events, after Hemant is out of jail and back in the saddle, Soren has emerged as a big challenge for the JMM and for the INDIA alliance ahead of assembly polls. Soren, who was chief minister for five months and had to make way for Hemant after he was released from jail over a month back, is known to have been deeply hurt at the manner in which he was made to step down. As Hemant took charge as chief minister again, a big challenge was to ensure that Soren was mollified. He has considerable clout in the Kolhan region of the state which has 14 Assembly seats. Soren was sworn in as a minister in the new Hemant cabinet. However, as the latest developments show, the JMM veteran has decided to go to the people about his humiliation and ill-treatment after Hemant came out of jail and made a comeback as chief minister. An argument Soren had made in the meeting of the JMM legislature party in June, where it was decided that Hemant should again be the chief minister was that replacing him at a time when the state was about to get into election mode would send an extremely wrong message to the tribal population of the state, and would expose the ruling alliance to attacks from political rivals. Soren had then said he was a tribal leader with a considerable standing. And now, Soren has articulated through his social media post that he was deeply hurt at the humiliating manner in which he was replaced as chief minister. The long post that runs into several paragraphs is intended to be a message to the tribals in the state and he has sought to impress upon them that the present leadership of the JMM has humiliated a senior tribal leader. Soren, who has had multiple terms as an MLA, has fashioned himself as a leader with humble origins. It is popular lore that he once worked in the fields along with his father in the remote Jilingora village in the Seraikela-Kharsawan district. The JMM veteran who held the fort when Hemant was arrested by the ED is now a big challenge for him right before the elections. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged bankers in the state to write off loans of Wayanad landslide victims and said extending repayment duration wouldnt solve the problem. The chief ministers demand comes amidst reports of banks debiting loan dues from the bank accounts of survivors. In a meeting with the State Level Bankers' Committee, Vijayan said writing off the loans wouldnt impose any unbearable burden on the banks. Relaxation in interest amounts or extension of time for remitting monthly instalments would not be a solution in the landslide-hit regions, Vijayan said. The chief minister pointed out that many of those who had availed the loans were dead and their land became unusable after the disaster. "The only thing we can do is write off the entire loans taken by people in these affected areas," PTI reported quoting CM. The CM also expressed displeasure over certain banks deducting loan payments from survivors accounts. Meanwhile, members of various youth organisations protested outside Kerala Gramin Bank in Kalpetta, Wayanad for debiting EMI from the money credit to survivorss accounts as aid by the state government. The bank has reportedly debited Rs 15,000 from the account of one of the survivors towards loan repayment. Earlier, the Kerala Bank in the state had waived off loans taken by villagers from Mundakkai and Chooralmala considering the devastation caused by the landslide. Over 200 persons died and 119 persons went missing in the landslide that hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai on July 30. The state government has sought Rs 2000 crore from the Centre for rehabilitation. Revenue Minister K. Rajan said the region has incurred loss to the tune of Rs 1,200 crore due to the landslide. NASA has issue a warning about two asteroids -- Asteroid 2024 QA and Asteroid 2024 JV33 -- moving really fast towards towards our planet, according to a report. What is Asteroid 2024 QA? Asteroid 2024 QA is an aircraft-sized rock with a length of 23.5 metre and a diameter of 41.3 metre. The gigantic rock belonging to Apollo asteroid group is expected to come as close as 7,06,502 km from the Earth. It is travelling at a speed of 21.66 km per second. However, we need not worry as the asteroid will not change its path, all thanks to Earth's gravitational force, reports News9Live. It has been classified as a Near-Earth Object. What is Asteroid 2024 JV33? Asteroid 2024 JV33 is a building-sized rock which has a length of 207 metre and a diameter of 335 metre. The closest the asteroid will come near Earth is 4,58,663 km and it's expected to happen on August 19. This has prompted NASA to categorise the Apollo group asteroid as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid. It's speed is 11.08 km per second. Though it is extemely close, it is expected not to deviate from its path, according to News9Live. Ukraine has captured around 100 Russian soldiers during its Kursk incursion in Russia. Hinting a successful operation during the first day of the incursion, Ukrainian officials claimed that there had been only 15 casualties needing hospital treatment. Several videos of Ukrainian troops capturing prisoners of war (PoW) were circulated during the initial hours of the incursion on August 6. Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had said that Kyiv is increasing its "exchange fund" to swap for PoWs held by Russia. In less than two weeks into the cross-border incursion, Ukraine has destroyed another key bridge in Russias Kursk region. The destruction of the bridge would affect the deliveries of supplies to Russian forces repelling Ukraines incursion. Ukraines air force on Sunday morning released a video of a hole being blown in a bridge at Zvannoe, over the Seym River inside Kursk province. According to Oleshchuk and the Russian regional governor, Alexei Smirnov, in less than two days a second bridge, north of the village of Glushkovo in Russia was destroyed by Kyiv. The bridge was submerged pic.twitter.com/bLJtaxgCuo Ukrainian Air Force (@KpsZSU) August 16, 2024 Glushkovo lies around 12 kilometres north of the Ukrainian border. Though Ukraines intentions are unclear with the recent destruction of the bridges, it seems that the troops will hold the ground seized in the Kursk region. Zelenskky on Saturday urged Kyivs allies to lift the remaining restrictions on using Western weapons to strike targets deeper into Russia. It is crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands. The bravery of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades compensate for the lack of essential decisions from our partners, said Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Ministry alleged that US-made HIMARS launchers have been used to destroy bridges on the Seym. Bangladesh's newly appointed security official on Monday said that the main challenge for the interim government ahead is improving the law and order situation in the country. While talking to the media, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasised the urgency of addressing the security concerns. "Our main challenge at the Ministry of Home Affairs is law and order. We are focused on improving the situation as quickly as possible," Chowdhury was quoted by UNB news. Brig Gen (retd) M. Sakhawat Hussain was replaced by Lt Gen (retd) Chowdhury amid criticism of his conduct by student leaders. Chowdhury also said that the government has requested additional support from the UN in tackling the Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh witnessed massive protests against the Sheikh Hasina-led government. Initially, the protests by students began as a quota reform movement, but later it took shape by demanding Hasina's resignation. Hasina was forced to step down amid violence in the nation. Over 300 people died in the protests since June. Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5. An interim government was formed with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as its Chief Adviser. The interim government has transferred the chiefs of 32 police stations in Dhaka and another 18 other officers-in-charge. Meanwhile, two new murder cases were filed against Hasina. The case pertains to the killings of two people during the quota reform protests in the country. This raises the number of cases filed against Hasina after her ouster to 15. A former official has alleged that Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faked the signature of his father in the royal decree, declaring ground offensive against the Houthis in Yemen. The revelations in a BBC interview were made by Saad al-Jabri, whom Saudi Arabia has referred to as a "discredited former government official." Al-Jabri has been living in exile in Canada while his children have been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. The former intelligence official claims that his teen children, Omar and Sarah, were nabbed in a fake money laundering case to force him to return to the kingdom. Al-Jabir said the White House warned him that the US would back only an air offensive but MBS ignored them and forged the royal signature as the king's mental capacity was deteriorating. Al-Jabri had worked as a Saudi official for four decades and was the chief of staff for the former Crown Prince Muhammed bin Nayef. When MBS took over, he fled the country after a foreign intelligence agency tipped him about the potential danger. Later MBS offered him a job, but Al-Jabri told BBC that it was a bait. "And I didn't bite," he said. "He planned for my assassination. He will not rest until he sees me dead, I have no doubt about that." On August 19 both Ukraine and India officially announced about Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Ukraine. But it was a real bolt from the blue, when, in the third week of July, both the Indian and Ukrainian media leaked the same news without official confirmation. More so, after the bear-hug optics with Russian President Putin, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyys sharp condemnation of PM Modis trip to Moscow. A few weeks before this news was out, members of the Indian diaspora spoke about an appeal to the PM to visit Ukraine at a regular online meeting platform, Ukraine and South Asia: Open Dialogues. Devastated by Indias damaged image, especially in the light of Russian missiles hitting Ukraine on the very day our PM was in Moscow meeting Putin, their frustration was well-founded. Out of the 38 missiles fired, 30 were shot down; at least 41 people were killed and 170 injured. A Kh-101/cruise missile targeted the largest childrens hospital, Okhmatdyt, in the heart of Kyiv; debris from the shot-down missiles fell in several other places. Dr Aloke Bansal, an orthopaedic surgeon, winner of the Presidential Order Honoured Doctor of Ukraine, recalled, how on July 8, he finished a small operation, when the alert siren sounded; how he cried, knowing his colleagues were operating on children when the missile hit. The dialysis and cancer units were evacuated; there were no patient casualties but the doctor on duty was killed. Six doctors were killed on that day in Ukraine. In another part of Kyiv, several perished when part of a residential building, hit by debris, collapsed, within 300 metres from the Indian embassys chancery. In Kyiv alone, 27 people were killed, including three children, and 82 were wounded. Dr Bansal publicly appealed to the PM to visit Kyiv. Nagender Parashar of Parashar Industries (middle) provided artificial leg to former Ukrainian jujitsu champion Artem (right) Contrasting the image of Putin welcoming Modi, who would ever forget the photo of Indian medical students in front of the ruined Okhmatdyt hospital, helping people? And the video that went viral of Artem with his artificial leg, standing and clearing the rubble with volunteers? Artem, a former jujitsu champion, lost his leg in the war. The artificial leg was supplied by Parashar Industries, founded by Nagender Parashar, an Indian, who set up his prosthetics manufacturing and rehabilitation company some 15 years back. Parashar has become a legend putting people back on track, old or young, male or female, military or civil, catering to their prosthetic needs. Ram Dange, CEO of an agribusiness company, was disturbed, but he hoped that Modis visit to Kyiv on August 23, the Independence Day eve in Ukraine, is symbolic, affirming that very independence which Russia is destroying. Ram generously provides food aid since 2022. There are several Indians in the pharma industry in Ukraine supporting this country - Dr U.P.R. Menon, head of the Indian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association; Dr Sailesh R. Prasad; head of Hetero Labs; and Alok Batra, director of SUN Pharma. Indians like Thamarai Pandian, CEO of DIA Pharma, and Sanjeev Bhagat, CEO of EuroLife Care, set up their own companies. Overall, humanitarian medical aid from these companies amounted to almost $18 million in the US. Of course, entrepreneurs get more attention because of their resources and wealth. Also, there are professionals Dr Tharun Sathyaseelan, the renowned dentist; Nirmal Vishevnyk, the lawyer; endocrinologist Kanwarjit Singh; Arnab Roychuramoni, the yoga expert working, and managing their own chambers and clinics. Support for Ukraine unites them all. Among some 4,000 Indian medical students, who returned to finish their studies, are interns working in hospitals. A girl student treated Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba during her duty at the hospital when a dog bit him in winter. The minister often fondly remembers the Indian doctors help. These Indians are like lamps silently glowing amidst a dark sea of ignorance and indifference about the war and devastation in Ukraine. Providing critical help at this hour, each of them is well-known in Ukraine and has upheld the humanist image of India. A rare phenomenon. While evacuation of the 20,000-strong student community was more publicised during the first days of the war, with hype and noise, the story of the Indian diaspora in Ukraine seldom caught the headlines. Their small number does not make them to be of interest to Indian politicians as lobby or vote banks, as well as to the media. Most of them consider Ukraine their second home. They never left Ukraine. Needless to say, they get little attention from the public diplomacy perspective of both countries. When Ukrainians question the reason of Modis visit, whether to compensate for the loss of his personal and Indias image after the Moscow trip or that the PM really wants to see things on the ground, not many expect him to mediate, precisely because, unlike China and Hungary, India has not presented any peace plan. India did not condemn Russian aggression, although Modi spoke about the inadmissibility of the use of force several times before Putin. However, the ambiguity of supporting Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, but at the same time not calling for the withdrawal of Russian occupation forces, instead talking about an end to hostilities and ceasefire, is quite puzzling. Irrespective of that, this visit will enter history as the first one by any Indian prime minister after Ukraine became independent in 1991. The same is true for post-socialist Poland, which the Indian prime minister will visit after 40 years. Ukrainians and Indians would like Modi to visit the childrens hospital, see a few more sites, and talk to people on the ground. On August 15 an appeal signed by hundreds of people was sent to the office of the prime minister to meet the diaspora, who kept the flame glowing, Indias image untarnished, and reiterating Indias call for peace. Who knows? Besides issues of sectoral cooperation, this visit might increase Modis intent and political will to be proactive and carve a niche for India to end the most terrible war of aggression after World War II in Europe and bring a just peace. The media in Ukraine has been the loudest about these issues these days. (The author, Mridula Ghosh, formerly with the UN, is a professor of international relations at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy) At least one died, and six others were missing after a super luxury yacht sailboat capsized and sank off Sicily on Monday. According to authorities, the tragedy occurred due to bad weather. Around 15 people were rescued. The British-flagged, 56-metre Bayesian had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers. The Italian coast guard said those onboard belonged to British, American and Canadian nationalities. Seven people are missing after a UK-flagged yacht, understood to be carrying British tourists, sank off the Italian coast this morning. Emergency services descended on waters off the coast of Porticello in Sicily after the boat came into difficulty in the early hours of Monday pic.twitter.com/bdmca3NuDh Cpt.Llama (@CaptainLlama15) August 19, 2024 Those rescued were taken to shore at Porticello and eight of the 15 rescued were hospitalised. Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service, said one body was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for. A helicopter and rescue boats from the Coast Guard, carabinieri, fire rescue and civil protection service were at the scene searching for the missing and had located the wreck at a depth of 50 meters. The boat capsized around 5 am off the port of Porticello. Deep-water divers were also involved in the search operation. They will be trying to enter the hull and search, said the Coast Guard. Reportedly, through Sunday night and Monday morning, Sicily witnessed intense storms. The western half of the Mediterranean has seen frequent, severe storms since last week. The yacht, built in 2008, was available for private charter. The yachts registered owner was a company based in the Isle of Man called Revtom Ltd, and Camper and Nicholsons International managed it. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said they are in contact with the Sicilian authorities. "We stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected," it added. Kolkata, Aug 19 (PTI) BTL EPC Ltd, a Kolkata-based EPC and engineering company, on Monday announced new contracts valued at Rs 413 crore inclusive of GST from public sector companies such as BHEL and SAIL. The company has secured a Rs 267 crore contract from BHEL for NTPC's Lara TPS Stage-II (2x800 MW) project. BTL EPC will provide turnkey solutions for conveyor systems and electromechanical equipment for handling coal, limestone, gypsum, and biomass at the power plant located at Pussore in Chhattisgarh, a company statement said. In addition, BTL EPC has bagged a Rs 96 crore contract from SAIL-Bhilai for the replacement of equipment in its By-Product Plant. This project is expected to be completed within 18 months. The company has also secured over Rs 50 crore worth of contracts for underground mining conveyor supply for several other public and private sector mines. BTL EPC registered a revenue of Rs 641 crore in FY'24 marking a robust 24 per cent growth over the previous year. The company remained optimistic about achieving a milestone turnover of Rs 1,000 crore in the current financial year. Kathmandu, Aug 19 (PTI) India has allowed Nepal to export an additional 251 MW of electricity to the country, marking the first time the Himalayan nation will supply power to Bihar under a medium-term sales agreement, an official statement said on Monday. "Indias Designated Authority for Cross-Border Trade has approved an additional 251 MW of power exports from 12 hydropower projects in Nepal, the Indian Embassy in Nepal said in a statement. With this, Nepal would be exporting 941 MW of hydropower from 28 projects. Earlier, Nepal was exporting 690 MW of electricity from 16 projects, it added. Even before this 251 MW approval, Nepal had already become a net exporter of electricity and net revenue generator in the last fiscal year, selling NPR 16.93 billion worth of electricity, the statement said. In October 2021, New Delhi approved 39 MW of electricity exports from Nepal to India for the first time, it said, adding that in less than three years, this figure has grown by more than 24 times. Nepal first started its power exports by selling in the Day Ahead Market of the Indian Energy Exchange. Since then, India has also granted access to the Real-Time Market. Nepal Electricity Authority has also entered into medium-term power sales agreements with discoms in Haryana and Bihar. India has also opened the provision of counting hydropower imports from Nepal as a part of the Hydropower Purchase Obligation (HPO) for buyers in India, which further incentivises buyers to purchase power from Nepal. India and Nepal had reached an agreement for long-term power trade that envisages the sale of up to 10,000 MW of power from Nepal to India in the next 10 years. This is the first year of the agreement and around 1,000 MW of exports have already been reached. An agreement for the sale of 40 MW of power to Bangladesh has also been finalised and was planned to be signed on July 28 but postponed due to the recent political developments in Bangladesh. With these developments, Nepal is now on track to become the leading hydropower exporter of the South Asian region. New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) "Stree 2" star Abhishek Banerjee says he still remembers the day Amitabh Bachchan walked on the set of "Section 84", a moment that brought a flashback of all those movies of the megastar that he grew up watching. "I recorded it because I didn't want to forget it ever," Banerjee told PTI. "That walk took me to that nostalgic era of him in all those films... (His)dialogues and action scenes flashed in front of my eyes. He is an institution. Everybody wants to work with him," the actor said. The Ribhu Dasgupta-directed "Section 84" was the quickest he had agreed to do a film, said the actor, who had two successful releases in "Stree 2" and "Vedaa" last week. "They called me and said, 'There is this film with Mr Bahcchan and I said, 'Yes'. I didn't hear the next two lines. They were like, 'Arre, first hear what kind of film....I was like, 'No need'. Ribhu Dasgupta has imagined me in a character which is almost like being Bachchan in front of Mr Bachchan. It was a huge deal for me." Banerjee, who also runs Casting Bay, a casting agency with Anmol Ahuja, admits that he was under a lot of pressure to have Bachchan as his co-star. "I am someone who likes spontaneity but Mr Bachchan remembers everybody's lines, my lines and four other actors' lines. I had to memorise because I realised, I can't go 'a, a, a' in rehearsals with him. I was very disciplined those days and enjoyed that," he added. Banerjee, 39, said he next wants to work with his other childhood heroes --Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. "I also wanted to work with Irrfan sir but unfortunately he left us. Fortunately, he has left so much of knowledge for us so he will always be very close to actors like me and we will keep learning from him," he added. Dhaka, Aug 19 (PTI) The chiefs of 32 police stations in Dhaka have been transferred, days after the transfer of the 18 other officers-in-charge, in a major reshuffle after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh, a media report said on Monday. The order for the transfer came at midnight on Sunday, the bdnews24.com news portal reported. With the latest transfer, the heads of all 50 police stations under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police have been transferred now. The other 18 officers in charge had been transferred on August 13. According to the report, those transferred will no longer have the command power they did as chiefs. They have been sent to training centres across the country where they have been tasked with training police personnel. Others have been transferred to the Tourist Police, the Armed Police Battalion, or the Industrial Police. There has been a reshuffling of police at all levels since the ouster of prime minister Hasina on August 5. Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India following the massive protest by students against a controversial quota system in government jobs. An interim government was formed, and 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as its Chief Adviser. On August 13, 51 policemen, including three additional IGs, were replaced in three separate notices from the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, according to the report. On Saturday, 13 officials with the ranks of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) additional deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner were transferred out of the city. Seven other officials were then appointed to the posts of DMP deputy commissioner on the same day, it said. On Sunday, 73 police officials were promoted to deputy inspector general status, and of them, 31 were elevated from the ranks of superintendents of police, receiving double promotions. Over 230 people were killed in the incidents of violence that erupted across the country following the fall of the Hasina-led Awami League government, taking the death toll to more than 600 since the massive protest by students first started in mid-July. According to the police headquarters, at least 44 police personnel were killed in the conflict. Tel Aviv, Aug 19 (AP) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday the time is now to conclude a Gaza cease-fire agreement that would return hostages held by Hamas and bring relief to Palestinian suffering after 10 months of devastating fighting in Gaza. Blinken's ninth urgent mission to the Middle East since the conflict began came days after mediators, including the United States, expressed renewed optimism a deal was near. But Hamas has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the latest proposal and Israel has said there were areas it was unwilling to compromise. The trip, days ahead of new talks expected this week in Egypt, comes amid fears the conflict could widen into a deeper regional war following the killings of top militant commanders in Lebanon that Iran blamed on Israel. This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security, Blinken said as he opened talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. It's also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, he said in a veiled reference to Iran. And so we're working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way move us away from getting this deal over the line, or for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. Herzog thanked Blinken for the Biden administration's support for Israel and lamented a spate of recent attacks against Israelis in the past 24 hours. This is the way we are living these days, Herzog said. We are surrounded by terrorism from all four corners of the earth and we are fighting back as a resilient and strong nation. Mediators are to meet again this week in Cairo to try to cement a cease-fire. Blinken will travel to Egypt on Tuesday after he wraps up his Israel stop in meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant later Monday. The war began October 7 when Hamas-led militants broke into Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. Of those, some 110 are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities say around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire. Israel's counterattack in Gaza has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and devastated much of the territory. Late last week, the three countries mediating the proposed cease-fire Egypt, Qatar and the US reported progress on a deal under which Israel would halt most military operations in Gaza and release a number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages. Shortly before Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday, Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting there are areas where Israel can be flexible and unspecified areas where it won't be. We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give, he said. The evolving proposal calls for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its Oct. 7 attack. In exchange, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. Hamas accuses Israel of adding new demands that it maintain a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent arms smuggling and along a line bisecting the territory so it can search Palestinians returning to their homes in the north. Israel said those were not new demands, but clarifications of a previous proposal. Officials said the US has presented proposals to bridge all the gaps remaining between the Israeli and Hamas positions. Formal responses to the US outline are expected this week and could lead to a cease-fire declaration unless the talks collapse, as has happened with multiple previous efforts. Late Sunday, Hamas said in a statement that Netanyahu has continued to set obstacles to a deal by demanding new conditions, accusing him of wanting to prolong the war. It said the mediators' latest offer was a capitulation to Israel. The new proposal responds to Netanyahu's conditions, Hamas said. Blinken said Monday both sides should take this opportunity to reach a deal. It is time for everyone to get to yes and to not look for any excuses to say no, he said. An Israeli delegation held talks with Egyptian officials as part of the truce efforts, an Egyptian official said Monday. The hourslong meeting Sunday focused on the Philadelphi corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border but didn't achieve a breakthrough, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing negotiations. The official said Israel still insists on keeping control of the border and the east-west route that bisects Gaza. He said the delegation didn't offer anything new in their meeting. (AP) GRS GRS Berlin, Aug 19 (AP) A record number of aid workers were killed in conflicts around the world last year, and this year may be on course to be even deadlier, the United Nations said Monday. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that 280 aid workers were killed in 33 countries in 2023 more than double the previous year's figure of 118. It said that more than half of last year's deaths were registered in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war that started in October, mostly as a result of airstrikes. The office said that this year may be on track for an even deadlier outcome, with 172 aid workers killed as of August 7. More than 280, the majority of them with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, have been killed in Gaza so far, according to OCHA. It said that extreme levels of violence in Sudan and South Sudan also have contributed to the death toll both this year and last. The UN's acting emergency relief coordinator, Joyce Msuya, said in a statement that the normalization of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere. She demanded in a statement that "people in power act to end violations against civilians and the impunity with which these heinous attacks are committed. (AP) NPK NPK Taipei (Taiwan), Aug 19 (AP) Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships collided at sea, damaging at least two vessels, in an encounter early Monday near a new flashpoint in their increasingly alarming confrontations in the disputed South China Sea. Each blamed the other for the collision near Sabina Shoal, a disputed atoll in the Spratly Islands, where Vietnam and Taiwan also have overlapping claims. There were no reports of injuries. China's coast guard accused the Philippines of deliberately crashing one of its ships into a Chinese vessel. It said in a statement on its website that two Philippine coast guard ships entered waters near the shoal, ignored a warning from the Chinese coast guard and intentionally collided with one of the Chinese boats at 3:24 am. The Philippine side is entirely responsible for the collision, spokesperson Gan Yu said. We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocation, otherwise it will bear all the consequences arising from that. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the Philippine government's National Security Council, accused the Chinese coast guard of falsely saying the Philippine coast guard ships had rammed its vessels. Video and photographs, including ones taken by journalists from a US TV network who were on board one of the Philippine coast guard ships, showed that the Chinese ships caused the collisions, Malaya told a news forum in Manila. The Philippines' National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea said two of the coast guard ships, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engano, encountered unlawful and aggressive maneuvers from Chinese coast guard vessels while en route to Patag and Lawak islands, which are occupied by Filipino forces, in the contested region. These dangerous maneuvers resulted in collisions, causing structural damage to both Philippine Coast Guard vessels, the statement said. The task force said the collision between BRP Cape Engano and one of the Chinese ships created a hole in the deck of the Philippine ship about 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) in size. About 16 minutes later, the other Philippine ship, BRP Bagacay, was rammed twice on its port and starboard sides by a different Chinese vessel, leading to structural damage, the task force said. This is the biggest structural damage we have incurred as a result of the dangerous maneuvers carried out by the Chinese coast guard, Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine coast guard said at the news forum. The task force said the Philippine coast guard "stands firm in its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain while addressing any threats to our national interests. Gan, the Chinese coast guard spokesperson, said China claims indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, known in Chinese as the Nansha Islands, including Sabina Shoal and its adjacent waters. The Chinese name for Sabina Shoal is Xianbin Reef. In a separate statement, he said a Philippine ship that was turned away from Sabina Shoal entered waters near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, ignoring the Chinese coast guard's warnings. The Chinese coast guard took control measures against the Philippine ship in accordance with law and regulation, he added. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also blamed the Philippines for the incident. Not only did they ignore China's coast guard's warnings, the vessels deliberately collided into Chinese coast guard vessels that were carrying out law enforcement operations in a dangerous manner, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing Monday. Sabina Shoal, which lies about 140 kilometers (85 miles) west of the Philippines' western island province of Palawan, has become a new flashpoint in the territorial disputes between China and the Philippines. The Philippine coast guard deployed one of its key patrol ships, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, to Sabina in April after Filipino scientists discovered submerged piles of crushed corals in its shallows that sparked suspicions that China may be preparing to build a structure at the atoll. The Chinese coast guard later deployed a ship to Sabina in a new territorial faceoff. Sabina is near Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, which has been the scene of increasingly alarming confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships and accompanying vessels since last year. China and the Philippines reached an agreement last month to prevent further confrontations when the Philippines transports replacement sentry forces, along with food and other supplies, to Manila's territorial outpost in Second Thomas Shoal, which has been closely guarded by Chinese coast guard, navy and suspected militia ships. The Philippine navy transported food and personnel to Second Thomas Shoal a week after the deal was reached and no incident was reported, sparking hope that tensions in the shoal would ease. But Monday's incident raises questions about whether the deal will make a difference. We are of course disappointed again," Malaya said. Despite this preliminary understanding, which we hoped was the first page in a new chapter between the Philippines and (Chinese) relations, we have another incident." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao said, "We hope the Philippines will keep its promise, earnestly abide by the preliminary agreement it has reached with China, and not take actions that could complicate the situation so as to work with us to jointly manage and control the maritime situation. China has been at odds with many other countries in the Asia-Pacific for years over its sweeping maritime claims, including almost all of the South China Sea, a strategic and resource-rich waterway. Beijing is rapidly expanding its military and has become increasingly assertive in pursuing its territorial claims, giving rise to more frequent confrontations, primarily with the Philippines, though it is also involved in longtime territorial disputes with Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said on the social media platform X that the United States stands with the Philippines in condemning the China coast guard's dangerous maneuvers near Sabina Shoal that endangered lives and caused damage to the two Philippine vessels. We are committed to supporting the rights of our friends, partners, allies under international law, the statement said. A 2016 arbitration ruling by a United Nations tribunal invalidated Beijing's claims in the South China Sea, but China did not participate in the proceedings and rejected the ruling. (AP) NPK NPK Singapore, Aug 19 (PTI) Thailands new prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his greetings and said she looked forward to working closely with him to build upon the existing ties and explore untapped potentials to create even greater opportunities for the two countries. Shinawatra, the 37-year-old former business executive, became Thailand's youngest prime minister after receiving a royal letter of endorsement on Sunday, two days after she was chosen by Parliament following a court order that removed her predecessor. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our bilateral relations, especially in the areas of trade and investment, culture, people-to-people contact, and tourism, in particular to increase air travel between both countries, Shinawatra said in a post on X. I am confident that we can build upon our existing ties and explore untapped potentials to create even greater opportunities for our two countries, peoples and beyond, she said further in the post that was in response to Prime Minister Modis post congratulating her. Congratulations @ingshin on your election as the Prime Minister of Thailand. Best wishes for a very successful tenure. Look forward to working with you to further strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Thailand that are based on the strong foundations of civilisational, cultural and people to people connect, Modi said earlier in the day in a post on X. Paetongtarn became the Prime Minister days after the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin within a year of his assuming charge after the court found him guilty of a serious ethical breach. She belongs to a political dynasty founded by her billionaire father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a military coup in 2006. He returned to Thailand last year when his party formed the government. Tel Aviv, Aug 19 (AP) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday the time is now to conclude a Gaza cease-fire agreement that would return hostages held by Hamas and bring relief to Palestinian suffering after 10 months of devastating fighting in Gaza. Blinken's ninth urgent mission to the Middle East since the conflict began came days after mediators, including the United States, expressed renewed optimism a deal was near. But Hamas has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the latest proposal and Israel has said there were areas it was unwilling to compromise. The trip, days ahead of new talks expected this week in Egypt, comes amid fears the conflict could widen into a deeper regional war following the killings of top militant commanders in Lebanon that Iran blamed on Israel. This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security, Blinken said as he opened talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. It's also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, he said in a veiled reference to Iran. And so we're working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way move us away from getting this deal over the line, or for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. Herzog thanked Blinken for the Biden administration's support for Israel and lamented a spate of recent attacks against Israelis in the past 24 hours. This is the way we are living these days, Herzog said. We are surrounded by terrorism from all four corners of the earth and we are fighting back as a resilient and strong nation. Mediators are to meet again this week in Cairo to try to cement a cease-fire. Blinken will travel to Egypt on Tuesday after he wraps up his Israel stop. He met one-on-one with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for 2 1/2 hours Monday and was to meet with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant later in the day. The war began October 7 when Hamas-led militants broke into Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. Of those, some 110 are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities say around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire. Israel's counterattack in Gaza has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and devastated much of the territory. Late last week, the three countries mediating the proposed cease-fire Egypt, Qatar and the US reported progress on a deal under which Israel would halt most military operations in Gaza and release a number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages. Shortly before Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday, Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting there are areas where Israel can be flexible and unspecified areas where it won't be. We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give, he said. The evolving proposal calls for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its October 7 attack. In exchange, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. Hamas accuses Israel of adding new demands that it maintain a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent arms smuggling and along a line bisecting the territory so it can search Palestinians returning to their homes in the north. Israel said those were not new demands, but clarifications of a previous proposal. Officials said the US has presented proposals to bridge all the gaps remaining between the Israeli and Hamas positions. Formal responses to the US outline are expected this week and could lead to a cease-fire declaration unless the talks collapse, as has happened with multiple previous efforts. Late Sunday, Hamas said in a statement that Netanyahu has continued to set obstacles to a deal by demanding new conditions, accusing him of wanting to prolong the war. It said the mediators' latest offer was a capitulation to Israel. The new proposal responds to Netanyahu's conditions, Hamas said. Blinken said Monday both sides should take this opportunity to reach a deal. It is time for everyone to get to yes and to not look for any excuses to say no, he said. An Israeli delegation held talks with Egyptian officials as part of the truce efforts, an Egyptian official said Monday. The hourslong meeting Sunday focused on the Philadelphi corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border but didn't achieve a breakthrough, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing negotiations. The official said Israel still insists on keeping control of the border and the east-west route that bisects Gaza. He said the delegation didn't offer anything new in their meeting. (AP) GRS GRS Kyiv, Aug 19 (AP) Ukrainian authorities on Monday ordered families with children to urgently evacuate the eastern city of Pokrovsk, where the Russian army is bearing down after a six-month slog across Ukraine's Donetsk region following the capture of Avdiivka. Local authorities said Russian forces are advancing so quickly that families must leave the city and other nearby towns and villages. Some 53,000 people still live in Pokrovsk, officials say. The relentless assault on Ukrainian strongholds in Donetsk and neighbouring Luhansk, which together make up the Donbas industrial region, has cost Russia heavily in troops and armour. However, the onslaught has gradually paid dividends as Ukrainian defenders have no choice but to pull back from positions blown to pieces by Russian artillery, missiles and bombs. One of Kyiv's attempts to ease the pressure was the August 6 incursion into Russia's Kursk region, opening an unexpected front in the hopes of unnerving the Kremlin and compelling it to split its military resources. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday the daring incursion is trying to create a buffer zone that might prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border, especially with long-range artillery, missiles and glide bombs. That Ukrainian operation was continuing Monday under tight secrecy. In Pokrovsk residents have just two weeks to leave the city safely, officials said in an interview with the US-funded Radio Liberty. Officials warned last week that Russian forces were rapidly advancing and were just 10 kilometres from the city's outskirts. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, said Monday that heavy battles were taking place in the Pokrovsk area. The nearby town of Toretsk, whose capture would open the door for a Russian advance on the key stronghold of Chasiv Yar from the south, is also under heavy pressure, he said. The Institute for the Study of War said Russian forces have been advancing roughly two square kilometres per day in the Pokrovsk region over the last six months. They have relied on frontal infantry assaults from village to village, notching incremental progress as they make their manpower and materiel advantages tell, the Washington-based think tank said late Sunday. Pokrovsk, which had a prewar population of about 60,000, is one of Ukraine's main defensive strongholds and a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region. Its capture would compromise Ukraine's defensive abilities and supply routes and would bring Russia closer to its stated aim of capturing the entire Donetsk region. Pokrovsk officials were meeting with the residents to provide them with logistical details on the evacuation. People were offered shelter in western Ukraine, where they will be hosted in dormitories and separate houses prepared for them. (AP) GRS GRS Dhaka, Aug 19 (PTI) A complaint was filed on Monday with Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against deposed premier Sheikh Hasina and 26 others, including former ministers of her cabinet, for committing alleged genocide and crimes against humanity. Md Abul Hasan, the father of Shahriar Hasan Alvi, who was killed during the recent anti-discrimination students' movement, filed the complaint against 27 people, including 76-year-old Hasina and her cohorts and 500 unnamed others with the investigation agency of the ICT, state-run BSS news agency reported. The other prominent accused in the complaints are former ministers Obaidul Quader, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Huq Inu and former inspector general of police (IGP) Abdullah Al Mamun, it said. The plaintiff filed cuttings of different newspapers and other documents with his complaint. Hasina fled to India on August 5 after resigning from her post amidst unprecedented anti-government student-led protests. Bangladesh's interim government has said it will try those involved in the killings during the recent mass movement of the students against the Hasina-led government in the International Crimes Tribunal. Over 230 people were killed in Bangladesh in the incidents of violence that erupted across the country following the fall of the Hasina government, taking the death toll to more than 600 since the massive protest by students against a controversial quota system in government jobs first started in mid-July. Last week, a separate complaint was filed with the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal against Hasina and eight others, accusing them of committing genocide and crimes against humanity during the mass movement of the students. The tribunal on Wednesday started an investigation against the former premier and others in the case. Lahore, Aug 19 (AP) People in Pakistan reported a much slower internet over the past several days with some experts on Monday estimating its speed falling to almost half its usual capacity, affecting millions of users, disrupting businesses and drawing nationwide criticism despite authorities denying being behind it. Since February, netzines have been either unable to use social media or allowed limited access following a governmental crackdown ahead of the February 8 parliamentary elections. However, internet speed has now immensely slowed down. Users are unable to quickly send emails or use the messaging service WhatsApp, with businessmen and doctors saying it has negatively affected their daily work, particularly receiving statements and medical reports. Pakistan Software House Association, which represents companies specialising in information technology, said in a statement this week that the disruptions could cause a loss of USD 300 million to the country's already fragile economy. The association also accused the government of hastily implementing a national firewall, leading to the slow connection. Shahzad Arshad, an internet service provider in Lahore, the capital of eastern Punjab province, said his business relies on good speed internet and now you cannot contact your international clients or send or receive files and the job suffers. Chaudhry Arif, a digital expert who also runs a software company in the capital, Islamabad, said the internet speed was slower by 40 per cent compared to last week, and at times even by 60 to 80 per cent, and the situation showed no signs of improvement. On Sunday, Pakistan's Minister for Information and Technology Shiza Fatima said the government wasn't behind the slow internet and no restrictions have been placed. She said phones were slow to connect to cyberspace in some cases because of the use of VPN. Several have rejected Fatima's explanation. Umayr Hassan, a software engineer, said authorities should clearly state if the connection would remain unstable due to security measures. There should be some clarity by the government ... some logical explanation, not saying the use of VPNs. The minister said authorities are tirelessly trying to find the root of the problem while acknowledging that the government was upgrading its system to improve cybersecurity. Fareeha Aziz, a digital rights activist, wants the government to explain what caused the slow connection. The government says it is not behind the slow-down of the internet. Then who did it? she asked. Pakistan has 110 million internet users, nearly half the country's population. Supporters of former premier Imran Khan heavily use social networks to campaign against the government of Shehbaz Sharif who replaced him after a no-confidence vote in Parliament in 2022. Khan is in prison facing a slew of legal charges and the country has been in turmoil ever since. (AP) PY PY Deir al-Balah, Aug 19 (AP) Israeli strikes across Gaza killed 29 people including young quintuplets overnight and into Sunday, health officials said, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to try to seal a cease-fire deal that could help ease soaring regional tensions. The US and fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar have said they were closing in on a deal after two days of talks in Doha, with Israeli officials expressing cautious optimism. But Hamas in a statement Sunday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of setting new conditions, including his refusal of a complete withdrawal of forces from Gaza. The evolving proposal calls for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its October 7 attack, which triggered the deadliest war fought between Israelis and Palestinians. In exchange, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. The war has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, displaced the vast majority of the territory's 2.3 million residents and led experts to warn of famine and the outbreak of diseases like polio. "It is as if we live a primitive life, said Sanaa Akela, a displaced Palestinian in the central town of Deir al-Balah, where sewage flooded some streets. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the October 7 attack and abducted around 250. Of those, some 110 are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities say around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire. Several children in a single body bag The latest Israeli bombardment included a strike on a home in Deir al-Balah that killed a woman and her six children, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. An Associated Press reporter there counted the bodies. Mohammed Awad Khatab, the children's grandfather, said his daughter was a teacher, and the youngest child was 18 months. The others were 10-year-old quintuplets, the hospital said. The six children have become body parts. They were placed in a single bag, Khatab told reporters. What did they do? Did they kill any of the Jews? ... Will this provide security to Israel? Another strike east of Deir al-Balah killed at least four people, according to an AP journalist at the hospital. A strike in the northern town of Jabaliya hit two apartments, killing two men, a woman and her daughter, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Another two strikes in central Gaza killed nine people, according to Al-Awda Hospital. A strike in Nuseirat killed one person, the hospital said. Late Saturday, a strike near the southern city of Khan Younis killed four people from the same family, including two women, according to Nasser Hospital. Israel says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the group places fighters, weapons, tunnels and rockets in residential areas. But the Israeli bombardment has wiped out entire extended families and orphaned thousands of children. Israel says cautious optimism' about talks Mediation efforts gained new urgency after the targeted killing of two top militants last month, both attributed to Israel, brought vows of revenge from Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah, raising fears of all-out war across the Middle East. An American official said Friday that mediators were beginning preparations for implementing the latest cease-fire proposal, and Netanyahu's office expressed cautious optimism a deal could be reached. An Israeli delegation was travelling to Cairo on Sunday for further talks, and Blinken will meet with Netanyahu on Monday. Blinken will travel to Egypt on Tuesday for meetings with officials there, the State Department said, and may stop in at least one other regional country. Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting there are areas where Israel can be flexible and unspecified areas where it won't be. We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give, he said. Hamas has cast doubt on whether an agreement is near, saying the latest proposal diverged significantly from a previous iteration it accepted in principle. Hamas has rejected Israel's demands for a lasting military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border and a line bisecting Gaza where Israeli forces would search Palestinians returning to their homes. Israel says both are needed to prevent militants from rearming and returning to the north. Israel showed flexibility on retreating from the border corridor, and a meeting between Egyptian and Israeli military officials was scheduled for the week ahead to agree on a withdrawal mechanism, according to two Egyptian officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the private negotiations. Vice President Kamala Harris, asked Sunday whether she thinks Netanyahu is ready for a cease-fire deal, said: I will not speak for him, but I will tell you that these conversations are ongoing and we are not giving up, and we are going to continue to work very hard on this. We've got to get a cease-fire and we got to get those hostages out. Blast wounds peacekeepers in Lebanon In Lebanon, three UN peacekeepers were lightly wounded when an explosion struck their vehicle near the southern village of Yarin. The peacekeeping mission said the incident was under investigation. Hezbollah began launching near-daily drone and rocket attacks along the border after the war in Gaza began, drawing Israeli retaliation in a cycle of violence that has steadily escalated. A bomb explosion on a Tel Aviv street Sunday night killed one person and police were investigating the circumstances. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which has also seen a surge of violence, gunmen marched in a funeral procession for two Hamas commanders killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jenin the day before. (AP) GSP Pokrovsk (Ukraine), Aug 19 (AP) Civilians with small children in their arms and lugging heavy suitcases fled on Monday from Ukraine's eastern city of Pokrovsk, where the Russian army was bearing down fast despite a lightning Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk region. Local authorities said Russian forces were advancing so quickly that families were under orders to leave the city and other nearby towns and villages starting Tuesday. Around 53,000 people still live in Pokrovsk, officials said, and some of them decided to get out immediately. People of all ages boarded trains and buses with the belongings they could carry. Some wept as they waited to depart. Soldiers helped the elderly with their bags, and volunteers helped people with disabilities. Rail workers wore bulletproof vests. Natalya Ivaniuk said the noise of explosions from Russian bombardments filled the air while she and her daughters, age 7 and 9, fled their home in the nearby village of Myrnohrad, which is less than 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the front line. It was terrifyingly scary, she told The Associated Press. We barely got out. Pokrovsk is one of Ukraine's main defensive strongholds and a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region. Its capture would compromise Ukraine's defensive abilities and supply routes and would bring Russia closer to its stated aim of capturing the entire Donetsk region. One of Kyiv's attempts to ease the pressure on its eastern front was the unexpected August 6 incursion into Russia's Kursk region, which among other goals aimed to unnerve the Kremlin and compel it to split its military resources. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday the daring incursion is trying to create a buffer zone that might prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border, especially with long-range artillery, missiles and glide bombs. That operation was continuing Monday under tight secrecy. Russia's relentless six-month slog across Ukraine's Donetsk region following the capture of Avdiivka has cost it heavily in troops and armour. However, the onslaught has gradually paid dividends as Ukrainian defenders have no choice but to pull back from positions blown to pieces by Russian artillery, missiles and bombs. There is a lot of destruction around us, so it becomes more and more scary to stay, said Tetiana Myronenko, 57, who came from Selydove just 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the front line. She sat next to her husband in the car of a train waiting to leave Pokrovsk. It was bound for Lviv, hundreds of kilometers (miles) away in western Ukraine. Russia wants control of all parts of Donetsk and neighbouring Luhansk, which together make up the Donbas industrial region. Officials warned last week that Russian forces were rapidly advancing and were just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the outskirts of Pokrovsk. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, said Monday that heavy battles were taking place in the Pokrovsk area. The nearby town of Toretsk, whose capture would open the door for a Russian advance on the key stronghold of Chasiv Yar from the south, is also under heavy pressure, he said. The Institute for the Study of War said Russian forces have been advancing roughly two square kilometers (0.8 square miles) per day in the Pokrovsk region over the past six months. They have relied on frontal infantry assaults from village to village, notching incremental progress as they make their manpower and materiel advantages tell, the Washington-based think tank said late Sunday. Pokrovsk officials were meeting with residents to provide them with logistical details on the evacuation. People were offered shelter in western Ukraine, where they will be hosted in dormitories and separate houses prepared for them. In other developments: A pregnant woman was killed and 10 others were wounded by Ukrainian shelling in the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk, the region's Moscow-installed head Denis Pushilin said on social media. Two children were among the injured, he said. In the Russian city of Proletarsk, about 270 kilometers (170 miles) from the Ukraine border, 41 firefighters needed medical attention, and 18 of them were hospitalized, in a fire at a warehouse that was started by debris from an intercepted drone, regional Gov. Vasily Golubev said. (AP) PY PY Chicago, Aug 19 (AP) Crowds of activists began gathering on Monday in Chicago for protests outside the Democratic National Convention, hoping to call attention to issues such as economic injustice, reproductive rights and the war in Gaza. Protesters say their plans have not changed since President Joe Biden left the race and the party quickly rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who will formally accept the Democratic nomination this week. Activists are ready to amplify their progressive message before the nation's top Democratic leaders. Chicago leaders said they were committed to keeping the protests peaceful. The city of Chicago is really good at things like this, Mayor Brandon Johnson said at a news conference. We are ready. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling praised police and march organisers for a peaceful Sunday night protest that he said went off without any problems. He said officers stood ready to ensure the demonstrations stay peaceful throughout the week. Listen, it's this simple. The Chicago Police Department is here to protect everyone in this city, Snelling said. What we will not tolerate is intimidation. We we will not tolerate violence. Protester issues include climate change, abortion rights and racial equality, to name a few, but many agree that pressing for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the top message of the demonstrations. They have likened it to the Vietnam War of their generation. The Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation, and buses are bringing activists from all over the country. Organisers say they hope the turnout for Monday's march and rally, on the first day of the convention, will be at least 20,000 people. We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end US aid to Israel and stand with Palestine, said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC. The coalition is made up of hundreds of organisations, including students. Activists say they learned lessons from last month's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. They expect bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations in Chicago. Pro-Palestinian supporters from across the nation descended Monday morning on Union Park, west of the Loop business district, in anticipation of a rally and march to a site near the United Centre, where the convention is taking place. Taylor Cook, an organiser with the Freedom Road Socialist Organisation, travelled from Atlanta for the march. Cook said the group was pushing all Democrats to call for an end to aid to Israel, with a particular focus on Harris. We're saying to Kamala, she has been complicit in this. People think it's just Joe Biden, but she is vice president, Cook said. So we're saying, you need to stop if you want our vote. A lone counter-protester stood with an American flag as pro-Palestinian groups outlined plans for an afternoon march. Shawn Campbell, 29, from Plano, Illinois, held the flag while wearing a US Army hat. He said he planned to attend several pro-Palestinian events this week. The first protest on Sunday night brought together activists calling for abortion and LGBTQ+ rights and an end to the war in Gaza. Chicago police said two people were arrested on misdemeanour charges of resisting police and damaging property. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who was under consideration as Harris' running mate, said peaceful protests were welcome. There are a lot of people who are inside the hall who will believe in some of those messages and carry that with them, Pritzker told The Associated Press in a recent interview. But importantly, the Democratic Party doesn't shut people out and disallow them from expressing their First Amendment rights. But some have lingering safety concerns, worried that protests could become unpredictable or devolve into chaos. Chicago, which has hosted more political conventions than any other US city, has been unable to escape comparisons to the infamous 1968 convention where police and anti-Vietnam War protesters violently clashed on live television. Some businesses boarded up their windows as a precaution, and county courts said they would open more space in case of mass arrests. Chicago police say officers have undergone extensive training on constitutional policing and de-escalation tactics. Coalition activists and the city have been at odds over the location of the protests and other logistics. A judge sided with the city over an approximately 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) march route, which organisers argue isn't big enough for the expected crowds. Abudayyeh said the coalition would continue to push for a much longer route until the march started on Monday. Also on Monday, the Philadelphia-based Poor People's Army, which advocates for economic justice, plans to set up at Humboldt Park on the northwest side of Chicago and will feature events with third-party candidates Jill Stein and Cornel West, plus a 3-mile (5-kilometer) march. Aside from the protests, the city is also hosting a speakers' stage at a park outside the convention centre with 45-minute time slots. Most of the organisations that have signed up have the same progressive agenda as the coalition, but the list also includes the Israeli American Council and the conservative-leaning Illinois Policy Institute. A local firefighters union is also hoping to call attention to their contract fight with the city. The First Amendment is fundamental to our democracy, Johnson, a former union organizer, told the AP in an interview last week. I'll do everything in my power to protect the right to assemble in protest. (AP) PY PY Jakarta, Aug 19 (360info) Its well understood that extreme heat is bad for our health. As the earth warms 2023 was the hottest year on record and 2024 is shaping up to be even worse the risks rise too. Heatwaves exacerbate existing health conditions and contribute to new issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, heatstroke, dehydration and even death. High temperatures are also associated with increased aggression, violent crime, hospitalisations for mental disorders and suicide. Asia is one of the most vulnerable areas on the planet. A study using data from 43 countries found nearly half (48.95 per cent) of heatwave deaths occurred in Asia, with significant clusters in South Asia. Another study in urban Vietnam examined how heat waves affected hospitalisations for mental and behavioural disorders from 2017 to 2019. The findings showed that hospitalisations for mental and behavioural disorders increased by 62 per cent during heatwaves and 8 per cent due to experience of the heatwave itself, even though the temperature had returned to normal. People aged 18-60 were more affected during hot days, with a higher risk of hospitalisation for anxiety and stress disorders. Those aged 61-plus were more affected by prolonged heat exposure, with anxiety and other mental health issues worsening in this group. The extreme heat also brings psychological stress and anxiety, contributing to increasing ecological anxiety (eco-anxiety) in these regions. Lack of urgency But there is the paradox. In Indonesia at least, eco-anxiety is not considered an urgent issue. Social media data monitoring in Monash Indonesia Data and Democracy Research Hub Indonesia observes that the low urgency of ecological anxiety continues to this day. Daily temperatures rose at the end of 2023 and the first six months of 2024, and while there are moments of heightened discussion about climate change, eco-anxiety does not appear to be a major concern for Indonesian public discussion. Spikes in discussions are often related to politics, promotion of personal care, or celebrity news, rather than the impact of heat on well-being. In fact, most of the conversation was overshadowed by political discourse. This is understandable given the increasingly heated political climate in Indonesia. Eco-anxiety, the chronic fear of environmental doom, has gained significant attention as the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent. The term was popularised by environmental philosopher Glenn Albrecht, who introduced "solastalgia" in 2005 to describe distress caused by environmental changes. In the early 2000s, psychoanalyst Harold Searle emphasised the deep psychological impacts of environmental degradation, highlighting the human-nature connection. By 2018, Panu Pihkala of University of Helsinki framed eco-anxiety as a natural and rational response to environmental threats, differentiating it from related emotions such as eco-guilt and eco-grief. In the global south, urgency of heat-related eco-anxiety is often subtler and typically linked indirectly with the physical impacts of heat and climate change. Farmers at risk In South Asian countries, where heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, the heat significantly affects farmers' health and productivity. Extreme weather conditions can lead to crop failures, which in turn cause both economic and psychological distress. With communities facing food and water insecurity, displacement, and loss of livelihoods, countries in the global south may experience anxiety due to insecurities of their current livelihood, rather than anxiety about medium-long term future like what is usually reported in the global north. These issues are compounded by systemic inequalities, including inadequate facilities to cope with the impacts of heat and a lack of information on how to protect themselves from heat-related stress. An assessment of knowledge regarding climate change and health among adolescents in Yogyakarta, Indonesia reveals a low and inconsistent understanding of climate change and its health impacts. Conducted in 2016 with 508 senior high school students, the research found only 15 per cent viewed climate change as a significant issue, with many prioritising poverty and food scarcity. A global survey in 2019 with 12,246 participants from 32 countries, including Indonesia, found that among Indonesian respondents aged 10-17, 14.8 per cent felt "very" or "extremely" tense, 28.7 per cent felt anxious, 42.9 per cent were worried, and 29.6 per cent were terrified about climate change. This underscores the growing burden of eco-anxiety in Indonesia, though the latter study did not report whether climate change is still perceived as a less significant issue for Indonesian teenagers compared to other pressing social challenges such as economic hardship and inadequate access to food. Adolescents mainly obtained climate change information from family discussions and digital media. While most participants recognised the health effects of air pollution and extreme weather, there was limited awareness of the link between climate change and non-infectious diseases, including mental health. Researchers and climate activists in Indonesia have been actively working to elevate the awareness of politicians about the impacts of climate change, particularly in the lead-up to the presidential campaign in early 2024. They have urged political parties to prioritise climate change in their messaging and connect it to pressing populist issues such as food insecurity. Targeting politicians Researchers from the Monash Climate Change Communication and Research Hub (MCCRH) in Indonesia introduced a guidebook designed to help politicians effectively communicate about climate change on the first day of presidential candidate registration in October 2023. Despite these concerted efforts, climate change has yet to be widely recognised as a sexy political issue that could enhance the electability of presidential and legislative candidates, especially among young first-time voters. This low level of ecological concern among politicians is not unique to Indonesia. We cannot find any record indicating that climate change and its impact, including eco-anxiety, has been part of political campaigns across the Global South over the past 20 years. This insight offers a new perspective for activists and researchers in the Global South, encouraging them to frame the issue of eco-anxiety differently from messages in the Global North. Recent outcomes from COP28 and the Paris Agreement highlight the need for tailored ecological awareness campaigns in the global south, addressing unique socio-economic and environmental challenges. Both emphasised enhanced, region-specific climate action, recognising that global progress has been insufficient to meet targets. COP28s inclusion of a Health Day stressed integrating health and climate strategies to address ecological anxiety and health inequities in vulnerable populations. The establishment of a loss and damage fund underscores the global acknowledgement of climate change's disproportionate impacts on developing countries, advocating for campaigns that provide real support aligned with regional socio-economic conditions. Following the Paris Agreement and COP28, countries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, have begun integrating climate and health resilience strategies. However, addressing ecological anxiety remains primarily driven by grassroots movements and NGOs. To comprehensively tackle the mental health impacts of climate change, stronger government involvement and political will are essential. National health campaigns could dovetail with socio-economic strategies to ensure ecologically sound policies that reduce anxiety on the environmental threat and enhance community resilience. (360info.org) NPK NPK Guwahati, Aug 18 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday lauded West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose for his role in upholding the principles of the Constitution in "very adversarial circumstances". Doctors of Assam also met the governor and demanded justice for the medic's murder in a state-run Kolkata hospital and security for medical professionals. Sarma called upon Bose here and shared a short video of their meeting on X. "In my courtesy meeting with the Hon'ble Governor of West Bengal Dr C V Ananda Bose Ji in Guwahati, I conveyed our immense appreciation for his sagacity in defending the Constitution even in very adversarial circumstances," Sarma wrote on the micro-blogging site. The video featured both exchanging scarves and books and then sitting down for a conversation. The governor and the Assam CM had discussions over the ongoing situation in Bengal in the wake of the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor, sources said. Bose and Sarma also held discussions over developments in Bangladesh, they said. The official X handle of the West Bengal governor also shared photographs of the meeting. "Hon'ble Governor of West Bengal Dr C V Ananda Bose with Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswas Sarma in Guwahati," it posted. "The doctors of Assam expressed solidarity with the brutal murder of the postgraduate trainee doctor in the RG Kar Medical College, called on the honourable governor and expressed their grievances," it said in another post. They submitted a memorandum requesting for the safety and security of medical professionals, it added. Bose assured them of taking an initiative to ensure the protection of all those working in the health sector in Bengal, including legal action, an official said. The governor also assured them that demands and grievances of the protesting doctors would be brought to the attention of the prime minister, home and health ministers, the official added. Agartala, Aug 19 (PTI) Eighteen Bangladeshi nationals and five Indian facilitators were arrested from three locations in Tripura, police said on Monday. Acting on specific information about the presence of a group of Bangladeshi citizens at Lamprapara in Gumati district, police conducted a raid and arrested eight of them on Sunday, Assistant Inspector General (Law and Order) Ananta Das said in a statement. On Saturday night, seven Bangladeshi nationals and five Indian facilitators were arrested from Sidhai area in West Tripura district. In a separate operation, three Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended from MBB Airport area in West Tripura on Monday. Das said the arrests were part of an intensified border vigil aimed at preventing any intrusion attempts following the recent political changes in Bangladesh. "The arrest of 18 Bangladeshi nationals has been possible due to increased border surveillance. We will continue patrolling in coordination with BSF personnel," Das said. New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) The Union law ministry has invited proposals from top institutes, including IIMs, IITs, law universities and judicial academies, to carry out a "comprehensive evaluation" of special courts set up to hold expeditious trial of criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs to assess their functionality, efficacy and overall impact. The proposals have been invited under 'Scheme for Action Research and Studies on Judicial Reforms' of the Department of Justice which functions under the law ministry. Following the directions of the Supreme Court in 2017, the central government had facilitated setting up of 12 special courts in states for expeditious trial of criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs. Accordingly, 12 special courts -- two in Delhi and one each in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala -- were constituted. Ten such courts are currently functional in nine states. The special courts of Bihar and Kerala were discontinued as per the direction of the apex court in December 2018. The performances of these special courts is being monitored by the Supreme Court. According to the call for proposals issued by the Department of Justice, "This study should conduct a comprehensive evaluation of these special courts to assess their functionality, efficacy and overall impact in view of the fact that their performance is monitored by the Supreme Court and they are partly funded by the Government of India." According to the dashboard of the special courts accessed on Monday, Delhi's two special courts have no pending case and no case has been disposed. Similarly, the sole court functioning in Uttar Pradesh has disposed 50 cases and 1,137 are pending. In Madhya Pradesh, one such court is functioning which has disposed five cases and 319 are pending. In Maharashtra, the court has disposed 13 cases with 419 pending. Besides, the special MP-MLA courts, the department has also invited proposals to study the functioning of special fast track courts, Gram Nyayalayas (village courts) and Tele-law scheme. New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) BJP ally and Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Monday slammed any move for appointments in government positions without following reservations and asserted that he would raise the issue with the Centre. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president's reaction came over the recent advertisement to fill posts through lateral entry on a contract basis that the opposition has alleged snatches away reservations for the disadvantaged communities. "Reservation provisions must be there in any government appointment. There is no ifs and buts in this. No reservation exists in the private sector and if it is not implemented in government positions as well... The information came up before me on Sunday and it is a matter of concern for me," he told PTI. Paswan said as a member of the government, he has the platform to raise the issue and he would. The Union minister also said that as far as his party is concerned, it is absolutely not in support of such a measure. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) last Saturday advertised 45 posts -- 10 of joint secretaries and 35 of directors/deputy secretaries -- to be filled through the lateral entry mode on a contract basis. It is the biggest tranche of lateral recruitment being undertaken by the Centre, an official said. Opposition parties slammed the move, claiming it would snatch reservations from SCs, STs and OBCs. The BJP hit back, stating the NDA government was bringing transparency to this mode of recruitment started by the Congress-led UPA. The Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) also alleged that it was a "conspiracy" by the BJP to appoint its ideological allies to high posts through the back door. However, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had said the Congress' criticism of the lateral entry system in senior bureaucracy shows its "hypocrisy". In a post on X, Vaishnaw said the reform measure implemented by the NDA government will improve governance. "INC (Indian National Congress) hypocrisy is evident on lateral entry matter. It was the UPA government which developed the concept of lateral entry," he said. He said the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), chaired by Veerappa Moily and established in 2005 by the then Congress-led UPA government, "recommended recruitment of experts to fill the gaps in roles that require specialised knowledge". The minister said the NDA government has created a transparent method to implement the recommendation made by the ARC. New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said the proposed Broadcasting Services Bill will require extensive consultations and the government was "very open-minded" to suggestions from all stakeholders in this regard. The intent is to encourage content creator economy and not discourage it, the minister asserted. A revised draft of the Bill, circulated selectively by the government, had drawn widespread criticism, particularly from the online content creators community which found certain provisions as "draconian". The Bill was first put in the public domain in November last year and consultations were on with various stakeholders in this regard. "We are very flexible, we are very open-minded, We want this entire new medium to flourish. We will have very extensive consultations then look at the form and content of the bill," Vaishnaw told reporters here. He said over the past few years, a new content creator economy has emerged across the country and the government was encouraging this growing segment. "Our intent is not to discourage it. Our intent is to encourage it. Our intent is that this is giving more opportunities to express, share and create new intellectual property," the minister said. The selective circulation of the Bill drew criticism from media bodies such as DigiPub and the Editors Guild of India which claimed that digital media organisations and civil society associations were not consulted on the move. The government said in response that multiple recommendations, comments and suggestions were received including from various Associations. "In the case of the Broadcasting Services Bill, our thought process is we must encourage new technology, we must encourage new forms of creating content. We must encourage new mediums of sharing content, that will require a huge amount of consultation," Vaishnaw said. A version of the draft bill sought to club online content creators with OTT and digital news broadcasters, bringing them under the ambit of the ministry's Content and Advertisement Code. The provisions would have made it mandatory for individual online content creators to appoint a grievance redressal officer and a content evaluation committee once they crossed a certain number of subscribers. Facing criticism over the bill, the I &B ministry had said last week that a fresh draft of the bill would be published after detailed consultation. New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) A day after Mayor Shelly Oberoi pulled up MCD commissioner Ashwani Kumar over the "worsening condition" of garbage disposal in the city, he hit back and accused her of playing "politics" over the issue. Kumar further alleged that the delay in forming the standing committee, the highest decision-making body of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, has further resulted in many other projects being put on hold. "The mayor is just playing politics. They have done nothing to secure the corporation's financial dues from the Delhi government, leaving the MCD in deep financial distress," Kumar told PTI. Oberoi on Sunday slammed the MCD commissioner over the "worsening condition" of garbage disposal in the entire Delhi, especially in West Zone and Central Zone and directed him to ensure better collection and clearance of waste. For the past few days, garbage collection in these areas has been irregular, resulting in an accumulation of waste on streets and bins, she said in her letter. The stench from decomposing waste is unbearable, Oberoi said. Oberoi said she has brought this to the commissioner's notice many times but no progress has been made. In the letter, she directed Kumar to accompany her for daily inspections from August 20 to September 2 to the 12 zones of the MCD to ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation. "Garbage collection and disposal will be the personal responsibility of the MCD commissioner, who will be held responsible for any unsanitary conditions in any part of the city," Oberoi said. According to an official, the extended contract period of the garbage disposal concessionaire in the Central Delhi zone ended on July 25. In the West Delhi zone, the civic body is facing payment-related issues with the hired agency. Proposals with expenditure of Rs 5 crore and above require the standing committee's approval, which has been pending for around 1.5 years. New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi on Monday demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the alleged rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. West Bengal is witnessing a wave of anger following the alleged rape and murder of the trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi took to X to criticise the Mamata Banerjee-led government for its "failure" to address the issue and the subsequent violence at the facility. "The failure and insensitivity of the Mamata Banerjee government in the case of the doctor's rape and murder have pushed public outrage to its peak across Bengal. But instead of providing answers, the government is shamelessly suppressing dissent and threatening those who raise their voices," Devi wrote in her post. She further questioned Banerjee's moral standing and called for her resignation. The chief minister also holds home and health portfolios. "Even leaders and MPs from Trinamool are now pointing fingers at their own government. If there is any shred of morality left in Mamata Banerjee, she should immediately step down," Devi added, using the hashtag #ResignMamata. The comments come as the case has sparked widespread protests both in the state and across the country. The Kolkata police has arrested a civic volunteer in connection with the crime. New Delhi, Aug 17 (PTI) The doctors' strike in the national capital over the rape and murder of a medic at a state-run hospital in Kolkata entered its seventh day on Sunday, as non-emergency services, including OPD, remained paralysed. Protests began here on Monday evening. Initially restricted to medical college campuses, doctors started taking to the streets from Friday over the incident at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata earlier this month. According to an action plan, members of resident doctors' associations (RDA) in Delhi took out a candle light march from outside Gate 1 of the Rajiv Chowk Metro Station at Connaught Place. Dr Parth Mishra, vice president of UCMS and GTB Hospital RDA told PTI that as discussed, resident doctors from medical institutions participated in the march. The demonstrators, who are demanding a central law to check violence against on-duty health personnel and justice for their peer, formed a human chain in the Connaught Place Inner Circle. Efforts were also made to interact with the public to raise awareness about the incident. Those part of the march, which ended around 9 pm, raised slogans in support of their demands. They displayed placards demanding justice for the victim and one them read "when the white coat turns red, society turns black". A few children holding the tricolor were also spotted in march. Late Sunday, resident doctors announced that their strike will continue. In an action plan for Monday, a meeting is scheduled for 9 am on in front of the GTB Hospital's gate. Following the meeting, the doctors will proceed to Nirman Bhawan at 11 am, according to a joint statement by RDAs. Dr Dhruv Chauhan, health activist and national council member of the Indian Medical Association's junior doctors network, alleged, "Some hospital administrations are threatening doctors to return to duty while they are peacefully protesting for their rights." "Does this mean we don't even have the freedom to exercise our right to speech and protest as permitted by the Constitution?" he asked If the authorities had issued as many circulars to protect doctors' rights and security, such an incident might never have happened, Chauhan added. The strike has affected academic activities, outpatient departments (OPDs), ward services, and elective surgeries at public as well as private health facilities. Essential emergency services, including Intensive Care Units (ICUs), emergency procedures, and emergency surgeries, continue to operate. A group of distinguished Padma Awardee doctors has urgently appealed to the President of India for immediate intervention following a Kolkata incident. In a letter expressing deep concern and anguish, the doctors condemned the brutal events that have shaken the medical community and the nation at large. The doctors highlighted the rise in violence against healthcare professionals, particularly against women and girls said "Such acts of brutality shake the very foundations of service by medical professionals," the letter read. In their appeal, the Padma Awardee doctors have urged law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and society at large to take decisive steps to ensure the safety and dignity of healthcare professionals across the nation. On Saturday, the Union health ministry in a statement assured that it would form a panel for suggesting measures to boost the safety of healthcare personnel. It had said Representatives of all stakeholders, including the state governments, will be invited to share their suggestions with the committee as it urged the doctors to resume their duties in the larger public interest and in view of the rising number of dengue and malaria cases. A resident doctor from Safdarjung Hospital said a concrete response from the government regarding bringing the central law would have offered some relief. "However, after seven days, we are still waiting. As stated earlier, the strike will continue indefinitely until our demands are met," the doctor said. PTI NSM ANB ANB ANB A New Jersey man has been sentenced to seven years in connection with an arson and antisemitic graffiti last year, authorities said. Ocean County prosecutors said Ron Carr, 35, of Manchester Township was sentenced Friday on guilty pleas to arson, bias intimidation and criminal mischief. The seven-year, five-year and 18-month terms imposed for the convictions are to run concurrently. In a news release, prosecutors said township police were called to the Pine Lake Park area in June 2023 and found 14 homes vandalized with spray paint that included some Nazi symbolism. The next day, emergency responders were called to a fire that destroyed one home and damaged three others. Carr was arrested in both cases and authorities alleged in an affidavit outlining the charges that he made multiple antisemitic statements to investigators while being interviewed. He told police he was saving the neighborhood and he thought the house he set on fire would be turned into a school or prayerland, the affidavit said. Defense attorney Shane Paugh said after Carr was charged that he hoped his client will get the help he needs, NJ.com reported. The home that was destroyed was the dream home of the Rivas family. ABC7NY reported at the time that the Rivas family had no insurance but they have a community that became their team. Yehuda Fryers Company first cleaned away all the swastikas, then he and others got tons of donations to begin rebuilding the Rivas home. Dumpsters, roofing, siding, everyone I called said sure, let me know when I can come, Yehuda Fryer said. (AP & YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Saturday reacted to reports that revived questions about who blew up the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022, saying the initiators of the gas pipeline project should apologize and keep quiet. That comment came after one of his deputies denied a claim that Warsaw was partly responsible for its damage. The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that Ukrainian authorities were responsible for blowing up the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in September 2022, a dramatic act of sabotage that cut Germany off from a key source of energy and worsened an energy crisis in Europe. Germany was a partner with Russia in the pipeline project. Poland has long said its own security interests have been harmed by Nord Stream. To all the initiators and patrons of Nord Stream 1 and 2. The only thing you should do today about it is apologise and keep quiet, Tusk wrote on the social media portal X Saturday. Tusk appeared to be reacting specifically to a claim by a former head of Germanys foreign intelligence agency, BND, August Hanning, who told the German daily Die Welt that the attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines must have had Polands support. Hanning said Germany should consider seeking compensation from Poland and Ukraine. Hanning, who retired from his spy chief job, did not provide any evidence in support of his claim. Some observers noted that he served under former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who went on to work later for Russian state-owned energy companies, including Nord Stream. Krzysztof Gawkowski, a deputy Polish prime minister and the minister of digital affairs, strongly denied reports that Poland and Ukraine had damaged the Nord Stream gas pipeline in an interview Friday on the Polsat broadcaster. Gawkowski alleged that the comments of the former member of the German intelligence service were inspired by Moscow and were aimed at destabilizing NATO countries. I believe that this is the sound of Russian disinformation, he added. On Wednesday, Polish prosecutors confirmed that they had received a warrant for a Ukrainian man wanted by Germany as a suspect in the pipeline attack, but that he left the country before he could be arrested. The Nord Stream project, with its two pipelines created to carry gas from Russia to Europe along the Baltic Sea bed, went ahead despite opposition from Poland, the U.S. and Ukraine. They allowed Russia to send gas directly to Western Europe, bypassing Poland and Ukraine. With all gas previously going over land, Warsaw and Kyiv feared losing huge sums in transit fees and political leverage that came with controlling the gas transports. The Wall Street Journal said in its report published Thursday that it spoke to four senior Ukrainian defense and security officials who either participated in or had direct knowledge of the plot. All of them said the pipelines were a legitimate target in Ukraines war of defense against Russia. Ukrainian authorities are denying the claims. Nord Stream 1 was completed and came online in 2011. Nord Stream 2 was not finished until the fall of 2021 but never became operational due to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. (AP) Former U.S. Rep. George Santos is expected to plead guilty to multiple counts in his federal fraud case, according to a person familiar with the matter. Santos, a Republican from New York, is expected to enter the plea at a court hearing planned for Monday on Long Island, the person said. The person could not publicly discuss details of the plea and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Messages were left seeking comment from Santos and three lawyers representing the former congressman. The court hearing was scheduled for Monday afternoon after prosecutors and Santos lawyers jointly requested one on Friday. They also sought and received a delay in certain pre-trial deadlines. The news comes just weeks before jury selection was set to begin on Sept. 9. Santos has previously pleaded not guilty to a range of financial crimes, including lying to Congress about his wealth, collecting unemployment benefits while actually working and using campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses such as designer clothing. Among the charges Santos faces are wire fraud, theft of public funds, money laundering and aggravated identify theft. Prosecutors recently told the judge that the trial could last three weeks because they expected to call at least three dozen witnesses, including some victims of Santos alleged crimes. Santos has previously maintained his innocence and called the investigation a witch hunt, claims that prosecutors called baseless in a recent court filing. But in December, when prosecutors said plea negotiations were ongoing, Santos said in an interview at that time that a deal was not off the table. Asked if he was afraid of going to prison, he said: I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail, its not a pretty place and uh, I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible. Earlier this week, Judge Joanna Seybert rejected Santos request that potential jurors fill out a written questionnaire gauging their opinions of him. His lawyers argued in court filings it was necessary because for all intents and purposes, Santos has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion. Lawyers for the government had also been seeking to admit as evidence some of the lies Santos made during his campaign. Before he was elected in 2022 to represent parts of Queens and Long Island, he falsely claimed to have graduated from both New York University and Baruch College and that he had worked at top Wall Street firms. Two campaign aides to Santos have already pleaded guilty to crimes related to the former congressmans campaign. Last October, his ex-treasurer, Nancy Marks, pleaded guilty to a fraud conspiracy charge and implicated Santos in a scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors. A lawyer for Marks said at the time his client would be willing to testify against Santos if asked, saying she had been mentally seduced by Santos. A month later, Sam Miele, a former fundraiser for Santos, pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising campaign cash for Santos. The New York Republican was expelled from Congress in December after an ethics investigation found overwhelming evidence he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit. (AP) Chechnya President Ramzan Kadyrov invited Tesla CEO Elon Musk to Russia on Saturday after being filmed behind the wheel of one of the companys Cybertrucks mounted with a machine gun. In a clip posted on Kadyrovs Telegram channel, the self-styled strongman was seen taking the stainless steel-clad Cybertruck for a leisurely drive before standing astride the machine gun mounted in the truck bed, draped with belts of ammunition. In a gushing post, Kadyrov, who rules over Chechnya, a republic within the Russian Federation, described the vehicle as undoubtedly one of the best cars in the world. I literally fell in love. He also said he would donate the vehicle to Russian forces fighting in the invasion of Ukraine. Its not for nothing that they call this a cyberbeast, he said. Im sure that this beast will bring plenty of benefits to our troops. Kadyrov, who was sanctioned by the U.S. after being linked to numerous human rights violations, said he received the truck from Musk, although this was not independently confirmed. Messages left with Tesla seeking comment were not immediately returned. Kadyrov also took advantage of the video clip to invite Musk to Chechnya. I dont think the Russian Foreign Ministry would mind such a trip, he said. And, of course, were waiting for your new developments that will help us finish our special military operation (in Ukraine). (AP) Chabad bochurim Yisroel Andrusier from Florida and Zalmy Gurary from Montreal, students of Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch in the Brunoy village in France, were helping Jews put on Tefillin in the Jewish quarter in Paris, known as the Pletzl. Collive reported on a moving encounter they had with a special Jew, Raphael Benguigui, and his wife Lorena, residents of Paris and Lisbon, Portugal. Raphael, who doesnt have hands, agreed to put on Tefillin. Lorena told the bochurim later that Raphael used to daven with tefillin on a regular basis but stopped when he was diagnosed with leukemia and later suffered from septic shock. My husband needed this, she said, explaining that after what we call the life accident, he didnt do it every day anymore. He had some anger to deal with. Raphael said that from today he will do it every day. Watch the moving video below: (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Vice President Kamala Harris is entering the Democratic National Convention with increased excitement from Democrats and a steady rise in her favorability ratings among Americans as a whole. About half of U.S. adults 48% have a very or somewhat favorable view of Harris, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. That is up from 39% at the beginning of the summer, before President Joe Bidens poor performance in his debate against former President Donald Trump ultimately led him to drop out of the presidential race. Thats not just an improvement for Harris but also from where President Joe Biden stood before he dropped out, when 38% said they had a favorable opinion of him. Its also somewhat better than the 41% of adults who say they have a favorable opinion of Trump. The rise in favorability for Harris comes as more Americans overall have formed an opinion about her while the Harris and Trump campaigns rush to define her nascent candidacy. The share saying they dont know enough about her to have an opinion has halved, from 12% in June to 6% now. The latest measurement is in line with how Americans viewed Harris in early 2021, when she and Biden first took office. It suggests renewed positivity toward Harris the share of Americans who have a very favorable opinion of her has also increased over the same period but she risks hitting a ceiling as she approaches her previous highest rating. Potential strengths for Harris Since June, Harris favorability has slightly risen among some groups that generally already favor the Democratic Party. Shes seen slight increases in favorability among Democrats, independents, women and young adults under age 30. Theres been no significant movement from Black adults or Hispanic adults other constituencies Harris will likely need the support of in November. Half of adults under 30 have a very or somewhat favorable view of Harris in the latest poll, up from 34% in June. That comes as more young adults have formed an opinion about her, with the share of adults who say they dont know enough to say shrinking from about 2 in 10 to roughly 1 in 10. The number of young adults with an unfavorable view of her has not changed significantly. Harris has relatively high levels of favorability among Black adults, though its been relatively steady over the last month. Around two-thirds of Black adults have a very or somewhat positive view of Harris. That includes around 4 in 10 who say their opinion of her is very favorable. Black adults are more likely than Americans overall to have a favorable impression of Harris. About 6 in 10 nonwhite men and women have a positive view of Harris. Johnita Johnson, a 45-year-old Black woman living in North Carolina, said she plans to vote for Harris in November, but she wants the campaign to be honest and realistic about what it can promise. She has a problem with politicians, generally, who overpromise what they will be able to accomplish in office. If (Harris) was able to do exactly what she wants to do and what she says she would do, she would do an awesome job, Johnson said. Well, we all know that is not going to go like that. She may get to do some of the things that she wanted to do. Will she do everything? I cant say that she will. And she cant promise me that. Johnson noted that while Harris is a historic candidate because of her race and sex, its not something thats factoring into her support. It wouldnt matter who it was. As long as they are good, and good to us, thats what matters to me, Johnson said. Yes, of course, to a lot of people, its exciting because shes Black and shes the first woman. But Im not looking at it. Possible weaknesses for Harris To win in November, Harris team will trying to limit the extent to which Trump can run up his vote totals among white and male voters, groups that have leaned toward Republicans in recent elections. Currently, about half of men have a negative view of Harris. About 6 in 10 white men have an unfavorable view of her. White men without a college degree, a group that has traditionally made up Trumps strong base of support, are especially likely to say they have an unfavorable view. Harris is seen more positively by white women, particularly those with a college degree. About 6 in 10 white women with a college degree view her favorably, compared to about 4 in 10 without one. Overall, white women are split on her: 49% have a favorable opinion and 46% have a negative one. Views of Harris have been fairly steady among older adults. About half of adults older than 60 have a positive view of her. Thats generally in line with the 46% she had with this group in June. Brian Mowrer, a newly retired 64-year-old in Mishicot, Wisconsin, who was a staunch Republican until voting for President Barack Obama in 2012, plans to vote for Harris in November. He likes Biden and had felt he could do the job for another term, but he was ultimately glad Biden withdrew from the race when it became clear his electability was shrinking. I think its great that Biden stepped down and that they chose Kamala Harris, he said. Well, I would probably support any Democrat at this point. Mowrer is motivated by ensuring Trump does not have an opportunity to nominate more conservative justices to the Supreme Court, as he worries about further losing the separation between church and state in the U.S. He also cares about electing someone who will defend access to abortion, which he sees as a personal freedom issue. He believes Harris will focus on both issues. I think shes very good. She presents very well. I think shes very authentic, he said. The policies, or at least the things shes talking about wanting to do, that is along the lines of what Ive been thinking needs to be done. (AP) CNN host Jim Sciutto held an interview on Motzei Shabbos with senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan, who was speaking from Doha. Sciutto asked Hamdan if Hamas accepts any responsibility for the civilian deaths in Gaza since Hamas military units are based under and around homes, mosques and schools. In response, Hamdan ranted and raved in a long monologue that CNN is supporting the killing of Palestinians and then cut short the interview. Sciutto posted the interview on X, writing: I pressed senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan on whether Hamas accepts any responsibility for the loss of civilian life in Gaza, which residents have told CNN they believe it does. He wouldnt answer and instead took me on a history lesson of events he didnt know I witnessed myself. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Chicago is set to witness a series of large protests as the Democratic National Convention (DNC) takes place at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Organizers anticipate that nearly 100,000 demonstrators will participate in at least seven planned rallies and marches across the city. The demonstrations are expected to be a mix of causes from across the political spectrum, including groups advocating for the end of U.S. aid to Israel and backing pro-Palestinian causes, some of which have drawn criticism for their affiliations with Hamas. Some rallies, including a major march toward Grant Park organized by far-left group Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws, are scheduled to kick off Sunday ahead of the DNCs official start on Monday. The largest protests, expected on Monday and Thursday, are being organized by a coalition of 125 groups, including the U.S. Palestinian Community Network and the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. These groups are coordinating under the banner March on the DNC 2024, with Mondays march alone expected to draw over 30,000 participants. Hatem Abudayyeh, chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, told The Washington Post that the protests would be critical of the Democratic leadership, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who has replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the ticket for the 2024 election. Abudayyeh criticized both Harris and Biden for their support of Israel, with protesters dubbing Biden Genocide Joe for his stance on the conflict. Three additional protests are expected to take place throughout the week, including one organized by the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine. This march is scheduled for Wednesday and will focus on ending U.S. aid to Israel and denouncing Israels military actions in Gaza. The convention runs from Monday through Thursday, but the protests begin on Sunday, recalling memories of the 1968 DNC in Chicago, which was marked by violent clashes between police and anti-war protesters. While no such violence is expected at this point, the scale and fervor of this years demonstrations have captured national attention as the convention unfolds. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Hamas has issued an official statement rejecting the latest hostage exchange proposal discussed in Doha over the weekend, blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for hindering the negotiations. The group accuses Netanyahu of introducing new obstacles to delay the talks and prolong the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In their statement, Hamas claims Netanyahu sets new conditions and demands aimed at derailing the discussions. The terrorist group further criticized the proposal, which has backing from the United States, stating that it heavily favors Israel. They pointed to the requirement that the IDF maintain a presence in key areas, including the Philadelphi Corridor, the Rafah Crossing, and the Netzarim Corridor. Hamas also accused Netanyahu of introducing new stipulations regarding the release of security prisoners, which they claim have further complicated the negotiations. We hold Netanyahu fully responsible for thwarting the mediators efforts and obstructing an agreement, the statement read. Hamas also emphasized that the prime minister would be held accountable for the lives of the hostages currently being held by the group. Despite the stalemate, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to a proposal it had put forward on July 2, which they believe remains a viable solution for resolving the ongoing conflict. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Mispallelim at a shul in south Tel Aviv experienced a huge neis on Sunday evening when a powerful explosive device in the knapsack of a suicide bomber walking by the shul prematurely exploded, killing the man and wounding a passerby. There were 80 mispallelim davening Maariv in the shul when the bomb exploded. The building was rocked by the explosion but bchasdei Hashem, no one was injured as the device exploded as the terrorist was passing by a truck, which absorbed most of the explosion. Security officials believe that the suicide bomber was on his way to detonate the bomb in a crowded area, such as the shopping area about 100 meters from the shul, where numerous cafes and stores are located. Chaim Bublil, Police chief of the Ayalon District in Tel Aviv, said; It was a neis that it didnt explode in the nearby shul or shopping center. It could have ended in dozens of deaths. Israeli security officials have identified the suicide bomber, a man in his 50s, as a Palestinian resident of Shechem. On Monday, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) claimed responsibility for the attack and Hamas threatened that suicide bombings will continue. Leonid, 33, was passing by the scene on an electric scooter was moderately injured by shrapnel from the blast. He was treated at the scene and evacuated to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. He told Ynet from his hospital bed: I was riding my scooter home from work. Suddenly, there was a huge explosion and I was thrown off my scooter. There was a lot of fire, and I was right in the middle of it. It felt like a scene from a moviea massive explosion, and I was in the center of the flames. The doctors at the hospital have told me several times that Im lucky to be alive, with just a few shrapnel wounds. Dr. Eyal Hashavia, the head of the surgical trauma unit at Ichilov, said that shrapenl punctured Leonids lung. He will undergo surgery but is expected to make a full and speedy recovery. The moments of the explosion: The footage below shows the suicide bomber walking with a knapsack on his back holding the explosive device minutes before the explosion: The shul next to the site of the attack: In the Beis Medrash of the shul: A Tel Aviv municipality worker told Ynet: There was a Mincha and Maariv tefillah here in a building that holds 120 people. The explosion occurred in the middle of Maariv while there were at least 80 people in the shul on the first floor alone. If he would have entered the shula great neis happened here. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The Biblical Zoo worker who was attacked by a crocodile on Sunday is still in serious condition, according to a statement from Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital on Monday. When he arrived at the hospital on Sunday, he was rushed to the surgical ward for emergency surgery. He endured a nine-hour surgery and is now hospitalized in the ICU, sedated and ventilated. The victim is a veteran zoo worker who has tended to the crocodiles needs for 12 years. A security guard shot the crocodile, saving the workers life. The crocodile later died of its wounds. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Rav Avraham Meshulam, the Gabbai of the Rashbi shul in southern Tel Aviv, where a great neis occurred on Sunday evening when a suicide bombers powerful bomb prematurely exploded ten meters away from it, spoke to the media on Monday about the magnitude of the neis. The explosion was louder than Ive ever heard before, he said. The whole shul shook like in a powerful earthquake. The electricity went out in part of the building and the glass of the windows shattered on people. Miraculously there were no people on the street at the time except for one passerby who was injured and we daven for his speedy recovery. They saw on the security cameras that the terrorist had already approached the entrance of the shul, checked out the area and saw that there was a shul there full of people. Afterward, you see him going back ten meters and sitting on a bench and fiddling with the buttons inside his knapsack. Hakadosh Baruch Hu caused him to make a mistake and apparently he accidentally pressed the wrong button, activating the device at that moment and not several minutes afterward. It truly was a neis. The building next to the shul, a hardware store, was destroyed the wall completely exploded. The glass that shattered on us was really marginal, nothing. None of us were hurt, not even a little. We believe that Hakadosh Baruch Hu protects us and saved us. Rav Meshulam told BChadrei Chareidim that the shul has a Yeshivas Bein Hazemanim every day, the largest one in the city, and the shul is especially crowded at night with mispallelim and lomdei Torah exactly the time that the device exploded. Just last week, the Sephardi Rav of Bnei Brak, HaGaon HaRav Masoud Ben-Shimon, came to the opening ceremony for Yeshivas Bein HaZemanim, and said: Know one thing this Yeshivas Bein HaZemanim protects all of Tel Aviv. At that time, people didnt attribute much importance to his words and thought it was simply a statement of chizzuk. But Baruch Hashem, everyone understands the koach of Torah thats what protects Am Yisrael. It could have ended in a mass-casualty incident the explosion was extremely powerful. My father built this shul 75 years ago in the name of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai. The shteibelach have been here for 75 years and are full of tefillos, shiurei Torah all the time. See the shul in the videos below. The first video shows the limmud Torah continuing even after the attack without lights or air conditioning. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) An Israeli military officer was killed and several others were injured this morning after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip went awry The fallen officer has been identified as Lt. Shahar Ben Nun, 21, a member of the Paratroopers Brigades reconnaissance unit, hailing from Petah Tikva. Alongside the tragic loss of Lt. Ben Nun, three other soldiers were seriously wounded, while three more sustained injuries but are reported to be in stable condition. According to a preliminary investigation by the IDF, the incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. during a series of Israeli Air Force (IAF) strikes in the Khan Younis area. A technical malfunction caused one of the missiles, launched by an F-15 fighter jet, to veer off course. Instead of striking its intended target, the missile hit a multi-story building where the paratroopers were stationed. The building, situated roughly 300 meters from the intended target, sustained significant damage. The missile reportedly struck an upper-floor apartment, causing part of the building to collapse onto soldiers who were stationed in a neighboring apartment. The IAF emphasized that this type of malfunction is highly unusual, noting that tens of thousands of munitions have been deployed from fighter jets throughout the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with no similar incidents recorded to date. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Universal is in talks with ministers about tax incentives as it looks to build a multibillion-pound resort in Bedford. The US company, owned by Comcast, has snapped up 500 acres of land in the UK as a potential site for Europe's largest theme park. But now Universal is in talks with officials about tax and infrastructure arrangements which could be a make-or-break for a site, according to the Financial Times. Plans: Universal runs several sites across the Atlantic, including a resort in Orlando Comcast could explore other sites in Europe or elsewhere if the talks fail, the report said, and a decision is expected to be made by the end of this year. Universal runs several sites across the Atlantic, including a resort in Orlando. The theme park would bring 50billion of economic value to the UK over the first 20 years, according to estimates. Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets, Hargreaves Lansdown: Stocks look set to struggle for a sense of direction at the start of a week dominated by ongoing conflicts and US domestic politics, while Chinas economic difficulties come into focus again. 'The FTSE 100 has opened lower, as investors assess fresh data indicating a further fall in foreign direct investment in China, with an acceleration in the pace of the decline. 'The precariousness of the latest talks in the Middle East amid high tensions between Russia and Ukraine may also be weighing on sentiment. 'The pause for breath comes after a week of sharp recovery, boosted by hopes that the US economy will avoid a hard landing, while an orderly but rapid reduction in interest rates looks set to unfold. 'The expectation of lower borrowing costs in the US has pushed the dollar lower against a basket of currencies, while the yen has gained ground on expectation of another interest rate hike from the Bank of Japan, which has weighed sharply on the Nikkei. 'Minutes from the Fed, out later this week, will be closely watched for further clues about the monetary policy path. A water main break on Sunday that prompted a boil-water advisory on the west side of the town of Orange closed Orange Elementary School Monday. Such breaks have been known to risk contaminating water supplies with E. coli and other bacteria. The closing of Orange Elementary School was a precaution as no pipes were broken at the school, but were unaware of any decisions made for [Tuesday], an Orange County Public Works Department official told The Daily Progress on Monday afternoon. In a statement posted on the town of Orange website, residents in the following areas are advised to boil tap water before drinking or cooking: Harper Drive. West Main Street from Peliso Avenue to the town limits. Dabney Street. Morton Street. Peliso Avenue from Main Street to Montevista Avenue. Porterfield Drive. James Court. Dolly Court. Lafayette Court. Berry Street. Hilltop Drive. And Miller Road from Gobbler Knob Lane to the dead end. The effects of Sundays water main break on Harper Drive mainly affected the higher elevations on the streets listed above. The break caused a loss of water pressure for the area, and officials are waiting on testing results to determine when the advisory can be lifted. We are waiting on results sent to Environmental Systems Service Ltd. in Culpeper Monday and those results take 24 hours to return, the public works department official said. The Department of Public Works is hopeful it will have results by midafternoon Tuesday. After we receive the results from Culpeper we have to meet with the Virginia Department of Health before lifting the boil advisory, the public works official told The Daily Progress. Orange County Public Schools officials did not immediately reply to an inquiry from The Daily Progress, but school officials posted online that the school plans to reopen Tuesday. Students and staff will be provided bottled water for drinking, and the cafeteria plans to boil water ahead of any food preparation. For up-to-date information and updates, residents can call the town of Orange Public Works Department at (540) 672-4791 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saoirse Ronan opens up about dealing with addiction in her life as she spreads awareness on the disorder following her latest movie role. The 30-year-old is currently playing Rona in her latest movie called The Outrun. The movie follows Rona who attempts to come to terms with her troubled past. She returns to the wild beauty of Scotland's Orkney Islands where she grew up, hoping to heal. Rona appears to battle with alcoholism and speaking in a Channel 4 News interview, Saoirse said: "Coming from Ireland, in previous generations it is unfortunately just expected that a lot of males would have an unhealthy amount of alcohol consumption. If a woman does the exact same thing then it's like they are going straight to hell so of course that converstation needs to change." READ NEXT: One day only for charities to salvage Electric Picnic discarded tents When asked if she knew someone in her life who was effected by the disorder, Ronan said: "I have, it is something I have been very familiar with and been on the receiving end of most of my life. That was another reason why eventually I think it was a topic that I wanted to explore in film. I think there is so much confusion when you have someone going through that struggle. Drink is so accessible and it is a particular substance we all build our lives around. Even though I don't feel fully forgiving, I feel like I understand it at a different angle now and it is an ongoing conversation you need to have." Saoirse Una Ronan is an American-born Irish actress. Primarily known for her work in period dramas since adolescence, she has received various accolades, including a Golden Globe Award, in addition to nominations for four Academy Awards and five British Academy Film Awards. For more information on alcoholism see HERE. A little rebranding will bring Charlottesvilles middle and high schools more in sync at the start of the school year in 2025. At a town hall Friday morning in Buford Middle Schools soon-to-be-renovated cafeteria, Principal Rodney Jordan announced to roughly 350 seventh grade students that this will be their last school year as Trojans. Next year, the students will be rechristened the Young Knights, matching the Black Knights at Charlottesville High School. The new mascot will go into effect in the fall of 2025 along with a name change for the entire school, from Buford Middle School to Charlottesville Middle School. It was a long, well-thought-out process, and it was a community project, Jordan told The Daily Progress after his announcement was met with cheers from the student body and confetti from the staff. Im glad that we came up with the name that we did. Im glad that we are going to be Charlottesville Middle School. We have the same colors as Charlottesville High School, the black and orange, and the Young Knights being the beginning of their career in high school as the Black Knights. As Jordan noted, the schools new figurehead was based on feedback from a variety of community members, including students, parents, school employees, city residents, administrators and alumni, who all had a chance to submit their input via a survey released this spring. A volunteer committee composed of staff and students then reviewed the responses and recommended next steps to the Charlottesville School Board, which had the final say on the matter. The survey provided four potential options: Black Knights, another, unidentified type of knight, the Chargers or the Monarchs. According to the school division, two key takeaways were identified from the survey responses: wanting to begin building Black Knight pride starting in middle school while also ensuring that younger students could maintain their own distinct identity. We strive to be more than just school buildings, said Jordan. We want our kids to have a sense of belonging, beginning in preschool, in kindergarten, when they first started our city schools. Since the mid-1970s, Buford Middle Schoolers have been the Trojans, the warriors of myth and legend who hailed from Troy in what is present-day Turkey. School publicity materials depict a stylized version of a Trojan soldier in black and white wearing a plumed Corinthian helmet and cape. Administrators, however, said that the very masculine and Greco-Roman mascot was not universally loved. (Though a history teacher might note that medieval knights were, almost entirely, men and Trojans were neither Greek nor Roman.) The opportunity to make a change presented itself when, last June, the Charlottesville School Board unanimously voted to rename the school to Charlottesville Middle School. Named after Florence De Launey Buford, the first principal of Summit Elementary School, former Clark Elementary School, who campaigned to improve education for the citys mentally disabled population, the change was made to coincide with the reinvention of the school itself and the school divisions decision to move away from naming schools after people. As Charlottesville City Schools spokeswoman Beth Cheuk told The Daily Progress in April, New school, new mascot. Buford Middle School is also undergoing a more surface-level transition beyond the new name and mascot: an expansion and renovation that those in the cafeteria Friday morning had a front row seat to witness, as construction workers carried steel beams past the windows overlooking two rapidly growing structures on the middle schools property. The modernization efforts promise improvements to natural light, accessibility, ventilation and security and will demolish the schools existing gymnasium as well as a small classroom structure called Building D. Students will continue to learn in the original buildings this year until construction is scheduled to conclude in time for the 2025-2026 academic year. All instruction and activities will be moved into the new space while renovations are made on the old Buford Middle School with all work projected to wrap by the fall of 2026. After a competitive bidding process, Harrisonburg-based Nielsen Builders Inc. was tapped in March of last year as the general contractor for the $84.3 million construction project, a $91.8 million effort including design and other costs. Jordan revealed some of the renderings for the updated school and grounds designed by Charlottesville-based VMDO Architects to more enthusiastic applause from the students, teachers and staff present. That really is beautiful, one teacher leaned over to tell one of her colleagues. Its exciting to pull up every day and see the construction work happening. We said that our thing this year is going to be a school year to remember, said Jordan. We want this to be an exciting year for our students and for our staff and for our families, he added. We know that theres a lot of pride that comes along with being a Buford Trojan. Buford will not be forgotten, and so that pride will still be here, but its exciting. The school division shared its plans of honoring the nearly 60 years of Buford Middle School with a Buford Alumni Weekend next March. There, seven decades of Buford alumni will have a chance to walk the halls where they spent some of their formative years one last time before the renovation commences. We want people to come and remember what it was like to be a Buford Trojan, said Jordan. Then, we want to get into the community, into our neighborhoods and do some work that Saturday. Well hopefully have a big formal dance for everybody Saturday night. Benton County officials have paused an Arizona-based trash haulers efforts to expand Coffin Butte Landfill, deeming its application incomplete as part of process that will decide whether the regional dump can move across a Benton County road, north of Corvallis. The companys media relations team in an emailed statement Monday morning, Aug. 19, indicated Republic Services intends to submit an amended application and continue under the countys vetting process. A Place to Sleep, episode 3: Corvallis Do unhoused people know where to go in Corvallis? Well, the city has outlined where they shouldn't be: near creeks, rivers, wetlands, sidewalks or within 20 feet of trees. Benton County announced Friday afternoon, Aug. 16, that the companys application contained deficiencies. We appreciate the countys feedback and welcome the opportunity to provide additional information, Republic Services' statement reads. We believe this process will yield an even stronger application. In a letter to Republic, the countys top planner said the company must analyze and narrate how potential dump expansion would affect the neighboring properties. Republic also must cast a wider net, studying practices on nearby farms and forest conservation lands to see how Coffin Butte already is affecting a larger swath of Benton County. Land use experts then would determine whether Republics proposal to grow the landfill would interfere with the character of the area under local zoning rules, according to information in the letter that Mid-Valley Media obtained Monday. While staff will only evaluate the proposed expansion against code requirements, the study area analysis must provide an evaluation of existing impacts of the existing use in order to create a baseline comparison against the impacts of the proposed action, said Petra Schuetz, appointed to temporarily head the county planning department after Darren Nichols resigned in late June. The company must return additional details about the landfill and its operations within 180 days of filing to complete its application and move paperwork forward to a separate review process. Republic filed plans July 19 through its subsidiary Valley Landfills, applying for a permit to bury trash south of Coffin Butte Road, near Adair Village, where the landfill accepts about 1.1 million tons of trash each year under state permits and agreements with the county. In a 1,150-page document the company attempted to preclude critics concerns and underscore that Coffin Butte is beholden to state environmental regulators not Benton County to meet rules meant to tamp down on leaking greenhouse gasses or toxic storm runoff. The landfill caught the eye of federal regulators in 2022 for emitting methane gas in 61 instances beyond the 500 parts per million threshold the agency has set as a safety line. Completeness review Portland-based Winterbrook Planning was charged with poring over the application as a county consultant to verify the local government has information to later approve or deny the expansion permit. The county Community Development Department found the paperwork incomplete just before the close of a 30-day review period. Planners will seek to learn how Coffin Butte affects the county under conditions in its current land use permit and proposed expansion, requesting information from more detailed technical reports and a broader spatial analysis, according to the news release. The county has notified Republic Services of the necessary additional information and will continue to engage in an active dialogue to address the deficiencies, county officials said in the release. Benton County officials reached by email did not immediately clarify what conditions, details or spatial analysis the local government is seeking. But according to state law, the county must rule within 150 days on the completed application. The application will go before the Benton County Planning Commission, an appointed body that approves property use changes and advises the local governments elected leaders on complex land use decisions. Planning process Planning commissioners in 2021 thwarted Republics last expansion application, when the company sought to cover Coffin Butte Road. Environmental engineers, hydro-geologists and activists living in Benton County protested the filing, and regularly say the landfill unfairly burdens locals with the fallout from burying the trash of numerous other counties. Overall dump volume would be halved under Republics new proposal compared to the first. The company also is seeking the local governments blessing to build an 1,800-square-foot office with parking, site a sump pump, and relocate a pond where water imbued with trash, called leachate, pools after seeping out of the dump. Republic said Benton County rejected its last application in part because expansion would add commercial trucks hauling tanker trailers of leachate to local roads and burden the municipal wastewater treatment facility in Corvallis, where the company pays to dispose of dump runoff. In the following three years, Republic hired biologists and others to study how the landfill can better answer some criticisms. In its application the company claims newer construction standards could reduce some of the landfills impacts to the neighborhood. Related stories: A lot of locals don't know that Kansas City's most prolific petitioner and longtime light rail activist has been engaged in a court fight with City Hall for most of this year. We've done our best to keep up with his press releases . . . Accordingly . . . Sent to www.TonysKansasCity.com and other local media . . . Here's a press release from Clay Chastain regarding his latest project focused on challenging 12th & Oak . . . Clay Chastain press release: KC Activist Chastain announces 2-(simultaneous) Petition drives: (1) Construction of a rapid, elevated Monorail Sytem operating between Kansas City InternationalAirport & a new Regional Multimodal Transportation Center @ Union Station, et al (2) The recall of Mayor Quinton Lucas for Malfeasance of Public Office in that Lucas nor only ordered the City's security force to falsely arrest & falsely imprison his political opponent (without probable cause) in the 2023 Mayor's race, Lucas also abused the City's legal staff by ordering it to maliciously prosecute his political opponent (City Judge, Martina Peterson, aquitted Chastain of Lucas' false charge. (1) The beautiful Monorail (1st propsed for KC almost 60-years ago to connect our distant International Airport to Downtown) will catch up with history, connect the City & put KC back on top. (2) Mayor Lucas refuses to apologize for trying to silence his political oponent and criminalize him (right before an election). In the absence of an apology, Lucas desrves to be held accountable for his malicious misconduct. KC Activist, Clay Chastain ############## Developing . . . This weekend Mayor Q has been suffering a barrage of criticism regarding rising crime and citywide lawlessness. The complaints are varied and cover petty car break-in along significant threats to public safety. What everyone seems to agree upon is that criminal takeover of local streets is rampant and needs to stop. And so . . . MAYOR Q NOW WAGES WAR AGAINST ILLEGAL SIDESHOWS WITH TOUGHER NEW PENALTIES!!! As always . . . We're obligated to note that these are municipal fines and don't carry the same punch as state or felony charges. Also . . . With very little jail space . . . It's unclear where we'll put offenders. Moreover . . . Like it or not, property crime has not been a priority for the Jackson County Prosecutor's office and it's unclear if there will be any support of this "get tough" effort. Let's not forget . . . The Mayor already tried crackdown efforts in 2021 and they didn't work. Still . . . This move might be, at least, one small step toward taking back control of local streets. Here are more deets . . . "Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas has announced that on Thursday, Aug. 15, he introduced new legislation that would crack down on illegal street racing. The move is meant to enhance enforcement as well as penalties. "City records indicate that the legislation would amend Chapter 70 in the Code of Ordinances by repealing 3 sections and replacing them with new ones. The ordinance is specific to racing and sideshows. "The first section proposes a $250 fine with up to 30 days in jail for those who are caught engaging in illegal street racing or burnouts on Kansas City roadways. The second violation would receive a $500 fine with up to 60 days in jail while the third kicks it up to a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Two things to consider . . . Be careful with social media . . . Most of it is now written by AI chatbots or very clever Chinese dudes trying to make a few extra bucks. Accordingly . . . In this post we're gonna share a quick roundup of VERY REAL LOCAL TRAFFIC DANGER. But first . . . We'll start with this social media testimony that has sparked strong reactions and more than a few foreign bots into action . . . "I have been in Kansas City for two weeks. I have lived in three other statesthe road rage here is out of control.I am a defensive driver, use signals, let people in, and somehow have managed to still piss a few off no fucking clue as to why.never happened in other statesand whats is with the fingerI havent seen that in decades until the past two weeks. And people are obnoxious about it, rolling down their window, hanging half out, shaking the finger around for 30 seconds its sloppyat least look like you have it together and give it with confidence and be done with it. "I have also witnessed some sort of finger giving road rage swerving between other cars when I am out. So many bad accidents in the last couple of weeks. Its unreal." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Pedestrian killed after BMW runs red light, knocks power out at KC intersection On Sunday, the Kansas City Police Department responded to an early-morning crash that left one pedestrian dead. KCPD: Motorcyclist injured after running red light, striking vehicle A Harley Davidson motorcycle struck a Ford Fusion Saturday night near eastbound Barry Road and U.S. 169 Highway, according to Kansas City, Missouri, police. Overland Park man injured when SUV flips after rear-end collision on Highway 71 An Overland Park man was injured when his SUV flipped after it was rear-ended on Highway 71 in Kansas City. Developing . . . Bahrain's Labour Fund 'Tamkeen' has announced its support for salary increments of more than 1000 employees at Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), approximately 71% of the total Bahraini workforce at the company. Additionally, 400 Bahraini employees have received training through the Enterprise Training Support Programme, in line with the companys growth plans, by increasing employee competitiveness and outlining clear career development plans to retain skilled and experienced talent. BAS plays a pivotal role in the logistics sector in the kingdom, being the sole operator of in- ground handling services at Bahrain International Airport. The company provides a range of services, including ground operations, air cargo, airline catering services, and aviation engineering. It is also a leading supporter of local talent, employing 1,500 Bahraini employees, it stated. On the key initiative, Tamkeen CEO Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez said: "This announcement reflects the labour funds ongoing commitment to supporting the logistics sector in the kingdom and enhancing Bahrains position as a leader in regional logistics." "The sector contributed 7.4% to the GDP in 2023 and provides promising future opportunities due to the kingdom's unique advantages, making it a gateway to the GCC market as the regions first logistics services hub," she stated. Nabeel Khalid Kanoo, Chairman of the Board at BAS, said: "The ongoing partnership between BAS and Tamkeen is a significant milestone in our company's development. We are grateful for the support provided by Tamkeen, which enhances the development and empowerment of our national workforce." "I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to BASs Board of Directors for their continuous support in investing in human capital, in alignment with our strategies to empower Bahrainis and strengthen their role in the country's economic development. Our commitment to developing local talent contributes to solidifying Bahrain's position as a leading destination in logistics services and supports the realization of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030," he added. BAS Chief Executive Officer Engineer Mohamed Khalil Ahmed said: We continue to improve the quality of our services by investing in our Bahraini workforce. We commend the support provided by Tamkeen through the career development programs, which have enabled us to refine the skills of Bahraini employees, help them assume leadership positions, and reward them for their performance, creating a motivating work environment that supports employee growth, development, productivity, and company loyalty." "Tamkeens support for Bahrain Airport Services aligns with its strategic priorities for 2024 under three pillars: increasing economic participation through employment opportunities for new market entrants, expanding career development opportunities available to the Bahraini workforce, and further developing the private sector by supporting enterprises and boosting productivity through the adoption of technology," stated Khalil Ahmed.-TradeArabia News Service Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INVITES TO TASTE THE PARADISE Industry: Destinations New Campaign Showcasing the Rich Culinary Diversity of the Dominican Republic (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - August 19th, 2024 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: 5W Public Relations DominicanRepublic@5WPR.com Dominican Republic invites to Taste The Paradise" with The New Campaign of Tourist Promotion Miami, FL In an exclusive event held at the iconic Faena Forum in Miami, the Dominican Republic launched its new and vibrant tourism campaign under the concept of "Taste the Paradise." With the presence of prominent allies of the destination and representatives of the industry, this initiative invites the world to discover and enjoy everything that this Caribbean destination has to offer. This event marks the beginning of a series of promotional actions that will be carried out in different key cities in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe, reaffirming the Dominican Republic's commitment to position itself as a world-class tourist destination. The "Taste the Paradise" campaign focuses on showing that the Dominican "flavor" goes beyond gastronomy. It is a mix of the warmth and hospitality of its people, the richness of its culture, and the diversity of its landscapes. The creatives highlight how every aspect of the country, from its traditional dishes made with fresh products from the land and sea to the waterfalls and mountains, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. "With this campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to present the authentic essence of the Dominican Republic, inviting everyone to experience a destination that stimulates the senses and offers unparalleled experiences that are enjoyed with each visit," highlighted David Collado, Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic. Dominican. At the same time, the Minister expressed with emotion that the launch of the campaign was happening simultaneously in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, and Colombia. The United States occupies first place in sending tourists to the Dominican Republic. During the period from January to June 2024, 48% of non-resident arrivals to the country came from the United States, representing an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2023. The campaign stories take place in three iconic settings: Punta Cana, Samana, and Puerto Plata, the campaign highlights emblematic places such as the Paseo de Dona Blanca, the Ojos Indigenas Ecological Reserve, Fronton Beach, etc. "Taste the Paradise" seeks to attract travelers from all over the world to experience a combination of unforgettable moments with accomplices of adventure. The vibrant colors, native aromas and flavors, and musical rhythms declared the cultural heritage of humanity, create an enveloping atmosphere that promises to turn each visit into delicious moments to remember and repeat. For more information about the Taste The Paradise campaign, access the website: www.godominicanrepublic.com ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release : CONTACT INFORMATION Name: 5WPR Company: 5WPR Phone: (212) 999-5585 Email: DominicanRepublic@5WPR.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS Sweet Briar College students are criticizing the school's new admissions policy, calling it transphobic. The private women's college states on its website that applicants are eligible for admission "if she confirms that her sex assigned at birth is female and that she consistently lives and identifies as a woman." The college's previous policy only required a birth certificate indicating female, according to Campus Pride. Campus groups, including the Student Government Association, have voiced their opposition on social media, especially concerning the new admissions requirement for incoming students to consistently identify and present as women. "Recently, Sweet Briar College changed its admission criteria to exclusively admit individuals who live as women and present themselves as such. While we are aware of the college's historical context and mission, we must also recognize the evolving diversity and complexity of gender identities and expressions in our community," the SGA wrote in a statement. "... The verbiage is alienating, unnecessary, and it reflects a rise in transphobia in our country. Admitting trans and non-binary students, only to invalidate their identities based on narrow perspectives, is beyond disheartening." In a statement to ABC13, Sweet Briar officials said: "As Sweet Briar College approached the beginning of the new 2024-2025 academic year, it needed to confirm its admission policy to meet the new requirements of the Common Application for admission for students entering college in the fall of 2025. That application now lists multiple gender options. The confusion this creates for applicants seeking admission to a women's college like Sweet Briar, necessitated a review of the College's admission policy by the Board and administration of the College. Sweet Briar College affirmed that it will continue its 123-year commitment to only admit women. Since political and other influences now call the meaning of the term "woman" into question, the College affirms that it understands the term in its historic and traditional way consistent with the intentions of our founder." It's unclear whether the college's decision violates Title IX - a 1972 federal law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs that receive federal funding. Under the new rules that went into effect Aug. 1, Title IX now explicitly includes protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. This particular provision has faced pushback from conservative groups and states, resulting in multiple lawsuits that have stalled the implementation of the revised regulations in 26 states, including Virginia where Sweet Briar is located. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court also rejected a request by the Biden administration to enforce the new provisions on states involved in litigation over the specific changes. A Georgia man has filed a lawsuit against Emory University Hospital, accusing it of negligence after losing a portion of his skull during a medical procedure, which led to additional surgeries, an infection, and a $19,000 bill for a synthetic replacement. Fernando Cluster, 62, was admitted to Emory University Hospital Midtown on Sept. 30, 2022, to treat a brain bleed. As part of the treatment, surgeons removed a piece of his skull, referred to as a "bone flap," which was intended to be re-implanted after Cluster recovered, the lawsuit states. However, on Nov. 11, 2022, as Cluster was being prepared for the re-implantation surgery, Emory staff could not locate the bone flap. The lawsuit, filed Aug. 8, claims that when hospital personnel attempted to retrieve the bone flap, they found "several bone flaps with incomplete or missing patient identification" and could not determine which, if any, belonged to Cluster. As a result, the surgery was delayed, and a synthetic implant was created and used instead. Cluster alleges that this synthetic flap later became infected, requiring further surgery and an extended hospital stay, ultimately costing $19,000. Cluster and his wife, through their attorney, expressed shock and dismay over the hospital's actions. "It is shocking that a medical provider like Emory would lose part of one of its patient's skulls and then refuse to accept responsibility," they said in a statement to Law&Crime. "We now have to live with the consequences of Emory's negligence, including daily fear about another infection in my head and medical costs." The couple has requested a jury trial and is seeking damages for physical and emotional pain, medical expenses totaling over $146,000, and additional costs related to the incident. Emory representatives told Channel 2 Action News that they are "committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for patients and those we serve in our communities. We do not comment on pending litigation." (@FahadShabbir) Genetic sequencing of Mpox virus, infecting a patient in Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been detected as `Clade 2B strain, a type originated from West Africa and spread throughout the world in 2022 PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) Genetic sequencing of Mpox virus, infecting a patient in Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been detected as `Clade 2B strain, a type originated from West Africa and spread throughout the world in 2022. This was stated by Director Public Health KP, Dr. Irshad Roghani while briefing a meeting of Provincial Outbreak Committee held on Monday with Provincial Minister for Health, Syed Qasim Ali Shah in the chair. All three confirmed Mpox cases in the province reported during the last couple of years have travel histories linked to foreign countries. The meeting was also attended by Director General Health Dr. Muhammad Saleem, Additional Director General Administration Dr. Siraj, Border Health Services Representative at Bacha Khan International Airport Dr. Fareez Uddin, Chief HSRU Dr. Iftikhar Khalil, Director EPI Dr. Arif, MS Police Services Hospital Dr. Niaz, WHO Khyber Pakhtunkhwa representative Dr. Babar, and other relevant officials attended the meeting. The meeting participants were informed that the first case of Mpox was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Before 2022, outbreaks were limited to Central and West Africa. As of now, 3,527 cases have been reported in Asia. About the preventive measures, Dr. Irshad shared a Provincial Control Room has been established within the Directorate General of Health Services, and rapid response teams have been activated. District Outbreak Committees are also setting up control rooms at the district level. Meanwhile, Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah appealed to the public to maintain social distancing and exercise caution during social interactions. He urged the media to support the Department of Health in raising awareness about Mpox to inform and protect the public. Rapid response teams have been formed, and isolation wards are being set up across districts. The minister also mentioned that the recent Mpox patient had an accident in a foreign country on August 3, returned to Pakistan on August 10, and visited Khyber Teaching Hospital's OPD for treatment of a broken leg. Upon noticing skin conditions and symptoms, the hospital isolated the patient and sent samples to the Public Health Reference Laboratory. Health Minister Qasim Ali Shah was briefed that advisories, guidelines, and case management protocols are being regularly issued to all healthcare staff across the province. Screening areas and staffing have been established at Bacha Khan International Airport and Torkham border. Isolation wards are being set up in district-level DHQ hospitals, while private hospitals have been notified through the Healthcare Commission. In response to the current case, an isolation ward has also been established at MTI Mardan. Screening of passengers is ongoing at Bacha Khan International Airport, where more than 10,000 passengers from 83 flights have been screened for Mpox symptoms. Additionally, over 5,000 passengers crossing the Torkham border have been screened. The meeting also discussed Mpox symptoms for suspected cases with district formations and medical officers. OPD staff were briefed on case definitions and diagnostic protocols. The Health Minister directed the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system to remain active, and the committee was briefed on contact tracing methods for affected patients. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, on Monday, emphasized the enduring relevance of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittais teachings. He said that the great Sufi saint and poets message of love, harmony, and universal brotherhood transcends time and continues to inspire the quest for a just and peaceful society. In a statement released by the Media Cell Bilawal House on the occasion of the annual Urs of Shah Bhittai, Chairman PPP highlighted that Bhittais poetry not only captures the spiritual and cultural essence of Sindh but also serves as a guiding light, steering society toward the values of tolerance, inclusivity, and compassion. He noted that Bhittais teachings stand as a timeless reminder of the need to resist oppression, champion social justice, and foster unity across all communities. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, On this revered occasion, I encourage everyone to delve into the teachings of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and aspire to embody the principles of love, humility, and selflessness that he so profoundly articulated. Together, let us strive to cultivate a society that embodies the ideals Shah Latif upheldone where every individual, regardless of their background, is honored and valued. The chairman PPP extended his heartiest greetings to the people of Sindh and all those who revere Bhittais teachings, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in building a society grounded in the values that Shah Latif cherished. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the great goal of serving humanity leads nations on the path to development LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the great goal of serving humanity leads nations on the path to development. In her message on International Humanity Day, she extended salutations to all those who serve humanity. I pay tribute to the servants of humanity all over the world she said. The CM said I salute all rescuers, doctors, nurses, aid workers engaged in serving humanity. I consider the service to humanity as an act of worship. education, health and welfare projects are the first priority to serve people," she said and added that the service to humanity is her manifesto and motto. CM Maryam Nawaz said that Pakistan's first air ambulance service is launched to serve humanity. She added that upgradation of hospitals and health centers has been started to fulfil the commitment to serve humanity. Field hospitals, clinics on wheels and the delivery of free medicines at the doorsteps of patients across Punjab are the initiatives of the Punjab government to serve distressed humanity, she explained. Rescue 1122 is being deployed on motorways to fulfill the mission of serving humanity, she mentioned. We want to create a society where every human being has a right to live with dignity. Be a servant of humanity, help whoever is in trouble, it is a duty as well as our tradition, she said. Serving humanity is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) and it also earns the pleasure of Allah (SWT), she mentioned. PINDI BHATTIAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) District Police Officer (DPO), Hafizabad, Faisal Gulzar on Monday held Khuli Karcheri (Open court) to resolve the peoples issues on urgent basis. The people registered their complains in the Khuli Karcheri and DPO directed the officials concerned to resolve them on urgent basis. Addressing on the occasion, Faisal Gulzar said the police were committed to take actions against anti-social elements and maintain law and order in the district. On the direction of Inspector General Police (IGP), Punjab, the force was committed to ensure security to citizens, he added. Station House Officers and other concerned officials were present on the occasion. APP/muh/378 ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) In a significant breakthrough, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police's Industrial Area team arrested two members of a notorious car theft gang. The suspects, identified as Roman and Ikramullah, were apprehended following a targeted operation that resulted in the recovery of valuable laptops and cash. A Public Relations Officer from the ICT Police talking to this scribe on Monday said, under the specific instructions of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Ali Raza, a crackdown on criminal elements has been launched to protect citizens' lives and property. Acting on these directives, the Industrial Area Police utilized both technical and human resources to successfully capture the accused. The arrested individuals have confessed to a series of thefts involving laptops, cash, and mobile phones, committed by breaking vehicle windows. Their criminal activities spanned various locations, including Shifa Parking, Blue Area, Sector G-9, and Faisal Masjid. Malik Zahoor, the owner of Rajgan Motors and a vehicle dealer, praised the police for their recent success in apprehending the duo of car lifters who have been causing significant distress in the community. This successful operation marks a notable step forward in combating vehicle theft and restoring a sense of security among residents he remarked. However, a citizen Akram Ali also highlighted the ongoing issue of high-value thefts from parked vehicles, citing his own experience where thieves stole equipment worth around 1.1 million from his Toyota Corolla parked in the G-11 sector. The recovery of which, he said, was still awaited. He noted that thefts, including those of LCD batteries, have become increasingly a routine. Ali urged the police to build on their recent success by enhancing security measures and taking stricter actions to prevent such crimes in the future. /rzr-mkz The Vice Chancellor of Islamia College Peshawar, Prof Dr. Ali Muhammad, has announced that a research center will be established in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad and the provincial government on the land of Hund in Swabi, which will be allocated by the college PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) The Vice Chancellor of Islamia College Peshawar, Prof Dr. Ali Muhammad, has announced that a research center will be established in collaboration with the Higher education Commission (HEC) Islamabad and the provincial government on the land of Hund in Swabi, which will be allocated by the college. He made this statement during a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Swabi Nasrullah Yusufzai. Professor Dr. Ali Muhammad said that Islamia College has 4,000 kanals of land in Hund, Swabi, which will be allocated for the establishment of a research center in collaboration with HEC Islamabad and the provincial government. This center will conduct research in various fields and will benefit the students. He said that the founder of Islamia College, Abdul Qayyum Khan, belonged to Swabi and the Yusufzai tribe, and that the people of Swabi are known for their love of knowledge and have made significant contributions in various fields. Deputy Commissioner assured that he will provide full support to Islamia College in this endeavor, as it is a prestigious institution that has produced many notable personalities in various fields. (@ChaudhryMAli88) DIR LOWER, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Arif Khan visited District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ)Teaching Hospital Timergara on Sunday evening to inspect medical arrangements. Additional Deputy Commissioner General, Bashir Khan, accompanied him during the visit which aimed at reviewing implementation of the chief ministers Awami Agenda Programme. The deputy commissioner checked the attendance of doctors and paramedical staff and inspected the cleanliness of the hospital and the availability of medicines for patients. He also met with the admitted patients and their attendants to inquire about the facilities provided in the hospital. During the visit, several doctors and nursing staff were found absent, prompting the DC to direct the department of health to submit a detailed report. Deputy Commissioner instructed the hospital administration to enhance the ambulance service and ordered the opening of Gate No. 2 to provide separate entry and exit routes for patients and attendants. DC added that there would be no compromise on healthcare services and that strict action would be taken against any health staff found neglecting their official duties. He issued directives to establish a central computerized system in the hospital, implement a biometric system for all staff, fully computerize the OPD, and set up a database for the pharmacy unit. APP/ard-slm PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) The districts emergency service rescue 1122, Lakki Marwat provided medical assistance to 158 people while tackling different kinds of emergencies over the last week under the leadership of District Emergency Officer Atif Sardar. Giving details, the spokesman said the rescue service responded to 161 different kinds of emergencies over the week which included 118 medical, 26 road traffic accidents, nine bullet injuries, two fire eruptions, and six emergencies were recovery-related. During these emergencies, a total of 158 patients were provided with first medical aid promptly and subsequently shifted to hospitals. He said a total of 2304 calls were received by the emergency service, but 1136 of them were irrelevant or fake calls. During the 71 referral-related emergencies over the last week, the spokesman said a total of 76 patients were benefited. He said the rescue 1122 teams were fully equipped with all necessary equipment and they had been efficiently rendering their services during emergencies. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) Advisor to the chief minister on Zakat, Ushr, Social Welfare, and Womens Development, Mashal Yousafzai has said that the provincial government is making every possible effort for the development and welfare of special persons. In a statement, she urged parents to enroll their special children in educational institutions managed by the social welfare department. Mashal Yousafzai also lauded the performance of these institutions, saying that its students have achieved outstanding results in this year's matriculation exams. She added that if special persons were given proper attention and educational opportunities, they could not only improve their own lives but also contribute significantly to the development of their families and the country. It is pertinent to mention that the social welfare department has announced that admissions for the 11th grade have begun at the Special education Complex in Hayatabad, Peshawar, for hearing-impaired persons. The last date to submit admission forms is August 31, 2024. The admission test would be held on September 4, 2024, and classes would commence on September 16, 2024. Senegal finally launched its first-ever satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, into orbit on Friday after numerous delays marking the first stage of its budding national space programme SENSAT. GAINDESAT-1A is an earth observation nanosatellite built by Senegalese engineers and technicians trained by the Centre Spatiale Universitaire de Montpellier (CSUM) via a partnership with the Senegalese government. The nanosatellite was launched from US Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on SpaceX's Falcon 9 transport rocket in its Transporter 11 mission. According to media reports, GAINDESAT-1As primary mission is to gather data for state agencies, including the Directorate for Water Resource Management and Planning to improve resource management, and the National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency to improve weather forecasting and aviation safety. The launch of GAINDESAT-1A has been a long time coming. First planned in 2019, GAINDESAT-1A was initially scheduled to go up in 2021, but was postponed to 2023 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and then pushed back again to the first quarter of 2024, only to be delayed again until this past Friday. The result of five years of hard work by our engineers and technicians, this advance marks a major step towards our technological sovereignty, said Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Friday. GAINDESAT-1A marks the first phase of Senegal's national space programme, SENSAT, which aims to aid the countrys socio-economic development through the design and operation of space tools. In October 2023, the Senegalese government completed construction of a space control centre in Diamniadio in partnership with France's Centre national d'etudes spatiales (CNES) and aerospace company ArianeGroup to operate GAINDESAT-1A. At the centres launch, then-Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) Moussa Balde said that SENSATs goal was to meet national needs for space products and services, and to become a space hub for the sub-region", according to the Ecofin news agency. Senegal is the latest African country to put at least one satellite in orbit. According to SpaceHubs Africa, 61 satellites have been launched by 17 countries in Africa as of August 19. South Africa and Egypt have the most with 13 satellites each, with Nigeria a distant third with seven. According to Business Insider Africa, citing the latest annual report from Africa Space Industry, 125 new satellites have been lined up for development in 23 African countries by 2025, while the African space industry is projected to be valued at US$22.64 billion by 2026. Tel Aviv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) Top US diplomat Antony Blinken on Monday urged Israel and Hamas not to derail negotiations that he said may be a "last opportunity" to secure a Gaza truce and hostage release deal. Blinken, on his ninth regional tour since Hamas's October 7 attack triggered the war, said he was back in Tel Aviv "to get this agreement to the line and ultimately over the line". "This is a decisive moment -- probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," Blinken said as he met Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The US secretary of state was due to meet later on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials before travelling to Cairo, where ceasefire talks are expected to resume this week. Israel and Hamas traded blame for delays in reaching a truce accord, which diplomats say could help avert a wider conflagration in the middle East. "We're working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line, or, for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places, and to greater intensity," Blinken said. "It is time for it to get done. It's also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process." Months of on-off talks with US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators have failed to produce an agreement. But the stakes have risen since the late July killings of Iran-backed militant leaders, including Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, and as the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip deepened. Ahead of talks in Qatar last week, Hamas had called on mediators, rather than holding more negotiations, to implement a framework outlined in late May by US President Joe Biden. Biden said Sunday that a ceasefire was "still possible" and that the United States was "not giving up," in brief comments to reporters. After the Qatar meeting, the United States had submitted what mediators called a "bridging proposal", which Hamas on Sunday said "responds to Netanyahu's conditions" and includes terms that the Palestinian group would not accept. Hamas insisted on "a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip", saying Netanyahu wanted to keep Israeli forces at several strategic locations: Netzarim junction, the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi corridor. Netzarim sits between northern and southern Gaza, while Israel sees the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi corridor, on the Hamas-ruled territory's border with Egypt, as important for preventing the flow of weapons. Netanyahu was "fully responsible for thwarting the efforts of the mediators", the Palestinian movement said in a statement. Herzog, speaking alongside Blinken, denounced "the refusal of Hamas to move forward". The president, who holds a largely ceremonial role, said Israelis wanted to see the return "as soon as possible" of hostages still held in Gaza. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, in a post on social media platform X, called on Netanyahu to "not miss this opportunity" and "bring them back". Western ally Jordan, hostage supporters protesting in Israel, and Hamas itself have called for pressure on Netanyahu in order for an agreement to be reached. On Sunday Netanyahu reiterated that Hamas "remains obstinate" and must be pressured, a day after his office said Israeli negotiators had expressed "cautious optimism" about reaching a deal. US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators also reported progress. Far-right members crucial to the prime minister's governing coalition oppose any truce. The October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Vowing to destroy Hamas, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 40,099 people, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths. Out of 251 hostages seized during Hamas's attack, 111 are still held in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead. More than 100 were freed during a one-week truce in November. The plan announced by Biden at the end of May would freeze fighting for an initial six weeks as Israeli hostages are exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and humanitarian aid enters Gaza. As efforts towards a long-sought ceasefire continued, so did the violence in Gaza but also along the Israel-Lebanon border where Israeli forces and Hamas's Iran-backed ally Hezbollah have traded near-daily fire throughout the war. Hezbollah on Monday claimed attacks on troops and positions in northern Israel, a day after a deadly Israeli strike on south Lebanon's Tyre. In southern Gaza, Israeli evacuation orders warning of imminent military action have "reduced the safe zone", leaving "no more space" for displaced Palestinians, said Samah Dib, 32. Some "are sleeping on the street", while clean water is scarce and food is "very expensive and we have no money left", said Dib, who like almost all of Gaza's 2.4 million people is among the displaced. From the Israeli-designated safe zone in southern Gaza's Al-Mawasi, a fearful Lina Saleha, 44, said she could hear the rumble of tanks "getting closer". (@ChaudhryMAli88) Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisted Monday that Germany would maintain support for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion, despite plans to halve the budget for helping Kyiv in 2025 Berlin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Aug, 2024) Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisted Monday that Germany would maintain support for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion, despite plans to halve the budget for helping Kyiv in 2025. "Germany is and remains the strongest supporter of Ukraine in Europe," Scholz said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Germany has been the second largest contributor of aid to Ukraine after the United States. Government spokesman Wolfgang Buechner said earlier that "reporting that insinuates we are cutting back on aid is simply inaccurate". He added that Germany was "fully committed" to supporting Ukraine "for as long as necessary". Germany's 2025 budget has been the subject of a protracted row between the three parties in Scholz's ruling coalition. Liberal Finance Minister Christian Lindner has asked other ministries to make savings to respect a constitutional rule that aims to prevent the state from taking on too much debt. The latest draft includes around four billion euros ($4.4 billion) for Ukraine next year, compared with around eight billion euros in 2024. To make up for the shortfall, the government has said it will bank on plans by the G7 and the European Union to generate funds from frozen Russian assets. In June, G7 leaders agreed to a $50 billion loan for Ukraine using profits from the frozen assets. "Ukraine will be able to buy weapons on a large scale" with that funding, Scholz said, adding that Kyiv could "count on" this support. More budget talks will be held before it is adopted by the end of the year and the finance ministry said Saturday it was open to considering extra spending for Ukraine on a case-by-case basis. Buechner on Monday said Germany will "continue to provide aid as long as it is necessary" and insisted Germany's "commitment and determination (to support Ukraine) will not change". "We will continue to ensure that Ukraine receives the funds it needs to continue its fight for freedom and self-determination," a foreign ministry spokesman added. Ukraine's allies have been working for several months on a mechanism to allow part of the $300 billion of Russian assets frozen worldwide to be used to support Kyiv in its war with Moscow. Alumni - a student who graduated with a degree from the University of Wyoming will qualify for the Alumni tuition benefit. A student who is an out-of-state resident, with either parent having graduated with a degree from the University of Wyoming, will qualify for the Children of Alumni tuition benefit. Non-Resident & International - a student who is not a resident of the state of Wyoming will be considered a non-resident or international student. Wyoming Resident - a student who graduated from a high school in the state of Wyoming or a student who has established residency for tuition purposes, as determined by the Office of the Registrar, will be considered a Wyoming resident student. Mandatory fees are applied dependent on enrollment status. Some programs may incur additional fees, which are included on the appropriate COA grid. Other graduate programs are based on a non-block tuition rate , dependent upon residency status, and enrollment requirements that are determined by the length of program. The on-campus MBA program charges all students, regardless of residency status, the same non-block tuition rate. Standard graduate programs are based on a block tuition rate for students enrolled in 9 credit hours per semester. If enrolled in more or less than the block rate, tuition will adjust accordingly. A housing allowance for students who live on-campus is based on an average of all on-campus one bedroom apartment and dorm living arrangements. See On-Campus Housing page for more information. A housing allowance for students who live off-campus is based on an average of student survey and publicly reported county housing data for one bedroom living arrangements, including utility expenses. A housing allowance for students who live at home with parents is based on a percentage of the off-campus costs. Two years from now, Idaho voters will go to the polls and restore the reproductive rights state lawmakers have taken away from them. Just as they used the initiative and referendum process in the past to repudiate their ideologically sclerotic Legislature on everything from education to health care and tax policy, voters will repeal this draconian abuse of government power over the private medical decisions of Idaho women and their families. Last week, Idahoans United for Women and Families (iduwf.org/policies) unveiled four prototype initiatives, launching the process that would begin with petition gathering and then ultimately place a measure on the Nov. 3, 2026, election ballot. Among the concepts: Recognizing rights to contraception and fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization. Restoring the rights of medical doctors to practice medicine when a crisis pregnancy jeopardizes a womans health. Allowing women to make their own health care decisions prior to fetal viability based on best medical judgment or before the 20th or 24th week of pregnancy. And how do we know we wont be eating our words on Nov. 4, 2026? Even when the Legislature began threatening doctors with felony convictions, prison terms, the loss of their licenses and financial retribution for providing an abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, it wasnt popular. As a 2022 survey commissioned by Idahoans United for Women and Families found, 59% supported making abortion legal in the Gem State, either almost entirely or with some restrictions. When it came to imposing criminal penalties on health care providers, 63% were opposed the same margin that believed abortion should be between a woman, her family and doctor. Elsewhere, 69% agreed that We all have strong beliefs about abortion, but we should not impose them on others. And most telling of all, 78% said they would personally support a woman who had an abortion. In the two years since, Idahos leaders have given them no reason to change their minds. Instead, the Gem State has responded with some of the harshest anti-abortion rights policies in the United States: Not only a ban on helping minors cross the border into states where they can legally obtain an abortion, but an attorney generals guidance that a doctor could be prosecuted for even discussing an adult patients option for obtaining a legal abortion in another state. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the latest Gaza cease-fire deal could be the last chance to secure the return of hostages and end the fighting between Hamas and Israel. "This is a decisive moment probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," Blinken said Monday. Blinken met Monday with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant later in the day. This is his ninth trip to the region since the hostilities started on Oct. 7. Negotiators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar met in Doha, Qatar, last week to craft the latest version of the deal, and discussions are expected to resume in Cairo later this week. Violence continues Shortly after Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday, a bomb exploded near a synagogue in Tel Aviv, killing the person carrying it and injuring a passerby, Israeli police said. On Monday, police described the bombing as a terror attack. Also on Monday, Israel continued advances north of Khan Younis and stepped up its bombardment of Gaza City suburbs overnight, Reuters news service reported. Lebanon's health ministry said an Israeli strike killed two people in south Lebanon, and Lebanon's official National News Agency reported Israeli shelling and raids in several areas. Hezbollah announced it launched a "simultaneous air attack" with "explosive-laden drones" on two Israeli military positions a barracks near the border and a base near the coastal town of Acre. Last month, an Israeli strike near Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollahs top commanders, shortly before an attack in Tehran killed Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Although Israel didnt claim responsibility for Haniyehs death, it has been blamed for the attack. Both Iran and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, vowed revenge for the killings. A cease-fire deal is viewed as a way to prevent a larger war in the region. In his remarks Monday, Blinken said he was in Israel as part of an intensive diplomatic effort on President Biden's instructions to try to get this agreement to the line, and ultimately over the line. He said its time for Israel and Hamas to agree to a truce. Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, he said. So were looking to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line, or for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. Negotiators have been trying to reach an agreement for months. The basic outline of a cease-fire deal remains the same. It is a three-phase process in which fighting would be halted for six weeks, while Hamas would begin to release the estimated 110 hostages it is still holding including about 70 of them living and Israel would free hundreds of Palestinians it has jailed. The mediators are hoping to end the war that started Oct. 7 with the Hamas attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israels counteroffensive has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to Hamas-controlled health authorities. The Israeli military says that death toll includes thousands of Hamas militants it has killed. Natasha Mozgovaya contributed to this report. Material from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters was used in this article. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Tel Aviv late Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted an American bridging proposal on a Gaza cease-fire deal, and that it was up to Hamas to agree. Its now incumbent on Hamas to do the same, and then with the help of mediators Egypt, Qatar and the United States, to come together and complete the process, Blinken told reporters, without saying whether concerns cited by the Hamas militant group had been addressed. Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced the bodies of six hostages had been recovered from Gaza. Blinken's ninth visit to the Middle East since the Gaza war broke out in October 2023 came as the U.S., Egypt and Qatar sought to finalize a cease-fire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas. WATCH: Eyes on Hamas after Israel confirms support for proposal After leaving Israel, Blinken headed to Egypt and Qatar for further negotiations. The U.S. put forward a bridging proposal during last weeks cease-fire talks in Doha. Discussions are set to resume in Cairo this week. Blinken said even if Hamas accepts the deal, there are still complex issues requiring hard decisions by the leaders. He didnt offer specifics. Were never giving up, said Blinken, when asked if time to take the deal could ultimately run out. He held a one-on-one meeting with Netanyahu for 2 hours. Some analysts were skeptical. "I think there's a lot of wishful thinking going on, and I think the wishful thinking is because the stakes are now so high, because there is a potential for this conflict to escalate beyond its borders," Mirette Mabrouk, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, told VOA on Monday. An Israeli government spokesperson told reporters on Monday that Netanyahu stands firmly by the principle that the Israel Defense Forces will maintain a physical presence in the Philadelphi Corridor the border between Gaza Strip and Egypt to prevent what they describe as the resupply of Hamas deadly weapons. Earlier, Hamas accused Netanyahu of undermining the mediators efforts. Sami Abu Zuhri, a member of Hamas' political bureau, dismissed claims that signs of progress after two days of talks in Doha were an illusion. There is an increased urgency to reach a deal amid fears of broader regional escalation if Iran and its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah, retaliate against Israel for the assassination of a top Hezbollah operative in Beirut and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has claimed responsibility for the Beirut attack but not the Tehran one, although it is widely presumed to have carried it out. Bodies of hostages returned The bodies of six hostages, including five who were previously announced dead, were retrieved from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The military said it carried out the operation with internal security agency Shin Bet. Among the bodies recovered was that of 79-year-old Abraham Munder, whose death was announced Tuesday by his kibbutz community. Kibbutz Nir Oz called Munders death murder, saying he endured "physical and mental torture for months. The other hostages were: Yagev Buchshtab, 35, abducted with his wife, who was released after 50 days in captivity; Alexander Dancyg, 75; Yoram Metzger, 80, abducted with his wife, who was released after 53 days; Nadav Popplewell, 51, abducted with his mother, who was released after 49 days; and Chaim Perry, 80. In a statement early Tuesday, the Hostages Family Forum said Israel has a moral and ethical obligation to return all the murdered for dignified burial and to bring all living hostages home for rehabilitation. The immediate return of the remaining 109 hostages can only be achieved through a negotiated deal. The Israeli government, with the assistance of mediators, must do everything in its power to finalize the deal currently on the table," the statement said. Netanyahu offered condolences to the families and pledged that Israel will continue to make every effort to return all of our hostages the living and the deceased." The six hostages were among 250 people abducted by militants who stormed the border on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israels counteroffensive has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to Hamas-controlled health authorities. The Israeli military says that death toll includes thousands of Hamas militants it has killed. Polio threat A planned polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is set to proceed later this month amid the growing threat of a reemergence of the virus. "We've been working on a detailed plan to make sure that those who need to be vaccinated against it can get vaccinated, Blinken said after meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday. The Israeli military agency responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, known by its acronym COGAT, said it would continue to facilitate the entry of medical teams and vaccines against the polio virus. COGAT said that since the beginning of the war, 282,126 vials of the polio vaccine, sufficient for 2,821,260 doses, have been sent to Gaza. In the coming weeks, an additional 60,000 vaccines will be delivered to vaccinate more than 1 million children. The World Health Organization and UNICEF, the United Nations childrens agency, have called for a seven-day humanitarian pause in the conflict to allow for two rounds of vaccination campaigns planned for late August and September across the Gaza Strip. Hamas said in a statement last Friday that it would support a seven-day truce to facilitate the vaccinations. This was separate from the latest American cease-fire proposal and separate from a permanent cease-fire that Hamas has demanded. Polio was eliminated in Gaza 25 years ago. However, in July 2024, the poliovirus was detected in environmental samples from Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, located in the south and center of Gaza. According to WHO, three children presenting with suspected symptoms of polio have since been reported in Gaza. Completing a successful polio vaccination campaign is quite challenging. The safe transport of vaccines in cold temperatures and the availability of fuel and communication networks are all essential for the success of the WHO/UNICEF-led campaign to vaccinate 650,000 children below the age of 8 years, Zaher Sahloul, president of humanitarian group MedGlobal, told VOA. A cease-fire, or at the very least a humanitarian pause, is urgently needed to give this polio vaccination campaign a fighting chance, said Sahloul, who added that MedGlobals clinics in Gaza were expected to participate in the polio vaccination campaign. VOAs Natasha Mozgovaya and Kim Lewis contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the Israel-Hamas war are being boosted by a new visit from Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the Middle East. But even as hopes for a cease-fire are high, implementing it could prove challenging, analysts say. VOAs Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details. Some bosses might want all their workers back in the office, but a clear majority of U.S. workers crave the flexibility of remote or hybrid jobs. And studies have found that such work, if managed well, will not harm a company's culture or capability to innovate. But some companies concerned about productivity are using software to monitor employees working from home. Maxim Adams has the story. Camera: Aleksandr Bergan Efforts to achieve humanitarian access to millions of desperately needy Sudanese are moving forward but cease-fire negotiations remain dormant because the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) still refuse to send a delegation to the U.S.-sponsored peace talks, a U.S. official says. U.S. special envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello told journalists at a briefing Monday in Geneva that given the urgency of the Sudan crisis, delegations from the United Nations, African Union, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been working through the night on issues related to humanitarian assistance and civilian protection. Perriello said this work is paying off in that Sudans military has agreed to open the Adre border crossing with Chad to allow food and other relief supplies to enter conflict-rattled Darfur. Along with many, many humanitarian and diplomatic colleagues around the world, we are now on the precipice of Adre being open with over 100 trucks ready to roll as early as tomorrow on something that would often take weeks and weeks, if not months, he said. And that means that we can be seeing food and medicine reaching areas like Zamzam camp, where well over 400,000 people have been facing starvation and famine. Though only the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have turned up at the talks, Perriello said that active negotiations have been going on with both warring parties since the talks began August 14. We have worked virtually through phones with the army to accelerate progress that save lives of the Sudanese, he said, adding that if the army delegation were here, I guarantee we would be producing more results for the Sudanese people on humanitarian access and on civilian protection than we can do by phone. He said the talks are prioritizing the opening of humanitarian corridors on three roads the Adre border crossing, Dabar Road and the opening of Sennar junction and Sennar State. This, he said collectively would ensure that 20 million people who currently are cut off completely or largely from food and medicine would be able to get that relief. Taylor Garrett, who heads the Sudan rapid support team for the U.S. government, said, Those routes will open up assistance to reach really the heartland of the crisis to greater Kordofan, Greater Darfur, White Nile, Blue Nile and Sennar. Another point that we have made clear is the need for both sides to allow assistance to flow to areas controlled by the other side, as it moves through their territory. So, regardless of territorial control, the assistance has to reach people, he said. We will continue to move forward on the results that matter and we hope that everyone, including the army would see that this is something that the Sudanese people will respond to very positively, Garrett said. Since rival generals of the SAF and RSF plunged Sudan into war 16 months ago on April 15, 2023, the Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, estimates more than 18,800 people have been killed and another 33,000 injured. It reports more than 10.7 million people are displaced inside Sudan, another 2 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries, and about 25.6 million people, more than half of Sudans population, face acute hunger, including more than 755,000 people on the brink of famine. We are in a crisis of epic proportions, Perriello said. The sooner the parties engage in full mediation for the cessation of hostilities, the better it will be for everybody in Sudan. But, we will continue to work for those protections that have to be respected even in wartime under both international law and the Jeddah declarations. The Jeddah declaration is an agreement signed by both the SAF and RSF last year, reaffirming both groups core obligations under International Humanitarian Law to facilitate humanitarian action to meet the needs of civilians. That is what we are going to continue working on, Perriello said, adding that this current first round of peace talks will continue for a few more days. Torrential rains turned streets into raging rivers in parts of Connecticut and New York's Long Island, trapping people in cars and a restaurant, covering vehicles in mud, and sweeping two women to their deaths, authorities said. Dramatic rescues unfolded as a foot (30 centimeters) of rain fell on some parts of western Connecticut late Sunday and early Monday, coming down so fast that it caught drivers unaware. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said more than 100 people were evacuated by search and rescue teams Sunday evening. The bodies of two women who had been in separate cars were recovered Monday in Oxford, a town of 13,000 about 35 miles southwest of Hartford, officials said. Both were Oxford residents. Firefighters were trying to get the first woman to safety when the flooded Little River swept her away, Oxford Fire Chief Scott Pelletier said at a news conference with other Connecticut officials. The second woman got out of her car and tried to cling to a sign, but "the racing water was too much" and swept her away, too, he said. "This is a tragic and devastating day for Oxford," the town's first selectman, George Temple, said. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal added, "Who would have thought the Little River would turn into a gushing torrent of destruction, which is what happened." In nearby Southbury, Lucas Barber used wilderness first responder techniques he learned as a backpacker and rock climber to wade through chest-high water to save Patrick Jennings, who has a prosthetic leg, and Jennings' dog from a car outside the Southbury Plaza mall. Barber, 30, said he drove to higher ground and grabbed rope he keeps in his car for emergencies. Jennings' car, he said, looked like it was "turning in the tide and seemed to be sinking." Barber said he first tried to throw his rope to Jennings but changed his approach when he was told Jennings had a prosthetic leg. Barber waded and swam to the car, which was filling with water, he said. He saw Jennings' golden retriever, Stanley, in the back, scared, and Jennings worried about leaving him behind. "'Your dog is coming with us, but also I need to get you out right now,'" Barber said he told Jennings. Jennings took off his prosthetic leg, and Barber wrapped his rope around the man's waist and chest. Barber tried tying the rope around the dog's collar, but it came undone. Once he got Jennings to safety and others could tend to him, he went back for Stanley. Halfway back, Barber said, the dog got excited to see Jennings and swam the rest of the way to his owner. Barber said he went back a third time to fetch Jennings' prosthetic leg, which was bobbing next to his car. In Oxford, rushing waters surrounded the Brookside Inn, trapping 18 people. Firefighters had to stretch a ladder across the floodwaters to reach them as cars and other large debris carried by the torrent smashed into the building, said Jeremy Rodorigo, a firefighter from neighboring Beacon Falls. The storm system that hit Connecticut and then moved on to Long Island was separate from Hurricane Ernesto, which on Monday was over the open Atlantic Ocean but still expected to cause powerful swells, dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. William Syrett, a professor of meteorology and atmospheric science at Penn State University, referred to the Connecticut-New York system as "training thunderstorms." "It's like each thunderstorm is a car on a train track, and so they just keep going over the same place," he said. He cited "perfect conditions" for the storms, thanks to the amount of moisture in the air and a slow weather system. The unusual part was the amount of rain that fell over several hours, Syrett said, not the thunderstorms themselves. Ed Romaine, the executive of Long Island's Suffolk County, said that hundreds of homes were affected by flooding and that mudslides covered the roofs of cars in some areas. The storms canceled more than 450 flights at Newark Liberty, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports, officials said. Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad took responsibility Monday for what appeared to be a failed bombing attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday and threatened additional attacks if the war in Gaza continued. The blast came late Sunday as mediators were working on a cease-fire agreement in the devastating Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The bomb seemed to go off prematurely, killing the assailant and injuring a bystander. It was unclear whether the attacker planned to carry out a suicide attack or plant the explosives and set them off remotely. Agence France-Presse quoted the militant groups as referring to the attack as a "suicide operation." Palestinian militants used suicide bombings in the 1990s and 2000s, killing hundreds of civilians. Tel Aviv's district police commander, Deputy Commissioner Peretz Amar, told reporters that the bomb had gone off a few meters away from a synagogue full of people. He said possible issues with the timing of the bomb helped avoid "a very real tragedy." Amar said the suspect had appeared on security footage walking down the street and wearing a large backpack, and that he was not previously known to police. The deputy commissioner added that authorities were working to determine where he came from and whether he received additional support. Hamas and Islamic Jihad said similar attacks would continue "as long as the occupation's massacres, the displacement of civilians and the policy of assassinations continue." The statement appeared to refer to the war in the Gaza Strip and recent Israeli strikes that killed senior Hamas and Hezbollah militants. The blast took place shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken touched down in Tel Aviv for cease-fire talks. The bombing came just days after health officials in Hamas-controlled Gaza announced that the Palestinian death toll from the war had surpassed 40,000. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. DALEVILLE Thank you for all you do to make us feel like neighbors and friends, Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill told those gathered at the Daleville Culture and Convention Center Wednesday evening to welcome Gill to the Wiregrass. Gill, a Master Army Aviator with 3,400 flight hours and more than four years in combat, assumed command of the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel July 26. He was welcomed to the Wiregrass with receptions at Daleville, Enterprise, Ozark, and Dothan. Gill came to Alabama after two years as Deputy Director for Regional Operations and Force Management on the Joint Staff. Before that he served as Director, Army Aviation on the Headquarters Department of the Army staff for one year. He was commissioned in Army Aviation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1994. His military duty assignments have included the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Carson, Colorado, the 101st Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and the Home of Army Aviation as the aide-de-camp to the Army Aviation Center Deputy Command General. In addition to Korea, Gills overseas assignments have included Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Europe. He graduated the Joint Advanced Warfighting Schol in 2007. He completed a Senior Service College fellowship at the Central Intelligence Agency in 2016. I want to welcome you back and look forward to working with you, said Daleville Mayor Jayme Stayton at the gathering of civic and military leaders Wednesday. Its great to be back, said Gill. Its truly an honor to be entrusted with the role as the commanding general, to be serving, to be training, to be developing leaders and future aviation war fighters. Gill said he met his wife, Fran, an Army aviator who was living in the townhouses in Daleville at the time. She flew Chinooks and Hueys for nine years before she got out of the Army. Shes now an emergency room physician, he said. He said he is glad to be back in the Wiregrass. I am back with warfighters, trainers, folks that are building the future of our Army, the future of our nation, so I feel very honored to be here. We live right next door to each other, said Gill during his welcome to Daleville Wednesday evening. We train about 18,000 soldiers through here every year, some of them are here for an extended period during flight school, he said adding that there are some 14,500 jobs on Fort Novosel. Fort Novosel creates a $9 billion economic impact in the Wiregrass annually. I think the fiber of this military/ civic relationship is just what makes it so great to be here, live here, work here, and to grow a family here, Gill said. There is a gate (at the entrances to the post) and some folks think its hard to connect with us but we would welcome more neighbors on Fort Novosel. I would also ask you to tell the good story of who the Army is, Gill said. I think there is great opportunity for our sons and daughters to come serve in the Army. I think its a great way to mature young people, to give them a solid set of values. Youve laid the foundation in their life, we can build on that, he added. And they will have something that they can think about long after they depart the military. So, sell the message: We need to bring good young Americans into the military, Gill urged. Theyll say its the best thing that they ever did, whether they stay three years and get out and do something else in their community or whether they stay 30 years and come back as the commanding general of Fort Novosel someday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine on Friday, a month after Zelenskyy criticized Modi for hugging Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to that country. Modis visit to Russia took place on the day that Russian missiles killed dozens of Ukrainians and damaged a children's hospital. Zelenskyy described the meeting as a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the worlds largest democracy hug the worlds most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day. Modis government has avoided speaking out against Russias invasion of Ukraine, maintaining the historically positive relationship between the two countries. He instead has advocated for both sides to resolve its conflict through dialogue. Zelenskyy said Monday that "a number of documents are also expected to be signed" during Modis first ever visit to Ukraine. Earlier this year, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was interested in expanding its relations with India, working toward developing its agricultural exports, pharmaceutical trades and industrial trades, to name a few. Russia became a major oil supplier to India after Western sanctions were imposed on Russia for its 2020 invasion of Ukraine. The reduced-priced oil has saved India billions of dollars while helping Russias war economy stay afloat. India has also seen the deaths of at least five of its citizens who signed up for support jobs in Russia and were sent to the front lines of the war in Ukraine. India has pushed Moscow to return the citizens who signed up for these support jobs. India has opted out of adhering to United Nations sanctions on Russia. Some information for this story was provided by Reuters and The Associated Press. Just two years ago, Zane Han couldnt have imagined his life today: living in Seoul and writing whatever he wants about the North Korean government, which once tried to control his every move. Han, a broad-shouldered, energetic man approaching middle age, has lived a dizzying life. As a teenager, he survived the 1990s famine; later, he attended an elite Pyongyang university, where bribes were often necessary to get passing grades. Eventually, he worked for a North Korean construction company in Russia, where brutal conditions led him to seek freedom. Now, sitting in an office in central Seoul where he works as a journalist, Han struggles to describe what it feels like to have gone from the rigid outdatedness of North Korea to the vibrant modernity that now surrounds him. Its like experiencing a time machine, he told VOA in an interview. Han is one of a strikingly small number of North Koreans to escape in recent years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea tightened border controls, intensifying a crackdown that began when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took power in 2011. Forced labor Hans escape began in the far-western Russian city of St. Petersburg, where he worked grueling 15-hour days as a migrant laborer pouring concrete, installing rebar, and laying bricks at a series of construction sites. Han said he and his North Korean colleagues were given only two days off each year. Confined to temporary container housing on the construction sites, they were rarely allowed to leave usually about once a year. At first, Han didnt see himself as a slave. It wasnt until he overheard his Russian coworkers referring to him as a servant of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un the pawn of a mafia boss that the reality of his situation began to sink in. It was a moment of self-awareness and what Han describes as the first shock that set him on the path to escape. Of course, I [knew] we have no freedom inside North Korea, he said, But I didnt imagine that North Koreas image [in the outside world] was so poor. Still, he pushed on, trying to make the most of what he had been assured was a rare opportunity to leave North Korea and send money back to his family in Pyongyang. Dramatic escape The breaking point came during the COVID-19 pandemic when North Korean authorities demanded an even larger cut of overseas workers' earnings. Han suddenly found himself keeping just $100 to $150 a month, half of what he had been earning before. He'd had enough. The next time Han was allowed to leave the construction site, he called the United Nations refugee agency office in Moscow, using a cellphone that he had purchased from an Uzbek coworker for about $30. The U.N. office helped facilitate his escape, first to Moscow then through a third country. Within 20 hours of fleeing the construction site, he had landed in South Korea, one of just 67 North Koreans to reach the South in 2022. New pattern Hans escape reflects an important trend, according to Lee Shin-wha, who until earlier this month was South Koreas ambassador for North Korean human rights. Like Han, most recent escapees were already outside North Korea mostly living in China and Russia working as diplomats, businessmen, or migrant laborers, said Lee. Some had lived abroad for 10 or 20 years before fleeing Pyongyangs control, she said. According to a U.N. report this year, around 100,000 North Korean workers remain overseas, earning money for the North Korean government despite U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit such activity. Activists have long tried to reach overseas North Korean workers, who despite being in tightly controlled environments, might have some access to outside information. But Lee also emphasized the plight of those trapped inside North Korea, especially since the pandemic, when North Korea cracked down on unauthorized border crossings. Ordinary North Koreans chances [of escape], I think, are almost zero, she said. That is my big concern. Speaking out Han, whose entire family remains in North Korea, is also motivated by those who cannot leave. After spending three months at Hanawon, a government-run facility that helps defectors adjust to life in the South, Han settled in Seoul and now writes for NK Insider, an English language website that aims to elevate North Korean voices. The project, funded by the U.S.-based Human Rights Foundation, launched earlier this year. Using his contacts back home, Han has written stories that help uncover rights abuses, such as sexual violence at North Korean prison camps, as well as a new system to incentivize North Koreans to spy on their neighbors. Though Han speaks with urgency almost an evangelistic zeal he is also cautious, using a pseudonym in part to protect his family, which he has not spoken with, two years after defecting. Despite the challenges, Han sees his work as crucial for revealing the true conditions inside North Korea. Nobody can imagine what the situation [in North Korea] is like, he said. [But] I was there I know. Pakistan reported Monday that at least three soldiers had been killed in clashes with militants attempting to cross over from Afghanistan. A military statement said that Pakistani forces had intercepted the predawn infiltration attempt in the Bajaur border district and "effectively engaged and thwarted" it. The ensuing intense gunfight also killed five assailants and wounded several others, it added. The reported militant casualties could not be immediately confirmed by independent sources, nor were there any claims of responsibility for the attempted incursion. However, the military blamed fugitive militants associated with Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a globally designated terrorist organization, for carrying out the attack from their bases on the Afghan side of the border. Pakistan has consistently been asking [the] interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border, the military stated, referring to the neighboring countrys de facto Taliban rulers. The statement renewed Islamabads call for Kabul to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij (official reference to TTP in local language) for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan. Taliban authorities deny the Pakistani allegations, asserting they have secured and firmly" control the entire Afghan territory. Afghanistan is not a threat to any country, Taliban-run state TV quoted Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy government spokesperson, as saying Monday. The Islamic Emirate has made it clear that it does not allow the territory of Afghanistan to be used against the security of any other nation, Fitrat stated, using the official title of their government, which is not recognized by any country. Pakistan has reported a dramatic surge in TTP attacks in the country since the Taliban reclaimed power in Kabul three years ago. The violence has killed and wounded several thousand civilians and security forces, according to official and independent reports. The rise in militancy has strained relations between the two countries, sharing a nearly 2,600-kilometer (1,616-mile) border. The United Nations has backed Islamabads complaints and, in a security assessment released last month, described TTP as the largest terrorist group in Afghanistan. The report stated that up to 6,500 TTP militants operate on Afghan soil with the growing support of the Taliban government to launch cross-border attacks in Pakistan. The U.N. noted that the militants are being equipped and trained in al-Qaida-run training camps in Afghanistan. The de facto Kabul authorities dismissed the U.N. findings as propaganda at the time. Dozens of protesters broke through a security fence near the site of the Democratic National Convention on its opening day Monday as thousands took to the streets to voice their opposition to the war in Gaza. Families with babies in strollers, students, elected leaders and others holding signs and flags joined the march to the United Center, where the convention is being held, to call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. As the larger group marched peacefully, a few dozen who broke away tore down pieces of the security fence. Several protesters who had managed to get through the fence were detained and handcuffed by the police. Officers put on gas masks as some protesters tried to bring down a second fence set up in front of police. Authorities said the inner security perimeter surrounding the convention site was not breached and there was no threat to those attending the convention. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said some of the protesters who took down the fence threw water bottles and other items at police. Police de-escalated the situation without using their batons or chemicals, he said. "When you have people infiltrate a crowd and they want to commit acts of violence, vandalism, we are going to stop them," said Snelling, who walked in a group of officers ahead of the protesters Monday. "We are not going to tolerate anyone who is going to vandalize things in our city." Members of the crowd chanted "End the occupation now" and then "The whole world is watching!" just as anti-Vietnam War protesters did during the infamous 1968 convention in Chicago when police clashed with protesters on live television. Families gathered on their porches and outside their doors as protesters marched by. Some children wore keffiyeh, blew bubbles or held "free fist bumps" signs. The march happened just as President Joe Biden, who has been the target of intense criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, including the marchers, was doing a walk-through of the largely empty United Center. Biden was scheduled to address the party in the evening. "Biden, you can't hide. We charge you with genocide," the marchers chanted amid the beating of drums. They also referred to him as "Genocide Joe" and lodged similar chants at Vice President Kamala Harris. 'You got to do something' Protesters said their plans have not changed since Biden left the race and the party quickly rallied behind Harris, who will formally accept the Democratic nomination this week. Activists said they were ready to amplify their progressive message before the nation's top Democratic leaders. "People are dying," said Cameron Benrud, 25, a high school special education teacher from Minneapolis. He drove five hours to attend the rally at Union Park to call on Democratic officials to halt funding to Israel. "I'm from little old Minnesota, and you feel kind of powerless. ... You got to do something," he said. Mayor Brandon Johnson said authorities were well prepared. "The city of Chicago is really good at things like this," he told a news conference. "We are ready." Organizers had hoped at least 20,000 people would take part in Monday's rally and march, but it appeared that only a few thousand were present, though city officials declined to give a crowd estimate. "We're proud of the turnout, especially considering the degree of the repression from the city," said organizer Faayani Aboma Mijana. The Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation, and buses were bringing activists from all over the country. Taylor Cook, an organizer with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, traveled from Atlanta for the march. Cook said the group was pushing all Democrats to call for an end to aid to Israel, with a particular focus on Harris. "We're saying to Kamala, she has been complicit in this. People think it's just Joe Biden, but she is vice president," Cook said. "So we're saying, you need to stop if you want our vote." Medea Benjamin, who traveled to Chicago from Washington, D.C., with a women-led group of protesters calling for peace, said she was shocked that the Biden administration recently approved an additional $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel. "There's an incredible discrepancy in what people are calling for in this country and what the administration is doing," she said ahead of the rally in Union Park. "We're so disgusted by this." Pro-Palestinian supporters descended on the park, west of the Loop business district, for the rally. Prior to the march, independent presidential candidate Cornel West addressed the crowd, which welcomed him with cheers. "This is not about some Machiavellian politics or some utilitarian calculation about an election," he yelled into a microphone. "This is about morality. This is about spirituality." Pro-Israel supporters Around 40 pro-Israel supporters walked around the park during the rally. Remaining mostly silent while waving Israeli flags, they were accompanied by about 20 police officers on bicycles. Although tensions flared at times, there were no physical altercations. Josh Weiner, a co-founder of Chicago Jewish Alliance who walked with the pro-Israel group, said their intent was to "make our presence felt." He said the group applied for permits that were not approved by the city. "The pro-Palestine protesters have gotten multiple permits, including a march, which seems to be a little bit weighted on one side," Weiner said. Snelling praised police and march organizers for a peaceful Sunday night protest calling for abortion and LGBTQ+ rights and an end to the war in Gaza. Chicago police said two people were arrested on misdemeanor charges of resisting police and damaging property. Some businesses boarded up their windows as a precaution, and county courts said they would open more space in case of mass arrests. Chicago police say officers have undergone extensive training on constitutional policing and de-escalation tactics. Coalition activists and the city have been at odds over the location of the protests and other logistics. A judge sided with the city over an approximately 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) march route, which organizers argued was not big enough for the expected crowds. Not a single speaker or spectator showed up to a speakers' stage offered by city officials near the United Center. Eight groups with progressive agendas had signed up for 45-minute speaking slots on Monday. On other days, some conservative groups, including the Illinois Policy Institute think tank, have plans to speak. Also Monday, the Philadelphia-based Poor People's Army, which advocates for economic justice, planned to set up at Humboldt Park on the city's northwest side to feature events with third-party presidential candidates Jill Stein and West, plus a 5-kilometer march. Overcrowding in African hospitals is blamed on the scarcity of health facilities and doctors, especially in rural areas. According to the United Nations, there is only one doctor for every 5,000 people in Africa, a continent that bears 25% of the global disease burden. But with the number of mobile phone users on the rise, some technological innovations are helping to bridge the doctor-patient gap and expand health care coverage. Yaw Asamoah is head of MedPharma Care in Ghana. The company has developed an app that allows patients to connect face-to-face with doctors and pharmacies online so they can get medicine in their homes. He says the system improves patients' experiences when they seek health care services. "That's where MedPharma care comes in to see how we can digitize the whole idea of health care bringing telemedicine making it possible for people either [to] have e-consultation, e-prescription, get their medicine delivered to them wherever they are, either at the office or at home... do their diagnostic remotely, Asamoah said. The World Health Organization says 57 countries are suffering from a critical shortage of health personnel, 36 of them in Africa. The 2001 Abuja Declaration requires that African Union countries allocate 15% of their annual budgets to health, a requirement most governments have yet to fulfill. Funding and infrastructure issues have blocked millions of Africans' access to quality health care, but experts say digital tools could improve access to services in hard-to-reach areas that lack doctors. Mountaga Keita is a Guinean-born businessman who invented three portable diagnostic terminals which can monitor a patients temperature, blood pressure, heart function and conduct ultrasounds. "The benefit of that is the ease it brings to doctors and patients instead of clogging hospitals, Keita said. Now the doctors or nurses can get to the patient collected data and send the data in a very secure manner to the hospitals, and people can analyze and bring it back to the patient." Keita has so far deployed 40 kits to different hospitals in Guinea. According Keita, the diagnostic terminals have attracted the attention of other countries like Gabon, which has requested six machines. He is in talks with the governments of Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Senegal to supply the kits there. Keita said his technology can help solve the doctor-to-patient ratio problem and save patients money. "With this kind of technology, all the vital signs of a patient, forward it in a very secure manner, encrypted to a specialist who is in Tunisia, who is in Kenya, who is in Tokyo, Paris to interpret and bring the result, he said. Then we know if we are supposed to spend that 45,000 euros to evacuate ... or if we can locally cure the person." Since the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has grown expansively and gained attention in Africa. Asamoah said telemedicine provides access to many doctors who specialize in different diseases, easing the burden on health care facilities. "In a normal circumstance, if you went to a clinic in Ghana, you wanted to talk to a specialized consultant, you might probably not get either because they don't have, they haven't booked you, or they are not available, he said. But telemedicine can make it possible for you to make your appointment and talk to any doctor." McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, analyzed the impact of digital health tools in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa and found that the tools could reduce the continents total health care costs by 15% by 2030. Thousands of activists are expected to converge on Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, hoping to call attention to abortion rights, economic injustice and the war in Gaza. While Vice President Kamala Harris has energized crowds of supporters as she prepares to accept the Democratic nomination, progressive activists maintain their mission remains the same. Activists say they learned lessons from last month's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and are predicting bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations in Chicago, a city with deep social activism roots. Who is protesting? Demonstrations are expected every day of the convention and, while their agendas vary, many activists agree an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the priority. Things are set to kick off Sunday on the convention's eve with an abortion rights march along Michigan Avenue. Organizer Linda Loew said even though Democrats have pushed to safeguard reproductive rights at home, the issue is international. They will march in solidarity with people everywhere who struggle for the right to control what happens to their bodies, as well as to protest the money the U.S. spends to back wars that could be used for health care, she said. "We believe that the billions of dollars that continue to flow to the state of Israel and the flow of weapons are having an inordinate and horrific impact, but in particular on women, children and the unborn," she said. "All of these things are tied together." The largest group, the Coalition to March on the DNC, has planned demonstrations on the first and last days of the convention. Organizers say they expect at least 20,000 activists, including students who protested the war on college campuses. "The people with power are going to be there," said Liz Rathburn, a University of Illinois Chicago student organizer. "People inside the United Center are the people who are going to be deciding our foreign policy in one way or another." Where are they protesting? Activists sued the city earlier this year, saying restrictions over where they can demonstrate violate their constitutional rights. Chicago leaders rejected their requests for permits to protest near United Center on the city's West Side, where the convention is taking place, offering instead a lakefront park more than 5 kilometers away. Later, the city agreed to allow demonstrations at a park and a march route closer to the United Center. A federal judge recently signed off on the group's roughly 1.6-kilometer route. Coalition to March on the DNC spokesman Hatem Abudayyeh said the group is pleased it won the right to protest closer to the convention, but he believes its preferred 3-kilometer march would be safer for larger crowds. The group is chartering buses for activists from about half a dozen states. "We're going forward, full speed ahead," he said. The city has designated a park about a block from United Center for a speakers' stage. Those who sign up get 45 minutes. The Philadelphia-based Poor People's Army, which advocates for economic justice, plans to set up at Humboldt Park on the city's Northwest Side and will feature events with third-party candidates Jill Stein and Cornel West, plus a march Monday to the United Center. Some group members have spent the last few weeks marching the more than 130 kilometers from Milwaukee, where they protested during the Republican convention. "Poor and homeless people are being brutalized, with tents and encampments destroyed and bulldozed away, from San Francisco to Philadelphia to Gaza and the West Bank," spokesperson Cheri Honkala said in a statement as the group reached Illinois. "These preventable human rights violations are being committed by Democratic and Republican leaders alike." How does a new nominee change things? Many activists believe nothing much will change because Harris is part of the Biden administration. "The demands haven't changed. I haven't seen any policy changes," said Erica Bentley, an activist with Mamas Activating Movements for Abolition and Solidarity. "If you're going to be here, you're going to have to listen to what's important to us." Pro-Palestinian protesters in Chicago have been highly visible, shutting down roads to the airport and staging sit-ins at congressional offices. Some are planning their own one-day convention Sunday with third-party candidates. "Regardless of who the nominee is, we're marching against the Democrats and their vicious policies that have allowed Israel to kill over 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza," said Fayaani Aboma Mijana, an organizer with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. It's unclear if the convention will draw far-right extremists who ardently support former President Donald Trump. Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge Derek Mayer said last week there are no known specific security threats against the convention. Is Chicago ready? The convention will draw an estimated 50,000 people to the nation's third-largest city, including delegates, activists and journalists. The city says it has made necessary preparations with police and the Secret Service. Security will be tight, with street closures around the convention center. To combat traffic concerns, city leaders are touting a new $80 million train station steps from the United Center. They also have tried to beautify the city with freshly planted flowers and new signs. City leaders also cleared a nearby homeless encampment. Police have undergone training on constitutional policing, county courts say they are opening more space in anticipation of mass arrests and hospitals near the security zone are beefing up emergency preparedness. Authorities and leaders in the state have said people who vandalize the city or are violent will be arrested. "We're going to make sure that people have their First Amendment rights protected, that they can do that in a safe way," Mayor Brandon Johnson told The Associated Press in a recent interview. But some have lingering safety concerns, worried that protests could become unpredictable or devolve into chaos. Activist Hy Thurman protested and was arrested at the infamous 1968 convention. The 74-year-old now lives in Alabama but plans to come to Chicago to protest the war in Gaza. "It's extremely personal for me," he said. "I see parallels." Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has said that he expects peaceful protests. "We intend to protect the protesters' First Amendment rights, and also the residents of the city of Chicago and the visitors to Chicago at the same time," Pritzker told the AP in a recent interview. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday his country is meeting its objectives with its nearly two-week offensive into Russias Kursk region, creating a buffer zone against more Russian attacks and troop movements from just across the border into Ukraine. "We are achieving our goals, Zelenskyy said. Kyiv sent troops over the border on August 6 in a surprise attack, Ukraines biggest such assault since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Ukrainian troops struggle on the countrys eastern front, Kyiv also said the incursion into Russian territory was aimed at forcing Moscow to negotiate on "fair" terms when any eventual peace talks are held to end the war, even though none is currently scheduled. Ukraine says it has captured hundreds of Russian military conscripts from the Kursk region. In eastern Ukraine, however, Kyivs troops were not faring as well. Ukrainian local authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order for families with children from the eastern city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk province, where 53,000 people still live. The authorities said Russian forces are advancing so quickly that families must leave the city and other nearby towns for their safety. Russian troops have been pushing toward Pokrovsk for months and now are just 10 kilometers from the citys outskirts. Ukrainian defenders have pulled back from positions destroyed by Russian artillery, missiles and bombs. One of Kyiv's attempts to ease the pressure in eastern Ukraine was the incursion into Russia's Kursk region. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's commander-in-chief, said Monday that "heavy battles" were taking place in the Pokrovsk area. The nearby town of Toretsk, whose capture would open the door for a Russian advance on the key stronghold of Chasiv Yar from the south, is also under heavy pressure, he said. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said Sunday that Russian forces have been advancing roughly two square kilometers per day in the Pokrovsk region over the last six months. Even with the Russian advances, Zelenskyy in his nightly address on Sunday praised the militarys efforts to repel attackers. In just one day, there have been dozens of attacks, but our units, our brigades, are doing everything to hold the positions, he said. Zelenskyy said Kyivs troops destroyed Russian equipment near Toretsk. Pokrovsk is one of Ukraine's main defensive strongholds and a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region. Its capture would compromise Ukraine's defensive abilities and supply routes and bring Russia closer to its stated aim of capturing the entire Donetsk region. Pokrovsk officials were meeting with the residents to provide them with logistical details on the evacuation. People were offered shelter in western Ukraine, where they will be hosted in dormitories and separate houses prepared for them. Meanwhile, air defense units near Kyiv were working to repel a Russian air attack early Monday, according to Ukrainian military officials. The airstrikes followed Sundays ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital. "This is already the third ballistic strike on the capital in August, with exact intervals of six days between each attack," Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app. Ukraines air force commander, Mykola Oleshchuk, said Russia launched eight missiles Sunday morning, including three ballistic, three cruise and two guided aircraft missiles. Ukraine shot down five of them, he said. Some information for this report came from Reuters, Agence France-Presse and The Associated Press. Serhiy Danilets is one of the more than 100 thousand Ukrainian soldiers estimated to have been wounded in Russia's war against Ukraine. But serious combat injuries havent stopped him and other fighters from enjoying life and, in some cases, making plans to head back to the front lines. Anna Kosstutschenko met with some of them in Kyiv U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the Israel-Hamas war are being boosted by a new visit from Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the Middle East. But even as hopes for a cease-fire are high, implementing it could prove challenging, analysts say. VOAs Veronica Balderas Iglesias, has the details. HARARE, Zimbabwe (Reuters) About 68 million people in Southern Africa are suffering the effects of an El Nino-induced drought that has wiped out crops across the region, the regional bloc SADC said Saturday. The drought, which started in early 2024, has hit crop and livestock production, causing food shortages and damaging the wider economies. Heads of state from the 16-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) were meeting in Zimbabwe's capital Harare to discuss regional issues including food security. Some 68 million people, or 17% of the region's population, need aid, said Elias Magosi, SADC executive secretary. "The 2024 rainy season has been a challenging one with most parts of the region experiencing negative effects of the El Nino phenomenon characterized by the late onset of rains," he said. It is Southern Africa's worst drought in years, owing to a combination of naturally occurring El Nino when an abnormal warming of the waters in the eastern Pacific changes world weather patterns and higher average temperatures produced by greenhouse gas emissions. Countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi have already declared the hunger crisis a state of disaster, while Lesotho and Namibia have called for humanitarian support. The region launched an appeal in May for $5.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to support the drought response, but donations have not been forthcoming, said outgoing SADC chair Joao Lourenco, the president of Angola. "The amount mobilized so far is unfortunately below the estimated amounts and I would like to reiterate this appeal to regional and international partners to redouble their efforts... to help our people who have been affected by El Nino," he told the summit. The drought is a major talking point at this year's summit, alongside issues such as the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which Lourenco said was a source of great concern. In Blink Twice, actor turned director Zoe Kravitzs camera is so enamored with its muse it forgets hes a tech-bro billionaire. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios The most fascinating leading men in Hollywood history understand the value of disturbing the goodness of their charismatic reputation. Tyrone Power was a trusted romantic lead, but he played the smug murderer in Billy Wilders 1957 film Witness for the Prosecution. In 1959, bruised and bruising Burt Lancaster embraced the part of a sordid newspaper columnist in the pitch-black noir he produced, Sweet Smell of Success. In 1963, a tender Paul Newman strutted through Hud as a pompous son with a cutting smile and depthless gaze. Denzel Washington was gruesomely low down in the dirt as a cop willing to wield his privilege against vulnerable Black and brown communities in 2001s admittedly loathsome Training Day. I am especially enamored with how Cary Grant brought a chill to his persona in Alfred Hitchcocks Notorious and Suspicion where all the charm and grace hed displayed elsewhere came across simultaneously as crucial armor and a hidden weapon. These turns take not only an actor capable and willing to disrupt their own carefully crafted image but a script with vision and a director with ferocious style and who understands the stories a stars body tells. Going into Blink Twice previously and more richly titled Pussy Island I was curious about star Channing Tatums heel turn. Here was Hollywoods favorite affable himbo choosing to play a dangerous billionaire tech bro capable of entrapping young women, thus flipping his image as a sweet-natured golden retriever of a man, bolstered and refined by the Magic Mike films that positioned him as keenly interested in female pleasure. When it came to the actor turned writer-director (turned Tatums romantic partner in the process) Zoe Kravitz, I had enjoyed her as a red-carpet fixture with sharp cheekbones and a vibe so chill she reads as disaffected. After she put her own spin on a slinky Catwoman in The Batman (2022) and played the agoraphobe in Steven Soderberghs thrilling Kimi (2022), I started to be intrigued by her potential as a storyteller, too, who could do more than produce an alluring but thinly drawn vibe. But when I heard shed be directing Blink Twice (co-written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum), an immediate question came to mind: Can a woman like her who has been ensconced in a wealth and visibility most Black girls will never experience thanks to her ultracool parents, actress Lisa Bonet and musician Lenny Kravitz meaningfully critique the intersections of wealth, misogyny, and control that its eat-the-rich premise promised? Unfortunately, Kravitz has neither the vision nor the range to deftly skewer the heinous foibles of wealthy men, let alone disrupt Tatums onscreen reputation. Blink Twice is a frustratingly timid take on the billionaire class, too busy swooning over Tatums figure to even realize its making that mistake. Or that its neglecting its own lead, Frida, played with gullible, wide-eyed appreciation by Naomi Ackie. Shes introduced sitting on the toilet in the bathroom of her shitty apartment, getting ready to head to her shitty job helping cater a swanky gala set to be attended by Tatums character, improbably named Slater King. Ahead of the event, Frida furiously scrolls the internet, eyes hungry for more information about Slater. She happens upon a recent video of him in conversation with a Black woman journalist, explaining that he has stepped down from his powerful company and bought an island. Hes apologizing for an indiscretion the film itself never explains; we can only assume its some act of sexual impropriety or targeted misogyny. So why is this broke, working-class and otherwise poorly defined Black woman abandoning all self-preservation and common sense to pursue him? I still dont know. At the gala, Frida and her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) ditch their catering uniforms for shimmering dresses and attempt to blend in with the moneyed masses around Slater and get closer to him. Frida proves clumsy. Champagne spills, glass is broken. Meanwhile, Slater is unlike any billionaire Ive ever witnessed not only because he looks like that, but because he possesses an uncharacteristic kindness. The camera is often placed below him, the light above him made into a halo, under which his smile is warm and his hands are outstretched. Of course, Frida takes them. Its a shot from its framing to its dress to the sculptural shifts of the actors body that is befitting a Prince Charming. And this is repeated throughout the movie at crucial points. Its a meet-cute out of a romantic comedy. If you squint and cock your head, you can see the possibilities that Kravitz forgoes in favor of this tepid approach. The layers of the film unpeel to reveal a (half-hearted) critique of how wealthy men wield their power crossed with a (Black) girlboss revenge story. Too bad this one is stuck at the pitch of go girl, give us nothing that would feel dated even if it came out in the heyday of similar works from the late 2010s and very early 2020s vibrantly shot, hollow-headed works like Emerald Fennells 2020 Promising Young Woman, to which it unfortunately feels akin. For a second, I thought Kravitz would tie Fridas obsession with Slaters beauty and wealth to an analysis of the soft-life, quiet-wealth trends that sweep Black women into thinking that the architects of their misfortune (a.k.a. men) will save them from the grind of our economic system. Its the Black communitys very own tradwife-adjacent trend, but with sharper glamour. However, the movie just misses the finer points the way women fight over the affection of men and how everyone loses in the process; gaslighting in extreme; how the grand gestures and romantic mythology we have bought into leads us to exploitation; the ways men, especially men with the power or wealth, manipulate and control. At the gala, Frida and Jess are introduced to Slaters inner circle, consisting of the fine-dining maniac Cody (Simon Rex); the loathsome, on-edge Tom (Haley Joel Osment); Slaters right hand in life and business, who is curiously missing a pinky, Vic (Christian Slater); the frazzled assistant Stacy (Geena Davis), and Rich, Slaters therapist with a smooth, unruffled exterior (Kyle MacLachlan). A montage ensues (this film is very reliant on the montage as narrative cheat code) showing Frida and Slater flirting, surrounded by the eager eyes of his friends and the sterile backdrop of an emptier and emptier fundraiser. The flirtation gives way to an invite that turns into a private-jet excursion to his geographically murky private island. Other women are there, including Sarah (Adria Arjona from Hit Man), who so desires Slater that to call her thirsty would be an understatement. Her eyes shoot daggers Fridas way from the jump when she notices how sweet Slater is on her. This makes their eventual turn from tacit enemies to bound-in-girl-power slayage feel both abrupt and unearned. As Slater shows Frida around the island, hes kind-natured, rocking a coquettish gaze and a confident but not cocky grin. He makes jokes, his body language is open. Their chemistry is palpable to everyone around them. It comes across as an uncanny romance that the film doesnt have the gumption to look at directly. Because of course the truth of the island and whatever nastiness Slater has been carrying out with the support of his gleefully cruel friends will be revealed. It cant be all luscious meals and endless consumptive delights. Though by then, the film, or more precisely Kravitzs lens, has seemingly bought into its own fantasy of Slater. You can see it in the raspberries plopped inside Champagne that is always flowing, the poolside tanning, the verdant expanse of the island, the rustic decor inside its buildings, the endless laughter and light, and the quietly ignored brown workers keeping all this beauty afloat. Time stretches and grows languid until Frida doesnt even know what day it is. When Jess disappears and no one else remembers her, the film should turn on its axis and let the darkness creep out. But its creators seem more interested in painting overconsumption and riches as what everyone secretly desires. So even as the absurdity of a third act that involves snakes and perfumes approaches, the filmmakers touch is too light. Cinematographer Andrew Newport-Berra, who impressed me with his work on The Last Black Man in San Francisco, shoots the film with an almost too-bright, frothy quality. The world is as sun-kissed and alluring as a Netflix dating series and just as flatly shot. This aesthetic could work if the frame were more dynamically populated, if there were more visual subtext, if it were encapsulating a script with a gimlet-eyed perspective on the shadows out of frame and the men who inhabit them. But it isnt. When Jess suggests its weird their respective suites come with white linen clothes in their exact sizes, Frida doesnt think its odd, just that its a part of being rich. Whats strangest is the raceless quality of the story which never explores the prickly currents of Fridas attraction to a white man of this economic bracket or her experience as a brown-skinned Black woman in such a white milieu. Stuck on the surface of Fridas story, Tatums dexterity as a performer is tested. Toward the end of the film, Slater is found repeating similar verbiage from the video Frida played before the gala, apologizing until he is basically screaming I am sorry, spittle flying, face tense, body curved and crouched low. But like any man too self-involved and unhealed to confront the truth of himself, he doesnt even say what hes apologizing for. It isnt entirely Tatums fault he cant physically or emotionally pull this role off. But in the end, his performance is as shallow as the script, lacking the verve and ingenuity that would make Fridas obsession intriguing. And Kravitzs camera is too in love with him, too soft-handed to let Tatum be as nasty as the film requires. She hones in on his lips, his arms, his stubble, his smile. Its too obsessed with the skin of the story to recognize the depths of what an actors beauty like Tatum can communicate. Blood is shed, lies are brought to light, yet truth is never found. Blink Twice is ultimately a glimmering bauble that demands to be taken more seriously than it deserves. Photo: Focus Features/Talking Fish Pictures There is a moment at the very end of Didi, director Sean Wangs feature debut, where it becomes clear that the film youve just seen is so much more than the story of one 13-year-olds coming of age in Fremont, California. Chris (Izaac Wang) and his mother Chungsing (Joan Chen) sit across from each other at their kitchen table. Chris is eating an after-school snack his mother has prepared as she watches him, her face beaming with pure love, eyes brimming with tears. He looks back at her timidly, reminiscent of the little boy hes rapidly leaving behind. Wang pored over this wordless moment that the audience experiences for all of 45 seconds; he spent a half-hour on Izaacs take alone. But its an image that walks out of the theater with you. That scene is also a very direct homage to Where the Wild Things Are, Wang told me in a conversation over Zoom, referencing that films ending. The shot in his own film served, on one level, as a thank you to director Spike Jonze who makes an appearance as the voice of a dead squirrel for making the film that Wang saw when he was the fictional Chriss age. Its a work he credits with inspiring his own journey into filmmaking. But while Jonzes film spends precious little time with its protagonists mother, what brings us to this moment in Didi sets us up for a much more devastating impact. Chris never meets any magical creatures on his journey through the summer before high school (hallucinations of dead squirrels notwithstanding). Instead, he learns to block people on AIM as a power move, read about his friends feelings in Facebook statuses, and to check his best friends MySpace top eight to find out if theyre beefing. With a sister about to leave for college, a grandmother who has entered a slow physical decline, and an absent father, Chungsing is Chriss only true constant and therefore the easiest presence for him to define himself against. He rejects his Taiwanese mothers Asianness, insults her work as a painter, and in a particularly brutal screaming match, tells her outright hes ashamed to be her son. It is perhaps this moment of teenage cruelty that makes the final moments of the film so overwhelming. Chen, for her part, almost turned down the role, worried she was too old to pass for the mother of a 13-year-old. Wang would have none of it. Hed set his heart on casting Chen based on a single scene in the film Tigertail, in which a lost love (played by Tzi Ma) tries to reconnect with Chens character over lunch, decades after leaving her to emigrate to America with another woman. She has a deeply felt presence, Wang explained. Chen brought an extremely personal commitment to her role in Didi. She asked Wangs real mother to record lines for her so she could better capture the woman her role was based on. Her age was also not the liability she feared. Instead, it was a mark of the experience she brought: that of a mother of two adult daughters. The whole journey is somewhat redemptive for me, that I feel I have a chance to somehow do it all over again, she told me. To be a better mother. After their horrible fight, Chungsing admits to Chris she sometimes fantasizes about the life she might have had if shed come to America without a husband and made a real go of it as an artist. In this way, the character is a sort of foil for Chen, who did come to the United States on her own and built a successful career as an actor. But Chen doesnt pretend that artistic success wouldve made Chungsings life any less complicated: There is not one right way to do anything, Chen said. There are so many occasions of unintended hurt and things we said we should not have said, things we did not say we should have said. And all of that just came when we were doing that [final] shot. Chens presence in the film feels almost spiritual, giving life to a kind of raw, unlimited love. She described working with Wangs actual grandmother, Chang Li Hua who plays Chriss grandmother in her first acting role as needing to be like the water that can circle around and embrace any shape. Truly, water is the best way to describe her presence: a quiet, powerful force moving swiftly to fill empty spaces and giving those around her a surface to float on. Watching her, its hard to not feel a sense of relief at her characters complexity, given our cultures oscillating obsessions with the stern aesthetic of the girlboss mother and the submissive tradwife. The filmmaker also says that part of his goal was to subvert the idea of the tiger mom, another archetype used to flatten the inner worlds of Asian mothers. Chungsing exists, like most real human beings, somewhere in between these extreme images. Shes imperfect, but she is trying, because she loves her children, even when she has no idea what shes doing wrong. Wang tells me the idea for the film really began to crystallize when he turned 26 the age his parents had been when they first came to America. It inspired him to start considering life from their point of view, which is evident in the way Chungsing is written. She is a portrait you can only paint of your mother once youre old enough to realize that this whole time she was just a person. The final shot took so long to nail down that Wang admits he actually had to wrap Izaac (due to child-labor laws) and sit in for Chris himself for some shots of Chen. But the person on Chens mind was neither the director nor her fictional son she thought of her own daughters as the tears came. That particular take, it was just overflowing out of me because as a mother, especially during my childrens teen years, we had so much struggle and so much difficulty and I had so much regret, she said. The filming of that scene took on extra weight since one of her daughters was actually on set to help out the small crew. It was all the love I wanted to tell my children and all the regrets that I felt at that moment. The tears were unexpected. I am not demonstrative, usually. I dont cry in front of people, she explained. Except for that particular shot, it was easy. When the camera turns to Chris, the look he gives his mother is both shy and innocent. Wang was going for a moment free of angst, the kind of look a very small child might give their mom. While it wasnt a stated intention of the director, I also read an uncertainty in Chriss face. A sort of fear he doesnt quite understand. Theres an embarrassment, a who, me? to the way he receives his mothers gaze. Yes, he is his mothers dream, but how could he be enough? He is almost begging for the reassurance of his mothers profound love, while at the same time being humbled by the force of it. In this moment, she is a newly understood version of mommy, the person you run to, the one you cry out for, and also the mysterious adult woman you can never fully know, but who is somehow, also, home. I asked both director and actor what they hope people take from the films ending. Wang spoke about appreciating the formative nature of your adolescence and said the final shot is not meant to be an abrupt end but a reminder that Chriss life keeps going. I do think a lot of the things that you experience in adolescence shape your worldview as an adult, but you dont have the vocabulary to articulate any of that, he said. Hopefully, people reflect on their own childhoods, reflect on their own relationships with their moms. Chens request is more simple: I hope all the mothers would reflect and rejoice in their motherhood, and all the children will call their parents. While it is truly sad that we havent seen Jennifer Connellys Melanie in weeks, one of the greatest strengths of Snowpiercer is its ensembles depth. In the early seasons, the show very quickly fleshed out its more minor characters to the point where this season in particular they feel like the true leaders of this little society. Layton may have led the initial Tailies revolution, but now Ruth feels like the true leader of the former Snowpiercer passengers. Melanie may have been the face of Snowpiercer in Wilfords absence in season one, but Ben has always been the one true engineer, the trains conductor. This week, those decisions to make these characters important and fleshed out pay dividends as we say good-bye to another main character. The opening narration for this week comes courtesy of Ben, who recalls the tough split decisions made in the first few days of the Snowpiercers initial departure and all the people they left behind between this and the episode being titled The Engineer, the death flags are flying high. But before we get there, we have to resolve the Admirals offer from last week: Big Alice for Liana. It seems like a pretty dumb deal to take, given that the train is the only way to keep alive the dozens of people living in New Eden, and there is no guarantee that the Admiral will even deliver on his end. But that doesnt matter because were dealing with Laytons logic here, and nothing can beat his resolve to sacrifice everyone else as long as he comes on top. After asking for proof of life and getting one very suspicious phone call with an unconvincing-sounding baby, Layton agrees. He convinces Ruth to connect the trains, and somehow, despite being aware that the fate of the entire New Eden population relies on this train, Ruth agrees to the terms and surrenders the engine. Like Ben said, split decisions and the people left behind. After surrendering, all the main characters are taken off the train and escorted to the secret underground silo where Melanie supposedly is except she isnt here, shes supposedly off base collecting data, what kind of euphemism is that? The silo is a cool location, a labyrinthian and enclosed space that echoes the claustrophobia of the early days of the show but without any of the glamour of the fancier Snowpiercer trains. This is as practical, brutalist, and cold as it gets. There are guards EVERYWHERE despite this being all that is left of humanity who is going to try anything here? Who are the guards for? and all sorts of protocols. Layton, Ruth, Bess, Alex, and Ben are all placed in the same room, but not Josie. Oh, and they have less than three hours to get Liana and run back to the train before it departs again When the Admiral arrives, he yet again tries to convince them that they are part of something greater and that their work has value. Though he does not have Melanie or Liana with him, he brings a surprise guest. Its Joseph Wilford himself! Even in the apocalypse, the government and the billionaires cannot stop being in cahoots the two are even on a first-name basis! This was all Wilfords idea: the kidnapping, taking back Big Alice, and everything. His reasoning? Well, if Layton took Alex, who he sees as his kid, then hell steal Laytons kid. Unsurprisingly, being left for dead in the cold did nothing to humble Wilford, who still acts like he owns the place, taking a little tour of Snowpiercer and rejoicing in getting his status back, saving some of his coats and other luxuries before the train leaves. He acts like Napoleon returning to Paris after his first exile. As for the others, the Admiral tells them they are not to return to Snowpiercer probably because theyd immediately steal it again. Instead, they are to remain on the silo as guests rather than prisoners. Granted, they are not allowed to go anywhere or move freely, but that saves the grand reveal for when they fix the world and go out to a warm world. Sounds nice, doesnt it? This doesnt fly with the group, and the moment the Admiral leaves (with Layton, who is separated from the rest on account of his constant rallying of rebels), they plan an escape. Alex, however, believes in the Admiral, at least his mission, and plans to stay and find out more. Remember, she has already seen irregularities in New Edens climate. Ben decides to take matters into his own hands and engineers himself a magnet that opens the doors, and the group breaks out. They only have 30 minutes left, so Ruth stays behind to rescue Layton while Ben and Bess take Big Alice. Before they reach the train, Ben finds Melanies lab, which is empty except for Wilford and Alex, who are studying her moms research. Alex decides to stay behind and help with the science. Layton is yet again taken to the Admiral, who does (kind of) hold up his end of the deal and shows Layton to his daughter being held in Wilfords arms as the old bastard smiles. Oh, and we find out where Josie is she is being experimented upon by Doctor Headwood, who is taking Josies blood and seemingly putting it on Wilford. Get ready for ice mutant Sean Bean! Ben and Bess get on the Snowpiercer and manage to get past the Admirals men, and even Ruth manages to get in at the last second. When they try to disconnect the trains, however, it doesnt work. Someone has to do it manually from the subtrain, so Ben volunteers. The problem, which Bess is unaware of, is that the decoupling mechanism is outside and there are no more suits. The captain stays with the ship, and the conductor stays with the train, so Ben does one last job as the engineer and disconnects Big Alice. As the second train gains distance we get one last look at Ben, freezing on the outside of Snowpiercer. Once an engineer, always an engineer. Tailie Thoughts Good-bye, Iddo Goldberg. Though overshadowed by some of the other bigger personalities on the show, Goldberg was a reliable and compelling part of Snowpiercer. At least he went out with a bang. Welcome back, Sean Bean! Speaking of bigger personalities, no one does it quite like Beans Wilford. It will be fun to see the contrast of the Admirals stoicism and Wilfords extravagance. Speaking of the Admiral, theres no way he truly trusts Wilford, is there? After all, the man has explicitly expressed his hatred for all the extravagance and luxury that Wilford represents. I, for one, cant wait to see the Admiral or his soldiers inevitably beat the crap out of Wilford once and for all. This really was a wasted opportunity not to bring Rebecca Ferguson from Apple TV+s Silo and have her meet Jennifer Connelly on a big silo crossover. Photo: Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP There may not be a less desirable job in law right now than presiding over the lengthy, messy, highly scrutinized RICO trial against six alleged YSL gang members, including Young Thug, in Georgia. But someones gotta do it, and now, that someone is Judge Paige Reese Whitaker. She took over during the trials tensest moment yet, after Ural Glanville, the original judge, had been recused over a secret ex parte meeting with prosecutors and a witness, Kenneth Lil Woody Copeland. Another judge even recused herself from the case before it got to Whitaker. But so far, Judge Whitaker has been up for the job. Since her first day in court on July 19, shes seemed intent on finishing the trial, even as she immediately faced issues like how to handle Copelands testimony after Glanvilles recusal. While shes tried to be more efficient than Glanville and stricter on prosecutors at times, shes also been content to let many of his prior decisions stand. Its a tough, tough job for her, says Cynthia Godsoe, a professor at Brooklyn Law. Since testimony resumed last week, heres what weve learned about Judge Whitaker and what to expect from her courtroom going forward. She wants the trial to move forward Many legal experts thought the YSL trials new judge might declare a mistrial immediately to have a clean start, rather than dealing with the trials previous issues. Instead, Whitaker began her first hearing by establishing her expectations for the courtroom and figuring out the motions she would have to rule on early signs that she wanted to see the trial through. Some defendants argued in mistrial motions that the case was fundamentally broken, between Glanvilles past bias, the ex parte meeting, Lil Woodys testimony, and the difficulty of a new judge taking over a case mid-trial. This case is like an old house that the present Honorable Judge is tasked with renovating, wrote Douglas Weinstein, attorney for Yak Gotti, in his motion, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Every time a piece of pasted-up wallpaper is removed more rot is found hidden underneath. No herculean effort by the present Court can fix the Due Process violations of the last Judge. This house must be torn down. (Not all defendants motioned for mistrials, though.) Weinsteins was the final motion that Whitaker denied on August 9, clearing the way for the trial to move forward. Adante Pointer, a civil-rights attorney, was actually kind of surprised Whitaker didnt grant a mistrial over what he sees as fatal flaws in the case, like the ex parte meeting and Glanvilles past remarks toward the defense. But despite the trials previous issues, Godsoe says it would have been, politically, very difficult for Whitaker to declare a mistrial and restart an already long, costly trial. Shes sort of stuck with it, meaning from a public perspective, she says, noting that as a state judge, Whitaker is elected. People would be furious, right? Multiple of the defendants had asked for a mistrial with prejudice, which would not allow the case to be retried. They had to prove the state goaded the defense into a mistrial, which is a very high standard, says Leigh Ann Webster, an Atlanta attorney who specializes in appeals. Even as a defense attorney, Im a little wary that that standard was met here, she says. I dont think that the state wanted a mistrial. Now, without a mistrial, issues like the ex parte hearing and Lil Woodys testimony could eventually be relevant for an appeal, if Young Thug and other defendants are convicted. I think there are numerous issues that could lead to a reversal on appeal, Webster says. While the defense attorneys are clearly focused on winning the case, she adds, Theyre definitely doing a good job of preserving issues for appeal. As for Whitaker? I actually think its much easier cover for her to just [move forward] then be like, well, look, all the issues on appeal they werent on her, Godsoe says. And she wants it to go quickly Whitaker came into the trial looking to set a more efficient pace than Glanville, whose disorganization and long comfort breaks had stretched this into the longest trial in Georgia history. It should not take another seven months, Whitaker said during her first day in court, after Glanville was recused seven months into testimony. She has been using the jurys previously scheduled breaks to settle motions related to excluding evidence, or motions in limine which Glanville had been hearing as they came up, rather than before the trial began. Whitaker has even set a standard for timeliness, scheduling court to begin at 9 a.m. and asking attorneys to be present by 8:45. And when I say 8:45, I mean 8:45, she said on her first day. "When I say 8:45, I MEAN 8:45. I intend to take the bench at 8:45." Whitaker's trial schedule will be 8:45-6pm every day, but she's considering giving the jury half days Friday and handle attorney hearings the rest of the day on Friday. pic.twitter.com/aQS2NtGPxS THUGGERDAILY (@ThuggerDaily) July 19, 2024 In court on August 14, Whitaker said she hopes the trial will be over by Christmas, per the Journal-Constitution. Prosecutors have said they still plan to call around 105 witnesses, so to meet that lofty goal, Whitaker might have to encourage them to pare back that list or limit questioning which she already said she might do on her first day in court. While its within her power as judge, Pointer admits limiting witnesses could be controversial and even be cited on appeal. If the judge wants to try to rein it in in that type of manner, then once again, shes opening up another Pandoras Box, he says. Weinstein since filed a motion to limit the prosecutions case on August 19, the Journal-Constitution reported, citing the trials continued delays. This trial will last well into 2025 if the State is permitted unlimited time to present its case, he wrote. She hasnt fully solved the Lil Woody problem Whitaker faced an immediate problem when she took over the case: how to proceed with the testimony of Lil Woody. The rapper, who prosecutors allege was also a YSL member and who had been granted immunity, had previously been held in contempt of court for refusing to testify, which led to the controversial ex parte meeting. The defense first motioned for Judge Glanvilles recusal in the middle of Woodys testimony on June 12, but he continued testifying until the trial was paused on June 17. Once Glanville was recused, all of that testimony was effectively voided. So Whitaker decided that if Woody chose to testify again (rather than be held in contempt), all of his previous testimony from June 12 onward would be struck from the record. On the jurys return, she asked if any of them would have trouble forgetting Woodys testimony, and when none said they would, she had their notes from June 12 on taken away. No juror took the easy way out. All of them have indicated they can disregard parts of Woody's testimony and will remain. We're going forward. pic.twitter.com/E753C0deUi THUGGERDAILY (@ThuggerDaily) August 12, 2024 Webster says its a legal fiction that jurors listen to all their instructions even a difficult instruction like forgetting multiple days of testimony after a two-month break. So you consider the first part before the recusal motion, you cant consider this middle part, and then you can consider everything that comes back, she says. That is not how anyones mind actually works. And even if jurors could forget the testimony, Pointer adds, Its hard to disregard your feelings about that person, and in his situation, whether hes credible or not. He sees asking the jury if they can disregard the testimony as a very cursory attempt to rectify the issue in the record. To Pointer, the difficulty in proceeding with Woodys testimony only shows why Whitaker should have declared a mistrial. If that truly is the critical witness thats going to tie all this together and that theyre going to try to build the foundation of a conviction on, it makes nothing but perfect sense to me where you would declare a mistrial, he says. Prosecutors questioned Lil Woody the entire week of August 12 and are expected to finish on August 26 after a preplanned jury break this week. The defense will cross-examine him afterward. However, on August 16, Whitaker told Brian Steel, Young Thugs attorney, that he could not ask Woody about the ex parte meeting, which jurors have not been informed about. Limiting that questioning could go against defendants rights to a thorough and sifting cross-examination, according to Webster. He didnt want to testify and was willing to go to jail, she says of the meeting. Hes saying, like, Ive never told the truth a day in my life, and the prosecutors and the judges are all talking to him. How is that not relevant to his credibility and what hes testifying to? Shes reluctant to change too much like bond One of Whitakers first orders as the trials new judge was denying new requests for bond for many of the defendants. Steel had argued Young Thug was languishing under tortuous conditions in jail, per Billboard, and that given the trials slow pace and pauses, he should be able to be under house arrest. But in a hearing on July 31, Whitaker said Judge Glanvilles recusal did not amount to changed circumstances necessary to reconsider bond. However, Whitaker admitted, I dont know how I would have decided the bond originally. Deciding to keep Glanvilles precedent here seemed to indicate that she didnt want the door open to reconsider all of his rulings. Godsoe thinks Whitaker had an opening to reconsider bond. Bail is actually supposed to be an ongoing assessment, she says. The trial is going on way longer than it was supposed to, there was just a month-and-a-half-long recess, and the recusal that is, to me, a material change. (Whitaker did cite her intent to speed up the trial when she denied bond.) However, judges can be pretty reluctant to change bond mid-trial, Pointer adds. While he agrees that Whitaker should have reconsidered bond given the trials unique circumstances, he also can see why she didnt. A judge like this would not want to get egg on their face if, by chance, defendants are released and something happens that comes back to them, he says. Im sure she thought to herself, Why risk it? But the judge is not supposed to be so self-interested in the process that she overrides and runs roughshod over the defendants rights. In spite of Whitakers ruling, Young Thug has seemed upbeat in moments since the trial returned, even laughing with Steel during down time in court. Enjoy this clip of Thug and team laughing while we wait for Judge to return Note: I don't think she will rule on mistrial motions immediately after returning. Sounds like she called the break to give time for the State to come up with case law regarding evidence redactions pic.twitter.com/3sR3pkIyvp THUGGERDAILY (@ThuggerDaily) July 31, 2024 Shes being stricter on the prosecution By the end of Judge Glanvilles tenure, defense attorneys were arguing hed aligned himself with prosecutors. So far, Whitaker is beating those allegations. Since taking over the case, shes adopted a firmer tone with the prosecution, even reprimanding them at points. I would like you to take your duty of candor to the court with a bit more seriousness, Whitaker told chief deputy district attorney Adriane Love on her first day, during an argument over evidence discovery. In the days since, shes expressed frustration with all attorneys, especially prosecution, over their unpreparedness in court. I would like you to take your duty of candor to the court with a little bit more seriousness, Judge Whitaker tells Chief Deputy DA Adriane Love. pic.twitter.com/JUyq5GFVsY Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) July 30, 2024 Whitaker has also taken a harder line on prosecutors disclosing necessary evidence to the defense even telling prosecutors, You better make sure you got all your ducks in a row and you have shared those ducks and ducklings with the defense, per the Journal-Constitution. The Brady rule, Godsoe says, is an important check on prosecutors since they do not work directly for clients. Theyre really not supposed to be just doing anything to get a conviction theyre supposed to be doing justice, which includes turning over exculpatory evidence, she says. On August 9, in response to a motion for a fair trial from defendant Shannon Stillwell, Whitaker ordered prosecutors to watch a training on Brady rights and their obligations as a prosecutor, under her direction. The move fell short of the disqualification the defense had been looking for but still came as a surprise. Isnt that essentially a full-throated admission that [prosecutors] havent been doing what theyre supposed to be doing, which is safeguarding the rights of not only the victims, but the defendants, as well as the judicial system? Pointer says. I think thats an indictment right there. Its been three weeks since a top Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in Tehran a deed for which the Iranian regime holds Israel responsible, and for which Iran has vowed to retaliate. In April, after Israel had conducted a strike in Syria that killed two high ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran, for the first time, directly attacked Israel with a barrage of missiles and drones that were in large part neutralized by Israels defenses, with help from the United States and regional partners. National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said that in recent weeks Iran has made some preparations, and an attack could come with little or no warning. We are obviously watching this very, very closely, Advisor Kirby told reporters. We have been messaging Iran through our counterparts and people that have direct diplomatic relations with Iran. And, of course, we have our own ways of doing that, through other vehicles ... Our messages have been consistent: We dont want to see an escalation here, and we would like to prevent the outcome of [Irans] attacking. In addition to intense diplomacy, said Advisor Kirby, the United States has bolstered its security presence in the region, with defense capabilities, ships, aircraft, other military capabilities to make sure that should Iran choose to go forward with some sort of attack on [Israel], that were ready for it to defend ourselves, our facilities and our people, but also to defend Israel. Advisor Kirby noted that the rhetoric coming out of Tehran has been pretty aggressive in terms of what their intent is. We have to take that seriously. Advisor Kirby said its not clear if Iran is going to launch an attack on Israel, or what such an attack might entail. Which is why, he said, were working so hard on the diplomatic front to see if we can forestall it. And if we cant, working so hard on the military front to make sure were ready for it and that Israel is ready for it. Botero sculptures are on display around Rome. The largest exhibition in Italy ever dedicated to Colombian artist Fernando Botero will be held at Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome from 17 September until 19 January 2025. The show charts the more than 60-year career of the artist, famed for his paintings and sculptures of corpulent figures, who died last September aged 91. Curated by Lina Botero, daughter of the artist, and Botero expert Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz, the show will comprise more than 120 works including paintings, watercolours, charcoal, sculptures and some pieces never seen by the public. Among the important Botero works never exhibited before include Homage to Mantegna (1958), recently discovered by Lina Botero through auction house Christie's, and a version of the infanta from Las Meninas by Velazquez which had always hung in the artist's Parisian studio. The exhibition also includes the artist's versions of masterpieces from art history including Raphael's Fornarina, the Montefeltro diptych by Piero della Francesca, portraits by Rubens and van Eyck, up to the final works that Botero created in 2023 such as a large watercolour of the Odalisque. Organisers say the exhibition features all the classic themes dearest to Botero including his beloved Latin America, the circus, religion, still life, bullfighting and mythology. Earlier this summer Rome launched an outdoor exhibition of eight monumental sculptures by Botero in locations around the city centre, on display until 15 October. Botero had strong connections to Italy, a country he travelled around in the 1950s to study the works of Italian Renaissance painters, in particular Piero della Francesca. The artist is buried in the Tuscan town of Pietrasanta where he worked from a studio every summer in a holiday home he bought in the 1980s. For exhibition details see Palazzo Bonaparte website. Cover image: Fernando Botero Ballerina on the bar, 2001 Oil on canvas, 164x116 cm, private collection. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on his ninth visit since October 7th to Israel and the broader the Middle East. Speaking at a press conference in Tel Aviv with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Secretary Blinken said, this is a decisive moment probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire, and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security. Im here as part of an intensive diplomatic effort on President Bidens instructions to try to get this agreement to the line and, ultimately, over the line. It is time for it to get done, he said. Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, and so were working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line or, for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. Secretary Blinken acknowledged that this is a fraught moment in Israel with deep concern about the possibility of attacks coming from Iran, coming from Hezbollah and other sources. Both Iran and Hezbollah have threatened to strike Israel over the assassinations of militant leaders in Lebanon and Tehran, raising the prospect of a much broader conflict. In response, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and accelerated the USS Abraham Lincoln strike groups deployment. In addition, two destroyers the USS Bulkeley and the USS Roosevelt have been in the area for several weeks. Secretary Blinken stressed that the focus of his visit is to get the hostages home and the ceasefire done. It is time for everyone to get to yes and to not look for any excuses to say no. Ireland's largest street art festival celebrated its 10th year in the Deise. For the last two weeks, the city has bloomed once again with the Waterford Walls festival. Over 40 artists from around the world came to the Deise to bring their unique visions to the public. At the Waterford Gallery of Art (WGOA), artists Ed Hicks, Shane O'Malley, JEKS and KMG sat down with Pippa Halley to talk about art, technique and inspiration. Scottish artist KMG spoke about the influence of Celtic story-telling in her work. On Newport Square, she created a mural of Celtic goddess Morrigan, a figure with a "bit of a bad rep", according to KMG. She continued: "Associated with war, destiny and fertility her main role was actually said to be guardian of her territory and its people." English artist Ed Hicks created a dramatic mural depicting the apocalypse (or the Second Coming, depending on your state of mind) on Green Street, Ballybricken. He said of his mural: "I decided to just stick to landscapes and backgrounds and where the background becomes the foreground, where there isn't any kind of focal point, or there isn't the eye of the duck. "It may seem like the end, it may seem like the beginning. It's kind of... it's up to the viewer." Art and sky Ed recommended seeing the mural at dusk or dawn, when the colours are most in tune with the sky. Irish artist Shane O'Malley spoke about the process behind his mural on Bridge Street, that he had only completed moments before the panel talk. He spoke about the stark difference between creating art in a private, closed-off studio and creating a mural in public. He said: "It's on a street that's very narrow, you have people walking down the street who are angry that the street is blocked and there's traffic down there so that creates a more intense environment." JEKS spoke about his work in creating hyperrealistic street art. The American artist created the vibrant mural of Irish Olympian Rashidat Adeleke on Jenkin's Lane, a work that took two days to create. Each artist spoke warmly about the festival and the trust they felt from not just the organisers, but the public. KMG commented: "It's humbling. It's nice to be invited to places and for people to trust you, to create work on the street for a community. "They're putting their trust in using artists. I think that's quite special." Ed added that the ego of the artist takes a backseat when creating public art for the community: "Once you put something out into the world, you don't necessarily own it. Hopefully, the things that stay are the things that connect with people." Gardai have charged the two men who were arrested following an assault that occurred in Dunmanway, Co. Cork on Saturday evening. Two men, aged in their 30s, who were taken to Cork University Hospital on Saturday night with serious injuries, remain in a serious but stable condition. Two men, aged in their 30s and 70s, were arrested on Saturday and are due to appear before Bantry District Court on Monday afternoon. The scene has been examined by a Garda Forensic Investigation team and gardai are appealing for information. South Sudan, the worlds newest country, came into being on July 9, 2011, yet to this day, the country has never held an election. Initially scheduled for July 9, 2015, time and time again, voting was postponed for various reasons. Finally, two years ago the government set a date: December 2024. In the meantime, the country suffered through a brutal civil war that killed some 400,000 people and is still trying to stabilize its economy and deal with sporadic violence, entrenched impunity and a dire humanitarian situation. It is long past time the people of South Sudan experience the peace, security, and freedom they have so long demanded, that they fought for, and they so deserve, said United States Permanent Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. It is critical South Sudans leaders and parties engage in urgent dialogue, and bring this transitional period, started in 2011, finally to an end through peaceful and legitimate elections. The government of South Sudan has taken some positive steps. However, the 2015 National Security Service Act, recently amended to allow the National Security Service to arrest or detain people without a warrant, is not one of them. Free and fair elections arent just about what happens on election day. They require open civic and political spaces, every single day allowing all to meaningfully take part in democracy, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. The United States, along with many other diplomatic missions, is deeply concerned that, if passed into law, provisions of the National Security Service Act threaten to further erode the countrys political and civic environment. By allowing arrest without warrant, the NSS Act would curtail freedom of expression. And we urge the transitional government to reconsider. Whats more, we are alarmed that over the past five months, the transitional government has imposed taxes and fees on UN, humanitarian, and diplomatic cargoes, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. These imposed taxes and fees have forced the World Food Programme to reduce UN Humanitarian Air Service flights by half Today, over eight million people suffer from acute food insecurity in South Sudan, a number that threatens to rise as even more Sudanese refugees flee south. With both potential elections on the horizon, South Sudan is at a critical crossroads. The transitional government has the opportunity to choose the path of peace and prosperity over fear and desperation, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. We urge it to make the right choice. Its day one of a 10-day womens mindfulness-focused trek Im hosting in Nepals Everest region, and our 8am flight to Lukla is delayed. Now a delay for any flight can be grating. But when its a flight on a 20-seater plane that we woke up at 3am to take, which was preceded by a five-hour bus ride so bumpy some of us became airborne during it, and that will land in what is widely considered the worlds most dangerous airport, already frayed nerves can start to unravel. There is no point in worrying about things you cannot control. Credit: Jamie Brown Ramechhap airport, where Everest flights often leave from during the high season when Kathmandu airport is too busy, is small. Theres an undercover outdoor area and a small indoor area, that only just fit the 200-odd travellers waiting for todays flights. Within half an hour of the announcement of the delay due to poor visibility, a woman in our group starts prowling around the perimeter, a jungle cat searching for an escape. Ive travelled in this part of the world for long enough to know that there might not be one for quite some time. The focus of this trip being mindfulness, its my duty to bring some semblance of peace to the grumbling group. Id envisaged our first journal session to be held in an open field beneath snow-capped peaks and a clear blue sky. Instead, we sit cross-legged in a circle on the cold tiled airport floor, and start to write. As fidgety travellers pace around us, we start scribbling a page of sentences beginning with the words Im noticing, writing the things we see, hear, feel and smell around us. The exercise, similar to mental noting methods psychologists often use to help ground anxious clients, is intended to suck us right into the present moment. TO ACCESS THIS CONTENT YOU MUST OPEN A SESSION OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT MEMBER LOGIN CREATE YOUR USER ACCOUNT ACCIONA has reached an agreement with Darby International Capital to acquire its high-voltage transmission line business in Peru, in an investme. . . The first 30 minutes of a Silent Book Club are just like traditional reading groups filled with greetings and announcements. Food and drinks. Then the books come out. Its pin-drop silent for an hour, Jessica Freedman said. Theres no discussion of an assigned book at these events. Its readers choice, whether it be a novel, a college textbook or the Department of Motor Vehicles handbook. Some catch up on traditional book club homework. Molly Boukal, leader of the Silent Book Club Sarpy, calls it an hour of self-care. Its to me a perfect book club, she said. I dont have to read anything in particular. I can bring what I want to read. The clubs have been a big success. The Sarpy group has more than 600 followers on its Facebook page. Freedman said shes had as many as 350 people attend Omaha chapter events. Hanna Pinneo runs a Lincoln, Nebraska, club, which has been around for years and meets every other Sunday. Freedman used her advice to open an Omaha chapter last fall and helped Boukal start in April. There are more than 1,000 chapters worldwide. The Omaha Public Library is joining the fun, starting a version of its own called out and about reading parties. Not everyone is comfortable at a traditional book club, said Courtni Kopietz, marketing manager for OPL. They may feel like they are more academic or refined than they need to be. It can be fun finding that community even if you arent spending time discussing the book, she said. Its just a way to engage and find connection with other readers. Pinneo said the concept is popular because people often dont want to read the books chosen by their book club. Silent Book Clubs, meanwhile, are a no judgment zone, Freedman said, whether you want to enjoy a bodice-ripper or an academic tome. The beauty here is you get to read what you want to read, she said. The chapters are also perfect for people who dont like to talk about a book in a group. The national group describes its events as an introvert happy hour. Boukal said attendees dont have to say a word and can leave after the hour of reading is done. Others may stay and socialize or talk about their book in the final half-hour of the evening. A book swap table provides plenty of material to read, and just seeing what others are reading can inspire someone to try a new genre. The benefits can go beyond squeezing in an hour of reading in a busy life. Freedman has had a new mom thank her for providing her an hour of peace. Another group of four have become good friends. Its a boon for the host site as well. Boukal lines up events on what is typically a slow night for a restaurant or coffee shop in the Sarpy County area. They offer a limited menu, so that everyone can be quickly served in the first 30 minutes of the event. Boukal said Pause Coffee Shop in Ralston opened up two nights just for the club. Soaring Wings Vineyard was able to feed 120 in a half-hour. The events are free, but attendees pay for their own food and drinks. My goal is to fill their space with readers, Boukal said. Her Sarpy club aims to meet at least once a month. Her next event is at Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen in Papillion on Aug. 26. Freedman is still finalizing details for her next event. She searches for locally owned venues in different parts of Omaha. One has been held at UNOs library and another at the Casual Pint of Countryside Village. Wherever they go, its bringing people together in a divisive time over their love of books and reading, she said. Boukal wants others to enjoy reading as much as she does. I read all the time. Every single day, she said. Theres not a day that I skip. I might as well make it be fun for everyone else. SHREVEPORT Peek at the higher education headlines at any point in the past year, and one would notice a theme financial hardship, declining enrollment, layoffs, and even university closures. LSU Shreveport continues to buck those state and national trends, entering this fall semester in growth mode. Coming off record enrollment for both the spring and summer semesters, LSUS Chancellor Robert Smith told faculty and staff that enrollment continues to trend in a positive direction. Although we wont know official numbers until after the census date, were on pace to grow again, Smith said Thursday as LSUS welcome back faculty and staff for its annual campus kickoff before fall semester classes start Monday. Thats a fantastic accomplishment. Its a really challenging time for higher education. But one reason for our success is our long-time focus on student success. All of the things you do to ensure that our students get to walk across that graduation stage, thats why people are taking note. Our programs are meeting the interests of students and the needs of the workforce. LSUS set an all-time program record this spring with an enrollment of 10,214 students and posted a summer record of 7,512. Preliminary fall enrollment data indicate that LSUS is continuing to grow in undergraduate, graduate and face-to-face students. Because enrollment is climbing and is strong, that means were able to initiate more projects on campus that we werent able to do before, Smith said. LSUS continued its on-campus transformation thanks to increased monies from a steadily growing enrollment paired with approved funding from the state government. Recent campus improvements include the construction of the Science Research Annex (LSUSs first new building in three decades), facade improvements to the Science and Technology buildings, and a new advising suite in the Student Success Center. Thanks to a generous $500,000 donation, the College of Business will debut its Davis Family Business Engagement Center that will host students and community leaders. LSUS renovated one of its biology labs with more lab renovations in the pipeline. Renovations to Pilots Pointe Apartments, LSUSs on-campus housing option, is providing improved living spaces for students. Demand for units this fall is outpacing available units, and continued renovations will bring more units online for future semesters. The response were getting about Pilots Pointe is that there is a growing community of students who want to live on campus, Smith said. LSUS continues to attract community groups to campus, hosting events related to everything from Air Force Global Strike Command to the Girl Scouts. ----- Submitted by Matt Vines, LSUS Public Relations If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit By Anna Wise, PA Business Reporter Fashion chain Ted Baker will close its stores on Grafton Street, Dublin and in Kildare Village outlet this week. Its 31 remaining stores in the UK and Ireland will close before the end of the day on Tuesday and the website has also been pulled. Along with its own stores, the company operates concessions in Arnotts and Brown Thomas stores. Some 513 employees across the UK and in its head office, and 78 in Ireland, are expected to be affected by the remaining closures. About 245 staff were made redundant after 15 shops were shut earlier in the year. The company behind the fashion chain collapsed into administration in March. Ted Baker was founded by Ray Kelvin, who opened his first shop in Glasgow in 1988, and the brand's clothing and accessories are widely recognised for their patterns and florals. Its future was put at risk when the firm behind its UK shops, No Ordinary Designer Label Limited (NODL), collapsed into administration in March. A different American company, Authentic Brands, which owns Ted Bakers intellectual property, said that despite tireless efforts it could not overcome the financial issues the business faced. Authentic blamed the process on damage done during a partnership with Dutch company AARC Group, and the significant level of arrears that had built up during the association. Ted Baker had also flagged economic challenges in recent years, having faced weaker consumer demand and difficulties in its supply chain, after being among the luxury retailers to take a hit during the Covid pandemic. The failure to save the shops puts hundreds of jobs at risk. Ted Bakers UK website has also been pulled, and customers told it is not taking orders right now, and that they have 14 days to return orders made online. Authentic previously said it was hoping to find new operating partners to run the Ted Baker brand, which is currently sold through department stores and retailers such as John Lewis and House of Fraser. All Ted Bakers UK and Ireland shops will be shut by the end of the day on Tuesday (Alamy/PA) There had been reports that a licensing partnership could be struck with Mike Ashleys Frasers Group, but it is understood that the two companies are no longer in talks. Authentic, the US-based firm also behind global brands including Juicy Couture and Reebok, bought Ted Baker in 2022. It did not comment on the confirmation of shop closures this week. Ted Baker continues to have more than 30 licensing partners globally that are unaffected by the UK and Ireland administration, including in North America, Asia and the Middle East. By Rebecca Black, PA A man is due to appear in court next month following disorder in Belfast. The 43-year-old was arrested last Wednesday in connection with public disorder earlier this month following anti-immigration protests. He has been charged with intentionally encouraging or assisting riots and other related offences, including cruelty to children. We have charged a 43-year-old man to court in connection with recent public disorder in Belfast. To date in the investigation there have now been 39 people arrested and 31 people charged. pic.twitter.com/4pz2bhvvjH Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 19, 2024 He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Thursday September 12th. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said a total of 39 people have now been arrested and 31 charged over the disorder. Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka on Sunday in Beijing, calling on the two sides to push bilateral cooperation to a higher level. Noting that Fiji is the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic ties with China, Li said that China has always regarded Fiji as one of its most important cooperation partners in the South Pacific region. China always firmly supports the Fijian people in pursuing the development path they have independently chosen, and stands ready to work with Fiji to deliver on the common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, Li said. He added that China will continue to be true friends with Fiji -- friends who trust and support each other -- and strengthen exchanges at all levels, push forward the sound, steady development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, and bring more benefits to the two peoples. Li said the two countries should further leverage their complementary advantages and deepen cooperation on infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, light industry, education, tourism, and poverty reduction under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China will import more products from Fiji, and supports Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji, he noted. Li said China supports Pacific island countries in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and will strengthen communication and cooperation with Fiji and other island countries in actively implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and in jointly championing an equal, orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization. Rabuka said that Fiji always regards China as a reliable partner, firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports the Belt and Road Initiative and other important initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China on the economy and trade, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and connectivity to open up new, broad prospects for bilateral partnership. After the talks, Li and Rabuka witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents on trade and infrastructure construction. Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) Editor: GSY There were large crowds at Knock Shrine over the weekend for the National Novena to Our Lady of Knock, which began on Wednesday last, August 14th, and continues until August 22nd. Fr Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest and Rector at Knock Shrine, said Family Day, which took place last Sunday, drew a huge crowd to the Marian Shrine. We were very happy with the Family Day, we were blessed with the weather. The numbers attending have been great, and its going well for us. We had family blessings on Sunday in the Apparition Chapel and it was jam-packed. We will have to move it into the Basilica next year which is a great complaint to have. The Rosary Procession at the National Novena on the 15th of August. Photo credit: The Commercial Photographer. The Novena has seen several guest speakers from near and far as well as attendees from the United States, Italy and Asia. There is something for everybody during the nine-day event, explained Fr Gibbons. We welcomed a group from East Timor last Sunday, as well as many from our country and beyond. Some have travelled from America - they came for the Novena last year and came back for this years event so it has been very encouraging. There was another couple I met from Messina (Sicily, Italy). People not only come to Knock but they also join in online which builds a connection with us. Fr Gibbons will speak at the Novena on Wednesday, August 21st, during the evening session (8pm) before Fr Jos Moons will speak on the last day (Thursday, August 22). Fr Moons is a Jesuit priest who works as a lecturer at KU Leuven (Belgium) and he will speak during the 3pm and 8pm ceremonies. Fr Gibbons said the Novena has been keeping the family element in place and remarked that there is a safe space for children thanks to the youth ministry. The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock takes place every year and coincides with the anniversary of the Knock Apparition - August 21, 1879. By Lucinda Cameron, PA Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has said she wishes more political leaders would read Irish author Paul Lynchs Booker Prize-winning novel Prophet Song. Scotlands former first minister also said she wishes that more political leaders read fiction as a general principle. Prophet Song tells the story of a mother of four working as a scientist whose husband is taken away by the newly formed Irish secret police and her struggle to keep her family together under a tyrannical government. Paul Lynch won last years Booker Prize (Lucy North/PA) Discussing the book with the Irish author at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Ms Sturgeon touched on how one of the characters in the book gets in a boat, and said the novel should in some ways act as a wake-up call to all of us. Scotlands former first minister said: She lives a life that all of us in this country can recognise, and therefore what happens to her suddenly doesnt seem far away. Its something we can conceive of and imagine. Ms Sturgeon added: She gets in a boat. And yet, so much of the discourse in this country is inhumane about people who take boats to come here, and is fuelling something really, you know, horrific in parts of this country. So, you know, in some ways, you know, this is a book I would love political leaders in certain other parts of the UK to read and to understand. I wish more political leaders read fiction, by the way, just as a general principle. Lynch said that the Trojan horse of this book is its taken what you think is the other, and its made them you. Ms Sturgeon, whose love of books is well known, was interviewing Lynch at the book festival on Sunday. She asked the author why he does not explain in the book how it came to be that Ireland suddenly found itself in the grip of fascism. He said that we do not know when the book is set and it may well be counterfactual. Commenting on why he did not put the politics up front, Lynch said it was because I want the mythic aspects of this book to be what you take away. He said: This book is about what has been, what will be, and what continues to be, because there is a wretchedness built into the human condition that we cannot get rid of and war is what we are, and thats what this book is about. Prophet Song is Lynchs fifth novel and won him the 2023 Booker Prize. Wits Flower Hall listed as World's best innovative building, up for award in 2024 In a significant move towards sustainability, the Flower Hall introduced new services designed to support energy-efficient use of the facility. The Wits Flower Hall Test and Examination Centre at Wits Campus West has been shortlisted in the Creative Reuse category at the World Architecture Festival (WAF). Created by Savage + Dodd Architects, they will present the project at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from 6 to 8 November 2024. We would like to use this opportunity with Wits to showcase the work as without a great client and team, this would not have been achieved, says Dr Heather Dodd from Savage + Dodd Architects who worked on this project in 2022. Originally part of the Rand Easter Show showgrounds, the Flower Hall has been transformed from an uncomfortable exam venue into a functional test and examination centre, with new services provided to support the use of the building in an energy efficient way. Exam venues are not generally spaces of delight and happiness but they need to be made human, warm, comfortable. So, achieving a comfortable space is, I think the great achievement, says Dodd. The redevelopment includes energy-efficient systems, such as lighting, HVAC, and a chilled beam system, ensuring a modern, functional space while preserving its historical significance. The renovation of Flower Hall was necessary to double its seating capacity for tests and exams to over 1 000 seats," explains Jason Huang, Planning and Development Manager at Wits. "By adding two new floors, we increased space and improved energy efficiency by reducing floor heights, which makes environmental control less energy-intensive." This building was designed to house the Wits Agricultural Society's flower displays at the Rand Easter Show and was completed in 1969. The adaptive reuse project retained the building's structural integrity while doubling its seating capacity through the addition of new floor plates and a mezzanine. In the long term, the objective for this building is to re-purpose it as a multi-laboratory building. Dodd says the project was based on a simple concept but involved essentially building a new building within the envelope of the Flower Hall, with extremely complex services co-ordination. Wits wanted to ensure flexibility for a future transformation into a shared service engineering laboratory building, so cognisance needed to be taken of how this might be achieved in the future. In terms of the concept of adaptive reuse of the building, it is acknowledged that the life of buildings is extended by changing and adapting them to other contemporary uses. The significance of the building is maintained through minimising the impact of change on the physical fabric of the building through balancing heritage requirements and the requirements of a contemporary working environment. We believe that adaptive reuse is a critical foundation of green sustainable building due to the embodied carbon content of existing buildings. Wits has a great track record of repurposing buildings, for example the Science Stadium, says Dodd. This years WAF finalists represent 71 countries, with the top five shortlisted countries including China, Australia, United Kingdom, India and Singapore. Supreme Court finds Human Rights Commission directives are not binding CALS notes the Supreme Court of Appeal's findings in considering whether the recommendations of the South African Human Rights Commission are binding On Thursday, 15 August 2024, the Supreme Court of Appeal handed down judgment in an appeal brought by the South African Human Rights Commission. The Court was asked to consider whether the recommendations made by the Commission are legally binding. The judgment acknowledges the importance of Chapter Nine institutions, but finds that the Commission is only empowered to investigate human rights violations and make recommendations. Last week, the Supreme Court of Appeal handed down judgment in a matter which has important implications for the effectiveness of Chapter Nine institutions. The appeal was brought by the South African Human Rights Commission against Agro Data and Mr F. G. Boshoff. The Commission investigated a complaint that Agro Data and Mr Boshoff had cut off community access to a borehole on their land, thus limiting their right of access to sufficient water. The Commission directed the respondents to restore the supply of water and engage with the people living on the land. When the respondents failed to comply with the directives, the Commission approached the High Court. They asked the Court to declare not only that these particular directives should be enforced, but that all directives issued by the Commission are binding. The High Court found that a case had not been made to order that all directives by the Human Rights Commission are binding. It further ordered that the directive to restore the water supply had no legal effect. The Commission then took the matter on appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal. The Supreme Courts judgment acknowledges the importance of the right to water and the role played by the South African Human Rights Commission in our constitutional democracy, noting that the SAHRC serves as a means to access justice, as well as to promote and protect human rights. In this regard, it can be regarded as an invaluable constitutional gift to our nation. The judgment further notes that the SAHRCs recommendations need to be accorded respect and should be given serious consideration and implemented. The judgment stops short, however, in ensuring that the directives issued by the Human Rights Commission are binding. The Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) intervened in the matter as a friend of the court. We sought to assist the Court in determining this important matter by presenting regional and international law that guide states in establishing national human rights bodies. We argued that these instruments emphasise the importance of interpreting the powers of institutions like the Human Rights Commission as broadly as possible to ensure they can fulfill their mandate. We further submitted that the Commission is an important avenue for marginalised communities to access remedies when their rights are violated. The South African Human Rights Commission plays an essential role as a human rights oversight body, says Sithuthukile Mkhize from CALS. It provides a necessary platform for communities to enforce their rights outside of a court. In order for the Commission to fulfill its constitutional mandate, we believe it is important for its directives to be binding under certain circumstances. We are disappointed with the finding in this matter and hope that it will be finalised by the Constitutional Court. Read the full judgment here. For inquiries, please contact: Xie Shuxiang hugs the statue of her mother Yue Yicheng at West China Women's and Children's Hospital in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 14, 2024. [Xinhua/Liu Kun] CHENGDU, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) Yue Yicheng was a pioneer of obstetrics and gynecology in China. She had been engaged in the medical treatment, teaching, scientific research and management of obstetrics and gynecology for six decades when she was alive. Her daughter Xie Shuxiang was deeply influenced by Yue's career and determined to follow her steps since childhood. After graduation, Xie Shuxiang has also been working in obstetrics and gynecology, and has made great achievements in the field of reproductive endocrinology. "We were not only mother and daughter, but also colleagues who had worked together for 30 years. We learned and made progress together," Xie Shuxiang said. Xie Shuxiang (2nd R) communicates with a patient at a ward of the Affiliate Reproductive Hospital of Sichuan Genitalia Hygiene Research Center in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 2, 2024. [Xinhua/Liu Kun] Xie Shuxiang (R) communicates with a patient at the Affiliate Reproductive Hospital of Sichuan Genitalia Hygiene Research Center in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 2, 2024. [Xinhua/Liu Kun] This photo taken on July 31, 2024 shows the works of Yue Yicheng. Yue Yicheng was a pioneer of obstetrics and gynecology in China. [Xinhua/Liu Kun] This file photo taken in the 1970s shows Xie Shuxiang (L) communicating with a patient. [Xinhua] Xie Shuxiang (2nd L) communicates with young medical staff at West China Women's and Children's Hospital in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 14, 2024. [Xinhua/Liu Kun] This file photo taken in the 1970s shows Yue Yicheng (3rd L) working at a ward. [Xinhua] This file photo taken in the 1970s shows Xie Shuxiang (L) conducting a surgery under the guidance of her mother Yue Yicheng. [Xinhua] This file photo taken in the 1980s shows Yue Yicheng (1st R) communicating with patients. [Xinhua] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha Thousands of activists expected in Chicago for Democratic convention to call for Gaza ceasefire The Stellantis plant in Cassino, Italy [Photo by Stellantis] Planned job cuts at Stellantis in Italy next year will lead to the destruction of up to 25,000 jobs in car production. This was announced on August 8. Ferdinando Uliano, chairman of the Christian Metalworkers Union FIM/CISL, said that Stellantis wants to eliminate at least 12,000 jobs in its Italian plants, and this will also mean the loss of an additional 12,000 to 13,000 jobs at parts suppliers. The announcement was preceded by a round table (tavolo automotivo) in Rome led by the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy (Mimit) Adolfo Urso, who belongs to Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis fascist ruling party Fratelli dItalia (Brothers of Italy). In addition to Stellantis representatives, all three major metal unionsFiom/Cgil, Fim/Cisl and Uilmparticipated. Speaking to Italian TV station La7, Stellantis HR chief Giuseppe Manca said: Stellantis has communicated to the unions the Groups plan for Italy, which assigns a mission to each plant by the end of the decade. Stellantis Italy was created in spring 2021 through the merger of Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) with the French PSA group (Peugeot, Citroen). Since then, jobs at Fiat have been systematically reduced. Shortly before the merger, Fiat had about 55,000 employees; today there are only about 43,000, of which about 15,000 are in the Turin region. Stellantiss plans in Italy are part of a global jobs massacre affecting plants across Europe and the US. If the brands dont bring in money, we will shut them down, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares threatened a few weeks ago. For example, another 1,000 jobs at Opel in Germany are in acute danger. Again and again, production is interrupted by phases of short-time work. In Austria, the Opel plant in Aspern was closed last month, affecting 220 employees. In France, Stellantis has cut 600 jobs at its Mulhouse plant. In the US, 2,450 workers are to be laid off at the beginning of October at the truck assembly plant in Warren, Michigan. Previously, 2,000 temporary workers and hundreds of employees were laid off from other American plants. The Autoworkers Rank-and-File Committee Network, which is affiliated with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), has called for a counter-offensive by rank-and-file workers in the US. Its statement reads: A line in the sand must be drawn! Warren Truck is now a critical battleground in the global war on jobs. Autoworkers must make this the start of a broad counteroffensive, counterposing workers rights to employment and a decent standard of living against managements so-called right to profit. Will Lehman, an autoworker and socialist, appealed to workers at Stellantis sites around the world and urged them to take up the fight for jobs together. Will said, We appeal to our coworkers across the world to join us in a counteroffensive to defend jobs. In Italy, the job massacre by Stellantis is aimed at the heart of the Fiat Group, which also includes Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Maserati. Fiat (short for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino), was synonymous with Italian car production 50 years ago, with over 2 million vehicles rolling off the assembly line annually in Turin alone. Today, Fiat has been systematically dismantled by Stellantis, and new models such as the E-Fiat 600 are being built in Poland and elsewhere. This relocation of Fiat models to Eastern Europe sparked a heated argument earlier this year between Meloni and Stellantis, or the Agnelli family, the former owner of Fiat. Meloni explained, If you want to sell a car advertised as an Italian jewel, this car has to be made in Italy. She demanded to increase domestic car production to 1 million vehicles per year. Stellantis boss Tavares, on the other hand, demanded better conditions from the Italian state in the form of incentives for the purchase of electric cars and the subsidising of its energy costs. This will enable him to increase his annual production from about 750,000 vehicles (2023) to 1 million. Relations between the Meloni government and the Agnelli family have been strained for some time. The daily La Repubblica, which is controlled by the Agnelli family, is more politically supportive of the former ruling Democratic Party (PD). The newspaper has long accused Meloni of privatizing important state-owned companies, such as the energy company Eni, although the former PD heads of government also privatized state-owned companies. Meloni has countered with the accusation that the Agnelli family, or its holding company Exor, sold Fiat to the French. Exor is Stellantiss largest single shareholder at 15 percent, and Agnellis grandson John Elkann holds the position of co-chairman alongside Tavares at Stellantis. The conflicts mainly revolve around how the Italian ruling class can safeguard its profit interests in a world market that is increasingly in crisis. While Tavares and Elkann are shifting production to countries with low wages and costs, Meloni is fomenting nationalism to divide the working class. However, the jobs can only be defended if the workers unite internationally and fight together. This is what the trade unions, which are themselves nationalist and deeply integrated into Italys capitalist economy, are trying to prevent. They are part of the conspiracy against the workers. Their entirely toothless protests against the job cuts at Stellantis cannot hide this fact. Their main objective is to prevent a working class uprising. Rocco Palombella, chairman of the metal union Uilm, described the clear-cut plans as hypothetical and addressed Stellantis with a warning: Factories also have a social role to play in the country. Fim General Secretary Uliano also only publicly warned of the massacre of 25,000 jobs next year in order to appeal to the government. He said: In 2025, both the related industries and Stellantis will exhaust the social safety nets. If action is not taken in time, there will be mass redundancies. He called for the welfare benefit for short-time work, which the state grants to workers under the so-called Cassa Integrazione, to be extended. Currently, payments from the Cassa Integrazione are limited to three years. Michele De Palma (Fiom/Cgil) argued that the government and Stellantis should jointly draw up a strategic and extraordinary plan for the Italian automotive industry and lamely demanded that the transition to electric vehicles must also be just for workers. All three unions already signed an agreement with Stellantis on March 27, 2024 to cut around 5,000 jobs. It is supposed to run through voluntary redundancies, which merely means that workers give up their jobs under pressure and for a meager severance pay. In Turin, 1,500 employees are to go voluntarily, and both assembly line workers, technicians and white collar workers are affected. For months, over 2,000 workers involved in the production of the E-Fiat 500 and the Maserati in Mirafiori have been repeatedly affected by short-time work. In order to avert an imminent closure, the workers occupied the traditional Mirafiori plant in Turin for three days in February. The Pomigliano dArco plant near Naples, the former Alfasud production site, is also threatened with closure. In July, a strike for several hours took place against the unbearable heat in the workplace. In Pratola Serra, Fiat workers went on strike for a day in February after a 52-year-old colleague was crushed and killed by a machine. Hundreds of jobs are currently being cut in Pomigliano, Melfi (Basilicata), Termoli (Molise), Cassino (Lazio) and Pratola Serra (Campania). Again and again, workers are temporarilysometimes for monthsreleased from work and put on short-time work benefits. The World Socialist Web Site calls on workers in Italy and across Europe to join in building an independent rank-and-file committee to lead a common struggle against the planned mass layoffs. Sign up and fill out the form below to get in touch! The Ukrainian offensive into the Russian border regions of Kursk and Belgorod has prompted open discussion in British ruling circles on giving permission for the Zelensky regime to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles. In recent days the full extent of Britains involvement in the planning and execution of the offensive as NATOs main provocateur against Russia has been laid bare. On August 15, Sky News revealed that British Challenger 2 main battle tanks have been deployed inside Russia as part of the Kursk invasion. Battle tanks have been handed over to Ukraine in their thousands by the United States, Britain and Germany, but the Sky News report was the first confirmation that these vehicles have been used inside Russias borders. As far back as January 2023, Britain agreed to give Ukraine 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks, prompting Germany (Leopard 2), and the US (Abrams) to hand over their main battle tanks. On August 16, The Sun reported that some Ukrainian troops involved in the attack on the Russian province of Kursk had been trained in Britain. On July 8, three days after taking over at the Minister of Defence, incoming Labour government Defence Secretary John Healey had announced that 42,000 Ukrainian soldiers had completed basic training in the UK and returned to Ukraine to fight on the front lines. They were trained as part of Operation Interflex, which began in June 2022. Since the launch of Operation Orbital in 2015, following the fascist-led coup in 2014 which overthrew the pro-Russian president of Ukraine, Britain had trained 60,000 Ukrainian troops by January this year, as confirmed by Healeys Conservative predecessor James Heappey. The Times, the main newspaper through which the UKs military affairs are discussed, acknowledged the pivotal role played by the incoming Labour government in Ukraines offensive. In an article published in the Sunday Times, Ukraine is invading with British tanks. What does it mean for us?, Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman, notes, When footage of British Challenger 2 battle tanks being used by the Ukrainian army for its counterinvasion of Russia emerged on Tuesday, Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence were ready. For the previous 48 hours, officials and political aides working for Sir Keir Starmer and John Healey, the defence secretary, had been in talks about how far to go to confirm growing British involvement in the incursion towards Kursk. The stakes were high. Unseen by the world, British equipment, including drones, have played a central role in Ukraines new offensive and British personnel have been closely advising the Ukrainian military for two years, on a scale matched by no other country. It added, The decision Starmer and Healey took last week was not a policy shift but a change of tone to be more open about Britains role in a bid to persuade key allies to do more to help and convince the public that Britains security and economic prosperity is affected by events on the fields of Ukraine. A senior Whitehall source said: There wont be shying away from the idea of British weapons being used in Russia as part of Ukraines defence. We dont want any uncertainty or nervousness over Britains support at this critical moment and a half-hearted or uncertain response might have indicated that. We should be proud that weve donated kit that is helping Ukraine in their defence. Talk has now shifted as to when the main NATO powers, the US, UK, France and Germany, will allow Ukraine to start using Storm Shadowand German Taurus missiles, which have a similar 155-mile range but an even more powerful warheadagainst military targets well inside Russian territory. Confirming the language employed by the Sunday Times of being proud of Ukraines use of British weaponry, Healey wrote in the Daily Express a piece titled, We must back Ukraine - if Putin wins the war he won't stop there. Lauding The bold incursion by Ukrainian troops into Russia in recent days, he said, After just six weeks as Britains Defence Secretary, I am more certain than ever that the defence of the UK and of Europe starts in Ukraine. Healey added, We should be proud that British-donated equipment, in the hands of brave Ukrainians on the frontline, is helping them to defend their country and push back Putin. Former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote in an August 16 Daily Mail column that Ukraines offensive meant that the green light had to be given for Ukraine to use NATO-donated long-range missiles, with Britain again taking the lead. He demanded, for pity's sake, can we finally cut the cackle, drop the ludicrous Putin-phobia and give the Ukrainians the tools they really need to finish the job; and by that I mean the proper permission to use the tools we have already given. The military offensive meant it is time for Labour Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, to stop pussyfooting around. We are told, as ever, that we fear 'escalation'. But in truth the person who really fears escalation is Putin. He has lost hundreds of thousands of troops; he has lost huge quantities of armour; he is now severely overstretched. Now is the moment for the friends of Ukraine, led by the US and the UK, to go up a gear show some initiative on Storm Shadow, and the rest of our friends and allies will follow suit. Over the weekend four former Conservative defence secretaries called on Downing Street to give Ukraine more support, with some demanding Kyiv be allowed to use Storm Shadows in the Russian offensive. Sir Ben Wallace, in office under Johnson, said, Time and time again those that want to do nothing have used the escalation excuse. He added, Storm Shadows have been making a real difference in Crimea, which Russia already believes to be sovereign Russian territory, without escalation. Bluster about being able to attack inside Russia without fearing retaliation was made in the same week that the Financial Times cited long-held Russian nuclear war planning documents, which included its navy wiping out the location of Britains nuclear submarine manufacturing facility and reducing all its major cities to piles of ash. The current ban on using the long-range missiles was in fact a policy Starmer inherited from the Tories. On coming to power, he initially said that Ukraine could use Storm Shadows within Russia, but was rebuked by military figures including head of the armed forces, Sir Tony Radakinbased largely on concerns that Britain not move at a pace for which Washington is not yet prepared and which might be interpreted as critical of Britains far more powerful US ally. While Starmer is the immediate target of Tory demands to sanction the use of long-range missiles inside Russia, this is also an effort to push the US and other NATO powers to do the same. The UK cannot act without US authorisation. Indeed, for Ukraine to launch the Storm Shadows over Russias border, as the Telegraph reported, would require the use of some US-made systems. The Times noted, The prime minister has since publicly voiced support for extending permission to Russian territory. But since the missile is a joint project, that also requires the permission of the US and France (where the missiles are called Scalp), both of whom fear escalation with Russia. Another Times piece noted that Britian would also require permission from a third undisclosed Nato country to allow Ukraine to use the long-range capabilities of Storm Shadow. Ukraines President Zelensky intervened on Saturday evening in a tweet stating, It is crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands. Long-range capabilities are the answer to the most critical strategic questions of this war. Naming names he declared, We need all partners who can truly help to step up. These are the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and others. He identified Britain as the main culprit, because Throughout this war, weve seen the UK demonstrate true leadershipin arms, politics, and support for Ukrainian society Unfortunately, the situation has slowed down recently. According to the Times in an article published last Friday, a UK government source said a request sent to Washington more than a month ago to allow the Storm Shadow missile to be fired into Russia still awaits a reply. The Times cited from several sources that the US-led ban remains in place for now, and that One theory inside the UK military is that the US may be waiting to assess the impact or the consequences of the Ukrainian operation into Russia before making a decision, although they said they expected the matter to be quickly resolved. The Telegraph reported that Washington denied reports that the US was blocking a request by the UK for Ukraine to use the missiles, as no formal request had been made for their long-range use. Australias current Labor government is intensifying the transformation of Australia into a crucial platform for a US war against China across the Indo-Pacific region, effectively placing the population in the firing line of a potential nuclear war. That was underscored last weekend. The Australian headlined a front-page exclusive interview with a prominent US congressman in which he declared that Australia had become the central base of operations for Americas military preparations, ostensibly to deter Chinese aggression. Michael McCaul in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 [AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib] Republican legislator Michael McCaul, the chair of the US House of Representatives foreign affairs committee, told the newspaper that a recently announced boost to US bomber deployments to Australias northern Top End bases would enable America to project power across the region. Speaking in Sydney after a 10-day visit, McCaul said Australias geography offered key advantages to the US as it sought to answer the threat posed by China. It is the central base of operations in the Indo-Pacific to counter the threat, he said. If you really look at the concentric circles emanating from Darwinthat is the base of operations, and the rotating (US) forces there are providing the projection of power and force that were seeing in the region. At the latest annual Australia-US Ministerial Consultation in Maryland last week, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong signed off on more frequent rotations of nuclear-capable US bombers and fighter jets through Australias Northern Territory bases. That marks a further step in the escalating US military presence and access to bases in Australia, especially across the continents strategic north. This is gathering pace amid reported concerns in US military and ruling circles over the vulnerability of the large US bases in Guam, Japan, South Korea and The Philippines to Chinese missiles. McCaul shed further light on the real agenda behind the AUKUS pact to supply Australia with US and UK nuclear-powered submarines, long-range hypersonic missiles and other hi-tech weaponry. He emphasised the importance of rotational deployments of US nuclear submarines from the Stirling naval base near Perth in Western Australia from 2027, along with AUKUSs Pillar II technology-sharing partnership to integrate Australia more into US weapons-making capacity. This again indicates preparations for a potential nuclear war against China long before the mooted delivery of US submarines to the Australian navy in the 2030s and the eventual construction of such vessels in Australia in the 2040s. Time is really of the essence right now, as Chairman Xi has announced his 2027 project, McCaul said, referring to Xis alleged call for Chinese forces to be ready to invade Taiwan within three years. McCaul, as has been customary for representatives of US imperialism, absurdly depicted these war preparations as efforts for peace. He said closer military ties between the US and Australia would provide more deterrence in the region and project power and strength so we dont have a war. In reality, Washington is taking increasingly aggressive military and economic action against China, which US governments have designated as the main threat to American global hegemony. It is goading the Beijing regime into a conflict, as it did with Russia in Ukraine, by imposing crippling tariffs and sanctions, and encircling China militarily via a series of military pacts, such as AUKUS. That confrontation includes pouring military weaponry into Taiwan, effectively repudiating the more than four decade-old One China policy that recognised Beijing as the legitimate government over the entire country, including the offshore island of Taiwan. McCaul stressed the essential agreement between the Republican and Democrat leaderships in the US. He extolled the AUKUS pact, forged by the Biden-Harris administration, as a game changer in a ring of US alliances against China. He said the treaty would survive a Trump presidency, saying it had very, very strong bipartisan support. McCaul hailed the developing integration of the two countrys military industries, saying it would accelerate new capabilities such as hypersonic missiles and Andurils Ghost Shark underwater drone, which is being developed in Australia. I envision there being co-production facilities in Australia helping to build up our defence industrial base, which is really stressed right now with war in the Middle East and Ukraine and the eastern Europe threat, McCaul said. This speaks to the creation of wartime economies in both countries for the purpose of conducting what is a three-front conflict. McCaul expressly linked a war in the Indo-Pacific to those in Ukraine against Russia and the US-armed Israeli Gaza genocide and push for a wider Middle East war against Iran. This is an outline of a third world war. In fact, in an editorial this morning, the Australian said McCauls comments revived memories of US General Douglas MacArthur arriving in Australia from The Philippines in March 1942 to direct the US war against Japan for supremacy in Asia. MacArthurs HQ remained in Brisbane until 1944. As in World War II, the Australian Labor government is totally committed to backing the US on every front. After the AUSMIN talks last week, Defence Minister Marles said Americas military was now operating in Australia across all domainsland, sea, air, cyber and space. He hailed new US logistics facilities to be located in Queensland and Victoria, saying they would enhance the ability of US forces to operate from Australia into the region. Marles highlighted the growth of the US Marine force in the northern city of Darwin to 2,500. This was an initiative first launched by the previous Gillard Labor government as part of the Obama administrations military and strategic pivot to Asia to confront China in 2011. At the latest talks, the Albanese Labor government signed a revamped AUKUS Agreement and Undertakings that go beyond those accepted by the previous Morrison Liberal-National Coalition government, which first entered into the AUKUS pact in 2021 with the assured bipartisan backing of then Labor opposition. Missiles being fired during Talisman Sabre exercises in Australia [Photo: Talisman Sabre] Key US bases in Australia have been pivotal to American global military and intelligence operations for decades, notably the Pine Gap satellite surveillance facility near Alice Springs in central Australia which covers the Indo-Pacific all the way to the Middle East. Since the Obama-Gillard deal in 2011, however, the list of bases where US forces are stationed, rotate or have guaranteed access to has grown to around 30, mostly across northern Australia and as far as the remote Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean. This includes seven airfield, port or troop facilities and training grounds in or near Darwinthe hub of the US concentric circles. The Australian editorial insisted that this was not enough. It called for national urgency to gain the advanced capabilities AUKUS demands. It declared: As in the Southwest Pacific campaign 80 years ago, failure is not an option. Too much is at stake, including modernising our industrial base to produce the necessary military hardware. The editorial concluded by denouncing former Prime Minister Paul Keating who gave a television interview last week in which he branded the US as an aggressor targeting China in the Indo-Pacific and warned that the AUKUS pact threatened to involve Australia in a catastrophic war against its largest export market. Evidently, the Australians promotion of its interview with McCaul was in part directed against Keating, and more broadly against the widespread anti-war sentiment among workers and youth which has been deepened by the disgust and outrage over the Gaza genocide and the Labor governments complicity in it. Keating, however, was just as committed to US militarism when he was in office during the Hawke-Keating governments of 1983 to 1996. In fact, Labor governments have always prosecuted the predatory interests of Australian imperialism, as a middle-order power, in alliance with the dominant power of the period, first Britain and then the US. While alarmed by the economic consequences of a war against China, Keating and those elements within the corporate elite that share his anxiety have no progressive alternative. Instead, they promote an equally reactionary Australian nationalism. Keating said he favoured acquiring conventional submarines, underwater drones and other weaponry that would inevitably be used to defend the interests of Australian capitalism, including war with China. No faction of the Australian ruling class has any solution to the global eruption of militarism, fuelled by the decay of American imperialism and the deepening crisis of world capitalism. The only way to halt the lurch into another world war is to build an international anti-war movement, uniting workers on every continent on the basis of a socialist perspective directed against the source of war, the profit-driven capitalist system itself. New York state nurses campaign for a strike vote, December 16, 2022. [Photo: New York State Nurses Association] New York-Presbyterian, the largest private hospital system in New York, has launched an offensive against nurses this summer. In two ongoing legal cases, the system is intensifying its attacks on working conditions and on the right to organize. In response, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), which claims to represent nurses at New York-Presbyterian, has offered merely empty gestures and comments from the sidelines. New York-Presbyterian had an operating profit of $112.5 million for the first quarter of this year. It is one of the citys most profitable hospital systems. Like hospital systems worldwide, New York-Presbyterian makes its profits by cutting costs and employing as few nurses as possible. Understaffing is associated not only with worse patient outcomes, but also with increased stress and risk of burnout among nurses. In July, New York-Presbyterian filed a petition in Manhattan Federal District Court, seeking to have a penalty of more than $270,000 overturned. An arbitrator had ordered the system to pay this money to nurses who had endured understaffing. But New York-Presbyterian argued in its petition that the system had made good-faith efforts to improve staffing. Implicitly acknowledging that staffing remains inadequate, the system blamed this problem on the market conditions for nursing staff in the area. For good measure, New York-Presbyterian complained that the award was punitive and that the contract did not provide for it. In June, New York-Presbyterian appealed to the US Supreme Court to uphold its firing of a nurse and union organizer in March 2020. Management at Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt Manor, New York, accused experienced nurse Rosamaria Tyo of patient abandonment when she walked out of an operating room while a patient was undergoing complicated spinal surgery. But Tyo did not have a hands-on assignment; she was working as a circulating nurse, and her responsibilities were to document and coordinate nursing care, as well as to supervise a trainee. Tyo left the operating room to meet the chief nursing officer about NYSNAs first contract with the hospital. The meeting turned into a heated confrontation, and the hospital fired Tyo two weeks later. Tyo excused herself from the operating room, without permission or coverage, leaving her orientee unsupervised, in order to attend a gathering of union representatives, New York-Presbyterians lawyers argued in their petition to the Supreme Court. But an administrative judge held that the hospital had fired Tyo for her union activity and must reinstate her with back pay. The National Labor Relations Board and a federal appeals court in New York later upheld that decision. In its petition, New York-Presbyterian argued that the three tribunals that ruled against it had allowed themselves to literally play doctor. The system asked the Supreme Court to declare that when examining cases involving hospital workplace issues, courts should show a proper respect for who possesses expertise on the issues. But in fact, it is New York-Presbyterian that is not showing respect for expertise; the lead surgeon in the operating room on the day in question recommended that Tyo be reinstated. She now works at a hospital that is not part of the New York-Presbyterian system. NYSNA has not organized a fight against New York-Presbyterian in either of these two legal cases. The systems willingness to ask the Supreme Court to uphold its firing of Tyo has a really chilling effect on the workforce, Pat Kane, executive director of NYSNA, told the New York Times. But the union is content to confine the dispute to the courts, which favor the interests of capital, rather than organizing a walkout to demand Tyos reinstatement. Similarly, NYSNA has allowed New York-Presbyterian to resist the arbitrators imposition of a $270,000 penalty and drag out the dispute for months. This long process was established in the current contract, which the union trumpeted as a victory for nurses. NYSNA claims that safe staffing can be achieved through agreements that provide arbitration processes to enforce it. In reality, these contracts institutionalize understaffing, as the current experience shows. Nurses at Mount Sinai Health System, who also are members of NYSNA, face the same problems. Mount Sinai has now been fined at least eight times for persistent understaffing since the current contract was approved in January 2023. The fines clearly are not an effective deterrent for Mount Sinai. Nor do the awards granted to nurses provide sufficient compensation for the periods of overwork and stress that they endure. Rather than organizing workplace actions to fight Mount Sinais violations, NYSNA leaders have simply asserted that this ineffective contract must be enforced. As nurses have grown frustrated with this process and angry with the hospitals intransigence, NYSNA has organized speak outs and appeals to New York states government, which is controlled by the Democratic Party, for safe staffing. But New York state already has a law that requires hospital administrators to collaborate with workers in setting annual staffing standards. New York-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai and Albany Med Health System are among the many systems that have violated these standards since the law was enacted more than three years ago. On occasions when the health systems cannot avoid fines, they see them as a cost of doing business, and not an incentive to hire more nurses. NYSNAs response to the attacks by New York-Presbyterian and other health systems clarifies its social role. The union apparatus protects the health systems profits by endorsing contracts that do not satisfy nurses most basic needs, including safe staffing and adequate salaries. It avoids strikes whenever possible, instead allowing nurses to let off steam through informational pickets. NYSNA, like the other trade unions, also prevents nurses from establishing their political independence and does everything possible to keep nurses under the sway of the Democratic Party. But this party, the oldest capitalist party in the world, represents the interests of Wall Street and the intelligence agencies, not those of healthcare workers. The Democrats priority is not to enforce safe staffing, but to support Israels genocide (which entails the deliberate destruction of the entire healthcare system in Gaza) and escalate the NATO war against Russia, which threatens to become a nuclear conflict. To defend jobs, achieve adequate staffing levels and win salaries that keep pace with the rising cost of living, nurses will need to form rank-and-file committees that are independent of the trade unions and of both capitalist parties. Through these committees, nurses will be able to formulate their demands, develop a strategy to fight for them and reach out to other workers for support. At bottom, nurses workplace struggles are inseparable from the fight to end the profit-based healthcare system and establish socialized medicine. 25 years ago: Report reveals British mercenaries planned assassination of Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan On August 22, 1999, confidential documents leaked to the Sunday Times revealed that a mercenary outfit with close links to the Special Air Service (SAS) and British Intelligence had offered to assassinate Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan four years earlier. The fee proposed by Aims Ltd, of Salisbury, Wiltshire to the Turkish government for the assassination was 5.75 million. Aims Ltd made the proposal to assassinate Ocalan after it was asked by the Turkish government in 1995 to advise on how best to neutralize him. In a detailed 11-page proposal, the company offered to track and pinpoint Ocalan and arrange for his murder or kidnap. Former SAS soldiers were to be used to train a Turkish hit squad to carry out the attack. The assassination proposal, code-named Melody, was presented as a simpler alternative to kidnapping Ocalan. According to Aims Ltd, kidnapping and a public trial would make incredible public relations and prestige for Turkey worldwide. But [it] of course would be a much more dangerous and complicated operation. Having done considerable research on this, I have come to the conclusion that, when the operation is successfully completed, there will be an outcry worldwide over this matter, it went on to warn. The simplest option, of course, is the disposal of the party in a given area. The assassination plan did not materialize, but Aims Ltd was one of two British firms that provided military equipment and training facilities to the Turkish special forces who abducted Ocalan from Kenya in February 1999 and flew him to Turkey, where a show trial in June condemned him to death by hanging. The two companies were paid hundreds of thousands of pounds for their role in preparing the ground for his kidnap, according to the Times Insight team. The Insight teams revelations were embarrassing for the British government for two reasons. First, they proved British involvement in the kidnapping of Ocalan, at that point attributed only to the Turkish government, the CIA and the Israeli security service Mossad. Second, they pointed to the growing use of private security firms as an extended arm of the secret services MI6 and MI5. 50 years ago: Young coal miner shot dead by company foreman in Harlan County strike On August 24, 1974 Lawrence Jones, a 23-year-old miner on strike in Harlan County, Kentucky, was shot and killed by Billy C. Bruner, a company foreman who had attacked the picket line. The murder of Jones sparked a massive upsurge of militancy among the miners who had been on strike for over 13 months in a bid to win improved conditions and recognition of the United Mine Workers (UMW). Police block strikers and allow scabs into the mines. Photograph from September 6, 1974 edition of the Bulletin The strike against the Duke Power Company, who owned the Brookside Mine, began in June 1973. In addition to official representation by the UMW, miners demanded increased wages, pensions, improvements to safety and healthcare benefits for treatment of Black Lung and other illnesses associated with work in the coal mines. Harlan County, Kentucky earned the nickname Bloody Harlan for its history of militant class battles between the mine workers and the owners and their hired security agents, or gun thugs, as the workers termed them. For nearly the entire decade of the 1930s a virtual state of war existed in Harlan County, with local and state police mobilized to assist the companies in suppressing efforts of the mine workers to strike and form a union. Hoping to crush the strike and make an example out of the Harlan miners, the company took a hard line during the 1973-74 strike. Miners were locked out of the mines and armed guards patrolled the entrances to break up picket lines and allow scab labor into the mines. Throughout the strike, battles on the picket lines were frequent. Company thugs often rammed picket lines with cars, attacked pickets with clubs, and fired shots at the workers. Workers stood their ground, refusing to be intimidated, and often responded blow for blow to attacks against them. The strike was a powerful expression of working class solidarity and struggle. The miners, with the support of their wives, who took on critical leadership roles in the strike, received support from around the country. In the week leading up to Jones murder over 125,000 miners took strike action in support of the Harlan strike. Virtually all production of coal in the country was brought to a standstill. Enraged by the intransigence of the miners, Bruner, acting on behalf of the mine owners, attacked a picket line outside the Highsplint mine where Jones had been on strike. Witnesses reported that Bruner approached the picket line with a shotgun, hit one worker with the butt of his weapon, and then fired at Jones point blank, striking him in the head and killing him instantly. Workers were outraged at the death of their young brother. They began to arm themselves in large numbers. Everyone was walking around with their hands on their guns, said one miner who spoke with the Bulletin, the US predecessor to the WSWS. Fearing an all-out armed uprising by the miners, in the days after Jones murder the company moved quickly to accept the demands of the miners and agreed to sign a contract with the UMW. Workers won substantial improvements to their pay and other conditions with the average daily wage increasing from $30 to $50. Over 3,000 miners from throughout Kentucky attended Jones funeral. One miner who attended told the Bulletin, That boy paid a great deal for this contract. He gave his life. 75 years ago: Conference begins talks on Indonesian independence On August 23, 1949, representatives of the Netherlands and Republican leaders of Indonesia began talks at The Hague that would result in an agreement establishing effective Indonesian independence. Dubbed the Dutch-Indonesian Round Table Conference, the gathering, facilitated by the United Nations, would span over two months. The gathering was the culmination of a years-long conflict. With the 1945 defeat of imperial Japan, which had occupied the archipelago during World War II, Indonesian nationalist leaders rapidly proclaimed independence. The Dutch at the same time organised a massive military intervention, with the support of the British and other imperialist powers, to reestablish control over its old colonial possession. Opening of the roundtable conference in The Hague By August 1949, the resulting war had spanned four years. It had involved guerrilla fighting and brutal Dutch counter-insurgency operations, including the bombing of densely-populated civilian areas. The bourgeois nationalist independence leaders, including Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, had repeatedly made substantial concessions to the Dutch, including with the disarming and repression of more radical independence forces. The Netherlands had violated earlier internationally brokered peace agreements. That included the Linggadjati Agreement of 1947 and the Renville Agreement of 1948. Both of those saw Sukarno and Hatta make substantial territorial concessions to the Dutch and their local proxies. The deals, however, were opposed both by nationalist forces within Indonesia, and hard line elements of the Dutch state. A brutal bombing campaign by the Netherlands, effectively abrogating the Renville Agreement, had provoked substantial international outrage. The move towards a brokered independence occurred under conditions where it was becoming clear that the Netherlands would be bogged down in a years- or decades-long conflict, that it could not financially sustain. The increasing opposition of the other imperialist powers to such an effort did not stem from humanitarian concerns. Instead, there was fear that the war in Indonesia could destabilise the Indo-Pacific further, under conditions of popular insurgencies developing in many countries. The attempt of the Netherlands to reestablish direct colonial control was also out of step with the post-World War II order, in which the old European powers were increasingly supplanted by a dominant American imperialism. The agreement reached at the conference and signed on November 1 provided for the cession of sovereignty to the United States of Indonesia, a federal entity established by the Netherlands. In addition to the Republican forces, it incorporated reactionary feudal elements that had collaborated with the Dutch. The deal mandated Indonesian reparations to the Netherlands for the expenses of its colonial administration, and favorable treatment to Dutch companies. 100 years ago: Spanish troops hard pressed by rebels in Morocco On August 21, 1924, press reports detailed the crisis of the Spanish military in its struggle to maintain colonial domination of Morocco during what has come to be known as the Rif War. Beni Hassan and Beni Said tribal fighters attacked Spanish forces led by Jose Riquelme in the north of the country. The Spanish troops were limited in their mobility by unseasonable rains and in some cases were isolated by Rifian forces resulting in substantial casualties for Riquelmes troops. That June, Beni Hassan and Beni Said tribesmen had gone over to the Rifian leader Abd el-Krim, who had established an independent Republic of the Rif. The Spanish had used airplanes to bomb settlements associated with the rebellion, killing mostly women and children. By 1924, the Spanish had begun using chemical weapons against the Rifians. Rifian leader Abd el-Krim on the cover of Time Magazine, August 17, 1925 Notably, there was significant opposition in Spain to the colonial war. In August 1923, Spanish troops had mutinied or refused to board ships embarking to Morocco, and Barcelona had seen mass anti-war demonstrations. In July 1924, Primo de Rivera, the Spanish dictator, visited Morocco to assess the situation. De Rivera had come to power in a military coup in September 1923 largely because of the so-called Disaster of Annual in July 1921 when the Spanish forces suffered a major defeat at the hands of Abd el-Krim and lost an estimated 20,000 soldiers. De Rivera functioned largely as a Bonapartist figure who balanced between pro-and anti-interventionist elements in the military, bureaucracy and monarchy, all of whom in turn faced widespread opposition by the Spanish working class and peasantry. Once in Morocco, De Rivera proposed a tactical retreat and retrenchment of Spanish forces to areas closer to the coast. The French, however, had joined the Spanish in May and the two imperialist powers were able to retake Morocco by 1926. The Ukrainian militarys offensive into two Russian border regions, Kursk and Belgorod, is entering its second week. Kiev claims to have captured 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles), including at least 74 settlements and hundreds of prisoners of war. The troops carrying out the first invasion of Russia since the end of World War II were trained in the UK, and are using American and German battle tanks as well as American-supplied HIMARS rockets. A destroyed Russian tank lies on a roadside near Sudzha, Kursk region, Russia, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. [AP Photo] So far, Ukraine has blown up two bridges in the region and has interdicted a key rail line that the Russian army used to deliver supplies and troops to the front in Ukraine. The destruction of the bridges has also disrupted ongoing efforts to evacuate residents from the combat zones in both Kursk and Belgorod. Over 180,000 people have already been evacuated, and the continuing evacuations indicate that the Kremlin is not anticipating a quick end to the fighting. Nevertheless, according to Russian news reports, a significant number of civilians still remain in areas now occupied by Ukrainian forces. The Russian paper Nezavisimaya Gazeta cited Russian pro-Kremlin war journalist Aleksandr Kharchenko as saying, A large number of our citizens are under the control of the Ukrainian forces. On Sunday, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the goal of the incursion was to create a buffer zone. He stated, it is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. Russian authorities also claim that Kiev is preparing an attack on the nuclear power plants in the Russian region of Kursk and Zaporizhzhia in southeast Ukraine, currently controlled by Russian forces. Fighting around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, is ongoing. Underscoring both the involvement of the US in the operation and its predatory character, retired general David Petraeus, one of the greatest war criminals of the US invasion of Iraq, and later head of the CIA, praised the Ukrainian invasion on the BBC Global News Podcast. This is not unlike when we did the invasion of Iraq, a great armored brigade did the thunder run through Baghdad and ends up on the airfield and they said, Hey, lets just gonna stay here. Lets develop the situation, lets see what happens from here, how does the enemy respond. I think thats where they are. Whatever the immediate military and political calculations behind the incursion, its underlying strategy and goals reveal the imperialist character of the war waged by the imperialist powers against Russia. NATO deliberately provoked the invasion by the Putin regime in order to use Ukraine as a staging ground for a much broader war whose ultimate goal is the carve-up of the entire region. No one has been more open about these goals than Ukraines military leadership. Both the ex-head of the Ukrainian armed forces, Valery Zaluzhny, and the head of military intelligence, Kirill Budanov, have repeatedly been photographed with a map of a carved-up Russia, divided up between different powers. Based on this map, a substantial portion of what is now southeastern Russia, including the Kursk, Belgorod and Rostov regions, would fall to Ukraine in a modern-day version of the long-standing aim of the fascists of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) to establish a Greater Ukraine. A map of a carved-up Russia. Both the former head of the Ukrainian armed forces, Valery Zaluzhny, and the head of Ukraine's military intelligence, Kirill Budanov, have been photographed with this map in their offices since 2022. This strategy includes not only military offensives into Russian territory but also terrorist attacks within Russia, such as the March Moscow Crocus City Hall attack, which killed over 140 people, and political assassinations. From the standpoint of the imperialist powers, the ultimate aim is to weaken the Putin regime militarily and politically, in order to create conditions for its overthrow by NATO-backed sections of the Russian oligarchy and state apparatus as part of an effort to bring the entire region under their direct control. The Putin administration, which has emerged as a Bonapartist regime out of the Stalinist bureaucracys restoration of capitalism, is, by its very class and political nature, extremely vulnerable to such pressures. As the WSWS has explained, its principal function consists of safeguarding the vast social privileges of the oligarchy. It has sought to do so by balancing, first, between different sections of the oligarchy, second, between the oligarchy and imperialism, and third, between the oligarchy and the working class. But the entire strategy of imperialism and its proxy in Ukraine, which consists of both ever more aggressive military offensives and systematic efforts to fuel tensions within the oligarchy, is undermining the Kremlins policies. So far, the Putin regimes response to the first imperialist-backed invasion of the country since the defeat of the Nazis by the Red Army in World War II has been markedly muted, itself one of many indicators that conflicts are indeed raging behind the scenes. The incursion came shortly after the Putin regime initiated a major purge of its army leadership. Moreover, just days before the incursion, the Kremlin had negotiated a prisoner swap with Washington, in which it released several of the most prominent representatives of the NATO-backed opposition, most notably Vladimir Kara-Murza and several members of the team of the late Alexei Navalny, long the central stooge of imperialism in the oligarchy. A lengthy interview aired by Russias leading state TV channel, Rossiia, with the president of Belarus and one of the principal allies of Putin, Alexander Lukashenko, on Saturday, provided some insight into the considerations and heated discussions within the oligarchy. Lukashenko reiterated Putins warnings that NATO was preparing a direct entry into the war which would mean World War III. He stated that with the invasion of Kursk, Ukraine was trying to provoke Russia into a general mobilization to destabilize society from within, we are not prepared to do this, we dont want this. Lukashenko also claimed that Ukraine had amassed 120,000 troops on its border with Belarus and that Minsk had responded by mobilizing a third of its militarysome 65,000 mento the already heavily mined border. He then spoke at length about Belaruss preparations for a potential war with NATO member Poland and threatened that Ukraines Kursk invasion could end in its own destruction. He insisted repeatedly, We dont want escalation. We dont want this war against all of NATO. We dont want it. But if they go for it, then we wont have a choice. Lukashenko then discussed the stationing of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia on Belarusian territory. When asked whether he was prepared to press the red button, he emphatically declared that he was, as soon as the borders of Belarus were violated. If you dont want this, then lets sit down at the negotiating table and lets end this little fight [i.e., the war in Ukraine]. He went on to claim that there are no Nazis in Ukraine anymore and that the Kremlins supposed goal of the de-Nazification of Ukraine had been effectively accomplished. Of course, the Putin regime, which is itself steeped in Great Russian chauvinism and maintains extensive ties to the far-right, never wanted, nor could it undertake, a serious struggle against fascism. Nevertheless, these statements by Lukashenko, made on Russian state television as Ukrainian troops on Russian soil are using Nazi insignia on their uniforms, suggest that significant sections of the state and oligarchy are responding to the invasion by intensifying discussions on how to reach a negotiated settlement with imperialism as fast as possible. At the same time, other sections in the oligarchy warn that the country must prepare for a protracted war and a potential second mobilization. One characteristic comment on the right-wing pro-Kremlin website Vzglyad.Ru evoked the memory of the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, which claimed the lives of 27 million Soviet citizens, and warned that Victory will require a protracted war. The imperialist-backed incursion of Russia, the first such invasion since 1941, and the political disarray it has provoked within the oligarchy underscore above all the catastrophic outcome of the Stalinist betrayal of the 1917 October revolution, which culminated in the destruction of the Soviet Union in 1991. Whatever its bitter and violent infighting, the Russian oligarchy that emerged out of this counter-revolution is infinitely more concerned with preempting a movement within the working class than with the danger posed by imperialism. The imminent threat of an imperialist carve-up of the region and nuclear war can only be countered, on a progressive basis, through the intervention of the working class, which must conduct its struggle independently from all sections of the oligarchy and the imperialist powers, based on the socialist and internationalist traditions that inspired the October Revolution. On Friday, the Michigan Bureau of Elections moved to disqualify independent presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West and his running mate, Melina Abdullah, from appearing on the November presidential ballot over alleged issues with Wests campaign paperwork. Cornel West at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. [Photo by Gage Skidmore / CC BY-SA 2.0 Top Democrats are attempting to remove the West-Abdullah campaign from the ballot despite the fact that they submitted nearly 30,000 signatures, more than double the required minimum to appear on the ballot in the state of Michigan. In fact, none of these issues cited by the Bureau have anything to do with signature collection or otherwise submitting false, fraudulent or untrue information. In a letter sent to the West campaign on August 16, Jonathan Brater, director of Elections at the Department of State, wrote the Department was required by law to disqualify West based on a review of the Affidavit of Identity the West campaign submitted to the department on June 17, 2024. According to the letter, the West campaign did submit an affidavit of identity, which was notarized by Dana L. Manning acting in the State of Colorado. However the Michigan Bureau of Elections claimed the notarization attempt by Dana L. Manning did not conform with Colorado law in at least four respects. Alleged issues in the affidavit include: the document containing unfilled blanks, the certificate allegedly failed to identify what notarial act was being performed, the certificate allegedly did not give the notarys title of office and the notary publics stamp was on a separate sheet of paper and not included with the notary publics certificate. After listing these minor issues, the letter from the State of Michigan warned the West campaign that it only had five days to dispute disqualification if they have evidence to rebut the items listed above. The disqualification of West and Abdullah is part of the nationwide, anti-democratic campaign spearheaded by the Democratic Party to prevent independent and third-party candidates from appearing on the ballot. Fridays decision was the result of anti-democratic challenges initiated by high-level Democratic Party operatives, Rosa Holliday and Mark Brewer. Holliday is a former education and training coordinator for General Motors, a political science professor in Bay City, Michigan, and multi-decade Democratic Party campaigner/operative. Brewer, who filed the challenge to West on behalf of Holliday, is a partner at the Michigan law firm Goodman Acker and was elected chair of the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) in 1995. At the same time he was elected chair, he also became a member of the Democratic National Committee. He held both positions until 2013, according to a biography on his law firms website. While serving as MDP chair and on the DNC, Brewer was also the President of the Association of State Democratic Chairs from 2005-2009. In that position he collaborated closely with DNC Chair Howard Dean and was instrumental in electing President Obama in 2008, according to the website. Following Fridays ruling to block West, Brewer declared on his X account under the handle @MarkBrewerDems, This is the correct decision: every candidate must follow the rules in order to appear on the Michigan ballot and Cornel West is no exception. Writing on X, Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Joseph Kishore condemned the anti-democratic action of the Democratic Party. As the Socialist Equality Partys candidate for president, I denounce the moves by the Democratic Party to keep Cornel West off the ballot in Michigan. Despite our well-documented political differences with West, the SEP supports the right of workers and youth to be able to vote for all third-party and independent candidates. The removal of West from Michigans ballot over an alleged minor technical issue with notarization exposes as bogus the claims by the Democrats that they are running in this election to defend the democratic and voting rights of the population. In reality, the Democrats are working with the Republicans to block any challenge to their two-party domination in order to carry out their shared agenda of imperialist war abroad and a war on the working class at home. The SEP campaign fights to defend the democratic rights of the working class by organizing a frontal assault on the wealth and privileges of the financial oligarchy. The wealth of the billionaires must be expropriated and the gigantic corporations must be transformed into publicly controlled utilities, as part of the socialist reorganization of economic life in the United States and throughout the world. In addition to the challenge by Brewer and Holliday, Clear Choice Action, a political action committee created by Democratic-aligned billionaires and former Biden administration officials, also filed a complaint against the West campaign last month alleging that several thousand signatures on its Michigan petitions were forged. Last week, lawyers for Clear Choice successfully blocked right-wing anti-vaccine zealot Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from appearing on the New York ballot. Reporting on the Clear Choice complaint against West in Michigan last month, the Detroit News wrote that lawyers with the Southfield-based firm Goodman Acker, including Mark Brewer, worked on the complaint for Clear Choice Action which was signed by Rosa Holliday. Last week, Catalonias parliament confirmed Salvador Illa of the Socialist Party (PSOE) as the Catalan regional premier, ending more than a decade of rule by separatist Catalan nationalist parties. The PSOE, the Catalan-nationalist Catalan Republican Left (ERC), and Comuns, the Catalan affiliate of the pseudo left Sumar party all voted to install Illa in power. Salvador Illa walks out of the Catalonia parliament after being sworn in as the new president of Catalonia during a plenary session in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday Aug. 8, 2024. [AP Photo/Joan Mateu] The installation of Illa comes after the PSOE and the pro-secessionist ERC reached an agreement. The PSOE came first in Mays regional election but fell short of a majority. Under the agreement, Catalonia, the second richest autonomous region in the country, will control the taxes generated in the region, except for a percentage used to pay for state services and a solidarity fund with the rest of Spains regions, the amount yet to be defined. The agreement again exposes the reactionary character of Catalan nationalism and all those pseudo-left forces which for decades have provided a progressive veneer, asserting that a Catalan right to self-determination would provide a basis for a struggle against Spanish imperialism. In reality, the Catalan nationalists are now backing a coalition government with the PSOE, the leading governing party of the Spanish bourgeoisie. This is because the Catalan nationalists articulate the interests of social forces bitterly hostile to the working class. For over a decade, especially since the October 2017 Catalan independence referendum, the Catalan nationalists have sought to divide workers along national lines in the Iberian peninsula. They thus worked to disarm the proletariat in the face of austerity, the rehabilitation of the far right, the bourgeoisies policy of mass death in the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the NATO-led war in Ukraine against Russia. Now, in exchange for cash for the Catalan capitalists, ERC is backing a regional government led by PSOE, which has been in national government since 2018. The PSOE, with the support of its pseudo left partnersfirst Podemos from 2019 to November 2023 and then Sumarhas implemented austerity, an anti-working class labor law that enshrined precariousness and a pension reform raising the retirement age to 67 and imposing cuts for future retirees. It brutally repressed strikes and armed the far-right Ukrainian regime in Kiev and the Zionist regime in its genocide against Palestinians. This agenda will now proceed with the support of the ERC. Illa was the PSOE-Podemos governments Minister of Health from January 2020 to January 2021, in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. He prioritised profits over lives, rejecting the implementation of public health measures required to eliminate COVID-19 and adopting policies that allowed the virus to spread throughout the population. This included ensuring workers returned to their jobs and children and students back to schools in unsafe conditions. These policies resulted in over 160,000 excess deaths in Spain, according to The Lancet medical journal. Illa and the Catalan nationalists are preparing for a showdown with the working class. Illa has placed ERC representatives in key ministries, including Labor and Justice. He has promised an increase in the Catalan police force from 18,000 to 22,000 officers by 2030. The PSOE-ERC agreement comes amid a deep crisis of the Catalan nationalist parties, ERC and Junts (previously, Democratic Convergence of Catalonia) who face mounting popular disaffection. In the last regional elections, they suffered their worst results since 1980, preventing them from forming a pro-separatist government. While the Catalan bourgeoisie in Barcelona had flirted with demands for separation ever since the fall of the fascistic Francoite regime in 1978, it was tacitly agreed in the ruling class that the Catalan bourgeoisie would not seek independence, and that Madrid would not aggressively attack Catalan nationalist sentiment. This changed after the 2008 Wall Street crash. Administrations in Barcelona and in Madrid both worked to slash jobs and social spending and enrich the banks and the financial aristocracy. The trade union bureaucracies let millions of workers be laid off, sold out strikes, and supported labor reforms. At the same time, the Catalan nationalist parties engaged in bitter budget battles with the Spanish central government and promoted secessionist sentiment in an attempt to disorient growing social anger and divide the workers along national lines. Over the past decade, Catalan nationalist leaders have presided over anti-worker regional governments in Barcelona, implementing harsh austerity measures and suppressing strikes by train drivers and airport workers while stoking the flames of separatism. They advanced the lie that if Catalonia were independent, these cuts would have been unnecessary. This strategy buried the socio-economic concerns of workers and youth beneath a wave of nationalist rhetoric. Former Catalan Minister for Business, Santi Vila, underscored this in a meeting with politicians and businessmen, asking rhetorically that if Catalonia had not promoted a nationalist discourse, how would it have managed to impose adjustments of over 6 billion? After years of back-and-forth, the nationalists launched a pseudo-independence referendum in 2017 that was seized on by the Spanish ruling class to install a police state and rehabilitate Francoism. Backed by todays Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, then the leader of the opposition, the right-wing Popular Party deployed 10,000 paramilitary police to crack down on the Catalan referendum and throw out the Catalan regional government. The crackdown left over 1,000 peaceful protesters injured. Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont fled to Belgium to avoid prosecution. Once the PSOE came to power in 2018, Sanchez oversaw the imposition of decade-long jail sentences to nine Catalan nationalist leaders in a show trial over their role in the independence referendum. When streets of cities across Catalonia were filled with hundreds of thousands of demonstrators against the sentence, Sanchez violently suppressed them. Deputy Prime Minister and leader of Podemos, Pablo Iglesias, infamously declared, Everyone must abide by the law and accept the verdict. The objective of the PSOE and PP was to shift politics to the right and neutralise the mounting opposition against austerity and social inequality while justifying the establishment of a police state, not only in Catalonia but throughout Spain to attack workers struggles and opposition to war. The PSOE-Podemos government repeatedly attacked strikes in close collaboration with the union bureaucracy. In November 2021, it deployed armoured vehicles and riot police against striking metalworkers in Cadiz; in April 2022, it mobilised 23,000 police to crush a 75,000-strong truckers strike against rising fuel prices amid NATOs war against Russia in Ukraine. Against healthcare workers and aircrew strikes, the PSOE-Podemos used draconian minimum service requirements as a pretext to break strikes. Only when the PSOE and its pseudo-left and Stalinist partners Podemos and Sumar needed the support of Catalan nationalist parties to form a government in Madrid did they agree to pardon the nationalist prisoners and later grant an amnesty that would allow the return of the exiles. Return of Puigdemont On the day Illa was being elected as the new Catalan regional premier in parliament, Puigdemont, the leader of Junts and former Catalan premier during the 2017 independence referendum, made a brief return to Spain after seven years in exile. He delivered a short speech to several thousand supporters in Barcelona before fleeing once again, successfully evading a police operation ostensibly intended to arrest him. Catalan independence leader and former President Carles Puigdemont addresses supporters after his arrival near the Catalan parliament to attend the investiture debate in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday Aug. 8, 2024. [Photo: Joan Mateu/WSWS] The Spanish parliament passed an amnesty law in May pardoning those involved in the failed 2017 secession bid. However, the judges of the Supreme Court, linked to the right-wing PP and the far right Vox party, upheld arrest warrants for Puigdemont on charges of embezzlement, ruling that the amnesty law does not apply to him. If convicted, Puigdemont could face a sentence of up to 12 years in prison. The far-rights objective is to destabilise the PSOE-Sumar government, particularly after their defeat in last years elections. They aim to undermine the government by stripping it of the support of Puigdemonts Junts party, whose seven lawmakers in the Spanish parliament are crucial for passing next years budget. Failure to approve the budget, given that the current one is already extended, could lead to the governments collapse. The PSOE and Sumar likely recognised that arresting and imprisoning Puigdemont could have sparked renewed unrest in Catalonia and potentially brought down their own government. Instead, Puigdemont, who had announced his intention to return to Barcelona days earlier, arrived two days before Illas investiture. He calmly walked down an empty street to the stage, where he addressed approximately 3,500 supporters, before leaving in a vehicle and disappearingall without any interference from the police. Three Catalan police officers have been arrested for allegedly aiding Puigdemont in his recent escape, yet the Spanish National Intelligence Center, which has been monitoring Puigdemont since he went into exile, failed to provide any information on his movements. The Spanish Interior Ministry has admitted that it only activated its surveillance services after Puigdemont had already fled. Puigdemonts speech lasted six minutes, during which he referenced the fierce repression unleashed in Catalonia since 2017. Puigdemont said, Seven years ago, they initiated a harsh repression that led us to prison and exile, affecting the lives of thousands and thousands of people just for being pro-independence. Sometimes, just for speaking Catalan. And they have turned being Catalan into something suspicious. In these seven years, repression has caused much damage and will continue to do so. He added that the right to self-determination belongs to the people, to the people who live there, and therefore no one in politics has the right to renounce a right that is collective. While it is true that Catalan nationalist forces have faced repression and fundamental democratic rights have been denied, Puigdemont remains a deeply reactionary figure. The advocate of the right to self-determination for Catalonia is a fervent Zionist whose party has supported Israels genocide against Palestinians. Recently, Junts abstained in a Barcelona City Council vote to recognise the Palestinian state and aligned with the PP and Vox, in voting against ending arms trade with Israel. Puigdemont has hailed the Zionist project of creating an ethnically exclusive state, stating it has a national and cultural project very similar to Catalonias and that two nations are persecuted for protecting their language and fighting against empires that want to neutralise it. The reactionary nature of Puigdemont and Junts is evident in their racist refusal to provide shelter in Catalonia for unaccompanied migrant minors fleeing poverty and war, who arrive in makeshift boats to the Canary Islands. As a condition for their support of the Spanish government, Junts is demanding control over immigration policy in Catalonia. Junts regularly engages in talks with the PP and often aligns with the Spanish right in parliamentary votes. All the parties of the bourgeoisie are united in defending austerity, eroding democratic rights, enriching the financial elite, implementing anti-immigrant policies, and upholding imperialist war and Zionism. The unification in revolutionary struggle of the working class in the Iberian peninsula and internationally is the way forward to stop imperialist war, genocide, austerity and police-state rule. This requires building a Trotskyist vanguard in the working class, sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International, in Spain and countries around the world, waging a struggle for socialist revolution against pseudo-left and nationalist parties. EXCLUSIVE: Icelands No. 1 rock star is making an appearance on CBS The Bold and the Beautiful. Jokull Juliusson, who leads the band Kaleo, will pre-tape his episode today. He will play himself and perform one of his hit songs, Way Down We Go. More from Deadline The episode will air Sept. 27. Juliusson was approached about making a cameo last year by a B&B producer while both were attending an Andrea Bocelli concert. Bocelli also made an appearance on the sudser in June of 2023 when it traveled to Rome for a week of episodes. Other rock stars have appeared on the B&B in the past, including Lil Nas X and Usher. Constantine Maroulis from American Idol also showed up for a guest spot. After stopping by the set of B&B today, Juliusson will tape an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Aug. 20. His show at The Troubadour on Aug. 21 is sold out. Juliusson is repped by Steve Markoff at Redlight Management. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It looks like Ye still has love for Donald Trump. Over the weekend, the Chicago rapper was spotted with his wife, Bianca Censori, in their Tesla Cybertruck outside a Donald Trump rally in Beverly Hills, California. TikTok user @ali.aam.06 captured a group of Trump supporters running up to Yes car as he pulled over to show them love. Naturally, the crowd went nuts and couldnt believe they had just met him as he drove off. More from Billboard Last month, during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, former White House director of strategic communications Alyssa Farah Griffin revealed a plan the ex-president had for unifying the country. One day he wanted to have Kanye West come and do a church service on the White House lawn to unify the country, she told a fan after being asked what was the wildest thing that came across her desk as a Trump staffer. And I can think of few things less unifying than that. But we were like, Not the time or the place, sir.' The former president and Ye have been linked since 2016, when the rapper met with Trump in New York City after he won the presidential election. I wanted to meet with Trump today to discuss multicultural issues, Kanye tweeted at the time. I feel it is important to have a direct line of communication with our future President if we truly want change. Their most recent link-up was when they had a controversial dinner with far-right streamer Nick Fuentes at Mar-a-Lago in 2022, where Ye reportedly asked Trump to be his 2024 running mate. So I help a seriously troubled man, who just happens to be black, Ye, who has been decimated in his business and virtually everything else and who has always been good to me, by allowing his request for a meeting at Mar-a-Lago, alone, so that I can give him very much needed advice,' Trump wrote on Truth Social at the time. He shows up with 3 people, two of which I didnt know, the other a political person who I havent seen in years. I told him dont run for office, a total waste of time, cant win. Fake News went CRAZY! Also, Trump made an appearance on Adin Ross stream earlier this month (Aug. 5) and referred to the rapper as complicated. Trump said of West, Hes very complicated. Lets say complicated, because he is. Hes a really nice guy, but he can get some people into trouble. Adding, And he can get some other people hes got a good heart, he does, he does, but hes complicated. Ye has yet to publicly endorse the former presidents current re-election campaign. Best of Billboard Ashley Biden is President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden's only daughter, but despite being First Daughter, she often shies away from the spotlight. "It took about two years to get into the groove of being in this position," she told Elle in 2023. "Im doing my work as I always have been, but kind of figuring out the role as First Daughter, and how can I use it in the most positive way, where its not about me, its about Americans. And what Ive learned is, I want to tell the story of othersI want to lift up organizations and share this information." Pool - Getty Images This year, however, she's made more public appearances, including at State Dinners at the White House and at a White House Pride Month event, where she spoke: SAUL LOEB - Getty Images Ashley is set to introduce her father at the Democratic National Convention tonight. Here, everything you need to know about Joe and Jill's daughter Ashley: Ashley was born in Wilmington, Delaware. Mark Reinstein - Getty Images She was born on June 8, 1981, the daughter of Joe and Jill Biden. She had older half siblings Beau Biden and Hunter Biden. Growing up, Ashley didn't realize her dad was a Senator. "My family really did keep it super down-to-earth so I didnt know," Ashley said. "I knew Dad took the train and was trying to solve the problems of the world. But as a little girl, hes just Dad." She attended Wilmington Friends School and Tulane University. She attended high school at Wilmington Friends School in Delaware, then got her bachelors degree in cultural anthropology in 2003 from Tulane University. The White House - Getty Images She is a social worker. In 2010, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice with a master's in social work. Initially, she thought she wanted to be a therapist, but decided to focus on policy instead. "The only thing my parents always said to me was, 'Follow your passion.' There was never any pressure to go into service, but I saw my mother, a teacher, and my dad, who was working on issues Americans care about," Ashley says of her career. MANDEL NGAN - Getty Images In 2019, she left her job at the Delaware Center for Justice to work on her dad's presidential campaign. She's currently applying for a doctorate in clinical social work at Penn, and one day, she hopes to teach. She attends some White House events with her parents. Alex Wong - Getty Images Ashley has joined her parents during a few key events during Joe's tenure as president, including joining her dad at a Juneteenth concert (above) and her mom on a trip to France last summer (below). Christian Liewig - Corbis - Getty Images Most notably, Ashley joined her mom, Jill, at the royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif. She and her mom arrived hand-in-hand to Zahran Palace, where they were greeted by King Abdullah and Queen Rania ahead of the ceremony. Courtesy of the Royal Hashemite Court Ashley married Dr. Howard Krein in 2012. They had an interfaith Catholic-Jewish wedding. Dr. Krein is an otolaryngologist and plastic surgeon at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia. In July 2024, when President Biden spoke about ending his reelection campaign from the Oval Office, Ashley was pictured sitting next to her husband: JIM WATSON - Getty Images You Might Also Like During her whirlwind visit to Colombia with husband Prince Harry, Meghan Markle has kept their kids Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, top of mind. Like when she wore a gold necklace with Archie and Lilibet engraved on it during a stop at local drum school Escuela Tambores de Cabildo. Or when she visited kindergarteners at the Colegio La Giralda in Santa Fe, where she told one of the kids, speaking in Spanish, Youre the same age as my son Archie! And on Sunday, she gave a rare insight into parenting her daughter that is truly inspirational. Markle spoke at an Afro Women and Power event in Cali, Colombia, on Aug. 18 about the strong influences in her life. I find inspiration in so many of the strong women that are around me, of course, my mother [Doria Ragland] being one of them, she said, per PEOPLE. More from SheKnows BOGOTA, COLOMBIA AUGUST 15: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex are seen at Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata during The Duke and Duchess of Sussexs Colombia Visit on August 15, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images) So much of how I approach things is through the lens of less about the fight thats not interesting to me and more about how do we show up in a space and wash things over with love and kindness and generosity, she continued. What a beautiful way to look at things! Later, Markle talked about the importance of representation of women in power, adding, Part of the role modeling that I certainly try to do as a mother is to encourage our daughter who, at 3, she has found her voice, Markle said. And were so proud of that because that is how we, as I was saying, create the conditions in which theres a ripple effect of young girls and young women knowing that if someone else is encouraging them to use their voice and be heard, thats what theyre going to do. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during a forum about digital responsibility at EAN University during a visit around Colombia on August 15, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. In fact, the ripple effect has already started. Markle opened up about how she was encouraged to find her voice at a young age, which she has now done with her daughter. Im very, very fortunate at a young age I was able to feel as though my voice was being heard and thats a luxury that a lot of young girls and women arent often afforded, the Archewell Foundation co-founder said. For us and the work we do with Archewell and the work we do as parents and me as a mother is ensuring that young girls feels that their voices are heard and young boys are raised to learn how to listen to girls as well. The role of men in this is crucial and my husband is an example of this. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle maintain strict privacy for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. https://t.co/CF7abaDcUq SheKnows (@SheKnows) August 2, 2024 During a visit to a school in Abuja, Nigeria, in May, Markle told some of the schoolchildren a story about her daughter. A few weeks ago she looked at me and she would just see the reflection in my eyes. And she [goes], Mama, I see me in you, Markle recalled. Oh, now she was talking really literally. But I hung onto those words in a very different way. And I thought, yes, I do see me in you, and you see me in you. She looked around the class adding, As I look around this room, I see myself in all of you as well. Such a sweet moment! Before you go, check out everything we know about Princess Lilibet and the alleged controversy around her name. Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Michaela Coel is expanding her relationship with HBO. The I May Destroy You creators latest project is moving forward with HBO and BBC co-producing the upcoming First Day on Earth. The 10-episode drama will star Coel, who will also write the series and serve as its executive producer alongside Jesse Armstrong (Succession), as well as Phil Clarke and Roberto Troni for Various Artists Limited, in association with A24. Jo McClellan will also EP for the BBC, while Piers Wenger will EP for A24. Filming is scheduled to begin next year. The series follows a British novelist named Henri (Coel) who feels stuck in her life. When shes offered a job on a film in Ghana, West Africa, she says yes, hoping to connect to her parents homeland, reconnect with her estranged father and rediscover herself. But when she arrives in this new land, neither her job nor her father turn out the way she expected. Soon Henri has to deal with danger and hypocrisy, form new friendships, lose her illusions and create a new sense of identity one that might leave her stronger, but could also break her, a press release for the series reads. I am delighted to be working with VAL, HBO and the BBC again, and to partner with A24; thanks to all of their combined taste, care and expertise, I feel our show is in great hands, Coel said in a Monday press release. First Day on Earth is another very personal story for me which I hope will engage viewers from all over the world, and I cant wait for audiences to go on Henris journey with her. Michaelas words have the ability to transport the reader like no other. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the conversation that began with I May Destroy You, alongside our close collaborators at VAL, A24 and the BBC. With Henri as our guide, First Day on Earth is as lyrical as it is visceral in its excavation of the idea of home, Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO and Max Comedy programming, added. Michaela is one of those exceptional talents whose work I have long admired, Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said in the release. In First Day on Earth, Michaela has created another unmissable series truly original, heartfelt, hilarious, poetic storytelling and told in a way that only Michaela can. I cant wait for everyone to see it. Additionally, EPs Clarke and Troni noted that they feel extremely lucky to be working with the Chewing Gum comedian again, calling their experience on I May Destroy You extraordinary. Yet again, Michaela delivers a highly original, singular story that explores the relationship between England and Ghana via a second generation British-Ghanaian woman who takes up the opportunity to return to the homeland of her parents and finds herself encountering a cast of memorable characters and experiences that force her to face some painful home truths. But as ever with Michaela, it is by turns shocking, funny and unforgettable, and done in her inimitable style, they said. The post Michaela Coel Drama First Day on Earth Set by HBO and BBC appeared first on TheWrap. Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, Ana Navarro and Tony Goldwyn will host the 2024 Democratic National Convention which runs from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22. The DNC will have a host of big-name celebrity guests, including a Scandal reunion with Washington and Goldwyn. Each host will serve as the master of ceremonies for one of the four nights of the convention, opening the evening with remarks and reappearing periodically to help guide the event along. This news was first reported by CNN. More from Variety Goldwyn will kick off the DNC on Monday, followed by Navarro on Tuesday, Kaling on Wednesday and Washington on the final night. Thursday evening will also be the night Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepts the Democratic Presidential Nomination. Washington is a longtime political activist and a veteran of the DNC. She first joined the convention in 2012 when she spoke in support of former President Barack Obamas re-election. She also opened the third night of the DNC in 2020 when President Joe Biden ran against then-sitting President Donald Trump. She is also the founder of the political activism organization Influence Change, which works with celebrities to promote civil activism. In 2019 Kaling appeared on Harris YouTube channel where she and the then-senator prepared masala dosa and spoke about their Indian heritage. The video has since resurfaced after Trump shared it on his Truth Social platform questioning Harris racial identity. Although Republican, Navarro has voted Democrat ever since Donald Trump entered politics. The first time she voted blue was in 2016 when Trump ran against Hillary Clinton. Like his Scandal co-star Washington, Goldwyn is a political activist. In 2016, he supported the Clinton campaign and appeared at a reproductive rights event and reelection rally for President Joe Biden before he dropped out of the race. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Conservative billionaire Peter Thiel floated a bizarre conspiracy theory about Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein. During an appearance on Joe Rogans podcast, the PayPal co-founder shared his evidence-free speculations about Epstein and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, speaking at length about his straightforward alternate conspiracy theory. He argued in essence that the sex offender financier may have advised Bill Gates to create the non-profit to protect his assets during his eventual divorce from Melinda. Epstein Conspiracy Theorist Leaks His Texts With J.D. Vance After admitting he doesnt have all the details in this figured out, Thiel proceeded all the same. Bill and Melinda get married in 1994, they dont sign a prenup, and, you know, somethings going wrong with the marriage, he said. And maybe Melinda can get half the money in a divorce. He doesnt want her to get half the money. What do you do? The alternate plan is something like You commit the marital assets to this nonprofit and then it sort of locks Melinda into not complaining about the marriage for a long, long time, Thiel continued. And so theres something about the left-wing philanthropy world that was some sort of Boomer way to control their crazy wives. Earlier in the interview, Thielwho also said hed met Epsteinclaimed that Bill Gates had supposedly talked to Epstein early on about how his marriage wasnt doing that well. Epstein suggested that he should get a divorce circa 2010, 2011, Thiel claimed, again without evidence. Gates told him something like, you know: That doesnt quite work, presumably because he didnt have a prenup. So theres one part ofEpstein as a marriage counselor, which is sort of disturbing, Thiel said. The second thing that we know that Gates talked to Epstein about was all the sort of collaborating on funding, setting up this philanthropy. Makes sense, Rogan repeatedly said in response to Thiels ramblings on Gates. There is nothing to suggest there is any truth to Thiels theory or that he believes it himself. Bill and Melinda Gates divorced in 2021. In a CBS interview the following year, Melinda cited Bills meetings with Epstein when discussing the many things that led to the breakdown of the marriage. She said shed made her feelings about the meetings clear to her Microsoft co-founder ex-spouse, adding that she too had met Epstein once and found him to be abhorrent and evil personified. Bill Gates has expressed regret about meeting Epstein and denied there was any relationship between the financier and his foundation. Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. New York Citys medical examiner ruled his death a suicide. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. When she first sleeps with Arnold, Ida is 30 years old, an editor and playwright, married, and the mother of two young children. Arnold, a 39-year-old academic known for his Brecht translations, is also married to a woman younger than Ida, with whom he has a three-year-old son and he insists he cant handle another breakup. Complicating matters further is the fact that she lives in Oslo, and he in Trondheim. Nevertheless, Ida falls passionately, obsessively, maniacally in love with him. By means of a soaring rant, which oscillates between rage and adulation, pain and passion, If Only tells the story of their relationship. As Idas family later lament, she courted this madness of her own free will and has chosen not to let it go. As Ida sees it, though, it just is. Her body made the choice for her. From the minute they meet, she understands herself as meant only for him. The only person in the whole wide world. The void in her body, the hollow of her vagina, made only for him, her beloved. Such candidness is commonplace from Vigdis Hjorths women. In 2019, Hjorth became well-known across the English-speaking world upon the publication of Will and Testament, Charlotte Barslunds gripping translation of Hjorths 2016 novel about a family torn apart by inheritance, both actual and psychic, narrated by a middle-aged woman who believes she was sexually abused by her father as a child. The book had already been both a bestseller and a cause celebre in Hjorths native Norway, where the assumption that it was autobiography disguised as fiction had been fuelled by the exception that Hjorths real-life family took to it. Her sister Helga, a lawyer, even went as far as to pen her own retaliatory volume, a novel in which a family struggles with the false allegations of child abuse that the narrators melodramatic sister makes in one of her books. Translated into 30 languages, nominated for Americas National Book Award, and included on various Book of the Year lists here in Britain, Will and Testament won Hjorth favourable comparisons with the most famous Norwegian literary truth-teller of recent years, Karl Ove Knausgaard. If Only is the third of Hjorths novels that Barslund has translated into English following the success of Will and Testament it has been preceded by Long Live the Post Horn! (2020) and the International Booker Prize-nominated Is Mother Dead (2022) but its the earliest, originally published in Norway back in 2001. To read Hjorths work out of chronological order, as those of us who dont read Norwegian must, does have its downsides. Although not dissimilar to Is Mother Dead a novel about a mother and daughter tied together by pain and rage, which description might also fit Ida and Arnold the longer they stay together If Only lacks some of the spare precision of Hjorths more recent fiction. Its a looser, more meandering narrative; sometimes frustratingly so, the drawn-out back and forth between the lovers becoming oppressive. It also lacks the nuanced marriage of the personal and the political you find in both Long Live the Post Horn! and A House in Norway the first of Hjorths novels to be translated into English, again by Barslund, in 2018, two years after its publication in Norway. In the latter, a middle-class textile artists treatment of the Polish single mother and daughter to whom she rents an apartment reveals the hypocrisy that underlies the lofty, Left-wing ideals she professes in public. Long Live the Post Horn!, meanwhile, charts the unexpected politicisation of a media consultant as a result of her work with the Norwegian Postal Workers Union. The radical element of If Only is of a different ilk. Hjorth rejects the age-old adultery narrative of a woman torn between her desires and her roles as a wife and mother. Ida is so crazed with love that everything else her work, her friends, even her own children becomes background noise. She might tell herself that theres no comparison between her love for Arnold and that she feels for her offspring, but the text itself begs to differ. She doesnt even use her son or daughters names until halfway through the novel, and even then, only because shes finally introducing them to Arnold. He is the sun around whom she, and everything in her life, revolves. Love is a surgeon. It cuts you with a knife. It slices off lumps of flesh, were told. Images of excision and violence abound through Hjorths prose: even to make love is for the couple to suture their bodies together with a sharp needle. Read alongside contemporary stories about toxic relationships that revel in fire and rage Sarah Mangusos new novel Liars, for example If Only may seem less radical, but its worth remembering that it would have been more trailblazing when it appeared in Norway two decades ago. Everything here that sets my teeth on edge the claustrophobia and repetition, the endless torture the lovers put each other through is exactly what makes Hjorths novel so remarkably, and horrifyingly, accomplished. If Only is published by Verso at 12.99. To order your copy for 10.99, call 0808 196 6794 or visit Telegraph Books Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. You work side-by-side (or Zoom by Zoom), sometimes for years, and share a sense of purpose. So naturally, when a colleague leaves, no matter why they're going, you'll have some feelings about it. Even if you and the colleague weren't the best of friends, it's always best in business not to burn bridges, and wishing a co-worker well in their new endeavors can keep your all-important network intact. Whether you're work besties and will miss seeing them daily or casual collaborators working in different departments, when you're ready to bid adieu to a colleague, our farewell messages for a coworker are a great way to get closure, wish them well, and keep the door open for future communication and networking. Farewell Messages for a Co-worker Whether it's a close colleague or someone from an entirely different department who you work with from time to time, these messages can help you wish them well moving forward. LoveToKnow / Creative via Shutterstock I've enjoyed working with you. Wishing you all the success as you move on. We didn't work together much, but I always enjoyed the times we did. Your talents will be missed. May you find all the success you deserve in whatever adventure awaits you. Farewell and best wishes for success in your career. I was sorry to learn that you are leaving the company. I wish you all the best now and in the future. Best wishes for success as you move on from [insert company name]. You will be missed. The time may have come for you to go, but we're sure to miss you more than you know. Goodbye Messages to Your Work Bestie When your work BFF or office spouse is moving on, it can definitely feel devastating. After all, the two of you have been kicking it at work for a while, and when they move on, it's going to leave a big hole in your work life. So even when you're sad to see them go, our messages can send them off in style. LoveToKnow / Creative via Shutterstock I don't know what I'll do without you here. Thanks for all the times we've shared at work. You've made work fun, and I'll miss you so much. Working with you has made my days bright. You're my favorite lunch buddy and collaborator, and I don't know what I'll do without you. I'll never have another work bestie like you. I hope we stay in touch because we've become true friends. You have been the best office spouse ever, and I know you'll be successful moving forward. Thanks for all the laughs and support. You've brightened my days, and I'll miss you. I'm better at my job because I worked with you. Thanks for always being there for me. Farewell Messages for Your Mentor If you've been lucky enough to have a mentor at work, then we bet you know you owe them a ton. As they head out the door, make sure they know how much their mentorship has meant to you. LoveToKnow / Creative via Shutterstock Thank you for taking me under your wing and teaching me. I have learned so much from you, and I'm so deeply appreciative. I'll do my best to pass it on. Your mentorship at work has meant so much to me. I'm better for having learned from you. Thank you. I'm so grateful for all you taught me. You will always be one of the most important people in my career development. Thank you. I'm feeling a little lost that you're leaving, but I know you've prepared me well. Your mentorship has meant the world to me. Your mentorship and the example you set made me a much more creative problem solver. Thank you. You will be deeply missed. I'm so grateful for your mentorship and support. You've made a real difference in my career. Farewell Messages for an Employee If you're a supervisor and one of your employees is leaving, try one of these office farewell messages. LoveToKnow / Creative via Shutterstock All the best in your future endeavors. We'll all miss you. You have been such a talented and valued member of our team. Thank you for all your contributions. I've always appreciated your enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership skills. You made our team stronger and better. Best wishes in your new ventures. It has been a pleasure being your supervisor. I would love it if we could work together again someday. It's been such a pleasure working with you and watching you grow your skills and talents. Thanks for being part of our team. You'll be missed. Thanks for all your contributions to our team. Wishing you all the best. Goodbye Messages for a Supervisor If your supervisor is heading off into the sunset, one of these messages can help you bid them farewell. LoveToKnow / Creative via Shutterstock I've always appreciated your steady and consistent leadership. Wishing you all the best in your new ventures! Thanks for being our teamer leader. We accomplished a ton with you at the helm, and we'll miss you. It has been a pleasure working for you. I've learned a lot. Thank you and good luck. I'll always appreciate that you gave me a job and a chance. Thank you for your confidence in me. Good luck moving forward. Farewell Messages to a Co-worker Starting a New Job The average length a person stays at a job is about 4.1 years (thanks for the data, Bureau of Labor Statistics). So, co-workers are going to move on to new ventures. When a co-worker leaves the company because they're headed off on a new venture, be sure to congratulate them and wish them success. The goodbye messages listed below are perfect for a colleague who has resigned from the company to start a new job. LoveToKnow / Creative via Shutterstock Farewell and best wishes for success in your new job. You will be missed around here. I'm so excited to hear you're off on a new adventure. Wishing you all the best. Congratulations on your new job! I will miss working with you, but I wish you great success in your new endeavor. I'll miss seeing you in the office every day, but I am so happy about your success! Farewell and best wishes. You are a great co-worker and team member. Best wishes for continued success! Please keep in touch. I'm sad to see you leave [insert company name], but am excited that you have such a great career opportunity. Farewell Messages to a Promoted Co-worker When a co-worker gets the big promotion they've been bucking for, be sure to wish them well, especially if you won't be working as closely together anymore. LoveToKnow / Creative via Shutterstock Best wishes for success in your new position! No one deserves this promotion more than you. You deserve all the accolades you receive. I'll miss working with you, but I'm so happy for you. You're so deserving of your promotion! I hope you'll pop back in and say hi from time to time. Congratulations on your recent promotion! I will miss working with you every day. Farewell from [insert team name], as you move up to a new role. Best wishes for continued success. I wish you all the best as you step up into your new role as [insert new job title] with our company. Let me be the first to say, "Congratulations, boss!" I'll miss you, but I am proud that I'll always be able to say "I knew you when." Farewell Messages to a Transferred Co-worker People move around in bigger companies all the time. If someone is transferring out of your department, these messages can let them know you've appreciated working with them. LoveToKnow / Creative via Shutterstock I have enjoyed getting to know you during your time with the [current/old team name]. I wish you continued success as you become part of the [new team name]. Your new team will be lucky to have you! Best wishes in your new role. I'll miss working with you on a daily basis you're a great co-worker. I am sure you will enjoy continued success in your new role with the company. You have been an indispensable part of our team. I know you will continue to do well and achieve great success. The [new team name] is lucky to have you! I hope everyone at the [insert new location] appreciates what a great colleague you are. Goodbye, and good luck! I bid you farewell as you move to your new role at the [insert new work site] branch. Best wishes for a smooth transition. Goodbye Messages for a Co-worker Who Will Stay Home With a Baby When a co-worker leaves to become a stay-at-home parent, be sure to send them off with a fond farewell and best wishes for success during this special time in their life. LoveToKnow / Creative via Shutterstock Congratulations on the addition to your family! I am so happy for you and wish you much joy and happiness as you focus on parenting full-time. Welcome to your most challenging role ever. I hear your new boss is super demanding! You'll be missed, but I'm so happy for you. I'll miss seeing you around the office, but I know that someone else needs you more. Enjoy spending time with your little one! While I will miss seeing you at work, I am so happy for you to be able to step away from work and focus on your family at this time. I am sad to see you go, but I am also so very happy for you and your family. I wish you only wonderful things as you focus on parenting full-time. Farewell to a terrific co-worker and an even better parent. These early days with your little one are precious. Enjoy every minute! We'll miss you, but your new officemate is the cutest coworker ever. Farewell Message Ideas for a Retiring Colleague We know you're probably feeling a little bit jelly, but your time will come. In the meantime, wish your soon-to-be former co-worker the best as they head into retirement with a brief farewell message or even a retirement toast. LoveToKnow / Creative via Shutterstock May your hard work be paid off with a wonderful retirement experience. Best wishes for a long and wonderful retirement. May all of your dreams come true! Working with you for the past [insert number] years has been a joy! I'll miss working with you, but I am so happy for you. It has been a pleasure to work with you. I wish you only the best as you retire from [insert company name]! Farewell, my friend. No one is more deserving of a long, happy, and relaxing retirement. Congratulations on your retirement. You'll be missed around here. Related: Funny Retirement Poems for Co-workers & Family Members Say Goodbye Gracefully No matter what your relationship is with your co-worker or why they're leaving the company, they'll appreciate a well-thought-out good-bye message. Use one of our messages or make them your own to say your farewells. Denmarks capital, Copenhagen, may be a bucket-list dining destination, one of the worlds most livable cities according to some, as well as home of the best modernist, mid-century Scandinavian design. Its also a fairly small capital with only 1,4 million people, which is surprising, considering there is as much to see and do as there is to eat and drink (were looking at you smrrebrd and those disturbingly red hot dogs). But if you love your watchesfrom Rolex to Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, and wonderful vintage, neo-vintage, and pre-owned piecesCopenhagen is like a small dog with a big dog mentality. Thats not a bad thing: Danes are a stylish people who demand quality in everything from their home furniture to their bed room lighting (most locals wont blink at prices above 1,000 dollars for a PH-lamp or 3,000 for The Spanish Chair, made by Brge Mogensen in the 1950ies). This obsession with craftsmanship repeats itself in Danes growing fondness for mechanical watches, which means you can find a handful of retailers in the old part of town, the Indre By (literally the inner city), with a lot to offer. Even if brands like Patek Philippe, Omega, Breitling, Tudor, IWC and Cartier have all opened their own boutiques in recent years, a few family-run businesses make watch hunting an even more enjoyable experience. None of this comes cheap, but youll find boutique-editions, quality pre-owned and Danish brands like Ole Mathiesen, that combine Scandinavian minimalism with Swiss Made manufacturing. It not only makes a nice souvenir, its easier to transport than that Spanish Chair. And, youll even find some insane vintage pieces, like the Patek Philippe 3700 that blew our minds during a recent trip to Copenhagen, and pieces that are sometimes hard to see in person due to their scarcity, like the amazing Patek Philippe 5226g Calatrava we gawked in Copenhagen, as well. Below is our guide to the best watch boutiques in Copenhagen. Best of Robb Report Stacey Cook, the CEO of SalusCare stands for a portrait in one of the units that had repairs done because of damage associated with Hurricane Ian. Southwest Florida has long been a community that values resilience, compassion, and the power of collective action. Nowhere is this more evident than in the regions commitment to mental health and wellness, an area where one individuals contributions have made a lasting impact. This year, The Community Foundation, founded in Cape Coral, is proud to host its annual Nonprofit Business Conference, a premier event that will bring together nonprofit leaders from across the region for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration. This years keynote speaker is none other than Stacey Cook, President & CEO of SalusCare, whose legacy in the behavioral healthcare field in Southwest Florida spans over 28 years. Pillar in the community Staceys journey in the behavioral healthcare field is a testament to dedication and growth. A proud graduate of Lee County public schools, Stacey pursued her passion for helping others by earning a masters in social work from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2001. By 2003, she had become a licensed Clinical Social Worker, equipped with both the knowledge and the empathy required to make a profound impact in the lives of those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. Her career began humbly in 1993 as a volunteer, a role that laid the foundation for her deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues. From those early days, Staceys career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. She advanced from a behavioral health technician to positions of increasing responsibility, including director of Adult Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and assistant vice president of Residential and Outpatient Services. Her steady rise through the ranks was fueled by her unwavering commitment to service and her visionary leadership. Transforming behavioral health services Throughout her career, Stacey has been a driving force in expanding and enhancing mental health services in Southwest Florida. Her work with Lee Mental Health and the David Lawrence Center has positively impacted countless lives, and her current leadership at SalusCare reflects over 20 years of management experience. SalusCare, under Staceys guidance, has become a beacon of hope for those in need, offering comprehensive services that address both mental health and substance abuse challenges. Stacey Cook is president and CEO of SalusCare, Inc. Staceys influence extends far beyond her organization. She has served as a surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, ensuring that facilities across the nation meet the highest standards of care. Additionally, she is an active board member of the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free SW FL and the Florida Behavioral Health Association. Her involvement in these organizations underscores her commitment to broader systemic change and her belief in the power of community-driven solutions. As an author of "Beyond Words," Stacey has also contributed to the broader discourse on mental health, providing insights and guidance for those navigating the complexities of behavioral health care. Her writing reflects the same compassion and expertise that have defined her career, offering hope and practical advice to readers. More than 200 leaders to attend Nonprofit Business Conference The annual Nonprofit Business Conference, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 22, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hilton Bell Tower in Fort Myers, is set to be an extraordinary gathering. With 220 nonprofit leaders already registered, the event promises to be a vibrant hub of knowledge sharing and collaboration. To attend, contact Samantha Revelo at OfficeAdmin@capecoralcf.org. This years conference is more than just a networking opportunity; it is a chance for nonprofit organizations to equip themselves with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in a challenging landscape. Expert-led sessions will cover a range of critical topics, including Marketing, Grant Writing, Event Sponsorships, In-Kind Donations, and Volunteer Recruitment. These sessions are designed to provide actionable insights that can immediately be applied to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit operations. For those who have not yet registered, this is your final opportunity to secure a spot at this premier event. Whether you are a seasoned nonprofit leader or just starting out, the conference offers something for everyone. The knowledge and connections you gain here could be the key to unlocking your organizations full potential. A community united in compassion Stacey Cooks keynote address is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the conference. Her story is not just one of professional achievement; it is a story of deep personal commitment to the well-being of her community. Staceys leadership is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when compassion and expertise are combined in the service of others. Throughout her career, Stacey Cook has been a driving force in expanding and enhancing mental health services in Southwest Florida. The Community Foundations Nonprofit Business Conference is not just an event; it is a celebration of the spirit of Southwest Florida a region that comes together to support its most vulnerable members and to build a future where everyone can thrive. As Stacey Cook takes the stage, she will undoubtedly inspire those in attendance to continue the vital work of serving their communities with dedication and heart. Register today With the conference just around the corner, now is the time to act. Dont miss this opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the nonprofit sector and to connect with peers who share your passion for making a difference. The knowledge you gain and the connections you make could be transformative for your organization. Stacey Cooks journey is a powerful example of how one persons dedication can impact an entire community. By attending the Nonprofit Business Conference, you too can become part of this legacy of service and innovation. Register today by emailing OfficeAdmin@capecoralcf.org and join us on Aug. 22 at the DoubleTree Hilton Bell Tower in Fort Myers. Together, we can build a brighter future for Southwest Florida. The Community Foundation, founded in Cape Coral, Florida, is dedicated to fostering a strong, vibrant, and resilient nonprofit sector in Southwest Florida. Through events like the Nonprofit Business Conference, we provide the tools, resources, and connections that organizations need to succeed in their mission of service to the community. For more information, go to capecoralcf.org This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Community Foundation to host annual nonprofit business conference On August 13, 2024, the snack world lost a legend. Wally Amos, founder of Famous Amos cookies, passed away at 88 years old after a long battle with dementia. He left behind a legacy: a brand of cookies that changed the shape of the supermarket baked goods aisle forever. "With his Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, Famous Amos was a great American success story, and a source of Black pride," his children Sarah, Michael, Gregory and Shawn Amos said in a statement (via The Guardian). But there's more to this brand than meets the eye. Did you know, for example, that it had been over three decades since Amos had owned the brand, or that the "famous" recipe has changed multiple times (much to the disappointment of fans)? How about that the chocolate chip flavor was not always the only flavor of these bite-sized sweet treats? Here's everything you need to know about Famous Amos cookies. Read more: 12 Popular Ice Cream Brands, Ranked Worst To Best The Brand Started Out As A Bakery On Sunset Boulevard sunset boulevard street sign - Kelly Davidson/Getty Images Most of us get our Famous Amos fix at the supermarket, but these cookies actually got their start in a small bakery in Los Angeles, on Sunset Boulevard. It was in 1975 that Wally Amos opened his bakery, thanks in large part to $25,000 in seed money provided by Marvin Gaye and Helen Reddy, who were his buddies from his previous career as a talent agent. The neighborhood wasn't the most obvious place to launch a cookie business. His son Shawn Amos, musician and author of "Cookies & Milk," told History.com, "The East side of Sunset was seedy," he said. "We were across the street from a strip joint. We were held up a couple of times." But Wally Amos saw potential in the neighborhood and, moreover, in his product. The company quickly found success, selling $300,000 worth of cookies that first year alone. Famous Amos Broke With The Norm In Baking Bite-Sized Cookies With All-Natural Ingredients famous amos cookies - Sherly N/Shutterstock A major contributing factor to the original success of Famous Amos was undoubtedly the attention to quality. Wally Amos was inspired by a family cookie recipe one he inherited from his aunt, with whom he had lived since the age of 12. He used this recipe to craft his three original flavors: chocolate chip peanut butter, chocolate chip with pecan, and butterscotch chip with pecan. And Amos was a stickler for only using top-quality ingredients. "I always used vanilla extract," Amos told the New York Times in 1999. This was something that set him worlds apart from the other store-bought brands available at the time, which were typically "flavorless" and "preservative-packed," according to the New York Times. But ingredients were only the start of what made Amos' cookies so special. In 2008, he told NPR that he took advantage of two secret ingredients: love and positivity. "I talk to my cookies," he told the outlet. "When they're in there baking, I tell them, now, come on guys. You know, you're going to go out into the world. You're going to please people. You're going to make people happy. You're going to bring joy into people's lives. So I want you to get nice and brown and just beautiful." If that wasn't enough, Famous Amos cookies also departed from the norm with their bite-sized format, making them true outliers. Wally Amos Was A Major Draw To The Brand wally amos smiling - Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Of course, larger-than-life Wally Amos was also a major factor contributing to the company's success. Amos, a former serviceman in the Air Force, later got a job in the mailroom of the William Morris Talent Agency in 1957. Eventually, he worked his way up to become the company's very first Black talent agent, even signing Simon and Garfunkel to the agency. It was burnout that led him to leave behind the world of agenting for cookie-baking, but his larger-than-life personality and charisma followed him to his new career. Not only the brand's founder, he became its mascot of sorts, appearing on packaging in his signature straw hat, which is now housed in the Smithsonian. He furthered his fame by making guest appearances on television shows like "The Jeffersons" and "The Office," which ultimately made him and his namesake cookies an American household staple. The Brand Was Bought By Ferrero In 2019 After Changing Hands Several Times famous amos store - Tang Yan Song/Shutterstock While Wally Amos was undeniably a character, his charisma didn't make up for his lack of business experience and acumen. Soon after the brand gained its initial success, Amos began to struggle to keep the company afloat. Through the '80s, Amos was forced to dilute his own equity multiple times to keep up with the demands of the business, even losing his house at one point. Finally, in 1984, he sold a majority stake to Bass Brothers Enterprises for $1.1 million. The company would change hands multiple times. Bass Brothers sold its 51% stake a year after buying it. In 1987, the Baer family of Denver acquired the business, endeavoring to expand supermarket distribution of the cookies, but soon after, private equity firm the Shansby Group purchased the brand. In 1992, the company was acquired by President Baking Company for $61 million, and when, in 1998, Keebler purchased President, it also acquired the cookie brand. Three years later, in 2001, the Kellogg Company purchased Keebler, and Famous Amos would be a Kellogg brand until Ferrero, the makers of Nutella, purchased Keebler from Kellogg in 2019. The Brand Briefly Deviated From Its Original Recipe Much To Amos' Dismay famous amos cookies - Zety Akhzar/Shutterstock Over the course of multiple new owners, Famous Amos cookies ultimately lost out on some of the quality that had been tantamount to Wally Amos' success. By 1999, he told the New York Times, ''Somehow or another caramel coloring had been added and I don't know why that was." A reliance on shelf-stable ingredients and an attempt to position the brand as an affordable alternative left a bitter taste in the founder's mouth. So much so that when Keebler contacted Amos about returning as a spokesperson, he pushed back, refusing to come on board unless Keebler reverted back to the original recipe. The company agreed and thus secured the founder's famous face. Speaking to History.com, Amos' son Shawn said the decision wasn't an easy one. "He was happy to be back in the center of the brand he started, but he also had a hard time accepting the fact that at the end of the day, he was just a paid spokesperson," Shawn recalled. Ferrero Tried To Revamp Them Into A More Upscale Cookie famous amos wonders of the world - The Image Party/Shutterstock The recipe revamp of the '90s was not the only time Famous Amos cookies saw their flavor changed. When Ferrero acquired the brand in 2019, it set its sights on rebranding the bite-sized snacks as more of a premium cookie. It was hoped that it would become a brand that would compete with brands like Tate's rather than Oreo. With this goal in mind, Ferrero launched a brand-new version of the cookie in 2021. The reimagined cookies didn't just contain more chips than previous recipes; they also relied on premium Belgian chocolate. This made-over original was joined by a new line of Wonders from the World cookies, featuring exotic flavors like Philippine Coconut and Mediterranean Hazelnut. Ultimately, this relaunch didn't resonate with consumers. In November 2023, Ferrero returned to the original recipe and the original supermarket placement alongside what Food Dive characterizes as "everyday cookies." The company also slashed the price and increased the number of cookies in each bag, endearing itself to long-time fans of the simple, delicious cookie. Founder Wally Amos Went On To Found Other Baking Businesses And Was An Advocate For Childhood Literacy Wally Amos appearing on Shark Tank - ABC/YouTube While Wally Amos split ways with the business that wore his name, he was far from finished with the baking industry. In 1992, he launched a new, premium hazelnut cookie brand called Wally Amos Presents. He was sued for trademark infringement, ultimately changing the brand name to Uncle Noname, a business that persisted until 1996. After filing for bankruptcy, he switched tacks, this time founding a muffin business, Uncle Wally's Muffin Co., and a bake shop in Hawai'i, where he would live until his death. His final baking business, The Cookie Kahuna, saw him return to the screen at the ripe age of 80, when he appeared on Shark Tank. A former high school dropout, Amos' other passion was reading. Not only did he write multiple books about his experience, but he promoted childhood literacy on both the micro and macro level. His bake shop boasted a reading room, where Amos himself would read to children most Saturdays, and for 24 years, Amos also served as a spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of America. In 1991, George H.W. Bush presented him with the Literacy Award, telling Amos, "Your greatest contribution to your country is not your signature straw hat in the Smithsonian, but the people you have inspired to learn to read." The Brand Works Hard To Support Black-Owned Businesses black small business owner - Wazzkii/Shutterstock Wally Amos was a pioneer ahead of his time, and while he was no longer affiliated with Famous Amos at the time of his death, four years ago, the brand launched an initiative in his honor to help promote Black entrepreneurship. The initiative, dubbed Ingredients for Success, provides $150,000 in grants each year to Black-owned small businesses. Each year, Ingredients for Success supports three new Black businesses, which must have operated for five years or fewer to qualify. Past winners have included Brittany Rhodes of Black Girl MATHgic, a subscription-based business geared towards increasing confidence in math for young girls; Elizabeth Abunaw of Forty Acres Fresh Market, a grocery business aimed towards supporting Chicago's healthy food access movement; and Londyn Jackson of The Language Arc, a wellness center geared towards speech and language therapy services for children. In continuing to promote Black entrepreneurship, the company rewards young people with the same dedication, passion, and spark that got Amos started almost 50 years ago. Read the original article on Mashed. All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. During his recent tour of Colombia with his wife Meghan Markle, Prince Harrys necklace seems to have caught some attention due to its somewhat controversial history. Today's Top Deals Related: Meghan Markle Apparently Got in Big Trouble With the Royals Overa Necklace Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, touched down in Bogota on August 15, 2024. They were warmly greeted by Vice President Francia Marquezthe first Black woman to hold this position in Colombiaand her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo. But it wasnt just the high-profile meeting that sparked headlines. The Duke of Sussex, whos been navigating choppy waters since stepping back from royal duties and relocating to California with Meghan, seems to have picked a piece of jewelry that carries more weight than meets the eye. The necklace in question is a gift from a friend in Botswana, a place that holds special significance for the couple (remember, thats where they went on their third date). It features three charms: a tigers eye stone and two silver pendants gifted to him by Meghan, each etched with the heartbeats of their children, Archie and Lilibet. $19.10$36.0047% Off Buy Now But heres where things get interesting. The necklace also has a bit of royal drama attached to it. In his memoir, Spare, Harry recounted an alleged physical altercation with his brother, Prince William, who he claims tore the necklace off his neck. He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor. I landed on the dogs bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me. I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out, Harry writes in Spare. The alleged incident, according to Harry, was sparked by Williams comments about Meghan being rude and abrasive. Fast forward to 2023, and Harry discussed the incident with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show. He mentioned that the necklace was now fixed and explained its significance: Ive got my kids heartbeats, which my wife gave me, he said, referring to the etched pendants. And a friend of mine in Botswana made this for me, which has got tigers eye on it. Over a year later, the Duke of Sussex is back to sporting what appears to be this very same necklace. In photos from the trip, you can spot the cord peeking out from his open-collared shirts as he mingles with Colombian students and officials. During their visit, Meghan and Harry discussed their mission to create a safer digital landscape and promote mental health for children worldwide. Perhaps Harrys choice to wear this particular necklacewith its history of being broken and mendedis more than just a fashion statement. Could it be a symbol of new beginnings? A reminder that even fractured relationships can be repaired? Whatever the reason, its clear that this simple cord necklace carries a ton of meaning for the prince. As he continues to forge his own path outside of traditional royal duties, hes keeping reminders of his journey close to his heartor in this case, around his neck. Spare by Prince Harry $19.10$36.0047% Off Buy Now For more about Prince Harry, read his memoir, Spare. Told for the first time in his own words, the book takes readers through the Duke of Sussexs life with the British royal family, from the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997 to how the moment led to his decision decades later to move to America with his wife, Meghan Markle, and leave Buckingham Palace for good in 2020. With its raw, unflinching honesty, Spare is a landmark publication full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief, the publishers description reads. Best of StyleCaster Hey, young people: Want a good job? You might consider becoming a teacher. You wont get rich, but teachers earn more money than you might think. Plus, youll have a much easier time landing (and keeping) a job than many of your peers. This might sound like counterintuitive career advice given the current state of the teaching profession. But here are two reasons more young people should consider a career in education: Teachers have an easy time finding good jobs This year, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York published an interactive tool looking at the labor market outcomes of recent college graduates. Among the 74 majors included on the list, elementary education had the sixth-lowest unemployment rate, at 1.5%. To put that in perspective, industrial engineering came in first, at 0.2%, and art history came in last, at 8%. Education majors also did well on the rate of underemployment. Essentially, were college graduates working in jobs that required a degree? On this measure, special education teachers came in second overall, just behind nursing. Elementary education, early childhood education and general education majors all landed in the top 10. The data from the Federal Reserve represent just a snapshot in time, but the economic advantages of becoming a teacher have persisted for decades. The National Center for Education has run regular surveys of recent college graduates, and it has found that education majors regularly report higher early-career employment rates than graduates in other fields. They are also more likely to work in a job closely related to what they studied in college. As a result, new college graduates with an education major are less likely to be looking to change jobs than peers in other fields. Related Wrong Ideas about Teacher Pay, Happiness May Keep Students from the Profession Now, its true that teaching doesnt pay as well as some professions. This has been the case for years, though, and the NCES data shows that the early-career gap hasnt changed much over time. Again, its all relative, because beginning teachers consistently make more money than early-career psychology or humanities majors, for example. Teachers are satisfied with their jobs A recent paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research looked at whether better information could nudge more young people to consider teaching. The researchers asked freshmen at the University of Michigan to guess how much teachers and non-teachers earned and how satisfied they were with their jobs. About two-thirds of the students underestimated how much the average teacher earns. But almost all the students 99% guessed that teacher satisfaction was lower than it had been historically. Using a large sample of data from the National Survey of College Graduates, the authors looked at data from 2010-19 and found that 91% of teachers reported being satisfied with their jobs (compared with 88% of non-teachers). Moreover, 97% of teachers were satisfied with their jobs contribution to society, compared with 88% of non-teachers. Source: College Students and Career Aspirations: Nudging Student Interest in Teaching by Alvin Christian, Matthew Ronfeldt & Basit Zafar, https://www.nber.org/papers/w32641 After being presented with more accurate information about teacher pay and satisfaction, the college students become more interested in pursuing a career in education. Males were particularly responsive to the new, accurate data about the profession. (In a test of other types of messages, female and Black students were more influenced by statements supporting the importance of diversity and the way teachers can serve as role models for youngsters.) The last couple of years have been a particularly good time for job hunters in the education sector. With widespread shortage areas, particularly in urban and rural schools and in subjects like math and special education, new teachers have had their pick of where to work. Related Which Teaching Jobs Are Easier or Harder to Staff? New Data Has Some Answers With federal COVID relief funds expiring this fall, the balance is likely to shift back somewhat toward employers. But for candidates worried about their job prospects, a specialization in math, science or special education would strongly enhance their resumes. And anyone considering a teaching career should take solace in the fact that, historically speaking, students who earn education degrees have an easier time landing a full-time job than those who pursue other, riskier careers. JOPLIN, Mo. Missouri Southern State Universitys newest Lions are kicking off the start of the school year getting acquainted with Joplin. Its all part of the universitys Campus Craze event that happens every Sunday evening before the first day of classes. It was held in the Billingsly Student Center today. The event features a plethora of organizations, both on and off campus, that teach incoming freshmen all about what opportunities they have. More on MSSU Some of those included camps, clubs, and resources. Theres also a bunch of free items for students, like ice cream and drinks. One MSSU Lion, Leah Bowles, tells us this is her first year as a college student, and although shes excited, theres still some worry. Just adjusting to the new because Im definitely a homebody and like to be with my people. And so all of my environment has changed except for like two best friends are here with me. But all my family and stuff Im gone from. And so just trying to make that transition from all of my people and making new people and just learning to be around this new environment for sure, said Leah Bowles, MSSU Freshman. To be a freshman, a new student in college, its a big step, new people, new places. And I think this event, Campus Craze, gives them opportunities to connect with other students, organizations that they might be passionate about, or maybe to try something new. So its part of our effort to make students welcome and help them succeed, said Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU President. I think it did help me last year. I learned a lot about stuff that Im actually in now, like Koinonia and other things like that. So just knowing about that stuff definitely helps because being a baby freshman, knowing nothing was terrifying, said Alex Pennington, MSSU Sophomore. After the event, students got the chance to play Big Prize Bingo, something MSSU officials say is a big hit for the students. Classes begin bright and early tomorrow morning. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Josephine Ortega was traveling with her boyfriend in Nevada when she learned about a mother trying to retrieve her son's toy Yvette Ortega; Josephine Ortega Josephine Ortega returns stuffed monkey to family. Josephine Ortega was on a trip in Nevada when she learned a family in her hometown in Texas was looking for a lost stuffed animal Josephine was only an hour away from the hotel and decided to pick it up and bring it back home The mother of two documented the stuffed monkey's adventure home in hilarious pictures After returning the stuffed animal to the boy, his mom Yvette Ortega, posted a video of the story on TikTok Josephine Ortega was traveling with her boyfriend in Nevada when she received a Facebook message from a sister at her church. The message explained that a mother in their community back in Texas was desperately searching for someone to retrieve a stuffed monkey her son had left at a hotel in Anaheim, Calif. just an hour's drive from where her boyfriend lived. At the time, the couple was on a trip to Nevada with plans to visit Native American reservations and enjoy seafood. However, after Josephine, who is a mother of two young girls, saw the message, she immediately decided to help. "His mom told me how the hotel hadnt been willing to send it back," Josephine, 22, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "She had tried to arrange for it to be shipped, but they said someone had to pick it up in person." "I thought, well, God works in mysterious ways," she adds. "I was like, 'Let's do this for this kid.' I couldn't ignore the fact that if my kids were in that situation, I'd want someone to do the same for me." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Josephine Ortega Josephine Ortega shares picture of monkey on plane. Related: Trader Joe's Employee Surprises Family with Key Lime Pie. A Week Later, They Show Up to Her Job with Gift (Exclusive) That day, Josephine and her boyfriend left Nevada and headed back to California. When they arrived at the hotel, Josephine went to the desk and informed the staff that she was there to retrieve the stuffed monkey. The hotel staff contacted the mother, Yvette Ortega, who gave permission for them to take the stuffed animal. After securing the monkey, Josephine texted Yvette, "We got the monkey! We got the monkey!" At that moment, Josephine thought about how the 9-year-old boy named Derek had been crying for his monkey. So, before heading home, she decided to send a picture of the stuffed animal to Yvette to share with Derek. After sending the first photo, Josephine had an idea to document the stuffed monkeys journey back to Derek, hoping to lift his spirits. Some of the photos she took throughout the monkey's journey back to Texas included him on the car ride to the airport, drinking Dr. Pepper, and watching Minions movies on the plane, which she didn't realize were some of his favorite things. "I didn't know that Derek loved Minions or that he was a fan of Dr. Pepper," Josephine says. "The mom mentioned his favorite movie was Minions. As for Dr. Pepper, I'm not a fan, but on that day, I suddenly craved it. So I decided to get a Dr. Pepper for myself and included it in the picture with the monkey, making the journey a bit more fun and exciting." "But I have to admit," Josephine adds with a laugh, "I almost lost the monkey three more times throughout the trip. It kept falling, and I was constantly searching for it, saying, 'No! Where are you?'" After landing in Texas, Josephine texted Yvette to coordinate a meeting. When she arrived at the meeting spot, Josephine recalls Yvette telling her son to get out of the car and that's when Josephine approached Derek and said, "I heard you're missing a little somebody." Right away, Josephine recalls Derek coming up to hug her and the monkey tightly. "In that moment when I was giving back the monkey, what went through my mind was seeing him smile again," Josephine says. "Even though its just a material thing, it meant a lot to him. His happiness overwhelmed me. I was grateful to see that smile and think about how my kids would feel if they had lost something very important to them. I would want someone to do the same for my children." After handing over the stuffed animal, Yvette gave Josephine a gift, which she appreciated but felt was unnecessary. "I told her, 'You don't have to do this. I'm not doing it for anything. I'm doing it for your child,'" Josephine adds. Yvette Ortega Josephine Ortega handing Derek monkey. Related: High School Senior in Tears as He Shows Teacher He Tattooed Her Final Note to Him on His Chest (Exclusive) Leading up to the exchange, Josephine had kept the monkey's return a secret from Derek, hoping to surprise him. After getting the monkey back, Yvette compiled all the pictures Josephine had sent and posted them on Facebook and TikTok for Derek to see. To Josephine's surprise, the TikTok video has since gone viral with over 500,000 views and 2,000 comments. "When she posted it, I thought she just posted on Facebook, and I was okay with that. But then I saw it on TikTok and started crying when I read the comments," Josephine says. "As much as I didn't want it to be public, I'm thankful. I really am because I made an impact." Josephine has also shown the video to her daughters and explained the story behind it. Upon reading some of the comments to them, she recalls them saying, "Mommy, you're an angel." "This story made me happy because I'm showing my kids how to be kind and thoughtful. That's what really made me happy not the comments, but being an example for my kids." Josephine Ortega Josephine Ortega feeding the monkey Dr. Pepper. Josephine is now planning a playdate between her daughters and Derek. She also invited Yvette to her church, hoping they can build a connection. "I told her, 'You're more than welcome to come to my church. I would love for you to participate and get to know us better. But if it's not for you, I understand.'" Josephine adds, "We may not be family by blood, but we've become a family in spirit through this experience." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Two Iowa parks make list of 100 Most Breathtaking Views in America Two Iowa state parks were recently noted for their beautiful views, joining a list that includes Cape Cod, Manhattans skyline, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. Pikes Peak State Park and the Loess Hills were included in Mixbooks list of the 100 Most Breathtaking Views in America. The list was released just in time for World Photography Day, Aug. 19. Mixbook, a popular photobook company, surveyed 3,000 Americans to create the list of the 100 most photo-worthy views in the United States. How did Iowa's Pikes Peak State Park rate for most breathtaking views? The overlook from Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, in northeast Iowa, is seen on Aug. 25, 2015. Pikes Peak, located in McGregor, came in 47th place overall, with the park's overlook getting specific recognition. The overlook at Pikes Peak State Park offers a stunning view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers, a news release from Mixbook stated. The viewpoint provides a panoramic vista of the river valleys, particularly beautiful at sunrise. How did the Loess Hills rate for most breathtaking views? For the Loess Hills, which placed, 87th, the Murray Hill Scenic Overlook was the most photogenic scene. The overlook in western Iowa's Harrison County offers a unique view of this distinctive landscape. The viewpoint provides a sweeping view of the rolling hills and valleys, particularly dramatic during sunrise or sunset, according to the release. More: Iowa is home to one of the Midwest's best campgrounds, new list says. What were the Top 10 most breathtaking views? Denali from Wonder Lake, Alaska Na Pali Coast from Kalalau Lookout, Hawaii Mendenhall Glacier from Nugget Falls Trail, Alaska Big Sky from Lone Mountain Summit, Montana Lake Tahoe from Sand Harbor, Nevada Bryce Canyon from Sunrise Point, Utah Grand Canyon from Mather Point, Arizona Cape Cod from Nauset Beach, Massachusetts Niagara Falls from Prospect Point, New York Las Vegas Strip from the High Roller To see the entire list of 100 American locations, visit Mixbook.com. More: New inclusive Treehouse Village offers climbing wall, zipline, slides, accessible features Reporter Ronna Faaborg can be reached at rfaaborg@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: You can find two of the most stunning views in the US in Iowa. Where? The author as a child with her father. Photo Courtesy Of Cuba Jimenez Friday morning began in the Los Angeles International Airport. I was preparing to board my flight to go visit my father in Seattle. This would also be the first time that my partner of three years would meet my dad. I was nervous and excited, but both feelings would be replaced by something entirely different just moments later. I heard a chime on my phone and looked down to see an email from Ancestry.com. My fingers flew to open the email. I had been waiting two painfully long months for the results of my DNA test. While on my mothers side I knew I was thoroughly European, I felt there was something missing from my paternal genealogy. I had been waiting for this test only a few months, but this was a mystery Id wanted to solve my whole life. As with many families in the Southern U.S. with ancestry originating in the slave trade, I was eager to see where my ancestors had migrated from on the West Coast of Africa. While there were many unknowns that I was eager to uncover through my DNA, one thing I was certain of; I was Puerto Rican. My name was Cuba Jimenez, after all. I opened my results right as pre-boarding was called, scanning the percentage breakdowns below the multicolored world map. Cameroonian. Congolese. A lot more than I was expecting of them. British. Scottish. A lot more of that, too. My partner was the first to call it out. Theres no Spanish. No Taino. I didnt realize what she was saying. I checked the map again. None of those fun little migratory circles even touched Spain or the Caribbean. I had my grandfathers birth certificate. There was no doubt that Luis Jimenez-Cruz was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. A military man who was assassinated in Panama during the Martyrs Day riots and buried in Arlington cemetery. His records were everywhere. My fathers were not. Then and there it clicked that Luis couldnt be my grandfather. I triple-checked to make sure my fathers maternal ancestry was in line with my own. Yes. My dad was my dad, but my grandfather was not. Perhaps it wouldnt have been a big deal for some. These kinds of secrets could be found in everyones family tree. There are stories all over TikTok of people uncovering secret lineages and ethnicities theyd never known about through DNA testing. I searched Reddit stories on the plane and found many that echoed my own. In my own life, Id known a woman whod uncovered a secret brother through a DNA analysis site. According to the Pew Research Center, 27% of American adults who took mail-in DNA tests reported being surprised by a close relative result. Yet, my story meant that my name, Cuba Jimenez, wasnt truly mine as I wasnt a Jimenez or Latino at all. My identity was wrapped up in years of sailing in Florida and the Caribbean. In pernil and conch and coconuts. It was marked by the struggle of trying to learn Spanish and being criticized for my accent. Hell, I was a Latino Media major in college. I had never claimed to solely be Latino, but it was certainly an extremely proud part of my mixed heritage. I suddenly felt the urge to rid myself of the name as quickly as I could. Im finding a new last name, I told my partner as our boarding group was called. A part of me felt deceitful, though never intentionally, for having worn Jimenez for so long when it wasnt mine to use. I sat on that plane for two hours and cried. I was having an identity crisis at 30,000 feet. I loved my Puerto Rican heritage. The stories of my dads time as a child in PR were a part of me and I cherished them. It was important to both of us, I knew. He as much as I loved where his dad had come from. He had continued to visit and live in the Caribbean long after my grandfather was gone. I had never known any of my grandfathers, so this name and my dads stories were all I had. Although there are large Black communities on the Caribbean islands, Luis was a white man. The man whose DNA had shown up on my chart came from early African Americans brought to the southern United States by the slave trade. So my dad had two Black parents, not one. I pondered on what this meant for me. Being a mix of Black and white wasnt hard for me to accept, as it was already a known element of who I was. But giving up a separate part of my identity felt like a tremendous loss. I also didnt know the circumstances surrounding any of what I had discovered, and that scared me too. When I saw my dad it was all we could talk about. I had texted him the information on the plane and I know we both spent the following 24 hours with our heads spinning. We felt different, somehow, but we didnt know what had changed. I reminded him and myself that Luis didnt share our DNA, but he had been a willing and loving father every day until his death. That made him our family. My dad had learned his food, music, and everything about who he was from his Puerto Rican stepfather. That made it his culture, too. The DNA linkages didnt lead me very far, anyhow. A monumental bomb had been dropped on my life, and when the dust settled, there was nothing there. A few anonymous matches to second or third cousins. No real answers for the now increasingly long list of questions I had. I began to think about my mothers family tree. Mostly British, and entirely filled with historical records and documents dating to the 1400s. Genealogy was a fun brain game for those with European ancestry, finding histories that told them what their 9th great-grandparents were doing in the Georgian era. For nearly everyone else, it was a painful awakening to lost stories, erased histories and generations of trauma. There is a documented difference in surprise DNA results for Americans of color versus white Americans. According to Pew Research, only 22% of white mail-in DNA test takers were surprised by results concerning their ethnic or racial background. In contrast, 42% of nonwhite Americans reported surprise at ethnic ancestry findings. Just like the DNA I had anticipated versus that which had stunned me, it seemed to be a pretty black-and-white issue. Knowing your ancestry is its own kind of privilege. I thought back to what I had heard an Indigenous friend say about blood quantum being a colonizer ideology. I wondered if the same could be applied to all forms of DNA percentage tests. Now, with the acknowledgement that I am half white, there is no pretending I will ever divorce completely from whiteness. But the idea that blood makes us who we are, that was something I could leave behind in shedding a Eurocentric view of the world and of myself. I, like everyone in the world around me, was shaped by every aspect of my environment. By the people that I know and will come to know in my life. By the neighborhood I grew up in and the teachers Ive had. In part, I am also shaped by the blood I share with those who came before me, but that is just one important aspect of who I am. As Vice President Kamala Harris said, I didnt just fall out of a coconut tree. There is a ton of context. So perhaps Jimenez is exactly who I am. Perhaps the whole thing is a part of my story and my identity is made up of every part of it. I can open myself up to learning about new connections and what my ethnic makeup means. I can still struggle through my Spanish and enjoy the Puerto Rican recipes I love. I may not be a Latina, but I am a Jimenez today and always. Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com. Related... Portsmouth Back to School Breakfast PORTSMOUTH The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth will host a Back-to-School Breakfast Forum from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Atlantic Grill in Rye. Zach McLaughlin, superintendent of Schools at Portsmouth School Department, Courtney Ritchings, director of Career Technical Education and Stephen Chinosi, principal of Portsmouth High School, will be the speakers. Open to members and community members alike. Register at https://tinyurl.com/backtoschoolbfast. Discover the real-life settings for Stephen Kings novels DOVER Explore the real-life places that inspired many of the settings in Stephen Kings novels in Stephen Kings Maine: Maine Destinations for Stephen King Fans on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The Dover Public Library, in partnership with Tewksbury Public Library, is hosting the 7 p.m. virtual event. Those interested in attending will need to register through the librarys website at library.dover.nh.gov. In her new book, "Stephen King's Maine," author Sharon Kitchens includes this hand-drawn map shows the Maine communities where best-selling novelist Stephen King has found inspiration for the towns and characters he has created throughout the five-plus decades of his writing career. Craft Dorset buttons at Dover Public Library DOVER Join the Dover Public Library on Friday, Aug. 23, at 10:30 a.m. for a hands-on workshop on making Dorset buttons. This program is perfect for older teens and adults, with no prior experience needed. Participants will leave with at least one finished button and the skills to create more. All supplies are provided. Registration is required. Sign up at library.dover.nh.gov or call 603-516-6050. Wounded Warriors to hit the surf at Hampton's North Beach HAMPTON The Wounded Warrior Project, NE Disabled Sport, and the Manchester VA will return to North Beach for the annual Hit the Beach event on Friday, Aug. 23. The Wounded Warriors are veterans wounded in Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, and other conflicts around the globe. Hit The Beach introduces injured veterans, along with their spouses and children, to surfing. Four local surf shops (Cinnamon Rainbows, Pioneers, Zapstix, and Summer Sessions) provide the equipment, including surfboards, wetsuits, and instructors. The location is 18th Street, and surfing will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Wounded Warrior Project, NE Disabled Sport, and the Manchester VA will return to North Beach for the annual Hit the Beach event on Friday, Aug. 23. Family Dance Party at Dover Public Library DOVER Join Jenna from The Suite Studio for a fun family dance session at the Dover Public Library on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. Families are welcome to dance together, with options to wear or hold babies, or let them nap in their seats. Kids who can walk or have their own dance moves can join in the fun. All ages are welcome! Grannys Treasures indoor sale SOMERSWORTH Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish Holy Trinity Church Hall, 404 High St., Somersworth. Many items to choose from. Featured items include yard, garden, home decor, beach, books, dishes, nick knacks, small appliances, quality kitchen ware, bagged jewelry, fall and winter holiday. Great finds for crafters, couples starting out, college student dorms, etc. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Wounded Warriors surf day at North Beach: Community events Aug. 19-25 Pinellas County residents go to cast their voting ballots at the Coliseum polling precinct on Nov. 8, 2022. (Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images) Election Day for Floridas primary is Tuesday, but 1.9 million people have already returned mail-in ballots, with more Democrats choosing mail-in ballots and Republicans taking the lead on in-person early voting. Mail-in ballots represent the majority of the votes Floridians have cast thus far in the primaries for local, statewide, and congressional races, according to data from the Florida Division of Elections. Of the 1.2 million people who have voted by mail, around 44% are Democrats and 41% are Republicans. Among Democrats who have requested mail-in ballots, 497,231 have yet to return them to elections officials, compared to 376,837, Republicans, according to the division. However, nearly 60% of the 655,697 in-person early votes have come from Republicans. Approximately 181,000 fewer Democrats have taken to the polls ahead of Election Day. More people voted early in this primary than in the 2020 primary, when 558,430 voters chose to cast their ballots early, according to the division. Early voting ended on Sunday. Vote-by-mail ballots can be deposited into secure drop boxes or at supervisors of elections offices by 7 p.m. on Election Day, which is also the deadline for when the supervisors must receive the ballots submitted through the mail. Although some Florida counties opened polling stations for early voting starting on Aug. 5, officials in seven counties delayed in-person early voting because of the damage Hurricane Debby caused. Despite making up 26% of registered voters in the state, only 224,828 nonparty-affiliated voters have voted by mail or at an early voting location. Florida has a closed primary system, meaning that only registered Republicans can vote in a Republican primary and only Democrats can vote in a Democratic primary, which reduces the number of races NPA and third-party voters can participate in. But any voters can cast ballots in a primary in which the winner wouldnt face any challengers in November, such as the Florida Senate District 35 race between Democratic incumbent Geraldine Thompson and Randolph Bracy. Other nonpartisan races, including those for school board seats, are open to all registered voters. 20-year-old killed in shooting near Loris, 2 others hurt, authorities say HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A 20-year-old man was killed in a shooting that also hurt two other people on Sunday evening, authorities said. Anari Nari As-Sabur died at a local hospital, Deputy Horry County Coroner Michelle McSpadden said. He was from Loris. It happened on Wright Road outside of Loris near the North Carolina border. Horry County police were called to the area at about 6 p.m. and said there was no immediate threat to community members. This embedded content is not available in your region. Two of the victims were taken to the hospital in personal vehicles, according to a police report. No additional details about the incident were immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to call 843-248-1520. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. A British tech magnate and several other people are missing after a luxury superyacht sank near Sicilys main city, Palermo, during a violent storm, Italian officials and sources familiar with the matter told CNBC. At least one person was killed. Mike Lynch, who was regularly described in U.K. media as Britains Bill Gates, was not among those rescued, said the sources, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the situation. They added that Angela Bacares, Lynchs wife, had been plucked from the waters off the Italian island. Lynch was among six people who were unaccounted for, The Associated Press quoted Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency as saying. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, he said. Cocina also confirmed that Bacares had survived. Italy's coast guard said in a statement that the 184-foot sailboat, named the Bayesian, sank due to a violent storm off Palermo at around 5 a.m. local time (11 p.m. ET) with 22 people on board. Fifteen people were rescued, and six passengers were missing, it said. American, British and Canadian citizens were among the missing, the statement said. The coast guard said in later statement that the ships cook had died. It did not give the cook's nationality. Karsten Borner, the captain of a ship that rescued the survivors, told reporters that there was a strong hurricane gust, and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position, according to Reuters. He added that they had watched the ship behind us not to touch them and we managed to keep the ship in position. After the storm was over, he said, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone. Fifteen people inside. Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship, he said. Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time, the coast guard came and later picked up injured people. The Bayesian, left, and the Dutch sailboat Sir Robert Baden Powell at anchor off the Sicilian village of Porticello near Palermo, Italy, on Sunday. One of the survivors, identified as Charlotte Emsley, 35, told the Italian news agency ANSA that she had momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter, Sofia, in the water but managed to retrieve her and hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were pulled to safety. I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves. I held her tight, close to me, while the sea was stormy, she said. Many were screaming. Luckily, the lifeboat inflated, and 11 of us managed to get on it. The City Council of Bagheria said in a statement that a child of that age was being treated at a childrens hospital. It said that seven adults were taken to the emergency room but that it seems that none are in serious conditions. Mike Lynch in 2011. Lynch, 59, the missing tech entrepreneur, founded the enterprise software firm Autonomy and became the target of a protracted legal battle with Hewlett-Packard after the U.S. tech giant accused him of inflating the companys value in an $11 billion sale. Extradited from Britain to the U.S. last year to stand trial, he was acquitted of fraud after a three-month trial. Italys national fire department said in a statement that divers, a motorboat and a helicopter had been deployed to help with the search. The wreck was at a depth of around 165 feet, the statement said. Divers from the Sicilian city of Sassri and Naples, a city on the Italian mainland, were arriving on site to search inside the sunken vessel, it said. Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008, the U.K.-registered Bayesian has an aluminum hull and can carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. Online sites list the luxury vessel for charter for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week, the AP reported. The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Wednesday and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, with a navigation status of at anchor, according to the vessel tracking app Vesselfinder. Fabio La Bianca, 40, took a picture of the boat at around 10 p.m. local time Sunday shortly after he closed his bar in nearby Santa Flavia. Absurd tragedy tonight. I am lost for words, he said Monday on Facebook. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Two Americans, four Britons, and a Canadian are missing or believed dead after a luxury yacht sank Monday near the coast of Sicily, Italy. British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is among the missing and the boat belonged to his family, a source familiar with the matter confirmed with TIME. His wife, Angela Bacares, was confirmed to be among those rescued. In June, Lynch was found not-guilty of fraud after a nearly 13-year-long saga. where he faced the possibility of up to 25 years in prison. Lynch, who sold his company Autonomy to Hewlett Packard (HP) for $11.1 billion in 2011, was accused of serious accounting improprieties by HP after the acquisition. HP executives went on to write down $8.8 billion of the companys value and accused Lynch of fraud. Lynch faced legal battles for over a decade before being acquitted by a California jury in June. I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field, he said when he was acquitted earlier this summer, per the Guardian. So far, one unidentified body has been found, but the six other people remain unaccounted for, according to authorities. The accident occurred during a storm on Monday, Italian Coast Guard officials said. The boat was carrying 22 people, 15 of whom were successfully rescued, the youngest of whom was a 1-year-old child. The Italian Coast Guard told TIME in a statement that a 56-meter yacht named Bayesian that was flying the U.K. flag sank around 5 a.m. local time following a violent storm. Italian media reported that the yacht was struck by a waterspout, a miniature version of a tornado, during the storm, causing the boat to capsize. Of the 15 people rescued, eight were transferred to local hospitals, including the 1-year old child. So far, they are all reported to be in stable condition, according to Italian media. Specialist divers are now attempting to inspect the shipwreck for bodies, which is located at a depth of approximately 160 feet. A helicopter is also on the scene to help search the surface for survivors, according to the BBC. The public prosecutor in the Italian city of Termini Imerese has opened an investigation into the incident. The yacht was built in 2008 by the Italian shipmaker Perini, according to the website Yacht Charter Fleet. It was designed to carry up to 12 passengers and 10 crew members. The vessel was capable of reaching speeds of up to 15 knots and comfortably cruising at speeds of 12 knots. The ship had set sail from the Italian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 and was headed toward another Sicilian port called Bagheria, where it was expected to arrive on Sep. 18 according to the website Vessel Finder. Contact us at letters@time.com. WISE COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) Millions in grant funding have been earmarked for economic development projects in Southwest Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin and Congressman Morgan Griffith announced Monday. A news release from the governors office states the four projects were selected for Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant approval. The grant program is managed by Virginia Energy and funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Funeral service held for Smyth County deputy killed in line of duty To qualify, each project had to use sites where coal was mined prior to 1977 and feature safety and environmental improvements for the surrounding area. Two of the projects are located in Wise County, one in Tazewell County and the other in both Dickenson and Buchanan Counties. The governors office provided the following description of the projects receiving AMLER grant funding: County Project Funding Wise County Access Road to Project Intersection- a second entryway into an industrial development that previously received AMLER funding $4,750,000 Tazewell County Richlands Electric Diversification Project- funds a micro natural gas power plant to provide more affordable energy to the towns utility customer $2,000,000 Dickenson & Buchanan counties Cumberland Outdoor Recreation- funds a portion of the largest conservation easement in Virginia creating public access to land for outdoor recreation $2,750,000 Wise County Project Wildcat- builds a retaining wall in an area with future prospect for community development $500,000 As we strengthen our commitment to accelerate growth in Southwest Virginia, these important projects bring unique economic opportunities to our coal communities, Youngkin said in the release. From industrial development, tourism and community enhancement projects to an innovative solution to keep energy affordable, each one amplifies why Virginia is a great place to live, work and raise a family. As the leading advocate for the AMLER program, it is encouraging to see expanded efforts in Southwest Virginia to revitalize old mine lands and breathe life into coal communities, Griffith said in the release. This renewed commitment highlights the impacts of AMLER projects on economic development and job creation in the region. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. All 11 Russian drones shot down over Ukraine overnight An air defence mobile firing group. Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Russian forces targeted Ukraine with 11 Shahed attack UAVs on the night of 18-19 August, launched from the direction of Kursk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. Ukrainian air defence has managed to shoot down all the drones. Source: Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Force, on Telegram Quote from Oleshchuk: "As a result of combat efforts, mobile firing groups of the Ukrainian defence forces and anti-aircraft missile units, aircraft and electronic warfare assets of the Air Force shot down all enemy UAVs in Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy and Donetsk oblasts." Background: On the evening of 18 August, an air-raid warning was issued in a number of regions of Ukraine because of the threat of Russian drone attacks. Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported that air defence systems in Kyiv Oblast were responding to the attack. Support UP or become our patron! A 19-year-old driver was arrested after five people, including two children, were killed in a car crash Monday morning in Fort Worth, Texas, according to multiple reports. The collision caused Interstate 35W to shut down for several hours and it was reopened again at 5:30 a.m. local time, reports WFAA and Fort Worth Star-Telegram. One other person was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Eduardo Gonzalez, 19, was charged with driving while intoxicated and five counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, according to multiple reports. Gonzalez was injured in the crash and received treatment at a local hospital. Police arrived to the scene around midnight and found that a Camaro rear-ended a sedan heading northbound on the highway, according to WFAA. The Sedan had multiple people in it. More: Woman missing for 4 days on spiritual hiking trip found alive in Colorado USA TODAY reached out to the Fort Worth Police Department and Texas Department of Transportation for comment. The crash is reportedly being investigated. Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fort Worth, Texas car crash leaves 5 dead on I-35W; driver arrested 19-year-old with machete and gun killed in Riverton shooting RIVERTON, Utah (ABC4) A 19-year-old man was shot and killed at a Riverton townhome complex early Monday morning after an overnight shooting. The Riverton Police Department confirms with ABC4.com that the shooting happened near 13500 Skipperling Lane. Upon arrival, officers reportedly found the 19-year-old, who has not been publicly identified, with multiple gunshot wounds. The man was transported to the hospital where he later died due to his injuries. Family seeks help after Utah woman severely injured in Guatemala ATV accident Detectives said the 19-year-old was found wearing a bulletproof vest and at the time of the shooting was allegedly carrying a machete and a handgun. Some of the gunshots had gone through the mans bulletproof vest, causing the fatal injuries. Two people, a 20-year-old and a 24-year-old, were apprehended at an Orem address as suspects in the shooting, according to police. Additional details on the shooting and the circumstances surrounding it were not immediately disclosed. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. 2 Alaska Troopers Allegedly Used Taser and Sicced Dog on Man During Arrest But It Was the Wrong Person: Police The Alaska State Trooper and K9 handler are facing misdemeanor assault charges after they allegedly used force on a man who had the same last name of a person with an active warrant Alaska State Trooper/Facebook Alaska State Trooper vehicle. Two Alaska state troopers are facing assault charges after allegedly pulling over, Tasering and using a police dog to attack a man when they were actually looking for his cousin. On Thursday, Aug. 15, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Public Safety James Cockrell announced in a news conference that two officers had been charged with fourth-degree assault a misdemeanor following the incident that took place on May 24 in the Kenai Peninsula city of Soldotna, southwest of Anchorage. According to a press release from the Alaska Department of Public Safety, State Trooper Joseph Miller, 49, and K9 officer Jason Woodruff, 42, initially responded to a report in May that stated a car had been found that was registered to a man with an active misdemeanor warrant. The Associated Press reported that the man's warrant was for allegedly failing to serve his sentence for driving with a revoked license. Charging documents obtained by the AP state that Miller and Woodruff allegedly failed to check who was actually inside the vehicle, and ordered the man inside to get out, even though the man allegedly told the troopers he was not the subject of any warrants. Third Judicial District of the State of Alaska via AP An image taken from a body camera video of an altercation between Alaska State Troopers and the man. Miller then smashed the rear window of the car with his baton and sprayed pepper spray inside, the documents allege. The man then got out of the car, and Miller allegedly kicked him in the shin, punched him in the back of the head or neck and stepped on his which forced his face into broken glass on the ground from the rear window, per the AP. There should have been some additional questions asked before we broke the window and drug him out of his car, Cockrell said during the press conference. Miller also allegedly used a stun gun on the man while another state trooper who was not charged tried to handcuff him. At one point, according to charging documents cited by the AP, Miller accidentally hit the other trooper with the Taser. Woodruff also allegedly deployed a police dog to bite the man, the documents claim. Even after the man tried to move away from the dog and pleaded with Woodruff to "please stop the dog" multiple times, Woodruff allegedly commanded it to continue biting. The AP reported that the man needed surgery to repair muscle lacerations after the incident. Footage of the incident, which was captured on a body camera, will be released in full after the criminal investigation is complete, Cockrell said during the press conference. "Personally, when I reviewed this video, I was totally sickened by what I saw," he said. As emergency medical personnel were getting ready to transport the man to the hospital, the AP reported, troopers then realized that he was not the person they were looking for; rather, the two men were cousins with the same last name. The troopers arrested the man on several charges, but the Kenai District Attorneys Office dismissed the charges, the charging documents added. Getty Soldotna, Alaska. "I've been with this department 33 years, and Ive never seen any action like this before by an Alaska State Trooper," Cockrell said during the press conference. "Because of their actions, there was significant injuries to the person that went to the hospital that was in that vehicle." Both officers were placed on administrative leave, he added, and said that the police dog named Olex, according to the AP has been taken out of service. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Investigators with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation are looking into the case, per the AP. According to the charging documents, Miller allegedly told the investigators that they would not have needed to use force if the man had just got out of the car and complied with their commands. "Let me be clear, the actions of these two individuals are not acceptable to me, not in line with our training and policy, and I know it is not acceptable to the Alaskans we serve," Cockrell wrote in the press release. The officers are due in state court in Kenai, Alaska on Sept. 10, according to the AP. It's not clear if they've entered pleas or retained attorneys. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Rome Six people, including two U.S. nationals, a British technology entrepreneur and one of his daughters, were still missing Tuesday after a large luxury sailing yacht sank off the coast of the southern Italian island of Sicily during a violent storm. The 184-foot Bayesian had been anchored about half a mile off the port of Porticello, near Palermo, with 22 people on board 10 crew members and 12 passengers. The vessel sank at about 5 a.m. local time (11 p.m. Eastern, Sunday) after being hit by a possible waterspout spawned by the storm. Italian media said the winds snapped the boat's single mast, unbalancing the vessel and causing it to capsize. Fifteen of those on board managed to escape the yacht and were rescued by a Dutch-flagged vessel that was anchored in the immediate vicinity. They were brought ashore by Italian Coast Guard and firefighters. Emergency service workers transfer the body of a victim of a boat capsize onto shore from an Italian Coast Guard vessel at Palermo, Sicily, on Aug. 19, 2024. / Credit: Reuters One body an unidentified male was recovered, but six people remained missing, including British software magnate Mike Lynch, once described as Britain's Bill Gates. Lynch was acquitted in June of fraud charges in the U.S. that could have landed him with a decades-long prison sentence. In an unusual twist, Lynch's co-defendant in that fraud case, who was also acquitted, died Saturday after being hit by a car while out jogging in England. Lynch's teenage daughter Hannah was also among those missing, along with Lynch's American lawyer Chris Morvillo, a former assistant district attorney in New York, and his wife Neda. British banker Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, was also still missing Tuesday. Mike Lynch walks into federal court in San Francisco on March 26, 2024, during his trial on allegations he ripped off Hewlett Packard in an $11 billion acquisition of software maker Autonomy. / Credit: Michael Liedtke/AP Among the survivors was a 1-year-old British girl who was being treated at a nearby hospital along with her parents. They were doing well, according to Italian media. "For two seconds I lost my child to the sea, then I immediately was able to grab her again in the fury of the waves," the girl's mother, identified only as Charlotte, was quoted as saying by Italy's ANSA news agency. "I held on to her tightly in the stormy sea. Many were screaming. Luckily the life raft opened up and 11 of us managed to get aboard." "It was terrible," she told ANSA. "In just a few minutes the boat was hit by a very strong wind, and sunk soon thereafter." The 184-foot sailing yacht Bayesian is seen in an undated file photo provided by SuperYacht Times. / Credit: SuperYacht Times Karsten Borner, the captain of the Dutch vessel that came to the rescue, told ANSA he had been anchored near the Bayesian. "When the storm was over we noticed that the ship behind us was gone, and then we saw a red flare, so my first mate and I went to the position and we found this life raft drifting, and in the life raft was also a little baby and the wife of the owner." Recovery efforts were back underway Tuesday, with speedboats, helicopters and divers continuing to search for the missing as well as for answers, as to how a state-of-the-art superyacht could disappear in a flash. According to Italian media, Fire Brigade divers reached the boat and saw bodies trapped inside some of the cabins, but they had been unable to recover any of the victims from inside the vessel by Tuesday, due to obstructions. The Bayesian appeared to have sunk in an area with a depth of about 160 feet. Italian Coast Guard vessels are seen off the coast of Palermo, Sicily, on Aug. 19, 2024, amid a search and recovery operation for victims of a sailboat that sank in a storm the previous evening. / Credit: Reuters Witnesses said the boat sank quickly. "I was at home when the tornado hit," fisherman Pietro Asciutto told a local news outlet. "I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very large. I suddenly saw it sink... The boat was still floating, then suddenly it disappeared. I saw it sink with my own eyes." The director-general of Sicily's civil protection agency, Salvatore Cocina, confirmed to CBS News partner BBC News that three of the six people still missing Monday were British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, whose company Autonomy Corporation PLC was acquired in 2011 by HP; one of his daughters, Hannah Lynch, who is believed to be 18; and the boat's chef, Ricardo Thomas. CBS News has seen corporate documentation showing a company called Revtom, solely owned by Lynch's wife Angela Bacares, who was among those rescued from the accident, as the owner of the yacht that capsized off Sicily. While the yacht was a privately owned pleasure boat, the waters around the island have claimed many lives over the last decade. Dozens of migrants have died attempting to reach Sicily and smaller Italian islands in the region. Sicily sits only about 100 miles from the east coast of Tunisia in north Africa, and the Mediterranean crossing has been a frequent site of both nautical rescues and disasters as smugglers routinely send small boats overloaded with desperate people into the sea. Sneak peek: Andreen McDonald: A Millionaire Vanishes Differences between Kamala Harris' 2020 and '24 White House runs CBS News poll shows how Democrats feel about Tim Walz as VP pick Two men are facing charges after shots were fired in Aliquippa Saturday. Aliquippa police said officers were called to the 1200 block of Boundary Street at around 1:30 p.m. for a report of shots fired. A caller said she saw a white Jeep leaving the area after hearing something shatter. An officer saw a Jeep matching the description in the 1200 block of McMinn Street. As the officer approached, an occupant ran away from the vehicle. Officers ran after the man, who was seen grabbing his waistband during the chase, police said. He tried to hide in a ravine behind Paris Grill on Kennedy Boulevard but surrendered to officers. The man, identified as Javihier Lowe, was found to have money, a digital scale, five 10mg Percocet pills and a loaded magazine for a Glock on his person, police said. The driver of the Jeep, Javon Lewis, was also detained. A 10mm Glock 20 was found inside the vehicle. It had a Switch on the rear of the slide which made the pistol fully automatic. Lower is charged with fleeing, multiple counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lewis is charged with possession of a firearm without a license. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Multiple people injured during ride incident at western Pa. amusement park Child, 6, dies after being hit by car while riding bicycle in Homewood South Man accused of hitting person with belt during argument at Rivers Casino, assaulting state trooper VIDEO: 2 men charged in Ohio Township homicide behind bars for separate recent crime sprees DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Its the United States of America vs. Georgia Tech after two whistleblowers took on the university. They say that Tech failed to provide adequate security of sensitive government information, possibly even weapons information. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Georgia Tech said it takes protection protocols very seriously in the interest of the U.S. Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Sophia Choi spoke to the former and current employees, Christopher Craig and Kyle Koza, who said they tried to get the university to do the right thing, knowing the dangers of this kind of secret government information getting into the wrong hands. 2 Investigates: Instead, Craig and Koza said they got reprimanded and demoted. Koza, who is an information security engineer, said he and Craig, a cybersecurity expert, were hired to protect cyber security research and possibly weapons research as cyber security assessors for the university. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] But they say Tech stopped them, lied to the government and put American lives in danger by not sticking to security protocols. It could be exposed to, you know, hostile nations, Koza said. They are knowingly not doing it still telling the Department of Defense that they are doing it, Craig said. The whistleblowers said Georgia Tech gets money from the Department of Defense to do sensitive military research. But to get those lucrative government contracts, universities must agree to strict security protocols. The university said it is hyper-focused on cybersecurity and protecting sensitive data. But Koza and Craig said they witnessed Georgia Tech allowing major security lapses with one lab not even using two-factor authentication while allowing access to third-party vendors with no background checks. When we went to investigate, we found that they had contracts, both with vendors and with business partners, that allowed unnamed individuals from those companies to go into the lab, Craig said. When Koza and Craig tried to fix the security issues, they said Georgia Tech told them to back off and back down, and that otherwise, the university could lose the funding. I was removed from my management position in order to no longer have visibility into our noncompliance, Craig said. Koza said it was a way to cut him and Craig out of the process so they couldnt raise issues anymore. After 15 years at GA Tech, Koza quit. I just didnt feel like I could work there and be ethical, Koza said. Koza and Craig filed a lawsuit in 2022. The Department of Justice saw such merit in it that they intervened and became the primary complainant in Feb. 2024. The Whistleblowers said the fact that the government jumped in bolsters their claims. I presume that they care an enormous amount about it, because people could end up getting killed somewhere if this information gets breached, Craig said. Tech said there was no allegation that there was a breach of information, no data leaked and the data used in the research was neither classified nor controlled defense information. Javed Ali spent 15 years working in intelligence and counter-terrorism with Homeland Security, the FBI and the National Security Council before teaching at the University of Michigan. He said bad agents using secrets gained from Department of Defense projects at universities can easily target Americans. Build a weapons system, figure out how our systems work, come up with new defense, Ali said. " So thats the risk. Koza and Craig said they arent going away until Georgia Tech takes the security of its research, and of Americans, seriously. Its about making sure that this stops happening, Koza said. The Justice Department has until Aug. 22 to file its own complaint against Tech. Koza and Craig will get a portion of the money if the university ends up having to pay the government. Police made 13 arrests on Monday during protests outside of the Democratic National Convention, bringing the total to 15. At a press briefing Tuesday, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said most of those arrested Monday had breached a fence near the United Center. Officers who responded to the breach were struck by objects and hit with pepper spray, Snelling said, but there were "no major injuries." The charges against those who were arrested ranged from criminal trespass to resisting, obstructing and aggravated battery against police officers, he said. Two people were arrested Sunday night on the eve of the of the four-day convention. An estimated 50,000 people are expected to be in Chicago for the convention this week. Demonstrations are expected to happen each day, with the Associated Press reporting that crowds are expected to be even bigger than the protests outside the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month. What are people protesting? While the agendas of the various groups involved in planning the demonstrations vary, an overarching issue that many people are supporting is a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. The Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the U.S. Sunday nights march, which had over 1,000 people in attendance, advocated against the war in Gaza and in favor of protecting abortion and LBGTQ rights. Other demonstrators are calling for racial equality and awareness of climate change. Who is protesting? A number of organizations are involved in the protests, including Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws, the Coalition for Reproductive Justice, the Coalition to March on the DNC, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization and the Poor Peoples Army. Organizations for the Coalition to March on the DNC, which is the largest group participating, told The Hill that they expect at least 20,000 activists to join in the protests including students. There are also some smaller counterprotests happening, with one anti-abortion group gathering to protest the demonstration on Sunday, which was advocating for reproductive rights in addition to calling for a ceasefire. A protester yells during a demonstration before a march to the DNC on Aug. 19. (Alex Brandon/AP) Why are people protesting outside the DNC? Linda Loew, a protest leader, explained to the Guardian that it didnt matter to some of the protesters whether the Democratic nominee was President Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris just that change needs to be made. The rhetoric that comes out of the mouths of politicians and Im not saying that some of it isnt sincere in the wish to defend reproductive justice, or for trans and queer people, or even for citizens on the ground in Gaza but rhetoric does not stop the bombs from falling, Loew said. What we need is action. We need the end to funding to Israel and the end of delivery of weapons. Were saying to Kamala, she has been complicit in this, Taylor Cook, an organizer with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, told the Associated Press. People think its just Joe Biden, but she is vice president. So were saying, 'You need to stop if you want our vote.' "Regardless of who the nominee is, we're marching against the Democrats and their vicious policies that have allowed Israel to kill over 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza," Faayani Aboma Mijana, an organizer with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, told the AP. How has Chicago reacted? Chicagos police superintendent Larry Snelling said in a press conference on Monday that the Chicago Police Department is here to protect everyone in this city. He praised officers and organizers for an overall peaceful demonstration Sunday night. What we will not tolerate is intimidation, he said. We will not tolerate violence. Mayor Brandon Johnson, who was also at the press conference, added, We're going to make sure that people have their First Amendment rights protected, that they can do that in a safe way. During Sundays demonstration, Chicago police lined the march route, which it plans to do for every demonstration this week. Protesters march pass by a police line on Aug. 18. (Alex Brandon/AP) Parallels to 1968 DNC in Chicago When Chicago hosted the 1968 Democratic convention, protesters and police violently clashed on the streets, resulting in more than 600 people being arrested and over 100 suffering from injuries. There are some parallels between what was happening in the world leading up to the 1968 DNC and whats been happening in 2024. In 1968, the U.S. had just dealt with a string of campus protests in response to the U.S.s involvement in the Vietnam War and incumbent Vice President Hubert Humphrey was the Democratic nominee after former President Lyndon B. Johnson withdrew from the race. Chicago Police attempt to disperse demonstrators outside Democratic National Convention headquarters on Aug. 29, 1968. (Michael Boyer/AP) However, the similarities seem to end there. Chicago, which has hosted more political conventions than any other city in the U.S., and its officials seem confident that police have gone through enough extensive training on de-escalation tactics and that the set parameters and locations of the gatherings will allow demonstrators to protest without fear of retaliation or escalation. Reilly Jackson, 20, outside Rep. Joe Neguse's congressional office in Washington, D.C., where she interned in 2023. (Courtesy Reilly Jackson) They are not old enough to order a Coors, but theyve been trusted to help steer political platforms and presidential nominees: Colorados two major political parties both sent 20-year-old delegates to their respective conventions this summer as they look to court Gen Z support. Weston Imer of Golden, a Republican, and Reilly Jackson of Boulder, a Democrat, were elected by party members to serve among Colorado representatives during national party conventions this year. If theres a room that you can walk into, if they dont want you there, they will tell you. Im a big believer in taking on every opportunity I can get, said Jackson, a junior at University of Colorado Boulder who is a delegate from Colorados 2nd Congressional District at the Democratic National Convention. It was a lot more attainable than I believed, Jackson said. I didnt think I was going to become a delegate, but I thought why not run? It doesnt hurt anything and its something I can put effort into. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Party conventions occur every four years in the lead-up to a presidential election and include delegates from every state and territory to rally around their nominee. In recent decades, party conventions have become opportunities for parties to tell their story to a national audience through primetime speakers and performances. Delegates from each state generally need to be registered voters from the respective party. The DNC starts Monday and runs through Thursday at the United Center in Chicago. Delegates confirmed Vice President Kamala Harris as their nominee during a virtual roll call Aug. 5 that usually happens at the convention itself in order to meet some states ballot deadlines, but Harris will still need to formally accept the nomination in Chicago. The main point of business at the DNC this year will be to adopt a comprehensive party platform, allowing delegates to hash out official stances on issues like immigration, economic policy and reproductive rights. Colorado will have 87 delegates in Chicago, and Jackson will be the youngest. Six other delegates are younger than 30, according to the Colorado Democratic Party. The Republican National Convention was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from July 15 to 18. Delegates there officially selected former President Donald Trump as their nominee and affirmed his vice presidential pick, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio. Youve got this Jackson gained support for her delegate campaign by going through the gauntlet of her precinct caucus, county assembly and congressional district assembly. Between emails and face-to-face conversations, she laid out who she was and what her priorities are, specifically reproductive access and equity. She found out she was a delegate while sitting in her sorority houses parking lot. The DNC process, now that I think about it, was quite simple, but the biggest thing for me was getting past that mental block of Oh, youre too young. You shouldnt be here. You dont know what youre talking about, she said. In actuality, she said, everyone she met was very excited that a young person was involved and seeking the delegate job. She wrote out a Post-it note that read Youve got this and stuck it on her laptop for four months to look at during moments of self-doubt. But I still have something to say, she said. Just because Im younger doesnt mean I shouldnt seek out these opportunities. You dont gain experience that way. We're young and we're ambitious and we're passionate and some of us do have a plethora of knowledge and experience and do know what we're talking about. Weston Imer, 20, an RNC delegate from Colorado As Jackson sought the position, President Joe Biden was still in the race and was on track to become the Democratic nominee. Following skepticism among many voters about his age and cognitive ability for a second term, however, the 81-year-old stepped down and threw his support behind Harris. Jackson said that with the change, her social circle is more energized to show up in November. That includes sharing or even creating the viral TikTok videos that put Harris speeches and appearances to a soundtrack of Charli XCXs Brat album. My friends are very excited post-Kamala. Theyre feeling more spoken to, she said. Ive noticed my friends saying that this feels relatable. It feels silly. It feels not like the world is ending, but like there is something that is going to happen after November. First-time voter registrations in Colorado surged in July, when Harris took Bidens place in the race. She feels that the Harris campaign is intentional with meeting young people where theyre at, and not telling them where they should be, which she hopes will translate into increased voter registration and youth turnout. Gen Z is finally active Imer has been involved in Colorado Republican politics since 2016, when he was 12 years old. That year, he was a leader in the Jefferson County arm of the Trump campaign and his involvement sparked national attention. He worked again for the Trump campaign in 2020 and helped his mother, Laurel Imer, on her campaigns for the statehouse and Congress in 2020 and 2022. Now he serves on the Republican National Committees Youth Advisory Council and went to Milwaukee as one of 37 delegates to the convention for Colorados 7th Congressional District after being tapped by the Trump campaign and then selected by the state party. Weston Imer, 20, at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in July 2024. (Courtesy Weston Imer) Between all that, Imer is also a board member of the Pleasant View Water and Sanitation District. It was one of my last bucket list items in the Trump world, Imer said of going to the convention. Ive worked on the campaign. Ive been to the inauguration. Ive been to the White House. Ive gone to the State of the Union. And obviously this cycle will be the first presidential election cycle I will get to vote in. Imer said his generation and its concerns are crucial to the health of the Republican Party. My generation is finally active and finally has a voice and a seat at the table to make our concerns known and to ensure that our priorities are addressed by our party and by our nominee. That was something that was lacking in years past, he said. That includes offering a unique perspective on the economic challenges Gen Z faces, coming into adulthood during a time when the cost of home ownership, education, groceries and gas can feel insurmountable. The Pew Research Center defines Generation Z as those born between 1997 and 2012. Like many Republicans, Imer sees the economy under Trump as having been healthier than it is under Biden. Imer also sees a generational break in how Republicans view abortion. That is an issue the Republican Party has struggled to unify on, to appease both its base and independent voters following the Dobbs decision, which eliminated the constitutional right to abortion. Imers age cohort, he said, believes in common sense exceptions to abortion restrictions whereas older Republicans can be more conservative. At the RNC this year, delegates opted out of the traditional staunch anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ rights positions. That has a lot to do with my generation coming to the table, he said. While many people were ecstatic to see such a young person at the convention, Imer said he also experienced some pushback from older delegates. Were young and were ambitious and were passionate and some of us do have a plethora of knowledge and experience and do know what were talking about. Just to get discounted because of our age is frustrating, he said. Mobilizing young voters Voters between the ages of 18 and 24 make up a little less than 10% of all registered voters in Colorado, according to registration statistics from the secretary of states office. Organizations like the progressive nonprofit New Era Colorado are focused on upping youth civic engagement. Organizing director Arianna Morales said she isnt surprised to see participation in party conventions this year by Jackson, Imer and other young people. A big shifting movement in the culture for young people was realizing that if they werent a part of the process, then someone else was, and that someone else maybe didnt have young peoples best interests in mind, she said. Seeing them get involved in more than just the voting process, and using systems that are already there and pathways that already exist to create change is really inspiring. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST Guy Fieri's hit Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has made dozens of trips to Ohio's Flavortown-approved eateries. Between Cincinnati's signature chili, burger joints, and his favorite pork dumplings, there's plenty of mouth-watering food to go around. The Columbus-born TV host and celebrity chef has toured at least 20 Ohio-based establishments to get a taste of the state's most delicious food. The series films the restaurant owners, signature dishes, how the food is made, and of course, Guy Fieri's memorable one-liners and catchphrases. Here are the Ohio restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, according to the Food Network. Six Columbus restaurants made it to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives The list of Columbus-area restaurants Fieri has visited for "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" is very likely to grow from six to eight soon. Katalina's Cafe was featured on the show on Aug. 14, according to a Facebook post by Citizen Pictures. King Gyros Greek Restaurant is scheduled to be featured in the Aug. 30 episode of Triple-D, according to a Facebook post by the restaurant. Momo Ghar One of several stops in Columbus included Fieri's visit to Momo Ghar, serving Tibetan and Nepalese dishes. The signature dish, jhol momo, consists of Tibetan steamed dumplings, a chicken filling, and a spicy fenugreek tomato sauce. Fieri particularly enjoyed the choila set, a Tibetan chicken salad, describing it as one of the most-unique dishes he has ever tried on the show. The Chicken Chhoila set photographed at Momo Ghar Dublin on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Ena's Caribbean Kitchen This family operated Jamaican restaurant is known for authentic dishes like its jerk chicken and red snapper with a vinegary escabeche sauce. Located within the Linden Area, Ena's Caribbean Kitchen also has brunch specials, catering, and a food truck in Cincinnati. Sweet Carrot Sweet Carrot offers crowd pleasing comfort food, and primarily caters weddings, parties and events. Guy Fieri tried the corn cake with beef brisket and an Ohio chicken meatball sandwich when he visited, to which he gave his stamp of approval. The sandwich has a sesame-ginger sauce drizzle and topped with roasted-corn salsa. "Id order that again for the next five years, Fieri said. Ray Ray's Hog Pit Described as a "a one-of-a-kind barbecue truck in Columbus" by Food Network, Ray Ray's Hog Pit served Fieri its super moist Mangalitsa brat burger and St. Louis spare ribs. Fun fact: James Anderson, the chef and owner featured on the show, raises his own pigs for the smoked menu offerings. Pierogi Mountain This dive bar in the Discovery District area of downtown Columbus serves comfort food and pierogi (filled dumplings). Pierogi Mountain is also vegan friendly, with nearly all pierogi options being vegan and vegetarian. Outside of pierogi, special dishes also include the chicken paprikash, a traditional Hungarian chicken stew with veggies and paprika over egg dough dumplings. Loops Loops offers Chicago-style menu options like the Italian Beef sandwich as well as authentic Greek gyros made 'the right way' that include shaved pork shoulder with house-made tzatziki sauce. You can also catch their food truck around town that displays the slogan, "Eat it. Love it. Get Out." Guy Fieri has visited eight restaurants in Cincinnati Senate Pub Senate serves the Greater Cincinnati with popular bites like the duck fat fries, which recently made the USA TODAY list of America's favorite french fries. The fries are cooked twice and topped with seasonings. Crispy on the outside, these fries are known as some of the best in the area. Three hot dogs from Senate Pub in Over-the-Rhine. Top to Bottom: Trailer Dog, Croque Madame and Chicago The Turf Club A burger joint located in Linwood, The Turf Club offers comfort food classics with a gourmet twist and a flamboyant menu. Customers can build their own burger, or try Fieri's recommendation, the filet mignon chili with pork tenderloin and herbs. Pho Lang Thang Pho Lang Thang serves Vietnamese comfort food, specializing in pho, a Vietnamese soup dish with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and different meats. According to the Food Network, the beef-based broth is a fan favorite among locals. Pho Lang Thang offers both indoor and outdoor seating options for visitors. Bakersfield OTR A thriving atmosphere filled with Mexican street cuisine, Bakersfield made an appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Bakersfield offers more than 100 tequilas and whiskeys, making taco Tuesday all the more vibrant. There is also a location in Columbus. Taste of Belgium Taste of Belgium offers both traditional and non-traditional Belgian cuisine. Guy Fieri described the Belgian waffles as "outstanding," and he also endorsed the Belgian pretzel with beer cheese. ToB, with restaurants in Cincinnati and Dayton, also has a robust lineup of beer. Island Frydays Serving Jamaican cuisine, Island Frydays' jerk chicken platter is described as "off-the-charts" by the Food Network. They say that the spice mix has "pimento seeds, habaneros, cinnamon and nutmeg." The restaurant's website, which features Guy Fieri on the front page, allows customers to order bottles of their seafood seasoning, general seasoning and marinade. Melt Eclectic Cafe This vegetarian-friendly spot has veggie-filled dishes packed with flavor. When describing the popular veggie 3-way, "Guy cant believe theres no meat in the dish," and the yeehaw BBQ Sandwich was also an enjoyable dish that was recommended. Blue Ash Chili Blue Ash Chili fans know about just how many ways the restaurant's chili is served. According to the show, "Learning the lingo didn't take long for Guy Fieri. He ordered the 6-way, which includes everything: chili, spaghetti, beans, onions, cheese and fried jalapeno caps." Six Cleveland spots were also featured on the show Momocho Momocho's modern Mexican cuisine offers fresh to order food, and Fieri tried the guacamole served six unique ways. Machaca, a tender coffee- and chile-braised beef brisket, is also a fan favorite among the locals, according to Food Network. Geraci's Restaurant Geraci's Restaurant has three family-owned and operated locations in the Greater Cleveland area, serving traditional Italian food since 1956. In addition to the University Heights location, there are also restaurants in Pepper Pike, Mayfield Village, Willoughby and downtown Cleveland. Special dishes include the meatballs and pepperoni pizza, with fresh dough made throughout the day. Lucky's Cafe Lucky's Cafe partners with Ohio farmers, and dishes at the restuarant include locally sourced protein, produce and grain. Lucky's serves breakfast all day, and biscuits and gravy is listed as one of the eatery's special dishes, alongside the Rueben and baked mac-and-cheese. Parkview Niteclub Described as a "laid-back Cleveland hangout" by Food Network, Parkview Niteclub's daily specials, include Tuesday's honey chipotle pork tacos, Friday's fish fries, and the smoked salmon BLT that's served daily. Sterle's Slovenian Country House Sterle's Slovenian Country House was featured on the show, but closed in 2017 after more than 60 years of business, Cleveland.com reported. It was known for its vibrant atmosphere and German recipes. Special dishes included the Chicken Paprikash and Wienerschnitzel. Melt Bar & Grilled While not technically in Cleveland, Melt Bar & Grilled in Lakewood serves the Greater Cleveland area with its unique offerings like the grilled cheese lasagna sandwich. Special dishes include the gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and The Godfather (the lasagna sandwich). Melt Bar & Grilled also has locations throughout the state, including in Akron and Columbus. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 20 Ohio restaurants Guy Fieri has visited on 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' The 2024 Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday, with President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton set to deliver speeches in primetime. Our convention is an opportunity to bring the story of our party to the American people not just the story of what weve achieved under the Biden-Harris administration, but how the Harris-Walz ticket is planning to build on that historic record for a new way forward into the future, Convention Chair Minyon Moore said in a statement. The story here is simple and its one that will resonate with Americans across the country: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for the American people and Americas future Donald Trump is only fighting for himself. More from TVLine The DNC is being held at Chicagos United Center, from Aug. 19-22. It follows the Republican National Convention, which was held last month in Milwaukee, Wis., where former president Donald Trump was certified as the GOPs nominee. Live programming from the Democratic National Convention begins at 6:15 pm ET Monday. You can watch the DNCs official livestream embedded below. Highlights will be added as they air. What follows is the DNCs Night 1 program, including a list of confirmed speakers, as well as tune-in information for TV news coverage. MONDAYS THEME For the People While Donald Trump puts himself first, Democrats are fighting for the American people. President Biden has exemplified this through his leadership and legacy as a historic president who put the American peoples interest above his own. The accomplishments and results President Biden delivered for people, with Vice President Harris by his side, will be on full display during the convention, as will Kamala Harriss commitment to fighting on behalf of everyday Americans. At its core, the Harris-Walz ticket is a ticket for the people. Democratic National Convention Committee THE HOST Each night of the DNC will feature a different celebrity host. Tony Goldwyn (Law & Order) will host Monday, followed by Ana Navarro (The View) on Tuesday, Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project) on Wednesday, and Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) on Thursday. THE SPEAKERS Andrew Harnik/Getty Images President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will address Mondays convention. Additional speakers include include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Raphael Warnock, Sen. Chris Coons and First Daughter Ashley Biden. THE MUSIC DNC ON TV START TIME NETWORK LEAD ANCHOR(S) 7:45 pm MSNBC Rachel Maddow 8 pm CNN Jake Tapper & Anderson Cooper NewsNation Chris Cuomo, Elizabeth Vargas & Leland Vitter PBS Amna Nawaz & Geoff Bennett 10 pm ABC David Muir CBS Norah ODonnell Fox News Bret Baier & Martha MacCallum NBC Lester Holt JOIN DISCUSSION TVLine invites you to have a civil conversation about the 2024 Democratic National Convention in the comments section below. Best of TVLine Get more from TVLine.com : Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Newsletter A Gloucester man told 25 Investigates he waited nearly 2 months to receive a temporary accessible parking placard in the mail from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and by time it arrived he no longer needed it. Richard Messier is a registered nurse and married father of 4 children who underwent back surgery in early May to improve his mobility and reduce pain. Messier has spinal stenosis, a condition that occurs when the space around the spinal cord becomes too narrow and puts pressure on the nerves. They cut through muscle. Its just the healing process, its long. Its drawn out, he said during an interview with investigative reporter Ted Daniel, It really puts a lot of stress, strain, pain on just doing the simple things, like just going to the supermarket. You still have to live your life. You still have to do the activities of daily living. Messier said he mailed a completed application for a temporary accessible parking permit to the RMVs Medical Affairs unit on April 8th, prior to his surgery, but he didnt receive the placard until the end of May after his mobility had improved. He said it took 53 days to receive it. The RMV provides temporary disability placards for free to qualified Massachusetts residents who meet eligibility requirements. A healthcare provider is required to sign off on the application to verify the applicant has a medical condition that restricts their mobility. Temporary placards are issued for a period between 2 and 24 months, according to the RMVs website. The RMV only accepts applications by mail or in person at an RMV service center. Applicants are told to wait at least 30 business days for processing and processing time varies based upon application volume. There are often delays. Theyre supposed to be getting it within one month and I think even that is too late sometimes, said Asif A. Merchant, M.D., Chief of Geriatrics and Extended Care at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Dr. Asif said hes helped hundreds of patients obtain temporary accessible parking placards in his career and delays lead to frustration. People enjoy their independence. For some, its critical to get to the store, to get food, to get to the pharmacy, to get prescriptions. As they say, if you dont use it, you lose it. You have to maintain a certain level of mobility so that you can just do your daily function, Dr. Asif said. 25 Investigates wanted to know how many placards are processed each year and how long recent applicants have waited for them. Our team filed a public records request seeking the duration (number of days) it took to issue each approved disability placard from the date the application was received to when the placard was issued/mailed to the recipient during the period beginning 6/1/23 through 7/1/24. An RMV Records Access Officer said the agency approved 85,769 temporary accessible parking placards in 2023 and more than 95,000 have been mailed out this year. As for recent turnaround times, he wrote, we do not have responsive records for that portion of your request. The website for the disability placards has a SLA (service level agreement) date of up to thirty (30) days, and we can confirm that this date was met or exceeded for all disability placards' An RMV spokesperson issued a conflicting response days later. The spokesperson provided the date Richard Messiers placard arrived in the mail and the date his placard was mailed out. According to the spokesperson, the application was processed 32 business days from receipt (factoring in the Patriots Day holiday on 4/15 and Memorial Day on 5/27), and then mailed to the customer. The spokesperson later told 25 Investigates that individual placard wait times can be determined manually on a case-by-case basis. Messier said the process would be easier and quicker if it could be completed online instead of by mail or visiting an RMV branch. When I eventually got it, I kind of didnt really need it. I kind of gave up, actually, looking for it. It kind of defeated the purpose, he said. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW (BCN) The Contra Costa County District Attorneys Office has filed charges against a man accused of kidnapping a woman last week in Antioch, and authorities said a second suspect has been arrested in the case. Antioch police arrested 21-year-old James Llarena of San Francisco, after receiving a call around 2 p.m. Aug. 11 concerning a man and a woman having a physical altercation inside a vehicle. Suspected kidnapper arrested in Brentwood The caller was able to give police a partial license plate, which led officers to identify the car. Police issued a BOLO alert (be on the lookout) and the vehicle was located in Pittsburg. The injured woman was taken to the hospital. Investigators said Llarena and the woman were acquainted. The district attorneys office charged Llarena with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of false imprisonment, stalking, criminal threats, and other related charges, according to police. Llarenas bail has been set at $400,000. Police also arrested a second suspect on Friday in the case. Elijah Alcala, 19, of Antioch was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and other related allegations. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. 3 Family Members Killed in 'Devastating' Texas Car Crash While on the Way to Teen's College Move-In Day The teen's 14-year-old brother, who was not in the car at the time of the crash, had "just started 9th grade" that day, his principal said in a statement GoFundMe Arvind Mani, Pradeepa Arvind and Andril Arvind, who were killed in an Aug. 2024 car crash in Texas Three family members, a 17-year-old girl and her parents, were killed in a car crash last week as they were headed to a college move-in day, authorities said The teen's brother, who was not inside the car, had "just started 9th grade" that day, his principal said Two other people in a separate car who were involved in the crash were killed too A 14-year-old boy has been orphaned after his parents and older sister died in a crash on a Texas highway. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said a 2004 Cadillac CTS was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 281 just before 6 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Aug. 14, when it experienced a tire blowout, according to CBS affiliates KEYE-TV and KWTX. The Cadillac, which was carrying a passenger at the time, subsequently hit a 2024 Kia Telluride traveling on the northbound side of the highway, the Austin American Statesman reported. Three people were inside the Telluride when the crash occurred. All five people involved in the crash were pronounced dead at the scene. "There was no chance of survival," said DPS trooper Bryan Washko, per the Statesman. Authorities identified the driver of the Kia as 45-year-old Arvind Mani, of Leander, and the passengers as 40-year-old Pradeepa Arvind, 40, and 17-year-old Andril Arvind. Texas DPS did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Related: 12-Year-Old on Road to Recovery After Mom Accidentally Ran Over Her at School Drop-Off: Trooper Arvind and Pradeepa were a wonderful couple and parents to the late Andril and their 14-year-old son Adiryan, who was not involved in the crash, according to a GoFundMe campaign started to help the teenager. Rajaraman Venkatachalam, who organized the online fundraiser, said the family recently celebrated Andril's admission to the University of Texas at Dallas, where she expected to study computer science prior to her death. Tragically, on their way to the UTD campus, the family's vehicle was involved in a devastating accident, Venkatachalam wrote in the description of the GoFundMe. GoFundMe The remains of the Arvind family's car after it was hit by another vehicle on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024 Rouse High School principal Vincent Hawkins confirmed in a letter to parents that Andril was a member of their 2024 graduating class, according to the Statesman. This news has brought great sorrow to our campus and has impacted many in our community, Hawkins said. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andrils family and friends." Adiryan had just started 9th grade the day of the crash, causing him to miss the trip to UTD. Now, Venkatachalam said the young teen is left without his family. More than $848,000 was raised through the GoFundMe campaign to support Adiryan after losing his loved ones. Related: Newlyweds and Brides Mother Killed in Colo. Highway Crash, Family Says Couple's 1-Year-Old Son Survived This young boy, with so many dreams and aspirations, needs our help, Venkatachalam said. The money, he added, will go toward funeral, legal, educational and other expenses. Authorities also identified the driver of the Cadillac as 31-year-old Jacinto Gudino Duran, and his passenger was identified as 23-year-old Yosilu Gasman Martinez-Lopez, according to KWTX. Both are from Copperas Cove. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Witnesses said the Cadillac may have been operating at a high rate of speed perhaps as high as 100 mph prior to the crash, according to KEYES-TV and the Statesman. Related: 8 Cancer Doctors, 2 Kids and a Lawyer: What We Know About Victims of Brazil Plane Crash That Killed 61 Washko said vehicles combined speeds meant the impact was similar to driving into a concrete wall at 170 mph. "It is one of the worst crashes I have seen in 26 years because of the magnitude of the damage and amount of people lost," the trooper said, per the Statesman. It is unclear if alcohol was a factor in the crash, though authorities reportedly determined the Cadillac had old tires that needed replacement. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. 3 seriously injured as car crashes in pole in North Hollywood A vehicle crashed into a pole in North Hollywood Monday afternoon, trapping the occupants inside and injuring another person that officials believe could be a pedestrian or bicyclist. The crash was reported at about 1:15 p.m. in the 11000 block of Victory Boulevard, at the intersection with Vineland Avenue, the Los Angeles Fire Department said in an alert. After the collision, which trapp[ed] one or more occupants in the vehicle, officials found another person, a pedestrian (or bicyclist?) that had been hurt, the LAFD said. In an update, LAFD officials said the vehicle hit a 22-year-old pedestrian not a bicyclist before hitting a traffic signal pole, which fell on the car, trapping two men aged 26 and 25. The pedestrian and the two occupants of the sedan were taken to a regional trauma center in serious condition. Additionally, a 65-year-old woman in a second vehicle sustained a minor injury and declined further treatment. Fire officials did not detail exactly how she was hurt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A 33-year-old Georgia father dropped dead from a heart attack just one day after the birth of his infant son, according to family members. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jake Brown and his wife, Pashun Brown, welcomed their son on August 13 in Douglas County. TRENDING STORIES: Before they could leave the hospital on their way out with the baby, Jake had a heart attack and died the day after the baby was born, Pashun Browns grandmother wrote on a GoFundMe set up to help her with expenses. The couple had just married four months before Browns sudden death. Brown was a father of three and worked as a chef, according to social media. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The family asks at this time to remember the laughs and positive memories, as Jake was living his happiest, most fulfilling life when he left this physical world, the obituary read. The family has set up a GoFundMe to help his wife care for their children. You can donate HERE. TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KSHV) According to the Texas Department of Transportation, I-369 will be partially closed overnight later this week to remove a sign bridge. Work is scheduled to take place at the Westlawn exit over the southbound lanes from 11 p.m. Thursday until 5 a.m. Friday. Officials said traffic will be detoured to U.S. Highway 82 while the work is taking place. Authorities asked drivers to use caution while driving through the area. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Kristin Little was confirmed as the victim in the tragic incident on Friday, Aug. 16 Kris/facebook Kristen Little A 39-year-old woman has tragically died after her car fell 1000 feet down an Arizona mountainside. Kristin Little was ejected from her vehicle and died as it fell in the Thumb Butte area in Prescott, Ariz., on Friday, Aug. 16, Yavapai County Sheriff's Office (YSCO) confirmed in a news release. Little is believed to have been driving along Thumb Butte Loop Road when she veered to the left causing her to go off the road and down the mountain. YSCO deputies were called to the scene at approximately 5:00 p.m. where they embarked on a measured process in locating and retrieving Little. Deputies were able to locate the vehicle approximately 1000 feet down the steep mountainside, and after hiking down, also located a deceased occupant of the car, the release stated. The victim was identified as 39-year-old Kristin Little of Prescott, who had been ejected from the car about halfway down the mountainside. Yavapai County Sheriff's Office/facebook Little died after her car fell over a cliff in Prescott, Ariz., on Aug. 16 Related: 3 Dead After Car Plummets Hundreds of Feet Off Californias Devil's Slide Cliff Due to the difficult terrain and the coming darkness, the decision was made to wait until light this morning to recover the victim, with YCSO personnel remaining with Ms. Little throughout the night, the release added. Little was transported to the Medical Examiners office on Saturday, Aug. 17. No other passengers were found or appeared to have been driving with her at the time of the incident. She had been traveling with her dog CJ, however, who escaped unharmed and was brought to her parents home, Fox 10 reported. "When Krissy rolled her car, CJ must've bounced out and when the rescuers got to the location they found CJ next to Krissy's body," her mother Jinger Cutting told the outlet. Related: Man Who Drove Family Off Cliff in Tesla Granted Mental Health Diversion, Stopping Case from Going to Criminal Trial "Kristin was the light of my life," Cutting added to the outlet. "She and I hiked all the time, all the time. We would take off, and we would meet at my office or somewhere downtown, and we would just go hiking out on Thumb Butte, or we'd go hiking somewhere around the lakes. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Cutting expressed her gratitude for her daughter wearing her smartwatch in the incident and that she had been enrolled in the Yavapai County emergency notification system as first responders were able to find her more quickly. "Had she not been wearing that or had that notification, it could've been days before we found Kris," she told Fox 10. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. At least 5,000 German soldiers to be based near Lithuania's border with Belarus At least 5,000 German soldiers to be based near Lithuania's border with Belarus Construction of a military base for a newly deployed German brigade started in Lithuania at the Rudninkai training ground on Monday. Officials from both Lithuania and Germany buried symbolic capsules at the construction site as the first stage of the sites development began. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Vilnius and Berlin agreed to the permanent deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania. "It is one of the most paramount endeavours that the German armed forces are currently undertaking," said State Secretary in the German Ministry of Defence Nils Hilmer. Lithuania has promised to build the camp, including infrastructure for a new military town that will cover 200 hectares of land. Buildings to be put up include administration offices, maintenance and storage infrastructure, a guard post, and residential dormitories. Berlin intends to keep a military brigade fully stationed in Lithuania until 2027. German officials have said that the pace of relocation will depend on Vilnius' readiness to receive soldiers and their families. The brigade is expected to consist of around 5,000 soldiers. So far, Lithuania estimated that a third of them will come with their families. Investments in military and training related to the deployment of the brigade could reach 800 million, according to Lithuania's Ministry of National Defence. This marks a change in NATOs planning process, said Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas. Now we have come to deterrence through denial: having enough forces so that the enemy does not even think of stepping on the territory of Lithuania with its dirty boots. The Democratic National Convention starts Monday (August 19) in Chicago, during which Vice President Kamala Harris will give an acceptance speech for her partys nomination. Other scheduled speakers include President Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Barack and Michelle Obama; Hillary Clinton, Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries and more. As the festivities commence, The Root takes a look back at the conventions messiest moments. 1948: DNC and RNC Use Same City, Same Props Considering how contentious the current political climate is, its hard to imagine that the Democratic National Convention and Republican National Convention would share anything. However, in 1948 they held their conventions in the same city: Philadelphia. They also used the same props. As a cost-cutting measure, Democrats requested that Republicans leave behind their American flags and bunting. Several of the items were worn out or faded by the time the DNC occurred, which followed the RNC by 17 days. 1968: Anti-Vietnam Protestors Get Arrested At DNC At the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, thousands of people protested against the Vietnam war. President Lyndon Johnson had refused to run for reelection and threw his support behind Vice President Hubert Humphrey. However, Humphrey had yet to stop the administrations Vietnam policy. In addition, Martin Luther King Jr. and presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated months before, which heightened the tension of the protests. Over 600 protesters were arrested and more than 100 had to be treated for their injuries as well as 119 police officers. 2000: Al And Tipper Gore Have An Uncomfortable Kiss When Al Gore walked onstage to give his 2000 presidential nomination acceptance speech in Los Angeles, he used the moment to pull his wife Tipper into a full on kiss. The only problem with the display of affection was that it was uncomfortably long, with attendees staring in disbelief. For a while, Gore was dealing with the critique that he was too uptight during public appearances, which most likely led to the make-out session. Sadly, that moment is remembered more than the speech he gave that night. 2016: Bernie Sanders Supporters Protest At DNC In 2016, hundreds of Bernie Sanders supporters protested the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia after Hillary Clinton was announced as the partys nominee. They walked out of the event chanting This is what democracy looks like with many participating in a silent sit-in with their mouths taped or tied shut. They also occupied the conventions outdoor media tent which was being monitored by police officers. 2020: DNC Goes Virtual And Is Full Of Awkward Moments Because of COVID-19, the Democratic National Convention decided to go virtual in 2020 rather than cancel the highly anticipated political event. With the new format came a slew of awkward moments: Julia Louis-Dreyfus tried her best at satire but failed, Joe Biden received virtual applause while wearing a mask in a library, Billy Porter performed a bizarre rendition of For What Its Worth and random celebrities like Steph Curry and Billie Eilish made cameos. However, Biden still managed to secure the presidency that year. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 5 people shot at Franklin Park, Boston police say Five people were shot at Franklin Park on Sunday night, police say. Boston police officers responded to the reported shooting at 8:43 p.m., a department spokesperson said. The shooting happened on the outskirts of where the Dominican Festival was taking place. Officers said three men and two women, all young adults, were wounded. All five people shot have non-life-threatening injuries, according to Boston Police. Boston police commissioner Michael Cox urged members of the public to come forward to officers and help them find the people responsible. If anyone has video footage please reach out, Cox said in a press conference. No arrests have been made at this time. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Just a handful of states have yet to hold their primary elections this year, and on Tuesday, three more states will see voters head to the polls to finalize their ballots for November: Alaska, Florida and Wyoming. While the sole race that we track in the Cowboy State (the at-large House seat currently held by Republican Rep. Harriet Hageman) isn't competitive, there are a few heated races worth watching in Florida and Alaska that could give us a glimpse into how the general election might shake out this fall. Florida Races to watch: Senate; 1st, 13th and 27th congressional districts Polls close: 7 p.m. Eastern In the Sunshine State, Republican Sen. Rick Scott has a target on his back. After winning his 2018 election to the Senate by less than half a percentage point, and with a dismal 35 percent approval rating in a recent poll, it's no surprise the former governor is seen as vulnerable. He's facing two GOP challengers in the primary Keith Gross, an attorney, and John Columbus, an actor. Neither Gross nor Columbus is likely to best Scott in the Republican primary; for starters, they've each raised a fraction of his war chest. And Scott clinched former president Donald Trump's endorsement early in the election cycle. However, the winner of the Democratic primary could end up thwarting Scott's dreams of a second term. PHOTO: Former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell addresses the crowd before an appearance by President Joe Biden during his reproductive freedom campaign event at Hillsborough Community College, April 23, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP) Four candidates are running in the Democratic primary, though the front-runner is former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who has essentially been coronated by the Democratic Party after they courted her to run. She has a war chest more than 10 times the size of the next highest-raising Democrat business owner Stanley Campbell (who contributed almost all of the $1.1 million he's raised to his own campaign) and a rare primary endorsement from President Joe Biden. Democrats are hoping having a Latina (Mucarsel-Powell is Ecuadorian American) as their Senate nominee for the first time will help woo voters in this increasingly diverse state, and are banking on Mucarsel-Powell's record of winning over swing voters: She was elected to the House by ousting a two-term Republican incumbent, though she lost reelection in 2020. This is one of the few Senate seats that is even marginally vulnerable for Republicans, and with the balance of power in Congress on the line this election, Democrats will certainly be devoting lots of attention (and cash) to this race. Polls show Scott still leading Mucarsel-Powell in a theoretical matchup, but it seems to be tightening up, so we'll have our eyes on how voters feel about the matchup once the ticket is finalized. Over in the 1st District, Trump ally Rep. Matt Gaetz, who played a pivotal role in ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is now having to fend off a challenger in the GOP primary as part of the former speaker's revenge tour. Team McCarthy helped coax Navy veteran and business consultant Aaron Dimmock into the race, and Dimmock got McCarthy's endorsement, but it looks like Gaetz is holding strong. He has a substantial fundraising advantage (having raised $5.7 million to Dimmock's roughly $350,000) as well as Trump's endorsement. Despite over $3 million in outside spending from a McCarthy-linked PAC backing Dimmock or opposing Gaetz, the sole poll in this race gave Gaetz a 47-point lead. Granted, it was an internal Gaetz campaign poll, but it signals that McCarthy's attempt to foil one of the Republicans he most despises may amount to little more than an irritation as Gaetz cruises his way to a fifth term in office. Elsewhere in the Sunshine State, three members of the far-right Freedom Caucus are up for reelection, but only one is at any risk of being unseated. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who represents the 13th District around Clearwater on the Gulf Coast, is running unopposed in her primary, but will be squaring off this fall against the winner of Tuesday's Democratic primary. There's no polling in that race, but the front-runner looks like former Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority communications director Whitney Fox, who has raised more than twice as much money as any other Democrat and has racked up endorsements from seven sitting members of Congress. Though this district leans red, it's one that Trump won by less than 7 points in 2020 and could be a pickup opportunity for Democrats with the right candidate. It's a similar story in the 27th District, which includes downtown Miami and suburbs to the south. Two-term Republican Rep. Maria Salazar will face off against one of two Democrats: Lucia Baez-Geller, a Miami-Dade School Board member, and Mike Davey, the former mayor of Key Biscayne, are fairly evenly matched ideologically and financially, but Baez-Geller may have an edge as a Latina in a district with a large Hispanic population. Though the region is pretty evenly divided politically (Trump won this district by less than 1 point in 2020), incumbency and a healthy war chest give Salazar an edge, so if Democrats hope to target this as a seat to flip, they'll need to put forward a very strong nominee. Alaska Races to watch: U.S. House Polls close: 12 a.m. Eastern PHOTO: Rep. Mary Peltola poses for a picture in her Cannon Building office, February 9, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Alaska is holding a nonpartisan primary for its at-large House seat, with the top four vote-getters winning a spot on the ballot for the ranked-choice general election in November. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola is facing 11 challengers in her bid for reelection, including four Republicans and one Democrat (the others are nonpartisan or represent minor parties). To refresh your memory, Peltola, the state's first Alaska Native Representative, was elected in a special election in 2022. Peltola beat two Republicans on the ranked-choice ballot: former Gov. and one-time vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, and businessman Nick Begich, who was eliminated after the first round of ballot counting. It was the first time the state had used the new ranked ballot system, which was approved by a special ballot initiative in 2020 (some Alaskans are now trying to repeal it). This year, Begich is back and is polling competitively with Peltola, with some recent polls showing the two neck-and-neck, despite Peltola having a huge fundraising advantage. Begich has raised just under $1 million, while Peltola has raised more than $7.5 million, according to FEC filings. But another prominent Republican is in the mix too: Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom has raised nearly as much as Begich and seems to be the party's preferred candidate, garnering endorsements from Trump and other Republican bigwigs. It is practically a given at this point that all three will ascend to the general ticket, but just how Tuesday's results shake out may have a big impact on which candidate prevails in November. With this understanding, a super PAC with ties to House Democrats has spent nearly $1 million on ads attacking the abortion rights stances of three GOP candidates: Begich, Dahlstrom and Gerald Heikes, an underfunded perennial candidate. The strategy seems to be to raise the profile of these candidates among conservative voters in hopes they'll all wind up on the November ballot alongside Peltola, leaving her as the only option for left-leaning and moderate voters. In 2022, 29 percent of voters who ranked Begich as their first choice voted for Peltola as their second choice, while 21 percent didn't make a second choice pick at all. This vote splitting and drop-off after the first round could favor Peltola if there are once again multiple right-wing candidates for voters to choose from in November. But Begich has said that if Dahlstrom finishes ahead of him in the primary, he'll drop out of the race, leaving her to take on Peltola. In a state that Trump won by 10 percentage points in 2020, Peltola was always going to be one of the most vulnerable incumbents this November, and the results of this primary could ultimately mean the difference between winning and losing for the congresswoman. 5 primaries to watch in Florida and Alaska originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The combination of a supermoon and blue moon will peak at 2:26 p.m. ET today, treating sky-gazers worldwide to a rare celestial sight. The last time this lunar event occurred was August 2023, and the next super blue moons are projected for January and March of 2037. Heres what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. 1. DNC The Democratic National Convention begins in Chicago today, where Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept her partys nomination to become the next commander-in-chief. President Joe Biden is slated to pass the torch to Harris in a speech later this evening in front of thousands of delegates and party members. The president is expected to use his remarks to lay out his argument for Harris and describe the record theyve achieved together. In addition to Biden, the convention is set to feature a whos who list of speakers, including former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker confirmed that about 250 members of the states National Guard will be on standby as tens of thousands of protesters prepare to march on the convention this week. 2. Middle East Seven members of the same family were killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Sunday, medical officials said, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Israel to push for a ceasefire and hostage deal. The top US diplomat said this is probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security. A new ceasefire plan drawn up by the US, Qatar and Egypt was presented on Friday following two days of high-stakes talks in Doha. Israels campaign in Gaza launched following the Hamas attacks of October 7 has killed more than 40,000 people and reduced much of the territory to rubble. Adding to Gazans woes, doctors last week detected the first case of polio in Gaza in 25 years. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. - Handout/Haim Tzach/GPO 3. Severe weather Heavy rainfall caused a flash flood emergency on Sunday in the Connecticut counties of New Haven and Fairfield, according to the National Weather Service. At least 100 people were evacuated from unsafe conditions by urban search and rescue teams, Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. David Stark of the National Weather Service in New York told CNN Weather there had been 6-10 inches of rainfall across southwestern Connecticut in a span of about six to nine hours Sunday, the bulk falling in the afternoon. Monroe, Connecticut, received 9.98 inches of rain, a one-in-200-year event for the city. Separately, the southern US is bracing for potentially record-breaking heat this week. Heat alerts are currently in place for over 20 million people across southern Oklahoma and much of Texas and Louisiana, which will likely be expanded in the coming hours. 4. Covid-19 vaccines The FDA may greenlight updated Covid-19 vaccines as soon as this week, sources tell CNN. A spokesperson for the FDA said the agency cant comment on the timing of product applications but noted that it anticipates taking timely action to authorize or approve updated COVID-19 vaccines in order to make vaccines available this fall. The mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech will target the leading variants in circulation as the country experiences its largest summer wave in two years. In June, the CDC recommended that everyone over 6 months old receive updated Covid-19 and flu vaccines this year because protection provided by the shots appears to wane over time. 5. Yacht disaster At least one person is dead and six others are missing after a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily today, Italian authorities said. A tornado hit the vessel around 5 a.m. local time while the yacht was anchored about half a mile from the port of Porticello on the Mediterranean island. Fifteen people have been rescued from the scene and one child was airlifted to a childrens hospital. The captain is among the survivors, according to a spokesperson for Italys Coast Guard. The 56-meter yacht called the Bayesian, which flies under a British flag, had mostly British passengers and crew, in addition to two Anglo-French, one New Zealander, one Irish and one Sri Lankan. BREAKFAST BROWSE Hollywood heads to Chicago for the Democratic convention Several A-list actors are scheduled to speak on the conventions main stage. But with no major performer announced, speculation has run rampant that Taylor Swift or Beyonce may appear. A billionaire is about to lead the first private spacewalk SpaceXs Polaris Dawn mission will carry four people with no prior spaceflight experience on a risky journey into the radiation belt. The crew is expected to attempt the first spacewalk carried out by private citizens. How much is too much to spend on jeans? Actress Blake Lively recently wore a pair of $19,000 jeans. Many on social media said the price seams excessive. Nearly 600-pound ice age mammoth tusk discovered in Mississippi A fossil hunter was scouring a Mississippi creek for remnants of the past when he came across the discovery of a lifetime a tusk from an ice age Columbian mammoth. Kasia Niewiadoma wins Tour de France Femmes Katarzyna Kasia Niewiadoma won a thrilling edition of the Tour de France Femmes by just four seconds. TODAYS NUMBER 20 Thats how many people were injured after a Ferris wheel caught fire at a music festival in Germany, police said. Images show two of the rides carriages on fire as smoke billows into the air near the city of Leipzig. TODAYS QUOTE It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirming Sunday that his forces blew up a second bridge in the Russian border region of Kursk. Zelensky explained the strategic ambitions of the operation, saying he aims to create a buffer zone in Kursk that could prevent some cross-border attacks by Moscow. TODAYS WEATHER Check your local forecast here>>> AND FINALLY At 150 years old, see why this luxury train is still worth a ride Take a look inside the Caledonian Sleeper Britains oldest overnight train service. Running between London and the Scottish Highlands, it offers unique views across some of the UKs most stunning scenery. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WEST HAVEN, Utah (ABC4) Six people were injured and one driver was taken to the hospital after two cars crashed in West Haven on Sunday afternoon, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. Cpl. Haley Scheer with UHP told ABC4.com that the crash happened just after 1 p.m. on Sunday, and involved a Toyota FJ Cruiser and a Toyota Prius. While six people were injured, Scheer said none of the reported injuries were serious. READ NEXT: 1 hospitalized after 3 a.m. crash in Toquerville Six people were injured after a two-vehicle crash in West Haven on Aug. 18, 2024. (Courtesy: Utah Highway Patrol) Six people were injured after a two-vehicle crash in West Haven on Aug. 18, 2024. (Courtesy: Utah Highway Patrol) Scheer said the FJ Cruiser was traveling southbound on SR 126 (or 1900 West) in West Haven when it traveled across a two-way turn lane and into oncoming traffic. The Prius was traveling northbound when it was struck by the FJ Cruiser. According to Scheer, after crashing with the Prius, the FJ Cruiser continued off the side of the road, struck a large fence post, and rotated before coming to a stop. The driver reportedly received lacerations on his head and upper extremities, Scheer said. Scheer said officials did not know if the driver of the FJ Cruiser was ejected or if he got out of the car on his own after the crash. He was taken to the hospital and was said to be in stable condition. There is no further information at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) An inmate at William Donaldson Correctional Facility was pronounced dead over the weekend. Legendary TV host Phil Donahue dies at age 88 James Clutts, 64, was serving a sentence for rape and sodomy convictions out of Madison County in 2007. On Aug. 14, he was transported to the hospital for continued treatment of multiple health issues, where he later died on Aug. 18, according to the Jefferson County Coroners Office. A postmortem examination will be performed to determine cause of death. The Alabama Department of Corrections is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. At least four attendees were treated for burns and one due to an injury from a fall, according to local police Str./picture alliance via Getty One of the ferris wheel's gondolas on fire at the Highfield Festival in Germany At least 65 people were treated for injuries after a ferris wheel caught fire at a music festival in Germany. The incident occurred after one gondola burst into flames at the Highfield Festival in Leipzig on Saturday, Aug. 17 at around 9 p.m. local time, the Leipzig Police Department confirmed in a statement on Aug. 18. The incident left 65 attendees in need of medical treatment as a result of the fire, and 16 people were then transported to the hospital for additional treatment, according to the police. There were four people who had burns and one person who was injured due to a fall. None of the injuries were life-threatening. Related: 6 Injured After Carnival Ride 'Tipped Over' During Fourth of July Celebration in Washington Str./picture alliance via Getty People watching as the fire spreads to another gondola After an initial assessment of the incident, it was determined that the cause of the fire was due to material located under the ferris wheel catching fire and spreading to a gondola, the statement adds. Photos of the incident show one gondola engulfed in flames and smoke, while another shot shows the gondola to the right then also catching fire. The police add that it is unclear how the material caught fire and that an investigation is ongoing. PEOPLE has reached out to local authorities and organizers of the Highfield Festival for comment. Related: How Safe Are Amusement Park Rides? Expert Reveals How Likely Accidents Are After Several Incidents (Exclusive) Heiko Rebsch/picture alliance via Getty Front entrance at the Highfield Festival in Germany German rapper Ski Aggu, who was listed in the lineup for Aug. 17 on the festivals website, said he was performing on stage when the fire broke out, according to a statement shared to his Instagram Stories on Sunday, Aug. 18. I am absolutely dismayed and shocked by the ferris wheel fire during my show at Highfield, he said in his statement that was originally written in German. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. He adds that he was told in his ear piece that under no circumstances should I cancel the show and to instead communicate with the crowds in order to avoid mass panic. For me, the priority was to ensure that the situation did not escalate further, which fortunately worked, he continued. Thank you for all staying calm and possibly preventing something worse from happening. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. 67-year-old man driving moped has serious injuries after vehicle crash on NC 32 GATES COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) The North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to a vehicle crash involving a moped on Saturday. According to officials, around 12:50 p.m., troopers were dispatched to Belvidere, North Carolina on NC 32 for reports of a collision. An investigation revealed a 43-year-old man was traveling southbound on NC 32 in a 2020 Nissan passenger car when he collided with a 67-year-old man driving a moped. The man was then ejected from the moped and transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with serious injuries. The crash remains under investigation. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Demolition of the former halfway house in Midtown started last week. The block is set to be redeveloped into new apartments. The first request for assistance from the new Classen tax increment financing district is set to be presented Tuesday for an $81.4 million apartment development to be built in Midtown across from Elemental Coffee. SSLM Development is requesting $10,775,000 from the Classen Corridor Revitalization TIF Review Committee, which was created in March by the Oklahoma City Council in conjunction with the introduction of bus rapid transit. The partners of SSLM are Richard McKown and Kara Lewallen, whose past developments include Level and Mosaic in Deep Deuce, and Cooper Scott, who joined the partnership after managing the groups properties. The property, located between NW 8, NW 9, Hudson and Walker Avenues, consists of two older homes deemed dilapidated by the owners and a halfway house that was closed by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in 2017 after repeated security breaches and the slaying of one of its residents. Developer Richard McKown is asking for $10 million from a new Classen Tax Increment Financing district to build more than 300 apartments between NW 8, NW 9, Hudson and Walker Avenues. We've been going after this site since 2015, Lewallen said. We had it under contract in 2015 and it didnt feel right at the time. We went through the process of doing due diligence and it fell through. We were going to have to go through the process of moving the halfway house, and that was part of the hesitance. The development, pending approval of the TIF request, is expected to start in 2025. It is the largest single investment yet in Midtown, a mixed-use neighborhood that was declared blighted in 2003 when its major anchor, St. Anthony Hospital, contemplated moving to the suburbs. The areas revival over the past two decades has included a mix of restaurants, retail, offices and conversion of the former Osler building into a boutique hotel. St. Anthony, meanwhile, spent more than $250 million rebuilding its historic campus. The hospital continues to invest in the campus and is building a new entrance lobby. The apartments will be within walking distance of all of the areas shops and restaurants and just south of a new five-story Phillips Murrah building and garage. Its the location that got us excited about it, and the area has developed since 2015, Lewallen said. There has been a little bit of housing, but not a substantial amount. What is a TIF district? A tax increment finance, or "TIF," district allows the city to use a portion of property taxes generated within the district to reinvest in its infrastructure and provide incentives for private investment. The TIF's purpose is to drive higher property values, increase property tax revenue, and promote economic development and job creation in the district. The SSLM request is structured as a pay-in, pay-out formula which would return 100% of property taxes paid on the property for the first five years. That percentage would drop to 85% in the sixth year, and then 75% for the seventh through 15th years. The intention of that is to help the development in the way that it needs assistance and to also generate income for the TIF district, Scott said. Demolition has begun of former halfway house on NW 8 between Walker and Hudson Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. The Classen Corridor TIF was created with the intent of assisting in the redevelopment of historic landmarks including the Gold Dome and former Roosevelt School, as well as new development like the one proposed by SSLM and another residential development planned by Clay Farha for the former EMSA headquarters across from the Plaza Court Building. The application will be presented first on Tuesday to a TIF review committee representing the five taxing jurisdictions for the area. The representatives from Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City Public Schools, the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, the Metropolitan Library System and Metro Technology Center are being asked to recommend approving the application that would then be voted on by the Oklahoma City Economic Development Authority and the Oklahoma City Council. New apartments are set to be built between NW 8, NW 9, Hudson and Walker Avenues in Midtown. The block is across the street from Elemental Coffee and will be located next to Jimmy's Egg. McKown said the site involves significant infrastructure costs that include relocating sewer lines, burying electric lines, and moving AT&T and Cox fiber optic lines connected to St. Anthony. The development also will include a 430-space parking garage and 44 curbside parking spaces. The TIF request lists amenities to include a clubhouse, lush courtyards, swimming pool, fitness center, catering kitchen and outdoor grills. McKown said the development includes three 700-square-foot live-work units on the ground floor that will be designed as open studio spaces with a kitchen and full bathroom. He said he does not want to compete with nearby retail. He said the TIF request is structured to tie into public transit and benefit other projects. If you dont have people living within proximity to public transportation, you end up with a chicken and egg question, McKown said. That why theyre using part of this TIF for housing. This (TIF) will make more than the $10 million (increased taxes) so that the city will have money in the TIF that they will be able to use for other projects. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC being asked to provide $10.7 million TIF assist for new apartments Since the end of Roe v. Wade more than two years ago, North Carolina has felt the consequences. The states 12-week abortion ban, which took effect last year, has had severe impacts for people inside and outside of North Carolina. One statistic that might be a surprise to some: the number of abortions provided in North Carolina has increased since April 2022, the month before the leak of the draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, according to a report from the Society for Family Planning. In March 2024, the most recent month for which data is available, an estimated 3,980 abortions were administered an increase of 21% from April 2022. Estimated abortions have increased nearly 27% since July 2023, the month that North Carolinas 12-week abortion ban took effect. Thats consistent with whats happening across the country. Nationwide, abortions have continued to increase since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, despite the fact that abortion access in many states has been drastically curtailed. Thats in large part because of the rise in telehealth and medication abortions, as well as new laws in blue states that help reduce barriers to care. In North Carolina, the rise in abortions can largely be attributed to patients traveling from other states to receive care. That effect was particularly acute between May 2022 and July 2023, when North Carolina still permitted abortions until the 20th week of pregnancy. Abortions dropped dramatically in July 2023, when the 12-week ban took effect, before increasing again in subsequent months. Even now, North Carolinas 12-week ban is more permissive than most states in the Southeast, which has made NC a regional destination for many patients seeking abortions. Calla Hales, co-owner and executive director of A Preferred Womens Health Center, said that a majority of patients at her clinics are people from out of state. Before the Dobbs decision, only about 30-40% of patients came from out of state, most often from South Carolina or Virginia, Hales said. Now, patients are traveling from much farther. The truth is that even though data shows an increase in abortions in North Carolina, the reality is that abortion care has become far more difficult for patients and providers alike, Hales said. In addition to banning elective abortions after 12 weeks, the law requires that patients receive in-person counseling 72 hours before the procedure. That makes it particularly difficult for patients who are coming from out of state and may be unable to take off work for that long or cannot afford to pay for lodging or multiple trips. Even patients who live in North Carolina may have to travel for care, as the state only has 14 abortion clinics in nine different counties. Rural NC communities are particularly affected, with the closest clinic sometimes located hours away. And all of this has to happen before the end of the first trimester, despite the fact that it may take nearly that long to even realize a pregnancy. North Carolinas restrictions also are difficult for providers, as they force providers to schedule more appointments to serve the same number of patients. The law also has increased reporting requirements for providers, which means more time spent doing paperwork. Hales said her clinics have had to hire additional staff in order to keep up. Frankly, it is impossible to meet the demand. We are having to turn patients away. We are having to refer them out of state because they will not meet the deadlines, Hales said. We are forced in these positions to tell patients that we cannot help them, and it is so difficult and so heartbreaking. Nonetheless, the data has made one thing clear: if the goal of the anti-abortion movement is to banish abortion in North Carolina and across the country, its a goal that has not been successful. Theres no question that obtaining an abortion has become financially, legally and logistically more difficult. The laws ambiguity, particularly when it comes to outlining exceptions for medical emergencies, endangers patients and puts providers in legal jeopardy. But despite the best legislative attempts at limiting abortion at least so far it certainly has not gone away. Absentee ballots available for request in Georgia. What you need to know As the United States inches closer to election day, and the 2024 presidential race, Georgia voters can start asking for options to vote by mail. Monday is the first day that voters can request an absentee ballot, though theyll have plenty of time to choose whether they want to vote in person or by mail. By Georgia law, absentee ballots can be requested up to 11 days before any election, whether its a primary, runoff, statewide or federal general election. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: The voter registration deadline for 2024 is Oct. 7, and early in-person voting begins Oct. 15. The Georgia Secretary of States Office says the earliest day for a registrar to mail out absentee ballots is Sept. 21 for this years election cycle, and the last day to submit an absentee ballot is Oct. 25. The official last day to vote in person is Nov. 5, the day of the general election. For those interested in voting through by absentee ballot, you can put your request in to do so here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Is this acclaimed Brooklyn metal bar closing its doors for good? BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) Did the acclaimed metal bar Saint Vitus in Greenpoint close its doors for good? Since its founding in 2011, Saint Vitus has been a cornerstone of the metal and rock music scene in Greenpoint. The bar hinted at closure in a cryptic post on its official Instagram on Saturday, but it is unclear if it may be indefinite. More Brooklyn News Saint Vitus Bar to be continued, read a post on the bars official Instagram. Thank you to everyone who was a part of it. Hundreds of people commented on the bars social media accounts, thanking the owners for the beautiful times many had at the bar since its founding in 2011. Saint Vitus hosted many notable performances, such as when Nirvana was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The bar hosted a surprise after-party with performances from Joan Jett, Lorde, and Sonic Youths Kim Gordon, playing homage to the Grunge band, which ended at 4 a.m. The Rolling Stone reported in 2014. According to the bars website, Saint Vitus hosted Megadeth, Anthrax, Babes in Toyland, and other acts. St Vitus was like a home away from home for me, wrote Peter Catsoulis on the bars closure announcement on Facebook. I probably went to 50-100 shows there the last four years. Whatever the future holds, you guys always have my support. PIX11 News reached out to the bar to clarify if the bar was moving or closing for good. We will get back to you during working hours on Monday, a spokesperson said. Google lists the bar as temporarily closed, so details of their closure remain unclear. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. [Source] Community leaders and activists rallied outside the Fort Lee Community Center to demand justice for Victoria Lee, a 26-year-old Korean American fatally shot by police during a mental health crisis. The rally, which included representatives from AAPI, the Peoples Organization for Progress and Black Lives Matter, called for accountability for the officers involved and emphasized the need for mental health professionals rather than police in such situations. The United Black Agenda also expressed solidarity with the Asian community, acknowledging the widespread pain and outrage this incident has caused. We share in the grief over the loss of another person of color under circumstances that demand serious scrutiny, accountability and policy changeWe are in this together and together, we will continue to push for the changes necessary to protect and uplift all, the coalition said in a statement. Trending on NextShark: Resurfaced video shows Kobe Bryant trash talking Jeremy Lin Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Actually, GOP critics are right: Kamala Harris should sit down for a major interview | Opinion Heres something you wont hear me say very often: Eric Schmitt is right. Sort of. So, for that matter, is Roger Marshall. Over the last week, the two senators Republicans from Missouri and Kansas, respectively have dialed up their work as surrogates for Donald Trumps 2024 presidential campaign. Mostly, that means they are criticizing the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris. A lot. Most of that criticism is fairly standard Republicans dont like Democrats stuff. Noise. But Schmitt and Marshall have both offered one critique that makes a lot of sense: Harris, they say, should step forward and take hard questions from the media. You know. Like Trump. I think his ability to stand in front of a hostile media and answer questions for over an hour is something I would love to see Kamala Harris try to do, Schmitt said on CNN. Harris and her veep nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, remain AWOL from the press corps running from their record they either cant or wont defend, Marshall added on Twitter. And, well, theyre right. Sort of. They arent correct that Trump is the model here. Yes, the former president likes to stand in front of reporters and hold forth both endlessly and mostly untruthfully. NPR reporters counted 162 misstatements, exaggerations and outright lies by Trump during a 64-minute news conference earlier this month. Thats well beyond the bounds of the usual truth-stretching limits of political spin, the public radio network noted. If Harris is going to go before the media and lie her pants off for an hour, then theres not much point to the exercise. But I hope and expect that Harris is considerably more truthful than Trump. The bar isnt exactly high. If thats the case, she should be willing and able to take detailed even uncomfortable questions about how she plans to lead the country if she wins the election in November. So far, she mostly hasnt. Progressive voices urge VP to talk to media The vice president has held a lot of rallies and given a lot of speeches since her surprise ascendancy to the top of the ticket. But she hasnt offered a whole bunch of policy details. And her exchanges with reporters have come in short bursts. She hasnt done a big, wide-ranging press conference. And she hasnt sat down for an in-depth one-on-one interview although she has indicated she plans to give one by the end of the month. Maybe shell be ready to do so after introducing herself to America more fully this week at the Democratic National Convention. For now, though, we dont know as much about Harris vision for the country as maybe we should. Its gotten so that even progressive opinion journalists such as The Washington Posts Perry Bacon Jr. are urging her to finally talk to the media. A presidential campaign is a national conversation about the state of the country, he wrote this week. The candidate giving the same speech over and over again is a monologue, not a conversation. Exactly. Not that the media always acquits itself well when given the brief opportunity. During a stop Sunday on her bus tour through Pennsylvania, reporters got a few minutes with the candidate and promptly asked her about the latest polling. Do you consider yourself the underdog here? asked one journalist. I very much consider us the underdog, Harris responded. That was very nearly useless. And not her fault. So I wont offer you any misty-eyed tributes to how journalists play a critical role in the functioning of a democracy. Instead, Ill just say anybody who aspires to lead a democracy ought to be accountable and that accountability sometimes takes the form of questions from somebody independent, who isnt obviously or automatically on your side. Journalists can play that role. So can voters, in a town hall-style situation. Either way, Harris ought to take questions from somebody, if only to prove that she can. Trump is the only candidate running for president of the United States willing to stand in front of the media and answer questions, Schmitt told CNN. Kamala Harris refuses to do it. So far, Schmitt is right. Heres hoping Harris proves him wrong, and soon. Joel Mathis is a regular Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle Opinion correspondent. Formerly a writer and editor at Kansas newspapers, he served nine years as a syndicated columnist. AUSTIN (KXAN) A 38-year-old man was arrested after a victim accused him of sexual assault while he was driving for Uber in May, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. On May 4, around 3 a.m., the victim told the Austin Police Department they fell asleep in the rideshare and woke up to the Uber driver sexually assaulting them, according to the affidavit. The victim then provided police with the license plate number on the Uber drivers license plate, court records said. That information then led police to the drivers home in north Austin, where he was arrested, according to the affidavit. That man was identified as Victor Manuel Legon-Frias, 38. KXAN has reached out to Legon-Frias attorney. We will update this article if a statement is received. Victor Manuel Legon-Frias, 38 | Provided by Austin Police Department Legon-Frias was booked into the Travis County Jail on a charge of sexual assault and was still in custody Monday on a $25,000 bond, according to court documents. Uber releases statement KXAN reached out to Uber on the case, and a spokesperson for the company released this statement below: This monstrous behavior has no place in our society or on the Uber platform. We treat reports like this with the utmost seriousness, and immediately removed the drivers access to the platform as soon as we were made aware. We have also been in touch with law enforcement to help support their investigation. Uber spokesperson According to Uber, reporting incidents can be done by riders and drivers to Ubers Safety Incident Reporting Line. The Uber Incident Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to incidents globally, according to Uber. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. TechCrunch TikTok is growing fast as a destination for news, but news and politics accounts make up less than one percent of accounts followed by U.S. adults, the Pew Research Center says. Around half of all TikTok accounts followed by U.S. adults are influencers and creators, the study shows. Plus, content related to news and politics is considered rare, with only about 10% of the followed accounts that showed up in the study posting about these topics. Age verification laws have been sweeping the country the year, as states push to require social media platforms and adult-oriented websites to card their users. Rather than check IDs, some major porn platforms have simply been pulling out of states where these laws are enacted. This "is entirely what we were after," said Republican operative Russell Vought in a hidden-camera video released last week. The video was recorded by reporters from the British nonprofit Centre for Climate Reporting. Posing as the relatives of a fictitious conservative donor, the reporters talked with Vought in a D.C. hotel suite in July and, last Thursday, posted a recording of this conversation. 'We're doing it from the back door' In a portion of the video, Voughtwho served as policy director for the Republican National Committee (RNC) platform rewrite this yeartalks about why activists have been pushing age verification laws. "We're doing it from he back door. We're starting with the kids," Vaught said. "We'd have a national ban on pornography if we could, right? So, like, we would have, you know, the porn companies being investigated for all manner of human rights abuses." A national ban on porn would, of course, run up against the First Amendment. So savvy anti-porn activists have taken to pushing age verification laws instead. "We came up with an idea on pornography to make it so that the porn companies bear the liability for the underage use, as opposed to the person who visits the website [having to] certify that 'I am 18," Vought told the undercover Centre for Climate Reporting staffers. "We've got a number of states that are passing this and then you know what happens is the porn company says 'We're not going to do business in your state'which, of course, is entirely what we were after." Who Is Russell Vought? Vought is the founder of the Center for Renewing America, a right-wing think tank whose "mission is to renew a consensus of America as a nation under God," per its website. In May, he was appointed policy director of the RNC's platform committee. Vought was previously an official in the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget (OMB), eventually serving as OMB director from July 2020 to January 2021. But Vought is probably best known as one of the architects of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation's now-infamous document laying out what it wants to put on the agenda of a second Trump administration. Trump and his campaign have distanced itself from the much-derided Project 2025 agenda, which Democrats have latched onto as a way to portray Trump's campaign as nefarious and extreme. But part of the idea behind the agenda is to put Project 2025 supporters back in the federal government if Trump is elected again. So even if Trump isn't doesn't endorse Project 2025, people from Project 2025 may well be involved in a future Trump administration. And Vought is "likely to be appointed to a high-ranking post in a second Trump administration," according to the Associated Press (AP). "In his public comments and in a Project 2025 chapter he wrote, Vought has said that no executive branch department or agency, including the Justice Department, should operate outside the president's authority," reports the AP. "'The whole notion of independent agencies is anathema from the standpoint of the Constitution,' Vought said during a recent appearance on the Fox Business Network." "Eighty percent of my time is working on the plans of what's necessary to take control of [federal] bureaucracies," Vought said in the Centre for Climate Reporting's video. Project 2025 on Porn The idea that age verification laws are meant to make porn websites shutdown isn't exactly a surprising revelation. It's long been clear that a large subset of people pushing porn age-check laws would like to do away with porn entirely. Sex workers have certainly been warning as much for a while now. Still, it's notable to hear this vision laid out so plainly from someone with such a significant hand in shaping conservatives' policy agenda. Rachel Cauley, a spokesperson for the Center for Renewing America, downplayed the idea that the video has revealed anything new. "It would have been easier to just do a google search to 'uncover' what is already on our website and said in countless national media interviews," she told CNN. Indeed, people like Vought have not hidden their anti-porn agenda. Project 2025 calls for banning porn and imprisoning those who make or distribute it. Porn "has no claim to First Amendment protection," it states. "Pornography should be outlawed. The people who produce and distribute it should be imprisoned. Educators and public librarians who purvey it should be classed as registered sex offenders. And telecommunications and technology firms that facilitate its spread should be shuttered." Project 2025 also takes a broad view of what constitutes pornography, saying that porn is "manifested today in the omnipresent propagation of transgender ideology." It seems pretty clear that a Project 2025style porn ban wouldn't simply target videos and imagery depicting nudity or sex but a wide swath of content related to gender and sexuality. More Sex & Tech News The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of the tech-industry association NetChoice in a case concerning California's Age Appropriate Design Code. "The court recognized that California's government cannot commandeer private businesses to censor lawful content online or to restrict access to it," said Chris Marchese, director of the NetChoice Litigation Center. Another critical review of Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation, this time written by University of Vienna professor Tobias Dienlin and published in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. "While several arguments are compelling, the book misrepresents the literature, which reports small negative relations at best," Dienlin posted on X. (The published copy of Dienlin's review is paywalled, but you can read a pre-print version here. My review of the book is here.) Amber Batts reflects on how she got sentenced as a "sex trafficker" in Alaska 9 years ago. Today's Image Washington, D.C. | 2017 (ENB/Reason) The post Age Check Laws Are a 'Back Door' to Banning Porn, Project 2025 Architect Says in Hidden Camera Video appeared first on Reason.com. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology has made it easier to create believable but totally fake videos and images and spread misinformation about elections, experts say. (Tero Vesalainen | Getty Images) In June, amid a bitterly contested Republican gubernatorial primary race, a short video began circulating on social media showing Utah Gov. Spencer Cox purportedly admitting to fraudulent collection of ballot signatures. The governor, however, never said any such thing and courts have upheld his election victory. The false video was part of a growing wave of election-related content created by artificial intelligence. At least some of that content, experts say, is false, misleading or simply designed to provoke viewers. AI-created likenesses, often called deepfakes, have increasingly become a point of concern for those battling misinformation during election seasons. Creating deepfakes used to take a team of skilled technologists with time and money, but recent advances and accessibility in AI technology have meant that nearly anyone can create convincing fake content. Now we can supercharge the speed and the frequency and the persuasiveness of existing misinformation and disinformation narratives, Tim Harper, senior policy analyst for democracy and elections at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said. AI has advanced remarkably since just the last presidential election in 2020, Harper said, noting that OpenAIs release of ChatGPT in November 2022 brought accessible AI to the masses. About half of the worlds population lives in countries that are holding elections this year. And the question isnt really if AI will play a role in misinformation, Harper said, but rather how much of a role it will play. How can AI be used to spread misinformation? Though it is often intentional, misinformation caused by artificial intelligence can sometimes be accidental, due to flaws or blindspots baked into a tools algorithm. AI chatbots search for information in the databases they have access to, so if that information is wrong, or outdated, it can easily produce wrong answers. OpenAI said in May that it would be working to provide more transparency about its AI tools during this election year, and the company endorsed the bipartisan Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, which is pending in Congress. We want to make sure that our AI systems are built, deployed, and used safely, the company said in the May announcement. Like any new technology, these tools come with benefits and challenges. They are also unprecedented, and we will keep evolving our approach as we learn more about how our tools are used. Poorly regulated AI systems can lead to misinformation. Elon Musk was recently called upon by several secretaries of state after his AI search assistant Grok, built for social media platform X, falsely told users Vice President Kamala Harris was ineligible to appear on the presidential ballot in nine states because the ballot deadline had passed. The information stayed on the platform, and was seen by millions, for more than a week before it was corrected. As tens of millions of voters in the U.S. seek basic information about voting in this major election year, X has the responsibility to ensure all voters using your platform have access to guidance that reflects true and accurate information about their constitutional right to vote, reads the letter signed by the secretaries of state of Washington, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and New Mexico. Generative AI impersonations also pose a new risk to the spread of misinformation. In addition to the fake video of Cox in Utah, a deepfake video of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis falsely showed him dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. Some misinformation campaigns happen on huge scales like these, but many others are more localized, targeted campaigns. For instance, bad actors may imitate the online presence of a neighborhood political organizer, or send AI-generated text messages to listservs in certain cities. Language minority communities have been harder to reach in the past, Harper said, but generative AI has made it easier to translate messages or target specific groups. While most adults are aware that AI will play a role in the election, some hyperlocal, personalized campaigns may fly under the radar, Harper says. For example, someone could use data about local polling places and public phone numbers to create messages specific to you. They may send a text the night before election day saying that your polling location has changed from one spot to another, and because they have your original polling place correct, it doesnt seem like a red flag. If that message comes to you on WhatsApp or on your phone, it could be much more persuasive than if that message was in a political ad on a social media platform, Harper said. People are less familiar with the idea of getting targeted disinformation directly sent to them. Verifying digital identities The deepfake video of Cox helped spur a partnership between a public university and a new tech platform with the goal of combating deepfakes in Utah elections. From July 2024, through Inauguration Day in January 2025, students and researchers at the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy and the Center for National Security Studies at Utah Valley University will work with SureMark Digital. Together, theyll verify digital identities of politicians to study the impact AI-generated content has on elections. Through the pilot program, candidates seeking one of Utahs four congressional seats and the open Senate seat will be able to authenticate their digital identities at no cost through SureMarks platform, with the goal of increasing trust in Utahs elections. Brandon Amacher, director of the Emerging Tech Policy Lab at UVU, said he sees AI playing a similar role in this election as the emergence of social media did in the 2008 election influential but not yet overwhelming. I think what were seeing right now is the beginning of a trend which could get significantly more impactful in future elections, Amacher said. In the first month of the pilot, Amacher said, the group has already seen how effective these simulated video messages can be, especially in short-form media like TikTok and Instagram Reels. A shorter video is easier to fake, and if someone is scrolling these platforms for an hour, a short clip of misinformation likely wont get very much scrutiny, but it could still influence your opinion about a topic or a person. SureMark Chairman Scott Stornetta explained that the verification platform, which rolled out in the last month, allows a user to acquire a credential. Once thats approved, the platform goes through an authorization process of all of your published content using cryptographic techniques that bind the identity of a person to the content that features them. A browser extension then identifies to users if content was published by you or an unauthorized actor. The platform was created with public figures in mind, especially politicians and journalists who are vulnerable to having their images replicated. Anyone can download the SureMark browser extension to see accredited content across different media platforms, not just those that get accredited. Stornetta likened the technology to an X-ray. If someone sees a video or an image or listens to a podcast on a regular browser, they wont know the difference between a real and a fake, he said. But if someone that has this X-ray vision sees the same documents in their browser, they can click on a button and basically find out whether its a green check or red X. The pilot program is currently working to credential the states politicians, so it will be a few months before they start to glean results, but Justin Jones, the executive director of the Herbert Institute, said that every campaign theyve connected with has been enthusiastic to try the technology. All of them have said were concerned about this and we want to know more, Jones said. Whats the motivation behind misinformation? Lots of different groups with varying motivations can be behind misinformation campaigns, Michael Kaiser, CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns, told States Newsroom. There is sometimes misinformation directed at specific candidates, like in the case of the Cox and DeSantis deepfake videos. Campaigns around geopolitical events, like wars, are also common to sway public opinion. Russias influence on the 2016 and 2020 elections is well-documented, and efforts will likely continue in 2024, with a goal of undermining U,S, support of Ukraine, a Microsoft study recently reported. Theres sometimes a monetary motivation to misinformation, Amacher said, as provocative, viral content can turn into payouts on platforms that pay users for views. Kaiser, whose work focuses on providing cybersecurity tools to campaigns, said that while interference in elections is sometimes the goal, more commonly, these people are trying to cause a general sense of chaos and apathy toward the elections process. Theyre trying to divide us at another level, he said. For some bad actors, the misinformation and disinformation is not about how you vote. Its just that were divided. Its why much of the AI-generated content is inflammatory or plays on your emotions, Kaiser said. Theyre trying to make you apathetic, trying to make you angry, so maybe youre like, I cant believe this, Im going to share it with my friends, he said. So you become the platform for misinformation and disinformation. Strategies for stopping the spread of misinformation Understanding that emotional response and eagerness to share or engage with the content is a key tool to slowing the spread of misinformation. If youre in that moment, theres a few things you can do, the experts said. First, try to find out if an image or sound bite youre viewing has been reported elsewhere. You can use reverse image search on Google to see if that image is found on reputable sites, or if its only being shared by social media accounts that appear to be bots. Websites that fact check manufactured or altered images may point you to where the information originated, Kaiser said. If youre receiving messages about election day or voting, double check the information online through your states voting resources, he added. Adding two-factor authentication on social media profiles and email accounts can help ward off phishing attacks and hacking, which can be used to spread misinformation, Harper said. If you get a phone call you suspect may be AI-generated, or is using someones voice likeness, its good to confirm that persons identity by asking about the last time you spoke. Harper also said that theres a few giveaways to look out for with AI-generated images, like an extra finger or distorted ear or hairline. AI has a hard time rendering some of those finer details, Harper said. Another visual clue, Amacher said, is that deepfake videos often feature a blank background, because busy surroundings are harder to simulate. And finally, the closer we are to the election, the likelier you are to see misinformation, Kaiser said. Bad actors use proximity to the election to their advantage the closer you are to election day, the less time your misinformation has to be debunked. Technologists themselves can take some of the onus of misinformation in the way they build AI, Harper said. He recently published a summary of recommendations for AI developers with suggestions for best practices. The recommendations included refraining from releasing text-to-speech tools that allow users to replicate the voices of real people, refraining from the generation of realistic images and videos of political figures, and prohibiting the use of generative AI tools for political ads. Harper suggests that AI tools disclose how often a chatbots training data is updated relating to election information, develop machine-readable watermarks for content, and promote authoritative sources of election information. Some tech companies already voluntarily follow many of these transparency best practices, but much of the country is following a patchwork of laws that havent developed at the speed of the technology itself. A bill prohibiting the use of deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media of a federal candidate was introduced in congress last year, but it has not been enacted. Laws focusing on AI in elections have been passed on a state level in the last two years, though, and primarily either ban messaging and images created by AI or at least require specific disclaimers about the use of AI in campaign materials. But for now, these young tech companies that want to do their part in stopping or slowing the spread of misinformation can seek some direction from the CDT report or pilot programs like UVUs. We wanted to take a stab at creating a kind of a comprehensive election integrity program for these companies, Harper said. understanding that unlike the kind of legacy social media companies, theyre very new and quite young and have no time or kind of the regulatory scrutiny required to have created strong election integrity policies in a more systematic way. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology has made it easier to create believable but totally fake videos and images and spread misinformation about elections, experts say. (Tero Vesalainen/Getty Images) In June, amid a bitterly contested Republican gubernatorial primary race, a short video began circulating on social media showing Utah Gov. Spencer Cox purportedly admitting to fraudulent collection of ballot signatures. The governor, however, never said any such thing and courts have upheld his election victory. The false video was part of a growing wave of election-related content created by artificial intelligence. At least some of that content, experts say, is false, misleading or simply designed to provoke viewers. AI-created likenesses, often called deepfakes, have increasingly become a point of concern for those battling misinformation during election seasons. Creating deepfakes used to take a team of skilled technologists with time and money, but recent advances and accessibility in AI technology have meant that nearly anyone can create convincing fake content. Now we can supercharge the speed and the frequency and the persuasiveness of existing misinformation and disinformation narratives, Tim Harper, senior policy analyst for democracy and elections at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said. AI has advanced remarkably since just the last presidential election in 2020, Harper said, noting that OpenAIs release of ChatGPT in November 2022 brought accessible AI to the masses. About half of the worlds population lives in countries that are holding elections this year. And the question isnt really if AI will play a role in misinformation, Harper said, but rather how much of a role it will play. How can AI be used to spread misinformation? Though it is often intentional, misinformation caused by artificial intelligence can sometimes be accidental, due to flaws or blindspots baked into a tools algorithm. AI chatbots search for information in the databases they have access to, so if that information is wrong, or outdated, it can easily produce wrong answers. OpenAI said in May that it would be working to provide more transparency about its AI tools during this election year, and the company endorsed the bipartisan Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, which is pending in Congress. We want to make sure that our AI systems are built, deployed, and used safely, the company said in the May announcement. Like any new technology, these tools come with benefits and challenges. They are also unprecedented, and we will keep evolving our approach as we learn more about how our tools are used. Poorly regulated AI systems can lead to misinformation. Elon Musk was recently called upon by several secretaries of state after his AI search assistant Grok, built for social media platform X, falsely told users Vice President Kamala Harris was ineligible to appear on the presidential ballot in nine states because the ballot deadline had passed. The information stayed on the platform, and was seen by millions, for more than a week before it was corrected. As tens of millions of voters in the U.S. seek basic information about voting in this major election year, X has the responsibility to ensure all voters using your platform have access to guidance that reflects true and accurate information about their constitutional right to vote, reads the letter signed by the secretaries of state of Washington, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and New Mexico. Generative AI impersonations also pose a new risk to the spread of misinformation. In addition to the fake video of Cox in Utah, a deepfake video of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis falsely showed him dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. Some misinformation campaigns happen on huge scales like these, but many others are more localized, targeted campaigns. For instance, bad actors may imitate the online presence of a neighborhood political organizer, or send AI-generated text messages to listservs in certain cities. Language minority communities have been harder to reach in the past, Harper said, but generative AI has made it easier to translate messages or target specific groups. While most adults are aware that AI will play a role in the election, some hyperlocal, personalized campaigns may fly under the radar, Harper says. For example, someone could use data about local polling places and public phone numbers to create messages specific to you. They may send a text the night before election day saying that your polling location has changed from one spot to another, and because they have your original polling place correct, it doesnt seem like a red flag. If that message comes to you on WhatsApp or on your phone, it could be much more persuasive than if that message was in a political ad on a social media platform, Harper said. People are less familiar with the idea of getting targeted disinformation directly sent to them. Verifying digital identities The deepfake video of Cox helped spur a partnership between a public university and a new tech platform with the goal of combating deepfakes in Utah elections. From July 2024, through Inauguration Day in January 2025, students and researchers at the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy and the Center for National Security Studies at Utah Valley University will work with SureMark Digital. Together, theyll verify digital identities of politicians to study the impact AI-generated content has on elections. Through the pilot program, candidates seeking one of Utahs four congressional seats and the open senate seat will be able to authenticate their digital identities at no cost through SureMarks platform, with the goal of increasing trust in Utahs elections. Brandon Amacher, director of the Emerging Tech Policy Lab at UVU, said he sees AI playing a similar role in this election as the emergence of social media did in the 2008 election influential but not yet overwhelming. I think what were seeing right now is the beginning of a trend which could get significantly more impactful in future elections, Amacher said. In the first month of the pilot, Amacher said, the group has already seen how effective these simulated video messages can be, especially in short-form media like TikTok and Instagram Reels. A shorter video is easier to fake, and if someone is scrolling these platforms for an hour, a short clip of misinformation likely wont get very much scrutiny, but it could still influence your opinion about a topic or a person. SureMark Chairman Scott Stornetta explained that the verification platform, which rolled out in the last month, allows a user to acquire a credential. Once thats approved, the platform goes through an authorization process of all of your published content using cryptographic techniques that bind the identity of a person to the content that features them. A browser extension then identifies to users if content was published by you or an unauthorized actor. The platform was created with public figures in mind, especially politicians and journalists who are vulnerable to having their images replicated. Anyone can download the SureMark browser extension to see accredited content across different media platforms, not just those that get accredited. Stornetta likened the technology to an X-ray. If someone sees a video or an image or listens to a podcast on a regular browser, they wont know the difference between a real and a fake, he said. But if someone that has this X-ray vision sees the same documents in their browser, they can click on a button and basically find out whether its a green check or red X. The pilot program is currently working to credential the states politicians, so it will be a few months before they start to glean results, but Justin Jones, the executive director of the Herbert Institute, said that every campaign theyve connected with has been enthusiastic to try the technology. All of them have said were concerned about this and we want to know more, Jones said. Whats the motivation behind misinformation? Lots of different groups with varying motivations can be behind misinformation campaigns, Michael Kaiser, CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns, told States Newsroom. There is sometimes misinformation directed at specific candidates, like in the case of Governors Cox and DeSantis deepfake videos. Campaigns around geopolitical events, like wars, are also common to sway public opinion. Russias influence on the 2016 and 2020 elections is well-documented, and efforts will likely continue in 2024, with a goal of undermining U,S, support of Ukraine, a Microsoft study recently reported. Theres sometimes a monetary motivation to misinformation, Amacher said, as provocative, viral content can turn into payouts on platforms that pay users for views. Kaiser, whose work focuses on providing cybersecurity tools to campaigns, said that while interference in elections is sometimes the goal, more commonly, these people are trying to cause a general sense of chaos and apathy toward the elections process. Theyre trying to divide us at another level, he said. For some bad actors, the misinformation and disinformation is not about how you vote. Its just that were divided. Its why much of the AI-generated content is inflammatory or plays on your emotions, Kaiser said. Theyre trying to make you apathetic, trying to make you angry, so maybe youre like, I cant believe this, Im going to share it with my friends, he said. So you become the platform for misinformation and disinformation. Strategies for stopping the spread of misinformation Understanding that emotional response and eagerness to share or engage with the content is a key tool to slowing the spread of misinformation. If youre in that moment, theres a few things you can do, the experts said. First, try to find out if an image or sound bite youre viewing has been reported elsewhere. You can use reverse image search on Google to see if that image is found on reputable sites, or if its only being shared by social media accounts that appear to be bots. Websites that fact check manufactured or altered images may point you to where the information originated, Kaiser said. If youre receiving messages about election day or voting, double check the information online through your states voting resources, he added. Adding two-factor authentication on social media profiles and email accounts can help ward off phishing attacks and hacking, which can be used to spread misinformation, Harper said. If you get a phone call you suspect may be AI-generated, or is using someones voice likeness, its good to confirm that persons identity by asking about the last time you spoke. Harper also said that theres a few giveaways to look out for with AI-generated images, like an extra finger or distorted ear or hairline. AI has a hard time rendering some of those finer details, Harper said. Another visual clue, Amacher said, is that deepfake videos often feature a blank background, because busy surroundings are harder to simulate. And finally, the closer we are to the election, the likelier you are to see misinformation, Kaiser said. Bad actors use proximity to the election to their advantage the closer you are to election day, the less time your misinformation has to be debunked. Technologists themselves can take some of the onus of misinformation in the way they build AI, Harper said. He recently published a summary of recommendations for AI developers with suggestions for best practices. The recommendations included refraining from releasing text-to-speech tools that allow users to replicate the voices of real people, refraining from the generation of realistic images and videos of political figures and prohibiting the use of generative AI tools for political ads. Harper suggests that AI tools disclose how often a chatbots training data is updated relating to election information, develop machine-readable watermarks for content and promote authoritative sources of election information. Some tech companies already voluntarily follow many of these transparency best practices, but much of the country is following a patchwork of laws that havent developed at the speed of the technology itself. A bill prohibiting the use of deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media of a federal candidate was introduced in congress last year, but it has not been enacted. Laws focusing on AI in elections have been passed on a state level in the last two years, though, and primarily either ban messaging and images created by AI or at least require specific disclaimers about the use of AI in campaign materials. But for now, these young tech companies that want to do their part in stopping or slowing the spread of misinformation can seek some direction from the CDT report or pilot programs like UVUs. We wanted to take a stab at creating a kind of a comprehensive election integrity program for these companies, Harper said. understanding that unlike the kind of legacy social media companies, theyre very new and quite young and have no time or kind of the regulatory scrutiny required to have created strong election integrity policies in a more systematic way. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology has made it easier to create believable but totally fake videos and images and spread misinformation about elections, experts say. (Tero Vesalainen/Getty Images) In June, amid a bitterly contested Republican gubernatorial primary race, a short video began circulating on social media showing Utah Gov. Spencer Cox purportedly admitting to fraudulent collection of ballot signatures. The governor, however, never said any such thing and courts have upheld his election victory. The false video was part of a growing wave of election-related content created by artificial intelligence. At least some of that content, experts say, is false, misleading or simply designed to provoke viewers. AI-created likenesses, often called deepfakes, have increasingly become a point of concern for those battling misinformation during election seasons. Creating deepfakes used to take a team of skilled technologists with time and money, but recent advances and accessibility in AI technology have meant that nearly anyone can create convincing fake content. Now we can supercharge the speed and the frequency and the persuasiveness of existing misinformation and disinformation narratives, Tim Harper, senior policy analyst for democracy and elections at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said. AI has advanced remarkably since just the last presidential election in 2020, Harper said, noting that OpenAIs release of ChatGPT in November 2022 brought accessible AI to the masses. About half of the worlds population lives in countries that are holding elections this year. And the question isnt really if AI will play a role in misinformation, Harper said, but rather how much of a role it will play. How can AI be used to spread misinformation? Though it is often intentional, misinformation caused by artificial intelligence can sometimes be accidental, due to flaws or blindspots baked into a tools algorithm. AI chatbots search for information in the databases they have access to, so if that information is wrong, or outdated, it can easily produce wrong answers. OpenAI said in May that it would be working to provide more transparency about its AI tools during this election year, and the company endorsed the bipartisan Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, which is pending in Congress. We want to make sure that our AI systems are built, deployed, and used safely, the company said in the May announcement. Like any new technology, these tools come with benefits and challenges. They are also unprecedented, and we will keep evolving our approach as we learn more about how our tools are used. Poorly regulated AI systems can lead to misinformation. Elon Musk was recently called upon by several secretaries of state after his AI search assistant Grok, built for social media platform X, falsely told users Vice President Kamala Harris was ineligible to appear on the presidential ballot in nine states because the ballot deadline had passed. The information stayed on the platform, and was seen by millions, for more than a week before it was corrected. As tens of millions of voters in the U.S. seek basic information about voting in this major election year, X has the responsibility to ensure all voters using your platform have access to guidance that reflects true and accurate information about their constitutional right to vote, reads the letter signed by the secretaries of state of Washington, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and New Mexico. Generative AI impersonations also pose a new risk to the spread of misinformation. In addition to the fake video of Cox in Utah, a deepfake video of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis falsely showed him dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. Some misinformation campaigns happen on huge scales like these, but many others are more localized, targeted campaigns. For instance, bad actors may imitate the online presence of a neighborhood political organizer, or send AI-generated text messages to listservs in certain cities. Language minority communities have been harder to reach in the past, Harper said, but generative AI has made it easier to translate messages or target specific groups. While most adults are aware that AI will play a role in the election, some hyperlocal, personalized campaigns may fly under the radar, Harper says. For example, someone could use data about local polling places and public phone numbers to create messages specific to you. They may send a text the night before election day saying that your polling location has changed from one spot to another, and because they have your original polling place correct, it doesnt seem like a red flag. If that message comes to you on WhatsApp or on your phone, it could be much more persuasive than if that message was in a political ad on a social media platform, Harper said. People are less familiar with the idea of getting targeted disinformation directly sent to them. Verifying digital identities The deepfake video of Cox helped spur a partnership between a public university and a new tech platform with the goal of combating deepfakes in Utah elections. From July 2024, through Inauguration Day in January 2025, students and researchers at the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy and the Center for National Security Studies at Utah Valley University will work with SureMark Digital. Together, theyll verify digital identities of politicians to study the impact AI-generated content has on elections. Through the pilot program, candidates seeking one of Utahs four congressional seats and the open senate seat will be able to authenticate their digital identities at no cost through SureMarks platform, with the goal of increasing trust in Utahs elections. Brandon Amacher, director of the Emerging Tech Policy Lab at UVU, said he sees AI playing a similar role in this election as the emergence of social media did in the 2008 election influential but not yet overwhelming. I think what were seeing right now is the beginning of a trend which could get significantly more impactful in future elections, Amacher said. In the first month of the pilot, Amacher said, the group has already seen how effective these simulated video messages can be, especially in short-form media like TikTok and Instagram Reels. A shorter video is easier to fake, and if someone is scrolling these platforms for an hour, a short clip of misinformation likely wont get very much scrutiny, but it could still influence your opinion about a topic or a person. SureMark Chairman Scott Stornetta explained that the verification platform, which rolled out in the last month, allows a user to acquire a credential. Once thats approved, the platform goes through an authorization process of all of your published content using cryptographic techniques that bind the identity of a person to the content that features them. A browser extension then identifies to users if content was published by you or an unauthorized actor. The platform was created with public figures in mind, especially politicians and journalists who are vulnerable to having their images replicated. Anyone can download the SureMark browser extension to see accredited content across different media platforms, not just those that get accredited. Stornetta likened the technology to an X-ray. If someone sees a video or an image or listens to a podcast on a regular browser, they wont know the difference between a real and a fake, he said. But if someone that has this X-ray vision sees the same documents in their browser, they can click on a button and basically find out whether its a green check or red X. The pilot program is currently working to credential the states politicians, so it will be a few months before they start to glean results, but Justin Jones, the executive director of the Herbert Institute, said that every campaign theyve connected with has been enthusiastic to try the technology. All of them have said were concerned about this and we want to know more, Jones said. Whats the motivation behind misinformation? Lots of different groups with varying motivations can be behind misinformation campaigns, Michael Kaiser, CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns, told States Newsroom. There is sometimes misinformation directed at specific candidates, like in the case of Governors Cox and DeSantis deepfake videos. Campaigns around geopolitical events, like wars, are also common to sway public opinion. Russias influence on the 2016 and 2020 elections is well-documented, and efforts will likely continue in 2024, with a goal of undermining U,S, support of Ukraine, a Microsoft study recently reported. Theres sometimes a monetary motivation to misinformation, Amacher said, as provocative, viral content can turn into payouts on platforms that pay users for views. Kaiser, whose work focuses on providing cybersecurity tools to campaigns, said that while interference in elections is sometimes the goal, more commonly, these people are trying to cause a general sense of chaos and apathy toward the elections process. Theyre trying to divide us at another level, he said. For some bad actors, the misinformation and disinformation is not about how you vote. Its just that were divided. Its why much of the AI-generated content is inflammatory or plays on your emotions, Kaiser said. Theyre trying to make you apathetic, trying to make you angry, so maybe youre like, I cant believe this, Im going to share it with my friends, he said. So you become the platform for misinformation and disinformation. Strategies for stopping the spread of misinformation Understanding that emotional response and eagerness to share or engage with the content is a key tool to slowing the spread of misinformation. If youre in that moment, theres a few things you can do, the experts said. First, try to find out if an image or sound bite youre viewing has been reported elsewhere. You can use reverse image search on Google to see if that image is found on reputable sites, or if its only being shared by social media accounts that appear to be bots. Websites that fact check manufactured or altered images may point you to where the information originated, Kaiser said. If youre receiving messages about election day or voting, double check the information online through your states voting resources, he added. Adding two-factor authentication on social media profiles and email accounts can help ward off phishing attacks and hacking, which can be used to spread misinformation, Harper said. If you get a phone call you suspect may be AI-generated, or is using someones voice likeness, its good to confirm that persons identity by asking about the last time you spoke. Harper also said that theres a few giveaways to look out for with AI-generated images, like an extra finger or distorted ear or hairline. AI has a hard time rendering some of those finer details, Harper said. Another visual clue, Amacher said, is that deepfake videos often feature a blank background, because busy surroundings are harder to simulate. And finally, the closer we are to the election, the likelier you are to see misinformation, Kaiser said. Bad actors use proximity to the election to their advantage the closer you are to election day, the less time your misinformation has to be debunked. Technologists themselves can take some of the onus of misinformation in the way they build AI, Harper said. He recently published a summary of recommendations for AI developers with suggestions for best practices. The recommendations included refraining from releasing text-to-speech tools that allow users to replicate the voices of real people, refraining from the generation of realistic images and videos of political figures and prohibiting the use of generative AI tools for political ads. Harper suggests that AI tools disclose how often a chatbots training data is updated relating to election information, develop machine-readable watermarks for content and promote authoritative sources of election information. Some tech companies already voluntarily follow many of these transparency best practices, but much of the country is following a patchwork of laws that havent developed at the speed of the technology itself. A bill prohibiting the use of deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media of a federal candidate was introduced in congress last year, but it has not been enacted. Laws focusing on AI in elections have been passed on a state level in the last two years, though, and primarily either ban messaging and images created by AI or at least require specific disclaimers about the use of AI in campaign materials. But for now, these young tech companies that want to do their part in stopping or slowing the spread of misinformation can seek some direction from the CDT report or pilot programs like UVUs. We wanted to take a stab at creating a kind of a comprehensive election integrity program for these companies, Harper said. understanding that unlike the kind of legacy social media companies, theyre very new and quite young and have no time or kind of the regulatory scrutiny required to have created strong election integrity policies in a more systematic way. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Next summer, U.S. Air Force units will deploy from bases in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and elsewhere across the United States to forward locations in the Western Pacific as part of a massive new air combat exercise. Next summer, U.S. Air Force units will deploy from bases in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and elsewhere across the United States to forward locations in the Western Pacific as part of a massive new air combat exercise. REFORPAC will give the service a unique opportunity to test out still-evolving concepts for how to get large forces relatively quickly to far-flung locales and force structure changes to make units more readily deployable. The Air Force sees these developments as critical to succeeding in a future high-end fight in the Pacific, particularly one against China. A US Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighter at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Air Force Base, Indonesia, on Aug. 6, 2024. USAF Gen. David Allvin, chief of staff of the Air Force, provided details about REFORPAC and related developments at a talk the Hudson Institute think tank hosted last Friday. Air Force officials had mentioned this forthcoming exercise in the past, but had provided few specific details. So, we will be deploying from Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, [and] the continental United States, and its going to be for about 14 days overall, Allvin explained. Were integrating it into INDOPACOMs [U.S. Indo-Pacific Command] campaign plans and our Pacific Air Forces approach to supporting those [plans]. And so were integrating it into the combatant commanders piece, but were doing it in a way thats more robust, and its for a longer period of time. A map Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Allvin shared together with the details about the REFORPAC exercise at his talk at the Hudson Institute last week. USAF via Hudson Institute How many units, aircraft, and personnel will be involved in REFORPAC, as well as where they will be deploying is unclear. During his talk, Allvin shared a map, seen above, suggesting the exercise area will be in a zone roughly between Japan and the Philippines. The map also says that it will take approximately four days for forces to get where theyre going in the first place. REFORPAC will also be tied in on some level with the biennial Talisman Sabre exercise in Australia. Allvin noted that the Air Force has already been working to increase the scale and scope of large force air combat and air mobility exercises in and around the continental United States. USAF We need to get back to those large scale exercises, and to their credit, many of the wing level, and the numbered air force level, and even some of the MAJCOM [major command] level [units], they have started to organically expand their exercises, the Air Forces top officer explained. Red Flag exercises have become more expansive. The Weapon School integration [exercises], their sort of culminating events, are becoming more combat representative and expanding. This is a trend that The War Zone has been following closely and is particularly typified by the new Pacific-focused Bamboo Eagle exercise series, the latest iteration of which just wrapped up recently at bases across California. Another major component of Bamboo Eagle has been validating the Air Forces new Air Combat Employment (ACE) concepts of operations, which are centered on deploying forces to disparate forward locations in unpredictable and irregular ways to upend an enemys targeting cycle and reduce vulnerability. Per the map that Gen. Allvin shared last week, at least some units returning from REFORPAC and/or Talisman Sabre will then head to another iteration of Bamboo Eagle. Problem is, [the] fight wont be on if we cant get there. And we need to recognize that and appreciate that. And so [Exercise] Mobility Guardian is starting to have us understand those complexities, Gen. Allvin continued. [But] you dont really know you can part task train this, but until youre there, doing it over a period of time, youre not really going to uncover the warts that you might not have discovered by doing it in pieces. You have to do it in a realistic scenario. Thats where REFORPAC comes in. The exercises name is a deliberate reference to the late Cold War-era Return of Forces to Germany (REFORGER) exercises. Each iteration of REFORGER was designed to demonstrate the ability of the U.S. military and the rest of NATO to relatively rapidly deploy large numbers of personnel and materiel to Germany in the event of a conflict with Warsaw Pact states. In addition to highlighting what the Air Force is working to achieve with ACE, REFORPAC also underscores how the service is looking to restructure itself to support those concepts of operations. In February, secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall unveiled plans for sweeping force structure changes, including the creation of so-called deployable combat wings (DCW). DCWs will be designed to be capable of deploying forward as cohesive entities and slotting right into regional command and control structures. Another graphic which Gen. Allvin shared during his talk last week, seen below, depicted DCWs deploying to centralized locations in the Pacific and Europe before dispensing to tertiary locations. USAF via Hudson Institute This is where were transitioning to in our projecting power in great power competition is having deployable combat wings, Allvin said. Back to the unit equipped with everything it needs to pick up and go and command and control a different way, into a contested environment, into an environment where you may be under threat, you may be under fire. REFORPAC will also offer important opportunities to test new and improved kill chain architectures and the networking capabilities that underpin them across distances with forces spread across a broad area. Questions remain about the Air Forces ability to rapidly pack up units, especially in larger numbers, and get them down range relatively quickly. As Gen. Allvin alluded to in his talk by mentioning lessons already learned from iterations of the Mobility Guardian exercise, the service has long-standing concerns about the capacity of its current airlift and aerial refueling fleets to meet existing operational demands, let alone what would be required to support a sustained high-end fight. On top of that, as already noted, the map Allvin showed during his talk on Friday shows that it will take days for all the units heading to REFORGER to get into place. Those movements also look set to involve transits via large established bases in places like Guam and Hawaii that are expected to be prime targets in any future major conflict in the Pacific the exact issues that prompted the Air Force to develop ACE to begin with. The need for more and better base defenses, and how best to meet those needs, is now a hot topic of discussion within the U.S. military, as well as between the services and Congress. An especially pointed debate has emerged over the value of investing in new passive defenses like hardened aircraft shelters. A US Air Force F-16 sits in a hardened aircraft shelter at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. USAF We are investing in shelters, and we are investing in looking [at] how we get back to doing camouflage, concealment, and deception, as well. But what Id offer is were thinking about it, I think, [in] a different way than we were 30-40, years ago, because of the sophistication of the surveillance thats available, whether by satellite or other means, Allvin explained in response to a question about base defenses. We have to be very sophisticated in our decoys, if you will. I mean, you cant just put [up] an inflatable F-35 and say, Guess what? Everybodys gonna think its an F-35.' You can read more about what is known about the Air Forces efforts to expand and improve its capabilities in this past War Zone feature. When you think of how advanced algorithms are, you need to be pretty sophisticated, otherwise that money will be worthless because the adversary will go, theyll discount it immediately, Allvin continued. How do you mimic pattern of life? How do you mimic a signature? And so were looking at all those ways to ensure that the things that we are doing are actually appropriate for the time. An F-22 Raptor stealth fighter sits next to a prototype portable camouflage, concealment, and deception hangar at Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida during an exercise in 2023. Air National Guard The prototype portable hangar intended to support camouflage, concealment, and deception efforts in use during an Air National Guard-led exercise in 2023. Air National Guard Base defense concerns extend well beyond the Western Pacific, too. Air Force and other U.S. military officials have repeatedly warned that China, in particular, could contest American forces all the way back to the homeland in a high-end fight. We need to ensure that those airbase wings [that are left behind when DCWs deploy] that are managing the wing are still viable. Because, guess what, if we think were going to be in an era of great power competition and could be in a conflict, we need to understand that even our home bases are not going to be sanctuaries, Allvin himself said last week. Those base commanders need to know how to fight cyber attacks, power disruptions, [and] counter small UASs. Those are the things that the adversary, a thinking adversary, will try to attack to keep us from continuing to generate power and projecting it into theater. With all this in mind, REFORPAC looks set to be a seminal event for an Air Force that is already making major changes to how it plans to fight in the future, especially in the Pacific against China. Contact the author: joe@twz.com AKRON, Ohio (WJW) An Akron police officer has been arrested for the use of child pornography. According to a press release from the Akron Police Department, Officer Geoffrey Parker was arrested on Aug. 16 around 9 p.m. by the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit. Giant Eagle sells GetGo: What it means for myPerks Parker was booked into the Summit County Jail and charged with multiple counts of pandering obscenity of a minor and illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material, according to the release. Parker was originally placed on administrative leave with pay, per departmental procedure and according to the union contract, pending a criminal indictment. According to the release, Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said, I am sickened to learn of these charges against one of our employees. I thank the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for handling this case and trust that the judicial and legal process will reveal the truth. Anyone engaging in this behavior should be held accountable for their actions to the fullest extent possible by law. Im confident that justice will be served. CLE students greeted with new rule on first day According to the release, the police departments Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will conduct a separate internal investigation. Parker was a 4-year member of the Akron Police Department. The Akron Police Department asks that victims of abuse report it to their local police department. Victims can also contact the Victim Assistance Program hotline at 330-376-0040, 24 hours a day, for crisis intervention, advocacy, and education. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The killing of al-Qaedas leader in a US drone strike in 2022 was hailed by Joe Biden as a moment of closure for the families of the victims of 9/11. Ayman al-Zawahiri, the man who replaced Osama bin Laden and who had direct involvement in planning the attack on the World Trade Center, had been traced to a home in Kabul almost one year after another militant group the Taliban took control of the Afghan capital. It is now three years since Afghanistan fell to Taliban rule following the withdrawal of Nato forces, a moment marked last week by militants parading captured and repurposed US military hardware through Bagram airbase, host to the last American presence in the country before their hurried evacuation. Experts say Zawahiris presence in Kabul was significant if not unexpected, and that since his death many other senior figures within al-Qaeda have followed him in relocating to Afghanistan, finding an environment that allows them to continue operating with minimal interference from the countrys Taliban rulers. Al-Qaeda today is much diminished from the organisation that carried out the 9/11 attacks, and the recent US intelligence reports argue the group is less of a threat in the region than the likes of Isis. Nonetheless, its new leader Saif al-Adel an Iran-based explosives expert remains the FBIs most wanted terrorist, with a $10m bounty on his head. Ahmad Zia Saraj, who handled Afghanistans intelligence operations as chief of the National Directorate of Security up until the fall of Kabul in August 2021, claims the Taliban has absorbed what is left of al-Qaeda into a de facto coalition, with the two groups leaders regularly engaging in talks in the capital. Taliban security personnel in a military parade at Bagram, the former US airbase in Parwan province (AFP via Getty Images) Between 2017 and 2018, Zia Saraj led a crackdown on al-Qaeda operatives; it saw more than 400 detained. During interrogations, he says, these captives described ongoing plots to target the West, being hatched by hundreds of commanders and fighters still in hiding. Soon after [the Taliban] took everything, al-Qaeda members brought their families inside Afghanistan, Zia Saraj, now a visiting professor at the war studies department at Kings College London, tells The Independent. The biggest example was Zawahiri [when] he was there in Kabul, and I have heard that many of them brought their families back [to Afghanistan]. And why not? This is the safest place for them on this planet. They are not just terrorist groups, they have families married into each other. Taliban military vehicles parade to celebrate the third anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan (AFP via Getty Images) Since it seized power in Afghanistan on 15 August 2021, the Taliban has moved not only to eradicate womens rights and access to school and the workplace, but also to downgrade the availability of formal education in general. This has left hundreds of thousands of children and young people vulnerable to recruitment to extremist groups. At the same time the country is awash with weapons, leftovers of two decades of war. Its a very attractive place for them to be there, now in Afghanistan, Zia Saraj says. Their own world. A recent report posits that Osama Bin Ladens brother, Abdullah Bin Laden, and an unspecified number of his sons are among those who have returned to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. It was compiled by Lieutenant General Sami Sadat, a three-star general who served as deputy chief of the general staff in the Afghan National Army before the collapse of the Nato-allied Ashram Ghani administration. Taliban interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani speaks during a military parade at Bagram (AFP via Getty Images) Over the past 26 years, the Taliban have been the primary force sustaining al-Qaeda, providing protection to leaders like Bin Laden and Zawahiri, and nurturing the next generation of terrorist leaders such as Abdullah bin Laden in Afghanistan, the report says. Sadat claims Fathullah Mansoor, the head of the Talibans civil aviation authority, is a key point of contact for al-Qaeda within the new de facto regime. He is said to be the one who approves the time, location and routes for senior al-Qaeda leaders including Bin Laden family members living and travelling throughout Afghanistan. Sadat and Zia Saraj both spent years fighting the Taliban and are now based abroad, and it is impossible to verify their claims on the ground in an environment that is tightly controlled by the Taliban. But they both make the same point that the West has lost focus on what is happening in Afghanistan, with active wars having since broken out in Ukraine and Gaza. Seeing all the activities in Afghanistan, it is moving in a very dangerous direction, warns Zia Saraj. US soldiers arrive at Bagram airbase after returning from the Arma mountain region in March 2002 (AFP via Getty Images) Qais Alamdar, a German-based open source intelligence researcher monitoring Afghanistans satellite imagery and ground reports, says that while it is impossible to know exactly how many fighters al-Qaeda now has operating in Afghanistan, the threat the group poses has increased since the Taliban takeover. He says the most plausible places for al-Qaeda to find new footholds are in the mountainous provinces of Kandahar, Ghazni, Wardak and Logar. These provinces were strongholds of the Taliban over the past couple of years too. There were so many drone strikes in these places compared to the rest of the country. Kabul, a city of nearly 5 million people, is once again a refuge for Taliban leaders (AFP via Getty Images) These are also the parts of Afghanistan where the sentiments against the former government of Afghanistan and the US are very strong anti-US, anti-West sentiments are super strong there. Even in the past, the former government had only control of a few districts, not the whole provinces in these regions, he tells The Independent. They are close to Kabul too only two hours drive from Kabul, each of these provinces. One moment in June this year that should have served as a wake-up call to the West came with a public announcement by the Iran-based leader Adel of a new al-Qaeda recruitment drive. In it, he called for any fighters who wish to strike against Western interests to gather in Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden sits with his adviser Ayman al-Zawahiri at an undisclosed location in Afghanistan (Getty Images) He issued an open invitation to all of their fighters and all of their affiliates and all of their supporters to come to Afghanistan, says Sadiq Amini, an expert in public diplomacy and international security, who served with the US embassy till August 2021. To come to Afghanistan, to get ready to train and plan in order for them to conduct attacks on the US and their interests in the region. That call would not have happened without the approval of the Talibans supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. It wouldnt be possible for them to issue such an open invitation [without it], says Amini, a non-resident fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in Washington DC. Taliban clerical students from a Madrasa arrive to attend their graduation ceremony in Kandahar (AFP via Getty Images) Resistance fighters who continue to oppose the Taliban regime in Afghanistan have for some time been warning of a repeat of a 9/11-style attack on the West if terror groups are allowed to flourish in the country. The National Resistance Front, led by Ahmad Massoud in exile, has been travelling to world leaders in Europe and the US to warn of the threat simmering in Afghan provinces. Ali Maisam Nazary, the NRFs foreign relations chief, tells The Independent that these warnings are not just bluffs and empty words, they are actual warnings for the Western leaders. The Taliban leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, who remains hidden from public view, reportedly has his own special security unit. These images show the "His Highness Commander of the Faithful Special Unit" moving through Kandahar city. pic.twitter.com/i4SyCUvmcG Qais Alamdar (@Qaisalamdar) August 15, 2024 Its based on intelligence and credible information that we have on the ground and we see every day ... its not only al-Qaeda, its different groups in the Afghanistan playground. Weve estimated there are 21 small, regional and international terror networks who have been building themselves since August 2021, he says. Last month a US State Department watchdog found that vetting failures may have allowed as much as $293m of American aid funds to have fallen into the Talibans hands in the past three years. Thats out of a total of $2.8bn in humanitarian aid that the US has continued to provide to help the people of Afghanistan. The NRF has compiled a petition to the US government, urging it to pause aid funding until it can be guaranteed it is not benefiting the Taliban regime. The Bin Laden tape from December 2001, in which he describes the World Trade Center attack and appears to confirm his role in 9/11 (Getty Images) Shawn Ryan, an ex-US Navy Seal, is taking the NRFs petition to the US. With more than 272,000 signatures, it is also asking for the NRFs Massoud to be allowed to testify to Congress about the ground situation in Afghanistan since the American withdrawal. US Army veterans spent over 20 years fighting in that war to stop terrorism at ground zero in Afghanistan, and now here we are just a few years past the war literally funding the exact same terrorists that we spent over two decades fighting, Ryan tells The Independent. When al-Qaeda funded the 9/11 terror attack, Bin Laden did it with $500,000 just think what the two terrorist groups could do with $239m. Downtown Birmingham viewed from Red Mountain. Birmingham is one of the largest banking centers in the United States and has a long history as a steel and iron producer. (John Coletti/The Image Bank) The Alabama Public School Charter School Commission could hold a meeting at the end of the month should a Birmingham-area charter school fail to meet certain pre-opening requirements. But Logan Searcy, the executive director of commission, said Monday they expect to not need that meeting should Freedom Preparatory Academy hit its goals. If they are approved to move forward, the commission would need to make sure all of these items were done by Aug. 30 as school starts Sept. 3, Searcy said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The school struggled to meet its enrollment goals over the summer, but received conditional approval after lowering their targets. Searcy said there were also some items for child nutrition and safety that need to be met. She said they received notice from the Division of Construction management about unspecified items that still needed to be addressed. Commission Attorney Lane Knight said that they need seven days notice for the meeting, so they need to plan in advance. This is just sort of to give an opportunity in case the unexpected happens and the conditions arent met, he said. But I think the expectations are that that meeting would not go forward. Searcy said the school currently has around 70 students enrolled, and they are hoping for 100 or more. She said they have met the enrollment requirements set by the commission. Megan Stitzinger, chief of staff at Freedom Preparatory Charter Schools, wrote in a Monday afternoon email that they are working with the commission and are working towards fulfilling the pre-opening requirements. Freedom Preparatory Academy has made significant strides in fulfilling pre-opening requirements, including our student enrollment goals, she wrote. We are grateful for the Commissions ongoing partnership and support as we eagerly prepare to welcome our founding class on September 3. This story was updated with a statement from Freedom Prep. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) A police officer in Alabama shot and killed an armed man over the weekend, according to police officials. Lee County coroner Daniel Sexton has identified the man shot early Sunday morning as 25-year-old Tias Dequan Cobb. The Opelika Police Department said that officers were responding to a suspicious incident at a local apartment complex at around 3 a.m. Sunday. After an altercation between the responding officer and Cobb, the officer shot and killed Cobb, according to a police department press release. The release also said Cobb had a firearm. 19-year-old killed in Brighton shooting Cobb was given medical assistance before he was pronounced dead on the scene. The coroner said Cobb was killed outside the apartment complex. The Opelika Police Department could not be reached for comment. All evidence and video have been turned over to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation. The state will give the results of the investigation to the Lee County District Attorney, who will then convene a grand jury. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. This undated photo provided by the Alabama Department of Corrections shows Carey Dale Grayson, one of the state's death row inmates who asked to have his execution carried out by nitrogen gas. The Alabama Supreme Court on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, authorized the execution of Grayson by nitrogen gas. (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP File) MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) Alabama's governor has set a Nov. 21 execution date for what is scheduled to be the nation's third death sentence carried out by nitrogen gas. Gov. Kay Ivey set the execution date for Carey Dale Grayson, 49, after the Alabama Supreme Court last week ruled that it could take place. Grayson was one of four teenagers convicted in the 1994 killing of 37-year-old Vickie Deblieux in Jefferson County. Alabama executed Kenneth Smith in January in the nations first nitrogen gas execution. A second execution via nitrogen gas is set for Sept. 26 for Alan Eugene Miller. Miller recently reached a lawsuit settlement with the state over the execution method. Alabama is seeking to carry out the additional nitrogen execution while disagreement continues over what happened at the first one. Smith shook for several minutes on the death chamber gurney as he was put to death Jan. 25. While Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall described the execution as textbook, lawyers for inmates said it was the antithesis of the states prediction that nitrogen would provide a quick and humane death. Grayson has an ongoing lawsuit seeking to block the state from using the same protocol that was used to execute Smith. His attorneys argued the method causes unconstitutional levels of pain and that Smith showed signs of conscious suffocation. Matt Schulz, an assistant federal defender who is representing Grayson, last week said they are disappointed that the execution was authorized before the federal courts "have had a chance to review Mr. Graysons challenge to the constitutionality of Alabamas current nitrogen protocol." Earlier this month, Miller reached a confidential settlement agreement with the state to end his lawsuit over the specifics of the states nitrogen gas protocol. A spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Corrections declined to comment on whether the state is making procedural changes for Miller. Grayson was charged with torturing and killing Deblieux on Feb. 21, 1994. Prosecutors said Deblieux was hitchhiking from Tennessee to her mothers home in Louisiana when four teenagers, including Grayson, offered her a ride. Prosecutors said they took her to a wooded area, attacked and beat her and threw her off a cliff. The teens later mutilated her body, prosecutors said. Grayson, Kenny Loggins and Trace Duncan were all convicted and sentenced to death. However, Loggins and Duncan, who were under 18 at the time of the crime, had their death sentences set aside after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005 banned the execution of offenders who were younger than 18 at the time of the crime. Grayson was 19. The fourth teenager was sentenced to life imprisonment. Right-wing talk show host and provocateur Alex Jones suggested he might leave the U.S. for Russia, and social media seemed very excited about the prospect. Jones suggestion came after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that, according to The Moscow Times, allows foreign citizens and stateless individuals to apply for temporary residency if they share traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, even in cases when a person does not speak Russian. The decree seems tailor-made for Jones since it allows people who oppose the destructive neoliberal ideological agenda in their home country to seek humanitarian support from the Russian authorities by applying for a temporary residence permit. Jones seemed into the idea on Monday and posted on X, formerly Twitter, that if youre ready to reject the insane policies of your home countries that push these destructive, anti-human, neoliberal agendas, Russia is rolling out the red carpet! And, yes, part of the post was in all-caps, the universally recognized sign that someone isnt the slightest bit strange. Thanks for asking. BREAKING: PUTIN JUST DROPPED A BOMBSHELL DECREEINVITING PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE WHO ARE FED UP WITH THE GLOBALIST, NEOLIBERAL NIGHTMARE TO SEEK SANCTUARY IN TRADITIONAL RUSSIA! This new decree blows the lid off the establishment's agenda, letting freedom-loving folks pic.twitter.com/lVPHeKWRIC Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) August 19, 2024 Jones has a billion reasons why he might want to move to Russia. A court-appointed trustee is currently liquidating the assets of Jones estate and plans to shut down his right-wing conspiracy site, Infowars, in connection with a $50 million verdict in Texas stemming from his lies that the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School was a hoax. In addition, he owes about $1.4 billion in a Connecticut lawsuit filed by families of other school shooting victims. Jones post about Russia got a lot of support, but one person had questions like how much money did the talk show host need for a one-way plane ticket and whether he needed help packing. Oh, and could he take the rest of Donald Trumps MAGA crew with him when he moved? When will you & MAGA be moving? Do you need a GoFundMe for your one way plane tickets? Do you need help packing your shit? And take all your MAGA crap with you, you fucking tools. I bet Vlad will love you flying those flags around the Kremlin WTFGOP (@DogginTrump) August 19, 2024 Others had similarly snarky comments. When are you leaving, Alex? Surely you've had enough if living under American tyranny since you've been complaining about it for decades. SK Media (@SpaghettiKozak) August 19, 2024 who had "Russia Safe Haven" on apocalypse bingo for Augustthis is getting wild Richard Horn (@around_horn) August 19, 2024 This is one for the record. Never thought Id lay my eyes on this. Russia becoming a sanctuary country for Americans. Did I read that correctly ? Lori Partain (@LlpartainLori) August 19, 2024 This is completely sad that Russia has to offer safe haven to people from the west. That shows how corrupt the West is. How have the tables turned. Dale Richardson (@DjsRichardson) August 19, 2024 One person warned Jones he might get drafted if he moves to Russia, considering its in the middle of a war and is calling up military-age men. Anyone who thinks this sounds like a nice idea needs to remember that Russia's in the middle of a war right now, and has issued a draft for military-aged man. This sounds like a clever way to bolster the Russian forces. The Conservative Alternative (@OldeWorldOrder) August 19, 2024 Alex Jones seems enthused by the opportunity -- that was already there -- for him to flee to Russia. Getting drafted is gonna suck for him. pic.twitter.com/aTZd030Sc1 emptywheel (mouthy bitch) (@emptywheel) August 19, 2024 Here's the story of a guy from Texas who went to Russia recently. TLDR: He was killed by Russians after being urinated on and beaten. Odd, he went there to "help" Russia in the invasion of Ukraine and it was ultimately Russians who killed him.https://t.co/k0KggXTdXT AntiFa Meditation Instructor (@lnsane_dude) August 19, 2024 One person thought the desire to emigrate was rich, considering how Jones and the Make America Great Again folks feel about migrants. First, MAGA complains that everyone can just come here, across our "open borders." Then they complain that people have to take tests to become citizens. Amy (@AmysGotBirds) August 19, 2024 One person suggested Jones and others go through with the move, figuring it might lower property rates in the U.S. I really hope all the crazy online right who hate America and think Russia is a paradise move immediately so we can get cheaper property in the US. Please do it. Crusonian Investor (@CrusoniaC) August 19, 2024 Related... LAS VEGAS (KLAS) State wildlife officials are warning that dangerous toxins have been detected at Lahontan Reservoir, a popular recreation site in Northern Nevada. A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Danger Advisory has been put in place. Toxins produced by cyanobacteria can cause serious health issues for people and animals. A Nevada Department of Wildlife Facebook post advised caution when in contact with the water. These toxic algae can cause serious health issues for humans and animals. If you see water that looks discolored or smells bad, stay away, the post advised. HABs form when naturally occurring blue-green algae multiply quickly and cause discoloration, scum and mats on the water. Its the first Danger Advisory posted by the state this summer. On July 15, a HAB Warning was issued for Little Washoe Lake between Reno and Carson City. Eight other lakes and reservoirs have been under a HAB Watch since July. Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Las Vegas are all listed as Waterbody clear on the states dashboard. The dashboard indicates there have been no reports of human or animal illnesses related to algae blooms in the state. Lahontan State Recreation Area is about midway between Carson City and Fallon. Its a popular fishing and boating site about 400 miles northwest of Las Vegas. For more information and tips about HABs visit: https://ow.ly/yZbO50SueQL Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Aliquippa police are investigating after shots were allegedly fired during an argument Saturday. Police said at 9:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to 500 Superior Avenue, Valley Terrace for a report of shots fired. Responding officers spoke with a female who said she saw a think male dressed in all black firing two rounds into the air during an argument. The female did not know who the male was and provided no further information, police said. Other people on the scene told officers they were not there at the time the male fired shots, but that they did not see or hear anything. Officers tried finding the male but did not succeed, police said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Woman living under bridge in Carnegie dead after being found severely beaten; man detained Burglary suspect struck in the face when homeowner fires gun during confrontation, police say Western Pennsylvania farm nominated for both best corn maze and pumpkin patch in the U.S. VIDEO: 2 men charged in Ohio Township homicide behind bars for separate recent crime sprees DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts In September 2023, a man claiming to be Detective Steven Cooper of the Cary Police Department sent Verizon Wireless a fake search warrant demanding phone records from a Wake County woman who he falsely claimed was a homicide suspect, federal prosecutors say. Cooper, it was later revealed, was actually a man from New Mexico named Robert Glauner. And the woman who he believed lived in Cary wasnt a criminal suspect, but someone he was his stalking after connecting with her online, prosecutors say. Glauner faces multiple federal criminal charges. Today Verizon and he also face a civil lawsuit, filed by the woman whose phone records were released by the company. In the lawsuit, the woman identified by initials M.D., accuses Verizon of inflicting emotional distress through recklessness and negligence, as well as of violating the Stored Communications Act, which is designed to shield electronic communication from unauthorized third parties. This was a systemic failure on the part of Verizon, attorney Amanda Dure of the Washington D.C. firm Pangia Law Group, who is representing M.D. in the case, told The News & Observer. Verizons disclosures enabled Glauner to learn M.D.s full name, new phone number, and her address information which he used to escalate his harassment efforts, Dure said. Filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the lawsuit requests a jury trial to settle potential punitive and compensatory damages against Verizon. Verizon officials didnt immediately respond to The News & Observers request for comment Monday morning. Threats, calls and a menacing visit According to the FBI, Glauner met the woman in August 2023 on the pornography website xhamster.com, which has a dating feature. The woman gave Glauner her phone number but not her real name, instead using the alias Mia, according to a federal lawsuit the woman filed Monday in Raleigh against Glauner and Verizon. M.D. grew uncomfortable with Glauner soon after they connected, and she eventually blocked his number, ccording to the lawsuit. Glauner then used alternative phone numbers to circumvent the block. When M.D. contacted the police, they advised her to change her phone number. M.D. visited a Verizon store on or around Sept. 21 to have her number changed. She notified Verizon staff she wished to change her number because she was being harassed, according to the lawsuit. Her number was changed. After obtaining M.D.s new phone number from Verizon, Glauner resumed his harassment. On Oct. 13, M.D.s mother received a voice message from Glauner about his attempts to contact her daughter, according to the FBI affidavit. Between Oct. 13 to Oct. 22, the mother received 10 different voice messages from Glauner, who said he wouldnt stop until he could reach M.D. On Oct. 15, Glauner called the Raleigh Wake Emerging Communications Center under a different alias to request a welfare check on M.D.s address, stating an occupant at the location was a suicide threat. The Raleigh Police Department identified it as a false call. The next day, according to the FBI, Glauner sent Verizon another phony search warrant on M.D.s phone number. RPD noticed similar formatting errors in the request (among other issues) and denied it. The same day, Oct. 16, M.D.s father received a text from a phone number associated with Glauner that contained a picture of M.D. and the message Do you know this girl? And on Oct. 19, M.D.s coworker received a phone call from a man who asked to speak with M.D. He grew angry when the colleague lied and said no one by that name was working at the store. The coworker recorded the conversation, and Raleigh Police identified the speaker as Glauner. He called M.D.s store multiple times over the next few days, and the frequency of the calls interrupted the employees and the business, the affidavit states. On Oct. 26, M.D. got a burner phone and provided this number to Glauner with the intention to limit the number of messages to her family and coworkers. Law enforcement continued to investigate Glauner. They learned he was likely a New Mexico resident and was also wanted by the San Diego Sheriffs Office for a stalking charge. On Nov. 5, M.D. received a call from Glauner. He told he was on his way to Cary to see her. Later that day, she received a threatening text message from him which mentioned purchasing a gun and ammunition. I cant have you no one can, he wrote, according to affidavit. The next day, a Wake County magistrate judge issued a warrant for Glauners arrest. Authorities were tracking his phone activity and saw he was traveling toward Raleigh. For their safety, M.D. and her family had left their residence. On the night of Nov. 6, RPD arrested Glauner as he was standing in a neighbors yard. In his possession was a black folding blade knife, the affidavit states, and authorities later found two bundles of rope in the car he drove to North Carolina. Glauner also possessed two cell phones at the time of his arrest, one of which displayed an image of M.D. on its locked screen. He was taken to the Wake County Detention Center and served his outstanding warrants. In January, federal officials indicted Glauner on three offenses including obtaining confidential phone records, making false statements, and obtaining phone records by claiming to be a detective with the Cary Police Department and submitting a false search warrant with a judges forged signature. Verizon reviews requests for private information Verizon, the largest U.S. cell carrier, dedicates a security team to assist law enforcement on court orders and subpoenas. The company has assured customers online we carefully review each demand that we receive to ensure that it is valid. Coopers message contained several red flags later highlighted in a sworn affidavit from an FBI special agent. The search warrant wasnt properly formatted and lacked a standard form required under North Carolina law. It came not from an official government email, but instead via an encrypted private Proton address. And the Cary Police Department later confirmed Detective Steven Cooper didnt exist. In October of 2023, Raleigh Police Department detectives determined the warrant was counterfeit, according to the affidavit. The judge who purportedly signed the request, Gale Adams, is a real Superior Court Judge in Cumberland County, but she informed officials the signature displayed on the warrant wasnt hers .Verizons dangerous actions directly endangered the safety of our client, Dure said, adding this was not simply an honest mistake. One sign of fraud occurred after another and another and another and still this information was freely given. An amateur fossil hunter discovered the first Columbian mammoth tusk ever found in Mississippi. The 7-foot-long, fully intact tusk was tucked into a bluff near a stream that may have swept away the mammoths remains. The Columbian mammoth was known to roam the region 10 to 20 millennia ago, but no full fossils other than teeth had previously been found in the state. For a fossil hunter in Mississippi, theres no grander experience than locating a 7-foot-long Columbian mammoth tusk, the first to be found intact. It sure beats discovering something from a measly mastodon, thats for sure. For Eddie Templeton, that dream became a reality in August after he spotted a fossil tusk exposed on a bluff above a stream. It didnt occur to me it could be a mammoth tusk instead of a mastodon tusk until later, Templeton told the Clarion Ledger. When I learned it was a mammoth and not a mastodon, I got even more excited. Ive never found any part of a mammoth. I always hoped to find a part of a mammoth, but thats pretty rare down here. So rare, in fact, that George Phillips, paleontologist with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, told the newspaper no one had ever found any Columbian mammoth fossils other than teeth in the state before. Weve got plenty of mammoth teeth, he said, so a tusk was bound to show up. Its an impressive find. The avid artifact and fossil collector was accustomed to locating remains of a mastodon. And that was his first reaction when he saw the exposed fossil, according to a statement from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. But when the states survey paleontological team arrived at the fossil site to find the tusk in amazing condition, they quickly noted the curvature of the tusk could fall in line with a Columbian mammoth and not that of the more common mastodon. In common parlance: big, if true. This makes it an extremely rare find for Mississippi, the department wrote in a statement. Most fossil tusk ivory found around the state are just fragments and most are likely to be attributable to the more common mastodon. For Mississippi, this is a pretty substantial find, James Starnes, MDEQ geologist, told the Clarion Ledger. Its pretty rare in general down here. The tusks dont preserve well. This is not something you see every day. When the preservation team arrived, they found the base of the tusk lying almost upright and at an angle in the stream alluvium with a portion of it lying directly on top of the marine sediments of the Yazoo Formation. Experts believe the animal likely died nearby and the remains were washed away by the stream. To preserve the fossil and safely remove it from the site, the team prepped it for a plaster jacket by covering the tusk with aluminum foil and then using plaster and burlap strips to build the protective jacket, fully encasing it for removal. The specimenwhen inside the plaster jacketweighed about 600 pounds and was carefully maneuvered up a nearly fully vertical 50-foot-tall bluff to a truck that took it to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. It was there the team confirmed it as a Columbian mammoth. Much larger than the woolly mammoth from the northern regions, these animals grew to up to 15 feet at the shoulder and could weigh over 10 tons; its estimated that they lived in the region 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. They were also much larger than the more common mastodon, which didnt require the open grasslands to roam that the Columbian mammoth needed. The ice-age prairie ecosystem of what is now Madison County was home to herds of now-extinct horses, giant bison, giant ground sloths, giant tortoises, and tapirs, along with predators such as dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, the American lion, and, of course, the Columbian mammoth. It was huge, Starnes said. This was a big, big animal. This would have dwarfed a woolly mammoth. This takes the cake when it comes to Ice Age fossils. You Might Also Like NEW YORK (PIX11) Heavy rainfall and flooding caused service disruptions at multiple train stations on Sunday, Metro-North and Amtrak announced. All rail traffic between New York (NYP) and Philadelphia (PHL) is temporarily suspended due to flooding conditions in the Newark (NWK) area until further notice, read one social media post by Amtrak. We appreciate your patience and will update as information becomes available. More Local News Normal service has since resumed on Metro-North and Amtrak trains as of Monday morning. Amtrak crews were dispatched as trains were held between Philadelphia 30th Street and Penn Station due to flooding. Metro-North, the train line that serves customers in New York and Connecticut, announced suspensions for some train lines. The Danbury and Waterbury branches were suspended in both directions Monday morning due to flooding. Waterbury Branch service is suspended in both directions because of a weather-related flooding near Seymour, read a social media post on Metro-Norths X account. Danbury and Waterbury service will be suspended through tomorrow morning. Customers should consider using the New Haven or Harlem Lines for service on Monday morning. For Metro-North alerts, click here. For Amtrak alerts, click here. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Ancient Rome had ways to counter the urban heat island effect how historys lessons apply to cities today As intense heat breaks records around the world, a little-reported fact offers some hope for cooling down cities: Under even the most intense periods of extreme heat, some city blocks never experience heat wave temperatures. How is this possible? Civilizations have recognized the power of cities to heat themselves up and cool themselves for centuries. City architects in ancient Rome called for narrowing streets to lessen late afternoon temperatures. Narrow streets were found to cool the air by limiting the area exposed to direct sunlight. The whitewashed architecture of the Greek Isles demonstrates another long-practiced strategy. Light-colored walls and roofs can help cool cities by reflecting incoming sunlight. Whitewashed buildings on the Greek island of Folegandros help deflect the heat rather than absorbing it. Etienne O. Dallaire via Wikimedia, CC BY In hot and humid regions of the southern U.S., Thomas Jefferson proposed another approach to cooling: Have all new settlements employ a checkerboard pattern of heavily vegetated city blocks interspersed among dense construction. That could promote cooling through convective air movement between cool and warm zones. As I explore in my recent book, Radical Adaptation: Transforming Cities for a Climate Changed World, modern cities unintentionally elevate their own temperatures, creating what is known as the urban heat island effect. How cities heat themselves up Cities elevate their temperature in four key ways: Four drivers of the urban heat island effect. Brian Stone. Adapted from: Dey et al. 2024, CC BY-ND In combination, these four drivers of the urban heat island effect can raise urban temperatures by 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (5.6 to 11 degrees Celsius) on a hot summer afternoon a significant, human-driven shift in the weather that can become a serious health risk for anyone lacking air conditioning. Coupled with the design of the built environment, the natural topography of a city can further accentuate temperature differences from one neighborhood to another. The hills and fog patterns of San Francisco, for example, consistently partition the citys neighborhoods into distinct climate zones. And the extensive use of yard irrigation systems in hot and arid climates can yield urban temperatures lower than the surrounding desert, sometimes referred to as urban cool islands. Simple steps for cooling cities down Understanding the extent to which cities can heat themselves up offers powerful tools for cooling them down as human-driven global warming raises the baseline temperature. First, it is essential that cities sharply reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to stop fueling the global-scale phenomenon of climate change. Globally, urban areas, with their industries, vehicles and buildings, account for more than 70% of greenhouse gas emissions from energy use, and their populations are growing quickly. Even globally coordinated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will require many decades to measurably slow warming trends, so cities will still need to adapt. Cities can also slow the pace of urban heat island-driven warming trends by taking sometimes simple steps. Research shows that the health benefits of urban heat island reduction could be substantial. Summer temperatures in Atlanta present day, left, and what computer models show they would be with tree canopy increased to 50% of all plantable space, right. Urban Climate Lab, 2024, CC BY At the Georgia Tech Urban Climate Lab, my colleagues and I partner with city governments to estimate the cooling potential of urban heat management sets of strategies designed to reverse the urban heat island effect. To do this, we measure the direct health benefits of actions such as expanding tree cover and other green infrastructure and using cool materials for roads and roofs. Our work shows that planting trees across just half of the space available to support tree canopy such as along streets, within parking lots and in residential yards could lower summer afternoon temperatures by 5-10 F (2.8-5.6 C), reducing heat-related deaths by 40%-50% in some neighborhoods. In recognition of these substantial benefits, New York City set and met a goal of planting 1 million trees across its five boroughs. Cool roofing material and light-colored surfaces can also help lower the temperature. If you wear a black shirt in the Sun on a hot day, youll heat up more than if you wear a white shirt. Similarly, light-colored construction materials, roof coatings and shingles will reflect more incoming solar heat than dark ones, and absorb less of that heat. Its particularly effective in the heat of the day when the Suns radiation is strongest. To leverage this cooling effect, Los Angeles in 2013 became the first major city to require cool roofs on all new homes. What cities can do now Aggressive strategies to increase green tree cover across cities, a rapid transition to cool roofing materials, and even replacing some on-street parking lanes and other underutilized impervious areas with bioswales filled with vegetation, can substantially reduce urban temperatures. In so doing, that can increase a citys resilience to rising temperatures. Urban heat risk assessments we conducted in numerous U.S. cities, including Atlanta; Dallas; Louisville, Kentucky; and San Francisco, show that a combination of urban heat management strategies could lower neighborhood temperatures by more than 10 F (5.6 C) on hot days and reduce heat-related premature deaths by 20%-60%. A cooler city is a safer city, and one very much within communities power to create. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Brian Stone Jr., Georgia Institute of Technology Read more: Brian Stone Jr. does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Another blow for George Santos as judge throws out Jimmy Kimmel Cameo video lawsuit Disgraced congressman George Santos suffered another legal blow after a federal judge threw out his lawsuit against late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel on Monday. Santos, 36, sued Kimmel, 56, after he requested Cameo videos from Santos, following his exit as a federal lawmaker. Santos was expelled from the House of Representatives in December 2023 following allegations he engaged in criminal conduct. To make money, Santos joined the Cameo platform, which allows people to purchase video messages from high-profile figures for a fee. In a February lawsuit, Santos alleged Kimmel requested videos from him under a false name, engaging in deliberate deception and wrongful appropriation and then broadcasted them on his ABC show. The lawsuit claims Kimmel committed copyright infringement, fraudulent inducement, breach of contract and unjust enrichment. During his show, Kimmel called the lawsuit preposterous. A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit that George Santos (right) brought against Jimmy Kimmel (left) after the talk show host ordered Cameo videos from him as part of a bit (Jimmy Kimmel Live, ABC) We did a nice thing, because we supported him by ordering his cameo videos, Kimmel added. Jimmy Kimmel Live! aired the videos as part of a segment called Will Santos Say It? One of Kimmels requests included asking Santos to congratulate a friend who had won a beef-eating contest in Clearwater, Florida. The former congressman requested $750,000 plus damages. Kimmel requested to have the suit thrown out in a motion filed in June. District Judge Denise Cote dismissed the suit in a 27-page decision on Monday, stating that Kimmels use of the content was protected under the fair use clause to copyright protections. A reasonable observer would understand that JKL showed the videos to comment on the willingness of Santos a public figure who had recently been expelled from Congress for allegedly fraudulent activity including enriching himself through a fraudulent contribution scheme to say absurd things for money, the judge wrote. Thus, the videos were used for political commentary and criticism, purposes that do not supersede the objects of the original videos. Santos will appeal the ruling, his attorney Andrew Mancilla said in an email to The Independent. Santos also pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a federal fraud case on Monday in New York. I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct, Santos said as he entered his plea in a Long Island courtroom. Santoss sentencing is scheduled for February 7. He faces over six years in prison under sentencing guidelines and owes at least $370,000 in restitution. Another Laci Peterson murder documentary debuts this week. Heres how and when to watch Did Scott Peterson kill his wife, Laci, and their unborn child? A new Peacock documentary series dives into the murder case that captivated the country, the streaming service said on its website, and promises to reveal Petersons side of the story. Face to Face with Scott Peterson will feature Peterson speaking on camera for the first time since his 2003 arrest in a series of intimate conversations with director and executive producer Shareen Anderson, Peacock said. The docuseries debuts Tuesday. The new Peacock docuseries comes on the heels of another series exploring the Laci Peterson murder case. American Murder: Laci Peterson premiered on Netflix on Aug. 14. What is new documentary series about Scott Peterson murder case? About 20 years after Scott Peterson was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife, Face to Face with Scott Peterson reopens the case. At 8 months pregnant, Laci Peterson went missing on Christmas Eve, 2002, Peacock said in its official description of the show. As the investigation unfolded, her husband Scott was revealed to be a liar, a cheater and ultimately a murderer. While many still believe the jury got it right, Scotts family and experts close to the case have spent over 20 years committed to uncovering inconsistencies in the evidence as well as finding new information around alternative theories surrounding Lacis murder, Peacock said. In addition to Peterson, Face to Face with Scott Peterson includes on-camera interviews with his sister-in-law, Janey Peterson and Modesto Police Department detectives, The Modesto Bee previously reported. The three-part docuseries explores theories supported by Janey Peterson and Scott Petersons new defense team, the Los Angeles Innocence Project, arguing that Peterson is innocent and deserves a new trial. Scott Peterson appears in a scene from new documentary series Face to Face with Scott Peterson, premiering on Peacock on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. Peterson was convicted of killing his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, in 2004. How can I watch Face to Face with Scott Peterson? Face to Face with Scott Peterson will premiere on Peacock on Tuesday. You can sign up for a subscription online. Prices start at about $8 a month for a premium subscription and $14 a month for a premium plus account. Scott Peterson to give first on-camera interview in over two decades in new docuseries When did Laci Peterson go missing in Modesto? Modesto resident Laci Peterson was reported missing on Dec. 24, 2002, by her stepfather, leading police to search East La Loma Park. Her husband, Modesto fertilizer salesman Scott Peterson, claimed she had planned to walk their dog at the park that day. A neighbor found and returned the dog with a muddy leash to the Petersons backyard, without suspecting anything unusual. Scott Peterson claimed he went fishing at Berkeley Marina that day and discovered Laci missing when he returned home, despite her car and purse being undisturbed. The search for Laci captured the nations attention, dominating news media night after night as facts slowly but surely led law enforcement to prosecute her husband, Scott Peterson, for her brutal murder, Netflix said in its official description for American Murder: Laci Peterson. Laci and Scott Peterson appear in a photo before her disappearance and murder. Defense and prosecution lawyers battled in court Wednesday over whether Scott Peterson should be granted another chance to prove he didnt kill his pregnant wife and their unborn son in December 2002. When and where did they find Lacis body? In April 2003, the bodies of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, were found near the marina. Scott Peterson was then arrested on suspicion of murder. REDWOOD CITY - NOVEMBER 3: Accused murderer Scott Peterson (C) and defense attorney Mark Geragos (L) listen during prosecution rebuttal to the defense closing arguments in Petersons capital murder trial November 3, 2004 in Redwood City, California. Scott Peterson is on trial for the murder of his wife, Laci, and their unborn child Conner in December 2002. The jury is expected to get the case and begin deliberations this week. (Photo by Al Golub-Pool/Getty Images) Did Scott Peterson go to jail for killing pregnant wife? Scott Peterson was found guilty of the first-degree murder of Laci Peterson and the second-degree murder of Conner in November 2004 and sentenced to death. In 2020, he was resentenced to life in prison. MODESTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 2: Scott Peterson appears at a hearing in Stanislaus County Superior Court September 2, 2003 in Modesto, California. The preliminary hearing for Petersons double-murder case is set for October 20, 2003. (Photo by Al Golub-Pool/Getty Images) Did Scott Peterson confess to Modesto womans murder? While Peterson pleaded not guilty to killing his wife and unborn child, a Colorado author says Peterson confessed to the murders allegedly detailing how and why he murdered Laci. Donna Thomas claimed to have romantic encounters with Scott Peterson over 14 years, including while he was married and after Laci Peterson vanished. During a prison visit, Thomas said, Peterson confessed to strangling his pregnant wife in their kitchen on Christmas Eve 2002. Convicted murderer Scott Peterson is escorted by two San Mateo County Sheriff deputies as he is walked from the jail to an awaiting van March 17, 2005 in Redwood City, California. Scott Peterson was transported to San Quentin Prison death row after he was formally sentenced to death for the murder or his wife Laci and their unborn son. When will Scott Peterson be released from prison? Peterson, now 51, is currently serving a life sentence at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione. He filed a motion in July asking prosecutors for more than 600 items of material, further prolonging his years-long bid for a new trial. Peterson began working this year with the the Los Angeles Innocence Project, a group that focuses on exonerating wrongly convicted individuals. According to Oxygen, the organization believes that Laci Peterson was possibly abducted and killed after witnessing a burglary near the home she shared with her husband in Modesto. Is there a new Laci Peterson documentary out now? According to Netflix, American Murder: Laci Peterson is the definitive examination of the murder of Laci Peterson, the bubbly and beloved young woman who disappeared on Christmas Eve of 2002, while eight months pregnant with her first child. Released 20 years after Scott Petersons conviction, the documentary series uses news clips, interrogation footage, and courtroom cameras to bring the dramatic disappearance, investigation and trial into focus, Netflix said in its official description of the docuseries. Netflix released all three episodes of the docuseries on Aug. 14. In 2017, the Laci Peterson murder case was also featured in an episode of Snapped, a true crime series on Oxygen that chronicles murder cases involving women. What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. Lake Mead is currently at 37% capacity. Federal water managers have warned that if water levels continue to fall there is a high probability that Lake Mead would no longer be able to deliver water downstream, or produce hydropower. (Photo courtesy of Bureau of Reclamation) Despite some improvements in water conservation, Nevada is facing a fourth consecutive year of mandatory water cuts, as drought and climate change continue to threaten Lake Mead, federal officials announced Thursday. Federal water managers announced that Tier 1 water cuts the least severe shortage condition would be necessary next year to preserve water levels at Lake Mead. Water in Lake Mead is projected to fall below 1,075 feet in 2025, an elevation that would trigger a water shortage, according to a 24-month study by the Bureau of Reclamation. Lake Mead is currently at 37% capacity, according to the agency. Federal water managers have warned that if water levels continue to fall there is a high probability that Lake Mead would no longer be able to deliver water downstream, or produce hydropower. Under the cuts, Nevada will lose about 7% of its allocation, or 21,000 acre-feet of water. However, the cuts are not expected to affect Nevada water users. Southern Nevada is allowed 300,000 acre-feet from the Colorado River, but has not used its full allocation in years thanks to conservation efforts. Last year, Nevada only used about 188,000 acre-feet of water. We are well below our total allocation, and the water that were cleaning, the water that were not using, is water that were able to store for the future in reserve, said Mack Bronson, the spokesperson for the Southern Nevada Water Authority. Arizona, California, and Mexico also face cuts starting next year. Arizona will lose 18% of its total Colorado River allocation, Mexico will lose 5%, and California will face a 7% reduction. The cuts announced Thursday are in the same Tier 1 category declared in 2021 and in 2022, when the first federal cutbacks on the Colorado River took effect. A Tier 2 water shortage for 2023 resulted in even steeper cuts. The Colorado River Basin supplies drinking water to 40 million people across the lower basin Arizona, California, Nevada and Mexico and the upper basin: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. States in both the lower and upper Colorado River basin are each allocated 7.5 million acre-feet of water, for a total of 15 million acre-feet. But officials acknowledge only 12.4 million acre-feet flows from the river each year, and flows continue to shrink due to climate change. Hydraulic studies by the federal government show that flow will likely decrease by another 3 million acre-feet of water in the next decade. Based on Reclamations most recent hydraulic models, Lake Mead water level could drop to 1,050 feet, or a Tier 2 shortage, by the end of 2025, making continued conservation efforts critical and triggering deeper cuts in allocations. The future in the Colorado River Basin is going to be warmer and its going to be drier, and we are going to have years where our allocation will be reduced, Bronson said. In recent years, Nevada has passed a series of laws to reduce water consumption in anticipation of steeper water cuts. That includes legislation in 2021 to ban ornamental grass from most public spaces, a Clark County resolution in 2022 to limit the size of pools, and a 2023 bill to phase out the use of water-intensive septic tanks. The actions that weve taken already to reduce our water use have us on a good path to be able to absorb any of those future reductions, Bronson said. The Southern Nevada Water Authority managed to reduce individual water use to 89 gallons per person per day last year, the lowest since the early 1990s. But hotter, drier conditions this summer means water use per person is likely to increase this year. Last year was a really good year, but we also had a lot of help from Mother Nature, Bronson said. Juxtapose that with the summer were experiencing today, where we just had a record setting July, our warmest summer ever on record. So certainly we are seeing water use trending a little bit higher this year than we did last year, but were still below the average over the past three years. Federal officials also expressed optimism about recent water conservation efforts in the region this week, ahead of the release of the 24-month study. On Wednesday during the second annual Southern Nevada Water Summit, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton praised Colorado River basin states voluntary efforts to reduce water use, highlighting an agreement by the Imperial Irrigation District in California this week to leave up to 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead through 2026. These conservation programs are working. Yes, its painful, but its working, and its preserving a very critical and vital water source for this entire area, said Reclamation hydrologist Shana Tighi during the Summit Wednesday. Nevada Current is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nevada Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Hugh Jackson for questions: info@nevadacurrent.com. Follow Nevada Current on Facebook and X. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Eight apartments were damaged, and 16 adults and four children were displaced early Monday morning, Aug. 19, after an East El Paso apartment complex caught fire, according to the El Paso Fire Department. The Fire Department says crews responded to reports of heavy smoke at the Celina Plaza Apartments on 8500 Viscount at around midnight. Officials took around 18 minutes to knock down the fire and eight apartments were affected. The Fire department says 16 adults and four children were displaced by the fire. The Fire Department says no injuries were reported and the Red Cross is assisting those who have been displaced. The Fire Marshals Office is initiating an investigation into the cause of the fire. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Archeologists in Iowa believe they have unearthed an ancient mastodon skull dating back to when the first humans were roaming the Earth. Discovered in the southern part of the state, the find is Iowa's first well-preserved mastodon, according to the University of Iowas Office of the State Archaeologist. Scientists and local community members recently undertook a 12-day excavation at the site, which yielded several mastodon bones, primarily from the skull. Radiocarbon dating then allowed the team of researchers to estimate that the specimen is about 13,600 years old, meaning the mastodon would have been alive around the time that the first humans were living and hunting in the area, the university said. Researchers will next analyze the bones looking for any evidence that humans came across this particular mastodon. State Archeologist John Doershuk inspects the tusk of a mastodon skull recently discovered in Wayne County while others excavate the fossil. Dinosaur extinction: Scientists think they know the origin of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs Mastodon skull estimated to be 13,600 years old Mastodons, large mammals similar to both elephants and mammoths, roamed North America from around 3.5 million years ago until 10,500 years ago. A resident of Wayne County contacted John Doershuk, Iowa's state archaeologist, in 2022 after stumbling upon an unusually long bone embedded in a creek bed on private property. University of Iowa archaeologists have uncovered the first-ever well-preserved mastodon skull scientifically excavated from the state of Iowa a find that notably dates to when the first humans lived and hunted in the area. The bone turned out to be a mastodon femur, prompting archeologists to further investigate the site last fall. While there, they also uncovered a broken tusk protruding from the creek bed that they believe was likely still attached to mastodon's skull. After securing funding for another dig, the team returned this month "to carefully excavate the skull and several additional mastodon bones, likely all from the same animal," the University of Iowa said in a news release. Scientists search for evidence of human interaction with mastodon The 12-day excavation also led archaeologists to uncover several human-made artifacts, such as stone tools. The tools were dated to a few thousand years after the mastodon skull, but the team was still encouraged to find the first-ever evidence of "human existence in the creek drainage." Now, the scientists hope more archaeological finds, coupled with documentation of the bones orientation and location, could lead to evidence of "human interaction" with the specimen, as well as "how and why the creature came to be deposited in the creek bed." Were really hoping to find evidence of human interaction with this creature perhaps the projectile points and knives that were used to kill the animal and do initial butchering, Doershuk said in a statement. Theres also potential evidence on the bones themselves there could be identifiable cut marks. Other similar fossil finds The discovery is the latest in a string of prehistoric finds across the United States. Earlier this month, a man in Mississippi found a mammoth tusk, a rarity for the state. And in May, a Florida man discovered a 4-foot mastodon tusk at the bottom of the ocean while searching for fossils near the coast of Venice. In May 2023, coal miners in North Dakota unearthed a 7-foot-long mammoth tusk buried for thousands of years near Beulah, located about 80 miles northwest of Bismarck. Following a 12-day excavation, scientists recovered more than 20 bones from the skeleton that were determined to be one of the most complete mammoth skeletons ever discovered in the state. How to see the Iowa mastodon bones The mastodon bones are slated to become part of a new exhibit at the Prairie Trails Museum in Corydon once scientists at the University of Iowa analyze and conserve the skull and other recovered bones. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Mastodon skull found in Iowa, estimated to be 13,600 years old The Rev. Jesse Jackson waves as he appears on stage Monday night at the Democratic National Convention. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) The Democratic National Convention will mark many transitions, not the least of them a generational passing of the torch. President Biden this week is in effect handing control of the party, and the 2024 presidential nomination, to Vice President Kamala Harris an 81-year-old with decades in public life ceding the national stage to his 59-year-old protege. Sunday night, on a less prominent stage, the party's most ardent progressives stopped to recognize another leader and another transition: Several hundred people streamed into the auditorium at Rainbow PUSH headquarters to rain praise and affirmation on the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Jackson is 82 and living with Parkinsons disease. A year ago, he appeared frail and spoke only a few words as he formally stepped down as president of the organization he created in the 1970s (the PUSH is for People United to Save Humanity) as a force for civil rights and economic equality. Sitting in a wheelchair, Jackson soaked in the celebration Sunday night from the front of the auditorium where he had so many times urged on his followers. For more than three hours, he received a constant stream of admirers who said they had been trained and inspired by him over the decades. All the while, prominent Democrats and others spoke from the stage. From Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), to Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles), to the Rev. Al Sharpton, to independent presidential candidate Cornel West, they agreed: Jackson and his work as a groundbreaking Black presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988 sowed the political field for the eventual blossoming of other Black leaders, including Harris. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) was the first of half a dozen left-leaning members of the House to say their careers might not have happened but for the inspiration of Jackson, who was born in Greenville, S.C., became a lieutenant to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and launched his rights crusades in Chicago. He made sure that every single person had a place to stand. Everybody was somebody, Jayapal said, echoing Jacksons signature I am somebody refrain. She mentioned all the groups Jackson welcomed into his organization multiple races, ethnicities, LGBTQ+ individuals, farmworkers and more. And dont forget that civil rights and economic justice were deeply intertwined, and nobody, nobody made that argument better than the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Read more: 3rd Party in '96 Is Hot Topic as Rainbow Meets : Politics: The Rev. Jesse Jackson tells the national coalition that it 'must develop independent ballot access' in states and localities. We stand on your shoulders, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jayapal said to resounding applause. For every elected official we will see on that [convention] stage for the next several days, we are here on your shoulders. We are here because you laid the path for us. The Nation, a venerable magazine of Americas political left, sponsored the Jackson celebration. Publisher and former editor Katrina vanden Heuvel carried a printed copy of the 1988 editorial in which the magazine endorsed Jackson. She noted that he had been an early voice for decreasing the size of the U.S. military and shifting the savings into domestic programs. Vanden Heuvel called Jackson a man of peace and a great citizen of the world. Many of those onstage, including Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Fremont), spoke of how they had followed Jackson since their youth, galvanized into lives of public service by Jacksons ringing speeches at the 1984 and 1988 Democratic conventions. In 1988, Khanna recalled, Jackson had said he would not be content to be a small boat, plying the waters in a safe harbor; that he was intent on being out where the big boats are, in the open ocean of the worlds great challenges, like apartheid in South Africa and economic injustice in America. Jackson accumulated more delegates in the 1988 race than any other candidate except Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis, the governor of Massachusetts, who would go on to a resounding loss to George H.W. Bush. Two opponents who won fewer delegates than Jackson that year: then Sen. Joe Biden and future Vice President Al Gore. Jackson's ringing oratory to the delegates at that years Democratic convention built with the cadences and rhythm of his years as a Baptist preacher. No one listening that night, at the Omni in Atlanta, would have mistaken what they heard for a concession speech. "I'm tired of sailing my little boat, far inside the harbor bar, he said near the end of the address. I want to go out where the big ships float, out on the deep where the great ones are. And should my frail craft prove too slight for waves that sweep those billows o'er, I'd rather go down in the stirring fight than drowse to death at the sheltered shore. We've got to go out, my friends, where the big boats are. Read more: Jackson on Political Tour of Mississippi : Democrats: Snubbed by Clinton, he maintains careful distance from the nominee. Civil rights leader says his focus is on local candidates. By the time Jackson concluded, roaring Keep hope alive! once, twice four times, Democratic delegates were rhapsodic. Some wept. When he spoke, Sharpton described Jacksons remarkable rise, born in the Deep South, in the back of the bus, and growing to be a world leader. He credited Jackson with creating the language still spoken by progressives, particularly Black leaders. Some might say that Jackson, laid low by disease, cant walk like he used to and talk like he used to, Sharpton said. His voice rising, the MSNBC commentator suggested those people would be wrong. I want you to know that every time a Black opens their mouth and talks about hypocrisy, Jesse Jackson is talking!" he shouted, as the crowd jumped to its feet. "Every time we march, Jesse Jackson is marching! Applause and shouts of affirmation drowned out Sharptons conclusion. A screen flashed on Jackson, a small smile breaking his lips. More than 90 minutes later, the crowd had thinned. A moderator from the Nation hinted that Jackson might speak. All eyes trained on the front of the Rainbow PUSH auditorium and a hush fell. But no words came. Soon, a platoon of Jackson aides pushed his wheelchair to a waiting van, which rolled away slowly into the Chicago night. One day later, Jackson would make a similar, brief visit to the spotlight. He was wheeled onto the stage Monday evening on the first day of the Democratic National Convention. The crowd inside the United Center cheered, as Jackson waved and smiled. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Lucila Sigal BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - An Argentine federal judge on Monday ordered a three-month suspension of deforestation in northern Chaco province, a rare step to protect one of the world's woodland ecosystems that is most rapidly being destroyed to make way for farmland. The unusual though not unprecedented move, announced officially on the public prosecutor's office website, comes amid an investigation into an alleged public-private corruption scheme involving both business people and local officials profiting from illegal land clearance. The province of Chaco is part of the American Gran Chaco, the largest forested region in South America after the Amazon and spans between Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil. It has some of the worst deforestation rates in the world. This dry forest ecosystem is home to a wide range of wildlife, including jaguars, foxes, manned wolves, ocelots, tapirs, armadillos, capybaras and pumas, among others. Prosecutors are investigating former and current local officials along with major companies, especially in the grains sector, for making illegal profits, abuse of authority and failure to fulfill the duties of public officials. "The judge ordered the total suspension of clearing in the province of Chaco," said Enrique Viale, president of the Argentine Association of Environmental Lawyers (AAdeAA), which brought the initial complaint. "This will ensure that environmental damage is not caused while the investigation is carried out. We will continue until we dismantle this land-clearing mafia and stop deforestation." The main economic activities of Chaco province, which has an area of about 100,000 square km (24.7 million acres), are forestry, soy and cattle, cotton production, firewood and tannins. The Chaco government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to data from NGO Fundacion Vida Silvestre (Forest Life Foundation), despite Argentina having a Forest Protection Law, the Gran Chaco has lost 30% of its forests, with 76% of the deforestation carried out illegally between 2007 and 2021. (Reporting by Lucila Sigal; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Sandra Maler) Arkansas Public Defender Commission Executive Director Gregg Parrish explains to Arkansas Legislative Council's Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review subcommittee why he requested $1.25 million in state funds on Monday, August 19, 2024. (Screenshot/Arkansas Legislature) The Arkansas Public Defender Commission expects to lay off more than 30 attorneys if state lawmakers dont allocate $1.25 million to continue processing a backlog of more than 5,000 cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic, executive director Gregg Parrish said Monday. The Arkansas Legislative Council will consider the request Friday after its Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review subcommittee declined to take action Monday. Members expressed concerns that the commission might not have done enough with the $4.5 million in federal funds it received two years ago to address the case backlog. Sen. Blake Johnson, R-Corning, moved to defer the request until next month but changed the motion after Parrish said layoffs would begin this week without the requested funds. The cases being handled by laid-off attorneys would end up in the hands of local public defender offices in the states 28 prosecuting attorney districts, Parrish said. Thousands of cases piled up between March 2020 and June 2021 because there were no in-person court proceedings, Parrish told the American Rescue Plan Act Steering Committee two years ago. The committee has since been dissolved, and the money for Mondays request would come from the State Central Services Fund. Some of the cases from that period might have been closed but later reopened while others are still pending, Parrish said. The $4.5 million the commission received in 2022 was meant to fund up to 45 part-time public defender positions, and the commission capped the hiring at 37 positions so as not to run out of money sooner, he said. PEER DFA request 8.19.24 He agreed, at the request of Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, R-Hermitage, to find out how many cases that opened in the relevant time period have been resolved in the past two years due to the $4.5 million allocation. PEER co-chair Rep. Frances Cavenaugh, R-Walnut Springs, said she was frustrated that the $4.5 million apparently did not reduce the backlog significantly. To be quite frank, Im tired of hearing about how COVID has put everything on hold because were in 2024, about to be in 2025, and were still using COVID as an excuse as to why things cant get done and caught up, Cavenaugh said. Rep. Mark Berry, R-Ozark, asked Parrish why the funding request didnt come before PEER sooner than within days of potential layoffs. Could you not see this train coming down the track? Berry asked. Parrish said his request had been in progress since April but had to go through a series of bureaucratic hurdles before PEER could take it up for a vote. Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, suggested the state needs more judges to bring reasonable and quick justice to the people of Arkansas. Parrish disagreed. If we dont add public defenders and I would say even prosecutors what youre doing [by adding judgeships] is youre establishing more court dates for the same number of people to try to handle who cant handle what theyve got right now, Parrish said. He also said its difficult to retain full-time public defenders because experienced attorneys tend to take other jobs, leaving recent law school graduates as most of the public defender hiring pool, and those inexperienced attorneys are only equipped to handle misdemeanors and low-grade felonies. Wet signature defense attorney needed PEER approved a request for $250,000 in state funds for the State Board of Election Commissioners to hire legal representation in an ongoing federal court case over a rule requiring in-person signatures on Arkansas voter registration forms. SBEC attorney funding requests Any leftover money will go back to the state, said Chris Madison, the boards executive director. Lawmakers passed both funding requests on voice votes with no dissent. The wet signature rule would require Arkansans to physically touch pen to paper unless registration forms are completed at certain state agencies, such as the DMV. The SBEC approved the permanent rule in July, a month after being sued. Voter advocacy group Get Loud Arkansas is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, which also names Secretary of State John Thurston and the county clerks of Benton, Pulaski and Washington counties as defendants. The suit alleges that limiting the use of electronic signatures for voter registration is a form of suppression, specifically for first-time voters, rural Arkansans and people with disabilities. The Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard law firm in Little Rock is likely to represent the defendants in the case, Madison told PEER. Attorney General Tim Griffin usually represents state agencies in court, but he issued an opinion in April that created a potential conflict requiring him to recuse himself, Madison said. Get Loud Arkansas has been focused on increasing Arkansas voter registration rate, the lowest in the nation, and rolled out an online portal in January that assisted applicants in completing the voter registration form, which they signed with an electronic signature. In February, Get Loud Arkansas reached out to Thurstons office about voter registration form signature requirements because the organization had identified discrepancies in some counties that appear to be disproportionately affecting young, first-time registrants, according to an email obtained by the Arkansas Times. In response, a spokesman said while its a sensitive issue thats not clear in law, the Secretary of State didnt see how an electronic signature should be treated differently than a wet one. However, he noted this shouldnt be treated as an official legal opinion. Thurston then sought advice from Griffin, who said in the April 10 opinion that while an electronic signature or mark is generally valid under Arkansas law, the registration form must be created and distributed by the Secretary of State. A third-party organization cant create and use a different form of its own to register voters, he said. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated the amount the State Board of Election Commissioners requested to hire outside legal counsel. (BCN) An arrest has been made in a case of a man who was shot while sleeping in Oakland earlier this month, authorities said Friday. Damon Roberts, 20, of Oakland, was arrested on Aug. 12 in Richmond by members of the Oakland Housing Authority Police Department with the assistance of US Marshals. North Bay fire captain unexpectedly passes away On Aug. 1, Run Hua Kuang, 33, was napping in the 1900 block of East 19th Street after coming home from work as a delivery driver. Just before 5 p.m., a bullet penetrated the wall of his apartment, through is headboard, into his head and out his left eye, according to his sister, Jasmine Kuang. Kuang was taken to a hospital where he endured a seven-hour surgery, Jasmine. According to the Housing Authority, Roberts was charged by the Alameda County District Attorneys Office with offenses related to firearms. The Housing Authority is in charge of the investigation because it manages the apartment building. Jasmine said her brother immigrated to the US from Taishan, China in 2005 searching for the American Dream for his family and is the sole provider for his wife, his 7-month-old and 3-year-old daughters and his parents. A GoFundMe page for Kuang can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-huas-fight-for-life-after-tragic-shooting. As of Sunday, it had reached over $365,000 raised. Oakland restaurant closing after a decade of business The investigation is ongoing and the Oakland Housing Authority urges anyone with knowledge of the incident to call the Oakland Housing Authority Police Department at (510) 535-3100 or the Anonymous Tip Line at (510) 535-3155. Copyright 2024 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Authorities on Monday announced the arrest of a suspect connected with a threat made on social media against a middle school in Moreno Valley. After learning of the image threatening violence at Mountain View Middle School in the 13000 block of Morrison Street, the Riverside County Sheriffs Department assigned additional deputies to the campus. An investigation into the post led to the arrest of an unidentified suspect, the Sheriffs Department announced in a story update on its Instagram page. No information regarding the suspect or the nature of the threat has been released. The Sheriffs Department stated on Sunday that they would use an abundance of caution in the investigation despite not being sure if the threat was credible. Keeping our schools safe is one of our highest priorities and we are working together with school district personnel to ensure the safety of everyone, the Department stated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. When President Joe Biden bids the Democratic National Convention a bittersweet farewell Monday night, he will be introduced by one of his closest champions, his youngest daughter, Ashley. Although she has remained mostly out of the spotlight compared to her siblings and mother, she has helped promote and advocate on behalf of her father as far back as her childhood. Ashley Biden, 43, was born in June 1981, the only child of the then-Delaware senator and his second wife, Jill Biden. Ashley's older half-brothers, Beau and Hunter, quickly developed a strong bond with her, her mother told Delaware Today magazine in 2018. PHOTO: Ashley Biden appears on stage ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center August 18, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) "Her brothers looked after her. And, she always looked up to them. Wherever they went, she wanted to go, and they took her," she told the magazine. MORE: DNC 2024 Day 1 live updates At an early age, Ashley Biden was vocal about animal rights, and talked to her father about the issues facing dolphins being caught in tuna fishing nets. Then-Sen. Biden would go on to introduce the 1990 Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act, which required tuna manufacturers to label their products as dolphin free, and he worked with then-California Democratic Rep. Barbara Boxer to help get it passed. She would go on to earn a degree in cultural anthropology from Tulane University in 2003 and worked as a social worker in Philadelphia and at the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families. She earned a master's degree at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice in 2010. Two years later, she married physician Dr. Howard Krein. PHOTO: President Joe Biden and his daughter Ashley Biden share a moment during a Juneteenth concert on the South Lawn of the White House June 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Ashley Biden would frequently be seen on the campaign trail with her father in 2008 and after he was elected would be seen with him during major events in Washington, D.C., and around the world. Among those trips was a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2016. In 2012, she joined the Delaware Center for Justice and where she worked on programs to combat gun violence and teenage gang activity. She would eventually be promoted to serve as the non-profit's executive director. She stepped down from her position at the non-profit in 2019 to help with her father's presidential campaign. Throughout the campaign season, Ashley Biden made visits to several stops and touted her father's work and policies to voters. PHOTO: Ashley Biden stands with her father US President Joe Biden as they arrive to watch the Independence Day fireworks display from the Truman Balcony of the White House in Washington, DC, July 4, 2024. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) She was also active on social media encouraging voters to support her father. MORE: Florida woman sentenced to a month in prison for theft of Ashley Biden's diary It was also during this time that Ashley Biden became a victim of identity theft by two Florida residents. Aimee Harris and Robert Kurlander stole a diary she left behind at one of her former residences in September 2020 and then sold it to right-wing activist group Project Veritas, according to federal prosecutors. Harris and Kurlander pleaded guilty in August 2022 to "to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property involving the theft of personal belongings of an immediate family member of a then-former government official who was a candidate for national political office," according to the Justice Department. Harris was sentenced in April to one month in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and Kurlander's sentencing is slated for the fall. Ashley Biden did not attend the sentencing hearing, "because it would only increase my pain," she said in a letter to the judge. "The point of the theft, I assume, was to be able to peddle grotesque lies by distorting my stream-of-consciousness thoughts," she said. She asked the judge to impose prison time on Harris in the letter that was unsealed after the sentencing. "My goal in asking Your Honor to impose a term of incarceration is to ensure that another woman isn't bullied and shamed like this ever again. The despair I have often felt will never truly go away," she wrote. "But I ask Your Honor to hold Ms. Harris accountable so that she thinks twice before doing it to someone else." After her father was elected to the White House, Ashley Biden continued to be at her family's side and accompanied them on several trips including June's visit to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. PHOTO: US President Joe Biden, embraces his daughter Ashley Biden following a prime-time address to the nation in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo/Bloomberg via Getty Images) When the president delivered his speech declaring that he would not seek reelection last month, Ashley Biden was among the family members who was in the Oval Office. She was seen teary-eyed and hugging her father after the speech was done. Ashley Biden in the spotlight ahead of president's DNC speech originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Astronomers have warned against colonial practices in the space industry a philosopher of science explains how the industry could explore other planets without exploiting them The past decade has seen a rapid expansion of the commercial space industry. Rival nations are competing for prime military and economic positions beyond the Earth. Public and private entities are clamoring to mine the Moon, and a growing halo of space junk is polluting low Earth orbit. In a 2023 white paper, a group of concerned astronomers warned against repeating Earthly colonial practices in outer space. But whats wrong with colonizing space if theres nothing there to begin with? I am a philosopher of science and religion who has been writing about the space industry for several years. As government agencies and private companies turn their eyes toward the stars, Ive noticed many of the factors that drove European Christian imperialism between the 15th and 19th centuries reappearing in high-speed, high-tech forms. Some of these colonial practices might include the enclosure of land, the exploitation of environmental resources and the destruction of landscapes in the name of ideals such as destiny, civilization and the salvation of humanity. Many space industry leaders, such as Mars Society President Robert Zubrin, argue that although European-style colonialism may have had unsavory consequences on Earth, it is the only way to proceed in outer space. In fact, he warns, any attempt to slow down or regulate the space industry will make the Martian frontier inaccessible to humanity, leaving us stuck on an increasingly dull and decadent Earth. Many space industry leaders, such as Robert Zubrin and Elon Musk, have imagined building human colonies on Mars. Both have argued that regulation in the space industry might hinder progress toward this goal. janiecbros/E+ via Getty Images Zubrin has argued against concerns about colonialism in space. Unlike the Earth, outer space is empty, he claims. Why should anyone care about the rights of rocks and a few hypothetical microbes? But as it turns out, not everyone agrees that outer space is empty. And as the concerned astronomers have argued, abandoning the colonial playbook would benefit industry insiders and outsiders alike. Is space really empty? People of Bawaka Country in northern Australia have told the space industry that their ancestors guide human life from their home in the galaxy, and that this relationship is increasingly threatened by large orbiting satellite networks. Similarly, Inuit elders say their ancestors live on celestial bodies. Navajo leadership has asked NASA not to land human remains on the Moon. Kanaka elders have insisted that no more telescopes be built on Mauna Kea, which Native Hawaiians consider to be ancestral and sacred. These Indigenous positions stand in stark contrast with many in the industrys insistence that space is empty and inanimate. The key to reconciling these vastly different positions is to seek agreement not on beliefs or worldviews, but rather on behavior. Secular space enthusiasts do not need to agree that outer space is populated, animate or sacred in order to treat it with the care and respect Indigenous communities are requesting from the industry. Treating outer space with care might involve preserving noteworthy natural formations, limiting mining, cutting back on satellite permits and launches and figuring out a way to clean up garbage in orbit. Environmental concerns The emerging field of space ecology examines the relationships between human artifacts and natural environments in the context of Earths orbit, on the Moon and on other planets. As this discipline seeks to demonstrate, orbits and planetary bodies are delicately balanced systems. Without consistent regulation, commercial space activity could render orbits unusable and throw off the Moons vacuum-like atmosphere. In fact, the light bouncing off careening space junk defunct satellites, pieces of spacecraft, cellphones, nuts, bolts, shards of metal and glass can prevent astronomers from seeing, photographing and navigating by means of the stars. Broken pieces of spacecraft in orbit can cause damage to satellites and there arent clear regulations for whos supposed to clean them up. Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library via Getty Images The Moon, Mars and asteroids help scientists understand how planets and the solar system formed, what conditions are necessary for life and what planets might look like in the future. If the space industry blasts, mines and following a suggestion from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk nukes planetary bodies, scientists could lose access to this knowledge. The commercial space industry has already done significant environmental damage on and around Earth. SpaceXs constant rocket tests and launches have decimated the wetlands of Boca Chica, Texas. A SpaceX Starship explosion in April 2023 damaged an estimated 385 acres of land, waterways, turtles and birds not to mention cars, houses and human lungs. The industrys rocketing number of private and public launches deposit kerosene, carbon and sulfur into the upper atmosphere, where these substances remain longer than they do in the stratosphere. Research has shown that the accumulation of these substances could escalate climate change exponentially. By one estimate, rocket emissions heat the atmosphere 500 times as quickly as aviation emissions. Even if Musk never makes it to Mars, SpaceX and a throng of competitors are creating satellite traffic in low Earth orbit that can threaten astronauts lives and risks making these orbits unusable. Human consequences Many space industry leaders celebrate space as the new New World or the final frontier. But the early modern economies in sugar, tobacco and gold generated empire-building profit for Europe and the early U.S. by means of enslavement and indentured servitude. Space industry leaders will have to consider what labor arrangements will look like as they send workers to staff their hotels, build their bunkers and facilitate asteroid mining. After all, space workers will rely on their employers not only for a paycheck and health care, but also for food, water, air and transportation back to Earth. In 1967, a slew of nations including the U.S., U.K. and USSR, signed the Outer Space Treaty. This treaty declared, among other things, that no nation can own a planetary body or part of one. Negotiated and signed in the wake of two world wars, the Outer Space Treaty was a product of conflict in Europe in the 20th century. If colonialism on Earth culminated in these two wars, the nations that signed the Outer Space Treaty were effectively saying, Lets not battle each other for territory and resources again. Lets do outer space differently. At this point, the Outer Space Treaty has become outdated and all but unenforceable. But any future legislation would do well to retain the anticolonial spirit of the original treaty. From a policy perspective, then, it doesnt matter whether space is actually inhabited or whether rocks have rights. Preventing colonialism in outer space doesnt require the space industry to agree on these metaphysical questions. Instead, it will require participants across and beyond the industry to agree on a shared set of standards for caring about planets and their orbits whether their motivations are scientific, environmental, humanistic or religious. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Mary-Jane Rubenstein, Wesleyan University Read more: Mary-Jane Rubenstein does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) The City of Athens received five state-wide recognition awards during the annual Awards of Excellence Banquet. On August 15, Main Street Alabama held the 11th annual Awards of Excellence banquet at the Community House in Alabama. The banquet celebrates the successes of local programs. Limestone County Sheriffs Office searching for information on wanted couple Main Street Alabamas President and State Coordinator, Mary Helmer Wirth and Assistant State Coordinator, Trisha Black, recognized projects and individuals who had big impacts and contributions to their communities. The Awards of Excellence recognized winners in the following categories: Capital Campaigns Public/Private Partnerships Volunteer Development Promotion Marketing Business Promotion Business Development Placemaking Property Activation Non-Historic Building Design Planning and Public Spaces Historic Rehabilitation We are thrilled to be honored for our organizations contributions to the growth and vibrancy of our downtown, said Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson. Thank you to the City of Athens, the Limestone County Commission, and all our business and individual donors who have supported our efforts. Athens received five awards: Excellence in Business Development for the citys restaurant boom, Excellence in Promotion for Fridays After Five, Excellence in Fundraising for investor recognition, Excellence in Building Design for the Old Black Bear Brewing Company and the Reinvestment Award. Latest Headlines With the Reinvestment Award, the award was given to programs that reached significant milestones in district revitalization efforts. Economic impact numbers were reported monthly by each local program to be used to decide who received the award. Athens Main Streets district reinvestment of over $40 million was recognized. Athens Main Street also selected Tiffany Pack, owner of Dream Key Real Estate as its 2024 Main Street Hero. Athens Main Street Promotion Committee Chair Michelle Williamson said, In addition to contributing her time and considerable marketing talent as a Promotion Committee member, Tiffany and Dream Key Real Estate sponsored several of our events, making it possible to promote our retailers widely and uniquely feature our restaurants. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Atlanta Hospital Couldn't Find Piece of Man's Skull After It Was Mixed Up with Other Patients' Bone Fragments: Lawsuit The suit alleges negligence and cites physical and emotional damages while the patient was under the care of Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta TNS/Shutterstock Emory University Hospital Midtown An Atlanta hospital is the subject of a new lawsuit accusing the facility of losing a piece of a patient's skull. According to court documents reviewed by PEOPLE, Fernando and Maria Cluster are accusing staff at Emory University Hospital Midtown of losing a portion of Fernando's skull during a September 2022 stay at the facility to treat an intracerebral hemorrhage, otherwise known as brain bleeding. Per the complaint, the condition prompted hospital staff to perform emergency surgery on Cluster, in which a portion of his skull was removed. Surgeons helming the procedure removed a roughly 4.7-by-5.9-in. bone flap with the intention of reattaching the piece during a follow-up surgery, which would take place within weeks of first. Alamy Emory University Hospital Midtown Related: Kimberly Williams-Paisley Says She Underwent Major Surgery After Struggling with Her Voice: 'Sounding So Much Better!' However, When Emorys personnel went to retrieve the bone flap," in November 2022, " there were several bone flaps with incomplete or missing patient identification and therefore, Emory could not be certain which if any of these belonged to Mr. Cluster,' " according to the complaint. As a result of the alleged loss of Cluster's skull portion, the patient required a synthetic bone flap that he claims caused a longer, more intensive hospitalization and spurred an infection that required another surgery, per the complaint. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The plaintiffs further allege that Cluster incurred medical expenses in excess of $146,845.60 and that in the time since the surgical procedures, he has endured permanent injuries, been unable to work and taken a toll on his relationship with his family. Related: YouTube Star Luke Goodwin Dies at 35 After Rare Cancer Diagnosis: 'Our Warrior' The complaint does not specify a dollar figure that the Clusters are seeking, but does note that they are looking to receive both special and general damages. PEOPLE reached out to Emory Health for comment on the suit, but they did not immediately respond. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, an intracerebral hemorrhage is "the second most common cause of stroke (15-30% of strokes) and the most deadly." The association notes that the condition can arise when arteries or veins rupture, which can be spurred by abnormal pressure, abnormal development or trauma. The bleeding can, in turn, damage brain tissue and create extra pressure within a patient's skull that causes further damage to the brain as a whole. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Getty Images. Attorneys challenging Ohios 24-hour abortion waiting period and minimum in-person visit regulations made their arguments Friday as to why enforcement of the laws should be paused as they fight to get them eliminated entirely. Jessie Hill represented the ACLU of Ohio, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, abortion clinics, and a physician in the Franklin County case, and said the constitutional amendment passed last November that legalized reproductive rights statewide is expansive and clear, protecting the rights that she says the state laws hinder. Being prevented from doing something that you want to do and have a legal entitlement to do is injury, if prevented by a law that provides sanctions, Hill told Judge David Young during a preliminary injunction hearing. Based on arguments heard at Fridays hearing, the judge will decide whether a 24-hour waiting period and a minimum of two in-person visits will continue to be required before abortion services can be provided as the lawsuit continues. The law challengers are entitled to a preliminary injunction because the challenged requirements facially discriminate against abortion patients and providers, Hill said. Hill claimed that the state does not disagree that the courts must apply the amendment to test other laws in place regarding abortion. She went on to cite the legal analysis Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released prior to the November election, in which he explained the impact the amendment would have on abortion services throughout the state. In that analysis, which Yost wrote was designed only to describe what the legal effects of Issue 1 will be on our state, he listed several laws that I expect will most certainly be challenged at some point, and said the amendment would create a new standard and will make it harder for Ohio to maintain the kinds of law already upheld as valid prior to (2022s) decision in Dobbs. In other words, the amendment would give greater protection to abortion to be free from regulation than at any time in Ohios history, Yost wrote. The 24-hour waiting period was one law listed in his legal analysis and potentially impacted by the amendment, along with informed consent laws. It is possible to foresee a court decision that said a waiting period was a burden, but that informed consent is not, Yost wrote. If so, neither provision would be likely to survive the exclusive scrutiny test. Yost also notes that the state can regulate only for the purpose of advancing a pregnant individuals health. That means that the state cannot regulate for any other purpose or interest at all, no matter how mild the regulation, Yost wrote. So the long-recognized interests in fetal life or in medical ethics cannot be protected, making the laws previously upheld on those grounds no longer valid, even if the interests rise to the level of compelling. The attorney general has since changed his tune, fighting against lawsuits that seek to undo the laws, and saying abortion clinics cant challenge laws like the 24-hour waiting period regulation. The Attorney Generals Office argued Friday that taking away enforcement of the laws would be the opposite of the goal of a preliminary injunction, which is to keep the status quo, according to Amanda Narog, senior legal counsel for the AGs office. Were talking about upwards of three decades of law that has regulated the conduct of abortions in this state, Narog told the judge. But Hill pushed back, saying the status quo had changed when voters approved the reproductive rights constitutional amendment and it went into effect in December 2023. Therefore, of course the laws they consider in violation of the amendment would be challenged. That was the whole purpose of the amendment, Hill said. The state can regulate the practice of medicine in Ohio, Narog argued, and pointed to Hills arguments that physicians provide informed consent (in abortion care and in any other sector of medicine) because of their medical training, and will continue to do so no matter what the law states. The attorney generals office didnt fight back against the language of the amendment and its weight in the state, even as Narog argued that the 24-hour waiting period and the in-person requirements should stay in place. It is well known that women have a right to a pre-viability abortion under the Ohio Constitution, Narog said. Theres no reason to think that women cant do it. Young did not give a timeline on when he might render his decision on the preliminary injunction or a motion to dismiss that the state filed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST Eighteen of Oregons 36 counties are child care deserts for preschool, meaning 33% or fewer children in the county have potential access to a spot, according to the latest data. Despite some improvement since the pandemic, Oregons supply of early learning is much lower than families need. Eighteen of Oregons 36 counties are child care deserts for preschool, meaning 33% or fewer children in the county have potential access to a spot, according to the latest data. (Lydia Ely/InvestigateWest) An audit of the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care found the agency could benefit from stronger oversight and equity training to improve governance of the states early learning system. Auditors findings, issued in a letter from the Secretary of States audits division to agency director Alyssa Chatterjee on July 24, align in part with critiques of the department voiced by current and former staff in an InvestigateWest investigation published in March. Employees sounded alarms including one who contacted Gov. Tina Kotek about what they saw as the agencys failures to foster equity, retain leaders and manage programs that serve Oregons lower-income families. Auditors spoke to at least three of those employees to learn more. Their final recommendations urge agency leaders to regularly review disciplinary decisions made by child care licensing investigators to ensure they are being made fairly; expand required equity and bias trainings; and improve coordination between regional and statewide authorities and among the various preschool and child care programs that the department manages. Agency leaders said they welcome the feedback and are already working to implement some of the recommendations. One of DELCs values is continuous improvement, said Kate Gonsalves, spokesperson for the Department of Early Learning and Care. In particular, Director Chatterjee valued the recognition of the intentionality that went into the launch of DELC. We are proud of this intentionality and appreciative of the chance to have this review so early in the agencys tenure. The audit examined how smoothly the early learning division transitioned out of the state education department into an independent agency. The Department of Early Learning and Care launched July 1, 2023, and auditors monitored its performance throughout its first year. Rather than complete a full audit, which takes longer and typically looks at established government practices and protocols, the audits division conducted its analysis in real time, so the findings would be available to the agency in a time frame that allowed leaders to act on them, said Laura Kerns, spokesperson for the Secretary of States Office. The benefit of a real-time analysis is that we can get in at the beginning before too much has happened and provide feedback as programs are being shaped and controls are being established, she said. Simply put, we hoped our review would help (the early learning department) get off to a good start as a new state agency. We also decided to send a letter instead of doing a full audit because we found DELC was generally on the right track, Kerns said. Valeria Atanacio was promoted to tribal affairs director of Oregons early learning department in 2022. A year later, she was demoted, with little warning, she said. The letter noted the departments success in taking over management of programs and responsibilities previously handled by other departments, including the Employment Related Day Care subsidy that helps families afford child care. It is a more than $400 million program that is in high demand; since November 2023 thousands of families have been waitlisted. Reducing that waitlist is a high priority for staff. However, the audit said the agencys recordkeeping and budgeting practices could be improved: One example auditors pointed out was the decision to pay providers of Preschool Promise, the states free preschool program, during the pandemic without any enrollment requirement, in order to prevent closures. Preschool Promise is one of the early learning departments marquee programs, but has come under fire from legislators and the public for under-enrollment, which some employees told InvestigateWest was partly due to mismanagement. When auditors asked for documentation to show when and why the initial decision was made and how it was communicated to providers and the public, DELC staff were unable to provide that information, the letter states. The pandemic was a chaotic time; it is in these crucial times agencies should provide assurance and accountability for their decisions. In a letter responding to the audit, Chatterjee said the programs division will improve such documentation. The agency also launched a data dashboard to track Preschool Promise enrollment throughout the year and assist in reallocating spots where theyre most needed, and it reinstated enrollment minimums for providers to receive state money. The agency also implemented a new equity training program for managers in February, and is considering making the training mandatory for all staff, Chatterjee said. Training is one of several strategies mentioned in the agencys Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan that was announced in early July. The department also is completing a culture assessment initiated in the spring shortly after InvestigateWests reporting was published to gain a deeper understanding of our workplace dynamics, Chatterjee said. Leaders expect to review the results of that assessment in the fall, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This story was originally published by InvestigateWest, an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Northwest. Reporter Kaylee Tornay covers labor, youth and health care issues. Reach her at 503-877-4108 or kaylee@invw.org. On Twitter @ka_tornay. Authorities in Wisconsin help rescue five people from Lake Michigan after two separate water incidents OAK CREEK, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities in southeastern Wisconsin had a busy Sunday evening after reportedly rescuing multiple people from Lake Michigan in different incidents. According to the Oak Creek Fire Department, on August 18 around 5:50 p.m., crews responded to reports of multiple people in distress in the water on Lake Michigan at Bender Park. When authorities got to the scene, three victims were seen on the beach. All three of them reportedly had been in the water and were removed before authorities got to the scene. Two of the victims were reportedly sent to the hospital. De Pere man seriously injured when hit by alleged drunken driver in Outagamie County The second incident reportedly happened an hour after the first one and involved a rowboat that capsized near the WE Energies fishing pier. The two people who were on the boat were reportedly found along the rocky shoreline. One of the victims was able to walk to the fishing pier to be evaluated. The second victim had to be moved up the face of the cliff with the help of the Milwaukee Fire Departments Heavy Urban Rescue team and the Cudahy Fire Departments High Angle Rescue Team. No additional information was provided. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. The emergence of Vice President Harris and the selection of Tim Walz as her running mate has breathed new life into the Democratic Party and injected supporters with excitement, hope, and even joy. But as the Democrats head to Chicago for the DNC, MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin addressed the huge test Harris now faces: how will she substantively shift policy on Israel and Palestine? View comments Each year, the Edmondson Community Organization (ECO)a nonprofit in Baltimore dedicated to revitalizing the city's Midtown-Edmondson areareviews an obscure list of properties released by the government. The task is to see how many are situated within the organization's neighborhood boundaries. The fewer, the better. The owners of the properties that do appear have fallen behind on their property taxes and, as a result, are poised to lose their real estate in an annual tax sale conducted by the government. After poring over the list, the ECO knocks on those doors to deliver the queasy news and alert the occupants to what is about to happen. The issue is one ECO knows intimately. A few years back, the organization accrued a $2,543 property tax debt on its community center. So in 2018, the city sold that lien for $5,115 to a California-based investor, who then foreclosed on and sold the ECO's building for $139,500. In return, the ECO got a check for the difference between its debt and the lien purchase price: $2,572. In other words, all told, the organization paid six figures to compensate for the $2,543 it owed the government, in what a new federal lawsuit alleges is a pervasive practice in Baltimore that illegally deprives people of their equity in violation of the Fifth Amendment's Taking Clause as the city attempts to satisfy modest tax debts. Every spring, Baltimore bureaucrats conduct a mass auction online to sell off liens like the ECO's. Sometimes the unlucky debtors have fallen just hundreds of dollars behind on their taxes. For that, they may lose their property and the vast majority of equity tied up in it. Following an investor's purchase, an owner has a certain period to satisfy the amount of the lien, along with interest and fees, to keep their property. That's a tall order when considering these parties were struggling to pay the original debt, much less the new total, which has since ballooned. In the case that debtors are unsuccessful, the investor has effectively purchased the property for the amount they paid for the lien. In the ECO's case, that meant an investor bought their building for about 2,600 percent less than what it ultimately sold for. The ECO, in turn, was left with a fraction of what their property was worth. That Baltimore's process robs property owners of huge chunks of equity is not just a regrettable side effect, the ECO's lawsuit alleges; it's baked into the nature of the city's approach. "The City understands there that there is a finite pot of investor capital available to purchase all the liens," reads the complaint. "This creates a perverse incentive for the City to minimize the winning bids"a.k.a. to depress prices"to spread that finite pot across the highest number of liens." Some of the moving parts of Baltimore's approach do seem to imply that the government is not merely unconcerned with owners retaining some of their equity but that they are actively seeking to keep bids low. The more glaring examples included in the ECO's suit show that the city charges a high-bid premium that punishes investors making offers above a certain threshold and opts to fulfill the law's advertising requirement in part by listing properties in The Daily Record, a business and legal newspaper that is not targeted at the general community. (The ECO says this violates state law, which stipulates that such a sale must be advertised twice in general-circulation newspapers.) "There's a limited amount of investor money out there," says Maryland Legal Aid's chief legal and advocacy director Somil Trivedi, who is representing the ECO, "and the city has structured a system to spread that money across as many liens as possible instead of getting as much equity back for their citizens." The ECO is not alone, according to the suit, but is one of many victims. You don't have to travel far to find others. "In the same tax sale in which a bidder purchased a lien on ECO's building, 68 properties in Midtown-Edmondson were also subject to the tax sale," states its complaint. "The winning bids on those properties totaled only 22% of the assessed value of the propertiesa dramatic loss of generational wealth for the owner of each Midtown-Edmondson property that was lost in the sale." Home equity theft, as it's sometimes called, was once an obscure issue limited to discussion in magazines like this one. But last year it took the national stage when the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Tyler v. Hennepin County that a local government had violated the Constitution when it seized an elderly woman's condo over a modest tax debt, sold it, and kept the profit. Geraldine Tyler, the plaintiff in that suit, had fallen $2,300 behind on her taxes, which ultimately reached $15,000 after Hennepin County tacked on penalties, interest, and fees. The government then sold the condo for $40,000 and kept the additional $25,000. While the ECO's situation isn't entirely analogous to Tyler'sthe organization was paid somethingBaltimore's scheme could still very well be unconstitutional, says Christina M. Martin, a senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation who represented Tyler before the Supreme Court. "If the procedure that you're using to sell the property is designed in a totally unreasonable manner, then obviously people are going to still get robbed of more than what they owe," she tells me. "There's a longstanding history of courts overturning sales that have a shocking result like [the ECO's]." Tyler, in theory, should have put an end to stories like these. But the lawsuit out of Baltimore comes as some other jurisdictions have devised creative ways to comply with the law on its face but not really in practice. After Michigan's Supreme Court ruled the practice unconstitutional, for example, the state passed a convoluted debt collection statute that requires owners to complete a Herculean legal obstacle course to reclaim their equity. It is a difficult course to win. "It is the government's choice in the first place to collect property taxes, to decide what regime they want to use to enforce the collection of those property taxes, and so it can't then complain that the regime that it chose to engage in for an amount of money that it chooses to collect is then too difficult to do constitutionally," says Trivedi. "There are lots of jurisdictions around the country that do it differently. Some don't even have tax sales. Some have much longer periods of negotiation and payment plans.Municipalities around the country have figured out ways to collect taxes without doing it unconstitutionally." The post Baltimore's Tax Sales Are Robbing People of Their Equity appeared first on Reason.com. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Baystate Health announced on Monday masks will be required as COVID-19 cases are expected to increase. Are COVID-19 cases still on the rise in Massachusetts? Baystate Health decided to move to its yellow tier due to a steady trend of increasing COVID-19 cases based on community testing and wastewater surveillance data. Since Baystate Health expects this trend to continue, masks will be required for direct patient care at all Baystate Health Hospitals and the DAmour Center for Cancer Care beginning Monday. Masking is recommended in other ambulatory settings, such as Baystate Medical Practices offices, and non-patient care locations. Masks are required in patient rooms and patient care areas for visitors. They will be made available at every entrance. The only places where masks are optional are in common spaces such as the cafeteria or in corridors. Wastewater testing report data is released every Thursday on mass.gov. In western Massachusetts, the following communities have wastewater surveillance: Agawam Amherst Dalton Deerfield East Longmeadow Gill Granby Greenfield Hadley Hinsdale Lanesborough Lenox Longmeadow Ludlow Montague Northampton Pittsfield Richmond South Hadley Springfield Sunderland West Springfield Wilbraham Williamsburg According to Mass.gov, from August 4th through August 10th, there were 2,218 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 700 probable COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts. There were also 17 confirmed and probable deaths from COVID-19 during that same week. However, during the week of July 28th and August 3rd, there were 3,083 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, with 15 confirmed and probable deaths. Even though there were reportedly fewer cases last week, there is a slight increase in the death numbers related to COVID-19. Latest Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. President Biden, in a fiery and emotional address to fellow Democrats, declared America is winning Monday night as he attempted to define his legacy on the environment, the economy and democracy in a speech he believed only a month ago would be the launch of his reelection bid. The bittersweet moment on the first night of the Democratic National Convention, coming after tributes from Biden's wife and daughter, started late and went past midnight on the East Coast after lengthy tributes to Vice President Kamala Harris, his replacement at the top of the ticket. The belated adulation while many Americans slept underscored the complex challenge of the conventions first night: celebrating a one-term president who knocked Donald Trump out of the White House while shoring up Bidens stand-in for another competitive contest with former President Trump. Biden's nearly hourlong speech was a swan song to a career that has spanned half a century, and the visibly emotional president referred to a favorite lyric to describe his mindset. "Let me know in my heart, when my days are through, America, America, I gave my best to you," Biden said, quoting a Norah Jones song. But he also looked forward, describing his selection of Harris as his running mate four years ago as the best decision he has made in his career and arguing that electing the vice president in November is critical to building up his legacy and accomplishments. "She's tough, she's experienced, and she has enormous integrity, enormous integrity. Her story represents the best American story. Like many of our best presidents, she was also vice president," joked Biden, who served as President Obama's No. 2. "She'll be a president our children could look up to. She'll be a president respected by world leaders because she already is. She'll be a president we can all be proud of, and she will be a historic president who puts her stamp on America's future." Biden sounded exhausted from the toll of the war between Israel and Hamas that is likely to play a large role in defining his foreign policy. Those press, those protesters out the street, they have a point, he said of the pro-Palestinian protesters who have marched through Chicago, a shift in tone from his rhetoric that has mostly sided with Israel as he pledged to keep working toward a cease-fire. A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides. Pro-Palestinian protesters were removed after unfurling a banner during Biden's remarks. It appeared to read, "Stop Arming Israel." They appeared to be near the Florida delegation. Whereas many of the evening's speakers focused on describing the historic nature of Harris' run and describing their personal relationships with her, the vice president, in a surprise appearance at the convention Monday, focused on Biden's legacy. "I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden, who will be speaking later tonight," Harris said, after receiving a rapturous response when she stepped onstage in Chicago. "Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you. Thank you." Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, hugs President Biden after his speech. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) The opening night of the convention was marked by soaring rhetoric from some of the nations top Democratic leaders, emotion such as when Biden appeared to tear up after he took the stage and embraced his daughter, and dark warnings about the prospect of former President Trump winning another term. There were also frequent references to Trumps 34 felony convictions, at one point leading the thousands of delegates gathered in the United Center to chant Lock him up! Look him up! a play on the frequent outbreak of Lock her up! chants about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Trump rallies in 2016. Biden prosecuted the case against Trump in ways that he failed to do in the debate performance that sowed doubts about his ability to beat him. He blamed Trump for building the nations debt to fund tax cuts for the wealthy while in office and warned he would give corporations and high earners even bigger breaks in a second term, while imposing tariffs that would raise consumer prices and destroying abortion rights. But policy was in many ways beside the point, as Biden invoked Trumps role in inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection and his statement that he would act as a dictator on his first day in office. We almost lost everything about who we are as a country and that threat this is not hyperbole that threat is still very much alive, he said. Donald Trump says he will refuse to accept the election result if he loses again. Think about that. Clinton, who made history as the first female presidential nominee for a major party in 2016, spoke about the arc of womens political power women winning the right to vote after Clintons mother was born, Rep. Shirley Chisholms groundbreaking presidential run in 1972, Geraldine Ferraro becoming the first woman to appear on a major party ticket in 1984 and her own groundbreaking run. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gestures to the crowd Monday night at the Democratic convention. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) It was the honor of my life to accept our party's nomination for president. And nearly 66 million Americans voted for a future where there are no ceilings on our dreams, she said, before urging the delegates to work hard in the closing months of the campaign. Together, we put a lot of cracks in the highest, hardest, glass ceiling, and tonight, tonight, were so close to breaking through once and for all. And you know what? On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris raising her hand and taking the oath of office, Clinton said in a speech that was greeted with raucous cheers and brought the crowd to its feet. Before Biden spoke, many of the speakers on Monday struck a strong populist tone. Shawn Fain, leader of the United Auto Workers, led the crowd in a "Trump's a scab" chant as he praised Biden and Harris for joining workers on strike and cast Trump as a plutocrat, bent on helping "the other side." "We have to help her win, because we know that Donald Trump" being reelected would result in him selling out the nation with the goal of "lining his own pockets and greasing the palms of his Wall Street friends," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. The overturning of Roe vs. Wade, and the resulting restrictions on abortion access in many states, was also a theme. Two female speakers recounted their struggles accessing medical care after their pregnancies became unviable, while a third became pregnant at age 12 after she was raped by her stepfather. The speech by Biden, 81, bookended one of the more unusual months in modern American politics after he was nudged aside by his own party four weeks ago over concerns he lacked the vigor to defeat former President Trump. He denied reports that he was angry at those who urged him to step aside. Instead of speaking Thursday night, as the nominee, he spoke on opening night before heading off for vacation in Santa Barbara County. Bidens remarks reflected his stump speech his decision to run for president after the violent antisemitic protest in Charlottesville, Va., and his pride over leading the nation out of the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, growing the economy, creating jobs and passing legislation about gun safety, climate change, infrastructure and other measures. He also noted that he was too young to serve in the Senate when he was first elected in 1972 and now he was too old to be president. The party is now trying to celebrate him, while acknowledging that his exit has added excitement to a race that seemed headed toward failure just four weeks ago. Read more: Her grandfather, Cesar Chavez, taught her about activism. Now she's running Harris' campaign Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who helped orchestrate the effort to persuade Biden to drop out, called him "selfless" and "one of the greatest, most consequential presidents in our country's history" while speaking to reporters Monday at the California delegation breakfast. "I just wanted to win this election," she said, when asked about her now-frayed relationship. Democrats welcomed Biden as a hero, frequently chanting "Thank you, Joe!" and "We love Joe!" But he remains unpopular with the nation at large, with approval from 38% of voters compared with 56% who disapprove of him, according to the Fivethirtyeight.com polling average. Biden is hoping those numbers will improve over the next several years, as they often do for former presidents, when they retreat from the daily news cycle. Since announcing his departure from the campaign, Biden has tried to boost Harris by pointing to his legacy projects, including trillions spent on infrastructure, the social safety net and environmental projects. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Belarus has no plans to prevent migrants from crisis-hit regions from passing through the country en route to European Union countries, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview with Russian television on Monday. "You place a noose around my neck in the form of sanctions and then demand that I protect the EU from the flow of these migrants? That won't happen," Lukashenko said. EU authorities, and Poland in particular, have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko, his ally, of deliberately funnelling irregular migrants to the EU since 2021, providing them with visas and transport. The main route runs via Belarus to the Polish border. "The aim is to show all of Europe that the EU's external border is not being controlled to cause a political effect: boosting the extreme right that promises to topple Europe from within," Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski said in June. Poland has fortified much of its border with a 5.5-metre-high fence and electronic surveillance systems. Nevertheless, attempts are made to breach the border daily. Polish border guards have recorded 201 such attempts over the past three days. The German federal police, responsible for the country's borders, recorded 3,117 irregular entries via the Belarus route in the first half of the year. Last year, 11,932 entered via this route. Belleville 118 has a new reading curriculum this year. Heres how it will help students The school year is underway in Belleville School District 118, and as students return to the classroom, they have new reading and writing materials. Over the summer, the district bought a new English language arts curriculum after a months-long review and selection by teachers. With the new curriculum, the district hopes to see continued post-pandemic growth in students reading and writing skills, according to Assistant Superintendent Tracy Gray. Our goal is always student growth, she said. In May, the school board approved the purchase and adoption of Houghton Mifflin Harcourts Into Reading for kindergarten through fifth grade and Into Literature for sixth through eighth grade. District 118 paid about $676,000 for a six-year license for the new curriculum with pandemic relief funds it received from the federal government. The district had been using its previous curriculum for eight years. The new curriculum will be used alongside a phonics program the district has been using for the past two years for students in kindergarten through second grade and something called TEAM time it started implementing last year to close post-pandemic achievement gaps. With TEAM time which stands for Together Everyone Achieves More every student from kindergarten through sixth grade receives small group or differentiated instruction at least four days a week. Our teachers have been really good about using data to drive instruction. I think thats helped our students as well, Gray said. Gray said the districts curriculum review committee, which consists of two teachers from every grade level, looked at six curricula in total. A representative from each company came in, gave a presentation and provided sample materials for teachers to go through. Using a rubric, the committee narrowed the list down to two curricula last December: one from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and another from Savvas. Teachers then did a deeper dive on those two with trainers and piloted them through mid-May. Both of those companies sent student and teacher materials for the units that (teachers) wanted, so then they could get a true feel of: What is it like teaching this unit? What do the kids have access to? And then what do I have access to as a teacher? Gray said. Teachers not on the committee also received digital curriculum to try out any lessons of their choice and provide feedback. For months, teachers reviewed, tested and discussed the pros and cons of each curriculum, Gray said, looking especially for: diversity in authors, characters and stories, variety of genres, writing components, user-friendliness of the curriculum for teachers and also on the digital platform, since the district uses Promethean boards in classrooms, and more. Then in May, the committee came back together, discussed and decided to move forward with Houghton Mifflin Harcourts Into Reading and Into Literature. The process was a good opportunity for teachers to try out both curricula and figure out which one was a better fit for their students, Gray said. We always think of our student population and whats going to work best for them, she said. The district also did an audit of the curriculum to ensure that its culturally responsive, meaning students of all backgrounds can see themselves represented in what theyre reading and the authors theyre reading. Its just a way to motivate and empower our students, Gray said. Some of the other reasons the committee went with Houghton Mifflin Harcourts curriculum, according to Gray, were that it has: Multimedia, like interactive videos Numerous professional development opportunities for teachers, who already received training on the curriculum over the summer and will have more professional development opportunities in October and January A component for English language learners with a lot of Spanish resources (there are currently 11 languages spoken by students in the district, but a majority of the English language learners speak Spanish) Opportunities for small-group instruction to meet students different needs State literacy plan (H3) The district was also intentional about choosing a curriculum that aligned with the states new literacy instruction standards, Gray said. In February, the Illinois State Board of Education adopted a literacy plan to enhance and standardize literacy instruction statewide with research-backed practices after the legislature passed a law requiring the development of the plan amid low reading proficiency rates statewide. The plan doesnt contain any mandates for school districts, but another law enacted in early August requires any vendors or learning partners approved to support a schools continuous improvement plan related to English language arts be aligned with the states literacy plan. Illinois is just one of many states in recent years to re-evaluate literacy instruction and shift away from the balanced literacy approach to the science of reading, which refers to decades of research and evidence on what works best for teaching children to read. While balanced literacy incorporates some phonics into whole-language instruction, which is based on the idea that reading is a natural process, the science of reading advocates for a structured literacy approach that emphasizes the importance of explicit, systematic instruction on foundational reading skills like phonics. Phonics refers to understanding the relationships between written letters or letter combinations and their sounds. Readers can then use the letter-sound relationships and their patterns to decode, or sound out, written words. District 118 also started using the Orton-Gillingham phonics program for kindergarten through second grade in recent years, Gray said. That is something that we have seen huge growth within our kiddos for those foundational skills, she said. One of the reasons the district liked the Houghton Mifflin Harcourts curriculum is that it fits nicely with the Orton-Gillingham approach, she added. How can parents support their childs reading growth? One of the best things parents can do is read to their children, Gray said. Students often dont have a joy for reading, so instilling that in them and getting them to engage in literature of any kind, from an article to a graphic novel, is critical. I think just modeling that and sharing that with them is huge, she said. Another benefit of the new curriculum is that, rather than using hardback books, it uses consumables, which means every year the district will get new books for students. As a result, students will be able to bring their books home and re-read them with their parents. Theyre going to see the skills that theyre learning. Theyre going to see the types of stories that theyre reading, Gray said. Another plus of the consumable books is that students will be able to write in them and engage with text on another level by highlighting, underlining and making notes in the margins. One strategy teachers like to use is asking students to circle words they dont know, for example. That was another really, really big thing for us, Gray said. Betty Jean Hall, front right, applauds during the Coal Employment Project's annual conference in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1984. (Photo by Earl Dotter/UMW Journal, with permission) Betty Jean Hall, the young attorney who overcame coal company resistance to hiring women miners in the 1970s and went on to become an important federal administrative law judge overseeing decisions on appeals of workers compensation claims, has died. She was 78 years old. Hall attended Buckhorn School in Perry County in southeastern Kentucky and moved to the Berea College Foundation School, a high school then operated by the college, when her father became the head of woodworking in the Industrial Arts Department at Berea College. She graduated from Berea College in 1968 as a history major. She was an active debater at Berea, challenging teams from Ohio to Florida. Just one year out of Antioch School of Law in Washington, D.C., Hall founded and led the Coal Employment Project from 1977 to 1988 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She became a terror to the nations coal companies that were refusing to hire women as miners. The Coal Employment Project filed a lawsuit charging 153 coal companies with sexual bias in hiring. By December 1978, a settlement was reached with Consolidation Coal Company to pay $370,000 to 70 women denied jobs because they were women and to hire one woman for every four men. Two of the other largest coal companies at that time, Island Creek and Peabody coal companies, were under investigation because of Halls unrelenting work. As a result, coal companies had hired 830 women miners by late 1978. By the mid-1980s, that number had increased to over 4,000. The work of the Coal Employment Project was featured in the 1982 Appalshop documentary Coal Mining Women. Jean Kilgore, whom Hall represented in a successful lawsuit against the then Pittston Coal Company, said Hall had a major impact on her life. Betty Jean embraced me and hundreds of other women with pure kindness, acceptance, support and equality, Kilgore wrote in an email. I learned so much from Betty Jean. To value myself, to give a hand up to others, to never give up, to never give in, to never quit caring. The work with the Coal Employment Project was only one part of several leadership efforts in which she was engaged with social-justice organizations across the Appalachian region. She worked at Highlander Research and Education Center, New Market, Tennessee, and was on the organizations board of directors and executive committee. She also was chair of the board of the Appalachian Alliance Steering Committee, Southern Appalachian Leadership Training Program from (1979-1985) and was on the board of the directors of the Southeast Womens Employment Coalition. The Highlander Appalachian Program focused on leadership development for community leaders all over the mountains to fight for social justice and the right to fully participate in American prosperity. Halls legal and leadership skills were soon noticed by the U.S. Department of Labor. She was appointed as an administrative appeals judge in 2001 for the Benefits Review Board of the federal Department of Labor. The board issued decisions on appeals of workers compensation claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act and the Black Lung Benefits amendments to the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. She quickly rose to become the chief administrative appeals judge and chairperson of the Benefits Review Board (1994-2001 and 2014-2019) until she retired. Under her leadership the board streamlined the benefits review process, ensuring that coal miners with black lung disease and other workers injured in their occupations received fair and timely reviews of their applications for compensation. Her efforts on behalf of workers drew notice. The Louisville Courier-Journal wrote: With hard-edged skill hidden in a friendly front-porch style, she is using the federal bureaucracy, the federal courts, and the national media to advance her cause (for women miners). The result, others noted, could be far more than just a ladies room in the bathhouse. In 1981 she won the John D. Rockefeller Public Service Award. That award presentation stated: A lawyer who is committed to helping women overcome barriers in the job market, Betty Jean Hall has successfully led an effort to generate employment opportunities for women in the U.S. coal industry. As director of the Coal Employment Project, she developed a model training program for women miners which has now been adapted for men. She organized support groups across the country to assist isolated women miners in facing common problems. Betty Jean Hall has expanded her efforts to help women in the West to find jobs in the newly identified coal reserves there, and she is developing training programs for mine management officials to orient them to the idea of women in the mining work force. Most important, her leadership has served as an inspiration and practical guide for women who seek to determine for themselves where they will work and under what conditions. The results are improved economic security for women and their families as well as the important affirmation of individual dignity and fundamental fairness. She also won a John Hay Whitney Fellowship Award (1978-1980); National Womens Health Network Health Advocate of the Year (1980); Ms. Magazine Woman to Watch in the 80s (1980); and Berea College Public Service Award (1984). In 2023 she was awarded a Distinguished Alumnus Award by Berea College. Halls higher court admissions included the District of Columbia Court of Appeals (1977); Virginia Supreme Court (1977); Tennessee Supreme Court (1979-1989); and the U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit (1986) . Hall retired to Cary, North Carolina, in 2019 but found time to serve on the Berea College Alumni Executive Committee. Her proudest accomplishments are children, Tim Hall and Tiffany Olsen (Kevin), and two grandchildren, Blake and Athena. She is also survived by sister Janet Hall Smith. All family members reside in Cary. Halls Berea College classmates and friends have founded a scholarship in her name at Berea College (donation information). The scholarships will go to students from the most economically distressed counties in Appalachia, which are mostly the coalfields. A memorial service is planned for October at Berea College. This article is republished from The Daily Yonder under a Creative Commons license. NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) The City of New Bern is updating a land use ordinance which spells out the approval process for new developments, different land locations, and an updated schematic for land protection. The ordinance aims to be more user-friendly and ensures evolving laws are implemented, making everything more concise. The website will be a two-year project and is open for public input. Were looking forward to a more modern land use ordinance that incorporates lots of different building styles and things that are more trendy today than they were back in the year 2000, which was the last time we took a look at our ordinance, Colleen Roberts, New Bern Public Information Officer Colleen Roberts said. The city encourages more public input and advises citizens to visit Re-NewBern for more information on the project. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Beshear says hes focused on Kentucky; others say his time in the national spotlight isnt over Gov. Andy Beshear told reporters Monday that his being mentioned as a possible presidential contender is a positive reflection on Kentucky. The governor had just spoken at a celebration of Kentucky State Parks' 100th anniversary. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) Gov. Andy Beshear says the media spotlight on him when he was considered a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has the potential to make a difference for Kentucky if Harris is elected. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has said hes keeping his focus on Kentucky for the remainder of his second term following speculation that he could join Vice President Kamala Harris ticket. And while he stresses that the spotlight was good for the Commonwealth, some political observers say it was also good for the governor and that his time in national politics likely isnt over. Beshear is term-limited in his current office and if he wants to stay in politics, he must look upward. In a recent interview with the Kentucky Lantern at the Capitol, the 46-year-old governor said hes not going anywhere at the moment when he was asked about his future role in national Democratic politics, such as a cabinet position in a Harris administration should she defeat former Republican President Donald Trump this November. I love this job, Beshear continued, and even throughout this process, I remember touring Eastern Kentucky for the two-year anniversary of the flood, and looking around, knowing in my heart that this is where Im supposed to be, that Kentucky is a part of my DNA, and my resolve to get the job done and rebuilding in Eastern Kentucky and in Western Kentucky. While Beshear was on Harris shortlist for potential running mates, she ultimately chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, said he wouldnt read too much into signals Beshear may send through state media outlets right now about his prospects in a possible Harris administration. Through the running mate speculation, he had direct contact with her campaign and was auditioning to become her running mate through press coverage at the time. He did in his answer stick to the focus on Kentucky theme, Voss said. Thats really not that different from what he was saying initially when asked about his openness to the vice presidency. Voss likened Beshears current disavowal of national ambitions to answers he gave during Harris running mate selection process. When asked if he would like to join Harris ticket in a late July MSNBC interview, Beshear said the only way I would consider something other than this current job is if I believed I could further help my people and to help this country. As a relatively young politician, Democratic strategist Will Carle said the sky is the limit for Beshears future career. Carle predicted Beshear could be considered for a cabinet position within a possible Harris administration but added that Beshear could be a viable candidate for a U.S. Senate seat. Hell be part of the next generation of leaders for the national party no matter what he does even if he doesnt go right back into electoral politics or a cabinet position, Carle said. But his success in our state really demonstrates that he has the ability to connect with voters that normally have not been aligning with Democrats, and thats going to be something that will be incredibly valuable to the national party as we move forward into the midterms. Tres Watson, a former spokesperson for the Republican Party of Kentucky, said Beshear would probably consider a cabinet position to move into federal politics if Harris wins. Otherwise, Beshear must figure out a way to stay relevant if he wants to campaign for national office in 2028, Watson said. Beshear said in the Lantern interview that the national attention on him was a positive for Kentucky, and hoped that it would give the state a seat on the national stage, whether thats the ability to be in the room with those that are going to make decisions on grants, or the ability to talk about an issue thats very important and maybe even particular to Kentucky and hopefully get positive movement or change related to it. Watson disagreed with the governors notion that the speculation had benefits for Kentucky. Watson added that he gave props to Beshears team because they took someone who really, realistically, had no actual shot at getting the vice presidential nomination and put him into the conversation and raise his profile nationally. Carle acknowledged that the national attention on Beshear shone a big light on the great work that hes done in terms of economic development, supporting public education and expanding health care, but thought the governor was right it saying it could help Kentucky recruit businesses and added that it also could persuade prospective college students to consider Kentucky. These are priority wins that people from around the country will get to see that Kentucky is a welcoming place, that we care about our people, and that were an economy on the move, Carle said. So it puts us in a place where were an emerging state, and Gov. Besher being able to be on the national stage like that just highlights the kind of leaders we also elect here, or at least some of them. Carle added that he does believe the speculation around Beshear will give Kentucky Democrats a boost heading into November elections. Democrats, including Beshear, are rallying against a Republican-backed constitutional amendment that would allow the General Assembly to fund nonpublic schools. Additionally, Kentucky voters will decide legislative races around the state. Two candidates Carle is working for had fundraising events during Harris running mate vetting process with overwhelmingly large crowds and he credited the speculation around Beshear to that. The governor and the General Assembly Beshear told the Lantern he wants to lay the groundwork for more important changes we need such as raising pay for educators and implementing universal pre-K. Those have been issues the governor has long called for and included in the budget proposal he submitted to the Republican-controlled General Assembly this year. The governor and Republicans in the legislature have a fundamental disagreement about how to raise teacher pay, Watson said. In response to Beshear on raising teacher salaries, Republican lawmakers pushed for salary changes through Kentuckys Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) formula and to for them to be determined by local school boards and superintendents. The governor called for direct raises. Watson said Republican lawmakers allocated extra funding toward one-time projects, such as infrastructure or water projects, rather than recurring cost like teacher raises or universal Pre-K. He added the governor and Republican lawmakers can work together when Beshear comes to the table with an idea that is realistically something that Republican legislators would be interested in, such as investing in economic projects like manufacturing plants for vehicle batteries. However, Beshear tends to push things that are pie in the sky that wont gain support with Republican lawmakers and can say on the campaign trail Look at these things I promised you that Republicans wouldnt give you, Watson said. Its disingenuous. Republicans in the legislature are very frustrated by it, and I dont see that changing, Watson said. Youre talking about changing ingrained behavior in three years. Thats probably not going to happen. To implement his priority policies, Beshear will have to take it to the court of public opinion, Carle said. Beshear has long supported public educators and families who need child care and want to get a head start on education, Carle added. I think if the governor makes a compelling case which he often does there will be pressure on the legislature to start to enact some of the policies that we know invigorate economies, that create safer, stronger, healthier communities and that provide relief for parents and give their children an opportunity so that they can compete in a world where education will be the deciding factor on how far they go in life, Carle said. If Beshear wants to have policy influence for the remainder of his term as governor, it could mirror the actions of his father, former Gov. Steve Beshear, Voss said. That would include taking advantage of the legislature not being in session most of the year and using the discretionary influence of the governors office. Voss said the odds that Beshear could turn a new tide in his relationship with Republican legislative leadership is pretty small, and pointed to GOP criticism of Beshear during the Harris running mate consideration process. After Walz was selected, the Republican Party of Kentucky issued a statement saying it was no surprise Kamala Harris took a pass on Andy. His years of controversy and lack of policy wins made choosing him a liability. While some Republicans might have been excited about the possibility of Kentuckys highest ranking Democrat leaving the state, Voss said, Republicans added to the criticism of Beshear, which shows that the bad blood runs a little too deep. A man from Bethel is due in court in White River Junction Monday afternoon after being arrested in connection with an alleged assault. Vermont State Police accuse Aaron Welch, 26, of attacking another man with a knife or another pointed object on Hidden Glen Road shortly before 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Troopers didnt say if the alleged victim was hurt or what injuries he had, if any. However, they noted that children were present at the scene. Welch is charged with felony aggravated assault and has been released on a ticket to appear in Windsor County Superior Court. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. What is Beverly soda? Coca-Cola's worst flavor goes viral, and Disney World has it It's arguably Coca-Cola's worst flavor. (One Reddit user who admitted to enjoying it was advised to take a COVID test. "Losing your sense of taste is a symptom.") And it has become a viral TikTok prank, capturing unsuspecting people's reactions when they try it. So, what is Beverly soda? And where can you get a sample? Here's what to know. 'Its Coca-Cola, only spiced': New Coke flavor with hints of raspberry and spice unveiled What is Beverly soda? According to the World of Coca-Cola, Beverly soda was first introduced in Italy in 1969 as a non-alcoholic aperitif, a drink consumed before a meal that's meant to stimulate the appetite. The beverage was discontinued in 2009, but is still available at several locations nationwide, according to All Recipes. What flavor is Beverly soda? What does it taste like? Sodas should be sweet, right? Not Beverly. Beverly is extremely bitter, according to All Recipes, to mimic the dry alcoholic aperitifs it's meant to replace. Those who can get past the bitterness describe the soda as having a citrusy, grapefruit-like flavor. Better than bitter? Coca-Cola, Oreo collaborate on new, limited-edition cookies, drinks Where can you get Beverly soda? Disneyworld has it in two spots If you're looking to sample some of the soda (or perhaps prank people), you can find Beverly at: Beverly soda goes viral on TikTok Speaking of pranking people, Beverly soda pranks have gone viral on TikTok. It usually happens at Disney, where friends and family members are encouraged to try Beverly or are told it's the best flavor in the park. Social media reactions to Beverly soda Of course, social media users have to have their say about Beverly soda. User No_Mousse4320 made an entire thread about it on Reddit, titled "Oh my god, dont drink Beverly from Italy at Coca-Cola World, biggest mistake of my life." Commenters on the thread call it a rite of passage at the Atlanta site to make kids sample it and watch their reactions. Another Reddit user, TheMouseKid, admitted to liking it in the Walt Disney World subreddit, and invited people to judge him. One commenter assumed it was some kind of hostage situation. "Blink twice if the makers of Beverly are making you say this," themarkster09 wrote. Over on X, formerly Twitter, more taste test reactions can be found. "Today I tried the Beverly soda, and I will never do it again," writes user April Raygun. User ThatHorrorTeacher writes that the soda was as advertised. "That is not good," he says in his video. Me trying Beverly Italian Soda at Epcot. It wasas advertised. pic.twitter.com/WPlR8BLRGU ThatHorrorTeacher (@horror_teacher) April 25, 2024 This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: What is Beverly? The four spots to get the viral Coca-Cola flavor Yahoo Sports Week 5 is in the books and oh my there's a lot of panic on these fantasy streets. Dalton Del Don joins Matt Harmon for another edition of the 'People's Panic Meter' to answer all of your listener submissions. The duo examines the situations for Breece Hall, Buffalo Bills, Bijan Robinson and many more. President Bidens decades-long career is reaching its bitter end after he was forced out by his own party in a presidential race he appeared to be losing to his arch political rival. On the opening night of the Democratic National Committees (DNC) convention, in a time slot traditionally reserved for lower-level members of the party hierarchy, Biden, 81, will make one of his last major speeches as president instead of accepting his partys nomination in grand celebration. The speech marks the beginning of the end of a 53-year career that included four decades in the Senate, eight years as vice president and four years in the White House as commander in chief. Biden ended the presidency of Republican Donald Trump in 2020 but withdrew from the rematch in July four years later after Democrats became convinced by Bidens weak debate performance that the only way to prevent Trump from reentering the White House was for their president to step aside. Its the farewell tour when somebody like Elton John goes on the farewell tour, said Barbara Perry, a presidential studies professor at the University of Virginias Miller Center. [You] assume its the last tour but its not the last performance. Biden is likely to get a heros welcome in Chicago. Political watchers got a glimpse last week of the sort of reception hell receive when in a Democratic-stronghold in Maryland, the president was met with a raucous crowd chanting Thank you Joe with Vice President Harris by his side. People really want to celebrate the president, given the decision he made and all of his accomplishments over the course of his term. Its going to be quite a night, quite a week, MSNBC host Jen Psaki, Bidens former press secretary, said Friday on her networks program Morning Joe. Biden is the first sitting U.S. president in nearly half a century to drop his bid for reelection. Hed previously been adamant about avoiding that fate at one point suggesting only a higher power could compel him to no longer seek the White House for a fourth time. Democratic Party leaders, most notably former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), eventually sank him, backed by donors who stopped giving money to not just Biden, but downballot candidates fighting for any semblance of a congressional majority. Former President Obama, whom Biden served loyally for eight years, did not provide a lifeline, while several ex-Obama aides repeatedly called for him to step down. The shocking Democratic divisions from late June and July are now largely in the rearview mirror, with Democrats focused on celebrating Harris and thanking Biden for making the difficult decision to not run for reelection after hed coasted to a victory in his partys primaries. Its a decision likely to be in the first paragraph of Bidens obituary, a historic move that the presidents supporters argue displays his willingness to put his country over his personal gains. Jim Hodges, the last Democratic governor of South Carolina, said Bidens speech has to serve as a balancing act between the awkwardness of no longer accepting the nomination and an out-with-the-old, in-with-the new approach. This warm handoff is a very important piece where we sort of move away from the messy exit that occurred and see Joe Biden offering a full-throated endorsement of Kamala Harris, Hodges said. It sort of closes the chapter on the last few months. While the Biden who takes the stage Monday is likely to be greeted with loud and unwavering support for his willingness to give up his office, its impossible to think the veteran politician is happy with how things went down. With his mental and physical acuity called into intense question, Biden had for weeks refused to heed calls to step aside. The president embarked on a blitz of major network television interviews, which hes largely avoided for much of his presidency, to show he could handle going off-script, but those did little to reassure Democrats. Theres no doubt hell feel sad, and I hope not bitter, but sad and disappointed at the very least, maybe for the rest of his life, Perry said, while adding, I see this as both a positive for him and the party. In the debates aftermath, the White House and Biden campaign, which spent months blowing off the notion that Bidens age was a factor in the election, were peppered with questions about the pressure campaign for Biden to step aside. Some of those very same Democrats who reportedly made the final push for Biden to drop out are slated to speak at the convention, including Obama. But Biden is scheduled to miss those remarks. The president will leave Chicago after he delivers his speech, and he is staying largely out of the public eye during the Democrats coronation of their next leader. While Democrats will be happy to see him on stage Monday night, the cold truth is that most also are very happy hes no longer their nominee. They will want to thank him Monday, but then they want the spotlight to shine brightly on Harris. The president probably recognizes that he would be a distraction if he was working the floor for two or three days, Hodges said. I think its appropriate that he exit the stage and leave it to [Harris] after his speech. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- As President Joe Biden prepares to address the Democratic National Convention Monday, formally stepping aside in favor of his own vice president, the aides and advisers who speak for the White House are pushing a uniform message: this is not the swan song. Most Read from Bloomberg Biden is determined to signal that hes still the president. His speech will be focused on the most important thing he can do to cement that legacy: ensure his vice president, Kamala Harris, wins, thwarting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps desire to undo his legislative and administrative achievements. This is not going to be a farewell speech, said Ted Kaufman, Bidens longtime adviser. The objective of the speech is to rally the troops and make the case for Kamala. But its impossible not to see some markings of a farewell in Mondays address on the opening night of the convention. The timing, so early in the week, leaves the impression the 81-year-old president, who announced just a month ago that he was dropping out of the race and endorsing Harris, is no longer a particularly valuable asset. As his party descends on Chicago to celebrate, Biden wont even be spending the night. The president plans to depart on a family vacation after his speech, leaving behind the Democratic faithful to rally around Harris as their best chance of defeating Trump in November. Biden aides argue that he plans to make a strong case for Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and then hand off the convention to them. Still, the day will underscore how rapidly the political dynamics have changed. Bidens appearance, however well-received in the hall, will reinforce the gravity of his decision to become the first president since Lyndon Johnson to forgo a chance at claiming another four years in the Oval Office. While Harris trailed Biden in popularity for most of his presidency, according to public opinion polls, her standing has surged in the aftermath of his disastrous debate performance and decision to withdraw from the race. And though the vice president has consistently praised Biden as a person and politician, shell likely need to convince voters that she could outperform her boss particularly on economic questions if she hopes to emerge victorious. Harris held a 49% to 45% advantage in a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll released Sunday but the survey showed Trump leading her by nine percentage points on the issue of the economy. Hes not about to go off and sail to Tahiti for five months, said Chris Dodd, the former senator from Connecticut and one of Bidens oldest friends in Washington. Hes got work to do and hes going to do it. Biden aides say the president can continue to have an impact particularly as he seeks to broker a cease-fire deal in the Middle East, addressing a deeply divisive issue among Democratic voters. Allies say the president will focus on foreign policy as well as domestic travel to highlight the choice in this election, and implementing legislation passed in his term. Biden on Monday night is expected to spotlight how his administration brought the US economy back from the pandemic, protected democracy and passed legislation on infrastructure and climate. Campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond said voters would hear from a proud president eager to discuss his accomplishments. Its important for him to answer those age old questions of, what have you done for me lately, Richmond told reporters Monday. He has to remind people of the successes that the Biden-Harris agenda had. Real Distraction In an interview with CBS earlier this month, Biden said he stepped aside because he didnt want to drag down his House and Senate colleagues in tough races around the country. I thought Id be a real distraction, he said, while name-checking former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the interview the first time he seemed to acknowledge her efforts to get him to abandon his bid for a second term. The president made his decision with the input of a small circle of confidants, according to a person familiar with the process. But once he did, he never wavered in his decision to endorse Harris. Bidens announcement that he was suspending his campaign came about a half hour before he endorsed Harris, a reflection of the fact that he wanted the statements to be separate, the person said. His support was both an indicator of his confidence in Harris ability to beat Trump and the politics of the moment: without a clear heir apparent the party couldve been thrown into chaos with a narrow timeline to name a nominee. Longtime Biden allies like Dodd dont hide their frustration that he isnt getting the chance to run for a final term. I have mixed emotions about him not being on the ticket in November, to put it mildly, Dodd said in an interview. I wish he had stayed, I wish he had continued to run. But that decisions been made, and he made it. The Chicago gathering will feature a number of Biden tributes, including banners with his marquee line Spread the Faith. Biden will share the stage with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who lost to Trump in 2016. Harris is reportedly set to join Biden on stage and first lady Jill Biden is also scheduled to speak. Even Pelosi, who helped usher Biden out of the race, highlighted the evenings focus. Tonight we will celebrate his greatness, she told members of the California delegation Monday. --With assistance from Akayla Gardner and Billy House. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Biden has changed course over his 50-year career. None of that compares to his 2024 choice. CHICAGO Joe Biden wasnt ready to go away. Hed had his eyes on the presidency for years. Now it was his, and he wasnt about to quit. So he raised campaign money, put together a campaign team and hit the campaign trail. He was running for another term and, he was convinced, he was going to win. A bad night on a debate stage in Atlanta changed everything. Now, just seven weeks later, he will address the opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, not as the partys presidential nominee but as an outgoing president passing the torch to a potential successor and a new generation. This was obviously a bitter pill for Joe Biden to swallow, said Chris Whipple, author of "The Fight of His Life: Inside Joe Bidens White House." Yet no matter how painful the past few weeks have been, no matter how heart-wrenching the decision was to drop out of the presidential race, Biden will set aside those feelings, just as he did when he exited the contest last month. "The defense of democracy is more important than any title, he said during an Oval Office address to the nation on July 24, explaining his reasons for dropping out. It was far from the first time he had changed course. During his 50-year political career, Bidens views on a multitude of issues shifted as times changed, attitudes evolved and Americans developed a deeper understanding of human nature. But as remarkable as those decisions were, none came close to the monumental impact of his announcement last month that he was ending his campaign for a second term. On that sunny Sunday afternoon in late July, Biden changed the direction of the presidential race, possibly altered the course of American history and wrote the coda to his career of public service. On stage at Chicagos United Center Monday night, he'll talk about whats at stake in the final weeks of the election and lay out the case for why Americans should get behind the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, and defeat Republican Donald Trump in November. Hell rise above whatever bitterness there may be, Whipple said, and meet the moment. Full-blown crisis: An inside look at Biden campaign's pitfalls. President Joe Biden will address the Democratic National Convention, not as a candidate but as an outgoing leader passing the torch to a possible successor and a new generation. 'You deal with the world as it is' Multiple times during his political career, Biden was forced to reconsider his position on a difficult issue as the world changed around him. In politics, leaders who change their minds or reverse their positions on issues are often sneered at. Critics mock them. Some deride them as flip-floppers and accuse them of vote shopping. Given the possible repercussions, its no surprise that Bidens supporters and longtime colleagues push back strongly against any suggestion that he has altered his views over the course of his career. His core principles have never changed, they insist. Take abortion, for example. Biden has always been guided by the belief in the right to privacy for women seeking abortions. A devout Roman Catholic, he has long harbored personal misgivings about abortion but has maintained that he would never impose his religious beliefs on other Americans. When it comes to abortion and choice, the right to privacy, he's utterly consistent, said Jeff Peck, who was an aide to Biden through several phases of his political career. Hes had the same position. Hes not going to impose his faith on other people. But Bidens position on abortion has indeed shifted in some ways over the years. In 1974, a year after the Supreme Court handed down its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide, Biden said in a magazine profile that he didnt believe a woman had a sole right to say what should happen to her body. That same year, however, he also opposed a constitutional amendment banning abortion, saying he didnt have a right to impose his religious views on others. In 1982, he sided with Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee and supported an amendment that would have allowed Congress and individual states to adopt laws banning abortion. The amendment passed in the committee but never received a vote on the Senate floor. Biden called the vote the most difficult of his career and again said he wasnt sure he had the right to impose his views on an issue that would affect the entire nation. As recently as 2006, Biden said he doesnt view abortion as a choice and a right. But in June 2019, as a candidate for president, he reversed himself and announced he would no longer support the Hyde Amendment, a long-standing law that blocks federal funding for abortion in most cases. After the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade two years ago, Biden, by then president, warned that the decision puts women in danger and began a push to reinstate abortion protections into federal law. On other issues, Bidens position has evolved through the years at times in ways large and small. At the start of his career, Biden speculated that gay men and women might be a security risk for the nation, and as a senator, he took positions that often mystified and infuriated LGBTQ advocates. But like the rest of the country, his attitudes changed. His stunning endorsement of same-sex marriage in 2012, when he was vice president, was a watershed moment in the push for marriage equality. His evolution on gay rights has been so complete that he is now regarded as the most LGBTQ-friendly president in history. A friend: How Joe Biden became the most LGBTQ-friendly president in U.S. history As a freshman senator, Biden opposed the forced integration of schools through busing, a process in which Black students were brought into schools in white communities in an effort to increase racial diversity. Biden led the Senate push to end the program, saying I have become convinced that busing is a bankrupt concept. Decades later, the move would become an issue in the 2020 presidential campaign and put him under attack from Harris, a political rival who would go on to be his vice president. As president, though, Biden has taken several steps to benefit Black Americans, including fighting racial discrimination in housing, calling for greater police accountability and pushing legislation to end voter suppression. As some conservatives argued that diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have gone too far, Biden appointed the first Black woman, Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the Supreme Court and celebrated the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision that led to the desegregation of schools and became a major catalyst for the civil rights movement. Biden marked the occasion by inviting some of the families behind the court ruling to the White House. The meeting was private, but Biden said in a proclamation that while the ruling "allowed so many schools to develop diverse, inclusive learning communities that value empathy, kindness, and tolerance, the full potential of Brown v. Board of Education remains unfulfilled." "There is still so much work to do to ensure that every student has equal access to a quality education and that our school systems fully benefit from the diversity and talent of our students because diversity has always been one of our nation's greatest strengths," he wrote. While he was in the Senate, Biden took a tough-on-crime stance and played a key role in passing crime bills that critics say resulted in mass incarceration of Black and brown people and escalated the nations spiraling wave of drug crises, from crack to fentanyl. As president, however, he pushed a drug control strategy that focused on untreated addiction and drug trafficking and took steps to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. "Its time we treat addiction like any other disease," he said, speaking as a father whose son, Hunter Biden, had struggled with substance abuse. Bidens defenders insist that his shifting positions dont reflect a seismic change in his core beliefs. He has always fought for labor and for workers, always, always, always fighting for labor and the rights of American workers, Peck said. He has always been for a fair tax code. He certainly has been consistent when it comes to foreign policy. He's been consistent on the importance of NATO and allies. And on immigration, he has always, for as many years as I go back with him, he has always believed in treating people with dignity and at the same time having a secure border. If anything, current and former aides say, Bidens evolution on some issues has mirrored that of the nation. Fifty years ago, when he took office as a senator, for example, few Americans supported gay and lesbian rights. Today, polls show that more than three-quarters of Americans support LGBTQ+ rights and protections and 69% back same-sex marriage. Political leaders who have had decades-long careers like Biden must address the issues the country faces at the time but also take into account that, over time, those issues and the publics understanding of them change, said Ted Kaufman, who was Bidens chief of staff when he was in the Senate. In that sense, Biden is no different from other American leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. or Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes all of whom felt that personal reflection is integral to a life of service. In Biden's case, "what he has been able to do is what most people do in their lives and that is, you deal with the world as it is when you're 20, Kaufman said. Its different when youre 30. Its different when youre 40. And its different when youre 50. "Theres a big difference in a one-term senator changing their position and being someone who has been involved in politics for 50 years. And on almost every major issue, he has had the most consistent principles of anyone in public life. His most significant change of heart was still to come. In the name of freedom: As Joe Biden marks D-Day anniversary, he faces a world again embroiled in conflict A threat 'unlike any I'd ever seen' Biden thought he was done with politics. He had just left office after serving eight years as vice president under Barack Obama. Before that, he had been a senator for 36 years. Still grieving over the death of his oldest son, Beau Biden, two years earlier, he had settled into his post-political life. Then came Charlottesville. White supremacists chanting racist and antisemitic slogans and carrying weapons, Confederate flags and neo-Nazi symbols clashed with counterprotesters during a rally in southeastern Virginia in 2017. Dozens of people were injured, and a young woman was killed when a white supremacist rammed his car into the crowd. Trump, who had succeeded Obama as president, defended the white nationalists. There were, he said at a news conference, very fine people on both sides." Biden, appalled by the white supremacists actions and by Trumps response, has repeatedly cited them as a major reason he decided to run for president four years ago. When he released a video message announcing his campaign, the first words he spoke were Charlottesville, Virginia. With Trumps defense of the white nationalists, the president of the United States assigned a moral equivalence between those spreading hate and those with the courage to stand against it, Biden said. And in that moment, I knew the threat to this nation was unlike any Id ever seen in my lifetime. Biden would win the election, defeating Trump. Four years later, Trump is back as the Republican nominee. With no serious opposition, Biden had been the presumptive Democratic nominee, despite polls showing voters had serious concerns about his advanced age and no real interest in another rematch between him and Trump. Sagging poll numbers and a dismal performance in a debate with Trump in Atlanta on June 27 did him in. His support collapsed. Campaign donors crashed. A pressure campaign led by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi convinced him the time had come to drop out of the race and pass the torch to Harris, who is now the Democratic nominee. The decision to quit was the most difficult decision of his career, probably even more difficult than his decision to end his first campaign for president in 1987 amid allegations of plagiarism, Whipple said. To this day, Joe Biden believes that he could have won this race in 2024, that he would defy the odds and the pundits and the critics one more time, Whipple said. What happened, in the end, was that he concluded he could not go forward with his party divided and about to call for him to step down. He saw the writing on the wall, and he made that decision but not happily. And so, here he is, planning to take the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, a leader looking not at his future in politics but at the legacy he will leave behind. And what, exactly, will that legacy be? Bidens address Monday night will give some hints at how he views the past four years. A Biden aide said hes likely to touch on his efforts to rebuild the middle class, to restore Americas standing as the worlds indispensable country, to protect democracy against dictators and tyrants and to make the case that Harris is the right person continue that unfinished work. How Biden is remembered will depend to some extent on the outcome of the election. If Harris wins, he will be seen by many as the man who self-sacrificed and saved democracy. If Trump wins, he may be seen by some as the leader who stayed too long, at a great cost to his party and his country. Either way, it's through the lens of history that legacies are made. Michael Collins covers the White House. Follow him on X @mcollinsNEWS. Price gouging and prescription drugs: Weeks into her campaign, Kamala Harris puts forward an economic agenda This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: At DNC, Biden, no longer a candidate, will center legacy in speech BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The delegation headed by Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko visited the Educational and Simulation Center of the Baku branch of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trend reports. According to the information, during the visit, the guests got a firsthand look at the inner workings of the center and were given a lowdown on the university's activities. Students of the branch, among other things, showed off the ropes of the ambulance, called on the therapist's office, and visited the intensive care unit. Modern equipment is installed in the educational and simulation facility of the Baku branch. Our students and residents have the opportunity to work with robotic systems in this location, thereby enhancing and enhancing their practical skills to deliver the highest quality of medical care, the rector of the branch, Professor Aziz Aliyev, told reporters following the visit. He made it clear that the center has all the necessary bells and whistles for practicing laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries, ultrasound, and angiography. The good news is that the simulation training helps the center develop clinical thinking, teamwork, and emergency decision-making. Medical professionals from prestigious Azerbaijani and Russian institutions who have specialized training in simulation training from Moscow's Sechenov University teach at the Center. The Baku branch of the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), was established in 2015. The education is conducted by leading professors and teachers at Sechenov University in two areas: Medical Business (125 places, duration of study: 6 years) and the master's program Industrial Pharmacy (10 places, duration of study: 2 years). Upon graduation, graduates receive a diploma from the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, which is automatically issued in Azerbaijan. During the entrance campaign for the 20242025 academic year, the branch received approximately 400 applications from candidates. Out of these, 321 applications were accepted for the available 125 slots. In the 2023/2024 academic year, the Baku branch hosted the fourth graduation in the specialty program "General Medicine" and the third graduation in the master's program "Industrial Pharmacy." Every year, 60-80 students from the branch complete internships at Sechenov University's leading clinics in Moscow. Baku branch closely cooperates with pharmaceutical plant "R-Pharm," on the basis of which in Baku are held practical classes for masters in the specialty Industrial Pharmacy. The branch also works hand in glove with over 30 medical institutions in Azerbaijan to give students hands-on experience. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Joe Bidens choice to step aside has resurrected discussion of Lyndon Johnson, who stunned Americans by doing the same thing on March 31, 1968. In both cases, the Presidents opened the door for their Vice Presidents to be the Democratic nominee for President. And yet, because Johnson never relinquished party leadership behind the scenes, the Democratic National Convention resulted in chaos and division, not party unity. As aide Joseph Califano admitted, Johnsons people organized the convention and virtually dictated the platform. The lessons from Johnsons unwillingness to step back can help Biden avoid making mistakes that would hurt Kamala Harriss chances of capturing the presidency. After Republicans met in Miami in early August 1968, their nominee, Richard Nixon, led Vice President Hubert Humphrey by 16 points (with Alabama Governor George Wallace taking 18%). The massive lead left Democrats panicking about Humphrey winning the nomination at the Chicago convention. Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthywho had been running since day onehovered around, but few establishment figures liked him. Many Democrats lamented the loss of the assassinated Robert Kennedy and talked about drafting his brother, Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy. Yet others pushed Johnson to reenter the race. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and John Criswell (labeled by TIME as the most powerful figure within the Democratic National Committee) pushed a Draft Johnson narrative. On Aug. 9, Criswell wrote: The president should come to the convention on Tuesday night for an appearance and birthday celebration. Criswell hoped such an appearance might spur a draft movement, one that he was willing to lead if there is any chance he will do it. Read More: How the Democratic Party Gave Away Its Ability to Simply Pick a New Nominee Many prominent Democrats were at least open to Johnson reentering the race, because Humphrey had angered them by proposing to abolish a rule that gave more voting power to those who ran the state delegations. That included Texas Governor John Connally, a Johnson protege. The Texan (and soon-to-be-Republican) stressed: If Humphrey thinks hes got the nomination locked up, he better count the delegates again . . . Hed better remember that we in the South can deny him the nomination. Not long after, the Texan told one Johnson loyalist that if Humphrey wasnt careful, Lyndon Johnson would be entered in the nomination. This talk dominated the weeks running up to the convention. One former Johnson lawyer, Jake Jacobsen, observed that this convention is going to draft the President if there is the slightest indication the draft will be accepted. Johnson did little to quash the talk. He was annoyed that Humphrey was laboring, through speeches and behind-the-scenes negotiations, to fashion a compromise between hawks and doves over Vietnam, which heightened rumors of a convention challenge. While anti-war forces wanted Humphrey to go far further, Johnson saw his efforts as a betrayal by his Vice President. He thoughts Humphreys position was too weak because it included calls for an unconditional bombing halt and troop withdrawal. Johnson saw it as undermining his efforts at achieving peace. Johnson did tell students at Texas State University: I am not a candidate for anything, except maybe for a rocking chair. Nevertheless, behind the scenes, he encouraged Connally to gauge interest in the Draft Johnson movement. Connally reported: I believe in his heart he wanted the moment of drama, the emotion of the convention swept away as in olden times, and the vindication it would present. When the convention opened, fights developed over delegate selection rules as protests intensified in the streets outside. Johnson watched it all unfold on three televisions in the office at his ranch as he worked feverishly on a speech. One aide observed that he kept fantasizing that the convention would be such a mess that he would go in and be acclaimed as the nominee. But people on the ground in Chicago reported significant opposition. Even Lady Bird Johnson acknowledged after the fight over delegate rules that the likelihood of our making the trip . . . seemed to dwindle to almost nothing. As Johnson kept working the phones, Connally made one more effort, polling southern governors on drafting Johnson. But despite the Presidents Texas roots, each said no because of his positions on civil rights and other liberal policies. Daley even wavered, saying he might support Kennedy to stop Humphrey. Nonetheless, Johnson continued to tell people hed go to Chicago to help the country. After lunch and a swim, Johnson made a series of eight phone calls, including to Daley and Criswell, that afternoon with his plane on standby. Only at 5 PM did his press secretary George Christian tell the press that he was staying in Texas. That night Johnson watched the chaos in Chicago inside and outside of the convention hall. South Dakota Senator George McGovern joined McCarthy in a Stop Humphrey movement while the press worked itself into a frenzy pushing the idea of drafting Ted Kennedy. Battles erupted over the Vietnam platform plank amid shouts of Stop the War and near fistfights occurred among passionate delegates. The only mention of the president, however, came when Anita Bryant sang Happy Birthday to him. The convention hurt the Democrats as the contentious debate over Vietnam split the delegates. In the streets, the police clashed with protestors, the tear gas choking conventiongoers. One journalist wrote: The Democrats are finished. Read More: The Election Where a Democratic President Secretly Wanted the Republican to Win Humphrey limped out of Chicago, wounded largely by his having to defend the presidents Vietnam plank, and Nixon seized on it as a sign of the oppositions decay as he preached about law and order and a vague peace with honor in Vietnam. But Johnsonstill politically astutepredicted the gap would narrow as Nixon showed his true self. He tried to help Humphrey at the end with some joint campaign appearances and more importantly through what appeared to be a realistic negotiation with the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong, only to have the Nixon campaign sabotage it. And Humphrey almost pulled off a major upset as he came within half a million votes of Nixon and only lost 43.4% to 42.7%. This example is illustrative in several ways for today. First, it reveals how awkward this kind of situation can be, especially if Harris breaks with Biden on certain issues. And it shows the way that bitterness over the process can cause visible friction at the convention. Yet, the case of 1968 also points to the importance of creating unity and momentum around Harris and letting her chart her own course even if that means criticizing Biden. When President Biden addresses the Democratic Convention on Monday night, his speech will need to focus on helping Harris win. He cant just celebrate his own record. He also needs to stage a true passing of the torch moment in which he acknowledges the need for a new generation of leadership in the party. There is a key difference between Biden and Johnson, however. The latter was spiteful and vindictive. Biden, by contrast, seems more inclined to do what it takes to ensure Harris wins. Hes also politically astute and knows the election may depend on him managing conflicting emotions that could prevent him from fully embracing Harris and hernot hisvision for the presidency. Kyle Longley, Salvatori professor of history at Chapman University, executive director of the Society for Military History, and author of LBJ's 1968: Power, Politics, and the Presidency in America's Year of Upheaval and forthcoming in 2026 of The Death of LBJ: Days in the Life. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors. Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com. Biden eked out a win over Trump in Georgia in 2020. Can a surging Harris do the same? Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns in Atlanta last month after her late entry in the 2024 election. (Erin Schaff / Pool Photo via AP) For the record: 1:16 p.m. Aug. 20, 2024: An earlier version of this article said Joe Bidens 2020 margin of victory in Georgia by fewer than 12,000 votes was the smallest of any state. Biden won Arizona in 2020 by 10,457 votes. Georgias margin was the smallest by percentage, 0.2% to 0.3% in Arizona. Once again, Georgia is a battleground that much Democrats and Republicans seem to agree on. The path to the White House runs right through this state, Vice President Kamala Harris said at a July 30 rally in Atlanta. Former President Trump echoed her sentiment four days later, with his trademark gloom: If we lose Georgia, we lose the whole thing, and our country goes to hell. A month ago, the prospect of a close presidential race seemed unlikely in this once-conservative Southern stronghold, where President Biden delivered a historic victory for Democrats in 2020. This time, he was lagging in the polls, and his performance in an Atlanta debate against Trump in June raised troubling questions about his age and mental competence. But when he stepped aside on July 21 and endorsed Harris, Democrats encountered a groundswell of grassroots enthusiasm. Denise Hollingsworth says she's phone banking for Kamala Harris and is "just so encouraged seeing America come alive." (Jenny Jarvie / Los Angeles Times) Georgia is in play! said Denise Hollingsworth, a retired attorney who moved to Georgia from New Jersey last year, and started phone banking for Harris when a new campaign office opened in East Point, Ga. Statewide, more than 35,000 new volunteers have joined the campaign in the last few weeks to take part in "Kallin' for Kamala" phone banks, "Harris for the People" letter-writing parties and "Kamala Coconut Canvassing," according to a campaign spokesperson. Hollingsworth said the experience had been so overwhelmingly positive that she thinks Harris has a chance at winning. "I dont know if Im too caught up in the mix or have drunk the Kool-Aid, she said, laughing. Im just so encouraged seeing America come alive and be so excited that shes offering something different. Read more: How a game-changer child tax credit for families became a priority for Harris, Vance Of course, many conservatives are equally inspired by Donald Trump. And a small but significant chunk of left-leaning and independent voters have not been won over by Harris broad themes of "freedom" and Were not going back! or by the framing of her and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as joyful warriors. They want to know more about Harris agenda. In Alpharetta, a rapidly developing and diversifying stretch of exurbia about 30 miles north of Atlanta where Democrats have gained traction in recent years, many voters interviewed by The Times even those who have voted for Democrats voiced hesitation about Harris and said they did not know enough about her. Tonycia Coe says she's hoping to learn more about Harris' positions. (Jenny Jarvie / Los Angeles Times) Thomas Lee says he checked Harris' campaign website but found little on her views. (Jenny Jarvie / Los Angeles Times) I know, like, the memes, but I don't know her political stances, said Tonycia Coe, a 22-year-old student and retail worker, noting she had seen clips of Harris laughing on TikTok and references to coconut trees. Why hasnt she done any interviews? asked Shakil Ahmed, an IT project manager formerly of Bangladesh, who voted for Biden in 2020 but is leaning toward Trump. It is a little odd that Kamala doesn't have a lot of [her] views on her website, said Thomas Lee, a 43-year-old manager for a tech company. Youre running for president and you can't just state some clear opinions about where you stand on things? Harris is slowly unveiling more details about her agenda. On Friday, she outlined more specifics of her economic policy at a rally in North Carolina, pledging to push for the construction of 3 million new housing units and for a federal ban on price gouging on groceries. Persuading undecided voters is key for Democrats in a tight race. In polling averages compiled by FiveThirtyEight.com, Harris leads in Georgia by a fraction of a percentage point a significant turnaround considering Trumps comfortable lead of 5.9 percentage points against Biden, but well within the margin of error. Four years ago, Biden won Georgia by fewer than 12,000 votes the second-closest vote margin of any state. (Arizona's race was decided by 10,457 votes.) Bidens victory here in 2020 the first time Georgia had voted for a Democratic president in nearly three decades followed a decade of outreach from grassroots voter mobilization groups seeking to capitalize on shifting demographics as a growing number of Asian Americans, Latino and Black people moved to the state. But the result also relied on deep-seated frustration with Trump among affluent, college-educated and older voters in Atlanta's suburbs and exurbs. There are people in Georgia who arent locked into a partisan way of thinking, said Jason Carter, an attorney, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate and grandson of Jimmy Carter, the former president and governor. In 2022, the younger Carter noted, Georgia reelected Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock. The key challenge is to have people get to know her and really earn the votes, he said of Harris. With just 2 months left to make their case, Trump and Harris are scrambling to connect with Georgia voters and claim the state's 16 electoral votes. The Harris campaign has said it has 170 staff and 24 field offices, making it the largest in-state operation of any Democratic presidential campaign in Georgia history. In the first weekend after Biden withdrew, 2,500 volunteers took part in over 174 events. And that momentum hasn't ebbed: Over the weekend, more than 4,000 volunteers turned out across the state. Donald Trump upset many Georgia Republicans on Aug. 3 when he ranted against GOP Gov. Brian Kemp at this Atlanta rally. (John Bazemore / Associated Press) Trump has more than 12 field offices in Georgia, a spokesperson for his campaign said. The campaign has eschewed a large network of staff in favor of a new system it calls "Trump Force 47," in which regional field directors marshal volunteers to knock on doors in their neighborhoods. More than 10,000 volunteers have signed up for the effort in the last month, according to the campaign. Gloria Barker, a retired school guidance counselor in her 70s in the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, started knocking on doors for Republicans for the first time when she joined in June. At first, she said, she was frightened to knock on her neighbors doors, but as she ventured out after dinner each evening, she was heartened by the excitement Trump was generating, particularly among some voters who had considered themselves Democrats or had voted for Biden in 2020. People want Trump back, she said. Still, Jason Shepherd, an assistant professor of political science at Kennesaw State University and former chair of the Cobb County GOP, said that the party was lacking in voter outreach. Trumps baseless complaints of election fraud had made Republicans focus more on training poll workers than knocking on doors. They think the election was lost at the ballot box because of fraud, not because they didnt do enough to get people to the ballot box, Shepherd said. Im getting emails about signing up to be a poll watcher and going down to state board of elections meetings, and that's it. Compare that to four years ago, when the emails were about training on door knocking. Both campaigns are investing heavily in television ads. On July 30, the Harris campaign launched a $50-million paid-media blitz, and last week followed up with an additional $90 million in ads aimed at undecided voters in Georgia and other battlegrounds. On Saturday, her campaign said it had reserved $370 million in TV and digital ads for the fall, with some of that targeted for Georgia. Trump's campaign reserved $37.2 million in new ads in seven states last week, the most he has spent in this campaign cycle, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact. The bulk of the ad money $23.8 million went to Georgia. Harris greets voters last month at Paschal's, a historic Atlanta restaurant in the battleground state. (John Bazemore / Associated Press) But as Democrats rally around Harris, her Republican rival is facing the ire of many conservatives in Georgia for lashing out at Gov. Kemp. At his Atlanta rally two weeks ago, Trump went on an 11-minute rant, rebuking little Brian for his refusal to overturn Georgias election results in 2020. He called Kemp a bad guy and said that under his leadership, the state had gone to hell and Atlanta had become a killing field." His outburst prompted a revolt in the state party, with many Georgia Republicans uniting against Trump in support of Kemp who had trounced a Trump-endorsed challenger in the 2022 GOP primary before comfortably beating Democrat Stacey Abrams. Read more: News Analysis: Trump seeks to reclaim spotlight with old playbook of lying, talking smack to media History has taught us this type of message doesnt sell well here in Georgia, sir, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The governor refused to take Trump's bait. "We're going to use our political operation to win Georgia despite past grievances," Kemp said at a recent gathering of GOP activists. This is still a state we can win if we have all the mechanics and the things you need to do to win an election. But not all Republicans are on board. Among them are Geoff Duncan, a former lieutenant governor. He has appeared frequently on CNN in recent weeks, attempting to persuade moderate Republicans that the former president is a threat to democracy and that its OK, even patriotic, to vote for a Democrat on Nov. 5. Harris background as a prosecutor made her the perfect person to take on Trump, Duncan said, even though she's from California and has advocated in the past for what he called a "hard left" agenda. He said he was gratified she had moved away from positions she had taken in the 2020 primary on issues such as support for universal healthcare and a ban on fracking. "I think it's going to pay dividends in November," he said. The 10% in the middle will decide who the next president of the United States is." Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Joe Biden has prepared for major speeches throughout his presidency the same way: huddling with his closest advisers at Camp David, with few outside distractions to cloud the groups brainstorming and editing sessions. The routine for Bidens opening night speech at the Democratic National Convention is no different, but the stakes couldnt be more so. Biden is now preparing to address his own political party after its most influential members lawmakers, donors and, according to polls, voters forced his hand to exit the race less than a month ago. Advisers insist the speech is far from Bidens farewell. Hell campaign heavily for Vice President Kamala Harris in the coming months, they say, as well as try to cement his legacy and focus intently on foreign policy. The swan songs, they say, will come later. Still, Mondays speech in Chicago is likely to be the biggest audience Biden will have before Novembers election. After 50 years in public life, its one of his final chances to make his case for his legacy and his view of the country. Those close to him say he will want to talk about the progress the US made in the last three and a half years, an appeal expected to be supplemented by highly produced visuals showcasing the evolution of the countrys economy from Covid-era school closures and employees working from home to an America thats fully open for business. Hell argue Harris is the natural successor to that record, and will frame his work in office as a foundation for her to build upon. In keeping with the touchstones of both his 2020 and truncated 2024 runs, hell issue warnings that Donald Trump poses a dire threat to democracy. Hell argue Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, must be elected to safeguard the country from that continued threat. And, as he told reporters before heading off to Camp David on Friday, hell offer a concise message to Democrats heading into the final heat of the election: Win. President Biden will make a forceful case to continue our progress and beat back attempts to erase it by electing Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, said White House communications director Ben LaBolt. Hell do so by reflecting on how much weve overcome and the stakes of the moment: from an economy that was flat on its back to the strongest in the world, overcoming a once in a century pandemic, and defending democracy at home and abroad. Its not the speech he was once planning or hoping to make. As recently as a month ago, Biden was moving forward with plans to headline the convention on Thursday night, speaking not as a beloved figure departing the stage but as the partys nominee. The prolonged effort to nudge him from the top of the Democratic ticket left scars, and people familiar with his thinking say Biden is still processing what happened. Still, in his mind, the unhappy process that resulted in his withdrawal did have an upside for Democrats. The party coalesced quickly around Harris, in no small part because Biden endorsed her out of the gate. And instead of entering the convention under scrutiny for his age and capabilities, the 81-year-old president is arriving as the party leader who put aside his ambitions for the sake of the country. Biden aides say his immediate endorsement of his vice president was singularly important for avoiding a fractured convention, and that the president has been genuinely impressed with the enthusiasm and energy behind the new Harris-Walz ticket. For his advisers, that is the political legacy they hope Biden will be recognized for in this moment: helping make Harris possible. He decided to pick her to be vice president, selecting her over other running mate options, and then decided to endorse her as soon as he dropped out of the race, stopping others who might have thought about challenging her. Doing so allowed Harris to become the first woman of color to ascend to the top of a major-party ticket. Some Biden aides argue hes also given Harris policy successes, including cutting the prices for prescription drugs and overseeing a drop in crime. The president has helped undercut traditional Republican attack lines on the economy and crime, they argue, in a way that keeps Harris from getting sandbagged herself. But its not all a gift. Harris will still need to navigate an electorate that gives Biden poor marks on the economy and immigration. Looking at the economic agenda Harris started to roll out last week, those aides see a candidate benefitting from better feelings about the economy, and who is building on Biden ideas: pitching a renewal and expansion of the child tax credit, for example. Still, Biden has accepted he is in a supportive role for the rest of the campaign. Once he walks offstage Monday night, advisers tell CNN he may campaign for Harris particularly in Pennsylvania but he wont push to be on the trail unless she and her aides ask him to. Anita Dunn, who was until recently one of Bidens top strategists, told CNN that its something even less tangible but perhaps more potent that she sees in thinking about how the last few weeks have reshaped the perception of the president. For a large chunk of voters in this country Democratic voters in particular he is the person who defeated Trump, put in place an enormous, aggressive, forward-looking set of policies that are transforming this countrys economy and transforming other pieces of this country, and then stepped aside for Kamala Harris, Dunn said. Expecting an outpouring for Biden at the United Center, Dunn said those good feelings may help lift Harris too. Hes been able to go back and recapture a lot of that emotion people felt about him that just naturally, as president, tended to dissipate because people didnt feel they have that same personal connection, she said. Boarding Marine One on Friday for Camp David with a brief stop in Philadelphia Biden was joined by Mike Donilon, his decadeslong communications and political adviser who recently rejoined the White House to shepherd Biden through his final months in public service. Donlion has helmed the process for all of Bidens major speeches, including most recently the address he delivered from the Oval Office last month on his decision to end his reelection bid. In that address, Biden told Americans that History is in your hands an entreaty to take seriously an election with the highest of stakes. Inside the convention hall on Monday, the quote will be broadcast on large screens. Four years earlier, Biden told voters he planned to be a transition candidate, implying he planned to serve one term before passing the torch. But one month ago, when asked why he had abandoned that notion, he said, What changed was the gravity of the situation I inherited in terms of the economy, our foreign policy and domestic division. And yet, his speaking slot is a clear sign of an implicit transition. Those involved in the planning expressed a desire to give Biden a venue to cement his legacy and his views of what his presidency accomplished. Over the course of his political career, Biden has spoken at a dozen conventions but never had one of his own even when he was the partys nominee. Bidens pandemic-era anointing by the party in 2020 became a virtual affair, as he delivered his acceptance speech from a near-empty offshoot room in a Wilmington, Delaware, convention hall. The convention stage holds particular weight for Biden, who has for decades elevated competitors while ultimately seeking the highest office. Toward the end of an eight-year run as the vice president in 2016, a year in which he had been passed over by the partys powers-that-be, he set his personal pride aside to praise the outgoing Democratic chief. Barack Obama was the embodiment of honor, resolve and character, Biden said to cheers. Hes one of the finest presidents weve ever had. The thousands of Philadelphia convention-goers that year were bobbing signs that said Joe and Scranton, a reference to Bidens working-class roots and personal proximity to the hardscrabble city. On Monday, references to Biden will be just as widespread. Another one of his favorite phrases Spread the faith will be seen on signs. Delegates will receive bags that feature coffee as a nod to Cup of Joe, along with other items from local partners and vendors. And some staff from Bidens 2020 campaign have organized a post-speech party on Monday for alumni of the wide Biden network, a source involved in the planning said. First lady Jill Biden whom sources had said was prepared to support Biden this summer no matter what he decided about his political future will also now speak Monday at the convention. But once the night is over, Biden will leave Chicago for vacation in Southern California, and the convention will turn its attention to his chosen successor. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) Its the first day of Big Blue Move-In at the University of Kentucky and while parents say goodbye, students say hello to a brand-new school year in what will hopefully be a home away from home. Over the next four days, school leaders said UK will welcome nearly 6,000 students to its 19 residence halls across campus. Lexington Humane Society holds 2024 Doggie Paddle at Southland Aquatic Center Lisa Williams, UKs Director of Housing, says this is a great opportunity For our incoming students to be able to see their room and whats going to be their home for the next year. And so its one of the first steps in becoming a Wildcat and really getting kind of centered here. The streets were filled with new students and their families bringing in all the essentials, and bringing campus back to life. Williams says, Move-in is always one of my favorite times of year. Its when the campus comes alive. One of those new students is Skyler Osborne, an incoming freshman from Grant County. Im excited. Im excited to make new friends and start my classes and hopefully get some job opportunities, says Osborne. But Osborne isnt just keeping campus alive, shes keeping a family passion alive as well by following in her grandmas footsteps. Skylers Mom, Ashley Bowen, says, Im excited to see her flourish. Im excited to see her be an RN, its her dream. Shes following in her Nanas footsteps shes a nurse. UK housing staff said no time is being wasted, with guides making sure students are comfortable as they get settled in their new digs. Lexington Truck Pull returns for 14th year Students can expect to really be getting engaged. Theyre meeting their RA right now as theyre moving in, says Williams. And so, were really trying to make sure that theyre feeling home as soon as they step foot in the building. Move-in continues through Wednesday and is causing additional traffic and road closures, per UK staff. Williams encouraged people to check out maps from the universitys Wildcat Living website to see which roads are closed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. The big moment arrives for Harris: Democratic convention kicks off Monday in Chicago Signs marking states seating sections are installed and adjusted ahead of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 15, 2024 in Chicago. The convention will be held Aug. 19-22. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) WASHINGTON Just a little over a month after she became a candidate for president in the biggest shakeup in generations of presidential politics, Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday will deliver a widely anticipated speech accepting the Democratic nomination at the partys convention in Chicago. Harris ascent to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden changed course and said he would not seek reelection has breathed new life into the Democratic bid, with polls showing Harris who is already the partys official nominee after a virtual roll call earlier this month faring much better than Biden was against Republican rival Donald Trump. Over the course of four days, Democrats will look to capitalize on their bases newfound enthusiasm for the campaign, with leading speakers aiming to rally the faithful around the partys positions on reproductive rights, gun safety and voting rights, while making a strong pitch to young voters. Harris will also be expected to further lay out her policy positions. Harris nomination is historic. The daughter of immigrants, Harris is the first Black and South Asian woman selected to lead a major party ticket. She would be the first woman of any race to guide the nation as chief executive. The party has not released an official detailed schedule of speakers, but a convention official confirmed that current and past presidents are expected to participate in convention programming. Biden and two former presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as former nominee Hillary Clinton, will all speak, according to the New York Times. Vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to address the convention Wednesday evening, with Harris acceptance speech closing out the convention Thursday, the convention official said. The evening programming block will run from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. the rest of the week. In addition to the usual television broadcasts, the convention will livestream on several social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Instagram and TikTok. The official live stream will be available on DemConvention.com. Scores of Democratic caucus and council meetings, as well as state delegation breakfasts and gatherings, are also scheduled throughout the weeks daytime hours. Media organizations and outside groups are also holding daytime events that will feature Democratic officeholders and candidates. Protests are also expected over the Biden administrations handling of the Israel-Hamas war, with the backdrop of a delegation of uncommitted voters who oppose the war. As many as 25,000 protestors are expected over the course of the convention, according to DemList, a newsletter for Democratic officials and allies. A contest transformed Harris entry into the race, nearly immediately after Biden announced on July 21 he would no longer seek reelection, energized Democrats distressed over Bidens poor showings in polls against Trump, whose reelection bid Biden turned back in 2020. A Monmouth University poll published Aug. 14 showed a huge jump in enthusiasm for Democrats. The survey found 85% of Democratic respondents were excited about the Harris-Trump race. By comparison, only 46% of Democratic respondents said in June they were excited about a Biden-Trump race. Harris is also seeing better polling numbers in matchups against Trump, with battleground-state and national surveys consistently shifting toward the Democratic ticket since Biden left the race. Polls of seven battleground states published by The Cook Political Report With Amy Walter on Aug. 14 showed Harris narrowly leading in five states Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and tied in Georgia and trailing in Nevada. All were improvements from Bidens standing in the same poll in May. An Aug. 14 survey from Quinnipiac University showed Harris with a 48%-45% edge in Pennsylvania. The 3-point advantage for Harris was within the polls margin of error. Democrats hope to carry the momentum through the convention. Polls typically favor a party during and immediately after its national party gathering. Despite the recent polling, Harris and Walz continue to describe themselves as underdogs in the race. Campaign themes In her short time on the campaign trail, Harris has emphasized a few core messages. Shes made reproductive rights a central focus, including the slogan We are not going back in her stump speech after describing Republicans position on abortion. Additionally, a Texas woman who had to leave the state for an emergency abortion will speak at the DNC, according to Reuters. Harris has also played up her background as a prosecutor, drawing a contrast with Trumps legal troubles. Walz has highlighted his working-class background and military service, while attacking Republican positions to restrict reproductive rights and ban certain books in schools. Walzs first solo campaign stop since Harris selected him as her running mate was at a union convention, where he emphasized his union background as a high school teacher. Walz was not initially considered the favorite to be Harris running mate, but his appeal as a Midwesterner with a record of winning tough elections and enacting progressive policies led to his selection Aug. 6. Harris has faced criticism for not sitting down for a formal media interview or holding a press conference since she became a candidate. Platform in flux Democrats have not finalized their platform for 2024. Adopting a party platform is generally among the official items at a convention. The party set a draft platform in July just eight days before Biden dropped his reelection bid. The document centered on the theme of finishing the job and mentioned Biden, then the presumptive nominee, 50 times and Harris 12. Party spokespeople did not respond to an inquiry this week about plans for an update to the platform. Reproductive rights will likely be a focus point of any policy wishlist. Harris, during her time as vice president, has led the administrations messaging on reproductive rights after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in the summer of 2022. In her campaign speeches, she has often stressed the need to trust women and that the government should not be deciding reproductive health. Harris has often promised that if she is elected, she will restore those reproductive rights, but unless Democrats control a majority in the U.S. House and 60 Senate votes, its unlikely she would be able to achieve that promise. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in that Supreme Court decision, Democrats have campaigned on reproductive rights that expand beyond abortion and include protections for in vitro fertilization. The 2020 party platform focused on recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, the economy, quality health care, investing in education, protecting democracy and combating climate change. Democrats are likely to continue to criticize the Project 2025 playbook a blueprint by the Heritage Foundation, a think tank, to implement conservative policies across the federal government should Trump win in November. Trump has disavowed the document, but has not detailed his own policy plans. Chicago conventions The Democratic National Convention will take place in Chicago, a city with a long history of hosting the event. Democrats have held their convention in Chicago 11 times, first in 1864 and most recently in 1996. This years will be the first in-person Democratic National Convention since 2016. It was upended due to the coronavirus pandemic and held virtually in 2020. Throughout the four-day convention, there will be speeches and side events hosted by state Democratic party leaders. The ceremonial roll call vote with delegates on the convention floor will take place Tuesday. The vice presidential nomination speech by Walz will be Wednesday night and on Thursday night, Harris will give her nomination acceptance speech. The city is also preparing for massive protests from several groups on reproductive rights, LGBTQ protections, housing and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, according to WBEZ News. The City Council of Chicago in January approved a ceasefire resolution, with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson the tiebreaker, making it the largest city to call for an end to the Israel-Hamas war, in which more than 40,000 Palestinians have died. The war followed an Oct. 7 attack from Hamas, in which nearly 1,200 people were killed in Israel and hundreds taken hostage. Road to nomination Harris acceptance speech will cap a five-year journey to her partys nomination. In 2019, the California senator announced a bid for president in the next years election, but dropped out before the first primary or caucus votes were cast after she failed to catch on with Democratic voters. Biden later picked her as a running mate, and the two defeated Trump and then-Vice President Mike Pence in the 2020 election. Biden launched a reelection campaign for 2024, but stepped aside after a disastrous debate performance in June spurred questions about his ability to campaign and serve for another four-year term. After Biden bowed out, Harris quickly secured 99% of delegates to become the partys likely nominee. The virtual five-day vote secured her official nomination. With less than three months until Election Day, Harris and Walz already have sprinted through battleground states including Arizona, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Their campaign has also pulled in more than $300 million, according to the campaign. Official Federal Election Commission records will be released in mid-October. Harris and Trump have agreed to a Sept. 10 debate hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia. Trump proposed two more debates, and Harris has said she would be open to another one between the first debate and Election Day. Walz and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio have agreed to an Oct. 1 debate on CBS News, in New York City. SpaceX is about to send four people on a wild and risky mission into the radiation belts. Heres what to know Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more When billionaire Jared Isaacman self-funded a mission to orbit Earth in 2021, the project was billed as a childhood cancer fundraiser and made for an eye-popping entrance into the private space tourism world. The four-person crew of people from various backgrounds with no prior spaceflight experience spent three days orbiting Earth together in a 13-foot-wide SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. Upon his return, Isaacman imagined he likely would not go to space again. We kind of checked every one of the boxes we set out to achieve, Isaacman told CNN, saying that Inspiration4 showed how people from various walks of life can train for and execute a mission to orbit. (I thought) that maybe I wouldnt go back, that maybe the bar was set sufficiently high that this was a good time to stop. That assessment of his future in spaceflight, however, did not stick. On Monday, Isaacman and three crewmates including his close friend and former Air Force pilot, Scott Kidd Poteet, as well as two SpaceX engineers, Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis will arrive at Kennedy Space Center in Florida to prepare for the launch of a far grander, more dangerous, and experimental trip to space. Polaris Dawn crew members including, from left, Anna Menon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis are seen inside a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. - SpaceX The mission, called Polaris Dawn, is slated to take off as soon as Wednesday between 3:30 a.m. and 7:09 a.m. ET after Tuesday mornings launch attempt was waived off because of issues with ground equipment at the launch site. The crew also has a chance to launch on Thursday morning within the same early morning timeframe if technical issues or unfavorable weather cause additional delays. While prior missions to space that were funded by wealthy businesspeople may have conjured images of self-indulgent joy rides, Polaris Dawn is a test mission designed to push boundaries. Isaacman, Menon, Gillis and Poteet will spend five days aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that will soar to altitudes higher than any human has traveled since NASAs Apollo program ended in the 1970s. Their orbital path will extend high enough to plunge the vehicle and crew into a radiation belt, adding another element of peril to the already treacherous experience of spaceflight. This crew of private citizens will also open the hatch of their spacecraft and expose themselves to the vacuum of space, marking the first time such a feat has been attempted by non-government astronauts. During this endeavor, the astronauts will be protected solely by brand-new Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) suits, which SpaceXdesigned and developed in just two and a half years. Jared Isaacman is pictured in the cockpit of a jet. - John Kraus/Polaris Program With Polaris Dawn, Isaacman the founder of payment services company Shift4, who is also a jet pilot with lifelong dreams of space travel is making clear he is not just interested in duplicating what professional astronauts have experienced. He is seeking to advance space technology, helping to fund the development of new hardware as well as personally exposing himself to the risks of testing out that technology where it matters most: in the unforgiving void of outer space. What Jared is doing hes not just going for a joyride, said Garrett Reisman, a former NASA astronaut who serves as a SpaceX consultant and helped lead the development of Crew Dragon. Jared (wants) do things that SpaceX wasnt necessarily doing on its own, to increase their capabilities, to get them to move the ball further downfield. An unprecedented mission First announced in 2022, Polaris Dawn is the first of three testing and development missions under the Polaris Program that Isaacman said he will jointly execute and fund alongside SpaceX. He declined to say how much this mission cost. The end goal of the Polaris Program is to take the first steps toward validating technology that SpaceX will one day need if it carries humans deeper into the cosmos including spacesuits, EVA and life-support technologies. After launch, the Polaris Dawn crew will travel into an oval-shaped orbit that extends as high as 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) from Earth. Thats well into the inner band of Earths Van Allen radiation belts, which begin at around 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) in altitude. The belts are areas where concentrations of high-energy particles that come from the sun and interact with Earths atmosphere are trapped, creating two dangerous bands of radiation, according to NASA. 1) The International Space Station orbits about 250 miles (400 kilometers) above Earth. 2) The Hubble Space Telescope, which NASA astronauts have conducted spacewalks to repair, orbits about 320 miles (515 kilometers) high. 3) The innermost of two bands that make up the Van Allen radiation belts begins at about 600 miles (1,000 kilometers). 4) The Polaris Dawn mission will reach a maximum altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) before lowering its apogee for the spacewalk. - CNN/Getty Images/Space X/Adobe Stock Almost immediately after reaching space, the Polaris Dawn crew will begin a pre-breathe process to prepare for the spacewalk. Its akin to what scuba divers do to avoid decompression sickness, otherwise known as the bends. The crewmates must purge nitrogen from their blood so that when the Dragon capsule is depressurized and exposed to the vacuum of space, the gas doesnt form bubbles in their bloodstream a potentially lethal condition. We dont have an airlock on this mission, Gillis told CNN, referring to the areas on board the International Space Station (ISS) that serve as special decompression chambers for astronauts heading out for a spacewalk. Polaris Dawn will instead take a really novel and different approach to the pre-breathing process that involves slowly decreasing cabin pressure and raising oxygen concentration. Unlike any pre-breathe attempted on the International Space Station, the process will take roughly 45 hours nearly two days, said Gillis, who works as a lead space operations engineer at SpaceX and trained the Inspiration4 crew for their mission. Finally, to kick off their third day in space, the Polaris Dawn crew will open the Crew Dragons hatch as theyre about 435 miles (700 kilometers) above Earth. All four of the crew members and the entirety of the spacecrafts interior will be exposed to the expansive void. Only Isaacman and Gillis will actually exit the spacecraft, however, tethered by a couple of umbilicals. From beginning to end, the Polaris Dawn mission exposes the crew to more risk than other orbital space tourism missions have, including SpaceX missions that have carried paying customers to the International Space Station, which orbits about 250 miles (400 kilometers) above Earth. Toxins and radiation Over the two and a half years SpaceX and the Polaris Dawn crew have prepared for this mission, numerous technical challenges had to be addressed. Even the EVA suits that SpaceX developed for this mission are high-stakes pieces of technology. For context, NASA has already tried for years to lock down a viable replacement for the aging puffy, white spacesuits used aboard the International Space Station. Top and bottom left: The four Polaris Dawn crew members are seen inside their spacesuits, which have copper-tinted visors and an array of key updates from SpaceX's typical flight suits. Right: Polaris Dawn mission commander Jared Isaacman is shown in his SpaceX EVA and flight suit. - SpaceX However, Reisman notes, the SpaceX suits do not include a Primary Life Support System, or PLSS, which is essentially a backpack that allows ISS astronauts to float more freely through space to carry out complex tasks, such as repairing and replacing hardware outside the space station. Instead, the Polaris Dawn crew will receive their life support from long hoses attached to their spacecraft. Then theres the matter of the Crew Dragon vehicle itself. To make sure the spacecrafts avionics or electronics used for navigation and communication could survive the heavy radiation environment encountered during the Polaris Dawn mission, engineers literally strapped a lot of the avionics to a gurney and brought it to an oncology lab, Isaacman said. The SpaceX team hammered the avionics components with radiation until they broke, Isaacman said, to precisely determine when and how the technology might fail. Once the Crew Dragon spacecraft is exposed to the vacuum of space, components inside the spacecraft could then vent off toxins a natural trait of certain materials used to make various components as the cabin is repressurized after the spacewalk, according to Menon. To avoid that, the Crew Dragon and a lot of the pieces of hardware that are flying in the vehicle went through basically a bake-out before we will ever go into space. What that does is it off-gasses a lot of those toxins, said Menon, a lead space operations engineer at SpaceX who will also serve as the crews medical officer. The bake-out involved putting the vehicle into a vacuum chamber at high temperatures, allowing the hardware to release the toxins before flight. SpaceX also implemented automatic rebooting software, according to Menon, which can without human intervention troubleshoot computers that might malfunction due to radiation. Significant risks Putting such a novel mission together in less than three years is incredibly fast by aerospace standards. Going faster is not necessarily more risky, Reisman said, referring to rapid speed of development and extensive ground testing that SpaceX has carried out. Taking large risks in testing when the consequences of failure are low results in reduced risk later when the consequences of failure are high. But you should be nervous about (this mission), he added. Anytime you try something for the first time there are significant risks. Ill feel much better when they are back inside with the hatch closed and latched after the spacewalk. SpaceX teams tried to mitigate risks and prepare for every potential challenge through a barrage of tests, some as simple as putting a handrail into a freezing chamber set to negative 90 degrees Celsius to see how cold to the touch a ladder might be when exposed to space, Isaacman said. They even took the spacesuits to a testing site at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. There, the suits were struck by small pieces of debris traveling at orbital velocities to see how they could withstand micrometeorites and avoid punctures that would endanger the crew, according to Isaacman. (Objects in orbit around Earth travel at more than 17,000 miles per hour.) Adding to the pressure to perform a perfect spacewalk is the fact that time will be extremely limited because the crew will have to lean heavily on oxygen supplies during the pre-breathe. An artist's depiction of Polaris Dawn shows a crew member floating outside the Crew Dragon capsule while attached by a life support umbilical. - Polaris via X Weve got five, six days maybe you can stretch it of life support on the vehicle, Isaacman said. So you have to be really sure about where you have fault tolerance and redundancy in your systems. Youvegot to be really sure about the weather (for the splashdown return to Earth). Speaking to the challenges the crew will face, Isaacman added, Sure, there is more risk in a development program than going to and from the International Space Station but not a lot more risk And some (risks) are just frankly unavoidable. Pushing the envelope The Polaris Dawn crewmates told CNN they do not have any reservations about going on such an experimental mission. Gillis and Menon both said their experience through years of work at SpaceX specifically on the Crew Dragon program gives them close insight into how the company solves problems, which adds a layer of comfort. And Poteet, who previously served 20 years in the Air Force and worked for Isaacman at fighter aircraft company Draken International, said that the Polaris Dawn mission shows what the SpaceX team can accomplish in a very short few years (and) is a true testament to its professionalism. I have absolutely zero reservations, Poteet added. I have full faith and confidence that theyve crossed every T and dotted every I in preparation for our mission. Isaacman said his inspiration to pursue bold feats in space partly stems from SpaceXs founding mission: To make humans a multiplanetary species, as CEO Elon Musk puts it, paving the way for a future in which people live and work on Mars or other foreign planets. The summer before Inspiration4 took off, Isaacman visited SpaceXs facilities in South Texas. Thats the site of testing and launch operations for the companys Starship rocket the largest launch vehicle ever created, which Musk bills as the vehicle that will land humans on Mars for the first time. That visit was like a religious experience, Isaacman said. We were surrounded by the people that were going to help humankind get to Mars and really explore our solar system. I dont know it made me a real believer. SpaceX is also undeniably a magnet for controversy, particularly surrounding Musk, who lately has landed in the news more for his political leanings and statements than for his space ambitions. Isaacman credits Musk for having the vision that drives SpaceX on a day-to-day basis. But, he added, SpaceX is a really, really big organization, and unfortunately, a lot of times, I feel like it all gets kind of boiled down to one person. When Im at SpaceX and I spend a lot of time there I dont see vice presidents, I dont see directors. I interact with a lot of (young employees), Isaacman said. I think SpaceX is on, for our time, the most incredible adventure imaginable the possibility of unlocking lifes mysteries. Where do we really come from? What is our purpose? We might be really shocked about those answers, and, along the way, discover: Who knows what kind of technologies that could just change humanitys existence our trajectory in this world. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Since 1974, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge has been a sanctuary for migratory birds, fish, wildlife and plants. On Thursday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, community members, and former and current staff members came together in celebration of its 50th anniversary. This national wildlife refuge was created by grassroots community effort, and in turn, it serves the community that helped to create it, said Service Director Martha Williams. Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is not only a refuge for migratory birds, but also a refuge for people. An oasis of wildness surrounded by urban development, the refuge is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish in the spirit of conservation with community and great partnerships. In 2016, the wildlife refuge was renamed Billy Frank Jr. to honor a member of the Nisqually Indian Tribe who was a leader and conservationist whose activism played a pivotal role in a court ruling that affirmed treaty rights to half the catch of salmon and steelhead fisheries between the tribe and state, known as the Boldt Decision. The habitat is a refuge for at least 250 species of wildlife, including migratory birds and offers education on natural and cultural history through guided walks, lectures, festivals and environmental education. The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is located south of the Pierce/Thurston county line and is less than 30 minutes from Tacoma. For more information about the habitat, visit the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge website. Birmingham Police Department looking for person in relation to domestic violence shooting BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT) The Birmingham Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating a person in relation to a domestic violence shooting offense. Ricardo Loyola, who is also wanted on a felony theft warrant out of Jefferson County and violent crimes out of Arkansas, is 34 years old with brown eyes and black hair. He is about six feet, two inches tall. Anyone with information on Loyolas whereabouts is encouraged to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Gazprom and SOCAR have reached an agreement to expand their multifaceted strategic partnership, the corresponding agreement was reached during the visit of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports with reference to Gazprom PJSC. According to the information, a delegation of Gazprom PJSC, headed by Chairman of the Management Committee Alexey Miller, took part in events within the framework of the state visit of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to the Republic of Azerbaijan. Alexey Miller noted that the mutually beneficial, partnership-based interaction between Gazprom and SOCAR is developing dynamically. "In particular, this concerns the North-South project, the signing of a comprehensive scientific and technical cooperation program in September of this year. An agreement was reached to expand the multifaceted strategic partnership", Miller noted. TYLER, Texas (KETK) The Bishop Gorman Catholic School in Tyler is hosting a blood drive on Monday, Aug. 19 in support of two children with a rare blood disorder. Donate blood for chance to win Dallas Cowboys tickets Photo Courtesy of Bishop Gorman Catholic School. Christine Martin, choir director at Bishop Gorman, has two children with hereditary spherocytosis, 2-year-old Charlotte and 6-month-old John Paul. The incurable rare blood disorder means that theyve had to receive a total of 14 blood transfusions in the last two years. Theyre regular patients of the Childrens Medical Center Dallas Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, which will receive blood from the Bishop Gorman drive. Bishop Gorman students who donate blood twice in their senior year will receive an honor cord for graduation, according to the school. The drive is being held with a Carter BloodCare bus at the school from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday. Carter BloodCare recently announced that blood donors will be entered into a drawing o win tickets to see the Dallas Cowboys play in Arlington. The Bishop Gorman Catholic School is located at 1405 E. Southeast Loop 323 in Tyler. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. After five years of fighting to prove her innocence in the fatal shooting of her sex trafficker, Chrystul Kizer finally has a response from the court on her self-defense claim and its not good. Kenosha County Court documents show Kizer was sentenced to 11 years in prison and five years of extended supervision following the 2018 death of Kenosha resident Randall Volar. Kizer previously pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless homicide after admitting to fatally shooting Volar and setting his house on fire. However, that wasnt all to the story. Kizer, who was a mere 16 years old at the time of the shooting, accused Volar of sexually abusing her and trafficking her as well as other young Black girls. She told The Washington Post Volar tried to bait her for sex with money and gifts and recalled stories of the other girls being fed synthetic drugs. The police said they raided his home following a 911 call, leading to the discovery of photos and videos of Volars sexual abuse. However, he was released the same day he was arrested. A few days later, the night of June 5, 2018, Kizer arrived to Volars home with a firearm. After refusing sex, she said Volar got physical with her, resulting in her shooting him twice in the head. She confessed to police that she set the house ablaze and fled the scene in his BMW. The verdict marks the conclusion of years of advocates and sex abuse survivors rallying behind Kizer and supported her claim of self-defense. Kizer seemingly had a lead after a 2022 Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling on the affirmative defense law. Through that, she was allowed to present evidence in a trial to support her claim that the shooting was a direct result of her being prostituted. However, she entered her plea in May to avoid a possible life sentence if she were to be found guilty. District Attorney Michael Graveley said she was credited 570 days for the time she already spent awaiting trial. Kizer has a restitution hearing November 8. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Vice President Kamala Harris is introduced by International President Dr. Stacie NC Grant of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at their Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) WASHINGTON As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to give the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention Thursday, making her the first Black and South Asian woman to lead a major party ticket, her nomination has energized a strong and loyal voting bloc in the Democratic Party Black women. Since President Joe Biden last month bowed out of his reelection race and named Harris as his choice for the nomination, her campaign has quickly scooped up the necessary delegate votes, raked in more than $300 million and galvanized the Democratic base. Black women are playing a major role in this rapid mobilization. Emory University political scientist Andra Gillespie said in an interview with States Newsroom that Harris is benefiting from not only an influx of cash, but also an army of volunteers. The campaigns battleground states director, Dan Kanninen, told reporters in late July more than 360,000 volunteers have signed up to knock on doors, canvass and make phone calls. What weve seen happen in the last couple of weeks is an influx of resources that will allow Harris to mount as effective a mobilization campaign as she can, Gillespie said. All of this is key to mounting a competitive race, Gillespie said, especially in all-important Georgia. In that state, Black womens work to encourage turnout and register voters was credited with turning the state blue for Biden in 2020. The victory sent two Democratic U.S. senators to Congress, solidifying a split Senate in which Harris was the tiebreaker and in which a Democratic majority confirmed numerous federal judges to lifetime appointments as well as the first Black woman named to the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. The Cook Political Report with Amy Walters moved Georgia from a lean Republican ranking to toss-up after Harris entered the presidential race, noting a 1 percentage point lead over her GOP opponent, former President Donald Trump. For comparison, Biden was trailing 2.5 percentage points behind Trump in the Peach State. Keneshia Grant, an associate professor of political science at Howard University in Washington, D.C., said that when Biden first announced he was stepping down July 21 under pressure from party leaders following his disastrous debate performance, it was not immediately clear that Harris would be next in line. It took Biden a little over 30 minutes to endorse her as his chosen successor. In the days before Bidens announcement, South Carolinas U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn urged the party to coalesce around Harris, should Biden no longer be on the ticket. Clyburn was pivotal in delivering Black support for Biden in 2020 and remains a close Biden ally. We should do everything we can to bolster her, whether shes in second place or at the top of the ticket, he said of Harris. Grant said that Black women often referred to as the backbone of the Democratic party had signaled to top party members that passing over this Black woman in this moment would not be tolerated. Within hours of Biden quitting the race, a Zoom call with organizers of #WinWithBlackWomen drew in more than 90,000 participants and raised more than $1.3 million to support Harris bid. The (Democratic) Party might not have had a notion of a Black woman as president, right now, but clearly the people feel differently and felt differently, Grant said. Influence of Divine Nine As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first Black sorority, established in 1908 at Howard University, Harris has an untapped resource in the Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations, made up of four sororities and five fraternities. Deborah Elizabeth Whaley, a professor of African American studies at the University of Iowa, said that Black sororities and fraternities are more than a social group. She added that theyve been at the forefront of civil rights issues such as the womens suffrage movement and anti-lynching legislation. The whole idea is that youre coming together in the name of service to help Black communities as well as holding up academic excellence, Whaley said. As soon as Harris entered the race at the top of the ticket, the Divine Nine, which boasts more than 2 million members, swung into action. One of the things that the Black sororities and (fraternities) are known for is voter registration, Whaley said. The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. the governing body of the Divine Nine announced it would undertake a major voter turnout mobilization campaign. Because the groups are nonprofits, they cant endorse a candidate and must remain nonpartisan. This campaign will activate the thousands of chapters and members in our respective organizations to ensure strong voter turnout in the communities we serve, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. said in a statement. Harriss sorority, AKA, formed its own political action committee on Aug. 9, according to ProPublicas Federal Election Commission tracker. Whaley said shes not surprised Harris has prioritized inclusion of Black sororities, such as her visit to the Zeta Phi Beta sorority conference in Indianapolis, Indiana when she was the likely Democratic presidential nominee, in late July. We know when we organize, mountains move, Harris said to more than 6,000 sorority sisters. When we mobilize, nations change. And when we vote, we make history. Whaley said that Black sororities are a training ground to be of service to community, to be a leader, and to function effectively in a world where you are a member of a starkly marginalized group and you are a minority in terms of your gender. A different tune On Harris first visit to the campaign headquarters in Delaware, before she addressed the staff, the song she walked out to was Beyonces Freedom. Its a song that is played during all her campaign stops and, according to CNN, Beyonce has given the campaign permission to use the 2016 song from her Grammy-nominated album, Lemonade. Grant noted that in choosing that particular Beyonce song, it not only signals to voters that Harris at 59 is a younger candidate compared to Trump, who is 78 but its a departure from the catchphrase coined by former first lady Michelle Obama at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, When they go low, we go high. From the things Im seeing in the campaign and from her posture, shes not saying When you go low, I go low, but she is saying When you go low, we at least call you out on it, Grant said. The song choice is also not lost on Kinitra Brooks, an associate professor and the Audrey and John Leslie Endowed Chair in Literary Studies in the Department of English at Michigan State University. Brooks, who co-edited a collection of essays on Beyonces Lemonade, said that the song is about more than breaking chains, but the cost of freedom. It takes hard work to achieve freedom, but also to maintain it, she said. I think that leads to the conversations that were having about the rollback of rights. As Harris has set out on a rapid-fire campaign tour in the battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania, she has positioned her campaign as a fight for the future, and has accused the Trump campaign of focusing on the past. Across our nation, we have been witnessing a full-on assault on hard-won, hard-fought freedoms and fundamental rights, Harris said at an Aug. 10 campaign rally in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are not going back. Vice President Kamala Harris is introduced by International President Dr. Stacie NC Grant of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at their Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) WASHINGTON As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to give the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention Thursday, making her the first Black and South Asian woman to lead a major party ticket, her nomination has energized a strong and loyal voting bloc in the Democratic Party Black women. Since President Joe Biden last month bowed out of his reelection race and named Harris as his choice for the nomination, her campaign has quickly scooped up the necessary delegate votes, raked in more than $300 million and galvanized the Democratic base. Black women are playing a major role in this rapid mobilization. Emory University political scientist Andra Gillespie said in an interview with States Newsroom that Harris is benefiting from not only an influx of cash, but also an army of volunteers. The campaigns battleground states director, Dan Kanninen, told reporters in late July more than 360,000 volunteers have signed up to knock on doors, canvass and make phone calls. What weve seen happen in the last couple of weeks is an influx of resources that will allow Harris to mount as effective a mobilization campaign as she can, Gillespie said. All of this is key to mounting a competitive race, Gillespie said, especially in all-important Georgia. In that state, Black womens work to encourage turnout and register voters was credited with turning the state blue for Biden in 2020. The victory sent two Democratic U.S. senators to Congress, solidifying a split Senate in which Harris was the tiebreaker and in which a Democratic majority confirmed numerous federal judges to lifetime appointments as well as the first Black woman named to the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter moved Georgia from a lean Republican ranking to toss-up after Harris entered the presidential race, noting a 1 percentage point lead over her GOP opponent, former President Donald Trump. For comparison, Biden was trailing 2.5 percentage points behind Trump in the Peach State. Keneshia Grant, an associate professor of political science at Howard University in Washington, D.C., said that when Biden first announced he was stepping down July 21 under pressure from party leaders following his disastrous debate performance, it was not immediately clear that Harris would be next in line. It took Biden a little over 30 minutes to endorse her as his chosen successor. In the days before Bidens announcement, South Carolinas U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn urged the party to coalesce around Harris, should Biden no longer be on the ticket. Clyburn was pivotal in delivering Black support for Biden in 2020 and remains a close Biden ally. We should do everything we can to bolster her, whether shes in second place or at the top of the ticket, he said of Harris. Grant said that Black women often referred to as the backbone of the Democratic party had signaled to top party members that passing over this Black woman in this moment would not be tolerated. Within hours of Biden quitting the race, a Zoom call with organizers of #WinWithBlackWomen drew in more than 90,000 participants and raised more than $1.3 million to support Harris bid. The (Democratic) Party might not have had a notion of a Black woman as president, right now, but clearly the people feel differently and felt differently, Grant said. Influence of Divine Nine As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first Black sorority, established in 1908 at Howard University, Harris has an untapped resource in the Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations, made up of four sororities and five fraternities. Deborah Elizabeth Whaley, a professor of African American studies at the University of Iowa, said that Black sororities and fraternities are more than a social group. She added that theyve been at the forefront of civil rights issues such as the womens suffrage movement and anti-lynching legislation. The whole idea is that youre coming together in the name of service to help Black communities as well as holding up academic excellence, Whaley said. As soon as Harris entered the race at the top of the ticket, the Divine Nine, which boasts more than 2 million members, swung into action. One of the things that the Black sororities and (fraternities) are known for is voter registration, Whaley said. The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. the governing body of the Divine Nine announced it would undertake a major voter turnout mobilization campaign. Because the groups are nonprofits, they cant endorse a candidate and must remain nonpartisan. This campaign will activate the thousands of chapters and members in our respective organizations to ensure strong voter turnout in the communities we serve, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. said in a statement. Harriss sorority, AKA, formed its own political action committee on Aug. 9, according to ProPublicas Federal Election Commission tracker. Whaley said shes not surprised Harris has prioritized inclusion of Black sororities, such as her visit to the Zeta Phi Beta sorority conference in Indianapolis, Indiana when she was the likely Democratic presidential nominee, in late July. We know when we organize, mountains move, Harris said to more than 6,000 sorority sisters. When we mobilize, nations change. And when we vote, we make history. Whaley said that Black sororities are a training ground to be of service to community, to be a leader, and to function effectively in a world where you are a member of a starkly marginalized group and you are a minority in terms of your gender. A different tune On Harris first visit to the campaign headquarters in Delaware, before she addressed the staff, the song she walked out to was Beyonces Freedom. Its a song that is played during all her campaign stops and, according to CNN, Beyonce has given the campaign permission to use the 2016 song from her Grammy-nominated album, Lemonade. Grant noted that in choosing that particular Beyonce song, it not only signals to voters that Harris at 59 is a younger candidate compared to Trump, who is 78 but its a departure from the catchphrase coined by former first lady Michelle Obama at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, When they go low, we go high. From the things Im seeing in the campaign and from her posture, shes not saying When you go low, I go low, but she is saying When you go low, we at least call you out on it, Grant said. The song choice is also not lost on Kinitra Brooks, an associate professor and the Audrey and John Leslie Endowed Chair in Literary Studies in the Department of English at Michigan State University. Brooks, who co-edited a collection of essays on Beyonces Lemonade, said that the song is about more than breaking chains, but the cost of freedom. It takes hard work to achieve freedom, but also to maintain it, she said. I think that leads to the conversations that were having about the rollback of rights. As Harris has set out on a rapid-fire campaign tour in the battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania, she has positioned her campaign as a fight for the future, and has accused the Trump campaign of focusing on the past. Across our nation, we have been witnessing a full-on assault on hard-won, hard-fought freedoms and fundamental rights, Harris said at an Aug. 10 campaign rally in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are not going back. Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant (C) and IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) at the Ministry of Defense headquarters. Ariel Hermoni/GPO/dpa US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that Israel has accepted the latest US-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, and it is now up to Hamas to agree to the plan. The announcement came after Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for three hours on Monday in a last-ditch attempt to secure a ceasefire deal in Gaza and a release of hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas group and others. After his meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken met with hostage families while hundreds of protesters demonstrated outside his Israeli hotel, calling for a hostage release. Blinken's announcement comes hours before US President Joe Biden is expected to make a speech at the Monday opening of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, in which Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to be formally nominated as the Democratic candidate for president in the November election. Blinken says Israel OKs a plan to break the cease-fire impasse and urges Hamas to do the same U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to media at the David Kempinski Hotel in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Kevin Mohatt/Pool Photo via AP) TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge differences holding up a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, and he called on Hamas to do the same, without saying whether concerns cited by the militant group had been addressed. The high-stakes negotiations have gained urgency in recent days as diplomats hope an agreement will deter Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah from avenging the targeted killings of two top militants that were blamed on Israel. The escalating tensions have raised fears of an even more destructive regional war. Blinken spoke after holding a 2 1/2 hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day, and will travel to Egypt and Qatar for further negotiations. The three mediators have spent months trying to end the war in Gaza, with the talks repeatedly stalling. In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel supports the bridging proposal, Blinken told reporters, without saying what the proposal entails. The next important step is for Hamas to say yes. He added, however, that even if Hamas accepts the proposal, negotiators will spend the coming days working on clear understandings on implementing the agreement. He said there are still complex issues requiring hard decisions by the leaders, without offering specifics. Hamas has said it is losing faith in the U.S. as a mediator, accusing American negotiators of siding with Israel as it makes new demands that the militant group rejects. Blinken did not say whether the proposal addressed Israel's demand for control over two strategic corridors inside Gaza which Hamas has said is a nonstarter or other issues that have long bedeviled the negotiations. Netanyahu said that he had a good and important meeting with Blinken and appreciated the understanding that the United States has shown to our vital security interests, along with our shared efforts to release our hostages. He added that efforts are being made to release the maximum number of hostages in the first stage of a the cease-fire deal. Blinken's ninth mission to the Middle East since the conflict began came days after mediators, including the United States, expressed renewed optimism that a deal was near. But Hamas has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the latest proposal, and Israel has said there were points on which it was unwilling to compromise. Earlier on Monday, Blinken said it was a decisive moment, and maybe the last opportunity to free the hostages and secure a cease-fire. Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, he said in a veiled reference to Iran. And so were working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way move us away from getting this deal over the line, or for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. Mediators will meet again this week to try to cement a cease-fire. Blinken will travel Tuesday to Egypt and Qatar, where Hamas maintains a political office. The war began on Oct. 7 when thousands of Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 others. Of those, about 110 are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities say around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire. Dozens of Israelis demonstrated outside of the Tel Aviv hotel where Blinken was staying, holding photos of the hostages and demanding an immediate cease-fire. We know that only with vast help of the American administration a deal will come, said Yehuda Cohen, whose 20-year-old son, Nimrod, is being held hostage in Gaza. We are here to say it out loud: Blinken, Antony Blinken, please push Netanyahu for a deal at any price because I want my son to be free. Israel's counterattack in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and devastated much of the territory. The war has plunged the territory of 2.3 million people into a humanitarian catastrophe, with aid groups now fearing an outbreak of polio. Blinken said the United States shares those concerns and is working on a plan with Israel to ensure vaccines are made available in the coming weeks, saying it is urgent, it is vital. Late last week, the three countries mediating the proposed cease-fire Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. reported progress on a deal under which Israel would halt most military operations in Gaza and release a number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages. The evolving proposal calls for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its Oct. 7 attack. In exchange, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. Hamas accuses Israel of adding new demands that it maintain a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent arms smuggling and along a line bisecting the territory so it can search Palestinians returning to their homes in the north to prevent militants from slipping in. Israel said those weren't new demands, but clarifications of a previous proposal. Late Sunday, Hamas said in a statement that Netanyahu has continued to set obstacles to a deal by demanding new conditions, accusing him of wanting to prolong the war. It said the mediators latest offer was a capitulation to Israel. The new proposal responds to Netanyahus conditions, Hamas said. ___ Samy Magdy contributed to this report from Cairo. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) shakes hands with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of their private meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. Haim Zach/GPO/dpa US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday in a last-ditch attempt to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held by militants. "This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire, and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," Blinken said on meeting Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv ahead of his meeting with Netanyahu. He noted it was his ninth visit since the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. After the meeting, Netanyahu's office said it had lasted approximately three hours and had been positive and held "in a good atmosphere." "The prime minister reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on," it said. The United States, Egypt and Qatar have been acting as mediators in a series of indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The latest two-day round of talks in Qatar concluded on Friday without a major breakthrough, but negotiations are set to resume in Cairo this week. "Its time for it to get done. Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process," Blinken said, calling for "provocations" and escalatory acts by parties to the conflict to be avoided. There has been concern for weeks about possible large-scale attacks on Israel from Iran, the Lebanese militia Hezbollah and others. Blinken noted that US President Joe Biden had deployed more forces to the region "to deter any attacks" against Israel. One unresolved issue in the ceasefire talks remains the fate of the border between Gaza and Egypt. Netanyahu has insisted that the Israeli military must continue to control what Israel terms the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land separating Gaza from Egypt. Hamas, on the other hand, has demanded Israel's full withdrawal from the area as a condition for peace, more than 10 months since the October 7 attacks sparked the conflict. Broadly speaking, the plan under discussion initially provides for a complete and unrestricted ceasefire of six weeks. During this period, a group of hostages held by Hamas would be released. In return, Palestinians imprisoned in Israel would be released. After that, the fighting would cease permanently and the remaining hostages would be released. In a final phase, the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip would begin. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gives a press conference. Sina Schuldt/dpa Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant (C) and IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) at the Ministry of Defense headquarters. Ariel Hermoni/GPO/dpa US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that Israel has accepted the latest US-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, and it is now up to Hamas to agree to the plan. "In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel accepts the briefing proposal that he supports it ... the next important step is for Hamas to say yes," Blinken said at a press conference at the US Embassy in Jerusalem. But he warned that it is "crucial now" that all those involved "refrain from taking any actions that could fuel further conflict." In the coming days, expert negotiators will meet to hammer out the agreement, the US top diplomat said. Blinken said complex issues remain which will require "hard decisions by leaders" but he noted the sense of urgency in the region "to get this over the finish line and to do it as soon as possible." He added that the longer these negotiations drag on, the more the hostages will suffersome may even dieand unforeseen events could arise that would make a deal impossible. According to Israel, Hamas still holds 115 hostages, 41 of whom have been declared dead. Additionally, other hostages whose fate remains unknown are likely no longer alive. Blinken said the current bridging proposal reflects the content of the ceasefire agreement that US President Joe Biden presented in May. That plan will take place in phases: An initial ceasefire over six weeks, during which hostages are released and prisoners exchanged, and negotiations on the terms of a permanent ceasefire. Blinken's comments came after a three-hour meeting in Jerusalem on Monday with Netanyahu. That meeting was preceded by one with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv, in which Blinken said, "This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last." Hundreds of people demonstrated in favour of a hostage release agreement outside Blinken's Israeli hotel while he was meeting with hostage families, following his meeting with Netanyahu. According to the US State Department, he will remain in the region until Tuesday and travel on from Israel to Egypt. Negotiators were due to hold talks on specific issues in Cairo this week. Another overarching summit meeting was then planned for Sunday. The United States, Egypt and Qatar have been acting as mediators in a series of indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The latest two-day round of talks in Qatar concluded on Friday without a breakthrough. There has been concern for weeks about possible large-scale attacks on Israel from Iran, the Lebanese militia Hezbollah and others. Blinken noted that US president had deployed more forces to the region "to deter any attacks" against Israel. One unresolved issue in the ceasefire talks remains the fate of the border between Gaza and Egypt. Netanyahu has insisted that the Israeli military must continue to control what Israel terms the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land separating Gaza from Egypt. Hamas, on the other hand, has demanded Israel's full withdrawal from the area as a condition for peace, more than 10 months since the October 7 attacks sparked the conflict. Biden is set to make the opening speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday. He has been pushing for a truce deal for months. Commentators have speculated that he would like to top off his presidency with a ceasefire for hostages deal. Meanwhile, on the ground in Gaza on Monday, the IDF said it destroyed a 1.5-kilometre tunnel used by Hamas after finding weapons, explosives and equipment in it. Hamas fighters abandoned the area near Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip when Israeli troops arrived, an IDF spokesman said. The IDF has said it has repeatedly located and destroyed parts of Hamas' tunnel system in recent months. Palestinian Islamist Hamas members have created an extensive tunnel system in the Gaza Strip in which the fighters can stay for long periods of time and receive supplies, the IDF has said. The tunnels also serve as escape and supply routes. The system is said to be several hundred kilometres long. Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Defense headquarters. Ariel Hermoni/GPO/dpa Blinken says Israel has accepted U.S.-backed proposal for a cease-fire, calls on Hamas to do same TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Israel has accepted a bridging proposal for a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, and called on Hamas to do the same. He spoke Monday after holding a 2 1/2 hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that the time is now to conclude a Gaza cease-fire agreement that would return hostages held by Hamas and bring relief to Palestinian suffering after more than 10 months of devastating fighting in Gaza. Blinkens ninth urgent mission to the Middle East since the conflict began came days after mediators, including the United States, expressed renewed optimism that a deal was near. But Hamas has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the latest proposal, and Israel has said there were points on which it was unwilling to compromise. The trip, days before new talks expected this week in Egypt, came amid fears that the conflict could widen into a deeper regional war following the targeted killing of two top militants in Lebanon and Iran that were attributed to Israel. This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security, Blinken said as he opened talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, he said in a veiled reference to Iran. And so were working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way move us away from getting this deal over the line, or for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places and to greater intensity. Herzog thanked Blinken for the Biden administrations support for Israel and lamented a spate of recent attacks against Israelis in the past 24 hours. This is the way we are living these days, Herzog said. We are surrounded by terrorism from all four corners of the earth and we are fighting back as a resilient and strong nation. Mediators will meet again this week in Cairo to try to cement a cease-fire. Blinken will travel to Egypt on Tuesday for meetings in the Mediterranean city of el-Alamein after he wraps up his Israel stop. He met one-on-one with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for 2 hours Monday and with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant later in the day. The war began on Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants broke into Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 others. Of those, about 110 are still believed to be in Gaza, though Israeli authorities say around a third are dead. More than 100 hostages were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire. Israels counterattack in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and devastated much of the territory. Late last week, the three countries mediating the proposed cease-fire Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. reported progress on a deal under which Israel would halt most military operations in Gaza and release a number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages. Shortly before Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday, Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting there are areas where Israel can be flexible and unspecified areas where it wont be. We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give, he said. The evolving proposal calls for a three-phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages abducted during its Oct. 7 attack. In exchange, Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. Hamas accuses Israel of adding new demands that it maintain a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent arms smuggling and along a line bisecting the territory so it can search Palestinians returning to their homes in the north. Israel said those werent new demands, but clarifications of a previous proposal. Officials said the U.S. has presented proposals to bridge all the gaps remaining between the Israeli and Hamas positions. Formal responses to the U.S. outline are expected this week and could lead to a cease-fire declaration unless the talks stall, as has happened with multiple previous efforts. Late Sunday, Hamas said in a statement that Netanyahu has continued to set obstacles to a deal by demanding new conditions, accusing him of wanting to prolong the war. It said the mediators latest offer was a capitulation to Israel. The new proposal responds to Netanyahus conditions, Hamas said. Blinken said Monday both sides should take this opportunity to reach a deal. It is time for everyone to get to yes and to not look for any excuses to say no, he said. An Israeli delegation held talks with Egyptian officials as part of the truce efforts, an Egyptian official said Monday. The hourslong meeting Sunday focused on the Philadelphi corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, but didnt achieve a breakthrough, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing negotiations. The official said that Israel still insists on keeping control of the border and the east-west route that bisects Gaza. He said that the delegation didnt offer anything new in their meeting. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. An official welcome ceremony was held for Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, who arrived in the Republic of Azerbaijan for a state visit, Trend reports. A guard of honor was arranged for the Russian President in the square decorated with the national flags of the two countries. Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, welcomed Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. The chief of the guard of honor reported to the Russian President. The national anthems of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan were played. The guard of honor marched in front of the heads of state. The Presidents posed together for photographs. Blinken says Israel accepts latest ceasefire deal, urges Hamas to do the same WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday his ninth trip to Israel since its war with Hamas began could be the most consequential. This is a decisive moment, Blinken said alongside Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire. Blinken said Israel has accepted the latest proposal to reach a ceasefire deal. The next important step is for Hamas to say yes,' he said. Blinken would not speculate on whether the terror group Hamas would move forward. Whats most crucial now is that everyone, everyone refrain from taking any actions that could fuel further conflict, he said. However, tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate. Weve witnessed a suspected major terror attack in Tel Aviv, Herzog said. Herzog said his government is investigating a suicide bomber near a Tel Aviv synagogue. Hamas claims responsibility for it, and one civilian was hurt. This is the way we are living these days, Herzog said. We are surrounded by terror from four corners of the earth. Herzog thanked Blinken for the ongoing U.S. support for Israel. Blinken travels next to Egypt Tuesday to continue ceasefire talks. The deal would also surge more humanitarian support into Gaza. Blinken confirmed reports of a potential polio reemergence there and said hes hoping to have a response plan in the coming weeks. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Blinken says now is 'maybe the last opportunity' for Gaza ceasefire Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) shakes hands with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of their private meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. Haim Zach/GPO/dpa US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Tel Aviv on Monday that this could be the "last opportunity" to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by militants. Blinken spoke at a morning meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog before later holding talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire, and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," Blinken said, noting it was his ninth visit since the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. The United States, Egypt and Qatar have been acting as mediators in a series of indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The latest two-day round of talks in Qatar concluded on Friday without a major breakthrough, but negotiations are set to resume in Cairo this week. "Its time for it to get done. Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process," Blinken said, calling for "provocations" and escalatory acts by parties to the conflict to be avoided. There has been concern for weeks about possible large-scale attacks on Israel from Iran, the Lebanese militia Hezbollah and others. Blinken noted that US President Joe Biden had deployed more forces to the region "to deter any attacks" against Israel. One unresolved issue in the ceasefire talks remains the fate of the border between Gaza and Egypt. Netanyahu has insisted that the Israeli military must continue to control what Israel terms the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land separating Gaza from Egypt. Hamas, on the other hand, has demanded Israel's full withdrawal from the area as a condition for peace, more than 10 months since the October 7 attacks sparked the conflict. Broadly speaking, the plan under discussion initially provides for a complete and unrestricted ceasefire of six weeks. During this period, a group of hostages held by Hamas would be released. In return, Palestinians imprisoned in Israel would be released. After that, the fighting would cease permanently and the remaining hostages would be released. In a final phase, the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip would begin. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gives a press conference. Sina Schuldt/dpa By Humeyra Pamuk and Nidal al-Mughrabi TEL AVIV/CAIRO (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted a "bridging proposal" presented by Washington to tackle disagreements blocking a ceasefire deal in Gaza, and urged Hamas to do the same. Blinken spoke to journalists after a day of meetings with Israeli officials, including a 2-1/2-hour meeting with Netanyahu. The top U.S. diplomat had said earlier that this push was probably the best and possibly last opportunity for a deal. Talks in Qatar seeking a ceasefire and hostage return agreement last week paused without a breakthrough, but were expected to resume this week based on the U.S. proposal to bridge the gaps between Israel and Hamas. Blinken's visit comes as U.S. President Joe Biden faces mounting election-year pressure over his stance on the conflict, with his Democratic party starting its national convention on Monday amid pro-Palestinian protests and worries about Muslim and Arab American votes in swing states. However, with the Palestinian Islamist group announcing a resumption of suicide bombing inside Israel after many years, and claiming responsibility for a blast in Tel Aviv on Sunday night, and medics saying Israeli military strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Monday, there are few signs of conciliation on the ground and fears of wider war. "In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel accepts the bridging proposal - that he supports it," Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv. "It's now incumbent on Hamas to do the same, and then the parties, with the help of the mediators - the United States, Egypt and Qatar - have to come together and complete the process of reaching clear understandings about how they'll implement the commitments that they've made under this agreement." DIFFICULT NEGOTIATIONS Despite U.S. expressions of optimism and Netanyahu's office describing the meeting as positive, both Israel and Hamas have signalled that any deal will be difficult. Months of on-off talks have circled the same issues, with Israel saying the war can only end with the destruction of Hamas as a military and political force and Hamas saying it will only accept a permanent, not temporary, ceasefire. There are disagreements over Israel's continued military presence inside Gaza, particularly along the border with Egypt, the free movement of Palestinians inside the territory, and the identity and number of prisoners to be freed in a swap. Hamas officials accused Washington of favouring Israel. "When Blinken says that the Israelis agreed and then the Israelis say that there is an updated proposal, this means that the Americans are subject to Israeli pressure and not the other way around. We believe that it is a manoeuvre that gives the Israelis more time," senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Reuters. The current war in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's military has since levelled swathes of the Palestinian enclave, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. PHILADELPHIA CORRIDOR Blinken, on his ninth trip to the region since the war began, met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Netanyahu on Monday. He later met Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and is due also to visit Egypt and Qatar in the coming days. Egyptian security sources said further ceasefire talks in Cairo this week were contingent on agreement over a security mechanism for the so-called Philadelphia Corridor between Egypt and Gaza. The U.S. has proposed an international presence in the area, a suggestion that could be acceptable if it was limited to a maximum of six months, the sources said. In Israel, families of hostages - who have staged protests urging a deal - spoke out again on Monday. "Don't sacrifice my daughter and the dozens of helpless hostages," said Ayelet Levy-Shachar on Kan Radio. Her daughter Naama, 20, was captured at an army base. Some at a protest in Tel Aviv held U.S. flags and signs saying "Hostage deal now," "Hey Joe! Mr Biden, help us save them," and "They have no time." Inside Gaza, Palestinians said they had little optimism that Blinken's visit would bring a ceasefire. "They are lying just to destroy us more and more. Kill us and kill our children, starve us and make us homeless. Blinken is useless, his visit will harm the Palestinian people," said Hanan Abu Hamid, who was displaced from her home in Rafah. The conflict has put the entire Middle East region on edge, triggering months of border clashes between Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, and threatening a wider escalation drawing in major powers. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Maytaal Angel in Jerusalem, and Nidal al-Mughrabi, Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, Adam Makary and Enas Alashray in Cairo; Additional reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Writing by Angus McDowall, Alison Williams and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Mark Heinrich, Conor Humphries and Rosalba O'Brien) A local blood center said it is under an emergency alert due to a critically low blood supply. Solvita Blood Center has a critical shortage of type O-positive blood and a low supply of all other blood types, according to a spokesperson from the center. >> Busy Miamisburg bridge closed until further notice after multi-county police chase, SWAT standoff A spike in emergency blood transfusions has worsened the regions already critically low supply of blood, the spokesperson said. The emergency alert is due to high usage and low daily collections. The center is asking donors to help overcome a blood shortage emergency. Solvita needs a minimum of 350 donors a day to supply all of its partner hospitals. On Saturday, Aug. 17, the victim of a motorcycle crash hospitalized at Miami Valley Hospital required 105 units of blood, including 54 units of type O positive blood, the spokesperson said. We are making a personal plea to all eligible donors, lapsed donors, and first-time donors to visit the Solvita Dayton Center or a mobile blood drive as soon as possible, Solvita Vice President for Donor Relations Tracy Morgan said. >> Longtime talk show host, former WHIO anchor Phil Donahue dies at 88 Anyone who registers to donate blood now through Labor Day weekend at the Solvita Dayton Center will get to pick a $10 Kroger gift card or a $10 e-gift card, the spokesperson said. To schedule a blood donation with Solvita, use the Donor Time app, call (937) 461-3220, or visit www.donortime.com. The center welcomes walk-in appointments at 349 S. Main St. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) Investigators with the Bloomington Police Department are examining the circumstances that led up to a shooting near a local bus stop. Just before 10:30 p.m. Sunday, officers with the department responded to the intersection of West Washington and Howard streets near a bus stop in Bloomington, Illinois, regarding a Shots-fired report, according to an incident report from the department Monday morning. Police said that the department received several 911 calls about gunshots being fired in the area. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed leads on the reported shooting. There were no reported injuries or damage to nearby buildings and homes. Investigators are still looking into the circumstances that led up to the incident. There are no suspect(s) in custody. Two men arrested after shooting, standoff outside Bloomington apartment Thursday afternoon Anyone with information should call or email Detective Pedro Diaz at 309-434-2534 or Pdiaz@cityblm.org. There were no further details to provide at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. A Boise-area customer-service rep is training AI. Will it replace him but use his voice? A year ago, Bryan Conner started a customer service job. He works the night shift, taking remote calls for electric companies nationwide from his apartment in Nampa. But the recent introduction of artificial intelligence into his job has him questioning how long hell have one. Several months ago, the company he works for implemented a generative AI engine to aid in answering calls. At first, it wasnt very smart, Conner said. It would listen in on calls, summarize the conversation afterward, and generate a script for Conner to use. Conner would validate its result a step intended to help a machine learn enough to function in the real world. But now, after months of learning from him and his colleagues, the system could almost be deployed on its own, Conner told the Idaho Statesman. I know that ultimately it is going to replace us, he said. Customer service agency implements AI engine Conner, 45, works for World Connection, a progressive, bilingual contact center and business-process outsourcing company with a headquarters and a call center in Boise, where Adam Bentley is co-CEO, according to his LinkedIn profile. It has another headquarters in Guatemala and operations in Ecuador and El Salvador, according to the companys website. World Connection did not respond to a call, an email and a submission the Statesman made on its websites contact form. Conner said the AI engine, which was introduced with little explanation, is making his job harder. To help get the system up and running, Conner spends extra time revising the engines transcripts, but hes only allotted 30 seconds to do so after each call. He said there are often small errors, where the AI either incorrectly transcribes a word or phrase or misspells a customers name. Its challenging, said Connor, whose shifts are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Friday through Tuesday. And if we dont do it, we get in trouble. The company also cracked down on the length of calls, he said. To train the AI on the ideal call time, Conner is supposed to complete each call in four to five minutes. Conner said he was written up when he had a call that lasted three minutes and 56 seconds. He said the company implemented a series of monthly contests and incentives push employees to get the AI up to speed even faster. I feel like were being manipulated into training it just so they can save money on labor, Conner said. Hes concerned that hell be laid off and forced to retrain in another industry. Hes also worried that his voice or likeness could be used without his consent. It constantly comments on all of my quality assessments with Great tone, Conner said. He added that the scripts he is provided are often cheesy: How can I save your day? Or how can I make you smile today? Half of the time people call its the middle of the night, and theyre standing in a foot of sewage or water because their pipes are broken, he said. The way of the future Conner is no stranger to generative AI. For a decade ending in 2017, he worked on standardized testing at McGraw-Hill, one of the big three publishers of educational content. In the hand-scoring department, he said, he helped develop an auto-scoring AI engine for long-answer, handwritten responses to essay questions. His team would score papers by hand and then run a range of examples and their scores through the engine to train it. After years of running other samples and tests, the system got to a point where it was really effective, Conner said. Then a competitor bought the testing division he worked in, and he and his coworkers were laid off, Conner said. I kept reading stories about AI replacing jobs, and I breezed over those articles thinking it was in the future or that it wasnt going to affect me, he said. And I dont want to rail against the technology. I know this is the way of the future. But is there some sort of social responsibility with the implementation of these things? Researcher says white-collar jobs face greater risk Morgan Frank, an assistant professor in the School of Computing and Information at the University of Pittsburgh, told the Statesman by phone that the sophistication of current AI models was unimaginable just 10 years ago. His research is focused on trying to figure out which labor markets are most exposed to AI or machine learning, and how those labor markets will adapt to AI-related disruptions. At first, the technology was seen as having the most potential to eliminate jobs or decrease wages for manual, routine occupations, such as robotics or manufacturing. Most white-collar jobs, such as academic research or coding, and jobs that have a social aspect, like customer service, were not thought to be at risk of automation, he said. But that might be changing. Frank said that whats really interesting about large language models like OpenAIs popular chatbot, ChatGPT, is that they seem to ignore blue-collar jobs. Instead, the types of work ChatGPT can perform are squarely in the cognitive, nonroutine category, Frank said. Those are things that it can do convincingly that previous technologies could not do. Swapping out workers for AI Frank said a recent study that looked at what types of work are exposed to automation from large language models wasnt clear on whether exposure is good or bad for those workers. The study, published by OpenAI in 2023, found that about 80% of the U.S. workforce could have at least 10% of their tasks affected by the introduction of GPTs, or generative pre-trained transformers, while nearly 20% could have at least 50% of their tasks impacted. The influence spans all wage levels, with higher-income jobs facing greater exposure, the study said. In academic research, Frank said, AI can be used as a tool to smooth over first drafts or to help with computer code. For me, its a boost, he said. For customer service workers, at least to the extent that customers dont realize theyre interacting with AI, that it might be a pretty good substitution. And were starting to see companies play around with it. But were still kind of in an experimental first wave. A playbook might be emerging. In 2023, an India-based e-commerce platform, Dukaan, fired 27 customer service agents and replaced them with a chatbot, the Washington Post reported. But first, the company had used ChatGPT to improve its in-house customer service chatbot, training it primarily on the companys help center content over the course of several months, according to the Post. Companies could charge more to talk to a human On the other hand, Frank said some customer service companies could use AI to take on more clients or offer varying tiers of service, where maybe the lowest cost of service involves speaking with a chatbot and, for a higher cost, customers could speak with a real person. You can imagine that the business model shifts in a way that elevates human customer service representatives to a different role in a higher tier of service, he said. Theres some research out there that suggests very clearly theres a premium or a benefit to when customers call and at least believe theyre talking to a human. He said many people may have to retrain and transition to other industries because of AI. For people midway through their career, shifting to something else may prove more difficult. In extreme cases, really big shifts to skill demand can actually alter career pathways and change workers prospects for the future, Frank said. An Eagle company laid off 100s of workers the night before announcing its $1.5B sale Albertons-Kroger merger in limbo as the plan faces legal challenges. Heres the latest What happened when an Idaho man embezzled $150K and didnt report it on his tax return Bond reduction, work release, and contempt of court: What we know about the Amber Spradlin hearing PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (FOX 56) The three men charged in the death of Amber Spradlin appeared in court on Monday morning. The hearing comes just five days after a new indictment accused the three of concealing and procuring fake evidence on the scene. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Michael K. McKinney III, 24, has been arrested and charged with murder. A grand jury also returned indictments against his father, 56-year-old Michael K. McKinney II, and 23-year-old Josh Mullins. All three men now face eight counts of complicity to tampering with evidence. Joshua Mullinss bond reduced On July 31, Mullinss bond was set to $100,000, and in the event hes released, Mullins would be subject to home incarceration with GSP monitoring. On Aug. 6, Whitney Rowe, Mullinss attorney, filed a motion to reduce the bond by 5%. The motion claims that his bond was set at $100,000 in an effort to make the payment needed large enough to make it hurt. According to Rowe, punishing her client via bond would be unconstitutional. Amber Spradlin case: New indictment claims three men charged planted fake weapon Rowe also cited that Mullins is a low-risk client who has no felony criminal history, failure to appear, and humble financial resources of his own. The motion also reveals that Mullins has lived with the McKinney family since he was 16 years old and is also employed at McKinneys dentist office, Floyd County Smiles. The Commonwealth defended the bond decision, claiming that he should have access to enough resources to post the $100,000 bond due to McKinneys support. According to the Floyd County Clerk, the court ruled that Mullinss bond would be reduced to $50,000 and must be paid in cash. Michael McKinney II can return to work On Aug. 1, Dr. Michael McKinney was released and ordered to home incarceration with GPS monitoring after posting a $250,000 bond. Then, on Aug. 15, attorney Terry Jacobs filed a motion requesting that McKinney be able to return to work at Floyd County Smiles while he awaits trial. After his arrest, McKinneys dentistry license was temporarily suspended, according to a letter from the Kentucky Board of Dentistry. The motion cites that although he isnt able to practice dentistry, his presence and oversight are essential to maintaining business. Spradlin death suspect temporarily loses dentistry license You are still able to be at your office and manage the business affairs of the practice. In short, you can act in the same capacity as any other citizen without a dental license, the Kentucky Board of Dentistry said. However, in doing so, please take care to not involve yourself in patient care in any way. The Commonwealths response claims that the motion exaggerated McKinneys involvement at Floyd County Smiles. It doesnt seem reasonable that the defendant would need to spend more hours per week at the office when he cant even see patients than he did when he was a licensed dentist seeing patients and performing complex procedures, Commonwealths Attorney Brent Turner said. On Monday, a Floyd County judge approved McKinneys request to return to work but ordered that he must be home by 5 p.m. Michael MK McKinney IIIs attorney found in contempt of court On Aug. 5, attorney Randy Martin ONeal filed a motion to dismiss the indictment against his client, claiming that the indictment was not returned in open court or filed with the Circuit Clerk before the indictment warrant was issued or served. ONeal wrote that this would breach the secrecy of the grand jury and prejudices the defendant by undermining the integrity of the grand jury process. Court records: Spradlin murder suspects lawyer may be in contempt of court However, on Aug. 9, a Show Cause Order claims that the court could not find three citations referenced in a footnote on the third page of ONeals motion. The court then ordered ONeal to provide copies of the referenced cases or correct the citations of such cases. In a 39-page reply, ONeal wrote, I admit that I made a completely unintentional mistake. The Commonwealth called ONeals conduct a breach of his duty to be candid with the court. On Monday, the Floyd County Clerk told FOX 56 that ONeal was found in contempt of court and ordered to pay a $500 fine. The three mens next court date has been set for Oct. 24, per the Floyd County Clerk. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) Captains of a Boston duck boat rescued a father and son from the Charles River after the toddler tumbled into the water followed by his father on Monday, officials said. The Boston Duck Tours boat, which take tourists both on water and on land, was participating in quarterly safety drills when it retrieved the pair from the water. The boy was taken to a hospital as a precaution Monday morning, the Cambridge Fire Department said. This is crazy. This is happening while were doing training, Michael Rosario, one of the captains, recounted to reporters. Now were doing real-life rescue. The boy, whos under 2, got past safety railing and fell into the river behind the Royal Sonesta, a riverfront hotel in Cambridge, according to Massachusetts State Police. His father quickly jumped in after him. Photos showed both of them in the water with the father clinging to a rock face with one arm while holding his son with the other. Rosario and co-captain Kevin ONeil tossed out a safety ring, maneuvered close to them and dropped a ladder. Once both were safely aboard, they motored to the dock in Cambridge where they were met by first responders. We were happy to be in the right place at the right time, said Tom Vigna, director of marketing for Boston Duck Tours. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. President Ilham Aliyev has expressed confidence that the current state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Azerbaijan will be beneficial for bilateral relations, Trend reports Today, we will discuss the issues on the agenda once again. I am confident that this visit will be advantageous for both our relations and for you personally, said President Ilham Aliyev during a limited-format meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Boston Police urging witnesses to come forward after five people shot at Franklin Park BOSTON (WWLP) Five people were shot at Franklin Park in Boston on Sunday after the Dominican Festival. Police investigating deadly shooting in New Bedford Police say they were called to reports of gunfire in a crowd around 9:00 p.m., where three men and two women were taken to the hospital. Police say they are all expected to be okay. The Boston Police Department is urging witnesses to come forward and help them arrest the shooter or shooters. The victims names and ages have not yet been released, and no arrests have been made so far. Latest Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Danielle Fishel has revealed that shes been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 43-year-old actor spoke candidly about her physical health during Mondays episode of her and her Boy Meets World co-stars Rider Strong and Will Friedles podcast, Pod Meets World. Fishel started the episode by telling listeners he wanted to share something with them, noting that Strong and Friedle were two of the first people she told this news to. I was recently diagnosed with DCIS, which stands for ductal carcinoma in situ, which is a form of breast cancer. It is very, very, very early. Its technically stage zero, she said. To be specific, just because I like too much information all the time, I was diagnosed with high-grade DCIS with microinvasion. Fishel who played Topanga Lawrence in the hit 1990s show and its 2014 spinoff, Girl Meets World added: Im going to be fine. Im having surgery to remove it. Im going to be on some follow-up treatment. According to John Hopkins Medicine, DCIS is an early form of breast cancer that affects the cells of the milk ducts in the breast. The condition causes the cells lining the milk ducts to turn malignant but stay in place (in situ). Often, DCIS is treated with surgery and sometimes radiation and medicine, but chemotherapy isnt needed. During the podcast episode, Fishel also revealed why she shared her breast cancer diagnosis, encouraging people to go to their annual mammogram appointments. The only reason I caught this cancer when it is still stage zero is because the day I got my text message that my yearly mammogram had come up, I made the appointment, the Disney Channel alum continued. Danielle Fishel at the 2022 iHeartRadio Wango Tango (Getty Images for iHeartRadio) She also noted that while shes so good with going to her annual doctors appointments, it would be so much easier to skip them if needed, given her busy professional and personal life, as shes the mother of two children, Adler, five, and Keaton, two, who she shares with Jensen Karp. However, she ultimately decided to get her mammogram this year and make that appointment, which was when she first discovered her cancer. They found it so, so, so early that Im going to be fine. I hope it will encourage anyone to get in there, if its time for your appointment or if youve never had an appointment before, she said. If you have to find out you have cancer, find out at stage zero if possible. She also noted that shes still figuring out her treatment plans, as she has oncologists, radiation specialists, and doctors she needs to meet with. However, she wanted her dear listeners to know about her cancer because it could affect the podcast. I have some big decisions ahead of me about what I want to do for treatment. I dont have all the answers yet, the actor added. Were going to try and have it not affect things, as far as our scheduling goes. Im going to try to make it for every episode, but there are possibilities we may have to put things on hold depending on what treatments I go through. After emphasizing that she would be fine, her podcast hosts expressed theyd support her in any way they could. Strong also encouraged fans to go to their annual doctors appointments. Its mind-boggling. Right now, my wife and I know four people four friends who are dealing with breast cancer, he said. Definitely get checked. Friedle agreed, adding: For men, too, prostate exams and colonoscopies dont put them off. According to the American Cancer Society, women aged 45 to 54 should get mammograms yearly. Women between the ages of 40 and 44 can start getting mammograms every year, with women 55 or older given the option to switch to a mammogram every other year. CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM) A Veteran man was arrested over the weekend after police found he had active warrants out for his arrest in Pennsylvania. According to the Chemung County Sheriffs Office, 49-year-old Dana M. Owlett was arrested on Saturday, Aug. 17, as a fugitive from Justice out of Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Father-son duo from Steuben County face charges related to Jan. 6 Capitol riot Police said Owlett had an active warrant out for his arrest issued by Bradford County for the failure to appear for a petition to revoke parole/probation, with a lead offense of retail theft. Police said on Saturday Owlett was pulled over for vehicle and traffic violations where deputies learned he had the warrant out for his arrest. Owlett was arrested and processed in the Town of Veteran Court before he was taken to the Chemung County Jail to await extradition to Pennsylvania. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Manhattan prosecutors say they wont take a position on former President Donald Trumps bid for a delay that would push his Sept. 18 business fraud sentencing until after the 2024 election. Instead, prosecutors working for District Attorney Alvin Bragg said they would defer to Justice Juan Merchans discretion, acknowledging that the Supreme Courts recent ruling on presidential immunity has complicated the process and could require a delay. Merchan is the judge overseeing Trumps case. We defer to the Court on whether an adjournment is warranted to allow for orderly appellate litigation of that question, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo wrote in a two-page letter to Merchan dated Friday but publicly released Monday, or to reduce the risk of a disruptive stay from an appellate court pending consideration of that question. While the decision on timing will be up to Merchan, the prosecutions stance appeared to increase the chances that Trumps sentencing could slip until after Election Day a result that would ensure none of Trumps four criminal cases will reach that juncture until after voters cast their ballots. The prosecutors letter makes no direct mention of Trumps candidacy or the potential political significance of a delay, with prosecutors simply saying they are prepared to appear for sentencing on any future date the court sets. Braggs decision not to take a position on the timing of Trumps sentencing leaves the politically sensitive question of a delay in the hands of Merchan, whom Trump has repeatedly accused of bias and pressed unsuccessfully to recuse from the case. The central concern prosecutors are confronting is Trumps intention to seek an immediate appeal if Merchan rules against him on presidential immunity. Though the crimes Trump was charged and convicted of in New York covering up hush money payments to a porn star by falsifying Trump Organization records largely occurred before he became president, the trial featured days of testimony from top White House aides who discussed Trumps conduct in the first months of his presidency. In a separate federal criminal case against Trump, the Supreme Court ruled in July that most evidence of a presidents official acts could not be admitted in criminal cases and that judges have to conduct a painstaking review of such privilege claims before agreeing to enter that sort of evidence into the legal proceedings. While there was little discussion at the trial of Trumps official duties as president, some witnesses who worked for him in the White House did take the stand, including former communications director Hope Hicks and ex-Oval Office operations director Madeleine Westerhout. Trumps lawyers have argued that those witnesses testimony tainted the trial, while prosecutors said in their new letter that any error in admitting that testimony was harmless and doesnt warrant overturning the jurys decision to find Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. If Merchan rules that the verdicts should stand despite Trumps immunity claims, Trump may ask an appeals court to immediately step in and postpone his sentencing. Whether he is entitled to an immediate delay of his sentencing is unclear, the prosecutors say. The Supreme Court's recent decision did not consider whether a trial court's ruling on that distinct evidentiary question is immediately appealable, and there are strong reasons why it should not be, Colangelo wrote. Colangelo also noted that scheduling Trumps appearance in court requires significant public safety and logistical steps by multiple agencies. Trumps past court dates and his six-week trial involved sizable detachments of New York Police Department officers, court police officers and Secret Service personnel. Those appearances also took place before Trumps security was beefed up following an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania last month. If an appeals court grants Trumps request for a delay, the prosecutor added, it may mean that significant preparatory steps are taken, only to have such steps disturbed by appellate litigation. The Nov. 5 election is rapidly approaching, and Americans will soon have the chance to cast their votes for the next Presidentalong with candidates for a wide range of other federal, state, and local offices. But navigating the complex web of deadlines and procedures can be tricky. Election calendars differ significantly from state to state, with some sending out mail-in ballots in early September while others will only start processing them closer to the election. Below, TIME has compiled a list of important election dates and voting deadlines to help voters navigate the process. This calendar will be updated. August 2024 Aug. 19-22 Democratic National Convention Democrats will convene in Chicago for their national convention after Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were nominated as the partys presidential and vice presidential candidates. The convention will serve as a platform for them to present their vision and rally support. Key events will include speeches, party platform discussions, and activities aimed at energizing the Democratic base for the upcoming election. Republicans held their national convention in July in Milwaukee, where former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance were nominated as the partys presidential and vice presidential candidates. September 2024 Sept. 4 Proposed presidential debate on Fox News Trump proposed a presidential debate on Fox News, though Harris has not agreed to participate as of Aug. 13. Trump has signaled that he would be open to turning the debate into a televised town hall if his opponent does not agree to the network or date. Sept. 6 First state begins mail-in voting Voters in North Carolina will be the first to receive absentee ballots for the 2024 general election. The state will initiate the vote-by-mail process on Sept. 6, a full two months ahead of Election Day, by mailing ballots to eligible voters who have requested absentee ballots in advance. The rules differ by state for whether voters need to request mail-in ballots, need to provide an excuse in order to get one, or automatically receive one. Several additional states also open the absentee voting period in September, including Alabama (Sept. 11), Kentucky (Sept. 16), Pennsylvania (Sept. 16), Wisconsin (Sept. 19), Arkansas (Sept. 20), Minnesota (Sept. 20), New York (Sept. 20), South Dakota (Sept. 20), Virginia (Sept. 20), West Virginia (Sept. 20), Idaho (Sept. 21), Louisiana (Sept. 21), New Jersey (Sept. 21), Texas (Sept. 21), Maryland (Sept. 23), Mississippi (Sept. 23), Vermont (Sept. 23), Missouri (Sept. 24), Florida (Sept. 26), Illinois (Sept. 26), Michigan (Sept. 26), North Dakota (Sept. 26), District of Columbia (Sept. 30), and Nebraska (Sept. 30). Other states open the absentee voting period in October: Connecticut (Oct. 4), Maine (Oct. 6), Massachusetts (Oct. 6), New Hampshire (Oct. 6), South Carolina (Oct. 6), California (Oct. 7), Georgia (Oct. 7), Ohio (Oct. 7), New Mexico (Oct. 8), Wyoming (Oct. 8), Arizona (Oct. 9), Alaska (Oct. 11), Colorado (Oct. 11), Montana (Oct. 11), Utah (Oct. 15), Iowa (Oct. 16), Kansas (Oct. 16), Nevada (Oct. 16), Oregon (Oct. 16), Hawaii (Oct. 18), Washington (Oct. 18). Sept. 10 Presidential debate on ABC Harris and Trump have agreed to participate in a debate hosted by ABC News. David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate. Sept. 18 Special election for New Jerseys 10th congressional district New Jersey is hosting a special election in the 10th congressional district following the death of Democratic Rep. Donald Payne Jr. in April. Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver is the Democratic nominee, while small business owner Carmen Bucco is the Republican nominee. Sept. 20 First state begins early voting Voters in Virginia will be the first who are eligible to visit a polling location to cast their ballots early. For other states, check with local officials for details since early voting rules can vary by county. Sept. 25 Proposed presidential debate on NBC Trump proposed a presidential debate on NBC News, though Harris has not agreed to participate as of Aug. 13. October 2024 Oct. 1 Vice presidential debate on CBS Walz and Vance will face off in a televised showdown hosted by CBS News. It will be held in New York City, and Norah ODonnell and Margaret Brennan will moderate. November 2024 Nov. 5 Election Day Voters will not only determine the outcome of the presidential election but also play a crucial role in shaping Congress and state governments, as 34 Senate seats and all 435 House of Representatives seats are up for election, as well as 12 gubernatorial races. December 2024 Dec. 17 Electors cast votes The electors in each state meet to cast their votes for President and Vice President, a practice that is governed by state law. Electors will sign, seal, and certify the electoral votes. January 2025 Jan. 3 119th Congress convenes Representatives-elect and senators-elect will be sworn in. Jan. 6 Congress certifies presidential election results The House and Senate will certify the results of the 2024 presidential election in a joint session during which the electoral certificates for each state are counted and tallied. Jan. 20 Inauguration day The President and Vice President will take their respective oaths of office. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter are reported to be among several people missing after a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday. The 59-year-old was sailing with a group off the Sicilian capital of Palermo when the vessel got caught in a violent storm, Reuters reported, citing a person familiar with the rescue operation. His wife, Angela Bacares, was among those rescued, according to the Financial Times, which also reported Lynch and his daughter Hannah being among those missing. Former British tech star Mike Lynch walks into federal court in San Francisco in March after being accused of ripping off Hewlett Packard in an $11 billion acquisition of software maker Autonomy. via Associated Press A total of 22 people were on board the vessel at the time of the incident, 10 of whom were crew members. The Italian Coast Guard has rescued 15 people and pulled one body from the water, while six people remained missing, the Financial Times reported. Lynch is the former chief executive of software company Autonomy, which was sold to Hewlett Packard in 2011 for $11 billion. The sale led to allegations that he defrauded Hewlett Packard by fraudulently inflating Autonomys revenue before the sale. He faced decades in prison but was ultimately acquitted this past June of fraud and conspiracy charges. Rescuers recover the body of one of the victims of the UK flag vessel Bayesan that sunk early Monday off the Sicilian village of Porticello near Palermo. via Associated Press Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency told reporters that the boat was struck by a tornado, also known as a waterspout. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, he said, according to The Associated Press. He noted that another superyacht in the area wasnt as badly damaged. The vessel was overturned while the passengers were sleeping, the head of a pediatric emergency room in Palermo told local media, according to The Telegraph, after meeting with a mother who escaped the yacht with her baby. She told me that she was in the water for no more than two, three seconds, and she managed to save the baby, to keep her arms up, and then, with the others, they were able to get on the lifeboat, and then, I think, they were rescued by the Coast Guard, said Dr. Domenico Cipolla at the Giovanni di Cristina pediatric hospital. Video posted on social media shows search and rescue operations over the water, including a helicopter and dive team. Photos also captured a bodybag being lifted into an ambulance. #Palermo, naufragio imbarcazione a Porticello: recuperato dai #sommozzatori dei #vigilidelfuoco il corpo senza vita di un uomo, allesterno del relitto. Proseguono le operazioni di ricerca con il coordinamento in mare della @guardiacostiera [#19agosto 11:30] pic.twitter.com/Y2m9o5ohCe Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024 This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Related... British tycoon Mike Lynch and daughter among missing at sea with one dead after yacht sinks in Italy British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter are among six tourists missing after his luxury yacht capsized in stormy weather and sank off the coast of Sicily. The 56-metre Bayesian, which was moored off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, capsized shortly before 5am when the area was hit by a tornado, with 15 guests rescued from the water. It has been reported that four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, while one body has been recovered. Salvatore Cocina, director general of Sicilys civil protection agency, told the BBC that 18-year-old Hannah Lynch was confirmed to be missing with her father, along with the yachts chef, Ricardo Thomas. At the time it sank, the British-flagged superyacht was carrying 10 crew members and 12 passengers, with Mr Lynchs wife Angela Bacares among those rescued, local media has reported. Emergency services at the scene of the search, in Porticello Santa Flavia (AP) Among those to be saved is Charlotte Golunski and her husband James Emsley, who had been on board with their one-year-old daughter Sofia when the storm began to violently sway the boat. She said: It was the end of the world and my husband and I were struggling to stand up. As the yacht sank, the family were thrown into the water. For two seconds, I lost my daughter in the sea, then quickly hugged her amid the fury of the waves. I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning, she added. It was all dark. In the water, I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Mike Lynch, pictured with his wife Angela Bacares, is among those missing after his yacht (inset) capsized off the coast of Sicily (PA/Desmond ONeill) Ms Golunski, Mr Emsley and Sofia are all being treated in hospital. An Italian doctor at the paediatric hospital in Palermo who treated the family told local media: She told me that while they were sleeping, at a certain point the yacht overturned due to the tornado, and they found themselves in the water. Some of them immediately managed to get onto the lifeboat. And some, evidently, didnt make it. Karsten Borner, captain of a nearby boat said that his crew took on board some survivors who were on a life raft, including three who were seriously injured. Fisherman Francesco Cefalu said he sailed from the shore to the scene after seeing a flare at about 4.30am but by the time he arrived, Bayesian had already sunk, with only items such as cushions and wood floating in the water. He added: I think they are inside, all the missing people. The tech tycoon founded software giant Autonomy which became one of the biggest enterprise software firms on the planet (PA Archive) Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency said: They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. One anonymous witness told Rai News: That boat was all lit up. At about 4.30 in the morning, it was gone. A beautiful boat where there had been a party. A normal holiday spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy. The boat was not far from the port. It took very little to raise the anchor and head for the port. Evidently, they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid sinking. The vessel is understood to have belonged to Mr Lynch and was registered in a company under his wifes name. The 59-year-old founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, and was made an OBE for services to enterprise 10 years later. In June, he was cleared of conducting a massive fraud relating to an $11bn (8.64bn) sale to US company Hewlett Packard, a deal which netted him 800m but kicked off a 13-year legal battle. He faced more than 20 years in US prison if convicted of the fraud and conspiracy allegations, and The Times reported that he spent 13 months under house arrest awaiting the trial. Survivors being assisted by the Italian coastguard (Getty) A spokesperson for Mr Lynch said there was no comment. Specialist cave divers are now being flown to Sicily from the Italian mainland to assist, while a helicopter and the fire brigade have been involved in the search. A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected. Bayesian completed several sailings in recent days, calling at various ports in Sicily, according to the ship-tracking website VesselFinder. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites and is listed for rent for up to 195,000 (166,000) a week. She was built in 2008 by Italian company Perini Navi and has previously won an award for best exterior styling at the 2009 World Superyacht Awards. Police cars at the scene as the search continues for the missing tourists (Getty) On Monday, it transpired Mr Lynchs co-defendant in the US court case, Stephen Chamberlain, was fatally injured in a road accident two days before Mr Lynch went missing. Mr Chamberlain, Autonomys former vice-president of finance alongside chief executive Lynch, was hit by a car in Cambridgeshire on Saturday morning while out running and was placed on life support, Reuters reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. He was a courageous man with unparalleled integrity, and we deeply miss him, his lawyer Gary Lincenberg said in a statement. He fought successfully to clear his good name, which lives on through his wonderful family. After leaving Autonomy in 2012, Mr Chamberlain worked as chief operating officer for cybersecurity firm Darktrace and volunteered as a finance director for Cambridge United soccer club, according to his LinkedIn profile. Mr Chamberlain faced the same charges of fraud and conspiracy as his former boss for allegedly scheming to inflate the companys value before it was sold but was also cleared of all charges. Cambridgeshire Police did not name Mr Chamberlain but were appealing for witnesses after a collision between a pedestrian and a car had taken place in Newmarket Road in Stretham. Officers said a blue Vauxhall Corsa was travelling between Stretham and Wicken on the A1123 when the collision happened at about 10.10am on Saturday. They added a man in his fifties had been taken to hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the car, a 49-year-old woman from Haddenham, remained at the scene and was assisting officers with their inquiries. BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) The Brookings County Sheriffs Office is asking the public for help in finding a stolen car. At approximately 2:00 A.M. on Monday morning, a Silver 2008 Buick Lucerne was stolen from a residence in Brookings. It was reported at 5:47 A.M. Motorcyclist severely injured in Sioux Falls crash The vehicle has South Dakota plates which read 6K0761. This incident is ongoing and being investigated by the Brookings Countys Sheriffs Office. If you have any information you are encouraged to contact 605-696-8300 or contact Crimestoppers online at www.brookingsareacrimestoppers.com or by phone 605-692-STOP (7867). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. BEREA, Ohio (WKBN) The Cleveland Browns have officially signed linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle and offensive tackle Chim Okorafor. Both players previously spent time with the Browns during training camp. In a corresponding move, the team has placed tackle Hakeem Adeniji on the reserve/injured list. Bouyer-Randle originally signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2023 out of Connecticut. He spent his rookie season on the Buccaneers and Commanders practice squads. Okorafor is a product of Benedictine College. He originally signed with Philadelphia as an undrafted free agent in 2023. In addition, he likewise spent time with Minnesota during his rookie season. He also played in the UFL last season with the Michigan Panthers. The Browns also waived wide receiver Matt Landers. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Azerbaijan holds exceptional significance for bilateral relations, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during an expanded meeting with President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Trend reports. Today, we have already exchanged views and expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between our countriesrelations between friends, neighbors, and allies. We observe positive dynamics in all areas. The composition of our delegations is also very illustrative and speaks for itself. In other words, there are indeed many topics for discussion and cooperation, and the scope of our mutual activities is expanding year by year. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in all areas, and I am confident that your visit will be another important step in bringing our countries and peoples closer together, the head of state pointed out. (Bloomberg) -- Bulgarias political turmoil deepened after President Rumen Radev unexpectedly declined to approve a new interim cabinet and said he would delay a snap election. Most Read from Bloomberg The Balkan nation is approaching its seventh such vote in less than four years, with political factions unable to establish a stable governing coalition. The crisis has hindered efforts to adopt the euro, delayed European Union recovery funding and postponed a number of administrative appointments. Radev rejected a proposed interim cabinet lineup Monday, saying that Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov wouldnt be able to guarantee fair elections if he continued in that role. The minister has come under scrutiny across the political spectrum for his alleged ties with controversial lawmaker Delyan Peevski, who is sanctioned by the US for corruption. Stoyanov has denied having ties with the political world and calls the accusations attacks against him and his ministry. The next election will now be postponed until after Oct. 20, Radev told Prime Minister-designate Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva, saying that the choice of Stoyanov left her with responsibility for a potential constitutional crisis. A NATO-trained Air Force general, Radev has confronted criticism for taking stances echoing the Kremlin and for a reluctance to provide military aid to Ukraine. After appointing several interim governments unilaterally since 2021, political parties amended the constitution to reduce his powers, leaving him with fewer options to form caretaker administrations. Radev is now forced to pick an interim premier among several administrative figures, including the ombudsman, the head of the audit office and its deputies, the central bank management team and the parliamentary speaker. Most of them have already refused the job, and some are yet to be appointed by lawmakers, though the president urged parliament to speed up that process. Polls suggest the next election is again unlikely to produce a stable majority, with a new vote possible in early 2025. Radev didnt suggest an alternative date for the ballot, though he said hed continue talks with other potential premiers to limit the turmoil. --With assistance from Piotr Bujnicki. (Updates with details, presidents comment from second paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. HUNTINGTON, WV (WVNS) A Cabell County man pleaded guilty to a federal gun crime on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. According to a press release, 35-year-old Steven Patrick Crabtree, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Raleigh County woman charged after man allegedly pepper sprayed and hit with a bat According to court documents, members of law enforcement responded to reports of a person shooting at people outside of a house in the Huntington area of Cabell County on March 4, 2024. Once at the scene, officers located Crabtree, who matched the description of the alleged shooting suspect, and a stolen handgun. Raleigh County man pleads guilty in Wyoming County after attempted theft People with prior felony convictions cannot possess a firearm or ammunition according to federal law. According to the press release, Crabtree, who had previous felony convictions for conspiracy to deliver not less than 10 grams nor more than 100 grams of heroin in Wayne County Circuit Court on May 30, 2018, and attempt to commit a felony in Cabell County Circuit Court on March 21, 2017, knew that he could not have a gun in his possession. Wyoming County man pleads guilty to grand larceny in laundromat theft Crabtrees sentencing is scheduled for November 25, 2024, and he faces up to 15 years in prison, a maximum of three years of parole, and a $250,000 fine. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Will Thompson, who thanked the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their work on the investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) Cairo Elementary School is encouraging all Kentucky schools to wear pink in honor of Lucy Nash. Officials want people to share their pictures on social media with #PinkiesUpForLucy. Nash was a fourth grader who collapsed during recess on the first day of school. She later was pronounced brain dead at a hospital in Indianapolis on August 13. The family has since returned to Henderson. Visitation has been scheduled for August 23 from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Preston Arts Center on the campus of Henderson Community College with a bright pink celebration of Nashs life being held at the same location being scheduled the next day at 11 a.m. with a private burial to follow. Courtesy: Cairo Elementary School Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Editors Note: We have updated this story (at 4:50 p.m.) after a Spanish Fort teenager who was once missing was found safe. SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WKRG) Two nights and two days of searching, combing thick woods with few clues, and just when some were starting to lose hope, their prayers were answered. Thank you, Jesus, says Stephanie Sellers as she shares the news her daughter, Twyla Tarvin, has been found safe and apparently unharmed. We are just grateful to God because I know only God did this. After walking away from her house on Buzbee Road Saturday afternoon, she was found just before two oclock Monday under a shed along the wood line at the end of Huckleberry Lane. Along with hundreds of other volunteers, Taylor Hill had also been searching the heavily wooded area. She was there when Twyla was found. It was very touching to get to see a Mom hold her baby after two nights without her, said Hill, holding back tears. She said she crawled under the shed and thats where she has been at, said Sellers. Twyla was taken by ambulance to a local hospital to be checked out, but every indication is she will be just fine. UPDATE (1:46 p.m.): A missing 14-year-old from Spanish Fort has been located and is safe. Twyla Tarvin was reported missing late Saturday evening. After a search beginning Monday morning, she was located safely around 1:30 p.m. This is developing story. News 5 will update it soon with more information. 14-year-old Twyla Tarvin was located safe Monday afternoon. Original Story SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WKRG) The Cajun Navy led almost 100 people Monday morning searching for 14-year-old Twyla Tarvin in a heavily wooded area in Spanish Fort. Twyla went missing from Buzbee Road late Saturday afternoon. Mobile police investigating armed robbery man taken to hospital According to family members, Twylas family just moved to the area around a month ago, meaning she is not familiar with the area. Search groups were dispersed off Jimmy Faulkner Drive between Spanish Fort High School and Spanish Fort Middle School. They are looking for any sign of the 14-year-old. A command center has been set up at the high school. Dogs, drones, ATVs, and helicopters are all involved in the search. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Calif. Mom of 8 Is Fatally Shot While Confronting People She Suspected of Selling Drugs to Family Member Maria Ramos, 33, brought immense joy, love, and kindness into the lives of everyone who knew her, a GoFundMe page reads GoFundMe Maria Ramos A California woman was fatally shot while confronting three people, including two teenagers she suspected were drug dealers selling marijuana to her children. Authorities in Oakland, Calif., responded to a shooting on Aug. 7 and found a person suffering from gunshot wounds, Oakland police said, KRON 4, NBC Bay Area and CBS News previously reported. A young lady visiting her family was gunned down by two juveniles and a male adult over some sort of dispute, Oakland Police Department Deputy Chief Frederick Shavies alleged at a press briefing on Friday, Aug. 16. He added that the 33-year-old victim was pronounced dead and the patrol team promptly located the vehicle of the suspects and took them into custody within 12 hours. The victim was identified by Oakland police as Maria Ramos, per KRON 4 and NBC Bay Area. Blanca Velasco, Ramos mother, says Ramos was visiting her from Los Angeles with her eight children, per NBC Bay Area. A GoFundMe set up for her funeral costs says her children are between the ages of 1 and 16. On the day of the shooting, Velasco told the San Francisco Chronicle that she saw a car pull up to the house and believed the teenage occupants were selling drugs to her family member. Velasco and Ramos subsequently followed the car containing the suspects and pulled up alongside it, surveillance footage obtained and shared by KTVU shows. Our plan was to tell them to stop coming to our house, Velasco said, per the outlet. Video shows a person, identified by KTVU as Ramos, emerging from her car and allegedly spraying pepper spray into the suspects' car. One of the people in the suspects car is seen exiting the vehicle from the passenger seat and chasing the person identified as Ramos, the video shows. Ramos was allegedly shot and subsequently collapsed on a nearby sidewalk, the outlet reports. Velasco then drove away after the suspects allegedly pointed a gun at her, she said, per KTVU. The video then shows the suspects' car driving away. When Velasco drove back to the site of the confrontation, she found Ramos bloodied on the ground, she told the outlet. I just saw all the blood coming out and I started rubbing her and told her, 'Breathe! We still need you. You have eight kids that still need you,' Velasco said. As she was tending to her daughter, authorities arrived at the scene, she said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. In the GoFundMe set up for funeral expenses as well as to support the children she leaves behind, Ramos is being remembered for her kindness. "She brought immense joy, love, and kindness into the lives of everyone who knew her," the fundraiser reads. Authorities have not released the names of the suspect as of this reporting. Charges and plea information for the suspects were not immediately clear. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) The Capitol police chief said investigators have leads in the mass shooting that killed one person and injured five others at a Jackson bar. Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey said some people walked into the Daiquiri Bar in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 17 and started shooting. Luckey said officers are still investigating what led up to the shooting. According to the police chief, there was a possible fight that night or during the week before the incident. Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart identified the victim who was killed as Niger Devon McGee, 25. The coroner said McGee was shot in the face. Investigators said two of the injured victims are still hospitalized. 1 killed, 5 injured in Jackson shooting We do know that the ages of the injured ranged from 19 to 25. So, generally speaking, when youre when youre in a area with people at that age, the suspects are going to be of like age. So unfortunately, these young folks today, this is the way that they feel like they need to handle conflicts. And this is absolutely its the wrong way to handle things, obviously. But the fact that they do it in such a public and crowded place is just its absolutely just its absurd, Luckey said. No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information about the shooting can contact Capitol police at 601-359-3125. Officials with the Daiquiri Bar announced the business will be closed until further notice. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) A car hit a home at the intersection of Stringtown and Pfeiffer Roads in Evansville on Sunday night. Police say the driver of the car hit a utility pole, breaking it in half. The car then crashed into the home, taking the pole with it. Police say they are investigating the possibility of alcohol being involved in the crash. The driver is expected to be ok. No one in the home was hurt. This is a developing story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Azerbaijan and Russia act as allies, friends, close partners, and neighbors, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during a joint press conference with President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Trend reports. The head of state highlighted the special nature of President Vladimir Putins state visit to Azerbaijan. Statement by President Ilham Aliyev - Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, Dear guests, Dear friends, Once again, I would like to warmly welcome our dear guests. The President of the Russian Federation is paying a state visit to Azerbaijan. The visit is special in nature. Our summit meetings are regular. This year we have met twice: once in Moscow and once on the sidelines of an international event. But, of course, the format and nature of a state visit are quite special, if you like, and this is evidence of a high level of interstate relations. The documents adopted today, including, in particular, the Joint Declaration of the Presidents, once again confirm the friendly and allied nature of our relations. The Declaration on Allied Interaction, which was signed in February 2022, is being successfully implemented. Our countries act as allies, friends, close partners, and neighbors. Today, we discussed a wide range of interstate relations in great detail. Suffice it to look at the composition of delegations to see that the scope of activities of interstate agencies is indeed quite broad. We have analyzed in detail the issues related to trade and economic relations. The growth in turnover last year and the first six months of this year shows great potential for cooperation. Last year, we crossed the $4 billion mark, and we exchanged our views that, of course, this is not the limit. Special attention is always paid to the area of humanitarian cooperation. There are 324 schools in Azerbaijan where teaching is provided in Russian, with about 160,000 pupils studying in them. More than 800,000 students learn Russian as a second language. There are Russian language departments in 26 universities in Azerbaijan, benefiting more than 15,000 students. The branches of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov and Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov are functioning successfully. Today, we also discussed the development of relations in the field of education. We also discussed in detail, during the meeting in a limited format, issues related to regional security. After September of last year, a completely new situation arose in the region Azerbaijan completely restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Naturally, the new situation opens up ample opportunities for establishing a strong and lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The stability and security of the entire South Caucasus region largely depend on close cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan. We also discussed in detail the implementation of the North-South project, which is of exceptional importance for our interstate relations, as well as for issues related to regional transport corridors and transport routes. I must say that both the railway and automobile segments of the North-South corridor have been fully implemented and are successfully operating on the territory of Azerbaijan. At the moment, we are actively modernizing the railway segment of this corridor to increase its throughput capacity. We are talking about the possibility of transporting cargo of 15 million tons per year and higher up to 30 million tons, and this is quite feasible. In this case, both Russia and Azerbaijan, and I hope that and other participants in this corridor as well, will continue their activities with joint efforts. Again, I must say that this year we have already allocated approximately $120 million (in the dollar equivalent) for the modernization of this railway section to achieve the required throughput capacity. There are 20 flights a day between different cities of Russia and Azerbaijan. I must say that there werent so many mutual flights even during the Soviet Union. Moreover, they are shared equally between Azerbaijani and Russian carriers. This indicates that contacts between people are of a regular nature. Today, we also acknowledged an increase in mutual visits between the citizens of our countries. In the energy sector, the situation was analyzed in detail, both in the oil and gas sectors and in the electricity sector. We are working hard in this direction, and I am sure that we will continue to coordinate our activities. We have also exchanged views on an issue that concerns both sides, namely the environmental situation in the Caspian Sea, particularly the fact that it is becoming catastrophically shallow. From the window of the room where we held talks, I showed Vladimir Vladimirovich the rocks that were underwater just two years ago, and today they are already one meter above the surface. We are observing this along the entire coast of the Absheron Peninsula in fact, not only there but also along the entire coast of Azerbaijan. We have agreed to jointly analyze the situation and outline solutions both in a bilateral and five-party format to prevent a possible environmental disaster. In other words, we can already see the manifestations of this environmental disaster with the naked eye. I have also expressed my gratitude to Vladimir Vladimirovich and the Russian side as a whole for supporting Azerbaijan's candidacy as a venue for the Climate Conference - COP29. Russia's support was extremely important, and we are now working, including in a bilateral format, on issues related to the preparation for this climate conference. I would like to express my gratitude to you, Vladimir Vladimirovich, once again for accepting my invitation and visiting Azerbaijan on a state visit. Without a doubt, this visit is of historic significance and will make an important contribution to the strengthening of friendly and allied relations between our countries. Thank you for your attention. Carol Moseley Braun, first Black woman to serve in US Senate, affirms Kamala Harris readiness in becoming first female President CHICAGO The Democratic National Convention will be unlike any other. For the first time, Democrats will nominate the first woman of color to run for president. Carol Moseley Braun has experience breaking barriers and cracking the glass ceiling. She made history as the first African American woman to serve in the US Senate, and Vice President Kamala Harris became the second Black woman to serve in 2016. Now a DNC delegate, WGN-TV caught up with Moseley Braun at her apartment in Hyde Park. There, she spoke to Evening News anchor Micah Materre about President Joe Bidens surprising decision to step down and the ensuing support for his VP in Harris. Before Bidens announcement that he would not seek re-election for a second term, Moseley Braun said she was on board with his continued candidacy. I would have followed him to the gates of hell and so when he made that decision, I was on board 100 percent, like, No problem. Kamala, Ill go over her and do this,' Moseley Braun said. Now 77, Moseley Braun called Bidens decision surprising since she had just seen him at the state dinner for the President of Kenya in Washington, DC, before his subsequent decision. The point is that he seemed fine to me and hes really a good man, she said. He wants to serve his country as best he can and he has. And so, as he goes into the sunset, I am willing to support him even in that. With all of her support behind Harris, Moseley Braun admits it will be a tough road ahead for the vice president, the first Black female or person of South Asian descent with the support to possibly win the presidency. Just gird her loins and get ready for it because theyre going to come at you every way, Moseley Braun said when asked what advice she would give the presidential hopeful, adding that the venture wouldnt come easy. Theyre going to do everything they can to make you mad and you just cant. You cant get mad publicly. Moseley Braun would know, as she also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004. I was too thinned-skinned, Moseley Braun said. In hindsight, I was. Somebody would say, Youre too fat, and it would send me into a depression that would last a week. Theres this word that Ive used now and I dont know, some philosopher made it up, called misogynoir. Actually, our last mayor referred to it a couple of times, but its a real thing; its misogyny and racism. You put those two things together and it just means that her burden is that much more difficult. Minyon Moore, a longtime political consultant to candidates and presidents and now chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, echoed Moseley Brauns sentiment. Now, all we have to do is keep them marching towards the polls because we know its going to get ugly, Moore said. But can a woman finally become President of the United States? Both Moseley Braun and Moore believe it can happen. Moseley Braun: I think a woman can and frankly, the energy around Kamala Harris right now suggests that people are welcoming it and are waiting for it. Moore added, We will elect the first woman President in our country and we have to work every day to prove to America that women are capable of doing this. DIGITAL EXTRA: Carol Moseley Braun talks DNC with Micah and Tahman After more than a year of planning, Chicago is at the center of the political spotlight this week as host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Day 2 Recap: Barack and Michelle Obama close DNCs second night with fired up speeches Illinois plays starring role on second night of DNC DNC Day 2: Celebrities, political leaders and more shine Hostage Square Chicago pop-up unveiled Tuesday near DNC Young volunteers play key role in event Running group brings Jewish and Palestinian Americans together during DNC Protestors clash with police amid rally outside Israeli Consulate on day 2 of DNC Inside Secret Services DNC Communications Center Second layer of security fencing added outside United Center for Day 2 of DNC Photos: Celebs spotted at the DNC The convention runs through Thursday. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term. WGN Cover Story: Why Chicago has hosted more presidential conventions than any other city. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The case against a man accused of stabbing a deputy Mahoning County Dog Warden was dismissed. A charge of felonious assault was dismissed in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court against Squire Glenn. Glenn was charged in July 2021 after reports said he stabbed Deputy Dog Warden Dave Nelson at West Myrtle and Oak Hill avenues. Glenn underwent a mental health evaluation and was deemed incompetent to stand trial. He was treated at a mental health facility and his competency was restored. Court records do not say why the charge was dismissed, but it was at the request of the Mahoning County Prosecutors Office. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. If we want all eligible voters to be registered and engaged, we need a concrete plan to reduce voter frustration. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current) When election polling numbers hit the news every morning, some of us worry about voters who are not engaged and so arent represented in those numbers. For me, its more than worrying over whether they will vote, its why they may not vote thats troublesome. Nevada is a very transient state, with many people moving in every month, meaning more voters are added to the rolls each election cycle. These voters arent local eighteen-year-olds, so Nevada civics knowledge isnt imprinted in their minds. The issue isnt their newly arrived status, instead its that civics knowledge does not neatly transfer over state lines. The U.S. Constitution gives states the power to run elections differently and to manage governance uniquely, so the only way to address this gap is to invest in public civics education. Kudos to Nevada for making voter registration immensely easy, but where exactly are new voters supposed to find reliable and complete information about Nevadas election rules and elected offices? Do you know where to find reliable information on our judicial races? How about the school board trustees? And how do you find out if a candidate is from your district and will represent you? Newcomers need to know that our local reporters and news organizations post voter guides and candidate profiles. I worry a lot about the nonpartisan down-ballot races being ignored, so its very helpful that Nevada Current focuses on those races. If youre asking yourself, Whats a nonpartisan race? be sure to check Nevada Current regularly to answer those types of questions. I started my nonprofit for voter education and civic engagement, Vote Nevada, a few years ago. Community members who feel civically lost and in need can contact me for help to become confident Nevada voters. As an educator, I also know that frustrated people often give up rather than struggle to find answers and information. So, if we want all eligible voters to be registered and engaged, we need a concrete plan to reduce voter frustration. Why is this suddenly an urgent need? We have a dire dilemma for a good reason: many more new voters. In 2019, Nevada began registering voters automatically at the DMV. So, when a person applies for a drivers license or identification card, they can automatically register, too. When the law passed, we worried about how to assign party affiliation but didnt worry enough about preparing newly registered voters to vote. It was assumed someone else would handle that part of the process. But who? A blue postcard arrives in these voters mailboxes, informing them of their new voting status. Yet, nothing arrives to answer questions about voting until the Sample Ballot shows up late in the election cycle. The Sample Ballot, however, is limited. As a College of Southern Nevada professor, many of my classes are online, so I learned years ago that despite assumptions about younger students being digital natives, every student needed instruction on how to navigate an online class successfully. In all my classes, therefore, the first thing my students see is: Welcome! Heres what you need to do to be a successful student. If you have questions, please ask. Every new voter needs the same message: Welcome! Heres what you need to do to be a successful voter. If you have questions, heres where you can ask. Voters would benefit from a centralized repository of election and governing information, which would relieve some of the burden on our election officials. Electronic information on voting preparation can also be easily broken down into social media content. Some information will define what elected officials do, while other material will point voters to reliable election and voter resources with up-to-date information on processes and races. Be sure to bookmark this news space. I am not a person who sees a problem, points to a solution, and then waits for someone else to act. I am acting now. I hope elected leaders focus on public civics education legislatively, but until then, I am ready to do my part. Through Vote Nevada, I am working with students and community volunteers to break down our election processes and governing systems into bite-sized videos. All social media platforms accept ADA-compliant videos, so we will start there. The first item up is the mail-in voting process. Currently, we throw out thousands of mail-in ballots every election due to signature issues. This is unacceptable, but it keeps happening, so we must help address it. The fix is pretty easy, but the information needs to circulate widely to every mail-in voter; time is of the essence. After posting these videos, we will need help spreading the good word. If you have just a few minutes, please subscribe to the Vote Nevada YouTube channel to help share our efforts. If you are interested in creating public civics education videos to help develop confident voters, please email info@vote-nevada.org. Here in the Central Valley, weve all been affected by record breaking heat, poor air quality and the costs of increased reliance on air conditioning for those lucky enough to have it. As a grandmother, health care provider and lover of the outdoors, I want to ensure we have a stable future for children. I worry about the working and living conditions of my neighbors, and feel the impact on my own mental and physical health when I cant safely enjoy time outside. Thats why, this past June, I joined a delegation of local volunteers from Citizens Climate Lobby Fresno who traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with our congressional representatives. We joined 1,000 ordinary citizens from around the country, converging on Capitol Hill to advocate for common-sense, nonpartisan solutions to counter extreme weather and pollution. Opinion It felt good to be heard. And, since that trip, two Valley leaders Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, and Jim Costa, D-Fresno have co-sponsored the Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act, which would provide detailed and transparent data on emissions in the production and transport of critical goods like steel, cement and fertilizer. Products produced in the U.S. are typically cleaner than the rest of the world, and proving this lets us hold countries with less stringent environmental standards accountable. This will boost American business by bolstering arguments for promoting domestic manufacturing and energy production and help address global emissions contributing to air pollution and extreme weather. To address climate change, we must have a global race to the top so that all nations have more strong incentives to reduce their emissions, California Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, who co-authored the PROVE IT Act, said in a press statement. (It) will provide the data to show the benefits of Americas high environmental standards while holding nations like China accountable for their emissions-intensive practices. How best to address climate change can be a contentious topic, but Im encouraged that people from across the political spectrum are seeing the benefits of investing in climate-smart technologies and vehicles at their farms, ranches and homes. We must do our best to keep seeking bipartisan solutions that will improve our lives and ensure we can build the clean energy infrastructure needed to transition away from burning heat-trapping fossil fuels overheating our planet. Right now, more than 95% of new energy projects awaiting permits are solar, wind and battery storage. Building a new electrical transmission line, on average, takes over a decade, and solar, wind and transmission projects are litigated at higher rates than other infrastructure projects. If the construction of energy infrastructure continues at this pace, we will not be able to lower our emissions at the speed and scale necessary to avoid the worst effects of climate change and ensure Americans have affordable and reliable energy in the 21st century. In just a few months we will have the opportunity to vote for new political leaders. We can help move the needle toward a more hopeful future by voting for candidates who demonstrate that they will work across the aisle to protect our soil, water, air and atmosphere. Andrea Farber-De Zubiria is the volunteer leader of the local chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that trains ordinary citizens to help build political will across political divides for a stable and healthy climate. (R-L) Lithuanian Army Chief Raimundas Vaiksnoras, State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry of Defense Nils Hilmer, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas stand together for the time capsule ceremony held to mark a new stage in the construction of a German military training area in Lithuania. Alexander Welscher/dpa A time capsule has been buried at the site where a German combat brigade is to be stationed in Lithuania in the presence of Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas. The ceremony on Monday in Rudninkai south of Vilnius was held to mark a new stage in the construction of a base for the German troops to be stationed in the Baltic republic. Lithuanian Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaiksnoras and German Defence Ministry State Secretary Nils Hilmer were present, along with representatives of the German advance headquarters. In response to the changed security situation in Europe following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Germany has decided to station a combat brigade permanently in Lithuania. It is to be ready for deployment by 2027. The plan is for up to 5,000 troops to be stationed in the country, 80% of them at Rudninkai . According to the Lithuanian Defence Ministry, the initial construction phase will focus on accommodation and administration buildings, along with storage facilities for military equipment. A contract to the value of 125 million ($138 million) has been concluded with a local construction company. Lithuanian soldier Rimantas Jarmalavicius explains the plans for the expansion of the military training area where the German brigade is to be stationed in Lithuania. Alexander Welscher/dpa CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The three middle schools in Champaign received a threat on social media. Champaign Police confirmed school district staff contacted the department around 1:45 p.m. Monday about a social media threat. Police said while the threat had vague language, it did name three middle schools: Franklin Academy, Jefferson Middle School and Edison Middle School. Urbana Police Chief apologizes for department handling of attempted abduction case Police will have extra officers in the area for Monday afternoon and at dismissal to promote a visible presence to ensure security in area school zones. A spokesperson for the department said they are working to investigate the source of the threat. In an email from the school district to families, all students were reported safe. We continue to prioritize the safety and security of our students and staff, part of the email reads. School officials ask that any suspicious information or threats be reported to the district using their Securly Tip Line online. The complete email is posted below. August 19, 2024 Dear Edison, Franklin and Jefferson Families and Staff, We have been made aware of a social media threat to Franklin Academy, Jefferson and Edison Middle Schools. We are working with the Champaign Police Department to investigate this. Everyone is safe in their school buildings. However, out of an abundance of caution, security has been heightened while school remains in session. We continue to prioritize the safety and security of our students and staff. Students and families can report suspicious information 24 hours a day using the online Securly Tip Line. Sincerely, Champaign Unit 4 Schools Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Happy Monday, and welcome to this weeks edition of Brunswick Today, brought to you by me, Renee Spencer. One week from today, schools across the area will be back in session, and families will begin establishing a new routine one they hope will last through end of the school year. As a kid, I always loved heading back to school. Yes, I was a nerd who just loved all things school, but I also loved the feeling of a fresh chapter. While I am no longer the one heading to class, I still love it. My son just started his junior year of high school last week, and I wanted to do all the things: school supply shopping, clothes shopping, and soaking up those moments of summer together. But he informed me hes too old for all that, and he purchased his own school supplies and clothes. I am proud of him for taking care of things on his own, but it did take some of the wind out of my sails until I remembered that soon, the StarNews will kick off its second year of its Student of the Week program. Local schools will nominate a student each week, and those names go into a poll. The winner is then chosen by you our readers and the winner appears in a story online and in our Sunday print edition. If you missed this feature last year, make reading and voting in the polls part of your routine this year. Now, heres whats been happening in Brunswick County The entrance of San Rio Ocean and River Club in Shallotte in 2007. Here we grow Speaking of new chapters, a zombie development in Shallotte is about to get new life, bringing new homes and residents to the area. Learn more here. More growth means new roads. Here's a look at one coming to the Southport area. Tom Cerniglia of Southport currently serves as the Commander of the American Legion Department of North Carolina. His post became official during the organization's state convention, held in Raleigh earlier this summer. Getting to know...Tom Cerniglia Tom Cerniglia is not like most of the folks at the American Legion Post. Considered "a newbie" by Legion standards, he's accomplished a lot in his short time, including recently being elected to lead the organization's state chapter. Read about him here. The gate at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point near Southport, N.C., on Friday, June 28, 2024. A deeper dive The StarNews had the opportunity to go behind the gates and talk with the folks at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, the world's largest military terminal located right in Brunswick County. Check out our story here. Lets get social For more news about whats happening in Brunswick County, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BrunswickToday. Want your friends to be in the know? Forward this newsletter to them. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Brunswick Today newsletter for Aug. 19, 2024 Apti Alaudinov, the commander of the Chechen Akhmat Regiment fighting for Russia, said in a video on Aug. 19 that Russian conscripts should go to the front, and those who will be killed in Kursk Oblast "will go to heaven." Alaudinov himself isn't fighting on the front. Kyiv launched the unprecedented cross-border incursion on Aug. 6, saying it had captured over 1,200 square kilometers and dozens of Russian settlements since then. At the beginning of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian conscripts will not be involved in the combat. As all-out war entered its third year, Putin signed a decree meant to conscript 150,000 citizens as part of the regularly occurring spring conscription campaign. According to multiple reports, a number of conscripts were sent to Kursk Oblast and some 250 of them were captured by Ukrainian forces, the Washington Post reported on Aug. 16, citing an unnamed head of a prison where they were held. Mothers of conscripts called on Putin to withdraw them from Kursk Oblast, the Moscow Times wrote on Aug. 12. The petition reportedly collected more than 5,000 signatures. Addressing the conscripts' parents, Alaudinov said that Russia is currently "under attack by the enemy" and everyone must "stand the line." "If your 18-year-old children, who are already in the Defense Ministry, they are servicemen, should not defend the homeland, even when it is attacked by the enemy and when the enemy is on our land. I have one question for you: why does this country need you and your children?" said Alaudinov, a close ally of Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov and an official at the Russian Defense Ministry, in a video published on Telegram. "No one will die who is not destined to die. But if you die defending your homeland, your faith in God, you will go to heaven," he added. Alaudinov said that he "understands" only those parents who are dissatisfied with the payment for conscripts, offering them to sign contracts. At least 159 Russian conscripts have been killed since the beginning of Moscow's full-screen invasion of Ukraine, BBC's Russian service reported in early August. As Ukraine continues to make progress in the region, Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed a third bridge in Kursk Oblast, further hindering Russia's ability to resupply troops hoping to fend off Ukraine's incursion. Read also: Ukraines buffer zone in Kursk Oblast heres what you need to know Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov meets Russian President Vladimir Putin (Not pIctured). Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, who has been sanctioned by the US and the EU for human rights violations, has bragged about a luxury truck by US carmaker Tesla on his Telegram channel. -/Kremlin/dpa Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, who has been sanctioned by the US and the EU for human rights violations, has bragged about a luxury truck by US carmaker Tesla on his Telegram channel. The head of Russia's semi-autonomous republic of Chechnya in the northern Caucasus claimed that he had received the Cyberbeast from Tesla boss Elon Musk. "A truly invulnerable and fast animal," the Kremlin backed Kadyrov said in a Telegram post, which also featured a video. In the footage, Kadyrov drives around the Chechen capital Grozny in the vehicle, which fitted with a gun turret. The 47-year-old then poses by the gun mounted on top of the car wearing ammunition belts across his shoulders and over his chest. With a laugh, he said that the Cybertruck would soon be of use in Russia's war against neighbouring Ukraine. "I am sure this 'beast' will be of great use to our fighters," he said in the post. Kadyrov has been criticized internationally for serious human rights violations. Civil rights activists accuse the ardent supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin of murdering political opponents, torturing prisoners and kidnappings. The ruler himself fills public offices with relatives and repeatedly and demonstratively violates laws with the tacit approval of the Kremlin. In addition to the video of the Cybertruck, which costs upwards of $99,000, Kadyrov has been publishing images of Ukrainian war dead and prisoners of war. Like hundreds of members of the Russian power apparatus, he is subject to sanctions by the West. The video is also a reminder to the West that the rich and powerful in Russia are still able to obtain luxury goods that are not meant to be allowed into the country due to the sanctions. In the clip, Kadyrov thanked Musk, although it was not clear whether the vehicle was a gift. He also invited the tech billionaire to Chechnya. "I express my sincere gratitude to Elon Musk! This is, of course, the strongest genius of our time and a specialist. A great man!" said Kadyrov. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in a joint press statement following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reported that they discussed the environmental situation in the Caspian Sea, Trend reports. We exchanged views on a matter of mutual concernthe environmental situation in the Caspian Sea and its catastrophic shallowing. We agreed to analyze and outline steps to address this issue both bilaterally and in a five-sided format to prevent a potential environmental disaster, said the President. The Azerbaijani leader also expressed gratitude to Vladimir Putin and the Russian side for supporting Azerbaijans bid to host the COP29 climate conference. Russias support has been crucial, and we are currently working, including bilaterally, on matters related to the preparation for this climate conference, President Ilham Aliyev added. The warlord leader of Chechnya has mounted a machine gun on a Tesla Cybertruck that he says he plans to send to Russian forces on the battlefields in Ukraine. Ramzan Kadyrov published a video on Saturday of himself driving the vehicle, which he said had been sent to him by the strongest genius of our time, Elon Musk, before it was adapted. Musk later denied giving the vehicle to the Chechen leader. Are you seriously so retarded that you think I donated a Cybertruck to a Russian general? Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he owns. In the slickly produced video, a grinning Kadyrov is seen driving the vehicle through an empty square in Grozny, Chechnyas capital. He then gets out of the truck and stands behind the machine gun with an ammunition belt draped round his neck. We received a Tesla Cybertruck from the respected Elon Musk. I was happy to test the new equipment and personally saw that theres a reason that it is called the Cyberbeast, Kadyrov wrote on Telegram. Kadyrov said he literally fell in love with the vehicle, which he said was invulnerable, fast, comfortable and maneuverable. Based on such excellent characteristics, the Cybertruck will soon be sent to the special military operation zone, he said, using the Russian euphemism for its invasion of Ukraine. I am sure that this beast will bring a lot of benefit to our fighters, he added. Ramzan Kadyrov attends a military parade in Grozny, Russia on May 9, 2022. - Chingis Kondarov/Reuters Kadyrov thanked Musk for sending him the vehicle and invited him to Grozny, where he said he would be received as the most dear guest. Late Sunday, Musk denied he had sent Kadyrov the vehicle, saying the story is yet another example of how much the legacy media lies. After the Soviet Union crumbled, insurgents in neighboring Chechnya fought two separatist wars for independence. Russia labeled the uprisings as terrorism and responded by leveling Grozny. Russian President Vladimir Putin then installed Kadyrov, a former warlord known for his brutality and his allegiance to Putin, as leader. For decades, Kadyrov has been criticized for alleged human rights violations. The US State Department sanctioned him in 2020, saying it has extensive credible information that Kadyrov was responsible for gross violations of human rights, including torture and extrajudicial killings. Kadyrov has also been sanctioned by the United Kingdom and European Union. Elon Musk introduces the Cybertruck at Tesla's design studio in Hawthorne, California, in 2019. - Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Musk unveiled the Tesla Cybertruck, which runs on an electric battery, in 2019 in Los Angeles. At the event, Musk asked a Tesla employee to throw a rock at the vehicles windows, which had been billed as virtually unbreakable. Two windows broke. The Cybertruck retails from around $90,000 in the United States. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Musk who is also the CEO of SpaceX provided Starlink satellite internet service to Kyiv, to replace the systems damaged during the war. Starlink has been used by Ukraines military to carry out military operations against Russia. CNNs Darya Tarasova contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Chicago officials say they are ready for DNC as protesters begin arriving at Union Park CHICAGO As the first day of the Democratic National Convention has finally arrived, Chicago officials promise they are prepared for large protests soon to kick off near the United Center. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters at a news conference Monday morning that his officers passed an important early test over the weekend with a smaller march along the Magnificent Mile. Snelling said there were no arrests directly associated with the march. A 23-year-old woman was arrested nearby and charged with defacement of public property and resisting arrest, but she was not part of the demonstration, he said. Yesterday we had a protest and our officers responded exactly the way that we trained them, Snelling said. There was mutual respect there and because of that we didnt have any incidents. (The demonstrators) were able to have their voices heard and we protected them while they were doing it. Snelling said he hoped to see more of the same as the demonstrations were expected to grow much larger beginning on Monday. He reiterated his previous comments that the police were there to protect not only the First Amendment rights of demonstrators, but also the safety of the convention attendees and the general public. We prefer not to have clashes, we would prefer not to make arrests if we dont have to, and we will avoid these things as long as were not engaged in acts of vandalism or violence, Snelling said. The entire CPD is scheduled to work during the four-day convention, and officers can expect the departments deployment plans to return to normal on Friday, Snelling said. Derek Mayer, the deputy special agent in charge of the Secret Services Chicago office, praised the collaborative planning among the various agencies handling DNC security. Im proud to finally put that plan into action, Mayer said. Meanwhile near the convention site, protesters began gathering Monday morning for what is expected to be a significant pro-Palestinian demonstration and march. Some were at Union Park before 8 a.m. to set up equipment for the rallies to held in the park during the convention. Union Park was bright and breezy, and by 9:30 a.m. hundreds had gathered to distribute signs and water bottles ahead of the planned rally. Piles of printed picket signs lay on the grass, with slogans like End US Aid to Israel and Justice, peace and equality! One featured a picture of President Joe Biden with glowing red eyes and read Democrats fund the genocide of Palestinians. Some demonstrators carried hand-painted signs: My vote will not be for Israel or Black Rock wars, read one sign above a painting of an Israeli flag smeared with red. Volunteers estimated that about 10,000 signs were made for the anticipated throngs of demonstrators to carry during Monday afternoons march. Many of those signs could be seen lying in the grass waiting to be carried during the protest. Protesters around the country have heavily criticized the Biden administrations response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and Democratic politicians support of Israel. With the most powerful Democrats gathering at the United Center, Chicago is expected to become a focus point. Israels ongoing invasion of Gaza, triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 terror attack, has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and led to widespread destruction in Gaza, accusations of detainee abuse and ongoing fears of a wider war in the Middle East. The march from Union Park only materialized after the coalition of organizers sued the city in federal court, alleging the city was violating their First Amendment rights by denying permits to demonstrate within sight and sound of the convention hall. The lawsuit resulted in the new route that will take the demonstrators within a few blocks of the United Center, although organizers have continued to complain about the length of the route and that it diverts onto narrower side streets. At the news conference Monday, Snelling said the length of the route doesnt matter as much as control efforts put in place in advance, including by the demonstrators who have proven to be very good at policing themselves and each other. We have a way of keeping everybody in line and keeping them on the route, Snelling said. This wont be a log jam. Meanwhile, on Friday, Mayor Brandon Johnson personally intervened in another dispute over the citys denial of a permit to set up stages and sound systems for the Union Park rally. We talked directly to the mayor, Hatem Abudayyeh, executive director of the Arab American Action Network, said during a news conference in Federal Plaza after the deal was struck. We knew that he supported us, our coalition and these protests and its proof positive that he called one of the top leaders of the coalition directly on his cellphone and said Were gonna make this happen. Im gonna make sure that everybodys rights are protected. At a news conference in Union Park Monday morning, Abudayyeh praised the mayor for publicly calling the war in Gaza genocidal, and for supporting a ceasefire resolution in Chicagos City Council. He has been in the front of this issue from day one, Abudayyeh said, noting it was a welcome change from former mayor Rahm Emanuels administration. If he was still in office we would have went on an absolute attack against him personally as a Zionist supporter of Israel, Abudayyeh said. He told reporters that supporters from a wide swath of backgrounds and interests were gathered to support a central demand: urging the U.S. to stop aid to Israel and stand with the Palestinian people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to massacre every single day, Abudayyeh said. And he does it because Genocide Joe Biden allows him to do it. Make no mistake, Joe Biden can turn off that tap of money and funding immediately the fact that he didnt means he supports this genocide, that hes got the blood of 40,000 Palestinians on his hands. Faayani Aboma Mijana of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression referred to top Democrats as Genocide Joe, Killer Kamala Harris and Baby-Killer (Antony) Blinken. These genocidal politicians would rather that they had their celebratory affair over in the United Center unbothered despite its funding of the Israeli genocide, Mijana. The existence of this coalition, of this march, is a testament to how the very working and oppressed people these Democrats claim to represent will no longer stand for the currently existing order of our tax dollars going to fund a genocide, Mijana said. There is no lesser of two evils when the so-called lesser is aiding and abetting a genocide. Another organizer, Omar Younes, reminded reporters that the Biden administration recently approved $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel, prompting calls of shame from supporters standing with him. Israel destroyed more than 70 percent of the homes in Gaza, many of which my family lived in, he said. The (Democratic) party is what keeps this agenda moving, and the people are here to make their voice heard. My community wakes up to photos and videos of our family and friends decapitated, burned to death, killed by 2,000-pound Israeli bombs dropped on their homes. But not everyone in the park was singling out the Biden administration. With signs saying Both Democrats and Republicans have blood on their hands and Democrats fund the genocide of Palestine, Harris supporters Benee Ross of Chicago and Denise Delegol of West Bloomfield, Mich. spent the morning listening to the protesters views and trying to explain what is at stake for Gaza if Donald Trump is elected. Trumps advisors have called for the expulsions of Palestinians from Gaza and the annexation of the West Bank. Bidens administration has funded the war and Harris has called for a ceasefire since becoming the presumptive nominee. They (the pro-Palestinian protesters) need to have a clear understanding what he plans to do if hes elected and what that will mean for the Palestinian people. That is what they should be focused on stopping, Delegol said. I believe Kamala Harris hears their concerns and understands the problems. Delegol and Ross both said they recognize the humanitarian crisis taking place in Gaza, but they believe the better chance of resolving it rests with Harris. No one could seriously believe Vice President Harris supports genocide against women and children. Ross said. I hope these protesters understand the future for Gaza if Donald Trump returns to office, Ross said. For Chicagoans, especially those who live and work near the United Center and McCormick Place, all that remains to do is wait and see what the day brings as far as demonstrations. The city saw wide-scale protests in 2020 after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police, gatherings that began peacefully but eventually spun out into widespread looting and rioting across the city. Unrest flared again downtown in August of that year, leaving two people shot and multiple police officers injured. Police and city officials were widely criticized for their response to the chaos; while addressing DNC preparations this year, Snelling who took charge of the department last year has said CPD was unprepared to handle the looting and violence of 2020. While that mayhem is fresh in Chicagoans memories, the circumstances of the DNC are significantly different. Far from the spontaneous gatherings of 2020, the largest expected demonstrations around the United Center have been pre-planned, scheduled and permitted to the hilt. The security perimeters were unveiled weeks ago and the legal challenges over marching routes have been ironed out. Meanwhile, scores of CPD officers have undergone hours upon hours of enhanced training, focused largely on crowd control and demonstrators civil rights. Hundreds of extra cops from across Illinois and more from Milwaukee, where the Republic National Convention was held last month will be dispersed across the city, as well. Officials have stressed that out-of-town officers will be safeguarding infrastructure like bridges and underpasses that could be targeted by bad actors, not patrolling neighborhoods or interacting with the public, though specific plans and assignments remain fluid. The whole world is watching once again. Snelling has said ad nauseam that the First and Fourth amendment rights of protesters will be honored by the citys police, who will be outfitted with body-worn cameras. Vandalism and violence, though, will be quickly squelched, authorities have promised. We will not allow people to come here and destroy this city, Snelling said this week at the City Club of Chicago. The superintendent has been quick to note, too, that the city and CPD routinely handle large-scale events every summer, such as Lollapalooza and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. A gathering of thousands outside the United Center is not a new scenario, either. It happens dozens of times a year after Bulls and Blackhawks games and concerts. But with the DNC, the potential even likelihood of bad actors looking to sow chaos is of course far greater. The citys Office of Inspector General released a report in late May highlighting concerns about CPDs preparedness for the anticipated demonstrations, saying the departments training and policies to manage crowds are insufficient and may increase the risk of infringement of lawful demonstrators constitutional rights. Over the last decade, during summer months, CPD officers have often struggled to contain large youth gatherings in and around the downtown area. Some of those gatherings teen trends have ended in fatal shootings. And as political and media figures hobnob in the United Center during a highly choreographed spectacle, most Chicagoans will attempt to go about their daily lives as the summer season enters its final month. CPD officers will see their shifts extended and some scheduled days off canceled, but Snelling has pledged that the security needs of the DNC will not leave the rest of the city in a lurch. This is not just about the Democratic National Convention, Snelling said in July. The Chicago Police Department has an obligation to the entire city of Chicago. Every single neighborhood we will be protecting. And were looking at our manpower, were looking at our allocations, and we want to make sure and we will make sure that the neighborhoods who need us the most, we will be there for those neighbors. We will be there for the entire city of Chicago. ____ Click here to view this content. Police have warned they will not tolerate violence or intimidation as thousands of pro-Palestine protesters marched in Chicago on the opening day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Monday. Joe Biden was due to kick off the four-day gathering on Monday night with the first prime time address, before party grandees formally pass the torch to Kamala Harris, his vice-president. Mr Bidens address, originally planned to serve as a launchpad for his re-election bid at the conventions closing night, was relegated to an opening act for a gathering now focused on Ms Harris. The US president is expected to remind voters of the pandemic-plagued country and economy he inherited in 2021 and make a forceful case for his accomplishments in office. Asked if the night was bittersweet, Mr Biden said his speech would be a memorable moment. A protester with police during the demonstration - AP White House aides said he would focus on his domestic achievements, with reference to low unemployment and high job creation figures, as well as bipartisan infrastructure legislation. Mr Biden would also tout his leadership in gathering a Western coalition to defend Ukraine in the face of Russias invasion. However, demonstrators angered by the president and his partys stance on Israels war in Gaza vowed to continue with their plans to protest despite the switch at the top of the Democratic ticket. Protesters march to the Democratic National Convention after a rally at Union Park - AP Chicago and its suburbs are home to one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation, and buses brought activists from all over the country for a mass demonstration in the citys Union Park. Several thousand people marched through the streets around the convention site on Monday, but the numbers fell short of the 20,000 organisers had predicted. We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end US aid to Israel and stand with Palestine, said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesman for the Coalition to March on the DNC. Chicago police have had extensive training to handle the expected 20,000 pro-Palestine protesters - Laura Brett/Zuma/Shutterstock Officers monitor pro-Palestinian demonstrators during the Democratic National Convention near the United Center - Bloomberg Larry Snelling, Chicagos police superintendent, said the city was on high alert with a huge police presence deployed on the streets. At a press conference on Monday, he said his officers have undergone extensive training on de-escalation to ensure the demonstrations remained peaceful. What we will not tolerate is intimidation. We will not tolerate violence, he warned. Some local businesses had boarded up their windows in anticipation, while local courts said they were prepared to process mass arrests. Brandon Johnson, the mayor, said the city had been preparing for potential unrest for months. We are ready, he said. Donald Trump highlighted the protests on his social media platform, writing: The radical Left protesters in Chicago are going after the Democrat Party because they know they are weak and ready to break into a full-blown party of socialism. The Democrats stance on Gaza threatens to be the one issue that could divide the party, which hopes to project an image of unity as it gathers to support Ms Harris, the first woman of colour to top a major partys presidential ticket. Ms Harris and Minnesota governor Tim Walz, her running mate, have made joy the unofficial theme of their campaign, but progressive voters said their votes could not be taken for granted against the backdrop of Israels war in the Gaza Strip. Images of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are seen at the United Center in Chicago - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Mere weeks ago, the party had been preparing for a very different convention with Mr Biden, 81, intending to formalise his re-election bid in Chicago. He dramatically withdrew from the 2024 race on July 21 following an internal pressure campaign, leaving organisers scrambling with just weeks to revise their convention plans. References to a second Biden term remained littered throughout the official party election platform released ahead of the DNC following the hasty change. Mr Bidens address, originally planned to serve as a launchpad for his re-election bid at the conventions closing night, has been relegated to an opening act for a party gathering now focused on Ms Harris. The president is expected to remind voters of the pandemic-plagued country and economy he inherited in 2021 and make a forceful case for his accomplishments in office. White House aides said he will focus on his domestic achievements, with reference to low unemployment and high job creation figures, as well as bipartisan infrastructure legislation. Mr Biden will also tout his leadership in gathering a Western coalition to defend Ukraine in the face of Russias invasion. While it will be his last major speech of the year, White House sources suggested it would not serve as a farewell address. He intends to deliver that in January before he leaves office. Instead, aides said Mr Biden will use Mondays appearance to argue that Ms Harris, who served at his side for the past four years, is best placed to continue his legacy. Click here to view this content. His closest allies have pushed back on the suggestion Mr Biden is still smarting after being forced from the race, insisting he was focused on helping Ms Harris secure victory over Trump. I think that he looks ahead and sees his role in this campaign as volunteer-in-chief, Anita Dunn, a senior Biden adviser, told CBS Mornings. Nancy Pelosi, the former Democratic House speaker and a leading lobbyist for Mr Bidens withdrawal from the 2024 race, said Monday night would offer the party an opportunity to thank him for his very selfless decision. I have my relationship with the president, and I just wanted to win this election. So if [Democrats are] upset, Im sorry for them. But the country is very happy, she said. Hes one of the greatest, most consequential presidents in our countrys history, she added. All is in readiness at the Chicago venue for the Democratic national convention - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Delegates from Mr Bidens native Pennsylvania and home state of Delaware will be seated directly before the stage at the United Center in Chicago to ensure warm tributes to the president. Mr Bidens keynote speech will be preceded by appearances by his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, and Hillary Clinton, the partys 2016 presidential nominee. The Bidens appearance at the DNC will be brief. The president and First Lady will head to southern California for the start of a two-week break immediately after Mr Bidens speech in Chicago. The move is intended to keep the spotlight on Ms Harris as she formally accepts the Democratic nomination. Critics have pointed out that Ms Harriss campaign website has yet to add a policy section outlining her agenda with less than three months before election day on Nov 5. Pro-Palestine protesters said they would continue to push for the party to call for an end to aid to Israel, and would maintain pressure on Ms Harris in particular. Were saying to Kamala, she has been complicit in this. People think its just Joe Biden, but she is vice-president, said Taylor Cook, from the Freedom Road Socialist Organisation. Were saying, you need to stop if you want our vote. Click here to view this content. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Child found unresponsive in Kansas City apartment Sunday is recovering, per officials A child was hospitalized after they were found unresponsive in a Kansas City apartment building Sunday, according to the Kansas City Fire Department. Battalion chief Michael Hopkins, a KCFD spokesperson, confirmed the fire department responded to an apartment building near Gladstone Elementary School in the Indian Mound neighborhood of Kansas City around 3:45 p.m. Sunday. Someone had called the department to respond to a medical emergency, Hopkins said. The child was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. By Monday, their condition had stabilized, Hopkins said. Hopkins declined to share the childs age or additional details about the condition in which they were found, citing privacy guidelines regarding fire department medical calls. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. (Bloomberg) -- China and Philippine coast guard vessels clashed again in the South China Sea, marking the latest flareup in the disputed waters and undermining a temporary deal to avoid conflict. Most Read from Bloomberg The incident occurred early Monday when two vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard illegally attempted to enter waters around Xianbin Reef, the Chinese Coast Guard said in a flurry of four statements released on its WeChat account. A Philippine national security official said two of its ships were damaged from the collision. The reef is also known as the Sabina Shoal. Tensions between Beijing and Manila have been rising in the South China Sea, and the latest confrontation comes barely a month after both countries reached a provisional agreement to avoid increasingly hostile clashes around the Second Thomas Shoal. They also agreed on a hotline that includes representatives of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Chinese coast guard said at around 3:23 a.m., a Philippine ship ignored multiple warnings and deliberately collided with a Chinese vessel in an unprofessional, dangerous manner. It released two videos showing the encounter. The two Philippine ships later attempted to enter waters around the Renai Reef, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, according to the Chinese coast guard. Beijing took control measures against them, it added, without providing details. The Philippines has violated the interim arrangement between the two countries by repeatedly provoking a fight, said Gan Yu, a spokesperson for the Chinese coast guard. We would like to sternly warn the Philippine side to cease its infringement and provocation immediately. Meanwhile, the Philippines said it encountered unlawful and aggressive maneuvers from Chinese coast guard vessels. This resulted in collision causing structural damage to both Philippine coast guard vessels, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said during a forum streamed on YouTube. The incident created a hole on the deck of one of the boats, Malaya said. Manilas coast guard stands firm in its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain while addressing any threats to our national interests, he added. Ships from both nations have increasingly clashed in the South China Sea over the past year as Manila, under Marcos, pushed back against Beijings expansive claims over the resource-rich waterway. The last collision happened in June, when Philippine ships conducted a resupply mission to its military outpost in Second Thomas Shoal, Manila had said. Earlier this month, the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China after Manila said two Chinese air force aircraft made dangerous maneuvers and dropped flares in the path of a Philippine Air Force plane patrolling over Scarborough Shoal in the contested waters. --With assistance from Jasmine Ng. (Updates with additional details from fourth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. BEIJING/MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines and China accused each other on Monday of ramming vessels and performing dangerous manoeuvres in the South China Sea, the latest flare-up after the two nations agreed last month to try to manage disagreements at sea. China's Coast Guard said in a statement a Philippine vessel which had ignored its repeated warnings had "deliberately collided" with a Chinese vessel in an "unprofessional and dangerous" manner in the disputed waterway early on Monday. The Philippines disputed Beijing's account and accused it of "imposing its version of facts." It said two of its coast guard vessels "encountered unlawful and aggressive manoeuvres" from Chinese vessels near Sabina Shoal, while on their way to supply Filipino personnel stationed in two occupied islands. "These dangerous manoeuvres resulted in collisions, causing structural damage to both PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) vessels," said Jonathan Malaya, a spokesperson for the national security council and Manila's South China Sea task force. At a regular news briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters that China would continue to take lawful "resolute and forceful measures" to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. "We hope that the Philippines can keep its commitments (and)earnestly abide by the temporary arrangements reached with China," Mao said. The United States condemned China's actions. Its ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, said on X the U.S. "stands with the Philippines in condemning the China Coast Guard's dangerous manoeuvres", which endangered lives and caused damage to coast guard vessels. Manila said coast guard vessels Cape Engano and Bagacay were on their way to resupply personnel stationed on Flat Island - which Manila calls Patag - and Lawak Island, which China calls Nanshan, when the confrontation happened near Sabina Shoal. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE The collision occurred between the Cape Engano and a Chinese ship at around 3:24 a.m. Monday (1924 GMT Sunday), Manila said. Around 16 minutes later, a Chinese coast guard ship rammed Manila's Bagacay twice, damaging its auxiliary room, where a 3-foot (1 metre) - wide hole was inflicted, according to Philippine officials and images shared by the PCG. "This is the biggest structural damage that we have incurred as a result of the dangerous manoeuvres carried out by the Chinese Coast Guard," PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela said. The Chinese Coast Guard posted a short video of the incident which showed what it said was a Philippine coast guard ship "deliberately ramming" with what it said was one of their vessels. Malaya said the video was misleading. China's maritime security said the same Philippine vessel involved in the collision then entered waters near Second Thomas Shoal after being prevented from entering Sabina Shoal waters. Sabina Shoal is in the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Two Philippine Coast Guard vessels "illegally intruded" into waters adjacent to Sabina Shoal without permission in the early hours of Monday, according to China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu. China's Coast Guard said it took control measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with the law and warned the Philippines to "immediately stop infringement and provocation". The Philippine task force said both of its vessels would continue with their mission to supply personnel on Flat Island. The incident came less than two weeks after an air incident between the Chinese and Philippines militaries in Scarborough Shoal. (Reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing and Shanghai newsroom and Karen Lema in Manila; Additional reporting by Eduardo Baptista in Beijing; Editing by Michael Perry and David Holmes) China and Vietnam sign 14 deals from rail to crocodiles after leaders meet By Liz Lee BEIJING (Reuters) -China and Vietnam signed 14 documents spanning cross-border railways to crocodile exports on Monday, after Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Vietnam's new leader To Lam in Beijing. Lam's visit to Beijing, his first overseas trip since he was appointed party chief early this month, signals a desire to strengthen ties as trade and investment grow and despite occasional clashes over boundaries in the South China Sea. "China has always regarded Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and supports Vietnam in adhering to the Party leadership, taking the socialist path suited to its national conditions, and deepening the cause of reforms and socialist modernisation," Xi said, underscoring establishing good working relations and a personal friendship with Lam. Lam described the bilateral ties as a "top priority in Vietnam's external policy" and called his trip to China "the affirmation of the Party and the Vietnamese government to value the relation with China". Lam during the meeting asked China for soft loans and technology to develop his country's transport infrastructure and agreed with Xi Jinping to boost defence and security ties, according to a statement on Vietnamese government's website. The two also agreed to enhance railways and highway connectivity between the two communist-ruled neighbours and Xi pledged to import more Vietnamese farm produce, the statement said. China and Vietnam signed documents on planning and feasibility studies for standardised railway routes after preliminary deals were signed in December during Xi's state visit to Hanoi. In December, both countries said they would work on cross-border railway connectivity, naming three projects that included one connecting through mountainous Lao Cai in the Vietnam's northwest to the port city Haiphong and a potential one linking China's Shenzhen to Haiphong. Vietnamese officials had said rail links would be high on the agenda when the top leaders meet. Upgrading the Vietnamese side of the railways could boost trade and investment, as a growing number of Chinese manufacturers move some export-oriented operations to Vietnam amid trade tensions between China and the United States. Other documents signed covered cooperation between central banks, media, health and the quarantine and inspection of coconuts, crocodiles and durians. China's central bank said both sides agreed to further cooperate on local currency settlements and swaps, and cross-border payment interconnections. After the signing, Xi and Lam continued talks on important issues of common concern over tea in a "cordial and friendly atmosphere", Chinese official media Xinhua said. The two countries will issue a joint declaration on further strengthening their strategic partnership, Xinhua said. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, in his meeting with Lam, said both countries have "strong industrial complementarities, and broad area for cooperation". Lam arrived in China's Guangzhou on Sunday for a three-day visit that included some locations where former President Ho Chi Minh conducted revolutionary activities. (Reporting by Liz Lee; Additional reporting by Francesco Guarascio and Khanh Vu in Hanoi; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Michael Perry and David Evans) TechCrunch Brazil's Supreme Court said on Tuesday that Elon Musk's X could return online in the country, marking the end to a months-long battle between the social media platform and Brazilian officials. Addressing the reasons that X was banned in the first place, Musk agreed to take down some user accounts and appoint a legal representative in Brazil, Bloomberg was first to report. For the last five weeks, Brazilian courts have ordered internet service providers to block users within the country from accessing X, after the platform bucked against court orders to remove certain accounts. Chrystul Kizer leaves the courtroom after being sentenced to 11 years in prison on Monday, August 19. A Milwaukee woman who confessed to killing a man she claimed sexually trafficked her was sentenced to 11 years in prison Monday in Kenosha. Kenosha County Judge David Wilk sentenced 24-year-old Chrystul Kizer to an additional five years of state supervision after she pleaded guilty in May to a count of reckless homicide in Randall P. Volar's June 2018 death. Kizer was 17 when she killed the 34-year-old Volar in Kenosha. Kizers case has attracted national attention, with advocates for survivors of sexual trafficking supporting her and pushing for the charges to be dropped. The court is well aware of your circumstances surrounding your relationship with Mr. Volar, Wilk said as he delivered his sentence. You are not permitted to be the instrument of his reckoning. To hold otherwise is to endorse a descent into lawlessness and chaos. At the hearing, Kizers mother spoke of the difficult upbringing the family had when they moved from Indiana to Milwaukee. Chrystul, who her attorney said was baptized recently in prison, invoked the Bible in a written statement read to the court, quoting the Book of Genesis and Psalms. I dont know where to start, but Im asking for your generosity in my sentence today. I understand that I committed sins that put the Volar family in a lot of pain, she said. The prosecutor and defense attorney offered their telling of how the incident came to pass in the hearing. Kizers defense attorney, Jennifer Bias, pointed to her adverse childhood, the effects of trafficking and how it affects Black women specifically when asking for a gentle sentence. Advocates and the legal team have said she lashed out after years of being trafficked by Volar. At the hearing, Bias said Volar paid her bail for a prior offense and used it as leverage to traffic her to other men at a hotel in Milwaukee. Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley disputed the idea during his statement, saying no electronic evidence existed proving that. There is no other conclusion to draw from the evidence that is available to us in this matter involving (the two) that Chrystul is a sex trafficking victim, Bias said. Graveley said Kizer had acted out of a grab for notoriety and for material gain. Graveley said texts, social media videos and other statements from others suggested Kizer acted for those purposes. He did not recommend any length of prison time, just asked Kizer receive some length of imprisonment. We in no way ask the court to consider Mr. Volar to be blameless in this case, Graveley said. The fact that he is not blameless as a victim in no way excuses the conduct. Judge Wilk also issued an order that Kizer receive about a year and a half of credit for time served during her case. This means she will be in prison for just under 10 years. Kizer's case attracts significant attention Kizer was just 17 when she initially was charged in the case with first-degree intentional homicide and the case garnered significant international attention through its six years. Her bail initially was set at $1 million. It was reduced in February 2020 to $400,000, which was later posted by The Chrystul Kizer Defense Committee, Chicago Community Bond Fund, Milwaukee Freedom Fund and Survived & Punished. Over 1.5 million people signed an online petition supporting Kizer and advocating for charges to be dropped. Claudine OLeary, an independent sexual trafficking survivor consultant who worked with Kizer and attended the hearing, said she was saddened by the sentencing. She has worked for the last several months to organize community resources Kizer could rely on if released into the community. The Wisconsin prison system does not have adequate resources to support survivors of sexual trafficking, she said. OLeary also said she works with many trafficking survivors who already dont trust the court system and Mondays sentencing would worsen that. Theyre getting from the court system is to say My life doesnt matter if I defend myself, I have to be prepared to go to prison, she said. Theres just a profound lack of understanding of the kind of harm that people actually experience. At the hearing, Kizers defense attorney said Kizer was first trafficked at 16, when she posted an ad on a website later seized by the FBI as a forum for prostitution. It offered her money she used to buy food for her siblings, she said. Kizer's previously said she didn't know who would respond since she was new to the site and had to have another girl show her how to use it. Volar contacted her through the site. At the time they met, Volar was already under investigation by the Kenosha Police Department for sexual conduct with underage girls as young as 12. Police found evidence he was abusing multiple underage Black girls. in February 2018, he was arrested and charged, and released without bail. In June 2018, when Kizer was 17, she shot and killed Volar, set his Kenosha house on fire and fled in his BMW. The legal case against her began that month and involved a 2022 decision that she could pursue immunity through sex trafficking defense. A Wisconsin law adopted in 2008 provides an affirmative defense for victims of human and child sex trafficking to any offense committed as a direct result" of those crimes, even if no one was ever prosecuted for the trafficking. Ultimately, Kizer did not pursue a trial in the case. If she had, she could have faced a possible life sentence. Instead, she pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of 2nd degree reckless homicide Judge Wilk acknowledged that law in his statement but said Kizer abandoned that claim and was seeking clemency through her plea. You entered a guilty plea. That allows you to argue your circumstances warrant mercy, but not that they warrant absolution, the judge said. David Clarey is a reporter with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Woman charged with killing her suspected sex trafficker receives 11 years in prison A Milwaukee woman who confessed to killing a man she claimed sexually trafficked her as a teen is expected to be sentenced Monday in Kenosha. Chrystul Kizer pleaded guilty in May to a count of reckless homicide in Randall P. Volar's June 2018 death. She was just 17 when she initially was charged in the case with first-degree intentional homicide. Her decision to plead guilty spares Kizer, now 23, a trial and a possible life sentence. She will be sentenced by Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge David P. Wilk. Here's what prosecutors say happened to Randall P. Volar Prosecutors say Kizer went to Volar's home on June 5, 2018, shot him in the head, set a fire in his home and stole his BMW, computer and cash. They say the killing was a premeditated crime to steal the car. Kizer's lawyers argued she had snapped after years of abuse by Volar and had planned to argue an affirmative defense, a Wisconsin state law that allows one to be acquitted of all charges if a crime was committed as a direct result of being trafficked. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in 2022 Kizer could use the law as part of her defense. Her bail initially was set at $1 million. It was reduced in February 2020 to $400,000, which was later posed by The Chrystul Kizer Defense Committee, Chicago Community Bond Fund, Milwaukee Freedom Fund and Survived & Punished. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kenosha County judge to sentence Chrystul Kizer in 2018 killing BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Azerbaijan remains open to negotiations with Armenia, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told Russian media, Trend reports. While Azerbaijan wants to normalize relations with Armenia, Bayramov stressed that Armenia must address its long-standing and irrational demands before that can happen. Statements and declarations are not enough to settle these challenges, he emphasized; legally binding agreements are required. We are amenable to engaging in negotiations with Armenia. We have consistently been amenable to utilizing a variety of platforms and employing a direct bilateral format for this purpose. We have always been amenable to Russia as a platform and are prepared to participate. Nevertheless, the Armenian party has recently declined to participate, the foreign minister noted. He emphasized that the primary concern for Azerbaijan is Armenia's complete rejection of territorial claims against Azerbaijan, and that the peace treaty must effectively eradicate all potential risks and the possibility of revisiting this issue. It is no secret that Armenias fundamental documents still contain territorial claims against Azerbaijan, which is unacceptable and remains the main obstacle to finalizing the peace treaty, Bayramov added. The foreign minister also recognized the role of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the facilitation of agreements to resolve the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict in 2020. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel City announces plan for tenants to return and businesses to reopen YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A plan and timeline have been announced for International Towers residents to return to their homes and businesses to reopen downtown following demolition work on the Realty Building. Read next: Giant Eagle announces sale of all GetGo stores Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley declared Monday that the demolition of the Realty Tower has reached the point that surrounding properties and Federal Plaza can begin a phased re-opening. A notice from the city said that building management at the Stambaugh Building and International Towers were notified Monday of the following schedule: Effective immediately the Stambaugh Building (44 East Federal Street) can reopen for business. On Wednesday, Aug. 21 International Towers (25 Market Street) can re-open pending the removal of demolition debris currently blocking the buildings fire escape. The buildings property management, MiHenia Housing Management, will communicate the exact dates and process for residents to start coming back home. The east side of Market Street and East Federal Street between Market and Champion will remain closed until debris removal is complete. Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown said events to celebrate the citys return to normalcy are in the works. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel following the tragic events of May 28. Our community can begin the healing process to move forward together, Brown said. Now is the time to think big about how we come back more resilient and more vibrant than ever before. In the coming weeks, well announce more plans and events to bring people back, celebrate our city, and begin the hard work of planning for our successful future. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The city of Birmingham was awarded $50,000 by the Center for Community Progress in technical assistance to help revamp its code enforcement practices. According to a city press release, Birminghams department of planning, engineering and permits will use the resource to educate the public about the recently passed foreclosure bill SB9 that Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed. Sidewalk Film Festival events start Aug. 19 The department is partnering with Birmingham City Council to build out a local ordinance that will put in place the legal mechanism to pursue foreclosure for not owner-occupied properties with code enforcement liens. Their Technical Assistance Scholarships enable the pilot and design of new programs and practices that become models for the community revitalization field to implement to address vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties. The SB9 legislation is another strategic tool in combating code enforcement issues within the City of Birmingham, said Katrina Thomas, director of the citys department of planning, engineering and permits, in a statement. This legislation will provide a path forward for the City to pursue non-owner occupied property where we have seen repeat nuisance violations, unpaid code enforcement liens, and negligent response regarding abatement of such violations. We look forward to working hand in hand with Community Progress as we implement a local ordinance and educate our citizens on the tool. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Civic leader Bill Evans recognized with honorary street name in Tacoma The Tacoma City Council voted unanimously on August 6 to bestow the honorary street name Bill Evans Place on North 27th Street, between Proctor and Madison Streets, recognizing the late Bill Evans for his significant contributions to the community. Bill Evans, a former Tacoma City Council Member, was well-known for his dedication to the Proctor District and the broader Tacoma community. Throughout his life, Evans championed the development of walkable urban spaces and played a crucial role in supporting local businesses. His efforts in community building and enhancing the quality of life in Tacoma have left a lasting legacy. Mayor Victoria Woodards praised Evans impactful work, highlighting his involvement in saving the Blue Mouse Theatre and creating the Peace Plaza at Theas Park. Bill Evans was a public leader whose incredible efforts have left an indelible mark on our community, Woodards said. Deputy Mayor John Hines echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Evans vision for Tacomas neighborhood centers, particularly the Proctor District. Bill Evans is an inspirational role model for anyone seeking to make an impact in their community, Hines said. The honorary renaming, he added, will ensure that Evans contributions continue to inspire future generations. Bills wife, Ann Evans, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, noting her husbands love for Proctor and his countless hours beautifying the area. She remarked, He worked well with others and appreciated the value each person brought to the community. The Citys policy for honorary street renaming requires significant community support, including a petition signed by at least two-thirds of the property owners along the affected roadway. The proposal for Bill Evans Place exceeded these requirements, and the renaming will be in place for 15 years. A public celebration marking the honorary renaming will be held at the Proctor Farmers Markets music tent on August 24, from 10 to 10:45 AM, during the markets 30th anniversary. COFFEE COUNTY, Ala (WDHN) The Shiloh Community in Western Coffee County is continuing to garner attention from national and civil rights leaders. Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, will return to the Shiloh Community on Tuesday, August 27, for the Journey to Justice tour. This is Jealouss second time visiting the constantly flooded community within the past eight months. Shilohs flooding issue has garnered nationwide attention, and since Jealouss first visit in February, the community welcomed several national figures, including U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Community leaders say stormwater from the 2018 expansion of Highway 84 flows through the pipes that they say are intentionally turned onto their community, damaging their homes and property and washing away their inheritance. For the last six years, residents in the community have felt neglected by the state regarding help and solutions they believe they are unfairly treated due to their race. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. Civil servants consider using AI bots to help strike post-Brexit trade deals Civil servants are considering using artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots like ChatGPT to help negotiators thrash out post-Brexit free trade deals. IT engineers at the Department of Business and Trade are exploring developing AI bots that could assist with identifying topics and trends in Free Trade Agreements (FTA) texts to assist negotiators. The proposal, one of more than two dozen pitched to the departments data team, comes as Labour seeks to use AI tools to boost productivity across Whitehall. In a blog post, the departments AI data ethics lead, James McBride, and data ethics manager, Emma Taylor, wrote that the ideas were being assessed for potential data protection and cyber security issues. The blog added that none of the departments plans for AI would involve automated decision-making about individuals. Other proposals included using AI to generate meeting transcriptions, ministerial briefings or review job descriptions. A Business Department spokesman said: Our mission is to grow the economy through free trade deals with the fastest growing economies around the world. We have a process to ensure that AI is used safel, and our own cutting-edge techniques can quickly filter through large volumes of data, with experienced officials then making a final assessment of the information before it is used further. These services save time, improve quality and demonstrate the innovation and talent of our workforce. Mandarins are being urged to find ways to use AI bots to boost productivity and help cut costs across Whitehall. Sir Keir Starmers Government last month appointed Matt Clifford, a former AI adviser to Rishi Sunak, to develop an AI Opportunities Action Plan. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, said at the time that Mr Clifford would help the Government use AI to deliver the excellent public services that people deserve whilst saving taxpayers money. Mr Sunak was also a strong advocate for the technology and his government oversaw a trial of a digital tool called Redbox, which allows civil servants to ask questions about policy, speeches, briefings and internal papers. Redbox was developed using technology based on OpenAIs ChatGPT tool. Officials also attempted to develop a chatbot to handle questions about the Gov.uk website. The Government trialled the tool in a private pilot scheme for 1,000 people. However, the tests provided mixed results, with just 65pc of users saying they were satisfied with the experience. The chatbot, which was powered by ChatGPT, also produced some bizarre responses, including answering questions in French. Labour restructured the Governments AI efforts after Julys election victory, moving a series of Cabinet Office programmes into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology under Peter Kyle. Mr Clifford spent last week meeting AI executives and start-up entrepreneurs in No 10. Representatives from companies including $5.5bn Canadian start-up Cohere and British driverless car business Wayve were said to have attended. An invitation to the meeting said the aim was to boost responsible adoption of AI across all parts of the economy. AI chatbots such as ChatGPT are able to draft emails, summarise reports and write code. These tools have surged in popularity over the past year and both business and Government are excited about their potential. However, the technology is still in its developmental stage and many AI chatbots suffer from bugs and can make up false information. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Descendants of Michigan's Civil War veterans and other supporters of restoration efforts carry replica Civil War flags to the Michigan Capitol on Aug. 16, 2024 to be put back on display inside the building after being removed while restorations took place. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols In 1909, veterans of the Civil War stood for a photo on the Michigan Capitol steps 40 years after the war had ended, carrying the flags they fought under as the banners were taken to be on display in the Capitol building. And those flags hung inside for more than 80 years, with the weight of the silk bearing down from the staffs, tearing at the fibers and sunlight sprayed across each detail withering away the pigment. The flags were replaced by 80 replicas about 30 years ago and the originals were moved to the Michigan History Museum. Over the weekend, descendants of some of the Michiganders that fought in the Civil War, along with supporters of the flags preservation, carried replicas of the original flags to once again be hung in the Capitol after being removed for about a year as the building underwent a $3 million restoration. The descendants posed on the steps Saturday, just as their ancestors did more than a century prior, recreating the photo before bringing the replica flags back home to the Capitol. The event Saturday, where each person carrying a flag was named and the contributions of Michigan, including the First Michigan Colored Infantry, were recognized, was a warm welcome back for the flags and a fun gesture towards everyone who has contributed to their preservation, Conservation specialist for the Capitol May Oyler said. Its a nice kind of thank you to them, and lets them get a little bit involved in the history of the flags, Oyler said. Michigan had about 90,000 men fight for the Union Army, a big piece of our population and they had the intention of showing that history in the building when it first opened. There was actually a military museum in the building at the time. Oyler told the Michigan Advance how time had taken its toll on the original flags and how now the buildings more than 110,000 annual visitors can once again enjoy the visual representation of Michigans sacrifice in the war. The visitors the majority are kids, third and fourth grade, especially because thats when theyre learning Michigan history and civics and of course, part of what theyre learning is going to be about the Civil War and the role that Michigan played in that. So going in here they see the replicas on display upstairs, it kind of is a nice message about how important the remembrance of that war was to the people who built the building, and it still is to us in Michigan, Oyler said. Students will also be able to see some of the original flags in the Capitol Buildings Heritage Hall where theres a viewing window at the latest restoration projects. They can see us working on those and kind of caring for that history, Oyler said. Currently, the remains of a large blue flag carried by the 15th Michigan Infantry lays in the labs table. About a third of the flag is still intact after being flown on the battlefield, but a few months ago, a small piece of blue textile was donated, sitting now with the flag. It was in a frame and it had a note on the back, a handwritten note that was talking about how this man who fought for the 15th picked this piece of their flag off a battlefield and so we were able to take this little fragment down to some of those conservators we work with and they examined it. They got it out of the frame to look at it, and they think theres a chance that it belongs with this flag, Oyler said. So now we get to reunite them. As the original flags are getting a much deserved opportunity to sit in the shade and be celebrated a half-mile down the road from this new generation of stars and stripes, Oyler said, perhaps these new flags will wear, just as the rest of the building is destined to. And maybe in 30 years or another 100 years, descendants who arent yet born yet will put new replicas on their shoulders and carry them to a Capitol that is once again repaired and made new. Descendants of Michigan's Civil War veterans and other supporters of restoration efforts carry replica Civil War flags to the Michigan Capitol on Aug. 16, 2024 to be put back on display inside the building after being removed while restorations took place. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols Descendants of Michigan's Civil War veterans and other supporters of restoration efforts carry replica Civil War flags to the Michigan Capitol on Aug. 16, 2024 to be put back on display inside the building after being removed while restorations took place. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols An Army National Guard Band plays at an event where descendants of Michigan's Civil War veterans and other supporters of restoration efforts carry replica Civil War flags to the Michigan Capitol on Aug. 16, 2024 to be put back on display inside the building after being removed while restorations took place. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols Descendants of Michigan's Civil War veterans and other supporters of restoration efforts carry replica Civil War flags to the Michigan Capitol on Aug. 16, 2024 to be put back on display inside the building after being removed while restorations took place. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols Descendants of Michigan's Civil War veterans and other supporters of restoration efforts carry replica Civil War flags to the Michigan Capitol on Aug. 16, 2024 to be put back on display inside the building after being removed while restorations took place. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols Conservation specialist for the Michigan State Capitol May Oyler (left) helps distribute replica Civil War flags to descendants of Michigan's Civil War veterans and other supporters of restoration efforts on Aug. 16, 2024 for the flags to be put back on display in the building after being removed while restorations took place. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols Descendants of Michigan's Civil War veterans and other supporters of restoration efforts carry replica Civil War flags to the Michigan Capitol on Aug. 16, 2024 to be put back on display inside the building after being removed while restorations took place. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols Descendants of Michigan's Civil War veterans and other supporters of restoration efforts carry replica Civil War flags to the Michigan Capitol on Aug. 16, 2024 to be put back on display inside the building after being removed while restorations took place. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols Descendants of Michigan's Civil War veterans and other supporters of restoration efforts carry replica Civil War flags to the Michigan Capitol on Aug. 16, 2024 to be put back on display inside the building after being removed while restorations took place. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Clayton County police searching for endangered girl who walked away from hospital Clayton County police are searching for a missing endangered girl. On Friday, August 16, police responded to Southern Regional Hospital and were told that Shakir Abayomi had walked away from the hospital at about 5 p.m. Abayomi is diagnosed as bipolar and schizophrenic with suicidal ideations. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] She was hospitalized on an involuntary committal. She is about five feet and six inches tall, weighs about 135 lbs. and has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen walking eastbound on Upper Riverdale Road wearing green hospital scrubs. If you spot her, please contact Clayton County Police Department at 770-477-3550, extension 8. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Jennifer Sebold is a 48-year-old single mother of three in Montpelier, Vermont, and climate change is a very personal issue for her. She lost two businesses a flower shop and a separate store selling various types of goods in the Great Vermont Flood of 2023. Like much of the rest of the world, Vermont is experiencing more extreme weather because of climate change, in particular devastating floods that cover entire communities in debris. Climate change is primarily caused by humans burning fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases that trap heat and trigger numerous unintended weather consequences. The science on the matter is settled, which is why Vermont acted in May to become the first state to demand Big Oil pay for damages. Yet Sebold has heard from people who deny that climate change is real. From her point-of-view, those people are being stubbornly political. "I can sit here and say 'The sky is purple or pink or green, and you just can't argue with some of these people, right?" Sebold said. "How does one change a mind when they're so entrenched and it's become so political?" Even though she does not want to feel defeated by those individuals, "I'm also tired of arguing the point. It does matter who is responsible, just like cancer and Big Tobacco, right? Like they had to be held accountable and responsible. They're still doing terrible things, but at least the doctors aren't smoking in waiting rooms anymore." Sebold is not alone among American climate change disaster survivors demanding accountability. Led by the non-profit progressive consumer rights advocacy group Public Citizen and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, over 1,000 fellow survivors sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland on Thursday demanding a federal investigation of Big Oil for climate crimes. The activists argue in the letter that the fossil fuel industry "has known since the 1950s about the dangers posed by burning fossil fuels. Instead of acting responsibly on their own scientists warnings, they waged a decades-long disinformation campaign to muddy the science and confuse and mislead the public. The burning of fossil fuels has racked up enormous profits for fossil fuel companies while stoking the fire of climate change and driving increasingly lethal extreme weather events that have destroyed lives, property, and livelihoods." They add, "And the damage is far from over." The list of survivors foreshadows the scope of that damage. It includes story after story of families being displaced and businesses getting destroyed from wildfires, tropical storms, heat waves and (of course) floods. When Salon spoke with Public Citizen's senior policy counsels on climate, Aaron Regunberg and Clara Vondrich, they expressed disappointment that the Justice Department is not taking the lead in prosecuting Big Oil much as they did with Big Tobacco in the late 20th Century. "I think there's disappointment that that hasn't happened yet," Regunberg said. "We're hopeful that there will be action. We also think that we're also hopeful that under a new administration there might be leadership that is even more attuned to these concerns that climate survivors are articulating, and ready and willing to take action." Regunberg emphasized that although Public Citizen is not partisan,"one of the candidates for president [Vice President Kamala Harris] has said that they believe Big Oil should be investigated by the Department of Justice. We find that very heartening." Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. Vondrich expressed cautious optimism that the Justice Department may feel compelled to act, given the groundswell of support proven by their letter's existence and the actions of many local governments for Big Oil to be held financially and legally accountable for their overwhelming role in causing climate change. "We have seven states, 35 municipalities plus the District of Columbia, which have either brought charges against Big Oil for their decades of deception or passed really bold laws like the Vermont Super Fund law, which would take a piece of Big Oil's profits and put them towards climate adaptation and mitigation," Vondrich said. "Given the interest of the majority of jurisdictions in pursuing this issue, we think it's only appropriate that the big kahuna, the federal government, take action as well." If former President Donald Trump is re-elected, Regunberg and Vondrich argue the fight to address climate change will go in the wrong direction. Trump openly denies that global heating is caused by human activity, and the policies promulgated by his administration's alumni through Project 2025 would almost entirely eliminate the already-weak environmental protections. Regunberg pointed to Trump's recent conversation with X, formerly known as Twitter, CEO Elon Musk as evidence of their callous attitude toward the victims of climate change. "In Trump's conversation with Elon Musk this week, Trump said something about how he's looking forward to having more beachfront property," Regunberg said. "It showed this lack of understanding and empathy for the impacts of climate. Because when you're talking about more beachfront property, you're talking about people like Jenny getting their businesses flooded out, right? You're talking about people like many of the folks who signed the pledge, who have lost their homes, who've lost multiple homes like that. That is what it means for the sea to rise so that 'you have more beachfront property.'" He added, "It's not even that he is denying climate. He's saying he doesn't care about the real pain and injury, that loss of livelihoods and loss of homes and loss of lives, that this crisis is causing and to people who deserve justice. And I think that's what this letter is about." Vondrich summed it up as "These aren't natural disasters. They're crimes." Sebold is among the victims, still trying to put her life back together. "I'm still rebuilding; I'm still nowhere near recovered and I've been in survival mode now for like a year," Sebold said. "Every other week it's like, I don't know if I can make payroll this week or I don't think I can make my car payment this month. Thank god my mom has helped me, otherwise I would've lost my house. I would like to think that I had a lot of scaffolding in my life to keep me supported, but I wasn't prepared for this and neither was my family. It's taken quite a toll. My youngest is living with their dad right now just because they can't handle the lack of security, like the lack of a really packed fridge. Life has really changed for us. It's humble. In December, I was cashing in cans just so that I could do a delivery so that I could make a little bit more money. It's been tough. It's been really tough. I hope that by this time next year I'm like, 'Remember that?'" As climate threats to agriculture mount, could the Mississippi River delta be the next California? Michael Katrutsa walks through rows of tomatoes on his 20-acre produce farm in Camden, Tennessee. His crops also include sweet corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, peppers, cucumbers, okra and more. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) Michael Katrutsa walks through rows of tomatoes on his 20-acre produce farm in Camden, Tennessee. His crops also include sweet corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, peppers, cucumbers, okra and more. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) A smorgasbord of bright red tomatoes and vibrant vegetables line the walls of Michael Katrutsas produce shop in rural Camden, Tennessee. What began a decade ago as a roadside farm stand is now an air-conditioned outbuilding packed with crates of watermelon, cantaloupe and his locally renowned sweet corn all picked fresh by a handful of local employees each morning. The roughly 20-acre farm west of the Tennessee River sells about half of its produce through his shop, with the rest going to the wholesale market. Farms like Katrutsas make up just a sliver of roughly 10.7 million acres of Tennessee farmland largely dominated by hay, soybeans, corn and cotton. Specialized machines help farmers harvest vast quantities of these commodity row crops, but Katrutsa said the startup cost was too steep for him. While specialty crops like produce are more labor-intensive, requiring near-constant attention from early July up until the first frost in October, Katrutsa said he takes pride in feeding his neighbors. The World Wildlife Fund sees farms in the mid-Mississippi delta as ripe with opportunity to become a new mecca for commercial-scale American produce. California currently grows nearly three-quarters of the nations fruits and nuts and more than a third of its vegetables. Sixth-generation Arkansas farmer Hallie Shoffner grows specialty rice like basmati, jasmine and sushi rice, on her farm near Newport, Arkansas. (Photo: Phillip Powell/Arkansas Times) But as climate change compounds the threats of water scarcity, extreme weather and wildfires on Californias resources, WWFs Markets Institute is exploring what it would take for farmers in West Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas to embrace and equitably profit from specialty crop production like strawberries, lettuce or walnuts. Specialty crops make up only 0.19% of the regions farm acreage, but their higher sale value allows them to generate 1.08% of the regions agriculture revenue, according to WWFs May report, called The Next California, spearheaded by Markets Institute Senior Director Julia Kurnik. She argues that theres an opportunity to proactively create more inclusive, higher-yield business models on existing farms, preventing natural ecosystems from being unnecessarily transformed into farmland. But shifting produce growth to the Mid-Delta comes with hurdles: it requires buyers willing to try new markets, understanding of new crops diseases and needs, specialized equipment like cold storage and lots of expensive hands-on labor. It is not as simple as a farmer simply putting new crops in the ground, Kurnik said. Early adopters put idea to the test Sixth-generation Arkansas farmer Hallie Shoffner is putting WWFs models to the test through a nonprofit called the Delta Harvest Food Hub. The hub works with Black and women farmers to pilot the scalability of growing specialty crops in the Delta region, starting with specialty rice. Shoffner grows basmati, jasmine, sushi rice, sake rice seeds and more on her 2,000-acre, century-old farm located in an unincorporated town outside Newport, Arkansas. Shes skeptical about a full switch to produce, but sees specialty rice products as low-hanging fruit easily adopted in the mid-Delta, where commodity rice is already widely grown. The United States is the fifth-largest rice exporter in the world, and Arkansas is the countrys top producer, with other Mississippi River valley states not far behind. But the majority of specialty rice is grown in California or imported from East Asian countries. We are forward-thinking farmers who want to change, who want to do something different, Shoffner said. We want to make more money, because we know we cannot make as much money as small farms in the current agricultural economy. The commodity farming that dominates Delta agriculture makes the economic success of farmers largely dependent on the market prices of rice, corn, soybeans, wheat and other crops, Shoffner said. This incentivizes farms to grow larger to ensure they turn a profit even when prices are low, like they are now. But smaller farms struggle to stay afloat. Shoffner said her vision for developing specialty crop markets in Arkansas will be through more collaboration between many smaller farms to diversify crop production and produce for large contracts together. Shes also exploring possibilities for expanding chickpea, sunflower, sesame and pea production in Arkansas. We are forward-thinking farmers who want to change, who want to do something different.We want to make more money, because we know we cannot make as much money as small farms in the current agricultural economy. Hallie Shofner, sixth generation Arkansas farmer And while shes at it, Shoffner is working to make agriculture more equitable. As a white farmer who is a sixth generation farmer, I realize that I have inherited a large amount of land that systematically disenfranchised Black farmers, Shoffner said. And it is my responsibility to acknowledge that, and leverage what Ive been given to help others. Her project, Delta Harvest, has a contract to grow specialty rice with a large company and shes working with several Black farmers. She was too small to do it by herself, so they are doing it cooperatively. Finding the right markets In Mississippi, efforts to shift some of Californias sprawling specialty crop industry to the Mid-Delta drew skepticism from some farmerseven those with established specialty crop operations. For the past 20 years, Don van de Werken has co-owned a 120-acre blueberry and tea farm in Poplarville, Mississippi, distributing much of its crops to buyers in his county and nearby cities. Van de Werken questioned whether there would be enough regional demand to sustain a scaled-up specialty crop industry in Mississippi, noting that the success of his own enterprise hinges on targeting hyper-local markets like New Orleans. Shipping vegetables, fruits and other produce to buyers outside the Delta region would quickly become cost prohibitive for local farmers, van de Werken said. The problem we have, not just in Mississippi but the mid South in general, is we just dont have the population base, said van de Werken, who is also president of the Gulf South Blueberry Growers Association. We dont want our blueberries to go to Maine or Seattle. We want to focus our produce in a regional market. To make growing specialty crops worthwhile, Mississippi farmers would need to identify nearby buyers willing to purchase the new products on a consistent basis, van de Werken said. While selling goods directly to retail grocery chains like Kroger is often difficult, farmers could reduce financial risks by signing purchasing agreements with regional brokers like Louisiana-based Capitol City Produce. Anybody that puts anything in the ground is already taking a risk, but you want to minimize that risk, he explained. If you can prove to the brokers and the buyers that they can make money doing this, then the farming will come. The WWF report investigates ways to distribute risk across the supply chain to make selling to new markets easier on farmers, and works to connect buyers with Mid-Delta farmers. AgLaunch, a Memphis-based nonprofit that guides farmers in innovation, estimates that adding specialty crops to the Mid-Delta region could spur $4.6 billion in added revenue and 33,000 jobs. But while commodity crop prices are readily available on the Chicago Board of Trade, the specialty crop market is generally not so transparent. Large, vertically integrated companies usually dictate contract terms, AgLaunch President and farmer Pete Nelson said. AgLaunch helps build smart contracts that allow multiple farmers to produce on a contract, helping them secure higher quantity deals with proper compensation as a collective. Purdue College of Agriculture professor Fred Whitford said the idea of farming cooperatives that help smaller farmers carve out space in a large-quantity market is more than 100 years old. Whitford compared commodity producers to retail giants like Walmart, which make money by selling in bulk. Small producers are more like Ace Hardware, he said. Maybe the smaller folks have an ability to make more off their land by going to a specialty crop, he said. New challenges need new solutions Farmers who embrace specialty crops will face hurdles before they make it to the market. Growing produce can be more profitable but easier said than done, Whitford said. Its nice on paper but boy, in reality, youre going to have to keep an eye on this crop, whatever youre growing, because one slip up then you have lost a lot of money. In Tennessee, Katrutsa grew strawberries in addition to his other crops for 10 years, but last April, a hail storm pulverized his entire field, leaving him with nothing. Hes not growing strawberries this year, and he might not plant them again hes not sure if he can find enough labor to make it work. He grows many types of produce so if one fails, its less catastrophic. He sources seedlings from a neighboring state (its cheaper than growing from seed) and plants five times each season to maximize yield. He works with a consultant to help identify diseases and how to treat them. Tomatoes are the most challenging, Katrutsa said. Some of his tomato plants withered this year due to bacterial wilt that flourishes in wet soil and high temperatures and has few effective chemical remedies. Chemical treatments pose other challenges. In Shaw, Mississippi, Michael Muzzi relies on a range of herbicides to grow soybeans and other feed grains on his 2,000-acre farm. Once sprayed, herbicides like Liberty and Dicamba remain in the ground and can drift in the air, which is hazardous to specialty crops, like tomatoes, that arent resistant. Michael Katrutsa drives through rows of produce at his farm in Camden, Tennessee. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) Customers exit Mike's Produce shop at Michael Katrutsas farm. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) Workers drive through Michael Katrutsa's produce farm in Camden, Tennessee. They pick fresh produce every morning. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) Michael Katrutsa, center, talks with Mark Hargis and Linda French in the back of Mikes Produce. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) Youre not going to be able to spray [those herbicides] on specialty crops, Muzzi said. Youd have to have something thats chemically tolerant. Growing fruits and vegetables on a farm with previous heavy herbicide use would require insulating those crops from chemical runoff a feat that could only be reliably achieved by leaving whole acres of land unused for years, he said. AgLaunch is exploring innovative ways to address these problems. For some farmers, this means helping make their existing row crops more efficient using farmer-incubated technology, adding local value by growing specialty crops or taking on processing, Nelson said. Then theres disruption with higher risk: farmers can partner with agriculture automation technology startups, allowing them to field test their products and collect data in exchange for farmer equity in the startup companies. If the startup succeeds, the farmer shares in the benefits. Its not as simple as, Hey, we should grow tomatoes, Nelson said. Its how you think about the whole value chain and make sure the farmer is protected. Make sure its not an opportunity just to grow a crop, but its an opportunity to own part of the processing or to build new products. Kurnik said WWF isnt trying to recruit farmers to start growing specialty crops they just want Mid-Delta farmers to have the information they need to make informed decisions. In terms of acreage, row crops dwarf specialty crops in the United States. A small percentage shift would mean a significant change in the level of specialty crops in the Delta. We dont need everyone to want to jump on board tomorrow, she said. They would flood the market if they did. This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri in partnership with Report for America, with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation. Disclosure: The Next California report was also funded by Walton. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Cockroaches on a plane: Luggage on insect-infested aircraft sent back from Manchester to Morocco Up to scratch? Royal Air Maroc Boeing 737, of the type which experienced the insect issue (Matt Carter) Holidaymakers who returned from Morocco to Manchester airport last week are still waiting for their luggage, after the aircraft hold was found to be infested with cockroaches. Royal Air Maroc flight AT818 from Casablanca arrived on time in Manchester at 5.20pm on Thursday, 15 August. But at 7pm, some arriving passengers were still waiting for their baggage. One traveller, Karen Gee, said: Checking my AirTag, I could see my case was indeed in Manchester. After 90 minutes of waiting in the baggage hall with no ones luggage appearing and no communication, the nature of the problem was revealed. Apparently the aircraft hold was found to contain a cockroach infestation and consequently no staff members were allowed near it for health and safety reasons. Only one hold was affected, which meant some passengers were able to reclaim their bags and there was space for the luggage of travellers returning on the flight to Casablanca. The Boeing 737 then flew back to the Royal Air Maroc hub at Casablancas Mohammed V International Airport, while Ms Gee and the other passengers waiting for baggage were told to go home. Once in Casablanca, the Manchester bags were offloaded and the aircraft continued in normal service. The 15-year-old Boeing 737 made a scheduled flight to Abuja in Nigeria that night, and has since been to a wide range of destinations including Geneva and Paris. The luggage was not loaded on to the next Royal Air Maroc flight to Manchester, which operated normally on Sunday. On Monday morning day five since the infestation was discovered Ms Gees AirTag shows her baggage still to be at Casablanca airport. Ms Gee, a senior travel industry executive from Shropshire, said: Mine is a soft Antler suitcase, so Im feeling super anxious that the cockroaches will have easily found a way inside to lay eggs or similar especially as they are known to be incredibly resilient and difficult to get rid of, apparently surviving nuclear wars. Of course Id like my stuff back but I dont want to take any risks bringing it into my home. I asked some colleagues what they thought I should do and the overriding answer was not to take the risk and just burn it. But Professor Tim Coulson, joint head of the Oxford University Department of Biology, offered some reassurance about the limits of cockroach abilities. The author of The Universal History of Us told The Independent: Theyd be extremely unlikely to be able to burrow through the material most suitcases are made from. However, they could hide in the cavities where the wheels are attached, or work through any gaps if suitcases are not zipped up properly. Dot marks the spot: Current location of Karen Gees case at Casablanca airport, according to AirTag (Karen Gee) The next flight from Casablanca to Manchester is on Tuesday. The Independent has sought responses from Royal Air Maroc, the ground handler Swissport and Manchester airport. Royal Air Maroc is a member of the Oneworld alliance, alongside British Airways. Insects have caused problems for British airline passengers in the past but usually when they block the speed-measuring pitot tubes. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Russian Azerbaijanis have sent another aid package to the residents of the Kursk region, the local community leader Gasim Karimov wrote on the social network, Trend reports. The publication notes that Azerbaijanis of Russia did not stay aside and from the first days began to help Kursk residents. The affliction united not indifferent citizens of different nationalities and religions of our country. The humanitarian convoy contained 56 items of various goods - bedding, food, hygiene products, household chemicals, and others. At present, we are preparing the next action to help the residents of Kursk region, the publication says. CHICAGO - Columbus Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty slammed fellow Ohioan and former President Donald Trump's running mate JD Vance during her convention speech Monday night. JD Vance likes to talk about how hes from Ohio, but as soon as he could, he ran away to Yale and Silicon Valley, cozying up with billionaires while trashing our communities," said Beatty, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Speech text: Read Columbus Congresswoman Joyce Beatty's speech at Democratic convention Beatty, a longtime supporter of President Joe Biden's, contrasted Vice President Kamala Harris' Democratic ticket with Trump and Vance's speech and actions. She credited the Biden administration with the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, a $280 billion investment that helped bring Intel's plants to central Ohio. "JD and Trump, they want to take us back to the past. Kamala and Joe have been bringing the jobs of the future to America today," Beatty said. "JD and Trump like to talk about states like Ohio, but Kamala and Joe actually get stuff done." There's no lack of politicians seeking credit for Intel's investment in Ohio. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine touted the deal during his successful 2022 reelection bid. Construction on the project won't be done for several years. Beatty also hammered a popular talking point among Ohio Democrats: Vance was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio, but he left for higher education and job opportunities. Now, he's crisscrossing the country to stump for Trump. Vance, the author of "Hillbilly Elegy," opposed Trump in 2016 but has since changed his stance. He won Ohio's U.S. Senate race in 2022 over Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan. The party of Joyce Beatty and Kamala Harris apparently think it's a bad thing when people rise out of poverty and live the American Dream. JD grew up poor, served his country in the Marines and worked for everything he ever had, while Joyce Beatty has spent over 25 years in public office, living off the taxpayers, and pushing failed liberal policies that have led to more crime, more poverty and less prosperity for the people she's supposed to be representing. She should be ashamed of herself," Vance spokeswoman Taylor Van Kirk said late Monday. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday's ceremonies. Beatty spoke on the same night as Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2016. Eight years ago, Beatty addressed the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia but made more news for her attire. Beatty wore a white dress that was very similar to former first lady Melania Trump's Republican National Convention attire. Even after Biden's poor performance in the June debate against Trump, Beatty was an important advocate for the president. She's since thrown her support behind Harris. Beatty has represented Columbus in Congress since her election in 2012. Prior to that, she served as a lawmaker in the Ohio House of Representatives, including minority leader. As Beatty left the stage, fellow Ohio Democratic candidates were signaling "O-H" with their arms. More: Biden, Obama, Clintons to headline Democratic National Convention speakers Jessie Balmert 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 Cincinnati Enquirer: Columbus Rep. Joyce Beatty slams fellow Ohioan JD Vance at DNC Democrats were anticipating a funeral convention in Chicago until President Biden stepped aside in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. She drew enormous crowds on a swing through battleground states with running mate Tim Walz. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) One month ago, Democrats were anticipating a very different convention than the exuberant event planned this week on the shores of Lake Michigan. The expectation was President Biden would limp in, accept his party's nomination, then lead the party to a crushing defeat in November. That outlook changed literally overnight when Biden stepped aside and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who's been riding a rocket ship ever since. Money is flooding in, polls have turned in Democrats' favor, and the size of Harris' crowds has been giving Donald Trump conniptions. But nothing lasts forever. One big question is whether Harris gets a further boost from Chicago's apple-polishing affair, or if her popularity peaked with the headiness surrounding her replacement of Biden and selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as running mate. Columnists Mark Z. Barabak and Anita Chabria are following events in the Windy City and have some thoughts on the last dizzying month in politics and what the Democratic National Convention might bring. Barabak: So, Anita, what are you watching for here in Chicago? Chabria: Honestly, first up for me is Joe Biden, who will be speaking Monday night. Read more: Column: What Trump's crowd obsession says about him and the race for the White House Delegates are headed into this full of optimism. I'll go so far as to steal from the Harris-Walz ticket and label it as joy. For Democrats, the last few weeks haven't been just a relief or a reset, but a truly different vision for the party and the future. And it's a vision that came out of the blue. If you can possibly think as far back as July, it was far from certain Harris would be the choice if Biden stepped aside. There was talk (that now seems ludicrous) of a "Survivor"-style open primary at this convention where any contender with the guts and money could vie for the nomination. We don't give Biden enough credit for his part in the current revival. As much as stepping aside, his backing of Harris is what's responsible for where Democrats are now organized, cohesive and within sprinting distance of a November win. My hope is this convention greets him with the respect he deserves for giving up power for the greater good a feat of duty over ego that has happened only a handful of times in history. Because I do believe the Trump ticket remains a threat to democratic rule. (Lin-Manuel Miranda fans are now thinking of George Washington, who warned of this moment in his own farewell speech in 1796). But we should also credit Biden for backing Harris and thereby sweeping away the chaos that some in the party were clamoring for. Without that bit of fortitude and leadership I'll go so far as to say vision there would be no momentum to discuss in Chicago. Democrats would be starting from scratch. What about you, Mark? What are you looking for? Barabak: For starters, how Democrats deal with a major shift in programming. In this day and age, when smoke-filled rooms are frowned upon for reasons of both health and small-d democracy, a national political convention is, in effect, a four-day infomercial. The nominee is, of course, the star of the show and every heavily scripted moment is devoted to celebrating his or her magnificence and extolling the greatness certain to follow when he or she is installed in the White House. This requires a good deal of planning; consider the many testimonials to be delivered, the heart-warming anecdotes to be shared and those worshipful videos celebrating the nominee. Think of them as you would your home movies if those were polled and focus-grouped to a fare-thee-well. This convention was set to be all about Biden, his achievements and the case for a second term, with Harris cast in the customary role of all-but-forgotten understudy. Obviously, that's changed. As you mentioned, the president receives his thank you and gold watch on Monday night. Then he and First Lady Jill Biden depart Chicago and the event becomes a full-on, full-blown Kama-palooza. Convention planners had an exceedingly short time to pull off that switch, so we'll see how it goes. Then there's the usual things to watch. Among them, how does Harris perform in her big acceptance speech Thursday night? (I'll take a dollar for every time a pundit or TV talking head refers to "the biggest speech of her lifetime" and by the end of the week should have enough to buy that lakefront home in Tahoe I've always wanted.) Also, does the party manage to project the reassuring and uplifting air of unity it intends to convey, or do the planned demonstrations outside the convention hall and maybe inside blemish that happy face? Chabria: There's been talk that this convention will be as chaotic as the 1968 gathering when old-timers like you, Mark (kidding), recall tear gas and violence. I know that protesters supporting the Palestinian cause are planning to demonstrate (and I fully support them doing so), but I don't think we'll see the kind of mass disruptions of past eras. First, the area where protesters are allowed to gather isn't that close to the convention hall (an issue many activists are unhappy with) and second, I don't think that, rightly or wrongly, the Israel-Hamas war is the deciding factor right now for a majority of voters. I do think there will be some sort of activism inside the hall. How fast that is quelled and how effective it is remains to be seen. Read more: Pro-Palestinian activists prepare to rally at Democratic convention in Chicago Barabak: I want to be careful and not minimize what's happening in Gaza, or the passions of those protesting. But this is not 1968 when I was but a wee lad, Anita and it's not the Vietnam War, which not only divided the Democrats gathered in Chicago but also split the country in ways that continue to this day. So we'll see what happens outside the hall. Inside, you can be sure every effort will be made to snuff out the merest hint of discontent. Some OK, hardly anyone will recall a dust-up at the 2012 Democratic convention over insertion of the words God and Jerusalem in the party platform. It was one of those terribly insider-y things that got a very small number of people very worked up and gave an otherwise-bored political press corps something to write about. (Conflict!) The matter threatened to embarrass President Obama until a resolution was approved by a voice vote and the words were added to the platform even though the measure clearly failed to receive the two-thirds support required. The convention chairman then-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa decreed the resolution had passed, and so it did. "That was the prerogative of the chair, he told reporters afterward. Which is how it goes. He, or she, who wields the gavel calls the tune. Meantime, there will be a lot of filling in of blanks surrounding Harris, no? Read more: Column: Harris shouldn't talk to the press. It's our fault. Chabria: The vice president, as you pointed out, will be the star of the show. But it's a show that, remarkable as it may seem to political nerds, will present a lot of new information to many Americans who haven't closely followed the campaign. A poll, albeit from a month ago, found that only 35% of Americans are actively seeking election news. So while everyone may know that Harris is the first mixed-race woman to run at the top of the ticket, I don't know if that has really sunk in that she is also a first-generation American, born to immigrant parents. But Harris will almost certainly bring her family up to that stage at some point, and America is going to see a blended family that reflects California and also an America where immigrants (and complex families of all sorts) are welcomed, That's very much at odds with the image the Trump-Vance campaign pushes. Not only will Harris' Jewish husband, Doug Emhoff, be present with Harris' stepchildren, but her sister, Maya, will probably be there with her children and grandchildren, too. Maya Harris, an accomplished lawyer and politico in her own right, was a teenage mom, becoming pregnant in her senior year of high school. Her daughter, Meena, is a lawyer and playwright raising two daughters. This is a family that is relatable and real. It's what an immigrant family looks like, what it means to adopt America and be adopted by America. For me, that's the most exciting part of the convention and an under-covered aspect of this campaign. With Trump and Vance attacking immigrants, Harris is proof that immigrants are woven into the fabric of American exceptionalism. Barabak: Anita and I will be back each morning to recount events as they unfold in Chicago, just as we did last month at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Please join us. Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. President Biden speaks to news reporters in the State Dining Room of the White House in April before signing a $95-billion Ukraine aid package that also includes support for Israel, Taiwan and other allies. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Its not the Harris honeymoon thats bringing smiles to Democrats. Its the Biden divorce. Voters are relieved. And they can largely thank the news media. They can also credit themselves. Unhappy voters had been telling pollsters for months that President Biden was too old to run for reelection and serve a second term. But they were ignored by the president and Democratic leaders. It was journalists newspaper, digital and TV who continually informed the public of Bidens decline. Who else was going to lay it out straight? Certainly not the government the White House or Democratic congressional leaders. And when Biden, 81, performed pathetically in his June debate with Donald Trump, professional journalists did their job: They wrote about and showed the presidents deterioration. Editorial pages most emphatically the New York Times pushed hard for Biden to step aside. That shook Democratic leaders. They finally grew the backbone to pressure Biden into quitting the race. Its a good bet this never would have happened if it werent for the independent free press performing as the Founders envisioned when they wrote the 1st Amendment. Biden sadly would still be the Democratic standard bearer, not Vice President Kamala Harris. Thats a very high-profile example of robust journalisms irreplaceable value to a healthy democracy. Weak journalism leads to a sick democracy. A functional democracy must be fueled by a reliable flow to citizens of credible information. The void created by the decline of factual journalism is filled by misinformation. But the entire news reporting business is in perilous decline throughout the United States and much of the free world. In America, its happening particularly in small and medium size towns where there are always examples of some deteriorating politician needing to be pushed aside and corruption and incompetence are going unchecked. Read more: California's news industry is in steep decline. Here's what is at stake Strong news coverage is vital to hold elected representatives accountable and conversely inform voters of their good deeds. But it has fallen precipitously in county seats and city halls throughout California. And at the state Capitol. In the last 20 years, the size of the Capitol press corps and The Times bureau has shrunk by two-thirds. Some of the reporting gap has been filled by a nonprofit, foundation-funded organization, CalMatters, that distributes its articles free to traditional news outfits. Thats a possible harbinger of the future and a way to help more regions avoid sinking into so-called news deserts. Newspapers have been disappearing. Roughly a third 2,500 have closed shop across the country since 2005. All sizes. Most of those staying open have cut back severely. Roughly two-thirds of journalists have lost their jobs. More than 100 Times newsroom staffers were laid off in January. Its not only newspaper reporting that is shrinking. Its also broadcast and digital. News reporters question California Gov. Gavin Newsom about his proposal for a new tax on oil companies in response to high gas prices in 2022. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The culprit: the big internet and social media platforms that grab news outlets work without paying for it and build their own ad programs around the heisted articles. Or they just seize the info and create their own posts. Thats the destructive future of AI. Newspaper advertising has dried up. And increasingly because of the platforms manipulation, the revenue isnt being replaced by internet ads. At the Capitol, some Democratic legislators have been trying for two years to craft legislation to compel the largest internet platforms, such as Google, to kick in money to save journalism to pay at least minimally for the articles theyve been ripping off. But times running out. The Legislatures two-year session will end on Aug. 31. The internet monopolies are fighting hard by pressuring lawmakers and running a barrage of disingenuous TV ads claiming that the Legislature wants to help giant hedge funds rather than local papers. Nonsense. Some papers and TV stations may be owned by large corporations and financiers, but they still cover local news. Read more: California lawmakers advance tax on Big Tech to help fund news industry Negotiations between legislators and internet lobbyists apparently have not progressed far. And Gov. Gavin Newsom remains silent. There are two bills in play. Each has passed its own house and is stymied in the other. AB 886, by Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), is patterned after laws enacted in Australia and Canada. It would require large platforms such as Google to pay news outfits for their products. Fees would be set by arbitration. At least 70% of the money would need to be spent on reporters. SB 1327, by Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), would impose a California data extraction fee a sales tax on platforms that gross more than $2.5 billion annually from advertising to state residents. That would hit Google, Amazon and Meta and generate $1 billion annually. Half would fund partial tax credits for reporters salaries. An additional 40% would go to schools. The platforms contend this would raise advertising rates. Ridiculous, Glazer says: It would do the opposite. Theyre already getting the maximum rates they can. And it would increase advertising competition [from news outlets], driving down rates. Tech platforms are getting clicks and profiting mightily off the hard work of journalists, state Senate leader Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) said in a statement last week after Wicks bill squeezed through a key Senate committee. These bills would work in tandem to help level the playing field. But theres concern that the Legislature will pass a weak bill that essentially lets the internet monopolies off the hook by tapping them only lightly. That could cause harm to journalism rather than help, says Matt Pearce, president of the Media Guild of the West, the news staffers union. Whatever California does is going to set the pattern for the rest of the nation. We need serious regulation, not a pat on the head. Journalism isnt ailing just locally. Its a national epidemic. Twenty years from now, another declining president might not receive a strong enough push to step aside. 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. Column: Pelosi on Biden ouster: 'I just wanted to win this election. So if they're upset, I'm sorry for them' Rep. Nancy Pelosi, appearing with fellow Rep. Pete Aguilar at the Democratic convention in Chicago, expresses sadness at her strained relationship with President Biden. But she does not regret helping ease him off the ticket. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) Nancy Pelosi, whose fingerprints are all over the defenestration of President Biden, has expressed deep sadness at the rupture in their relationship. The two go back decades, to a time when a then-young Delaware Sen. Joe Biden was on the rise and Pelosi, a mother of five and devoted Democratic Party volunteer, hosted one of San Francisco's must-stop political salons. (The kids were pressed into duty as waitstaff.) She now praises Biden as one of the nation's greatest and most consequential presidents, deserving, even, of a place on Mt. Rushmore. Read more: Public deference, private power: How Nancy Pelosi navigated the Biden withdrawal But when it comes to campaigns and elections, the former House speaker has never had much use for sentimentality, priding herself on a reptilian cold-bloodedness. So when Biden face-planted on the debate stage in Atlanta in June, spelling disaster for Democrats up and down the ticket, Pelosi quietly went to work. Now just another member of the Democratic House ranks but still wielding enormous clout she, and other party pillars, helped maneuver the president into the corner whence he abruptly quit the race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. It's all just business, of course, though Biden hasn't seen it that way. Pelosi has acknowledged as much. The two once close haven't spoken since the president grudgingly stepped aside nearly a month ago. In a recent interview with the New Yorker's David Remnick, Pelosi was asked whether she thought the breach could be healed. "I hope so. I pray so. I cry so," Pelosi told Remnick. "I lose sleep over it." But regrets? Nah. Read more: Nancy Pelosi on how to win: 'What works in San Francisco might not work in Michigan' Asked Monday at the Democratic National Convention whether she had any second thoughts about nudging Biden aside, Pelosi made no effort to hide her disdain at the very notion. "Would I do anything differently?" she said, repeating a question posed during a brief session with reporters. "Why would you ask me that question? You know I'm a very deliberate person." Speaking beforehand, at a California delegation breakfast, Pelosi extolled Biden's selflessness in standing aside and said Monday night's opening programming would "celebrate his greatness." (After their headlining appearances, Biden and his wife, Jill, planned to leave Chicago and cede the stage and convention spotlight fully to Harris.) Pelosi continued the rhapsody during the brief media scrum. "The empathy that is in his heart for the American people [was captured] by his understanding that the baton needed to be passed," she said, not mentioning the healthy shove needed to move Biden along. Read more: Column: Nancy Pelosi on Dylan, the Grateful Dead, a wild night in Argentina and the healing power of music But, hey, politics is about success at the ballot box, to use a favorite Pelosi exhortation. Asked about those Democrats upset at that manner of Biden's extraction from atop the November ticket, Pelosi crisply replied, "I just wanted to win this election. So if they're upset, I'm sorry for them. But the country is very happy." She cited a House member from Illinois who told her Sunday night that immediately after Harris' elevation he had more than 1,000 new volunteers sign up. "And we're seeing that all over the country," she said. As for those still-grumbling dissenters, "That's their problem," Pelosi said. "Not mine." Had she any plans to visit with Biden, since they're both in Chicago? "We'll see. We'll see," she said. "We have a lot going." With that Pelosi turned and was immediately swallowed by a throng of well-wishers, smiling and elbowing for a selfie with the still-formidable ex-speaker. Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Another medical school has gone tuition-free. Johns Hopkins University announced last month that it will waive tuition for all students from families earning less than $300,000 starting this fall, thanks to a $1 billion gift from former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg hopes free tuition will enable more applicants from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors and help address Americas physician shortage in the process. Its a worthy goal. But our dearth of doctors is not a function of the cost of medical school. Were short on physicians because there arent enough residency slots where they can complete their training. Philanthropists looking to address the physician shortage and improve patient access to care ought to consider funding additional residencies. More than 74 million Americans live in federally designated primary care shortage areas. Consider that 20% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, but only about 11% of doctors practice there. That could help explain why rural Americans suffer greater rates of chronic diseases than their urban counterparts. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that well need up to 86,000 more physicians by 2036 to meet the demands of our growing and aging population. The problem stems, in part, from legislation thats more than a quarter-century old. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 capped federal funding for residencies. So the number of residency slots available to aspiring doctors was essentially stuck at 1996 levels for nearly three decades. Congress increased funding to expand the number of residency slots in 2020 and 2022. But it hasnt been enough to catch up to the growth in medical school enrollment. While there were just under 71,000 students pursuing M.D.s in 2004, there were nearly 98,000 in 2023 a roughly 40% increase. The resulting mismatch can make it difficult for medical students to secure a residency after they graduate. This year, there were more than 44,800 doctors applying for just over 41,500 residency positions across the country. In other words, theres plenty of demand for a medical school education. And yet, philanthropists are subsidizing that demand further with their gifts to medical schools. Bloombergs is only the latest. Earlier this year, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine received a $1 billion gift from Ruth Gottesman, a former professor. The donation will ensure that all four-year students receive a tuition-free education come fall. In 2018, Kenneth and Elaine Langone started a $100 million endowment fund to ensure all current and future medical school students at New York University Grossman School of Medicine receive free tuition. And just last year, they donated another $200 million to the NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine to provide free tuition for medical school students there, too. Those donations will no doubt change the lives of many aspiring doctors. But imagine if some of those millions had gone toward creating more residency positions. Consider the example of the University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine, which recently received a gift of $900,000 from Texas Mutual Insurance Company to expand the schools occupational and environmental medicine residency program. While the program currently accepts just four residents annually, it will expand to five annually for at least the next six years, thanks to the donation. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine received a$500,000 donation from the E.L. Wiegand Foundation in late 2023. The money helped to establish a new pediatrics residency program, which will eventually train up to 12 providers. The school expects the program will increase the number of pediatricians in the surrounding area by at least 17%. Philanthropists with an interest in supporting the next generation of physicians should not limit their ambitions to making medical school more affordable. Our nations residency infrastructure could benefit from their largesse, too. _____ Sally C. Pipes (X: @sallypipesis) is president and CEO at the Pacific Research Institute. Her latest book is False Premise, False Promise: The Disastrous Reality of Medicare for All (Encounter 2020). _____ NEW YORK (PIX11) You or your building may be paying too much for gas, according to a new report from U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres. Torres claimed that Con Edison charges 100% more than National Grid for gas in some instances. A Bronx property, for example, would have to pay Con Edison $1.29 for delivery of each unit of gas, while a Brooklyn property would owe 54 cents to National Grid. More Local News The report points out that the disparity especially harms underserved communities in the Bronx, Manhattan and parts of Queens. Torres called on the Public Service Commission to investigate Con Edison. PIX11 News reached out to Con Edison for a statement. The utility said, Energy delivery rates vary from utility to utility for many reasons, including the level of service, customers needs, the characteristics of the area and when new rates take effect. As we move from fossil fuels to clean energy, we are investing about $1 billion a year to keep our gas system safe. We replace 80 miles of cast-iron and steel main annually, conduct monthly leak patrols and are installing a first-of-its kind gas detector in customers homes and businesses, an enormous step forward for safety. We encourage reforms that reduce natural gas consumption and provide customers with clean energy alternatives. Jamie McShane, Con Edison spokesperson The Public Service Commission recently approved a rate hike for National Grid. Long Island residential customers are expected to see gas bills rise by $33 starting next month, according to reporting from Newsday. The Public Service Commission sets the rates for gas, not Con Edison, the spokesperson told PIX11 News. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. DANBURY, Conn. -- At least two people were found dead Monday in Connecticut, a day after more than 100 had to be rescued as torrential rain brought extreme flooding to the western part of the state. In Oxford, emergency crews saved more than a dozen people Sunday, but two women, ages 65 and 71, were swept away in the floodwaters on Route 67 on Sunday in the town about 15 miles northwest of New Haven. Two bodies, believed to be the missing women, were found Monday, said Connecticut State Police Col. Daniel Loughman. The Beacon Hose Company No. 1 used its tower ladder as a bridge to remove 19 people and a dog from floodwaters at the Brookside Inn Restaurant and a nearby residence. "Last night the Connecticut State Police assisted with assets and in personnel in the rescue efforts to extract those who were stranded in Kettletown State Park as well as Jackson Cove on Lake Zoar. The only access to rescue was by boat. The efforts were successful and they were evacuated to a shelter in Southbury," Loughman said. "Yesterday, it was reported that two women were swept away by floodwaters in the town of Oxford. Two individuals have been located today and it's believed that the recoveries were of the individuals witnessed and reportedly swept away by floodwaters." "It's just a reminder that we have to hang together at a time like this, especially given the tragedy," Gov. Ned Lamont said. "Those two women just swept away. It's just incredible, what happened there." "1,000-year" rainfall "We are talking about rainfall, in some areas, in the 1,000-year level. So we're talking anywhere from 25-year level, 100-year level, 500-year level, up to 1,000-year level. So it's really historic, unprecedented flooding," said Brenda Bergeron, deputy commissioner of the state's Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. A state of emergency is in effect. Videos posted on social media show flooded roads and stranded cars all over western Connecticut. Many roads in the region remained closed Monday. Lamont urged motorists to avoid catastrophe by driving through floodwaters. "When you see those yellow cones, stop. You may say, 'Oh my gosh, look at that road, it looks like it's OK to me, I don't see that much water.' There could be a culvert under there, water could be going under. That thing could go at any time. Please pay special attention there," Lamont said. In a message Sunday night, Lamont called the storm "historic." Sen. Richard Blumenthal said the state would seek federal funding to repair all the damage. He said many people and businesses that were impacted have no flood insurance. "Who would've thought the Little River would turn into a gushing torrent of destruction, which is what happened. That Little River became big. It became a huge, gushing torrent of destruction," Blumenthal said. "We will seek federal help. Be absolutely sure -- we will seek federal aid. They're entitled to it. These communities have suffered an otherwise irreparable cost and damage, and there are programs available." Blumenthal said the storm proves the need to work on resiliency efforts. Danbury flooding Danbury, a city with about 87,000 residents that borders Putnam County, New York, is dealing with road closures and damage. City workers moved mud with muscles to try to reopen Shelter Rock Road on Monday after the epic rainstorm. "This morning, it was nothing but mud. It was nothing but mud," said Leon Breece, with Danbury's Public Works Department. The mud washed down from the Berkshire Hills Apartment Complex. It caused flooding that eroded the road and cut a path through the landscaping. Residents were told to evacuate. "Emergency Services saw a tremendous amount of water coming down the hill, compromised the gas line, created a leak situation and prompt evacuation of the building," said Matt Cassavechia, Danbury's OEM director. "I grabbed my bananas, I grabbed some towels, my shampoo," said Angelica Alvarenga. Road collapses in Monroe, Conn. flooding Roads across western Connecticut paid a price, including a significant road collapse near Stevenson Dam in Monroe, about 12 miles north of Bridgeport, where almost 10 inches of rain fell. Drone video shows significant damage to busy Route 34. "So this is quite heavily traveled throughout the day and this will cause an inconvenience to not only us but to our surrounding neighbors," Monroe Police Chief Kevin White said. "I'm kind of just amazed, you know, just to see what Mother Nature really can do. It's impressive but terrifying at the same time," said Joe Hough, a Monroe resident. Click here for the latest First Alert Forecast. Watch: President Biden delivers DNC address Watch: First daughter Ashely Biden speaks about father, President Biden, at DNC Watch: First lady Jill Biden pays tribute to President Biden in DNC address Heavy rainfall and severe flooding in Connecticut left two people dead and over 100 evacuated as the governor declared a state of emergency. During a press conference in Oxford Monday, state police announced that residents Ethelyn Joiner, 65, and Audrey Rostkowski, 71, were found dead after flooding on Route 67 swept them away from their vehicles. The two fatalities occurred in separate incidents on Sunday, police said. PHOTO: This photo provided by Beacon Hose Co. No. 1, a fire station in Beacon Falls, Connecticut, shows members of Beacon Hose Co. rescuing people from the Brookside Inn in Oxford, Conn., Aug. 18, 2024. (Beacon Hose Co via AP) In one attempted rescue, firefighters were on the scene trying to get the victim from the vehicle when the rush of water came in, causing the vehicle to shift and carrying the victim downstream, according to officials. Her body was recovered Monday, police said. One of the firefighters suffered a minor injury in the attempted rescue, according to police. MORE: Ernesto becomes hurricane again; dangerous conditions for East Coast beaches The second victim was in a vehicle on the highway when she climbed out and tried crossing the floodwaters. Firefighters attempted to rescue her while she held onto a traffic sign, but the racing water became too strong and she was swept away, police said. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday that he had filed for a federal emergency declaration after the weekend's storms brought a record 13 inches of rain to parts of the state. "The sudden and severe flooding has caused significant damage to infrastructure in the western portion of the state, resulting in evacuations, rescues, and more than two dozen road closures that we anticipate will need to be closed for an extended period," Lamont said. Lamont strongly encouraged anyone in western Connecticut to "stay alert for updates before traveling" and advised residents not to drive through flooded roads. PHOTO: This photo provided by Beacon Hose Co. No. 1, a fire station in Beacon Falls, Connecticut, shows members of Beacon Hose Co. rescuing people from the Brookside Inn in Oxford, Conn., Aug. 18, 2024. (Beacon Hose Co via AP) On Sunday, Lamont released a statement saying search and rescue teams had helped at least 100 people evacuate from unsafe conditions due to the flooding. MORE: NYC beaches close due to rip currents from Hurricane Ernesto "Throughout this afternoon and evening, I have been working with our state's emergency management team to coordinate with mayors, first selectmen, and other municipal officials on any immediate response needed due to the severe and sudden rainfall that has impacted our state today," Lamont said. The National Weather Service warned that more rainfall and scattered thunderstorms Monday could bring additional flooding to southwestern Connecticut as well as parts of northeastern New Jersey and Long Island, New York. "This will bring potential for isolated severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts and localized flash flooding this afternoon into evening," according to the NWS. Connecticut floods leave 2 dead and over 100 evacuated; state of emergency declared originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A prominent former appeals court judge and conservative legal scholar has endorsed Kamala Harris, while branding Donald Trump a unique threat to American democracy. In a statement obtained by CNN, J Michael Luttig, who was appointed to the federal bench by the Republican George H.W. Bush administration, described Donald Trumps support for the January 6 rioters and continued lies about winning the 2020 election as a stake being driven through the heart of Americas Democracy. Because of the former presidents continued, knowingly false claims that he won the 2020 election, millions of Americans no longer have faith and confidence in our national elections, and many never will again, Luttig wrote. Former appeals court judge said he had policy differences with Harris, but didnt trust Republicans to uphold the Constitution and norms of U.S. democracy (REUTERS) Despite likely holding policy views that are vastly different from his own, Luttig said Harris was the only choice he could accept for the upcoming election. Regrettably, in the presidential election of 2024 there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of Americas Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, Luttig said of the Harris-Walz campaign. The Independent has contacted the Trump campaign for comment. The Democrats have been working hard to build up support from prominent Republicans, seeking to peel away moderates who arent enthusiastic about a second Trump presidency. Conservative commentator and ex-MAGA activist Rich Logis will speak at the Democratic National Convention on Monday evening, where hes expected to accuse the former president of lying about pretty much everything, NPR reports. Earlier this month, the Harris campaign rolled out a Republicans for Harris sub-group, with notable endorsements from former White House press secretary and Melania Trump chief-of-staff Stephanie Grisham and Olivia Troye, the former homeland security and counterterrorism adviser to Vice President Mike Pence. Theyve also rolled out disaffected GOP-ers on the campaign trail. At a rally last week in Glendale, Arizona, Mesa mayor John Giles called on Republicans to back Harris. I have something to say to those of us who are in the middle: You dont owe a damn thing to that political party, he told the crowd. I would say in the spirit of the great Senator John McCain, please, please join me in putting country over party and stopping Donald Trump and protecting the rule of law, protecting our constitution and protecting the democracy of this great country. Conservative former federal Judge J. Michael Luttig endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris 2024 presidential bid on Monday, in what will be his first time voting for a Democrat, according to CNN. In the presidential election of 2024 there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of Americas Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, Luttig wrote in a blistering statement obtained by the outlet. As a result, I will unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic Partys candidate for the Presidency of the United States, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. Luttig is a former jurist on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and a highly respected conservative legal scholar. He has been outspoken about Donald Trumps attempt to fraudulently overturn the 2020 presidential election, arguing that Trump is a threat to democracy and deeply unfit for office. To this day to this day still not only does the former president, and now the Republican Party of which he is again the standard bearer, continue to falsely claim that the former president won the 2020 election, Luttig said in his statement, he and his Party defiantly refuse even to pledge that they will honor and respect the vote and the will of the American People in the upcoming presidential election. He added that todays GOP has literally taken America political hostage, threatening the Nation with the specter of another January 6, 2021 on January 6, 2025, if the former president again loses his campaign for the presidency by a vote of the American People. The former judge, a Republican appointed to the federal bench by President George H.W. Bush, said that although he and Harris likely have sharp differences on public policy, he is supporting her campaign because of her commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution. Luttig is only the latest Republican to back Harris White House bid. Over the weekend, former Virginia GOP Rep. Barbara Comstock announced she planned to vote for Harris in November. After Jan. 6, after Donald Trump has refused for four years to acknowledge that he lost, and his threats against democracy, I think its important to turn the page, Comstock said during a CNN interview Sunday. Thats why I will be voting for the vice president. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva got acquainted with the restoration work carried out on a number of historical monuments in Gobustan and Shamakhi, Trend reports. Leyla Aliyeva visited the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Gobustan, a 15th-century monument that stands out for its uniqueness among the entire Caucasus region. The Diri Baba Mausoleum has been considered a sacred place for the Azerbaijani people for centuries. In 2022, this historical monument was restored by order of President Ilham Aliyev. Research work was carried out in the cemetery and in the caves around the mausoleum, and the necessary infrastructure was created to make it convenient for tourists to visit. Will be updated DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Travelers heading to Dayton International Airport will notice some construction outside of the building. The city of Dayton reports drivers can anticipate construction on Terminal Drive and its access roads, as well as the long-term lot. Crews will be working to fill cracks, resurface and seal joints across areas of concrete. Significant damage caused at local water pumping station While we strive to minimize disruptions, some areas may experience temporary closures or restricted access during the repair process, said Gil Turner, aviation director at Dayton International Airport. We appreciate the communitys patience and understanding as we work to enhance our infrastructure. Signs are placed in the area for drivers to take the proper measures while crews work. Drivers are always reminded to drive slowly in any area of construction. Construction is expected to conclude Oct. 4. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Anyone who drives down Sand Lake Road knows how busy it can get, but it will get a little busier on Monday night. Crews need to shut it down for construction. Another week brings another round of major work on Interstate 4 and the Sand Lake Road interchange. Channel 9 reported last week that crews are bringing in heavy beams weighing 72 to 75 tons as part of the improvement project. Read: See the changes coming to downtown Orlandos Church Street Station This week, they will close Sand Lake Road in both directions, just under the overpass, to set those beams. The first round of closures will start at 11 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Drivers will see this impact almost all week long until Thursday of this week. Read: Pin-teresting: Orlando International Airport will host pin trading event For alternate routes, if youre driving Sand Lake Road moving eastbound. You should take Turkey Lake to Central Florida Parkway, Westwood Boulevard, and the Beachline to get on I-4. Your westbound alternate route for Sand Lake Road is right here. You can take International Drive to Universal Boulevard to I-4. Read: Central Florida teachers receive a special surprise from Walt Disney World So again, Sand Lake Road is blocked off in both directions under the overpass. You must get out the door early for this major road work, as the alternate routes will take longer. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Douglas fir trees in the Elliott State Research Forest. (Tony Andersen/Oregon Department of Forestry) Oregons oldest state forest could soon join just a few state forests in the nation that are managed to combat climate change and earn money from selling carbon credits. The 83,000-acre Elliott State Research Forest near Coos Bay was intensively logged for much of the last century to provide revenue for Oregon schools before transitioning in 2022 into a research forest. Oregon Department of State Lands officials, who are in charge of managing the forest, want the next chapter of the Elliotts story to be about lowering harmful greenhouse gas emissions by storing carbon dioxide in trees and selling those benefits as carbon credits. The State Land Board made up of Gov. Tina Kotek, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade and state Treasurer Tobias Read will vote Oct. 15 on the plan to manage the forest primarily for forest and habitat health and for its ability to capture and store planet-warming carbon dioxide in exchange for revenue from polluting companies. While state lands officials support the plan, its raised concerns among some of the agencys former forest management collaborators including Oregon State University and the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians who fear putting the entire forest into a carbon storage and crediting scheme would limit research and logging. More than 400 people weighed in on the plan during a public comment period between June 12 and Aug. 4, according to spokespersons from the lands department. A release and analysis of those comments will be available in early September. Under a proposed 40-year feasibility study developed by the forest carbon and crediting company Anew Climate, the states new forest management plan could potentially capture and store up to 435,000 additional metric tons of carbon dioxide the equivalent of taking about 100,000 gas-powered cars off roads for a year. Each ton would be worth one carbon credit that could be sold to companies to offset some of their greenhouse gas emissions. The credits could be worth nearly $9 million on carbon markets over the next decade, according to the study from Anew Climate. At the same time, the forest would need to abide by provisions in an 80-year Habitat Conservation Plan the state recently sent to federal agencies for approval to protect critical and endangered species. Intensive logging, including clear-cutting, would still be allowed on about 25% of the forest, and logging by selective cutting of 80- to 100-year-old trees, considered eco-forestry by the state lands department, would be allowed on about 13% of the forest. Portions of the remainder of the forest could be thinned to promote habitat and forest health and biodiversity, but would otherwise be managed primarily for research, animal habitat and carbon storage, not logging, according to the plan. The department and the State Land Board are intentionally wanting to focus more on carbon, climate and biodiversity objectives than the Elliotts past, and at the same time, resume timber harvests, said Brett Brownscombe, Elliott State Forest transition director at the Department of State Lands. Part of what were looking to do is advance and debate different approaches to forestry so that other types of forest management and other business models can be tested and demonstrated and potentially shape policy on a scale thats a lot bigger than just the Elliott. From left, Meg Krawchuk, associate professor in Oregon State Universitys College of Forestry, and Shannon Murray (right), program director of the Elliott State Research Forest, survey an old growth stand. (Jennah Stillman/Oregon State University) How it would work Trees are extraordinary assets when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and old, mature trees are among the best at storing carbon, said Bev Law, a forest scientist and professor emeritus at Oregon State University. In the U.S., forests absorb nearly 12% of total carbon emissions, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Northwest forests are among the best in the world for trapping and storing carbon and theyre also in demand in the wood products industry. Its some of the most productive ground around for growing trees, whether you cut them or keep them for carbon, Brownscombe said. The older the tree, the more carbon it stores. To maximize its storage capacity, trees that are clear cut would be 10 to 15 years older than the average 35- to 40-year-old tree logged in an industrial private forest in Oregon. Laws research in Oregon and the Northwest has found that allowing the average Douglas fir tree to age to 80 years rather than 40 before being cut could capture and store an additional 25% of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while Washington state scientists discovered they could store even more. They found that logging trees at 80-years old instead of 40 trapped about 50% more carbon dioxide from the air and yielded more lumber for the timber industry. Under the proposed plan, Anew Climate would partner with the state to manage surveying and the accounting of the carbon storage capacity and ensure compliance with the rules of the American Carbon Registry, the first voluntary greenhouse gas registry in the world that works with landowners and with companies pursuing their own emission goals. The registry would issue credits that Anew Climate would help the state sell. State officials, in partnership with Anew Climate, would submit yearly compliance reports to the American Carbon Registry, and undergo a third-party audit every five years. The audits ensure that the project is on track and that restrictions on logging, tree lifespans and other components of the management plan are being met. The state is proposing to generate and sell credits on the voluntary carbon crediting market, where companies with their own climate or emission reduction goals, rather than government-mandated emission reduction targets, can buy the credits as offsets. California and Washington have state-run carbon crediting and compliance markets, where companies selling fossil fuels in those states can show a reduction in their emissions, in part, by purchasing state-issued carbon offset credits. Dozens of forestland owners in Oregon and Washington generate and sell carbon credits to the California compliance market. Only Washington land owners can generate and sell credits in Washingtons carbon market. To participate in Californias market, the state lands department would have to commit to a 100-year carbon crediting plan. Instead, Brownscombe said the state prefers a 40-year commitment, which is the minimum length allowed to enroll a forest in the voluntary market. In 2023, voluntary markets had about $723 million worth of carbon credit transactions, according to a 2024 report from Ecosystem Marketplace, which tracks the carbon crediting industry. The average credit sold for about $6.50. Globally, transactions in voluntary carbon markets are projected to grow up to $30 billion by 2030, according to Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative, a nonprofit carbon crediting industry group. A section of Elliott State Forest near Loon Lake after it was logged. (Courtesy of Francis Eatherington) Opposition to the plan With state officials moving forward on the plan, key collaborators on the Elliotts management have stepped back. In November 2023, after five years of work, Oregon State University officials and members of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians bowed out of actively participating in Elliott management. The universitys new president at the time, Jayathi Murthy, cited the carbon crediting scheme in a letter to the State Land Board as one of the reasons for the pullback. OSU officials and the tribes have said they oppose scaling back or ending commercial logging on large swaths of the forest for a set period and worry that the carbon crediting plan would limit research. University officials declined to be interviewed about the forest. Rob Odom, vice president of university relations, said in a statement that the university is open to collaborating with the state and partnering on future research, provided the Department of State Land resolves the issues brought in the November letter. OSU has cautioned that monetizing the carbon within the Elliott State Research Forest in its early stages would limit or interfere with the ability of researchers to conduct meaningful research, he wrote. Such research would not be possible if large tracts of the forest are rendered unavailable because theyve been set aside under long-term (40- or 100-year) commitments through carbon markets that are currently the subject of academic and public scrutiny. R.J. Benner, a community information manager for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, did not provide a comment or interview. The voluntary carbon crediting market has come under scrutiny in recent years for lacking regulations and oversight to ensure each ton of carbon dioxide released by a polluter is offset by a metric ton absorbed by a landowner. Critics also say they provide only a temporary solution for harmful emissions that cause climate change. After a 40 or 100-year contract for carbon storage has been fulfilled, a landowner could log it all, or use the land for something else. Others worry the markets only delay a necessary transition away from fossil fuels within the next century by letting polluters buy their way out of making urgent changes. These markets are one tool out there in the context of forest management, and theyre an evolving one at that, Brownscombe of the state lands department said. So were going into this with eyes wide open. We want to be part of the evolution of these markets not by standing on the sideline, but by participating in what the current reality is and using that to shape future realities. Similar programs If the plan is approved, the Elliott would be among just a few state forests in the U.S. that are being managed to generate revenue from carbon storage and crediting markets. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources currently has two state forests enrolled in credit markets in projects brokered by Anew Climate. No other state, however, has a public forest fully registered in the American Carbon Registry. In Oregon, several city and county forests are entered into carbon markets, including 30,000 acres of county forestland in Hood River and 3,700 acres of the Bear Creek Watershed in Astoria. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs has 24,000 acres of forestland set aside for carbon storage and crediting. In Washington, the Department of Natural Resources is considering a plan to set aside 10,000 acres of Western state forests for carbon storage to generate revenue. And the Alaska Legislature recently passed a bill to allow public lands to be leased for management that can generate carbon credits. Brownscombe said there is a growing momentum around putting public lands into carbon crediting markets that value ecosystem health and that also allow logging. The idea is to create a middle ground in states where the timber industry and conservation groups have long been at odds, and seen their visions for forest management as an all-or-nothing strategy. Brownscombe said the Elliott could be a model for other state forests in Oregon, and for other states. Wouldnt it be nice to show that a middle ground is working somewhere on a large forest landscape like the Elliott? Thats where the Elliott could punch above its 80,000 acre weight, he said. Reporting for this story was supported by the MIT Environmental Solutions Journalism Fellowship. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) A man who pled guilty to a gun charge has been sentenced to a decade in prison. Raleigh Lamar was sentenced in Hopkins County Circuit Court Monday morning for a convicted felon in possession of a handgun charge. He was also charged with murder in connection to the shooting death of Terrance Minor Jr. back in February 2023 where he was found not guilty. Madisonville murder trial ends in not guilty verdict Hopkins County Commonwealth Attorney Kathy Senter said the not guilty verdict was based on a self-defense argument. She also said the murder charge and the gun charge had to be broken up into two parts. Lamar is not eligible for probation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Cornel Wests presidential campaign appears to be combusting and, in the process, exposing some mischievous inner workings. The unaffiliated West was disqualified from appearing on the ballot in Michigan last week over notary issues and amid concerns about the authenticity of the signatures he acquired. Now, The Associated Press reports that West has been disqualified in Arizona, as well but the story of the last-ditch effort to keep West on the ballot out there speaks to the dubiousness of his MAGA-fueled campaign. The report explains how conservative activists tried to coordinate electors willing to help West get on ballots this November in an apparent effort to pull potential liberal votes from the Democratic candidate. This follows an NBC News report in June claiming operatives aligned with Republicans had been working to obtain signatures to qualify West in various states. Per The Associated Press: As a deadline loomed to submit the needed paperwork, two well-known Republican lawyers in [Arizona] and a GOP attorney working to get West on the ballot elsewhere learned that two of their would-be electors Jerry Judie and Denisha Mitchell were not interested in fulfilling the role. The electors decisions led to a barrage of text messages and phone calls looking to keep the operation alive. When those efforts failed, two Republican lawyers visited Judies and Mitchells homes, seemingly seeking to persuade them to reconsider. Late last week, Mitchell claimed her signature had been forged on documents identifying her as a potential elector for West. The latest AP report says attorney Paul Hamrick spoke with Judie via phone and that well-known conservative lawyers Amanda Reeve and Brett Johnson were captured on surveillance footage visiting Judies home after he allegedly backed out of an offer to support West as an elector. The Associated Press describes the attempt to recruit electors for West as what appears to be part of a broader effort by conservative activists and Republican-aligned operatives across the country to push Wests candidacy and subvert the integrity of the ballot in the months leading up to Novembers presidential election. Hamrick told the AP that the allegations against him are false, while the two other lawyers didnt respond to requests for comment. The conservative chicanery being alleged has always seemed highly likely, considering how Wests campaign began. When West launched his presidential bid last year, I explained his campaigns curious ties to the conservative movement, including his praise for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ultraconservative education agenda, his association with right-wing conspiracy theorist Russell Brand, and the fact he initially launched his bid as a member of the far-right-friendly Peoples Party. That West received a maximum donation from conservative megadonor Harlan Crow and returned it after facing backlash only added to the suspicion. And Trump, for the record, is acutely aware that long-shot, ostensibly liberal candidates such as West and Green Party candidate Jill Stein being in the race only helps him. But now, more than ever, we're seeing the lengths conservatives have been willing to travel to prop up West, with hopes they can use him to help Trump win. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Richmond resident Jana Hobbs pets her beagle "Bug," in her apartment on Aug. 12, 2024. Charlotte Rene Woods / Virginia Mercury While the sense of what makes a place a home can be strong, Jana Hobbs knows how fragile the ability to remain in a home can be. From a transient childhood to a portion of her younger adulthood spent unhoused and on drugs, to coping with mental health issues, Hobbs has had to overcome obstacles to create the sense of home she has now with her longtime partner, their grandson and puppy in an apartment on Richmonds North Side. Hobbs says she and her neighbors could be one medical emergency, family crisis or lapse in employment away from being at risk of losing their housing. Its part of why shes fired up about ways local and state governments can help people and has started getting involved with the advocacy group New Virginia Majority. She applauds the city for tucking $500,000 into its latest budget for a right-to-counsel (RTC) pilot program which would provide a lawyer for a tenant facing eviction if they could not afford one and she hopes it can become permanent. Theres a right to counsel for criminal proceedings, so why shouldnt we have it for civil cases? she asked. Richmond council member Andreas Addison proposed the program after sitting in on fast-paced eviction cases in Richmond. According to an RVA Eviction Lab report through Virginia Commonwealth University, 40% of evictions in the city last less than 60 seconds in court and Richmonds eviction rate is the second highest in the nation. When you see a posting of an eviction notice on your door, youre given pretty much two options either pay whats owed or leave, Addison said. But he thinks the third option connecting with legal counsel could help resolve matters out of court, or at least ensure residents going through court are represented by professionals with deeper understandings of the law. For instance, Addison said that he saw someone hed known from high school while watching evictions in court. She had set up a separate savings account specifically for her rent payments, which shed been withholding over maintenance issues. Addison said shed presented the judge with receipts of correspondence about fixing her apartment to take her landlord to task on the matter. I was like, wow, why is this the way to resolve that problem? he said. My former classmate had read up on what to do and how to handle things, but thats not what everyone can do. Hobbs concurs. Were not lawyers, she said of some renters. People arent always going to be able to represent themselves. With legal counsel, Addison believes residents can also become more aware of existing city resources they can tap into like utility bill assistance, or be able to resolve missed payments with their landlords outside of court. Unfortunately there are many people in our city that are living paycheck to paycheck, Addison said. We need to understand, you know, whats really going on. Funding earmarked for next year Richmonds program can be a testing ground for applying in other Virginia localities or exploring a statewide program. John Pollock from the National Coalition for Right to Counsel worked with Addison on Richmonds pilot. The pilot does not create a right itself, Pollock said. What it will do is expand representation with the hopes of gathering data on how impactful that representation is, which would then allow for a push for an actual right. In the meantime, the city will need to set up the program and funding is earmarked for next year. A spokesperson for Richmonds mayor said that the city would tap a yet-to-be-determined nonprofit organization that could provide the legal counsel rather than hiring or reallocating lawyers in city hall. Its not going to be in-house, the spokesperson said. Were supporting a nonprofit thats going to provide these services. Similar work has already been tested nearby. Equal Justice Works, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit, partnered with local nonprofits where 7 in 10 cases saw success for tenants, according to a 2022 report. While Richmonds city-sponsored RTC pilot will be new, 17 localities nationwide have adopted right to counsel for tenants facing eviction, including Cleveland, Ohio; Baltimore, Maryland; and Louisville, Kentucky. In New York City, which launched the first program six years ago, 84% of households represented in court were able to remain in their homes. Now, a bill is pending in New Yorks legislature to take the program statewide by creating the Office of Civil Representation in New York, responsible for sorting out the staffing of lawyers. Sen. Rachel May, the bills patron, says theres no guarantee it will pass. A bill will kind of pioneer in New York City, and then when we try to move it to the whole state, it can be harder, May said. In Virginia, Del. Mike Jones, D-Richmond, said the states appropriations committee would have to examine the fiscal impact if the legislature were to pursue some form of statewide RTC program. Jones was previously a member of Richmonds city council. As Richmonds own pilot gets off the ground, it can be something for state lawmakers to observe, he said. Hobbs is curious to see how the pilot plays out and housing policy is top of mind amid Richmonds city council and mayoral elections this year. In the meantime, Addison said that making sure there is public outreach about the pilot once its up and running in Richmond will be crucial. Though hed hoped for more funding initially, hes eager to see how things go. And, he said, I think this is a good step in the right direction. Duck boat rescues baby boy who fell into Charles River, dad who jumped in after him A Boston Duck Tours boat rescued a baby boy who fell into the Charles River in Cambridge and his father who jumped into the water to save him on Monday morning, officials said. Troopers responding to a report of a child under the age of 2 in the river near the rear of Royal Sonesta Hotel around 9:30 a.m. learned the boy had fallen into the water after squeezing through a railing, according to Massachusetts State Police. The boys father subsequently jumped into the river and secured him. They were then taken aboard a passing Duck Boat in the area of 40 Land Boulevard and dropped off at a nearby dock. Mike Rosario, one of two Duck Tour operators on the boat, is credited with rescuing the baby and his father. Rosario and Kevin ONeill were on a training run when they spotted the two in the water. Like if a child decides to lean over and God forbid they fall in, we have to jump into action right away, said Rosario, who is known to patrons as Big Mike. So we train for this all the time. Because it was a training run, only the two were aboard the Olga Ironsides for the safety drill. And then, suddenly, it wasnt a drill at all. I was doing my loop and when I turned back around Kevin noticed a group of people waving to us, Rosario said. And then he noticed a man in the water and thats when we realized somebody fell in. Rosario said the Dad was clinging to both the retaining wall and the child. So theres like little slots in the rocks, said Rosario. So Dad was holding on there while he was holding the child. Duck boat rescue protocol actually calls for the vessel to initially move away from the person in the water, so as not to hurt them. Then a life-preserver ring is tossed over to help keep the person afloat. Finally, the duck boat is maneuvered into place to effect the rescue. ONeill manned the back of the duck boat, as Rosario gently backed it into a position a safe distance away from the Dad and son. Once in place, ONeill lowered the ladder. And then I just walked down a few steps into the water, he said -- close enough to take the baby from his Dads arm and bring him aboard. I was thinking, just hold on to this kid and totally concentrate on just getting him up on the duck boat safe, ONeill said. And I was also saying, youre okay, youre okay. I dont have any kids of my own and Im not very good with babies, but because of the adrenaline I wasnt thinking about any of that. The boy and his father were evaluated by EMS on shore after being pulled from the water. The boy was then taken to a local hospital as a precaution. He just said thank you, thank you so much, ONeill said. And he was effusively thankful. We just said, of course. Were so glad that you guys are okay. Video from the scene showed an Orange Duck Boat near a dock, as well as a state police cruiser and ambulances parked along the shore. So I looked over with my camera and I was able to zoom in and see there was actually a child in the water, a baby, Demasi said. And the father jumped in right afterwards. Photos shared with Boston 25 News showed first responders lowering a life preserver ring down to the father and his child. NEW IMAGES: A man and baby were rescued from the Charles River this morning by first responders and a @BostonDuckTours boat. These pictures were captured by photographer Dominic Demasi who was across the river at the time. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/2qbvpJRuvZ Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) August 19, 2024 A witness who didnt want to appear on camera told Boston 25 News that the baby was likely between 11 and 15 months of age. Local photographer Dominic Demasi said he heard screaming followed by people rushing over. Initially I thought it was a dog. I took my camera, I looked closer, and there happened to be a baby in the water, actually. The father jumped right in. He was swimming with the baby for five or 10 minutes. They then called a Duck Boat over, Demasi recalled. Everything happened so quickly. Everyone seemed to be safe, but it was scary. Demasi added that it was fortunate the water wasnt cold when the baby plunged into the river. They come out of the Charles right here and they do their tours. So, they just happened to be in the area at the right time I guess. Right place, right time, Demasi said. It definitely scared me. I could hear them screaming...Its good it wasnt a long time. It wasnt cold out. Both the child and father are okay, according to a Cambridge Fire Department spokesperson. Just a bit shaken up. As for Rosario and ONeill, by afternoon they were back aboard the Olga Ironsides, a full contingent of passengers in back after a day they wont soon forget. Both are valued employees, even before this rescue, said Cindy Brown, Boston Duck Tours CEO. Mike and Kevin have been outstanding team members at Boston Duck Tours for many years. Im thankful that the training they have received, along with very lucky timing, put them in a position to help save this father and child. I could not be prouder of their quick thinking and smart actions. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW From County Council to President, a timeline of Joe Biden's career ahead of DNC tribute President Joe Biden is set to take his political swan song at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Monday. The speech will serve as the likely capstone in a national political career that has lasted for over half a century. The son of Scranton, Pennsylvania by way of Delaware had a career shaped as much by personal tragedy as policy but found himself at the center of consequential moments in American history multiple times. Biden became a titan of the Senate before standing as the Vice President to the nation's first Black President and then assumed the role during one of the country's darkest moments. Here is a timeline of President Joe Biden's political career. Biden's legacy: No longer running, how Biden, a supple political master, met his hard stop 1970: Biden wins first election, county council seat After practicing law in Delaware, Biden won his first political race in 1970, winning a spot on the New Castle County Council from the Fourth County Council District. 1972: Biden elected to U.S. Senate Biden would ascend to the Senate seat he would hold for over three decades by defeating two-term Republican incumbent J. Caleb Boggs. Biden, who would reach the minimum age to serve in the Senate between the election and being sworn in, was considered a long shot to win the seat. December 18, 1972: Biden's first wife and daughter die in car accident Tragedy struck the young Biden family after Joe's electoral triumph. Nelia and Naomi Biden, Joe's wife and 1-year-old daughter, were killed in a car accident while Christmas shopping in 1972. The accident left sons Beau and Hunter severely injured. Biden considered resigning from his recently won seat and contemplated suicide after the accident. "I thought about what it would be like just to go to the Delaware Memorial Bridge and just jump off and end it all," Biden said in a CNN documentary. "But I didnt ever get in the car and do it or wasnt ever even close." 1987: Biden runs for president for first time Biden declared his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination for the first time on June 9, 1987. Biden was considered a leading contender at the outset but was hampered by confusing messaging and hamstrung by multiple accusations of plagiarism and exaggerating his personal history. Biden withdrew his candidacy on September 23, 1987, before reaching any primary or caucus for the 1988 nomination. 1991: Anita Hill hearings and Clarence Thomas confirmations Biden was the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committe for two consequential Supreme Court confirmation hearings. In 1988, Biden presided over the nomination of Robert Bork for which he earned praise by conducting the hearings in a fair and good-humored manner. Bork's nomination failed in front of the committee by a 5-9 vote and was defeated in the Senate 4258. Biden voted against Bork both times. Biden then oversaw the nomination hearing for Clarence Thomas in 1991. Thomas called Biden's questioning during the hearing, "a beanball straight at my head" due to its often-convoluted nature. After the hearings closed, Anita Hill made accusations of sexual impropriety in the workplace against Thomas, causing the hearings to be reopened. Counsel Charles Ogeltree uses a legal pad to cover a microphone as he advises law professor Anita Hill during her testimony October 11, 1991, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on Supreme Court nominee Judge Clarence Thomas. Hill testified she was sexually harassed by Thomas while she was his aide; Thomas has denied the charges. Hill testified in front of the committee on October 11, 1991. Thomas' nomination failed to be recommended in the committee 7-7 after the allegations became public, but before Hill testified, and passed the full Senate 52-48. Biden voted against the nomination in the full Senate. 1994: The Crime Bill In 1994, Biden helped usher in the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, better known as the 1994 Crime Bill. The bill included an assault weapons ban, the Violence Against Women Act and expanded the use of the death penalty for federal crimes. Biden would call portions of the bill that enforced disproportionate sentences for crimes involving crack cocaine a, "big mistake that was made," and in a 2019 campaign speech said that it "trapped an entire generation" of Black Americans. 2008: A presidential run turns into vice-presidential win Biden entered the presidential arena for the second time on January 7, 2007. His presidential bid became notable for his quips as he said of Rudy Guliani, "There's only three things he mentions in a sentence: a noun, and a verb and 9/11," at a primary debate. Biden's 2008 presidential bid made it to the Iowa Caucuses where he placed fifth. Biden withdrew from the race on January 3, 2008. Biden was tapped by former rival Barack Obama to be his running mate on August 30, 2008. The pair won the White House and Biden was sworn in as Vice President on January 20, 2009. May 30, 2015: Beau Biden dies Joseph Robinette "Beau" Biden III, Biden's oldest child, died of brain cancer on May 30, 2015. The death likely stopped Biden from making a bid for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. "I'd be lying if I said that I knew I was there," Biden said in a 2015 appearance on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. "Nobody has a right, in my view, to seek that office unless they're willing to give it 110% of who they are." 2020: A presidential run, a pandemic and an insurrected transition Biden entered his name for the Democratic nomination for the 2020 presidential election on April 25, 2019. Biden fell behind to Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders early in the primaries but became the favorite after winning the South Carolina primary and endorsements from a number of candidates as they dropped out of the race after Super Tuesday. The primary and general elections were turned on their head with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing Biden to primarily campaign via Zoom. Biden defeated Trump by an Electoral College vote count of 306-232. Trump launched a slew of lawsuits in an attempt to reverse the results as well as a pressure campaign on Republican state officials. Trump and Republican operatives attempted a scheme to replace duly elected slates of electors. On January 6, 2021, supporters of the defeated president stormed the capitol in an attempt to stop the counting of electoral votes and overthrow the elected government. The attempt failed and Biden was declared the winner of the Electoral College in the early morning hours of January 7. 2021: Biden enters White House Biden was sworn into office on January 20, 2021. As President, he oversaw the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, re-joined the Paris Climate accords and ushered in infrastructure and climate legislation. Biden coordinated the U.S.'s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan that resulted in 13 U.S. servicemembers and at least 170 Afghan civilians dead. In 2022 Biden rallied NATO in defense of Ukraine as Russia launched an attack on the country. The landmark moment of his presidency was launched from the Supreme Court as when it overturned Roe v. Wade. Abortion rights became a central issue in the 2022 election cycle as Democrats led by Biden used the issue to blunt a predicted "red wave." 2024: A president steps away from a second term Biden began his campaign for a second term on April 25, 2023. The campaign was dogged by questions about Biden's mental and physical capabilities, though he is only three years older than his opponent Donald Trump. The New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal published a combined 76 articles on Biden's age while publishing a combined seven articles on Donald Trump's age from January 15 through June 17, a study conducted by Media Matters for America found. Concern about Biden's fitness was amplified after the first presidential debate on June 27 where he appeared to have low energy and made multiple gaffes. Speculation about the President stepping away from the presumptive Democratic nomination swirled in the aftermath of the debate and the announcement that he had contracted COVID on July 17. Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on July 21. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Timeline: Joe Biden's career from Senate titan to DNC swan song Update: 1:11 p.m. PT- Emory spokesperson Janet Christenbury issued the following statement to VIBE. Emory Healthcare is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for patients and those we serve in our communities. We do not comment on pending litigation. The same text was previously used in statements regarding the lawsuit. Original story below A couple is suing an Atlanta-based hospital after medical staff misplaced a portion of the husbands skull. The section had been removed to complete a surgical procedure, and when it came time to replace the missing piece, it could not be located or accurately identified. According to CNN, the complaint was filed by Fernando Cluster and his wife, Melinda Cluster, earlier this month. He was admitted to Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta in September 2022 and diagnosed with an intracerebral hemorrhage. Doctors removed a portion of Clusters skull measuring around 4.7 inches by 5.9 inches to ease pressure on the brain. After healing from the surgery, Cluster was due to have the piece re-implanted, however, the operation did not go as scheduled. At the time, the doctors were unable to identify the bone flap belonging to Cluster. Emory Hospital When Emorys personnel went to retrieve the bone flap, there were several bone flaps with incomplete or missing patient identification and therefore, Emory could not be certain which if any of these belonged to Mr. Cluster, detailed the filing, per CNN. According to the Clusters, the loss of the bone flap resulted in extensive damages, including ongoing physical and emotional pain and suffering, and unnecessary medical bills, noting that Cluster has suffered permanent injuries and is unable to work. The outlet reported his medical expenses totaled more than $146,800, according to the complaint, including $19,000 for a synthetic skull used during a rescheduled surgery. Emory Healthcare is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for patients and those we serve in our communities. We do not comment on pending litigation, explained Emory spokesperson Janet Christenbury in a statement to CNN. Last month, Emory University Hospital ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Georgia and metro Atlanta in the 2024-25 Best Regional Hospitals rankings, for the 13th year in a row. VIBE has contacted Emory for a statement on the Clusters lawsuit. More from VIBE.com MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) Crews responded Sunday night to a house fire in Muskegon. It happened on Ada Avenue near Chestnut Street. A News 8 crew in Muskegon saw firefighters going in and out of the house and carrying away ladders that had been placed on each side of the building. Some of the homes windows were broken, and so was the glass panel on the front door. The homeowner told News 8 that he lives there with four other people, and no one was hurt. Firefighters respond to Ada Avenue near Chestnut Street in Muskegon on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. Though firefighters on scene would not confirm any information with News 8 Sunday night, the homeowner said the fire was caused by an electrical issue, and the Muskegon Professional Firefighters union reported in a Facebook post that a power line was down in the yard. This embedded content is not available in your region. Multiple fire departments were on scene. The Muskegon Heights Fire Department said it responded to the fire after getting a call for assistance from the Muskegon Fire Department. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. On August 19, a meeting was held in the building of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC with students admitted to the Russian Transport University (RTU) for the 2024-2025 academic year and enrolled in the Azerbaijani Railways scholarship program, Trend reports. Boosting students' motivation and preparing them for future possibilities and duties were the goals of the meeting. The administration of the Azerbaijani Railways extended best wishes to the students as they embarked on the new school year and provided guidance on how to excel academically and be a credit to their nation. Furthermore, in 2023, as part of a series of events commemorating National Leader Heydar Aliyev's 100th birthday in Moscow, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation agreed to create broad conditions for Azerbaijani students to study at this university and establish a scholarship program. In partnership, Azerbaijani Railways gives RTU students a monthly stipend and the chance to intern in the service industry and find a career. RTU covers Azerbaijani students' annual tuition, provides a dormitory, and helps preparatory faculty learn Russian to overcome the language barrier. Training of local transport personnel in Azerbaijan, which has become a hub of global transport corridors, is a priority issue of the day. As a partner of this scholarship program, Azerbaijani Railways strives to contribute to the development of human capital in the country's transport sector and is working on new projects in this direction. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, likely the most progressive mayor in Windy City history, allowed police funding to grow modestly, even as he invests more in anti-violence programs. Jeff Schear/Getty Images This most recent Fourth of July weekend was especially bloody in Chicago. More than 100 people were shot and 19 people were killed, including an 8-year-old boy who was shot to death in his home along with two female relatives. Mayor Brandon Johnson, likely the most progressive mayor in the citys history, responded with pained outrage. There will be consequences. There will be consequences for the violence, he declared. We will not let criminal activity ruin and harm our city. Johnson made his usual points about the root causes of disinvestment and the national policies that make it easy for teenagers to access deadly weapons. But tonally, the remarks were a far cry from his comments as mayor-elect in April 2023, when Johnson characterized crowds of young people engaging in group violence downtown as an example of young people sometimes making silly decisions. The different focus was enough to elicit praise from the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune, which endorsed Johnsons opponent in last years runoff election. Keep it up, Mayor Johnson. Dont stop now, the board wrote. The start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday is sure to draw more attention to both the achievements and challenges facing the countrys third-largest city. Conservative media, in particular, has long relished covering the Windy Citys violence problem, treating it as an indictment of Democratic governance. Former President Donald Trump has even suggested sending in federal troops to patrol the city if he returns to office. Johnsons early tenure, however, has seen continued declines in homicides, shootings, car thefts, robberies and sexual assaults, relative to this point in 2023, mirroring national trends of declining crime under President Joe Biden. If Johnson, who is set to address the convention on Monday, can sell Chicago as a safe city, it could help national Democrats fend off Trumps crime-focused campaign. (Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, are both scheduled to hold public safety events during the Democratic convention.) Were excited about the DNC. Were excited about the work thats going to go into that, said Garien Gatewood, Chicagos deputy mayor for community safety, a position Johnson created. But were also excited to let all 2.7 million people in the city of Chicago know that public safety is still our top priority, and well be working to keep everybody safe in the city of Chicago throughout the convention, before and after. Credit or blame for security at the convention itself is unlikely to fall exclusively on Johnsons shoulder. Protecting the nearly 50,000 people in town for the mass media event is a joint effort between the city, the state of Illinois and the Secret Service, and the behavior of the tens of thousands of protesters many of them focused on pushing for an end to Israels war in Gaza planning to show up in the city is out of his direct control. After initial resistance, Johnsons administration granted pro-Palestinian protesters for a stage, sound system and portable toilets for their march on Monday. We can provide opportunity and accountability.Garien Gatewood, deputy mayor for community safety Johnson is set to speak at a press conference about the citys security arrangements for the convention and accompanying protests on Monday morning. This is a party that can handle protests and protecting the First Amendment right, which is fundamental to our democracy, Johnson said in an interview on ABC News This Week on Sunday. Convention security aside, the progressive mayor has, at the very least, already defied predictions of doom from Chicagoans who feared Johnson would govern as a defund the police-style radical. As a candidate, Johnson disavowed his past support for reducing police funding, and has sought to marry his commitment to addressing the root causes of crime with a clear-eyed acknowledgment that traditional policing is essential to stopping crime in the near term. He has allowed the Chicago Police Departments budget to grow modestly, even as he has invested more resources in non-police violence prevention programs. Johnson also negotiated a two-year extension of the Chicago Police Departments collective bargaining agreement in October that doubled cops scheduled raises for this year and next, winning praise from the police unions conservative leader. We can provide opportunity and accountability, Gatewood said. That accountability is important because there are folks who have caused harm in the city of Chicago. Tom Bowen, a Chicago-based Democratic consultant who advised Johnsons more moderate predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, and is still critical of Johnson, credited the new mayor for striking an appropriate balance. He obviously focuses a great deal, rightfully on investment in communities, on wrap-around services for families in distress, Bowen said. But as far as enforcement goes, the mayor has been pretty mainstream. He was attacked as a defund the police candidate, and that just wasnt true, he added. Not everyone is happy, of course. A majority of the 50 aldermen on Chicagos city council have, at various points, pushed Johnson to take a tougher approach to enforcement, including by doing more to fill the Chicago Police Departments hiring backlog and reversing a decision to end the citys contract with the surveillance technology firm, Shot Spotter. These detractors can point to upticks in aggravated assaults and burglaries over the past year, as well as killing sprees like the July Fourth holiday weekend that attest to ongoing bloodshed in the citys poor and working-class neighborhoods. We shouldnt be spiking the ball at the 5-yard line, said Alderman Gil Villegas, a Johnson critic who represents a majority-Latino stretch of northwestern Chicago. Former President Donald Trump and other Republicans have long caricatured Chicago as a crime-ridden hellscape. Johnson and others hope to prove him wrong. JIM WATSON/Getty Images Even Villegas and other Johnson critics, however, give the mayor credit for selecting Larry Snelling as superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Choosing Snelling was popular because he is a South Side native who worked his way up through the ranks of the CPD for more than three decades. Chicago is a very unique city, and most of the police superintendents that have been effective in Chicago have been chosen from the rank and file because they know the city, they know the officers, they know the communities, and they can better strategize and deal with what the police are dealing with, said Alderman Anthony Beale, a Johnson critic from a predominantly Black part of the far South Side. Johnson calls his hybrid approach to crime prevention and enforcement the peoples plan for community safety, which focuses the resources of all city agencies on three key populations: victims and survivors of crime, youth of high promise (a term coined to replace high risk), and adults of high promise. In terms of traditional policing measures, the Johnson administration convened a robbery task force within the police department, which, among other successes, resulted in the arrest earlier this month of someone allegedly responsible for multiple armed robberies. Working with Kia and Hyundai, two car manufacturers whose vehicles are more frequently stolen, the city has helped car owners get free software updates that make thefts less likely. And Johnson has followed through on promises to add 200 detectives through promotion within the police department, making 120 such promotions as of May. At the same time, Johnson has employed a range of unconventional violence prevention tactics aimed at addressing the root causes of crime. To tackle the poverty and despair that Johnson believes allows crime to flourish, Johnson secured approval for a $1.25-billion bond to fund affordable housing and economic development. He has expanded the citys summer youth jobs program to reach 27,000 residents, an increase of 2,400 from 2023. In addition, Johnson has championed the proliferation of violence interrupters people with street credibility in a violence-plagued community who work to defuse disputes and stop shooting before it starts. We shouldnt be spiking the ball at the 5-yard line.Gil Villegas, Chicago city alderman Shortly after the bloody July Fourth weekend, Johnson joined Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and business leaders to announce the citys business community had raised $100 million to prevent violence, along with $175 million from the state government. The lions share of those funds will go toward community violence intervention programs in Chicagos most violent neighborhoods, which includes violence interrupters, but also wrap-around services for high promise adults and youth. Johnson also announced in June he was allotting $6.4 million to expand the citys Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund, which provides financial relief for the victims of gun violence or homicide by other means. As part of a broader commitment to wrapping our arms around the support of those victims, according to Gatewood, the city has likewise made a concerted effort to provide mental health treatment and relocation assistance for those crime victims. That outreach serves the important purpose of helping the victims themselves, but it is also meant to limit the spread of violence by reducing instances of retaliation. Theres a feeling of hope and optimism that if we can stay on this and work collaboratively and do evidence-based strategic things to really move the needle, over a period of five, 10 years, we can really start to see the numbers come down, said Derek R.B. Douglas, president of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, a city business umbrella group responsible for raising the $100 million in private violence prevention funds. And Johnson and his team have been a central partner to us in that effort. But to Johnsons adversaries on the council and elsewhere, allowing the citys police force to deteriorate risks overshadows progress in other areas. While Johnsons election did not prompt a cop exodus of the kind the police union warned about, CPD has yet to make up a personnel deficit that began in 2020. Snelling, the police superintendent, has said the police department is still short 2,000 officers it needs to operate at full capacity. The shortage has required police officers to rack up overtime hours, especially to provide security at summer events like Lollapalooza, and now, the DNC. That can have the effect, some observers warn, of hurting police morale and starving troubled neighborhoods of needed resources. Johnson's selection of Larry Snelling as Chicago police superintendent has elicited praise from some of the mayor's critics. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/Getty Images Asked about the police personnel deficit in his ABC News interview on Sunday, Johnson noted police retention and hiring have been slow across the country. He nonetheless took the opportunity to advocate for the economic benefits of joining the police force, calling it a pathway to the middle class. For his part, Villegas has proposed hiring recently retired police officers to do temporary security work at major city events in the summertime. Meanwhile, Snelling, the Johnson appointee with support across the ideological spectrum, has become an outspoken voice in defense of the police departments use of ShotSpotter technology, even as Johnson has forged ahead with a campaign promise to let the citys contract with the technologys owner expire in September. The technology uses acoustic sensors to alert police to gunshots being fired in a particular neighborhood. Johnson and other critics of ShotSpotter maintain there is limited evidence of the sensors effectiveness and that they lead to police violations of civil liberties in the predominantly Black and Latino areas where ShotSpotter is present. But its a tool that Snelling and the vast majority of the city council say is critical to alerting police to gunshots in cases where no one calls in to report them. If Snelling doesnt have the tools he needs, how effective can he be? Beale said. I would love the mayor to change course on this. But even Johnsons detractors are excited about the opportunity to show off the citys achievements for the Democratic national convention. People are going to see that Chicago is still one of the most beautiful cities in the world, said Corey Brooks, a South Side pastor and nonprofit leader who delivered a benediction at the Republican national convention. We still have issues that are unresolved that were all in need of continuing to work on. Were definitely a work in progress. Crime Reports: Two suspects charged with abandoning/endangering child in Abilene Editors Note: The following arrest and incident reports were supplied by the Abilene Police Department. All information below comes from reports made by responding officers, and all suspects are considered not guilty unless determined otherwise in a court of law. Incidents 1600 block of Hwy 351 Criminal Trespass A suspect was contacted due to a disturbance at an Abilene convenience store. 800 block of Harrison Avenue Theft of Property A washer and dryer were reported stolen. 800 block of Peake Street Injury to Child/Elderly/Disabled A victim reported his roommate threw a drinking glass at him and hit him on his arm. 1200 block of S 13th Street Theft of Property Police responded to a theft in south Abilene where a bicycle and ladder were reported stolen. 1300 block of N Pioneer Drive Assault Family Violence An assault was reported in north Abilene. 2500 block of Nonesuch Road Violation of Bond/Protective Order A protective order violation was reported in south Abilene. 6200 block of Hwy 83/84 Criminal Trespass An arrest was made for criminal trespass. 200 block of Arnold Boulevard Assault Family Violence Assault family violence was reported in south Abilene. 500 block of Saddlewood Drive Assault Family Violence A victim was assaulted by his stepson in south Abilene. 3100 block of Melinda Lane Assault Family Violence Police responded to a disturbance in north Abilene. 1000 block of S Clack Street Assault Family Violence A suspect was arrested for assault family violence. 2500 block of Beltway S Burglary of Building A burglary of a building report was taken in south Abilene. 2100 block of N Treadaway Boulevard Theft of Property A suspect was arrested for enhanced public intoxication and theft for alleged taking a hat and beer from a north Abilene store. 1900 block of Denton Street Assault Family Violence A south Abilene apartment complex employee reported a female victim ran into the office with her baby and reported she was being abused by her boyfriend. 600 block of Amherst Drive Theft of Firearm A chainsaw, speaker, drill, toolbox, and firearm were reported stolen in south Abilene. 2900 block of Old Anson Road Aggravated Robbery An aggravated robbery was reported in north Abilene. 1400 block of Kirkwood Street Assault Family Violence Police responded to a disturbance in progress in north Abilene. 300 block of N Jefferson Drive Criminal Mischief A criminal mischief report was taken at a north Abilene apartment complex. 3300 block of Sherry Lane Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon Police responded to a fight in progress in north Abilene. 1300 block of Marshall Street Assault Family Violence An assault report was taken in south Abilene. 2000 block of S 15th Street Assault Family Violence A victim reported her boyfriend assaulted her, causing her pain. 1500 block of Green Street Assault Family Violence Police responded to a disturbance in progress in north Abilene. 1000 block of Presidio Drive Assault An assault family violence report was taken in south Abilene. The victim did not wish to press charges. 4500 block of Mary Lou Lane Assault A victim advised he was assaulted by his sister-in-laws boyfriend. 2800 block of S 28th Street Criminal Mischief Police responded to a disturbance in progress where a suspect is accused of breaking 5 windows to a residence. 4300 block of Sayles Boulevard Theft of Service A theft of service report was taken in south Abilene. 2000 block of S Clack Street Criminal Mischief A victim reported an unknown suspect threw a bottle at her window. 1100 block of Palm Street Theft of Property Clothing, skis, and boots were reported stolen in south Abilene. 1800 block of Hwy 351 Injury to Child/Elderly/Disabled A victim reported a known suspect hit him in the head during an argument. 2300 block of Jeanette Street Burglary of Habitation A victim reported an unknown suspect took a welding machine, lawn mower, and more from her deceased fathers house. UNDISCLOSED LOCATION Assault Family Violence Officers responded to a man and woman fighting. The woman was arrested. 2000 block of Regent Drive Burglary of Vehicle A firearm worth $679 was reported stolen. 100 block of Sayles Boulevard Robbery Police responded to a report of a robbery that just occurred. 4500 block of S 1st Street Harassment A report was completed for harassment in south Abilene. 2400 block of Buffalo Gap Road Assault Family Violence A victim reported her boyfriend assaulted her. 1200 block of Houston Street Assault Family Violence A victim reported his girlfriend assaulted him. 1300 block of Clinton Street Burglary of Vehicle A wallet was reported stolen. Arrests Robert Moen Criminal Trespass Paulette Grider Injury to Child/Elderly/Disabled Alexander Rivera Warrant Francis Boyle Public Nuisance Marquies Roberts Warrant Joseph Gutierrez Public Intoxication Shirley Schaefermeyer Warrant Jeremy Henry Warrant Cindy Young Criminal Trespass Alexis Willis Warrant Lisa Castillo Warrant Nijoy Oliver Warrant, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Jamil Woods Possession of Controlled Substance Jesse Villarreal Possession of Controlled Substance, Evading Arrest Alexa Smart Assault Threat/Contact Terrell Beason Possession of Controlled Substance Kayla Musick Possession of Controlled Substance Chloe Boland-Araujo Assault Family Violence Bill Hobbs Theft of Property, Public Intoxication Dante Riggins Assault Family Violence Daimenatta Gipson Warrant Javian Mendoza Assault Family Violence, Evading Arrest Detention Matthew Jones Failure to Comply Sex Offender Duty to Register Jennifer Jowers Warrant Miranda Muniz Warrant, Possession of Controlled Substance Tracy Keele Public Intoxication Reina Barbee Assault Family Violence Alfredo Gutierrez Assault Family Violence Cole Strang Assault Family Violence Ricardo Zapata Assault Family Violence Dwayne Mayes Public Intoxication Kyle Weston Assault Family Violence Madison Ward Warrant Deijanae Turner Public Intoxication Allen Berry Public Intoxication Mariah Walker Assault, Abandon/Endanger a Child Jeremy King Abandon/Endanger a Child Tammy Robinson Criminal Trespass Alexander Hutinet Warrant Selena Moreno Assault Family Violence Dominique Wilson Warrant Carlos Pinto Warrant Christopher Vincent Driving While Intoxicated Julieta Cervantez Assault Family Violence Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. The Democratic National Convention opens on Monday on what is also Day 318 of the U.S.-backed Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip with at least 40,000 Palestinians dead, and hopes fading for a cease-fire and the release of the eight Americans and more than 100 Israelis held hostage by Gaza-based militants. For most of this time, President Joe Biden has cast American support for Israels campaign as a righteous response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, the chief Palestinian armed group in Gaza, which began the current fighting and killed hundreds of civilians. But the administrations policy of supporting Israels devastating operations while saying it seeks Israeli restraint and a truce-hostage release deal has become increasingly controversial, fueling months of activism by critics of the war. For many of those skeptics, the convention is a unique moment to pressure both Biden and the candidate seeking to succeed him, Vice President Kamala Harris. Opponents of the Biden administrations Gaza policy, in which Harris is playing a growing role, say a course correction is crucial for Democrats. The party, they argue, needs to acknowledge dissatisfaction with the policy among registered Democrats and independent voters, pointing to intense outrage among blocs like young voters and Arab Americans. (They also cite moral, strategic and legal reasons for a shift.) Specifically, many critics want Washington to end American military backing for the Israeli operation. Biden has approved billions of dollars worth of additional U.S. weaponry for the Israeli military, despite repeatedallegations that it has used American munitions to commit war crimes, while declining to sanction Israeli forces found guilty of human rights violations or heed calls from dozens of Democratic lawmakers to cut off particular equipment for the country over their use and Israels restrictions on humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Should the U.S. stop the flow of arms, the move could spur the Israelis to reach a deal with Hamas and end the war, proponents of the idea say. Attempts to reach such an agreement have faltered so far, and on Sunday, the current round of negotiations, which a senior administration official described to reporters on Friday as the end game, appeared to founder as Hamas claimed Israel was reneging on past concessions. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is extremely unlikely to deliver a more humane policy, given his antipathy toward Palestinians, support for extreme violence and closeness with far-right Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, most of the anti-war voices acknowledge. Yet they say rather than fixating on losing votes to Trump, Democrats should worry about surrendering valuable voters to disillusionment. Taking advantage of the national focus on the DNC, and the presence of Harris and other influential Democrats in Chicago, the loose national movement around Gaza is planning counter-programming, protests, press conferences and other actions during the convention, building on demonstrations in recent months in cities and on campuses. To understand the hopes of groups challenging U.S. Gaza policy, HuffPost interviewed five members of various influential segments in the anti-war coalition, from activists in U.S. swing states to those advocating from within Gaza itself. Read excerpts from those conversations edited for length and clarity below. Layla Elabed Elabed is the co-chair of the Uncommitted movement, which earlier this year rallied tens of thousands of voters in Michigan and other states to vote as uncommitted denying their votes to Biden during the Democratic presidential primaries, to signal dissatisfaction with the administrations Gaza policy and indicate they will not back the Democratic ticket without a shift. The movement has 30 Uncommitted delegates going to the DNC representing our anti-war coalition of almost 800,000 voters. These delegates are going to the DNC in the spirit of Fannie Lou Hamer and the Mississippi Freedom Party [who challenged the 1964 Democratic convention to replace the all-white delegation from their state]. Weve made demands to the DNC besides our movements demands to Vice President Harris and the Biden administration on a policy shift Weve petitioned to have at least two speakers: Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, who has served on the frontlines in Gaza treating men, women and children who have been victims of Netanyahus assault on Palestinians, and also an Uncommitted leader who can speak to this dissent in the Democratic Party. The lines of communication have been open with the leadership within the Democratic Party but also with VP Harris team. We hope that protesters are going to be allowed to practice their First Amendment right to peacefully protest on the outside of the DNC. These are folks that are advocating for human rights; these are folks that are frustrated and grieving ... Some of those folks that are participating are trying to get their voices heard because it is literally their families being killed. As folks on the inside of the DNC, we are going to respect the proceedings of the DNC, but we are also going to ensure we are heard. A policy change needs to happen now. VP Harris and the Democratic Party have an opportunity at this moment to unite this fractured party and give us a much-needed fighting chance in November against fascism and authoritarianism. If our stated value is to fight fascism, then we shouldnt be funding the authoritarian and fascist Netanyahu, who leads one of the most far-right governments that Israel has ever had. We should have a policy change because it is the right and moral thing to do, and war is not a popular policy. We are sending an unconditional check to the state of Israel while so many of us here at home cant even afford basic necessities. This is not just a one-issue vote for many folks this is a multi-issue vote, as we are watching over the last 10-15 years [as] our communities, especially our communities of color, deteriorate. Its harder for families and everyday Americans to survive and thrive in dignity while our tax dollars are continuously being sent to fund the mass killing of men, women and children. Ghada Alhaddad Alhaddad is a Gaza native who works as a communications officer with the charity Oxfam. She has been forced to leave her home in the regions central town of Deir al-Balah to escape Israeli attacks twice since the war began but has since returned; she and her family are now hosting Palestinians displaced from elsewhere in Gaza. Everybodys wish and dream right now is to have a cease-fire. Even if you go and sit with children and ask them, What do you want? My nephew had his birthday and said, I dont want birthday candles, I dont want cake, I dont want anything I want this war to end. Everybody says the word cease-fire in his own words: some people say, I want this war to end because I want to go back to my home or I want to go back to my school or I want to go back to see my parents and grandparents who are in north Gaza. Weve lived through many wars before. This war is totally different: the loss of family members, colleagues People have been displaced and have evacuated multiple times with no clear destination, traveling on unpaved roads. This war means starvation. Weve seen food deprivation due to the closure of our borders, and our relatives in north Gaza are telling us there is nothing in the market except for a few bags of flour. Almost every family I know has somebody who has contracted Hepatitis A an avoidable disease and this is exacerbated with the crowdedness in most places and the lack of clean water. Children walk next to garbage and raw sewage at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Aug. 19. EYAD BABA via Getty Images This war has meant the deprivation of human rights, for example that children were not able to go to school and have missed an academic year. Many people do not have homes now; many people lost their sources of income because most of the industries were shut down and some were bombed. This war means the deprivation of every single basic right anyone should have. My city is known to be the city of palm trees ... You usually see the sea. Now I dont see the sea because of the camps of tents that this city has turned into. Everything has become very crowded and you barely find any open space. Theres been no electricity since the onset of the war; we depend on charging our phones and our laptops through people who have solar [panels], which were salvaged from destroyed homes. The situation is not tragic because we do injustice to the word tragic if we use it. I dont want my nephew whos now 4 years old to recognize if a strike comes from an Apache [attack helicopter, made by Boeing] or a drone. A couple of days ago, two airstrikes happened next to my home: one killed five people, another killed a mother and her twin children. Many people are asking, Is there any improvement? I always give the same answer: Its getting worse and worse by the minute ... everybody now has only one thought: Am I going to make it till the end of the day? Celia Nimz A 2021 graduate of the University of Minnesota, Nimz is an organizer with the group Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) who is helping bring hundreds of students to Mondays March on the DNC protest and also protested the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July. Were ready to get within sight and sound of the Democratic National Convention and demand that the U.S. ends aid to Israel and that they stop arming and funding a genocide in Palestine. I found a lot of hope in the student encampment movement because it showed we can do a lot more than vote The Democrats have shown that working within the Democratic Party is not going to end U.S. aid to Israel were going to have to build a movement, a peoples movement, thats ready to force them to take up our demands. The goal for the March on the DNC is we want this to be a family-friendly protest, the type of place where people can bring their grandchildren, attend regardless of their immigration status and go and protest without fear of arrest We dont view it that the police keep us safe we keep us safe. Were ready to have protests the first week that students are back on campus and thats what were encouraging our chapters to do ... We saw what happened at the end of the last [school] year; we want to have something at that level if not larger. Students chant slogans during pro-Palestine student protests at George Washington University on April 27. ALI KHALIGH via Getty Images HuffPost also received emailed statements on the DNC from two other coalitions of student organizers. Harvard out of Occupied Palestine wrote: Just a few days ago, the U.S. approved a $20 billion weapons package to the apartheid state as the death count in Gaza surpassed 40,000. Our organizers and youth voters refuse to fall for rhetorical promises while Democrats empower genocide and will not be satisfied until action with divestment and an arms embargo. And National Students for Justice in Palestine wrote: Both political parties have enabled this genocide, and they are both guilty. Since announcing her run for presidency, Harris has dodged every question about an arms embargo and has affirmed her support for Israel. To date, Harris has given no indication of changing the Biden administrations policy that fuels this genocide. This is why on August 19-22 [the dates of the D.N.C.], Students for Justice in Palestine, alongside thousands from across the country, will stand large and proud as we confront the Biden administration, Harris [and] Walz and the Democratic Party to let them know that genocide supporters are not welcome in our cities. Until we achieve an arms embargo, an end to unconditional aid to Israel, a permanent ceasefire, and a liberated Palestine, we will remain in the streets. Bushra Khalidi Khalidi is a policy lead for Oxfam who is based in the occupied West Bank. Violence against Palestinian civilians there, a long-running problem that observers see as enabled by the Israeli government, has dramatically increased during the war in Gaza. Im speaking to any U.S. leader, really: We cannot [continue to] see the same pattern of weapons transfers that we have seen in the last 10 months from the U.S. to Israel. Our Water War Crimes report analyzes the amount of destruction that these weapons have on something as basic as water, and the reverberating effect that is fatal in many ways: You might be hit directly by weapons or you might die because you contracted a water-borne disease because the wastewater treatment plant near your community was bombed. Its only impunity that allows Israel to violate human rights and international law over and over again before the 7th of October, after the 7th of October. Military occupation dictates every part of me and Ghada [Alhaddad]s lives, even though shes in Gaza and Im in the West Bank. I can stand on the top of a hill in Ramallah and see Gaza from here. Ive got family in Gaza and they cannot come here. You have trapped an entire civilian population within the confines of closed walls and even their family that is an hour away cant do anything. [In the West Bank,] we are recording record numbers of [home] demolitions, record numbers of extrajudicial killings and detentions, also in East Jerusalem. [In Gaza,] as long as attacks are ongoing, there will be no improvement and that has been our case since the beginning: Gaza is so small theres no isolated event. You cannot target surgically. If allies of Israel continue the way they have, in terms of supporting them materially, financially They may incur complicity in the war crimes that Israel has committed against the Palestinians. So if states are really committed to the international rules-based order, now is the time for accountability. Feroze Sidhwa A surgeon based in northern California, Sidhwa volunteered at a hospital in Gaza from March 25 to April 8. He organized a recent letter from 45 medical professionals who have worked there since Oct. 7 that urged Biden to end support for the Israeli offensive, and he plans to speak at a side panel during the DNC. Im not of the mind that these people [at the DNC] dont know whats going on, in terms of the violence that Israel is using and the fact that its killing tons and tons of people in Gaza. I suspect Kamala Harris looks at what the Israelis are doing in Gaza and wants to vomit but she knows that its politically inconvenient [to change the policy] so if another 15,000 children have to die oh well, no one ever said it was easy to make the sausage. I wouldnt tell them anything other than I think this is bad politics ... Im certainly not going to vote for you. Im not going to vote for Trump and Im not going to be particularly swayed by people who think if you dont vote for Harris, youre voting for Trump. Thats technically accurate, but I dont really care. The wounded, including children, are taken to Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat Camp for treatment after the Israeli army attacked the house of the al-Saidy family in the central Gaza Strip on Aug. 18. Anadolu via Getty Images The damage that has been done to Gaza cannot be easily undone by delivery of aid at this point. The whole society has been mined and biologically contaminated; the massive destruction of these concrete buildings and other such things has led to incredible contamination of the air. What effect that is going to have on people is completely unknown. Theyve been saying the same thing for 10 months in terms of the [cease-fire]. At some point obviously a cease-fire deal will happen. Its incredibly cynical, but a cease-fire deal will occur when its politically convenient for Israel and the United States ... None of the victims actually matter in this situation. Maybe were closer to having a cease-fire great, thats better than continuing to drop bombs on people. The thing thats killing people in Gaza is violence, but its almost certain that theres plenty more people dying of starvation, disease, malnutrition. Kayaks, inflated tubes and one unusually large swan lined Lighthouse Beach Sunday as beachgoers prepared to hit the water for the Port Huron Float Down. The unsanctioned event draws thousands of people each year looking to float along the St. Clair River from Port Huron to Marysville, a trip that can take up to six hours by river float. "Seeing the people and all the different floats keeps me coming back every year," said Frank Belcher, who attended the float down for his 12th year. The relaxation of floating by houses and other floats while the river does all the hard work is a prime reason many of the Float Down's participants gave for returning. It's a notable contrast for Don Lichtle and Daryl Williams, both of whom often go kayaking in rougher waters than the St. Clair River. They were joined by Williams' four sons, who were joining the Float Down for the first time, as well as "Benny," a skeleton prop that joined Williams in his own kayak. "He's been hunting, he rode a quad one season, but this is his first Port Huron excursion," Lichtle said. On the other side of the beach, Belcher prepared for the return of his own skeleton partner, Mr. Bones, a more experienced Kayaker than Benny who returned wielding flags celebrating beer and alcohol. Both were dwarfed, however, by the giant crowned swan used by Jeff Noga and his friends. Big enough to hold six people, Noga said he found the swan on sale months ago and decided to buy it. "In the past we all had our own floats," Noga said. Jeff Noga and friends finally set out on the St. Clair River. Also joining each of the floats was a collection of safety equipment: life jackets, paddles, rope and other necessities for hitting the water. Every year the U.S. Coast Guard warns people of the dangers of the Port Huron Float Down, and every year that warning is mostly ignored. The river was closed to regular boat traffic Sunday, except for U.S. Coast Guard and other first responder vessels, which patrolled the river in case anyone was in need of an emergency rescue. More: 'The risks are real': Coast Guard urges people not to participate in Sunday's Float Down Lichtle said he takes safety seriously despite the relaxing nature of the event. During his last float down five years ago, he had to dive into the water to help someone who had fallen from their tube. Shawn Holloway and his group had paddles ready and a bag containing their IDs and passports. In 2016 strong winds blew several participant to across the water into Canadian waters. "I think my first year was the one after that happened," Holloway said. Nevertheless, he made sure to learn from others' mistakes. Justin Westmiller, St. Clair County emergency management director, said as of 4 p.m. Sunday local law enforcement had to assist thousands of people who were blown into the beach by strong winds. He said there had been no major injuries, but the weather had not been favorable. "This has not been a good day to go floating down the river, but people are still doing it," Westmiller said. Despite the safety warnings several returning and new river floaters said they were excited to join everyone along the river. "It's a great experience," said Sabrynna Offt, who participated in the river float for her second year. "You float down with your friends and loved ones and just relax. It's really fun." Kaneko Yumika, a friend of Holloway's who is visiting from Japan, said it was her first time participating in the river float. "This is my first time to swim and boat on the river, so that's exciting for me," Yumika said. Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Port Huron Float Down 2024 As Election Day rapidly approaches, the Republican-controlled election board of Georgia, a crucial swing state, just increased the chances of a disputed outcome. In a narrow vote on Aug. 6, the boards Republican majority empowered county election officials, most of whom are partisan appointees, to launch inquiries into election results in the days immediately following Election Day. And on Monday, the board passed another new rule permitting individual county board members to demand access to all election-related documentation and mandating that county boards resolve any discrepancies before certifying results. Georgias elections have been a battlefield ever since Donald Trump lost the state by less than 12,000 votes in 2020. On Jan. 2, 2021, the outgoing president pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, to find 11,780 votes, or one more than he needed to overcome Joe Bidens margin of victory. Raffensperger refused, and a Fulton County grand jury later indicted Trump and 18 other defendants for crimes related to attempting to overturn the election in a case that is ongoing. Critics worry that Georgias Republican election officials are laying the groundwork to again sow doubt about the results of the presidential election in a critical swing state, and that the new language is a vaguely defined expansion of county boards official duties. Georgia state law says county boards shall certify election results. Previously, this involved essentially ministerial actions consisting of tallying the ballots, sending the results to the state and reporting any issues to law enforcement. Now, with the new rules saying county boards may pursue a reasonable inquiry of the results and have access to troves of documents, concerns abound that individual, partisan appointees to election boards could delay results and introduce skepticism about the legitimacy of the election. Dexter Wimbish, a Democrat and member of the Spalding County election board, told HuffPost he believed Republicans would use the new rules to raise questions about the effectiveness and security of election machines in case they dont get the outcome that theyre looking for. I can see a number of election boards failing to certify the election, and throwing it into litigation, as a way to prolong that process if Trump doesnt win, Wimbish said. Such delays could have major implications. If Republicans in Congress attempt to block the certification of a Kamala Harris win as they did with Biden on Jan. 6, 2021 Georgia could yet again form the foundation of a challenge to the overall election results. At least one national figure seems to know the stakes: Last week, Trump himself praised three members of the Georgia State Election Board by name during a campaign rally in Atlanta, calling them pit bulls fighting for honesty, transparency, and victory. Three days later, those same members formed a 3-2 majority to pass the new rule changing the definition of election certification in Georgia. Georgia is the only state that has adopted rules to make it easier for county officials to subvert elections, and its deeply problematic, said Nikhel Sus, deputy chief counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, one of several watchdog groups to come out against the rule changes. Sus spoke against the reasonable inquiry rule in person during a multihour hearing earlier this month. And even if they dont succeed, Sus added, they are eroding trust in the electoral process, and doing a disservice to the public. Like A Dog With A Bone Each of Georgias four most populous counties went for Biden in 2020, helping him wrest the traditionally red state away from Trump and win the White House. In each of those counties Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett at least one Republican election official has since voted against certifying an election. (In the end, none of those efforts were successful.) Several of those officials have close ties to Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election or have participated in broader Republican efforts that could undermine confidence in the vote. Michael Heekin, a Fulton County election board member, first sought the controversial new reasonable inquiry rule. Transparency is critical in our elections, Heekin said in an email to HuffPost, declining to comment further. Heekin and Julie Adams, a Republican Fulton County election board member, both voted against certifying the results of the 2024 presidential primary. Adams has reportedly held roles with the Tea Party Patriots, a group that helped stage the Jan. 6 Stop The Steal rally that preceded the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, and the right-wing Election Integrity Network. This spring, Adams and Heekin raised questions about who might have had access to ballots as they moved between the polls and counting room and sought related documents, with Adams ultimately suing for documents. America First Policy Institute, a think tank founded by Trumps close allies, is representing her in court. Adams did not respond to requests for comment; reached by phone Monday, she ended the call after a HuffPost reporter identified himself. In Gwinnett County, Republican election board members have objected to certifying the results of both the 2020 presidential election and the 2024 presidential primary. Alice OLenick, a Gwinnett County election board member who voted against certifying the 2020 election but was outnumbered, later told a group of Republicans it was her mission to get the legislature to change election law in the GOPs favor. Im like a dog with a bone, she said in January 2021, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post. I will not let them end this session without changing some of these laws. They dont have to change all of them, but theyve got to change the major parts of them so that we at least have a shot at winning. OLenick did not respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Georgia is the only state that has adopted rules to make it easier for county officials to subvert elections, and its deeply problematic.Nikhel Sus, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington David Hancock, a Republican county board of elections member in Gwinnett County, voted against certifying the results of the 2024 presidential primary election in his county due to his objections about custody records for certain batches of ballots and poll worker training. Asked about critics concerns that certification disputes could form the basis of a challenge to Georgia or U.S. election results, Hancock told HuffPost there were too many hypotheticals. As we have seen in 2016, 2020, 2022, both sides can take anything and use it in an attempt to overturn election results they are not pleased with, he added in an email. Democrats that I speak with, even some who are on the board with me, are convinced that, as a Republican board member, my purpose is to do everything I can to ensure that only Republicans win. Nothing I can say will change that. Hancock said he supported the reasonable inquiry rule, noting that state law still required counties to certify election results within a week. But he also pointed to instances where certifications had been delayed or were later recertified. And, guess what - everything was fine, he said. As for the new rule giving officials broad access to documentation, he echoed a common talking point: The certification paperwork signed by county boards states that the results are true and correct, and election officials should feel confident when they sign that. If we certify an election without checking fundamental issues like ballot chain of custody, and a candidate comes in later and challenges the outcome, we are the ones that are on the hook, Hancock argued. (Its unclear if any election officials have ever faced criminal or civil liability for certifying an election result. However, officials have faced charges for delaying election certification, and whats more, candidates who want to challenge results first need the results to be certified to bring the challenges to court.) Mondays Meeting Mondays meeting of the state election board revealed the national scope of the fight over Georgias rules. Two national power players backed up Bridget Thorne a Fulton County commissioner who, for years, has spread false claims regarding the 2020 election as she proposed the documentation rule: Ken Cuccinelli, a senior Homeland Security official in the Trump administration, and Hans von Spakovsky, who for decades has amplified baseless concerns of widespread fraud in American elections. Both men authored entire chapters of Project 2025, the right-wing blueprint for a potential second Trump administration. I would tell you that unless an election official, a board member, has full confidence in the administration of the election that it was done without errors, they should not certify the election, von Spakovsky said. Janice Johnston, a Republican commissioner on the state board, read supportive statements from Ken Blackwell, the former Ohio secretary of state who now works at the America First Policy Institute, and former Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.). ProPublica reported Sunday that a network of right-wing groups, including the Election Integrity Network, helped put together the documentation rule, which would empower county election board members to investigate discrepancies in precinct-level data and request vast document troves before certifying results to be included in the statewide count. Thorne said during the meeting that the rule was a collaborative effort and that numerous people and numerous groups have had their hands in it. Experts who spoke to ProPublica noted their particular concern over the rules requirement that county boards not count the votes of entire precincts until theyd probed any discrepancies even, as ProPublica pointed out, innocuous things like people checking into polling places but deciding to leave without voting, or election systems being slow to update corrected provisional ballots. Sara Tindall Ghazal, the state boards only Democrat, noted at the meeting that the rule mandates the investigations begin even before all ballots including military and overseas ballots are received, leading to a risk of confusion as ballots that are postmarked in time arrive in the days immediately following Election Day. And John Fervier, the boards chair, expressed his concern the board was creating law by acting outside of its authority. The documentation rule passed, just as the reasonable inquiry one had with three Republicans on the state board voting in favor, and Fervier and Ghazal voting against. One of the Republicans who voted in favor of both rules, Rick Jeffares, has sought a job in the Trump administration. Jeffares told The Guardian recently that hed told a former Trump campaign adviser Id like to have it, referring to a regional Environmental Protection Agency directorship. Jeffares subsequently accused the media of blowing up a nothing story and said he did not talk to anyone in the Trump administration about his request. Jeffares did not return HuffPosts request for comment. Talk To The State The rule changes, especially so close to a monumental presidential election, have some people in Georgia nervous if only due to the added complication. Whenever youre left with such a vague standard, there is the opportunity for chaos, said Tori Silas, chair of the Cobb County board of elections. What one person deems to be reasonable, 50 other people will not deem it to be reasonable. We have 159 counties here in the state of Georgia. You will get potentially 159 different interpretations. Zachary Manifold, the supervisor of elections in Gwinnett County a hired position that answers to the county board told HuffPost he was confident the countys board would work together to certify the election. Still, he said, questions remained regarding the new rules. For instance, Georgia law vests power in election superintendents, which are defined as the entire county board, not individual members, but the new rule regarding access to election documents refers to individual board members. Weve struggled with, Do we have to use the open records process here for this individual board member? Do they have the right to see this document in their [individual] capacity? Or does the whole board have to vote in order for them to see this? he said. Thats kind of the angst that weve all been running into. Its not that anybody here doesnt want to show these documents. Its kind of like, what power do you have as a board member, versus the superintendent? Then theres the even more significant question: What happens if county boards simply dont certify election results in time for state deadlines? In each of Georgias four most populous counties, Bidens 2020 margin of victory was larger than his statewide margin. I dont know. Youd have to talk to the state about that, Manifold said. (Georgias Election Integrity Act requires counties to certify the election results by November 12th and we fully anticipate that counties will follow the law, Raffensperger wrote last week, the day after the state election board passed the reasonable inquiry rule.) Wimbish, the Democrat on the Spalding County election board, had an answer: Hed get a court order. Around the country, such orders writs of mandamus, directing government officials to do their official duties have been successfullyfiled against election officers who refuse to certify elections. (One Spalding County election board member, Roy McClain, voted against certification in November last year.) Sus, of CREW, told HuffPost the new rules in Georgia could themselves face a challenge sooner than that, as he and other experts have argued they go against the law and over a century of precedent. Were exploring all legal options, he said. All options are still on the table. The new rules in Georgia, Sus said, pose not only the risk of delaying the certification of election results, but of sowing distrust in those results and being used as a pretext for a sham investigation or claims of wrongdoing. Congress will meet on Jan. 6, 2025, to certify the national presidential results. While the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022 raised the bar for objecting to election results in Congress, it did not eliminate objections altogether. Theres no guarantee, once we get to the sixth, that members of Congress who previously have cast doubt on the validity of lawful elections will change tact, Sus said. If anything, I think we can expect that theyre going to deploy every possible tactic they can to try and invalidate the election if Donald Trump loses. If youve ever been inside the Detroit Rattlesnake Club, you may have noticed some of its artwork. After 36 years of offering fine dining, the Rattlesnake Club shuttered in June and is now offering the opportunity to own pieces of the restaurants notable artwork and other items. DuMouchelle Art Galleries announced on Monday that the collection of the Rattlesnake Clubs artwork is part of an upcoming auction in September at DuMouchelles on Jefferson Avenue in downtown Detroit. Many prominent American artists are among the more than 50 items featured in the auction. A Wayne Thiebaud etching and aquatint, part of a collection from the now closed Rattlesnake Club, is up for auction. In announcing the auction, DuMouchelles described the restaurants curated collection as the likes of which are rarely seen inside a restaurant and an impressive selection of contemporary art. The auction takes place on Sept. 12-14 and includes the works of Robert Graham, Robert Schefman, Frank Stella and several others. Lithographs, etchings and carved wood folk masks and some furniture are also part of the auction. Bob DuMouchelle, auctioneer at the family-owned DuMouchelles, said in the past theyve worked with other Detroit restaurants, such as the Top of the Ponch and Ponchartrain Wine Cellar, for both auction services and helping with providing collections. Many original works Of the Rattlesnakes auction, DuMouchelle referred to it as part of a legacy with many modern originals in the collection. They had works in there from Louise Nevelson, a major artist in the MOMA and many museums around the country, DuMouchelle said. Frank Stella, another one who is again at MOMA in New York, DIA in Detroit and Jasper Johns, another artist has some major work coming up in this collection. Several pieces of Frank Stella's artwork collection displayed at the Rattlesnake Club is up for auction in September at DuMouchelles in Detroit. DuMouchelle said you dont usually see originals in restaurants. A lot of people who are very familiar with the Rattlesnake didnt know that there were original works in there, he said. Custom maple chairs, too Aside from artwork, maple chairs are part of the auction. They were made for the Rattlesnake and part of a numbered edition, DuMouchelle said. Its kind of unusual for restaurants to have numbered chairs at a table. The Rattlesnake Clubs final day of service was June 28 with the current owners citing revenues negatively impacted by changing patterns in dining habits, office occupancy and traffic since the pandemic. In 1988, well-known, award-winning chef Jimmy Schmidt opened the Rattlesnake Club at Stroh River Place. Not long after its opening, Schmidt won a highly coveted James Beard Award in 1993. It was the city's first. Long noted for its fine dining paired with fine wines and stellar service, the Rattlesnake Clubs outdoor terrace patio with a view of the Detroit River was also popular. The Rattlesnake Club was a constant on the Detroit Free Press list of Top Tables in metro Detroit, making the list in 2001-05. The list featured venues with qualities that make for memorable and special occasion dining and stellar food. In 2010, Schmidt sold his stake in the Rattlesnake Club to the Stroh Companies, according to Free Press reports. A preview of the auction items is online and Sept. 5-7 and 10-11. You can view the collection at dumoart.com or contact DuMouchelles at 313-963-6255. We've had the good fortune of helping, promote Detroit and so many, this is another way of an era going by, and you can own a piece of this memory part of Detroit, DuMouchelle said. Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Curated art collection from Detroit's Rattlesnake Club up for auction From Chechnya With Love Chechen warlord and Vladimir Putin crony Ramzan Kadyrov has posted a video of himself driving a Cybertruck with a machine gun mounted to its truck bed, seemingly ready to be deployed to the front lines of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In a Telegram post, Kadyrov called Tesla CEO Elon Musk "the strongest genius of our time," a notable endorsement of the mercurial billionaire coming from a leader with a lengthy track record of human rights abuses, including torture and assassinations. Musk, however, didn't take kindly to the news, arguing that he had never donated the vehicle to Kadyrov while also resorting to using a problematic pejorative for somebody with a mental disability. "Are you seriously so retarded that you think I donated a Cybertruck to a Russian general?" he responded on X. https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1824818908500816224 Toy Truck At one point in the video, Kadyrov can be seen draping a massive ammunition belt around his neck while manning the machine gun on the back of the Cybertruck. "We received a Tesla Cybertruck from the respected Elon Musk," he wrote in his Telegram post. "I was happy to test the new equipment and personally saw that theres a reason that it is called the Cyberbeast.'" But while Kadyrov claimed that he felt "invulnerable" in the vehicle, we've already seen that Tesla's claims about the truck are largely not much more than boisterous marketing. We've seen bullets easily penetrate the truck's allegedly "bulletproof" stainless steel exoskeleton. The "armored" glass can also easily be shattered, even by a routine hailstorm. In short, it's likely going to fare very badly on the battlefield. "Based on such excellent characteristics, the Cybertruck will soon be sent to the special military operation zone," Kadyrov wrote, using Russia's nebulous euphemism for its unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. "I am sure that this beast will bring a lot of benefit to our fighters," he added. Meanwhile, Musk whined on X-formerly-Twitter that his claims were somehow proof of "how much the legacy media lies," even though we have yet to come across a news report that claims Tesla donated the truck to Kadyrov. Earlier this year, Lithuanian customs agents came across a pair of Cybertrucks that were reportedly on their way to be smuggled into Russia, so it's entirely possible Kadyrov and his co-perpetrators found illegal ways of getting their hands on the truck. More on the Cybertruck: Cybertruck Tailgates Are Deforming After Doing Regular Truck Stuff NICOSIA (Reuters) - Cyprus on Monday named Costas Kadis, a scientist who held several cabinet posts in previous administrations, as its nominee for a post in the European Commission. If the EU's parliament confirms the 57-year-old in the role, he will replace Cyprus's Stella Kyriakidou, who holds the health portfolio. Kadis had not been among those rumoured for the post. "The experience of Dr Kadis with the institutional positions he has held in the service of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as his academic skills and credentials were the key elements in his selection for this important post," Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a written statement. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about Nicosia's choice in a phone call last week, Letymbiotis said. Kadis is a biologist with a focus on biodiversity conservation, and has held ministerial portfolios in health, education and agriculture under two different administrations. He is currently the acting dean of a school of health sciences at a private university in Cyprus. (Reporting by Michele Kambas; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Petr Pavel, President of Czechia, believes that Ukraines NATO accession should not depend on regaining full control over all its territory. Source: Pavel in a joint interview with Czech media outlets Novinky and Pravo, as reported by European Pravda Details: Pavel believes that Ukraine regaining full control over its territory is not a "mandatory condition" for NATO membership. "If there is a demarcation, even of some administrative border, then we will be able to recognize this administrative border as a temporary state border and allow Ukraine to join NATO with the territory it will control at that moment," he explained. Pavel mentioned an example of Germany which joined the Alliance in 1955, even though a part of its territory was occupied by the Soviet Union until 1990. "So I think that there is both a technical and a legal decision which will allow Ukraine to join NATO without dragging it into the conflict with the Russian Federation," Pavel said, adding that it would only be possible after the start of negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. He stressed that democratic countries should treat Russia-occupied territories of Ukraine only as temporarily occupied. Background: European Pravda analysed the suggestion of Ukraines accession to NATO "by parts" last year and explained why it may be dangerous. The Ukrainian authorities admitted that the Alliance would not provide an accession invitation for Kyiv until the end of the war. Support UP or become our patron! PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Authorities have identified the man who was hit and killed by a semi-truck in North Portland on Aug. 15., according to police. Officials say Kurt N. Jensen, 59, of Damascus had been walking near 300 N. Columbia Boulevard just before 10 a.m. when he was struck by the commercial vehicle. Invasive tree-killing insect found in 3 Oregon counties He was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead, police say. The truck driver cooperated with police at the time of the crash, and no arrests were reported. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact police. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Within the next decade, Riga Airport plans to produce no carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, Trend reports via Latvian media. According to Riga Airport Chairperson of the Supervisory Board Laila Odina, the airport has revised its emission reduction goals in both its medium-term and long-term strategies, setting an accelerated deadline for achieving net zero. Although the original deadline for airports to achieve climate neutrality under the Airports Council International's (ACI) 'Net Zero 2050 commitment was 2050, Riga Airport, along with many other European airports, believes that by working diligently, this goal can be reached earlierby 2035, she stated. Reaching zero CO2 emissions at airports involves two key components: reducing the airports emissions from electricity, heat, and fuel consumption as close to zero as possible, and neutralizing any remaining emissions through CO2 capture. The main steps in Riga Airport's Net Zero plan include purchasing and independently producing renewable energy, replacing heating equipment, and improving energy efficiency. The airport plans to increase its green energy purchases by an average of 10 percent annually, while solar energy production from the airport's solar panels is expected to account for 14 percent of the total electricity needed by 2026. Additionally, the airport will replace diesel-fueled buses used for passenger transport around the airfield with electric buses this year. By 2025, it plans to begin replacing diesel fuel with synthetic alternatives, aiming to increase the use of synthetic fuel by at least 10 percent annually, with the goal of completely eliminating fossil fuel use by 2035. Riga Airport is also participating in an international project funded by Interreg to explore and introduce hydrogen technologies into aviation. The airport is collaborating with public and other transportation providers to reduce CO2 emissions and develop sustainable aviation fuels. In 2023, Riga Airport served 6.631 million passengers, a 23.2 percent increase from the previous years 5.381 million, solidifying its status as the largest air transportation hub in the Baltic States. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Danielle Fishel has breast cancer, found 'very, very, very early': 'I'm going to be fine' Danielle Fishel of "Boy Meets World" says her breast cancer was found "very, very, very early." It's currently classified as Stage 0. (Matt Slocum / Associated Press) Actor Danielle Fishel is meeting a health challenge head-on, predicting she will be "fine." I was recently diagnosed with DCIS, which stands for ductal carcinoma in situ, which is a form of breast cancer, the "Boy Meets World" alumna, 43, said Monday on her "Pod Meets World" podcast. It is very, very, very early. Its technically Stage 0." Fishel found out about her DCIS a cancer of the milk ducts in the breasts during a routine mammogram, something she urges other women not to skip. "To be specific, just because I like too much information all the time, I was diagnosed with 'high-grade DCIS with microinvasion,'" she said. "And I'm going to be fine." Read more: 'SNL' alum Victoria Jackson says her cancer is back and she has less than 3 years to live High-grade cancer grows the fastest, is most likely to come back after surgery and is most likely to turn into invasive breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. "Invasion" refers to whether the cancer cells have grown past the breast ducts or nearby lobules. Fishel will have the cancer removed surgically and then have follow-up treatments. The actor, who played Topanga Lawrence on the 1990s sitcom, said she always thought she would "suffer in silence" if she got this kind of diagnosis until she was "on the other side of it," and then she would tell people. But she said she's learned along the way that the most learning can come from the beginning or "very messy middle" of a story, compared with hearing only the "pretty picture" some people present when their struggles are done. "The only reason I caught this cancer so early, when it is still Stage 0, is because the day I got the text message that my yearly mammogram had come up, I made the appointment," said Fishel, who reprised her Topanga role in the sitcom "Girl Meets World," a sequel to the 1990s original. Read more: Shannen Doherty, 'Beverly Hills, 90210' bad girl who battled cancer for years, dies at 53 "And the fact that I am good about going to my doctors appointments, when truthfully, it would be so much easier, with as busy as I am, with the 50 jobs I have, and the two kids and the husband and the house, it would be so easy to say, 'I don't have time for that. I went to my mammogram last year I was fine last year. I don't need to go this year.'" But she took the slightly annoying path instead. "And they found it so so so early, I'm going to be fine." That said, she still has more to do, meeting with oncologists and other specialists before she makes the "big decisions" she has to make. Fishel noted that she might miss a few episodes of her podcast as she takes care of business. Sign up for Screen Gab, a free newsletter about the TV and movies everyones talking about from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel shared some surprising news on a recent episode of her podcast Pod Meets World: She has breast cancer. The 43-year-old stressed that her cancer was caught very, very, very early, adding that shes going to be okay. Danielle also credited getting a yearly mammogram with helping her cancer to be detected so soon. Heres what shes shared about her experienceand what doctors say you should do during your next appointment. Meet the expert: Wael Harb, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, California. What kind of cancer does Danielle Fishel have? Danielle shared a lot of details about her breast cancer on the pod. I was recently diagnosed with DCIS, which stands for ductal carcinoma in situ, which is a form of breast cancer, she said. It is very, very, very early. Its technically stage zero. To be specific, just because I like too much information all the time, I was diagnosed with high-grade DCIS with micro-invasion. She also said that the only reason her cancer was detected early is because the day I got my text message that my yearly mammogram had come up, I made the appointment. They found it so, so, so early that Im going to be fine, she continued. I hope it will encourage anyone to get in there. What is DCIS? DCIS is a condition where the cells that line the milk ducts of the breast have become cancer, but they have not spread into surrounding breast tissue, per the American Cancer Society (ACS). DCIS is very early stage breast cancer. Its considered stage zero because its not invasive, says Wael Harb, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, California. Harb says that its rare for someone to detect a mass with DCIS, so its often picked up on mammogram. DCIS is usually treated because some of those cells can go through abnormal changes and become invasive breast cancer, according to the ACS. What is the prognosis of DCIS? DCIS is usually treated with breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy, Harb says. The decision to do so typically depends on the size of the DCIS and where its located. There are some situations where the DCIS is large and the defect in the breast [from breast-conserving surgery] would not be cosmetically appealing, Harb says. Then, we would do mastectomy. DCIS can also be in several spots, which would also cause doctors to recommend a mastectomy, he says. If the DCIS is hormone receptor-positive (meaning it's fueled by estrogen, progesterone or both hormones), it may be treated with medication for five years after surgery to lower the risk of another DCIS or invasive cancer developing in either breast, according to ACS. Overall, Harb says that DCIS has a very favorable prognosis. But he also stresses the importance of getting checked so DCIS can be found in the first place. Mammograms save livesthis is a prime example, he says. You Might Also Like We are thrilled to announce that in August of 2025, we will be celebrating our 100th year. For a century, our beloved event has been a cornerstone of West Virginia, bringing together families, friends, and visitors from all over to celebrate the Mountain States rich heritage, agricultural traditions, and vibrant culture. As we look forward to this milestone, we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported and participated in the fair over the past century. We already cant wait to celebrate memories of the past and look eagerly toward the next 100 years. Stay tuned for exciting announcements to come as we prepare for 2025! We will see you at the fair! August 7 16, 2025 United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan (R) chats on July 29, 2002, with Sergio Vieira de Mello from Brazil, the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. On August 19, 2003, de Mello was killed in a car-bomb attack on U.N. headquarters in Iraq. File Photo by E. Debebe/UPI Aug. 19 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1812, the U.S. Navy frigate Constitution defeated the British ship Guerriere in a furious engagement off the coast of Nova Scotia and earned its nickname of "Old Ironsides." Witnesses said British shots seemed to bounce off the Constitution. In 1953, the Iranian military overthrew the government led by Premier Mohammed Mossadegh and reinstated the shah. In 1960, U-2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers was convicted in a Moscow court and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released 18 months later in exchange for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. In 1977, Julius "Groucho" Marx, leader of the Marx Brothers comedy troupe, died at the age of 87. On August 19, 1991, a coup orchestrated by hard-line Communists removed Mikhail Gorbachev as president of the Soviet Union. File Photo by H. Ruckemann/UPI In 1987, gun enthusiast Michael Ryan went on a shooting rampage in Hungerford, England, killing 16 people. In 1991, a coup orchestrated by hard-line Communists and led by Vice President Gennady Yanayev removed Mikhail Gorbachev as president of the Soviet Union. The coup would endure for three days before being put down. The action led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union which would formally occur on December 26, 1991. Ralph Nader speaks to students at Queens University of Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., on, March 25, 2004. On August 19, 1996, the Green Party nominated Nader as its presidential candidate. File Photo by Nell Redmond/UPI In 1992, delegates to the Republican National Convention nominated President George H.W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle for re-election. They were defeated in November by Democrats Bill Clinton and Al Gore. UPI File Photo In 1995, three U.S. negotiators, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Robert Frasure, were killed when their vehicle plunged from a mountain road near Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina In 1996, the Green Party nominated Ralph Nader as its presidential candidate. In 2003, Sergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations' representative to Iraq, was killed in a car-bomb attack on U.N. headquarters in Iraq. In 2008, the resignation of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was followed by insurgent bombing attacks that killed roughly 100 people. File PhotoRoger L. Wollenberg/UPI In 2009, two massive bomb attacks killed at least 95 people and injured more than 600 others in Baghdad. It was said to be the worst attack in the region since the U.S. military gave control of the country's security back to the Iraqi government. In 2013, an express train killed at least 37 people and injured many others crossing tracks at a remote transit station in the eastern India state of Bihar. After the accident, an angry mob severely beat the operator of the train, authorities said. In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the so-called "female Viagra," called Addyi to treat sexual disorder in premenopausal women. In 2020, Apple became the first U.S. company -- and second in the world -- to reach a market cap of $2 trillion, doubling its valuation over the previous two years. In 2022, gunmen stormed a hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, killing 21 people. A few years ago, Roseberline Turenne, an 18-year-old aide at a Maryland day care center, used her cellphone to take photographs showing "the naked genitals and pubic areas" of eight little girls. Seven of the girls were lying on changing tables, while the eighth was standing in a bathroom. Turenne later claimed she was documenting preexisting diaper rashes, lest she be blamed for allowing them to develop while the girls were in her care. Turenne was fired after the pictures were discovered because they violated the day care center's policies, which prohibited staff members from photographing children. She also was charged with eight counts each of child sexual abuse, production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Discounting Turenne's explanation of her motive for taking the pictures, a jury convicted her on all 24 counts, resulting in a 126-year prison sentence. Last Friday, the Maryland Supreme Court upheld Turenne's convictions, concluding that the jury reasonably rejected her account, that her conduct met the elements of the three crimes, and that "the evidence was sufficient for the jury to conclude that Ms. Turenne took the photos of the children for the purpose of sexual gratification." Although Turenne's astonishingly severe sentence was not at issue in this appeal, it vividly illustrates how laws related to child pornography can generate penalties that make little sense. Even if you join the jurors, the intermediate appeals court, and the Maryland Supreme Court in disbelieving her account of why she took the pictures, she did not share them with anyone, and she was not accused of assaulting the girls. Yet under Maryland law, Turenne will have to serve at least a quarter of her 126-year sentencenearly 32 yearsbefore she is eligible for parole. People convicted of violent crimes in Maryland have to serve at least half of their sentences before they are eligible for parole. But someone who was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and received the maximum 10-year sentence still would have a shot at parole after five years. Even someone convicted of first-degree rape, which triggers a mandatory 25-year minimum, could end up serving less time than Turenne faces for noncontact offenses that consisted of nothing more than taking pictures. That reality is especially troubling because it is not clear that Turenne committed the crimes with which she was charged. Just four out of seven justices agreed that all of her convictions were valid. In a partial dissent joined by Justice Brynja Booth, Chief Justice Matthew Fader concluded that there was insufficient evidence to convict Turenne of producing and possessing child pornography. Justice Shirley Watts concurred, and she filed a separate dissent arguing that Turenne's sexual abuse convictions also should be overturned. As relevant here, Maryland law defines child pornography as a "visual representation" that "depicts a minor engaged as a subjectin sexual conduct," which includes the "lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of any person." Although the statute does not define "lascivious exhibition," the Maryland Supreme Court settled on a "content-plus-context" test for determining "whether the image is objectively sexual in nature." The production and possession charges, in other words, did not hinge on Turenne's personal motivation. In concluding that Turenne's pictures were "objectively sexual," the majority noted that "all eight girls were partially or fully nude," that "all had nude genitals and pubic areas on display," that "none of the children's faces are visible in the photographs," that the picture "were all very similar to one another," and that several girls were in "poses that resemble what one might see in some adult pornography: the subject on her back, her legs spread, displaying her genitals." Fader agreed with the test used by his colleagues but argued that they misapplied it. "I would conclude that none of the eight photographs at issue depicts a 'lascivious exhibition of the genitals,'" he writes. "Seven of the photographs depict a child on a diaper-changing table, naked, in a position that is fully consistent with a child having her diaper changed. The final picture depicts a child in a standing position in a bathroom, naked from sternum to the knees. None of the children are posed in anything resembling a sexual position. There are no other people in any of the photographs, nor are there any objects that are sexual in nature or that change the nature of the images from children getting diaper changes to anything objectively sexual." Although "the framing of the photographs is a relevant consideration," Fader says, "the framing here still makes clear that the pictures are of children during the process of a diaper change." And contrary to the majority's claim that the girls' "poses" are reminiscent of adult pornography, he adds, "the children are situated in the midst of diaper changesa perfectly ordinary, nonsexual eventnot posed in sexual positions. That an image of an adult posed in a similar manner might be viewed as an objectively sexual imageperhaps viewed as sexual because the position is unnatural for an adult in the ordinary course of a day, or perhaps just because of anatomical developmentis irrelevant, because these are images of infants, not adults." Fader says other "contextual elements" cited by the majorityincluding the photos' similarity to each other, the fact that "they were all taken at a daycare center," the fact that "they were all taken in the center's bathroom, where Ms. Turenne was secluded," her initial statement that the photos had "no meaning," and her "implausible documentation-of-diaper rash explanation"were "relevant to the jury's consideration of Ms. Turenne's likely purpose in taking and keeping the images." They therefore were "proper considerations for the jury in determining whether Ms. Turenne exploited the children for her own benefit in connection with the child sexual abuse charges." But the test that the majority applied in upholding the child pornography convictions is supposed to be "objective," making her motivation irrelevant. "The only contextual element that is relevant to the jury's understanding of what is depicted in the images themselves, to the extent it is unclear in any of them, is that the children in seven of the eight images were lying on a changing table and the eighth was in a bathroom," Fader writes. "But knowledge of the setting in which the pictures were taken does not add any element of objective sexuality to them, separate and apart from Ms. Turenne's subjective motivation. The other contextual elements identified by the Majority speak to Ms. Turenne's subjective motivation, not what is depicted in the images themselves." To convict Turenne of the sexual abuse charges, the prosecution had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the photos constituted "exploitation of a minor," meaning she "took advantage of or unjustly or improperly used the child forher own benefit." That "benefit," according to the prosecution, was "sexual gratification." Fader agreed with the majority that "there was sufficient evidence for the jury to infer that Ms. Turenne took the eight pictures at issue for her own benefit." Watts, however, dissented on that point too. She notes that the prosecution made much of Turenne's sexual orientation, which Watts thinks improperly figured in the verdict. During Turenne's trial, a prosecutor asked her if she was attracted to women. "I wouldn't say attracted to women," she replied. "I'm bisexual, like, I'm still confused about what I like between men or women. But not children, no." The prosecution, which noted that all the photographs featured girls and presented testimony from a co-worker who said Turenne had told her "she was gay," argued that her sexual orientation was relevant in assessing why she took the pictures. Prosecutors also noted that Turenne had adult pornography featuring both men and women on her phonealthough, contrary to what you might expect given the charges against her, there was no indication that she had "conducted any internet searches for child pornography." The Maryland Supreme Court explicitly declined to consider that evidence. But Watts argues that it played an important role in the case. Turenne "was prejudiced by the admission of the evidence," Watts says. And "with these circumstances omitted, the remaining evidence is insufficient to support Ms. Turenne's convictions for child sexual abuse." Watts suggests that Turenne's explanation of her behavior is more plausible than her colleagues think. "Some of the photos show redness or darkened areasi.e., consistent with diaper rashesnear the genital area and/or in the fold of the buttocks, and one of them shows diaper cream in and around the fold of the buttocks," she writes. "Ms. Turenne testified that she took the photos to prove that children had diaper rashes before she started watching them. Although the jury evidently did not find this part of Ms. Turenne's testimony credible, the nature of the photos and the circumstances surrounding them being taken do not alone establish that the photos were taken for the purpose of sexual gratification." The majority emphasized that Turenne initially denied taking the pictures, later said they had "no meaning," and did not offer the diaper-rash explanation until her trial. But Watts thinks Turenne's evasiveness and reticence are understandable in the circumstances, even without accepting the prosecution's theory of why she took the photos. "Although the photos were taken clandestinely in violation of the daycare center's no-photo policy and Ms. Turenne initially denied having taken them, these facts were not sufficient for a rational juror to infer that the photos were taken for sexual gratification," Watts writes. "A rational juror could have inferred that Ms. Turenne took the photos because she was concerned about being blamed for diaper rashes and lied about having taken them because she knew doing so was against the daycare center's policy. A rational juror also could have inferred that Ms. Turenne took the photos while she was alone with the children because she knew that taking the photos was against the center's policy.Without consideration of evidence admitted at trial concerning Ms. Turenne's sexual orientation and possession of adult pornography, no rational juror could have found beyond a reasonable doubt based on the appearance of the photos that they were taken for sexual gratification." Although Turenne did not challenge her sentence in this appeal, Watts notes that "the circuit court imposed an aggregate sentence of 280 years of imprisonment, with all but 126 years suspended, followed by 5 years of probation and lifetime registration as a sex offender." While "criminal offenses against children are heinous and must be dealt with appropriately," she says, "it is disproportionate and draconian to impose an aggregate sentence of nearly 3 centuries of imprisonment, with all but 126 years suspended, under the circumstances of this case." Whatever you make of Turenne's defense, that much seems clearly true. The post A Day Care Worker Who Says She Was Documenting Diaper Rashes Got 126 Years for Taking 8 Photos appeared first on Reason.com. Washington, D.C., councilmember Trayon White Sr. (D) was arrested Sunday and charged with one federal count of bribery, the Justice Department (DOJ) said Monday. White, who represents Ward 8 in southeast D.C., is accused of accepting $156,000 in bribes in exchange for using his position on the council to pressure government employees into extending the contracts of certain companies. He was expected to appear in court on Monday, The Associated Press reported. The contracts were valued at $5.2 million, the DOJ said, and Whites six-figure payment amounted to 3 percent of the total contract value. The contracts in question were for two companies to provide violence intervention services. The DOJ said a confidential informant, who owned the companies, made four separate payments of $35,000 in cash to White on June 26, July 17, July 25 and Aug. 9, 2024. All of those interactions were captured on video, as was an instance in which White and the informant were reviewing a document that explained how the 3 percent cut of the contracts was calculated, according to the DOJ. The FBI informant, the AP reported, agreed to plead guilty to fraud and bribery charges. The Hill has reached out to White for comment. D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D) called the charges deeply disturbing. Notwithstanding the principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty, the allegations, together with the governments affidavit, are a gut punch to the public trust in the Council, he said in a statement. Mendelson also said he would establish a committee to assess the situation and take steps to remove White from the Councils Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs. White launched an unsuccessful primary bid to unseat D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) in 2022. He represents a predominantly Black ward, where the poverty rate is nearly twice as high as it is in D.C. overall, the AP reported. White, who has promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories in the past, is running for reelection. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Emergency responders work at the site of a bomb blast in Tel Aviv Emergency responders work at the site of a bomb blast in Tel Aviv JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility on Monday for a bomb blast near a synagogue in Tel Aviv that Israeli police and the Shin Bet intelligence agency described as a terrorist attack. A man who was carrying the bomb was killed and a passerby was injured in the incident late on Sunday, according to police at the scene in Israel's commercial capital. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said the man was carrying a backpack loaded with explosives that detonated "before he managed to reach a more heavily populated area". In a joint statement, the two Palestinian militant groups said their "martyrdom operations" inside Israel would return to the forefront as long as the "occupation's massacres and assassination policy continue". This was an allusion to Israel's offensive in Gaza and the July 31 killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has neither claimed nor denied responsibility for Haniyeh's death in the Iranian capital. The war in Gaza began on Oct. 7 last year when Hamas gunmen stormed across the border into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies. Israel's military campaign has since levelled wide swathes of the Gaza Strip and killed at least 40,000 people, according to the enclave's health authorities. Sunday's explosion in Tel Aviv came about an hour after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to push for a ceasefire in Gaza to end the 10-month-old war between Israel and Hamas. There has been increased urgency to reach a ceasefire deal amid fears of an escalation across the wider region. Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel after the assassination of Haniyeh. (Reporting by Jana Choukeir in Dubai, Maytaal Angel and Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; editing by Sharon Singleton and Mark Heinrich) Deal reached to keep road open when Donald Trump not at Mar-a-Lago home Member cars are seen parked on the grounds of Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., on March 21, 2023. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI Aug. 19 (UPI) -- A busy road in front of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in the town of Palm Beach, Fla., will be open when the former president is not at the residence, according to an agreement. Last month, the U.S. Secret Service ordered South Ocean Boulevard to be closed effective July 20 after the July 13 attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. Officials said the road would remain closed through at least the Nov. 5 general election. But U.S. Secret Service, other law enforcement agencies and town officials reached an agreement late last week to reopen the road when the president is not in Palm Beach. Town council members were expected to hear the proposal for the first time, a source told The Palm Beach Post. Joanne O'Connor, the town's attorney, sent a letter to the Secret Service, asking about the federal government's authority to close the road. On Tuesday, Town Council directed staff to look at possible legal options, including stripping the club of its ability to operate. Residents had contacted town staffers with concerns about safety and congestion. Trump "was very opposed" to closing the road, according to a Mar-a-Lago news release. "President Trump, the Trump family and the Mar-a-Lago Club do not want to inconvenience anyone, especially their neighbors and greater community in Palm Beach," a Trump family spokesperson said in the news release. "The Trumps have been members of the community for 30 years; it is their home, and they share the sentiments of fellow town residents." Trump is planning to campaign this week in Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada. "The Trump family is particularly grateful for the willingness of these agencies to collaborate with them and town officials to develop a compromise that benefits everyone involved," the release reads. When the road is closed, the Florida Department of Transportation use a bulldozer to put concrete barricades into place to block parts of the traffic circle. Drivers are diverted from entering the roundabout and lanes are marked with orange traffic cones. The road was only closed when Trump was at the residence while president. On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami announced new restricted "security zones" in the water near Mar-a-Lago whenever he or other protected visitors are in town. The Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies will have boats displaying flashing blue lights around three zones, which encompass the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The zones will be enforced between Monday and Nov. 30. Mar-a-Lago, which was built in 1927 and is a National Historic Landmark, includes 126 rooms and 62,500 square feet built on 17 acres. Since 1985, it has been owned by Trump. 'America, I gave my best to you': Pres. Joe Biden passes the baton to VP Kamala Harris When Joe Biden took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Monday night, it wasn't as he planned. The 81-year-old President, up until just a few weeks ago, had every intention of attending the convention as the Democratic nominee. Instead, his address on opening night was a passing of the torch, a ringing endorsement of his pick for vice president and now, his hopeful successor. "Selecting Kamala was the first decision I made when I became our nominee," Biden said in his 48-minute speech. "And it was the best decision I made my whole career." Despite talk that Biden was angry over the calls to bow out, he was quick to dispel those rumors, instead pointing to the time still left in his tenure and the amount of work still to do -- both as president and beyond. "I promise I'll be the best volunteer Harris and Walz have ever seen," he said. Because that's what Biden does, according to the repeated refrains of fellow Democrats, family members and friends who spoke Monday night ahead of the president he does what needs to be done. They spoke of his dedication, his leadership and his service to the country service that dates the whole way back to Delaware and more importantly, his family. His daughter, Ashley Biden, started her father's introduction with a personal story, recalling how on her eighth birthday, her father took the train home from Washington, D.C. despite being busy with work. He got off the train and stood on the Amtrak platform with their family long enough to sing "Happy Birthday," watch her blow out the candles and envelope his daughter in a hug only to then cross that same platform and board a southbound train back to D.C. He had to get back to work, Ashley Biden said. Ashley Biden introduces President Joe Biden during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. "That was a snapshot of one moment of one day on this extraordinary journey of being Joe Biden's daughter," she said. It was that dedication that few could ignore in their remarks about Joe Biden. First Lady Jill Biden mentioned her husband's penchant for stopping along a rope line, always willing to speak to a grieving family or encourage a child who may be struggling with their own stutter. Biden's friend and fellow Delaware politician Sen. Chris Coons talked about the president's legacy, not just through his legislation but his leadership. "I've never known a man who has taken from his own loss and his own faith and delivered so much for the future of so many others," he said, before thanking the president for his service and his friendship. "And on behalf of Delaware, thank you, Joe, and God bless you. We love you." Recap what you missed from the first night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention below. President Joe Biden addresses DNC Biden walked out to the podium shortly after 11 p.m. EDT, signaling the first night of the DNC would soon be coming to a close before delivering a 48-minute speech. He opened his address by recalling his inauguration in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection, "in the grip of a once in a lifetime pandemic, historic joblessness, a call for racial justice long overdue and clear and present threats to our very democracy." Now, Biden said, he stands before the American people to report that "democracy has prevailed." President Joe Biden speaks and Vice President Kamala Harris during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Biden said he was inspired to run after seeing Trump's response to the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville that left one person dead in 2017. He highlighted the differences between his administration and Trump's, including pandemic and economic recovery, border protections and decreased gun violence. "We saved democracy in 2020, and now we must save it again in 2024," Biden told the crowd. "History is in your hands. America's future is in your hands." He brought up his "modest beginnings" as a kid with a stutter in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Claymont, saying that "nowhere else in the world" could someone like him grow up to be president "because America is, and always has been, a nation of possibilities." Biden emphasized Harris' experience, character and integrity, joking that "like many of our best presidents, she was also vice president." "Selecting Kamala was the first decision I made when I became our nominee," Biden said. "And it was the best decision I made my whole career." He urged voters to rally behind Harris and Walz, and to support Democrats in the House of Representatives and Senate. Above all, he said, "we need you to beat Donald Trump." "We just have to remember who we are," Biden said. "We are the United States of America, and there is nothing we cannot do when we do it together." Ashley Biden introduces her father ahead of headline speech Ashley Biden, the president's youngest daughter, introduced her father ahead of his speech as the "OG girl dad." "He told me I could be anything," she said. Ashley Biden said Joe's example in service inspired her career as a social worker in Philadelphia. "When I look at Dad, I see grace, strength and humility." Ashley Biden called on everyone who supported her father in the last election to support Harris in November. "I know together we can do this, because my dad helped show us the way." First lady Jill Biden shares her hope for Harris First Lady Jill Biden speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. First Lady Jill Biden opened her remarks by painting a picture of her husband's accomplishments and virtues ones that she and the president have seen Harris embody, too. She recalled her son Beau telling her about Harris at the dinner table while he was Delaware's attorney general. He called Harris "someone to keep your eye on," Jill Biden said. "And he was right." "Joe and I know Kamala," Jill Biden said. "We had seen her courage, her determination and her leadership up close. Kamala and Tim, you will win." Sen. Chris Coons brings Delaware pride When Sen Chris Coons took the podium, it wasn't just to rally Democrats behind the Harris/Walz ticket. He brought with him a message of gratitude for Biden, who has been a figurehead of Delaware politics for decades. Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY Coons, who introduced Biden at the last DNC, applauded Biden's signing of legislation related to veterans, gun safety, drug prices and climate change. He also thanked Biden for "elevating a great leader in Kamala Harris." "You were my senator as a Delawarean, you are my president as an American and you will always be my friend," Coons said. "On behalf of our nation, Joe, for your courage in fighting for our democracy, we thank you." Sen. Raphael Warnock reignites cheers for Biden Warnock brought the conversation and the crowd's enthusiasm back to Biden as the clock struck 11 p.m. EDT. "President Biden, America is so much better because of you," he said. He called Biden a "patriot who has always put America first." Rep. James Clyburn highlights Biden, Harris' joint achievements U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC) shake hands during a campaign event at the Mother Emanuel AME Church, the site of the 2015 mass shooting, in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. on January 8, 2024. The South Carolina Democrat praised Biden and Harris' efforts to address the pandemic, expand veteran benefits, improve infrastructure and "restore our faith in the American can-do spirit." "For President Biden's lifetime of achievement, we owe him a great debt of gratitude," Clyburn said. "And we are all grateful for one of the best choices he made: selecting Kamala Harris as vice president." He also praised Biden's decision not to run for reelection and his endorsement of Harris for president. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton salutes Biden After an uproar of applause upon taking the podium, Hillary Clinton began her speech with a salute to Biden and his presidency. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attends Day one of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, August 19, 2024. "He has been democracy's champion at home and abroad," Clinton said. "He brought dignity, decency and competence back to the White House, and he showed what it means to be a true patriot. Thank you Joe Biden for your lifetime of service and leadership." The crowd cheered in support of Biden and launched into a chant of "Thank you, Joe!" Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez thanks Biden for his leadership As expected, those taking the stage made sure to shout out Biden for his service to the United States. "Thank you Joe Biden for your leadership," she said before launching into the reasons she will be supporting the Harris/Walz ticket. Union leaders praise Joe Biden, Kamala Harris Shawn Fain, President of the United Automobile Workers speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Leaders of many of the other largest labor unions in the nation came together to give ringing endorsements to Harris and Walz. They also paid tribute to Biden's support of labor unions during his presidency and campaign. "Thank you to Joe Biden for making history by walking the picket line with (United Auto Workers)," said United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain. Fain also highlighted Biden's support of the auto workers' strike in 2023. VP Kamala Harris thanks Biden for 'historic leadership' Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday's ceremonies. As Harris took the stage Monday night, it wasn't without thanks to the man who brought her onto the presidential ticket four years ago. Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you, she said. Who is expected to take the DNC stage? Scheduled speakers ahead of Biden range from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to labor union presidents to a former Donald Trump voter. Politicians including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, U.S. Sen. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and VP-pick contender Gov. Andy Beshear will also take the stage. Delaware will also have its time in the spotlight, with U.S. Sen. Chris Coons scheduled as one of the final speakers of the night. In an opinion piece published following Biden's withdrawal from his bid for reelection, Coons called Biden "a Delawarean through and through." "For so many Delawareans, Joe has been fighting for us in public office for nearly our entire lives," Coons said. Former Vice President Joe Biden participates in a rally for then Senate Democratic candidate Chris Coons, on November 1, 2010 in Wilmington. Coons won the election to fill Biden's U.S. Senate seat after Biden resigned to become vice president, and the two have regularly made political appearances together. Following Coons are three more Delaware residents: Jill Biden, Ashley Biden and Joe Biden. Jill and Joe both attended the University of Delaware and regularly visit their homes in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach. Ashley Biden, who was born and raised in Delaware, will introduce her father at the DNC following her mother's speech. To watch Monday night's programming live, watch USA TODAY's livestream coverage on YouTube. DNC speaker schedule Tuesday-Thursday Tuesday: Former President Barack Obama, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Wednesday: Walz, former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Thursday: Harris accepts the convention's nomination for president NBC News reported that President Jimmy Carter's grandson Jason Carter will speak on behalf of his grandfather. The DNC speaker schedule is subject to change. When does DNC start? The DNC will be held from Monday, Aug. 19 through Thursday, Aug 22. Where is the DNC 2024? The 2024 DNC will be held at the United Center in Chicago. Where was the last DNC held? The last DNC was held virtually in Wilmington, Delaware, where Biden officially accepted the Democratic nomination for president. When was the last time the DNC was held in Chicago? This is the first time the convention will be held there since 1996, when former President Bill Clinton was nominated for his second term. Before that, the last time it was held there was in 1968 when there were protests stemming from the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War. This will be the 12th time the DNC has been held in Chicago. What happens at the DNC? Delegates for the Democratic Party will travel to the DNC to officially nominate the Democratic presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2024 election. Delegates from each state and U.S. territory will vote based on their primary election results. MORE: When does DNC start? How to watch Joe Biden speak at Democratic National Convention Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on X at @h_edelman. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: DNC 2024: President Joe Biden delivers emotional speech President Joe Biden took the stage on Monday at the Democratic National Convention, passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris after he chose not to seek another term in office. The president reflected on his 50-year career in politics, his decision to end his reelection bid and the Democratic Party's future as he addressed Democrats in Chicago and pivotal voters across the country. First lady Jill Biden and former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton also delivered speeches, the latter telling Democratic delegates that "the future is here." On Monday and throughout the rest of the convention, Democrats will be focused on how a potential Harris-Walz administration would address inflation, the southern border, abortion rights and other top debates facing the nation. Catch up with the USA TODAY Network's live coverage of the Democratic convention in Chicago. Protestors for Palestinians 'have a point,' Biden says In one of his most forceful calls for a cease-fire in Israel and Gaza, Joe Biden acknowledged the crowds outside the convention protesting his administrations response to the Israel-Hamas war. Those protestors out in the street, they have a point, Biden said. A lot of innocent people are being killed, on both sides. Biden said he and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken have been working to bring Israeli hostages home, provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and finally, finally deliver a cease-fire and end this war, the president said while pounding the podium with his fist. Savannah Kuchar Biden says hes not angry at the people who called on him to step down Joe Biden in his remarks made clear that hes not angry at the Democrats who expressed concerns and urged him to step down following his dismal debate performance in June. It's been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your President. I love the job. I love my country more. I love my country morewith all this talk about how Im angry at all those people who said I should step down, thats not true. He added that, we need to preserve our democracy in 2024. We need your vote. Sudiksha Kochi Biden says Trump 'killed' bipartisan border deal Biden criticized Trump's record on border and immigration, particularly for pressuring Republicans to kill a bipartisan border deal earlier this year that would have tightened asylum laws. "Trump continues to lie about the border. Here's what he won't tell you: Trump killed the strongest bipartisan border deal in the history of the United States," Biden said. The president said he and Harris are committed to strengthening "legal immigration, including protecting DREAMers and more." Melissa Brown Biden touts his economic achievements in office Biden in his remarks to convention attendees praised his and Harris handling of the economy, claiming that they rebuilt the backbone of America, the middle class. We've gone from economic crisis to the strongest economy in the entire world, he said, referencing how inflation has gone down and new jobs have been created. We both know we have more to do, but we're moving in the right direction, he added. He also knocked Trump, claiming that the former president never built a damn thing when it came to infrastructure. We're improving our quality of life, we're building a better America, he said. Sudiksha Kochi Freedom and democracy dominate Biden's speech After receiving a warm and enthusiastic welcome, President Joe Biden turned his address to a key campaign theme: Preserving democracy. He reflected on the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia and more. Are you ready to vote for freedom? Biden asked the crowd. Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz? In an Oval Office address to the nation last month, following his decision to exit the race, Biden had said, The defense of democracy is more important than any title. Savannah Kuchar President Joe Biden speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Jill Biden says there are moments where she falls in love all over again Jill Biden told convention attendees that she and her husband have been together for almost 50 years, but there are moments where she falls in love with him all over again. Like when I handed him our baby Ashley for the first time and saw the smile that lit up his face, or on nights after an exhausting day working in the Senate when he would read one more bedtime story, just because the kids asked, she said. She added, And weeks ago when I saw him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris. Jill Biden said that Joe Biden knows that the nations strength comes from the small acts of kindness that heal deep wounds from service to the communities that make us who we are, from love of a country that shines with promise and renewal. Kamala Harris knows that too, she said. Sudiksha Kochi Ashley Biden introduces her father Ashley Biden, Joe Biden's daughter, introduced her father on Monday. She joked that he's the "OG girl dad" and shared memories of growing up and watching her father's work in the Senate. Marina Pitofsky We love Joe: Senator and Biden's close friend Chris Coons addresses Democrats Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware praised his longtime friend Joe Biden moments ahead of the presidents keynote address. I have never known a more compassionate man than Joe Biden, Coons said. Mr. President, you were my senator as a Delawarean. You are my president as an American. And you will always be my friend, he added, before leading the crowd in chants of, We love Joe. Savannah Kuchar Sen. Raphael Warnock calls Donald Trump a 'plague on the American conscience' Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia said the 2024 election is "about the character of the country." "People with no vision traffic in division," Warnock said. "(Former President Donald Trump) doesn't know how to lead us, so he wants to divide us. Make no mistake, Donald Trump is a plague on the American conscience. He is a clear and present threat to the precious covenant we share with one another." Warnock also praised Biden as a "true patriot who has always put the people first." Melissa Brown Speakers share emotional reproductive rights stories Texas couple Amanda and Josh Zurawski took to the stage Monday to retell their story of struggling to have an abortion under their states near-total ban. After being told by doctors with 100% certainty that they would lose their baby, the pair said they had to wait days until Amanda Zurawski was sick enough to receive abortion care. Im here tonight because the fight for reproductive rights isnt just a womans fight, said Josh Zurawski. This is about fighting for our family and, as Kamala Harris, says our future. Joining the Zurawskis was Kaitlyn Joshua of Louisiana and Hadley Duvall of Kentucky, who each shared their own emotional stories. I cant imagine not having a choice, said Duvall, who was sexually assaulted by her stepfather and became pregnant at 12 years old. But today, thats the reality for many women and girls across the country. "What is so beautiful about a child having to carry her parent's child?" Duvall added. The groups appearance and joint remarks come as reproductive rights weigh heavily on the first post-Roe presidential election. Savannah Kuchar Andy Beshear says reproductive rights on the line in 2024 Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who was on the shortlist to be Harris vice president, accused former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance of attacking reproductive rights. Here's the thing, Trump and Vance simply don't believe in your freedom. Trump says people are absolutely thrilled that women have their basic rights eliminated. JD then says women should stay in violent marriages and the pregnancies resulting from rape are simply inconvenientThat's not inconvenient, it's just plain wrong, he said. The former president has backed individual states setting their own abortion restrictions, but he has often celebrated the three Supreme Court justices he appointed who were pivotal in overturning Roe v. Wade. Beshear said that Harris knows we must move beyond anger, extremism and division, that everyone has dignity and deserves respect. We're going to win by staying true to our values of compassion, empathy and doing right by our neighbors, he said. Sudiksha Kochi Rep. Jasmine Crockett calls Donald Trump 'vindictive, vile villain' Rep Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, sharply criticized Donald Trump in her convention speech. "She became a career prosecutor, while he became a career criminal," Crockett said, citing Trump's felony conviction in his New York hush money case. Crockett, a former public defender and civil rights lawyer, said she "knows a good prosecutor when she sees one." "Kamala Harris has a resume, Donald Trump has a rap sheet," Crockett said. Crockett continued to slam Trump throughout her speech, calling him a "vindictive, vile villain" while saying Harris is the only candidate in the race "capable of empathy." Melissa Brown Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday's ceremonies. Raskin blasts Trump during Democratic convention Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., in his speech said little about Harris, opting to use the majority of his time on stage to condemn Trump and the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. Raskin, who served on the House committee investigating the insurrection following the 2020 election, described violent details from that day, including rioters chants of, Hang Mike Pence. Someone should have told Donald Trump that the presidents job under Article II of the Constitution is to take care that the laws are faithfully executed, Raskin told the crowd, not that the vice president is executed. In an election where fears about democracy are among voter anxieties, Raskin raised alarms about a potential second Trump administration. Make no mistake, a man who uses fraud, theft and violence to take power will commit any crime to keep it, Raskin said. Savannah Kuchar Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., left, speaks with Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Clyburn praises Biden for backing Harris Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., one of President Joe Biden's closest allies, told delegates during a primetime speech "we owe him a debt of gratitude." Clyburn applauded Biden's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which he claimed Trump "mismanaged" from day one. The South Carolina lawmaker also delicately praised Biden for stepping aside from the presidential race. "We are all grateful for one of the best decisions he made, selecting Kamala Harris as his vice president and endorsing her to succeed him," Clyburn said Melissa Brown Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY Hillary Clinton: 'The future is here' When Hillary Clinton took to the convention stage, it took about a minute before she officially kicked off her remarks as the crowd erupted in applause. Thank you so much. Wow, there's a lot of energy in this room, just like there is across the country, she said. Something is happening in America. You can feel it - something we've worked for and dreamed of for a long time. Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president against Trump in 2016, said that the party is writing a new chapter in Americas story. Harris could be the country's first female president. My friends, the future is here, she said. I wish my mother and Kamala's mother could see us. They would say, keep going. She also knocked Trump, saying that it is no surprise the former president is lying about Kamala's record. He's mocking her name and her laugh sounds familiar, but we have him on the run now. Sudiksha Kochi Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former Secretary of State, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Ocasio-Cortez references cease-fire in convention address Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., praised Harris on stage, citing a variety of the vice presidents priorities including working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bringing hostages home. Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the Houses progressive Squad, has been an outspoken critic of Israel's actions in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war has raged on. Some members of that progressive wing have faced pressure from constituents for taking similar positions, including Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri and Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York, who each lost in primary elections this year. Savannah Kuchar Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Fact-checking DNC Day 1: See what Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, AOC get right and wrong Washington Democrats celebrate 'Cowboy Kamala' Washington Democrats stood out in the convention crowd for their illuminated cowboy hats, Cowboy Kamala sashes and friendship bracelets. Its wonderful to be unified and looking good, said Karyn Kenyatta Russell, a delegate and daughter of Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell. Beyonce goes across generations. Washington Democrats might wear the cowboy hats again Thursday especially if Beyonce makes a surprise appearance. Many delegations are planning to wear white to honor the suffragettes. Jessie Balmert Harris makes her debut on the convention stage Vice President Kamala Harris made her debut on the convention stage Monday and kicked off her remarks by praising President Joe Biden. Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you, she said. Democratic Presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris appears on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday's ceremonies. She added that looking out at the crowd, she sees the beauty of our great nation. People from every corner of our country and every walk of life are here, united by our shared vision for the future of our country, and this November, we will come together and declare with one voice, as one people, we are moving forward, she said. -- Sudiksha Kochi Steve Kerr says if Harris wins in November, they can tell Trump 'night night' Famed professional basketball coach Steve Kerr opened his remarks poking fun at young voters in the crowd: It is so fun to be back here in the United Center. And as you guys know, a lot of good stuff has happened in this building, especially in the nineties. You young people, google Michael Jordan and you can read all about it. But on a more serious note, Kerr said good leaders are those who tell the truth, possesses knowledge and expertise, and care for and love the people they are leading. When you think about it that way, this is no contest with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, Kerr said. I see all those qualities. They have devoted their lives to serving other people. Kerr encouraged the crowd to get out and vote for Harris and Walz in November. And after the results are tallied that night, we can, in the words of the great Steph Curry. We can tell Donald Trump night night! he said. -- Sudiksha Kochi More: Coach Steve Kerr endorses Kamala Harris for President, tells Donald Trump 'night night' United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain calls Trump a 'scab' United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain called former President Donald Trump a 'scab' during a speech at the Democratic National Convention, which has heavily featured union leaders in its first night of speeches. "That's not just my opinion, that's a fact. All we have to do is look at the track record," Fain said. "When Donald Trump was president, corporate America ran wild. Donald Trump did not bring back the auto industry." The union leader said the 2024 election "comes down to one question." "Which side are you on?" Fain said. "On one side, we have Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the working class. On the other side, we have Trump and Vance, two lap dogs for the billionaire class who only serve themselves." -- Melissa Brown New York Gov. takes swing at Trump, NY conviction New York Gov. Kathy Hochul touted Harris and Walzs ticket an took a swing at Trump, a native of her home state. Donald Trump was born a New Yorker but ended up a fraud, a philanderer and a felon, Hochul said of the former president, who in May was found guilty on 34 counts by a New York jury. He wasnt raised with the New York values that I know, Hochul continued, later adding, Trust me America, if you think youre tired of Donald Trump, talk to a New Yorker. -- Savannah Kuchar Democratic National Convention to criticize Project 2025 in nightly segment Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow kicked off a nightly recurring segment at the Democratic National Convention highlighting Project 2025, the conservative agenda designed by the Heritage Foundation for a possible second Trump administration. "Whatever you think it might be, it is so much worse," McMorrow said after lugging an oversized copy of the policy blueprint onto the Chicago stage. McMorrow decried the document as an "expansion" of presidential powers designed to turn President Donald Trump into a "dictator." "If Donald Trump gets back into the White House, he's going to fire civil service workers like intelligence officers, engineers and even federal prosecutors if he decides that they don't serve his personal agenda," McMorrow said. "They're talking about replacing the entire federal government with an army of loyalists that answer only to Donald Trump." -- Melissa Brown Laphonza Butler praises Harris, says they share things in common California Senator Laphonza Butler said in her remarks to convention attendees that her and Harris share a lot in common. We both graduated from historically Black colleges, me from Jackson State University, the Vice President from Howard University. We were both raised by mothers who worked fiercely to provide for us, and we both believe that every single one of us has the power to change the world when we choose to do it together, she said. She added that Harris, a former prosecutor, looked towards a better future. For her, it wasn't just a professional oath, it was a battle cry, and let's be clear to her opponents, this way of seeing the world, the idea of fighting for someone other than yourself, is unthinkable, she said. -- Sudiksha Kochi Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif. speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday's ceremonies. Who performed at the Democratic convention? The opening night of the Democratic convention featured multiple musical performances. Mickey Guyton performed before Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass delivered her address, and her fellow musicians Jason Isbell and James Taylor will take the stage later on Monday. Marina Pitofsky Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says Kamala Harris will 'fight fiercely' for children When Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was sworn into office in 2022, she asked Vice President Kamala Harris to administer the oath. During her convention remarks on Monday, Bass noted the significance of the first female vice president swearing in the city's first mayor. "We knew we were sending a message to young girls everywhere that they too can lead. I know Kamala, and she feels the importance of this work in her bones," Bass said. "When Kamala meets a young person you can feel her passion, you can feel her heart and you can feel her fearlessness. That is what defines a commitment to children: being willing to fight fiercely for every child. And trust me, Kamala has done that her entire life." Melissa Brown Rep. Karen Bass, D-CA, speaks on stage while standing with fellow Democrats during the 2016 Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center. Union leaders take the convention stage A group of leaders from some of the nations largest labor unions appeared Monday to pledge their support for Harris. Were all in for Kamala Harris because Kamala Harris has always been all in for us, said April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union and one of six union presidents to deliver joint remarks. Members of their unions, a traditionally left-leaning voting bloc, stand to have a pivotal role in this years election. The fight for blue-collar workers backing was highlighted last month as well during the GOPs convention, during which Teamsters President Sean OBrien gave remarks on stage. Savannah Kuchar Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty slams Donald Trump running mate JD Vance Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, criticized former President Donald Trumps running mate and fellow Ohioan JD Vance Monday night. JD Vance likes to talk about how hes from Ohio, but as soon as he could, he ran away to Yale and Silicon Valley, cozying up with billionaires, she said. "While JD Vance and Donald Trump have been sharing conspiracy theories from the darkest corners of the Internet, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden have been busy expanding access to the Internet." Beatty, a staunch supporter of Biden's, also touted the administration's work on the CHIPS Act to bring jobs to central Ohio. Jessie Balmert Dick Durbin knocks Donald Trumps handling of the economy Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin in his speech blasted Donald Trumps handling of the economy, saying that the former presidents record is defined by failure. He also compared Trump to a bad boss. You want time off to take care of your sick parents? Ask Donald Trump. Denied, he said. Sudiksha Kochi Majority Whip, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday's ceremonies. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan praises Tim Walz Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, co-chair of Monday night's Democratic National Convention program, said she's watched Gov. Tim Walz work hard and share his snacks over the past six years of working together. "I've seen how hard he's worked for Minnesota to be the best place for kids to grow up," Flanagan said. "He does it all with a big heart, a buffalo plaid jacket and a bottomless bag of snacks: Nutter Butters, cheese curds, and Diet Dew." Flanagan said Walz "always" has her back. "When he's vice president, he will have yours," Flanagan said. Melissa Brown Delegates approve Walz as Harris running mate in ceremonial vote Democrats certified Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as their official 2024 vice presidential nominee Monday in a ceremonial vote, on the first night of the partys convention. Harris, the official presidential nominee, tapped Walz earlier this month to join her on the ticket, and they received their formal nomination earlier this month. Savannah Kuchar Rep. Maxine Waters says 'no better leader' than Kamala Harris Rep. Maxine Waters delivered a history lesson to the Democratic National Convention Monday night, reminding delegates of the 1964 convention when Mississippi voting rights pioneer Fannie Lou Hamer demanded Black delegates be seated in place of Mississippi's all-white delegation. Hamer delivered gripping televised testimony to the convention's credentials committee at the time about the violence voting rights activists faced in Mississippi. "When she finished, she asked the country a simple but profound question: 'Is this America?'" Waters said. Sixty years later, Harris is the party's nominee and there is "no better leader to marshal us into the future," she added Melissa Brown Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday's ceremonies. Convention honors civil rights icon, Rev. Jesse Jackson Democrats paid tribute Monday to Rev. Jesse Jackson, 82, the longtime civil rights activist and politician. Jackson announced last year his diagnosis of Parkinsons disease. He appeared on stage in a wheelchair and received a standing ovation from delegates. Savannah Kuchar Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. (center) appears on stage, accompanied by (L-R), Rev. Al Sharpton, Jonathan Jackson and Yusef D. Jackson during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday's ceremonies. Donald Trump suggests he has Taylor Swift endorsement that he will never get Donald Trump is making fun of Taylor Swift again. The former president posted a fake image of the renowned singer/songwriter asking people to vote for Trump, something that has not happened and almost surely never will happen; Swift endorsed Joe Biden four years ago and criticized Trump for promoting division. An altered photo of Swift in an Uncle Sam top hat - falsely labeled "Taylor Wants You To Vote For Donald Trump" - was part of a Trump Truth Social post on Sunday that also included pictures of supposed "Swifties For Trump." "I accept," Trump said in the post. No comment from Trump, Swift, or their publicists on promoting fake images. David Jackson Barack Obama: 'It's good to be home' One of the most anticipated nights of the 2024 Democratic convention will be Tuesday when former President Barack Obama returns to the stage where two decades ago a barely 40-something Senate candidate launched himself into America's history books. "It's good to be home in Chicago," Obama said in a post Monday evening on X, formerly known as Twitter. At the kickoff of the convention, the 44th president said he looks forward to joining party faithful to "share what's at stake in this election, and why VP Harris and running mate, Gov. Walz, should be elected. Former first lady Michelle Obama is also scheduled to speak on Tuesday, setting up an Obama Day in their political backyard. Phillip M. Bailey Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson opens Democratic convention Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson helped kick off the first night of the Democratic National Convention with a speech lauding Vice President Kamala Harris as he welcomed delegates to his city. "As a Black man raising a little Black girl on the west side of Chicago, I know my daughter Braedyn will see not only a reflection of herself in the White House, but she will experience the deepest part of American values," Johnson said. Johnson said Harris, "the daughter of a mom who worked hard every single day," will "look out" for the interests of everyday Americans. "What will it take to build the middle class and make it easier for families to not only get by but to get ahead? It will take someone with toughness to stand up for us. And let me tell you, America, Kamala's got it," Johnson said. Melissa Brown Hadley Duvall, abortion advocacy to take convention stage Hadley Duvall, a 22-year-old abortion rights activist from Kentucky, will join other speakers on stage Monday with a personal story about abortion access. As a surrogate for the Harris campaign, Duvall has previously told crowds her story of being sexually abused for years by her stepfather, becoming pregnant at 12 years old and seeking an abortion. Her joint remarks are expected toward the end of the evening just ahead of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and President Joe Biden. Savannah Kuchar DNC kicks off primetime speakers Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison and convention committee chair Minyon Moore kicked off opening remarks on day one of the convention. Notable speakers for tonight will include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, President Joe Biden and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Sudiksha Kochi Former Biden advisor says his speech will look to the Democratic Party's future Anita Dunn, former senior advisor to President Joe Biden, told CNNs Dana Bash Monday that the presidents speech will look very much forward. This is not a time for legacy. This is a time for arguing why Kamala Harris is the best candidate, said Dunn. Hes making a strong case for why the choices voters made in 2020 was the right choice, she added. Sudiksha Kochi Biden to leave DNC for California wine country after speech Joe Biden wont be spending much time at this weeks Democratic National Convention in Chicago. After passing the torch to Kamala Harris in his keynote address Monday night, Biden and first lady Jill Biden will travel to Santa Ynez, California to vacation in wine country. That means the Bidens will not be at the United Center in Chicago to watch Harris accept the partys nomination on Thursday. Biden returns to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on Sunday Democrats are expected to pay tribute to the five-decade political career of Biden on Monday night. Yet Harris has a delicate line to walk to honor the man who named her vice president yet distancing herself from Bidens unpopular handling of inflation and the economy. Joey Garrison President Joe Biden appears on stage during a rehearsal ahead before the start of the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug 19, 2024. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday's ceremonies. No, it's not clear Taylor Swift and Beyonce will make a convention appearance You might have heard a rumor that two mega-stars Taylor Swift and Beyonce are making appearances at the Democratic convention. While both have previously backed Democratic candidates, and Beyonce gave Harris her approval to use her song "Freedom" on the campaign trail, it's not confirmed that they're making any kind of statement at the convention in Chicago. Notably, Swift is on tour in the United Kingdom until at least Tuesday night. More: Will Beyonce and Taylor Swift make a DNC appearance in support of Kamala Harris? What we know Marina Pitofsky Cast, where to watch and stream What time is the 'Love Island USA' Season 6 reunion? Biden hits back after Trump criticism Trump claimed at a rally on Saturday in Pennsylvania that Biden was ousted from the top of the Democratic ticket through a coup. That's not true. Biden dropped out of the presidential race last month after several Democratic lawmakers, donors and others in the party expressed concerns about the president since his dismal debate performance in June. When asked about Trumps claims Monday at the Democratic National Convention, Biden jabbed Trump's "stability" to CNNs Kaitlan Collins. Sudiksha Kochi Democratic convention (James Taylor's version) Kicking off the first night of the Democratic convention is award-winning singer-songwriter James Taylor. His performance comes before the nights keynote speaker, President Joe Biden. Taylor and Biden have appeared together in the past, including at a fundraising event in December, when Biden was still running for reelection. Savannah Kuchar Trump sticks to the script mostly in attacking Harris Trump on Monday pretty much stuck to the issues when it came to critiquing Harris' economic policies, alleging they would lead to more inflation, higher taxes, less domestic energy production, and an over-regulated economy. "Kamala puts America last - I put America first," Trump said during remarks at Precision Custom Components in York, Pennsylvania, the start of a week-long series of events counter-programming the Democratic convention. Trump still found time to refer to his opponent as "Comrade Kamala," despite admonitions from fellow Republicans that he stick to the issues and avoid personal attacks. The former president also drifted off-topic to attack another prominent Democrat, President Joe Biden. He spoke at length about a House Republican impeachment report, though it seems unlikely the GOP will pursue a case against Biden now that he is out of the presidential race. David Jackson Harris calls for raising corporate tax rate to 28% Kamala Harris would propose raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28% if shes elected president in November, her campaign said on Monday. Harris campaign spokesperson James Singer said the tax increase would be aimed at putting money back in the pockets of working people and ensure billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share." The proposal follows a broader economic plan Harris laid out last week seeking to ban price gouging on food and groceries, lower prescription drug costs and aid first-time homebuyers, among other measures. Harris was asked by a reporter on Sunday about how she planned to pay for the tax credits and suggested at the time that they would pay for themselves. As president, Trump reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. Karissa Waddick and Francesca Chambers Abortions at the DNC? Planned Parenthood bus providing no-cost service and vasectomies Planned Parenthood has placed reproductive rights front and center at this years Democratic National Convention in Chicago and is offering free vasectomies, medication abortions and emergency contraceptives to attendees through its mobile health bus. The Planned Parenthood Great Rivers of St. Louis announced on X that its bus will be in Chicago on Monday and Tuesday to provide these services, directly challenging the shifting landscape of reproductive rights in the United States since the last Democratic convention, after the U.S. Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v Wade in 2022. Brandi D. Addison John Fetterman is skipping the DNC. Heres why Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., told The Free Press that he is skipping the Democratic National Convention, dismissing speculation that it has to do with his pro-Israel stance. Ive got three young kids, and theyre out of school, he said. Thats four days I can spend with my children. Fetterman has become one of his partys most outspoken supporters of Israel since the Israel-Hamas war began in October last year. Hes on an island apart from his Democratic peers, who have struck a balance between supporting Israels interest in self defense and condemning the attacks on the Gaza Strip. Fetterman told the Press that his decision to skip the convention was made well before the June 27 presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race following his dismal performance. Sudiksha Kochi and Riley Beggin When is DNC 2024? The DNC is scheduled to take place August 19 through August 22. Maya Homan Retired Republican judge J. Michael Luttig endorses Kamala Harris Retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative, endorsed Harris for president, CNN first reported. In the presidential election of 2024 there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of Americas Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, Luttig wrote in a statement obtained by CNN. As a result, I will unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic Partys candidate for the Presidency of the United States, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. Luttig added in the statement that because of Trumps continued denial of the 2020 election results, millions of Americans no longer have faith and confidence in our national elections, and many never will again. Sudiksha Kochi More: Republican-appointed jurist Michael Luttig endorses Harris, citing Trump democracy threat Aug 18, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Exterior of the United Center during preparations before the start of the Democratic National Convention. The DNC program will kick off on Monday with four days of ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY ORG XMIT: USAT-895109 (Via OlyDrop) Pro-Palestinian delegates say Kamala Harris' election chances tied to Israel arms embargo A group of uncommitted delegates to the Democratic National Convention and their allies warned Vice President Kamala Harris Monday that her chances of winning the presidential election are still threatened by her failure to embrace calls for an arms embargo and immediate Israeli cease-fire in Gaza. They also could not guarantee an absence of disruptions inside the convention hall this week. Ultimately, only about 30 delegates out of 4,995 less than 1% were seated as being uncommitted, representing a handful of states. But since President Joe Biden ended his reelection effort and Harris secured the votes to become the Democratic nominee late last month, the uncommitted delegates and their allies have been lining up Harris delegates to declare themselves cease-fire delegates and demanding they be given time and space to be heard this week. Read more about how the Israel-Hamas war is playing out at the convention. Todd Spangler and Clara Hendrickson AOC, Bernie Sanders set to take the stage at the DNC U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., will speak on Monday night at the Democratic convention along with other Democratic rising stars, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock. Ocasio-Cortez will speak at 8 p.m. CT/9p.m. ET. Her fellow progressive, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, is slated to address the convention on Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. CT/9:30 p.m. ET. Sanders is expected to focus his message on the economy and removing money from politics. Karissa Waddick JD Vance doesn't want to talk about the polls (especially this week) Donald Trump usually loves to talk about polls at least the ones with good numbers for him but running mate JD Vance is more reticent on the subject. Especially now that Kamala Harris is moving up in a number of surveys. During a campaign event Monday in Philadelphia, Vance demurred when asked about polls that show a statistical tie in the pivotal state of Pennsylvania, a month after surveys had given Trump leads of around 4.5 percentage points over President Joe Biden. "Our job is to win the trust of the American voters, not public opinion polls," Vance said. Many Trump officials believe Harris will get a bounce in the polls during her convention this week; they are doing what they can to minimize it. David Jackson Protest groups hit Chicago streets for Democratic National Convention demonstration A day of demonstrations and marches is underway as delegates to the Democratic National Convention formally begin meeting Monday, with organizers of one group saying they hoped to stage one of the largest anti-Gaza war marches seen nationally. Hundreds of people began gathered at Union Park early Monday, a half mile from the convention hall, before planning to march several miles along nearby streets. They had not yet begun marching as of 11 a.m. Central Time. Demonstrators playing music and periodically chanted "free, free Palestine" as they assembled. By noon local time, the crowd had swelled to about 1,000 people. Read more on the Monday demonstrations. Trevor Hughes, Michael Loria and Tamia Fowlkes Tim Walz surprises Democrats on first day of Democratic National Convention A convention hall burst into gasps and cheers as vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz took the stage in a surprise visit to the Democratic National Committees Hispanic Caucus meeting Monday morning. It was one of a series of unannounced appearances Walz made in an effort to rally attendees as the convention kicked off its first day of activities. He also stopped by a meeting of the Black Caucus and the Wisconsin and Pennsylvania delegation breakfasts meeting Monday. Walz touted the positive energy and joy hes feeling out on the campaign trail since he joined Harris on the party's presidential ticket and he pushed those in attendance to keep working to get Democrats elected this fall. This is challenging work. This is hard. There's a lot at stake, he told the Hispanic Caucus as attendees swarmed closer to the stage to take pictures and video. But that's no different than a lot of people live their lives. It can be challenging and hard, but you can do it with a sense of optimism and, what (Harris) is doing, with a sense of joy, with a sense of joy. To smile. (Republicans) are on her because she laughs, Walz scoffed. My God, I'll take someone who laughs any damn day of the week. Brianne Pfannenstiel 1968 Democratic National Convention protests in Chicago In the lead up to this year's Democratic convention particularly before President Joe Biden exited the race 2024 felt a lot like 1968. Anti-war protests. A divided Democratic Party. An unpopular candidate. Flashbacks of bloody clashes between police and anti-Vietnam War demonstrators outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago during that chaotic summer weighed heavily on the minds of Democrats earlier this year. Read more on similarities and differences between 2024 and 1968. Michael Collins, David Jackson and Michael Loria Shapiro says his Jewish faith didnt factor into VP discussions Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro refuted former President Donald Trumps claims that he was not chosen as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee because of his Jewish faith. Antisemitism played absolutely no role in my dialogue with the vice president, Shapiro told the media after delivering remarks to the Pennsylvania Delegation at the Democratic convention Monday morning. Hes trying to use me and hes trying to use other Jews to divide Americans further, Shapiro said. He is the least credible person when it comes to standing up against hatred and bigotry. Karissa Waddick Memories of talk show politics: Phil Donahue dies at 88 Followers of this week's Democratic convention may want to pause and reflect on the death of a fairly influential political figure: Television talk show host Phil Donahue. In the spring of 1992, as then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton marched toward the Democratic presidential nomination, he included afternoon television talk shows in his media strategy, including a contentious interview with Donahue. The high-rated afternoon host peppered Clinton with questions about "character issues," drawing boos from his crowd and admonitions from the candidate. Clinton who is scheduled to address this week's convention in Chicago made a complaint that current politicians still echo: There are real problems in this country, and there are people whod like to hear them discussed. Ive done my best to do it, and its very difficult. Donahue, who always defended his questioning of public officials, died Sunday at age 88. David Jackson Walz wades into swing state rivalry: Wawa or Sheetz? Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz found himself smack dab in the middle of one Pennsylvanias mostly hotly contested debates on Monday morning: Wawa or Sheetz. While telling the Pennsylvania delegation at the Democratic convention about his trip through the swing state on Sunday, Walz lauded the popular convenience store and gas station Sheetz. Some in the crowd responded by chanting the name of the rival chain, Wawa. He received some boos from the Wawa contingent in the delegation. Heres my thing Kwik Trip. In the Midwest its Kwik Trip, Walz answered to laughs. Karissa Waddick More: Tim Walz says he's 'a Kwik Trip guy' but the company has big ties to Trump Why Jon Tester, Sherrod Brown and Jacky Rosen are skipping the Democratic convention Montana Sen. Jon Tester is headed to a party this week. It's just going to be Pearl Jam's instead of Vice President Kamala Harris' in Chicago. Tester joins vulnerable Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jacky Rosen of Nevada in skipping the Democratic National Convention to focus on their must-win races instead, their campaigns confirmed. At least a couple House Democrats facing similar political headwinds back home are skipping a trip to the Windy City, too. Read more on the Democrats skipping the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week. Jessie Balmert Pennsylvania campaign stop: Harris brings back Chuck Taylors as she makes 2024 campaign her own What's on the Democratic convention's schedule for Monday? The convention's first night will pay tribute to the 81-year-old Democratic president, and other Democratic heavyweights, such as Barack Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton, are also expected to speak at the convention. The convention speaker schedule is subject to change and a full list of speakers will be released at a later time. Here's a look at the Monday schedule for the Democratic National Convention. Note: All times listed are in Central Daylight Time. 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: Delegation breakfasts 9 a.m.-10a.m.: Morning press briefing 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Black Caucus meeting 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Hispanic Caucus meeting 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: AAPI Caucus meeting 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Native American Caucus meeting 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Ethnic Council meeting 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: LGBTQ+ Caucus meeting 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Small Business Council meeting 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Labor Council meeting 1:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Environmental & Climate Crisis Council meeting 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.: Main programming Gabe Hauari Chicago braces for Democratic convention protests as Kamala Harris takes center stage The city's 12,000 police officers say they're ready. The Secret Service says it's ready. Local leaders say they're ready. Residents? Maybe not so much. An estimated 50,000 delegates, politicians and party activists are expected to attend this week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago, with possibly tens of thousands of demonstrators marching through the streets. Fences, barricades and parked snow plows have already limited movement in key downtown areas, with helicopters buzzing overhead. Read more on how Chicago is preparing for the convention. Trevor Hughes, Terry Collins and Michael Loria Biden has changed course over his 50-year career. None of that compares to his 2024 choice. Joe Biden wasnt ready to go away. Hed had his eyes on the presidency for years. Now it was his, and he wasnt about to quit. So he raised campaign money, put together a campaign team and hit the campaign trail. He was running for another term and, he was convinced, he was going to win. A bad night on a debate stage in Atlanta changed everything. Now, just seven weeks later, he will address the opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, not as the partys presidential nominee but as an outgoing president passing the torch to a potential successor and a new generation. Read more on Biden's decision to withdraw from the race. Michael Collins Some Trump voters are denying Harris' progress but others say they're worried Many supporters of former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, who attended a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Saturday expressed skepticism about Democratic nominee Kamala Harris' rise in the polls. They projected confidence that Trump has the race under control. Others, though, were nervous. The MAGA movements mood Saturday, a month into a changed race that has seen Harris surging nationally and in key swing states, percolated the arena with a mix of emotions. Read more on the mood from Saturday's Trump rally. Zac Anderson and David Jackson Wait, Kamala Harris is already the nominee? Traditionally, delegates from all 50 states and the U.S. territories assemble at a convention and elect their chosen party's candidate for president. It's a time to trumpet achievements, criticize opponents' policies, and rally behind their leaders to build enthusiasm for Election Day. Democrats are still going to lay out their vision for the country during the Democratic convention. But the actually nominating process looks different this year. That's because the DNC confirmed Harris/Walz during a virtual roll call on Aug. 5 due to ballot deadlines in some states, with 99% of the participating delegates supporting Harris. Harris and Walz accepted the nomination a day later, but they will formally accept at the convention. Democrats are expected to have a ceremonial vote at the convention for the ticket, but their nominations are already final. Marina Pitofsky and C. A. Bridges Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, campaign in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2024. How to watch the Democratic convention The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days. The USA TODAY Network and news outlets will livestream the convention and most will broadcast the major speeches live. Joey Garrison Democratic National Convention reveals theme for each night of Chicago event The Democratic National Committee announced the nightly themes for this week's convention in Chicago, which will culminate with Kamala Harris accepting the party's nomination for president. The title of the four-day convention is "For the People, For Our Future," with Democrats hoping to use the festivities to introduce Harris and Tim Walz to the nation. The convention kicks off Monday with the theme "For the People." Tuesday's theme is "A Bold Vision for Americas Future," and Wednesday's convention theme is "A Fight for our Freedoms." The convention will conclude Thursday night with the theme "For our Future." Joey Garrison Biden, Obama, Clintons to headline Democratic National Convention speakers President Joe Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are among the headline speakers at next week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago, according to a source familiar with the plans. Former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is also slated to deliver a speech. Biden will speak Monday night during an opening evening of the convention that will pay tribute to the 81-year-old Democratic president, who last month ended his reelection campaign. Hillary Clinton will also address the convention Monday. Obama is expected to speak Tuesday night, while Bill Clinton will deliver remarks Wednesday night before Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz gives his address Joey Garrison and Rachel Barber Is Michelle Obama speaking at the Democratic convention? Former first lady Michelle Obama will address the Democratic National Convention in her native city of Chicago on Tuesday, multiple sources have confirmed with USA TODAY. Michelle Obama, one of the most popular Democratic figures, joins an all-star lineup, including her husband, former President Barack Obama, who are rallying the party faithful in support of Vice President Kamala Harris, who is surging in polls ahead of the 2024 election. The party's theme on Tuesday is slated to be "A Bold Vision for Americas Future." Joey Garrison and Phillip M. Bailey Where is the DNC? The convention will be in Chicago, just 90 miles south of Milwaukee, where the Republican National Convention was recently held. The Democratic Party has held a national convention every four years since 1832 to nominate its chosen candidates, and Chicago has a storied history of hosting conventions on both sides of the political aisle dating back to 1860, with the nomination of Abraham Lincoln. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, this will be the Windy Citys 26th political convention. Maya Homan What happens at the DNC? U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks, during an event at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence in Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S., August 16, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Unlike the RNC, the DNC decided to confirm their nominee during a virtual roll call on Aug. 5 to satisfy ballot deadlines in several states. According to a press release, 99% of participating delegates supported Kamala Harris in the virtual roll call, and Harris and Walz accepted the nomination a day later. However, Harris has not yet formally accepted the nomination, which she will do at the convention in Chicago. In the meantime, there is still plenty left to do for the Democratic delegates. The DNC offers them a chance to adopt and unify a comprehensive party platform, taking a stance on issues like reproductive rights, immigration and economic policy. They'll also have a kind-of ceremonial vote for Harris, but her position as Democratic nominee is already final The Democratic Party will post updates on its convention website, which can be found at demconvention.com. Maya Homan Donald Trump plans counterprogramming during the DNC As Trump prepared to speak to voters in Wilkes-Barre over the weekend, he and aides finalized plans to counter this week's proceedings at the Democratic convention and to play defense as Harris basks in the glow of her formal nomination to the presidency. Trump aides said they believe Harris will gain in the polls in the wake of the convention that kicks off Monday most major party nominees do and they are working to counteract that as the election heads into the final two months. Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and her vice presidential running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz hold signs, as Harris and Walz are about to make a four-stop bus tour of western Pennsylvania before heading to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S., August 18, 2024. REUTERS/Alan Freed Trump, vice presidential nominee JD Vance, and other campaign officials will conduct a series of anti-Harris events in key battlegrounds, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. The former president is expected to campaign every day of the week, Monday through Friday. Zac Anderson and David Jackson When did Joe Biden drop out? Joe Biden announced on Sunday, July 21 that he would not seek reelection amid intense pressure from Democratic leaders sounding the alarm that his path to beat Donald Trump in November had vanished. "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden said in a letter addressed to Americans. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term." EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 7: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally with Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on August 7, 2024 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Harris announced yesterday that Walz would join her campaign as her running mate. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democratic convention replay: Biden passes the torch to Harris ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 19. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay a state visit to Tajikistan on August 22-23, Trend reports. According to the office of the president of Kazakhstan, the visit will include high-level negotiations in a narrow format and a meeting with the government delegations of the two countries. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon will discuss the current state and prospects for strengthening the strategic partnership. The sides plan to sign several bilateral documents aimed at deepening cooperation in political, trade economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan have agreed to work on signing a roadmap to increase trade turnover between the countries for 2025-2027. A corresponding agreement was reached during the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Kazakh-Tajikistan Commission on Economic Cooperation, chaired by the First Deputy Prime Ministers of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Roman Sklyar and Hokim Kholiqzoda, in Dushanbe. According to plans, the roadmap will be signed during the upcoming visit of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Tajikistan. At Democratic convention, Wasserman Schultz and Frankel tout Harris and warn about dangers from Trump As the Democratic National Convention got underway, the partys senior members of Congress from South Florida are touting Vice President Kamala Harris and warning about the threat they see from former President Donald Trump. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a former national Democratic Party chair and the senior Democratic member of Congress from Florida, was scheduled to address the convention Monday evening. Offering a cautionary tale, Wasserman Schultz planned to cite policies implemented by Republicans who control all levers of government in Florida as examples of what could happen to the country if Trump becomes president again. For the people of my state, Project 2025 isnt just a threat. Its a reality we battle every day, she planned to say. Democrats have been highlighting Project 2025, the controversial hard-right agenda crafted by Trump allies for how theyd run the government if theyre victorious. Florida, she prepared to warn in her speech, is a testing ground for the rights most egregious, dangerous policies. Earlier, at a breakfast meeting of the Florida convention delegation, Wasserman Schultz delivered a fiery speech praising Harris, touting Democratic values and reminding people of what life was like when Trump was president. Our amazing record of successes stands in stark contrast to the steaming Dumpster fire Trump handed over to us. Dont let them fool you. When Trump was in the White House, remember we were all hoarding toilet paper as he mused about using bleach for medicine. Republicans did that. Neo-Nazis marched through Trumps America with torches screaming, Jews will not replace us. And antisemitism and anti-Asian hate surged, she said. Please never forget the anxiety and dread that we all woke up with every morning that Trump was president. I remember dreading looking at my notifications on my phone, Wasserman Schultz said. It is a clear choice. Kamala is strong and smart and she fights for freedom, security and economic opportunity. And Donald Trump is a weird, lying crook who only cares about himself and his rich friends, she said. Frankels view Frankel, who like Wasserman Schultz has been to multiple conventions, said this years in Chicago is different. Frankel said in a phone interview that she sees a dramatic surge of enthusiasm driven largely by the real possibility of our first woman president, a woman of color. For many of us, its just, it is so exhilarating and uplifting. Frankel said she doesnt think any resistance to a woman president would affect the outcome in November. You know what, theres always gonna be bias but I dont think its gonna hold, I dont think its going to prevent Harris from winning. Just look across the world. Were sort of behind on that. There have been women presidents, prime ministers all over the world that have been very successful. Frankel said she didnt think gender was the reason Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 election to Trump. (Clinton won the popular vote; Trump won the Electoral College.) Related Articles She was snake bitten, Frankel said. She lost that race because of just these crazy circumstances. Like many Democrats, Frankel said the announcement by then-FBI Director James Comey that the agency was reopening an investigation into her private email server just days before the election was politically toxic. Thats why she lost. Frankel is familiar with close presidential elections. She was Democratic leader of the Florida House of Representatives during the tumultuous aftermath of the contentious George W. Bush-Al Gore presidential election in 2000. Bush ultimately was declared the winner of Florida by 537 votes, which made him president. (It was the last time a sitting vice president was the presidential nominee of either party.) Back in spotlight Wasserman Schutz got personally caught up in presidential campaign crossfire. This years Chicago convention is far from Philadelphia, where Democrats gathered for their 2016 presidential nominating convention. In Chicago, Wasserman Schulz had the speaking slot, did an interview on the CNN set at the convention site at the United Center, and was applauded at the Florida delegations breakfast on Monday. In Philadelphia, she was the embattled national party chair. Handpicked by then-President Barack Obama for the job, she resigned from the job at the beginning of the convention after leaked emails showed the party was helping Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign while Bernie Sanders was still a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination. She was greeted by so many protesters at the Florida delegation meeting on the Monday morning of the 2016 convention, that her speech was turned into a chaotic scene. As a result, plans were shelved for her to gavel the convention to order even though she helped plan it. Wasserman Schultz has since been repeatedly reelected by constituents in South Florida, and holds a party leadership role in the House as a co-chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Optimistic about Florida Frankel said the unprecedented level of enthusiasm suggests to her that Harris could win Florida. (The last time that happened, when Obama ran for reelection in 2012, Democrats outnumbered registered Republicans. Now there are 1 million more Republicans than Democrats in Florida.) Can we win Florida? Absolutely, she said if Democrats have enough financial resources, which hasnt yet happened. Were working on it, Frankel said. She predicted that the referendum that would enshrine abortion rights in the Florida Constitution means youre going to see the women flood to the polls. Biden The presidential picture has changed since President Joe Biden ended his campaign for reelection last month and Harris became the nominee. The exuberance and the excitement right now and the way were unified, coming together as a party from all points of view across the spectrum has been remarkable, Wasserman Schultz said on CNN. Harris is doing much better in polling, in Florida, in swing states critical to determining the outcome, and nationally than President Joe Biden was when he was running for a second term. Im going to just give you the obvious answer, which is, I think, her youthfulness probably is the main reason, Frankel said. Obviously for women is the potential, the first woman president and woman of color, I think thats a big one. Wasserman Schultz is a longtime Biden supporter, starting with his first presidential campaign, in 1988 when she was involved in Students for Biden at the University of Florida. Still loyal, she said on CNN that Biden wasnt forced out in any way. Joe Biden is a beloved leader because he is such a good man, she said. He was the good, decent human being who you knew you could count on. Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon. This story has been updated. A California bill intended to place guardrails against antisemitism in mandatory ethnic studies high school courses died in the Senate Appropriations Committees suspense file last week after the authors requested that the bill be pulled. Assembly Bill 2918, by Assemblymembers Dawn Addis, D-San Luis Obispo, and Rick Chavez Zbur, D-Hollywood, was one of more than 170 bills held in suspense by the Senate Appropriations Committee last Thursday, meaning the bill is effectively dead for the legislative session. If passed into law, it would have required local educational agencies to ensure that the course and instructional materials are developed in conjunction with specified stakeholders, including certificated teachers, classified public school staff, and parents and guardians of pupils, according to a summary provided by the Digital Democracy project at CalMatters. According to the bill authors, the legislation was pulled to allow more time to work on it. Its important that we get this right the first time. This is a complicated issue that requires time and honest conversations, and we owe that to our educators, administrators, parents, and most importantly, our students, Zbur said in a statement. Addis added, It is absolutely critical that students see themselves and their stories represented in their classrooms. Ethnic studies curriculum plays an essential role in honoring the diversity and complex history of California. We must teach Californias diverse students in ways that uplift and bring them together and ensure antisemitism and other bias has no place. One group opposed to the legislation has given tens of thousands of dollars to Democrats on the Senate Appropriations Committee. According to the Digital Democracy archives, which draws records from state campaign finance documents, the California Faculty Association, which opposed the bill, has given more than $86,000 to the Democratic members of the Senate Appropriations Committee; that includes $18,500 to committee chair Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Merced, between 2018 and 2022. A Digital Democracy analysis shows that Caballero voted with the CFA 72.5% of the time between 2017 and 2024. Supporters of the bill said that since California enacted a law requiring high school students to complete an ethnic studies course in order to graduate, some of those classes were co-opted by people with anti-Jewish biases. Groups that supported the bill included the Jewish Political Action Committee (JPAC). Besides the CFA, others opposing the bill was the Sacramento chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, which said the legislation would be used to squash criticism of Israel. A previous version of this story did not mention that AB 2918 was pulled at the authors request. The Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights is holding a Teach-in Against Genocide at the California Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento on Monday, in conjunction with the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. David Mandel, an organizer with Jewish Voices for Peace and a coordinator of the event, said it is intended to dispel misinformation that is being disseminated about Palestine supporters. He is also calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. (Were) trying to dispel a very common myth by explaining that anti-Zionism is not antisemitism, Mandel said. The state of Israel has an obligation to defend its people, but killing tens of thousands of people in Gaza is not defense, its a severe violation of international law, its a war crime. The demonstration is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1830 9th St. outside the California Democratic Party headquarters. The CDP did not respond to calls for comment. The Democratic National Conventions main programming begins at 3:30 p.m. PDT. Pro-Palestinan protests are planned during the four days of the convention in Chicago. The U.S. is currently part of negotiations to bring about a ceasefire to end the 10 months of fighting, with talks scheduled this week. The war began after Oct. 7 when Hamas militants crossed the border and killed more than 1,200 people and abducting 250 hostages in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry said Israels retaliation has killed more than 40,000. Protests have continued in the Sacramento region. In Woodland, for example, demonstrators gather outside the office of Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, every Tuesday to protest his support of continuing military aid to Israel. He voted to support the bipartisan supplemental package that appropriated more that $95 billion in funding to protect national security priorities in Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and provide humanitarian aid to Palestine on April 20. Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East, his statement said. This supplemental package will help Israel defend itself and its people from terrorism like we saw on October 7 and the unprecedented drone and ballistic missile attack from Iran last week. The protection of civilian life is tantamount as the conflict in Israel and Gaza is creating a worsening humanitarian crisis. The supplemental package provided $9.2 billion in humanitarian aid, including for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. He said it was crucial to ensure that innocent civilians can receive food, water and other essential assistance. Additionally, I have called on the Biden Administration to ensure that Israel follows international law and takes steps to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, the congressman wrote. Demonstrators in Woodland protest Aug. 13, 2024 against military funds for Israel, calling for humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. Erica Ballinger, an organizer with Yolo For Palestinian Justice, said Thompson is not acting in accordance to the views of the people he represents. He continues to respond that he is concerned about civilians, but he does absolutely nothing to actually back that up, Ballinger said. The letter we gave him... specifically says Back up your words. If youre concerned about the civilian impact, then heres one thing you can do. So far, hes refused to co-sponsor the emergency funding Restoration Act for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency supports humanitarian aid to refugees in Gaza. However, after allegations workers with the agency may have been involved in the attack by Hamas, some nations including the U.S. have pulled their funding for the agency. Thompson did not return calls for comment. On TV, the Democratic National Convention is being set up to be a flawless, well-produced and compelling primetime infotainment. In person, just getting to the United Center, on the near west side of Chicago, is a logistical adventure, even for those who have long attended these gatherings. More from Deadline Following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last month, and the anticipation of large scale Gaza protests, the security presence is intense, with temporary fencing placed in multiblock areas surrounding convention sites. We are expecting large protests throughout the city for the rest of the week, Larry Snelling, superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, told reporters on Monday. We are prepared for that. We hope for the exact same outcome for every protest, that everyone gets to express their First Amendment rightsIf we dont have any incidents, if that occurs, then we have had the successful Democratic National Convention we can imagine. We would prefer not to have clashes. We would prefer not to make arrests if we dont have to. There was a disruption hours later. This afternoon, pro-Palestinian demonstrators breached a portion of the fencing on the outer perimeter of the United Center, but law enforcement personnel were immediately on-scene and contained the situation, according to Chicago Police. At no point was the inner perimeter breached, and there was no threat to any protectees. Earlier in the afternoon, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at Union Park, several blocks from the United Center, for a rally. Among the speakers was Cornel West, a third party presidential candidate, who blasted Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration for its policy in Gaza. On Sunday evening, a protester disrupted a delegate welcome party on Navy Pier, taking the stage to shout in opposition to U.S. support of Israel. A march down Michigan Avenue, drawing hundreds and passing sites or riots at the 1968 convention, was peaceful. Across the park, dozens of Chicago police lined up with bicycles, in their regular uniforms rather than in riot gear save for vests. But that was outside of the outer perimeter fence that circles a two- and three- block radius around the United Center. A long security line of around 45 minutes to an hour stretched down the block on Jackson Avenue, one of the main checkpoints, as the Secret Service conducted checks under a tent. Among those spotted: The principals behind Pod Save America Dan Pfieffer, Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor. Thank you for your patience, a convention official told attendees as they neared the checkpoint. A couple more blocks out is a softer barrier, meant to prevent vehicles from entering the vicinity, but not pedestrians. Journalists attending the convention have to obtain multiple security and access credentials to enter the arena, and most wear a collection of lanyards around their necks, as they are checked frequently. They also need a wristband to access McCormick Place, the other main location of convention activities. Many of the events surrounding the convention also are requiring special credentials, as well as individual caucus meetings, out of security concerns. The Chicago Police Department also is issuing its own credentials, meant for those covering the protests. Even organizers of todays protest issued media credentials, albeit no one stopped reporters as they covered from other areas of the park. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Local voters are gearing up for the 2024 Democratic National Convention to kick off on Monday in Chicago. Gandara Center hosts Frozen Yogurt 5K for mental health awareness During the four-day conference, democrats are expected to stand united behind Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the partys endorsement after President Biden announced he would not seek re-election. Voters hope the convention will address concerns that have not yet been answered. How is the middle America going to be changed, because I think thats where really Trump and the Republican side have been really trying to dominate that force. If the Democrats could prove that theres a way to help that level of security and division. I think that would be very helpful, shared Kevin McCarthy of Holyoke. This years theme for the convention, is For the people, for our future. Set to argue that this new presidential ticket is the best choice for Americans in November. I have no interest in seeing Trump be re-elected at all. I think the economy is doing really good, everyones saying the economy is not doing good, but I know that the numbers are saying that we are going in the right direction, shared Julia Durchanek of Holyoke. Harris and Walz are expected to lay out their policies on price gouging and expanding the child tax credit. Ahead this week, former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and the top two Democrats in Congress, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries are set to take the stage supporting the new running mates agenda. The democratic party is more confident than ever now in a Democratic presidential win, with polls showing Harris is gaining support in states Biden was not earlier in the campaign season. By the end of this week, Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are expected to accept the Democratic partys nomination. Latest Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. The Democratic National Convention: How to watch The Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday in Chicago. It comes amid the partys shakeup over the past few weeks. Vice President Kamala Harris will try to continue building momentum as the partys new nominee. Read: Stage set for Day 1 of Democratic National Convention in Chicago When is the DNC? The convention begins Monday and runs through Thursday, each night of the DNC will have a theme. Mondays theme will be called For the People and the DNC said the Harris-Walz ticket is one that supports everyday Americans. The Associated Press said a complete schedule hasnt been released, but Harris, running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as 2016 nominee Hillary Clinton and former first lady Michelle Obama, are all expected to speak during the weeks evening programming. Read: Florida primary election: Can you take a selfie with your ballot? How to watch or livestream the DNC Channel 9 will provide coverage of the convention from 7 p.m. till 11 p.m. Watch it live by clicking here. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The schedule for the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago has officially taken shape. On Monday (Aug. 19), USA Today reported that Kerry Washington and Mindy Kaling will be joining commentator Ana Navarro and actor Tony Goldwyn as hosts throughout the weeklong event. Goldwyn, known by many as Washington's former "Scandal" co-star, will kick things off on the first night. Navarro, Kaling, and Washington will host on Tuesday (Aug. 20), Wednesday (Aug. 21), and Thursday (Aug. 22), respectively. Trending Others tapped to give remarks for the DNC include President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. As REVOLT previously reported, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama will also be delivering speeches. The biggest guests of the event are presidential hopeful Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. After securing the needed delegates in August, the vice president is expected to formally accept her nomination during the DNC. "Today, I signed the forms officially declaring my candidacy for president of the United States," Harris tweeted shortly after launching her campaign. "I will work hard to earn every vote. And in November, our people-powered campaign will win." https://x.com/KamalaHarris/status/1816998711056052463 Back in July, Washington expressed her support for Harris by sharing a photo of the two together in a Twitter post. "In the name of democracy, Biden did a brave and bold thing. Im tremendously grateful for his years of service and I am awed by his selfless leadership," she wrote. "Make no mistake. Our fight now remains EXACTLY the same. We must do everything we can to prevent another Trump presidency and an authoritarian government. Kamala Harris can and will win this! I believe in her and I believe in us. Lets go!" https://x.com/kerrywashington/status/1815155621781541063 You Might Also Like Lets talk about freedombecause Kamala Harris certainly is, starting with her first campaign ad: There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate, she intoned. But us, we choose something different. We choose freedom. The ad underscored the message by cuing Beyonces Freedom. Harris has since made freedom a central campaign message, and you will surely hear a lot about it at the Democratic National Convention this week: Wednesday nights theme is A Fight for our Freedoms, for example. Some of us are old enough to remember when it was Republicans who were talking about freedom, Governor Tim Walz said during his debut as Harriss running mate. It turns out now what they meant was the government should be free to invade your doctors office. Indeed, Republicans have long exercised a rhetorical monopoly on freedom: It was a touchstone for Ronald Reagan, who used the word a dozen times in his farewell address, describing America as still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home. (The Gipper had a somewhat more sanguine view of immigrants than todays GOP.) George W. Bush uttered the word 27 times in his second inaugural, outlining what he styled his freedom agenda. This history makes Harriss oratorical appropriation all the more strikingand overdue. But a confluence of events, from Donald Trumps rise and Roes fall to a behind-the-scenes effort among some Democratic operatives to reframe freedom and rebrand the party, have helped position Harris to seize back this messaging high ground. We have a real chance to redefine the party moving forward and the ability to have a real contrast to what really is kind of Creepyville for the Republicans, said Mark Riddle, a Democratic strategist who has pushed the freedom-frame for years. It is a deeply held value, which we never really talk about because theres an assumption that its always there, Stephanie Schriock, former president of Emilys List, told me. But freedom will disappear if you dont talk about it. Democrats have a long history with the rhetoric of freedom. President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously enunciated his four freedomsfreedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from fear, and freedom from wantin his 1941 State of the Union speech. In his inaugural address, John F. Kennedy exhorted his fellow citizens of the world: Ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. In his I have a dream speech, Martin Luther King spoke of being Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty, we are free at last. (He also drew a much bigger crowd than Trump.) And yet Republicans made it their own talking point, from Ronald Reagans and George W. Bushs oratory to the name of the far-right House caucus of extremists to the petulant Iraq War-era silliness of rechristening French fries sold in the House and Senate cafeterias as freedom fries. (My colleague Michael Tomasky has detailed the history of the rights appropriation of the term.) They succeeded in part because they built a simple, coherent message around what GOP strategist Grover Norquist dubbed the leave us alone coalition, which defined freedom as absence of government intrusion (taxes and regulations, for example). That formulation was an example of what the late philosopher Isaiah Berlin termed negative freedomfreedom from, in other words. Democrats tend toward what Berlin called positive freedomfreedom to. The freedom not just to get by, but get ahead, as Harris put it in her debut ad. The freedom to be safe from gun violence; the freedom to make decisions about your own body. The fight to define freedom isnt new. The cognitive linguist George Lakoff published Whose Freedom? The Battle Over Americas Most Important Idea in 2006. Where most Americans in the last century have seen an expansion of freedom, these conservatives see curtailments of what they consider freedom, he wrote in The New York Times that year. What makes them conservatives is not that they want to conserve the achievements of those who fought to deepen American democracy. Its the reverse. Trumps surprise 2016 victory left Democrats wondering how to define and articulate a vision to which voters would actually respond, especially in the Midwest states that had failed to hold as the partys electoral firewall. Many worried that the party communicated too programmaticallyHillary Clinton was awash in policy proposals in 2016 but lacked visionand couldnt connect with disaffected voters at a gut level. A mix of party leaders, strategists, and donors engaged Riddle and others to address the conundrum under the auspices of Future Majority, a political nonprofit aimed at rebranding the party. Launched in 2017, the group kept a deliberately low public profile while thinking through what a successful rebrand would look like. It drew talent and ideas not only from political operatives but also from Hollywood writers and corporate branding experts. Thinking about building a brand strategy is twofold, Jeremy Tucker, a brand consultant who worked with Future Majority, told me. What does the market want? And what does the organizationthe party in this casewhat could they stand for? The Future Majority team met with more than 300 Democratic officials, operatives, and activists in 2017 and 2018. The first question they asked, Tucker recalled, was: Who owns the Democratic Party brand? The Democratic National Committee very explicitly, verbatim, said, We dont own the brand. We dont want it. We do presidential elections. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee demurred, as well. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, then chaired by Ben Ray Lujan (who would win a Senate seat in 2020), was the first to say, What do you mean, own the brand? Is that possible? Tucker told me. Future Majority started working with the DCCC on its messaging leading up to the 2018 elections when Democrats retook the House. They were incredibly helpful and influential in 2018, Dan Sena, who was the House campaign committees executive director, told Politico in 2019. The group used polling and focus groups, especially targeting the most closely contested House districts and swing states, asking a lot of open-ended questions, which is rarely done in political polling, but thats how in commercial brand strategy you get to the underlying consumer psychology of what buyersor in this case votersactually want, Tucker said. Overall, Future Majority has spent $100 million and polled over 215,000 voters, according to Riddle, and looked at over 30 million data points. (Some of the questions were abstract to the point of sounding silly: A May 2021 study included a question on which party voters would prefer to have in charge during a zombie apocalypse, with 60 percent of independents and even 40 percent of Democrats choosing the GOP. Republicans are perceived as providing strength and security through aggression, the analysis concluded, adding: Black voters unilaterally chose Democrats because of the belief that Republicans might shoot them.) The centrality of freedom to American votersand Democrats opportunity to engage on itpopped out of the research early: A stunning 91 percent of voters identified it as the most important value to them. It had multiple messaging virtues: Freedom is sufficiently broad that a variety of policies can be explained through it. You can have a million different iterations of a campaign, Tucker, the brand expert, told me. The more you can say and be one idea to people over and over and over again, then you own that idea. Its not stay on message, its stay on philosophy. Establishing freedom as a shared common value also makes voters more receptive to Democrats policy proposals. It becomes the frame through which they can discuss specifics. People need to feel what it is youre bringing to them before you can get elbow-deep in policy, said Fentrice Driskell, Democratic leader in the Florida House and a freedom frame advocate. Start with the value: the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe. You tell people what they deserve and what freedom would look like. Then you get into the details of policy. We kind of got lost in Lets put out 53 points on the issues we care about, Riddle told me. If you lead with your values then you can talk about the issues underneath. If you just talk about the issues, you can start losing people. Some activists pushed back on the freedom messaging, favoring more traditional Democratic emphases on equality and justice. But using a technique called marginal effects regression, Future Majority found that improving voters trust on individual freedoms did more to get them to vote Democratic than any other issue. Theres always going to be the tension in the Democratic coalition of which value frames we should be emphasizing, Stephen Clermont of Change Research, which does Future Majoritys polling, told me. Theres a lot of pressure to talk about equality and justicebut freedom is foundational to all of that. Modeling its approach on that of the longtime GOP messaging guru Frank Luntz, Future Majority pumped out a steady stream of memos, reports, and playbooks on how to reach persuadable voters. In a partisan world our viewpoint is Dems will get Dem votes, Riddle said. GOP gets GOP votes. So what would the swing voters want? It aimed to use data-backed messaging to help change the way the party presented itself, and it built an ecosystem of like-minded strategists, donors, fundraisers, and elected officials. People are starting to realize that theres this movement that we should not concede this value to our opposition, Driskell said. The more Democrats have been talking about this, the more Democratic leaders have been picking this up. (The people involved in the effort are careful not to take credit for Harris deploying the freedom frame, but they all express excitement that the message is now at the pinnacle of Democratic politics. Whats the thing people want most? Freedom. Whats the thing they fear the most? Chaos. What did she say in her first speech? This campaign is about freedom, not chaos, noted Billy Ray, a Hollywood screenwriterhe wrote and directed 2003s Shattered Glass, about disgraced TNR reporter Stephen Glassturned messaging guru who has helped Future Majority. I have no contact with that campaign, but these are the ideas weve been pounding for seven years.) The freedom frame started getting traction. You know what? We need to take the word freedom back, Senator Patty Murray told an Emilys List dinner in 2018. We need to stand for freedom for children, women, workers, and families. Freedom to go to school to learn, rather than do active shooter drills, and go to college without crushing student debt. Freedom to make your own choices about your own body. Former Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg spoke articulately about freedom during his 2020 presidential run. Senator Bob Casey introduced a five freedoms for Americas children plan in 2021, and then the following year fellow Pennsylvanian Josh Shapiro made freedom central to his successful gubernatorial bid, as did Gavin Newsom in California. Its a very powerful set of values, said Schriock, who is not affiliated with Future Majority. The odd thing is its so simple in one way, but it took a little bit of research and a way to talk about it more broadly. Its kind of the Republican thing, but its notits not who they are anymore. Its who we are. Its who weve always been. We just didnt talk about it. Trumps ascension gutted the GOPs message of freedom through limited government. He is a conservative of convenience who doesnt so much have a political philosophy as a need to enrich and empower himself and punish his enemies. He replaced the GOPs ostensible limited-government ethos with explicitly intrusive-government Republicanism, interested in leaving alone only those who have the money and privilege to insulate themselves. For the rest of us, the GOP will use government to censor classrooms, punish private corporations, and ban apps, in pursuit of what Ron Brownstein has called a systematic drive to roll back seemingly long-settled civil rights and liberties. That revanchist assault is antithetical to any real notion of freedom. The Right is returning to its authoritarian roots of decades ago, one op-ed warned last year. Right wing nationalists now talk about using government to pursue conservative ends. Trump himself has openly called to terminate the Constitution, presumably in pursuit of his personal ambitions. The author was longtime GOP operative Frank Donatelli, a former Reagan aide who was deputy chairman of the Republican National Committee as recently as 2008. So emphasizing freedom is an especially strong rhetorical approach right now because of the GOPs creeping authoritarianismits determination to tell teachers what must and must not be taught in classrooms, to dictate what doctors are allowed to tell patients, and what procedures (even emergency surgeries) they are allowed to perform, Jeff Shesol, a longtime Democratic speechwriter (and unaffiliated with Future Majority), told me. And no issue has catalyzed the Democrats ability to reclaim freedom like abortion and the 2022 Dobbs decision. Abortion access is the canary in the coalmine, Judith Lichtman, former president of the National Partnership for Women & Families, told Schriock when the latter became Emilys List president in 2010. And when it fallsand it willeverything else will fall unless we fight like hell. Schriock was skeptical, she recalled to me, that the Supreme Court would actually dump Roe. But then Trump stacked the body, and in 2022 Dobbs canceled Roe, stripping a majority of Americans of a right they had held for a half-century. Pre-Dobbs, a lot of the polls we did showed that the Republican messages on freedom were more believable and people associated that more with Republicans, recalled Clermont, the pollster. That changed pretty rapidly after Dobbs. Kamala Harris quickly grasped that connection and took point for the Biden administration on reproductive freedom. When Dobbs happened and the right to an abortion was taken away as a federal guarantee, the vice president was very clear that she wanted to talk about it in a broader frameabortion specifically, but also the threat to our freedoms more broadly, Jamal Simmons, who was Harriss communications director at the time, told me. He added: She talked about how her nieces and stepdaughter would have fewer rights than her grandmother. Thats the first time in American history that we have taken rights away from people who previously had them. Having led on reproductive freedom positioned Harris well to make it a central point in her campaign. Biden had similar planshe mentioned freedom four times in his video announcing his reelection bid and six times in his follow-on adbut his message was subsumed by age. As a younger person and a woman, Harris is better able to make the case. Particularly the womens side of the party has been pushing the freedom frame for quite a while, Schriock told me. Nevertheless the fight isnt done. Democrats have an edge in personal freedom, we dont have the edge on economic freedom, Clermont, the pollster, told me, adding that Democrats should frame all the investments and programs that we do support in terms of freedom. Paid family leave, for example, does give people the freedom to decide to have a child. If Harris can continue making the case for freedom and Democrats can catch the GOP on its economic component, it will rearrange the political landscape for a generation. Democrats have tapped into a vein that runs deep in the American psyche, and I think this is going to lead to a lot of wins until the Republicans figure out how to talk about freedom in a way that makes sense, Gretchen Barton, a Democratic consultant who also worked with Future Majority, told me. Republicans should be put on notice that were going to keep going after language that we have ceded in the past. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 19. Kazakhstan has approved an agreement on a visa-free regime with Thailand, Trend reports. According to a document published on the portal of Kazakhstan's electronic standard control bank of regulatory legal acts, citizens of Kazakhstan and Thailand with valid travel documents worth at least 6 months are exempt from visa requirements for entry, exit, transit, and temporary stay in the other party's state for up to 30 days from the date of entry, with a maximum of 90 days per stay. On April 23, Kazakhstan and Thailand signed an agreement on exemption from visa requirements for holders of national passports. The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. Meanwhile, cooperation in tourism is actively developing, and the number of direct flights between two countries is growing. In 2023, 172,000 Kazakh tourists visited Thailand, which is 2.5 times higher than the figure for 2022. Notably, In 2023, the total value of trade between Thailand and Kazakhstan was $367 million. Updated Aug 19, 2024, 8:37am EDT North America The News Democrats opened their pre-election convention in a buoyant mood Monday as a raft of polls showed US Vice President Kamala Harris either closing in on or overtaking Republican contender Donald Trump since she replaced President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket last month. One immediate challenge threatens to burst the Democrats bubble, though: Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters plan to march on the convention demanding the US withdraw support for the Gaza war. People are excited to be able to build our mass movement for a free Palestine even more [today]. We know the world will be watching, Faayani Aboma Mijana, a spokesperson for the March on DNC coalition told Semafor as organizers began to gather on the ground. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. The Democrats are worried about optics Sources: Semafor, Reuters Protesters will congregate outside a well-guarded perimeter, so Democrats dont expect serious disruptions to the convention itself but are nevertheless concerned about optics, Semafors David Weigel noted: Protests make for good footage. Protests that devolve into clashes make for even better footage It doesnt need to be that bad to create problems, he argued. The party is also on guard for disruptions to high-profile speeches inside the conference, Reuters reported: A convention is a political engagement vehicle If were not using it for that, then its just a beauty pageant, a delegate from the separate Uncommitted movement, which is lobbying the Democratic Party to change its policy on Israel, told the outlet. Chicago offers Democrats an in-built storyline Sources: The Atlantic, Al Jazeera, The American Prospect Harris missed out on the testing ground of a contested primary and the opportunity to sharpen her messaging, The Atlantic wrote so the convention could give her the chance to further sketch out a substantive policy agenda. Chicago a safe haven of abortion care in the Midwest also offers the Democrats a kind of in-built storyline about reproductive rights, a communications strategist told Al Jazeera, while its City of Big Shoulders reputation could allow the Harris campaign to tout its pro-union credentials. But perhaps crucially, Chicago 24 will be nothing like Chicago 68, the editor-at-large of The American Prospect argued: The Democrats are united, and the Gaza war simply doesnt dominate Americans thoughts as the war in Vietnam did. CHICAGO On Monday, Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party kicked off Day 1 of her nominating convention in Illinois, with just over two months left to go before the country is supposed to find out whether she or former President Donald Trump will be the next leader of the free world. But for much of the partys upper crust who are gathering in Chicago this week, this isnt the start of just any Democratic National Convention. These conventions, after all, are typically four-day-long parties, littered with glitzy sponsored late-night festivities, Hollywood celebs, and (rather importantly) geysers of free alcohol. This year, things are different or more dramatic. This convention marks the official starting line of the general-election battle against Trump and as one Democratic Capitol Hill lawmaker headed to Chicago describes to Rolling Stone the fight of our fucking lives. I was at an event in my district a couple of days or so after President [Joe] Biden dropped out of the race, and I was with precinct delegates, volunteers, and organizers. And there was this one organizer who told me: A few days ago, I was ready to do the work, but I was sad about it. But now Im ready to run through a fucking wall, recalls Democratic Michigan state senator Mallory McMorrow, who is in Chicago for the convention. Its a vibe shift. Among the liberal operatives and luminaries working to keep Trump out of the Oval Office and put Harris in it, the term fight of our lives is indeed a popular one, especially in the month since Biden dropped out of the 2024 race. It is, unfortunately, a maddening cliche in political and media circles to call every U.S. presidential election the Most Important Election Of Our Lifetimes. Yet this time around, the stakes are immeasurably, uniquely high. Trump and Republicans have been vowing, again and again, that they will swiftly move to implement a rabidly nativist, authoritarian, and openly vengeful agenda, should the twice-impeached former president and convicted felon return to power. Before Biden bowed out, due to a deluge of intra-party concern over his age and mental acuity, the national and battleground-state polling consistently foreshadowed doom for Democrats. In the months leading up to the Chicago convention, Rolling Stone spoke with various senior Democratic officials, donors, and activists about how they were feeling about the then-upcoming Chicago gathering. Words like funeral, depressing, despair, and nightmare were common. With Biden at the top of the ticket, some had all but resigned themselves to yet another Trump era. But then, Biden was out. He quickly endorsed Vice President Harris, and other Democratic bigwigs, almost just as quickly, consolidated behind her as the new presumptive nominee. The polls are still tight, though Harris has experienced an upswing of support and enthusiasm that has gotten under Trumps skin and freaked out some of his previously overconfident allies. Its also given the Democratic elite a sudden jolt of hope that a Trump restoration is not, in fact, inevitable. Whatever happens in November, the mood among both the partys commanding heights and its rank and file at this weeks Chicago convention couldnt be further removed from the once-expected morgue. With the advent of the Harris-Walz campaign, sentiment among the Democratic Party and the vice presidents lieutenants is that they are now in an intensely protracted bar brawl against Trump and his MAGA hordes. Both sides are prepared to fight extremely dirty and unload everything theyve got. Or, as one Democratic operative phrased it recently, the party is collectively shaking off the stink of when they go low, we go high, a liberal rallying cry in 2016 that, well, didnt work out for them. It finally feels like we are doing what Republicans in Michigan have always done fall in line, and recognize the mission. It feels very different from past elections Its an existential crisis now, in ways that Democrats recognize that we cannot afford to not get in line and go full speed ahead in unison, adds McMorrow, the state senator from a crucial battleground. In this moment, people know what is at stake, and we dont need the party to tell us whats at stake but we have to be energized and passionate about it. People want to feel like youre winners and that were on the winning team. As for whats at stake in this election, for Trump, he is not only fighting for his political legacy. Due to an array of criminal charges and multiple trials awaiting him on the other side of this election year, the odds of him seeing actual prison time will go up considerably if he loses to Harris. And if Harris loses, the chances that prominent Democrats are criminally investigated or prosecuted by Trumps government, as part of explicitly corrupt acts of spite and revenge, also go up markedly. I think I sometimes sound like an alarmist when I say democracy is on the line but I truly do believe that because you have a man who I believe wants to reshape our government to bend to his will, and he would lead like an authoritarian, says Sarah Matthews, who was one of Trumps deputy White House press secretaries. I am someone who has worked in Republican politics my whole career and grew up in a really conservative household, but for me, I think that this election is so much bigger than policy, she says. So even if I disagree with Vice President Harris on policy, Im willing to set that aside [and vote for her] because of what a threat I believe that a second Donald Trump term would mean Someone like that should be as far away as possible from the Oval Office. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Democrats convene for convention: What to watch for on Day 1 CHICAGO Democrats are gathered in Chicago for their national convention, during which they will formally nominate Vice President Harris as their presidential candidate. President Biden will ceremonially pass the torch on Monday with an address to the convention, while first lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the partys presidential nominee in 2016, are among the other speakers. Heres what to watch for on the first day of the convention in Chicago. Biden Bidens speech is the big event of the evening, a bittersweet moment for a president who thought hed be accepting the nomination himself. The president on Sunday said he feels good, real good about his speech in Chicago. Hes expected to talk about the economy, his work to end the COVID-19 pandemic and defending democracy in the U.S. and internationally. Hell also likely give an enthusiastic endorsement of the Democratic ticket of Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, while criticizing former President Trump, the GOP nominee and Bidens long rival. Harriss first appearance Harris will make her first appearance at the convention on Monday after her rapid ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket. Since becoming the presumed Democratic nominee, Harris has taken the lead against Trump in polls of some swing states. She is polling 3 points ahead of Trump nationally in a CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday. Harris will be joined by second gentleman Doug Emhoff, and both will attend Bidens keynote address. The vice president and Emhoff landed Sunday evening in Chicago, and several Illinois members of Congress greeted her, including Sen. Dick Durbin (D) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D). Protests Protesters angry with the Biden-Harris administrations handling of Israels war in Gaza have gathered in Chicago to make their voices heard. Divisions in the Democratic Party over Gaza were a big political problem for Biden, who saw thousands of voters cast ballots for uncommitted in various state primaries. Going into Chicago, Democrats have raised concerns about the protests overshadowing the events within the United Center. Political watchers will be monitoring whether Biden is heckled during his own remarks at the convention. The presidents speech also comes amid negotiations over a cease-fire deal in Gaza this week. Biden said Sunday that the talks are still underway, adding, were not giving up, still possible. Intro to delegates Monday night will be the first introduction to the delegations who have gathered in Chicago. Thirty percent of the delegates are Black, 17 percent are LGBTQ, 17 are Hispanic, and 21 percent are under 36 years old, according to demographic information released by the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Former President Carter, 99, is serving as the oldest delegate and the youngest delegate, Isaac Winkler, is from Gov. Tim Walzs (D) home state of Minnesota and will turn 18 just three days before the election. For nearly 700 delegates, this will be the first convention they attend. Prime placement on the convention floor was given to California, Harriss home state, as well as the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania. Additionally, Delaware, Bidens home state, and Minnesota received prime placement. Theme Monday nights theme is for the people, and the Democrats will focus on convincing voters that they are fighting for them over Trump. While Donald Trump puts himself first, Democrats are fighting for the American people, the DNC said in a statement, adding that Biden will use the theme in his remarks. The convention will have themes every night, including a bold vision for Americas future on Tuesday and a fight for our freedoms on Wednesday. On Thursday, the theme is for our future. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The 2024 Democratic National Convention starts this week, but the date lurking in the back of everyones mind is 1968. Comparisons to that disastrous party gathering 56 years ago have been a topic of conversation for the better part of a year, and for good reason. The number of technical similarities heading into the convention have been uncanny. But with a new presidential ticketand a gigantic surge of excitementDemocrats are holding their breath and hoping that the end result of this convention will be wildly different. First, the comparisons: The 2024 convention is being held in Chicago, just as it was in 68. (This years event will be at the United Center; then, it was at the International Amphitheatre, which was demolished in 1999.) And the elevation of Harris and Walz to the top of the ticket is part of a political climate that has parallels with 1968s confab: Both feature a late-breaking vice presidential replacement for an unpopular incumbent president who was driven to step down. Back then, it was Vice President Hubert Humphrey taking the mantle from President Lyndon Johnson after just one term. Johnson, a Senate stalwart, had passed sweeping, ambitious legislation on domestic issues, expanding the welfare state and committing major resources to infrastructure spending. But his stubborn support for a calamitous war effort abroad in Vietnam led to impassioned public protest, an approval rating in the 30s, and, eventually, his withdrawal from a checkered reelection effort. (Oh, also, he was challenged by one Robert F. Kennedy.) Swap in Biden for Johnson and Harris for Humphrey, and the stories have identical structure. But there are critical differences as wellnot least that this time Democrats are fired up about their late-breaking candidate. Humphrey arrived at the 1968 convention with the nomination functionally sewed up, having won more delegates than he needed to secure the presidential nod. Harris arrives in the same position, but her road to securing those delegates was much, much smoother. Humphreys main Democratic opponent, Robert Kennedy, was assassinated after winning the primary in California. And the process that led Humphrey to secure the necessary delegate count was seen as so undemocratic that it resulted in major changes to the partys nominating process in subsequent elections. Despite Humphreys secured position, there remained a substantial bloc of uncommitted delegates within the party. Indeed, there remain uncommitted delegates this time around too, but they were initially uncommitted to Joe Bidennot Harrisas a result of his support for the very unpopular Israeli war in Gaza. Humphrey was seen as a pro-war candidate in the mold of Johnson, despite being vocally softer on the issue. Harris, who is rumored to be less in thrall to the far-right Netanyahu government than Biden, is in a similar position: She has not articulated a pro-peace position that is satisfactory to anti-war protesters. Obviously, there are major differences between the two wars and the nature of the protests against them. In 1968 the draft was still active, and young Americans were being forced to fight, which added a personal life-and-death urgency to the demonstrations. Israels war effort wouldnt be possible without U.S. military aid, but Americans are not being conscripted to fight in Gaza. Still, potential protests are a big question mark this week, and the history of DNC anti-war protests looms large. Because, of course, what happened inside the International Amphitheatre mattered less in the long run than what happened outside it. The 1968 convention is remembered primarily for the riots that raged over the course of five days, as protesters battled with an astonishing force of police and military stationed around the event site: 11,900 Chicago police; 7,500 Army troops; 7,500 Illinois National Guardsmen; and 1,000 Secret Service agents. On the night before the convention began, anti-war protesters, who had set up an encampment in Chicagos Lincoln Park, 10 miles from the amphitheater, were besieged by police wielding billy clubs and tear gas. Many people were injured, including 17 members of the press. The police violence escalated throughout the week and crested on the conventions penultimate day, in what has been called the battle of Michigan Avenue. There, cops severely assaulted a number of innocent bystanders, medical professionals and doctors, members of the press, and anti-war protestersall of which was recorded live and broadcast on national television. So stunning was the scope of the violence from the police riot that it led to an official commission to investigate its causes. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, known widely as an authoritarian, gave the Chicago PD a raise in the aftermath.* Meanwhile, the Vietnam War raged on for another brutal seven years, and Humphrey lost the presidency to Richard Nixon in an Electoral College landslide that was nevertheless very close in popular vote count. At this weeks convention, it is a certainty that there will be a large number of anti-war protesters outside the buildingand likely inside as well. The police presence will be substantial. The 2020 national reckoning with police violence has resulted in no major reforms to American policing; precincts all across the country responded to cease-fire activists with startling violence on college campuses earlier this year. Still, with Biden stepping aside, the convention has been changed. There is more willingness to embrace the youth vote, rather than antagonize it, as far as campaign strategy goes. Harris has an opportunity to address some anti-war concerns with the release of her platform and her public address. She has been more forward-looking than her 81-year-old counterpart during her very brief presidential run. And her rise, plus the addition of Walz to the ticket, has created a preponderance of good feelings that have already mended some of the fractures within the party: Walz was the preferred VP pick for progressives who felt most alienated by Bidens late-term gestures. Those positive vibes have radiated down the ballot as well. Although it seemed as if Biden would drag Democrats down in numerous House and Senate races, recent polling shows everyones arrow now pointing up. Meanwhile, Chicagos Brandon Johnson may well be the most progressive big-city mayor in the country, having been elected in 2023 on a police-reform platform. In other words, hes nothing like Daley, and despite the citys fierce restriction on granting permits for protests, Johnson is unlikely to encourage his police to act in a way that will once again make the city the national face of antidemocratic brutality. History still shadows this event. In many ways, the 1968 convention marked the end of New Deal politics in the Democratic Party; it took until the 2020 election of Joe Biden to bring them back. Now Harris and Walz are tasked with building on that legislative legacy, putting forward a political vision that brings even unhappy Democratic voters back into the fold and making good on the positive feelings, with a real gesture toward establishing the unity that has become central to the promise of their campaign. The News The Democratic National Convention in Chicago will finally move the party past the most fundamental dividing line in Democratic politics this century: The Iraq War. For the first time since the 2003 war, the Democratic ticket will not have a candidate publicly associated with supporting the invasion. In fact, it features two candidates whose national political careers only began after the decision had been made. Vice President Kamala Harris wasnt even an elected official in the run-up to the invasion, instead working in the City Attorneys office ahead of her campaign to become District Attorney of San Francisco that would start her climb up the political ranks. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz entered national politics in the 2006 midterm elections, running as an Iraq War critic. He has faced campaign attacks on his military record in the race, including his retirement during that campaign before his National Guard unit deployed to Iraq, but the criticism has little to do with his judgment about the war itself. Were aging past the debates that basically cleaved the party into different factions for years, Tyson Brody, a Democratic operative who had pointed out the novelty on X, told Semafor. For people old enough to have been paying attention in 2002 and 2003, it feels welcome. Benjys view The current rifts in the Democratic Party over Gaza pale in comparison to the deep divisions over Iraq, a war of choice the US led with the backing of many top Democrats, and which defined nearly two decades of national party politics. In 2004, John Kerry struggled to explain his support for the war amid an underdog challenge from Howard Dean. In 2008, Barack Obamas early opposition to a dumb war as an obscure state legislator was central to his defeat of Hillary Clinton, who supported the operation as a senator. Clintons image with the left never recovered from that vote, which played a part in Bernie Sanders run against her in 2016 as well. And while foreign policy was a relatively minor issue in the 2020 primaries, Sanders used the same attack against Joe Biden, demanding he admit he was dead wrong on Iraq. Even as president, Bidens personal arc of supporting the war, helping oversee a withdrawal of troops as vice president, and later withdrawing from Afghanistan as president, while losing his son Beau Biden along the way to what he suspected was a war-related illness, will be central for future biographers. None of the all-stars in the party expected to challenge for the Democratic nomination in future races are especially associated with the Iraq War debates either. While the field includes some veterans of the Global War on Terror Pete Buttigieg, Wes Moore the big names were either too young to be public figures or did not hold relevant positions at the time. The View From Republicans Ironically, the Republican Party is arguably more riven by Iraq War politics this cycle, despite having far less internal agita in the run-up to the war. JD Vance, an Iraq veteran, pointedly arrived at the Republican National Convention to his signature campaign song, America First, an anti-Iraq War anthem by the late Merle Haggard (Its hook: Lets get out of Iraq and get back on the track / And lets rebuild America first). That moment also capped off an evolution for the party. It wasnt until 2015, when Jeb Bush ran for president and Donald Trump (falsely) portrayed himself as an early Iraq War opponent, that many of the partys leading lights decisively acknowledged it had been a mistake. Since then, a strain of MAGA has made defeating the neoconservatives who enabled the war a top priority, which is where Vances use of the song comes into play. This split continues to be the subtext to conservative debates over the war in Ukraine and, in some corners, aid to Israel. Notable Harris is still defining her own profile independent of Bidens presidency, and foreign policy is one of twenty topics I wrote that Id be interested in hearing more from her on. Democrats gathered in Chicago this week for their national convention will highlight the threat to democracy that they say former President Donald Trump poses, giving prominent speaking roles to lawmakers, as well as to a Capitol Police officer injured during the January 6, 2021, riots. An official with Vice President Kamala Harris campaign told CNN that among those speakers are Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who both served on the House select committee to investigate the January 6 insurrection. That committee ultimately recommended in its 2022 report that Trump be barred from holding office again. Retired St. Aquilino Gonell, one of the Capitol Police officers injured during the January 6 attack, will also address the convention. Since responding to the attack on the US Capitol over three years ago, Gonell has become a public face of the insurrections toll and a vocal critic of Trump and the Republicans who continue to defend him. Donald Trumps failure to denounce the violence on January 6, 2021 is a betrayal to every officer who put their life on the line that day and to every veteran who risked everything to defend our country, Gonell, who is supporting Harris, said in a statement provided to CNN. You cannot say you back the police or the Constitution if youre offering pardons to criminals who tried to destroy our democracy, hurt our leaders and attack law enforcement. Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, who also served on the January 6 committee, is scheduled to address the convention Thursday, CNN previously reported. Kinzinger, who is now a CNN political commentator, was one of 10 House Republicans to vote for Trumps impeachment for incitement of an insurrection in relation to his role during the attack on the Capitol. The so-called Tennessee Three state Reps. Justin Jones, Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson are also expected to speak at the convention. Jones and Pearson were expelled from the Tennessee House last year after the three lawmakers led a gun control protest on the chamber floor. They have since won reelection. Also scheduled to speak during the week, according to the campaign official, are Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, who served in the state Legislature in 2021 when Democrats sought to block restrictive voting legislation in the state, and Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, who serves as pastor of Atlantas Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. served. Before dropping out of the 2024 race, President Joe Biden made the argument that Trump posed a threat to democracy a driving feature of his candidacy. As a new presidential candidate, Harris has placed less focus on the argument a marked departure from Bidens campaign. But the Harris campaign will make clear this week that it believes the issue is a critical concern to voters. We will remind all Americans about the stakes of this election for freedom and the future of our democracy, the campaign official said. Raskin said in a statement to CNN that the 2024 election would help determine if theres political democracy in the American future. Everybody remembers the violence from January 6, but nobody should forget that the violence was a coercive tactic to get Vice President Pence to nullify and destroy the electoral voice of millions of Americans, Raskin said. Thats why they were chanting hang Mike Pence. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Steve Holland, Trevor Hunnicutt and Doina Chiacu CHICAGO (Reuters) -President Joe Biden cemented the Democratic Party's elevation of Kamala Harris to lead the fight for the White House against Republican Donald Trump with a convention speech on Monday that praised his vice president as the best hope for preserving American democracy. Biden took center stage on opening night of the Democratic National Convention, drawing an extended standing ovation from the party faithful and delivering a farewell speech to the party he has served for half a century - even with five months left in office. Wiping away tears after being introduced by his daughter Ashley, Biden waved to the crowd that held signs saying, "We (heart) Biden." Beaming, he responded, "I love YOU." "Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?" Biden said. Taking multiple swipes at Trump, Biden promised to be the "best volunteer" Harris and Minnesota Governor Walz, her vice presidential running mate, had ever seen. Biden's address in Chicago kicked off a four-day event fueled by enthusiasm for Harris and relief that Biden abandoned his own reelection bid and endorsed her to replace him. The president's reluctant decision to step aside on July 21 came after heavy pressure from party leaders who worried the 81-year-old incumbent was too old to win or serve four more years. "I love the job, but I love my country more," Biden said, drawing chants of "We love Joe." Biden, who was No. 2 to the nation's first Black president, Barack Obama, is urging Democrats to unite behind a candidate who, if triumphant on Nov. 5, would become the first woman, who is also Black and South Asian, to be elected U.S. president. Harris is riding a historic whirlwind into the convention: her campaign has broken fundraising records, packed arenas with supporters, and turned opinion polls in some battleground states in Democrats' favor. She joined Biden onstage for a hug after he finished his address on Monday. Biden had hoped just a month ago to deliver a high-profile speech later this week to accept the Democratic nomination for another four-year term. Instead, he will travel to California for a vacation. Biden dropped his reelection bid after his disastrous debate performance against Trump on June 27 prompted longtime allies, major donors and other party supporters to demand he step aside. In his speech, Biden touted his administration's accomplishments - boosting the U.S. economy and strengthening U.S. alliances abroad - and made the case for Americans to elect Harris as his White House successor. He condemned the racism and white supremacy that continue to plague America, saying they had no place in the nation. He contrasted Harris the prosecutor with Trump, a convicted felon, and catalogued what he called the former president's foreign policy failures, accusing him of bowing down to Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaving NATO in tatters. Biden rapped Trump for calling the United States a failing nation. "Hes the loser," Biden said with fervor. Unlike most speakers earlier in the program, Biden acknowledged the anger of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters that gathered outside the convention hall on Monday, saying he has been working nonstop to achieve a ceasefire. "Those protesters out in the street, they have a point," he said. "A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides." Earlier in the day, thousands of protesters assembled at a nearby park to pressure delegates to drop the party's military support for Israel's Gaza offensive. The pro-Palestinian protesters were fewer than the tens of thousands that organizers had predicted, but a splinter group left the main march and breached a security perimeter near the convention center, drawing riot police who detained four people. HARRIS CAMEO Earlier in the evening, Harris, 59, made a surprise appearance, drawing cheers from the crowd as she vowed to defeat Trump. "Let us fight for the ideals we hold dear and let us always remember, when we fight we win!" Harris said to the roar of the crowd. She will formally accept the nomination on Thursday. Democrats also cheered their failed 2016 presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, whose loss to Trump in 2016 dashed hopes of installing the first woman in the White House. Clinton, who became the first woman to secure a major U.S. party's presidential nomination, drew a standing ovation as she took the stage on Monday. "The story of my life and the history of our country is that progress is possible, but not guaranteed," said Clinton, who also lost her bid for the 2008 nomination to Obama. She commended Biden as restoring decency, dignity and competency to the White House. "And now, we are writing a new chapter in America's story," Clinton said. "Kamala has the character, experience and vision to lead us forward." Clinton took several shots at her former nemesis. "Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial, and when he woke up, he made his own kind of history, the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions," she said to laughter. (Reporting by Steve Holland, Trevor Hunnicutt, Andrea Shalal, Bianca Flowers, Jeff Mason, Nandita Bose, Jarrett Renshaw, Stephanie Kelly and Doina Chiacu in Chicago; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Heather Timmons and Howard Goller) CHICAGO Democrats arrive here, a city thats played host to so many drama-filled political conventions, as a party lacking in drama. They are disciplined, orderly and united around Vice President Kamala Harris and, more to the point, thwarting former President Donald Trumps restoration. This new era of good feelings for Democrats is a far cry from last month, when they faced their most existential crisis since Trumps initial election, their leaders staring one another down in a sort of political version of nuclear brinksmanship. And it differs from so many previous conventions when there was often intra-party tension over policy, politics, personnel, or all three, looming above the proceedings. Yes, there will still be protests over the Middle East, an issue that threatens the Democrats fragile coalition and electoral map. However, as the convention gets underway the larger and more consequential story is what the party has become and how they differ from Republicans. Democrats are a healthier, better organized, more hierarchical and even ruthless party. Unified against Trump more than they are dedicated to any ideological project, theyve adopted whats effectively an Al Davis platform: Just win, baby. President Biden is finally going to give in? Get in line behind Harris now. The vice president is discarding her now-inconvenient left-wing proposals from her 2020 primary bid and airing tough-on-the-border ads? Nod. Shes inviting a cast of Obama-era Democratic consultants onto the campaign she inherited from Biden? Salute. Bill Clintons old saw that Democrats fall in love while Republicans fall in line has been reversed. Now, lets stipulate right at the start this doesnt mean Harris is sure to prevail in November. Her challenges and those of the party remain: The country is still divided, the Electoral College creates structural difficulties, voters are unhappy with the party in power and her past positions, race and gender offer the GOP fodder. As David Axelrod, the longtime Democratic strategist puts it, the Great Summer Swap of 2024 only handed the party a chance to compete it hardly guaranteed victory. Happy Days arent here again just yet. That Democrats made such a wrenching decision, though, illuminates a crucial distinction between the parties. Saddled with an aging and unpopular incumbent president, Democrats used President Bidens disastrous debate performance to stage what was effectively a front-bench putsch. Orchestrated by other party leaders, Bidens ouster revealed how pragmatic, cold-eyed and unsentimental Democrats have become in the age of Trump. The sitting president was their vessel and no criticism was brooked until 9:30 p.m. on June 27, when it at last was undeniable to so many Democrats that Biden had become something else: Trumps enabler. After so many years in which our British cousins have adopted American political tactics, Democrats finally took a page from Westminster. When prime ministers struggle or become impediments to the partys success, their colleagues abandon them or pressure them until they step down. Its not personal, its business. The American presidency is, of course, different and Biden didnt go easily. He was sick with Covid-19, quite literally lacking a voice to defend himself, and, one of his advisers told me, facing a coming letter organized in part by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) that included at least 20 members of his beloved Senate calling for him to step down. He would be stumbling into Chicago had he not called for a June debate and may have survived that night had it not been for former Speaker Nancy Pelosis relentlessness. Yet it doesnt take the analytical powers of Freud to assess why so many Republicans are furious or just plain frustrated at the Democrats switch and are taking it out on the media: The non-MAGA Republicans only wish they could pull off what their opposition did last month. But the Democrats have become what Republicans once were, brutally efficient, on-message, establishment-driven and singularly committed to winning general elections. Robert Frost once said that home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in, said Paul Begala, one of the architects of Clintons 1992 victory. But thats not what a political party is. It does not exist to love you or to keep you or to serve as the one true faith. Its not family or religion. Parties exist to win elections. What astonishes Democrats is that Republicans cant grasp this that, to borrow a phrase, they havent gotten tired of all the losing. For all our flaws, when we see a problem we tend to take it on, Anne Caprara, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzkers chief of staff, said of Democrats. And when you lose when you think youre going to win, it usually prompts introspection. But I dont see that with these guys. Added Caprara: Anybody with half a mind would say that nominating anybody else at the top of the ticket would have given them a better chance at winning and they chose not to do that. The GOPs Trump addiction is well-documented. Yet its worth considering what has or has not taken place since he effectively claimed the Republican nomination. Hundreds of thousands of primary voters kept voting for zombie candidates and Trump has done scarcely little to appeal to his critics in the party. In fact, he has continued to lash out at his best-known skeptics, many of them now out of office, and even current GOP officeholders, like Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. If a Democrat said, I dont want Bernie Sanders voters, even moderate Democrats would say Youre out of your fucking mind, said James Carville, the Democratic strategist. But this is another significant difference, the GOPs unwillingness to speak up about political miscalculations. Imagine for a moment that Harris had picked up where she left off in 2019 and kept running to the left, on issues from immigration to criminal justice. My goodness, the guest op-ed criticism and podcast bedwetting from other Democrats would flow like a mighty stream. But Trump does his Jackie Mason Friars Club homage about Harris identity, name and the unfairness of Bidens withdrawal to say nothing of attacking Kemp, minimizing the importance of the economy and running down Medal of Honor recipients for nearly a month and theres mostly just background quotes and euphemisms from Republicans about the importance of focusing on policy. He has cowed them all into being afraid of saying anything, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told me of his fellow Republicans. Our party has just completely caved, strategically and tactically. Without a nominee capable of driving a message the GOP is wholly dependent on external events or Harris wounding herself. Theres no doubt that Trump has reshaped both parties and one could say he even effectively controls both parties but theres something deeper thats taken place in how Republicans and Democrats operate. Would even the most partisan Republican dispute that Democrats have had the superior presidential organization for the last 20 years? Or that Democrats, who were long at a financial disadvantage, have caught up and then some on the fundraising front? Dont take my word for it. Back in March, the journalist Tim Alberta asked Trumps co-campaign managers what they feared most about Biden. Honestly, its less him, Chris LaCivita began to say And more Institutional Democrats, Susie Wiles interjected. Democrats were always, and to the point of self-parody, the party of coalitions, a patchwork that existed uneasily. Thats still the case to some degree today, as their anti-Trump alliance spans from the Cheney family to AOC. Yet the threat of Trump coheres them and theres no similarly powerful adhesive on the right, which explains the wild veering between messages since Republicans lost their de facto 2024 platform: Joe Biden is old. Theres also the fact that the GOP message is whatever Trump wants it to be. He did not have a single former member of a national Republican ticket address his convention while Democrats will present two former presidents, their 2016 nominee, and the current incumbent. These are people who have gotten tens of millions of votes, said Begala. Not clicks, not Only Fans subscriptions. The holy grail of politics is capturing votes and winning and, while we love them, thats why theyre on stage. Then theres the personnel. The Democratic nominee brought back David Plouffe, who helped oversee two winning presidential campaigns, and the Republican nominee installed Corey Lewandowski, who was fired by the same nominee two campaigns ago. Two very different parties, indeed. Now take it a step further. Imagine Plouffe, upon being named a Harris adviser, had on his first day said: I have never told anyone I will be conducting a forensic audit of the campaign, nor have I alluded to, or have any understanding of, how much money Jennifer OMalley Dillon may or may not have billed this campaign. Thats what Lewandowski told Puck, except it was Trump co-manager LaCivita he alluded to. (In fairness, his fuller quote, after the unhelpful part, was to denounce the innuendo, the speculation and the outright lies.) Harris grafting of older consultants on her current infrastructure may prove disruptive particularly if she begins to struggle and Trumps fortunes improve but theres a professionalism in Democratic ranks that only appeared to last with Trump this time until he hit his first speed bump. For all their (justifiable) criticism of Trumps deviation from norms, Democrats have also become less tethered to traditional process and what could be called goo-gooism. Few in the party fear a scathing editorial these days. Turning down campaign matching funds? Spurning the presidential debate commission? Intervening in GOP primaries to elevate the more extreme candidates and therefore weaker general election nominee? And, yes, tamping down drama at their convention by coronating their vice president before the delegates even gather? It barely causes a ripple in the Al Davis party. Its not a fair standard to keep to one party, that we have to uphold everything, said Caprara, who helped engineer the nomination of a far-right Republican who Pritzker handily defeated in 2022. To Republicans, it engenders something else: jealousy. They want to win more than we do, said Liam Donovan, a GOP lobbyist. How Democrats are seeking to block 3rd party candidates from Wisconsin's ballot MADISON Democrats are seeking to bar two third-party candidates from Wisconsin ballots, with the latest challenge filed last week against the Green Party. Here's what to know about the challenges. Democrats are challenging the candidacies of Jill Stein and Cornel West. The most recent challenge, filed this week, seeks to bar the Green Party from placing a presidential candidate on Wisconsin's Nov. 5 ballot, arguing the party has failed to comply with the state's election laws. "In particular, and as set forth in this Complaint, (the Wisconsin Green Party) is legally foreclosed under Wisconsin law from nominating any presidential electors, and therefore cannot field candidates for president and vice president who are eligible to appear on the ballot," the complaint argues. Stein was last on the ballot in Wisconsin in 2016. West is running with Melina Abdullah representing the "Justice for All" party. The complaint against West and Abdullah, filed earlier this month, argues their declarations of candidacy were not properly filed. The Wisconsin Elections Commission's next meeting is set for Aug. 27. A Democratic National Committee employee filed both challenges. Milwaukee resident David Strange filed both complaints, as an individual and also in his capacity as the DNC's deputy operations director for Wisconsin. The Green Party was approved for Wisconsin ballot access earlier this year. The elections commission approved a request in February to allow Green Party candidates to appear on the 2024 election ballots. In 2020, the Wisconsin Supreme Court kept Green Party presidential candidates Howie Hawkins and running mate Angela Walker off the ballot upholding a deadlocked elections commission, which could not agree on whether to put the candidates on the ballot because of improper paperwork. But, the complaint notes, the party has no registered state-level candidates or elected officials, meaning it cannot nominate 10 presidential electors under the requirements of state law. Stein received more than 30,000 votes in Wisconsin's 2016 election. Republican former President (then-candidate) Donald Trump won Wisconsin by about 23,000 votes in 2016. Stein picked up more than 31,000 votes in Wisconsin in 2016. The exact impact of a thirdparty candidate in Wisconsin, where statewide elections are often decided by less than a percentage point, however, is difficult to predict. Neither Stein nor West are polling well in Wisconsin. A Marquette University Law School poll released Aug. 1 showed Vice President Kamala Harris leading the race in Wisconsin with support of 45% of voters, trailed slightly by Trump at 43%. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., pulled 8% of support, with Stein and Libertarian Chase Oliver each at 1%. West came in at 0%. RFK Jr.'s support has also dropped. Kennedy polled at 16% in a January Marquette poll, then dropped to 13% in April before coming in at 8% earlier this month. Kennedy launched his presidential campaign in April 2023 but in October dropped his Democratic bid and re-entered the race as an independent. During its Aug. 27 meeting, the elections commission will consider and grant ballot access to candidates and hear any challenges filed to independent presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How Democrats are seeking to block 3rd party candidates in Wisconsin Democrats Taunt Trump With Messages On His Own Building In Chicago Chicagos Trump Tower was lit up on Sunday with some messages that likely irked its owner. The missives projected onto Donald Trumps skyscraper hotel include Trump-Vance weird as hell, Harris Walz fighting for you and Project 2025 HQ, in a reference to the extreme conservative policy blueprint for a second Trump administration that the Republican nominee has been seeking to distance himself from. The Democratic National Committee confirmed to several media organizations it was responsible for the stunt. The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago on Monday. Party operatives booked a room across the street from the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago to display the slogans with a high-powered projector, Rolling Stone reported. Tonight, everyone is seeing a preview of the contrast that will take center stage this week throughout the Democratic National Convention. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have proven records of delivering for working families, and now, theyre running to lead our country into a brighter future, DNC spokesperson Abhi Rahman said in a statement. Hes a grifter and nothing we said wasnt the truth! Rahman also told the Daily Beast. While @TheDemocrats are joyfully celebrating in Chicago, residents of Chi-town are seeing a special message projected on Trump tower. pic.twitter.com/dHlFBPFpav Abhi Rahman (@abhirahmantx) August 19, 2024 President Joe Biden is slated to give the keynote address at the DNC Monday night, making the case for Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him as he gets ready to ends a five-decade career in public service. Harris is scheduled to speak Thursday, when she will formally accept the Democratic nomination. Trump has a jam-packed campaign schedule this week as he seeks to counter the DNC and regain his footing in the wake of a chaotic month following Bidens exit from the race. Related... ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, August 19. The European Union Ambassador to Turkmenistan Beata Peksa has met with Turkmenistan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Ahmet Gurbanov, to discuss key areas of mutual interest and cooperation, Trend reports via the delegation's social media. Major security challenges in Central Asia and around the world were reviewed during their meeting, with an emphasis on common concerns and ways to keep the region stable. The discussions also covered opportunities to enhance economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union, with a focus on thinking outside the box to boost trade relations and pushing the envelope on sustainable development initiatives. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Amid reports that Donald Trumps campaign will hold daily briefings at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention a cute lil transfer of campaign funds to the candidates personal business portfolio Democratic operatives are having some fun trolling their rival ahead of the conventions kick-off on Monday. Party operatives, armed with a high-powered projector, booked themselves a room across the street from Trump Tower to display the message Trump-Vance: Out For Themselves along with other slogans intended to rankle, rile, and otherwise irritate the candidate across his 92-story buildings gleaming glass facade. The slogans Trump-Vance: Weird as Hell, Harris-Walz: Fighting for You, and Project 2025 HQ are also in rotation. Since taking over the ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, have frequently described Trump and his VP nominee, Sen. J.D. Vance, as weird, thoroughly annoying Trump. As for Project 2025, Trump has furiously (and unsuccessfully) sought to distance himself from the conservative personnel and policy program, intended to help him hit the ground running in a second term, as its gained notoriety and generated controversy. The Skidmore, Owings & Merrill-designed building one of Trumps last big construction projects before he became president is also one of the biggest failures to hit the Chicago River since the infamous Dave Matthews Band tour bus incident. In May, The New York Times and ProPublica reported that the former president may owe more than $100 million, plus interest and penalties, to the Internal Revenue Service related to the building, after he wrote off its astronomical losses twice. According to the outlets, Trump declared a $651 million loss on the project in 2008, and $168 million in further losses over the following decade. Trump has a well-documented habit of using his own properties for campaign events, enriching himself with his supporters donations. A USA Today report in April found that Trumps joint fundraising committee had already spent at least $411,287 at Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, and an additional $62,337 at Trump National Doral Miami. Federal regulations allow campaign expenditures at a candidates business if the campaign pays fair market value for them. (The cheapest room at the hotel located inside Trump Tower Chicago is going for $666 with the Democratic convention in town this week, according to its website close to double the usual rate.) Donald Trump is just a major grifter, Abhi Rahman, deputy communications director for the Democratic National Committee, says about the Trump campaigns plans to use the candidates building this week. Hes always been out for himself, and this is just another example of this. In a separate statement about the DNCs guerilla art project, Rahman wrote: Tonight, everyone is seeing a preview of the contrast that will take center stage this week throughout the Democratic National Convention. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have proven records of delivering for working families, and now, theyre running to lead our country into a brighter future. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Democrats Troll Trump on His Own Building in Chicago Ahead of Party Convention Residents in downtown Chicago spotted something unique on the local Trump Tower Sunday night, as images were projected onto the skyscraper on the eve of the Democratic National Convention. Those images, however, highlighted a very different message than the former president has been campaigning on. Trump-Vance: Out For Themselves shone brightly instead, as well as Trump-Vance: Weird as Hell, Harris-Walz: Fighting for You, and Project 2025 HQ. The DNC confirmed it was responsible for the brash move in a statement to the Daily Beast. Abhi Rahman, deputy communications director for the Democratic National Committee, also confirmed reporting by Rolling Stone that the group booked a room across from Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago and shone the messages on the 92-story building via a high-powered projector. Hes a grifter and nothing we said wasnt the truth! Rahman said. A Trump spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment by time of publication. Chicago The DNC projects Project 2025 HQ onto Trump Tower in downtown Chicago on the eve of the Democratic National Convention pic.twitter.com/1JrkyidP33 Alex Tabet (@AlexanderTabet) August 19, 2024 Tonight, everyone is seeing a preview of the contrast that will take center stage this week throughout the Democratic National Convention, Rahman said in a statement. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have proven records of delivering for working families, and now, theyre running to lead our country into a brighter future. The statement continued: Donald Trump and JD Vance are running on their backwards Project 2025 agenda, which would undermine working families and take away their freedoms. This week, the entire country will witness what it looks like to unite behind hope and a clear vision for a better future, as Democrats rally behind Vice President Harris and Governor Walz. While Donald Trump and JD Vance are out for themselves, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for you. Just walked by the Trump tower in Chicago & saw this Project 2025 HQ message displayed on it. I love this city so much. pic.twitter.com/R8AoJZh7iS Victor Shi (@Victorshi2020) August 19, 2024 Rahman also took to X to post images of the projection, claiming, While @TheDemocrats are joyfully celebrating in Chicago, residents of Chi-town are seeing a special message projected on Trump tower. Trump is expected to host daily briefings from the building during the convention. Despite hours of ranting on his social media platform Truth Social Sunday night, he has yet to comment on the projections. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Denmark announces $115 million military aid package, says supplied equipment can be used in Kursk Oblast The Danish government announced a new $115 million military aid package for Ukraine on Aug. 19. The package is aimed at meeting both Ukraines short-term and long-term defense needs. The funds will be used to purchase new military equipment from the Ukrainian defense industry and the countrys international partners. Today, we are taking another step with the 20th military aid package, which will provide Ukraine with much-needed military equipment that will make a difference against Russia's aggressive war, said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. For operational and security reasons, details of the aid package have not being disclosed. Rasmussen said on Aug. 19 that Denmark does not object to the use of Danish-supplied military equipment in Ukraines incursion into the Kursk Oblast of Russia. He emphasized that Denmark sees Ukraines military operations inside Russia as a part of Ukraines defense strategy. Self-defense can involve entering the aggressor's territory. If, as part of this, you target the infrastructure or military facilities of the attacking party, then this is fully in line with the rules of war, he said. Denmark has been one of Ukraines most consistent allies since the start of Russias full-scale war. Earlier, Denmark became the first country to donate 18 Ukrainian-made Bohdana artillery pieces to Ukraine by directly purchasing them from the Ukrainian defense industry, addressing Kyiv's defense budget limitations. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Denmark plans to allocate over US$100 million to purchase weapons for Ukraine The Danish government and parliament have proposed allocating approximately 783 million Danish kroner (approx. US$115.8 million) to purchase weapons for Ukraine. Source: a statement from the Danish Ministry of Defence, as reported by European Pravda Details: Denmark's military aid package, reportedly the 20th, will help "meet Ukraine's military needs in both the short and long term". The package includes provisions for the procurement of new military equipment from the Ukrainian and Danish defence industries, as well as increased assistance from foreign allies. Funds for this initiative will be allocated this year. Quote: "For operational and security reasons, we cannot detail the full contents of the aid package," the Danish Defence Ministry said. According to the statement, the funding must still be approved by the finance committee of the Danish parliament. Denmark has pledged 64.8 billion Danish kroner (approx. US$9.5 billion) in military support for Ukraine between 2023 and 2028, which is disbursed through its special Ukraine Fund. A total of 46.1 billion Danish kroner (approx. US$6.8 billion) has already been spent or pledged. In April, Danish officials agreed to allocate an additional 4.4 billion Danish kroner (approx. US$650 million) for military support to Ukraine through 2024. Denmark also belongs to the fighter jet coalition and has delivered F-16 training to Ukrainian crews. Support UP or become our patron! DIXON, Ill. (WTVO) Actor Dennis Quaid will attend a red carpet premiere in Dixon of his new movie, Reagan, a biopic of Ronald Reagan, Americas 40th president. Reagan grew up in Dixon, and his boyhood home, at 810 S. Henepin Avenue) has been preserved as a tourist attraction. Quaid will participate in an interview ahead of the screening of the new movie, on Thursday, August 22nd at the Dixon Historic Theatre, at 114 S Galena Avenue, beginning at 6:30 p.m. According to a press release, Reagan is Narrated by Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life becomes intertwined with President Reagans when Reagan first catches the Soviets attention as an actor in Hollywood, the film offers a unique and captivating perspective on one of Americas greatest leaders. Dennis Quaid delivers a portrayal of Ronald Reagan that transcends the boundaries of a traditional biopic, delving into the enduring impact of his journey, sustained by the steadfast and loving support of Nancy Reagan. John Voight and Penelope Ann Miller co-star. WATCH the trailer for Reagan here President Reagan enjoyed a Hollywood career prior to his election to public office. In 1942, he premiered his film International Squadron at the Dixon Theatre. The Young Americas Foundation also plans to host a procession through Dixon featuring many of the institutions that shaped the former president, including the Boyhood Home, Dixon High School, Dixon YMCA, and Eureka College. Reagan opens nationwide on August 30th. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Dennis Vaughan was killed five years ago. Monday, his grandmother was denied bail in his death. Sherry Connor, 61, of Epsom, is led from the Belknap County Superior Court in handcuffs Monday after a judge denied her bail on charges alleging she killed her grandson in 2019 and physically abused his siblings. (Annmarie Timmins | New Hampshire Bulletin) This story has been updated to include an indictment for manslaughter that the court provided the Bulletin after the story was published. Five years after the homicide of 5-year-old Dennis Vaughan Jr., a judge ordered his grandmother held without bail Monday in connection with his death, and on charges that she physically assaulted his three siblings and urged them to lie about it. Sherry Connor, 61, of Epsom, was arrested Friday on 12 charges in connection with the death of Vaughan on Christmas Eve 2019 and her alleged abuse of him and his siblings in the two years prior. In asking that Connor be held without bail during her arraignment Monday, Belknap County Attorney Keith Cormier told a judge that Connor had tortured Vaughan and the other children, whom she had custody of between June 2017 and Vaughans death. Connor slapped and kicked the children; put hot sauce on their genitals; held their heads under water during baths; smothered them with pillows; and regularly denied them food, Cormier told superior court Judge Mark Attorri. Cormier also described the alleged abuse Connor inflicted on Vaughan in the hours and minutes before his death. Connor made Vaughan run in place for leaving clothes on the floor, he said. After the boy fell to the floor, Connor kicked him, beat him on the head and neck with a broomstick until the handle broke, and then stomped on him, he said. A judge ordered Sherry Connor, 61, of Epsom, held without bail Monday in the 2019 death of her five-year-old grandson, Dennis Vaughan. On the last day of Vaughans life, authorities allege Connor beat him with a broom until the handle broke, stomped on him, and punished him when he became so ill he spiked a fever and was unable to eat or drink. (Annmarie Timmins | New Hampshire Bulletin) When Vaughan was unable to get up, Connor covered him with a blanket and left him on the floor for about two hours. Later that day, she did not seek medical help when the boy lost control of his bladder and bowels; spiked a 104-degree fever; was unable to eat or drink; and began hallucinating, Cormier told the judge. At one point, Vaughan thought a white plastic bag was a Christmas present. Instead, Connor told her grandson the devil was coming to take him away, Cormier said. Vaughans mother, Danielle, was in the courtroom and wiped away tears as Cormier spoke. She lost custody of her four children in 2017 over concerns about drug use and domestic violence in the home, according to a lawsuit she brought against the state last year. She regained custody of her three children after Vaughans death. Public defender Justin Littlefield asked that his client Sherry Connor, 61, of Epsom, be released on bail on charges that include the manslaughter and negligent homicide of her grandson, saying Connor has cancer and was concerned that her dog was home alone. A judge denied the request. (Annmarie Timmins | New Hampshire Bulletin) Connor did not speak during her arraignment. Her public defender, Justin Littlefield, asked Attorri to release her on bail, saying Connor has no prior criminal record, is dealing with cancer, and is worried about her dog, which has been home alone since her arrest Friday. Attorri denied the bail request. Connor told the Bulletin in March 2023 that Vaughan had died of natural causes, even after the Bulletin showed her a death certificate that ruled his death a homicide. That is bull-, Connor wrote in an interview conducted via the Facebook messaging app, the only way she agreed to answer questions. Do you honestly believe if he was hurt like that, they wouldnt have arrested me? Connor said during that interview that she had never assaulted Vaughan or his siblings. The Bulletin interviewed her as part of its investigation into the handling of Vaughans death because his case had not received the attention given to the recent homicides of three other New Hampshire children: Harmony Montgomery and Jaevion Riley, both 7, and Elijah Lewis, 5. At the time, it had been two years since the Attorney Generals Office had asked the public for tips in the case. A review of the Laconia Police Departments Twitter and Facebook feeds did not include posts about the homicide or a request for information from the public. And Gov. Chris Sununu was not drawing attention to the case as he was to the three other homicides. Danielle Vaughan and a Concord woman hung Justice for Boo signs in Laconia last year and started a Facebook page to bring attention to the lack of an arrest. Danielle Vaughans lawsuit also raised questions and concerns about why the Department of Health and Human Services had agreed to place the children with Connor and did not remove them after school officials and neighbors reported alleged abuse. In arguing for bail Monday, Littlefield cited the amount of time that has passed since Vaughans homicide. Im unsure, even to this point, what the delay has been and why its all of a sudden come out now, Littlefield said. But I would argue, at least in part, that it shows that there is not convincing evidence that she is a danger as weve had five years elapse without any further incidents or concerns. The Attorney Generals Office told the Bulletin in March 2023 that it had put significant work into the investigation but declined to offer details or say why it had not brought charges. It sought a grand jury subpoena for the Bulletins interview with Connor after the story was published. Monday, Christopher Bond, general counsel for the office, said in an email that a trial on the county charges would not preclude more serious charges from its office, which could include first- or second-degree murder. A conviction on either charge can lead to a life sentence, with a possibility of parole for only the latter. When asked if the office had concluded there was insufficient evidence for more serious murder charges, Bond said, Our office only brings charges when we are in possession of proof beyond a reasonable doubt of all elements of the charged offense. He said his office has been in communication with the Belknap County Attorneys Office during the investigation but declined to say when it provided the county its investigative files. Connor could face up to 30 years in prison on the manslaughter charge alone. In addition to manslaughter and negligent homicide charges, Connor is also charged with first- and second-degree assault for Vaughans death. She is facing charges of first-degree assault of three other children in her care as well as witness tampering charges involving two of the children. DENVILLE Another classic New Jersey diner has shut down forever and could soon face the wrecking ball. The West Side Diner on Route 46 closed its chrome-accented doors last month, the last in a line of diners that had operated on the spot for decades. The West Side was bought by a neighbor on the highway with an equally long lineage, the family-owned Anchor Ace Hardware. Anchor purchased its next-door neighbor early this month. Owner Mitch Epstein is mulling his options but has already put up signage pointing customers to expanded parking for his business. The former diner will be either sold and moved or demolished. Epstein hopes to have a plan in place by the end of the year. The West Side Diner on Route 46 in Denville has closed and will either be demolished or moved to expand parking for its new owners next door at Anchor Ace Hardware. "We're growing exponentially and need more space, more parking," said Epstein, whose father, Bernie Epstein, bought the hardware business from its original owners in 1986. "On a busy day, customers would just drive by because there was no place to park." Denville diner built on Silk City 'bones' The West Side was built on the "bones" of a classic "Silk City"-style diner that had been operating on the spot for years, Epstein said. It was formerly known as the Arrow Diner, and the original building had fallen into disrepair but received a significant makeover in 2008. That renovation, built on the original foundation, abandoned the familiar Silk City diner-car design. But with its bright-red awnings, chrome and cozy booth seating and a large neon sign outside, the West Side still recalled a bygone era of Jersey diners. Michele and Jim Greberis, owners of the iconic Summit Diner, bought the Denville eatery in 2017 and gave it another makeover, rebranding it as the Summit West Diner. The business survived the COVID lockdown, thanks in part to a $14,000 Morris County Small Business grant awarded in 2022. When the Greberis family decided to downsize their operation, they found an eager buyer right next door. "When they decided to move on, it was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to buy property on the highway, and we just couldn't pass it up," Epstein said. Owner Mitch Epstein, right, with manager Jeff Hartman of Anchor Ace Hardware, a family-owned business that has expanded parking after purchasing the West Side Diner next door. A family hardware store thrives. What's the secret? Anchor became an Ace Hardware affiliate in 2018 and is one of two family-owned hardware stores in the area that have flourished for generations, even as others in the industry succumbed to competition from big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's. The other is Denville Hardware, which was sold by its owners earlier this year to another Morris County family business, Ricciardi Brothers. Denville Hardware, in downtown Denville on First Avenue, is currently undergoing renovations but is still open for business. "It's interesting that you can have two hardware stores less than a mile apart in the same town," said Anchor manager Jeff Hartman. "We've coexisted for years. They do their thing and we do ours." Epstein shared the secret of his store's success: "Strictly customer service," he said. "Have the right products, enough of the right products. You welcome people when they come in, and you solve their problems." The West Side Diner on Route 46 in Denville has closed and will either be demolished or moved to expand parking for its new owners next door at Anchor Ace Hardware. How NJ became the "Diner Capital of the World" New Jersey earned its reputation as the "Diner Capital of the World" in large part through the legacy of the Paterson Wagon Co. The North Jersey business and its Silk City Diner division manufactured about 1,500 railcar-style restaurants from 1926 to 1966. The Summit Diner is perhaps the most famous Silk City property in the state still operating in its original form. Another famous Morris County location from Paterson Wagon Tom's Diner on the Ledgewood Circle in Roxbury was demolished in 2021. Before that, it was used to film scenes for the video of Cyndi Lauper's 1984 hit "Time After Time." Other Silk City diners in Morris County lost to history include the Madison Diner and Travelers Diner in Dover. "We were thinking about seeing if somebody wanted to obtain the diner and move it elsewhere," Epstein said. "The Silk City bones are still there. But it's not the original diner, so we don't know if it's worth anything." William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com; Twitter/X: @wwesthoven This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Another classic NJ diner faces wrecking ball in Morris County Eugene DePasquale speaks to the Pennsylvania Press Club on Aug. 19, 2024 (Capital-Star photo by Ian Karbal) In his campaign to be elected as a Democratic Pennsylvania attorney general, Eugene DePasquale is invoking a famous predecessor. I have a very similar background to our current governor, now-former attorney general, Josh Shapiro, in running for this office, DePasquale said at the Pennsylvania Press Clubs monthly lunch Monday afternoon. Shapiro served as Pennsylvania attorney general from 2017 until starting his term as governor in 2023. Both he and DePasquale served in the state House before winning elections to statewide offices. And as attorney general and auditor general, respectively, both handled high-profile investigations that raised their public profiles. Its easy to see why DePasquale, a Democratic candidate for the office that Shapiro held before launching his gubernatorial campaign, would want to draw the comparison. Shapiro is often seen as a rising star in the national Democratic Party. After winning a key swing state by a wide margin in 2022, he was considered as a running mate by Vice President Kamala Harris but was passed over for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Despite criticism from progressives while being vetted by Harris, recent polling shows Shapiro has maintained his popularity in Pennsylvania. And in a polarized time, Shapiro has demonstrated his appeal to conservatives and his willingness to buck certain Democratic Party norms. We need someone to be the attorney general who isnt a partisan warrior, DePasquale said Monday. Notably, DePasquale displayed moderation on a key issue that has split Shapiro from most of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party: school choice. As auditor general, DePasquale wrote a scathing report on how charter schools spend public money. But he highlighted similar investigations into public school spending. I know a lot of people talk about my work on the charter schools, he said. I was also tough on traditional public schools as well. As attorney general, Shapiro used the power of the office in concert with Democratic attorneys general across the country to challenge former President Donald Trumps policies and punish corporate malfeasance. DePasquale said he would also like to work with other attorneys general on issues he prioritizes, like protecting the environment and ensuring the right to abortion. Getting personal At the Monday luncheon, DePasquale also got personal. He recalled when his ex-wife had an ectopic pregnancy in 1998 while the couple was trying to have a baby. It was technically an abortion, DePasquale said. In states like Florida, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma Idaho today wed go to prison for that. The experience informed his stance on abortion access, which DePasquale called one of the most important issues for him as he campaigns to become attorney general. I will fight to make sure you have a right to that. Not just if youre in Pennsylvania, but for anyone fleeing one of these right-wing authoritarian states that need to come here for their reproductive freedom, DePasquale said. DePasquales stance on abortion is not his only view shaped by personal experience. He also shared personal stories that informed his beliefs on subjects like the war on drugs and health insurance access. When DePasquale was a teenager, his father was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years for dealing drugs. According to DePasquale, his father had struggled for decades with an opioid addiction after being prescribed synthetic heroin when he was shot serving in the Vietnam war in 1969. The United States war on drugs is the most failed war in the history of the United States, and we must turn it into a battle against addiction, DePasquale said. The experience, he said, gave him a unique perspective on both sides of the criminal justice system. It also made him aware of the issues faced by veterans. DePasquale highlighted his previous investigations into veterans homes as auditor general as an example of how the experience shaped his approach as an elected official. DePasquale also recalled how his family was denied health care because of his brothers muscular dystrophy before the 2010 Affordable Care Act banned insurance companies from discriminating against customers with pre-existing medical conditions. His brother died and his family, DePasquale said, had to take out loans to afford the funeral. We should not have that in the United States, DePasquale said. We should not go back to that. The comment came moments after DePasquale spoke about Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. DePasquale appeared to reference Trumps previous promises to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare. Ill hold the insurance companies accountable and Ill work with the hospital industry, both being tough and fair, DePasquale said. But the biggest thing is making sure people hear that story to know what happens if you cant have health insurance. As auditor general, DePasquale released reports on pharmacy benefit managers role in raising drug prices in Pennsylvania. This year, Shapiro signed a bipartisan bill into law giving the state insurance department increased oversight of pharmacy benefit managers. DePasquale is running against Republican candidate Dave Sunday, a Navy veteran and current York County district attorney. CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) Authorities from the Cibola County Sheriffs Office said there was a deadly officer-involved shooting on Friday, August 16. Officials said deputies were patrolling routinely near Forest Road 400 in San Fidel around 1:30 a.m. when they encountered two people. Grant awarded to NMSU professors for misinformation research Deputies were investigating, and one of the people allegedly presented a threat. The deputies discharged their weapons, and the person was killed. Cibola County Sheriffs deputies were not hurt, and New Mexico State Police was contacted to conduct an investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. On the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday skirted a question about recent remarks in which he described the war in Gaza as genocidal, while reiterating his call for an end to the conflict. Speaking at a news conference on the citys safety preparations, Johnson did not directly address an article published Saturday in the progressive magazine Mother Jones, where he was quoted saying, Whats happening right now is not only egregious, it is genocidal, in reference to the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Nor did he respond to a suggestion that such a stance could be at odds with his role as host mayor of the blockbuster event, where Chicago will celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. Instead, the mayor stressed that he had also condemned Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel. You can condemn terrorism and call for peace. Its actually very customary within our tradition here in Chicago. Dr. (Martin Luther) King (Jr.) called for that, Johnson said. People across America are calling for that, for the immediate releasing of hostages, the end of these acts of terror and the end to this war. And I will continue to stand by that position because it is the moral position. The war in Gaza, where Gaza health officials say more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, has been the impetus for roiling protests targeting the Biden-Harris administration in Chicago and nationwide. Johnson came out as the mayor of the largest city to endorse a cease-fire in Gaza and cast the fateful tiebreaker in a City Council resolution backing that stance in January, but he has refrained from labeling the conflict as a genocide until now. His stance against Israels conduct in the war could present a thorny juxtaposition for the progressive mayor as he rolls out the red carpet for the political leaders that pro-Palestinian groups say are helping to perpetuate the conflict through U.S. aid to Israel. How the mayor has reacted to the Middle East conflicts impact has earned him plaudits from the left but ire from pro-Israel groups and critics who say he should be focused on issues at home instead of foreign policy. Johnson has not shied away from his support of the protesters who have vowed to make noise at the DNC, frequently reminding the public that before he occupied the fifth floor of City Hall, he had been arrested as an organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union. Last week, a protracted dispute between protest groups at the DNC and the Johnson administration concluded with the mayor himself intervening to ensure a permit for stages and sound equipment, an extraordinary move that signaled loyalty to his activist roots. An organizer said the mayor called to promise, Were gonna make this happen. Im gonna make sure that everybodys rights are protected. But the coalition of activist groups said they were still unsatisfied with route restrictions ahead of a Monday march near the United Center, signaling the difficulties in trying to accommodate protests for the DNC host mayor. This spring, the Johnson administration at times contradicted itself while navigating how to react to the pro-Palestinian tent encampment protests across Chicago campuses. Chicago police cleared one such demonstration at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, to outcry from Johnsons progressive allies, before refusing to intervene in another sweep at the University of Chicago. The question of whether the mayor can embrace the antiwar movement while hosting the DNC has come up before amid concern over whether pressure on the Biden-Harris administration over Gaza could harm efforts to defeat GOP nominee Donald Trump in November. In March, one of Johnsons top allies in the City Council landed himself and the mayor in a heated controversy when he was seen speaking in front of a charred American flag at a pro-Palestinian rally outside City Hall that called for the DNC to be canceled. Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez later beat back a censure vote from his colleagues, but not before another round of scrutiny over whether Johnsons inner circle is too extreme and divisive. Now, Sigcho-Lopez has been tapped as the mayors next chair of the powerful Zoning Committee. The 25th Ward alderman said Sunday following Johnsons Mother Jones interview: This is a genocide, and Im glad Mayor Johnson has called it for what it is, and I hope our nominee and Democratic Party does the same. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 19. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan plan to increase mutual trade turnover up to $1 billion this year and up to $3 billion in the future, Trend reports. The news followed the visit of an Uzbek delegation led by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov to Afghanistan. During the visit, the Uzbek delegation held bilateral meetings with the acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Abdul Salom Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Abdul Kabir, and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaki. During the meetings, the sides discussed developing trade ties, bringing to a new level of effective cooperation in the energy sector, implementing joint projects to develop copper, iron, oil and gas deposits, as well as deepening relations in the fields of transportation and logistics, agriculture and water management, education and interregional ties based on these principles. At the end of the meetings, both sides signed several documents. Meanwhile, the trade turnover volume between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan totaled $461.4 million from January through June 2024. This indicator has increased by 24.1 percent year-on-year ($371.8 million in JanuaryJune 2023). Afghanistan ranked 10th among the countries with the largest volume of foreign trade turnover in Uzbekistan. CHICAGO On the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday skirted a question about recent remarks in which he described the war in Gaza as genocidal, while reiterating his call for an end to the conflict. Speaking at a news conference on the citys safety preparations, Johnson did not directly address an article published Saturday in the progressive magazine Mother Jones, where he was quoted saying: Whats happening right now is not only egregious, it is genocidal, in reference to the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Nor did he respond to a suggestion that such a stance could be at odds with his role as host mayor of the blockbuster event, where Chicago will celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. Instead, the mayor stressed that he had also condemned Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel. You can condemn terrorism and call for peace. Its actually very customary within our tradition here in Chicago. Dr. (Martin Luther) King (Jr.) called for that, Johnson said. People across America are calling for that, for the immediate releasing of hostages, the end of these acts of terror and the end to this war. And I will continue to stand by that position because it is the moral position. The war in Gaza, where Gaza health officials say more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, has been the impetus for roiling protests targeting the Biden-Harris administration in Chicago and nationwide. Johnson came out as the mayor from the largest city to endorse a cease-fire in Gaza and cast the fateful tie-breaker in a City Council resolution backing that stance in January, but he has refrained from labeling the conflict as a genocide until now. His stance against Israels conduct in the war could present a thorny juxtaposition for the progressive mayor as he rolls out the red carpet for the political leaders that pro-Palestinian groups say are helping to perpetuate the conflict through U.S. aid to Israel. How the mayor has reacted to the Middle East conflicts impact has earned him plaudits from the left but ire from pro-Israel groups and critics who say he should be focused on issues at home instead of foreign policy. Johnson has not shied away from his support of the protesters who have vowed to make noise at the DNC, frequently reminding the public that before he occupied the 5th floor of City Hall, he had been arrested as an organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union. Last week, a protracted dispute between protest groups at the DNC and the Johnson administration concluded with the mayor himself intervening to ensure a permit for stages and sound equipment, an extraordinary move that signaled loyalty to his activist roots. An organizer said the mayor called to promise, Were gonna make this happen. Im gonna make sure that everybodys rights are protected. But the coalition of activist groups said they were still unsatisfied with route restrictions ahead of a Monday evening march that is scheduled to begin near the the United Center, signaling the difficulties in trying to accommodate protests for the DNC host mayor. This spring, the Johnson administration at times contradicted itself while navigating how to react the pro-Palestinian tent encampment protests across Chicago campuses. Chicago police cleared one such demonstration at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, to outcry from Johnsons progressive allies, before refusing to intervene in another sweep at the University of Chicago. The question of whether the mayor can embrace the antiwar movement while hosting the DNC has come up before amid concern over whether pressure on the Biden-Harris administration over Gaza could harm efforts to defeat GOP nominee Donald Trump in November. In March, one of Johnsons top allies in City Council landed himself and the mayor in heated controversy when he was seen speaking in front of a charred American flag at a pro-Palestinian rally outside City Hall that called for the DNC to be canceled. Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez later beat back a censure vote from his colleagues, but not before another round of scrutiny over whether Johnsons inner circle is too extreme and divisive. Now, Sigcho-Lopez has been tapped as the mayors next chair of the powerful Zoning committee. The 25th Ward alderman said Sunday following Johnsons Mother Jones interview: This is a genocide, and Im glad Mayor Johnson has called it for what it is, and I hope our nominee and Democratic Party does the same. ____ The front page of the Deseret News on Aug. 19, 1960, as U.S. pilot received a 10-year sentence in the Soviet Union. A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives. In August 1960, a tribunal in Moscow convicted American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers of espionage. On Aug. 19, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. This Cold War saga had all the elements of a Hollywood movie and there have been several only it was real and perhaps messy for those involved. According to historians, an emerging Cold War detente between the United States and the Soviet Union stalled when the Soviets charged Francis Gary Powers, a U.S. Air Force and CIA U-2 pilot, with espionage. The affair set into motion years of mistrust between the White House and the Kremlin. Powers had been shot down over Sverdlovsk on May 1, 1960. He would be found guilty on Aug. 17 and sentenced to three years imprisonment followed by seven years of hard labor. He served one year, nine months and nine days before being traded for a Soviet spy, Rudolph Abel. Washington initially responded to his capture with a cover story, claiming that a weather plane had crashed after its pilot had difficulties with his oxygen equipment. President Dwight D. Eisenhower did not know that the plane had landed nearly intact. The Soviets recovered its photographic equipment, as well as Powers, whom they interrogated before he made a voluntary confession and issued an apology. A summit meeting involving the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain and France was to have begun later that month in Paris. But Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev stormed out of the meeting, accusing the Americans of being unable to call a halt to their (cold) war effort. After being debriefed by the CIA and the Air Force, Powers appeared before a Senate Armed Services Select Committee in 1962. The panel found that Powers had followed orders, that he had not divulged any critical information to the Soviets and had conducted himself as a fine young man under dangerous circumstances. Powers died in 1977 at age 47 when his Bell 206 JetRanger helicopter ran out of fuel and crashed at the Sepulveda Dam recreational area in Encino, California, several miles short of its intended landing site at Burbank Airport. He was working as a traffic reporter for a Los Angeles TV station at the time. Powers is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Here is a series of stories from Deseret News archives as the story faded and others who were around the incident weighed in: Sons of 1960 U-2 figures meet U2 Spy plane wasnt hit by a missile Spy plane outlasts Cold War, but not defense cuts This week in history: Russia leader Nikita Khrushchev reveals the U-2 Incident CIA declassifies 1992 study on U-2 Cold War spy missions Victim of Cold War found on remote isle U.S. spy planes played big but quiet role in war Russian spy claims swap in works for spies in U.S. China gets increasingly aggressive about spying DN1962-GaryPowers3 One offbeat footnote: Thank goodness the Larry Mullen Band changed its name to, well U2. According to the popular story, when the Irish folk rock band formed in 1976, the groups name evolved to Feedback, then The Hype. Per reports, dissatisfied, the group curated a list of names, and they chose U2 because they hated it the least. Bono remarked that the name gave off futuristic images of the spy plane and the U-boat. John Seiberling, Gaven King and Aaron Maree appear for the first day of their involuntary manslaughter trial in Oakland County, Mich., on Aug. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed White) PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) Security guards at a suburban Detroit mall flunked their training and ignored a man's repeated cries for help during an intense physical struggle that caused his death, a prosecutor said Monday as trial opened more than 10 years later. McKenzie Cochran told guards, I cant breathe, while he was being restrained on the floor at Northland Center in 2014, Assistant Attorney General Robyn Liddell told jurors. For 11 minutes, the defendants had McKenzie face down on the floor with their collective body weight on top of him, Liddell said. "For 11 minutes, McKenzie cries. For 11 minutes, McKenzie screams. They disregard his pleas. They disregard his cries for help. They disregard the gasps of air, she said. Cochran, 25, who had an enlarged heart, died of asphyxiation, according to an autopsy. It was not a fair fight. It was five against one, Liddell said, telling jurors that video will be part of the evidence. John Seiberling, Gaven King and Aaron Maree are charged with involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. Another guard, Lucius Hamilton, pleaded guilty Friday after the judge said she would likely be in favor of a 90-day jail sentence. In 2014, the Oakland County prosecutor at the time declined to file charges after consulting with the U.S. Justice Department. But Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel stepped in with her own charges in 2021. The case of Cochran, who was Black, got fresh attention in 2020 during a local race for prosecutor and amid outrage over the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was pinned to the ground by Minneapolis police. On Jan. 28, 2014, the owner of a jewelry store called mall security to report Cochran was acting crazy and had threatened to kill somebody. Seiberling and a senior guard, Gary Chaffin, told Cochran to leave the mall, but he did not comply. Cochran rushed toward Chaffin, who sprayed him with pepper spray. Prosecutors acknowledge Cochran actively resisted the guards and was overpowering them. Three more guards arrived and all five ended up on the floor with him. Cochran was motionless with his wrists in handcuffs behind his back when Southfield police appeared. Are McKenzie Cochran's words scary? Absolutely, Liddell said, referring to the initial confrontation with the jewelry shop owner. But are his words a crime? Absolutely not. Defense lawyers urged the jury to look at each guard individually. Doraid Elder said King was just 22 back in 2014 a kid and only tried to control Cochran's hand during the struggle. It's important not to be swayed by emotions in this case, he said. Another lawyer, Wright Blake, said Maree, too, only grabbed Cochran's wrist. You're not going to hear anything about him putting his weight on this individual, kicking him. ... And they want to charge him with murder or involuntary manslaughter," Blake said. Seiberling's attorney, Keefe Braxton, said Cochran was very aggressive. Words are a threat, and threats can become action. ... This man fought up until they put his hands in the handcuffs, Braxton said. Chaffin is not part of the case; he died three years later in 2017. The mall no longer exists after being demolished for redevelopment in 2021. Many people in the jury pool said they couldnt recall hearing about Cochran's death. Prosecutors acknowledged much time has passed. Youre going to have witnesses who may have memory issues, Assistant Attorney General LaDonna Logan told the pool. In 2014, the county prosecutor at the time, Jessica Cooper, said any negligence by the guards did not rise to the level of a crime. Cooper believed it would be difficult to secure a conviction, Logan said in a court filing. That belief is within a prosecutors discretion but is clearly not shared by the attorney general. Before trial, Wright said the decision to charge the guards reflected a "politicization of the criminal justice system. This clearly stems from what happened with George Floyd and police misconduct across the nation, he said in an interview. "This case is just totally different from any of those. These are security guards just trying to subdue a guy who had mental health problems. ___ This story has been corrected to note that one of the four guards pleaded guilty Friday. ___ Follow Ed White on X at https://twitter.com/edwritez. Did Bayesian superyachts 237ft mast cause it to sink? The Bayesian had the tallest mast in the world until it was overtaken by Jeff Bezos's boat Bayesians 237ft metal mast may have played a part in the sinking of the superyacht off the coast of Sicily, experts have suggested. The yacht, named after the mathematical theory Mike Lynch used to make his millions in the tech industry, foundered in the small hours of Monday morning. Key among potential reasons for the loss of the vessel will be its most striking feature the aluminium mast. Four British personnel from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch are on their way to Palermo to carry out a preliminary assessment. There are also theories that hot overnight temperatures of 27C (80C) could have prompted passengers to leave portholes and windows open hastening the sinking when the high winds hit. Launched in 2008 by Perini Navi, Bayesian is one of the 50 largest sailing yachts in the world and her mammoth mast supported a total sail area of almost 32,000 sq ft. Bayesian had the tallest aluminium mast in the world when it first took to the seas under her former name Salute. The record was overtaken last year when Jeff Bezos, the Amazon billionaire launched his yacht, Koru. Korus masts stretch to 278ft tall according to Boat International magazine. Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy commander and warship captain, said initial reports from survivors and witnesses suggested that the weather was sufficiently violent to cause her to capsize at anchor. Weather reports from Palermo airport, 12 miles west of the yacht, suggest that at about 4am, winds switched from a gentle south-westerly breeze to gusts of 40mph, with temperatures dropping. Local newspapers have described the weather as a tornado and a waterspout, which is a tornado above water. The pressure of high winds on the mast could have helped tip the boat over in rough seas, experts have suggested. Mr Sharpe said capsizing seemed unlikely to him given the Bayesians size and that boats like that are designed to survive poor weather unless something failed at the same time like a valve that let water in and made the whole boat unstable. He said it was more likely that the Bayesian had dragged anchor. Anchors are designed to lodge on rocks on the seabed, but if the seabed is too soft, or weather is so bad that the anchor is dislodged, then a boat can drag its anchor and drift. If a boat drifts into an obstruction such as a rock or another boat, this can damage the boat by tearing a hole in its side leading to sinking, Mr Sharpe suggested. The sea bed off Porticello, the Silician harbour nearest to where Bayesian was moored for the night, consists of a mixture of rocky and muddy areas, according to nautical charts reviewed by The Telegraph. This means the yacht could have dragged anchor if it had been lowered into a soft, muddy patch of seabed. A captain of another boat anchored nearby said his vessel was hit by abnormally strong winds on Monday morning. Click here to view this content. Karsten Borner said the Sir Robert BP was battered by strong gusts in the early hours of the morning but he managed to stabilise the vessel while anchored by using the engine. He said as they were doing this, they noticed the Bayesian nearby and manoeuvred to avoid hitting it. We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone, said Capt Borner. Mr Sharpe said: From a seamanship point of view, the other boat (Sir Robert BP) coming up on her main engines and using those to keep position around [her own] anchor is what you should do. Yacht anchors are often not that robust and that is the best way to avoid putting too much strain on it and/or dragging. An alternative theory is that the weight of the mast led the Bayesian to capsize. A yacht industry source told The Times that the vessel sank after the weight of her mast took the hull beyond its down-flooding angle the point at which a boat cannot right itself after swinging at a steep angle meaning water rushed over the sides into the interior. The wind toppled the mast, which fell over the side, causing the boat to heel over and take on water, capsize and sink very quickly, the source said. This can occur whether the mast snapped off or not. Sam Jefferson, editor of Sailing Today, told The Telegraph: She has a very tall, aluminium mast I believe it is the second tallest aluminium mast in the world and that would not have helped. The Bayesian's mega mast may have contributed to the vessel capsizing off Porticello in Sicily - PERINI NAVI PRESS OFFICE/EPA/EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Many yachts with big masts have carbon masts instead of aluminium as these save on weight and improve stability and performance. Stability was obviously the problem in the extremely strong winds she was experiencing and Id assume the boat was pinned on its side and could not right before it filled up with water. Another superyacht expert who asked not to be named told The Telegraph that the mast could have pulled the Bayesian over into capsizing, although he expressed some scepticism, saying sailing yachts are designed to prevent that from happening. He said the anchor-dragging theory was also a plausible explanation for why the Bayesian sank. Typically, crews try to anchor in safe spots that are sheltered away from the wind, they said. The Bayesian was moored just off Porticello, a few miles east of Palermo. Prevailing winds from the north-east may have robbed the vessel of the shelter offered by the Sicilian coast, which lay to the west. Dr Lynch was reportedly aboard the vessel. His wife, Angela Bacares, is among those rescued but six others, including four Britons, are still missing. One person, reportedly the yachts chef, died in the incident and his body was recovered by rescuers. The Bayesians last refit was in 2020. The vessel was listed for rent for up to 195,000 (166,000) a week, according to online charter websites. The interior featured six cabins one master, three doubles and two twin rooms for up to a dozen guests, with the crew occupying separate quarters. Fitted out in a Japanese style, the interior was styled by the Remi Tessler design house. Under her former name Salute, the yacht won the Best Exterior prize at the World Superyacht Awards in 2009, and the Best Interior at the International Superyacht Society Awards in 2008. A coastguard statement issued on Monday morning said the missing passengers were of British, American and Canadian nationality. Camper & Nicholsons, managers of the Bayesian, confirmed the vessel sank at about 4.30am following severe weather. The Italian Coast Guard is leading search and rescue operations, and said on Monday it had safely recovered 15 individuals. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Direction on ministering to transgender individuals, care of sacred clothing and opportunities for young women included in Latter-day Saint handbook update The Church Administration Building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Monday, June 28, 2021. Church leaders released updates to the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Monday, August 19, 2024. | Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released updates to the churchs General Handbook Monday documenting service and leadership opportunities for young women, expanding the age of those participating in young single adult programs and helping local leaders minister more effectively to individuals who identify as transgender. The changes also provide written clarity on the administration of Sunday classes for men and women, sacred temple sealing ordinances, the care of religious clothing and worship services on Easter and Christmas. The Church of Jesus Christ believes in ongoing revelation to prophets and apostles, according to information about the update posted on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. The General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which is published digitally and available online to the public is updated at least twice a year under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The handbook helps local leaders take a Christ-centered, unified approach to their ministry while accommodating a diverse global faith, according to ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Handbook updates seek to help Latter-day Saints follow Jesus Christs example of ministering with love, patience and respect. The updates to the handbook include: Transgender According to the release, updates have been made to the churchs transgender policy to help local leaders minister more effectively to individuals who identify as transgender and their families. The updates which aim to clarify guidance regarding baptism and confirmation and other ordinances also ensure consistency in policies while allowing local leaders flexibility to minister based on each persons needs, according to ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Baptism and confirmation are received according to a persons biological sex at birth, according to the updates. Worthy individuals who do not pursue surgical, medical, or social transition away from their biological sex at birth may be baptized and confirmed. Any exception to the policy requires the approval of the First Presidency. (The handbook defines social transitioning as intentionally identifying and presenting oneself as other than ones biological sex at birth, and may include changing dress, grooming, names, or pronouns.) The handbook defines gender as an essential characteristic in Gods plan of happiness. These individuals often face complex challenges. They and their family and friends should be treated with sensitivity, kindness, compassion, and Christlike love. All are children of God and have divine worth. Garments Sacred religious clothing, often referred to as the garment of the holy priesthood, is worn to remind Latter-day Saints of sacred covenants made with God. The handbook updates address caring for the garment and explain that a variety of garment fabrics and styles are available to accommodate individual preferences and needs. A new section addresses medical conditions that may prevent some members from wearing the garment. These updates reflect our commitment to supporting members in honoring and understanding the sacred significance of the garment of the holy priesthood, according to the release. Young Single Adults The church has extended the age ranges for young single adults and single adults to better meet the needs of its members. The term young single adult now refers to unmarried members ages 1835 an increase from 18-30 previously. Single adult now describes unmarried members ages 36 and older, with some units specifically for those ages 3645. These changes aim to ensure that members have access to programs and resources most appropriate for their spiritual growth and stage in life, according to ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Temple sealings Recent updates to temple sealing policies emphasize Gods promise of blessings to His faithful children detailing who qualifies for ordinances performed in Latter-day Saint temples. Language has been updated throughout the sealing policies to reaffirm that God will not require anyone to remain in a sealed relationship throughout eternity against his or her will. These updates provide clearer guidance and assurance, helping members understand the eternal blessings and responsibilities associated with temple sealings, according to ChurchofJesusChrist.org. The handbook revisions were published in Cebuano, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Tagalog and Tongan on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and in the Gospel Library app. They will be translated into additional languages in the coming months. EXCLUSIVE: The battle for improved streaming residuals in the U.S. has at least partly been won but in the UK it is only just beginning. Deadline can reveal that Directors UK (DUK), the body and collection society representing British directors, has written to Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Paramount, Apple and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in the past few weeks seeking royalties for its plus-8,000 members. And in a move that raises the stakes, DUKs letter said that the body could potentially withhold its members copyright from the streamers in future if they dont come to the table and attempt to strike deals, we understand. More from Deadline While Deadline has not seen the letter, we understand it has been doing the rounds in industry circles of late and could become a talking point at this weeks Edinburgh TV Festival. Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Paramount, Apple and WBD all declined comment. DUK is asking for royalties for its members on UK streamer projects. Some directors are paid handsome sums for their work on these projects but DUK is understood to be making the point that directors deserve to be compensated further down the line via royalties, in line with improved streaming residual packages picked up by the writer, actor and director guilds in the U.S. last year. DUK, the UK broadcasters, Sky and producer trade body Pact already have a deal in place, under which DUK is paid royalties for it to distribute to its members. No such blanket deal exists with the streaming services, and this is what DUK is targeting. It is a well-established principle that the director as a copyright owner is paid royalties, said a spokeswoman for the body. Directors in the UK, who we collect these royalties for, have asked us to ensure that the international streaming services align with UK television industry practice when producing here. As DUK manages copyright on behalf of its members, the body could withhold copyright from the streamers down the line if they dont come to the table and negotiate, Deadline is told. We understand the streamers have been set a deadline for the negotiation and are currently considering the contents of the letter. The DUK spokeswoman said it wouldnt be appropriate to comment on the detail of our consultation with the streaming services, but she added that making a living as a freelance director is increasingly challenging and royalties play a vital role in making a directing career sustainable. DUK is not the only British TV and film org seeking improved residuals. As Deadline revealed several weeks back, actors union Equity is demanding improved secondary payments in its current contract negotiations with Pact. Equity had initially threatened strike action, although that possibility has now diminished. Meanwhile, the Writers Guild of Great Britain recently struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Netflix and an improved residuals deal with the BBC. In the U.S., and unlike its writer and actor counterparts, the Directors Guild of America struck a historic deal with the AMPTP without requiring strike action, which saw directors handed a 76% increase in foreign residuals for the largest platforms, amongst other things. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (Updated with CAA statement) Julia Ormonds lawsuit against Disney, CAA and Miramax over an alleged 1995 sexual assault by the now-incarcerated Harvey Weinstein will be going forward. Upon the foregoing documents, and oral argument having been held before the court on May 20, 2024, it is ordered that the motions of defendants The Walt Disney Company, Creative Artists Agency, LLC, and Miramax Film NY, LLC are denied, New York State Judge Suzanne Adams ruled today. More from Deadline Read the order rejecting Disney, CAA and Miramaxs move to have Julia Ormands suit over an alleged 1995 sexual assault by Harvey Weinstein here. Not trial date has yet been set for the negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, battery and more action by the Emmy winning Ormond. However, unless the two studios and the mega-agency make a settlement deal ASAP, trial is where this is headed. While a black-eye to the defendants, such dismissal attempts are pretty much a long shot in most cases to begin with. How this all plays out in the next stages, especially in the context of discovery, will put the true merits of the matter under the microscope. Having said that, Ormonds lawyers were almost circumspect in their statement after the order was made public today. RELATED: Jennifer Esposito Says A Harvey Weinstein-Esque Producer Almost Killed Her Career At 26 We are very pleased by the Courts decision, which is a complete repudiation of CAA, Disney, and Miramaxs attempts to evade accountability for their failure to protect Julia Ormond from Harvey Weinstein, said Ormond lawyers Meredith A. Firetog and Kevin Mintzer. The case will now proceed to discovery, where, thanks to Ms. Ormonds bravery, we will be able to expose the truth of how these powerful Hollywood companies enabled Harvey Weinstein, the respective Wigdor LLP and self-titled firm attorneys added. First filed by the Temple Grandin star in October, the suit claims that Weinstein forced himself upon her nearly 30 years ago for oral sex, Ormond also alleges that CAA and Disney the latter of which owned Weinsteins Miramax knew of the Oscar-winning producers predatory behavior and did nothing to protect her. In fact, the now Gersh-repped Ormond states that the trio knew of multiple confidential settlements that Weinstein reached to keep his conduct hidden from public exposure. The suit for battery (against Weinstein), negligent supervision and retention (against Miramax and Disney), negligence (CAA), breach of fiduciary duty (against CAA), also claims Weinstein retaliated and Miramax terminated Ormonds contract ceasing commitments to the projects in development. After CAA bosses Bryan Lourd and Kevin Huvane supposedly told Ormond that the standard settlement figure with after an assault by the now much accused and convicted Weinstein was about $100,000 in 1995, the agency moved her to a less experienced agent, and no longer was working on her behalf, significantly lessening and changing their representation of her. Coming in under the wire, Ormond was able to pursue the legal action because of New York States Adult Survivors Act. Calling Weinsteins alleged actions s disturbing and deplorable, Disneys New York lawyers Cravath, Swaine & Moore entered a motion to dismiss, along with CAA, in late December 2023 based on whether or not Plaintiffs allegations are sufficient to state a claim. Clearly Judge Adams felt they were more than sufficient. Disney and Miramax were given no flowers by Judge Adams Monday, but the objections to Ormonds assertions by CAA in particular were sliced up by the Empire State official. With respect to CAAs prior knowledge of Weinsteins alleged propensity toward sexual assault, plaintiff alleges that the year before the assault at issue, another CAA client reported to CAA that Weinstein proposed sex in exchange for career opportunities. The complaint alleges that CAA advised this woman that it was pointless to do anything about the encounter, which advice is similar to that alleged to have been given plaintiff after she told them of Weinsteins assault on her, i.e., that nothing should be done about it. CAA representatives are claimed to have advised her not to report the assault because she likely would not be believed, would not receive more than $100,000, and might be sued by Weinstein for libel. These allegations, taken together, suggest that CAA knew or had reason to know of a potential assault by Weinstein. Disney and Miramax did not respond to request for comment on todays order. If and when they do, this post will be updated. CAA did have something to say about the state of affairs. We respectfully disagree with the Courts ruling and continue to believe there is no legal or factual basis for Ms. Ormonds claims against CAA, a spokesperson for the agency told Deadline. While we have deep compassion for Ms. Ormond and are incredibly disturbed by what she says she suffered at the hands of Weinstein, CAA did not learn of Weinsteins sexually assaultive behavior until it became public knowledge decades later. As a result, the claim that CAA should have warned Ms. Ormond about Weinsteins criminal conduct in December 1995 defies logic. Currently at Rikers because of his 2022 conviction in Los Angeles on sex crimes and sentencing to 16 years behind bars, Weinstein saw his 2020 NYC third-degree rape and first-degree criminal sexual act verdicts and 23-year sentence tossed out by a divided Empire State Appeals Court in April. Based on that move, Weinsteins lawyers formally appealed his LA conviction in June. Last month a Manhattan judge earlier this month set a tentative November 12 start date for Weinsteins the East Coast rape retrial. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A New York judge has denied motions filed by Disney, Miramax and CAA to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Julia Ormond related to an alleged 1995 sexual assault committed by Harvey Weinstein. Negligence and breach of fiduciary duty are among the charges leveled against the three companies, which will now proceed to discovery and trial with a start date not yet scheduled. We are very pleased by the Courts decision, which is a complete repudiation of CAA, Disney, and Miramaxs attempts to evade accountability for their failure to protect Julia Ormond from Harvey Weinstein, said Ormonds attorneys Meredith A. Firetog and Kevin Mintzer in a statement. The case will now proceed to discovery, where, thanks to Ms. Ormonds bravery, we will be able to expose the truth of how these powerful Hollywood companies enabled Harvey Weinstein. Ormond alleges that Weinstein, who is currently incarcerated in Rikers Island, forced her to perform oral sex in 1995 and claims that CAA and Disney the latter of which was the parent company of Weinsteins Miramax at the time did nothing to protect her. Along with the battery charges filed against Weinstein, CAA has been sued on charges of negligence and breach of fiduciary duty while Disney and Miramax are charged with negligent supervision and retention. Ormond was represented by CAAs Bryan Lourd and Kevin Huvane at the time, and claims that they moved her to a less experienced agent following the alleged assault. The complaint alleges that CAA advised this woman that it was pointless to do anything about the encounter, which advice is similar to that alleged to have been given plaintiff after she told them of Weinsteins assault on her, i.e., that nothing should be done about it. CAA representatives are claimed to have advised her not to report the assault because she likely would not be believed, would not receive more than $100,000, and might be sued by Weinstein for libel, New York State Judge Suzanne Adams wrote in her ruling. These allegations, taken together, suggest that CAA knew or had reason to know of a potential assault by Weinstein, the ruling continued. In a statement, CAA said that it respectfully disagreed with the ruling and maintains its belief that there is no legal or factual basis for Ms. Ormonds claims. While we have deep compassion for Ms. Ormond and are incredibly disturbed by what she says she suffered at the hands of Weinstein, CAA did not learn of Weinsteins sexually assaultive behavior until it became public knowledge decades later, the statement read. As a result, the claim that CAA should have warned Ms. Ormond about Weinsteins criminal conduct in December 1995 defies logic. Weinstein currently faces a retrial for his third-degree rape and first-degree criminal sexual act convictions, which were overturned by a divided New York appeals court in April. That retrial is set to take place in November. UPDATE: 8/19 5:30 PM PT Updated with statement from CAA The post Disney, CAA, Miramax Motion to Dismiss Harvey Weinstein Sex Assault Suit Fails appeared first on TheWrap. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. Joe Biden took the stage at the Democratic National Convention to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris to rapturous applause on Monday night. The president, who was introduced by First Lady Jill Biden and his daughter Ashley Biden, ran through his accomplishments on the Covid recovery, the economy, healthcare, and infrastructure before making a forceful case against the candidacy of former President Donald Trump. Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz? Biden asked the crowd. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton returned to the DNC eight years after she was the nominee in 2016. Clinton said, My friends, when a barrier falls for one of us, it falls and clears the way for all of us. So for the next 78 days, we need to work harder than we ever have. Harris made a surprise appearance at the convention ahead of Bidens speech. Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you, she said. Key Points Biden runs through accomplishments during fiery DNC speech AOC and Hillary Clinton lead the new and old guard of Democratic women on first night of DNC for Harris Team USA mens basketball coach Steve Kerr channels Steph Curry at DNC: Tell Donald Trump night night Ella Emhoff appears at DNC in Harris-Walz camo hat in support of stepmom Kamala Harris makes surprise appearance on first night of DNC: We are moving forward McMorrow brings copy of Project 2025 out on stage 01:44 , Gustaf Kilander "They went ahead and wrote down all the extreme things Donald Trump wants to do over the next four years. And then they just tweeted it out" -- Mallory McMorrow brought a printed out copy of Project 2025 on stage with her pic.twitter.com/riepmN4OCW Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2024 VIDEO: Chicago police confirm multiple protesters arrested for breaching fence outside of DNC 01:45 , Reann Philogene Tim Walz attends first night of Democratic convention 01:54 , Gustaf Kilander Democratic vice presidential nominee Governor Tim Walz has appeared in the United Center in Chicago for the first night of the Democratic National Convention ahead of President Joe Bidens speech tonight. Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz attends the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois (Getty Images) U.S. Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz attends Day one of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 19, 2024 (REUTERS) In Pictures: Democrats gather for their convention 02:00 , Gustaf Kilander US singer Mickey Guyton performs on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images) Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images) Democrats gather for the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois (Getty Images) California senator slams Trump for shattering legal boundaries 02:07 , Gustaf Kilander Laphonza Butler: We deserve a president who shatters the boundaries of what's possible, not the boundaries of what's legal pic.twitter.com/2bQYj2hceE Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2024 Progress possible but not guaranteed, Hillary Clinton set to say in DNC remarks 02:10 , Gustaf Kilander Some excerpts from Hillary Clintons speech have been released: The story of my life and the history of our country is that progress is possible. But not guaranteed. We have to fight for it. And never, ever give up. There is always a choice. Do we push forward or pull back? Come together as We The People or split into us versus them? Thats the choice we face in this election. Kamala has the character, experience, and vision to lead us forward. I know her heart and her integrity. We both got our start as young lawyers helping children who were abused or neglected. That kind of work changes you. Those kids stay with you. Kamala carries with her the hopes of every child she protected, every family she helped, every community she served. So as President, she will always have our backs. She will fight to lower costs for hard-working families. Open the doors wide for good paying jobs. And, yes, she will restore abortion rights nationwide. Hillary Clinton Walz speaks to press in convention center 02:13 , Gustaf Kilander Kamala Harris running mate Gov. Tim Walz speaks to @jacobsoboroff. Stay for Rachels response. pic.twitter.com/dP0rKzTiF4 MSNBC (@MSNBC) August 20, 2024 VIDEO: Kamala Harris makes surprise appearance on stage at DNC 02:20 , Gustaf Kilander Kamala Harris celebrated President Joe Biden during a surprise appearance on the stage of the DNC on Monday night. Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you, Harris said on stage. In Pictures: Harris makes surprise appearance at DNC 02:23 , Gustaf Kilander Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris waves from the stage during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 19, 2024 (REUTERS) Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois (Getty Images) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris raises her arms as she walks on stage during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago (AP) 'Coach to coach, that guy's awesome' 02:27 , Gustaf Kilander The coach of the Golden State Warriors and the US national basketball team, Steve Kerr, praised Tim Walz during his remarks on Monday night. Coach to coach, that guys awesome, he said. Kerr went on to say that leaders have to show dignity and have to tell the truth. I believe that leaders should be able to laugh at themselves. I believe leaders must care for and love the people they are leading, he added. I believe leaders must possess knowledge but with full awareness that none of us has all the answers.With Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, I see all of those qualities, he argued. UAW president slams Trump and Vance as lapdogs for the billionaire class 02:32 , Gustaf Kilander UAW President Shawn Fain slammed Donald Trump and JD Vance as lapdogs for the billionaire class on Monday night. On one side we have Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, who have stood shoulder to shoulder with the working class, he said. On the other side, we have Trump and Vance two lapdogs for the billionaire class who only serve themselves. So for us in the labor movement, it's real simple. Kamala Harris is one of us, she's a fighter for the working class, and Donald Trump is a scab, he added. Harriss stepchildren attends first night of DNC 02:41 , Gustaf Kilander Kamala Harriss stepchildren Ella and Cole Emhoff appeared in stands at the Democratic Convention, as did Tim Walzs children Hope and Gus. Ella was seen wearing the viral camo hat sold by the Harris-Walz campaign. Minnesota Governor and 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz (C) sits his wife Gwen Walz (R) and US Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (L) on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images) Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz and their children Hope (top L) and Gus attend the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois (Getty Images) Kamala Harris makes surprise appearance at first night of DNC: We are moving forward 02:43 , Alex Woodward Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention on Monday, stepping out to the sounds of Beyonces Freedom and thanking President Joe Biden before his remarks to close out the first night of the week-long event in Chicago. This is going to be a great week, I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president Joe Biden, she said in brief remarks. Thank you for your historic leadership, for our lifetime of service to our nation, for all you continue to do. We are forever grateful to you, said Harris, who was not on Mondays schedule of speakers. Kamala Harris makes surprise appearance at DNC: We are moving forward VIDEO: Steve Kerr tells Trump night night, quoting Steph Curry in DNC speech 02:48 , Reann Philogene AOC: Trump would sell this country for a dollar' 02:49 , Gustaf Kilander AOC: "We know Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets & greasing palms of his Wall St friends. And I for one am tired of hearing about how a 2 bit union buster thinks of himself as more of a patriot than the woman who fights every single day" pic.twitter.com/6yvD9Rha2N Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2024 Hillary Clinton takes the stage at the DNC eight years after she was the nominee 02:59 , Gustaf Kilander Hillary Clinton took to the stage at the DNC eight years after she was the Democratic nominee going into the 2016 election. My mother, Dorothy, was born right here in Chicago before women had the right to vote. That changed 104 years ago yesterday, she said. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton waves as she arrives on stage to speak on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images) VIDEO: Shawn Fain has a Hulk Hogan moment during speech at DNC opening night 03:00 , Reann Philogene Clinton mocks Trump: Made his own kind of history' 03:03 , Gustaf Kilander Hillary Clinton slammed her 2016 opponent, former President Donald Trump, saying Kamala locked up murderers and drug traffickers. She will never rest in defense of our freedom and safety. Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial, and when he woke up, he made his own kind of history, the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions, she added. VIDEO: AOC gives fiery speech in support of Kamala Harris 03:06 , Gustaf Kilander Clinton urges Democrats to fight for the next 78 days 03:10 , Gustaf Kilander Clinton urged her fellow Democrats to fight for the next 78 days to win the election on November fifth. In a fiery speech, Clinton said, My friends, when a barrier falls for one of us, it falls and clears the way for all of us. So for the next 78 days, we need to work harder than we ever have. She added: We need to beat back the dangers that Trump and his allies pose to the rule of law and our way of life. Don't get distracted or complacent. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Volunteer, be proud champions for the truth and for the country that we all love. Lock him up' 03:15 , Alex Woodward After shes been the subject of lock her up chants at Trump rallies for years, Hillary is now on stage hearing lock him up chants about her former rival, after she pointed out that he fell asleep at his criminal trial in Manhattan and made history as the first presidential candidate to run with 34 felony convictions. Hillary Clinton warns Democrats that progress isnt guaranteed as Harris aims to break glass ceiling she missed in 2024 03:18 , John Bowden Hillary Clinton fired up the crowd on night one of the Democratic National Convention on Monday and urged her party not to give up the goal of shattering one of Americas last glass ceilings: the election of a woman to the presidency. The partys 2016 nominee was greeted by a standing ovation and one of the loudest cheers of the evening as she took the stage. In her remarks, she invoked female trailblazing politicians Geraldine Ferraro and Shirley Chisolm as well as Harriss mother as well as her own, both of whom Clinton said she wished could see this moment. Calling the acceptance of the Democratic nomination on the DNC stage in 2020 the greatest honor of [her] life, the former secretary of State went on to celebrate her performance in the election that year as a mark of progress in American history, even given her defeat to Donald Trump. Hillary Clinton warns DNC progress isnt guaranteed as Harris aims at glass ceiling Clyburn calls Project 2025 Jim Crow 2.0' 03:22 , Gustaf Kilander South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn referred to Project 2025 as Jim Crow 2.0 during his speech at the DNC. Trump falsely pleads ignorance of project 2025 which, in my opinion, is Jim Crow 2.0, Clyburn said. Raskin slams Trump for January 6 insurrection 03:25 , Gustaf Kilander Rep Jamie Raskin said on the DNC stage that former Vice President Mike Pence is the first former running mate not to endorse the president he served with for more than two centuries. Someone should have told Donald Trump that the President's job under Article Two of the Constitution is to take care that the laws are faithfully executed, not that the Vice President is executed, he said in reference to the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Pence has now joined more than two dozen officials from Donald Trump's own administration in denouncing him a historical record and Pence is the first vice president in more than two centuries not to support the president he served with in a general election, he added. Jasmine Crockett wants to prove that Democrats arent weak 03:29 , Eric Garcia The Texas Democrat @jasmineforus takes the stage. When we spoke earlier this year, she said she came up with "Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Body" on the fly and her pastor told her she was going viral. https://t.co/hkBdsFHgjU Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) August 20, 2024 Jasmine Crockett wants to prove that Democrats arent weak Shes lived the American dream while hes been Americas nightmare' 03:34 , Gustaf Kilander Rep Jasmine Crockett roasted Donald Trump during her appearance at the DNC. Here are some of her lines: She's lived the American dream while he's been America's nightmare. Kamala Harris has a resume. Donald Trump has a rap sheet. She presides over the Senate while he keeps our national secrets next to his thinking chair. Donald Trump wants to put our 1787 Constitution through his project 2025 paper shredder. Hitting Republicans with a dose of their own medicine' 03:39 , Gustaf Kilander Referencing her Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Body attack against Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep Jasmine Crockett recalled that she went viral for the first of many times to come for hitting Republicans with a dose of their own medicine. That brief but impactful interaction gave me my legislative legs and I've been running ever since, she added. The question before us is, will a vindictive, vile villain violate voters' vision for a better America or not I hear alliterations are back in style. 03:46 , Gustaf Kilander Amanda and Josh Zurawski of Texas told their abortion story on stage at the DNC. When you're expecting a baby, packing for the hospital should be a joyful moment. For us, it was different. We were told with 100 percent certainty we would lose our baby girl, Willow and we were sent home for three days. We waited until Amanda was sick enough to receive standard abortion care, Josh said. Two emergency rooms sent me away because of Louisianas abortion ban' 03:48 , Gustaf Kilander Kaitlyn Joshua of Louisiana told the convention, Two years ago, my husband and I were expecting our second child. Our daughter, Lauren, couldn't wait to be a big sister, she added. I was getting ready for her fourth birthday party when something didn't feel right. Two emergency rooms sent me away because of Louisiana's abortion ban. Abortion advocate tells story of rape at the age of 12 03:50 , Gustaf Kilander Hadley Duvall of Kentucky told the convention that she was raped by her stepfather at the age of 12 after years of sexual abuse. I took my first pregnancy test and it was positive. That was the first time I was ever told you have options, she told the crowd. I can't imagine not having a choice. But today, that's the reality for many women and girls across the country because of Donald Trump's abortion bans. 03:51 , Alex Woodward In May, after harrowing courtroom testimonies and a protracted legal battle, the Texas Supreme Court rejected a challenge from Amanda Zurawski and other abortion patients whose health and lives were endangered after state law denied the emergency abortion care they desperately needed. Since launching the legal challenge, Zurawski has led a campaign for abortion rights and voiced support for the Biden administration and Kamala Harriss campaign. Texas Supreme Court rejects challenge from women denied abortion during emergencies Beshear reaches out across the aisle 03:53 , Gustaf Kilander Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear told the convention that How we treat people transcends party lines. It goes right to the heart of who we are. My faith teaches me the golden rule that I am to love my neighbor as myself. In the parable, The Good Samaritan, it says we are all each other's neighbors. So I want anyone watching tonight, Republican, Independent, Democrat, to know that you are welcome here, he added. Warnock calls on Democrats to unify as he slams Trump 03:56 , Gustaf Kilander Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock told the DNC that a vote is a kind of prayer for the world we desire for ourselves and for our children and our prayers are stronger when we pray together. Together, we flipped the Senate, held the house, and we sent Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House, he added. Together, we vaccinated our citizens, we fortified our cities and our towns, and we stood by our small businesses. Together, we set out to heal the land, a nation besieged by a deadly pandemic and beset by the awful and divisive rhetoric of a man too small for the office entrusted to him. America, were going to win' 04:05 , Gustaf Kilander Beshear: "America, we're going to win. And we're gonna win by staying true to our values of compassion, empathy, and doing right by our neighbors." pic.twitter.com/Vh6K3w5JZK Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2024 Donald Trump is a plague on the American conscience' 04:06 , Gustaf Kilander Warnock: "Behind the big lie was an even bigger lie. It is the lie that this increasing diverse American electorate does not get to determine the future of the country ... Donald Trump is a plague on the American conscience." Warnock goes on to encourage Trump to read the bible pic.twitter.com/YWS4tJQfzs Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2024 Joe Biden helped us get back up again' 04:10 , Gustaf Kilander Delaware Senator Chris Coons took to the stage at the DNC to praise his longtime friend, President Joe Biden. Joe Biden's mom had a saying, You are defined by your courage, and you are redeemed by your loyalty, he began. Four years ago, I had the honor of helping introduce Joe Biden to our national convention, I spoke about Joe's faith, his love of family, his determination to restore the soul of our nation. Back in 2020 America was nearly flat on our back from a deadly pandemic, an economic collapse, and then in January, an assault on our democracy, all of this because the drama and chaos of our former president have knocked us down. But folks, Joe Biden's courage, Joe Biden's faith in us, Joe Biden's determination to heal the soul of our nation gave us hope and gave us confidence. Someone who has himself been knocked down by life time and again, Joe Biden knows the grit and determination of the American people. He believed in us. Joe Biden helped us get back up again. First lady recalls moment she saw Biden dig deep and decide to drop out 04:18 , Gustaf Kilander First Lady Jill Biden started her remarks by noting that she has been married to President Joe Biden for almost half a century. There are moments when I fall in love with him all over again, she said. She went on to praise him for all he's accomplished in the name of something bigger than himself. Weeks ago ... I saw him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris, she added. Who are Joe Bidens children? Ashley Biden set to introduce her father at the DNC 04:21 , Oliver OConnell, Ariana Baio President Joe Biden has fathered four children from two marriages though only two of his children are still alive today. Biden had three children with his first wife, Neilia Biden, whom he married in 1966. In order of birth, they were Joseph Robinette III, known as Beau; Robert Hunter; and Naomi Christina, known as Amy. On December 18, 1972, Neilia was driving with the three children to buy a Christmas tree when their car was hit by a tractor-trailer. Both Neilia and Naomi Biden were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Naomi was just over a year old at the time. The two boys survived but with serious injuries. Less than a month later, Mr Biden was sworn into the Senate on January 3, 1973 at the hospital where his sons were recovering. Who are Joe Bidens children? Ashley Biden set to introduce her father at the DNC The original girl dad' 04:25 , Gustaf Kilander Ashley Biden introduced her father at the DNC on Monday night, calling him the original girl dad. She told the DNC the story of her eighth birthday when he rode the Amtrak from DC just to sing happy birthday to his daughter before going back to Washington. When I look at Dad, I see grace, strength, and humility. I see one of the most consequential leaders ever in history, she said. My kids keep me humble' 04:35 , Gustaf Kilander My kids keep me humble. https://t.co/XP9kpIYjgl Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) August 20, 2024 You cant say you love your country only when you win, Biden says 04:40 , Gustaf Kilander President Joe Biden referenced the January 6 insurrection in his speech at the Democratic Convention on Monday night. My fellow Americans, nearly four years ago, in winter, on the steps of the Capitol on a cold January day, I raised my right hand and I swore an oath to you and to God, to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and to faithfully execute the office of the president United States, Biden said. In front of me was the city surrounded by the National Guard. Behind me, a capital that two weeks before [was overrun] by a violent mob. But I knew then, from the bottom of my heart ... there is no place in America for political violence. You cannot say you love your country only when you win, he added. Democracy has prevailed. And now democracy must be preserved. 04:41 , Gustaf Kilander Biden begins his speech by reminding the DNC of the rough state of the country in January 2021 when he took office. He then says, "democracy has prevailed. And now democracy must be preserved." pic.twitter.com/HFKWqSSB0W Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2024 Biden runs through accomplishments during fiery DNC speech 04:48 , Gustaf Kilander Biden ran through a number of his accomplishments during his speech at the DNC. Covid no longer controls our lives. We got from economic crisis to the strongest economy in the entire world, the president said. Record 16 million new jobs, record small business growth, record high stock market, record high 401Ks, wages up, and inflation down. The smallest racial wealth gap in 20 years. And yes, we both know we have more to do, but we're moving in the right direction ... More Americans have health insurance today than ever before in American history, he added. After, as a young senator, beginning to fight for 50 years to give Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, we finally beat Big Pharma, he shouted. Im proud to have been the first president to walk a picket line' 04:54 , Gustaf Kilander "I'm proud to have been the first president to walk a picket line and be labeled the most pro-union president in history. And I accept it. It's a fact" -- Biden pic.twitter.com/RO14XlCRBg Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2024 AOC and Hillary Clinton lead the new and old guard of Democratic women on first night of DNC for Harris 05:02 , Eric Garcia, John Bowden Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton represented the old and new guard of Democratic women to push for Kamala Harris on the first night of the partys convention as the vice president seeks to become the first female president. The dual speeches showed an effort to unite the partys establishment with its progressive insurgent wing. Ocasio-Cortez, New York Democrat and self-proclaimed democratic socialist, received ovation after ovation and chants of her initials AOC as she praised President Joe Biden, Harris, and her running mate Tim Walz of Minnesota as she lambasted former president Donald Trump. AOC and Hillary Clinton set the stage for Harris on day 1 of DNC VIDEO: Democracy has prevailed, Joe Biden says in DNC speech 05:06 , Gustaf Kilander Convention officials comment on reason for delays 05:08 , Andrew Feinberg Because of the raucous applause interrupting speaker after speaker, we ultimately skipped elements of our program to ensure we could get to President Biden as quickly as possible so that he could speak directly to the American people. We are proud of the electric atmosphere in our convention hall and proud that our convention is showcasing the broad and diverse coalition behind the Harris-Walz ticket throughout the week on and off the stage DNC officials Team USA mens basketball coach Steve Kerr channels Steph Curry at DNC: Tell Donald Trump night night 05:12 , Mike Bedigan Legendary basketball coach Steve Kerr channeled star NBA player Steph Curry onstage at the Democratic National Convention, telling crowds that in November, we can tell Donald Trump night night. Fresh from his return from the 2024 Paris Olympics where Team USA won gold in both the mens and womens basketball Kerr heaped praise on Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz coach to coach, and joked about the governors history as a high school football coach. Kerr, who is also head coach for the Golden State Warriors, took to the stage Monday night to chants of USA, USA, USA! Team USA mens basketball coach Steve Kerr channels Steph Curry on DNC stage Ella Emhoff appears at DNC in Harris-Walz camo hat in support of stepmom 05:14 , Mike Bedigan Ella Emhoff appeared at the Democratic National Convention to support her stepmom Kamala Harris, wearing the popular midwest princess camouflage baseball cap. The 25-year-old appeared alongside her father, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, on Monday night wearing the camouflage hat, which reads Harris-Walz in bright orange lettering. The item was seemingly inspired by singer Chappell Roan and reached nearly $1m in sales in 24 hours after it was first made available to buy online by Harris-Walz campaign. Ella Emhoff appears at DNC in camo hat in support of stepmom Kamala Harris Its been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president' 05:16 , Gustaf Kilander Biden: "It's been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. I love the job. But I love my country more." pic.twitter.com/HaRgANIjH7 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2024 He is the OG girl dad: Ashley and Jill Biden pay tribute to Joe 06:00 , John Bowden Joe Biden officially passed the torch to Kamala Harris, his vice president, on Monday at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) after a pair of glowing speeches about who he was as a family man from two people who know him best: his wife and daughter. Ashley and first lady Dr Jill Biden spoke directly ahead of the 46th president in Chicago, and spoke about how he led their family through dark times the same way, they said, he had led the Democratic Party and the nation. The first lady, in particular, pointed to her husbands decision to step down as their partys 2024 nominee as a moment when she fell in love with him again. He is the OG girl dad: Ashley and Jill Biden pay tribute to Joe Democracy is on the line in November, Biden says 07:00 , Gustaf Kilander Biden: "All of us carry a special obligation -- independents, Republicans, Democrats -- we saved democracy in 2020, and now we must save it again in 2024." pic.twitter.com/8FpbQphiI7 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2024 VIDEO: Democrats chant 'lock him up' during Hillary Clinton DNC speech 08:00 , Gustaf Kilander Biden begins long goodbye to half century in politics as he rallies Democrats around Harris in rousing speech 09:00 , Andrew Feinberg, Alex Woodward President Joe Biden was supposed to spend the evening watching the start of a convention built around propelling him to four more years in the White House. Instead, an animated crowd inside Chicagos United Center poured out their gratitude at the presidents decision to stand aside and pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris with an emotional address celebrating his accomplishments. In remarks that revisited many of his campaign themes, as Harris looked on from a box in the crowd alongside her running mate Tim Walz, Biden told the Democratic National Convention that despite the antidemocratic threats that inspired his 2020 presidential run, democracy has prevailed and democracy has delivered. Joe Biden begins his long goodbye to politics as he rallies Democrats around Harris Hundreds of nurses at University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics walked off the job Monday morning, beginning a strike at one of the closest hospitals to this weeks Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The nurses, who are represented by the Illinois Nurses Association, say they want pay thats on-par with other area hospitals, better staffing and more security at the health system, citing examples of nurses whove been attacked by patients. The nurses four-year contract expired Monday. More than 650 nurses had shown up to picket outside University of Illinois Hospital, as of Monday morning, according to the union. UI Health said in a statement Saturday that, Should a work stoppage occur, we are prepared to continue safe patient care and ongoing operations and that, We value and respect the critical role our nurses and other healthcare professionals play in fulfilling the systems mission to provide vital care for our community. A UI Health spokeswoman did not immediately answer questions Monday morning about specific steps the hospital has taken to continue providing care during the strike. The last time the nurses went on strike in 2020 the hospital brought in temporary nurses, asked ambulances to take new patients elsewhere, didnt take patient transfers from other hospitals and canceled elective procedures. The planned, weeklong strike begins at the same time as the Democratic National Convention in Chicago an event that has local law enforcement and area hospitals on high alert. University of Illinois Hospital is one of the closest hospitals to the United Center, which is where many convention events are taking place. Its just a little more than a mile away. The hospital has been preparing for the convention for months. In recent weeks, after the nurses voted to authorize a strike, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees went to Cook County Circuit Court to seek a temporary restraining order to stop some of the nurses from striking, saying the absence could present a clear and present danger to the health or safety of the public. In their complaint, the trustees said because of the convention, it could be especially difficult to find replacement nurses for the week. The staffing agency used by the hospital told the hospital that many Staffing Agency nurses are not willing to travel to Chicago, Illinois during the DNC for safety reasons, and the Staffing Agency is having a difficult time finding lodging for the traveling nurses due to all area hotels being booked for the DNC, according to the complaint. Also, other area hospitals might have trouble accepting UI Healths patients this week because they might be more busy than usual because of the convention, according to the complaint. Patient transfers could also be difficult because of traffic congestion due to the convention, according to the complaint. Following those arguments and others, the judge issued a temporary restraining order Friday barring 91 nurses per shift including those who work in intensive care units and the emergency department from going on strike in order to avoid or remove any clear and present danger to the health or safety of the public. The judge, however, said that with the exception of those nurses, other nurses would be allowed to walk off the job. Though University of Illinois Hospital is one of the closest hospitals to the United Center, it is not a Level I trauma center. That means that if there were many patients who sustained traumatic injuries at the convention, ambulances would likely first take those patients to Stroger Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, which are Level I trauma centers. Ambulances might, however, want to take patients who dont have traumatic injuries to University of Illinois Hospital, and its also possible that if there were many people injured at the convention center, that some of those people would want to head on their own to the nearest hospitals, which include University of Illinois Hospital. In all, more than 1,300 nurses voted to authorize the strike earlier this month. The nurses say it was a coincidence that their strike is occurring during the DNC, and they didnt know, years ago, when they agreed to their last contract that it would expire the same day that the DNC started. On Monday, the nurses wore white and blue shirts and carried signs that said, Protect our nurses! and, The Community We Serve Deserves Safe Patient Limits! Among other things, the nurses are asking for more security staff and more of a voice on a workplace safety committee. Mona Baig, a nurse in the hospitals psychiatric unit who picketed Monday, said a patient stabbed her with a pen in the shoulder a couple years ago, and she had to have her rotator cuff repaired. She said management downplays nurses safety concerns. She also said its upsetting that the hospital is now spending money on temporary agency nurses, when it could be putting that money toward raises for its staff nurses. The nurses have proposed average annual raises of 10% over a three-year-long contract, while the hospital is proposing average annual raises of 1.8% over a four-year-long contract, according to the union. Its really frustrating, really disrespectful, said Baig, whos worked for the hospital for seven years and is a union steward. Mackenzie Morgan, who is also a nurse in the hospitals psychiatric unit and a union steward, said nurses dont feel that management is listening to them, especially when it comes to safety. Morgan hadnt slept before picketing Monday morning, saying hed worked until 11:30 p.m. the night before and then went to help set up the picket at 5:30 a.m. Were on the front lines, were getting injured, and where are you? Youre behind a desk and coming up with these concepts, and if we have a criticism, you have nothing to say to it, Morgan said of management. The nurses plan to strike through Sunday. _____ CHICAGO With a repeated refrain of shes got us, Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday evening addressed Democratic National Convention attendees and touted Vice President Kamala Harris as a unifier and natural leader. Together, we can build a better, brighter future, and theres no better place to start that than right here in the greatest freaking city in the world, the city of Chicago, Johnson said in his brief remarks that mentioned civil rights leader Ida B. Wells, Rev. Jesse Jackson and former President Barack Obama. The mayors address followed a call to order from Democratic National Convention Committee chair Minyon Moore, an invocation from Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich, acknowledgement of the ancestral lands by members of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, presentation of the colors by the Illinois State Police Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem. Later, President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden addressed the convention. The Bidens landed at OHare International Airport shortly before 3 p.m. and boarded a new Marine One helicopter for the short flight to Soldier Field. They were greeted by Gov. JB Pritzker and his wife MK Pritzker, senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, Rep. Danny Davis, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. From Soldier Field, the president and first lady traveled to the United Center, where they were seen on stage at about 3:45, checking microphones and teleprompters in preparation for their evening remarks. The presidents remarks that were expected late in the 9 oclock hour werent delivered until nearly 10:30 p.m. CT. Some segments of the scheduled program were skipped as remarks ran long. Because of the raucous applause interrupting speaker after speaker, we ultimately skipped elements of our program to ensure we could get to President Biden as quickly as possible so that he could speak directly to the American people, convention officials said in a statement to WGN. We are proud of the electric atmosphere in our convention hall and proud that our convention is showcasing the broad and diverse coalition behind the Harris-Walz ticket throughout the week on and off the stage. Monday started with a breakfast for the Illinois Delegation. Gov. Pritzker spoke to the delegates at that meeting. He is expected to speak at the convention later this week. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made surprise appearances throughout the morning events at McCormick Place, including at the AAPI caucus. He thanked the crowd for their hard work and asked them to keep their enthusiasm up for the final 78 days to election day. After more than a year of planning, Chicago is at the center of the political spotlight this week as host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Day 1 Recap: Day 1 of DNC wraps with Biden giving Harris an enthusiastic endorsement Chicago mayor addresses convention, celebrates Harris: shes got us Harris praises Biden in surprise DNC appearance Protesters breach portion of DNC security barrier Photos: Celebs spotted at the DNC Biden takes maiden flight on new Marine One in Chicago Lt. Gov Stratton: Biden among most effective presidents; Harris best to defeat Trump Carol Moseley Braun, Illinois first female senator, affirms Harris readiness The convention runs through Thursday. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term. WGN Cover Story: Why Chicago has hosted more presidential conventions than any other city. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CHICAGO (NEXSTAR) The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago, amid fears of major protests, ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepting her partys nomination for president. Vice President Harris isnt speaking until later this week but already shes laying out the message shell pitch to voters at the convention. When you know what you stand for, you know what to fight for, said Harris. This week, Vice President Harris will make her biggest pitch yet to voters as she fights to become the next president of the United States. It is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it. And thats what this campaign is about, said Harris. Thousands of Democratic diehards are converging on Chicago to rally their party behind the vice president. Its going to be a real celebration of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz and the moving forward in this great country and the work that weve done so far, said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) Slated speakers include President Joe Biden, along with former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. However, fears remain that protestors unhappy with the current administrations handling of the Israel-Hamas war could distract from the convention. We very much are welcoming people to express their right to freedom of speech. And in fact, there will be an area that protesters can be in to express themselves, said Duckworth. Dr. Jill Biden is also scheduled to speak Monday night with former first lady Michelle Obama expected sometime this week as well. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Robert Gauthier/Getty Images Tens of thousands of people are anticipated to descend on Chicago amid the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) not to attend it, but to push the Harris campaign on a ceasefire in Gaza. Setting the tone for a week of action the evening before the conventions start, about 200 protesters, who were described in a press release as Palestinian youth and allies, disrupted a DNC kickoff party with a banner reading "KAMALA: NO WEAPONS TO ISRAEL." That same night, 1,000 protesters convened in the city to march for Palestine and abortion rights, The Guardian reported. According to the Associated Press, the Chicago area is home to one of the largest Palestinian populations in the US. The death toll in Gaza hovers above 40,000, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, but a June study released by the medical journal The Lancet suggested the number may exceed 186,000. On August 17, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is expected to give introductory remarks at the convention, called whats happening in Gaza genocidal in Mother Jones. The interview made comparisons to the 1968 DNC protests in Chicago when 10,000 anti-Vietnam War protesters were met with 12,000 Chicago cops, National Guard, and federal troops which has been a constant reference point for this years DNC. Some 270 organizations are coming together this year as the Coalition to March on the DNC to protest the war in Gaza. These include a number of youth and student organizations, among them Students for a Democratic Society, Students for Justice in Palestine, Young Democratic Socialists of America, Dissenters, Muslim Student Association, and Jewish Voice for Peace. The Coalition was in talks with the city about protest permits for months up through the Friday before actions began, when city officials agreed to allow protesters to have stages, sound amplification, and toilets. The first march during the convention is set to begin at 12 p.m. CT on Monday. Were a broad-based coalition composed of people from all sectors of society that the Democrats claim to represent, said Faayani Aboma Mijana, a spokesperson for the coalition. And were all united in standing with Palestine to demand an end to all US aid to Israel. The day before the convention started, the Uncommitted movement which organized half a million voters, many in key swing states, to deny Joe Biden support in the presidential primaries due to his Israel policy announced that the DNC would host its first-ever panel on Palestinian human rights on its first day. Uncommitted will have roughly 30 delegates participating in the DNC. Our focus remains on policy change. Vice President Harris has an opportunity to unite the party against Trump this week by turning the page toward a human rights policy that saves lives and helps us re-engage key voters for whom Gaza is a top issue, Layla Elabed and Abbas Alawieh, cofounders of Uncommitted, said in a statement. We will keep pushing for our partys leadership to break away from its current financing of Israels horrific assault on Gaza and military rule over Palestinians. Nation editor Jack Mirkinson argued in an op-ed earlier this month that Harris has provided no signs that she intends to meaningfully depart from Joe Bidens approach to Gaza, a sentiment echoed in a recent youth-listening session hosted by Teen Vogue contributor Rachel Janfaza for her newsletter, The Up and Up. Mussab Ali, 27 and running for mayor of Jersey City, told Janfaza, What is she addressing and what is she going to fight for? We know that shes the vice president under President Biden. But does that mean theres any difference or any daylight? From the protests on Monday morning, Kshama Sawant, a former city council member of Seattle, observed to Democracy Now! that after Harris announced she would seek the nomination, the United States approved selling $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel, as reported by Reuters. The fervor surrounding the Harris-Walz campaign in the past few weeks has focused on memes and TikToks, but this week highlights the challenges to win over constituencies such as Uncommitted voters who are focused on ending the war in Gaza. Another campaign that will be present at the DNC is Reject AIPAC, which is pushing Democrats to cut ties with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee after the organizations PAC funded successful campaigns to unseat pro-Palestine congressmembers Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman. Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue More great activism coverage from Teen Vogue: The Democratic National Convention (DNC) has now entered its final day at the United Center in Chicago, where some of the partys biggest heavyweights have taken to the stage over the last three days. While the DNC is first and foremost a presidential nominating convention, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz already have their places in the White House race sown up after a five-day round of online voting for delegates wrapped on August 5. Now, as many as 50,000 visitors have descended on the Steven Spielberg-coordinated convention in the Windy City, including 5,000 delegates from 50 states and territories, plus 15,000 members of the media, tens of thousands of guests and a huge contingent of Gaza ceasefire protesters. The convention has been organized around four distinct themes, one for each day: Mondays was For the People, examining the Biden administrations accomplishments in the White House and how a future Harris Cabinet could continue its work, Tuesdays was A Bold Vision for Americas Future, Wednesdays was A Fight for Our Freedoms and Thursdays is For Our Future. Here the latest on what we know about the conventions schedule. Monday Kamala Harris and Joe Biden at the DNC on Monday August 19 2024 (AP) President Joe Biden delivered the headline speech on the opening night, giving an emotional address to rapturous applause from the crowd. Introduced by First Lady Dr Jill Biden and his daughter Ashley Biden, the 81-year-old president ran through his accomplishments in the Oval Office before making a forceful case against Donald Trump. Denying that he was angry with members of his party who pressured him to step aside from the 2024 race, Biden explained: I love my job, but I love my country more. Hillary Clinton, the partys 2016 presidential nominee, also spoke of her desire to see the highest, hardest glass ceiling smashed with the election of a first female president. Delegates also heard from Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jim Clyburn, Jasmine Crockett, Robert Garcia, Grace Meng and Jamie Raskin, Senators Raphael Warnock and Chris Coons, Governors Andy Beshear and Kathy Hochul, DNC chair Jaime Harrison and United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain. Tuesday Michelle Obama and Barack Obama received a warm welcome at the DNC on Tuesday (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The Obamas took to the stage on Tuesday delivering an electrifying endorsement of the Harris-Walz administration while eviscerating Trump. Michelle denounced Trump for peddling a narrative of fear and declared that hope is making a comeback while also poking fun at Trumps reference to Black jobs, adding that the job hes currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs. In his speech, Barack heaped praise on both Harris and Biden while slamming Trump for the childish nicknames, the crazy conspiracy theories, this weird obsession with crowd sizes. Other speakers included Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff including a touching video tribute from his son Cole Senators Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, and Tammy Duckworth, Billionaire Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Trumps former press secretary Stephanie Grisham. Wednesday Walz delivered a rousing speech as he formally accepted the VP nomination (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Walz took to the stage to deliver a rousing acceptance speech to formally accept his vice presidential nomination. Met with roaring chants of Coach! Coach! Coach! he dived into a football-themed metaphor: Its the fourth quarter, were down a field goal, but were on offense and we have the ball, were driving down the field and boy do we have the right team... Kamala Harris is ready! Former president Bill Clinton also took to the stage and made a jibe at Trumps age, noting that he celebrated his 78th birthday on Monday but I'm still younger than Donald Trump. Oprah Winfrey also made a surprise appearance, slamming JD Vances childless cat ladies comments. Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, former VP hopefuls Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also delivered speeches. Thursday As is tradition, Kamala Harris will wrap up the final day of the convention on Thursday night with a headline speech as she formally accepts the nomination to be the Democratic Partys 2024 presidential candidate. Reverend Al Sharpton, a prominent civil rights activist and baptist minster, has also announced he will take the podium. Additionally, former Republican congressman and outspoken Trump opponent Adam Kinzinger is expected to speak. How to watch: C-SPAN will broadcast the full convention without interruption CBS News will cover the convention in its primetime slots between Monday and Thursday from 8-11pm ET. ABC News will carry one hour of the convention from 10-11pm ET on Monday and Tuesday, and then will carry two hours on Wednesday and Thursday between 9-11pm ET. Fox News will air a nightly special called Fox News Democracy 2024: The Democratic National Convention Monday through Thursday from 10pm until 11pm. CNN will be covering the DNC nonstop during the week, and will air live coverage every night from 8pm until midnight ET under the title CNN Democratic National Convention. NewsNations Decision Desk 2024: The Democratic National Convention, will air each day of the convention from 8pm until midnight ET. The DNC starts Monday in Chicago. Heres what to know More than a year after Chicago was announced as the host city, the Democratic National Convention has begun. Running through Thursday, the convention is a huge moment for national Democrats, who have had a whirlwind few weeks since President Joe Biden quit the race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the first Black and Asian American woman to lead a major party ticket. Eyes are also on Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker, who are looking to pull off the massive made-for-TV event without a hitch, building on the success of the 1996 Democratic convention and continuing to push aside historic images of the contentious 1968 DNC. And yes, the festivities are starting to disrupt the routines of anyone near the conventions two main venues, the United Center and McCormick Place. Heres what to know. Whats expected at the convention? Traditionally, party leaders come together every four years to nominate the person they want on the top of the presidential ticket in November. Republicans held their convention last month in Milwaukee. There are a few nontraditional things about this years DNC, though. Typically, the person nominated emerged victorious through primary elections across the country in spring and summer. This year is different for Democrats since Biden dropped out of the race in July. Harris, Bidens vice president, has already been nominated in an online roll-call of delegates to be the Democratic nominee, so there wont be a formal, official vote to nominate her at the convention. Instead there will be a ceremonial roll call, speeches from party leaders and up-and-comers, and an introduction of Harris recently announced running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Itll be a televised rally of support to build on Harris fundraising and polling momentum from the past month. Who will be there, and whats the schedule of events? Nearly all of the Democratic Partys well-known officeholders are joining thousands of delegates and other supporters and volunteers, along with thousands of members of the media, at the main venues: McCormick Place, south of the Loop, and the United Center on the Near West Side. In addition, some of the thousands of expected protesters started to take to the streets over the weekend to bring attention to issues that include the war in Gaza. There will likely also be some A-list celebrity sightings at the convention sites and around town. Billie Eilish and Julia Louis-Dreyfus took part in Democrats last national convention, which was primarily virtual due to the pandemic. Overall, the DNC previously estimated some 50,000 visitors will come to Chicago for the convention. Convention events at the United Center and McCormick Place are not open to the public. Much of the schedule has yet to be announced, although Pritzker, expected to speak Tuesday, and former President Barack Obama are among those that figure to have prominent slots. Daytime party business and meetings will largely take place at McCormick Place, according to the DNC. Evening events, including the major speeches and hoopla that is likely to be televised, will be at the United Center. Biden was expected to be the headliner Monday. Harris will give a closing speech on Thursday, with Walz expected to speak Wednesday. What is the city doing to prepare? Residents are advised to download the OEMC Chicago app for the latest updates about disruptions around the United Center and McCormick Place. Ivan Capifali, acting commissioner of Chicagos Office of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, said nearly 1,400 businesses had been contacted in initial canvassing. Establishments closer to the venues had been canvassed again in the past few weeks, he said. Along with logistics for the convention itself, Johnson has said the city is prepared for the possibility that thousands of migrants could arrive from the southern border, sent by Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and others. More recently, the citys top official on migrant issues has walked back expectations for a major migrant surge. No migrant buses have arrived in Chicago since June, according to a spokesperson for the city Department of Family and Support Services. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has stressed that the department has undergone rigorous training on both crowd control and First Amendment issues. City workers have spent months beautifying downtown and making preparations across the city, from sidewalk repairs to new signs and better lighting. What is the plan for protests? Hundreds of protesters calling attention to abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights and Palestinians in Gaza marched downtown Sunday, the first major day of demonstrations tied to the convention. For those held this week by the convention venue, Johnsons administration proposed that many protesters march west from Union Park, past a small park north of the United Center and then east back to Union Park. Officials announced the route after a coalition of pro-Palestinian protest groups sued to block the city from confining protesters to a two-block strip of Grant Park, far from the United Center. U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood ruled that she would not force City Hall to widen and lengthen the authorized route, as some protesters had sought. Park No. 578 just north of the United Center will also serve as a free speech zone, Glen Brooks, director of community policing at the Chicago Police Department, said. On Friday, following last-minute complaints from protesters and negotiations with the city that were ultimately settled after Mayor Johnson himself intervened, the city allowed for a stage and a sound system for two rallies in Union Park. The latest information about protest routes will be communicated through the OEMC app, Brooks said. What areas will be most affected? The neighborhoods immediately around the United Center and McCormick Place are most affected, and the security perimeter is set. Full street closures in the security zones have occurred. A pedestrian-only zone around the United Center stretches between approximately Washington Boulevard on the north to Adams Street on the south, and from Seeley Avenue on the west to a point between Wood and Paulina streets on the east. Only people with credentials who have a need to be there will be allowed in that zone, 2024 DNC coordinator Jeff Burnside said in the weeks leading to the convention. A vehicle screening zone around the United Center extends east and south of the pedestrian-only zone by about a block. McCormick Place also has a red zone for pedestrians surrounded by high fences, and a slightly larger vehicle screening zone to the east, west and north. That larger zone is outlined roughly by Michigan Avenue, 21st Street and the Stevenson Expressway. The restrictions at McCormick Place took effect at 10 p.m. Friday. The zone around the United Center took effect at 7 p.m. Saturday, with streets in the area expected to reopen Aug. 23. There will be traffic aides from OEMC in the areas most affected, OEMC spokesperson Mary May said. How will the convention affect traffic and public transit in the city? Public transit riders should expect delays as buses are rerouted on streets near the convention sites. No significant extra train service will be added, CTA President Dorval Carter has said, though passengers might see additional trains from airports. The CTA earlier this month celebrated the long-awaited opening of its new Damen Green Line station near the United Center ahead of the convention. Some parking spaces near the venues but outside the security zone are affected. Restrictions, particularly around McCormick Place, were put in place in the week leading up to the convention, according to the DNC while others took effect the weekend before the event. Limited street closures started Sunday near the Magnificent Mile and in Gold Coast. The streets around The Talbott Hotel and Waldorf Astoria near Delaware and State were shut down as part of those closures; the Waldorf Astoria was listed as a venue on the DNC website. The DNC has directed residents to the OEMC website or app and posted restrictions for updates on what parking spots will be blocked. Bikes will be allowed in the outer vehicle-swept areas but not within the pedestrian-only security zones. Traffic has also been disrupted on the eastern end of I-55. Between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and State Street, no vehicles larger than a passenger car will be permitted while the security zone is in effect. The exit to MLK Boulevard from the expressway will be closed to general traffic. On the Kennedy Expressway, center lanes will remain closed to the general public due to ongoing construction but could be used for motorcades or law enforcement vehicles. Other street closures may occur, officials have said. CPDs helicopters will be in use throughout the week to support neighborhood and district operations, according to Brooks. The Secret Service will also likely fly drones or helicopters along with motorcades. Metra is running hourly shuttles between OHare International Airport and downtown during the convention, and the CTA committed to providing buses to specifically transport people participating in the convention. What are the plans for televised coverage? Cable news channels will likely carry much of the top prime time programming live. Fox News, CNN and MSNBC will all have top anchors present at the convention, with Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum anchoring for Fox and Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper broadcasting from the United Center for CNN. The DNC will broadcast its own feed on social media and its website, DemConvention.com, as well as on Amazon Prime Video. The major networks are expected to offer prime time coverage. Events will also be available through streaming services. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert plans to broadcast from the Auditorium Theatre downtown throughout the week of the DNC suggesting the Emmy-winning, formerly Chicago-based comedian and Northwestern University alum plans to host guests from the United Center on his late-night show. Comedy Centrals The Daily Show will also broadcast from Chicago during the convention, including a live show Aug. 22. How many political conventions has Chicago hosted? Chicago has hosted 25 major party national conventions, 14 for Republicans and 11 for Democrats, since 1860, when Abraham Lincoln was nominated by Republicans, according to the Chicago History Museum. Thats the most of any U.S. city, with the runner-up, Baltimore, having hosted 10. -------- (Chicago Tribunes A.D. Quig contributed.) ____ When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Artwork by Julian Pender Hume The dodo , a bird that humans hunted to extinction in the 1600s, wasn't the slow, clueless ball of feathers that has been depicted in popular culture. By poring through early records and descriptions of the dodo and a related species called the solitaire, researchers cleared up misconceptions about the iconic creatures. It turns out, the vanished birds were powerful and speedy, according to a study published Aug. 14 in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society . "Was the Dodo really the dumb, slow animal we've been brought up to believe it was? The few written accounts of live Dodos say it was a fast-moving animal that loved the forest," study author Mark Young , a researcher and professor at the University of Southampton in the U.K., said in a statement . The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was the first recorded extinction directly caused by humans and witnessed in real time. When Dutch sailors arrived on Mauritius in 1598, it was teeming with adorably chubby, flightless birds that stood about 3 feet tall (1 meter) and weighed about 45 pounds (20 kilograms) , according to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH) in the U.K. As the Dutch colonized the island, they introduced predatory invasive species, chopped down forests, destroyed the dodos' nests and hunted the birds rapaciously. Less than 70 years later, the species was extinct ; the last known sighting was in 1662, according to the OUMNH. For centuries, the dodo has been used as an evolutionary cautionary tale, its name synonymous with ineptness. With no known predators on Mauritius, the story went, the dodo grew large and lost its ability to fly. Its lack of predators also made it too trusting of the new human hunters that had arrived on the island. Part of the problem is that scientists weren't actually clear about which dodo species actually existed, with several mythological birds being described in early literature, according to the statement. Records of the birds were confusing, inconsistent and unreliable. A man touches the beak of a dodo sculpture To clear that up, the study authors tracked down early specimens, reports of seeing live creatures and early taxonomic descriptions of the species, and sorted fact from fiction. They found that while many species, such as the Nazarene dodo, were fictional, the solitaire (Pezophaps solitaria) a species that's closely related to the dodo and that some thought was mythological actually existed and lived on the Mauritian island of Rodrigues. They also identified an iconic "type specimen" for the dodo meaning the single preserved specimen that serves as the reference for the species. Using that, they determined that both the dodo and the solitaire were members of the family that includes pigeons and doves. Using that type specimen, the team also looked at what dodos were actually like, clearing up popular misconceptions about the iconic birds. RELATED STORIES Rare dodo skeleton may fetch over $700K at auction Shoebill: The human-sized African bird that eats baby crocodiles and kills its siblings The CIA wants to bring woolly mammoths back from extinction "Evidence from bone specimens suggests that the Dodo's tendon which closed its toes was exceptionally powerful, analogous to [those of] climbing and running birds alive today," study co-author Neil Gostling , an evolutionary biologist at the University of Southampton in the U.K., said in the statement. "These creatures were perfectly adapted to their environment." Understanding the dodo's characteristics and behavior may clarify the role it played in its ecosystem and could even help protect existing endangered birds, the study authors said in the statement. While the dodo is currently extinct, that may not be true for long. Scientists with Colossal Biosciences are trying to bring back the iconic flightless birds , which they hope to reintroduce to Mauritius to stabilize the ecosystem. The same company is trying to bring back the woolly mammoth . A new book on the northeast corridor by SUNY Buffalo professor David Alff shows that few of the problems that NJ Transit is facing now are new. (Photo by Edwin J. Torres/NJ Governor's Office) Despite decades of promises and the efforts of governors of both parties, NJ Transit still isnt working. This past summer saw days of mass cancellations and delays due to drooping power lines. The last time the service met its own goal of 94.7% on time was more than six months ago (and thats even with their rather flexible definition of what on time means). As anyone whos traveled to the European Union, Japan, or China can attest, rail service in other countries is generally faster, cheaper, and more reliable than it is here. The question is why, and what can be done about it. Some of the answers come from the history of rail service in New Jersey, as presented in The Northeast Corridor: The Trains, the People, the History, the Region, by David Alff. Alff an English professor at SUNY Buffalo has put together a history of northeast corridor train service and shows that few of the problems that were facing now are new, and almost all of them are rooted in a confluence of cut corners and short-sighted, strategy-free decision making. Alffs historical work documents the extent to which current problems are nothing new. During the Civil War, riders complained that Camden & Amboy train cars in New Jersey were crammed to suffocation and prone to delay. One lawmaker accused the line of fraud almost as pernicious as that of the Confederacy. Still, its a little upsetting to read about John Quincy Adams measuring the speed of a train outside of New York City thats faster than some NJ Transit trains hit on that line of track today (though Adams also saw the car behind him explode shortly afterward). The biggest reason trains on the northeast corridor will never go as fast as their global counterparts isnt a lack of ingenuity, investment, or interest, but the bends in the tracks: trains have to slow down to tackle curves, and New Jersey rail is lousy with them. In many cases, the rails follow Native American trails that predate European colonization; in others, like the s-curve that runs through Elizabeth, they follow towpaths and highways from the 1770s. One area of track in South Jersey swings around what was once the estate of Joseph Bonaparte, who won a case at the Supreme Court preventing a rail line through his property. Attempts to build straighter lines meant going through towns, leading in some cases to local riots, or landslides; it was easier to build tracks along the meandering highways and turnpikes that already existed. Even when track straightening did happen as it did after the Civil War around Princeton it didnt make things any more convenient: That straightening meant moving the trains to Princeton Junction, and doomed decades to the Dinky. For almost a century, there have been attempts to run high-speed trains through New Jersey. In the 1930s, the diesel-electric Comet was hitting 110 miles per hour on the New Haven line. The TurboTrain of the 1960s could hit 170 outside of Princeton Junction (those straight tracks paid off), but averaged about 60. The Metroliner, first run in 1969, could go 160, but drew too much power from the overhead lines to be reliable. The Acela and its upcoming replacement was marred by a botched rollout but has been, by far, the best attempt at bringing high-speed rail to New Jersey. But without straight tracks, nothing approaching the trains of other developed countries is likely to happen. Some have argued that the problem is government ownership, and that private industry would do a better job (or at least couldnt do worse). Alff quotes Heritage Foundation economist Stephen Moore writing, in 1990, Imagine what Donald Trump could do with passenger rail service (eventually Moore was on then-President Trumps economic team and authored a chapter of the now infamous Project 2025 book). Of course, Amtrak was formed largely because passenger rail hadnt been profitable in decades, and despite a statutory requirement to the contrary, Amtrak has never turned a profit, nor had enough money to do everything that customers and legislators want it to do, and that was before Reagan-era funding cuts, which reduced its subsidy in half over the 1980s. The trains of the northeast corridor were run by a succession of private companies until the formation of Amtrak, and their record of deferring maintenance and paying dividends rather than serving travelers is consistent. If nothing else, there are a lot fewer major rail accidents than there were when private companies were in charge. Many of the delays this summer were caused by power line problems. Alff makes it clear that these issues, too, have roots in the deep history of the corridor. A horrific wreck near Danbury led to a ban on steam trains; a series of electrocutions led to a ban on third-rail designs. Catenary lines were the one technology of the time that was left; trains built with them in mind means that we cant replace them without rebuilding the trains and tracks from the ground up. Few of the problems that were facing now are new, and almost all of them are rooted in a confluence of cut corners and short-sighted, strategy-free decision making. Dan Cassino A point Alff makes repeatedly is the difference in approaches between the train system in the United States and that of other countries. Rail service in other countries is seen as a technology to move people around efficiently: its infrastructure is no different than highways and not expected to make money. Moreover, just as many developed countries with universal health care got it in the wake of World War II, when widespread devastation left a vacuum, it may have been easier to build straight, efficient, fast rail lines in areas that had been destroyed. The other part of the problem is national politics. There have always been proponents of rail trying to better fund the system. But the people living along the corridor are disproportionately Democratic (Alff puts the figure at 70% supporting Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election), and disproportionately wealthy. Getting officials from other parts of the country to fund rail service for this one area has been difficult. Alffs history of the northeast corridor ends on upbeat notes about Moynihan Hall and the success of the Acela, and as illuminating as the history is, it doesnt provide much hope for fixing the problems that our rail system faces now. These problems facing our trains are nothing new, and neither are the responses from our leaders. Alff quotes an Amtrak ad from 1971, which pleads that fixing rail will take time and work. But were going to do it. Just be patient. More than fifty years later, were still waiting. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Donald Trump wants a sentencing delay until after election. The DA is open to it Former President Donald Trump's request for a delay in sentencing for falsifying business records that concealed hush money paid to a porn star was given a boost when prosecutors didn't take a position in a response made public Monday. Trump's lawyers told Judge Juan Merchan they want his sentencing, which is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 18, pushed back until after the November election. They argue that if sentencing is able to go forward because Merchan ends up rejecting Trump's request to toss out his conviction based on the Supreme Court's recent presidential immunity ruling, appellate courts should weigh in before any sentencing. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office didn't come out against that request, which leaves Merchan with less reason to rule against it even if the decision is still his to make. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg speaks after the guilty verdict on May 30, 2024, in former President Donald Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records in New York. Prosecutors told Merchan in a letter there are "strong reasons why" Trump shouldn't be able to appeal a ruling on the immunity question until after Trump has been sentenced, contrary to Trump's claim. But they nonetheless said they would defer to the court rather than stake out their own position on whether a delay is called for in order to reduce the risk that an appellate court that disagrees disrupts sentencing preparations. Merchan has said he plans to rule on Trump's motion to toss out the conviction on Sept. 16. Prosecutors noted that multiple government agencies have to take "significant public safety and logistical steps" to even prepare for Trump to appear in court for sentencing Sept. 18. They said Trump's desire to appeal before sentencing, assuming Merchan rules against him on immunity, could mean those steps are taken in vain if Merchan sticks to the current sentencing date but an appeals court later intervenes. Trump was convicted May 30 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of a conspiracy to unlawfully interfere in the 2016 election. Prosecutors argued that Trump directed a $130,000 payment to keep porn star Stormy Daniels quiet about an alleged affair with Trump in 2006 which he denies. A unanimous Manhattan jury concluded that records concerning Trump's reimbursement for the payment were falsified. The crux of Trump's motion is that a specific portion of the Supreme Court's recent presidential immunity ruling that was backed by five of the six Republican-appointed justices means evidence introduced at Trump's trial involved official presidential acts that shouldn't have been presented to the jury. Bragg's office has said the Supreme Court ruling doesn't apply to Trump's conviction and, even if it did call for excluding evidence, that wouldn't be justification for overturning the verdict. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump NY sentencing delay request given boost by Manhattan DA response Donald Trumps nephew discussed the familys history of dementia and possible signs of the condition in his uncle during an interview last week. Fred Trump III, the son of Donald Trumps late brother, Fred Trump Jr., wrote in his book about his grandfathers battle with Alzheimers disease. Fred Trump Sr. died at 93 years old in 1999, eight years after he was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease. During an appearance on SiriusXMs The Dean Obeidallah Show, Fred Trump III was asked if he sees anything in Donald Trump that reminds him of his grandfather during those years. He suggested he could see some indicators based on his experiences, but noted hes no medical expert. You know, Donald said, Oh, my father was tiptop until the end. I can assure you, that was not the case, he said. I know what I saw in my grandfather, he added. I know what I saw in Donalds older sister, my aunt Maryanne, who in the end ... I am not a doctor, I dont pretend to be. I just, I know the warning signs from both of my grandfathers. Donald Trumps sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, died at 86 in November last year. Donalds cousin, John Walters, had dementia. It runs in the family, Fred Trump III went on, adding of his uncle: He looks older. And I get it ... anybody who is in that office looks different than when they come out. But the things hes spewing and the craziness, and he just cant stick to a message. And he used to be able to stick to a message. He noted the Republican nominees failure to stay on topic at a speech in North Carolina last week that his campaign said would focus on the economy. He had one goal. Talk about the economy, he said. The Trump campaign did not immediately return a request for comment. Fred Trump III last month became the second member of the family to publish a damaging tell-all about the former president when he released his memoir, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way. His sister, Mary Trump, has written several books on the subject. Both Fred Trump III and Mary Trump are supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 race. Donald Trump spent much of the campaign against President Joe Biden fixated on what he claimed was a cognitive decline in his opponent. Polls showed significant portions of voters were concerned about both mens mental acuity. Trumps been struggling to recalibrate since Biden stepped aside and Harris, a much younger and more energetic candidate, joined the race to a wave of momentum. The Washington Post earlier this year analyzed Trumps preoccupation with mental fitness and how that may have been shaped by his fathers experience. Experts dont exactly know how people develop Alzheimers, but genetics have been found to play a role. Individuals with a parent or sibling who had the condition are more likely to develop the condition, and the risk increases for those who have more than one first-degree relative with the condition, according to the Alzheimers Association. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Dozens of suspects were arrested during an 11-week period in a retail theft blitz operation, the San Francisco Police Department announced Monday. The operations, which were conducted between May 13 and July 29, resulted in the arrests of 61 people. Officers assigned to SFPDs Ingleside Station pre-planned the shoplifting and retail theft abatement operation. Gov. Newsom signs locked door loophole bill to combat car break-ins Due to a high number of shoplifting incidents they were experiencing, retail stores in the following locations were chosen for the operation: 3300 block of Mission Street 800 block of Market Street 5200 block of Diamond Heights Boulevard 2300 block of 16th Street Of the 61 people arrested, one suspect was booked at San Francisco County Jail for burglary 2nd degree, probation violation, and grand theft. Nine were booked at SF County Jail for outstanding warrants in addition to theft charges. Fifty-two suspects were cited for shoplifting and released from the scene, police said. Photo: SFPD Photo: SFPD Photo: SFPD Photo: SFPD Photo: SFPD Photo: SFPD Photo: SFPD Stolen property was seized by officers during the operation and returned to the store. Police say that although arrests have been made, these investigations remain active and ongoing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. The Blue Angels was among those on display on Saturday at the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow, held at Colorado Springs, Colo., on Saturday and Sunday. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Dozens of spectators of a Colorado airshow were treated for heat-related illness over the weekend, according to authorities who said 10 people were hospitalized due to the extreme weather. The sold-out Pikes Peak Regional Airshow was held in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Saturday and Sunday, when the local National Weather Service had warned of hot and dry weather. Along with the 10 hospitalized, 100 spectators were treated onsite Saturday, the Colorado Springs Fire Department said. "All partners and resources at the airshow handled this incident swiftly and professionally," Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal said in a statement. "Their quick actions ensured people were taken care of and serious injuries were avoided." The fire department had earlier Saturday announced that three people had been hospitalized and up to 50 had received treatment for heat-related illness. Colorado Springs Fire Department spokeswoman Ashley Franco said symptoms experienced by those sick were nausea, headache and "just overheating in general," CBS News reported. "So, really what we're doing is we're getting them into this building, we're getting them into air conditioning, we're giving them IV fluids, we're taking their vitals, we're seeing what every patient needs," Franco said. The announcements followed the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow urging spectators to stay hydrated. "There is a FREE water station at the center of the ground near the medical station," it said on Facebook. DIXON, Ill. (WTVO) One driver had to be pulled from a burning vehicle after two cars collided near Dixon on Saturday, and a second motorist was injured. Police say a severe thunderstorm may have contributed to the crash. According to the Lee County Sheriffs Office, around 6:21 p.m. a 2017 BMW headed east on Illinois Route 2 collided with a 2013 Ford Expedition headed westbound, near Sink Hollow Road. The driver of the Expedition, a 48-year-old woman from Rock Falls, was extricated by bystanders due to the vehicle being on fire due to the crash, officials said. The driver of the BMW, a 53-year-old woman from Winnebago, was extricated by fire personnel. Both drivers were initially sent to KSB Hospital for treatment, and the Rock Falls woman was later airlifted to OSF St. Anthony in Rockford. Their current conditions are unknown. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A chop shop operation that targeted stolen off-highway vehicles (OHVs) was discovered this month by authorities during an unrelated investigation near the far southern tip of Nevada, according to information released Monday by the Mohave County (Arizona) Sheriffs Office. Mohave County Sheriffs Office deputies arrested Lee Jet Kennedy, 52, on Thursday, Aug. 16, after finding evidence linked to stolen quad OHVs on the Arizona side of the Colorado River near Needles, California. Kennedy faces felony charges that include five counts of theft of means of transportation, theft, owning/ operating a chop shop, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and tampering with physical evidence. Three others who were at the property in the 3000 block of Sagebrush Drive in Mohave Valley were also charged. Sarah Javine Stewart, 37, was arrested on felony charges of possession of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and misconduct involving weapons-prohibited possessor. Matthew Ray Kormes, 58, and Suann Esther Kormes, 55, face charges of misdemeanor criminal nuisance and public nuisance, along with violations related to dog licenses. The arrests came nearly a year after a trailer with two quads was reported stolen from a property in Havasu Heights on Sept. 20, 2023. The stolen quads were described as a yellow Honda 400 and a gray Polaris Predator 500. Officers went to the property on Aug. 9 during an unrelated investigation. The property was the site of numerous calls involving narcotics, stolen vehicles and wanted persons. Deputies spotted a quad that had been cut in half. While on the property, Deputies observed a quad that had been cut in half and bore a factory VIN sticker. A records check revealed the frame to have come from the stolen Polaris Predator 500. Four people were arrested during an Aug. 16 raid in Mohave County, Arizona. (Photo: MCSO) Four people were arrested during an Aug. 16 raid in Mohave County, Arizona. (Photo: MCSO) Four people were arrested during an Aug. 16 raid in Mohave County, Arizona. (Photo: MCSO) When deputies returned to the property on Aug. 16 with a search warrant, they were accompanied by Arizona Department of Public Safety officers, SWAT, code enforcement and several other support teams. Deputies said Kennedy had six additional stolen quads or main quad components, along with methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia consistent with the sales and distribution of dangerous drugs. About 4.5 ounces of methamphetamine and a quarter-ounce of Psylocibin mushrooms were seized as evidence. In addition, deputies said Stewart had a .22 caliber pump action rifle. She is prohibited from possessing firearms. Based on the condition of the property, Mohave County Code Enforcement and Mohave County Developmental Services deemed the property hazardous to public health and affixed a 24-hour self-abatement notice, according to the sheriffs office. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) A man has pleaded guilty to several charges after his drunk driving caused a fatal head-on crash on Merchants Drive at Wilkerson Road in October 2021, the Office of the District Attorney General announced Monday. Kyle David Moore, 39, pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, and Reckless Endangerment. He has been sentenced to 12 years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. Remains found off I-275 in Knoxville identified after 20 years The DAs office shared that on October 23, 2021, Moore was driving east on Merchants Drive when he crossed the double yellow line and struck the victims vehicle, killing the passenger and seriously injuring the driver. According to the DA, Moore told firefighters with the Knoxville Fire Department that he was intoxicated. When a responding Knoxville Police officer asked him for a blood draw to find his blood alcohol content, Moore responded that the officer would have to work for it. A search warrant for his blood revealed a .187 BAC, which is more than twice the legal limit. Fire destroys barbecue restaurant in Townsend Roughly one-third of all fatal crashes in Tennessee last year involved an impaired driver, said DA Charme Allen. Moores license will also be revoked for 10 years in addition to his prison sentence. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Hunting season is in sight and a Sioux Falls sporting goods store is using a special shopping experience to benefit a local nonprofit. Scheels in Sioux Falls will host its first-ever Ducks & Bucks after-hours sales event in September. Itll be hunting clothing, itll be fishing, itll be hunting gear, itll be firearms, a little bit of everything for those guys that are getting ready for hunting season, Scheels Assistant Store Leader Josiah Christoffer said. Tickets are $10, but youll receive a $10 Scheels gift card. Ticket proceeds will be donated to a local hunting nonprofit, either Wheelchair Adventures or Warriors Never Give Up. Theyre both awesome, and I would say go online and vote for one that maybe pulls at your heartstrings the most but then I would research the other one and if you can get involved in some way I would do that because theyre both really cool, Christoffer said. Motorcyclist severely injured in Sioux Falls crash When you see the videos of those guys taking their first big deer or antelope or whatever it is, just the joy that brings and its awesome we get to be a part of that, Hunting Clothing Manager Pat Short said. Pat Short is the hunting clothing manager and says Ducks & Bucks is a chance to plan your next big adventure. I just think it would be a great opportunity for guys that are getting ready to plan a trip with a buddy that they can come in and get geared up for wherever their adventure is going to lead them this year, Short said. If Ducks & Bucks is a sellout, the winning nonprofit will receive $4,000. The winner will be announced Thursday, meaning theres still time to vote. Go find us on Facebook and you can vote online there and you can learn more about the event too, Christoffer said. Giving back by helping others get outdoors. Ducks & Bucks is set for Sunday, September 15th at 7:00 p.m. The first 300 tickets to the event are sold out, but another 100 will be available beginning on Thursday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) called former President Donald Trump despicable after he said the nations highest civilian award was much better than the highest honor in the military because soldiers had to die or be severely wounded to receive it. Donald Trump is despicable. He doesnt deserve to be commander in chief, Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran who lost her legs when her Black Hawk helicopter was attacked in 2004, said on ABC News This Week. And certainly those remarks are consistent with where hes always been. He thinks that were suckers and losers and, frankly, hes not fit to be commander in chief. Duckworth was awarded a Purple Heart for her service and has been a fierce defender of veterans while in Congress. Donald Trump is despicable. He doesnt deserve to be commander in chief. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran wounded in combat, reacts after former Pres. Trumps description of Medal of Honor recipients sparks backlash. https://t.co/ktVCvHyfPZpic.twitter.com/UZaX1UtBV5 This Week (@ThisWeekABC) August 18, 2024 Trump spoke at a campaign event in New Jersey on Thursday where he was introduced by GOP megadonor Miriam Adelson. After he took the stage, the former president praised the billionaire for her work supporting Republican causes and noted that he had awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his tenure, the nations highest civilian honor. Thats the highest award you can get as a civilian, its the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor, but civilian version, Trump said, referring to the nations highest military decoration. Its actually much better because everyone gets the congressional Medal of Honor, thats soldiers, theyre either in very bad shape because theyve been hit so many times by bullets, or theyre dead, he went on. The remarks prompted swift condemnation. Duckworth said Trumps latest remarks were emblematic of the countrys choice between the former president and the Harris campaign. She went on to praise Harris choice of running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and rejected criticism about his military record, adding that she was excited to have someone with military experience running for the office. American voters have a chance to choose, the senator said Sunday. Do they want a five-time draft dodger who denigrates military men and women and our veterans and calls us suckers and losers, who doesnt want to have his picture taken with amputee veterans of various conflicts, to be the next commander in chief? Or are you going to have Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, who care deeply about veterans, she said. Tim Walz has been out there leading on so many issues for veterans. Sen. Tammy Duckworth defends Gov. Tim Walz after he is criticized for past characterizations of his military service: "He is, in fact, somebody that I think will be very good for America to have in the Situation Room with his vast military experience. https://t.co/Xk7XA2YbFEpic.twitter.com/GX5oM3MMzD This Week (@ThisWeekABC) August 18, 2024 Related... Duval County voter turnout for the Florida primary is expected to be roughly 23% Action News Jax is looking at early voter turnout ahead of the states primary election Tuesday. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Early voting ended Sunday and between that and vote by mail, turnout so far in Duval County is sitting at over 11.58%. Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland said his office is expecting about a 23% overall turnout, with an expected 75,000 voters participating on election day. Holland said with any kind of primary election, turnout typically trends around 20%. Not unusual because for the no party affiliation voters theyve only got a few races, and it doesnt often motivate them to come to the polls, so it really turns down the turnout, said Holland. So far, they expect about half of all people casting ballots in this election will vote at precincts Tuesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] As of 11 a.m. On Monday, 29,194 voted by mail, and 43,744 people early voted in this election. You can expect no lines on election day for the primary, but come November, Holland wants to stress if 50% of the voters wait to vote on election day there will be some long lines. This is when they need to take advantage of early voting is in the November election where we anticipate to have between 75% and 80% overall turnout, Holland said. Remember the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and you must vote at your assigned polling place. [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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Iran is pessimistic about the role and military involvement of the US in the region, in the South Caucasus, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, Nasser Kanaani said during a press conference in Tehran on August 19, Trend reports. According to him, US involvement in the region will not be a bed of roses. Iran and Armenia have a desire to build comprehensive relations, as pointed out by Kanaani. Protecting the region's security and borders is a priority for all sides. Iran remains silent on international affairs and stays out of bilateral disputes. To note, according to recent reports in the media, military jets transporting American personnel and weapons have touched down in Armenia, where they would be deployed. Oklahomans can head to the polls later this week to begin voting in the Aug. 27 election. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Early voting begins Thursday for the Aug. 27 primary runoff. Early voting at county election boards is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, it is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Voters will pick legislative candidates who failed to get 50% plus one vote in the June 18 primary. Some races will be decided in the runoff. House Budget and Appropriations Chairman Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, faces Republican Jim Shaw of Chandler in the race for House District 32. The two were the top vote getters in the June 18 primary. No independent or Libertarian filed for the post. Wellston residents will also vote on a $10 million bond issue to improve schools. Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens, R-Tahlequah, faces Julie McIntosh, a Republican from Porter. The winner faces Margaret Cook, an independent from Tahlequah, in the November general election for the Senate District 3 seat. Norman Republicans Lisa Standridge and Robert C. Keyes will face one another for the Senate District 15 seat. The seat is currently held by Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, who is term limited. The winner faces Norman Democrat Elizbeth Foreman. Residents of Senate District 47 will pick a replacement for Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, who is term limited. Republican Kelly E. Hines of Edmond faces Jenny Schmitt, a Republican from Oklahoma City. The winner faces Democrat Erin Brewer of Edmond. Several other races, issues and school propositions will also be on the ballot. Oklahoma City residents will go to the polls to decide whether or not to raise the hotel tax to 9.25% from 5.5% to promote tourism. The increase is expected to generate $11.6 million. In Tulsa, seven people are vying to succeed Mayor G.T. Bynum, but only five are actively campaigning. A Nov. 5 runoff is set if necessary. Nine City Council seats are also on the ballot. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 27. Oklahoma requires proof of identity to vote. Democrats have opened their primaries to independents, but Republicans have closed primaries. To view a sample ballot or locate a polling location, visit the Oklahoma Voter Portal. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST DAINGERFIELD, Texas (KETK) The now-defunct Lone Star Steel plant near Daingerfield was the focus of over 10 years worth of East Texass most violent labor struggles in the 1950s and 1960s. OSHA fines company $35k for death of construction worker at East Texas plant Those strikes and the other labor disputes in KETKs series East Texas Biggest Labor Disputes, represent a long history of working people from across East Texas fighting against racism, discrimination and unfair working conditions. They tell the story of how workers from all different industries fought to keep their jobs, unionize their workplaces, secure wage increases, healthcare benefits and more. On every Monday and Thursday until Labor Day on Sept. 2, KETK will present one of the eight most consequential chapters in East Texas labor history. Be sure to stay up to date with KETK so you wont miss the next edition of East Texas Biggest Labor Disputes on Thursday, Aug. 22. 1957-1968: Lone Star Steel In 1957 and 1968, strikes at Lone Star Steel near Daingerfield were marked by several shootings and bombings, according to the Texas State Historical Association. A Texas Ranger by the name of Lewis Rigler, was one of those who were assigned to uphold order at Lone Star Steel in 1957 and 1968. Rigler described his experience of the strikes in his book titled, In the Line of Duty: Reflections of a Texas Ranger Private. Tyler Pipe Co. sued by Department of Labor after allegedly firing employee who raised safety concerns According to Rigler, the 1957 strike was a wildcat strike that started when 1,500 workers walked out of the plant in reaction to Lone Star Steels handling of grievances. Rigler said that the plants president E. B. Germany was a known staunch anti-laborite who wouldnt close the plant and hired expensive scab workers to keep the plant open during the strike. The Lone Star Steel plant in Morris County on Dec. 17 of 2022. Photo courtesy of Jay Patrick. In this first strike Rigler reported that fences were cut, houses were shot into, people were beaten, buildings were burned, cattle were shot, cars had their windows broken and sugar put into their gas tanks. There were even bombings. Rigler said that when the striking workers first used bombs they used sticks of dynamite wired to alarm clocks and hidden in factory machinery. Later they reportedly dynamited a gas line they believed fed the plant but actually fed local hospitals. That bombing of the hospitals gas line led to public opinion turning against the strike which was quickly settled, according to Rigler. The 1957 wildcat strike ended 40 days after it started and the workers were told that everyone except the strike leaders were going to hired back according to how senior they were before the strike. According to Rigler, the morning after the announcement was made there was a mass of people crowded in the employment office. Steel business fined $6k by OSHA for accident that killed Tyler man The workers wanted their jobs back so much that Rigler said they packed into the office back to front and ended up breaking a window. Rigler said he had to make the following announcement to disperse the crowd: Yall are all pressing too much and theres no need of it, someone might get hurt. So just think what it would be like if you were all buck naked and pressing like that! The leaders of the union were kept out of the plant for around 18 months and Rigler said many never returned to work there. The Lone Star Steel baghouse and electric arc furnace building on March 14, 2024. Photo courtesy of Jay Patrick. In 1968, 95% of the plants 3,000 workers reportedly went on strike for a basic steel contract like they had in 1956 through 1958. The workers wanted their contract to have a pension plan, improved benefits and vacations, according to Rigler. By that time Lone Star Steel was the biggest employer in the area, so Rigler reports that there was nowhere else for the strikers to find work, putting them under a lot of pressure which led to violence for the second time at Lone Star Steel. Rigler wrote that that when trucks carrying steel would leave the plant they would be shot at by men hiding in the woods of nearby hills. In one case Rigler said a manger got a call about a bomb left in the mess hall that was set to go off at noon. Luckily, Rigler and some other Rangers working the strike were able to disarm the device. One building near the plant housed a real estate office for workers and it was found blown to pieces. Rigler said bombs were placed in the plants smokestacks and in the rooms of Rangers and Highway Patrolmen working the strike. Lone Star Steel reportedly issued a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the alleged industrial saboteurs. Scabbing workers would leave work at the plant and find their tires shot or would be shot at as they left. Rigler wrote that once a Captain Crowder and a Ranger Mitchell borrowed a truck and went incognito as workers with hard hats and left the plant. Sale of US Steel kicks up a political storm, but Pittsburgh isnt Steeltown USA anymore They were allegedly shot at and they caught a couple of guys but were not able to get convictions on them because, When an industry supports an entire section of the state, you are never going to find a jury that will convict this kind of wrongdoer. Two trucks from Fort Worth picked up some steel pipe from the plant and stopped in Mount Pleasant for the night. The trucks were dynamited and the pipes were mangled into L-shapes by the explosion. According to Rigler, three people were arrested for bombing the trucks but, again, they were not convicted. At least 200 people were reportedly injured during the 210-day-long strike and one 27-year-old man was killed with a shotgun. According to the United Steelworkers of America, Local 4134, Lone Star Steel Strike Collection at the University of Texas Arlington, the strike ended in May of 1969 after the union and Lone Star Steel agreed to a contract. The Lone Star Steel electric arc furnace building on March 14, 2024. Photo courtesy of Jay Patrick. Rigler concluded the section of his memoir on the strike by saying: I certainly did not approve of the acts of violence or the way the strikers went about trying to what they wanted, but neither did I approve of Lone Star Steels tactics, because often what the workers were striking over was working conditions rather than money. I didnt care for either side. In fact, I just wanted the damn thing to be over. According to the Texarkana Gazette, the Lone Star Steel plant closed in 2020. The company cited the COVID-19 pandemics effect on the industry as the reason for the plants closure. To read the rest of this series, visit the following articles: East Texas Biggest Labor Disputes: The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886 East Texas Biggest Labor Disputes: The Lumber Wars of 19111912 East Texas Biggest Labor Disputes: The Texas Sick Chicken Strike of 1953-1957 As this article shows, East Texas has a deep history of labor activity and because of that deep history this article is not comprehensive. Many labor disputes, even modern ones, are under-reported on, so theyre often only known about by the people who lived through them. Anyone who would like to tell us about any labor disputes not covered in this series is invited to email newsroom@ketk.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. LEXINGTON, Okla. (KFOR) Theres an effort to honor a WWII Veteran down in Lexington, Oklahoma just east of Purcell. They want to dedicate a stretch of highway in his name with two signs, but they need help paying for it and theyre hoping Oklahomans can step in and help with that. The gentlemen seeking the donations are with the American Legion Post in Lexington. They want to put a sign on the east side of the James Nance Bridge that connects Lexington and Purcell. The signs would honor Col. John L. Smith, a medal of honor recipient. They also want to put another one just about a mile north of that location, but still on Highway 77. They just need help raising the money to do so. LOCAL NEWS: The CARE Centers ROAR program aims to prevent child abuse Were want this dedicated to this man because he deserves it, Glen Parker, a Vietnam veteran with the American Legion Post said. Being on the cover of LIFE Magazine in 1942 is only a part of the storied history of Col. John Lucien Smith. President Roosevelt awarded him the Medal of Honor, Parker said. Five Star Adm. Chester Nimitz presented him with a Navy Cross. It starts with him being born and raised in Lexington, Oklahoma. He even has his own plaque inside City Hall there. He was a University of Oklahoma graduate in 1936, then he joined the Marines soon after and became a Naval Aviator. Col. Smith shot down 19 Japanese planes during the Battle of Guadalcanal, Parker said. Smiths Marine Fighter Squadron shot down 83 total enemy aircraft. He served 24 years from 1936 to 1960 and earned 18 total medals, including the Medal of Honor. Now, Parker and others with the Lexington American Legion Post want to honor him with two signs along Highway 77. They sent us an invoice for $1,720, $860 apiece for those signs, Parker said. LOCAL NEWS: Mercy Hospital opens Braums Infant Milk Room The invoice comes from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Under state statute, it costs money to do something like this unless the person who served was killed in contingency operations. So, theyre hoping Oklahomans can step in and help raise money for their hometown hero. If theres anything I can do to help Ill do it, Parker said. Smith died at the age of 57 in 1972. Hes buried in Arlington National Cemetery. If youd like to donate, that legion post can be reached by email at okpost301@gmail.com or by phone at 405-823-9051. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. UPDATE: City Rep. Josh Acevedo made a motion to delete the city manager decision on Monday, Aug. 19, until February 2025 after the new council is sworn in. The motion was a tie, with Mayor Oscar Leeser breaking the tie by voting no. Those who voted yes were the following: Acevedo, Cassandra Hernandez, Isabel Salcido, and Henry Rivera. Those who voted no are the following: Brian Kennedy, Joe Molinar, Art Fierro, Chris Canales, and Oscar Leeser. ORIGINAL: EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso City Council is set to interview all four city manager candidates in executive session on Monday, Aug. 19, before publicly discussing and voting on the final selection. The four candidates for the position are Chief Financial Officer Robert Cortinas; Deputy City Manager Mario DAgostino; Climate and Sustainability Officer Nicole Alderete-Ferrini; and Deputy City Manager Dionne Mack. The finalists were selected by City Council and were announced on Friday, July 12. As we have previously reported, city Rep. Josh Acevedo shared his concerns and criticized the selection process for falling short on being transparent later that Friday, July 12. Acevedo said City Council was notified at 6 p.m. Thursday night, July 11, that a news conference would be held to announce the four finalists for the city manager position. City Council never received a report from staff or Baker Tilly, the search firm, on candidate rankings nor were given a draft of candidate finalists, according to a news release sent out by Acevedos office. Instead, council was only given a draft of todays press release with the list of four finalists at 8:26 p.m. last night. As a City Manager/Council form of government, council should have had the opportunity to convene and review the results of the rankings compiled from the nine members of City Council and submitted on Tuesday, July 9. This would have allowed the body to give input and determine the number of finalists to interview and perhaps council would have agreed on adding a few more candidates to the list of finalists, Acevedos office added. Acevedo also said: The effort to select the next City Manager is one of our largest goals as a major Texas city, yet we were largely kept in the dark on selecting finalists to interview. I was only notified about the list of finalists through a draft press release I received hours before the press conference. Later that Friday, Leesers office also sent a statement to KTSM in response to what Acevedo said. It reads in part: Contrary to his claim, the City Council received detailed reports from the search firm outlining the qualifications and assessments of all 14 semifinalists. These reports included comprehensive documents such as resumes, cover letters, extensive questionnaires, and video interviews, offering thorough insights into each candidate. Its regrettable that Rep. Acevedo feels uninformed about the process. However, the claim that council members were largely kept in the dark does not align with the factual distribution of detailed candidate assessments provided. These documents were shared well in advance of any public announcements, allowing ample time for review and consideration by all council members. Once individual preferences were submitted by council members, further debate was unnecessary to maintain the integrity of the data. Rep. Acevedo may express disappointment with the final list of candidates, but its important to note that the selection of the City Manager is a collective decision, not that of any individual member. Leesers office also said: The decision-making process was a comprehensive data-driven effort, resulting in the identification of the top four candidates and an alternate, with a tie occurring for the alternate position. Each step was guided by rigorous evaluations and analyses, ensuring transparency and accountability in our selection criteria. Leeser then held a press conference on Thursday, Aug. 15, at City Hall to discuss the city manager selection process. Leeser was intense throughout the conference, arguing that El Paso City Council has been committed to a thorough and transparent hiring process in search of a new city manager. Im tired of hearing that it was rushed. Im really tired of hearing that were in a lame-duck session, because [its] none of the above. What we are, is in a very transparent process, Leeser said. Leeser also provided handouts with a timeline of the city manager search dating back to March 28, 2023, when City Council voted to prepare a request for proposal (RFP) to select an Executive Recruiting Firm. Leeser also said that all City Council members received a report after Baker Tilly narrowed down the pool of candidates to 14. Every City Council member got to look at the final 14. They had to look at their email to be able to do this. They looked at the application, they had a video on there, and then you got to pick your top 5. It was full involvement by council, you couldnt have done it if you didnt open your email, Leeser said. Leeser also addressed criticisms that there were no real efforts to conduct a national search for a candidate. Back in February I said We ought to look in our backyard. We ought to look at our local talent first. And then if we dont find anybody, if we dont feel we have anybody qualified, then lets go out and spend the money to hire a search firm, Leeser said. To spend the $40,000-$50,000 we spent to determine that the top four were sitting in our own backyard. Leeser noted that the City has already looked out of town twice before, and that its time we stay local. As weve previously reported, Former City Manager Tommy Gonzalezs contract was terminated by a 5-4 vote of City Council in February 2023. Leeser cast the tiebreaking vote to terminate his contract. Cary Westin was appointed as interim city manager in May 2023. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Tesla founder Elon Musk has denied the claim made by Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Kremlin-controlled Chechnya, who previously boasted that he had received a Tesla Cybertruck as a gift from the American entrepreneur. Source: Musk's response to a post by American writer, professor and political commentator Seth Abramson on Twitter (X) Details: Abramson shared a video showing Kadyrov in a Cybertruck equipped with a machine gun, expressing his confusion about the situation. "I'm confused. US Military Academy at West Point just had Elon Musk as its convocation speaker, when Musk is providing vehicles ready for military use to sanctioned enemies of America? Why isn't this the biggest story in America today? Why is West Point coddling a man working openly against the US?" Abramson tweeted, tagging Musk in the post. Screenshot: Abramson on Twitter (X) Details: The Tesla founder responded in the comments in a rather dismissive manner, denying that he had given the Cybertruck to Kadyrov. "Are you seriously so retarded that you think I donated a Cybertruck to a Russian general? Thats amazing," Musk wrote. Screenshot: Musk on Twitter (X) Background: Earlier, Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Kremlin-controlled Chechnya, boasted that he received a Tesla cybertruck from Tesla founder Elon Musk and vowed to send it to the front line in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Not content with goading British rioters or trying to bait South American dictators into cage fights, a controversial tweet has yet again landed the worlds richest man in hot water. On Sunday, bloodthirsty Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov took to X, formerly Twitter, to personally thank Elon Musk after obtaining a Cybertruck hed since kitted out with a machine gun turret, adding I am sure this beast will be of great use to our soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. After being directly confronted on the platform by activist and lawyer Seth Abramson over whether he had in fact supplied one of Putins closest allies with a Tesla vehicle, Musk tweeted: Are you seriously so r-----ed that you think I donated a Cybertruck to a Russian general? Thats amazing. Putins Bloodiest Ally: Elon Musk Gifted Me a Cybertruck The anti-disability slur immediately sparked backlash in the comments section. One user posted words like the r word are awful and insulting and should never be used in this day and age, with another person adding Do you actually use that word like that? What an a--hole. As someone whos previously been candid about his experiences of growing up with Aspergers syndrome, a form of autism, Musks cruel choice of insult was all the more curious for it actually having been used against him at school. Back in 2022, the Tesla CEOs estranged father, Errol Musk, spoke in a YouTube interview about being called in for a meeting with one of Musks teachers when the future PayPal founder was only in the second grade. We think Elons r-----ed, he remembered being told. We think he needs a special school. Countries Cant Stop Elon Musk Stoking Civil WarBut We Can Musks use of X has become increasingly erratic and conspiratorial since he purchased the platform in October 2022. Having pushed well-worn disinformation narratives to his immense following on topics ranging from the war in Ukraine to gender rows at the Paris Olympics, the European Union finally leveled formal charges against X last month for potential violations of the blocs social media laws. His seemingly abrupt transformation from one-time humanitarian to a darling among far-right conspiracy theorists has also raised widespread concerns over his mental health. Not least given hes admitted to using ketamine in treating his depression, though he claimed earlier in March to be almost always sober during tweet sessions. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. (Reuters) -Emergent BioSolutions said on Monday it would donate 50,000 doses of its smallpox vaccine to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other impacted countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to address the current mpox outbreak. The World Health Organization last week declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years as a new variant of the virus, known as clade Ib, spread rapidly in Africa. At least one person in Sweden has been confirmed with the infection, marking the first time the new variant has been seen outside of Africa. Emergent's ACAM2000 vaccine, approved for smallpox, has been used as an mpox shot but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is yet to approve its application for use against the virus. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACAM2000, a live, replicating virus vaccine, has more known side effects and risks than Danish biotech Bavarian Nordic A/S's Jynneos vaccine, which is approved in the U.S. for both smallpox and mpox. ACAM2000 is known to cause myocarditis/pericarditis - swelling in or around the heart muscle - in 1 in 175 new ACAM2000 vaccine recipients, according to the FDA. Instead of an injection, the shot is given via a series of small pokes on the skin using a two-pronged needle. The injection site forms a scab, which takes 2-4 weeks to heal. Until the scab falls off, it could spread live virus to other parts of the body or people. ACAM2000 is not recommended for people with compromised immune systems, such as HIV. (Reporting by Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Stephen Coates) The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services' Civil Commitment Unit for Sex Offenders is located on the campus of the Mental Health Institute in Cherokee. (Photo via Google Earth; logo courtesy the State of Iowa) An employee of Iowas state-run Civil Commitment Unit for Sex Offenders is suing the state, alleging sexual improprieties by the staff, including the former clinical director. It is the second time a clinical director of the unit which provides treatment for criminally convicted sexual offenders has been accused of sexual improprieties. Keisha Mammen, a treatment program supervisor in the unit, is suing the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, which runs the unit, and her supervisor, Matthew Boothby, in Polk County District Court. Mammen is accusing DHHS and Boothby of sex discrimination, sexual harassment and unequal pay. In a separate complaint Mammen filed in January with the Iowa Civil Service Commission, Mamman listed some of the misconduct she has allegedly witnessed while working in the unit and stated that she has retained text messages and videos to support her claims. Among the alleged incidents: Nude video: A supervisor, Jordan Frahm, sent Mammen a video of himself completely nude, jumping off a roof into a pool, Mammen alleged. Frahm sent her the video, Mammen alleged, while the two were participating in training on how to investigate employee misconduct. Frahm allegedly followed up the video with a text message that stated, Discipline this, DAS an apparent reference to the Department of Administrative Services, which handles employee disciplinary matters for the state. Mammen alleges she reported the matter to Boothby who questioned whether Frahm had merely forwarded to her an internet meme. I replied, No, it is Jordan Frahm completely naked,' Mammen wrote in her complaint. Clinical director: Clint Frederiksen, the clinical director of the Civil Commitment Unit for Sex Offenders, was forced to resign last year, Mammen alleged, due to sexually inappropriate conduct with employees. Frederiksen had made sexual advances toward her, Mammen wrote in her complaint, by calling her on the phone and encouraging a sexual relationship and promises of advancement with his support. Mammen also wrote: I did have a sexual affair on two occasions outside of work with Clint and almost ruined my marriage. Clint advised me to never report it as it would cost me my job. Frederiksen resigned in October 2023. According to the Cherokee Chronicle Times, he agreed to quit in lieu being fired after DHHS concluded he had violated state policies on sexual harassment. Complaint ruled unfounded: In the summer of 2022, a staff member did something to a patient that was against policy, Mammen alleged without elaborating. She stated that she reported the matter and archived security footage that confirmed what had transpired. She alleged that a colleague, Tony Henderson, then berated her for her actions and told her, There are other ways to gain respect than ruining a mans 13-year career. Mammen alleged the patients family reported the incident to the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, which investigated the matter and subsequently determined the familys complaint was unfounded. Patient boundary issues: In late 2022, Mammen alleged, a colleague reported that a female employee in the unit seemed to have boundary issues with a particular patient. Mammen said she reviewed security camera footage and noticed the female employee was taking a break from her assigned duties to play cards with the patient. Mammen alleged Henderson then approached her and told her she needed to quit accusing the staff of misconduct or hed have her assigned to the day shift under his supervision. Later, Mammen alleged, the female employee was found to be engaged in an inappropriate relationship with the patient, was placed on administrative leave and then resigned. Harassment complaint: After an employee made a sexual harassment complaint, Mamman alleged, she asked Boothby what she should do about the matter. Henderson, who was in the room, allegedly spoke up and said, Nothing. It was months ago and youre not doing s with it. Boothby allegedly told Mammen, Im sorry, Im not going to make you sweep that under the rug. You need to file a complaint on behalf of the employee. When contacted by the Iowa Capital Dispatch, Boothby referred questions on the allegations to Brad Whitrock, the units assistant superintendent. Whitrock and Frahm referred all question to a DHHS spokesperson who declined to comment. Henderson did not immediately return messages seeking comment, and Frederiksen could not be reached for comment. State records indicate Frederiksen replaced Shannon Sanders as the clinical director of the Civil Commitment Unit for Sex Offenders. According to civil court filings, Sanders had been fired by the state for failing to file reports as required. However, the Associated Press obtained a copy of Sanders separation letter with the state and reported that the letter indicates Sanders was fired due to boundary violations she committed with a patient and that she had performed special favors for the man, lied to protect him and failed to report that he had personal feelings for her. The patient in question, Jeff Goodwin, sued the state, alleging Sanders allowed him to masturbate in front of her and that the two watched pornography together and shared details of their sexual histories allegations the state denied. Goodwins lawsuit was dismissed earlier this year when a judge ruled that his attorneys had failed to file a certificate of merit based on an experts opinion that the accepted standards of care had been breached. The dismissal has been appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court. According to her lawsuit, Mammen was hired by DHHS in July 2020 to work as a psychiatric security specialist in the Cherokee facility. In May 2021, she was promoted to treatment program supervisor, the position she still holds. She alleges that in October 2023, she applied for a position as a public service supervisor and was denied an interview despite a work history that included awards for exemplary service and no disciplinary action. Employee selling stolen items from job on Facebook caught at work ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. A Springfield, Missouri, man accused of selling stolen merchandise from his St. Louis County employer was caught after leaving his Facebook account open on his work computer. According to the St. Louis County Police Departments probable cause statement, the thefts happened between May 11 and Aug. 14, 2022. Police said the victim, a store owner, contacted authorities and reported that Elijah Bishop, a one-time employee, had taken several sets of cards and other merchandise and sold the stolen items on Facebook Marketplace. Bishop would then keep the proceeds instead of forwarding the money to the business. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Police said the owner learned of Bishops activity after Bishop left his Facebook account open on a computer at the store and the account had received a message inquiring about buying certain items from Bishop. The total value of the stolen merchandise was $17,474. Investigators said Bishop admitted the thefts to his employer via email. Bishop made a one-time payment of $2,425 to his employer via PayPal, but then canceled that payment. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Bishop with one count of stealing $750 or more. A county judge issued a criminal summons for Bishop to appear in court on September 23. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. NEW YORK Pro-Palestinian demonstrators who plan to shut down the Democratic National Convention this week are taking cues from New York City, where protests on college campuses were orchestrated with the help of an encrypted messaging network. Over the spring, student groups and pro-Palestinian organizations used the app Telegram to distribute how-to manuals on occupying buildings and other rally tactics, provide real-time updates on police movements and, in some cases, share explicitly pro-Hamas content. And there are signs protesters are using the same tactics to plan massive demonstrations at the convention, where organizers hope to pressure Vice President Kamala Harris to take a harder stance against the Israeli government and its military campaign in Gaza. Make it great like 68, one group posted to Telegram, referencing large Vietnam War protests at the DNC that year. Shut down the DNC for Gaza! The post, which encouraged demonstrators to show up outside the Israeli consulate in Chicago at 7 p.m. on Aug. 20, was circulated on Resistance News Network, an organization on the radar of experts on extremism. The channel describes itself as in the service of our martyrs, prisoners, farmers, resistance, and refugees, while the Anti Defamation League calls it a radical antisemitic, anti-Zionist English-language Telegram channel that promotes violence against Israel. It had over 166,000 subscribers as of Friday. The news network is not alone in using Telegram to orchestrate the run-of-show in Chicago. The activist group Palestine Action US on Monday posted a schedule on Telegram for an entire week of protests, including breakfasts, movie screenings and street rallies. That schedule was then shared on RNN, moments after the channel posted a press release attributed to Hezbollah celebrating a direct hit on a Syrian target. Taken together, the growing conglomerate of Telegram accounts demonstrates the ease with which organizers can share reams of information from a wide variety of sources, and relay vivid accounts. And that provides a potent option for demonstrators at the convention to exploit the preeminent issue cleaving the party. The RNN account calling for protesters to shut down the convention appears to post almost live updates from fighting in Gaza. It regularly promotes press releases from groups deemed terrorist organizations by the State Department. And this spring, it was part of a vast network of Telegram accounts that shared information helping student groups launch college campus encampments in Manhattan that eventually spread across the globe. Over the course of the spring as pro-Palestinian encampments were erected at Columbia University and across the country POLITICO pored over hundreds of pages of content on Telegram and Tumblr, another social media platform. The results revealed a complex system where original content was often reposted by other accounts to extend the informations reach. Posts included live updates on the movements of police brigades, guides for occupying buildings and historical treatises on the politics of resistance. Taken together, the network provided a rich and readily available source of information to pro-Palestinian demonstrators, beyond what was available to past student movements. The inclusion of Resistance News Network in that web concerned an expert on extremism. RNN is one of the most prominent English-language channels promoting terrorist-designated groups, especially Hamas, Hezbollah, PIJ, and PFLP, Rita Katz, executive director of SITE Intel Group, a company that researches and analyzes terrorists and violent extremists, said in a statement to POLITICO. RNN serves as a comprehensive clearinghouse for official content from these groups. The network, which did not respond to a request for comment, posts new content to its Telegram account at a blistering pace. Messages have celebrated victories over Israeli military units, mourned the death of Palestinians as martyrs and published press releases from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. All are considered terrorist groups by the U.S. or the European Union. An Oct. 7 post appearing to be a Hamas press release attributed to Mohammed Deif, the head of the groups militant wing, read, Today, whoever has a gun, let him bring it out; its its [sic] time. Everyone should come out with their trucks, cars, or tools. Today, history opens its most pure and honorable pages. There is no public evidence students or other organizers were communicating directly with any of the Middle East militant organizations whose press releases fill the news feed. And Telegram accounts such as Resistance News Network do not need permission to repost content from a public message board like one run by students at Columbia University, which RNN frequently boosted at the height of the protests there. But the association was still alarming to Katz, who reviewed the channel for POLITICO. These instances of course dont reflect the entirety of pro-Palestinian protestors, but they do expose entry points for terrorist messaging not to mention terrorist venues into these communities, Katz said. Everyone should recognize this as a problem, regardless of where they stand. The FBI did not respond to questions about Resistance News Network. The FBI is in close contact with state and local law enforcement partners and, as we do in the normal course of business, we will share any information regarding potential threats, a spokesperson who declined to be named said in a statement. Students involved with an encampment on the campus of Columbia University disputed that the news network posts had any adverse influence on the actions of protesters. Layla Saliba, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia involved in the protests, said Resistance News Network is widely followed in the Palestinian community.It was a pretty big surprise to see [the network] repost our stuff, she said. That doesnt mean were affiliated with any of those organizations or we have any coordination. The Columbia account, which had more than 7,600 followers as of May, was moderated by student organizers, two of them told POLITICO and was accessible to anyone willing to provide their phone number. In exchange, followers received frequent updates on happenings inside the campus, which was sealed off to the public, and directions on where to gather for new demonstrations. On April 26, the Columbia Encampment account shared a post from Resistance News Network about police actions on the campus of Ohio State University. And when New York Police Department officers moved onto campus in two dramatic showdowns April 18 and April 30, the news network shared a stream of posts from the Columbia student group on its own channel. Some Telegram accounts associated with student movements, such as CUNY and Ohio State University, had even penned guest posts for the news network. And on April 24, a student channel associated with protests at New York University pointed its followers to the channel to keep abreast of military actions in Gaza. Eyes on Gaza, eyes on Rafah, eyes on students everywhere, the post read. Make sure youre plugged into [Resistance News Network]. CLARIFICATION: This report has been updated to more accurately reflect Rita Katz's background. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The country's rights regarding its nuclear program may be realized with the rise of a new government in Iran, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, Nasser Kanaani said during a press conference in Tehran on August 19, Trend reports. According to him, a series of discussions have been held under the current government to restore the comprehensive joint action plan, and it was noted that all sides have responsibly reverted to the plan. Kanaani emphasized that Abbas Araghchi, proposed by Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian as foreign minister, also stated that he would take steps within the framework of the strategic action plan adopted by the country's parliament. To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020. Meanwhile, in late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the JCPOA signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. Based on the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel When Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell is in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention next week, his mind will be focused on one thing transit. "I think for me, my quest is always to make sure that we're delivering on the best opportunities for Nashville," he said Friday during his weekly roundtable with reporters. "You've heard already today several of the ways the Biden, Harris policy agenda has been very successful for Nashville in terms of alignment with our priorities." The city recently submitted a grant application for a second SMART, Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation, grant to help improve safety on roadways. Nashville was previously awarded $2 million through the SMART grant to track "near-miss collisions" on Clarksville Pike, DB Todd Boulevard and Buchanan Street. "I took office wanting to make dramatic improvements to the safety on our roadways but also improvements to just the overall process of infrastructure and service delivery," O'Connell said. "We know that there will be key leaders in the U.S. Department of Transportation present." Those leaders could be critical to the success of O'Connell's $3.1 billion transit plan, should it pass in November. The mayor is hopeful renewed energy behind Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign for president will encourage voters to visit the polls. "The conversation about the Presidential election changed and from what I've seen, as we've had interns in the mayor's office this summer, as we continue to engage in conversations with young people and Nashville's various communities, is there's just a higher level of voter engagement, and I think that's what we want as a city," he said. But Tennessee, historically, has lower voter turnout, O'Connell said. "My hope is that having a spirited national conversation with a high energy campaign, people are motivated not just to pay attention to that, but then actually when we have sample ballots out for the November election, they'll be paying attention not just to the candidates, but also to our ballot initiative," he said. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Transit top of mind as Nashville mayor preps for Democratic Convention Energy bills are forecast to rise by nearly 150 later this year in a move that will pile further pressure on millions of pensioners set to lose their winter fuel payments. Analysts at Cornwall Insight said Ofgem was likely to raise the energy price cap by 9pc to 1,714 in October. The regulator will issue its update on the price cap this Friday. This would mark a 146 increase from the current rate of 1,568, the lowest price cap for two years. It is equivalent to almost three-quarters of the 200 given to the UKs 11.4m pensioners to help heat their homes every winter, a benefit which is being scaled back by Rachel Reeves this year. Currently, pensioners aged over 80 receive a higher payment of 300. The Chancellor announced plans earlier this month to axe winter fuel payments for 10m pensioners as she scrambles to plug a 22bn black hole in the public finances which she claims was left by the Tories. Under the changes, winter fuel payments will be restricted to those already claiming means-tested benefits, such as pension credit. Baroness Altmann, the former pensions minister, said: The huge rise in energy bills is going to mean even more pensioners [will be] unable to afford to heat their homes sufficiently as they have lost the money they were expecting to receive. They try to live within their means but the Government has suddenly taken the money they were always receiving from them. This is a terrible decision which may result in illness or even worse for many elderly citizens. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said the jump in energy bills meant the impact of withdrawing winter fuel payments would be even harder. Ms Abrahams said: It further reinforces the case against means-testing winter fuel payment so precipitously, without any mitigating policies being in place to safeguard the older people at greatest risk of hardship and damage to their health. Age UK estimates that there are 2m pensioners who rely on winter fuel payments to help pay their energy bills and who will no longer be able to access the support because they do not claim pension credit. Meanwhile, new figures from the Government on Tuesday revealed that 880,000 people are still yet to claim their pension credit this year, which is a requirement to secure the latest winter fuel payment. Jan Shortt, of the National Pensioners Convention, said that the Government had sidelined pensioners. Ms Shortt said: Winter fuel payments are a lifeline. For those of us who are just above pension credit level, you only need one bill to increase and your budget goes out the window really. More than one bill and it puts you in dire straits. That is why pensioners have to make that choice between whether to put the heating on or cook a hot meal. In addition to lost fuel support, older people have been hit by Ms Reeves decision to scrap a lifetime cap on adult social care costs, which would have saved people from selling their homes to pay for care. Mrs Shortt said that frozen income tax thresholds would drag more pensioners into paying income tax, providing yet another squeeze on budgets. She added: Were not people who can withdraw our labour because we dont work. If they were doing this to workers in a trade union, they would be expecting some backlash. Were pensioners who dont have jobs and I think they see us as an easy target. Ms Reeves described the move, which comes into effect in November, as fair and right despite warnings that millions of pensioners on low incomes would be hit the hardest. However, the planned 1.4bn savings could be wiped out by an unintended 4bn benefit bill if hundreds of thousands of retirees rush to claim pension credit to qualify for winter fuel payments, data analysts Policy in Practice have warned. Craig Lowrey, principal consultant at Cornwall Insight, said: This is not the news households want to hear when moving into the colder months. Following two consecutive falls in the cap, Im sure many hoped we were on a steady path back to pre-crisis prices. However, the lingering impact of the energy crisis has left us with a market thats still highly volatile and quick to react to any bad news on the supply front. The predicted price cap increase comes amid warnings that Britains reliance on foreign imports is leaving households exposed to higher prices. Cornwall Insight noted that although energy prices have stabilised, they have not fully recovered from the energy crisis and the impact of Russias invasion of Ukraine. It warned that the UKs reliance on imported energy had left the country very vulnerable to global events which could disrupt supply, and was keeping household and business energy bills far above pre-crisis levels. The energy price cap is updated every three months and covers 28m households in England, Wales and Scotland. It fixes the maximum price that energy supplies can charge domestic households per unit of energy. Cornwall Insight also predicted that the price cap would show another modest increase in January 2025 but warned of further increases at the start of next year as a result of recent tensions in the Russian-Ukraine war. The research firm said: Over the past few months gas and electricity wholesale prices have rebounded, from their 30-month lows in February. The rise in wholesale market prices, particularly since the start of August, has been the key driver behind the forecast uptick in bills. Mr Lowrey called on the Government to take immediate action to ease the financial burden on households. Proposals included introducing discounted energy bills, revising social benefits or reforming the price cap. Ofgem is reviewing the price cap in response to the UKs net zero push. Mr Lowrey also urged the Government to overhaul the energy system rather than waiting for prices to drop on their own. Cornwall Insight said: In the longer-term, a shift towards sustainable, home-generated energy will be necessary to reduce the UKs vulnerability to international shocks. There have been some positive signals from the Government, such as increasing the budget for the renewables auction and lifting the de facto ban on onshore wind. However, much more progress is needed. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. What a week to kick off a new review recap series on Engadget. Google held its Made By Google event on Tuesday, launching the Pixel 9 lineup and the Pixel Watch 3. Since then, though, it's already had to admit to a mistake in one of the forms it had members of Team Pixel sign for access to devices. Coincidentally, that brought up a lot of discourse on social media around what reviewers do, and how they gain access to products. I'll take this opportunity to point you to our document on our reviews process, which details how and what we test. That includes specific articles on our evaluation process for specific categories like laptops, VPNs and video games, with more to come. You'll find all our reviews by clicking Sections and then Reviews, or on Engadget.com/reviews. Anyway, I've wanted to write a roundup of the reviews our team publishes for a while now, in part because I want to highlight the work of our smart, hardworking reviewers. It's also a good way to contextualize our scores, remind people of the breadth of devices we cover and, well, I just like writing for fun and seeing my name on things. AI will never take this from me; I will blog from my own brain for as long as I can. So here you go: Engadget's reviews recap. (ERR, for short. It doesn't quite work, but it works for me, OK?) I'm not committing to a frequency here, because a weekly cadence might be overly ambitious, while monthly would just result in a novel every 30-ish days. Bi-weekly sounds good but I might mix it up, just to keep you on your toes (or, honestly, while I figure things out). Dyson OnTrac: Too basic for $500 by Billy Steele Dyson OnTrac headphones review Two swivel points on the headband help you find the perfect fit. Remember the Dyson Zone? The headphones with an air-purifying system and mask built in? The company is back this year with a less gimmicky version that focuses purely on sound. Our audio expert Billy Steele spent weeks with the Dyson Ontrac and found that it outlasts most of the competition. It even beat than Sonys WH-1000XM5 by about 18 hours in his testing. Dyson had explained in a briefing that with all its experience working to reduce the noise of its other wind-generating products (like hair-dryers), it's learned a lot about how to combat unwanted sound. But thanks to Billy's experience with pretty much every other pair of headphones out there, I also learned that the Dyson OnTrac's active noise cancellation is only average. As the kids today say, it's mid. Though these headphones look great and have intriguing hearing health features, ultimately Billy didn't feel they do enough to justify the $500 price, awarding it a pretty mid score of 73. You'll probably find something better from Master & Dynamic, Sony or even Apple. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12: A top-notch business laptop that needs a few tweaks by Sherri L. Smith Contributing reporter Sherri L. Smith was once the editor-in-chief at Laptop Magazine, and has years and years of experience reviewing notebooks. So when she says the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is the king of business laptops, I believe it. Though she liked the X1 Carbon's display and long-lasting battery, Sherri pointed out that Lenovo's decision to place the power button along the edge instead of on the keyboard deck is a con. She also cautioned that the gap between the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and the competition is a small one that is continually shrinking. One year with Google's Pixel Fold by Sam Rutherford Thankfully, even after a year, the Pixel Fold's main flexible display remains unblemished. (Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget) This week, the entire Engadget team worked hard to cover Google's hardware launch event, which means less time for writers and editors to publish reviews. Our reviewers are usually involved in hands-on and other launch coverage of the companies whose products they test, and though these aren't full reviews, I consider them relevant for this roundup. Sam Rutherford, our reviewer of mobile phones, laptops, gaming PCs and more (he does a lot!), spent time with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at a Google hands-on session. Sam is one of those people who actually went out and bought himself a Galaxy Fold when the first generation went on sale. That's how deep his love for and, more importantly, firsthand experience of the category runs. To this day, he uses a foldable as his daily driver. In fact, he's been using Google's original Pixel Fold for a whole year, and took the time to write up a durability report that was published this week. Flexible screens are still fairly fragile components, and early foldables were easily damaged. With the Pixel Fold, Sam was pleasantly surprised that it's held up to life with his rambunctious (and adorable) toddler. It's not only heartening news for those considering buying a foldable device, but also fascinating that technology has come this far this quickly. On the horizon: Upcoming reviews Elsewhere on the site, we've published a hands-on with the new Pixel Watch 3, and as the dust from Google's event starts to settle, it'll soon be time to expect full reviews of each new device announced. With the Pixels coming out at various points throughout August and September, people will be getting their hands on them quickly enough, and I expect we'll have reviews of those... soon. We also continue to test a whole host of Copilot+ PCs (remember those?) from companies like HP, Dell, ASUS and Samsung? Then there's the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, which is taking a little longer to evaluate considering a lot of its features require longterm testing. Plus, it's almost September, which is when we usually expect Apple to launch new iPhones. There'll be plenty of reviews here soon, so stay tuned. 'You are enough': Cudahy woman turns tragic loss of niece into push to help abuse victims Cudahy resident Sherri Fansler has been collecting hygiene items to be put into bags and donated to the sexual assault center at the Aurora Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee. These bags are given to abuse victims to use during their post-exam shower. A tragic incident in Missouri on Jan. 6, 2018, led a Cudahy woman to try to help local abuse victims realize they are enough. On that date, Sherri Fanslers 19-year-old niece, Liz Richards, was murdered. You never think its going to be your family until you get that phone call, she said. Fansler said Richards was doing a custody drop off with her 2-year-old sons father who fatally shot her and left the child and loaded gun behind. He took a life, he left his child with a loaded gun, Fansler said. Joseph Gonsalez was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, child endangerment and two counts of armed criminal action in March 2019, according to a news report from Fox 4 in Missouri. He was sentenced to 54 years in prison. Three days before her murder, Richards posted on her Facebook page that she left her boyfriend because it wasnt going to get any better and made the statement: You are enough. That was her reason for leaving, she was enough, Fansler said. An idea to tell abuse victims 'You Are Enough' This logo which Sherri Fansler uses for shirts, magnets and notecards was designed by local artist Lauren Marvell. The color purple was chosen as it is the color for domestic violence awareness. A conversation with a nurse working in the sexual assault center at the Aurora Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee led Fansler, who works with emergency room nurses at St. Lukes South Shore Hospital, to start collecting hygiene items for victims of abuse. The nurse told Fansler that Sinai was providing makeshift supplies to victims for their post exam shower. That just really struck a chord with me, Fansler said. These typical hospital-issued products usually included what Fansler described as antiseptic-smelling soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste. Instead, she wanted to provide a "nice array" of supplies as a way to show these victims someone cares. She called the effort You Are Enough in honor of her niece and as a way to tell those affected by abuse they have worth and they are enough. Her first donation about five years ago was 25 hygiene bags. Her latest drop-off in April this year was 225 bags, or nine times as much. Fansler also has a big push in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Last October, she collected enough supplies for nearly 450 bags. They were blown away, she said of the Sinai staff. What items does Fansler collect? Cudahy resident Sherri Fansler has been collecting hygiene items to be put into bags and donated to the sexual assault center at the Aurora Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee. These bags are given to abuse victims to use during their post-exam shower. Fansler collects donations of anything you would use to take a shower. The main items are toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, deodorant, lotion, a comb, hair ties and lip balm. She makes bags for kids and adults and organizes them for male, female and gender-neutral recipients. Most supplies come from friends and coworkers who travel. Its getting harder to get those small sizes because hotels are going to wall-mounted soaps and shampoos, she said. Fansler does take full-size products. She said those go to patients who dont have a stable housing environment so when they do find somewhere they have these items on hand. Last winter, she received multiple cases of product from the downtown Milwaukee Marriott when the hotel switched to bigger bottles in the rooms. It was wonderful they did that for me, she said. Fansler has also collected and donated clothes, along with feminine products the latter mostly went to the Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee. Adding barrels to area businesses to fill more bags In the last month, Fansler is trying a new way to get donations barrels in local businesses. The first barrel, painted purple for domestic violence awareness, was placed inside Mexic 103 in Cudahy. Were trying to help, little by little, said Ericka Martell, owner of Mexic 103. Fansler also recently added a barrel to The Tap Room in South Milwaukee. Fansler used to work with the owners girlfriend who works in the mental health industry and she sees my incessant Facebook posts, Fansler said. Shes still looking for other businesses in the South Shore area to partner with for more barrels. Other ways Fansler accepts donations and how you can help Anyone who wants to donate cash or products directly to Fansler can reach out through email at sherri.fansler@gmail.com or via Messenger on her personal Facebook page. She also takes donations through hygiene product purchases from an Amazon wish list. Fansler said domestic violence is more than just husband and wife or boyfriend and girlfriend. Its elder abuse, its families, neighbors everyone knows somebody who has been affected by domestic violence or sexual assault, she said. People would be hard pressed to not know somebody (affected), which is sad. More: This Mexican restaurant in Cudahy is asking for help to get food to those in need Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Cudahy woman turns loss of her niece into effort to help abuse victims EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso Community College (EPCC) was awarded Program of the Year honors at the Texas Education Research Consortiums Texas Student Leadership Summit. EPCC sent 20 Tejano Empowerment Network (TEN) students and five committee members to the Summit that was held at the University of Texas at Austin. EPCC has been attending the Summit events since 2013 and this was the colleges first award from the event, according to EPCC. Mr. Hector Riveroll Jr. Lab Facilities Supervisor Steering Committee Member. Photo courtesy to El Paso Community College Ernesto Mejia Cool Speak EPCC Student Jesus Davila and Dr. Luis Ponjuan Featured Speaker and Event Founder. Photo courtesy to El Paso Community College. EPCC TEN Team in Austin. Photo courtesy to El Paso Community College EPCC Tejano Empowerment Network Students on-the stage for the 11th Annual Texas Student Leadership Summit. Photo courtesy to El Paso Community College. On behalf of the Tejano Empowerment Network (TEN) Steering Committee, I can say we feel fortunate to be able to work with like-minded individuals who have the privilege to serve the students in our community at EPCC, Dr. Jose Pacheco, EPCC professor of biology, said. Our most powerful tool with TEN is showing students that we care about them, and with encouragement, students discover themselves. Students who have gone through TEN have seen value in education and persisted at EPCC, found jobs on campus, received scholarships/fellowships, graduated with certificates and/or degrees, and transferred to 4-year institutions. Project TEN is a mentoring program with a curriculum based on five aspects: Leadership, Identity, College and Career Readiness, Health and Wellness and Brotherhood, according to EPCC. The project is focused on leadership development to increase retention, completion and transfer EPCCC students to four-year institutions, according to EPCC. According to EPCC, the Summit is a two-day conference that brings over 300 students across Texas to attend sessions on leadership, identity, college and career readiness, health and wellness and brotherhood/sisterhood, with this years theme on being The Courage to Lead. The following EPCC TEN Steering committee members attended the 2024 Summit: Mrs. Elvia Guzman-Jarnagin, senior administrative associate Mr. Hector Riveroll Jr., Lab Facilities supervisor Mr. Ivan Iniguez, biology professor Mr. Robert Moreno, chemistry instructor Mr. Eduardo Munoz Jr., student technology services manager Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. (Bloomberg) -- Equatorial Guinea named Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua as prime minister, three weeks after the previous government was dismissed for its failure to tackle the countrys economic woes including government corruption. Most Read from Bloomberg President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled for the central African nation for four decades, signed the decree late on Friday appointing Osa, who was head of Banco Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial, the only private lender with headquarters in the country. He replaces Manuela Roka Botey, the countrys first woman prime minister, who resigned with her government last month after only 18 months in the post. His appointment comes as authorities look to reverse an economic slump largely caused by a drop in oil output to roughly a fifth of its peak. Economic growth has plunged to only 0.5% this year, making Equatorial Guinea among the worlds worst performers, according to available data from the International Monetary Fund. Average annual growth for the next five years is estimated at 0.1%, IMF said on July 24, urging authorities to increase transparency in the hydrocarbon sector, which represents 42% of the countrys output, and finalize an asset declarations scheme for senior public officials. Corruption and the misuse of resources had led to an unprecedented economic crisis that threatens the stability of the government, Obiang said when accepting the former administrations resignation on July 26. During Osas time at Banco Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial, authorities launched a fraud investigation of the lender, forcing it to return 700 million francs ($1.2 million) to customers. The audit was suspended by Obiangs son and the countrys vice president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, in September. The Obiang family have been accused of squandering the central African countrys oil wealth by the US and Human Rights Watch. Teodorin, as the vice president is also known, has been the subject of lawsuits in the US and France. In 2014, he agreed to turn over more than $30 million in assets, including a hilltop mansion in Malibu, California, to the US Department of Justice. In 2021, a Paris court upheld his conviction in absentia of embezzlement in France, ordering the seizure of more than 100 million of his assets, including a mansion near the Champs-Elysees. Teodorin, 56, is first in line to succeed his 82-year-old father, who has ruled the central African nation since 1979. The country is ranked 172 out of 180 in a public corruption study conducted that same year by Transparency International. --With assistance from Paul Burkhardt. (Updates with description of bank in second graph, IMF comments in fourth paragraph. An earlier version of the story was corrected to fix the figure returned by Banco Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Ernesto strengthened early Monday after reclaiming hurricane status over the weekend and produced life-threatening surf and rip currents for much of the East Coast. While the hurricane grew stronger in the past hours, generating maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, the National Hurricane Center said Ernesto's cloud pattern suggested it had stopped strengthening. Ernesto was spinning about 340 miles south-east of Halifax, Canada, according to the National Hurricane Center. It was moving north-northeast much faster than in recent days, at 21 mph, the center said in its 5 a.m. ET update. A turn toward the northeast and east-northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected today and Tuesday, the NHC said in its advisory on the storm. The storm will retain its strength on Monday and is expected to weaken later in the night, the hurricane center added. The hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm Saturday night as its maximum sustained winds, estimated at 70 mph, didn't reach hurricane strength. But it regained strength Sunday, generating maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, above the Category 1 hurricane threshold of 74 mph. The center of Ernesto will pass near southeastern Newfoundland tonight and early Tuesday, the forecasters said Monday, adding a weakening trend should begin by tonight or tomorrow. New York City officials, concerned about rip currents, closed Brooklyn and Queens beaches to swimming through the end of Sunday. In New Jersey, state officials warned beachgoers to watch for rip currents and keep their feet in the sand until a lifeguard is on duty. In Atlantic City, officials warned that high seas produced by Ernesto could combine with the high tide after 7 p.m. on Sunday to produce coastal flooding. A man who died in the ocean off Surf City, North Carolina, was identified Sunday as 41-year-old Sean A. Davis of Hampstead, North Carolina, the Surf City Fire Department said in a statement. The department, which also runs lifeguard operations, did not link the incident on Saturday afternoon to Ernesto, but it said beachgoers should be aware of conditions and never venture into the water alone. On Friday, two men drowned in rip currents off Hilton Head, South Carolina. The victims, identified as Ralph Jamieson, 65, and Leonard Schenz, 73, died in separate incidents and appeared to be taken under amid rip currents, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. It wasn't clear whether Ernesto could be blamed, however, as the waters off Hilton Head are subject to rip currents year-round, authorities said. Also Friday, dramatic video posted to Instagram showed a stilted home along the North Carolina shore collapse into the incoming ocean waves. No injuries were reported after the collapse in Rodanthe on Hatteras Island. The home was unoccupied, the National Park Service said in a statement. Officials from Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge urged visitors to avoid the beaches around Rodanthe. The North Carolina coast from Newport to Morehead City was covered by a National Weather Service forecast of life-threatening rip currents, which can "sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water." The coast around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to beyond Wilmington, North Carolina, was subject to the same forecast. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration buoys along the coast from North Carolina to Rhode Island measured wave heights of 5 to 6 feet Sunday evening. Life-threatening surf and rip currents from Bermuda to Canada are possible for the next few days, the hurricane center said. Ten million people were covered by National Weather Service coastal flood advisories Sunday. The advisories are issued when moderate to major coastal flooding is occurring or imminent. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Enrollment at East Tennessee State Universitys (ETSU) pharmacy school has increased for the first time in five years a year after Tennessee legislators voted to subsidize tuition to the tune of $2.5 million a year and after several years of steep declines. Resort possible after Florida group buys 5,300 rugged acres outside Mountain City Enrollment has increased at ETSUs Gatton College of Pharmacy for the first time since 2019 one year after a state-subsidized tuition decrease went into effect. (Photo: WJHL) The Gatton College of Pharmacy had seen enrollment decline steadily since 2020 following a bump in funding for the other pharmacy school associated with a state university. After the 2019 funding allowed the University of Memphiss pharmacy school to lower its in-state tuition by about $10,000 for the 2020-2021 school year, Gatton saw enrollment tumble from 298 in 2019-20 to 272, 245 and 211 over the next three years. As ETSU worked on putting the new money into place in the form of scholarships, enrollment dipped even further last school year, with just 174 students enrolled across the four-year programs classes. This years enrollment is up 7.5% overall, to 187 students, but the first-year class is up almost 30%. Last year saw just 45 first-year students enrolled, while 58 are enrolled and set to begin next week after Fridays White Coat Ceremony. This was the first class recruited with lowered tuition, and we hope additional state funding and further decreases in tuition will allow us to see continued gains in the coming years and recruit a full class of 75-80 students, Gattons Dean, Debbie Byrd, said in a statement. Lowered tuition makes the overall cost of a pharmacy degree close to $50,000 less than it was before the State of Tennessee opted to subsidize Gatton College of Pharmacy by $2.5 million annually. (Photo: WJHL) In-state tuition and fees total $28,786 for the coming school year. Tuition alone was $38,676 in 2022-23. $10M awarded to Southwest Virginia abandoned mine land projects Byrd said the colleges Early Admission Pathway has also nearly tripled in enrollment since 2020. It allows high school seniors or ETSU freshmen who apply and qualify to be accepted directly into the college upon graduation from ETSU. The Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy is funded solely through tuition and ETSU got approval for the College of Pharmacy on the condition that it receives no state funding. The general assemblys 2023 decision marked the first time the college received state funding. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson is calling for stepped-up efforts to support Ukraine's energy sector ahead of the winter season. Source: Simson in a column for the Financial Times, as reported by European Pravda Details: She noted that Russia has destroyed or seized about 9 GW of Ukrainian generation, which is half of the electricity Ukraine needs in winter. Quote: "Warm months hide the worst impact. No electricity means no access to basic services: water pumps and sewage networks will not work and heating will be off. In freezing winter temperatures, some places in Ukraine may simply become unliveable," the European Commissioner wrote. She said that the EU and other partners of Ukraine are fully supporting Ukraine in restoring the energy sector, but much more needs to be done. Quote: "To avoid a humanitarian disaster in Ukraine, we need to step up an unprecedented logistical and assistance effort now," Simson wrote. She called for action in six key areas to support Ukraine's energy sector: repairing damaged energy facilities; delivering as many small decentralised generators to Ukraine as possible; deploying solar panels to provide electricity to hospitals, schools, and public and residential buildings; expanding the maximum amount of electricity that can be exported to Ukraine from other European countries; expanding the possibilities of interconnection at the borders; strengthening air defence near critical energy infrastructure. Quote: "A coordinated and well-targeted effort can go a long way to narrow the gap... An unprecedented effort of solidarity and generosity is needed today. Ukraine must not be left alone as it prepares for its most difficult winter yet," Simson said. Background: In July, it was reported that Turkish companies will help Ukraine recover its energy sector and increase distributed generation capacity. Prior to that, the European Union allocated a 100 million grant to Ukrenergo, Ukraines largest power company, in particular, to repair and restore power equipment destroyed or damaged by Russian attacks. In addition, Estonia decided to donate equipment from Narva power plants to Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! By Tim Hepher PARIS (Reuters) -European scientists were poised to attempt a first in orbital gymnastics late on Monday, tapping into the gravity of the Moon and then the Earth in quick succession to guide the JUICE probe towards Jupiter in the first-ever double slingshot manoeuvre. Just over a year after it was launched, the European Space agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is returning towards Earth on Aug. 19-20 and will use the braking effect of its gravity to take a shortcut to Venus and onwards to Jupiter. In a novel double manoeuvre, the JUICE probe will first use the gravity of the Moon to swing towards Earth on exactly the right trajectory. That is risky because the slightest error at that stage would be amplified by the second part of the routine which involves using Earth's gravity to slow down. Scientists warn that could derail the eight-year odyssey to reach Jupiter and its moons. "Inherently this is a bit tricky, because you would need to correct any error, and you would need propellant for that," Nicolas Altobelli, JUICE Mission Manager, said in an interview. ESA said the Airbus-built probe was due to pass 750 km (465 miles) from the Moon's surface at its closest point. Scientists have used the "gravity assist" method for decades to navigate the solar system while saving propellant. It involves brushing past a planet or moon and using the power of its gravity to speed up, slow down or alter course. But this week's lunar-Earth fly-by involves the first ever attempt to carry out two such manoeuvres back-to-back. If successful, it will put JUICE on course to reach Jupiter and its three large ocean-bearing moons - Callisto, Europa and Ganymede - in 2031 with the help of three further single gravity assists: Venus in 2025, and then Earth again in 2026 and 2029. ESA scientists had weighed several options for getting Juice to Jupiter without the unrealistically large rocket that would be needed to get it there without any gravity assists at all. Using the Moon's gravity to change course allowed them to catch Earth in front of its orbit around the Sun, which has the effect of slowing down the probe, whereas passing behind the planet would speed it up, Altobelli said. That in turn allowed ESA's planners to target Venus and take advantage of its exceptionally powerful slingshot effect. "It's a very good configuration of the Moon's position around the Earth ... So we are being opportunistic," Altobelli told Reuters. Following up on NASA's 1990s Galileo mission to Jupiter, the ESA-led JUICE mission will orbit the solar system's largest planet, perform fly-bys of its three large icy moons and finally orbit Ganymede to study the potential to support life. "It means studying the conditions and understanding whether those moons could be a potential habitat, and could have conditions favourable for life as we know it," Altobelli said. (Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Sandra Maler) BAKU. Azerbaijan. August 19. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has signed a decree to stop coal supplies to Israel in connection with the operations carried out by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, Trend reports. The corresponding document was published on the official website of the government of the South American republic. The decree states: "The export of coal to Israel is prohibited." The ban will go into effect five days after the document is published. The decree states that in January-August 2023, Colombia exported $375 million in goods and raw materials to Israel, a significant portion of which was coal. "Israel is heavily dependent on coal for energy production and additionally uses this raw material for military purposes," the document says. On the eve of hosting the Democratic National Convention, Chicago is preparing for the return of another storied and well-traveled convention after decades in other cities. The NAACP National Convention will hold its 117th annual gathering in Chicago in July 2026, the civil rights organization and the city announced Sunday. Chicago was previously the site of the NAACP convention in 1926 and most recently in 1994, when some 40,000 attendees saw then-President Bill Clinton as a featured speaker. Two years later, Clinton would return to Chicago for the 1996 DNC, where he was nominated for his second term as president. The NAACP announcement comes with all eyes on Chicago as the DNC runs for four nights at the United Center, culminating with the formal acceptance speech Thursday by Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to be nominated as a presidential candidate. As we celebrate a pivotal moment in Black history this week, we remain focused on our mission to advance Black culture and support the Black community, Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, said in a news release. Chicago sits at the intersection of Black history, and Black future. The 2024 NAACP convention was held last month in Las Vegas, where President Joe Biden spoke days before dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Harris. Next summers NAACP event is scheduled for Charlotte, North Carolina, while the 2027 convention will be held in Long Beach, California. In recent years, the five-day convention has drawn around 10,000 attendees, but officials are hoping the return to Chicago will boost that number in 2026. With 15,000 journalists and every major cable news and TV network in Chicago this week to cover the DNC, it may be propitious timing for the NAACP convention announcement. As a city rooted in Black history and committed to carrying forward the values of the NAACP in all that we do, there is no better place than Chicago for this historic event, Mayor Brandon Johnson said in the release. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in 1909 in the wake of a race riot in Springfield, Illinois, spurred by a white lynch mob that destroyed dozens of Black-owned businesses and residences, killing several Black men during two days of violence and arson in August 1908. On Friday, President Biden designated the site of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot as a national monument. rchannick@chicagotribune.com Every graduate of elite NYC Jewish high school avoids Columbia for first time in decades Pro-Palestinian protestors marching outside Columbia University in New York City on May 23, 2024 None of this years graduates of an elite Upper East Side Jewish high school will be attending Columbia Universitys premier liberal arts college for the first time in decades, at least partly because of antisemitism. For the first time in over 20 years, we will not have a Ramaz graduate enrolling in Columbia College, Ramaz said in a statement Sunday to The Post. One Ramaz student enrolled at Columbias School of General Studies, and three students enrolled in Columbia-affiliated Barnard College for women but none at the college, it said. Ramaz indicated that anti-Israel protests and hostility toward Jewish students at Columbia during the previous semester had been a factor in its graduates not attending Columbia College. One Ramaz student enrolled at Columbias School of General Studies, and three students enrolled in Columbia-affiliated Barnard College for women. Anadolu via Getty Images Ramaz provides as much information as possible about the situation at various colleges of interest, and we have given priority to issues surrounding the horrific rise in antisemitic instances at some schools, so that our students and their families are able to make informed decisions about which colleges are right for them, a Ramaz rep said in an email. Rory Lancman, a top Jewish civil rights activist whose two daughters graduated from Ramaz and who is a Columbia Law School graduate, said he would not recommend that Jewish students apply to or attend Columbia at the moment because of Jew-bashing. Jewish families are voting with their feet and choosing colleges and universities that take antisemitism seriously, said Lancman, a former Queens city councilman and the current director of corporate initiatives and senior counsel at the Louis Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law. I would not recommend my daughters to apply to Columbia or other colleges that arent committed to protect them as Jews, he said. Columbia declined comment to The Post on Sunday. For the first time in over 20 years, we will not have a Ramaz graduate enrolling in Columbia College, Ramaz said in a statement. AFP via Getty Images The Ivy League school in Morningside Heights is still grappling with turmoil that has rocked the institution to its core. Embattled Columbia president Minouche Shafik resigned last week and is heading back to England after leading the elite institution for the past year, which was marked by constant and sometimes destructive anti-Israel protests. Shafiks resignation comes just one week after three university deans also resigned from Columbia following the exposure of their very troubling text chain that disparaged Israeli and Jewish students fears of rising antisemitism on campus. Students hold up an Israeli flag during a game between members of the Israeli Eshkol Regional Council team participating in Project 24 and students at the Ramaz School at the Ramaz School on May 23, 2024, in New York City. Michael Nagle Hundreds of students were arrested on trespassing charges for refusing to pack up a campus encampment outside Columbias Hamilton Hall, triggering the building takeover in April. Getty Images A huge mob of masked pro-terror rioters broke into a Columbia academic building and seized it in April, draping it with a giant flag calling for intifada. One shocking video captured a hammer-wielding demonstrator smashing through a glass-paneled door and placing what appeared to be a bike lock around its handles. Hundreds of students were arrested on trespassing charges for refusing to pack up a campus encampment, triggering the building takeover. But many of the vandals, rioters and trespassers afterward escaped criminal charges. The protests and anti-Israel vitriol was fueled by Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of Israel, in which the terrorists slaughtered 1,200 people in the Jewish state and triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Detroit Lions tackle Gosder Cherilus against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Gosder Cherilus is a name most Detroit Lions fans haven't heard in a while. The former first-round offensive lineman is back in the news, and unfortunately it's not for a good reason. Cherilus, now 40, was arrested on Sunday during a Delta Airlines flight from Boston to Ireland. According to CBS News, Cherilus caused a disruption by urinating on another passenger and then refused to cooperate with authorities, "Troopers verbally commanded Cherilus to leave the plane, but he became irate and uncooperative. Eventually, Troopers escorted Cherilus to the jet bridge and placed him under arrest for Disorderly Conduct and Disturbing a Flight Crew," police said in their statement. Cherilus was Detroit's first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft after playing collegiately at Boston College. He was the team's immediate starting right tackle and played five seasons in Detroit. Cherilus then played two seasons each with the Colts and Buccaneers before ending his NFL career. This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Ex-Lions first-rounder arrested for disrupting an international flight MONONGAH, W.Va. (WBOY) The former Monongah police chief seen in a viral video of a traffic stop earlier this month has a hearing set that could determine his future as a certified law enforcement officer in West Virginia. Nathan Lanham has a hearing set for Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. before the West Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Subcommitteean 11-member subcommittee tasked with deciding on the certification status of law enforcement officers in West Virginia. The subcommittee meets the last Thursday of each month at the West Virginia State Police Professional Development Center in Institute. An official with the subcommittee confirmed for 12 News that the group will be reviewing Lanhams certification status at its next meeting. Those hearings are open to the public, but the official told 12 News Lanhams hearing could go into executive session. However, the subcommittee would ultimately vote on Lanhams certification status following that executive session. Woman charged after meth and fentanyl found during Harrison County traffic stop The video in question, recorded by a witness to the Aug. 1 arrest, shows Lanham apparently swearing at Sarah Delloma, as well as other people on the scene, before pulling his gun and smashing the womans driver-side window. Delloma can then be seen exiting the passenger side of the vehicle before being tackled to the ground and arrested by Lanham. Delloma was originally charged with fleeing, but those charges were dropped. Court documents show Lanham had originally stopped Dellomas vehicle for not having an inspection sticker, as well as an expired registration sticker. As of Aug. 6, Lanham was no longer employed by the Town of Monongah, but his status as an officer in the town of Anmoore is still unclear. At a previous meeting, Anmoore council members discussed Lanhams employment in an extensive executive session but told 12 News it was advised by its attorney not to comment publicly on the situation. Anmoore Town Council is scheduled to meet Monday, Aug. 19 at 7:00 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative legal scholar put on the bench by President George H.W. Bush, is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump, whose candidacy he describes as an existential threat to American democracy. It will be the first time Luttig, a veteran of two Republican administrations, has voted for a Democrat. In the presidential election of 2024 there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of Americas Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, Luttig wrote in a statement obtained exclusively by CNN. As a result, I will unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic Partys candidate for the Presidency of the United States, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. Luttig played a now famous role in persuading then-Vice President Mike Pence to defy Trump and certify the 2020 presidential election. In a series of tweets drafted at the request of Pences attorney, Luttig spelled out in stark terms the legal rationale for Pence to reject the former presidents attempt to overturn Joe Bidens victory. Since then, Luttig has emerged as a preeminent constitutional critic of Trump. In endorsing Harris, Luttig argues that partisan distinctions must, in this election, be set aside in order to prevent the singularly unfit Trump from returning to the White House. In voting for Vice President Harris, I assume that her public policy views are vastly different from my own, Luttig writes, but I am indifferent in this election as to her policy views on any issues other than Americas Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, as I believe all Americans should be. Michael Luttig, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (ret.), speaking at the Principles First Summit at the Conrad Hotel in Washington, D.C, on Feb 25, 2024. - Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA/AP Luttigs scathing rebuke of Trump and endorsement of Harris underscores the depths of divisions between Reagan-and Bush-era Republicans and the modern, Trump-dominated GOP. The former judge is just as unsparing a critic of the Republican party as he is of Trump, whom together he says have launched the war on Americas Democracy. The corrosive effects, he adds, will echo through generations. Because of the former presidents continued, knowingly false claims that he won the 2020 election, millions of Americans no longer have faith and confidence in our national elections, and many never will again, Luttig writes. Many Americans especially young Americans, tragically have even begun to question whether constitutional democracy is the best form of self-government for America. The stakes, Luttig argues, are as high now as in the late 18th century, when the countrys founders and authors of the US Constitution including Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, typically political foes joined together to voice concern over the potential emergence of an authoritarian demagogue. The time for Americas choosing has come, Luttig writes. It is time for all Americans to stand and affirm whether they believe in American Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, and want for America the same or whether they do not. Though this will be Luttigs first time pulling the lever for a Democrat in any election, he has, in the aftermath of January 6, 2021, come out in support of some decisions by the Biden administration. He wholeheartedly endorsed the 2022 nomination of now-Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the high court, even calling out Republicans who said they would not vote to confirm her. The President knew at the time that there were any number of highly qualified black women on the lower federal courts from among whom he could choose including Judge Jackson and Republicans should have known that the President would nominate one of those supremely qualified black women to succeed Justice Breyer, he wrote at the time. Luttig now joins a number of high-profile Republicans endorsing Harris, including former members of Congress Joe Walsh, Barbara Comstock and Adam Kinzinger. Kinzinger, now a CNN contributor, will have a high-profile speaking slot this week at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, also a CNN contributor, endorsed Harris at the end of July in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution op-ed. Her campaign, he wrote, was the best vehicle toward preventing another stained Trump presidency. Speaking to CNN, Luttig said his decision to publicly back Harris was a matter of knowing right from wrong and acting in accordance. In my faith, we believe that we will one day answer for our wrongs. I have always tried to live my life in anticipation of that day. Imperfectly, to be sure. But I have tried, an emotional Luttig said. My endorsement of the Vice President was the right thing to do. It would have been wrong for me to stay silent, and I believe I would have one day had to answer for that silence. Its really that simple. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Expelled Rep. George Santos Pleads Guilty in Federal Fraud Case, Likely Putting Him on a Path to Prison The disgraced ex-congressman, whose criminal trial was scheduled to begin in a few weeks, will likely receive prison time at his sentencing hearing in February John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Then-New York Rep. George Santos appears in Manhattan on the day of Donald Trump's first arraignment on April 4, 2023 Former New York Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in his federal fraud case on Monday, Aug. 19, avoiding a trial on several additional charges, according to The New York Times and CBS News, which had reporters in the courtroom. The disgraced ex-congressman, 36, faced a total of 23 criminal counts heading into court on Monday, including wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and aggravated identity theft. The wire fraud charge alone carried a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, according to The Washington Post. His guilty plea is unlikely to spare him prison time. CBS News reports that a judge expects his sentence to range from six to eight years. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 7. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty George Santos in 2023 Santos fell into controversy almost as soon as he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, following a 2022 New York Times report that said several claims he had made on the campaign trail could not be corroborated. In February 2023, one month after he was sworn in, the House Ethics Committee confirmed that he was under investigation. The Republican lawmaker's issues turned more serious when he became the subject of criminal investigations tied to his campaign finances. In May 2023, he was charged by federal prosecutors with 13 counts. Among the many allegations, the indictment accused him of using potential donors' money to purchase designer clothing and collecting unemployment while he was working at an investment firm. Related: Unpacking the George Santos Indictment, from Abusing Unemployment to Using Campaign Funds for Designer Clothes In October, Santos was hit with 10 additional counts. Notably, the superseding indictment accused him of charging campaign donors' credit cards without their authorization. Santos initially pleaded not guilty to all charges. At the recommendation of the Republican-led House Ethics Committee, Santos was expelled from Congress in December 2023, making him only the sixth House member in history to face such a punishment. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. An explosion at the Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant in Russia's Bashkortostan Republic on the morning of Aug. 19 injured at least three people, municipal authorities reported. The plant is located in Sterlitamak, a city of 279,000 located some 1,700 kilometers (1,054 miles) from the Ukrainian border. According to Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry, the explosion was caused by a liquified gas fire, which is still being extinguished. There was no indication of any outside interference at the time of this publication. Earlier in August, an explosion at the state-owned Rostec Avangard military manufacturing plant, also located in Sterlitamak, killed three factory workers. According to reports, the explosion occurred after a repair crew dismantled a pipeline in one of the workshops. The Russian Investigative Committee said the workers may have violated safety guidelines when cutting the pipes. The plant reportedly produces parts for multiple launch rocket systems. Read also: Energy equipment fire causes outages in Russian town, railroad section in Siberia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEW YORK (PIX11) A ground stop was lifted Monday at LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, according to the National Airspace System Status. The FAA delayed all commercial aircraft from flying out Sunday night due to severe thunderstorms. More Local News Departures to LaGuardia are grounded due to thunderstorms. The probability of extension is medium (30-60%), the FAAs website stated Sunday night. Departures to John F Kennedy International are grounded due to thunderstorms. LaGuardia customers were urged to contact their airline to determine their flight status, according to a social media post. You can check your flight status at LaGuardia Airport by clicking here. If you need to check your flight from JFK, you can click here. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Fact Check: Free Abortions, Vasectomies Offered in Chicago During 2024 DNC Just Not at Convention Site Claim: Planned Parenthood said it would provide free medical abortions and vasectomies in Chicago during the week of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Rating: Rating: Mixture What's True: Planned Parenthood announced it would send two mobile health clinics to provide vasectomies and medication-based abortion services in Chicago during the convention. However ... What's False: ... These activities would not take place at the site of the convention itself but rather at two locations relatively close to the site. In addition, Planned Parenthood isn't associated with the Democratic Party or its 2024 annual convention. Free abortions and vasectomies were to be offered in Chicago during the week of the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), according to rumors that spread on the internet in the days leading up to it in August 2024: (Todd Starnes/Facebook) The claim also appeared on X in posts by conservative media sources Fox News and NewsNation. The online response was mixed, with some commenters expressing amusement ("Wow, the Democrats know how to throw a convention," someone commented on Reddit. "Good to know."), and others expressing outrage (archived): Dear @Evangels4Harris there is no justifying the demonic murder of the unborn. So to offer FREE abortions during the #DNCConvention is evil. Pure evil on public display. Vote BIBLICAL VALUES. Vote for LIFE. pic.twitter.com/Nq6Vpi8kpB Dr. Malachi - (Dr. Run) (@malachiobrien) August 18, 2024 Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the initiative, asking people to "choose life." The claim was true. Planned Parenthood Great Rivers' mobile clinic indeed announced on X on Aug. 14, and later on Facebook, that it would offer free abortions and vasectomies in Chicago during the week the convention was held, and even provided a link for registration (archived): Here we come, Chicago! Our mobile health clinic will be in the West Loop with @ChiAbortionFund & @TheWienerCircle Aug 19-20, providing FREE vasectomies & medication abortion. EC will also be available for free without an appointment. Reserve your spot: https://t.co/AVCDTg2FAj pic.twitter.com/6C5oFuXacU Planned Parenthood Great Rivers (@ppgreatrivers) August 14, 2024 "EC" here stood for "emergency contraception," which the team said would be available for free without the need to make an appointment. (Great Rivers is located in Missouri, a state that made abortions illegal in 2022.) However, it was not true, as some social media posts claimed, that these medical services would be provided at the site of the convention. "Yes, we are providing these services for free," Nick Dunne, communications director for Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, told Snopes via email. "However we are not at or affiliated with the DNC." The organization continued to advertise its initiative until Aug. 18, 2024, the day before the DNC was set to begin. Clicking on the link to the form, Snopes was able to confirm that there were no more appointments available as of that date, an indication that the initiative had been successful: Addressing concerns that there were no more appointment slots left, the website added that Planned Parenthood would be able to send pills (a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol) for medical abortions by mail in the state of Illinois via the Planned Parenthood Direct application (archived): https://x.com/ppgreatrivers/status/1825010521474535504 In Illinois, medical abortions are authorized until the 12th week of pregnancy and these can be done in a medical setting or at home. They entail taking mifepristone first, to stop the production of progesterone, then misoprostol, which causes the body to expel the pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, most vasectomies are reversible. Sources: Patel, AbhishekP, and RyanP Smith. 'Vasectomy Reversal: A Clinical Update'. Asian Journal of Andrology, vol. 18, no. 3, 2016, p. 365. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.175091. Planned Parenthood Expands Availability of Medication Abortion to 12 Weeks of Pregnancy for Patients in Illinois. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-great-rivers/newsroom/press-releases/planned-parenthood-expands-availability-of-medication-abortion-to-12-weeks-of-pregnancy-for-patients-in-illinois. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024. Planned Parenthood Great Rivers. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-great-rivers. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024. Reporter, Giulia Carbonaro US News. 'Marjorie Taylor Greene Attacks "Free Vasectomies and Abortions" near DNC'. Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2024, https://www.newsweek.com/marjorie-taylor-greene-attacks-free-vasectomies-abortions-dnc-1940781. Where Can I Get an Abortion? | U.S. Abortion Clinic Locator. https://www.abortionfinder.org/abortion-guides-by-state/abortion-in-missouri. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024. BAKU. Azerbaijan. August 19. In 2024, Uzbekistan plans to attract $37.5 billion in foreign investment, which is 25% more than in 2023. This was reported by the deputy head of the department of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade Ogulnur Atayeva, Trend reports. As of mid-August 2024, Tashkent is the leader in terms of the volume of attracted investments, reaching $1.2 billion. In second place is Namangan region with $879 million, and in third place is Tashkent region with $739 million. Atayeva also noted that the volume of investments in the energy sector of Uzbekistan increased by $3.8 billion this year. According to her, 228 projects worth $15.2 billion are planned to be launched by the end of the year, which will create 28.5 thousand new jobs. As part of the development of $37.5 billion in foreign investment, $22 billion will be directed towards the development of industries, and $15.5 billion towards the development of regions. In addition, the country will build production capacities worth 42 trillion soums, achieve import substitution worth $1.4 billion, and create export opportunities worth $710 million. Austin police said Hao Li shot Chup Prum outside of the Taste of Home Handmade Dumplings restaurant in the Chinatown shopping center at 10901 N. Lamar Blvd. in an act of self-defense July 24. Prum died from the gunshot wound four days later. Li, who called Austin police to report the shooting, told officers that the 57-year-old Prum had approached him with a knife and tried to rob him outside of the North Lamar restaurant, according to an Austin Police Department news release. Li responded by shooting Prum, who left the scene on his bicycle, returning to his mother and step-father's house, with whom he lived, before being taken to the hospital. Prum's family said police identified Li to them as the owner of Taste of Home. No charges have been brought against Li, and the investigation is ongoing, according to police. The Travis County district attorneys office took on the case Aug. 5. Taste of Home Handmade Dumplings opened in the Chinatown shopping center at 10901 N. Lamar Blvd. in 2022. Prums brother, Chum Prum, told the American-Statesman that his family does not believe Chup would have tried to rob anyone. I dont want to interfere with the investigation. But I can tell you this: Whatever they say that my brother was trying to rob him and then he got shot, I think is BS, Chum Prum said. Hes not somebody to rob somebody. Hes not on drugs or anything. I know his character. Thats why it pissed me off that they said he was trying to rob a dude at a place (Chinatown) that he goes almost every day. Chum Prum said his older brother was mute, deaf in one ear, and 70% deaf in another. Chup Prum, who lived a few blocks from the Chinatown center, would bike to the shopping center each day and hang out at businesses like dessert and drinks shop Bambu, according to Chum Prum. He would then take his bike on the bus from Braker Lane and North Lamar Boulevard to South Austin and hang out all day at Barton Springs with friends before returning on the bus with his bike at night. He dont mess with nobody. He dont bother nobody, Chum Prum said. Why would he wanna rob somebody, knowing that hes gonna catch the bus there everyday? It just dont make no sense to me. Hes not the type of dude to rob somebody. Thats not his character. Chup's step-father, Roger Giller, and mother, Salina Anderson, said police told them there was video of Prum riding his bicycle through the parking lot, as he did each night on the way home, and that someone approached him. They said they were told that once he dismounted his bike, Prum disappeared from the camera's view. They have not seen the footage or heard audio from the incident, but Giller echoed Chum Prum's sentiments about Chup Prum's character and the incident. Robbery? Absolutely not. Ridiculous. Thats unacceptable," Giller said. "Youre talking about the same guy who woke me up a few months ago to take him to the police department to return a wallet he found at Zilker Park full of cash. And we turned it over to the authorities. He could have just taken all the money out of that wallet and thrown it away. So, no, he was not an armed robber by any stretch of the imagination. He wanted for nothing. Chum Prum said he has "110%" faith that APD will find out the truth of what happened. Were trying to figure out why did he go over there. We just want to know exactly what happened. Because we dont see it in him to do what they say he did to end up getting shot," Chum Prum said. "We need some justice here," Giller said. "Because if they're trying to put this on robbery, that's absolutely out of line. We won't accept that. I don't buy it all. Something's not right here." Taste of Home did not respond to emails and messages from the Statesman and an employee said Li was not at the restaurant during a recent visit. Taste of Home recently announced plans to open locations in Leander and South Austin. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest. The case is being investigated as Austin's 37th homicide this year. Editor's note: This story has been updated to include information from Chup Prum's step-father and mother. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Family of man killed by Taste of Home restaurant owner ask for answers SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) On Aug. 6, Katie Laparra and her family left for their highly anticipated trip to Guatemala to visit some other family members. A few days later, everything changed after an accident. Katie and her family were riding ATVs when Katie made a quick turn and hit a post on the side of the road. Her children were ahead of her at the time of the accident and didnt see the crash. She broke 10 ribs and broke her shoulder and she broke four vertebrae the lower four vertebrae in her back, Katies father Gary Kennard told ABC4.com. READ NEXT: Taking back-to-school photos of your kids? Avoid these things, BBB warns An image of Katie Laparra before her Aug. 2024 accident in Guatemala. (Courtesy: Laparra family) Because of the severity of her injuries, Katies doctors in Guatemala said she would need to be airlifted back to Utah for specialized care but that soon became a struggle of its own. She credits the doctors and nurses in Guatemala with saving her life, Kennard said. Katies sister, Amy Wilcox, said that the biggest burden was the family not knowing if Katie was stable enough to be relocated. She literally could not sit up at all, Wilcox said. The days passed by, and Katies family was working to arrange transport back to Utah with hospitals and medical air transport. Nearly two weeks later, Katie returned on a small plane on the evening of Aug. 17. We all just wanted her to be home, to be here, Katies daughter Selayna said. While in Guatemala, Katie got a fever and underwent surgery and several blood transfusions. Katies family said she is expected to recover, but there is still a long road ahead. As of Sunday, Aug. 18, Katie was in the University of Utah hospital. However, her family is still seeking help because of the high costs of bringing her home Kennard estimated that the family had spent about $65,000 so far. I think shes doing OK, Selayna said after her mother had returned to Utah. Right now, she cant, like, really move at all, because they havent done anything with her spine, so its still unstable. An image of the Laparra before Katie Laparras Aug. 2024 accident in Guatemala. (Courtesy: Laparra family) An image of Katie Laparra before her Aug. 2024 accident in Guatemala. (Courtesy: Laparra family) An image of the Laparra before Katie Laparras Aug. 2024 accident in Guatemala. (Courtesy: Laparra family) Katies family set up a GoFundMe after the accident and said they have seen support from friends and strangers alike. Her family all just made the decision that we have got to get her back, regardless of the cost, Wilcox said. So, whats next for Katie? Wilcox said the doctors at the U of U hospital would be redoing some imaging, since the imaging that was done in Guatemala wasnt digital. And, in the meantime, Katies family is expressing their gratitude for those who have helped them bring Katie home. I have been blown away by the support weve gotten so far, Wilcox said. The familys GoFundMe can be found here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Farm bill still hung up on safety net changes A Senate Agricultural Appropriations Committee meeting near Casselton, North Dakota, on Aug. 15, 2024, included, from left, Tina, Smith, John Boozman, John Hoeven and Amy Klobuchar. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said she is obsessed with getting a new farm bill passed before the end of the year. Republican Sen. John Boozman was more reserved, agreeing a farm bill should be passed but that we need to do the right thing. Klobuchar, of Minnesota, and Boozman, of Arkansas, spoke during a Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee hearing Thursday at Grand Farms Innovation Campus west of Casselton. The hearing was organized by Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and also included Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn. All of us are deeply involved in the farm bill, Hoeven said. The farm bill, which covers both agricultural support and nutrition programs, was extended last year after Congress failed to agree on changes before it was due to expire at the end of 2023. The bill sets rules for the next five years, part of the reason why Boozman says it is important not to rush something through. Hoeven, who also serves on the Agriculture Committee, said the main sticking point keeping a farm bill from getting passed is negotiations over what is known as reference prices. When market prices for crops such as corn and soybeans fall below the reference price, it triggers safety net programs that can help keep farmers in business. In an interview, Matt Perdue, policy specialist with the North Dakota Farmers Union, described the reference price as a floor under the market. If prices are going to drop below this floor, the federal government will provide some support to make up, not the entire difference, but some of the difference to ensure that the family farmers can continue to continue to produce, be productive, and ultimately stay in business and stay afloat, he said Perdue said farm groups generally want higher reference prices, but that would mean additional cost. While there is some accounting for market fluctuation in the reference price, Perdue said it does not account for major increases in costs for things such as fertilizer, seed and fuel. That price floor should be tied to the cost of production, Perdue said. This year, farmers are facing some of the lowest market prices in recent history. That is due, in part, to large yields that are expected to provide ample supply. In an Aug. 14 U.S. Department of Agriculture report, an average price received by producers for the 2024 corn crop was lowered 10 cents to $4.30 per bushel. For soybeans, it was $11.10 per bushel, down 10 cents from the previous month. Perdue, who lives in Jamestown but farms with his parents near Ray, said this years strong yields will help farmers get by, but the 2025 growing season could be a different story. Next year, youre going to see a lot more farmers in a really, really tough situation, Perdue said. Justin Sherlock farms near Dazey north of Valley City and is president of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association. I think were entering a farm crisis and its not being talked about yet, he told the Monitor. Congress is running out of time to get something done before the end of the year. Boozman said resetting the farm safety net is going to have to be a bipartisan effort. Jay Debertin, president and CEO of Minnesota-based, farmer-owned co-op CHS, said he understands that compromise on a farm bill wont make everyone happy. If all four of you are voting for it, he told the senators, CHS is there. North Dakota Monitor is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: info@northdakotamonitor.com. Follow North Dakota Monitor on Facebook and X. As Thornton Township District 205 students return for another year, the school board last week approved and renewed programs to help them build diverse skills practical beyond graduation. An after-school streetwear design course and a sexual abuse prevention program are among new initiatives to be implemented. Tony Ratliff, director of the districts college and career partnerships and programs department, said while District 205 already offers a fashion design program, the afterschool initiative will allow special education students to access some of the newest technologies to design their own clothing and accessories. As we provide these platforms of opportunities and success, Ive often thought about a mixed population of our students having access to this, Ratliff said. The Chicago-based program Stitch Lab is tasked with helping to create that space for students to have fun and learn about a potential career path, he said. The six-week program will complete eight cycles beginning Oct. 1, offering 120 students the opportunity to sign up. Ratliff said the program will run as a pilot at Thornridge High School in Dolton, but could expand with board approval. The district also purchased all the equipment students need to practice screen printing and embroidery of T-shirts, hats and more, which Ratliff said he believes is a great investment. To enhance student safety and prevent sexual exploitation, the board also approved a program for teachers, students and parents provided by La Rabida Childrens Hospital, according to Brett Fickes, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction They teach kids about the dangers of human trafficking, internet safety its a whole gamut that they offer, Fickes said. The board also extended its Outlook Academy program that allows 15- to 22-year-olds who did not complete high school the opportunity to dual enroll at South Suburban College and District 205. The $54,000-per-year agreement will be active until June 2028. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago is another organization that will partner with the district this year. The district approved the program that at no cost will allow Thornton High School students to mentor elementary school students. ostevens@chicagotribune.com MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. One man is in custody after police said he fatally wounded another man at a Maryland Heights convenience store on Sunday. According to Officer Terry McComas, a spokesman for the Maryland Heights Police Department, the shooting happened just before 6:15 p.m. at the Circle K near the intersection of McKelvey and Dorsett roads. Officers arrived to find the 37-year-old victim suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Missing Illinois man in Arizona sparks suspicions from family McComas said police took a 25-year-old suspect into custody at the scene. Police also recovered a handgun. The investigation is still ongoing. McComas said police would release additional information on Monday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) New court documents revealed more about the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol back in 2021, which left officers bloodied and sent lawmakers into hiding. More than 1,000 people have been arrested in connection to the riot. Just last week, two Steuben County men, a father-son duo, were also arrested. Local men sentenced in connection to 2021 Capitol riot The two join a growing list of local individuals facing criminal action for their alleged roles in the riot. Video footage of the historic incident captured the suspects numerous times on Jan. 6, both inside and outside the U.S. Capitol building, according to the court documents. Federal officials claim Charles Schimmel Sr. and his youngest son, Logan Schimmel were among the hundreds of rioters that day. They hail from Prattsburgh, New York in Steuben County. Logan Schimmel allegedly pictured on Jan. 6. (Photo provided). Charles Schimmel allegedly pictured on Jan. 6. (Photo provided). Right before heading to the Capitol, the two were caught on camera at an event called, Stop the Steal rally on the National Ellipse, according to the court documents. During an interview with the FBI in March 2022, Charles Schimmel said he drove to Washington D.C. by himself the day before the riot, adding that he attended the rally alone. He never said he was physically with his son, Logan. Video footage and pictures from that day told a different story though, according to investigators. Pictures taken at the Stop the Steal rally on the National Ellipse prior to the riot at the Capitol. Investigators said the people highlighted with arrows were the Stueben County men, which court documents reference as THE SCHIMMELS. Charles Schimmel is allegedly pictured wearing a brown jacket and a black hood with a Trump 2020 hat on and sunglasses. His son, Logan was said to be wearing a bright red beanie with the word TRUMP on it, a black over-coat and regular glasses. (Photos provided). In the 2022 interview with the FBI, Charles told investigators he listened to a speech from former President Donald Trump at the rally before making his way to the Capitol. He, again, made no mention of his son, Logan. As explained in the court documents, both men made their way to the Capitol together, walking with a large crowd. They then entered an area blocked off at the Capitol, before fighting with, and shoving police officers. Charles Sr. is allegedly seen waving a black and blue-styled American flag with the word TRUMP on it. Photos allegedly show the men at the entrance of the U.S. Capitol, moving to the front of the crowd where a police line was established. The two are accused of pushing past the officers to make room for the crowd. (Photo provided). Investigators said the Schimmels were among some of the first people to enter the Capitol building on Jan. 6. Rioters were able to get in after kicking down and smashing a door and surrounding windows. This happened around the senate wing. Investigators note that this was the first official breach of the Capitol that day. According to the court documents, the Schimmels appeared to have had somewhat of a leadership role in the very beginning, allegedly directing and gesturing to the crowd once inside where to go. Arrows allegedly highlight the Schimmels. Upon entering, Charles Sr. seemed to have raised his hands in celebration, investigators said. (Photo provided). The Schimmels were said to have had a hand in directing the crowd to walk towards the Crypt. (Photo provided). The Schimmels allegedly shown entering the Crypt. (Photo provided). The Schimmels, circled in red, allegedly proceeded down the hallway. (Photo provided). The duo was then seen walking into a room (H230), according to the court documents. (Photo provided). The Schimmels spent over an hour inside, according to investigators the two rounded the halls, entered and looked into multiple rooms. On the way out, the two appeared to have spoken with multiple different officers. An officer inside the capitol spoke with the Schimmels and other rioters for several minutes, officials said. (Photo provided). Another confrontation with an officer, this time outside room S203, about three minutes later. (Photo provided) Rioters were unable to exit the East Rotunda doors as officers had shut them down. The arrows allegedly point to the Schimmels. (Photo provided). A few minutes later, the Schimmels got into another confrontation with officers on a stairwell inside the Capitol. This time, they appeared to have put up a finger before walking away, according to investigators. (Photo provided). Court documents said the two officially left almost exactly one hour after they entered. (Photo provided). Body camera footage of the incident from a Montgomery County Police Officer allegedly showed the Schimmels attempting to exit from the NW stairs near the front of an established police line. The two were accused of adding some resistance to the line, ignoring repeated commands to back up. The police then resorted to using tear gas and shields to move the crowd back, including the Schimmels, investigators said. While the duo was among the first to enter the building, they ended up being among the last to leave this area, according to the court documents. After spending an hour inside, they then spent about another two hours on the grounds outside. The duo is allegedly pictured resisting against police before officers began using tear gas and their shields to push back. (Photo provided). The men face a number of charges, including a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder as well as several misdemeanor offenses. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Feast for La Madonna dell Assunta honors the Assumption of Mary, and brings the Italian community of Springfield to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church for a holy mass and a celebration. McDonalds on Boston Road temporarily closed following car crash The Italian community is really faith-driven, expressed Frank Girmaldi, an usher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. There is a lot of faith behind it and we pay honor to the different saints because a lot of times we will have a special connection to it. The celebrations included a procession with the Mary statue and there was a marching band performance in the South End neighborhood. Salvatore with Sons & Daughters of Italy in Springfield told 22News how this feast came about. Immigrants from Italy, where my grandparents are all from, started this feast to honor our lady the assumption, the catholic belief that Mary was assumed in a heaven body and soul, said Salvatore Circosta, the president of Sons and Daughters of Italy in Springfield. The historical Calabrese feast has been in Springfields South End since 1930. Its an Italian tradition to take whatever the patron of your town is and during the feast time of him or her, you take the statue out after mass and then you have a procession through the streets of your town, said Circosta. The celebration ended with a four-course dinner where guests were able to enjoy some Italian delicacies and music at the Parish Center. Latest Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Kiara Smith is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since March 2023. Follow Kiara on X @KiaraBSmith1 and view her bio to see more of her work. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. The U.S. District Courthouse in Baltimore. Photo by Danielle E. Gaines. A Landsdowne man is asking a federal judge strike down a state provision he says is barring him from appearing on the general election ballot as a U.S. Senate candidate in November. Emmanuel Osuchukwu said in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore that the requirement that he collect signatures of 10,000 registered Maryland voters to make the ballot as an independent candidate is a violation of his First and 14th Amendment rights to free speech and due process. The only purpose the signature requirement serves is to uphold the two major political parties, force independent candidates to join those parties and prevent independent candidates from exercising their constitutionally protected rights of getting on the ballot, Osuchukwu, who is representing himself, wrote in his lawsuit. The citizens have a constitutional right to vote for the candidates of their choice and the signature requirement violates this constitutional right by creating a barrier between independent candidates and voters, Osuchukwus suit said. Osuchukwu added that the requirement places an undue burden on independent candidates. The requirement violates the rights to free speech and political association. The Baltimore County resident is asking a judge to bar the Maryland State Board of Elections from enforcing the provision. Additionally, he asked that the court order state elections officials to place him on the November ballot. He also filed a motion asking the court to effectively keep the ballot open pending a hearing on his case. Osuchukwu formally declared his intent to run as an independent candidate with the state board in June 2023. In his court filing, the candidate claimed attempts to collect the needed signatures were unsuccessful because of the reasonable fear of identity theft expressed by potential signatories. In Maryland, there are four ways to become a candidate for political office: winning a party primary; being nominated by officials of party that is not the Democratic nor Republican parties; collecting signatures from 10,000 registered Maryland voters, or 1% of the number of registered voters eligible to cast a ballot for the office being sought; filing a certificate of candidacy as a write-in candidate. A poll conducted in June by North Carolina-based Public Policy Polling noted 1% of those surveyed supported Osuchukwu. Daniel M. Kobrin, an assistant attorney general representing the Maryland State Board of Elections, asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit and request for an injunction saying it is settled law that states can require unaffiliated candidates to show they have some support among potential voters. Additionally, he wrote that Marylands requirement does not offend Article I of the United States Constitution or the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Kobrin goes on to allege that the would-be candidate waited too long to file his lawsuit because he was aware of the requirements a year ago. He said it is no excuse that Mr. Osuchukwu may have first attempted to comply with the requirement by collecting signatures. He does not allege that the purported reason for his failuresignatory fear of identity theft is an infirmity in the statute. He alleges that the statute facially violates his constitutional rights. And neither Election Law nor the United States Constitution have changed between June 20, 2023 and now. Other states with similar laws have faced challenges to similar requirements, and federal courts have held the provisions do not violate an individuals constitutional rights, the states filing said. It noted that a North Carolina law requiring a potential candidate to hit a 1.5% signature requirement was found to be a modest burden, and upheld by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Kobrin argued that Maryland has a similar interest in regulating elections as North Carolina. Permitting unaffiliated candidates to list their names on the general election ballot without any limits, as Mr. Osuchukwu seeks, could prove ruinous for the States electoral operations, Kobrin wrote in the states response. Free access to the general election ballot could create ballots so long, costly to produce, and laborious to count that Marylands democratic process for electing public officials would become unworkable. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The Russian Prosecutor General's Office has deemed the activities of the foundation of Hollywood actor and friend of the so-called former Karabakh separatist "leader" Ruben Vardanyan George Clooney undesirable in the country, the statement of the press service of the Russian Prosecutor General's Office said, Trend reports. "The activity of the foreign non-governmental organization Clooney Foundation for Justice, USA ("Clooney Foundation for Justice") is recognized as undesirable on the territory of our country. The NGO was founded in New York by actor George Clooney and his wife, who considers herself a lawyer in the field of international law," the statement of the Russian Prosecutor General's Office reads. According to the information, this foundation "conducts work aimed at discrediting Russia". To note, the actor's wife Amal Clooney, representing herself as an "international human rights lawyer", has been actively involved in the case against Ruben Vardanyan in recent years, and periodically tries to organize attacks on Azerbaijan. Two gondolas of a Ferris wheel caught fire in eastern Germany on Saturday night, injuring more than a dozen people, German news media reported Sunday. The incident occurred when one of the Ferris wheel gondolas at the Highland Festival at Stoermthaler Lake near the city of Leipzig caught fire Saturday night, the German Press Agency reported Sunday, citing local police. The fire then spread to a second gondola. The German Press Agency initially reported at least 23 people were injured in the incident, four of which experienced burns while one was injured in a fall. Sixteen of those injured, including first responders and at least four police officers, were examined at a hospital for potential smoke inhalation, the news service said later Sunday. None of those injured were in life-threatening condition as of Sunday, the agency said. A total of 65 people reportedly received medical treatment in connection with the fire, police told the news service, without providing any further information on the victims. A criminal investigation was opened after the incident, and police are still trying to determine how the accident, which destroyed both of the gondolas, occurred, per the German Press Agency. The scene of the fire was cordoned off. German rapper Ski Aggu was performing onstage at the festival when the Ferris wheel caught fire. In an Instagram story later, he said he was dismayed and shocked by the incident. Im absolutely shocked and upset about the Ferris wheel fire during my show at Highfield, the rapper said in a post on Instagram. I was only told through my earpiece that I should not stop the show under any circumstances but should initially continue to talk with you so avoid mass panic. The priority was to prevent the situation from escalating any further. Fortunately, that worked, he added. The fire was under control 30 minutes after it broke out, a fire service spokesperson told the German Press Agency. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Finnish volunteer fighter Ville Mykkanen, who decided to join Ukraine's army in the fall of 2023, was killed in action in Luhansk Oblast, the media outlet YLE reported on Aug. 18, citing a Finnish mental health association (Sodan Kokeneet) that supports combat veterans. Mykkanen is the fifth known Finnish volunteer fighter to have been killed fighting for Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war. Another Finnish fighter was killed in Donetsk Oblast in mid-July. A former politician, 26-year-old Mykkanen wanted to "influence significant issues and advance justice in the world" even from a young age, his family said in a statement. "Russia's war of aggression started focussed Mykkanen's attention on the real fight for peace and freedom. He had a strong will to defend a free nation." Mykkanen "made the greatest sacrifice anyone could ever make, losing his life for freedom," his family said. Jussi Tanner, head of consular affairs at Finland's Foreign Ministry, told YLE in February that the country estimates that around 20-30 Finnish nationals are currently fighting alongside Ukraine's army. Read also: Another Georgian volunteer fighter killed in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ville Mykkanen, a 26-year-old Finnish volunteer, was killed in action in Ukraine while fighting on the Ukrainian side. Source: Yle, a Finnish broadcaster, as reported by European Pravda Details: Mykkanen lost his life in early August in Luhansk Oblast. The soldiers family requested that the information of his death be made public. Quote: "The family wanted Ville not to remain an unknown soldier," said Juha Creus, Executive Director of the Association of Combatants. Prior to his trip to Ukraine, Mykkanen led the youth division of the Northern Pohjanmaa centrist party. He chose to travel to Ukraine at the end of autumn 2023. Mykkanen became the fifth Finn to lose his life in the full-fledged Russian-Ukrainian war. Background: It was revealed at the end of July that the fourth volunteer fighter from Finland had been killed in combat north of Donetsk. Jussi Tanner, the chief of the Finnish Foreign Ministry's consular department, told Yle in February that approximately 20-30 Finns are fighting on the Ukrainian front. The media had reported that there could be up to fifty. Support UP or become our patron! The Oak Creek Fire Department responded to two water incidents involving five people in Lake Michigan Sunday evening. A high swim risk was in effect starting Sunday morning, National Weather Service meteorologist Marcia Cronce said. The first incident occurred at 5:49 p.m., when the fire department responded to reports of multiple people in distress in the water. Three people were on the beach when they arrived to the scene. Two individuals were transported to the hospital, and the third individual refused treatment. About an hour later, the fire department responded to another call when a rowboat capsized near the WE Energies pier. One individual who had been on board was able to walk to the fishing pier for medical evaluation; that person refused treatment and was not transported to the hospital. The other person on board was injured and located along the rocky shoreline. Because of the cliff that borders the water in that area, the individual was rescued by the Milwaukee Fire Department's Heavy Urban Rescue Team and the Cudahy Fire Department's High Angle Rescue Team before being transported to the hospital. The weather service has issued a high swim risk at Lake Michigan beaches in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties through Tuesday afternoon. Due to strong winds, "life-threatening waves" of three to six feet are expected, as well strong structural and longshore currents. Rip currents are also possible. Moderate waves between two and three feet are expected in Sheboygan and Ozaukee counties. The waves are caused by persistent north to northeast winds, Cronce said. NWS cautions beachgoers to stay out of the water and away from dangerous areas like piers and break walls. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: High swim risk continues after fire department responds to 2 lake calls SpaceX is preparing to launch its next private mission by the end of the month, featuring the first attempt to have the astronauts step out into space. The Polaris Dawn mission the first of three flights billionaire and Shift4 founder Jared Isaacman purchased from SpaceX in 2022 for his human spaceflight effort known as the Polaris Program is set to launch from Florida in the early hours of Aug. 26. We dont get the freedom of any time of day to launch but I think itll work out to [be] pretty close to dawn, which is very appropriate given the mission, Isaacman told CNBCs Investing in Space during an interview last month. Isaacman will be commanding the mission, as he did while leading the historic Inspiration4 flight in 2021. Hes once again leading a crew of four, with longtime colleague Scott Poteet joining him as the pilot and Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, a pair of SpaceX employees, serving as the flights medical officer and mission specialist, respectively. The multi-day trip isnt headed to a destination, but instead will be a free-flying mission tracing orbits that the crew hopes will go far from Earth. Were going to a very high altitude that humans havent gone to in 50-plus years, Isaacman said. But the centerpiece of Polaris Dawn is the planned spacewalk. Extravehicular activities, or EVAs, have been a regular part of NASAs astronaut missions for years, such as when the agency needs maintenance done outside the International Space Station. But no private venture has attempted an EVA before. Isaacman said he understands that going for a spacewalk means he and his crew will be surrounded by death, a moment for which theyve been training extensively. The only thing that comes close to that is the vacuum chamber, and thats where youre pretty much feeling as close as its like to be in the vacuum conditions or space. That definitely gives you the actual sensations of the pressure changes and the temperature changes, as well as just the psychological stressors of being in a very harsh environment, Isaacman said. Five-day mission plan Isaacman also detailed the day-to-day schedule for Polaris Dawn, which will be in space for up to five days. Day one is all about looking for a time when theres minimal risk from micrometeorite orbital debris, which will determine exactly when Polaris Dawn will launch. After reaching an orbit of 190 kilometers by 1,200 kilometers, Isaacman said the crew will do extensive checks of SpaceXs Dragon capsule Resilience. Its really important to know that the vehicle has no faults before going up to 1,400 kilometers altitude, Isaacman said. The spacecraft will also take early passes through the high radiation zone known as the South Atlantic Anomaly. You ideally want to take that at the lowest altitude as you can because even down at 200 kilometers, the radiation level there is substantially higher Our two or three passes at high altitude through the South Atlantic Anomaly will be almost the entirety of the radiation load on the mission and like an equivalency of three months on the International Space Station, Isaacman said. Day two will focus on some of the science and research that Polaris Dawn plans to accomplish which will total about 40 experiments. The crew will also prep for the spacewalk, testing out the EVA suits. So we can make sure that ... theres nothing unexpected in microgravity versus what we were able to test on Earth, Isaacman said. Day three is the big one: The EVA. The spacewalk So who on the crew will perform the spacewalk? Wed say all four of us are doing it theres no airlock and its being vented down to vacuum inside the spacecraft, Isaacman said. Two of the crew will journey outside of Dragon: Isaacman and Gillis, while Poteet and Menon stay inside as support. The EVA is expected to last two hours long from start to finish. Isaacman stressed that the spacewalk is really a test and development process. We want to learn as much as we can about the suit and the operation as possible, but we only have so much oxygen and nitrogen to work with, Isaacman said. Polaris Dawn plans to livestream the spacewalk, and the mission commander emphasized that there are going to be a lot of cameras scattered inside and out of the capsule. From left, Anna Menon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis. Brand new spacesuits The crucial piece of equipment intended to make the EVA possible is SpaceXs spacesuits. The company has spent the past couple years taking its minimalist-looking, black-and-white IVA suit meaning intravehicular activity, and worn by astronauts in case of emergencies and using it to create its EVA suit. Isaacman said the EVA suits are the results of hundreds of hours of testing different materials over years. So our primary goal is learn as much as we can about the suit, Isaacman said. Everything is about building the next generation. Were continuing to iterate on this suit design so that SpaceX can have hundreds or thousands someday for the moon, Mars, working in [low Earth orbit], what have you. Building a new EVA suit is no easy task, he added. Polaris Dawn aims to push the boundaries of private spaceflight and, like his first trip to orbit, Isaacman hopes the mission inspires. This is the inspiration side of it anything thats different than what weve seen over the last 20 or 30 years is what gets people excited, thinking: Well if this is what Im seeing today, I wonder what tomorrows gonna look like or a year after. Read Isaacmans Q&A with CNBCs Investing in Space newsletter here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Fashion Institute of Technologys longtime leader Joyce Brown is stepping down as president. After what will be a nearly 26-year run, Brown will exit that role at the end of the 2024-25 academic school year. When she first took on that post at the school, which is a part of the State University of New York, in 1998, Brown was FITs first female and first African American president. In an exclusive interview Monday, Brown said she was feeling quite proud of all the things that weve been able to accomplish over the past 25 years. More from WWD Embarking on her 26th year at FIT, Brown said that realization was a reminder that these are not lifetime appointments. During a convocation Monday with the faculty, she shared her belief that you should leave while everyone is still laughing. Everyone is feeling positive about the program, the strategic plan and the new [West 28th Street academic] building and ways that I have made faculty to do research and cutting-edge types of breakthroughs for the intersection of education and industry, she said. Its a logical moment. Its not like I had to do it. Most notably, one of Browns achievements was the promise and execution of the new 10-story academic building on West 28th Street, which includes energy-efficient facilities and flexible learning spaces. Brown also singled out advancements in curriculum and technology, as well as creating a new platform from which FIT competes with the best in the world in terms of product design, emerging technologies and creative designs. The latest round of faculty includes 21 new members, and Brown has maintained a rate of at least 20 new faculty members each year. The new recruits include a lot of people who at one point would not have considered coming to a school like FIT but have done so due to how its schools of liberal arts, art and design and business and technology have been built up, Brown said. Partial to purposeful-driven initiatives, Brown, 77, has no plans to retire and is exploring new challenges and opportunities. She is expected to have an active role in the transition and running the college during the next academic year. The academic leader said FIT has revisited its strategic plan every five years and recalculated it based on whether goals were being met, or new initiatives and programs were needed. That just makes the time go quickly, said Brown, who noted that at year 17 she couldnt believe that much time had passed. We just keep going and we have a lot to show for it. That makes it good as well. Youre not really counting the days. She continued, The truth is I could stay. There are lots more projects that we could do and achievements that we could achieve. Every place benefits from new ideas and new leadership. Figuring out what she will do next, Brown said she will ensure a good transition that will bring in someone who can bring the college to even greater heights. Born in New York City, Brown attended its Catholic schools, and went on to earn a B.A. in psychology from Marymount College. Brown later earned a masters degree in counseling psychology and a Ph.D. from New York University. Prior to joining FIT, she held jobs at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Bernard M. Baruch College of The City University of New York. In 1993, she was appointed deputy mayor for public and community affairs by then-Mayor David Dinkins during his reelection. After Dinkins mayoral loss in 1994, Brown became a professor of clinical psychology at the Graduate School for The City University of New York, where she worked until 1998. Brown, whose husband is the former New York state comptroller and former New York State Sen. Carl McCall, has been an omnipresent leader in education. She has also been affiliated with such boards and organizations as Linens-N-Things, Ralph Lauren, Neuberger Berman, Paxar Corp., the United States Enrichment Corporation, the Warm Up America Foundation, Marymount College and the Metropolitan Chapter of The Links. Like many other university leaders, Brown has been steering FIT during what has been a tumultuous time in recent years. Students and faculty have been dealing with such cultural milestones as the COVID-19 pandemic, the migrant crisis, and the Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movements. In addition, the Israel-Hamas war has led to multiple on-campus protests, encampments and arrests at FIT, as it has in other schools. The handling of on-campus protests and demonstrations were not a factor in Browns announcement, a FIT spokesperson said Monday. Brown is the second New York City school leader to reveal plans for a departure within the last week. Columbia University president Minouche Shafik resigned on Aug. 14. Brown said her decision was not prompted by the on-campus protests. Look, Ive been around for a long time. I was around for the last round of protests. I came from the City University of New York. Ive lived through it. Look, its unpleasant, difficult and fraught with a lot of misguided kinds of goals. But Ive dealt with it. I know how to deal with it. I hope we get a cease fire [between Israel and Hamas] and this will all end. And students will figure out other ways to contribute to the dialogue of furthering our way of government, because this is not the most effective way. Having been there and dealt with on-campus protests, Brown said, Its not what you hope to have your days taken up with. But it certainly did not factor into any decision that I made. A FIT spokesperson reiterated that Monday. During her tenure at the New York City campus, Brown established the Social Justice Center at FIT, an initiative focused on increasing the number of Black, Indigenous and people of color in roles across the creative industries. In an effort to increase the prevalence of technology, she worked with faculty to infuse it into their teaching and curriculum in recent years. The Center for Innovation at FIT, an off-campus center for faculty to pursue research, and the DTech Lab, FITs on-campus innovation lab merging design thinking with emerging technologies, were also launched. During Browns run, FIT awarded 82,389 degrees and certificates, with the number of bachelors degrees increasing by 348 percent. Thirty-three new degree and credit certificate programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels were introduced in-person and online. FIT also built upon degree programs in computer animation and interactive media, cosmetics and fragrance marketing and management, fashion design, footwear and accessories design, liberal arts and sciences and toy design. FITs board of trustees chair Robin Burns-McNeill said Browns commitment to technology, innovation\ and DEI modernized the college, while also deepening its commitment to our mission and to graduate success. The college will have the benefit of her strong leadership over the next year as we embark on a search for the next visionary to become the president of FIT. She is also credited with creating a culture of flexible learning, building faculty ranks, adding new programs and interdisciplinary minors, and raising the profile of liberal arts. One of Browns other maxims is said to be, When I am gone, I want everyone to know I was here. Best of WWD Fla. Woman Who Fatally Shot Black Neighbor After Complaining About Her Kids Playing Outside Found Guilty Susan Lorincz, 59, claimed 35-year-old Ajike AJ Owens kids were trespassing on her Ocala, Fla., property and threatened to beat her up in June 2023 FACEBOOK; MARION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Ajike Owens (left) and Susan Lorincz. Susan Lorincz, the White woman who shot her Black neighbor through her front door after complaining about the neighbors children playing outside, has been found guilty of manslaughter. Jurors in Marion County, Fla., found Susan Lorincz, 59, guilty of manslaughter by use of a firearm on Friday, Aug. 16, after a week-long trial concerning the June 2023 death of 35-year-old Ajike AJ Owens, according to a news release from the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office. The shooting happened on June 2, 2023, after Lorincz claimed Owens kids were trespassing on her Ocala, Fla., property and one of the children allegedly threatened to beat her up, according to the 911 call on the day of the incident, which was reviewed by PEOPLE. Related: Fla. Neighbor Accused of Killing Ajike Owens Said She Felt 'Threatened' by Children Before Police Arrived According to an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, the Marion County Sheriffs Office said that over the past several years, Lorincz had become angry at Owens children, who would often play in a field close to her home. In an interview with police, Lorincz admitted to having used the n-word toward children out of anger in the past and also to calling children other derogatory terms, according to the affidavit. Authorities previously said that on the evening of the shooting, Lorincz got into an argument with the children and threw a roller skate at Owens 10-year-old son, striking him in the toe, and later swung an umbrella at another son. After learning of this, [Owens], accompanied by her 10-year-old son, approached Lorinczs home, the affidavit states. [Owens] then knocked on Lorinczs door multiple times and demanded that Lorincz come outside. Lorincz then fired one shot through the door, striking Owens in her upper chest. Ajike Shantrell Owens/Faebook Ajike "AJ" Owens Lorincz claimed that she acted in self-defense, according to authorities, and that Owens tried to break down her door prior to the shooting. Lorincz also claimed that Owens had come after her in the past and had previously attacked her. During the investigation, authorities spoke to neighbors who reported that Lorincz was constantly harassing the children for playing near her home. One neighbor claimed to officers that Lorincz called in false reports on them, the affidavit states. The sheriffs office later said investigators determined that Lorinczs actions were not justifiable under Florida law, and she was arrested on a manslaughter charge. Despite a plea from Owens' family to bring murder charges, State Attorney Bill Gladson cited "insufficient evidence" to proceed with a charge of second-degree murder, a first-degree felony. Related: Fla. Woman Who Shot Mom Through Door in Dispute Over Her Children Won't Be Charged with Murder My obligation as State Attorney is to follow the law in each case that I prosecute, he said in a statement in June 2023. I did so in this case, and while some may not agree with that decision, I can assure you that the decision was thoughtful and made without consideration of any factors other than the specific facts of this terrible crime. On a GoFundMe campaign created to support Owens' four children, the single mother was remembered for her "infectious personality" and as someone who had a "smile that would light up the room." This case is undoubtedly a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence, Gladson said in the news release. The defendants choices have left four young children without their mother, a loss that will be felt for the rest of their lives. Gladson added, While todays verdict cant bring AJ back, we hope it brings some measure of justice and peace to her family and friends. To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations: Campaign Zero works to end police brutality in America through research-proven strategies. ColorofChange.org works to make the government more responsive to racial disparities. National Cares Mentoring Movement provides social and academic support to help Black youth succeed in college and beyond. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Members of Beacon Hose Co. rescuing people from Brookside Inn in Oxford, Conn. on Aug. 18, 2024. (Beacon Hose Co/AP) Severe storms hit parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut late Sunday night, resulting in at least two people dead, at least 100 people evacuated and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont declaring a state of emergency. The National Weather Service issued a rare flash flood emergency early Monday morning the highest level of flood warning and called the storm a particularly dangerous situation. Parts of southwestern Connecticut and Long Island received as much as 10 inches of rain. Weather officials say the flooding is unrelated to Hurricane Ernesto, which is heading up the East Coast after wreaking havoc throughout the Caribbean. What is a flash flood emergency? The NWS classifies a flash flood as a result of a slow-moving thunderstorm or when storms move over the same area in succession. Flash floods are quick and occur within six hours or less following the storm, which makes them more life-threatening than other types of floods. Nearly half of flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related, which is why experts typically warn, Turn around, dont drown to prevent drivers from trying to drive through flooding. There were numerous rescues in yesterday's Connecticut flood emergency, but this one was especially touching: https://t.co/CwoYEMJE3N pic.twitter.com/dJeWzFDqpJ The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) August 19, 2024 What areas were most affected by the storm? Connecticut Gov. Lamont declared a state of emergency early Monday afternoon for what he called "historic flooding." "The flooding washed out bridges and roads, and damaged or destroyed structures throughout the state," Lamont wrote in the declaration. "Hundreds of evacuations and swift water rescues were necessary to remove people from dangerous areas and shelters were opened." There were flash flood emergencies declared for parts of Fairfield, New Haven, Litchfield and Hartford counties in Connecticut. CNN reported Monday morning that at least one person was reported missing in New Haven County. Areas like Monroe, Conn., rarely get hit by so much rain and received 9.98 inches overnight, which NWS meteorologist David Stark described to CNN as a one in a 200-year event for the city. INCREDIBLE video from Southbury Plaza, where a man was trapped in his car with his dog. He had a prosthetic leg and a Good Samaritan was able to rescue him and the dog, bringing them to higher ground. Thanks to Tania for sharing with us. pic.twitter.com/C6iFCnskqU Ryan Breton (@RyanBretonWX) August 18, 2024 According to local news, one person was found dead after being swept up by floodwaters in Oxford, Conn. New York About 1 million people in Suffolk County, N.Y., were issued a flash flood emergency warning early Monday morning. Flash flood warnings were issued for several counties north and west of New York City, as well as for Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island. Trains between New York and Philadelphia were temporarily suspended, and the Long Island Expressway, which connects Long Island and New York City, had to briefly shut down. JFK and LaGuardia airports also experienced ground stops late Sunday due to the weather. New Jersey A flood watch was issued for areas of northern New Jersey ahead of the storm, with flooding reported on several highways although none of the highways had to close. Areas in places like Passaic were a concern for residents because of past issues with people getting swept up in currents toward the Passaic River. In 2021, two people died this way after getting caught in storm runoff following Hurricane Ida. What should you do if you are in an area with a flash flood warning? Flash floods develop very quickly, which makes them dangerous. The NWS estimates that 127 people die annually from flooding in the U.S. A flash flood emergency alert, which was issued on Sunday, is the most urgent level of flood warnings coming from the NWS. They are rare New York City only experienced its first flash flood emergency warning in 2021, following Hurricane Ida. A flash flood emergency was declared for parts of Long Island early Monday, after torrential rain led to mudslides and washed-out roads in Connecticut. https://t.co/gDRD8JVCIz pic.twitter.com/q4bWMnmJeI The New York Times (@nytimes) August 19, 2024 Experts warn against trying to drive during flash flooding and suggest moving to higher ground, although FEMA warns against climbing into a closed attic because you could get trapped. The most important piece of advice from the NWS and organizations like FEMA is to cooperate with responders, especially if they ask you to evacuate. Read more safety tips from Yahoo: Hurricane season is here. Experts explain how to stay safe during flooding, storms and more. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 20. The UNfrom the Ansar Allah rebel movement have returned the office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Sanaa to the UN, the official representative of the head of the world organization Stephane Dujarric said at a briefing, Trend reports. "The office was handed back to our Yemen coordinator Julien Harneis today. According to Julien, the office is untouched and is being inventoried," Dujarric said. The Secretary-General's representative added that the UN is "encouraged by this step," but at the same time the world organization continues to call on the Houthis to release detained UN employees in Yemen. (Bloomberg) -- Turkey, seeking to extend its influence in Africa and strengthen energy security, will send the 86-meter long research vessel Oruc Reis to explore offshore oil blocks belonging to Somalia next month. Most Read from Bloomberg The move, confirmed by Mohamed Hashi, director of Somalias petroleum ministry, could help diversify Turkeys crude supply and is part of Ankaras steady quest to boost ties in a region where China, Russia, Gulf states and the West also vie for sway. Drawn by the continents mineral wealth and growing populations that could drive a new wave of economic growth, the focus makes a lot of sense for the county as it flexes its international clout. Africa is interesting for Turkey because its a point where it can experiment with all its newfound activist foreign policy tools and objectives, said Batu Coskun, an Ankara-based research fellow at the Libyan Sadeq Institute think tank. Its soft power on the one hand, such as aid, education and Turkish language centers. And trade and economic relations on the other hand, he said. Nowhere is this demonstrated better than Somalia where Turkey operates its largest overseas military base and Turkish companies manage the capitals port and airport. Baykar, the Turkish drone company run by the son-in-law of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Selcuk Bayraktar, has supplied Somalia with an unknown number of its TB2 model, expanding Somalias offensive against the Islamist group al-Shabaab. Power Play And earlier this year, the Turkish parliament approved a motion from Erdogan to send navy support to Somali waters amid an increase in piracy stemming from insecurity on the Red Sea linked to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants. For Turkey, Somalia offers a geo-strategic location to advance its influence in the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean arenas, said Omar Mahmood, a senior analyst for East Africa for the International Crisis Group. The engagement with Somalia has served both a test case and a stepping stone for Turkeys overall strategy to deepen diplomatic, commercial and security ties across the African continent. Ever since famine decimated Somalias population in 2011, Turkey has thrown its weight behind the impoverished nation, which has been synonymous with conflict and suffering since a decades-long civil war broke out in 1991. Today, young Somalis can attend a state-backed Turkish school run by the Maarif Foundation in Hargeisa and Mogadishu. Aid in the past decade was more than $1 billion, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, and the countrys consumer goods from medicines to garments are ubiquitous throughout the capital. Our connection with Turkey is rooted in centuries of shared Islamic culture. Their support has been transformative, said Mohamed Osman, an 18-year-old student at the Maarif Foundation school in Mogadishu. Once a run-down shelter for internally displaced people, the school has been refurbished into modern, computer-equipped classrooms. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalias defence minister, speaks fluent Turkish and graduated from a university in Ankara. Since 1992, more than 1,000 Somali students have received scholarships to Turkish universities and visa restrictions for Somalis visiting Turkey have been minimal when compared with other African nations. Broader Strategy Turkeys inroads into Somalia are part of a wider policy in Africa. Exports to the continent were $28.6 billion in 2023, down from $30.6 billion in 2022, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, with the lions share going to Egypt, Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria. Increasingly, Ankaras dealings with African nations are combining cooperation in the fields of intelligence and defense with deals in the mining and energy sectors. Earlier this year, a delegation led by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Nigers capital Niamey and signed a host of deals after the nations military government kicked out French troops and ordered the US to close its military base. Niger is the worlds seventh biggest producer of uranium. The Turkish mining company MTA is already looking for gold in the country and has also held talks with Algeria, the Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe in the past three months. Turkey has signed similar agreements with Algeria where the state energy company, Turkish Petroleum, has said it will look for oil and gas. Afro Turk SA has made efforts to enter Burkina Fasos gold market and Turkish Airlines now flies to some of the most remote corners of the continent. TB2 drones from Baykar have been sold to at least 11 African countries, according to data compiled by PAX, a Dutch organization seeking to foster peaceful societies. Other seeds of influence include SADAT, a private Turkish military contractor, which has sent Syrian personnel to the Sahel region to buttress the military junta in Niger, according to the Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Its chief executive, Melih Tanriverdi, told Bloomberg in a written response to questions that his company was keen to do business in Africa but denied its presence in Niger. Such inroads are made easier by the centralized leadership style of Erdogan, according to Coskun, the analyst, who noted the lack of export controls on Turkish military products. If Erdogan signs off on the deal it simply goes through, he said. Its not like the US congress which scrutinizes every sale. Risky Business? Turkeys quest for influence in Africa and particularly Somalia is not without risks. Somalia is currently at loggerheads with Ethiopia another staunch partner of Turkey over Addis Ababas decision to recognize the sovereignty of the breakaway state of Somaliland in return for a naval base and port access in the coastal town of Berbera. Ankara is currently mediating talks between Ethiopia and Somalia on how to resolve the dispute, a key foreign-policy objective for Ankara if it is to start exploiting oil reserves in the region. That drew a tart complain from Somaliland on Tuesday, which accused it of interference. For Turkey the best scenario is coming to an agreement, with Ankara emerging as a mediator and Turkey cementing its role on the political front in East Africa, said Coskun. Turkey does not want clashes when it starts exploring hydrocarbons. But the upside should it broker a deal between the two, and tap the oil that lies below Somalias seabed, could be huge. Turkey has long sought to reduce its dependence on energy imports from Russia and Iran, successfully increasing imports from the US, Algeria, Egypt, and Azerbaijan. Exploring oil in Somalias offshore fields and elsewhere would contribute to Ankaras diversification strategy, grow Turkeys energy business, and expand regional presence of Turkish companies, said Ali Bakir, an assistant professor at Qatar University and a former Qatari diplomat in Turkey. --With assistance from Patrick Sykes. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Flights to Lanzarote airport have been diverted thanks to dusty winds across the Canary Islands (Getty Images) Flights are disrupted to and from Lanzarote Airport after haze and calima swept onto the island, local news reports. Arrivals and departure flights from Lanzarote were delayed after severe weather obstructed the visibility of Spains Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa. Data from FlightRadar shows that a significant number of arrivals have been delayed, most of them by around an hour, in landing at Lanzarotes airport, while some afternoon departures were also delayed by around an hour on Monday, 19 August. Aena, a Spanish airport authority that operates Lanzarotes airport, confirmed to The Independent that 12 flights, including arrivals from Leeds, Birmingham, and Dublin, as well as domestic flights from Madrid, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, were diverted mostly to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. This morning, due to low visibility at Cesar Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, 12 flights landed at other airports, mostly at Fuerteventura Airport, a spokesperson said, adding that later on, flights started to land as normal. Flights including Ryanair and Air Lingus planes travelling from Dublin to the island were diverted to Fuerteventura, landing at 10.40am. Tui and Jet2 flights that departed from Leeds and Birmingham were also diverted to Fuerternventua, while other airlines that were coming from elsewhere than the UK were diverted to Gran Canaria Airport and Tenerife North Airport, FlightRadar shows. The diversions appear to have stopped around midday, but disruptions and delays persisted into the afternoon. Since 5pm GMT, most flights have landed on time or with minor delays, and departures also appear to be doing the same. The disruptions and delays were thought to be caused by a warning of haze and calima, which is when fine sand and dust particles are lifted into the atmosphere from the Sahara Desert, causing a reduction in visibility and high temperatures. A dust suspension weather warning was activated by AEMET, the Spanish meteorological agency, and pre-alerts for storms, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions were put in place for the islands All arrivals were momentarily suspended until visibility later improved, the outlet said. Air traffic controllers at Lanzarote Cesar Manrique Airport said that due to visibility problems some aircraft were being sent to alternative airports for safety reasons, according to The Olive Press. Visibility was reduced to less than 900m until conditions started to improve after a couple of hours, and flight activity appeared to resume. The Independent has contacted Aena for comment and further information. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast FlightAware warns that some customers' info has been 'exposed,' including Social Security numbers Flight tracking site FlightAware has blamed a "configuration error" for exposing a raft of personal information of its customers, including some of their Social Security numbers. The company, which claims to be one of the largest aggregators of flight data, said in a notice on its website that it identified the unspecified error on July 25, which exposed names, email addresses, and more, depending on what information users provided to the company. FlightAware said the exposed data includes "billing address, shipping address, IP address, social media accounts, telephone numbers, year of birth, last four digits of your credit card number, information about aircraft owned, industry, title, pilot status (yes/no), and your account activity (such as flights viewed and comments posted)." In a separate notice with California's attorney general's office, FlightAware said that its investigation found passwords and Social Security numbers were also exposed. As a result, the company said it's requiring all affected users to reset their account passwords. FlightAware does not say in the notice whether customers' stored passwords are scrambled or to what extent. The notice filed with the state says the breach dates as far back as January 2021, over three years ago. The company's description of a configuration error implies a mistake on the company's part, rather than a malicious cyberattack. While FlightAware concedes that customer data was exposed, it's not known if anyone accessed or exfiltrated the data, or if the company has the technical means, such as logs, to determine if anyone downloaded the customer data. FlightAware spokesperson Kathleen Bangs did not respond to requests for comment, nor say how many customers are affected. FlightAware says on its website that it has more than 10 million monthly users. FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) A Lake City doctor on Monday pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to distributing Oxycodone outside the scope of his medical practice as part of what prosecutors described as a yearslong sex for scripts scheme. Carlos David Rodriguez Jr., 50, prescribed the drug 15 times to a patient between May 2018 and January 2019. The individual first began seeing Rodriguez in 2013 and 2014 before resuming her visits for treatment of back pain. When the patient first returned Rodriguez did not ask the patient about her current medical history, did not ask her for a pain rating and did not ask her what controlled substances she might be taking despite clear indicators she was using illicit drugs, a Department of Justice news release said. Rodriguez also touched the patient at the first appointment in (a) manner not consistent with any medical examination. Over the following months, Rodriguez provided the patient with his Snapchat and began sending nude pictures, according to prosecutors. The patient believed this to be a sex for scripts trade, where if she engaged in sexual behavior, Rodriguez would write her prescriptions for Oxycodone, the news release said. Officials said the patient began substance abuse treatment in the summer of 2018 and was placed on a medication that wasnt to be taken with Oxycodone. Rodriguez sent her prescription for the drug to another pharmacy after a provider noted the conflict. The patient twice filmed encounters with Rodriguez during the fall of 2018 that show him entering the room and begin hugging, kissing and fondling the patient. In one instance, the patient performed a sex act on Rodriguez, who then wrote another Oxycodone prescription. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Dawson III accepted Rodriguezs guilty plea. A sentencing date wasnt immediately known, but he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervision following his imprisonment. Rodriguez also surrendered both his state and federal prescribing privileges. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Florida bans Chine vapes, good news for smokers who use them to quit cigarettes | Opinion Over the past few years, Florida has unfortunately become the nations leader in illegal vapes. Lack of federal enforcement and confusion in the marketplace opened the floodgates for illegal disposable vapes from China to wash over the Sunshine State, targeting our kids with candy and dessert flavors. But Florida is fighting back. Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state legislature, we now have a chance to protect our young people and help save the lives of millions of cigarette smokers who use vapes to quit. Its important to realize that all vapes are not created equal - some are legal, some are not. There are currently 34 nicotine vapes authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vapes that are authorized have been reviewed by the FDA and deemed appropriate for the protection of public health. The FDA recognizes that some nicotine and tobacco products are riskier than others. Burning and smoking cigarettes introduces toxins that can cause disease. Authorized vapes that deliver nicotine without smoke are 95% less harmful. So when Gov. DeSantis signed HB 1007 into law that would fight back against illegal Chinese vapes, it scored several vital points for Floridas public health. First and foremost, a published product directory would protect our children from the illegal products that have become most popular among teenagers. The directory would guide law enforcement and retailers on the products that are authorized for sale and those illicit products manufactured without oversight or approval. At the same time, this important law is creating a functional marketplace for innovative, safer alternatives to cigarettes. Right now, there are over 2 million cigarette smokers in Florida who are struggling to kick the habit. Anyone who has smoked or knows a smoker knows that quitting cigarettes cold turkey is incredibly difficult. Strategies like behavioral therapy, patches, and gums arent always successful. These struggling smokers deserve access to safer, more effective nicotine alternatives like vapes to help them quit. Brian King, the head of the FDA Center for Tobacco Products, coauthored a paper recommending that healthcare providers talk to patients about the health benefit of switching completely from cigarettes to vapes. A top Harvard Medical School researcher echoed that sentiment in the New England Journal of Medicine saying that switching reduces respiratory symptoms, and reverses smoking-related physiological changes. Cochrane, a respected authority that analyzes randomized clinical trials, has published evidence that shows nicotine vapes are more effective cessation tools than the patches and gums youd find at your pharmacy. Fresh research shows that nicotine vapes may even be as effective as prescription drugs used to help smokers quit. Thats why Gov. DeSantis made such an important move for public health by signing this HB 1007 into law. Most people across America think that vapes are as harmful or worse than cigarettes and its just not true. FDA leadership has stated that these misconceptions could adversely impact patient counseling and reduce the odds of people switching away from cigarettes. This misconception is particularly acute in Hispanic and Black communities where smoking is more prevalent. A directory that provides more education to the marketplace about vaping products that are appropriate for the protection of public health will help smokers who are struggling to quit. Black and Hispanic communities, active-duty military and veterans, people with disabilities all smoke more than average. These communities who often deal with unique stresses will be the ones that can benefit most from less harmful alternatives like nicotine vapes. Reversing misconceptions about nicotine and vapes will help these communities quit cigarettes and reduce health disparities in those populations. Its rare that one common-sense policy can be so effective in advancing important public health goals. In one stroke of the pen, Gov. DeSantis protected Floridas children, strengthened our defenses against unscrupulous Chinese manufacturers, and gave a lifeline to every smoker in Florida. Lets continue to support the cause of public health and save the lives of millions of smokers by providing education and access to less harmful nicotine alternatives. Liliana Ros is the Miami-Dade Republican State Committeewoman. Florida Dems say support for abortion rights ballot measure will help drive Harris votes A woman behind behind a lectern with a beige curtain behind her U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Florida Democrat, on Monday touted to Florida delegates accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, such as the temporary expansion of the child tax credit. (Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom) CHICAGO Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried told delegates at a breakfast meeting at the Democratic National Convention Monday that an abortion-related ballot measure will make the Sunshine State a battleground in the November elections. We will not be counted out, Fried said, sporting a white blazer often symbolic of the womens suffrage movement over a University of Florida shirt. Fried added that Democrats are aiming to re-engage with their base. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX She introduced Florida U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and both lawmakers said they believed the Sunshine State would support Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris as well as other Democrats down the ballot. Fried added that what is key to making Florida competitive again as the state has leaned more Republican is the ballot measure on abortion, known as Amendment 4, that would bar any state interference with the right to abortion in Florida up to the point of viability, around 24 weeks gestation. Its a measure that Fried called an inflection point. My hope is that we have secured a womans right to choose on the ballot, she said. Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, speaking to the delegates, said making Florida a battleground state aint gonna be easy, but that she believes the ballot measure will help Democrats in November elections. Another guest, Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, said hes optimistic about Florida supporting Harris. The last time Florida went blue in a presidential election was in 2012, the second term of former President Barack Obama. Were gonna surprise some people in the Sunshine State, Shapiro said. Hazel Gillis, a 77-year-old delegate from Jacksonville Florida, said she believes that ballot question will help make Florida a battleground state in the 2024 election. Were talking about womens rights, she said. All women should vote in favor of that amendment because its our body. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST A squabble over stench is escalating tensions between the campaign against Florida's recreational marijuana ballot measure and one of its backers, an influential Republican state lawmaker who is allied with former President Donald Trump. Sen. Joe Gruters of Sarasota, a former Republican Party of Florida chair, recently announced his support of the measure, going against Gov. Ron DeSantis, state GOP leadership and other conservative critics. Last week, Gruters joined two other lawmakers in promoting a plan that would ensure pot isn't publicly smoked. That came after DeSantis and others claimed that the proposal, known as Amendment 3, would lead to a prolific marijuana stench in communities all over the Sunshine State. Vote No on 3, the campaign against the ballot question, bashed that plan Monday morning, calling it "Gruters' bail out bill." DeSantis' chief of staff, James Uthmeier, also helps run that campaign in a personal capacity. Vote No on 3 argues there's no way the Florida Legislature can prevent public use of recreational marijuana with how the amendment is worded. "While the mega-marijuana companies are now teaming up with Gruters to claim that they can fix the problem their amendment creates with a simple bill, they arent being honest with voters about why their amendment is flawed," the campaign said in a press release. "The authors of this amendment and their allies are concealing the fact that they could have worded it correctly to begin with," it added. Vote No on 3 points to a line in the amendment that says, "Nothing in this section shall require ... smoking medical marijuana in any public place," knocking how it only mentions "medical." That is already in the state Constitution, placed there by 2016's medical marijuana amendment. Vote No on 3 says the medical part should have been removed in the revision. Supporters say opponents 'mislead(ing) voters' But other Amendment 3 language also says, "Nothing in this amendment prohibits the Legislature from enacting laws that are consistent with this amendment." Smart & Safe Florida, the pro-amendment campaign, says the opponents "conveniently ignore" that part to "mislead voters." "This language clearly gives the legislature the full authority to enact legislation on time, place, and manner, as well as additional regulations as it sees fit," said Morgan Hill, spokesperson for Smart & Safe Florida, in an emailed statement. "This is just another example of government overreach and the use of scare tactics by the opposition. Adults should have the freedom to make responsible choices for themselves, especially as it relates to activities in their own homes." Gruters said the opposition is being "intellectually dishonest." "It's simple: The Legislature will have the ability to put guardrails up," he said. The Legislature often does so when it implements an amendment, sometimes controversially. "There's no question about it," Gruters continued. "What they're quoting is from the medical marijuana language, and it's about not forcing people to make accommodations as a result of a medical issue." Amendment 3, if it gets at least 60% of the vote, would allow non-medical marijuana possession of up to 3 ounces, with no more than 5 grams in concentrated form, for those 21 years old and up. This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Douglas Soule can be reached at DSoule@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Odor argument fires up fight over Florida recreational marijuana vote Footlights Theatre fitting into new home with first show in October A performing arts school in Erie is finding a new home after joining forces with another theatre collective. Footlights Theatre on Cherry Street had its moving day Sunday, moving into the Performing Arts Collective Alliances theatre (PACA) on State Street. 100-plus runners show up for first Shawn Giles memorial 5K Footlights and PACA recently formed a partnership and the move will allow Footlights to bring their youth dance classes to PACAs theatre. Footlights co-owner said the move will centralize a location for footlights, allowing students to rehearse and perform in the same building. Community members enjoy Harmony and Blessing series at City Art Gallery We are moving there in order to further that partnership, so well continue to offer our regular classes and we are going to bring youth theatre to PACA, said KC Mccloskey, co-owner of Footlights Theatre. Footlights Theatre will perform Firefly Tales this October, a show featuring urban legends adapted for the stage. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. PARIS (Reuters) - A forger suspected of printing 11 million euros' ($12 million) worth of fake bank notes was arrested in the Italian city of Naples last week, European police body Europol said on Monday. Europol said the man who was arrested, whom it did not name, had already sold 8 million euros' worth of fake notes across Europe and added that police seized nearly 3 million euros of fake notes when they raided his Naples printing site. "Furthermore, the arrested counterfeiter is believed to be responsible for over 27% of all faked euro banknotes discovered and taken out of circulation in 2023 alone," Europol said. Europol, which is headquartered in The Hague, said French police were also involved in the arrest because the forger had circulated many of the fake notes through France. ($1 = 0.9058 euros) (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Hugh Lawson) BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The German Lufthansa airline has decided to keep its wings clipped for a little while longer, as they have extended the suspension of all flights to Iran's Tehran, Israel's Tel Aviv, and Lebanon's Beirut until August 26, and seemingly they are playing it safe and keeping their distance from these destinations for now, Trend reports. In recent weeks, a whole bunch of airlines have pulled the plug on passenger flights to Iran, Lebanon, and Israel due to fears of possible attacks. Earlier, in the same vein, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry advised citizens to steer clear of traveling to Israel, Palestine, or Lebanon. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Residents in downtown LA are unhappy about the unfinished Oceanwide Plaza towering over the area, saying it is a blot on the city's image. Here, snowy mountains behind Los Angeles, which is home to a significant number of skyscrapers, with the downtown area particularly noted for its modern architecture. Hans Gutknecht/Orange County Register via ZUMA/dpa It was the graffiti that made the abandoned skyscrapers of Oceanwide Plaza in downtown Los Angeles infamous. But the illicit work is low on the list of problems facing the bankrupt, billion-dollar development. With a potential fire sale of the residential, hotel and retail project approaching, a far more complex and expensive question looms over one of the regions all-time real estate catastrophes: Can it be saved from the wrecking ball? The fastest path forward for a new owner would be to complete the original plans for the three-tower development that ground to a halt in 2019 and stands about 60% finished. But some potential buyers and construction experts say that doing so is financially untenable, in large part because tenants would be scarce for the expansive retail space on the projects bottom floors and a redesign would be very difficult for the oversized residential spaces in the towers above. Instead, they say, the structures should be torn down to make way for something new. Believe me, somebody would have jumped forward with a viable plan if there really was one, said developer Bill Witte, chief executive of Related California. Witte said he believes Oceanwide has negative value because of the scale and the indeterminate amount of work that would have to be done to complete it. In other words, he believes its not worth the risk to try to fix Oceanwide Plaza. And yet an unfinished complex in a prime location remains a lure to a handful of real estate investors with deep pockets. Earlier this month, a federal bankruptcy judge set a Sept. 17 auction of the property, saying there are several potential bidders. An April appraisal that real estate brokerage Colliers submitted in the bankruptcy case estimated the market value of the project at nearly $434 million. Colliers also projected a cost of $865 million to complete the buildings. Broker Mark Tarczynski of Colliers, who is overseeing the efforts to sell Oceanwide, rejects the notion that demolition is the only option. He predicted last month that whoever buys Oceanwide Plaza will finish it. Its about two-thirds of the way done, with about $1.2 billion already invested in it, he said, and is structurally sound, according to an engineer. Why would you tear down a perfectly good project? Its unimaginable. For now, Oceanwide Plaza stands out on the L.A. skyline, a graffiti-covered oddity on Figueroa Street the wide thoroughfare that connects downtowns financial district with L.A. Live, Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center. It fills a large city block across the street from the arena an A+ location in real estate terms for being in the midst of year-round activity. The site was a sprawling asphalt lot used for event parking when Beijing-based Oceanwide Holdings bought it in 2014 with a vision to build a fancy, mixed-use development that was far bigger in scale than what is typically built in the U.S. Oceanwide set to work on the complex, which was intended to house luxury condominiums, a five-star hotel and an indoor mall that would include deluxe shops and restaurants. A massive electronic sign on its facade was to bring a flavor of Times Square to Figueroa Street. When Oceanwide stopped paying building contractors in 2019 and work ceased, the construction site wasnt all that much of an eyesore, said Javier Cano, the area manager for Marriott hotels in Los Angeles, who oversees the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels at L.A. Live. That changed early this year when graffiti artists began breaking into the property and turned its towers into a street art canvas, garnering worldwide headlines. The colorful images spray-painted on floor-to-ceiling windows stretch the height of the towers and are an inescapable sight from great distances. You get responses across the board, Cano said. Some people believe it to be art, others believe its on the other end of the spectrum. The area remains busy with concerts and games, he said, but were hoping something can get done one way or another to bring the Oceanwide Plaza block back to life. Stuart Morkun, vice president of development at Mitsui Fudosan America, was one of several developers who tried to figure out how to acquire and complete Oceanwide Plaza profitably but concluded it wasnt feasible. As a builder of big projects including the recently completed Figueroa Eight luxury apartment skyscraper a few blocks away, he said he finds the project mesmerizing. Its literally like walking into Blade Runner, he said, referring to the 1982 film set in a dystopian future Los Angeles. This postapocalyptic environment that could be from now or who-knows-when. Its horrifying and thrilling to see at the same time. Because the project has been exposed to the elements, including heavy storms, for years, Morkun said he was surprised at what he observed during a tour he took while considering whether to make an offer on the property. The concrete structure has held up fairly well, he said, adding that he didnt see much standing water or mold on the drywall and the aluminum and glass exteriors had stood up well to the weather. That said, an unfinished construction project is full of unknowns, which can lead to problems, he said. It would be daunting, as if you decided to pick up a pile of cards in a card game. You could be saying, Holy smokes, what have I gotten myself into? A major obstacle a new owner would face in trying to make Oceanwide Plaza financially viable is the design of the residential portions, which were intended to be filled with large, high-end condominiums. Oceanwide was expected to sell the condos primarily to Chinese residents looking for a place to invest overseas, but that pool of buyers shrank in 2017 while construction was underway, when the Chinese government restricted the flow of money out of the country. Large condos have proved a tough sell in Los Angeles, where wealthy buyers tend to prefer stand-alone homes. Converting the residential space from big units to smaller, more affordable ones would be extremely difficult because of the way the floors are built, said architect Scott Johnson, who specializes in designing high-rise buildings, including the Figueroa Eight apartment tower downtown and office towers in Century City. The builders used a common construction method for the floors called post-tension that involves pouring cement around taut steel cables that must stay intact even after the cement dries. We cant take a floor that maybe has six huge units and then get 12 small units because every new toilet, every sink, every drain line, every vent would have to be cut into the slab, which has all these steel cables in it supporting it, Johnson said. The multiplication of units cant happen here. If the number of units could somehow be multiplied, a new developer would also have to determine whether the buildings have enough elevators, parking spaces and other facilities to support increased occupancy, he said. Challenges for using the property as designed go well beyond construction issues, real estate observers say, largely because there is so much space that would need to be leased or sold. Oceanwide came to L.A. with a plan on a scale more commonly found in China, where developments often dwarf projects in the West. The sheer scope of the project ... was unprecedented, said Witte of Related California. He described Oceanwide in its current state as a carcass of an overscale development. Witte was behind downtown L.A.s most recent mega-development the Grand LA, designed by architect Frank Gehry. The complex on Bunker Hill contains 1.2 million square feet and cost $1 billion to build. In addition to high-rise apartment and hotel towers, it has 176,000 square feet of retail space that includes chef-driven restaurants. More tenants have agreed to open there this year, but it still has ample empty retail space. The challenge of finding tenants would also be significant at Oceanwide Plaza, which has more than 160,000 square feet of retail space that would need to be filled with stores and restaurants or some other use. The prospect of leasing that much space is daunting at a time when many shopping malls are suffering. Prospective buyers have reportedly considered a variety of solutions for Oceanwides shopping center, including turning it into a cosmetic surgery center. Witte said he calculated before the pandemic that Oceanwides retail space could be converted to offices for rent, as has been done at other Los Angeles malls such as the Sherman Oaks Galleria and the Westside Pavilion. But with downtown office vacancy climbing, that option no longer makes sense, he said. Morkun pursued a novel solution for Oceanwides retail conundrum: a casino. He envisioned the casino as one of a handful in the neighborhood that would form a small gaming district and perhaps help other real estate projects nearby get built. I saw how the Lakers could be part of an ownership group of the casino and have it branded and named Showtime Casino, he said. Its just so natural right across from the arena. The sticky wicket is, how do you get a gambling license? Morkun researched how other cities such as Detroit have managed to bring in casinos in recent decades, but couldnt crack California restrictions that limit gaming operations to the territories of federally recognized Native American tribes. The Gabrielino-Tongva Indian Tribe, whose ancestral lands include the Los Angeles Basin, is not recognized by the federal government, Morkun learned. On the residential side of the equation, the units would have to be rented as apartments, not sold as condos, said developer and landlord Scott Dobbins, who oversaw construction of the $500-million Circa residential high-rise next to Oceanwide Plaza. Condo owners often sue developers, alleging construction defects in their units or buildings. The long pause in construction at Oceanwide Plaza increases the risk of such claims and liability concerns manyfold, Dobbins said. Im afraid that with a project thats been sitting there for five years, you would get sued by so many owners, he said. Nobody is going to give you an insurance policy to protect you from liability lawsuits. Dobbins company, Hankey Investment Co., has been interested in acquiring the stalled development for years at what it considers the right price, which has basically been zero, he said. Industry observers have put the price of knocking down Oceanwide Plaza at as much as $100 million, because it would be a painstaking slog. And any demolition, if it happened, could be historic in the city of Los Angeles. Real estate data provider CoStar reported that the city building and safety department said it doesnt have records of any buildings demolished exceeding Oceanwide Plazas height and size. A dramatic, explosive demolition of the sort used to level old Las Vegas casinos would be out of the question because its too close to other structures, demolition expert Ken TerBorch said. It would have to be done gradually from the top down, said TerBorch, director of projects for Penhall Co. in Burbank, a construction contractor that does demolition. Youd get little excavators and little Bobcats and youd remove a floor at a time, he said, breaking it into pieces small enough to drop down a chute through an elevator shaft or some other opening. When the structures got low enough, large-scale excavators could be brought in to finish the job. Oceanwide Plaza stands out on the L.A. skyline, a graffiti-covered oddity on Figueroa Street the wide thoroughfare that connects downtowns financial district with L.A. Live, Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Graffiti on the Oceanwide Plaza towers. The structures are too big to demolish but are seen as an eyesore in Los Angeles. Photographer: Sewageboy - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=147148759. dpa Tagging and graffiti covering windows of the Oceanwide Plaza Complex in Downtown Los Angeles, as seen from the 110 freeway. It was the graffiti that made the abandoned skyscrapers of Oceanwide Plaza infamous. But the illicit work is low on the list of problems facing the bankrupt, billion-dollar development. dpa Depending on your thoughts on the intersection of crypto and Silicon Valleys libertarians, this is either a dream idea or an odd one: Former a16z investor Balaji Srinivasan has booked out an island near Singapore to create his own Network School. This is where hell run programs on crypto, longevity and what it takes to establish a technocapitalist college town, as he put it in his post announcing the initiative. Its the most meaningful milestone yet for Srinivasans dream of creating network states, which he defines as an internet community that secures a physical location and gains diplomatic recognition from pre-existing states, he wrote. The concept has enraptured the libertarian subsection of Silicon Valley; Srinivasan earned praise from Marc Andreessen and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and has inspired fellow crypto enthusiasts to start their own network states. In addition to his years at a16z, which ended in 2018, Srinivasan is also known for his year as Coinbases CTO after Coinbase bought his crypto startup Earn.com in 2018. And hes a board member of the crypto nonprofit advocacy and lobbying organization Coin Center, which champions for policies like anonymity for crypto holders from the IRS. Srinivasan says his 90-day school will start in late September and will feature lectures on topics like digital nomadism while offering meals designed by longevity-obsessive Bryan Johnson, the entrepreneur who made headlines last year for spending millions on de-aging himself. The program, Srinivasan emphasized, is best suited for those who understand that Bitcoin succeeds the Federal Reserve, and that AI can deliver better opinions than any Delaware magistrate and that democracy can be rejuvenated with cryptography. Srinivasan, who published a book on network states in 2022, isnt the only one making a play for internet-group sovereign nations. Last spring, Buterin created his own Srinivasan-inspired network state called Zuzalu in Montenegro. Guests included the musician Grimes and Patri Friedman, the entrepreneur who got millions from Peter Thiel to start a sea-bound society. For two months, attendees donned continuous glucose monitors, took daily cold plunges in the Adriatic Sea and attended lectures on everything from sex work to zero-knowledge cryptography. Although Srinivasan hasnt divulged his plans for establishing a permanent presence on the island, the goal of network states is often to secure some recognition from local governments whether thats in the form of full sovereignty or a special economic zone. Zuzalu organizers met with Montenegro officials to discuss creating a similar long-term home for pro-longevity devotees, according to the MIT Technology Review; another network state, Prospera, backed by Friedman, successfully lobbied Honduras for an economic zone that offers companies low taxes and startup-friendly regulations. Srinivasan is currently taking applications for his new network school, although he cautions that those with a fondness for the current world order need not apply. The more respect you have for legacy institutions, and the more respect they have for you, the less suitable youll be as an applicant, he wrote. Former Columbus Zoo executive to serve three years in prison for role in theft scandal The first of five former employees of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to be sentenced, three of whom were top executives, will serve three years in prison for his role in a multi-year scheme to defraud the zoo, and taxpayers of almost $2.4 million. On Oct. 19, former chief financial officer Greg Bell pleaded guilty to 14 felony counts brought in an indictment last year, including conspiracy, aggravated theft and 11 counts of tampering with records. He faced a maximum of 33 1/2 years in prison and more than $20,000 had Delaware County Common Pleas Court Judge David Gormley run each sentence consecutively. Instead, Gormley ran concurrent sentences, meaning that he'll be in prison for the most serious crime, a second-degree felony. Bell must also pay restitution of $583,697, a $10,000 fine and court costs. He is eligible for judicial release in six months. Gormley quoted the pre-sentence report as stating Bell has been employed doing accounting work at a Grove City financial firm. Bell was the first to plead guilty and to fully cooperate with prosecutors to provide evidence against other zoo executives who used public money and property for private use. His sentence is likely to set a benchmark for Gormley in sentencing the others Bell also used zoo credit cards on a variety of personal purchases, with Bell covering the fraud by altering credit card usage forms to indicate that the stolen funds were being spent on advertising or "promotional support." Gormley called the offenses a "covert scheme" to defraud the zoo between 2011-2021. Before he was sentenced Bell, 64, called his actions "totally immoral." Aug 19, 2024; Delaware, Ohio, USA; Greg Bell, former CFO of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is led away to begin serving his prison term after pleading guilty in Delaware County Common Pleas Court on felony charges related to thefts from the Columbus Zoo. "The zoo was a major part of my life for over 29 years," he said as he began to weep. "The zoo put a great deal of trust in me. And I failed them. "I totally breached my fiduciary responsibility. I succumbed to terrible temptations, and I knew my actions were wrong." "The tickets were very nice and I started asking for more and more events," wrote Bell in a pre-sentence investigation. Bell's children, 30, 33 and 38, hugged their father and each other after the sentence. Dan Kasaris, an Ohio assistant attorney general and special prosecutor in all five cases, noted how Bell "fully cooperated," offering up evidence against those to be sentenced later. "But for his cooperation, the defendant could be facing decades in prison effectively a life sentence." Bell initially went to former zoo CEO Tom Stalf when he learned of wrongdoing by marketing director Peter Fingerhut, noting that Stalf "didn't lift a finger to stop it because he (Stalf) was doing the same thing." Several volunteers and former and current zoo staffers were in the gallery. "The profound harm inflicted upon our zoo, staff and community by the egregious actions of Greg Bell (and others) was premeditated and conspicuously concealed," said Jan Ramer, the zoo's senior vice-president of animal care and conservation. "The adage 'it takes time to build trust, and one minute to destroy it,' holds true here." Others to be sentenced: Former CEO Tom Stalf faces 36 felony charges and is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 14. Pete Fingerhut, former marketing director, pleaded guilty to 16 felonies and one misdemeanor. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 23. Tracy Murnane, former purchasing agent, pleaded guilty July 8 to six felonies and two misdemeanors. He will be sentenced Sept. 23. Grant Bell, former purchasing assistant and Greg Bell's son, one count of theft, a fifth-degree felony. He is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 9. dnarciso@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Former Columbus Zoo CFO Greg Bell sentenced to three years in prison HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Three former Indiana Department of Child Services workers have filed federal lawsuits claiming they had their employment terminated following an investigation into an Evansville child abuse case, while their younger white coworkers faced no disciplinary action. In September of 2023, three people were arrested after an infant was severely injured from rat bites. According to court documents, three DCS employees, Rickey Mason, Brandi Leavell and Chissa Madison, were all terminated for failing to remove the child from the home. However, a complaint from the three employees alleges that Mason reported his findings from an in-home inspection to another employee, who did not recommend any follow-up inspection. It also notes that Madison, the Family Case Manager Supervisor, was on vacation at the time of the inspection, requiring the report to be filed with another employee. A later inspection of the home, conducted by two other employees, also resulted in employees not recommending the removal of children from the home. The lawsuit alleges that the three employees, who are all African-American and over the age of 40, were the only ones who were disciplined after the infant was severely injured. The lawsuit also notes multiple cases in which children either died or were seriously injured, but no disciplinary action or investigation ever took place. This embedded content is not available in your region. This embedded content is not available in your region. This embedded content is not available in your region. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Former Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock (Va.) said Sunday that she will vote for Vice President Harris for president, marking the latest former GOP lawmaker to break from the partys support of former President Trump. After Jan. 6, after Donald Trump has refused for four years to acknowledge that he lost, and his threats against democracy, I think its important to turn the page, Comstock said during a CNN interview. Thats why I will be voting for the vice president. Comstocks pledge comes weeks after another former GOP congress member from Virginia, Denver Riggleman, endorsed Harriss bid. Rigglemans name was released among a high-profile list of endorsements from the Harris campaign during its launch of the Republicans for Harris initiative earlier this month. Like Comstock, Riggleman pointed to the events of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Comstock, who served Virginias 10th Congressional District from 2015-19, was among the GOP defectors who had ongoing tensions with Trump during his time in the White House. She was one of about two dozen Republican lawmakers to call on him to drop out of the 2016 presidential race after audio emerged of him making sexually obscene remarks about groping women. She eventually lost her reelection bid in 2018 and has remained a vocal critic of Trump in recent years. Comstock said Sunday she did not vote for Trump in 2016 or 2020. I mean, this is the most misogynist ticket weve ever had, she said, pointing to controversies surrounding Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio). This is not something that my party should accept. Not to mention hes a felon, not to mention we still have cases where, you know, he took classified documents, she said, in reference to Trumps ongoing legal battles. A judge dismissed the classified documents case last month, setting aside Trumps 40 criminal charges that accuse him of mishandling classified documents and obstructing the governments efforts to retrieve them from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. He was convicted, however, in his hush money case in New York earlier this year and still faces two other cases related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Republican U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday, avoiding a trial that was set for next month on criminal charges including wire fraud, false statements, aggravated identity theft and theft of public funds. Santos pleaded guilty to two counts wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and faces a minimum of two years in prison, NBC News reported, with sentencing set for Feb. 7. As part of the plea agreement, Santos will pay restitution of $373,749.97 and forfeiture of $205,002.97. By pleading guilty, the expelled congressman from New York avoids potentially more severe punishment had he been found guilty at trial. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has noted that federal trial sentences are roughly three times higher than plea sentences for the same crime on average and sometimes as much as eight or ten times higher, and that only 2-3% of federal convictions are the result of trial. While guilty pleas are common, Mondays proceeding highlights the outlandish if brief political tenure of Santos, whose brazen lies managed to stand out even in Washington. My colleague Steve Benen pointed out, upon Santos congressional expulsion last year, that Capitol Hill has featured plenty of scandal-plagued members in recent generations, but successful expulsion votes have only happened three times since the Civil War. The expulsion followed a House ethics report that said Santos sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit. In his criminal case, Santos was accused of stealing peoples identities and making charges on his own donors credit cards without their authorization, lying to the [Federal Election Commission] and, by extension, the public about the financial state of his campaign, Eastern District of New York U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in announcing a superseding indictment last year. Santos falsely inflated the campaigns reported receipts with non-existent loans and contributions that were either fabricated or stolen, Peace said, adding that Santos allegedly led multiple additional fraudulent criminal schemes, lying to the American public in the process. Also on Monday, a federal judge dismissed the civil lawsuit Santos brought against talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, ABC and Disney for copyright infringement and related claims. The suit stemmed from Kimmels use of videos on his late-night show made by Santos on the Cameo website, where celebrities record personalized messages for money. Kimmel had a segment called Will Santos Say It? in which the host sent a number of what he called ridiculous requests. I didnt say they were from me. I just wrote them and sent them to find out: Will Santos say it?" Kimmel explained to his audience ahead of the segment in December 2023. Rejecting Santos claim, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in the Southern District of New York wrote that a reasonable observer would understand that Kimmel showed the videos to comment on the willingness of Santos a public figure who had recently been expelled from Congress for allegedly fraudulent activity including enriching himself through a fraudulent contribution scheme to say absurd things for money. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for updates and expert analysis on the top legal stories. The newsletter will return to its regular weekly schedule when the Supreme Courts next term kicks off in October. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Former GOP rep: Trump campaign doesnt quite have the spark it had in 2016 Former Rep. David Jolly (Fla.), who served in the House as a Republican but later left the party, likened former President Trump to an aging rock star, as some pundits suggest voters are growing tired of his campaign strategy. Hes more like the aging rock star whose fans have kind of faded away, so its more like a reunion tour for him, Jolly said Sunday on MSNBC. It just doesnt quite have the spark it had in 2016, and the lack of enthusiasm is there as well, and hes not helping himself. Jolly, a staunch critic of Trump, was responding to reports of how some of the former presidents campaign rallies have featured him rambling, with some audience members leaving before the conclusion. Jolly pointed to comments by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who said on NBC Newss Meet the Press on Sunday that Trump may not win the election if he cannot focus on policy instead of personal attacks against Vice President Harris and his other opponents. Lindsey Graham is right, Jolly said. Donald Trump will likely lose to Vice President Harris as we stand here today. What the Trump camp needs to do is throw the whole kitchen sink at her, which is what theyve been trying to do, but nothings sticking. Trump, known for his brash comments about his political opponents, has lobbed a series of insults at the vice president, calling her incompetent and even questioning her racial identity. He has since faced a growing number of calls from GOP members to focus his rhetoric more on policy differences with Harris and less on personal attacks. The Hill reached out to the Trump campaign for further comment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Gov. Tom Corbett to be honored by Army Heritage Center Foundation CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM) The Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF) is set to honor former Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Corbett with the Major General John Armstrong Award at its annual Membership and Recognition Dinner on Saturday, October 26, 2024. The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry (FTPCC or First City Troop) will also be honored with the Living Legend Award, according to the AHCF. The event will occur at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) in Carlisle; a location that Corbett, who served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard from 1971 to 1984, helped the AHCF fund, said the AHCF. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Were looking forward to celebrating Governor Corbetts legacy of support to the military community in the state of Pennsylvania, said Kevin Sunday, who served in Corbetts administration at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and currently sits on the Foundations board of directors. Specifically, it was under his executive leadership that we were able to support the bricks and mortar growth of Cumberland Valleys most popular tourist destinationthe U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center. The first Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry has its own rich history. Established in 1774, the City Cavelry is older than the United States itself, according to the AHCF. To put this in perspective, the United States Army will celebrate its 250th birthday in 2025, The First City Troop is even older, said Julie Germany, President of the Army Heritage Center Foundation. They are living history, and they embody the virtue of selfless service to our nation. Tickets for the event are on sale for $100 a person or $150 per couple on the foundations website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Inside Look is a Fresno Bee series where we take readers behind the scenes at restaurants, new businesses, local landmarks and news stories. After three years of construction, a new Fresno Unified complex to house the districts alternative school programs under one roof is finally a reality. The Farber Educational Campus is ready to welcome its first students on Monday at the start of the new school year. The site of the campus used to be the infamous juvenile hall, which was torn down in 2019. A Fresno Bee investigation two decades ago uncovered savage conditions and labeled it a hall of shame. Now, the district is hoping the new campus can be home to a crown jewel of alternative education to prepare students for the real world. The Bee got a preview of the facility that the district says offers state-of-the-art educational programming using a progressive philosophy, in addition to modernist architecture with an emphasis on natural light and collaborative spaces. Located at the corner of E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. and 10th Street in southeast Fresno, the $65 million project consolidates three alternative education programs: Cambridge Continuation High School, J.E. Young Academic Center and the eLearn Academy, which are also given new names as Farber Credit Attainment, Farber Independent Study, and Farber Online. The new building uses a lot of glass to bring natural light into the lobby, classrooms, and cafeteria, providing plenty of open seating areas for kids to socialize and learn on their own. Rooms are lined along the hallways that have warm yellow walls: traditional classrooms decorated with posters and signs welcoming kids back to school, counselors offices and teachers offices with extra desks and chairs for students taking online classes to discuss homework and study under supervision, and a P.E. classroom with large mirrors and sports equipment. For too many years, there has been some negative connotation around alternative education, and for this community (southeast Fresno), the whole Fresno uses the term disadvantaged, said Principal Carson Wood. The brand-new Farber Educational Center in southeast Fresno is set to open on Aug. 19, 2024 and will feature alternative education, civic engagement and career technical education courses. He says that there are two things in the mindset of alternative education: to honor and respect each student for their specific background, challenges, and barriers; and not to give them a less-than institution. The expectations are not only for the programs to help graduates land well-paying jobs and break the cycle of poverty, but also to nurture good human beings to serve the community, says Wood. Farber adopts four CTE pathways: cyber security, public services, multimedia and video production, and logistics and warehouse management. He says Farber has already established some partnerships with community organizations and companies, including California Food Bank and Amazon. For the next school year, CTE instructors will lead students to apply what they learn to real-world cases, such as distributing food to three neighboring elementary schools. If you go to our CTE logistics, you hear that once students turn 18, they can get a high-paying job, now we just flipped that and our kids walk in and theyre the advantaged, Wood said. The campus hosts more than 1,900 students from the three programs, says Pete Pulos, administrator of alternative education. Depending on their needs and study plans, some students might come to school five days a week in a traditional setting, some three days a week, and others might take online courses. The campus provides resources and facilities to help them learn, and teachers are always on standby to answer questions for those who struggle to understand the material, he says. Pulos, who was the principal at Cambridge High, says alternative education once referred to children who were sent off campus because of difficulties in their lives, who fell behind academically and who ended up staying in some portables on a high school campus. Students were lucky to have a sink in the science storage room, he says. Now Farber offers a full set of facilities for them to learn true chemistry and real experiments, he said. The investment will help kids feel valued and encouraged to realize their potential. This is gonna be a destination, and by choice, folks are gonna want to be here, he said. Francine and Murray Farber get a tour of the brand-new Farber Educational Center named in their honor on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. The campus is named after philanthropists Francine and Murray Farber, who have given more than $300,000 in scholarships and launched various school programs that have benefited thousands of Fresno children and youths. This certainly makes us feel very proud, but its very humbling to that that all these enormous, fantastic facilities are going to have our name on it. Think about all the students that are going to be affected by this, said Francine Farber. I thought about the highlight of my life, and I thought thats it, coming out here to see the kids meeting faculty, and just getting excited about the school system, said Murray Farber. It turned out so well. The brand-new Farber Educational Center in southeast Fresno is set to open on Aug. 19, 2024 and will feature alternative education, civic engagement and career technical education courses. Carson Wood, principal of the new Farber Educational Center in southeast Fresno gives details on the multimedia and video production career pathway at the campus. Francine and Murray Farber are photographed in the student union while touring the brand-new Farber Educational Center named in their honor on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. One of the classrooms at the new Farber Educational Center in southeast Fresno is nearly ready for students and the start of classes which begin on Aug. 19, 2024. Carson Wood, principal of the new Farber Educational Center in southeast Fresno gives details on the logistics and warehouse management career pathway at the campus. Former Lithuanian foreign minister on events in Russia's Kursk Oblast: Russia is trapped Linas Linkevicius, former Lithuanian Foreign Minister, believes that the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk Oblast has become a trap for Russia and its ruler, Vladimir Putin. Source: Linkevicius on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Linkevicius, who is now Lithuania's Ambassador to Sweden, believes that "Russia [is] trapped" because of the Ukrainian operation in Kursk Oblast. "Conscripts in the Kursk region surrender by the thousands because they want to live. Thousands of regular troops are about to be surrounded and nobody cares about them. Everything happens strictly according [to] Putins plan that simply does not exist," the Lithuanian diplomat is convinced. #Russia trapped. Conscripts in the Kursk region surrender by the thousands because they want to live. Thousands of regular troops are about to be surrounded and nobody cares about them. Everything happens strictly according Putins plan that simply does not exist. Linas Linkevicius (@LinkeviciusL) August 19, 2024 Background: US Democratic Senator Mark Kelly believes that Ukraine's decision to launch an operation in Kursk Oblast could change the course of the war waged by Russia. German Major General Christian Freuding, Head of the Bundeswehr's Situation Centre Ukraine at the German Ministry of Defence, praised the decision of Ukrainian forces to launch an offensive in Kursk Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Forest fires that have been raging in various regions of Turkiye for several days have been partially brought under control, Trend reports. Turkiye's Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakl provided the latest updates on the fire situation through social media. According to the information, air and ground operations in the Gordes district of Manisa province and the Esme district of Usak province successfully extinguished the flames. Efforts are now focused on cooling the remaining sources of smoke in these areas. Fires in other regions of the country have also been partially extinguished. To note, Azerbaijan also participated in the firefighting efforts. In accordance with the order of President Ilham Aliyev, a "BE-200CS" amphibious aircraft from the aviation unit of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Emergency Situations was dispatched to assist the brotherly country in combating the severe forest fires. The plane took off from Heydar Aliyev International Airport and headed to the Turkish city of Izmir. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Republican Rep. George Santos of New York leaves the U.S. Capitol after being expelled from Congress after a bipartisan vote on December 1, 2023. On Monday, Santos pleaded guilty in New York to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He could face up to eight years in prison. File Photo by Julia Nikhinson/UPI Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., pleaded guilty Monday to two federal fraud charges in a plea deal that will send the former lawmaker to jail and bypass a criminal trial that was scheduled to start next month. "My actions have betrayed the trust of my supporters and constituents," Santos admitted. "It's clear to me now that I allowed ambition to cloud my judgment, leading me to make decisions that were unethical and guilty," Santos told reporters Monday outside of the courthouse. Santos, 36, who was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives in December, pleaded guilty in New York to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Central Islip on Feb. 7, and could face between six and eight years in prison. "A short time ago, after years of telling lies, former Congressman George Santos stood in the courthouse behind me and finally, under oath, told the truth. And that truth is that he is a criminal," U.S. Attorney Breon Peace told reporters Monday. "He admitted that he lied, he stole and that he conned people. Santos' countless lies and audacious misrepresentations catapulted him to Congress," Peace added. "But for the victims of Santos' various financial crimes and the community whose falsehoods and fabrications deprived them of honest representation in Congress, he is worthy only of infamy." Santos, who originally faced 23 counts, told U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert on Monday that he used donor money for personal benefit -- which included designer clothing, Botox injections and OnlyFans subscriptions -- and made false statements to the Federal Election Commission. He also admitted to committing wire fraud in 2022. In addition to prison time, Santos agreed to repay at least $373,000 under the plea deal. In October, Santos denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud, identity theft and making false statements to the Federal Elections Commission. After being expelled from the U.S. House, Santos announced in March he would seek a different seat in New York's 1st Congressional District. He dropped the bid a month later. Santos was the sixth member to ever be ousted from the House, after he served less than a year. An Ethics report, which led to his ouster, detailed his alleged conduct and provided "substantial evidence" that Santos repeatedly broke the law as he continued to maintain his innocence. While Santos faces up to eight years in prison, he will serve at least two years, according to the plea agreement. Santos told CBS New York in December that he was working hard to avoid jail time. "I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail. It's not a pretty place," he said. "Pleading guilty is a step I never imagined I'd take, but it is a necessary one because it is the right thing to do," Santos admitted Monday. "It's not only a recognition of my misrepresentations to others, but more profoundly, it is my own recognition of the lies I told myself over these past years." DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) A former Saudi official on Monday alleged that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged his father's signature on the royal decree that launched the kingdom's yearslong, stalemated war against Yemen's Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia did not respond to questions over the allegations made without supporting evidence by Saad al-Jabri in a BBC interview first published Monday. Al-Jabri later acknowledged the allegations separately in detail in a statement to The Associated Press. The kingdom has described al-Jabri as a discredited former government official." Al-Jabri, a former major general and intelligence official who lives in exile in Canada, has been in a long dispute with the kingdom as his two children have been imprisoned in a case he describes as an attempt to lure him back to Saudi Arabia. Al-Jabri also alleges that the crown prince wants him assassinated. I am not a dissident, nor did I put myself in this situation by choice, al-Jabri told the AP. I was a high-ranking Saudi official who dedicated himself to safeguarding his country, recognized for saving thousands of Saudi and Western lives. Now I am a father doing everything possible to secure the release of his children. His allegation comes as Prince Mohammed serves as Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, often meeting leaders in place of his father, 88-year-old King Salman. Prince Mohammed's assertive behavior, particularly early in his ascension to power around the beginning of the Yemen war in 2015, has extended to a wider crackdown on any perceived dissent or power base that could challenge his rule. Al-Jabri first told the BBC a credible, reliable official linked to the Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed to him that Prince Mohammed signed the decree declaring war in place of his father. Prince Mohammed was the defense minister at the time. Later, al-Jabri told the AP that he had reached a deal with U.S. counterparts in the then-Obama administration for Saudi Arabia to launch an aerial bombardment campaign to eliminate Houthi threats, establish deterrence and force a political process without a ground intervention. His former boss, Saudi Arabias then-Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, then chaired a meeting in Saudi Arabia formalizing that plan. Prince Mohammed bin Salman, however, responded with visible displeasure at that meeting and said he could beat the Houthis in two months in a ground offensive, al-Jabri claimed. Surprisingly, a royal order was later issued, overriding the agreed plan and authorizing a ground operation without the king's knowledge and with a forged signature, al-Jabri told the AP. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on al-Jabri's claims. The war against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, launched with public promises by the prince it would quickly be over, has ground on for nearly a decade. The war has killed more than 150,000 people and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters. The Houthis since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip have launched attacks on shipping that have disrupted traffic through the Red Sea and led to the most intense combat faced by the U.S. Navy since World War II. Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who later served as a crown prince for King Salman, was a trusted confidant of the U.S. in the battle against al-Qaida militants in the kingdom after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. King Salman replaced the crown prince for his son in 2017, and Prince Mohammed bin Nayef is believed to have been held under house arrest. Al-Jabri sued Prince Mohammed bin Salman in U.S. federal court, alleging the crown prince sought to have him killed after he fled abroad. He planned for my assassination, al-Jabri told the BBC. He will not rest until he sees me dead. I have no doubt about that. He described his fears that the crown prince still wants him killed as his adult children Sarah and Omar remain imprisoned in the kingdom, something he reiterated to the AP. Staying quiet has only made matters worse, so I had no option but to speak out for the well being of my children and my country, al-Jabri told the AP. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman started this needless feud and has the power to end it instantly. Former Trussville doctor who tried to meet 17-year-old patient for sex sentenced to 3 years behind bars BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) A former doctor in Trussville could be removed from the U.S. after pleading guilty to trying to meet a 17-year-old patient for sex two years ago. On Friday, Janaki Earla pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of obscene material depicting a child under the age of 17, as well as one count of first-degree human trafficking. Earla, 60, was an internist at Wellness Medical Center in Trussville, but his medical license has since been suspended by the Alabama Medical Licensure Commission. Earla was arrested on October 11, 2022, at the Days Inn motel in Oneonta, where he was to meet a 17-year-old patient for sex. The victim, however, had reported Earlas intentions to police, who created a sting operation at the motel to catch him. Earla, who told the victim that he wanted to be her sugar daddy, allegedly was carrying alcohol and condoms with him. Alabama sets November date for 3rd nitrogen execution As part of his plea agreement, Earla was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He will only spend three years behind bars and remain on supervised probation for three years, however. If he violates the terms of his probation, Earla would be forced to go back to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence. Assistant District Attorney Scott Gilliland said Earlas immigration lawyer said that once he completes his prison sentence, he would be expected to be removed from the country and return to his home country of India. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) -Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will attend the Democratic National Convention that begins on Monday in Chicago, Ardern's spokesperson said on Monday, confirming earlier media reports. Along with attending the event, Ardern would be participating in a side event at the national convention, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The four-day event will celebrate the nomination of Kamala Harris as the party's presidential candidate and is expected to draw thousands of people to the city in a show of enthusiasm for Harris' surprise ascent to the nomination after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. Ardern, who gained global attention for bringing her baby to a United Nations meeting, wearing a hijab after a massacre targeting Muslims and her governments initial success in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, stood down as New Zealand prime minister early in 2023 saying she had "no more in the tank". Since then, she has remained largely out of the spotlight in New Zealand, however she has undertaken two fellowships at Harvard, is on the board of trustees of the Earthshot Prize and is the patron of the newly established Christchurch Call Foundation. (Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Lincoln Feast) The president of a Fort Worth police non-profit took to social media over the weekend to call out three members of the Fort Worth City Council for not attending Sgt. Billy Randolphs funeral. President of the Brotherhood of the Fallen Jimmy Pollozanis Facebook post came hours after a Saturday memorial service where hundreds gathered to honor the 56-year-old sergeants life. Randolph died Aug. 12 after being struck by a wrong-way driver while responding to an early morning 18-wheeler crash on Interstate 35W. Pollozani called out council members Elizabeth Beck, Chris Nettles, and Jared Williams for not attending the Saturday service, saying it reflected poorly on their commitment to honoring those who serve the community. We owe it to our heroes to show up and pay our respects, Pollozani said in the post. Pollozani deleted the post Monday morning, but shared a version of the same post written by a Facebook follower. Pollozani did not immediately respond to a call from the Star-Telegram requesting comment. Beck and Nettles noted in interviews with the Star-Telegram that they had attended an Aug. 14 candle light vigil to pay respects, but were unable to attend Saturdays service due to family commitments. Williams did not immediately respond to a phone call and email from the Star-Telegram requesting comment. If you got something to say, Say It To My Face! Nettles wrote in a comment on Pollozanis original Facebook post. Pollozanis post is reflective of divisive national rhetoric around community-police relations that shouldnt be spread on a local level, Nettles said Monday in a phone interview with the Star-Telegram. He didnt have the gall to come up to me and ask me why I wasnt there. He made a political stance, Nettles said, adding that the focus should be on Randolphs family and the officers grieving his loss rather than scoring political points. It was clear from Aug. 14 candle light vigil that Randolph was a man that loved his family, Beck said in a phone interview Monday. I think that a man with that kind of love for his family would understand why I prioritized mine, she said. She noted the city has 11 council members and 1,800 police officers, but her children have only one mother. Its my job to be there for them, Beck said. She called Pollozanis comments wayward and unprofessional, and said the city should be focused on celebrating Randolphs nearly 30 years of service to Fort Worth. Fox News host Jesse Watters has echoed Donald Trumps claims that recent polling reporting Kamala Harris in the lead is inaccurate even as experts say their methodology was reliable. Watters, one of Fox News most-watched anchors, said on Sunday that pollsters are dramatically oversampling Democrats and then burying the samples so you cant see it. This comes after he claimed earlier this month that the media is juicing the polls. Watters then referenced a recent New York Times/Siena College poll, which showed Harris holding a four-point lead in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. The Trump campaign criticized that poll earlier this month, arguing it did not include enough people who voted for Trump in 2020 and skewed the results in Harris favor as a result. But, polling experts told The Independent that criticisms of the Times/Siena poll arent valid. Jesse Watters repeated arguments by Donald Trumps campaign that recent polls showing Kamala Harris leading in swing states must be inaccurate (Fox News) The Times/Siena survey is one of the most accurate polls that we can rely on, according to Dr. Andrew Crosby, professor and survey methodology expert from the University of California, Riverside. The Trump campaign is basically alleging that their sample is not what it should be, Crosby told The Independent. Theres not any truth to that. The polls trustworthiness comes from use of random selection and the high number of people who responded, Crosby said. Another strength is that they ask people to list their political party, which helps ensure the poll is representative of a states population, he noted. Party identification is a more reliable survey metric than reported past voting, Crosby explained. This is because people can forget who they voted for, or dont want to admit that they voted for a certain candidate, among other reasons, he said. In response to the Trump campaigns criticisms, the New York Times made a similar argument, noting that relying on reported past voting to ensure their 2020 and 2022 polls were representative would have made them less accurate. Times/Siena polls are reputable and the pollsters are certainly heavily invested in using the proper methodology, according to Dr. Costas Panagopoulos, a political science professor at Northeastern University. Whats also interesting is that, as far as I know, the Trump organization was not contesting polls when Trump was ahead, Panagopoulos told The Independent. Trump was ahead in five key swing states before President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, aTimes/Siena poll from May showed. Ultimately, polls are a snapshot in time and can easily change, according to Dr. Christian Grose, a professor of political science at the University of Southern California. This doesnt make a poll wrong or poorly conducted, he said. It just means enthusiasm levels may have changed, or key events like debates and campaign rallies changed voters minds. It doesnt mean the poll is wrong, it just means the poll was not asking people on election day, Grose told The Independent. The Times/Siena poll isnt the only survey indicating Harris is ahead of Trump. The vice president has a 2.5-point lead over Trump, according to an average of five national polls. A new CBS/YouGov poll, which surveyed up to August 16, also indicates a growing gender divide between voters, with more men supporting Trump and more women voting for Harris. Fox News host said Dems registered immigrants to vote in Weatherford. None of it is true In Reality Check stories, Star-Telegram journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? RealityCheck@star-telegram.com. Fox News personality Maria Bartiromo caused a stir when she posted on social media Sunday that Democrats were registering immigrants to vote at several sites in Fort Worth and Weatherford. From a friend , the post on X begins. Friend of mines wife had to take her 16 yr old son to the DMV this week for a new license. Couldnt get an online appointment(all full) so went in person and had to go to 3 DMVs to get something done. First DMV was in Weatherford. Had a massive line of immigrants getting licenses and had a tent and table outside the front door of the DMV registering them to vote! The post goes on to claim that the friends wife (or friend of a friends wife its unclear) saw the same thing occurring at two Department of Motor Vehicles locations in Fort Worth. It does not specify when the alleged registration activities occurred. While Bartiromo herself did not say the word illegal, her followers did not hesitate to make that assumption. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Why are Democrats setting up voter registration tables outside DMVs and registering illegal immigrants to vote?!, said a person whose account is named Mary M33. This is happening in Tarrant County and you can bet its happening across the state. Several other commenters took Bartiromo to mean noncitizens, as well. But, is there any truth behind the claim? Were illegal immigrants being registered at the DMV? Bartiromos statement was simply false, according to Sgt. William Lockridge, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Contrary to Bartiromos friends wifes account, there is no office for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles in Weatherford. Folks there get their licenses at a DPS Driver License office. Still, no such tent and table were set up outside the office last week. None of it is true, Lockridge said, adding that the assumption that non-white Texans lined up to get their driver licenses are immigrants or illegal is kind of racist. Just because these people arent white, that doesnt mean theyre illegal, he said. There was a table set outside the DPS Driver License office in Lake Worth on Friday, Lockridge said, but not at the other two sites mentioned in Bartiromos post. The Tarrant County Democratic Party did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Here's what else we've Reality Checked: Is AI 'manipulating' your thermostat? Are American Airlines flight attendants really going to strike? True or false: Snakes can swim up your toilet Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French replied to Bartilomos post suggesting she invite him onto her show to discuss. French did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bartiromos post falls in line with a long trend of false claims about noncitizens being able to vote, according to political communication expert Mariana Sanchez Santos. It is absolutely not new. It is something that we see every election, said Sanchez, who earned her doctorate in political communication from American University in Washington, D.C. The Fox News personality is just a link in a chain of misinformation that goes all the way to the top, she said. Former President Donald Trump began suggesting that unauthorized migrants will vote in the election back in January. Bartiromo has 1.3 million followers on X. That kind of influence means she does not have to be correct, or even use the word illegal in her post, to have the desired effect, Sanchez said. The message will filter down to smaller influencers, who will repeat it until the rumor takes on a life of its own. Bartiromos post had 1.1 million views as of Monday afternoon. And such rumors tend to be hard to kill. Sanchez alluded to X owner Elon Musks recent sharing of manipulated audio of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris disparaging President Joe Biden last month. Musk eventually deleted the post and apologized, but the apology post received only a fraction of the attention the falsified audio got. Sometimes when the fact checking is published, it doesnt have the same life or vitality than the than the original disinformation, she said, citing the importance of institutions like the Texas DPS in debunking such claims. The post was not Bartiromos first instance of spreading false information. In November 2020, after Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch circulated a New York Post editorial in which he told Trump to stop the stolen election rhetoric and circulated the piece internally in the company, Bartiromo went on her Sunday morning show and talked about the claim that Trump won the election. Her embrace of the conspiracy theory that went on to be called the Big Lie led Fox News into a legal battle that saw the company pay Dominion Voting Systems a $787 million settlement. Can noncitizens vote in U.S. elections? There are several legal bulwarks that ensure that people who are not U.S. citizens cannot vote, according to SMU political science professor Calvin Jillson. There are multiple layers of protection against noncitizens voting in American elections, he said. Its illegal in federal law, its illegal in state law, and it is very, very rare. Even in Texas, where youve got Attorney General Paxton scouring the countryside for examples of illegal voting, its very, very difficult to find. Jillson called the notion that people in the country illegally would be able register to vote outside a DPS office implausible, because the applications would be vetted and ultimately rejected. Noncitizens making it all the way to the ballot box may be highly unlikely, according to Tarrant County Republican election judge Kal Silverberg, but Im not saying it doesnt happen. It occasionally happens when required paperwork or follow up paperwork or something is not included in the initial voter registration, Silverberg said. What would happen if we lost control of time? This isnt a trick question or a metaphysical joke. The modern world today relies on our ability to tame it: to tell the time very accurately in different places at once. But right now, its hanging by the most precarious thread. Thats because so many of our critical systems get their time from satellite networks, of which GPS is the best known. Built by the US military to guide missiles very precisely, but opened up for civilian use two decades ago, this gives us location information powering the satnavs and maps in our cars and phones. But it also ensures many critical infrastructure systems can read the same clock. Without this accurate timing information, the energy grid would falter and collapse, as the system needs to balance volatile renewables and maintain a constant frequency. Data centres wouldnt be able to share computing loads. Any radio or broadcast network also needs to work off the same clock, as do financial trading systems. Of course, synchronising time didnt matter at all until the first long distance rail journeys. A clock in Taunton could tell a different time to a clock in Paddington, and we didnt care if the sundials told different stories, as of course they do. (Oxford remains five minutes behind London). In 1840, railway time was introduced. Today we derive the most accurate time from the National Physics Laboratory in Teddington, home of the worlds first atomic clock. But many of our critical technology systems use the free PNT (positioning, navigation and timing) information provided by Americas GPS satellites. The National Grid, for example, gets its time from GPS. But as Admiral West, Lord West of Spithead, explained to Westminster two years ago: The impact of the loss of PNT is almost existential. Banking, trade transactions and all areas of transport and food supply would all be affected and in complete chaos. He explained that the signal beamed down to us on Earth is a mere wisp of electromagnetic energy. The strength of those signals is less than some of the cosmic signals coming from the stars. They can therefore be intercepted and adjusted very easily; the Chinese and Russians have already done this. Just ask the Finns. Last week healthcare systems and mobile phones in Finland went on the fritz again. Some 350 flights a day over Europe are finding their navigation systems jammed on at least some part of their journey. In March, GPS on a plane carrying the then defence secretary, Grant Shapps, was jammed. Russia is probing the spectrum. According to Markus Jonsson, a pseudonymous researcher who is closely followed by our own defence officials, GPS interference has increased threefold since the start of the summer. In addition to jamming, feeding duff information into the satellite network, or spoofing, is relatively easy to do, and isnt immediately detectable. Drifting slightly off course proved fatal for the passengers of Korean Air Lines Flight 007, in 1983 when it strayed and was shot down by a paranoid Russian air defence command. Ironically, that was the catalyst for the US government to pledge to open up its nascent GPS network to civilian use one day. Then theres the threat of space weather, which would knock out everyones PNT satellites. So what to do? Well, a Plan B to the Americans GPS would help, and if it hadnt been for Sir Humphrey, we may now be leading the world. In 2020, the UK bought into satellite upstart OneWeb, alongside Indian tycoon Sunil Bharti Mittal. OneWeb had a great roadmap ahead of it for accurate next-generation PTN, and our investment was an expression of bold, British post-Brexit confidence. But Whitehall hated it. SW1 doesnt understand Space, seized upon bogus briefings by commercial rivals and loved putting one over on Cummings and Johnson. I cannot satisfy myself that this investment meets the requirements of value for money, Sam Beckett, the Department for Businesss accounting officer, concluded a classic pennywise, pound-foolish Whitehall view that often prevails. OneWeb was acquired by Eutelsat, which earlier this year scaled back the PNT capabilities of a network that it doesnt really know what to do with. No wonder Mittal looked like the cat that had eaten the cream last week after buying 25pc of BT. OneWeb is flying, and now covers India. Thankfully, the deep state isnt oblivious to the risks of relying on GPS. The consequences of failure were comprehensively explored by government scientists in an excellent report in 2018. And as a result weve invested in some futuristic alternatives. In May, an optical quantum clock designed and made in Oxford by Infleqtion, made its first flight in May. Its an unjammable timepiece, the first of its kind to go airborne anywhere in the world. Commercial models hit the market next year, and the American firms UK president Tim Ballance explains that these will be miniaturised, so every plane can carry one, replacing reliance GPS. The timepiece is impervious to space storms and Russian hackers. With GPS, we find weve built technological castles on sand, and vast markets on the castles and only through sheer luck have they not collapsed. Nailing down the most precarious thing in the world time may save yet save us. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A former Massachusetts city councilor who fled the U.S. before his trial on child abuse material charges insists hes not a traitor for joining the Russian military. Wilmer Puello-Mota, who allegedly fled the country in January two days before his trial was set to begin, appeared in a video Monday released by the Russian Defense Ministry that described him as one of their reconnaissance drone operators. The disgraced former member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard previously appeared in Russian media reports in April as he signed paperwork at a military registration office in Khanty-Mansiysk. New Twist in Case of Ex-Guardsman Who Fled to Russia Amid Child Porn Charges Im Will, Im from Massachusetts, Boston, Puello-Mota says in the Defense Ministry video released on Telegram. The ministry says hes part of a motorized rifle unit in Moscows Center group of forces and goes by the callsign Boston. The guys get a laugh out of it, they get a kick out of it, Puello-Mota says in the footage. Well, we were sitting down and trying to figure out what my pozyvnoy [callsign] should be, and one of them said: Oh, youre from Boston, it should be Boston! I was like: OK, da, I like it! Puello-Mota does not disclose his full name in the footage but does confirm biographical details including his previous service in the U.S. Air Force and the Massachusetts National Air Guard. He also says he spent two years as a city councilor, referring to his time as an elected official in Holyoke, Massachusetts. When I got involved in politics, I zoomed out into the international level of politics, and you really kind of stop and pause and think about whats going on here and you feel like you have to do something about it, he says in the clip. Puello-Mota adds that he arrived in Russia in January. At no point in the video does he mention the criminal case he allegedly fled, however. Puello-Mota was arrested in Rhode Island in 2020 after he called the cops to report his firearm had been stolen, only for arriving police to find nude images of a 17-year-old girl on his phone. He was charged with one count of having sexually explicit images of a child, and later faced further charges over his alleged attempts to deceive prosecutors and commanders about his case. Puello-Mota reached a deal to plead guilty to all of the charges to receive an 18-month prison sentence, his lawyer previously told The Boston Globe. But on Jan. 8, the day before he was set to plead guilty in Rhode Island, Puello-Mota informed the attorney hed joined the Russian army. Prosecutors say hed boarded a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, a day earlier. His stunned former colleagues in April confirmed they recognized him in videos appearing in Russian media. A Russian government insider previously told The Daily Beast they believed the Russian Defense Ministry was aware of the charges Puello-Mota faced in the U.S. In the ministrys video, Puello-Mota brags about how hes been able to apply some of his skills learned in the U.S. Air Force in the service of the Kremlin during Russian President Vladimir Putins ongoing war in Ukraine. The United States has done things that are very provocative, very bad, he says in the clip. Its been involved in other peoples politics, other nations interests, and it should not be doing that. He also mentioned the upcoming U.S. presidential election and implored people to just, you know, do their own research and read independent news outlets and understand whats really going on here. I dont consider myself a traitor, Puello-Mota says. The United States and Russia arent at war and you know in the future, I think that the people that caused this in my country should be held responsible for what theyve done and we can have some sort of friendship between Russia and the United States. Puello-Mota also praised his new Russian comrades in the video, describing them as too kind. They teach me Russian, he says. They help me to deal with, you know, my girlfriend, [quoting in Russian] Difficult, difficult, girls. They help me to navigate all the complexities and the cultural differences. The clip ends with a smiling Puello-Mota saying in Russian: Victory will be ours! Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) It was a rainy Sunday morning at Stanley Park, but it was also a morning of fun, fitness, and frozen yogurt. Stanley Park to celebrate 75 years Runners, walkers, and vendors joined the Gandara Center at their annual Frozen Yogurt 5K, an event raising mental health awareness and support for the centers behavioral and educational programs. The rain may have been coming down in Westfield, but that did not deter anyones spirits. A variety of community partners and runners still came out to support the Gandara Centers mission. The Gandara Center aims to provide culturally sensitive care to the western Massachusetts community, and this 5K has repeatedly helped them continue to make Springfield a happier, healthier place to be. People desire to make a difference in our community, said the Gandara Centers CEO, Lois Nesci. This is one way for people to show up, and show what an agency like ours really. The race went around the beautiful, scenic Stanley Park, ending with delicious frozen yogurt, food trucks, hot coffee, and music at the finish line. Medals were awarded to the top three individuals in each age category and handed out by 22News reporter Melissa Torres, who served as this years emcee. The Gandara Centers Vice President of Fund Development and Community Relations, Uduak Enyiema, thanked race sponsors and told 22News Gandaras programs would not be offered without the support from so many areas of the community. We all know where the money is going, said Enyiema. Its going to our programs, and that is much needed. With this support, the Gandara Center will continue to offer culturally sensitive care to meet the communitys behavioral, substance use, and social needs. Latest Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. GMT Watch Safari (day 2). Nestled on the outskirts of Geneva, the M.A.D.House is the home of the celebrated watchmaking brand MB&F. This century-old house, steeped in history and character, is more than just the brands headquarters; it is a sanctuary for horological art and a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and creativity For watch lovers, the M.A.D.House offers a unique and captivating experience far beyond conventional expectations of a watchmaking atelier and office. And thats where the GMT is heading on the morning of Day 2 of the GMT Watch Safari, a week of total immersion at the heart of Switzerland's finest watchmakers from 27 October to 1 November 2024. Join us on the Watch Safari! M.A.D.House watchmaking workshops MB&F To celebrate its 24th anniversary, GMT Magazine is organizing a week-long adventure for 24 watch enthusiasts, spanning from Geneva to Schaffhausen, with stops in Neuchatel and the Vallee de Joux. The itinerary includes an exclusive exploration of the workshops and manufactures where exceptional timepieces are born. Here's a sneak preview of the programme for Day 2, which begins with a morning dive into MB&F's M.A.D.House. The M.A.D.House, originally built between 1907 and 1908, is a fine example of the Heimatstil architectural style, characterised by its romanticised interpretation of historical architecture. The building's exterior, with its half-timbered structure and rusticated stone walls, evokes the castles and buildings found in folklore, perfectly aligning with MB&F's ethos of blending the past, present, and future. The house, a collaborative work by renowned architects of the time Edmond Fatio and Charles Meysson, even won an architectural prize upon its completion a historical parallel with the collaborative watchmaking philosophy of the award-winning brand it houses today. Now, as a protected building under the Swiss Heritage Society, it stands as a proud testament to Geneva's architectural heritage. The Maison in 1907 MB&F A hub of creative energy Stepping into the M.A.D.House, visitors are immediately immersed in a world where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. The ground floor is dedicated to the heart of MB&F's watchmaking operations. Here, watchmakers meticulously assemble movements at custom-built workbenches, bathed in natural light that pours through large windows. The rooms retain their original wood panelling and hand-painted ceramic tiles, adding a touch of early 20th-century charm to the state-of-the-art watchmaking process. The central atrium, with its original 1908 wood engravings, serves as the building's core, around which all activities revolve. The upper floors house various departmental offices, including the product creation team, fostering an organic flow of movement and ideas throughout the space. This dynamic environment is a reflection of MB&F's philosophy of seamless collaboration and creative synergy. M.A.D.House watchmaking workshops MB&F The M.A.D.House is not just a place of work; it is also a gallery of contemporary art and horological artifacts. Objects from the MB&F universe are thoughtfully placed throughout the house, from the intricate Jean Kazes clock on the central stairway to the evocative Ulysse Frechelin photography prints adorning the walls. These pieces offer a glimpse into the brand's rich history and innovative spirit. One of the most striking features of the M.A.D.House is its central stairwell, which serves as a rotating canvas for artists to showcase their work. The first artist to leave his mark is Maxime Schertenleib, a Swiss illustrator known for his detailed urban landscapes brimming with human activity. This ongoing art installation ensures that each visit to the M.A.D.House offers something new and exciting. M.A.D.House reception MB&F Surrounded by three hectares of pristine parkland, the M.A.D.House is a haven of light and space. The tranquil setting not only provides a peaceful working environment but also offers visitors a serene escape from the bustling city. Outside the house, an outdoor wind sculpture by American kinetic artist Anthony Howe captures the imagination. His mesmerising creations, which play with geometry and fluid dynamics, hint at the wonders to be discovered inside. A brand steeped in prestige MB&F, short for Maximilian Busser & Friends, is celebrated for its innovative and avant-garde timepieces. Founded by the charismatic Max Busser, the brand has garnered numerous accolades and a dedicated following among watch enthusiasts. Each MB&F creation is a collaborative masterpiece, reflecting the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. M.A.D.House MB&F Since opening its doors to the public in 2023, the M.A.D.House has become a pilgrimage site for watch lovers and art enthusiasts alike. The blend of historical architecture, cutting-edge horology, and contemporary art makes it a truly unique destination. Whether you are an avid watch collector or simply appreciate the artistry of fine timepieces, a visit to the M.A.D.House promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of one of the most visionary watch brands of our time. To register for the GMT Watch Safari, from 27 October to 1 November 2024, click here. In a heartbreaking plea for justice, Johnny Wactor's devastated co-worker, Anita Joy, has spoken out, urging authorities to deliver the harshest punishment possible for the suspects charged with the actor's tragic murder. This comes after four suspects were arrested on Friday, linked to the brutal shooting of the beloved star. Joy also put part of the blame on the restaurant where the unfortunate incident occurred. Overcome with grief, Anita Joy, who was present during the fatal night, believes true peace will only come when those responsible for Johnny Wactor's death are held fully accountable. Johnny Wactor's Friend Blames Restaurant For Lax Security MEGA Wactor's friend placed blame on Level 8, the downtown Los Angeles restaurant where the incident occurred, for the tragic incident that led to his death. Joy claims that the restaurant's lack of adequate employee parking created a dangerous environment that ultimately cost Wactor his life. The TV personality was fatally shot while confronting a group attempting to steal his car's catalytic converter in the restaurant's parking lot. Joy asserts that she and other employees had repeatedly raised concerns about the parking situation to management but were met with inaction. Adding to the frustration, Joy revealed that neither she nor Wactor's family have received any communication from the restaurant since the fatal shooting. The only support she received has come from fellow employees. Anita Joy Seeks Maximum Justice View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johnny Wactor (@johnnywactor) Joy, a close friend of the late star, expressed relief that the three suspects arrested in connection with his murder will be tried as adults. Initially worried that the suspects might be minors, Joy was concerned they would not face adult charges. However, it was revealed that all three suspects are 18 years old and will be tried as adults. Joy described a mix of emotions since the arrests, acknowledging a sense of both joy and relief. She told TMZ that learning of their arrests and seeing the suspects held on high bail brought a sense of hope. However, she emphasized that true justice will only be served with significant convictions for those responsible for Wactor's tragic death. Explaining the emotional toll of the unsolved case, Joy said: "We've had this like stagnant grief, where we haven't been able to really heal or fully understand what just happened to us." Despite the ongoing grief, Joy expressed some relief that significant progress had been made in the case before Wactor's birthday, August 31. Three Charged With Murder, Out Of Four Suspects View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johnny Wactor (@johnnywactor) Los Angeles authorities have made significant strides in the investigation into the murder of the "General Hospital" actor. On Friday, three 18-year-olds -- Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez, and Sergio Estrada were arrested and charged with murder. Additionally, a 22-year-old man named Frank Olano was apprehended as an alleged accomplice. The arrests came after the LAPD's central homicide bureau executed search warrants across Los Angeles, uncovering key evidence that led to the suspects' capture, as reported by The Blast. All four suspects have been slapped with a hefty $2 million bail each. It remains unclear if they have secured legal representation at this time. Heartbreaking Details Of The Fatal Shooting Revealed View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johnny Wactor (@johnnywactor) What began as a seemingly harmless situation quickly escalated into a nightmare. Anita Joy, who was with Wactor that night, shared heartbreaking details about the moments leading up to his death. Joy described how she and Wactor initially thought the situation involved a tow truck. She recalled Wactor calmly approaching the men and telling them it was his car, with his hands open, showing no aggression. "As I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms," Joy recounted in a social media post days after the tragedy. Despite her desperate attempts to keep him conscious, Wactor collapsed in her arms. The suspects fled in a dark sedan, leaving Joy to scream for help as Wactor lay wounded. Though he was rushed to a nearby hospital, it was too latethe 37-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after. Heartbroken Family And Friends Mourn Johnny Wactor MEGA The tragic loss of the "Siberia" actor, who was tragically killed in May, continues to reverberate through the lives of those who knew and loved him. In an emotional interview with Good Morning America, his mother, Scarlett Wactor, expressed her deep sorrow. "They took a wonderful person," she said, heartbroken over her son's untimely death. Tessa Farrell, a former fiancee and fellow actor, delivered a raw and emotional tribute to Wactor on Instagram. She remembered him as a "fun" and "phenomenal" actor, acknowledging both the highs and lows of their tumultuous relationship. Farrell recalled their fiery relationship and Wactor's dream of finding happiness, saying, "Johnny's above now looking down, and I'm so happy that I think we found happiness before he went." For Joy and Wactor's loved ones, the path to healing can only begin once the suspects are fully held accountable in court. US actor George Clooney speaks at Deutsche Telekom's Digital X Internet Congress in the Media Park. The foundation of US actor George Clooney has been declared an "undesirable organization" in Russia. "The foundation operates in Hollywood style to discredit Russia," the Prosecutor General's Office in Moscow said on 19 August, according to Russian news agencies. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa The foundation of US actor George Clooney has been declared an "undesirable organization" in Russia. "The foundation operates in Hollywood style to discredit Russia," the Prosecutor General's Office in Moscow said on Monday, according to Russian news agencies. It added that the foundation "supports false patriots who have fled the country, as well as members of banned extremist and terrorist organizations." The Clooney Foundation for Justice fights against human rights violations. The politically active Hollywood star founded the foundation with his wife, the prominent lawyer Amal Clooney. In October, the foundation contacted the German Federal Prosecutor's Office regarding alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine. The foundation's experts asserted that reports from victims or their families, as well as photos, videos, and satellite images, provided evidence of war crimes in three cases. One case involved a missile attack on a tourist destination in the Odessa region in summer 2022, which they said resulted in many civilian deaths and several severe injuries. A second case claimed that Russian ground troops tortured and executed four men in the then-occupied Kharkiv area between March and September 2022. A third occurrence identified Russian unit commanders who were allegedly involved in executions, torture, sexual violence and looting during the occupation in the Kiev region in March 2022. Under international criminal law, it is possible for a country's to investigate certain crimes that were not committed in the country. The background is the so-called principle of universal jurisdiction, under which war criminals should not find a safe haven anywhere in the world. A declaration of an "undesirable organization" in Russia is equivalent to a ban. The Russian law is frequently criticized as not adhering to legal principles, as it is not clear what actions lead to such a classification. Since the beginning of the war, Russia has declared numerous establishments to be undesirable organizations, including foundations and the internationally respected German Historical Institute. As the longest serving mayor of St. Paul, George Latimer publicly embraced the social aspects of his job as much as the political ones, becoming so synonymous with the capital citys downtown institutions that the Central Library by Rice Park was renamed in his honor and the District Energy system he helped launch in the late 1970s dubbed him director emeritus. Talkative and jovial, Latimer a one-time gubernatorial candidate could disarm a friend or foe with a self-effacing comment, never letting on that his credentials included a degree from an Ivy League law school, a stint as dean of Hamline University Law School and two years in the mid-1990s as a White House adviser on housing policy. He was very bright he went to Columbia Law but he never gave you that impression that he was better than the average Jane or Joe, said longtime friend and labor activist Harry Melander. And if he goofed up, he was the first one to tell you. Latimer, who presided over a downtown building boom while serving as one of the capital citys first official strong mayors from 1976 to 1990, died at his longtime Episcopal Homes residence on University Avenue in St. Paul around 12:30 a.m. Sunday. He was 89 years old. Latimer was preceded by his wife, Nancy, who died in September 2006 of ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrigs disease. The couple had three sons George Jr., Philip and Thomas More, and two daughters, Faith Tilsen and Kate Courtney. Presiding in a time of change Born in June of 1935 in Schenectady, N.Y., and raised by shop owners, Latimer moved to St. Paul in the early 1960s after attending Columbia Law School. He served on the St. Paul School Board from 1970 to 1974 before making his first run for mayor. Bill Mahlum, who became Latimers law partner in the late 1960s and would go on to help him launch District Energy, recalled how the secret to Latimers political success was canvassing. If you know George, he has a skill of being very interested in who you are, what you do and who your children are, said Mahlum, in an August 2022 interview. He has a great memory, and he cares. He was a remarkable politician, but he was a more remarkable person. As mayor, Latimer presided at a time of changing demographics for the capital city, which became a centerpiece of Hmong refugee migration after the U.S. war in Vietnam and Secret War in Laos. It was also a time of national white flight to the suburbs, when many middle class families began abandoning urban living, put off in part by rising crime rates across the country and race riots and unrest during the Vietnam era. In the span of three years or so during the 1980s, an estimated 6,000 jobs left the East Side of St. Paul. Latimer, however, came into his role with unique authority. The city had transitioned under prior Mayor Larry Cohen to a strong mayor system, in which rather than hold a single vote on the city council, the executive appointed department directors and oversaw the entirety of city administration. That left the city council to pass city ordinances, approve the city budget and serve as a check and balance on that authority. He defined what a strong mayor in St. Paul looks like, said Chris Coleman, who served as St. Paul mayor from 2006 to 2018 and had known Latimer since childhood. In 1981, Latimer gave the eulogy for Colemans father, Nicholas David Coleman, a political ally who served as majority leader in the Minnesota Senate for most of the 1970s. District Energy, Ordway Center Rather than give up on downtown St. Paul, Latimer doubled down, teaming with Swedish engineer Hans Nyman to create an energy utility to heat and eventually cool downtown at stable fuel rates. Inspired by Scandinavian design, District Energy one of the first hot water district energy systems in North America launched in 1979 with Latimer as chairman. It added cooling in 1993, and later a renewable energy plant fueled by urban tree waste. Latimers tenure also coincided with the development or redevelopment of major downtown office towers and public destinations, including the 38-story Wells Fargo Place, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the first of two Securian Towers at 400 Robert St., the Town Square Tower, UBS Plaza and Landmark Towers. During his mayoral term, he saw the potential for St. Pauls Lowertown neighborhood in particular to host residences where factories, tanneries and retailers once stood, a gradual repositioning of the warehouse district that didnt hit its stride until Colemans administration, long after Latimer left office. What George started, Chris Coleman kind of finished, in terms of development, Melander said. District Energy is recognized internationally for what its done. If you look at whats happening with energy now, they were way ahead of their time. Not all of his projects bore fruit. Under Latimer, St. Paul competed against Los Angeles, Houston, Detroit and Miami to see which city would be the first to launch a People Mover, or mini-rail that would circulate in and around downtown from the Minnesota State Capitol and East Seventh Street to the Lafayette Bridge. The proposal drew the ire of even some of his closest allies, including then-City Council Member Ruby Hunt. We clashed over the People Mover it was a big deal, said Hunt, interviewed in early August 2022 at the age of 98. It was going to be running around downtown St. Paul, but people werent all that sold on it. Neither were the businesses. The project was officially nixed in 1980, but overall, said Hunt, George did a beautiful job. He was an outstanding mayor. I worked together with him a lot. I had a lot of respect for him, and he had a lot of respect for me. He was a real people person. He knew how to identify with people and get on the same wavelength, so to speak, Hunt added. George had the ability to attract and hire the very best people to run the city, and thats an important trait that isnt followed today as well as it could be. A run for governor Latimer, then still mayor, took the politically risky move in 1986 of challenging Gov. Rudy Perpich, a member of his own party, only to lose to Perpich in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary. He would continue to serve as mayor until 1990. After leaving office, Latimer served as dean of Hamline Universitys law school from 1990 to 1993, and then as a special adviser to Henry Cisneros, President Bill Clintons Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, from 1993 to 1995. Over the years, Latimer became a visiting professor of urban studies at Macalester College, chief executive officer of the National Equity Fund which manages low-income housing units in dozens of cities and a regent with the University of Minnesota. The city renamed the downtown Central Library in his honor in 2014. Also in 2014, Hunt and Latimer would both go on to take up residence at the Episcopal Homes senior living development on University Avenue near Fairview Avenue, just off the then-newly launched Green Line light rail corridor. Melander, who befriended the former mayor in the 1990s and came to see him as something of a father figure, said Latimer sometimes reconnected with his older brothers, among others, through what the former mayor deemed fellowship and others called afternoon drinks. I was his delivery boy during COVID, and prior, when he told me to go to Morellis (Liquors), if you know what I mean, he deadpanned. It was only in late 2022 when Latimer swore off the occasional cocktail and limited what had been his many daily social visits at Episcopal Homes that Melander began to become concerned about his friends health. Latimer would be moved to hospice care that year, only to move back out again within months, disenchanted with the notion that the end was nigh. Changing social mores During an interview with the Pioneer Press conducted in September 2020, well into the opening year of the COVID-19 pandemic and a few months after the death of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, Latimer acknowledged that social mores had changed around him. There are any number of cultural and political practices that I have fully supported in my career, and now Im being challenged in my thoughts, he said at the time, noting his nuanced view of the social landscape. I believe there are some wonderful things happening within our culture today. Were on our way of ridding ourselves of stereotyping people and the other. I think its quite beautiful when one of our grandchildren has their friend coming over, and I have no idea what color that person will be, or what gender they have. That isnt the first thing they think of. People my age, we usually began by thinking, Hes my friend, and hes a Lutheran Or at the university, I was with a Black guy Whether we meant it pejoratively or not, it was our way of introducing our knowledge of people. And the younger people are ridding themselves of that. And thats a plus. While acknowledging the racial fault line in police-community relations, he went on to criticize the wholesale rejection of police and policing. Racism including driving while Black has a long history. But for an awful lot of folks as we were growing up, the police were not the enemy. Reform has been occurring, but because were a localized police system, its very mixed and varied. There are many communities that have done community policing for many, many years, Latimer said. Does it mean it ends crime? No. But the trust level between the police and the people theyre protecting is important. This anti-police conduct is not liberal. Its not democratic. In November 2017, Latimer penned a guest editorial in the Pioneer Press dedicated to the mayor-elect, urging whomever won the election to see their role as an ambassador between cultures, as much as a chief executive or technical officer overseeing city departments. Too often when people speak of the sense of community, they mean it exclusively, or in an elitist way, wrote Latimer at the time. They say whoever was here first is the community and whoever comes later ought to stay for only a short while or immediately take on all the characteristics of those who came before them, abandoning any unique culture. There are multiple communities in St. Paul where there are high levels of trust and a great love of the sense of place, he continued. An important part of the mayors job is to be a bridge builder between all of those wonderful communities. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Related Articles George Santos pleads guilty, acknowledging lies and blaming ambition for conning his way to Congress CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) George Santos, who spun lies about his life into an 11-month stint in Congress, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a case that led to his expulsion from office. He blamed his ambition for clouding his judgment and said he was flooded with deep regret. Santos, 36, is likely to spend at least six years in prison and owes more than $570,000 in restitution and forfeiture after tearfully admitting that he duped voters, deceived donors and stole the identities of 11 people, including his own family members, to make donations to his campaign. Santos guilty plea in federal court on Long Island came weeks before the case was to go to trial, punctuating one of the more bizarre stories in modern political lore. He remains free on bond awaiting sentencing Feb. 7. I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct, the former New York representative said, his voice trembling as he entered the plea. Santos was elected in 2022 after bandying stories later proven false about his wealth and background, including a lie that his mother perished in the 9/11 attacks. As his biography unraveled, Santos went to great lengths to defend himself, once saying he was Jew-ish, not Jewish, when confronted about his campaign claim that his grandparents had fled the Holocaust. Once regarded as a rising Republican star after flipping a district covering parts of Queens and Long Islands Gold Coast, Santos faced scrutiny even before taking office. Reports he lied about having a career at top Wall Street firms and a college degree were followed by questions about how he funded his campaign. Outside court, Santos told reporters Monday his political ambitions led him to make decisions that were unethical. Pleading guilty is a step I never imagined Id take, but it is a necessary one because it is the right thing to do, Santos said. Its not only a recognition of my misrepresentation to others, but more profoundly, it is my own recognition of the lies I told myself over these past years. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said Santos, in pleading guilty, told the truth after years of telling lies. And that truth is he is a criminal, Peace said. Santos was indicted last year on felony charges he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while working. Additionally, Santos also admitted to a litany of other crimes for which the court will hold him accountable at sentencing, Peace said. Among them: stealing multiple peoples credit card numbers and charging them for his campaign, tricking donors into giving money to a bogus nonprofit and using the cash to buy designer clothing and fabricating his personal wealth in a financial disclosure report to Congress. A House Ethics Committee investigation last year found money Santos diverted to his personal bank accounts was used to pay credit card bills and make purchases at luxury retailer Hermes, beauty retailer Sephora and the adult content website OnlyFans. Peace said Santos badly deceived his constituents, who came to learn that they were victims of a fraud of unprecedented proportions. They had to watch helplessly while Santos rode into Congress on a campaign of lies, Peace said. Santos was expelled from the U.S. House last December after the ethics committee investigation found overwhelming evidence he had broken the law and exploited his public position for personal profit. Hed refused to resign, maintaining his innocence in the face of his May 2023 indictment and additional charges months later. The case had been scheduled for trial in early September. Prosecutors said they were prepared to call some 40 witnesses, including members of Santos family, campaign and former employers, and wanted to show jurors evidence of Santos myriad falsehoods, including claims hed worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs. After his ouster from Congress, Santos said in an interview that hed be open to a plea deal. Asked if he was afraid of going to prison, he told WCBS-TV at the time: I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail, its not a pretty place and uh, I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible. Separately Monday, Manhattan Federal Judge Denise Cote tossed out Santos lawsuit alleging that Jimmy Kimmel, ABC and Disney committed copyright infringement and unjustly enriched themselves by using videos he made on the Cameo app for a segment on Kimmels late-night talk show. Cote said it was clear Kimmel used the clips for criticism and commentary, which is fair use. Santos began selling personalized videos on Cameo after leaving Congress. He subsequently launched, then quickly abandoned, a longshot independent bid to return to Congress. In an interview that aired Sunday on WABC Radio, Santos said he has taken comfort in a somewhat private civilian again, with little wistfulness for the rubber chicken dinners and the rah-rah-rah parties and fundraisers of his former life. Santos said he was terrified of his then-looming trial, telling host Cindy Adams: This is not absolutely an easy process to go through. It really hurts and it really messes with your psychological health. In the days leading to his guilty plea, the ever-online Santos appeared to signal his decision even as he chided followers for speculating and mixed in a disappointed review of the latest installment in the Alien movie series. After losing a bid to have prospective jurors fill out written questionnaires, Santos cryptically wrote on X last week: Im done, adding an emoji of a hand holding up a peace sign. Two Santos campaign aides pleaded guilty last year to crimes related to his campaign, complicating his defense. Ex-treasurer Nancy Marks pleaded guilty to fraud conspiracy, implicating Santos in a scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors. Her lawyer said she was willing to testify against him. Ex-fundraiser Sam Miele copped to wire fraud, admitting he impersonated a congressional aide while raising money for Santos campaign. ___ Sisak reported from Philadelphia. Associated Press writers Susan Haigh and Larry Neumeister contributed to this report. Serial liar and former Republican congressman George Santos is pleaded guilty to multiple counts in court on Monday afternoon. Santos, who was expelled from the House of Representatives in December, is facing 23 felony charges, which include identity theft, wire fraud, money laundering, and false statements on financial disclosure forms. Santos was indicted on the charges last October. Prosecutors claim Santos spent donations to his 2022 campaign on non-campaign expenses including OnlyFans, Sephora, Hermes, spas, and Botox. They also say he committed identity theft by using donors credit cards without their knowledge. Santos falsely inflated the campaigns reported receipts with non-existent loans and contributions that were either fabricated or stolen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace said in October. An anonymous source told the Associated Press on Monday that Santos would plead guilty. The former congressmans lies touch on nearly every aspect of his life, including his career, his education, and his family background. He falsely claimed that his grandparents survived the Holocaust and that his mother survived the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in New York City. A Navy veteran accused him of refusing to give him funds from a GoFundMe campaign for his dying service dog. In 2022, Santos admitted that he had lied about his work history and whether he had graduated from college. My sins here are embellishing my resume. Im sorry, he told the New York Post. He also addressed his familys religion. I never claimed to be Jewish, he said. I am Catholic. Because I learned my maternal family had a Jewish background I said I was Jew-ish. Santos faced skepticism around his fiances even before his surprising election to represent parts of Long Island and Queens in 2022. Once in office, he refused to resign even after he was indicted on federal charges. House Republicans didnt seem very concerned that one of their colleagues had been criminally charged, but ultimately voted to expel him after a House Ethics Committee report found substantial evidence of his crimes. Santos called the report slanderous. Around the same time, Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) said that Santos had charged his and his mothers credit cards without their knowledge. In March, Santos said he would run for Congress again. Santos told CBS 2 in December that he had a long road of redemption ahead in which he would acknowledge his mistakes. He added: I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail, its not a pretty place and I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. Former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, avoiding a criminal trial that was set to begin next month. Though Santos originally faced 23 felony counts, his lesser plea is still set to carry jail time. Aggravated identity theft carries a two-year mandatory minimum, and the judge estimated his current likely sentence is between 6.25 years and 7.25 years, based on federal guidelines. Its clear to me now that I allowed ambition to cloud my judgment, leading me to make decisions that were unethical and guilty, Santos said outside the courthouse, choking up. Pleading guilty is a step I never imagined Id take, but it is a necessary one because it is the right thing to do, Santos continued. Its not only a recognition of my misrepresentations to others, but more profoundly, it is my own recognition of the lies I told myself over these past years. The two-count guilty plea puts a bookend on the dramatic rise and fall of Santos, who flipped a New York House district from blue to red in 2022 and was hailed as the first openly gay Republican who is not an incumbent to win a House seat. Months later, however, he was expelled from the chamber after a damning Ethics Committee report found he deceived donors, stole from his campaign and used the funds for personal use. He became the sixth member to ever be ousted from the House. Appearing on Monday in federal court on Long Island, where he wore a lapel pin with the U.S. and Israeli flags along with a Star of David, Santos admitted guilt in his criminal case for the first time, more than a year after federal prosecutors first unveiled charges against the New York Republican. He long claimed innocence, even after his House expulsion, though he has engaged in months of plea negotiations with prosecutors. Santos sat at the defense table, offering a statement admitting to the crimes. He spoke quickly, at one point causing the judge to ask him to slow down. My actions have betrayed the trust of my supporters and constituents. I accept full responsibility, Santos said. Federal prosecutors were three weeks away from taking Santos to trial on 23 felony charges that accused him of misleading campaign donors, charging their credit cards without authorization, falsely inflating campaign finance reports, fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits and lying on his financial disclosures. Appearing before U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert on Monday, Santos admitted to many of those allegations, including that he used money for personal benefit after telling donors it was for television ads. His admission to two felonies enables him to avoid the spectacle of a multiweek trial. Prosecutors had indicated they wouldve dived into Santoss fabricated resume details, such as claiming to have worked at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup and that he graduated from New Yorks Baruch College. Seybert, an appointee of former President Clinton, scheduled Santoss sentencing for Feb. 7. The then-congressman acknowledged last year that he was fearful of jail time, telling reporters wouldnt you be, I mean, of course, when asked if he was concerned about going to jail. Santos also must pay nearly $374,000 in restitution and roughly $205,000 in criminal forfeiture, the latter of which he was ordered to pay 30 days in advance of his sentencing. After years of telling lies, former Congressman George Santos stood in the courthouse right behind me, and finally, under oath, told the truth. And that truth is he is a criminal, said Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, whose office prosecuted the case. The payout of Santoss forfeiture became a point of contention at the end of the nearly hour-long court hearing. One of Santoss attorneys said the defense would make our best efforts to pay the full sum, noting at this time he doesnt have the money. The attorney said it was unclear if Santoss employability had changed in the wake of the guilty plea, as the defense and prosecution went back-and-forth about the terms of the payment. At a point, one of Santoss lawyers said, I dont want to blow up this agreement. Santos was seen burying his head in his hands during the discourse. The prosecution said Santos must pay funds available to him and added that if he is unable to meet the entire amount, they will seek other options, including liquidating his assets. Santos is the second sitting or former lawmaker to be found guilty of federal crimes this year. A jury last month found Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) guilty on all 16 counts he faced, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent. Menendezs resignation from the Senate becomes effective Tuesday. He has since abandoned plans for an independent run at returning to the upper chamber. Santos, however, was expelled by his colleagues in the House late last year. The expulsion only the sixth in the history was successful on the third attempt, which was spearheaded by a group of New York Republicans who were under pressure back home. The effort passed 311-114 with two abstentions, with a combination of Democrats and Republicans joining together to surpass the two-thirds majority needed to remove someone from the chamber. The ouster dealt a two-part blow to the House GOP conference: Santoss absence left it down a vote in the closely divided chamber, and Rep. Thomas Suozzis (D) victory in the special election to fill the seat narrowed further narrowed the Republicans already razor-thin majority. Some of the New York Republicans who forced the successful vote on Santoss ouster lauded the guilty plea on Monday, arguing that it brought justice to those defrauded by the ex-congressman. Infamous fabulist George Santos was brought to justice today for defrauding the members of the public he was elected to represent, and Santoss guilty plea further reinforces the fact that my successful bipartisan campaign to expel him from Congress as punishment for his misdeeds was the correct course of action, Rep. Anthony DEsposito (R-N.Y.) said in a statement. Today, defrauded donors tasted further justice, knowing that Santos will soon be behind bars for his fraudulent actions, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) echoed in a post on X. Santoss court appearance Monday came hours after he suffered another legal defeat. A separate federal judge dismissed his lawsuit against Jimmy Kimmel over personalized Cameo videos the late-night host requested under a fictitious name to air on his show. Two of Santoss aides previously pleaded guilty to federal crimes. Nancy Marks, Santoss former treasurer, pleaded guilty last October, and Samuel Miele, a former fundraiser for the campaign, later admitted to impersonating a House leadership aide and charging donors credit cards without authorization. Santos mentioned Marks by name while confessing to the crimes in the courtroom. Our democracy depends upon a fair and transparent election process, and as part of that process, it is imperative that candidates for elective elected office follow the law and that they act with integrity and transparency, said Nicole Argentieri, principal deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Departments criminal division. George Santos did none of those things, she added. Updated at 5:36 p.m. ET Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. George Santos pleads guilty, acknowledging lies and blaming ambition for conning his way to Congress George Santos, who spun lies about his life into an 11-month stint in Congress, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a case that led to his expulsion from office and the admission that hed allowed ambition to cloud his judgment. The former representative, 36, is likely to spend at least six years in prison and owes more than $370,000 in restitution. His guilty plea in federal court on Long Island came weeks before the case was to go to trial. He is to remain free on bond until he is sentenced on Feb. 7. I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct, the New York Republican said, his voice trembling as he entered the plea. Santos elected in 2022 after bandying falsehoods about his wealth and background, including a lie that his mother perished in the 9/11 attacks told reporters outside court that his political ambitions had led him to make decisions that were unethical. Pleading guilty is a step I never imagined Id take, but it is a necessary one because it is the right thing to do, Santos said. Its not only a recognition of my misrepresentation to others, but more profoundly, it is my own recognition of the lies I told myself over these past years. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said that in pleading guilty, Santos had told the truth after years of telling lies. And that truth is he is a criminal, Peace said. Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while actually working. Peace also said that in addition to the crimes Santos pleaded guilty to, he also admitted to a litany of other crimes for which the court will hold him accountable at sentencing. Among them: admitting that he stole multiple peoples credit card numbers and charged them for his campaign, that he tricked donors into giving money to a bogus nonprofit and used the cash to buy designer clothing, and that he fabricated his personal wealth in a financial disclosure report he submitted to Congress. Santos was expelled from the U.S. House after an ethics investigation found overwhelming evidence he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit. The case has been set for trial in early September. If that had happened, federal prosecutors said Monday that they were prepared to call some 40 witnesses, including members of Santos campaign, employers and family members. Santos was once touted as a rising political star after he flipped the suburban district that covers the affluent North Shore of Long Island and a slice of the New York City borough of Queens in 2022. But his life story began unraveling even before he was sworn into office. At the time, reports emerged that he had lied about having a career at top Wall Street firms and a college degree along with other questions surrounding his biography. New questions then emerged about his campaign funds. He was first indicted on federal charges in May 2023, but refused to resign from office. Santos had previously maintained his innocence, though he said in an interview in December that a plea deal with prosecutors was not off the table. Asked if he was afraid of going to prison, he told CBS 2 at the time: I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail, its not a pretty place and uh, I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible. Separately Monday, in Manhattan federal court, Judge Denise Cote tossed out a lawsuit in which Santos claimed that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, ABC and Disney committed copyright infringement and unjustly enriched themselves at his expense by using videos he made on the Cameo app for a Jimmy Kimmel Live segment. The judge said it was clear that Kimmel used the clips, which were also posted to YouTube, for purposes of criticism and commentary, which is fair use. Santos had begun selling personalized videos on Cameo in December shortly after his ouster from Congress. He subsequently launched, then quickly abandoned, a longshot bid to return to Congress as an independent earlier this year. In a radio interview that aired Sunday, Santos said he has taken comfort in being a somewhat private civilian again. I really dont miss the rubber chicken dinners and the rah-rah-rah parties and fundraisers, he said of his former life. With a criminal trial looming, he had said in the WABC interview that he was terrified. This is not absolutely an easy process to go through. It really hurts and it really messes with your psychological health, he told host Cindy Adams. As the trial date neared in recent weeks, Santos had sought to have a partially anonymous jury, with his lawyers arguing in court papers that the mere risk of public ridicule could influence the individual jurors ability to decide Santos case solely on the facts and law as presented in Court. He also wanted potential jurors to fill out a written questionnaire gauging their opinions of him. His lawyers argued the survey was needed because for all intents and purposes, Santos has already been found guilty in the court of public opinion. Judge Joanna Seybert agreed to keep jurors identities public but said no to the questionnaire. Prosecutors, meanwhile, had been seeking to admit as evidence some of the financial falsehoods Santos told during his campaign, including that hed worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs and that he had operated a family-run firm with approximately $80 million in assets. Two Santos campaign aides previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to the former congressmans campaign. His ex-treasurer, Nancy Marks, pleaded guilty in October to a fraud conspiracy charge, implicating Santos in an alleged scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors. A lawyer for Marks said then that his client would be willing to testify against Santos if asked. Sam Miele, a former fundraiser for Santos, pleaded guilty a month later to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising money for Santos campaign. Former US Congressman George Santos has pleaded guilty to two counts in his criminal case. Prosecutors accused him of fraud, money laundering, and a litany of other crimes. Santos made history by being expelled from Congress late last year. Serial liar and former US congressman George Santos pleaded guilty to criminal charges in court Monday, avoiding a criminal trial. Federal prosecutors charged Santos with 23 counts of fraud, money laundering, identity theft, and conspiracy charges. They alleged he participated in a series of schemes that involved stealing credit card information from his political donors, lying to Congress, stealing unemployment and pandemic relief funds, falsifying campaign records, and other crimes. Santos ultimately pleaded guilty on Monday to two counts one count of wire fraud and one count of identity theft as part of a plea agreement. "You trusted me to represent you with honor and to uphold the values that are central to our democracy," Santos told reporters outside court after the hearing. "And in that regard, I failed you." US District Judge Joann Seybert set Santos' sentencing for February 7. The plea agreement requires Santos to pay restitution of at least $373,749. Santos could face up to eight years in prison, Seybert said Monday. Breon Peace, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, told reporters at a press conference Monday that he expected Santos to spend at least two years in prison, and that he hoped the case would help "restore faith" in democratic institutions. "A short time ago, after years of telling lies, former Congressman George Santos stood in the courthouse behind me and finally, under oath, told the truth," Peace said. "And the truth is that he's a criminal." Monday's court appearance was previously scheduled as a pretrial conference to resolve legal issues ahead of a September 9 trial date. But since Friday, it was widely expected to turn into a plea hearing after Talking Points memo reported that Santos's fraud victims were informed he would plead guilty. Court filings previously indicated Santos was in talks for a plea deal as early as December. In July, Seybert formally rejected all of his lawyer's arguments to dismiss the case, drastically narrowing his already narrow chances of an acquittal. In text messages to Business Insider on Friday, Santos was his usual evasive self. "I've told you before I don't comment on my case," he told BI, while commenting on his case. "This is news to me," he scoffed in one text. "It's a status conference!" he said in another. Santos lied about his past, creating an avalanche of scandals Santos became a notorious national figure shortly after he was elected to Congress in 2022 as a Republican representing a New York district on Long Island and in part of Queens. The New York Times and local reporters found that Santos misrepresented key parts of his biography. He never worked for Goldman Sachs or Citigroup, as he claimed. He didn't have a family real estate fortune or a successful consulting company. And he didn't even attend Baruch College, much less play on its volleyball team. The stories piled up. Santos lied about his mother's death in the 9/11 terror attacks, his grandmother being in the Holocaust, employees dying in the Pulse nightclub shooting, his niece being kidnapped, being Jewish, performing drag in Brazil, his work in an animal charity, going to New York University, and producing the Broadway flop "Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark." He even lied about acting in episodes of the Disney Channel shows "Hannah Montana" and "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody." Rep. George Santos is seen in the U.S. Capitol. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images In May 2023, federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York brought a 13-count indictment against him. They brought 10 more charges in October. In November, a Congressional ethics report found that Santos spent campaign funds on OnlyFans, Botox, Sephora, and luxury goods from Hermes and Ferragamo. A month later, Santos made history as the sixth person in American history to be expelled from the US House of Representatives in a 311-114 vote. He is the first to be expelled without already having a criminal conviction or being a member of the Confederacy that waged the Civil War against the United States. Santos formally canceled his candidacy for the 2024 Congressional election in April. Two associates of Santos Nancy Marks and Sam Miele have previously pleaded guilty to fraud charges against them and would have likely testified in Santos' trial. Democrat Tom Suozzi won a special election to take back the congressional seat in February. He previously represented the district but left it in 2022 for a failed bid in New York's gubernatorial race. Since being expelled from Congress, Santos has made money from Cameo and OnlyFans. Hours before his plea Monday, Santos suffered another legal loss: A judge tossed his copyright lawsuit against Jimmy Kimmel, who used his Cameo videos to mock him on TV. This story has been updated. Read the original article on Business Insider China is always top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy: To Lam Xinhua) 07:56, August 19, 2024 GUANGZHOU, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- China is always the top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam said here on Sunday. At the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping, To Lam is undertaking a state visit to China from Aug. 18 to 20. He arrived in south China's Guangzhou Sunday morning, making China the first country he has visited since taking office as general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee earlier this month. Noting that Vietnam's revolutionary history is closely linked with that of China, To Lam said the older generations of leaders of the two parties and countries have forged deep friendships, and the Vietnamese people will never forget China's assistance in Vietnam's national liberation, independence and socialist construction. He said that his party and country have always considered the development of relations with China as the top priority in their foreign policy, and will strive to carry on the tradition of bilateral friendship created by the older generations of leaders of the two parties and countries. To Lam and his delegation left for Beijing after finishing their visit in Guangzhou Sunday afternoon. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The French actor Alain Delon, whose heart stopped on August 18, is considered a sex symbol of the 60s. The outstanding heartthrob began to attract the attention of filmmakers in the 50s and, mostly because of his appearance, began his acting career. ADVERTISIMENT Before that, Delon worked as a loader in the port of Le Galle. Then actor Jean-Claude Brialy noticed the young man's appearance and invited him to the Cannes Film Festival. It was there that he received his first film projects. In 1957, the actor played his first role in the film Quand la femme s'en mele (literally translated as When a Woman Intervenes). NPR has collected several outstanding quotes that best describe the character of the young Alain Delon. "This young man, whom some brilliant press agent has helpfully dubbed 'the French James Dean,' has long silky hair, high cheekbones, and a relaxed posture. He smiles and generally condescends to girls who lend him a shoulder. He rides a motorcycle and has a 'cat-like' personality," wrote critic Bosley Crowther Jr. in a dismissive review of When a Woman Interferes in 1959. ADVERTISIMENT Alain Delon received the title of sex symbol almost immediately after starting his acting career. The critic Anthony Lane wrote in The New Yorker that Delon charms everyone. "Obviously, there is someone we should stay away from, but we can't run away from them. We can't even look away. Not only that, but Delon is very unusual among people of the divine plan, as he is said to have developed ties to the real underworld," the journalist writes. ADVERTISIMENT Delon never managed to become a real Hollywood star. He tried to build his career by starring in the same films as Jane Fonda, Burt Lancaster, Charles Bronson, Brigitte Bardot, etc. but failed. The actor even had a romantic relationship with the German star and his colleague Romy Schneider. Their breakup, which was widely discussed in 1964, became one of the many scandals that marked his off-screen life. For several years, Alain Delon was awarded the Palme d'Or and the Cesar Award. He was best known for playing outwardly attractive and immoral criminals. ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote how Alain Delon supported Ukraine: he talked to Volodymyr Zelensky, recited Ukrainian poems, and admired our people and military. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! FILE - Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivers the State of the State speech on Jan. 11, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File) ATLANTA (AP) Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Monday defended and doubled down on his signature Medicaid program the only one in the nation with a work requirement further dimming chances the state could adopt a broader expansion of the taxpayer-funded low-income health plan without a work mandate any time soon. Georgia Pathways requires all recipients to show that they performed at least 80 hours of work, volunteer activity, schooling or vocational rehabilitation in a month to qualify. It launched in July 2023, but has so far signed up a tiny fraction of eligible state residents. Kemp touted the program Monday during a panel discussion that included Georgia Department of Community Health Commissioner Russel Carlson and Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King. The governor's office also played a video testimonial from a Pathways recipient, Luke Seaborn, 53, who praised the program and later told The Associated Press in a phone interview that it had helped him pay for an injection for nerve pain. Being first is not always easy, Kemp said. But he added, We're going to keep chopping and keep getting people signed up. Pathways had just over 4,300 members as of early June, well below the minimum of 25,000 members state officials expected in the program's first year. The Kemp administration has blamed the Biden administration for the slow start. Pathways was supposed to launch in 2021, but the Biden administration objected to the work requirement that February and later revoked it. Georgia sued and a federal judge reinstated the work mandate in 2022. Carlson said the delay hampered efforts to get Pathways going, including educating stakeholders and potential beneficiaries. It also meant the launch coincided with a burdensome review of Medicaid eligibility required by the federal government, he said. The Biden administration has said it did not stop Georgia officials from implementing other aspects of Pathways when it revoked the work requirement. State officials had also set lofty enrollment expectations for Pathways despite the Medicaid eligibility review. Carlson said the state has launched a major campaign to promote Pathways that includes radio and television ads. It is also conducting outreach on college campuses. We feel like Georgia Pathways for the first time will be granted open seas, if you will, he said. Critics of Pathways have said the state could provide health coverage to about 500,000 low-income people if, like 40 other states, it adopted a full Medicaid expansion with no work requirement. That broader Medicaid expansion was a key part of President Barack Obamas health care overhaul in 2010. In exchange for offering Medicaid to nearly all adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, states would get more federal funding for the new enrollees. Pathways limits coverage to people making up to 100% of the federal poverty level. Kemp has rejected full expansion, arguing that the states long-term costs would be too high. His administration has also promoted Pathways as a way to transition people off government assistance and onto private insurance. The governor said Monday improvements to Georgia's health care marketplace have helped hundreds of thousands of former Medicaid recipients in the state sign up for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. A program the state implemented with federal approval has reduced premiums and increased competition in the marketplace, the governor said. The Biden administration has also significantly boosted health insurance subsidies under the ACA, though Kemp, a Republican, did not mention that change in his remarks Monday. Social Democrat Michael Roth, chairman of the Bundestag's Foreign Affairs Committee, has criticised the coalition's approach to further funding for assistance to Ukraine. This coalition includes his own party. Source: Roth in an interview with the Funke Mediengruppe newspaper, as reported by Die Zeit Details: Roth called it a "fatal signal" from the federal government towards Ukraine "if no further funds for new military aid are planned in future federal budgets". Roth noted that the Ukrainian forces were back on the offensive for the first time in many months, and Ukraine now needs the full support of its most important military ally in Europe, Germany. Quote: "Instead, the debate about the future funding of military aid looks like a veiled abdication of responsibility from Germany. We cannot make our security dependent on budgetary constraints." More details: The government's draft federal budget for 2025, approved by the Federal Cabinet in July, allocated approximately 4 billion to help Ukraine, and this amount is not expected to change after the new budget compromise agreed on Friday. In principle, the German government expects that Ukraine will be able to receive more support in the future through interest from frozen Russian state assets. Roth stressed that the US$50 billion from the G7 countries' aid fund, which is also to be filled with interest from frozen assets, is "far from enough". Background: Earlier, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported that the German federal government's current budget planning does not provide new funds to support Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz requested that additional applications from the German Ministry of Defence for military assistance to Ukraine be no longer approved. At the same time, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that these reports were incorrect and manipulative. Ukraine's Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev warned that Germany's costs would be much higher if Ukraine loses the war against Russia. Support UP or become our patron! German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C) Robert Habeck (R), German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, and Christian Lindner, German Minister of Finance, take part in a press conference on the 2025 budget. The leaders of Germany's coalition government have agreed to a new compromise on the 2025 budget, a government spokesman said in Berlin on Friday. Michael Kappeler/dpa The German government has refuted claims that Germany will limit its support for Ukraine due to budgetary constraints. "Germany remains absolutely committed, and Chancellor [Olaf Scholz's] word holds that support for Ukraine will continue as long as necessary, and that no one, especially not the Russian President [Vladimir Putin], can hope that we will ease off in this," deputy government spokesman Wolfgang Buchner said in Berlin on Monday. He said there will be no change in the determination to support Ukraine, which is fending off a full-scale invasion by Russia. This year, four IRIS-T air-defence systems are still to be delivered, along with 10 Gepard (Cheetah) anti-aircraft tanks, 16 self-propelled howitzers, 10 Leopard battle tanks, combat drones and several thousand rounds of artillery and tank ammunition. Finance Minister Christian Lindner earlier wrote in a letter to Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock that "new measures" involving payment obligations should only be undertaken if "funding is secured" in the budget plans for this and the following years. This year, Germany is providing nearly 7.5 billion ($8.3 billion) for military support to Ukraine. For 2025, the government has earmarked 4 billion. However, the funds can still be increased in the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, as was done for 2024. Additionally, the federal government is relying on the possibility that Ukraine can be increasingly supported in the future with interest from frozen Russian state assets. However, this aid has not yet been fully secured internationally. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said while on a visit to Hungary on Monday that Berlin would not cut aid to Kiev and said he expected "Germany to remain one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine in Europe." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C) Robert Habeck (R), German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, and Christian Lindner, German Minister of Finance, take part in a press conference on the 2025 budget. The leaders of Germany's coalition government have agreed to a new compromise on the 2025 budget, a government spokesman said in Berlin on Friday. Michael Kappeler/dpa The German government has refuted claims that Germany will limit its support for Ukraine due to budgetary constraints. "Germany remains absolutely committed, and Chancellor [Olaf Scholz's] word holds that support for Ukraine will continue as long as necessary, and that no one, especially not the Russian President [Vladimir Putin], can hope that we will ease off in this," deputy government spokesman Wolfgang Buchner said in Berlin on Monday. He said there will be no change in the determination to support Ukraine, which is fending off a full-scale invasion by Russia. This year, four IRIS-T air-defence systems are still to be delivered, along with 10 Gepard (Cheetah) anti-aircraft tanks, 16 self-propelled howitzers, 10 Leopard battle tanks, combat drones and several thousand rounds of artillery and tank ammunition. Finance Minister Christian Lindner earlier wrote in a letter to Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock that "new measures" involving payment obligations should only be undertaken if "funding is secured" in the budget plans for this and the following years. This year, Germany is providing nearly 7.5 billion ($8.3 billion) for military support to Ukraine. For 2025, the government has earmarked 4 billion. However, the funds can still be increased in the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, as was done for 2024. According to the Chancellery and the Ministry of Finance, a reduction in bilateral support does not necessarily equate to less aid for Ukraine. This is because major Western industrialized nations are currently developing a new financing framework for the embattled country. The federal government is relying on the possibility that Ukraine can be increasingly supported in the future with interest from frozen Russian state assets. This mean that Ukraine cannot make any binding plans with the money and the Kremlin views the use of the proceeds as expropriation. The government's approach has been met with criticism - even within its governing coalition. Michael Roth, the chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee and a Social Democrat from the chancellor's party, spoke of a fatal signal from the German government towards Ukraine during an interview with the Funke media group newspapers. He said that in his view, the loan based on the interest on frozen Russian state assets is not nearly enough. On Monday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said while on a visit to Hungary that Berlin would not cut aid to Kiev and said he expected "Germany to remain one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine in Europe." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C) Robert Habeck (R), German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, and Christian Lindner, German Minister of Finance, take part in a press conference on the 2025 budget. Michael Kappeler/dpa The German government has refuted claims that Germany will limit its support for Ukraine due to budgetary constraints. "Germany remains absolutely committed, and Chancellor [Olaf Scholz's] word holds that support for Ukraine will continue as long as necessary, and that no one, especially not the Russian President [Vladimir Putin], can hope that we will ease off in this," deputy government spokesman Wolfgang Buchner said in Berlin on Monday. He said there will be no change in the determination to support Ukraine, which is fending off a full-scale invasion by Russia. However, the previous bilateral aid from the federal budget is to be partially converted to multilateral support. And this is on shaky ground, as the international plans have not yet been finalized. Still Scholz on Monday tried to reassure Ukraine, saying the package "will enable Ukraine to procure weapons on a large scale. It can build on that," he said. Yet how exactly Germany will be able to support Ukraine in the coming year - and whether this will be enough - is completely uncertain. This year, four IRIS-T air-defence systems are still to be delivered, along with 10 Gepard (Cheetah) anti-aircraft tanks, 16 self-propelled howitzers, 10 Leopard battle tanks, combat drones and several thousand rounds of artillery and tank ammunition. Germany is Ukraine's second largest donor, after US This year, Germany is providing nearly 7.5 billion ($8.3 billion) for military support to Ukraine. For 2025, the government has earmarked 4 billion. However, the funds can still be increased in the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, as was done for 2024. According to a Spiegel report, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius informally requested an increase of almost 4 billion weeks ago. A spokesman for his ministry has not yet commented on this. According to the Finance Ministry, there is no official notification of need. Finance Ministry: More money only with good reason Lindner wrote a warning letter to Pistorius and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, saying that new financial agreements in the coming years should only be entered into if "financing is secured" in the budget plans. "Please ensure that the upper limits are adhered to," Lindner wrote. His ministry later added that it would be possible to check whether additional money was available in the short term. However, the need must be "concretely reported and comprehensible" so that the Bundestag can be asked for additional funds. According to the Chancellery and the Finance Ministry, a reduction in bilateral support does not necessarily equate to less aid for Ukraine. This is because major Western industrialized nations are currently developing a new financing framework for the embattled country. Ukraine is to receive a loan of $50 billion next year. Interest and amortization are to be paid from the proceeds of frozen Russian state assets. According to the US government, around $280 billion of Russian central bank funds have been frozen in Western countries since the Russian attack on Ukraine. By far the largest share is within the European Union: according to the Commission, around 210 billion. The frozen money generates billions in interest income every year. Talks for the loan project have been going on for months, but nothing has been finalized yet. "We assume that this will be finalized by the end of 2024," the German government said. However, Ukraine cannot actually make any binding plans with the money. And the Kremlin views the use of the proceeds as expropriation. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, speaking at a meeting in Hamburg, said there will be new financing, under which Ukraine would not receive donated weapons but money so it could purchase those. He is fine with that as long as it does not lead to a months-long interruption of support. The government's approach has been met with criticism - even within its governing coalition. Michael Roth, the chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee and a Social Democrat from the chancellor's party, spoke of a fatal signal from the German government towards Ukraine during an interview with the Funke media group newspapers. He said that in his view, the loan based on the interest on frozen Russian state assets is not nearly enough. In an open letter, numerous members of the Green Party's base criticized the limit on spending, known as the debt brake. It said there was an impression that "the German debt brake is more important than the life and survival of a European nation under attack." The Green Party executive, the Green ministers and the parliamentary group in the Bundestag must ensure that Germany fully fulfils its commitments to Ukraine, according to the letter, which was first reported in the Tagesspiegel newspaper. On Monday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said while on a visit to Hungary that Berlin would not cut aid to Kiev and said he expected "Germany to remain one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine in Europe." German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier boards a Bundeswehr air force aircraft at the military section of Berlin Brandenburg Airport to fly to Sopron in Hungary to mark the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic. Several hundred citizens of the East Germany took advantage of the temporary opening of the Hungarian-Austrian border to flee to the West. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is on Monday set to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the opening of the Iron Curtain on a visit to the Hungarian border town of Sopron. Steinmeier is due to meet his Hungarian counterpart Tamas Sulyok for the event marking 35 years since the Pan-European Picnic, which was a precursor to the fall of the Berlin Wall. In August 1989, the Austrian chapter of the Pan-European Movement and the newly-formed Hungarian Democratic Forum jointly organized an event in Sopron, on the border between the two countries. The gathering included a symbolic opening of the border that would allow people on both sides to celebrate together and campaign for European unity. Leaflets publicizing the event soon reached thousands of East Germans holidaying in Hungary and almost 700 crossed the border to Austria unopposed by guards on August 19, 1989. The incident was highly embarrassing to the East German government, which largely collapsed only three months later. Steinmeier is set to mark the Pan-European Picnic by thanking Hungary for its contribution to ending the division of Germany and Europe. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose authoritarian leanings and sympathy to Russian President Vladimir Putin have attracted heavy criticism in the European Union, will not take part in the memorial event. Adrian Fischer, Managing Director of the pharmaceutical company Demecan, holds dried hemp flowers in a laboratory of the pharmaceutical company Demecan. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has signed the new law on fines for being under the influence of cannabis while driving, which was approved by the Bundesrat upper chamber at the beginning of July, the Presidential Office said upon request. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has signed the new law on fines for being under the influence of cannabis while driving, which was approved by the Bundesrat upper chamber at the beginning of July, the Presidential Office said upon request. The order for publication in the Federal Law Gazette was issued on Monday. For the psychoactive cannabis substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a limit of 3.5 nanograms per millilitre of blood will be established - similar to the 0.5-milligram limit for alcohol. Strict rules apply for novice drivers and mixed consumption with alcohol. The new regulations approved by the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, can now come into force the day after the imminent publication of the law. Then the rule is anyone who drives with 3.5 nanograms of THC or more, either intentionally or negligently, usually risks a fine of 500 ($552) and a one-month driving ban. If alcohol is also consumed, a fine of 1,000 typically follows. As with alcohol, there will be a cannabis ban during the two-year probationary period for driving licences and for those under 21, so the 3.5-nanogram limit does not apply. In cases of violations, a fine of 250 typically follows. Since April 1, smoking and private cultivation of cannabis for adults have been legal with many regulations, and now accompanying traffic regulations are following. So far, the rule has been that consequences are threatened as soon as THC is detected. For this, a value of 1 nanogram has been established in case law. However, experts at the Verkehrgerichtstag already argued in 2022 for a "reasonable" increase because, they said, this value is so low that many would be sanctioned, even if there is no impairment in driving safety. By Sabine Siebold BERLIN (Reuters) -Two German warships await orders from Berlin, their commander said, to determine whether next month they will be the first German naval vessels in decades to pass through the Taiwan Strait, drawing a rebuke from Beijing. While the U.S. and other nations, including Canada, have sent warships through the narrow strait in recent weeks, it would be the German navy's first passage through the strait since 2002. China claims sovereignty over democratically governed Taiwan, and says it has jurisdiction over the nearly 180-km (110 miles) wide waterway that divides the two sides and is part of the South China Sea. Taiwan strongly objects to Chinas sovereignty claims and says only the islands people can decide their future. The Taiwan Strait is a major trade route through which about half of global container ships pass, and both the United States and Taiwan say it's an international waterway. "The decision has not been taken yet," the commander of the naval task group, Rear Admiral Axel Schulz, told Reuters in a telephone interview, adding the weather would play a role. "We are showing our flag here to demonstrate that we stand by our partners and friends, our commitment to the rules-based order, the peaceful solution of territorial conflicts and free and secure shipping lanes." Asked about the German ships' potential passage, China's foreign ministry said Taiwan was an internal Chinese affair and the key to stability was opposing Taiwan's independence. "China has always been opposed to the undermining of China's territorial sovereignty and security under the guise of freedom of navigation," ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing. Before their possible passage through the strait next month, the frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and the replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main plan to call in Tokyo on Tuesday. They will also make stops in South Korea and the Philippines. They will take part in exercises in the region with France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United States. Over the last four years, Beijing's military has increased its activities in the strait. EXPANDING MILITARY PRESENCE Sailings through the waterway by foreign warships, especially American, are regularly condemned by Beijing, which says such missions "undermine peace and stability" in the region. Germany, for whom both China and Taiwan, with its huge chip industry, are major trade partners, has joined other Western nations in expanding its military presence in the region as their alarm has grown over Beijing's territorial ambitions. In 2021, a German warship sailed through the South China Sea, for the first time in almost 20 years. Last month, the Luftwaffe deployed fighter jets to Japan for the first joint drills there. Schulz said he was not planning for any specific security measures should the warships under his command cross the Taiwan Strait, calling it a "normal passage" similar to sailing through the English Channel or the North Sea. However, he anticipated any passage would be closely monitored. "I expect the Chinese navy and potentially the coastguard or maritime militia to escort us," he said, describing this as common practice. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Additional reporting by Eduardo Baptista in Beijing; editing by Barbara Lewis and Sharon Singleton) Germanys China Exports Slip Below Those to Poland in First Half (Bloomberg) -- German exporters shipped more products to Poland than to China in the first half of the year, underscoring Germanys efforts to diversify trade away from the worlds second-largest economy and enhance relationships closer to home. Most Read from Bloomberg German exports to Poland increased 4.6% to 48.4 billion ($54 billion) in the first half of 2024, edging past exports to China, which were at 48.2 billion, according to the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations trade organization. Most imports to Germany still came from China. Poland has become the fourth-biggest market for German sales. The US remained the top buyer of German goods, the German Federal Statistics Office said Monday, while France and the Netherlands were the second and third biggest markets for German exports respectively. Poland is currently the fastest growing economy in the European Union. In contrast, Germany is projecting sluggish growth, with the economy registering a 1.6% dip in exports. Chancellor Olaf Scholz this year signaled an aim to enhance the relationship with Poland, whose government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk has sought to improve ties with Brussels and EU partners after tensions with the previous populist government. The uptick in exports to Poland and several eastern European countries suggest a diversifying German trade portfolio as Europes largest economy positions itself better with trade partners closer to home, the committee said. Central and eastern Europe account for 19% of German foreign trade, it said. Heightened geopolitical uncertainties are causing many companies to increasingly produce and trade locally, Volker Treier, head of foreign trade at Germanys DIHK industry lobby, said Monday in an emailed statement. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Germany has supplied a new IRIS-T SLS air defense missile system, 14,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition, 10 naval drones, and other equipment in its latest military aid delivery to Ukraine, the German government said on Aug. 19. This is the third IRIS-T SLS battery Germany has delivered to Kyiv. The SLS is a short-range variant with an operational range of 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). Berlin also said it had provided four medium-range IRIS-T SLM versions, which can fire missiles as far as 40 kilometers (25 miles). The latest shipment also includes 26 Vector reconnaissance drones with spare parts, six highly mobile engineering excavators, one Bergepanzer 2 armored repair and recovery vehicle with spare parts, materials for explosive ordnance disposal, 55,000 first aid kits, 700 MK 556 assault rifles, 10 HLR 338 high-precision rifles with ammunition, and 50 CR 308 rifles. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Germany has provided or committed to future years of military assistance worth approximately 28 billion euros ($31 billion). Initially a hesitant partner, Berlin became Ukraine's second-largest military donor after the U.S., although German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is still reluctant to supply some key capabilities, namely Taurus long-range missiles. Recent media reports said that the German Finance Ministry is not planning to approve additional aid to Ukraine as part of budgetary savings this year. Both Kyiv and Berlin refuted that Germany would be cutting military aid to Ukraine. Read also: Germany likely wont approve additional military aid to Ukraine this year, media reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. French actor Alain Delon, who died on August 18, expressed his disappointment with the era and humanity six years ago. He admitted that before his death he would not regret leaving this world. ADVERTISIMENT The celebrity voiced the brutal truth in an interview with Paris Match in January 2018. He said that he was going through the most unhappy period of his life, as it no longer "offers him anything special." "I've seen it all, experienced it all. But above all, I hate this era, it makes me sick. There are people I hate. They are all fake, all distorted. There is no more respect, no more weight of the word. All that matters is money," Delon said. "You hear about crimes all day long. I know that I will leave this world without any regrets. No, that's for sure, I really won't regret leaving it," the actor admitted. Even then, he was ready for his death and was thinking about who would be with him after he left this world. ADVERTISIMENT "I have everything ready, the grave is in my chapel, there are six places. So far, it's a little empty, a little deserted. My loved ones who have already passed away are in other places. We will see who will join me later," said Alain Delon. As a reminder, the French actor and sex symbol of European cinema in the 60s and 80s passed away at the age of 88. The cause of the legendary actor's death has not been announced. "We can say that he was ready for it. Alain Delon died so many times on the screen that it probably seemed like the last shot. God, who is a bad screenwriter, said: "Cut!" Delon did not get up. He will no longer direct a ketch in the open air," the French media outlet Le Figaro reported. As reported by OBOZ.UA: - The legendary French actor Alain Delon was one of those world-famous people who expressed support for Ukraine and its army. He admired our people, military, and president, and read poems by the classics of Ukrainian literature. ADVERTISIMENT - The network recalled a video dated 2022, when he read out Taras Shevchenko's "Testament" in a French adaptation. It is known that the star has been supporting Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war of the Russian Federation, and this recitation was one of the acts of such support. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Germany hands over short-range variation of IRIS-T system to Ukraine The German government has updated information on military assistance provided to Ukraine, reporting, among other things, on the transfer of an IRIS-T SLS air defence system to Ukraine. Source: European Pravda with reference to data published on the German government's website Details: The amendments indicate that the latest batch of aid for Ukraine includes: An IRIS-T SLS anti-aircraft missile system; 14,000 155-mm artillery rounds; 10 surface drones; 26 VECTOR reconnaissance drones with spare parts; explosive ordnance disposal equipment; 6 highly mobile engineering excavators; Bergepanzer 2 armoured repair and recovery vehicle with spare parts; 55,000 first aid kits; 700 MK 556 assault rifles; 10 HLR 338 high-precision rifles with ammunition; 50 CR 308 assault rifles. Background: On 17 August, the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported that the current budget planning by the German federal government does not include provisions for further funding to support Ukraine. At Chancellor Olaf Scholzs request, no further applications from Germany's Federal Defence Ministry for military assistance to Ukraine will be approved. At the same time, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry stated that these reports were incorrect and manipulative. Oleksii Makieiev, Ukraine's Ambassador to Germany, warned that Germany's costs would be much higher if Ukraine loses the war against Russia. Support UP or become our patron! Germany hopes interest from Russian assets will ease the strain of financing aid to Ukraine FILE - From left, Federal Minister of Finance, Christian Lindner, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Robert Habeck and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz take part in Bundestag session, in Berlin, Dec. 13, 2023. (Michael Kappeler/dpa via AP, File) BERLIN (AP) German officials on Monday rejected suggestions that national budget constraints could hurt weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Berlin is its biggest supplier after the United States. The German government hopes a $50 billion international loan package funded by interest on profits from frozen Russian assets will ease some of the strain of financing military support to Kyiv starting next year. Weekend reports that aid financing could be curbed by Germany's domestic budget concerns drew criticism from some in the governing coalition. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has struggled to balance the priorities of three ideologically disparate parties and produce budgets that comply with Germany's strict self-imposed rules on running up debt. This year's budget foresees nearly 7.5 billion euros ($8.3 billion) in military aid for Ukraine while next year's plan is for 4 billion euros, a figure that could increase as the budget goes through parliament. The government hopes the loan package for Ukraine that Group of Seven leaders agreed to in June will play a growing role in financing aid, with Kyiv procuring weapons directly. Interest earned on profits from Russias frozen central bank assets would be used as collateral. German government spokesperson Wolfgang Buchner said Germany is confident that the system will be set up by the end of this year. Buchner said there is no European state that has planned more support for Ukraine, including next year and it's reasonable for Germany's planned support to diminish in coming years as the windfall profits from seized Russian assets come into play. Germany remains absolutely engaged, and the chancellor's word is still valid that support for Ukraine will be continued for as long as necessary, and that no one, above all the Russian president, can hope that we will let up, he told reporters in Berlin. A letter from Finance Minister Christian Lindner to the defense and foreign ministers, cited by German news agency dpa on Saturday, said additional new measures on aid to Ukraine could only be embarked on if financing is secured in the budget plans. However, Defense Ministry spokesperson Arne Collatz said all ministries are convinced that pragmatic solutions will be found for any short-term needs that arise, and the Finance Ministry said it's prepared to look at such additional requirements. Collatz and Buchner dismissed suggestions that IRIS-T air defense systems, for example, might not be delivered as pledged. (WKBN) Giant Eagle has entered into an agreement to sell all GetGo stores, the company announced Monday morning. Read next: Owner update: Demolition making progress, may be safe for neighbors to soon return The company sold all of its GetGo convenience stores to Canada-based Couche-Tard, an international company that works in the convenience store and fuel industry. Giant Eagle says the move enables the company to focus greater resources on the enhancement of its core supermarket and pharmacy business. The sale will strengthen Giant Eagle, better enabling us to prioritize investments and resources, further bolstering our position as a leading regional grocer and pharmacy with a well-known brand that delivers value for customers and Team Members, the company stated in a release. Despite the change of hands, GetGo stores will continue to operate as part of Giant Eagle until the transaction closes, at which point the companies have agreed to work together to continue the MyPerks reward program with the possibility of expansion. Couche-Tard states it plans to retain all GetGo stores, operations and support team members. The sale is expected to close sometime next year, pending FTC approval and customary closing conditions. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Indiana Landmarks released their annual list of ten Hoosier landmarks that are currently in jeopardy. Among the places named on the list was a location in Gibson County. According to Indiana Landmarks, Sollman School was built in Snake Run in 1875, and served as both a local school and a venue for events and gatherings. The school consolidated with the nearby Fort Branch system in 1927 and has remained vacant for nearly a century. You can read more about the school, as well as the other landmarks named on the list, on Indiana Landmarks website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). GIRDLER, Ky. (FOX 56) A Girdler man was killed in a crash on Sunday morning just outside of Highway 25E in southeastern Kentucky. According to the Knox County Sheriffs Department, deputies responded to a crash around 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the area of Highway 229, a mile and a half outside of Highway 25E. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: When law enforcement arrived at the scene, deputies reportedly found black skid marks leaving the highway, which turned into tracks that showed the vehicle had gone off the road and over an embankment into the tree line. When deputies followed the tracks, authorities said a black Toyota Tundra was found on its side. The sheriffs office said deputies found the drivers body, which had to be extracted from the pickup truck. The Knox County Coroners Office then identified the man as 40-year-old Brad Rose of Girdler and pronounced him deceased at the scene. Rose was the only person in the pickup truck, according to authorities. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Two military veterans were awarded free homes in a new Orange County community Monday, arriving in a motorcade as hundreds of onlookers waving American flags cheered for them. This is truly life-changing for us. Its basically like giving a golden ticket to veterans, said retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Kaia Santana. Youve elevated our quality of life and showed that we matter, that our service mattered, that sacrifice means something to somebody and that we are seen and appreciated. Santana was injured on a military base in Iraq in 2005. She and her husband and three children will share the two-story home with a backyard pool. Santana and retired U.S. Army Sergeant James Burse were awarded the homes through the Building Homes for Heroes, a national program that began after 9-11, and the home construction company Pulte Groups Built to Honor program. Both programs aim to provide free homes to injured veterans and first responders. The veterans new homes sit next to each other in Pultes EverBe community, located east of Orlando International Airport. Each 2,563-square-foot home has five bedrooms and three bathrooms. Single-family homes in EverBe typically sell from about $435,000 up to $785,000, according to the community website. The families got their first glimpses of the completed homes after a ceremony held under a tent set up between the new houses. Weve had the pleasure of doing this one other time in Central Florida and this time we decided we could do two at one time, said Clint Ball, president of Pulte Groups Central Florida division. We are so thrilled to be able to welcome the Burse and Santana families into our community, into Orlando and into our family. Santana served 19 years in the Air Force, completing tours of duty in Greece, Guam, Iraq and Japan before being honorably and medically discharged in 2016. She sustained multiple injuries while on deployment and has struggled with bouts of post-traumatic stress disorder in the past, stemming from continuous IED and mortar attacks on the base in Iraq. After her time in the military, Santana pursued an education in culinary arts and accepted a position at Walt Disney World in 2023. Burse completed deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, serving nine years before sustaining injuries in a 2009 explosion while overseas. He suffered nerve damage in his back as a result of the explosion, forcing him to learn how to walk again and leaving him with PTSD, extreme migraines and other issues. Honorably and medically retired since 2015, Burse and his wife Tiffany have since worked extensively with Operation Barnabas, a program helping veterans with suicidal ideations and facing homelessness. Burse said he was homeless for a time and spent some time living in his vehicle. The new home provided to him and his wife shows the benefit of giving veterans help after their years of service. That veteran out there with the sign up that says hungry or willing to work, give them a shot or give them a hand because you never know, he said. I was that guy and look at me now, so weve always got to give our heroes a shot. GOP lawmakers stood by as Ryan Walters stonewalled everyday Oklahomans. Now hes doing it to them (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) Ryan Walters has been stonewalling the people of Oklahoma and the journalists working to inform them for months, but its taken until now for state lawmakers to take it seriously. Why? Because Walters is treating Republican legislators just like hes treated everyone else who dares question the path forward for our public schools. And to these GOP leaders, thats infuriating. Oklahomas education superintendent has punched a hole in their egos, and sent a flare that unless theyre affiliated with Fox News, youth-focused content creator PragerU or any other conservative national brand that can help Walters further his national ambitions of grandeur, theyre not urgently worth his attention. Walters is refusing to comply with basic requests for information from lawmakers. Hes denying them access to his meeting rooms. Hes sending confusing signals about how hes allocating funding. Hes calling some of his Republican legislative critics, gasp, RINOs Republicans in name only. Hes described a superintendent, who is a military veteran, as a clown and liar for complaining about a lack of information flowing from the State Department of Education regarding his districts Title I funding. Walters has dared question the way legislators have written their budgetary priorities and questioned if they comply with state statute. And his decisions are starting to impact rural schools, whose administrators likely have lawmakers on speed dial. One might feel a tad sorry for our Republican legislators if the average Oklahoman hadnt been living the same nightmare since he first took office in 2023. Regular folks have been begging for access to State Department of Education meetings for nearly a year now, so desperate to get in that theyve camped out overnight hoping to hold a spot in line. Most just wanted the opportunity to look their public officials in the eye as they voted on consequential education policies. Or, they just want to simply be in the room to hear for themselves new policy ideas or budget priorities impacting their local schools. Lawmakers deliberately looked the other way as our education officials stubbornly refused to move the meeting to a bigger location so that more people could participate. So its OK for constituents to be barred from being in the room, but not lawmakers? The State Department of Education openly acknowledges that theres a massive backlog of open records requests. Lord knows, our newsroom has had some that are so old that I couldnt even initially remember why we requested them in the first place. The average person has been struggling to get basic information from the Department of Education, and even the governors secretary of education has faced hurdles. So, lawmakers requests for information should jump the line ahead of their constituents? Is their need for information more important than ours? The Board of Education, of which Walters is a part, recently has decided to bar entrance to three lawmakers who sought to attend executive sessions. Thats despite legal advice from the Attorney Generals Office that state law requires they be admitted. When a Democratic senator was barred earlier this year, most Republicans seemingly took no public action to help her. But when a Republican House member found himself barred, it was like someone poked a beehive with a stick. Within days, influential Republican lawmakers began circulating a petition calling for an investigation into Walters and possible impeachment. Now an investigation into Department of Education spending is underway As of last week, over two dozen Republican legislators signed onto a letter calling for an inquiry exploring whether impeachment is justified. In the letter, supporters ticked off a plethora of issues that included a refusal to allow lawmakers into executive sessions, unseemly delays in responding to open records requests and failing to comply with lawmakers budgetary directives on funding for school security and asthma inhalers. Critics also say Walters is not communicating effectively with them or district leadership about critical items like how much funding theyre to receive. I have no doubt that Walters is shirking his responsibilities as a leader as he jetsets across the country, focused on raising recognition of his personal brand, but his competency has been subject to questions for months now. Im glad Republicans are finally paying attention. Maybe this is finally the impetus our lawmakers need to take action to make things better for the average Oklahomans who have found themselves locked out. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST The trio of Republican-led committees leading the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden on Monday released a report arguing that the president has engaged in impeachable conduct without making a formal recommendation for the House of Representatives to move forward with impeachment. Instead, the 291-page report recycles previous unsupported claims to argue that Biden knowingly participated in a conspiracy to leverage his office while as vice president and beyond to financially benefit his family, and leaves it up to the House of Representatives to evaluate. Republicans unveiled the report on the day the Democratic National Convention begins in Chicago, hours before Biden is expected to address the event in a keynote speech. In a statement Monday, White House spokeswoman Sharon Yang slammed congressional Republicans for their failed impeachment endeavor. After wasting nearly two years and millions of taxpayer dollars, House Republicans have finally given up on their wild goose chase, Yang said. This failed stunt will only be remembered for how it became an embarrassment that their own members distanced themselves from as they only managed to turn up evidence that refuted their false and baseless conspiracy theories. The reports release also comes at a precarious moment for House Republicans. Since Republicans launched their impeachment inquiry into Biden 11 months ago, they have failed to convince their narrow majority to move forward with articles of impeachment. With Biden no longer seeking reelection, and attention on Capitol Hill shifting to the 2024 presidential election, the GOP momentum to continue to use investigative muscle to scrutinize Biden and his family has also dissipated. It will all come down to House Speaker Mike Johnson and whether he decides to try to push through articles of impeachment during the three weeks the House returns to Washington in September while simultaneously addressing the crucial September 30 government funding deadline. I think its kind of a moot point now, GOP Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan, who serves on the House Oversight Committee, one of the trio of committees leading the inquiry, told CNN last month. Another GOP lawmaker serving on the House Judiciary Committee, also part of the inquiry effort, acknowledged that Biden stepping aside takes the political undertones out of the report. I think the American people have a right to know what was going on with the family enterprises, GOP Rep. Tom McClintock of California said ahead of the reports release. I think it has the advantage of being less politically charged now because Biden is no longer facing voters. GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa, also of California, who has said he thought it would be unproductive for Republicans to try to impeach Biden given that it would go nowhere in the Democratic-controlled Senate, said in July of the prospect of a final report, If they need to tidy up something to put a bow on it, fine, but putting a lot of effort into it wouldnt really be too productive either. This was not how Republicans wanted their prized investigation into Biden to end after pouring over subpoenaed bank records and conducting key interviews with the presidents son, Hunter, and brother, James, as well as a slew of family business associates. GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, who has long called for Biden to be impeached, told CNN, No, this is not how he wanted the investigation to end. But other Republicans said regardless of the political moment, the report needed to be released. In the wake of Bidens disastrous debate performance in June that led to the unraveling of his reelection bid, Republicans sat on their final report and let the Democratic infighting play out. But with Bidens decision to step aside and the final stretch before the November elections closing in, Republicans acknowledged that their window was closing. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio, who is co-leading the inquiry, told CNN ahead of the reports release, We have a constitutional duty to do oversight. Weve done oversight. Its important that I think we put the findings out there and issue a report. So, I do think its important to come out. House Oversight Chairman James Comer of Kentucky, another co-lead on the inquiry, has long maintained that his goal is to pursue legislation banning influence peddling and that it is not his job to impeach, even if he believes the evidence supports impeachment. Another Judiciary Committee member, Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming told CNN in July Bidens decision to bow out of the presidential race has no bearings on the inquirys final report. I wanted this investigation to end with the truth, Hageman said. Whatever decision they make doesnt make any difference to me. The way I wanted this to end is for the American people to understand the magnitude of the Biden crime family. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in a statement that the impeachment report continues debunking and refuting the same old lies and propaganda that have defined the Oversight Republicans embarrassing work in the wasted 118th Congress. I would call it a complete exoneration of the target of their pathetic attacksPresident Joe Biden, Raskin said. GOP claims of influence peddling and grift The Republican-led report claims to expose a years-long pattern of influence peddling and grift centered around and facilitated by Joe Biden. However, it is largely a retread of previous GOP theories that exaggerate Bidens connections to his brothers and sons highly lucrative foreign business dealings, which the report claimed totaled over $18 million from foreign sources. Perhaps the claim investigators said was most damning is the allegation that Hunter Biden, James Biden and their business partners knowingly sold the brand or potential access to Joe Biden. But one of these business partners testified that they were only offering an illusion of access. That partner, Devon Archer, who was convicted in a separate fraud scheme unrelated to the Bidens, told investigators that Hunter Biden put his father on speakerphone maybe 20 times during meetings with foreign partners, and that they saw this as access and influence, according to the report, which highlighted these details from Archers testimony that were already made public months ago. The people to whom this illusion of access was sold by Biden family members did, in fact, obtain access to Joe Biden in private, non-disclosed settings, the report says. However, Archer also testified that nothing material to the business was discussed when Joe Biden was on the phone or at a handful of dinners with business partners where Joe Biden stopped by. And the Republican report doesnt appear to contain any new examples of substantive business interactions between Joe Biden and his familys business associates in Ukraine, China, Russia or elsewhere. Still, the report asserts that it was known the Biden family business model centered on Joe Bidens influence and positions of power, citing Archers testimony. But that isnt necessarily a new revelation: Even Hunter Biden has publicly acknowledged that he would probably not have been tapped to serve on the highly paid board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma if he werent Joe Bidens son. Former Biden family business associate recycles unproven allegations The report features a series of unproven allegations from former Biden family business associate Tony Bobulinski, including claims that have been disputed by other witnesses. It states that Bobulinski testified that Joe Biden was more than a participant in and a beneficiary of his familys business; he was an enabler, despite being buffered by a complex scheme to maintain plausible deniability. The claims, however, stand in stark contrast to a list of other Biden family business associates who have stated that Joe Biden, as a private citizen and as vice president, was never involved in his any of his familys foreign business dealings. While congressional Republicans have seized on the claims, Democrats have argued that Bobulinski is not a credible witness. The committees highlight a 2017 email sent by James Gilliar, whom the committee describes as another Biden family associate, to Bobulinski that, according to the report, was about remuneration packages for a venture involving Chinese energy interests. The email outlines a provisional agreement for equity distribution with a breakdown of numbers alongside a series of initials. One-line states, 10 held by H for the big guy ? Bobulinski testified to the committees that the H referred to Hunter Biden and the big guy was a reference to Joe Biden. Hunter Bidens lawyers have countered that the proposed equity breakdown from the email was never included in any agreement and that the breakdown was actually proposed by Bobulinski, and never even garnered any response from Hunter Biden. According to the report, Bobulinski disputed that, saying, Hunter Biden responded to this email I think three-plus times. Separately, the report states that in a different exchange Hunter Biden sent a message to an official with a Chinese energy conglomerate in which he invoked his father a way that was threatening. I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled, the message reads, according to the report. The message states that if I get a call or text from anyone involved in this other than you or a select few other individuals, I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction. Biden has fired back against claims from House Republicans that he was involved in business dealings with his son and brother, telling reporters last year that the GOP claims are a bunch of lies. Report accuses White House of hampering Congress access to key documents and witnesses The report also accused the White House and others in the Biden administration of hampering Congress efforts to obtain key documents and witnesses related to probes of the presidents handling of classified materials and his sons business dealings. In the aftermath of the February release of the report on Special Counsel Robert Hurs investigation into Bidens handling of classified documents, the committees sought an audio recording of the two-day interview Biden sat for with Hur in October. Hurs report did not lead to charges against Biden, but it contained politically and personally damaging judgments about the presidents age and mental fitness. The transcript of Bidens interview with Hur was released weeks later, but Republicans have demanded the DOJ turn over the recording because they say it would provide greater insight into Bidens cognition. They also accused the White House of editing verbal miscues from previous official transcripts of Biden. The president asserted his executive privilege over the audio files, and the DOJ has defended its decision to not release them by saying doing so raises privacy concerns and could dissuade cooperation from witnesses in future investigations. It also strongly implied the Republican committees sought the audio for political purposes. The report said the White House also prevented the National Archives and Records Administration from releasing the bulk of emails requested by the committee that Joe Biden sent and received from a pseudonymous email account during his time as vice president. It also claimed the Biden administration obstructed federal investigations into Hunter Bidens taxes and business though many of the committees allegations were nonspecific or stemmed from before Biden was president. The committee said both the FBI and IRS investigations into Hunter Biden were hampered by red tape or required additional layers of approval and oversight before parts of the investigation could proceed a result that the committee said was due to his fathers then-position as a former vice president, and a likely future candidate for the top of the ticket. The tax investigation into Hunter Biden began in 2018, before Biden announced his 2020 candidacy. The FBI, with the assistance of the US Attorneys Office for the District of Delaware, opened a separate probe into his business dealings in 2019. From the outset, the FBI, the Justice Department, and IRS all recognized the sensitivity of investigation the former Vice Presidents son, particularly in the state in which the Bidens are a prominent family, the report said. As a result, Hunter Biden was afforded extra protection, and investigators were forced to jump through additional hoops they would not normally experience in a typical case. While witnesses acknowledged the Bidens prominence in Delaware added to the sensitivity surrounding the home-state investigation into Hunter Biden, examples provided in the report seemed to reflect on the anxieties of the agents involved in the investigation rather than any influence from Biden. An IRS agent involved in the Biden probe, who later became a whistleblower alleging political interference in the investigation, testified that an FBI agent in Wilmington was concerned about the consequences for him and his family if he had to be involved in a Biden case in Delaware. Top IRS officials have disputed the whistleblowers claims. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Haley Talbot and Asher Moskowitz contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Got mail about property taxes in Shawnee County? Heres what that means Got mail about property taxes in Shawnee County? Heres what that means TOPEKA (KSNT) Some homeowners in Shawnee County are receiving notices about a proposed property tax increase this month. 27 News reached out to the Shawnee County clerks office about this issue. Tax Administration Officer Lori Rea said the notices include estimates about upcoming property taxes. However, these do not mean the countys value on local homeowners property is changing. The notices are meant to inform taxpayers about proposed increases or decreases and let them know about upcoming hearings regarding the changes. If you have any questions about appraisals, you can call 785-232-4461 or send an email to snappraiser@snco.us. You can find more information online by visiting the Shawnee County government website. New To the Stars Kansas license plate now available For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. ALBANY, NY (WIVT/WBGH) The governor recently signed new legislation that allows small craft manufacturers of spirits, cider, and mead to ship their product directly to consumers. Producers in the craft beverage industry can now ship their product to consumers both within New York and across state lines. New York is home to the largest number of craft cideries in the country and ranks second in the U-S for its number of distilleries. During COVID, spirit and cider manufacturers were granted temporary shipping privileges to help survive during the economic downturn. This new legislation makes the shipping privileges permanent. The governor says there will be safeguards to prevent underage access to alcohol and ensure proper tax collection by mirroring the delivery practices of the already established Direct-To-Consumer wine shipping laws. The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo who is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. The new law will take affect in 90 days. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. Famous Ukrainian TV presenter Marichka Padalko got emotional while talking to sabre fencer Olga Harlan, who won bronze at the 2024 Olympics. The 48-year-old woman got teary-eyed when she read out a fragment of correspondence with the athlete's Italian boyfriend Luigi Samele, where he said he had never doubted his beloved's abilities. ADVERTISIMENT A touching moment took place during an interview with the champion for TSN. The journalist noted that she was pleasantly surprised by the man's opinion of his girlfriend and Ukrainians in general. According to Marichka Padalko, when she saw the post in which Luigi Samele congratulated his beloved on winning the bronze medal, she immediately contacted him to find out his impressions of the victory: "He wrote: "I never doubted it. She was born for this." ADVERTISIMENT However, the TV presenter was most impressed by the words of the Italian athlete, in which he described the resilience and indomitability of our people. "Thanks to her, I learned to fight to the end. She did it because she is Ukrainian, and you never give up," he said. As a joke, Marichka Padalko added that in her opinion, Olga Harlan is a great person, because she was able to "raise the guy" so that he fully understood the character of Ukrainians. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA told the love story of Olga Harlan and Olympic medalist Luigi Samele, who secretly photographed and protected the Ukrainian. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The Dayton region was named as the states second innovation hub. As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 p.m., Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted visited Dayton today to announce the details of the Dayton Innovation Hub. The announcement was years in the making and will make the Dayton region one of the top AI technology centers in the country. Its my privilege to announce Dayton is the second innovation hub, Gov. DeWine said. $35 million in state funds were allocated to a project designed to develop cutting-edge AI technology. The AI technology will be used to directly support Wright Patterson Air Force Base. >>Man dead after shooting at Dayton gas station; 2 others injured This money leverages a lot of other money. It leverages the local money. So they couldnt have done this without us, but we had to have them involved as well, Gov. DeWine said. But then the big, big idea is that this is going to attract a lot of other money coming in, right in here for this, this kind of research. With new money flowing into this project, theyre hoping this makes Dayton a global leader in AI tech and a hub for young talent from all of the surrounding universities and certificate schools. Together, we can accelerate innovation advance the Dayton region. So energy. Indeed, this is a transformative moment, University of Dayton President Dr. Eric Spina said. The future is digital, whether its advancements in artificial intelligence, development of new diagnostic tools for rare diseases, the creation of cutting edge capabilities to make our military more agile and responsive. The plan for the On Main Innovation Hub is to convert the former Fairgrounds site into a 25,000-square-foot facility by 2031 and have millions of dollars in contracts and technology production lined up well before that. DeWine and Lt. Gov Jon Husted announced the launch of Ohios first innovation hub, the Northwest Ohio Glass Innovation Hub, last month. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The National Science Foundation has awarded a grant to New Mexico State University (NMSU) researchers. The grant will fund research about public health messages and misinformation. The research team includes: Marshall A. Taylor, an associate professor of sociology and the projects principal investigator Heather Harper, an assistant professor of sociology Jagdish Khubchandani, a professor of public health sciences Studies show that institutional trust is a core factor behind whether or not an organization can influence individual behavior, Taylor said. At its core, this project is an examination of how volatility in public health agency messaging might, or might not, erode trust and lead to disconcerting behavioral responses namely, spreading misinformation or refusing to follow public health guidelines. Your Social Security number may have been leaked. Should you freeze your credit? While exploring the topic, the researchers will try to measure how consistency within federal and state agencies impacts information released and shared on social media. The grant is $620,095 and is sourced from the NSFs Sociology Program, the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research Collaborations, the Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace program, and the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences. This grant will also fund multiple graduate students here at NMSU and provide critical research training that students can take to the public, private, or academic sector, said Harper. Those students will get full tuition, a 12-month stipend, and benefits for three years. Read the full release from NMSU by clicking here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The Great Bend of the Gila could be Arizona's next national monument Drive about 45 minutes southwest of the Phoenix Valley, and you will reach an expanse of the Sonoran desert with a long, rich history. The Gila River runs through this area, which was once lush with flora and fauna. Now, with the river dammed up, the water doesn't always flow. Nonetheless, the region is still home to an abundance of people, wildlife and historical treasures. These three aspects are what locals, archaeologists, and biologists hope to preserve as a national monument. The Great Bend of the Gila, as the monument would be named, is a network of braided rivulets. These streams join into the Gila River, which cuts through prehistoric lava fields and flows past nearby mountain ranges before joining the Colorado River near the Sea of Cortez. The Gila is the second-longest river in Arizona after the Colorado. Its headwaters begin in New Mexico and flow westward across the state. The river, its banks and surrounding wilderness are home to a rich variety of Sonoran plants and animals, including bighorn sheep and pronghorn, both of which have experienced hunting and loss of habitat. Signs of human habitation stretch back as far as 11,000 years. Archaeologists have identified that both Patayan and Hohokam communities called this area home. Present-day O'odham and Yuman people trace their lineages to these ancient cultures. Petroglyphs carved images into rocks and geoglyphs large images carved into wide landscapes have been discovered. Ancient trail systems and artifacts such as building structures, canals, and pottery also have been discovered. The first Spanish incursions into Arizona encountered this environment as they explored further northward. And years later, American settlers also moved into the area. Today, 13 federally recognized tribes have some tie to the Gila River. The proposed boundaries for the Great Bend of the Gila National Monument. Respect Great Bend of the Gila is the campaign pushing President Joe Biden to sign this area into national monument status. The campaign includes local tribes, wildlife biologists and archeologists. The proposed monument boundaries are about 70 miles of the Gila River corridor and approximately 370,000 acres of public land. In this episode of Valley 101, we hear from representatives of each of these groups. They share the history, discoveries and importance of the Gila River region to Arizonans and the nation. Listen to the episode Listen to Valley 101 on your favorite podcast app or stream the full episode below. Note: Valley 101 is intended to be heard, but we offer an AI transcript of the episode script. There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio. What is a national monument? To most of us, the difference between a national monument and a national park is a fine line. Simply put, national monuments have something of historical, cultural, and/or scientific interest. Whereas national parks are protected due to their scenic, inspirational, educational, and recreational value. There is also some difference in who oversees the land, be it an entity like the Bureau of Land Management or the National Parks Service. There are two ways to designate a national monument. Congress can vote to create a national monument. Or the president can designate it via power granted by the Antiquities Act. On Aug. 8, 2023, President Joe Biden signed Arizona's newest national monument into being: the Baaj Nwaavjo Itah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. The collation of Respect Great Bend of the Gila hopes Biden will do the same for the Gila before he leaves office. In regards to a new president taking office, Skylar Begay, the director of Tribal Collaboration in Outreach and Advocacy with the Archaeology Southwest and member of the Respect Great Bend of the Gila campaign, shared this: "The Presidential race is not necessarily a setback for the campaign. While his withdrawal introduces some additional nuance as to speculating what he may do for conservation prior to the end of his term, we feel that this is a prime opportunity for his administration to protect this cultural landscape. With strong and widespread support from Tribal leaders and elected officials, he can help fulfill his commitment to protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030 and cement his legacy as a conservation champion by designating the Great Bend of the Gila National Monument. This widespread support for the monument, I think, would be a strong reason for any President to designate the monument at any time in their term." Why protect the Great Bend of the Gila Various threats to the proposed national monument. These range from discarded trash and litter to vandalizing the ancient petro- and geoglyphs. Off-roading is also a concern. The activity can also damage geoglyphs and impact other cultural sites, cryptobiotic soils, plants, and animals. Other concerns include: The potential for industrial energy development Sale or transfer of public lands to private interests Increased desertification driven by climate change The choking of native vegetation by invasive plant species, such as tamarisk Learn more about the efforts to protect the Great Bend of the Gila here. Click here to submit questions you have about metro Phoenix for a chance to be chosen for the podcast. Subscribe to Valley 101 : Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher Follow Valley 101 and all azcentral podcasts on X, formerly Twitter and on Instagram. Catch up on past episodes of Valley 101: This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Will the Great Bend of the Gila be Arizona's next national monument? ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Greece man has plead guilty to possession of child pornography involving prepubescent children. Prosecutors say in March 2023, 36-year-old Isolino Presutti Jr. was found in possession of three desktop and two laptop computers which contained around 5,690 images and 28 videos of child pornography. It was added that some of the images and videos depicted prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct and violence against children. Sentencing for Presutti is scheduled for December 12 at 9:15 a.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV (WVNS) Employees with The Greenbrier Hotel were recently sent a letter that said they could potentially lose their health insurance coverage soon. The letter, sent to employees from Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP who represents the Amalgamated National Health Fund, otherwise known as the Health Fund, said The Greenbrier Hotel Corporation was four months behind in contributions to the Health Fund. The four months of delinquent contributions equals $2.4 million, according to the notice sent to employees. The notice also said that another $1.2 million is scheduled to be due soon. Justice family issues statement after The Greenbrier Hotel put up for public auction The letter continued to say that part of the Greenbrier Hotel Corporations delinquent contributions included those that were deducted from employee pay but not sent to the Health Fund. According to the letter, all delinquent funds must be satisfied to the Health Fund by August 27, 2024. This is the same day that The Greenbrier Hotel is scheduled to be auctioned off. The notice said that if payments are not made by the specified date, employees at The Greenbrier who are covered under the Health Fund will lose their health and welfare coverage. Also, if the delinquent contributions are not paid by August 27, 2024, the law firm threatened potential legal action. The Greenbrier Council of Labor Unions (GCLU) provided 59News with the following press release relating to the potential coverage loss. On behalf of the Employees of The Greenbrier Hotel represented by the eight Unions comprising the Greenbrier Council of Labor Unions: We are heartbroken and disappointed to learn that The Greenbrier Hotel despite its contractual and legal obligation to do so, has become severely delinquent to our Health Insurance carrier (Amalgamated National Health Fund Fund). Additionally, we are concerned to learn that the Greenbrier has not even remitted to the Fund the Employees share of the Health Benefit contribution which the Greenbrier has been deducting from employees paychecks. The Greenbriers delinquency has put our members Health Care benefits in severe jeopardy and is morally and legally wrong. Our members have met their obligation by working hard every day and paying their portion to the Greenbrier. The Greenbrier has neglected its obligation to its employees. The GCLU and its affiliated Unions are pursuing every legal option at our disposal to seek a quick and just resolution for the Greenbrier employees that have been wronged. Peter Bostic | Greenbrier Council of Labor Unions 59News has also reached out to representatives with The Greenbrier but have not heard back. A statement will be made public when one is available. Stick with 59News for more updates as this story continues to develop. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Greenville Kids Dental wants community help in voting for best school GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Greenville Kids Dental started their Caring4Community: School Edition contest on August 12. This contest lets people in the community vote for what they believe to be the best school is in their area. There are currently nine schools in the running, including: Bethel School Eastern Elementary School Falkland Elementary School Farmville Middle School G.R. Whitfield Elementary School Jamesville Elementary School Ridgewood Elementary School Wintergreen Primary & Intermediate School Winterville Charter Academy The top three winners will win $5,000 in awards. First place will receive $2,500, second place will get $1,500, and third place will win $1,000. Over 1,000 votes have already been cast after one week. The contest will end on August 25. To vote click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, right; her husband, Mark Mallory; and daughters Sydney and Sherry attend the Michigan Inauguration on Jan. 1, 2023. | Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance Gretchen Whitmer has been known for a lot of things in her life. Shes never lost an election, gaining national attention for fighting against anti-abortion and anti-labor policies while serving in the Legislature. As Michigans 49th governor, she was the subject of an assassination plot during her first term and went on to sign an avalanche of progressive legislation after winning a landslide reelection. And shes been considered for the role of vice president twice in a four-year span. Whitmers latest role is hype woman for Vice President Kamala Harris and her friend, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Tim and I get along because we both live by a three-word strategy: Get sh-t done, she declared at a rally this month in a Detroit Metro Airport hangar that drew 15,000 people. That certainly describes Whitmers governing philosophy, delivered with her salt-of-the-earth rhetorical flair (her first gubernatorial campaign slogan was Fix the Damn Roads, after all, which gave some male pundits the vapors). But after covering her for two decades and reading her first book, its clear thats also her general approach to life. Whitmer starts out True Gretch, by announcing that she hails from a family of hard workers. Time and time again, she encounters obstacles, grits through it, and knocks them down. Sometimes she goes with her gut, like when she disclosed her sexual assault in an emotional Senate speech during an abortion bill debate. Other times, that comes after carefully assessing the situation and listening to others, like when a severe winter storm threatened to knock out power for millions. But at the end of the day, Whitmer, 52, always plays through pain be it her mothers devastating cancer diagnosis or threats on her life and gets sh-t done. Theres really nothing more Midwestern or Generation X than that. If you really want to understand Gretchen Whitmer, though, it starts with appreciating how important her family and being a mom are to her. Its something Ive gotten to see up close and personal over the years our kids happen to be the same ages but it also comes through on every page. Eldest daughter syndrome Gretchen Esther Whitmer named for both her grandmothers, who both play a prominent role in her book was born into a family of public servants. Her mother, Sherry Whitmer for whom her eldest daughter is named was an assistant attorney general under Democratic Attorney General Frank Kelley, and her father, Dick Whitmer, led the Commerce department under GOP Gov. William Milliken. You really couldnt script a better background for someone who aspired to be governor of a big purple state. But despite her political pedigree, Whitmer shares plenty of self-deprecating anecdotes, like losing her two front teeth at camp and earning the nickname, Gravity Gretchen. She even notes that her dad told a reporter during her first campaign for the Michigan House, Gretchen knows she isnt special. Somehow I knew the first time I met Rep. Whitmer back in 2005 that she was the firstborn (we tend to spot our own). When I interviewed her last month about True Gretch, I asked her if she thought it was a story of eldest daughter syndrome. Thats funny, she said and paused. You know what? I think that being the oldest, as well as other things, probably informs a lot of who I am. So yeah, that makes sense. With her parents divorcing when she was 6, Whitmer took on the caregiver role for her younger siblings, Liz and Richard, with whom she still shares a close, goofy relationship. She writes about being sick with worry about her sister walking home alone from school. She also worried about her dad being alone a lot of the time and took to leaving little notes and drawings around the house for him to find. Whitmers caregiver role continued into adulthood when she had a classic sandwich generation situation during her first term in the House while giving birth to her first child as her mother was dying of cancer. In one of the more poignant moments of the book, she climbs into her moms hospital bed following her first surgery. Instead of weeping, the two end up sharing a joke and howling with laughter. Much has been written about the latchkey kids of the 80s most of it serving as a condemnation of working women, as the feminist backlash was in full swing but its worth considering that many children learned valuable lessons in independence and resilience. Whitmer recalled in a recent interview that as a kid, she called her mom at work after her sister broke her arm and was told, Oh, give her a Twinkie and Ill check it when I get home. While todays helicopter parents would wince at that exchange, the book seems to underscore that Whitmer benefited from having to figure out things on her own. In 159 brief pages of True Gretch, she breaks down 10 of her most significant life lessons, with chapters titled, Never Give Up, Learn to Listen and Run Toward the Fire, interspersed with bright, shorter asides like the True Gretch Playlist and her take on the Saturday Night Live portrayal of her during the pandemic. (Theres also no index, which will disappoint politicos who live to search for their names). Its a breezy read, with Whitmer taking great pains not to lecture or hector anyone, instead assuming the tone of a wise girlfriend whos figured some stuff out and isnt afraid to share her wins and losses over a bottle of mid-priced wine. Ambition and motherhood Almost all politicians talk about family, but its not an exaggeration to say that the tent poles of Whitmers brief book are her parents, grandparents, siblings, husbands (yes, shes close with her ex) and children. Whitmer seems to have realized what so many women have: Theres no ideal time in your career to have a baby. You just take the leap and do your best, because there will always be tons of hurdles. She had her first daughter shortly after taking office, something we bonded over as I had mine within a year of landing my first reporting job. My girls have grown up around the Capitol. Sherry [was born in] my first term and Sydney my second term, Whitmer told me in an interview last month. They understand politics. They understand why this is something that Im called to do. She balanced work with parenthood just like the rest of us (wed leave Senate committee hearings to pick our kids up from theater camp at the same time) even though her job was far more important than most. I remember one time when I confessed over coffee that I was gripped with mom guilt after being late to my kids birthday celebration at school. She gently reminded me that its good for our daughters to see us trying to make a difference in the world. The centerpiece of the 80s feminist backlash was admonishing women that you couldnt have it all kids and career and if you tried, youd constantly fail at both jobs. I doubt that Whitmer set out to prove that maxim wrong she was probably just emulating the strong women in her family but she has. Shes always been an involved parent who has continued to pursue her political dreams. And while mothers with school-aged children are still a minority in Michigan politics, theres a much stronger support network today. When Whitmer was tapped in 2020 to deliver the response to then-President Trumps State of the Union an honor usually bestowed upon one of the opposing partys rising stars she chose her daughters high school as the venue. (Her kids invited a gaggle of friends to the event who promptly all took selfies at the podium). A month later, the state was engulfed in the pandemic and Whitmer had to make some agonizing choices, like an executive order closing down schools. With a stroke of my pen, I canceled my own kids high school graduation, her senior prom, she writes, noting she understood all too well why people were angry. Earlier in the book, Whitmer devotes a surprising amount of time to a 2019 crisis when a polar vortex threatened the states power grid, and she called on people to voluntarily turn down their thermostats. In hindsight, you can see that she wishes thats how COVID would have gone down, with everyone working together to save peoples lives instead of getting caught up in political battles. One of her recurring themes is that leaders arent going to get everything right, but you have to try to help people. Whitmer describes her daughters as even-keeled, stoic Whitmers, even when she shares with them the threats on her life. Theyre now both in their early 20s but they remain close with her, even getting matching tattoos smiley faces as a callback to Whitmer drawing them on their stomachs before they left for overnight camp. But there is a special pain that Gen X women feel, having been raised with the promises of second-wave feminism that told us we could be anything we wanted to be, only to see our daughters be stripped of their most basic rights. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Whitmers first thought was of her daughters and what that meant for their future. Still, she still enjoys light moments with her Gen Z kids, like when one of her social media posts goes viral and she exaggeratedly exclaims, Wow, I just cant stop trending! Predictably, they always roll their eyes. A woman governor (again) Michigan has had a female governor before now-U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm served two terms in the aughts but that hasnt prevented Whitmer from enduring her fair share of misogyny. Even before she was elected to the states highest office, Whitmer was named on hottest politicians lists and belittled as a junior senator by a male colleague (who never used that term for anyone else). As governor, shes been called batsh-t crazy by a male Senate majority leader, who also bragged he spanked her on COVID policy. After she gave her first State of the State address in 2019, FOX-2, a Detroit TV station, ran a sleazy story on people commenting about the blue dress she wore with highly specific critiques of her body, something she refers in the book to as a sartorial sh-tshow. She includes her tweets responding to the article, where she notes shes used to criticism. Im tough, I can take it, she tweeted, but ended with a message for women and girls dealing with garbage like this: Ive got your back. When I asked Whitmer if shes worked harder to be taken seriously as a woman in politics, she said yes. I think that there is an aspect of that where if you know youre going to be distilled down to something really superficial, you could throw your hands up and rail against it or you could roll up your sleeves and work that much harder to show your substance, she said. I think my natural tendency is to do the latter. But also do it with an eye toward: How do we make the world a better place for our daughters so that they dont have to deal with as much of this B.S. as weve had to navigate? Just like the people that came before us did for us. For many Gen Xers, it can be hard to find Boomer women mentors in male-dominated fields like politics. Some are absolute gems, like the late Kelly Rossman-McKinney, the ultimate PR pro who shared her wit and wisdom with hundreds of women in Lansing for decades. But unfortunately, there are some women who resent those of us who supposedly have it too easy after they broke the glass ceiling. Its even more disheartening to engender the resentment of younger women in the field, some of whom seem to think youre a sucker for working so hard and deserve to be put out to pasture. Talk about the sandwich generation. Whitmer has seemingly escaped that trap, however, and has a bevy of Millennial and Gen Z women on staff. Their influence is readily apparent in her irreverent Tiktoks and her last State of the State address in which she played her greatest policy hits and unleashed music-themed puns with abandon. (You could say shes in her DGAF Era). And because Whitmer isnt the first female governor, she seems less constrained by gendered expectations and routinely ditches the unofficial female politician uniform of inoffensive pantsuits in favor of leather jackets and fuschia dresses (her power color, in a tribute to her mom). I think that the women who before my generation created more acceptance for us showing up as we are, she said in an interview in May. And I think also Im of an age now where Im a lot more comfortable with who I am, and Im going to show up as I am. And I hope, and I see that in my kids, that their generation doesnt have the baggage that mine did at that same age. In other words, Whitmer seems free to embrace what can be, unburdened what has been, as Kamala Harris would say. Shes also more forgiving and gracious than most of us, writing that she wants to sit down with the far-right men who plotted to kill her. I really would, Whitmer said at an East Lansing event in May before her book came out. I would like to do that because I know that they are human beings who somethings not working for them in their lives and Im curious, you know, what really is happening to see if theres something I could do that would be helpful. Political future If Tim Walz is everyones Midwestern Dad, its only right to acknowledge that Gretchen Whitmers Mitten-bred folksiness helped pave the way. While Trump vilified her during the pandemic as the woman from Michigan and egged on right-wing protesters, Whitmer embraced the nickname and proudly notes she made it my own. But being Midwest nice doesnt mean youre a pushover. At the Detroit rally, Whitmer joked that Walz may be the only other governor that she knows who swears more than her. In politics, writing a book is seen as a naked audition for your next gig, so naturally speculation about a future presidential run has been a fixture of Whitmers whirlwind media tour. Shes sold out venues in Michigan and beyond, with her event in the moneyed playground of Marthas Vineyard moderated by Hollywood royalty Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen billed as one of the most highly anticipated events on the Island this summer. At the beginning of her tour last month, President Joe Biden was still in the race after his calamitous debate performance. (Whitmer told me shed been at a celebrity-strewn party in California beforehand, but had to hop on a plane before the debate began and somewhat conveniently missed his implosion). As one of his national campaign co-chairs, Whitmer was inundated with questions about whether he should drop out and if shed run in his stead (including from the Advance), which was clearly wearing on her. If you really want to understand Gretchen Whitmer, though, it starts with appreciating how important her family and being a mom are to her. Its something Ive gotten to see up close and personal over the years our kids happen to be the same ages but it also comes through on every page. Susan J. Demas Whitmer seemed to be struggling to balance her personal loyalty to Biden, a friend who had put her on his VP shortlist four years ago, and her allegiance to the country and her party, as she appeared to harbor some doubts about his ability to beat Trump. She dipped her toe in the water with comments like saying it wouldnt hurt for both men to take a cognitive test, but shell never be able to be as calculating and cutthroat as U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who masterfully eased the president off the stage. (The vast majority of people in politics cant stand to be hated. Pelosi doesnt care). Although Whitmer was once again considered for vice president, this time by Harris, she seems content to campaign for the ticket in Michigan and across the country. I woke up in Big Gretch mode this morning because I am fired up to elect Kamala Harris as our president! she declared at the Detroit rally to thunderous applause. Shes defended Harris from attacks on her signature laugh, telling the Washington Post that its been so energizing to see young people make memes and videos of a joyful, happy warrior. And I think thats going to ultimately be a strength. Whitmer casts herself in that role in her book, and their similarities could be one reason Harris didnt pick her as her running mate (apprehension about an all-female ticket was likely the ultimate culprit). Like Harris, Whitmer is also married to a successful man who isnt afraid to let her shine. Her husband, Marc Mallory, doesnt do interviews Ive tried and didnt co-author the book, as former first gentleman Dan Mulhern did with Granholm in 2011 for A Governors Story. (There also are no anecdotes in the book about Mallory making Whitmer fetch his tea at the end of a frenzied day). But while now-second gentleman Doug Emhoff willingly stepped away from his law practice when Harris was elected VP, Mallory retired early from his dental practice due to ongoing threats. Whitmer doesnt devote much time to details like that, although she briefly ties the assassination plot against her to threats on her grandfathers life when he helped integrate Pontiac schools as superintendent shortly after she was born. A Publishers Weekly review complained that there was almost certainly enough material personal and political for Whitmer to deliver a meaty memoir. Unfortunately, this isnt it. When I noted that there were many significant events that she didnt include in True Gretch like organizing a 2012 performance of The Vagina Monologues on the state Capitol lawn after two female lawmakers were silenced during an abortion debate Whitmer stressed it wasnt a memoir, but a handbook. What I really wanted to do was put out something that would be accessible for people that is not long-form, but really got to the point of 10 things that Ive learned over the course of my life that Ive used in certain circumstances as governing, she said. Leaving your audience wanting more isnt a bad thing, of course. Whitmer is term-limited in 2026 and has four years before the next presidential election to write another tome. (Speaking in March at the annual Gridiron dinner a rite of passage for ambitious politicians she teased the speculation by ending her speech with a cheeky: See you in 2029!) With Democrats cautiously optimistic now that Harris could win this fall, that would upend any plans Whitmer has for a presidential bid. But I know she believes preserving American democracy is a greater goal than any that she might personally harbor. And as a true Midwesterner, I dont think Whitmer has ever been so presumptuous to start measuring the drapes in the Oval Office. Shed also never make such a big decision without considering what it means for her family. When I asked her in July what shed want to accomplish if she did run for president in the future, Whitmer gave a quick and somewhat drained answer. Susan, I dont know that Ill ever run for president, she said. I know this, that we need leaders who care about people and can solve problems and can work with anybody. I will always be an enthusiastic supporter of great candidates. I dont know that Ill be one myself. But I think that I understand where the questions are coming from. Sorry, I dont have a more satisfying answer for you. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST Many Chinese goods may rise in price for Russians. This is because international sanctions against Russia have complicated trade logistically and due to problems with transactions. ADVERTISIMENT According to the Russian media, since mid-July, Chinese suppliers have been demanding that goods be transported to Russia through third countries. This primarily concerns goods from the stop-lists of foreign economic activity codes. These include electronics, but there are also cases of goods that are not on this list. Initially, suppliers made some concessions, but later the situation became more severe and some buyers were simply forced to face the fact. Russian importers assume that those suppliers who are unable to accept payments from Russian companies through Chinese banks are asking to ship goods through third countries, as they can only receive money through other countries, so they must have documents that the goods have been shipped there. The routes for delivering goods through third countries have not yet been "tested" and will take time to develop. The search for alternative routes leads to additional costs in the form of paying agents' commissions, which will increase the final cost of the goods and, as a result, reduce the volume of imported products. ADVERTISIMENT This, in particular, applies to Chinese cars in Russia their prices will rise by 10% in September. Importers complain about problems with money transfers to China payments take 1.5-2 months, and some are returned, which dramatically increases the cost of delivery. The dealers were also negatively affected by the increase in the Central Bank's key policy rate to 18%, which led to an increase in commercial loan rates to 26-30%. With this cost of money, businesses lose 2% per month without any return. Due to the freezing of working capital, car dealers have lost about 8% of their investments, local experts say. Problems with paying for the supply of cars from China have already led to an increase in prices for new cars of up to 5%. Now the average cost of a new car is 3.57 million rubles, but by the end of the year this amount may increase by another 200-300 thousand, but this may not be the limit. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Gullah Geechee Culture Is At Risk Due To Rising Sea Levels, Experts Say | A historical marker at Penn Center, the first school in the south for formerly enslaved Africans, stands just outside the museum grounds in St Helena, South Carolina, on July 11, 2023. Isolated on islands scattered along the coast, ancestors of those in the Gullah Geechee community relied on the land and sea. They created their own culture, fed by their African heritage, and even developed their own Creole language. Hundreds of thousands of people are today part of the community -- which is threatened by climate change, gentrification, and real estate developers circling like hawks. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) From Jacksonville, North Carolina to Jacksonville, Florida, a community of over one million people identify as Gullah Geechee, one of the oldest Black-indigenous groups in the United States. Theyre currently at risk of losing their ancestral homeland. The 400-mile stretch of the Gullah Geechee corridor is home to the descendants of people who have inhabited the land along the Southeast shoreline and Sea Islands since their enslaved West African ancestors arrived nearly 400 years ago. Overtime, the Gullah Geechee people have preserved their own African traditions, culture and connection to the land. The cultural epicenter of the Gullah Geechee is St. Helena Island, South Carolina, which is outside of Beaufort, South Carolina. A historical marker at Penn Center, the first school in the south for formerly enslaved Africans, stands just outside the museum grounds in St Helena, South Carolina, on July 11, 2023 | Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images Its a very unique community that has its own dialect and maintained a certain type of connection to the nature, the land, and the water, said Erica Xavier-Beauvior, resiliency manager at the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor and descendent of the ancestral Gullah Geechee lineage. There is a lot of spirituality that is embedded into this community that isnt found in mainstream ways of society. In 2019, elected Chieftess of the Gullah Geechee Nation Queen Quet, also known as Marquetta Goodwine, spoke to Congress about water pollution, increased storm surges and climate impact to the traditional and sacred coastland of the Gullah Geechee people. We knew Gullah Geechee culture would not continue to thrive or survive if we get displaced from the Sea Islands, Queen Quet said at the congressional hearing. Queen Quet Marquetta Goodwine, Chieftess of the Gullah Geechee Nation and official spokesperson, speaks at Station Creek Landing in St Helena, South Carolina, on July 11, 2023. | Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images Increased damage from historically devastating hurricanes and tropical storms have already caused displacement and infrastructure damages for those residing along the corridor. In 2018, Hurricane Florence eviscerated public housing complexes in Wilmington, North Carolina, forcing 2,000 residents to relocate. Places like Charleston, South Carolina experience flooding during high tide at least once a week, compared to once a month in the 1990s. To make matters more dire, sea levels are actually rising faster in the Southeast, according to NASA. Research reveals that mean sea level acceleration along the Southeast and Gulf coasts has increased more than 10 millimeters every year since 2010, an unprecedented surge five times the amount observed in the same areas during the 20th century. Much of this accelerated rising is attributed to ocean-water expansion from warming, saltiness and circulation known as sterodynamic sea levels. Our stance is options With increased flooding and damage from storms, many people within the corridor have been forced to assess their optionscommit to restoration of their sacred homeland or relocate entirely. Our stance is, you are a sovereign being that knows you belong to the coastline and have the option to leave if you wish, Xavier-Beauvior said on the organizations positioning. I have seen buyouts and collaborations with counties, but when it comes to accepting these offers, we also need to think about what information is provided so that people know what they are giving up. A sign protesting a proposal to build a golf course and gated community stands in the yard of a community member in St Helena, South Carolina, on July 10, 2023 | Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images While the threat of increased damage looms, public aid and governmental support has intervened through funding and policy. In 2023, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff worked with the Biden Administration to recommend $536,000 in funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Associations (NOAA) Climate-Ready Coasts Initiative for the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. An additional $6.5 million was budgeted to partner with the Heritage Corridor to support an ambassador program for protecting and stabilizing coastal edges. In 2024, the Biden Administration $295 million available for eligible states to help communities withstand the damages of climate change (Georgia and Florida, both along the Gullah Geechee corridor, were eligible for $40 million and $20 million in funding, respectively). Ed Atkins, Gullah Geechee fisherman and owner of Atkins Live Bait, stands near his fishing boats in St Helena, South Carolina, on July 11, 2023 | Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images The gap remains, however, getting this funding directly to the people that need it, according to representatives of the Heritage Corridor. The conversations that I have are with people that are in houses that are flooded, Xavier-Beauvior said. It becomes a task for organizations like ours to receive the funding that we need in order to do the work because bigger organizations are receiving this funding and sometimes there isnt a call out for collaboration. Efforts remain a mix of both restoration but eventual, safe relocation to new communities inland. For indigenous communities around the country, the latter is not so simpleland connections severed by climate change put the future of customs at risk for extinction. When some folks lose that connection to land, a land they deem speaks to them, where their ancestors are housed and they have to move away from that, they lose a sense of identity, Xavier-Beauvior said. That is something we have had to navigate for years upon years. Benjamin Netanyahu backs US ceasefire proposal for the first time Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, has publicly backed a US plan for a ceasefire with Hamas. The so-called bridging proposal includes conditions for the return of hostages but it is not clear whether it allows Israel to maintain control of the Philadelphi corridor, a buffer zone separating Gaza from Egypt. Following a three-hour meeting on Monday with Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, Mr Netanyahu approved the latest US proposal for the first time, saying it had met Israels security needs. Hamas has so far rejected the deal as it continues to push for stronger guarantees that Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza. Click here to view this content. The prime minister reiterated Israels commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israels security needs, which he strongly insists on, Mr Netanyahus office said. The deal has been shared with both Hamas and Israel but has not been published. Mr Blinken, who is on his ninth trip to the region since war broke out on Oct 7, hailed his meeting with Mr Netanyahu as very constructive after he confirmed Israels approval of the deal and called on Hamas to do the same. He emphasised that the US is committed to getting it done now ahead of his trip to Cairo on Tuesday, where talks are expected to resume this week. Mr Blinken struck a no-nonsense tone at his first meeting of the morning with Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president. He said it was a decisive moment; probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire, and to put everyone on a better path. A wall in Tel Aviv displaying posters of hostages - FLORION GOGA/REUTERS However, as mediators worked to get the ceasefire agreement over the line, Hamas and its partner the Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for an attempted suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. Israeli reports suggest the bombers device, stored in a backpack, malfunctioned and exploded on a near-empty street. The attack on Sunday night killed only the bomber and injured one other person. The near-tragedy underscored the huge risk of escalation as an Israeli official told The Telegraph that the ceasefire talks had reached a critical moment, with Israel understanding that now is the time to strike a deal. However, the issue of the Philadelphi corridor, a strategically important strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border, remains sensitive and is still the subject of negotiation with Hamas and Egypt, neither of which want an Israeli presence there. A poster of hostage kidnapped in Oct 7 attack by Hamas - FLORION GOGA/REUTERS The issue could still collapse the talks, according to some close to the negotiations. A senior Israeli official told The Telegraph: Netanyahu is looking for any excuse not to sign the deal. He understands that if there is a deal to stop the war, his government will fall. The worst thing that could happen from his perspective is if Hamas suddenly agrees to the terms, they added. Hamas, which didnt participate in the talks in Doha last week, held Mr Netanyahu responsible for thwarting the mediators efforts and obstructing an agreement, claiming that the prime minister sets new conditions and demands. Delegations from the US, Qatar, Egypt and Israel are scheduled to meet in Cairo this week to continue talks, but its unclear if Hamas will decide to join. Polls in recent months have consistently shown that most Israelis favour a ceasefire deal with Hamas that would free the 115 remaining hostages. Both Mr Netanyahu and Hamas have been accused of deliberately torpedoing the talks, a claim both deny. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WETM) All Hardinge Inc. facilities are staying open after the plant was in talks of closing a key unit at the Elmira Heights facility in early August, according to information from the New York State Department of Labor. As of Friday, Aug. 16, Hardinge Inc. rescinded its decision to close the Super Precision Unit at the facility, thus saving the 31 jobs that were under threat of being lost. The information from the New York State Department of Labor states that Hardinge was able to get the appropriate funding and keep the Super Precision Unit open. Original Post: Hardinge notifies employees of potential closure 18 News first reported on the possible closure at the end of July, as it was learned through a statement to employees that the business had a deadline of Aug. 9 to find funding or the unit would close. A statement was given on Aug. 9 stating that the business extended the deadline to seek a solution and keep the unit open. The document made no mention as to where the funding came from, only that it was received and there will be no employee layoffs. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. U.S. motorcyle brand Harley-Davidson downplayed its recent efforts at workplace diversity and inclusion, after it faced calls for a boycott from a high-profile conservative activist with a record of extracting change from well-known American companies. In a statement on X on Monday, the company said it remained commited to diversity, but said it would no longer push for a more diverse supply chain or participate in a corporate evaluation scheme ranking companies on their diversity and inclusion (DEI). We see it as every leaders role to ensure we have an employee base that reflects our customers and the geographies in which we operate, the company wrote. We remain committed to listening to all members of our community as we continue on our journey together as one Harley-Davidson. United We Ride. pic.twitter.com/0feGYhTUMh Harley-Davidson (@harleydavidson) August 19, 2024 That said, we have not operated a DEI function since April 2024, and we do not have a DEI function today, it continued. We do not have hiring quotas and we no longer have supplier diversity spend goals. The company also insisted its employee training would only be related to the needs of the business and be absent of socially motivated content. Harley also announced it would cease using the Human Rights Campaigns Corporate Equality Index scoring system to evaluate its work. Decisions to cut DEI initiatives send a clear signal to employees that their employers simply dont care about equality in the workplace. Putting politics ahead of workers and consumers only hurts the same folks that these businesses rely on, HRC vice president of programs and corporate advocacy Eric Bloem told The Independent in a statement: Harley-Davidsons choice to back away from the Corporate Equality Index is an impulsive decision fueled by fringe right-wing actors and MAGA extremists who believe they can bully their way into dismantling initiatives that help everyone thrive in the workplace. Last month, Harley became a target of conservative activist and filmmaker Robby Starbuck, who accused the company of going totally woke. Its time to expose Harley Davidson.@harleydavidson has been one of the most beloved brands in America but recently on CEO Jochen Zeitzs watch, theyve gone totally woke. Heres some of what we found: Openly supports the equality act" which would allow men into girls pic.twitter.com/15kPUy8WVY Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) July 23, 2024 In a video thats garnered nearly 3 million views on X, Starbuck railed against the company for aspects including employees attending DEI trainings, an LGBT+ event being hosted at a company events venue, and its support of the Ride with Pride event, a gathering for LGBTQ motorcyle riders. He also accused the companys goal of achieving a greater diversity of suppliers as being a fancy corporate speak way for saying less white people. In its statement, Harley only obliquely referenced the campaign. We are saddened by the negativity on social media over the last few weeks, designed to divide the Harley-Davidson community, the company wrote. George Gatto, who owns a Pittsburgh area Harley store, told Bloomberg he had faced angry comments over the boycott effort, but didnt personally feel persuaded by it, calling Starbuck a politician just trying to get clicks. My business in non-political. You are welcome to come here if youre a Democrat, a Republican, or independent, we dont even look at that, he said. Its about riding motorcycles and having fun. Starbuck, who ran for Congress in 2022, greeted Harleys statement on Monday by posting a meme showing him as the grim reaper going after woke corporations. In recent months, other well-known American brands including Tractor Supply and John Deere have pulled back on DEI-related programming amid similar public campaigns from Starbuck. Last year, Anheuser-Busch was the target of a similar backlash, after partnering with Dylan Mulvaney, an influencer who is transgender. The News The 92-page party platform released Monday ahead of the Democratic National Convention offers clues to how Vice President Kamala Harris intends to pay for her economic agenda but another document may be more of a direct template. In a little-noticed portion of its Friday analysis of Harris new economic plans, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget wrote that her campaign said it endorsed the suite of revenue options included in President Joe Bidens recent budget. The campaign specifically told us that they support all of the tax increases on the high earners and corporations that are in the Biden budget, but they did not tell us those changes would directly pay for Fridays tax proposals, CFRB senior vice president Marc Goldwein told Semafor. And obviously, none of them is specifically mentioned in this [Harris] plan. If Harris campaign stands by its statement to CFRB, that would go a long way toward filling in the fiscal blanks as she starts rolling out specific policy proposals. The tax plans she released Friday would cost roughly $2 trillion over 10 years, according to CFRB, while the proposed tax increases that Bidens budget largely aimed at the wealthiest Americans and large corporations would raise nearly $5 trillion over 10 years. It reinforces the policies, the values and the themes that shes already talked about, an economy that actually delivers for working people where the rich and corporations arent playing by different rules, said Michael Linden, an ex-Biden White House budget staffer who is now a senior fellow at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth. He added that Harris and her team were involved in helping draft White House budgets. The Harris campaign did not respond to Semafors request for comment on whether it stood by the policies it told CFRB it supports, particularly the 28% corporate rate; Harris backed an even higher 35% rate during her 2020 presidential bid. NBC News later reported that Harris backed a 28% corporate tax rate. The Democratic platform, though it was crafted before Biden dropped out of the race and features several references to his second term, includes several other tax changes that appear in Bidens fiscal year 2025 budget. Among them: support for the 25% billionaire tax on the income of the super-rich who claim more than $100 million in assets and quadrupling the stock buyback tax to 4%. All of those changes are effectively on the table for Harris as ways to pay for her agenda. Know More Harris advocacy for a 28% corporate tax rate represents a partial rollback of the GOPs 2017 Trump-era tax law, but back in 2019 she called for a blanket repeal that would raise the corporate rate to 35%. On Day One, I will repeal that tax bill that benefits the top 1 percent and the biggest corporations of America, Harris said in a Democratic primary debate that year. Her moderation comes as her nascent campaign also moves decisively away from other progressive positions Harris endorsed during the 2020 primary, such as a ban on fracking for oil and gas and a Medicare for All-style public health care plan. Of course, even as Donald Trumps campaign accuses Harris of failing to provide specifics for how to pay for her ambitious economic plans, the former president himself is clearly lacking his own specific proposals to pay for his goals, such as eliminating taxes for tipped workers and exempting Social Security benefits from taxation. Asked for more details on how Trump would pay the bills for his second-term agenda, Trump campaign advisors argued exempting Social Security benefits from taxes would encourage older Americans to stay employed longer thus helping to financially shore up a program thats growing the national debt. Its a hypothesis embraced by Stephen Moore, an informal advisor to the Trump campaign. Unlike Kamala Harris, President Trump actually understands how the economy works and has a record of success to prove it. President Trump will cut wasteful government spending and make America a net-exporter of energy again, like we were in his first term, to help balance our nations budget and pay off our mounting debts, Karoline Leavitt, a Trump campaign spokesperson, told Semafor. Harris early economic platform is anchored by a $6,000 child tax credit for parents of newborns, $25,000 in federal assistance for first-time homebuyers, and a restoration of the expanded child tax credit that provided cash payments for parents. Its a mistake for any person who talks about public policy to not critically evaluate how you measure the return on investment when you are strengthening neighborhoods, strengthening communities. Everybody benefits and it pays for itself, Harris said on Sunday. Josephs view Harris continues to dial back several of the positions she took during the left-leaning 2019 Democratic primary, embarking on a Great Moderation of sorts. Given how often Trump has shifted on big issues, however, its not clear whether he can force her to pay a political price for aligning more closely with the policies of the president she served under. Perhaps the more important question is which of Harris expansive economic plans will take root within her party. Another plank of her new agenda, vowing to crack down on grocery price gouging, is taking some lumps from economists and daggers from the GOP. Washington Rep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, demurred Friday when asked on the ground at the convention whether she would encourage party lawmakers to talk up Harris price gouging plan. Our candidates across the country are going to talk about the policies they think are important, DelBene told reporters in Chicago. Harris pitch to tax corporations, on the other hand, is popular with voters and most of her partys lawmakers though it wont make her new friends among business interests that already view her campaign warily. Additional tax increases on corporations would only make it more difficult for U.S. businesses to invest at home, create American jobs and compete globally, a Business Roundtable spokesperson told Semafor. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally in Las Vegas on Aug. 10. As the Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday in Chicago, the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris has created a bilingual WhatsApp channel targeting Latino voters. Campaign officials say the channel is the first-of-its-kind in a presidential election. It officially launched early Monday with a selfie-style video message from Julie Chavez Rodriguez, manager of the Harris campaign, welcoming new followers to the channel. Chavez Rodriguez said the channel is a place where users a "can go to get behind-the-scenes" information about the campaign and what it's doing to help Latino families. The channel is operated by members of the "Latinos con Harris-Walz" organizing program, according to a news release from the Harris campaign. They will be tasked with creating and posting "culturally competent content that reflects the Latino community that already exists on the platform." WhatsApp is an encrypted messaging app used globally to communicate across borders for free, making it ideal for U.S. Latino families looking to stay in touch with relatives in Latin America, in the states and elsewhere. WhatsApp is more popular among Hispanics than all other U.S. demographic groups, with 54% of Hispanic adults reporting they use the app, a Pew Research Center survey published in January found. At the same time, Latinos greater reliance on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp have disproportionately exposed them to misinformation in both English and Spanish, since there are few effective tools to crack down on the large volume of false information shared bilingually across encrypted private group chats, according to a 2021 Nielsen report. Harris campaign officials see the new WhatsApp channel as "another tool" to combat election misinformation aimed at Latinos voters, specially among those living in consequential battleground states. Latino voters stand to reshape the presidential race in ways that are hard to predict since many of them are young people and newly registered voters, according to a memo on a recent Equis Research poll. This demographic mostly gets their news in English and from digital sources, according to a Pew Research Center study published in March, pointing to significant nuances on how this bicultural and often bilingual set of the American population stays informed. More stories: Harris makes gains in Latino voter support, but many are still in play Debbie Mucarsel-Powell says she's challenging Republican Sen. Rick Scott because Florida has become unaffordable How do Latinos feel about Tim Walz? In Minnesota, mostly positive For more from NBC Latino, sign up for our weekly newsletter. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Kamala Harris, if elected, would make history as the first woman president. And shes letting that fact speak for itself. Harris already the first Black woman and South Asian American person to lead a major party ticket is not, so far, heavily promoting the history-making elements of her campaign in TV ads or in her stump speech, focusing instead on her middle-class upbringing and prosecutorial track record. Its a marked departure from Hillary Clinton, the first female Democratic presidential nominee, who highlighted her gender throughout her 2016 run, immortalized in white pantsuits, the Javits Center glass ceiling and the slogan: Im With Her. The vice presidents strategy reflects a candidate of a different generation and circumstance than Clinton, who lost to Harris now-opponent, Donald Trump, in 2016 and who will speak at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night. It also mirrors an electorate thats undergone its own cultural transformation over the last eight years from the Womens March to the #MeToo movement to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Interviews with two dozen elected officials, consultants and Harris allies, nearly all of whom are women, identified Harris strategy as a bet that swing voters are prepared to vote for a woman for president, but care far more about her record and platform not how her run will feature in history textbooks. Quite frankly, talking about, I'm the first Black this, I'm the first that, gets you nowhere, said former Illinois Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, who ran in the 2004 Democratic presidential primary and was the first Black woman to serve in the Senate. It really puts you in a corner and leaves you open to being accused of playing the race card, and so she has not done that, and that's very smart of her. Moseley Braun, who called for removing the metaphorical men only sign from the White House door during her own presidential run, said that Harris is inheriting a different kind of playing field, where times have changed and people are more open to women doing these things. Harris, eschewing Clintons example, appears instead to be borrowing from Barack Obama, who, barring a few exceptions, did not talk much about his race in his own historic 2008 campaign. Even as Obama benefited from Black Americans enthusiasm for his candidacy, he spent most of his time speaking to a broader electorate, especially the white swing voters he needed to win battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. Harris is taking a similar approach. Her TV ads in swing states talk up her work as an attorney general, a college summer job at McDonalds, and her record of taking on Wall Street banks and Big Pharma, all while images flash on the screen of her alongside cops and workers wearing hard hats. In her biggest stretch of retail campaigning yet, Harris embarked on a bus tour this weekend across western Pennsylvania, a predominantly white area home to many union Democrats-turned-Trump supporters. She will have to bring in more of those voters who see themselves living on the outskirts of hope. They're the voters that Trump picked up, said Donna Brazile, a former Democratic National Committee chair who is part of a small group of women Harris turns to for advice. Remember, Obama had them. He won Indiana. Now she has to get them. And the same way that Barack Obama appealed to them, you have to appeal to them based on values and they know that you care for them, that you see them. Theres no other way to win in America, said Brazile, the first Black woman to manage a presidential campaign. Harris isnt avoiding her identity, even if she is not making it a centerpiece of her campaign. Last week, she told new students at Howard University, her alma mater and a historically Black college, that one day you might be running for president of the United States. In an interview with Essence, she talked about growing up in a community where she was told as a child that she was young, gifted and Black, referencing a Nina Simone song and an Aretha Franklin album. Harris walk-on music features Beyonces song, Freedom, while her merch store sells T-shirts that read The First But Not the Last. And in her time as vice president before she replaced Biden at the top of the ticket she showed an eagerness, at times, to speak with striking candor about her trailblazing career and obstacles facing people of color. This spring, while speaking at a health forum for Asian-American, Native-Hawaiian and Pacific Islander organizations, Harris gave them advice about breaking barriers and being first to do it. We have to know that sometimes people will open the door for you and leave it open, Harris said. Sometimes they wont, and then you need to kick that fucking door down. Even so, Harris has largely limited such appeals to times when she is speaking directly to those communities, or when shes trying to excite the Democratic base or raise money appealing to the kinds of voters who would be motivated by voting for a first candidate. To the extent that gender features at the Democratic National Convention this week, it will largely be base voters Democrats are trying to excite. Harris also doesnt benefit from Obamas maleness and she doesnt have Clintons whiteness, said LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, a progressive voting rights group. Shes navigating a new space, Brown said. People who have known Harris for years said that the approach isnt new for her, after having shattered barriers as district attorney, attorney general and senator. As a local and state candidate in California, she bristled at questions from reporters about her identity, seeing them as a distraction from her campaigns focus on values. She always joked people asked her, Whats it like to be the first woman attorney general or DA? And shes like, I dont know what to tell you, Ive always been a woman, so I dont really understand what it would be like to be somebody else, said a person who worked with Harris when she served as attorney general and was granted anonymity to speak frankly. Shes like, pretty unoriginal question, I dont know what to do with that. I can tell you what I care about. She does try to approach this as: 'My job is to tell voters what Im about, what I care about.' Unlike Harris, her Republican opponent, Trump, has focused heavily on her identity in his efforts to demean Harris, the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants. The former president has questioned her biracial identity, asserting that she only recently became Black. He regularly mispronounces her name and recently referred to her as a beautiful woman a string of dog whistles, critics say, aimed at invoking racist and sexist stereotypes. Trumps running mate, Sen. Sen. JD Vance, once referred to Democrats as childless cat ladies. Harris responses to such attacks represent a way different approach from gender politics [that] has been used in the past, said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who became the first woman to represent Minnesota in the Senate when she was elected in 2006. Instead of saying, Oh no, thats sexist, they said, Really? This is hilariously weird, Klobuchar said, citing the Harris campaigns response to Vances childless cat lady line. Theyve picked moments to ignore it but theyve also [used] humor to take them on. One reason Harris may not highlight her gender is because she didnt need to in a primary. In 2016, Democratic strategists said Clinton emphasized her gender, in part, because she faced a serious challenge from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and needed to differentiate herself from her husband, former president Bill Clinton. Spotlighting her history-making candidacy was an effort to excite the liberal base. Harris, on the other hand, can run the more Obama playbook, where shes saying, we dont have to talk about it you can see Im a woman of color, said Patti Solis Doyle, who managed Clintons 2008 run, becoming the first Latina to manage a presidential campaign. That decision, Solis Doyle said, would not be possible if Hillary hadnt leaned into it before her because Clinton got us to a place where its not front-and-center, and its not the first thing voters look at. Harris approach, as her mother would say, didnt fall out of a coconut tree. Its built on top of the strategies used by a wave of women who have run for office since 2016, many of whom also opted against centering the history-making nature of their bids. During their 2022 race, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller also did not talk about how theyd be the first Black and South Asian statewide leaders of Maryland, Miller said. Look, anybody that was in the room looking at us could tell, we were a unique ticket, Miller said. There was no need to talk about it. It was more about our stories. The visibility of women and women of color in positions of power has also grown significantly since 2016. Women now represent 28 percent of members of Congress, compared to less than 20 percent of it in 2016. Twice as many women governors are in office in 2024 than in 2016, according to Rutgers Universitys Center for American Women and Politics. The face of power has changed, said Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), who was part of that wave of women elected in 2018, becoming the youngest and the first Black woman to represent her district. In 2019, the most powerful voices coming out of Washington, D.C., were Nancy Pelosi and the Squad. But even in 2020, when six women ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, they were dogged by whispers about their electability against Trump. Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren sparred on the debate stage over whether the Vermont senator privately told Warren that a woman couldnt beat Trump. At the time, Klobuchar called sexism a real barrier for the women running for president. Because of who Donald Trump is, because of the 2016 election, people thought that a woman couldnt beat Trump, Klobuchar said in a recent interview with POLITICO. This time, as the polls show, in fact, they strongly do believe a woman can beat him. That is a major, major, major shift, and, to me, this didnt all happen at once, Klobuchar added. Indeed, public polls find Harris leaping ahead of Trump in some battleground states and national surveys. Shes built on an ever-widening gender gap for Democrats, where she holds a 10-percentage point edge among women compared to Trumps 9-point lead among men, according to a CBS News poll released Sunday. Even with that progress, women running for elected office still face hurdles not felt by their male counterparts. When making TV ads, for example, men get to throw on the same blue shirt, said Meredith Kelly, a Democratic ad-maker who worked on Sen. Kirsten Gillibrands 2020 presidential run, while women have to wonder: is a dress too feminine? Is a suit trying too hard? Can we wear pink? "Women are judged on the words they say and how they say them. And while men are seen as strong if they attack their opponents, women can be considered whiney or rude if they do the same, Kelly said. Female candidates and their teams have to think about each and every move through a different lens than men do. Kelly added, We have made a lot of progress but this is still an ongoing project. Democrats hope the fact that Harris already served as vice president for the past three-and-a-half years means that Americans have become accustomed to the image of a woman in the White House. And Clinton already broke the barrier of becoming the first woman Democratic presidential nominee, so thats not new, either. There are many, many, many, many more women [in elected office] at all levels, and it just wasnt necessarily like that in 2016, Underwood said. Theres been this huge increase in the number of women in power, both in elected office and grassroots, community organizing, and I think that Kamala Harris is really benefiting because were ready, Underwood said. We saw, and we got in formation. Myah Ward contributed to this report. By Jarrett Renshaw and Trevor Hunnicutt CHICAGO (Reuters) -The founder of the main outside spending group backing Kamala Harris' presidential bid says their own opinion polling is less "rosy" than public polls suggest and warned that Democrats face much closer races in key states. Chauncey McLean, president of Future Forward, a super political action committee, or super PAC, that has raised hundreds of millions of dollars to back Harris in the Nov. 5 election, spoke on Monday during an event hosted by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. "Our numbers are much less rosy than what you're seeing in the public," said McLean, who rarely talks publicly. Harris enters the Democratic National Convention in Chicago riding a wave of public polls that show she has already reshaped a race that strongly favored Republican Donald Trump in the final weeks of President Joe Biden's candidacy. Harris is leading in a compilation of national polls by FiveThirtyEight 46.6% to 43.8% for Republican Donald Trump, and has pulled ahead in several public battleground state polls. Future Forward has created a massive polling operation that created and tested some 500 digital and television ads for Biden and some 200 for Harris. They have talked to some 375,000 Americans in the weeks after Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee on July 22. McLean said the group has at least $250 million left to spend, planning a wave of advertising from digital to television between Labor Day on Sept. 2 and Election Day on Nov. 5. Super PACs can raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, associations and individuals, then spend unlimited amounts to overtly advocate for or against political candidates. McLean said the majority of Harris' momentum in the immediate aftermath of Biden dropping out was from young voters of color, and that has opened up Sunbelt states such as Nevada, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina, states which Democrats had largely written off in the final days of the Biden campaign. "She has multiple paths," with seven states in play, a complete turnaround from when Biden was on the ticket, he said. The other states include Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. McLean said Pennsylvania remains the most consequential state in the group's analysis and he called the race a "coin flip" based on its polls. He says Harris must win one of three states - Pennsylvania, North Carolina or Georgia - to win the White House. He warned that Harris has yet to fully rebuild the Biden coalition of Blacks, Hispanics and young voters that brought him the White House in 2020. McLean said polling shows the public wants more detailed policy positions from Harris. He says they don't want "white papers," but they also don't want platitudes. He says they need more concrete examples of how she may differ from Biden and make their lives easier economically. Trump allies have called on Harris to do the same in recent days, hoping to pin her down on controversial issues. The race is as tight as ever, McLean said. "We have it tight as a tick, and pretty much across the board," he said. (Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Heather Timmons, Jonathan Oatis and Deepa Babington) Olga Harlan, a two-time Olympic fencing champion, has confessed why she shouts during her fights. Our athlete uses it to get herself going, to influence her opponent and to release her emotions. ADVERTISIMENT "You throw out your feelings, you influence the judge, because you somehow show that you are right, you want to, and so on. Then you influence your opponent. When you shout in her face, it's not very nice," Harlan said in an interview with TSN. When asked by Marichka Padalka whether such behavior was allowed by the rules, Harlan replied that it was not prohibited, but not welcomed. "They won't do anything to you, but it's very unpleasant, it's disrespectful. But if you shout, you're making yourself angry. It looks very strange, I know," Harlan said. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Padalko became emotional during the conversation with Olga. The 48-year-old woman had tears in her eyes when she read out a fragment of correspondence with the athlete's Italian boyfriend Luigi Samele, where he said he had never doubted his beloved's abilities. After winning gold in the final of the 2024 Olympic Games in team sabre fencing, Olga Harlan won her sixth medal at the Olympics. This made her the most decorated Ukrainian athlete in the history of our country's performances at the Olympics. We also calculated the prize money the fencer will receive for her performance in Paris 2024. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Vice President Harris has a 3-point lead nationally over former President Trump, while the two are in a dead heat across the battleground states, according to a poll released Sunday. The CBS News/YouGov survey of registered voters found Harris leading Trump 51 percent to 48 percent, marking the latest poll to show her leading the former president since she entered the race last month. Trump and Harris both shored up an average of 50-percent support across the battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the poll found. The poll was released one day ahead of the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Harris will seek to keep the momentum going for her and the party. She and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), will formally accept their nominations and address the convention later this week. Since replacing President Biden atop the Democratic ticket, Harris has quickly sparked energy for the party and cut into the lead Trump held over the presidential race for months. Trump, meanwhile, kept his lead in the new survey when it came to certain policies. He led the vice president by 8 points among those who said the economy is a major factor, though she saw a boost in support from women voters in this group when compared with Biden, pollsters noted. Trump also came out on top among voters who said they arent currently doing as well financially, CBS News reported. A series of other surveys have shown Harris narrowing the gap with Trump in numerous national and swing state polls. According to The Hill/Decision Desk HQs national polling average, she has a 1.8 percentage point lead over Trump based on an aggregate of 120 polls. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll also released Sunday showed Harris has 49 percent support nationally, compared to Trumps 45 percent. The CBS News/YouGov survey was conducted among 3,258 registered voters nationwide Aug. 14-16. The margin of error was 2.1 percentage points. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Over the next few months, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are expected to spend millions on advertisements in seven key battleground states. North Carolina is one of them. Political experts believe our state is especially important for these candidates. Even when we flip or swing from red to blue or blue to red, were right on that razors edge, said Chris Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University. Were incredibly close almost every year for really the last two decades. Counties across NC are urgently recruiting poll workers North Carolina is considered a purple state, but voters have only gone blue for two presidential candidates since the 1970s: Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama. This election cycle, its a toss-up as to who will take victory. Before July 21, certainly Donald Trump had a healthy lead here in North Carolina, said Dr. Michael Bitzer, a politics professor at Catawba College. That is pretty much, according to the recent polls, evaporated. It is now pretty much a coin toss within the margin of error of most of the polls. Its why efforts to win the Tar Heel state will ramp up in the fewer than 80 days we have until this election. North Carolinians discuss next steps, who will be on ballot after Bidens withdrawal Its wall-to-wall competitive and its going to be wall-to-wall expense, said Cooper. For those of us trying to get on the internet, watch tv, listen to the radio, its going to be a constant onslaught. If you havent already started seeing the advertisements, you will. Between Labor Day and Election Day, the Harris campaign plans to spend at least $370 million in digital and TV ads in swing states. Trump has already dished out $4.4 million this month for ads here. What we need to be ready for North Carolina is essentially constant visits, said Cooper. I think we should expect constant attention. Of every state that Donald Trump won in the last election, his margin was the smallest in North Carolina of any of them. It is the very definition of a battleground state. Candidates know that. Campaigns know that. Were going to get a lot of attention. Harris was in Raleigh on Friday, and we can expect to see more of her in the coming months. Trump will be back on Wednesday to speak in Asheboro, following his two recent visits to the state. Donald Trump, JD Vance to deliver remarks on National Security in Asheboro Youre seeing President Trump come back this week to North Carolina to kind of try to solidify his hold on the state, said Bitzer. That is so critical for his chances to win. These political experts believe for Trump to become the next president of the United States, he needs North Carolina in his win column. There is a path for Kamala Harris to get the White House with without North Carolina, said Cooper. Its hard to figure out what that path would look like for Donald Trump. It is a must-win for the Trump campaign. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. (Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off a bus tour through Pennsylvania by rallying volunteers in the critical battleground state, as her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, announced plans to ratchet up his cadence of political events in a bid to stall her momentum. Most Read from Bloomberg Harris trip to Pittsburgh and the citys surrounding counties ahead of the Democratic National Convention this week in Chicago underscores how crucial the state is to Democrats hopes in November, and efforts by Harris who has surged in the polls since taking over the party ticket for President Joe Biden just weeks ago to make inroads with White suburban voters who could decide the race. We know our country is going to be as strong as our willingness to fight for it, and to fight for what we stand for, Harris told supporters in Beaver County. The tour comes as Trump, the Republican nominee, announced plans for a blitz of rallies, press conferences, and interviews in a bid to turn attention back to issues like immigration and the economy where the GOP sees an advantage. Trump will counterprogram Democrats convention with rallies Monday in Pennsylvania, Tuesday in Michigan, and Wednesday in North Carolina. The following day, the former president will head to the US-Mexico border for an event intended to highlight the vice presidents role working on the White Houses immigration policy. Aides say the Republican will also hold a series of interviews and media availabilities, seeking a contrast with Harris, who has largely shied away from the press in the weeks since capturing the nomination. Thats in part because Democrats have little desire to disrupt the momentum of the race. A survey released Sunday shows that Harris leads Trump narrowly in a head-to-head matchup, 49% to 45%, among registered voters nationally. The same poll, from the Washington Post, ABC News and Ipsos, showed a dead heat in early July when the candidate was Biden. In Pennsylvania, Harris is expected to visit a campaign phone bank and local shops, among other stops. The vice president will be joined by her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, along with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz. After the multistop tour, the group is expected to head to Chicago to kick off the week-long celebration of Harris capturing the Democratic nomination. Campaign officials acknowledge Harris is looking to reconstitute the coalition that delivered the state to Biden and Harris during the 2020 election, where they were also facing Trump. Biden won the state by just over one percentage point, buoyed by both strong turnout from urban liberal voters and by eating away at Trumps margins in historically conservative counties like Beaver, the exurb to Pittsburghs northwest. One challenge for the vice president is replicating that success without Biden, a native son of Scranton, Pennsylvania, who has long highlighted his ties to the Keystone State and who enjoyed support from moderate and elderly White voters. Harris is hopeful that her newly-unveiled economic platform, which includes populist provisions such as a subsidy for first-time homebuyers, an expanded child tax credit, and new caps on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs helps to maintain those margins. When you believe in ending child poverty, you fight for that. When you believe in what we need to do to lift up the middle class, you fight for the middle class, Harris said. These are the things we stand for, and these, therefore, the things we fight for. The trip will also be an early test of the Harris campaigns logistical and messaging prowess, as it seeks to graft the vice presidents vision onto an infrastructure developed for Biden. Her campaign has seven field offices in Western Pennsylvania, and has launched a weekend door-knocking campaign in a bid to harness the enthusiasm Harris has enjoyed since Bidens exit from the race. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. HONOLULU (KHON2) Mahukona, a 642-acre stretch of land on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island, holds immense cultural, historical, and environmental significance. For decades, the Kohala community, alongside organizations like Na Kalai Waa and the Hawaii Land Trust (HILT), has fought to protect this sacred place from development. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Recently, this effort saw a significant victory as HILT, in partnership with various community and government organizations, secured the purchase and permanent protection of Mahukona. Mahukona is more than just a piece of land; it is a living cultural landscape. For centuries, this area has been a vital training ground for traditional Hawaiian navigators. The land includes Koa Heiau Holomoana, an ancient site of worship revered by navigators from across the Pacific. This heiau (place of worship) is located on the bluffs of Kamano Bay and has been central to the practice of traditional navigation, offering ideal conditions for training due to its dynamic winds and currents. Today, Mahukona continues to serve as a hub for teaching and practicing these ancient skills. Na Kalai Waa, a nonprofit organization, leads the way in educating the next generation of navigators, with their traditional canoe, Makalii, drydocked on site. Mahukonas significance extends beyond its cultural heritage. The land is also home to hundreds of ancient cultural sites, including four heiau, agricultural and housing villages, shrines, burials, and ancient trails like the alaloa. These sites reflect the deep connection between the land and the Hawaiian people, spanning from ka wa kahiko (ancient times) to the more recent era of sugar plantations and ranching in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Kohala community is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Mahukona, ensuring that its history is not lost to time. The environmental importance of Mahukona is equally profound. Its clean, turquoise waters are teeming with native marine life, including fish, rays, dolphins and whales. The area also provides critical habitat for the endangered Opeapea, or Hawaiian Hoary Bat, and is home to native coastal plants along its shoreline. The preservation of this land means that these species can continue to thrive in their natural habitat, free from the threats of development. The journey to protect Mahukona has been a long one, marked by the communitys determination to ensure that this land remains undeveloped and available for cultural practice and education. The Kohala community has long hoped for Mahukonas protection, and now, through the efforts of HILT and its partners, that hope has become a reality. The purchase of Mahukona was made possible through a collaborative effort involving federal, state, and local government support, as well as contributions from numerous supporters. To date, over $19.2 million has been raised toward the $20 million goal needed for the project. Although the land has been secured, fundraising efforts continue to ensure that Mahukona can be properly stewarded for generations to come. Once fully protected, Mahukona will be owned by Hawaii Land Trust for the benefit of the community. The land will be forever restricted by a conservation easement held by the County of Hawaii, ensuring that it remains untouched by development. Na Kalai Waa will continue to steward Koa Heiau Holomoana and the associated navigational cultural sites, maintaining the area as a living classroom for traditional Hawaiian voyaging. Educational programs at Mahukona, particularly those focused on navigation and cultural practices, will continue to flourish, providing invaluable learning opportunities for Hawaiis youth. The story of Mahukona is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving cultural and environmental heritage. The efforts to save Mahukona from development highlight the deep connection that Native Hawaiians have with their land, a connection that goes beyond mere ownership to encompass a responsibility to care for and maintain the aina (land) for future generations. In the words of HILT board member Beth Thoma Robinson, Mahukona is a place where culture, environment, and people not just continue to survive, but thrive for future generations. The protection of Mahukona ensures that this sacred land will remain a place where Hawaiian culture is not only preserved but actively practiced, where the environment is respected and nurtured, and where future generations can learn from and connect with their heritage. The Kohala communitys success in protecting Mahukona is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of cultural preservation. It serves as an inspiration to other communities facing similar challenges, showing that with determination and collaboration, it is possible to safeguard the places that hold deep meaning and significance. As efforts to protect Mahukona continue, the community invites others to join in supporting the stewardship of this sacred land. The ongoing preservation of Mahukona is not just a victory for Hawaii Island, but for all who value the importance of maintaining cultural and environmental integrity in the face of modern challenges. Mahukonas story is far from over, and its future now looks brighter than ever. You can click here for more information. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 With continued support, this cherished place will remain a thriving cultural and environmental landscape, where the traditions of the past continue to guide the way for future generations. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Is Hawaii ready for its own rock relief? HONOLULU (KHON2) The Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board saw an opportunity to turn an eyesore into something beautiful and meaningful. For decades, the Makakilo Quarry, owned by Grace Pacific Company and Nan Inc., has been chipping away at Puu o Makakilo, leaving behind a massive, ugly rock wall that scars the natural landscape. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You This sheer rock face, hundreds of feet high and twice as wide, is visible to thousands of people daily on Oahus West side. As the quarry owners requested an extension of the quarrys life for another 15 years, until 2047, the Neighborhood Board asked the Land Use Commission (LUC) to make this extension contingent on transforming the unsightly wall into a breathtaking carving that honors Native Hawaiian culture. They proposed a large carving, visible from the nearby Ka Makana Alii shopping center, depicting a person, event, or story significant to Native Hawaiian tradition. The Board wanted the carving to be a lasting tribute to the original settlers of Hawaii, something that both residents and tourists could admire for generations. They asked the LUC to make the quarry owners commit to consulting with local Native Hawaiian leaders to design the carving, starting the project by July 2027, and completing it by 2047 or the quarrys closure, whichever comes first. The Board also suggested that this project could set a new precedent for other quarries across the islands. By turning the barren, unattractive back walls of quarries into artistic depictions of Hawaiian history, these sites could become tourist attractions and educational landmarks, preserving and sharing the rich culture of Hawaii. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 The Land Use Commission was asked to include this project as a formal condition for the quarrys continued operation, ensuring that the communitys vision would be realized. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. The eastern and central Pacific have come to life recently with multiple tropical features brewing since last week, including one named storm. However, while Hurricane Gilma does not pose an immediate threat to land, a vigorous feature farther west may soon be the next tropical storm and could wander close to Hawaii, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. The tropical wave of low pressure located about 1,200 miles southeast of Hawaii has been assigned a high risk of developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm this week. Because this feature could affect Hawaii, AccuWeather has begun to refer to it as a tropical wind and rainstorm to raise public awareness of the potentially serious nature of the feature. The next name on the official list of tropical storms for the eastern Pacific is Hector. "This feature will take a general west-northwest path that will bring it closer and closer to Hawaii into this weekend," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. The exact track and intensity of the feature will determine impacts in Hawaii. Swells will build ahead of the system later this week and they may be followed by increasing winds and squalls, should the system approach from the southeast, DaSilva said. Much of the Hawaiian Islands is experiencing conditions ranging from abnormally dry soil and brush to extreme drought. While tourists and the vacation industry may dislike any soaking rain, from a drought standpoint it would be welcomed. "In terms of kicking up strong dry winds that can enhance the wildfire risk, a fully developed tropical storm or hurricane passing just to the south of the islands but not bringing rain would be a worst-case scenario," DaSilva said. AccuWeather hurricane experts expect the feature to pass just south of Hawaii, bringing as much as 1-2 inches of rain to the islands. Where the mountains will help to enhance rainfall, eastern sides of the Big Island and Maui could have 2-4 inches. As the storm passes to the south this weekend, strong winds can develop across the islands, with wind gusts as high as 60-80 mph across the Big Island. Last August, powerful Hurricane Dora passed well south of the islands while strong high pressure hovered to the north. The combined circulation of both systems created stiff east-northeast winds that knocked down trees and down power lines, and triggered rapidly spreading and deadly wildfires. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP "Even a less-intense tropical storm or depression that moves directly toward the islands will raise some dry winds in advance of moisture and showers and thunderstorms," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said, "Then once the feature's moisture overspreads the islands, the risk of wildfires would diminish due to the wet landscape, regardless of wind intensity." Other dangers associated with a tropical depression or storm directly passing over part of the island chain include storm surge flooding and coastal erosion to flooding rainfall with debris flows and road washouts. Direct hits by tropical storms and hurricanes are rare in Hawaii. Olivia was the last tropical storm to make landfall in Hawaii in September 2018. Prior to reaching Hawaii as a weakening tropical storm, Olivia had reached Category 4 intensity on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale for hurricanes. The hardest hit by flooding, rain and wind from Olivia was Maui. Olivia was the first tropical cyclone to make landfall on Maui and Lanai in recorded history. During the prior month in 2018, Hawaii had a close encounter with a Category 5 hurricane named Lane. Fortunately, Lane weakened substantially and never made landfall in the islands. Huge waves slam the cliffs near the Halona Blowhole, Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Waimanalo, Hawaii. As Hurricane Lane approaches Oahu. Large ocean swells impacted the coastline. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) Prior to Hawaii's greatest natural disaster, which Dora contributed to last August, Iniki from September 1992 was the costliest hurricane. As a Category 4 hurricane, Iniki caused $3.1 billion in damage (1992 dollars) as it struck the island of Kauai. 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. Health Firsts Viera Hospital is poised to open its new labor and delivery unit, and celebrated Thursday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting and tours of the facility. The new unit at Viera Hospital which officially opens Aug. 21 transitions labor and delivery care to Viera from Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach. Health First also has a labor and delivery unit at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne. The labor and delivery unit at Cape Canaveral Hospital closed Friday, as it is being replaced by the new unit at Viera Hospital. Health First has begun construction on a new hospital and medical office complex on Merritt Island, about four miles west of the existing Cape Canaveral Hospital, which will close when the new hospital opens on Merritt Island in 2027. What Birth Suites will include New Merritt Island hospital: Construction underway on $410 million Health First hospital complex on Merritt Island The Birth Suites at Viera Hospital include 14 rooms for labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care. Patients will remain in the same room throughout their stay, providing a private space for families. This means that, from the moment they arrive until their discharge, families will stay in one comfortable, well-appointed Birth Suite, creating a seamless and supportive environment," Viera Hospital Administrator Dustin Boring said. "Additionally, the unit is fully equipped with two dedicated operating rooms for cesarean sections and other procedures, as well as a nursery to provide specialized care for newborns, as needed. These amenities ensure that we can offer comprehensive and high-quality care in a single, convenient location. What medical personnel say Stefanie Hoffman, a Health First Medical Group certified nurse midwife who is due to have a baby in October, said she is excited to have her baby at the Viera Hospital. "This unit was really designed for people like me, who want to birth naturally," Hoffman said. "The room is very big. We can do a lot of different positions and use a lot of different birth tools in this room. The shower is big, which is really nice for hydrotherapy options. Every patient and every family stays in the same room from start to finish. It's very intimate, which is nice." Dr. Vanessa Dance, a Health First OB-GYN who has been delivering babies at Cape Canaveral Hospital two decades, said the transition to Viera Hospital is an emotional moment, but an exciting time. It's an honor to be part of such a dedicated team at Viera Hospital," Dance said. "Over the years, The Birth Suites at Cape Canaveral have served our community with distinction, welcoming countless Brevard County babies into the world. I've had the privilege of delivering babies here in Brevard for over 20 years, and it's been incredibly rewarding to be part of so many families' special moments. As we transition to these new Birth Suites at Viera Hospital, I'm filled with excitement for this new chapter." In conjunction with labor and delivery services opening at Viera Hospital, Health First Medical Group will open its new Vidina Obstetrics and Gynecology office on Vidina Drive, immediately south of the Viera Hospital campus. This location is accepting new patients. Viera Hospital, which opened in 2011, is the newest of Health First's four hospitals. The others are Cape Canaveral Hospital, Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne and Palm Bay Hospital. Health First also provides includes health insurance plans, a multispecialty medical group, and outpatient and wellness services. Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54 This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Health First's Viera Hospital opening labor, delivery unit Hearing Monday on motion for new trial in Iowa officers murder Hearing Monday on motion for new trial in Iowa officers murder KOSSUTH COUNTY, Iowa A hearing is scheduled for Monday afternoon on a motion calling for a new trial in the case of Kyle Ricke, the man convicted of murdering Algona police officer Kevin Cram. Ricke was convicted of first-degree murder on July 11th and sentencing is set for August 21st. The mandatory sentence for first-degree murder in Iowa is life in prison without the possibility of parole. Story archive: The murder of Officer Kevin Cram Rickes attorney is asking for a new trial, claiming the verdict was not supported by evidence. Officer Kevin Cram was shot to death on September 13, 2023 as he tried to arrest Ricke in connection to a harassment case. Ricke then fled the state after shooting Cram and was later arrested in Minnesota. The state has filed resistance to the motion for a new trial. The hearing is being held via video conference at 3:00 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Heinous Act: Boston police ask public for help after 5 people shot in Franklin Park Police in Boston are turning to the public for help tracking down whoever is responsible for opening fire on a crowd in Franklin Park, leaving five people wounded on Sunday night. We need to hold these people responsible whether its an individual or individuals responsible for this heinous act, you know shooting into a crowd, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said Sunday night as he briefed the media on a shooting. The shooting happened on Circuit Drive around 8:43 p.m. following a Dominican festival, according to Boston police. Cox said officers were in the process of clearing pedestrian traffic when they heard multiple gunshots coming from the crowd. Then the area turned into a large crime scene they had to work through. Officers first found four victims who were taken to the hospital to be treated, then one additional victim, according to Cox. All of the victims suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Cox didnt say the ages of the victims but identified them as 3 males and 2 females who were shot. Its fully under investigation. We spared no expense, nor any law enforcement resources on this. You cant come into our city and do these kinds of things and not expect to be held responsible, Cox said. The group that put on the festival said its been a successful celebration for 35 years. We regret these incidents, but as an organization, we disassociate ourselves from what happened. We take this opportunity to thank the more than 20,000 people who joined us to celebrate in a civic and peaceful manner, proudly showcasing our Dominican heritage, said La Casa de la Cultura Dominicana en Boston. Boston police providing update after 5 people shot at Franklin Park Boston police providing update after 5 people shot at Franklin Park https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/5-people-shot-franklin-park-boston-police-say/RGD2UTFZWNAZ7EHHZQ723F224Y/ Posted by Boston 25 News on Sunday, August 18, 2024 Cox is asking that anyone who was at the festival and might have video of the shooting to come forward so the shooter or shooters who fired into the crowd will be held responsible. This incident really marred a pretty successful event for the folks here in a sense that these things happen when individuals come sometimes and just you know do stupid things and so you know were going to hold them accountable thats why we need the publics help and support on this one but this doesnt really shouldnt be happening in our city, not in this day and age, he said. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said shes grateful to the festival organizers for hosting such a welcoming event. Im deeply disturbed that anyone would seek to disrupt this family-friendly day with violence. I thank our first responders for acting quickly and join the Boston Police Department in asking the public to share all available information to hold accountable those responsible for this unacceptable violence, said Mayor Wu. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn said he thinks the police department is understaffed. We are dramatically low on the number of police officers in the city of Boston and at some point, we have to have a serious conversation about the future of parades, festivals if we dont have enough police on the streets of Boston, said Flynn. He said more needs to be done besides adding to the police force. I think we also have to have a zero-tolerance policy for anyone carrying a weapon and that includes state prison time, we cant be lenient any longer, Flynn said. Photos from the scene on Monday morning showed the area littered with liquor bottles and other trash. Some people walking through the park Monday said they feel anxious when theyre in a big crowd. Anytime I go around a lot of people I think is something going to happen like youre kind of hypervigilant, said Christy Pope, a Boston resident. Boston Police say 5 people were shot in Franklin Park last night. They say a Dominican festival was wrapping up and police were clearing people when gunshots were fired into a crowd of people. This is what remains on the ground after the festival. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/qXbIsoEXl8 Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) August 19, 2024 The investigation is active and ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 15: E. Jean Carroll accepts the Truth Seekers Award onstage during the Variety and Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount + at Second on August 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Variety via Getty Images) - Credit: Variety via Getty Images Thank you, Rolling Stone. Thank you, Variety. But you have screwed up. I cant quite understand; its all backward because Im an old magazine writer. From the age of twelve, I was sending off ideas to magazines in New York. And my dream was to write for Rolling Stone, not get an award from Rolling Stone. My dream was to be seen reading Variety in a little coffee shop in the basement of the Beverly Hills Hotelnot getting an award from Variety. Heres the thing, both those dreams came true. E. Jean Carroll In a full circle moment, E. Jean Carroll, renowned journalist, author and advocate, was honored with the prestigious Truth Seekers Award at the fourth annual Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount+ last Thursday. The Summit, produced by Rolling Stone and Variety and held in New York City, celebrates excellence in journalism, documentary filmmaking and investigative storytelling, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the pursuit of truth in media. More from Rolling Stone And no one has dedicated her entire life to telling the truth than Carroll. Carrolls distinguished career is highlighted by her widely beloved Ask E. Jean column, which appeared in Elle Magazine from 1993 until 2019, becoming one of the longest-running advice columns ever. Her sharp, witty, and insightful counsel garnered a loyal following and established her as a respected figure in the world of journalism, as she also penned articles for multiple publications, including Rolling Stone, during her storied career. In addition to her column, the five books shes written and her journalistic achievements, Carroll made significant contributions to television, including her work on Saturday Night Live, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for outstanding writing for a variety series. Carrolls relentless pursuit of justice and truth, particularly in the face of overwhelming personal and professional challenges, has been well documented. None more notable than her courageous stand against former President Donald Trump, where, in 2019, she wrote an article in New York Magazine revealing that she was battered and sexually assaulted by Trump in 1996. In retaliation, then President Trump called Carroll a liar 26 times. That November, Carroll filed a defamation lawsuit stating her attacker damaged her reputation and caused professional and emotional pain. In November 2022, Carroll sued Trump for defamation again. Carroll was successful in both lawsuits and was awarded $5 million and $83.3 million in damages. It was the happiest day of my life, Carroll said in an exclusive Q&A session after Carroll gave her acceptance speech, spearheaded by Rolling Stones Senior Writer, Tessa Stuart, and Carrolls attorney, Roberta Robbie Kaplan, sitting beside Carroll. Im still up this high. It was a wonderful moment.A great, great moment. While the former president will appeal both decisions next month, there is no worry on Carroll or Kaplans part. Im very comfortable that we have very strong arguments on this appeal, Kaplan said. Despite that, Carroll, who plans on detailing both trials in a new book, is ready for her next chapter to be written. F. Scott Fitzgerald said, After a big news event, four days later, no one remembers it. We move so quickly in this country, so fast, Carroll said. Its over, its [in the] past and Im glad we did it, and if its any help to anyone, that makes me happy. Carrolls recognition at the 2024 summit is a testament to her enduring legacy in the field of journalism and her unwavering commitment to truth and justice. As the applause echoed through the room, it was clear that her story resonated with many, inspiring a new generation of truth-seekers to continue the fight. My life has been extremely happy, the 80-year-old Carroll said during her acceptance speech. There have been moments that werent so happy, but my idea at the height of happiness and adventure was sitting on a plane and clasping that seatbelt, roaring down the runway, taking off, going to a place I have never been, and writing a story about somebody I had never met. That was life to me. And E. Jean Carroll continues to live a life worth living. Best of Rolling Stone Alexander Garkavenko, head of the administration of the Russian village of Goncharivka in the suburbs of Sudzha, complained about the rapid advance of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in Kursk region. He acknowledged that false reports were being generated on the ground that everything was "under control" and that overly optimistic information was being transmitted to Moscow. ADVERTISIMENT The interception of the government official's phone conversation was published by the NEXTA Live Telegram channel, citing military correspondent Andriy Tsaplienko. In the recording, Harkavenko can be heard emotionally sharing his impressions of the offensive on the Kursk region with the interlocutor. "I was surprised! I'm a local resident, but I don't know the terrain as well as they (the Ukrainian army - Ed.) did. I was just amazed! I said, "Damn, they move so well! They didn't go everywhere along the main federal road, the asphalted one," the official was surprised. According to him, the Russian army knew about the upcoming Ukrainian operation two weeks in advance, but did not prepare properly. The civilian population was lied to that it would be just another shelling, but more active. As a result, many local residents were left to fend for themselves. ADVERTISIMENT "The problem is that for two days we were reporting very pleasant, encouraging news to Moscow..." Harkavenko admitted. At the same time, the pace of the Ukrainian offensive was so high that the district administration did not have time to move - as soon as they moved to a new settlement, it was already under the control of the Ukrainian army the next day. All civilian authorities did not receive any information and did not know what to do. For example, whether to evacuate people or not. According to the Russian, "all civilians are talking about betrayal." But he has a different opinion and believes that this is "pure corruption." ADVERTISIMENT "The most interesting thing isthat there are 'Mine' signs, but there are no mines there," the official said about the "protection" of the territory. During the evacuation of one of the settlements, Harkavenko met two Russian conscripts. The command actually abandoned them: the soldiers were promised that they would only have to hold out for two days, and then "everything would be fine." Harkavenko noticed that the conscripts had only two horns with ammunition. When asked: "Is this all that's left?" the occupation army soldier replied: "No, that's all I had". The Russian military committed war crimes in front of civilians. They placed Grad multiple rocket launchers directly in the middle of residential buildings and fired at the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. "I turn on the TV in the evening to see what's going on - Smirnov (acting governor of the Kursk region - Ed.) reports that everything is fine, the situation is under control..." the Russian was outraged. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, Ukraine has taken a risky step by sending much-needed military units to the Kursk region. Russia, on the other hand, is in no hurry to withdraw some of the forces involved in the occupiers' offensive in Donetsk region, according to Der Spiegel. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Eleven residents were ordered to evacuate their homes immediately on Aug. 8 after an inspection showed dangerous structural damage in three of the six Villa Del Sol condominium buildings on A1A in St. Lucie County. In case you missed that ongoing story, here are the highlights and latest updates: The condos are at 11000 S. Ocean Drive on Hutchinson Island, south of Waveland Beach. A private engineering firm conducted a detailed inspection of the six buildings' structural integrity. Florida began requiring such milestone inspections after the Champlain Towers condominium in Surfside collapsed in June 2021, killing nearly 100 people. Inspections are required for 30-year-old oceanfront buildings that are three or more stories high and 25-year-old buildings that are within three miles of the coast. Both have to be reinspected every 10 years. Inspectors found numerous large cracks in the concrete as well as disintegrating rebar and large pieces of concrete that could be removed by hand or by tapping it with a hammer. Here are videos of Building 3, Building 4 and Building 5. Residents who had to scramble to pack essentials said they didn't know when they will be able to return. St. Lucie County officials said they will work with the engineer and homeowners association to ensure the issues are remedied before the buildings are occupied again. TCPalm investigation: Nearly 70 Treasure Coast condos face Surfside-like issues Gianna Montesano is TCPalms trending reporter. You can contact her at gianna.montesano@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1429, or follow her on X @gonthescene. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Surfside inspection: Villa Del Sol condos in Jensen Beach evacuated A mother has told how she saved her 1-year-old baby from drowning after a $39 million superyacht sank beneath the waves off the coast of Sicily. For a moment, Charlotte Golunski said she lost her grip on her daughter, Sophie, in the heavy seas after the yacht capsized in a freak waterspout. But then the desperate mother grabbed back hold of the terrified baby and held her above the water until help arrived. I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning, Golunski, 35, told Italian newspaper Republica. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Tech Titan Just Cleared of Fraud Is Missing After Luxury Superyacht Hit by Tornado The Oxford graduate, a senior associate at Invoke, was among the guests on board the Bayesian superyacht owned by tech titan Mike Lynch, who is among the six people missing after the storm. She said she could still hear her little girl crying in her ears as they floated in the waves and their holiday sailboat sank. For two seconds I lost the baby in the sea, then I immediately held her again in the fury of the waves. I held her tightly, tightly to me, while the sea was raging. So many were screaming. Fortunately, the lifeboat inflated and 11 of us managed to get on it, Golunski told the local newspaper Giornale Di Sicilia. She was speaking from the Giovanni di Cristina pediatric hospital in Palermo. Incredibly, the little girl escaped without a scratch, while her mother needed several stitches in a chest wound. Her husband, James, also survived and was treated at another Palermo hospital. The family was due to be reunited later on Monday. James first question to his wife on the phone was: How is the little girl? Is she there with you? The Telegraph reported Dr. Domenico Cipolla, head of the emergency room at the childrens hospital, telling local news media: She [Charlotte] told me that while they were sleeping, at a certain point the yacht overturned due to the tornado, and they found themselves in the water. Some of them immediately managed to get onto the lifeboat. And some, evidently, didnt make it. She told me that she was in the water for no more than two, three seconds, and she managed to save the baby, to keep her arms up, and then, with the others, they were able to get on the lifeboat, and then, I think, they were rescued by the coast guard. They are all in good condition. We managed to get the parents to talk [to each other] on the phone, all the doctors and nurses were all very moved, also because the little girl is fine, the prognosis is good, and we are carrying out tests just to be careful. The tornado-like storm is said to have struck out of nowhere and caught the passengers on board, most of them British, completely by surprise. The boat was still at anchor near the port, say witnesses, who claimed the storm broke the mast, causing it to lose balance and capsize. A nearby Dutch sailing ship reportedly rescued 15 survivors from the shipwreck. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The aftermath of the Russian attack on Okhmatdyt Childrens Hospital in Kyiv. Photo: Okhmatdyt on Facebook The World Health Organisation has confirmed that Russia has carried out 1,940 attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Source: WHO, noting that such attacks have been taking place almost daily since December 2023 Details: The organisation says this is the highest rate it has ever recorded in any humanitarian emergency worldwide. "For over 2.5 years now, 86% of all such attacks have impacted health facilities, with a significant proportion of such attacks involving heavy weapons. Moreover, WHO-verified attacks on health facilities have intensified significantly since December 2023 occurring on a near-daily basis," the WHO stressed. An average of 200 ambulances are being damaged or destroyed by Russian strikes every year since the full-scale invasion began. "In 2024, we are observing a lot of double-tap attacks. Now we have more shelling of civilian infrastructure than before. We are losing colleagues medical workers, nurses, doctors, paramedics. Now we have more shelling of civilian infrastructure than before. We are losing colleagues health-care workers, nurses, doctors, paramedics. According to WHO data, first responders and health transportation are 3 times more likely to suffer harm from attacks compared to other health-care personnel," said Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine. In 2023, 24 deaths among healthcare workers and patients were documented. At the same time, 34 people were killed in Russian attacks on medical facilities from January till mid-August 2024. The number of injuries this year has surpassed the totals for both 2023 and 2022, reaching 229 people. This indicates that one in four attacks on medical facilities has resulted in injuries. The WHO reports that 42% of all attacks since 2022 have targeted primary healthcare services. Secondary health care accounted for the majority of injuries and deaths in 2024, with one in five attacks resulting in injuries. As for emergency medical care, every second attack resulted in injuries. Background: Ukraine's Health Ministry reported that Russian attacks have completely destroyed buildings at 99 Ukrainian medical facilities since the start of the full-scale invasion, with over 200 facilities affected in total. Support UP or become our patron! Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton electrified the crowd on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention as she portrayed Vice President Kamala Harris as someone who could break barriers and reach a pinnacle that eluded her throughout her own political career. "Together, we've put a lot of cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling," Clinton said in her rousing remarks after receiving a warm welcome from the crowd at the United Center in Chicago. "And tonight so close to breaking through once and for all." Harris will be just the second woman to ever to accept a major party's nomination for president following Clinton, whose monumental 2016 run made history but ended with a general election loss to Donald Trump. Clinton began her remarks by thanking President Joe Biden for his leadership and for returning decency to the White House. But she quickly switched gears to lay out the historic progress that's led to this moment, recalling Shirley Chisholm's presidential run and Geraldine Ferraro being the first woman to be nominated as vice president. "And then, there was 2016 when it was the honor of my life to accept our party's nomination for president," Clinton said of her own experience. "And nearly 66 million Americans voted for a future where there are no ceilings on our dreams. And afterwards, we refused to give up on America. Millions marched. Many ran for office. We kept our eyes on the future." "Well, my friends, the future is here," she said to cheers. Clinton said she wished her mother and Harris' mother could see them, and believed they would tell them to "keep going." The audience then echoed back shouts of, "Keep going!" PHOTO: Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stands onstage during Day one of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters) Comparisons of Clinton and Harris' campaigns have begun to emerge as Harris ramped up her operation in the weeks after Biden's decision to step aside. Several Democrats told ABC News they are feeling buoyed by Harris' candidacy and how she's reenergized the party, but are worried about being overconfident against Trump after what transpired with Clinton eight years ago. MORE: Democrats head into their convention feeling optimistic -- and terrified: ANALYSIS Clinton, who first ran for president in 2008 but lost in the primary race to Barack Obama, was successful in 2016 in clinching the nomination after defeating independent Sen. Bernie Sanders. A bitter, ugly general election contest ensued between Trump and Clinton. Trump took to calling Clinton "Crooked Hillary" and the "devil." Clinton called half of Trump's supporters a "basket of deplorables," which critics called a mistake that alienated some voters. A Trump fundraising email sent out Monday hours ahead of Clinton's DNC remarks highlighted her past "deplorables" comment and claimed she was "about to unleash hell on MAGA." In her speech, Clinton took a shot at Trump for being convicted on 34 felony counts (a verdict he's vowed to appeal) saying he "made his own kind of history" and "fell asleep at his own trial." After those comments, the crowd broke into chants of "Lock him up!" to which Clinton smiled and nodded her head. Trump called for Clinton to be imprisoned multiple times in the 2016 campaign, with "Lock her up!" calls frequently emerging at his rallies. PHOTO: Republican nominee Donald Trump gestures as Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton looks on during the final presidential debate at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 19, 2016. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images) Polls in 2016 had shown Clinton ahead leading up to Election Day, but when results came in they showed Trump leading a stunning upset by grabbing several key battleground states. Clinton conceded the next morning. Clinton referenced polls in her speech, noting that while Harris has been polling better against Trump than Biden, Democrats can't take their foot of the gas. "No matter what the polls say, we can't let up," she said. "We can't get driven down crazy conspiracy rabbit holes. We have to fight for the truth. We have to fight for Kamala as she will fight for us. Because you know what? It still takes a village to raise a family, heal a country and win a campaign." Clinton recounted her loss in greater detail and what went wrong with her campaign in her 2017 memoir "What Happened." She wrote that she bore responsibility ultimately for the loss to Trump but described it being difficult to overcome stereotypes. She also directed some blame at former FBI director James Comey for reopening the investigation into her private email server 11 days before the election. After the 2016 election, Clinton maintained a relatively low profile until 2020 when she campaigned for Biden after his success in the Democratic primaries. Clinton spoke at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, saying she wish Trump had been a "better president" and praised Biden's character and his choice of Harris to be his running mate. She said they were a team who could "pull our nation back from the brink and build back better." More recently, she penned a New York Times op-ed offering Biden advice on how to debate Trump before the June CNN showdown. Clinton called Trump a bully who "stalked" her on the debate stage in 2016 and urged Biden to be "direct and forceful." After Biden dropped out of the race, in large part because his poor debate performance ignited Democratic fears about his age, Clinton wrote another Times op-ed offering a full-throated endorsement of Harris. PHOTO: Hillary Clinton waves as she arrives on stage to speak on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Aug. 19, 2024. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images) Clinton said that Harris can defeat Trump but warned she will face similar prejudices -- a theme she continued in her DNC speech. "On her first day in court, Kamala said five words that still guide her. Kamala Harris for the people," Clinton said, referencing Harris' record as a prosecutor. "That is something that Donald Trump will never understand," Clinton went on. "So, it is no surprise, is it, that he is lying about Kamala's record. He's mocking her name and her laugh. Sounds familiar. But we have him on the run now." Describing Harris as someone who would "always have our backs," Clinton praised the vice president for her work on reproductive rights, support for military service members and commitment to the rule of law. At times, some in the crowd appeared emotional as she spoke. "I want my grandchildren and their grandchildren to know I was here at this moment, that we were here, and that we were with Kamala Harris every step of the way," Clinton said. "This is our time, America. This is when we stand up. This is when we break through. The future is here. It's in our grasp. Let's go win it." Hillary Clinton, in DNC speech, says Kamala Harris can break 'hardest glass ceiling' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The women who supported Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign all have stories about the disappointment of the night she lost. Bishop Leah Daughtry, fresh off serving as the chief executive of the convention where Clinton accepted the Democratic nomination, attended the former secretary of states Election Night party armed with personnel lists to discuss in the coming days. After the race was called, she spent three days in bed before turning to the fight ahead. Eight years later, Clinton will again address the Democratic National Convention, this time to rally support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, the second woman to win a major party nomination. We have a chance as women to do what we didnt do in 2016 and get her over the top, Daughtry said of Harris. For many Democrats who hoped Clinton would become the first woman elected president, the sudden elevation of Harris is both a thrilling surprise and a second chance to make history. Clintons presence at the convention the first in-person gathering since her own 2016 event speaks to that dynamic. If I know anything about her, shes going to be talking about the future, said Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood. Shes like my mother before her, shes not about crying over spilled milk. Like many Democrats, Clinton is excited about Harris candidacy and is all in for her, and her speech will reflect that, according to a source familiar with her thinking. Her remarks are upbeat and will touch on the momentum the vice president has generated. She will also argue that Democrats need to be clear eyed about the long road to Election Day and Republicans familiar playbook. Clinton also plans to discuss the proverbial glass ceiling that she herself failed to fully break. She will talk about how many cracks have been put in the glass ceiling, but she will also talk about what she sees once the glass is shattered once Harris does it, the person familiar told CNN. Clinton has been in touch with the Harris campaign and spoke with the vice president backstage at the funeral of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee earlier this month about the state of the race, the source said. When she addresses the convention, Clinton will wear multiple hats, said Kelly Dittmar, director of research at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, Camden. Shes a prominent member of the party and also the only other woman who has run a general election campaign against Trump. I do think there is a unique experience that she had as a woman running against him, Dittmar said. I dont know how much shell talk about that in her speech, but thats another important role that she plays for Harris. In interviews, former Clinton campaign surrogates and staffers who are now supporting Harris praised the vice presidents campaign for the momentum it has generated. At the same time, they argued Clintons campaign is one of several that helped change the perception of who can run for president. She, along with candidates such as Rep. Shirley Chisholm, who in 1972 became the first Black woman to seek the Democratic nomination, helped pave the way for Harris, they said. I dont see this as much as others in terms of baton- or torch-passing, said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. I see this as creating and seeding the field. Thats what I see as the great gift that Hillary Clinton has given Kamala Harris. What happened? Though both women have Trump as their opponent, the circumstances are dramatically different. By the time she won the nomination in 2016, Clinton had spent more than two decades in the national spotlight as a first lady to a president involved in a sex scandal; a New York senator; a 2008 Democratic presidential candidate; and a secretary of state under President Barack Obama. She weathered Republican attacks, congressional hearings and an investigation into her use of a private email server at the State Department along the way. Despite her own two decades as an elected official in California and as vice president, Harris is still introducing herself to the nation. The Trump campaign is also rushing to define her during a truncated campaign. Hillary Clinton represented experience, stability to voters, and she was someone they knew very well, and in some cases, in a very distorted way, said Democratic pollster Celinda Lake. Harris represents change. Over the years, Clinton has reflected on the 2016 election, when she won 3 million more votes than former President Donald Trump but fell short in the electoral college after narrow losses in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. (Clinton also beat Trump among women by 13 points, though the former president beat her among White women by 9 points, according to CNN exit polls.) In her 2017 memoir What Happened, Clinton acknowledged several things she would have done differently, from saying half of Trumps supporters would fit in a basket of deplorables to the use of the private email server, the investigation of which included a politically damaging federal inquiry that then-FBI director James Comey reopened days before the election. The probe did not lead to charges. Since 2016, Trump and Clinton have continued to trade jabs at each other in interviews, speeches and social media posts. The former secretary has remarked on Trumps legal troubles, criticized his efforts to frame abortion as a state-level issue and sought to boost President Joe Biden in the race before he ended his reelection campaign last month. Trump continued to call for Clinton to be imprisoned during the 2020 campaign, though he has falsely claimed in recent interviews that he did not. Crooked Hillary is a sore loser who suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome and simply cant move on with her life because of that devastating defeat at the hands of President Trump, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, said in a statement. Though Clinton is likely to focus on the 2024 election, the 2016 race also offers a cautionary tale for Democrats. I think that she, more than anyone else, can speak to the importance of making sure that we all vote, because when you look at what happened in 2016, far too many people stayed home, said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. Key warnings Clinton issued during her 2016 campaign came true. She and other abortion rights advocates said Trump would appoint Supreme Court justices that would overturn Roe v. Wade; the court, including three justices appointed by Trump, did so with 2022s decision in Dobbs. And Clinton delivered a speech warning of the rise of the alt-right in August 2016, four years before groups such as the Proud Boys would play a key role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. A wave of political activity The 2016 election sparked a surge of womens involvement in politics fueled by disappointment over a missed opportunity to elect the first female president against Trump, who had claimed he could grab women by their genitals in an Access Hollywood tape that surfaced a month before the election. Trumps inauguration was met with global Womens March protests, and groups like Red Wine and Blue formed to capture the electoral energy and harness it after the 2018 midterms, when a record number of women ran and were elected to Congress. EMILYs List, which works to elect women who support abortion rights, had 42,000 women reach out expressing interest in running for office ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, up from nearly 1,000 who sought help during the 2016 cycle. Christina Reynolds, senior vice president for communications of EMILYs List and a veteran of Clintons 2016 campaign, said that activity reassured her that America could elect a woman to the presidency soon. I know women can get elected, and I know America will elect women, because they keep doing it, she said. In 2020, half a dozen prominent Democratic women ran for the nomination, including Harris. Though none of them won, Bidens decision to select Harris as his running mate positioned her for a future bit of her own one that has come sooner than many expected. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect that Christina Reynolds is a senior vice president for communications for EMILYs List. It has also been updated to reflect that Red Wine and Blue was formed after the 2018 midterm elections. CNNs MJ Lee contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PONCA, Neb. (KCAU) To recognize the Ponca Tribe of Nebraskas first village, a new historical marker has been set in stone at Ponca State Park. For almost a decade, the Ponca Historical Society has worked on a historical marker, detailing the tribes first village that was on the grounds of the Ponca State Park. To celebrate the unveiling, the Historical Society invited tribal members and the public to the state parks educational center. The Ponca Historical Societys vice president said this marker will help teach generations to come of the Ponca Tribe. My grandchildren need to know why Ponca was named Ponca, and they need to know about the tribe and the traditions and the symbolism within the tribe. They are beautiful people, the Ponca, are beautiful people, said Iris Dutton, with the Ponca Historical Society. Big Sioux train bridge blast may impede work travel Monday morning Dwight Howe is an Omaha and Ponca tribal member who moved to eastern Nebraska more than 20 years ago. Howe has been pushing for the historical marker in Ponca State Park since arriving. He said hes thrilled to see his dream become a reality. Its a type of closure, a part of another piece of the puzzle put together. Imagine if you had a thousand-piece puzzle when youre done. That feeling of accomplishment and that sense of, Wow, I did it. Thats what this is, said Dwight Howe, an Omaha and Ponca Tribal member. To finish off the unveiling, Ponca historical members gave three Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members a gift. Two prayer shawls and a barn quilt, all of which were designed with the colors of the Native American medicine wheel in mind. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, smaller breweries and other spirit manufacturers in New York State were able to ship their product directly to the customer. After a bill signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday, August 19, that change has now become permanent. According to the governors office, the bill will open new opportunities for the growing craft brewery industry in New York State. It will also allow these producers to ship their products directly to consumers, in New York State and beyond. New Yorks craft manufacturers create distinctive, world-class products that deserve a broader audience, Governor Hochul said in a statement. This legislation levels the playing field, allowing these small producers to reach new markets and foster economic growth across the state. With this new law, we are ensuring that New York remains a national leader in craft beverages, continuing to support our local businesses, tourism, and agriculture. According to the governors office, New York State is home to the largest number of craft cideries in the nation. The state also ranks second in the number of distilleries. Both have advocated for a long time to share the same privileges that wine manufacturers have enjoyed for almost 20 years. The bill will also provide safeguards to prevent underage access, as well as make sure the proper taxes are collected by mirroring current DTC wine shipping laws. This legislation provides our distilleries and cideries with tremendous opportunity for growth that will have a ripple effect on our economy, State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said in a statement. With the most cideries and the second-most distilleries in the nation, New York State is committed to continuing to support these small businesses, who ultimately also help provide a boost to our farmers as well. By opening up the direct-to-consumer shipping option, producers can reach even more customers and consumers have an opportunity to discover a new, favorite New York beverage. During the pandemic, New York craft breweries and cideries were granted temporary privileges to ship their product directly to the customer. This was done to help them survive the accompanying economic turndown and proved successful, with no recorded violations. The new law will permanently codify the privilege, and allow manufacturers to reach customers within New York State and across the United States. This legislation will hopefully support the long-term survival and create another growth spurt of New Yorks vibrant craft and farm alcohol producers, New York State Liquor Authority Chief Lily Fan said in a statement. I am immensely proud that our agency is able to support our manufacturing licensees in obtaining this long-sought change, which would allow them to directly touch their consumers and build brand loyalty in a meaningful manner. I am grateful for Governor Kathy Hochul and her teams leadership on this issue. I truly embrace and celebrate the partnership with our bill sponsors and committee chairs: Senator Skoufis, Assemblymember Lupardo, and Assemblymember Stirpe. I look forward to continuing to bring efficiency to our industry and affordability to all consumers while ensuring public safety. We are excited for our farm distillers and farm cideries who will now be able to expand their market by shipping their products directly to consumers, New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said in a statement. This is a lifeline for many struggling distilleries and cideries throughout the state. This will help strengthen the fruit, grain and potato industry in New York and is a huge win for agriculture. Assemblyman Robert Smullen also weighed in on the bill: I am very excited to see this bill signed into law, Smullen said in a statement. So many of our small businesses and farms help New York states agricultural, beverage and tourism industries continue to grow and expand. Simplifying the process for smaller producers to be able to deliver products to a wide range of consumers statewide and beyond will carry significant benefits for our state. The passage of this bill will help create new employment opportunities, bring in more tourists, generate economic growth and improve rural equity in struggling upstate regions of our state. Our local farms and small manufacturers face many challenges in their mission to grow and produce great quality, fairly-priced products for New York communities. To ensure they can continue to do what they do best for generations to come, we must pass more initiatives like this one. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. President Joe Biden walks arrives at Hagerstown Regional Airport to board Air Force One on his way to the White House, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, following a trip to Camp David. The House GOPs highly anticipated impeachment inquiry report against President Joe Biden was released Monday. | Jose Luis Magana The House Republicans anticipated impeachment inquiry report against President Joe Biden was released Monday. The nearly 300-page report from the GOP-led House committees alleged Biden engaged in impeachment conduct during his time as vice president. The House Committees on Oversight and Accountability, Judiciary, and Ways and Means gathered evidence that suggests Biden ignored conflicts of interest. His family members, including his son and brother, used Bidens position in the White House as leverage for business dealings in Ukraine, China and other countries, Republican lawmakers allege. The presidents son, Hunter Biden, who faces tax and firearm possession-related charges, received special treatment from the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the report says. Both President Biden and his son have maintained they are innocent. The report states, The Constitutions remedy for a Presidents flagrant abuse of office is clear: impeachment by the House of Representatives and removal by the Senate. What GOP leadership said about the impeachment inquiry report Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said the report conclusively found Biden abused his time in office for the financial benefit of his family and friends. The facts speak for themselves, and Democrats can no longer stretch the truth to cover for President Biden, said Jordan. Amid the Democratic National Convention this week, where Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to earn the Democratic presidential nomination, Jordan said, Americans should remember the reality of the Biden-Harris administration: crime, chaos, and corruption. Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the chairman of the Oversight Committee, said the GOPs efforts exposed the truth about Biden. But White House spokesperson Sharon Yang pushed back on the report, calling it a failed attempt to impeach the president. After wasting nearly two years and millions of taxpayer dollars, House Republicans have finally given up on their wild goose chase, Yang said, according to CNN. This failed stunt will only be remembered for how it became an embarrassment that their own members distanced themselves from as they only managed to turn up evidence that refuted their false and baseless conspiracy theories. According to The Associated Press, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said, We encourage all Americans to read this report, but refrained from signaling the Republican Conferences plans for impeachment. Its unclear if the GOP leadership has enough votes to pass articles of impeachment with a small Republican majority in the House. Bidens removal would also depend on the Democratic-controlled Senate. Democrats respond to GOP report House Democrats countered the GOP report with a 72-page memo, saying that even after going through 3.8 million pages of documents and 80 hours of testimony from witnesses, Republicans cant prove Biden committed any wrongdoing, let alone any high crime, misdemeanor, or other impeachable offense. The report noted a transaction that showed the president issued a $200,000 check from his brother, James Biden. The Democratic memo defended this transaction, saying the money was a loan, eventually repaid by the presidents brother. As The Hill noted, the report doesnt say whether Biden directly received money from his familys business dealings. Neither does it suggest foreign players influenced Bidens policies. This impeachment inquiry was launched under former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in September last year. RODANTHE, N.C. (WAVY) Another home on North Carolinas Outer Banks was claimed Friday by the Atlantic Ocean, with help from swells from Hurricane Ernesto churning hundreds of miles offshore near Bermuda. Former NFL player arrested after allegedly urinating on passenger during flight (Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue) Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue shared video of the home, in Rodanthe, washing away with the tide on Friday, cautioning viewers and locals not to enter the ocean due to debris. There were also still high risks of rip currents, hazardous shore break, and rough ocean conditions Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue said no one was inside the home when it collapsed. The owners had cut power to the home last week, the department added. The National Park Service had also strongly urged people to avoid the beaches and stay out of the water around all beaches and surf in Rodanthe, but said no one was injured. (Photos Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue) Cleanup began Saturday around 1 p.m. after the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge granted permission for cleanup activity. Seashore staff members also found evidence of compromised septic systems and advised the public not to go in the water until follow-up inspections are made. Much of the beach remained closed on Sunday. Many other homes appear to have sustained damage in the Rodanthe area, the Seashore said. Dangerous debris may be present on the beach and in the water for more than a dozen miles. (Photo National Park Service) This home collapse is the seventh known on Seashore beaches within the past four years. The last one collapsed in May along Ocean Drive in Rodanthe, just south of the pier. Continued erosion and elevated surf conditions in front of the Village of Buxton, a little south of Rodanthe on the Outer Banks, have caused ocean overwash under many of the homes. It used to be cocaine and a nut how is cola flavored today? A more thorough evaluation of damage to nearby homes and structures will be possible when conditions allow, Cape Hatteras National Seashore said. The Seashore is communicating with Dare County and conducting a detailed assessment of debris and hazards associated with damaged structures in Rodanthe, reads a portion of the Seashores press release. Coordination will occur between house owners, rental property management companies, and the Seashore once elevated surf conditions subside, and the full extent of damage is known. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) House Republicans said President Joe Biden should be impeached and removed from office in a new report released on Monday. The nearly 300-page investigative report focuses on the Presidents time as Vice President and his time out of office. It accuses President Biden and his son Hunter of selling influence. The report said Bidens family and associates made $27 million in exchange. Theres a huge cloud over the President of the United States, said Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), one of the members of the House Oversight Committee. The committee report said President Biden met with or was on the phone with Hunter Biden while he was meeting with foreign business associates. One committee witness said, Hunter Biden put his dad on speaker phone when he was interacting with business associate maybe 20 times, the report said. House Democrats released a dueling memo, arguing President Biden committed no wrongdoing. To be clear, there is no evidence that Joe Biden ever discussed his sons business ventures during any of these calls or visits, the memo said. The investigation has sought to weaponize the bond between President Biden and Hunter at a time when Joe Biden feared losing Hunter to drug addiction. The House formally ratified the impeachment inquiry in December of 2023. The report recommends Bidens impeachment and removal, though House Republicans have indicated it may not happen before the end of President Bidens term. I think it would not be in the best interest of our country to move forward on that, said Sessions. I will tell you that it is inconsequential now whether we move forward to remove President Biden or not. President Biden is a cooked President. Hunter Biden is set for trial on tax charges related to his foreign business deals next month. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. On the night of August 18, the oil depot of the Kavkaz plant near Proletarsk, Rostov region, Russia, was hit by Ukrainian-made intelligence drones. A fire is still burning there. ADVERTISIMENT The facility worked for the enemy military-industrial complex and supported the activities of the Russian occupation forces. OBOZ.UA learned about this from its own sources. "According to local telegram channels, eyewitnesses heard at least three explosions in the area of the facility, followed by the ignition of fuel tanks. Currently, they are still trying to extinguish the fire at the facility, " the source said, adding that the detailed results of the damage to the oil depot are currently being clarified. At 20:00 on Sunday, Rostov Region Governor Vasily Golubev admitted that firefighting was still ongoing. The Russians used three fire trains. "A high alert regime has been introduced in the Proletarsky district. According to experts, there is no threat of the fire spreading to residential buildings and neighboring objects," Golubev reported. ADVERTISIMENT The strike was previously confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They noted that the plant stored oil and oil products that were also supplied to the Russian occupation army. "The task was accomplished by the forces and means of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine in cooperation with the Armed Forces and other components of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Measures to undermine the military and economic potential of the Russian Federation continue. To be continued," the General Staff summarized. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA: - On the night of August 14, the SSU, together with the DIU and the Defense Forces, carried out a large-scale attack on Russian airfields. Four enemy military airfields on the territory of the Russian Federation were hit. - New satellite photos of the Savasleyka airfield of the Russian occupation forces in the Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia, which was attacked by Ukrainian drones on August 14, have been published online. The photos show traces of fires. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! House Republicans release their impeachment report on Biden but the next steps are uncertain President Joe Biden talks to reporters upon his arrival to Joint Base Andrews, Md., en route to the White House, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) WASHINGTON (AP) House Republicans have released their initial impeachment inquiry report on President Joe Biden, alleging an abuse of power and obstruction of justice in the financial dealings of his son Hunter Biden and family associates. The nearly yearlong investigation by Republicans stops short of alleging any criminal wrongdoing by the president. Instead, the almost 300-page report out Monday, the opening day of the Democratic National Convention, covers familiar ground, asserting the Biden family traded on its brand in business ventures in corrupt ways that rise to the Constitutions high bar for impeachment. With Biden no longer running for reelection, next steps are highly uncertain. House Republicans have not had support from their own ranks to actually impeach the president, and removal by the Senate is even further afield. Many Republicans prefer to focus attention on the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, with some probes getting underway. The White House has dismissed the House impeachment inquiry as a stunt and encouraged House Republicans to move on. The totality of the corrupt conduct uncovered by the Committees is egregious, wrote the House Oversight and Accountability, Judiciary and Ways & Means panels leading the inquiry. The report said the Constitutions remedy for a Presidents flagrant abuse of office is clear: impeachment by the House of Representatives and removal by the Senate. Republicans have spent the better part of their time in the House majority with a hyper focus on Biden and his familys businesses, encouraged by Donald Trump as the twice impeached and indicted former president makes a comeback bid for the White House. The impeachment inquiry has been a cornerstone of the House GOP's effort, launched by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy shortly before he was booted from leadership and formalized in December under new Speaker Mike Johnson. Republicans are investigating many aspects of Biden family finances going back to 2009 when he was vice president to Barack Obama. In a statement Monday, Johnson was non-committal on what the House will do with the findings. We encourage all Americans to read this report, he said. Through bank records, interviews from some 30 witnesses, whistleblower accounts and millions of documents, House Republicans allege a years-long practice by Hunter Biden and his associates to solicit foreign business deals using the familys proximity to power in Washington. Much of the focus of the report is not on Biden's time as president, but on the years when the Biden family was in turmoil after the 2015 death of his oldest son, Beau, and as the vice president was bowing out of elected office, declining to run for president in 2016. Hunter Biden has acknowledged a serious addiction to crack in these years. He was convicted in June of felony gun charges and is set to stand trial next month on federal tax charges. Former Hunter Biden associate Devon Archer, who was sentenced to a year in prison in 2022 in another matter, told the committee, At the end of the day, part of what was delivered is the brand." To tie the elder Biden to his sons actions, the Republicans rely on a series of phone calls and pop-by dinner meeting visits Joe Biden made while Hunter was conducting business. At times, Hunter would put his dad on speakerphone for his guests as the father and son exchanged pleasantries. The Bidens are a famously tight-knit family and acknowledge they speak almost daily, including during this time, with the father checking on his sons well-being. In his own defiant closed-door deposition to House investigators, Hunter Biden insisted he did not involve his father in his business. All told, the House Republicans allege the Biden family and its associates received some $27 million in business payments from partners or clients in Russia, China and other countries. They allege an additional $8 million in loans, including some from Hunter Biden benefactor Kevin Morris, a Hollywood attorney, and question the purchases of the sons artwork. The report said it is inconceivable that President Biden did not understand what was going on. President Biden participated in a conspiracy to monetize his office of public trust to enrich his family, the report claims. Biden himself declined a request to testify before the House. Touchbacks to Trumps impeachments at the hands of Democrats run throughout the reports pages as Republicans work to contrast his grounds for removal to Biden familys dealings and grift. But the difference are stark, as the indicted Trump faces actual criminal charges, including in the conspiracy to overturn Bidens 2020 election and draw supporters to Washington on the day of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The report also accuses Biden of obstructing justice in the probe, revisiting previously aired complaints about the Justice Departments handling of the investigation into Hunter Biden. Attorney General Merrick Garland has forcefully denied those accusations, defending the department against claims of political influence. The report focuses heavily on what Republicans have long alleged was a pattern of slow-walking investigative steps and delaying enforcement actions to the benefit of the presidents son. But the report provides no evidence that Biden had any involvement in his sons investigation, which was launched under Trumps presidency and has been led by a Delaware U.S. attorney appointed by Trump. The U.S. attorney, David Weiss, was kept on by Garland to insulate the probe from claims of political interference. Garland has insisted that no one at the White House gave him or other senior officials at the Justice Department direction about the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation. Beyond Hunter Biden, the report includes details of the involvement of Joe Bidens brother, James, in the various family businesses. Republicans have pointed to a series of payments that they claim show the president benefited from his brothers work. They point to a $200,000 personal check from James Biden to Joe Biden on the same day in 2018 that James Biden received an equal amount from Americore, a healthcare company. House Democrats have defended the transaction, pointing to bank records they say indicate James Biden was repaying a loan provided by his brother, who had wire transferred $200,000 to him about six weeks earlier. The money changed hands while Joe Biden was a private citizen. Short of impeaching Biden, the House Republicans have issued criminal referrals recommending the Justice Department prosecute Hunter Biden and James Biden, accusing them of making false statements to Congress as part of the GOP investigation. Attorneys for those men have argued those claims are baseless or a distraction. Until recently, the president had been a focal point for Republicans in Congress, but his decision last month to drop out of the presidential race and Harris ascent to the top of the ticket have forced GOP leaders to reevaluate their marquee investigation. A year ago, GOP lawmakers had hoped the Biden inquiry would build a strong enough case for impeachments high crimes and misdemeanors. But the longer the inquiry dragged and the little direct evidence against Biden investigators were able to produce in public hearings or even in closed-door sessions, the more concerns grew from moderate Republicans wary of a vote on the matter. The report released Monday makes more than 20 mentions of the Biden-Harris administration, while previous releases from the committees investigating Biden typically only made direct references to him. And while Harris is not mentioned on her own in the report, the same committees leading the inquiry have begun to open new probes into her and her vice presidential pick, Tim Walz. ___ Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Gary Fields, Fatima Hussein and Nicholas Riccardi contributed to this report. Exploratory wells have damaged the water flow at Ha Kamwe in Wikieup, Arizona, seen here on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Ha Kamwe is a hot spring sacred to the Hualapai Tribe, which says an Australian company's proposed lithium mining project threatens. Photo by Ash Ponders | Earthjustice For years, the Hualapai Tribe tried to work with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management by actively voicing their concerns about a lithium exploration project near Wikieup, in northern Arizona. The project allows a mining company to drill and test over 100 sites across BLM land that surrounds one of the Hualapai Tribes cultural properties, among them HaKamwe, a medicinal spring sacred to the tribe. HaKamwe is featured in tribal songs and stories about the history of the Hualapai people and their connection to the land. The historic flow and spring temperature are important attributes for its traditional uses, according to the tribe. Out of concern for HaKamwe, the tribe submitted multiple public comments, sent several letters of concern and participated in tribal consultations with BLM throughout the planning phase for the Big Sandy Valley Lithium Exploration Project. Big Sandy, Inc., a subsidiary of Australian mining company Arizona Lithium, leads the project. It doesnt feel like the BLM really heard us or took our comments into full consideration, said Ka-voka Jackson, the director of the Hualapai Department of Cultural Resources, adding that the tribe often felt as if it was never taken seriously. Big Sandy, Inc. has been seeking approval for its project since 2019, and the Hualapai Tribe has been voicing its concerns every step of the way. However, their efforts still fell flat, as BLM gave the project the green light on June 6. BLMs approval of the Big Sandy Valley Project allows the mining company to drill and test up to 131 exploration holes across 21 acres of BLM-managed public land to determine whether a full-scale lithium mining operation could be viable. Two months later, the Hualapai Tribe filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management, challenging its approval. On Aug 16, the tribe filed a motion asking the district court for a temporary restraining order against the BLM, asking for an immediate stop to all drilling operations. The motion states that if the drilling project is allowed to move forward, it threatens the lifeways of the Tribe associated with HaKamwe. Ground-disturbing activities have begun at the site, the lawsuit stated. Lawsuit: BLM refused to consider alternatives HaKamwe is located within the Hualapai Tribes property known as Cholla Canyon Ranch, and the boundaries of the Big Sandy Valley project nearly surround the entire property. Only one portion of the tribes land does not border the drilling project. Jackson said its surprising, appalling and, frankly, disgusting that the BLM is trying to say there are no adverse effects on the tribes cultural property or cultural resources. The tribe maintains that we are opposed to this project, she said. This lawsuit is to make sure that BLM is going through the proper processes. These exploratory wells some of which will be drilled close to HaKamwe will penetrate deep below ground into the aquifer that supports the springs flows, the lawsuit states. The Project will also create noise, light, vibrations, and other disturbances that will degrade HaKamwes character and harm Tribal members use of the spring for religious and cultural ceremonies. This embedded content is not available in your region. The lawsuit claims that the project violated mandates under the National Environmental Protection Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. HaKamwe is recognized as a traditional cultural property and is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The litigation is asking for full compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), said Earthjustice Senior Attorney Laura Berglan, who is part of the team representing the Hualapai Tribe. This includes BLM taking a hard look at the environmental impacts of the exploration activity, as well as considering the impact of its actions on historic properties, she said. The lawsuit claims that BLM approved the mining project without appropriately considering a reasonable range of alternatives or taking a hard look at water resources under the NEPA and moved forward with the project without providing mitigation measures under the NHPA for HaKamwe and other resources important to the tribe, thus violating both acts. This isnt a situation where the tribe wasnt engaged throughout, Berglan said, adding that the Hualapai Tribe had provided BLM with traditional Indigenous knowledge related to the project. Still, it was not fully taken into account. Berglan said the tribe has been trying to work with BLM for years, and has committed a substantial amount of time and resources to review drafts of the environmental assessments and submit extensive comments. A lot of time has gone into this process, and to be sort of disrespected by not taking into account their Indigenous knowledge that this (project) is going to have impacts on Hakamwe is troublesome, she added. The lawsuit argues that the tribe even asked BLM to consider alternatives to the project such as drilling fewer wells or moving them farther from the spring to reduce its adverse effects. However, BLM refused to consider a reasonable range of alternatives to the project proposal. BLM violated NEPA by failing to consider a middle-ground alternative that would address the tribes concerns, the lawsuit states The Arizona Mirror contacted BLM for comment on the lawsuit, but a representative said the bureau does not comment on pending litigation. We were ignored Jackson said that the Hualapai Tribe does not want this mining project to happen, and like many other tribes in Arizona, they are experiencing just how hard it is to stop mining operations in the state. We submitted all our comments, Jackson said. We were ignored. Jackson said the tribe filed the lawsuit because it believes BLM did not follow the proper processes during the Sandy Valley projects environmental analysis phase. Not all of those comments were addressed, and when the (environmental assessment) had been finalized, the BLM said there were no adverse effects on historic property, which is very contradictory to all the tribes comments that have been submitted to the BLM, Jackson said. Jackson said that before BLM finalized the environmental assessment, the tribe tried to stay in constant communication with the bureau to stay current on the project and were hopeful the bureau would consider their comments, but did not hear back. Its been very upsetting for us, Jackson said, adding that its been hard for the tribe because they are going up against an agency that has a lot of their ancestral homelands in their legal possession. Dolores Garcia, the public affairs specialist at the BLM Arizona State Office, said in an email to the Mirror that BLM conducted outreach to tribes for consultations over the past three years. Details on the type of outreach efforts were not provided. The tribes include the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, the Hopi Tribe, the Hualapai Tribe, the Navajo Nation, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Yavapai-Apache Nation and the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe. Tribal consultation is considered confidential government-to-government communication, so we cannot discuss specific details related to consultation, Garcia said. However, Garcia said that, based on input from the tribes and the public, BLM worked with the proponent to revise its exploration plan, which included removing the use of a groundwater well within a few hundred feet of HaKamwe and a nearby staging area. Water needed to support the drilling operations will be trucked to the site, Garcia said. The proponent has also committed to providing the opportunity for the Hualapai Tribe and other descendant tribal communities to monitor ground disturbing activities onsite. Jackson said their experience with how BLM moved forward on this lithium project did not give the tribe much faith in potential future projects. She said when projects like Big Sandy Valley get proposed in the area, the tribe hopes that the BLM will come to work with them and take their comments seriously because they have been the stewards of the land for generations. We still use HaKamwe as a community, Jackson said. When people go there, they have this sense of being, a sense of place, a sense of belonging, and a really deep ancestral tie there. Temporary disruptions dont need permanent fixes, BLM says As part of its environmental assessment, BLM listed several short- and long-term effects, including the temporary disruption to cultural practices at or near HaKamwe and the impact on native wildlife and vegetation of up to 21 acres. Even with these effects included in the assessment, which are concerns the Hualapai Tribe has brought up multiple times, BLM concluded that the Big Sandy Valley project would not significantly impact the quality of the area and an environmental impact statement was not needed. Visual, noise, and vibration effects from drilling activities would be temporary, the BLM wrote in its final report. Coordination with and providing notice to the Hualapai Tribe of drilling activities in the vicinity of the HaKamwe may reduce impacts to cultural practices at or near the hot spring. Jackson said the tribe and its members have every right to be out at HaKamwe utilizing the spring for prayer and healing because it is part of their spirituality and religion. Tribal members have full access to the property and can use it whenever necessary. Having that type of noise occurring is really disrupting, she said. It takes away from a lot of the spirituality and ability to practice ceremony in peace. Jackson said the tribe will have to deal with the disruptions throughout the projects 18-month duration. Thats a long time for tribal members to be affected, and that disrupts all of our activities, she added. It disrupts our spirituality. The drilling project threatens not only ceremonial ways of life but also natural resources the tribe relies on. Jackson said the community gathers native plants only found in the Big Sandy Valley area, including willows for basket making, traditional tobacco, and clay. Those plants coming from that area have meaning, she said, and they are the same native plants their ancestors gathered from. When we gather, were not restricted to just the Hualapai property, Jackson said because tribal members gather on the public BLM land in the area, too. Thats our right as people to be able to go out there and gather, she added, and the bulldozing that will occur to create the paths to the drilling sites will have an impact. The desert will never recover from all that. Jackson said part of what makes the area sacred for the tribe is maintaining the integrity of the land, and the tribe feels that the mining operations will permanently change the location. Theyre concerned about how the project will impact the spring because the drilling will occur so close to the site. According to BLM, to minimize impacts on HaKamwe, a water source that was previously proposed to be used for the project has been removed from the plan, and a staging area that would have been set up near HaKamwe has also been removed. Analysis of water resources has determined that the water source for HaKamwe is located in a deeper aquifer, the report states. The proposed drilling is not anticipated to reach the aquifer, according to BLM, and if water is intersected during the drilling, the hole shall be plugged using cement grout or bentonite clay. Jackson said the tribe does not think that is good enough because if the mining hits the water and does utilize bentonite clay or cement grout, there is no guarantee that it wont have an adverse effect or potentially block off the underground water that flows through the spring. If the temperature were to be affected thats changing the entire character of the spring and the integrity of it, Jackson said, which is a big deal for the tribe because HaKamwe translates to warm spring. Were going to try every way we can to try and stop this operation, Jackson said, adding that this is the first lithium mining project of its kind on their homelands and theyve opposed it the entire time. Its kind of scary looking into the future, seeing how these mining companies can kind of get away with this and how the BLM is letting it happen, even when they know how it will negatively impact the tribes and the tribes sacred lands, Jackson said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Human Remains Found in Propane Tank on Dee Warner's Husbands Property, Years After Woman Goes Missing: Police Police have been searching since 2021 for the Michigan mother of four Michigan State Police; Lenawee County Jail Dee Warner, left, and Dale Warner Human remains were found in a tank on property owned by the husband of a Michigan mother of four who vanished in 2021, authorities said on Sunday, Aug. 18. Dee Warner, 52, was reported missing on April 25, 2021, from her home on Munger Road in Tipton, which is about 65 miles southwest of Detroit and about 32 miles south of Ann Arbor. On Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, during the execution of a search warrant in Lenawee County human remains were found on property belonging to her husband, Dale Warner, 56, Michigan State Police said in a statement Sunday. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 20. The remains are currently in the process of being recovered and there will be a great deal of work and testing completed before positive identification is made, MSP said in the statement. The family of Dee Warner has been contacted and advised of the findings. This continues to be an ongoing investigation, the statement said. The missing womans family members said they believe the remains, which were found in a tank stored in a weather-worn, secluded barn on one of Dales properties off Paragon Road, are Dees. The remains were found in a tank that usually holds anhydrous ammonia, which is used in fertilizer for farming, a family spokesperson told WTVG. Related: His Wife Disappeared 2 Years Ago Now Hes Charged With Her Murder Dale pleaded not guilty to both charges and has long maintained his innocence. In June 2024, a judge ruled that there was enough evidence for him to stand trial for his wifes murder, WXYZ reports. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. He is being held on $15 million bond. His lawyers have argued strongly that he did not kill his wife, citing that her body had never been found. His attorneys did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment about the discovery of remains. Anyone with information related to the disappearance of Dee Warner is asked to contact D/Sgt. Dan Drewyor at (734)242-3500. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. HONOLULU (KHON2) The husband of a woman that has been missing since Aug. 1 is in military custody, according to an update from the U.S. Army. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Private First Class Dewayne Arthur Johnson, II is currently in military pretrial confinement in Hawaii. Johnsons wife, Mischa, was reported missing by her husband after she was last seen the evening of July 31 at home. Mischa is 19 years old and six months pregnant. $10,000 reward for information on missing pregnant woman Were talking closely with the family. Were looking at anything when it comes to surveillance cameras that are available to the general public. Were trying to rebuild those timelines on where she might have been, Special Agent in Charge, Ruben Santiago told KHON2 at the onset of the investigation. Mischa is five feet, two inches and is approximately 170 pounds and has a distinctive dragon tattoo on her back, per Army CID. PFC Johnson, from Frederick, Maryland, was assigned to 25th Infantry Division and serves as a Cavalry Scout. This is a current and ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time. We encourage anyone who may have information regarding Mischa Johnson to contact U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) (808)-208-0059, the Army said in a news release. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Hwy 19 re-opened outside of Trenton, S.C. after being closed due to tractor trailer, passenger vehicle accident EDGEFIELD COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) Emergency responders are now on the scene after a tractor trailer accident involving a passenger vehicle, and Highway 19 is back opened after being shut down outside of Trenton, South Carolina. According to Edgefield County Emergency Dispatch, the accident happened near the intersection of Highway 19/Augusta Road and Greenhouse Road. Dispatchers say the first emergency call for service following the accident came in at 3:08 P.M. According to authorities, one person has been taken to an area hospital. According to South Carolina State Patrol, the road is now back open at Highway 19 and Greenhouse Road just outside of town in Trenton. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Hypocritical NYC union wants to ban hotel outsourcing even though it uses outside contractors, too A powerful city union that is pushing legislation to ban Big Apple hotels from contracting out certain front-line jobs outsources work all the time to manage its Manhattan headquarters including to some non-union firms, records show. The Hotel Trades Council spent more than $700,000 in contracts with outside firms over the past 10 years for maintenance and cleaning services for its offices at 701-709 Eighth Ave. in Manhattan, according to records filed with the US Labor Department. The Hotel Trades Council has spent more than $700,000 on outside firms in the past ten years for maintenance and cleaning of its Manhattan headquarters, according to records. G.N.Miller/NYPost HTC/Local 6 Unite Here spent more than $240,000 on a non-union cleaning company, Sterling Cleaning Services, in 2022-2023. It also paid more than $53,000 to RJR Maintenance Group, a non-union firm, too. In addition, the union farmed out millions of dollars for legal, consultant, and computer services per year. HTC/Unite Here Local 6 owns 701-707 Eighth Ave. and 709-715 Eighth Ave. through a subsidiary called Hacels, LLC. Marcia Azeez serves as the chief financial Officer of both groups. In 2023, the union also spent $109,296 for computer services, $83,000 for political consulting, $2,149,365 for legal counsel, and $702,568 for general consultants, records show. The Hotel Trades Council has contracted to non-union firms, records show. G.N.Miller/NYPost The proposed hotel legislation supported by the union would require hotels core employees such as housekeeping and maintenance to be employed by the hotels rather than be contracted out. Backers of the measure say it could, among other things, help combat sex-trafficking, since hotel workers are more steady and can spot unusual and potentially illicit activity more easily. Hotel owners oppose the measure, likening it to a financial nuclear bomb that would be dropped on the industry. The fact that the HTC wants to deny hotel owners and managers the flexibility and option of contracting out certain services which its own leaders use to manage their property is blatant hypocrisy, critics of the bill add. The hotel unions crusade against outsourcing is nothing but hypocritical theater, said Charlyce Bozzello, communications director of the Center for Union Facts, a union watchdog group. Its outrageous that theyre pushing for regulations they themselves flout by outsourcing their own key services. Their double standard should make workers question the unions true intentions, Bozzello said. Vijay Dandapani, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City, said its critical that New York hotels have that flexibility to outsource work. Both union and non-union hotels have an absolute need to hire outsourced labor for different needs both due to keeping costs in check as well as doing tasks that union labor (in union hotels) will not or cannot do, Dandapani said in a statement. Vijay Dandapani, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City, previously called the bill a nuclear bomb on the hotel industry in New York City. Getty Images for Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) For example, in union hotels deep cleaning of marble and granite floors or certain types of HVAC maintenance and repair work is almost always outsourced, he said. Non-union hotels, particularly smaller ones in the outer boroughs, keep costs down in a very high cost of operating environment as New York City has the highest operating costs in the nation along with the highest real estate tax levy. The union said comparing its own outsource spending to that of hotels is off-base. Comparing hotels to a midtown office building is as ridiculous as comparing apples to pianos, said HTC spokesman Austin Shafran in a statement. The bill is sponsored by city Councilwoman Julie Menin. Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images People arent selling meth or sex trafficking women in office cubicles. Almost every office building uses outside services for cleaning and maintenance because thats not what office workers do. But a core job of hotel workers is to clean and be able to spot criminal activity, which is why this legislation requires only those core hotel workers to be directly employed by the hotel, Shafran said. He also said the hiring of outside lawyers, political and media consultants is standard practice. The unions use of outside law firms and consultants is unfortunately a common protection against greedy hotel owners and pathetic press attacks like this, Shafran said. The proposed hotel legislation is sponsored by city Councilwoman Julie Menin (D-Manhattan), who is jockeying to become the next council speaker, sources said. Idaho Senate Bill 1329 cites that children "often lack maturity and make choices without considering either immediate or long-term consequences" Getty A stock image of a Band-Aid being administered A recently passed Idaho Senate bill is limiting students' access to in-school medical services unless they have parental consent. Senate Bill 1329, also known as The Parents' Rights in Medical Decision-Making Act, which was put into effect on July 1 and reviewed by PEOPLE, states that "an individual shall not furnish a health care service or solicit to furnish a health care service to a minor child without obtaining the prior consent of the minor child's parent." These new protections extend to minor, non-life-threatening injuries, including those that would only require the use of a simple Band-Aid or over-the-counter headache medication. The bill's Statement of Purpose further clarifies that its passing "ensures that children, who often lack maturity and make choices without considering either immediate or long-term consequences, are protected by the informed decision-making of their parents, who possess the most knowledge and are in the best position to ensure that their children receive adequate medical attention." Getty A stock image of a Band-Aid being administered Related: Colo. Students Grieved Friends Fatal Overdose. Then They Fought for Statewide Change and Won "This legislation only reaffirms the fundamental rights of parents to access health care information and make their children's health care decision," it adds. The Parents' Rights in Medical Decision-Making Act's main text further defines the new constraints as effecting a school nurse's decision to administer "diagnosis, screening, examination, prevention, treatment, cure, care, or relief of any physical or mental health condition, illness, injury, defect or disease" to a student without a parent's prior approval. In accordance with that bill, Boise School District reportedly shared a message with parents regarding the new policy, writing, "While the Boise School District is not a health care provider in general, and does not diagnose medical conditions, we do provide services that are covered by the new law," according to NBC News. The statement reportedly doubled down by noting, again, that "The new law now requires parental consent before non-life threatening medical services," per local outlet KTVB7. Getty A stock image of a child walking towards a school bus Related: Hundreds of Students Protest Texas Schools New Cellphone Ban: 'This Is Not Right' Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. PEOPLE reached out to the Idaho School Boards Association and the Boise School District for further comment on the decision, but they did not immediately respond. According to KTVB7, local districts are honoring the new bill, but highlighting that there are certain exceptions. Boise School District shared in a statement with KTVB7 that they are instructing staff, "If a child requires non-life threatening medical care, or mental health treatment, and no parent is available to provide consent promptly, please use your best judgment and provide the care as needed." Another Idaho school district, West Ada, told the publication, "West Ada has been using the same consent to treat protocol for over 15 years. While we maintain our established practices, we are now operating with an increased level of awareness in light of recent legislation." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Idahos water is in trouble and farmers, not government mandates, are the solution | Opinion Most people dont know it, but Idaho has a problem a big problem only Idahoans can solve. Idaho is facing a water shortage underground. Its a tough message to convey because Idaho is in a good water year, but this is not about the water you can see. It is about the water you cant see. The Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) is rapidly dwindling. It has been for decades. Said another way, the water budget is out of balance. There has been more water coming out of the aquifer than going in. The aquifer, larger than the size of Lake Erie, has been steadily declining for 60 years. How much water have we lost? Since 1952, we have lost the equivalent of five trillion gallons of water enough for the domestic use for the total population of Idaho for the next 75 years. Why do we need to turn this around and get aquifer levels headed in the right direction? Because the aquifer is our most important source of water in the state. It sustains agriculture across Idaho, especially in eastern Idaho. It is the sole source of drinking water for most municipalities on the plain and countless domestic wells. It feeds the Snake River, our lifeblood for agriculture, recreation, energy, fisheries, and many other uses. I am committed to the success of Idaho agriculture, especially in eastern Idaho. I have personally been fully engaged since the start of my administration to invest in water infrastructure and bring the right folks to the table to solve the problem. The Legislature and I put half a billion dollars toward water quantity investments over the past three years. And we arent just throwing money at the problem without results. Recent data suggests that the Idaho Water Resource Boards Managed ESPA Recharge Program is helping to turn the ship around, albeit slowly. In addition, I hosted a statewide water summit in August of 2023 with hundreds of Idaho stakeholders to identify challenges and potential solutions to water issues in Idaho. I directed the Idaho Department of Water Resources to create the ESPA Groundwater Management Plan Advisory Council which has met regularly since 2023 with a goal of creating a groundwater management plan that will help us balance our aquifers checkbook. And just weeks ago, I signed an executive order, the Protecting Idaho Water Sovereignty Act, which charts a path forward on a new agreement that is driven by Idaho farmers not the government. Several negotiation meetings have taken place over the summer, and Im confident that farmers will create the solutions that will avoid future water shortages no matter where you farm. But let me be clear about something: I will not mandate a government solution. Why? Because the only solution that is acceptable to me is one that is crafted by farmers. If we dont do this together, then the EPA or the courts (or worse, Congress!) will determine our water destiny. Idaho farmers, not the feds, must come up with the solution. And that is exactly what is happening. Just last week, I sat down with water users from all over the Eastern Snake Plain and watched what happens when farmers collaborate. Their ingenuity far outpaces any government idea. But again, the threat of losing control of our water management and decision-making to the feds is more real than ever. The most conservative U.S. Supreme Court in our nations history just blocked an agreement between rural western states in a ruling that allows the federal government to assert control of water in times of disagreement. We dont want that to happen in Idaho. Agriculture is too important to risk handing our water over to anyone but our own. Folks, this is not about us versus them or eastern Idaho water users versus Magic Valley water users. In fact, a quarter of senior surface water users in the state are located in eastern Idaho. Idaho law is meant to protect Idahoans and our water. It might not always be pretty, but it protects property rights and maintains our water sovereignty. As governor, my job is to protect Idaho water and everything and everyone that depends on it. I encourage all Idahoans to join me in this effort. I will fight tooth and nail against the federal government to retain control of our water for eastern Idahos agricultural economy and future generations. That means farmers making decisions for themselves. Brad Little is the Republican governor of the state of Idaho. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) The man who was found and subsequently died following a stabbing near a Fresno park over the weekend has been named by the Fresno Police Department. Officers say 23-year-old Jared Rogers was found bloody and with a broken arm at around midnight on Sunday at 750 North Chestnut Avenue, at Martin Ray Reilly Park. First responders said Jared Rogers was found lying in a parking stall with multiple stab wounds. Man with stab wounds dies after being found near Fresno park While he was initially responding to the officers at the scene, officers say Jared Rogers quickly became unresponsive and was taken to Community Regional Medical Center. He was pronounced dead a short time later. 23-year-old Jared Rogers (image courtesy of the Fresno Police Department) Investigators say Rogers was involved in a disagreement with another person near a gazebo at Martin Ray Reilly Park. The suspect produced a weapon and stabbed Rogers several times. The suspect in this deadly stabbing is described by police as an adult Hispanic male, approximately 53 to 54 tall, with a thin build, wearing a shiny blue shirt, jeans, and glasses. The Fresno Police Department described Jared Rogers as a member of the unhoused community. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective M. Moreno at 559-621-2443 or Detective A. Lopez at 559-621-2072. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. On August 19, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the martyr Andrew Stratilat. The world celebrates the International Day of Humanitarian Aid, and beekeepers in Ukraine celebrate their professional holiday. ADVERTISIMENT On this day, those named Andrii, Mykhailo, Arkhyp, Makar, Yulian, and Khrystyna are the birthday people. OBOZ.UA tells about the holidays and significant events of this day. What holidays are celebrated on August 19 The professional holiday of beekeepers in Ukraine began to be celebrated in 1997. Officially, the Day of the Beekeeper was established by Presidential Decree No. 815/97 and is celebrated annually on August 19. Experts estimate that every seventh ton of the world's honey is Ukrainian. World Humanitarian Day was established at the initiative of the World Health Organization and other international organizations. The goal is to draw attention to the role of humanitarian workers and the need to unite to help those in difficult situations. It also honors the memory of those who have been killed or injured during humanitarian operations. ADVERTISIMENT August 19 is also World Photography Day. On August 19, 1839, the French government acquired a patent for daguerreotypes, the first prototypes of photography. And on August 19, 2010, the first global online gallery was created as part of this holiday. The United States celebrates Aviation Day on this day, Afghanistan celebrates Independence Day, and animal rights activists established Orangutan Day on August 19. Notable historical events on August 19 1839 - France proclaimed daregotype a "gift to the world," making photography a widely available technology. 1914 - The governing body of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen, the Ukrainian Military Administration, is established. 1943 - U.S. President F. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill sign a secret agreement on cooperation in the development of the atomic bomb. ADVERTISIMENT 1960 - the first orbital flight of living beings with a return to Earth is made. 1982 - a spacecraft was launched, with Ukrainian Leonid Popov as a member of the crew. 1989 - The parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Lviv was the first to leave the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church and declare itself part of the UAOC. Who was born on August 19 1871 - Orville Wright, one of the Wright brothers, co-inventor of the airplane. 1883 - Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel, French fashion designer. 1902 - Oles Donchenko, Ukrainian writer. 1924 - Willard Boyle, American physicist of Canadian descent, Nobel Prize in Physics. 1930 - Frank McCourt, American writer, Pulitzer Prize winner. 1996 - Vitaliy Skakun, Ukrainian soldier. Hero of Ukraine. Died on this day: 14 - Octavian Augustus, Roman emperor. 1662 - Blaise Pascal, French mathematician, physicist, writer and philosopher. ADVERTISIMENT 1913 - Mykhailo Komarov-Umanets, Ukrainian bibliographer and folklorist. 2020 - Borys Paton, Ukrainian scientist, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Hero of Ukraine. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Once described by comedian John Hodgeman as tasting of pencil shavings and heartbreak, Jeppsons Malort is a polarizing wormwood and anise-flavored liqueur thats kind of a secret handshake among Chicagoans. Originated and distilled in the city, its strong taste with notes of rubber bands, licorice and grapefruit makes it something of a rite passage among local drinkers. Now, as an estimated 50,000 people descend upon Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker wants to share the local liqueur. Over the weekend, the governor posted a clip of his recent appearance on MSNBCs Inside with Jen Psaki on social media with the caption: Excited to announce Malort as the unofficial shot of the Democratic National Convention. A portion of the segment, which served as a look-ahead to the DNC, showed host Psaki and Pritzker at a Wrigleyville bar. If you come to Chicago, every Chicagoan knows youve got to have a shot of Malort, Pritzker said. This is a liqueur that Chicagoans take. Im not saying its the best tasting liquor. Im just saying its the one if you want to prove your mettle. I dont know if thats an endorsement of the liqueur, Psaki replied, before the two each took a shot of Malort. Ooh! Paski exclaimed. That has an after-effect. The DNC runs from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22 in Chicago. Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on her policy platform, including improving the cost of living for all Americans and to lower costs for middle-class families in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Aug. 16. This is the candidate's first major policy speech since accepting the democratic party nomination. Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images Ithappenedovernight. At least, it feels like it did. One moment, President Joe Biden announces that hes dropped out of the 2024 Presidential Election after a debate performance that left us at a loss for words. The next, those dark shadows produce chartreuse and blurred lowercase text an aesthetic borrowed from Charli XCXs Brat, the unofficial album of the summer. We suddenly became aware of the context of all in which we live one where Kamala Harris, equipped with $310 million that had been fundraised in July alone and a slew of bipartisan support, would win the Democratic presidential nomination and take on Donald Trump. Since @BidenHQ became @KamalaHQ, Harris social media team has been working overtime. Theyve raked a ton of engagement across Instagram, TikTok and other platforms by tapping into emerging sounds, trends and visuals all while taking satisfying (and fact-based) jabs at Trump, his running mate JD Vance and other Republican adversaries. Its all part of an audience-first, IYKYK social strategy thats energetic and agile a clear reflection of Harris young and savvy social team, who appear to totally grasp the current state of the internet. Arguably, its also a reflection of Harris herself, who takes the stage after an eight-year dynasty of sluggish old white men. Relatability is the cornerstone of Harris social campaign, so much so that the team has opted to use her first name to forge a sense of connection with voters online. As a Gen Z woman of color, I find it promising; its not often that politicians will meet voters where they are culturally and digitally, and Harris campaign is arguably the first with a dedicated approach to win voters like me. But, relatability is surface level. Its fundamentally not the same thing as having a deep understanding for, and commitment to, the issues that concern young Americans of color. And while her social team is making strides in the former, there are still gaps in the latter to be addressed. Getting Gen Zs like myself to discuss, like and share content is no easy feat. Theres an unspoken digital construct of rules and regulations to avoid being relegated to cringe, from which theres no coming back. Harris herself teetered in this territory throughout her vice presidency, making the internet nervously laugh at her quips and musings on Venn diagrams and yellow school buses. Of course, gender and race are always at play. By the sheer nature of being a Black and South Asian woman, Harris doesnt get the same grace as those old white men. Various corners of the internet have been quick to relegate her as unserious and a childless cat lady, despite her undertakings while in the Biden administration. But with the way @KamalaHQ has owned and subverted that perception, theyll have you believe this was their plan all along. Theyve fully assumed Harris identity as your fun aunt, and her VP-select and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as a wholesome dad from the Midwest. Theres a confidence underlying her posts one that suggests Harris has already won the internet and by proxy, their vote. A like on TikTok is basically seen as an endorsement, Lauren Kapp, a team member who manages @KamalaHQ on TikTok, told CNN. Kapp also said that theyre seeing a lift in their engagement numbers compared to when the account was @BidenHQ. So yeah, @KamalaHQs got our attention. But attention isnt enough, as weve seen presidency over presidency. The stakes are high. Now more than previous generations, polls show that young people are looking to the government to make meaningful interventions in their day-to-day which means that putting pen to paper on all policies and promises has never been more important in winning the demographic. Infographics and videos of speeches supplement the memes on @KamalaHQ. Through them, we have a digestible, documented snapshot of what the Harris administration promises, like protecting access to abortion and birthing peoples rights to choose, and implementing measures to prevent price gouging on groceries and prescription drugs. But the Harris team has yet to address other looming, existentially threatening crises that we care about. The presidential nominees sordid past with policing, for one, has raised concerns around how shell address mass incarceration and criminalization in office. That, and questions still remain around the action shell take to address the Israeli-Palestinian War. i desperately want to defeat trump and stop project 2025 but Kamala has simply not done enough to end the genocide in Palestine and hold Israel accountable for their war crimes, one user asked on @KamalaHQs inauguratory Instagram post. How will VP Harris do better to convince people like me who no longer can bear being complicit in the murder of children? Though Harris has called for an end to the violence, young pro-Palestine voters are skeptical considering how the Biden administration, whom she ultimately represents, has only stoked the flames of this violence against Palestine. Theyre split on what to do. Somearguethatvoting for Harris would bode better for actually ending the violence compared to Trump. Otherssaythatvoting for Harris enables the violence. @KamalaHQ is more powerful than we think. In a time when young people prefer getting their news off of social media, the handle can fill in gaps and information rather than relying on users to make assumptions themselves, better informing their votes. So while Ill watch the coconut remixes and tsk at the incoherent Trump sound bites, I and many other young people are looking for much, much more. @KamalaHQ has our attention, but it needs to give us something worth paying attention to. Immigrants in Arkansas struggle to achieve better life they came to the U.S. to find (Getty Images) A Pacific Islander and his family left the Marshall Islands more than a decade ago in search of better education, health care and job opportunities in the United States. Editors note: Sources are not named in this story because they fear harassment and retaliation. Some interviews conducted in Spanish were translated into English for this story. Similarly, a mother and her four youngest children moved to Arkansas from Mexico 25 years ago, joining two children and their father and hoping to improve her familys circumstances. Like thousands of people who come to the U.S. looking for a better life, these immigrants and their families often encountered challenges, including low-paying jobs, language barriers and navigating complex systems. And despite working one or multiple jobs, they, like many immigrants, found themselves struggling to make ends meet. The Marshallese man and his family eventually landed in Northwest Arkansas home to one of the largest concentrations of Marshallese in the continental U.S. where he worked in the local poultry industry. He added his wife and two children to his health insurance plan until he received a paycheck worth about $100 and realized he couldnt afford it. I had to cancel and take everybody off, because I couldnt afford to pay rent, bills and even provide food, he said. The Mexican mother said her focus has long been her children instead of herself, so to support them, shes always worked multiple jobs cleaning homes and offices and making food. She practically only arrived at her house to sleep, she said. These Northwest Arkansas immigrants stories place them solidly in whats known as the ALICE population, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. In other words, people who work hard, yet find their incomes and limited assets keep them struggling. A 2024 ALICE report found rates of financial hardship differ by race and ethnicity in Arkansas, due to systemic racism, discrimination and geographic barriers. In 2022, 59% of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander households and 51% of Hispanic households, as well as half of the households led by biracial Arkansans were below the ALICE Threshold in the state, compared with 43% of White and 33% of Asian households. ALICE advocates describe a financial survival threshold as the average income a household needs to afford the basics, defined as housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and a smartphone plan, plus taxes and a small contingency measured by county. The survival budget for a married couple with two school-aged children would be $72,120 in Benton County and $68,652 in Washington County, according to United for ALICE. About the ALICE population A growing number of workers struggle to keep their households from financial ruin while sustaining their communities. These families earn above the federal poverty level, but are often unable to afford the basics of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology, according to United for ALICE, a nonprofit coalition dedicated to research and solutions about poverty. In Arkansas, 31% of the states 1.2 million households comprise the ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) population. Add in the 16% of Arkansans who live below the federal poverty line, and nearly half of households in the state earn less than the ALICE threshold of financial survival the average income a household needs to afford the basics. In 2022, the number of Arkansas households below the threshold stood at 562,879, which includes families and individuals who earn below the ALICE household survival budget. While the Marshallese father no longer works in the poultry industry, he advocates for Marshallese community members who do through his current employer. As the sole provider of his family his pregnant wife recently left a job that didnt offer paid maternity leave but will start another job soon he said he is stressed about not being financially stable. For now were just trying to survive, he said. Housing challenges Housing is particularly challenging for low-income Northwest Arkansas residents because prices have skyrocketed due to the regions rapid growth. In Bentonville, for example, the median listing home price increased from $460,000 in July 2021 to nearly $600,000 in June 2024, according to Realtor.com. The Marshallese immigrant rents a duplex in a smaller town but said it feels like theyre just not making enough, and hes not alone in that. At 32%, the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population had Arkansas highest poverty rate reported in American Community Survey census data released in 2022. A soft-spoken, small-statured man with big hopes for the future, he admitted things are pretty difficult right now, but hes committed to supporting his loved ones. I will try whatever I can to provide for my family because Ive been through so many moments where I got kicked out, my electricity went off and thats when I hit rock bottom and I learned from that, he said. Employment challenges A calm demeanor and positive outlook on life offer a sharp contrast to the many difficulties the native Mexican faced as an immigrant worker in the U.S. The mother of nine initially juggled multiple jobs because she had so many mouths to feed. As her children got older, she kept working because her priority was for them to continue studying, not work. She herself only received one year of education in Mexico. In addition to daily expenses, she also needed money for lawyer fees to obtain immigration documents for her family an expensive 15-year process, she said. As she gets older, the 65-year-old is concerned she wont be able to keep working two or three jobs, though her children have offered to help support her. Early in her career, she endured bosses who treated her poorly and stole her wages because she wanted to support her kids, she said. Eventually she decided shed had enough and started working for herself. She said she felt helpless witnessing the abuse of other employees, including a woman who seemed stuck in a bad situation because she didnt have immigration papers. Employees could complain to supervisors, but no one did anything because it was in their best interest to keep abusing workers, she said. Through his work with poultry workers, the Pacific Islander said employees often dont know who to speak to about issues with sexual harassment, unfair treatment, racism and wage theft. Theres also mistrust and a language barrier, the latter of which he said contributes to a lack of understanding about company policies and payroll deductions. Just because you dont have the language doesnt mean you dont have the rights, he said. The importance of frontline workers was highlighted during the pandemic, but companies treatment of employees really showed these companies dont care about individuals, he said. People were risking their lives to go to work just for the goal of the company, and now we have lost so many of our community members [to COVID], he said. Although Marshallese and Hispanic residents represented about 19% of Northwest Arkansas population in mid-2020, they accounted for about 64% of COVID-19 cases and 57% of associated deaths in the region, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. He said poultry workers need higher pay, but if companies are unwilling to raise wages, they could provide training to help employees advance to higher-paying jobs within the industry. In 2021, Tyson Foods increased starting wages from $12.50 to $15.20 per hour for Northwest Arkansas poultry processing workers, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Tyson, Georges and Simmons Foods did not respond to requests for current starting pay figures. Arkansas minimum wage is $11 an hour. Health care The Mexican mothers dark brown eyes welled with tears as she recalled how sad and helpless she felt when one of her sons became so sick that he required dialysis three times a week, and the hospital expenses added up. Gracias a Dios Thank God he was placed on a waiting list and received a kidney transplant, she said. Hes alive today because soy una mujer de fe Im a woman of faith. Health care access can be challenging for immigrants because of cost, especially when, due to a lack of education about the system, patients access more expensive urgent or emergency care for a non-emergent illness or injury. A 23-year-old Marshallese immigrant works at a Northwest Arkansas clinic where he helps other Marshallese community members access health care services, including breast cancer screenings. At the age of 18, he migrated from the Marshall Islands with grandparents to seek medical care for himself. I dont trust those doctors over there, he said. The Marshallese community has a complicated history with health care and the United States, which conducted 67 nuclear weapons tests on and near the Marshall Islands from 1946 to 1958, devastating parts of the Pacific Island nation and sickening its people. More than half of all cancers on the Marshall Islands Rongelap Atoll might be attributed to nuclear fallout exposure, according to the National Cancer Institute. The United States signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the Marshall Islands that allows the U.S. to operate military bases in exchange for security guarantees and economic assistance. Under COFA, Marshallese migrants can live and work in the U.S. and were promised access to Medicaid. They lost that access when Congress omitted their unique immigration status in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Congress restored access in 2020, and around 4,000 Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians in Northwest Arkansas got health coverage from 2020 to 2022, according to Axios NW Arkansas. About 12,000 Marshallese lived in Arkansas in 2020, according to the U.S. Census. Marshall Island nuclear bomb The young man said his clinic works to increase access to health care by meeting Marshallese migrants where they are. Many patients work for local poultry companies, he said, so the clinic schedules events for things like clinical breast exams after work. Additional patient challenges include language barriers, transportation and a lack of education on how insurance works, he said. While Northwest Arkansas does have several amenities like health care facilities, its an expensive place to live, especially for people earning minimum wage or just a little more. With the economy that were living in now a lot of people are moving here its really expensive. Especially for those who are underserved communities, its really hard, he said. Brighter future Education and finding a support system can help immigrants overcome the financial obstacles they face in the U.S. as they try to move upward economically. At his job, the Marshallese father educates migrant workers about their rights and connects them with resources, but for himself, hed like to have more financial literacy. For his children, he stresses the importance of education and said hes proud of his bilingual students for advancing in school. Likewise, the Mexican mother emphasized education to her children and is equally proud of their successes, such as graduating college and owning a cafe. While she has her own struggles, she said there are people with less. Over the years, she gave money to people in need, taught a friend to cook so she could earn money for family and cared for a dying woman who was alone in her final days. Its satisfying helping others expecting nothing in return, she said. Besides relying on family and friends, immigrants can also find assistance through local nonprofits like Arkansas United, an immigrant advocacy group that helps connect newcomers to community resources. The native Mexican connected with the organization through its English classes. Soon shell be part of Arkansas Uniteds new support group for Northwest Arkansas moms that will provide a place for women to share the stories about their challenges with things like domestic violence and depression, and learn about resources from guest speakers, Navigator Coordinator Elizabeth Perez said. Meetings will also include fun activities so participants can set aside for a while what theyve been through, she said. The Mexican mother will be a good example for other moms, Perez said, because of her resilience in finding ways to support her children and her compassion for helping others. Su bonda es grandiosa Her goodness is great, and we need more people like her in the world, Perez said. This story is part of a series about Arkansans who work hard but struggle to survive, people who are part of the asset limited, income constrained and employed (ALICE) population. Todays story deals with challenges faced by immigrants. Previous stories in the series can be found here and here. Reporting for this story was supported by a grant from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. Incursion into Kursk Oblast could 'change the tide' for Ukraine, US Senator says During an interview on CBS' Face the Nation on Aug. 18, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly said that Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast could help Ukraine change the course of the war in the country's favor. Referring to Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast, Kelly said that he believes "the Ukrainians have done something unforeseeable that could really change the tide of how this conflicts gonna play out," noting that over 130,000 Russians have been forced to evacuate regions near the border. When asked if the Arizona Senator was "comfortable" with Ukraine using U.S.-provided weapons in Kursk Oblast, Kelly replied: "I am at this point." "The Ukrainians were illegally attacked by (Russian President) Vladimir Putin... This incursion, and Ill just, lets characterize it that way for now. I dont think the Ukrainians want to intentionally hold Russian territory for a long period of time, but this really set Putin back on his heels," Kelly said. The Democratic Senator becomes the third U.S. Senator to publicly voice support for Ukraine's incursion into Kursk. U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R) and Richard Blumenthal (D) both voiced their support for Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast during a visit to Kyiv on Aug. 12. "What do I think about Kursk? Bold, brilliant, beautiful. Keep it up," Graham told reporters in Kyiv at the time. "Let these people fight. Give them weapons they need to win a war they cannot lose." When asked on Sunday if Kelly was in favor of further lifting restriction on using U.S.-made weapons to strike military targets in Russia, the Senator said that he believe it was "appropriate to continue to look at what their (Ukraine's) needs are. CNN reported on Aug. 16, citing government officials, that the U.S. has thus far been reluctant to allow Ukraine to use its long-range weapons inside Kursk Oblast "not because of the risk of escalation, but because the U.S. only has a limited supply." U.S. President Joe Biden said on Aug. 13 that Ukraine's incursion creates a "real dilemma for Putin," adding, "that's all I'm going to say about it (the incursion) while it's active." The unprecedented Ukrainian operation hit its 10-day mark on Aug. 15, with Kyiv claiming to have seized 1,150 square kilometers of Russian territory and 82 settlements, including the town of Sudzha. As Ukraine continues to make progress in the region, Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed a second key bridge in Kursk Oblast on Aug. 18, further hindering Russia's ability to resupply troops hoping to fend off Ukraine's incursion. Read also: Another key bridge destroyed in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, plans to visit the city of Kyiv on 23 August. Sources report that India has agreed to transfer messages between Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, and Russian ruler Vladimir Putin. Source: Bloomberg Quote: "The South Asian nation has, however, agreed to relay messages between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the people said, asking not to be named as discussions are private." Details: Sources, familiar with this issue, note that Modi turned down the role of a mediator in stopping Russias war in Ukraine. Modi is to visit Ukraine a few weeks after visiting Russia. Modis unwillingness to facilitate stopping the war can be partially explained with Indias dependence on Russia in terms of cheap oil and armament. Reportedly, Modis visit to Kyiv will be limited to a few hours for security reasons. From Ukraines point of view, it is important for Zelenskyy to meet with Modi in order to discuss the role of India in restoring peace in the region, as stated by a person familiar with this issue. India plays a key role in Zelenskyys determination to win the favour of key countries of the so-called Global South. At the June Peace Summit in Switzerland India was among the countries who did not sign a final statement. People familiar with the agenda report that a meeting with Modi is unlikely to result in some important announcements, even though several agreements, including those which concern agriculture and defence, are under development. Before visiting Ukraine, Modi will also visit Poland, which would become the first visit of the Indian leader to that country in the last four decades. The Zoria-Mashproekt Ukrainian state company was negotiating with Indian private companies regarding joint production of gas turbines, used at warships, as reported by the people familiar with the course of the talks. The two countries are also discussing the production of planes and aircraft engines in India. Support UP or become our patron! By YP Rajesh NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on Friday to boost ties with Kyiv, weeks after a trip to Moscow in which he rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war with its neighbour. Announcing the Aug. 23 trip, India's foreign ministry said it would be a "landmark and historic" visit, the first by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established over 30 years ago. Indian analysts said the visit would aim to control damage from Modi's trip last month to Moscow, which coincided with a lethal strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv, embarrassing Modi and drawing criticism from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. New Delhi, however, said it has substantive and independent ties with both Russia and Ukraine and that the visit builds on continuing interactions between India and Ukraine. "This is not a zero-sum game ... these are independent, broad ties," Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the Indian foreign ministry, told reporters. "This is an important visit that is expected to catalyze our ties in a whole range of sectors," Lal said, listing economic and business links, agriculture, infrastructure, health and education, pharmaceuticals, defence and culture. Lal said the conflict in Ukraine would also be discussed, and reiterated that New Delhi was willing to provide any support it can in pursuit of peace. "Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both parties. And it can only be a negotiated settlement," he said. Zelenskiy's office said he and Modi would discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation and that a "number of documents" were expected to be signed. MODI REBUKED PUTIN IN MOSCOW During Modi's trip to Moscow on July 8-9, old friends India and Russia sought to boost bilateral trade and cooperation in areas ranging from nuclear energy to medicine. But the visit coincided with the strike on the hospital in Ukraine's capital, prompting Modi to use emotive language to deliver an implicit rebuke to Putin at their summit. Modi told Putin the death of innocent children was painful and terrifying, and that Moscow and Kyiv should resolve their conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Modi's visit also coincided with the July 9-10 NATO summit in Washington at which the allies sought to bolster Ukraine and counter Russia. The United States said it raised concerns with India about its ties with Russia but also said the relationship gives New Delhi an ability to urge Putin to end the war. Top Indian diplomats have since held regular talks with their Ukrainian counterparts, and Modi met Zelenskiy on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Italy in June. They have also spoken several times by phone since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukraine has pitched for New Delhi to help rebuild its economy, inviting investment from Indian companies at a January business summit in India. India has traditionally had close economic and defence ties with Moscow and refrained from criticising Russia over its invasion. It has increased purchases of Russian oil to record levels, saying it must protect its own national interest first. The prospect of India mediating to help end the war in Ukraine has been raised in diplomatic circles from time to time but New Delhi has appeared cagey, saying only that it is willing to offer any support to resolve the conflict peacefully. (Reporting by YP Rajesh; Additional reporting by Shivam Patel and Tanvi Mehta in New Delhi and Yuliia Dysa in Gdansk; editing by Giles Elgood and Timothy Heritage) The U.S. East and Gulf Coasts arent the only hotbeds of a potential port strike that could upend apparel trade. Dockworkers across Indias 12 largest ports announced on Aug. 10 they would be going on an indefinite strike starting August 28 if a new contract agreement is not met. Union workers are have been looking to resolve issues over pay wages, pension, benefits and allowancewhich is comparable to U.S. overtime payfor nearly three years. More from Sourcing Journal This could mean 3 percent of the worlds clothing is hanging in the balance, according to estimates from the World Trade Organization (WTO), with India exporting $15.4 billion in apparel in 2023. India is the fifth-largest apparel exporter in the world, after China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Turkey. Such a strike would worsen congestion problems at major Asian ports like Shanghai, Singapore, Ningbo and Chattogram among others, as more shipments out of India get delayed. Additionally, a work stoppage would come on the heels of an already concerning capacity shakeup in May after major carriers Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express (ONE) withdrew from a prior India-to-U.S. East Coast service line with CMA CGM to launch their own standalone service lines. The All India Port Workers Federation, which includes the national coordination committees of six major port workers unions and federations throughout the country, said that the last settlement on wages and benefits expired on Dec. 31, 2021. The collective is calling for the agreements to be retroactive to January 2022, when the next contract should have begun. The unions alleged that industrial relations at the ports were in a pathetic situation, according to Indian publication The Hindu. No new talks are scheduled, but the government may intervene in the next two weeks in an attempt to compel the sides back to the negotiating table. The annual cargo handling capacity of major Indian ports such as Chennai, Cochin and Mumbai totaled 1.62 billion metric tons, according to Indias Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. An Indian port strike may not be the only major concern for American shippers, compounding the fact that ocean carriers were already offering less space to shippers seeking to move cargo out of the country to the U.S. East Coast. According to Joseph Firrincieli, sales supervisor at OEC Group New York, when CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd ended their joint Indamex partnership in June and opted to start their own stand-alone services in August, that caused a lot of space issues, naturally, because that was a very sought after service. ONEs WIN service on the trade lane had gained favor since launching in May, and was presented as a more competitive price alternative, but the Indamex shakeup shifted the balance of both space and costs, Firrincieli said. ONE was a great service on paper. There was really no issues with it, but CMA and Hapag blanking Indamex 2 for the entire month of July then caused a huge space crunch, because everybody tried using ONE at that point. So ONE then started increasing prices, and that started causing further space issues and further equipment issues. The capacity concerns have sent ocean spot rates on the India-to-U.S. East Coast route skyrocketing since mid-June. As of Aug. 16, rates for 40-foot containers on that trade lane were $10,000 on average, a 410 percent bump over just two months prior at June 14, according to S&P Global. The advice Ive been giving most of the clients I have that import out of India into the U.S., specifically the U.S. East Coast, is to provide a longer forecast, ideally four to six weeks and book cargo in advance, even though the rate might not be available because were seeing rates fluctuate. Carriers change rates every two weeks out of India. The good news is Firrincieli said OEC expects the rates to decline as more capacity comes into the market, particularly starting in the second half of August as the stand-alone service lines settle in. By September, more like October, we should start to see normalcy in the market, where rates might start to come down and space and equipment issues might start to lessen as well, Firrincieli said. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission (USTIC), India has become increasingly reliant on America for its apparel trade. As of 2023, 35 percent of Indias garment exports go to the U.S. East and West Coast ports, up from 23 percent in 2013. While the countdown is on for Indias ports, Australia is currently enduring a strike of its own at its largest container and cargo port Fremantle after vessel traffic service officers and small craft personnel stopped work Sunday. The 48-hour strike is set to end Tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m. local time. Vessel cargo and terminal yard operations have not been impacted by the industrial action, but both the berthing of incoming container ships and the departure of vessels have been delayed. The Australian Maritime Officers Union is calling for raises of $15,000 to $20,000 Australian dollars ($9,900 to $13,200) on base salaries of approximately $140,000 Australian dollars ($92,350). (Bloomberg) -- Indias Supreme Court will begin hearings this week into the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in the eastern city of Kolkata, which has sparked protests and a nationwide strike by doctors. Most Read from Bloomberg The countrys highest court said it will hear the matter using its suo motu powers, which allows it to hold proceedings under its own mission and without a petition being filed. The courts move followed the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old graduate trainee on Aug. 9 on the premises of a government hospital in Kolkata. Junior doctors and medical students in the city have held almost nightly vigils since then, and the countrys main doctors group called a nationwide strike over the weekend calling for justice for the victim and better security for medical workers. The court didnt provide details of who will be questioned during the hearings, but protesters allege the initial investigation was mishandled by local police. The federal Central Bureau of Investigation has since taken over the case. Private and government hospitals in parts of the country shut down non-essential services for a 24-hour strike on Aug. 17. Major hospitals in Delhi, like Fortis and Apollo, joined the protest and provided only essential services, according to local media reports. Medical services continue to be disrupted in Kolkata as protests on the streets and outside hospitals grow. The Indian Medical Association wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for the government to declare hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security entitlements, such as airports. In his Independence Day speech last week, Modi called for stronger punishment against those who commit sexual crimes, although he didnt directly refer to the Kolkata case. Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of West Bengal where Kolkata is based, has faced criticism from Modis Bharatiya Janata Party for her governments handling of the investigation. Shes blamed political parties of trying to foment trouble by instigating vandalism at the hospital where the alleged rape and murder took place. The case has drawn parallels with the gang-rape and death of a student in Delhi in 2012, which drew global attention to Indias high levels of sexual violence. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, a total of 31,516 cases of rape were registered in 2022. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Doctors and paramedics protesting against the rape and killing of a trainee doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata gather in front of the Indian health minister's office, in New Delhi, India, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) NEW DELHI (AP) Hundreds of doctors protested near India's Health Ministry on Monday to demand stringent laws to protect health care workers from violence and to seek justice for their colleague who was raped and killed at a state-run hospital. The protesting doctors, holding up placards like Justice delayed is justice denied, were stopped by police as they tried to set up free outpatient services outside the ministry in New Delhi. Doctors and medics across India have held protests, candlelight marches and temporarily refused care for non-emergency patients after the rape and killing of the 31-year-old trainee on Aug. 9 in the eastern city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state. The doctors say the assault highlights the vulnerability of health care workers in hospitals and medical campuses across India. They are demanding stronger laws, including making any attack on on-duty medics an offense without the possibility of bail, increase in security at hospitals and safe spaces for them to rest. If a lady is not safe at a workplace, at a hospital ... then I wonder which lady in this country is safe?" said Daisy Singh, a protesting doctor. The government has asked the doctors to return to work and said it will set up a committee to look into their demands. The rape and killing of the trainee doctor at Kolkata city's R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital has also focused rage on the chronic issue of violence against women. A police volunteer working at the hospital has been arrested and charged with the crime, but the family of the victim alleges it was a gang rape and more people were involved. Federal investigators were handling the case. Thousands of people, particularly women, have marched in the streets of Kolkata demanding justice for the doctor. They say women in India continue to face rising violence despite tough laws that were implemeted following the gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old student on a moving bus in Delhi in 2012. That attack had inspired lawmakers to order harsher penalties for such crimes and set up fast-track courts dedicated to rape cases. The government also introduced the death penalty for repeat offenders. Despite tougher legislation, sexual violence against women has remained a widespread problem in India. In 2022, police recorded 31,516 reports of rape a 20% jump from 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. Driving the protest: The trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. Her autopsy result shows multiple injuries, suggesting that she resisted her attackers before being strangled to death. A police volunteer was arrested, but the victim's family alleges a gang rape, prompting the case to be transferred to India's Central Bureau of Investigations. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, reminiscent of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case, with thousands taking to the streets demanding justice. Pavlo Lakiichuk, Head of Security Programs at the Center for Global Studies "Strategy XXI", believes that the occupiers' offensive in the Donetsk sector and the Kursk operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Russia are a confrontation of nerves. This situation is a game of raising the stakes. Who will be the first to make a political decision to change the strategy. ADVERTISIMENT The expert shared this opinion in a commentary for OBOZ.UA. He believes that a Russian counteroffensive in the Kursk region is out of the question in the short term. "They are moving reserves, but to be honest, I hoped there would be more of them. I think that our military command also hoped that they would withdraw most of their forces from the areas of main attacks. That is, from the east, from Pokrovsk, from Toretsk, from Chasovyi Yar, we have not seen this yet. This indicates that the priority of the offensive on Pokrovsk and Donetsk region is higher than the defense or liberation of Kursk region, Russia itself," said Lakiichuk. He suggested that in the long run, the Russians can expect to capture Pokrovsk first, and then deal with Kursk. Much will depend on the sequence of Russian actions. ADVERTISIMENT "If the enemy withdraws its reserves from the areas of its main attacks, sends them to Kursk to launch a counteroffensive or stop the advance of Ukrainian troops, this will be one deployment of forces on the battlefield and in the theater as a whole. This will weaken the enemy, and we will be able to hold them with fewer forces, to stop this creeping plague," the expert explained. "If this sequence continues, the Russians will advance further in the Donetsk direction without changing their plans, and we will advance in the Kursk direction. Someone characterized it as "who has the stronger nerves" when two cars, one towards the other, are rushing towards each other, i.e. a game of raising the stakes. Who will have the first political decision to change the strategy," noted Lakiichuk. "Either we stop the Kursk offensive, withdraw, and throw our forces to Donetsk. Or the Russians stop the offensive, throw their reserves at Kursk to push our troops out," the expert clarified. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA: The ISW noted that the offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region is forcing Russia to redeploy forces from the Ukrainian front. The next stages of hostilities on the territory of the Russian Federation are likely to require the Kremlin to deploy additional forces (approximately 20 thousand) and means in the area, which is beneficial for Ukraine. Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, former Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko believes that Ukraine's position has strengthened as a result of the successful military operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region of Russia. The image of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has been undermined. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion. The specific date of the visit has not yet been disclosed. Source: Reuters, citing the Indian Foreign Ministry Quote: The ministry has promised to release details of the visit later. Reuters notes that India has refrained from directly blaming Russia for the war while urging neighbours to engage in dialogue and diplomacy. New Delhi is seeking to deepen its relations with the West while maintaining ties with Russia, its longstanding friend. Previously: In July, WION, an Indian English-language news channel, citing Indian diplomats, reported that Modi plans to visit Ukraine in August for the first time since the full-scale war began. Background: In early July, on the day of the Russian attack on the Okhmatdyt hospital in Kyiv, Modi visited Russia. During a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, he urged him to end the war in Ukraine, stating that a solution cannot be found on the battlefield. Zelenskyy criticised Modi's meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, calling it a "devastating blow to peace efforts". In response, India summoned the Ukrainian ambassador to discuss the Ukrainian president's remarks. The United States has expressed its concern to India about its relations with Russia amid the ongoing war of aggression that Russia is waging against Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! The Ukrainian President's Office has officially announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on the eve of Independence Day, which is celebrated annually on 24 August. Source: the official website of the Ukrainian President's Office Quote: "On 23 August, the National Flag Day of Ukraine, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Ukraine. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine in the history of our bilateral relations." Details: During the visit, Modi is scheduled to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation. A number of documents are also expected to be signed between Ukraine and India. Previously: On 19 August, Reuters reported, citing India's Foreign Ministry, that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Ukraine for the first time since the full-scale Russian invasion. The exact date of the visit was not disclosed. Background: Support UP or become our patron! Days before the Democratic National Convention, Indianas Black Legislative Caucus gathered in Gary on Saturday for a community town hall, providing residents with a review of key legislative outcomes from this year and a glimpse of the caucuss priorities for the upcoming session. At Indiana University Northwests Bergland Auditorium, nine of the caucuss 14 members took the stage to highlight victories and setbacks in areas such as education, health care, criminal justice, and veterans affairs. A central focus for state Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary, was the ongoing legal battles Gary faces from the states GOP-controlled legislature, particularly with House Bill 1235 a bill prohibiting Indiana cities from suing gun manufacturers. With Gary being the only city with an active lawsuit against these companies, many view the bill as a targeted effort to undermine the citys long-standing legal action against gun makers and local dealers. Gary and other communities like Gary in Northwest Indiana face these kinds of battles from the legislature on a regular basis, Hatcher said. I think this was the first time it was just so obvious and blatant that they were effectively targeting Gary to get one thing done. State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, criticized Indiana House Bill 1243, which eliminates the states Academic Honors diploma and removes the SAT or ACT requirement for graduation, arguing it devalues high school diplomas. University presidents from Indiana University and Purdue University have also publicly opposed the changes. This bill here is watering down the diploma requirements for students in high school compared to the past, and the university has opposed it in the most direct way, Smith said. As a consequence, that proposal, which came from the Indiana Department of Education, has been withdrawn and is going back to the drawing board. State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, the caucus chairman, announced that after prioritizing housing in the 2024 legislative session, the IBLC will focus on physical and mental health care in 2025. We have some bills that weve talked about, he said. Theres people who have brought us other ideas. So talk to your rep and senator and see if they have something already in mind and see if theres an idea you have that you want to bring to that, Harris said of the 2025 initiative. Evangeline Stanford, who traveled to the town hall from nearby Hammond, said she appreciated the caucus hosting a town hall for the community. It was very informative, she said. When I found out they were doing this locally, I came to gather and learn information. Even though Im running for school board, this is the first thing Ive ever done. This is my initial move into politics. The IBLC began their statewide town hall tour in Lawrence, continuing to other cities with considerable Black populations like Evansville, Fort Wayne, and Elkhart. The final meeting will take place next month in Terre Haute. The post Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Hosts Gary Town Hall Ahead of Democratic Convention appeared first on Capital B Gary. Northwest Indiana Democrats, who are part of the states 88 Democratic delegates, shared their enthusiasm Monday for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the presumptive nominees ahead of the Democratic National Convention. Running for president and vice president, respectively, the delegates hope for a Harris-Walz win in 2024 and Indiana Democratic candidates down ballot. Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Jim Wieser said Indiana has strong Democratic candidates for state and local offices. Its helped. Its a benefit. I certainly think in Lake County, Indiana, its a benefit given the diverse nature of our community, Wieser said. I think were going to do really well. Its a definite help. Anytime you can generate this kind of enthusiasm, its going to help. As the 2024 Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago with planned protests amid the Israel-Hamas war, people will likely think back to the 1968 Democratic National Convention, which was also held in Chicago, said Raymond Haberski, professor of history and director of American studies at Indiana University Indianapolis. But, Haberski said the atmosphere headed into the 2024 Democratic National Convention is different compared to 56 years ago. Throughout the upcoming week, Harris and Walz have an opportunity to solidify the excitement around their leading the Democratic ticket, he said. I think the atmosphere is not going to be as super-charged as it was in 1968. I dont think you have the same sort of details that would be comparable today. Theres a lot of outright joy among Democrats about what the ticket looks like, Haberski said. My prediction is that the way that Harris and Walz have been building momentum it will be a crystallization of that. Region delegates State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, said he supported President Joe Biden when he was seeking reelection. But, after Biden announced he wont seek reelection in July and endorsed Harris, Smith said his excitement for the upcoming election grew. Its going to be a very enthusiastic, unique DNC, Smith said. As a delegate, Smith said he will get to vote for the candidates presented for president and vice president. If any resolutions are proposed, the delegates will vote as well, he said. Smith said he has been to six other Democratic National Conventions, and each one has been met with protests. The most violent convention was the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Smith said, which he remembered watching on television. I am hoping that people understand that they have the right to protest. I just hope that its all peaceful, Smith said. Smith was a delegate for President Jimmy Carters election and reelection campaigns, he said. Smith said he was surprised that Carter lost his reelection to President Ronald Reagan in 1980 because that Democratic National Convention was energetic. In 1996, Smith said he was a delegate when President Bill Clinton won reelection, which was also a lively convention. And of course youve got a lot of energy around this one, Smith said. State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond, said she looks forward to representing Indianas First District as a delegate. Harris has brought new energy to the Democratic ticket, Jackson said. Jackson received a phone call from a constituent asking if it would be possible to leave checks in her mailbox to donate to Democratic candidates, she said, adding that she has never received a call like that. I think the energy is going. I know it is in Indiana, Jackson said. With Harris at the top of the Democratic ballot, Jackson said it will encourage voters to cast a ballot in November. I think its going to inspire people to come out and vote, and to understand that there is a momentum that we here in Indiana can change. Weve had such low turnout for the last few elections, and I think its because people have kind of given up, Jackson said. Erin Collins, vice chair of the Duneland Democratic Committee and Chesterton councilwoman, said shes excited for the Democratic National Convention with Harris at the top of the ticket. Having Harris at the top of the ticket will help Indiana Democrats Jennifer McCormick, who is running for Governor, Valerie McCray, who is running for U.S. Senate, and Destiny Wells, who is running for attorney general, win their seats, Collins said. Kamala is making history. Everybodys excited. You can feel the energy, Collins said. I think the top of the ticket, having Kamala there, helps all of our down-ballot tickets. Jim Harper, an attorney in Porter County, said the energy from the convention will help elect more Democrats in Indiana. Harper said he is most excited about listening to Harris convention speech. We have some good opportunities in the state. Were all very excited about Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, Harper said. Weve got a ticket thats delivered results. We have a ticket that is focused on the future, is focused on building the middle class and moving the country forward. Wieser said the enthusiasm around the Democratic Party has shifted a lot in the last four weeks. Wieser, who has attended three other Democratic National Conventions, said the energy is comparable to 2008 when President Barack Obama was elected. Its that feeling. Its that momentum that builds and it becomes more than a campaign. It becomes like a movement, Wieser said. Wieser attended his first Democratic National Convention in 1984 in San Francisco, which was exciting because there was a contest for nominee. Walter Mondale, Vice President to Jimmy Carter who was ultimately nominated, faced Colorado U.S. Senator Gary Hart and Rev. Jesse Jackson, Wieser said, and he will never forget Jacksons speech. Jesse Jackson gave the most incredible speech. He had that hall just rocking, Wieser said. Its kind of like that energy only we already know where were going afterwards. Wieser said hes most looking forward to listening to speeches from former Democratic presidents Bill Clinton and Obama. I worked at both of their campaigns and went to both of their inaugurations, Wieser said. I think thats where we can be with Kamala Harris. I think that we could be at that level. Echoes of 1968 Ahead of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, there were three major historical events including two assassinations that led to protests and riots throughout the country, Haberski said. President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Democrat, announced March 31, 1968 he wouldnt seek reelection. Johnson resigned largely because of criticism over his handling of the Vietnam War and political challenges from members of his own party namely Eugene McCarthy and Robert F. Kennedy. On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while on a balcony outside his motel room in Memphis Tennessee, then Kennedy, who many believed would have become the Democratic nominee, was killed on June 5, 1968 after winning the California primary. While the Israel-Hamas war continues and will lead to pro-Palestinian protests at the Democratic National Convention, Haberski said the war isnt a top issue for voters the way the Vietnam War was in 1968. Another major difference between the two wars, Haberski said, is that while Johnson resigned because of his leadership amid the Vietnam War, Biden did not step aside because of his leadership amid the Israel-Hamas War. I think the war in Gaza, as horrific as it is, is not the top issue on Americans minds. It may be for certain sectors of a certain part of the younger generation. But the Vietnam War absolutely dominated the way Americans saw themselves and their country by 1968, Haberski said. The movement against Vietnam, and by extension Johnson, enabled President Richard Nixon to win the 1968 election, Haberski said. Nixon continued Americas role in the Vietnam War, though he decreased the number of troops, and ended up resigning from office in 1974 amid the Watergate scandal. In 1971, portions of the Pentagon Papers were leaked to the media and began exposing how much the U.S. Government lied to its citizens about its role in the Vietnam War, Haberski said. With that history in mind, Haberski said it is possible for Harris and Walz to address the Israel-Hamas war as a serious issue and present ways of moving forward. I dont think its going to be a convention that directly has to respond to the protests about the war in Gaza as the defining item. There are many other things in competition for that, Haberski said. Demonstrations during the 1968 Democratic National Convention led to violent clashes between protestors and Chicago police officers, Haberski said, with national broadcasts showing police beating protestors as others chanted The Whole World is Watching. Then-Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley had a strong law and order ideal, Haberski said, so he encouraged a large police presence amid protests. The attitude around deploying police officers against protesters has shifted significantly since the 1968 convention, Haberski said. I think there are plenty of protestors who would like to imagine that what theyre about to do resembles 1968. I think we need to understand that what happened in 1968 was both heroic and awful, and no one who was involved in it thought that they got a lot out of it. It didnt end the war. Richard Nixon was elected. So much more organizing had to happen after that, Haberski said. The Democratic National Convention returned to Chicago in 1996, Haberski said, and it went well for Democrats with the election of President Bill Clinton. It was a real celebration for that moment, Haberski said. akukulka@post-trib.com Project details for the Mpozi Tolbert and Ron Miner public mural. (Photo from Patronicity fundraiser website) Two Indianapolis organizations hope a crowdfunding campaign will raise enough funds to qualify for an art-oriented state grant to paint new public murals featuring deceased local DJs and community figures Mpozi Tolbert and Ron Miner. BRIDGE Collective and the Broad Ripple Village Association partnered to raise $12,500 for the effort before Sept. 19. If successful, the entities will receive a matching grant from the state-funded CreatINg Places program, part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. This proposed artwork will recognize the legacy of two Indianapolis icons, said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch,in a release. It will serve as a fitting tribute to individuals whose work touched the lives of so many, and I am excited to see this project come together through the collective work of the community. A Broad Ripple mural that depicted Tolbert was painted over roughly a year ago, more than a decade after it had been painted following his death in 2006. The new public art installation will be located in roughly the same area, in an alley off of Guilford Avenue between Westfield Blvd and Broad Ripple Avenue. Miner, also known as DJ Indiana Jones, died in 2020 and has a Broad Ripple mural off of College Avenue near the Red Line bus stop. BRIDGE Collective is thrilled to be partnering with the BRVA and IHCDAs CreatINg Places Program to commemorate Mpozi Tolbert and Ron Miner (aka Indiana Jones), two larger-than-life individuals that left an indelible mark on our Indianapolis community, said Jordan Dillon, executive director of the Broad Ripple Village Association, in the release. CreatINg purposefully encourages communities to crowdfund for matching dollars as part of its goals to get the public involved and instill community pride. CreatINg Places launched in 2016 and has raised more than $11.1 million in public funds with an additional $9.5 million in matching state funds. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Editor's note: The article was updated with Ukraine's Presidential Office statement. Ukraine's Presidential Office confirmed on Aug. 19 the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ukraine. Modi's arrival will take place on Aug. 23, the statement read. The visit, which was first announced by Indian media in July, will be the first Indian prime minister's trip to Ukraine in the history of bilateral relations between the two nations. Modi will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation. A number of documents are also expected to be signed between Kyiv and New Delhi, the presidential office said. The previous month, Modi visited Russia and held talks with President Vladimir Putin, a meeting that included a widely criticized hug between the two leaders. In June, Modi met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Italy during the G7 summit. They discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine, with Modi emphasizing the importance of "dialogue and diplomacy." He reiterated that India would continue to support a peaceful resolution, according to the meeting's official handout. New Delhi has been calling for a diplomatic solution to Russia's war against Ukraine but has been simultaneously fostering close economic ties with Moscow. India became one of the chief buyers of Russian oil following Western sanctions, although pressure from U.S. sanctions increasingly threatens this trade. While India participated in Ukraine's global peace summit in June, Modi did not attend personally, and India's representative did not ultimately sign the joint communique. Modi was also one of the few democratically elected leaders to congratulate Putin on his reelection in March after a vote that was widely considered to be neither free nor fair. Read also: Opinion: Modis Kyiv visit will be a tightrope walk between Washington and Moscow Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation during the 78th Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. Naveen Sharma/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Several weeks after visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian President Narendra Modi is to travel to Ukraine on Friday for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Modi's Ukraine visit will be his first since the Russian invasion, the foreign minister announced in New Delhi on Monday. His visit to Putin in July was also the first time they'd met since the invasion. Zelensky's office confirmed the visit, which will take place on following a two-day visit by Modi to Poland. It said Modi and Zelensky would hold talks on bilateral and multilateral cooperation and sign a number of agreements, without providing details. India, which has maintained a neutral stance on the war, has not joined the West in imposing sanctions on Russia and has repeatedly called for dialogue to resolve the conflict. It maintains good relations with both the West and Moscow and has increased its imports of cheap Russian oil since the start of the war. India is also heavily dependent on Russia for military equipment, even if it is attempting to reduce that dependence. Zelensky expressed criticism of Modi's visit to Moscow, which followed shortly after Putin's re-election as president and was seen in Russia as a sign of the value Modi placed on relations between the two countries. Images of the meeting, during which Modi and Putin embraced, went viral on social media at the time. (Bloomberg) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo replaced the countrys energy and investment chiefs in a wider cabinet reshuffle just weeks before hes due to step down, in a bid to ensure his policies remain priorities for the incoming administration of Prabowo Subianto. Most Read from Bloomberg Jokowi, as the president is known, named key ally Bahlil Lahadalia as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, replacing him as investment minister with Prabowos campaign chief Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, according to an inauguration ceremony on Monday. The presidents fourth cabinet reshuffle in the past 12 months follows speculation he would act to entrench policies like the processing of Indonesias critical minerals onshore and the construction of a new capital city. Jokowi picked officials from coalition parties backing Prabowo, showing hes trying to maintain policy continuity when the next administration takes over in October. Roeslani is well-connected to both the current and incoming presidents, while new Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas is former chairman of parliaments legislation committee and part of Prabowos party Gerindra. Last month, Jokowi also named the president-elects nephew as a deputy finance minister. For Jokowi, this is the time to vet his loyalists in the cabinet, part of the consolidation of power so that there is continuity with the new government, said D. Nicky Fahrizal, political analyst at the Jakarta-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Lahadalia, who as investment minister revoked a large number of mining permits deemed inactive, will succeed Arifin Tasrif as energy and mineral resources chief. Prabowo, a former military general, has promised to continue current mining policies, without giving details. Under Jokowi, Tasrifs ministry banned the export of certain raw commodities in order to force investors to build processing facilities in the country. The move helped attract billions of dollars worth of investment into nickel smelters largely from Chinese firms but proved less successful for other minerals like bauxite. Lahadalia told reporters on Monday he was tasked by the president to optimize Indonesias natural resource potential and production to raise state revenue and create jobs. He added that whether he stays on after October will be Prabowos prerogative. Meanwhile, Dadan Hindayana, a professor, was appointed to head the newly established national nutrition agency that aims to improve health outcomes among children and pregnant mothers. It will also likely be tasked with implementing Prabowos big-ticket campaign pledge of providing free nutritious meals for school kids. Jokowi has sought to ease investor concerns over the feeding program that could cost as much as 450 trillion rupiah ($29 billion) annually when its fully rolled out. The government allocated just 71 trillion rupiah for the program next year, when its estimated to add 0.1 percentage point to economic growth. The outgoing leader also set a modest budget deficit target for 2025 to keep spending in check. Well-respected Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati will stay in her post, though she was reportedly considering resigning earlier this year. Jokowi is flexing his muscles as an outgoing president, said Achmad Sukarsono, a Singapore-based associate director at Control Risks, with a focus on Indonesia. He wants to show he still has considerable influence at the end of his term. --With assistance from Eddie Spence and Grace Sihombing. (Updates with appointments in law ministry, nutrition agency.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. On Monday, August 19, Germany announced a significant new military aid package for Ukraine. It includes IRIS-T air defense systems and Vector drones. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the press service of the German government. Thus, the new assistance includes one IRIS-T SLS air defense system, which will strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend against air threats. Also, 14,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition were transferred. Besides, Germany provided 10 unmanned surface ships and 16 Vector reconnaissance drones with spare parts. In addition, the package includes explosive ordnance disposal materials, six highly mobile demining excavators, and one Bergepanzer 2 armored repair and recovery vehicle with spare parts. Germany has also donated 55,000 first aid kits, 700 MK 556 assault rifles, 10 HLR 338 high-precision rifles with ammunition, and 50 CR 308 rifles. As a reminder, German media reported that the German government would no longer provide financial assistance to Ukraine. No new funds will be allocated for military aid. All the aid already pledged (including next year's) will be paid, but no new funds will be allocated. ADVERTISIMENT Later, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called the news that the German government had suspended new military aid incorrect and manipulative. The level of support next year will be known only after the budget is approved, which is expected in November. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the G7 countries agreed to allocate $50 billion from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's defense, economy, and recovery. The money will be available closer to 2025. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A doctor looks at an x-ray indicating lung cancer. (Getty Images.) As a cancer physician, last year I was reminded that lymphoma does not wait for insurance company approval. A patient in our clinic was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, an aggressive cancer. The lymphoma was growing quickly, and one mass had caused her kidneys to fail. This was a high-stakes situation, because diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is curable in many cases with a combination of immunotherapy and conventional chemotherapy. We knew the diagnosis and the treatment that was most likely to cure her, but we had a problem. After submitting our treatment plan to her insurance company, we learned that, like many cancer treatments it would be subject to a prior authorization (PA) process, which would delay starting treatment for at least a week. With rapidly worsening kidney function while waiting for a decision from her insurance company, I had to urgently admit her to the hospital for intravenous fluids and to start therapy. This added an expensive and emotionally distressing hospitalization to her cancer diagnosis, but thankfully, after five days in the hospital, she recovered well. Some patients are not so lucky, with PAs delaying or denying necessary medical care with long-term harm. Thankfully, physicians and policymakers have started to pay attention to this issue. Proposals such as Ohio House Bill 130, sponsored by state Rep. Kevin Miller and a bipartisan group of cosponsors, seek to improve timely access to medical care. Prior authorizations (PAs) are an insurance practice in which a health care practitioner must get approval from a patients insurance company for a medication, procedure, or service before the insurance company agrees to cover it. PAs have been shown to cost doctors and nurses significant time and can delay or deny evidence-based treatments. A 2023 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed 22% of cancer patients did not receive the recommended care from their physicians because of PAs. Additionally, in a survey of cancer physicians, 93% stated that PAs can delay life-saving cancer treatment and 31% stated the average delay for patient care was longer than five days. As insurance companies increasingly use PAs to block or delay care, physicians, nurses, and patients have raised concerns about the practice. The Ohio State Medical Association has taken a leading role in advocating for physicians and patients on PA reform. House Bill 130 is an initial effort to address these concerns. The bill proposes a Prior Authorization Gold Card to streamline PAs. Physicians with a high approval rate for a specific medication or service would receive gold-card status, eliminating the need for future PAs for that item. If well structured, this policy could expedite some patients wait for care. However, we want to highlight areas where HB 130 could be improved to enhance its impact on patient care. The 2023 draft bill as well as an updated version set a high bar for gold card qualification. The latest version requires 20 authorization requests for a given service or device over a 12-month period of time. Moreover, in the updated version of the bill, it is unclear whether and how drugs such as commonly used chemotherapy would qualify for gold card status. The quantity of claims required is a major limitation in this bills potential to improve patient care. Few medications, services, or procedures are ordered by a single physician 20 times in a 12-month period. The inclusion of provider groups in the updated version is a welcome change, though for small clinics and hospitals this barrier remains insurmountable for most services. This distinction matters. In 2021, the Texas Medical Association successfully lobbied to decrease the minimum amount of claims needed from 20 to 5 in a given six-month period. Even with this adjustment to Texas law, only 3% of physicians and other health care practitioners received gold cards for any service in the first 2 years after passage. We call on physicians, nurses, patients, and legislators to support three key revisions to House Bill 130: Reduce the minimum number of requests to qualify for Prior Authorization Gold Cards. Clarify the criteria for Gold Cards for commonly used drugs, such as chemotherapy. Plan other mechanisms to bypass prior authorizations for physicians, such as automatic approval for chemotherapy regimens recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines. The authors of House Bill 130 should be commended for shedding light on an often-ignored topic. We hope with additional revisions and continued momentum, a final bill can ease administrative burden and improve care across Ohio. Michael LaMonica is a medical student at The University of Cincinnati. Bryan Hambley, MD/MPH, is a blood cancer and bone marrow transplant physician at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The views expressed are those of Mr. LaMonica and Dr. Hambley and not their institution or employer. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Congresswoman Pingree joins Senator King, Secretary Haaland, Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis, and others for the ribbon cutting at the new Tekkpimk Contact Station. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree) Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland joined lawmakers, local and tribal leaders last week in a visit to Maines only national monument, and hearing a case to add another one to the list. Over the multi-day trip, Haaland visited the Frances Perkins homestead, which is under consideration for national monument status, and attended a ceremony with local and Wabanaki leaders for the unveiling of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monuments new Tekkpimk contact station. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined Haaland and her team at the Perkins homestead in Newcastle, where they heard about the community vision for the site. Pingree and other Maine leaders, such as Gov. Janet Mills, have expressed support for the homestead being granted national monument status. Perkins, who was the first female cabinet member and longest-serving Labor Secretary, called the 57-acre property along the Damariscotta River home throughout her life. The decision to grant her homestead national monument status will have to be made by President Joe Biden. In March, Biden signed an order directing the Department of the Interior to find historic sites that honor womens legacies and contributions to American history. In Millinocket, Pingree and Haaland also visited the new Tekkpimk contact station that celebrates Wabanaki artistry and knowledge. The opening of the Tekkpimk Contact Station and the preservation of the Frances Perkins Homestead serve as powerful reminders of the deep connections we share with our land, our history, and our people, Pingree said in a statement. These initiatives reflect the resilience and spirit of Maines communities, and Im proud to continue supporting efforts that honor our cultural heritage and safeguard our environment. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST During the demonstration in Walthamstow, Tom Sedbury was seen carrying a backpack and wearing a balaclava - Paul Grover/for the Telegraph A man who wore a balaclava to an anti-racism counter protest told police he was an introvert when he refused to take it off. Tom Sedbury, 29, had brought a bag of knives to the demonstration in Walthamstow, later claiming he was going to sell the weapons in exchange for a bike. Mr Sedbury was remanded in custody on Monday and will be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court in October after pleading guilty to five counts of possessing knives, as well as obstructing a police officer. Large numbers of protesters had gathered in north-east London ahead of an expected far-Right demonstration on Aug 7. Tom Sedbury told police that he kept his balaclava on because he was an "introvert" and did not wish to be caught on camera During the event, Mr Sedbury was seen carrying a backpack and wearing a balaclava, biker gloves and large boots. He refused to be searched by officers or take off his face covering. In his backpack, officers found five blades, a bunch of green zip ties, a pair of scissors, a red BBQ lighter and a small, blue water gun containing water. A 2kg gym weight and a black bike chain lock were also allegedly discovered. Prosecutors told the court that, during a police interview the following day, Mr Sedbury said he had been on his way to a friends house when he saw the protest. Introvert did not wish to be caught on camera He said that he kept his balaclava on because, as an introvert, he did not wish to be caught on camera. The defendant is said to have told police he did not understand why he needed to remove his balaclava, but admitted that all the knives were his. He told officers that he collected knives because he had a fascination with the weapons, but had decided to sell them because his interest was waning. The court heard he told police he had arranged to sell or exchange the knives for a bike and had no malicious intent for the use of them. Mother-of-six threw brick at police Others to appear before the courts on Monday included a mother-of-six who threw a brick at police officers during a riot in Hartlepool. Donna Conniff, 40, was jailed for two years after she was seen hurling the brick and another rock towards a line of police officers after a protest turned violent last month. Click here to view this content. She was identified from CCTV and video footage of the protest in Murray Street on the evening of July 31 and was arrested on Aug 13. Conniff was also seen handing a brick to a juvenile who threw it towards police. Sentencing Conniff, Judge Francis Laird KC said: Your behaviour and the behaviour of others around you was truly disgraceful. Pushing her child in a stroller In Manchester, Nevey Smith, 21, will be sentenced in September for violent disorder outside an asylum hotel while she was pushing her child in a stroller. She previously admitted the offence after she was seen in footage throwing liquid from a bottle towards police officers who were trying to maintain order outside the hotel in Newton Heath on July 31. Judge Patrick Field KC warned Smith that she could still face jail before releasing her on bail until sentencing. Foul-mouthed abuse at officers In London, mother Kelly Wildego, 41, from Greenwich, was given a four-month suspended sentence after she charged at police officers and called them f------ c---- during disorder in Whitehall. Inner London Crown Court heard that she had thrown foul-mouthed abuse at the police and rushed towards them without explanation after most of the violence had subsided at around 8.45pm on July 31. Wildegos sentence for assaulting an emergency worker was suspended because she is a full-time carer for her son. Previously jailed for drug smuggling Another Whitehall rioter was jailed for 20 months after chanting, Youre not English any more, at police. David Notley, 67, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder and causing religiously aggravated distress. Rioters in Whitehall chanted 'You're not English any more' at police officers - Story Picture Agency The court heard Notley, who was previously jailed for 20 years for drug smuggling in 2009, made his way to the front of the crowd and confronted police in a fighting pose, surging back and forth. He also joined in chants of youre not English any more and who the f--- is Allah?. Defending himself, Notley told the court that he got swept up in the disorder and was not violent towards police officers. Judge Freya Newbery told him: You regard yourself as an asset to society, but look at your criminal record. Grandmother and daughter weep in court Grandmother Amanda Walton, 52, and her daughter Megan Davison, a 24-year-old mother of two, wept as they appeared at Teesside magistrates court accused of violent disorder in Middlesbrough. Ms Walton, who was walking her dog, is accused of throwing a stone at a building and damaging a car wing mirror, while it is alleged that Ms Davison jumped on the roof of a car when disorder broke out in Parliament Road on Aug 4. They were remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Aug 29. Stopped cars to ask if drivers were English Ms Davisons partner, Jake Wray, 23, who lives with her at Seaton Street, Middlesbrough, appeared in a neighbouring courtroom charged with violent disorder and arson with intent. Mr Wray is accused of stopping cars to ask if the driver was white or English during the disorder, and setting a wheelie bin alight during the trouble in the town centre. He was also remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Aug 29. Carried away Elsewhere, Dean Groenewald, 32, was jailed for 26 months at Newcastle Crown Court for throwing a brick at police after getting carried away during riots in Sunderland on Aug 2. Since riots broke out earlier this month, more than 300 people have been remanded in custody for their role in the violent disorder that erupted after the Southport stabbings, with 460 arrests. 04:30 PM BST Todays live coverage has ended Heres a roundup of the days events: Mother of six who threw a brick at the police jailed for two years A 67-year-old man has been jailed for 20 months after chanting youre not English anymore at police officers Keir Starmer has said that the recent race related disorder in Northern Ireland is intolerable The Northern Ireland police chief called for speedy justice Operation Early Dawn, the emergency measures to ease prison overcrowding, was launched 04:15 PM BST PM discusses support for Northern Ireland police The Prime Minister said he has had discussions with Jon Boutcher, the chief of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, about the organisations funding issues. Sir Keir Starmer met with officers from the Police Service of Northern Irelands (PSNI) on Monday to discuss the riots. He said: But, of course, weve also had discussions about resourcing, about capability. Mainly, of course, thats a devolved issue, as I think everybody understands, but, nonetheless, weve had that discussion about what further support can go in, whether thats financial or whether its in other ways, in terms of making sure the system works better. 03:50 PM BST Disorder in Northern Ireland intolerable, says Starmer Sir Keir Starmer has described the race related disorder in Northern Ireland as intolerable. The Prime Minister met with officers from the Police Service of Northern Irelands (PSNI) on Monday to discuss the riots. He said: The disorder is intolerable. It is incapable of justification. Its clearly racist and it does not represent the modern, forward looking Northern Ireland that I know that this place is. Sir Keir also noted that many PSNI officers had sustained injuries trying to quell the recent unrest. 03:30 PM BST Mother of six who threw brick at police jailed for two years A truly disgraceful mother-of-six who threw a brick at police officers during a riot in Hartlepool has been jailed for two years. Donna Conniff, 40, was seen hurling a brick and a rock towards a line of police officers after a protest turned violent last month. She was identified from CCTV and video footage of the protest in Murray Street on the evening of July 31 and was arrested on Aug 13. Conniff, of Alford Court in Hartlepool, was also seen handing a brick to a juvenile who threw it towards police. Sentencing Conniff, Judge Francis Laird KC said: Your behaviour and the behaviour of others around you was truly disgraceful. As of Friday, more than 300 people have been remanded into custody for their role in the violent disorder that erupted after the Southport stabbings on July 29, with 460 arrests. 03:17 PM BST Northern Ireland police chief calls for speedy justice Jon Boutcher, the chief of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said he wanted to see the same speedy justice of dealing with riot offences in Northern Ireland as that seen in courts in England. The police chief made the comments after meeting with Sir Keir Starmer in Belfast on Monday. He said a total of 39 people have been arrested in relation to the recent riots and disorder in the city. My concern, and its not a criticism, its an observation, is the criminal justice aspect, the police chief said. Its much slower here and I want to see the same speedy justice that we have seen in England with regard to these riot offences. 03:00 PM BST Man pleads guilty to violent disorder after throwing traffic cone at police A man who threw a traffic cone towards police officers during disorder in Southport has been remanded in custody. Gavin Pinder, 47, of Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Liverpool magistrates court on Monday. The court heard that he was seen on footage charging towards police officers before picking up a traffic cone and throwing it at them in the seaside town on July 30. District Judge Timothy Boswell remanded him in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday for sentencing. 02:40 PM BST Emergency prison overcrowding measures triggered after riot charges Emergency measures to ease prison overcrowding have been activated by the Ministry of Justice after hundreds of rioters were charged for their roles in the recent unrest. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, has ordered that defendants waiting for a court appearance across the north of England will be kept in police cells until prison space is available. The system, known as Operation Early Dawn, was activated on Monday morning. It was previously used by the Conservative government in May. Read the full story here 02:11 PM BST 29-year-old jailed for two years and eight months over Rotherham disorder A self-employed home renovator, who was part of a group that attacked a migrant hotel, has been sentenced to two years and eight months in jail. Nathan Palmer was part of the group that attacked the Holiday Inn hotel in Rotherham, where asylum seekers were staying, on Aug 4. The 29-year-old grabbed a police shield, which was then passed around, after an officer fell during the unrest, Sheffield Crown Court heard on Monday. The court heard that Palmer, who lived nearby, had attended the protest out of nosiness after he saw details on social media. Judge Jeremy Richardson KC said: You were part of a group of, predominantly, men who were being extremely provocative towards the police who were trying to protect the hotel from damage. They were also trying to protect the occupants of the hotel who were inside, terrified of what might happen to them. 01:46 PM BST Man jailed after chanting youre not English anymore at police A 67-year-old man has been jailed for 20 months after chanting youre not English anymore at police officers during a demonstration in Whitehall. David Notley, of Buckhurst Hill, Epping Forest, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to violent disorder and causing religiously aggravated distress. Alex Agbamu, prosecuting, said that members and supporters of far-right organisations took part in the protest on July 31. Mr Agbamu said Notley made his way to the front of the crowd and confronted police in a fighting pose, surging back and forth. Notley also joined in the chant youre not English anymore and who the f--- is Allah?, the court heard. He helped push another demonstrator into a police officer which precipitated a physical confrontation involving the police [and] demonstrators, the prosecutor said, and then remained at the front of the crowd. 01:27 PM BST Full-time carer given suspended sentence Judge Freya Newbery handed Kelly Wildego a four-month suspended sentence at Inner London Crown Court after she admitted to assaulting an emergency worker. Wildego was given a suspended sentence because she is a full-time carer for her 13-year-old son who has learning difficulties. The judge said the 41-year-old mother was nasty towards officers who were just doing their job. Inner London Crown Court had heard that Wildego, who is wholly ashamed of her actions, got herself arrested to be with her husband, who was earlier detained by police. Wildego wept in the dock when she heard her sentence. 01:26 PM BST Pictured: Mother of six jailed for two years Donna Conniff has been jailed for two years at Teesside Crown Court after she was caught on camera throwing bricks at police during a protest in Hartlepool. Donna Conniff 01:19 PM BST Hello and welcome to our live coverage Were bringing you the latest updates from the riots sentencing. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Invasive emerald ash borer beetles were discovered in three more Oregon counties this summer, officials said. Emerald ash borers are small metallic-green beetles native to eastern Asia; however, they have begun showing up in the United States, and according to the Oregon Department of Forestry, they have killed millions of trees across the eastern United States. Over the course of the summer, officials said that the emerald ash borers were found in Yamhill, Clackamas and Marion counties. Another mola mola washes ashore in Oregon Officials said that the emerald ash borer larvae burrow inside the bark of ash trees, which can result in canopy dieback and eventually tree death. Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped holes and basal shoots. Damage to a tree caused by emerald ash borers in Marion County (ODF) The Yamhill County beetle was found in a trap near Gaston, just seven miles away from where Oregons first emerald ash borer was found in Forest Grove in Washington County in 2022. The Marion County beetles were first noticed by a Portland General Electric employee who reported seeing ash trees in the Elliot Prairie area showing canopy decline, one of the symptoms of the emerald ash borer. Upon investigation by ODF Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams, he said he found several Oregon ash trees that showed a marked decline. Williams also investigated an area near Butte Creek which forms the border between Clackamas and Marion counties and he said he saw evidence of the borers on both sides of the creek. The extent of dieback suggests that EAB may have been present for a number of years at the site but went unnoticed given the difficult access and dense vegetation, which includes a mix of oak and conifers, said Williams. The infamous invasive emerald ash borer poses a significant threat to trees statewide. (Oregon Department of Forestry) In late July, Williams found five adult emerald ash borers in traps along the Pudding River, which he said indicates a significant population in the area. Given the trees did not show any signs of damage, we would not have known about this site for some time if not for the traps, Williams said. Cody Holthouse with the Oregon Department of Agriculture shared that the department will be thoroughly searching the surrounding areas for more emerald ash borers to discover if they have spread further away. Returning camper spots I-84 brush fire, puts it out No state has been able to eradicate EAB, so since its first detection in Forest Grove, we have expected it to eventually show up in new parts of Oregon, said Holthouse. Thats why folks from collaborating agencies have been methodically surveying for the insect, setting out traps beyond the known infestation area and training people to know the signs and symptoms of infestation. That definitely helps us learn where the insect is spreading. According to officials, it is still unknown if the recent discoveries are offshoots of the original Forest Grove discovery or if these beetles came from different sources. Emerald ash borers often travel in loads of firewood that are being transported by people, so its very possible they arent connected to Forest Grove. We want to protect the rest of Oregon for as long as possible to give communities more time to prepare, said Holthouse. To help prevent the spread, officials are asking Oregonians to buy firewood near where they intend to burn it and to not take firewood more than 10 miles from where it was cut. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Iowa Workforce Development manages unemployment claims filed on behalf of Iowans. (Photo by Getty Images, logo courtesy the State of Iowa) An Iowa man who was fired after passing out at a work-assigned happy hour event at a brewery is not entitled to jobless benefits, a judge has ruled. State records indicate Garrett Lomeli worked as an area manager for Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, a wine wholesaler located in Urbandale, until his dismissal in early July. On June 25, Lomeli worked a full day and then drove from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids on a work assignment, according to state records filed by Southern Glazers. While in Cedar Rapids, Lomeli was tasked with participating in a work-related happy hour social event hosted by a supplier at a Cedar Rapids brewery. At the event, Lomeli consumed four or five glasses of wine roughly the equivalent of one standard-size bottle and then passed out at the event, according to Southern Glazers report to the state. One of the other attendees then took photos of Lomeli in his passed-out state and forwarded them to the human resources department of Southern Glazers in connection with a complaint, according to state records. According to Southern Glazers, Lomeli later attributed his condition to the combination of wine and prescribed medications that can cause drowsiness. Southern Glazers fired Lomeli and then contested his application for unemployment benefits. That led to a recent hearing before Administrative Law Judge James E. Timberland. The judge sided with Southern Glazers, citing Lomelis wantonly careless conduct at the happy hour event. It was possible to fully participate in the wine and spirits industry relationship-building social event without recklessly consuming the equivalent of a bottle of wine, an intoxicating quantity even in the absence of any medication interaction, Timberland stated in his ruling. A reasonable person would be mindful that the underlying purpose of the work-related social event was to strengthen business relationships A reasonable person would conclude that Mr. Lomelis conduct had a negative impact on the employers reputation. Iran was behind the Trump campaign hack, US intelligence officials say Hackers had distributed Trump campaign communications and a dossier on running mate JD Vance - BEN GRAY/AP Click here to view this content. Iran was behind a recent hack targeting Donald Trumps presidential campaign, US security agencies said on Monday, accusing Tehran of seeking to influence the 2024 election. The statement from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed the Trump campaign claim from earlier this month that it had been targeted, potentially by Iran. We have observed increasingly aggressive Iranian activity during this election cycle, specifically involving influence operations targeting the American public and cyber operations targeting presidential campaigns, the security agencies said. This includes the recently reported activities to compromise former President Trumps campaign, which the (intelligence community) attributes to Iran, they added. The intelligence community is confident that the Iranians have through social engineering and other efforts sought access to individuals with direct access to the presidential campaigns of both political parties. Such activity, including thefts and disclosures, are intended to influence the US election process. Trumps campaign said on August 10 that it had been hacked, blaming foreign sources for distributing internal communications and a dossier on running mate JD Vance. These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. The Trump team implied Iran was behind the move as news outlet Politico reported it had received emails with the campaign material from a source who refused to identify themselves. Mr Cheung cited a report from Microsoft this week that said Iranian hackers sent a spear phishing email in June to a high-ranking official on a presidential campaign. The materials received by Politico included research on vetting Mr Vance, Trumps vice presidential pick. In 2016, a hack of Democratic National Committee emails blamed on Russians exposed internal party communications, including about candidate Hillary Clinton. Trump, who would go on to win the election, was criticised for encouraging the hack. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. (Bloomberg) -- Israel and Hamas blamed each other for stalling a cease-fire and hostage deal as US President Joe Bidens top diplomat arrived in the region to press for an agreement. Most Read from Bloomberg Mediators say the warring sides are getting closer to a pause in the conflict in Gaza thats been raging for more than 10 months and has roiled the wider Middle East. But objections from both parties raised the prospect of another diplomatic failure. Listen to the Heres Why podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen. We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday. There are things we can be flexible on and there are things that we cannot be flexible on, which we will insist on. We know how to distinguish between the two very well. He accused Hamas backed by Iran and designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union of being completely obstinate. International pressure should, he said, be directed at the groups leader, Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be in hiding in Gaza. Hamas released a statement afterward detailing what it said were Israels new demands that would prevent a deal. We hold Netanyahu fully responsible, the statement read. The shekel fell for the first time in five days on Monday, posting the biggest losses among emerging-market peers. Options traders indicated rising nervousness about the conflict, sending the currencys one-month implied volatility a forward-looking measure to the highest level on a closing basis since October, the month the war began. On Sunday, Israel released data showing its economy slowed more than expected in the second quarter as the war puts increasing financial strain on the country and the governments defense spending soars. Hamas and Islamic Jihad, another Palestinian militant group, also claimed responsibility for what they said was a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv late on Sunday. Israeli police said the assailant was killed and another person was injured. The two groups threatened, in a statement on Monday, to carry out more such attacks as long as the occupations massacres, displacement of civilians, and the continuation of the assassination policy continue. Suicide bombings in Israel were a hallmark of Palestinian militant groups between 2000-2005 but have been very rare since then. Blinken Arrives US Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Israel on Sunday and met Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog on Monday. Hes set to speak to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant later on. Blinken, who has made nine trips to the region since the conflict erupted, will head to Egypt one of the main mediators along with the US and Qatar on Tuesday. This is a decisive moment, Blinken said after meeting Herzog, who holds a ceremonial position in Israeli politics. Probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security. It is time for it to get done. During negotiations at a two-day summit last week in Doha, Israel and the US worked to narrow gaps with Egyptian and Qatari officials serving as intermediaries for Hamas, which didnt send representatives of its own. Talks are set to resume in Cairo later this week, though no official date has been set and its still unclear if Hamas will have negotiators present. The war in Gaza broke out after Hamas fighters swarmed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking roughly 240 hostage. Israel responded with an air and ground assault thats killed more than 40,000 people, according to health officials in Hamas-run Gaza. The conflicts upended Middle Eastern geopolitics, with Israel and Iran trading fire directly and the Jewish state coming under attack from other groups supported by Tehran, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Militias in Syria and Iraq have also attacked US bases and the Houthis have effectively closed the southern Red Sea to Western ships with drone and missile attacks on vessels. Tensions have been particularly high since the assassinations late last month of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut and Hamas political chief in Tehran. Israel claimed the first attack but has neither confirmed nor denied killing Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas chief. The group and Iran said Israel was to blame. Iran has said it will retaliate against Israel, but hasnt said how. The US has moved more military forces to the region to protect Israel in case of missile and drone strikes directly from Iran or from Hezbollah. Tehran, on Monday, said it welcomed the cease-fire negotiations but that they are not directly related to Irans right to respond to Israel. The US hopes a Gaza cease-fire would turn into a permanent end to hostilities. Israeli negotiators over the weekend expressed to the prime minister cautious optimism regarding the possibility of progress on the deal, according to Netanyahus office. Hamas and Israel are discussing a three-phase plan unveiled in May by Biden. That called for a suspension of hostilities, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, some withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the return of civilians to the northern part of the territory. Netanyahu has previously insisted that the Israeli army remain stationed along the strategic Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors in Gaza to prevent arms smuggling from Egypt and block Hamas gunmen from returning to northern Gaza alongside civilians. Another sticking point in the talks has been the number of Israeli hostages who would be freed in the first round of an exchange for Palestinian prisoners. What Is Hamas? Who Leads It? What Does It Want?: QuickTake In a possible signal of flexibility, the Netzarim route, which bisects Gaza, went unmentioned in a statement Netanyahu issued after Blinkens arrival. But Hamas suggested in its statement that Israel continues to insist on a military presence at Netzarim and has placed new conditions on an exchange of hostages for prisoners. On Saturday, two Israeli army reservists were killed in a bomb and gun ambush on the Netzarim route, the Israel Defense Forces said. Since Israels ground incursion into Gaza in late October, the IDF has lost around 330 personnel. --With assistance from Dan Williams, Galit Altstein, Srinivasan Sivabalan and Patrick Sykes. (Updates with comments from Blinken.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Officers work at the explosion site after a blast kills at least one and injures another. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa The Israeli police are investigating a fatal explosion in Tel Aviv that is believed to be linked to an attempted terrorist attack. A device exploded in a man's rucksack on Sunday evening while he was walking down a street in the southern part of the city, the police said. The man who had been carrying the bomb was killed and a passerby on an e-scooter rider was injured. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, addressing the situation during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday, stated that it appeared "a suspected major terror attack" had been planned in Tel Aviv. The coastal city on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean has repeatedly faced severe attacks from Palestinian extremists in the past. A police spokesman told the Israeli army radio that there was "99% certainty" of an attack plot. The police said the motive was unclear but that all avenues of the investigation were being pursued. The operation of the Defense Forces in Kursk region is "only the beginning"."There will be several more stages to come". ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by the head of the Sumy City Military Administration Oleksiy Drozdenko. His words are reported by The Guardian. According to the official, the first stage of the Armed Forces operation in the Kursk region went better than expected. Only 15 soldiers needed medical care on the first day. "Sometimes there are more than 100-150 prisoners of war a day. Many of the Russian soldiers guarding the border are young conscripts. They do not want to fight with us," Drozdenko said. He emphasized that he was actively involved in the planning of the operation in Kursk region, but was sworn to secrecy before the surprise attack. "We are seeing only a part of this operation, we will see several stages in the future," Drozdenko said, describing the invasion as "not like previous raids" in the Belgorod region. ADVERTISIMENT As The Guardian notes, although Drozdenko did not provide more information, there are signs that Ukraine has introduced new tactics to try to gain more Russian territory. On Sunday morning, Ukraine's Air Force released a video of a hole in the bridge in the village of Zvane over the Seim River in Kursk Oblast. Other local civilian leaders, including Sumy Region Governor Volodymyr Artyukh, said they were not warned in advance, indicating that Drozdenko was in a trusted circle. As a reminder, the Russian military command has deployed its so-called space infantry to defend the Kursk region, where the Ukrainian army ' s offensive continues. Due to a shortage of personnel, servicemen from the Space Force units, including personnel of nuclear warning stations and heavy bomber air bases, were "retrained" as motorized infantry. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, despite the lack of forces, the Russian command has not yet pulled its reserves from Donbas to transfer them to the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. Analysts explain that the risks of losing positions in the areas of Pokrovsk, Toretsk and Vuhledar are too great for the aggressor to allow itself to withdraw from there. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! By Clauda Tanios and Mohammed Ghobari ADEN (Reuters) - Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port last month appeared to be an indiscriminate or disproportionate attack on civilians which may amount to a war crime, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Monday. Israel said on July 20 its warplanes struck Houthi military targets near Hodeidah. The attack targeted oil facilities and a power station and HRW said it killed at least six people and wounded at least 80. It took place a day after a Houthi drone hit Israel's economic hub Tel Aviv, killing one person, which HRW said also may constitute a war crime. The retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah hit more than two dozen oil storage tanks and two shipping cranes in the port, as well as a power plant in the province's Salif district, Human Rights Watch said. "The attacks appeared to cause disproportionate harm to civilians and civilian objects. Serious violations of the laws of war committed willfully, that is deliberately or recklessly, are war crimes." Analyzed satellite imagery found that the oil tanks burned for at least three days, posing environmental concerns, according to the HRW report. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli foreign ministry. Hodeidah, which has been under Houthi control since 2021, is critical for delivering food and other necessities to the Yemeni population, who depend on imports. About 70 percent of Yemen's commercial imports and 80 percent of its humanitarian assistance passes through the port. The Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel and disrupted global trade through the Red Sea in response to Israel's assault on Gaza, further destabilising the Middle East as war in the Palestinian enclave rages on after 10 months. Israel says the Houthis have launched 200 attacks against it since the Gaza war began, many of them intercepted and most of them not deadly. But a rare Houthi drone strike on July 19 that hit Tel Aviv prompted Israel to announce its first strikes against the group the next day. The Houthi movement, known formally as Ansar Allah, said it would continue to attack Israel in response. (Reporting by Clauda Tanios and Mohammed Ghobari, Editing by Angus MacSwan) TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Indiana State begins their academic year on August 20th, but first, they had to welcome their newest class of students. They held a multitude of student events, including the tradition of March Through the Arch, followed by a student involvement fair. This fair gives all students the ability to see what organizations and clubs are on campus and how to get involved. It kind of opens your eyes again to what is available because a lot of times you get into your own little groups and then you dont know what else is out there. It gives you an idea to go back, see what else kind of piques your interest, and what you can do to be more involved. Drew Daming President of ISU Student Philanthropy Student organizations werent the only thing on campus as over 20 community partners had booths at the involvement fair as well. This included the president of the Vigo County Council Todd Thacker. His booth was informing students on voting and registering them if they were not already. University President Mike Godard will be in his first year at the school. He says he is very excited about the future of Indiana State and has high hopes for this new class. Just the excitement of our students. I am just really optimistic about the future of Indiana State University. I know this new class of 2028 is going to play a huge role, in our current, but our future success as well. Just thrilled to be a part of it and being able to lead this university as we move forward. Mike Godard ISU President Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. A Ukrainian soldier. Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ukrainian forces continued to advance along the entire line of contact in Russias Kursk Oblast on 18 August and have made some progress south-east of the town of Sudzha. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: Military analysts reported that geolocation videos released on 17 August showed Russian troops striking a Ukrainian armoured personnel carrier in the north of Martynovka (north-east of Sudzha), indicating that Ukrainian forces had recently advanced there. A Russian military blogger claimed on 18 August that Ukrainian forces had captured Troitskoe (south of Korenevo and about two kilometres from the border) and advanced to Semenovka (north of Sudzha and about 24 kilometres from the border). Geolocation footage released on 17 and 18 August indicates that Ukrainian forces continue to operate throughout the claimed maximum extent of the Ukrainian advance in Kursk Oblast. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 18 August: Ukrainian forces continued assaults throughout their salient in Kursk Oblast on 18 August and marginally advanced southeast of Sudzha. The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast continues to force Russia to redeploy forces from elsewhere in the theatre, and likely subsequent phases of fighting within Russia will require more Russian manpower and materiel commitments to the area. Ukrainian forces struck a Russian oil depot in Rostov Oblast that supplies oil to the Russian military on the night of 17-18 August. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Spokesperson Maria Zakharova denied that Russia planned to engage in reported negotiations with Ukraine and Qatar on a moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure. Russian forces recently advanced near Kreminna and the city of Donetsk. Ukrainian forces regained previously lost positions near Siversk. Support UP or become our patron! J.D. Vance brings his stolen valor roadshow to Kansas and how it could backfire | Opinion By now, you probably know that Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance is at the tip of the spear in attacking the military record of his opponent, Democratic VP nominee Tim Walz. Ordinarily, Id let the national media hash this one out, but it came to my attention earlier this week that Vance will be in Kansas on Thursday for a $5,000-to-$50,000-per couple dinner (apparently singles arent welcome in Vance World) where I expect hell keep on assaulting Walzs decades of service to the National Guard. What really caught my eye was that at this GOP campaign fundraiser, Vance, an Ohio senator, will be appearing with former Kansas Congressman, former CIA Director and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. And some of the same criticism that Vance is aiming at Walz, the governor of Minnesota, could backfire on Pompeo. According to the questionnaire that Pompeo filled out for his nomination to CIA director, he served in the Army as platoon leader, troop executive officer and squadron maintenance officer for the 1st Squadron, Second Armored Cavalry in Germany from 1986 to 1989. From 1989 to 1990, he was a student in the Armored Officer Advance Course in Kentucky. He wrapped up his service in Colorado as squadron adjutant, an administrative position with the 2/7 Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division. After fulfilling his mandatory five years of service for attending West Point, Pompeo retired with the rank of captain to attend Harvard Law School. Pompeo and Gulf War I Pompeos service coincided with Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, the first Gulf War, to chase Iraqi dictator Saddam Husseins forces out of Kuwait, which hed invaded and conquered. In 2010, Pompeos first congressional run, he released a campaign ad touting his military service that was described thusly in the Topeka Capital Journal: Over footage of tanks barreling their way across a battlefield, a narrator describes how Pompeo led an armored battalion to secure West Germanys border and will now fight to protect the U.S. border with Mexico. I made a phone call on it myself, because the video in the ad clearly appeared to be from the Gulf War, not Germany. The answer I got was that the campaign ordered some b-roll footage of tanks from a video service and thats what they got. I didnt pursue it any further because the voice-over was accurate. While I thought the footage was misleading, if I wrote about every campaign ad thats misleading but not overtly false, I wouldnt have time to do anything else. And it was a different time, when most Americans just thanked veterans for their service, and didnt comb through every detail of their service record and every public statement they ever made, looking for avenues of attack, like now. Ive never heard Pompeo claim to be a Gulf War veteran. But his friends in high places sure did on his behalf. In January 2017, arguing for Pompeos confirmation as CIA director, Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida Republican, stated on the Senate floor that Congressman Pompeo served our country in the Gulf War and since 2011, he has served the country in Congress. Uncorrected, it became a persistent error that appeared in stories by several major news organizations. In April 2018, when Pompeo was up for promotion from CIA director to secretary of state, 51 members of the House of Representatives co-signed a letter urging the Senate to confirm him, which read, in part, After graduating first in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point (true), Michael Pompeo spent five years serving in the United States Army (true), including in the Gulf War (false). Notably, that letter was co-signed by all three Kansas Republican congresspersons at the time, Ron Estes, Roger Marshall and Lynn Jenkins, who all should have known better. The discrepancy came to light after a tweet by former CIA spokesman Ned Price, whos now a deputy to the U.S. representative to the United Nations, on April 20, 2018: It seems apparent from reliable sources that Mike Pompeo did NOT serve in the first Gulf War, but nearly half of his public bios including his Wikipedia page and contemporary write-ups claim he did. Is this something hes been content to leave uncorrected? That tweet was followed by a spate of articles with headlines like this, from Fortune Magazine: Pompeos War Record in Question Ahead of Secretary of State Confirmation. Walzs record So lets compare that with Walzs alleged misdeeds. The case against Walz has three main points: 1) That he retired from the National Guard shortly before his unit was deployed to the war in Iraq, leaving his troops leaderless. 2) That he overstated his rank after retirement. 3) That in 2018, arguing for gun control, he made the statement: We can make sure that those weapons of war, that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are at. Walz served 24 years in the National Guard and like Pompeo, he left the military when he was eligible, to pursue a more promising career path in the civilian world. Minnesota Guardsmen can retire at any time after 20 years, and Walz left months before his unit was deployed. He held the rank of command sergeant major until he retired in 2005 to run for a congressional seat, which he won. He was originally described in his bio as a retired command sergeant major, but because he hadnt completed the course of study to retain that rank permanently, he was officially retired one pay grade lower, at master sergeant. Did Walz carry his weapon in war? He has said that was a misstatement on his part, because he was never deployed in a combat zone. Its worth noting, however, that he was deployed to Italy in a role supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, which was considered part of the global war on terror. While he was never in combat, Walz was awarded the Global War on Terrorism medal, according to The Guardian, which did a deep dive into Walzs service record. So do I think Pompeo stole valor? Do I think Walz did? The answers are no, and no. The real problem here is that the definition of stolen valor has been warped beyond all recognition for political purposes, largely by the Donald Trump campaign and especially by J.D. Vance. Real stolen valor Stolen valor isnt about timing your retirement after years of honorable service, or the technicalities of Army retirement-benefit policy, or even the occasional misstatement about what you did in uniform. Stolen valor is about claiming you served when you never did, or grossly inflating what you did do when in uniform. The classic example of the real deal involves a former executive of this newspaper, The Wichita Eagle, and several other papers. The late Darrow Duke Tully was publisher of the Arizona Republic and Phoenix Gazette in 1985, when he was forced out over an elaborate web of lies hed built up over decades claims that hed been a hot-shot fighter pilot in an Air Force career that never existed. Ousted from the Arizona papers, Duke landed at the tiny Ojai Valley News, in Ventura County, California, a few miles up the road from the papers where I worked at the same time in the 80s. I later found out that before his lies and life unraveled, hed been a publisher at the Pasadena Star-News, where I later worked as city editor; and here at The Wichita Eagle and Beacon, where he was business manager (more or less the equivalent of publisher) from 1973 to 1975. In our archives, I found an old story where the Beacon identified him as a pilot and retired Air Force major. By the time he got caught in Arizona, hed promoted himself to lieutenant colonel (retired) and acquired a number of unearned medals that he hung on a full-dress uniform he wore to public functions. After Tully was exposed, journalists from papers where hed worked put bumper stickers on their cars saying I flew with the Duke. I wouldnt. That would be the journalistic equivalent of stolen valor. Or something. And to Mike Pompeo, and Tim Walz, I will say just this: Thank you for your service. Desperate James Comer Now Wants to Impeach Biden (Again) to Help Trump House Republicans are once again trying to impeach President Joe Biden. A nearly 300-page report prepared by the House Oversight Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and House Ways and Means Committee, and serendipitously obtained by Fox News on the first day of the Democratic National Convention, alleges that Biden committed impeachable conduct. The committees claimed that Bidens son Hunter, his brother James, and their associates had raked in more than $27 million from foreign individuals or entities since 2014, and that Biden had used his position as vice president to leverage more than $8 million in loans from Democratic donors. However, the report was unable to provide evidence that Biden himself had benefited from business dealings, or participated in any foreign business deals. Many of the claims in the report had already been refuted by witness testimony during interviews with the House Oversight Committee last year. The report also alleged that Biden had concealed his mishandling of classified documents after his time as vice president, although Special Counsel Robert Hur had declined to prosecute because there was not enough evidence to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. The report comes 11 months after Republicans first announced their failed campaign to convince a majority of House members to impeach Biden. House Republicans referred Hunter and James Biden for criminal prosecution in June, after a disastrous impeachment inquiry that failed to scrounge up the slightest bit of evidence that Biden had committed any wrongdoing. While that appeared to be a sign that House Oversight Chair James Comers quest to oust Biden had reached its inevitable, but anticlimactic, conclusion, apparently, that was somehow not the end of the Republicans feeble attempts to help Donald Trump. After wasting nearly two years and millions of taxpayer dollars, House Republicans have finally given up on their wild goose chase. This failed stunt will only be remembered for how it became an embarrassment that their own members distanced themselves from as they only managed to turn up evidence that refuted their false and baseless conspiracy theories, Sharon Yang, the White House spokesperson for oversight investigations, told Fox News. House Oversight Democrats released their own memo on Monday, refuting some of the Republicans long-debunked claims, including the false accusation that Biden had pushed for the firing of a Ukrainian prosecutor who was investigating a company linked to his son. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries posted on X, slamming the Republicans report. House Democrats will continue to put people over politics. Extreme MAGA Republicans are baselessly threatening to impeach President Biden and shut down the government in September, he wrote. These extremists are unfit to govern. Japan ruling LDP to hold leadership election on Sept 27, Fuji TV says TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is finalising its plans to hold the party's leadership election on Sept. 27, Fuji TV reported on Monday. The party's leader will almost certainly become Japan's Prime Minister because of the LDP's majority in the lower house. Incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided to step down in September, ending a three-year term marred by public disaffection over political scandals. (Reporting by Tokyo Newsroom; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) Japanese shrine that honors war dead, including convicted war criminals, is vandalized again A blue sheet covers a stone pillar on which graffiti was found at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP) TOKYO (AP) Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japans war dead, including convicted World War II war criminals, was vandalized again overnight Monday. It is deplorable that an act seeking to denigrate the shrines dignity has happened again, the shrine said in a statement. In May, a stone pillar at Yasukuni was spraypainted red. A Chinese suspect was arrested in July. Neither the police nor the Shinto shrine would go into details of the latest vandalism, saying an investigation was ongoing. Japanese media reports said graffiti reading toilet in Chinese, written with what appeared to be black markers, was found Monday morning on a stone pillar near the shrines arch. Asian nations that suffered from Japanese aggression before and during World War II see Yasukuni as a symbol of militarism. Convicted Class A war criminals, including Hideki Tojo, Japans wartime prime minister, are among the 2.5 million Japanese war dead enshrined at Yasukuni. The shrine itself, a dramatic-looking building with sweeping roofs, also includes in its grounds memorials and museums dedicated to kamikaze pilots. Every year on Aug. 15, the anniversary of Japans surrender in World War II, there is close scrutiny of which Japanese politicians visit Yasukuni to pray for the war dead. Many regular Japanese go there to pray for their family members and friends, regardless of their political views. This year, some politicians, including Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, prayed at the shrine on Aug. 15. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who has announced he will not seek reelection next month, did not go but sent an offering. Emperor Naruhito and his late father Akihito have not visited Yasukuni. The maximum penalty for property damage is three years in prison and a 300,000 yen ($2,000) fine. ___ Yuri Kageyama is on X: https://x.com/yurikageyama TechCrunch Meta has acquired the Threads.com domain name, according to Whois records of the URL that were updated on September 24. Users on domain-related forums pointed out this transfer, and TechCrunch confirmed the Whois records of Threads.com separately, which list Meta's Instagram as the registrant. TechCrunch reached out to Meta to understand if it plans to move its Threads social network to Threads.com, but the company didn't offer an immediate response. (Bloomberg) -- The arrival of thousands of people in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention this week marks the culmination of years of groundwork by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to elevate the city and himself to the national spotlight. Most Read from Bloomberg Few people played a more pivotal role in luring the partys marquee event. Pritzkers bid team traveled to Washington four times over a year for meetings, where the governor personally lobbied President Joe Biden. And when organizers toured the city, he feted them with a party at his mansion, a dinner from Michelin-starred chefs and access to a private sound check by the rock band Metallica. He was relentless, said Anne Caprara, Pritzkers chief of staff. I mean, truly relentless, particularly when he had one-on-one time with the president. Now that the convention has arrived, the billionaire governor is taking center stage at an event that has dramatically changed shape for both him and the party. Subscribe to the Balance of Power podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen. A convention that was once a chance for Pritzker, 59, to trumpet his own accomplishments, vigor and charisma alongside an aging Biden is now a coronation for Vice President Kamala Harris. Her rapid ascension as the Democratic presidential nominee has injected new life into the race and set her up to assume the mantle of the next generation of party leadership. And while the governors name was among those floated for the tickets No. 2 spot, its fellow Midwesterner Tim Walz who got the call. Pritzkers term runs through 2026, and hes able to seek reelection for a job that he says he loves. But hes widely assumed to have broader political ambitions such as a White House run in 2028 or 2032 that would be a high-profile step up among a family that has already reached rarefied air in academia, finance, Hollywood and beyond. No matter how this weeks convention turns out, his biggest obstacle might just be the very wealth thats made Pritzker one of the most storied names in American capitalism. While Republicans were first to elect a billionaire president Donald Trump a Democratic candidate at the highest echelons of wealth could pose more ideological quandaries for a party that on paper aligns itself with the working class. The extraordinary wealth that Pritzker has at his disposal is a double-edged sword in Democratic politics, said Stephen Nelson, a political science professor at Northwestern University. He has this tie to a massive family fortune, but that will alienate some of the less business-friendly members of the Democratic Party. Its a challenge Pritzker acknowledges, but believes hes overcome before. You all remember that back in 2018 our party was not exactly begging for me to run for governor, Pritzker said Monday at an event for Illinois Democrats in Chicago. No one was crying out for a white, Ukrainian-American, Jewish billionaire. I get it, I get it. But Im a Democrat. Rich Dynasty The Pritzker family, now in its fifth generation, is worth $46.5 billion, ranking them the worlds 16th-richest dynasty, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Pritzker name is emblazoned all over Chicago and beyond: on buildings at famous universities, in parks, hospitals and libraries. Much of its wealth is built on the storied Hyatt hotel brand, founded by JBs uncle, Jay. The governors sister, Penny, has already made a mark in Washington, serving as commerce secretary for former President Barack Obama. Pritzker is a skilled politician with an earnest, punchy speaking style and a deep network. Hes championed progressive causes including gun control, abortion rights and higher minimum wages as governor, a job for which he spent more than $320 million of his own money across two elections. He has helped Illinois attract major manufacturing investments and earn a string of credit-rating upgrades. Hes equally at home pumping fists at an autoworkers union rally as he is talking up his business bona fides to tech founders. In an interview, Pritzker said he brought the convention to Chicago to boost the area economically and offer Democrats a city with experience hosting big political events, as opposed to bolstering his national profile. Its great for the city and the state, and dont forget it also brings 50,000 people who have money in their pockets, and they come from all over the states and all over the world, he said. For now, Pritzker says his focus is on supporting Harris and Walz in defeating Trump. More immediately, he has to pull off hosting duties at the convention, where hes expected to attend breakfasts with delegations and give a speech Tuesday evening. Theres room for fun, too: Hes introduced a craft brew called JBeer, and he and his wife, MK, are set to host a party featuring musician John Legend at The Salt Shed concert venue. Its the type of splashy event that helped bring the convention to Chicago in the first place. When the Pritzkers hosted the bid committee in the backyard of their Gold Coast mansion in 2022, actor Jim Belushi performed a harmonica solo of Sweet Home Chicago a nod to The Blues Brothers, the 1980 comedy set in the city. The next night, Pritzker and then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot served them a multi-course dinner from three of Chicagos Michelin-starred chefs at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. That was followed by the Metallica sound check essentially a private concert ahead of the bands performance at Lollapalooza. Meticulous for details, Pritzker kept tabs on every aspect of the visit, down to their tour of convention space, seating arrangements at dinner and who was taking whom for drinks after the events, Caprara said. As the de facto host, Pritzker will have the opportunity to be close to the people who will choose future presidential nominees, said Marc Farinella, a longtime Democratic political consultant and a senior adviser to the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Its widely speculated that Pritzker is interested in someday running, Farinella said. He may very well be well-positioned to do that. Record Fundraising While the governor didnt directly pay for the convention, Pritzker expressed willingness to tap his wide network and help spearhead fundraising, Caprara said. The DNC host committee raised $94 million, the most ever for a political convention, the group said last week. Pritzker said he was a contributor like other people are, but that he wasnt the largest donor. Fundraising was Pritzkers entree into politics. He was among the biggest donors to Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign. Penny Pritzker, meanwhile, a friend and supporter of Obamas since the early 1990s, was finance chair of the former presidents 2008 election campaign. Even outside Democratic politics, the family is a veritable bingo card of elitist symbols frequently targeted by the right. Penny Pritzker heads the governing board at her alma mater Harvard University. She also served in the Biden administration as a special representative for Ukraines economic recovery. Tom, a cousin, is chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corp., the hotel group founded by his father Jay, and chairs Washington think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Cousin Jennifer, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, made headlines for becoming the first transgender billionaire. Other cousins include movie producer Gigi, progressive-tax advocate Liesel and Linda, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher living in Montana. Financially, the family members descendants of Nicholas Pritzker, a Ukrainian immigrant who arrived in Chicago in 1881 have largely gone their separate ways over the past two decades. After Jay Pritzkers death in 1999, his succession plan unleashed a series of contentious arguments and lawsuits that ultimately led the clan to gradually sell off businesses that made them rich, or, in the case of Hyatt, taking it public. New Deals The Pritzkers now have few assets in common, with one exception being JB and his brother Tonys Pritzker Private Capital, an investment firm that was spun out of their family office several years ago. (JB is not involved in operations or investment decisions and holds his assets in a blind trust.) PPC acquires stakes in family businesses, mainly companies involved in services or manufacturing, where their expertise in navigating complexities like succession gives them an edge. The firm, which is open to outside investors, is in the process of raising $3 billion for its third fund. As governor, Pritzker has channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into striking deals for his state. Chinese battery maker Gotion last year picked Illinois for a $2 billion gigafactory. More recent successes include luring electric-car maker Rivian Automotive Inc. to expand its Illinois plant and drawing more than $1 billion in investment for a quantum computing campus on Chicagos South Side. Sometimes people look at a Democrat and they think, are you really a capitalist? Im a capitalist Democrat, Pritzker said at a July 22 dinner for TechChicago Week. Im a believer in helping companies get started and grow here in the state of Illinois and in the city of Chicago. While Pritzker is in his second term as governor, Illinois law has no term limits, meaning he could long be in charge of the state. In the interview, he said hes focused on his next two-and-a-half years on the job. And while a Harris win would likely put her on a path toward seeking the Democratic nomination again in 2028, Farinella, the longtime Democratic political consultant, says Pritzker has an opportunity to wait for his moment. Hes part of a deep bench the Democrats currently have in terms of future potential candidates, Farinella said. Eight years is not a long time horizon in politics. --With assistance from Miranda Davis, Janet Lorin and Kim Chipman. (Updates with governors comments at Monday event in 10th paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. As a result of the successful military operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region of Russia, Ukraine's position has strengthened. The image of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has been undermined. ADVERTISIMENT This opinion was expressed by the former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko in an exclusive interview with OBOZ.UA. He expressed hope that the Ukrainian operation will be successful in the future. "I just want to believe in the genius of our military strategists and the decisions of our political leadership, which understands what needs to be done and so on," the diplomat said. "I'm not a military strategist, but as I said, our position has strengthened, it's 100%. Putin's image has been undermined. It will cost him dearly if we can build on our success," Prystaiko added. He explained that it is about undermining the image of a "macho" man who does not make decisions under pressure. "But the situation may be that he will not go anywhere. If we and our partners have enough strength," the ambassador believes. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, a US Democratic Senator from Arizona, Mark Kelly, believes that the operation of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the Kursk region of Russia could change the scenario of the war. The actions of the Ukrainian army in the Kursk region have put Russian dictator Putin in a difficult position. At the same time, he is convinced that Ukraine does not intend to hold Russian territory by force for a long time. As reported by OBOZ.UA: During the operation in the Kursk region of Russia, the Ukrainian Defense Forces choose routes that run along important infrastructure highways, in particular, along power lines, gas pipelines, etc. In these areas, the aggressor country, Russia, is limited in its use of military aircraft. ADVERTISIMENT The Financial Times reported that Russia is massively sending conscripts from almost all Russian regions to the Kursk region. In an attempt to hold back the Ukrainian army's offensive, the Russian dictator has once again broken his promises he has repeatedly claimed that conscripts will not be sent to war. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! New Jersey man sentenced to prison for antisemitic vandalism and arson NEW JERSEY (PIX11) A New Jersey man has been sentenced to several years behind bars for his alleged connection to arson and antisemitic graffiti, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office announced on Saturday. Ron Carr, 35, allegedly vandalized 14 homes in Pine Lake Park by spray painting Nazi symbolism on June 6, 2023, prosecutors said. More New Jersey News The next day, police officers said they were called to the same neighborhood for a report of a structural fire, which turned out to be at a house. The fire destroyed three other homes. No injuries were reported, officials said. Carr was arrested and allegedly made multiple antisemitic statements to investigators during the interview, police said. He also claimed he was saving the neighborhood and thought the house he set on fire would be turned into a school or prayerland. Carr pleaded guilty in connection with the incidents that occurred in June 2023, according to court documents. A New Jersey judge sentenced Carr to five years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to bias intimidation and 18 months in prison for two counts of criminal mischief. This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. NEW JERSEY (PIX11) The bridge connecting the Wildwoods to Cape May in New Jersey is closed indefinitely due to a motor failure, according to the Cape May County Sheriffs Office. The broken motor was used to open the Middle Thorofare Bridge on demand, officials said. Extensive tests over the weekend determined the motor is beyond repair. More Local News The motor is also highly specialized and difficult to replace, according to officials. The Cape May County Bridge Commission is now on a national and global search for a replacement motor. The bridge will remain in the up position to allow boats to pass underneath. The closure of the bridge to all traffic is expected to last at least several weeks. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Jill Biden's speech at convention honors President Biden and marks an end for the first lady, too CHICAGO (AP) Jill Biden once said that she knew marrying Joe Biden then a senator from Delaware would mean "a life in the spotlight that I had never wanted. On Monday night, now very accustomed to that spotlight, the first lady stood before the Democratic National Convention to do her part to highlight her husband's 50 years of public service as his presidency begins to draw to a close. Her words marked the beginning of an end for her, too. Before the president walked across the stage at the United Center to deliver the keynote speech on the convention's opening night, the first lady used her address to speak to his character and reiterate her support for Vice President Kamala Harris. "Joe and I have been together for almost 50 years, and still there are moments when I fall in love with him all over again," she said. Among them, she said, was watching him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris. Jill Biden urged Americans to unite with faith in each other, hope for a brighter future, and love for our country." President Biden endorsed Harris shortly after he dropped out of the presidential race in July, and she has succeeded him as the Democratic Party's nominee. In the weeks before Biden decided to leave the race, the first lady had declared that she was all in on her husband's reelection plan, even as Democrats began calling on him to drop out following his disastrous performance in a debate against Republican Donald Trump on June 27. Biden himself had brushed aside those calls, repeatedly insisting that he was staying in the race. His wife, one of his fiercest supporters and defenders, backed him up. For all the talk out there about this race, Joe has made it clear that hes all in, the first lady told a crowd in Wilmington, North Carolina, on July 8. Thats the decision that hes made, and just as he has always supported my career, I am all in, too." Biden pulled the plug on his campaign on July 21. The president was introduced by Ashley Biden, his only living daughter, who humanized her father as the OG girl dad in a deeply personal speech. She described this extraordinary journey of being Joe Bidens daughter, remembering a time he made a special trip home during a busy period in Washington to be with her when she blew out candles on her eighth birthday, then got back on the train to return to the nation's capital. And she lionized his public service, calling him one of the most consequential leaders ever in history. After Joe Biden took the stage to extended applause and chants of thank you Joe, he proudly proclaimed, that was my daughter! The first night of the four-day Democratic convention was rearranged after Biden bowed out. It honored his record of public service, including six terms as a U.S. senator from Delaware, eight years as vice president and one four-year term as president. Jill Biden was with her husband through it all and now both are figuring out what they want to accomplish in the time they have left in the White House. During the remaining months of the administration, which ends in mid-January, aides say Jill Biden will continue to work on her favored causes: supporting military families through her Joining Forces initiative, reducing cancer's toll through the Biden Cancer Moonshot, advancing research into womens health under an effort launched in November 2023, and increasing opportunities for education. She is also expected to campaign for Harris this fall. The first lady charted a new path for presidential spouses when she became the first to hold a paying job outside the White House. She is an English and writing professor at Northern Virginia Community College, where she has taught since 2009, and has been working on her lesson plans for the coming fall semester, aides said. As first lady, Jill Biden traveled to over 40 states, over 200 towns and cities, and 19 countries, most recently leading a delegation to support Team USA at the Olympic Games in France. She spent the first year of the administration traveling around the United States encouraging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In 2022, she traveled to Ukraine after Russia's military invasion to show U.S. support for Ukrainians. ___ Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper in Phoenix contributed to this report. Joe Biden will look out at an adoring crowd from the podium at Monday nights Democratic National Convention in Chicago and try his best to hide the bitterness he still feels about the betrayal by some in his own party. Assured of an emotional sendoff as he passes the torch to his vice president, Biden is still stunned and pissed about the way he was pushed out of his re-election race, the presidents friends told Axios. Biden loyalists see the sudden superstardom of Kamala Harris among the previously dubious party faithful as an even more brutal rejection of Biden, according to the report. Resentful Joe Biden Set to Snub Barack Obama and Kamala Harris Speeches at DNC And it is not just the party leadership that Biden feels betrayed by. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has spoken of her hopes their 50-year friendship can be repaired after he felt she played a major role in his ousting, and the manner of Bidens departure has sorely tested his relationship with Barack Obama. But the president and his stalwarts are still fuming over his treatment, both from the media and from within the party. Morning Joe regular Mike Barnicle, a close friend of the president, reportedly met a former senior White House official at Fenway Park in Boston who said to him: Isnt it great that f****** guy finally figured out he had to quit? Barnicle is said to have replied: You know something? F*** you! And f*** all your friends with their anonymous quotes in the papers. Put your name on it next time! Biden supposedly found the story hilarious, with one source familiar with his reaction telling Axios: He might still be laughing. The anecdote illustrates the bittersweet nature of the presidents speech. There is no doubt he will get a rapturous ovation for his prime-time address outlining both his defining achievements in office and his blessing for Harris as the future of the party. Nearing the end of a long road in Washington, Biden is said to be busy framing his legacy and seeking to make a splash before he leaves, perhaps with a U.S.-led peace deal in Gaza. He will make the case at the DNC for Harris as president by touting her successes with him in the White House and making it clear how dangerous he believes it will be for democracy if Donald Trump returns. Then he plans to leave Chicago with his family for a break in Santa Barbara without seeing any of the later speechesincluding Harrisin person. Despite any initial reservations about Harris ability to lead, Biden is under no illusions that she is the best bet to beat Trump in November, reports say. His legacy will depend on how she fares in the ballot box. If she loses, the party faithful wont be talking behind their hands about how he waited too long to hand over the reins. They will be shouting it from the rooftops. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., unequivocally backing Israel even as its assault on Gaza wreaks carnage on the civilian population, has seen the departure of several top staffers from his office over the past several months. Now, a current staffer has gone on the record to criticize her boss over his hardline pro-Israel stance to Free Press senior editor Peter Savodnick, who reprinted some of her words in a profile of Fetterman. "I don't agree with him," said Carrie Adams, Fetterman's communications director, after Savodnick wrapped up his interview with the Pennsylvania senator. I have a sense that his international views are a lot less nuanced than my generation, because when he was growing up, it was might makes right, and for my generation and younger who, of course, are the ones protesting this, they have a much more nuanced view of the region." When Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, Fetterman joined the rest of the Democratic Party in denouncing terrorism and backing Israel's military retaliation, but angered many of his supporters by refusing to consider a more measured position while human rights watchdogs accused Israel of inflicting collective punishment on Gaza's population or, at worst, committing genocide. Fetterman opposes conditioning military aid to Israel, recognizing a Palestinian state and a ceasefire deal that does not satisfy the right-wing Israeli government. When asked about the now 40,000 dead Palestinians reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, Fetterman refused to fault Israel, instead putting the blame entirely on Hamas for starting the war. The Pennsylvania senator has also gleefully mocked pro-Palestine activists, drawing accusations of insensitivity and willful ignorance towards Palestinian suffering now and historically under Israeli occupation and blockade. In the spring of 2024, several of his Senate staff resigned to work in relatively more pro-Palestine spaces, including the progressive Working Families Party and the office of Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson. Communications staffers Nick Gavio and Joe Calvello both complimented Fetterman at the time of their departure, but Savodnick noted that denigrating a former Capitol Hill boss is an extremely rare practice Adams' criticism of Fetterman was an exception that could indicate a much wider rift. "This was the first time Id ever encountered anyoneon Capitol Hill or anywhere else, on the record, off the record, on background, whatevercriticizing 'the principal,'" he wrote. Fetterman's position on Israel has not only put him at odds with some of his own staffers and young progressives, who formed the core of pro-Palestine protests that swept college campuses this year, but also with more mainstream Democrats who are now publicly critical of Israel's wartime conduct. The senator downplayed his decision to skip the Democratic National Convention in his Free Press interview, maintaining that it was a personal choice unrelated to his position on Israel and Palestine. Even if Fetterman is skipping town, pro-Palestine protesters have chosen to show up in force, vowing to persist until the Democratic Party takes a stronger posture against Israel's war in Gaza. Johnson C. Smith University started a blitz Monday to raise $250,000 in 10 days because more students plan to enroll this fall than the historically Black college has seen in years. There were 1,102 students at JCSU in fall 2023. This semester, 1,378 students are looking to enroll, including 604 new freshmen. This marks the highest enrollment the school has seen since before the pandemic. However, many students have difficulty affording the total cost of attending school. Without being cleared financially, students cannot register for classes and the school is at risk of exactly that for hundreds of them. When we talk about an average gap for students, youre looking at anywhere between $6,000 to $10,000, said Davida Haywood, JCSU vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. After whatever federal financial aid they receive or merit-based scholarships they may receive, whats left is the responsibility of students and their families. Were trying to help our students with that gap. JCSU announced early Monday it is asking community members donate to its emergency aid fund to help the influx of new students afford to attend. We are pleased to announce that we have accepted a record number of incoming students across all classifications for the fall 2024 semester, JCSU Director of Communications and Marketing Cheryl Butler-Brayboy wrote in an email to the JCSU community. We need to financially clear 300 students by Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. Classes begin Wednesday. Students must be financially cleared meaning they have all the funding they need to attend, including from scholarships by that Aug. 30 deadline in order to continue to be enrolled. JCSU President Valerie Kinloch was in Chicago attending the National Association of Black Journalists Convention about two weeks ago when she saw enrollment skyrocketing for the 2024-25 school year. She immediately began thinking about how to help students who had financial limitations. I thought, if were really committed to eliminating financial barriers for students who have done everything weve asked them to do, we need to exhaust every resource we can, Kinloch told The Charlotte Observer. So, this emergency aid campaign was an idea we came up with. The campaign launched Monday, and Kinloch said shes not yet sure how much has been raised toward the $250,000 goal so far. Those interested in contributing can do so here. Charlottes very own historically Black university is celebrating a milestone. A record number of people have enrolled in Johnson C. Smith University for the fall semester. Dr. Valerie Kinloch, the universitys president, said more than 1,350 students have expressed interest in attending the only private HBCU in the Queen City. ALSO READ: JCSU alumni describe impact of their lunch counter sit-ins in Charlotte I think what people would say to me is that its a new era of excellence, she said. Its the schools first time in five years with a record number of incoming students. Its important for us to understand how to attract students to this institution, how to create the energy, how to make sure that they are seen, they are welcome, Dr. Kinloch said. The school is holding a welcome week celebration on Monday for the more than 300 new students. It kicks off with a block party at 11 a.m. outside Biddle Hall on JCSUs campus. JCSU is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to get students financially cleared. They are looking to raise $250,000 for their general scholarship. If you would like to donate, click here. (WATCH BELOW: Legendary JCSU basketball coach announces retirement) Actress Julia Ormond poses for a portrait to promote the film, "Rememory", at the Music Lodge during the Sundance Film Festival on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, in Park City, Utah. (Taylor Jewell / Invision via AP) A New York Supreme Court judge on Monday denied motions by talent agency CAA, Walt Disney Co. and Miramax to dismiss actress Julia Ormond's lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein for sexual battery. The suit, filed last October, named CAA for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty, as well as Disney and Miramax, accusing them of negligent supervision and retention. "The complaint sufficiently alleges that CAA failed to protect plaintiff from Weinstein, failing to warn her of his alleged reputation while at the same time negotiating the production company agreement between the plaintiff and Miramax, and later arranging the dinner meeting between plaintiff and Weinstein," said the court in its ruling. Read more: Harvey Weinstein may be extradited to California after Newsom signs warrant Disney owned Miramax at the time of the alleged assault. "We are very pleased by the Courts decision, which is a complete repudiation of CAA, Disney, and Miramaxs attempts to evade accountability for their failure to protect Julia Ormond from Harvey Weinstein. The case will now proceed to discovery, where, thanks to Ms. Ormonds bravery, we will be able to expose the truth of how these powerful Hollywood companies enabled Harvey Weinstein," Ormond's attorneys Meredith A. Firetog and Kevin Mintzer said in a statement to The Times. We respectfully disagree with the Courts ruling and continue to believe there is no legal or factual basis for Ms. Ormonds claims against CAA," a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement. "While we have deep compassion for Ms. Ormond and are incredibly disturbed by what she says she suffered at the hands of Weinstein, CAA did not learn of Weinsteins sexually assaultive behavior until it became public knowledge decades later. As a result, the claim that CAA should have warned Ms. Ormond about Weinsteins criminal conduct in December 1995 defies logic. Representatives for Disney were not immediately available for comment. Ormond, who starred in such films as Legends of the Fall and the remake of Sabrina, alleged that the disgraced movie mogul sexually assaulted her in December 1995 after a business dinner in New York City, where the two were to discuss a project. She further alleged that after she informed her agents Bryan Lourd and Kevin Huvane, currently CAAs co-chairmen, they did nothing to help her and instead cautioned her about speaking out. Lourd and Huvane were not named as defendants in the suit. However, their names were cited throughout the complaint. The men at CAA who represented Ormond knew about Weinstein. So too did Weinsteins employers at Miramax and Disney, the lawsuit states. Brazenly, none of these prominent companies warned Ormond that Weinstein had a history of assaulting women because he was too important, too powerful, and made them too much money. Weinstein insisted on discussing a project at the Manhattan apartment Miramax provided for the English actor, part of her two-year, first-look deal with the company, according to the complaint. Ormond, who was inebriated to the point she could not put the keys in the door, says that despite her protests, Weinstein stripped naked, forced her to give him a massage, climbed on top of her, masturbated and then forced her to perform oral sex on him. A few weeks after the alleged assault, Ormond traveled to Copenhagen to work on a film and was informed that Weinstein planned to visit her. Horrified, according to the suit, she called her agents at CAA, Lourd and Huvane, to plead with them to prevent Weinstein from coming to Copenhagen. They declined to intervene, the suit states. Ormond filed her lawsuit under the Adult Survivors Act, which was passed in New York in 2022. It established a one-year lookback window for survivors of sexual assault that occurred when they were over the age of 18, regardless of when it took place. Weinstein's attorney Imran H. Ansari said he categorically denie[d] the allegations made against him by Julia Ormond and he is prepared to vehemently defend himself," according to a statement after the suit was filed. At the time of the filing, CAA called the claims baseless. The agency said that Ormond's legal counsel approached them in March 2023 about the allegations. The Century City-based agency then hired attorney Loretta Lynch and her law firm, Paul, Weiss. The firms review found nothing to support Ms. Ormonds claims against CAA. Ormonds attorneys asked CAA to pay $15 million in exchange for Ormond not making public allegations against the agency, which it rejected, CAA said. At the Bloomberg Screentime conference last year, Lourd said: We were falsely accused of something that we did not do and we are going to address those accusations in court in a proper forum. In April, a New York appellate court decided to overturn Weinsteins rape conviction in a separate case, saying a state judge erred in allowing three women to testify at trial despite no charges having been filed against the movie mogul in connection with their accusations. Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an extradition warrant seeking the transfer of Weinstein from custody in New York to California, where he was previously convicted on rape charges. Times staff writer Wendy Lee contributed to this report. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A federal judge on Monday dismissed former Rep. George Santoss (R-N.Y.) lawsuit against Jimmy Kimmel over the late-night hosts requests for personalized videos on Cameo, a ruling that landed just hours before Santos is expected to plead guilty to federal crimes. Santos sued Kimmel in February, claiming he engaged in deliberate deception and wrongful appropriation by requesting videos under a fictitious name to broadcast them on his ABC show for a national audience. The ex-congressman joined Cameo, a video-sharing website where celebrities sell personalized videos, after he was expelled from the House late last year in the wake of a damning ethics report and mounting criminal scrutiny. Santos claimed Kimmel and his network committed copyright infringement, fraudulent inducement, breach of contract and unjust enrichment. U.S. District Judge Denise Cote, an appointee of former President Clinton, dismissed all four claims in a ruling issued Monday. Cote ruled that Kimmels airing of the videos was transformative enough to be protected by the fair use exemption to copyright protections, finding that the videos were used for political commentary and criticism. In short, a reasonable observer would understand that [Jimmy Kimmel Live] showed the Videos to comment on the willingness of Santos a public figure who had recently been expelled from Congress for allegedly fraudulent activity including enriching himself through a fraudulent contribution scheme to say absurd things for money, Cote wrote in her 27-page decision. She tossed the remaining claims on various grounds, rejecting Santoss arguments of why the case should be allowed to move forward. Though unconnected, the ruling came the same day that Santos is due to appear before a separate judge in his ongoing criminal case. He is expected to plead guilty to multiple counts, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, which would enable Santos to avoid going to trial next month. The Hill has reached out to Santos for comment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The aggressor country Russia is massively sending conscripts from almost all Russian regions to the Kursk region, where the Ukrainian Defense Forces are continuing their operation. In an attempt to deter the Ukrainian army's offensive, the Russian dictator has once again broken his promises - he has repeatedly claimed that conscripts will not be sent to war. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in the article of the Financial Times. A representative of the Russian public organization "Go to the forest", which helps Russians avoid mobilization and participation in the war against Ukraine, says that people are scared. "People are terrified. We are overwhelmed with requests and can barely keep up. It started in some regions, but now it is clear that conscripts are being mobilized from all over Russia," Ivan Chuvilaev told FT. According to him, in Russia, conscripts are forced to sign contracts and documents are forged to make it look like they have been serving for a long time. According to Russian law, conscripts can only be sent to a combat zone if they have served for more than 4 months and have special skills. "But the law can be easily broken," the journalists wrote, adding that Putin has repeatedly stated that conscripts will not be sent to the combat zone. ADVERTISIMENT The newspaper writes that Putin does not want to transfer significant resources to Kursk from different areas on the front in Ukraine. The dictator hopes to restrain the advance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with conscripts. "Putin hopes to restrain Ukraine's advance mainly with conscripts. But will they be able to push back Ukrainian troops? I doubt it," said Russian military analyst Yuriy Fedorov. According to him, the various contingents that Russia has assembled in the Kursk region had no experience of joint operations and no time to learn. Also, according to Fedorov, even after the arrival of reinforcements last week, Russian forces in the region were much smaller than Ukrainians, although Russia has air support. Pavlo Luzin, a freelance senior research fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, claims that Russia has 300,000 conscripts, who are perhaps the only significant reserve available to the Kremlin. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA reported, the Kursk operation by the Ukrainian Defense Forces was not only a complete surprise for the Kremlin, but also showed that it is impossible for it to control even its own border. And despite the fact that many Russian urgent workers have already been captured, new batches of them are now being forcibly sent from different parts of the Russian Federation to the border areas, with no regard for their own legislation. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! CAA has lost its bid to dismiss a lawsuit from Julia Ormond faulting the agency for failing to warn her about Harveys Weinsteins history of sexual misconduct before she took a meeting with the former movie mogul that led to her assault. Ormond last year filed a wide-reaching lawsuit accusing her ex-agency, Miramax and Disney of turning a blind eye to Weinsteins crimes. After she was assaulted, she said her agents at the time, who were allegedly told by another client that Weinstein proposed sex in exchange for career opportunities, discouraged her from reporting the incident to law enforcement. More from The Hollywood Reporter In an order rejecting dismissal of the case, New York judge Suzanne Adams found on Monday that the allegations suggest that CAA knew or had reason to know of a potential assault by Weinstein that could constitute a breach of agencys fiduciary duties to Ormond, who rose to prominence in the 90s after starring in Legends of the Fall, First Knight and Sabrina. Claims were also allowed to proceed against Disney, Miramax and Weinstein. In a statement, a CAA spokesperson said the agency did not learn of Weinsteins sexually assaultive behavior until it became public knowledge decades later. As a result, the claim that CAA should have warned Ms. Ormond about Weinsteins criminal conduct in December 1995 defies logic, the company added. Ormonds lawsuit pointed to her ex-agents Bryan Lourd and Kevin Huvane encouraging her to take a meeting with Weinstein that led to her being assaulted and not to report the incident to law enforcement. She also blamed Disney executives Jeffrey Katzenberg and Michael Eisner for negligently shifting responsibility on supervising Weinstein, with the aim of overlooking the misconduct to continue profiting off of the companys dealing with Miramax. None of the individuals were named in the lawsuit as defendants. With respect to CAAs prior knowledge of Weinsteins propensity for sexual assault, the court found that the complaint sufficiently alleged that the agency failed to protect Ormond. It pointed to representatives for CAA choosing not to warn her of his reputation while they were negotiating her first-look deal with Miramax. In 1995, the agency helped arrange a meeting between Ormond and Weinstein to discuss funding for a title she was developing. He later lured her back to his apartment, where he forced her to perform oral sex on him, according to the complaint. After Ormond recounted the assault to Lourd and Huvane, they allegedly told her she may not be believed and that she risked further angering Weinstein if she went to the police because it was his perception of the event not Ormonds actual lack of consent that legally mattered, the lawsuit said. Moving for dismissal of the case, Disney said that it isnt responsible for Weinsteins crimes because it wasnt his employer. Adams rejected the argument since Weinstein reported directly to Eisner, who delegated oversight of the Miramax founder to other Disney executives, including Katzenberg. Disney purchased Miramax in 1993, prior to Weinsteins assault of Ormond. The lawsuit brought claims for sexual battery against Weinstein and negligent supervision against Miramax and Disney. She also accused CAA of negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. The complaint was filed under New Yorks Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily lifted time constraints on claims involving sex offenses for a one year period. Best of The Hollywood Reporter DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) The trial of former Houston County Assistant District Attorney Mark Johnson is set to start in earnest after a jury was seated Monday afternoon. The court began the day with an approximately 83-member jury pool, but the prosecution and defense slowly dwindled that number down to 12 by 1:40 p.m. The jury consists of 9 men and 6 women with three alternates. Johnson, a former Houston County prosecutor, is facing six ethics violations alleging that he solicited pictures and messages to women with criminal cases for sexual contact as a public official. The trial is finally ready to begin after being pushed twice. The case against Johnson began in 2022 when a past defendant, Jamie Connolly, wrote a letter to a Houston County Judge, accusing Johnson of having an online Facebook relationship with her in October 2021. The states attorney general office says that based on their investigation, the day after the judge received the letter, Johnson immediately deleted over 120 women from Facebook30% of them, including Connolly, had a criminal history in Houston County. Johnson was placed on leave after the letter was sent to the judge. After an investigation, he was indicted in October 2022 and turned himself in at the Houston County Jail. That same day, former Houston County District Attorney Pat Jones fired Johnson. The state says they plan to present the evidence that Johnson allegedly pressured a total of four women, including Connolly, into sex acts using his position as a prosecutor. For the other three women in the case, prosecutors say one was a message to get him a prostitute, another who he allegedly had sexual contact with. One message claimed he gave a defendant a lenient deal, and she referred to him as her sugar daddy. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) A juvenile has been arrested in connection with a deadly Friday night shooting in North Charleston. Officers with the North Charleston Police Department were dispatched to an address off Warsaw Road just before 9:30 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Once there, officers found a deceased male with an apparent gunshot wound. A spokesman for North Charleston PD announced Monday morning that a suspect has been arrested in this case. Their charges include involuntary manslaughter. Both the victim and suspect are juveniles. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Arrest made in Sunday evening shooting of juvenile on South Side YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Police have arrested a 14-year-old in connection with the Sunday evening shooting of a 12-year-old. Chief of Detectives Capt. Jason Simon said the suspect was trying to rob the victim of his shoes and ended up shooting him. The victim is being treated at St. Elizabeth Health Center and is in stable condition, Simon said. He was wounded about 9 p.m. Police were called to the intersection of Cambridge Avenue and Gibson Street for a gunshot sensor call and at about the same time they were also called to a home in the 700 block of East Lucius Avenue for a gunshot victim. The victim was found on East Lucuis Avenue and taken by ambulance to the hospital. The suspect was booked into the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center on charges of aggravated robbery and felonious assault. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. This week, the Democratic Party will nominate for president a woman who hasnt won a single primary. Ive elected not to attend the convention in Chicago. Since Joe Biden pulled out, its become a toothless coronation and if there are protests, I cant report on them. To do that, one needs pre-approved press credentials from the terrifying Chicago Police Department, which seems to regard half a dozen kids with placards and a camera as a nascent riot. The diminution of American democracy continues. Three months ago, we were told Joe was fit and well: anyone who said otherwise was a liar. Then he bombed at the debate. The elite realised Trump might win, so now we were told Biden was gravely ill and horribly selfish for refusing to stand aside. A coalition of hacks and politicians humiliated the poor man off the ticket, a surrender they quickly labelled historic and brave. It was Kamala Harris turn for a makeover. Yesterday, she was an idiot; today she is the second coming of Lincoln, with quirks that once made her absurd that crazy laugh, her random use of unrelated words rebranded as a breath of fresh air. And it seems to be working. Shes climbing fast through the polls. If Trump was crafted by Twitter, Harris has been remade by TikTok a living meme whose every slap-down and side-eye is greeted by the press with oh no, she didnt! Of course, one thing she absolutely will not do is talk to reporters. Theres been no formal press conference since she stole Joes mantle, not a single sit-down interview. She declined even to speak with Time magazine, despite it comparing the candidate to Obama and putting a pencil portrait of Kamala on the cover that Trump admitted made her look beautiful. The message is that Kamala is normal while her opponents are weird, an impression reinforced by tapping Governor Tim Walz for her vice president. He served in the military. He taught in a school. Tim a name that evokes decency and trust has been crowned Americas dad, albeit a dad who takes a weirdo position on trans rights, abortion and illegal immigration. The one interesting task Biden gave Kamala was reducing people-flow to the border via Central America. Today, the border is a mess; conservatives call her a failed border czar. Democrats insist that the term never applied to her because it doesnt exist, and by implication is a Right-wing smear. Yet contributors to CNN, CBS and ABC called her a border czar, or near enough, in the past, and Lester Holt famously put it to her that You havent been to the border, as if it were part of her job. She replied with characteristic absurdity: And I havent been to Europe. Its rumoured that Harris worried that her brief was being mischaracterised; some speculated at the time that she was being set up by Bidens staff to take the rap for an impossible task. The border czar controversy is a reminder that until very recently, she was regarded by the people now promoting her as the weak link in a frail administration. At least her name was familiar. With Biden apparently so sick he cant run for re-election, the US media ought to be asking: who is running this country? and the list of potential answers is very short. A fun game to play in the car is, name a member of the Biden cabinet. I bet you can get Harris, maybe Antony Blinken, but thats it. Yet, think back to George W Bush and the names trip off the tongue Cheney, Rumsfeld, Powell, Rice because US politics used to be dominated by substantial, accomplished people (a few of them, contra the myth about Republicans, female and black). Today, if the Republicans are held hostage by their base, the Democrats are run by a dwindling, ageing elite and Kamala, who at 59 is older than you think, was granted her partys nomination not because shes a diversity hire but because they didnt want an open contest and she happened to be next in line. America, after years of messing about, has reverted to monarchy. Welcome home, cousins. Tory contenders confess their favourite conservatives Tory HQ asked each of the leadership contenders for their number one political hero. All the answers were 20th century; half the candidates named an American. Patel and Jenrick went with Margaret Thatcher; Kemi with Airey Neave (a roundabout way of saying Margaret Thatcher). James Cleverly chose Reagan and Tugendhat preferred Eisenhower, which is intriguing. Mel Stride named Jack Kennedy, probably because neither man is a conservative. Its a paradox that conservative politicians, who venerate the past, act as if history began in 1945 and is dominated by America a revolutionary experiment that went out of its way to end our empire. Where is the candidate of Disraeli, Wellington, Bismark or Charlemagne? Boris, I suspect, wouldve enthusiastically answered Cato the Younger! Or Nero. Depends on his mood. A lack of sympathy for anything older than Disney World might be explained by the worryingly high number of candidates who, when asked to choose between tradition or progress, replied progress. At this point, Charles I picked up his head and shook it sadly. The question they all flunked was: If you could have one superpower, what would it be? To calm people down, said Priti; To need very little sleep, said Mel. Wrong, wrong, wrong! The correct answer is: the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. MSNBC's Symone Sanders-Townsend, who has advised both Biden and Harris, shares tips for what to keep an eye on during the Democratic Party's historic convention from Aug. 19-22 William B. Plowman/NBC via Getty Symone Sanders-Townsend on 'Meet the Press' on April 9, 2023 The 2024 Democratic National Convention, which begins on Monday, Aug. 19, is set to be a historic event that will see President Joe Biden effectively hand the keys to the Democratic Party over to Vice President Kamala Harris only four weeks after he abandoned his reelection bid. Harris, who chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on Aug. 6, has built unprecedented momentum in polling since taking Biden's place on the ticket in a last-minute swap, but the convention is where she will need to fully establish who she is as a candidate and how she differs from her boss. Related: Tim Walz: 5 Viral Moments That Took Him from Unknown to VP Pick in a Matter of Days Symone Sanders-Townsend, who hosts MSNBC's The Weekend, worked as Harris' chief spokesperson and senior adviser during the vice president's first year in office, and served as a senior adviser to Biden's 2020 presidential campaign before that. Though she is not advising the Democratic campaign this time around, she'll be curious to see how her former boss navigates one of the highest-stakes events of the election cycle. Below, Sanders-Townsend explains the four main things she's looking out for at the Democratic National Convention, which ends on Thursday, Aug. 22. Official White House Photo by Carlos Fyfe Symone Sanders-Townsend meets with Vice President Kamala Harris on May 12, 2021 1. The Big Stage One thing that I am watching for at the convention is just who gets the spots on the big stage every evening. People may have forgotten, but the Democratic National Convention is where then-Sen. Barack Obama first gave his big speech in 2004, and it was a speech that catapulted him onto the national stage and onto people's radar. It was that speech that people said, "Oh, is he going to run for president?" It was also then-California Attorney General Kamala Harris who spoke on the 2012 convention stage. So, the convention stages are oftentimes where the up-and-coming talent is, if you will, and who gets spotlighted is at the discretion of the nominee. And so who Kamala Harris decides to put on the stage is one of the things that I'm watching for. Related: Symone Sanders-Townsend Shares 4 Things Everyone Should Pay Attention to This Election Year (Exclusive) Alex Wong/Getty Former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords and future Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly deliver remarks at the 2016 Democratic National Convention 2. Kamala Coalition What is the Kamala Coalition? Thats the second thing I'm looking for. Its not Biden's coalition and Bidens coalition wasn't Obama's, and hers won't be Obama's. Specifically, I think her coalition is going to be unique to her. It might be a melding of both. But we are going to start to see what that coalition looks like as this convention unfolds. This is the biggest stage, frankly, that Harris is going to have prior to Election Day. The only bigger stage after that, or almost as big, would be this first debate with Donald Trump, and so this is her opportunity to showcase the coalition and it's the first showing of the party truly in the image of her vision. So Im looking to see what that looks like. Related: MSNBC's Symone Sanders Shares the Advice Kamala Harris Gave Her When She Left Politics BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Kamala Harris and Tim Walz appear together for the first time as running mates on Aug. 6, 2024 3. Theme The third thing I'm watching for is, what's the theme that emerges from this convention? What usually happens is you come out of the convention especially for the Democrats, because the Democratic National Convention is usually toward the end of the summer with a theme, and that theme and message carries you through the general election. So is the theme of this convention going to be, we're not going back? Is the theme win the future? What is the theme? And then, how is that woven throughout all of the programming, not just in the evening, but throughout the day. It's my understanding that there will be content creators broadcasting on social media not just in the evening, but throughout the daytime events as well. How is Kamala Harris' vision of the Democratic Party apparatus showing up throughout all of those things? Because we're not going back is a campaign call that is specific to not wanting Trumpism. That is not a vision, per se. That is a campaign slogan. So what's the vision? What's the tagline of the convention? Related: Kamala Harris Responds to Donald Trump Saying She 'Turned Black': 'The American People Deserve Better' AP Photo/Matt Rourke Then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and senior adviser Symone Sanders-Townsend at an Iowa campaign event on Jan. 27, 2020 4. Joe Bidens Baton The fourth thing I'm watching for is how the Democratic Party apparatus celebrates President Joe Biden and honors his accomplishments throughout the convention, and how President Biden passes the baton Monday. Notably Biden didn't get his opportunity to deliver a big convention speech when he won the nomination because of COVID. When he spoke in 2020, there were maybe 15 people in the room and he did it from Delaware. He wasn't in Milwaukee where the convention was held. Monday, the first night of the Democrats convention is the partys opportunity to honor Biden for his decades of service to the country and commemorate his truly consequential presidency. It is also an opportunity for Biden to continue to craft the narrative of his legacy. But after that, how do they bridge the gap? How does he pass the baton? And it's not like Joe Biden will be honored on Monday and then you never speak about him again. Because Vice President Kamala Harris is the vice president for President Joe Biden. So how do they continue to weave the two together while also distinctly carving out a space for her that is still acknowledging the fact that every day she goes to work as the vice president of the United States of America to a president that says he is not yet done? For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. No mention of gender or race can be found in Kamala Harris's official merchandise - Brent Gudenschwager/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Click here to view this content. Susan Sheehan did not want to vote for Joe Biden even before his disastrous presidential debate in June. I was concerned about his mental abilities, Ms Sheehan, 61, from Ogunquit, in Maine, told The Telegraph. A self-described old-school Republican, she had no intention of voting for Donald Trump who, she added, was horrible to women. Upset by the overturning of Roe v Wade, Ms Sheehan was one of millions of women energised by Kamala Harriss entry into the race. I think shes great. I dont think Kamala can promise to bring it back, but shes definitely going to move us in the right direction. She is not alone. The latest polls show a surge in support for Ms Harris among women voters with the four-point lead the Democrats had under Joe Biden jumping to 11 points. The Democratic National Convention, which began on Monday, is full of supporters in a celebratory mood. Kamala Harris's appeal is across the board during this election - Julia Beverly / Alamy Live News In the swing states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, Ms Harris has widened the gap among voters from 10 to 17 per cent. Trumps national lead among male voters is unchanged, according to the polls, at 9 per cent. In the swing states, his lead among men has fallen slightly from 17 points to 15. This shift could prove decisive in November. Women have voted in greater numbers than men for decades, according to academic research, conducted by the Centre for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, in New Jersey. In the 2020 presidential election, 74.1 per cent of women eligible to vote registered, compared with 71.2 per cent of men. The number of women turning up to vote has outstripped men in every presidential election since 1964, with 68.4 per cent of eligible women casting a ballot compared to 65 per cent of men four years ago. Kamala Harris's campaign is determined not to make the same mistake as the Hillary Clinton campaign - JASON CONNOLLY/AFP via Getty Images Debbie Walsh, the centres director, told The Telegraph: There was such dissatisfaction for Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee. When a Democratic woman is running you will see a larger gap because it energises women voters, especially young voters who were particularly dissatisfied. But women are not monolithic. I would guess white women without a college degree are still pro-Trump, but not those with a degree as well as blacks and Latinos. Ms Harris has underplayed the prospect of the United States electing the first female president in its 248-year existence, unlike Hillary Clinton, who was due to address the convention on Monday night. This is a marked contrast to the political landscape in 2016, when much was made of the prospect of breaking the glass ceiling by electing a woman to the White House. Clinton campaign put gender centre-stage The extent to which the Clinton campaign made gender a plank of its pitch to voters was reflected in the merchandise it sold to raise funds. There was a Hillary 2016 badge with a picture of Rosie the Riveter the Second World War cultural icon who was used to persuade women to work in factories. The slogan Im With Her was also regularly touted. Ms Harriss message is very different. Her campaign ads emphasise her work as a district attorney to hammer home the theme of the prosecutor running against a felon. Willie Ritch, a political strategist, told The Telegraph: One of the things which is very refreshing about Kamala Harris is that she has stepped away from identity politics which has characterised the Democrats in the last few election cycles. She appears to be borrowing from Barack Obama, who did not foreground his race during the 2008 campaign, barring a few exceptions. Mr Obama is reported to be advising the Harris team and his campaign director, David Plouffe, has recently joined. It is now the Republicans who are making identity an issue, whether it is Trump questioning Ms Harriss racial origins or JD Vance, Trumps running mate, attacking what he described as childless cat ladies. Rather than take offence, the Harris campaign has branded the attacks as weird. Carol Mosely Braun, the first black woman to serve in the US Senate after her 1993 election, has welcomed the tactical shift. Im the first black this, Im the first that gets you nowhere. It really puts you in a corner and leaves you open to being accused of playing the race card, and so she has not done that, and thats very smart of her, she told Politico. Click here to view this content. Mary Noone, a Democratic political strategist, told The Telegraph that concentrating on bread-and-butter concerns is a shrewd tactic. We call them kitchen table issues: education, childcare, the family budget. These matter to women voters, she said. They are not going to make the mistake they made with Hillary Clinton when a lot of suburban white women voted for Donald Trump and have since been alienated by what he did on abortion. Christopher Galdieri, professor of politics at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, told The Telegraph that Ms Harris also does not have the baggage of Ms Clinton during her 2016 run. He said: Harris is a relatively blank slate so most Americans are encountering her for the first time amid enthusiasm from Democrats and generally favourable news coverage. Hillary Clinton, by contrast, had been in the public eye for decades before her 2016 run, and had spent that entire time being vilified by conservatives. So women voters are more likely to embrace Harris simply because she brings so much less baggage to the race. If Harris can hold onto or increase these margins with women, without a similar loss of support among men, she will be in a very strong position headed into election day. Click here to view this content. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Black Voters and the Fight for Democracy is a multipart series that explores the stakes of the 2024 election for our communities. This project was produced as part of the Advancing Democracy Fellowship. Jovita Lee wasnt old enough to vote in 2008, when Barack Obama was at the top of the Democratic Party ticket. But she remembers that contest very clearly: It was the last one that her grandmother, who had an eighth grade education and hailed from a family of sharecroppers, participated in. She went through segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, and had the chance to cast her final ballot for a Black man thats an incredible journey, Lee, the policy director of Advance Carolina, a Black-led grassroots organization, told Capital B. Then to see her watching the results come in. To see the tears. Obama was a political sensation. The charismatic U.S. senator from Illinois was able to pull off his historic victory by assembling a wide coalition of voters who were at the time the most diverse electorate ever, attracting nonwhite and younger voters in droves. More than 15 years on, as the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago, where Obama will once again take the stage, we could see a repeat of that momentum a recreation of that wide coalition with a Black woman as the partys standard-bearer. Harris has attracted funding from novel sources and received support from organizations and people typically reluctant to issue endorsements, or issue them to Democrats. Each suggests that her base of voters is increasingly diverse. Much of that same energy is present that hope that people had in 2008 and again in 2012, that sense that theres something to look forward to and someone to rally behind, Lee said. Before Biden dropped out, things were getting darker and darker, to be honest. She added that, before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July, things were getting darker and darker, to be honest. One manifestation of this enthusiasm? The many Zoom calls that have cropped up in recent weeks to mobilize different voting groups. The first of these virtual meetings, hosted by Win With Black Women, raised more than $1.5 million for Vice President Kamala Harris campaign for the White House. It was soon followed by calls targeting other affinity groups: Black men, Black queer men, young people, Latinos, white women, white dudes. Notably, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the U.S., has endorsed a political candidate Harris for the first time since its founding in 1929. The vice president also has secured endorsements from dozens of Republicans, including lawmakers, mayors, and former governors. Some have painted the virtual gatherings as a kind of racial balkanization and as a squandered opportunity to preach a message of universalism. But these critiques overlook, among other things, the fact that if a Democratic nominee wants to win the White House, they and their allies must activate the partys diverse base. This is what Obamas team did in 2008 (and in 2012), when it turned out racial and ethnic minorities, younger people, women, and others in record numbers, and made the U.S. senator the first Democratic nominee since former President Jimmy Carter to seize victory with a popular-vote majority. Carter, whos 99 years old and has been in hospice care for more than a year, said that hes trying to make it so that he can cast his ballot for Harris, according to his grandson, Jason Carter. The younger Carter is expected to speak at the convention on behalf of his grandfather. In 2008, for the first time in the countrys history, Black turnout surpassed white turnout: 69.1% to 65.2%. Yet, Obamas appeal was broad. He was seen by many as an embodiment of hope as an opportunity to fight for reforms, such as expanded health care coverage, that might help marginalized communities. As a result, his White House bid reshaped the voting landscape. Then-Sen. Barack Obama, his wife, Michelle, and daughters Sasha and Malia are introduced to the crowd of supporters in Chicagos Grant Park as the new first family in 2008. (Ralf-Finn Hestoft/Corbis via Getty Images) I grew up in the Obama school of organizing, Kimeka Campbell, the co-founder of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, chapter of the Young Professionals of Color collective, told Capital B. That meant knocking doors, making phone calls, meeting people in their neighborhoods. Rinse and repeat, over and over again, until you change hearts and minds. Whether you hate or love Obama, that organizing outfit was one of the strongest in at least a generation. In addition to building a strong presence in populous areas major cities, college campuses the Obama camp micro-targeted a range of demographic and identity groups, creating pockets of support. This approach allowed the campaign to fashion a different outcome than if it had ignored these constituencies. I absolutely think that, since [the Obama years], Democrats havent really organized well. I dont know why, explained Campell, who worked on both Obama campaigns. And I see it so clearly when I talk with candidates who make excuses for why theyre not meeting with voters face to face or talking with them on the phone or virtually. Its always a battle for hearts and minds. So far, Harris and her champions seem to be waging that battle effectively, directing appeals at specific slices of the electorate to unify voters around a single candidate. A new Marquette Law School poll found that 52% of registered voters want Harris to be president, while 48% want former president Donald Trump. Additionally, the vice president leads Trump in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona key swing states per a new Cook Political Report survey of seven battleground states. No Democratic nominee has won North Carolina since Obamas run in 2008 (he narrowly lost the state to his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, four years later). Ive been fascinated by the mobilization not just because its been huge and raised all of this money, but also because its been a moment when the idea of diversity, which the GOP has been attacking forever, has been seen as a good thing, Adrianne Shropshire, the executive director of BlackPAC, a national organization focusing on political engagement, told Capital B. Weve had these different identity and affinity groups saying, Were for this version of America, and were going to align across our identities to move it forward. Were witnessing Harris walk that path The fact that Harris would be the countrys first Black woman president certainly has lots of Americans fired up. But the excitement shes enjoying and specifically from a coalition that mirrors Obamas also springs from something else: Voters hope that they can influence her policy agenda, since people have a relatively shallow and amorphous understanding of her record, and dont really know her. The convention offers Harris a chance to define her story in a compelling way before her Republican rivals can concretize their own narrative and make the case for why she ought to lead our multiracial society. There are tangible things that people want to see happen: boosting job access through contracting mechanisms at the federal level, cleaning up the environment, combating police violence, securing womens reproductive rights, pushing for the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, Khalil Thompson, the founder and executive director of Win With Black Men, which raised more than $1.3 million for Harris campaign, told Capital B. He added: These are all issues we want to take to the vice president and say, This is our platform. How are you going to enact it? At a stop in Raleigh, North Carolina, Harris sketched out her economic message. She zoomed in on the necessity of scaling back the cost of living for lower-income and middle-class families, and touted stances popular among Black voters, including ending price-gouging, developing more affordable housing, and expanding the child tax credit. Harris is maybe best known for her position on abortion rights. At the start of the year, she embarked on a Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour, traveling across the U.S. to stress the importance of protecting the right to abortion. Its the issue that 1 in 8 voters largely women, young, and Black say is the most critical this election cycle, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll released in March. Two years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, most Americans embrace abortion access. This overwhelming support has forced Republican leaders, including Trump, to try to distance themselves from or soft-pedal their anti-abortion views, captured in the conservative manifesto known as Project 2025. Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz walk out on stage together during a campaign event on Aug. 6, 2024 in Philadelphia. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris running mate, has proved to be a powerful partner when it comes to advocating for reproductive justice. On the campaign trail, hes connected with crowds by telling the story of how the birth of his daughter, Hope, was only possible because of in vitro fertilization treatments. IVF has become a target in several Republican-led states, even though about 6 in 10 Americans want to safeguard access to IVF, a June AP-NORC poll found, and Black women are confronted with infertility at especially high rates. On other issues, Harris team has demonstrated that its responsive to the will of different wings of the party. The vice president drew criticism for appearing to snap at pro-Palestinian protesters who interrupted her rally in Detroit. By the time protesters interrupted Harris at a stop in Glendale, Arizona, about a day later, her tone had changed dramatically. Were here to fight for our democracy, which includes respecting the voices that I think were hearing from, Harris said. I have been clear: Now is the time to get a ceasefire deal and get the hostage deal done. Now is the time. And the president and I are working around the clock every day to get that ceasefire deal done and bring the hostages home. Given that Biden never meaningfully budged on the issue, Harris rapid adjustment to the backlash was almost disorienting. It could prove to be the kind of engagement that pulls some younger voters, who tend to be more outraged by the staggering death toll in Gaza, back into the partys orbit. This tension comes as Democratic leaders attempt to figure out how to resonate with younger voters, and in particular younger Black voters, who are less attached to the partys legacy of civil rights activism. Theres a lot of Black and brown solidarity with Palestinians, Kenya Cummings, a resident of Charleston, South Carolina, told Capital B, adding that this conflict has exposed a new generation of voters to questions of mass death and complicity. As Thompson sees it, part of the allure of having Harris at the top of the ticket is that Black voters feel as if they have a fresh opportunity to nudge the party, to determine which direction it goes in. I say often when Im talking with folks that this is a job application. Candidates are really applying to be our elected officials. We have the right and responsibility when we vote to do a performance review, he explained. I want to hire Harris to be the next president of the United States, and I believe that we can come up with a performance plan thats going to be the best thing for our communities. Lee, at Advance Carolina, shared similar sentiments. She underscored that the Obama-era energy of the past couple of weeks has made her think about everything that her forebears people such as her grandmother endured to try to forge a better, more politically inclusive future for Black voters. I was watching the Shirley Chisholm movie with my family recently, and it was just this powerful moment. It was like, This is what we mean when we say that our ancestors paved the way, Lee recalled. Now, were witnessing Harris walk that path. Its a feeling thats hard to articulate. The post Can Kamala Harris Recreate the Political Momentum of 2008? appeared first on Capital B News. There was the cackle. The daily musings about the color of her pantsuits. The grossly sexist complaints that her very candidacyor even her very beingwas somehow an assault on masculinity. Donald Trump may have been a threat to mankind, but Hillary Clinton in 2016 was cast as a threat to men. When she comes on television, I involuntarily cross my legs, cable news personality Tucker Carlson said on MSNBC at the time, a fear marketed with Hillary Clintonfigured nutcrackers. Sex scandals that once had politically hurt the cheater somehow were used as a weapon against Clinton, who was seen as both too domineering (no wonder he strayed!) and too weak to leave her philandering husband. In her first run for president in 2008, fellow Democrat Barack Obama damned her with the faintest of praise during a New Hampshire primary debate, telling his Senate colleague that she was likable enough. Even before she lost the 2016 election to Trump, Hillary Clinton couldnt win. Her femalenesseven when it was used as a rallying cry for women tired of being a majority that had never been awarded the job as leader of the countryinfused her every event, every message. Her effort to own the sexist tropes was almost painfully awkward: If you cant stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, Clinton told reporters in New Hampshire in November 2007, insisting she was ready for a hot fight for the 2008 nomination. And Im very comfortable in the kitchen. Vice President Kamala Harris, trying to accomplish what Clinton could not, has not been spared the sexist gauntlet every female candidate must run. But the attacks are just not landing in the same way they did with Clinton. Embracing or just ignoring the gender-based commentary, Harris has redefined what it means to be a female candidate for high office in the United States. She lambastes Trump without being labeled shrill. She wears pantsuits, but no one mentions her clothes, let alone reads some hidden meaning into them. She calls out hecklers but sounds less like a scolding schoolmarm and more like a mother telling a teenager: You can do better than this. Her laughineffectively ridiculed by the GOPis a selling point for a candidate who says she wants to bring back joy. Female candidates have long had to explain their family situations: If they had children, voters wondered whod be taking care of them while their mother was in elected office; those without were asked why they didnt have any (or are dismissed as angry, cat-obsessed subcitizens). Momala, with her two stepchildren, unapologetically represents a common American family dynamic. The Clinton campaignera days of painting women in unflattering caricatures is not over; witness the descriptions of Senator Elizabeth Warren as hectoring and lecturing, Debbie Walsh, director of Rutgers Universitys Center for American Women and Politics, told me. But Harris is pulling something off here that feels quite different, she said. Part of it is the times; part of it is an electorate more used to female leaders, and much of it is the candidate herself. Harris has managed to assert her authority on the trail without appearing too aggressive (also an easier balance to achieve this year given her opponents bombastic personality). You have to show strength, and you also have to show compassion, empathy, and kindness, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson told me, explaining the tremendous political success women have had in the Wolverine State, where the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general are also female. Notably, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was the target of a kidnapping plot, while Benson herself recently was twice swatted with false police calls to her home. Those threats to female leaders in Michigan are efforts to diminish our power as women, Benson said. But neither public servant has backed down, with Benson saying definitively that I will not be intimidated. When a protester interrupted her at a rally in Michigan, Harris took control. Im here because we believe in democracy. Everyones voice matters, Harris said. But I am speaking now. I am speaking now. And when the protesters tested her by continuing to chant about Gaza, Harris got more insistent. You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking, Harris said, getting the crowd on her side as they drowned out the protester with chants of Kamala! Next, one might have expected her to threaten to Turn. This Rally. Around. if people didnt behave. Trump creepily hovered around Clinton during their 2016 town hallstyle debate, pacing behind her as she walked around the stage. She did not confront himsomething she regrets, she wrote in her 2017 memoir, What Happened. Trump this year seems to have delegated the stalking role to his running mate, J.D. Vance. He has followed Harris to cities where she was campaigningbut the shadowing hasnt worked. Vance, saying he was having a bit of fun, approached Air Force Two on the tarmac in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, earlier this month, saying he had hoped to speak to her. He didnt. And the comparison of his events and hers merely underscored the early excitement her campaign is generating. Nor does Harris talk much about the potentially historic outcome of the race. Instead, its more of an understood, underlying fact she doesnt have to say out loud. When she talks about reproductive rights, voters know its personal to her as a woman. When she talks about prosecuting sexual predators, theres no need to say that women are more often the victims. And her tone, in talking about issues important to women, is differentlargely because of her age. While technically a late baby boomer (shell turn 60 in October), Harris comes across as a newer-age feminist. Clintons presentation of power reads to me as 70s feminist, unrelatable to younger women, Wayne State University associate professor Janine Lanza, an expert on gender and politics, told me. Women at the forefront of that second wave of feminism fought for very basic rights (such as not being fired for getting pregnant) and tangled with how to be seen as equal to men at work (ask any woman who wore the floppy bows around their necks, meant to be the feminine equivalent to a mans necktie). Harris, whose feminist message is Beyonce-era, approaches a female quest for political power in a more modern way. Shes neither constantly reminding voters that she could be a historic first female president nor concealing her unabashed ambition to become the most powerful woman in the world. Harris has Clinton to thank, however, for paving the way. Clinton may not have won, but she did proveby getting a popular-vote majoritythat Americans are indeed ready for a woman president, University of Virginia professor Jennifer Lawless, author of several books on women and elections, told me. And since she was first, Clinton took bullets for the woman who came after her, Walsh said. Kamala Harris has a road map that Hillary Clinton never had. This time the road map may actually lead to the Oval Office. What Kamala Harris has said about her faith Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris stands during music worship on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, S.C. | Meg Kinnard Kamala Harris comes to her 2024 campaign for president with much more exposure to the worlds religions than typical American politicians. The vice president was introduced to both Hinduism and Christianity as a child and has since become part of a Jewish family. Calling Harris a Baptist or a Christian is accurate, but it doesnt capture the nuance of her religious background, experts say. She has a unique and interesting religious identity. ... Shes been part of both mainline American Baptist churches and Hindu fellowships, and shes married to a Jewish man, said Nathan Finn, senior fellow on religious liberty with the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. He added, I dont know that weve had another president who is this religiously diverse and who has had that kind of experience. Kamala Harris and Hinduism As Finn noted, Harris did not have the purely Christian upbringing thats been the norm for presidential candidates in the United States. Through her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, she was connected to Hinduism, learning about Hindu leaders and attending Hindu ceremonies in the U.S. and India. Even her name, Kamala, is significant in Hinduism and other South Asian religions, according to The Conversation. Most significantly, the kamala, or lotus, is closely associated with Sri-Lakshmi: the goddess of sovereignty, auspiciousness, fecundity, wealth and good fortune, who is worshiped by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, the article said. Harris has said in the past that her connection to India and to Hinduism fueled her commitment to social justice, according to Religion News Service. Kamala Harris meets people before a Corinthian Baptist Church service, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, in Des Moines, Iowa. Harris attended services at both a Black Baptist church and a Hindu temple growing up. | John Locher Kamala Harris is Baptist Throughout her political career, Harris has also drawn strength and inspiration from the Baptist tradition, which is one of the many Christian denominations that comprise Protestant Christianity. She was introduced to the Baptist Church by her father, Donald Harris, and still identifies as a Baptist today, as the Deseret News previously reported. In her memoir, Harris cited her early experiences in Christian churches to explain some of her work in politics. My earliest memories of the teachings of the Bible were of a loving God, a God who asked us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the poor and needy, she wrote, per Sojourners. Harris home church is Third Baptist Church of San Francisco, which is led by the Rev. Amos C. Brown. The Rev. Brown took a class from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as a college student and was active in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. He remains known as a civil rights activist, as well as for building bridges with leaders from other faith groups, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are the quintessential embodiment of the best leadership in the faith community of the United States of America anywhere to be found south of heaven, north of hell, the Rev. Brown said about President Russell M. Nelson in June 2021, as the Deseret News reported at the time. The Rev. Brown recently told Sojourners that the vice president was drawn to Third Baptist due to its work on civil rights. She came to this church because she knew our ways, she knew our history, he said. This church has always had a balanced spirituality: social justice and personal fulfillment and salvation. Kamala Harris family Harris also has extended exposure to Judaism, since her husband, Douglas Emhoff, and stepkids are Jewish. Since Harris was elected vice president, Emhoff has worked to combat antisemitism and other forms of religious violence, as the Deseret News previously reported. In an interview for that story, the Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president of Interfaith Alliance, highlighted Harris ties to Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity, noting that her religiously diverse background makes her stand out. I dont think weve ever before had a candidate who has navigated various religious spaces and celebrated those various spaces in such an intimate way as the vice president, he said. Shes coming from a background where one parent is from the Hindu tradition and one parent is Christian from the Caribbean. She chose to go to Howard, which has been associated with the Black American Christian tradition, and then married a Jewish man and helped raise his children, who are Jewish. Denmark has authorized Ukraine to use the weapons it has transferred to it on the territory of the aggressor country Russia. Despite the operation of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, Copenhagen's support for Kyiv will remain unchanged. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, commenting on the Ukrainian Armed Forces' offensive in the Kursk region. His words are quoted by DR. "Defending yourself may well include invading the aggressor's territory. If, as part of this, you attack the infrastructure or military facilities of the attacking party, this is fully in line with the rules of war," the Danish Foreign Minister said. At the same time, Rasmussen emphasized that Ukraine's use of weapons provided by Denmark on Russian soil also does not contradict the rules. "It is impossible to set a restriction according to which weapons can only be used on the territory of Ukraine," he said. Earlier, all Danish government parties supported Ukraine's decision to launch an offensive in the Kursk region of Russia. Danish politicians also have nothing against the fact that the weapons transferred by their country to Kyiv can be used in this operation. ADVERTISIMENT In May, the Danish government said that Ukrainian troops would be able to use Danish F-16 fighter jets to strike at Russian territory. This position was approved by the Danish Parliament. As reported by OBOZ.UA, Denmark has allocated a new aid package to Ukraine, which became the twentieth since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia. The total cost of the package is approximately 783 million Danish kroner or almost 116 million dollars. The peculiarity of this package is that it includes financial contributions for the purchase of weapons, including Ukrainian-made ones. Denmark has also financed the production of the "Bohdan" self-propelled artillery system for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The first units of this equipment will arrive in our country in the coming months. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT Prairie Village City Council member Inga Selders and Barry Grissom, a former federal prosecutor, are board members of the Cannabis Justice Coalition dedicated to adoption of state law legalizing recreational marijuana use. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) Prairie Village City Council member Inga Selders and Barry Grissom, a former federal prosecutor, are board members of the Cannabis Justice Coalition dedicated to adoption of state law legalizing recreational marijuana use. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) PRAIRIE VILLAGE Inga Selders watched the Kansas Legislature repeatedly fumble bills opening the door to legal sales of medicinal or recreational cannabis. The U.S. Congress has declined to bring unity to the hodgepodge of state laws guiding possession and consumption of cannabis. As a member of the Prairie Village City Council, Selders wasnt able to convince colleagues to decriminalize weed in that pocket of Johnson County. The intransigence, amid leaps by Missouri and Colorado into recreational pot and Oklahoma to the medical option, led her to pull together this year a diverse, bipartisan organization Cannabis Justice Coalition designed to hold politicians accountable for refusing to get on the marijuana bandwagon. The coalitions agenda includes educating voters about the potential of pressuring state legislative candidates to create fair and equitable cannabis laws in Kansas, she said. It features advertising to elevate awareness of the issue and the endorsement of candidates in the November election, she said. It is time to be looking at pure recreational legalization of cannabis in the state of Kansas, Selders said. Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians they want to see this fully legalized. Its been held hostage with the political back-and-forth rhetoric. Barry Grissom, the U.S. attorney for Kansas during the administration of President Barack Obama and a member of the Cannabis Justice Coalitions board, said during the Kansas Reflector podcast that Kansas voters must compel lawmakers to accept economic, health and financial benefits of legalization. If not, he said, lawmakers should acknowledge the liberty interest of adults to make personal decisions about cannabis use. In terms of law enforcement, Grissom said, it was unacceptable Kansas continued to waste tax dollars by investigating, arresting, prosecuting and punishing people who engaged in an activity legal in 38 states, four U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. Its bad public policy and its foolish, he said. If were really serious about controlling crime in different cities, let our officers focus their energies and their resources on going after the bad guys who break into homes, who physically assault us. During the interview, Grissom and Selders sat outside a Prairie Village restaurant a 5-minute drive from a Missouri dispensary. Theyre clustered near the state line because Kansans are among the customers, he said. Missouri voters approved recreational marijuana in 2022 by passing the citizen-initiated Amendment 3, which altered the states constitution to legalize use for adults 21 and older. Kansas doesnt have a mechanism allowing residents to similarly intervene in public policy debates by placing issues on statewide ballots. That meant decisions about cannabis were left to the Kansas Legislature and governor, but the closest Kansas has come was a 2021 narrow medical cannabis bill approved by the House and ignored by the Senate. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly endorsed medical marijuana legislation, but has argued the state wasnt ready for a recreational cannabis law. I think shes five years off the mark on that, Selders said. Just seeing the success of Missouri, seeing the success of Colorado, we know that we can absolutely do this in Kansas. Grissom said Kansas lawmakers didnt have to make the bill-writing task difficult. They should study the dozens of statutes implemented in other states and cobble together a bill that made sense for the state, he said. You can take the best of what theyve done and learned from any mistake theyve had, he said. I look at treating it like alcohol, regulating it like alcohol. During the 2024 legislative session, lobbyists representing Wichita-area entrepreneurs failed to generate interest in a bill that would have created a five-year pilot program for sales of THC products for medicinal use only. The measure was criticized by some legalization advocates because it featured an unusually lengthy testing period and consolidated economic control of the industry in what looked like a monopoly. It didnt get much traction at the Capitol. In the meantime, Kansas legislative leadership authorized a joint House and Senate committee to meet for two days in October to study the possibility of developing marijuana legislation. Selders said she was anxious the interim committee would resurrect the Wichita-centered medical cannabis bill introduced in the Kansas Senate rather than look a recreational cannabis options that diversified operational control of the new business opportunity. The proposal from the U.S. Department of Justice to move cannabis with THC content over 0.3% from a Schedule I drug, viewed as not having a medical benefit, to the less-restrictive Schedule III could generate interest in a version of the flawed Senate Bill 555, she said. I am terrified that with the rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III, that this bill could possibly come alive again, Selders said. I was disappointed that they didnt just fully deschedule cannabis. One of our biggest aspects for the Cannabis Justice Coalition is the criminalization aspect of it, and rescheduling it to a Schedule III does nothing for our movement on that. Kansas Gas Service customers could see an increase of about $4 on their monthly bills Kansas Gas Service customers will know by October if their natural gas bills will see an increase. The utility first filed a rate case in March, requesting what would have been an increase of 10.41% on residential bills for customers with average usage 73 Mcf, or thousand cubic feet of natural gas or less per year and a 8.25% increase for those who use more than that amount. That would have been an additional $6.71 in each bill for customers in the first category and $9.48 for customers in the second category. The Kansas Corporation Commission held two public hearings, one in Topeka and one in Wichita, to get community input on the proposal. Since then, the proposal for two separate rate structures has been withdrawn, with a settlement that would lead to an overall increase of about $70 million in base rates. The proposed service charge for residential customers is $21.75, compared to the current one set at $18.18. The proposed delivery charge is about $2.98, compared to the current one set at about $2.35. While that increase would be about $4.20, because of how rebasing works for certain charges, the proposal would actually lead to an increase of about $3.83 per month (or $46.02 per year) for customers with average usage, a net increase of 4.5%. The unanimous settlement was filed by KCC staff, KGS, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board and WoodRiver Energy. The Kansas Gas Service hasnt changed its base rate for five years. A decision by the Kansas Corporation Commission is due by Oct. 25. The commission has the power to reject, approve or modify the agreement. If approved, the rates would go into effect on Nov. 1. How are utility rates set in Kansas? Utility rates in Kansas are governed by the Kansas Corporation Commission, meaning utility companies cant change their rates without going through an approval process. The steps to changing utility rates in Kansas are: Utility company files a rate case with the KCC Commission staff reviews the application KCC holds public hearings (not required, but common with rate cases) KCC holds an evidentiary hearing Commission reviews the record Commission makes a decision regarding the case and announces it in an open business meeting The KCC oversees utilities like natural gas, telecommunications, electricity and liquid pipelines. The commission does not oversee cable companies, the internet, wireless telephones, long distance service, water cooperatives and most electric cooperatives. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and top state lawmakers approved a $50,000 settlement with a former Kansas Highway Patrol employee who alleged the agency fired the worker for being transgender. The State Finance Council composed of Kelly and legislative leaders voted unanimously Thursday to approve the settlement with William H. Dawes, a former civilian worker with the Highway Patrol in Topeka. The Highway Patrol fired Dawes in July 2022 after an investigation into whether Dawes sexually harassed another employee by emailing her compliments on her looks and clothing. The Highway Patrol said it fired Dawes for initially refusing to participate in an interview for an internal investigation, not for the alleged harassment, which agency officials acknowledged wouldnt have led to his termination. Dawes in early 2023 filed a federal lawsuit alleging discrimination. The case had been headed toward trial in late July before Dawes and the Highway Patrol notified the judge in June that they had agreed to settle, according to a docket entry in the lawsuit. U.S. District Court Judge John Broomes in April denied a motion for summary judgment essentially a request to decide the case before trial made by the Highway Patrol. Broomes ruled that a jury could conclude that Dawes wasnt fired for being transgender but that inconsistent and contradictory circumstances surrounding the firing meant that some facts were in dispute. Worker accused of harassment After Dawes emailed a co-worker in June 2022, the Highway Patrols professional standards unit opened an investigation into the alleged harassment and instructed Dawes to sit for an interview. When Dawes arrived for the session, an investigator provided a written warning that employees could have an attorney present but also made clear the Highway Patrol could fire workers for refusing to answer questions. Dawes refused to sign the warning and wanted to answer questions with an attorney present. Broomes wrote that Dawes was apparently the only Highway Patrol employee to have ever refused. The interview didnt take place. Dawes later called the professional standards unit and asked for another interview, which took place a few days later. Col. Herman Jones, at that time the superintendent of the Highway Patrol, testified in a deposition that he had considered firing Dawes immediately after refusing the first interview, but allowed the investigation to proceed. Still, Jones decided that Dawes refusal to sign the warning necessitated termination. The Highway Patrol fired Dawes on July 7, 2022. During his deposition, Jones asserted that the sole reason for Plaintiffs termination was his refusal to answer question on June 13, Broomes wrote. In court filings, attorneys for Dawes noted that Jones was aware the employee was transgender and that Dawes was the only transgender employee in the Highway Patrol as far as Jones knew. Plaintiff thought that he was being targeted with the investigation, Dawes attorneys wrote in a court filing. A jury is entitled to consider and determine whether Plaintiff was singled out as the only transgender employee in the Highway Patrol and fired because of that status. Political donors' inboxes are overflowed with fundraising pleas: breathlessly worded solicitations for money from candidates promising huge matches or "impact" multipliers for campaign contributions and pointing to urgent deadlines that require immediate action. The emails begging for money are common as are the claims of matched donations. Republican U.S. Senate contender Kari Lake is part of a group of candidates who this year are making promises of donation-matching that are even more sensational than the industry norm, and likely arent materializing, according to people who work in the political fundraising industry and an Arizona Republic review of relevant records. Lake is one of several candidates tied to a Virginia-based fundraising firm whose campaigns have leaned on digitally delivered claims that they will boost a donations impact by massive multipliers. This link automatically activates 30X IMPACT!!! reads one text message, captioning a smiling headshot of Lake. Yes, that is a 3,000% IMPACT FOR A LIMITED TIME. Another advertises an 80X IMPACT ON YOUR DONATION. Lakes opponent, Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, frequently made similar though smaller-scale promises while seeking reelection to the U.S. House but has disavowed the tactic in his current Senate run. Among the operatives who raise money for the nations political candidates, the promises are widely understood to be dubious. One of Lakes own advisers, Caroline Wren, has criticized the tactic as crap. Wren has been a close adviser to Lakes 2022 gubernatorial and 2024 Senate campaigns and previously worked as a top fundraiser for former President Donald Trump. But the multipliers that Lake and several other campaigns have offered are far greater than what is typical for the industry. They far exceed what political campaigns usually pledge, often by an order of magnitude. That makes it all the more suspect whether the donation-matching scheme is being executed at all, in light of contribution limits built into campaign finance law. In response to queries, Lakes campaign wrote in a social media post that the tactic of donation-matching is a well-known & deployed tactic used in fundraising. Wren argued it would be unfair to single out Lake in media coverage, highlighting dozens of examples of donation-matching offers. Lakes team repeatedly declined opportunities to deny or contest the allegation that the campaign's donation-matching claims are untrue. Misleading donors in order to raise money could open a campaign up to legal liability, one expert said. The candidates fundraising has national stakes, as the race's outcome could make or break either partys majority in the U.S. Senate during the upcoming term. Lake campaign using tactic her adviser has scoffed at It is something of an open secret within the political fundraising industry that those kinds of promises often do not materialize, according to people familiar with the industry. Federal laws limit individuals to donating a total of $6,600 to an official campaign committee per election cycle. With the multipliers promoted in Lake's text messages, even a small donation would quickly trigger a match that runs into that limit. The multipliers Lake has advertised are two- to tenfold greater than what political campaigns commonly promote, according to an Arizona Republic review of dozens of such campaign solicitations, which were executed by a range of digital fundraising firms. The Lake adviser, Wren, previously has criticized the use of that tactic and doubted its legitimacy, scoffing at promises of a triple, five hundred-X match in an interview with conservative strategist Steve Bannon. Who actually thinks that thats happening? No ones buying this crap, Wren said. Its a problem within these Republican digital firms that are just so unimaginative, they have no message whatsoever, and they are completely overwhelming the Republican donor base. Ruben Gallego has used similar tactics in the past While campaigning for the U.S. House during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles, her now-rival, Gallego, frequently wrote in fundraising emails that a group of donors or Gallego himself would match donations with a contribution of their own. Generous donors just agreed to MATCH gifts but ONLY for these final 8 hours, one email reads. Another told readers that Gallego was personally matching all gifts to this email. Gallegos tone pivoted as he mounted his bid for U.S. Senate. In fundraising emails sent last year, he told recipients with mock secrecy that donation matching promises arent real. After using the tactics just two years earlier, he now pointed to them to fundraise. A lot of campaigns use shady tactics to get you to donate. Big matches with huge multipliers, fake deadlines, all that stuff. Not us, reads one email sent in February. An aide to Gallego did not return a request for comment. While Gallego has distanced himself from the practice, it is widespread among other Democrats. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., as well as the Democratic Partys House and Senate campaign arms, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, are some of the groups who are using them this cycle. Other campaigns promising big multipliers: Here's what connects them While Lakes donation multipliers are unusually large, they are not unique. The firm that Lake hires for digital fundraising, northern Virginia-based TAG Strategies LLC, is hired by several other campaigns who are doing the same. During the current election cycle, at least six of TAGs campaign clients have sent out fundraising solicitations implying they will match individuals donations with unusually large multipliers. I gave an update to our generous donor that there were only 53 people who accepted his generous 1500% match, says a text sent on behalf of Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. RUSH $35 $525 IMPACT. Your support will be multiplied by conservative donors during our 8500% RED WAVE SURGE, Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota alerted recipients, warning of a LAST CHANCE opportunity expiring at midnight. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., dangled a 4700% MATCH via text; Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., promised a 50X Impact to stop Border Czar Kamala; and Pennsylvania House candidate Rob Bresnahan promoted a 10,000% MAGA IMPACT ACTIVATED. None of TAGs campaign clients responded to requests for information that could confirm or deny whether their matching promises are legitimate, such as how the supposed donation-matching scheme is organized, how much money the campaign has raised through those donations and the associated matches, or what exactly the campaigns were promising in their text messages if not a donation match. Jon Adams, TAGs founder and CEO, declined to comment. Its not the first time the firm has drawn skepticism over its tactics. The conservative activist Laura Loomer previously accused TAG of luring possible donors under false pretenses. She argued that a text message sent on behalf of Budds campaign was clearly written with the intent to dupe donors and likely constitutes fraud, but Ill leave that to others to determine. The firm is operating at a high level within the industry. Its list of high-profile clients has included Ohio Sen. and GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vances Senate campaign; Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin; Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas; the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and the super-PAC that supported Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis presidential bid, Never Back Down Inc. Facing waning small-dollar donations, some in the GOP, including Wren, have argued that flashy tactics contribute to donor fatigue. Every time I look at my phone, I get a text message saying, give right now or well shoot your dog and light your house on fire, Wren said in a conversation with Bannon. Its like, how is that motivating someone to donate? Misleading tactics could create liability: Expert Kory Langhofer, a lawyer with expertise in the area, agreed to review the language in some of Lakes text messages without knowing the identity of the campaign. He said, speaking generally, that if a campaign isnt matching donations, the practice might not only be misleading but could be illegal. When youre trying to get money from someone, you cant lie to them about what its for, or the basis for their expenditure, he said. Langhofer said if he were advising a campaign, he would push to add a disclaimer that clarifies what the campaign means by match or impact, or that otherwise explains the circumstances of the donation, to shield themselves from legal liability. If the authorities were to conclude that this was, in fact, saying there would be an 8000% match, and theres not a match, then that could be the basis for liability, he said, referencing one of the text messages. I would say, you should be careful about sending texts or emails like this at all. And if you do it, you damn well better make sure the landing page gives people the full story. The landing pages linked in Lakes text messages reiterated the suggestion of boosted impact and contained no language clarifying the terms of the donation match. Vertically-stacked buttons let users select a donation size, often bookended by a label with that day's multiplier: -> 24X impact. Laura Gersony covers national politics for the Arizona Republic. Contact her at lgersony@gannett.com or 480-372-0389. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake's fundraising tactic under scrutiny Keep your knives sharp and your kitchen lookin good with help from new Tacoma shop I arrived at a home in the Lincoln District with a shoebox full of Japanese knives wrapped in a couple of dish towels. My ramshackle cardboard delivery revealed that I was but a home cook, not a professional chef, but Stephen Gangl said most of his customers are just like me. In early 2023, the veteran chef introduced Tacoma Knife, a home-based knife sharpening business. It was actually the second home-based business at the address, as spouse Sarah Woodson has hosted her Downing Pottery studio there for several years. This fall, they will bring their two passions together under a different roof this time at a full-fledged retail storefront near downtown. Tacoma Knife Sharpening and Mercantile joins a growing cohort of unique small businesses at the corner of South 11th and Fawcett, including stationery store Lauda and the new Chez Lafayette Creole Brasserie. Think of it as a culinary boutique, where you could find everything you need for your dinner party. Shelves will feature Woodsons functional pottery, including mugs, utensil holders, spoon rests, salt cellars, honey pots and bowls a-plenty. In the window, she will highlight the skyline mugs that have been the bread-and-butter of her pottery business that is, until the pandemic, through which demand for prettier home kitchenwares grew. Related to the pottery, the mercantile will stock local honey for said pot, salt for said cellar, as well as other pantry goods like hot sauce and tinned fish. Since announcing the brick-and-mortar in May, the couple has been amassing the opening collection of other retail items: dish towels, oven mitts, Hedley & Bennett aprons, cheffy things like tweezers and cool but useful! spoons. Importantly, there will also be top-notch pots and pans and, of course, knives. Woodson is particularly excited about a corner they plan to dedicate to a little free cookbook library. (Some day they might add cookbooks for sale, but to be determined.) The idea for the shop has been several years in the making. In addition to Gangls chef history, Woodson worked in restaurants and hotels they met doing just that in Seattle and moved to Tacoma in 2016 before turning to pottery full-time a few years ago. They went through the Spaceworks program with a general store business model. That concept has just been narrowed and refined, said Gangl. KNIFE SHARPENING FOR HOME COOKS & PROS As the name implies, the shop will hold a dedicated studio space in the back for Gangls sharpening, a trade he picked up after apprenticing with an old chef friend in Bozeman. He invested in the equipment and set up a studio in the garage. Word spread organically through Instagram and a network of local chefs and restaurants, who began posting unwrapping videos their faces in awe of the smooth slice of paper (a classic, if rudimentary, knife-testing technique) or the clean cut of a juicy red tomato. Gangl would order boxes of old, rusty knives on eBay to practice. Its a lot of learning as you go, he said in August. Every knife is different. Earlier this year, he posted about a paper slicer a friend had dropped off. I immediately messaged him about the heavy vintage cutter I randomly picked up at Earthwise Salvage for $5, a relic of the since-rebuilt Fawcett Elementary. Lets see, he said. I would love the practice. I retrieved it a few days later and, indeed, it was sharp as could be as my knives have remained. With regular honing to maintain your edge, he told me in a message, he recommends home cooks drop their knives for a professional sharpening at least once a year. A common question is whether a dull, maybe also cheap or just old and seemingly not-so-special knife is worth sharpening. Do you like it? he would ask. Then yes. I just want to save you from throwing away your knives. No knife is too far gone, he added: I can fix anything! Rates start at $1.50 per inch of knife, with a $5 minimum, with additional fees for thinning and beveling. Have a chip? I did, too, and Gangl fixed it right up (starting at $5). He can also sharpen non-knife tools like kitchen shears, food processor blades, hedge trimmers, straight razors, axes and lawn mower blades but just bring the blade, not the mower! They anticipate an early October grand opening. In the meantime, they are renovating the former salon, trying to source materials from salvage stores and seeking community support through a crowdfunding campaign. TACOMA KNIFE SHARPENING & MERCANTILE 502 S. 11th St., Tacoma, tacomaknife.com Details: knife-sharpening studio and culinary shop with kitchen tools, wares and locally made pottery; target opening October 2024 Mohamed Aweys Muse, a 37-year-old former Kent resident was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for selling narcotics near a drug treatment center, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman in a news release. Muse has been in custody since his arrest in March 2023. At Mondays sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge John H. Chun said, Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous drug that has been ravaging our community I am particularly concerned with the targeting of a methadone clinic. According to the release, Muse came to the attention of law enforcement in late 2022, when he was observed leaving an apartment in Kent each morning and making hand-to-hand drug sales in the area of Airport Way South and South Holgate Street in Seattle. Muse appeared to target the clients of a methadone clinic which was only a block away from where he was selling drugs. In January, Muse started staying overnight at a Lynnwood, Washington apartment. On February 2, 2023, law enforcement served a court-authorized search warrant on both the Lynnwood and Kent apartments. In the Lynnwood apartment, investigators found fentanyl, cocaine, and three firearms. In the Kent apartment, law enforcement found additional cocaine, according to the release. Leaders of Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet told lawmakers they were working to improve the bidding process for roadwork to encourage more competition. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images) New findings from Kentucky legislative researchers show the state awards significantly more road paving contracts to a single bidder than other nearby states, generally driving up the overall costs of the contracts. Legislative Research Commission staff presented the new findings to a committee of lawmakers Aug. 15 as a part of releasing an LRC report. That report from December 2023 found road paving contracts awarded by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet most frequently only had one asphalt company bidding for the work and that contracts with two or more bids were rare. Single-bid road paving contracts were also more costly compared to state engineering estimates, the report said, though single-bid contract costs went down in 2022 and 2023. Jeremy Skinner, an analyst for the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee, told lawmakers that from January 2018 to July 2023, Kentucky had about 50% of its road paving contracts go to a single bidder. That percentage is much higher than neighboring Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia which had respectively 10%, 15% and 32% of contracts go to single bidders. The data shows that same single-bid contracts tend to be more expensive. Therefore, anything you can do to increase competition is probably advantageous, Skinner said. Skinner did caution road paving contracts from other states may not be a perfect comparison given that some states only shared partial data, and the methodologies of how states calculated the costs of projects to compare to the bids werent clear. Skinners findings also showed the cost of single-bid contracts in Kentucky, while higher than state estimates, were lower than the cost of single-bid contracts in Ohio and Indiana. Skinner, referencing the December 2023 report, said reasons for the single-bid contracts could range from the fact there are fewer asphalt plants and companies in rural parts of the state to compete for contracts and the limited distance an asphalt plant can be from a road project to service it. Single bid contracts were more common in rural areas, Skinner said, but researchers also found a lack of competition for contracts in Central Kentucky where there are more companies and plants. More than two-thirds of the road paving contracts in Fayette County had single bidders over a nearly five year period; Clark County had 94.4% of contracts go to a single bidder. No longer an excuse for inaction Andrew McNeill, president of the think tank Kentucky Forum for Rights, Economics and Education focused on free-market policies, said the the lack of competition for road paving contracts has been a problem in Kentucky for decades. The Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting in reporting on the issue in December noted that the road paving industry has a history of alleged corruption. The investigative journalism outlet, a part of Louisville Public Media, also reported lawmakers had originally promised to release the December 2023 report months ago. Its going to take favoring the taxpayers over a very powerful special interest, but theres no longer an excuse for inaction or ignoring this problem, McNeill said. The legislature needs to remain attentive to this so that if the cabinet is not willing to reform itself, then legislative action is the likely next step. McNeills own analysis of road contracts over the first six months of 2024 found Kentucky awarded more than $142 million in single-bid contracts, which he asserts cost the state over $4.5 million compared to if a second bidder was competing. McNeill calculated that figure by relying on a paper from economics professors from the University of Kentucky and Brigham Young University-Idaho, which found that highway contracts in Kentucky between 2005 and 2007 that had two bidders were an average 13.5% below the engineers estimate for cost. He then reduced the cost of each single-bid contract in the state to 86.5% of the value and added up the difference. Transportation Cabinet leadership at the Thursday presentation told lawmakers they were working on the recommendations for addressing single-bid contracts included in the December 2023 report. Those recommendations included creating an internal process to verify a state engineers estimate of a road paving project, developing written guidelines for accepting or rejecting a bid and using software to detect potential collusion on bids. The cabinet disagreed with a recommendation asking for written guidelines, saying the agency needs flexibility on how it weighs bids. James Ballinger, the State Highway Engineer for the Transportation Cabinet, told lawmakers following the presentation the cabinet wanted as much competition as we can on the contracts. Chad LaRue, the executive director for the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors representing the road paving industry, said the group appreciated the work of legislative researchers and stood ready to work with the Transportation Cabinet on the reports recommendations, along with educating lawmakers and others about the unique challenges inherent in the highway construction industry in the Commonwealth. Rep. Adam Bowling, R-Middlesboro, co-chair of the legislative oversight committee, asked Ballinger for the cabinet to provide an update on the progress made on the recommendations in the next 30 to 60 days. McNeill, the think tank leader, told the Lantern the Transportation Cabinet has an opportunity to take further steps beyond the reports recommendations to really prioritize reforming their contracting processes and efforts to entice and create competition for these asphalt contracts. The ball is in the Transportation Cabinets court, McNeill said. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) Schools across the Bluegrass have posted on Facebook over the weekend inviting students and staff to wear pink on Monday to show support for a family after the loss of their daughter on her first day of fourth grade. On Sunday, Whitley County School District, Boyle County Middle School, and Rockcastle County Schools each posted the same flyer on Facebook. Knox Central High School also shared the flyer on their Facebook page. RELATED: Pinkies Up 4 Lucy: Henderson rallies behind family of 4th grader who died after collapsing at recess The bottom of the flyer shared by several Kentucky school districts on Sunday had the hashtag Pinkies Up 4 Lucy. The bottom of the flyer had the hashtag Pinkies Up 4 Lucy. On Monday, please join us in wearing pink to honor Lucy, Rockcastle County Schools said in the districts Sunday Facebook post, By coming together, we can show our support for her family and Henderson County Schools during this difficult time. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Whitley County Schools are going to wear PINK tomorrow in support of Henderson County Schools and Lucy Nashs family. Lucys life fell short on the school playground last week and her family made the difficult choice to donate her organs so that many other people can live, said the Whitley County School District. Cairo Elementary also posted on Facebook inviting Kentucky to pink up for Lucy. To donate to the Nash family GoFundMe to assist with medical expenses, click here. Madylin Goins contributed to this story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's government will have to bring back some tax measures that it scrapped after deadly protests in June, the finance minister said, raising the risk of further unrest. John Mbadi told Citizen TV in an interview broadcast on Sunday night that some of the measures would be tweaked and not all would be revived, but they were needed to pay for expenditure including wages for teachers. Some people who were involved in the youth-led protest movement that rocked the East African nation said they were ready to go back onto the streets after the minister's announcement. "I was going to take a one month break from social media... but it seems that there is no rest for me," Hanifa, who only uses one name, wrote on X. "The struggle continues. @WilliamsRuto I dare you to bring back the finance bill," she added. President William Ruto abandoned the finance bill for this fiscal year on June 26, and later dismissed most of his cabinet, bowing to pressure from protesters who had stormed parliament and launched demonstrations across the country. The bill had contained new taxes and hikes to raise an extra 346 billion shillings ($2.70 billion) - plans that the protesters said would pile pressure onto a population already struggling with surging living costs. Mbadi, who was brought into the cabinet from the opposition benches as Ruto tried to prop up his government, had ruled out further tax hikes during his first public remarks in the post on Aug. 4. In the interview on Sunday, he said the government planned to reintroduce what he called an eco-levy on most goods - though plans to tax essential products such as sanitary pads, which were a focal point for protesters' anger, would be dropped. "For eco-levy, we would target those areas that do not affect the common citizen," he told the private broadcaster. The measures were needed to fund emerging government expenditures, and will be taken to parliament by Sept. 30, Mbadi said. The government has been caught between the competing demands of hard-pressed citizens and of lenders such as the IMF, which is urging the government to cut deficits to obtain more financing. After the bill was dropped, the government cut spending and widened the fiscal deficit. Neither Mbadi, nor the finance ministry, responded to Reuters requests for comment on the interview. The new moves would raise 150 billion shillings, Citizen TV reported. The minister rejected criticism of the levy by businesses operating in Kenya. "This country is not a dumping place. If you are injurious to the environment, then you must pay to make good what you have caused," he said. The government was working to bring back 49 clauses from the original bill, some meant to streamline laws without raising or introducing new taxes, Mbadi told the broadcaster. ($1 = 128.2500 Kenyan shillings) (This story has been corrected to change the month to June in paragraph 1) (Reporting by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Andrew Heavens) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy listened to a report by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi on the situation on the battlefield. The Head of State noted that heavy fighting continued in the Pokrovsk direction. ADVERTISIMENT Ukrainian soldiers also hold the defense of Toretsk and continue the operation in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. Zelenskyy said this on his Telegram channel. The President said that Syrskyi reported on new details of the operation in the Kursk region. According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian soldiers are achieving their goals. In particular, the head of state noted that on the morning of August 19, the Armed Forces of Ukraine once again replenished the exchange fund for our country. In addition, the President heard a report on the situation at the front and measures to control it. Zelenskyy emphasized that heavy fighting continues in the Pokrovsk direction, and the Armed Forces are also holding the defense of Toretsk. The Head of State thanked the defenders for every result in the destruction of the occupier. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, Zelenskyy discussed with Syrskyi some aspects of Ukraine's missile program. Earlier it was reported that the occupying Russian troops continued their offensive in eastern Ukraine aimed at capturing Pokrovsk in Donetsk region. Their task is a symbol of the aggressor country's general approach to war, which includes battles for gradual creeping advance and the desire to win a war of attrition. As reported by OBOZ.UA, analysts believe that the operation of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation has no long-term territorial goals. At the same time, it can create operational and strategic pressure on Russian forces throughout the entire theater of operations. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling and others to serve as hosts at the DNC (The Hill) Mindy Kaling, Kerry Washington, Ana Navarro and Tony Goldwyn will serve as hosts for the Democratic National Convention this week, convention officials confirmed. Each celebrity will host one night of the four-day convention in Chicago and will help guide audiences in the event hall and on television through the programming, officials told The Hill on Sunday. Goldwyn is on tap for Monday night, Navarro on Tuesday, Kaling on Wednesday and Washington on Thursday. CNN was first to report the entertainment host selections. Each figure was picked for their past support of the Democratic Party and its candidates, organizers said. Washington, the former Scandal star, is the founder of the political activism organization Influence Change, which is focused on celebrities promoting civil activism, and opened the third night of the DNC in 2020. Earlier this year, she teamed up with former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) as co-chairs for an advisory council for Power the Polls for an effort to recruit poll workers ahead of November. Goldwyn, who was also featured in the ABC drama Scandal as the president, is also a Democratic activist and backed former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential bid. Kaling, known for her hit roles in the tv show The Office and Disneys Inside Out, has been featured alongside Vice President Harris for various appearances, including in 2020 when then-Sen. Harris hosted a virtual Hollywood campaign event for Bidens 2020 presidential run. FILE Mindy Kaling arrives at the 29th annual ELLE Women in Hollywood Celebration in Los Angeles on Oct. 17, 2022. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) In 2019, Kaling appeared on Harriss YouTube channel where the two cooked masala dosa and discussed their Indian heritage. Navarro, a Republican strategist and co-host of ABCs The View, has increasingly supported the Democratic Party in recent years, especially since former President Trumps entrance into politics, Deadline reported. She shared the news of her upcoming appearance at the DNC in an Instagram video Sunday night. I cant tell you how much it means to me, Navarro said in the video. Im a little refugee girl who fled communism, who fled Nicaragua at the age of eight, found freedom, found opportunity, found a home in America, and for me to have the chance to stand on that stage and help my girl, Kamala, make history and become the Democratic nominee, its just such a mind-blowing moment. The convention will feature a host of political speakers for the four-day event, ranging from current White House, congressional and state leaders to past presidents. President Biden will kick off the event Monday night with opening remarks while Harris will close out the convention Thursday with her presidential nomination acceptance speech. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. A key test intended to demonstrate the Missile Defense Agencys Long-Range Discrimination Radars capabilities against a live ballistic missile target has beens scheduled for 2025 after the original test was stopped a year ago. The prospective date follows an aborted test late summer that ran into a target anomaly, Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins told Defense News in an interview at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium here earlier this month. That problem left the part of the test meant to track the simulated incoming missile unfinished. The agencys biggest concern was to get the radar situated at Clear Space Force Base, Alaska, into operations faster, Collins said. We did do a track [exercise] the next month with another target that was not as complicated a target set and it worked very well. Once fully operational, Lockheed Martin-developed LRDR will be able to simultaneously search and track multiple small objects, including all classes of ballistic missiles at long ranges under continuous operation and will be tied into the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system and the Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications system. The GMD complex is designed to protect the continental U.S. from intercontinental ballistic missile threats from North Korea and Iran. Beyond missile defense, LRDR will also support space domain awareness by monitoring space activity like satellites orbiting the earth, spent rocket bodies and fragmentation debris. And while not an official requirement, a software upgrade could give LRDR hypersonic weapon detection and tracking capability. Once the major test is complete in 2025, Collins said, it will inform the operational decision to add it into the operational baseline for ballistic missile defense of the homeland, he said. Formal operational acceptance of the LRDR by the U.S. Space Force was planned to occur by the end of 2023 prior to the canceled 2023 test event. The LRDR program also experienced delays leading up to its initial fielding in December 2021, which ultimately occurred a year later than planned, due to the coronavirus pandemic. MDA had to stop all construction and integration activities for LRDR when the coronavirus began spreading in the U.S. in March 2020. The program went into caretaker status, meaning just a small group sayed at the site to ensure the materials were protected from the elements. The Askania-Nova Nature Reserve in Kherson Oblast suffered heavily under Russian occupation but has not been fully destroyed as of now, the reserve's director, Viktor Shapoval, said in a comment for Suspilne on Aug. 19 Shapoval was reacting to a statement by Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin for the media that the reserve effectively ceased to exist because of Russia. "The Russian military destroyed the Kahkovka hydroelectric power plant, flooding the region, and the famous Nature Reserve Askania-Nova was looted," Prokudin said in an interview with RBC Ukraine. "The last thing I heard was that they are taking the animals to Crimea and Russia. That is, we can say that the reserve no longer exists. They robbed it thoroughly." Askania-Nova is a biosphere reserve located in Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, that fell under Russian occupation from the first days of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to Shapoval, Prokudin's words were likely taken out of context. The animals are being illegally taken away, but the reserve is far from being completely destroyed, he said. The management head stressed, however, that the reserve suffered heavily as a result of Russian aggression, with many animals dying due to neglect and a large part of the steppes burning down. Ukraine's National Resistance Center reported last November that Russian occupying forces were moving the animals from the Askania-Nova Nature Reserve to a safari park in Russias Krasnodar Krai. Russian troops reportedly took several Chapman's zebras, American bison, Przewalski's horses, and Pere David's deers from the Askania Zoo. All these species have the status of "close to extinction," "endangered," and "close to endangered" and are listed in the Red Book and the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List. Read also: Donetsk bear adopted by Scottish zoo dies after medical procedure Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A King County man has pleaded guilty to raping an intoxicated Bellingham woman, whom he knew, in 2017. Van Robert Wolfe, 30, of SeaTac, pleaded guilty Tuesday, Aug. 13 in Whatcom County Superior Court to one count of third-degree rape. The charge states that Wolfe engaged in sexual intercourse with another person under circumstances where that person did not consent to the sexual intercourse, according to court records. In February 2021, a woman disclosed to the Bellingham Police Department that Wolfe sexually assaulted her in November 2017 while they were at a Bellingham home. Wolfe was originally charged Jan. 5, 2022 with one count of second-degree rape. His charge was lowered as part of an agreed resolution between the prosecuting and defense attorneys, and in exchange for his guilty plea, court records show. His sentencing hearing has been set for Oct. 3. The Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorneys Office is expected to recommend at Wolfes sentencing hearing that he serve six months in jail, with one year of probation. The prosecutor will also recommend that Wolfe be required to register as a sex offender, that he participate in sexual deviancy treatment and any other crime-related treatment and prohibitions as recommended by the Washington State Department of Corrections. A five-year no-contact order between Wolfe and the woman is also expected to be recommended, court documents state. Wolfes standard range sentence is between six and 12 months in jail, with 12 months of probation, the records show. A pre-sentence investigation report conducted by DOC is required by law to be completed prior to Wolfes sentencing hearing. The investigation, which will cover Wolfes version of the events written in his own words, victim impacts, and Wolfes personal, professional, medical and social history, will also include a conclusion and recommendation as to whether or not specialized community-based or institutional treatment would serve the best interests of the community and Wolfe. The report is due within 60 days, court records state. Wolfe was taken into custody following his guilty plea on Tuesday, Aug. 13. He will remain incarcerated in the Whatcom County Work Center on Division Street until his sentencing hearing in early October. Resources Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org Brigid Collins Family Support Center professionals are on-call between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer questions about children, families, abuse prevention or treatment at (360) 734-4616. Child Protective Services: Washington state hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect, 866-829-2153. Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org. Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015. Tlils Taaaltha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips. WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/. If you or a child is in immediate danger, call 911 and make a report to law enforcement. To report child abuse or neglect call 1-866-END HARM. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Whatcom: https://www.namiwhatcom.org/crisis-resources.html Washington State Crisis Line/National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or text HOME to 741741 for a crisis counselor Whatcom County Triage Center Crisis Line: 800-584-3578 What you need to know ahead of Tuesdays Primary Elections in Orange County The Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office is making sure they are prepared for Tuesdays Primary Election. We were able to get over 250 precincts set up for tomorrow [Tuesday], Glen Gilzean, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, said. All of the equipment has been tested. Everything is ready to go. Our team is ready for a very seamless elections. More than 200 Orange County polling locations are staffed and stocked with everything needed for Tuesdays primary. Right now, Orange County is leading the voter turnout in Central Florida. Read: Go vote!: 1.2M cast ballots in Primary Election So far, we had over 90,000 cast their ballots either vote by mail or early voting among our 22 locations across Orange County, Gilzean said. According to Gilzean, another 20 to 30,000 people are expected to cast their ballot on Election Day. Its an opportunity to cast their voice, let their voice be heard in the election process, Gilzean said. There is absolutely something on the ballot for everyone. Read: Judge removes temporary injunction against Seminole County elections supervisor On Tuesday, residents must go to their assigned polling locations to vote. Either look on the back of your voter registration card, or go on our website, type in your address, youll be able to identify exactly where your poll is, Gilzean said. Its super important you must vote at your precinct. Depending on where you live, residents will see races on their ballot for multiple different positions. The primary sets the tone for the General Elections in November. If you still have a vote by mail ballot, for your vote to count, it must be dropped off at the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. Tuesday. Postmarks do not count. You can also exchange your vote by mail ballot for an in-person ballot at your assigned polling place on Election Day. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. What to know about Ashley Biden, President Biden's daughter who is speaking at the DNC Ashley Biden likes to stay out of the national spotlight. But the president's daughter is stepping into it Monday night when she introduces her father at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Who is the president's elusive daughter? Here's what to know about Ashley Biden. Who is Ashley Biden? Ashley Biden, 43, is a social worker from Wilmington, Delaware, where she has worked in mental health and family services for most of her career. She worked for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families before stepping in to head the Delaware Center for Justice, a nonprofit which provides social services to Delaware residents impacted by the criminal justice system. In 2019, she stepped down from the Delaware Center for Justice to work on her father's campaign. According to a 2023 profile in Elle, Ashley Biden is now pursuing a doctorate in clinical social work at the University of Pennsylvania. She hopes to open a wellness space for women experiencing trauma. Who is Ashley Biden's mom? First Lady Jill Biden is Ashley Biden's mother. Ashley Biden is her mother's only child and the only child between the first lady and the president. The first lady, 73, is a former school teacher. She served as Second Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. Who are President Joe Biden's other children? President Joe Biden has had four children. Two of them, Hunter and Ashley Biden, are still alive today. In 1972, Joe Biden lost his then-wife Neilia and infant child Naomi in a car crash. Beau Biden, three at the time, survived the crash. In 2015, Beau Biden died of brain cancer during his father's second term as Vice President. Is Ashley Biden married? In 2012, she married Howard Krein, an otolaryngologist and plastic surgeon from Philadelphia. They have no children together. In 2020, Krein advised the Biden campaign on its coronavirus response and faced criticism for investing in covid-related startups at the same time. Ashley Biden has kept a low profile The president's only daughter has no social media presence and has "never wanted to be in the public eye," she told Elle magazine in a March 2023 profile. Ashley Biden spent most of her career out of the national spotlight until she joined her father's presidential campaign in 2019. Ashley Biden made national headlines in 2020, when a woman stole Biden's diary from a Florida home and sold it to the far-right media group Project Veritas. Who stole Ashley Biden's diary? In the summer of 2020, Florida woman Aimee Harris stole Ashley Biden's diary and other personal belongings and sold them to right-wing news source Project Veritas for $20,000. According to reporting from Axios, the text was a "recovery diary" from her time in a Florida rehab in 2019. In April, Harris pleaded guilty to stealing Biden's diary and selling it. Harris was sentenced to one month of prison and three months of house arrest, the Associated Press reported. When will Ashley Biden speak? Exact times are not immediately known. Ashley Biden will hit the stage after her mother, Jill Biden. She will introduce her father. President Joe Biden is set to speak sometime after 9:30 p.m. tonight. He will conclude the convention's first day of programming, which ends at 10:15 p.m. First night speakers are expected to highlight Joe Biden's legacy as POTUS as he prepares to leave the Whitehouse and pass the torch to Kamala Harris. The theme of the first convention day is "For the People." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Ashley Biden, who is speaking at the DNC in Chicago A former Russian lawmaker self-exiled in Ukraine is seeking to establish a new political power base right under the nose of Vladimir Putin in Russian territory seized by Kyivs forces. Ilya Ponomarev, a 49-year-old ex-politician now on Russias list of terrorists and extremists, says the stunning cross-border incursion launched by Kyivs forces on Aug. 6 presents a new political opportunity. Ive been telling Ukrainian authorities for two years that Putins power is weak, that nobody is defending the border much, Ponomarev tells the Daily Beast. I have been preparing for this particular moment to begin building a new platform, assemble the new power on the Russian territoryI am ready to lead and risk my life, in any case Russian drones are already targeting me. Humiliation for Putin as Over 100 Troops Raise White Flag on Russian Soil Ponomarev and his wife were injured earlier this month in a drone attack which damaged his home in Kyiv Oblasthe described the incident at the time as the fifth attempt on his life. Hes been a thorn in the side of the Kremlin for a decade, having been the only member of Russias State Duma to vote against Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. He was later accused of embezzlement in Russiacharges which he dismissed as politically motivatedand has lived in exile in Ukraine for years. Ponomarev now wants to fight back by leading the revolt in Russias Kursk region, where Ukrainian broke through Russias defenses before continuing the campaign into the neighboring Belgorod region. Ilya Ponomarev, a former Russian lawmaker now living in exile in Ukraine. Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters I am ready to lead the political authorities in Kursk, if Kyiv approves of it, of course, Ponomarev told the Daily Beast, adding that he would like to recruit residents who havent fled the region. Many Russian soldiers have been waiting for it, he said. Many more will join the legions now. In 2022, Ponomarev initiated and founded the Congress of Peoples Deputies which currently includes 109 Russian citizens, former lawmakers, and bureaucrats, claiming to be the transitional parliament in exile. In late June, Warsaw hosted Ponomarevs shadow parliaments session that attracted dozens of Russian exiled politicians, calling for armed resistance to Putins rule. Ponomarev said the Congress would be happy to welcome more new members, but few Russian opposition parties and movements have backed his position since the incursion began. Soldiers of Ukraine's 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade rest during an exercise in the Sumy region near the Russian border on Aug. 17, 2024. Thomas Peter/Reuters Many of our Congress deputies cannot wait to go to Kursk, Ponomarev says. We are open for everyone, we have a horizontal structure, but most liberals are skeptical, they are all waiting to see how the situation in Kursk is going to develop. As of Friday, 10 days since the incursion began, the presence of the Ukrainian military in the region of Kursk had only increased. National flags, armored vehicles, personnel, sniper positions, and even a commandants office have been established there, while Ukrainian fighters have published videos of dozens of Russian soldiers captured in the Kursk region. Citizens being evacuated from border settlements to safe areas as clashes between the Russian and Ukrainian armies continue in the Kursk region, Russia on Aug. 17, 2024. Vladimir Aleksandrov/Anadolu via Getty Images Several reports on Thursday claimed over 100 Russian troops were captured inside Russia in the single biggest mass surrender since the war began. Some of the captured are 18-to-19-year-old conscripts, who Putin promised not to send to the front, an activist of the Soldiers Mothers movement told the Daily Beast in an interview this week. So, they moved these conscripts to the border area, where there is no connection with themwe receive many calls from devastated mothers. She added that although Kyivs strategy is still unclear to most Russians, many understand the Ukrainian military are not going to leave the occupied town of Sudzha and surrounding villages which have been abandoned by over 100,000 Russian residents. Ukraines top military commander Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky claimed to control over 80 settlements having pushed more than 21 miles inside Russia. Smoke billows from a bridge over the Seym river in the Glushkovo district, following a Ukrainian strike in the Kursk region, Russia on Aug. 16, 2024. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk via Reuters In Ponomarevs view, the absolute goal of the incursion would be to occupy the Kursk power plant and eventually swap it for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The Zaporizhzhia plant in southeastern Ukrainethe largest nuclear power station in Europehas been occupied by Russian troops since the early days of the war in March 2022. Some in Russia have likened Ponomarev to Vladimir Lenin, who also plotted political revolution a century ago revolution while in exile. Others are less impressed, including Lev Shlosberg, the deputy chair of the opposition Yabloko party in Russia. They are not politicians, they are bandits, guerrillas, direct successors of terrorist-Bolsheviks, Shlosenberg told the Daily Beast about exiled Russian politicians like Ponomarev. Nobody has ever harmed Russia more than Bolsheviks. They are people of violence, revolution, war, and blood. Another exiled lawmaker, Gennady Gudkov, sounded skeptical about Ponomarevs plan to establish alternative power in the Kursk region. Seriously, Gudkov told the Daily Beast, This is not a great idea. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. For more than two years since Russian forces took her son prisoner at the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol in 2022, Larysa Kycherenko has prayed for his release. Now, Ukraines offensive into Russias Kursk region has raised hopes he may finally come home. The other women and I read about the possibility of the prisoner exchange on Telegram. That there are conversations about that going on. We are truly hoping and praying that this will be the case, Ms Kycherenko, whose husband is also in Russian captivity, told The Telegraph. But the reality is that we are dealing with Russia. Russia is such a country that you cannot believe them. One day they say one thing, then the next another. We are truly hoping there will be some form of exchange. Ukraine has been secretive about the tactical objectives of its invasion of Kursk. In a social media post on Friday, Mykhailo Podolyak, an aide to president Volodymyr Zelensky, described the goal in broad-brush terms as a tool to force Russia to the negotiating table on Ukrainian terms. On Sunday, Mr Zelensky said the goal was to create a buffer zone inside Russia to prevent cross-border attacks. But it is now clear that one aim is to take as many prisoners as possible for future exchanges. Neither side in the war discloses how many prisoners of war it holds or thinks the other side has. Nor has Ukraine disclosed exactly how many prisoners it has taken in Kursk. But it has made a point of advertising additions to what Mr Zelensky calls the exchange fund. The plight of the POWs has become has become a thorn in the side of Mr Zelensky's government - Shutterstock /Sergey Dolzhenko Last week, the SBU, Ukraines security service, said its commandos had captured 102 Russian soldiers in a single action. Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukraines parliamentary human rights ombudsman, said on Thursday last week 10 days into the offensive that his Russian counterpart had broached the question of a prisoner exchange in a recent phone call. He added that Ukraine had established a public council to co-ordinate prisoner swaps, replacing the former ad-hoc arrangements. Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraines military intelligence chief, said in a briefing on the same day that priority would be given to the seriously wounded and very sick, women, those who had been in captivity the longest, the defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal, and civilian prisoners, in that order. He also mentioned Crimean Tatars. Such talks are delicate, generally shrouded in secrecy and will be far from straightforward: Russia has also taken Ukrainian prisoners during the battle of Kursk, and is thought to hold more prisoners overall. Mr Lubinets said he did not believe an all-for-all swap was likely in the foreseeable future. I only learned he was alive after a month Ms Kycherenko, who served as a sergeant in the Ukrainian national guard and also spent seven months as a prisoner of war, asked The Telegraph to keep her son and husband, a civilian, anonymous for safety reasons. The last time I spoke to [my son] was March 2022, when he called directly from the steel plant. I really wanted to see him and just be by his side. He told me to look after his children and keep them safe. He said my grandmother needs you, my children need you. When he was captured, I only learned he was alive after over a month when I was told by prisoners that had managed to be released. It was very painful. I cant even describe the emotions I was feeling during that gap. Every time I heard of deaths, I was waiting to hear my sons name. It is extremely difficult to share my experience, but I just want people all over the world to know about the heroes of Azovstal how difficult it is for them to fight for freedom. Mykhailo Podolyak, an aide to Volodymyr Zelensky, says the Kursk offensive is, in part, to force Russia to the negotiating table on Ukrainian terms - Reuters/Anna Voitenko Ukrainian soldiers on the ground in Kursk seem to have taken it upon themselves or perhaps are following an instruction to talk up the release of Azov prisoners in particular. Three shell-shocked Russian prisoners, speaking under obvious duress into a phone camera held by one of their captors, requested to be exchange for Azov prisoners from Mariupol. We are very kind to our opponents, the Khorne Group, a Ukrainian drone unit that runs a popular Telegram channel, wrote under a video post on Wednesday. As you can see, we are carrying a badly injured Russian to [evacuate] him, so he can be given medical treatment and exchanged for our guys from Azov. Another video from the SBUs capture of 102 Chechen special forces and Russian conscripts ended with the assembled prisoners mumbling in unison: Please exchange us for Azov fighters. It is not clear whether those coerced requests are co-ordinated from higher-up the Ukrainian chain of command. Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, said priority would be given to the seriously wounded and very sick when it came to prisoner swaps - AP/Evgeniy Maloletka Azov prisoners are hate figures in Russia The Azov prisoners are a sensitive subject, in both Russia and Ukraine. Of the at least 54 prisoner swaps since the full scale invasion began, only a handful have included Azov prisoners. Most recently 45 were released in May. Hundreds are thought to remain in captivity, despite being held since the beginning of the war. For Russia, theyre useful hate figures: the Azov regiments far-Right roots have been a recurring feature of the Kremlins Ukraine is full of Nazis propaganda. In August 2022, Russia declared the regiment a terrorist organisation, and several prisoners have been tried and sentenced to lengthy prison terms on that basis rather than being treated as prisoners of war. They have also been subjected to particularly appalling treatment. Ms Kycherenko said she had learnt from released prisoners who knew her son that at the beginning he was beaten very badly by the Russians, and ended up with two concussions. He was punished at one point for trying to work out so he could stay healthy and be strong enough to survive. That is consistent with other reports. Aiden Aslin, a British man who served with Ukraines 36th Marine brigade and was taken prisoner at Mariupol, told The Telegraph after his release that he witnessed Azov members being singled out for brutal beatings by Russian guards, including one beaten to death in a neighbouring cell. In July this year, Oleksandr Ishchenko, one of the Azov members being tried in Russia, died in a pre-trial detention centre. And in July 2022, 53 prisoners from Mariupol, most of them from Azov, were killed in an unexplained fire at the Olenivka prison in the Donetsk region. Ukraine accused Russia of deliberately murdering the prisoners. Russia said Ukraine shelled the facility. Domestic incentive for Zelensky to bring them home In Ukraine, the failure to get them home has become a thorn in the side of Mr Zelenskys government. Every weekend for two years, about 100 protesters have gathered to demand the return of the Azovstal prisoners a breach of martial law that the police do not dare challenge. Whether or not the coerced appeals from Russian prisoners of war are part of a co-ordinated campaign, there is a clear domestic incentive to bring the men and women from Azovstal home. It would definitely be a big win for the government, said a Kyiv political consultant who spoke on condition of anonymity. We have these protests every week. But Im not aware of any suggestion that was the main point of the operation, and its not being discussed much in public when the Kursk operation is mentioned. For Ms Kycherenko, the question is personal, not political. Every night I am crying and praying for [my sons] return. I am ready and waiting to hear more news about the exchange, praying that he is on the list of people to be freed. I know what he is going through in captivity and what he is suffering every single day. I am hoping and waiting, but so far there is no official news or names mentioned. Click here to view this content. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick says he's now a political consultant one with a unique ability to see through some of the false images that candidates project. Kilpatrick, a former state Democratic leader who is to be a featured speaker at a Republican dinner in Novi on Wednesday, said he is doing political consulting around the country, in addition to public speaking and managing the ministry he launched in early 2022, after his release from federal prison. Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick "People call me about campaigns," Kilpatrick said in a Monday radio interview with Justin Barclay on 910 AM. "I love that," he said. "I've never lost a political campaign." Kilpatrick said he recently worked with a young man running for the state Senate in Louisiana. "This guy was amazing," Kilpatrick said without identifying the politician by name. "He would talk about the diversification of the economic base of Louisiana, he would talk about the politics, he would talk to people and fully engage people in the public space." But after spending a few hours with the candidate, "I told him the first thing he had to stop doing is cheating on his wife," Kilpatrick said. That advice left the candidate nervous and shaken, he said. "How did you know?" Kilpatrick said he asked. Those who have experienced certain addictions, be it marital infidelity or drug or alcohol addiction, "can see it before others see it," Kilpatrick said. The candidate may or may not win his election, but he is now engaging honestly with his wife and family, Kilpatrick said. Marital infidelity was part of Kilpatrick's well-publicized downward spiral that culminated in 2013 with a 28-year federal prison sentence that he received for corruption crimes, including racketeering, extortion and fraud, all committed while he was mayor of Detroit from 2002 to 2008. Former President Donald Trump commuted Kilpatrick's prison sentence in 2021. Kilpatrick is now a Trump supporter, though he said he considers himself neither a Republican nor a Democrat. He did say that during his time as Democratic minority leader in the Legislature he was a member of the Democratic Leadership Council and considered himself a Democrat. Kilpatrick said he has "run some of the presidential campaigns that have happened in this state." But two Michigan political analysts expressed surprise at that statement Monday and said they don't believe Kilpatrick ever did so. "I don't recall Kwame Kilpatrick ever 'running' a statewide campaign, especially a presidential one," said Detroit consultant Mario Morrow. Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on X, @paulegan4. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kwame Kilpatrick says he's now a political consultant with rare skills Entering the Paru rainforest reserve, one of the most inaccessible and best preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, is truly special even for a seasoned veteran of the Brazilian jungles: When I got there, my eyes shone like a childs when they saw a sweet. I know other ecosystems, but this one is practically intact, recalls forestry engineer Lucyana Santos in a video interview. Santos participated in a two-week scientific expedition last May that aimed to reach the tallest tree in the Amazon, an angelim vermelho (Dinizia excelsa) measuring 88.5 meters (twice the height of Rio de Janeiros Cristo Redentor, a 30-story tower), which was discovered five years ago in the west of the Brazilian state of Para. We were unable to reach it because a waterfall prevented us from doing so, says the engineer, who works at the Institute for Forest and Biodiversity Development of the State of Para (Ideflor). Doing research in the largest tropical forest on the planet comes with these sorts of difficulties: in addition to the enormous physical effort required, researchers are also at the mercy of a thousand unforeseen events. Santos team waited three days for the water to recede in order to cross the waterfall, but it was of no use. In the sanctuary of giant trees, the expedition located a 73-meter tree with a trunk three meters in diameter. Fernando Sette Although they never reached their original destination (a previous expedition managed to reach the 88.5-meter angelim vermelho), along the way they discovered a new sanctuary of giant trees. Santos and a handful of other scientists from the expedition collected samples in six plots that were turned into jungle laboratories, each one measuring 2,500 square meters. There, she says, they took soil samples, made an inventory of the flora and fauna, including fish from the Jaru River and its tributaries. They sighted birds and tracks of large mammals such as jaguars, without crossing paths with any. The goal was to expand research of this reserve in order to increase its legal protection and ensure that it is preserved in the best conditions. Inspecting the crown of the giant trees has been left for another occasion. The Paru reserve, which covers an area of 14,000 square miles (slightly less than the size of Denmark), is located 300 miles west of the city of Belem, which is preparing to fulfil a long-held dream of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva: bringing the best climate change researchers to the Amazon. Next year, Belem will host COP30, the U.N. climate summit. Santos explains that during the recent expedition they discovered that the giant trees are more numerous and more dispersed than previously thought. Its still not known why this corner of Para is home to trees that are twice the height of the forest, the tallest in the Amazon. We dont know why or why here. Whether it is because there is a microclimate with specific conditions of temperature and wind, or whether it is because of the soil, or the proximity to water The age of the trees is also a mystery: We believe they are between 400 and 600 years old, but that is also an assumption. In this area, 38 giant trees have been identified, including two that are over 80 meters tall. What is known is that these specimens play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance, as well as in climate regulation thanks to their extraordinary capacity to store carbon (measured by laser scanning from the International Space Station). But they are also the historical memory of the forest, a door to the past. In exchange for reaching a place where few humans have ever set foot, these scientists must be prepared to live and work in arduous conditions. The hardest part is the day-to-day work, the effort of collecting information and samples on a long journey, with high temperatures and high humidity, explains Santos. To reach the spot, the scientists took a plane, then a car, then a boat and then began the climb up the Jaru River towards the reserve of the giant trees. Aerial view of the expedition of Ideflor, the Sustainable Amazon Foundation, the Andes Amazonia Fund (FAA) and the Federal Institute of the neighboring state of Amapa (IFAP), last May, in a promotional image. Fernando Sette They were joined by local guides who know how to navigate the rivers and the jungle. And by two press advisers. And, of course, they were loaded with scientific material, water, food, medicines, GPS, binoculars, ice, chlorine to make the water drinkable when the bottled water runs out. They had to be prepared for long hikes, under the sun and the rain, through very dense, uneven vegetation. The climate often changes, and suddenly. You put on your raincoat, take it off, put it back on, says Santos. The researchers slept in hammocks, protected by mosquito nets. In the jungle, even the toads are deceptive, they are beautiful, but poisonous. Santos says that one of her colleagues, Deisy, placed a mosquito trap, she wanted to know what they were eating. The engineer becomes emotional when she recalls the moment they discovered a 73-meter tree, with a three-meter-diameter trunk, and another 63-metre-high tree surrounded by other very tall specimens. It is clear that without these exuberant trees, the ecological balance would be completely altered. The forestry engineer lists the potential damage: the river would advance, the temperature would change. If they no longer offered shade, the soil would be unprotected, large quantities of carbon would not be stored, its ecological niches would be affected Protecting the giant Paru trees is a priority for state authorities, who organized the expedition together with the Sustainable Amazon Foundation, the Andes Amazonia Fund (FAA) and the Federal Institute of the neighboring state of Amapa (IFAP). The Paru Rainforest Reserve is one of the most inaccessible and best preserved regions of the Brazilian Amazon. Fernando Sette They want the reserve to be given greater protection by law, so that not even the locals who currently use it sustainably extracting chestnuts or other fruits are able to enter. The goal is to prohibit all humans except for scientific expeditions. The purpose of Santos expedition was to gather information on the flora and fauna in the giant tree sanctuary in order to highlight why the reserve needs better legal protections at the public hearings on the issue, which will take place in Monte Dourado, the municipality where the reserve is located. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Kyiv didn't disclose preparations for Kursk operation because of West's fear of Russian 'red lines,' Zelensky says Ukraine did not disclose preparations for an operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast to Kyiv's allies because the world might consider it crossing Russia's "strictest of all red lines," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 19. Two weeks into Ukraine's cross-border offensive in Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian troops control over 1,250 square kilometers of Russian territory and 92 settlements in the region while continuing to strengthen their positions, Zelensky claimed. According to the president, the concept of so-called Russia's red lines, "which dominated the assessment of the war by some partners," had crumbled "somewhere near Sudzha." "Just a few months ago, many people around the world, if they had heard that we were planning such an operation like the one in Kursk Oblast, they would have said that it was impossible and that it would cross the strictest of all the red lines that Russia has," Zelensky said. "That is why, actually, no one knew about our preparations," the president said during a visit to the city of Dnipro. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi was considering several scenarios for an incursion into Russia's territories, The Economist reported citing military sources. The general shared his plans only with a selected few military and security officials and discussed them with Zelensky in one-on-one meetings to maintain maximum operational secrecy, the outlet's sources said. Despite the ongoing fighting, Kyiv maintained a policy of silence on the incursion for several days after the operation's start. "When our Ukrainian defenders act in this way, strongly, bravely, and when the operation is really well-prepared, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin has nothing to do," Zelensky said. "And now the world sees that this is true, that it really works not only on the temporarily occupied territory of our country, but also on the territory of Russia itself." Zelensky called on Western partners to be "in sync" with Ukraine in their determination to force Russia to a just peace. Kyiv said that rather than capturing Russian territory, the incursion aims to protect Ukrainian lives by preventing cross-border attacks and diverting Russian reinforcements. Despite mounting reports that Russia is moving at least some forces to the sector, Kyiv's troops in the east of Ukraine say the situation there remains dire as Moscow continues its advance near Pokrovsk and Toretsk. Read also: Ukraines buffer zone in Kursk Oblast heres what you need to know Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Updated Aug 19, 2024, 1:54pm EDT Europe The News Ukraine and Russia appeared to make progress in their dueling offensives into each others territory over the weekend and on Monday. Moscow claimed Kyiv had damaged a third major Russian bridge Monday, part of the countrys lightning push into the Kursk region that Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said is designed to create a buffer zone against further Russian aggression. Moscow, meanwhile, closed in on securing a Ukrainian town, a key step towards securing the entirety of the Donetsk region that it illegally annexed but parts of which are still held by Kyivs forces. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Kyiv undermined Russias sense of impenetrability Moscow is starting to respond Sources: Kyiv Independent, The Guardian, The Economist Ukraines surprise incursion threw the Kremlins propagandists into crisis: It contradicts everything theyve been telling their own population about their supposedly mighty army and how well theyre protected, the founder of Russia Media Monitor told the Kyiv Independent. The attack amounted to a personal humiliation to Putin, and dented the myth of his invincibility, The Guardians foreign correspondent wrote. Moscow has been slowly intensifying its response after that initial moment of being caught off guard, and Ukraine is seeing more troop losses on the ground, The Economist reported. Creation of buffer zones may not shift war in Kyivs favor Sources: Futura Doctrina, Responsible Statecraft Zelenskyys description of seized Russian territory as a buffer zone appropriates Moscows own language for Ukrainian territory it has held, former Australian general Mick Ryan noted. Ukraine will at some point likely undertake a partial withdrawal, holding on to the zone as a future bargaining chip, Ryan added. But while stunning and clever, Kyivs incursion may not ultimately change Putins calculations, and may make him even more determined to subjugate Ukraine. In wars of attrition, the casualty-exchange ratio is more important than territory captured, and Ukraines incursion which required moving top combat units from its front lines risks tilting that ratio in Russias favor, political scientist John Measheimer argued in Responsible Statecraft. International pressure may be ramping up Sources: Reuters, Politico, Kyiv Independent, Eurasia Review Ukraines push into Russia comes at a time when cracks may be starting to show in Kyivs support: European defense stocks fell on Monday after a German newspaper reported that the countrys finance minister told colleagues to veto new military aid for Ukraine amid budgetary constraints (a report Ukraine dismissed as manipulation). Meanwhile, Zelenskyy criticized the US, UK, and France for not accelerating weapons deliveries over the weekend, Politico reported. On Friday, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with Zelenskyy in Kyiv a month after he visited Moscow where he is expected to advocate for an end to the conflict. The meeting could prove a pivotal moment in the quest for a peaceful settlement to end the war, Eurasia Review noted. In 2021, the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment held a rally to mark the first day of enforcement of Los Angeles' tenant anti-harassment ordinance. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) In the three years since Los Angeles banned landlords from harassing tenants and made violating the rules a criminal offense, more than 13,000 complaints alleging harassment have been filed with the housing department. About two dozen of those cases were referred by the department to the city attorney's office. So far, four fines are pending and no cases have been criminally prosecuted. When it was approved in 2021, Los Angeles Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance was touted as a breakthrough for renters rights. At a time of rapidly rising housing costs, the rules were meant to protect tenants from being threatened or intimidated by landlords a tactic advocates say is sometimes used to push people out of rent-controlled homes. But tenant advocates say harassment has continued largely unchecked in the three years since the law passed, with tenants regularly reporting that their landlords resort to intimidation, illegal eviction notices, threats, lockouts and other actions meant to make their living situations difficult to bear. The thousands of complaints and lack of prosecutions since 2021 are further evidence that the law is weak and needs to be strengthened, advocates say. "Its been really frustrating because theres been so many examples of landlord harassment, of taking away parking, garages, bedrooms, unlawful entries into peoples homes, code violations, unlawful eviction and a lot of retaliation for organizing," said Edna Monroy, director of organizing at Strategic Actions for a Just Economy. But "its really hard to present these cases in small claims and it's really hard for the city attorney to take these cases as well." Read more: $55,000 to leave a rent-controlled apartment? Why these tenants say no thanks Her group and others are urging the city to adopt several amendments meant to tighten the rules and incentivize private attorneys to take on cases. The City Councils housing and homelessness committee is expected to soon consider several proposed changes to the law. Landlord advocates, meanwhile, say the lack of prosecutions shows that tenant harassment isnt the problem advocates say it is and are urging the city to reject the changes. "It was bad enough the first go around," said Daniel Yukelson, executive director of the Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles. "Now theyre opening the door by loosening up the language and it's just going to open up property owners to more frivolous lawsuits." The ordinance was adopted amid the pandemic when the city's eviction moratorium was in place. Tenants said landlords were increasingly turning to harassment to get them to leave without having to go to court to seek an eviction. But as soon as the law was approved some advocates said they worried it had been watered down too much to be effective. Read more: Southern California home prices keep rising; up nearly 8% in June to all-time highs A 2022 housing department report noted that when the ordinance was initially adopted, resources were not provided to that department or to the city attorney for its implementation. Some funding was eventually approved and the housing department created a Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance Task Force, which was charged with focusing on problem properties and landlords and monitoring for compliance. The report also noted that there had been challenges proving that landlords were acting in bad faith, as the law requires. Sharon Sandow, a spokeswoman for the housing department, said that when harassment allegations are substantiated, a housing investigator will call the landlord to address the allegation and send them information about the ordinance. If the matter is egregious or persists, the case is referred to the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance Task Force "for further review and analysis to determine the possibility of a pattern of behavior, and assess the enforcement mechanism," Sandow said. In the vast majority of cases, she added, tenants withdraw or abandon the complaint, fail to provide evidence to substantiate the case or the matter is resolved by the department. Sergio Vargas, co-director of the Los Angeles chapter of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, or ACCE, said the city has not done enough to follow up and fully investigate complaints. "We know there are way more cases out there that should be taken into account," he said. Karen Richardson, a spokeswoman for the city attorney's office, said that her office has received 23 anti-harassment referrals from the housing department. Of those, four have fines pending and four were referred to a diversion program. Fifteen of the referrals were for potential criminal filings. Eight were rejected by the office and seven are pending. Among the changes proposed to the ordinance is a new definition of harassment aimed at landlords who engage in "bad faith conduct" that causes tenants detriment or harm. The current definition requires landlords to knowingly and willfully engage in bad-faith conduct that "serves no lawful purpose, a standard advocates say can be impossible to prove. The changes also include requiring that tenants who win in court be awarded attorney's fees and a minimum civil penalty of $2,000 per violation. Proponents say the new language would put the city's anti-harassment rules more in line with other cities like Santa Monica, Oakland and San Francisco. The 2022 ballot initiative Measure ULA, sometimes known as the "mansion tax," is also expected to significantly boost funding for implementation of the ordinance. Yukelson, of the apartment association, said the rules simply create "lots of landmines" that will cause owners to get sued. "Owners are going to have their backs put against the wall," he said. For Stephano Medina, an attorney for the legal advocacy group Movement Legal, which is affiliated with ACCE, the problem with the current law is that its not making a difference. "I dont know of any tenant that has benefited from this law," he said. "It's not being used." 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. A roll of police tape is left on the windshield of Los Angeles County sheriff's vehicle. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press) A Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors more than three years after prosecutors say he assaulted a woman during a disturbance call and then lied about it in a report. Konrad Thieme was sentenced last week to one year of probation and 100 hours of community service for two counts of excessive force by a police officer, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said in an email. Thieme's attorney declined to comment. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Friday that Thieme has been relieved of duty since 2021. "These actions do not reflect the values of our department's dedicated personnel," the department wrote in an emailed statement. "We remain committed to zero tolerance for criminal misconduct and to upholding the highest standards as we work to ensure the safety and security of our communities." The resolution to the case comes more than a year after the county agreed to pay $1.75 million to the 32-year-old woman Thieme assaulted and shocked with a Taser. At the time of the attack, Sarah Jafari who suffers a mental disability, according to her lawsuit was living at her mothers home. On the evening of April 10, 2021, her mother called the Sheriffs Department because Jafari was banging a door against a wall. According to a summary of the incident written by the Sheriff's Department Risk Management Bureau, Jafaris mother had complained that her daughter had a knife and was destroying the house. When Thieme arrived, he saw Jafari in the driveway yelling at her mother. Thieme asked Jafari whether she had a knife, according to the incident summary, and she told him she didnt. Thieme ordered her to get the patrol car, but when he reached out to guide her toward the cruiser she pulled away and he threatened to punch her, the summary says. Other deputies arrived, and one shocked her with a Taser. Afterward, the summary says, Jafari took a fighting stance and asked why she was being detained. She allegedly refused to comply when Thieme tried to search her, and the summary says the deputy became concerned Jafari was stalling to retrieve a weapon so he lunged at her. Jafaris head hit the ground, and as she lay on the ground she still allegedly refused to follow the deputies orders. The deputies alleged Jafari assaulted them until they shocked her with a Taser again, handcuffed her and put her in a patrol car as the struggle continued, according to the summary. Jafari maintained in a lawsuit filed in late 2021 that she was passive the entire time. The suit says video of the incident showed that, when Thieme initially approached her, she walked backward slowly with her hands out so the deputies "could see she was of no danger of harm to them." Then, the suit says, the deputy punched Jafaris throat, unprovoked, causing her to fall backward on her head. After Jafari was shocked with a Taser, her suit says Thieme grabbed her by her hair and tossed her in the back of a patrol car like a rag doll. She was taken to a hospital for treatment of her injuries. Thieme then lied in his report and wrote that Jafari was resisting arrest, according to the suit; based on the deputies' "fraudulent allegations," Jafari was jailed, though prosecutors dropped the charges and "refused to participate in the frame-up." After the arrest, the suit says, other deputies returned to her home to try to persuade Jafaris mother to lie and say Jafari had a knife in her clothes prior to the attack, according to the lawsuit. Read more: Sheriff's deputy charged in violent attack on woman in Chatsworth The suit says Jafari suffered a traumatic brain injury, which caused seizures later requiring hospitalization and that she was "extremely traumatized by being attacked by cops." An internal criminal investigator from the Sheriff's Department reviewed the incident and determined that contrary to Thiemes statements Jafari did not appear to be in a fighting stance when she asked why she was being detained. And when another deputy handcuffed her, she did not appear to be resisting, according to the internal review. The department summary faulted the other deputies for failing to intervene when they saw the excessive use of force and noted that the deputies should have contacted the Mental Evaluation Team when they realized Jafari showed symptoms of mental illness. The summary didnt make any determination as to whether Thieme had violated department policies, because the administrative investigation was put on hold as the criminal case against Thieme played out in court. However, records show the state temporarily suspended his peace officer certification in July 2023, due to the pending criminal charges and alleged dishonesty. 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. The Governments latest response to the crisis in our criminal justice system the oddly named Operation Early Dawn will have one certain impact: fewer criminals will be arrested by the police. The essence of todays crisis is that there is a traffic jam in our criminal justice system. Because our prisons are full, defendants charged with a crime and waiting for a court appearance will have to be held in police stations until there is a prison cell available for them. The inevitable result of this latest tactic, which so far is being implemented in the Midlands and North of England, is that as police station cells fill up with those who should already be in court or prison, police officers will be left with no other choice than to let off suspected criminals with nothing more than a caution or a fine. The police chief nominated as the spokesman for this latest manoeuvre has tried to put a brave face on the situation. He claims that policing will continue to arrest anyone that they need to in order to keep the public safe but as ever, the hard reality of the situation will have no regard for his reassuring words. The violent disorder we have recently seen on our streets has led to hundreds of individuals being arrested, charged and entering the prison system. That a robust response by the police and courts was necessary is in no doubt, but it has inevitably had an impact on a prison system which for years now has operated at close to its maximum capacity. Certainly, the Governments inheritance from their predecessors has been nothing short of a disgrace. But there are many policy makers and commentators whose response to our prisons being full is to claim that we should send fewer criminals to prison. They wring their hands and tell us that prison doesnt work. Their apparent evidence is that too many of those released from prison then go on to commit further offences on release with the fault for this being laid at the door of the system rather than the individual themselves. The purpose of prison, however, is not only to provide opportunities for rehabilitation a function which the current system too often fails to achieve. It is also to protect the public and to punish those who breach the minimum standards of what we, as a society, expect from one another. All too often we are told that our prisons are filled with thousands of inmates who shouldnt be there. And yet, the truth is that it is remarkably difficult to be sent to prison in this country. Research by Policy Exchange last year revealed that the most hyper-prolific offenders those with over 46 previous convictions are not sent to prison in over half of cases. A man in Gateshead with 343 previous convictions, including shoplifting and theft, was given a community sentence when convicted of a further nine offences. Another, this time on the Isle of Wight, had 115 previous convictions also including shoplifting and on being convicted of a further seven offences, was given a suspended sentence. The law requires that unless the most exceptional circumstances apply, those caught carrying a knife should receive a mandatory sentence of six months in prison. Yet in more than a third of cases these recidivist offenders are not sent to prison. And these examples merely reflect those who are caught over ninety per cent of crimes that are reported to the police go unsolved. It is unsurprising that so many of the law-abiding majority now believe that there is a culture of impunity surrounding crime and criminals in this country. There is no silver-bullet solution to the crisis in our criminal justice system. Prisons must provide opportunities for prisoners to have the best possible chance of a productive life on release with drug rehabilitation, training and education being central to their purpose. Community service sentences must be reformed so the public and magistrates can see offenders are truly being punished for their crimes rather than these sentences being viewed as an easy option. The Government should increase the number of Residential Womens Centres for female offenders. The Probation Service should no longer be treated by the Ministry of Justice as a mere afterthought. The newly appointed Minister of State Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, James Timpson, is someone with considerable experience in understanding how prisons and the criminal justice system does and does not work and despite what some believe he is not the wet progressive that some activists might have hoped for. The question however, is whether even he can turn this crisis around. It is certainly the case that the mood of the establishment on prisons is at odds with the mood of the public. In the recent Kings Speech debate in the House of Lords a number of peers were keen to align themselves with the anti-prison movement. While this may be novel policy, it is some distance from the expectations of the law-abiding majority that violent or prolific criminals should be sent to prison. To do that we need more prison places not fewer. We also need the best prison officers and leaders we can find to run those institutions effectively. The criminal justice system should be a bulwark against Thucydides assertion that the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must. It might also be, as Winston Churchill argued, a place where it is possible to find the treasure in the heart of every man. Currently, our prisons and the criminal justice system more broadly, are doing neither. David Spencer is the Head of Crime and Justice for Policy Exchange and a former Detective Chief Inspector with the Metropolitan Police Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Lancaster County is hosting a hemp circuit this Wednesday. The County is hosting an event called Hemp Comes Home to Lancaster County on Wednesday, August 21, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. According to a release, the event is part of the Lancaster County Hemp Circuit, a two-day, four-event circuit aiming to educate the public on hemps natural fibers, petroleum-based replacements, and healthy food products. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest The release says hemp is an ideal crop to help heal the planet, as it removes more CO2 from the atmosphere than any other plant. As a bonus, it gives area farmers an alternative cash crop to grow. Rural Business Cooperative Service Administrator Betsy Londrigan will travel from Washington DC to speak at the event at 10:20 am. For any questions, contact Steve Groff via email, phone, or text at (717) 575-6778. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Los Angeles City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto pushed for the LAPD to bring a case against Ricci Sergienko, pictured in 2022, according to an internal memo. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Earlier this year, high-level officials in the Los Angeles Police Department asked for a meeting with city prosecutors to discuss a source of friction between their two offices. Los Angeles City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto had been pushing for criminal charges against a man she suspected was among the pro-Palestinian protesters who sprayed red paint and set off smoke devices outside the Brentwood home of a prominent Jewish civic leader, according to a memo summarizing the March 7 meeting. Feldstein Soto had gone to then-Police Chief Michel Moore to assert that Ricci Sergienko was involved in the Thanksgiving Day protest, according to the memo, a copy of which was reviewed by The Times. However, Sergienko could not be identified in video footage from the scene, the LAPD's lead detective on the case, Amgad Youssef, said at the meeting. "For reasons unknown, the City Attorney expressed inordinate interest in the progress of a mass protest investigation, going so far as to suggest the identification of a specific individual for prosecution to the Chief of Police," wrote Dennis Kong, head deputy for the city attorney's regulatory prosecution division, in his memo summarizing the issues raised by the LAPD. The concerns described in the memo by the LAPD and Feldstein Soto's own prosecutors raise questions about why she would have gone to such lengths to single out Sergienko, one of her most outspoken critics. The protest, which sparked outrage at City Hall and a hate crime investigation by the LAPD, took place outside the home of attorney Michael Tuchin, president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. He donated $1,500 to Feldstein Soto's campaign in 2022. Feldstein Soto did not respond to emailed questions about the memo, which was dated April 9. Tuchin and Moore, who retired from the LAPD in February, also did not reply to messages from The Times. Kong did not respond to several requests for comment. LAPD officials called for the March 7 meeting to raise concerns with Feldstein Soto's subordinates that their boss had accused the LAPD of failing to diligently pursue the matter, the memo said. They also wanted to discuss Feldstein Soto's "particular interest and sense of urgency in charging Sergienko." At the meeting, the contingent from the city attorney's office assured LAPD officials including Assistant Chief Blake Chow and Deputy Chief David Kowalski of the Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau that they did not share their boss' concerns with the progress of the investigation. In his memo, Kong said the city attorney's office pursues charges "based on probable cause and not politics" and that it appeared that Feldstein Soto may have implicated Sergienko to the LAPD "without such cause." Feldstein Soto "unilaterally" contacted the LAPD to offer her opinion about a potential suspect "without knowledge about the state of the evidence," and without notifying her office's criminal branch, Kong wrote. Sergienko is an organizer with the leftist political group People's City Council. He has taken part in protests at City Hall and elsewhere, including candidate debates and the homes of elected city officials. The People's City Council has been a longstanding foe of Feldstein Soto, calling her "corrupt" and accusing her of doing the bidding of special interests. The group has also posted excerpts from Feldstein Soto's decade-old divorce case on social media, including a filing from her ex-husband describing her conduct as "bizarre." Colleen Flynn, Sergienko's attorney, said she was "floored" by Feldstein Soto's conduct as described in the April 9 memo. Flynn said Feldstein Soto is "out of control," abusing her power and going after Sergienko because of his political views. "I hope that the city attorney does the right thing and immediately resigns, because this is completely unacceptable for a first-class city," she said. An internal memo said Los Angeles City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto, pictured in 2022, pushed for charges against a protester. That protester is one of her most outspoken critics. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Feldstein Soto recently launched her campaign for a second term heading an office that prosecutes misdemeanors, defends the city against lawsuits and drafts legislation. Since taking office in December 2022, she has faced criticism over her decision to sue a journalist who lawfully obtained headshots of Los Angeles police officers from the city. The City Council voted Friday to pay $300,000 to settle that case. The memo, and the apparent effort by Feldstein Soto's prosecutors to distance themselves from her actions, are the latest signs of tension within the city attorney's office. At least four staffers have filed retaliation claims against the office this year. Sean C. Tyler, an administrative coordinator, suggested in a July 26 filing that Feldstein Soto had attempted to use the criminal justice system to "silence" Sergienko. In his filing, Tyler questioned whether Feldstein Soto gave Tuchin favorable treatment because he was a campaign donor. Tyler also accused her of secretly reading employees' emails. Last week, an aide to Feldstein Soto called Tyler's allegations "flamboyant" and said there is no truth to them. Read more: L.A. city attorney is searching through employee emails, creating a climate of fear, staffer alleges Youssef, the LAPD detective, referred The Times to the LAPD's press team, which declined to discuss the situation. "The case in question is still with the City Attorney's Office for review and filing consideration," Det. Meghan Aguilar said in an email. In 2022, before Feldstein Soto was elected, the city attorney's office filed charges against Sergienko after he and other protesters disrupted a Los Angeles City Council meeting. Sergienko was charged with resisting arrest and battery on an officer, among other things. Last year, a judge allowed Sergienko and another defendant to participate in a diversion program. When the case was dismissed, Sergienko posed for a photo in the courthouse with his middle finger extended. The People's City Council posted the photo on social media with a vulgarity aimed at Feldstein Soto. Last fall, the People's City Council posted videos of the Thanksgiving Day protest on the social platform X, calling it a "holiday wake up call" for Tuchin and his family. Protesters opposed to Israel's war in Gaza left bundles of white cloth spattered with red paint to represent blood-spattered babies. They also set off smoke devices, sprayed red paint on the driveway and carried a banner with the message F UR HOLIDAY! BABY KILLER." Mayor Karen Bass condemned the protest, as did leaders from the city's Jewish community. Feldstein Soto also weighed in, saying on X that trespassing, vandalism and threats against others "are not protected speech and should be prosecuted." Behind the scenes, she went further, according to the memo, telling police she had "positively identified and recognized Sergienko" from surveillance footage of the protest. Feldstein Soto told her staff that she had had "several" communications with the police chief about "Sergienko's involvement in the protest," the memo said. Moore, in turn, asked his subordinates "why Sergienko was not yet named as a primary suspect for possible charges," the memo said. Flynn, the lawyer representing Sergienko, said she does not know if her client was at the protest. "But if he was, there's certainly nothing in that memo, or from that police investigation, that shows there was any unlawful activity on his part," she said. "Therefore, her only motivation to go after him is purely political and to try to silence his criticism." Ricci Sergienko, an organizer with the People's City Council, was arrested at a Los Angeles City Council meeting in 2022. His case was dismissed last month. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Youssef, the LAPD detective, said at the March 7 meeting that Feldstein Soto kept mentioning Sergienko during the investigation's initial phase, according to Kong's memo. The best video footage of the protest showed a "random individual" who was covered from head to toe," Youssef told attendees at the meeting. The LAPD could not place Sergienko at the scene or otherwise positively identify him as a suspect for "inciting public disorder and vandalism," Youssef said, according to the memo. Youssef was also trying to use cellphone data to identify suspects, the memo said. If Feldstein Soto was presenting herself as a potential witness in the case or had a stake in it somehow, that would create a conflict of interest, not just for herself but possibly her prosecution team, said Laurie Levenson, a professor of criminal law at Loyola Law School. Levenson said she was struck by the apparent lack of trust between Feldstein Soto and her prosecutors. The memo, Levenson said, indicates that there is "a political battle going on within her own office." Read more: L.A. city attorney wanted $500,000 for outside law firm. The City Council gave her only 10% Kong addressed his memo to Michelle McGinnis, who was then the office's criminal branch chief. Two weeks later, McGinnis was placed on leave and escorted out of the office, according to a claim for damages she filed with the city in June. In her claim, McGinnis did not mention Sergienko by name. However, she accused Feldstein Soto of directing her to prosecute a person whom Feldstein Soto "believed to be present in a video of protesters" in the West Los Angeles area last year. McGinnis said in her claim that Feldstein Soto gave those directions "based on her personal or political beliefs, and/or for her personal, political gain." An aide to Feldstein Soto broadly disputed many of the allegations in McGinnis' claim but did not provide specifics. 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. VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A large scale, indoor, rock-climbing facility is coming to Vestal this Fall. The PAD Climbing Gym has three locations around the country, two in California, one in Nevada, and soon, one coming to the Binghamton area. The facility will be located at 2220 Vestal Road. The PAD will feature a rope climbing wall stretching 42 feet high and a bouldering wall up to 18 feet high. There will also be a lounge, weights and gym equipment, a yoga studio, retail store, slackline and more. The website says The PAD welcomes climbers of all skill levels. PAD is also hiring for the Head Route Setter position at the Vestal location. To find out more, and to get updates, visit ThePadClimbing.org. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. Two dead following isolated incident at North Andover home, DA says Two people are dead following an isolated incident at a North Andover home Monday, the Essex County District Attorneys office said. Emergency personnel responding to a home on Turnpike Street found the two victims, one who was pronounced deceased and another suffering from serious injuries, the Essex DAs office said. The injured person was rushed to a nearby hospital where they were pronounced deceased, the DAs office updated shortly before 9:00 p.m. Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said the incident is isolated to the home and there is no threat to the public. North Andover police, Massachusetts State Police and the Essex County District Attorneys office are investigating the incident. People who live and work in the area tell Boston 25 they have seen police at the house in the last two weeks. They say whatever happened is disturbing. Its scary. Its scary to Know in a town like North Andover it just goes to show you. It doesnt matter where you live. Stuff like this can happen anywhere, Katrina MacLean told Boston 25. Everyone says they are shocked by the large police presence in this normally quiet town. Yeah, I would say generally speaking. Its a safe community Ive lived here my whole life, she said. The two deaths left people in town shaken. I guess I really dont. I guess I really cant make sense of it, said MacLean. Neighbors also says that ambulances and police have been called to this home several times in recent years. Several police cruisers and emergency vehicles could be seen surrounding the single-story home just after 6:30 p.m. Yellow crime scene tape enveloped the home and front yard. Residents in the area are asked to stay away from the scene while officials investigate. The Essex County District Attorneys office is not expected to provide any further updates until Tuesday. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Las Vegas man attempted to force girlfriend to drive him out of state at gunpoint after murder, police say LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man faces several charges including open murder and kidnapping after police said he killed a man in a disagreement over money and tried to force his girlfriend to drive him out of state, according to police documents. On Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, shortly before 10 p.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to an apartment complex in the 5000 block of Maryland Parkway, near Tropicana Avenue, after reports that a man was shot. Arriving officers found a man, later identified as Eric Davis, unresponsive with a gunshot wound near a garbage bin. Medical personnel declared him dead at the scene. Surveillance video from the area showed Davis walk to an area off camera. A few minutes later, a gunshot can be heard off camera before a suspect walked away from where the gunshot was heard. The suspect appeared to be tucking a weapon in his waistband, according to an arrest report. An anonymous tip to homicide detectives said the shooting was over some money [expletive] and [Davis] had laughed about it when it wasnt a joking matter, the report stated. The tipper also identified the suspect by a nickname. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, at around 12:30 a.m., a woman flagged down officers and told them her boyfriend, identified as Jaron Amey, 35, was holding two men hostage in a security booth and pointed a gun at her earlier in the night. Amey goes by the same nickname given to police by the anonymous tip. Jaron Amey, 35, arrested for open murder with deadly weapon. (LVMPD) Officers heard Amey say get over her or Im going to kill this [expletive] through the womans phone, according to the report. The woman told police that Amey accused her of ratting him out to the police and pointed a gun at her, forcing her into her car. She told police Amey wanted her to drive him out of state and said if she did not go with him, he would kill her and her kids, the report stated. Eventually, the woman had to stop for gas. When Amey got out of the vehicle to fill the car, the woman drove away, fearing for her safety. When she got back to the apartment to pack her things, she received a call from her friend who is a security guard. Over the phone, Amey told the woman to go to the security booth or he would shoot the man and his coworker, according to the report. When officers arrived at the security booth, they found the two men, but Amey left the scene before they arrived. The men told police that Amey pointed a gun at them and pistol whipped one of them to prove he was serious. According to the men, Amey heard a police helicopter flying overhead and ran from the scene. Officers found Amey at an address found on a tax form in his vehicle. Police took him into custody on Aug. 13. Amey told police that he was being set up by his girlfriend, saying she was trying to get rid of him. He also told police that Davis owed him some money from the night before. Amey said Davis approached him and was acting like he was coming at him. He said he told Davis to back up numerous times and when Davis did not, Amey pulled out his gun and shot him, the report stated. Police took Amey to the Clark County Detention Center where he faces the following charges: Open murder with the use of a deadly weapon Three counts of first-degree kidnapping Assault with the use of a deadly weapon Robbery with the use of a deadly weapon Battery with the use of a deadly weapon Amey is held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 17. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The murder of two leading fentanyl traffickers linked to Ismael El Mayo Zambada has put the Mexican state of Sinaloa on alert. Tensions were already running high after Zambada one of the main leaders of the Pacific cartel was arrested at the end of July. The tortured bodies of the brothers Martin and Leobardo Garcia Corrales were found Saturday morning on a rural road in the municipality of Elota, near Culiacan. A third body was found next to them. The Garcia Corrales brothers were wanted by the United States, which had offered a $4 million reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest of either one. The two were accused of conspiring to traffic fentanyl into the U.S. and the unlawful possession of automatic weapons. The indictment from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York which the Department of Justice published months ago reported on meetings that the two brothers held with their partners and employees to discuss the production of the powerful opiate, which causes tens of thousands overdose deaths every year in the U.S. The indictment states that the brothers and two other partners were put under surveillance between August 2022 and February 2023. Although it does not explain how the information was obtained, it recounts in detail the operations of the brothers. For example, in August 2022, Leobardo Garcia Corrales met with other associates on a ranch in Sinaloa to negotiate the sale of a ton of fentanyl north of the Rio Grande. Leobardo who, according to the attorney, boasted of his good relationship with El Mayo Zambada and the former leader of the cartel, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman offered to send the drugs to New York, at a rate of $15,000 per kilo. In another meeting in September of that year, Leobardo explained to another member of his network, this time in a restaurant in Mexico City, that he intended to move his fentanyl laboratories to Oaxaca, on the South Pacific coast of Mexico. In October, U.S. authorities intercepted a delivery of 10 kilos of fentanyl in a parking lot in California. His brother, Martin Garcia Corrales, was involved in similar dealings, according to the indictment. In August of that year, he held a meeting with another of the accused, Humberto Beltran Cuen, alias Don Chino, to discuss fentanyl sales in the U.S. In that meeting, the man said that he and his brother had helped El Chapo hide after his first prison escape in 2001. The indictment also claims that Martin met with Beltran Cuen to discuss the purchase of hundreds of automatic weapons, 50-caliber rifles and grenades. In a later meeting, the two men agree to the purchase of weapons, which Cuen says he will handle, in exchange for fentanyl. The account goes on to detail meetings in Austria for the purchase of the weapons, and in the United States for the delivery of fentanyl in exchange for the weapons, etc. Beltran Cuen was arrested in Guatemala in March last year and later extradited to the United States. It is not clear what role the Garcia Corrales brothers played in the Sinaloa Cartels organization, although the large reward offered for their arrest and the fact that they could allegedly buy weapons and manufacture fentanyl hint at their power. The U.S. Attorneys Office and the Department of Justice linked the two to Zambada and El Chapo, a connection they inferred from the brothers own statements. In April last year, however, the same Attorney Generals Office and the DEA included them in the Los Chapitos network, the faction led by El Chapo Guzmans sons, of whom only two remain free: Ivan Archivaldo and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar. The other two sons are now behind bars: Ovidio Guzman was arrested in January last year, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez reportedly handed himself over to U.S. authorities in July. Guzman Lopezs apparent surrender is at the center of great controversy. On July 25, Guzman Lopez landed near El Paso, Texas, with Zambada. U.S. authorities were waiting for them. Guzman allegedly set a trap for his fathers old partner, telling Zambada that he would be attending a meeting in Culiacan, with the governor of Sinaloa, Ruben Rocha, from the ruling party Morena, and his political rival, Hector Melesio Cuen Ojeda. Zambadas role would be to mediate the meeting. According to El Mayo, in a letter released from prison in the U.S., he had gone to the meeting with Rocha and Cuen, but then Guzman and his henchmen kidnapped him, put him on a plane and took him to the U.S., where he has been wanted for years. In his letters, Zambada said that Hector Cuen was killed right in front of him at the place he was kidnapped in Culiacan. This contradicted Sinaloas Attorney Generals Office, which claimed Cuens murder was the victim of a robbery that took place at a gas station in the city. The contradiction led to fierce criticism of the Sinaloa Attorney Generals Office, and Sinaloa Attorney General Sara Bruna Quinonez resigned last week after being grilled on her claims on the Cuen murder and her actions in the case. The murder of the Garcia Corrales brothers may be linked to the scandal over Zambadas arrest. It has also heightened tensions in the already unstable region. Since the fall of El Chapo in 2016, conflicts between the different factions of the Sinaloa Cartel have intensified. His sons first confronted their fathers old lieutenant, Damaso Lopez, alias El Licenciado, who was arrested shortly afterward. Since then, Los Chapitos have tried to take control of Sinaloa, and their fathers routes and connections. The decision to allegedly betray Zambada has placed the criminal group in uncharted territory, without veteran leaders. There are even questions now about whether the Sinaloa Cartel can be considered a minimally cohesive and organized entity. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition China appears to have installed a laser directed energy weapon on one of its Type 071 amphibious assault ships, mirroring U.S. and other nations expanding activities in the same arena. Recent actions against Houthi drones in the Red Sea have helped to spur further interest in fitting warships with directed energy weapons of various types, although most of Chinas activities with laser weapons have, so far, been conducted on land. A photo that recently appeared on social media shows an apparently newly installed laser weapon on a Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 071 amphibious transport dock, the vessel having reportedly just emerged from a refit. The system is mounted immediately aft of the 76mm dual-purpose gun on the ships bow. When not in use, the weapon is concealed under a relatively large dome-like cover. You can check out images of the laser system on the Type 071 in the tweet below: The precise vessel cannot be confirmed at present, although there are claims including in the tweet above that it is the Siming Shan, which has the hull number 986. Based on the available censored image, the only other candidate would seem to be hull number 988, the Yimeng Shan. Until the arrival of the Type 075 landing helicopter dock, the Type 071 was the PLANs largest operational amphibious warfare ship. The Type 071, which displaces around 25,000 tons, includes a small flight deck at the stern and hangar space for up to four Z-8 heavy transport helicopters. It also has capacity for four air-cushion landing craft, up to around 60 armored fighting vehicles, and as many as 800 troops. It is loosely comparable to the U.S. San Antonio (LPD-17) class. Regardless, according to reports, this example of the Type 071 has been selected as a test platform for the laser weapon, which may then make its way onto other warships, too. Kunlun Shan (998) is the lead ship of Chinas type 071 amphibious transport vessels. It is one of its most advanced and largest amphibious ships launched in 2016. It took part in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. 31JUL17 SCMP / Chow Chung-yan Chow Chung-yan That would seem to follow fairly closely the U.S. Navys trials of a laser directed energy weapon aboard the very similar (its even mounted in generally the same area) San Antonio class landing platform dock USS Portland, which was first spotted with the system installed in late 2019, before successfully knocking down a small drone target in May 2020, as you can read about here. The laser weapon on USS Portland is formally known as the Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD) Mk 2 Mod 0 and was developed by Northrop Grumman. While the status and the capabilities of the Chinese system are unknown, its worth noting that the 150-kilowatt class LWSD Mk 2 Mod 0 was primarily developed to provide ships with an additional line of defense against unmanned aircraft and small boat swarms. Additionally, the U.S. laser can be used as a dazzler for blinding optical sensors and seekers. Being equipped with integrated full-motion video cameras, for tracking and aiming, the LWSD Mk 2 Mod 0 can also be used to conduct surveillance. A similar set of capabilities is entirely conceivable for the Chinese system, too. While theres an obvious parallel between the Chinese system and the LWSD Mk 2 Mod 0, since both have been installed on amphibious assault ships for testing, there are a number of other laser directed energy weapon programs in the U.S. Navy alone. An Arleigh Burke class destroyer, the USS Preble is now armed with a High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance system, or HELIOS. This is a 60-kilowatt class directed energy laser weapon and is the first of its kind to be integrated with the Aegis combat system. USS Preble pier-side in San Diego in July 2022. HELIOS can be seen on a platform immediately in front of the main superstructure. U.S. Navy Like the LWSD Mk 2 Mod 0, HELIOS is a multi-purpose system. It can put out enough energy to damage or destroy targets including smaller drones and boats and can also be used as a dazzler to blind or confuse optical sensors on enemy ships, drones and aircraft, as well as optical seekers on incoming missiles and other munitions. It, too, has a secondary surveillance role using its own optical sensors. Then there is the AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System (LaWS), an experimental system that was installed on the interim sea base USS Ponce when that vessel was deployed to the Middle East between 2014 and 2017. However, this is a significantly less powerful system than the LWSD Mk 2 Mod 0, with an output of around 30 kilowatts. The Laser Weapon System (LaWS) temporarily installed aboard the destroyer USS Dewey in San Diego, California, in July 2012. U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams/Released John F. Williams Finally, a number of other Arleigh Burke class destroyers, including the USS Dewey and USS Stockdale, have been fitted with the Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy (ODIN) system, something that you can read more about in this past article. Unlike the other systems mentioned, the laser on the turreted ODIN is only capable of being used as a dazzler, though the complete system also has secondary surveillance capabilities. The PLAN already uses at least some forms of lower-power laser dazzler systems, which it has reportedly even employed in confrontations with maritime patrol aircraft from both Australia and the United States. The Type 052D Luyang III class destroyer Hohhot. This is believed to be the vessel involved in a February 2020 incident in the South China Sea, when a U.S. Navy patrol aircraft was targeted by some kind of laser. China Military Online As we reported in the past, depending on the power of the laser in question, some dazzlers could temporarily blind an aircrafts crew or cause permanent eye damage, as well as cause damage to optical sensors. With that in mind, its also possible that the new system aboard the Type 071 is a directed energy weapon intended at least partially or even exclusively for use as a dazzler. Overall, the U.S. Navys efforts in this field are seen as important steps toward fielding considerably more capable laser weapons in the future. Ultimately, the service envisages using more powerful lasers to engage larger and more complex threats, including low-flying cruise missiles and aircraft. The latest evidence from China suggests the PLAN does indeed have similar ambitions that would eventually provide its warships with some very significant new capabilities. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com TOPEKA (KSNT) Topeka firefighters helped put out a fire at the old White Lakes Mall Monday. Rosie Nichols with the City of Topeka said the Topeka Fire Department (TFD) was called around 1 p.m. on Aug. 19 to the 3500 block of SW Topeka Boulevard on reports of a fire. An exhaust fan in the roof at Mainline Printing, occupying what is left of White Lakes Mall, was on fire following initial reports that a furnace was overheating. This embedded content is not available in your region. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the structure and quickly put out the fire. One person was wounded and taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Nichols said the fire caused an estimated $252,500 in damages with $2,500 attributed to structure damage and $250,000 to contents loss. The majority of White Lakes Mall was demolished starting in 2022 with one area, owned by Mainline Printing, left behind with the rest of the mall turned into a vacant lot by the end of the year. White Lakes Mall, prior to demolition, was considered an eyesore and had caught on fire in the past. In December 2020, a fire caused around $100,000 in damage to the mall. Firefighters were forced to fight the fire during freezing rain while on top of the structure. Got mail about property taxes in Shawnee County? Heres what that means For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. For much of the year, Donald Trump had reason to be pleased with national and battleground state polling. Four years ago, surveys showed the Republican struggling badly ahead of his eventual defeat. In 2024, however, the data showed the former president consistently ahead. That is, until it didnt. After incumbent President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign and Vice President Kamala Harris candidacy gave Democrats a much-needed boost, public opinion research showed Trumps advantage start to evaporate both in head-to-head matchups and on key issues. The GOP candidate and his political operation havent exactly handled the shift in a healthy way. Two weeks ago, for example, Team Trump embraced a skewed polls message reminiscent of 2012. On his social media platform, the former president also tweaked his messaging, abandoning missives about polls, and instead touting what he described as real polls that told him what he wanted to hear. But it was his running mate, Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, who took matters in a deeply weird direction. HuffPost reported: Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) seemed unwilling to give weight to Donald Trumps wilting poll numbers while appearing on Fox News this Sunday. The Republican vice presidential nominee dismissed the numbers during a conversation with Shannon Bream, telling the host of Fox News Sunday that polls were being used as a tool to discourage Republicans from voting in November. Consistently, what youve seen in 2016 and 2020 is that the media uses fake polls to drive down Republican turnout and to create dissension and conflict with Republican voters, the senator said. Vance added, If you talk to insiders in the Kamala Harris campaign, they are very worried about where they are. JD Vance: "The media uses fake polls to drive down Republican turnout and to create dissension and conflict with Republican voters." pic.twitter.com/2ELn6LBQ1z Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 18, 2024 For now, lets not dwell on the dubious idea that Trumps running mate has special insights into the perspectives of Harris campaign staffers who probably arent sharing private thoughts with the far-right senator. Lets instead consider just how bizarre Vances conspiracy theory is. To hear Vance tell it, major independent news organizations conspired more than once to release false polling data, as part of an elaborate plot to discourage Republican voters. As far as the Ohioan is concerned, this is grounds for skepticism about 2024 polling. In Grown-Up Land, of course, major independent news organizations have never conspired to distribute fraudulent survey data, and the fact that Vance peddled such a line to a national television audience is a reminder of just how ridiculous his messaging has become. I did, however, have a follow-up question for the senator: If media outlets release fake polling data to manipulate Republican voters, why did the polls show Trump ahead for months? From Vances perspective, did news organizations temporarily forget, only to suddenly remember the plot? This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Joe Biden speaks during the first day of Democratic National Convention, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) The Democratic National Convention began on Monday in Chicago, with roughly 50,000 people expected to arrive in the Windy City. That includes thousands of anti-war activists demonstrating near the United Center. President Joe Biden is the headline speaker for the first evening. Later this week, Vice President Kamala Harris will officially accept the partys nomination. Follow the APs Election 2024 coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024. Heres the Latest: Harris joins Biden onstage after DNC speech in which he says shell be a historic president Moments after Biden finished his speech, Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff walked on stage to hug the president and first lady Jill Biden. Other relatives soon followed, including Bidens son Hunter. Harris hugged Biden and said something that made both react in a way that looked very personal. The convention is running so long that officials put off a performance by James Taylor In a statement, convention organizers said that lengthy applause was interrupting speaker after speaker and that theyd ultimately skipped elements of our program to ensure we could get to President Biden as quickly as possible so that he could speak directly to the American people. Musician James Taylor had been scheduled to perform before Biden but didnt. The convention started late and ran more than an hour behind schedule, stretching past midnight on the East Coast. Still, organizers insisted, We are proud of the electric atmosphere in our convention hall and proud that our convention is showcasing the broad and diverse coalition behind the Harris-Walz ticket throughout the week on and off the stage. Some attendees are starting to file out There are some heading out of the United Center as Bidens remarks near an hour. But many in the floor section and the first tier have been on their feet for the duration of his speech. Biden: Those protestors out in the street have a point Biden acknowledged the protests outside the convention and inside the arena as he spoke, saying, Those protestors out in the street have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides. He reiterated his push to get Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire deal that would also see the release of hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7 in the attack that sparked the 10-month war. A handful of delegates are quietly protesting during Bidens speech Some delegates have been quietly showing their disagreement with Biden during his remarks. Between eight and 10 delegates in the back of the Minnesota floor section have been holding up buttons reading not another bomb and some have shawls reading Democrats for Palestinian rights. About 40 minutes into Bidens remarks, the delegates turned their backs to Biden but kept their buttons held aloft. Biden recaps his White House accomplishments President Biden went through his White House highlights at the Democratic convention, trying to make the case for the lasting impact of his time in office. Many of his comments were familiar to those who have listened to past Biden remarks. He talked about more than 16 million jobs added under his watch, the investments in computer chip manufacturing, the bipartisan infrastructure law and the greater access to health care resources. Biden noted that investments made in new computer chip factories would enable workers to make six-figure salaries without needing a college degree. His goal had been to reframe peoples perspectives of his presidency, but those achievements that were supposed to anchor his reelection campaign never fully resonated with voters. Abandon Biden protesters unveil banner, only to have it wrestled away A couple of protesters from the Abandon Biden movement unfurled a protest sign late Monday that read STOP ARMING ISRAEL in the Florida delegation section a few minutes after Biden began his speech. The group, which is pushing for third-party candidates, has been campaigning against Bidens reelection campaign since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Israels counterattack in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and devastated much of the territory. The war has plunged the territory of 2.3 million people into a humanitarian catastrophe, with aid groups now fearing an outbreak of polio. The sign was quickly wrestled away from the protesters and the lights in that section of the convention were turned off. Other convention goers responded to the protest by chanting We love Joe and holding up their banners in support of the president. Ashley Biden heralded her fathers entrance Ashley Biden, President Joe Bidens youngest child, introduced her best friend during an impassioned speech for her father ahead of his speech at the Democratic National Convention. Dad always told me that I was no better than anybody else and nobody was better than me. He taught me that everybody deserves a fair shot and that we shouldnt leave anyone behind, said the younger Biden, who is a social worker in Philadelphia. Thats what you learn from a fighter who has been underestimated his entire life. When I look at Dad, I see grace, strength and humility. I see one of the most consequential leaders ever in history, Biden said to a round of applause. This is the fight of our lifetime, the younger Biden said of the election looming ahead. All of this, all of it is on the ballot. And I know that we can do this together because my dad helped show us the way. Jill Biden: There are moments when I fall in love with him all over again Before her husband spoke, Jill Biden used her speech to pay tribute to her husband President Joe Biden as a man who has repeatedly moved her over their decades of marriage. Joe and I have been together for almost 50 years and still there are moments when I fall in love with him all over again, the first lady said, recalling how he held their daughter Ashley after her birth and again just weeks ago, when I saw him dig deep into his soul and decide to no longer seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris. She also praised Vice President Harris courage and urged Americans to get behind her. We are all a part of something bigger than ourselves and we are stronger than we know, Jill Biden said. Its going to take all of us and we cant afford to lose. President Biden soon after taking the stage to deliver his address called the first lady his familys rock and said she still makes his heart go boom, boom, boom. President Biden welcomed to the stage with a five-minute standing ovation President Joe Biden came out to give his convention speech only to be greeted with roughly five minutes worth of cheers, applause and chants of Thank You, Joe. Thank you, the president said repeatedly, as he took in the moment. The crowd in Chicagos United Center held up signs with heart signs that said they loved him. I love you all, Biden said to a party that weeks earlier had worried about his ability to beat Donald Trump, causing the tough choice by him to forgo the nomination for Vice President Kamala Harris. Sen. Warnock recalls his 2020 election and the Jan. 6 riot Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock combined the passion of his Sunday morning sermons with often repeated refrains from his campaign stump during an impassioned speech at the Democratic convention. Warnock drew sharp contrasts between his 2020 election and the riot that ransacked the U.S. Capitol the following day to paint a picture of a broader struggle for democracy over the forces that seek to divide us. We must remain vigilant tonight because these antidemocratic forces are at work right now in Georgia and all across our country, Warnock said, arguing that the election denialism on display during the Capitol riot metastasized into dozens of voter suppression laws all across our country. Warnock, who pastors the church over which Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once presided, critiqued Trump for posing with a Bible in the summer of 2020. He should try reading it, Warnock quipped. Were Democrats long-winded on the first night of the convention, or was it a plot against President Joe Biden? On Fox News Channel, pundits kept a close eye on the clock Monday night, wondering how late Biden would come to the podium to deliver his keynote address. They noted how the convention was running well behind schedule. You get the sense that this convention doesnt care if they put Joe Biden close to midnight, Foxs Bill Hemmer said. As the hour approached 10 p.m. local time, Foxs Brit Hume took offense at how scheduled speakers who discussed abortion did not cut their time short. What does it say about the modern state of the Democratic party that it could not ask these abortion speakers to stand aside to make room for the president of the United States to speak at a reasonable hour of the night? Hume wondered. Former President Trumps acceptance speech at the Republican convention last month stretched past midnight. Democrats highlight stories of dangerous pregnancy, miscarriage and sexual abuse Democrats made an emotional appeal to voters on the need for abortion rights, having people talk about their first-hand experiences with complicated pregnancies. Amanda and Josh Zurawski of Texas spoke about a tortured pregnancy in which there was a choice between the life of their daughter, Willow, and that of the mother. Kaitlyn Joshua of Louisiana said her states abortion restrictions meant she could not get the emergency room care she needed when she ultimately miscarried. And in a moment that left the convention room quiet, Hadley Duvall of Kentucky spoke openly about the sexual abuse that left her pregnant at 12, when she said she learned she had options other than keeping the pregnancy. Former President Trump calls the abortion bans a beautiful thing, Duvall said. What is so beautiful about a child having to carry her parents child? The convention gave Duvall a standing ovation for having survived the ordeal. Rep. Crocket: Harris is the only candidate in this race who is capable of empathy Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, one of the Democrats most ardent firebrands in Congress, delivered a moment of vulnerability during her speech. Shes the only candidate in this race who is capable of empathy, Crockett said. Crockett recounted her early days in Congress when she said she was grappling with doubt and dissolution at the state of the House and the prospects of the job. I was going through all of this when I visited the vice presidents residence for the first time, Crockett recounted, when Harris, upon first meeting the freshman representative, asked, Whats wrong? Crockett said that she immediately began crying in front of the vice president, before she then had to hold back tears live on stage. And the most powerful woman in the world wiped my tears and listened, Crockett said to applause from the audience. She then said among other things, You are exactly where God wants you. Your district chose you because they believe in you and so do I, Crockett said. Rep. Jasmine Crockett draws a snarky contrast between Harris and Trump The first-term Texan cheered Harris as a career prosecutor while declaring that the former president became a career criminal, with 34 felonies, two impeachments and one porn star. As the crowd roared, Crockett kept going. She said that the vice president has lived the American Dream while hes been Americas nightmare. In another zinger, Crockett added that Harris has a resume while her opponent has a rap sheet. Rep. Clyburn heaps praise on Bidens record and calls Project 2025 Jim Crow 2.0 Rep. Jim, Clyburn, the influential South Carolinan, received an enthusiastic welcome and chants of Clyburn at the Democrats convention before tallying through President Bidens legislative record. Clyburn, a close Biden ally, said that the country owes the president a great debt of gratitude. But he took special praise for one of the best decisions he made: selecting Kamala Haris as his vice president and endorsing her to succeed him. Clyburn also singled out Project 2025, calling it Jim Crow 2.0. Our great democracy has been tested and so has the basic goodness of the American people. But our resolve to remain a great country with freedom and justice for all will not falter, said Clyburn, a veteran of the civil rights movement. Clinton appearance recalls the musical stylings of 2016 When Hilary Clinton took the stage, she walked onto Sara Bareilles Brave, the same song that preceded her entrance at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. And when she left the stage, it was to the tune of Rachel Plattens Fight Song, the ubiquitous and catchy anthem of her 2016 campaign. The DNC that year included a compilation of celebrities singing the song. Clinton: When a barrier falls for one of us, it clears the way for all of us Former Secretary of State Clinton saluted Harris for possibly breaking the highest, hardest glass ceiling to become Americas first woman president. Clinton was the Democratic nominee in 2016, but she lost that election to Trump. The former New York senator said it was the honor of my life to be the partys nominee. Together, weve put a lot of cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling, Clinton said. On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris raising her hand and taking the oath of office as our 47th president of the United States. Folks, my friends, when a barrier falls for one of us, it clears the way for all of us. The focus on the nature of Harris historic candidacy could be key for turning out more women in key states that Democrats need if they hope to win in November. Convention chants lock him up during Hilary Clinton speech Hillary Clinton had a slam on Donald Trump that prompted the crowd at the Democratic convention to chant, Lock him up, a sly reference to the chorus of Lock her up that was repeated at Trump rallies about Clinton back in 2016. Clinton smiled at the irony that her remarks had prodded. Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial, she said. When he woke up, hed made his own kind of history: the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions. Hillary Clinton arrives to thunderous applause Hillary Clinton received an immediate standing ovation upon entering the stage on the Democratic conventions first night. Clinton spent several moments waving at those assembled as cheers of Hillary echoed through the arena. Wow, theres a lot of energy in this room just like there is across the country. Something, something is happening in America. You can feel it, Clinton said to cheers. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says Harris is working tirelessly to secure a cease-fire in Gaza New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered the first mention of the war in Gaza from the DNC stage. And she is working tirelessly to secure a cease-fire in Gaza and bringing the hostages home, Ocasio-Cortez said to cheers in the crowd. Ocasio-Cortez has been one of the most critical voices in Congress of the Biden administrations policy on Israel-Palestine and has called for greater restrictions on military aid to Israel. But she and other progressives have also been in dialogue with the administration on its policy, which has caused her to face pushback from some on the hard left. Steve Kerr returns to the arena where he clinched the 1997 Chicago Bulls championship Golden State Warriors and Team USA coach Steve Kerr received arguably the second loudest applause of the night Monday, behind Harris, when he appeared on the convention stage. Kerr returned to the United Center where nearly 30 years ago he made the winning shot to clinch the Chicago Bulls another championship. As you know, a lot of good stuff has happened in this building, especially in the 90s, Kerr told conventiongoers. Harris is from Oakland, California, where the Warriors played for decades until moving their arena to San Francisco. Harris to meet with Team sters, but union president isnt invited to speak at Democratic convention Members of the Teamsters will host Vice President Harris for a roundtable discussion in the near future, but union President Sean OBrien has yet to get an invitation to speak at next weeks Democratic National Convention. Kara Deniz, a spokeswoman for the 1.3 million member union, said in an email Friday that the Teamsters are working with Harris campaign on dates for the roundtable. But OBrien, who angered some Democrats by speaking at the GOP convention last month, has not received a reply to his request to speak at the Democratic National Convention, which begins Monday in Chicago, Deniz said Friday night. OBrien made the request to the Democrats at the same time he asked Republicans, she said. A person briefed on convention planning said Saturday that OBrien will not speak, but the Teamsters will have a presence on the convention stage. The person, who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the schedule, would not give further details. Read more about the conventions labor politics United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain reveals Trump is a scab T-shirt United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain called Kamala Harris a fighter for the working class and denounced Donald Trump as a scab, a term that applies to workers who cross picket lines and defy union actions. Fains remarks led to chants of Trumps a scab by the crowd at the Democratic convention. Its getting hot in here, folks, Fain said, referencing a song by musician Nelly, before removing his suit jacket to show a T-shirt that read, Trump is a scab. Vote Harris. The backing of the UAW could be crucial for Democrats seeking to erode Trumps superior margins among white voters without college degrees who identify as blue-collar. Harris honors President Biden during surprise DNC appearance Harris first words at the convention focused on the legacy of the man she has stood behind for the last three and a half years. Mirroring other Democrats Monday, Harris used her first moment on stage to thank Joe Biden for what she called his historic legacy. Thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation and for all you will continue to do, Harris said, addressing Biden. We are forever grateful to you. Latino leaders celebrate representation on the DNC stage Latino leaders took note of the number of Latinos who took the stage to promote Vice President Harris. I am very happy to see as many Latinas on the stage this evening. I think Ive seen five already, said Juan Proano, chief executive officer of the League of United Latin American Citizens. Weve actually seen some really great Latinas in leadership positions from around the country being highlighted and having an equal time and platform as other elected officials, Proano added. He added that, while immigration has emerged as a top issue in the election, he was glad that the Latino speakers were not pigeonholed and discussed wages and salaries, things that every other American wants. Jason Isbell serenades the DNC with a pro-labor tune Wearing a tuxedo in a hue of Democratic blue, country and Americana singer-songwriter Jason Isbell sang his labor-celebrating Something More Than Free on the convention stage. Backed by the house band, Isbell took the stage with his Telecaster guitar, singing lyrics that included, Sunday morning Im too tired to go to church. I just thank God for the work, in front of an image of a barn with an American flag painted on it. He ended with a shoutout to the delegation from his native Alabama. The 45-year-old singer and sometime actor he had a major supporting role in Martin Scorceses Killers of the Flower Moon last year is from the community of Green Hill. Hes known for speaking out about liberal causes, and his willingness to spar with commenters, on social media. Prop comedy comes to the DNC Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow tried to throw the book at Donald Trump literally hoisting an oversized copy of Project 2025 onto the lectern and quoting from portions of it. It was prop comedy on one of the highest political stages. So we read it, McMorrow said. Whatever you think it might be, it is so much worse. Trump, the former president, has publicly disavowed any interest in the policies outlined in Project 2025, but its a blueprint for a second Trump term that was put together by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. McMorrow said the ideas in the text would enable Trump to be a dictator who could fire civil servants and use the Justice Department to investigate political opponents. Mickey Guyton performs All-American anthem Mickey Guyton sang her 2021 song All-American at the Democratic convention on a night when the entertainment will have a country-and-folk feel. Guyton took the stage alone with a microphone in a white spangled gown and a greeting of How yall doing? before belting the chorus, Aint we all all-American? in front of a backdrop showing rural highways and classrooms as some in the audience shone the lights on their cell phones and waved them. The Texan Guyton has been among country musics elite in recent years, performing the national anthem at the Super Bowl in 2022, hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards and becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for a Grammy in a country category. Singer-songwriters from different generations Gen Xs Jason Isbell and Baby Boomer James Taylor are each set to perform later in the evening. Senator Schumer says he received hundreds of calls saying Biden should step down Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he received calls from hundreds of people telling him that Joe Biden should step down after the presidential debate in June. I thought we ought to do it privately if people wanted to do it, Schumer said at a Politico event about Democrats calls for him to step down. I thought it would be both more effective and more honorable. Union leaders line up behind Harris Democrats want to show voters that theyre with workers, drawing on labor union support for the opening night of the convention. We are all in for Kamala Harris because Kamala Harris has always been all in for us, said April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU. Verrett was among the group of union leaders who took to the stage to counter the courting of blue-collar workers by Trump, who invited the head of the Teamsters to speak at the Republican National Convention. Teamsters President Sean OBrien was not among the union leaders speaking at the Democratic convention on Monday. The crowd waved UNION YES! signs as the leaders spoke. Most union households have backed Democrats, helping the party win in key states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in 2020. Liz Shuler, head of the AFL-CIO, said that Trumps plans were a CEOs dream, but a workers nightmare. Rep. Robert Garcia shares his familys immigration story California Rep. Robert Garcia delivered his family story of immigrating to the U.S. and becoming a citizen, seeking to paint a different vision of patriotism to that touted by the GOP. I am a proud immigrant who came to the United States as a young child. We grew up poor, English was our second language and we often, like many immigrant families, struggled to get by, Garcia said. Garcia called the day he became a citizen the proudest day of my life. He recounted his upbringing, which was at times characterized by hardship. She believed in the American Dream, Garcia said of his mother, who Garcia said taught me to love this country. She taught me that real American patriotism is not about screaming and yelling America First, but instead, loving your country so much that you want to help the people in your country, Garcia told the crowd. FACT CHECK: Trump, COVID-19 and bleach injections Rep. Robert Garcia, of California, claimed that former President Trump told us to inject bleach into our bodies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thats an overstatement. Rather, Trump asked whether it would be possible to inject disinfectant into the lungs. And then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in one minute, he said at an April 2020 press conference. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning, because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so itd be interesting to check that, so that youre going to have to use medical doctors with, but it sounds interesting to me. So, well see, but the whole concept of the light, the way it kills it in one minute. Thats pretty powerful. Democrats want to remind voters that the COVID-19 pandemic began during Trumps presidency Its been four years since the pandemic shut down the United States and Democrats are trying to tie the crisis to Trumps presidency. The convention showed a video montage of Trump commenting on the coronavirus pandemic as president, as the hall echoed with boos. It included a separate video featuring Rich Logis, a former Trump voter who rejected Trump over his handling of the pandemic. The Democrats noted that the economy recovered under President Biden as vaccinations allowed offices, schools and public spaces to reopen. He took the COVID crisis and turned it into a catastrophe, said Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill. We can never let him be our president again. Last months Republican convention largely eschewed mention of the pandemic, framing Trumps presidency as a period of prosperity that was subsequently undone by the Biden administration. Peggy Flanagan could be the first Native woman governor if Harris is elected The Democratic conventions co-chair, Minnesotas Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, could soon make history as the first Native woman to govern a state. The prospect led to cheers among the crowd, as it would depend on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz winning the vice presidency as Kamala Harris running mate. Flanagan is a citizen of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. She focused her remarks on electing Harris and Walz, saying, He and Harris have spent their lives fighting for you, for your family, for your future. Whos speaking tonight? Biden has the top billing Monday night, but there are other big names on the speakers list. Also expected is Hillary Clinton, who was her partys first woman nominee in 2016. Harris is the second. Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, one of Bidens top congressional allies is also expected, as is New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Another name of note among Monday nights speakers is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive Democrat in the House who was supportive of Sanders candidacy in 2020 but has since backed Biden, even arguing against him departing the race earlier this year. Who is Fannie Lou Hamer? Multiple speakers have mentioned Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist who gave a landmark speech at the Democratic Convention in 1964. Hamer was a former sharecropper and a leader of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, a racially integrated group that challenged the seating of an all-white Mississippi delegation at the 1964 DNC. Her televised testimony to the credentials committee in Atlantic City, New Jersey, mesmerized the nation and shone light on the violence inflicted on Hamer and others as they worked to secure rights that were supposed to be guaranteed by the Constitution. Hamer spoke on Aug. 22, 1964 exactly 60 years before Kamala Harris is scheduled to accept the Democratic nomination and become the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to be the presidential nominee of a major party. Sen. Sanders defends his support for Bidens presidential candidacy Sen. Bernie Sanders, who stood by President Biden over the summer even as many Democrats called for him to step aside, defended his support for the president at a Politico event Monday. Did I think (Biden) was a great campaigner? No. But I think he was an excellent president, the Vermont lawmaker said. He added that while Vice President Harris is not his best friend, he sees his former colleague as a strong campaigner and the potential to be an excellent president. Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson honored The opening of the Democratic convention recognized Jesse Jackson, the civil rights activist and Democratic presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988. Jackson, 82, entered the stage in a wheelchair, holding up both thumbs up in triumph to a cheering crowd. The ordained Baptist pastor did not speak to the convention. Multiple speakers gave shoutouts to Jackson, who was also the subject of a video broadcast at the events hall. The video noted that Vice President Harris was standing on the shoulder of giants such as Jackson. Both the Democratic and Republican national conventions recognized Americas native peoples Both the DNC and RNC included whats known as a land acknowledgment that recognized the stewardship of the land by indigenous peoples and tribes. At the Democratic convention in Chicago, the acknowledgment was delivered by Zach Pahmahmie and Lorrie Melchior, who are both part of the tribal council of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. At the Republican convention last month in Milwaukee, James Crawford of the Forest County Potawatomi Executive Council gave the land acknowledgment. Party activists held a forum on the plight of the Palestinian people With Vice President Harris now leading the party, there are some indicators at the DNC that Harris is taking assertive steps to ease the tension between the party and the protest movement in support of the Palestinian people. In what organizers called a first, party activists were given space at the convention to hold a forum to discuss the plight of the Palestinian people, who have been under Israeli bombardment for months, as well as share deeply personal and often heartrending stories about family members lost in the conflict. Though their core demands a dramatic change in U.S. foreign policy over the war remain unmet, the decision to allow activists to hold a forum amounted to the offering of an olive branch by Harris. And its one that many doubted Biden would have extended if he were still the nominee. James Zogby, a panelist and the founder of the Arab American Institute, acknowledged that there was still discontent over the Democratic Partys handling of the war in Gaza. But he said the forum was nonetheless a first. It is not the prize. The prize is a change in policy, Zogby said. But what is historic here is we are having an officially sanctioned panel to talk about it. Night 1 of the DNC has begun The Democratic National Convention has started with delegates still filtering into Chicagos United Center. The gathering opened with remarks shortly after 6:30 p.m. central time by Minyon Moore, chair of the convention committee. Moore called President Biden, the evenings main speaker, a true patriot. Jaime Harrison, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, noted to applause the historical moment in that he and Moore are both Black, as is the partys nominee, Vice President Harris. Several protesters have been detained A group of several dozen activists, who had separated from a larger march advocating for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, were removed from a restricted area by police, including those led by Superintendent Larry Snelling. Police wearing helmets with masks attached formed a line along a fence, which had been previously breached and still had several panels missing, while some activists shouted at them. Several protesters who had managed to get through the fence were detained and handcuffed by the police. When this over, the work begins Johnson of the NAACP expressed concern at rhetoric from former President Trump and other Republicans calling into question the security or legitimacy of the countrys election security, noting that the attacks are often aimed at election systems serving communities of color. If there are legitimate concerns around election integrity, lets address them, Johnson said. But to continue to repeat something that is neither factual or misleading is only furthering the goal of eroding trust in the system, and thats a strategy. Campbell from the NCBCP believes that the energy, which she found especially pronounced among young activists, was only the start of a broader engagement effort for communities of color. When this over, the work begins, Campbell said. Civil rights leaders praise high energy while awaiting concrete policy steps during DNC Civil rights leaders speaking at the DNCs first night are expecting to hear concrete plans for racial and economic justice from their fellow speakers from the podium this week. I will be listening to determine whether they are speaking to the needs and interests of African American communities across this country, said Derrick Johnson, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Ill be expecting her to lay out the foundation for where she will want to take the country, said Melanie Campbell, CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, a civil rights group that works to enfranchise Black Americans. Johnson and Campbell are both speaking tonight. Campbell noted that the event has had a high level of energy, largely drawn from renewed optimism among liberals and progressives at the ascension of Vice President Harris. It was not something we were expecting. It is a humbling moment we are witnessing. Our ancestors wildest dreams, said Campbell. Campbell, who called on Biden to select a Black woman as his vice president during the 2020 election, said she had always been sure that Harris was prepared to serve from the Oval Office. We knew she had to be ready to be president, as with any previous vice president, Campbell said of her and her allies thinking in 2020. The whole world is watching Dozens of activists chanting, End the occupation now, are facing off with police just a few blocks from the United Center. As tensions rose, many officers put on gas masks, and the situation intensified when some activists tried to bring down a second fence set up in front of the police. Some protesters began chanting, The whole world is watching! just as anti-Vietnam War protesters did in 1968 when police clashed with protesters on live television. Demonstrators break through fence Dozens of activists taking part in the Coalition to March on the DNC broke through a fence set up outside the United Center. The fence lining Park 578 was torn down as protesters broke through. A second fence was in place in front of dozens of police officers. Activists banged on the fence in front of officers, who yelled at them not to touch it. Harris campaign manager says more policy proposals are forthcoming The Harris campaigns principal deputy manager, Quentin Fulks, pushed back against criticism that the vice president hasnt shared many policy proposals since launching her campaign about a month ago. Onstage at the CNN-Politico Grill at the convention, he pointed to her proposals to give $25,000 in down payment help to first-time homebuyers, to expand the child tax credit and to build more affordable housing units. I think that she has rolled out policy and I think any qualms with sort of whats on the website is just a matter of literally switching the top of the ticket in a presidential campaign, he said. Youre going to continue to see more policy proposals from her. But the important thing is that the vice president isnt just saying things to get votes. These policies are being developed based on her worldviews, her values, her vision set. And so, its really important to her that she gets it right. Michigan senator believes authenticity will help Harris win the Great Lake state Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said that Harris authenticity will be key to her winning his state this fall. Were a midwestern state, people like to know folks are speaking from the heart, the Michigan Democrat said onstage at the conventions CNN-Politico Grill. She needs to show how she cares, which she does. I know that. Peters said hes seen a surge of enthusiasm and energy among Democratic voters who had been looking for a fresh face with new ideas. But he said hes looking forward to honoring Bidens decades of public service in Mondays evening programming, lauding the president as a man of incredible character. Just imagine that. A president that puts himself second to whats good for the country, Peters said of Biden. I can think of a recent president that probably that wouldnt apply to. Peters was optimistic about battleground state Senate races in this falls election, saying Democrats are running strong candidates against flawed Republicans. Thousands of protestors march outside DNC Several thousand protesters marched in the demonstration snaking through residential areas around the United Center, but the numbers fell short of the tens of thousands organizers had predicted in their legal battle for a longer route. Were proud of the turnout, especially considering the degree of the repression from the city, said organizer Faayani Aboma Mijana. Police presence was heavy along the march route but organizers of the march also provided their own marshals to provide security, hand out water bottles and keep people on the city-approved route. Among the sea of delegates, an honest weirdo Long before the Democrats started using the weird label for Republican policies and statements, one DNC delegate has been describing himself as an honest weirdo. Dakota Adams, the estranged son of Oath Keepers founder and convicted insurrectionist Stewart Rhodes, is one of Montanas delegates. Adams is the goth-looking one with the long hair, black leather jacket, black fingernail polish and mostly progressive political ideas. Adams is running an uphill race as a Democrat for a state House seat in the very Republican northwestern corner of Montana. He says his clothing is authentic to himself and says he believes voters prefer an honest weirdo to other candidates who dress as what he calls Spirit Halloween cowboys to curry favor with constituents. Adams says the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection which his father is serving 18 years in prison for helping to plan served as a sobering wake-up call in terms of ... how the Republican Party enabled a president to become an active danger to this republic. It also spurred Adams run for office. Biden arrives at the DNC President Joe Biden is doing a walkthrough at the United Center in Chicago ahead of his keynote speech this evening. During his remarks on the events opening night, hes expected to hand off leadership of his party to Vice President Harris. When asked by reporters if he was ready to pass the torch, Biden responded, I am. James Taylor among the musicians readying to take the stage at the DNC The singer-songwriter did a soundcheck on stage in Chicago on Monday afternoon, ahead of an expected evening performance. Taylor also performed at the 2012 DNC in North Carolina, where President Barack Obama was nominated for a second term. Trump closes Pennsylvania campaign event with jabs toward Harris In his visit to a factory plant in York, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump mostly stuck to the script, as he talked to workers and business people about his proposals to boost energy production. But toward the end he veered back to personal attacks against Harris that had more to do with her fathers work. Her father is a Marxist professor, Trump said, before questioning what Democrats were thinking when uniting behind Harris. I wonder if they knew where she comes from, where she came from, what her ideology is, he said. He took issue with Harris and her allies calling him and his running mate JD Vance weird. I think were extremely normal people, he said. Protesters calling for ceasefire between Israel and Hamas march toward DNC site Thousands of activists calling for ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war have begun their march towards the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention is taking place. The activists are participating in the Coalition to March on the DNC, an alliance of over 200 organizations. The activists waved Palestinian flags while chants and drumbeats reverberated through the crowd. The route is approximately a mile long and will conclude at a park near the arena. Police have lined the streets where the march is taking place. Trump says if elected he wants to rapidly approve new energy infrastructure At a campaign event, Former President Donald Trump said that if he is elected he wants to issue rapid approvals of new energy infrastructure and do away with the Biden administrations power plant rule. He said he will commit to bringing advanced small modular nuclear reactors, adding they can be built at a very low cost and are absolutely safe. I stand for American energy independence and manufacturing dominance, Trump said. The Environmental Protection Agency issued a rule earlier this year to put limits on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric plants as an effort to roll back pollution. The United States is speeding up efforts to license and build a new generation of nuclear reactors to supply carbon-free electricity. Faster development is one thing Congress and the administration agree on. President Joe Biden signed legislation in July to modernize the licensing of new reactor technologies so they can be built faster. Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate environment and House energy committees praised the enactment. Democratic state legislators say they are more confident with Harris as party's presidential nominee Democrats in state houses are feeling more confident about their chances of defending their control of state legislative chambers and potentially flipping some chambers in Novembers elections with Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket. We now have energy and excitement that is at a greater level than it has been, said Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which works to elect Democrats to state legislatures. Our battleground states align really nicely with key presidential battlegrounds. I think in places like Michigan and Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and Arizona theres good overlap. Williams said that the Harris campaign had also brought in a new wave of volunteers who could also aid candidates campaigning for local and state office. She added that the DLCC is focused on tailoring Democrats national message on issues like abortion, inflation and climate to specific, local interests. Williams also said that the DLCC candidates running are often more women and people of color than in previous years. Taken together, state and local Democrats are hoping newfound energy within the party thats on display in Chicago redounds to their races. I think that is our challenge: making sure that people feel good and educated and ready to vote down ballot, Williams said. On Air Force One headed to the DNC White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Chicago that President Joe Biden looks forward to addressing his party and the nation as DNCs keynote speaker Monday evening. Hes going to make the case of the moment that were in, she said. This is a fulfilling moment for him. Protesters gather in Union Park ahead of a planned march Protesters gathered in Union Park as a series of speakers addressed the crowd Monday afternoon ahead of a planned march. In between chants of free free Palestine and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, protest leaders condemned American politicians across the political spectrum and listed their demands. The leading Democrats say a lot of nice words about the communities who helped them get elected, organizer Kobi Guillory yelled into a microphone. But they prove through their actions that they serve the same corporate interests as the Republicans. Andrew Josefchak told the crowd their movement must continue growing and building upon the momentum from widespread protests on college campuses in the spring. We should not have to choose whose lives we value in an election. And taking a stand against genocide should not be treated like a fringe issue, and we are going to make sure it is not treated like a fringe issue, he said. Some people think social change is made by delegates in the DNC, but in reality it is made by us and it is made in the streets. We make it clear that we will not be casting any ballots for anybody who oversees the genocide, the indiscriminate murder of Palestinian children, families and futures, Sara Mahmoud with the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression told the group of protesters. At a Trump campaign event in Pennsylvania Several dozen supporters were arriving at a factory plant in York, Pennsylvania, to hear former President Donald Trump speak. A sign behind the podium where he will speak reads Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! The business Precision Custom Components makes pressure valves, reactors and other parts for military and nuclear purposes. The crowd of supporters includes people who work at the plant and other residents from the area. Its Trumps second campaign stop in the battleground state of Pennsylvania in less than two days. Rep. Frost: Harris run for president has re-energized young people Florida Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress, says that Vice President Kamala Harris now running at the top of the partys ticket has meant a renewed energy with young people that I havent seen. Frost, 27, was a leading voice for President Joe Biden when he was seeking reelection. But with Biden dropping out of the race last month and endorsing Harris, Frost is now campaigning for the vice president. In an interview on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Frost said the change is not just because of President Biden, Ive not seen with a lot of candidates before. I think its less about the president and more about the vice president, something that shes brought to the table, Frost said. I think it has to do with her authenticity, her ability to go viral online. The stage is set but no ones shown up Not a single speaker or spectator showed up by early Monday afternoon to a speakers stage in Chicago set up by city officials near the United Center as crowds of anti-war activists preparing to march began filling a park a few blocks away. Eight groups with progressive agendas had signed up for 45-minute speaking slots Monday. On other days, some conservative groups including the Illinois Policy Institute have plans to speak. Sen. Schumer regaled boisterous gathering of union members with the tale of his political origin Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was a young man in his early 20s and said he was working at a big fancy law firm a job he hated. I was pushing a pencil for some ... rich guy who I knew I wouldnt like if I ever met him, Schumer said. So he decided to run for the New York Assembly and told his barber also a local bookie who gave him 50-to-1 odds of winning. Schumer went on to win and the reason, he said, was because of his supporters in the labor movement who campaigned for him. You men and women of labor were there when I needed you, Schumer said to raucous applause. As long as Im in office, I will always be there when you need me. Israel supporters at park as pro-Palestinian rally took place to make our presence felt Around 40 pro-Israel supporters walked around a park where a pro-Palestinian rally was taking place, and later marching towards the United Center. The pro-Israel counter-protesters, who mainly remained silent while waving Israeli flags, were accompanied by approximately 20 Chicago police officers on bicycles. Although tensions flared at times, no physical altercations occurred during the park walk. Josh Weiner, co-founder of Chicago Jewish Alliance and walking with the pro-Israel group, said their intent was to make our presence felt. Weiner said the group had applied for permits that were not approved by the city. The pro-Palestine protesters have gotten multiple permits, including a march, which seems to be a little bit weighted on one side, Weiner said. Bidens daughter Ashley will introduce him before his DNC speech Monday night The speech, which will follow remarks by first lady Jill Biden, is expected to serve as a sort of political farewell for the president, who abandoned his bid for a second term amid concerns about his age. The rest of the speaking program, which is scheduled to last about five hours, will include a mix of Democratic Party stars and union leaders. Rep. James Clyburn and Sen. Chris Coons, two of Bidens closest allies, are slated to deliver remarks. So is Hillary Clinton, the former first lady and secretary of state who fell short in her own campaign for president. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain will make a solo appearance while other labor chiefs will share the stage earlier in the evening. As with any convention, theres the potential for lesser known politicians to seize their speaking slot to make a name for themselves. The line up includes California Rep. Robert Garcia, Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, New York Rep. Grace Meng and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Green Party candidate Jill Stein: Dont vote for Harris until she supports swift ceasefire in Gaza Green Party candidate Jill Stein on Monday urged Democrats to withhold their vote from Harris until she supports a swift ceasefire in Gaza. We must vote against genocide, Stein said during an Abandon Harris news conference. In fact, there is no lesser evil. We have two greater evils: One conducting genocide now, the other saying to finish the job right now. Stein is on the ballot in several key states for Democrats this year. She ran in 2016, gaining tens of thousands of votes in battleground states, including Wisconsin where her vote count was more than Donald Trumps winning margin in the state. Some Democrats have blamed her for helping Trump win the state and the presidency that year. DNCs party platform still names Biden as the candidate for president DNC delegates are set to vote Monday night on a 2024 party platform that wrongly names Biden as the candidate running for reelection. The party said the document outlining a progressive vision for the next four years was approved by its platform committee on July 16, days before Biden bowed out and endorsed Harris for president. As a result, the platform repeatedly refers to Bidens second term and his administrations accomplishments. It mentions Harris work as vice president but doesnt describe her candidacy or go into detail on her views on key issues. Harris has talked generally about supporting the Biden administrations key goals, which are more or less endorsed in the platform as written. She has outlined a string of new economic proposals but otherwise hasnt released a detailed list of her policy positions since launching her campaign. The DNC said its platform makes a strong statement about the historic work that President Biden and Vice President Harris have accomplished hand-in-hand. Citing the Israel-Hamas war, the Abandon Biden movement shifts its focus to Harris A group that has spent the months since the Israel-Hamas war pursuing a campaign for Democrats to push Biden out as their presidential candidate shifted its focus Monday to the new presumptive nominee: Kamala Harris. The Abandon Biden movement has focused on the presidents handling of the deadly war in Gaza and the flow of U.S. military aid to Israel as it responds to Hamas Oct. 7 attack. But at an event Monday, the group rebranded to Abandon Harris, saying the vice presidents inability to differentiate herself from Bidens handling of the war is not acceptable. The group has demanded that Harris support an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza in addition to a full U.S. arms embargo on Israel. As an alternative to Harris, the group has been pushing for third party candidates like progressive Cornel West and Green Party candidate Jill Stein. We ask the American people to vote for these third party candidates that are part of a broader movement to end a system that claims that the only rational thing is to select the lesser of two evils, Hassan Abdel Salam, founder of Abandon Biden, said at a news conference Monday. Chicago leaders say theyre committed to keeping protests peaceful during the DNC The city of Chicago is really good at things like this, Mayor Brandon Johnson said at a Monday news conference. We are ready. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling praised police and march organizers for a peaceful Sunday night protest he said went off without any problems. He said officers stood ready to ensure the demonstrations stay peaceful throughout the week. Listen, its this simple. The Chicago Police Department is here to protect everyone in this city, Snelling said. What we will not tolerate is intimidation. We we will not tolerate violence. Protester issues include climate change, abortion rights and racial equality, to name a few. But many agree that pressing for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the top message of the demonstrations. They have likened it to the Vietnam War of their generation. Walz responds to GOP criticism of how Harris laughs Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz is responding to some in the GOP mocking the way his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, laughs. Theyre on her because she laughs, Walz, the Minnesota governor, told a meeting of the Hispanic Caucus during Mondays first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. My god. Ill take someone who laughs any damn day of the week. He continued of Harris, She has a joy emanating out of her. Former Republican President Donald Trump has frequently criticized Harris for her laugh, and online videos of Harris laughing over and over through the years have become common. As hundreds of the people in the crowd hoisted their cellphones to film and take selfies while he spoke from the nearby podium, Walz suggested Harris had reset the race since President Joe Biden gave up his reelection bid and endorsed her last month. People dont to just want to vote against something. They want to vote for something, Walz said. Kamala Harris has given you something to vote for. Harris campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez addresses the Hispanic Caucus Vice President Kamala Harris campaign manager says we know that Latino voters are critical to our pathway to victory in November. Julie Chavez Rodriguez told members of the Democratic National Conventions Hispanic Caucus that the campaign sees Hispanic voters as a large enough voting bloc to make up the margin of victory in critical swing states, including Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Chavez Rodriguez pointed to an ad in English and Spanish that the campaign has produced promoting Harris background and upbringing. Were going to do it in English. Were going to do it in Spanish. Were going to do it in Spanglish, Rodriguez said to cheers, referencing Hispanics that are bilingual or mostly speak one or the other. Meanwhile, the battle for control of the House sends GOP Speaker Mike Johnson on western state campaign swing While Democrats open their convention in Chicago, House Speaker Mike Johnson is keeping a robust August campaign schedule as he fights to hold his slim Republican majority this election. Johnson is scheduled to be out West in Arizona and New Mexico this week fundraising and rallying with Republican House candidates. He had earlier stops in Montana and Washington state, including an event for Republican Joe Kent. Democrats posted record online House fundraising in the immediate aftermath of Harris rise to the top of ticket. But Johnson told House Republicans in a private call last week he was transferring $4 million he had raised to their own campaign committee, according to a person familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss the private talk. All told, the Republican speaker has traveled to more than 40 cities in 20 states this month, the person said. Lisa Mascaro What channel is carrying the convention? The DNC will livestream on more than a dozen platforms, including the convention website, YouTube and X. For the first time in convention history, organizers say, they will also host vertical streams across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to make the proceedings more accessible on mobile devices. Convention officials say there will be English and Spanish versions, as well as American Sign Language interpretation and an audio description service. A number of network and cable news outlets have announced special programming for the prime-time portions of the convention, when Harris and others will give speeches from the hall where delegates are convening. Other media outlets, both local and national, will stream whatever is happening on the floor. The actual space itself is closed to the public, behind several layers of security accessible only to delegates, officials, volunteers and credentialed media. Read more about how, and when, to watch the action at the DNC More details on Mondays DNC speakers On day one of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, organizers of the event say viewers will hear from everyday people as well as a slate of elected officials, including a headlining appearance by President Joe Biden that will serve as a celebration of his record in office. Among the speakers: United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain; Hillary Clinton; Reps. Grace Meng, Jamie Raskin and Jasmine Crockett; as well as Sens. Chris Coons and Raphael Warnock; and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Much of the programing will focus on Bidens record of achievements during his time in the White House, which includes passing major pieces of legislation that included policies Democrats had dreamed of enacting for a generation. I think its important for him to answer those age-old questions: what have you done for me lately and why bother to go out and vote? said former Louisiana Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Biden advisor. Politicians worry about the next election. Statesmen worry about the next generation, said Richmond, who called Biden a statesman who will pass the baton on to Kamala Harris to continue to put this country first. An earlier version of this item had an incorrect spelling of Rep. Grace Meng's last name and incorrect wording in Rep. Cedric Richmond's quote. The signs of a post-Biden Democratic party The scene at the opening events of the Democratic National Convention would have been unrecognizable a few months ago. Delegates dressed head to toe in Harris-Walz merch, some wearing the vice presidents face on their scarf or her euphemisms on graphic tees. A new generation of Democratic leaders, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Witmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, spoke about the new infusion of energy at various delegation breakfasts. But even as Democrats kicked off a week dedicated to ushering in their new presumptive nominee, there were still remnants of the man who was leading the party and the presidential ticket just a short while ago. At the Florida delegation breakfast, speakers made mentions about the ultimate sacrifice President Joe Biden made last month to step aside, saying that without that decision, the idea that the Sunshine State could potentially be in play for Democrats would be mere fantasy. Joe Biden made a selfless, heroic decision, and itll be awesome to celebrate him tonight, Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor of Florida told The Associated Press. And then were going to look to the future and pivot. Shortly before Castor took the stage to speak, a DNC volunteer pulled out a suitcase and began to hand out replicas of Joe Bidens infamous aviators to the dozens of attendees. Why was the official nomination vote held before the convention this year? DNC officials first indicated in May that they would conduct a virtual roll call before the convention to clear a potential hurdle in getting the Democratic nominee on the ballot in Ohio. Ohios deadline to file for the general election ballot was Aug. 7. Although the deadline had been modified in previous presidential election years to accommodate late-summer conventions of both parties, this year state Republicans initially planned to enforce the existing deadline, with one GOP lawmaker calling the scheduling bind a Democratic problem. The Republican-controlled Legislature did eventually make an accommodation for the convention at the behest of Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, but the law doesnt go into effect until Aug. 31. Citing concerns that Ohio Republicans could still try to block their candidate from getting on the ballot despite the legislative fix, DNC officials moved forward with their virtual roll call as originally planned. After addressing DNC, Joe and Jill Biden will take a vacation in southern California President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will head directly to southern Californias Santa Ynez Valley on Monday for a vacation after they address the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, according to the White House. The trip to the stunning valley known for its wineries the Oscar-winning film Sideways was filmed there could give Biden a chance to lay low during a week when Democrats want the focus to be on Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as they make their pitch to many Americans who are just beginning to tune in to the 2024 presidential election. Pro-Palestinian supporters to hold a rally and march Pro-Palestinian supporters from across the nation descended on Chicagos Union Park early Monday in anticipation of a rally and march to near the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention is taking place. Taylor Cook, an organizer with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, traveled from Atlanta for the Chicago march. Cook said the group was pushing all Democrats to call for an end to aid to Israel, with a particular focus on Vice President Kamala Harris. Were saying to Kamala, she has been complicit in this. People think its just Joe Biden, but she is vice president, Cook said. So were saying, you need to stop if you want our vote. Cook also anticipated that the march would be incredibly historic. Ive been an organizer for a few years now, and I have never been to a march that is predicted to be this big, Cook added. Walz appears at the Wisconsin delegations breakfast Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz appeared at the breakfast of the Wisconsin delegation, declaring to cheers, I cant say enough about my neighbors. Walz, whos governor of Minnesota, was set to make the rounds at key early meetings on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention, which opened Monday in Chicago. Returning to a theme hes frequently used throughout the campaign, Walz promised that he and Vice President Kamala Harris would hustle through the races remaining weeks, saying hard work will take precedence over personal comforts and that the Democratic ticket can sleep when were dead. The governors of Illinois, Pennsylvania and Michigan hopped from one delegate breakfast to another Which resulted in roaring crowds of Democrats vying for selfies and handshakes from the Democratic leaders. We are on the cusp of electing an administration that will take us the next step forward, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told Florida delegates Monday morning. Will there be any suspense in the roll vote? Convention roll call votes havent had much drama in more than 40 years. Since then, a single candidate has always emerged in each party as the presumptive nominee well before the convention, making the vote itself a foregone conclusion. Thats especially true in the 2024 Democratic convention, since the ceremonial vote is non-binding and cannot undo or modify the results of the earlier, official vote to nominate Harris held over five days in the first week of August. Thats not to say there cant be some attempt to stage a protest vote from the convention floor, but it wont have any effect on the outcome. The result from the official nomination vote from early August was 4,563 votes for Harris and 52 for present, the only other option on the ballot. An additional 79 delegates did not cast votes. Convention delegates will nominate Harris, again. Heres how it works Its been nearly two weeks since Vice President Kamala Harris officially won the Democratic presidential nomination in an online vote, the first time a nominee was named prior to a partys convention. But the approximately 4,700 delegates charged with picking a nominee to lead the ticket did so from locations around the globe on their laptops and devices in relative isolation from one other. There was none of the pomp and fanfare that usually accompany the process of selecting the partys standard-bearer. In other words, it wasnt very fun. Democratic party leaders hope to make up for that by holding a ceremonial vote at the Democratic National Convention, which begins Monday in Chicago. Among the major agenda items will be whats essentially a re-staging of the official presidential nomination vote from early August, mirroring the sometimes-festive, sometimes-raucous roll call votes that have been a staple of in-person party conventions for nearly 200 years. The Democratic National Committee calls it a celebratory Roll Call and said in a statement the event would give delegates the opportunity to celebrate the nomination of Harris, whos the first woman of color to lead a major party presidential ticket. Chicago mayor urges Harris to embrace agenda that would push for economic stability and growth for working people Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson urged Vice President Kamala Harris to embrace an agenda that would push for economic stability and growth for working people. Shes off to a great start already, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said of Vice President Kamala Harris emerging economic platform during an interview with The Associated Press. Johnson, whos emerged as a surrogate for Harris among progressives and at events for Black male outreach in cities like Detroit, emphasized Harris upbringing and record as attorney general as potential strengths on the campaign trail. Showing up for working people is what the vice president has done her entire career, Johnson said. The economic stability of our country really requires someone who understands the interests of working people, he contended. She knows what it is like to struggle, along with Governor Walz. Like myself, he is a former social studies teacher, Johnson said of the Minnesota governor. Johnson, who on Sunday described Chicago as one of the most diverse communities in the country, defended the citys record on race and inclusion as it grapples with historic challenges like the migrant crisis and debates over racial equity. Democrats kicked off their convention Monday morning with a series of delegate breakfasts At the Florida delegation breakfast, Democrats started the session by making note of the turmoil that rocked their party in the last few months leading up to the convention. We are here today, in this moment, because President Joe Biden made one of the greatest sacrifices to save this nation, Nikki Fried, the state Democratic party chair, told delegates. Democrats in Florida have recently become bullish about their chances in the Sunshine State despite serious doubts among some national operatives. Democrats open convention transformed by Harris ascendance but facing lingering questions A refreshed Democratic Party reintroduces itself to a divided nation this week, having been transformed by the money, momentum, relief and even joy that followed Vice President Kamala Harris rise to the top of its ticket. The whiplash of the last month culminates in a convention that begins Monday in Chicago. Above all, the four-day gathering of thousands of activists and party leaders from across the nation is designed to celebrate and strengthen Harris as President Joe Bidens replacement and boost her campaign to defeat Republican Donald Trump in November. Just beneath the surface, real questions loom about the depth of Harris newfound support, the breadth of her coalition and the strength of her movement. Not even a month ago, Democrats were deeply divided over foreign policy, political strategy and Biden himself, who was holding on after his disastrous debate by suggesting he had a better chance than any Democrat including Harris of beating Trump. Trump will campaign across the country this week as he struggles to adjust to Harris As Democrats kick off their convention in Chicago, Donald Trump s campaign is trying to regain its footing after weeks of struggling to adjust to Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the opposing ticket. Trump will attempt to undercut the Democratic celebration with a jam-packed schedule that includes daily events in battleground states tied to subjects where Republicans think they hold an advantage. Its his busiest campaign week since the winter, when he faced challengers in the Republican primary. But when Trump has held events billed as policy speeches throughout the campaign, they have often resembled his usual, rambling rally remarks. And as has long been the case during his political career, Trump has undercut his own message with outbursts and attacks that drown out anything else. Protesters plan large marches and rallies as DNC kicks off Crowds of activists are expected to gather in Chicago for protests outside the Democratic National Convention this week, hoping to call attention to such issues as economic injustice, reproductive rights and the war in Gaza. While Vice President Kamala Harris has galvanized the party as she gears up to accept the Democratic nomination, activists say their plans to demonstrate havent changed. Theyre ready to amplify their progressive message before the nations top Democratic leaders. Their issues cover climate change, abortion rights and racial equality, to name a few, but many activists agree an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the overarching message of the demonstrations. Theyve likened it to the Vietnam War of their generation. The Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation and buses are bringing activists to Chicago from all over the country. PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Law enforcement officers in Wood County are searching for a man who they say attempted to stab his mother and may have burned her house down. According to a press release from the Wood County Sheriffs Office, on Aug. 18 at 7:59 a.m., deputies responded to a home on Buckner Bend Road in Walker for a report of a domestic situation where a woman was stabbed in the head. Charles Clinton Hess IV When deputies arrived, they were told that Charles Clinton Hess IV, 23, of Walker, had assaulted his mother with a knife causing non-life-threatening wounds to her scalp. Deputies said that Hess had fled the area on foot before they arrived and that a K-9 unit was unable to pick up his trail. Ohio man charged after allegedly admitting to robbing White Hall GoMart while high on fentanyl On Aug. 19 at 2:12 a.m., emergency crews were notified of a structure fire at the same residence which they found fully engulfed upon arriving. Deputies said they believe that Hess returned to the residence and was a contributing factor to the fire. Nobody was home at the time, but the house was deemed a total loss. Those who see Hess are asked to notify 911 immediately. This incident is being investigated by the Wood County Fire Investigations Team, West Virginia State Fire Marshal and the Wood County Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Media witnesses look at the lethal injection table in the execution chamber at the Utah State Correctional Facility after the Taberon Honie execution Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (Pool photo by Rick Bowmer/AP) There are still unanswered questions in the wake of the execution of Taberon Honie earlier this month, Utahs first capital punishment in over a decade and first lethal injection since 1999. Where did Utah buy the lethal injection drug, pentobarbital? And who administered it? What were the credentials of the execution team? Those details will likely remain unclear, even for Honies attorneys, after a new law passed last legislative session increased the secrecy surrounding executions in Utah, part of a nationwide trend to conceal the source of lethal injection drugs and the identity of those who administer them. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Passed with unanimous approval from both the Utah House and Senate and signed by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Feb. 16, SB109 is nearly 1,000 lines long and imposed various tweaks to how the Department of Corrections operates. It increased coordination between county jails and prisons, directed the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to provide health care to inmates, created a reentry division to help inmates after their release, and allowed corrections staff in some instances to use their state vehicle while off-duty. A late amendment, the bill also prevents the release of certain records related to executions, including any identifying information of the people who take part in the process that includes the medical team, corrections workers, contractors, consultants, executioners administering the drugs, and other staff or volunteers. For instance, the two corrections officers who escorted journalists to the death chamber before Honies execution werent wearing name tags. The law also blocks the release of any identifying information of the person who manufactures, supplies, compounds or prescribes drugs, medical supplies and equipment used in an execution. Not only does the law bar the publics access, it prevents the records from being used as evidence during court proceedings and being released during discovery, the process where all relevant documents are made available during a lawsuit. Honie was executed shortly after midnight on Aug. 8. It took about 17 minutes from when the drugs were administered to when his heart stopped, and in that time, Honie did not appear to suffer. But in the weeks leading up to the execution, Honies attorneys said there were several red flags that they were unable to investigate because of the new law. That includes verifying where the drugs came from and the credentials of who administered them. The Department of Corrections overboard reliance on the secrecy statute to withhold all relevant information about execution drugs and personnel prevents prisoners and the public from verifying that executions are carried out in compliance with the written procedures, state law and the Constitution, said Honies attorney, Eric Zuckerman, in a statement to Utah News Dispatch. The Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured from a free speech zone set up about two miles from the facility in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024 as the state prepared to execute death row inmate Taberon Honie just after midnight. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) The legislation mirrors policies passed in other death penalty states from January 2011 to August 2018, 17 states conducted 246 lethal injection executions, according to a report from the Death Penalty Information Center, a national nonprofit organization that provides data and analysis on issues concerning capital punishment. Every state except Delaware, which abolished the death penalty in 2016, has passed laws to hide information related to the drugs and who administers them. For instance, Texas, which conducted 89 executions during that time frame, has a law concealing the identity of anyone who uses, supplies, or administers a substance during the execution and any person or entity that manufactures, transports, tests, procures, compounds, prescribes, dispenses, or provides a substance or supplies used in an execution. At least two states, Arkansas and Virginia, have exceptions that allow some of that information to be released during litigation. Utahs law has no such carveout. Let us know what you think... The bill was sponsored by Utah Sen. Derrin Owens, R-Fountain Green, one of several lawmakers who witnessed Honies execution. In a statement to the Dispatch, Owens said the bill established a firewall that maintains a clear separation between public entities and suppliers. This bill enhances privacy for businesses and helps the state procure critical supplies. SB109 will improve the effectiveness and fairness of the criminal justice system while addressing logistical challenges, Owens said. Without some guarantee of anonymity, officials with the Department of Corrections said it would be almost impossible to obtain the drugs or hire contractors to carry out executions. Last October, the Utah Attorney Generals Office contacted the Department of Corrections, letting them know that Honie was nearing the end of his appeals, said Brian Redd, executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections. Thats when the department started looking for lethal injection drugs but pharmacies and medical personnel are often reluctant to participate in executions. Sometimes the reluctance is based on ideology or religion. Other times its a fear of public backlash. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer sells drugs like potassium chloride or fentanyl under the condition they will not be used in a lethal injection; the European Union outlawed selling drugs to be used in executions; the American Medical Associations Code of Medical Ethics states physicians must not participate in a legally authorized execution. We werent having any luck getting anyone to cooperate with us, said Redd. The law that was passed just enabled us to give some confidence to the medical professionals that assisted us in being able to communicate. That allowed us to do our job. Death row inmate Taberon Honie leaves for break during the Utah Board of Pardons commutation hearing Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Utah State Correctional Facility, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool) But the law was the subject of controversy leading up to Honies execution and Zuckerman, his attorney, accused the process of being shrouded in secrecy in a letter to the governor. In the letter, Zuckerman described an extreme level of secrecy. That includes the secret, anonymous source who sold the state pentobarbital for $200,000, which Zuckerman said was more than twice what any other state has paid; the department refusing to provide any original documentation verifying the sources licensing and other relevant legal compliance; and the inability to verify the storage conditions of the pentobarbital, raising serious concerns about whether the drug has already been tainted. Transparency is the hallmark of a free society, yet this process has been anything but transparent, Zuckerman wrote to Cox, asking the governor to pause the execution, a request that was ultimately denied. Redd pushed back on that criticism in an interview last week. Were trying to be a very transparent organization. Our administration has made that decision, and I think our record over the past year and a half probably speaks to that. But this is one area where in order to fulfill our statutory duty, it just had to be put in place, he said, telling Utah News Dispatch the department vetted the medical professionals and the chemicals used in the execution to make sure everything was up to date. The pentobarbital came with a certificate of authentication, he said. Prior to the bill, the Department of Corrections would have still tried to keep certain information related to executions private. If someone requested the identity of the police officers who participated in the firing squad execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner in 2010, for example, the department would have argued those were protected records. But theres still a chance that information could have been released in court proceedings now, SB109 makes it clear what can and cant be released. Honie, 48, was pronounced dead at about 12:25 a.m. on Aug. 8 after being injected with two doses of pentobarbital. He was sentenced to death in 1999 for the violent murder of his ex-girlfriends mother, Claudia Benn, after breaking into her home and sexually assaulting her. Utah News Dispatch was among the media witnesses for the execution. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST Sen. James Maroney, left, speaks to Connecticut House Speaker Matt Ritter. (Photo by Mark Pazniokas / The Connecticut Mirror) Lawmakers from three other states where laws governing artificial intelligence were recently passed discussed how to protect peoples privacy in future legislation written and debated by New Mexico legislators, and across the country. Connecticut Sen. James Maroney helps to lead a working group coming up with definitions and lessons which could inform the ways AI privacy legislation is crafted. The group has members from all but three states, he told the New Mexico Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee on Aug. 13. About 19 states in total have adopted laws similar to Connecticuts commonly dealing with peoples rights and data controllers and data processors responsibilities, Minnesota Rep. Steve Elkins said during the committee meeting. New Mexico this year enacted its own law related to AI, but it has to do with political advertisements and doesnt deal with other related issues like data privacy. Another bill discussed in the 2024 regular session would have provided basic guard rails on how the state can use AI, but it never reached a vote in either chamber. Maroney and Elkins said while no two AI bills in state legislatures will be exactly alike, its important to make them similar so national businesses can more easily comply with them. So if you pick up Senator Maroneys bill, or the Maryland bill, or my bill as a starting point, youre going to be most of the way there, because all of the provisions in these acts have been thoroughly vetted and by-and-large accepted by the business community, Elkins told the New Mexico committee. Maryland Sen. Sara Love said these kinds of AI laws should be able to operate state-by-state, However, that doesnt mean that I was going to accept everything that (businesses) wanted. In most other states, Love said, the law says the data controller must limit their collection to whats adequate, relevant and reasonably necessary in relation to the disclosed purposes with which the data is processed. In other words, the company just has to disclose theyve collected the data, and given a reason why. Love said she wanted something stronger in her bill, so she required data collectors to limit their collections to whats reasonably necessary for providing or maintaining the product or service. For example, a company running a mobile phone game shouldnt be able to collect the users location, because thats not necessary to provide the service, Love said. AI decision making AI has the potential to make decisions better, fairer and more transparent, said Christopher Moore, a professor at the Santa Fe Institute. On the other hand, AI algorithms are often based on historical data containing their own biases, and often assume past patterns will continue in the future, Moore said at another presentation to the Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee later in the day on Aug. 13. AI treats people as statistics in some sense, he said. They dont look at the individual facts about a person the way that a human decision maker might. Maroney said the working group is concerned about how biased algorithms can profile people and negatively impact their applications for jobs or housing. Landlords often use AI to run a background check on a prospective tenant, Moore said. Even if a landlord doesnt intend to discriminate against them, the AI could still have a discriminatory effect, he said. Theres a lot of inaccurate data floating out there including eviction records for someone with a similar name, or criminal charges that were dropped, he said. Its important the law requires companies who do this algorithmic profiling must study any possible disparate impacts, Maroney said. We need to make sure were testing these algorithms before theyre making important life decisions, he said. Its also important companies governed by the law may not discriminate against consumers for exercising their rights, Love said, like charging more for a product if they refuse to sign over the rights to their data. Many AI systems are called black boxes, Moore said, meaning you dont get to see how or why they produce a particular score or recommendation. The people affected by AI and the decision makers advised by it need to understand the logic behind it, what kinds of errors it can make, and make an independent assessment of its accuracy and fairness, he said. AI is a great tool, but like any other tool, we need to figure out when and where its the right tool for the job, Moore said. Or do we just have to take the vendors word for it, that it works great and you should pay for it? Data privacy Elkins said his bill borrowed language from Oregon and Delaware requiring companies disclose where they might have sold someones data, and prohibiting them from selling or using for targeted advertising sensitive information like precise location data. He said he also inserted a provision in his bill in Minnesota explicitly prohibiting the re-identification of data which has been purposely collected anonymously. The Minnesota law also requires companies to provide an annual report on its data minimization policies, meaning companies shouldnt be collecting data they dont need in order to provide goods or services, and shouldnt be collecting data just to sell it to someone else. Love said Marylands law allows people to access their data being collected and processed, correct inaccuracies and obtain copies. It also allows people to opt out of having their data processed for targeted advertising, sold, or used to profile them for consequential decisions, she said. New Mexico Sen. Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez (D-Albuquerque) asked what opting out means. Elkins said many state laws say if you dont want companies to use your data to rate you for auto insurance or getting an apartment, you can opt out of having your data used for that purpose. Elkins said he doesnt think that standard is adequate, because if you have a reason to complain about your data being profiled, its probably already been done. So he added an additional provision in his bill that says if your data is already profiled, you have additional rights. Lawmakers vote to enact stunning policy following fatal bear attack: 'There is no other viable alternative' In the wake of a tragic bear attack that claimed the life of a young hiker, Romania faces a challenging balancing act between wildlife conservation and human safety, according to the New York Times. This incident has sparked an international debate on how to manage thriving brown bear populations while ensuring the well-being of humans. What's happening? Romanian lawmakers have responded to public outcry by more than doubling the annual bear hunting quota from 220 to 481. This decision comes after a 19-year-old hiker lost her life in a bear attack in the popular Bucegi Mountains. The move aims to address what some officials describe as an overpopulation of bears in the country. Barna Tanczos, a senator who previously served as Romania's environment minister, defended the decision, stating: "There is no other viable alternative besides issuing prevention and intervention quotas for brown bears." Why is this legislation concerning? While the desire to protect human lives is understandable, the increased hunting quota raises important questions about wildlife conservation and ecosystem balance. Romania is home to two-thirds of Europe's wild brown bears, making it a crucial habitat for this species. The proposed cull could have unintended consequences for the bear population and the broader environment. Moreover, some experts argue that culling may not effectively address the root cause of conflicts between humans and bears. These encounters often result from bears becoming habituated to human presence, particularly when they have easy access to food sources near human settlements. Simply reducing bear numbers may not solve this underlying issue. What's being done about bear-human conflicts? Fortunately, alternative solutions can help mitigate these conflicts. Several approaches are being explored to promote coexistence between humans and bears. Improving waste management in bear-prone areas can reduce attractants that draw bears to human settlements. By using bear-proof garbage containers and educating residents about proper food storage, we can discourage bears from seeking easy meals near homes. Implementing electric fencing around agricultural areas and beehives may also deter bears from damaging crops and livestock. It's a nonlethal method that has shown promise in reducing conflicts between farmers and wildlife. Developing comprehensive bear-aware education programs can help both locals and tourists understand how to coexist safely with bears, including teaching proper behavior in bear country, such as making noise while hiking and avoiding feeding wildlife. Additionally, creating wildlife corridors allows bears to move between habitats without entering populated areas, helping maintain genetic diversity in bear populations while reducing the likelihood of human encounters. By focusing on these proactive measures, we can work toward a future where humans and bears can coexist more harmoniously. While the road ahead may be challenging, finding a balance between conservation and human safety is crucial for the long-term well-being of both species. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Lawsuit against Virginia Beachs election system can go to trial, judge rules VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A judge has ruled that a lawsuit against the City of Virginia Beachs election system can move to trial. As 10 On Your Sides previously reported, Oceanfront hotel owner and former city councilman Linwood Branch sued the city earlier this year, arguing the new 10-1 district voting method for city council and school board was illegally implemented. Previous: City of Virginia Beach responds to lawsuit regarding 10-1 district voting system Previous: Virginia NAACP holds press conference to oppose removal of 10-1 district voting system Specifically, his attorneys argue that city council had no right to get rid of the three at-large positions spelled out in the citys charter. The judge in the case, Charles E. Poston, ruled on Monday that he will not order a change ahead of this years election. Judges ruling on Virginia Beach election system August 19Download The city, which argued that they had to change the system in order to comply with the Virginia Voting Rights Act, says it looks forward to defending itself in court. The ruling dismissed the entirety of plaintiffs challenge to the 2022 election, denied the plaintiffs to adjoin the 2024 election, and sets the case on a path for a full trial on the Virginia Voting Rights Acts impact on the citys election system, presumably sometime after the 2024 election. The city looks forward to presenting additional evidence at trial as to why the Virginia Voting Rights Act compelled the city to adopt the 10-1 system, said Chris Boynton, Virginia Beach deputy city attorney. Brandan Goodwin, attorney for the plaintiffs, said: Were pleased with the decisions. We think the court answered many of the questions correctly and this was a small victory. This is a breaking article. Check back for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. VIRGINIA BEACH A lawsuit challenging the validity of the citys district voting system can move forward, a Circuit Court judge ruled Monday. However, the 2024 election will continue as planned under the current ward-based system as the judge did not find evidence to support a temporary injunction requiring the city to revert back to a different voting system. Former Councilman Linwood Branch and several other residents contend the city illegally manipulated the Virginia Beach electoral system by eliminating three at-large seats that are expressly established under the City Charter, and deprived the rights of voters, according to the lawsuit. Im delighted that were going to hear this case, said Branch by phone on Monday. The right to vote is paramount to participating in our system of government, and the citizens never got the opportunity to be involved in that, so lets keep moving forward. Former Norfolk Judge Charles Postons ruling dismisses the plaintiffs challenge of the validity of the 2022 election, and denies the plaintiffs request to stop the 2024 election under the current district-based system. However, Postons ruling authorized a trial to determine the Virginia Voting Rights Acts impact on the citys election system. The trial will likely occur after the 2024 election. Theres some inclination that the court is inclined to lend some weight to our argument, said Brandon Goodwin, the plaintiffs attorney Monday. Its a small victory for our clients. Judge Poston wrote that the issue at hand is whether the city was permitted to remove or replace at-large districts with representative districts. The Virginia Voting Rights Act does not expressly provide that it modifies city charters, Poston wrote. Virginia Beachs election system was overhauled after a federal judge ruled in 2021 that the citys at-large system, which allowed residents from across the city to vote in every council race, was illegal and diluted minority voting power. The court imposed a district-based election system on Virginia Beach and appointed a special master to draw 10 new voting district maps. The so-called 10-1 system was used in the 2022 election and included 10 districts. Representatives must live in their district and only residents who live in the district can vote for their representative. The mayor is elected at-large. Poston added that there was no authority, except for a now-vacated 2022 federal court order, for the City Council to abolish the three at-large City Council seats. Virginia Beach Deputy City Attorney Christopher Boynton plans to prove otherwise. The City looks forward to presenting additional evidence at trial as to why the Virginia Voting Rights Act compelled the City to adopt the 10-1 system, Boynton wrote in an email Monday. Goodwin had argued at a May hearing that state law doesnt allow the city to take away the at-large seats defined in the charter. He had asked the court to halt an election using the 10-1 system in November, but Poston had denied that request at the May hearing and reiterated the position in his ruling Monday. Boynton has said the 10-1 system complies with the Virginia Voting Rights Act and was the citys only viable option. Last year, the City Council formally adopted a redistricting plan and authorized a ward-based election system, the same method used in 2022. But the City Charter doesnt yet align with the election system overhaul, and an amendment requires General Assembly approval. Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill in this years General Assembly session that would have aligned Virginia Beachs city charter with its district-based election system, citing the pending lawsuit. Youngkin said in his veto statement that he wants the court to adjudicate the correctness of the implementation, and that the bill could be reintroduced at next years General Assembly session. The council used to have four members, including the mayor, who were elected at large. Those four could live anywhere in the city and were elected by residents across Virginia Beach. The remaining seven members represented districts but also were elected by the population at large. The General Assembly also approved legislation in 2022 that required candidates for City Council and school board appear only on the ballots for the voters who reside within the bounds of their district. The effects of the changes to the citys voter system were immediately evident. The council sworn into office in 2023 was the most diverse and possibly the youngest in city history with four Black representatives and four members under 45. Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com In politics, some things are revealed gradually and others suddenly become clear when the official precepts are fulfilled. Claudia Sheinbaums trajectory is an example of how someone becomes empowered. After winning a landslide victory in Junes presidential elections, she was officially recognized as Mexicos president-elect on August 15 and sent an unequivocal message to the magistrates, leaving them in no doubt that the majority achieved by her party and allies in the elections should be respected. Minutes later, before hundreds of her supporters, she said: I suggest that the party convene a congress in September to elect the leadership and update this new process of transformation our bylaws, and a clear route that separates the work of the government from that of the party. She was speaking, she said, not as the leader of Morena, the National Regeneration Movement but as the president of all Mexicans. The former mayor of Mexico City was never so much a boss as in that moment. The president-elects latest political maneuvers have been undertaken with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador very much at her side. There has been no rally in which she did not mention his work, promise to continue it and reject any betrayal of his legacy. In recent days, she has been travelling with him through different Mexican states, once again visiting the people and following Lopez Obradors dictate: that you have to be down with the people, and not disappear into the palace. Her continuing closeness to Lopez Obrador has attracted its share of criticism. She has been dubbed a follower someone who cannot let go of the leaders hand. Indeed, someone who will govern according to Lopez Obradors criteria. There was speculation that this would reduce her votes in the election, and her landslide victory came as a surprise, even for Morena. She won more than 59% of the vote, a higher percentage than the figure that propelled Lopez Obrador to power in 2018, leaving her adversary 32 points behind. Given this lead, the perception that she is not forging her own path has been a source of discontent. But Sheinbaums statesmanship has been building since the elections. Aware that during the interim period between the election result and her swearing in on October 1, no one pays attention to the outgoing president, Sheinbaum, immediately went out to calm the markets, whose fears of anti-market reforms sunk the peso. She promptly declared her intention to leave the Secretary of Finance, Rogelio Ramirez de la O, in his post, and held talks with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the OECD and the powerful investment fund BlackRock. Claudia Sheinbaum at the Federal Electoral Tribunal (TEPJF). TEPJF She then began to present her Cabinet, though she has yet to appoint the Secretary of National Defense and the Secretary of the Navy, and fill other high-profile positions, such as the head of the national oil company, Pemex. This piecemeal approach has kept the media hooked, even as her daily conferences have seemed to lose steam. And while she has opted for continuity in policies, she has also surrounded herself with her own former collaborators and has made her mark on issues such as academia and science, a sector she herself comes from. Indeed, Sheinbaum may have attracted voters from this sector, who would not have backed another Lopez Obrador term. The enlightened middle classes have welcomed the fact that the former National Council of Humanities, Science and Technology, which were so undermined during Lopez Obradors government, have been turned into a secretariat to be headed by UNAM biologist and academic Rosaura Ruiz, who worked with Sheinbaum in Mexico Citys local government. Others, such as the new Foreign Secretary, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, also hails from UNAM. Another of the former Mexico City mayors moves has been to find a place for Omar Garcia Harfuch, who she previously put forward without success for the role of Mexico City mayor. She has also managed to orchestrate the return of Lazaro Cardenas Batel, a friend of the presidents and now one of her most trusted Cabinet members. Cardenas Batel was previously a Cabinet coordinator but resigned in March last year after public disagreements between Lopez Obrador and Lazaro Cardenas Batels engineer father, Cuauhtemoc Cardenas. At the beginning of August, the state governors met with Sheinbaum to discuss common policies and present requests for work on various issues such as water, roads, electricity and containing crime. Not all of these governors are from Sheinbaums party, but those who are not are in the minority. Sheinbaum received the governor of Nuevo Leon, Samuel Garcia, to discuss the issue of Tesla, and the electric car plant that the magnate Elon Musk promised to locate in this state, which is still to be confirmed. Garcia believes things will settle after the U.S. elections. Nuevo Leon is a prosperous state and central to the presidents interests. Lopez Obrador made sure he took it into account, and now photographs have emerged of a beaming Sheinbaum with Garcia and his wife, Mariana Rodriguez Cantu. Smiles are part of presidential diplomacy. As are snubs. And it was telling that the Morena partys ally, Gerardo Fernandez Norona from the Labor Party, was the only figure who Sheinbaum failed to kiss at the gathering on August 15. Norona claims a post, as promised to those who fought for Sheinbaums presidency. But now everyone has been appointed bar him, and, true to form, he has not disguised his disgruntlement. Claudia Sheinbaum on her arrival at the Metropolitan Theater. Christian Palma On August 15, Sheinbaum laid out her governments priorities, which run along the same lines as those of Lopez Obradors administration: a moral economy, support for the poor, social welfare programs, educational scholarships, independence and sovereignty. Between one thing and another, she mentioned all the Mexican left-wing bigwigs, from Juarez to Cardenas, throwing in a handful of women who are not always mentioned, and some feminist policies for good measure. But if anyone expects her to branch out on her own and leave Lopez Obrador behind, they might be disappointed: Our adversaries get upset when I talk about Lopez Obrador, they want a disassociation, but I am not going to do it. It is an honor to be with Obrador. He is the best president Mexico has ever had, she said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Who will lead Beaufort for the next 4 years? Scallate takes on Mayor Cromer for top job While Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump slug it out in a close battle for president, a Beaufort race much farther down the ticket is shaping up to be the local race to watch in this falls general election. Beaufort councilman Josh Scallate, two years into a four-year term he won in 2022, has decided to challenge incumbent Phil Cromer for the citys top elected post as mayor. The race for the four-year seat will pit the youngest member of the City Council Scallate against the oldest in Cromer in the Nov. 5 election. Josh Scallate is running for Beaufort Mayor. The local election comes as the city is grappling with solutions to structural problems to Waterfront Park that have been described as frightening. The park is one of the citys marquee amenities and tourist attractions. Recent inspections have shown that a number of underwater pilings are deteriorating with the fix expected to run into the millions with questions being raised about why the problems were not addressed years ago. Another issue that will likely be addressed during the campaign is growth, including the number of apartment buildings that are under construction. Basic infrastructure needs like roads, parks and stormwater systems and historic preservation issues are front-and-center in the city as well. Phil Cromer is running for mayor of Beaufort. Theres also a contested race for two City Council seats that will draw high interest. Four candidates are running for the two seats including political veterans Neil Lipsitz, Mitch Mitchell, Josh Gibson and newcomer Julia Crenshaw. The top two vote-getters in that race will win a seat on the council. Mitchell and Lipsitz won seats in 2020. Mitch Mitchell is Running for re-election to the Beaufort City Council. Mitchell, a retired pilot and Air Force major general, became the citys first Black council representative in 27 years. His candidacy followed a summer of protests in the city after George Floyd, a Black man, was killed by police officers in Minnesota while on the ground and handcuffed. Lipsitz is a lifelong Beaufortonian who worked in his familys department store downtown and ran a shoe store on Bay Street before retiring. Neil Lipsitz is running for re-election to the Beaufort City Council. Gibson, a photographer, served as chairman of the citys Zoning Board of Appeals from 2015 to 2022, when he lost a race for the City Council to Scallate by 18 votes. He was president of the Old Commons Neighborhood Association in 2017-18. Josh Gibson Crenshaw, a realtor who also works in high-end art sales, moved to the area several years ago and says her 2023 graduation from The Beaufort County Senior Leadership Program solidified her dedication to serving the community. Julie Crenshaw is running for Beaufort City Council. The race for the two council seats and mayor were solidified when the filing period closed Thursday. Cromers been serving as mayor since a December special election he won to fill the remaining 11 months of former Mayor Stephen Murrays term following his shocking September 2023 resignation. Murray said he was tired of what he described as a daily barrage of uncivil attacks and the toll the job was taking on his health, family, friends, businesses and reputation. When he ran to replace Murray, Cromer billed himself as a candidate who could lower the temperature of contentious City Hall debates and says hes been successful in fostering a more respectful dialogue. Cromer, who served two terms as a City Council member, thought his days were done when he decided not to run again in November 2022. At the time, he was 72. Prior to serving on the council he worked for 23 years as a risk management consultant for the Municipal Association of South Carolina. But his retirement from local politics was cut short just 9 months later when Murray resigned. In seeking re-election, Cromer says one of his core commitments will be balancing growth with preservation rain the citys unique character and charm, along with fiscal responsibility remains a top priority. After winning a seat in November 2022, Scallate, a firefighter who was 31 at the time, was sworn in for his first term on the City Council in December. It was the very same meeting that Cromer said his goodbyes. Scallate says fresh ideas and new energy are needed to address critical issues like Waterfront Park, managing development and transportation infrastructure. Scallate still has about 2 years remaining in his City Council term. If he wins the mayors job, a special election would be required to fill the remainder his term. He would continue to hold the seat if loses the mayors race. Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Vietnam's President To Lam walk out of a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Andres Martinez Casares/Pool Photo via AP) BEIJING (AP) The leaders of China and Vietnam pledged to further their economic ties and gave a nod to their shared communist ideology during the first visit by Vietnams new president to Beijing on Monday. To Lam, who took office in May, made China the destination of his first state visit, signaling the continuing importance the Southeast Asian nation places on its giant neighbor despite ongoing territorial frictions in the South China Sea. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Li Yuan, hosted a ceremony for Lam and his wife, Ngo Phuong Ly, at Beijings vast Great Hall of the People, replete with flags, flowers and a marching band. Xi remarked on the deep friendship between Vietnam and China and said Vietnam was a priority for Beijings neighborhood diplomacy. As two ruling Communist parties in the world today, the two parties of China and Vietnam should continue their traditional friendship and jointly promote the development of the worlds socialist cause, Xi said. I believe that our road will expand wider as we walk further. Lams three-day visit to China comes about two weeks after he was confirmed as general secretary of Vietnams Communist Party, the countrys top political position. He succeeded Nguyen Phu Trong, who died last month after 13 years as leader. Lam told Xi the relationship with China was the top priority of Vietnams foreign policy. As a brother, we always observe every step of Chinas development, and we are happy for the achievement that the party and the government and the people of China have made under your leadership, Lam said in his opening remarks before meeting with Xi. The two leaders oversaw the signing of 14 cooperation agreements in areas such as political education, infrastructure, health care and banking. China is Vietnams largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade of $172 billion last year. Lam said Vietnam supported Chinas claim over self-ruled Taiwan, known as the One China principle, and that any issues pertaining to Hong Kong and the regions of Tibet and Xinjiang constitute Chinas internal affairs. Lam is expected to continue his predecessors strategy of balancing ties with China, the United States, Russia and others. The U.S. and its ally Japan have been developing closer ties with Vietnams communist government Americas former foe in the Vietnam War as they seek partners in a growing economic and strategic rivalry with China. When Xi visited Vietnam in December, the two countries announced they would build a shared future that carries strategic significance. The agreement, which Chinese state media has described as an elevation of ties, was seen as a concession by Vietnam, which had resisted using that wording in the past. Russian President Vladimir Putin met Lam in Vietnam in June after visiting North Korea on a rare overseas trip for the Russian leader, who has been ostracized by many countries because of the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Lam began his China trip on Sunday in Guangzhou, a major manufacturing and export hub near Hong Kong. He also visited sites in the southern city where Vietnams former communist leader Ho Chi Minh spent time in the 1920s and '30s. Although both are one-party communist states, Vietnam and China have sparred repeatedly over territory that both claim in the South China Sea. China also briefly invaded parts of northern Vietnam in 1979. A Vietnamese coast guard ship recently took part in joint drills in the Philippines, which has had a series of violent encounters with China over contested territory in the South China Sea. Still, Vietnam has benefited economically from investment by Chinese manufacturers, which have moved production to the Southeast Asian country in part to skirt U.S. restrictions on solar panels and other exports from China. - Mistreanu reported from Taipei, Taiwan. A new paper from researchers whose abortion-pill studies were retracted touts C-sections and induced labor as alternatives for pregnant patients in medical emergencies as a federal appellate court revisits a pivotal case in Idaho. (Getty Images) Marjorie Dannenfelser, the anti-abortion advocate the Los Angeles Times called perhaps more than any other woman responsible for the fall of Roe v. Wade, is now leading a political committee formed to oppose Amendment 4, the proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine the right to abortion in Florida. Dannelfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, is chair of Protect Women Florida Action, which by the Phoenixs count is at least the fifth political committee created to raise money to oppose the measure, which if approved in November would bar government interference in abortion in Florida up to the point of viability (around 24 weeks). Florida now bans most abortions after six weeks. The group released a statement on Monday praising Gov. Ron DeSantis for his comments against the amendment at a Tampa high school last week. We heartily applaud Gov. DeSantis for his courage and tenacity in forging consensus to defeat Floridas all-trimester abortion amendment, Dannenfelser said. The governor is leading the fight for women, girls, and unborn children to expose exactly what Big Abortions ballot measure would do. To be clear, the text of the amendment doesnt say it would allow all-trimester abortions. In any case, second- and third-trimester abortions typically involve major fetal abnormalities and threats to the patients lives. Abortions beyond 21 weeks of gestation accounted for 0.4% of total abortions in the state in 2021, according to the latest available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Protect Women Florida Action has raised more than $48,000 since it began accepting donations in late April, according to the states Division of Elections website. Dannenfelser criticized DeSantis last year after he neglected to directly answer a question about whether he would support a federal abortion ban. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced in April that he believes that the issue belongs to the individual states to decide, rejecting Susan B. Anthonys support for a 15-week federal limit. The group called Trumps statement deeply disappointing. There are now eight states that have measures on the ballot this November that would protect abortion rights, according to KFF, a nonprofit source for health policy research. GOP leaders in states with abortion on the ballot this year must mirror DeSantis leadership to raise funds and use their platforms to educate the public, said Dannenfelser. Lives are at stake in November, and they must engage now to expose the deception and provide a counter to the major institutions that are going to bat to increase Planned Parenthoods profits. Protect Women Florida Action is at least the fifth political committee formed in Florida to oppose Amendment 4. The others are Keep Florida Pro-Life, Florida Voters Against Extremism (a/k/a No on 4), Do No Harm Florida, and Life First PC. And DeSantis has said that his own political committee, the Florida Freedom Fund, would also work to oppose Amendment 4. That PAC has now raised more than $2.5 million. The group advocating for the amendment, Floridians Protecting Freedom, has now raised more than $47 million. The measure needs to get 60% approval on November 5. A survey conducted by Florida Atlantic University released last week showed the measure coming up short, getting 56% approval. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) One hundred and four years ago, the Nineteenth Amendment was passed, giving women the right to vote. One local organization is honoring the women who fought for that right. The League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls will host Womens Equality Day on Thursday, August 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Vernon College, Room 605. Gut healthy soda faces lawsuit after claims of misrepresentation The LWV is a nonpartisan group that works to protect and expand voting rights. The first LWV was started by suffragettes who marched on the White House to grant women the right to vote. Now, it functions on a national, state, and local level, helping people register to vote, find information on candidates and where to vote, and more. Womens Equality Day began under President Nixon, who said he would like to have a proclamation honoring Womens Equality Day. The next year, Congress approved the proclamation, and the president has issued a proclamation every year since. President of the Wichita Falls chapter of the LWV, Betty Richie, said the event is a lot of fun. Texas Historical Commission provides marker for Wichita Falls church We have a great program, Richie said. We have invited suffragettes to come and present themselves. So you will find out what they look like, what they do, what they did. And they are so fun. Little nuggets that you did not know these women went through. This event is free to the public and anyone is welcome to join the LWV. For more information, you can visit the local chapters Facebook page or the organziations website. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. Jake Loy arriving at the High Court in Glasgow for sentencing after he killed three friends in a car crash in March 2022 (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) A learner driver who killed three of his friends while speeding before crashing into another vehicle has been jailed for over four years. Jake Loy, who was 17 at the time, was driving at such excessive speeds that the Honda Civic split in two upon impact. Three other people were also left injured. Finlay Johns, Tyler Johnston and Ian Cannon, all aged 16, died at the scene while Loy was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The court heard that Mr Cannon had sent a Snapchat message prior to the crash, saying he was scared because Loy was a terrible driver and flooring it. Appearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, he was jailed for four years and eight months. Finlay Johns, Ian Cannon and Tyler Johnston were all killed in the crash (Police Scotland) Loy, who only had a provisional licence, had taken his friends out for a drive on 15 March 2022, and had crashed into another vehicle on the A711 at Cargenbridge at about a quarter past midnight. He was estimated to be driving at more than 60mph on the country road when he lost control and ploughed into the path of a Honda CR-V travelling northbound. One crash investigator said he had never seen damage like that to a car, with Loy initially claiming to police that he did not know the driver who had been behind the wheel. Defending, Donald Findlay KC said Loy had no memory of the crash due to a head injury. Mr Findlay said: It was quite moving when he said that if he could take the place of them, he would have rather it had been him. Psychologist professor Gary MacPherson assessed Loy and found he was immature, the court heard, and Mr Findlay suggested he may have wanted to endear himself to his peer group and impress his friends. Loy and his family arrive at court (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) At the time of the crash, the head teacher at Moffat Academy which all the boys had attended described it as a tragic day for the school. It is with heavy hearts that our school community comes together to try and come to terms with this, Tara Woods said. During a court appearance in May, Loy pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and seriously injuring the three passengers in the other vehicle. Sentencing, Lord Harrower said: Three young lives have been lost. Three other individuals sustained serious injuries. You sustained serious injuries. The deceased were all friends and you have shown remorse. The social work report highlights concerns raised in psychological assessments carried out between the ages of 12 and 17 years old. The court heard that impulsiveness and recklessness may have contributed but a social work report found Loy to be at low risk of reoffending. Road policing Chief Inspector Lorraine Napier said: I would like to pay tribute to the families and friends of the three young men who lost their lives in this crash and thank everyone who worked so diligently to bring this case to a conclusion. No conviction or sentence will ever reflect the impact the crash had on the families and friends of Ian, Tyler and Finlay but I hope it brings some measure of closure. Left-wing criticism of Harris has fallen flat. Heres what progressives want at the DNC Progressives have seen some setbacks ahead of the Democratic National Convention ((Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)) On Monday the Progressive Democrats of America held their conference at the Chicago Teachers Union hall, where Senator Bernie Sanders would keynote the two-day event, ahead of the official kickoff of the Democratic National Convention. But the hall remained only half full. So speakers urged attendees to tell their friends to come down to the hall for Sanderss speech. It was indicative of setbacks that progressives in the Democratic Party have faced in recent months. While progressives have been thrilled at Harriss selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a former moderate who passed a series of liberal policies, progressives have seen other setbacks. Earlier this month, Representative Cori Bush of Missouri, a member of the so-called Squad, lost her primary thanks to an onslaught of pro-Israel money. This came after Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York, another Squad member, lost his primary in the most expensive primary election in history. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will speak on Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention. But Rep. Jamaal Bowman Bowman (D-NY) lost his primary earlier this year thanks to an onslaught of money from pro-Israel groups. ((Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)) In addition, while Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois, another Squad member, touted Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, Harris has backed away from both of those proposals after she co-sponsored them as a senator. Representative Pramila Jayapal, chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus who delivered a barnburner speech at the conference, told The Independent that it was important to get behind candidates who will save our democracy and with whom they could organize. It doesnt mean were going 100 percent of what we want in the agenda, but we are going to make real progress, she said. In the same spirit, progressives have seen their push for a ceasefire in Gaza amid Israels war with Hamas continue to fall flat. Last month, Michigan Democrats convened a call to endorse Harris. During the call, Abbas Alawieh, a leader of the Uncommitted Movement, tried to speak up and voice his concerns when another delegate reportedly told him to shut up, a*****. The pro-ceasefire advocates held a press conference on Monday and celebrated the fact there would be a panel on Palestine. But they have yet to get two of their major concessions: support for a ceasefire or an arms embargo on Israel. This is a question of whether Vice President Harris will take the opportunity to unite our party in a manner that is wildly popular among Democratic voters, Alawieh told The Independent at the press conference. We want to help Vice President Harris beat Donald Trump, he said. But Alawieh warned that if they did not get concrete commitments from Harris, that he and his allies will not be able to make an affirmative case to voters in places like Michigan, which has a large Arab-American presence. Absent that, we dont have the credibiity to go back and tell to those voters, and affirmative that embraces Vice President Harriss plan because we dont know what her plan is, he said. Israel is not the only area where progressives are frustrated with Harris. Since she launched her presidential campaign, she has pledged to sign a bill that would severely restrict immigration and asylum. Pro-immigrant groups have criticized her embrace of the bill and Democrats overall rightward turn on immigration as it remains a point of strength for Republicans and Trump. When Harris spoke in Arizona earlier this year, she said she supported comprehensive reform approach to immigration that includes strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship. Lilian Jimenez, a state representative for Illinois and an immigration lawyer, said she wants Harris to support a humane immigration policy. I just say human rights, she told The Independent. I want her policies to reflect that we should treat everybody equally. We should give people an opportunity, and we should give people due process and ability to apply for status to stay in this country. And at this point, I don't care what you call it. But let's see some movement on the policy. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) will speak on the first night of the Democratic National Convention during prime time. ((Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)) But at the event on Monday, many progressives were celebrating the selection of Walz as Harriss running mate including activists from Minnesota. I was one of the earliest members to come out for Governor Walz, Jayapal said. I do think she recognize all the things we all saw in Governor Walz, which is hes from a red rural district and hes implemented some of the most progressive policies in the state of Minnesota. But there has been steps forward for progressives. On Monday night, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain will address the convention. Progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will address the crowd in Chicago, as well as Representative Jamie Raskin, both of whom voted against giving additional aid to Israel. And in a sign of the future of the progressive movement, after Sanders left the conference, Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of the House, delivered a speech that got people on their feet. Phil Donahue at the 32nd Toronto International Film Festival September 12, 2007. The legendary talk show host died at 88, according to his family (REUTERS) Daytime talk show host Phil Donahue has died aged 88 following a long illness. The talk show pioneer died at his home surrounded by his family, including his wife, actor Marlo Thomas, his sister, children, grandchildren and his golden retriever, Charlie, his family said in a statement to Today. The so-called king of daytime talk, Donahue was the host and creator of The Phil Donahue Show, which reinvented how the typical talk show ran. The show, started in 1967, got rid of the common talk show themes and formats in favor of focusing on a single controversial issue each episode and allowing audience participation. Over its 29-year run, his eponymous show was later renamed Donahue and moved filming locations from Dayton, Ohio to Chicago and eventually to New York City. He later returned to TV to host a show on MSNBC, where he made clear his opposition to the war in Iraq. But the show was canceled after less than a year. The network cited low ratings for the cancellation, but some viewers wondered if his anti-war sentiments contributed to the decision. Donahue appears with former first lady Nancy Reagan during taping of his show on November 6, 1989 (AP) Oprah Winfrey praised Donahue at the time for his bravery in broadcasting his opinion, which clashed with most others prevailing on TV at the time: The bottom line is we need you, Phil, because we need to be challenged by the voice of dissent. Throughout his career, Donahue won nine Daytime Emmys and received 20 nominations, earned a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996, won the Peabody award in 1981 for ability to ask the tough questions without seeming to offend and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May 2024. Donahue blows a kiss to Oprah Winfrey as she presents him with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in New York in 1996 (AP) He helped change hearts and minds through honest and open dialogue, President Joe Biden said while presenting the award. And over the course of a defining career in television and through thousands of daily conversations, Phil Donahue steered the nations discourse and spoke to our better angels. After the news of his passing on Monday, many in his industry have praised Donahue and his legacy. President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Donahue at the White House on May 3, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images) Today host Sheinelle Jones gave a touching tribute to Donahue on Monday mornings show: You know, we overuse sometimes the word trailblazer, but he certainly was, indeed. ABC correspondent Deborah Roberts posted on X: So sad to hear of the passing of talk show icon Phil Donahue at age 88. Like so many journalists, he inspired me during my career. What a life! Sending prayers of comfort to Marlo and his family. Former tabloid talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael also honored Donahue in an X post: This is a very sad day. I admired Phil Donahue for so many reasons, and he was one of the finest broadcasters in American television. If there wasnt a Phil, there would have never been a Sally. My thoughts & prayers go out to Marlo and their family. CBC journalist Ian Hanomansing similarly remarked: Phil Donahue was one of a kind. In a deceptively bland television world he took on uncomfortable topics. He interacted with his studio audience with respect. I was fortunate enough to be in that audience for two tapings and it didnt disappoint. His influence is still being felt. Donahues family requested that donations be made to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund, according to Today. Longtime TV talk show host Phil Donahue died on Sunday night following a long illness, his family said. He was 88. Donahue died at his home surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, actor Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, his grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie, his family said in a statement to TODAY. No further details about his cause of death were released. Donahue has been described as a trailblazer by peers including Oprah Winfrey. The 3rd hour of TODAY's Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones announced the news of Donahue's death on Monday morning. "You know, we overuse sometimes the word trailblazer, but he certainly was, indeed," Sheinelle said. The journalist pioneered the modern format of issue-based daytime talk shows featuring audience participation. His show would become one of the most influential programs of its time, with Donahue winning nine Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding host. Donahue was born in 1935 in Cleveland and began his journalism career working in radio in the 1950s. Donahue married his first wife, Margaret Mary Cooney, in 1958, and they had five children. The pair divorced in 1975. He began hosting TV's The Phil Donahue Show in 1967 in Ohio with a live studio audience. The show was syndicated a few years later and would move to Chicago before making its home in New York City in 1985. The final episode of the show, which had been renamed Donahue, aired in 1996, after a 29-year run. Donahue met Thomas while filming an episode of the show in 1977, and the pair later said in interviews it was love at first sight. The couple married in 1980. In addition to hosting his eponymous show, Donahue regularly appeared on TODAY from 1979 to 1988. Thomas, an Emmy-winning actor and national outreach director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, has also made appearances on TODAY. In 2022, she gave an update on her husband on the 3rd hour of TODAY to Craig, Sheinelle, Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer. "He loves to watch talk shows and scream at the set: 'That's not the question!'" Thomas said, sending the hosts into laughter. Donahue won several Daytime Emmys during his career. Donahue returned to TV briefly in 2002, when he began hosting a show called "Donahue" on MSNBC, which was canceled several months later. President Joe Biden awarded Donahue and 18 others the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May. The medal is the country's highest civilian honor and is presented to "individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors," according to the White House. Donahues family requested that donations be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers, according to their statement. This article was originally published on TODAY.com PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) South Dakota lawmakers might be asked to wade deeper into the largely unregulated world of natural and synthetic cannabinoids next year. The Legislatures Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee on Monday heard from a South Dakota Department of Health scientist about the wide array of psychoactive substances that go beyond the Delta-9 products that state-licensed dispensaries legally sell to patients who have state-issued cards. Nebraska men steal more than $350K from SD casino The presentation from State Public Health Laboratory director Tim Southern led to the panel holding its first serious discussion of what to do about all the local stores and online businesses that openly sell Delta-8, Delta-10 and other variations. The committee, which is required by state law to meet at least twice per year, plans to gather again sometime in October. One of the topics will be whether to recommend to the Legislatures Executive Board that an interim study be commissioned. State lawmakers tried to get at the problem when they passed legislation this year banning the production or sale of any industrial hemp or an industrial hemp product that contains chemically derived cannabinoids or cannabinoids created by chemically modifying or converting a hemp extract. But a Pierre business has challenged the new law in federal court, arguing that it is vague and interferes with interstate commerce. Southern, speaking as a public health professional and as a father of four, said he very much appreciated the intent behind the law and was concerned. Republican Sen. Erin Tobin, who chairs the medical marijuana committee, described the situation as a public health disaster waiting to happen. Jeremiah Murphy, a Rapid City lobbyist representing the Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota, said the sales by businesses that dont have state medical-marijuana licenses were a big problem for the associations members. Our people dont sell this stuff. Our people arent licensed to sell this stuff, Murphy told the committee. He said the state Department of Health doesnt have the budget to pursue enforcement nor was it practical for the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which has responsibility for South Dakotas industrial hemp program. He said law enforcement should go after those unlicensed businesses but they have to wait days or weeks to get test results back for a crime that is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in county jail and a $500 fine. Two years, the Legislature passed a law making sales of Delta-8 and related products illegal to people younger than age 21. Tobin said on Monday that the variants issue could be recommended as a legislative study. Republican Sen. Jim Mehlhaff suggested also reaching out to South Dakotas delegation in Congress, because changes made in the current Farm Bill regarding hemp opened the way to the proliferation of the variant products. Mehlhaff said the state level probably wasnt the most-efficient place to try a remedy but it might be necessary if Congress doesnt make changes. The two other legislators on the committee, Republican Rep. Roger DeGroot and Republican Rep. Curt Massie, agreed with the idea of requesting a study. Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller and Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum represent law enforcement on the panel. Mueller said they would meet with various state officials on the enforcement question and prepare a report for the October meeting. I think we need to coordinate some resources and I think its worth taking a look at, he said. Tobin said the issue is on her list too but noted that this committee is assigned solely for matters involving medical marijuana. So we could go down a rabbit hole without a rope to get back out, she said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. (Bloomberg) -- Libyas central bank said it halted operations after a senior employee was kidnapped Sunday, in the latest example of how a security void stemming from a more-than-decade-old political feud is pushing the OPEC nation deeper into chaos. Most Read from Bloomberg The presidential council, an internationally recognized governing body based in Tripoli, said it was replacing the central banks governor and board, setting the stage for a new political showdown. The unanimous decision to replace Governor Sadiq Al-Kabir and the board was aimed at guaranteeing financial and economic stability, according to a statement that didnt mention the central banks decision to suspend operations. The regulator earlier Sunday said it wouldnt resume work until Musab Maslam, its director of information technology, is freed and back at his post. Maslam was snatched by an unidentified group in front of his home early Sunday, it said on its Facebook page, demanding that authorities step in and put an end to the climate of threat under which it operates. Local media reported he was later released. Libya, which sits atop Africas largest proven reserves of crude, is split between rival administrations in the west and the east and frequent clashes are common despite a 2020 United Nations-backed cease-fire deal aimed at ending the fighting. The central bank has itself fallen victim to the political tensions, with dueling institutions in Tripoli and in Benghazi in the east vying for control of the countrys oil wealth. A 2021 reunification agreement that brought the two institutions together was hailed as a milestone for the troubled North African nation. Aside from that, however, little progress has been made on reconciling rival governments and armed groups. Al-Kabir and the central bank didnt immediately respond to calls for comment, and it was unclear if he would abide by the presidential councils decision. In the past, other officials who were fired from their posts often refused to leave, triggering prolonged and often fatal clashes. In explaining its decision to suspend operations until the employee was released, the central bank said on its Facebook page that such practices threaten the security of the Bank employees and the ability of the banking system to continue functioning. It also called on authorities to intervene, adding that other officials had also received kidnapping threats. Read also: Why Libya Lurches from One Crisis to The Next: QuickTake Also Sunday, an unidentified group briefly besieged the banks headquarters, local media reported, in what was described as an attempt to force the resignation of Al-Kabir, who has faced criticism over the management of oil revenues and the state budget. The USs special envoy to Libya, Richard Norland, on August 12 said in a post on X that attempts to oust Al-Kabir were unacceptable and warned that replacing him by force can result in Libya losing access to international financial markets. Disputes over distribution of Libyas wealth must be settled through transparent, inclusive negotiations toward a unified, consensus-based budget, Norland said. (Recasts throughout and updates with decision to replace banks governor, board) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland (L) and Central Bank of Libya Gov. Seddik al-Kabir pose of a photograph earlier this month. On Sunday, al-Kabir's bank announced it was suspending operations over the abduction of an employee. Photo courtesy of Central Bank of Libya/Facebook Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The Central Bank of Libya has suspended all operations and said they will not resume until its senior employee abducted on Sunday is returned. Musab Msallem, director of the bank's Information Technology Department, was kidnapped from his home at 9 a.m. Sunday by "an unidentified party," the bank said. The Tripoli-based central bank said in a statement that it denounces Msallem's abduction and the threat of kidnapping other bank employees face. In response, all of its operations, departments and systems will remain closed until Msallem is released and returned to work and threats other employees face cease. The bank did not provide details, but the kidnapping came a week after gunmen sieged the Tripoli financial institution to force the resignation of its governor, Seddik al-Kabir, who has faced criticism over his management of the country's oil resources and budget since 2012. Following the attack, U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland denounced threats to the bank's staff and operations. "Like Libya's other sovereign institutions, the CBL's integrity must be protected," he said in a statement on X. "In this case, attempting to replace the leadership of the CBL by force can result in Libya losing access to international financial markets. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Utah high school student Jacklyn Wei said she didnt feel like she had power to influence her community but a life-changing summer program changed that. Wei is among the three Utah high school juniors and seniors who were selected by the Bank of America for a paid internship at a local nonprofit. This year, the selected nonprofit was Utahs Stem Action Center. Over the last 8 weeks, the students received $17 an hour to intern with the nonprofit and ended their summer with a paid trip to Washington D.C. where they met with hundreds of other like-minded students, mentors, politicians, and even celebrity Chris Evans. Wei said the D.C. trip was an empowering experience for her. I actually grew so much as a person by going there, Wei said. Before I felt like I didnt have that much power, but now meeting so many different people I learned that I can do really whatever it takes to improve my community. READ NEXT: LDS Church speaks on gross misrepresentations in Hollywood Lynn Reichert, the community and engagement manager at the Stem Action Center, said the students in the program are incredible. Our interns this year have their own nonprofits, theyve done website development, theyve created all kinds of programs, so they are an impressive crew, she said. She added that the organization gained a great deal by having a younger perspective as the nonprofit focuses on connecting with and developing programs for youth. The Bank of America started its Student Leaders program two decades ago. Each year, local bank representatives select up to four students in each region across the United States to intern at nonprofits. A lot of times when we first vet them and meet them theyre a bit timid, they havent had typically that much experience in the working world, President of Bank of America Utah Mori Paulsen said. At the end of eight weeks, its amazing how much theyve grown. All three Utah students Wei, Valentina Rodriguez, and Anhkhoa Le spoke highly of their experience at the Stem Action Center. Three struck by lightning while fishing on Bear River, one dead Rodriguez called the program an amazing opportunity and said she learned to see through the eyes of the most vulnerable. Le told ABC4 of an experience he had working with a younger student through the stem center, saying there is nothing better than helping a student and seeing the lightbulb go off in their head as they learn more bout stem and how to explore this world. Throughout these last eight weeks, Ive had the wonderful experience of interning here, learning the interworks of how a nonprofit works, and actually being able to go out into the community and make an impact that I can visibly see, he said. According to the Bank of America website, applicants must be a high school junior or senior, legally able to work in the U.S., and available to work 35 hours a week. Within Utah, the program is available to students in Davis, Weber, Tooele, Salt Lake, and Utah Counties. Definitely apply for this internship, Wei said. It was one of the best experiences of my entire life. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. LINDSAY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Police in the City of Lindsay say they removed five homeless encampments across the city during a community cleanup. According to city officials, the illegal camping cleanup detail began early Saturday morning. Officials say during the one of their cleanups an arrest was made for public intoxication and illegal alcohol consumption in the park. In total, officials say they conducted five clean ups, during which 11 shopping carts were also retrieved and returned to local businesses. The city says officers took the time to offer information and available resources to those experiencing transient homelessness. The move comes after a wave of anti-camping ordinances that have swept throughout the state of California since the start of the month. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Lindsey Graham said Donald Trump could lose the election if he keeps playing 'the showman' Lindsey Graham said Donald Trump could lose the election if he keeps playing 'the showman' Lindsey Graham said Donald Trump could lose the election if he keeps playing the "showman." This is at least the second time the senator has critiqued Trump's campaigning style. Graham, who used to be a vocal critic of Trump, is now one of his staunchest allies. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has once again shared some critical campaign notes for former President Donald Trump. In an interview with NBC News on Sunday, the senator said he thinks Trump can win the election if he focuses on policy. "His policies are good for America. If you have a policy debate for president, he wins," Graham said. WATCH: Sen. @LindseyGrahamSC (R) says policy is the key to the White House, while Donald Trump focuses on personal attacks against Kamala Harris. If you have a policy debate, he wins. Donald Trump the provocateur, the showman, may not win this election. pic.twitter.com/HnKaq4nlo4 Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) August 18, 2024 However, he added: "Donald Trump, the provocateur, the showman, may not win this election." Trump has unleashed a barrage of gender- and race-driven attacks on Kamala Harris ever since she became the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden quit the race in July. Notably, this is not the first time Graham has suggested Trump change his line of attack on Harris' campaign. In a "Fox News Sunday" interview on August 4, Graham said that instead of attacking Harris' heritage, Trump should go after her judgment. "Every day, we're talking about her heritage and not her terrible, dangerous liberal record throughout her entire political life," Graham said. He did not specify what parts of her record he was referring to. "So, I would encourage President Trump to prosecute the case against Kamala Harris' bad judgment," he said. "This is your election to lose. It's important to win." Trump's former presidential nominee rival, Nikki Haley, echoed Graham's sentiments in an interview on Fox News' "Special Report" on August 13. "The campaign is not going to win talking about crowd sizes, it's not going to win talking about what race Kamala Harris is, it's not going to win talking about whether she's dumb," Haley said. "You can't win on those things." "I think the campaign needs to focus," she added. Graham, who was a vocal critic of Trump before the latter became president in 2020, has since positioned himself as Trump's ally. Representatives for Trump and Graham did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Business Insider List: How much does Abilene city manager, other department heads get paid? ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A tighter budget for the City of Abilene this fiscal year is inviting extra scrutiny from citizens as many wonder how much money local leaders are being paid. The salary for City Manger Robert Hanna specifically has been the center of many online rumors, prompting city council members to publicly address the issue. City council member Blaise Regan spoke to KTAB and KRBC, saying that Robert Hanna makes an approved $299,000 a year with additional allowances, bonuses, and perks. Regan also says that Hannas salary is comparable to other city managers in other areas. He claims Midland and Lubbock are paying their city managers around $350,000 to $360,000. Abilene councilman pledges transparency, addresses budget cutbacks, city managers salary & more KTAB and KRBC asked the City of Abilene for salaries for department heads and managers. Here is the list we received: Marie A. Lerma (Director of Public Health) $155,000.00 Lesli D. Andrews (Director of Parks and Recreation) $155,000.00 Michael J. Harmon (unknown*) $114,325.62 Richard D. Rodgers (Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation) $121,609.05 Donald V. Green Jr. (Transportation Services Director) $160,593.44 Patti J. Watson (Assistant Director of Human Resources) $122,281.60 Marjorie F. Knight (Director of Finance) $160,000.00 Timothy A. Littlejohn (Director of Planning and Development) $165,000.00 Chris R. Gibson (Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation) $121,609.05 Matthew M. Dane (Assistant Director of Water Utilities) $155,000.00 Maria E. Cockerell (Communications and Marketing Director) $98.445.42, year-to-date bonus $2,374.78 Pamela M. Williams (Director of Human Resources ) $160,000.00, year-to-date bonus $77.06 Jesse J. Pottebaum (Zoo Director) $175,000.00, year-to-date bonus $77.06 Max E. Johnson (Director of Public Works) $155,000.00 Luis A. Alayon-Romero (Assistant Director of Human Resources) $120,098.00 Timothy D. Cass (unknown) $114,325.62 Julee A. Hammer (Library Director) $155,000.00 Zachary W. Cothern (Assistant Director of Aviation) $114,325.62 Michael M. Perry (Director of Professional Standards) $160,000.00 Robert P. Hanna (City Manager) $299,478.98, year-to-date bonus $4,430.72 Jeff Duebner (unknown) $114,325.62 Troy Swanson (Director of Information Technology) $155,000.00 Jeremiah I. Bihl (unknown) $155,000.00 Jeffrey N. Cook (Assistant Director of Public Health) $122,000.00 Rodney D. Taylor (Director of Water Utilities) $175,000.00 Kristen M. Tusing (unknown) $115,000.00 All City of Abilene salaries are approved by the city council each year as part of the annual budget. *KTAB and KRBC were unable to find the positions listed as unknown on the City of Abilenes staff directory. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. By Andrius Sytas RUDNINKAI, Lithuania (Reuters) - Lithuania on Monday began construction of a military base, which will accommodate up to 4,000 combat-ready German troops once completed by the end of 2027, in the first permanent foreign deployment for the German military since World War Two. Germany committed to deploy troops in the NATO and European Union member, which borders Russia, last year. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius compared the decision to the posting of allied forces in West Germany during the Cold War to defend Western Europe in case of a Soviet attack. Lithuanian chief of defence Raimundas Vaiksnoras estimated the country would spend more than 1 billion euros ($1.10 billion) over the next three years to develop the base, in one of the largest construction projects in its history. It's "a huge investment" for a nation of 2.9 million with an economy a tenth the size of Germany's, Vaiksnoras said on the sidelines of a launch ceremony. "The brigade will work as reassurance to our population and as deterrence, to push the Russians out," he added. HOUSING, TANKS AND STORAGE The base in Rudninkai, close to the capital Vilnius and only 20 km (12 miles) from Russian ally Belarus, will accommodate up to 4,000 troops, storage and maintenance for tanks and other equipment, and shooting ranges of all sizes. About a thousand more German military and civilian contractors will be posted to other sites in Lithuania. However, only about a fifth of the compound buildings in Rudninkai have been contracted for construction, raising fears it will not be ready in time. Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas told reporters his ministry will award contracts for the rest of the works by the end of this year, when his government's terms ends. The German government has asked parliament for 2.93 billion euros to order 105 Leopard 2 A8 tanks, partly to equip the Lithuanian base, according to a confidential draft budget seen by Reuters in June. However, budget infighting within Germany's fractious coalition is jeopardising Berlin's pledge to upgrade its military. Lithuania has upped its defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, and Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte's government hiked taxes to support defence needs, such as the base, over the next several years. "If we are not secure, there is no security for them," Simonyte told reporters at the ceremony, referring to Germany. ($1 = 0.9063 euros) (Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; Editing by Sharon Singleton) President Biden got an emotional reception during his appearance on the first night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Monday. Vice President Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez all made appearances on stage as well, eliciting loud cheers from the crowd. President Biden on July 21 announced he was withdrawing his bid for reelection to make room for Harris. All eyes were on the president as he addressed a raucous audience at the United Center for nearly an hour. Read The Hills live updates of Day 1 of the convention below. Democrats convene for convention: What to watch for on Day 1 Protests threaten to overshadow DNC Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Its that time of the year where summer comes to an end and college students are headed back to start the fall semester. All three Terre Haute area colleges will begin classes in the upcoming weeks. Saint Mary of the Woods College recently had their move in day tradition on Friday. Students are set to begin classes on Monday, August 19th. Indiana State University is set to begin classes on Tuesday, August 20th. Rose Hulman Institute of Technology will begin classes after Labor Day. Students are set to begin classes Thursday, September 5th. WTWO wishes all colleges a successful academic school year! Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) The 2024 Democratic National Convention is this week, with many from the tri-state area excited to hear Kamala Harris and vice president pick Tim Walz speak. Evansville city council member Alex Burton is going as a delegate, excited to be in conversations that will shape the upcoming presidential election. Burton says, Its one thing to see a lot of you know the national figureheads from the democratic party on TV on c-span all of that but to be in the same room with them whether were talking about majority leader, Schumer minority leader, Jeffries obviously the Obamas, the Clintons, everyone will be there and so Im really looking forward to just embracing all that is to come. Burton says he fully supports Harris pick Tim Walz, but says he hoped for Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear would be the choice. Adding that Beshear has done a phenomenal job for the commonwealth of Kentucky. Burton says, Im so excited to just see all to continue to see him just blossom and being an awesome governor for the state of Kentucky and supporting the Kamala Walz ticket and so you know though Im upset that, sad a little sad that hes not you know the VP pick, Im excited to know that hes over just across the water making Kentucky better every day. Burton is eager for vice presidential pick, Tim Walz, thinking back to everything the Minnesota governor has done for education. Burton says, The fact that students dont have to worry about paying for their school lunch is a huge win and we know that food access is a real problem, not just here in Evansville, but all across Indiana and across the nation. Evansville city councilman Ben Trockman is also serving as a delegate for the state of Indiana. Trockman says hes excited to be in an environment that shares the same political identity, including Tim Walz. Trockman says, Hes a humble guy we look forward to, I look forward to hearing more from Tim the governor I should say and hearing more about his platform. I think we have two incredible candidates that represent the party well that will represent the country well and I think were really going to get to know them even better over the next week. The Democratic National Convention is being held in Chicago all week. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). KYODO NEWS - Aug 19, 2024 - 17:58 | All, Japan Japan's former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi said Monday that he will run in the ruling party's presidential election next month, becoming the first among the numerous likely contenders to declare his candidacy to succeed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Kobayashi, a Harvard-educated former Finance Ministry bureaucrat, has received support from relatively young members of the Liberal Democratic Party who want to revamp its image, tainted by a slush funds scandal revealed late last year. The ruling party is scheduled to hold the election as Kishida, whose three-year term expires at the end of September, has announced he will not seek reelection, stressing that the LDP should carry out change under new leadership. "I want to make a new LDP, create a society where people can dream and have hopes, and push Japan to lead the world," Kobayashi said at a press conference. Kobayashi, 49, tried to dismiss concerns that the fourth-term lower house member is too young to become the LDP leader and prime minister, although he acknowledged the challenge of not being widely known among voters. "The fact that I am standing here today" shows that "the LDP is serious about change," he said, adding that he will steer clear of what is left of faction-based intraparty dynamics that have long characterized the ruling party. The upcoming race, which party lawmakers say is expected to be held on Sept. 27, is shaping up to be a crowded one, involving about 10 candidates. It comes after the disbandment of major intraparty factions, a framework that had apparently encouraged their members to act in a unified and coordinated manner. Among familiar faces who previously ran in the LDP's races, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, 67, and Sanae Takaichi, 63, who succeeded Kobayashi as economic security minister, are preparing to announce their bids. Ishiba, who is popular among the public, has run in the LDP leadership election four times, all of which were unsuccessful. Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, who is often picked by voters in media polls as a future Japanese leader, said Sunday that he would "seriously consider" running, while Digital Minister Taro Kono, 61, is another possible contender. In a Kyodo News poll released Monday, Ishiba was the top choice among respondents to succeed Kishida, ahead of Koizumi. But among LDP supporters, Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, outranked Ishiba by a narrow margin. Several members of Kishida's Cabinet have also emerged as viable candidates. Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa has conveyed her intention to run to the prime minister, while Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Kishida's right-hand man, and industry minister Ken Saito are seen as potential candidates. On Tuesday, the LDP is set to finalize the date for its first leadership race since 2021. The party's new leader is certain to become Japan's next prime minister because the ruling coalition controls both houses of parliament. Kishida has been stung by low approval ratings following scandals related to the reporting of political funds that have engulfed the ruling party, as well as by the failure to implement effective measures to curb price hikes outpacing wage growth. Other LDP members floated as candidates include LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, former health minister Katsunobu Kato and Seiko Noda, who served as minister in charge of gender equality and children's policies. To run in the presidential election, a candidate must be recommended by at least 20 LDP lawmakers. Related coverage: Japan ministers Kono, Kamikawa plan to run in ruling party race Japan ruling party looks to elect Kishida's successor on Sept. 27 Battle to replace Kishida as Japan PM kicks off The Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday in Chicago. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to officially accept the Democratic Nomination. Its been a wild few weeks after President Joe Biden announced he wont be running for re-election and Harris will be stepping in. Boston 25 Presidential Historian Thomas Whalen said the DNC is Harris time to make a statement, especially about tax cuts for the middle class. Specific policy proposals, shes been very general up to this point but now as the campaign goes on you have to be specific and this will appeal to a lot of voters who are sitting on the fence, said Whalen. He said independent voters make up a majority of the United States. He said double haters, people who dislike Biden and Former President Donald Trump, need to be convinced to head to the polls in November. Basically what the ticket needs is a real concrete economic plan or program thats going to appeal to those voters sitting on the fence right now, said Whalen. Logan Trupiano with MassGOP said voters need to pay attention. " Im interested to see what their path forward is other than bashing President Trump I think listening to their policies and see how their policies would actually affect your life and the economy of the United States because I think thats the primary concern thats on voters minds right now, said Trupiano. Both Whalen and Trupiano said theyre interested in seeing what will happen outside the doors of the convention. Hearing all these reports about a lot protests in the streets particularly regarding the Gaza war and thats already divided a lot of democrats as well as half of the country, said Whalen. The DNC starts Monday and goes until Thursday. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Democrats from across the United States are gathered in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, including two local representatives. Vigo County Democratic Party Chair Joe Etling and Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun are both attending the DNC for the first time. Sakbun says that the passing of the torch from President Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris is a sign of good things to come. That was not the hardest day of President Bidens life, Sakbun said. He lost a family member, a child, very early on in his career and hes been very vocal that this is a tough decision, but by no means is this a bad day. Ive had worse days before this. This is a positive day and a positive step into the future. Etling says that the change to Harris sent a surge of energy through the Democratic Party not only nationally, but all the way down to the local level. I think to outline the policies that she would implement as the President of the United States, Etling said. I think the energy thats been created throughout our party and throughout the country, and really weve seen throughout Vigo County has been tremendous and we are very excited about our campaign for our local candidates and having that energy continue through the general election. Mayor Sakbun says he looks forward to the conversation and networking with Democrats from across the nation. This isnt an offense or defense fight, Sakbun said. This is a fight of here is our collective vision on how we can help the everyday American person and its been exciting to see that, I dont like leaving Terre Haute very often at all, so Im just here for a very short time, and a little anxious, always checking my phone for work stuff, but its been good. President Biden is scheduled to be the keynote speaker tonight, and former president Barack Obama is slated to headline tomorrow night. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. Trump supporters met in North East Sunday to show support for their presidential candidate on wheels. The Trump Train went through Erie County Sunday with supporters waving their flags and honking their horns in support of the Republican candidate. Rep. Ryan Bizzarro hosting senior fair and living expo Monday The train left from North East and went through Union City before coming through Erie. An event organizer said the event is a pep rally that also helps people register to vote. We want to give people that great feeling again. Get out there. Get out there and vote. Be proud to be an American, and thats all we want to give people, said Dr. Kimberly Hunter, co-founder of Restore America. Waldameer provides update on ride malfunction that injured passengers Brian Shank, Restore America member and former Erie County councilman, said its only August and they plan to host more events like this ahead of the election. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. New London man charged in Gold Star Bridge crash that seriously injured state trooper NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) A 25-year-old New London man is facing several charges after hitting a state police sergeants cruiser and causing a four-vehicle crash last year on the Gold Star Bridge, according to state police. Billy Ray Goff turned himself in on Monday on an active arrest warrant for endangering a highway worker, reckless driving, following too closely, failure to slow down and move over leading to injury of an emergency operator, distracted driving and second-degree assault. He was assigned a $50,000 bond. A Connecticut State Police sergeant was working an overtime construction assignment on Sept. 7 when Goff rear ended the cruiser, according to state police. The crash caused two other vehicles to collide. The sergeant was seriously injured and required surgery. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. London's support for Ukraine remains "unwavering," a spokesperson for U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Aug. 19 following recent remarks by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The statement came after Zelensky suggested in his Aug. 17 evening address that the U.K.'s "real leadership" on weapons and politics had "slowed down" amid London's hesitation to allow the use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles against targets on Russian soil. "But now, unfortunately, the situation has slowed down. We will discuss how to fix this. Because long-range capabilities are a matter of principle for us. And the entire world sees how effective Ukrainians our whole nation are when defending their independence," Zelensky said. Despite earlier declarations by former and current British officials, London has not yet allowed Ukraine to use its missiles with a range of up to 250 kilometers (150 miles) to strike targets inside Russia. Kyiv has reportedly used Storm Shadow missiles against Russian positions in occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea. The British prime minister's spokesman said that the government's position on the use of Storm Shadow missiles has not changed, according to the Guardian. "The prime minister remains absolutely resolute in his support for Ukraine. In terms of our support, again, it is unwavering," the spokesperson said. The permission to use long-range weapons against targets inside Russia could help Ukrainian troops conducting an incursion into Kursk Oblast since Aug. 6. Earlier media reports indicate that the such a move is not solely dependent on London. British official sources told the Telegraph in July that the permission would require an agreement among three countries, including the U.K. The Times reported on Aug. 16, citing undisclosed government sources, that the U.K. government asked the U.S. over a month ago for permission for Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia but is yet to receive a positive response. An unnamed official in the U.S. President Joe Biden's administration denied reports that Washington was blocking a request by London for Kyiv to use the missiles, The Telegraph reported on Aug. 18. Read also: Ukraine not allowed to use British Storm Shadow as part of Kursk Oblast incursion, Telegraph reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Long in the background, Wright Brothers sister gets spotlight on 150th birthday DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The names of Orville and Wilbur Wright are synonymous with aviation history and Dayton lore, but theres another important name from the Wright family who doesnt get nearly as much attention. One woman has made it her mission to change that. Monday, Aug. 19, would have been the 150th birthday of Katharine Wright, Orville and Wilburs younger sister. According to Jessica McNair, who dresses as Katharine Wright and gives historical presentations as her, the Wright sister was a strong force for the Wright family, playing an important role in encouraging and supporting her brothers. Katharine Wright graduated from Oberlin College in 1898 and worked three jobs to support Orville and Wilbur. She was also the family caregiver, nursing Orville back to health after he was injured during a test flight for the military. She also served as their trusted advisor, even negotiating with other businesses on their behalf. When I discovered the impact, as I say, that she had on her brothers work, I thought, Ive got to get her out there, said McNair. People have to know about Katharine Wright. The woman behind the Wright Flyer, I like to call her. Though she didnt make the trip to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Katharine Wright was among the first to hear about Wilbur and Orvilles historic success when they sent a cablegram to the Wright house in Dayton on Hawthorne Street. McNair said that the three siblings were a solid team, which is what they will always be in her eyes. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Crews in Long Beach are beginning to clear out homeless encampments Monday following repeated threats from Gov. Gavin Newsom to withhold money from cities that do not comply with his recently issued executive order. Officials say they will focus on problem encampments that block areas to public spaces like parks, libraries and beaches. A notice posted at one of those locations, Gubiner Park, alerted residents that the city would remove a large encampment beginning Monday. Notice of Long Beach encampment clearing On 8/19-8/20 this area will be cleared of all debris by the city of Long Beach. All personal belongings should be removed from the area prior to 7 a.m., a sign posted at the park read. Video showed City Services and Police Department personnel beginning to clear the park around 9 a.m. Long Beach Homeless Services Bureau Manager Paul Duncan said the city plans to build a fence around the park later Monday to keep the camp from being rebuilt. Regardless of a persons housing status people should be able to use our public facilities, Duncan said. City officials said the homeless in the area will be contacted with available resources, but those who refuse to leave could be cited and arrested. A man who had been kicked off the park grounds could be heard yelling as KTLAs Annie Rose Ramos interviewed Duncan during the Morning News. We know that people need a place to stay, Duncan said about the volatile situation. Our hope is that we can get to a point where we have a conversation and that it doesnt lead to a situation where it escalates Yes, we are able to have citations and arrests but our goal is for everybody to remain safe and for us to peacefully resolve this, Mayor Rex Richardson said last week that officials are cautious about what camps to clear. This is only in the most extreme circumstances. These are when chronic encampments in our parks, beaches and libraries are really a threat to public health or accessibility But lets be very clear. This is not a solution to homelessness, Richardson said. The citys response follows multiple warnings by Gov. Gavin Newsom that local officials must act or face consequences. If we dont see demonstrable results Ill start to redirect money And that will start in January with the January budget, Newsom said in Los Angeles on Aug. 8. Newsoms more aggressive approach to the issue follows a June Supreme Court ruling allowing counties and cities to enforce laws restricting homeless people from sleeping or camping in public spaces, even if shelter spaces arent available. No more excuses. Weve provided the time. Weve provided the funds. Now its time for locals to do their job, Newsom posted on X, formerly Twitter, after issuing an executive order to remove encampments in July. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) A new study uses information reported by the National Centers for Environmental Information, including the number of tornadoes per 1000 square miles and the number of direct and indirect deaths, to calculate the top ten most deadly states for tornadoes. The study was conducted by Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, personal injury attorneys who examined state-wide data that was obtained from Jan. 2019 until May 2024. Only tornadoes rated EF2 and above, with wind speeds of more than 111 miles per hour, were calculated in the studys figures. The study found that Mississippi was the worst state for twisters, with 13 tornadoes per 1000 square miles and 41 direct and indirect deaths and 428 direct injuries resulting from the tornadoes. Mississippi had a total of 96 EF2 or stronger tornadoes between 2019 and May of 2024. The top five states that are safest from tornadoes are Hawaii, Alaska, Maine, Nevada, and Utah. Arkansas ranked second worst in the nation, with 7 direct and indirect deaths from tornadoes between 2019 and 2024. Thirty-six Arkansas tornadoes were rated at EF2 or higher. There were 155 direct injuries and 7 direct and indirect deaths. Louisiana ranked 7th on the list with 15 direct and indirect deaths and a total of 45 EF2 or stronger tornadoes from 2019 until May 2024. Where does Texas rank on the list? NowhereTexas isnt on the top ten list of the deadliest U.S. states for twisters. Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Iowa, South Carolina, and Ohio also made the top ten list. Mike Montesi, Managing Partner at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, said that 2024 has been the worst year for severe active weather since 2011. There were more than 1000 tornadoes across the nation in just the first half of the year. Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia have been named the most dangerous, he said. Its interesting to note that Texas has not been named among the worst states. Despite typically seeing more tornadoes than other states, with 686 being recorded from January 2019 to May 2024, Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. Therefore, the events taking place are more spread out per 1,000 square miles and EF2 twisters are fewer per 100,000 people. To learn how to stay safe during a tornado, visit ready.gov/tornadoes Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. County election officials attend a training at the South Carolina Election Commission office in Columbia on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 (Provided by the South Carolina Election Commission) COLUMBIA Less than two weeks into his role as interim election director of Aiken County, Michael Bond was running his first election. The countys longtime elections director, Cynthia Holland, retired effective May 23. There was a special election in the first week of June. Then the statewide primaries the next week. At the end of May, Bond realized school district lines had changed, and he had to update voter rolls, too. I kind of thrive in challenging environments, but you know, 80-plus hours every week for extended periods of time, because we had back-to-back elections so often here, it kind of takes its toll after a while, he said. Bond had just two other staffers in an office serving over 100,000 registered voters in the states 11th most populous county. Poll workers were hard to come by during graduation season, and some dropped out the day of the election. His few staffers were exhausted, he said. Still, Bond made it work with some help from the state Election Commission. State employees came in to train poll workers, answered phones in the election office and even helped run the polls. He didnt last much longer. After 13 years in the election office, Bond resigned, effective Aug. 9. He said he was leaving partly due to health issues but also frustration over the lack of staff. Weve begged for years to increase our staff so people would have experience under their belts instead of getting thrown into the mix as a temporary employee just before elections, he said. Now, just two months away from early voting in South Carolina for the contest that will decide the president, Aiken County is on its third election director and second interim election director this year. Turnover is the norm Heading into November with a new election director is the rule, not the exception, for South Carolina counties. About 80% of directors have been hired since 2021 as counties struggle to retain experienced staff. Workers receive training at the Charleston County Board of Elections and Voter Registration headquarters in North Charleston in October 2023, ahead of early voting for Charlestons elections in November. (Provided by Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections) A lot of election officials are having to deal with, frankly, a lot more stress, a lot more criticism and a lot more scrutiny, said South Carolina Election Commission Director Howard Knapp. A lot of people, obviously, have said, Its not worth it. The pay is not worth putting up with all this. And thats not me saying that. Thats county directors telling me that, he continued, This aint worth it anymore.' Stress and harassment have ramped up since the 2020 election, Knapp said. The pay has not kept pace. Although it is only one issue feeding into the turnover, Knapp and others think more consistent pay could help keep experienced election workers for the future. Many county election directors make less than the 2023 state average wage of just over $54,000, with little consistency across counties. Some directors make less than $40,000, others more than $90,000. Pay tends to be lower in smaller counties, but not always. Bamberg County pays almost $18,000 more than Union County for about half the number of registered voters. It is hard to find any statewide trends, as no organization has fully up-to-date information on what election directors in South Carolina are paid. The state Election Commission provided the SC Daily Gazette with a list of what each county pays. But the data is out of date in some places. Ethics disclosures required annually for public officials, which include their state-paid salaries, fill the gap in some cases. However, given the heavy turnover in many offices, directors who have been in office for just a few months dont yet have to file the form, called a statement of economic interest, with the state Ethics Commission. The state organization of election officials does not track director pay. Even with limited data, though, the wide range is clear: The highest paid director in the state makes close to four times more than the lowest-paid directors. Regardless of what theyre paid, their roles in elections are the same. Their oversight duties include updating voter information when addresses or district lines change, recruiting poll workers, finding polling locations, communicating with the public, programming voting equipment, keeping up with state education requirements, managing the office budget and, of course, running voting not only on Election Day but also for early, absentee and overseas voters. The resources to do all of this comes from the county, even though the county does not directly oversee the office, a situation that Knapp said can cause tensions. The county election director is appointed by a county board of elections, which in turn is appointed by the governor based on the countys legislative delegation recommendations. It is a convoluted system for which there is no straight answer, and it requires cooperation good faith cooperation on everyones part, Knapp said. Election directors also do not receive a state stipend to the salary from the county, unlike other local government positions such as sheriffs and clerks of court. Where there are gaps in resources, the state Commission tries to step in to fill them. I cant control their pay. I cant control their office environment, and I cant control whether they want to leave or not. But I can help control the resources they may have at their disposal, Knapp said of election directors. That was what Knapp tried to do in Aiken County after Bond asked for state help. Bond had worked as an assistant to Holland, the past election director, for 13 years. (Holland has since been indicted for on accusations of defrauding Social Security. She has pleaded not guilty and it does not appear the charges have anything to do with her official position.) Bond, 48, was a combat engineer in the Army, reaching the rank of specialist, before being injured and having to leave the military. Now using a wheelchair, he said he could no longer do outdoor work. He went to college, studied political science, and found work in elections. I wasnt able to finish my military career, and I felt like this was a way I could serve, he said. Holland made $71,000. That was what Bond said he expected when he stepped into the new role. Instead, he got a $10,000 raise that bumped his salary to $64,000. Bond said the pay increase would have been nice, but that wasnt why he decided to leave. Ive never really been in this for the money, he said. Replacing him as interim director is Judy Justice, a former poll worker and clerk, Blanche Wimberly, chair of the Aiken County board, told the Gazette last week. The board is interviewing permanent replacements this week, and Wimberly said she was not sure when the county would have a new director. The job listing had a start date of Sept. 15, one month ahead of early voting for the general election. Asked what advice he would give his replacement, Bond said, Be ready to have a love for the job, because I think most people either like it or they dont. I dont think theres much gray area. The lone person left That love-it-or-hate-it attitude was how Dana Burden felt, too. Burden stepped in as election director for Saluda County on Jan. 22 the first day of early voting for Democrats presidential primary. Burden was literally the only person left in the office, as the last director and assistant had both recently resigned, leaving the office closed illegally for several days in early January. Luckily Burden, 50, did have some experience. She had run the office from 2013 to 2017 before leaving due to personal reasons, including health challenges. My board (of elections) came in, they rotated out, they would come in and answer the phones for me, she said. When I was the director the first time, we didnt have early voting. That was something new since I left. Burden is also a certified dental assistant, and she worked in dentistry before being asked to return to the county. The state provided a strong training program, though, and she had prior experience to help her get up to speed. Saluda County is a small county, so we have 13 precincts. We have approximately 12,000 registered voters, Burden said. Its not like going to Richland County, but we still have to do the same work Richland County does just in smaller quantities. When she left, Burden said the pay was about $30,000 or a little less. Now it is $45,000, which she said isnt great but better than what past directors were paid. Increasing pay could help with retention, she said, but it was not the only factor in people leaving. Your name could be plastered across every media outlet there is because something went terribly wrong. When something goes terribly right, they dont mention it, she said. For elections, you dont get a dress rehearsal. Its do or die. That level of perfection, and the range of skills, makes election directors well qualified for a number of potentially better compensated roles in government, said Isaac Cramer, which makes it easy for them to leave. Cramer, 35, has been the director of Charleston County elections for the last three years and worked in the office for the last decade. He is also the current president of the South Carolina Association of Registration and Election, the statewide advocacy organization for election workers. Like other directors, Cramer stumbled into election work in his case, after several years working on electoral campaigns. But he has a passion for it and thinks the work needs greater recognition by counties and the state. When he became the director in Charleston, Cramer said, some of his staff had customer service job titles even though they were in very technical roles. Across election offices, pay grades and job titles have not been brought up to the 21st century, he said. State supplement? Cramer is also almost certainly the highest paid election director in the state at just under $140,000, according to a list of Charleston County employee salaries from last July. He argues that election officials are department heads, in line with a deputy county administrator, and should be compensated as such. One way to do this, Carmer thinks, would be for the state to introduce a salary supplement like those provided to other county officials. Knapp, the state election director, also thinks a salary supplement could help retention. Rep. Brandon Newton, R-Lancaster, introduced a bill in January to do exactly that. The bill went nowhere but he plans to try again next year. Although Newton does not have an exact number, he thinks somewhere in the range of $10-15,000 would be about right. Thats a massive pay bump for the people of those offices, he said, especially in smaller rural counties. Still, pay is only part of the issue. So is understaffing and the sheer number of elections that counties can be responsible for, Newton thinks. And when people do leave, a lot of institutional knowledge is lost. These counties that have only one employee, who is the director, in the entire office, when that person leaves you lose all knowledge in that office, Newton said. And so you are starting from scratch. Press Release August 19, 2024 SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Transcript (Sen Nancy Q&A) ON ELCAC... SNBA: Can we just get an update on the implementation of the NTFELCAC yung barangay assistance for cleared barangays. Dir. Lita: For the support to barangay program... SNBA: Siguro Director Lita, this programs was started 2020, 2021? Anong barangay... Dir. Lita: Initially madam chair (audio cut) for 2021 appropriation which we have 16.4 billion it has been fully released of which 15.9 billion has been reported comprising of 2144 completed and 53 ongoing projects equivalent to 97 percent of the released. SNBA: Pero 15 percent lang ang may actual na completion ng project tama ba? Dir. Lita: Hindi po. For the physical accomplishment 15.9 of the 16.4 billion SNBAL: 99 percent na. Yung 2021 na cleared barangay halos tapos na. Meron ba kayong photos. Dir. Lita: NTF ELCAC will provide. SNBA: Proceed Dir. Lita: For the 2022 appropriation of 5.6 billion, this was already fully released of which 5.6 billion has been reported with physical accomplishment comprising 1693 completed and 17 ongoing projects equivalent to 99.4% of released SBDP. In 2023 appropriation of 6.3 billion was released to the LGUs except for one project in one barangay due to an issue in jurisdiction. The corrected revised project of the remaining barangays are yet to be endorsed by the NTFELCAC to DBM 4.9 billion has been reported with physical accomplishment comprising 780 completed and 336 ongoing projects so the equivalent accomplishment is 77.2% of the released SBDP. For 2024 appropriation of 2.4 billion was already released to beneficiary LGUs 835 projects are in preprocurement stage while 50 projects are under procurement while the remaining balance of 22.5 million covering compliant projects of beneficiary barangays in region 11 is being processed by the DBM. SNBA: Di ba you mentioned kanina na may portion dito na na lagay sa unprogrammed? Dir. Lita: Yes madam chair for the 2024 national expenditure program, we have actually proposed 8.64 billion however only 2.14 billion was provided under the 2024 GAA under the programmed appropriaton the remaining amount was transferred to the unprogrammed appropriation amounting to 6.48 billion pesos. SNBA: Same barangays Dir. Lita: Considering the special provision under that programmed appropriation, the 2.14 billion was distributed to the 864 barangays. Instead of 10 million each, they only got 2.5 million each barangay. SNBA: But for this year's budget kukumpletuhin niyo yung 7.5? Dir. Lita: For this year there's a request from the NTF ELCAC to use the unprogrammed appropriations but we are still awaiting for the processing of the unprogrammed appropriations. SNBA: So may possibility na makuha pa rin nila ito this year? Dir. Lita: Depending on the certification that will be issued by the BTR for the excess revenue collections. SNBA: But the likelihood of the release? Sec Pangandaman: We will wait po for the certification. SNBA: Kasi parang magkakaroon ng ano di ba. Assuming na marelease sya this year pero kinarry over niyo na... Dir. Lita: Ibang barangay naman po ang magiging beneficiaries for the 2025 appropriations so bale 780 barangays will be the beneficiary of the 7.8 billion. SNBA: Can you submit to the committee the listing of barangays and are we following the same menu? Dir. Lita: Actually the listing of the barangays and the specific project for each barangay is already included in the NEP annex. We will provide the committee with such list. ---------------------------- ON MMDA... SNBA: During the briefing last week namention ko yung commitment fees. Can we get an update. Chair Artes: Meron po kaming World Bank AIIB funded project yung minimization of solid waste in waterways which is component 2 noong loan po na iyon. Yung approved appropriations po for MMDA is 2.59 billion out of which ang naobligate po natin ay 1.5 billion ang disbursement po natin at nasa 1.1 billion... SNBA: Based on COA findings may unimplemented, partially implemented, delayed implementation of metro manila flood management project phase 1 and nagincur ito ng commitment fees. In fact out of the 58 projects, 22 were not completed within the contract time... Chair Artes: The cause of the delay is the pandemic po. Almost 3 years po na nagkaroon ng delay ng implemtentation ng project under world bank. Pero based po sa assessment ng world bank aiib, maganda naman po ang nakuha nating rating sa kanila and based on our performance, naextend pa naman po for two years ang loan dahil nga po nagkaroon ng delay sa implementation due to pandemic. SNBA: Pero based po sa report hindi due to pandemic. Sabi dito due to poor strategies in monitoring and implementation of programs and projects. Chair Artes: May ilang projects po kasi jan na hindi na itinuloy for various reasons. Inabandon na po. Pero ilan lang po iyon madam chair. SNBA: Can you just submit to the committee and ano yung implication nito sa loan natin... Chair Artes: Basically iextend po ang loan for the remaining amount and based on the remaining amount nagsubmit din po tayo ng program, catch up plan, gagamitin natin ang remaining funds for the construction of isang centralized MRF, satellite MRFS at yun pong drainage masterplan an pagtutulungan po naming ng DPWH. SNBA: How do we stop the bleeding of commitment fees for this project? Chair Artes: We submitted naman po program and project implementation plan which was approved by world bank and in fact based on our submission the loan will be extended for another 2 years. SNBA: Thank you. Yun lang let us be conscious na everytime we delay implementation nagkakaroon tayo ng commitment fees. Chair Artes: Yes your honors and infact nilimit na po naming yung project na pinaplano na high impact pero can be completed during the extension period. SNBA: Yung masterplan na binabanggit niyo ano sya loan? Chair Artes: Kasama po. it will be funded through this particular loan. SNBA: SO part ng loan ang masterplan Chair Artes: The fund po will come from the loan SNBA: Ito namang pasig ferry nyo there is an increase in the budget. Can you explain... Chair Artes: Substantially po ang breakdown po nyan ay rehabilitation ng mga existing ferry stations at masyado na po stilted ang mga areas surrounding mga station sna pag nagkaroon ng low tide hindi makadock ang mga ferry at may mga daan na pag low tide hindi makadaan ang atin mga bangka. Kailangan na po i-desilt... SNBA: Ano magiging strategy niiyo sa desilting? Chair Artes: Nagstart na rin po kami. We were able to procure some procurements. May mga areas na po na by administration ang ginagawa natin. Ito po para magamit ang mga stations inuunti unti natin. Pero di po sapat ang equipment natin pero yan na rin po ang direction. In fact we are getting our information from Marikina city na by administration na rin po ang kanilang desilting projects. SNBA: So hindi sya narereuse? (the debris)... Chair Artes: Depende po sa siltation madam chair pag po talaga yung putik o burak for disposal na sya. pero may programa po tayo sa mga recyclable at reusable like meron po tayong brick making facility sa ating mga pumping station. Yung mga plastic waste sinasama natin sa paggawa ng eco bricks. yun naman pong water hyacinth dalawa ang facilities natin na gumagawa ng lilypot at charcoal briquette. By Toru Ichikawa, KYODO NEWS - Aug 19, 2024 - 11:02 | Feature, All, Japan Some Japanese firms have begun to actively hire people with developmental and mental disabilities as they embrace the concept of "neurodiversity," which places emphasis on the different ways people's brains work. While companies must take into consideration tasks that such employees may struggle with, they can also make use of their unique talents in fields such as information technology and digital transformation. Amid a labor shortage, this approach creates a positive cycle where companies gain new talent, and individuals are able to contribute to society in a work environment that suits them. "They are people who love IT, so they become totally immersed in it," said, Kenta Awatari, president of JGC Parallel Technologies Inc., who set up the company in 2021 in Yokohama, near Tokyo. "If there is no unnecessary pressure, these people excel," he said. A subsidiary of global engineering company JGC Holdings Corp., it handles IT-related tasks for various companies within the JGC Group. Around 90 percent of the company's 37 employees have developmental or mental disabilities. Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in brain and neurological function should be respected and utilized within society, Awatari said. The company finds creative ways to work with these differences. A key consideration is that tasks such employees take on should be "important but not urgent," allowing them to work at their own pace without strict deadlines, Awatari explained. Taking into account individual sensitivities, such as difficulties with commuting, crowded places, or sensitivity to light and sound, the company has implemented a fully remote work system. Tasks are generally assigned individually rather than in teams, to avoid any negative comparisons with others that might affect some employees. The company's approach has helped solve challenges within the JGC Group, and they plan to continue hiring at a rate of 10 employees per year. Employees at such companies have also expressed appreciation for the working environment. "I don't take criticism well, and when I get depressed, it drags me down for a long time. That's why I didn't do well at my previous company, but now it's very easy to work here," Yuki Wakamiya, 28, an IT engineer at Ezaki Glico Co. based in Osaka, said. Yuki Wakamiya (L), an IT engineer at Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd., talks with his supervisor on July 5, 2024, in Osaka. (Kyodo) Wakamiya majored in information engineering in graduate school. He worked for a software company, but was diagnosed last year with "dysthymia," a persistent depressive disorder due to his dislike of being spoken to in harsh tones. He holds a certificate identifying him as a person with a mental disability. Glico has set up a weekly meeting at Wakamiya's discretion where he can consult with his supervisor. "Engineers are only as good as their skills. Even though (Wakiyama) has a disability, it is not a problem because he is a skilled engineer," his supervisor said. Neuro Dive, a labor transition support office for people with disabilities specializing in advanced IT work, aims to help people acquire highly specialized skills in fields such as AI, machine learning, data science and find employment for them as well. It is run by Persol Holdings Co., a major recruiting firm, which operates in five locations, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Another field in which such hires are being made is digital transformation (DX), which promotes integration of digital technologies. More than 90 people have been employed since the business started in 2019. Most of the neurodiversity hires are in positions that utilize IT skills, such as data analysis and AI engineering. Photo taken in June 2024 shows a Neuro Dive office in Tokyo, which supports employment for people with disabilities. (Kyodo) Related coverage: FEATURE: Nagasaki anti-nuke sit-ins take on new gravity as threat grows FEATURE: Japan's orange juice makers facing the squeeze as supply dries up FEATURE: Gacha capsule toy business booms in Japan, with sights set abroad A pharmacy technician fills a container with pills to put into a drug dispensing machine for an automated line at a pharmacy in Midvale, Utah. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) A pharmacy technician fills a container with pills to put into a drug dispensing machine for an automated line at a pharmacy in Midvale, Utah. As prescription drug prices continue to rise, states increasingly have been turning to lawsuits to fight the power of pharmacy benefit managers the middlemen in the drug supply chain. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) Last month, the Federal Trade Commission released a scathing report suggesting that pharmacy benefit managers, the middlemen in the drug supply chain known as PBMs, are profiting by inflating drug costs and squeezing Main Street pharmacies. The FTC found that because of consolidation in the industry, the three largest PBMs now manage nearly 80% of all prescriptions filled in the United States. PBMs use that power, the agency concluded, to raise drug prices, control patients access to them, and steer people away from independent pharmacies and toward the pharmacies they own. A week after the FTC released its report, Vermont filed a lawsuit against CVS, Evernorth Health Services (a subsidiary of insurance giant Cigna) and nearly two dozen affiliated entities, claiming they have distorted the market to their benefit at the expense of Vermont patients and the state. The PBMs, the suit claims, are driving up drug prices and foreclosing patients access to life-sustaining treatments in order to increase their profits. Vermont was the first state to file a lawsuit specifically citing the FTC report, but it probably wont be the last. States increasingly have been turning to lawsuits against PBMs in their drive to lower prescription drug prices. Theyve done so partly because of the barriers theyve faced in trying to address the problem through legislation, including fierce lobbying by PBMs and a federal law that prevents them from helping the two-thirds of Americans who get their health coverage through their employers and so-called self-funded plans. In taking their fight to courthouses, states also are turning the tables on corporations that have used lawsuits to block legislative attempts at regulation. Pharmaceutical companies themselves have a scorched-earth policy towards any legislative or regulatory changes. In other words, the industry will throw every claim it can think of at the states to try to block implementation of the law, said Robin Feldman, a professor at UC Law San Francisco and an expert on pharmaceutical law. State legislators and policymakers have decided that if [their laws] are going to end up in court, perhaps they might have their own claims to bring, Feldman told Stateline. In the past couple of years, Arizona, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Utah have sued PBMs, and complaints from dozens of states and municipalities across the country have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation in New Jersey. And in June, 32 state attorneys general and five pharmacist trade groups joined a lawsuit in support of an Oklahoma law that would place tough new regulations on PBMs but which the companies have blocked in court. Illinois Democratic state Sen. Laura Fine, who serves on the Health and Human Services Committee and has pushed for new regulations on health care companies, said she has been frustrated by the limitations of legislation. Im glad that we have attorneys general who will take on these issues and these causes on behalf of the people in our state, Fine told Stateline. I think its an important tool in the toolbox for everyone to know that if we cannot accomplish what needs to get done, we have our attorneys general behind us to make sure that they can be out there to protect the consumer. Major players As intermediaries in the drug supply chain, PBMs determine which drugs are available under a persons insurance plan, set copayments and decide how much pharmacies must pay to acquire drugs. The PBMs argue that they use their bargaining power to negotiate lower drug prices for consumers and pharmacists. They blame drug manufacturers often known as Big Pharma for prices that are higher in the United States than anywhere else. Greg Lopes, vice president of public affairs and communications for the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, a trade association representing PBMs, wrote in an email to Stateline that any notion that PBMs are increasing prescription drug costs is patently false. Employers choose to hire PBMs because they have a proven track record of lowering drug costs for health plan sponsors, which translates to lower premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs for patients, Lopes wrote. PBMs protect the ability of employers to offer quality health coverage by serving as the only check against Big Pharmas unlimited pricing power. David Winthrop, vice president of external affairs at CVS Health, which owns the PBM CVS Caremark, said the company is proud of the work we do to make medicine more affordable for American businesses, unions and patients. Any policies that would limit PBM negotiating tools would instead serve as a handout to the pharmaceutical industry, leaving those who pay for prescription drugs at the mercy of the prices drugmakers set, Winthrop said. The Federal Trade Commission sees the problem differently. It notes in its report that CVS Caremark is among the three major players that dominate the PBM landscape, along with Express Scripts and Optum Rx. Express Scripts is a subsidiary of Cigna, and Optum Rx is owned by UnitedHealth. Together, the FTC asserts, the three companies use their supremacy to wield enormous power and influence over patients access to drugs and the prices they pay. This can have dire consequences for Americans, with nearly three in ten surveyed Americans reporting rationing or even skipping doses of their prescribed medicines due to high costs, the FTC report states. The agency also notes that PBMs harm independent pharmacies, who struggle to navigate contractual terms imposed by PBMs that they find confusing, unfair, arbitrary, and harmful to their businesses. Between 2013 and 2022, the report states, about 10% of independent retail pharmacies in rural America closed. Health plans and PBMs are often just trying to protect the status quo as it remains today, for obvious reasons, because the environment has benefited them significantly, said Antonio Ciaccia, CEO of 46brooklyn Research, a nonprofit that studies drug pricing data. Daniel Aaron, an associate professor at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah who specializes in health care policy, pointed out that pursuing litigation allows states to sidestep PBMs lobbying power in legislatures. Aaron argued that legislation and litigation can work in tandem. Lawsuits can actually help form policy, Aaron said in an interview. And because these lawsuits attract a lot of attention and capture the public interest and expose a lot of documents, they can actually buttress policymaking and attract even more public attention. He also noted that by taking on unpopular defendants, state attorneys general can raise their political profiles and many of them aspire to be governors. Ben Widlanski, the co-lead attorney in a lawsuit involving insulin prices, agreed that lawsuits are valuable because they shine a light on companies conduct in a way that state and federal regulators have been unable to do. Because theres not a lot of oversight and because the government agencies responsible for it have not really been doing their jobs for a very long time, the only immediate response that has any chance of making a difference is litigation, said Widlanski, a partner at Florida-based Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton. In suing large corporations, state attorneys general often hire outside law firms on a contingency fee basis. The limits of litigation Aaron said successful lawsuits can hold parties accountable, at least in theory, for illegal conduct and for causing harm. It can increase the cost of engaging in illegal conduct by making that conduct more expensive. Im not going to say that lawsuits dont have any impact. But they dont have nearly the impact as what legislative change would have. Ron Howrigon, president and CEO of Fulcrum Strategies and former Cigna executive But Ron Howrigon, a former Cigna executive, cautioned that using litigation to rein in deep-pocketed corporations isnt as effective as enacting strong laws however difficult that might be. Howrigon said many large health corporations consider expensive legal settlements to be merely the cost of doing business. I dont think theyre really necessarily worried that the individual litigation is something thats going to shut it down, said Howrigon, who is now president and CEO of Fulcrum Strategies, a firm specializing in insurance contracts. As a friend of mine put it, its putting Band-Aids on bullet wounds. What health care corporations are really scared of, Howrigon said, are sweeping policy changes. If Im an insurance company, Id much rather pay millions of dollars in fines than have a new law that I have to comply with going forward, he said. So, Im not going to say that lawsuits dont have any impact. But they dont have nearly the impact as what legislative change would have. Stateline originally published this article. Like the Alaska Beacon, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST A 45-year-old man -- already serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for possessing child sexual abuse material -- was sentenced last week to 10 years in state prison for sexually abusing a child. Clayton McBryde appeared Wednesday before District Judge John McClendon in the 137th District Court and pleaded guilty to a count of sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony that carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison. He was initially charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child. As part of a deal with the Lubbock County District Attorney's Office, McBryde pleaded guilty to a lesser-included count of sexual assault of a child and the remaining counts were dismissed. His sentence will run concurrent with a 20-year prison sentence U.S. District Judge James Hendrix handed him in May 2022 for possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. His charges stems from a Lubbock police investigation that began in February 2020, when the Lubbock police received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an email address associated with McBryde uploaded at least one video of child sexual abuse material to a social media site. Three months later, unrelated to the child porn investigation, a 14-year-old girl made an outcry that McBryde sexually assaulted her about two years before. Clayton McBryde The girl described multiple episodes of abuse to a forensic interview. In one episode, the girl said McBryde got drunk and began touching her inappropriately before trying to rape her when she was 12. However, she was able to escape him. When the girl got a cell phone, McBryde began sending her inappropriate messages and forced her send him naked images of herself. He also sent her videos of fathers raping their children and told her to summarize them. In March 2020, he sexually assaulted her. A month later, he raped her. A sexual assault examining nurse found injuries on the girl's genitals that were consistent with her outcry. She said McBryde threatened to hurt her mother if she told anyone about the abuse. The girl's younger sister also made an outcry of abuse against McBryde, saying he made her lay down next to him "to help him sleep" and touched her inappropriately. Other family members described McBryde as a "tyrannical dictator, who violently spanked his children with a paddle, leaving bruises; demeaned the members of his household; and jealously guarded and lorded his financial power over the family," court records state. Police obtained a warrant for McBryde's arrest in September 2020. He was booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center and was released on bond three days later. As Lubbock police investigated the sexual assault charges, they searched McBryde's computer and found a folder that contained an image of a prepubescent girl engaging in a sexual act. A month later, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against him on the child pornography charges. Court records show he was arrested on the federal charges in April 2021 in Indiana. Five months later he pleaded guilty to the charge and faced a maximum of 20 years in prison. In the May 2022 federal sentencing hearing, Hendrix called McBryde a violent and tyrannical man "who clearly has a sexual interest in children. Clayton McBryde, 45, is escorted out of the 137th District Court after he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a teeange girl. "And you acted on it time and again. (This) is one of the worst cases of actual abuse that (the court has) seen. (The victims), after this kind of abuse, theyre going to serve a life sentence. Theyre going to have to deal with this for the rest of their life. You get 20 years." Federal court documents show Hendrix ordered McBryde's sentence to run concurrently with any sentence he receives in the state-level cases. McClendon told McBryde that after serving his sentence, he would have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock man sentenced in 2020 child sexual abuse case There are plenty of people who claim, usually to convince themselves as much as others, that they have the best job in the world. Paul Duckworth is another one. But hes adamant. It is, though. Its every young lads idea of heaven. Think about it: we get paid to spend our time on a beautiful beach every day, just blowing stuff up, he says, with a grin. And the best thing is were actually making the public safer by doing it. Steve Aldred and Dan Field, Duckworths two colleagues from Brimstone, an unexploded ordnance (UXO) risk management company, could not agree more. All three men are former military. Aldred is 66. He was supposed to retire last year. But I just thought, why would I, when I get to do this? As we bobble in a dark Ford Ranger pickup across Cowden Sands, a vast three-mile beach on the Holderness coast of East Yorkshire, their argument is difficult to dispute. On this clement midweek morning, the North Sea is an inviting teal. The sands are smooth and vacant. In the water, a seal watches us with indifference. Welcome to the office, Duckworth, 63, says from the drivers seat. He draws a hand across the view. See what we mean? Idyllic as it seems, the beach contains a secret and its increasingly bad at hiding it. For around six decades, between 1940 and the late 1990s, this 275-hectare patch of the East Riding was a key plank in our military defences, initially as a tank range and infantry training base, then as RAF Cowden, a bombing range used by the British Army, RAF, Royal Navy, Special Forces and Home Guard, as well as other Nato countries. Cowden's beach is eroding at the rate of 5 metres a year, which is making the leftover ammunition more visible - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian By the time the range closed in 1998, it was estimated that over 2.5 million ammunition items were expended during its time in operation. In addition to moving tank targets on railways, static targets for RAF planes were set up on the cliff tops and at sea for aircraft among them Phantoms, Buccaneers, Harriers, Hawker Hunters, Vulcans and American A-10 Thunderbolts to practise with. At the time the ammunition was dropped, the targets were set well back from the cliff, or well out at sea. Yet coastal erosion, which nibbles the cliffs at a rate of around 5 metres per year here, now means more than half a million bombs are being unearthed and exposed to the public, who are free to use the beach as they please. Using the bombing ranges, the military had more pressing concerns than to think about what would one day happen to all that ordnance. (Those left out at sea are another matter entirely.) Some of the bombs they dropped exploded on impact, as desired. Some were just props, inert but potentially with small charge. And some may yet go off after so many years, it is difficult to know. But they are all potentially very dangerous. And that, Duckworth says, is the issue. Coastal erosion has left more than half a million bombs exposed to the public - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian For two decades, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) employed specialist military bomb disposal teams to start clearing RAF Cowden. Among them, for six years, was Duckworth, formerly RAF chief technician of 5131 Bomb Disposal Squadron and a veteran of Iraq and Kosovo. Budget cuts bit, however, so in 2021 Brimstone was awarded a 1.5 million contract to remove the ordnance the first private company to work with the MoD in such a way. Duckworth left the military in 2004 and set up a business, but he leapt at the chance to restart his old job, albeit in the private sector. In three and a half years, he and his team have removed a lot of bombs. I can tell you exactly how many, Duckworth says, in his portacabin office next to the now derelict RAF Cowden buildings. He nods to Field, 39, a former Royal Engineer, who has the figures on a screen in front of him. 198,627, so quite a lot. Thats 138 tonnes of ordnance since weve been here. So how many are left? Oh, God, a lot. Hundreds of thousands. But with the weather and tides, they can get covered up by sand for ages. We can go three months driving up and down the beach without seeing any, but then one storm can unearth a decades worth of work. That is what Duckworths team do each day, come rain or shine: drive along the public beach and remove what they can. Anything that might be dangerous, they blow up with plastic explosives. At the entrance to the beach, we pass a huge sign making clear the risks. DANGER: Unexploded ordnance on this beach. It may explode and kill you. Do not approach or touch any military or unidentified objects, it reads. Warning signs hold little sway with those determined to explore the area and see if they can find ordnance themselves - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian Cant get any plainer, can it? Unfortunately, theres always a nucleus of idiots, Duckworth says. Locals remember playing with the 12kg rusty 20th-century practice bombs, which really do litter the beach by the dozen, clumped around the former targets (this is where the teams begin their work each day) and sticking out of the cliffs like the fruit in a block of rum and raisin. They receive reports, either from local witnesses or the police, of people taking bombs off the beach almost weekly. Some of the worst offenders are the historical collectors. Aldred, also an RAF veteran who worked in bomb disposal, once saw some live shells kept under a bed in a caravan. Its absolutely mad People just dont know what theyre picking up. Other members of the public are the opposite and ring the police as soon as they arrive on the beach, panicking that they have seen a bomb. Duckworth had a call to that end yesterday and the day before. But hed rather those than anything graver. Steve Aldred, an RAF veteran who worked in bomb disposal, has delayed his retirement to continue his work at Brimstone - Lorne CampbellG/uzelian Given there were at once scores of military target ranges around the British Isles, Brimstones near-Sisyphean task could, in theory, be one that has to be repeated all over the country especially if coastal erosion continues to increase dramatically with climate change. But it wouldnt be worse than here, this is a special case, Duckworth says. The sheer speed at which these clay cliffs are disappearing and emptying of their mysteries is remarkable. Its a hell of a task, Duckworth says, picking through the small bombs, which are about the size of rugby balls but as heavy as a well-fed dachshund. Most are inert. But its in among all these we might get a nasty one, like an unexploded WW1 shell. Theyd cause a problem if a member of the public came and picked one of those up, itd be pretty disastrous. So when we find one of those, we blow them up on the spot. Mercifully there has never been an incident at Cowden. Its very satisfying, but sometimes its a bit sad to have to destroy something historically significant. Brimston had exploded 198,627 pieces of ordnance before Guy Kelly arrived with his help, it became 198,667 pieces - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian In the back of Duckworths Ford Ranger today is a box containing 5kg of plastic explosive. That ought to take out about 40-odd bombs, so Aldred and Field set to work lining them up in rows, then laying the cream-coloured explosive which feels like Play-Doh over each, delicately pinching the edge to stretch it out. Its like forming a pie crust. They could do more, and sometimes do, but keeping the explosions small-ish doesnt disturb (or alarm) locals or wildlife too much. I imagined a kind of heap of bombs, then a stick of dynamite thrown on like a cartoon. Nah, it wouldnt work as well. Trust me, weve tried every way you could ever think of. This is the most effective and efficient, Field says. Click here to view this content. A few minutes later, after the bombs have been neatly strung together with explosive and charge, red flags go up on either end of the beach, to signal a controlled explosion is about to happen. Sentries stand guard to stop the public encroaching. We all retreat 200 metres. Silence descends. Walkie talkies are switched on. Clear is given by all. Buttons are pushed and then, with a sharp whip-crack that echoes all around the coast and a car-sized fiery blast emanating from the pie crust, the bombs are suddenly neutralised. Wow, I think you pushed the buttons too hard, Aldred quips, taking back the controller. He titters. Military humour is partly why he loves this. Guy Kelly is shown the controls before he presses buttons and makes things explode - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian Returning to the blast site, Duckworth finds now-safe explosive charges within minutes. They could have gone off at some point. It is never worth the risk of leaving it. We are the litter pickers of war, Field says, as we load up the back of the pickup with the waste left from the explosion, which will be safely disposed of elsewhere. Duckworth reiterates his essential message. Its a public beach, everybody should enjoy it, but just leave this stuff alone, do not handle it, do not touch it, and enjoy your holidays. Our presence here, daily, is a deterrent, but people just need to know we know [the bombs] are here, and were dealing with them. They are; slowly, slowly. Back in his RAF days, Duckworth and colleagues used to think itd take about 20 years to clear all the ordnance at Cowden. Well, its been 25. So I dont think Ill see the end of the job. But therell always need to be a presence here for a few years. Then there might be a lull for a decade, then the erosion will reach another target... Back in the Brimstone cabins, over a fish and chips lunch, he starts an afternoons paperwork by double-checking the teams progress, to make sure the records straight. Yep, 198,627 pieces of ordnance so far, he says, peering at his computer. Plus another 40 now, surely? Duckworth brightens. Oh yeah. Plus 40. Tomorrow, theyll chip away at the problem a little more. Only half a million or so to go. It may be the best job in the world, but nobody said it was easy. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Mysterious circumstances that preceded the sinking of billionaire Mike Lynchs yacht on Monday morning have left the internet abuzz with conspiracies. Thats because Lynchs ex-colleague and c0-defendant in a recently-closed U.S. fraud trial was fatally struck by a car on Saturdaytwo days before authorities say a tornado abruptly sunk Lynchs yacht off the coast of Sicily. Both men were acquitted following the trial. Stephen Chamberlain, the financial vice president of Autonomy during Lynchs reign as CEO, was critically injured by a car that crashed into him as he was out for a jog on Saturday. He was placed on life support but succumbed to his injuries on Monday, his attorney Gary Lincenberg confirmed. Lynch was reportedly one of 22 people aboard The Bayesian when it sunk, and it has now been reported that his former colleague Stephen Chamberlain was fatally injured just days before the accidenthttps://t.co/tcYREOfR2K pic.twitter.com/4keCH48dyQ Daily Star (@dailystar) August 19, 2024 Police in Cambridgeshire said a blue Vauxhall Corsa struck a man in his 50s, now known to be Chamberlain, ultimately killing him. Officers said the unnamed woman who struck him, aged 49, remained at the crash site. He was a courageous man with unparalleled integrity, said Lincenberg of Chamberlain. We deeply miss him. Steve fought successfully to clear his good name at trial earlier this year, and his good name now lives on through his wonderful family. Chamberlain stood trial alongside Lynch, 59, as they were charged with fraud in connection with the $11 billion sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011a case that ended with a San Francisco jury acquitting the men in June. They faced more than 20 years in federal lock up had they been convicted. Aboard Lynchs ill-fated trip in his 184-foot sailing vessel Bayesian were the attorneys whod led his defense against U.S. prosecutors. Hes now feared to be dead, along with five others who remained missing on Monday night. Divers were dispatched to the sinking site of the Bayesian. Six people, including two Americans, remained unaccounted for by Monday night. Reuters via handout That tally includes Lynchs 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, as well as one of his attorneys. Two Americans are also reportedly among the missing and another British national. Italian authorities said theyre still searching for those unaccounted for and that dive teams have been dispatched. The body of a Canadian chef has already been recovered from the vessel. A lawyer aboard the Bayesians ill fated trip was the 36-year-old Ayla Ronald, the The Telegraph reported. Her father, Lin Ronald, said the trip was to celebrate Lynchs acquittal. Among the survivors of Mondays tragedy was Lynchs wife, Angela Bacares. She told La Repubblica that she sustained abrasions to her feet during the chaos and is now unable to walk. Witnesses of the Mediterranean storm told Italian news agency ANSA that the ship was anchored in front of the port of Porticello when a tornadic waterspout formed and struck the Bayesian. The vessel sank shortly after. I was at home when the tornado hit, Pietro Asciutto, a local fisherman, told ANSA. I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very large. I saw it sink suddenly. The Bayesian, a 56-meter-long sailboat, was photographed (left) off the coast of Palermo just hours before sinking. Baia Santa Nicolicchia/Fabio La Bianca Fabio Cefalu, a trawler captain who was nearby, told the BBC that he went to where the Bayesian sunk not long after the waterspout passed. Within 10 minutes, all that remained of the vessel was a series of floating items from its deck. He said he saw no survivors in the water. Loved ones of Lynch largely havent spoken out since his disappearance, possibly in hopes that he may miraculously reappear. Some reports have described the tech billionaire, who didnt maintain a public social media presence, as admiring James Bond, building model railways, and breeding koi carp. He had a second daughter, aged 21, and six dogs, reported The Daily Mail. At the companies he ran, Lynch is said to have put his own personal stamp, indulging his penchant for James Bond, reported The Guardian on Monday. Conference rooms were reportedly named after Bond enemies, such as Dr No and Goldfinger, and Autonomy even had a piranha tank in the atrium, in a nod to the 007 caper You Only Live Twice. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Its probably fair to say that J. Michael Luttig is not a household name, but in conservative legal circles, the retired federal judge has few rivals. As Politico noted a couple of years ago, the jurist has spent much of his adult life operating at the top of the conservative legal world. As regular readers might recall, Luttig served as an attorney in the Reagan White House, a clerk for the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and one of the nations most prominent conservative judges overseeing clerks with familiar Republican names such as Ted Cruz and John Eastman. Not surprisingly, during some recent Republican administrations, Luttig was considered for the U.S. Supreme Court. In fact, when then-Vice President Mike Pence and his team weighed their legal options after the 2020 election, the retired judge was the voice they sought out. (Luttig told them to follow the law. They did.) In the years that followed, Luttig took fresh steps to distance himself from his ostensible allies on the right, becoming one of the star witnesses in the Jan. 6 committees hearings. A year ago, the retired jurist said American democracy is in grave peril because of the radicalization of GOP politics. American democracy simply cannot function without two equally healthy and equally strong political parties, Luttig said last August. So today, in my view, there is no Republican Party to counter the Democratic Party in the country. Its against this backdrop that the retired judge is also endorsing the Democratic Partys presidential nominee. CNN reported: Retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative legal scholar put on the bench by President George H.W. Bush, is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump, whose candidacy he describes as an existential threat to American democracy. It will be the first time Luttig, a veteran of two Republican administrations, has voted for a Democrat. In the presidential election of 2024 there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of Americas Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, Luttig wrote in a statement obtained by CNN. As a result, I will unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic Partys candidate for the Presidency of the United States, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. This comes on the heels of Harris also picking up support from two former Republican congresswomen: Virginias Barbara Comstock and New Yorks Susan Molinari. (When the latter was asked why shes supporting the vice president, Molinari said Harris is smart, strong, knows how to handle herself on the world stage, and is not crazy.) Two weeks ago, Republicans for Harris launched to some fanfare. The effort appears to be growing, which should probably make Trump and his team nervous. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Todays edition of quick hits. * In the Middle East: This may be the last opportunity to end Israels offensive in the Gaza Strip and free the hostages who remain held in the enclave, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Monday, leading the push for a deal given new urgency by fears of a wider regional conflict with Iran. Cease-fire talks have reached a decisive moment, Blinken said as he met with Israeli leaders on his ninth trip to the Middle East since the fighting began. * Remember him? Former Republican U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday, avoiding a trial that was set for next month on criminal charges including wire fraud, false statements, aggravated identity theft and theft of public funds. * SCOTUS news from late last week: The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a Biden administration request to implement its overhaul of regulations barring sex discrimination in education, leaving in place temporary injunctions lower courts issued that put on hold new protections for transgender students, along with other provisions. * This is an interesting story: Former University of Florida President Ben Sasse on Friday disputed allegations of inappropriate spending following reports that spending by the presidents office more than tripled after he took over as leader of the states flagship university. Sasse, who abruptly resigned from the post in July, issued a defense of his leadership in a 1,745-word message on social media, one day after Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis suggested expenditures should be probed. * The ongoing effects of Roes demise: Two women have filed complaints against two Texas hospitals for allegedly denying them treatment for ectopic pregnancies, which they say put their lives at risk and breached federal law. * An update to a story I recently wrote about: When lawyers for Elon Musks X Corp. filed an antitrust lawsuit against advertisers in the Wichita Falls division of the Northern District of Texas, the case was destined for U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor, who has several right-wing rulings to his resume. But the apparent judge-shopping was foiled Tuesday when OConnor recused himself from the case. Why did he do so? His brief filing didnt say. * Hmm: FBI agents have raided and searched the Virginia home of Dimitri Simes, an author and policy analyst, who advised Donald Trumps 2016 presidential election campaign and who currently hosts a current affairs program on Russias state-run Channel One. The raid began on 13 August, the FBI told the local Rappahannock News, which first reported the story. * A friend of mine named Rachel Maddow has a new op-ed in The New York Times that you should definitely read. See you tomorrow. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The more Donald Trump targets Kamala Harris with personal attacks, the more Republican officials try to convince the former president to try a more substantive and constructive course. So far, he has ignored the suggestions. But those hoping to steer him in a smarter direction keep trying anyway. The New York Times reported: Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, a Republican who has criticized Trump but is now supporting him, expressed frustration that Trump was attacking Harriss intelligence instead of her economic proposals. Almost any other Republican candidate would be winning this race by 10 points, he said on CNN. If you stick to the issues, if you stick to what matters, this should be an easy race for Donald Trump. It really should. Around the same time, Sen. Lindsey Graham appeared on NBC News Meet the Press and delivered a similar line. President Trump can win this election. His policies are good for America, and if you have a policy debate for president, he wins, the South Carolina Republican told host Kristen Welker. Donald Trump the provocateur, the showman, may not win this election. The intraparty pitch is entirely straightforward: Trump has a substantive advantage, the argument goes, so if he can show some message discipline and stick to policy, his candidacy will benefit accordingly. And why, pray tell, is the former president ignoring this advice? There are a few reasons, actually. Trump doesnt care about governing. In fact, he never has. (I wrote a book about this four years ago, exploring the problem in more detail.) Theres a reason the GOP candidate delivered a speech on economic policy last week that largely ignored economy policy: This guy just isnt interested in talking about substantive issues, no matter how many people urge him to care. Trump doesnt know how to talk about policy. Even if Trump could be convinced to pretend to care about governing, hed quickly run into a related problem, which is even more serious: He cant fake it well. Indeed, one of his signature issues is trade tariffs, and whenever he tries to talk about them, the Republican reminds the public that he still doesnt understand his own idea at the most basic level. Trump almost certainly knows his ideas are unpopular. The former president has some goals hes interested in pursuing, but theyre not exactly the sort of things that win over swing voters. Among Trumps priorities are tax breaks for the wealthy, pardons for politically aligned criminals, abortion restrictions, and the creation of a temporary American dictatorship. Even if one were inclined to put aside the radioactive unpopularity of the Project 2025 agenda written in large part by members of Trumps own team the GOP nominees own stated ideas are political losers, too. As Dan Drezner, a professor of international politics at Tufts, summarized last week, This explains why Republicans in general and Trump in particular have become so flummoxed. The larger Republican party is keenly aware that Trumps personal attacks on Harris will not redound to the GOPs benefit. But neither can they talk about their actual policy platform because most of it is hideously unpopular. No wonder Republicans seem so anxious about the tickets messaging. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com LISBON (Reuters) - Firefighters backed by 40 vehicles and a helicopter struggled to contain a wildfire on Monday on the southern coast of Portugal's island of Madeira that has burnt through more than 3,000 hectares (7,410 acres) of forest over the past five days. The blaze, which started on Wednesday in the rural area of Ribeira Brava, has since spread to the neighbouring municipality of Camara de Lobos to the east and was burning close to a popular beach area of Ponta do Sol, to the west. According to local authorities, the blaze had two active fronts, and at noon there was a reignition in the central Curral das Freiras area. High temperatures and strong winds continue to hamper efforts, they added, although no injuries or fatalities have been reported and the flames were not threatening any homes. On Sunday 160 people were evacuated as a precaution due to the risk of smoke inhalation. To help local teams, Portuguese authorities have sent a force of 76 firefighters from the mainland and 15 from the Azores archipelago over the weekend. According to the EU Climate Change Service Copernicus, the fire has already burnt more than 3,000 hectares and its plume of smoke stretches for 130 km (81 miles). The entire south coastline of Madeira - an autonomous region of Portugal with around 250,000 residents and a popular tourist destination - has been placed on orange alert, the second highest level, due to high temperatures. Much of southern Europe, but also parts of Asia and North America, have suffered from frequent wildfires as summers have become hotter and drier in recent years, which scientists attribute to climate change. (Reporting by Patricia Vicente Rua; Editing by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Alex Richardson) VolturnUS is UMaine's patented floating concrete hull technology that has been awarded 43 patents in the U.S. and abroad. (University of Maine image) An effort to study the impacts of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine is closer to launch after the state and federal government reached a lease agreement on Monday for a floating research array. The Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management offered the research area lease to the state in late May for up to 15 square miles in federal waters about 30 miles southeast of Portland, according to a press release from Gov. Janet Mills office Monday afternoon. It will include up to 12 floating turbines and help inform how floating offshore wind operates and interacts with ecosystems in the water. This floating research lease represents a continued investment in innovative offshore wind technology and research, and will help Maine embrace a secure, sustainable energy future while striking an important balance with the needs of our fisheries and fishing communities, said U.S. Senator Angus King, in the release. The research array will use technology designed by the University of Maine, known as VolturnUS. The floating platform, which was deployed by UMaines development partner, Diamond Offshore Wind, recently received a $12.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for its innovative design. Timing of construction will depend on permitting and other regulatory processes. For example, Mills office noted that the research array will be subject to an environmental analysis before any construction. BOEM will also need to approve a research activities plan, and the Maine Public Utilities Commission will need to sign off on a power purchase agreement. Research conducted at the facility is expected to follow the priority topics outlined by the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium, which Mills formed in 2021 with bipartisan support to better understand the local and regional impacts of floating offshore wind power projects in the Gulf. Maine is poised to become a model for responsible and sustainable offshore wind development, and Im proud to support this groundbreaking work, said U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST This Major Conservative Culture Warrior May Have Finally Gone Too Far Oklahomas top education official is under fire from his fellow Republicans after being accused of withholding critical funds from the states schools. The state legislature is investigating Ryan Walters, who is well-known for his right-wing culture warattacks on Oklahoma teachers. Last week, Republican state Rep. Mark McBride led a letter to House Speaker Charles McCall, calling for a possible investigation into impeachment. The letter outlined several reasons for an investigation into Walters, including that he had failed to fulfill Open Records Act requests and had withheld funding the state legislature had intended for physical school security enhancements and asthma inhalers. I have repeatedly met one-on-one with the Superintendent, where I pled with him to please focus on the responsibilities and duties of his office, and work with the Legislature to improve and advance the cause of Public Education in Oklahoma, McBride wrote in the letter that was signed by 16 other Republican lawmakers. These pleas have fallen on deaf ears and the Superintendent has chosen to pursue an aggressively opposite path, one filled with name-calling, obstruction, defiance, and secrecy. In response, Walters challenged lawmakers to go ahead and begin impeachment proceedings. Walters, who is the head of the Oklahoma State Department of Education, has frequently made headlines for outlandish or extremely conservative proposals for Oklahoma schools. In January, he likened the school system to Epstein Island, a reference to the home where late billionaire and child predator Jeffrey Epstein would abuse children. The following day he hired Chaya Raichik an inflammatory right-wing activist who, under the handle LibsOfTikTok, uses social media to spread misinformation and smear teachers as an adviser to the states education department, even though its unclear if she lives in Oklahoma or has any relevant experience. In July, Walters mandated that every school district must teach the Bible and the Ten Commandments, a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution. An Oklahoma parent has filed a lawsuit, and many school officials have said they will ignore the guidance. Walters antics have garnered plenty of criticism and pushback from community members and local Oklahoma school officials alike. House Democrats have called for Walters impeachment several times over the last year. Lawmakers concerns with his ability to actually do the job he was elected to do grew stronger, and finally came to a head last week. After the letter from the House Republicans, the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency announced that it would begin an investigation into Walters. I will conduct a thorough, transparent investigation to provide answers to my fellow legislators and the citizens of Oklahoma, the chairman of the committee, Republican state Rep. Kevin Wallace, said in a statement. Then, on Sunday, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a scathing opinion demanding that Walters release the funds for school security immediately. Those wasted months have resulted in school districts not receiving millions of dollars in funds they could have used to bolster security and protect students, Drummond wrote. I pray that your failure to deploy these funds does not result in deadly consequences. And its not just Walters handling of Oklahomas school finances that have come under fire. Walters is also facing a defamation lawsuit from Rob Miller, the superintendent of Bixby Public Schools. Last month, Miller asked Walters when his school district would receive Title I funding, a federal grant available to schools with at least 40% low-income students. According to the lawsuit, the state education department indicated that schools would receive that funding in May. When a reporter asked Walters about Millers inquiry, Walters called Miller a clown, a true embarrassment and a liar, and he claimed that the Bixby district was dealing with financial troubles which Miller categorically denied. Walters was elected in 2022, largely on a platform of right-wing culture war grievances including falsely claiming Oklahomas library books contain sexually explicit material and accusing teachers of being child abusers. He has clashed numerous times with the teachers union and members of his own party. Walters did not respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Despite the investigation and the pending lawsuit, Walters is still not backing down from his rhetoric. True to form, he is claiming that all the controversy surrounding him is the fault of liberals. The left and union lackeys call for an investigation and impeachment, he posted on X, formerly Twitter. I will never stop standing for parents! KYODO NEWS - Aug 19, 2024 - 19:09 | World, All Chinese President Xi Jinping and new Vietnamese leader To Lam affirmed on Monday to work together to further deepen bilateral relations, with Lam making his first trip to China after taking office earlier this month, state-run media said. Lam's selection of China for his first overseas visit after assuming the country's top position "fully demonstrates the great importance" he attaches to bilateral ties, Xi said during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, according to China Central Television. Xi expressed his wish to "jointly lead the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future" with Lam. The Vietnamese leader said Hanoi regards ties with China as a "top priority" in its foreign policy and is willing to "further deepen and enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership," CCTV said. After the talks, the two leaders jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents covering such areas as finance, health, customs inspection and quarantine, it added. On Aug. 3, Vietnamese President Lam was elected as the chief of the Communist Party, the country's highest position, to succeed Nguyen Phu Trong, who died in July. On the first day of his three-day trip to China from Sunday, Lam visited the southern city of Guangzhou. Xi visited Vietnam last December and agreed with Trong to boost bilateral cooperation and avoid confrontation over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Related coverage: Vietnam public security minister To Lam elected as president Deep rift surfaces at East Asia meeting over Russia's war, China's rise Who makes the most in Lexington government? Many are police officers, firefighters More than 600 Lexington city employees made more than $100,000 in 2023 thanks to additional pay, such as overtime, according to city records analyzed by the Herald-Leader. The bulk of those top earners were in police and fire departments. Of the 641 employees who made more than $100,000, 230 were in the fire department and 210 were police officers. That means 68% of those who made more than $100,000 can drive a police cruiser or fire truck. The remaining high earners were upper-level city administrators or division directors, records show. The Lexington Herald-Leader obtained payroll records for more than 4,500 employees who worked for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government in 2023 through a Kentucky Open Records Act request. Not all those employees worked the full year or full time. The pay data includes base pay, overtime pay, education pay and other bonuses. The data does not include additional one-time pay, such as retirement payouts or payouts for unused sick leave. The citys top-paid employee is Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers. He received $215,169 in 2023 and makes more than Mayor Linda Gorton. Eight employees all police and fire officials earn more than Gorton, city records show. The mayors salary is set by the merged government charter. Her pay raises are tied to cost of living increases and are set by city ordinance. The same is true for the 15-member Urban County Council. Heres the top 10 earners for the 2023 calendar year: Police Chief Lawrence Weathers: $215,169 Fire Chief Jason Wells: $213,602 Police Commander David Biroschik: $197,512 Police Assistant Chief Shawn Coleman: $187,932 Police Sergeant Jeremy Russell: $187,772 Police Assistant Chief Roger Holland: $187,233 Police Assistant Chief James Lowe: $187,233 Police Assistant Chief Brian Maynard: $187,23 Mayor Linda Gorton: $178,802 Communications specialist senior Jennifer Begley: $178,552 Police officers dominate top 20 earners, yet vacancies still high The majority of the top 20 earners in 2023 were police officers 12 of the top 20. The city spends roughly 56% of its $532 million budget on public safety, budget documents for the current fiscal year show. That number includes all aspects of public safety buildings, police cars, fire trucks and other operational expenses not just salaries. Still, the city has struggled to attract and keep police officers despite bumping pay through various efforts including sign-on bonuses and through the citys collective bargaining agreements with its unions. Firefighters, police and corrections have received substantial pay increases over the past five years. They have received pay raises between 21% and 31% since 2019, said Public Safety Commissioner Kenneth Armstrong during a July 2 Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council Social Services and Public Safety committee meeting. Those pay increases were due to negotiated raises as part of the citys collective bargaining contracts. That figure does not include other types of raises commonly called step increases, Armstrong said. Some have received raises of 35, 36 or 37%, Armstrong said. 21% is the lowest. The police department had an authorized strength of 639 and had 99 vacancies as of June 1, records show. The department has hovered around 100 vacancies for several years. Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers is photographed at the departments headquarters in downtown Lexington, Ky., on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. Those 99 vacancies do not include 11 retired police officers the city has been able to re-hire through a new program authorized by the state, Armstrong said. The department also uses civilian clerks for things like traffic accident reports needed for insurance purposes, Armstrong said. Additionally, the city has more than a dozen safety officers, who are not sworn officers but can help with traffic and other duties. That number changes daily, Armstrong said of vacancies in the citys public safety divisions. Armstrong said the 2020 protests following the police killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville and George Floyd in Minnesota have made it more difficult for police and some other public safety divisions to attract new people to the profession. The situation is not unique to Lexington. Louisville Metro Police, Kentucky State Police and departments across the country have struggled in recent years to retain and attract new recruits. Yet, things are starting to improve, Armstrong said. For example, there is a new police recruit class with 37 cadets starting in August. However, it is rare for all cadets to graduate, Armstrong cautioned during the July 2 council committee meeting. Fraternal Order of Police Bluegrass Lodge 4 President Jeremy Russell said due to staffing shortages, officers have had to work lots of overtime, driving up the number of officers who make more than $100,000. For example, Russell, a sergeant, worked 658 hours of overtime in 2023, he said. Officers above the rank of commander are not eligible for overtime. The FOP is the police union. There is quite a lot of overtime due to us being short-staffed, Russell said. In addition to overtime, police officers can also receive additional money for having a college degree and receive more than $4,400 in state training money. Police also can take their police vehicles home, which is not calculated as part of their pay benefits. Russell said other police departments also increased their pay after the FOP signed its contract with the city in 2021. Other agencies benefits, like health insurance, far exceed ours, Russell said. Russell also said more support of police and police work from elected officials will help the department retain and recruit officers to the profession. Open and public backing from city leaders is crucial not just for recruitment but also for retaining our officers, Russell said. There is empirical evidence which supports and justifies competitive salaries and benefits. Pay increases have helped staffing levels at jail The city also dramatically increased pay for Fayette County Department of Corrections officers over the past several years. That hike in salaries, which included a new starting salary of slightly more than $50,000, has cut vacancies at the jail. At one point the detention center was more than 124 officers short in 2022, Armstrong said. Morale plummeted at the jail during that period, correction officers told the council in 2022. But the salary increases have shown dramatic improvements in staffing levels, Armstrong said. As of June 1, there were 32 vacancies at the detention center. The department has an authorized strength of 323. The city also hired Scott Colvin as the new Fayette County Detention Center director in 2022, which has upped morale at the Old Frankfort Pike jail, city officials have said. According to payroll records, 55 employees in corrections made more than $100,000 in 2023. Vacancies have not been a problem for the Lexington Fire Department, city records show. Firefighters, through a collective bargaining agreement approved in 2022, also received substantial pay raises in recent years. Firefighters also frequently work overtime shifts, driving up the number of firefighters who are paid more than $100,000. The department has an authorized strength of 621. It has 27 vacancies but recently started a new training class with 21 recruits, Armstrong said. Jason Wells speaks after being named chief of the Lexington Fire Department during a ceremony Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. Other top earners in city government Outside of police and fire, many of the citys other top earners in 2023 were heads of city departments and commissioners. Commissioners and department heads do not receive overtime. City employees not covered by union contracts have also received raises over the past several years but not the same hefty pay hikes as many in public safety. For example, this year city employees received a 3% raise. In 2023, they received a 5% raise. In 2021, the city also approved other pay hikes and one-time bonuses for employees not covered by union contracts. It used $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act money, federal coronavirus relief funding, to pay for some of those salary increases. Some other top earners not in police, fire or corrections: Chief Administrative Officer Sally Hamilton: $175,238. Law Commissioner Susan Speckert: $168,620. Chief Development Officer Kevin Atkins:$168,519 Deputy Chief Information Officer Charles Cottle: $167,558 Public Safety Commissioner Kenneth Armstrong:$164,133 Director of Technical Services Michael Nugent: $164,019 Director of Water Quality Charles Martin: $160,843 Social Services Commissioner Kacy Allen-Bryant: $159,336 Finance Commissioner Erin Hensley: $159,336 Housing Advocacy and Community Development Commissioner Charlie Lanter: $159,336 The following database is for total salary compensation, including overtime and other bonus pay, for Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council employees for the 2023 calendar year. After making an emergency landing in Kazakhstan, a Boeing 777 got stuck in the mud. Over 300 passengers then waited 20 hours to be rescued by another airline. After making an emergency landing in Kazakhstan, a Boeing 777 got stuck in the mud. Over 300 passengers then waited 20 hours to be rescued by another airline. A Swiss International Air Lines flight diverted to Kazakhstan due to a medical emergency. The Boeing 777 came off the runway in Astana and got stuck, leaving over 300 passengers stranded. Sister carrier Austrian Airlines sent another plane to rescue the passengers the next day. Over 300 airline passengers have been rescued after spending an unexpected day in Kazakhstan. Saturday's Swiss International Air Lines flight from Tokyo to Zurich changed course about halfway through the 14-hour journey, according to data from Flightradar24. An airline spokesperson said this was due to a medical incident on board. They added that, after landing in Astana, the Kazakh capital, "the passenger concerned was handed over to medical personnel on site." However, the Boeing 777 ran into difficulty as it prepared to take off again. The taxiway at Astana Airport was closed, meaning the pilots had to try to turn the plane around while still on the runway, the airline spokesperson said. However, the maneuver was unsuccessful, with the plane's landing gear becoming stuck in the grass. Swiss 777-300 becomes stuck on soft ground while turning to backtrack the runway at Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport, Kazakhstan. Earlier, Swissair flight SWR161 flying from Tokyo to Zurich with a Boeing 777-300ER made an emergency landing at Astana Airport in Kazakhstan. pic.twitter.com/1E4niQ6EGR FL360aero (@fl360aero) August 17, 2024 The Boeing 777 was towed back onto the runway, and the airline considered how to get the passengers back on course. "As rebooking options in Astana are limited, the possibility of sending a new aircraft and crew from Zurich is also being examined," the airline said on Saturday. Ultimately, its sister company, Austrian Airlines, stepped in to help. Both carriers are part of the Lufthansa group. An Austrian Boeing 777 flew from Vienna to Astana on Saturday night before returning the following day taking off 20 hours after the first plane landed in Kazakhstan. The Swiss spokesperson said there were 331 people on board. Swiss then dispatched another 777 to transport passengers from Vienna to Zurich about 370 miles. "We thank all our passengers for their understanding and patience in this exceptional and unforeseen situation," the airline said. "We apologize once again for any inconvenience caused," it added. "A big thank you also goes to all the employees involved for their tireless and outstanding efforts." Read the original article on Business Insider The man facing hate crime charges for allegedly targeting and assaulting an 11-year-old Bellingham boy who was returning from a field trip with his class in downtown Bellingham in mid-June has been declared incompetent to stand trial. Paul Jonathan Bittner, 42, of Ukiah, Calif., was charged June 14 in Whatcom County Superior Court with one count of a hate crime and one count of second-degree assault of a child, both felonies. Bittners hate crime charge accuses him of maliciously and intentionally assaulting another person because of the perception of their race, while Bittners assault charge alleges he intentionally assaulted a child under age 13 and thereby recklessly inflict(ed) substantial bodily harm upon the child, according to court records. Bittner is white, and the boy is African American. The sixth-grade Whatcom Middle School student was returning to school with his class on June 12, following a walking field trip they had taken to the Pickford Film Center in downtown Bellingham. While the class was walking north on Grand Avenue near the county courthouse, Bittner appeared to follow alongside, before slipping into step with the group. Bittner began walking directly in front of the boy, who was speaking with his white friend. Bittner then turned around and punched the boy in the face, according to court records. The boy suffered immense pain in his face and a chipped tooth, court documents state. School staff members quickly separated Bittner from the group following the attack and he was found and detained shortly after the assault in the 200 block of Prospect Street. In an interview with the Bellingham Police Department, the boy told officers he believed the random assault occurred because of his race. Bittner pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment hearing June 21. Similar to Bittners first appearance hearing, his arraignment hearing was attended by more than 70 community members, who packed into a small fifth-floor courtroom in the Whatcom County Courthouse in support of the child and his family. Extra benches and chairs were brought into the courtroom, while the large, double doors were kept open for people in the hallway to watch and hear the proceedings. His arraignment was one of the most well-attended arraignment hearings that has happened in Whatcom County Superior Court in at least five years, The Bellingham Herald previously reported. Roughly six weeks later, Bittner was back in court on Aug. 1 for a hearing to determine whether he was competent to stand trial for his alleged crimes. He has remained incarcerated in the Whatcom County Jail since his June 12 arrest in lieu of $500,000 bail. Were grateful hes getting the help he needs, and we believe the community is safer because of it, the boys family said in a statement to The Herald. Competency evaluation Bittners attorney, senior deputy public defender Matthew Palmer, filed a notice with the court July 1 that he had a good-faith belief that Bittner lacked the ability to aid and assist in his own defense and that Bittner was unfit to proceed to trial in his case, court documents show. Palmers notice to the court said court rules that govern attorney behavior and interactions with clients prohibited him from sharing additional details absent a court order. Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal issued an order July 17 for Bittner to undergo a competency evaluation conducted by a qualified expert designated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Bittner was evaluated in the downtown jail on July 25 by Bellingham neuropsychologist Dr. John Neer, according to court records. In addition to the evaluation conducted, Neer also reviewed materials provided by Bellngham police, mental health records from the jail, and other reviews of state mental and behavioral health databases. Following Neers evaluation, he was expected to issue a report offering opinions on whether Bittner lacked the capacity to understand the nature of the legal proceedings against him and whether he lacked the capacity to assist in his own defense as a result of mental disease or defect, according to court records. During the evaluation, Bittner told Neer that he had been living in Washington state for a few years, and that he had family who lived in the area. He said he grew up in California with his brother, father and stepmother and denied experiencing any trauma during his childhood, court documents state. Bittner denied having a history of substance use disorder, but told Neer he attended substance abuse treatment in California for personal reasons, the court records state. Bittner told Neer he previously received mental health services beginning in 2009 and that he began receiving disability services around the same time. Bittner said he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Records reviewed by Neer show that Bittner received mental health treatment from March 2019 to April 2023 at Atascadero State Hospital, a secure forensic state psychiatric hospital in San Luis Obispo County in California. The majority of patients at the hospital are sent there for treatment by county courts or the state department of corrections and rehabilitation, according to the hospitals website. Records show that Bittner was prescribed psychiatric and anxiety-related medications when he was released. He had reportedly struggled with symptoms of delusional thinking, angry hallucinations, negative symptoms, disorganized thoughts and violence, court records state. During Neers evaluation of Bittner in late July, Bittner presented as manic and verbally impulsive throughout the evaluation, and at times was loud and verbally aggressive. There were times during the evaluation that Bittner would abruptly shift to spacing off, smiling and laughing in an odd manner, which Neer believed was Bittner responding to internal stimuli, such as auditory hallucinations. Paul Jonathan Bittner, 42, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment hearing on June 21, 2024. Bittner was charged on June 14 with one count of a hate crime and one count of second-degree assault of a child. His jury trial is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 12. It was Neers opinion that Bittner was manic and psychotic during the evaluation. Neer diagnosed Bittner with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. Neer said it was unclear whether Bittner understood the charges and allegations against him, and said it was notable that Bittner refused to discuss them. While Neer believed that Bittner likely had a general understanding of the legal process, he wrote that it was clear that (Bittners) ability to have a rational reciprocal dialogue is rather impaired due to his impulsivity and heightened emotions. Neer determined that at this time, Bittner would be unable to discuss his charges and case in a constructive manner with his defense attorney. Due to intense unstable emotions, hed be at great risk of making impulsive decisions during the legal process. Thus, I have significant concerns regarding his ability to work with counsel. Hed also be at risk of acting out in an impulsive manner while in the courtroom. It is believed that the current symptoms are secondary to a major mental illness. Thus, at this time, I opine that the defendant had marginal capacity to understand his charges but did NOT have the capacity to assist counsel in his own defense, Neer wrote of Bittner in his evaluation report for the court. Neer said he believed Bittner would benefit from inpatient psychiatric treatment that could potentially reduce Bittners current mental health-related symptoms, such as mania and agitation. Neer said he believes there is a reasonable probability that Bittners mental health would improve, with ongoing psychiatric treatment, to a point where he would become competent to stand trial, court documents state. It is expected that clinically indicated treatment would help clarify the defendants thinking, and thereby improve his ability to assist counsel, the court records show. Competency hearing On Aug. 1, Bittner had a court hearing for a judge to rule on whether he was competent to proceed to trial. Bittners case was one of many cases involving people who are currently imprisoned that was handled that day. Bittners case was originally called shortly after 11 a.m., but Grochmal, the judge, noted that Bittner was not present in the courtroom. When she asked whether Bittner had declined to come to court or whether that offer had been made to him, a Whatcom County Sheriffs Office deputy informed her that Bittner had not been brought to court that day because the sheriffs office had concerns about courtroom security and they wanted to avoid any incidents in the courtroom. Bittner had allegedly exposed himself to female deputies at least twice in the past several weeks while he was incarcerated in the downtown jail, the deputy said in court. Grochmal ultimately determined that it was best that Bittner be brought into the courtroom. She said they would recall his case after all other matters had been handled. She also determined that there was good cause for Bittner to remain shackled throughout the proceedings. Normally, people accused of crimes who are in custody in the jail are unshackled once they are brought into the courtroom. Roughly 20 minutes later, Bittner was brought into the courtroom in a yellow jail outfit, with his hands shackled at his waist by metal chains. At least three sheriffs deputies stood around and behind Bittner while he sat in a court pew and listened to the judge explain what was happening with his case. Grochmal then determined Bittner was incompetent to stand trial because he was unable to assist in his own defense. She ordered Bittner to receive 90 days of inpatient competency restoration treatment at a state psychiatric hospital. Court and jail records show Bittner was transferred from the Whatcom County Jail to Western State Hospital on Aug. 7 to begin receiving treatment. Prior to the end of his 90-day treatment period and release back to the jail, Bittners competency will be re-evaluated and submitted to the court for review. The court will then determine whether he will receive further treatment, or whether he will be returned to the jail for his case to proceed. A follow-up hearing was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, but it was canceled because Bittner had already been taken to the state hospital for treatment. Resources Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org Brigid Collins Family Support Center professionals are on-call between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer questions about children, families, abuse prevention or treatment at (360) 734-4616. Child Protective Services: Washington state hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect, 866-829-2153. Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org. Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015. Tlils Taaaltha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips. WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/. If you or a child is in immediate danger, call 911 and make a report to law enforcement. To report child abuse or neglect call 1-866-END HARM. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Whatcom: https://www.namiwhatcom.org/crisis-resources.html Washington State Crisis Line/National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or text HOME to 741741 for a crisis counselor Whatcom County Triage Center Crisis Line: 800-584-3578 Man accused of hitting person with belt during argument at Rivers Casino, assaulting state trooper A man is facing charges after he allegedly hit another person with a belt during an argument at Rivers Casino and then assaulted a Pennsylvania State Trooper while being taken to the Allegheny County Jail. Pennsylvania State Police said Christopher Okeefe, 39, from Moon Township, was involved in a physical altercation on the gaming floor of the casino before 9 p.m. Friday. Casino security identified Okeefe as having hit another person with his belt during and argument. State police made initial contact with Okeefe on the gaming floor but he fled on foot into the casino parking garage. Troopers then found him in the garage, where he tried to flee on foot again but was taken into custody. State police said while he was being taken to the Allegheny County Jail, he physically assaulted a state trooper. Okeefe is charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, evading arrest or detention on foot, resisting arrest, two disorderly conduct counts and public drunkenness. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Woman living under bridge in Carnegie dead after being found severely beaten; man detained Burglary suspect struck in the face when homeowner fires gun during confrontation, police say Western Pennsylvania farm nominated for both best corn maze and pumpkin patch in the U.S. VIDEO: 2 men charged in Ohio Township homicide behind bars for separate recent crime sprees DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Man accused of killing former fiancee and shooting her boyfriend behind Las Vegas car rental returned to Nevada Man accused of killing former fiancee and shooting her boyfriend behind Las Vegas car rental returned to Nevada LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The man accused of gunning down his former fiancee and her new boyfriend is back in Nevada to face charges after fleeing to Arizona. Clark County Detention Center records show Frederick Blanche Jr., 37, was booked into CCDC on Saturday on charges of murder and attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear in Las Vegas Justice Court on Monday morning. Friends and family came together to honor Gina Martin who was shot and killed at a Las Vegas car rental business over the weekend. (KLAS) Blanche is accused of killing 36-year-old Gina Martin, who had returned to Las Vegas to celebrate her 37th birthday on Aug. 4. She was killed the day before and her boyfriend, Brian Marshall, suffered critical injuries in the shooting attack which occurred in a parking lot behind an Avis car rental company on Sahara Avenue and Decatur Boulevard on Aug. 3. According to a warrant issued for the arrest of Blanche, police reviewed videos from Metro Fusion cameras as well as security video from the rental car agency which helped police identify Blanches vehicle and showed the shootings. It even picked up Martins voice saying something to the effect of Fred, stop, dont when Blanche confronted Martin and Marshall in the parking lot. Shes gone, suspected shooter texts victims brother after shooting ex-fiancee and new boyfriend behind Las Vegas car rental: arrest warrant Martins brother attempted to warn his sister after a conversation with Blanche but was unable to reach her. Martin ended her relationship with Blanche after being in a relationship with him for about a year. For a list of local and state resources for domestic violence and abuse victims, visit this link. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. BRONSTON, Ky. (FOX 56) A 50-year-old man is in custody after his neighbor was found dead outside his apartment. According to Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones, it happened on Sunday at an apartment complex on the 1700 block of Highway 90. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news The sheriffs office received a report that a man had been shot at the apartments, and when deputies arrived, they found the body of Myron Flanagan near his apartment. According to a news release, Kevin Jasgarszewski was attempting to flee the scene in his vehicle at the time. As the investigation continued, Jasgarszewski, who is also a resident at the apartments, was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. He was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center without bond. Jasgarszewski is set to be arraigned on Monday. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: The investigation is ongoing, and Jones asks that anyone with information call the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office at (606) 678-5145 or the tip line at (606) 679-8477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it is investigating a suspected hate crime after a man was allegedly attacked outside of Shake Shack in Dupont Circle on Saturday evening. Shortly after 6 p.m., officers responded to the Shake Shack, located at 1802 Jefferson Place Northwest, for the report of an assault, according to the police report. Cellphone video from bystanders captured the incident and appeared to show Shake Shack employees beating up a man outside the restaurant. The video has since circulated on social media, garnering attention and outrage. FBI arrests DC Councilmember Trayon White Police identified the man attacked as Christian Dingus. Dingus reported to police that multiple people assaulted him. Responders treated him on the scene for minor injuries to his body. Dingus told DC News Now that the ordeal happened after an employee took issue with him sharing a kiss with his male friend inside the establishment. I was feeling pretty helpless, cause no one [was] stepping in, Dingus said. The police report said the suspect claimed he was acting in self-defense after Dingus put his hands on his neck. Dingus disagreed with this claim. I saw that and really was kind of taken back. Shocked. I for certain dont see myself ever doing that, I dont think I would have done that, he said. 1 person dead, 7 others injured in East Baltimore mass shooting Nearby neighbors were surprised to hear about the assault. Especially here, that is just absolutely insane. You would expect that you could be safe here, said Matthew Kerian. Its really sad that incidents like this are still happening, anywhere. There are incidents of homophobia, but especially here in D.C. we should be able to feel safe here, added Boone Bishop. Shake Shack said it is aware of the situation and has suspended the involved employees in the following statement: We are aware of the incident on Saturday, Aug. 17 involving team members and a guest at our Dupont Circle location and are taking it very seriously. At Shake Shack, the safety and well-being of our guests and team members are our top priorities, and we have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violence. We are fully cooperating with local authorities in their investigation and have suspended the team members involved pending further review. We are committed to taking the appropriate actions based on the findings. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Man convicted of murder after he stole weapons, gunned down North Highlands homeowner A Sacramento Superior Court jury found a man guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of a North Highlands resident two years ago as the burglar fled with guns stolen from the mans backyard shed, prosecutors said. Along with the murder charge, the jury on Thursday also found Kailin Deshai Harris, 29, guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office announced Monday in a news release. Authorities said Gennadiy Ivanovich Mironov, 62, was hit by gunfire in the Jan. 17, 2022, shooting at his home on Greenlawn Way in North Highlands. Mironov died hours later at a hospital. Prosecutors said Harris was tampering with vehicles near Mironovs home and stealing items from them before Harris went into Mironovs backyard about 5:30 a.m. that morning, entered a shed and stole multiple guns. An alert from a Ring-brand camera woke up Mironov, who confronted Harris as the defendant fled with the stolen guns, according to the District Attorneys Office. Harris then shot Mironov twice before fleeing the home, prosecutors said. Harris was arrested a week later after deputies served a warrant at a North Sacramento home. Since then, Harris has remained in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail. Prosecutors said Harris could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. A sentencing hearing for Harris is scheduled for Sept. 26. BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) A man died and two others were injured in a stabbing on a Brooklyn street Sunday, police said. Authorities found a 42-year-old man and a 30-year-old man with multiple stab wounds throughout their body near 50th Street and Fourth Avenue at 7:20 a.m., according to the NYPD. The victims were rushed to the hospital, where the older man died, police said. The other victim is expected to survive. More Local News A 38-year-old man with several stab wounds took himself to the hospital for treatment, authorities said. The knife was recovered at the scene. There have been no arrests. No other information was available. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. KYODO NEWS - Aug 19, 2024 - 19:39 | All, Japan The operator of the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant said it plans to begin a trial retrieval of debris containing melted nuclear fuel from one of its three meltdown-hit reactors on Thursday. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. said Monday it aims to retrieve a few grams of debris from the No. 2 unit in its first attempt, with plans to gradually expand the process to the No. 3 unit, where large-scale removal is expected in the early 2030s. Removing the radioactive debris is considered one of the most challenging tasks in decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi plant, whose reactors were severely damaged following the loss of cooling functions in the wake of a massive 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan. How to remove an estimated 880 tons of debris from Nos. 1, 2 and 3 reactors, which suffered meltdowns, as well as where to store the retrieved debris until disposal, remains unclear. TEPCO plans to retrieve up to 3 grams of debris using a telescopic device equipped with a gripper tool. The device can extend up to 22 meters and access the debris through a penetration point into the primary containment vessel. Since debris emits strong radiation, the retrieval device will be shielded by the connection structure and an isolation valve. It is expected to take around a week for the device to reach the debris and about two weeks to complete the retrieval operation, according to the utility. If the radiation level of the debris exceeds 24 millisieverts per hour, the debris will be returned to the containment vessel to protect workers' health and safety, TEPCO said. The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved the device on Friday, setting up the start of trial retrieval. TEPCO had initially planned to start retrieving debris from the No. 2 unit in 2021 but has since postponed it three times due to the coronavirus pandemic and technical difficulties. Related coverage: Fukushima nuclear fuel debris retrieval to start as early as August Japan regulator blocks plan to restart Tsuruga nuclear unit Fukushima Pref. to end temporary housing for nuclear crisis evacuees Man shot to death at Pickens Co. home PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) An investigation is underway after a man was shot to death Sunday night at a Pickens County home. The Pickens County Coroners Office confirmed that a man is dead after agencies responded to a home on Crowe Creek Road around 9:30 p.m. The victim, identified as 49-year-old Steven Lee Basquette, was found inside the home with at least one gunshot wound. The Pickens County Sheriffs Office said Basquette and the homeowner had a child in common. According to investigators, Basquette had been arrested in July on charges of domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature involving the homeowner and another man. He was later released on bond. The sheriffs office said the shooting Sunday began as a confrontation between Basquette and the victims from the July case. Investigators said, based on statements and other evidence, Basquette began assaulting the man before the woman shot him because she was in fear for their lives. No arrests have been made at this time. The investigation in the shooting remains ongoing. 7NEWS will continue to update this story as more information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. ROY, Utah (ABC4) The man who was injured in a shootout with law enforcement in Roy over the weekend was reportedly at the center of an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation, according to the Roy City Police Department. The shooting happened just after 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. Sgt. Josh Taylor said officers with the Roy City Police Department attempted a traffic stop on the suspect who was wanted for allegedly enticing a minor online. The suspect, identified only as a 46-year-old man, was reportedly cooperative with detectives but later fled the scene. He was later located near 5600 South and 2700 West. Gross misrepresentations: LDS Church speaks on portrayals in Hollywood As soon as officers made contact with the suspect, he immediately confronted officers with a firearm and began firing at them, Sgt. Taylor said in a release. During a sustained firefight over several minutes, officers returned fire, eventually striking the suspect. The man was taken into custody and transported to a local area hospital where Taylor said he is still being treated for his injuries. Taylor confirmed with ABC4.com that no officers were struck by any gunfire in the shootout. The suspects identity will not be released until he has been formally booked into the Weber County Correctional Facility. The Officer Involved Critical Incident Protocol was activated after the shooting and the investigation was turned over to the Weber County Attorneys Office. All officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A man riding a homebuilt, gasoline-powered pocket bike was seriously injured on Sunday after colliding with a vehicle in City Heights, according to San Diego police. The crash was reported around 7 p.m. in the area of 4550 Thorn Street. According to SDPD, the driver of the bike, identified as a 27-year-old man, was riding eastbound on Thorn Street when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection with Chamoune Avenue. At the same time, SDPD said a 57-year-old woman driving a 2016 Lexus SUV in the northbound lane of Chamoune Avenue drove through the intersection, colliding with the bicyclist as he rode in front of her. Man found dead in Boulevard home, deputies say According to SDPD, the bicyclist sustained serious head injuries as he was not wearing a helmet during the crash and was transported to the hospital for treatment. The injuries are not considered life-threatening at this time. The woman did not report any injuries. An investigation into the collision by SDPDs Traffic Division remains ongoing, although officers have determined the bicyclist was likely under the influence at the time of the crash, SDPD said. Anyone with additional information about the crash is asked to contact SDPD or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. A man seemingly boarded a Delta flight without a valid ticket and was kicked off when a family said he was following them A man seemingly boarded a Delta flight without a valid ticket and was kicked off when a family said he was following them A man boarded a Delta flight without a boarding pass for it, another passenger said. He followed a family around the airport, including to the women's bathroom, she added. A TSA spokesperson said the man, who hasn't been named, had a ticket for a different flight. A Delta Air Lines passenger told ABC News that a man followed her family around the terminal before boarding the same flight as them without a ticket for it. Lauren Benton, her husband, and their children, aged nine and six, were flying from Washington Dulles International Airport to their home in Georgia on August 2. She told USA Today that the man seemingly followed her and her daughter into the bathroom. "My heart started beating immediately I didn't know what this man's intentions were," Benton told ABC News. "He was standing in the ladies room washing his hands, and I was immediately alarmed." Benton said that the man even appeared to follow the family onto their flight and sat down in the same row. She told ABC News that her husband confronted the man, who claimed it was his allocated seat. But when they called over a flight attendant who requested to see his boarding pass, he couldn't show one, she added. The man was subsequently escorted off the flight. A spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration told Business Insider that the man had a valid ID and a boarding pass for a different flight, which is how he got past the security checkpoint. The man has not been named. In a statement to several outlets, Delta said it is investigating the matter and has been in contact with airport authorities. "Delta has processes in place for gate agents and flight crews to verify that individuals onboard aircraft prior to departure are customers that are booked on that particular flight," it added. Delta did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent by Business Insider outside US working hours. In a statement shared with BI, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed that police were called to the gate of a departing Delta flight. "Police addressed the customer and no charges were filed," they added. "The passenger exited the aircraft and returned to the terminal to continue their journey." USA Today reported that authorities said the man appeared to have mental health issues. A number of similar incidents have been reported in recent months, with automated ticket gates and tailgating of other passengers linked to them in a number of instances. On August 4 and 5, the same man managed to sneak onto two planes at Munich Airport in Germany. On the second occasion, he flew to Sweden before raising suspicions as he immediately wanted to return to Munich, Bild reported. In March, a man was arrested after prosecutors said he boarded a Delta flight using a photo of another passenger's ticket. A month earlier, another man boarded a flight at London Gatwick Airport by tailgating other passengers through checkpoints. Read the original article on Business Insider Man sentenced to decades in prison for shooting at officers during high-speed chase DENVER (KDVR) A 33-year-old man was sentenced to 64 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections on Friday for events that occurred during a 2023 interaction with police. According to the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office, Kyle Williamson was on parole on Oct. 11, 2023, when Thornton police tried to conduct a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado that was spray-painted and displaying tags for a different vehicle. Williamson and his wife were inside the vehicle, and he did not stop as directed by the officer. The officer initiated a car chase, during which Williamson reportedly leaned out of the drivers side window and fired multiple shots at the pursuing officers. Thornton officers called off the pursuit near Interstate 25 and Ridgegate Parkway. Deadly Denver shooting turned police chase ends with crash in Cherry Hills Village Thats when Douglas County Sheriffs Office deputies began to pursue the truck, deploying a tire deflation device. Williamson, as a way to further evade capture, drove over a sidewalk and through landscaping before crashing into a 7-Eleven. A store clerk and a customer inside the building were not injured, according to the DAs office. Williamson continued to ignore commands, including commands to put his hands up, instead pointing a gun once more at a deputy, said the sheriffs office. Two deputies then fired at Williamson, striking him multiple times. Williamsons wife, who had been with him in the car throughout the incident, was not hit. Im grateful that no officers were seriously injured following the defendants appalling behavior, Deputy District Attorney Keegan Doheney said in a release. Any one of those bullets the defendant fired could have been deadly. Given the egregiousness of this case, a decades-long prison sentence is appropriate. Williamsons wife, Hannah Woolard, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a charge of accessory to a crime and was sentenced on Aug. 5 to three years of community corrections. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Williamson pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree assault for firing at the officers. He was sentenced to 16 years for each count to be served consecutively for a total of 64 years in prison. He was also sentenced to serve three years of mandatory parole. Williamson had been released on parole in 2022 for attempted sexual assault and child abuse causing serious bodily injury after he was sentenced in 2011. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The 26th Circuit Court sentenced an Alpena man to 17 months to four years in prison for making false accusations against the Michigan State Police regarding an incident in 2021. An Alpena County jury found Thomas VanDuinen, 72, guilty of three counts of falsely reporting a felony, one count of providing a false statement to a police officer, and one count of using a computer to commit a crime in June 2024. In February 2021, MSP searched VanDuinens home and a pole barn he rented for business purposes. Two days later, VanDuinen began filing reports and demands that MSP return stolen property. He then filed a lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that the state troopers who searched his properties had stolen money and hydrocodone pills and forged signatures on the search warrants that were used to search his properties. These allegations were forwarded to the MSP Professional Standards Section and a criminal investigation was initiated in June 2021. The Michigan Solicitor General authorized the close of the inquiry against the troopers in January 2022. The court found that VanDuinens allegations were falseand found him guilty on all charges. VanDuinen will serve 17 months to four years for his three charges of falsely reporting a felony and an additional consecutive sentence of 23 months to seven years for using a computer to commit a crime. He will also serve a concurrent sentence of 13 months to 2 years for providing a false statement to a police officer during a criminal investigation. VanDuinen is required to serve 40 months in prison before being eligible for parole. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Man traveled from Ohio to meet child in Dorchester County for sexual activity: deputies DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Authorities arrested a man who they said traveled to Dorchester County from Ohio to meet a child for sexual activity. Robert Michael Urban III, 35, was arrested on multiple charges including criminal sexual conduct with a minor victim 11 to 14 years of age, criminal solicitation of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor first degree, and disseminating obscene material to minor. The Dorchester County Sheriffs Office said Urban traveled from Reynoldsburg, Ohio to the Lowcountry and engaged in sexual activity with a 12-year-old victim. The victims mother said the two met on an app called Monkey and found messages and videos from Urban asking the 12-year-old victim to engage in sexual activity with him. The victims family notified detectives, who then conducted an extensive investigation. The detectives traveled to Ohio where, with help from local police, executed search warrants on Urbans home. Urban waived extradition to Dorchester County and is being held at the L.C. Knight Dorchester County Detention Center on a $250,000 surety bond. Officials say the case is an active investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. KYODO NEWS - Aug 19, 2024 - 12:02 | World, All South Korea and the United States began a joint large-scale military exercise on Monday aimed at further strengthening their combined defense capabilities to cope with threats from North Korea, with a focus on readiness against Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which will last 11 days until Aug. 29, also features 48 field drills, up from 38 last year. The exercise began after North Korean state media framed it as "provocative war drills for aggression" the previous day. The official Korean Central News Agency report, citing a statement by an institute under North Korea's Foreign Ministry, said it is crucial for the country to "constantly maintain the balance of power for preventing a war by stockpiling the greatest deterrence." South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the joint exercise includes training to cope with various threats from North Korea, such as missile launches, GPS jamming and cyberattacks. Tensions between the two Koreas have heightened over the past months due to the North's repeated firing of ballistic missiles and launching of hundreds of balloons carrying trash across their shared border. Related coverage: Japan, U.S., South Korea renew resolve to keep stability in Indo-Pacific Mother urges reunion with North Korea-abducted daughter in Tokyo adverts Defense Ministry eyes record 8 tril. yen budget request for FY 2025 Manatee County commissioners recently voted to adopt a 50% increase in impact fees over the next four years. Impact fees are one-time fees paid by developers that help support the cost of infrastructure required by new development, including roads, sewer lines and emergency services. The fees must be spent in the part of the county where they are collected. But critics say the county is letting developers off the hook and potentially missing out on millions in infrastructure improvements by not seeking a bigger increase. Under Florida law, impact fees can only be increased once every four years. The maximum increase allowed is 50% unless the county commissions a study showing extraordinary circumstances that merit a higher increase. The county commissioned a study by Tampa consulting company Benesch in 2023 that helped shape the new impact fee schedule. Kruse, residents push for higher impact fees Commissioner George Kruse, who cast the only vote against the new impact fee schedule, argued that the study justified a much higher increase than 50%. By his calculations, the county will miss out on almost $585 million in potential impact fees over the next five years. We are not increasing to the maximum allowable by the state, Kruse said. They allowed for a maximum above the 50%, he said of state legislators, who updated impact fee laws in 2021. He pointed to other counties that have raised impact fees over the 50% maximum. Kruse made a motion for county staff to write a report demonstrating the extraordinary circumstances needed to explore a higher impact fee increase, but he did not receive support from his fellow commissioners. Several residents who submitted written comments or spoke during public comment also asked county leaders to reconsider the new impact fee schedule and seek higher rates. David Dean, a Myakka resident, called the countys decision not to seek higher fees a break for the rich and powerful. For four more years, youre locking us into this. It would be better to table this vote today and come back with a full impact fee ... rather than continue to dig a financial and infrastructural hole that we, Manatee County citizens, pay for while the developers walk away with all the profits, Dean said. Developers paying their fair share of the costs not only alleviates the financial burden on existing residents but also promotes sustainable growth, said Diana Shoemaker, a Democrat who is running for the District 3 commission seat. Commissioners: Time to move forward with impact fees But the county attorneys office advised that commissioners would have to begin the process of adopting new impact fees from scratch if they opted to pursue higher rates, including holding more public workshops and meetings. Other commissioners said it is not a process they are willing to start over again. Commissioner Amanda Ballard looked up Citrus Countys study to justify impact fees higher than 50% and reported to the board that it was a three-month process. Im not for extending this again, said Commissioner Mike Rahn. I believe were at the right place at the right time to move what we have forward. Its just going to delay the process even further to take the chance that we might have a consultant say we have extraordinary circumstances in Manatee County. Rahn also argued that developers would pass on the cost of higher impact fees to home buyers with higher prices. Kruse countered that Manatee County residents may wind up subsidizing infrastructure upgrades to a greater degree under the countys current plan. He pointed to a June budget workshop where staff said the county is facing a budget shortfall that will cause some infrastructure upgrades to be delayed. Staff also suggested floating $300 million in bonds to cover the shortfall. Kruse said that would put all Manatee County taxpayers on the hook to pay off debt for new infrastructure to support development in East Manatee County unlike impact fees that are only collected from the area where the development is occurring. Only the people who benefit from the impact fees are the ones paying those impact fees. But what youre proposing is to charge the collective Manatee County to do the improvements. Even the people ... who arent going to benefit, Kruse said. Commissioners voted 5-1 to adopt the new fee schedule, which will incrementally increase impact fees by 50% from 2025 to 2028. For example, to build a 1,200-square-foot single-family home in Northeast Manatee County, a developer currently pays $6,093 in impact fees. That amount will now increase to $8,183 by 2028. Manatee County Government collected over $62 million in impact fees last year, according to public records. The Manhattan district attorneys office said it would not oppose delaying former President Trumps sentencing in his hush money criminal case slated for Sept. 18, suggesting prosecutors would instead defer to the judge. Trump has demanded a delay in sentencing until after the November presidential election. Among other arguments, he asserts that he will immediately appeal if the judge doesnt wipe the guilty verdict following the Supreme Courts presidential immunity decision. A ruling is expected by Sept. 16, two days prior to Trumps sentencing. In a two-page letter responding to Trumps delay request that became public Monday, prosecutors said some of his other arguments had no merit, and there are strong reasons why Trump should not be permitted to appeal an unfavorable immunity ruling prior to sentencing. Nonetheless, given the defenses newly-stated position, we defer to the Court on whether an adjournment is warranted to allow for orderly appellate litigation of that question, or to reduce the risk of a disruptive stay from an appellate court pending consideration of that question, state lawyer Matthew Colangelo wrote in the filing. Prosecutors also noted that significant public safety and logistical steps by numerous agencies are necessary when Trump appears in court, raising concern that such steps would be taken ahead of his sentencing and then disturbed by the former presidents appeals. Judge Juan Merchans proclamation that he will rule on the immunity issue two days prior to Trumps sentencing means those appeals are poised to take place at the last minute, possibly just hours before the currently scheduled sentencing. Prosecutors letter went on to flatly reject Trumps other arguments, including his renewed concerns about Merchans daughters work at a progressive digital agency. Live updates: DNC kicks off amid protests against Israel-Hamas war The judge has repeatedly rejected Trumps calls for his recusal, citing guidance from a state ethics group. Prosecutors called it bizarre that Trumps lawyers in their delay request cited social media posts from one of the daughters colleagues supporting the new Democratic presidential ticket. In May, Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money deal his ex-fixer made with a porn actor who said she had an affair with Trump, which he has denied. It marked the first criminal conviction of any former president. Trumps lawyers have latched on to the Supreme Courts immunity ruling, which found that former presidents have at least presumptive protection from criminal prosecution over their official acts taken while in office. Under the ruling, prosecutors cannot bring in immunized acts as evidence, with few exceptions, even if the charges are for otherwise unprotected conduct. Though much of Manhattan prosecutors case rested on a catch-and-kill scheme to keep negative stories about Trump out of the press, including that he made a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels during his successful 2016 campaign, the former president claims his 34-count conviction is tainted because the jury saw a handful of acts now deemed protected as official acts during the seven-week trial. The evidence in question includes witness testimony from two White House aides, a government ethics form and some of Trumps tweets while in office. Prosecutors have pushed back on the arguments, insisting the evidence is not protected despite the Supreme Courts ruling, and that even if it was, the verdict should stand because any error was harmless. But their lack of objection to delaying Trumps sentencing raises a strong possibility that it will be pushed deeper into the campaign season or even past Novembers election. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Judge Juan Merchan has another tough decision to make in Donald Trumps New York criminal case. After Trumps lawyers last week pushed to delay sentencing in light of the Supreme Courts immunity ruling, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office says its deferring to the judge about whether to do so. Merchan had set the former presidents sentencing for Sept. 18, two days after the judge is poised to rule on Trumps motion to set aside his guilty verdicts based on the immunity ruling. In their letter last week, Trumps lawyers said that if Merchan rejects their immunity-related motion, then they intend to immediately appeal, and they argued that it would be unfair to sentence their client in the meantime as he runs for president again. In their response made public Monday, Manhattan prosecutors disagreed with multiple points in the letter but ultimately deferred to Merchan on whether to keep the Sept. 18 sentencing. The state noted that, unlike Trumps federal election interference case that led to the Supreme Courts July 1 immunity ruling, the issue here isnt whether the charged acts in the so-called hush money case are immune from prosecution; the issue in New York is whether any official-act evidence used to prove Trumps guilt of unofficial conduct ran afoul of the high court ruling such that Trumps guilty verdicts need to be overturned prior to sentencing. Trump was found guilty in May of all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The Supreme Courts recent decision did not consider whether a trial courts ruling on that distinct evidentiary question is immediately appealable, and there are strong reasons why it should not be, prosecutors wrote to Merchan in their letter dated Aug. 16. Nonetheless, given the defenses newly stated position, we defer to the Court on whether an adjournment is warranted to allow for orderly appellate litigation of that question, or to reduce the risk of a disruptive stay from an appellate court pending consideration of that question, the prosecutors continued, adding that theyre prepared for sentencing whenever it takes place. Acknowledging the reality of the situation, prosecutors added in a footnote: Assuming that defendant seeks an interim stay of the sentencing hearing immediately after this Courts September 16 ruling, the People respectfully note that an appellate court considering such a request will understand that, without an interim stay, it would have to receive briefing and decide certain issues of first impression in one day. So in addition to pointing out the significant public safety and logistical steps by multiple agencies needed to prepare for Trumps court appearances, the prosecutions letter suggests that keeping the Sept. 18 date could be all for naught, given Trumps intention to immediately appeal the likely impending denial of his motion by Merchan. Of course, if Merchan sides with Trump on Sept. 16, then there wont be a sentencing to contend with. The defendants newly-stated position concerning an immediate appeal ... may mean that significant preparatory steps are taken, only to have such steps disturbed by appellate litigation, prosecutors wrote, referring to a potential appeal of the motion on which Merchan is set to rule Sept. 16. The prosecutions letter is the latest reminder of how broadly the Supreme Courts ruling in Trump v. United States can favor the GOP presidential nominee. While Trump has already benefited from that ruling, the full extent to which he does so remains to be seen in all of his criminal cases. In the meantime, Merchan has yet another difficult decision to make in this unique prosecution when it comes to this scheduling matter. The judge stressed to the parties earlier this month (before Trumps letter last week) that the Sept. 18 date remained unchanged. The prosecutions letter could complicate matters for the judge, but well learn from Merchan himself in an order that could come anytime now. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for updates and expert analysis on the top legal stories. The newsletter will return to its regular weekly schedule when the Supreme Courts next term kicks off in October. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MANOR, Texas (KXAN) Manor ISD is hoping to build off of the one percent pay raise it already gave to teachers and staff at the end of last school year. Superintendent Dr. Robert Sormani said the district is calling for an additional two percent raise. However, voters will have the final say on whether that happens. The proposal calls for the raises to by paid for by a voter approval tax rate election. If passed in the November election, the district would receive an additional $4.8 million in taxpayer money. Sormani talked with KXAN ahead of the upcoming school year about the raises, teacher mental health, student achievement, and more. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Tom Miller: Over the summer Manor ISD voted to give its teachers a one percent pay raise. I know youre hoping to do more. What are the plans? Dr. Robert Sormani: The trustees and I have discussed calling our tax rate election on August 19. What thatll do is allow us to raise funds that allow us to provide an additional two percent for a three percent total raise to all our staff, which will be retroactive from the beginning of the school year. Tom: With school funding in mind, Governor Greg Abbott has said that private school vouchers are going to be his top legislative priority next session. Where do you stand on that? Dr. Sormani: Im against it. Were talking about giving public money to a private entity that has no accountability. Not to academics, not to the transparency of how that money is spent when the vast majority of students are in Texas public schools, and were struggling to find ways to pay teachers, and yet, were already giving money away to a different entity. Tom: Last year was your first full year with the school district. What did you learn from that experience, and how is that going to inform future decisions? Dr. Sormani: I learned that this community loves the school system, the businesses, the community members, and the parents and families. Theyre great partners, and it gives me a lot of hope that on November 5 were going to be able to pass a tax rate election. Tom: The district recently announced its going to give free meals to all students. Why are you doing that? And how do you hope that will help? Dr. Sormani: I think when you have a majority of students in the district that are already in low income situations, I think its the right thing to do. One of the most important things is for kids to have a good, solid meal if theyre going to have an education. Mind you, this is something that public schools do, not private schools. Tom: I was recently looking at the school district report cards and Manor ISD got a C. One of the areas that was hurting was student achievement test scores. How do you hope to bring those up? Dr. Sormani: We just hope to put our nose to the grind and continue to work on reading and math and really focus on bringing those students up. School systems dont change overnight. The state has changed the rules. They changed the accountability system. Theyre using new artificial intelligence grading. So when grades come out, its not something like all the schools in Texas suddenly got worse. The system changed, and thats an important thing for community members to understand. When you go visit the school, its the same teachers, its the same staff getting better every single year. We have to work with the system the state gives us. Tom: Where do things stand with teacher vacancies as we kick off this new school year, and are staffing levels where you want them to be? Dr. Sormani: Staffing levels are never where I want to be until theyre 100% staffed. At the same time though, year over year, our staffing has increased, our vacancies are less. So I am really excited about where we are to start this school year. Tom: What is your message to families who are returning, or maybe starting with the district? Dr. Sormani: If youre returning, welcome back. We want to continue to partner with you to make this district as great as it can be. If youre just getting to know us, our mantra this year is we solve problems and serve people. So when you come to visit us, we are going to do our best to model that, and were gonna do our best to make your transition to our district as seamless as possible and make you a believer in us. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A deal has been reached to reopen a busy road near former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach at times when the Republican nominee for president is not home. Mar-a-Lago, the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies reached an agreement late last week to reopen South Ocean Boulevard next to Trump's property when the president is not in Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago said in a news release. Palm Beach Town Manager Kirk Blouin and Police Chief Nicholas Caristo met with the Secret Service and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office to review the plan, police spokesman Capt. Will Rothrock said. The town confirmed that the changes take effect immediately, though the barricade will remain in place through at least Tuesday because Trump returned to Mar-a-Lago on Monday. "There will still be serious traffic impacts resulting from intermittent S.R. A1A closures coupled with historic seasonal rises in traffic volume within the town," Rothrock said. "We will continue to work towards short- and long-term solutions that address traffic impacts, safety, and security concerns of our Towns residents with local and regional stakeholders." The agreement comes days after the Town Council at a meeting Aug. 13 directed staff to look at possible legal options including stripping the club of its ability to operate as frustrations with the closure have mounted and residents have inundated the town with concerns about safety and congestion. The Secret Service ordered the road to be closed effective July 20 following the July 13 attempted assassination of Trump. South Ocean Boulevard has been closed around-the-clock, seven days a week, whether Trump is home or not since the closure. Officials previously had said it would remain closed through at least the Nov. 5 general election. "Todays meeting illustrates the strong partnerships between the U.S. Secret Service and our local government and law enforcement partners, and we appreciate the Town of Palm Beachs continued patience and understanding as we work together to ensure the safety and security of our protectees and the public," U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Melissa McKenzie said. Trump "was very opposed" to closing South Ocean Boulevard, according to Mar-a-Lago's statement. Two Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies sit in their SUVs at the western end of the Southern Boulevard Bridge on Aug. 19 in West Palm Beach, part of increased security around former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club. "President Trump, the Trump family and the Mar-a-Lago Club do not want to inconvenience anyone, especially their neighbors and greater community in Palm Beach," a Trump family spokesperson said in the news release. "The Trumps have been members of the community for 30 years; it is their home, and they share the sentiments of fellow town residents." The updated road closure will be continuously evaluated, Rothrock said, noting that changes may be needed as necessary. "Town Administration and the Police Department want to thank our residents and business owners for their patience and understanding as we work together to solve problems," he said. In addition to the changes to the road closure, Palm Beach is also working with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Secret Service to alter bridge-opening schedules to allow for better traffic circulation during peak times, something that was done when Trump was president, Rothrock said. The Coast Guard on Friday announced that it was enacting temporary security zones in the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean around Mar-a-Lago, which took effect Monday and will be in place through Nov. 30. Those security zones open the door for the bridge openings to change. The Trumps are thankful for the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for providing security around Mar-a-Lago, the club said. "The Trump family is particularly grateful for the willingness of these agencies to collaborate with them and town officials to develop a compromise that benefits everyone involved," Mar-a-Lago said in the news release. More: Chinese citizen pleads not guilty to trespassing at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach Beginning immediately, the affected portion of South Ocean Boulevard will reopen when Trump is not in residence. Whether or not the closure will be lifted depends on how long Trump will be gone, and how long it takes to remove and install the equipment necessary to enact the closure, a person close to the decision said. When the road was closed in July, the Florida Department of Transportation which owns and maintains the stretch of South Ocean Boulevard because it is State Road A1A used a bulldozer to put concrete barricades into place to block parts of the Southern Boulevard traffic circle. Drivers are diverted from entering the roundabout and lanes are marked with orange traffic cones. Both the north and south checkpoints are staffed by Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies under temporary tents. PBSO also has security checkpoints on the west side of the Southern Boulevard Bridge. FDOT will send a road crew to open and close the road as requested by PBSO, FDOT District 4 spokesperson Guillermo Canedo said. That will include moving the barrier walls, cones and signs, which may take several hours. "We sincerely regret any inconvenience these openings/closings may cause and ask for the communitys understanding and continued support as we accommodate these requests as efficiently and safely as we can," Canedo said. The closure went into effect one week after a 20-year-old gunman shot into the crowd at Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, injuring Trump and two of his supporters and killing another person. The Secret Service shot and killed the gunman. The closure was one of a number of steps taken by the Secret Service to increase security around Trump and his properties, including Trump Tower in Manhattan and Trump's club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Long-term increases in security were already in the works before the recent measures, with the Secret Service working with the town and Mar-a-Lago to request a new guardhouse, which is under construction just inside the club's main gate on South Ocean Boulevard. Since the stretch of South Ocean closed near Mar-a-Lago, there has been increased congestion on the Royal Park Bridge, the middle of the three bridges that connect Palm Beach to West Palm Beach across the Intracoastal Waterway, officials have said. Palm Beach officials pushed back on the closure's indefinite nature, questioning the need for the road to shut down when Trump is not there. When Trump was president, the Secret Service closed South Ocean Boulevard near Mar-a-Lago only when he was in Palm Beach. The closure "effectively cuts the Town in two," Town Attorney Joanne O'Connor wrote in a July 22 letter to the Secret Service, where she asked the agency to "provide the legal authority authorizing it to implement the road closure for the specified duration and even when protectee(s) are not in residence in the Town." Mar-a-Lago, the U.S. Secret Service and local enforcement have reached a deal to reopen South Ocean Boulevard next to former President Donald Trump's Palm Beach club at times that the president is not home. Here is the full text of Mar-a-Lago's news release: "Mar-a-Lago has worked with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the United States Secret Service, to forge a compromise to re-open South Ocean Boulevard (State Road A1A) when the former President is not in residence at Mar-a-Lago. "Following the recent assassination attempt on the former President, the Secret Service announced that the agency would be closing the stretch of South Ocean Boulevard near Mar-a-Lago for the immediate future and will reassess after the upcoming Presidential election this November. Former President Trump was very opposed to the closure of the road. President Trump, the Trump family and the Mar-a-Lago Club do not want to inconvenience anyone, especially their neighbors and greater community in Palm Beach, a family spokesperson added. The Trumps have been members of the community for 30 years; it is their home, and they share the sentiments of fellow town residents. "The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies are dedicated to safeguarding both the President and the Trump family and they are deeply appreciated for their vital role in this mission. The Trump family is particularly grateful for the willingness of these agencies to collaborate with them and town officials to develop a compromise that benefits everyone involved. "Beginning immediately, the affected portion of South Ocean Boulevard will re-open whenever the former President is not in residence and subject to certain security equipment installation timelines." Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Mar-a-Lago, Secret Service to open road when Trump isn't home Emissions spew from a large stack at the coal fired Brandon Shores Power Plant, on March 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. Critics say that PJM, which is responsible for coordinating the flow of electricity in 13 states and the District of Columbia, should have been prepared for the retirement of Brandon Shores. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Emissions spew from a large stack at the coal fired Brandon Shores Power Plant, on March 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. Critics say that PJM, which is responsible for coordinating the flow of electricity in 13 states and the District of Columbia, should have been prepared for the retirement of Brandon Shores. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) After years of climbing electric prices nationwide, customers in the United States largest power market are about to get squeezed harder. Last month, PJM, which coordinates the flow of electricity for an area that includes all or parts of 13 states stretching from the Midwest to New Jersey plus the District of Columbia, released capacity auction results that hit a record high. The auction, held by the regional transmission organization to ensure theres enough power generation to meet demand spikes, such as during severe weather and other grid emergencies, produced a price of nearly $270 per megawatt day for much of the footprint (with some areas spiking much higher) compared to nearly $29 per megawatt day during the last auction. That increase, more than 800%, will cost customers across the region of 65 million people nearly $15 billion for the period covered by the auction (June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026) the Maryland Office of Peoples Counsel noted in a report released last week. The costs will not hit equally across the PJM footprint, however, since utilities that own and operate their own power plants, like Virginias Dominion Energy, are both sellers and buyers in the capacity market, which will blunt the impact for their ratepayers. But Exelon, a company that owns six so-called wires-only utilities with 10.5 million customers in PJM states, expects the capacity prices to trigger double-digit rate increases for some customers, Utility Dive reported. What makes the capacity costs tougher to swallow is that much of the increase can be laid at the feet of planning shortcomings, market design failures and governance problems at PJM, the organizations critics contend. The tools to enhance reliability are in PJMs hands, said Clara Summers, campaign manager for Consumers for a Better Grid, a watchdog group that is part of the Citizens Utility Board of Illinois. Instead PJM is dragging its feet on the clean energy transition and doing everything it can to keep fossil fuel plants online and ultimately ratepayers are the ones who suffer from this shortsightedness. All sorts of problems In particular, critics point to PJMs long delayed interconnection queue, which is the waiting list for generation projects looking for permission to connect to the grid. They say that even as PJM complains about fewer power plants entering its capacity auction and the increasing pace of old generating station retirements, it is seeking exemptions to a landmark new federal rule intended to streamline interconnection processes and get new power resources online quickly. PJM is the place with the most acute need for interconnection reform and theyre refusing to do what theyve been told to do on it rather than be proactive on it, said Tom Rutigliano, a senior advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council who focuses on PJM. Jeff Shields, a PJM spokesman, said the organization has been working hard to fix its interconnection process and clear the backlog. He pointed out that many projects that have cleared the queue still arent getting built because of supply chain, financing or permitting problems that are beyond PJMs control. We are not arguing about whether we need queue reform, we have only taken issue with some details, he said. David Lapp, Marylands peoples counsel, an advocate for the states residential utility customers, said interconnection delays are just part of the problem at PJM. Transmission costs because of a lack of competitive bidding of projects and a failure to plan for the long term, watchdogs argue have also climbed over the past decade. And a deficient process for managing power plant retirements, along with market errors, have also hurt customers, Lapp said. Our customers are bearing the consequences of all sorts of problems at PJM, whether they be problems with the market structure, problems with the interconnection queue, problems related to planning failures or just mistakes, Lapp said in an interview with States Newsroom. PJM really needs to start taking the interest of customers more seriously into account in terms of how it develops its policies. How the retirement of Brandon Shores, a Talen Energy coal-fired power plant southeast of Baltimore, has been handled, exemplifies a lot of whats wrong with PJM, Lapp added. Lapp and others, including members of Marylands congressional delegation, say PJM was caught flat-footed by the plants retirement, which should have been foreseeable given the limited amount it was running, a deal with the Sierra Club to quit burning coal and financial troubles for its operating company. PJM counters that it was told the plant would switch to burning oil and continue running. It is not reasonable to expect PJM to have anticipated the imminent deactivation of the Brandon Shores units when numerous public statements and direct conversations between PJM and Talen all supported the notion that Brandon Shores was on a path to remain online, albeit using a different fuel source, PJM President and CEO Manu Asthana wrote in a December letter to the Sierra Club, How much sense does that make? Regardless, PJM now has pushed for an urgent suite of transmission projects that will cost Maryland ratepayers about $800 million to bring in enough power to make up for the loss of the Brandon Shores station and another nearby Talen plant, Wagner, that is also retiring. PJM will also keep both plants running under what are known asreliability must run arrangements that could cost Maryland ratepayers $629 million through 2028, the Peoples Counsel report says, and comes with no guarantee they will actually be able to produce power when called upon. It also means the plants will exit the capacity market, which is designed to increase prices as energy supply tightens to encourage more generation sources to enter the market. The logic was that you want to treat them as gone to send a price signal for new entry, Rutigliano said. But even if a new generation source wanted to take advantage of the high capacity prices in the zone affected by the plant closure, the interconnection queue delays mean it could be years before it can participate in the auction. With PJMs interconnection process so far behind that simply doesnt work, Rutigliano said. Price signals are worthless if youve got a six-year delay in responding to them. And since PJM has already decided on a transmission solution to make up for the plants retirement, forcing customers to bear the high capacity prices doesnt make sense, Rutigliano said. They exclude them from the market to get a high price signal but build transmission to ease the load pocket. Those are contradictory, he said. The upshot is that Talen gets a windfall (the Office of the Peoples Counsel report found the companys revenues for the 2025-2026 delivery year are $360 million higher than what they would have been had Wagner and Brandon Shores participated in the capacity market) and electric customers in Maryland will be paying extra for plants that may not run much at all. They will also be paying extra for the loss of that plant to the capacity market in order to create a market signal that wont matter because of the transmission solution PJM has already decided upon, which will also be paid by local customers. Lapp called it a triple whammy. We have the illogical situation where customers are paying big dollars for a plant that is not going to run almost all the time, Lapp said. They still have no performance obligation. There are no consequences if PJM says Were hitting a peak time. We need you to run. And Talen says We cant. How much sense does that make? Shields, the PJM spokesman, says PJM will continue working to improve markets, transmission planning and generator interconnection. But he added that, of the PJM states, Maryland has the second-fewest projects in the queue over the next few years. We encourage Maryland policymakers to analyze why and what can be done to encourage development, Shields said. There is no debate Maryland needs energy infrastructure. Maryland needs generation to produce power for and transmission to move power to the customers who need it. The Maryland Office of Peoples Counsel knows all of this to be true, and these critical issues deserve a better discussion than ongoing exercises in finger pointing. Seeking variances Particularly frustrating for PJM reformers are the exemptions it is seeking to a new Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rule to speed the connection of new power resources to the grid, which seems counterintuitive for an organization that has worried about having enough power to meet demand. PJM did begin its own interconnection reforms prior to the FERC order, and its request for variances indicates it wants to stick to that plan rather than conform completely to the new FERC rules, per a coalition of environmental and consumer organizations that are challenging the request before the commission. The interconnection queue in PJM is among the longest in the nation, whether measured by the number of projects, total electric capacity, or how long projects languish awaiting studies, the groups wrote in a FERC filing, noting that PJM wont review new interconnection applications until 2026 at the earliest. At the same time, PJM is sounding the alarm about a reliability crisis because new generation cannot come online quickly enough to replace retiring power plants. To accelerate interconnection and bring new generation online to avoid reliability challenges from foreseeable retirements, PJM should welcome Order No. 2023s reforms with open arms. Instead, PJM resists reform to its interconnection process. Mainly PJM is seeking permission for increased study timelines and a laxer penalty structure and wants to sidestep reporting requirements on how it evaluates grid-enhancing technologies, which can save time and money over traditional transmission solutions. It also wants to avoid the requirement to realistically consider how energy storage resources will affect peak load. Grid-enhancing technologies have been used for years elsewhere in the world to get more out of existing power systems and in many cases are faster and cheaper than building new transmission lines, but theyve been slow to catch on in the U.S., in part because American utilities make more money by building big, expensive projects rather than more cost-effective solutions, proponents have said. PJM wants out of a requirement to demonstrate that it has considered those technologies, said Katie Siegner, a manager who works on markets and electric grids at the Rocky Mountain Institute, a nonprofit focused on decarbonization. What theyre saying is, We already consider them but dont make us show you how, she said. The other major exemption PJM wants deals with battery storage resources and what grid upgrades are needed to accommodate them. Some grid operators, including PJM, want to continue to use a worst-case assumption that the batteries will charge at times of peak electric demand. That flies in the face of the economic model for grid-connected batteries, which seek to charge when prices are low and discharge when they spike. Assuming that storage will charge during a time of peak load is one of those worst-case conditions even though its antithetical to the action it will take in the market, Siegner said. And even if PJM was concerned about that happening, it could write a prohibition into an interconnection agreement, rather than requiring storage developers to pay for expensive grid upgrades that might never be needed, she added. Its just a nonsensical way of studying these resources that has to change, Siegner said. The bigger problem, said Summers of the Citizens Utility Board, is that at PJM, fossil fuel generators, big utilities and transmission companies hold a lot of sway. Many of these companies came of age in the fossil fuel era and their incentives are to try to prevent the fossil fuel transition or make it as expensive as possible. PJM has a pattern of dragging its feet on the energy transition, Summers said. Indeed, how PJM is governed and how stakeholders are voting in lower level meetings is drawing increasing scrutiny from state lawmakers. Four blue state governors with decarbonization goals also recently called for a robust process for states to engage with PJM on planning decisions. And for many of PJMs critics, the fact that projects have made it through the queue but havent gotten built doesnt excuse the mess the interconnection process has become. PJM must take responsibility for its role in establishing and maintaining an effective interconnection process, Siegner said. The faster that interconnection requests are processed, the easier it is to get financing and navigate supply chain hurdles. Its a lot harder if youre waiting in the queue for five years and you have no idea what your network upgrade costs will be. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Rev. Jesse Jackson, seated, in March 2023 at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition headquarters where he endorsed Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, then a candidate, second from right Jackson's 1988 run for the Democratic presidential nomination is credited with opening doors for other Black candidates. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images In more than 40 years of Democratic National Conventions, Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-7th) has seen presidents, would-be presidents, celebrities and icons like Rosa Parks. He has seen the nomination of Barack Obama, who would go on to become the first Black president, and he should see another historic first in Chicago this week when Kamala Harris is expected to become the first Black and South Asian woman nominated by a major political party. And he saw the 1988 speech that he and other Maryland Democrats say opened the door for Obama and Harris the Rev. Jesse Jacksons hourlong primetime speech capping his ultimately failed campaign for the nomination. I remember, as a much younger person, jumping up and down on the convention floor when he (Jackson) gave his speech, which was and still is one of the best speeches Ive ever heard in my life, Mfume said recently. The party rejected Jackson in 1988, but it was scheduled to honor him Monday night, on the opening night of the 2024 convention. In 1988, the civil rights leader had won 13 primaries and caucuses, carrying several Southern states and garnering 30% of the delegates at the convention. But he lost the nomination to Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis who would go on to lose the general election in a landslide to George H.W. Bush, who won 40 states, including Maryland. Still, Jackson cleared the way for Obama to win the nomination in 2008, Mfume said. There were very few convention delegates, who 20 years earlier, would have stood up and said were going to elect a Black president, Mfume said. The 1988 Democratic National Convention, which nominated Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis over the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Photo by John Rydell. Mfume vividly remembers the excitement that filled the Omni Center in Atlanta as Jackson spoke, a speech that he said overshadowed Dukakis acceptance speech two days later. That was echoed by John Willis, professor of the College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore. Jesse Jackson was a terrific orator, Willis said. And he was carrying the message of the people in the country who had been underserved and underrepresented for centuries and echoing his trademark refrain, Keep hope alive, which set the stage for Barack Obamas run for president 20 years later. Willis, who has been a delegate to Democratic conventions since 1980, said Jackson could be polarizing and his style was perceived as a threat to the establishment. But lots of the issues youre hearing about in 2024, you can go back to that speech in 1988 and find much the same language: protecting Head Start programs, expanding day care, and that government is a tool for democracy and service for the public, Willis said. Youve heard that from Vice President Harris and (Minnesota) Gov. Tim Walz. While at the 2008 convention, Willis also remembered watching a brief speech by Wes Moore, a little-known 29-year-old military veteran, who was invited by Obama to speak. Moore will be back on the convention stage this week delivering a speech as governor of Maryland, currently the only Black governor in the nation. Former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, who was a Jackson delegate in 1988, remembers the excitement he generated during what she calls a phenomenal speech. Those of us who were (Jackson) delegates, felt very strongly he could potentially have been the nominee for president, she said. What it said to us was that you cannot dismiss individuals in the African-American community in this process, because, up to this point, weve had mostly white males, not only for presidents but also for the Congress and the Senate, Dixon said. So it really was inspiring that he was able to speak to people who wanted to be represented by those they could relate to, and Jesse Jackson, we could relate to. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jackson, now 82, pushed what was a liberal platform in 1988: stricter enforcement of the Voting Rights Act, restructuring the war on drugs, scaling back mandatory sentences for drug users, cracking down on banks engaged in drug money laundering and opening discussions to reparations for descendants of slaves. Mfume said he told Jackson that he had a third eye. He could see things that sometimes other could not, so he was speaking to the issues of the moment. But he was also speaking to the future to help us understand what many thought were not important, but in fact, would become important in the future, because they were morally right issues and not necessarily political issues, Mfume said. Most of his platform proposals were rejected by Democratic leaders, but Dixon said Jackson was the one to really ignite some of the issues that weve been dealing with since then, like reproductive rights and issues of equality. He had a crystal ball before his time, she said. Now that she (Kamala Harris) is the nominee, people are going to be mobilized. Posters promoting Kamala Harris for president on sale at an arts festival in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood on Sunday. Photo by Zoe Kurtz. CHICAGO Marylanders are poised to play a prominent role at this weeks Democratic National Convention both inside the United Center, where the convention itself is taking place, and at events throughout the Windy City. The convention officially kicks off Monday and runs through Thursday night. Across the country, Democrats enthusiasm has been turbocharged since Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Biden at the top of the ticket less than a month ago and thats no different for the 106 members of Marylands convention delegation. The bump were going to have from this convention is just going to be tremendous, that were going to take with us through Election Day, Montgomery County Councilmember William Jawando, a Democratic delegate, said on a call with his donors Saturday. Marylands delegates began assembling at their hotel along the Chicago River over the weekend. Its just a few blocks from Lake Michigan, and nine other state delegations are staying in the same building. Preliminary events for the Marylanders included a Sunday evening welcome reception at an Irish pub around the corner from their hotel. Some of the lucky delegates were also able to hit an Italian-American Democrats reception at a highly rated Italian restaurant in town earlier in the day (Maryland state Sen. Jim Rosapepe is a vice president of the group, and Brenda Lucchi, of Bowie, is the executive director). Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, are among those expected to speak on the convention floor though their speaking slots have not been locked in yet. Marylands important, state Democratic Chair Ken Ulman said on the Jawando donor call Saturday. Maryland plays an important role this year. Marylands convention delegation features most of the states Democratic heavy hitters including much of the congressional delegation; Comptroller Brooke Lierman; Attorney General Anthony Brown; the presiding officers of the General Assembly, Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) and Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City); several county executives, state lawmakers and local officials; political up-and-comers; wannabes; old-timers; and a handful of Moores top aides. The Chicago Cultural Center on Saturday welcomed Democratic delegates. Photo by Zoe Kurtz. Beyond the action in the United Center, convention week for delegates is a combination of Mardi Gras and a national reunion of political junkies and wonks, with action from sun-up to the wee small hours of the morning. Many of the delegates came to Chicago straight from the Maryland Association of Counties summer convention in Ocean City, adding to the traveling circus-like atmosphere. The delegation will meet for breakfast every day this week at their hotel. Some delegates will then hit caucus meetings or other events throughout town the Democratic National Committee has 15 caucuses, from the Asian-American Pacific Islander Caucus to the Veterans and Military Families Council. After the action on the convention floor each night, the Marylanders can attend after-parties near their hotel. And on Wednesday afternoon, they have the option of taking an architectural boat tour along the Chicago River. Mondays breakfast is billed as a tribute to Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D). Wednesdays breakfast is being sponsored by the three Democratic nominees in open-seat races for U.S. House: Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., former U.S. Commerce Department official April McClain Delaney and state Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth (D-Anne Arundel). Olszewski and Elfreth are heavily favored to win their races in the 2nd and 3rd districts, respectively. Delaney is in a tighter race in the 6th District with former Del. Neil C. Parrott (R). Thursdays breakfast has been billed as a tribute to Alsobrooks. After-parties for the delegation are being sponsored by Moore and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th), among others. Lobbypalooza Just as lobbyists, advocacy groups and special interests are ubiquitous in Annapolis during General Assembly sessions and at other gatherings of the Maryland political tribe, they will be heavily in evidence during the Democratic convention. According to a paper being handed to Maryland convention delegates when they check in at their hotel, event sponsors for the week include: Harris Jones Malone, a Baltimore and Annapolis lobbying firm E. Harrington & Sons, a Baltimore-based utility contractor RISE Investment Partners, a Prince Georges development company headed by former state Del. Justin Ross (D) Venable LLP, the mega-law firm based in Baltimore CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, the health insurance giant S. Proctor & Associates, Inc., an Annapolis and Prince Georges County lobbying firm The Laborers International Union of North America The American Federation of Government Employees Baltimore Gas & Electric Pepco The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, an electric power line proposal proposed by PSEG, a New Jersey energy company McDonalds Allegis Redwood Maxim, a Catonsville public affairs firm Reworld Waste, known until recently as Covanta, the operator of a waste-to-energy plant in Montgomery County Lockheed Martin, the defense contractor Constellation Energy Baker McKenzie, a global law firm Diageo North America Education Reform Now Advocacy, a nonprofit think tank United Food & Commercial Workers Local 400 Rice Consulting, a Democratic fundraising firm in Maryland Compass Advocacy, an Annapolis lobbying firm International Association of Firefighters Local 964 MariMed Inc., a Massachusetts cannabis company Somerset Mayor Jeffrey Slavin, a prominent Democratic donor Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association Mizrahi Enterprises, a Maryland technology firm Young Mens Democratic Club of Prince Georges County Bellamy Genn Group, an Annapolis lobbying firm Emerge Maryland, an organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for political office Bold-faced names Alsobrooks, who is bidding to become the third Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate Harris, a mentor and personal friend of Alsobrooks, was the second is also expected to appear at events around town, possibly in tandem with U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, another Black woman, who is strongly favored to win a Senate seat there this fall. Alsobrooks and Raskin are scheduled to speak to the Virginia delegation on Wednesday morning. And Alsobrooks is addressing an AAPI Caucus meeting on Wednesday. Moore will be busy throughout the week. You will see a lot of our governor in Chicago, Ulman said. Beyond his expected floor speech, Moore on Thursday will be the featured speaker at the veterans caucus meeting. Hes also scheduled to talk about racial income disparities at a meeting of the Black Economic Alliance. And he said he expects to talk to Gen Z groups and other organizations throughout the week. I dont expect to get much sleep, the governor said in an interview. Although Moore is a relative political newcomer, this is not his first convention address. On Aug. 28, 2008, at 3:40 p.m. local time, a man introduced to the crowd as Captain Wes Moore, gave a 2 -minute speech at Invesco Field in Denver on the last day of the convention there, extolling the virtues of the Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama, who gave his acceptance speech that evening. Moore was just 29 years old at the time, but he sounded some of the same themes then that he has since entering politics. The election is not about history, he said at the time. This election is not about making history. This election is about seizing history and forging a proper course for our country for the next century. Moore said that despite that experience, this convention really feels like my first. The governor said he too feels a surge of optimism among Democrats, in Maryland and across the country. But he added a note of caution. I hope we dont enter into the convention or leave the convention with a false sense of exuberance, he said. Theres still a lot of work to do. A building owned by former President Donald Trump is prominent along the Chicago River, near the Maryland Democrats hotel. Photo by Josh Kurtz. Raskin, a hero to progressives across the country, also has a busy schedule, with commitments to speak at six state delegation breakfasts, at a Climate Crisis Council meeting and at a Brennan Center discussion on the Supreme Court. A conflict Sunday night kept Raskin from a scheduled appearance at a tribute to the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the South Side headquarters of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, the civil rights and community services organization he founded in the 1970s. Raskin, a former general counsel to the coalition, would have joined a program of speakers that included Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Rev. Al Sharpton and four of Raskins House colleagues, including U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), the son of the civil rights icon. Despite suffering a mild stroke on Aug. 11, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th), the longest-serving member of Congress in Maryland history and the senior Democrat in the House of Representatives, is planning to be in Chicago this week, according to his office. Hoyer is 85. He is scheduled to address the Maryland delegation on Tuesday. I cant imagine Steny not being here, said former Maryland Secretary of State John Willis. Marylands two U.S. senators, Ben Cardin (D) and Chris Van Hollen (D) also plan to be on hand though Cardin must first preside over a pro forma session of the U.S. Senate on Tuesday morning before heading to Chicago. Like many of the dignitaries in the Maryland delegation, most members of Congress were still piecing together their convention schedules as the festivities began. Abortion rights on the delegations agenda While it isnt unusual for high-ranking Maryland officials to raise money at national political conventions, two state lawmakers have decided to do so this week. Del. Andrew C. Pruski (D-Anne Arundel) has a midday event scheduled Monday at an Irish pub in downtown Chicago. Its a joint fundraiser for him and Conor Curran, a member of the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee. Just as Willie Sutton, the notorious thief, reportedly said he robbed banks because thats where the money is, Pruski said he decided to hold a fundraiser during the convention because thats where the political people are. Similar to MACo or other events, there are numerous Democratic leaders, volunteers and others that will be in Chicago, he said. We are looking forward to a great event. Another Anne Arundel County lawmaker, Del. Dana Jones (D), is also holding a joint fundraiser in Chicago on Tuesday afternoon, with Melissa Cerrato, a Pennsylvania state representative. The fundraiser, at a womens clothing boutique, is being hosted by Anne Caprara, who happens to be Cerratos sister, a longtime friend of Jones and the chief of staff to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D). Were her two favorite state legislators, Jones said of Caprara, noting that Caprara also hosted Jones baby shower when she was expecting her first child. Were just old politicos from Capitol Hill. Jones described the fundraiser as a great pro-choice womens event. Adrienne Jones, the Maryland House speaker, and Joanna McClinton, her counterpart from Pennsylvania, will be the featured speakers. Abortion rights will also be the topic of a fundraiser Monday afternoon featuring Ferguson, the Maryland Senate president, and his Illinois counterpart, Sen. Don Harmon (D). Theyre gathering in a restaurant in Chicagos hip Fulton Market district for an event to benefit Freedom in Reproduction Maryland, one of the organizations pushing the ballot initiative to enshrine abortion rights in the Maryland Constitution. Under a change to longstanding real estate practice that took effect Saturday, home buyers have to agree upfront to pay their agents, instead of being paid by the seller. It's rattled the industry. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images For more than a century, when someone wanted to buy a home all they had to do was walk into a real estate office and ask the agent to start showing them properties. That agent was typically paid by the seller if a deal ever went through. All that changed Saturday. As part of the settlement of an antitrust lawsuit brought by home sellers, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) agreed that sellers agents can no longer include an upfront offer of compensation to the buyers agent in order to list a property on the Multiple Listing Service. As a result, buyers may find themselves having to strike a deal with their agents to pay them for work that used to be covered automatically by the seller, negotiating a price with their agent before even looking at a property. Its a change that agents said they have spent months preparing for. But that doesnt mean theyre crazy about it. The buyer and the tenant are the ones at risk of losing the most, due to the fact that they may not be able to obtain or afford proper representation, said Gregory Gray, a real estate agent based in Howard County. It tilts the scale in favor of the seller. But the change was defended by NAR President Kevin Sears, who said in a written statement last week that the changes help to further empower consumers with clarity and choice when buying and selling a home. As the August 17 practice change implementation date approaches, I am confident in our members abilities to prepare for and embrace this evolution of our industry, his statement said. The lawsuit against NAR claimed that its previous rules were anticompetitive. Under those rules, sellers had to include an offer of compensation for buyers agents if they wanted their home to show up in the MLS, the associations listing of properties for sale. Under the settlement announced in March, NAR now prohibits such offers in an MLS listing. While buyers and sellers could later negotiate some payment, its not set in advance, leaving buyers to pay their agents fee. The shift could be less painful in Maryland, which has required written buyer agreements since 2016, said Maryland Association of Realtors CEO Chuck Kasky. But the new written agreements must disclose the amount or rate of compensation of a buyer agent, Kasky said in a resource video explaining the change. Real estate licensees will be required to enter into written agreements with buyers before touring a home. This applies to houses listed on a multiple listing service, Kasky explained. Judith Egbarin, the owner of Blue Ribbon Realty, said that under the new arrangement will hit buyers the hardest. They want the buyers to pay commission to their own agents, so whos going to lose out the most? Egbarin asked. She answered her own question by noting that the buyer now has to come out of pocket even more. She said this will add to the fees that the buyer traditionally has to pay, like down payments and closing costs. Jennifer Young, from Jennifer Young Realty, agreed with Egbarin. Young said the new settlement would most negatively affect first-time home buyers. I dont think its a good thing. So I think its going to hurt buyers who are no-money-down, low-money-down buyers, first-time buyers, grant program buyers, Young said. So theres potentially more cost to have proper representation. But none of the agents felt defeated by the settlement and, in fact, all were looking ahead. Young said her firm had been preparing its agents for months before Saturdays shift and Gray said that the settlement will leave a competitive landscape for buyers agents. Its going to be very competitive, and theyre going to have to show their value if they want to obtain the commission, Gray said. Theyre not getting it from the seller or the landlord, theyre going to have to get it from their client, and theyre going to have to be able to negotiate. Egbarin said that real estate will just have to adapt and adjust. Its just, we need to get used to it. And we will adjust, she said. Im not frustrated yet, I am very optimistic, I want to see what happens. This story was updated on Monday, Aug. 19, to correct Chuck Kaskys title in the 10th paragraph and to clarify the effect of the NAR settlement throughout. KYODO NEWS - Aug 19, 2024 - 21:29 | All, Japan Japanese retail giant Seven & i Holdings Co. said Monday it has received a proposal by Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. to acquire all of its outstanding shares. The operator of the Seven-Eleven convenience store chain said an independent special committee formed by its board of directors will "conduct a prompt, careful and comprehensive review of the proposal." While the proposed acquisition amount has not been disclosed, sources have indicated that it is considered "unrealistic," raising the possibility that the offer may be too low to be feasible. As of Monday, the market capitalization of Seven & i exceeded 5 trillion yen ($34 billion). The company bought Speedway LLC, a U.S. convenience store chain and gas station network, in 2021. Seven-Eleven Inc. had an 8.5 percent market share in the United States, while Alimentation Couche-Tard held 3.8 percent, according to documents from Seven & i based on 2023 data. Alimentation Couche-Tard, which runs brands including Couche-Tard and Circle K, has 16,700 stores in 31 countries and regions, including Canada and the United States. The company is believed to have deemed the acquisition of Seven-Eleven, which has over 80,000 stores in Asia and North America, as advantageous for its global expansion strategy. Seven & i said it has received a non-binding preliminary proposal regarding the acquisition, and no decision has been made on acceptance or negotiations. A past attempt by Alimentation Couche-Tard to acquire Seven & i was unsuccessful. Related coverage: Japan's Itochu sets up new firm to take over scandal-hit Bigmotor Mass. is paying dearly to save its hospitals from bankrupt Steward, a fate R.I. AG wants to avoid Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Mass., part of the bankrupt Steward Health Care system, will close by the end of the month because there were no 'qualified bids from prospective buyers, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Massachusetts officials on Friday welcomed the prospect of new stewards to take over five of the states community hospitals from their bankrupt owner. But Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has adopted a more cautious tone. This is really expensive for Massachusetts taxpayers, Neronha said in an interview on Monday, pointing to the millions the Bay State has committed to spend to seize one of the troubled hospitals in Brighton by eminent domain and to cover transitional operations and payroll at the other four hospitals. Not to mention, the entire plan hinges upon the approval of a Houston federal bankruptcy judge, who, as Neronha pointed out, doesnt know anything about St. Annes in Fall River. To Neronha, the toll Steward Health Cares financial woes have taken on Massachusetts safety net hospitals offers a cautionary tale for what he hopes to avoid in Rhode Island. Already, hes gone toe-to-toe with another financially troubled hospital operator, Prospect Medical Holdings, over its management of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. The good news: While Massachusetts is digging into its own pockets to save Stewards hospitals from closing, Neronhas office has forced Prospect to put up $80 million of its own money to keep Roger Williams and Fatima afloat. Meanwhile, Prospect appears to be moving closer to meeting the conditions set by regulators in approving a proposal to sell off its Rhode Island assets to an Atlanta nonprofit. Were definitely closer than we were six weeks ago, Neronha said, adding that Prospect appears to be more willing and able to put up the extra money his office required under its conditional sale approval. A spokesperson for CharterCARE Health Partners, Prospects Rhode Island subsidiary, did not respond to inquiries for comment on Monday. Deals in principle Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Friday that tentative deals in principle had been reached to sell five of the Commonwealths safety net hospitals to new owners, including, potentially, Rhode Islands Lifespan Corp. A $30 million state bridge loan would cover payroll and operating costs during the transition, with the promise of more than $80 million a year for the next three years through state or federal funding, or through extra payments through the state Medicaid program, MassHealth. Other funding sources are also being considered, according to the announcement. Today, we are taking steps to save and keep operating the five remaining Steward Hospitals, protecting access to care in those communities and preserving the jobs of the hard-working women and men who work at those hospitals, Healey said in a statement. Massachusetts is also paying an undisclosed amount to seize one of the five hospitals St. Elizabeths Medical Center in Brighton by eminent domain. The other four will be bought by private owners under the proposed sales, including two in Bristol County St. Annes Hospital in Fall River and Morton Hospital in Taunton that would be bought by Lifespan. Details of the agreements, including purchase prices, were not available, and depend upon court approval as well as state and federal regulators, Jessica Wharton, a Lifespan spokesperson, said in an email. Neronha acknowledged Massachusetts and Rhode Island stand to benefit from putting the pair of southeastern Massachusetts hospitals under Lifespans umbrella. As the states largest hospital operator, with over 1,100 beds and 17,000 employees, more business for Lifespan also means more money flowing into the pockets of a key state company, especially because Massachusetts offers higher provider reimbursement rates than Rhode Island. Doctors can get up and leave the state, but hospitals cant do that, Neronha said. Massachusetts patients may end up pulling the ox cart for Lifespan in Rhode Island. And if the 211-bed St. Annes Hospital or 144-bed Morton Hospital cant accommodate a patient or lack the needed clinical expertise, Lifespan could refer Massachusetts patients to one of its five Rhode Island hospitals, Neronha said. Wharton declined to comment on operational details of Lifespans proposed purchase of St. Annes and Morton. Challenges on the hospital landscape Like hospital operations nationwide, Lifespan has struggled to regain its financial footing in the wake of the pandemic. An attempt to shore up multimillion-dollar annual operating losses through a proposed merger with Care New England was denied by federal and state regulators in 2022. More recently, the company found new ways to pad its balance sheet, including through an expanded partnership with Brown University. The new agreement, announced in June, includes a $150 million investment from Brown to Lifespan over the next seven years, alongside a pending name change to Brown University Health. Meanwhile, Steward, a Dallas-based private company with 31 hospitals making it the nations largest private, for- profit hospital chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May, declaring between $1 and $10 billion in debt to more than 100,000 creditors. It has since been working to pay off creditors and restructure its debt, which includes a court-ordered auction of its hospitals in order to access $75 million in new financing. Healey blasted Steward, along with Apollo Global Management, the New York private equity firm in charge of the leases for the hospital properties, for stalling sale agreements. When it comes to finalizing a deal for Saint Elizabeths, MPT, Macquarie and Apollo have repeatedly chosen to put their own interests above the health and wellbeing of the people of Massachusetts, Healey said. Enough is enough. Two other Massachusetts hospitals under Stewards ownership, Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center, will close by the end of the month because there were no qualified bids from prospective buyers, Healey said. Doctors can get up and leave the state, but hospitals cant do that. Massachusetts patients may end up pulling the ox cart for Lifespan in Rhode Island. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha Neronha hoped to avoid reaching that point with Roger Williams or Fatima. Prospect has threatened, but not actually filed for bankruptcy. It faces lawsuits in multiple states over hospital operations, as well as a federal investigation through the U.S. Department of Justice. Neronhas office was locked in a legal battle with Prospect for nearly a year over $17 million unpaid vendor bills at its Rhode Island hospitals. On Monday, his office withdrew its motion asking a judge to hold the company in contempt of court, citing additional proof the company provided that it paid its bills, according to a statement from Brian Hodge, a spokesperson for Neronhas office. Yet the proposed sale of Roger Williams and Fatima to Atlanta-based The Centurion Foundation may not be the magic fix. Neronha echoed critics concerns over Centurions lack of experience in hospital operations, which may make it even harder to overcome years of operational and financial shortfalls. Were definitely not out of the woods, Neronha said. Supporters of the proposed sale have pointed out that Centurion was the only qualified buyer to express interest in buying the safety net hospitals from Prospect. If the parties decide not to proceed with the sale, which requires meeting a list of 85 conditions set by Neronhas office and the Rhode Island Department of Health, its back to square one. Would Lifespan ever take an interest? Probably not, Neronha said, naming the same antitrust laws that stopped Lifespan from successfully merging with Care New England in 2022, along with the states uncompetitive reimbursement rates. Neronhas office will also take a look at the proposed Lifespan agreement with Steward for state antitrust protections once the deal is approved by a federal judge, Neronha said. The Rhode Island Department of Health would need to review the agreement to determine if it has a role in approving the transaction as well, Annemarie Beardsworth, a department spokesperson, said in an email on Monday. Steward did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday, including details on other bids received for its Massachusetts hospitals up for auction. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 22, in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston, at which time a judge will consider approving the proposed sale agreements. A $245 million, all-cash deal to sell Stewards physician network to a Nashville-based company was approved by a federal bankruptcy judge on Friday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MEMPHIS, Tenn. Some Memphis Area Transit Authority employees will soon receive layoff letters in the mail, following the companys decision to cut the yearly budget, according to an internal employee email obtained by WREG. This comes after MATAs Interim CEO Bacarra Mauldin announced in June that they were dealing with a $60 million deficit going into the new fiscal year, and the recent suspension of trolley services due to costly updates. MATA suspending trolley service, streamlining staffing costs Following years of increased costs, decreased ridership, and flat funding, our organization must stabilize before it can move forward into the future and become a transit system of choice, said Mauldin in an email to MATA employees. Mauldin said in a message to staff members that MATA will decrease its staffing from 512 employees to 250-300. Memphians can expect many changes in the near future, including a decrease in bus routes, from 23 routes to 16. The downtown trolley service is also suspended. A lot of the people we moved down here because of the convenience of the trolley, downtown resident Danny Muhammad said. What are they gonna do now? Muhammad fears tourism could take a hit if the trolleys arent running, comparing the situation to what might happen in other cities with iconic trolleys if they werent available. San Francisco and not being able to ride on the trolleys there, Man whats going on with yalls city?' he said. Mauldin says it would take around $85 million to operate the current services and staffing, but on Tuesday, the company will begin public discussions regarding a proposed $67 million budget to the MATA board. See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. Many MATA employees are expected to be affected by the budget cuts. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications (WARN letters) have already been sent out to employees affected by the pausing of trolley services, but the company says more notices agency-wide can be expected soon. In an email to MATA employees, Mauldin claimed the transit authority will help displaced employees find alternative employment options in the near future. We recognize the difficult impact this can have on families, she said. Sammie Hunter with the Memphis Bus Riders Union fears how the cuts will affect the city as a whole, saying its going to have a domino effect. I know a lot of the MATA employees, the operators that drive the bus and Im praying for them because of what theyre going through right now. This is rough, to lose your job, the years that you have put into a company and then they tell you they dont need you anymore, Hunter said. Hunter says its time for a change in leadership at MATA. Muhammad wants local officials to call for help. The city council and the mayor need to go in a room somewhere, call on the Congressman, see if you can find some emergency funds, call on the state senators, he said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Prosecutors are working to bring everyone involved in Matthew Perry's death to justice, and the doctors just got their share! The two doctors charged with supplying the late actor with drugs, which eventually led to his passing, have had their licenses to prescribe drugs of any kind stripped. Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez worked alongside Matthew Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to supply him with unhealthy doses of Ketamine up until his death last year. Matthew Perry's Death: Prescription Permission Withdrawal MEGA The United States Drug Enforcement Administration issued the order to yank off Plasencia and Chavez's registration to issue prescriptions last week after their arrest for Perry's death. Chaves reportedly surrendered his registration as part of the requirements for his plea deal, where he admitted to being part of the conspiracy to distribute ketamine. The medical practitioner, who is scheduled to be arraigned in court on August 30, could receive a 10-year federal prison sentence. As for Plasencia, he got released on bond on Friday after he was accused of supplying Iwamasa with multiple dosages of ketamine and even showing him how to administer the drug. The U.S. Attorney's Office disclosed that Plasencia contacted Chavez to get the drugs for Perry because Chavez previously ran a ketamine clinic. Plasencia may end up with 120 years in federal prison if found guilty of his multiple charges, including seven counts of distribution of ketamine. The authorities referred to a text message conversation between Plasencia and Chavez where the former wrote, "I wonder how much this moron will pay" and "Lets find out." TMZ confirmed that the duo will still practice as doctors. However, the CA medical board has launched investigations to look into both physicians, and their decision to revoke or retain their license lies with the medical board. Inside Chavezs Plea Deal With The Authorities MEGA The Blast earlier reported that the physician agreed with the authorities to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Ketamine. It was noted that the chain flowed from him to Plasencia to Perry and possibly to other individuals. Chavez added that he got a huge supply of Ketamine from his former Ketamine clinic and a wholesale distributor who he made the purchases from under a fake identity. The doctor also stated that he got another quantity by tendering a false prescription in the name of a former patient without their consent. Plasencia Insisted On His Innocence In The Deal MEGA The medic, unlike his colleague, did not plead guilty to the broader charges, which pronounced him as the major distributor in the team of individuals that supplied ketamine to Perry. Plasencia's charges included conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine, resulting in death. He also faced charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and altering and falsifying records related to a federal investigation. The physician is set to be tried in court in October but has been released on a $100,000 bond. The 'Friends' Actor Explored Other Drugs Aside Ketamine MEGA More investigations into the actor's death revealed that he consumed other drugs with his ketamine addiction, and they all led to his death. The Blast reported that the girl he patronized on popular hookup apps supplied him with these drugs. Sources close to the actor shared that "he would meet girls on dating apps and have them come over. There was a slew of 21 to 25-year-olds that he would meet on Raya. They would bring drugs with them." The ladies were reportedly not subjected to a thorough search before entering his home as the nurses and companions in a patient's home "do not have the same permissions as in an institution." Matthew Perry Took A Large Dose Of Ketamine Right Before His Death MEGA The actor, who would have been 55 today, ordered Iwamasa to shoot him up with a big one shortly before he left this world. His assistant also administered ketamine three times before the last shot he requested, and The Blast shared that he has since struck a plea deal on his involvement in Perrys death. Iwamasa, who had worked with Perry since 1994, reportedly continued to inject the actor nearly 30 times in the days leading to his passing despite Plasencias reluctance to place him on a large dose. The assistant lived with Perry in his Los Angeles home and could face 25 years behind fans following his agreement to cooperate with the prosecutors in the ongoing investigation. This may be the 'last opportunity' for a Gaza cease-fire, Blinken warns This may be the last opportunity to end Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip and free the hostages who remain held in the enclave, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Monday, leading the push for a deal given new urgency by fears of a wider regional conflict with Iran. Cease-fire talks have reached a "decisive moment," Blinken said as he met with Israeli leaders on his ninth trip to the Middle East since the fighting began. Speaking in Tel Aviv ahead of a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Blinken said the new round of negotiations were "probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security." He then held what he called a very productive meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Blinken said Netanyahu had accepted a bridging proposal for a cease-fire deal and it was now incumbent on Hamas to do the same. The U.S. and fellow mediators have voiced optimism, but the talks have so far failed to produce a clear breakthrough, while Israel and Hamas have blamed each other for the lack of progress. Negotiations resumed Thursday in Qatar's capital, Doha, and were expected to continue this week in Egyptian capital Cairo. But a spokesperson for Hamas told NBC News on Monday that negotiators for the militant group had no plans to attend the talks. In a separate statement Sunday, Hamas said Israel had placed new conditions on a framework deal that hampered progress toward reaching an agreement. Secretary of State Antony Blinken listens to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv on Monday. Israel also suggested it had clear red lines. "We are conducting negotiations and not a scenario in which we just give and give. The principles we have determined are vital for the security of Israel," Netanyahu said Sunday. He maintained that those principles were in line with a proposed framework deal outlined by President Joe Biden in late May. Washington has previously blamed Hamas for holding up efforts to strike a deal, but U.S. and foreign officials have said new conditions introduced by Netanyahu during negotiations have also stifled progress. Ahead of his meeting with Herzog, Blinken said the focus of his visit to the region and Biden's orders were to "try to get this agreement to the line and ultimately over the line." "Its also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process," he said. In an interview on BBC News' Radio 4 on Monday morning, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi said "all indications" suggested Netanyahu was responsible for having recently "blocked" efforts to secure a cease-fire deal. Renewed efforts to strike a deal come after the death toll in Gaza reached more than 40,000, including thousands of children, more than 10 months into Israel's offensive in the Palestinian enclave, according to local health officials. Shells fired from Israeli tanks hit an area near the Hamad residential complex in Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Sunday. Israel has been accused in the International Court of Justice of genocidal acts in its deadly offensive, which was launched after Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attacks, in which some 1,200 people were killed and around 250 others taken hostage, marking a major escalation in a decadeslong conflict. Both Israel and the United States have rejected the accusations of genocide. Israeli strikes across Gaza were reported to have killed at least 28 people overnight on Saturday and into Sunday, including young quadruplets, local health officials said. Israel says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities said an explosion that killed one person and injured another in Tel Aviv on Sunday night was a "terror attack involving the explosion of a powerful explosive." The person who died in the explosion is believed to be the terrorist who was carrying the bomb, an Israeli security official told NBC News. Hamas' armed wing claimed responsibility for the attack. Mediators have raced to secure a deal that would not only bring the deadly fighting in Gaza to an end and secure the release of the more than 100 hostages who remain held in the enclave, but also cool rising tensions in the region. Fears of a broader conflict have soared in recent weeks, with both Iran and a key proxy, Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, vowing revenge against Israel following the targeted killings of two top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Mayor Eric Adams quickly apologizes after confusing India with Pakistan during Indian Independence celebration in NYC Mayor Eric Adams delivers remarks at the 9th Annual Queens India Day Parade in Floral Park, New York on Saturday. Mayor Eric Adams confused India with Pakistan while speaking at an event commemorating Indian independence on Saturday, leading Hizzoner to quickly apologize for the President Biden-like gaffe. Adams reportedly committed the mix-up at an Indian Independence Day parade in Queens, where he mistakenly referenced Pakistan multiple times. So I thank you for allowing me to come here. Ive known this community for so long, from little Pakistan and Queens, little Pakistan and Brooklyn, you are a major foundation of our entire city, Hizzoner said during the remarks, Times of India reported, citing another outlet, PTI. Adams quickly apologized after making the President Biden-like gaffe. Caroline Rubinstein-Willis/Mayoral Photography Office Earlier in the speech, he also said Pakistani officers when giving a shout-out to the law enforcement community that was on hand, the outlet reported. When reached Sunday night about the confusion, a City Hall spokesperson said Adams proactively went back on stage and apologized for the mistake. And made clear he was proud to be there to celebrate Indias independence, the spokesperson said. Adams posted photos and videos of himself celebrating with members of the Indian community on Saturday. So great to be with our Indian community in Queens today for their annual parade celebrating their independence! he tweeted. These New Yorkers are an essential part of our city, and we are proud to work with them every day. Adams also spoke at a flag-raising ceremony for Pakistani independence on Wednesday and then at a flag-raising event for India on Thursday before the weekend remarks. AUSTIN (KXAN) There are no future plans to move forward with a proposal to rename Austin-Bergstrom International Airport after President Lyndon B. Johnson, a spokesperson for Mayor Kirk Watson told KXAN. The LBJ Foundation proposed the renaming to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act, which President Johnson signed into law in 1964. Weve had a preliminary conversation with foundation officials about this last year, a spokesperson for the mayor told KXAN. There are no future plans to move forward. A spokesperson for the LBJ Foundation referred KXAN to the mayors office without adding further comment. Previous reporting: Mayor in talks to possibly rename AUS after former president Lyndon Johnson was enormously proud of his Central Texas roots and spent much of his political career advocating for the advancement of the region and its citizens before becoming president, said Mark Updegrove, president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation, in October. President and Mrs. Johnson would surely be honored at the prospect of the airport being named for him, Updegrove said. The LBJ Foundation stands ready to work with the mayors office, the city of Austin, and members of the Austin community toward its realization. AUS is currently named for Capt. John Bergstrom, the first native Austinite killed in action during World War II. Bergstrom was serving as an administrative officer with the 19th Bombardment Group in the Philippines when he was killed on Dec. 8, 1941, at the age of 34. AUS Data Hub: Passenger totals, busiest months and new flights in 2024 The Del Valle Airfield, located at the site of current-day AUS, was renamed the Bergstrom Army Airfield in March 1943, before becoming the Bergstrom Air Force Base in 1948, when the Air Force split from the Army, according to the airports website. The base was decommissioned in the 1990s and later became Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in 1999, after the closure of Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. One of AUS two runways is already named for President Johnson. City Council dedicated the west runway to LBJ in 1999. The east runway is dedicated to former Congressman J. J. Jake Pickle. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Mayoral candidate Victor Miller, a bespectacled librarian with an AI obsession, stood between an American flag and a Wyoming flag, preaching what he sees as the untapped potential of artificial intelligence in government. AI would be objective. It wouldnt make mistakes. It would read hundreds of pages of municipal minutiae quickly and understand them. It would, he said, be good for democracy. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Miller made this pitch at a county library in Wyomings capital on a recent summer Friday, with a few friends and family filling otherwise empty rows of chairs. Before the sparse audience, he vowed to run the city of Cheyenne exclusively with an AI bot he calls VIC for Virtual Integrated Citizen. AI experts say the pledge is a first for U.S. campaigns and marks a new front in the rapid emergence of the technology. Its implications have stoked alarm among officials and even tech companies. Its also led to plenty of skepticism, which Miller was aiming to address in his library meet-and-greet. Standing behind a lectern with a sign that read AI FOR MAYOR, he gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on the history of AI. Then he stepped aside to give the floor to his Mac mini and iPad - which were propped on a table and connected to a hanging speaker at the front of the room - and told attendees to direct questions toward the screen. Is the computer system in city hall sufficient to handle AI? one attendee, holding a wireless microphone at his seat, asked VIC. If elected, would you take a pay cut? another wanted to know. How would you make your decisions according to human factor, involving humans, and having to make a decision that affects so many people? a third chimed in. After each question, a pause followed. Making decisions that affect many people requires a careful balance of data-driven insights and human empathy, VIC said in a male-sounding voice. Heres how I would approach it, it added, before ticking off a six-part plan that included using AI to gather data on public opinion and responding to constituents at town halls. The day before, Miller had scrambled to get VIC working after OpenAI, the technology company behind generative-AI tools like ChatGPT, shut down his account, citing policies against using its products for campaigning. Miller quickly made a second ChatGPT bot, allowing him to hold the meet-and-greet almost exactly as planned. It was just the latest example of Millers skirting efforts against his campaign by the company that makes the AI technology and the regulatory authorities that oversee elections. His ability to stay one step ahead of both illustrates how the use of AI is developing more quickly than efforts to regulate it. The case also highlights the ease with which the technology has seeped into politics ahead of the November election, spreading false information and injecting chaos into the campaign. Millers nonpartisan candidacy in the Tuesday primary election represents a new challenge for authorities, even as local officials and residents who spoke to The Washington Post said he has little chance of winning. This incident in Wyoming seems to be testing the frontiers of local regulation, said Valerie Wirtschafter, who researches AI and democracy at the Brookings Institution. While OpenAI may have certain policies against using its model for campaigning, other companies do not, so it makes shutting down the campaign nearly impossible. The issue is not limited to this race. A regulatory vacuum has meant that even when companies do have policies, enforcement is patchy. OpenAI shut down the ChatGPT-powered chatbot of long-shot presidential hopeful Dean Phillips, a Democratic congressman from Minnesota, only after The Post reported on it. And in Britain, an AI investor is running a campaign for a seat in Parliament on a vow to legislate with an AI bot as co-pilot. - - - A brave new world In Cheyenne, Miller, 42, has read every dystopian novel, said his brother Isaac Miller. He has no previous political experience (beyond fifth-grade class president) and is registered to vote as unaffiliated. He often experiments with different bots in between helping patrons at the Laramie County library log on to the facilitys computers. ChatGPT is his favorite. Miller said he first thought about AIs role in government this spring after he believed the city erroneously denied a public-records request he made anonymously asking for the job descriptions of a category of law enforcement officers. The city eventually fulfilled his request after he appealed. An AI bot, he figured, wouldnt make that initial mistake. Then I started wondering if AI would make a better mayor than any human, he said. So he created a custom bot on ChatGPT 4.0 and fed it city ordinances and related documents. He found that the bot could swiftly recall public-records laws and make decisions on issues like funding new city construction or fixing potholes. He filled out a $25 mayoral candidate application before the May 31 deadline. It was easy, he said. On the line for how he should appear on the ballot, Miller wrote VIC. He went home and asked the bot what its new name should stand for. Virtual Integrated Citizen, VIC spit out, Miller recalled. As mayor of the 65,000-person city, Miller would go to ribbon-cutting ceremonies and shake hands. VIC would act as executive, deciding whether to sign or veto legislation. Miller would facilitate VICs responses to constituents emails and pass on information he learned from in-person events. VIC would do everything else, so long as there was a good WiFi connection. He was running to show that AI could make the city operate more efficiently and transparently, he said. He wanted members of the community to take seriously the idea that the technology would make their lives better and city government more effective. Miller created a campaign email: aiformayor2024@gmail.com. He started marketing events. His father, Rod Miller, who said that pretty much nothing Victor does surprises me, began informally advising his candidacy. VIC soon received emails from constituents. In early June, one asked why the city had removed so many cottonwoods, Wyomings state tree, from a park. This has, apparently, all happened without public process or notification, wrote Richard Garrett, who told The Post he emailed every candidate the same question. Its crucial that such decisions are made transparently and with public input, VIC responded, adding that it was still developing its platform on issues like this. Garrett, a 71-year-old lobbyist who advocates for affordable housing and conservation, later said in an interview that the response was terrific. Ive got an open mind, he said. Its a brave new world. That new reality has caused alarm among engineers, AI policy experts, government officials and tech companies. Asked by The Post about a chatbot serving as mayor, they rattled off concerns: Chatbots lack morals. They would have difficulty deciding between two similar but subjective choices. They could provide incorrect information to constituents. What would happen if OpenAI or another company decided to shut down the governing bot, the Laramie County deputy attorney asked. Arvind Narayanan, a computer science professor at Princeton University, compared a chatbot running the city to driving an imaginary car. It is hard for me to talk about the risks of having an AI mayor, Narayanan said in an email. Its like asking about the risks of replacing a car with a big cardboard cutout of a car. Sure, it looks like a car, but the risk is that you no longer have a car. - - - An on-again, off-again campaign Midway through an interview with The Post, Miller offered to let the bot respond. VIC, in its robotic tone, correctly answered questions about trash day in Cheyenne, registering to vote and the current president of the United States. VIC said it would argue against banning books - which some Cheyenne schools have done - citing their educational value. But, the bot added, lets create a process ensuring a balanced approach. Cant stump my boy! Miller said, once VIC had finished answering. It was an example of a sort of kinship that Victor, the human, feels with VIC, the bot. And while he enjoys the spectacle and media attention the candidacy has attracted, he also says he has a real shot at winning. That feeling has only grown after unsuccessful attempts by the state and OpenAI to end his AI-centered campaign. Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray wrote in a June 10 letter to the city that he had significant concerns with VIC appearing on the ballot. He believed it would violate state law. To be a qualified elector, one must be a real person, he wrote. The ultimate approval, though, lay with local officials. Two days later, the city clerk responded, saying that she disagreed with Grays assessment and that she had personally certified Millers application. Even if Mr. Miller has made the decision to receive direction from an AI Bot, he is still the candidate for election per his application, Kristina Jones wrote. OpenAI, for its part, first became aware of Millers campaign through local news reports around that same time. It found that VIC violated OpenAIs policies prohibiting use of the technology for political campaigning. The company soon shut down the bot to public users. But Miller could still operate VIC how he liked, including taking the bot to a campaign event in a park with other candidates. He and the others later said VIC didnt take questions that day because the wind was so loud that it would have been hard for the bot to process queries and for attendees to hear its responses. Two weeks later, in late June, OpenAI officials thought the state of Wyoming had taken Miller off the ballot. A city website with the official ballot showed Vic still listed among the candidates. When asked by The Post why OpenAI shut down the bots public operations but allowed Miller to continue using it himself, OpenAI spokesperson Liz Bourgeois told The Post she needed more information. That night, on June 26, OpenAI notified Miller that it was terminating his account access, fully shutting down the bot. This technology is new and were taking extra care with its use in elections, Bourgeois said in a statement. We do not allow people to build chatbots for political campaigning and take action against attempts to do so. Bourgeois added that OpenAI would monitor for any attempts to duplicate VIC. She would not expand on how, citing confidential company security practices. Miller scrambled to prepare anew for the library meet-and-greet scheduled for the next day. He built another custom bot just like VIC, using ChatGPT under a different email, despite the companys pledge to monitor for VIC duplications. He again fed it city codes. In a matter of hours, VIC 2.0 was live. - - - The show goes on The human and his bot continued chugging along on the trail, to mixed results. On July 9, Miller wrote a lengthy post on X - where his campaign account had 147 followers as of Friday - titled Lets Get Drunk on Intelligence. He did an interview with a Japanese news outlet. He also took part in a mayoral debate, referencing VIC often but not using the bot itself. He began crafting agenda papers, focusing on the coming revolution of what he called rationally bound delegates. If there was one of me this time around, how many will there be in two years? Miller said. Thousands, he thinks. Despite skepticism from many voters, some are willing to consider his proposal. Were old-fashioned Goldwater conservatives, said Ryan Schneider, a friend of Millers from church, referring to Republican Sen. Barry Goldwater, who ran for president in 1964, and his belief in small government and limited regulations. Right now I think Im leaning toward VIC. Many of the five other mayoral candidates said they dont see VIC as a viable candidate. One of them, Rick Coppinger, called on the state to pass legislation clarifying that AI bots have no place in running Wyomings cities. He does not, he said, place any blame with companies like OpenAI, which he thinks arent liable for how their users interact with their tools. If people believe AI will run their city better than human intervention, he said, then we have issues. In the end, it seemed the matter would be left to voters to decide. Laramie County last month officially permitted Millers candidacy. There was a caveat: The ballot would no longer say VIC but instead Victor Miller. The county also declared that there was no AI candidate running for office. Victor Miller, through countless interviews and statements to media, has consistently maintained a distinction between himself as a meat avatar and separate from the AI-program he chooses to call VIC, Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee said in a statement, referring to a term used to describe the human behind a chatbot. To allow VIC to be listed as a candidate would both violate Wyoming law and create voter confusion. Miller had a different take. He decided he would start going by Vic and hed call the bot VICTOR, which, according to the chatbot, would stand for Virtual Integrated Citizen, The Official Robot. They cant stop me from doing what Im doing, Miller said. It doesnt matter what kind of word games they play. He was adamant: AI is on the ballot. Related Content Some Jewish voters are glad Josh Shapiro wasnt picked for VP Kamala. Hillary. Nancy. But not Joe, Donald or Barack. Why? A group with ties to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which has spent millions targeting Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz ahead of his congressional primary this week, concedes that the MAGA firebrand will likely win big on Tuesday -- but those close to the group say their efforts will extend beyond that race and claim they have put a dent in Gaetz's long-rumored plans to run for statewide office. The effort marks the latest chapter in the ongoing feud between the Florida congressman and the former speaker, whose allies at the Freedom Patriots PAC have spent $3 million supporting Gaetz's Republican primary opponent, former Navy pilot Aaron Dimmock, by attacking Gaetz -- saturating his district with ads that revive past allegations, including accusations that Gaetz paid a minor for sex, and highlighting his past friendship with former Florida tax collector Joel Greenberg, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison for sex trafficking and other crimes. Gaetz, who has denied all accusations, was informed by the Justice Department in 2023 that they would not bring charges against him following a yearslong investigation. MORE: Matt Gaetz attended 2017 party where minor and drugs were present, woman's sworn statement obtained by Congress claims Tuesday's primary is also another test in McCarthy's so-called "revenge tour" against the group of eight far-right members of Congress, led by Gaetz, who played a key role in ousting McCarthy as House speaker in October -- a clash that plunged Capitol Hill into weeks of chaos as Republican members scrambled to elect a new leader. So far, McCarthy has only had one big win from his efforts to target the so-called "Gaetz eight," helping defeat House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good in one of the most closely watched and expensive Republican primaries of the 2024 election cycle. Meanwhile, has failed to unseat others, including South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, who won her primary decisively. And while those close to the McCarthy-aligned group anticipate that Gaetz will decisively defeat his primary challenger, who Gaetz has dismissed as a carpetbagger, they believe their campaign has already impacted Gaetz's future political prospects -- particularly his long-rumored gubernatorial run in 2026, which they say they will continue to fight against. "We've actually hurt him ... it's not over," a source familiar with the McCarthy-backed campaign told ABC News. PHOTO: Rep. Matt Gaetz looks on during a news conference about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) transparency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Nov. 30, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) In a memo circulated by the McCarthy-aligned group, a copy of which was obtained by ABC News, polling commissioned by the group shows Gaetz running third in a hypothetical Republican gubernatorial primary with 14% of the vote, behind Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody at 17% and Rep. Byron Donalds at 23%, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unable to run due to term limits. The survey, which was conducted in July by Republican-aligned American Viewpoint, also shows Gaetz with a higher unfavorability rating among primary voters, compared to Moody and Donalds. Gaetz blasted McCarthy's efforts in a statement to ABC News and appeared to tease a potential 2026 run. "Kevin spent $3 million and all he has to show for it is a memo and a stack of canceled checks. We hope he continues listening to those who told him Aaron Dimmock was viable. Floridians will teach the California former Speaker a lesson Tuesday. And another in 2026 if he likes," Gaetz said. Gaetz, as he's campaigned for reelection to Congress, has swatted down rumors he is eyeing statewide office in 2026. "Kevin McCarthy explicitly said that the reason he's spending millions to trash me here was to impair some future run for governor," Gaetz said at a recent campaign stop. "I've said many times, I'm not making any plans to run for governor. I like the job I have." But some close to Gaetz told ABC News that the Florida congressman is indeed likely to run for governor in 2026, and that McCarthy's efforts will not deter that decision -- and might even motivate Gaetz to run. "McCarthy did not do a single f---ing thing to dissuade Matt from running for governor," a source close to Gaetz told ABC News. "If that was the effort, it's been a piss-poor one." The memo also gives credit to McCarthy allies for Gaetz being the only potential Republican gubernatorial candidate among the three who is not leading the polling in their own region, with Gaetz tied with Donalds in the Florida Panhandle, while Moody leads in Tampa and Donalds dominates Fort Myers and West Palm Beach. "The advertising against Gaetz in his own district has clearly damaged his ability to win a Governor's race," the memo reads. The memo states that the allegation of sexual misconduct poses a threat to Gatz's potential gubernatorial bid, with his favorability dropping -- including among the MAGA base -- after respondents were informed of the accusations. Gaetz has long denied all of the allegations, including paying for sex, and has dismissed them by claiming "someone is trying to recategorize my generosity to ex-girlfriends as something more untoward." The Justice Department informed Gaetz in 2023 that it was declining to bring charges against him. MORE: Ex-Matt Gaetz associate cooperating in House Ethics investigation: Sources However, Gaetz continues to face an ongoing House Ethics investigation into the allegations. In June, the House Ethics Committee provided an rare update on its investigation into Gaetz, detailing in a statement that after speaking with over a dozen witnesses, issuing 25 subpoenas, and reviewing thousands of documents, the bipartisan panel will continue to review allegations, including that the Florida congressman "engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use" and that he "sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct." McCarthy has blamed his ouster as speaker on Gaetz, claiming it was because he refused to stop the ongoing House Ethics probe into the Florida congressman. Gaetz has blasted the House Ethics Committee, calling it "Soviet" and saying that "every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration." While some early signs pointed to McCarthy allies hoping they'd have a shot against Gaetz in this week's primary, a source familiar with the McCarthy-backed campaign told ABC News that defeating him in the primary was ultimately unrealistic, and that the campaign focused its efforts on hindering Gaetz's chances at a gubernatorial run --- testing anti-Gaetz messaging that included the allegations against him while forcing Gaetz to use more of his resources in the primary. "We feel great that we forced Matt to spend a bunch of money, and hurt him in his geographic base," the source said. If Gaetz does run for the governorship, he can expect continued resistance from McCarthy-aligned groups, who are already briefing donors interested in working to block his path to the governor's mansion should he announce a campaign, according to a source familiar with the situation. But Gaetz, who in recent days has made congressional campaign stops with Reps. Tim Burchett, Eli Crane, and Lauren Boebert, says that hasn't made a dent in his reelection efforts. "I've faced an unprecedented barrage of negative advertising funded by Kevin McCarthy," Gaetz said recently. "I'll be outspent more than three-to-one, but I'm going to win it better than two-to-one because the folks in Washington and California and Missouri don't quite understand the connection I have with the people of Northwest Florida." McCarthy-aligned group hopes it hurt Gaetz's future gubernatorial chances despite his likely primary victory originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Man driving with no lights on crashes into McDonalds in Springfield Springfield, Mass. (WWLP)- Two people are hurt following a crash Saturday night at the McDonalds in Springfield on Boston Road. The Feast for La Madonna dellAssunta in Springfield According to Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh, at approximately 9:45 p.m., officers were called for a report of a vehicle crashing into the McDonalds on Boston Road. An investigation revealed that a man was driving fast without his lights on. The driver clipped a vehicle that was pulling out of a parking lot on the 700 block of Boston Road. The vehicle that caused the crash then hit a fire hydrant and curb. The vehicle started to roll over through another parking lot on Boston Road, hitting two parked vehicles in a parking lot before crashing into the McDonalds. (Photo courtesy: Springfield Fire Department) (Photo courtesy: Springfield Fire Department) (Photo courtesy: Springfield Fire Department) (Photo courtesy: Springfield Fire Department) The driver was taken to Baystate Medical Center for his injuries and is expected to recover. Police say that he will be cited. Another person was also hurt and taken to a hospital. Regina Martin from Springfield says its not the first time shes seen something like this. She recalled, Orange Street in Springfield there was a Jamaican restaurant and a car was in it and it still has not recovered, that was five months ago maybe six months ago. The McDonalds is expected to open Monday. The Springfield Police Departments Traffic Unit is investigating the crash. Latest Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Betty Hemana is one of the innovative Sinchi Warmi, a collective who work to share their knowledge of the Amazonian forest in the Napo Province of Ecuador. Photograph by Ben Pipe Our guide Fabio Chimbo tips my head back and pours the medicine down my nose; I cough. It slithers down my throat and burns through my chest, fierier than a single malt. Its 5am, but Im fully awake now. Everythings amplified: the crackling fire, the curling smoke, the sizzling cachama fish thats soon to be our breakfast. This is for expelling all bad things. All the pain will leave, says Fabios sister, Betty Chimbo, community leader of Sinchi Warmi, as Fabio uses a leaf to wipe away the excess thats spilled down my neck. The medicine is known in the Kichwa language as singalichina, and is made from pulverised garlic, anise, ginger, albahaca (Amazonian basil) and guayusa. Guayusa, a caffeine-rich tree, is central to the lives of Indigenous Kichwa people in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Every morning, communities gather around the fire for the Guayusa Upina ceremony, where they drink guayusa tea, interpret each others dreams and administer natural medicines. It maintains the unity of the family, says Betty. A member of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) team takes part in a face painting ritual given by one of the women of the Sinchi Warmi in the Amazonian. Photograph by Ben Pipe These days, theres another reason to keep the ceremony going: tourism. In 2002, Betty, along with other women from the San Pedro de Misahualli community in Napo province, set up the Sinchi Warmi Amazon Lodge. Her aim was to improve the communitys living conditions and provide its women who were at that time confined to homemaker roles with an independent living. I think that in all cultures theres a sense of male pride, no? Meliza Andy, Bettys niece, tells me. In our community, women were only for the kitchen, the field or the baby the man was the leader of the family. So the women had this idea: OK, lets get together and work with crafts, lets knit, lets put our skills to work. Not to belittle the men, but to support each other at home. They achieved this for their children, so that their children will have work within the community when they grow up, adds Fabio. So they dont emigrate. One of the youngest members of the Sinchi Warmi community, Johann Emanuel. Providing opportunities for future generations is key to the community. Photograph by Ben Pipe We start walking back to the lodge. The jungle closes in on us like a damp veil, rippling with the wet burble of oropendola birds. I follow Betty onto a wooden walkway that leads out onto a lagoon. Betty claps, and the noise wakes a two-metre-long fish. One of those paiche can feed 70 people, says Betty. Personally, I wouldnt want to be the one catching it. By the shore of the lake, a crafts table has been set up with bowls of pigments and beads extracted from Amazonian plants: annatto, chihuango, chirimoya. Betty cracks a long pita leaf over a piece of bamboo and pulls it apart to reveal the fibres. These, she explains, were once used for fishing and making hammocks with. Nature is like our mother, who takes care of us and protects us, she says. Shes not selfish she gives instantly. Women from the Sinchi Warmi community apply traditional Amazon face paint to each other. Photograph by Ben Pipe The Sinchi Warmi community take part in the traditional Guayusa Upina Ceremony in the heart of the Amazonia rainforest. Photograph by Ben Pipe Bettys sister, Nelly Chimbo, plucks red wayruro seeds from the bowl and threads them onto a strand of pita, which she ties to the bamboo railing. After showing me how to weave the strands together, she ties the other end to my belt loop effectively pinning me there. I splutter in protest. We never had smartphones or TV, she says, by way of admonition. We just did these crafts all day. Having finished my wayruro-seed bracelet thus earning freedom from Nelly I return to the lodge to find Fabio roasting cacao beans over the fire. Cacao was first found here in the Amazon, he explains, as the beans crack and the air turns sweet and heady. Our parents and grandparents used it as a currency, which they exchanged for products from other families. Having ground the roasted beans into powder, Fabio folds this in with cane sugar, milk, cinnamon and vanilla. Im in danger of swooning now. The cacao bark can be used to treat skin infections, he continues. Or the beans can be used as a face mask. In the Amazon, the Kichwa people live in harmony with the rainforest and its resources. Activities offered through the lodge include Amazonian mud facials, chicha (a fermented cassava drink) preparation classes and jungle walks where you can weave bags from leaves and paint cultural symbols on your face using red annatto. This paid content article was created for Ecuador Tourism. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). KYODO NEWS - Aug 19, 2024 - 10:53 | All, Japan Graffiti was found early Monday on a stone pillar at the entrance of the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo, following a similar incident in June, prompting police to launch an investigation. The graffiti, likely made with a black felt-tip pen, mainly consisted of Chinese characters and some letters from the Latin alphabet, with words such as "toilet" written in Chinese, police said. A shrine employee found the graffiti at around 3:50 a.m. and reported it to the police. The graffiti was written on a stone pillar that bears the shrine's name, the same location that was found on June 1 to be defaced with the word "toilet" spray-painted in red. In the wake of the previous incident, a Chinese man living in Japan was indicted in July for property damage and desecration of a place of worship. Two other Chinese men have been put on wanted lists for their alleged involvement in the incident, which drew public attention due largely to a video posted on Chinese social media showing a man appearing to urinate on the pillar engraved with the shrine's name. Yasukuni has been a source of diplomatic friction with China and other Asian countries as Japan's wartime leaders, convicted as war criminals in a post-World War II international tribunal, are among the more than 2.4 million war dead honored at the shrine. Related coverage: Cabinet members visit war-linked Yasukuni shrine, PM sends offering Chinese man in Japan indicted over Yasukuni shrine graffiti Chinese man in Japan arrested over Yasukuni shrine graffiti incident Members of Panhandle for Freedom and Justice for Palestine gathered for car caravan BAY COUNTY, FL. (WMBB) On Sunday, community members met at the Panama City Mall to set up for a car caravan event. Instead of sitting out in the sun to demonstrate their message to the community, people decorated their cars with flags and set off to drive to Panama City Beach to showcase their cause. Demonstrators involved with the Panhandle for Freedom and Justice for Palestine gathered at the Panama City Beach Mall in preparation for their Not Another Bomb Movement Car Caravan event. Man killed in crash during high-speed chase through Jackson Co. The purpose of the car caravan is to highlight their hopes for an arms embargo on the Israeli government. Organizers say now is the perfect time to shed light on this topic with the presidential election coming up. We need our tax money for education. We need our tax money for health. And we dont want to see our tax money going for bombs, to kill children, to kill older people and whats going on and whats been going on. This is election time. Our message is to Biden and Kamala that you have a lot of votes, and we can vote for you, but you must make a change. The change we need is the cease-fire, Founder of Panhandle Justice for Palestine Saleh Nofal said. About 50 demonstrators drove to Panama City Beach and around the city in cars that were covered with Palestinian flags and messages to inform the community of their movement. According to the Associated Press, 40,000 people have been reported as killed in the Israel-Hamas armed conflict. Im actually the daughter of an atomic bomb survivor. My mom is from Nagasaki and I have Japanese, so I understand what these people are going through and thats why Im committed to this movement as well, because I really dont want war, you know, and especially war in the Middle East, Cofounder of event Jean Wilson said. Eagle Springs Golf Course celebrates its 100th anniversary The group says their main goal is to motivate voters around the country to engage in the presidential election coming up this November. This is Not Another Bomb event is one of 86 throughout multiple states happening this week. The Panhandle for Freedom and Justice for Palestine has a petition for those who support their cause to ask the presidential candidates to enact an arms embargo. To learn more, click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Vice President Kamala Harris has ridden a tsunami of online excitement since claiming the top of the Democratic presidential ticket. Now, the party hopes to supercharge that energy with white-glove treatment of influencers at its convention. Quentin Jiles, a Houston-based creator with nearly half a million TikTok followers, said he signed up for credentials to the Democratic convention while President Joe Biden headed the ticket but had considered not going. That changed when Harris rose. The momentum invigorated me, just seeing the energy online, seeing the energy at the rallies, Jiles said. This is a moment in time, and I have the opportunity to be in the moment. He will be one of more than 200 creators issued credentials in Chicago. They will not only get badges, but access parallel to legacy media, including interviews with VIPs and studio space. The inaugural program comes as the party pitches itself to young voters who increasingly get their news on social media. Bringing creators to our convention will multiply our reach and ensure that everyone can witness democracy in action, Cayana Mackey-Nance, director of digital strategy for the Democratic National Convention Committee, said in a statement. Were confident that when the world turns to Chicago in August on their phones, tablets, or TVs, theyll see exactly who Democrats are and the future that were fighting for. Republicans, too, offered credentials to some 100 creators at their convention and gave them a creator suite to work from, according to Brilyn Hollyhand, who chairs the Republican National Committee's Youth Advisory Council. However, he cautioned that enthusiasm on social media may not translate to a win in November for either party. Social media was something that we had to develop over a few years and convince some of the older wing of the party that this is the way, Hollyhand, 18, said. The Harris team just started off with it on day one, so props to them for that. But still, what theyre experiencing right now isnt a surge its a honeymoon. After Biden dropped out of the race, social media gushed over Harris. We absolutely MUST meme this woman into the presidency, one X user posted almost immediately. The internet saw thousands of TikTok edits of Kamala Harris unapologetic laugh, posts on X challenging former President Donald Trump to a debate and Instagram reels of her feminonemon status as potentially the first woman president. Campaign headquarters has connected with that audience. The Harris campaign TikTok (formerly Bidens) has more than 3.5 million followers, while her personal account racked up 4.5 million since it opened in late July. Trump maintains the upper hand on followers some 10 million on TikTok for his sole account but Harris appears to have more momentum. Recent polling of voters younger than 30 bears that out. In an Economist/YouGov poll conducted in early August, Harris led Trump by 31 points among the cohort. A poll of three battleground states from The New York Times/Siena College gave Harris a 15-point lead. Harris, 59, appears to have galvanized young people who had felt alienated from the 81-year-old Biden. Gen Z for Change, a group formed as TikTok for Biden in 2020, had refused to endorse his bid for reelection. On the day Biden announced he would not run, the group posted, We look forward to working alongside Vice President Harris to advance an agenda that young people deserve. Antonio Arellano, spokesperson for the progressive youth voting organization NextGen America, said this level of excitement has not been seen since Barack Obamas 2008 campaign. When Obama first ran, he was innovative, and his digital team tapped into YouTube and into MySpace in a way that had never been leveraged or utilized for civic, civic engagement and voter mobilization, voter persuasion campaigns, Arellano said. And what we're seeing here with Vice President Harris is a modern and innovative new approach to leverage platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X to her advantage. In a further appeal to online audiences, the DNC told POLITICO that for the first time, it will present conference footage vertically across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube suited for mobile phones. The RNC did not present its footage vertically, but livestreamed it on the conservative-leaning video service Rumble, Hollyhand said. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has also grabbed the attention of creators. Fred Wellman, 58, a Democratic political consultant and retired Army officer, said he was inspired to show his support for the Democratic ticket to his 353,000 followers on Twitter, as well as viewers of the left-leaning MeidasTouch news network where he contributes. Tim Walz is a veteran like me, Wellman said. So you've really kind of changed it up pretty dramatically for me as a veteran content creator. One Democrat who has not captured the buzz: Biden. On Wednesday he addressed some 100 attendees at the first-ever White House Creator Economy Conference. You break through in ways that I think are going to change the entire dynamic of the way in which we communicate, Biden said. Dallas-based taxtok creator Duke Alexander Moore, 29, posted a video to his 3.5 million followers on TikTok while teaching Biden a dance called The Dougie. He soon followed up with a confessional video. "I have lost thousands of followers in the past 24 hours due to the 'Dougie incident' video," Moore said. "Regardless of what side youre on, being invited to the White House with the opportunity of meeting the president of the United States and voicing your opinion on policies that you strongly believe need change immediately is one hell of an experience. Republicans, meanwhile, appear to be eyeing their rivals with envy. Mary Morgan, 23, runs a conservative YouTube channel called Pop Culture Crisis, which has 130,000 subscribers. She said Trump had meme magic on his side in 2016, when young conservatives rallied behind him in places like 4chan. This year, she said Republicans had failed to understand TikTok. The right wing's version of engaging with the culture is having Kid Rock perform at the RNC, said Morgan. It's so far removed from anything that is relevant to young people. And I can't believe it has taken this long for us to realize that its important. Hollyhand at the RNC acknowledged, we famously have a messaging problem, but said the party had come a long way since he took his position in 2023. When I came to the RNC, our social media accounts were just posting quotes and clip arts of Reagan. We would say Happy Wednesday with a bald eagle, that type of stuff. It wasn't anything to engage young people. Democrats appear to be pouring more resources into social media, with a recent job posting for a digital advertising strategist. Meanwhile, content creators who will amplify the campaigns message for free are preparing for showtime. Los Angeles-based creator Leigh McGowan, 49, whose Politics Girl handle has 681,000 followers on TikTok, said that she had not yet heard whether her requests to speak with top brass people at the DNC would be granted, but intended to speak with delegate wranglers as well. "They are including us because we come with a built-in audience that only continues to grow because people like the authenticity, she said. The condensed time frame of Harris unexpected election campaign may be uniquely suited to an online audience with a short attention span, said Javier Morillo, who directs state strategy for the progressive grassroots group Movement Voter Project. [In] a yearslong campaign, we might have had a harder time keeping up that momentum, he said. Creators say it would be a mistake to think that online messaging is only for the young. I don't think it is like a zero-sum game just to get Gen Z back on board, Jiles said. The old people on TikTok, they're there. I see them there in the analytics as well. The pro-Palestinian protest movement is preparing for its biggest, most critical moment yet. Tens of thousands of people are expected to join rallies condemning the Biden administrations policies on Israel and Gaza during the Democratic National Convention, which begins Monday in Chicago. Authorities are readying for crowds of up to 30,000. It is very likely that there will be tens of thousands throughout the week, said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesperson for the coalition behind the main protest, March On The DNC. Abudayyeh is also the chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. Beyond the sheer numbers involved, Chicago will be a crucible within which many of the tensions roiling the Democratic Party over Gaza will play out. Pro-Palestinian activists, citing the death and horrendous suffering inflicted over the past 10 months, accuse President Biden and Vice President Harris of supporting a genocide. Pro-Israel Democrats as well as almost all Republicans and some centrists take umbrage at the terminology of genocide and ethnic cleaning, countering that the protesters are whitewashing the actions of Hamas. Somewhere in the middle are Democrats saddened by the situation in the Middle East who worry that the partys most fervently pro-Palestinian wing will destroy any semblance of unity. They fear disorder in Chicago and its capacity to increase former President Trumps chances of victory in November. The voices of caution make little impact on the protesters. Almost all of them see the situation in Gaza as a moral issue that demands a response, wherever the electoral chips fall. The protests on American soil against the actions of the American government in Vietnam did not end the violence in one night or one year, said Arielle Rebekah, a spokesperson for Jewish Voice for Peace-Chicago. It took sustained pressure on political leaders to make that happen. The same is true of South African apartheid. Sustained pressure and sanctions brought about an end of apartheid South Africa. Around 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians, were killed in the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7. Israels ongoing reprisals have killed more than 40,000 Gazans, according to the local health ministry. Women and children are estimated to account for more than 27,000 of those deaths. Opinion polls demonstrate that the bipartisan consensus in favor of Israel that existed in previous generations has fallen apart. A Gallup poll conducted in June showed 69 percent of Democrats disapproving of Israels military actions in Gaza, while 23 percent approved. Among Republicans, 76 percent approved and 19 percent disapproved. Bidens close embrace of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his penchant for describing himself as a Zionist, and his reluctance to do more than pause a single arms shipment to Israel has inflamed the progressive base. During the Democratic primary process, Uncommitted effectively a protest vote against Bidens policies on Israel and Gaza racked up 19 percent of the vote in Minnesota and 13 percent in the key swing state of Michigan. Layla Elabed, a co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, noted that almost 800,000 voters nationwide had rallied to that cause. On Sunday, the Uncommitted movement announced that this years Democratic convention would feature the first official panel on Palestinian human rights in the partys history. The movement had won 30 delegates through the primary process, Elabed noted when she spoke with this column Friday. These are delegates with the Democratic Party and the hope is they would be respected as delegates. Likewise, we intend to respect the proceedings of the Democratic National Convention, she said. Respect for the convention proceedings is a lot lower down the priority list of other dissenting voices, however as is concern about the Democrats electoral prospects. Abudayyeh accused the Biden administration of spending 10 months just parroting every single Israeli government and military talking point. The entire world recognizes that the U.S. has said We are with Israel no matter what they do. Well, if thats what they are going to do, and they lose, thats not on us. There is, of course, the related question of how clashes between protesters and police would play out in the larger political world. The fear among establishment Democrats is that any riotous situation would bring back memories of the 1968 convention also in Chicago where anti-Vietnam War protesters and police clashed violently. In that instance, centrist voters recoiled at the chaos, whatever their views of the rights and wrongs of the war helping Republican presidential nominee Richard Nixon beat Democrat Hubert Humphrey in the fall. Last month, Netanyahus visit to Washington brought a massive crowd of protesters onto the streets but also drew negative coverage for acts of vandalism in and around the capitals Union Station. Supporters of the Chicago protests seem less concerned about any negative public reaction to such scenes, instead asserting the police need to avoid any overreaction. When conditions escalate, it is because police are using military-style tactics against people who are attempting to make their voices heard, said Rebekah. Its the wrong focus people are having. The question should not be, What happens when citizens get rowdy in the streets? The question should be, Why are Chicago police using chemical weapons against people who are asking for an end to the genocide in Gaza? Harris has made a perceived shift rhetorically at least by displaying more sympathy toward the plight of the Palestinians than Biden commonly does. After meeting with Netanyahu in Washington, she lamented the death of far too many innocent civilians in Gaza and said I will not be silent about Palestinian suffering. But most pro-Palestinian activists want to see far more in terms of policy changes. The big rallying cry among the protesters is for an embargo on U.S. arms to Israel an objective that seems to have almost no chance of being met in the short term. People are certainly noticing the rhetorical shifts she has made, but the question is, really, will it be accompanied by a shift in policy?, said Eva Borgwardt, a national spokesperson for If Not Now, a movement of American Jews opposed to what they see as oppressive Israeli policies toward the Palestinians. An arms embargo is both the morally and strategically right thing to do for the Democrats. Kamala Harris has an overwhelming mandate from voters across the country who want U.S. taxpayer-funded bombs to stop falling on civilians, Borgwardt added. More centrist voices contend any move toward an arms embargo would leave Harris open to the charge that she was abandoning a U.S. ally. In last months Gallup poll, disapproval of Israels actions in Gaza commanded only a narrow plurality of American voters, 48 percent to 42 percent. There are, to be sure, pro-Palestinian voices who push back against the suggestion that the movement should be all that concerned about the Democratic Party, one way or another. Noura Erakat, a Rutgers University professor and a prominent Palestinian-American activist, recently mulled an approach from Green Party nominee Jill Stein as to whether she wished to be considered as Steins running mate. (Stein ultimately chose another pro-Palestinian academic, Butch Ware, as her vice-presidential nominee.) As one example of the disregard shown toward Gaza by both major parties, Erakat hit out at the fact that, during the now-infamous Trump-Biden debate, Palestinians were only mentioned as a slur. How are we disregarded with such ease? One thing is clear: A massive crowd of protesters is on a collision course with the Democratic nominee for president. The main protest marches in Chicago are set for Monday, when the convention opens; and Thursday, when Harris makes her big speech. In such a febrile environment, the ramifications are anyones guess. The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage. This story was updated at 1:58 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Men charged with murder in Johnny Wactor's death implicated themselves in jailhouse talk, sources say Actor Kevin Suscavage holds a picture of Johnny Wactor while more than 100 actors, friends and family members march in a call for justice in the shooting of Wactor on June 12. On Monday, four men were charged in the actor's death. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Prosecutors on Monday charged two men with known associations to a notorious South Los Angeles street gang with murder in the death of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor after the suspects implicated themselves during jailhouse discussions, sources told The Times. Two other men were also charged with lesser crimes in connection with Wactor's death, authorities said. Robert Barceleau, 18, is accused of shooting Wactor after the actor came upon him and two other members of the Florencia 13 gang on Hope Street near Pico Boulevard and confronted them because he thought they were trying to tow his car in the wee hours of May 25. Authorities say the men were jacking up Wactors car to steal its catalytic converter and he was shot after accosting them. Johnny Wactor was shot to death after interrupting men trying to steal his car's catalytic converter on May 25, authorities say. (Willy Sanjuan / Invision / Associated Press) Barceleau, who is also known as "Smallz," is an identified member of the Florencia 13 gang, according to information from a search warrant filed in the Wactor investigation. His fingerprints, as well as those of Sergio Estrada and Leonel Gutierrez, matched those lifted from the floor jack left at Wactor's car, according to the search warrant. Authorities say Estrada, a.k.a. "Prieto," and Gutierrez, or "Tripps" both also 18 are affiliated with the gang. Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascon and interim LAPD Chief Dominic Choi said more than 50 search warrants were served in the case. Witnesses identified Gutierrez as a suspect in Wactor's slaying because of a distinct "F" tattoo on his face for Florencia, police said. The three men were arrested Thursday on suspicion of murder. A fourth person Frank Olano, 22 was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to murder. After their arrests, some of the men implicated themselves in the slaying during recorded jailhouse conversations, according to two law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation but not authorized to discuss it publicly. Read more: 4 people arrested in the killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor Calling Wactor's death a senseless shooting, Gascon on Monday charged Barceleau and Estrada with murder. Barceleau was charged with special circumstances murder during an attempted robbery with personal use of a firearm, attempted robbery, grand theft and aggravated circumstances of using a firearm. If convicted, he faces life without the possibility of parole. Anita Joy, right, who was with Johnny Wactor when he was killed, hugs Gary Hoiness after Monday's news conference, where murder charges were announced. (Al Seib / For The Times) Estrada was charged with murder with the use of a firearm, attempted robbery and grand theft with a firearm. Gutierrez was charged with attempted robbery and grand theft with allegations of a principal armed with a firearm. Olano was charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder, one count of receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon with a firearm. There are two that are facing life in prison, one life without the possibility, Gascon said during a news conference Monday. One of them fired a weapon; the other one was there. Barceleau fired the gun. Barceleau, Gutierrez and Estrada all have lengthy criminal histories, according to court and arrest documents reviewed by The Times. Barceleau has previously been arrested on suspicion of assault with a firearm, robbery and burglary. Gutierrez has prior arrests on suspicion of possession of a firearm, vehicle theft, grand theft, assault with great bodily injury, battery and robbery. Estrada's priors include suspicion of assault with a firearm, robbery and burglary. Alano, a.k.a. Little, has been arrested on suspicion of grand theft, vandalism, possession of a firearm and assault on a police officer. Barceleau is being held without bail, and Estrada is being held in lieu of $2.070 million bail. Olano's bail was set at $1.08 million and Gutierrez's at $120,000. Moses Castillo, a retired LAPD detective and advocate for the Wactor family, said the failure to file special gang allegations against the men, as the district attorney has repeatedly done in prior gang cases, means the men will face far less time in prison if convicted. L.A. County Dist. Atty. George Gascon and interim LAPD Chief Dominic Choi announced murder and other charges Monday in the slaying of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor. (Al Seib / For The Times) Neither Gascon nor Choi would discuss the evidence in the case, including any statements made by the accused. All four appeared in a downtown court Monday and were waiting to be called for their hearing. The charges come after friends of the actor called for the district attorney to lock up those responsible for the actor's death. "I don't think it is right that these suspects, whoever killed Johnny, ever gets freedom ever again," fellow actor Micah Parker said Monday outside the downtown criminal courts building. "That is justice in our eyes, and we asked George Gascon to serve justice and do his job today." Parker and others were asking the district attorney to commit to seeking the maximum sentence for the men life in prison without the possibility of parole. Read more: 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor's slaying during L.A. robbery sparks shock, anger, mourning Wactor's slaying has become symbolic of growing issues related to violent robberies in Los Angeles, and particularly the rise of street violence in the city's downtown core. The actor had finished a shift at the Level 8 bar about 3:20 a.m. May 25 when he and co-worker Anita Joy were walking to his car and interrupted the thieves. Wactor first thought his car was being towed, Joy said. After realizing that wasnt the case, he asked the men to leave, showing his open hands to indicate he wasnt a threat. Nevertheless, he was shot at close range, Joy said. A security guard from the bar said he found Joy and the mortally wounded Wactor and called 911. Joy asked Wactor whether he was OK, and he responded, "Nope. I've been shot," according to the statement of probable cause in the arrests of the suspects. After the shooting, the men fled north on Hope Street in a stolen getaway car described as a 2018 black four-door Infiniti Q50 with a tan interior, police said. Given the description of the assailants and some security video from the scene, the focus of the investigation almost immediately turned to Florencia 13 gang members tied to catalytic converter thefts in the region. After reviewing videos and interviewing witnesses, homicide detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department identified the suspects. Barceleau had been arrested June 5 on suspicion of assault by the LAPD but was not charged with a crime and was released the same day. It was not until this month that arrests were made, after repeated efforts by friends, family and politicians calling for more resources on the case and a tougher approach to crime in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her "continued condolences" to the Wactor family on Monday and thanked police "for their work and partnership throughout the investigation and their continued efforts to keep Angelenos safe and to bring justice to victims of violence." "We must continue to take aggressive action to make our city safer," she said. "Those who commit crimes must be held fully responsible for their actions. On Monday, Choi said the "tragic, untimely death" of Wactor has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends and fans as well as the broader community. "To the family and loved ones of Mr. Wactor, we know that no legal action can bring back the person you have lost," the LAPD chief said, "but we hope that today's announcement brings some measure of comfort in knowing that those who are responsible are no longer on the streets and not going to be able to hurt anyone again." 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. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Piedmont Columbus Regional announced Monday they would be providing faith-based medical clinic MercyMed with $10,000 worth of financial support. Piedmont says this money is part of an effort to empower Georgians by changing healthcare. CEO of Piedmont Columbus Regional Scott Hill said, Our community becomes even stronger when nonprofit organizations, like MercyMed, become healthier and livelier through generous community support. According to MercyMeds website the organization provides specialty services like counseling, physical therapy, dental care, vision care and speech therapy in addition to being a medical clinic. More information can be found at mercymedcolumbus.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration has allocated $24.8 million to hire more correctional officers in the state. The money will be used to fund 189 new correctional officer positions at 22 facilities and the New Mexico Corrections Department. Food truck owners upset with City of Albuquerque over major permit fee increase Correctional officer recruitment is essential for upholding safety within our facilities, NMCD Cab. Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero said in a news release. By investing in these positions, the state reinforces its commitment to public safety and our agency mission to strengthen New Mexico communities. Departments that will be able to get more officers are listed below: Entity Number of new officer positions Acoma Adult Temporary Holding Facility 4 Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center 23 Bernalillo County Youth Services Center 10 Bernalillo County Youth Services Center (Juvenile Detention Center) 10 Colfax County Vigil Maldonado Detention Center 4 Curry County 7 Eddy County Detention 10 Grant County Detention Center 4 Hobbs Detention Facility 3 Luna County 10 New Mexico Corrections Department 46 Otero County Detention Center 4 Quay County Detention Center 3 Rio Arriba County Detention Center 4 Roosevelt County Detention Center 3 San Juan County Adult Detention Center 10 San Miguel County Detention Center 5 Sandoval County Detention Center 6 Santa Fe County 7 Sierra County 2 Socorro County Detention Center 4 Taos Adult Detention Center 5 Valencia County Detention Center 5 According to the Department of Finance and Administration, the funding will help offset the cost of new correctional officer salaries for three years. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) The New Mexico State University Board of Regents on Monday announced five finalists vying to be the universitys next president. Motions could impact trials for former New Mexico State Mens Basketball players The following candidates were selected from a nationwide pool of candidates with the assistance of search firm WittKieffer and an internal presidential search committee led by Regents Chair Ammu Devasthali, according to the university. Finalists: Valerio Ferme, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, University of Cincinnati Brian Haynes, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of California, Riverside Monica Lounsbery, Ph.D., Dean, College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Long Beach Neil MacKinnon, Ph.D. Professor, School of Public Health, Immediate Past Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Augusta University Arsenio Romero, Ph.D., Secretary of Public Education, State of New Mexico. The candidates will be visiting NMSU in early September to hear from the community and members of the public. The schedule for those visits and forums will be announced soon and will be available online at nmsu.edu/president-search, according to NMSU. The university will also update its webpage to include more information about each finalist, links to webcasts of each public forum, and feedback forms to provide comments to the board. We cannot complete this process without the help of all our Aggie community. I hope you will join us for the candidate forums, and I hope you will choose to attend in person if possible, Devasthali said in a news release. This is an incredibly important decision, and we need your feedback to help us find the best leader for NMSU. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. As the school year begins in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, it is crucial to recognize the invaluable contributions of educators across the nation. Teaching is the profession that creates all other professions, yet they often find themselves undervalued and underpaid. As schools begin to start, many school districts across the state face teacher shortages. In Florida, the average teachers salary just dropped to 50th in the country, according to the National Education Association. Florida should be ashamed to wear this badge of dishonor. As a former public school teacher and principal, I know firsthand how important our teachers are and how hard they work. I began teaching in the 1970s when our schools were deeply segregated and underfunded. We barely had essential resources like textbooks and school supplies, nevertheless thinking about raising teacher pay. Many teachers dipped into their pockets to provide basic classroom supplies. Yet, all the teachers at the school worked day and night to ensure our students had the best education possible. Low pay should not and cannot be the reality in 2024. But it is. Despite efforts to improve the situation, many teachers are still confronted with difficult choices between supporting their families and ensuring their students have the resources they need. They must work two to three jobs, from cleaning tables to being Uber drivers after school, just to make ends meet. Its a shame that little has changed for educators over the years. When I think about the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents gained a newfound appreciation for teachers challenges. With children suddenly at home all day, the enormity of teaching became apparent. And once schools went back in person, teachers were on the front lines of figuring out how to balance safety while fostering an environment of learning and growth. And now, we find teachers consistently under fire in a state that prioritizes baseless culture wars as opposed to the well-being of our teachers. Instead of focusing on their essential role in shaping young minds, teachers are shackled by fear, forced to navigate a minefield of nonsense rather than fulfilling their duties. As I continue to connect with teachers, its clear that more needs to be done to support them. This is why, as schools start up again, I am once again uplifting the American Teacher Act I proposed, which would make starting teacher salaries at least $60,000 nationwide. We know that higher teacher pay leads to better student outcomes, including higher test scores, graduation rates, and college attendance. Starting teacher pay at $60,000 would attract and retain high-quality educators, addressing turnover and recruitment challenges caused by low salaries. This increase would also help close the diversity gap by drawing more Black teachers, particularly Black men, into the profession and ensuring our schools are well-staffed. But our school year is starting and there are thousands of teaching vaccines. Our students do not have time to wait; they cannot afford to wait weeks or months until their class is staffed with a full-time, qualified teacher. We must commit to supporting policies like the American Teacher Act that value and uplift the teaching profession. Lets not delay in doing the right thing for our teachers and students. Raising teacher pay is not just the right thing to do; it is a smart investment in our future. And if we really want to solve the teacher shortage crisis, lets give them a raise. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Democrat, represents Floridas 24th Congressional District, which includes parts of Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami, Miami Gardens and Miramar. She is a former public school teacher, principal school board member and is the founder of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. Another good apple harvest year is expected this season, with an estimated haul of about 30.5 million bushels, or 1.281 billion pounds, in 2024, the Michigan Apple Committee announced. This is the third year in a row for a higher-than-average crop size, the committee said. While thats a lot of apples, its not the whopping nearly 32 million bushels of 2023, but the 2024 harvest is higher than average. Honeycrisp apples. The estimate was announced on Friday at the USApple Outlook's annual meeting in Chicago. It is unusual to have three large crops in a row, said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, of this years crop estimate. However, as growers continue to plant high-density orchards and adopt other innovative growing practices, Michigans apple crop sizes will increase, and we will continue to see these larger crops. Michigan's average annual crop size is approximately 25.9 million bushels, according to the Michigan Apple Committee. Weather and bloom conditions and tree health are all factors considered in the years apple harvest estimate. The committee said that Michigans late winter, warmer-than-normal temperatures, and an early spring contributed to this year's harvest, which caused buds to form early and ultimately led to an earlier bloom in May. In addition, growers didnt experience significant frost and freeze events after the early bloom. The committee said this years early bloom also brought on the harvest about 10 days earlier. Michigan Apple growers share a common goal of producing flavorful, high-quality apples, said Smith. They work with tree fruit researchers to implement the latest growing techniques and use new technology to monitor growing conditions. Michigan growers are committed to bringing the best quality fruit to the consumer. Available year-round, Michigan apples are the state's most valuable fruit crop. Michigans apple production ranks as the No. 2 apple-producing state behind No. 1. Washington state. Across Michigan, there are nearly 15 million apple trees in commercial production, according to the Michigan Apple Committee. In Michigan, apple trees cover 34,500 acres across 775 family-run farms in Michigan. The apples are also widely available at farm markets and cider mills across the state and in 12,000 retail groceries across the U.S., according to Smith. More: Michigan apple harvest guide: When to get your favorite kind The state's apple crop is unique because of its wide array of varieties. Some of the varieties are already available. Here are the estimated harvest times for a variety of Michigan apples from the Michigan Apple Committee: Paula Red: Pleasingly tart - Aug. 9 Ginger Gold: Sweet with a hint of tartness Aug. 11 Gala: Soft flesh and sweet Aug. 20 Honeycrisp: Sweet like honey and crisp bite Aug. 22 McIntosh: Juicy and lightly tart - Sept. 1 Golden Delicious: Gingery taste and sweet Sept. 9 Jonagold: Crisp, tart and sweet - Sept. 16 Ambrosia: Sweet and low acid Sept. 18 Fuji: Crisp and sweet Sept. 19 Red Delicious: Full sweet flavor Sept. 23 Ida red: Tangy and tart Sept. 26 Evercrisp: Sweet, juicy and packs a crunch - Oct. 15 Cripps Pink: Tart and sweet with crisp, juicy flesh - Oct. 18 For more information, go to michiganapples.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan apple harvest looks good for 2024: What's behind the boom Mickey Guyton, Jason Isbell And James Taylor To Perform On Democratic National Conventions First Night Mickey Guyton, Jason Isbell and James Taylor will perform at the Democratic National Convention this evening. Taylor practiced Youve Got A Friend in the afternoon to a largely empty United Center arena. His rehearsal came about a half hour before President Joe Biden did a walk through of the stage, in advance of his speech, which will be the finale of tonights proceedings. More from Deadline A DNC official also said that Jeffrey Wright will narrate a convention film short to be shown this evening. Dawn Porter and his production company, Trilogy Films, are producing a movie about Biden and the Democratic party. Taylor also performed at the 2012 Democratic convention in Charlotte. Tony Goldwyn will host the first night, which also will feature Hillary Clinton, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Gov. Andy Beshear. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. JERUSALEM, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel's delegation returned from Cairo on Monday after participating in talks on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported. The discussions, attended by Israeli and Egyptian security officials, followed a weekend meeting in Doha between Israeli officials and Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. mediators, where the new deal proposal to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in return for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, was presented. Officials from the Israeli negotiation team told Kan that the delegation left Cairo just hours after the talks began on Monday morning. They said the government's mandate for discussing concessions was "too limited" and needed to be expanded to reach an agreement. The talks in Cairo focused on Israel's demand to maintain control over the so-called "Philadelphi Corridor," a buffer zone along the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Hamas has repeatedly conditioned the release of hostages on a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian enclave. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Midland Habitat for Humanity celebrated its latest homeowner on August 15th, with the dedication of its 196th home in the 500 block on S Lee Street to the Raina Reyes family. The Warren Charitable Foundation generously provided funding for the build. ProPetro and Ring Energy provided volunteers to help construct the home. Additionally, Raina worked hard for her familys new home by providing more than 250 hours of sweat equity in addition to completing Habitats Homeowner College program with classes on personal finance, homeowner maintenance, civic engagement, health and wellness, and more. Joey Hopkins, MHFHs Executive Director, said Habitat is incredibly thankful for the Warren Charitable Foundation and their commitment to Habitat and our mission of Changing Lives Through Affordable Homeownership. We are also so proud of Raina and the hard work and dedication she showed in getting through our program. Were thrilled to add another home and family to a growing south Midland neighborhood. Of her new home, Raina said, This home means more to us than words can express. We are overjoyed to start this new chapter of our lives in a place we can finally call our own. Thank you once again to everyone involved for making this possible for us. Your kindness and support have made a huge lasting impact in both of our lives that we will never forget! MHFH is one of the premier institutions responsible for constructing affordable housing in the Permian Basin. The organizations partnership model offers deserving, hard-working families a hand-up. MHFH uses a rigorous qualifying process that includes progress from the application through homeownership. Each participant contributes a minimum of 250 hours of sweat equity on the worksite and completes a homeownership education program. Successful candidates are then awarded a 0% interest mortgage, making homeownership a reality for some of the most deserving families in the Permian Basin. Anyone interested in supporting MHFHs efforts in the Permian Basin can contact Jeff Meyers, Chief of Staff, at 432-686-8877. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. Who is Mike Lynch, the tech entrepreneur missing in yacht sinking? Mike Lynch is still missing while his wife, Angela Bacares, is reported to have been rescued from sunken yacht - Dominic O'Neill Just weeks ago, Mike Lynch was walking out of a San Francisco court room a free man with tears in his eyes. The technology tycoon known as Britains Bill Gates had improbably beaten the odds in a bitter US legal dispute with technology giant HP, convincing a jury that he was not guilty of claims of massive fraud. Cleared after a 13-year legal fight, the entrepreneur vowed to fight to reform Britains extradition laws after he was flown to San Francisco to face trial and kept under house arrest. Yet tragedy has now struck the 59-year-old so soon after his victory. Mr Lynch and his daughter are understood to be missing after his yacht sank off the coast of Sicily in the early hours of Monday morning. The 56-metre Bayesian sank to the seabed off the coast of Palermo after locals reported a freak tornado. Angela Bacares, Mr Lynchs wife, was also on board and is reported to have been among 15 passengers rescued. Searches continue for four Britons, a Canadian and two Americans, the coast guard said. One dead body has been found. Who is Mike Lynch? Mr Lynch is one of Britains best-known and most controversial technology entrepreneurs. Born to an Irish immigrant family and raised in London in the 1960s, Mr Lynch had a modest upbringing but won a scholarship to the private Bancrofts School aged 11. He went on to graduate from Cambridge University and subsequently founded the business that would make his name: Autonomy. The software company, set up in 1996, used complex statistical analysis to help businesses manage their data. Autonomy grew rapidly and joined the ranks of Britains blue chips on the FTSE 100 before being sold to HP for more than 8bn in 2011. Mr Lynch used his wealth to become a founding investor in Darktrace, the FTSE 100 cyber security company, and set up venture capital firm Invoke Capital to back other start-ups. His successes once led him to be lauded as Britains Bill Gates. Mr Lynch is one of Britain's best-known and most controversial technology entrepreneurs - REUTERS/Henry Nicholls For 13 years, however, Mr Lynch was dogged by claims that his success was built on the back of fraud. HP wrote off much of the value of Autonomy shortly after acquiring the business and accused Mr Lynch of exaggerating the businesss success to get HP to overpay. In 2022, Mr Lynch lost a $5bn (3.9bn) fraud civil dispute against HP in the British High Court over the sale and was later charged with multiple counts of criminal fraud by the US government for his alleged role. Last year, he was extradited from Britain to stand trial before a California court. He faced up to 25 years in prison. In the run up to the trial, the entrepreneur spent months under house arrest with constant monitoring by an armed security detail. Mr Lynch was forced to wear a GPS tag and subject to a $100m bail bond. Few observers gave Mr Lynch much hope of beating the charges, given the high conviction rate in such cases. The US government had spent years and large amounts of money to prove Mr Lynch had masterminded a scheme to artificially inflate the revenues of Autonomy. But on June 7, after an 11-and-a-half-week trial, Mr Lynch was acquitted and walked from court a free man a remarkable moment of vindication for the technologist who had always denied wrongdoing. In a last-minute gambit, Mr Lynch had taken to the witness stand to defend his record, denying he had been the driving force behind the complex fraud. He told the jury that while he had been in charge of the technological vision, he was not involved in the minutiae of the companys accounting. The high-risk defence paid off and Mr Lynch was acquitted by the jury after three days of deliberation. Moments after he was declared not guilty to each of the 15 charges, his wife rushed over to embrace him. I am elated with todays verdict and grateful to the jury for their attention to the facts over the last 10 weeks, Mr Lynch said at the time. My deepest thanks go to my legal team for their tireless work on my behalf. I am looking forward to returning to the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field. Having returned to the UK, Mr Lynch was preparing to campaign against what he viewed as Britains one-sided extradition treaty with the US. In 2023, he had been escorted from his country home in handcuffs to a waiting plane and spirited across the Atlantic after then-home secretary Priti Patel signed off on his extradition. This was despite the UKs Serious Fraud Office dropping a case against him years earlier. The system can sweep individuals away, he said in a recent interview. Mr Lynch owns a home in west London but lived primarily at a farm in Suffolk, where he raised rare breeds of pigs and cows. He had suffered from health issues including a lung condition for much of the past few years. Last month he told a newspaper in his first interview since being found not guilty: Now you have a second life. The question is, what do you want to do with it? Over the weekend, Mr Lynch was aboard his personal yacht off the coast of Sicily. The boat, Bayesian, was named for the branch of statistics which was the subject of Mr Lynchs Cambridge PhD. The 56-metre Bayesian sank to the seabed off the coast of Palermo after locals reported a freak tornado - PERINI NAVI PRESS OFFICE/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Built in 2008, the 56-metre, 473-tonne superyacht is reported to have had capacity for 12 guests and 10 crew members with a top speed of 12 knots. Its listed owner is Ms Bacares, Mr Lynchs wife. On board with the couple were Charlotte Golunski, a partner at Invoke Capital, and her husband, James Emsley. Others on the vessel are reported to include business associates and legal advisers to Mr Lynch as well as the ships crew. Ms Golunski, who was rescued from the vessel with her husband and baby daughter, told Italys Corriere Della Sera newspaper they were all guests of our boss who she described as an extraordinary person. The vessel was reported to have travelled from Aeolian Islands to Milazzo and Cefalu before arriving at Palermo. There it was reportedly hit by a freak storm, described by local fisherman as a tornado. Fifteen passengers were reportedly rescued by Italys coast guard helicopters. Six people are still missing. A local fisherman told Corriere Della Sera: At about 3:55 we saw the whirlwind. A quarter of an hour later we saw a rocket 500 metres from the dock. At about 4:35 we went out to sea to provide assistance, but we only saw the remains of the vessel floating. There were no men in the sea. So we immediately called the port authority. Who is Mike Lynchs wife Angela Bacares? Angela Bacares stood by Mr Lynch throughout his legal trials Mr Lynch and Ms Bacares have had two daughters, aged 18 and 21, students at Oxford and Imperial College London respectively. His younger daughter, Hannah, is understood to be among those missing after the superyacht sank. His personal net worth was estimated at $450m by his US lawyers last year, although a lot of the couples wealth is held by Ms Bacares. A private couple, public records suggest Ms Bacares, 57, and Mr Lynch married in 2001 in London. The millionaires wife stood by Mr Lynch throughout his legal trials, attending every day of his US criminal court battle in San Francisco. To keep Mr Lynch company during his house arrest, Ms Bacares bought her husband a sheep dog named Faucet. Having survived the disaster on the Bayesian, Ms Bacares was reportedly using a wheelchair after sustaining cuts to her feet during the escape. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Mike Lynch had been celebrating his recent acquittal in the US over fraud allegations - Simon Dawson/Bloomberg A British tech tycoon and his 18-year-old daughter were feared dead on Monday after his superyacht was struck by a tornado. Mike Lynch, 59, and his teenage daughter Hannah are among seven passengers and crew thought to have been killed after his 30 million yacht sank half a mile off the coast of Sicily in the early hours of Monday morning. They were on a trip to celebrate his acquittal in a fraud trial. The Italian coast guard has recovered one body with six people still to be found in the wreckage of the Bayesian, now 165ft underwater on the sea bed. A tornado over water, known as a waterspout, had struck the 184ft yacht with 22 people on board as it moored overnight off Porticello, a fishing village 10 miles east of Palermo. Mr Lynch, dubbed Britains Bill Gates, had been acquitted of fraud in a San Francisco court room in June, having been found not guilty on all counts of inflating the value of Autonomy, the company he sold to the US tech giant Hewlett-Packard in 2011 for 8.6 billion. In a rare interview following his acquittal, Mr Lynch, who had been forced to spend 13 months in the US under house arrest after being extradited from the UK in May last year, said: Now you have a second life. The question is, what do you want to do with it? Guests had been invited onboard to celebrate his court victory, including at least one member of his legal team from the City law firm Clifford Chance as well as colleagues at the London investment fund Invoke capital which he runs. Mr Lynchs family were also on the yacht, including his wife, Angela Bacares, 57, who survived the disaster but was left using a wheelchair after suffering lacerations to her feet when the yacht sank. Mike Lynch and his wife Angela. She survived the sinking According to La Repubblica, Ms Bacares told doctors that at 4am the boat had tilted and she and her husband had woken up. The newspaper reported: At first, they were not worried but then there was a scene of confusion as glass shattered and everything slipped. The couples daughter Hannah, who is among those missing, had just won a place at the University of Oxford to read English. Salvatore Cocina, head of the Civil Protection in Sicily, said Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International and Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance, were also among the missing. The Times reported that Mr Bloomers wife, Anne, is also unaccounted for. Mr Bloomer is a close friend of Mr Lynch and gave evidence at his trial, where he claimed his friend wasnt particularly interested in the finance side of the business. The Bayesian, named after the mathematical theory Mr Lynch had used to make his fortune, is one of the 50 largest sailing yachts in the world. Its 237ft aluminium mast was the tallest of its kind when it was built in 2008. Questions are now being raised about how it managed to sink. It has been suggested that the heavy mast may have made the yacht unstable when the tornado struck. A weather warning had been in place for four days beforehand. The body of the yachts chef, named locally as Ricardo Thomas, was recovered from the water. The other crew members have all been accounted for. Among the 15 survivors rescued from a lifeboat was Charlotte Golunski, 35, a British mother who told Italian journalists of her determination to prevent her one-year-old baby Sofia from drowning as they struggled in the water. Ms Golunski, a senior associate at Invoke capital, said: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Ayla Ronald, 36, who worked on Mr Lynchs successful defence, was among colleagues to have been invited onboard as a thank you, her father, Lin Ronald, told The Telegraph. Ayla is a lawyer who is part of the legal team that were invited to go sailing as a result of the success in the recent United States court case, said Mr Ronald. He added: She has said to me that there are deaths, and she and her partner are alive. Fears grew for the missing on Monday night, with rescuers pessimistic about the prospect of pulling anyone else out of the water alive. Click here to view this content. Francesco Venuto, a spokesman for Sicilys civil protection agency, said that he thought [the corpses] must be there [in the boat]. Mr Venuto said: Weve been searching all day with helicopters and boats, weve found nothing. That wouldnt make sense, in these conditions we should have found something by now. Giuseppe DAgostino, the local mayor, told The Telegraph: With the passage of time it is becoming more difficult to hope for their survival. Italian officials, working alongside a team sent from the UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch, will now begin investigations to determine why the Bayesian sank. Experts said it was incredibly rare for superyachts to capsize. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A group that failed last week to trigger recall elections against three of four Milwaukee Public Schools board members has also failed to collect enough signatures to force a recall against the fourth member. A statement from the Milwaukee Election Commission on Monday said the commission found that the MPS School Board Recall Collaborative failed to recall Missy Zombor, who holds the board's at-large seat. To recall Zombor, the group had to collect at least 44,177 signatures but collected an estimated 28,050 signatures, the statement said. Tamika Johnson, one of the organizers of a recall effort against Milwaukee School Board members, speaks at a press conference at Gordon Park in Milwaukee July 24, 2024. The update comes after attempts to recall board president Marva Herndon, board vice president Jilly Gokalgandhi and board member Erika Siemsen also failed last week. The petitions for the three board members were thousands of signatures short of the required number of signatures, according to results on the Milwaukee Elections Commission website. Milwaukee Election Commission executive director Paulina Gutierrez confirmed the results, saying that the commission is finalizing the number of signatures submitted. Once finalized, the number of signatures for Zombor's seat will be posted on the commission's website. As of 8 p.m., the commission's website did not have those numbers posted yet, but did have the number of pages of signatures, 2,805, posted. The commission's statement also said there were up to 10 signatures per page. "What we did is we counted all the pages, and if you count all the pages and you make the assumption that you can do 10 signatures per page if you make the assumption that 10 signatures per page are all filled out, that puts them at the most, 28,050 signatures. That's insufficient," Gutierrez said. "So we're finalizing the count of actual signatures submitted because not all sheets were filled, so the total number will be less than that. But we just wanted to put out there that what they submitted still isn't sufficient." For Herndon, the group submitted 1,549 signatures, short of the 5,137 signatures required. For Gokalgandhi, the group needed 7,759 signatures but only submitted 290. For Siemsen, the group needed 6,809 signatures but only submitted 203 signatures. The recall group was hoping to force recall elections to take place before the usual school board elections that normally occur in April. The group had until Aug. 12 to collect the signatures and submitted them on that date. It had to collect 25% of votes cast in a board member's district in the 2022 governor's election to trigger recall elections. Zombor said she was glad to have the news of the results and said she was ready to move forward. "We're gearing up to welcome 68,000 students back to school. This is an exciting and joyful time of year. It's a time of year of new beginnings, so I'm grateful to continue to serve Milwaukee Public Schools' students and families," Zombor said. Tamika Johnson, one of the recall organizers, said the group will continue advocating. She said if the group has to attempt the recall again, it will and will vet everyone who gets involved. Johnson also disputed the Milwaukee Election Commission's statement, claiming the recall group actually collected over 50,000 signatures. Johnson claimed that some people who were trying to turn in recall signatures for the recall group were turned away by Gutierrez. Gutierrez denied Johnson's claim and said no one was turned away. In a public Facebook post Aug. 18, Johnson said the group's objective is to "improve our public schools for the sake of our posterity and for the sake of all residents in the city of Milwaukee." She also said it was "very sad" that Zombor and her supporters "are being amused at this process." "This only makes me work harder for our community & if there were any self-serving or desperate attempts to collect signatures for the recall and some signatures are found to be fraudulent, it will be addressed but again this isnt a laughing matter .. Its life or death for black children and black families in the city of Milwaukee," Johnson said in her Facebook post. In response to Johnson's post, Zombor said in a separate text message to a reporter Monday evening that she does not take the situation lightly. "It's unfortunate that there continues to be misinformation spread about MPS. I want to be clear that there is no evidence of missing money. The Board is taking accountability, and our change in district leadership is evidence of that. That said, I believe we all have a shared goal of wanting what is best for MPS students," Zombor said. 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: None of the 4 MPS recall petitions has enough signatures July 17, 2024 Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Vice President Nominee Senator JD Vance speaks at the Republican National Convention. | Photo by Joeff Davis The Milwaukee Police Association (MPA) has endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, following a visit Friday by Trumps running mate J.D. Vance. In brief remarks to the police association, Vance thanked Milwaukee officers for providing security last month during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee where, he said, he never felt safer. He then focused on undocumented immigrants as a cause of crime in Wisconsin and other states. When you hear Republicans say every state is a border state, that is not just a slogan, Vance said, that is a sad reflection of the reality that we have drug cartels operating about as far north in this country as we possibly could. He denounced the policies that have come from the Harris administration that make it harder for the police to do their job, including providing shelter and aid to immigrants who shouldnt be here. Projecting a Trump victory in November, Vance said police officers job is about to get a lot easier. As the union and bargaining entity for the Milwaukee Police Department, the MPA represents many Milwaukee officers. MPA President Alex Ayala called the union the force behind the force, adding that the importance of police officers extends far beyond the uniform and badge; it is about their commitment to serving and protecting us all. Ayala, who succeeded Andrew Wagner as MPA president, said in a press release that officers in Milwaukee face a variety of challenges including low bail for dangerous criminals. Other problems for the police, according to Ayala, include the need for an honest and concerted effort to pursue those offenders wanted on bench warrants, low officer morale in an often anti-police society, rushes to judgment in officer-involved incidents, not to mention the staffing crisis that requires officers to spend even more time away from their families. Ayala claimed that some areas of the city will at times go with only one squad to patrol an entire area 44,000 citizens as squads get pulled to other parts of the city to address high priority calls which can often be more violent in nature, requiring more officers. The MPA declared that putting Trump and Vance in the White House will help resolve the problems the police union is reporting. Addressing these issues isnt political it truly is a matter of life and death to Milwaukee, Ayala said in a press statement. The MPA generally expresses pro-law enforcement stances on policy and politics. Trump fashioned himself as a law and order president from 2016 to 2020. When protesters took to the streets in cities across the country to protest the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, Trump called on law enforcement to crack down on the demonstrations, floated deploying the U.S. military to quell the uprisings, and, according to Trumps Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, inquired about having police shoot the protesters. In the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, hundreds of Trump supporters attempted to stop the certification of President Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 election. After the attack, police officers who directly experienced the violent attack voiced their opposition to Trump and their support for Biden. But across the country other police remained loyal to the former president. In Milwaukee, battles over police policy have been going on since 2020. For over a year, the police union railed against a new policy passed by the Fire and Police Commission, which required the release of video of officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths to victims families within 48 hours, and release to the public within 15 days. The MPA, alongside representatives from the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team (MAIT), which investigates officer-involved incidents, argued that releasing the video would compromise police interests in those incidents. These activist groups misuse important words like transparency and trust to push their agenda, but at the same time they reject factual data from previous community briefings, then-MPA President Andrew Wagner said in a 2023 press statement. Instead of waiting for an investigation to be completed, their goal appears to be setting their own narrative. We have all seen where false narratives have been put out into the public to incite riots. These false narratives have destroyed cities and when the truth finally comes out the damage has been done. Later, the union filed a lawsuit against the video release policy, freezing its implementation for months. As the Republican National Convention (RNC) came to a close, the union dropped the lawsuit with Wagner calling the legal effort fruitless. In early 2024, the MPA and other police associations worked to change state law to prevent officer-involved deaths from being investigated under Wisconsins John Doe law. This law allows for a judge to review a case, hear arguments, and decide whether probable cause exists to appoint special prosecutors in cases where a prosecutor, such as a district attorney, has declined to issue charges. During public hearings, police associations accused families of people killed by police of pursuing vengeance against officers whose conduct had already been ruled justified. Wagner also told Wisconsin Examiner that the families of people killed by police are not victims, and that officers should be eventually allowed to move on with their lives after fatal incidents. Since 2020, when Wisconsin voters chose to pass a constitutional amendment known as Marsys Law, debates around who is a victim in a police shooting have become more complicated. Since the passage of Marsys Law, which creates new privacy rights for crime victims, police departments have argued that officers who kill people in critical incidents, such as shootings, are victims, and that their identities should remain confidential. Arguments about who is a victim divide police unions like the MPA, and local activist groups like Milwaukees Against Racist and Political Repression. The Alliance put out a press release criticizing Vance remarks Friday and statements by members of MPA. One representative referred to the police officers as traumatized victims when they shoot people, recounting the officer-involved shooting on July 17th, the Alliance stated. Not only is this victimization of police officers a disrespectful tactic that obfuscates how victims of police crimes and their loved ones are the real victims, but its also a misapplication of Marsys Law, which the MPA continues to cite when interfering with transparency and accountability from the Milwaukee Police. The Alliance noted that Vances visit came a month to the day after the shooting of Sam Sharpe, who was killed by Ohio officers deployed to Milwaukee for the RNC. Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said that the officers were breaking up a knife fight, and saved a life by killing Sharpe. The mans family, however, said that Sharpe who was living unhoused with other Milwaukeeans in King Park was being attacked by someone who had taken to harassing him. Sharpes family said that he had multiple medical conditions, limited mobility, and was not a threat to the officers. The Alliance highlighted that Vances recent statements did not mention the shooting of Sharpe. Yet, the Alliance said in a press statement, Vance and the MPA have made it clear that they will do whatever it takes to ignore these demands and stand against people seeking transparency and accountability from law enforcement. The Alliance also said that while Vance touted public safety as a major part of his platform, his remarks were simply fear mongering tactics to continue attacking immigrants and justify police crimes. The activist group added, Vance continually redirected questions about the budget issues police departments cause and crime in order to make insubstantial and inflammatory comments against immigrants. The people of Milwaukee and organizations like ours also know that these words mean we must continue organizing in order to prioritize our communities and hold the police accountable for their crimes, the Alliance stated. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Democratic National Convention will play out like an awards show in Chicago this week, with four hosts set to helm the event in totalone for each night of the convention, officials told CNN. Those hosts are; Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn, Mindy Kaling, and Ana Navarro. Each is expected to open the night with their own introduction, then will return throughout the night to anchor the event and introduce new segments. The convention will hold a different theme each night, including: For the People on Monday, A Bold Vision for Americas Future on Tuesday, A Fight for Our Freedoms on Wednesday, and For Our Future on Thursday. The Hotties for Harris Planning a Sexy Party at the DNC Washington, who helms her own political nonprofit, Influence Change, will host the conventions big night on Thursday, when Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the Democratic presidential nomination. Harris officially became the Democratic Partys nominee for President on Aug. 6 after receiving a majority of votes on a virtual roll call. Goldwyn will host Monday night, Navarro on Tuesday and Kaling on Wednesday. All four have been vocal supporters of the Democratic Party. Washington, star of Scandal, opened the third night of the 2020 convention. Her Scandal co-star, Goldwyn, recently attended an event with then-presumptive nominee Joe Biden, while Kaling appeared alongside Harris in a 2020 video where the pair cooked a South Indian dish. Navarro, a co-host of The View, is a Republican, but has been more friendly to the Democratic side in recent years and says she supports Harris. Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver Monday nights keynote address, while first lady Jill Biden is also expected to speak that night, according to The Washington Post. Democrats Roll Out the Blue Carpet for Social Media Influencers in Chicago Our convention is an opportunity to bring the story of our party to the American peoplenot just the story of what weve achieved under the Biden-Harris administration, but how the Harris-Walz ticket is planning to build on that historic record for a new way forward into the future, said Convention Chair Minyon Moore. The story here is simple and its one that will resonate with Americans across the country: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for the American people and Americas futureDonald Trump is only fighting for himself. Also on the speaker list, according to the Post: former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton; former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton; Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries; and former first lady Michelle Obama. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Childhood shoplifting and fare evasion convictions blight peoples careers decades on, it has emerged. Figures obtained under freedom of information legislation show that some 160,000 people have had their childhood offences reported to their prospective employers under criminal record checks. They include people in their 50s, 60s and 70s where childhood offences such as taking a cycle without authority and boarding a train without a ticket remain on their records for checks by potential employers. The checks are provided by the Governments disclosure and barring service (DBS) for people applying for jobs where they may be working with children or vulnerable people, or where they have access to sensitive information including education, social care, financial services, the legal profession and even taxi driving. Campaigners are calling for the slate to be wiped clean for all but the most serious childhood offences as the criminal record checks have expanded to include volunteering jobs such as helping at a childs school or acting as a Covid vaccination assistant. The DBS data show that checks in the past decade have revealed 163,345 childhood offences to employers where they were the only conviction or caution on their records. They had not been reported for any other crime since they were under 18. A sixth of the offences were 40 years old and 40 per cent had been committed more than 30 years ago. More than a quarter of all offences reported by the DBS to employers were minor summary offences including travelling without a fare, minor assaults, criminal damage, shoplifting and motoring offences. It is unfair and discriminatory Among those where childhood offences were included in their DBS checks were a 55-year-old woman convicted of taking a pedal cycle without authority, a 20-year-old woman who boarded a train without a valid ticket, a 66-year-old accused as a child of dishonestly using electricity and a 57-year-old convicted of shoplifting more than 40 years ago. Research by charity Working Chance found that 30 per cent of hiring managers would automatically reject any applicant who had a criminal conviction irrespective of how minor the offence. Penelope Gibbs, director of Transform Justice, a charity which obtained the data, said: We need a criminal records system but our current one is unfair and discriminatory. People who did minor crimes when young are forced to disclose them decades later when the records have no continuing relevance. People from ethnic minorities, and/or who were brought up in care or in poverty, are particularly likely to have criminal records for old offences. So unfair criminal records are a significant barrier to social mobility. Transform Justice has launched a FairChecks campaign with the charity Unlock for reform including no automatic disclosure of cautions on criminal records as well as wiping the slate for childhood offences. The law was changed in 2020 to wipe childhood cautions from records but the research shows convictions are still being considered. Home Office sources said Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, would make decisions on future policies in due course. Since 2021, childhood offences have been reported to employers in 5,459 checks on people aged over 50, of which 442 or 8.1 per cent were minor summary offences. For over-60s, it was 2,692 checks of which 9.1 per cent were summary offences. For those over 70, it was 515 of which 9.1 per cent were summary. It will never go away Rhys, who was convicted of assaulting his teacher as a 14-year-old, said: Every role Ive applied for always starts with embarrassment. I have a great interview and go through all of my experience and then have to disclose at the end that I have a conviction for assault from when I was in school as a 14-year old child. The sad thing is, this will show forever on my enhanced DBS certificate it will never go away. I will still be disclosing that I whacked my teacher on the arm when I was 14 when Im 60 years old. Mia, who was convicted of assault after a fight outside her school aged 16, has been unable to achieve her ambition to teach. Fifteen years later, it still appears on enhanced checks. Mia has recently lost out on charity roles working to support young people because of her childhood criminal record, said FairChecks. A Home Office spokesman said: We are committed to protecting public safety and DBS checks help to provide employers with the information they need to make safer recruitment decisions, while enabling ex-offenders to rebuild their lives. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Missile Defense Agency expects to launch a new sensor designed to discriminate between complex ballistic missile targets by the end of the decade, according to agency director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins. The discriminating space sensor, or DSS, is a key part of MDAs vision for a space-based missile-tracking layer, Collins told Defense News in a recent interview. The capability will complement the agencys hypersonic- and ballistic-tracking space sensor, or HBTSS, which it developed under a partnership with the Space Development Agency, launching its first two satellites in February. Whereas HBTSS was designed to track dimmer targets than traditional missile-warning sensors, DSS will help the Defense Department distinguish missile targets from enemy countermeasures, which are meant to make their advanced weapons harder to identify. We believe we can add a new capability or expand our capability to discriminate in the future with a space-based solution, he said. Were going to be pursuing that DSS prototype next. Collins told lawmakers in April that the agencys DSS had completed ground concept testing and was ready to move into the on-orbit demonstration phase. He told Defense News the plan is to launch the sensor by 2029. The capabilities provided by DSS and HBTSS are part of a broader network of missile-tracking satellites the Defense Department is fielding to improve its ability to track both traditional ballistic missiles and maneuvering hypersonic weapons, which can travel at speeds above Mach 5. Positioned in a range of orbital regimes, the spacecraft will give the U.S. military a more detailed and holistic picture of potential threats as adversaries like China and Russia demonstrate advanced missile capabilities. While MDA matured the sensor technology for HBTSS, the Space Development Agency, which is part of the Space Force, fielded the satellites. Collins said there will be a similar relationship between the agencies for DSS. Were going to be pursuing that DSS prototype and then [will] work with the Space Force to transition that to operational use in the future, he said. MDA requested funds for DSS in its fiscal 2025 budget, Collins said, but the documents dont specify how much it asked for. As the agency progresses on the DSS prototype, its also conducting tests to calibrate and demonstrate the capabilities of its first HBTSS satellites on orbit. In June, the spacecraft tracked their first hypersonic launch a test vehicle built by Kratos to prove the systems performance. A second vehicle is slated to fly later this year. Along with testbed tracks, the satellites have also monitored ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Every time they fly over Ukraine or Israel, they can pick up whatever happens, Collins said. We believe this is the technology thats the baseline for our ability to hold any hypersonic weapon under custody in the future. Defense News reporter Jen Judson contributed to this story. JAKARTA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's state-owned electricity company PT PLN Indonesia (PLN) has partnered with a Saudi Arabian company to develop a 60-megawatt floating solar power plant at Saguling Reservoir in West Java. "This project aims to strengthen the renewable energy sector in Indonesia, minimize the impact of climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said PLN President Director Edwin Nugraha Putra on Sunday. This project is also Indonesia's effort to accelerate the energy transition and support the target of net-zero emissions by 2060, Edwin added. Targeted to be commercially operational by June 2026, Edwin believes this project will boost investment and strengthen Indonesia-Saudi Arabia relations. On Nov. 9, 2023, Indonesia inaugurated the Cirata floating solar power plant, funded by United Arab Emirates-based company Masdar, covering an area of 250 hectares in West Java with a peak capacity of 192 megawatts, making it the largest in Southeast Asia. Missing Kansas City man found dead after his vehicle turned up abandoned. What to know A 23-year-old Kansas City man who had been missing a week was found dead Sunday evening near where his vehicle had been abandoned, a police spokesman said. Breyden Hensley was reported missing after last known to have been in the area of Walmart at 11601 E. U.S. 40 highway in Kansas City on Aug. 11, said Capt. Jake Becchina with the Kansas City Police Department. Hensleys vehicle was later found near West 33rd Street and Southwest Trafficway, with his cell phone, keys and other personal belongings inside. Becchina said his family and friends were concerned for his well-being. Hensley was found dead Sunday evening near West 29th and Summit streets. There appeared to be no signs of foul play, Becchina said. A medical examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation into Hensleys death is ongoing. Transgender Missourians will need proof of surgical transition or a court order before their driver's license can match their gender identity (photo illustration by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder) It became much harder this month for Missourians to change the gender marker on their drivers licenses following a quiet move by the state Department of Revenue. The department, which issues state drivers licenses, switched from requiring the signature of a physician, therapist or social worker to approve a change in gender designation to mandating documentation of gender reassignment surgery or a court order. The shift happened earlier this month, though it was not announced publicly by the department. The Wayback Machine, which archives web pages, shows the gender designation change request form requiring physician signoff, known as Form 5532, was available Aug. 6. The next day, the web page with the form was offline. A spokesperson for the Department of Revenue told The Independent in a statement that Form 5532 is no longer needed. Customers are required to provide either medical documentation that they have undergone gender reassignment surgery or a court order declaring gender designation to obtain a driver license or non-driver ID card denoting gender other than their biological gender assigned at birth. PROMO, Missouris largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, reached out to the department after hearing that people could no longer make changes to their identification using Form 5532 and heard that an incident spurred the move, said executive director Katy Erker-Lynch. According to the Movement Advancement Project, which maps states policies affecting LGBTQ residents, Missouri is one of 10 states with this policy. Just three states do not allow residents to change their gender markers. The policy change occurred soon after controversy erupted earlier this month over a transgender woman who used the womens locker rooms at a private gym in Ellisville. State Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, told The Independent that his office would have never even known about (Form 5532) unless the Lifetime Fitness incident had occurred. Sparks was among a group of elected officials who convened a press conference outside the gym Aug. 2, and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced an investigation into the incident the same day. During a radio appearance Aug. 1, Sparks said the transgender woman displayed a state ID describing (herself) as female. We are going to get to the bottom of what happened in the Department of Revenue and that form they issued several years ago, he said. It was inappropriate and in my opinion, it is not legal. Later that evening, in a live broadcast via Facebook, he told followers that he had been in contact with the department. I have assurances from the Department of Revenue that they are going to change their policies and their form, he said, promising to follow up with the department. Sparks told The Independent that he had questions about the creation of the form, which was made in 2016 with the help of LGBTQ advocates. I dont even know if the people that have used that form, if thats even valid, he said. He is looking into whether or not the department is allowed to change a policy without the legislatures direction, which would determine whether the change in 2016 and this months switch are authorized. State law does not allow them to change that (policy). Thats something that were looking into right now, meaning can the Department of Revenue arbitrarily change policy without legislative oversight or legislation? And to the best of my knowledge, they cannot, he said. The change of gender markers on state identification is not explicitly mentioned in state law. The section of Missouri state law that describes drivers license application forms allows the department to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to administer and enforce this section, though they must follow normal rulemaking procedure. Sparks felt like his initial interaction with the department was unhelpful. When he involved Bailey and state senators, he says the Department of Revenue promised to change the form. He believes the change might have been out of appeasement, to stop them from digging. Erker-Lynch had a similar impression. It seems the mere mention and threat of a potential investigation into the policies and practices of the Department of Revenue caused Director (Wayne) Wallingford to end a policy that worked to help people, Erker-Lynch said. This decision reflects a state and state departments run by fear and intimidation not a state run to serve its residents. PROMO is gathering stories of those who are struggling to change their gender marker on their state identification, calling the campaign The ID for Me. This story was updated at 2:28 p.m. to include reaction from Rep. Justin Sparks. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Missouris prison system is facing a crisis that endangers not just the men and women behind bars, but everyone involved. The problem? A critical shortage of staff has left the system scrambling to fill positions, often with younger, less experienced individuals who may not be prepared for the realities of the job. The subsequent desperate attempt to patch holes in the system with underqualified staff is a gamble with dire consequences. Missouris prisons are understaffed, inappropriately funded and increasingly unstable. The shortage of correctional officers has reached a breaking point, leading to a cycle of poor hiring practices only deepening the crisis. In an attempt to address the shortage, the state has lowered the bar for hiring, now allowing candidates at the age of 18 rather than 21. That practice has also resulted in dangerous individuals being hired to work inside the correctional facilities. This approach might provide a temporary fix, but it creates long-term dangers. Younger staff members, while often eager and physically capable, may not have the emotional resilience or life experience required to manage the volatile situations that frequently arise in prisons. The job demands more than just physical strength it requires psychological fortitude, the ability to deescalate tense situations and a deep understanding of human behavior. When these qualities are missing, the consequences can be disastrous. The dangers of hiring inexperienced staff are not theoretical they are playing out in real time inside Missouris prisons. Incidents of violence among residents and staff have been on the rise. When inexperienced officers are unable to de-escalate situations, and often actually escalate or initiate problems, it not only puts other staff at risk, but also endangers the incarcerated population they are supposed to protect. Prisons are inherently volatile environments, and when those tasked with maintaining order are unprepared, the results can be deadly. Moreover, the desperation to fill positions at any cost undermines the entire correctional system. By hiring anyone willing to take the job, the state risks introducing individuals who may be unsuited for the role those who might lack the ethical standards, judgment or emotional stability required to work in such a challenging environment. This can lead to incidents of misconduct, abuse of power and corruption, further eroding the safety and integrity of the prison system. The ripple effects of this crisis extend far beyond the prison walls. When prisons become more dangerous, its not just the staff and residents who suffer. The entire community is at risk. An unstable prison environment increases the likelihood of violence, riots and other incidents that can spill over into the public sphere. The people of Missouri deserve to feel secure, but that security is compromised when the prison system is in disarray. To address this crisis, Missouri must take a multifaceted approach. First, the state needs to improve the working conditions for correctional officers. This means offering competitive salaries, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring that staff members have the support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. It also means maintaining high hiring standards. Neither staffing shortages nor lowering hiring benchmarks is an appropriate solution. In addition to these immediate steps, Missouri must also reconsider its broader approach to incarceration. Reducing overcrowding through alternative sentencing, rehabilitation programs and investment in mental health services could alleviate some of the pressure on the prison system. By decreasing the number of people incarcerated, the state could better manage those who deserve to remain in custody, creating a safer environment for both staff and residents. The situation in Missouris prisons is dire, but it is not without solutions. Whats needed is a commitment to doing whats right, rather than whats easy. Hiring younger, less experienced personnel might seem like a quick fix, but it is a dangerous shortcut that Missouri cannot afford to take. The safety of our communities, the lives of prison residents and the integrity of our justice system depend on it. Lori Curry is executive director of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Missouri Prison Reform. Missouri outlawed abortion, and now its funding an anti-abortion group that works in other states Students hold up anti-abortion signs at the Midwest March for Life on May 1 at the Missouri State Capitol (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent). This story was originally published by ProPublica. On a recent Saturday outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Fairview Heights, Illinois, a woman wearing a reflective orange vest and body camera flagged down a car pulling into the facility. Hi, can I talk to you a second? the woman, Sheri King, said to the driver, reaching for a pamphlet in a pocket of her vest with information about alternatives to abortion and birth control. Im Sheri. A Planned Parenthood volunteer bolted toward the car, urging the driver to keep moving. Theyre not with the clinic, the volunteer yelled. Instead, King and a partner were with Coalition Life, a nonprofit anti-abortion group that is based in Missouri and raises most of its money there. Almost every minute the abortion clinic in Illinois is open, Coalition Life representatives are out front, aiming to intercept people seeking abortions and persuade them to change their minds. Since abortion became illegal in Missouri two years ago, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Coalition Life has fine-tuned its strategy. Because there are no abortion clinics in Missouri, Coalition Life operates largely outside clinics in other states where the procedure is still legal. The groups website says it operates at one location in Kansas and five in Illinois including in Fairview Heights, about 13 miles east of St. Louis. On its website, Coalition Life has called itself Americas largest professional sidewalk counseling organization. The groups revenue has surged in recent years, thanks in part to a lucrative Missouri tax credit for pregnancy resource centers, of which it is one. Following a massive expansion of the tax credit program by the state legislature in 2019, donors to Coalition Life and similar nonprofits can receive tax credits worth 70% of their donation amount, significantly boosting the groups fundraising efforts across Missouri. The tax credit has led to a growing financial cost to Missouri taxpayers, with over $11.2 million in tax credits authorized in the past year alone. Before the change, the tax credit had been capped at $3.5 million a year. When combined with the $8.6 million the state directly allocates to pregnancy centers, Missouri has become a leader in per capita investment in anti-abortion centers. While Missouri does not contribute the most overall to anti-abortion groups Texas, with its much larger population, leads the nation with a $140 million outlay over two years it stands out for the investment relative to its size. Still, it pales in comparison with this years nearly $52 billion budget. The money raised through tax credits is intended to support services for clients facing unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. Those services include pregnancy testing, counseling, emotional and material support and other related services. Coalition Life has adapted to the post-Roe landscape by paying people to work outside abortion clinics in other states. The group claims that it refers many of the women it convinces not to have abortions to its pregnancy center in Missouri, just outside St. Louis. There, it provides ultrasounds and counseling and continues to see mothers until their babies are born sometimes longer. Because this center is more expensive to operate, and most clients are Missouri residents, the group said most of the money raised in Missouri is spent within the state. There was no independent way to confirm the claim. Fighting abortion in Missouris border states is not how some lawmakers said they envisioned the subsidies for pregnancy centers would be used. Vic Allred, a Republican former House member from the Kansas City area who voted for the tax credit expansion, said he never anticipated Missouri tax dollars going to fight abortion in other states. Allred said the state should exercise some oversight over how the money is spent. The tax credit, he said, was intended to be a pat on the back for not getting an abortion, that youll have this support, youll have these people helping you, youll have these supplies, youll ease that burden on the new mother. He said it was not meant to help fund a political organization. Under the program, for every $1,000 in donations to one of dozens of state-approved anti-abortion nonprofits, a state taxpayers bill drops by $700. Donors can reduce their out-of-pocket costs even more by deducting the remaining $300 from their income when they file state and federal taxes. At a fundraiser at the St. Louis airport two years ago, Brian Westbrook, Coalition Lifes founder and executive director, explained how donors could use the tax credit to make much larger gifts to support the groups work in states where abortion is legal, according to a recording of the event obtained by ProPublica. A gift of $1,000 tonight could cost you only $141, he said. Then he aimed higher, asking that donors consider a donation of more than $71,000 so they can take the maximum tax credit of $50,000. Missouri does not disclose the recipients of its pregnancy resource tax credits or the amounts donated to individual nonprofits. Westbrook said in an interview that the tax credits have been important to his groups fundraising efforts. Coalition Life had $800,000 in revenue in 2019, when the legislature voted to expand the tax credit; by 2022, that amount had more than doubled, to $1.7 million. At the fundraiser, Westbrook told donors that Coalition Life expected its annual budget to grow in three years to more than $8 million. Over the past two years, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska and North Dakota have introduced tax credits for donations to pregnancy centers. Legislators in a handful of other states have considered similar programs. Groups that raise money using Missouris tax credit must certify they help people struggling with unplanned or unwanted pregnancies; the state law does not specify that the work must be done within Missouri. A state spokesperson did not respond when asked if approaching people outside abortion clinics in other states qualified for participation in the program. The law also does not appear to prohibit groups that participate in the tax credit program from using donations as part of a broader campaign against abortion. Coalition Life placed radio ads urging residents to think twice before signing a petition for a statewide vote to amend the Missouri Constitution to restore some abortion rights, claiming it would permit late-term and partial-birth abortions. The effort nonetheless qualified for the ballot and goes before voters in November. Melissa Barreca, a spokesperson for Coalition Life, said the ads were an effort to educate the public and encourage them to learn, read and investigate these issues for themselves and were consistent with the groups mission. After Missouris abortion ban took effect, Planned Parenthood began to refer patients to its Fairview Heights location, which opened in 2019. Westbrook said at the fundraiser that God called his group to shift its focus to Illinois. That abortion facility is run by the exactly the same people who run the St. Louis or, former St. Louis abortion facility, Westbrook told donors. Coalition Life then opened an office next door. The organization also deploys paid workers outside clinics in the Chicago area, southern Illinois and Kansas. Westbrook has said he wants the group to expand into other states where abortion is legal; he and his wife and their seven children recently completed a 20-day tour of the East Coast. State Rep. Ingrid Burnett, a Democrat from Kansas City, voted against the tax credit expansion in 2019. She said the program was presented as providing support to mothers forced to carry babies to term who may need counseling as well as material aid to help them bring a child into the world. Seems to me that were crossing a line here, when were using this to send people across state lines to interfere with women who have made this decision who may or may not be from Missouri, she said. Abortion supporters said, too, that it was troubling that Missouri subsidizes anti-abortion groups while the states maternal mortality rate has been rising and the safety net, particularly in rural areas, is stretched thin. I can think of a million ways that they could spend funds to support Missourians, particularly women and families, and not one dollar would be going to this tax credit, said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which serves Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and western Missouri. Barreca bristled at how Wales characterized Coalition Lifes presence outside abortion clinics. They are actually out there offering services to women, she said in an email. They are doing a job. They are not protesters. They are not picketers. Would the abortion providers prefer that women have no other options? In Missouri, 490,000 kids are estimated to receive benefits amounting to $58.8 million (John Moore/Getty Images). Missouris social services agency announced Monday that it is officially launching a federal food program that could provide aid to over 400,000 kids in the state. Each eligible child will receive a one-time benefit of $120, loaded onto a card that can be used like a debit card to buy groceries. Its part of a permanent federal program in its first year of existence called Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer, or SUN Bucks. The program aims to help kids who receive subsidized school meals avoid a summer drop-off in nutrition. The money was intended to be distributed during the summer break. But state officials said they dealt with technical issues that delayed federal approval and hindered earlier launch of the program. The Missouri Department of Social Services, which will oversee the program, did not lay out a timeline for dispersing the benefits, and a spokesperson didnt respond to questions. The following groups of kids are automatically eligible, and their families will not need to apply for benefits: Students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch during the school year, Households already enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or temporary assistance, And students who are in foster care, are experiencing homelessness or are migrants. Those benefits will be issued on an existing card if the family is enrolled in SNAP benefits or temporary assistance, or on a new mailed card if they are not. Families who need a new EBT card can request one by phone or the ebtEDGE mobile app. Families who are not automatically eligible must submit an application online by Aug. 31. The states eligibility navigator will tell families whether they must apply. Even with the department announcing that money was set to be distributed, it warned in its press release that delays in issuing benefits are possible. Benefits will expire 122 days after they are issued, regardless of usage, so families must act quickly once the benefits are distributed. They should also keep the cards for next summers program, the states website advises. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST Food security advocates in the state were relieved when Missouri opted into the program after weighing factors like technology issues and staffing. Thirteen Republican-led states opted out of the program entirely this year. The program is run through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the benefits are fully federally funded. The state shares one-half of the administrative cost. DSS is leading Missouris administration, with the help of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In Missouri, 490,000 kids are estimated to receive benefits amounting to $58.8 million. Although we had to face some difficult challenges, Director of Family Support Division Kim Evans said in the press release, I am proud of our team members who worked diligently with our state and federal partners to get this important program off the ground. We will be much more prepared for next summer when we anticipate a smoother rollout and even greater success, Evans said. A similar, temporary program called Pandemic EBT provided various benefits during the pandemic and was beset with administrative issues particularly because it required a new data collection portal to collect and share eligible students information with two agencies in the state. The benefits designed to cover food costs during the summer of 2022 did not start going out until June 2023, and Missouri declined to participate in the summer 2023 program because of those issues forgoing at least $40 million in aid. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This article was originally published in Missouri Independent. Missouri students are showing progress on standardized tests administered by the state, with results in some categories approaching and even exceeding pre-pandemic levels. But in other areas most notably English language arts students continue to struggle. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education revealed preliminary scores in the Missouri Assessment Program, or MAP, to the State Board of Education in its board meeting Tuesday. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, a board member from Pasadena Hills, said she was a little deflated that we didnt see more growth and progress. DESE is implementing programs to address low levels of literacy, an issue throughout the United States, with interventions based on the science of reading and increased teacher training. Westbrooks-Hodge said the intervention has worked like triage care; it stopped the bleed and scores are static. We made lots of great investments in the last two years, and I think were going to see the fruit of that as our score starts to increase, she said. All of these interventions are working. Theyre stabilizing our educational system, and now we can start layering growth on top of that. English language arts scores remain below pre-pandemic levels, according to data presented Tuesday, with 56% of students scoring in the basic or below basic range. This percentage has held steady since 2022. Lisa Sireno, assistant commissioner of quality schools, said it takes continuous, sustained focused implementation with fidelity at the local level, up to five years, before we start to see results on large-scale measures. She noted that teacher shortages could be impacting the scores, as a battle of the 2023-24 school year. When looking at scores across all subjects and grades, there is an observable improvement since 2021s tests. That year, 24% of scores were in the below basic range. Thats fallen to 22% this year, still higher than the 19% below basic in the last pre-pandemic tests in 2019. The number of scores in proficient and advanced ranges are one-percent less than 2019s achievement. Math scores are exceeding pre-pandemic levels, with a one-percent boost in the advanced category compared to 2019 when looking at grades 3-8. Sireno noted that middle-school math has exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Sireno expects additional analysis, especially as educators look at local-level data. Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and X. Missouri States first Black applicant to be honored on African-American Heritage Trail SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Mary Jean Price Walls, Missouri State Universitys first Black applicant, will be dedicated with a marker on the Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail through Missouri State. MSUs marker will be placed on campus south of the Plaster Student Center and across from the Multicultural Resource Center named after Walls herself, according to a release from the school. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21 at 11 a.m. at the Multicultural Research Center. Springfield teachers ready for first day of school Wallss marker will be the eighth marker placed on the Springfield-Greene County African American Heritage Trail out of the 20 planned in total. The trail runs through the Springfield Midtown and Downtown neighborhoods, honoring formerly unrecognized contributions made by African-Americans to Springfield and Greene County. Walls was the first African-American student to apply to Missouri State in 1950 but was denied admission to the university despite being a salutatorian in her graduating class. MSU gave Walls an honorary bachelors degree in 2010 and named the Multicultural Research Center after her in 2016. She later passed away on July 6, 2020. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. MITCHELL, S.D. (KELO) The site of a former Perkins in Mitchell, which burnt down in 2023 under what were deemed to be suspicious circumstances, officially has a new owner. KELOLAND spoke with an employee at the Davison County Register of Deeds Office, who told us the deed came across their desk on Wednesday and the property had been sold for $800,000 to Acuity Group, LLC. Nebraska men steal more than $350K from SD casino Acuity Group, LLC is a member-managed company in South Dakota, and its registered agent is Nicholas Wenande, a Mitchell Optometrist. The agent address listed for Acuity is that of Mabee Eye Clinic in Mitchell. KELOLAND News reached out to Wenande but has not heard back. It is unclear what the plan for the site is at this time. The location of the Perkins is on Burr Street in Mitchell. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) Its been a travel nightmare for hundreds of Mokulele passengers trying to get to or from Molokai. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The airline grounded a portion of its fleet Saturday due to maintenance issues, and said its working to get planes back in the air by mid-week. But many Molokai residents spread out across the state for the three-day weekend, only to receive a text message Saturday night that their flights would be canceled on Sunday, and some wouldnt be able to get home until Wednesday. Hawaii Land Trust wins one for history and heritage Andrea Dudoit was in Honolulu when she said she got a text from Mokulele saying her 6 a.m. flight on Sunday was canceled. There was a number I could call if I needed to get out, and thats what I did, she said. I ended up going on a waitlist, and maybe around 2:30 a.m., I was talking to a Mokulele customer service person and they said there was a 9 a.m. flight this morning so I got on that with my cousin, She said shes happy Mokulele was able to contract TransAir temporarily. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news When we went to Mokulele this morning in Honolulu, it wasnt as crowded as it usually is, but we checked in, and we waited a bit, there was a TransAir Cargo plane there which held 24 of us passengers, which is the equivalent of three planes for Mokulele, and we boarded and arrived back home on Molokai, Dudoit said. Even state Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D) Hana, Upcountry Maui, Lanai, Molokai, was stuck on the Friendly Isle. Is Hawaii ready for its own rock relief? I know its tough and its frustrating for many of us who live on Molokai, she said. And its also been tough for the family members that were trying to come back to visit with other family members, we did have a funeral here on Molokai, some of which have been stranded, private boats have been hired to move individuals. She said shes received numerous calls from frustrated residents as far away as Hilo. You dont want to be flying on a plane that has mechanical problems, all to well were quick to jump in and then we start to go off on employees, and its not their fault, yeah? she said on residents frustrations. Mokulele Airlines grounds flights for inspection On Saturday, Mokulele said it had to ground a portion of its fleet so it could inspect and address potential issues with their planes landing gear. The airline said its conducting additional inspections but is expected to have limited flights through Tuesday night. Transair Cargo has been assisting with flying passengers to and from Molokai in the meantime. Residents said there have been issues for years. New study finds were approaching the aging question all wrong Weve talked about an extension of the runway, Sen. DeCoite said. It will come with a heavy price tag [$90-$100 million], you know, the sentiment on the ground is people dont want to see bigger airlines coming into Molokai, but what other option do we have? She said she has reached out to different airlines but they tell her it would cost a lot of money to bring in smaller planes to rural areas and they would barely break even to remain in operation; and would be looking at charging nearly $350 for a roundtrip flight. I know the community wont sit well with that, she added. The runway expansion would add 2,000 feet in length and 50-feet width. However, the surrounding land is Department of Hawaiian Homelands, which requires beneficiary consultation, explained DeCoite. Where they weigh in on the island-wide and regional plan. Again, you have to imagine how many extra seats those planes hold coming to an island thats infrastructure cant take on the additional amount of people, she said. The temporary, partial grounding is also a huge blow to Molokai businesses, who have had to provide refunds to visitors who were forced to cancel their hotels and tours. Sandy Rosas and her husband said Molokai was supposed to be the highlight of their trip, but instead of going from Maui to Molokai, they flew to Oahu. Hokulea docks in Hanalei, invites community to join events Unfortunately, our flight was canceled around midnight. We received refunds from Hotel Molokai and our Halawa Valley tour, but thats a bummer for the companies over there, it has a big impact on them, and its not income theyre receiving, Rosas said. For us, this is just an inconvenience, but for the local residents, [the airline] is a lifeline. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. More than 1 million seniors struggle with an opioid use disorder. Congress aims to help | Opinion Theres no debate that the opioid crisis persists in the U.S. In 2022, more than 80,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose, while nearly 10 million misused the drugs. But an under-reported aspect of the opioid crisis is its impact on seniors. In 2021, more than 50,000 seniors overdosed on opioids, while more than 1 million seniors were diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. This issue, however, is bringing lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle together in the form of the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (PAIN) Act. This legislation, sponsored by a bipartisan group of congressional leaders, addresses the critical issue of opioid abuse among seniors by ensuring that Medicare patients will have access to new non-opioid pain management alternatives that will soon be available. Opinion Researchers have long established a link between prescription opioids and the opioid crisis. In 2020, 21% percent of opioid-related deaths were due to prescription opioids. Meanwhile, Medicares share of nationwide opioid prescriptions increased by more than 75% and went up by 1 million prescriptions in the past decade. At nearly the same time, misuse and abuse of opioids by seniors have risen. Studies, for example, show a threefold increase in opioid use disorder among Medicare enrollees between 2013 and 2018. Thats why we need to identify a more effective solution in pain management, where seniors can utilize non-addictive tools to address their pain. Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration may soon approve the first-ever oral non-opioid alternative to treat acute pain. This breakthrough drug will provide effective, alternative pain relief without the addictive properties of traditional opioids. When these treatments are approved, healthcare professionals will be able to treat severe pain without worrying about encouraging misuse, abuse and addiction. To ensure seniors can access these non-opioid treatments in Medicare and that economics do not force seniors to keep choosing opioids, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, and Tony Cardenas, D-California, are introducing the bipartisan Alternatives to PAIN Act. The legislation will guarantee that the cost seniors pay for these new treatments is on par with what they would pay for generic opioid pain medications. By ensuring equal cost, seniors will be able to choose the option that work best for them, without having to worry about financial barriers. The Alternatives to PAIN Act can save lives by stopping addiction before it starts. But first, Congress must act on the legislation. So as Sacramento area lawmakers return to Washington, D.C. from their summer break, it is imperative that they put aside partisan differences and pass real solutions for our seniors. The impact of opioid misuse on the senior population is a crisis that demands immediate and compassionate action. Older Americans deserve the dignity of safe, effective pain management without the shadow of addiction. The Alternatives to PAIN Act offers a beacon of hope for those who have suffered silently, as well as a path forward for a healthcare system strained by the dual challenges of chronic pain and addiction. Lets break the partisan divide and ensure our seniors receive the compassionate care they deserve. Sacramento resident Alicia Hernandez-Gonzalez is a registered traveling nurse who has 30 years of experience working in senior care. A worker repairs a wall near a defense tower of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) A worker sweeps the top of a wall near a defense tower of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) Workers are seen near a defense tower of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) This photo shows an archaeological site of a defense tower of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) Workers walk on the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) An aerial drone photo shows walls to be restored near a defense tower of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) Workers repair walls near a defense tower of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) Bricks are seen at an archaeological site of a defense tower of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) A worker walks on the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) Technician Yang Zhanjie checks a piece of porcelain unearthed near a defense tower of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) An aerial drone photo shows a defense tower of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2024. Covering six defense towers, from No. 117 to No. 122, the fifth phase of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall repair project has progressed smoothly. Beijing has pioneered Great Wall archaeological research, which precedes the repair work. The Jiankou section and the Dazhuangke section in Yanqing District have been selected as pilot projects to promote research-oriented restoration and protection of the Great Wall. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) More than 7,000 lightning strikes recorded in Oregon, Washington in 48 hours PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon and Washington were hit with more than 7,000 lightning strikes in the past 48 hours, firefighters say. The lightning was produced by powerful thunderstorms that blew through the region on Aug. 17. The lightning sparked multiple fires, including the 200-acre Wicked Drive Fire burning in Northeast Washington. Other fires were extinguished by firefighters before they spread, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center spokesperson Carol Connolly told KOIN 6 News. Multiple initial attack fires have been reported and put out by Initial attack resources, Connolly said. The Battle Mountain Complex burning near Ukiah, Ore. (Inciweb) Cooler temperatures, possibly more rain in Portlands forecast The rain and cooler temperatures provided by the storms, meanwhile, helped firefighters make substantial progress in containing some of the larger wildfires in Oregon and Washington. The Battle Mountain Complex, which has consumed 183,026 acres in Eastern Oregon, is now 94% contained, officials say. The 151,680-acre Falls Fire is also 95% contained. Significant containment has been made on our existing large fires, Connolly said. The largest wildfire burning in Oregon with less than 50% containment is the Diamond Complex in the Umpqua National Forest. As of Monday morning, the Diamond Complex is 10,984 acres and 33% contained. In Washington, the Williams Mine Fire burning in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is 11,555 and 5% contained. The Pioneer Fire in Stehekin is 38,727 acres and 23% contained. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Philanthropic Privacy Sam Altman's lesser-known venture, a bizarre iris-scanning crypto project called Worldcoin, has faced scrutiny in more than a dozen countries because nobody really knows what it does with all those eyeball scans. As the Wall Street Journal reports, jurisdictions around the world have cast a long shadow over the nominally altruistic project, which somehow seeks to marry crypto and biometrics to eventually provide a universal basic income for an unidentified number of people. The scheme is supposed to work like this: you scan your iris with the metallic orb, operated by a volunteer enthusiast, and get 25 of its bespoke cryptocurrency coins in exchange. After that, your iris is attached to your identity on Worldcoin's supposedly secure blockchain, the opaque privacy of which is the subject of ample suspicion by governments worldwide. By our count, based on reporting from the WSJ and the nonprofit Rest of World, Worldcoin has been under government scrutiny in at least 14 countries on three continents, including France, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Chile. Those numbers don't exactly inspire confidence and neither do the company's moves to dissuade such scrutiny, either. Failure to Launch In an interview with the WSJ, Worldcoin's chief privacy officer Damian Kieran said that such distrust was inevitable and that the company is working with regulators. Thus far, however, the only big move to come out of such alleged cooperation is the company's promise to verify that people signing up are not underage after being caught signing up kids in Portugal which makes the whole thing seem all the more dubious. In many of the countries where the project has been investigated, meanwhile, probes have led to the currency being suspended within its borders. Thus far, only Kenya which was one of the first countries where the project was piloted has closed its probe after a year-long suspension of the Altman-led project. In Argentina, the project was even fined $200,000 over alleged abusive clauses in its terms of service. Notably, Worldcoin never officially launched its actual cryptocurrency in the United States due to "regulatory uncertainty," per its other cofounder Alex Bania, though that didn't stop this reporter from getting her eyeballs scanned in a Brooklyn coworking space using the strange orb. More on Altman's altruism: Sam Altman Has Been Quietly Giving Out Money for Basic Incom MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WNCT) Morehead City Police Department hosted their first Stuff the Cruiser event at the Morehead City Walmart on Saturday. Theyre taking cash donations for supplies, and school supplies in general to help teachers in the community. It actually feels great because me being a sro, I work real closely with the teachers and school supplies is something that I hear a lot of them complain about. They wish they had more supplies and so this just feels good to know that Im going to be able to see firsthand the result of us actually doing this, said Jonathan Sloan, a School Resource Officer for the Morehead City Police Department Theyre still taking donations at the Morehead City Police Department all throughout this week. You can drop things off from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. For more information click the video above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Jonathan Bloomer, the chairman of Morgan Stanley International, was on Monday night reported to be among the missing from the sunken yacht Bayesian. He was confirmed missing by Italian authorities, according to The Times. Mr Bloomer is a close friend of Mike Lynch, the owner of the yacht, who is also missing alongside his 18-year-old daughter Hannah. Salvatore Cocina, head of the Civil Protection in Sicily, said Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance, was also missing. The vessel is thought to have been hit by a tornado while anchored off Sicily. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian newspaper la Repubblica stated. Italian media said the man who died was the yachts onboard chef. Mr Lynchs US fraud trial, which ended two months ago with him being cleared by a San Francisco jury, saw Mr Bloomer take the stand as he had led the audit committee at Mr Lynchs firm Autonomy. Mike Lynch is missing after the Bayesian superyacht sank off Sicily It was alleged that he had overseen fraudulent accounting at Autonomy that wildly inflated the former FTSE 100 companys value before it was sold to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion (8.7 billion) in 2011. Mr Bloomer claimed that Mr Lynch had largely ignored Autonomys accounting, in evidence which was critical to his defence. Mr Bloomer claimed: Mike was mostly interested in the strategy, new products, new areas to look at, potential acquisitions. For example, he didnt come to the audit committee and wasnt particularly interested in the finance side. According to his Linkedin profile, Mr Bloomer is currently the chairman of insurance provider Hiscox and was the chief executive of Prudential before being ousted in a boardroom coup in 2005 following the dotcom crash. 11:57 PM BST Lawyer and chairman among those missing Salvatore Cocina, head of the Civil Protection in Sicily, said Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance and Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, were also among the missing people. Meanwhile, Italian media said the man who died was the yachts onboard chef. 09:03 PM BST Did Bayesian superyachts 237ft mast cause it to sink? Bayesians 237ft metal mast may have played a part in the sinking of the superyacht off the coast of Sicily, experts have suggested. The yacht, seemingly named after the mathematical theory which Mike Lynch used to make his millions in the tech industry, foundered in the small hours of Monday morning. Key among potential reasons for the loss of the vessel will be its most striking feature the aluminium mast. Read our latest here 08:48 PM BST British inspectors deploy to Sicily Britains Marine Accident Investigation Branch said four of its inspectors were being deployed to Palermo. A basic assessment of the scene will be made by the team with no investigation launched at this stage, the PA news agency understands. 07:47 PM BST Lynchs co-defendant in fraud trial died in car crash on weekend Mike Lynchs co-defendant in his US fraud trial died in a road accident on Saturday days before the tycoon went missing off the coast of Sicily. Stephen Chamberlain was hit by a car during the accident over the weekend in Cambridgeshire. Chamberlain faced the same charges of fraud and conspiracy as his former boss Lynch for allegedly scheming to inflate the value of his company Autonomy before it was sold to Hewlett Packard. A source told The Telegraph: Our dear client and friend Steve Chamberlain was fatally struck by a car on Saturday while out running. He was a courageous man with unparalleled integrity, and we deeply miss him. He fought successfully to clear his good name, which lives on through his wonderful family. 07:08 PM BST Pictured: Search mission continues Divers 06:47 PM BST A holiday day at sea turned into a tragedy At around 4:30 in the morning it was gone. A beautiful vessel where there had been a party. A normal holiday day spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy, a witness told Italian news agency ANSA. He continued: The vessel was not far from the port. It would have taken very little to raise the anchor and head for the port. Evidently they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid the sinking. 06:26 PM BST Rescue operation will continue overnight The rescue operation for the missing six passengers will continue overnight, Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency has said. A specialist caving search and rescue diving team has also arrived and hoped to achieve results overnight or early tomorrow morning, the BBC reported. 06:24 PM BST Pictured: Survivors leave the Porticello Coast Guard headquarters Survivors leave the coast guard headquarters 05:48 PM BST Superyacht guests were celebrating Mike Lynchs acquittal when disaster struck Guests were celebrating the acquittal of Mike Lynch, the British tech entrepreneur, on the superyacht Bayesian when the vessel sank off the coast of Italy. Mr Lynch had gathered guests from Clifford Chance, the legal firm, and Invoke Capital, his own company, after being cleared in June of fraud over the multi-billion-dollar sale of Autonomy. He was found not guilty on all counts of an accusation of inflating the value of the company, which he sold to the US tech giant Hewlett-Packard for 8.6 billion in 2011. Read the full story here Pictured: The Bayesian in a promotional video - PERINI NAVI PRESS OFFICE/Shutterstock 05:46 PM BST We should have found something by now Francesco Venuto, the spokesman for Sicilys civil protection agency, has told the BBC that they think [the missing people] must be there [in the boat]. Weve been searching all day with helicopters and boats, weve found nothing. That wouldnt make sense, in these conditions we should have found something by now, he added. 05:21 PM BST Lynchs wife in wheelchair following incident According to La Repubblica, Bacares is in a wheelchair, with abrasions on her feet that prevent her from walking and bandages on other parts of her body. The newspaper said that she told doctors that at 4am the boat tilted and she and her husband woke up. At first, they were not worried but then there was a scene of confusion as glass shattered and everything slipped. Picutred: Italian firefighters at the scene - Igor Petyx/REUTERS 05:18 PM BST Lynchs 18-year-old daughter also missing Mike Lynchs 18-year-old daughter Hannah is among those missing in the superyacht sinking, The Telegraph understands. Italian media early reported that Angela Bacares, Mr Lynchs wife, told doctors that her husband and daughter were missing. 05:10 PM BST Pictured: Previous waterspouts and tornados in Italy A downburst reported near Sicily in 2018 Click here to view this content. A tornado reported at Licata, Sicily, in 2021 Click here to view this content. A waterspout in Apulia, Italy, in 2024 Click here to view this content. 05:02 PM BST In the wrong place at the wrong time The boat sank after a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency. One body has been recovered, and police divers were trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello, near Palermo, where it had been anchored. The Italian coast guard said the yacht had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers. A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and struck where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, Cocina said, noting that another superyacht nearby wasnt as badly damaged and was able to rescue some of the 15 survivors. 04:40 PM BST Who is Mike Lynch? Britains Bill Gates who was acquitted of 8bn fraud just two months ago Mike Lynch Just weeks ago, Mike Lynch was walking out of a San Francisco courtroom a free man with tears in his eyes. The technology tycoon known as Britains Bill Gates had improbably beaten the odds in a bitter US legal dispute with technology giant HP, convincing a jury that he was not guilty of claims of massive fraud. Cleared after a 13-year legal fight, the entrepreneur vowed to fight to reform Britains extradition laws after he was flown to San Francisco to face trial and kept under house arrest. Read the full profile here 04:33 PM BST Pictured: Rescue teams search the water Rescue teams search the water 04:22 PM BST Pictured: A diver leaps into the sea during search for victims Diver 04:19 PM BST I held her afloat with all my strength: British mother describes rescuing her baby from drowning Among the 15 survivors is a one-year-old British baby called Sofia who was saved by her mother, Charlotte Golunski. Ms Golunski, an Oxford graduate and senior associate at Invoke, had fought to prevent her child from drowning. While all around her she could hear the screams of the terrified passengers and crew, she kept her grip on her baby to stop her from slipping beneath the waves. The childs mother told Republicca, the Italian newspaper: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Read the full story here 04:07 PM BST Mike Lynch was awarded an OBE for services to enterprise Mike Lynch was made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. That same year, he was appointed to the board of the BBC, and was later elected to then-prime minister David Camerons council for science and technology in 2011. He advised Mr Cameron on subjects including the opportunities and risks of the development of artificial intelligence and the governments role in the regulation of these technologies. Mr Lynch is among six tourists missing after the luxury yacht sank in bad weather off the coast of Sicily, sources said. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Repubblica stated. 03:39 PM BST UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch sending team The UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch is sending a team of four inspectors to conduct a preliminary assessment into the sinking of the Bayesian, a government spokesman said. The Bayesian was registered in London and flew the Red Ensign, meaning UK authorities will be involved in the investigation into why she foundered. 03:17 PM BST Specialist divers are being flown to Sicily from the Italian mainland Specialist cave divers are being flown to Sicily from the Italian mainland to assist in the search for survivors of the superyacht as hopes fade of finding any of the six alive. Luca Cari, spokesman for the firefighting service, told The Telegraph firefighter divers from Palermo and the Sardinian towns of Cagliari and Sassari had been working tirelessly at a depth of 50 metres since the early hours of Monday morning when the alarm was sounded. But Mr Cari said the spaces inside the luxury yacht were so small that specially trained cave divers and their equipment were required to access the cabins. We are working non-stop with our divers and our helicopter. But we are talking about very small confined spaces inside the yacht so we need the specialist cave divers and their equipment, he said. He declined to say whether divers had identified bodies through the portholes of the sunken yacht but said as time went on it was increasingly unlikely that the firefighters would find any more survivors. 03:12 PM BST Divers search for bodies after superyacht sinks in Sicily Divers involved in the rescue operation for the missing passengers of the Bayesian have been captured entering the water as part of the search effort. Three divers in orange wetsuits are seen in the water off the coast of Sicily before they commence an underwater search for those that are missing. Click here to view this content. 03:08 PM BST Mike Lynch has been called the British Bill Gates Mike Lynch, the British technology tycoon, is one of six tourists missing in a superyacht sinking. Mr Lynch founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, and made his name as one of Britains most influential entrepreneurs through the company. He has been described at points as the Bill Gates of Britain, for founding the company which became one of the biggest enterprise software firms on the planet. He negotiated an 11 billion dollar (8.64 billion) sale of Autonomy to Hewlett Packard, which generated a more than 800 million US dollar windfall for him. But the sale also kicked off a 13-year legal saga. It was only in June this year that Mr Lynch was cleared of charges alleging he orchestrated a fraud and conspiracy leading up to the deal, which turned into a costly albatross for HP. He faced more than 20 years in US prison if convicted of the fraud and conspiracy allegations, and the Times reported that he spent 13 months under house arrest awaiting the trial that ended in June. 03:00 PM BST Bayesian superyacht specs The Bayesian is 56 metres long (183ft) and has a 75m (246ft) long mast. The vessel was in front of the port of Porticello, in the province of Palermo, when the severe weather struck. Its anchor was down and the strong gust would have caused the vessel to lose balance which is believed to have led to the shipwreck. 02:55 PM BST Who is Mike Lynch? Mr Lynch, 59, founded the software company Autonomy in 1996 and became one of Britains most high-profile businessmen when he sold it to Hewlett Packard for 7bn in 2011. He spent more than a decade seeking to clear his name after HP accused Autonomy executives of illegal accounting practices in 2012. Mr Lynch was charged with fraud in the US in 2018 and was found not guilty in June in a stunning legal victory. He had only recently returned to the United Kingdom and had planned to defend wrongfully convicted Britons. Ms Bacares holds much of his fortune. The couple have had two daughters, who are 21 and 18. 02:54 PM BST Survivor leaves coast guard headquarters after sailboat sank off Sicily A survivor leaves the coast guard headquarters after a superyacht sank at around 5am in front of Porticello in the province of Palermo on Monday. The 50-metre vessel reportedly had mostly British nationals on board and 15 people were saved by coast guard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child. Earlier today the coast guard issued a statement saying it had rescued 15 people from the yacht that had 22 people onboard. Survivor leaves coast guard headquarters after sailboat sank off Sicily - Igor Petyx/REUTERS 02:50 PM BST The term Bayesian explained The term Bayesian refers to a branch of statistics pioneered by Thomas Bayes, an 18th century mathematician and vicar. Much of modern artificial intelligence and computer analysis is underpinned by Bayesian inference, which involves updating the probabilities of various scenarios based on ongoing evidence. The statistical model was crucial to Autonomys technology, which searched through large amounts of corporate data to find information. In 2021, Mike Lynch said that: Bayes deserves far more historical credit for the place he occupies among the forefathers of information theory Mr Lynch has often used playful naming conventions. Conference rooms at Autonomy were named after James Bond villains, another interest of his, while his dogs have named after engineering terms such as Valve, Tappet and Switch. 01:22 PM BST Doctor describes mothers ordeal Dr Domenico Cipolla, head of emergency room at the Giovanni di Cristina paediatric hospital in Palermo, has described the experience of Charlotte, the British mother who was onboard the Bayesian when it sank. DrCipolla said: She told me that while they were sleeping, at a certain point the yacht overturned due to the tornado, and they found themselves in the water. Some of them immediately managed to get onto the lifeboat. And some, evidently, didnt make it. She told me that she was in the water for no more than two, three seconds, and she managed to save the baby, to keep her arms up, and then, with the others, they were able to get on the lifeboat, and then, I think, they were rescued by the coast guard. They are all in good condition. We managed to get the parents to talk (to each other) on the phone, all the doctors and nurses were all very moved, also because the little girl is fine, the prognosis is good and we are carrying out tests just to be careful. 01:15 PM BST British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch missing in superyacht sinking British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch is missing after the sinking of a superyacht off the coast of Sicily, The Telegraph understands. 01:03 PM BST Watch: Captain who rescued passengers from yacht sinking interview The captain who rescued passengers from the Bayesian has spoken to media about the ordeal. Click here to view this content. 12:58 PM BST Captain of another boat describes saving 15 Bayesian passengers The captain of a nearby boat that rescued the 15 people has described the conditions in which the Bayesian sank last night. Karsten Borner said his own vessel, the Sir Robert BP, was battered by very strong gusts in the early hours of the morning, managing to stabilise it while anchored by using the engine. He said as they were doing this, they noticed the Bayesian nearby and manoeuvred to avoid hitting it. We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone. Passengers of the Bayesian were reportedly rescued by the crew of a Dutch-flagged sailing vessel 12:48 PM BST Details of the superyacht The Bayesian is 56 metres long (183ft) according to ship tracking website VesselFinder. The luxury super yacht is said to have a 75m (246ft) long mast. She was built in 2008 by Italian company Perini Navi with an initial asking price of 35 million euros (30 million) according to Nautic Link. According to the leasing company Yacht Charter Fleet, the boat is furnished with a Japanese-style interior. It has been designed to accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites, along with ten crew members. The Bayesian was awarded the best exterior styling at the 2009 World Superyacht Awards. 12:31 PM BST Male body recovered, Vigili del Fuoco confirms Vigili del Fuoco, Italys fire and rescue service, has confirmed a male body has been recovered from the yacht. In a post on X, it said the lifeless body of a man recovered [has been] from the wreck by the divers. It posted the statement alongside a clip of the rescue effort with footage showing helicopters, boats and divers carrying out a search operation. #Palermo, naufragio imbarcazione a Porticello: recuperato dai #sommozzatori dei #vigilidelfuoco il corpo senza vita di un uomo, all'esterno del relitto. Proseguono le operazioni di ricerca con il coordinamento in mare della @guardiacostiera [#19agosto 11:30] pic.twitter.com/Y2m9o5ohCe Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024 12:19 PM BST Four Britons missing after yacht sinks off Sicily One person has died and four British nationals are missing after a yacht sank off the coast of Sicily, Italian media has reported. The 50-metre boat, which is called the Bayesian, sank at around 5am in the stretch of sea in front of Porticello in the province of Palermo. The vessel reportedly had mostly British nationals on board and 15 people were saved by coast guard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child. 12:14 PM BST One-year-old survivor called Sofia, local media reports The one-year-old English girl who was saved from the shipwreck has been named as Sofia, local media reports. 12:04 PM BST Map: The superyachts journey before it sank The Bayesian sank at around 5am in the stretch of sea in front of Porticello in the province of Palermo. Below is a map of its journey before it went down. 11:55 AM BST A mother saved her one-year-old from drowning, local media reports A mother has told of how she kept her one-year-old daughter alive after a yacht sank off the coast of Sicily. Charlotte, a survivor of the incident said her child is now being treated in the Di Cristina hospital, in Palermo, following the ordeal in which the Bayesian sank due to severe winds. The mother, who is said to be a British tourist, told la Repubblica, a local news website: I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Charlotte said her husband James has been taken to Civico hospital in Palermo after suffering minor injuries. La Repubblica said that the father asked about his daughters health during a phone call with his wife. According to the paper, he said: How is the little girl? Is she there with you? His wife reassured him and they promised to hug each other again soon, the site reported. 11:22 AM BST Shadow foreign minister pays tribute to those involved in incident Alicia Kearns, shadow foreign minister for Europe, wrote on X: Desperately sorry to hear of the capsizing of the Bayesian - a heartbreaking incident. My thoughts are with all the families of those lost at sea, and those recovering following the rescue operation, Im sure the foreign office will be providing consular support to British Nationals and their families. 11:15 AM BST Foreign Office statement The Foreign Office said in a statement: We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected. 11:02 AM BST I saw it suddenly disappear, says Porticello fisherman Pietro Asciutto, a fisherman from Porticello who witnessed the sinking, told ANSA: I was at home when the tornado hit. I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very large. I saw it sink suddenly. He added: I think the tornado came from Porticello. Shortly after I went down to the Bay of Santa Nicolicchia to get a better look at what was happening. The boat was still floating, then suddenly it disappeared. I saw it sink with my own eyes. Fire Brigade and Coast Guard units search for missing people - Shutterstock 10:56 AM BST Sinking of Bayesian strange, says former chief stewardess A former chief stewardess of the Bayesian has described news of the yachts sinking as strange because the boat had withstood the choppiest of seas. Monica Jensen, 48, told The Telegraph: It seems a bit strange. We have been in bad weather with it, crossed the Atlantic. Its been all over. These things definitely dont happen very often. Ms Jensen worked on the 56m superyacht from November 2018 to October 2020 for a private owner and said the boat had since been sold. She accompanied the boat on two Caribbean seasons and cruised around Italy, Malta, Greece and the Balearics. Ms Jensen said the crew would have been well-drilled on the evacuation process. She said: You cant work on a boat without the right certificates, training and you do drills monthly. 10:48 AM BST Pictured: Emergency services carrying bodybag following shipwreck Emergency services are pictured carrying a bodybag to shore after local media reported a mans body had been recovered from the shipwreck off the coast of Sicily. Emergency services carry a body bag after a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Porticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy - Igor Petyx/REUTERS 10:44 AM BST Coast guard statement The Italian Coast Guard said in a statement: This morning at about 5am, following a violent gale, a 56-metre yacht named Bayesian and flying the UK flag sank off Porticello. The first shipwrecked were rescued by a boat in the immediate vicinity and brought ashore by four coast guard vessels, which promptly responded to the scene from Porticello, Termini Imerese and Palermo. Initial information received from the yacht crew indicated that 22 people (10 crew members and 12 passengers) were onboard the yacht. There are currently 15 people rescued and seven missing (one crew member and six passengers), of British, American and Canadian nationality. Of the people recovered, eight were transported to local hospitals. The vessel is reported to have sunk on a seabed of about 50 metres. The search continues unabated with naval, air and underwater resources, including the Messina Coast Guard Diving Unit. Picture taken from video released by the Italian Coast Guard on Monday - Italian Coast Guard 10:39 AM BST Mayor makes statement about incident Filippo Tripoli, the mayor of Bagheria in Sicily, said: This morning, off the coast of Santa Flavia, a foreign boat sunk due to bad weather, 15 people recovered and seven missing. Already all the police forces and emergency services are operational and our Red Cross volunteers are present. 10:32 AM BST Captain should not be blamed, says local businessman Bartolomeo Lo Coco, who owns the Tosto Chiosco cafe in Porticello, said it was common for rental yachts and boats to sail through the fishing village, adding that the captain should not be blamed for what had occurred because the weather had been so unpredictable. This was a terrible misfortune that no-one could have foreseen. It is nobodys fault, the captain should not be blamed. Lo Coco said Carabinieri police, coast guard and firefighters were still searching the port. He stressed that the yacht was at a depth of 50 to 60 metres. 10:30 AM BST People in mourning, says local business owner Bartolomeo Lo Coco, who owns the Tosto Chiosco cafe in Porticello, said those in the port were in mourning following the deeply shocking incident. He said no one could have predicted the storm and the whirlwind that appeared to have caused the accident. We are in mourning here, all of us are in mourning, he told The Telegraph. We have never seen anything like this, ever. There is a very serious tragedy. His kiosk, which serves snacks and sandwiches, overlooks the water in Porticello. He said the whirlwind, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, had not only caused the tragic accident but also widespread damage in the port. He added: This wasnt a thunderstorm, this was a whirlwind. It happened all of a sudden. There is a lot of damage here. Boats were dislodged from their moorings and restaurant tables were broken within minutes and sent flying several metres. 10:24 AM BST Body of man recovered in search, local media reports The body of a man has been recovered from the seabed in the search for missing people following a shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, according to il Fatto Quotidiano. The local news website said: A body was found and recovered by rescuers on the seabed. Firefighters and the coast guard are looking for six other passengers, while fifteen have been rescued. Among the survivors is a one-year-old girl who is being treated in the Civico hospital with her mother, the site said. According to witnesses, the vessel was in front of the port of Porticello when the severe weather struck. The anchor was down and the strong gust would have caused the vessel to lose balance which is believed to have led to the shipwreck. 10:12 AM BST Storm in Palermo Footage shared by the BAIA Santa Nicolicchia restaurant shows the storm hit the port. The violent weather causes damage outside the restaurant, knocking over chairs and plant pots. Click here to view this content. 10:10 AM BST Yacht designed for luxury travel The Bayesian was designed for luxury travel, according to local media. Tgcom24 described the yacht as an elegant 56-metre sailing boat weighing 473 tons. It was said to be flying a United Kingdom flag when it sank. The online newspaper said it was built by the Perini Navi Viareggio shipyard in February 2008, before being refitted in 2020. The boat had arrived in Porticello after a stop in Milazzo and a passage in front of Cefalu, Tgcom24 reported. 10:09 AM BST Watch: Search underway Aerial footage of the search has been posted on social media by Vigili del Fuoco, Italys fire and rescue service. The post on X, formerly Twitter, said: A Palermo boat wreck off the coast of Porticello, 15 people saved, seven reported missing. Since dawn firefighters and divers have engaged in the search. The wreck has been identified 50 metres deep. Click here to view this content. 10:09 AM BST Vessel caught middle of a hurricane The BAIA Santa Nicolicchia restaurant in Porticello wrote on its Facebook page that the yacht sank at around 4am after being caught in a hurricane. They called it an unbelievable tragedy, adding that they were lost for words. The post read: Last picture I took at 10pm. The yacht on the left sank at 4.05am, caught in the middle of the hurricane 300 metres from the port of Porticello, next to another sailboat that provided rescue. It looks like there are 22 on board but unfortunately seven missing, theyre still afraid inside the hull. Unbelievable tragedy tonight. Im out of words. 10:07 AM BST Pictured: Last photo of boat The last photo thought to have been taken of the yacht at 10pm on Sunday in Porticello. The boat on the (left) 10:06 AM BST Four Britons missing Four Britons are reported to be missing after a yacht sank in a stretch of sea in front of Porticello. Seven people are missing in total, including four Britons, one Canadian, two Americans and the ships cook. The vessel reportedly had mostly British nationals on board and 15 people were saved by coast guard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child. 10:04 AM BST Welcome to our live coverage Hello, were bringing you the latest news after a yacht sank off the coast of Sicily. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (Not Pictured) at the Zagulba Presidential Residence. -/Kremlin/dpa Russian President Vladimir Putin has ruled out negotiations with Kiev in light of Ukraine's counteroffensive on Russian soil, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday. "The president said it very clearly that following attacks,or even incursion, on the Kursk region, any talks are impossible," Lavrov said on Russian state television on the sidelines of Putin's visit to Azerbaijan. Lavrov also said that Putin would soon give an assessment of the situation. Reports of contacts between the warring parties, which had been established by intermediaries such as Qatar or Turkey, were nothing more than rumours, Lavrov added. The Russian president's current silence on the crisis in his own military is not new. When faced with previous defeats, Putin only spoke out after a long pause and sometimes after sitting out the crisis. Ukraine, which has been fending off a full-scale Russian invasion for nearly two and a half years, launched a counteroffensive around a fortnight ago, advancing into the western Russian region of Kursk. This is the first time that Kiev has shifted the war to the territory of its opponent. Russia continues to occupy large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Prior to the Ukrainian counterattack, Putin had demanded that Kiev cede further territory as a prerequisite for peace negotiations. Ukrainian Air Force issues provisional all-clear The Ukrainian Air Force has issued a provisional all-clear regarding a feared Russian airstrike. Six Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bombers, which had taken off from northern Russia, have landed again, the air force announced on its Telegram channel on Monday. The official air-raid warning app of Ukraine also removed the alarm concerning the aircraft. Ukrainians constantly inform themselves about imminent dangers through multiple channels. A military-affiliated blog reported that the aircraft had simulated the launch of cruise missiles over the Volga region near Saratov. It claimed that no missiles had been detected in the air. The Tu-95 bombers then reportedly landed at the Engels Air Base on the Volga and at Dyagilevo in the Ryazan region, though this information was not independently verifiable. Based on the experience of nearly two and a half years of the full-scale Russian invasion, heavy airstrikes usually commence with the take-off of bombers from northern Russia or the Volga area. After several hours of flight, they reach the launch zones, often over the Caspian Sea. From there, the cruise missiles take between 40 minutes to one hour to reach Ukraine, depending on the target. During combined attacks, drones are often in the air, or Russian MiG 31 fighter jets take off, from which Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missiles are launched. However, such attacks are typically carried out at night. The daytime launch of the Tu-95 bombers was therefore unusual. The Russian military does not comment on such flights. Russian fuel storage facility still ablaze Meanwhile, a large fuel storage facility in southern Russia was still ablaze on Monday, the day after a Ukrainian drone attack, the regional authorities of Rostov-on-Don announced. They declared a state of emergency for the district of Proletarsk. Eighteen firefighters have been injured, with four of them taken to hospital with burns, the state-run Russian news agency TASS reported. It was stated that the high temperatures in the region, exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, have made the firefighting operation more difficult. The fire at the fuel storage facility in Proletarsk, which houses more than 70 individual tanks, was triggered on Sunday morning by a Ukrainian drone attack. In recent months, Ukraine has targeted numerous Russian refineries and other oil facilities with drones. This is intended to hinder the supply of fuel to enemy troops and reduce the revenues of Russia's oil industry. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a press conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (Not Pictured) after their meeting at the Zagulba Presidential Residence. -/Kremlin/dpa Russian President Vladimir Putin has ruled out negotiations with Kiev in light of Ukraine's counteroffensive on Russian soil, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday. "The president said it very clearly that following attacks, or even incursion, on the Kursk region, any talks are impossible," Lavrov said on Russian state television on the sidelines of Putin's visit to Azerbaijan. Lavrov also said that Putin would soon give an assessment of the situation. Reports of contacts between the warring parties, which had been established by intermediaries such as Qatar or Turkey, were nothing more than rumours, Lavrov added. The Russian president's current silence on the crisis in his own military is not new. When faced with previous defeats, Putin only spoke out after a long pause and sometimes after sitting out the crisis. Ukraine, which has been fending off a full-scale Russian invasion for nearly two and a half years, launched a counteroffensive around a fortnight ago, advancing into the western Russian region of Kursk. This is the first time that Kiev has shifted the war to the territory of its opponent. Russia continues to occupy large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Prior to the Ukrainian counterattack, Putin had demanded that Kiev cede further territory as a prerequisite for peace negotiations. Moscow says Ukraine struck a third bridge over Seym river in Russia's Kursk region A satellite image shows a strategic bridge over the Seym River that has been destroyed, in Zvannoe MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian investigator said on Monday that Ukraine had struck and damaged a third bridge over the Seym river in Russia's Kursk region a day earlier, where Moscow's troops have been battling Kyiv's forces for nearly two weeks. "On August 18, as a result of targeted shelling with the use of rocket and artillery weapons against residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in the Karyzh village...a third bridge over the Seym river was damaged," a representative for Russia's Investigative Committee said. The video statement was posted on Russian state TV anchor Vladimir Solovyov's Telegram channel. Russian forces have been fighting Ukrainian troops in Kursk region since Aug. 6, when thousands of Kyiv's troops smashed through Russia's western border in a major embarrassment for the Russian military top brass. The Russian foreign ministry said on Friday that Ukraine had used Western rockets, likely U.S.-made HIMARS, to destroy a bridge over the Seym river in the Glushkovo district. In a separate video statement posted to Solovyov's Telegram channel on Sunday, a representative for Russian investigators said a second bridge over the Seym near the village of Zvannoe in Kursk region used to evacuate civilians had been "damaged" by U.S.-made HIMARS. Ukraine's air force commander claimed on Sunday that the Ukrainian air force had destroyed that second bridge, thus limiting the supply capacity of a Russian group opposing the Ukrainian advance. Military analysts say there are three bridges in the area of the Ukrainian army's offensive through which Russia supplies its forces. Yuri Podolyaka, an influential Ukrainian-born, pro-Russian military blogger, said on Sunday that Ukraine was likely to try to take control in the coming days of another strategic bridge, over the Psyol River. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Anastasia Teterevleva and Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Andrew Osborn) Mother-of-six who threw brick at police among rioters jailed for violent disorder A mother-of-six who threw a brick at police and encouraged a young boy to do the same during violent unrest in Hartlepool has been jailed for two years. Donna Conniff, 40, was part of a crowd that surged towards officers in Murray Street on 31 July, and was seen kicking out towards police in actions a judge described as truly disgraceful. She was identified from CCTV and video footage of a protest where she was also seen throwing a rock, and was arrested on 13 August. Martin Scarborough, defending Conniff, told Teesside Crown Court on Monday she had come across the protest, which was advertised on social media, by chance at about 6pm. Police in riot gear on the streets of Hartlepool after violent protests broke out (PA Wire) Judge Francis Laird KC accepted Conniff, who earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was remorseful but said a custodial sentence was the correct course of action. Your behaviour and the behaviour of others around you was truly disgraceful, he said. You were a persistent participant and the disorder took place in a busy residential area. Children were present. I understand you have not had an easy life. You were a care-leaver and now act as a carer for a former partner. You are remorseful, but you chose to take part in an organised and large-scale act of public disorder. She is among several rioters to appear in court following two weeks of violent disorder after three young girls were stabbed to death in Southport at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. In London, a 67-year-old man was jailed for 20 months after chanting Youre not English anymore at police officers during a demonstration in Whitehall. Tom Sedbury brought five knives to an anti-racism protest in Walthamstow (PA Wire) David Notley had made his way to the front of the crowd and confronted police in a fighting pose, surging back and forth, while also chanting: Who the f*** is Allah? A self-employed home renovator who was on the front line of a large mob which became increasingly violent towards police at a Rotherham hotel where asylum seekers were staying has also been jailed. Nathan Palmer, 29, of Rotherham, grabbed a police shield outside the Holiday Inn hotel which was then passed around after an officer fell during the unrest on 4 August. Also among those to appear was a mother and daughter who have been remanded in custody following widespread trouble in Middlesbrough. Grandmother Amanda Walton, 52, and Megan Davison, a 24-year-old mother of two, had been walking a dog when they became involved in the unrest. Walton is accused of throwing a stone at a building as a baying mob made its way along Parliament Road on August 4. She is also accused of damaging a car wing mirror. Walton was with her daughter, who was said to have repeatedly jumped on the roof of the same parked car. Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man who brought a bag of knives to an anti-racism demonstration in Walthamstow has been remanded in custody after pleading guilty to obstructing a police officer and possessing weapons. Tom Sedbury was seen wearing a balaclava and biker gloves, and refused to be searched by officers. They subsequently discovered five blades, a bunch of green zip ties, a pair of scissors, a red BBQ lighter and a full small blue water gun. During a police interview the following day, Sedbury said he had been on his way to a friends house when he saw the protest. He claimed he kept his balaclava on as he did not wish to be caught on camera because he is an introvert, prosecutors said. Motorcyclist airlifted after crash near Saranac BOSTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) A motorcyclist was airlifted to the hospital following a Monday afternoon crash between Saranac and Clarksville. Around 4 p.m., troopers with the Michigan State Police were sent to the area of Grand River Avenue and Nash Highway for a crash. Responding troopers learned that a westbound vehicle was turning left onto Nash Highway. The driver didnt see an eastbound motorcycle and turned into its path. The motorcyclist was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition, MSP said. The driver of the vehicle was not hurt. Drivers are advised to avoid the area. This embedded content is not available in your region. The crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam on Monday jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents after holding talks in Beijing. The bilateral cooperation documents cover a range of areas, including Party schools, connectivity, industry, finance, customs inspection and quarantine, health, media and news organizations, local governments, and people's livelihood. During Lam's visit, the two sides will also issue a joint statement on further strengthening the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and promoting the building of a community with a shared future between the two countries. I moved from the US to Germany and the UK. I love Europe, but it's not the utopia Americans think it is. Helene Sula moved to Europe in 2016 after monetizing her travel blog. Sula's blog, Helene In Between, enabled her and her husband to relocate to Heidelberg, Germany. They now live in Oxford, England, and plan to explore more continents in the future. This is an as-told-to essay based on a conversation with Helene Sula, a travel blogger and author of "Two O'Clock on a Tuesday at Trevi Fountain: A Search for an Unconventional Life Abroad." It has been edited for length and clarity. I grew up in Dallas, and every year my family spent time in London because my parents taught a study-abroad program there. They loved their jobs; they were making a difference, and their schedule was flexible. I remember thinking, "Is there a job out there like this for me?" I graduated from college in 2009 during the financial crisis. I was unsure about what to do with my life, so I took the first job that would have me at Dave and Buster's. During this time, my husband and I would take momentous 10-day trips across Europe, and we wouldn't sleep because we were trying to see as much as possible. Sula and her husband traveled around Europe before moving there. Helene Sula We thought the best way to keep traveling around Europe was to move there, but we didn't know how. Europe always had a pull on me it was always in the back of my mind. In 2011, I started a travel blog called Helene In Between. I wondered if I could ever make money from it, but at that time nobody was making money online. I kept hacking away. I tried and failed at many different avenues with the blog and eventually figured out a way to monetize it. The blog gave my husband and me the freedom to move abroad, and in 2016 we moved to Heidelberg, Germany, without ever having set foot in the country. Moving to Europe was no utopia We spent a year researching where to move before we landed in Germany. All of our previous travel was to bigger cities, but this time we were going to a smaller city and seeing something we'd never seen before. It felt like a completely different worldlike when Harry Potter went to the wizarding world for the first time. Sula explored ancient buildings and castles in Germany. Helene Sula We were charged with excitement. And then, of course, reality set in. Everything's different. It's a different language. There are pros and cons to absolutely every place on the planet. I often see things online, like, "If I were to move to Europe, my life would be better." Living any life like that saying, "If this happens, then I'll be happy" is a recipe for disaster. Because wherever you go, there you are. You're still going to have issues and problems that arise. Having an open mind and seeing what you can learn is really beneficial. We often consider Europe a utopia because of its healthcare system or because workers get more time off. There's definitely something to be said about those things. But making a blanket statement about Europe is misguided. Life can be tough, no matter where you are. Life in the UK After three years in Germany, we returned to the US. We bought an RV and traveled across America, splitting our time between that and spending time with family in Dallas. Four years later, we moved to Oxford, England. It's been so wonderful because Oxford, in my opinion, is very similar to Heidelberg. They are both university towns Heidelberg has the oldest university in Germany, and Oxford has the oldest university in all of the English-speaking world. It's also close to London and to an airport. It was the perfect pick. The plan is to stay in England for two years then return to the US and really start exploring. We've never been to Australia, New Zealand, or South America, and we want to take some longer trips to other places. There are always more places to explore. What's been so interesting about living abroad is the ebbs and flows. There are super high highs and low lows. You miss your friends and family back home. You often feel lost, whether that's lost in translation, lost while driving, or in the different rules. But it has always been worth it. Read the original article on Business Insider What is mpox? Is the virus in the US? Heres everything to know. Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified a country where the new mpox strain has been recorded. The story has been updated. A highly contagious and severe strain of mpox is on the move across continents following a major outbreak in central Africa. The surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a dozen other African nations prompted the World Health Organization last week to issue a global health emergency for the second time in two years. A day later, Swedish officials said they recorded their first case of the mpox virus. While the new strain has yet to reach the United States, that doesn't mean U.S. health officials aren't preparing for that eventuality. Here's what to know about mpox and the latest outbreak. What is mpox? Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a part of the same virus family that causes smallpox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is not related to chickenpox. Discovered in 1958, the virus was originally named monkeypox because that's the animal it was first discovered in, not because monkeys are the source of infections. However, the disease has in recent years been renamed to mpox to avoid the stigma that associated it with monkeys. The disease is zoonotic, which means it can be spread from animals to humans. However, it can also pass from person to person through physical contact, according to the CDC. In fact, more human-to-human transmissions have been reported since 2016, according to Politico. There are two types of mpox clade I and clade II. Clade I is endemic in central Africa, while clade II is endemic in West Africa. A new variant of clade I, called Ib, appears to spread more easily. Breaking news in your pocket every morning. Sign up for USA TODAY's Daily Briefing newsletter. Is there an mpox outbreak? Congo and surrounding countries have had worsening outbreaks since 2023. Just in 2024, central and eastern Africa have had over 17,000 infections and more than 500 people died from mpox, primarily in Congo, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. So far this year, mpox outbreaks have been recorded in 13 African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Central African Republic. A laboratory nurse takes a sample from a child declared a suspected case of Mpox July 19 at the treatment centre in Munigi, following Mpox cases in Nyiragongo territory near Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Thats a significant increase of the 14,957 cases in 2023 and 7,146 cases in 2022. Last Thursday, the first case was identified outside of Africa when it was revealed that a traveler from Sweden had returned from a trip to Africa carrying the disease. The Africa CDC has reported 500 deaths and, amid concern of further spread, has asked for international medical help but issuing its own emergency declaration. The alert, known as a public health emergency of international concern, or PHEIC, is the highest level of alarm under international health law, WHO says. About 10 million vaccine doses are needed for the outbreaks in Africa, according to the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. The U.S. said it would donate 50,000 vaccine doses to Congo. However, experts predict that millions more will be needed from Western countries, particularly the U.S., to help stop the virus. To make this happen, vaccine manufacturers will have to increase production dramatically. Is mpox in the US? Meanwhile, U.S. officials are preparing for the eventual arrival of the new mpox strain here. But in an alert last week, the CDC said the spread in the U.S. was a very low risk" at this time. The CDC has also issued a health alert and travel notice about the stronger mpox strain in Congo and neighboring countries, recommending providers and health agencies monitor for signs and ask patients about recent travel to affected areas. While a few cases of the less severe strain of the virus are still reported each week in the U.S., those cases are from a different strain of mpox, clade II from a 2022 outbreak, Reuters said. Mpox in graphics: What to know after WHO declares global emergency What happened with mpox in 2022? Test tubes labelled "Monkeypox virus positive and negative" are seen in this illustration taken May 23, 2022. This new strain of mpox is a little different than the one that has circulated in the U.S. since a global outbreak began in 2022. The clade II strain had largely been contained to the African continent until Spring 2022, when it suddenly appeared in Europe and then the United States. The first cases were detected in the United States in mid-May that year, and by Aug 1, the peak was reached when 638 cases were reported. Most of the outbreak was driven by cases in major cities, particularly New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco at a time when social events were happening in the summer, such as Pride month. An emergency declaration for the outbreak in the United States came to an end on Jan. 31, 2023. Since 2022, the U.S. has had outbreaks of clade II mpox, mostly among men who have sex with men, but also in some nonbinary and transgender people, according to recent CDC data. Overall, more than 32,000 people in the U.S. have been infected and 58 have died of mpox. However, Mpox clade I is considered not only more easily transmissible, but more severe. It has infected tens of thousands of people, including children, sex workers and workers in health care settings who lack proper protective equipment. How is mpox spread? Mpox often spreads through bodily fluids and physical contact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. The disease usually passes to humans from rodents and primates, through bites, aerosol transmission or contact with infected fluids. Person-to-person transmission is usually through close contact with respiratory secretions, inflected skin lesions or recently contaminated objects, according to the WHO. What are symptoms of mpox? Infection is usually mild, but the mpox illness can last anywhere from two to four weeks and can prove fatal if left untreated. Most symptoms are similar to the flu, and can also include pus-filled skin lesions. Within one to three days of infection, a patient will develop a facial rash that spreads to other parts of the body including hands, feet, chest, face, mouth and genitals the CDC said. The rash can start out as a pimple or blisters and over time can become very painful. The fluid-filled lesions go through a series of stages before drying out and falling off. The incubation period, the time between infection and symptoms, is usually 6 to 13 days but can be 5 to 21 days. Other symptoms of mpox include: Headache and fever Swollen lymph nodes Exhaustion Body chills Backache and body aches Rash over the body Blister-like lesions resembling chickpox that begin as small bumps What is the treatment for mpox? Vaccines are available and recommended for people from higher-risk populations. The approved JYNNEOS vaccine, a two-dose series administered at least four weeks apart, provides protection against both clade I and clade II. Vials of the JYNNEOS smallpox and monkeypox vaccine are placed on a table during a clinic offered by the Pima County Department of Public Health at Abrams Public Health Center in Tucson, Arizona, U.S., August 20, 2022. The vaccine is highly effective, a recent CDC report showed. Fully vaccinated people became infected in less than 1% of cases. And for those who did, infections were milder compared to unvaccinated people. While more than 75% of at-risk populations in the U.S. have not been fully vaccinated against mpox, many people who get their first shot of the mpox vaccine do not return for their second dose. a CDC analysis found. Contributing: Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY; Reuters Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mpox outbreak in Africa: What is it, symptoms, treatment California's relentless FLiRT-fueled COVID surge is continuing to spawn infections at a dizzying rate, with coronavirus levels in wastewater reaching some of the highest levels seen since 2022. Wastewater readings are now higher than all but one COVID peak in the last two years, and have far surpassed those seen during the typical summertime seasonal spikes in the vaccine era. "This is a very large surge that we are seeing currently. This is starting to rival, really, what we saw this past winter," said Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. For the week that ended Aug. 10, coronavirus levels in sewage were 84% of last winter's peak in California, according to estimates posted Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus levels in wastewater have already blown past the peaks for the prior two summers, as well as the winter of 2022 to 23. "It's so surprising to me that it hasn't gone down yet," said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases specialist at UC San Francisco. "It's a little bit more of a prolonged season for California." Read more: This is now Californias worst summer COVID wave in years. Here's why There are few signs that the surge is losing steam. The rate at which COVID-19 tests are coming back positive continues to rise. In California, 14.7% of tests done at medical facilities came back positive over the week ending Aug. 12, a rate greater than was ever seen last winter and summer. A month ago, the test positivity rate was 10.6%. For the 10-day period that ended Aug. 3, coronavirus levels in Los Angeles County wastewater jumped to 76% of last winter's peak, up from 54% for the 10-day period that ended July 27. And in Santa Clara County, the most populous in the San Francisco Bay Area, coronavirus levels in wastewater were considered high in three highly populated sewersheds serving San Jose, Palo Alto and Sunnyvale. The FLiRT subvariants have been the major culprits behind this summer's COVID spike, with one in particular starting to flex its hyper-infectious muscle. KP.3.1.1 is now the single most common coronavirus strain circulating nationwide, constituting an estimated 36.8% of specimens for the two-week period that ended Saturday, up from 12.7% a month ago, CDC data show. Read more: California COVID surge is surprisingly stronger, longer-lasting than experts had expected "It's this confluence of a much more infectious variant on top of folks' overall immunity having waned either from natural or vaccine-induced immunity," Hudson said. "It's just kind of come [as] a perfect storm." This summer's wave is shaping up to be particularly long-lasting. California has seen "high" or "very high" levels of coronavirus in its wastewater for the last 10 weeks. In the summer of 2022, California spent 16 weeks in either of those categories, and in the summer of 2023, the state recorded eight weeks with "high" viral wastewater levels. Cases though assuredly an undercount, as they don't account for people who test at home, or not at all are nevertheless climbing. There were an average of 484 COVID-19 cases a day for the week that ended Aug. 11 in L.A. County, up 35% over the last month. Last summer's peak was 571 cases a day. Read more: California hits 'very high' COVID levels as virus in wastewater jumps significantly And COVID is sending more people to emergency rooms. For the week that ended Aug. 11, 4.3% of emergency room visits countywide were related to the coronavirus, up from 4% the prior week. Last summer's peak was 5.1%. Hospitalizations are ticking up, but remain a fraction of numbers from prior summers. Even in a period of rampant infection, severe illness from COVID-19 has been less common, thanks to prior immunity and widespread availability of anti-COVID medicines such as Paxlovid. For the week that ended Aug. 10, there was a daily average of 462 coronavirus-infected people in the hospital in L.A. County, up from 407 the prior week. Last summer's peak was 620, last winter's was 825, and in the summer of 2022 it was more than 1,100. At Kaiser Permanente Southern California, which covers more than 4.8 million members, the uptick in COVID has mainly resulted in increased visits to clinics and doctor's offices. "We're not seeing a huge number of people who are admitted to the hospital with COVID," Hudson said. Read more: COVID surging in California. Is it time to bring back masks, hand sanitizer? What experts say COVID-19 deaths in L.A. County remain relatively stable, averaging one to two per day, although it can take time for a surge in cases to show up in fatality data. Still, though well shy of the pandemic's devastating early years, the overall burden of COVID remains significant. Since October, more than 49,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported nationally, compared with at least 25,000 flu deaths that have been estimated over the same time period. An updated estimate of flu deaths is expected later this year. "COVID-19 remains a greater cause of severe illness and death than other respiratory viruses, but the differences between these rates are much smaller than they were earlier in the pandemic," the CDC said in March. Those at highest risk are those who are older or immunocompromised, and have not received an updated COVID-19 vaccine within the last year. At some point, this summer peak will crest, and the pace of new infections will begin to decrease. But it won't be clear until a few weeks after COVID indicators begin to fall. An open question is whether COVID will continue to rise as kids go back to school. Doctors are urging people to stay home if they're sick and asking parents to keep their ill kids from attending school, to limit spread of disease. Read more: Older Californians now eligible for another COVID-19 vaccine dose Initial estimates suggest the most recent week's worth of viral levels in California wastewater are about 3% lower than the prior week. But that figure is subject to change as more data come in. California is one of 25 states where COVID-19 is thought to be "growing" or "likely growing," according to the CDC. COVID-19 was seen as "likely declining" in five states Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana and New York. COVID-19 was either stable or uncertain in 16 states and the District of Columbia. No estimates were available for Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Doctors urged people, as well as healthcare providers, to get tested or order testing for their patients when dealing with respiratory illness symptoms. An initial negative test doesn't mean you don't have COVID; doctors suggest testing for as long as five days after the onset of symptoms to see if a test turns positive. Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious diseases expert and epidemiologist at Stanford University, said confirmation of a COVID-19 diagnosis would help a patient get a Paxlovid prescription to help treat the illness, while confirmation of another illness, like flu, could help a patient get a drug more targeted toward that ailment. Read more: Positive test not needed for long COVID diagnosis, experts conclude More consistent testing at medical facilities could also help detection of unusual strains that epidemiologists want to track, such as bird flu. Bird flu has attracted attention recently because of outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, and there have been several recent human cases among dairy and poultry workers in the U.S., according to the CDC. Recent human cases of H5N1 bird flu have resulted in primarily mild symptoms, including conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, Karan said. But a reason why doctors are closely monitoring the situation is that, in the decades in which we've been aware of bird flu infecting humans, some H5N1 strains have resulted in significant mortality rates. According to the CDC, human infections with H5N1 virus, which have been reported in 23 countries since 1997, have resulted in severe pneumonia and death in about 50% of cases. Now that we know bird flu has infected cows, and there's cow-to-human transmission, that poses a potential problem. "Cow udders have receptors in common with birds, and they also have receptors in common with humans, where these viruses bind," Karan said. "Now, with human flu season coming, you have the risk of what's called viral reassortment, where a host can get infected with both bird flu and human flu at the same time, and those flus now start swapping genetic material," Karan said. "This is kind of how swine flu happened [in 2009]. So this is where we're really worried. It's like a ticking time bomb of human flu season around the corner, and yet we still have this uncontrolled spread of bird flu in cows." Read more: Signs of avian flu found in San Francisco wastewater Bird flu hasn't resulted in sustained human-to-human transmission, nor caused a pandemic in humans, in recent times. "But it's one of those pathogens that's high risk of mutating to a point of increasing transmissibility. And the pathogen has had high virulence based on historical cases. ... It's the risk of where it could go," Karan said. This illustrates why it can be important for patients to get tested. If a test shows that a person has the flu, subsequent screening including genetic subtyping could eventually determine whether a person has bird flu. And that could help epidemiologists figure out how the bird flu may have spread, and help doctors determine the best course of treatment. Even if a case of bird flu results in mild symptoms, it's important to diagnose it, Karan said, so the virus sample can be genetically analyzed and scientists can try to track down where it jumped from an animal to a human, and potentially more aggressively treat the patient with antivirals. "But imagine that only happens if I even test that patient for flu at all," Karan 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. MULLINS, S.C. (WBTW) A juvenile was critically wounded late Sunday night in a shooting in Mullins, police said. Mullins police officers found the juvenile inside a car after responding at about 11:40 p.m. to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Church Street near N. Mullins Street, Police Chief Phil Mostowski said. The juvenile, who was driving the car that crashed, was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, Mostowski said. Mullins police asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to assist in the investigation. No arrests have been made, and no additional details were immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to call Mullins police at 843-464-0707. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) (UPDATE) Highway 12 has reopened after a multi-vehicle crash occurred north of Sioux City. Iowa 511 has reported that the highway has reopened for traffic in both directions. No further details were available. (PREVIOUS) A multi-vehicle crash has caused Highway 12 north of Sioux City to be closed in both directions. According to the Iowa 511, Highway 12 is currently blocked from Military Road northward to just past K18. The 511 lists a multi-vehicle crash as the cause of the blockage. No time on when the road will reopen has been provided by officials. This is a developing story. KCAU 9 will continue to provide updates as well learn more. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) After a busy weekend, emergency crews from multiple local agencies are again working to fight a growing grass fire just northwest of Burkburnett. Crews work to fight a grassfire north of Burkburnett on August 19, 2024 (Photo credit: Christopher Walker, KFDX/KJTL) The call came in at around 2:40 p.m. on Monday, August 19, 2024, requesting assistance from outside agencies regarding black smoke near the intersection of Eidson Road and Holman Road northwest of Burkburnett in Wichita County. PREVIOUS STORY: Multiple agencies responding to grass fire near Rifle Range Road Our crew at the scene said multiple agencies are currently on the scene, including the Wichita County Sheriffs Office, the Friberg-Cooper Volunteer Fire Department, and the Iowa Park Volunteer Fire Department. Photo of the Wichita 2237 fire, courtesy of the Friberg-Cooper Volunteer Fire Department According to the Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer, the fire, currently named the Wichita 2237, has burned 15 acres and is at 0% containment as of 3:24 p.m. on Monday, August 19. Burkburnett Public Safety posted an update on Facebook on Monday afternoon, asking residents to avoid the area of Holman Road and Eidson Road. The fire comes the day after another large grassfire, the Peter Switch Fire near Iowa Park, burned over 1,500 acres before local volunteer fire departments contained it. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The trial for a man accused in a first-degree murder case that goes back more than a decade in Mecklenburg County is getting underway. Derek Ward is accused in the May 2010 death of his cousin, Brittini Ward. He also faces a charge of first-degree rape. Ward is accused of strangling the 14-year-old girl. During the last several years, Ward was housed in state prisons and various institutions. Psychiatrists and judge-ordered tests for Wards mental fitness have been performed and he had previously been declared unfit to stand trial. MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS Crime & Public Safety Ward is representing himself with a public defender as standby counsel and reiterated several times in court that hes been imprisoned for 14 years. In court on Monday, the judge asked Ward a series of questions relating to his competency in court. The jury for the trial has not yet been seated. Monday mornings courtroom progress centered around pre-trial motions. Prosecutors also initially charged Brittinis mother but a judge cleared her two years later after the mother pleaded guilty to concealing her death and served several years on probation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The founder of a Myrtle Beach-area nonprofit aimed at assisting homeless veterans pled guilty to federal charges related to money laundering. James Billy Arehart signed the plea deal last month, agreeing to be sentenced on one count of engaging in a monetary transaction with property derived from unlawful activity, court records show. The U.S. Attorneys Office agreed to drop other charges, including mail and wire fraud, as part of the deal. Bill Dinkin, an attorney representing Arehart, wrote in a statement that by entering a guilty plea, Mr. Arehart has taken responsibility for his conduct and despite his mistakes, he has been a tremendous asset and source of support to both active duty military personnel and veterans, particularly homeless veterans. Areharts nonprofit Providing Hope Va had announced plans in early 2023 to open a Veterans resource center in Loris. The city annexed the property off Highway 701 South, and the charity solicited funds for the project, but Arehart just used those funds as he saw fit, according to the indictment. That property remains vacant, and the Providing Hope Va website only shows the message: We are taking a break. We want to thank you all for the support and community you have shown for the past several years. Arehart originally founded the nonprofit in 2018 while living in Virginia before relocating operations in 2020 to Loris, court records show. Through 2021, he raised more than $9 million primarily by selling tickets to raffles for high-end vehicles by advertising through Facebook. Arehart falsely represented to the public that money spent on raffle tickets was tax deductible, despite IRS code specifically restricting deductions for purchases of games-of-chance tickets, he admitted as part of the plea deal. That caused ticket purchasers to submit fraudulent tax deductions to the IRS. Arehart, who had sole control of the nonprofits finances, awarded himself an increasing amount of salary and bonuses from its funds, including $162,000 in 2019, $292,000 in 2020 and $525,000 in 2021, the Department of Justice alleged. Arehart is set to be sentenced Feb. 20, 2025, and faces up to 10 years in prison and fines more than $250,000, though the plea deal stipulates that the government will recommend a lower sentence, likely in line with Areharts request for 18 months in prison. He must also forfeit any assets he possesses that are related to his crime. Press Release August 19, 2024 Bong Go calls for vigilance and immediate preventive measures against leptospirosis amid surge in cases Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, has issued a critical reminder to the public to heed the advice of health workers and adhere to health protocols, especially in the aftermath of disasters like typhoons. Go emphasized the importance of being cautious about health threats, particularly leptospirosis, which has seen a worrying spike in cases following Typhoon Carina. "Matapos ang pananalasa ng bagyong Carina, nakababahala po ang biglang pagdami ng kaso ng leptospirosis. Kaya suportado po natin ang panukala ng Department of Health na ipagbawal ang paglalangoy sa baha na nagiging sanhi nito at ng iba pang sakit," Go stated, highlighting the increased risk posed by wading in floodwaters, which has led to the rise in infections. The senator pointed to alarming statistics from the DOH showing that over 60% of leptospirosis patients treated at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila experience moderate to severe symptoms. "Batay rin sa datos ng DOH, mahigit 60 percent ng mga kaso ng mga pasyenteng tinamaan ng leptospirosis sa San Lazaro Hospital sa Maynila ay moderate to severe," he added. Recent reports from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City and San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) in Manila have documented over 500 cases of leptospirosis in the last six days alone. For those affected by the disease, particularly the underprivileged, Go reassured them of assistance through the Malasakit Centers in accordance with the law. "Sa mga tinamaan ng sakit--lalo na ang mga mahihirap, paalala po ng inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go na huwag kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa mga Malasakit Centers," he encouraged. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOH, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. As of now, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Centers program has already provided aid to more or less ten million Filipinos. Furthermore, he is pushing for the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide to enhance access to medical services, especially in rural areas. These centers are designed to offer primary care, consultations, and early disease detection. "Hindi na nila kailangang bumiyahe pa papunta sa malalaking ospital. Katuwang natin sa inisyatibang ito ang mga kapwa natin mambabatas, ang DOH at mga lokal na pamahalaan. Naipaglaban po natin na mapondohan ang pagpapatayo ng mahigit 700 Super Health Centers sa buong bansa," he said. Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide. The senator also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which aims to provide specialized medical care in every region. "Ito ay isang malaking tagumpay sa ating adhikain na maihatid ang serbisyong medikal sa ating mga kababayan sa bawat rehiyon na nangangailangan ng specialized care tulad ng mga may sakit sa puso, baga, kidney, at iba pa," he said. Additionally, his legislative efforts include the filing of Senate Bill No. 195 to establish a Center for Disease Control (CDC). "Layunin nito na magkaroon ng centralized hub na nakatutok para sa mapigilan, masubaybayan at ma-contain ang mga nakahahawa pang sakit," Go said. Go also filed SBN 196, which would create a Virology Science and Technology Institute. "Ito ang mangunguna sa ating pagsisikap na mapag-aralan, ma-detect at matugunan ang panganib na hatid ng mga nauuso at paulit-ulit na sumusulpot na mga sakit," added Go. These initiatives are intended to strengthen the Philippines' ability to prevent, monitor, and contain infectious diseases effectively. As the country grapples with this health challenge, Go highlighted the need for immediate response and prevention to avoid a health crisis. "Pangalagaan natin ang kapakanan, buhay at kalusuhan ng bawat Pilipino. Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo, at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos," the Senator concluded. HONG KONG, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Overseas Chinese World Conference for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China will be held Tuesday in Hong Kong, making it the first Chinese city to hold the conference for the second time, the Hong Kong Association for Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China (HAPPRC) announced Monday. Themed "Unswervingly promoting China's peaceful reunification and striving to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," the upcoming conference is expected to attract about 1,200 representatives from more than 50 countries and regions. A 2024 Hong Kong Declaration is expected to be announced. HAPPRC Chairman Yao Zhisheng said at a press conference that the conference will highlight the important role of the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong in promoting the reunification of the motherland, consolidate the strong will of overseas Chinese around the world to oppose "independence" and promote reunification, and demonstrate the bright prospects for cross-Strait integration. Since 2000, a total of 21 overseas Chinese conferences on promoting China's peaceful reunification have been held in 16 countries and regions on six continents. In 2010, the conference was held in Hong Kong for the first time, during which the Hong Kong Declaration was adopted. (Photo credit: Getty Images) Many major earthquakes are etched in our memories, from real ones to overcooked ones from '90s disaster flicks. There's the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake during the World Series in the Bay Area and the Northridge quake of 1994 outside of Los Angeles. More recently, in July 2019, 6.4 and 7.1 tremors rocked the high desert town of Ridgecrest, California, and were felt throughout the Southwest. These earthquakes set off a familiar chorus of people connecting hot summer weather to earthquakes. After all, the October 1989 quake happened during an unusually warm spell of 80-degree temperatures in the Bay Area as the Oakland A's and San Francisco Giants squared off in Candlestick Park. And it was a sweaty 91 in Pasadena, near the site of last week's 4.4 magnitude earthquake on Aug. 12. However, here's a monkey wrench: The Jan. 17, 1994, Northridge earthquake happened in the heart of L.A.'s rainy season, with a high of 69 degrees that day at LAX. The myth of so-called earthquake weather continues to percolate, another way humans try to create order out of chaos. So, what are some of the top earthquake weather myths? First, we need to understand how earthquakes happen. Earthquakes begin many miles below the Earth's surface, which means that they cannot be affected or influenced by surface weather -- the basic weather conditions that can be found at the Earth's surface and at low altitudes, including rain, tornadoes, and the like. Tectonic plates, pieces of the Earth's crust and uppermost mantle, are constantly on the move, but there's a problem: they also get stuck at their edges until eventually an earthquake releases energy in waves that travel through the Earth's crust, according to the United States Geological Survey. This is what causes the shaking that we all experience. Aristotle might have started the myth of earthquake weather, which then spread like a game of telephone. In the 4th century B.C., Aristotle argued that earthquakes were caused by winds stuck in underground caves. Pliny the Elder, the author of the first known encyclopedia, took it a step further and declared that winds also happened on the surface, and these set off earthquakes. Millennia later, we have the myth that earthquakes occur during windy weather. Humans gained a fuller knowledge of quakes after the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake, an 8.5 which rocked the city and also triggered a tsunami. Tens of thousands died. There were some silver linings, however, including a better understanding of seismology and the critical concept that earthquakes originate within the Earth and are waves of movement. So even though there is the temptation to correlate that with surface weather, earthquakes occur much deeper than where ordinary weather can influence them. Frost quake 1-24-2019 Photo captured frost quake evidence in the Prospect, Connecticut, area on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019. Some weather phenomena mimic true earthquakes below the surface. Frost quakes, formally known as cryoseism, occur when the sudden freezing of water in the ground leads to loud booming or popping sounds that result in small earthquakelike tremors. The vibrations and ground cracking can cause people to believe they've experienced an earthquake. Frost quakes happened in January 2024 in the Chicago area on the heels of subzero temperatures. Other regions known for their cold, including Canada and Scandinavia, have also dealt with frost quakes. In Oulu, Finland, a frost quake in 2016 damaged building foundations and led to violent tremors. However, these were not true earthquakes. Although it might be tempting to believe, there is no such thing as earthquake weather. N.C. woman, who once lived in Savannah, dies after going on a Vodou retreat in Haiti. A North Carolina man is asking for answers after his mom died while on a Vodou retreat in Haiti. Dana Jackson, 51, wanted to become a Manbo priestess. A Manbo priestess is a female ritual specialist in the Haitian Vodou tradition. Like her male counterpart, the oungan (or houngan), she performs ceremonies, initiations, healings, and divinations, according to an article on the Harvard University website. Vodou is an African religion and comes from the word Fon which means "God" or "Spirit" and "originated in the ancient kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Nigeria, Benin, and Togo)", according to an article on the religion by PBS.org. Alternative spellings of the religion include Vodun and Vodoun, but not Voodoo. The spelling Voodoo is considered "the sensationalist and derogatory Western creation," the article continues. Her son, Timothy Jackson, told USA TODAY that this was something that she wanted to do and had been practicing for a few years prior to her trip to Haiti. Four years ago, my mom started to do a little bit of research on the African traditional spiritual belief systems and Vodou was a part of that, he said. She had kind of been on this path of just kind of doing research and practicing, or at least, just doing her due diligence as far as research is concerned. Jackson said that his mom left for Haiti on July 1 and was supposed to return to the United States on July 26. His mom traveled with a group of people who had joined a house in order to participate in the Vodou rituals. The people that she went down there with, their name is Sosyete and I believe that that means society in the Turkish language and Nago, Jackson said. These weren't strangers that she went down there with. These are people that she's built a relationship with. Jackson said the group recently went on a trip to Boston together in June. No communication was apart of the Vodou ceremony During part of the Vodou ceremony, Jackson expected to not hear from his mom. If you do any research about that part of the ceremony, even just on Google, it'll tell you, that's very sacred and things of that nature, he said. So she sent me one last message on the 13th, and she said, we will talk on the 21st going to church tomorrow. Jackson and his mom spoke every day. The no communication part was nerve-wrecking to him, but he wanted to respect his mothers decision to participate in the ritual. In the last message he received from his mom on July 21 she asked him to, pray for her. That whole entire week just kind of low key, (I was) having anxiety because I'm not able to hear from her, and I know that this is a very important part of the ceremony, he said. On the 21st, I didn't hear anything from her. I did reach out to her at about 5 p.m. on WhatsApp. I didn't get any response. Mom doesnt respond after Vodou ceremony; son finds out about her death The next day, Jackson still did not get a message from his mom, and he began to worry. I woke up. I'm not gonna lie, I was in a little bit of a panic, because I felt like by now, she at least would have responded to my text, he said. Around 5 p.m. on July 22, his grandmother broke the news that his mom had died. The way she told me was, your mom's not coming back from Haiti. So I hung up the phone with her, he said I called her back. I asked her, what did she mean? She said, she's not coming back from Haiti. She passed away. I hung up the phone. I called her again. After a lot of back and forth between Jackson and his grandmother, he called his grandfather, and he confirmed that his mom had died. Something sinister happened In order to confirm his mothers passing, Jackson reached out to one of the leaders of the group that went to Haiti with his mom. The first thing they asked him was, how much did he know? To be completely honest with you, my initial thought was my mom went down to Haiti, they did this last piece of the ceremony, and something sinister happened, he said. The person who spoke with him told him that his mom had gotten extremely sick during the ceremony. They told him that she kind of fainted. When she regained consciousness, she didn't know where she was. When a member of the house asked her where she was, she said in Virginia, Jackson said. However, Jackson said his family hadn't lived in Virginia in over a year. Jackson said they also told him that they brought her to the hospital. At the hospital, she started to have seizures, and they said she had a heart attack and a stroke. That was the initial story, he said. They said that my mom didn't bring her medicine. So there was a red flag, because what medicine are you guys talking about? it sounds like they were trying to perpetuate a story. Jackson also was supposed to get an update on where his moms body is located on Aug. 16 but that still hasn't happened. I haven't heard anything, he said. I don't even think the U.S. Embassy got involved, or even received the necessary paperwork until about four days ago. USA TODAY reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, but they did not respond prior to publication. Remembering Dana Jackson Although Jackson's mom had him at a young age, her goal was to work hard to create a better life for them. In 1999, Jackson said that his mom took a job at a technology company that was based in Savannah, Georgia. In his mom's role, she was to help start the company's operations in the state. During their time in Georgia, Jackson remembers getting his own bathroom and bedroom, attending extracurricular activities, and ultimately getting closer to his mom. Years later, he asked his mom why she decided to relocate. I asked her, many years later, Why did you decide to move down there? She said, Tim, I needed that time to learn how to become a mother to my son, he said. Another memory that Jackson shared was in 2017 when his family took a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada where the two ended up meeting rapper Nelly. The rapper ended up turning around and talking to the two before he left the hotel, Jackson said. In Vegas, we were getting ready to check into our hotel, and Nelly was coming out. My mom looked at me, and I looked at her, and then we just both chased him, he said. That was just how in sync we were. GoFundMe created for Dana Jacksons funeral costs Jackson created a GoFundMe account for his mom's funeral and additional costs that he will need in the future. (The GoFundMe was created for) funeral costs, any costs associated with bringing her body back, he said. I would like to do an autopsy. I've been quoted a price for that. His mom told him how she wanted her funeral to go. We had a conversation maybe six years ago where she told me she wanted to be cremated, and she told me what her last wishes were, he said. Dana Jackson was supposed to turn 52 on Sept. 13, Jackson said. We don't know what happened in the last nine days, but whatever happened, my mom did not go to Haiti not to come back to the United States, he said. This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Dana Jackson dies on Vodou retreat in Haiti TOPEKA (KSNT) Some lucky Topeka students will get to have their questions answered by a pair of astronauts floating above Earth this week. NASA astronauts Tracy Dyson and Matthew Dominick on board the International Space Station (ISS) are set to participate in a 20-minute call down to Earth with students from Topekas Mose J. Whitson Elementary, Most Pure Heart Catholic School and Aviation Explorers Post 8. The call will be livestreamed at 9:30 a.m. CST on Wednesday Aug. 21 on NASA+, NASA TV, the NASA app and the NASA website. Both astronauts will answer prerecorded questions from students on the day of the call. High school students with Aviation Explorers Post 8 helped students from Whitson Elementary get prepared for the big day by giving them a tour of a local airport control tower and a pre-flight inspection demonstration, according to NASA. Graduate students with the University of Kansas and other astronomy enthusiasts also gave presentations for the Whitson Starry Night Astronomy Title I family night. Dyson, a native of California, became an astronaut in 1998 and holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry, according to her NASA biography. Dominick, hailing from Colorado, holds a bachelors degree of science in electrical engineering and became an astronaut in 2017, according to his NASA biography. International Space Station orbit the earth, computer generated image. (Getty Images) Northern Lights build in strength, more activity expected Astronauts have lived and worked aboard the ISS for more than two decades testing technologies, performing science experiments and developing skills required to explore space. Those inside the ISS communicate with NASAs Mission Control Center in Houston daily through Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Near Space Network. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. SpaceX has launched a satellite called Tanager-1 that will measure greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Photo courtesy of Planet Labs PBC Aug. 18 (UPI) -- A state-of-the-art greenhouse-gas-tracking instrument has been launched into orbit and will measure methane and carbon dioxide emissions, right down to the level of individual facilities and equipment, on a global scale, the space company announced. The Tanager-1 is the first satellite in orbit as part of the Carbon Mapper Coalition and uses spectrometer technology developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. "The imaging spectrometer technology aboard Tanager-1 is the product of four decades of development at NASA JPL and truly in a class of its own," JPL Director Laurie Leshin said. "The data that this public-private partnership provides on sources of greenhouse gas emissions will be precise and global, making it beneficial to everyone." The Tanager-1 will cover 50,000 square miles of Earth's surface per day, analyzing the greenhouse gasses emitted by individual installations. Carbon Mapper scientists will analyze data collected by the orbital to identify gas plumes with unique methane and carbon dioxide identifiers -- and pinpoint their sources. Plume data will be publicly available online at the Carbon Mapper data portal. "The Carbon Mapper Coalition is a prime example of how organizations from different sectors are uniting around a common goal of addressing climate change," said Riley Duren, the Carbon Mapper CEO. "By detecting, pinpointing and quantifying super-emitters and making this data accessible to decision-makers, we can drive significant action around the world to cut emissions now." Tanager-1 is part of a larger effort to make methane and carbon dioxide data accessible, giving scientists data points that they can then act on. That effort includes using measurements obtained by NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation, an imaging spectrometer developed by JPL and installed on the International Space Station. Methane and carbon dioxide are the greatest contributors to climate change, according to scientists. About half of methane emissions worldwide result from human activity, including fossil fuel emissions, agricultural practices and waste management industries. There is now 50% more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than there was in 1750, an increase largely due to the extraction and burning of coal, oil and gas, according to a Tanager-1 news release. The Tanager-1 was part of the payload that was launched by SpaceX on Friday from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Editor's note: An original version of this story incorrectly stated the operation responsible for launch, NASA's relation to the project and the name of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Two juveniles detained after reports of shots fired near Natomas high schools, police say This is a developing story; check back with sacbee.com for updates. A Natomas Unified School District campus was placed on lockdown Monday after Sacramento police were called to investigate a report of gunshots heard in the area, according to law enforcement and archived audio dispatch calls. Officers were called about 2:45 p.m. to the 3400 block of Fong Ranch Road after school officials called police, reporting hearing several gunshots ringing out in the area. The area includes Discovery High School as well as Natomas High School. There werent any injuries reported, said Officer Cody Tapley, a spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department, but he said investigators found evidence of a shooting. Two juveniles were detained in connection to the incident, Tapley said. A firearm was also recovered, he said. The investigation is ongoing. Deidra Powell, a spokeswoman for the Natomas Unified School District, did not immediately return a request for comment. Andrew Pearson, a longtime Ohio resident who became a naturalize citizen last year. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Pearson.) Andrew Pearson teaches history at a high school in Cincinnati. Hes lived in the area since he was five, but he was born in England. I mean, my familys been in Britain for as long as British people have been able to write things down, he jokes. And for a long time, he thought he might go back someday. After Brexit, the prospect has grown less appealing. Meanwhile, its hard to miss the familys roots digging deeper in Ohio. He recently got married to a U.S. citizen. His sisters live in town, too, and he has five nieces and nephews between them. Last May, after living in the U.S. with a green card for 20 years, Pearson took the oath and became a citizen. He registered to vote at the naturalization ceremony, but like some other new citizens, he received a letter challenging his registration. But Pearson argues according to state law, he shouldnt have. The three step process Ohio Revised Code 3503.152 requires the Secretary of State to audit the statewide voter registration database annually, but it directs the Secretary to look for a very explicit kind of individual. The statute orders him to find any person who does all of the following, and crucially in the following order. It then lays out three elements: the person has to submit documentation to the BMV confirming theyre not a citizen; they have to take a voting action like registering or casting a ballot; and then they have to once again submit documentation to the BMV confirming their lack of citizenship. In this construction, those three events must play out sequentially A then B then C. Checking the boxes in some other order isnt enough. The statute then directs the secretary to send a letter, like the one Pearson received, to any person whose registration meets the three requirements, asking them to confirm their citizenship or cancel their registration. I got my drivers license September 2021, Pearson described. I got naturalized May of 2023. Ive not been to the BMV since I got this drivers license. His only interaction with the BMV since naturalization was going online earlier this year to update his address after a move. But he was quick to add, it doesnt have any questions about citizenship or citizen status, or has your other information changed since we last saw you? He looked elsewhere on the BMV site for a way to submit citizenship documentation, but he came up empty. Pearsons parents and his sister have also recently naturalized, so he did an informal poll. His moms license was expiring so she went into the BMV with her naturalization paperwork no letter. His dad and his sister, though, havent been in. They both got the same letter Pearson did. It seems like theyre skipping that third step, he said, sending it to anybody who has not certified citizen status as that third step, instead of anyone who has certified non-citizen status. How the secretary is interpreting the statute isnt necessarily helped by his directive explaining the audit. Under the statute, a voting action has to be sandwiched between two instances of confirming a persons lack of citizenship. But LaRose seemingly inverts that model, identifying people who have submitted documentation indicating that they are a non-citizen to the BMV on at least two separate occasions in between registering to vote, updating their voter registration or voting. Presented with the directive, Pearson was puzzled. Yeah, thats difficult to even interpret, he said. I mean, thats does that mean I would have had to vote twice? And go to the BMV in between two separate instances of voting? The leap from statute to directive Reading through the Ohio Revised Code, Case Western Reserve University Law Professor Atiba Ellis couldnt help looking for an alternative interpretation. Was there an error? Shoddy drafting? Because why on earth, he wondered, would a person clear that third bar, and submit documentation proving they broke the law by registering to vote? I dont want to be quoted as saying the word stupid, but the research suggests that most people are not stupid enough to openly and obviously commit that kind of fraud, he said, referring to the exceptional rarity of voter fraud. Still, with the text in front of him, he was unequivocal. I mean, the text on its face yeah, theres no wiggle room in any person who does all of the following in the following order, and then there is a one, a two and a three, he said. Like Pearson, he was left scratching his head at the Secretarys version in the directive. It does seem to meet the different elements of the statute, he acknowledged. There are two notices that have to be sent, there is documentation that is submitted, and theres a voting action. But by changing the order of those things, he continued, which this text would seem to suggest, I would have to question whether the Secretary of State is exceeding the authority granted to him by the legislature. From one directive to the next Given the timing of Pearsons correspondence, it seems likely his case was flagged as part of LaRoses Directive 2024-08, which went out in May of this year. Since then, the Secretary has issued another directive aimed at alleged noncitizen registrations. But this time he offers a brand-new process without citing specific authority for the audit. In Directive 2024-16, LaRose orders county boards to remove voters who have notified the BMV they arent a citizen, failed to respond to a letter from the Secretary, and had their status verified through the federal SAVE database. From the outside looking in, that might seem like a reasonable process. An individual indicated they couldnt register, the Secretary tried to get in touch, and then double checked through federal records. But voting rights advocates have long worried about using the federal database for voter verification. And more to the point LaRose is on less certain legal footing. Instead of looking to a statue explicitly directing him to carry out an audit, he cites generalities. LaRose points to a 2022 constitutional amendment overwhelmingly passed by Ohio voters stating only U.S. citizens can vote. He adds that state and federal law generally require accurate registration records. And in LaRoses rendering a data maintenance bill requiring boards make a reasonable effort to remove ineligible voters, instead clarified that they are required to remove them. It seems like this is the Secretary doing this sua sponte, right? Ellis said. On his own initiative rather than by statutory command. It seems strange, he added, that the statute has a specific structure for addressing voter purges of noncitizen voters, but the Secretary is deviating and deviating more broadly based on claims of authority that appear at best ambiguous. Kayla Griffin from the voting rights organization All Voting is Local expressed doubts about the process LaRose laid out in the most recent directive, as well. Using the SAVE database is fine as a supplement, she argued, but it shouldnt somehow replace the three-step process established in state law. So, the basic instruction that is laid out, he has to meet that, she said. But that does not mean that hes prohibited from adding supplemental steps in order to cross reference or to double check. However, she went on, he cannot remove the step that is enumerated in the law that they have to submit to the bureau, they have to register, they have to submit again. To Ellis, theres an echo in the Secretarys actions of the efforts in Kansas and Arizona to require voters to show proof of citizenship to register. In Kansas, the push was led by then-Secretary of State Kris Kobach, and it wound up disenfranchising more than 30,000 eligible voters. In 2020, an appeals court affirmed a lower court ruling striking down the Kansas law. In a way, what the courts would not allow people like him to do directly, Ellis said, maybe Secretary LaRose is trying to do this indirectly through increasing audits and taking a very liberal interpretation of the very structured authorization granted by the legislature. Meanwhile, Arizona is a bit of a mess. After a 2013 court ruling, eligible voters were able to register without presenting citizenship documents, but they could only vote in federal elections. After a recent court stay, those federal-only voters can still register but only if they use a federal form. That will be the status quo at least until a hearing in September just a few weeks before a presidential election in a potential swing state. Pearsons status The letter Pearson received from the Secretary describes in bold letters the discrepancy between the voter file and citizenship status he provided during his last interaction with the BMV. Theres no indication in the letter that the secretarys review found evidence of Pearson providing noncitizen documentation after registering to vote. Still, the letter does acknowledge his status may have recently changed and applauds it if thats the case. I want to express my congratulations, it reads, and thank you for your participation in our democratic process. But to Pearson, the letter, which mentions potential felony charges, came off as threatening seems extreme, right? and too presumptive that he had made an error. If English was my second language, and I received that, I feel like I would be scared, he explained. And if I was navigating a process that, I hadnt lived in this country for 20 years, and hadnt learned these things, and didnt, frankly, teach social studies, which is pretty super-related to a lot of the process in the first place, I would be confused and intimidated and think that Ive messed up. He never sent the letter back. If they would like to bark up trees that Im not hiding in, that dont exist and chase after ghosts, then theyre welcome to do that, he said. Because if the attorney generals office calls and says, Hey, are you a citizen? Ill say, Yeah, heres my number. He did, however, write a lengthy note to the email address listed on the secretarys letter. Pearson wanted to verify the letter wasnt some elaborate hoax, to question whether the office had actually complied with the laws three-step process, and to criticize the lack of pre-paid postage, which Pearson views as, an admittedly small, but unavoidable poll tax. Pearson never got a reply. The Secretarys office didnt respond to Ohio Capital Journals interview request for this story or previous reporting on this topic either. So far, Pearson hasnt been removed from the voting rolls, but its a nagging concern. He checks it regularly with an eye toward ensuring he can cast a ballot this November. Most galling for him is the sense of unfairness. Like other voters swept up in these latest audits, he emphasized that there was no indication during the naturalization process that he needed to update his citizenship with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. They said you have to update your information with Social Security. I did that like the next week, he said. Pearson argued he couldve gone to the BMV, too, and he resents being treated as though he did something incorrectly, when he followed the directions he was given. The fact that we werent instructed to do that, he said, and now theyre turning around and kind of changing the rules up mid-game and threatening me with a felony charge because I didnt do the thing that they didnt tell us to do it all just seems unethical and sketchy. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST NC program to weatherize low-income homes has stalled. Whose fault is it? A program to help some of North Carolinas poorest residents cool their homes in the summer and heat their homes in the winter has seen a slow start, frustrating nonprofit agencies across the state that are in charge of weatherization. The N.C. Department of Environmental Qualitys Weatherization Assistance Program is funded by the federal government. Once the state receives that money, it reimburses local partners who work throughout North Carolina. Those partners, often community action agencies, identify people with low incomes who could benefit from services like having insulation installed or upgrading their HVAC systems. The Weatherization Assistance Program is available to people whose household incomes are less than 200% of the federal poverty level. Thats $39,440 for a two-person household or $60,000 for a family of four. DEQ says the program typically helps about 1,600 households annually. North Carolina nonprofits received updated contracts from DEQ Thursday, nearly eight weeks after the weatherization programs fiscal year started. Without those contracts finalized, nonprofit leaders say, they cannot push forward with work to protect their clients homes and finances. The delay was due to programmatic changes at the federal level that required DEQ to overhaul the contracts, Sascha Medina, a DEQ spokeswoman, wrote in an email. Those changes are coming even as the weatherization program saw a reduction in federal funding, a result of pandemic-era safety net spending not being renewed. DEQ expected to receive about $24 million to support weatherization this year from the federal governments Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Heating and Air Repair or Replacement Program. Instead, Medina wrote, it received $15.8 million. But community action agency leaders across North Carolina say communication has been lacking, leaving the weatherization program in limbo throughout a stifling summer and with western North Carolinas first frost rapidly approaching. Theyre on us about making sure we meet our quota each month or quarterly or theyre threatening to take the funds away from us. How can we start to work if we dont have a contract? asked Stephanie Ashley, the executive director of Blue Ridge Community Action. DEQ officials insist theyve kept their partner agencies updated about where the contract stands, holding several conference calls and offering to follow up with answers to individual questions. Upon learning about the funding reduction, Medina wrote, DEQ told partners they could continue paying weatherization employees on staff but would need to wait until the contracts were signed to receive reimbursement for any weatherization projects. Landon Mason, the executive director of the Economic Improvement Council, is among those who are frustrated with DEQ. Masons agency serves a 10-county northeastern North Carolina region from Dare County west to Washington County and north to Gates County. Mason and several other community action agency executive directors The News & Observer interviewed called for a change in leadership at the Weatherization Assistance Program. Communication was a consistent theme, with Mason saying it sometimes take DEQ staff weeks to respond to emails with questions and that Zoom calls with agency partners are set up so only department staff can speak. Notification that this years contracts wouldnt be ready in time for July 1 came on Friday, June 28, causing several community action agencies to scramble to cancel jobs that were already scheduled. And agencies are bristling about monthly reports that can run into the hundreds of pages, something Ashley and other directors takes up too much time when the weatherization programs must already audited. Its almost like there is no partnership here, there is no collaboration, Mason said. DEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser maintains confidence in Weatherization Assistance Program staff, Sharon Martin, a DEQ spokeswoman, said in an email Friday. They are dedicated public servants, working to ensure that the resources provided through this program are benefiting low-income residents and that those funds are being spent appropriately and efficiently. We all share a goal of helping as many North Carolinians in need as possible, while serving as responsible stewards of taxpayer funds and making sure those funds are going to their intended use, Martin wrote. Ashleys Morganton-based organization conducts weatherization work in an eight-county region, including Gaston, Mecklenburg and Union counties. Blue Ridge typically weatherizes about 150 home a year with about 100 additional homes receiving HVAC repairs or replacements, Ashley said in an interview. This years work has started slowly, Ashley said. Some of Blue Ridges staff are conducting energy audits of homes on its weatherization prioritization list, checking to see where air is leaking out. But they arent able to schedule the actual repairs, much less begin them. Blue Ridge and some other community action agencies subcontract with general contractors, electricians, plumbers and HVAC repair people. They cant wait on us, Ashley said. Burning up without repairs Once DEQ signs off on contracts with the community action agencies, it also has to approve the contracts with subcontractors, another potential delay. Without repairs happening, Blue Ridges wait list for weatherization has started to lengthen, reaching more than 600 people, Ashley said. Statewide, more than 2,700 people are waiting for weatherization assistance. Lillie Hill, a Charlotte resident, is one of those people waiting for assistance. Hill has been on a waiting list for weatherization since 2021, she told The News & Observer. Thats around when her air conditioner stopped working permanently. Ever since then, shes used a fan and window units to cool the roughly 1,000 square feet of her single-level home near West Charlotte High School. In the winter, Hills heating unit limps along, although shes started to bolster it with space heaters as she awaits a more permanent fix. This hot summer has been particularly difficult for Hill. Its exacerbated health conditions like emphysema and asthma. When the constantly running window units and fans cant cut the heat, Hill sits outside. Ive been burning up this year. Its frustrating, Hill said. This story was produced with financial support from the Hartfield Foundation and Green South Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. If you would like to help support local journalism, please consider signing up for a digital subscription, which you can do here. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) The North Carolina Business Committee of Education has been awarded $4 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand the use of Registered Apprenticeship Programs in high-demand fields, Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Monday. According to the governors office, the committees NC Career Launch will create a statewide youth apprenticeship system that develop and scale programs for high school students that lead to registered apprenticeships in critical sectors. Wake Tech receives almost $900K in federal funding to improve STEM opportunities The program will develop, pilot, and scale pathways in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, early childhood education, healthcare, and information technology/cybersecurity, according to the governors office. It will also pilot RAP pathways for students with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities, offering support for barriers such as transportation, books, and testing fees. The governors office says apprenticeship is a proven workforce training model that combines paid on-the-job training with formal classroom instruction, helping workers gain the necessary skills for career success. For five years in a row, North Carolina has been ranked a top destination for business thanks to our highly-skilled and diverse workforce, Cooper said in a statement. NC Career Launch will continue to strengthen our already great public schools and workforce training programs by providing new pathways for high school students to prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Work nearly complete on new City Hall fire escape YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Work to complete a brand new fire escape at Youngstown City Hall is almost complete. In February of last year, the fire chief said the old structure was in such bad shape it had to be shut down. The new version is now in place as workers made some final touches. The new doors will be installed on each floor of City Hall to access the fire escape during an emergency. The million-dollar project could be finished early next month Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Nebraska Republican Party chairman Eric Underwood speaks during a Turning Point Action event with Charlie Kirk in Omaha in April 2024. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN The Nebraska Republican Partys spring of discontent with some of its elected leaders gave way this weekend to what the party hopes will be a fall of reconciliation and a rally against Democrats. Most would expect the state GOPs central committee to endorse the five members of Nebraskas all-GOP federal congressional delegation, as it did Saturday during a meeting in Hastings. But the Nebraska GOP has spent more than two years sorting out disagreements between some in the partys grassroots and others those partisans call the political establishment. Reconciliation after January The party made headlines in January by stressing parts of its constitution that required it to endorse only candidates who asked for its backing and none of the congressional delegates sought the endorsement. The partys constitution doesnt have such a requirement for general election endorsements. Such endorsements seemed likely in May, when former Omaha mayor and U.S. Rep. Hal Daub proposed endorsing former President Donald Trump and the full federal delegation in the general election. But the congressional endorsements stalled when some balked at embracing the status quo, days after some contentious primary elections. Some still unhappy Some Republicans still grumbled Saturday when the party endorsed U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts, along with U.S. Reps. Mike Flood, Don Bacon and Adrian Smith. Many of those resisting are loyal to candidates who lost in the primary, especially backers of Dan Frei over Bacon in the Omaha-based 2nd District. The Nebraska Freedom Coalition issued a statement after the endorsement expressing frustration about the endorsements, saying the incumbents had not supported the new GOP. Endorsements broadly supported But several people attending told the Examiner the incumbents were supported on a voice vote by about 2-to-1. Party leaders issued a statement Sunday saying they sought to consolidate GOP support and reinforce the partys foundational values. Eric Underwood, state party chairman, said in a statement it was time for the party to respect its primary voters, who overwhelmingly sided with the incumbents. We support the candidates whom Republicans chose in the Primary Election, Underwoods statement said. We are the party that is OF, BY, and FOR the PEOPLE. Delegation grateful Fischer thanked the group Sunday for its support. She is likely to face nonpartisan Dan Osborn of Omaha. Its critical that we have a strong and unified Nebraska Republican Party focused on winning this November, she said in a statement. Together, we will elect Republicans up and down the ballot to stop the dangerous and failed Democrat agenda. Bacon, in a statement Sunday, thanked the GOP for respecting the wishes of Republican voters in the 2nd District. We are a big-tent party, and I look forward to their support so we can keep this district red! said Bacon, who faces Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha. Andrew Hudson, Floods campaign manager, said local Republicans need to be united to stop the far-left Democratic agenda of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Im grateful that Nebraska Republicans are united, energized, and ready to win in November! A united Republican Party is a stronger Republican Party, Smith said in a statement Monday afternoon. A united Republican Party will help deliver a Republican majority in Congress to work with President Trump to secure the border, strengthen the economy and defend our constitutional freedoms. Ricketts, in a statement Tuesday after the endorsement, focused on races other than his own. A unified Republican Party is critical to success in November, Ricketts said. We must help Don Bacon hold NE02 and reclaim the Omaha electoral vote for President Trump. The state GOP also endorsed a slew of down-ballot Republicans in contests ranging from school boards to the Legislature. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen strategic mutual trust, enhance synergy of development strategies, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation with China, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam said in Beijing on Monday. Lam made the remarks during his talks with Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president. China is the destination for Lam's first overseas visit as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Vietnamese president. Lam said this fully demonstrates that the CPV and the Vietnamese government always attach importance to developing relations with China and regard China as the strategic choice and top priority of Vietnam's foreign policy. The CPV and the Vietnamese government will carry on the legacy of Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, adhere to the leadership of the Communist party and the socialist path, deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and push forward the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, Lam said. Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has successfully completed all the reform tasks set out in the third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee. China has achieved significant development accomplishments, with its international status and influence increasingly enhanced. It has also made important contributions to world peace and development and the progress of humankind, Lam noted. Vietnam extends its congratulations on the successful convening of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which has ushered in a new era of comprehensively deepening reform and further advancing Chinese modernization, Lam said. It is believed that under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping, China will achieve the Second Centenary Goal of building itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects, Lam added. Vietnam adheres to the principle of independence, firmly pursues the one-China policy and believes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Vietnam firmly opposes all forms of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and supports China in achieving national reunification, Lam stressed, adding that issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang are all China's internal affairs, and Vietnam firmly opposes any interference in China's internal affairs. Vietnam is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges; share experience in party and state governance; deepen strategic mutual trust; enhance synergy of development strategies; promote mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as national defense and security, trade and investment and cross-border infrastructure connectivity, and strengthen youth and local exchanges and cooperation with China, Lam said. Vietnam is willing to work with China to properly manage maritime differences and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, he added. Vietnam supports and is willing to actively participate in the initiative to build a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Lam said. Vietnam is also willing to strengthen multilateral international cooperation with China, uphold multilateralism, safeguard international fairness and justice, and make positive contributions to promoting world peace and development, he added. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Two Nebraska men face wire fraud and other charges related to a scam where they were able to steal more than $350,000 from a casino in northern South Dakota. According to recently unsealed federal court documents, Roberto Carlos Gonzales Miranda and Roberto Orellana have been indicted by a grand jury for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit theft from a gaming establishment on Indian Lands and transportation of stolen money. Sioux Falls story featured on CBS Mornings A court date has not been set for Miranda or Orellana. Court documents say the scheme from Miranda and Orellana targeted the Grand River Casino in rural Corson County near Mobridge in February 2024. The casino is owned and operated by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. An unknown woman called the casino and spoke with a cage manager, receiving a cell phone number for the cage manager. Then, a man pretending to be a collections contractor for the USPS said the casino owed $700,000 in fees for an audit or inspection and additional fines would come if cash wasnt paid immediately. According to court documents, the woman remained on the landline phone with the casino and was working with the collections pretender. A third text, from an unknown number, claiming to be the cage managers supervisor directed the casino worker to empty the vault and deposit the cash at a Bitcoin ATM in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The casino worker took $352,000 from the casino vault and traveled to Aberdeen and was later called to meet in a parking lot in Mitchell to get the money, court documents said. After meeting in Mitchell, Miranda took the cash and an unknown co-conspirator wired Orellana $1,600 in exchange for his part in the fraud. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed that they were on the scene of an active investigation in Bartow County. At this time, details are still limited, but Channel 2s Courtney Francisco was live from the scene on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m. on Sunday where she spoke with neighbors about what they saw. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 7 p.m. on Sunday, deputies swarmed a subdivision in Adairsville, and families said they hid in their homes during a violent disturbance. Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed agents were actively gathering evidence at a home on Country Cove Lane. Adairsville, Georgia is supposed to be a safe place, and, today, I did not feel safe, said Caidan Churchwell. Neighbors said they noticed something was going on before 6 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: Video from neighbors shows SWAT, deputies, and police set up in driveways throughout the subdivision near HWY 140 and Interstate 75. My grandmother said she can hear the cops say get down, get down, said Jada McCollum. They wouldnt let her out of the house. They had to cover the blinds and hide. Earlier, the GBI confirmed that they were on scene in the area and we are waiting for them to confirm what caused the lockdown, and where the disturbance began. Channel 2 Action News also reached out to Bartow County Sheriffs Office but we have not received any details. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: (FOX40.COM) The Washoe County Coroners Office has positively identified a womans body that was recovered from Mt. Rose Highway on Aug. 15 as Patricia Portella-Wright, who had been reported missing earlier this month, according to the Placer County Sheriffs Office. Portella-Wright, 48, of Kings Beach, was last seen on Aug. 4 and was reported missing on Aug. 9 when she did not show up for work. Placer County rescue team finds missing woman in Tuolumne County Investigators say that she was last seen with her boyfriend Brent Clifford, who was later arrested on Aug. 14 in connection to crimes committed in Reno, Nevada, according to the sheriffs office. Prior to his arrest, Clifford was named a person of interest in an Aug. 11 homicide in Reno. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to announce on the Democratic convention floor Tuesday the California vote that gives Kamala Harris enough delegates to once again be declared the partys presidential nominee. Harris is already the nominee, thanks to a virtual roll call earlier this month. But a roll call of the states is a long-held convention tradition, and Democrats plan to take up much of Tuesdays program with the state by state tally.. The convention has about 4,700 delegates. It takes a majority to win, which should be no problem for Harris. The roll call usually proceeds alphabetically by state. Its expected that when its Californias turn, the state will pass and then later be recognized when its time to put Harris over the top. Newsom plans to briefly speak about Harris. Its a full-circle moment, said Newsom spokesman Nathan Click. Stay Informed On Election News Sign up here to get our Election 2024 newsletter, with local, state and national political news and analysis sent right to your inbox. Theyve known one another for three decades, dating back to when they were up and coming San Francisco politicians. Their careers have been on roughly parallel tracks. Harris was elected San Francisco district attorney in 2003. Newsom, who had been a San Francisco Supervisor, was elected the citys mayor the same year. Harris was reelected four years later. So was Newsom. She then won her bid for attorney general in 2010. Newsom ran and won for lieutenant governor. Harris ran for and won a U.S. Senate seat in 2016. Newsom ran for and won the governorship two years later. Newsom is not currently scheduled for a formal floor speech during the four-day convention. He plans a series of media interviews while hes here and visits to delegation breakfasts to tout Harris campaign. Harris is scheduled to give her convention acceptance speech Thursday night. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is sworn into his second term in the office by state Attorney General Kamala Harris on Jan. 5, 2015, in Sacramento. Newsom is joined by his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and their children Montana, 5, Hunter, 4, and Brooklynn, 2. Photo illustration by Getty Images. Nine states, including North Dakota, are challenging an executive order by President Joe Biden that would enlist federal agencies to help register residents to vote, and those states say the order undermines their power to control elections, calling it federally subsidized program aimed at boosting Democratic and left-leaning blocs. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen filed the federal lawsuit in court in Wichita, Kansas. The nine states are Montana, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Carolina. The heart of the lawsuit is Executive Order 14019, which was issued on March 10, 2021. The states challenging the executive order say that Biden converts various federal agencies, turning them in part into a voter registration organization illegally. The attorneys general say that elections, including voter registration, are solely the province of states, guaranteed by the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Moreover, the states said that its an example of the federal government trying to usurp the sovereignty of the states, and giving the states no other choice than to resort to federal court. The lawsuit said the states were never invited into the process, never allowed to comment, and they accuse the Biden administration of hiding the plans. In response to requests under the Freedom of Information Act, the Biden-Harris Administration has asserted the plans are subject to privilege and may be withheld from public scrutiny, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit lists a number of federal agencies as defendants, including the U.S. Treasury, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of The Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Department of Education. The lawsuit also claims that the National Voter Registration Act means that federal agencies cannot stand in the way of citizens voting, but it also said that voter registration activity is left to the states, and Bidens order oversteps its authority. The 41-page suit outlines a number of ways the executive order commands the federal agencies to help bolster the efforts to register voters, for example: The suit accuses the Department of Justice of providing information to those who remain eligible to vote while in federal custody, as well as preparing prisoners about voting laws and rights before reentry. It says that the Department of the Interior will disseminate information about registering and voting at schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education and tribal colleges and universities. The order also encourages the Department of Agriculture to provide nonpartisan voter information through its borrowers and lenders about registration and voting. Designating 2,400 American Job Centers, which provide employment guidance, training and career services, to become voter registration agencies under the National Voter Registration Act. Allowing public housing community areas space for certain election-related activities, including voter registration or voter drop boxes for early voting. The lawsuit said that the order allows the Department of Education to allow federal work study funds to support voter registration activities. There is little detail about how agencies determine whether a third-party organization is approved, non-partisan, or what third-party organizations an agency can work with to promote voter registration, the lawsuit said. A rule that permits federal agencies to engage in voter registration activities trenches on States constitutionally protected sovereign rights. From a practical standpoint, the states claim that the federal governments executive order doesnt just exceed the constitution, but could threaten efforts in the individual states. The vast resources of the federal government render it unique among all possible entities engaged in voter registration. Because of the resources it can bring to bear, the federal government can engage in voter registration activities on a scale that will, as a practical matter, swamp any states attempt to regulate the governments actions, the lawsuit said. The states also said that encouraging a variety of different agencies without proper training put the elections at risk of fraud. They failed to consider the risk of fraud or to implement actions to prevent fraud, which threatens the integrity of state administration of elections, the states said. This includes, at a minimum, ensuring that illegal aliens do not register to vote through the plans the agency defendants put in place. It is already against federal law for non-citizens to vote in elections. North Dakota does not have voter registration. The states conclude the lawsuit by saying that the plans in the executive order werent motivated to help resident register to vote, rather they are part of a Democrat plan. (The executive order) was motivated by a partisan desire to unfairly increase the Democrat vote as shown by the fact that the order came from left-wing, progressive groups, the suit claims. The purpose is to promote left-wing politicians and policies at elections. Daily Montanan is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and X. NM governor to speak about health care at DNC EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) New Mesxico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week and will speak Tuesday, Aug. 20 about health care, her office said in a news release. The governor is a convention delegate and a former New Mexico Secretary of Health. Democrats are expected to officially nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as the partys 2024 presidential candidate in Chicago this week. El Paso Democrats to take part in DNC in Chicago Also attending the convention are Lujan Grishams Chief-of-Staff Dan Schlegel, Deputy Chief Operating Officer Caroline Buerkle and Communications Director Michael Coleman. Travel costs for the governor and staff are paid for by Lujan Grishams political action committee. The governor will return to New Mexico on Friday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. An attorney for a man seen on video being punched by a Los Angeles Police Department officer during an arrest last month said Monday that his client will not face charges. The announcement was made following the morning arraignment of Alexander Mitchell, 30, who was seen with his hands behind his back when he was punched during the July 28 incident. Cellphone video of the arrest shows Mitchell yelling, What did I do? as he was being detained. LA cop punches man in face Mitchell was illegally parked and facing the wrong direction near 113th Street and Graham Avenue in Watts when he was approached by the officers. My client was double-parked. Thats all he was doing. Waiting for a friend. We see people double-parked all the time at the airport. You never see police officers pulling them out of their cars, handcuffing them and punching them, Attorney Brad Gage said. The Los Angeles Police Protective League defended the officers actions amid outcries from the public once the video was shared. The organization said Mitchell was resisting arrest and not cooperating with officers who asked him to put his hands behind his back so they could put a second handcuff on him. That strike enabled officers to complete the handcuffing, police said, and the Protective League added that the use of strikes complies with LAPD protocol when an officer is trying to overcome active resistance to arrest. Gage has filed a complaint against the LAPD in connection with the incident. The officer who threw the punch was taken off field duty pending an investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Officials with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) said they have been involved in the response to the tire facility fire that has been burning in Jackson since Saturday, August 17. Officials said MDEQ personnel have been on site, working closely with local firefighters, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and cleanup crews to manage the situation. Community air monitoring has been a priority, and we are pleased to report that all monitored constituents of concern, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and benzene, have been measured below action levels, indicating that there is no current threat to public health from air quality, MDEQ officials stated. 18-year-old arrested on drug charge after Rankin County chase MDEQ personnel are also addressing fire water runoff by collecting oil resulting from the fire to prevent any potential environmental impact. The fire started around 2:30 p.m. near East McDowell Road on Saturday. Black smoke could be seen across the metro. Officials with the Jackson Fire Department (JFD) said the fire burned rubber tires at the location and damaged a structure. They said firefighters could be at the location for several days until the fire has been fully extinguished. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. No, we dont want Andrew Bailey handling abortion cases in place of local prosecutors Attorney General Andrew Bailey speaks on Feb. 29, 2024, at the Boone County Republican Lincoln Days dinner in Columbia (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent). While busy with his own campaign for Missouri attorney general, Republican Andrew Bailey also loomed large in the primary race for prosecutor of the states second largest county. He popped up repeatedly in Jackson County in forums and interviews, sometimes by name and sometimes not, but always as a menacing presence. After a lively and not always friendly campaign among Democratic candidates, voters on Aug. 6 selected Melesa Johnson to replace longtime prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. Johnson, who is director of public safety for Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, faces a Republican opponent in November, but holds an advantage in a county that leans Democratic. The primary campaign pitted Johnson against assistant prosecuting attorney John Gromowsky and defense lawyer Stephanie Burton. The three candidates argued around the edges on most issues. The starkest difference of opinion had to do with abortion. At forums, candidates inevitably were asked whether they would prosecute someone suspected of violating Missouris near-total ban on abortions. Johnson and Burton, who touted their support for womens reproductive freedom, were unequivocal. They would not prosecute. Under my administration, we will not be taking those cases on, Johnson said during a July 26 debate aired on Kansas City PBS. She mentioned that Missouris abortion ban specifically empowers the attorney general to investigate and prosecute suspected violations. The attorney general is more than welcome, as he is known to do, to insert himself into prosecuting those cases, Johnson said. Burton issued a similar invitation: If the AG wants to take that up with me, I welcome the fight. It doesnt take a lot of imagination to picture Bailey, who is favored to win his race to remain in office, slipping on the gloves. The attorney general does love a fight, and nothing gets the juices flowing like a clash over a divisive social issue in one of Missouris largest and most progressive counties. With her adamant stance, Johnson has practically guaranteed that should she become prosecutor, Bailey will insist that any abortion case in Jackson County go directly to his office. Of the three primary candidates, only Gromowsky said he would review an abortion case. When you say youre not going to prosecute a case like that, then youre forcing the police to take it to the attorney generals office, he said at the PBS debate. And I think the outcome is probably going to be different. Gromowskys response was seen by many as a dodge. Although he said the state should not regulate womens health decisions, he is regarded as more ambivalent on the abortion issue than his two opponents. But regardless of his personal views, Gromowskys response is the one I wish all three candidates had come up with. All prosecutors have discretion over what cases they choose to take on, and how theyll handle them. They can seek to resolve cases quietly with the intent to bring some measure of restoration, or they can crush people with the full force of the law. I would expect Baileys approach to be the latter. This is the official, remember, who forces people to endure additional prison time even after prosecutors and judges have determined that they never committed the crimes that got them locked up in the first place. Bailey operates without compassion or concern for privacy or human dignity. A doctor, patient, friend or family member suspected of violating a Missouri abortion law would have a very rough time in his clutches. Passage of Constitutional Amendment 3, the ballot measure just approved for a statewide vote in November, would not necessarily resolve the issue. The amendment would enshrine the right to abortion in Missouri up to the point of fetal viability. But we would then expect Republican legislators to complicate that right with all manner of unreasonable regulations on patients and providers. Legal abortion may return, but legal action is not likely to go away. Fortunately, Jackson Countys proximity to Kansas, where abortion is constitutionally protected, has minimized the prospect of women and providers being dragged into the legal system. No criminal case involving abortion has come to light since Missouris ban took effect in 2022. When that happened, Jackson Countys current prosecutor, Jean Peters Baker, got in touch with local police departments. Baker has been a staunch advocate of women making their own health care decisions. But if police were asked to investigate an abortion case, she told officials, they should bring the findings to her. She explained why in a 2022 interview with Slate. I was elected here, Baker said. And I know my community. And Im going to do my job here rather than let somebody else come in my jurisdiction and do it for me. At the time, the someone else she referred to was then-state attorney general and now U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, who initiated the practice of picking fights with local prosecutors. Bailey has picked up that mantle and run with it, perhaps even more furiously than Schmitt. He is out for himself, not for the good of Missouri or its communities or citizens. All local prosecutors, regardless of their politics, should be wary of handing their decision-making powers to him. People taste grapes at a grape fair in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 17, 2024. The three-day Turpan grape festival kicked off on Friday. With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan has a long history of growing grapes and is one of the main grape production bases in China. Its planting area totals 42,000 hectares with 550 grape varieties. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) Tourists participate in a grape eating contest in the Grape Valley in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 17, 2024. The three-day Turpan grape festival kicked off on Friday. With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan has a long history of growing grapes and is one of the main grape production bases in China. Its planting area totals 42,000 hectares with 550 grape varieties. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) People taste grapes at a grape fair in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 17, 2024. The three-day Turpan grape festival kicked off on Friday. With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan has a long history of growing grapes and is one of the main grape production bases in China. Its planting area totals 42,000 hectares with 550 grape varieties. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) A Turpan Muqam show is staged during a performance for the Turpan grape festival in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 17, 2024. The three-day Turpan grape festival kicked off on Friday. With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan has a long history of growing grapes and is one of the main grape production bases in China. Its planting area totals 42,000 hectares with 550 grape varieties. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) People walk to the venue of the opening ceremony of the 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 16, 2024. The three-day Turpan grape festival kicked off on Friday. With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan has a long history of growing grapes and is one of the main grape production bases in China. Its planting area totals 42,000 hectares with 550 grape varieties. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) A child poses for photos in the Grape Valley in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 17, 2024. The three-day Turpan grape festival kicked off on Friday. With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan has a long history of growing grapes and is one of the main grape production bases in China. Its planting area totals 42,000 hectares with 550 grape varieties. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) People taste grapes at a grape fair in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 17, 2024. The three-day Turpan grape festival kicked off on Friday. With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan has a long history of growing grapes and is one of the main grape production bases in China. Its planting area totals 42,000 hectares with 550 grape varieties. (Xinhua/Jin Bowen) Staff members sell grapes via livestreaming at a grape fair in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 17, 2024. The three-day Turpan grape festival kicked off on Friday. With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan has a long history of growing grapes and is one of the main grape production bases in China. Its planting area totals 42,000 hectares with 550 grape varieties. (Xinhua/Jin Bowen) People watch a drone light show during the opening ceremony of the 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 16, 2024. The three-day Turpan grape festival kicked off on Friday. With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan has a long history of growing grapes and is one of the main grape production bases in China. Its planting area totals 42,000 hectares with 550 grape varieties. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) James "Jim" Densmore, left, with his sister and caretaker Sarah Densmore. Both are seeking answers about Jim Densmore's place on the state's waitlist for Medicaid waiver services. (Photo provided by Sarah Densmore,. Photo illustration by Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Prior to May of 2021, James Jim Densmore lived alone and worked a full-time remote job in central Indiana as a quality systems data analyst. But when he stopped answering his phone, his family started to worry. We found him on the floor. Amazingly, he was understanding my commands, my questions and hearing me. And when I asked him, Did you have a stroke? He gave me a thumbs up, Sarah Densmore, his sister, recalled. After weeks in a hospital followed by months of rehabilitation, Jim Densmore moved in with his sister, his closest family, who had relocated to a ground floor apartment to better accommodate his wheelchair. And while he no longer has a feeding or tracheostomy tube, hes still partially paralyzed on his left side. When I call (others) and they say, Youre number five, please hold. Your estimated wait time is seven minutes ... Why cant (FSSA) do the same thing? I just dont understand it. Sarah Densmore, sister and caretaker of Jim Densmore He is just now learning to stand on his own after three years, but he is still progressing. He couldnt do that six months ago, Sarah Densmore said. It just made sense that I would be the person. So I gladly brought him in and with the help of many, many wonderful at-home agencies and his regular doctor hes been getting gradually better. But the coverage options that got Jim Densmore, now 64, and Sarah Densmore, 63, through the first year or so didnt last. His companys short-term disability policy lasted six months, but Jim Densmore couldnt return to work and lost that insurance. Then he made do with Medicaid, which lapsed once he started getting his social security because his income level was too high, Sarah Densmore said. Now Jim Densmore uses that social security to pay out-of-pocket premiums for insurance under the Affordable Care Act Marketplace while Sarah Densmore who also retired to care for her brother uses her social security to cover their basic living needs. Then the Densmores found out about the states Medicaid waiver programs and applied in November 2023. It would not only cover some medical expenses but could also pay Sarah Densmore a daily stipend as Jim Densmores caregiver. But the following month, the overseeing agency revealed a nearly $1 billion shortfall in the states Medicaid budget. One of the maneuvers used to save the state money was the implementation of a waitlist for waiver services, which have a higher income cutoff than traditional Medicaid. We dont have enough money for food throughout the month, so thank heaven for these wonderful people at local food pantries because they help me stretch the food budget. Gratefully, I can pay for our rent, our electricity and he can pay for his phone bill, his insurance premium, the therapy , Sarah Densmore said. Were very fortunate in that regard. But at the end of the month, there is absolutely nothing left. Shortly after an interview with the Indiana Capital Chronicle, Jim Densmore, who was on the Aged and Disabled waitlist, got a message from FSSA inviting him to move to the PathWays waitlist. The state split the Aged and Disabled waiver into a PathWays waiver, for older Hoosiers, and a Health and Wellness waiver for those with disabilities. Starting in July, the state transitioned those under the old waiver waitlist onto the new waivers, both of which also have waitlists. The Densmores plan to start the PathWays process this week, but it is unclear how long it will be before he can get services. There are many more people like Jim Densmore. Under the current process, if no new Hoosiers join the waitlists an unlikely scenario FSSA would process the PathWays waitlist in just over 11 months while the Health and Wellness waiver would take two and a half years. Impact of budget on waitlist Indiana has five different Medicaid waivers, at least two of which have a waitlist. Four of the waivers are administered by the Bureau of Disability Services and focus on serving Hoosiers with disabilities while the remaining waiver for PathWays for Hoosiers aged 60 and older is overseen by the Office of Medicaid and Planning. The estimated length of each waitlist varies depending on capacity, but some officials warn that some waitlists already exceed the number of available slots. The Family and Social Services Administration only shared information related to waitlists for the PathWays and Health and Wellness waiver. An analysis from health care policy group KFF recently reported that more than 692,000 people are on Medicaid waitlists nationally, most of whom (72%) have an intellectual or developmental disability. Seniors and adults with physical disabilities make up 25% of national waitlists and the remaining 3% includes children who are medically fragile, people with traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, people living with HIV/AIDS and more. The agency didnt respond to a question about whether there were waitlists for either the Family Supports Waiver, the Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver, or the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver though disability advocates said there are waiting lists for the Family Supports waiver as well. According to a July 1 release, 9,015 Hoosiers are on the waitlist for PathWays and another 3,762 are on the waitlist for the Health and Wellness Waiver. FSSA invited 125 people off of the Health and Wellness waitlist and 800 people off of the PathWays waiting list in July and intends to do the same in August. The pace that has been shared is based on making sure that the states systems and processes could handle the capacity and to provide transparency. We will monitor the work closely, an FSSA spokesperson said. We are currently working through just over 900 members each month and will continue to look for ways to increase the throughput. Though the federal government has approved more slots for Indiana than it currently fills, FSSA isnt utilizing those additional slots. The states PathWays waiver notes that The States budget process drives the number of annually available waiver slots. FSSA told the Indiana Capital Chronicle, All FSSA programs and waivers are dependent on the funding available when asked about the impact of the budget on the waitlist. But state lawmakers have indicated little appetite for more Medicaid spending, instead sharing concerns about the programs ballooning costs. Legislators will convene in January for the next budget writing session. Few options for Hoosiers on waitlists Staff with The Arc of Indiana, which advocates on behalf of Hoosiers with disabilities, flagged concerns about whether people would be forced to seek institutional care in the absence of the community supports the waivers provided. being on a waiting list not only can delay critical medical treatment and therapies, but also means critical supports to help individuals remain in the community are not available, The Arc of Indiana email said. These lack of supports can lead families to seek placement in a Medicaid funded group home, nursing facility or placement for extended periods of time in psychiatric wards of hospitals. Family caregivers may feel forced to quit working, which puts the entire family at risk because they cannot pay their bills. Down the road, this will impact their social security and other retirement income. The Arcs spokesperson said several family advocates with the organization had called 211, the states informational hotline, to see what resources it would recommend for families on the waitlist. While the 211 operators were very sympathetic, there was very little they could direct them to Without Medicaid or a Medicaid Waiver, there is no substitute to cover attendant care or structured family caregiving. It is crushing for families to be told, there are other services out there when there are not, the email said. Frequently, families are directed to their local Area Agency on Aging or the states Bureau of Disability Services. Sarah Densmore said shed received a call from the latter last week, after being directed to contact them by her local Area Agency on Aging. She was dismayed to learn that FSSA prioritizes those whove recently left institutional settings on the waitlist and that the state cant give specific wait time estimates. What I still find perplexing is that (FSSA) could not tell me where Jim is on the waitlist and how many people are in front of them? (They) said they dont know, they have not been told, Sarah Densmore said. I said, Well, surely someone must know. Its computerized that doesnt seem logical to me. When I call (others) and they say, Youre number five, please hold. Your estimated wait time is seven minutes, Sarah Densmore continued. Why cant (FSSA) do the same thing? I just dont understand it. In an email, an FSSA spokesperson said that those estimates couldnt be calculated because of the factors involved, such as whether a person invited off the waitlist declines to continue the process and the number of individuals who are given waitlist priority in any given month. When an individual is invited to continue the process of joining the waiver, they will receive multiple notifications outlining the specific steps they must take and the timeframe in which they must be completed, the email continued. The Arc notes that the state maintains a centralized waitlist for the Family Supports Waiver but that local Areas Agencies on Aging have the lists for PathWays, Health and Wellness and Traumatic Brain Injury waivers. It is very difficult to navigate. This is information that is vital for people to have, The Arc spokesperson said. Right now, (families) are in no mans land and really feel adrift. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Officials in Washington state say zebra mussels were found Aug. 5 on Marimo moss aquarium balls. (Courtesy of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife) Non-living zebra mussels a fast-spreading invasive species that can clog pipes have been detected in Marimo moss balls being sold in Idaho, state officials announced Monday. A news release by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture said the mussels were found on moss balls shipped to a Boise aquarium product retailer, and that all products were voluntarily surrendered to the state agriculture agency for proper disposal. Store managers and staff throughout the state have been cooperative throughout this important process, Idaho State Department of Agriculture Invasive Species Bureau Chief Nic Zurfluh said in a statement. Everyone has a part to play in protecting our state from invasive species. We now rely on the public to do their part in inspecting aquariums for the invasive mussels. Zebra mussels like quagga mussels are an invasive species that can clog water pipes and harm native fish populations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. All aquarium owners should carefully examine their own material for invasive species, and follow official guidance on how to safely dispose of contaminated material, the Idaho agriculture department says. Owners should not dump aquarium water or throw away moss balls into drains or natural bodies of water, Idaho officials say. Need more info or help on zebra mussels? Visit invasivespecies.idaho.gov/moss/ Contact the Idaho State Department of Agricultures Invasive Species Program at 877-336-8676 or info@isda.idaho.gov. The State Department of Agriculture is continuing inspections at local pet and aquarium stores, while officials work to further collect and dispose affected products. Zebra mussels were detected in Washington on Aug. 5 on Marimo moss balls shipped to a wholesale aquarium company in Renton, Washington. Idaho officials warned Idaho aquarium owners to inspect for the mussels last week. After chemically killing quagga mussels in the Snake River last fall, Idaho officials havent spotted viable quagga mussels this spring. But they say they still need to sample amid peak reproduction season, the Idaho Capital Sun reported. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Police are hoping the public can help provide information on a deadly hit-and-run crash from earlier in the year. According to North Las Vegas police, a crash was reported just before 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 that involved a Jeep and a pedestrian. When officers responded, they found 51-year-old Enrique Zuniga Jr. suffering from serious injuries. He died at the scene. Zuniga was walking southbound on Losee Road while pushing a shopping cart in the roadway. Police said the Jeep was traveling northbound and struck Zuniga. NLVPD released this photo of the vehicle, seen at top of picture, suspected in a deadly hit-and-run on March 16, 2024. (NLVPD) Police said witnesses told them the Jeep pulled over after the crash but then left the scene. It was last seen headed northbound on Losee, through the intersection of Craig Road. The Jeep is described as a 2-door, red or maroon, Jeep Wrangler. Police did release a photo of the vehicle. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact NLVPD at (702) 633-9111. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at (702) 385-5555, or online at this link. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A former North Thurston Public Schools student who now works for the district is raising concerns about the racist language she hears being used by students. Carletta Garraway, who moved to the area in 1971 and graduated from Timberline High School in 1978, has had three generations of her family go through Timberline, she said. So in the last 53 years, I think theres only five years that we havent had someone either working, volunteering or attending school, she said. And so Im very passionate about our community and the things that happen to our kids, especially since I have nieces at every level of education here, and whats been coming to me is issues regarding the use of the n-word, and a lot of the racial things that are happening. Garraway shared this message during public comment at a recent North Thurston school board meeting. In all my years here, even when I went here, when I was one of five black families in the community, I was never called a monkey or gorilla or told that if we lived back in the 1800s that I would be their slaves, she said. These are things that our kids are saying to each other, and its starting to become alarming to me, Garraway said, adding that one of her nieces has been on the receiving end of this kind of language. She added that the incident with her niece was resolved, but not necessarily quickly and in a manner which I felt that probably could have happened. She did acknowledge the work the school district is doing in trying to address issues that involve various communities and underrepresented people within the district. Still, Garraway, who works in the career and counseling center at Timberline and is an adviser to the Black Student Union at Nisqually Middle School, felt compelled to speak out. I come to you because, you know, Im an employee, and I always kind of felt that I couldnt say anything because Im an employee, but Im also, first, an aunt and a member of this community, and what Im seeing is alarming, she again told the board. Public comment is limited to three minutes at school board meetings and board members typically dont respond to the comments. Garraway also shared her comments in writing with the board, including ideas that could help. I dont believe in coming with concerns without coming with some suggestions and solutions, she said to the board and to The Olympian when the newspaper reached out to her to learn more about her suggestions. Garraway recommends the following: Create a time when the board will conduct public forums/town meetings that directly address some of the issues brought to the board during public comment. This will provide a format to discuss and maybe have problem-solving discussions to support the development of policy and procedure. Create a focus/working group to have tough conversations regarding student racial issues. This group needs to include students. Students are experiencing things we may not be aware of and should be a part of what they feel is needed from the adults in the room, she said. I can see this Community Collaboration Group as a powerful tool and supportive resource. Solutions begin one step at a time, and I feel this would be a great big first step. She would also like to see teachers and staff empowered to address the language being used among students by being trained to address those situations without feeling uncomfortable and understand how different communities like to be addressed. A big part of this is education, she said. Young people use the n-word, for example, because they hear it in music or see it on social media or read it in a book or hear it in the classroom and they repeat it, but dont fully understand the historical context of the word, Garraway said. Shes also had young people say that when they use the n-word, they use the softer ga, not the harder ger. Both are unacceptable, she said. It is not OK on any level for anyone, student or staff, Garraway said in her written comments to the board. The district responded to Garraways comments. We are committed to ensuring all students feel safe, respected, and able to focus on learning, spokeswoman Amy Blondin said. Board members carefully review all public comments, including suggestions for improvement. When appropriate, the Board delegates to the superintendent or his designee for follow-up, including in this case. Anyone who has a concern regarding bullying, harassment, or intimidation can report it to a principal or staff member, or use the online reporting form, the district says. (FOX40.COM) A Northern California sheriffs office is searching for a man who was reported missing on Sunday morning after attending an event and not returning home. The Butte County Sheriffs Office said family members of Julio Gutierrez reported him missing around 2:40 a.m. Deputies started an investigation and determined Gutierrez did not return home after attending an event in Biggs, the agency said. During their investigation, the sheriffs office found evidence of a crash on Larkin Road, near the Afterbay Release Station. Deputies were concerned the vehicle involved in the crash left the roadway and was possibly submerged in the water, the sheriffs office said. The Butte County Search and Rescue team arrived at the scene and assisted deputies in recovering the vehicle. Deputies soon determined the vehicle belonged to Gutierrez, although he was not inside the vehicle. Deputies and search and rescue personnel are actively searching for Gutierrez, the sheriffs office said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Northern California deputies arrest 4 after stolen boat is found stripped in an orchard The Butte County Sheriffs Office arrested four people during an investigation into a boat stolen from its owners home last month. The boat had been dumped in an orchard in Vina, a town in Tehama County, stripped of its engine and several other components, deputies said. Deputies made arrests in the incident through the month of August. Investigators determined through surveillance footage that Mark Seldon, 47, was a suspect in the theft and arrested him. He had ammunition and evidence related to stealing the boat, deputies said. Seldon pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of grand theft of personal property costing more than $950 at his Thursday arraignment. Hes due back for a preliminary hearing Aug. 29, according to Butte Superior Court records. Through the investigation, deputies said they learned another suspect, a 36-year-old Red Bluff man, was involved in the incident. He was arrested at his home, during which deputies said they found a piece of the stolen boat and that he was involved in taking the boat directly from the victims home. The 36-year-old man faces charges of grand theft, conspiracy, vehicle theft and receiving stolen property after his Thursday arrest, according to a jail log. Deputies said they uncovered more evidence at the 36-year-old suspects home, which led them to a 40-year-old mans home in Chico. The boat was once at the 40-year-old Chico mans home, leading investigators to serve a search at his home. They found parts of the stolen boat, meth and a shotgun, deputies said. The 40-year-old man faces charges of taking a boat without the owners consent and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. A woman at his residence also was arrested on suspicion of being a felon who had a gun, deputies said. Anyone with more information about this incident is asked to call Detective Casey Whitney or Detective Mike Worch at 530-538-7322. For now, the Supreme Court wont stop states from blocking Bidens Title IX changes The U.S. Supreme Court is pictured. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom) States shunning new federal rules on discrimination in schools over sexual orientation and gender identity wont be forced to follow them for the time being. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday to reject a Biden administration request for a partial stay that would allow some of the new regulations to take effect while lower courts deliberate disputes over protections for transgender students. Multiple lawsuits have challenged U.S. Department of Educations revisions to its Title IX policy, which deals with sex-based discrimination at any school that receives federal funding. A total of 26 states have acted to block enforcement of the rules, with 22 of them already winning lower court rulings that stop them from fully taking effect. Opponents of the policy argue the rules force unwanted standards for matters that are best left for locals to determine. They have also provided fodder in the continuing fight between far-right Republican governors and attorney generals against the Democratic presidents pro-LGBTQ+ stance. The Supreme Courts ruling Friday was in response to challenges from Kentucky, which involves six other states, and Louisiana, which was joined by three other states and local school districts in its complaint. This means that Louisiana schools will not have to comply with the Biden-Harris administrations demand that they let boys in girls bathrooms as our children return to school, Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement. The new Title IX regulations dont explicitly require schools to open their bathrooms to students based on their gender identity. They do prohibit blanket policies that ban transgender students from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch joined liberal Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor in dissent of Fridays ruling. Their opinion centered on lower courts ruling too broadly when blocking all of the administrations Title IX revisions. The policy changes that havent been challenged include those for pregnant and postpartum students. For example, they require schools to provide lactation rooms for mothers and designated bathrooms for pregnant students. By blocking the Government from enforcing scores of regulations that respondents never challenged and that bear no apparent relationship to respondents alleged injuries, the lower courts went beyond their authority to remedy the discrete harms alleged here, Sotomayor wrote. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Three detainees transported after altercation in local ICE center UPDATE: PHILIPSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) Numerous EMS responded to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, a privately owned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building on Monday. At 2:05 p.m. on Aug. 19, staff had to separate a group of detainees who had gotten into an altercation. According to an ICE spokesperson, out of an abundance of caution, four detainees were transported to an outside medical facility after the altercation that occurred on the West Yard. Pennsylvania state police later confirmed three detainees were taken with stab wounds. There were no life-threatening injuries and no injuries to staff requiring outside medical attention. The incident is under control and there is no safety risk to the general public, the spokesperson said. The incident is under investigation. ORIGINAL STORY (WTAJ) Numerous EMS are responding to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, a privately owned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. While details are limited, we do know that nearly half a dozen EMS companies have been called to the center and a landing area was set up for medical helicopters, according to Hope Fire Company. Stick with WTAJ on-air and online as we continue to keep you up to date with the latest information. This is a developing story, please check back for updates and download the WTAJ app to receive breaking news notifications. The Moshannon Valley Processing Center, owned by the GEO Company, came to an agreement with ICE to reopen as a processing center for illegal immigrants in 2021. Those held in the facility will fall under ICEs enforcement priorities guidelines, Brian McShane, the acting field office director at ICE Philadelphia, told WTAJ previously. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's central authorities have allocated 115 million yuan (about 16.1 million U.S. dollars) to assist five regions in dealing with the flood disasters. The funds from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management will be distributed to Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia, which have suffered from rainstorms and floods since August. The funds will mainly be utilized for the search and transfer of affected people, handling of risky facilities, and identification of potential secondary disasters. Gov. Kathy Hochul will soon decide whether to approve a controversial bill that would force oil, natural-gas and coal companies to fork over billions of dollars to the state for contributing to climate change. Backers liken the plan the proposed Climate Change Superfund to the federal Superfund program that has been trying to hold polluters responsible for abandoned toxic-waste sites for decades. But critics claim that New Yorks climate-change version which passed both the Assembly and Senate in the spring is unworkable, would only end up costing customers in the long run and will be tied up in the courts for years if approved. Gov. Kathy Hochul will soon decide whehter to sign the states Climate Change Superfund bill into law. Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul An analysis conducted for bill sponors state Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) and obtained by The Post shows foreign-owned and American companies together would pay about $3 billion a year or $75 billion over 25 years under the plan. The oil giant Saudi Aramco of Saudi Arabia could be slapped with the largest annual assessment of any company $640 million a year for emitting 31,269 million tons of greenhouse gases from 2000 to 2020. Aramco formally known as the Saudi Arabian Oil Co. is owned by the Saudi Royal family. The state-owned Mexican oil firm Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, emitted 9,512 tons of CO2 and could face an $193 million assessment for generating 9,512 million tons of greenhouse gases. Russias Lukoil could be assessed with a $100 million yearly fee for spewing 4,912 millions of CO2. The Climate Change Superfund bill would charge energy companies for contributing to climate change. Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images The 38 companies identified as carbon polluters include American petro giants such as Exxon and Chevron as well as Shell and BP in the UK, Total Energies IES in France, Petrobras in Brazil, BHP in Australia, Glencore in Switzerland, Equinor in Norway and ENI in Italy. Hochul has yet to say whether she will sign the bill into law, with a rep telling The Post that the governor is still reviewing the proposed legislation. The bill is well-intentioned in terms of trying to generate funds for New York to prepare for climate change, said former state Public Service Commission Chairman John Howard. Saudi Aramco would be charged $640 million a year the most of any company under the bill. Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images But he questioned whether state officials will be able to collect fees from foreign-owned firms or those headquartered in other countries. What is the mechanism for collecting from Saudi Aramco and Lukoil? What is the crown prince [Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia] going to say? Will the foreign entities pay? Howard asked. I dont see a mechanism for them to pay. He said the carbon fuel companies will try to pass along any costs to customers at the pump, anyways. New Yorkers for Affordable Energy Executive Director Daniel Ortega added in a statement, This bill is unconstitutional and is sure to be legally challenged. Pemex would face a $193 million assessment if the bill is approved. Mauricio Palos/Bloomberg via Getty Images This bill is a terrible signal to businesses engaged in selling legal commodities anywhere in New York State, Ortega wrote. For a business, it means you could follow every rule and regulation, collect and pay every tax and then have the Legislature impose penalties on you for it after the fact. Who in their right mind would want to continue to do business in a state like that? Money collected under the proposed program would be used for new or upgraded infrastructure needs such as coastal wetlands restoration, storm-water drainage system upgrades, energy-efficient cooling systems in public and private buildings including schools and public housing and addressing severe weather conditions through the erection of sea walls. The cost to the state of climate adaptation investments through 2050 will easily reach several hundred billion dollars, based on an array of estimates for projects impacting different regions across the state, far more than the $75 billion being assessed on the fossil fuel industry, Krueger and Dinowitz state in the bill. Krueger said there shouldnt be a problem collecting greenhouse gas fees from foreign companies because they all have American-based divisions that are supposed to follow our laws and courts. Dinowitz agreed, saying, Theres no reason to think were not able to do that. I expect other states to follow suit, the pol said. Vermont was the first state in the US to approve a Climate Change Superfund Act, which went into effect July 1. Mayor Eric Adams and his whole team are in the hot seat now in connection to an ongoing federal probe into allegations that they were involved in some financial corruption that was both international and illegal. Nine months ago, the FBI announced an investigation into a claim that the Manhattan mayor solicited illegal foreign donations from Turkey government officials to fund his 2021 election campaign. The announcement wasnt so subtle either, since the Feds busted in the Brooklyn home of his chief fundraiser to conduct a raid, per The New York Times. Also connected to those allegations was the suspicion that a Brooklyn construction company was woven into the mess because Adams allegedly pressed the city Fire Department to authorize a new high-rise building for none other than Turkey officials. As if the perceived relationship between Adams and Turkey wasnt clear enough, the Feds also looked into various flight upgrades Adams received from Turkish Airlines. Investigators have now taken another step forward in their probe to place Adams, city hall and his election committee under subpoena, sources tell The Times and ABC News. Adams confirmed receiving the subpoenas in an interview with WABCs Bill Ritter saying, Like previous administrations that have gone through subpoenas, you participate and cooperate. You see the subpoena, and you respond. At the end of the day, it will show there is no criminality here. Adams position has been ten toes down on denying any wrongdoing. Though, these allegations dont help his chances of winning the 2025 election among other scandals like endorsing the flow of undocumented immigrants into the already overpopulated city and answering the concern of public safety with flooding more police in the subways and streets. According to the Manhattan Institutes April 2024 poll, only 16 percent of city voters are likely to vote him back in. A spokesperson tells ABC News hell be cooperating with the investigation as he has for the past months. He expects everyone to cooperate to swiftly bring this investigation to a close, Fabien Levy, the deputy mayor for communications, said in a statement to ABC News. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. NEW YORK Schools across New York City are getting ready to welcome students back in a couple of weeks, stocking supply closets and decorating classrooms. On the Upper West Side, nine schools are taking back-to-school preparations a step further, installing laundry machines for homeless students whose lack of clean clothes often hurts their attendance. On Monday, volunteer movers dropped off 11 washers and dryers for children and their families, including migrants, living in shelters without laundry facilities. With the donated machines, students will have one less reason to be absent from school, their teachers and administrators say. Well see this student isnt here, said Kevin Bourne, business manager of the Urban Assembly School for Green Careers on the Upper West Side. By the time we call home or do a home visit, as simple a thing as I didnt have clean clothes, thats the reason theyre not able to come to school. In 2022-23, the latest term with available data, close to 12% of Green Careers students were living in temporary housing. Last year, the school enrolled additional migrant students displaced from Ukraine or elsewhere, Bourne said, as the number of kids without a stable place to call home surged. That school year, half of homeless students across the five boroughs missed enough classroom time to be considered chronically absent, according to data from the local Education Department. Councilwoman Gale Brewer, D-Manhattan, a former borough president, said a lack of clean clothes and its impact on attendance is a long-standing issue only exacerbated as more families seek asylum in New York. An estimated 581 migrant students enrolled in district public schools between the first six months of last school year and the end of the previous term. For months, shes been leading a charge to survey the public schools in her district and press the Education Department to provide laundry services. At schools without the necessary facilities, teachers were taking the childs clothing home, and washing it and bring it back, the councilwoman said Thats really an imposition on teachers. Students who come to school with dirty clothes are at risk of being bullied, Brewer said. Brewers office secured the used machines from an out-of-state donor and partnered with local movers to deliver them to the Upper West Side schools. Matt Fiore, president of West Side Movers, said the company contributed two trucks and two drivers. Even with the donations, just a fraction of the citys public schools can offer laundry services. At last count, 119 schools had washer-dryers as of late 2022, according to the Education Department. Clean clothes, meanwhile, can make a big difference in students ability to learn. Adolescents are hyper-aware of how they look and what other people look like, so they are often concerned about the perception that they may or may not look a particular way, said Danielle Salzberg, principal of Frank McCourt High School on the Upper West Side, where 16 students were homeless last year. So having a space and the materials they need to look their best, the way they want to look, is going be helpful to their ability to engage with each other and attend school more regularly, she said. At Green Careers, the washer-dryers will go in a space under renovation, where families can also access a food pantry and other necessities, such as blankets and clothes. The room already has a couple of microwaves and a fridge. The machines, too, should help students thrive in their classrooms. That is going to help take away some of the other stress they have, said Bourne, the business manager, so they can come in and focus on their education. _____ (Bloomberg) -- Chartreuse green. Coconut trees. Venn diagrams. Theyre motifs of a brat summer that has memed Kamala Harris into a narrow but perceptible lead against the master of social media Donald Trump. Most Read from Bloomberg Now, as she prepares to be coronated as her partys nominee in a presidential campaign dominated more by vibes than policy, Harris needs to keep the momentum going. So she is turning to about 200 social-media influencers, who for the first time ever have received privileges such as access to delegates and studio space at the Democratic National Convention. Its a reflection of the campaigns belief that social media creators are at least as important as traditional media organizations for getting its message to voters. Whats more, some of them not bound by journalistic doctrine against the appearance of bias will even make speeches at the DNC in Chicago to rally support for Harris. Monday night featured Deja Foxx, a Columbia University graduate whose website describes her as an activist leading thought at the intersection of social justice and social media. She is focused on reproductive rights, an issue that has given Democrats ammunition against the Republicans after a conservative majority in the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wades federal abortion protections. @deja_foxx #DNC Day 0 #OOTD BIRDS OF A FEATHER sped up - Lilly ???? Shell deliver a future where we can decide if and when to start a family, a future where we can afford rent and groceries, a future where were not crushed under student debt, a future where any free lunch kid can walk through the gates of their dream college, said Foxx, who has almost 140,000 followers on TikTok and about 52,000 followers on Instagram. For young people, this is a fight for our future. On Sunday, after arriving in Chicago for the convention, she posted two outfit check videos in which she sported a Stella McCartney dress that she said shed bought secondhand and a vintage 2020 primaries Kamala tee featuring a childhood picture of Harris in pigtails. Foxx, who worked on Harris failed bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, is now based in Arizona, where polls show a tight presidential race. Republicans are pushing border security where they sense Harris could be vulnerable, but face their own challenges on reproductive rights. An amendment to enshrine abortion protections in the states constitution will be on the ballot in November, which could fuel Democratic turnout. Apart from Foxx, four other influencers Olivia Julianna, Carlos Eduardo Espina, Nabela Noor and John Russell will speak at the DNC this week, according to a person familiar with the matter. Theyll share the same spotlight reserved for Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, as well as the most powerful Democrats, including Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Bill and Hillary Clinton. On the sidelines of the convention Monday, online influencers were provided a special pavilion and luxury box to promote Harris candidacy. Democratic aides brought officials over to a blue carpet to be interviewed by the social media stars, who sipped free beer while cutting videos. In the convention hall, some had prepositioned ring lights to capture themselves during some of the more marquee events. Im not sure I understand it in its entirety, but I think its important and certainly it seems to be impactful with young people in particular, so youve got to embrace it, said Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia of Illinois, referring to the content creators. The focus on influencers stands in contrast to the Harris campaigns approach so far to journalists. Since Bidens exit from the race, the vice president hasnt sat for an interview with a news organization or taken questions from reporters at a formal press conference. Her opponent Trump is engaging more with the press in a bid to goad Harris into unscripted settings herself, in the hope that she stumbles or reverts back to the more liberal policy positions she espoused before joining Bidens 2020 campaign as his running mate. Harris has pledged to do a sit-down interview before the end of the month. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Daybreak podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar on Monday celebrated the Democratic partys recent success on social media, particularly compared with former president Trump's past dominance. One of the frustrations for us and our party is that these guys just captured the Internet, she told a group of New York delegates at the DNC. Not this time. Klobuchar highlighted the surfacing of controversial comments made by Trump running mate JD Vance disparaging childless cat ladies,'' sparking blowback not just from Democrats but also some Republicans. When we found that video on cat ladies, the cat ladies of the country united, she said. When they go after Kamala for coconut trees, theres coconut memes, theres brat summer, theres her laugh set to Zoom music. We have taken this back. Though Vance clarified that he was criticizing the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-child, rather than targeting people who couldnt have kids, his original remarks have contributed to a view that the GOP ticket is adversarial to women. The influencer Noor, set to speak on Tuesday at the DNC and whose social media feeds feature everything from recipes to makeup tips and travelogues, has spoken passionately on her YouTube channel, where she has over 1 million followers, about the challenges she and her husband faced in conceiving a child. @nabela Lets talk. ???? original sound - nabela While thats likely to resonate with Democratic diehards at the DNC, a pinned video on her TikTok account also provides a window into a challenge the Democrats are contending with among the Gen Z crowd. Noor speaks about why she deleted an earlier post expressing compassion for the innocent civilians affected by the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, a militant group designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union. I just assumed that all of my followers knew of my past posts and support for the Palestinian cause in the past year, she said in the video, while simultaneously applying makeup. If I could do one thing differently, it would be to be even clearer about my support for the Palestinian movement for peace and freedom while still sharing my sympathy of course for Israeli civilians. The elevation of influencers like Noor is the partys attempt to capture the attention of young voters, a core component of the Democratic base that was unenthusiastic about Bidens bid for reelection. Since his exit from the race, theyve warmed to Harris, but some of them are still skeptical of the vice president's response to the Israel-Hamas war. Noors video clarifying her views on the conflict shows how the turmoil in Gaza continues to be the biggest and most divisive issue driving many young Democrats to turn on the party. Harris has adopted a more sympathetic tone than Biden toward the plight of Palestinians, but her refusal to disavow Israel which has been bombarding Gaza as part of its stated goal of eliminating Hamas has angered the activists. #BREAKINGNEWS MIC DROP! Vice President and Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris tells hecklers. "If you want Donald Trump then just say that. Otherwise I am Speaking." ???? pic.twitter.com/IIhJlzXPsN Ford News (@FordJohnathan5) August 8, 2024 Chicago has been bracing for protests over the conflict after pro-Palestinian groups planned mass demonstrations urging followers to Shut Down the DNC for Gaza!. Through Monday afternoon, thousands of demonstrators have marched the citys streets. Harris has also faced off against protesters during her campaign. Kamala, Kamala you cant hide! We wont vote for genocide, a group of them yelled at a rally in Detroit earlier this month. The visibly annoyed vice president responded: You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking. Among the other influencers scheduled to speak at the convention, Espina is the most popular on TikTok, with over 10 million followers on the platform. His focus is immigration, among the top concerns for voters in this election cycle and a cudgel that Trump and the GOP frequently pick up to attack Democrats. Its a vulnerability for Harris in particular. Republicans have seized on the vice presidents portfolio that included addressing the root causes of migration. Espina, 25, makes videos targeted toward uplifting the immigrant community. Earlier in the summer, he filmed a video with Biden after the president announced a policy that looks to expand options for certain undocumented individuals and some spouses of US citizens. In a more recent video, he filmed himself in Chicago, saying he was in the middle of the action to keep his audience informed. There should be no wrong door for engaging with voters, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said at an event on Monday. Were speaking to them about the issues that matter most, and Ive been really impressed, starting with brat summer to the work thats going on now online. It's been very, very impressive. Im someone who really enjoys communicating with my fellow Pennsylvanians on Tiktok, Instagram, wherever. It is really important to meet people where they are. --With assistance from Amanda L Gordon, Hadriana Lowenkron, Maria Elena Vizcaino, Ella Ceron, Miranda Davis, Isis Almeida and Skylar Woodhouse. (Updates with comment from Illinois congressman in 10th paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. An Ocean Springs substitute teacher who sent explicit videos to students and admitted in court to kissing a 13-year-old student pleaded guilty on Monday and will spend two decades in prison, the Jackson County District Attorney said in a news release. Keshawn Trevyune Belcher, 22, of Gautier, pleaded guilty to one count of touching of a child for lustful purposes and five counts of exploitation of a child after he sent students videos of him masturbating and asked students to meet and cuddle, the news release said. Circuit Court Judge Kathy King Jackson sentenced Belcher to 15 years for touching a child for lustful purposes. She sentenced him to concurrent terms of 40 years with 20 years suspended on the child exploitation counts, and he will serve a 20-year sentence without the possibility of early release, the District Attorney said. Jackson also required Belcher to register for a sex offender for the rest of his life after his release. This defendant had a responsibility to look out for the well-being of his students, District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said in the release. Instead, he chose to prey on them and to use his position of authority to solicit sexual favors. Belcher was a substitute teacher hired through an outside agency to work at Ocean Springs Middle School in April 2023, Assistant District Attorney Carolyn Lewis said. He worked at the school for less than a week. But he shared his Snapchat with students and asked to connect with them on the social media platform, the news release said. He asked students for videos of masturbation, and asked to meet for sexual purposes, Lewis said. In his guilty plea, Belcher told the court he kissed the 13-year-old on the mouth while he was alone in a classroom with the student, the news release said. McIlrath praised the quick action of Ocean Springs students to expose Belchers sexual deviance. Their bravery prevented the abuse from escalating further, protected other children and ensured that the defendant was held accountable for his crimes, she said. FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) A former Sheffield police Lieutenant has pleaded guilty to assault following a 2022 incident at a Florence liquor store. According to court documents, Max Ryan Dotson entered a plea agreement to third-degree assault. He was sentenced to time served and fined $25. Florence City BOE approves hiring of new assistant superintendent In July of 2023, Dotson was found guilty of assault, reckless endangerment and menacing charges after an off-duty incident in Florence, where court documents say Dotson and another man fought inside the Good Spirits store. Dotson was fired from the police department after being found guilty. Documents state the court added conditions to Dotsons bond specifically saying he could have no contact with the victim, Demarcus Key, and he could not have any guns in possession pending appeal. On May 5, Dotson was arrested for a DUI. A rifle was found in his backseat, violating those conditions and causing his bond to be revoked. Documents filed on August 7 said he had been in solitary confinement since his arrest. 1 dead, 5 injured following two-vehicle wreck in Decatur On May 8, his bond was revoked. The document for setting a reasonable bond said Dotson received grief counseling for 10 months. The document says Dotson has grown a debt of over $20,000 since he was arrested and his home is currently under foreclosure. He has also lost his health insurance coverage for himself and his children. Dotson is also missing milestone moments with his children as his daughter starts school, volleyball and bowling seasons. Documents say Dotson is in urgent need of dental care and he will remain in compliance with Court Referral. Tuscumbia police searching for burglary suspect On July 9, the State of Alabama filed a motion to continue the trial set for August 19. After the motion for a reasonable bond, the court reset his trial date for December 16. A hearing was set for August 12 to set, reduce or amend Dotsons bond following the second motion to set bond after it was revoked. At that hearing, Dotson entered a guilty plea for third-degree assault. The circuit court of Lauderdale County also filed a document to release Dotson from jail the same day. He also agreed to a lifetime with no contact with Key. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. WHITE HALL, W.Va. (WBOY) An Ohio man has been charged after allegedly admitting to robbing a convenience store in Marion County while he was under the influence of fentanyl. On Aug. 16, officers with the White Hall Police Department responded to a call of an armed robbery at the GoMart on White Hall Boulevard, according to a criminal complaint. Marlin Yates During their investigation, officers determined that Marlin Yates, 37, of Sciotoville, Ohio, did present deadly force (firearm) to the attendant at the convenience store and that he demanded cash from the employee, officers said. Yates then fled the scene, which, according to a separate criminal complaint, occurred on the northbound area of U.S. Route 250 toward Fairmont Avenue and into the city of Fairmont. Officers with the Fairmont Police Department said they were able to locate Yates approaching the intersection at Mary Lou Retton Drive, where Yates stopped at the traffic light. Officers then attempted to perform a traffic stop on Yates vehicle, which they said had a stolen Maryland registration. When officers attempted the traffic stop, Yates then went around the car in front of him and through the red light, at which point a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, Yates reached in excess of 75 miles per hour and had crossed the double yellow center line, drove down the center turn-only lane into oncoming traffic and through red lights, the complaint said. Woman charged after meth and fentanyl found during Harrison County traffic stop At the 500 block of Fairmont Avenue, officers brought Yates to a stop after initiating a controlled vehicle collision with an officers patrol vehicle. Officers said that Yates was then ordered at gunpoint to get on the ground where he was taken into custody. In a post-Miranda interview, officers said that Yates admitted he had consumed fentanyl and was under the influence at the time of the incident. In the complaint filed by the White Hall Police Department, Yates admitted that he was attempting to intimidate the employee of Go-Mart by pointing the firearm at them while demanding cash. Officers also noted that Yates has a prior conviction from the state of Ohio for aggravated robbery, according to the complaint. Yates has been charged with armed robbery, fleeing with reckless indifference, fleeing DUI and use/presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held in North Central Regional Jail on a $400,000 bond. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. A marijuana dispensary. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images.) Ohio legal weed sales topped $11.5 million in less than a week. The states total recreational marijuana sales was $11,530,708 as of Aug. 10, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control. Recreational sales started Aug. 6 eight months after 57% of Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana. The average of price of an ounce of flower was $266 last week, according to the division. There were 173,043 units of manufacturer product sold and 1,285 pounds of plant material, according to the division. Ohio currently has 120 dual-use dispensaries as of Wednesday, meaning they can sell both medical and non-medical marijuana, according to the division. Ohio had 98 dual-use dispensaries when recreational sales started. More than 70 Ohio cities have local moratoriums prohibiting adult-use cannabis business, according to Ohio State Universitys Moritz College of Law. Under Ohios ballot measure to legalize marijuana, there is a 10% tax at the point of sales for each non-medical marijuana transaction. The ballot measure created five funds in the state treasury the adult use tax fund, the cannabis social equity and jobs fund, the host community cannabis fund, the substance abuse and addiction fund, and the division of cannabis control and tax commissioner fund. Twenty-four states, two territories and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. When recreational marijuana sales started in Michigan back in 2019, $1.6 million of recreational marijuana was sold during the first eight days of sales in the states five shops that were open, according to the Detroit Free Press. Illinois 37 dispensaries saw nearly $11 million worth of recreational marijuana sales during their first week in 2020, according to CNN. Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on X. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma City National Guard broke ground this month to commemorate the official start of construction of a 32,000 square-foot Wellness Center. National Guard leaders say the Wellness Center began as a idea with a hand-drawn sketch on scrap paper during a conversation between Lt. Col. Montana Dugger, deputy for the Guards Construction and Facilities Maintenance Office, and Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, about building a place to bring all of the Guards resources that support Guardsmens mental and physical health together under one roof. It felt like a team effort, Col. Lindy White, Joint Resiliency Director for the Oklahoma National Guard said. We were welcomed and encouraged to provide feedback throughout the process. Stock market today: Wall Street tacks on some more gains following its best week of the year The physical readiness center is set to incorporate a fully-equipped workout space for resistance and agility training, and physical therapy spaces, while other areas will include indoor and outdoor meditation spaces, a chapel for religious and non-religious persons, conference rooms, classrooms, a teaching kitchen, a coffee bar, and offices for OKNG Health and Wellness programs and services. With the availability of a chapel, classrooms, and individual office spaces, we have the opportunity for our Service Members and their families to access many more resources, White said. For the first time, these OKNG programs and services are scheduled to be under one roof. All these services will finally have a home, White said. We want to focus on optimal performance and building optimal performers to improve individual readiness. The new wellness center provides much-needed protective factors for Oklahoma Guardsmen to access critical services, said Brittney Criswell, integrated primary prevention manager for the Oklahoma National Guard. As the space was designed, Guardsmen were the number one priority in assuring that the physical space provided accessibility and comfortability that all could utilize. According to Criswell, Oklahoma is leading the way in this effort. (Oklahoma) will be able to truly live out the idea that there is no wrong door in seeking services and support from the community, Criswell said. This will allow the helping agencies to better communicate and collaborate on important wellness and prevention measures and meet the needs of our service members. The new facility is expected to be completed in late 2025. It means a great deal to witness reaching this milestone. We are incredibly appreciative for the support of our Oklahoma legislatures and senior leaders who placed emphasis on supporting our Guardsmens health and wellness. Col. Lindy White, Joint Resiliency Director for the Oklahoma National Guard Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, met with To Lam, Vietnamese president and general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, on Monday in Beijing. Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that China is willing to work with Vietnam to follow the strategic consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, push forward the construction of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and contribute to each other's socialist modernization drives. Zhao said that China's NPC is willing to work with the National Assembly of Vietnam to implement the bilateral cooperation agreement, make good use of the counterpart exchange mechanism, promote multi-channel cooperation, strengthen the exchange of experience in legislation and supervision, and provide a legal guarantee for the construction of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Noting that Vietnam has always considered the development of relations with China to be a strategic choice and top priority, To Lam said Vietnam is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields. He said Vietnam is ready to maintain close exchange between legislative bodies and promote the construction of a community with a shared future of strategic significance to a greater extent. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) One dead after a motorcycle crash in Daviess County Sunday morning DAVIESS COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) A man from Washington is dead after an accident involving a semi and a motorcycle in Daviess County. Just after 10 a.m, Daviess County Sheriffs Office was dispatched to the intersection of County Road 600 N and County Road 100 W (Edwardsport Rd) due to an accident involving two vehicles. The investigation shows a 2024 Volvo Semi with a trailer was traveling west bound on County Road 600 N, approaching County Road 100 W and failed to stop at the stop sign and pulled into the path of 2014 Yamaha motorcycle traveling south on County Road 100 W. The driver of the Yamaha motorcycle was transported from the scene by ambulance and pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital. The motorcyclist was identified as Lester Linneweber (70) of Washington. The driver of the semi was identified as Adenis Pepa (23) of Brooklyn, New York and was transported from the scene with minor injuries. Pepa tested negative for drugs or alcohol. This is an ongoing investigation with the Daviess County Sheriffs Office. Indiana State Police are reconstructing the accident. The Daviess County Sheriffs Office was assisted at the scene by the Plainville Volunteer Fire Department, the Daviess County Ambulance Service, the Indiana State Police and Briggemans Wrecker Service. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. Six people missing, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, and one dead after tornado sinks luxury yacht off Sicily Rescuers were on Monday searching for six people including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch who went missing after a luxury yacht was hit by a tornado and sank off the coast of Sicily, killing one of the 22 people on board. The vessel was hit by the tornado at around 5 a.m. Monday, according to a spokesperson for Italys Coast Guard. The yacht was anchored about a half a mile from the port of Porticello on the Mediterranean island. Four Britons and two Americans are among those missing, the spokesperson said. A source told CNN that Lynch, the founder of software giant Autonomy, was a passenger on the yacht. The source spoke to CNN on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak to the media. Fifteen people were rescued, including Lynchs wife Angela Bacares, and one child was airlifted to the childrens hospital in Palermo. Eight people were hospitalized in total, according to the mayors office. One body was found on the hull of the yacht, the Coast Guard said. A small waterspout one of several types of tornadoes developed over the area Monday morning, according to a report from the European Severe Weather Database. Other strong storms across Sicily brought torrential rainfall late Sunday, dumping more than 4 inches (100 mm) of rain in less than four hours in Brolo, east of Palermo. The weather forecast had warned of potential strong winds, with storms across the entire southern region of Italy Sunday, the Coast Guard spokesperson added. One survivor, Charlotte, 35, described how she battled to hold onto her one-year-old daughter, Sofia, reported Italian news agency ANSA, as a barrage of waves sank the yacht. In two seconds I lost the baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amidst the fury of the waves. I held her tightly, close to me, while the sea was stormy, she told journalists. Many were screaming. Rescue workers near Palermo, Italy, close to the scene of the incident. - Igor Petyx/Reuters The captain is among the survivors, the spokesperson for Italys Coast Guard said. The 56-meter yacht called the Bayesian, which flies under a British flag, had mostly British passengers and crew, in addition to two Anglo-French, one Irish and one Sri Lankan, the spokesperson told CNN. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told CNN two of its citizens were involved in the incident, but were not among those still missing. The nationality of the dead person has not been disclosed. The Italian fire brigade said its divers had reached the yachts hull 49 meters (160 feet) below sea level, according to a press statement. The brigade also dispatched helicopters to bolster the search operation. Emergency services conduct search operations in Porticello Santa Flavia, Italy, on August 19, 2024. - Alberto Lo Bianco/LaPresse/AP The captain of a nearby boat said he turned on his engine to avoid crashing into the Bayesian, Reuters reported, as fierce gales swept the area. This morning we got this strong gust and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position, he told reporters on Monday. After the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone. The UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is deploying a team of four inspectors to Palermo to conduct a preliminary assessment of the yacht, a source familiar with the operations told CNN. The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not say when the team is expected to arrive in Sicily. British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, pictured on March 18, is among the six passengers missing. - Yui Mok/PA British tycoon among those missing Lynch, the British entrepreneur missing from the yacht, had been plagued by legal woes since 2011, when he sold his company to tech firm Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $11 billion. In June, he was acquitted of fraud by a jury in San Francisco, after prosecutors accused him of trying to inflate Autonomys revenue in the latest chapter of the legal saga. He turned ground-breaking research at Cambridge University into the foundation of Autonomy, which became Britains biggest software company and a member of the blue-chip FTSE 100 index. Emergency services conduct search operations in Porticello Santa Flavia, Italy, on August 19, 2024. - Alberto Lo Bianco/LaPresse/AP Lynch was lauded by academics and scientists and asked to advise the British government on technology and innovation. Ownership records held by maritime information service Equasis show that the yacht is owned by the Isle of Man-registered Revtom Limited company. Revtom Limiteds latest annual return from April lists Bacares as its owner. This is a developing story and will be updated. CNNs Catherine Nicholls, Benjamin Brown and Eve Brennan contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com One dead in superyacht wreck off Italian coast; British billionaire among six missing An image shows the Bayesian sailing boat, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy where at least one person died and six remain missing on Monday. Photo by Perini Navi Press Office/EPA-EFE Aug. 19 (UPI) -- One person died and six, including British tech billionaire Mike Lynch, remain missing after a superyacht sunk while sailing in severe weather off the coast of Sicily on Monday morning before dawn. Five of the missing people are believed to be British nationals. Authorities did not immediately publicly identify the person who died. Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, was among 15 people who were rescued from the wreckage. Firefighters said search operations continued into Monday while the Italian Coast Guard took the lead in the investigation. Specialist divers were being deployed to the scene to assist in the search. Officials said the superyacht was in about 164 feet of water when it turned over on its side during a storm, throwing some off the vessel. The captain of the boat said the 15 people who were rescued were evacuated onto life rafts until help arrived. The yacht eventually sank. Lynch, who co-founded the British tech company Autonomy before selling it to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011, had been extradited to the United States to stand trial for allegedly inflating the value of his company before its sale. A federal court in San Francisco, though, eventually acquitted Lynch of 15 fraud charges in 2022. A sign urging Oneida County residents to vote no on a 2018 advisory referendum on allowing mining in the Town of Lynne. (Photo courtesy of Jill Hunger) The Oneida County Board of Supervisors is set to consider a resolution Tuesday that would allow a board committee to hear proposals for metallic mining on county-owned property. A county forest in the town of Lynne in northern Wisconsin, about 40 miles west of Rhinelander, contains zinc sulfide ore with significant lead and silver and minor amounts of gold and copper, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The deposit in the town of less than 200 people was discovered in 1990, containing an estimated 5.6 million tons of recoverable metals. The potential mining site is less than a mile from the Willow Flowage, a man-made reservoir that has been designated an outstanding water resource by the DNR for its high water quality and largely untouched wilderness area. Home to what the state tourism department calls one of the best places in Wisconsin to fish, the reservoir serves as a source of clean water to help dilute pollution further downstream in the Tomahawk and Wisconsin rivers. It restores your soul, its that kind of an environment, Oneida County resident and conservation activist Jill Hunger says. The benefits of mining have long been debated in Lynne and Oneida County, with conservationists raising water quality concerns in a very wet part of the state while proponents tout the possible economic windfall. The issue was raised again recently after members of the county board worked with a right-wing anti-conservation organization that has set its sights on the region. That group, American Stewards of Liberty, is a Texas-based non-profit that has long worked to oppose conservation efforts and federal environmental rules in western states but in recent years has begun to work in Midwestern states including Wisconsin. ASL was heavily involved in influencing opposition by county officials in Forest, Langlade and Oneida counties to the establishment of the Pelican River Forest conservation easement now the largest conservation project in state history. During that project, county board members argued that the U.S. Forest Service could not provide funds to assist with conservation without first getting permission from local officials, a legal theory known as coordination that experts say holds zero real legal weight. ASL has also influenced the direction of land use policies in the northeast corner of the state. Oneida County officials, in the midst of a rewrite of the countys comprehensive plan, have incorporated ASLs ideology into the document. In a proposed draft of the new plan, board members suggested loosening the limits on mining in the county. Attempts to mine the Lynne site have been made repeatedly since the deposits discovery in 1990, with the topic becoming a matter of contentious local debate, with a majority of residents opposed to mining in the area while local elected officials push forward. In 2018, voters in the county weighed in on an advisory referendum on the question. In a high turnout election in which 86% of Oneida County registered voters turned out to vote for governor (Scott Walker won the largely Republican county by more than 17%), voters also rejected the idea of mining in their community. More than 60% of Oneida County voters said they didnt want public lands in Lynne to be leased for mining. The no vote won in 18 of the countys 21 municipalities. In Lynne, which had 85 people turnout to vote in 2018, only 10 voted yes on the referendum. Nearly a year later, a resolution was proposed at the county board to codify the results of the referendum and explicitly prohibit metallic mining activities on county-owned forest land. That resolution failed to pass in an 11-8 vote. Now, the county says it has had two companies approach local officials inquiring about obtaining the mining rights for the property in Lynne. A resolution proposed by board chair Scott Holewinski would allow the Forestry, Land and Outdoor Recreation Committee to entertain any unsolicited inquiries for mining on county-owned land. Holewinski, who did not respond to a request for comment, has been central to ASLs efforts in Oneida County. The Wisconsin Examiner has reported that he was in contact with U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and ASLs executive director Margaret Byfield about opposing the Pelican River Forest project and sits on the committee re-writing the countys comprehensive plan. But Eric Rempala, a member of local conservation group Oneida County Clean Waters Action, says he believes the resolution is about more than ASL because mining has long been on some of the county board members radar. Rempala has complaints about the board ignoring what voters said in 2018 and giving little notice to organize against the proposal. The current resolution was announced on Friday and placed on the agenda for Tuesdays meeting. Obviously we have a big problem with them ignoring a highly participated election saying they dont want mining in the town of Lynne, Rempala says. To bring it back up on a Friday afternoon, drop it on the agenda for a Tuesday meeting not too happy about that for sure. Its been short notice, I know the people I associate with are not happy with it because weve been pushing back on mining in Oneida County for a long time due to the water-rich nature of where we live. Hunger says opening up the site to mining would harm the Willow reservoir and contaminate it with sulfuric acid and other dregs from high-sulfite ore mining. Plus, she says, outside of a few county board members most of the community which largely depends on tourism to support the local economy isnt interested. We own that land and dont want that, she says. We have a county board that licks their chops about the concept of mining and wont let it go Well potentially destroy a $200 million industry here in Oneida. Theres no reason to do it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)-An Odessa man was arrested last weekend after investigators said he allegedly injured a gas station employee amid a robbery. Michael John Gilmore, 39, has been charged with Robbery, a second-degree felony. According to an Odessa Police Department report, on August 15, a man called 911 to report a robbery that had just occurred at his place of employment, a Quick Track convenience store located at 801 Golder Avenue. The employee said an unknown man entered the business and walked to the back of the store where he grabbed several beers. The suspect then tried to exit the store without paying, which prompted the employee to confront the suspect. Investigators said the suspect then sprayed the clerk in the face with pepper spray as he made his getaway. Tracking Crime: ECSO searching for burglary suspect Using surveillance footage obtained from the store, investigators identified the suspect as Gilmore and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Gilmore was taken into custody on August 17 and remained in the Ector County Law Enforcement Center as of Monday afternoon on a $25,000 bond. Jail records show Gilmore has been arrested more than a dozen times since 2022 on various charges, including Evading Arrest, Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, Theft, and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Back-to-school time has some people looking into whether they should go back to change careers. Choffin Career and Technical Center Adult Education is holding an open house Tuesday when you can explore programs and find out what support is there to take the leap and return to school. Adult education is for people who already have their high school diploma or equivalent and want training for in-demand careers. People can come in and get training. The training is under 12 months for all of our programs, and they become licensed in the medical field of either dental assisting, practical nursing or surgical technology, said Dr. Sherry Cross, with Choffin Career and Technical Center. The Choffin Adult Education Open House is Tuesday from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Adult Education Center, 200 E. Wood St., Youngstown. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast would have been called unrealistic, so it was kept secret Zelenskyy Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has explained that Kyiv did not warn the world about the preparation of the offensive in Kursk Oblast in Russia because it might have seemed unrealistic. Source: Zelenskyy at a meeting of the heads of the foreign diplomatic institutions of Ukraine Quote: "Just a few months ago, upon hearing that we were planning such an operation in Kursk Oblast, many representatives of the international community would have said that it was unrealistic and it crossed Russias main red line. This is why nobody had been informed about our preparations. Now the real success speaks for itself: our active defensive actions on the other side of the border and Putins inability to protect his territory from our defensive actions of this kind are very telling." Details: Zelenskyy explains that a very important ideological change is happening at the moment: "The whole naive illusory concept of Russias so-called red lines, which prevailed in some partners assessment of the war, crumbled somewhere near Sudzha over these few days." Quote: "When our Ukrainian defenders act like this, decisively and bravely, and when the operation is indeed well-prepared, Putin has no choice. And now the world sees that it is realistic, that it really works. Not only in the temporarily occupied territory of our country but in the territory of Russia as well. The world sees that everything in this war depends only on courage our courage, and the courage of our partners." Support UP or become our patron! The head of a conservative think tank went out in a D.C. neighborhood one day and came away with more evidence for his view that childless liberals are leading America astray: a dog park. To be more specific, a combination dog park and playground. Located in the hip NoMa area of Washington named for the fact that it's north of Massachusetts Avenue Swampoodle Park is only about 8,000 square feet, making it not much larger than a convenience store parking lot. Most of the space is home to a dog park, with one side set aside for a tall, narrow playground structure. For Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts, who was a major force behind the controversial Project 2025 proposals to shape a second Donald Trump term, the park's use of land is tilted too heavily in favor of purportedly childless dog owners and away from parents, something he blames in an upcoming book on the antifamily culture shaping legislation, regulation, and enforcement," according to galleys obtained by Media Matters. I don't have a dog, but I do have four young kids and I live in Washington, D.C. As a result, I have been to a lot of playgrounds in the greater metro area in the last few years. I have driven as long as an hour just to try out a new playground in some distant suburb in Virginia and Maryland and always get immediate feedback from my own focus group of four kids. After all that, I consider myself something of a playground connoisseur. So trust me when I say this: Roberts is wrong. Swampoodle is awesome. Now, it's not in the top tier of D.C.-area parks. The best playgrounds are obviously the big ones: the zip line and climbing towers at the Beauvoir Playground next to the Washington National Cathedral, the cool metal structures at the Lafayette-Pointer Recreation Center, or if you're willing to head a little farther out, the Wizard of Oz-themed playground in Maryland and the superlong slides at the suburban Wheaton Regional Park. But when I'm driving around town with my kids, it's the "green playground" at Swampoodle that they ask about the most. If you visit the park with kids, you'll quickly see why. The playground structure that Roberts criticizes is actually an intricate maze of slides and ladders that leads kids upwards. It's such a brilliant use of a small space that the first time I went, I took multiple photos and texted them to my dad, who works as an urban planner. It's even sturdy enough for an adult man to climb around inside, or so I've heard. And that's not all. While kids are moving up the structure their favorite direction they can see the dogs. More than a few games of tag on the playground have come to an abrupt halt because the kids wanted to gawk at a particularly cute Labradoodle puppy running around the dog park next door. Roberts is right that this area of D.C. could use more parks. Once a rundown part of town, it rapidly developed when local property owners rallied to add a Metro station. Block-sized apartment buildings with a Starbucks store on the first floor sprung up seemingly overnight. The city surely missed a chance years ago to set aside some of that land for green space before property values skyrocketed. But that didn't stop its new residents. A few years ago, they began treating an undeveloped lot as an informal dog park. Eventually they joined together to petition the city to make it official. During that process, someone suggested that they add a playground and everyone agreed that was a good idea. The name Swampoodle, which comes from a nickname Irish immigrants had for the swampy puddle-filled area back in the day, was then chosen through a public vote. Earlier this year, the park was even expanded across the street with a new section for younger kids. The nonprofit that supports the park, Friends of NoMa Dogs, put out a response to the book, noting that many residents have both dogs and kids and that everyone appreciates the "family-friendly environment where pets and kids can safely play." In Roberts' book, he describes a country in which people without children and people with children are at war, with selfish apartment-dwelling liberal dog owners scheming to deprive long-suffering conservative parents of valuable resources. It's a zero-sum vision of politics that's also being promoted by vice presidential nominee JD Vance, who sees "childless cat ladies" as a problem. The United States could do more to be family-friendly, as thoughtful conservatives like Tim Carney have written. But the very park Roberts singles out to criticize disproves his argument that this is because of some kind of aggressive war on families by the childless. Swampoodle is great for dogs and kids. The next time Roberts walks by a playground he doesn't like, he should check to see if the kids actually like it. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com On Aug. 14, two humanitarian workers died in a Kherson hospital after being injured by Russian shelling, a stark reminder of the ongoing attacks across Ukraine. As we observe World Humanitarian Day, it's crucial to acknowledge the immense physical and emotional challenges faced by Ukraines front-line humanitarian workers. Humanitarian workers take on significant personal risks to serve the broader community. While the government focuses on the war effort and essential services, they address often-overlooked areas, such as mental health and gender-based violence (GBV) support, particularly for women and girls. Since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022, these workers ranging from medics and psychologists to logistical coordinators have been pushed to their limits. Operating under constant threat, they provide essential services in some of the most dangerous conditions, including daily shelling and attacks. Read also: Opinion: 6 ways Ukraines Kursk incursion is changing the tide of war Humanitarian workers across Ukraine face daily challenges that test their resilience. Medics like Oksana, who works at the Disaster Medicine Center in Kharkiv, are often stretched thin, performing duties far beyond their specializations. Oksana not only provides medical care but also manages logistics for mobile gynecological teams. It is often challenging for our medical staff to reach target settlements because the roads are damaged due to shelling and military equipment movement, she explained. All front-line workers, regardless of their role, are exposed to immense stress and danger. The number of incidents impacting humanitarian assistance in Ukraine has risen sharply 62 in 2022, 228 in 2023, and 154 in 2024 so far. Tragically, this increase has also led to more casualties. Since the full-scale invasion began, 24 aid workers have been killed, 18 of them in the line of duty. Additionally, 67 workers have been injured, most occurring in 2023. The psychological toll of this violence is severe, not just for the targeted communities but also for the humanitarian workers themselves. Olena Kuznietsova, a psychologist with mobile psychosocial support teams in Kharkiv, often finds herself in life-threatening situations. In one particularly traumatic incident, she was accompanying a GBV survivor to a domestic violence shelter when an airstrike hit a nearby factory. Olena and her team had to calm the woman down while managing their own shock and panic. This has led to another significant issue: burnout. Continuous exposure to violence, long hours, and the emotional burden of helping GBV survivors and others have caused widespread exhaustion among humanitarian workers. With the war dragging on for more than two and a half years, the demands on these workers continue to grow. Many are reaching their breaking point, and the quality of care they can provide is inevitably affected when they are stretched too thin. This fatigue and reduced capacity come at a time when the demand for humanitarian aid is more urgent than ever. The war has exacerbated GBV and mental health issues. Men returning from the front lines often bring undiagnosed psychological conditions, leading to increased domestic violence. The instability of war has created a breeding ground for exploitation, sexual violence, and trafficking. Prioritizing mental health care and GBV response is essential for Ukraines long-term recovery, even as the war continues. The war has also severely impacted maternal and child health. The stress and trauma caused by continuous shelling have led to more complications during childbirth and an increase in premature births. Pregnant women in conflict zones face the dual threats of physical danger from violence and the emotional stress accompanying it. UNFPA teams have reported a significant rise in stress-related complications that endanger both mothers and babies. Read also: Opinion: Modis Kyiv visit will be a tightrope walk between Washington and Moscow The need for specialized care in these situations is greater than ever, but providing that care is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive as medical infrastructure is destroyed or severely damaged. Continuous attacks on power grids, water supplies, and transportation networks have forced aid organizations to rely heavily on generators, significantly increasing the cost of delivering aid. Resources that could help more people are instead diverted to maintaining basic services. For instance, in 2024 alone, there have been 43 incidents involving damage to humanitarian property, including warehouses and distribution points. The lack of reliable power and clean water worsens the already dire conditions for those living in conflict zones. As the population's needs continue to rise, the role of front-line humanitarian workers is critical. They provide immediate relief and help rebuild the social fabric of communities torn apart by war. UNFPA is increasing training and psychological support for frontline workers, often serving as the only lifeline for those in the most vulnerable situations. Their work is vital to the countrys long-term recovery, but they cannot do it alone. The international community must recognize the immense difficulties these workers face and provide the necessary assistance to sustain their efforts. Russias war in Ukraine is far from over, and the challenges ahead are immense. Yet our front-line workers persevere despite the hardships. Our responsibility is to ensure they have the protections, resources, and support needed to continue this essential work. They are not just responding to a crisis they are laying the groundwork for a future where the people of Ukraine can live in peace and security. Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In the voice-over for Vice President Kamala Harris first campaign ad as a 2024 presidential candidate, we heard her lay out her objectives for America ranging from reducing gun violence, poverty and health care costs to codifying reproductive rights and we see a racially diverse mix of enthusiastic voters, multigenerational families, union workers, the LGBTQ+ community, Harris on the campaign trail and headlines about Donald Trumps conviction in Manhattan. We also heard a familiar song playing. That song is Beyonces 2016 anthem Freedom featuring Kendrick Lamar, which Beyonce permitted Harris to use as her walk-out song during her first public appearance as a presidential candidate. Its also the official campaign (and theme) song of Harris 2024 presidential bid. With its liberating tone, the song, which was used as a battle cry for many Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the 2020 death of George Floyd, now evokes the aspirational promise of the Democratic Party. Alongside the pounding, warlike drums and fiery rock pulse, Beyonces voice roars, Ima keep running cause a winner dont quit on themselves.Great campaign songs often toe a fine line between galvanizing a political partys base and aligning with its supporters interests and pressing concerns. Great campaign songs are also effective at capturing the vision and policies of the presidential candidates. No one should be surprised that Beyonce let Harris use Freedom. From day one, she has been intentional about using her artistry to advocate for womens empowerment, sisterhood, community, Black culture and freedom. As a member of Destinys Child, her quicksilver and resolute vocals adorned such chart-toppers as Bills, Bills, Bills, Independent Women, Pt. 1 and Survivor, articulating the ideals of modern Black women through an infectious, contemporary mix of R&B, pop and hip-hop grooves.On introspective, experimental full-length albums such as 2013s world-stopping Beyonce, 2016s culture-defining song cycle Lemonade, and her celebratory 2022 love letter to LGBTQ+ cultures roots in dance music, Renaissance, Beyonce refined her sound and messages to reflect the social zeitgeist as well as her evolution as a woman and cultural observer. Using Freedom to amp up excitement for campaign is a sign that Harris understands Beyonces influence on the culture and that her campaign recognizes Beyonce as a generational icon with a wide appeal among younger demographics. Harris has long devoted her time to addressing the issues facing younger generations, especially younger women. From implementing solutions to help millions curb their crippling student loan debt to stressing the importance of upholding the protections of Roe v. Wade, she is campaigning on a promise to defend the interests and protect the rights and well-being of young people. She has to know whats at stake if young people arent motivated to vote.According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the turnout of young voters ages 18 to 29 saw a significant boost in the 2020 election, rising almost 12 percentage points from 2016. In 2020, 55% of registered voters in this age group cast their ballots, marking the largest turnout in this demographic since 1972. Even so, the fact remains that older voters turn out at the highest rates. In the 2020 election, 74% of voters ages 65 and older participated. Theres been an ongoing debate over whether Harris can effectively win over Gen-Z and younger millennial voters. Megan Thee Stallion performed at her large rally in Atlanta, and celebrities including Charli XCX, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Barbra Streisand and Lizzo have expressed support for either Harris or her policies. Some have argued that this embrace of memes, celebrity endorsements and Gen-Z jargon is not enough. By itself, it isnt. At least it shouldnt be. Harris still needs to earn the votes of this countrys youngest voters. But she cant do that without grabbing their attention, and relying on celebrities who support her is not a bad way of doing that.Harris is also fortunate to be the kind candidate and to have the kind of platform that the worlds best musicians want to be associated with. Add to that many artists distaste for her opponent. A long list of musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, R.E.M., the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Adele have objected to Trump using their work to promote his campaign. When the former presidents campaign played a video of Celine Dion performing My Heart Will Go On at a rally in Montana this month, her team responded, In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use And really, THAT song? Last week, Isaac Hayes Enterprises (the estate of the late musician) announced that it is suing Trump and his campaign for 134 counts [of] copyright infringement for the unauthorized use of the song Hold On Im Coming at campaign rallies from 2022-2024. Hayes co-wrote the song, which was most famously performed by Sam & Dave.(The Associated Press reports that in 2022, David Porter, another co-writer, wrote Hell to the NO! after learning that Trump had used Hold On, Im Coming at an NRA rally. Sam Moore (one half of Sam & Dave) performed America the Beautiful at a pre-inauguration concert Trump held in 2017.) But Beyonce has given Harris the freedom to use one of her most powerful songs. Freedom, freedom, where are you? / Cause I need freedom, too, Beyonce sings. In playing that song, Harris is signaling why her supporters must vote. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MOSCOW, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia has officially requested Germany to investigate the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, a Russian Foreign Ministry official said Monday. Russia is pushing for negotiations to ensure Germany meets its international obligations in the fight against terrorism, said Oleg Tyapkin, director of the Third European Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, in an interview with Russia's RIA Novosti news agency. Expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of the German investigation, Tyapkin said that German authorities have recently issued an arrest warrant for one of the suspected perpetrators, a Ukrainian national. He noted that German media have been promoting the narrative that these individuals acted independently and were not connected to any state, but warned that this could lead to the investigation being closed without identifying the true masterminds behind the sabotage. "Russia will not accept this state of affairs," Tyapkin said, adding that Moscow has formally lodged complaints with Germany and other affected countries, urging them to fulfill their obligations under United Nations anti-terrorism conventions. "We are seeking negotiations in accordance with existing international protocols. Our future actions will depend on the West's response," he added. German media recently reported that the German prosecution has issued an arrest warrant for Ukrainian citizen in connection with the pipeline explosions. Reports identified this suspect as diver Vladimir Zhuravlev from Kiev, who was allegedly assisted by a Ukrainian couple. In September 2022, the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipelines exploded and sustained severe damage in the territorial waters of Sweden and Denmark. Prior to the explosions, Russia used the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to transport natural gas from Siberia to Germany and other European countries. Due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Nord Stream 2 was never put into operation, and Germany halted imports of Russian natural gas, leading to a sharp increase in domestic energy prices. The Russian Prosecutor General's Office has launched an investigation into the incident as an act of international terrorism. Russia has repeatedly requested information on the explosions but has not received any response, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. 1968 was one of the worst years in American history. In the middle of that year was the worst Democratic National Convention in history. In Chicago. When the Democrats convene in the same place this month, their convention will be the opposite of 1968 thanks to the lesson learned the hard way then: Never again. 1968 was a year of death. The death of soldiers. The death of leaders. The death of dreams. 1968 was the deadliest year of the Vietnam War for American soldiers and the families who lost them. 16,899 American soldiers were killed in Vietnam that year, more than double the number of Americans killed in all wars since then. I went to my first military funeral in 1968 and watched a general cry burying his son, my cousin Johnny, a recent West Point graduate who led troops in combat for four months before winning the Silver Star on the day he was killed in action. Everyone knew someone who lost a loved one in Vietnam. We were living in a national death gloom on a scale unknown since then, including the fear of death in the millions of young men who were at or, in my case, approaching the age of eligibility for the draft with no end of the war in sight. Thousands of those young men with draft cards in their wallets, alongside some of their girlfriends and sisters and peace advocates of all ages, went to Chicago in 1968 to demand an end to the Vietnam War. For them, the stakes at the convention were nothing less than life and death. By the time the anti-war protesters arrived at the convention, one of their candidates was dead. Heroes were hard to come by then, but the peace movement had a few. Americas most inspirational public speaker, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., broke with the president who signed the Civil Rights Act and eloquently opposed Lyndon Johnsons war. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Sen. Robert Kennedy ran against the war in the 1968 Democratic presidential primaries five years after the assassination of his older brother, President John F. Kennedy. On June 5, 1968, immediately after delivering his California primary victory speech, Bobby Kennedy was assassinated. So ended the dream of another Kennedy presidency. The peace candidate left standing at the convention was the first candidate with the audacity to challenge the incumbent president in primaries, Sen. Eugene McCarthy, who shocked American politics with a strong showing in the New Hampshire primary against Johnson. Only 12 states had primaries in 1968, so the nomination had to be won at the convention. McCarthy won the most states and the most votes which earned him nothing at the convention. Every night of the convention was increasingly chaotic and violent outside the hall and inside the hall. Protesters were being beaten in the streets by what an investigative commission would later call a police riot. Chicagos Mayor Richard Daley was disgracing himself inside the hall by using his army of convention floor operatives to try to silence, sometimes with fists, any dissent about delivering the nomination to Vice President Hubert Humphrey, a supporter of LBJs war, who didnt run in a single primary. CBSs Dan Rather was shoved to the floor as startled TV viewers watched. Walter Cronkite told the country, I think weve got a bunch of thugs here, if I may be permitted to say so. The next night, CBS reporter Mike Wallace took a punch to the jaw on the convention floor. When Connecticut Sen. Abraham Ribicoff, a polished speaker and former Kennedy cabinet member, departed from his prepared remarks at the podium to condemn the Gestapo tactics of the Chicago police, we could all read Mayor Daleys lips on TV shouting, F--- you, you Jew son of a b----! The networks turned to lip readers to confirm for us that the mayor said exactly what we thought he said. That night the Chicago police used so much tear gas Humphrey could smell it through the air vents of his hotel suite. The networks cut from live riot coverage to the moment on the convention floor when Humphrey won the nomination at 11:47 p.m. in what became the least important news of the night. So ended the dream of voters being able to stop the war on Election Day with an anti-war candidate. Richard Nixon watched the Democratic convention on TV knowing that no moment at the Republican convention would help him win the presidency more than every moment at the Democratic convention. Nixon, never a popular politician, won in November by less than one percent of the vote. The Democrats changed their rules so that the nomination would be awarded by voters in presidential primaries and they never had a contested convention again. This year, as concerns mounted about President Joe Bidens position at the top of the ticket, suggestions popped up everywhere for how to find a new nominee if Biden stepped down. Virtually every suggestion included an open convention where, after the candidates campaigned against each other politely on talk shows or something such, the nomination would be decided by a dramatic vote of the delegates with the promise that it would be exciting TV. But every time I came upon the word exciting I saw the word chaos instead. Betting on reporters whove never seen an open convention to describe it as exciting instead of chaos seemed naive. What if it took as many ballots to get a nominee as it now takes to get a speaker of the House? How weakened would the eventual nominee be by all the angry speeches against them? There wouldnt have to be violence inside or outside the hall for todays reporters to quickly reach for the word chaos. Professional Democrats, including convention delegates, can still feel the scar tissue of the 1968 Chicago convention. And they delivered a different outcome this year when, once again, the president dropped out of the race and tried to hand the nomination to his vice president: instant unity, no arguments, no punches thrown. Lesson learned. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Osceola schools considering new chaplain program, and the Satanic Temple wants in Osceola County schools soon may allow religious chaplains to counsel their students, a move made possible by a new Florida law. But if they do, the Satanic Temple insists its ministers should be welcome on campuses, too. In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation at a high school near Kissimmee allowing religious chaplains to counsel students on campus with parent permission. DeSantis said it would help students who are facing challenges or need to build community and camaraderie. But critics, including some pastors, said the legislation would inappropriately introduce religion into public schools. The day DeSantis signed the bill at Tohopekaliga High School, the Satanic Temple said its ministers would look forward to joining chaplains from other religious groups on Floridas campuses. The Massachusetts group, committed to the separation of church and state, opposed Floridas law and said Satanic chaplains would take part to highlight the dangers of allowing religious representatives in public schools. The Osceola County School Board is the first in Central Florida, and among the first in the state, to consider allowing the new program at its schools. As soon as the board began discussions this summer, the Satanic Temple sent emails to board members saying it wanted to take part, if the board decided to proceed. The school board discussed the program Tuesday but did not approve it and has not yet scheduled its proposed chaplain policy for a vote. Some board members said theyd heard from parents who wanted chaplains on campus but they also worried the Satanic Temples emails could spell problems for the district. This is where we would have to go to the Department of Education and have a vetting process on whos allowed on campus or not because I dont feel comfortable, said board member Julius Melendez. Board member Heather Kahoun said she worried the new program could lead to people coming in and making a mockery of faith in general. Osceolas chaplain program would be based upon compassion and mutual respect, according to the districts draft policy. The chaplains would be prohibited from pushing their own religion or disparaging those of others. Board member Jon Arguello said because DeSantis signed the legislation in Osceola, the board owed it to the governor to implement the program and argued it would help students struggling with mental health. Theres a reason that DeSantis came here and opened the program at our schools, Arguello said. Ive had parents tell me that their kids are lacking and they dont trust going to another type of school personnel and they want a different perspective from which to deal with social and emotional needs of students, one that is faith-based. The Lake, Orange and Seminole county school boards have not yet discussed adopting a chaplain program. Statewide, a few other districts, including those in Miami-Dade and Marion counties, are considering one. A representative from the Satanic Temple told the Miami Herald in July that the group would try to take part in Miami-Dades program, if it were approved. Texas adopted a similar chaplain law in 2023 but only one school district in that state decided to allow religious chaplains, the Texas Tribune reported in April. After signing the bill into law, DeSantis said the Satanic Temple wouldnt be allowed to participate. He said the group was not a religion though the organization labels itself a religious group on its website. Lucien Greaves, a representative of the Satanic Temple, said DeSantis is wrong and that the law does not prohibit his groups representatives from serving as school chaplains. Theres really absolutely nothing he can do to prevent us from having a presence if these school boards do pass a policy that allows for chaplains to be in place, Greaves said. The Osceola school district declined to discuss the legality of the Satanic Temples efforts. The Osceola County School Board will follow the law if it decides to implement the program, wrote spokesperson Dana Shafer in an email. Though Greaves opposes the legislation he believes students should receive religious counseling outside of school he also wants to prove chaplains of any faith can take part. He expects opposition to Satanist chaplains but also for his group to be relentless in reminding the public of who voted for religious chaplains in schools, he added. Its not the first time the Satanic Temple has taken interest in Central Floridas public schools. When Orange County Public Schools allowed a Christian organization to hand out bibles in school in 2014, the Satanic Temple pressed the district to allow it to distribute Satanic coloring books. In response, the district decided to prohibit the distribution of any religious materials. The Interfaith Council of Central Florida, which represents nine faiths, told the Osceola board it opposed the law and urged members not to approve a chaplain policy. Part of the councils concern is that there are few requirements to be a chaplain. The law does not require the school chaplains to attend training or to obtain advanced degrees, as is required for hospital chaplains, it noted. The school chaplains only need to pass a background check to be participate, like any other school volunteer. David Kay, a rabbi and member of the council, said religious leaders shouldnt advise students without first having training in mental health services. Students definitely need more access to mental health and emotional support, Kay said, but that should come from trained and certified professionals, not from volunteers who may or may not have any experience or background. By Stefanno Sulaiman and Stanley Widianto JAKARTA (Reuters) -Outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday appointed new cabinet ministers with close ties to his successor Prabowo Subianto, in a move aimed at smoothing the transition of power two months ahead of his departure. Defence Minister Prabowo won the February election by a massive margin with the help of Widodo's huge popularity and political clout, in what is widely interpreted as a quid-pro-quo that will ensure the outgoing leader maintains influence after a decade in charge. Jokowi, as the president is widely known, appointed new ministers for energy, investment and law, as well as the heads of three agencies, with most of the new appointments close to Prabowo, having supported his candidacy or campaigned for him. Bahlil Lahadalia, the investment minister, will move to the post of energy minister, while former ambassador to the United States Rosan Roeslani will be the new investment minister. Bahlil said he would prioritise working on incentives to promote efforts to reactivate idle energy wells and reverse the decline in Indonesia's crude oil output. Jokowi also named Dadan Hindayana, a professor at Bogor Agricultural University, to head the newly created National Nutrition Agency and oversee Prabowo's signature free school meals programme, which will cost 71 trillion rupiah ($4.56 billion) in its first year. Dadan, a member of Prabowo's campaign teams, was quoted telling local media the meals programme would start on Jan. 2 next year. Jokowi also appointed Prabowo's spokesperson Hasan Nasbi as head of the presidential communications body. The changes "are needed to prepare and support the government transition so it works well, smooth, and effectively," said Ari Dwipayana, a presidential palace official, in a statement. The appointments come during a transition period in which Prabowo has been racing to consolidate power ahead of his presidency, including months of talks that led to him securing a parliamentary majority late last week, with support from parties that had backed his election rival. Prabowo, 72, a former rival who lost two presidential elections to Jokowi, has also been seeking to boost his profile overseas, with trips to Russia, Qatar, Japan and China since his victory. On Monday, he was in Australia. Ujang Komarudin, a politics expert at Al-Azhar Indonesia University, said the appointments announced on Monday were "accommodation politics" that could see Jokowi's loyalists given posts in Prabowo's cabinet once he takes office. Jokowi's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, will be vice president, after playing a key role in Prabowo's campaign as his running mate. It is unclear what future role, if any, Jokowi might play in Indonesia having served the maximum two terms allowed as president. ($1 = 15,565.0000 rupiah) (Reporting by Stefanno Sulaiman, Stanley Widianto, Bernadette Christina, and Ananda Teresia; Editing by John Mair, Stephen Coates, Lincoln Feast, Martin Petty) MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Crews are actively working to contain a fire over 100 acres along Highway 41 in Madera County, north of Fresno Sunday evening, Cal Fire announced. Firefighters say just before 5 p.m. they responded to a fire that ignited along Highway 41 near Avenue 11 in Rolling Hills. Upon arrival, crews reported an acre of grass on fire however, the wind picked up and quickly moved the fire within minutes from a moderate to a dangerous rate of spread toward the San Joaquin River. Additional resources were called to assist. Cal Fire says at one point, an abandoned structure was threatened but the fire has since been mitigated and remains undamaged. Firefighters report forward progress of the fire has been stopped, leaving them at about 100 to 120 acres with 5% containment. A drop in wind allowed crews to take advantage and moderately slow the rate of spread. Cal Fire says the sheriffs office was in the area assisting with evacuation orders and advisories, but those will soon be lifted. Cattle were in the area across the road from the fire but were unaffected. The cause of the fire is actively under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. The Washington Supreme Court is considering controversial changes to public defense that would cut attorney caseloads by about two-thirds and necessitate huge increases in funding and staffing. Proponents of the lowered case limits, beefed-up support staffing and tweaked qualifications for public defenders say the changes are badly needed to address a crisis of attorneys leaving the profession and problems recruiting replacements. Excessive workloads and low pay are to blame, they say, and without revisions more people will go unrepresented and have their rights violated. Critics in Pierce County contend that the crisis is not felt here, and making the proposals a reality would bring its own disastrous consequences. Requiring public defense attorneys to take on fewer cases would mean far more attorneys would need to be hired to represent thousands of people who cant afford a lawyer. An initial estimate from Pierce County government is that about 124 more attorneys would be needed in the Department of Assigned Counsel by July 2028. Accomplishing that kind of hiring blitz would be extremely challenging, according to the director of the Department of Assigned Counsel, Michael Kawamura. Mary Robnett, the countys elected prosecutor, says there simply arent enough lawyers to make it happen. The overall effect, Robnett said in an interview with The News Tribune, is that two-thirds of the cases filed by the Prosecuting Attorneys Office wont have public defense attorneys available to represent the accused. She said by law, judges would have to dismiss the cases. That means Im going to try to prosecute murderers, rapists, kidnaps, arsons, robberies, Robnett said. Auto theft, probably not. Residential burglary, probably not. Whats keeping Robnett up at night isnt public outcry over criminals getting away with stealing cars people already feel that way, she says. Her fears about what could come to pass are darker. I think its going to be vigilante land, Robnett said. Commissioner Phillip Thornton presides over arraignments at Pierce County Superior Court, on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Tacoma. Proposed changes to public-defense standards being considered by the state Supreme Court could necessitate tripling the staffing and funding for the Department of Assigned Counsel, which represents indigent defendants. Of all the referrals the Prosecuting Attorneys Office gets from law enforcement to accuse someone of a crime, charges are filed about 55-60 percent of the time, according to Robnett. The others cant be proven. Understandably enough, sometimes people are upset about that. But if prosecutors are confident they have a good case and still cant pursue it? He doesnt have an attorney, and we cant force him into court without one, so hes going to walk free, Robnett said. People are going to lose their minds. The state Supreme Court is seeking public comment on the proposed changes until Oct. 31, and justices will have two public hearings, the first of which is scheduled for Sept. 25. Kawamura said he believes the court could accept the amendments as they are, reject them or modify them. Robnett said shes heard that many in the legal community view whats proposed as a done deal. In the meantime, Kawamura is bracing for whatever decision is made, doing calculations about the cases the Department of Assigned Counsel handles each year and gathering data on the variables involved in the revisions. Pierce County Council and Executive Bruce Dammeier, those responsible for articulating the countys stance on the proposal, have joined with the county councils and executives of King and Snohomish counties in asking the states Office of Public Defense for assistance studying and addressing the possible impacts. What is proposed? Under current case limits, a full-time public defense attorney is allowed to work 150 felony cases per year or 300 misdemeanor cases per year. In some jurisdictions the misdemeanor cap is 400. The new limits would set the felony cap at 47 and misdemeanors at 120 on July 2, 2027. In the intervening years, case limits would be incrementally lowered each July. By July 2028, public-defense agencies will be required to have one full-time investigator for every three trial-court level attorneys, a legal assistant or paralegal for every four full-time attorneys and a mitigation specialist or social worker for every three attorneys. The proposed maximums and support staffing requirements were requested by the Washington State Bar Association and its Council on Public Defense, which already adopted the changes in their standards for indigent-defense services in March. The bar associations Board of Governors voted to forward their revisions to the state Supreme Court to incorporate the new standards into the courts standards for indigent defense. The Council on Public Defense began to revise their standards in January 2022, prompted, according to a report from the council, by an unignorable shift in nationwide public-defense workloads and working conditions. Post-COVID, some Washington jurisdictions have experienced a surge in criminal case filings and have been unable to appoint qualified defenders to represent the accused, the council wrote in the reports introduction. Elsewhere in Washington, public-defense lawyers might be within caseload limits, according to the council, but exponential increases in how long it takes to review information in each case demonstrates that current maximums are outdated. Caseload standards havent been substantially updated since 1984, and the council states those standards were based on the recommendations of a study conducted in the 1970s. Informing the new case limits is a national study published last year that analyzed 17 state-level public-defense workload studies conducted between 2005 and 2022. Called the National Public Defense Workload Study, it convened a panel of expert criminal defense attorneys to come to an agreement on how much time, on average, is needed to provide reasonably effective counsel in a variety of adult criminal cases. None of the state-level workload studies was conducted in Washington, but one of the 33 experts on the panel has practiced law in the Puget Sound area, Lorinda Youngcourt. She was the top public defender in King County from 2015 to 2018 when she resigned her post after County Executive Dow Constantine reportedly told her he wouldnt appoint her to a second term. The study found that under the current standards, a public-defense attorney handling 150 felony cases per year would, on average, be able to spend less than two full working days, 13.9 hours, on each case. Attorney Nick Ainslie of the Department of Assigned Counsel speaks with a client at Pierce County Superior Court, on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Tacoma. Based on the expert panels consensus, even low-level felony cases require more than double that amount of time to represent a defendant, and the most serious crimes a person can be accused of, which carry possible sentences of life in prison without parole, such as aggravated first-degree murder, require 286 hours. To get to the case limits that the state Supreme Court is now considering, the state bar associations Council on Public Defense used the study to assign crimes a number of credits based on the seriousness of the offense and how time-intensive the case would be. A low-level felony such as attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, for example, is one credit, and a murder is seven credits. Under the proposed annual limits, a full-time public-defense attorney could work 47 attempted eluding cases a year, six murder cases or a mix of the two. Those limits are lower than what the National Public Defense Workload Study calculated as reasonable. It found that attorneys could work 59 low-level felonies per year or eight murder cases. Thats because for simplicity, it assumed a full-time attorney works 40 hours every week for all 52 weeks in a year. It doesnt take into account the average Washington public-defense attorneys holidays, vacation and sick leave, the 15 hours they are required to spend each year on continuing their legal education, or time spent on work not specifically related to cases, according to the Council on Public Defenses report on its suggested revisions. With those limitations in mind, the council calculated that public defense attorneys have about 1,653 hours, or about 206 full work days, to spend on cases each year. Pierce County public defenders well-staffed, well-paid Robnett agrees its important to have a limit on the caseloads of public-defense attorneys so theyre not overwhelmed. Unlike defense attorneys who work in private practice, public defenders dont have the luxury of turning away cases. Its also important to her that anyone accused of a crime receives a good defense. The right to an attorney is enshrined in the U.S. and Washington state constitutions, and landmark Supreme Court decisions shaped the right into what we know today. Even if you cant afford an attorney, the government will provide one, thanks to 1963s Gideon v. Wainwright. It was 1984s Strickland v. Washington that helped guarantee the right to effective counsel. As Robnett sees it, Pierce Countys public-defense services are working well, and the new limits on caseloads are underestimating the abilities of attorneys who work in public defense locally and around Washington state. Im not in favor of, you know, going out looking for a fix for a problem that doesnt exist, Robnett said. Robnett said Pierce County should be aggressively pushing back on one-size-fits-all caseload standards. There are counties where the system is not working, she said, and the state should be looking for creative ways to address their needs, but whats in place now is working for Pierce County. We dont need help in Pierce County, Robnett said. Were lucky. Like the rest of the country, public defenders in Pierce County represent most people accused of a crime. According to county data, public-defense attorneys were assigned to 71.5 percent of the 3,589 felonies filed in Superior Court last year. Its a lot of cases Pierce County Superior Court is the second largest Superior Court in the state but according to Assigned Counsel Director Kawamura, his office is well-staffed to handle them. He has 79 attorneys currently working that take on cases, 11 of whom have more responsibilities as supervisors. Seven more prospective defense attorneys have accepted employment offers from Kawamura, and he expects to be at full staff after they get their bar exam results back in September. Thats not to say that the Department of Assigned Counsel has been immune to the labor shortage and turnover crisis felt by many industries during and after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kawamura said his office experienced turnover like the rest of the country, but for those who decided to stop working for him, there isnt a central theme. I think some of it, I think, could be attributed to workload, Kawamura said. Some of it was opportunities to go places where you could work 100 percent remotely, some people moving closer to family. You know, it kind of runs the gamut. Low pay has been cited as one of the top issues alongside workload for attorneys who decide to quit working in public defense. In some jurisdictions, public-defense offices get fewer resources, and their attorneys are paid less than their colleagues who work in prosecution. The Department of Assigned Counsels budget is a little more than half that of the Prosecuting Attorneys Offices budget of about $89 million. Depending on their level of experience, attorneys working in either office are paid the same. According to The News Tribunes salary database, the lowest-paid public defender makes $76,955.85. The high end of the pay scale, not including leadership positions such as Chief Deputy Attorney, is nearly $160,000. Attorneys in the Department of Assigned Counsel have varying caseloads, according to Kawamura. Not unlike the proposed model of assigning fewer cases based on how serious and time-consuming they are, attorneys who are more experienced and handle murder cases, for instance, have much lower caseloads than attorneys who work theft or burglary cases. No matter the variation, Kawamura said all of their caseloads are within the current limits. Still, as supporters of the new public-defense standards have pointed out, the work of criminal-defense practice has become more complex and time consuming. In the Council on Public Defenses report to the Washington State Bar Association on the revisions, the council noted that the use of body-camera footage, cell tower data and advances in knowledge of mental health and youthfulness have increased how much time public defenders need to spend on pretrial investigation. In a presentation given in June to Pierce County Council, Robnett said that the most difficult to manage and time-intensive cases have started to take up a larger portion of her offices referrals from law enforcement in recent years. Those include murders or manslaughter cases, robberies, assaults, arsons, sex crimes and felony domestic violence. Before 2020, those made up closer to 30 percent of referrals to the Prosecuting Attorneys Office. Now it looks like our new normal is going to be over 50 percent of our case load will involve this type of case, Robnett told the County Council. Whats next? Whatever changes come to public-defense standards, the task of meeting new staffing requirements will be overseen by Pierce Countys Executive and County Council. Come November, a new Executive will be elected after Bruce Dammeier reaches the end of his second four-year term. Ask the Democrat or the Republican vying for his job what they think of the new standards, and youll find they agree on a lot: The schedule for reducing caseloads is too aggressive, more data is needed on the local conditions of public-defense services and the state needs to contribute more to the costs of providing the services. Rep. Kelly Chambers, a Puyallup Republican who is running for County Executive, told The News Tribune shes dealt with some of those issues in the state Legislature, so shes aware that there is a shortage of attorneys, and she understands that in that shortage is a disparity between rural and more urban counties, which generally have more resources. We can change that lever and have a different standard for caseloads, but do you have the bodies then to fill the position, Chambers said. And thats where I think the gap is that you could put money at an issue but do you have the people to then staff it, and I dont think were there. Workforce shortages are something Chambers said shes seen in a variety of industries while shes worked in the Legislature, including in nursing and education. She said shes been happy to support state-level policies such as student-loan forgiveness to incentivize more people to go into high-demand fields. She said lawmakers need to do more to work with counties on addressing what their needs are by figuring out what incentives different counties can take advantage of. Chambers also said the state needs to pay a larger share of the cost of providing public defense services. She supported the passing of Senate Bill 5780, which is meant to help recruit and train more attorneys for public defense and prosecution. At one point, it included a proposal to repay student loans for early-career public defenders and prosecutors, but it was cut before reaching the governors desk. Ultimately, Chambers said she wants to ensure Pierce County is a safe place to live and that the rights of people in the criminal justice system are protected. She said shes concerned that implementing the new standards could throw the system into chaos. The seal for the state of Washington at Pierce County Superior Court, on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Tacoma. Would we wind up in a position where judges are having to release criminals, essentially on a technicality? Chambers said. I wouldnt want something that moves us further away from pursuing more public safety. Ryan Mello is the Pierce County Council chair and a Democrat seeking election to County Executive. Mello said he and the County Council support updating caseloads to ensure the fair implementation of justice and a fair trial, but the state needs to pay its fair share of the costs, and the implementation schedule needs to be realistic. Mello said the state contributed $640,504 for the cost of providing indigent defense for Pierce County, which is 1.3 percent of the countys costs. Based on the proposed implementation schedule, Mello said, the county has estimated that 20.8 full-time employees would need to be added in 2025; 16.7 in 2026; and 87 more full-time employees in 2027. By 2028, another 126.6 full-time employees would be needed, totaling 251 positions that would need to be filled. [The] state will need a heavy investment in indigent-defense workforce development to meet this demand, but no one is addressing this focus at the state level, Mello said. Mello said indigent defense is a right guaranteed under state and federal constitutions, and the state has chosen to delegate that duty to counties without any serious financial support. Mello said thats why the Washington Association of Counties is suing the state to fund the cost of that responsibility. He added that Pierce County would be asking the state Legislature to pay a significantly larger portion of the cots. Without additional state financial support, the dramatic increase in costs from the new caseload standards will force all counties to reduce other important programs that are priorities to our communities, Mello said. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis County man and Alabama woman appeared in federal court last Friday and denied operating a kickback scheme involving lab tests given to senior citizens. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Timothy C. Peoples, 56, and Ann Cleveland, 41, were each indicted on August 7 and arrested on August 14. The indictment alleges that from 2017 until Aug. 7, 2024, Peoples collected biological specimens for genetic and COVID-19 tests from Medicare patients at senior centers across eastern Missouri. Cleveland introduced Peoples to lab personnel so they could facilitate their kickback scheme. The duo created fake contracts and concealed the kickbacks as a monthly flat marketing fee. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Prosecutors said Cleveland received $9,000 from one lab on March 1, 2022, and wired $7,000 of that money to Peoples. The pair allegedly offered to pay one doctor a $100 kickback for every lab test he ordered. The indictment also accused Cleveland and Peoples of lying to federal investigators. Both Cleveland and Peoples were charged with one count of conspiracy to receive and pay health care kickbacks. If convicted, the charge carries a maximum five-year sentence and $250,000 fine. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Escambia Clerk of Court and Comptroller Pam Childers is contesting the county's spending on a lawsuit over Commissioner Jeff Bergosh's text messages. Childers sent a letter to the county attorney's office on Friday saying that she could not authorize attorney pay for the time worked on a lawsuit against the Pensacola News Journal and two others that sought to have Bergosh's leaked text messages returned. A Okaloosa County judge ruled earlier this month that the county's lawsuit against the newspaper "ran afoul of the First Amendment" and the lawsuit was aimed at suppressing public discussion of the messages which are of public importance. The judge said the case qualified for Florida's anti-SLAPP law, which imposes penalties for "strategic lawsuits against public participation." The Anti-SLAPP law allows people to collect court costs and fees against governmental entities who try to use lawsuits to shut down discussions of matters of public interest. Bergosh text messages: Escambia lawsuit over Bergosh texts dismissed, county must pay PNJ's attorneys fees In her letter, Childers requested the time the county attorney's office spent working on the case and that pay for that time cannot made with public funds. "Any work performed on this case, or on any corresponding appellate matter, cannot be funded with public funds," Childers wrote in the letter. "To do so would violate the fundamental concept that public funds can only be expended for public purposes." Childers said in her letter that the judge ruled the text messages were never the property of the county but the private property of Bergosh. "Therefore, there should be no dispute that the beneficiary of this litigation or appellate action is JeffBergosh personally, and not the County or its taxpayers," Childers wrote. In the last few years, Childers has clashed with the County Commission several times, most notably with the county's local retirement plan for commissions. Childer challenged the program in court, and a judge ruled that it violated the Florida law as it amounted essentially to a pay increase not authorized by the Florida Legislature. "I remind the County that it is a fundamental concept in Florida law that public funds must be used for public purposes. We have strayed from this principle in Escambia County," Childers wrote. "Continued misappropriation of taxpayer dollars and resources on private matters must stop immediately." This embedded content is not available in your region. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pam Childers contests county expenses on lawsuit over Bergosh texts BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's top economic planner unveiled a three-year action plan on Monday to create a first-class business environment in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, especially the Xiong'an New Area. Over the next three years, China expects to remove barriers hindering the flow and allocation of production factors, improve services for trade, investment and government affairs, and lower institutional transaction costs in the region, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. The plan aims to further regulate the region's market environment and address the issues of local protectionism and market fragmentation by optimizing business registration management, strengthening collaboration in fair competition review, and enhancing intra-region innovation cooperation. Efforts will also be made to protect the legitimate interests of business entities in the region, unify regulatory enforcement standards and deepen judicial cooperation, it said. Government services will be made more convenient, with data sharing strengthened and both offline and online services integrated, while public services like education, healthcare and human resources will be jointly developed and shared by Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. The region will pursue high-level opening up in a collaborative manner, according to the plan. The collaborative development of digital trade will be advanced, services for foreign firms will be improved and the region's trade will be further liberalized and facilitated. For the Xiong'an New Area, the government is expected to provide better services to enterprises, key sectors will open wider, and more will be done to support innovation and entrepreneurship, said the document. The plan pledged to further reform investment project approval, further open up the area's financial sector, support qualified foreign institutions with their operations in areas such as green finance, elderly care and asset management, and encourage professionals from Beijing to work and start businesses in Xiong'an. China initiated the strategy of coordinating the development of the national capital of Beijing and neighboring Tianjin Municipality and Hebei Province in early 2014, with the aim of creating a model with a better economic structure, a cleaner environment and improved public services. The region's gross domestic product expanded 90 percent in 2023 compared to the level in 2013, official data shows. Over 7,000 standards spanning various fields have been shared within the region as of May this year. PANAMA CITY, FL. (WMBB) The Panama City Police Department is seeking the publics assistance in locating a missing adult. According to a news release, 40-year-old, Demar Davis was last seen in the area of 23rd and State Avenue. Officials said he was wearing a blue shirt with black shorts with a red stripe on it. Davis is 59 approximately 189 pounds, with short black hair and a short trimmed beard, officials wrote. If anyone has any information on this case, call the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100 or report an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 850-785-TIPS. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Billionaire Jared Isaacman hasnt been to space 1,066 days. He has to wait at least seven more for his return, but this time he hopes to perform the first commercial tethered spacewalk in history. The man who spearheaded the first all-commercial crew on the Inspiraiton4 mission in September 2021 is back with three new crewmates on the private mission Polaris Dawn, a five-day orbital mission that is the first of three more Isaacman plans partnered with SpaceX as part of the Polaris Program he announced in 2022. The four will climb aboard the same spacecraft to took Isaacman to space the first time around, SpaceXs Crew Dragon Resilience, and aim to launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket from KSCs Launch Pad 39-A in just under a week early Monday targeting 3:38 a.m. Eastern time liftoff during 3:33-7:15 a.m. launch window. Isaacman, who made his fortune as the founder and CEO of credit-card-processing company Shift4 payments, once again takes the commander role for the mission. Taking the role of pilot is friend Scott Poteet, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and demonstration pilot who flew with the Air Force Thunderbirds. The two mission specialists on the flight are both SpaceX employees: Sarah Gillis, who will join Isaacman on the spacewalk, and medical officer Anna Menon. The quartet arrived with flair as five jets from Isaacmans Polaris Ghost Squadron aerobatic team flew over the former shuttle landing facility at KSC a pair of times including performing a Delta burst maneuver above the runway before landing just before noon and taxiing to a nearby hangar to speak with media. Were the four lucky ones that get to go on this ride, Isaacman said. But I cant tell you how many teams have been working nonstop the last 2 1/2 years. supporting that kind of bigger dreams that you know, maybe not in the not too distant future, humans are going to finally reach another planet. The Polaris Program is a joint effort between Isaacman and SpaceX, with cost sharing not disclosed. The idea is to develop, test new technology and operations in furtherance of SpaceXs bold vision to enable humankind to journey among the stars, he said. That includes Elon Musks vision to eventually build a colony on Mars. The program touts up to three flights with the final one tasked to be the first human spaceflight of SpaceXs in-development Starship and Super Heavy. Longtime NASA human spaceflight official and now SpaceX vice president of build and flight reliability Bill Gerstenmaier joined the Polaris Dawn crew for the press conference discussing the companys push for innovation, which includes developing extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits in under three years. This pace of development that we get to do at SpaceX is very much like the pace of development that was required back in the early Apollo days, he said. Were getting a chance to do that again, where were really starting to push frontiers with the private sector and learning new things that we would not be able to learn by staying in the risk-free environment of here on Earth. The mission also will send the Crew Dragon up to the an altitude much higher than previous flights flying up to 870 miles above Earth on an elliptical orbit. The record for orbital altitude for a crewed mission was set In 1966, when NASA astronauts Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon flew on the Gemini 11 to 853 miles. The spacecraft will then descend back to about 430 miles altitude where the one-hour spacewalk will happen. Isaacman and Gillis suits will be connected to the spacecraft the entire time with 12-foot-long tethers as each take turns outside in the vacuum of space. Poteet and Menon, though, will also have to be in the EVA spacesuits as Crew Dragon has no airlock, so its entire cabin will have no atmosphere. The EVA suits have helmets with visors that include digital heads-up displays, allowing the wearer to know the suits pressure, temperature and relative humidity. The final main objective of the mission is to test laser-based communication using Starlink satellites, but the five days will also be filled with about 40 science experiments. Its time to go out. Its time to explore, Gerstenmaier said. Its time to do these big things and move forward. ------- KANSAS CITY, Mo. On the first day of school at the Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, a letter was sent to families and students addressing an increased security presence at the school after threats were made to staff at a school event. According to Kansas City Public Schools, the large amount of security is only for precautionary reasons, however, the district said it wanted to be transparent with our families. The letter read: Dear Paseo Academy Families and Staff, Welcome back to school! We are excited to see everyone on Monday, August 19, as we kick off another amazing year at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Upon your arrival, you will notice an increase in security personnel throughout the building. This is in response to some threatening language that was emailed to staff following a recent school event. While we expect a smooth start to the school year, we wanted to be transparent about the additional precautions being taken by KCPS to ensure everyones safety and well-being. We look forward to a fantastic school year ahead and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Thank you, Principal Keyona Powell Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts The nature of the threats, who they were sent to, and the individual who threatened the staff have not been released. Stay tuned at FOX4 News for the latest updates and information. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Kath Sansom, founder of the campaign group Sling The Mesh, is delighted at the payouts - PA Payouts will be given to 140 women left in pain from vaginal mesh implants in a scandal blamed on a culture of misogyny. The group settlement is understood to be the first successful claim in England with the women set to receive sums that could be worth millions in total. They claimed the implants had left them with severe complications and lifelong pain. They brought the action against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh (TVM) implants, Johnson & Johnson, Bard and Boston Scientific, at the High Court in London. The implants were used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence after childbirth. Side effects have included infection, pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, pain during sex, and incontinence. Lisa Lunt, a partner at law firm Pogust Goodhead, which led the litigation, said: Women implanted with transvaginal mesh have experienced years of chronic pain and suffering. Hundreds of women were prevented from making a claim due to strict 10-year time limits that are in force from the date that the product was manufactured. Its about time that the Government took action to increase the time limits. In April 2018, as health secretary, Jeremy Hunt announced a review into the use of vaginal mesh following concerns raised by affected women. Their routine use was initially paused and ultimately suspended after the inquiry blamed the scandal on a culture of medical misogyny. Settlements reached elsewhere Use of the implants was stopped in July 2018 and they are now only used as a last resort through a high vigilance programme of restricted practice. Each of the companies involved in the litigation confirmed the actions had been resolved without admission of liability. Ms Lunt added: As a firm, we were pleased to represent clients who had been previously turned down by other firms and reach a conclusion in their claims. Settlements with vaginal mesh manufacturers had already been reached in the US, Australia and Scotland but action in England had stalled until now. There have been successful medical negligence claims against the NHS. Kath Sansom, who has led the Sling the Mesh campaign since 2015 after suffering complications from vaginal mesh, told The Guardian: I am delighted that the industry giants have paid out money to harmed women in what is believed to be the first successful product liability group action in England. It is very difficult to know just how positive this news is without knowing how much has been awarded to women. Additionally, 140 women is only a tiny fraction of the thousands who have had their lives irreversibly changed from a product they were assured was a gold-standard fix for bladder leaks or prolapse. Campaigners continue to call for a government-led compensation scheme to be created as recommended by both the Cumberlege review and a more recent report by the patient safety commissioner, which suggested initial payments of 20,000 be made to women injured by mesh implants. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is hosting a hiring event for winter temporary and permanent CDL operator jobs this Thursday in Lebanon County. PennDOT says the event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Thursday, August 22, at the Lebanon County Maintenance Office on 1445 Cumberland Street. At the event, job seekers can learn about winter temporary and permanent CDL operator (starting pay is $22.49/hr.) positions the department offers in the county. PennDOT says staff will be available to discuss current and future openings within the commonwealth for CDL operators, who must have a valid Pennsylvania (PA) CDL Class A or B with air brake restriction removed. This position also requires a current medical examiner certificate. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News On-the-spot applications, interviews, and driving skills testing will take place. Applicants need to bring their current CDL license and medical examiners card, per PennDOT. PennDOT encourages applicants to create an account with employment.pa.gov prior to the event, and laptops and staff will be available to help interested participants navigate the electronic application system. Human Resources staff will also be present to discuss opportunities for permanent employment and benefit options. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will receive one of the highest honors in LGBTQ + political advocacy next week. On Tuesday, during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago , Buttigieg will be inducted into the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame at the LGBTQ+ Victory Institutes Victory at the DNC event. He is expected to speak in his personal capacity. The recognition celebrates Buttigiegs trailblazing public service career, which has broken barriers and paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ visibility in American politics. The event will feature prominent LGBTQ+ figures and allies, including actor Zachary Quinto, comedian and activist Dana Goldberg, and actor Wilson Cruz. It will celebrate LGBTQ+ representation across all levels of government and highlight the historic level of LGBTQ+ representation among DNC delegates 17 percent of delegates identify as LGBTQ+, a significant increase from 11.5 percent in 2020, according to convention officials. Pete is one of our most prominent leaders and it is an honor and privilege to induct him into the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame. His long public service career is commendable and groundbreaking, and we are proud to commemorate his legacy of achievement and advocacy for the visibility of our community in this historic moment in our history, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute president and CEO Annise Parker told The Advocate in a statement. Executive director of the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute Elliot Imse echoed Parkers sentiments, emphasizing Buttigiegs impact on American politics. Petes run for the presidency transformed our nations politics and proved Americans are ready for a qualified LGBTQ+ person to sit in the Oval Office. His induction into the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame is a testament to that historic moment, but also to his continued commitment to public service, Imse said in a statement, adding, We are thrilled our beloved and much-deserving Mayor Pete will join this esteemed group of international LGBTQ+ trailblazers and changemakers. Buttigiegs husband, Chasten told The Advocate that hes exceptionally proud of his husband. Over the last decade, I have watched Peter face immense challenges as a public servant, but I have never once seen him regret facing those challenges as his truest self. He has always centered our family in his work, mindful that just because we wear these rings and share the title of dad, the work for equality and justice for the LGBTQ+ community is far from over, Chasten Buttigieg said. Governors, members of Congress, state legislators, and other state and local elected officials from across the country are expected to attend the event. Buttigieg joins other notable past inductees including Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to the U.S. Senate; Harvey Milk, the first out LGBTQ+ elected official in California ; Leo Varadkar, Irelands former Taoiseach, one of the first out LGBTQ+ heads of government; and Tamara Adrian, the first out transgender candidate elected in Venezuela. I am so proud to be his husband and to be by his side as he serves our country, Chasten Buttigieg said. The Democratic National Convention began Monday in Chicago, marking the partys first in-person convention in eight years. The event has transformed parts of the city into a secure fortress, with road closures and heightened security measures, as delegates, party leaders, journalists, and supporters gather to chart the future of the Democratic Party leading up to the November election. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. The convention is set to showcase the partys vision of hope, unity, and progress, with a star-studded lineup of speakers planned throughout the week all in support of Vice President Kamala Harris as she runs for President. The conventions theme is centered around celebrating the achievements of the Biden-Harris administration while rallying support for Harris as the Democratic nominee for president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. Mondays opening events are themed For the People, featuring speeches from President Joe Biden , First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The night will also include a welcome address from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is expected to highlight the citys pride in hosting the convention. Related: What is the Democratic National Convention? Former President Barack Obama will headline Tuesdays events under the theme A Bold Vision for Americas Future. He will be joined by Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who will address the convention, while Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will open the evening with a welcome speech. Wednesdays A Fight for Our Freedoms session will feature U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg , who made history as the first out gay presidential candidate to win a primary or caucus in 2020 and is one of the partys most effective communicators. Walz will deliver his acceptance speech after remarks from former President Bill Clinton and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Thursday, themed For Our Future, will see Harriss moment when she officially accepts the Democratic nomination for president. This historic moment will mark her as the first woman of color to lead a major partys presidential ticket. Buttigiegs presence at the convention underlines the Democratic Partys ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, an issue that has been increasingly under attack from conservative forces. As transportation secretary, Buttigieg has become one of the most visible LGBTQ+ figures in American politics, advocating for infrastructure projects and speaking out on inclusivity and representation within the Biden administration. On MSNBC Monday morning, Buttigieg discussed the significance of this years convention. The message of the convention here in Chicago is going to be about the American people, Buttigieg said. It sounds like a very simple thing. It could even sound like a cliche, but theres something very significant about this because the Trump ticket views politics as being all about them. Were certainly proud of our candidate. Were excited about Kamala Harris. Were excited about Tim Walz. But part of whats so important about them is they get that its not about them. He emphasized that the convention would highlight how using the tools of policy and politics and government the right way makes our communities stronger [and] secures our freedoms. Buttigieg also contrasted the Democratic vision with that of former President Donald Trump , pointing out that Trump wants people talking about him and not talking about the difference between our agenda and his agenda. He highlighted the importance of staying focused on the issues that matter most to Americans, including fair taxation, reproductive rights, and climate change. The convention will feature 33 caucus and council meetings throughout the week, providing a platform for various Democratic constituencies to discuss key issues and strategies for electoral success. Among these is the LGBTQ + Caucus, which will meet on Monday and Wednesday. The Monday session will feature Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, the first out lesbian governor in U.S. history, while Wednesdays meeting will include remarks from Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride, who is running for the U.S. House and is poised to become the first transgender member of Congress. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, speaking on MSNBC Monday morning, previewed that Democrats would outline a vision of joy that counters the doom and gloom laid out by Republicans. Harrison emphasized that the partys messaging will focus on optimism, inclusivity, and progressvalues the party believes are essential to securing a brighter future for all Americans, particularly marginalized communities. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said officers are investigating after two men were shot in Temple Hills on Sunday afternoon. According to the department, at around 3 p.m., officers responded to the 3300 block of Huntley Square Drive for a shooting. Once on the scene, officers located a man in a parking lot with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene. Baby K to spend at least 25 years in prison for attempted murder Responders transported a second man, who was also shot, to the hospital. Detectives were on the scene working to establish potential suspects and a motive. The department said that anyone with information should contact PG Crime Solvers or submit a tip using the P3 Tips app. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Phil Donahue, the celebrated daytime talk show host who pioneered the television staple, has died, his publicist confirmed to CBS News. He was 88. Donahue died Sunday night surrounded by his wife, actor Marlo Thomas, and his sister, children and grandchildren, his publicist said in a statement. He died peacefully after a long illness, the statement said, without providing additional details. "I'm sure by now you've heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night, so I know you understand that I'll be stepping away from this page for a while," Thomas wrote on Instagram Monday afternoon alongside an old photo of her and Donahue on vacation together. "But I didn't want to disappear without saying thank you for the beautiful messages of love and support that have been coming in all day, and for the wonderful and generous way that you've let Phil and me share our life adventure with you over the years." President Biden awarded Donahue the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year. The White House called "Donahue" one of the most influential television programs of its time. "Phil Donahue broadcast the power of personal stories in living rooms all across America," Mr. Biden said during May's White House ceremony. "He helped change hearts and minds through honest and open dialogue. And over the course of a defining career in television and through thousands of daily conversations, Phil Donahue steered the nation's discourse and spoke to our better angels." Donahue got his start in broadcasting in the 1950s, working for both TV and radio. He launched "The Phil Donahue Show" in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967 and it was syndicated nationally three years later. Phil Donahue poses for a portrait in New York, May 19, 1992. / Credit: Michel Delsol/Getty Images He moved the show in 1974 from Ohio to Chicago. He stayed in the city for about a decade, including a few years using CBS Chicago's studios as the base of operations for the renamed "Donahue" show. In 1985, he moved the show to New York, and he was asked if he was worried Chicagoans would resent him for the move. "I think maybe one of the reasons we're hot in New York is that we come from Chicago," Donahue told the station. In all, he had had what his publicist, Susie Arons, described as "a staggering 29-year run on the airwaves" totaling some 6,000 episodes, winning him 20 Emmy Awards, a Peabody and induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. With a live studio audience, Donahue focused his show on a single guest or topic, and he didn't stray away from controversy. His first guest was atheist scholar Madalyn Murray O'Hair, and Arons noted that Donahue was the first TV host to feature a person who had AIDS in the early days of the epidemic. "He had this natural curiosity, this intelligence and humor and Midwestern charm that sort of made him instantly likable by audiences," People magazine senior editor Dave Quinn told CBS News on Monday. "... What Phil did that was so interesting is that he never shied away from talking about the things that Americans were too shy to often have those conversations themselves." As his audience grew, he interviewed some of the biggest names of the late 20th century, including Muhammad Ali, former President Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela and Gloria Steinem. During the 1992 presidential election, Donahue broadcast a conversation between President George H.W. Bush and his challenger, then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton. From left, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes and Ken Norton appear on the Phil Donahue show, Nov. 1, 1989, in New York. / Credit: The Ring Magazine via Getty Images "All the feminists somehow seemed to, sooner or later, show up on the 'Donahue' show," Donahue told CBS' "Sunday Morning" in 2020. "And we were thrilled with that, because they were good guests," including his wife. Donahue met Thomas when she was a guest on his show in 1977. "It really wasn't an interview," she told "Sunday Morning." "And he said to me, 'How come you've never married?' I said, I just don't believe it's for me. It seems like it's only a place for one-and-a-half persons, you know, the person that has the dream and the other person who supports the dream." The couple marked their 40th wedding anniversary in 2020 and wrote a book, "What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life." "I always say," Thomas said, "I'm so lucky I married a man who saw the 'Donahue' show every day!" Donahue has been credited with paving the way in daytime TV for Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres to achieve success as well as Geraldo Rivera, Jerry Springer and others. Donahue once said as a joke, "They're all my illegitimate children." Sneak peek: Andreen McDonald: A Millionaire Vanishes Perseids over Stonehenge astrophotographer on capturing the raining "ancient fireworks" Schools get tough on cellphone use in class DOHA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani jointly stressed the need for de-escalating conflicts in the Middle East region, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. During a phone conversation, the two officials discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip, "especially the joint mediation efforts to end the war on the grip," the statement said. Guterres voiced his appreciation for Qatar's continuous efforts "aimed at a just, comprehensive, and sustainable solution to the Palestine issue," it added. Qatar, the United States and Egypt mediated a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas that ended in late November 2023. However, subsequent mediation efforts over the past few months have not yielded ideal results. A new round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations took place in Doha on Thursday and Friday, following which the three mediators issued a joint statement announcing that the talks have made "constructive" progress and that relevant parties would continue their efforts in the coming days to negotiate the details of the deal's implementation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office expressed gratitude for the mediators' efforts and hoped they would lead Hamas to accept the terms of a proposal made in late May. Meanwhile, Hamas, which did not participate directly, accused Israel of adding new conditions to a previously supported proposal, and accused the U.S. administration of trying to create a "false positive atmosphere," expressing skepticism about the negotiations' outcome. Phil Donahue, a groundbreaking daytime TV talk show host, has died. He was 88. His family told Today the long-time television fixture died Sunday night surrounded by loved ones following a long illness of an undisclosed nature. They included his wife, actor Marlo Thomas, whom he married in 1980, three years after they met during a taping of his program Donahue. The Donahue family asked fans wanting to make donations in his honor to contribute to the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or to the scholarship fund Donahue established at the University of Notre Dame, from where he graduated in 1957. The Ohio native was a television trailblazer credited with first establishing a format in which actively engaging audience members was essential to the program. He was on the air for nearly 30 years before stepping away from Donahue in 1996. Fellow TV host Oprah Winfrey once praised Donahue for opening the door wide enough for me to walk through and said her career might not have happened if not for the vision of her 20-time Emmy Award winning predecessor. Besides Winfrey, talk show hosts including Morton Downey Jr. and Geraldo Rivera followed in his footsteps in the late 1980s, followed by the likes of Jenny Jones, Jerry Springer and Maury Povich. Rivera posted on social media he was deeply saddened by Donahues death and called him a hero, a talk show pioneer who inspired me to try my hand at the genre he invented. When President Joe Biden awarded Donahue the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May, the White House called his talk show one of the most influential televisions programs of its time. Donahue briefly returned to television in 2002 with an MSNBC current events program that lasted less than a year. His career began in radio and television in 1957 with a production assistant job at KYW in Cleveland. He would soon find his way to the microphone. In 1967, he launched The Phil Donahue Show on a local Dayton station. That program became nationally syndicated in 1970 and began taping in Chicago. Donahue came to New York City in 1984 when his show moved to 30 Rockefeller Center, where he also contributed to The Today Show from 1979 to 1988. He recorded nearly 7,000 hour-long episodes of his talk show before broadcasting his farewell on Sept. 13, 1996. Tributes poured in Monday morning following news of Donahues death. One of the true trail-blazing icons of American television, host Piers Morgan posted to X. Such a clever, interesting man. ABC News anchor Deborah Roberts remembered Donahue as a catalyst for her work. Like so many journalists, he inspired me during my career, she posted on social media. What a life! Picnic at Maplewood Park aims to reclaim space once known for its peacefulness after fatal shooting ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Sunday marked three weeks since the Maplewood Park Shooting in Rochester, which left seven people hurt, and two women dead. Two people, including city employee, killed in Maplewood Park shootout In an effort to heal from this, the community is trying to reclaim the space, which was once known by neighbors as a peaceful area. Jake Bishop, the executive director of the Dezio and Gingello Foundation, said his organization is doing just that by hosting a community picnic Sunday, Aug. 25. We want Rochester to succeed, and we know thats going to take a lot of effort, he said. One of the things that we want to promise the people is that, for the past two and a half years, weve given out about 3,000 pounds of food. So, even just a small meal provided on a weekend for families, and providing school supplies, it means a lot for us. Tyasia Manning, 25, a city employee, was killed, police said. A second victim, Phylicia Council, 34, died later as a result of the shooting, which broke out at the crowded park in the midst of a picnic. We know that our event is not a solution to violence in Rochester, but it is a gesture of normalcy for the families that deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, Bishop said. Before the violence, people were in a celebratory mood, enjoying the warm weather, having a good time, Mayor Malik Evans recalled a few days after the shooting. Bishops picnic planned at Maplewood Park, aims to bring that light-hearted mood back, with some help from the community. Weve had a lot of support from veterans groups, obviously the people who have sacrificed the most, theyre always the first to help, Bishop said. Human trafficking advocates as well have decided to be able to volunteer. The picnic will run from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 25 at Maplewood Park. There will be pizza, drinks and food to be provided by Capones Italian Eatery. There will also be back-to-school supplies and reading for kids. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. On October 22, 2023, Joe Emerson boarded a flight from Everett, Washington to San Francisco, California. As an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, he was able to ride in the cockpit's jump seat. Once in the air, he became agitated and uncomfortable, and without much warningsave for a few strange glanceshe suddenly leapt up and attempted to grab the engine fire shut-off handles, which if pulled would have sent the craft into free fall. In audio of this incident, Emerson states, Im not OK and, after being asked if feels alright, begins cursing as he springs into dangerous action. Fortunately, the pilots quick reactions stopped Emerson from accomplishing his goal, and in the aftermath of this near catastrophe, he was charged with, among other federal crimes, 83 counts of attempted murder. Scarier still? Emersons explanation for his outburst was that, two days prior, hed taken psychedelic mushrooms, and on this flight home, he couldnt tell what was real and what was a dream. Lie to Fly (August 23), the latest installment of FXs The New York Times Presents-branded docuseries, is an investigation into Emersons sagaand amazingly, his use of mind-altering substances is the least stunning thing about it. To be sure, the fact that an experienced pilot went haywire thanks to ingesting psilocybin was attention-grabbing at the time, and is the primary selling point of this hour-long venture. Yet as elucidated by producer/director Carmen Garcia Durazo, Emersons story is also the most shocking evidence to date of a burgeoning United States aviation industry problem that threatens the safety of pilots and passengers alike, and seems to require large-scale reforms lest it blossom into a full-blown crisis. Emerson knew from an early age that he wanted to fly. As a lonely kid, being in the air gave him the sense of freedom and purpose hed always craved. In a new interview that forms the basis of Lie to Fly, Emerson talks candidly about his fondness for his profession, as well as its difficulties, given that traveling for a living means constant time away from home and, in his case, his wife Sarah Stretch and their two sons in Pleasant Hill, California. To maintain bonds with loved ones (and to make up for the fact that he often missed big events and had to cancel plans at the last second), Emerson would send his clan regular videos from his many pit-stops, some of which are depicted here. Despite these difficulties, however, Emerson was certain that being in the cockpit was where I needed to be. Dr. Brent Blue, MD. FX If being a pilot put an inevitable strain on Emersons life, so too did the terrible news that his fellow pilot and close friend Scott Pinney (whod been the best man at his wedding) had died of an out-of-the-blue cardiac event. This rocked Emerson, who in the ensuing weeks and months became very close with Pinneys father Frank, who says that their relationship literally changed my life. They grieved over gin and tonics (a course of action that Emerson admits wasnt shrewd), and in October 2023, Emerson and some of Pinneys other friends took a vacation together on remote property owned by Frank. This spot included a yurt, and while the guys were all together, Emerson was cajoled into trying mushrooms, thus initiating mayhem two days later. Lie to Fly has Emerson recount his under-the-influence ordeal, during which he became convinced that he was trapped and that nothing around him was real. This is harrowing in and of itself, and yet Durazos expose is really about the larger issue at play here: Emersons prior hesitancy to seek out counseling and medical attention for his depression. The reason for that reluctance, it turns out, is a system thats increasingly ill-equipped to grapple with modern realities. For pilots to receive medical certification, they must pass exams conducted by senior aviation medical examiners such as Dr. Brent Blue, whose reports are then sent to the Federal Aviation Admission (FAA) so a determination can be made about whether an individual is fit to fly. Any red flags can lead to deferrals, and because of staff shortages and bureaucratic obstacles, those can last for more than a yeara calamitous situation for pilots who love their jobs and for families that want to stay financially afloat. Pilot medical certification. FX Because medical deferrals can go on for extended stretches (there are no Congress-ratified rules governing timetables), and because common challenges such as depression and anxiety (and the SSRIs that counteract them) are viewed the same as serious conditions such as schizophrenia, many pilots simply dont seek the care they need. What this means is that rather than being flown by men and women who are depressed and medicated, millions are potentially being flown by pilots who arent properly coping with their struggles. Lie to Fly portrays Emerson as merely an extreme example of the consequences of this culture of concealment, and his tale is paired with that of John Hauser, a nineteen-year-old sophomore at the University of North Dakotawhere he was studying to be a commercial pilotwho chose to take his life because he knew that, should he get help for his mental health issues, hed jeopardize his chance to professionally fly. Lie to Fly is bolstered by input from Johns parents, aviation lawyer Joseph LoRusso, University of North Dakota Assistant Professor of Aviation Dr. William Hoffman, and FAA U.S. Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup, all of whom speak to the intricacies of this important topic. Most heartrending of all, however, is Emerson, who discusses his plight with an anguish thats colored by self-recrimination, fear, and frustration at a paradigm that makes pilots choose between their dreams and their health. Such a dilemma can only, in the end, lead to bad choices. While Durazos documentary ends on a somewhat heartening notewith the FAA taking baby steps toward rectifying this state of affairsit nonetheless paints an unnerving portrait of aviation industry shortcomings that put everyone at risk. It also, in the process, serves as a stark reminder that sometimes, theres more to a story than just its sensationalistic headline. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Legendary daytime talk show host Phil Donahue passed away on Sunday at his home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan "following a long illness," according to a statement from his family shared with TODAY. He was 88. Donahue's prolific career began operating in full swing with "The Phil Donahue Show," which he started in 1967 in Dayton, Ohio, not far from where he had grown up in Cleveland. The show gained a reputation for being deeply innovative, allowing audience members to ask guests questions and exploring matters deemed controversial: child abuse in the Catholic church, race relations, sex and the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, among other topics. Donahue went behind bars at a maximum security prison in Ohio to learn more about the carceral system in the U.S. The New York Times reported that Donahue even televised a birth, an abortion, a reverse vasectomy and a tubal litigation. I want all the topics hot," Donahue was said to have told his staff, per The Times. Interviewees on "Donahue," as it was later dubbed, included Bill Clinton, Robin Williams, Dolly Parton, Muhammad Ali, Richard Pryor, Gloria Steinham, Nelson Mandela and many more. The show, which moved from Ohio to Chicago and then New York City, accrued 20 Daytime Emmy awards over its 29-year run, with its host earning an individual lifetime achievement Emmy Award in 1996, the same year the show ended. Donahue returned to host the show's second iteration six years later; however, it didn't have the same power as before. Depending on who you ask, lower ratings were chalked up to a number of factors including the rise of the more shocking TV talk shows, Oprah Winfrey joining the fray and Donahue interviewing opponents to the Gulf War. Several stations dropped the struggling show, and Donahue himself decided to bow out before it was outright canceled. The last episode aired in 1996. Donahue also briefly hosted a show for MSNBC beginning in 2002, but was fired in 2003 for his stance against the Iraq War. He later went on to write, co-direct, and produce the documentary "Body of War" (2007), which highlighted an Iraq War veteran. In 2024, President Joe Biden awarded Donahue the Presidential Medal of Freedom, alongside Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky and Academy Award-winning actor Michelle Yeoh. UPDATE: She has been found safe. Pittsburgh police are asking for the publics help to find a missing teenager. Leah Pridgen, 15, was last seen on Aug. 18 at around 4:30 p.m., police said. She left her house in the 1200 block of Pritchard Street after an argument with her mother. Pridgen is described as being 5 feet, 3 inches tall and 130 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing black shorts and a black graphic T-shirt. Police said Pridgen is known the frequent the McKees Rocks area. Anyone with information is asked to call 412-323-7141 or 911. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Multiple people injured during ride incident at western Pa. amusement park Child, 6, dies after being hit by car while riding bicycle in Homewood South Man accused of hitting person with belt during argument at Rivers Casino, assaulting state trooper VIDEO: 2 men charged in Ohio Township homicide behind bars for separate recent crime sprees DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts (FOX40.COM) Searchers from the Placer County Search and Rescue Team are being thanked for locating a woman who had gone missing in a remote area of Tuolumne County. On Aug. 13, Beth Watson, 64, and her German shepherd Merle went missing in the area of Lyons Dam after going for a morning walk. The search drew in 80 personnel from 15 agencies across the state to assist in the search, including Jess Baker and K9 Lance from the Placer County Search and Rescue Team. It was on Thursday afternoon that searchers made a significant discovery when at 4:40 p.m. Merle was found in the search area. Father jumps into American River to save son, doesnt return to surface, sheriffs office says At 5:26 p.m., Watson was located by Baker and K9 Lance safe and sound in the search area. Watson was safely evacuated out of the area by rescuers and was transported to an area hospital for continued medical care. Search and rescue operations take a team to execute, we are thankful for the Placer County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue members who are dedicated to helping in these types of situations, the Placer County Sheriffs Office wrote in a Facebook post. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Planned Parenthood Great Plains CEO Emily Wales, left, and health care manager Logan Rink answer questions during an Aug. 16, 2024, interview in the Pittsburg Planned Parenthood clinic. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector) PITTSBURG A new Planned Parenthood clinic in southeast Kansas will be the closest abortion access point for many people in the South and will provide easier access to reproductive health care for southeast Kansans who previously had to travel to Overland Park. The Pittsburg Planned Parenthood clinic is set to open Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. Final construction is expected to be complete by then. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector) The center, which opens Monday in Pittsburg, expects to have patients from six states in its first five days Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. Kansas saw a 369% increase in abortions in 2023, with 69% of patients coming from out of state, according to the Guttmacher Institute. For the Trust Women Clinic in Wichita, which was previously the closest city for abortion access for Southern states, 81% of patients were from out of state, with Texas the most common home state, followed by Oklahoma. Texas and Oklahoma have total abortion bans, with few exceptions. Southern states including South Carolina have six-week abortion bans. On average, pregnant people know they are pregnant after 5.2 weeks for intendent pregnancies and 7.2 weeks for unintended pregnancies, the National Library of Medicine found in a study published in 2022. The Pittsburg clinic will offer medication abortions for up to 11 weeks of pregnancy, and surgical abortions for 14-15 weeks of pregnancy. But, there will be a delay before the clinic offers surgical abortions. We have excellent trained staff to offer this care, said Planned Parenthood Great Plains president and CEO Emily Wales. But we also know its a transition for the community and for us to launch a new center here, so itll probably be a little bit of time before were offering procedural care. Planned Parenthood Great Plains CEO Emily Wales on Aug. 16, 2024, in the Pittsburg Planned Parenthood, three days before the clinic opens. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector) Why Pittsburg? Wales said a key factor in the Pittsburg location was access to Southern states. And she pointed out that Kansas already is well versed in providing abortions to people from Missouri and other states. Pittsburg is about five miles from the Missouri border. A 2018 law in Missouri banned abortion after 15 weeks, meaning Kansas had been absorbing Missouri patients for four years before the U.S. Supreme Court declared in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. The 2022 Dobbs decision felt like dominos falling, Wales said. We are doing everything we can to meet the need, Wales said. But were also not trying to hide the fact that there are far more people calling than we can actually get in. Wales also said there was a need for the services Planned Parenthood offers which go beyond abortions in southeast Kansas. Patients from the Pittsburg area were traveling roughly two hours to Overland Park to receive care. While more than 60% of Crawford County voters in 2020 supported then-President Donald Trump, who takes credit for the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, they voted against the proposed constitutional amendment that would have removed the right to terminate a pregnancy in Kansas. Logan Rink, a Pittsburg native and the health care manager of the Pittsburg clinic, said she has heard positive feedback from the community. She said Planned Parenthood will meet needs that werent being met, and that the community views it as a great resource. Anti-abortion protesters frequent the other Planned Parenthood locations in Kansas, attempting to stop patients from receiving an abortion. Wales said Planned Parenthood typically sees protests when it opens a new location, but they die down after a while. Members of Lighthouse church, a nondenominational anti-abortion Christian church in Pittsburg spoke in opposition of the clinic at the May 28 city commission meeting. I know this is a major issue in our culture, abortion, but the reality is theres no safe abortions because you start out with two lives and you end with one life, said Pittsburg resident Shawn Osbeen. Another resident, Susan Powers, also opposed the clinic, but she said this may be a wakeup call for the church and community to provide more support for pregnant people. The commissioners stayed neutral on the opening of the clinic. In 2009 in Wichita, George Tiller, one of only a few doctors in the nation who performed late-term abortions, was murdered in the foyer of his church. Planned Parenthood has a rigid security protocol in place, with security officers on site, but the shadow of Tillers death remains. The time it comes up the most, really, is when we are talking to potential providers or physicians who might be interested in staff roles, Wales said. They have questions about what the communities are like, what the protesters are like. We are fortunate to have not had that kind of violence at our health centers. Patients from the South The National Library of Medicine found that people from a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to receive an abortion, and extra time away from work adds up. For patients traveling from the South, the Pittsburg clinic will be more than two hours closer than clinics in Wichita. If we can cut off two hours one way, then two hours coming home, thats a tremendous difference for a lot of our patients, Wales said. Planned Parenthood provides assistance to patients who need it. Before Dobbs, 80% of its patients didnt need assistance, and 20% did. Now, Wales said, the percentages have flipped and the assistance they provide looks entirely different. So many people now have to go so far from home, Wales said. People could maybe get two hours from home, but telling patients its going to be 10 or 12 hours is impossible for a lot of people. One of the postoperative exam rooms in the Pittsburg Planned Parenthood clinic, taken Aug. 16, 2024. (Grace Hills/ Kansas Reflector) The Pittsburg location will provide support for patients who cant afford the journey. Kansas law allows abortions up to 22 weeks after the last menstrual period, but the Pittsburg clinic wont have the resources to provide abortions that far into a pregnancy. If needed, the clinic will offer transportation to the Overland Park location, where surgical abortions are offered up to 21 weeks and 6 days into the pregnancy. Lawsuits in Texas have threatened people traveling to receive abortions. These lawsuits violate the interstate commerce clause in the U.S. Constitution and may not be enforceable, but they caused a stigma, Wales said. It is heartbreaking to me that we have patients who do come to us and say they didnt tell their friends or family, even though they knew that they would be supportive of their decision, because they didnt know if it was legal in their home state to talk about the fact that they were leaving to seek care, Wales said. Wales sees a perception that patients believe they cant travel or talk about abortion. She says they worry about what would happen to their kids, their partners, and their careers. Issues to watch Vice President Kamala Harris has made abortion access a cornerstone of her presidential campaign, and if elected she has promised to codify Roe v. Wade, which would legalize abortion nationally through the second trimester. (That, however, would depend on Congress, which had nearly a half century to codify Roe v. Wade after the landmark January 1973 ruling and didnt.) Missourians will vote on their abortion rights in November. Each time abortion rights are placed on local ballots, the right to choose an abortion has won. But, even if the movement to secure abortion rights prevails in November, access for every American would take decades, Wales said. There are multiple lawsuits and legislation in Kansas attempting to restrict abortion access, despite Kansans rejecting the proposed constitutional amendment to eliminate abortion rights in 2022. Planned Parenthood has fought back on these attempts. Kansans are saying we want medical care to be private, and not in the hands of the Legislature, Wales said. The state passed additional requirements this year where we would have to ask patients invasive and shaming questions that have nothing to do with why they get care or how we deliver care. And so we are challenging that on behalf of our patients. Like SC Daily Gazette, Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com. Follow Kansas Reflector on Facebook and X. GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Efforts by the Greenville Arena District to issue millions of dollars in bonds, requiring a tax increase, are being paused. The $70 million in bonds is set to help fund $170 million in renovations to Bon Secours Wellness Arena. A public hearing scheduled for Tuesdays Greenville County Council meeting has been canceled. If approved, taxes would increase for those in the Greenville Arena District from 0.3 mills to 1.5 mills. The district includes much of central Greenville County, including the cities of Greenville, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, Travelers Rest, and much of Greer. After public pushback on the tax proposal, Greenville County Council will send the plan back to their finance committee. County council member Liz Seman said the plan will likely make its way back to council within the next year. The arena is also seeking funding from the state and other investments to complete upgrades to the arena. Construction on the arena would be completed in phases. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Pokrovsk residents have 2 weeks to evacuate as Russian forces advance, authorities say Editor's note: The article was updated with a statement by Governor Vadym Filashkin about the mandatory evacuation of children. Pokrovsk's residents have a week or two to evacuate as Russian forces are closing in on the Donetsk Oblast city, the administration head, Serhii Dobriak, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Aug. 19. Moscow began concentrating its efforts in the east, "throwing everything they have" in the Pokrovsk direction after Russia's Kharkiv Oblast offensive failed, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in late July. Pokrovsk is an important logistical hub for the Ukrainian forces that supports their operations in Donetsk Oblast. Around 53,000 people remain in the city. "We had 13,700 children before the full-scale war (in Pokrovsk). Now, there are still 4,788 children in the community. That is, a third of them remain," Dobriak said. "I think we will reach the point this week that we make the evacuation of children mandatory," he added. The obligatory evacuation of children and their families from the Pokrovsk community was announced later the same day by Governor Vadym Filashkin. An average of 500-600 people leave the city every day, and 60% of the residents leave using their own means of transport, according to Dobriak. "Yesterday (Aug. 18), 490 people left (Pokrovsk). Only 135 of them left by train. The rest left by their own transport, with their belongings, with a trailer. We can easily evacuate at least 1,000 people. We have the resources for that. If only they would leave," Dobriak said. On Aug. 15, Dobriak urged residents of Pokrovsk to evacuate as soon as possible because Russian troops were 10 kilometers from the outskirts of the city. As Russian forces concentrate more of their recourses on the offensive in Donetsk Oblast, the situation in the area in the Pokrovsk direction remains "extremely challenging," Kyiv acknowledged. Russian forces have been slowly but consistently gaining ground in Donetsk Oblast, and the front-line areas of Pokrovsk and Toretsk have borne the brunt of attacks in recent weeks. Read also: Thousands flee as Russian troops take one Donetsk Oblast village after another Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Officers work at the explosion site after a blast kills at least one and injures another. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa The deadly explosion in Tel Aviv was an attempted terrorist attack, police confirmed on Monday. On Sunday evening, a device exploded in a man's backpack while he was travelling on a street in the south of the coastal city. The alleged attacker was killed, and an e-scooter rider was injured. "It can now be confirmed that it was a terrorist attack in which a powerful explosive device detonated," a joint statement from the police and the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service said. Security forces in the greater Tel Aviv area were subsequently placed on high alert. "We urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or objects to the police." The military wings of the Palestinian militant organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attempted attack. They would continue to carry out such attacks "as long as the massacres by the occupying force, the displacement of civilians, and the policy of assassinations continue," the organizations said in a joint statement. The police did not comment on the suspect's identity. The public broadcaster Kan reported that it was believed to be a Palestinian from Nablus in the West Bank. The newspaper Haaretz wrote that the police believed the target of the attack was a nearby synagogue. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, addressing the situation during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday, stated that it appeared "a suspected major terror attack" had been planned in Tel Aviv. The coastal city on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean has repeatedly faced severe attacks from Palestinian extremists in the past. A police spokesman told the Israeli army radio that if the explosion had occurred just a few metres further, Israel "would have woken up to a huge catastrophe." The police said the motive was unclear but that all avenues of the investigation were being pursued. Officers work at the explosion site after a blast kills at least one and injures another. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Officers work at the explosion site after a blast kills at least one and injures another. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa ULAN BATOR, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has seen a significant increase in its coal exports during the first seven months of 2024, with a total of 46.1 million tons shipped abroad, marking a 35.5 percent rise compared to the same period 2023, data released by the Mongolian Customs General Administration showed Monday. The mining sector has been a crucial component of Mongolia's economy, driven by the country's abundant natural resources. Coal, in particular, plays a pivotal role, accounting for 57.9 percent of Mongolia's total exports from January to July this year. As a landlocked nation with a strategic focus on its mineral resources, Mongolia has set an ambitious target of exporting at least 60 million tons of coal by the end of this year. In 2023, the country exported 66.7 million tons, achieving a historic high. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma City Police Department has identified a man shot and killed Saturday night. According to OKCPD, officers responded to an apartment complex near SW 74th St. and May Ave around 9:15 p.m. regarding a shooting. LOCAL NEWS: One suspect in custody, three injured in Bricktown shooting Upon arrival, officers found 31-year-old Emmanuel Williams shot. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. Police say a disturbance escalated and led to the shooting. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Tip Line at 405-297-1200. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Police officers responded to a reported shooting on Sunday night. According to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center, officers responded to the 4100 block of West Third Street minutes after 6:35 p.m. on reports of the shooting. At the time of this writing, the extent of injuries stemming from this incident are unknown, but one person received medical treatment at the scene. A person of interest has been identified by police according to the dispatch center. 2 NEWS is working to learn more. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Police investigate shooting homicide of Bridgewater man Saturday morning in New Bedford NEW BEDFORD - Police are investigating the shooting homicide of a Bridgewater man early Saturday morning. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office said New Bedford Police received 911 calls at around 12:47 a.m. Saturday regarding men fighting and an apparent gunshot in the area of 36 Acushnet Ave. First responders upon arrival located Nicholas Miller, 26, of Bridgewater, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was rushed to Saint Luke's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:42 a.m. Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney's office, New Bedford Police and Homicide Unit prosecutors are investigating the homicide. Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney's office, New Bedford Police and Homicide Unit prosecutors are investigating the homicide. This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Bridgewater man fatally shot in New Bedford Saturday morning Police are investigating a shooting in southwest Atlanta. In the overnight hours of Saturday, just before 3 a.m., officers responded to a report of a person shot on Venetian Drive Southwest. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officers were told that the victim had already been taken to the hospital. At the hospital, officers found a 34-year-old man who had been shot. TRENDING STORIES: At this time, details are limited. Police are investigating. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Authorities said Sunday that human remains have been found in the investigation of missing Dee Warner, a 52-year-old woman who was last see in April 2021. Photo courtesy of Crime Stoppers of Lenawee County/Facebook Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Michigan State Police said Sunday that investigators have found human remains in the search for Dee Warner, a 52-year-old woman who has been missing since April 2021. The remains were found on a Lenawee County property owned by her husband, Dale Warner, who was arrested and charged in November with open murder and tampering with evidence in connection to Dee Warner's death and disappearance. "The remains are currently in the process of being recovered and there will be a great deal of work and testing completed before positive identification is made," Michigan State Police said in a statement. "The family of Dee Warner has been contacted and advised of the findings." The remains were discovered during the execution of a search warrant on the property, the authorities said. A family spokesman told both WTOL 11 and WTVG that the family was informed a body had been found in a tank that holds anhydrous ammonia on the property. Dee Warner was last seen in the early hours of April 25, 2021, at her home on Munger Road in Lenawee County, according to Crime Stoppers of Lenawee County. Rikkell Bock, Dee Warner's adult daughter, said online that it was "surreal" to receive news of the discovery. "We can now lay our beautiful mother down properly to rest," she said in a post on Facebook that accompanied the Michigan State Police statement. "This is not over, it's only beginning. We will fight even harder to make sure we get the justice she deserves." Police looking for missing man in Franklin County FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Police are looking for a missing man in Franklin County and are asking for the publics help. Joseph Piechocki, 47, was reportedly last seen on the evening of Sunday, Aug.18 in the Rouzerville Area and has been considered missing, Washington Township Police said. Police describe Piechocki to be 58 tall, weighs 175 pounds, and he has brown hair along with blue eyes. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Anyone with information about Piechockis whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact Franklin County Emergency Dispatch at 717-762-1145. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Law enforcement apprehended a man Sunday evening after he allegedly went on a wild crime spree across York and Adams counties, stealing vehicles, robbing a Rutter's and attempting a carjacking at a restaurant, according to news releases. York County Regional Police identified the man as 31-year-old Dwayne Wolfe. No address was given for him, but police said he comes from Maryland. He is scheduled to be arraigned this morning, according to online court records. Wolfe faces charges including robbery, attempted robbery, theft by unlawful taking, false identification to law enforcement and more, online court records state. It started around noon Sunday in McSherrystown borough, Adams County as police responded to an attempted robbery at a Turkey Hill convenience store in the 600 block of South Main Street. Thirty minutes later, police received a call about another attempted robbery at a Uni Mart just two blocks away involving the same man, according to borough police. McSherrystown Borough Police gave a description of the man and said he was driving a gray, four-door Toyota Camry with a Pennsylvania registration of LPW 7513. The car had been reported as stolen in Gettysburg after the man ditched a vehicle taken in Maryland, according to the borough and York County Regional police. Hanover Borough and Penn Township police spotted the car but terminated a pursuit, York County Regional Police said in the news release. Robbery of convenience store in Spring Grove reported The man stopped at the Dunkin Donuts in Spring Grove just before 2 p.m. He attempted to steal money by going behind the counter. Afterwards, he went to a Rutter's store in the borough and stole more than $500, the release states. An officer spotted the stolen vehicle just outside of West York, and law enforcement from multiple agencies West Manchester, West York, York City, and York County Regional pursued it. The man abandoned the car in the 1300 block of West Princess Street and ran off. Law enforcement searched for the man with the help of a K-9. An officer spotted the man behind the CVS on Richland Avenue, but the suspect ran off as police tried to detain him, the release states. Police allege the man then stole a dirt bike and a gray Mazda 3 hatchback in the City of York. Attempted car-jacking reported at a York Township restaurant Around 6:10 p.m., law enforcement received a report of an attempted carjacking at the Lion's Pride Restaurant in York Township. The description of the man matched, police said. Police searched the area and found him behind a bank in the 900 block of Country Club Road in York Township. He was taken into custody, the release states. York County Regional Police allege officers recovered $493 from the man's shorts as well as other evidence from the crimes, the release states. Police were still looking for the missing Mazda 3 as of last night. In the news release, police wrote that Wolfe "has an impressive 30 page rap sheet for as young as he is." This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Man stole vehicles, robbed store across York, Adams counties: police AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) The Richmond County Sheriffs Office is requesting the publics help in locating a man wanted for armed robbery and home invasion. According to an incident report, 44-year-old James Trimble III kicked in his ex-girlfriends apartment door on Fayetteville Drive, August 18th. The womans new boyfriend got up around 4:00 a.m. to use the restroom and noticed Tremble inside the home with a handgun. Tremble allegedly robbed the new boyfriend of a cell phone and vape pen at gunpoint. Tremble then left the apartment, followed by the new boyfriend. Police spoke with other residents in the apartment who told police they heard Trimble and the new boyfriend arguing and fighting. After the commotion ended, the other residents left the apartment. They told police they saw Tremble and his brother backing up a vehicle near the apartment. They said Tremble went into his ex-s now empty apartment and left with multiple items that total almost $2000. Police say that Trimble ransacked the apartment, damaged the refrigerator and water heater, causing the apartment to flood. James Trimble III is considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS. If you know of his whereabouts, contact the RCSO (706) 821-1020 or (706) 821-1080. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Police searching for suspects who tried robbing flower vendor, dragged her with SUV MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Police in Maryland are searching for the people who tried robbing a flower vendor in Montgomery County on Sunday afternoon, dragging her with their SUV. The Maryland State Police (MSP) said troopers responded to an I-495 exit ramp near Route 650 just after 3 p.m. Investigators found that a 64-year-old woman was selling flowers along the road when the driver of an SUV called her over. The people in the car pretended to be interested in buying flowers, but grabbed the womans purse instead. Man allegedly attacked outside Dupont Circle Shake Shack, MPD investigating as suspected hate crime As the SUV sped away, MSP said the woman was briefly dragged and fell with her purse still attached to her. She was treated for her injuries at Holy Cross Hospital and later released. MSP said the SUV was dark in color with D.C. license plates. Police believe at least two men were inside, one of which wore a ski mask. It was last seen headed southbound on Route 650. The Montgomery County Police Department and MSP are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Hershberger at the Rockville Barrack at (301) 424-2101. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. After police shootings of people in mental health crisis, what should change? At the end of May, Dennis Bodden walked out of a Pineville Food Lion without paying for about $80 worth of groceries. Five or six minutes later, Bodden, who was struggling with a mental illness, was fatally shot by a police officer. During the encounter, Bodden seemed so aloof that the officer, Sgt. Adam Roberts, asked him, This is the police, you do realize that, right? The Mecklenburg district attorney found the officer was in reasonable fear that Bodden would grab Roberts gun and said no charges were warranted. Roberts has returned to duty. Experts told The Charlotte Observer that the outcome is common in other cases like Boddens. In Virginia in 2018, an unarmed man, suffering from a mental health crisis, ran down the highway naked after crashing his car. Police responded and the man charged at an officer, threatening to kill him. And the officer shot and killed the man. In Florida in March, a Miami police officer who had special training in crisis intervention shot and injured a man who was in distress outside a home after two officers fired Tasers. Each time, its a similar scenario. A person is struggling with mental health, an officer shoots and authorities usually find that the officer legitimately perceived a threat. These types of cases are deemed what some in policing refer to as lawful but awful. Is there a better way to respond to those in a mental health crisis or experiencing a manic episode? Can anything else be done? Some mental health training already exists for officers. These programs teach them how to approach a person who may not respond in the typical way because of a mental illness. Some states, like Virginia, have laws that require police agencies to have specialized teams for crisis intervention. North Carolina does not have a law that requires law enforcement agencies to have a certain number of officers trained in this area. But multiple police departments across the state have developed their own team or a mental health policy that gives guidelines for how officers should go about crisis intervention. Perception of a threat Could there have been a different outcome in Boddens case one where Roberts and Officer Randall Downs, who was also involved in the call, tackled Bodden, instead of Roberts shooting him? This is a common question that Laurence Miller, a clinical and forensic psychologist, has to answer. Miller has testified in several criminal court cases in Florida as an expert witness. His role is to explain the psychology and perception surrounding an officers decision to shoot someone. He demonstrates this idea to his students at Florida Atlantic University to show how much time an officer may have to make a decision. He asks one student to lie on the ground. Then Miller stands with his back to the student about 20 feet away and times the student to see how long it takes them to go from their position to tapping Miller on the shoulder. On average, it takes them about 3.1 seconds, he said. These cases boil down to whether or not an officer felt threatened in the moment, Miller said. But in order to understand, its important to look at the sequence of events leading up to it, he said. University of Miami Medical Student Ryan Gillen holds a sign that reads People With Mental Illness Are 16x More Likely To Be Killed By Police during a March 14 press conference held by the Healing and Justice Center across the street from the scene of the shooting in Florida. Miami police shot Donald Armstrong more than five times while responding to an emergency call during a mental health crisis. Body camera footage obtained by the Observer on Aug. 2 showed the events of what happened leading up to Roberts shooting an unarmed Bodden. Roberts first approached Bodden in the parking lot of the Food Lion. The two continued to walk after Roberts told Bodden to stop, leading to Roberts deploying his Taser. A few minutes later, another officer showed up and also tried to use a Taser. Bodden lunged towards Roberts, who fired his gun immediately after. Boddens case is similar to others hes studied, Miller said. Any one of these individual factors, by itself, might not have led to a split-second life and death decision to use deadly force, Miller said. But it is quite plausible that in this officers brain, the perception of being threatened led to that split-second decision. Boddens mother, Cleopatra Bodden, told reporters following the shooting that her son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and she called on the Pineville Police Department to change the way it responds to people with mental illnesses. The department stated in a press release that it was not aware of any mental health concerns with Bodden. But Bodden showed signs he was clearly mentally ill, Miller said. Its hard for me to believe that nobody knew this guy had a mental illness, since he was a known factor in the community, Miller said. A police body camera shows Dennis Bodden in Pineville, N.C., shortly before he was killed by a police sergeant. The standard police training model Both Roberts and Down had specialized mental health training from a local Crisis Intervention Team program and through internal training that teaches de-escalation techniques, according to a June 3 Pineville Police Department press release. The programs are built to give officers additional training in learning how to not only handle encounters with people who are having a mental health crisis but to spot if someone is showing signs of having a mental illness. North Carolina police officers are required to have 24 hours of training in Individuals with Mental Illness and Developmental Disabilities out of the 640 hours required for Basic Law Enforcement Training. Officers must take the BLET curriculum and pass an exam before working in law enforcement in North Carolina. But if officers are interested in specializing in a specific area, such as mental health, they have to complete further training. Thats where the Crisis Intervention Team program comes in. CIT brings together law enforcement, mental health professionals and local advocacy organizations in order to educate officers, said Madonna Greer, a board member for nonprofit CIT International, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 40-hour training is designed to educate police officers on different mental health conditions and to put them in the shoes of someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, Greer said. Officers also go through different crisis intervention scenarios. (CIT) is really verbally de-escalating, taking care of someone safely when theyre in crisis, that the person in crisis is safe, that the officer is safe, and then that we divert that person from the justice system into the mental health system, where they need to get the care that they need, Greer said. CIT programs vary in each state but tend to have the same baseline of training. The nonprofit works with the National Alliance on Mental Illness as well as other organizations to deliver the training to different communities. The Mecklenburg County Health Department oversees the program for local officers, including Pineville and CMPD. Theres a survey before and after each training class to see if theres anything the program can improve on, said Pineville Police Community Outreach Sgt. Josh Harb. Myles Bell, a spokesperson for Mecklenburg County, declined the Observers request to talk about Boddens case. North Carolina does not have any legislation that requires police departments to have a certain number of CIT-trained officers. Despite this, Greer said that most law enforcement agencies in the state have pushed to have officers trained in mental health crisis response. It is a personal decision of the department, Greer said. Most every law enforcement department will tell you theyre dealing with mental health calls on a very regular basis so they are seeking out regular training. We need good policies Some departments have created mental health policies in addition to extra training for officers. These policies detail how an officer is supposed to respond in crisis situations, signs they should look for and other first responders the person should request. Pineville Police Department does not have a policy that gives guidelines for how officers should handle citizens who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Chief Michael Hudgins told the Observer that police have been working on updating policies for more than two years, and plan to create a new policy titled, Crisis Intervention Incidents. The new changes are expected to go into effect in the next two or three months, Hudgins said. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police SWAT negotiators were at a gas station near SouthPark Mall on July 29 to respond to a person in mental health crisis. The situation was peacefully resolved. Other departments across North Carolina, such as CMPD and the Matthews Police Department, have created such policies in the last three years. Mebane Police Chief Mitch McKenny has worked at several departments in North Carolina. He began as an officer in Newland and then worked in Apex and Chapel Hill. During his time in Apex, the department frequently evaluated their policies, he said. Crisis intervention has always been a focus in departments across the state, he said. But the push to have a more official policy could come from needing clearer guidelines for the operations of CIT trained officers, McKenny said. We need good policies to help us make better decisions in those spaces, McKenny said. Pineville police and other departments also have a Safe Outcomes program created to help make officers aware of any residents mental health problems prior to an emergency. If someone fills out a form, officers will then be aware of the persons condition as they are interacting with them. Is CIT the only option? Some police departments have created other forms of crisis intervention, with some focused on bringing in medical experts to help law enforcement. The model, known as mobile crisis, is referred to by some in the mental health field as more of a collaborative response, Greer said. A person in crisis can call the 24/7 national lifeline number 988. Crisis counselors will answer and try to de-escalate the situation. But sometimes, an in-person response is still needed, Greer said. Someone, primarily, other than law enforcement, will go to that person in crisis, and they will come in plain clothes, Greer said. They will not come with cars with lights on the top, and they will just meet that person in the community, and again, try to resolve that issue where theyre at and not have to have them go anywhere. The goal is to meet peoples needs without involving the justice system, she said. But there are concerns in the mental health industry about sending non-law enforcement first responders into a potentially dangerous situation. Most mental health professionals are not trained in life and death crisis intervention, Miller said. Miller believes that they should be working with law enforcement to help advise them and increase mental health training. However, for him, the problem lies more with what happens way before police are called. People need more basic access to mental health services, he said. Its important to think of treatment not as an extra expense but as a necessary safety measure, Miller said. The key is to provide the mental health services that people need to prevent them from acting out, Miller said. And in those cases where somebody is a risk, then there may be some way of mandating treatment. AMMAN, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) announced on Sunday that 118 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip during the week that ended on Saturday. The aid, provided by the Jordanian Armed Forces and JHCO, includes ready-to-eat meals, food and hygiene parcels, clothing, blankets, medical supplies, tents, mattresses, and blood units. It will be distributed by partner organizations in Gaza. JHCO Secretary-General Hussein Shibli stated that aid convoys are sent weekly from the charity's and its partners' warehouses. So far, 3,150 trucks of humanitarian aid have been sent to Gaza via various land crossings, said Shibli. As polio reemerges in Gaza, a mother fears for her child's health Fears over the spread of polio after the first case was reported by the ministry of heath, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Gaza Fears over the spread of polio after the first case was reported by the ministry of heath, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Gaza By Ramadan Abed DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza (Reuters) - In Gaza, a mother worries that her month-old son, Mohammed, could be infected with polio after the Palestinian health ministry confirmed the first case in the enclave on Friday, ending a 25 year period in which the Strip was polio-free. Just three days after his birth, Ghada al-Ghandour's son Mohammed started developing skin rashes. "He had skin rashes as if he was burnt," she said. A doctor told her there were no creams to treat her child. She later brought him to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza to seek a diagnosis and treatment. The rash fueled his mother's fears that other symptoms and diseases could follow due to a lack of hygiene and medical supplies in Gaza after more than 10 months of conflict. In a statement, the Palestinian health ministry confirmed the first case of polio in the city of Deir al-Balah had been detected in a 10-month-old baby who had not been vaccinated. Likewise, Mohammed has not received a polio vaccine. "My son was deprived of the first vaccine in his first month," his mother said. Polio was detected in sewage in Gaza's Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis governorates, Dr. Hamid Jafari, a polio specialist at the World Health Organization (WHO), said on Aug. 7, adding it was possible the virus had been circulating since September. 'YET ANOTHER THREAT TO CHILDREN' Poliomyelitis, which is spread mainly through the fecal-oral route, is a highly infectious virus that can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. Children under 5 are most at risk from the viral disease, and especially infants under 2 since normal vaccination regimens have been disrupted by the war. "If the occupation (Israeli forces) continues to close the (border) crossing and denies access to vaccines, it will lead to a health disaster," said Khalil al-Daqran, spokesperson of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Israel announced on Sunday that it would facilitate the transfer into Gaza of polio vaccines for around one million children. More than 43,000 vials of the vaccine were expected to arrive in Israel in the coming weeks and would be sent to Gaza, according to a statement from COGAT, the Israeli defence agency that coordinated civilian matters with the Palestinians. This would be enough for two rounds of doses for over a million children, it said. But Al-Daqran of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said a vaccination campaign could not happen without a pause in fighting. The reemergence of polio "represents yet another threat to the children in the Gaza Strip and neighbouring countries," the WHO said on Aug. 16. Nearly half of Gaza's 2.3 million population are under the age of 18 and around 15% are children under the age of 5, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. Aside from the resurgence of polio and the threat of other diseases, Palestinians face a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food, fuel and water inflicting suffering every day. The war in Gaza started after Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostage, according to Israeli tallies. The death toll of Palestinians killed by the Israeli military campaign has exceeded 40,000, according to Gaza authorities. (Writing by Catherine Cartier; Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; Editing by Ros Russell) Monthly arrests across the southern border have reached the lowest point since September 2020, according to figures released Friday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press) Democrats are flipping the script on border security, with political ads for races across the country highlighting an issue Republicans have repeatedly used as an attack. In key swing districts that could determine which party controls Congress, Democrats are criticizing a lack of solutions and calling for public safety improvements at the U.S.-Mexico border. "Ken Calvert has had 32 years to secure the border," Democrat Will Rollins says in an ad that debuted last week, arguing that the incumbent Republican he's seeking to oust in California's 41st Congressional District has not gotten the job done. In the ad, Rollins says that as a prosecutor in the U.S. attorney's office, he put away drug lords, Mexican Mafia members and violent criminals. The video cuts to a Calvert for Congress sign that reads "Secure the border!" But that posture is a lie, Rollins says, pointing to Calvert's vote against a bipartisan border security bill that would have added 1,500 more agents on the border. Read more: How the California border changed after Biden's order limiting asylum The same day Rollins' ad dropped, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) launched an ad for his Senate campaign that opens with Arizona's Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway driving parallel to the border, the steel barrier with concertina wire looming in the background. "Every day on the border is a challenge," Hathaway says. "Both parties created it, and neither has the guts to fix it. But Ruben Gallego has stood side-by-side with me, the only member of Congress that has come regularly to my border. And he's fighting for solutions better technology, more manpower, so people like me can do our jobs." A month earlier, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez a Democrat from Washington state who, in 2022, flipped a seat long held by the GOP released an ad touting her work to take on the Biden administration and cooperate with Republicans to secure the southern border. It featured two sheriffs from her state, with Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders saying, "Marie is delivering the tools and manpower we need to tackle fentanyl." In a caption accompanying the video on Facebook, Perez wrote, "My bipartisan record is clear. Im working to secure our border, combat fentanyl, and support law enforcement in Southwest Washington. Thats why Im backed by Republican and Independent county sheriffs, and our rank-and-file peace officers." Asked about the trend, Ben Petersen, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, pointed to Rollins and Perez opposing the Republican-led Secure the Border Act of 2023 and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president as examples of their weakness on the issue. "Their gaslighting is backfiring because voters know Democrats unleashed the worst border crisis in U.S. history, Petersen said. Read more: Kamala Harris spent her political career supporting immigrants. As vice president, it got more complicated Democratic strategist Michael Trujillo said such ads are a relatively new move for Democratic candidates, who have traditionally avoided focusing on immigration as a campaign issue. They reflect candidates trying to meet voters where they're at on an issue that has dominated the conservative media for many months. "Is it a fair policy perspective? Who knows?" he said. "A lot is driven by what voters see on the news, what theyre watching on Fox or what Trump is trying to make a top story. Youre seeing Democrats show their response to this, showing they are not going to just ignore the border and this is a priority." Beyond congressional races, the Democratic nominee for president is also touting her record on border security. Harris released an ad this month that highlights her record as a California prosecutor and argues that while fixing the border is tough, "so is Kamala Harris." As a border state prosecutor, she took on drug cartels and jailed gang members for smuggling weapons and drugs across the border, the ad reads. "As vice president, she backed the toughest border control bill in decades. And as president, she will hire thousands more border agents and crack down on fentanyl and human trafficking. Her Republican opponent, former President Trump, has made blaming Democrats for the "border nightmare" a hallmark of his campaign, casting migrants as drug dealers, terrorists and rapists. "We've become a dumping ground for the rest of the world," Trump said at last month's Republican National Convention. Trujillo said the Harris campaign also releasing an ad focused on the border shows the issue has moved beyond Republicans and moderate Democrats in swing seats. Talking about the border through the lens of security is smart, he said, because "no one wants to scapegoat immigrants." "There's still a large segment of the population that remembers 9/11 and doesn't want to have anyone come in that wants to hurt our country," he said. Read more: GOP sticks to the message that migrants are dangerous Monthly arrests across the southern border have reached the lowest point since September 2020, according to figures released Friday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Officials credit the Biden administration's June executive order temporarily blocking asylum access, as well as stepped up immigration enforcement by Mexican authorities and other countries in the region. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A Milford police officer is off the job months after he was fired from another local police department for failing to report allegations against another officer. The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standard and Training Commission suspended Timothy Brennans certification, arguing that the officer had knowledge of his fellow officers rape of a child Brennan was fired from the Hopkinton Police Department earlier this year for violating department policies by failing to report sexual assault and rape allegations involving former Deputy Police Chief John Porter and a child. Porter was indicted on three counts of child rape in May 2023. Investigators said he sexually assaulted and raped a Hopkinton High School student in 2004 and 2005 when she was 14 years old and Porter was a school resource officer. Brennan was hired by the Milford Police Department in July. Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino told Boston 25 that he believes that POST acted too hastily and that Brennan went through a vetting process when he was hired. All I could see that he did was advocate for a rape victim, said Tusino. As a former EMT I was always told to put your patient first....and to act in their best interest....and that seems to be the case here. Emotions run high during hearing for suspended Hopkinton police sergeant According to Brennan, the victim first told him of the sexual assault allegations in 2017 when she was an adult. Brennan said he never reported her allegations because he was worried it would scare the victim and keep her from cooperating with law enforcement. In 2017, I did not have a cooperating victim, Brennan said. It keeps coming up that I did nothing. I answered phone calls from the survivor. I talked to her. I encouraged her to report it. I encouraged her to continue to seek counseling. I didnt do nothing. The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standard and Training Commission will now determine Brennans future as a police officer in Massachusetts. Milford Police Officer Brennan Suspension Order by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd This embedded content is not available in your region. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Power outages cause two Macon schools to close Monday, Bibb County district says Howard Middle School and Howard High School were forced to close Monday due to power outages following the aftermath of Sundays severe thunderstorms, the Bibb County School District announced. The school district had been in communication with Georgia Power throughout the night, and power was expected to be back on by the end of the day. The district said it anticipates that classes for the two schools will resume Tuesday. The safety of our students and staff is one of our top priorities, the district said in a news release. We also want to thank Georgia Power crews for continuing to work throughout the night to restore power to other school campuses. All other Bibb County schools and facilities were operating normally Monday. Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, D-Montgomery, listens to a colleague on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 18, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) A Montgomery lawmaker has prefiled a bill that would require gun owners to acquire permits for assault weapons. HB 23, sponsored by Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, D-Montgomery, would require a person purchase a permit to buy or take possession of an assault rifle. If I am a felon, and I am driving, and I get stopped by the police, and I got a pistol, the police do not even have to ask me if I have a permit for that, Hassell said. The police can run my drivers license or stop me for speeding and give me a ticket, but there is no accountability for the weapon piece. There is nothing in place right now that we have for weapons to be in someones trunk, and someone just pulls it out. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The bill, which faces long odds of passage in the Republican-controlled Legislature, comes as Alabama continues to rank among the worst places in the United States for gun violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022 Alabamas firearm death rate was 25.5 per 100,000 people, the fourth-highest in the nation. The CDC reported that 1,278 Alabamians died by firearms that year, a higher death toll than New York (1,044), which has almost four times Alabamas population. The legislation defines an assault weapon as a semiautomatic pistol, rifle or shotgun with certain features. The bill defines a semiautomatic rifle as a firearm with the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and one or more of a list of characteristics, including a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon; a thumbhole stock; a secondhand grip or protruding grip that can be held by the nontrigger hand; a flash suppressor, or a grenade launcher or flare launcher, and a place to attach a detachable magazine. The permit requirement, according to Hassell, would provide law enforcement with some authority to investigate the circumstances involving the firearm. At least one gun rights group said it opposes the legislation. It violates the U.S. Constitution and the Alabama Constitution, that is our position on it right there, said Linda McKinney, president of BamaCarry, Inc. The bill allows people up to 90 days from purchasing an assault weapon to obtain a permit. Under the bill, residents would be able to obtain a permit at county sheriffs offices throughout the state. It would be up to the sheriffs office to decide whether to grant an individual a permit and the cost of the permit. Assault weapons are dangerous, and just the sight of these weapons is terrifying people, Hassell said. And that will give police officers some authority. The Republican-controlled Legislature has been rolling back state gun regulations in recent years. In 2022, legislators ended the requirement to have a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Several sheriffs opposed the legislation, telling lawmakers that permit requirement enhances public safety by allowing officers and sheriffs deputies the chance to at least inquire about the weapon. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST Just in time for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the latest New York Times/Siena College poll showed what seemed implausible just weeks ago: the Democratic nominee has a real chance at winning North Carolina. Vice President Kamala Harris has been able to take advantage of the states political environment in a way President Joe Biden couldnt. It means the state might for the second time play an integral role in electing a Black president and that N.C. Republicans cant gerrymander away that possibility. Issac Bailey For North Carolina residents, it means the state will see plenty more of Harris between now and early November. She traveled to the state last week to unveil the first major policy of her still-new campaign. With a victory, she would become the first woman in U.S. history to lead the nation, as well as the first American of South Asian descent and the second Black person. In 2008, North Carolina voted for Barack Obama, our first Black president. Because North Carolina is closely contested, former President Donald Trump will likely be revisiting often as well, guaranteeing the national spotlight will remain on the state. During recent visits, Harris unveiled an economic plan detailed enough for economists to debate, while Trump continued talking about crowd size while he was supposed to focus on the economy. The contrast couldnt be sharper. The New York Times poll has Harris at 49% to Trumps 47% in North Carolina, within the polls margin of error. Other polls have it about the same or flipped, meaning the race is essentially tied. North Carolina isnt nearly as red as the Republican veto-proof supermajority in the General Assembly would suggest. Its just that the state is among those with undemocratic gerrymandered maps. After a series of sometimes-confusing and contradictory court rulings, gerrymanders are in place in North Carolina that were deemed unconstitutional and racially discriminatory against Black voters. The state Supreme Court struck down one discriminatory map, and a newly-constituted Republican dominant court let the map stand. In 2013, a panel of federal judges struck down a map they said N.C. Republicans had drawn with almost surgical precision to target Black voters. Other federal judges, including one who had represented Republicans in North Carolina redistricting disputes before he was appointed to the bench, OKd what fellow Republicans were doing. It was all made possible by a conservative U.S. Supreme Court that gutted the Voting Rights Act and, with a wink and a nod, told Republicans as long as they didnt make gerrymanders specifically about race though they could substitute a partisanship that would lead to the same results they could continue making the state undemocratic. Thats why the outcome of the 2024 presidential race in North Carolina is vitally important. Republican-led courts cant prevent voters statewide from handing North Carolinas Electoral College votes to Harris (or choosing Josh Stein to replace Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper). Such an outcome is the only real chance N.C. residents will have to begin turning the state back into a true democracy. Its the only chance to begin reversing gerrymanders that mean Republicans dont have to work to gain a representative majority of voters up and down the ticket. As of now, Republicans know they can keep a veto-proof majority of power in state legislature without having to convince a majority of Tar Heels that they deserve so much power. North Carolina voting for Harris wont guarantee that state-level gerrymanders will be undone, just as Obamas 2008 win in the state didnt prevent N.C. Republican leaders from diminishing the voices of those who belong to a different party. A Harris win would send a message that the state is once again ready for something unprecedented in the nations history and that a good portion of its residents still value a healthy version of democracy. Issac Bailey is a McClatchy Opinion writer in North and South Carolina. On March 31, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson gave a national address on television from the Oval Office. After talking about taxes and especially Vietnam, he said: With Americas sons in the fields far away, with Americas future under challenge right here at home, with our hopes and the worlds hopes for peace in the balance every day, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office. Accordingly, Johnson concluded, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president. The announcement shocked the nation. Many praised the decision, including Republican Sen. Jacob Javits of New York, who stated, in a grave hour of war and national doubt, the president has lifted the office of the president to its proper place, far above politics. Johnsons proclamation came nearly four months earlier in the election cycle than President Joe Bidens recent decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, but the two episodeslike the two menshare many commonalities, the chief one being that their vice presidents became the party standard bearers. While Johnson insisted on following President Dwight Eisenhowers tradition of avoiding an active partisan role in the presidential race in which he was not a participant, he at times couldnt help himself, occasionally hindering Vice President Hubert Humphrey, his running mate in 1964 whom the Democrats eventually nominated as their presidential candidate in 1968. Biden, for his part, has not shown the same tendencies as Johnson and appears less likely to sabotage Kamala Harris candidacy. He is set to make a case for her at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night. Biden will find himself in a similar position as LBJ once the convention in Chicago wraps up, in that he will seek to finalize some of his priorities before leaving office, from high-stakes negotiations like brokering a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas to legacy plays like designating the site of a 1908 race riot in Illinois as a national monument. Bidens agenda may occasionally bring him into conflict with Harris campaign, which, although made up of many former Biden staffers, now has different priorities. LBJ hoped to focus on peace in Vietnam during the remainder of his lame-duck presidency, seeking to cement his legacy as a good president in difficult times. But seven months between his withdrawal from the race and Election Day proved to be some of the most contentious not just of his presidency, but the countrys history. Soon after Johnson announced his decision not to seek reelection, an assassin struck down Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee, igniting horrible race riots that engulfed the country and reached only a few blocks from the White House. It tested LBJs immense political skills to curtail the violence. But the crises kept coming for Johnson as he devoted a great deal of time and energy to pushing the North and South Vietnamese to the bargaining table in Paris as the terrible fighting in southeast Asia continued to claim thousands of lives. An assassin killed Sen. Robert Kennedy, then a presidential candidate, in June, and Johnson experienced a major political defeat several weeks later when he sought to promote Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas to chief justice, a move eventually blocked in the Senate by Republicans. In August, the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia, killing plans for a fall summit between LBJ and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev to discuss disarmament and easing global tensions. LBJ remained a prominent player in politics throughout that pivotal summer of 1968, often proving remarkably skilled in guiding the country through turbulent waters. He refused to actively campaign for his vice president, and at times seemed outright hostile to Humphreys candidacy. He once publicly commented during the summer that his vice president cries too much. He said another time privately about seeing Eugene McCarthy and Humphrey holding crying babies: Thats the way I feel when I look at the two candidates, like crying. Johnson would often bristle when Humphrey tried to assert his independence, especially relating to answering antiwar leaders calls for a halt to bombing in Vietnam and discussions of a withdrawal. While some historians have erroneously interpreted such comments as Johnson preferring Nixon to win the election that November, LBJ despised his eventual successor and never trusted him. It was his own vanity and thirst for power (and inability to let go of control) that often played a role in his actions as the election approached. Such tensions went both ways, as Humphrey had to balance supporting the administration while also appealing to liberals and doves within the partyparticularly when it came to Vietnam and Johnsons supposedly slow decision-making process. Nothing would bring the real peaceniks back to our side unless Hubert urinated on a portrait of Lyndon Johnson in Times Square before television, observed Bill Connell, the manager of the 1968 DNC. And then theyd say to him, Why didnt you do it before? Navigating these monthswhere Johnson was still president while Humphrey was campaigningpresented a real challenge for the two men and required a delicate balancing act. No event highlighted LBJs ambivalence more than the Democratic National Convention in Chicago at the end of August. The presidents loyalists maintained tight control of the agenda and events, and some pushed Johnson to consider visiting the convention on his birthday, August 27, with the possibility that he be drafted by the party to head the ticket once again. With Humphrey trailing Nixon by double digits in polls at that point, many people considered replacing him with LBJ or Edward Kennedy. But the call never came. His aides later insisted that Johnson never would have accepted, and that he only wanted the validation of being asked. However, his failure to fully support Humphrey in Chicago and the divisions in the party over Vietnam and the riots in the streets severely hampered Humphreys efforts coming out of the convention. Into the fall, Johnson fought hard to push the combatants in Vietnam to come to the table for peace negotiations. He wanted to cement his legacy, of course, but deep down, he also wanted to help Humphrey despite their many disagreements. With patient and persistent pressure, the president neared a possible breakthrough in October, terrifying Nixons advisers, as the polling gap between the candidates had narrowed significantly since the convention and peace in Vietnam could put Humphrey over the top. Nixon himself reportedly told an aide to throw a monkey wrench in the peace talks, and the Nixon campaign, working through Anna Chennault and other GOP operatives, pressured the South Vietnamese to withdraw from negotiations by promising a better deal if Nixon became president. With the race neck and neck, LBJ began publicly campaigning directly with his vice president in the final weeks of the campaign. He remained popular among many constituents, especially blue dog Democrats in the South. Another week might have changed the outcome, as Humphrey came within 500,000 votes of Nixon nationally after trailing badly for much of the race. Many historians have wondered what might have happened had LBJ thrown his full weight behind Humphrey and his campaign earlier and more forcefully, but the presidents own vanityas well as his efforts to avoid the appearance of partisanship in his drive to secure peace in Vietnamstood in the way. The fact that Humphrey closed the gap as much as he did, however, underscores how small changes can affect an elections outcome. Harris may or may not win the election this November, but a lack of public support from Biden is unlikely to be a reason why. The president has already stepped back from the limelight in recent weeks after endorsing his vice president, allowing Harris to quickly consolidate the support of the Democratic Party and stand up a formidable general election campaign that is already polling ahead of Republican Donald Trump both nationally and in many key battleground states. According to NBC News, the president is expected to make a forceful case for Harris and Tim Walz, her running mate, in his convention speech on Monday night. That dynamic could always shift, however, if the vice presidents campaign starts to struggle or she starts to break too much from the administration and its policies. As its commonly noted, 90 days is a long time in politics. 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. An evangelical group has come out in support of Vice President Kamala Harris, and its ads are aggressively looking to peel more members of the conservative Christian sect away from Donald Trump. A new media spot by Evangelicals For Harris turns to the fourth verse of the first book of John for guidance on the upcoming election, pairing the false prophet Bible passage with several caustic clips of Trump. Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, the advertisement opens. The clips include the time in 2016 when Trump claimed he could shoot someone in broad daylight on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and not lose any votes, as well as recent instances in which the Republican nominee channeled the language of Adolf Hitler, arguing that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country while elevating some of his icons, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Read 1 John 4. Choose Christs Love, the advertisement ends. Our second ad. It is understood best after reading all of 1 John 4 (which is worth doing with or without our ad!). "Test the spirits to see if they are from God, for many false prophets have gone into the world...this is how we recognize the spirit of truth and the spirit of pic.twitter.com/SI54xD9HyL Evangelicals For Harris (@Evangels4Harris) August 19, 2024 Its the second such ad by the group in recent weeks. On Wednesday, Evangelicals For Harris stitched a clip of the late Billy Graham urging parishioners to atone for their sins with a 2015 interview of Trump, in which the former real estate mogul said he was not sure he had ever asked God for forgiveness. Thats a tough question. Im not sure I have, Trump said at the time. I just, I dont bring God into that picture. I dont. The clip was not taken well by Grahams son and institutional successor, who wrote on Twitter that the liberals are using anything and everything they can to promote candidate Harris. They even developed a political ad trying to use my father @BillyGrahams image, Franklin Graham said in response. They are trying to mislead people. Maybe they dont know that my father appreciated the conservative values and policies of President @realDonaldTrump in 2016, and if he were alive today, my fathers views and opinions would not have changed. But clearly, the pro-Trump sentiment is not shared throughout the religious dynasty: Billy Grahams granddaughter, Jerushah Duford, endorsed Harris days later. Speaking during an Evangelicals For Harris Zoom call on Friday, Duford lamented how her denominations ongoing support of Trump has turned young people away from religion. In 2016, when a man bragged about assaulting women, various leaders of my faith then propped up this man as a poster boy for godly manhood and leadership, Duford told the group. This broke my heart as I have watchedquite frankly, for the last eight yearspeople who were curious about Jesus and His teachings [have] done a 180 and walked in the other direction from my faith. Several protest group organizers gathered Sunday at Union Park ahead of what they are calling a massive mobilization for Palestine on Monday, the opening day of the Democratic National Convention. They have been embroiled in a monthslong dispute with the city of Chicago in federal courts over protest parameters. The Coalition to March on the DNC, which comprises nearly 270 organizations nationwide, was given permits to march Monday and Thursday, but the city of Chicago is imposing unreasonable restrictions, according to organizers. The coalition is demanding a 2.4-mile route after only being approved to march a 1.1-mile route near the United Center. Organizers said the existing route is too short and includes several blocks of narrow residential streets that are insufficient for the many thousands they expect to join them in protest of all U.S. aid to Israel. Israel launched its bombardment of Gaza after Hamas Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, where the group killed some 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. Since then, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. People from 21 states, including four states bringing full charter buses, are expected to congregate at Union Park Monday morning to begin their march by the United Center, according to organizers. The shorter route infringes on these individuals right to protest by creating a bottleneck that will prevent many from getting within sight and sound of the DNC, according to organizers. This isnt just a march for students and young people. This is families coming out to send a message. So, we need to have a safe secure march for everybody, Abla Abdelkader, a leader of Chicagos chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and a student at the University of Illinois Chicago, told the Tribune. Her parents and sister joined her at Sundays gathering and they all plan to attend Mondays protest together. The coalition will continue demanding the longer route until their march starts at 2 p.m. Monday. Coalition spokesperson Hatem Abudayyeh believes city officials will recognize the need for a longer route when they see the crowds that will start to gather around 9 a.m. for pre-march speeches beginning at noon in Union Park, about half a mile from the United Center. When asked whether protesters would adhere to the approved route at march start time, Abudayyeh said, We have a philosophy in Chicago that the numbers dictate what the route is. On Friday, the protesters won the right to have stages, sound equipment and a handful of port-a-potties in the park. But the city is still prohibiting the use of media risers and canopy tents, which organizers said are necessary to shade medics and supporters trained in de-escalation. City officials have said their efforts are to ensure protests do not get out of hand, but organizers are confident they can independently make sure Mondays and Thursdays marches are peaceful. The only worry about violence is violence coming from Chicago police and other police, said Abudayyeh. Theyre only responsible for one thing: to make sure they dont infringe on our First Amendment rights. Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, joined the Sunday gathering in support of March on the DNC and encouraged participants to continue exercising their voices. In February, Chicago became the largest city to pass a cease-fire resolution, an effort for which Sigcho-Lopez was a vocal supporter. Mayor Brandon Johnson was the tie-breaking vote on the resolution. In a Mother Jones article published Saturday, Johnson called the Israel-Hamas war genocidal. Abudayyeh spoke favorably of the mayor and accused conservative leanings in other city departments like the Police Department for the barriers the coalition has faced. While March on the DNC has marshaled around violence in Gaza and U.S. aid to Israel, the protest was planned before the Israel-Hamas war began to advocate for the rights and liberation of all oppressed people. Marc Daniels was an unexpected addition to Sundays event. The 69-year-old Jewish man from Springfield happened upon the gathering on his way back to his hotel. He came to Chicago to distribute yarmulkes embroidered with the saying Make abortion Kosher again to party officials. Everyone has the right to protest, Daniels told the Tribune. Im not qualified to do the geopolitics, not no way, no how. But we need to find a way to lift people above this part of it, and I think the Muslims and the Jews need to find a way to talk to each other, engage in a dialogue here in the U.S. It was this sentiment that swayed him to stay and listen to the coalitions demands, even as it began raining Sunday. Other Jewish individuals are joining Palestinians at Buckingham Fountain every morning during the DNC to run Chicagos lakefront in a show of solidarity and to call for a cease-fire in Gaza. Poe on ramming of PH vessel in Escoda Shoal We deplore this latest irresponsible maneuvers by China in our territory. The damage inflicted on the Philippine vessel endangers the safety of the crew. This also undermines the freedom of sea routes guaranteed under international laws. We will continue to stand behind our Coast Guard in protesting and exposing these unlawful activities to send a message that such bullying will always be met with pushback. At the same time, we urge concerned agencies to intensify our maritime security cooperation with our allies and neighbors that similarly believe that the international law is on our side. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang will travel to Russia to chair the 29th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government and visit Russia and Belarus from August 20 to 23, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Monday. Li's visit comes at the invitation of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, spokesperson Mao Ning said. "This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia and the beginning of China-Russia Years of Culture," Mao said at a daily news briefing, adding that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Russia relations have overcome external interference and maintained healthy and stable development. The regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government, held every year since its inception in 1996, is an important mechanism for implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state and promoting bilateral cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, Mao said. During his visit to Russia, Premier Li will hold the 29th regular meeting of Chinese and Russian heads of government with Mikhail Mishustin to exchange in-depth views on bilateral relations, practical cooperation and important issues of common interest, Mao added. She also noted that China and Belarus are all-weather comprehensive strategic partners and in recent years, under the personal care and promotion of the two heads of state, China-Belarus relations have maintained a sound momentum of development. The two sides have strengthened political mutual trust and achieved fruitful results in Belt and Road cooperation, she said. During his visit to Belarus, Premier Li will hold talks with Roman Golovchenko and exchange in-depth views on bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, Mao said. Pro-Palestinian Protesters at DNC Say They Aim to Hold Harris to a Cease-Fire and Complete Reevaluation of Israeli Relations Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention was met Monday with thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathering for the March on the DNC demonstration at Union Park. The 13.5-acre plot of green is less than a mile from the United Center, where the conventions primetime programming is set to take place, and about 3.5 miles from the daytime itinerary at McCormick Place. Calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and an end to U.S. aid for Israels military action against Hamas in Palestine, the protest saw support from Chicagoan Palestinians, Jews and their allies. The city of Chicago, which is home to the largest population of Palestinians in the United States, granted permits and access to staging and sound equipment for the event after a legal battle on Friday. The March on the DNC was in part overseen by coalition cochair Kobi Guillory, who lead the chant, Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israels crimes. The Democratic leaders say nice words about the communities who get them elected, but they prove through their actions that they are the same as the Republicans, Guillory said, speaking at the start of the protest. Chicago Police and demonstrators prepare for start of the March on the DNC (Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images) That is why now is the ripe time for protesters to be heard, according to Jodie Evans, the cofounder of women-for-peace org Code Pink. Theres only the next two and a half months. That is when democracy happens. That is when we raise our voice, Evans, who hasnt missed a convention since 1976, told TheWrap. That is when we irritate those that are running. Thats where we we make them make promises that we can then force them to keep. In addition to Code Pink, the protest saw many different organizations in attendance, including Jewish Voice for Peace, Students for Justice in Palestine, Starbucks Workers United, Veterans for Peace and more than 200 others all demanding President Biden, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and other party leaders to end U.S. aid to Israel. More specifically, Aviva Waldman, a progressive Jewish activist, noted they would like to see an arms embargo which at this at this point, really seems to be the only thing that is likely to stop the continued aggressions against civilians in Gaza, she told TheWrap. But protesters also called for more longterm change in the Middle East, should Harris win the presidency in November. We want to see a complete reevaluation of the Democratic Partys policy towards the Israeli administration, and its material support for the Israeli occupation, both in Gaza and in the West Bank, and for the political regime under which Palestinians of Israel live, Waldman said. While the majority of the March on the DNC protesters appeared to be critical supporters of the Democratic Party, there were certainly plenty of signs expressing distaste for Biden, Harris and Trump alike. A speaker for the U.S. Palestinian Community Network said that the Biden administration and Democrats have ignored our calls for an end to this genocide, claiming harassment whenever anyone confronts them. Independent presidential candidate Cornel West, meanwhile, posed with pro-Palestinian protesters holding signs that read, Abandon Harris 24. There was even a small table set up campaigning for Jill Stein. But, at least for Waldman, the answer to who shes voting for in November was clear: Certainly not the Republican Party. Cornel West walks through the crowd as pro-Palestinian protesters in Union Park prepare to march in Chicago (Credit: Matthew Hatcher/AFP via Getty Images) I think we can all agree that theyre not looking out for the well being of anyone but a certain, very narrow slice of their voting base, Waldman said. Thats all we need to say about the Republican Party. Reflecting on the DNCs history of being an important venue for protest, Waldman expressed that its one of the very rare opportunities where you see all of these tremendously powerful people gather in a venue that is not Washington. Having all those people in geographic proximity, in a place where we can yell and have them hear us is an important opportunity to bring the Democratic Party elite face to face with the American people and what we want, Waldman said. The main programming of the DNCs first evening kicks off Monday with headline speakers Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden. The post Pro-Palestinian Protesters at DNC Say They Aim to Hold Harris to a Cease-Fire and Complete Reevaluation of Israeli Relations appeared first on TheWrap. Pro-Kremlin websites masquerading as American news outlets spread incendiary falsehoods ahead of the U.S. presidential election, the AFP news agency reported on Aug. 19. Washington's rivals like Russia or Iran have been reportedly adjusting their propaganda strategies in the wake of a turbulent period in U.S. politics. Using artificial intelligence, the fake media sites disseminated provocative false statements in the run-up to the presidential election in November. The number of fake news outlets has increased in the past few months, AFP said, citing disinformation researchers. Fake websites, mostly created with the help of widely available artificial intelligence tools, fuel the spread of controversial and false narratives. U.S. officials are warning that foreign powers, including Russia and Iran, are stepping up efforts to interfere in the upcoming elections. Several similar websites, owned by John Mark Dougan, a former U.S. Marine who fled to Russia amid racketeering and wiretapping charges in Florida, spread the false claim that the Democratic Party was behind the assassination attempt on Trump in July, AFP said. Sign up for our newsletter WTF is wrong with Russia? Sign up The articles referred to an audio recording of an alleged conversation between former U.S. President Barack Obama and an unnamed Democratic strategist. A voice impersonating Obama said that getting "rid of Trump" would ensure "victory against any Republican candidate." According to NewsGuard, an American disinformation watchdog, the audio was created using artificial intelligence. The fake audio is believed to be from an article titled "Top Democrats Are Behind the Assassination Attempt on Trump; Obama Knows About the Details" on an obscure website, DeepStateLeaks.org. The audio was distributed through Dougan's 171 fake news websites network, citing DeepStateLeaks.org as the source. Their articles turned out to be AI-rewritten versions of the same story, NewsGuard said. NewsGuard analyst McKenzie Sadeghi told AFP that Dougan's network is increasingly being used to spread political disinformation ahead of elections, and Dougan himself is "a key player" in the Kremlin's global disinformation network. NewsGuard has identified at least 1,270 "pink slime" outlets, politically motivated websites that present themselves as independent local news outlets. In July, the U.S. Justice Department announced that it had seized two domain names and searched over 950 accounts on X that were involved in a bot farm linked to the Russian state-run media outlet RT. The bot farm used generative AI to create accounts for X, who often claimed to be in the U.S. The falsified accounts then spread Russian propaganda talking points aimed at the American public. Top intelligence officials also revealed on July 29 that the Kremlin was using unsuspecting Americans and commercial public relations firms in Russia to spread disinformation about the U.S. presidential race. Read also: How Ukraines Kursk incursion threw Russias top propagandists into crisis Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (NEXSTAR) As the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago, Democrats are hoping to keep the focus on Project 2025 and the connection they say former President Donald Trump has to it. Trump has spent months trying to distance himself from the controversial plan for a future Republican president put together by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank, which includes some of Trumps own former administration officials. The more the American people hear about Project 2025, the more they support Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, Kevin Munoz, senior spokesperson for Harris for President told Nexstar. He went on to call it an anti-American, unacceptable agenda that rips away Americans freedoms, gives handouts to corporations and billionaires, and does nothing to address the American people and the issues they care most about. Democratic National Committee projects weird message on Chicagos Trump Tower ahead of DNC Trump has previously claimed he knows nothing of Project 2025, nor who is in charge of it. Munoz refuted that, pointing to alleged flights Trump has been on with those behind the plan and the forward Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance, wrote for the Heritage Foundations leaders upcoming book. It is a choice between [Harris] record, and Donald Trump and what the Project 2025 agenda could do, Munoz added. While speaking with Nexstar, Munoz pointed to the impacts on abortion rights Project 2025 could have. He teased scheduled speakers for Monday, who are going to tell their stories of the impact of Donald Trumps abortion ban that he enabled by overturning Roe v. Wade with the Dobbs decision. These are men and women in Alabama, Texas, Kentucky, that have had their rights taken away and live these unacceptable horror stories of almost dying because they couldnt get reproductive care, Munoz explained. Well, Project 2025 would make that nightmare that women have faced in these states a national one. We have to be that sober and clear about the stakes. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The U.S. Oliver Hazard Perry (OHP) class frigates, dozens of which once served the U.S. Navy, are still actively used by a number countries. While they may all appear similar from the outside, upon a closer look, the OHP frigates of the Turkish Navy, known as the Gabya class, are significantly different. This transformation is due to the GENESIS project, a major initiative of the Turkish defense industry that has not only rejuvenated the combat capability of these second-hand warships, but has set Turkey on a path to independently developing its own more advanced warships. A brief history of the OHP frigates in the Turkish Fleet The Turkish Navy started to use Gabya class frigates in the late 1990s when TCG Gaziantep (ex-USS Clifton Sprague) was commissioned in 1997. Between 1997 and 2003, eight Gabya class frigates were commissioned, and the ex-USS Duncan was purchased as the ninth ship and used as a spare parts source for the other eight vessels. MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 25, 2016) The Turkish Gabya Class frigate TCG Gaziantep (F-490) is underway in formation with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) during an exercise with the Turkish and United States navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class J. Alexander Delgado) MC3 J. Alexander Delgado The Gabya class frigates, which were reactivated and put into service after the U.S. Navy decommissioned them, were used by the Turkish Navy for anti-air warfare (AAW) as their main mission function due to the medium-range SM-1 missiles they carried. Since the late 1990s, these ships have been used in critical missions such as the non-combatant evacuation operation from Beirut in 2006 and Operation Unified Protector in Libya in 2011. They have also participated in numerous NATO and United Nations missions. These ships, which have formed the backbone of the Turkish Navy by sailing thousands of hours every year since they entered service, have been subjected to a number of modernizations by the Turkish defense industry. These upgrades focused on countering modern threats more effectively, increasing compatibility in joint operations, enhancing detection and identification abilities by replacing outdated sensors with modern sensors, and increasing their firepower. Two OHP frigates: SPS Navarra from the Spanish Navy on the left, Turkish upgraded GENESIS OHP frigate TCG Gediz on the right. (Turkish MOD) In order to carry out these modernizations effectively, the GENESIS project was initiated, as it was necessary to provide ships with a modern combat management system (CMS). Overall, this project constituted the spirit of the improvements made to increase the capabilities of these ships. The robustness of the hull and keel of OHP frigates, and the assessments that these ships could l be used effectively for many years to come if their CMS was renewed, have been the main motivations for investing further in them. With the modernization of the Gabya class frigates, the command and control systems have been renewed, enhancing their coordinated operation capabilities. The ships communication and display systems have also been deeply upgraded, improving their ability to function as floating command centers and coordinate the actions of other ships. Before modernization, the only launcher on board was the Mk 13, which launched Harpoon anti-ship and SM-1 surface-to-air missiles. With the addition of the eight-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS), the missile launch options have been expanded, increasing both the number and types of missiles the ships can launch. As a result, Gabya class frigates now have the capability to launch up to eight SM-1 missiles and up to 36 RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) for air defense, significantly enhancing their air defense capabilities. TCG Goksu (F-497) in the Mediterranean Sea, 21 August 2023. The Gabya class frigates of the Turkish Navy are equipped with the GENESIS combat management system, SMART-S Mk2 3D radar and Mk. 41 VLS, which has been installed in front of the Mk. 13 GMLS. This image shows the Turkish Navy frigate TCG Goksu (F497) as it steams in the Mediterranean Sea, on August 21, 2023, in formation with USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), TCG Anadolu (L-400), USS Normandy (CG-60), and TCG Gediz (F-495). Forces from the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group are conducting bilateral training with Turkish Naval and Air Forces in the East Mediterranean Sea to enhance interoperability and promote regional peace and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins) The Genesis of GENESIS GENESIS stands for Ship Integrated Combat Management System (in Turkish, GEmi ENtegrE Savas Idare Sistemi). The Turkish Naval Forces launched the GENESIS project in 1999 to meet their operational needs. The Turkish Naval Forces Research Center Command (ARMERKOM) designed all the software and hardware for the GENESIS Combat Management System (CMS), which was then handed over to the national industry. In collaboration with the Turkish HAVELSAN company, the GENESIS project modernized the outdated CMS of Gabya class (Turkish OHP) frigates. Adaptation units were developed to integrate various weapons, sensors, and electronic systems with different architectures and platform data into the GENESIS CMS. This integrated system automates reconnaissance, surveillance, detection, tracking, and classification operations using the ships sensors. Additionally, it provides an Integrated Multiple Data Link Capability for sharing tactical information with allied forces. The GENESIS system brought several advancements to the OHP frigates capabilities. One significant feature is the automatic target tracking infrastructure, which combines information from multiple sensors about the same target and inputs it into the system as a single piece of fuzed information. Additionally, the system allows for the transfer of data detected by the supportive assets, such as helicopters, to the combat management system, further increasing the warfighting capabilities of the frigates. Moreover, weapons that could only be used with two consoles before GENESIS became available, can be employed by all consoles in the Combat Information Center (CIC) after the implementation of the upgrade program. Every console in CIC can replace another. The CIC prior to the GENESIS upgrade. (Havelsan) The CIC after the GENSIS upgrade shows a dramatic modernization. (Havelsan) The project also introduced an Automatic Target Detection and Tracking System, enhancing radar capabilities with an Integrated Automatic Radar Detection, Tracking, and Data Fusion System. The system includes Threat Assessment and Weapon Allocation (TEWASA) capabilities for all air defense weapons, making GENESIS a versatile CMS for ship modernization and new shipbuilding projects. Key capabilities provided to OHP frigates through the GENESIS project include: A CMS that meets modern mission requirements Enhanced situational awareness and decision support A highly resilient distributed system with Open Architecture Network-Enabled Operation Capability New Weapon and Sensor Integrations: Mk41 VLS Vertical Launcher for ESSM surface-to-air missiles (4 of 8 ships) 3D Search Radar (Smart-S Mk-2) (4 of 8 ships) Mk-54 Torpedo firing capability Multiple Link (Link-11, Link-16) Another significant upgrade is the integration of the Phalanx CIWS into the combat management system. Previously, the Phalanx CIWS (Block 0) could only engage close air targets independently, using its self-contained radars. Post-modernization, it can be commanded from the CMS, and is now capable of engaging surface targets, which especially made it useful against asymmetric threats like terrorist boats and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). The efficiency of the Phalanx has been further enhanced with the Remote Designation feature. Modern anti-ship missiles often perform evasive maneuvers to escape the close defense systems beam angle. If the Phalanx system loses track, it typically returns to its default position and starts searching again. With the remote designation feature, other ship tracking radars (CAS Combined Antenna System or STIR Signal Tracking and Illuminating Radar) can transfer targets to the Phalanx, ensuring continuous tracking and increasing the success rate against incoming missiles. Breakdown of the key modernizations of the Turkish OHP frigates. Tayfun Ozberk Experts: GENESIS was a must for the Turkish Navy The War Zone reached out Hasan Ozyurt, a retired Rear Admiral who has commanded OHP frigates, and assumed the Head of Operations before retiring from the Turkish Navy. Gabya class frigates have a very stable and long-lasting structure in terms of hull and machinery systems. The Turkish Navy realized the reliability of these ships and started to use them extensively. However, the command and control system of the ships was behind its time both technologically and ergonomically, Ozyurt told The War Zone. Ozyurt emphasized that the Turkish engineers working on the GENESIS Project had sufficient expertise, as they developed the K-5 (Kalyon-5) system, a project that enables ex-Knox class frigates to operate with locally produced modern consoles and to operate Link-11, to enhance those ships combat efficiency. Another significant point is the motivation behind the MILGEM Project a Turkish national warship program aimed at developing and producing indigenous warships with advanced capabilities for the Turkish Navy. The Combat Management System (CMS) is the most crucial step to achieve this goal. As a result, the thought was, If we are going to build our own ship, the brains of the ship should also belong to us, Ozyurt noted. The consoles for the GENESIS upgrade provide an advanced interface for sailors to take the most advantage of the ships new capabilities. (Havelsan) The GENESIS modernization was carried out alongside other mid-life upgrade programs of the Gabya class frigates, allowing the Turkish Navy to continue operating these reliable platforms at a high tempo. The experience gained from this program was applied to the Ada class corvettes. Now, GENESIS is being replaced by the ADVENT system, an enhanced version of GENESIS compatible for network-centric warfare. In short, GENESIS was one of the foundational bricks in the wall, Ozyurt added. The modernization of TCG Gemlik (F-492), the first ship of the project, took approximately 10 months. The modernization of the subsequent seven Gabya class frigates was carried out during their overhauls, with each ships modernization taking around six months. Speaking to The War Zone, Sinan Topuz, a former Turkish Navy captain who commanded a flotilla consisting of Gabya class frigates, stated that developing such a combat management system was very important not only for the warfighting capabilities of the OHP frigates, but also for the development of the Turkish naval industry. After 1997, the first Perry class frigates started to replace Knox class frigates in the Turkish Navy. Hopes were high. Together with MEKO classes they would be able to meet all requirements of both littoral and open waters in a multi-threat environment, Mr. Topuz said. After a while it was noticed and reported many times that NTDS (Naval Tactical Data System) of OHPs with OJ 194 and OJ 197 displays, it was impossible to be able to apply all fighting capacity of the frigates in a multiple threat environment, he added. As time passed, the self-confidence of naval engineers increased, along with the determination of the Turkish Navy Headquarters to allocate a budget for the upgrade of the Perry class frigates, which are expected to serve for a long time. The development timeline of GENESIS CMS: From concept to naval integration Despite their medium-range air defense weapons and effective sensors, the original version of the Gabya class frigates had inadequate command and control (C2) systems. These systems could not effectively participate in tactical data links, distribute situational awareness information to the greater force, or operate effectively with modern naval forces both national and NATO. This deficiency was a primary motivation for the development of the project. The original systems were closed-loop and did not allow for expansion or modernization. For example, adding a new air defense weapon was not possible. Additionally, these systems suffered from significant maintenance, sustainment, and operational problems, failing to inspire confidence in the end users. Before the MILGEM project, a real frigate platform was needed for the GENESIS CMS to prove itself. Meeting all these requirements between 2003 and 2007 would achieve a major goal and allow the MILGEM journey to begin confidently. Both the requirements and timing were developing in harmony. The work was matured, tested, and verified in ARMERKOM laboratories between 1999 and 2003 and in Naval Surface Warfare Center-Port Hueneme Division (NSWC-PHD) laboratories between 2003 and 2004. By 2005, the untested and unvalidated functions within the CMS had been reduced to actual firing tests and result analyses, and almost all GENESIS CMS land-based test systems had been fully validated. (Turkish Navy) In June 2006, headquarters approvals were obtained by the Turkish Naval Command, and the first ship, TCG Gemlik, was ordered to dismantle and remove the old C2 and associated systems. ARMERKOM and Golcuk Shipyard recreated TCG Gemliks CMS within 10 months. With GENESIS CMS, TCG Gemlik was essentially reborn. Following this phase, the construction of the TCG Heybeliada (F-511) corvette, the first ship of the MILGEM Project and the lead ship of Ada class, began with high confidence thanks to the experience gained during the GENESIS Project. Simultaneously, subsequent Gabya class frigates were modernized in sequence, with their command and control modernizations completed by 2012. The first MILGEM ship with GENESIS CMS was delivered to the Navy on September 27, 2011. Between 2012 and 2014, additional weapon and sensor modernizations (including Mk 41 VLS and Smart-S Mk 2 radar) were carried out on Gabya class frigates. TCG Gemlik was delivered to the Navy on May 19, 2007, with GENESIS CMS. The responsibility was partially transferred to HAVELSAN, a Turkish defense company providing solutions including combat management systems to the naval ships, in 2012. The complete transfer and industrialization took place in 2014 with the Bayraktar class LST project. An interesting point: on the first ship, the cables of the original system were marked and retained to allow for a potential return. After the success of the first ship, the cables on subsequent ships were cut directly, and the old consoles were removed. While the modernization took about a year on the first ship, it was completed in a much shorter time on the later ships, Ozyurt said. Inside a GENSIS CIC (Turkish MOD) After GENISIS, the combat management system has modern display and usage ergonomics. The systems automatic threat response functions have a completely nationalized infrastructure and have an open architecture in which new sensors and weapons can be integrated by national means. Additionally, the crew adopted this system very quickly. After all, you form a bond with the screens you rely on to operate and fight your ship on the battlefield, and you want to trust your system, he added. An Admirals vision changed the destiny of the Navy Admiral Ozden Ornek, 20th Chief of the Naval Operations of the Turkish Navy, is considered as the Father of the MILGEM Project. According to the retired naval officers and many experts in Turkey, his vision and critical decisions paved the way for GENESIS and subsequently MILGEM. In the GENESIS project, not only the engineering expertise of the Turkish Navy but also the vision and calculated risk-taking ability of Admiral Ozden Ornek, who was then the Commander of the Turkish Navy and played a major role, Mr Hasan Ozyurt stated regarding the significant contribution the former Navy Chief made. In an interview with the Turkish defense media outlet Marine Deal News in 2017, Admiral Ornek underlined the importance of the GENESIS Project to the development of a national warship. TCG Burgazada(F-513), the third MILGEM-class corvette. (US Navy) Without ARMERKOM (Turkish Navy Research Center), there would never have been a MILGEM. We would have built a ship, but the contribution rate would have been low. Thanks to ARMERKOM, we first built GENESIS, which today has a market price of around 40 million dollars (pricing for 2017). One of the biggest costs of a ship is the combat management system. This achievement motivated us to develop many other systems indigenously, including the machine control system and fire control systems. We reasoned that if we could accomplish this, we could also develop some weapons, and we did. Admiral Ornek passed away in 2018, but his legacy forms the backbone of the modern Turkish Navy. Benefits of the project to the Turkish defense industry The GENESIS project provided several benefits to the Turkish defense industry, enhancing its capabilities and contributing to its strategic goals. By developing GENESIS locally, Turkiye boosted its technological base and reduced dependency on foreign technology. This promotes self-reliance and national security. This independence increased shipbuilding projects and trust in indigenous systems. GENESIS was an important milestone on the way to the National Ship. We have shown ourselves, rather than the world, that we can both build such a system and integrate a ship and its systems into this system, Ozyurt said. When the initiative taken by the Turkish Navy in the first ship was transferred to the civilian industry, our defense industry became much more familiar with ship systems, and they developed confidence in themselves. The business opportunities that emerged with the MILGEM and the policy of prioritizing domestic systems encouraged private defense industry investments, he concluded. The new Istif class frigate TCG Istanbul (F-515), seen on the Bosphorus. This new advanced class would have not been possible without GENESIS. (Adem via Wikisommons) In summary The project fostered innovation within the Turkish defense industry by encouraging the development of new technologies and solutions tailored to specific operational needs. Producing the system domestically can also be more cost-effective than purchasing similar systems from abroad, resulting in significant cost savings over time. Moreover, the development and production of the GENESIS system generate high-skilled employment opportunities within Turkey, benefiting the local economy. GENESIS enhanced Turkiyes position in the global defense market. The successful development and deployment of an indigenous combat management system attracted the interest of other countries, as the system became field-proven in the last 15 years, which paved the way for the MILGEM corvettes, and export opportunities. Developing and maintaining its own combat management system ensures that Turkiye retains full control over its defense capabilities without reliance on external suppliers. An indigenous system can be continuously updated and customized to meet specific national requirements and emerging threats, providing greater flexibility and responsiveness. Upgrading the OHP frigates has significantly extended their operational lifespan, leveraging their robust hulls to adapt to modern threats. These enhancements, which include upgraded weaponry and sensors, have transformed these ships into formidable assets, vastly improving their mission effectiveness. For the past two decades, these revitalized frigates have been the backbone of the Turkish naval forces, bearing a substantial portion of their operational responsibilities with enhanced power and reliability. Tayfun Ozberk is a former naval officer who is an expert in surface warfare, particularly in coastal waters. He holds a bachelors degree in computer science. Follow him @TayfunOzberk. Contact the editor: tyler@twz.com The American Crystal Sugar beet processing plant north of Hillsboro paid $469,274 in property taxes to Traill County for the 2023 tax year, according to the Traill County Treasurers Office. Tax revenue from large commercial properties like American Crystal Sugar would be impacted by the property tax measure approved for the November ballot. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) A ballot measure to eliminate taxes based on assessed property value wouldnt just overhaul North Dakotas residential property tax system itd also disrupt hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue local governments make by taxing other kinds of property. The measure, approved for the November ballot earlier this month, would bar political subdivisions from levying any tax on real or personal property except for bonded indebtedness until paid, according to the North Dakota Secretary of States Office. Adam Mathiak, senior fiscal analyst for the Legislative Council, told lawmakers in a June meeting that the measure could cost the state about $1.3 billion in revenue every year. Residential property taxes account for only about a third of that, according to data on the Department of Tax Commissioners website. The rest comes from agricultural and commercial property taxes, as well as taxes on centrally assessed infrastructure like railroads, airlines and investor-owned public utilities. Rick Becker, chair of the property tax initiatives sponsoring committee, has said the measure would correct a system that overburdens homeowners and lets big businesses off easy. He said the measure calls for eliminating assessed-based taxes for all kinds of property because the sponsoring committee felt that would be most fair, and better for the states economy in the long run. Making it so that this benefit goes to all types of property including commercial will be the biggest incentive for bringing businesses, new businesses, new industry, into the state, he said. He said the state could make up any lost revenue by dipping into its reserve funding. The state easily has the money, Becker said. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus said hes heard mixed opinions from the public on how the measure would affect North Dakotas economy Some may think its essentially a business incentive for businesses to locate and set up shop in North Dakota, because they wont have property tax on their building and the land it sits on, Kroshus said. The counter argument to that is, long term, what does the revenue picture look like? Several business groups have come out against the measure for exactly that reason. Theres no plan to pay for this, said Andrea Pfennig, director of government affairs at the Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce. She said businesses and workers wont want to move to North Dakota if the state votes to destabilize its own tax system. Pfennig said the chamber is also concerned that it would deepen economic divisions between rural and urban areas of the state. For one, rural communities for which land is the most abundant resource would struggle to diversify their tax base. Second, if the state had to supplement local governments revenue by drawing from its own coffers, urban communities would have more resources to advocate for a cut of that money compared to their rural counterparts, Pfennig said. From a policy standpoint, this isnt the answer, she said. The state collected approximately $513 million in residential property taxes for the 2022 fiscal year, according to data published by the Department of Tax Commissioner. It pulled in another $365 million from commercial property taxes, $249 million from agricultural property taxes and $94 million from taxes on centrally assessed taxes on infrastructure. The report also lists $41 million from special taxes and $147 million from special assessments. Editors note: This story was updated to add clarity related to the Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerces position. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX If property taxes are cut in Indiana, one alternative for local governments is to raise the local income tax. (Getty Images) Property tax cuts continue to be a topic in Statehouse circles and among local leaders. Calls to further reduce the growth in property tax collections or reduce property tax collections below current levels, will require a reduction in expenditures or an increase in local income taxes. It is important to remember that those property tax collections fund salaries for police officers, firefighters, jailers, teachers, prosecutors, public defenders, court employees, local road departments and the operation of government buildings including school buildings. Starting in 2020, abnormal, temporary market forces created an atypical growth in home values resulting in shifts in who is paying the property tax burden. Home values, increasing faster than the values of other classes of property, paid a larger portion of the property tax liability pie. Recognizing those changes, the General Assembly with approval of the Gov. Eric Holcomb, took action through an expanded homestead credit and supplemental deduction to decrease the property tax liability of homesteads, shifting some of the property tax burden back to other classes of property. Some actions by the state slowed the growth in property tax collections to the benefit of all property owners through a lower levy increase. However, I have yet to attend a public meeting where the public is asking for less spending for the services that are funded through property taxes. Is anyone asking for fewer police officers, larger student-teacher ratios or slower responses to 911 calls? With less property tax collections, those are some of the options. The most likely replacement revenue if property taxes are cut significantly is the local income tax. Changing the funding of local services to income taxes sounds easy but the local income tax presents its own transparency issues and shifts in tax liability. In most counties, the county fiscal body, which is the county council, adopts a local income tax rate that every resident of the county pays. However, distribution of revenue from the local income tax is not determined by the adopting body, usually the county council, rather it is distributed by a state mandated formula allowing entities who never vote for a tax increase to receive more tax revenue. This creates a transparency issue. Transparency and unfairness In the counties where the county council does not have the power to increase the local income tax but the authority rests with a multitude of fiscal bodies of the municipal and county governments, a taxpayer could encounter a scenario where a unit of government which they do not elect can increase their income tax. That is more than a transparency issue, it is a question of taxation without representation. Changes to the local income tax are needed if local units of government are expected to replace property taxes with income taxes. Also, workers who are employed outside of their county of residence create government expenditures in their county of employment such as the need for better roads and more public safety; however, the out-of-county workers are not contributing to the funding of government services. A business property owner that attracts employees outside of the county is paying property taxes; however, if the business owner has a reduced property tax burden the residents of the county where the business is located will end up paying higher property taxes or face the potential for a higher local income tax. The same is true for communities that have secondary homes or rental property. If the owner of rental property or a secondary vacation home receives a property tax cut but does not pay income taxes in the county where the property is located, the residents of the county will most likely pay higher property tax rates or income tax rates. Previous substantial property tax relief has included the state paying for more services such as school funding and welfare costs. We recognize that the property tax system has flaws but so does the local income tax. A balance is needed and abandoning the property tax system will not create the perfect system for funding local services. Local units of government recognize the need for balance between property taxes and local income taxes to fund local services and they should be trusted to listen to their voters. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Props? I think not: Security tells APD fake guns were used for music video. But, they were real Multiple people were arrested during a music video shoot in southwest Atlanta. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Earlier this month, on Aug. 7, Atlanta police went to a parking lot on Whitehall Street after a caller told 911 that there were several men on the property flashing guns. The caller also told dispatch that two of them were wearing face masks. When officers arrived, they met a man, who identified himself as a security guard for a music video shoot. The security guard told APD that the armed men were using fake prop guns for the video shoot. As police continued to speak with the security guard, an officer noticed several other men suddenly get into a blue Mercedes-Benz and drive off. Officers radioed for another unit to conduct a traffic stop on the car. Just a few blocks away, APD was able to stop the car. TRENDING STORIES: Inside the car, they found several guns within arms reach of the driver and passengers. The driver, identified as Jarquavis White, 21, told authorities that he did not have a drivers license when asked. Officials said they found a Glock under his seat. APD said, the front passenger, Tekai Key, 19, had a rifle concealed under his seat and the back passenger, Joseph Daniels, 26, had a Glock on him. Police said, passengers Kevin Beaufort, 21, and Jamaireon Muse, 21, were both found with Glocks. Muse also had an active warrant out of Clayton County. Each suspect was charged with unlawful firearm possession and booked into the Fulton County jail. Atlanta officers seized the guns and nearly $10,000 in cash along with several rounds of ammunition. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: CHICAGO Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched through Chicago on Monday as the Democratic National Convention began. The crowd was significantly smaller than predicted, and remained largely peaceful. Several people were arrested in the early evening after a few dozen protesters broke away from the march and pulled down sections of the first ring of security fencing surrounding the United Center, where President Joe Biden was scheduled to speak Monday night. Police later moved to clear a park near the convention site of protesters. "Law enforcement personnel were immediately on-scene and contained the situation," convention organizers said in a statement. "At no point was the inner perimeter breached, and there was no threat to any protectees." An animated line of marchers had set off more than an hour earlier down streets lined with schools and three-story brownstones, barely a mile from the United Center site of the convention's main event as a police helicopter hovered overhead and demonstrators chanted, Free Palestine." A string of marches and protests planned for the duration of the convention highlight the biggest threat to the newly energized Democratic Party's unity the 10-month war in Gaza, its astonishing death toll, and Biden's continuing support for the key U.S. ally. More: Dem Convention comes to 'Little Palestine' as Gaza deaths top 40,000 "We're trying to help you, Kamala," read a sign carried by one of the marchers. "We have accomplished something already. There will be thousands of Black, Asian, Latino and Native people saying the central issue of the day is to stop the war, stop the genocide," Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, said before the march. "That's a powerful message all the Democrats in that building will have to hear." Chicago is home to the country's biggest Palestinian community. An estimated 50,000 people are attending the convention. Stories of justice and action across America. Sign up for USA TODAY's This is America newsletter. Jenin Yaseen of Detroit, Michigan, pick up signs at Union Park during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In what's shaping up as a nailbiter of an election, dissent over Gaza could push Harris to the wall in Michigan and possibly other states. Activists are hoping to use that leverage to extract concessions from the vice president, including a stronger push for a cease-fire in Gaza or an end to arms sales to Israel. Chicago activist Muhammad Sankari, 36, said the marches should send a "very strong and clear message." Thats what we want. Thats all weve wanted, to end the genocide against our people. Right now, theres just a lot lip service from the government, Sankari said, noting what he said was Harris;s "iron-clad support to Israel." Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling was among the hundreds of officers lining the protest route. With the riots that followed the police killing of George Floyd fresh in the minds of many Chicagoans, Snelling has repeatedly vowed he would not allow any mayhem. Monday's march was calms with lines of orange-vested parade marshals separating protesters from the police. A small scuffle on the route was quickly defused. Shirley Tung, 87, drove alone across the country from Phoenix, Arizona, to protest the Gaza carnage. Unlike many demonstrators interviewed Monday, Tung said she would vote for Harris because she believed the vice president was empathetic to the Palestinians and could end the war. "Biden couldnt change because he's too old," she said. Amid the calm on Monday morning organizers passed out masks for use against police pepper spray. In one brief but tense interaction, a group of more than 30 pro-Israel demonstrators calling themselves "Christians and Jews for Israel" marched through the park, and were intercepted by a group waving Palestinian flags. Police and volunteers stepped in to prevent confrontations. The anguish of the Gaza war was ever-present among the marchers. One, Tarek Kishawi, said he had lost more than 40 family members in since the start of the war. There isnt much Harris could do to win his vote, he said. Shes part of the current administration, so if theres something she couldve done, she wouldve, Kishawi said. Tarek Kishawi and Leena Odeh joined protesters on Monday to demand a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an arms embargo on Israel in marches centered on the Democratic National Convention. Kishawi said he had lost 40 family members in the war. Many who showed up to protest Monday also participated at student protests in the spring. Victoria Hinkley was a University of South Florida student who was expelled in the first week of June. The 22-year-old said she was unsure what she would do without a degree but still feels she made the right decision. "It was definitely worth it," she said. It was a decision to stand on the right side of history. Ready to rumble with Chicago police Others braced for potential tussles with police. Mohamed Mawri, a 39-year-old from Detroit, came decked out wearing full bikers pads just in case things turned violent. Ive been protesting over 10 months and seen a lot of police brutality, he said. Elsewhere in the city on Monday, dozens of marchers supporting independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. set off near Wintrust Stadium, hoping to persuade Democratic loyalists and undecideds to shift their support. Chicago officials required large protest groups to get permits, prescribed their marching routes, and limited the amount of time they can block traffic as they pass. Reflecting significant security concerns, some streets and buildings are blocked off with tall steel fences and concrete barricades, and in some areas, parked snow plows. Outside the United Center on Monday night, a small group of die-hard protesters shouted at delegates and others as they entered the heavily guarded venue. Have fun you lunatics, have fun you psychos, they said. "Get ready to say President Trump in November," one added. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Protests at the DNC in Chicago highlight tensions over Gaza war WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Dozens of protesters broke through part of the perimeter security fence surrounding the Democratic National Convention on Monday, drawing riot police to the site, a Reuters Television witness said. "Law enforcement personnel are currently on-scene and more information will be provided when available," said a Chicago city spokesperson. (Reporting by Julio-Cesar Chavez and Trevor Hunnicut; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Howard Goller) As Democrats from across the country convene in Chicago to officially crown Vice President Kamala Harris as their nominee, another group descended on the city in protest of the Biden-Harris administration's actions in the Israel-Hamas war a sharp reminder of the divisions that still dog the party despite a show of unity for its new candidate. About 3,000 protesters gathered in Chicago's Union Park on Monday morning, carrying signs reading, "Stop the War," Were trying to help you, Kamala and Abandon Harris '24." "Harris, Harris, you cant hide," they chanted as they set off toward the United Center to voice their frustration with the Biden-Harris administration. "We charge you with genocide. One protester held up a giant, garish caricature of Harris and President Biden, with fangs pointing from their angry faces. Harris hand held a sign that said, Billions in US aid. Protesters demonstrating in Chicago on Monday denounce U.S. support for Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times) The Coalition to March on the DNC an affiliation of more than 200 activist groups from across the country is planning two major protests during the four-day Democratic National Convention. The day passed without any major disruption, though in the late afternoon a small group of protesters breached a security fence, touching off a confrontation with police. Order was swiftly restored after police officers pushed the crowd back outside the fence and detained a handful of activists. Along with Monday's demonstration, a protest planned for Thursday will coincide roughly with Harris' headliner speech at the convention. Several smaller protests are planned throughout the week. Organizers said ahead of Monday's march that they expect thousands, and perhaps tens of thousands, of demonstrators to descend on the Democratic convention. The crowd Monday was smaller than many organizers had hoped. But Hatem Abudayyeh, a coalition spokesman, said before the march started that he was pleased with the "thousands" who had turned out. He still believed that the total turnout for protests during the week could amount to "tens of thousands." "I love the numbers," Abudayyeh said. "I love the diversity of the crowd. I love the passion of the crowd." Mondays protest presented a platform for a variety of groups. Pro-Palestinian activists, including several rabbis, mingled with democratic socialists on the grassy park, while evangelists for Jesus preached at the crowd through megaphones and a truck occasionally drove by waving a giant Trump flag. The march hadn't formally begun when a small group carrying Israeli flags marched into the park. A small scuffle ensued as pro-Palestinian protesters quickly surrounded them, chanting, "Free, free Palestine!" and ushering the pro-Israeli protesters across the street. Rows of police on bicycles quickly separated the two groups of protesters. Pro-Israel supporters demonstrate near pro-Palestinian supporters at Union Park in Chicago on Monday, the first day of the Democratic National Convention. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times) But the vibe was largely peaceful and buoyant as the protesters gathered in Union Park ahead of the march. A couple of Muslims with kaffiyeh scarves wrapped around their heads bowed on the grass to pray. As a small group of antiabortion activists stood in one corner of the grassy park, shouting Shame on you! pro-Palestinian protesters formed a circle around them and stood silently, arm in arm. Those who showed up to protest expressed mixed feelings about Harris' ascension to the Democratic presidential nomination. Some said they hoped she would work harder for Palestinian rights than Biden. But others held her equally accountable for what they view as the Democrats' blind support of Israel. Killer Kamalas sending bombs," the protesters chanted as they marched down Washington Street, past lines of police using their bicycles to block access to the sidewalk. "Killing children, dads and moms. Jacob Smith, a 32-year-old software engineer from Detroit, joined a busload of Michiganders for the pro-Palestinian protest here. While condemning the war was his primary focus, Smith also hoped the gathering would push the Democratic Party further left on other issues, such as raising the minimum wage and fixing the housing crisis. A registered Democrat, Smith said he planned to vote in November. But he still hadnt decided whether hed support his partys nominee. Unless Harris supports a permanent cease-fire and arms embargo, Smith said, hed probably vote for Jill Stein of the Green Party even in the battleground state of Michigan, where Harris and Donald Trump are fighting for every vote. Its definitely my responsibility to leverage my vote if I can try to stop genocide, Smith said. Sporting a pink bandanna and a pink "Malibu, California" hat, 68-year-old Michelle Cohn, who had traveled to Chicago from St. Paul, Minn., said she hoped she'd be able to vote for Harris, but she "can't stand their war policy." "Democrats have become the party of war," said the lifelong Democrat. "I can't sit around and I can't play with my little grandkids without doing something about all the other kids that are getting killed." That narrative was disputed by one of the counterprotesters, Daniel, who declined to give his last name. Arriving in Union Square with members of his church and other Christians for Israel, wearing an Israeli flag on his back and carrying one in the air, he said he visited Israel shortly after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and witnessed the aftermath. "We need to make sure that people don't forget what the cause was that Israel was attacked, hostages were taken, babies were murdered and slaughtered in a horrific way," he said. Carlos Montes, a longtime activist from Boyle Heights, traveled from California to Chicago to join protesters this week outside the Democratic National Convention. (James Rainey / Los Angeles Times) While many Democrats are joyfully celebrating their new nominee, parts of the party's left flank will be focusing protests on progressive issues. The coalition is demanding that Democrats support funding for jobs, housing, health and education not money to fund the Israel-Hamas war. But the broad array of imperatives advocated by the marchers also includes, for example, a demand for the government to grant legal status to the estimated 11 million immigrants now believed to live in the U.S. without legal documents. Police form a line to separate pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protesters at Union Park on Monday in Chicago. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times) Marcherscame from around America, many traveling overnight Sunday in car caravans and chartered buses and by train to be in time for the noon-time start of Monday's rally. Wassim Hage of Oakland joined a group of about two dozens activists from the Bay Area who came to demand "a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and an arms embargo on Israel, ahead of the 2024 election." The demands also include a cessation of the "billions of dollars of weapons funding from the United States government." Hage, 30, noted that Bay Area cities such as Hayward and Richmond, which passed resolutions in favor of divestment in Israel, had been in the vanguard of the antiwar movement. They protested the huge expenditures in Israel, he said, at a time when "rents are skyrocketing in our state, school teachers in San Francisco aren't being paid on time and communities are suffering." "That's an unacceptable state of affairs," Hage said. "With billions of dollars going to bomb children in Gaza, when our own communities in the Bay, and all around California, aren't doing well at all." Protesters demonstrating against Biden administration policies in Gaza take to the streets in Chicago on Monday. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times) The demonstrations in Chicago represent the most high profile pro-Palestinian protest efforts since a rash of demonstrations spread across American college campuses this past spring. Organizers predicted that months of planning would result in well-managed events staffed with an internal security team, first aid workers and volunteer lawyers to monitor interactions with police and any outside agitators. "It's going to be very well organized and it's going to be peaceful," said Carlos Montes, a progressive activist since the 1960s, who came from Boyle Heights to participate in this week's actions. "We don't want to reenact '68 in Chicago, right?" In 1968, about 9,000 to 10,000 protesters against the Vietnam War famously filled the streets of Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. The city's police department responded with massive force and the violence that followed created indelible images, which Richard Nixon used to great effect in his successful campaign for the presidency against Hubert Humphrey. "This time we are saying, 'Bring your grandma, bring your kids,'" said Montes, 77, once a member of the leftist Brown Berets, a Chicano rights group. Local leaders noted that the city had changed markedly since the reactionary administration of Mayor Richard J. Daley, who demanded a hyper-aggressive response by the Chicago police to the demonstrations of 1968. Read more: Why her abbreviated campaign has helped Harris pull into the lead, for now Monday's organized march was smaller than the protests of 1968 and, despite the breaching of the barricade by some protesters, ended without major clashes. The activists filed into a small park within earshot of the United Center. Onlookers and members of the press clambered onto playground equipment as protesters filled the grassy knoll. Staff writer Jenny Jarvie in Atlanta contributed to this report. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. by Xinhua Writers You Zhixin and Yuan Quan SHANGHAI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Ensuring accessible and high-quality medical services to an extremely large population is a global challenge, and for China, an emerging economy with over 1.4 billion people, the task is particularly complex. As Monday marks the seventh China's Doctors' Day, also known as Medical Workers' Day, we were lucky to have the opportunity to film a documentary at the Dapuqiao Community Health Service Center in Shanghai's Huangpu District. Spending a day there with the doctors provided us with a profound revelation on the evolution of community healthcare in China. The country's healthcare landscape is vast, with 980,000 grassroots medical institutions and 4.95 million frontline health workers, all committed to a sprawling network of preventive care and medical treatment. With nearly 20 years of work experience, Jin Ying, director of the Dapuqiao Community Health Service Center, is one of them. In China, top-tier hospitals primarily undertake the diagnosis and treatment of critical illnesses and complex diseases, secondary hospitals mainly handle general complex diseases and common diseases, and primary health service centers deal with the diagnosis and treatment of common diseases, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation. Statistics show that most of the country's high-quality medical resources are concentrated in large cities, with most of these resources allocated in a few high-level hospitals. Many patients rush to large hospitals for treatment, even for minor ailments, mainly due to a lack of trust in primary healthcare, as the quality and level of service at primary healthcare institutions are significantly different from those at large hospitals. In 2019, when Jin Ying began working at the Dapuqiao Community Health Service Center, she initiated a renovation and expansion project, increasing the building area from 4,162 square meters to over 8,300 square meters, and equipping it with a full set of intelligent rehabilitation equipment, including nebulizers, spirometers, CT scanners, etc. Moreover, the center can also perform common surgical procedures such as the removal of superficial tumors, wound debridement and suture, and burn washing and debridement. In the bigger picture, more than 60 percent of community health service centers in Shanghai can perform minor surgeries. This year, the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission has facilitated the allocation of upper-level hospital appointment slots to community health service centers, enabling 50 percent of the top-tier hospital appointment slots available for community health service centers. With policy support, Jin has invited nearly 20 experts from top-tier hospitals to visit the center and conduct teaching consultations. We met Zheng Yongjun, director of the Pain Department at Huadong Hospital, who is a leading figure in pain intervention treatment in China, in a clinic room at the Dapuqiao community health service center. He told us that he comes to the center once a week and his clinic is always fully booked, with most of the patients being middle-aged and elderly people living nearby. In China, a long-term mechanism for medical staff to serve at the grassroots level is taking shape. This not only allows residents to enjoy a higher level of medical and health services at their doorstep, but also significantly enhances the capabilities of doctors from community health service centers. This is a win-win situation. Like health workers from other community health service centers, Jin Ying and her colleagues extend their services beyond the hospital walls, regularly visiting residential communities and business complexes to provide health checks and consultations, particularly addressing common issues like neck and shoulder pain and insomnia among white-collars. The collaboration between community health service center and business complex is not just a healthcare initiative but also a key component in improving the business environment. By the end of 2023, the total registered population in Shanghai was over 15 million, with people aged 60 and above accounting for 37.4 percent of the total, and those aged 65 and above accounting for 28.8 percent. As the city witnesses a pronounced trend of demographic aging, the demand for medical services becomes more diversified. In the wards of the center, we met a 75-year-old woman who had fallen down at home and an elderly man who had recently undergone lung surgery and was transferred from another hospital. We found that the interactions between the patients and the medical workers were like family members. In the hot summer, the high temperature has become a major obstacle for community residents, especially the elderly, who need to seek medical treatment and medication. In response to the convenience and welfare service measures for primary healthcare institutions released by the National Health Commission of China for 2023-2025, the Dapuqiao Community Health Service Center launched nighttime medical services last November to meet the off-peak medical needs of different groups. Around 7 p.m., we saw elderly people coming to the community hospital for medication and young people coming for rehabilitation, where various rehabilitation robots and systems are available. With an average daily outpatient volume of 1,200, and peaks reaching 1,900, the center has become a vital healthcare hub. For us, experiencing a day at a community health service center reveals the promising potential for the evolution of China's primary healthcare services. Concurrently, the aspiration for community health centers to evolve into dependable and esteemed hospitals, readily accessible to the public, is gaining momentum. Protesters plan large marches and rallies as Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago CHICAGO (AP) Crowds of activists began gathering Monday in Chicago for protests outside the Democratic National Convention, hoping to call attention to issues such as economic injustice, reproductive rights and the war in Gaza. Protesters say their plans have not changed since President Joe Biden left the race and the party quickly rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who will formally accept the Democratic nomination this week. Activists are ready to amplify their progressive message before the nations top Democratic leaders. Their issues cover climate change, abortion rights and racial equality, to name a few, but many protesters agree that pressing for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war is the top message of the demonstrations. They have likened it to the Vietnam War of their generation. The Chicago area has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation, and buses are bringing activists from all over the country. Organizers say they hope the turnout for Mondays march and rally, on the first day of the convention, will be at least 20,000 people. We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end U.S. aid to Israel and stand with Palestine, said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC. Law enforcement prepares for a demonstrators from the LGBTQ+/Womens Rights: Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws march prior to the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Protesters march passed a police line prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Protesters march passed a police line prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Protesters march prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Ukrainian supporters protest before the start of the Democratic National Convention, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in downtown Chicago. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Protesters demonstrate prior to the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Protesters march prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Protesters march prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A police officer directs a protester during a march prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Protesters march passed a police line prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, right, during their arrival at OHare International Airport in Chicago on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Protesters march passed a police line prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) CORRECTS TO JOHN ALEXANDER LOGAN NOT JOHN ALEXANDER MORGAN A police line goes around a monument to John Alexander Logan in Grant Park prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, stands at the podium at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) The coalition is made up of hundreds of organizations, including students. Activists say they learned lessons from last months Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. They expect bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations through the week. Pro-Palestinian supporters from across the nation descended Monday morning on Chicagos Union Park in anticipation of a rally and march to a site near the United Center, where the convention is taking place. Taylor Cook, an organizer with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, traveled from Atlanta for the march. Cook said the group was pushing all Democrats to call for an end to aid to Israel, with a particular focus on Harris. Were saying to Kamala, she has been complicit in this. People think its just Joe Biden, but she is vice president, Cook said. So were saying, you need to stop if you want our vote. The first protest on Sunday night brought together activists calling for abortion and LGBTQ+ rights and an end to the war in Gaza. The march lasted for hours, along a route lined by police, and showed no signs of major conflicts. Chicago police said two people were arrested on misdemeanor charges of resisting police and damaging property. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who was under consideration as Harris running mate, said peaceful protests were welcome. There are a lot of people who are inside the hall who will believe in some of those messages and carry that with them, Pritzker told The Associated Press in a recent interview. But importantly, the Democratic Party doesnt shut people out and disallow them from expressing their First Amendment rights. But some have lingering safety concerns, worried that protests could become unpredictable or devolve into chaos. Chicago, which has hosted more political conventions than any other U.S. city, has been unable to escape comparisons to the infamous 1968 convention where police and anti-Vietnam War protesters violently clashed on live television. Some businesses boarded up their windows as a precaution, and county courts said they would open more space in case of mass arrests. Chicago police say officers have undergone extensive training on constitutional policing and de-escalation tactics. Coalition activists and the city have been at odds over the location of the protests and other logistics. A judge sided with the city over an approximately 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) march route, which organizers argue isnt big enough for the expected crowds. Abudayyeh said the coalition would continue to push for a much longer route until the march started on Monday. Also Monday, the Philadelphia-based Poor Peoples Army, which advocates for economic justice, plans to set up at Humboldt Park on the northwest side of Chicago and will feature events with third-party candidates Jill Stein and Cornel West, plus a 3-mile (5-kilometer) march. Aside from the protests, the city is also hosting a speakers stage at a park outside the convention center with 45-minute time slots. Most of the organizations whove signed up have the same progressive agenda as the coalition, but the list also includes the Israeli American Council and the conservative-leaning Illinois Policy Institute. A local firefighters union is also hoping to call attention to their contract fight with the city. The First Amendment is fundamental to our democracy, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former union organizer, told the AP in an interview last week. Ill do everything in my power to protect the right to assemble in protest. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. I wasnt an hour off the Amtrak train that brought me to Chicago Sunday to cover this weeks Democratic National Convention, when the city bus I was riding to the hotel was diverted for protesters who think Kamala Harris is not liberal enough to be president. After I walked an extra half-mile to drop off my suitcases on the eve of the convention, I went out into the street to talk to the protesters to see what they wanted. They had a laundry list of grievances, but the main cause celebre was Palestinians, particularly those in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. Their featured chant of the day was Kamala, Kamala, you cant hide. You are funding genocide. Similar protests have dogged the Harris campaign since she became a candidate for president, as they did President Joe Bidens campaign before her. In isolation, the protest was not that big a deal, a few hours on a sunny Sunday in Chicago. But it does illustrate one of the thornier problems the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz ticket faces as it moves toward the November election. This weeks convention is all about showing the country that the Democratic Party is as united behind Harris as the Republicans are behind Donald Trump. Jewish and Muslim voters are both a part of the coalition that Harris must hold together to win the White House and head off another four years for Trump. The contrast between Trumps and Harris policies toward the Middle Eastern conflict could not be any more stark. The Biden-Harris administration has worked hard to try to bring about a cease-fire and provide humanitarian aid to civilians caught right now between the hammer that is Israel and the anvil that is Hamas. Its a nuanced, reasonable approach to try to stop the war. Trump has gone in a decidedly anti-Palestinian direction, urging Israel to finish the job, which is every bit as ominous as it sounds for the Palestinians. Hes also vowed to prohibit immigration of Palestinian refugees into the U.S. and to expand a ban on immigration from Muslim-majority countries that was a feature of his presidency. No one at Sundays protest seemed to notice that as they gathered their demonstrators and unfurled their banners and flags at a corner in downtown Chicago, the backdrop dominating the scene was the glittering Trump International Hotel & Tower. They think that just because Kamala is a woman of color, just because shes not Trump, that were automatically voting for her, and guess what? Thats not it, one protester told me. Then, she added I dont want Trump. I want to make that clear that I dont want him. Thats the quandary. The fact that there are still voters to be convinced gives the protesters some measure of leverage, that they hope to use to influence current policy in a more pro-Palestinian direction. But at the same time, every vote they peel off Harris total brings Trump that much closer to a triumphant return to the White House. One of the first speakers on the convention agenda for Monday is Rep. Alexandria Occasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat and a prominent supporter of the Palestinian cause. Shes one of the few members of Congress whos used the G-word, genocide, to describe Israels response to the Hamas-led attack on Israel last October in which about 1,100 Israelis were killed and about 250 were taken hostage. At this writing, we dont know what shell say at the convention podium. It will be interesting to see if her presence and words can sway demonstrators like one I spoke to Sunday, an older man with a walker. Shes (Harris) talked about a ceasefire, so has Biden, so has the Democratic Party, but they havent been serious about it, the man told me. They havent stopped sending arms to Israel. Thats a key thing. Asked to reconcile that with what Trumps said hed do, the man replied Hes a Zionist. He told the Zionists to finish the job. Yeah, its the same difference. Wichita Eagle Opinion Editor Dion Lefler is covering the Democratic National Convention for McClatchys Opinion teams. Tens of thousands of activists are expected to protest in Chicago this week, threatening to overshadow the Democratic National Convention as the party looks to rally around its newly minted presidential ticket. Many of the protesters will be there to voice anger over the Biden administrations handling of the Israel-Hamas war. In recent days, they have started to turn their attention to Vice President Harris, the new Democratic presidential nominee, interrupting her at multiple rallies. The large number of demonstrators anticipated in the city has already evoked comparisons to the 1968 Democratic National Convention, which was also held in Chicago and saw large numbers of protesters clash with police. Chicago political operative Victor Reyes suggested if the protesters this week are hell-bent on creating chaos and getting arrests and disrupting it and creating mayhem if theyre intent on that, and some are, then it could overshadow the actual convention. Democrats are eager to gather in the Windy City as they celebrate the nomination of Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), following President Bidens decision to withdraw from the race after his disastrous debate performance against former President Trump. The party was quick to coalesce around Harris and Walz, and the pair has garnered support from both progressives and the more moderate wing of the party. But the protests, many of them directed at the handling of the conflict in the Middle East, could impose a stark split screen effect on the convention that could put a damper on some of the festivities, especially if the demonstrations turn violent. Some leading activists have sought to tamp down concerns about potential tumult. I dont think the anticipation is that theres going to be tension, said Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network and a spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC. I think the anticipation is that were going to do something historic. Abudayyeh said there was going to be beautiful art and powerful speeches as part of the protests and noted that his organization has worked to ensure demonstrators will have necessary security and legal protection. The event will also be a test for first-term Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), a progressive who has sought to ease the publics concerns about the event while also ensuring the protesters right to free speech. As far as making sure that were doing our part to keep people safe, that is top priority for me, Johnson told The Hills The Switch Up podcast ahead of the event. Its my responsibility as mayor of the city of Chicago to protect the sanctity of our democracy, and Im going to do that, he continued. People have a fundamental right to express their grievances towards the government. They get to do it in a safe, protected way. We also get to showcase the beauty of our city. Johnson also told reporters during a news conference Friday that he was going to make sure that these individuals have everything that they need to make sure that their voices are heard. The Coalition to March on the DNC scored a victory Friday after the city said it would allow the group to set up stages and a sound system in Union Park, in addition to setting up seven portable toilets. The two sides have been going back and forth over the permitted route for protesters and accommodations. Adding to the air of anxiety surrounding the event are the parallels to the 1968 convention, which took place after President Lyndon B. Johnsons decision not to run for another term. That event, in which a fractured Democratic Party was also grappling with the assassinations of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, was rocked by violent demonstrations spurred by anger over the Vietnam War. This time, however, Democrats are largely unified around the top of their ticket, and party leaders are expressing optimism about how the event will unfold. The stage has been set for people to have their voices heard, but it doesnt feel like its the thing thats going to dominate the narrative of the convention, Chicago-based Democratic strategist Pete Giangreco said. The Harris campaign has noted previously to The Hill that shes committed to engaging with Arab, Muslim and Palestinian community members about the war, and Harris has been vocal about the need for a cease-fire deal. If you had asked me four months ago, yeah, I was really nervous. I think the tone has changed so much, Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins said, noting Walzs talk of joy, which he said is something that has been injected not just into the Democratic Party in the last couple weeks, but the country. The convention itself is also tamping down concerns over the demonstrations. Thousands of Democrats from all across the country are showing up here in Chicago to rally behind the Harris-Walz nomination because they believe in the vision of hope and progress this ticket represents, Emily Soong, a Democratic National Convention spokesperson, told The Hill in a statement. We support law enforcements efforts to protect the right to peaceful protest while not allowing any violence. Our focus is telling the story of Vice President Harris and Governor Tim Walz to the American people and sharing their bold vision for the future. At the same time, 30 uncommitted delegates will be heading inside the convention to make their voices heard about the war. They will be among the few vocal members of the party who protested the administrations handling of the war that will be allowed inside the convention hall. My hope is that there will be a productive tension that has the Democratic Party seriously grappling with what it means that for the first time in our countrys history, there are 30 delegates being sent to the convention with an explicitly anti-war mandate, with an explicitly pro-Palestinian human rights mandate, Abbas Alawieh, an uncommitted delegate from Michigan and one of the co-chairs of the Uncommitted National Movement, told The Hill. I think thats very significant, and it creates a tension on the inside that I hope will be a productive one, he said. Cheyanne Daniels contributed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. CHICAGO People gathered for a rally near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive on Sunday afternoon before marching down Michigan Ave., prompting several street closures in and around the downtown area. That was far from the only demonstration expected in Chicago this week. Trucks lined the streets of Chicago on Sunday ahead of what will be a busy week, as thousands of people are expected to arrive to the city for the Democratic National Convention, which starts Monday. Democratic National Convention: Street closures, parking restrictions, public transportation and more As of early Monday morning, there had been no reports of any arrests. Sunday, however, marked the first of numerous publicly-announced demonstrations. WGN News found one demonstration, organized by Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws, a coalition comprised of various feminist and pro-Palestinian groups. The latter issue will be front and center come Monday, as protesters call for the U.S. to stop aid to Israel. Hatem Abudayyeh serves as a spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC. Demonstrators from the coalition are set to converge on Union Park at noon Monday to hold a program with speakers. Almost 270 organizations from across the U.S. have joined the Coalition to March on the DNC, Abudayyeh said. Tens of thousands (of people) will be out on the streets starting (Monday), Aug. 19, at noon, right here at Union Park, to say, Stop the genocide now, end U.S. aid to Israel and free Palestine.' The Convention City: Why Chicago has hosted more presidential conventions than any other city The coalition has also been in an ongoing battle with the city over its planned protest. The group is expected to march for just over a mile, with a stop at Park 578, before returning to Union Park. However, the coalition has been fighting for a longer route one of about 2.4 miles and said itll continue fighting for that route until the last minute. Up until 2 p.m. (Monday), when we step off, were going to be fighting for our rights, and were going to be fighting for that route, Abudayyeh said. If the city does not agree at step-off, we will march the route. Listen, we have a philosophy in Chicago that the numbers dictate what the route is. Chicago was born for moments like this: All eyes on the Windy City as the Democratic National Convention gets underway Sundays march, meanwhile, headed southbound down Michigan Ave. from Wacker Dr. to 9th Street before heading east into Grant Park. As hundreds of demonstrators made their way down Michigan Ave., the large gathering prompted rolling street closures. Chicagos Office of Emergency Management shared a series of posts on X on Sunday night detailing the rolling closures and asking the public to allow extra travel time during the DNC this week. Heres whos speaking at the Democratic National Convention There was also an issue over a stage and sound system at Park 578, which is within sight and sound of the United Center. That has now been allowed, but organizers still want a longer path for their protest. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. People rally against a proposed American Electric Power rate hike during an event in downtown Charleston last week. (Caity Coyne | West Virginia Watch) A potential rate increase for nearly 461,000 electric customers in West Virginia that would have, if approved by the state Public Service Commission, gone into effect next month has been postponed until the spring, according to case filings with the PSC. The rate increases were proposed by Appalachian Power Company and Wheeling Power Company both subsidiaries of American Electric Power and would have raised rates nearly 18% for residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month. That would raise bills by about $28.72 monthly for families, according to PSC filings, while yielding a 15.4% increase in revenue about $265 million for the companies. In an order filed Thursday, the PSC delayed considering the rate increases until May 29 to allow for further examination of the proposal. If approved at that time, the rate changes would be implemented on May 30, according to the order. The rate hikes, without the delay, would have been considered for approval by the PSC and gone into effect on Sept. 1. The currently proposed increase as opposed to most of those implemented since 2019 is a normal base rate increase, which utilities undergo every few years to accommodate the increased cost of providing services. The companies said in a press release earlier this month that they have invested more than $1 billion in energy infrastructure over the last few years, which contributes at least in part to their need to collect more revenue from ratepayers. The order to delay the proceedings came two days after the PSCs Consumer Advocacy Division filed a petition to intervene in the case on behalf of West Virginia ratepayers. According to the Charleston Gazette-Mail, Appalachian Power customers have faced 14 rate increases from the company from 2017 to March 2023. In the last five years alone, according to Appalachian Power, residential rates for electricity have risen from $128.09 in March 2019 to $169.93 in June 2024. Thats a 32.6% increase in rates. Just last month, the PSC approved the companies a 1.61% increase for residential payers about $2.71 a month for those using 1,000 kilowatt-hours in electric rates for environmental compliance surcharges. That increase will garner about $35.6 million for the company and will be reflected on ratepayers bills starting in September. On Thursday, about two dozen West Virginians gathered in downtown Charleston to protest against the most recent rate hikes. With protest signs and a megaphone, they led chants and rallied against the rising costs of power in West Virginia while those driving by honked in support. Among the protesters was South Charleston resident Linda Farwell. Farwell and her family moved to Kanawha County from out of state in 2008 for a better life. But since weve come here, its been absolutely nonstop, Farwell said. The increases wont stop coming and its pushing us over the edge. Farwell said she understands that utility rates need to increase over time as maintenance needs arise and market shifts affect energy costs. She wishes, however, the increases were more reasonable and took into account the impact they have on families. If it were reasonable wed understand, but this is year after year after year, sometimes multiple times a year, over and over, Farwell said. When I get my bill, every time I think, whats the next one going to look like? Where does this end? I wish [Appalachian Power] would stop gouging the public like this. Linda Childers, a newly-elected member of the Cabell County Board of Education and a representative of the Cabell County Democratic Party, said she was frustrated with the PSC and what she viewed as complacency over the constant rate increases. Those extend not just to electricity but to other utilities as well, including water and sewage. We pay some of the highest utility rates in the nation and were living in one of the poorest states, Childers said. How does that make any sense? According to a 2022 review of electric utilities across the country, West Virginians paid the third highest total household electricity costs as a percentage of their income. Alabama and Mississippi, according to the study from the consumer advocacy group Citizens Utility Board of Illinois, were the only states where prices outpaced that of the Mountain State. And West Virginians are also stuck paying the highest average water rates in the nation at $91 per a month, according to data from the National Association of Water Companies. These costs, Childers said, add up exponentially for individuals and families already struggling to get by. These are situations where you have people deciding whether theyre going to pay their bills or buy food for the week, whether they can afford life saving prescriptions and medications, Childers said. When these costs rise it really impacts what families are able to afford and if they can afford what they need to survive. Thats not right. And with a heatwave like the one occurring this summer across the state which brought with it a historic drought the consequences of increased electricity prices are clear for consumers, Farwell said. You cannot survive in heat like this without electricity. Its not possible and its not right, Farwell said. It is too hot outside and were only going to see this kind of weather get worse. The sentiments and frustrations shared by Farwell and Childers are supported by at least 155 other electric ratepayers who have filed letters and comments with the PSC in recent weeks opposing the companies most recent rate hike request. According to the PSC, no comments have been submitted in support of the increases. The letters some submitted online and others in writing mailed to the PSC document dozens of people concerned about how theyre going to make ends meet if electricity costs keep rising. Some say theyll be forced to go without electricity if the rates are implemented. Others plead with the energy companies to consider the already rising cost of living for West Virginians who are struggling to make due on fixed incomes. All say they would be negatively impacted by increased electricity prices. Please please hear us and do not increase the electric! wrote Almedia Casto, of Charleston. We shouldnt have to choose to feed our family [or] keep the power on. Putin arrives in Azerbaijan for first state visit since full-scale invasion began Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Baku on Aug. 18 for a two-day visit for talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev. The trip marks Putin's first visit to the capital since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The talks, which the Kremlin says will focus on "international and regional problems," will likely largely center around strengthening relations with the oil-rich nation, as well as reinforcing cooperation of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) amid Russia's deteriorating relations with Armenia. Much to Russia's dismay, Azerbaijan, which has been historically aligned with Russia, signed a deal with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in July 2022 to bring imports of Azeri natural gas to "at least" 20 billion cubic meters annually by 2027. Since 2022, Azerbaijan has continued to extend its oil exports to European countries. Slovenia began to receive natural gas from Azerbaijan on Aug. 1, as European countries diversify away from Russian supplies of fossil fuels. Ukraine and the EU have also approached Azerbaijan to discuss supplying natural gas to Europe via Ukraine once an existing contract with Russia expires at the end of 2024. In addition to expected talks on new cooperation on oil shipments, Putin is also expected to use the meeting with Aliyev to address unity concerns in the Russian-led CSTO as relations with Armenia continue to dwindle. Armenia, who has also long been close with Russia, is now seeking to distance itself, repeatedly accusing Moscow of being an unreliable partner. Relations between the two countries have continued to sour after Russian "peacekeepers" declined to act during conflicts between Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian-backed entity on internationally recognized Azeri territory, and Azerbaijan, from 2020 to 2023. Nagorno-Karabakh was re-integrated into Azerbaijan after Baku's final victory in 2023. Following this, Yerevan repeatedly threatened to leave the CSTO. In March, Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan revealed that the country is considering applying for membership in the European Union, aiming to strengthen ties with the West. Armenia also hosted joint military exercises with the United States in mid-July as relations soured. Despite Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Azerbaijan has attempted to maintain good ties with Ukraine. According to the Azerbaijani government, Baku has provided at least 15 million euros ($16.5 million) in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. However, Azerbaijan, which shares a border with Russia, also signed a political and military friendship agreement with Russia just two days before the invasion. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces reportedly destroy another key bridge in Kursk Oblast, strengthen positions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." For the past 30 years, scientists have investigated whether the human brain might require quantum processes to achieve cognition. A new study from Shanghai University uses mathematical models to suggest that certain fatty structures (which sheath the nerve cells axon) could potentially produce quantum entangled biphoton pairs, potentially aiding in synchronization across neurons. However, scientists have long argued that the brain is too hot and messy for this type of phenomenon to occur, and detecting this phenomenon as it occurs in the brain would be an incredibly difficult task. It has long been argued that the human brain is similar to a computer. But in reality, thats selling the brain pretty short. While comparing neurons and transistors is a convenient metaphor (and not completely out of left field), the brain is ultra-efficient, its energy is renewable, and its capable of computational feats that even the most advanced computer cant pull off. In many ways, the inner workings of the human brain make up an unknown computational frontier. Although your brain is superior to your laptopor even the worlds most advanced supercomputerthese machines run on classical physics. But theres another kind of a computer out there: a quantum one. The idea that the human brain contains quantum properties isnt new. In fact, the British physicist Roger Penrose and the American anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff first suggested the controversial concept back in the 90s, with their orchestrated objective reduction model of a consciousness. Since then, many pieces of evidence have at least hinted that, while the brain may not be a full-fledged quantum computer, some quantum properties may in fact help generate consciousness. Now, a new study from Shanghai University submits yet another piece of evidence to the neurological courtthat one particular process of the human brain exhibits behavior akin to quantum entanglement, a phenomenon when two particles (usually photons) become inextricably linked even across vast distances. This phenomenon confounded even the most brilliant of minds, including Albert Einstein, who called quantum entanglement spooky action at a distance. Liu et al., Physical Review E, 2024 The study, published this month in the journal Physics Review E, suggests that a fatty material called myelin that surrounding the nerve cells axonthe fiber that transmits electrical impulses to other nerves or body tissuesprovides an environment in which the entanglement of photons is possible. This could potentially explain the rise of cognition, and especially synchronization , which is essential for information processing and rapid response. Consciousness within the brain hinges on the synchronized activities of millions of neurons, but the mechanism responsible for orchestrating such synchronization remains elusive, the paper reads. The results indicate that the cylindrical cavity formed by a myelin sheath can facilitate spontaneous photon emission from the vibrational modes and generate a significant number of entangled photon pairs. The team built mathematical models detailing how infrared photons could impact the myelin sheath and impart energy to chemical bondsspecifically, carbon-hydrogen bonds embedded in this fatty tissue. This, in turn, could spur biphoton generation with many pairs exhibiting entanglement, and serve as a type of quantum communication resource within the nervous system . When a brain is active, millions of neurons fire simultaneously, Yong-Cong Chen, a co-author of the study, told New Scientist . If the power of evolution was looking for handy action over a distance, quantum entanglement would be [an] ideal candidate for this role. If youre sensing some woah, if true quality to this research, youre not alone. For one, this phenomenon would need to be seen in a biological setting (likely in the brain of a mouse) before scientists get too excited about the brains newfound quantum communication resource. And thats a process that the authors readily admit would be difficult. Additionally, the idea of quantum entanglement playing a role in consciousness isnt a mainstream oneHameroff, one the leading minds behind the idea that quantum phenomena could drive aspects of cognition, even told New Scientist months ago that it was very popular to bash us after the publication of their consciousness model. But science is in the business of hypothesis and rigorous testing to discern the true nature of existence. And, as history has shown, what once seemed liked spooky action a distance can quickly become the cornerstone of the quantum world. You Might Also Like DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) After nearly 30 years behind bars, a Greene County Death Row inmate is now out on house arrest. David Myers was convicted in the highly-publicized 1996 Xenia railroad spike murder of Amanda Jo Maher. Myers was granted a new trial earlier this month after his representation submitted new DNA evidence they say proves his innocence. No credible threat: Anonymous caller sends 2 area school districts into lockdown A judge granted Myers release without bail, also barring him from leaving the state, using drugs or alcohol, and requiring GPS tracking with house monitoring. The Greene County prosecutor disagreed with the decision to grant the new trial, maintaining its commitment to seeing that Myers pays the ultimate price. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Rand Paul worked with Kamala Harris in the Senate. Could he if shes president? It was the first summer of the new Trump administration and an ambitious Democratic freshman senator was looking for the imprimatur of bipartisanship on an issue central to her biography. She eyed a Republican senator who had a penchant for breaking with his partys orthodoxy and a strong libertarian streak rooted in individual rights. And so a brief but substantive political marriage between Kamala Harris and Rand Paul was born in the summer of 2017. The labor that tied them together: criminal justice reform. I approached Rand Paul early during the course of my time in the Senate about the need to reform Americas money bail system. It is interesting to some, it was predictable to me, Harris recalled to CNN in an interview at the time. He said to me, Kamala, Appalachia loves this because there are poor people all over the country who know the injustice of this system. So weve found common ground. Speaking to Jake Tapper in 2017, Paul was notably effusive about the new senator from California who would become vice president of the United States just four years later. Whats interesting about it is, we seem to be at each others throats and sometimes I think the media overdoes how much were at each others throats, the Kentucky Republican said. Were good friends, Kamalas new to Washington, but we immediately started talking about criminal justice reform. Now, in the heat of a presidential race, Paul ascribes more sinister motives to the Democratic nominees overture. I think she was trying to change her reputation, since in California she was mostly famous for locking up young Black men for marijuana rather than being for criminal justice reform, Paul said in a statement to the Herald-Leader. Nonetheless, the unlikely tandem wrote legislation incentivizing states to reform their cash bail systems, which keep defendants behind bars unless they can pony up the money for their release. The Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act sought to prioritize individualized, pretrial assessments that would permit accused individuals who do not pose a flight risk or further criminal conduct to be released from custody. More than half of the U.S. jail population consists of detainees awaiting trial who have not been convicted of a crime. Supporters said the Harris-Paul legislation would reverse the mass incarceration problem that has left prisons overpopulated. Paul predicted there might even be 60 Senate votes for the measure. But the bill never even received a hearing, let alone a Senate vote a casualty of timing, priorities and a lack of support from Senate leadership, Still, when Harris was running for president in 2019, she named Paul in a nationally televised Democratic primary debate, citing their work together as evidence of her bipartisan bonafides. He and I agree on almost nothing but we agree on that. And after we joined forces he said to me, Kamala you know, Appalachia loves this. And it really made the point that the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us, Harris said. When she was tapped as Joe Bidens running mate, she mentioned Paul to celebrity host Andy Cohen as the Republican she had the strongest relationship with. The Breach But the Harris-Paul relationship was considerably damaged in 2020, when they engaged in a fierce debate over the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act. Paul objected to the legislation that would make the brutal act of lynching a federal hate crime because he believed specific language would have led to more minor crimes being characterized as lynching, a heinous act of violence that originated in the Jim Crow South. This bill would cheapen the meaning of lynching by defining it so broadly as to include a minor bruise or abrasion, Paul said on the Senate floor in early June 2020. Our national history of racial terrorism demands more seriousness of us than that. Harris replied that it was ridiculous to define lynching in the most literal sense. It should not require a maiming or torture for us to recognize a lynching when we see it and recognize it by federal law and call it what it is, which is that it is a crime that should be punishable with accountability and consequence, she said. In 2022, Paul signed onto a revised version of the bill that was ultimately signed into law by President Biden. But Paul is still sour about how Harris characterized his efforts to narrow the legislations scope. I was really unhappy with the way she treated that issue, and if she had wanted to be a part of the solution, she could have supported making the necessary changes I proposed to strengthen the bill and ensure lynching is treated like the horrendous crime it truly is. I cosponsored and voted for the new version of the bill, which passed, Paul said. During her career up here, it wasnt always easy to work with her. Last week, Paul sent a fundraising email with the headline: proof Kamala abused her power. An accompanying video clip shows Harris explaining her power as a prosecutor and how she could charge someone with a misdemeanor the lowest level offense possible with a swipe of my pen. The Harris campaign did not respond to questions regarding Pauls criticisms. The Future Harris hasnt prioritized criminal justice as a top tier campaign issue. Her campaign website briefly mentions work on critical causes like criminal justice reform, alongside climate action, infrastructure investments and election security. Some observers have pointed to Harris selection of Tim Walz and his advocacy for reforms in Minnesota as evidence it would be a priority in the new Democratic administration. But its too early to foresee how criminal justice or any other issue fits into the future political matrix 80 days before an election. Their past work is valuable to emphasize, but what happens in 2025 and beyond will depend a lot of the perceived politics after the 2024 vote, said Douglas Berman, an expert on criminal justice and sentencing at Ohio State University. It hasnt been lost on Trump aides that Paul has yet to endorse the president. If Trump was to win another term, he certainly wouldnt forget that the junior Kentucky senator sat on the sidelines. That leaves the argument that Paul could wield more leverage with a President Harris, who would be incentivized to court GOP allies in a closely divided Senate. Sen. Paul and a few other GOP folks have always shown interest in working across the aisle for certain forms of criminal justice reform, Berman said. But the devil is always in the details, and getting from good ideas to actual laws is often the enduring challenge. KY Sen. Rand Paul withholding Trump endorsement as top consultant works for RFK Jr. A Rare Blue Super Blue Moon Is Happening Tonight (But It Won't Look Blue) The celestial occurrence usually happens once every decade Ana Fernandez/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty A cosmic event that usually happens only about every 10 years will light up the sky on Monday night. A blue supermoon, a celestial occurrence that features both a supermoon (when the moon is closest to the Earth) and a blue moon (the third of four full moons in a single cycle), will be on view, but dont expect it to look blue, according to NASA. I personally can't tell the difference between a supermoon and a regular moon, Fred Espenak, a scientist emeritus for NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, told NPR. And I've been looking at the moon all my life. As for when the rare experience will begin to be visible, the space agency said the exact date depends on your time zone. "The full Moon will be Monday afternoon, August 19, 2024, at 2:26 PM EDT," NASA added. "This will be Tuesday morning from Nepal Standard Time eastward across the rest of Asia and Australia to the International Date Line." Related: All About August's Blue Supermoon and What It Means for Your Zodiac Sign The moon will appear full for three days, through the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 21. While the occurrence usually happens about every decade, there was a blue supermoon last August as well. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories Blue moons are rare occurrences that occur every two and a half years on average. The previous blue moon occurred in October 2020. Related: How to Watch August's Rare Super Blue Moon and When It Will Peak But three more supermoons, which will appear brighter and larger than other full moons, are slated for this year, according to USA Today. Next months supermoon will be on Sept. 18, while others will occur on Oct. 17 and Nov. 15. NASA predicts the next chance for a blue supermoon will be in quite some time: January 2037. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, held talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Vietnamese president, on Monday in Beijing. Xi welcomed Lam's state visit to China and once again congratulated him on election as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee. China is the destination for Lam's first overseas visit after taking office as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee. Xi said this fully reflects the great importance he attaches to the relations between the two parties and the two countries, as well as the high level and strategic nature of China-Vietnam relations. Xi expressed the willingness to establish good working relations and personal friendship with Lam to jointly guide the substantial development in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Former Ray County Sheriff Scott Childers has resigned from his position and has reportedly lost his state peace officer certification as part of a settlement with the state of Missouri that was announced Monday. In a video posted to Facebook Monday morning, Childers confirmed he had stepped down from elected office, saying there was no use in fighting a lawsuit brought by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey given the fact that he had failed to advance out of the Aug. 6 Republican primary. I had to put what was best for my familys interest first, and thats not to keep spending money on something that really doesnt matter at this point, Childers said. As part of the settlement, Childers agreed to permanently surrender his state peace officer certification, and agreed he would not seek certification again or a job in law enforcement in Missouri in the future. Childers had been temporarily removed from office while Baileys office sought to permanently remove him over allegations that Childers allegedly allowed incarcerated people to leave jail, perform work for friends and acquaintances and smuggle in drugs, alcohol and other contraband. This outcome is a major win for the residents of Ray County who have been forced to watch the perpetrators of their crimes roam freely in their communities due to the negligent actions of those sworn to protect them, Bailey said in a statement. I am extremely proud of the work my team put into removing another official who refused to do their job as required by Missouri law. We will continue to fight for Missourians across the state by holding bad actors accountable, Bailey said. In his video, Childers denied the allegations, saying there was no proof that alcohol, women and drugs were being provided, none of that was proven, nor did that ever happen. If anything like that happened, it was without my acknowledgement. Raymond Corporation makes it to final four of Coolest Thing Made in New York contest GREENE, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) The Raymond Corporations high-capacity order picker is one step closer to being named the coolest thing made in New York. The Business Council of New York State announced on Monday that the Coolest Thing Made in New York contest has been narrowed down to four finalists. More than 14,000 people voted in the Round of 8, narrowing it down to the four businesses. Forty-five businesses applied for this years contest and competed in the initial popular vote. The top 16 businesses that received the most votes advanced to the head-to-head bracket tournament. Vote for a locally made product in Coolest Thing Made in NY competition The remaining four products are Alcoa Molten Aluminum from Alcoa Corporation Massena Operations, Corvettes 6.2L Small Block V8 Engine from General Motors, NightRide Vehicle Mounted Thermal Cameras from NightRide Thermal Inc., and the Raymond High-Capacity Order picker from The Raymond Corporation. Weekly winners are decided by a public vote on the Made in New York website, allowing New Yorkers to have a direct say in determining the coolest product made in the state. Voting for the Round of 4 will be held from August 19 to August 25. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. The World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday it has confirmed 1,940 attacks on health care in Ukraine since the war with Russia began in February 2022. This is the highest number of attacks the WHO has ever recorded in any humanitarian emergency to date, according to the agency. During the course of the war, 86% of these attacks have targeted health care facilities, usually with heavy weapons, according to the WHO. The agency said attacks on health facilities have "intensified significantly" since December 2023 and are now occurring nearly every day. MORE: Ukraine destroys 3rd key bridge, threatening to cut off Russian troops, amid incursion, Russian military bloggers say "In 2024, we are observing a lot of double-tap attacks," Dr. Jarno Habicht, the WHO representative in Ukraine, said in a statement. "Now we have more shelling of civilian infrastructure than before. We are losing colleagues -- health-care workers, nurses, doctors, paramedics." "This year, many more health-care workers have also been injured than before. According to WHO data, first responders and health transportation are 3 times more likely to suffer harm from attacks compared to other health-care personnel," the statement continued. PHOTO: Rubble and debris remain in a hospital destroyed by Russian shelling, Aug. 11, 2024, in Myrnohrad, Ukraine. (Global Images Ukraine via Getty ) The WHO said so far this year, 34 health care workers and patients have been killed in health care attacks compared to 24 deaths in 2023. Additionally, 229 people have been injured in health care attacks so far this year, which is higher than the figures reported in both 2022 and 2023. According to the WHO, every fourth attack on health care this year has resulted in injuries. "We are witnessing a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of humanitarian law," Dr Emanuele Bruni, World Health Emergencies lead at the WHO Country Office in Ukraine, said in a statement. "The widespread attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure have made access to electricity, water and heating an urgent priority. This war is affecting every person across Ukraine -- including health-care professionals and providers -- in diverse and profound ways." Last month, Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv -- one of the most well-respected children's hospitals in the country -- was damaged when five Ukrainian cities fell under attack. At least two people were killed in the attack on the hospital, including one female physician, and at least seven children were injured, according to officials. In November 2022, a newborn baby was killed when a missile strike hit a maternity hospital in the town of Vilniansk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the local mayor told ABC News at the time. MORE: Ukrainian soldiers, engineers add metal netting to US tanks and vehicles to protect against Russian drones For communities that are near the frontlines, access to health care has been severely impacted, increasing the risk of severe illness and death among residents. Since February 2022, an average of 200 ambulances have been damaged or destroyed every year in shelling attacks, according to the WHO. The WHO noted that Ukrainian health authorities have been responding to areas that are facing health needs and challenges but there are still gaps to fill. The WHO said it has distributed approximately 3,750 tons of medical supplies, including ambulances, medicines and generators, throughout the country. "Ultimately, the healthcare workforce of Ukraine are genuine heroes," Habicht said. "Despite ongoing attacks, despite all the challenges, they continue saving people's lives." WHO records 1,940 health care attacks in Ukraine since war with Russia began originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The United Center in Chicago, where the Democratic National Convention is being held. (Photo by Jacob Fischler/States Newsroom) CHICAGO State legislators from across the country mingled Monday during a Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee meeting at the Democratic National Convention, where they overwhelmingly agreed that the new Harris-Walz presidential ticket has reenergized the party base. I think that there is a collective opportunity to bring a whole new set of Democrats, and voters in general, into understanding how really important their statehouses are, and building that for a future where voters better understand why their representation in their statehouses matters so much, Heather Williams, the president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, said in an interview with States Newsroom. Democratic state lawmakers from states that typically lean Republican, like Iowa, Tennessee and Oklahoma, said they too have seen an increase in volunteers since Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race as the new Democratic presidential nominee. President Joe Biden stepped down from his reelection bid following a disastrous debate performance and pressure from top Democrats. Tennessee state Rep. John Ray Clemmons, the House Democratic Caucus chair, said that hes seeing volunteers not only on the national level, but for Tennessee state House races. With this new energy, comes new excitement, and people feel like theres this new sense of hope and purpose, he said. He said the presidential race feels similar to former President Barack Obamas 2008 campaign. Iowa state Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum said that shes seen an uptick in people wanting to volunteer. Iowans are very excited, she said. It has spurred on additional fundraising, and we do have people who are calling us and saying, What can we do to help? State lawmakers added that theyve seen an even bigger boost in enthusiasm with Harris tapping Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. We havent really felt that kind of hope and energy for a while, Jochum said, adding that Walz brings common sense and a real passion for our democracy and freedom, and compliments Kamala (Harris) really, really well. Oklahoma State Sen. Carri Hicks said that its been refreshing to see Walz on the ticket, who is giving a different face of masculinity, embracing, supporting women what I consider just true kindness and compassion, in his leadership style. Hicks said that Harris work on reproductive rights since Roe v. Wade was overturned, and Walzs frequent mentions of his daughter Hope, who was born with the help of in vitro fertilization, have resonated with voters in her state. In my state Senate district, health care is the number one economic engine for the district that I represent, she said. So when youre thinking about access to reproductive care, being able to build a family, I think that it humanizes that story that so many of my constituents have gone through, that so many Americans have gone through. In swing states, the reaction was much the same. North Carolina state House Democratic leader Robert Reives said that reproductive right issues such as abortion, IVF and contraception have played a big part in voter turnout. What you definitely see, especially in urban areas, is a recognition by women of all ages that there is a war on women, he said. All these rights and opportunities that women should have are suddenly gone. Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate said that the energy around the Harris and Walz campaign has been a shot in the arm. I think were going to continue to see that trend just increase with Democrats from the top of the ticket all the way down, Tate said, adding that hes hoping to expand Democratic control in the statehouse, as well as have Michigan go blue for Harris. Since Harris entered the race, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter moved several battleground states Arizona, Georgia and Nevada from lean Republican to a toss-up. Harris and Walz have aggressively hit the battleground states already, with less than three months until November. During a Monday breakfast with Wisconsin delegates, another battleground state, Walz encouraged those delegates to keep campaigning until Election Day. Weve got 78 days of hard work, Walz said. We can sleep when were dead. The United Center in Chicago, where the Democratic National Convention is being held. (Photo by Jacob Fischler/States Newsroom) CHICAGO State legislators from across the country mingled Monday during a Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee meeting at the Democratic National Convention, where they overwhelmingly agreed that the new Harris-Walz presidential ticket has reenergized the party base. I think that there is a collective opportunity to bring a whole new set of Democrats, and voters in general, into understanding how really important their statehouses are, and building that for a future where voters better understand why their representation in their statehouses matters so much, Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, said in an interview with States Newsroom. Democratic state lawmakers from states that typically lean Republican, like Iowa, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, said they too have seen an increase in volunteers since Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race as the new Democratic presidential nominee. President Joe Biden stepped down from his reelection bid following a disastrous debate performance and pressure from top Democrats. Tennessee state Rep. John Ray Clemmons, the House Democratic Caucus chair, said that hes seeing volunteers not only on the national level, but for Tennessee state House races. With this new energy comes new excitement, and people feel like theres this new sense of hope and purpose, he said. He said the presidential race feels similar to former President Barack Obamas 2008 campaign. Iowa state Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum said that shes seen an uptick in people wanting to volunteer. Iowans are very excited, she said. It has spurred on additional fundraising, and we do have people who are calling us and saying, What can we do to help? State lawmakers added that theyve seen an even bigger boost in enthusiasm with Harris tapping Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. We havent really felt that kind of hope and energy for a while, Jochum said, adding that Walz brings common sense and a real passion for our democracy and freedom, and compliments Kamala [Harris] really, really well. Oklahoma State Sen. Carri Hicks said that its been refreshing to see Walz on the ticket, who is giving a different face of masculinity, embracing, supporting women what I consider just true kindness and compassion, in his leadership style. Hicks said that Harris work on reproductive rights since Roe v. Wade was overturned, and Walzs frequent mentions of his daughter Hope, who was born with the help of in vitro fertilization, have resonated with voters in her state. In my state Senate district, health care is the number one economic engine for the district that I represent, she said. So, when youre thinking about access to reproductive care, being able to build a family, I think that it humanizes that story that so many of my constituents have gone through, that so many Americans have gone through. In swing states, the reaction was much the same. North Carolina state House Democratic leader Robert Reives said that reproductive right issues such as abortion, IVF, and contraception have played a big part in voter turnout. What you definitely see, especially in urban areas, is a recognition by women of all ages that there is a war on women, he said. All these rights and opportunities that women should have are suddenly gone. Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate said that the energy around the Harris and Walz campaign has been a shot in the arm. I think were going to continue to see that trend just increase with Democrats from the top of the ticket all the way down, Tate said, adding that he hopes to expand Democratic control in the statehouse, as well as have Michigan go blue for Harris. Since Harris entered the race, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter moved several battleground states Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada from lean Republican to a toss-up. Harris and Walz have aggressively hit the battleground states already, with less than three months until November. During a Monday breakfast with Wisconsin delegates, another battleground state, Walz encouraged those delegates to keep campaigning until Election Day. Weve got 78 days of hard work, Walz said. We can sleep when were dead. In America, it can take a person a while to learn that she is a second-class citizen. As members of Gen Z, we learned what the word pussy meant when we heard it from the mouth of the man our country was about to elect president. We realized the extent to which the fight for gender equality was not yet won when we joined millions marching on Jan. 21, 2017, when we read the signs and heard the chants of generations of women furious and worried for our futures. We learned that our very organs are subject to legislation on June 24, 2022, when we were confronted with the heartbreaking news that Roe v. Wade had been overturned, taking away a right we had been born with: our control over what happens to our own bodies. Now, at 17 and 18, we are coming of age with a sense of paranoia, never knowing when something else is going to happen to take away another right, to further establish our second-class status. Sadly, were autodidacts when it comes to the truth of gender injustice. Even growing up in liberal New York City and attending well-resourced schools, we still feel like the education surrounding womens rights is treated like an afterthought. If covered at all, the topic tends to be framed within a historical context, suggesting that the struggle for gender equality is a thing of the past. As fundamental rights have increasingly become politicized and polarized issues, schools fear controversy and overlook or skim over topics like reproductive rights and lack of legal protections for marginalized groups. This non-education then silences women on such issues, as it is easier to accept and harder to fight an injustice of which you are not fully aware. Seeking out a fuller education led us to the office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, where working as interns has given us a more clear understanding of the reality of the current fight for gender equality. More specifically, weve been introduced to Gillibrands ERA Now Resolution, a novel strategy to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Before working for Gillibrand, we might have assumed that the Constitution ensured equality based on sex. We would have been wrong. In fact, though the ERA was introduced in 1923 to declare that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex, this seemingly obvious amendment has never been ratified. In 2024 over one hundred years after it was proposed, and as we face the possibility of electing Americas first female president this constitutional protection for women continues to be disputed. Facing this truth, we have joined Gillibrand in her push to ensure that men and womens equality under the law is recognized by our government. To appreciate the ERAs present status, its essential to understand the constitutional amendment process. According to the Constitution, any amendment is required to receive a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate and then ratification by three-fourths of the states (the ratification process differs by state but usually requires approval by a majority of the state legislature). Following its introduction, the ERA was quickly approved by 30 state legislatures before progress slowed dramatically in the face of organized opposition. Then in 2017, amidst a wave of activism following the Womens March, the amendment was ratified by Nevada in 2017, Illinois in 2018, and finally Virginia the 38th and final state needed for the amendment to become law in 2020. This milestone, celebrated by many supporters, also came with controversy. The ERA included a ratification deadline of June 30, 1982. However and this is pivotal the 1982 deadline was established in the preamble of the amendment, not in the text itself, and was therefore not included in the language of the amendment ratified by the states. For context, amendments dont automatically come with a ratification deadline; the 27th Amendment was proposed by James Madison in 1789 and did not become law for 203 years! Because the deadline for ratification of the ERA was included in the preamble, and not in the amendment itself (as opposed to the 18th Amendment, which did include a deadline in the text), its clear that the writers of the ERA did not intend for the time limit to play a decisive role in the validity of the amendment. Numerous constitutional law scholars back up this argument, which has become the basis for the ERA Now Resolution, in which Senator Gillibrand and Representative Cori Bush of Missouri assert that the ERA has cleared all necessary legal hurdles and direct the congressional Archivist to sign the legislation, enshrining it in our Constitution. On Aug. 6, the American Bar Association passed a resolution supporting ratification, a show of support Gillibrand called incredibly important in a statement. It shows that constitutional law experts believe the ERA has satisfied all the constitutional requirements to be certified and published, she announced. Throughout our internship, weve considered the important implications that the ratification of the ERA could have. Namely, it has the potential to become the constitutional basis for guaranteeing reproductive rights nationally establishing a legal framework to formally address the patchwork legislation around abortion access and gender inequity. Under the ERA, prohibiting someones right to reproductive healthcare would be gender discrimination, rendering prohibitions against abortion access like the 1864 law anti-choice advocates have recently been trying to revive in Arizona unconstitutional. Technicalities and potential applications aside, its imperative that the ERA finally become law. Simply put, there is nothing in the Constitution of the United States of America written and ratified when women could not even vote! that explicitly grants equal rights to women. The ERAs opponents point to the 14th Amendment, which states that the government may not deny to any person equal protection of the laws (the famous Equal Protection Clause), and to cases such as Reed v. Reed and Frontiero v. Richardson, as evidence that womens rights are indeed protected under settled law. However, this argument falls short. Given the Supreme Courts willingness to do away with a half-centurys precedent of settled law around legal protections concerning reproductive healthcare in the Dobbs decision, forgive us if we are skeptical of settled law to protect our fundamental rights as women under this or any version of the Court. The late Justice Antonin Scalia even confirmed, when asked if the Constitution protects womens equality, that it doesnt. As we have recently seen, a change in the makeup of the Supreme Court or any branch of government, for that matter can swiftly destroy decades worth of progress. As members of a generation of women just reaching adulthood, we understand that we cannot as generations before us did rely upon rhetorical assurances that the Constitution will be interpreted in a way that protects our rights. We see the advancements that women before us fought so hard to achieve being stripped away by an extremist political movement unconcerned with the will of the majority of Americans. After witnessing the erosion of our fundamental rights and threats to further dismantle them we see the ERA as an essential safeguard in establishing our claim to equal rights under the law. The codification of womens equality in the Constitution of the United States is long overdue. The ERA has already reached its ratification threshold. A simple signature is all we need to achieve the protection that we and all women in the United States so desperately need. Under the Constitution as in practice we refuse to remain second-class citizens. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Register to vote deadline for Massachusetts primaries is this Saturday SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The state primary is quickly approaching and one big deadline is coming up this Saturday. This Saturday is the deadline to register to vote, change your party, update your address, or do anything related to your voter registration status. Massachusetts State House closed for repairs Springfield election commissioner Gladys Oyola-Lopez told 22News that City Hall will be open this weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to cater to area voters. The City of Springfield has seen an influx of people requesting mail-in ballots. Lopez said that about 11,000 voters or 10% of voters in Springfield have chosen to receive a ballot by mail. Whether you plan to vote early, by mail, or come in person there are some dates to keep in mind. Voter Registration Deadline: August 24 Vote by Mail Application Deadline: August 26 Massachusetts Primary: September 3 Offices on Ballot: U.S. Senator U.S. Representative Governors Councillor State Senator State Representative Register of Deeds Clerk of Courts County Commissioner (certain counties only) Latest Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Human remains have been found on the property of the husband of Dee Ann Warner, a Michigan woman who has been missing since 2021, police said Sunday. The search with a judge's approval took place in Lenawee County was part of the investigation into her disappearance, Michigan State Police said. The remains have not been identified. "The remains are currently in the process of being recovered and there will be a great deal of work and testing completed before positive identification is made," state police said in a statement. Dee Ann Warner's family has been notified of the discovery, the agency said. Dee Ann Warner. Dale Warner was charged last year with one count of open murder and one count of tampering in the matter of his wife's disappearance. In early summer, he pleaded not guilty to all charges; a judge said there was enough evidence for a trial to commence. Dale Warner's lawyer didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday night. His defense last year vehemently denied the charges. Authorities had said the case was difficult because they lacked a body. It's not clear why the property wasn't searched earlier. The couple lived in Tipton, in Lenawee County, about 65 miles southwest of Detroit. Dee Ann Warner, a mother of five, ran a trucking company and a farming business. Three of her adult children reported her missing on April 25, 2021, the day Dale Warner said he had last seen her. The night she disappeared, there had been a business dispute that included Dee Ann Warner, her husband and one or two of the woman's employees, Lenawee County Sheriff Troy Bevier told Dateline last year. Gregg Hardy, Dee Ann Warners brother, said after Dale Warner's arrest last year that it has been a gut-wrenching time for the family, not only because his sister remained missing, but also because Dale Warner had been close to it for years. Dale and Dee Ann had been married for 15 years. I have to stay focused on the reality that it happened, Hardy told "Dateline." Sometimes it feels almost impossible that it could have happened, but I stay focused on the facts that demonstrate that it did happen and who did it. And Im a firm believer in justice. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated after the county shared the incorrect location of where the remains were found. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) The remains of an unknown man which were found off I-275 at the Woodland entrance ramp in Knoxville now have a name, Knox County announced on Monday. Advanced genetic testing and a continued search for data over the years have led to the positive identification of a man whose body was found in November 2003. The county credited the identification of Brian A. Sanderson to the hard work of personnel at the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, the Knoxville Police Department, and the University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Center, among others. Verdict reached in death penalty trial of Oak Ridge man accused of murder The case began more than two decades ago, when on Nov. 30, 2003, a passerby discovered human remains along Interstate 275 at the Woodland entrance ramp near the railroad tracks, and the Knoxville Police Department responded. Then, an anthropology team from the University of Tennessee assisted in the recovery and examination of the remains. Later, in 2008 officials submitted a DNA sample to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). This is the only national repository for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases. For several years, the case lay dormant and unsolved, but the persons remains were not forgotten. In 2017, the Knox County RFC took possession of the remains to conduct its own investigation and evaluation. An RFC anthropologist then determined that the remains belonged to a white male estimated to be 5 feet to 5 feet, 2 inches tall, and between 40 and 60 years old. Gas station development draws pushback from Concord residents In late 2022, the Knox County RFC contacted Othram, a company that specializes in cold cases through DNA analysis and traditional genealogy. Othram with the help of a federal grant secured by U.S. Rep Tim Burchett matched the information to Sanderson. Knox Countys announcement on Monday didnt share any additional information about Sanderson, only that the RFC is continuing to work to identify every decedent and connect them with their next of kin so that their families have closure. I want to thank everyone involved, particularly our own Regional Forensic Center, which is an incredible county asset, Glenn Jacobs, Knox County Mayor, stated in Mondays release. The staff is skilled and Im grateful for the care they put into the job they do. They always work to make sure no one is forgotten or neglected. Lonely Bones: Stories of the Forgotten Dead Authorities say nearly 400 people go missing in Tennessee each year. Thats five people for every 100,000. Check this list of people missing from East Tennessee to see if you can help locate someone. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka on Monday in Beijing. Noting that Fiji was the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, hailed China-Fiji ties as an example of equal treatment and friendly cooperation between countries large and small. China is willing to work with Fiji to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, continuously expand all-round mutually beneficial cooperation and push forward the China-Fiji comprehensive strategic partnership, Zhao said. Zhao added that the NPC of China is willing to continue to strengthen exchanges at all levels with the Parliament of Fiji, timely approve relevant legal documents and provide legal guarantees for bilateral cooperation. Rabuka said the one-China principle is the cornerstone of Fiji-China relations. Fiji highly appreciates the major initiatives and ideas put forward by China and is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in various fields such as trade and poverty reduction, deepen exchanges between legislative bodies and better benefit the two peoples, Rabuka added. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) Groundbreaking daytime TV talk show host Phil Donahue, who died Sunday at age 88, hosted a week of outdoor TV shows on Sacramentos K Street Mall in the 1970s. Donahues show achieved national syndication in 1974, when it was moved to Chicago. In 1977, he brought his popular discussion style to Sacramento for a week of live programming. Donahue was known for charging into his audience with a microphone attached to the longest mike cord in show business according to The Sacramento Bee. A temporary 1,000-seat area was set up in May at the end of K Street Mall near the convention center. His first guest of the week was pop songwriter-singer Paul Anka. On the second day, he interviewed then-Gov. Jerry Brown, followed by National Organization for Women President Ellie Smeal, singer Wayne Newton (broadcast from University of Pacific in Stockton) and comedian Sam Levenson. The shows were broadcast live on Channel 3, but delayed in other markets. Some of the questions he posed to Brown, and the governors answers, as written by The Bee in 1977: The host began with a provocative query about why Brown went to Tokyo to pursue auto industry moguls instead of to Detroit. If I was a Detroiter, Id be very unhappy with you, Donahue chided Brown. The governor drew applause when he replied that since California is such a good market for Japanese vehicles, tax-paying Californians ought to have the jobs to assemble them. Death Penalty. By a 3 -or 4-to-1 margin the audience of about 1,500 favored death penalty legislation which Brown opposes. It seems random, it seems arbitrary, it seems irrational, Brown declared in reference to capital punishment. Personal energy saving. I have a very low utility bill; I have not cooked anything since I moved in, said the governor in discussing his N Street apartment Dating. Do you date (country singer) Linda Ronstadt? asked Donahue. Why do you ask? dodged Brown. I think I should be able to date who I want without explaining on a television show. Gov. Jerry Brown is introduced by TV talk show host Phil Donahue on K Street Mall on May 3, 1977. Television show host Phil Donahue questions Gov. Jerry Brown during a taping session for the show on Sacramentos K Street Mall on May 3, 1977. Television show host Phil Donahue talks with Gov. Edmund G. Jerry Brown amid the crowd after a taping session for the show on Sacramentos K Street Mall on May 3, 1977. A notable face in the background is Gray Davis, who was Browns chief of staff at the time and was elected governor in 1998. The temporary 1,000-seat arena is set up at the end of K Street Mall in a newspaper clipping from the first day of television show host Phil Donahue in Sacramento shows. Donahue changed daytime talk from celebrities yakking with sycophantic hosts to programming for housewives who think, as he described it. In the 1970s and 80s, he discussed feminism and the need for men to not be intimated by strong women a precursor of todays culture wars over so-called trad wives and toxic masculinity. The show took on controversial topics by allowing call-in viewers and audience members to ask their own questions. Howd you get to be so liberal? he once asked a female audience member. I watch your show! she replied. The show, and Donahue, were uniquely Midwestern. He spent 17 years doing the show in Dayton, Ohio, then in Chicago, before moving to New York. He won nine Daytime Emmy Awards, six of them consecutively, for outstanding host of a talk or service series. Donahue also won a Daytime Emmy for Lifetime Achievement in 1996. The talk show is a unique opportunity to share some information, he said in 1987. We dont tell the whole story, but we make a contribution toward the understanding of the issues. And in the age of diminishing newspapers and celebrity journalism, its possible the talk show fills the void . Its not a substitute, but it helps close the breach. The cultural shift toward tabloid television and sensational topics cut into Donahues ratings despite the shows penchant for racy topics such as swingers, male strippers and anatomically correct childrens dolls. He met his second wife, actress Marlo Thomas, when she was a guest on his show in 1977. The pair married in 1980. The Cleveland Plain Dealer contributed to this story. Three Tacoma Hilltop-area apartment sites have sold to an LLC connected to a management company that has faced notable legal fights at some of its properties. The properties were sold July 31 by business entities affiliated with Abie Label & Associates to Dimension Townhouses LLC, affiliated with Dimension Property Management in Renton. Dimension owns/oversees properties that include single-family homes, condominiums and multi-unit apartment complexes in a portfolio mostly spanning the Puget Sound region many in Tacoma-Seattle-area markets. A review of parcel records with the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurers Office shows the LLC owns dozens of parcels in the county. The sales of the three sites were first reported earlier this month by the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, and at least two of the three sites are tied to earlier, regional affordable housing efforts. Abie Label, originally from Montreal, moved to Seattle and acquired properties in the Seattle-Tacoma area, playing a crucial role in subsidized housing. Label died in 2007, and various affiliated entities have since held the three Tacoma properties that traded hands last month: 1419 Apartments, 1419 S. J St., which sold for $5 million; 1416 Apartments, 1402 Yakima Ave. (also known as 803 S. 15th St.), which sold for $6 million; and Christine Apartments, 2503 S. I St., which sold for $3 million. Two of the properties, the 1419 and 1416 Apartments, appear on a Washington Department of Revenue list of partial nonprofit property tax exempted sites, qualifying as Homes For the Aging. The tax exemption is available to sites serving qualifying low-income seniors or disabled individuals and meeting other state standards, including varying levels of care and supervision. An apartment site at 1419 S. J St. in Tacoma was one of three separate property acquisitions by Dimension Townhouses LLC of Renton that closed at the end of July. Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer online property portal Beverly Crichfield is a media representative with the Department of Revenue. She told The News Tribune via email in response to questions that both sites are operating as Homes for the Aging. Dimension Townhouses LLC of Yakima purchased this apartment property at 1402 Yakima Ave. in July. Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer online property portal The exemptions, created to help support the availability of housing for qualifying individuals, do not carry over to new owners without re-applying. We plan to contact the current nonprofit and new owners to determine next steps, Crichfield wrote. Typically, we remove the exemption as of the date of sale and encourage the new owners to apply if they plan to continue the exempt use of the property. Suneet and Rucchi Diwan, the listed governors for the LLC, declined to answer questions from The News Tribune regarding the Tacoma property purchases and future plans for them. They also would not answer questions regarding code enforcement at a Dimension property in Everett, a legal dispute with the City of Tacoma over 92 square feet of property the city sought for a public improvement project, and past litigation brought by a local disabled veteran. That case yielded a consent decree focused on educating the defendants in housing law. Dimension Townhouses, LLC respectfully declines to participate in the article, Rucchi Diwan responded via email on Aug. 14. Housing and land disputes While Dimension isnt talking about its Tacoma holdings, one of its properties north of Seattle attracted local media attention. The Snohomish County Tribune and Everett Herald in 2021-2022 reported on a Dimension Townhouses LLC apartment site in Everett, purchased July 2021, where tenants complained the owners were trying to force older, longtime tenants out. The case was presented to a hearing examiner, part of the citys process in reviewing and issuing orders in local code-enforcement cases. In the hearing examiner report, Dimensions attorney argued his client had inherited tenants when the building was purchased and cited a history of conflict between the tenants and owners. That conflict was highlighted in a footnote in the examiners report that stated owner Suneet Diwan had concerns over the proceedings on the basis that he had anxiety about being confronted by tenants of the structure ... In August 2022, the owner was fined $1,500 and ordered to bring the building up to code, The Everett Herald reported. The city did not provide further details on any additional action when contacted by The News Tribune, and instead recommended filing a public records request. Two years before that, the City of Tacoma sued Dimension in August 2020 to obtain a sliver of property the city sought as part of its East Portland Avenue Safety Improvements project, which included removing and replacing traffic signal heads, rewiring of existing traffic signals systems, removal and replacement of traffic islands and curb ramps, and more. That project included 92 square feet of a parcel Dimension owned at the corner of Portland Avenue East and East 38th Street. Dimension originally acquired the multiplex residential site at foreclosure in 2015 for $196,000. The city took action after honest differences of opinion between the city and the property owners, according to legal filings. The case was resolved with a stipulated judgment and decree of appropriation in February 2021, with a judgment amount of $2,350 to cover the land and attorney fees, to be paid by the city. The News Tribune asked city officials how common it is to go to court with property owners in such a case to obtain property. City media representative Maria Lee told The News Tribune via email, It is not typical for the city to have to file a condemnation action, and even less typical to go to condemnation to acquire relatively minimal square footage for use as public right of way. County records show Dimension sold its remaining property at the site in December 2022 to an LLC affiliated with a Bellevue developer for $770,000. One tenants battle One lawsuit against Dimension spanned both Pierce and King counties and led to a consent decree aimed at correcting actions that ran up against state laws on housing protections. The LLC along with Rajsons Properties Inc., an affiliated business entity, were the focus of a 2019 lawsuit filed in King County by Robert Elon Mix of Lakewood, represented by the Northwest Justice Project. Dimension, through an affiliated LLC, purchased the property where Mix lived, Bridgewood Apartments, in 2018 for $3.22 million, according to county records. According to the complaint, the previous property owners allowed Mix, a disabled veteran, to pay his rent in two installments because of the timing of when he received his monthly disability and Social Security checks, which came at separate times. The complaint contended that once Dimension took on the site, it did not allow for the same arrangement and instead charged late fees. It also alleged violations of state law against discrimination and residential landlord tenant act. According to the court filings, Mix received notice of termination of his tenancy effective at the end of September 2018, and he moved out, ending a 10-year residency. Dimension, in its response to the court, denied the claims. Attorney for Dimension Michael Woo wrote in the filing that the lease given to defendant had a term start date of June 1, 2016, that the lease specified that the rent was due on the first day of the month and must be received by the fifth to avoid a late fee... . Dimension, in a counterclaim, sought to collect more than $4,000, including cleaning/repair costs to the apartment after his departure. Scott Crain is a statewide advocacy counsel for Northwest Justice Project in Seattle who served on the legal team that represented Mix. He made clear the premise of the case in a recent interview with The News Tribune. They have to move the rent payment date to accommodate people whose income comes later in the month if its based on their disability, Crain said. The case culminated in a court-enforced consent decree on August 2020. In the decree, Dimension and its representatives were ordered to comply with the Washington Law Against Discrimination, the federal Fair Housing Act, and any other law or ordinance governing fair housing compliance in defendants business offering residential real estate for rent. Dimension Townhouses LLC executives Suneet Diwan, Rucchi Diwan and their employees involved in leasing or managing tenants also were ordered to complete fair housing training, with specific emphasis on the duty to reasonably accommodate people with disabilities. Mix, whos 73 and now lives in Tacoma, told The News Tribune that he was barely able to find housing in time to avoid being homeless. Crain told The News Tribune that Mix was ultimately compensated, and then Dimension also agreed to the consent decree. Financial terms were not disclosed. Part of the consent decree mandated language to appear on advertisements for Dimensions rental properties, which does appear at the top of Dimension Property Managements website showing available properties: We do not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you believe that due to your disability you may need accommodation any of our rules, policies, practices, or procedures, please notify any member of our staff of your need for an accommodation. When told of the latest purchase of the Tacoma apartments, Mix sighed. I have nothing good to say about Dimension. I would be a very poor reference, he said. Crain said the consent decree remains an important milestone in hopes of avoiding future disputes. Part of the reason we got that consent decree in place was to try to get Dimension to understand fair housing laws, train their employees and do better in the future. A citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation waits for her COVID-19 vaccination in this 2021 photo at Colville Tribes Indian Health in Nespelem, Washington. The Indian Health Service has a single doctor for the reservation, serving a population of about 5,000. (Photo by Tyler Tjomsland / Spokesman-Review) For some citizens of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, its not so easy to see a doctor. Theres a single physician at the Indian Health Service clinic that serves a population of more than 5,000 in northeastern Washington. Wait times for appointments are long and thats if you can get a call back to schedule one. And, like other IHS facilities in the Northwest, the Colville Service Unit does not provide specialty care, forcing citizens to drive to Spokane or other cities for those treatments. The impediments to access are so severe that some Colville tribal citizens are turning away from using the clinic entirely, according to tribal Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson. Some just got, I think, sick and tired of it, Erickson said. I still go there for occasional things, but even me personally, I cant trust that things will be done or handled properly. A lack of access to quality health care and the resulting deleterious effects on the health of tribal citizens reflects a widespread problem affecting Native Americans and Alaska Natives across Washington, a new report finds. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are living shorter lives, suffering from higher rates of preventable and treatable diseases and dying from them more often while living with dramatically worse access to health care when compared with white Washingtonians, according to the report from the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to improving health care access. The report ranked the health system performance for different ethnic groups on a 100-point scale. White Washingtonians scored an 87. Native Americans and Alaskan Natives in Washington scored an 8. Those scores reflect long-standing problems, and theyre worsening, according to many measures. A regional dataset of IHS statistics reviewed by InvestigateWest, which is separate from the Commonwealth Fund report, shows that in category after category, health outcomes for Native Americans worsen as the non-Native American populations health improves. At the root of the crisis is basic access to care, experts say. Nearly 20% of Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Washington lack supplemental health insurance beyond IHS, according to the Commonwealth Fund. The IHS, which is charged with carrying out the federal governments trust obligations to provide medical care for tribal citizens, is chronically underfunded. If somebody only has access to health care through the Indian Health Service, theyre still considered to be uninsured, and that, I think, really starts to be the sort of the key differentiator here, said the reports author, David Radley, who is a senior scientist for the Commonwealth Fund and director of data analytics at Oregon Health & Science University. If you dont have health insurance, it doesnt matter how good the quality of care in your particular state is without health insurance, when people cant get in the door, you guys can have the best health care in the world. But if everyones stuck outside, it doesnt really matter. More than numbers For the past 24 years, life expectancies for Washingtonians of all racial groups grew except for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, whose average life expectancy has decreased by about two years since 2000. A Native American or Alaska Native living in Washington has a life expectancy of just 71.6 years, compared with white Washingtonians life expectancy of 79.9 years, according to data from the Washington Department of Health that was highlighted in the Commonwealth Fund report. Deaths before age 75 from treatable causes, like COVID and Type 2 diabetes, for Native Americans are more than double that of white people in Washington and nearly three times as high from entirely preventable causes, such as certain cancers that can be effectively treated if detected early, as well as higher incidences of obesity and heart disease. Despite the well-known, stark disparities in health outcomes, the federally operated IHS lacks adequate, stable funding, forcing patients to delay or seek care selectively, according to tribal officials and researchers. The Indian Health Service is a federally operated health care provider, similar to the Veterans Administration, but it operates under a different budget structure that requires congressional approval for its annual budget rather than guaranteed funds. That renders its funding unstable year to year. It also receives substantially fewer dollars per beneficiary compared to programs like Medicare, with the Government Accountability Office reporting IHS received $4,076 per beneficiary in 2019, compared with $15,027 for Medicare. The agency admits it can only treat roughly half of the people it is responsible for under its current funding level, recommending that those who utilize IHS obtain a private insurance policy to supplement the care it offers. On the Colville Reservation, as more eligible patients turn entirely away from using IHS services, it creates the false impression that the actual service population decreased resulting in even less funding for Colville Service Unit, according to Erickson. IHS low budget and unstable funding structure undercuts virtually every element necessary to reduce health disparities facing Native Americans, according to experts, making it hard to recruit and retain providers and maintain facilities. IHS does not operate a single hospital in Washington, and there is only one IHS-funded oncology center statewide, meaning all patients must be referred to outside providers for specialty and hospital care. IHS clinics often operate with long-standing vacancies, sometimes functioning with only a single doctor or dentist for an entire reservation, like the Colville Reservation. For citizens of the Colville Tribes who use IHS, specialty care is out of close reach the nearest providers for dental and specialty medical care are often 100 or more miles away in Wenatchee, Spokane and even Seattle. IHS patients must obtain referrals to receive care outside agency facilities, and at times there isnt even enough staff to provide the initial referrals. If a Colville citizen does manage to obtain a referral, the long-distance trips for medical care are costly. The Colville Tribes government often foots the bill for gas and even hotel stays for citizens who cant afford it, according to Erickson. The Indian Health Service did not respond to requests for comment by InvestigateWest. But for many IHS patients in Washington, 54% of whom live in small towns on or near reservations, there may be no alternative locally. Without access to health care that includes screenings for conditions like diabetes or colon cancer, treatable and preventable conditions go unaddressed, leading to premature death. Inaccessible and delayed care contributes to disproportionate rates of Native Americans in Washington dying from preventable and treatable causes before age 75, according to the Commonwealth Fund. It starts with coverage, Radley said. When a person has got health insurance coverage, it makes the rest of the care delivery system available to them theyre less likely to skip care because of its cost, theyre more likely to engage in chronic disease management. Even better, if you have a primary care doc who knows your circumstances (and) can provide care in a culturally sensitive way, and understands your context those things are so critical and so important, and everything stems from that. Worsening disparities An InvestigateWest analysis of data reported by the Indian Health Service as part of compliance with the Government Performance and Results, or GRPA, reflects consistently poor performance in the Oregon, Washington and Idaho service area over six years across a variety of metrics. Across five randomly selected metrics measured by IHS, the Pacific Northwest showed worsening performance in each: general access to dental services, diabetics with appropriately controlled blood pressure, childhood immunization rates, adult depression screenings and general controlled blood pressure. On the Colville Reservation, the myriad issues with the IHS clinic stop some patients from seeking preventive care. They could be going in, getting to a provider for stuff that needs to be seen, but a lot of people end up letting stuff like that linger, Erickson said. Preventative things, things that could be caught early, turn into big issues, and then theyre dealing with them because they werent getting the care they needed or were afraid they wouldnt get the care they needed so they just held off, waited. Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Washington die from heart disease, cancer and diabetes at higher rates than any other racial group, according to the Washington Department of Health. The states Native Americans and Alaska Natives also report higher rates of depression and deaths from suicide than any other racial group, Washington DOH data shows. Metrics reflecting infant and maternal health for Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Washington also rank lowest of any group. Their rate of infant mortality and premature births is highest among any group, and Native American and Alaska Native mothers received the lowest rate of prenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy and the lowest rate of postpartum visits for the mother. In 2019, the Washington Legislature enacted Senate Bill 5415, mandating the creation of the Governors Indian Health Advisory Council to address issues in the states Indian health system. The group includes representatives from tribes, Indian health, legislators and state agencies. The advisory council meets periodically to discuss data, Indian health issues and potential policy. It highlights poor and incomplete data as a barrier to addressing the true scope of disparities between Native Americans and other racial groups. In its 2022-2023 biennial report, the council said incomplete reports drawn primarily from state and federal datasets dont always include relevant tribal information, meaning it is difficult to truly understand the disparities, develop policy, make strategic plans and allocate the proper resources. Lack of data sovereignty for tribes is another barrier, according to the advisory council, which notes theres little investment in supporting tribal workforce development or improving tribal systems or technological capabilities that would help to better track relevant issues, like racial misclassification, which is a major problem for accurate monitoring of the health experiences of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Racial misclassification in Washington, Oregon and Idaho occurs in roughly 10% of birth and death certificates of Native Americans and Alaska Natives and in 60% of hospital records, according to the Northwest Tribal Center for Epidemiology. Beyond data, the advisory councils report notes a fundamental lack of trust in the health care system, resulting from intergenerational trauma and decades of abuse and compounded by ongoing failures to provide adequate care. To force the (American Indian and Alaska Native) population to work with agencies that only see the world from mainstream western cultural views is a form of assimilation and, compounded with intergenerational trauma, can make maneuvering through State programs and requirements emotionally exhausting, the report said. Institutional barriers to health improvement must be eliminated to raise the health status of AI/AN and improve the Indian health delivery system in Washington. For patients of the Colville Service Unit who have the means to seek care outside of IHS, the risks associated with relying on the agency for care, like a lack of follow-up or missing prescriptions, outweigh the benefits, according to Erickson. For some, it could be life and death, Erickson said. This article was first published by InvestigateWest (invw.org), an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Hung Cao called for more support for veterans during a Monday campaign stop in Norfolk. No one cares about us but us, said Cao, a retired Navy veteran. We need to take care of veterans now. Cao, who is facing off against Democratic incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine, was addressing a few dozen attendees at VFW Post 4809. He said more money should be given to support veterans struggling with homelessness or post traumatic stress disorder but asserted that funding was instead used to support immigrants. We could take care of them but instead theyre taking a billion dollars a day and paying it to illegal aliens to house them and feed them and give them a free cellphone, he said. Are we out of people to help in the United States (to the point) that we need to import people in? Cao criticized the Biden administrations chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan three years ago and called for an end to endless wars. He said the military has been a punching bag for too long and that society was demonizing the type of young men and women needed to fight wars. If elected, Cao added that he would respect state rights. What we dont want is for a senator from California or a congressman from Idaho making rules and laws for Virginians, he said, as the crowd applauded. After the event, Cao discussed his campaign with a gaggle with reporters. He said he recently agreed to debate Kaine because they reached an understanding. We were always going to debate; we finally came to an agreement, he said. We dont just do whatever Tim Kaine wants to do. The debate is slated for Oct. 2 at Norfolk State University in Norfolk. Cao was unsure whether he would agree to any additional debates. Right now thats the only thing we have on the books, he said. Cao previously declined to debate Kaine. The Virginia Bar Association announced last month it had canceled its debate a longstanding tradition at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs after Cao would not commit to participating. Kaines campaign put out a statement Monday indicating two other events scheduled in September, a debate and forum, were canceled after the Cao campaign informed them that he refused to participate. Related Articles Cao also addressed his harsh remarks about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The candidate appeared to criticize NATO employees during a May campaign event in Richmond. They are freaking lazy, Cao said in an audio recording provided to The Virginian-Pilot. They just dont do (expletive). They dont do anything. Cao said Monday that he was referring to the organization as a whole, not individual staff members, and doubled down on his comment. NATO stands for Needs Americans to Operate, he said. If you want to see a comedy show, put a German and an Italian officer together and they will fight like cats and dogs. Katie King, katie.king@virginiamedia.com House Republican investigators assert President Biden engaged in impeachable conduct largely centering around the business activities of family members including his son, Hunter, in a long-awaited impeachment inquiry report released Monday. The report argues it is inconceivable that Biden was ignorant of how his family members allegedly used their connection to the then-vice president to boost their business deals in Ukraine, China and elsewhere. The allegations rely heavily on bits of testimony that are disputed or undercut elsewhere. It also accuses Biden of having participated in a conspiracy to monetize his office of public trust to enrich his family, amounting to abuse of power. And it alleges Biden obstructed Republicans investigations, arguing that the President may be impeached for the actions of subordinate officials. The nearly 300-page report is the conclusion of a yearlong, wide-ranging probe into the president by the House Oversight and Accountability, Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees that included more than 30 transcribed interviews and depositions, including with Hunter Biden and the presidents brother, James Biden; more than 30 subpoenas; millions of pages and documents and bank records; and several hearings and markups. The report does not show President Biden directly received money from his familys business deals or prove he changed any U.S. policies to aid his family. And despite the reports fiery language, it also stops short of recommending impeachment articles or calling for a vote on impeachment a nod to diminishing GOP support for the probe. The White House has long maintained the president did not engage in any improper activity, and committee Democrats have argued that Republicans failed to directly connect him to any business activity by his family members. Both see the impeachment inquiry as a partisan attack on a political opponent. After wasting nearly two years and millions of taxpayer dollars, House Republicans have finally given up on their wild goose chase. This failed stunt will only be remembered for how it became an embarrassment that their own members distanced themselves from as they only managed to turn up evidence that refuted their false and baseless conspiracy theories, Sharon Yang, White House spokesperson for oversight investigations, said in a statement. The American people deserve more from House Republicans. House Democrats also released their own 72-page counter memo Monday morning that argued the GOP had not only proven, once more, that President Biden committed no wrongdoing, much less an impeachable crime, but has paradoxically vindicated President Biden. The report comes as Democrats begin gathering in Chicago for their national convention, nominating Vice President Harris to lead the ticket after President Biden dropped his reelection bid last month a scenario the GOP wasnt expecting when it began the impeachment probe. Dinners and speakerphone calls The report levels sharp accusations against Biden. The totality of the corrupt conduct uncovered by the Committees is egregious. President Joe Biden conspired to commit influence peddling and grift. In doing so, he abused his office and, by repeatedly lying about his abuse of office, has defrauded the United States to enrich his family, the report says. In assessing the then-vice presidents role, the report relies heavily on testimony from Biden business associates who had either denied his involvement in the business deals, or whose allegations were disputed by other witnesses. One section that accuses Biden of allow[ing] his family to monetize his political influence notes his presence at a birthday dinner for Hunter Biden with several of his sons business associates. It also details Hunter Bidens practice of putting his father on speakerphone in front of foreign business partners, alleging it helped seal the deal for certain transactions, despite President Biden not talking about the business ventures. One former associate of Hunter Bidens, Devon Archer, testified that the speakerphone conversations were limited to pleasantries. Jason Galanis, a convicted felon who testified at a hearing from prison, said he inferred one call was a prearranged call with his father meant to impress the Russian investors. Hunter Biden said he recalled meeting Galanis just once for 30 minutes, but the report relies heavily on his testimony. It is inconceivable that President Biden did not understand that he was taking part in an effort to enrich his family by abusing his office of public trust, the report says of President Bidens interactions with the business partners. Burisma, Ukrainian prosecutor claim resurfaces The report also accuses Biden of use[ing] his status as Vice President to garner favorable outcomes for his sons businesses. That in large part concerns the claim that the then-vice president pushed to condition a loan guarantee to Kyiv on the firing of Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin in order to benefit the energy company Burisma, where Hunter Biden was a board member and took in millions of dollars. The disputed claim has been the subject of GOP attacks for years including from former President Trump, who was impeached in 2019 after he pressured the Ukrainian president to investigate the Bidens work there. State Department emails reviewed by The Hill show it was U.S. policy aligned with the position of others in the international community to withhold financial assistance until Ukraine shifted its approach on corruption. The report points to a Washington Post story that cited an unnamed source recalling that Biden made a last-minute decision to connect the loan guarantee with firing the prosecutor, rather than call for his firing separately, on the way to a 2015 speech in Ukraine. The report does not mention the next paragraph in the Post story, which says other unnamed officials recall a more disciplined policy process preceding the trip that led to consensus on linking the firing to the loan. Republicans last year released notes that the FBI collected from an informant who suggested that Biden had accepted a bribe for those actions, giving fuel to the GOP investigations. But that informant was later arrested by the agency on charges relating to fabricating the bribery allegations, and bribery was not mentioned in the report. The GOP investigators say they sought various drafts of Bidens speech from the National Archives, but accused the White House of blocking their release. Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), the top Democrat of the Oversight Committee, said Monday that the GOP reports failure to tie any activity back to President Biden served as an exoneration. What do you call a hellbent 20-month impeachment drive whose managers finally just dissolve into compulsive repetition of thoroughly discredited and meaningless accusations? I would call it a complete exoneration of the target of their pathetic attacksPresident Joe Biden. Every lie, distortion and dirty trick thrown at Joe Biden in the 118th Congress has sharply boomeranged and imploded, making our Republican colleagues look inept and absurd, he wrote in a statement. Bank records and shell companies The report accuses the Biden family and associates of taking in $27 million from foreign business ventures. But the only financial connection the report makes to President Biden is noting a loan repayment from his brother, James Biden, using income earned through various businesses. Though the report says James Biden provided no evidence of the origination of the loan, records on file with the committee previously reviewed by The Hill show bank accounts belonging to President Biden wired money to his brother, which was paid back shortly after. The reports conclusions rely heavily on uncorroborated testimony from Tony Bobulinski, who briefly worked with Hunter Biden on a Chinese investment deal that never came to fruition. Bobulinski later aligned with Trump supporters and asserted the Bidens family dealings involved a complex scheme to maintain plausible deniability for the then-vice president. Photos of WhatsApp messages displayed on Bobulinskis cracked phone screen are included in the report. Hunter Bidens attorney has asked prosecutors to investigate Bobulinski for lying to the FBI about their business relationship. The Republicans cite law professor Jonathan Turley, a favorite Republican witness, to argue that it is not necessary for the improper benefit to be received directly by the President to be considered a benefit to President Biden. The Biden familys receipt of millions of dollars required Joe Bidens knowing participation in this conspiracy, including while he served as Vice President, it says in key findings. Allegations of obstruction The report also focuses on testimony offered by two IRS whistleblowers who accused Justice Department officials of slow-walking their investigation into Hunter Biden, questioning whether politics played a role in hesitation to more aggressively pursue the case. That includes frustration over a failure to bring tax charges against Hunter Biden for the years for which he was working for Burisma, as well as prosecutor David Weisss initial resistance to filing charges in states where the whistleblowers said they found the most egregious conduct. Following Republican pressure, a plea deal prepared for the matter was dropped, and Weiss was appointed as a special counsel, ultimately bringing tax charges in California as well as gun charges in Delaware. Hunter Biden was convicted on the gun charges and faces trial next month in his tax case. The report also accuses President Biden of obstructing Republicans investigation of the probe into his handling of classified documents, noting they were unable to talk to five witnesses with whom they wished to speak. Its a charge that was not leveled by the special counsel leading the documents probe, Robert Hur, who said he was able to conduct a fulsome investigation. He determined there was not sufficient evidence to bring any charges against the president, even as he was highly critical of his handling of some classified records. The committees asked to speak with the witnesses ahead of the completion of Hurs report. They also argue Biden obstructed Congress by claiming executive privilege over the audio recording of his conversation with Hur. The committee has a transcript of the conversation, and Democrats accused the party of seeking the audio for use in campaign attack ads. The House earlier this year voted to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress over the audio, and the House GOP has also filed a lawsuit in a bid to obtain it. What comes next While the impact of the report is yet to be seen, it seems unlikely that the House will pursue impeachment against the now-lame-duck president, particularly as focus turns to the general election. Even before Biden ended his reelection bid amid pressure from his party and concern about his mental acuity, there were enough skeptical Republicans to prevent articles from passing in the slim GOP majority and even if they did, the Democratic-controlled Senate would almost certainly drop the charges. At the same time, House Republicans have turned their focus to the current Democratic ticket, launching probes into Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Though the report is the culmination of the impeachment inquiry work so far, it is not the end of the probe: The inquiry continues as the Committees develop evidence and obtain access to information, it said, noting that subpoenas to various entities remain outstanding. Updated at 10:54 a.m. EDT Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Three Republican-controlled House committees accused President Joe Biden of engaging in impeachable conduct, stating there is overwhelming evidence to support it, but admitted they have no evidence to prove that the president committed a crime. Republicans on the House Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means Committees released a 291-page report on Monday accusing Biden of abuse of power and obstruction of justice. The report claims Biden, as vice president, abused his office to enrich his family in connection with his son Hunters foreign business dealings and mishandled classified information. The totality of the corrupt conduct uncovered by the Committees is egregious. President Joe Biden conspired to commit influence peddling and grift. In doing so, he abused his office and, by repeatedly lying about his abuse of office, has defrauded the United States to enrich his family, the report states. House Republicans also accused the White House of interfering with the investigation into Hunter Biden by instructing witnesses to not cooperate or to comply with subpoenas. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (left) and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan attend a hearing on oversight of the Secret Service in July 2024. The pair also lead two committees that conducted the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, claiming he engaged in impeachable conduct in a new report (EPA) However, in each of these circumstances, the House committees said they did not need to have direct proof that he committed these alleged impeachable acts. Regarding the abuse of power allegation, the report says: It is not necessary for the House of Representatives to show that the dealings involved a quid pro quo to rise to the level of an impeachable offense. The report also suggests that the House panels do not need to show that Biden accepted a bribe or committed a crime to show his abuse of power, but instead, argued that it is only necessary to show that Biden was aware of the scheme and participated in it. The House Republicans described that this threshold was due to the cheapening of the impeachment power by Democrats in recent years, referring to the two impeachments of Donald Trump. In 2019, House Democrats asserted that impeachable offenses need not rise to the level of criminal conduct, noting that Congress reached the same conclusion during the impeachments of President Nixon and President Clinton, the panels wrote. The House may therefore impeach President Biden for non-criminal conduct that significantly impairs the political system or betrays the public trust. The same standard was applied to the obstruction of justice charge. The House need not find that President Bidens misconduct met the standard for obstruction of justice provided in federal statutes regarding obstruction of justice, the report states, before referring to the 2019 impeachment of Trump. The report also offered detailed descriptions of Hunter and James Bidens shady business practices overseas, implying that he made millions in exchange for access to his father and influence in the US. However, House Republicans fell short of substantiating those claims. The Committees have obtained evidence of how the Biden family leveraged Joe Bidens official position for financial gain. Indeed, in many ways, the entire business of Hunter Biden and James Biden centered around hinting at, alluding to, or outright promising what Joe Bidens power could do for certain foreign interests, the report states. The Bidens have never been formally charged with any wrongdoing connected to their business ventures. President Joe Biden disembarks Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. He was accused of impeachable conduct by House committees on Monday (REUTERS) The committees deferred to the full House of Representatives to decide on whether to pursue the next steps. The report states: Although the Committees fact-finding is ongoing amid President Bidens obstruction, the evidence uncovered in the impeachment inquiry to date already amounts to impeachable conduct. The Committees present this information to the House of Representatives for its evaluation and consideration of appropriate next steps. Even if passed in the GOP-controlled House, the effort is likely to be unsuccessful in the Democrat-controlled Senate. The report arrived after 30 interviews, 30 subpoenas, six hearings, and after reviewing millions of pages of documents, the committees wrote. But the inquiry into President Biden has been met with heavy scrutiny. Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian businessman who traveled around the world with Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani tasked to find dirt on the Biden family, testified in March that he had seen precisely zero proof of the Bidens criminality. Additionally, in February special counsel Robert Hur, who was tasked with investigating the classified documents found at the presidents homes, recommended no criminal charges against Biden. The GOP-led inquiry into Biden has not received total support from all members of their party while Democrats have repeatedly accused them of pursuing the impeachment inquiry as political retribution. Likely not by coincidence, the report was released on the first day of the Democratic National Convention, where later this week, Kamala Harris is expected to accept the Democratic nomination for president. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment on the report. The Republican National Committee wants the Supreme Court to block up to 40,000 of the Arizona's registered voters from casting ballots in the presidential election. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) The Republican National Committee is urging the Supreme Court to intervene in an Arizona election dispute this week and block up to 40,000 of the state's registered voters from casting ballots in the presidential race. Republican state lawmakers say these voters did not provide proof of their citizenship when they were registered and now they should be barred from voting in person or by mail. Although Congress made it easier for Americans to register to vote, those federal rules cannot override "the Arizona Legislatures sovereign authority to determine the qualifications of voters and structure participation in its elections," they said in an emergency appeal filed Aug. 9. The fast-track appeal may signal whether the conservative court is ready to intervene in partisan election disputes. The Arizona Republicans asked for a decision by Thursday because counties will soon begin to print ballots. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said the appeal should be rejected. "There is no evidence of fraud and undocumented voting. The 2024 election is weeks away and acting now to restrict the voting rights of a large group of Arizona's voters is undemocratic," he said in a statement. Many of the affected voters are "service members, students and Native Americans who did not have birth certificates while registering," Fontes added. On Friday, Biden administration lawyers also urged the court to turn down the appeal. "Thousands of voters have already registered to vote by filing the federal form without accompanying documentary proof of citizenship," said Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar. "Judicial intervention at this stage would produce unnecessary confusion and chaos on the cusp of an election." Arizona is one of the handful of battleground states that could decide who wins the White House. In 2020, President Biden won the state by 10,457 votes. Last week, the secretary of state's office said 41,128 registered voters in Arizona could be affected by the court's ruling, although some of them are considered "inactive" because they did not vote in the most recent elections. At issue is a long-running dispute in Arizona over whether voters must furnish proof of their citizenship when they register to vote. In 1993, Congress sought to make it easier to register to vote. The National Voter Registration Act, commonly known as the "motor voter" law, allowed prospective voters to fill out a form to register and sign a sworn statement that they were U.S. citizens. But in 2004, Arizona required newly registered voters to provide "documentary proof of citizenship." The ACLU and civil rights advocates sued to challenge that requirement. They cited estimates that more than 13 million Americans lacked access to a birth certificate or other such documents. They won in the lower courts, and the Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that the federal motor voter law preempted or overrode the state's law. Justice Antonin Scalia spoke for the 7-2 majority and said the federal law requires states to "accept and use" the standard federal form in federal elections. In response, Arizona adopted a two-track system of voter registrations. To vote in state and local elections, new registrants were required to show proof of their citizenship with a driver's license or a birth certificate. Those who registered through the federal form were allowed to vote only in federal elections. They are referred to as "federal only" voters. The state later agreed in a 2018 consent decree to give full registration to new voters whose residence and citizenship could be confirmed through its motor vehicles department data base. But two years ago, the Republican-controlled Legislature passed a new law that prohibits registered voters who do not provide proof of their citizenship from voting by mail or in a presidential election. The Justice Department sued to challenge the laws. After a 10-day trial, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton in Phoenix blocked enforcement of the new proof-of-citizenship requirement, citing the federal motor voter law and the state consent decree. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, by a 2-1 vote, refused to lift her order Aug. 1. A week later, the RNC joined by the two GOP leaders of the Arizona Legislature urged the Supreme Court to set aside Bolton's ruling to the extent that it would "allow voters who have not provided documentary proof of citizenship to cast ballots for president or by mail." They also argued that a federal judge should not be allowed to make a late change in the state's election rules. Danielle Lang, a voting rights attorney for the Campaign Legal Center who worked on the case, said she found that argument to be surprising. "They are trying to upend the law as it has been in Arizona at least since 2018," she said. "The voters who registered using the federal form were not asked to provide proof of citizenship." She said the Republican lawmakers and their attorneys who brought the case "didn't cite a single example of a noncitizen who was enrolled. Not one. Why would someone who is not a citizen try to register? It's a felony and would get you deported, just to cast one ballot." 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. Among the myriad of guests at this weeks Democratic National Convention are quite a few notable Republicans. Republican Ana Navarro-Cardenas of The View will host night two of the Democratic National Convention, she announced Sunday night on Instagram. I cant tell you how much it means to me, Navarro said in the video. Im a little refugee girl who fled communism, who fled Nicaragua at the age of eight, found freedom, found opportunity, found a home in America, and for me to have the chance to stand on that stage and help my girl, Kamala, make history and become the Democratic nominee, its just such a mind-blowing moment. Rich Logis, an ex-MAGA activist and the founder of the group Leaving MAGA, will speak at the convention on Monday. Also in attendance will be former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger, who served Illinoiss 16th congressional district for over 10 years. Kinzinger is scheduled to speak on Thursday just before Harris addresses the convention. Kinzinger became a target of Donald Trump after he was one of only 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over incitement of an insurrection. Kinzinger and former Representative Liz Cheney were the only Republicans to vote for creating the House select committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitoland were also the only Republicans to join the committee. Kinzinger resigned in 2022. A spokesperson for the Illinois politician told The New Republic in 2023 that the former representative would only vote for Donald Trump if the opponent is actual Satan. In June, before President Joe Biden exited the race, the Democrats hired Representative Adam Kinzingers former chief of staff to aid Republican outreach efforts. Last week, a burgeoning Republicans for Harris organized 70,000 people to join an organizing call that included Kinzinger as well as other former politicians and White House officials. House Republicans on Monday said Joe Biden engaged in impeachable conduct in a final report on their investigation into the president but dont expect the House to vote on articles of impeachment anytime soon. After investigating the Biden family for the past year and a half, interviewing dozens of witnesses and reviewing thousands of documents, Republicans couldnt find clear evidence of official wrongdoing by the president. Instead, their final report faults Biden for having repeatedly interacted with his son Hunter Bidens business partners and giving them the impression that paying Hunter Biden would win them influence with Joe Biden. Based on the totality of the evidence, it is inconceivable that President Biden did not understand that he was taking part in an effort to enrich his family by abusing his office of public trust, the report says. Almost all of the conduct Republicans described in their report occurred before Biden became president in 2021, with most of it occurring after he left the vice presidency in 2017. Republicans also complained that the Biden administration stonewalled their investigation and stifled a criminal investigation into his son, even though the Justice Department is pursuing gun and tax charges against Hunter Biden. Several of Hunter Bidens former business partners told impeachment investigators that he would talk to his father almost daily and that he would occasionally put his dad on speakerphone in the company of their clients. They also described in-person encounters with the president, but none of the witnesses said they ever saw the older Biden talk business. The entire Biden influence peddling model relied on Joe Bidens presence at meetings, on the phone, or at dinners to demonstrate his family members influence over him, and he repeatedly provided it, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.), one of the impeachment inquirys leaders, said in a statement on Monday. The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), said Republicans had succeeded at proving Joe Biden hadnt committed any high crimes or misdemeanors. What do you call a hellbent 20-month impeachment drive whose managers finally just dissolve into compulsive repetition of thoroughly discredited and meaningless accusations? I would call it a complete exoneration of the target of their pathetic attacks, Raskin said. For most of the past year, Comer and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) had hoped to prove that Joe Biden had received millions in bribes from the founder of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company that hired Hunter Biden as a board member in 2014. For years, Republicans have dubiously claimed that, as vice president, Joe Biden pushed for the ouster of a Ukrainian prosecutor in 2015 in order to benefit his son. The bribery allegation came from an FBI agents confidential source, and Jordan at one point called it the most corroborating evidence we have about Bidens corruption. But the FBI warned last year that the allegation hadnt been verified, and when it conducted its own investigation, it discovered that the source had made it up and charged him with a crime for lying. The final impeachment report doesnt mention the bribery allegation that got away. Instead, Republicans claim that payments Joe Biden received from his brother, James Biden, looked fishy. While Jim Biden claimed he gave this money to Joe Biden to repay personal loans, Jim Biden did not provide any evidence to support this claim, the report says. There is some evidence that the payments were loans, however, including the fact that images of the checks show they were marked as loan repayment. The report doesnt include articles of impeachment against Biden, instead saying it is being presented to the full House for consideration of appropriate next steps. Drone illustration (Photo by Getty Images). The drones are coming. Starting in September, if someone in Clemmons, North Carolina, calls 911 to report a cardiac arrest, the first responder on the scene may be a drone carrying an automated external defibrillator, or AED. The idea is for the drone to get there several minutes before first responders, such as an emergency medical technician or an ambulance, said Daniel Crews, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office in Forsyth County, where Clemmons is located. The sheriffs office is partnering on the project with local emergency services, the Clinical Research Institute at Duke University, and the drone consulting firm Hovecon. The ultimate goal is to save lives and improve life expectancy for someone experiencing a cardiac episode, Crews said. The Forsyth County program is one of a growing number of efforts by public safety and health care organizations across the country to use drones to speed up lifesaving treatment in situations in which every second counts. More than 356,000 people have a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting every year in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Most people are at home when it happens, and about 90% die because they dont get immediate help from first responders or bystanders. Every minute that passes without medical intervention decreases the odds of survival by 10%. Weve never been able to move the needle for cardiac arrest in private settings, and this technology could meet that need, said Monique Anderson Starks, a cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at Duke University. Starks is leading pilot studies in Forsyth County and James City County, Virginia, to test whether drone AED delivery can improve treatment response times. The work is funded by a four-year grant from the American Heart Association. A 2017 study found it takes an emergency medical services unit seven minutes, on average, to arrive on the scene following a 911 call, though response times vary considerably by region, and rural wait times can be much longer. Starks said she believes the drone-delivered AEDs in the pilot study could reduce the time to treatment by four minutes compared with first responders. Unlike a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, a cardiac arrest happens when a heart malfunction causes it to stop beating, typically because of an arrhythmia or an electrical problem. Eighty percent of cardiac arrests start as heart attacks. The only way to get the heart restarted is with CPR and a defibrillator. In Forsyth County, a drone pilot from the sheriffs department will listen in on 911 calls. If theres a suspected cardiac arrest, the pilot can dispatch the drone even before emergency medical services are contacted. The drone, which weighs 22 pounds and can travel 60 mph, will fly to the location and hover 125 feet in the air before lowering an AED to the ground on a winch. The AED provides simple verbal instructions; the 911 dispatcher on the phone can also help a bystander use the AED. Eventually there will be six drone bases in Forsyth and James City counties, Starks said. While the technology is promising and research has often found that drones arrive faster than first responders, theres little conclusive evidence that drones improve health outcomes. A Swedish study published in The Lancet in 2023 compared the response times between drones and ambulances for suspected cardiac arrest in 58 deployments in an area of about 200,000 people. It found that drones beat the ambulance to the scene two-thirds of the time, by a median of three minutes and 14 seconds. In the United States, most programs are just getting started, and they are exploring the use of drones to also provide remedies for drug overdoses and major trauma or potential drowning rescues. In Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Manatee County, and Archer First Response Systems, or AFRS, began a program in May to deliver AEDs, a tourniquet, and Narcan, a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. The program initially covers a 7-square-mile area, and EMS dispatchers deploy the drones, which are monitored by drone pilots. There were nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2022, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. As of early July, the Tampa program hadnt yet deployed any drones, said Gordon Folkes, the founder and chief executive of AFRS, which develops and deploys emergency drone logistics systems. One request in June to send a drone to an overdose couldnt be fulfilled because of a violent thunderstorm, Folkes said. In the testing area, which covers about 7,000 residents, Folkes estimates that 10 to 15 drones might be deployed each year. The bread and butter for these systems is suburban areas like Manatee County that are well-populated and where the drones have the advantage of being able to avoid traffic congestion, Folkes said. There are other uses for drones in medical emergencies. The New York Police Department plans to drop emergency flotation devices to struggling swimmers at local beaches. In Chula Vista, California, a police drone was able to pinpoint the location of a burning car, and then officers pulled the driver out, said Sgt. Tony Molina. Rescue personnel have used drones to locate people who wander away from nursing homes, said James Augustine, a spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians who is the medical director for the International Association of Fire Chiefs. In the United States, one hurdle for drone programs is that the Federal Aviation Administration typically requires that drones be operated within the operators visual line of sight. In May, when Congress passed the FAA reauthorization bill, it gave the FAA four months to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking on drone operations beyond the visual line of sight. The FAA is focused on developing standard rules to make [Beyond Visual Line of Sight] operations routine, scalable, and economically viable, said Rick Breitenfeldt, an FAA spokesperson. Some civil liberties groups are concerned that the FAAs new rules may not provide enough protection from drone cameras for people on the ground. Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst at the American Civil Liberties Union, acknowledged the benefits of using drones in emergency situations but said there are issues that need to be addressed. The concern is that the FAA is going to significantly loosen the reins of drones without any significant privacy protections, he said. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. TAIPEI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's railway service has experienced four accidents in a single week, mostly due to trespassing on the tracks. On the evening of Aug. 18, a man was killed in Kaohsiung, a major city in southern Taiwan, after riding his bicycle onto the railway tracks and being struck by an oncoming train. This came a day after a train was forced to stop in Hualien after colliding with a stone that had been placed on the tracks by a teenager. On Aug. 13, a woman was killed by a train after she fell onto the tracks from a railway platform in New Taipei City. Two days earlier, another trespassing man was killed after being struck by a train at night at Songshan station in Taipei. There is growing public concern about railway safety on the island, with increasing calls for authorities to install platform doors at stations. The Taiwan railway service provider responded that the installation is complicated by the variety of train car types. It added that platform doors would be tested at the Kaohsiung station by the end of the year, and installation at other stations awaits further evaluation. Your go-to household cleaning sponge could be exposing you to trillions of microplastics each month, according to new research. What's happening? A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that melamine sponges more commonly advertised as "magic" sponges or cleaning erasers could be a hidden source of microplastic pollution. Melamine cleaning erasers are made of sturdy plastic strands assembled into a lightweight foam-like sponge. The resulting product is "surprisingly abrasive, which makes it a perfect material for scrubbing sponges," according to a Newsweek report. But as you use a melamine sponge, this foam breaks down into microscopic plastic pieces. This results in trillions of microplastics on your household surfaces, dishware, and down your drain. The study out of China found that a single sponge releases approximately 6.5 million microplastic fibers per gram of worn-out sponge. Using Amazon sales data and assuming that all sponges were worn down by roughly 10% the researchers calculated that about 1.55 trillion microplastic fibers could be released from melamine sponges every single month. And this data only takes into account one retailer. The research suggests when accounting for global melamine sponge consumption, an overall global emission could be closer to 4.9 trillion microplastics per month. "Our study reveals a hitherto unrecognized source of the environmental microplastic fiber contamination and highlights the need to evaluate exposure risks associated with these new forms of microplastic fibers," the study's authors wrote, per Newsweek. Why are microplastics harmful? Think of the prevalence of plastic. Now, consider that plastic never truly biodegrades. Instead, it simply turns into smaller and smaller pieces of plastic microplastics that never actually disappear. That's an unfathomable amount of microplastics on our planet. Research on microplastics and their impact on public health and the environment is relatively new. But what we know about the small plastic debris is quite alarming. Microplastics are incredibly prevalent in our waterways and, therefore, the global drinking supply. Moreover, once in water, microplastics can enter the food supply via seafood and livestock, who like us depend on water for hydration. A recent study of protein-rich foods, including beef and tofu, found microplastics in nearly 90% of samples. Microplastics can even travel through the air and enter our bodies and the bodies of animals simply through breathing. One Australian study estimated humans inhale approximately 16.2 bits of microplastics each hour, or the equivalent of a credit card per week. Microplastics have been detected throughout the bodies of humans and animals alike, raising concerns about reproductive issues and cancers. In models, microplastics have also been found to cause "inflammation, cell death, lung and liver effects, changes in the gut microbiome, and altered lipid and hormone metabolism," according to Harvard Medicine. What's being done about melamine sponges? Research on the harms of melamine sponges and the harms of microplastics is still new. You can expect to see these so-called "magic" sponges on the store shelves for a while. In the Chinese study, the researchers suggested manufacturers should work to create denser, tougher sponges that are more resistant to wear. They also recommended consumers opt for natural cleaning sponges that are not plastic-based. To get similar results while cleaning, try swapping a melamine sponge for a natural bristle cleaning brush or a biodegradable scrubber made of natural materials. If you want to avoid plastic and microplastics where you can, this guide can help you make more sustainable swaps. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. AWENDAW S.C. (WCBD) Aftereffects of Tropical Storm Debby are still being felt in one Lowcountry neighborhood and its residents are pushing for new measures to prevent similar issues in the future. Its been almost two weeks since Debby hit the Lowcountry, but many residents who live along Sewee Road in Awendaw are still dealing with overflowing ditches and flooding alongside other major issues. Right now, Im very angry because, I mean, Im a taxpayer, and you know I want to take care of my property but you know what this problem is? I cant deal with this daily, and something needs to be done about this, said Stephen Flagg, an Awendaw resident. Residents told News 2 that they saw crews with the South Carolina Department of Transportation cleaning and working on the ditches, but it wasnt enough to mitigate the amount of water left behind by Debby. With more rain on the way residents say they worry things will only get worse. Im a bit worried because we will have the same issue as I did with Tropical Storm Debby, as the water will just come up to my front yard here, and it has been in the backyard as well. It had me trapped for a few days. I couldnt even come out, so I feel like Im going to have to go through the same issue that I did with Tropical Storm Debby. Flagg is asking for more help from state and local leaders to mitigate the problem. News 2 reached out to the town mayor, Miriam C. Green, for comment, but she was unavailable. Whoever they need to talk to alleviate the problem, you know because we all live in this community and we all are paying taxes, and its not right that you know were paying taxes for the time and theyre not doing anything for us, Flagg said. News 2 did reach out to SCDOT for comment, and they released a statement saying SCDOT encourages anyone with an issue on a state-maintained road to reach out to us directly at 855-467-2368, or you can submit a maintenance work order online at www.scdot.org Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) A Florida real estate group recently purchased nearly 5,300 acres of rugged land just east of Mountain City and hopes long term to enhanc(e) community wellness, economic prosperity and cultural richness in the rural community. Thats according to Frisbie Group partner Dave Frisbie. The Palm Beach firm, whose website says it strives to create value at the asset level while significantly enhancing the surrounding community, paid a total of $10.5 million in June for three tracts of mostly forested, roadless land known as Forge Mountain. Frisbie said the project is in highly preliminary stages of master planning. A resort club dedicated to Mother Nature, wellness and longevity is under consideration. He said if that project materializes, the wellness focus would look to immerse people in the natural beauty of Forge Mountain and the Mountain City area with hiking, biking and horseback experiences on miles of nature trails being integral to the property. Monday, Frisbie told News Channel 11 the master planning process is likely to take the better part of a year. We have engaged one of our countrys top architectural firms to assist (with that process), he added. Early as it may be, Johnson County Mayor Larry Potter told News Channel 11 Monday a successful project could be a boon to the county, which tends to struggle to create good jobs. He said the Frisbie group has had some initial conversations with him and said theyre working toward a master plan. Any type of project like this is very important to the county and the city, Potter said. I think these peoples really concerned about doing things the right way, which they should be, A rough outline of the 5,280 acres purchased near Mountain City recently by the Frisbie Group. The Palm Beach, Fla.-based real estate group is looking toward potential establishment of a resort on the mountainous terrain. (Photo: WJHL) Elevations are mostly between 3,000 and 4,000 feet. Furnace Creek, its south fork, and several of its tributaries form the primary watershed in an area that encompasses more than eight square miles. Potter said running infrastructure like electricity and building any necessary roads shouldnt be too difficult, but that potable water could pose some challenges. Mountain City doesnt currently have the capacity to extend utility water to the site. Its not like their first rodeo, Potter said of the group. You gotta have that water. I would think they thought that through before they purchased the land. The Frisbie Group includes three brothers who began their careers in Boston after attending Harvard and have done major development in West Palm Beach, Nantucket, Mass. and elsewhere. The roughly 8.3 square miles of nearly roadless terrain theyre calling Forge Mountain is a different animal entirely. Dave Frisbie said they hope to celebrate and promote local culture in the Johnson County project, though a focus on history, storytelling and music (and) create a vibrant cultural hub that honors and sustains Mountain Citys musical heritage. At this early stage, theyve begun exploring a partnership with East Tennessee State University for internship and educational opportunities. Dave Frisbie said the group will be teaming with leadership of our local communities, institutions and the State to ensure all important considerations are given significant research and contemplation. Potter said it will be important for the propertys new owners to put together local focus groups and gather community input. They want the peoples support. It works hand in hand. Potter said what hes seen of the Frisbie Groups prior work has impressed him. I think they want it to be clean and green as far as doing that the right way, he said of the likely development approach and sensitivity to the environment. Potter said that could provide a contrast to some of the views coming out of Boone or Blowing Rock, N.C. where drivers can see a house stuck to the side of the mountain everywhere. I dont think itll be like that, he added. Youre not going to see no 100, 200 houses on that mountain. He said he expects Frisbie to keep every tree he can. In a project like this clean is definitely good and (looking at) what theyve done and what hes envisioning it could be pretty cool, Potter said. Could be is an important disclaimer. Johnson County has seen its share of big plans, with developers hoping to parlay the natural beauty and relatively low development into economic success. More often than not, those efforts have failed to reach their full potential. On the other hand, never in the last 25 years has Northeast Tennessee experienced the population growth and in-migration that its seen the past few years. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. ST. CLAIR, Mo. A police response to an overturned vehicle over the weekend ended with a St. Clair police officer fatally wounding the driver. According to Chief Michael Wirt, St. Clair Police Department, the shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. Saturday. A trooper from the Missouri State Highway Patrol saw an overturned vehicle in a ditch along North Service Road East at the sharp curve near Miller Drive. Additional state troopers, as well first responders from St. Clair police, St. Clair firefighters, and St. Clair EMS, responded to the scene. While checking the vehicle, responders found a man in the car holding a knife. Police said the man was given numerous verbal commands to drop the knife and exit the vehicle, but he refused. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Eventually, the man crawled out from the vehicle while holding the knife. Police continued to give commands for the man to drop the knife, but he did not comply. Police said the man kept walking toward officers, who backed up as far as the terrain would allow. An officer eventually shot the man. Officers provided first aid to the man and St. Clair EMS took the man to the hospital, where he later died. Chief Wirt said the man was carrying Honduras identification and that the vehicle was registered in the Carolinas. The highway patrols Division of Drug and Crime Control is handling the investigation and are reviewing bodycam footage of the incident, according to Chief Wirt. The MSHP will release its findings at the conclusion of the investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. In Palm Beachs Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, workers are meticulously sanding away the dark-tinted stain that for years has obscured the wooden details in the Gilded Age mansion's grand dining hall. That hidden honey-colored wood is called West Indian satinwood, and for years, museum officials had been unaware of its rarity. It's a kind of wood that has not been sold commercially for decades because of overharvesting and habitat loss. It is currently listed as a vulnerable species in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. It's a groundbreaking discovery, as it means the 41-by-23-foot dining hall is the largest of only a handful of rooms through the country known to be decorated primarily with West Indian satinwood, according to John Blades, executive director for the Flagler Museum. Two crews work to restore the original formal dining room at The Flagler Museum on July 23. West Indian satinwood was installed in 1902 but dark stain was applied to the honey-colored wood in the 1920s. Even when it was commercially available, the woods rarity and exorbitant price left it reserved for small-scale veneers, marquetries and other wood detailing. "It's a one-of-a-kind room that can never be reproduced," Blades said. When conservationist and museum leaders reviewed archival photos of the dining hall, they quickly realized the room's wood furnishings were the same light tone as the restored dining set. The discovery builds on the museums 2019 restoration of the halls dining room set, an original circa-1900 French Renaissance-style table, 24 chairs and two sideboards, all created by noted New York design firm Pottier and Stymus. Dark tint added during Whitehall's time as a hotel in the 1920s The mansion, also known as Whitehall, was built by Standard Oil co-founder and hotel-and-railroad magnate Henry Flagler in 1902 for his third wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler. The dining hall takes its design influence from the Henry IV style, which was revived during the mid- to late-19th-century reign of French Emperor Napoleon III. Woodwork details each of the hall's walls, the most notable example of which is the wooden fireplace with its unusual hand-carved floral and aquatic motifs. The original exotic satinwood dining room table and chairs used by Henry and Mary Lily Kenan Flagler are on exhibit at The Flagler Museum. When the restored dining set was returned to the Flagler in 2019 after nearly 100 years, museum leaders were quick to notice the stark contrast between the dining set's light honey color, and the room's dark wood detailing. After his death in 1913 and Mary Lilys in 1917, the mansion was inherited by Mary Lilys niece Louise Clisby Wise Lewis, who soon sold it to investors. During the 1920s, the mansion was turned into a hotel. Blades noted that most of the mansions furnishings, including the original dining set, were sold. In 1959, the dining set landed in the hands of the Old Republic Life Insurance Co. of Chicago, which used it in the companys boardroom. It was the same year Whitehall was converted to a museum by Flaglers granddaughter Jean Flagler Matthews. According to Blades, the museum had kept in contact with the insurance companys executives since its 1959 inception, in hopes that one day the historic dining set would be returned to the museum. In 2018, the museum's leadership acted on their long-term goals: After a yearlong research, examination and conservation project led by Virginia-based F. Carey Howlett & Associates, the dining set returned to the dining hall. F. Carey Howlett told the Daily News this month that the dark tint applied to the dining set had completely masked the woods features. It was so black you couldnt really tell what kind of wood it was, Howlett said. After Howlett used solvents to carefully dissolve portions of the tint, he made the stunning discovery that the set was made of West Indian satinwood. Researchers were able to confirm the finding through a high-powered microscope examination of the woods cell structure. But that discovery led to another inquiry, as archival photographs of the dining hall showed the room's original wooden detailing had the same light wood tone as the dining furniture's finish. When Carey went to do the restoration, Blades said, he discovered the satinwood and it made us backtrack and think: Well, wait a minute maybe the whole room is satinwood." The dark stain has been removed from this panel. After further testing, conservationists confirmed that nearly all the wood detailing the dining hall was indeed West Indian satinwood. That elevates the dining hall to one of just three West Indian satinwood rooms in the United States. The other two are the Worsham-Rockefeller Bedroom, currently housed at the Virginia Museum of Fine Art, and the Worsham-Rockefeller Dressing Room, which is on view at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Blades said the room's wood details were likely darkened during the mansion's time as a hotel during 1920s. Howlett hypothesized that the change in color was done to match the wood tone of the museum's European walnut-detailed library. Two crews are working to restore the formal dining room at The Flagler Museum. The restoration effort is expected to continue until the end of August. The museum has yet to set a reopening date for the dining hall, when the public will be able to finally view the room much as Flagler and his dinner guests saw it. Diego Diaz Lasa is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at dlasa@pbdailynews.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach's Flagler Museum restores priceless wood in dining hall A former conservative federal appellate judge is urging the Supreme Court to keep Donald Trump off the ballot, arguing the ex-presidents effort to cling to power after his 2020 election loss was broader than South Carolinas secession from the US that triggered the Civil War. Mr. Trump tried to prevent the newly-elected President Biden from governing anywhere in the United States. The South Carolina secession prevented the newly-elected President Lincoln from governing only in that State, J. Michael Luttig, a former judge on the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals, told the justices in a friend-of-the-court brief filed Monday. Trump incited, and therefore engaged in, an armed insurrection against the Constitutions express and foundational mandates that require the peaceful transfer of executive power to a newly-elected President, the brief said. In doing so, Mr. Trump disqualified himself under Section 3 (of the Constitution). Luttig has long been one of the most high-profile conservatives to argue that Trump engaged in an insurrection following his loss in 2020 and that he should as a result be barred from holding office. The former judge played a critical role in the heated fight over the certification of the 2020 presidential election, providing in a series of tweets legal ammunition to help then-Vice President Mike Pence defy Trumps attempt to overturn the election. The US Supreme Court agreed earlier this month to review the unprecedented decision from the Colorado Supreme Court that removed him from that states ballot. In a 4-3 ruling issued last month, the state court said Trump is constitutionally ineligible to run in 2024 because the 14th Amendments ban on insurrectionists holding office covers his conduct on January 6, 2021. The justices in Washington are set to hear oral arguments in the case on February 8. Mondays brief, which was submitted on behalf of several other notable lawyers, including conservative attorney George Conway, urges the high court to examine the issue through a textualist lens meaning they would focus specifically on the words of the disputed constitutional provision. Because Section 3 emerged from the hallowed ground of the Civil War, this Court must accord Section 3 its fair meaning, not a narrow construction, the brief said. The brief also pushes back on Trumps argument that the 14th Amendments insurrectionist ban can only be enforced by Congress after a candidate is elected, with Luttig and the others arguing that enforcement of the provision is instead within the purview of courts. Trumps argument, the brief said, would deprive voters of the ability to make a truly informed decision, because they could not know if they were voting for someone who cannot serve. It continued: And it would risk chaos as courts litigate whether a newly-inaugurated President is disqualified at the same time the country needs a President to be indisputably occupying the office and making enormously consequential decisions including as commander-in-chief, appointer of cabinet members, leader of the executive branch, vetoer of bills, etc. CNNs Jamie Gangel and Ariane de Vogue contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A retired conservative federal judge and legal scholar became the latest prominent Republican to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris over the GOPs nominee, former President Donald Trump. J. Michael Luttig, a retired federal judge on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, according to CNNa boost which came on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In the presidential election of 2024 there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of Americas Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, Luttig said in a statement. The retired judge said he planned to unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic nominee for the first time in his life. Luttig was appointed to the federal bench by former President George H.W. Bush in 1991. Republican Mayor in Arizona Endorses Kamala Harris He was considered for a Supreme Court nomination by George W. Bush over a decade later after Justice Sandra Day OConnor retired in 2005, according to multiple reports from the time. Luttig retired from the bench in 2006 to become the general counsel for Boeing, a position he held until 2019. He became widely discussed in legal circles again after the 2020 election when John Eastman, a Trump-aligned lawyer and Luttigs former clerk, wrote a so-called coup memo indicating how he believed former Vice President Mike Pence could overturn the election results. Luttig disagreed with his former clerk, and wrote a series of Tweets that Pence would later cite as reasoning to certify the election for Biden. He later testified before the House Select Committee on Jan. 6, condemning Trumps actions as an effort to cling to power. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Returning camper spots I-84 brush fire, puts it out PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregons wildfires continue to rage on and more than 10,000 courageous people are battling them on the front lines. But one Portland man on his way home from a camping trip turned his vehicle into a makeshift firefighting unit. Tyler Kidd told KOIN 6 News he knew he had the tools to act when he saw a brush fire in the distance near Moffett Creek on I-84. I-84 re-opens in Gilliam County after brush fire I know were towing our trailer, weve got water tanks in it, weve got our fire extinguisher, you know weve got to be able to do something to help put this out, he said. So Kidd carefully rushed in and tackled those flames head-on. No one was injured just a few singed hairs. As he was driving along I-84, Tyler Kidd stopped to put out a brush fire on Aug. 13, 2024. (Courtesy: Jessica Gilligan) As he was driving along I-84, Tyler Kidd stopped to put out a brush fire on Aug. 13, 2024. (Courtesy: Jessica Gilligan) Kidds fiancee Jessica Gilligan captured the whole thing. Video shows the smoke billowing out while drivers cruise on. We saw a lot of cars driving by, Gilligan recalled. And I understand they may not have the time or the means, or really know what to do. Red flag warning: Nearly 900 lightning strikes recorded in southern Oregon Kidd said he wanted to help, especially because the Columbia Gorge is no stranger to fires. In fact, he said he could still see the burn marks on the trees from the massive Eagle Creek Fire in 2017. Whats more, just 8 miles away from where Kidd and Gilligan first stopped, another fire broke out along I-84 hours later. 5 tips for keeping smoke out of your home during Oregon wildfire season It all adds to the more than 1.2 million acres (nearly 1,900 square miles) that have burned across the state. According to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, thats more than four times whats typical for this time of year. Given this statistic, Kidd said we should all be willing to help when we can, especially for the firefighters who are already working relentlessly. I just figured it was the right thing to do, he said. If I could help them out in any way then I think thats meaningful. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Sugarcane is so compelling in what its saying, the how of it the quiet, unerring grace of its filmmaking doesnt register fully until its almost over. The documentary explores a heart-sickening tragedy of unchecked institutional abuse and worse, perpetrated by representatives and educators of the Catholic Church. It spanned generations, as weve learned and keep learning of related patterns in so many other places. Sugarcane has its hands full with its chosen subject, a single Catholic-run boarding school in Williams Lake, British Columbia, known at the time of its 1981 closing as St. Josephs Mission. As with the U.S., the Canadian government required all Indigenous students to attend such schools, mostly Catholic-run, all with the intention of religious indoctrination with side benefits of ethnic and cultural shaming. Those who were actually born at St. Josephs, as one survivor says in Sugarcane, felt thrown away before they reached the age of 5. Named after the First Nations reserve of Williams Lake, Sugarcane comes from co-directors Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat. For the latter this story is wrenchingly personal: His father, sculptor and artist Ed Archie NoiseCat, experienced horrific things at St. Josephs and witnessed more. We learn straight off in the documentary about eye-opening efforts to determine if widespread rumors and anecdotal evidence of 50 or more bodies buried on St. Josephs grounds are what they appear to be. Kassie and NoiseCat intertwine various stories with exceptional fluidity here. In part Sugarcane works like an investigative mystery, with researchers Charlene Belleau and Whitney Spearing poring through microfiche copies of half-century-old newspaper clippings. One story in particular involves an infant discovered in a box, near the schools incinerator. This hideous detail tells a larger, sinister story in Sugarcane, and the filmmakers resist every opportunity to amp up or falsify a single development. The truth is scalding enough. Another major figure, Rick Gilbert, is a low-key, wryly forlorn St. Josephs survivor who is invited to Vatican City as part of the Indigenous Canadian contingent at a meeting with Pope Francis. The pope, reading his words from a piece of paper, offers his condolences, sorrow and shame for the abuses you suffered, which were deplorable. Better than nothing, but without actions, and meaningful investigation and consequences, the film argues, its closer to nothing than something. We hear what weve heard and read about so often: tales of abusive priests (pests, one church correspondence puts it) shuffled from boarding school to boarding school; secrets festering inside extended families that rarely come out into the open. Sugarcane takes the time and the visual space to show us these families surroundings, and the cruelly comforting nature all around them. 'SUGARCANE' 4 stars (out of 4) MPA rating: R (for some language) Running time: 1:47 How to watch: Now in theaters DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) Pencils hit paper as students all across Central Illinois start their first day of school, but some classrooms look a little different this year thanks to new rules surrounding cell phone use. School districts like Decatur banned cell phone use for all students on school grounds earlier this summer. Three major districts throughout the area have taken similar steps as Decatur for this school year: Springfield, Champaign, and Urbana all updated their own phone policies. Momentum grows for cell phone bans in schools across the nation A week into Decaturs ban, officials say its so far, so good. What Im noticing is a sort of revitalization of inquisitiveness, Ron Lybarger said, who has taught at Eisenhower High School for the last two decades and now heads the English Department there. This past summer, the Decatur School District added to their cell phone policy. We already had a policy in place, but we wanted to tweak it a bit so our kids would not bring cell phones to the classroom, the lunchroom, hallways, those things, Decatur Superintendent Dr. Rochelle Clark said. Clark said by keeping screens out of schools, students are able to turn their full attention to learning. We just want to try to help them to understand that there are other ways to communicate, but at the same time, utilizing that to help with student achievement, you know, taking away all barriers that are hindering our students success, she said. Decatur schools to open bids for solar panel construction next month Friday marks the end of the first week back for students and educators. Lybarger said the differences, one week in, have been encouraging. Many of these students havent had extended periods of time without a personal device on them, he said. So even in their pocket, you know, its always there. But now it isnt. And now theyre put in a scenario where, you know, theyre interacting, and theyre engaging, and theyre asking questions, and its just beautiful. Its been a blessing. Faculty will continue easing students into the change of policy through the second week of school, but so far, Clarks pleased with the overall outlook. Its been pretty good. Now, of course, kids have tried us, but I mean, thats just natural, right? But for the most part, I think it went really well, Clark said. Decatur students at each grade level have spots to store their phones throughout the day. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Traditional Chinese medicine has become an increasingly recognized component of Germany's complementary medicine sector. Notably, acupuncture treatments are now covered by Germany's public health insurance. BERLIN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- In the picturesque town of Bad Koetzting in southeastern Germany stands the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Koetzting Hospital, the first traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in the country. Established 33 years ago, it remains the only TCM facility in Europe qualified to accept insurance payments and provide inpatient care. Well-regarded across Europe, the hospital currently operates with 80 beds and treats over 1,000 patients annually. Most patients hail from various regions of Germany, but the hospital also attracts individuals from neighboring countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. "We primarily treat chronic patients with pain and mental issues resulting from brain-related conditions. They receive acupuncture treatments three times a week and daily herbal medicine. We have observed significant improvements in patient outcomes," said Steven Hegel, the German director of Koetzting Hospital. A traditional Chinese medicine doctor from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Koetzting Hospital helps a patient with remedial massage in the town of Bad Koetzting in southeastern Germany, July 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Jinming) "Our hospital's key strength lies in its use of traditional Chinese medicine to restore harmony within the body's systems, which helps minimize reliance on allopathic medications. Many patients prefer to avoid drugs, such as painkillers or steroids, due to side effects like stomach discomfort. Traditional Chinese medicine provides effective alternatives," said Hegel, who is also the chief doctor of the hospital. Traditional Chinese medicine has become an increasingly recognized component of Germany's complementary medicine sector. Notably, acupuncture treatments for conditions such as lower back pain and knee joint issues are now covered by Germany's public health insurance. In recent years, the popularity of traditional Chinese medicine in Germany has grown significantly, with Chinese doctors playing a pivotal role in this acceptance. Yang Likun, the Chinese administrative director at Koetzting Hospital, has worked with her team to introduce Chinese medicine to Germany. An acupuncturist herself, Yang treats hospitalized patients daily, striving to ensure effective outcomes. "Trust in traditional Chinese medicine among German patients can only be established when its effectiveness is acknowledged, which in turn will enhance the promotion of both TCM and Chinese culture," she noted. She recalled a case of a Serbian patient suffering from an acute flare-up of a chronic skin condition. "The patient had red spots, small blisters, thickened skin, joint pain, and itching that disrupted her sleep," Yang said. A traditional Chinese medicine doctor from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Koetzting Hospital records patients' information in the town of Bad Koetzting in southeastern Germany, July 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Jinming) After diagnosing the patient with damp-heat obstruction and liver-spleen deficiency, Yang administered acupuncture treatment, which led to significant improvement in both the patient's eczema and joint pain. "After witnessing the effectiveness of TCM treatment, the patient was very grateful and even introduced us to her family," Yang added. "All our inpatients receive a combination of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments. The herbal decoctions are prepared using traditional methods and the treatments are often complemented by massage and Qigong as needed," said Dai Jingzhang, a counselor at Koetzting Hospital and former deputy director of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine's Dongzhimen Hospital. "The (Koetzting) hospital reported a 70-percent effectiveness rate from an average of four weeks of inpatient treatment, and we have received widespread praise from German patients," Dai noted. From 2018 to 2023, the hospital successfully secured the "National International Cooperation Project in Traditional Chinese Medicine" for six consecutive years, marking a new phase in its development. In addition to medical treatments, the hospital offers Taiji and Qigong classes, attracting over 1,200 participants in July alone. Dai said that the hospital has become an important center in Germany for learning about Chinese medicine and experiencing traditional Chinese culture. An exhibit is seen during an exhibition of Traditional Chinese medicines, at the Museum of Medical History in Hamburg, northern Germany, on Sept. 12, 2018. (Xinhua/ Shan Yuqi) On Monday while celebrating the seventh Chinese Physician's Day, the Koetzting Hospital will host a lecture on "Chinese Medicine and Body Constitution" for patients and staff. This event aims to help the German audience better understand their body constitution through the lens of Chinese medicine. "He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened," Yang quoted Laozi, a philosopher from China's Spring and Autumn Period (B.C. 770-221), who founded the philosophical system of Taoism. She expressed her belief that understanding oneself is crucial for making informed decisions about health and illness. "We aim to demonstrate that Chinese medicine can benefit health and to share the true, good, and beautiful aspects of Chinese culture. Chinese medicine, as a vital part of Chinese cultural outreach, plays an irreplaceable role," said Tang Minke, executive vice president of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. (KRON) A neighborhood in Richmonds Iron Triangle area remains under lockdown due to an armed suspect search Monday morning, according to the Richmond Police Department. Earlier, an alert from the Contra Costa County Community Warning System stated that the situation had been resolved and the lockdown lifted. However, law enforcement officials said that the scene remains active, and the shelter-in-place is still in effect. Oakland restaurant closing after a decade of business Residents in the area of the 500 block of Second Street have been advised to lock down in the nearest place of safety. The alert advised residents to go inside and close and lock all windows and doors. The Richmond Police Department told KRON4.com it first received a call about a possible armed suspect in the area at 7:40 a.m. Monday. The call came in reporting a suspicious armed person, officials said. Richmond PD is attempting to make contact with a possibly armed individual who has been seen going in and out of a residence in the neighborhood. A two-block radius in the area of Davilla Road and Second Street was shut down with people asked to shelter in place. Residents are advised to stay off the phone and only call 911 in the event of a life-threatening emergency. Residents were advised to stay inside until further official instructions are given. Others were advised to avoid the area. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Operation Early Dawn allows defendants to be held in police cells and not summoned to magistrates court until a space in prison is available (PA Wire) Far-right riots have pushed Britains prisons to breaking point as the government triggers emergency measures to ease overcrowding. Experts fear hard-won capacity gained by releasing prisoners early has rapidly evaporated after at least 677 suspected rioters were charged following widespread disorder. In Merseyside where clashes first erupted following the killing of three schoolgirls last month there were rumoured to be just two prison spaces left at the weekend after rioters were hauled before the courts in fast-tracked hearings. It is the latest crisis to hit the creaking criminal justice system. Stuart Nolan, chair of the criminal law committee at the Law Society, said the riots were the straw that broke the camels back. When you have got a chronic situation all you need is an acute issue and the whole thing starts to be a little bit troubling, he told The Independent. At least 460 people had appeared in magistrates courts in relation to the disorder by late last week. Nationwide, there were only 340 places left in the male estate after 397 new receptions, chair of the Prison Officers Association, Mark Fairhurst, said. Riots first erupted in Southport in the wake of a mass stabbing at a childrens dance class (Getty Images) Operation Early Dawn, triggered on Monday in parts of the north including Merseyside, has been described as a one in, one out policy which will see defendants held in police cells and not summoned to magistrates court until a space in prison is available. It is feared the move could see suspects released on police bail if prison spaces cannot be found, although ministers insist no one who poses a risk to the public will be freed. The prime minister admitted his government was making difficult decisions as weeks of violent disorder have placed additional strain on the overloaded prison system they inherited from the Tories. Downing Street said the plans, in place in North East and Yorkshire; Cumbria and Lancashire; and Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire regions, could be triggered and deactivated several times over the next few weeks. Asked if the emergency measures posed a risk to public safety during a visit to Belfast, Sir Keir Starmer said the government was making really tough decisions, and nobody wants to take them due to a basic failure by the previous Conservative administration to have enough prison places available. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on Monday (PA Wire) Longer term measures announced to ease overcrowding, which will see some prisoners serve just 40 per cent of their sentence in jail, are not due to come into force until 10 September. The SDS40 scheme which does not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences is expected to result in 5,500 offenders being released in September and October. The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) warned Operation Early Dawn may need to be expanded along with further possible measures to ease pressures in the coming months after the influx of hundreds of rioters swallowed up any breathing space in the prison estate. It comes after months of warnings from criminal justice leaders, reported by The Independent, that the prison system is at breaking point. Alex Hewson, interim head of policy and communications at the PRT, said: I think this is a worrying time because the space the government thought it had unlocked by introducing SDS40 has rapidly evaporated. I think it will be a difficult few months whilst they try to work through this. It just shows how little resilience there is in the system. People who have appeared in court following serious violent disorder during anti-immigration protests in the UK (Police/CPS/PA Wire) Mr Nolan said emergency measures announced under Operation Early Dawn are designed to help ease the short-term pressure, but will not address the long-term problem. What it hopes to do is provide a pressure cooker release for critical points, he added. But it doesnt deal with the problem. It doesnt fix the problem. It just displaces it and buys some time. Andrew Neilson, of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said the emergency measures were concerning but would help to see the prison estate through until automatic early release measures come into force. I think clearly there will be decisions that need to be made on a daily basis which is part of what Early Dawn is doing, he said. They are a means for the government to manage over the next few weeks. Its literally managing the day-to-day pressures between the courts, police custody and prison. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood previously announced plans to release some inmates after just 40 per cent of their sentence to ease overcrowding (PA Wire) Meanwhile, the Magistrates Association said they are very concerned about delayed hearings exacerbating court backlogs. Chief executive Tom Franklin said they had been assured pressures will ease when the SDS40 scheme comes into force. Every case that is delayed has real-life consequences for victims, witnesses and defendants and leads to magistrates and court staff sitting around waiting, rather than administering justice, he said. That is a waste of resources, at a time when there are already large backlogs. This emergency measure while it is necessary also demonstrates the parlous state of the criminal justice system and the need for an injection of more resources at every stage of the justice process. National Police Chiefs Council custody lead, Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp, said: Policing will continue to arrest anyone that they need to in order to keep the public safe, including policing protests and events and ensuring that people are arrested as expected. Operation Early Dawn was previously triggered by the Conservative government in May in a bid to tackle overcrowding in jails. SpaceX is planning another early morning rocket launch for Tuesday, which could outdo the sunrise and potentially wow voters out early at the polls. As of Monday night, SpaceX confirmed they are targeting a 9:20 a.m. EDT Tuesday. That's election day and voting begins at 7 a.m. throughout Brevard County. SpaceX typically aims for the earlier part of the launch window, yet weather at Cape Canaveral and at the location of the first stage landing droneship play a role in timing. This launch will be the next in SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet constellation. It will see the launch of 22 Starlink satellites atop of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Although it will come after sunrise, it will still make for a spectacular show. A rocket launch is hard to miss no matter the time of day or location on the Space Coast. Being in the most recent group of Starlink satellites, the rocket will travel in a northeast trajectory from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. When is the next Florida launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA rocket launch schedule from Florida Next astronaut launch: SpaceX Polaris Dawn launch on track for next week Commander of the previous Inspiration4 mission (the first all civilian mission to orbit) in 2021, Shift4 founder Jared Isaacman will lead another orbital mission and conduct the first private spacewalk. This mission was delayed from the original late-July timeline and now is targeting the end of August. The four private astronauts will launch to orbit in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A. This will be the first crewed launch from this launch pad. The crew is currently in quarantine at Cape Canaveral, and launch is set for no earlier than 3:30 a.m. on Monday, August 26. Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX rocket launch planned on Tuesday Election Day from Cape Wen Raiti, a Chinese American community leader in Jacksonville, Florida, has been a Republican for more than a decade. As a small business owner, she said, the partys fiscal conservatism and small government ethos resonated with her. But last May, when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning Chinese citizens from buying property in Florida, Raiti changed her party affiliation and began campaigning for local and national Democratic candidates. Leading up to Floridas Aug. 20 primary election, anger toward Senate Bill 264 has turbocharged voter mobilization efforts in the Chinese American community in the state, organizers and elected officials said, pushing conservatives to defect from the GOP while inspiring first-time voters to register and volunteer for Democrats. This bill alone helped activate a lot of people in the Chinese American community who historically are not engaged with the government, especially the state government, said state Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando), who has been an outspoken critic of SB 264. Eskamani said hundreds of Chinese Americans have traveled to Tallahassee to protest, testify at committee hearings and spearhead fundraising drives. In the dozen years that shes been in government, she said, Ive never seen this kind of presence. For Raiti, the law was the last straw after all the hostile rhetoric and scapegoating that Republicans have directed at Asian Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic. Its in our Constitution to treat everyone with equality and justice so that everyone can live here without fear, she said. The Republican Party has abandoned these principles. Chinese nationals who buy property could face exorbitant fines and up to five years in prison, and sellers who knowingly violate the restrictions could face up to one year in prison. SB 264 also restricted, but did not ban, land purchases by some citizens of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Venezuela. In April, a federal appeals court heard a challenge to the law after four Chinese immigrants in Florida, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups, sued the state last summer. Advocates say theyre hoping for an injunction ruling. The Justice Department supported the Chinese plaintiffs in a filing last June, but a judge ruled against it. After the law passed, we realized that Asian Americans really have no voice, said Echo King, president of the Florida Asian American Justice Alliance, a nonprofit organization that was established last year to fight anti-Asian discrimination. Were contributing to this country, so why are we being targeted? Since Asian American political representation in Florida is scarce, King said the FAAJA targeted legislators willing to represent the community. The organization sent out questionnaires to determine which candidates supported issues important to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, she said, and conducted extensive voter registration education in the community. Were showing people why its so important to vote, she said. We are endorsing candidates. Were seeing lots of people being involved in the community. SB 264 has had a noticeable impact on the Chinese American community, King said. Many people have put their house on the market, she said, while others are waiting to see if the law gets overturned before deciding whether to leave the state. An immigration attorney, King said the legislation motivated her to become more involved in the electoral process by running as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. King said at least 25 Chinese American voters changed their affiliations from no party preference to Democratic to vote for her. Raiti said Chinese Americans in Florida do not typically engage with the electoral process beyond issues affecting education and family. The Chinese community is typically more quiet when it comes to politics, Raiti said. This bill changed that dynamic. SB 264, crafted to curb the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the state, immediately sparked widespread confusion and outrage for discriminatory treatment against Chinese people. Legal experts compared the measure to century-old alien land laws that barred Asian Americans from owning land; Florida was one of the last states to repeal its law, in 2018. Chinese American conservatives have also been subjected to rampant anti-communism, or Red Scare tactics. In June, Bowen Kou, a Republican candidate in a state Senate race, sued Senate Republicans over attack ads that claimed he accepted contributions from Chinese donors linked to the Communist Party. While Asians comprise just 3% of Floridas population, the Asian population in the state has grown by 44% since 2010. Asian American support for the Republican Party in Florida, Eskamani said, is rooted in the perception that the GOP supports small businesses. Yet slowly but surely, she said, registered Republicans in the Asian American community are realizing that the party doesnt necessarily have their best interests in mind. For more from NBC Asian America, sign up for our weekly newsletter. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Ron Kaye, pictured in 2011, made the Daily News a formidable competitor to the L.A. Times and pushed hard to make the San Fernando Valley a city independent of Los Angeles. (Roger Wilson) Ron Kaye, a longtime Los Angeles Daily News editor known for civically inspired muckraking and boosting the San Fernando Valley including a failed bid for the Valley to secede from L.A. has died. He was 83. Kaye died early Friday at his home in Orange, Conn., his son, Alfred, confirmed to The Times. No cause of death was determined, although he'd been dealing with various age-related ailments. After working for publications around the country and in Australia, Kaye arrived in Los Angeles and came into his own, beginning in 1985, as an editor at the Daily News a scrappy, San Fernando Valley-based paper that prided itself on competing head-to-head with the L.A. Times in nuts-and-bolts coverage of police and local government, including City Hall and the school district. "Ron was a passionate editor with a fierce competitive nature who loved nothing more than when one of his reporters beat that other paper in town on a story in their own backyard," said Beth Shuster, vice president of content strategy at USC Communications. She worked as a Daily News reporter from 1986 until 1991. "We knew that behind the brusque exterior was a man who genuinely cared about people, his adopted city and, more than anything, the newspaper business," she said In the 1990s, Kaye tapped into resentments some Valley residents felt about the services they received from Los Angeles City Hall and whether they should be associated with the big bureaucracy on the other side of the hills. Kaye ultimately became part of the story in his and his paper's efforts to push for Valley secession, culminating in a 2002 citywide vote. While the quest, if successful, would have benefited the Valley-based paper financially, Kaye firmly believed that the downtown bureaucracy was detached and neglectful. "The Valley did not get and still does not get a 'fair share' of city services while paying an inordinate share of city taxes," Kaye wrote in 2012, 10 years after voters cast ballots over whether to divide the city. The measure narrowly passed in the San Fernando Valley, but it was crushed elsewhere in the city after a campaign in which opponents spent vastly more money. Read more: Richard Alatorre, pioneering Eastside politician, dies at 81 Kaye rose to editor-in-chief but left the Daily News in 2008 after 23 years, frustrated with staff cutbacks and the paper's out-of-town corporate leadership. He also understood that journalism was facing ill tides. "There just isn't enough money in newspapers to allow for competition, even the pretense of competition," Kaye wrote in a column in 2010. "One paper without competition can thrive for a good many years even in the face of the Internet and the lack of younger readers. Two or more cannot." Ronald Allen Kaye was born May 7, 1941, in Chicago to Rose Lasky and Al Kaye, a homemaker and a drapery salesman, who had emigrated from Russia and entered the country as Abraham Krakovsky, according to the family. Kaye grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland and attained a degree in anthropology at the University of Chicago in 1963 (he would later brag of graduating with the lowest GPA possible). His journalism career began at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, but then he was drafted into the Army and posted in Alaska, serving from 1966 to 1968. His first wife, Norma Kathryn Macleod, a teacher, died in 1987, leaving Kaye as the primary caregiver for his son, a role Alfred said his father embraced. Kaye later married Deborah Reifman, the Daily News librarian. Read more: Obituaries Kaye's politics were varying and sometimes evolving which he described as radical centrism. At times, he sounded like a white middle-class, anti-government Valley conservative, but police misconduct toward people of color outraged him. In a column after he left the Daily News, he described the early Los Angeles Police Department as "a crew of paid goons serving the interests of the rich and powerful who hired them to enforce the thin line between those who mattered and those who didnt." His Daily News relentlessly covered the issues around the police beating of Rodney King and the Rampart police corruption scandal, winning sometimes grudging admiration from The Times. At the Daily News, where he sometimes walked around the newsroom banging a cowbell, his outsized personality sometimes bordering on bombast fit the bill. Journalist Sara Catania recalled her job interview, sitting in Kaye's office, in 1995. "I heard for the first time what I came to consider his ten-minute stump speech on the arrogance of The Times, its self-aggrandizement, its laziness," Catania wrote in a 2008 blog that she reposted after learning of Kaye's death. "Those were pre-blogging, pre-Internet, pre-everybodys-got-an-opinion-worth-hearing days. Id never heard anyone speak with such blanket disregard for The Times, and it was great, forbidden fun." At the time, Catania had just left a junior reporter position at The Times in the Ventura County bureau. 'So, what do you say to that?' she said Kaye demanded after his diatribe. She replied that her coverage for The Times kicked the butt of the competing Daily News reporter on a regular basis. Kaye laughed and offered her a job. Kaye fumed when reporter Greg Gittrich told him of his intention to accept a full scholarship to Columbia University rather than continuing to deliver scoops on the scandal-plagued Belmont Learning Complex high school construction project. "'You dont go to a fancy school to study journalism,' he yelled," Gittrich recalled in a post on Kaye's Facebook page. This story could be once in a lifetime! Kaye said to him. This story is why people go to schools like Columbia for a chance to cover something like this." Gittrich stayed and continued to do important work. Although he departed after 16 months, he never entirely left Kaye behind: "He was like a father to me." After leaving the Daily News, Kaye found a voice writing under his own byline for various publications and tried to organize grassroots coalitions to foster civic engagement. He moved to Connecticut in 2021 to be close to his son's family. In addition to his wife and son, Kaye is survived by two grandchildren. Sign up for Essential California for the L.A. Times biggest news, features and recommendations in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) welcomed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev ahead of their meeting at the Zagulba Presidential Residence. -/Kremlin/dpa Russia and Azerbaijan have agreed to strengthen their cooperation during a meeting in Baku on Monday between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev. Following the talks, Putin said the leaders discussed joint initiatives, including the construction of small tankers designed to transport oil from the Caspian and Black Sea regions to the Mediterranean. The cooperation in the higher education sector is also to be strengthened, the presidents stated. "I would like to say that we are very satisfied with the level of cooperation between our countries," Aliyev told Putin. Putin's two-day state visit marks a shift in alliances in the politically unstable Caucasus region. Azerbaijan, an oil-rich republic on the Caspian Sea, is an important energy supplier for the European Union. The country has previously pursued a policy largely independent of Moscow. Russia, traditionally the protector of Armenia in the Caucasus, has seen Armenia turn away out of disappointment that Moscow allowed Azerbaijan to retake the long-disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. Russia refused to intervene on Yerevan's side. Following years of conflict, the Armenian population fled the mountainous region in September 2023, out of fear of reprisals. Putin stated that Russia would be happy to help achieve peace between Yerevan and Baku and plans to inform Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan about his conversation with Aliyev. A joint statement by Aliyev and Putin emphasized the "deep trust" between the leaders, allowing them to discuss bilateral and international issues. Aliyev, criticized for severe human rights violations, visited Moscow in April. Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) meets with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the Zagulba Presidential Residence. -/Kremlin/dpa Russian authorities on Monday declared George Clooneys nonprofit undesirable, effectively blocking it from operating inside the country. The Clooney Foundation for Justice was set up by the Hollywood actor and his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, in 2016 to investigate mass human rights abuses and support victims. The organization is actively investigating war crimes in Ukraine as part of its work, according to the CFJ website. George Clooney Backs Kamala Harris After Knifing Joe Biden The Prosecutor Generals Office of the Russian Federation said in a statement Monday that it had declared the activities of the CFJ to be undesirable on the territory of our country. The Foundation carries out work aimed at discrediting Russia on a Hollywood scale, the statement read. It actively supports pseudo-patriots who have left the country, members of banned extremist associations and terrorist organizations, the office claimed without evidence. Under the guise of humanitarian ideas, the fighters for justice from Madison Avenue promote initiatives for the criminal prosecution of Russia's top leadership, and publicly disseminate negative pseudo-expert assessments of Russian legislation on foreign agents and NGOs. The Daily Beast has contacted the CFJ for comment. In 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that allows prosecutors to declare organizations undesirable. The Kremlin claims that such organizations pose a threat to national security, while critics of the law say it is used simply to silence opponents of the regime. Organizations on the undesirable listwhich have included media outlets, pro-democracy groups, and even a U.S. collegemust stop operating in Russia or face hefty fines and criminal penalties. Russians who cooperate with such organizations or help with their financing in Russia can also face up to five years in prison. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. People gather at a rally to protest against South Korea's joint military exercise with the United States in front of the presidential office in central Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. South Korean peace groups held a rally Monday to protest against the Asian country's joint military exercise with the United States, which they said has boosted confrontation and war crisis on and around the Korean Peninsula. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korean peace groups held a protest rally Monday against the Asian country's joint military exercise with the United States, which they said has boosted confrontation and war crisis on and around the Korean Peninsula. The protesters from the civil groups Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea (SPARK) gathered near the presidential office in central Seoul, where the defense ministry is also headquartered, to call for peace on the peninsula. Lifting banners and placards with slogans of "Stop the exercise that intensifies nuclear confrontation and encourages war crisis" and "Stop building the (South) Korea-U.S.-Japan alliance," the protesters shouted, "Against against against participating in the (South) Korea-U.S. military exercise." "Nuclear confrontation and war crisis could end up with a nuclear war, which will bring about the extinction of our people and, if it is expanded, bring about nuclear devastation in Northeast Asia," one of the participants of the rally said. "Even now, the authorities of South Korea and the United States should immediately stop the joint military exercise that is illegal and causes confrontation and war crisis on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia," he noted. "We are here to warn you that what this (military exercise) will bring is not peace but war. It is not peace that can be brought about by the (South) Korea-U.S.-Japan war alliance, nuclear alliance and preemptive strike exercise," said another protester. The Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, an annually-staged summertime military exercise featuring field maneuvers, a computer-simulated command post exercise and civil defense drills, kicked off earlier in the day and was scheduled to continue until Aug. 29. South Korea has claimed that the UFS exercise is defensive in nature, but the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has denounced the exercise as a dress rehearsal for northward invasion. During the 11-day exercise, the combined forces planned to expand field training and live-fire drills across multiple domains to strengthen interoperability and showcase their combined capabilities, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. The JCS noted that the combined forces will further strengthen capability and posture to deter and defend against weapons of mass destruction. Another group of activists rallied against the UFS exercise near the presidential office, clamoring for the end to the war exercise and the launch of a dialogue between the two Koreas. "The strengthened interoperability between the forces of (South) Korea and the United States is nothing more than a deepened subordination of (South) Korean forces to the U.S. strategic mobilization," the Korea Peace Appeal, an organizer of the rally, said in a statement. "The establishment in Asia of the U.S.-led multilateral military cooperation mechanism is very worrisome as it leads to intensifying regional conflicts and escalating war crises," the organizer noted. It urged the two countries to immediately stop all hostile policies and military actions while restoring communication channels to manage crises and create an environment for dialogue. The Korea Peace Appeal is a campaign that aims to officially end the 1950-53 Korean War by collecting 100 million signatures, joined by more than 370 South Korean civic and religious groups as well as over 70 international partner organizations. The peninsula technically remains at war as the fratricidal war ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. People gather at a rally to protest against South Korea's joint military exercise with the United States in front of the presidential office in central Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. South Korean peace groups held a rally Monday to protest against the Asian country's joint military exercise with the United States, which they said has boosted confrontation and war crisis on and around the Korean Peninsula. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Russian soldier fires from D-30 howitzer towards Ukrainian positions in an undisclosed location in Ukraine - Russian Defense Ministry Press Service Moscow has claimed to have captured a major town in eastern Ukraine as its forces continue to make grinding advances in the Donetsk region. Russias defence ministry said on Monday it had liberated the town of Artemovo, known as Zalizne in Ukraine, describing it as one of the areas major population centres. With a recorded population of 5,000 people in 2022, its capture would represent the largest single gain made by Russia in recent weeks after capturing a series of smaller settlements nearby, some no bigger than a single street. But as all eyes remain fixed on Ukraines unprecedented two-week-old invasion into Russias Kursk region, Kyiv has repeatedly warned Moscow is steadily driving towards the key hub of Pokrovsk. The city is one of Ukraines main defensive strongholds in the Donetsk region that supplies Ukrainian troops and towns across the eastern front and has long been a major target for Russia. Ukraines army chief confirmed that heavy fighting was taking place close to Pokrovsk, where Russian forces are now less than six miles from the city limits. Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky said that the enemy had tried to storm their positions 45 times in the past 24 hours, while a record number of clashes were recorded last week. He added that Kyiv was doing everything necessary to protect the town of Toretsk, 29 miles east of Pokrovsk, which has seen an intensified Russian push as well. Officials in the city on Monday ordered the forced evacuation of families with children from Pokrovsk, where 53,000 civilians including 4,000 children remain. Civilians have a week or two, no more, Serhiy Dobriak, the head of Pokrovsks military administration warned, as he urged civilians to get out as soon as possible. If the city were to fall, it would be the largest population centre taken since the eastern city Bakhmut fell to Russia in May 2023. 03:41 PM BST Thanks for following todays live blog Thank you for following todays live coverage of the war in Ukraine. Well be back soon with more updates and analysis from the conflict. 03:33 PM BST Starmer responds to Zelenskys criticism over Storm Shadow missiles Keir Starmers government has insisted there is no change on the UKs position on Ukraine using Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia despite criticism from Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian president complained on Sunday that British support was slowing down as his forces continued their unprecedented incursion into Russias Kursk region. No. 10 said on Monday that there had been no change in the UKs position on that (Storm Shadow) specifically, upholding the Conservatives ban, even though Mr Zelensky called it crucial to lift restrictions. Other weapons supplied by Britain, including Challenger 2 tanks, have been used as part of the Kursk invasion. It follows ongoing concerns that the use of UK-made Storm Shadows to strike targets deep into Russia could lead to an escalation with nuclear-armed Moscow. 03:17 PM BST Former US soldier wanted on child pornography charges joins Russian military A former American soldier wanted on charges of child pornography in the US has confirmed that he has joined the Russian military. Wilmer Puello-Mota, who served in the US air force for 10 years, said he does not consider himself to be a traitor, despite his countrys vehement support of Ukraine in fighting Russia. The United States and Russia arent at war, Mr Puello-Mota said in a video posted by Russias ministry of defence on Monday. Wilmer Puello-Mota, who is wanted for child pornography possession, confirms he has joined the Russian military - Telegram 02:54 PM BST Modi to serve as messenger between Putin and Zelensky - report Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, will serve as a messenger between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Ukraine this week, US media has reported. While Mr Modi turned down the idea of him acting as an official mediator, he has reportedly agreed to share messages between the two leaders, Bloomberg reported on Monday. The Indian foreign ministry confirmed today that Mr Modi will visit Ukraine on Aug 23 for the first time since the war broke out. 02:33 PM BST Ukraines advances into Kursk since Aug 7 Since launching its unprecedented invasion of Kursk nearly two weeks ago, Ukraine claims it has taken control of 1,150 sq km of land across more than 80 settlements. It was the first time Russia experienced an invasion since the Second World War, a move which Kyiv said on Monday was designed to create a buffer zone to prevent further Moscow attacks. A key part of this has been the destruction of three bridges that cross a strategically important river in Russias border region. Their destruction - detailed in locations below - has left Moscow with few options to bring supplies across the water. 02:21 PM BST George Clooneys undesirable foundation banned from Russia George Clooneys foundation has been banned from operating inside Russia after Moscow accused the Hollywood star and his wife of discrediting the country on a Hollywood scale. The activities of the foreign non-governmental organisation Clooney Foundation for Justice, USA (Clooney Foundation for Justice) have been deemed undesirable on the territory of our country, the Prosecutor Generals Office of the Russian Federation said on Monday. According to its website, the Clooney Foundation for Justice has been actively investigating war crimes in Ukraine and crimes against humanity committed by Russia in Ukraine. Its stated aim is to trigger criminal prosecutions and bring justice to the survivors. George Clooney and Amal Clooney started the foundation in 2016 - Getty 02:08 PM BST India confirms Modi visit date Earlier we reported that Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, will visit Ukraine for the first time since war broke out in 2022. Indias foreign ministry has now confirmed that Mr Modi will visit Ukraine on Aug 23. The announcement follows Mr Modis meeting with Vladimir Putin last month. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in July in a highly-criticised meeting - REUTERS 02:02 PM BST Ukraine destroys third crucial bridge in Kursk Ukraine has destroyed a third bridge that crosses a strategically important river in Russias Kursk region, Moscow has claimed. The bridge, located near the village of Karzyzh, was the final permanent structure crossing the river Seym, leaving Moscow with few options to bring supplies across the water. It comes after the head of Ukraines air force, Mykola Oleshchuk, published two videos showing air strikes on two other bridges across the river near the towns of Glushkovo and Zvannoe. Analysts have said their destruction could help Kyiv consolidate its control on the roughly 1,100 sq km of territory it has captured during an unprecedented incursion into Russian soil. Western analysts believe that the only route Russia has to reinforce and resupply its forces south of the river is a temporary pontoon, which is close to the destroyed bridge near Glushkovo. Ukraine did not immediately claim responsibility for the apparent strike. A satellite image shows a bridge collapsed over the Seym river in the Glushkovo district, following a Ukrainian strike in the Kursk region - REUTERS 01:56 PM BST Moscow to add 200,000 troops by end of year - report Russia will have added 200,000 extra troops to its armed forces by the end of the year, Ukraines deptuy defence minister has suggested. This would see Moscows troops level rise from the current level of 600,000 to 800,000, Forbes reported on Monday. 01:19 PM BST No change in UK position on Ukraine using Storm Shadow missiles There has been no change in the UKs position on Ukraine using Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia, Sir Keir Starmers spokesperson has said. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, has repeatedly asked for permission to use the weapons, which he believes could help Kyiv win the war. Asked whether Ukraine is permitted to use the missiles in Kursk, a No 10 spokesperson said: We are providing military aid to support Ukraines clear right to self-defence. There has been no change in the UKs position on that (Storm Shadow) specifically, she added. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speak during a bilateral meeting at 10 Downing Street - REUTERS 12:36 PM BST More than 121,000 people evacuated from Kursk More than 121,000 people have been evacuated from Kursk since Kyiv launched its invasion nearly two weeks ago, Russias emergencies ministry said on Monday. 12:25 PM BST Moscow targeting Signal to prevent Putin criticism, says MoD Russian authorities have restricted access to the popular messaging app Signal in a bid to prevent private hostility towards Vladimir Putins regime, the UK Ministry of Defence has said. Moscow said that access to the app had been limited to prevent the use of the messenger for extremist or terrorist purposes. Others have suggested that access has been limited to stop Russians spreading information about Kyivs invasion into Kursk, which the MoD describes as unlikely. The MoD said on Monday: The restriction is likely meant to enhance the Russian authorities capacity to monitor and limit the communications of private citizens opposed to the Putin regime. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 19 August 2024. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/dMKKXwAFgP#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/B3i0eAgERu Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) August 19, 2024 12:09 PM BST Watch: Russian oil depot fire rages after Ukrainian drone strike A fire at an oil storage depot deep inside Russia is still raging, more than 24 hours after it was attacked by Ukrainian drones. Russian authorities blamed the blaze at the facility on the outskirts of Proletarsk a city in the southern Rostov region on fallen debris after the drones were intercepted by air defence units early on Sunday morning. It stored oil and petroleum products that were also supplied to the needs of the Russian occupation army, Ukraines military said in a statement on Sunday, confirming the successful strike. 11:56 AM BST Russia blackmailing the world, says Zelensky Russia is blackmailing the world with its control of Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday. Mr Zelensky said Moscows control of the power plant poses a fundamental threat to the radiation safety of our country, all of Europe, and the world. Russia is blackmailing the world with the threat of a catastrophe at the ZNPP, the Ukrainian president said. Only the return of the plant to Ukrainian control will ensure full compliance with all safety standards and normalise the situation around the ZNPP. Fire burns at a cooling tower of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Energodar, Southern Ukraine - AFP 11:44 AM BST Ukraine orders evacuation of families in Moscow target city Families with children in Pokrovsk were ordered by Ukrainian officials on Monday to evacuate the eastern city amid rapid Russian advances. We are starting the forced evacuation of families with children from the Pokrovsk community, Donetsk governor Vadym Filashkin said. As one of Ukraines main defensive strongholds and logistics hubs, Pokrovsk has been a key target for Moscow for several months. Analysts believe its capture would compromise Kyivs defensive abilities and key supply routes. It comes after Moscow claimed it had taken control of the town Zalizne, also in Donetsk. 11:30 AM BST US ordered attack on Nord Stream pipeline, claims Moscow Washington gave the command for attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines to go ahead, Russias foreign minister has said. It is clear that to carry out such a terrorist attack, there was a command from the very top, as they say, the very top for the West is, of course, Washington, Sergei Lavrov told Izvestia news outlet on Monday. It follows a report that Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, authorised a plan to attack the pipelines, before being asked to call it off by the CIA. German authorities last week issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian citizen named Volodymyr Z as part of their investigation. Gas bubbles from the Nord Stream 2 leak reaching surface of the Baltic Sea - REUTERS 11:01 AM BST Zelensky reveals aim of Kursk invasion Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed for the first time that the objective of Ukraines operation in Kursk is to create a buffer zone. The Ukrainian president had previously said that the purpose of the invasion, which was launched on Aug 6, was to protect communities in the bordering Sumy region from constant shelling. It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counter-offensive actions, Mr Zelensky said on Sunday evening. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressors territory our operation in the Kursk region. Ukraines armed forces claimed on Sunday it had destroyed a key bridge over the Seym River in Kursk, which is used to supply Russian forces. The bridge was the second attacked by Ukraine since Friday. Volodymyr Zelensky inspecting the construction of fortifications at an undisclosed location in the Volyn region - Shutterstock 10:40 AM BST Moscow not ready for peace talks with Ukraine Moscow is not yet ready to hold peace talks with Ukraine, a Russian presidential aide has said. Yuri Ushakov said on Monday that peace talks were not possible due to Kyivs recent attack on Russias Kursk border region. Ms Ushakov, speaking as part of a video statement broadcast by the SHOT news outlet, added that its previous peace proposals had not been withdrawn. Moscow previously said peace talks would only take place if Kyiv recognises Russian sovereignty over the regions it annexed in 2022. 10:11 AM BST Pictured: Collapsed bridge after Ukrainian strike along River Seym A satellite image shows a bridge collapsed over the Seym river in Glushkovo following a Ukrainian strike in Kursk - REUTERS 09:53 AM BST Moscow claims Ukraine hit third Kursk bridge Moscow has claimed that Ukraine struck and damaged the third and final bridge on the River Seym in Kursk on Sunday, the Reuters news agency reported. The first was attacked on Friday near the town of Glushkovo, while a second appeared to have been damaged on Saturday near the Russian town of Zvannoye. Kyiv has sought to disrupt Moscows supply routes by destroying key bridges which are used to resupply Russian forces. 09:47 AM BST Kursk invasion game changer, says US Senator Ukraines invasion of Kursk could be a game changer in the course of the war between Russia and Ukraine, Mark Kelly, the senator for Arizona, has said. Mr Kelly, who had been in the running to be Kamala Harris running mate in the US presidential election, said on Sunday that the unpredictable nature of the offensive could really change the tide of how this conflicts gonna play out. Speaking on CBS Face the Nation, Mr Kelly also confirmed he was comfortable with US weapons being used on Russian soil. The Ukrainians were illegally attacked by Vladimir Putin, he said. This incursion, and Ill just, lets characterise it that way for now. I dont think the Ukrainians want to intentionally hold Russian territory for a long period of time, but this really set Putin back on his heels, the senator added. Mark Kelly (far left) poses alongside his wife, former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords (centre left), Kamala Harris (middle), and Tim Walz (middle right) - REUTERS 09:27 AM BST Pictured: Ukrainian supporters protest ahead of Democratic convention Ukrainian supporters were pictured waving the countrys flags as they made their way through the streets of Chicago ahead of this weeks Democratic National Convention. Last month, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) announced that the month of August in Chicago would be dedicated to Ukraine. Ukrainian supporters protest before the start of the Democratic National Convention on Sunday - AP 09:17 AM BST Indias Modi to visit Ukraine Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, will visit Ukraine, the countrys foreign ministry has said. It will be Mr Modis first trip to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion in 2022. It follows his meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow last month. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media in July - Shutterstock 08:45 AM BST Elon Musk denies gifting Tesla Cybertruck to Chechen warlord Elon Musk has denied gifting a Cybertruck to a Chechen warlord who filmed himself driving the Tesla vehicle around Grozny in Russia over the weekend. Ramzan Kadyrov posted the footage over the weekend alongside the caption: Elon, thank you! Come to Grozny, I will receive you as my most dear guest! He added that he would send the Cybertruck to the battlefield to help Russian forces continue its invasion of Ukraine. Mr Kadyrovs post sparked rumours that Mr Musk gifted the staunch Putin ally the vehicle, which the Tesla founder has firmly denied. He wrote on X: Are you seriously so r******d that you think I donated a Cybertruck to a Russian general? Thats amazing. He added: Yet another example of how much the legacy media lies. Kadyrov said he received a Tesla Cybertrack from Elon Musk. He promised to send it to the "special military operation" zone and attached a machine gun to it. "Elon, thank you! Come to Grozny, I will receive you as the most dear guest! I do not think that our Russian MFA will be pic.twitter.com/m72fg2G2PU Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 17, 2024 08:28 AM BST No holidays in war, Zelensky warns Starmer Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Sir Keir Starmer that there are no holidays in war in a call for British weapons deliveries to be accelerated. The Ukrainian president also singled out France and the United States as he seeks to replenish his forces involved in the ambitious incursion into Russian territory in the Kursk region. Our guys are doing great on all fronts, he said in his nightly address late on Sunday. However, there is a need for faster delivery of supplies from our partners. We strongly ask for this. There are no vacations in war. Decisions are needed, as is timely logistics for the announced aid packages. I especially address this to the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. His direct warning to Sir Keir came after the wartime leader had complained British support was slowing down, and one of the presidents top aides set out Kyivs most comprehensive argument for Storm Shadow cruise missiles to be used to strike targets inside Russia. Notably, Mr Zelensky did not mention Germany in his appeal after it emerged Berlin was struggling to find the funds to continue supporting Kyiv militarily in the coming years. PM Keir Starmer greets President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Downing Street - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph 08:15 AM BST Moscow moves 5,000 troops out of Ukraine to defend Kursk - report Moscow has moved at least 5,000 troops out of Ukraine to defend Kursk, military analysts have suggested. As many as eleven battalions may have been redeployed out of Ukraine, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank. This includes troops from occupied Donetsk and Vovchansk, Kharkiv. Ukrainian soldiers firing with D30 artillery at their fighting position in Donetsk - Anadolu 07:57 AM BST Watch: Ukraine destroys second Kursk bridge Ukraine said on Sunday it had struck a second key bridge in the Kursk region. Kyiv has sought to disrupt Moscows supply routes as its invasion of Russia stretched through its second week. Minus one more bridge, Mykola Oleshchuk, the Ukrainian air force commander said, publishing an aerial video of a blast tearing through a bridge near the Russian town of Zvannoye. Click here to view this content. 07:48 AM BST Starmer accused of weakening support for Ukraine Sir Keir Starmer is under fresh pressure to lift restrictions on Ukraines use of Storm Shadow missiles after Volodymyr Zelensky said British support was slowing down, write Ben Riley-Smith and Tony Diver. Four former Tory defence secretaries told The Telegraph Sir Keir should do more to help Ukraine, after John Healey, his Defence Secretary, said Britains support would be iron clad under Labour. That includes Sir Michael Fallon, who served under Theresa May, Ben Wallace, who served under Boris Johnson, as well as Sir Gavin Williamson and Grant Shapps. Read the full story here. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in July - REUTERS 07:35 AM BST Ukraine destroys 11 Russian drones overnight Ukraine destroyed all 11 drones that Moscow launched overnight, including on Kyiv, its air force said on Monday. The drones were destroyed over the Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy and Donetsk regions, the air force revealed. There were no immediate reports of any damage due to the attack or falling drone debris. 07:29 AM BST Welcome to our live coverage Good morning and welcome to our live coverage. Were bringing you the latest updates from the Ukraine war. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russia declares the Clooney Foundation for Justice as undesirable, banning the organization in Russia (WJET/WFXP) On Monday, the Russian Prosecutor Generals Office deemed the Clooney Foundation for Justice an undesirable organization in Russia. This designation identifies the organization as a threat to the countrys national security. It also bans the organization from operating within Russia. Such organizations are subject to heavy punishment if they fail to dissolve or if any persons continue to maintain ties with the organization. The Office released the statement on Telegram Monday which reads, The Foundation carries out work aimed at discrediting Russia on a Hollywood scale. It actively supports pseudo-patriots who have left the country, members of banned extremist associations and terrorist organizations. Under the guise of humanitarian ideas, the fighters for justice from Madison Avenue promote initiatives for the criminal prosecution of Russias top leadership, and publicly disseminate negative pseudo-expert assessments of Russian legislation on foreign agents and NGOs. The Clooney Foundation was founded in 2016 in New York by actor George Clooney along with his wife Amal Clooney. According to their website, the organization was founded to hold perpetrators of mass atrocities accountable for their crimes and to help victims in their fight for justice. In May, Amal along with other experts in international law unanimously agreed to recommend that International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan seek the warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders of the militant Hamas group. According to AFP, in July, the Clooney Foundation, along with several other non-governmental organizations, filed a case with the UN Human Rights Committee, accusing Russia of violating the human rights of Ukrainians killed in a 2022 missile attack on Vinnytsia. In early August, Russias prosecutor general banned the German pro-democracy foundation Konrad Adenauer as undesirable, and in July did the same with the Moscow Times news outlet. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova denied on Aug. 18 a report that the country was entering indirect talks with Ukraine in Qatar on mutually halting strikes on energy infrastructure. The Washington Post (WP) reported on Aug. 17, citing undisclosed official sources, that Russia was preparing to enter secret indirect talks with Ukraine - facilitated by Qatar - to mutually stop attacks on energy infrastructure. According to the WP, Ukraine's incursion into Russia disrupted plans for those indirect talks. In response to the report, Zakharova claimed that "no one broke anything off because there was nothing to break off." "There have been no direct or indirect negotiations between Russia and the Kyiv regime on the safety of civilian critical infrastructure facilities," Zakharova added. Russia launched a massive campaign with drones and missiles against Ukrainian energy infrastructure over the first few months of 2024, destroying or disabling power plants and necessitating rolling blackouts across the country. In turn, Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil facilities with long-range drones to undermine Moscow's fossil fuel revenue, one of its key sources of income. According to the Washington Post, an undisclosed diplomatic source reportedly told the outlet that Russian officials postponed their meeting with Qatari officials in the wake of Ukraine's cross-border incursion that began last week. Two sources also told the WP that senior Ukrainian officials were skeptical about the deal even before the start of the incursion, putting its chances of success at 20% or lower as they doubted Russia's sincerity. Other officials were hoping that it could be a first step toward a more comprehensive peace deal, the outlet wrote. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify any of the claims, and Ukraine has not yet commented on the authenticity of the purported talks. Russia was not invited to the global peace summit held in Switzerland in June, but Kyiv said it wants to invite a Russian representative to a follow-up conference. Ukraine hopes to present Moscow with a peace plan developed jointly by the summit participants. The peace plan is based on President Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-point peace formula, with one of the articles centered around energy security. Read also: Ukraines Russia incursion threatens secret efforts to halt energy strikes, WP reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FILE PHOTO: Gas bubbles from the Nord Stream 2 leak reaching surface of the Baltic sea in the area shows disturbance of well over one kilometre diameter near Bornholm FILE PHOTO: Gas bubbles from the Nord Stream 2 leak reaching surface of the Baltic sea in the area shows disturbance of well over one kilometre diameter near Bornholm MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia has complained to Germany over its investigation into the 2022 explosions that ruptured the Nord Stream gas pipelines, the RIA state news agency reported on Monday, after a key suspect escaped arrest in Poland. German media reported last week that German prosecutors had identified a Ukrainian diving instructor as a suspect in the Nord Stream sabotage attack and had issued a warrant to arrest him in Poland. Poland received the German warrant but the suspect had already left the country as Germany did not include his name in a database of wanted persons, Polish prosecutors told Reuters. Moscow believes the German investigation will be closed without identifying those responsible, RIA cited Oleg Tyapkin, the head of the European department at the Russian foreign ministry, as saying. "We have raised the issue of Germany and other affected countries fulfilling their obligations under the U.N. anti-terrorist conventions," Tyapkin said. "We have officially made corresponding claims on this matter bilaterally, including to Berlin." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov later told the Izvestia media outlet: "Germany must reply to all the questions." Germany's prosecutor general declined to comment on the RIA report when contacted by Reuters. A spokesperson for the German foreign ministry rejected the complaint. "We are in touch with Russian authorities," he said, without going into detail on the ongoing probe. The multi-billion dollar Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines transporting gas under the Baltic Sea were ruptured by a series of blasts in September 2022, seven months after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts. Russia has repeatedly said the attack was carried out by the United States and Britain, both of whom have denied this. Lavrov, without providing evidence, said that it was ultimately Washington that issued the order to blow up the pipelines. The New York Times, The Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal have reported that Ukraine - which has repeatedly denied involvement - was behind the attack. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said such reports were meant to divert public attention from the real perpetrators of the "terrorist act". "It is a shame for Germany to simply silently accept how it was deprived of the long-term basis of energy, and therefore economic prosperity, which was the key to its development for many, many decades in the form of a stable supply of Russian gas at reasonable prices," he said. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne, additional reporting by Rachel More in Berlin and Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Michael Perry, Mark Heinrich and Alex Richardson) Ukrainian strike on a bridge over the Seym river in the Kursk region By Dan Peleschuk KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday his country's assault on Russia's Kursk region showed that Kremlin threats of retaliation were a bluff, and he urged Kyiv's allies to loosen curbs on using foreign-supplied weapons. Zelenskiy said Ukrainian forces now controlled more than 1,250 square kilometres (483 square miles) and 92 settlements in Kursk region, while Russia said Ukraine had struck a third bridge in the region, complicating Russian efforts to repel the Ukrainian attack. Ukraine launched its surprise strike on the Russian region on Aug. 6, the biggest invasion of Russia since World War Two, in an operation that Kyiv says is aimed at carving out a buffer zone and wearing down Russia's war machine. Speaking to a gathering of Ukrainian diplomats, Zelenskiy singled out allies who have supplied long-range weapons but told Kyiv they cannot use them deep inside Russia for fear of crossing "red lines" set out by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We are witnessing a significant ideological shift the naive, illusory concept of so-called red lines regarding Russia, which dominated the assessment of the war by some partners, has crumbled apart these days," Zelenskiy said. He said Ukraine, because of the restrictions imposed by allies, could not use the weapons at its disposal to hit some Russian military targets. He urged allies to be bolder in their decisions about how to help Kyiv in the war. "The world sees that everything in this war depends only on courage - our courage, the courage of our partners. On brave decisions for Ukraine, on courage in supporting Ukraine," Zelenskiy said. Despite its thrust into Russia, Ukraine's forces are on the defensive elsewhere. They face a battle to protect the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk, where Russia has steadily advanced in recent weeks in heavy fighting more than two years since Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukraine's military said late on Monday its forces had fought 63 skirmishes over the course of the day against Russian forces on the Pokrovsk front, and it expected that area to remain the focus of Russian attacks. Russia said a third bridge had been struck and damaged on the Seym River that winds through the Kursk region bordering northeastern Ukraine. Ukraine has not yet commented on the strike, but Kyiv's air force chief has said his forces have destroyed two bridges to weaken enemy logistics. Military analysts said the bridges were part of critical supply lines for Russian troops defending the area. Reuters could not independently confirm the damage to the bridges or the battlefield situation in Kursk. Zelenskiy said on Sunday his troops were unleashing what he described as "maximum counteroffensive actions" aimed at creating a buffer zone and hurting Moscow's military potential. More than 121,000 people have been evacuated from nine border districts in the Kursk region, Russia's emergencies ministry said. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Moscow was not ready to hold peace talks with Ukraine for now, given Kyiv's Kursk attack. Ukraine has demanded a full withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory before it sits down for any talks. PUSH TOWARDS POKROVSK Ukrainian forces face a tough battle near Pokrovsk, a transport hub for Ukrainian forces. Russian troops are now around 10 km (6 miles) from the outskirts of the city, said Serhiy Dobriak, head of the local military administration. He said up to 600 people were leaving on a daily basis, and that municipal services could be cut off within a week as Russian forces close in. Regional governor Vadym Filashkin said a curfew in settlements close to Pokrovsk had been tightened and the situation was "very difficult". Ukraine's top general said Kyiv was also "doing everything necessary" to defend the eastern city of Toretsk as Moscow tries to threaten Ukrainian supply lines. Russia said its forces had captured the nearby town of Zalizne. The war, which has killed tens of thousands and devastated cities across Ukraine, shows no sign of letting up. Kyiv expects Moscow to boost its forces in Ukraine by year's end to 800,000, up from around 600,000 now, Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Ivan Havryliuk told Ukrainian media. Ukraine has been backed by arms from its allies but is worried that support may drop as the war grinds on. German defence stocks fell on Monday after a newspaper said the finance ministry would not approve additional applications for Ukraine military aid because of budget constraints. A German finance ministry spokesperson later said Berlin was working intensively with its Group of Seven partners on a plan to make loans available for military support for Ukraine, funded by the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. (Reporting by Dan Peleschuk and Pavel Polityuk in Kyiv; Additional reporting by Yuliia Dysa in Gdansk and Christian Lowe in UK; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Stephen Coates) Russia willing to participate in South Caucasus peace settlement amid 'crisis' in Ukraine, Putin says Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is committed to participating in settling the situation in the South Caucasus amid the "crisis" in Ukraine, Azerbaijan State News Agency reported on Aug. 19. The day before, Putin arrived in Baku for talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. "It is clear, and everyone is aware, that Russia is also facing crises, including and above all in the Ukrainian direction," Putin said. "But Russia's historical involvement in the situation in the South Caucasus over the past few years dictates the need for us to participate in these events, of course, to the extent demanded by the sides," Putin added. The South Caucasus is a region in Eastern Europe and Western Asia that includes the territories of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, also known as the Caucasian States. Armenia has long maintained close ties with Russia but is now seeking to distance itself from Moscow. Nagorno-Karabakh, until recently inhabited by an Armenian population, was re-integrated into Azerbaijan after Baku's military victory in 2023. Following this, Yerevan repeatedly threatened to leave the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) that didn't assist Armenia in its struggle against Azerbaijan, which is not a part of the organization. In March, Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan revealed that the country is considering applying for membership in the European Union, aiming to strengthen ties with the West. Despite Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Azerbaijan has attempted to maintain good ties with Ukraine. According to the Azerbaijani government, Baku has provided at least 15 million euros ($16.5 million) in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. But Azerbaijan, which shares a border with Russia, also signed a political and military friendship agreement with Russia just two days before the invasion. Read also: Armenia to hold military drills with US amid worsening relations with Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces attacked 11 communities in Sumy Oblast on Aug. 19, injuring four civilians, according to the Sumy Oblast Military Administration. In total, 256 explosions were recorded in 69 separate attacks on the region. The communities of Khotin, Bilopillia, Myropillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda, Hlukhiv, Esman, Shalyhyne, Druzhbivka, and Seredyna-Buda were targeted. Two people were injured in the Esman community that the Russian forces struck with drones, missiles and explosives, while two others were wounded in the attack on the Seredyna-Buda community. No details were provided on the extent of the victims' injuries. Throughout the day, Russia assailed the border communities with mortar, artillery, rocket launchers, explosives, unguided rockets, and drone attacks. The town of Krasnopillia, with a pre-war population of about 7,700 residents, experienced the bulk of the attacks, with 147 explosions reported in the area. There was no information on damages in the region. The security situation in Sumy Oblast became more tense with the start of Ukraine's cross-border incursion into neighboring Kursk Oblast in Russia, which began on Aug. 6. Sumy Oblast borders Russia's Bryansk, Belgorod oblasts and shares a 245-kilometer (152-mile) border with Kursk Oblast. Civilians in Sumy Oblast within 20 kilometers (12 miles) of the border with Kursk Oblast are now subject to restrictions on movement due to increasing Russian attacks, according to the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine captures 92 settlements in Russias Kursk Oblast, Kyiv claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day killed at least four people and injured at least 17, including a child, regional authorities reported early on Aug. 19. Ukrainian air defenses downed all 11 Shahed-type "kamikaze" drones launched by Moscow overnight from the Kursk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk directions in Russia, the Air Force reported. In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks killed three people and injured nine over the past day, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. Strikes against Toretsk, Myrnohrad, and Rozlyv resulted in one fatality and one injury in each settlement. Four people were injured in Novoukrainka, one in Kostiantynivka, and one in Hirnyk, according to the governor. A 52-year-old woman was injured during a Russian attack against the town of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast at around 10 a.m. on Aug. 18, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast injured three people over the past day, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. Forty-nine houses, several schools, a store, and other buildings were damaged. In Sumy Oblast, one person was killed and three injured including an 11-year-old child during airstrikes against the Bilopillia community on Aug. 18. The same day, another civilian was injured during the bombing of the Yunakivka community, the regional military administration reported. Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Luhansk, Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack, but no casualties were reported. Read also: Thousands flee as Russian troops take one Donetsk Oblast village after another Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. One person has been killed and three others injured, including a child, due to a Russian attack with guided aerial bombs in Bilopillia hromada in Sumy Oblast on 18 August. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories] Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration Quote: "Throughout the day, the Russians conducted 89 attacks on border areas and settlements in Sumy Oblast. [A total of] 222 explosions were recorded. Yunakivka, Bilopillia, Vorozhba, Lebedyn, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Putyvl, Nova Sloboda, Hlukhiv, Esman, Shalyhyne, Druzhba and Seredyna-Buda hromadas came under fire." Details: There was a guided bomb airstrike in Bilopillia hromada (5 explosions). The airstrike killed one civilian and injured three others, including an 11-year-old child. An FPV drone strike was also recorded (1 explosion). Velyka Pysarivka hromada was hit by FPV drones (5 explosions). VOG high-explosive fragmentation grenades were dropped from UAVs (4 explosions), unguided rockets were launched from a helicopter (eight explosions), and artillery shelling (21 explosions) and mortar fire (32 explosions) were recorded. Russian forces struck Krasnopillia hromada with artillery (17 explosions), mortars (23 explosions) and multiple-launch rocket systems (10 explosions). In addition, attacks with unguided rockets from a helicopter (9 explosions) and FPV drones (2 explosions) were recorded. The most intense attacks occurred in the following hromadas: Seredyna-Buda, which was hit by an FPV drone strike (8 explosions), artillery fire (15 explosions) and mortar fire (9 explosions); Shalyhyne, which was struck by artillery (10 explosions) and FPV drones (13 explosions); and Druzhba, which was hit by FPV drones (7 explosions). Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces attacked Toretsk and Zarichne in Donetsk Oblast on Aug. 19, killing four civilians, the regional prosecutor's office said. Russia targeted Toretsk with artillery, killing a 71-year-old woman in the yard of her house. Toretsk is a front-line town regularly suffering Russian attacks. A residential area of the village of Zarichne was also attacked by as of yet unspecified weaponry. Three people aged between 61 and 72 were killed, the prosecutors said. Zarichne is a front-line settlement in the northern part of Donetsk Oblast, lying roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the city of Sloviansk. Russian artillery and aerial attacks against Donetsk Oblast settlements are a daily occurrence, regularly resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. The region is also the main target of a Russian offensive push, with towns like Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Chasiv Yar bearing the brunt of the attack. Read also: Russian attack against supermarket in Donetsk Oblasts Kostiantynivka kills 14, injures 43 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The China-U.S. financial working group held its fifth meeting in Shanghai from Thursday to Friday, discussing a range of issues related to the financial policies of both countries, according to China's central bank. Xuan Changneng, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China (PBOC) and Brent Neiman, deputy under secretary for international finance at the U.S. Department of the Treasury co-chaired the meeting. Representatives from China's National Financial Regulatory Administration, China Securities Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Federal Reserve and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission attended the meeting, according to a statement released by the PBOC on Monday. The two sides had professional, pragmatic, candid and constructive communication on a range of financial policy topics of mutual interest, including the broader strategy of further deepening comprehensive reforms as discussed at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the central bank said. The discussions also covered the economic and financial situation, monetary policies, financial stability and regulation, securities and capital markets, cross-border payments and data, international financial governance, financial technology, sustainable finance, as well as anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. During the meeting, a group of technical experts presented a report on various topics, including disposal mechanisms for global systemically important banks, operational resilience of financial institutions, climate risk stress testing, and supervision of cross-border financial services, according to the statement. China and U.S. financial institutions also held their first roundtable meeting under the framework of the China-U.S. financial working group. Focusing on sustainable finance, participating members shared their experiences and practices and exchanged views on potential cooperation opportunities. During the meeting, the PBOC and the U.S. Department of the Treasury signed an exchange of letters to enhance cooperation on financial stability. They also exchanged lists of financial stability contacts to ensure timely and unobstructed communication between their financial regulatory authorities during financial stress incidents and operational risks of financial institutions, thereby reducing uncertainty. The central bank said the two sides agreed to maintain communication. Russian foreign minister rejects possibility of talks with Ukraine following Ukrainian offensive in Kursk Oblast Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has ruled out the possibility of negotiations with Ukraine as the Ukrainian Armed Forces launch an offensive in Kursk Oblast. Source: Russian propaganda media outlets RIA Novosti and TASS, citing Lavrov Details: Lavrov said that Putin "clearly said that any negotiations with Kyiv after the invasion of Kursk Oblast are off the table." The Russian foreign minister also dismissed rumours about any contacts for negotiations with Kyiv. He said that the information about such contacts is a continuation of the conference on Ukraine in Switzerland, where it was decided to set up working groups. However, this process is rejected by Moscow because its sole purpose is to promote an "ultimatum" called Zelenskyy's Peace Formula. Background: On 17 August, The Washington Post journalists, citing diplomats familiar with the talks, reported that Ukraine and Russia were to send delegations to Doha, Qatar, this month to negotiate a historic agreement that would end the attacks on power infrastructure on both sides. A diplomat involved in the talks said that Russian officials had postponed a meeting with Qatari officials after the beginning of Ukraine's operation in western Russia. Support UP or become our patron! The Russian army struck several districts of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on 19 August. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration Quote: "During the day the enemy attacked several districts of the oblast. In the Nikopol district, they struck the city of Nikopol, as well as Myrove, Marhanets and Pokrov hromadas [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.]. The aggressor deployed artillery and kamikaze drones. A projectile was dropped from a UAV. A fire broke out. Two houses and a car were destroyed. A residential building was damaged." Photo: Serhii Lysak Photo: Serhii Lysak Details: The Russians also shelled the Synelnykove and Kryvyi Rih districts with artillery and damaged infrastructure, solar panels and an outbuilding in Zelenodolsk hromada. In the afternoon the Russians launched a reconnaissance drone in the direction of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, but it was shot down by Ukraines defence forces. Solar panels were damaged as a result. Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces are continuing to assault Ukrainian positions along the entire war zone, with the most challenging situation being on the Pokrovsk front. Ukrainian and Russian forces have clashed 78 times since the beginning of the day. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 16:00 on 19 August Quote: "The border area of Sumy Oblast is suffering from cynical airstrikes from the airspace of the Russian Federation. The areas near the settlements of Khotin and Obukhivka were affected by bombardments today [19 August ed.]. In addition, the Russians launched an airstrike on Porozok using rockets. [The settlement] of Lyptsi in Kharkiv Oblast was also bombarded by enemy aircraft." Details: On the Kharkiv front, the Russians carried out four unsuccessful attacks near the settlements of Lyptsi and Vovchansk. Eight combat engagements took place on the Kupiansk front. The Russians tried to advance towards the settlements of Torske, Hlushkivka, Makiivka, Stelmakhivka, and Kruhliakivka. At present, half of their attacks are in progress. Russian forces also struck the area near the settlement of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi with guided aerial bombs. On the Lyman front, Russian forces launched nine assaults on Ukrainian positions, with the most intense activity coming from the direction of the settlement of Ploschanka. On the Siversk front, six combat engagements took place during the day. The Russians attempted to advance near the settlements of Verkhnokamianske, Spirne and Ivano-Darivka. "Three more combat engagements are currently underway," the General Staff reported. On the Kramatorsk front, the Russians mounted two assaults near the settlements of Ivanivske and Andriivka. The fighting continues near the latter. On the Toretsk front, Russian troops launched nine attacks near the settlements of New-York, Toretsk, Zalizne and Nelipivka. "Seven combat engagements are over and two more are ongoing," the General Staff said. In addition, Russian forces carried out six airstrikes, involving nine guided aerial bombs, on the settlements of Shcherbynivka, Nelipivka and Toretsk. On the Pokrovsk front, the Russians mounted attacks near the settlements of Vozdvyzhenka, Novohrodivka, Zelene Pole, Kalynove, Mykolaivka, Ptyche, Mykhailivka, Kamyshivka and Myroliubivka. "The Ukrainian defence forces are holding back the Russian offensive and have repelled 24 attacks, with 5 engagements still ongoing. The enemy losses on this front are being confirmed. The enemy also launched three airstrikes with rockets on Oleksandropil," the General Staff said. On the Kurakhove front, Russian forces launched five unsuccessful attacks near the settlements of Nevelske and Kostiantynivka. On the Vremivka front, the Russians used aircraft for attacks, launching three rocket strikes near Makarivka. In addition, they conducted three assaults, seeking to advance from the direction of Volodymyrivka and Solodke, and mounted an attack near the village of Vodiane. On the Prydniprovske and Orikhove fronts, Russian forces have not conducted any offensive or assault operations since the beginning of the day. However, they conducted airstrikes with about 60 rockets near the settlements of Piatykhatky, Huliaipole and Olhivka. In addition, they dropped three aerial bombs near Novodanylivka and Temyrivka. Support UP or become our patron! Sacramento County man gets 40 years in prison for using Snapchat to sextort minors A federal judge sentenced a Sacramento County man to 40 years in prison for using Snapchat to extort minors into sending him sexually explicit images online. Matthew Goyder, 41, of Folsom was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Sacramento. As part of his sentence, U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Thursday ordered Goyder to serve a life term of parole after his release from prison. Goyder was initially arrested by the Folsom Police Department in March 2020 after a 12-year-old Florida girl reported Goyders alleged misconduct to authorities. A federal grand jury indicted Goyder eight months later. At the time of his arrest, Folsom police officials said Goyder posed as a 14-year-old boy and contacted the Florida girl online in November 2019. Police said Goyder threatened the girl, demanding she make illicit videos and pictures to send to him. The girl reported those online threats to her parents, who called police and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to start an investigation. Authorities served a search warrant on March 5, 2020, at Goyders home and workplace, where several electronic devices were seized. Federal prosecutors said Goyder used Snapchat to sextort minor victims for sexually explicit images and videos. When federal agents agents examined Goyders iPhone, they found sexually explicit images in about 120 albums; many albums were labeled with a name and victims ages, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Safe Harbor wants new developer for Port Royal housing after pushback over rentals The 2 1/2-year relationship between Port Royal and Safe Harbor Marinas over redevelopment of the towns prized waterfront has looked at times like a marriage on the rocks, with the town threatening at one point to break it off after Safe Harbor didnt change its ways. But a potential move by Safe Harbor to switch residential developers for the housing planned on the shores of Battery Creek revises a previous path to build rentals. The old plan stirred up a hornets nest of opposition while the new one might go a long way toward easing the tension. The new plan will see a developer putting homes for sale on that land, not the initial effort to build rentals. Were evaluating a couple of opportunities, said Peter Clark, Safe Harbors Dallas, Texas-based chief development officer, told the Beaufort Gazette and the Island Packet on Thursday. I cant disclose much because were not under any kind of contract. The long-abandoned shipping port once owned by the South Carolina Ports Authority covers two miles of waterfront in Port Royal. For years, the property sat unused. The main components of the redevelopment are a new 140-slip marina and storage space for 150 additional boats, a few hundred units of housing and retail and restaurants, plus a public park and promenade. Safe Harbor bought the project for $20 million in 2021. Safe Harbor originally partnered with Charleston-based The Beach Company to oversee the housing portion of the project and a packed house of residents, eager to hear the details, showed up at town hall in August 2023 when the plans were unveiled. They left disappointed after learning that 250 rental housing units, most of them townhouses, were planned for the property known as the Bluff Neighborhood. But Safe Harbor is now working with several different development groups regarding the residential component of the project, Clark confirmed. Town Administrator Van Willis also told Town council members on Wednesday that talks were underway between Safe Harbor and different developers about a potential purchase of the Bluff Neighborhood. This schematic of The Bluff neighborhood in Port Royal shows the view looking from Fishcamp on 11th and the Shellring Ale Works. Im encouraged they are talking with some other developers, Town Councilman Jerry Ashmore said. Weve actually had the opportunity to talk with one or two ourselves and Im encouraged by the talks we had with them. Its no secret the town was not happy with the original residential developer, Ashmore said. We dont want 250 rental units in there because we feel that erodes the fabric of the community when you have so many rentals in there, Ashmore said. The Bluff overlooks Battery Creek, just to the north of Fishcamp on 11th Street and Shellring Ale Works. A new residential development, Safe Harbors Clark said, would be in line with the town perspective on the most suitable development to pursue. It only makes sense, Clark added, to move the town in the right direction in terms of the residential component. We bought land and are trying to recoup some of our investment, Clark said, and trying to promote the town. When the residential component would begin wont be known until a contract is signed, Clark said. Its Ashmores understanding that Safe Harbor has a relationship with the Beach Company but not a contract with the company regarding The Bluff property. I know this is a long time coming and I know its frustrating for a lot of folks, Ashmore said. Im hopeful well soon have some news well be able to share with them. State approves marina In a second key development regarding the waterfront plan, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control issued a permit to Safe Harbor May 31 thats needed to build the marina. So thats pretty exciting news, Town Administrator Van Willis said. Safe Harbor still needs a final permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin the work. I think were very close and as soon as we have that in hand well start our planning process, which will take a bit of time, Clark said of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit. Marina construction, Clark said, will be done in phases, which would look to commence in 2025. The marina work will include the reconfiguration of a previously permitted floating dock that will result in a total of 141 dedicated wetslips, 1,741 linear feet of side-tie dockage and 15 floating jet docks, according to the state permit. Floating jet docks allow boats to easily drive on and off the docks. Safe Harbor Marinas proposed marina at the Port of Port Royal. Once Safe Harbor receives its permit from the Army Corps of Engineers, Mayor Kevin Phillips said, we will circle back with them on, How do we move forward with construction of the marina. They want this to be a jewel in their portfolio of marinas, Phillips said. Marina includes another drystack In addition, a new drystack rack with a 150-boat capacity will be installed on the upland area. The site already has an existing drystack building with a 240-boat capacity. With the new drystack, the Safe Harbor will have the capacity to store 390 boats. The permit also covers the town of Port Royals plan to build a new dock for local shrimp boats between Fish Camp and the Ale Works. The most exceptional aspects of the marina location are its deep water and the fact it doesnt have obstacles like bridges, which is why the company was eager to buy the facility, Clark said. The Port of Port Royal site was once a shipping port owned and operated by the South Carolina State Ports Authority Were very bullish on the site, Clark said. This embedded content is not available in your region. Site has long history The project was first prepared by a local development group called Grey Ghost Properties, which billed it as a development with deep-water waterfront homes, townhomes, restaurants, hotels, a mega-yacht marina, retail, businesses and other development opportunities. Grey Ghost Properties bought the port from the state in 2017, after it had been sitting untouched on the market for over a decade. It was announced in November 2021 that Safe Harbor Marinas, which manages marinas across the country, had acquired the project and 300 acres, including the former South Carolina State Ports Authority terminal and neighboring property, from Grey Ghost for $20 million. About 50 of the 300 acres can be built upon because most of it is marsh. Work continued on the dismantling of the former South Carolina State Ports Authority terminal by Safe Harbor on Monday, July 10, 2023 along Battery Creek in the Town of Port Royal. Troubles arise over other issues It hasnt been smooth sailing since Safe Harbor took over the project. Besides the concerns over the housing, residents have complained about heavy-duty construction on the property when Safe Harbor began building large floating docks that were not for use at the Port Royal marina. The situation boiled over in November 2023 when residents showed up at Town Hall carrying signs to protest. Then the town fired off a six-page letter to Safe Harbor in late December 2023 demanding answers and more transparency. The letter also threatened Safe Harbor with breach of the development agreement if it kept using the property to build the docks. Residents of Port Royal protested before the Town Council in the fall of 2023 before council members went into executive session to discuss the waterfront marina and housing plans by Safe Harbor Marinas. Residents are displeased with the plans. Officials affiliated with Safe Harbor Marina were seated in the first row. Following a February meeting between Port Royal and Safe Harbor Marina to air concerns, officials on both sides left that meeting hopeful. But just when the relationship appeared to be improving, Safe Harbor submitted new demands before it would grant an easement the town needs for the extension of the Spanish Moss Trail to the waterfront. One of Safe Harbors requests was a one-year temporary-use exception to continue building docks at the site. The town ended up citing Safe Harbor over the dock building, alleging it was not an allowed use in the developments planned unit development stipulations. Safe Harbor, however, disagreed. The town also sought a court injunction to stop the work. At this time, Safe Harbor has stopped construction of the docks and is just operating the dry-stack boating operation, Mayor Phillips said. Phillips says he remains positive about the development. They are moving in the right direction, he said. Willis said the town is still trying to schedule a hearing on the citations to determine if the manufacturing and fabrication of the docks is an allowed use for the planned unit development for the property. Safe Harbor used large cranes were used to assemble docks at the Port of Port Royal. That work has stopped for now, according to Mayor Kevin Phillips. A 183-foot sailboat carrying 22 people sank early on Monday off the coast of the Italian island of Sicily following stormy weather in the area, killing at least one passenger, according to Italian officials. Members of the coast guard have rescued 15 passengers, but six -- including two Americans -- are still missing, according to the coast guard and a local port authority. British and Canadian citizens are also unaccounted for, the coast guard said in a statement. Of those recovered, eight have been transported to local hospitals, officials said. The U.K.-flagged vessel -- named the Bayesian -- sank off Porticello, near the coastal city of Palermo, the statement said. The ship is currently located at a depth of around 164 feet, with firefighter divers now attempting to reach it, the statement said. One body was recovered and six people were missing, an authority from the Palermo Port Authorities told ABC News. Divers reached the hull of the ship early on Monday and were still searching the water, the official said. PHOTO: Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday off the coast of Porticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, Aug. 19, 2024. (Igor Petyx/Reuters) A State Department spokesperson said U.S. officials "are aware of reports that U.S. citizens were on the Bayesian." "We are working with local authorities to gather information and we stand ready to provide consular assistance," the spokesperson said. Four coast guard vessels, one helicopter and a team of fire brigade divers are involved in the search, which is being coordinated by the Palermo coast guard, the statement said. #Palermo, naufragio imbarcazione davanti alla costa di Porticello, 15 persone salvate, 7 segnalate come disperse: dall'alba #sommozzatori dei #vigilidelfuoco impegnati nelle ricerche. Relitto individuato a 50 metri di profondita, in arrivo sommozzatori speleo [#19agosto 10:00] pic.twitter.com/IJGP2aRRWB Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024 Fabio La Bianca, who owns the local BAIA Santa Nicolicchia restaurant, told ABC News that he noticed the moored vessel had disappeared when he went to check on storm damage to his business. "After half an hour with the other guys we realized that it was no longer there and immediately the rescuers were going around to look for the missing, they had also launched two distress rockets in the air before," La Bianca said. Local Mayor Giuseppe D'Agostino wrote on Facebook that the "tragedy that struck our community is unparalleled in history." PHOTO: Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday, off the coast of Porticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, Aug. 19, 2024. (Igor Petyx/Reuters) "The administration has activated all channels with the police and is taking care of the people recovered alive so far," D'Agostino said, adding that local authorities are gathering clothes and finding accommodation for the survivors. "The search continues at sea and all we can do is pray and hope to find someone alive." ABC News' Joe Simonetti and Shannon K. Kingston contributed to this report. 1 killed, 6 missing as superyacht sinks off Sicilian coast, Italian officials say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A San Angelo man was indicted in Tom Green County in August after he allegedly slapped and strangled his girlfriend. Mugshot: Dylan Carroll 6-5-2024 courtesy Tom Green County Sheriffs Office. Dylan Carroll, 26, was indicted on Aug. 1 for assault of a family or household member by impeding their breath of blood circulation. 2 arrested in connection with Coleman pawn shop burglary According to records filed in Tom Green County, an officer with the San Angelo Police Department was dispatched to the 3000 Blk of Suttle Lane for a domestic disturbance on June 4. The officer spoke with Carrolls girlfriend who explained that she and Carroll had been lying down in bed when he started getting aggravated and aggressive towards her. She stated that Carroll slapped her on the side of the face twice then got on top of her and began to strangle her. Records state that Carroll then hit her several more times on the side of her face and then continued to strangle her for a second time. During this, it was also stated that Carroll had hit her on the right side of her face with a plate of food. San Angelo man arrested after shooting at 2 women, shooting self A resident of the building had walked into the room after he reported that he had heard arguing. The resident told the officers that when he went into the room, he saw Carroll on top of his girlfriend and separated the two before guiding Carroll out of the residence. Carroll was taken into custody on June 5 and remains incarcerated at the Tom Green County Detention Center. His bond is set at $43,5000. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The Democratic National Convention gets underway on Monday and San Diegos delegates, including some elected officials, are in Chicago for the weeklong event. The dozens of delegates from San Diego are just a handful of the 500 Californians heading to the convention the largest number of delegates for any state where Vice President Kamala Harris is set to be officially anointed the partys presidential nominee. The DNC caps the end of a whirlwind month that upended the dynamics of the presidential race following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw amid pressure from Democratic leaders over his disastrous debate performance in June. 5 things to watch at the Democratic National Convention Biden then endorsed Harris, with the party quickly coalescing around her. Since then, Harris has been on the upswing, and Democrats hope the DNC will keep that momentum going. San Diego-area elected officials are among those set to head to Chicago for the jam-packed week. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Rep. Sara Jacobs will be at the convention, fresh off a weekend of campaigning in Nevada for Harris. Reps. Levin and Peters are also anticipated to attend the quadrennial convention. Outside elected officials, San Diego will be sending 27 district-level delegates, selected from pools within each of the countys congressional districts. All of the district-level delegates, who cast their votes on the first ballot to officially nominate the partys candidate, threw their support behind Harris in the partys virtual roll call earlier this month. They are set to do it again in Chicago, but this time with more fanfare. Featuring a star-studded lineup of former presidents and celebrities, the DNC is anticipated to be Harris biggest platform in the campaign since her quick ascent to the partys nominee. Her address accepting the nomination is scheduled for Thursday, the final day of the convention. However, all eyes are on Biden Monday, who will serve as the keynote speaker during the first night of the convention. Trump will campaign across the country this week as he struggles to adjust to Harris The president is expected to use the speech as a symbolic handoff of the party to Harris, rounding off his five decades in Democratic politics and pressing the case for what he says is the threat to the country if Trump returns to the White House. Watch a livestream of the opening day of the DNC here, beginning at 10 a.m. PST. The war in Gaza is also expected to be in the spotlight throughout the week as thousands of pro-Palestinian activists are set to protest outside each day of the convention, calling for an immediate cease-fire in the fighting and imposition of an arms embargo on Israel. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. (KRON) A San Jose father of three drowned in Lake Tahoe over the weekend, according to investigators and the victims loved ones. The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiners Office identified the victim as 39-year-old Francisco Cisco Villa Madrigal. He was found deceased in the water by Bonsai Rock on the east shore of Lake Tahoe on Saturday afternoon, the sheriffs office said. A search and rescue team comprised of North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Nevada State Park Rangers, and the U.S. Coast Guard pulled his body out of the water. Visitors flock to the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe every summer. (KRON4 Photo) Madrigals grieving family is devastated, a verified GoFundMe page states. He was a loving and dedicated father to his three beautiful girls. A shattering tragedy in their tender young lives. We are waiting for his body to be transported to San Jose, the page states. San Jose couple IDd as Santa Cruz ocean drowning victims The Washoe County Sheriffs Office said it is investigating Madrigals death as an accidental drowning. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, who is on a state visit to China, and his wife Ngo Phuong Ly prior to the talks between Xi and Lam in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. Xi held talks with Lam at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, held talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Vietnamese president, on Monday in Beijing. Xi welcomed Lam's state visit to China and once again congratulated him on his election as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee. CARRYING FORWARD TRADITIONAL FRIENDSHIP China is the destination for Lam's first overseas visit after he took office as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee. Xi said this fully reflects the great importance Lam attaches to the relations between the two parties and the two countries, as well as the high level and strategic nature of China-Vietnam relations. He pointed out that the CPC and the CPV have passed down their shared ideals and beliefs from generation to generation, forging the traditional friendship of "comrades-plus-brothers" between the two countries. As two of the ruling Communist parties in today's world, the CPC and the CPV should uphold and continue their traditional friendship, keep in mind their common mission, adhere to the leadership of the Communist party and the socialist system, continue to deepen the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, and jointly promote the development of the world socialist cause, Xi said. The CPV and the Vietnamese government always attach importance to developing relations with China and regard China as the strategic choice and top priority of Vietnam's foreign policy, Lam said, noting that the Vietnamese side will adhere to the leadership of the Communist party and the socialist path, deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and push forward the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. "Lam's visit comes just half a month after he was elected general secretary of the Central Committee of the CPV, showing the importance the Vietnamese side attaches to relations with China," said Chen Hongsheng, director of Institute of Vietnamese Studies, Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences. "In particular, Lam arrived in south China's Guangzhou on Sunday, visited the places that witnessed Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary activities in China, and exchanged views with friendly personages from China and Vietnam. This is of great significance to consolidating and developing the traditional friendship between the two countries and boosting the continuous progress of bilateral relations," Chen said. DEEPER PRACTICAL COOPERATION Xi underscored that at the critical stage of national development and revitalization, China and Vietnam should strive to consolidate the development pattern featuring higher political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, stronger public support, closer multilateral coordination and cooperation, and better management and resolution of differences. China is ready to maintain close strategic communication and high-level exchanges with Vietnam, firmly adhere to mutual support, actively explore ways to expand synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, accelerate the "hard connectivity" of railway, expressway and port infrastructure, enhance the "soft connectivity" of smart customs, and jointly build a secure and stable industrial and supply chain, Xi said. Vietnam is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen strategic mutual trust, enhance synergy of development strategies, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation with China, Lam said. China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner since 2004, and Vietnam is China's largest trading partner within ASEAN. In 2017, China and Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the joint implementation of the China-proposed BRI and Vietnam's Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy to expedite cooperation across diverse sectors. In the first seven months of 2024, a total of 6,850 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers of goods were shipped via China-Vietnam freight trains departing from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, marking a 16-fold increase year on year. Moreover, thanks to favorable policies such as direct air routes and visa facilitation, the cross-border tourism between China and Vietnam has shown vigorous development. This two-way surge in travel not only boosts the development of the tourism industry, but also deepens the cultural exchange and friendship between the two countries, a Chinese tourism official said. A SHARED FUTURE During Xi's visit to Vietnam last December, the two countries jointly announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. In his talks with Lam, Xi expressed the willingness to establish good working relations and personal friendship with Lam to jointly guide the substantial development in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. He also called for joint efforts to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other basic norms governing international relations, promote an equal and orderly multi-polar world and economic globalization that benefits all, uphold international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries, and work to build a community with a shared future for mankind. For his part, Lam said that the CPV and the Vietnamese government will carry on the legacy of Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, adhere to the leadership of the Communist party and the socialist path, deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and push forward the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Vietnam firmly pursues the one-China policy, supports China in achieving national reunification, and firmly opposes any interference in China's internal affairs, Lam said. Vietnam supports and is willing to actively participate in the initiative to build a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Lam said, adding that Vietnam is also willing to work closely with China to strengthen multilateral international cooperation, uphold multilateralism, safeguard international fairness and justice, and make positive contributions to promoting world peace and development. During Lam's visit to China, the two sides will also issue a joint statement on further strengthening China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and promoting the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, and To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, who is on a state visit to China, have a small chat over tea in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. Xi held talks with Lam at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, shakes hands with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. Xi and Lam on Monday jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents after holding talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The bilateral cooperation documents cover a range of areas, including Party schools, connectivity, industry, finance, customs inspection and quarantine, health, media and news organizations, local governments, and people's livelihood. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, holds talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, holds a welcome ceremony for To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, who is on a state visit to China, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. Xi held talks with Lam at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, holds a welcome ceremony for To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, who is on a state visit to China, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. Xi held talks with Lam at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, holds a welcome ceremony for To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, who is on a state visit to China, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. Xi held talks with Lam at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, and To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, who is on a state visit to China, have a small chat over tea in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. Xi held talks with Lam at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, holds a welcome ceremony for To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, who is on a state visit to China, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. Xi held talks with Lam at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) The San Juan Generating station is scheduled to be demolished on Aug. 24., according to the Farmington mayors office. (Photo courtesy of San Juan Citizens Alliance and EcoFlight / Creative Commons) Officials sitting on the Radioactive & Hazardous Materials interim committee received an update last week on how the state plans to clean up the decommissioned San Juan Generating Station. The Public Service Company of New Mexico, or PNM, decommissioned the coal-fired power plant at the end of 2022. Its scheduled to be demolished on Aug. 24., according to the Farmington mayors office. And the New Mexico Environment Department is taking steps to evaluate and clean up the ecological impact that decades of burning coal has had on the areas water and air quality. But committee members were skeptical after hearing an update on the plan. This seems problematic, said Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque), after a presentation by Justin Ball, the chief of the ground water quality bureau at the environment department. Sedillo Lopez expressed concern that the cleanup plan didnt consider how the demolition could further contaminate the areas water and air quality. I would encourage the department to look at this more holistically, Sedillo Lopez said. While Ball is admittedly not an expert on New Mexicos air quality laws, he said that the demolition is regulated. I would be very surprised if PNM has not gone through the proper steps to get a permit to do the demolition that they are proposing, Ball said. The discrepancy spurred several lawmakers on the committee to say they would like Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to clarify monitoring responsibilities. The site cleanup wont happen until a three-phase plan is completed . Site evaluation and environmental risk documentation should begin sometime this month. Then, at the end of the year, the department plans to start collecting field samples and analyze data. A finalized cleanup plan should be presented next summer. At the end of the day, financial responsibility for the cleanup will hinge on PNM, the prior operator of the plant. The utility company was asked to be present at the committee meeting, but declined to participate. This article first appeared at KUNM News. It is republished here with permission. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Savannah Clovers announce the return of their stadium canned food drive in 2024 Kick Hunger will take place on September 4 when the Clovers take on the Michigan Stars FC. Clovers fans are encouraged to donate canned food and non-perishable items. Your donations help benefit Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Food Bank. The first 200 fans to donate at the September 4th Match will receive a free #HelpEndHunger Bracelet. In addition to donations from Clovers fans, Kroger will be an Official Donation Partner for the midweek event. Last year, over 300 canned food items were donated by Clovers fans. Second Harvest is thrilled to participate in this community partnership with the Savannah Clovers FC and Kroger. In honor of Hunger Action Month, we will join forces on September 4th to Kick Hunger out of the stadium. Mary Jane Crouch, Executive Director of Second Harvest explains Hunger affects all ages and can strike at any time. Through education, awareness, and partnerships within the community, we all can play a part to Help End Hunger in Coastal Georgia. Carolina Panthers give 5K backpacks to Spartanburg students We are thrilled to help the Savannah Clovers Kick Hunger for Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. At Kroger, our mission is to feed the human spirit, and our commitment is to deliver on our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste mission to end hunger in the communities we serve, said Tammie Young-Ennaemba, Corporate Affairs Manager for Krogers Atlanta Division. Lets go Savannah Clovers and kick hunger! We are honored to partner with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and Kroger for this years Kick Hunger event. Food insecurity is a real problem that affects children and families in Georgia. Through Kick Hunger!, our partners and fans, we hope to do our part in combating hunger in Georgia Brian Sykes, SCFC General Manager Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. Tickets available here Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. Savannah State University Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander speaks during the announcement of a special partnership between HCA Healthcare and Savannah State University on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the SSU Howard Jordan Building. Savannah State University (SSU) is searching for a new permanent president. Section 2.2 of the Univesrity System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents Policy Manual requires that a search committee is established when a vacancy occurs in a presidency at a USG institution. Although the committee is ultimately tasked with submitting "three to five unranked names to the Board of Regents (BOR) for consideration," the BOR ultimately selects university system presidents. On June 13, USG named the members of SSUs search committee , which includes the USG Board of Regents Chair Harold Reynolds as well as former Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) Superintendent Ann Levett, former Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, and former Savannah Mayor and current State Rep. Edna Jackson, among others. President of the SSU Faculty Senate and associate professor in SSUs College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) Philip Omunga and SSU National Alumni Association President Harold Washington are also on the committee, which held its first meeting on July 18 on SSUs campus. AGB Search, a Washington, D.C. consulting firm, is providing executive search services. While SSU has not had a permanent president since Kimberly Ballard-Washington submitted her resignation in April 2023, Cynthia Robinson Alexander has served as interim president since July 1, 2023. Alexander took the helm at a rocky time amid staff cuts, a budget shortfall, aging facilities and increased tuition/fees as well as recent student and faculty unrest due to program cuts, particularly within CLASS. SSU presidential search to bring stability to leadership As previously reported by the Savannah Morning News, Ballard-Washington's tenure was preceded by Cheryl Davenport Dozier, who served in the role from 2011-2019, and Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., 2007-2011. Current USG institution presidents have served an average of 3.7 years in their roles. SSU has lacked consistent leadership in other top-level roles. SSU has had 11 different provosts since 2007, with four resigning and one retiring in that time frame, while five others served as interims. All served four years or less. Six of the provosts never served two full years in the role. Current provost Richard Miller has served for nearly one year. A new SSU president will face many challenges. One less challenge, for the time being, is a lawsuit claiming that Georgias public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were systematically underfunded by the state. The lawsuit, initially filed on Oct. 23, 2023, by John A. Moore of the Moore Law Group from Atlanta and Carlos E. Moore of the Cochran Firm Mississippi Delta, was recently dismissed this past July "due to limited action," according to recent reporting in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution (AJC). From his comments to the AJC, Moore appears to be building a revised case to bring forward in the future. One way SSU might secure stability at the highest level is by hiring Alexander as the permanent replacement. She is under consideration for the role, though the position has been posted online so that others may apply by Oct. 29, 2024. Applications are required in PDF format and submitted through the AGB Search portal. According to the job posting, applicants must submit: A letter of interest stating how their experience and qualifications connect with the required/preferred characteristics and priorities expressed in the leadership profile* A curriculum vitae/resume Five professional references with email addresses and phone numbers provided (references will not be contacted without prior permission from the applicant). *According to the SSU presidential search webpage for the position profile, it is "still being developed and will be posted following the community feedback listening sessions in August. In the meantime, the public can send nominations and questions to SavannahStatePres@agbsearch.com. Savannah State Interim President, Cynthia Robinson Alexander addresses students during a Student Government Association forum on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2024 at the university's Student Union. Alexander addressed concerns about possible cuts to the arts program. Search process seeks broad community feedback The USG manual does not explicitly express a timeline for when a president search committee should be formed or a timeframe in which its recommendations should be made to the BOR. USG Assistant Vice Chancellor Leadership Communications Kristina Torres said in an email that "each presidential search is unique to each institution and includes the input of campus stakeholders." The search committee has planned a series of listening sessions on SSUs campus on Thursday, Aug. 29. The community feedback page on SSU's presidential search site states that the sessions aim to determine what "qualities and qualifications" the next president should have as well as what the next president's top priorities should be. Community input will ultimately "inform the search profile and assist the committee as we begin evaluating candidates." While the sessions will take place at the Elmore Theater, King Frazier Student Center, the public can also attend virtually. Go to savannahstate.edu/presidential-search/ for more details. 9:30 a.m. | Session 1: Faculty/Staff 10:30 a.m. | Session 2: Alumni, Community & SSU Foundation 11:30 a.m. | Session 3: Students For members of the community who cannot attend in-person sessions, feedback can be sent via a survey wherein community members are asked three questions: What are the 2-3 most important talents, skills and attributes that the next president should possess? What are the 2-3 most important opportunities that await the next president? What priorities should the new president focus on in the first year? Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: SSU to host community 'listening sessions' for presidential search Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a new statement shared by a spokesperson of the city of Austin. The Austin City Council violated the Texas Open Meetings Act when placing a slate of charter amendments on the Nov. 5 general election ballot, a lawsuit filed Monday claims. The suit was filed in Travis County's 98th District Court by attorneys representing the Save Our Springs Alliance, an environmental nonprofit; its executive director, Bill Bunch; and Joe Riddell, a former staff attorney in the Texas attorney general's office. It seeks to invalidate the City Council's approval of adding the charter amendments to the ballot. As Monday is the last day to order an election, if a judge rules in favor of the group, the 13 charter amendments approved last week by the City Council would not make it onto the ballot this year. The lawsuit asserts that the city's governing body violated both the public participation requirements and the public notice requirements of the act when it authorized the election at a hearing last Wednesday because all of the proposed amendments were compressed into one agenda item, rather than each one being taken up individually. This limited the amount of time a person could speak on the amendments and did not give substantial public notice on what the amendments would change, the lawsuit claims. The Austin City Council is becoming lawless, and this lawsuit is another example of their arrogant disdain for transparency. Mayor Watson and the Council majority are undermining democracy with violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act," Bill Aleshire, a former Travis County judge and attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a news release. Bunch has seen success in the courts in suing the Austin mayor and City Council over violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act in the past. Following a lengthy and robust charter amendment process that included multiple opportunities for public input, we are aware of the lawsuit that SOS filed today that challenges the August 14 charter amendment election ordinance," read a statement shared by city of Austin spokesperson David Ochsner with the American-Statesman. The city stands by the process used. The city charter is a comprehensive legal document of the city of Austin's rules and regulations. The proposed charter amendments include raising the threshold of signatures needed for a recall election of a City Council member from 10% of registered voters in the council member's district to 15%, giving the City Council the authority to appoint and remove the city attorney, and requiring that initiative elections and citizen-initiated charter elections occur in even-year November general elections. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Lawsuit seeks to remove Austin charter amendments from Nov. 5 ballot Friedrich Merz (L) Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU )federal chairman and leader of the CDU parliamentary group, attends his party's executive committee meeting along with Michael Kretschmer Minister President of Saxony in the Konrad Adenauer House. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Michael Kretschmer, premier of the eastern German state of Saxony, repeated a call for talks to end the war in Ukraine on Monday, just two weeks before state elections in which the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is predicted to make gains. Kretschmer, a member of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which is in opposition at the federal level, described the war as "a tragic development in which many were dying every day." He recently backed a federal decision to cut spending on arms for Ukraine as it fights off the full-scale Russian invasion that began in February 2022. Kretschmer said Germany should have played a mediating role in line with past policies instead of backing Ukraine with arms and training. He criticized Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of the Greens for her staunch support of Ukraine's government and military. According to recent media reports, Germany will radically cut military support to Ukraine next year on the assumption that seized Russian assets can be used instead. The CDU and AfD are both polling at around 30% ahead of the September 1 elections in Saxony, with the three parties in the centre-left federal coalition trailing well behind. The AfD, whose strongly anti-migration policies are rejected by the established parties, has tended to a line showing greater understanding for the Russian position. Party member boycotted a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the federal parliament in June. Kretschmer's line on Ukraine diverges from that of CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who called for stronger support for Ukraine, including the supply of combat jets in an interview with German national public broadcaster ARD last month. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has uncovered a Russian intelligence network that included serving and former law enforcement officers from Ukraine, the agency reported on Aug. 19. The intelligence network operated in Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts. The suspects surveilled the Ukrainian Armed Forces and critical infrastructure facilities. The SBU detained two members of the network in Mykolaiv. One of them was a local law enforcement officer who had been in touch with a Russian agent since 2015. The suspect collected data on the location of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Mykolaiv Oblast and passed information about personnel changes in law enforcement agencies. The serving law enforcement officer used his position to obtain intelligence. The suspect also involved his father, a resident of Mykolaiv who used to be a police officer, in the activities, according to SBU. Using the coordinates provided by the suspects, Russian troops attacked one of the energy facilities in western Ukraine. One of the suspects, the former police officer, used an acquaintance living in western Ukraine to gather information, SBU said. The suspect also had to look for potential candidates for recruitment, particularly among former and current law enforcement officers and military personnel of Mykolaiv Oblast. The SBU detained both suspects. One of them tried to escape to Russian-occupied Crimea. During the searches, the detainees' cell phones, computers, draft records, and documents with alleged evidence were seized. Law enforcement services also found Russian symbols and rubles. The suspects are accused of treason committed during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They remain in custody and could face life imprisonment. Another suspect was charged in absentia, according to SBU. Read also: Kyiv uncovers suspected Russian agent network planning sabotage in Ukraine, Europe Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. It was a deal that just made sense, thought Carnell Conyers. In February, a salesman knocked on the door of her home in a quiet neighborhood in Manning, South Carolina, and said a company called Freedom Forever was offering to install solar panels on her houses roof. The panels would lower her electric bill, and, thanks to a grant, she wouldnt have to pay a dime, Conyers remembered the 20-year-old salesman saying. But once the panels were installed, the 68-year-old Conyers, who lives on a fixed income, was shocked to receive two bills in the mail one was her regular utility bill from Duke Energy, the other was a statement saying she owed her first installment on a $29,541.63 loan to a company shed never heard of, called Mosaic. We never talked about any of this stuff. We never signed for no loan, we never talked about no loan, Conyers told The State. But Conyers soon learned that when shed signed up to have solar panels installed by Freedom Forever, the project was financed through Mosaic, a separate company based in Oakland, California, that finances residential solar projects. And Conyers wasnt alone. Her neighbor, Carrie Franklin, 75, said that after solar panels were installed at her home, she learned she owed $54,970.30 to Mosaic for a loan Franklin says she never signed up for. If Franklin makes regular payments, shell be 105 years old by the time the loan is paid off. The two womens stories are similar to those reported recently around the nation. Federal and state officials, along with attorneys, warn that some consumers are buying into solar energy sales pitches only to be surprised later by the terms. Earlier this month, the federal Consumer Finance Protection Bureau issued a consumer advisory about the sales tactics of some solar companies. More and more companies now deploy door-to-door salespeople to pressure homeowners to install solar energy and to borrow money to pay for it, the federal Consumer Finance Protection Bureau wrote in a consumer advisory released Aug. 7. While saving the environment and reducing energy use are highlighted, upfront and long-term costs for installation and maintenance arent always part of the sales pitch. As a result, homeowners can be pressured into complicated solar loans or financing agreements without understanding the costs and risks. In South Carolina, the Department of Consumer Affairs has received nearly 20 total complaints against Freedom Forever, which installs the systems, and Mosaic. There has been a rise in these kinds of cases in the past few years, said Susan Ingles, head of the consumer unit at South Carolina Legal Services, a law firm that provides free legal services to low income South Carolinians. We especially see it with our low income and senior population and particularly in rural areas. Freedom Forever and Mosaic also have amassed complaints across the country. In Minnesota, the attorney general sued Mosaic over allegations of hidden fees. In news reports and online reviews, customers of Freedom Forever describe being stuck with loans they didnt expect for solar panels that dont work or were never even installed. The thing Ive heard the most is that people dont understand what theyre buying, said Sue Berkowitz, director of policy at the Appleseed Legal Justice Center in South Carolina, who said that she had spoken with other homeowners who voiced complaints similar to Conyers and Franklin. The contracts involved are sophisticated, Berkorwitz said, and many homeowners dont have the ability to read and understand them during a high pressure sales situation without a lawyer present. For their part, the salesman who sold Conyers and Franklin the panels and his employer have denied any wrongdoing. The loan, they say, is a cornerstone of the deal, and paying a fixed monthly loan that costs less than a variable power bill is a better deal for homeowners. They also maintain that both women signed loan paperwork and received a welcome call from Mosaic, which would have been recorded. The salesman works for a third company, Solar Pros, that sells the systems for Freedom Forever with loans provided through Mosaic. But both women denied receiving calls and produced paperwork to show that they were initially denied loans, which they say that they did not ask for, only to receive the loans later. Freedom Forever did not respond to emails requesting comment. A loan didnt come up. Carnell Conyers sighed as she stared at the roof of her one story house. It was July 25, and 17 black solar panels gleamed dully under the cloudless sky. The panels should have been turning the suns rays into electricity, but they werent hooked up to the grid. They had not yet been inspected. Conyers had been trying to get the panels taken down since she found out about the the money she owed in May, when a $116.10 statement from Mosaic arrived in the mail. According to an incident report she filed with the Manning Police Department, Conyers says she never took out the loan and after she didnt pay it she had received a letter threatening to place a lien on her home. The stress was wearing her down, Conyers said that day in July. She had stopped trusting her own decisions, strangers were making her suspicious and her family was growing worried about her rapid weight loss ever since she found out about the loan. I dont want to live in the shadow of these things, Conyers said. For months, Freedom Forever had been saying that they couldnt take the panels down. Fortunately for the Conyers, the situation apparently was resolved. Following multiple complaints from Conyers family and after The State reached out to Freedom Forever, a representative of the company told Conyers that the company would remove the panels and were reaching out to Mosaic to cancel the loan. Pointing to the utility box installed by Freedom Forever connected to the solar panels on her roof, Carnell Conyers, 68, says that the panels have never provided her home with any power because they arent connected to the grid. But if Conyers had made all of her payments, including interest, for the next 25 years, she would have paid Mosaic $48,600.89. While prices for solar panels vary, ConsumerAffairs estimates that a South Carolina homeowner would pay $16,800 for a 6 kilowhatt hour system and up to $28,000 for a 10 kilowhatt hour system, before tax credits are applied. For Conyers, the ordeal began on Feb. 23, when a pleasant young salesman named Sawyer Garns showed up at her house and told her he represented Freedom Forever, a company that was installing panels for her neighbors. Conyers remembers him saying the company could install solar panels on her roof, at no cost to her, and it would dramatically cut her $267 monthly utility bill. She jumped at the opportunity. Im not going to tell you Im a big environmentalist, she said. I was interested in saving money. Conyers and her husband, Dell Conyers, have lived in the same house in Manning for four decades. Theyre both retired and live on fixed incomes. He was a factory worker; she worked her way up at the county Disabilities and Special Needs Board over 31 years. Manning is a small city of just under 4,000 people surrounded by farms. Except for three German Shepherds in the next yard, the Conyers neighborhood is quiet. In a city where the median household income is $27,000 a year, it is not a place where many people go looking for the next hot, new thing. But in Conyers neighborhood, there are at least four homes with solar panels on the roofs, all installed in the past year. In conversations with The State and in her police report, Conyers was emphatic that Garns told her the installation would be funded through a grant. I didnt think about a loan because a loan didnt come up, she said, adding that she never would have agreed to take out a loan. In the police report, Conyers said she never gave authorization for a loan. Speaking to The State, Garns said he regretted the situation and denied describing the program as a grant. I dont use that verbiage ever, he told The State. Garns said that he was trained to make sure people understand what they were buying, and that he provided information about the loan and the payments. He said Conyers may have confused tax credits for the grant. Federal and state tax credits can help offset tax bills for homeowners who install solar systems. But the nonrefundable credits only apply to unpaid taxes, typically from untaxed income such as capital gains. That means it has limited benefit for lower income individuals or taxpayers who only receive a W2 form or are on fixed incomes, like the Conyers. Due to Solar Pros commission model, the extensive renovations that the company performed to strengthen the Conyers roof before the solar panels meant that Garns did not receive a commission on that sale, said Brandon Wilson, Garns manager at Solar Pros. I didnt make a dime, Garns said, There was no benefit to mislead her on that. Still, selling the systems can be lucrative. On a podcast, Garns, who has been selling solar since 2022, said he made in the ballpark of $220,000 last year selling solar. Loans in ninety minutes or less But the process raises questions about whether customers like Conyers have time to fully understand what they are signing up for. A review of emails sent to Conyers on Feb. 23 shows that the entire process from learning about the solar panels to taking out a nearly $30,000 loan took less than 90 minutes. Conyers remembers that Garns came by after 5 p.m. on Feb. 23. At 5:52 p.m., she received an email from Mosaic saying that she had been pre-qualified for a loan. Brandon Wilson, a manager at Solar Pros, told The State that to receive the loan, Conyers would have needed to fill out loan paperwork, provide her Social Security number, be pre-qualified and then complete a welcome call from Mosaic. In South Carolina, there is also a ten day cooling off period that allows the consumer to cancel the purchase or loan with no penalties. All these are meant to act as safeguards for the consumer, Wilson said. But Conyers maintains that she never received a call from Mosaic, and she said that she doesnt regularly check her email. The document sent to Conyers by Mosaic, reviewed by The State, said that she only had three business days to cancel the contract. Copies of the loan documents reviewed by The State contain an electronic signature with the name Carnell Conyers. While Conyers said she remembers signing something digitally, she believed that the document was simply to allow Freedom Forever to check if she was eligible for solar with her utility provider, Duke Energy. In a statement, a spokesperson for Duke Energy said that the company was not affiliated with Freedom Forever. At 6:01 p.m., Conyers received another email from Mosaic addressed to her and her husband saying that their loan application was being rejected because the company was unable to determine their FICO credit score. But at 6:28 p.m. Carnell received an email saying that an inspection of her roof had been scheduled. Mosaic did not respond to a request to explain how the loan was denied and then approved. Nationwide complaints In their pitch to South Carolina residents, Freedom Forevers website says solar will allow them to enjoy cheaper, cleaner, more sustainable energy. Whatever your reason, going solar is worth it! But not all customers have been satisfied. Thirteen complaints were filed against Freedom Forever with the state Department of Consumer Affairs between May 2023 and July 2024. Nine of those complaints concerned allegations of deceptive, misleading or unethical sales practices along with unfulfilled promises. Seven are still listed as open and pending response from the company. One open complaint filed in November 2023 reported, Consumer states she was advised she would no longer have an electric bill and that there was a tax refund associated with the purchase. An additional nine complaints have been filed against Mosaic, ranging from billing disputes and claims of misrepresentation of service to claims that Mosaic wont produce copies of contracts and that inaccurate information was provided to Mosaic without the customers knowledge. Nationally, 312 complaints have been filed against Mosaic with the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau since the beginning of 2020. Every month Carrie Franklin, 75, sends a postal money order for $240.42 to Mosaic to pay for a loan she denies taking out to fund the installation of solar panels on her house. Mosaic is also one of three lenders in the solar industry currently being sued by the Minnesota Attorney Generals Office for hidden fees. In April, over a hundred California homeowners protested at the companys Oakland offices, alleging that Mosaic was issuing loans for work that wasnt completed. Both companies have also also drawn scrutiny for practices similar to what has been reported in South Carolina. In California, CBS reported that one homeowner, who didnt even have solar panels installed, received notice of a $11,640 loan from Mosaic. Just like Conyers, Andrea Bokreta told CBS, I knew I didnt sign anything. While Bokreta said that she gave her Social Security to the salesman, she was told that it was needed for her quote. Freedom Forever provided CBS with an audit of Bokretas paperwork, which showed that she viewed the 24 page contract and signed or initialed in seven different spots within 29 seconds. Bokreta insisted she never read nor signed anything, according to CBS. In Billings, Montana, several other solar companies spoke out about the practices of Solar Pros and Freedom Forever, who they said were giving customers false information. Justice Graham, the owner of YellowBall Roofing and Solar, told local TV-station KTVQ that Solar Pros representatives were incorrectly telling homeowners that they would not have to pay property taxes for 10 years. The type of clientele that can really become victimized by this high-pressure, door-to-door are people that just arent educated...They dont even know what hit them. Some fast-talking kid comes in there, promises them the world, and then, bam, their lives are changed. A $50,000 solar system on a 25-year contract, that can affect your life, Graham told KTVQ. Get out of my yard. Carrie Franklin says shes never even had a mortgage. After working much of her life in Connecticut, Franklin and her husband moved to Manning in 2010 to live in the home they had built on land they bought in the 1970s. Like her neighbors the Conyers, Franklin is on a fixed income. When Garns came by on Feb 22 and hand wrote on the back of a utility bill how much she could save, she said she was attracted to the idea of increasing her self-sufficiency. When I retired I tried to get everything I needed so I didnt need to need nothing, said Franklin, whose husband died shortly after they moved to South Carolina. Just like her neighbors, Franklin denied taking out a loan or even signing paperwork. But Wilson, the Solar Pros supervisor, told The State that the company had proof that Franklin completed the electronic application and that she received a welcome call on Feb. 22. Wilson said that he was unable to share either the recording of the call or the contract because the account had been escalated to the legal team. In a pile of documents that Franklin showed The State was an old utility bill where Garns had handwritten figures. Next to an amount corresponding her utility payment to Duke Energy was an up arrow. A box surrounded the figue $13,742 next to the words 25% SC tax credit. At the bottom of the page Garns had written utility loan with an arrow to the phrase Mosaic takes it on. When asked, Franklin said she didnt know what the information on the document meant. As with Conyers, Mosaic initially denied her application. In a letter the lender sent her, which Franklin showed to The State, the company said it could not provide her with a loan for the panels, citing excessive debt, delinquent credit and insufficient recent credit history. When she called Garns about the letter, Franklin says she remembers he told her not to worry about it. That May, the panels went up on her house. Shortly after, she received her first statement from Mosaic informing her that she owed her first installment of $240.42 on her $54,970.30 loan. Mosaic did not respond to The States inquiries about Franklins loan. Franklin says that her panels arent even hooked up. Speaking to The State, Wilson said that the panels cant be hooked up until an inspection is completed. But that process has been paused because the situation had been escalated to Freedom Forevers legal team after Franklin and her son made a complaint, Wilson said. For her part, Franklin said shes resigned to paying for the panels. Each month she fills out a postal money order for $240.42 and sends it off to Mosaic, before writing down the amount and date in neat rows in a notebook. If anybody comes to my door now, I say get out of my yard, Franklin said. The Nassau County Sheriffs Office is alerting residents to scammer calls. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Fraudulent calls from people impersonating a Nassau County Sheriffs Office Lieutenant have been reported. The sheriffs office said these callers will use various names and/or titles. They claim the person they are calling has a warrant out for their arrest due to missing jury duty, then demanding payment. This can be made using Bitcoin. RELATED STORY: INVESTIGATES: I was vulnerable Artificial Intelligence work-from-home job scams targeting victims The Nassau County Sheriffs Office will NEVER call you to demand money, the sheriffs office said in the alert issues on social media. They advise residents to do the following: If you receive such a call, hang up immediately. Do not share personal or financial informaiton. Be skeptical, especially those that create a sense of urgency. Verify any claims by contacting official numbers found on government websites. If you received one of these calls, report it to the Seniors vs. Crime Project at 800-203-3099. For more informaiton about the Seniors Vs. Crime Project, visit the website at https://www.seniorsvscrime.com. [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. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) The Mississippi Public Service Commissioners urged Mississippians to be cautious of scam callers posing as Public Service Commission (PSC) employees. They said the individuals may attempt to solicit personal information or payment. On Monday, the PSC was contacted by a citizen reporting a phone call from someone claiming to be a member of PSC staff. The supposed PSC representative claimed he would send her $200 for paying her electric bills on time but needed her credit card information in order to do so. MDWFP uses multiple methods to study states black bears The scammer did not provide his own name or the name of an electric company, but he did tell the customer that he worked for the PSC and provided her with the PSCs customer service number. The PSC has reported this scam to the Attorney Generals Office. The PSC said their employees will never initiate contact requesting sensitive information or for a payment over the phone. If you receive such a call, it is likely a scam. To protect yourself: Be wary of unsolicited calls claiming to be from the PSC. NEVER give out personal or financial information over the phone. Hang up and report the incident or any similar suspicious activity to the PSC and to the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor of Germany, has stressed amid emerging comments regarding German military assistance for Ukraine that Germany will keep supporting Ukraine, specifically by providing a 50 billion loan within the Group of Seven. Source: Scholz on X (Twitter) cited by European Pravda Details: Scholz stated that Germany "was and is" a country which provides Ukraine with the largest quantity of military aid among all European states. Deutschland ist und bleibt der starkste Unterstutzer der Ukraine in Europa. Und wir setzen die Unterstutzung fort: mit einem 50-Milliarden-Euro-Kredit, den wir mit den G7 auf den Weg bringen. Damit kann die Ukraine in groem Umfang Waffen beschaffen. Darauf kann sie bauen. Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) August 19, 2024 "And we continue our support: with the help of a 50 billion loan which we are starting to allocate jointly with the G7. This will allow Ukraine to procure armament on a large scale. It can rely on this," Scholz said. Background: This weekend German media reported that current budget planning of the German federal government did not provide for supplementary funds for the support for Ukraine, and additional requests by the Ministry of Defence of Germany concerning military assistance for Ukraine would no longer get approved on the chancellors demand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that these reports were incorrect and manipulative. German politicians from both opposition Christian Democratic Union of Germany and from the coalition, specifically, from the party of Olaf Scholz, criticised this approach to further funding of the aid for Ukraine, explaining that it may pose a threat for the security of Germany. The German government denied its intentions to decrease the military aid for Ukraine. The government spokesperson stated that the German government expected that next year the international partners of Ukraine would provide it with a loan for the total amount of 50 billion, which will be paid back with profits from frozen Russian assets. Meanwhile, the stocks of German defence companies dropped after these reports. Support UP or become our patron! BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China continues to see a rising number of foreign visitors thanks to its series of entry policies, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said on Monday. In the first seven months of this year, the number of foreign visitors to China soared 129.9 percent year on year to 17.25 million, said Liu Haitao, NIA deputy head, at a press conference. Meanwhile, a total of 341 million cross-border travels were recorded, up 62.34 percent from the same period of last year. The foreign visitors are estimated to boost consumption topping 100 billion yuan (about 14 billion U.S. dollars) in total, with a per capita daily average consumption volume of nearly 3,500 yuan, Liu said. During the period, 846,000 port visas were issued to foreign nationals who have urgent needs to enter China but do not have enough time to apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates abroad. The figure rose 183 percent year on year. Regarding port visas, the NIA said foreign nationals can submit applications in advance to port visa authorities by themselves or through inviting parties, or apply on site upon arrival at ports in China. Liu said China's immigration authorities had stepped up efforts to make customs clearance "more convenient" and cross-border supply chains "more efficient," shortening the time for customs inspections and setting up priority channels for major cargo flights. Since the beginning of this year, China has expanded its visa-free policies, relaxed visa application requirements and simplified procedures, exempted border checks for certain transit passengers and made mobile payment services more convenient for foreigners. In its latest effort, the NIA announced in July a policy allowing people from countries with diplomatic relations with China to visit the southern island province of Hainan visa-free for 144 hours via tour groups registered in Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. Earlier in July, the NIA said the country's 144-hour visa-free transit policy had been expanded to three more entry ports, taking the number of ports covered by the policy to 37. Thanks to these efforts, China has become a popular destination for overseas tourists. With more people posting their travel experiences in China on social media, "China Travel" has become a top trending search term on multiple global social media platforms. First-time China visitor, George, 65, from the United States, said he was most impressed by the highly convenient transport, the rich historical heritage and unique sceneries. Noelia and Max, a young couple from Mexico, even dressed in ethnic Miao costumes to hold a traditional wedding ceremony in Guilin, a scenic city in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region that is famous for its karst hills, rivers and caves. The wedding video they posted online afterward reached 300 million viewers within 48 hours. Zhou Xiaoguang, general manager of Guilin Tang Dynasty Tours Co., Ltd., said the company's business in the first half of this year soared over five times compared with a year ago. "We see more and more foreigners," he said. "In some cases, we are even short of foreign language-speaking tour guides." Sun Yuehui, a tour guide in Guilin who has worked with foreign tourists for over a decade, said she works with tour groups almost every day. "Around this time last year, I only had two to three foreign tour groups in a month," she said. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) As most north central West Virginia school districts head back to school this week, a new attendance policy is in effect this school year. Under the new policy, school principals will make meaningful contact with students parents or guardians after three total unexcused absences during the school yeardefined as a phone call, video conference, home visit or contact via digital platforms. In the case of 10 unexcused absences, the attendance director or assistant may make a complaint against the parent, guardian, or custodian before a magistrate of the county. The policy defines excused absences as: A medical or dental appointment with a written excuse from a doctor or dentist. An illness or injury with a timely written excuse from the students parent or guardian, provided absences without a doctors note do not exceed 10 per school year unless the student has a medically documented chronic health condition or disability that adversely impacts in-person attendance approved by a county school board or the principal. An illness or injury in the family accompanied by a reasonable explanation for why the students absence was necessary and caused by the illness or injury. A death in the family. School-approved or county-approved curricular or extra-curricular activities. A judicial obligation or court appearance involving the student. A military requirement for students enlisted or enlisting in the military. Any absence that does not fit the definition of an excused absence is considered an unexcused absence under the new policy, which went into effect on July 1, 2024. New school attendance policy in effect in West Virginia The changes stem from Senate Bill 568, which passed nearly unanimously in the House of Delegates and State Senate, with only Del. Henry Dillon (R Wayne, 029) and State Sen. Patricia Rucker (R Jefferson, 16) voting nay. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Want to hunt for black holes, but lack access to a mountaintop observatory or deep-space telescope? Theres an app for thatand you can help out astronomers by using it. Developed by the Dutch Black Hole Consortium, an interdisciplinary research project based in the Netherlands, Black Hole Finder is a free program available both on smartphones and as a desktop website. After reviewing a quick tutorial, all you need to do is study images taken by BlackGEM, a telescope array in Northern Chile tasked with searching the skies for cosmic events called kilonovas. Although launched in March 2024, as Space.com noted on August 19, the projects recently expanded from just English and Dutch to support Spanish, German, Chinese, Bengali, Polish, and Italian. Due to the sometimes very high number of transients we have in one night we decided to make things simpler. Everyone who does more than 1000 transients will be granted the Super User status. After that you can help us do a follow up. The follow up process has also been updated. We disabled it a while ago as we were requesting a lot of follow-ups. So many that we ran out of telescope time at LCO. We now have new telescope time available and based on the brightness of the transient you will request a different follow up. Once you reach Super User status you will receive a notification, the tutorial becomes available for you and you can requests follow-ups for transients that are less than 16 hours old. Examples of verified kilonova images. Credit: Dutch Black Hole Consortium Formed during the collision of a neutron star and a black hole, kilonovas generate a blindingbut briefburst of electromagnetic radiation, which sometimes also results in the creation of a stellar-mass black hole. Although 1,000 times brighter than a regular nova, kilonovas are between 1/10th and 1/100th the brightness of their much more well-known relatives, supernovas. This can make them difficult to spot, especially given their comparatively short lifespans. Each accurately identified kilonova offers astronomers a potential location to study further for evidence of newly formed black holes. But given there are thousands of images to peruse and less than 40 people in the Dutch Black Hole Consortium, the organization could use some citizen scientist volunteers. After loading up the app, users are presented with a trio of grainy, black-and-white images of a single focal pointthe newest available photo, a reference picture of that same region, and an overlay image displaying the difference between the first two photos. A real kilonova is characterized by a few key details. First off, they are round, extremely white shapes roughly 5-10 pixels in diameter. Comparing the new and reference photos, each kilonovas brightness can vary in either image, such as fading, growing brighter, completely disappearing, and becoming newly visible. [Related: Astronomers discover Earths closest black hole.] False positives, however, are pretty identifiable based on their tells. No matter their causecosmic-ray interference, reflections, or data processing errorthey arent rounded like kilonovas, dont fall within the 5-10 pixel range, and often appear stretched or distorted. After examining each set, users then click whether or not their potential kilonova is Real or Bogus, and move on to the next entry. Dont worry, though, if youre stumped on a particular example, you can simply select Unknown to hedge your bets. Black Hole Finder even debuted a new phase on August 1 that opens up the possibility of becoming a Super User after reviewing 1,000 or more image sets. Once attained, Super Users can request the newest obtained follow-up images to review. Theres no high score or prize payout to using the Black Hole Finder, but the knowledge that you are contributing to humanitys understanding of astrophysics and the cosmos arguably beats bragging rights any day of the week. The man arrested on suspicion of killing his wife in Scottsdale on Saturday is a longtime professor at Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business, the university confirmed in an email to The Arizona Republic. The suspect is 47-year-old David Zhu. Scottsdale police said he reportedly shot his wife at a home near North 128th Way on Saturday evening, prompting a response from the department around 6:30 p.m., when responding officers found a woman with a gunshot wound. They took her to a hospital where she died. An ASU spokesperson verified that Zhu is a professor at the university on Monday morning. His ASU staff profile says he is a "Professor & Dean's Council Distinguished Scholar" in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship. The university did not immediately provide any further detail about Zhu's tenure as a professor at ASU or if he had been fired. McDowell Mountain Justice Court records show he has been employed by ASU for 10 years. Our condolences go out to all those affected by this tragedy, a university spokesperson wrote to The Republic. The Scottsdale Police Department has not said what may have prompted the shooting. Court records show that Zhu's two teenage children told officers he and his wife were in a "screaming fight" before they heard two shots ring out. Those records also show Zhu had a yearslong history of domestic violence, which included threats of murder or suicide and an increase in the frequency or intensity of incidents. Investigators reported in the records that "neither child expressed any surprise that David has shot and killed their mother." This embedded content is not available in your region. After the shooting, one of Zhu's children ran out of the house and had a neighbor call 911. The court record indicates Zhu himself also called 911 and said the shooting was "accidental," something he maintained later on by telling police "I was trying to shoot the wall behind her." Police found two spent shotgun shells at the scene and multiple other firearms in the house. Investigators determined his wife was shot twice in the back with a shotgun after her body was examined at the hospital. Zhu was arrested and booked Sunday into a Maricopa County jail on suspicion of one count of homicide, according to online jail records. "While this is still an ongoing investigation, there is no threat to the surrounding community, as this is an isolated incident," said Sgt. Allison Sempsis, a Scottsdale Police Department spokesperson. Reporter Sam Kmack covers Tempe, Scottsdale and Chandler. Follow him on X @KmackSam or reach him at sam.kmack@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASU professor David Zhu ID'd as Scottsdale man held in wife's shooting Its seal pup season in WA. You could be fined over $30k if you harass or approach them Seal pupping season along Puget Sound starts in June and runs through August, September, or in some parts of the region, October. But that doesnt mean that you can see a seal pup up close. If you see one on the shore, experts say you should stay far away, or risk causing the mother to abandon her pup. Harassing a pup is a federal crime, and is punishable by over $30,000 in fines. Why is it so important that you dont approach them and what do experts say you should do instead? Heres what you should know. Why you shouldnt approach a seal pup According to Alex Holmes, a guide at Metro Parks Tacoma, its common to see a seal pup alone on the shore because they havent developed the skills they need to spend most of their time in the water. Seal pups spend more time on shore, just because theyre not able to thermo-regulate quite as well as the adults and theyre not good enough swimmers. So they spend time on shore while the mother will go forage for fish, Holmes said. Because of that, people often think a pup has been abandoned when its just waiting for its mother to bring back food. But if someone approaches the pup looking to help, it can have severe consequences for the seal. Its totally normal behavior, its totally safe, its just that it looks like its been abandoned, Holmes said. But if people get too close, the mother will feel threatened, and she wont be willing to come back onto shore. She might completely write off the pup as a loss and shell just leave it to be. How far away should you stay? Disturbing a seal pup, or an adult seal for that matter, is illegal under federal law. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is responsible for enforcing the protections, there are two different types of harassment that are considered illegal. Level A harassment consists of any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance that has the potential to injure a marine mammal. So that would be if youre actually harassing it, like throwing stuff at it, Holmes said. Level B harassment has a much broader scope. It includes anything that has the potential to disturb marine mammals or their normal behavioral patterns. So that would be like getting too close, Holmes said. You arent supposed to get within 50 yards of adult seals, or 100 yards of pups, according to NOAA. How much is the fine for harassing seals? Violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the federal law that protects seals, is punishable by a civil fine of up to $34,457 in severe cases. If criminal charges are brought, it can carry an even steeper fine. According to Holmes, in the most extreme cases, fines can reach six figures. So both [Level A and Level B violations] can result in a civil penalty of $34,000, Holmes said. But then for criminal penalties, which are more extreme cases, they can be up to about $100,000. What should you do if you see a seal? If you see a seal pup, the most important thing to do is stay away, according to Holmes, who also recommends keeping all dogs on a leash in areas where you might run into a seal pup. First, keep your distance from them, Holmes said. I think its always a good idea to contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife just to make sure that its safe and so they know that its there. The people who cause the most trouble for seal pups are usually just trying to help, Holmes said, so educating the public on the issue will go a long way towards solving it. I think people really want to help, Holmes said. They see this pup that seems to be abandoned or alone and their inclination is to help it. But really the only thing you can do is just leave it be and just let nature take its course. The details: Bhatt was last seen at her workplace, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, on July 27. She was last seen by her husband on July 31. Her co-workers requested a welfare check on Aug. 2, and while police say her husband initially did not want to report her as missing during the check, he eventually contacted them on Aug. 5 to report her disappearance. Nadia Navarro, Bhatts friend who created a Facebook page and launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid her search, told Inside Nova that she received a call from Bhatt on July 28 but was unable to return it because she was busy. What theyre saying: Bhatt has lived in the U.S. since 2021. Friends and members of the Nepalese community attended a rally on Aug. 12 in support of the missing mother, who has a 10-month-old daughter. This is unlike her. So, you know, I'm so much worried and it's been many days, her friend Sunita Basnet Thapa told NBC 4 Washington. Meanwhile, Bhatts husband, who could not attend the rally as he was caring for their daughter, said, I need to find her as soon as possible, using all the tools, community, society, police. Search for missing boater ends as body is recovered from SC lake, coroner says The search for a missing boater ended Sunday when his body was recovered in a South Carolina lake, according to the Berkeley County Coroners Office. Gerry Wayne Brazel, a 63-year-old Summerville resident, was found in Lake Moultrie, Coroner Darnell Hartwell said. Brazels body was discovered by the Berkeley County Sheriffs Office Marine Patrol who were involved with the search along with divers from the sheriffs office as well as members of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Brazel went missing Saturday, according to the sheriffs office. An investigation began Sunday morning after a concerned citizen located a dog and personal belongings at Lions Beach in Moncks Corner, the sheriffs office said. Brazel was recovered at about 3 p.m., according to the sheriffs office. There was no word if a boat was ever found. No other injuries were reported. Information where Brazels body was recovered was not available, and there was no word about the depth of water in the lake where the body was found. The coroners office has not announced Brazels cause of death, but it continues to investigate the incident along with the Moncks Corner Police Department and SCDNR. Lake Moultrie covers 60,400 acres, has 210 miles of shoreline and has a maximum depth of about 75 feet, according to SCDNR. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Every minute, someone dies from an eating disorder in the United States. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, its the most widespread killer of any mental illness, second only to opiate addiction. Despite this, it remains a taboo topic. Not One More Alabama holds 7th Annual End Addiction Walk Barbara Duplechain was 17 when she first started worrying about food. I just wanted to be pretty, and I could not be any thinner, Duplechain said. That mindset led to Barbara only eating one egg white a day. Eventually, she was hospitalized for her anorexia and bulimia. I got to the point where throwing up was an everyday thing, Duplechain said. My stomach would ache terribly, and by the first year, I went from 114 pounds to only 74 pounds. Alabama AT&T workers among thousands on strike over unfair labor practices Nearly 30 million Americans just like Barbara will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Many of them are still kids. According to the National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, more than 60 percent of girls are trying to lose weight before they finish middle school. Some environmental factors play a role, eating disorder specialist Anna Key says. But if it doesnt happen within the home, its probably gonna happen in school or just observing other peers talking about their own bodies or other peoples bodies. Key knows this firsthand. She struggled with an eating disorder in college. Now, Keys goal is to help others find recovery. It has been such a blessing to come to work every day and honestly be inspired by the people that I see, Key said. Eating disorders affect everyone, and Key says men and women of all body types struggle. It can have serious consequences on their health. UAB to bring state-of-the-art dental clinic to Decatur We can have lack of menstrual cycle, which affects fertility and bone density later in life, Key said. There are different lab values that can become out of range, thyroid and liver values, even cholesterol, decreased blood pressure, decreased heart rate. It is a very systemic illness. Sara Nielsen has been a psychotherapist in North Alabama for 20 years. She says eating disorders are often about more than just food. Its much deeper than that, Nielsen said. Its trauma, its anxiety, its depression, its OCD, its all kinds of co-occurring things that can be going on. Additionally, shame can keep many from getting help. Secrets make you sick, Nielsen said. Thats why its so important to tell it and get it out there. Because youre not gonna recover, and youre not gonna drop that shame unless youre able to share your story with someone you trust. Key said that recovering is a long process and will be hard work. However, she said it is the most rewarding freedom anyone will ever get. If you just take that first step, it will be more than worth it, Key said. Duplechain did just that. With a bit of help from her family, she got better. While Duplechain says recovery is an everyday struggle, she also says its worth it. I just want everyone to know that there is help out there for you, Duplechain said. Just talk to a loved one. It will get better. Trust me. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be struggling with disordered eating, here are some signs that Nielsen and Key say you should look for help: A fixation on weight, food, tracking calories Changes in eating patterns Dramatic weight loss or weight gain Eating in private or hiding food Mirror checking Going to the bathroom frequently after meals Recovery is possible, and reaching out for help is the most important step. You can visit the National Eating Disorder Association for a full list of resources and a screening. You can also call the National Eating Disorder Hotline for help from a team of professionals at (800) 931-2237. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Sunday, church leaders in Rochester invited folks in to take steps toward their wellness journey. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church hosted a free community health expo, which put a spotlight on staying healthy and mindful. Organizers said there was plenty to do, with more than 30 exhibits offering a variety of health and wellness services. That included a mobile mammography bus, complimentary massages and a fresh produce market. You look at just, nutrition, you know, I mean limiting salt intake, sugar intake, fat and stuff like that. You look at exercise, you know, just getting maybe a half an hour, a walk each day, said Pastor Hanson Drysdale of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor Hanson explained that the goal of the expo is to support Rochester residents in establishing healthier lifestyles amid busy work and family schedules. The church has a responsibility of embracing its community, he said. And there are a number of churches here today who have come together to put on this program. Several groups were in attendance Sunday, like Rochester Regional Health, URMC, and the First Regional Outpatient Child and Adolescent Center Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. We heard a big boom: Several homes damaged in DeKalb County after Sunday evening storm Multiple homes in DeKalb County were damaged after storms on Sunday evening. Neighbors say theyre still feeling numb after the violent storm. The high winds Sunday uprooted large trees up and down Pleas Drive and the next block over. Channel 2s Berndt Petersen spoke with a couple of residents, including Betty Jackson who was injured during the storm. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jackson survived, and so did India Carter. I was trapped in the house, Carter said. Trapped by trees that violent winds brought down on her home. The storm raced through the neighborhood around 4 p.m. Sunday. TRENDING STORIES: It started to hail and we heard a big boom, neighbor Adrian Robinson said. That boom was the huge oak that cut Jacksons house in two. Firefighters used a winch to lift it off of her. She was able to walk out but Carter says she will spend a second night in the hospital. Ive never seen anything like it before in my life, neighbor Kirk Sellers said. Sellers say there was so much hail, thats all you could see. It could have been worse than that, but were all blessed, Sellers said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Press Release August 19, 2024 Senate approves Loss, Damage Fund Board The Senate on Monday, August 19, 2024, passed on third and final reading a bill which confers juridical personality and legal entity to Loss and Damage Fund Board (LDFB) to allow it to enter into contracts. Having been selected as the host country on July 9, 2024, the Philippines has only 90 days therefrom to confer juridical personality to the LDFB and to execute a host country agreement. The 90-day period would end on October 7, 2024. Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2780, or an Act Granting Juridical Personality and Legal Capacity to the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage due to Climate Change," was approved in the plenary with the affirmative votes of all senators present. The bill is in substitution of SBN 2734, 2747, 2748, 2750, and 2751 introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Majority Leader Francis "Tol" Tolentino, Senators Loren Legarda, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr, and Marcos, respectively. "Loss and damage" is a term used by the United Nations to describe the harms inflicted by climate change that go beyond what people can adapt to. It can include lives lost; monetary costs from the destruction of infrastructure, buildings, crops and other property; and the loss of entire places or ways of life. Sen. Imee Marcos, chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Relations and sponsor of the bill, said the LDFB, an international body, was established in November 2022 to assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in responding to economic and noneconomic loss and damage. "The measure... is our obligation to provide the enabling law to grant the requisite juridical personality to the Board, vesting it with full legal capacity to enter into contract," Marcos said in her sponsorship speech. The bill will authorize the LDFB to acquire and dispose of properties; institute legal proceedings; and negotiate; conclude and enter into a hosting arrangement with the World Bank as interim trustee and host of the Fund's secretariat; and, undertake related or necessary activities to carry out the purpose for which the Board was created. "This, indeed, is a breakthrough in the decades-long and oft-acrimonious debate on funding for loss and damage brought about by climate change," she said, adding that the President has already certified the bill as urgent. It was during the 27th Conference of Parties in 2022 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that they agreed to establish a new funding agreement accompanied by a dedicated fund to assist developing countries to respond to the adverse impacts of climate change. She stressed Through the Loss and Damage Board, financial support will be provided in the form of grants and concessional financing that can be utilized by any eligible country. "As of today, the total pledges by 19 developed countries to the Loss and Damage Fund amounts to USD 792 million and upwards of USD 10 million dollars have already been paid up. The Fund was operationalized last year by the establishment of the Loss and Damage Board," Marcos said. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Wang Huning, China's top political advisor, met with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, on Monday in Beijing. Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said China is willing to work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, and promote the substantive development of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future. The CPPCC is willing to work with Vietnam to make active efforts in this regard, he added. Lam said Vietnam always remembers and sincerely appreciates the tremendous assistance China has provided for Vietnam's national liberation and development. Vietnam will remain true to its original aspirations, use the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries as a guide to consolidate and enhance cooperation between Vietnam and China in various fields, and build well the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, he added. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) (FOX40.COM) A woman in her 50s sustained several injuries after she crashed her motorcycle into a forest area in El Dorado County. Around 3 p.m. on Saturday, the El Dorado County Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit, and the U.S. Forest Service Eldorado National Forest responded to a woman in her fifties who had crashed her motorcycle on a dirt forest road off Mormon Emigrant Trail. Officials said the woman was riding with a group of about 20 people, several of whom rendered aid until first responders arrived. The woman sustained multiple injuries and required CPR and a blood transfusion from paramedics. She was airlifted to a Sacramento area trauma center. She remains in critical but stable condition. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Shawnee, Kansas Police Department is investigating after 10 cars were broken into over the span of four hours near Monticello Road and Woodland Drive. According to officers, the burglaries took place between 1 and 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Shawnee police said the suspects entered both locked and unlocked cars and stole items like backpacks, wallets, debit/credit cards, cash, and a handgun. This is surprising because its very quiet. Theres not a lot of this that happens, and as many (cars) as they hit in one night was kind of surprising, said Jacob Angell, who lives in the neighborhood. Woman charged after father, son killed in Freeman, Mo. shooting One neighbor who has lived in the area for over three decades told FOX4 that car break-ins have been a problem in the otherwise quiet neighborhood for several years. Its definitely been an ongoing issue and problem out here in western Shawnee. Before the other night, my next-door neighbors truck had been broken into; my neighbors truck across the street was broken into in previous break-ins, said Todd Molz, who lives in the neighborhood. Its definitely a concern, and Im definitely concerned about not having enough police presence out in this area. The police department is asking for help identifying these suspects caught on video surveillance: If you or anyone you know has any information regarding the car robberies, the Shawnee Police Department asks that you call (913) 631-2150. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The family of Treonna Washington is speaking out about their devastating loss. The 2022 Washington High School graduate, 20, was found dead in an Aliquippa alleyway early Saturday morning. State police in Beaver County ruled it a homicide. You hear these stories all across America... This isnt just a body found in the alley, this was our baby, said Trey Willis, the victims father. She was loved. The moment she walked into the room it lit up, said Treonnas aunt, Courtney Ellis. The family gathered today to speak exclusively to Channel 11s Cara Sapida, a little more than two years after they suffered another tragic loss. Treonnas grandmother, Kristin Barfield, was shot and killed on her front porch. The family says these two incidents are not related at all. Its like getting struck by lightning twice. It wasnt just two years ago that I was up there doing an interview with you about my mother, said Ellis. I witnessed my mothers death two years ago in front of my face and I thought that was the worst thing I could ever see, said Willis. My family just went through a tragedy, and I dont want people to think its connected. Its an isolated incident. On social media, family and friends have been showing widespread love and support, devastated that she was taken away before her 21st birthday next month. I keep hearing everyone say This 20-year-old woman, but she was a baby, she was our baby. She was our baby, and she didnt deserve that. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact State Police Beaver Barracks at 724-773-7400. If you would like to help with funeral costs, you can donate here. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Multiple people injured during ride incident at western Pa. amusement park Child, 6, dies after being hit by car while riding bicycle in Homewood South Man accused of hitting person with belt during argument at Rivers Casino, assaulting state trooper VIDEO: 2 men charged in Ohio Township homicide behind bars for separate recent crime sprees DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts She was fearless: Ky. native who fought to open coal mining jobs to women has died Betty Jean Hall, 78, a Kentucky-born attorney who fought to make coal mining jobs available to women and went on to serve as an administrative judge overseeing the governments benefits review process for injured workers, died Friday. Hall has been described on the website of her alma mater, Berea College, as a tireless advocate for womens rights, occupational health and safety, and social justice in Appalachia. During her retirement, she lived in Cary, N.C. Hall was the founder of the Coal Employment Project, an advocacy group based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, that not only fought legal battles to get women into the mines but also set up a nationwide support network to help them once they got there. The organization hosted training programs and annual conferences attended by women from across the country and sometimes from abroad, said Kipp Dawson, a social justice advocate and friend of Hall who worked as a coal miner in Pennsylvania for 13 years. She said the annual sessions the Coal Employment Project hosted allowed women miners and some men who attended as well to work through important issues. The Coal Employment Project presented research on topics such as the effect of pregnancy on female miners and the need for paid parental leave, which paved the way for the Family and Medical Leave Act, Dawson said. We got taken more seriously because it wasnt just the voice of a single woman, Dawson said. She was our mother. Without her, we wouldnt have had the organization ... that has done so much. CEP, as the group was known, also set up support groups for female miners in many states, said Marat Moore, a longtime Coal Employment Project member and author of Women in the Mines: Stories of Life and Work. The older I get, the more I realize how completely unique, innovative and incredible the work Betty Jean did was, Moore said. It was a model of grassroots organizing. Hall told the New York Times in 1979 that she grew interested in women in mining after learning about a Tennessee coal mining company that refused to let a woman even go on a tour of a mine. At the time, there was a superstitious attitude toward women in mining, much like that of sailors of long ago Its like being the first woman on a ship. Nobody wants you on their crew, Hall told the Times. It occurred to me that even though I had grown up in Kentucky, I didnt know a single woman miner, Hall told the newspaper. Through anti-discrimination lawsuits and grassroots advocacy, Hall was able to pressure coal mining companies around the country to begin hiring women. Sure, coal mining is hard work, Hall told the New York Times. But so is housework and so is working in sewing factories for minimum wages. Just about all the women Ive talked to agree that if they have to choose between making $6,000 a year in a factory and mining coal for $60 or more a day, theyll go into the mines. Jim Branscome, a lifelong friend of Hall who now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, said that at that time, the only jobs that women were being offered in the coal industry were in the office with a typewriter. Branscome said he thinks the feminist movement and Halls upbringing in a region dependent on mining coalesced to lead her to take action. When Hall was contacted by a law group in East Tennessee about the lack of opportunities for women in mining, he said she decided to do something about it. She was just a part of a generation of women that decided, We aint gonna take this no more, he said. There was a time when coal companies were much admired, Branscome said. The coal industry was just kind of shocked that someone was coming after them with these lawsuits. And, he said, they had the power of the federal government and the courts behind them. That was new. Though the ranks of female miners were on the rise in the 1970s, later media reports indicate that their numbers were dwindling by the mid- to late 1980s, as coal companies cut jobs. Hall told the Herald-Leader in 1986 that women had been particularly hard-hit, because they were the last hired and the first fired. Though there are few women mining today, Moore said she hopes Halls legacy of women organizing is something that will continue. It was one of the greatest gifts of my life, she said. Dawson said Hall helped women break barriers, allowing them to choose career paths previously unavailable to them and giving them the tools to become leaders in their field. And in recent years, she said Hall had been working to help preserve the history of how she did it for future generations. She laughed quietly as she remembered one particular story of Halls dedication to preserving records of the Coal Employment Projects work. For years, Dawson said, the group put out a monthly newsletter, and each edition included submissions from around the country and one longer article telling the story of a woman coal miner. The publication was mimeographed on 8-by-14 paper, Dawson said, and stapled together in Halls office. That particular format was hard to digitize, she said. So years later, Hall retyped each newsletter herself so the articles could be preserved in digital format. She knew how important our stories were, Dawson said. Moore said her story would certainly not have been the same without Hall. She gave us opportunities to have a life that was bigger and more interesting, Moore said. She was tiny. A very small person, but I felt like one of the biggest oaks in our forest fell. Hall was a native of Perry County who grew up attending Buckhorn School. She transferred to the Berea College Foundation School, a high school operated by the college at that time, when her father became head of the colleges woodworking program, according to an obituary provided by Branscome. She graduated from Berea College in 1968. In 1976, she graduated from the Antioch School of Law in Washington, D.C., a school focused on public interest law and social justice. The following year, she founded the Coal Employment Project. Over the years, Halls work was recognized by a number of organizations, including Ms. magazine, which named her a Woman to Watch in the 80s, and by the National Womens Health Network, which named her Health Advocate of the Year in 1980, according to a brief biography on the Berea College website. In 2001, several years after the Coal Employment Project had stopped operating, Hall was appointed administrative appeals judge for the U.S. Department of Labors Benefits Review Board. Under her leadership, the board streamlined the benefits review process, ensuring coal miners with black lung disease and other workers injured in their occupations received fair and timely reviews of their compensation applications, her biography on the Berea College website states. She served until 2019, when she retired from the position as chief administrative appeals judge. Branscome said he first met Hall as a freshman at Berea College, and their friendship lasted 60 years. He said they competed on the debate team together, worked together at the Appalachian Regional Commission in Washington, D.C., after college and never lost touch as their careers led them to different places. Betty Jeans the kind of friend thats always there, he said. During all of lifes ups and downs. Both on the debate team and in standing up to coal companies, Branscome said, she was fearless. In recent years, Branscome said, he and Hall worked together as part of a group looking at ways to help Berea College recruit more students from the mountains. Last year, Hall was awarded a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the college. A scholarship fund in her name has been set up at Berea College, and it will benefit students from the most economically distressed counties in Appalachia, which are mostly the coalfields, her obituary stated. Among all her accomplishments, she is proudest of her twins, Tim and Tiffany, and her two grandchildren, Athena and Blake, her Berea College biography says. Her family resides in Cary, North Carolina, according to the obituary. My mother loved Eastern Kentucky and worked very, very hard to give back to her homeland, her daughter Tiffany Olsen said in a message. Memorial services are planned for Oct. 5 in Berea, she said. She 'sarcastically' said Obama should be killed. Now she wants to control kids' education. She has never worked in a public school and has referred to them as indoctrination centers. She attended the riot at the U.S. Capitol and called for former President Donald Trump to use military force to stay in power. She has been known to use hashtags affiliated with the conspiracy theory QAnon. Yet after defeating the incumbent in a Super Tuesday primary, Michele Morrow is the Republican nominee for North Carolina superintendent. Morrow will be running against Democrat Maurice (Mo) Green. If elected, she would be responsible for a $12 billion budget, 115 school districts and 1.36 million public school students. Concern around her campaign has grown since she became the party's nominee. We believe that Morrow is uniquely unqualified for this position to serve public school students and educators across the state, Tamika Walker Kelly, the president of the North Carolina Association of Educators, told me. I wanted to talk to Morrow more about her stances and thoughts on public education. After interviewing her, I worry about what it would mean for my home state of North Carolina and the country, more broadly if she were elected. Her rise in prominence is running parallel to parents' rights movements across the country that threaten to destroy public education. The lie that public schools are 'indoctrination centers' When Morrow ran for Wake County's school board in 2022, she referred to public schools as socialism centers and indoctrination centers. Her own five children have attended public and private schools in other states, but have been homeschooled since moving to North Carolina. At one point, she told people not to send their children to public schools. Morrow told me she stood by her claim that schools were indoctrinating children. Children believe any adult that is put in front of them, Morrow told me. And if we are telling children to be divided by the color of their skin, if we are putting politics into the classroom, if we are discussing the fact that they might be in the wrong body and that the United States is inherently racist, and that socialism is the answer for America and that capitalism is a threat to the entire world, then that is indoctrination, it is lies, and it needs to stop. Michele Morrow, Republican candidate for 2024 North Carolina race for superintendent of public instruction As someone who went through the North Carolina public school system, I can assure you that I saw no brainwashing occurring. If you dont believe me, a task force spearheaded by the lieutenant governor, conservative firebrand Mark Robinson, failed to find compelling evidence of indoctrination. What Morrow and other Republicans don't realize is that they are the ones putting politics in the classroom. They brought politics into the classroom in 2021 when they began complaining at school board meetings over masking in schools. It continued with the claims that "critical race theory" is being taught and has culminated in actual legislation like the Parents Bill of Rights across the country or the "Don't Say Gay" bill in Florida. Before Republicans started complaining about these things, I had never known North Carolina public schools to be political battlegrounds. The MAGA candidate: North Carolina is on the verge of getting a MAGA governor. Why do we let this happen? Concerning social media posts about assassinating Obama Morrow has come under fire for previous social media posts beyond her involvement in Jan. 6, 2021. In 2020, she called for the public execution of former President Barack Obama in a reply on X, previously Twitter. "I prefer a Pay Per View of him in front of the firing squad," she tweeted in response to someone suggesting Obama should be sent to Guantanamo Bay. She has also called for the killing of President Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and a handful of other prominent Democrats. Morrow has also repeatedly used the QAnon-associated hashtag WWG1WGA on her personal social media account. GOP controlling women: You're not imagining it. Republicans have been weird about women for years. When asked about the execution posts, Morrow said the they were "hyperbolic" and "rhetorical." "It was a sarcastic comment," Morrow told me. "But the question that was being answered and there are probably over 100 comments in that thread that they pulled from was 'What should happen to these individuals should they be found guilty of treason and crimes against humanity?' So that was my response." I asked if she believed there was reason for Obama to be found guilty of treason, as she previously claimed. "I am not a judge," she told me. "I think we have moved on." Spoiler alert: There is no known reason Obama or any of the Democrats she targeted would be tried for treason. Morrow participated in riot at US Capitol Morrow also attended the Capitol riot that took place on Jan. 6, 2021. In a since-deleted Facebook livestream, Morrow called for the arrest of those who certified the 2020 election results, adding that Trump should have used the military to stay in power. If the police wont do it, and the Department of Justice wont do it, then he will have to enact the Insurrection Act, Morrow said at the time. In which case the Insurrection Act completely puts the Constitution to the side and says, now the military rules all. She denies that she called for a military coup. "I was calling for certification to go back to the states, because at the time, we wanted it to be investigated," Morrow said. I asked Morrow if she believed the 2020 election was stolen. "Do you believe that the issue for the superintendent is about an election that happened four years ago?" she asked me. When I pressed further, she began talking about noncitizen voting; I never got a firm answer. Conservative takeover of education Whats surprising about Morrows win against incumbent Catherine Truitt is how similar their ideologies are. In February, Truitts campaign sent out mailers claiming she helped get woke politics out of public schools. She also supported conservative policies like the states Parents Bill of Rights, a 2023 law making it illegal to talk about gender identity or sexuality in elementary school through fourth grade. Despite that reality, Morrow advertised herself as being further right than Truitt and it worked. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. Morrows rise to the forefront of the states Republican Party is happening in tandem with the ascent of Lt. Gov. Robinson, who is running for the governorship this November. Robinson has endorsed Morrow, saying at a campaign event that were gonna make sure we do everything to get you in office. It is also occurring at a time when public schools across the country are being targeted by legislatures, as in Florida and Louisiana. Her campaign also coincides with Project 2025 and the threat it poses to education across the country. Earlier this week, Trump said in a conversation with Elon Musk that he would close the Department of Education if reelected. All North Carolina students deserve a quality education. To me, this is why it's important that the Leandro Plan, a multibillion dollar school funding program that has been stuck in litigation for 30 years, be implemented. Surprisingly, Morrow seems supportive of the initiative. "In my role as state Superintendent," she told me in an email, "I will absolutely advocate on behalf of our students to the General Assembly so that we not only fulfill the requirements of Leandro, but its spirit and with it, the full intent of our state constitution." Still, it does not change the fact that Morrow poses a threat to any child who happens to be LGBTQ+. It also does not change the fact that her social media posts are alarming, and are representative of someone who does not respect those who disagree with her. North Carolina deserves better than Morrow. We all do. Follow USA TODAY elections columnist Sara Pequeno on X, formerly Twitter, @sara__pequeno You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Jan. 6 participant wants to lead North Carolina schools Sheriff says officer shot, killed during Paulding SWAT standoff was act of pure evil Paulding Countys Sheriff says the murder of a 30-year-old deputy Saturday was pure evil. Channel 2s Veronica Griffin was in Dallas Monday, where the sheriff called a news conference to show support for the family of Deputy Brandon Cunningham, who was shot to death Saturday when officers were ambushed moments after they pulled up to a home in Hiram for a domestic dispute call. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Deputies said 42-year-old James Atkins shot Cunningham and then his wife as she tried to leave the home. Kim Vu, 52, is recovering from her injuries. When SWAT teams stormed the house, Atkins shot and killed himself. RELATED STORIES: On Monday, there was a growing memorial for Cunningham outside the Paulding County Sheriffs Office. Family members held hands and prayed in front of the memorial Monday afternoon but didnt want to speak on camera. So Im asking yall please keep them in prayer, lift them up, lift up this sheriffs office family, Col. Chad Hunton said. Unfortunately, we prepare for this. But can we ever be truly prepared? No. Were not. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Cunningham was the father of two young children. On a Wednesday afternoon in an abortion clinic in Tamarac, Florida, Eileen Diamond delivers the same news to the fourth patient in a row: I am unable to help you here. She tells the woman her ultrasound confirms she is more than six weeks into the pregnancy, and in Florida, the services the patient seeks are no longer a legal option. The woman stares at Diamond. No, you have to help me, she pleads. I cant afford another child. Diamond, director of Benjamin Surgical Services International, knows the panic will soon turn to tears, and anger will follow. In a calm voice, Diamond offers the same information she has provided dozens of times to patients since May 1, when Floridas six-week abortion ban took effect. If you want to continue with your abortion, you have to go to a state in which a clinic is going to be able to provide it safely and legally, she says. Outside in the waiting room, people occupy nearly every seat: a teenager with acne and braids who stares at the floor, a mother with her infant son using her foot to rock him in his baby carrier, a heavy-set woman clad in blue scrubs and a hair net nervously fiddling with her phone. Were still seeing the same amount of patients, Diamond says. Were just not able to perform abortion care for all of them. Across the state, women, and sometimes the men in their lives, fill the waiting rooms of abortion clinics only to confront Floridas newest abortion restrictions if they are further along than five weeks and six days pregnant and unable to squeeze in two visits at least 24 hours apart. Sometimes in Spanish, sometimes in Creole, and sometimes in straightforward English, clinic workers tell women they cant have what they came for. As of May 1, Florida banned abortion after six weeks, only two weeks after a missed period. The state also now requires a 24-hour waiting period after an initial consent visit before a medication or surgical abortion can happen. The reality of the law leaves little wiggle room. Many women dont get regular periods, and those with unintended pregnancies often tend to recognize the symptoms nausea, tender breasts, weight gain at seven works or later. Often, patients call or arrive at a clinic unaware of Floridas six-week ban, still trying to fathom that their birth control has failed. There is so much emotion to begin with just coming to the clinic, said Betty, a volunteer at an Orlando abortion clinic who does not disclose her last name to anyone. I consoled a woman today who was six weeks and two days. She broke down and dropped to the floor crying. I told her you are not the only one in Florida in this situation. We will help you. It will be okay. For the panicked Orlando woman, the nearest abortion clinic legally able to help her is now a nine-hour drive away in North Carolina, where the procedure is allowed through 12 weeks and six days of pregnancy. Because the woman cant afford to travel, national and Florida-specific funds will work together to help with costs and arrangements. Many Florida women now fly to D.C., Virginia, or Illinois, where clinics are struggling to care for the thousands of patients from abortion-restricted states across the Southeast. However, not every woman wishing to end a pregnancy can manage to leave Florida for the services. At a South Florida clinic, a Guatemalan farmworker recently learned she is eight weeks pregnant and too far along for an abortion in Florida. She doesnt have a drivers license, a credit card, money to travel, or the ability to take time off. Nor does she earn enough to feed and care for another child. She tells the clinic worker she thought she was being careful, but her pregnancy test and ultrasound results confirmed otherwise. With her face buried in her hands, she repeats no over and over. Through sobs and in Spanish, she says she cant have the baby, cant miss work, and cant let her boss know her situation. She leaves distraught. When it all started Floridas abortion restrictions began in July 2022 when a 15-week ban went into effect soon after Roe v Wade fell. In 2023, more than 84,000 women received an abortion in Florida, which drew travelers from places with stricter laws, including nearby Southern states as well as Latin America and the Caribbean. This year, the six-week ban replaced the earlier restriction. Those numbers are certain to shift downward this year, with Florida now being one of the most restrictive states in the U.S. Abortion rights advocates are hoping voters will approve a measure in November that would lift the ban in January 2025 and restore abortion access in Florida until roughly 24 weeks of pregnancy. Regardless, thousands of women must deal each week with the consequences of the existing law. At Planned Parenthood Health Center in Miami, Dr. Chelsea Daniels wishes all Floridians could sit in her office to witness what unfolds. I wish they could see how devastated and panicked people are when you have to give them that news, Daniels says. You cant possibly understand the complexity of their lives. It runs the gamut from My last pregnancy nearly killed me, to I was so sick I lost my job, I cant do this again, to I am a single mom and I am barely making ends meet, to people who say they want to be pregnant but have a complicated medical condition. Daniels says she has had patients tell her they dont support abortion and then say, But I need this abortion. I think that goes to show you dont know what someone else is going through, Daniels says, adding that the circumstances that lead women to the clinic often are misunderstood. Lots of people are on birth control that has worked for them for years, but nothing is 100%. Even if you are taking every precaution, you can become pregnant. Since May 1, the Miami Planned Parenthood clinic has turned away more than 350 women, sending them to other states. Sammy, who asked that her full name not be used, nearly became one of them. On a hot August day, when every seat in the clinics waiting room is filled, Sammy sits at a desk opposite Daniels. First, Sammy swallows a mifepristone pill that stops the pregnancy from growing. Then the doctor hands her bottles with pills of misoprostol to take the next day at home. They will empty her uterus. Sammy breathes a sigh of relief as she puts the bottles in her purse. She has made the six-week cutoff without a day to spare. Just 10 days earlier, Sammy, 30, went to the emergency room with complications from COVID and a throat infection. A blood test revealed her pregnancy. Had she not learned of it in the ER, she says, she would be in the same desperate situation as others in the clinic. Divorced since 2021, Sammy says she didnt think it was possible for her to get pregnant, noting her litany of health issues. I have epilepsy, asthma, anxiety, and depression, she says. I have no income, and mental healthwise, I cant take care of a child. Floridas law has given rise to self-managed abortions With 22 states enacting some type of abortion ban or restriction, desperation has led more women to choose to end pregnancies themselves, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open. Self-managed abortion typically includes any action taken to end a pregnancy without medical supervision. It includes self-sourcing medications mifepristone and misoprostol, ingesting herbs, alcohol, or other substances, or using physical methods like a woman who punches herself in the stomach. In Florida and other states with bans, telehealth appointments with out-of-state physicians and mail-order abortion pills play an increasingly greater role in how women opt to end their pregnancies. State law requires women to get pills in person. However, many providers in other parts of the U.S. are protected by state shield laws that allow them to ship medication to Florida. Undergoing a medication abortion at home without a local doctor involved comes with risks and reasonable questions: Are the pills authentic? What happens if theres a complication? Organizations in Florida, called abortion funds, will help with costs for travel but not with the cost of medication purchased online. We wont pay for that, and those providers require payment upfront, says Kamila Przytula, executive director of Womens Emergency Network, a Miami-based abortion fund. Thats a barrier for some women. A credit card is not something everyone has access to. With a medication abortion, the process is similar to an early miscarriage with cramping and bleeding. Typically, medication abortions are safe and overall effective, but rare complications can happen, such as an incomplete abortion. Clinic directors recommend anyone see a doctor who still has pregnancy symptoms after medication. I want them to feel empowered to come talk to us about their question, concerns or complications, Daniels said. So far, in 2024, doctors have performed 40,500 abortions in Florida, with the largest number of them, 8,422, in Miami-Dade County. Its too early to know how much the six-week ban will reduce abortions in the state for the full year. However, clinics do report that women no longer travel to Florida from other states for abortion care, and July 1 and Aug 1 state reports offer a two-month window showing reduced numbers of abortions. Reproductive rights advocates say the abortion referendum that will be put before Florida voters in November has turned the Sunshine State into one of the most consequential battlegrounds for womens reproductive rights since the fall of Roe v. Wade. Voters will decide whether to enshrine a right to abortion through viability in the state constitution. At least 60% of voters must vote yes for the amendment to pass. At her clinic, Diamond tells the angry women denied abortion care to vote and take back some power over the laws that impact their lives. I try to redirect their hopelessness, she says. _____ A year after Los Angeles police officers from an anti-gang unit in the San Fernando Valley were accused of illegally searching vehicles and stealing from people they pulled over, an internal department email shows three of their supervisors now face termination. Interim Chief Dominic Choi has called for the firing of a captain, a lieutenant, and a sergeant in the LAPD's Mission Division, according to the email and multiple sources, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about police personnel matters. At least five lower-ranking officers have been implicated in the still-unfolding scandal. According to the email, senior Mission Division Capt. James "JT" Townsend, Lt. Mark Garza and Sgt. David Gomez were each relieved of duty and have been directed to a disciplinary hearing, known as a board of rights. Such a move typically indicates that the chief believes there is enough evidence to justify firing an officer. Read more: Who will be L.A.'s next police chief: A guide As the senior captain at Mission, Townsend was responsible for most of the division's daily operations, which included oversight of the so-called Gang Enforcement Detail. The unit came under scrutiny last August when an LAPD internal investigation reportedly found misconduct by officers, including the theft of a knife with brass knuckles on the handle. Garza was the lieutenant in charge of the gang unit, while Gomez was one of his supervisors. The department's investigation focused on five additional officers for their alleged roles in the scandal, according to an Internal Affairs document reviewed by The Times. The probe deemed that the allegations against the station's then-junior captain, Matt Plugge, were unfounded, according to the document. Plugge was transferred last fall to a unit responsible for investigating less serious uses of force by officers. He did not respond to a message seeking comment. An LAPD spokesperson said the department "cannot provide further comment on any potential personnel matters related to the investigation into the Mission Gang Enforcement Detail." An attorney for Garza reiterated that his client followed procedure by alerting his supervisors as soon as he learned of potential wrongdoing by his officers. The department accused Garza of failing to "develop and maintain adequate oversight" while clearing the division's captains, said the attorney, Matt McNicholas. Read more: Lawsuit claims LAPD commander tried to 'discredit' police union. Is it part of a broader rift? "The department is creating scapegoats, and I stand by the evidence will absolutely show that at the first instance of any potential issue, Garza reported this up the chain and then was told the bureau is on it, and he's done with anything that he needed to do," McNicholas said. "We believe this is 100% due to the fact that Garza reported the problems immediately, but the captains did nothing." The scandal broke into public view late last summer after The Times reported LAPD investigators had taken the rare step of searching lockers at the Mission Division station, seeking evidence amid the officers' personal belongings. The probe is still unfolding, with the department now looking into allegations of poor management and supervision in the neighboring Foothill area, where some of the Mission officers were stationed previously. The email reviewed by The Times was sent by a Mission Division official late last week to "eliminate any rumors or misunderstandings," according to the subject line. The messaged referenced the investigation into the anti-gang unit and said of the commanders facing discipline: "This news has been a shock to us all. I want to remind everyone that no matter the allegations, an employee is innocent until proven guilty." The message said the department "is working on filling Mission Area commanding officer position," and that the role will be temporarily filled by another senior LAPD official. Former Chief Michel Moore announced last August that the FBI had also opened a case, and ordered two of the officers involved to a disciplinary hearing by the Board of Rights, signaling that he wanted to fire them. The department has yet to identify the two officers. Choi's decision to punish the Mission supervisors comes a week after he announced the department would conduct a top-down review of its disciplinary system at the City Council's request. Despite strong criticism of the board of rights process, he has defended the departments system for disciplining officers as one of the most thorough in the country. The chief has pushed back on arguments from the Los Angeles Police Protective League and others that a double standard exists for senior officials, with the union alleging members of the top brass tend to receive lighter punishments than junior officers for the same misconduct. Read more: Mayor Karen Bass vetoes ballot proposal to let police chief fire problem officers The Mission gang unit was temporarily disbanded amid the scandal, its members dispersed to other assignments or placed on administrative leave. Prosecutors have so far charged one Mission officer, Alan Carrillo, but signaled that more charges could be forthcoming. In May, Carrillo pleaded not guilty to charges of theft and evidence tampering. He previously worked on the Foothill gang squad, whose other officers have in recent years been accused of violent tactics against protesters and at least one out-of-policy shooting of an unarmed man, according to court records and sources familiar with the LAPDs ongoing investigation. Carrillo is accused of stealing personal items from people during patrol stops in the Mission Division in April and June 2023, including the knife with brass knuckles. Of that allegation, his attorney, Caleb Mason, said in an interview with The Times that in that his client was being charged for essentially taking contraband away from a suspect, who was a minor. Prosecutors have identified as many as 350 criminal cases that are potentially compromised because they relied on the testimony of or evidence gathered by two Mission gang officers. One of them, the sources familiar with the case said, is now believed to be Carrillo. 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Shreveport Police Department is beginning its preparation for National Night Out 2024. According to a media release from SPD, officials are excited to announce their participation in this event, that has consistently brought our neighborhoods together in a spirit of cooperation and safety. Practical ways to live more sustainably in your community SPD will partner with the City of Shreveport, Community Renewal, the Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office, the Shreveport City Marshals Office, the Shreveport Fire Department, and the Louisiana State Police. The 2024 Shreveport National Night Out will be held on October 1st, 2024. National Night Out provides a unique opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other and interact with local law enforcement in a positive, supportive environment. We encourage all neighborhoods to register and host a block party, fostering connections that can strengthen our communitys safety and well-being. To host a block party, please visit Shreveport National Night Out to complete your registration. Additionally, registration packets are available at the ABO office, located at 1234 Texas Avenue, and Government Plaza, 505 Travis Street. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. (WJET/WFXP) Do you have the correct car seat for your kid? Shriners Childrens Erie wants to make sure you do with a free car safety event next month. For National Child Passenger Safety Month, Shriners is hosting the safety event on Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their location at 1645 W Eighth Street. Fuller Hose Co. welcomes community for one of their biggest fundraisers The event will have certified experts on-site to inspect your car seats and ensure theyre properly installed. There will also be community groups attending to show families valuable resources and tips on car safety. Erie Co. looking for volunteers for annual International Coastal Cleanup Shriners asks those interested in attending to bring along their car seat instructions and vehicle owners manual as well as having their child with them for a proper fit check. No registration is required for the event. Any questions can be directed to Kristie Gunn by calling 814-875-8844 or emailing Kgunn@shrinenet.org. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. ISTANBUL, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- One person was shot dead, and two others injured in a gun attack in Turkiye's largest city here, local authorities said on Monday. The Istanbul governor's office said in a statement that the incident took place late Sunday evening in the Kagithane district on the European side of the city. It said the deceased and one of the injured were of foreign nationality. At the crime scene, police units discovered a silenced pistol, believed to have been used in the attack, along with numerous spent cartridges, said the statement. It added that the two injured are receiving treatment at the hospital, with one in critical condition, and a wide-scale investigation has been launched to apprehend the perpetrator. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Sioux City man who allegedly broke into a home and shot the resident several times with a pellet gun is now facing several felony charges. Ray Avila mugshot courtesy Woodbury County Jail According to court documents, Ray Avila, 30, of Sioux City, was charged with second-degree burglary, assault while participating in a felony, third-degree burglary of a motor vehicle, and driving while barred after he was identified as one of two people who broke into a residence on Sunday. 2 killed, 1 seriously injured in Plymouth County crash involving private ambulance The documents state that police were called to the 5500 block of Old Lakeport Road for a shots fired call. The victim allegedly told officials that Avila and one other person broke into his home through the front door and were shooting him with a pellet gun. Avila allegedly made threats toward the victim over the last several weeks, which allowed the victim to identify one of the suspects as Avila by his voice since both suspects were wearing masks. The documents state that the victims girlfriend was hiding in the bedroom, so he was guarding the doorway when Avila began shooting him with the pellet gun. When the victim grabbed a knife for self-defense, the two suspects fled the residence. According to the documents, nearly every window in the residence was broken during the incident, and both the front and side doors were broken down. Additionally, the documents allege that the passenger window of the victims vehicle was broken, and $500, three packs of Lucky Strike cigarettes, and a multi-colored knife were stolen. The victim provided a description of Avilas clothing, which matched what he was wearing when he was later pulled over near the intersection of 2nd Street and Rustin Street. During the traffic stop, the vehicle passenger allegedly told police that Avila had told her about what happened at the victims residence. However, according to the documents, Avila denied having done anything. Avila was transported to jail, where officials found an unopened pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. The documents state that when the cigarettes were found, Avila said, Its not illegal to have cigarettes, and became agitated after they were found. Three vehicles involved in construction zone crash, Sioux County Sheriff says Avilas bond was set at $50,000 with a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 29. Further court documents state that Avila has been listed as high risk to flee jurisdiction, because he fled the United States in 2019 while facing a manslaughter charge. In 2019, Avila was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and flight to avoid prosecution. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Bull was an inspiration to younger executives and he once observed: 'The most important brand that everyone must learn to manage is themselves' - Peter Muller Sir George Bull, who has died aged 88, was Britains pre-eminent wines and spirits salesman as head of International Distillers & Vintners, co-creator of the Diageo conglomerate, and finally chairman of Sainsburys. A descendant of the Hennessy cognac dynasty, Bull was a natural grandee of the drinks trade who maintained throughout his business life the bearing of the Coldstream officer he had been as a young man and who, in his own words, had no difficulty whatsoever in leading from the front. But he was also an ardent moderniser who introduced marketing techniques and disciplines previously unknown to a sector long set in its ways. At IDV, which became part of the Grand Metropolitan group in 1972, Bull promoted traditional brands such as Croft port as well as Hennessy cognac and Gilbeys gin, for which he deployed an Isle of Wight ferry as a floating gin palace for a publicity stunt on the Thames. A great delegator Its your plan, you run it was one of his stock phrases he also encouraged the development and promotion of products that set new fashions for drinkers. Smirnoff vodka (though founded in Moscow in 1864) took off in the UK in the 1970s thanks to slogans such as Accountancy was my life until I discovered Smirnoff. The effect is shattering. Baileys Irish Cream, launched in 1974, was a mixture of Irish whiskey, emulsifiers and cream from Grand Mets Express Dairy arm. Malibu was a coconut-flavoured rum developed in South Africa but given a Caribbean image by IDVs marketing team; and on the wine shelves, a loss-making Beaujolais was triumphantly relaunched in 1978 under the cheeky slogan Les Francais adorent le Piat dOr. Bull drove clever marketing that set new fashions with brands like Smirnoff: the vodka took off in the UK in the 1970s - Alamy Bull became chief executive of IDV in 1984 and joined the Grand Met board a year later, taking command first of the drinks side and later of its food interests, which ranged from Haagen-Dazs to Burger King; he succeeded as group chairman in 1995. Two years later he found himself dining at Dukes Hotel in St Jamess with Anthony Greener, the chairman of Guinness, and proposed a merger. The result was Diageo, one of the worlds largest food and drinks conglomerates with a vast portfolio of brands and some 40 per cent of the global Scotch whisky market. Bull, by then 61, served for a year as joint chairman of the new group before moving on to become the first non-family chairman of J Sainsbury, the supermarket chain. Born in London on July 16 1936, George Jeffrey Bull was the younger son of Michael Bull, a Canadian barrister, and his wife Noreen, daughter of Sir George Hennessy MP who was ennobled as the 1st Lord Windlesham. Georges grandparents were notable in very different ways. On his mothers side, Richard and Marthe Hennessy were first cousins in the Franco-Irish family that had been making Hennessy cognac since 1765. His paternal grandfather William Perkins Bull was a distinguished Ontarian lawyer and historian who fell into an entanglement with Mabel Sibley, heiress to the Horlick Malted Milk fortune. After William Bulls wifes death, Mabel moved into his home and was found dead there in 1938 after willing her fortune to him. When foul play was alleged by her family, Georges father Michael returned to Canada to defend his father, who was cleared of wrongdoing. But Michael Bull never returned to England, leaving George and his brother to be brought up by Noreen and a Hennessy uncle. George was educated at Ampleforth College and served as a lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards in the UK and Germany before starting his business career in 1957 with the Dorland advertising agency, where Hennessy was a client. He moved on to Twiss, Browning & Hallowes the Hallowes family having been Hennessys UK agent since the 1840s where he showed early promise as a salesman of Cognac and Heidsieck Dry Monopole champagne across the Middle East and Asia. At International Distillers & Vintners, which became part of Grand Metropolitan in 1972, Bull promoted traditional brands such as Croft port - Retro By merger the firm became part of International Distillers & Vintners, where Bull was promoted to marketing manager in 1967 and managing director for the UK in 1973. On his retirement from Diageo, Bull declared it his mission to convince other British companies of the benefits of better marketing: We are a fundamentally production-oriented society and have been since we led the world into the industrial revolution but its no longer just a matter of producing widgets here. Its much more a question of adding value to the widgets and then marketing and selling them around the world. An inspiration to younger executives who worked for him, he also observed: The most important brand that everyone must learn to manage is themselves. Bulls chairmanship of Sainsburys, from 1998 to 2004, was a less happy experience than his tenure at IDV and Grand Met. The supermarket chain had lost ground to Tesco and others during the 1990s; although Bull initiated a relaunch he found himself at odds with vociferous shareholders, notably in a row over the pay package of the chief executive Sir Peter Davis, the groups former marketing director whom Bull had brought back on generous incentive terms to lead the revival. Davis succeeded Bull as chairman of Sainsbury in 2004 but was forced out after only three months. Bull was also a director of United Newspapers, BNP Paribas in banking and Maersk in shipping. He was president of the Advertising Association, a founding director of the Marketing Council, chairman of the Wine and Spirit Association of Great Britain and grand master of the Keepers of the Quaich, a society which celebrates those who have shown outstanding commitment to Scotch whisky. A devoted Old Amplefordian, he chaired a 9 million bicentenary appeal and was a confrater of Ampleforth Abbey. George Bull was knighted in 1998. He married, in 1960, Therese (Tessa) Freeland, whose family came from Rhodesia. Tessa died last year and he is survived by their four sons and a daughter. Sir George Bull, born July 16 1936, died July 21 2024 Click here to view this content. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A slow-moving area of low pressure drenched much of West Michigan with rounds of showers and thunderstorms beginning on Thursday and continuing through Sunday afternoon. Its the first time that Grand Rapids has had four consecutive days of measurable precipitation since the remnants of Hurricane Beryl slid through back in early July. Cumulative rainfall measurements varied between approximately 1 inch and 2 inches. Grand Rapids doubled the amount of rainfall received in August 2024 during the four-day period but is still running a slight deficit month-to-date. Storm Team 8 Forecast A drier and pleasant pattern is now set to establish with some beautiful weather for kids heading back to school this week. Highs will be in the middle-to-upper 70s with overnight lows dipping down near 50 degrees. Sign up for the Storm Team 8 daily forecast newsletter No substantial rain chances are expected to develop in the short-term forecast. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Another day, another headache for Joe Biden, with a congressional probe claiming to have found overwhelming evidence that the U.S president conspired to monetize his office for the illicit benefit of his family. The report is unlikely to go anywhere, however, with the Republicans unlikely to even bring impeachment up for a vote. To date, the ongoing impeachment inquiry against the incumbent leader has been largely led by the House Oversight, House Judiciary and House Ways and Means Committees. Fox News has now reportedly seen a 292-page report compiled by those panels, in which Republican Party officials claim to have exposed almost $30 million funneled to the Biden family by foreign actors over the past decade. The evidence uncovered in the Committees impeachment inquiry reflects a family selling the Biden brand around the world with President Bidenthe big guyswooping in to seal the deal on speaker phones or in private dinners, according to the report. It shows a concerted effort to conceal Bidens involvement in the familys influence peddling scheme. Jon Stewart Breaks Bad News to Trump: Bidens Not Coming Back The alleged conspiracy is understood to have been mostly carried out during Bidens time as vice president under President Obama. A favored target of the inquiry, Bidens notoriously wayward son Hunter is understood to feature prominently in the committees findings. Hunter Biden is apparently accused of using his relationship with the then-vice president to leverage favorable outcomes in foreign business dealings and legal proceedings. This is understood to relate to him having invoked his father in business dealings with Romanian, Chinese, Kazakhstani, and Ukrainian companies, resulting in millions of dollars flowing to the Biden family. Hunter Biden Asked State Department to Help Ukrainian Gas Company Burisma His receipt of some $3.5 million after meeting with Russian oligarch Yelena Baturina in 2014 is reportedly cited as key evidence of illicit enrichment, accompanied by accusations he was afforded special treatment by IRS investigators who were looking into his alleged tax crimes. GOP representatives reportedly say in the document it is inconceivable that President Biden did not understand that he was taking part in an effort to enrich his family by abusing his office of public trust, and that his family went to great lengths to conceal this conspiracy. Earlier in June, House Republicans recommended the Justice Department charge both Hunter and his uncle James Biden for misleading Congress over key aspects of their impeachment inquiry into Bidens administration. Those recommendations came not long after a Delaware court convicted Hunter Biden for violating federal gun laws, with him due to take the stand for tax offenses in California sometime in September. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. This article was originally published in South Carolina Daily Gazette. COLUMBIA A model policy requiring South Carolinas K-12 students to stash their cellphones during the entire school day received initial approval Tuesday from the State Board of Education, which wanted to get more feedback before finalizing minimum guidelines for school districts. The unanimous vote comes six weeks after the state budget mandated school districts to adopt a policy banning cellphones during the school day or risk state funding. But the State Board of Education must first adopt a model policy for them to follow. The goal is for all districts to have a policy in place before January, according to a memo the state agency sent school administrators over the summer. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The board was considering a two-page draft proposal, which would require phones, smart watches and other devices to be turned off and stashed through the entire school day, not just during class time. It would allow exceptions for students with particular medical or educational needs, for specific educational purposes and for high schoolers who volunteer as local firefighters or other emergency responders. It allows for school districts to set more restrictive rules, but not less. It also gives school districts flexibility on setting rules outside the school day, such as whether to allow devices on bus rides. Districts could also decide where students would be required to keep their phones from the opening to closing bells whether in a locker, a backpack or somewhere else. Board Chairman David OShields said he wanted to take some additional time on such an important policy to gather feedback, including from parents. Related So Your School Wants to Ban Cellphones. Now What? I do think without equivocation there needs to be a serious reigning in of cellphone use and proliferation because its negative consequences, especially for adolescents, can be quite harmful, said OShields, superintendent of Laurens County School District 56 (Clinton). While board members wanted more time, they were enthusiastic about the underlying idea. Its not just about the discipline in the schools, said Christian Hanley Jr. of Berkeley County. The discipline is important, but its ruining our kids. Hanley noted the board put a lot of work into another regulation passed earlier in the year that bars books in schools that describe sexual conduct. You can get a whole lot more porn on these phones than youre going to get in those library books, he said. Matthew Ferguson, deputy superintendent for the Department of Education, said the agency has already received a lot of feedback in creating the model rules. More than 9,000 teachers responded to a survey on banning phones. Teachers reported that phones were taking up hours of their teaching time, and they asked for support from school administrators so they dont have to be the phone police, he said. When we first sent the survey out our survey platform thought we had been hacked and spoofed because the responses were coming in so quickly, Ferguson told the board. State Superintendent Ellen Weaver said her agency can also help school officials educate parents on the policies. The districts are very hungry for us as the department to help create communication tools and resources, she said. SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. SC Daily Gazette maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seanna Adcox for questions: info@scdailygazette.com. Follow SC Daily Gazette on Facebook and X. SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea and the United States kicked off annual summertime military exercises on Monday, seeking to boost their joint readiness to fend off North Korea's weapons and cyber threats. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, set to end on Aug. 29, come as North Korea races to advance its nuclear and missile programmes and tries to launch reconnaissance satellites. The drills will reflect "realistic threats" across all domains, including the North's missile threats but also GPS jamming, cyberattacks and other lessons learned from recent incidents, the two countries' militaries have said. South Korea will separately carry out the simultaneous government-led Ulchi civil defence drills, under the scenario of a nuclear attack by the North, officials said. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol urged thorough readiness posture against North Korea, calling it "the most reckless and irrational country in the world. "As seen in Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East, war can break out at any time," he told a cabinet meeting. "The nature of war has also changed from the past, being carried out in a hybrid form that mixes regular, irregular and cyber warfare, and even public opinion and psychological warfare using fake news." About 19,000 South Korean troops will take part, similar to last year, with 48 rounds of combined field training, including field manoeuvre, live fire and amphibious exercises to be held, Yoon said. Pyongyang has long denounced the allies for stoking tensions with military drills, calling them rehearsals for a nuclear war. Seoul and Washington say the exercises are defensive and a response to the North's threats. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) Southern California man sentenced to 7 years for stealing $2.7 million in checks from mail A South Los Angeles man was sentenced on Monday to more than 7 years in federal prison for his role in a scheme to defraud banks and credit unions by stealing checks from mail. Carlos Corona, 37, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on May 1. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Corona and co-conspirators performed an elaborate scheme between October 2020 and August 2023. Corona, who organized the scheme and recruited accomplices through Instagram, had some conspirators steal checks from collection boxes outside of post offices. After obtaining those stolen checks, the schemers would then contact the bank account holders through social media in attempts to get them to give their debit card and account information, promising account holders a cut of any fraudulent funds deposited into their accounts. Long Beach begins clearing encampments after funding threats from Gov. Newsom If successful in their efforts to obtain bank account holders account numbers, PIN numbers, debit cards and online banking log-in information, theyd then deposit the stolen checks into these bank accounts. Oftentimes, those stolen checks were endorsed with forged signatures or even completely altered to make the payee name match that on the bank account being used. Corona and his conspirators would then rapidly deplete the stolen money from the accounts through cash withdrawals, electronic transfers and debit card purchases. He instructed the account holders to tell banks that their accounts had been compromised if the fraudulent deposits were flagged. In total, more than $2.7 million was stolen. Corona on Monday was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison by United States District Judge John F. Walter and was ordered to pay $2,722,632 in restitution. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. By Joey Roulette WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A four-person crew for SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission arrived in Florida on Monday ahead of their Aug. 26 launch to space for a mission that includes the first privately managed spacewalk, a risky endeavor only government astronauts have done in the past. The crew - a billionaire entrepreneur, a retired military fighter pilot and two SpaceX employees - neared the end of more than two years of training for the mission, in which they will venture out of their Crew Dragon capsule in Earth's orbit for a tethered spacewalk. The mission will be a major first test of SpaceX's new astronaut spacesuits and marks the latest risky, high-stakes commercial milestone that Elon Musk's space company is looking to clinch on the billionaire's path to eventually building colonies on Mars. "Whatever risk associated with it, it is worth it," said mission commander Jared Isaacman, the CEO of electronic payment company Shift4 who is also the head of the SpaceX-affiliated Polaris program. "We have no idea what it could do to really change the trajectory of humankind ... there has to be some first steps in this direction," Isaacman told reporters on Monday during a news conference. Isaacman is bankrolling the mission and others under his Polaris program. He declined to say how much he has spent on the missions so far, but it's a total that would be hundreds of millions of dollars. The financial investments into development of SpaceX's new spacesuits was "shared across the Polaris team along with SpaceX," Bill Gerstenmaier, a SpaceX vice president, told reporters. The launch is scheduled for 3:38 a.m. ET (0738 GMT) on Aug. 26 from SpaceX's launchpad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission is expected to last six days, with the spacewalk - formally called Extravehicular Activity (EVA) - planned for the third day. The rest of the Polaris Dawn crew includes mission pilot Scott Poteet, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who was also on the Inspiration4 mission. SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, both Lead Space Operations Engineers at the company, will be mission specialists. Crew Dragon has no airlock, so its entire cabin will be slowly depressurized ahead of the spacewalk, meaning all four astronauts will be testing out the new spacesuits. But only two, Isaacman and Gillis, will float outside the spacecraft. Only government astronauts from the U.S., former Soviet Union and Russia, the European Space Agency, Canada and China have conducted spacewalks. Using American and Russian spacesuits, over 270 spacewalks have been conducted outside the International Space Station since its inception in 2000. "EVA is a risky adventure. But again, we did all the work to really get ready for this," said Gerstenmaier, who was NASA's human spaceflight chief until 2020. "We kind of built off of what NASA's heritage was, but I think we've also extended NASA's heritage a little bit further," Gerstenmaier said. While SpaceX uses its Crew Dragon capsule to send astronauts to and from the ISS for NASA, the company has sought to arrange privately funded spaceflights that feature new milestones with each mission. The first mission led by Isaacman, Inspriration4 in 2021, was the first all-civilian, privately funded flight into Earth's orbit. SpaceX this month said it plans to launch next year the first crew to ever orbit the Earth pole-to-pole, featuring a multinational crew. (Reporting by Joey Roulette; Editing by Sandra Maler) JERUSALEM, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian man killed an Israeli security guard with a hammer on Sunday in an industrial zone in the occupied West Bank, in what the Israeli army described as "a terror attack." The suspect, who worked at a factory in Baron Industrial Park near Kedumim, assaulted and injured the security guard. The victim was rushed to Beilinson Hospital in Israel but was pronounced dead later in the evening, according to the Israeli army and hospital statements. The suspect fled the scene, prompting the military to launch a large-scale manhunt, the Israeli army's statement said. The incident occurred amid an ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and increasing Israeli raids in the West Bank, with a rising escalation of violence. Former Rep. David Jolly (R-Fla.) said that as things stand right now, Donald Trump will lose the election as voters grow tired of his act and more enthusiastic about Vice President Kamala Harris. And Trumps rambling speeches, which go on so long that some fans have been walking out before theyre over, arent helping. Hes more like the aging rock star whose fans have kind of faded away, so its more like a reunion tour for him, Jolly a longtime Trump critic said on MSNBC on Sunday. It just doesnt quite have the spark it had in 2016, and the lack of enthusiasm is there as well and hes not helping himself. He noted that Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) earlier in the day warned Trump he could lose the election if he continued with the insults and personal attacks. Lindsey Graham is right, Jolly said. Donald Trump will likely lose to Vice President Harris as we stand here today. Jolly said Trumps team has been trying to throw the kitchen sink at Harris with a wide range of attacks, but so far, nothings sticking. He said Harris seems to have the popular vote locked up, and the Electoral College vote is moving in her direction as well. Vice President Harris is in position to win this race, he said, adding that persuadable voters are also turning toward her. The reality is, most persuadables are more substantive and less reflexive in their partisan loyalty, and those are the voters that are looking at Vice President Harris saying, I like the direction shes willing to take this country, he said. See the full MSNBC panel discussion below: Related... RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) New data shows spending on North Carolinas gubernatorial race is on track to significantly exceed spending from four years ago as Democratic state attorney general Josh Stein and lieutenant governor Mark Robinson seek to sway voters. AdImpact, which tracks political spending, says as of mid-August, $77.7 million already either has been spent or is reserved for the race. About 76 percent of that spending is in support of Stein. Stein takes significant lead against Robinson in NC governors race, new poll shows Meredith College political expert David McLennan says based on those numbers, total spending on the race could reach $125 million. That would top the approximate $70 million spent on the 2020 race. This is the most expensive governors race weve seen and maybe in the country this year, McLennan said. I wasnt surprised when I saw the numbers, just the disparity in the numbers. The Stein campaign, not only in current spending, but in future spending is well outpacing Robinsons campaign. I think that could be why Robinson is losing ground in the polls. Polling in the race this month has shown Stein leading Robinson between five and 10 percentage points. Those same polls have shown the presidential race in North Carolina to be much closer. Since Robinson and Stein werent well known to the average North Carolinian, this is shaping an impression for them, McLennan said. I think advertising is working. Money goes where its needed. And, if the gap does not narrow its hard to imagine a lot of people will put money into this race on the Robinson side. Robinson says conflict of interest in states review of familys nonprofit, citing Steins wifes employment Stein has maintained a fundraising advantage over Robinson. In the second quarter of this year, Steins campaign reported raising $13.8 million compared to Robinsons $5 million. Both are significantly outraising their partys nominees from recent past elections. While some of Steins ads have been about his own record, several have focused on previous statements Robinson has made, particularly about abortion. The lieutenant governor released an ad of his own on the issue, talking about his and his wifes decision about 30 years ago to get an abortion and the lasting impact its had on them. Not responsible enough to keep your skirt down, Robinson says about abortion in Stein ad Stein released a new ad Monday focused on efforts to clear the backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits. The attorney general announced earlier this year that milestone had been reached as a result of bipartisan legislation that the General Assembly passed. In 2017, Steins office said it determined that about 16,000 of those evidence kits had gone untested. The ad features Robeson County District Attorney Matt Scott highlighting the cold case of a teacher who was assaulted in her home. The case was solved and a man was convicted following testing of the evidence kits. As Attorney General, Josh Stein has worked with Republicans and Democrats to clear the rape kit backlog and take violent criminals off of North Carolinas streets, said Jeff Allen, campaign manager for Josh Stein for North Carolina. Lt. Gov. Robinson responds to ads featuring his comments about abortion and women keeping their skirt down Republicans have pushed back on the issue, saying the backlog never should have climbed as high as it did in the first place. Stein was preceded in the attorney generals office by incumbent Democratic governor Roy Cooper. In a statement, Mike Lonergan, a spokesman for Robinsons campaign said, This ad is just Josh Steins latest pathetic attempt to gloss over his failed record of propping up the same anti-police and pro-criminal extremist policies of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Since Josh Stein took office, crime like domestic violence is on the rise across the state and hes even already gotten himself in legal hot water for lying about rape and sexual assault kits. From his support of ending cash bail to his ties to defund the police extremist groups, Josh Stein will continue to turn our state into a magnet for violent crime and dangerous drugs, Longergan said in his statement. As governor, Mark Robinson will partner with President Trump to crack down on violent crime and make our communities safer. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. As the insect sentinels of summer, fireflies use their glowing bellies to communicate to other fireflies. Males from the species Abscondita terminalis use multi-pulse flashes with both of their lanterns to attract females. The females use single-pulse flashes with their one lantern. However, a new study found that some spiders may have decoded this signal and are using it to its advantage. This mimicry is detailed in a study published August 19 in the journal Current Biology. When orb-weaving spiders (Araneus ventricosus) trap male fireflies in their webs, they manipulate the flashing signals to mimic the typical flashes made by female fireflies. These feigned flashes then lure other males into the web where they become the spiders next meal. However, we still dont know if the spiders venom or a bite itself is manipulating the fireflys signal. [Related: A new theory on why fireflies glowand why they need help.] The discovery arose after Xinhua Fu, a study co-author and entomologist at Huazhong Agricultural University in China observed several male fireflies entangled in orb-weaving spider webs while working in the field. He rarely saw a female firefly trapped in a web and additional field trips revealed this sexually skewed pattern. Fu hypothesized that the spiders may be somehow manipulating the fireflies behavior to attract others. To test this hypothesis that the spiders are manipulating the fireflys signal, he recruited behavioral ecologists Daiqin Li and Shichang Zhang from Hubei University. The team conducted field experiments where they observed the firefly signals and spider behavior. The observations showed that the spiders web captured male fireflies more often when the spider was there, compared to when it was away from the web. After further analysis, they found that the signals created by male fireflies in webs with spiders present looked more like the signals made by free flying females. The trapped males used single-pulse signals that use only one lantern and not both. An orb-weaving spider (Araneus ventricosus) with two ensnared male fireflies (Abscondita terminalis), one of which has a luminescent lantern (right). CREDIT: Xinhua Fu. Interestingly, the ensnared male fireflies very rarely lured other males when they were alone in the web and the spider was not around. This suggests that the males were not altering their flashes as a kind of distress signal. The team believes that the spiders are altering the fireflys signal. While the eyes of orb-web spiders typically support limited spatial acuity, they rely more on temporal acuity rather than spatial acuity for discriminating flash signals, Li said in a statement. Upon detecting the bioluminescent signals of ensnared male fireflies, the spider deploys a specialized prey-handling procedure involving repeated wrap-bite attacks. [Related: Spider glue might evolve faster than the spiders themselves.] According to the team, the experiment reveals that some animals are capable of using indirect yet dynamic signaling to go after a very specific category of prey in nature. The team also believes that there could be many other undescribed examples of this kind of mimicry in nature waiting to be uncovered. Predators could be using sound, pheromones, or other means, and not just visual signals to fool their prey. This deceptive ability is not exclusive to the animal kingdom either. The South African daisy appears to trick flies into mating with it and depositing pollen. We propose that in response to seeing the ensnared male fireflies bioluminescent signals, the spider deployed a specialized-prey handling procedure based on repeated wrap bite attacks, the team wrote in the study. We also hypothesize that the male fireflys neurotransmitters may generate a female-like flashing pattern. However, additional study is needed to determine what exactly is changing in the trapped fireflys flashing pattern. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services continues to warn SNAP recipients to be extra cautious following a spike in fraud cases in the state a trend theyre seeing locally too. Officials say the stolen SNAP benefits are linked to card skimming devices that take EBT card numbers. In order to replace the stolen benefits, recipients need to report the fraud to their county Job and Family Services office. There is an application form Ill say they, you know, indicate they were hacked so to speak and provide that information, said John Gargano, Trumbull County Job and Family Services director. He said the agency is seeing an increase in SNAP replacement applications. We got new reports in for June and July, there were 50 applications for a total of $29,000, and in August so far we have 60 applications which is approximately $32,000, said Gargano. Gargano encourages SNAP recipients to be vigilant and says there are some things they can do to better protect themselves. It includes locking EBT cards when you arent using them and creating new PIN numbers monthly. When creating a new PIN number its best to not start with a zero or 1 because those are the easiest for them to hack into and examine the card reader where youre at for a skimming device that may be placed on it, he said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. (WKBN) With cooler temperatures to start the week, two organizations have announced the return of the Spooktacular Halloween Loop to Northeast Ohio and Mahoning Valley communities. Read next: Fall and Halloween events 2024 Returning for its second year, the Spooktacular Halloween Loop will allow residents to enjoy the spirit of Halloween by touring their neighborhoods to view creative and spooky decorations. Whether youre a homeowner looking to share your display with others or a Halloween enthusiast hoping to spot some spooky haunts, the event is designed for everyone to enjoy. It is made possible through a partnership between Spanning the Need and 330ToGO. From now until Sept. 25, residents can submit their addresses and other information that is requested to be included in the Halloween loop. At the end of September, the Halloween loop map will be made available to the public on both Spanning the Need and 330ToGO websites. This map will guide participants through the community, highlighting the most bewitching and imaginative Halloween displays in specific areas of the region, with additional information on the website and homes doing fundraisers for their specific charities. Last year the partnership showcased nearly 100 locations. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. DENVER (KDVR) Several bear sightings were caught on camera in the Acres Green neighborhood in Lone Tree on Monday. A FOX31 viewer captured a video of a small bear wandering through the Acres Green neighborhood near Lone Tree around 8 a.m. on Monday. The bear, seen in the video above, was seen slowly walking through a neighbors yard before disappearing behind shrubbery on the side of the house. Watch: Bear spotted in Highlands Ranch neighborhoods, prompting warnings About an hour later, the Douglas County Sheriffs Office posted photos on X of a bear spotted in the area of Acres Green and Maximus Drive. The bear was pictured walking through yards and even sitting on one persons front porch. Bear in area of Acres Green Bear in area of Acres Green By 10 a.m., the sheriffs office said the bear moved into Lone Tree where authorities were tracking it. At 1 p.m., South Metro Fire Rescue posted about a bear in a tree near Park Meadows mall. They closed Park Meadows Center Drive and asked the public to avoid the area. Bear in tree near Parks Meadows These are some of the many bear sightings this summer. One bear was seen in Highlands Ranch entering garages, climbing over fences and going through trash cans. Another bear was found lying under a deck in Pagosa Springs. One bear even stumbled upon the Colorado Renaissance Festival, where authorities had to remove the unexpected visitor. Unexpected visitor found at Colorado Renaissance Festival Colorado Parks and Wildlife told FOX31 that bears have been spotted in many neighborhoods because theyre looking for food. CPW asks people to haze the bears to help them move on. They suggest making loud noises like with car alarms, pots and pans, air horns or yelling. They also ask people to keep all trash locked until the morning of pickup and to make sure grills are thoroughly cleaned so they do not smell like food residue. If you spot a bear in your neighborhood, CPW asks people to call and report it to them so they can track and keep data of bear whereabouts. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Stage set for Day 1 of Democratic National Convention in Chicago The Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday in Chicago. It comes amid the partys shakeup over the past few weeks. Vice President Kamala Harris will try to continue building momentum as the partys new nominee. While events wont get into full swing until evening, the backdrop at the United Center showed images of Harris and running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on full display early Monday. The arena will be the epicenter of support for Harris as she continues to re-introduce herself to voters with less than three months from Election Day. Monday night, the crowd will hear from one of her biggest supporters, President Joe Biden. READ: Why attendance has surged at Disneys Epcot The DNC said it will be celebrating the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration all week long. Monday night will also be a chance to close out President Bidens career in politics, which spans more than 50 years. When Biden decided to end his campaign last month he talked about passing the torch to the next generation of leaders. READ: Go vote!: 1.2M cast ballots in Primary Election Expect Biden to make his case for his vice president to become the next commander-in-chief. Democrats are planning to present a sharp contrast between Vice President Harris and her opponent, former president Donald Trump. The DNC said it believes a second Trump term would be even more dangerous and more extreme than the first one. READ: Apartment rents hit a post-pandemic milestone and more landlords are sweetening their deals Each night of the DNC will have a theme. Mondays theme will be called For the People and the DNC said the Harris-Walz ticket is one that supports everyday Americans. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Action News Jax has race results for the 2024 Florida Primary Election on Tuesday night. Just look below to find results for Florida U.S. House and Senate races, Florida State House and Senate races, as well as races by county. What to know so far: Kat Cammack, Michael Waltz, and John Rutherford each won GOP nominations for the U.S. House. Several counties, including Clay, were experiencing website timeouts for their election results pages. Clay County said its vendor was working to fix a statewide outage. Rick Scott (R) and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) will face off in the general election for one of Floridas U.S. Senate seats after winning their respective primaries. Democrats Angie Nixon (Florida House District 13) and Kimberly Daniels (Florida House District 14) each won their races. Republicans Kim Kendall (Florida House District 18), Sam Greco (Florida House District 19), and Judson Sapp (Florida House District 20) won their races. This embedded content is not available in your region. [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. State Police identify 3 people killed in weekend crash in New Hampshire State Police on Monday identified three people killed in a crash in New Hampshire over the weekend. The victims, all New Hampshire residents, were killed in a crash on Route 101 in Candia around noon on Saturday, state police said. Michael Wescott, 59, of Greenville; Richard Courville, 77, of North Hampton; and Denise Courville, 65, also of North Hampton, all died in the crash, state police said. At approximately 12:20 p.m. Saturday, state troopers responded to reports of a head-on collision between two vehicles. A preliminary investigation found that Westcott, the driver of a 2010 Toyota Tundra, was speeding eastbound before sideswiping a 2018 Nissan Sentra, striking a guardrail on the eastbound side, veering across the center median and into the westbound lanes of travel, then striking a 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, driven by Richard Courville, head-on, state police said. Westcott and Richard Courville died at the time of the crash. Denise Courville, who was a passenger in the Jeep, was taken by ambulance to Elliot Hospital, where she later died, state police said. The driver and passenger of the Nissan Sentra suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Elliot Hospital as a precaution. New Hampshire State Police were assisted at the scene by Raymond Police, Auburn Police, Candia Fire Rescue, Raymond Fire, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Speed appears to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation, state police said. Anyone who witnessed the crash and hasnt already spoken with police is asked to contact Trooper Will Bohnenberger at William.F.Bohnenberger@dos.nh.gov or by calling 603-223-4381. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The number of foreign visitors to China soared 129.9 percent year on year to 17.25 million in the first seven months of this year thanks to a series of measures facilitating the entry of foreigners, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said on Monday. The foreign visitors are estimated to boost consumption topping 100 billion yuan (about 14 billion U.S. dollars) in total, with a per capita daily average consumption volume of nearly 3,500 yuan, said Liu Haitao, NIA deputy head, at a press conference. During the period, 846,000 port visas were issued to foreign nationals who have urgent needs to enter China but do not have enough time to apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates abroad, Liu said. The figure rose 183 percent year on year. Regarding port visas, the NIA said foreign nationals can submit applications in advance to the port visa authorities by themselves or through inviting parties, or apply on site upon arrival at ports in China. From January to July, China recorded a total of 341 million cross-border travels, up 62.34 percent from the same period of last year, Liu added. A large bronze statue of the late civil rights icon leader and Georgia congressman John Lewis was installed Friday, at the very spot where a contentious monument to the confederacy stood for more than 110 years in the town square before it was dismantled in 2020. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Work crews gently rested the 12-foot-tall (3.7-meter-tall) statue into place as the internationally acclaimed sculptor, Basil Watson, looked on carefully. Its exciting to see it going up and exciting for the city because of what he represents and what its replacing, Watson said, as he assisted with the install process. Lewis was known for his role at the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement and urged others to get in good trouble for a cause he saw as vital and necessary. In DeKalb County where the Confederate monument stood for more than a century, protesters have invoked good trouble in calling for the swift removal of the obelisk. TRENDING STORIES: Back in 2020, the stone obelisk was lifted from its base with straps amid jeers and chants of Just drop it! from onlookers in Decatur, Georgia, who were kept at a safe distance by sheriffs deputies. The obelisk was erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908. Groups like the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights and Hate Free Decatur had been pushing for the monument to be removed since the deadly 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The monument was among those around the country that became flashpoints for protests over police brutality and racial injustice, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. The city of Decatur then asked a Georgia judge to order the removal of the monument, which was often vandalized and marked by graffiti, saying it had become a threat to public safety. The statue of Lewis will be officially unveiled on Aug. 24. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Steinmeier thanks Hungary for its contribution to German unity President of the Republic of Hungary, Tamas Sulyok (L) speaks at City Hall on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic. Several hundred citizens of the GDR took advantage of the temporary opening of the Hungarian-Austrian border to flee to the West. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday thanked Hungary for its crucial contribution to overcoming the division of Europe and for German reunification. In a joint press conference with Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok, Steinmeier also called on Hungary to use its current European Union Council presidency to strengthen the EU. Steinmeier was participating in the commemorative event marking the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic in the Hungarian-Austrian border town of Sopron, which had been utilized by 600 to 700 East German (DDR) citizens to flee to the West. The symbolic border opening for three hours on August 19, 1989, brought the first breach in the Iron Curtain, which had long divided Europe, Steinmeier said. The Pan-European Picnic was a "milestone on the path to German reunification." "Germany will always be grateful to the people of Hungary for their contribution to our unity. And as the federal president, I sincerely say: Thank you, dear Hungarians," Steinmeier said. Europe owes its freedom and unity also to the courage of the Hungarian people, their love of freedom, and passion for Europe, he said. "We need this passion for Europe today," Steinmeier emphasized, without directly addressing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is controversial and often perceived as a hindrance in the EU because of his independent policies. The unity and capability of the EU must be maintained, especially in light of new geopolitical challenges, he said. "With its EU Council presidency, Hungary plays an important role in strengthening the unity within the EU and advancing constructive and shared solutions for our common future topics," Steinmeier said. Like all other EU members, Germany hopes that Hungary will embrace and fulfill this role. Hungarian President Sulyok emphasized that his country places great importance on national identity, culture, tradition, language and sovereignty. "We believe that our different opinions about Europe do not separate us but always connect us." In August 1989, the Austrian chapter of the Pan-European Movement and the newly-formed Hungarian Democratic Forum jointly organized an event in Sopron, on the border between the two countries. The gathering included a symbolic opening of the border that allowed people on both sides to celebrate together and campaign for European unity. Leaflets publicizing the event soon reached thousands of East Germans holidaying in Hungary and almost 700 crossed the border to Austria unopposed by guards. The incident was highly embarrassing to the East German government, which largely collapsed only three months later. Orban, whose authoritarian leanings and sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin have attracted heavy criticism in the EU, is not taking part in the memorial event. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier boards a Bundeswehr air force aircraft at the military section of Berlin Brandenburg Airport to fly to Sopron in Hungary to mark the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic. Several hundred citizens of the East Germany took advantage of the temporary opening of the Hungarian-Austrian border to flee to the West. Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa BATH, N.Y. (WETM) A Bath man was arrested on Sunday after police said he fled from officers in the village. According to the Village of Bath Police Department, 22-year-old Isaiah L. Conklin-Griffin was arrested on Sunday, Aug. 18, on the charge of unlawful fleeing of a police officer in the third degree, a class A misdemeanor and 18 traffic tickets for violations within the Village of Bath. Police said that Conklin-Griffin was riding a 2012 Yamaha motorcycle on Cameron Street in Bath when police attempted to do a traffic stop on him. The report says that Conklin-Griffin failed to pull over and a pursuit began. Hornell man arrested on attempted murder/weapons charges after domestic incident Conklin-Griffin took police on a chase towards the Town of Cameron, with units stopping the pursuit because of Conklin-Griffins reckless driving. The report says that the chase started again when Conklin-Griffin came back into the Village of Bath. Police called off the pursuit again on East Washington Street and May Street, but got several 911 calls reporting the motorcycle was at a residence on East Washington Street Extension. Police said Conklin-Griffin was found and arrested while the motorcycle was impounded. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. STEUBEN COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM) Two Steuben County men were arrested on nearly 40 felony counts after an eight-month investigation into a string of reported commercial burglaries across four counties. According to the Steuben County Sheriffs Office, 50-year-old Dale M. Sutton of Campbell and 44-year-old James R. Lisefski of Prattsburgh were arrested after an eight-month investigation by five police agencies into crimes across Steuben, Schuyler, Allegany, and Yates Counties. The two men were arrested on the following charges: One count of enterprise corruption, a class B felony. Seven counts of burglary in the third degree, all class D felonies. Ten counts of grand larceny, class E and class D felonies. Ten counts of criminal mischief, felony, and misdemeanor level. Three counts of tampering with physical evidence, class E felonies. Three counts of petit larceny, class E felonies. One count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony. One count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony. Father-son duo from Steuben County face charges related to Jan. 6 Capitol riot In a release from the Steuben County Sheriffs Office, the eight-month investigation into the two men had the cooperation of five police agencies to share investigative information and gain evidence to link many crimes to Sutton and Lisefski. Police allege the two of causing multiple commercial burglaries, stealing vehicles, arson, larcenies, tampering with evidence, causing property damage, and narcotics sales. Hundreds of hours of evidence were put together and presented to a Grand Jury presentation leading to the indictment of Sutton and Lisefskin on 38 individual charges. Sutton was arrested and processed in Steuben County Court before he was taken to the Steuben County Jail on $20,000 cash bail while Lisefskin was taken to the Steuben County Jail due to an active New York State Parole Violation Warrant and is being held without bail. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A favorite spot on the campus of YSU celebrated a big milestone Monday. Stonefruit Coffee Company is marking its 5th anniversary at its location on Lincoln Avenue. The staff held a ribbon cutting to honor the occasion Monday morning. The owners of Stonefruit grew up in the city and are both graduates of YSU. They say their success is based on one simple idea: treat everyone who walks in the door with respect and kindness. I think its been a success because we hope to make it what we would have wanted when we were in school, said Laura Cupp. Its just a nice place to be able to come in, look away from the rest of your life for a minute, and sit down, relax, trying to be welcoming all the time, were always happy to see everybody. And Stonefruit isnt just for students everyone is welcome. Its making everyone feel welcomed. Youre coming in for a coffee, but we really want to make it an experience for you where you can relax and enjoy yourself and just make friends, Michael Cupp said. The business is open seven days a week. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A string of migrant landings over the past four days in the sun-swept Turks and Caicos Islands is bringing more than just undocumented Haitians to the British Overseas Territory less than 500 miles from Miami. Police in the Turks and Caicos say that along with detaining 217 undocumented migrants in five separate landings since Friday, theyve also seized more than $2 million in marijuana. The marijuana was discovered following two separate interceptions of undocumented migrants coming from the northern coast of Haiti on Friday and Saturday. Haitis southern coast, because of its proximity to Jamaica, is a popular route in which guns are traded for marijuana and is known as the guns for ganja network. But its highly unusual for cannabis to be coming out of the northern coast, raising questions about its origin and transportation. Turks and Caicos police say they are investigating both the seizures and the landings. The first bust occurred on Friday when a team of officers responded to an illegal landing around 11:40 p.m. at Bird Rock on the island of Providenciales; 15 migrants were aboard the boat, along with marijuana with a street value of $131, 660. The following day, officers discovered two more illegal vessels ferrying undocumented migrants when the marine unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police responded to a call at 5 p.m. Saturday in Jones Cay. Officers detained 41 migrants including three minors, six women and 32 men onboard the boats along with marijuana. The drugs have an estimated street value of $2,704,932. The trafficking of illicit contraband, such as cannabis, into the Turks and Caicos Islands is an offense with serious penalties, Royal Turks and Caicos Police Commissioner Edvin Martin said. The police and law enforcement partners, he added, are resolute in finding the people involved in the smuggling of people and trafficking of illegal drugs and will pursue all leads to bring them to justice. On Sunday, a fourth vessel ferrying undocumented migrants was intercepted at approximately 10:17 p.m. by officers from the marine unit of the police with assistance from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. The boat was intercepted near the island of West Caicos. The vessel was escorted to Providenciales, and 144 migrants onboard were handed over to the Border Force for processing. Among the migrants were 111 men, 32 women and five minors. All have been detained and will be repatriated to Haiti. Around 4:50 a.m. Sunday officers were back out again to respond to a fifth landing, near Long Bay in Providenciales. The vessel was carrying 17 migrants. Student Exchange Programs in NE Kansas looking for local host families TOPEKA (KSNT) With the school year underway, for some students its a challenge to find a place to call home for the 2024-25 school year. Exchange students programs give international students the opportunity to come experience the lifestyle and culture of another country. Not only for them to learn and educate themselves on the United States and including a new language, but also for the host families as well. I think its really for our students and communities because it teaches them about different cultures, whats going on in the world and these students bring so much to their communities, Deborah Sturgeon, area representative for World Heritage said. A lot of times they have to have requirements to volunteer in their communities and do presentations about their countries. So, they educate our communities by coming. Hosting a student is a simple process with an application, acceptance and house visit. But this year, many agencies have found difficulty in finding host families for international students. A lot of Americans, which we all are, are from another country. They can host Germany if theyre familys from Germany or Italy, Anita Sass, Regional Manager for CETUSA, said. They can learn first hand on what the culture is like that. It just brings more global awareness in the world. Northeast Kansas agencies are still looking and accepting applications for local families to host students this coming school year. CETUSA Council for Educational Travel, USA World Heritage Exchange For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA (WVNS) A student from Tazewell, Virginia received a scholarship from Ferrellgas, a nationwide propane logistics company, to help in her goal to pursue further educational opportunities. 10 closest National Parks to southern West Virginia Ashlynn Sarver is pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders at Radford University through the Ferrellgas Scholarship Program. She is the daughter of Dana Sarver, a Ferrellgas Customer Success Specialist-QA in North Tazewell, VA. Our family is so thankful for this scholarship! I am so thankful to work for an amazing company! said Dana. Continuing your education is no small feat. Ferrellgas is proud to support the educational pursuits of all our scholarship recipients, including Ashlynn, said General Manager CS Quality Nancy VanScyoc. According to a press release, the Ferrellgas Scholarship Program has been providing funding for scholarships for children of Ferrellgas employees and Blue Rhino, their other industry-leading propane tank brand for more than 30 years. In order to be eligible for this scholarship program, students must maintain an academic status, participate in school activities, and meet certain financial requirements. The Ferrellgas Scholarship Program is part of the Ferrellgas Century Project. The release continued to state that Ferrellgas plans to continue its support for certain initiatives up until the year 2039 and beyond, which will also mark the companys 100th year in business. When should kids take a sick day from school? For more information about the scholarship program, visit https://www.ferrellgas.com/esg/. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Student test results are out. Heres how Mississippi Coast districts scored in 4 subjects Mississippi Coast students last school year often scored higher than their peers across the state on an annual test of math, science, English language arts and U.S. History, according to scores released last week by the state Department of Education. The results marked a broad success for schools across the Coast. Students in the Long Beach and Ocean Springs school districts scored so high in each subject that the Mississippi Department of Education recognized the districts as among the best in the state. Students in the Bay St. Louis-Waveland School district also stood out: The district earned statewide recognition for its high scores in math, science and U.S. History. And the Hancock County School District earned praise for its students scores in science and U.S. History. The tests score students on four subjects. Students in grades three through eight get scored on English and math. Fifth and eighth graders are scored on science. High school students are tested on English II, Algebra I, Biology and U.S. History. Education leaders hailed the results as a stark improvement from the drop in scores during the COVID-19 pandemic. The continued rise in student achievement across Mississippi is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers and school leaders, Lance Evans, the state superintendent of education, said in a news release. Our focus now is on building more momentum to guarantee that all our graduates are prepared for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in college, their careers, and life. The Mississippi Department of Education said average statewide scores have reached an all-time high: 47.8 percent of students scored in the highest two categories for English language arts, 56.3 percent scored similarly high in math and 63.4 percent scored in the highest categories in science. The only downfall was U.S. History, where the state said the percent of high-scoring students decreased from 71.4 percent to 70.9 percent. Heres a closer look at each district on the Mississippi Coast. Hancock County School District Hancock County students scored highest in U.S. History. About 87 percent were classified as proficient or advanced the highest two categories the state recognizes. On average, about 78 percent of students scored proficient or advanced in science. About 71 percent scored similarly high in math, and roughly 59 percent of students scored in the highest two categories for English language arts. Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District Bay-Waveland students also scored exceptionally high in U.S. History. On average, 92 percent of students scored proficient or advanced, the states results showed. About 80 percent of students, on average, scored proficient or advanced in science. Around 74 percent scored in those categories for math, and about 59 percent scored similarly high in English. Harrison County School District On average, about 80 percent of students in Harrison County schools scored proficient or advanced in U.S. History. About 76 percent scored similarly high in science, the states results show. Roughly 67 percent scored proficient or advanced, and about 60 percent of students met those scores in English. Pass Christian Public School District Pass Christian students scored high in U.S. History: About 83 percent scored proficient or advanced, according to this years results. On average, about 79 percent of students scored proficient or advanced in science. About 69 percent scored similarly high in math, and about 59 percent scored proficient or advanced in English. Long Beach School District About 90 percent of Long Beach students scored proficient or advanced in U.S. History, the states results showed. Roughly 84 percent scored that high in science, and about 75 percent scored proficient or advanced in math. On average, 64 percent of students were proficient or advanced in English. I am filled with immense pride, Superintendent Tali Lock wrote in a social media post announcing the results. Year after year, our teachers and students have demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication, resulting in sustained success that is truly exceptional. Gulfport Public School District On average, about 70 percent of Gulfport students scored proficient or advanced in U.S. History, according to the states results. Results show about 67 percent scored as high in science. About 61 percent of students scored proficient or advanced in math, and about 57 percent scored similarly high in English. Biloxi Public School District About 83 percent of Biloxi students scored proficient or advanced in U.S. History. On average, 76 percent scored similarly high in science. Around 70 percent of students scored proficient or advanced in math, and about 56 percent of students met those scores in English, the states results showed. Jackson County School District On average, about 85 percent of Jackson County students scored proficient or advanced in U.S. History, according to this years results. Around 76 percent scored proficient or advanced in science. About 69 percent scored similarly high in math, and about 61 percent of students scored within the highest categories in English. Ocean Springs School District Ocean Springs students also excelled in U.S. History: About 86 percent scored in the proficient or advanced categories. About 85 percent of students scored just as high in science, according to the states results. Around 79 percent of students scored proficient or advanced in math, and about 71 percent scored similarly high in English. Moss Point School District On average, 68 percent of Moss Point students scored proficient or advanced in U.S. History, the states results showed. About 59 percent scored as high in science. The district struggled in math and English: About 38 percent of students scored proficient or advanced in math, and about 36 percent scored in the highest two categories in English. Pascagoula-Gautier School District On average, 77 percent of Pascagoula-Gautier students scored proficient or advanced in U.S. History. About 60 scored proficient or advanced in science. Around 57 percent scored similarly high in math, and about 51 percent scored in the top two categories in English. KHARTOUM, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Contagious diseases, including cholera and conjunctivitis, are spreading rapidly in Sudan due to the prolonged conflict that has severely impacted the country's health sector, compounded by annual heavy rains and floods, according to Sudanese authorities and experts. On Sunday, Sudan's Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim said in a statement that the number of cholera cases in the country had reached 354, including 22 deaths. The Sudanese authorities officially declared a cholera outbreak in the country a day earlier, noting that laboratory tests had confirmed the spread of cholera in different areas of Sudan, including the states of Kassala, Gedaref, Gezira, and Khartoum. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a much higher number. On Friday, WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris reportedly said in a media call that 11,327 cholera cases with 316 deaths had been reported in Sudan and that other epidemic diseases like dengue fever and meningitis infections were also on the rise. She further stated that the WHO expects the actual number of cholera infections to be higher than what has been reported. According to Sudan's Health Ministry, the cholera outbreak was primarily caused by deteriorating environmental conditions due to the war and the use of unsafe water in several areas. Meanwhile, the ministry said Tuesday in its latest report on the epidemiological situation in the country that the number of conjunctivitis cases, also known as pink eye disease, has reached 2,689 across nine states. The country's Northern State reported Saturday that it has registered 1,410 cases of acute conjunctivitis, while the Red Sea State in eastern Sudan reported 107 cases of acute viral conjunctivitis. Hamza Awadalla, a Sudanese epidemiologist and community medicine specialist, attributed the high rates of disease infections to the repercussions of the war, lack of precautionary measures, and the government's inability to organize vaccination campaigns amid insecurity in most of the war-affected states. Conjunctivitis "is caused by viruses that often spread during the fall" and is associated with deteriorating environmental conditions, Awadalla told Xinhua. The rapid spread of contagious diseases was mainly caused by the war and deteriorating environment during the rainy season, according to a recent report by the Sudanese Doctors Syndicate, a professional association of Sudanese doctors. "There are challenges facing the health sector and a severe shortage of life-saving medicines," it said. According to Sudan's Interior Ministry, 68 people have been killed since June due to heavy rains and floods that have affected several parts of Sudan. Flooding is a yearly occurrence in the country, typically happening between June and October. Over the past three years, heavy rains have claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed vast swathes of agricultural land. Sudan has been witnessing a deadly conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 15, 2023, resulting in the loss of at least 16,650 lives. An estimated 10.7 million people are now internally displaced in Sudan, with approximately 2.2 million others seeking refuge in neighboring countries, according to the most recent UN data. Medical Watch Digest for Aug 19 The value of quality nurses in patient care While nursing shortages can increase the risk for patients, a new study finds adding temporary nurses does not meaningfully increase safety. University of Southampton researchers reveal the threat of death remains elevated with a full staff compiled of temporary nurses compared to when a unit is fully staffed with permanent nurses. Looking at data from 600,000 patients in 185 wards across four acute hospitals between 2015 and 2020, doctors say permanent nurses make the difference for smooth patient care. The research also shined a light on the danger of staffing shortages. For each day of low staff among registered nurses, the risk of patient death increased by nearly 8-percent. AI-Powered Brain Implant May Help Treat Parkinsons An AI powered brain implant may be able to help Parkinsons patients day and night. University of California San Francisco scientists tested the device to treat movement problems during the day and insomnia at night. Its a personalized, self-adjusting, neuro modulation implant to enhance movement and sleep. Called adaptive deep brain stimulation, the treatment uses artificial intelligence to monitor a patients brain activity and respond accordingly to changes in symptoms and ability with electric pulses. Parkinsons patients will still need medication, the implant is designed to complement other therapy to manage Parkinsons symptoms and fill a need when the medication wears off. More Coverage: WGNs Medical Watch A sweet way to potentially fight breast cancer Manuka honey is a powerful nutraceutical for breast cancer according to UCLA investigators. The honey, produced by bees who feast on the flowers of New Zealands manuka trees, contains compounds to help reduce tumor growth in a less toxic way than traditional cancer therapies. Investigators believe it can be an option for both cancer prevention and treatment. Research has also shown manuka honey has anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Updated August 22 Fueled by federal pandemic funds and an ultra-tight labor market, teacher pay in the United States has climbed steadily over the last few years. According to the National Education Associations annual salary rankings, the average American teacher pulled in nearly $72,000 during the 202324 school year. The startling upward movement a 3.1 percent increase from the previous year, and 27.1 percent higher than average pay in 201213 reflects the lengths school districts and states are going to keep educators in the profession as post-COVID burnout tempts many to quit. But lawmakers and education leaders alike await evidence that the higher expenditures will yield real-world benefits. A recent study from Arkansas offers reason to think it will. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Released as a working paper this spring, the research shows that the LEARNS Act, a law passed last year that substantially increased starting teacher salaries, has channeled badly needed dollars to teachers in rural and financially struggling districts. While effects on teacher retention have been slight thus far, researchers believe that higher pay may gradually lead to lower turnover among the states K12 workforce. The LEARNS Act notably increased funding for rural and high-poverty districts, mitigating the negative association between starting salaries and district poverty rates. Gema Zamarro, University of Arkansas Gema Zamarro, an economist at the University of Arkansas and one of the lead authors of the paper, said it was a positive trend in and of itself that the legislation helped rebalance the fiscal reality in favor of more disadvantaged schools. The LEARNS Act notably increased funding for rural and high-poverty districts, mitigating the negative association between starting salaries and district poverty rates, Zamarro wrote in an email. Those districts can now better compete with more urban, richer districts in recruitment of beginning teachers to their districts, she added. While still provisional, the findings could prove encouraging to states as they navigate an unpredictable hiring environment. After remaining relatively stable through the first few years of COVID, teacher quit rates began edging upward in 2022. States have adjusted their budgets accordingly: A tracker maintained by the research group FutureEd indicates that legislators in nine states passed bills to boost teacher salaries last year. Related Under Huckabee Sanders, Red-State Reforms Now Roll Through Arkansas Among them was Arkansas, which had earned a reputation for some of the lowest pay and worst academic performance in the country. The LEARNS Act, passed under the direction of newly elected Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, included a massive influx of new spending that bumped the starting salary for new teachers to $50,000 essentially lifting the compensation floor from 48th in the United States to fourth. Beyond that, the legislation granted all Arkansas instructors a raise of at least $2,000 and eliminated the minimum salary schedule, allowing district leaders more scope to set pay as they think best. Zamarro and her colleagues at the University of Arkansas gathered data from 230 of the states 234 school districts, as well as nine of its 12 charter school operators, to study changes over the 202324 school year, when the law first came into effect. Saving Schools in Americas Fastest-Shrinking City Exodus and renewal in Pine Bluff, Arkansas View the Series Across the state, lifting each districts minimum teacher salary up to $50,000 cost an average of $8,486 per teacher. But the increases were naturally larger in districts that had previously paid teachers less. In particular, rural districts lifted salaries by roughly $2,350 more than their urban counterparts. Economically struggling districts also spent more of the new funds per teacher: A 10-point increase in their proportion of poor students (from 5 percent of a given districts students to 15 percent, for example) was correlated with an average increase in starting teacher salaries of $962. In practice, the bigger raises for high-needs areas helped even out historical inequalities in K12 resources. While average starting pay for teachers before the LEARNS Act was about $2,400 lower in rural districts than in urban ones, that difference was narrowed to just $48 in the year following enactment. The state fully funding these salary increases has resulted in this component of the LEARNS Act being a very progressive education finance reform. Andrew Camp, University of Arkansas Andrew Camp, one of Zamarros co-authors, noted in an email that the $181 million cost of the compensation shakeup was borne entirely by the state, making it a huge transfer of funds to some of the most disadvantaged communities in Arkansas. I think this is an aspect of the LEARNS Act that is especially undersold, Camp wrote. The state fully funding these salary increases has resulted in this component of the LEARNS Act being a very progressive education finance reform. Leveling the playing field While the legislation effectively leveled the playing field in starting teacher salaries between different kinds of districts, its influence on teachers career choices was more muted during its first year of implementation. Following the passage of the LEARNS Act, the proportion of Arkansas teachers leaving the profession was 3.4 percentage points lower than over the same period in the prior school year, 20222023, when national data pointed to a sizable jump in resignations. Compared with the average from 2016 to 2023, the proportion of teachers quitting was 1.4 points lower still a statistically significant decrease, though smaller. The question of teacher retention is especially acute in Arkansas because of the large number of districts that faced challenges in attracting qualified teachers even before the pandemic. Between 2013 and 2016, the number of candidates enrolled in any of the states teacher preparation programs fell by nearly half. Stubborn shortages have necessitated the widespread use of waivers to allow instructors to teach subjects and grade levels for which they lack certifications; the fraction of Arkansas teachers receiving such a waiver has crept up to as high as 9 percent in recent years, over double the national average. But over the last school year, the study finds, new teachers were 2.6 percentage points more likely to take a job in a geographic shortage area than they were in 202223. Compared with a longer-running average of the last seven years before the passage of the LEARNS Act, the difference was still positive (1.2 points), though not statistically significant. Related Arkansas LEARNS Act Repeal Effort Fails to Gather Enough Signatures Both Zamarro and Camp argued that the reforms still-modest effects on the local labor force may increase with time. Sanders only signed it last March, after many teachers had already made up their minds about whether they would sign on for the following year. Even through the end of that summer, a legal challenge filed against other provisions in the law raised some doubts over whether the raises would even be paid out. In that sense, I think that the fact that we observe some emerging results already is a promising sign, Zamarro wrote. It is possible that we will observe more positive effects in the future as districts and teachers have more time to adapt to the new legislation. Yet others wonder if the uniformity of the pay increase may backfire. Because of how it was written, most of the rewards from the LEARNS Act are earmarked for early-career teachers making the least money. Given the notably high quit rates for younger educators one study from the National Center for Education Statistics has found that about 10 percent exit the profession after their first year, and 17 quit within their first five years that may be sensible. But lifting the floor without an accompanying move to raise the ceiling will also have the effect of flattening pay differences between novices and veterans. Last year, one-third of the districts in the state adjusted their salary schedules to pay $50,000 for teachers at all experience levels. Some even reduced the maximum level of their salary schedules, saying they needed o know more about the states intentions for funding the LEARNS Act before developing their own long-term plans. One unspoken question is whether districts will eventually be asked to shoulder more of the financial burden themselves. Christopher Candelaria, an education professor at Vanderbilt University, has previously studied the effects of school funding infusions. He said the potential trade-offs of structuring pay increases this way could only be known with more years of study. Have we just equalized the salary schedule across the board, and across the range of experience and if so, what implications might that have for teachers who want to stay in the profession? Christopher Candelaria, Vanderbilt University Have we just equalized the salary schedule across the board, and across the range of experience and if so, what implications might that have for teachers who want to stay in the profession? he mused. If greater experience, and potentially greater skill, is not met with greater rewards, Candelaria continued , we might see more teachers exit the profession. Suicide rates increase among young Asian Americans, with some groups at higher risk Suicide rates among young Asian Americans have increased sharply in recent years, with significant variations observed between different ethnic subgroups, according to a new study published today in JAMA Pediatrics by researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine. The study, led by Dr. Anthony L. Bui, an acting assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, analyzed data from 2018 to 2021 on suicide rates among Asian American youths aged 15 to 24. The findings reveal that while overall suicide rates for Asian American youth remain lower than those for non-Asian Americans, there are stark differences within the various Asian subpopulations. Dr. Bui emphasized the importance of disaggregating data when examining suicide rates within the Asian American community. When we lump all Asian Americans into one category, we risk overlooking significant disparities, Bui said. He added that targeted mental health interventions that consider cultural, linguistic, and community-specific factors are necessary to address the higher risks faced by certain groups. The study found that among Asian American youth aged 15 to 19, the overall suicide rate was 9.17 deaths per 100,000, compared to 10.77 among non-Asian American youth. However, rates varied widely among different ethnic groups, with the lowest rate observed among Indian youth (6.91 per 100,000) and the highest among Vietnamese youth (10.57) and those categorized as all other (13.37). The all other category included ethnic groups such as Bangladeshis, Cambodians, and Hmong, for which individual statistical analysis was not possible due to their smaller population sizes. For young adults aged 20 to 24, the overall suicide rate for Asian Americans was 14.18 per 100,000, lower than the 18.32 rate among non-Asian Americans. Within this group, the suicide rate was lowest among Chinese young adults (9.24) and highest among Vietnamese (17.66) and those in the all other category (16.79). Dr. Bui, who also serves as an investigator at Seattle Childrens Research Institute, stressed the need for mental health programs that specifically address the needs of higher-risk groups within the Asian American community. By disaggregating these data, we gain a better understanding of whats happening in these communities and which interventions could really help, Bui said. The study highlights the importance of targeted approaches to mental health that recognize the diversity within the Asian American population and aim to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. Donald Trump is bigly mad, and hes not hiding it. A day before the Democratic National Convention, with Vice President Kamala Harris swinging through one of the key battleground states where she recently turned the polling tables on him, Trump embarked on a Truth Social posting spree. The former president posted or reposted his own content more than 25 times to his Truth Social account on Sunday, flooding his followers feeds with familiar rants, false claims, and A.I.-generated images of Taylor Swift fans backing his campaign. I accept! he wrote above the screenshots of the fake Swifties, apparently in reference to their bogus support. The images were originally posted to X on Friday and Saturday by a pair of popular right-wing accounts, one of which mixed the artificially generated images with real photographs of a blonde woman wearing a Swifties for Trump shirt at a rally. (The phrase briefly trended on the platform on Friday night, but there is no evidence a larger such movement exists.) He also shared an imagegenerated by the same X account earlier this weekendof a New York Post front page showing Harris speaking in front of a communist symbol. Over on X, where he recently began posting again after months of silence, he shared an A.I. image of Harris speaking before a crowd of communists at the Democratic convention, which doesnt start until Monday. The images origin was unclear. Reached for comment by CNN about the second altered image, a Trump campaign spokesperson replied with the firsts headline, the portmanteau Kamunism. Trump kept tapping away well into the afternoon and early evening. Another post centered around one of his favorite current fixations: rally crowd sizes. Trump Gets Bigly Mad at Being Asked about Harris Crowd Size We had to turn away lots of people yesterday in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, but Comrade Kamala Harris Social Media Operation showed empty seats, long before the Rally started, early in the afternoon when, in actuality, we had to turn away 11,500 people! he wrote in part. Shes a Crooked Radical Left Politician, and always will be! Ammar Moussa, Harriss director of rapid response, replied on X with (real) photos showing the sparse turnout at Trumps Pennsylvania rally. Donald Trump really does not anyone knowing that he spoke to an empty arena yesterday, Moussa tweeted. Do not say that. Seriously. Dont. Donald Trump really does not want anyone knowing that he spoke to an empty arena yesterday. Do not say that. Seriously. Don't. pic.twitter.com/BVuOpeG3cL Ammar Moussa (@ammarmufasa) August 18, 2024 Jeff Timmer, the former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party and current senior adviser to the Lincoln Project, also noticed Trumps attempts to cope. Looks like someone woke up on the gibbering barking panicked side of the bed today, he tweeted. Trump also took a break to lace into Van Jones, apparently furious that the CNN commentator praised Harriss economic platform in a broadcast earlier this week. Thank goodness were finally hearing from a Democrat aggressively on price gouging, Jones said in a Friday appearance on The Situation Room, according to The Hill. He also praised Harris for her strength and politics of joy. Over a screenshot of a writeup of those remarks, Trump posted, Lightweight Political commentator Van Jones begged me, while in the Oval Office and with tears flowing from his eyes, to help get Criminal Justice Reform approved by the United States Senate. I got it done, with Conservative help, and this lowlife, Jones, never once called to thank me, or the others that helped, for what we had done, he groused. Trump went on to remind his followers that he did more for Black Americans while in office than any other presidentwith one possible exception. Along with Opportunity Zones, the long term funding of HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, and much more, Ive done more for our black population than anyone other than, perhaps, Abraham Lincoln!!! Sorry, but thats the way it is!!! The claim is an old talking point of his, something hes repeated in tweets, at campaign rallies, and, most recently, at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago. (Experts told The Washington Post in 2020 that the list of presidents who have done more for Black civil rights than Trump includes: Lyndon B. Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Harry Truman, and Barack Obama.) Jones on Monday observed that Trump appeared to be wilting from the downtick in media coverage hes received in the weeks since President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election, clearing the way for Harriss run and a reinvigoration of Democratic hopes. Trump: Im Better Looking than Kamalaand Dont Say I Ramble Hes failing and flailing. Listen, theyre saying that these are the worst three weeks of his campaign, the CNN contributor told Anderson Cooper. Thats what the press is saying. This is the year in which he got indicted, convicted, and shot atand actually hitby a bullet and none of that to him is as bad as possibly not getting as much attention as Kamala. Surveys published by The New York Times and Siena College this weekend found Harris had pulled 4 points ahead of Trump in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania; 5 points ahead in Arizona; and 2 points ahead in North Carolina. (Trump maintained a 1-point lead in Nevada and a 4-point lead in Georgia.) Harris also, for the first time, overtook Trump on a national level, with a Sunday poll from ABC News, The Washington Post, and Ipsos showing Harris in front by 3 points among registered voters in a race where third-party candidates, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are included. In a head-to-head matchup between Trump and Harris alone, she pulls even further ahead, standing at 49 percent to his 45 percent. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. DELHI, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) SUNY Delhi is enrolling a record number of students for the 2024 Fall semester. Beginning August 19, Delhi will welcome over 1,400 new students for orientation week. The incoming class is the largest in the colleges 111-year history, beating the previous record set in 2017. The students were chosen from a pool of nearly 9,000 applicants. We are thrilled to continue our strong enrollment trend this fall with this new record-breaking class of students, said SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff. SUNY Delhi occupies a unique niche in the higher education landscape with hands-on learning and in-demand degrees. Many of our students have career aspirations that link directly to the needs of New York State. Our academic programs are meeting their expectations with an outstanding education that sets them up for success. Going forward, we will continue to work hard to invest in cutting-edge programs and exceptional opportunities for our students. SUNY Delhi Culinary Team Earns Silver at Nationals Over 1,100 of the undergraduate students are residential and commuting students, while 240 are enrolled in online programs. Additionally, 60 students are pursuing graduate degrees. The most popular majors at Delhi this year are nursing, veterinary science technology, electrical construction, and biology. Returning students will move in the weekend before classes begin August 28, bringing the total number of students at Delhi to over 3,000. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. KENTUCKY (FOX 56) A super blue moon will light up Kentucky skies tonight! While the full supermoon has technically already peaked, as of 2:26 p.m. ET, the moon will appear full on Monday and will last through Wednesday, according to NASA. The August full moon, typically known as the Sturgeon Moon according to the Farmers Almanac, will also appear larger in the night sky since its within 90% of its perigee or closest point in its orbit. Super moon taken on March 20, 2011 (Getty Images) The Sturgeon Moon is named after the popular fish that is caught more easily this month in the Great Lakes, NASA notes. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Although it will not look blue, as the third full Moon in a season with four full Moons, this will be a Blue Moon. The first recorded use of Blue Moon in English dates from 1528, writes retired NASA Program Executive Gordon Johnston. However, Johnston noted that, since the 1940s, the term blue moon has also been used to describe the second full moon in a month with two full moons. The supermoon will appear roughly 15%30% brighter, according to EarthSky, while space.com claims the moon will appear to be 10%11% larger than normal in size. NASA confirmed that the supermoon is the biggest and brightest full moon in the sky each year. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. [Source] David Yong, the 37-year-old star of Netflix's "Super Rich in Korea" and CEO of Evergreen Group Holdings, was granted bail in Singapore for 1 million Singaporean dollars ($759,400) after being charged with fraud. Yong is accused of falsifying tax claims, leading to a reported profit of 7,984,266 Singaporean dollars ($6 million) for Evergreen GH, a subsidiary of his company. Authorities set the high bail due to his overseas connections and concerns about unaccounted funds. Yong, whose next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 27, faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in jail and a fine if found guilty. Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Click here to view this content. A tornado likely caused the sinking of the Bayesian luxury superyacht off the coast of Sicily, experts believe. A highly localised waterspout created by a thunderstorm is thought to have hit and capsized the boat, which was anchored near Porticello in the early hours of Monday morning. Experts say extreme winds probably tipped the boat over and it is thought these were most likely caused by a tornado forming over the water in a phenomenon which meteorologists call a waterspout. Salvo Cocina, of Sicilys civil protection agency, attributed the damage to the boat, which was carrying 22 people including Mike Lynch, the British tech entrepreneur, to a waterspout. He added that the boat was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Another theory is that a weather phenomenon called a downburst, which sees high winds and huge precipitation suddenly drop from a thunderstorm, could also have buffeted the Bayesian. A waterspout is a tornado over water, said Dr David Sills, the executive director of the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University in Canada. Its a legitimate tornado, its just over water. The surface doesnt really matter. Click here to view this content. He told The Telegraph: The difference between a tornado and a downburst is that with a tornado youve got very localised wind. The wind is moving across the surface towards the tornado and then up into the thunderstorm. If its a thunderstorm thats generating the tornado, then it could be quite intense, highly localised, high amplitude and certainly any water in the area will be stirred up and could have major implications for any ship. Both waterspouts and downbursts can see winds of about 125mph created, he said. Click here to view this content. Dr Pieter Groenemeijer, director of the European Severe Storms Laboratory, added that while waterspouts are common across the Mediterranean, including Italy, they are rarely lethal. Extreme weather killed 534 people in Europe last year, he said, with just three of them being caused by tornadoes or waterspouts. Some thunderstorms managed to form overnight in the neighbourhood of a larger cyclone located a little bit further north over the Ionian sea, Dr Groenemeijer said. Satellite data show storms raging across the Italian coast - including the area the yacht sank We saw a very active storm moving towards the coast during the night with a lot of lightning activity and it seems that either a waterspout or a very strong downburst was enough to capsize the boat. A waterspout would really only affect you maybe tens of metres from the centre of the waterspout. If this storm had happened in just a slightly different location, or the yacht were anchored somewhere a little bit further away, then this probably wouldnt have happened. Eyewitnesses on the ground claim they saw a waterspout form and neighbouring boats were left unsunk by the storm. Click here to view this content. While a waterspout remains the leading theory, there is as yet not enough information to conclusively say whether the event was a downburst or a waterspout. Edoardo Ferrara, a meteorologist, told Italian newspaper la Repubblica that he was amazed anyone was on a boat in Sicily when there had been advance weather warning. There had been a weather warning for four days. Its just surprising that there were people on boats despite the announcement of an expected disturbance. After days of African high pressure with very high humidity and intense heat, with the conditions of the Mediterranean, which is heating up more and more, and which has even reached 30 degrees on the surface of the water, the energy that arrives in storm systems is very high and these are all factors that increase the power of the phenomena. With these conditions it is clear that storms arrive sooner or later, it is not an anomalous fact, the disturbance that occurred found a hot and humid context, drawing energy to develop an extreme storm phenomenon. What happened is part of the summer case history. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Backers of an Ohio redistricting measure to strip politicians of mapmaking power sued over GOP-approved ballot language that the campaign says deceives voters. After a heated Ohio Ballot Board meeting Friday, the Citizens Not Politicians campaign filed a legal challenge with the Ohio Supreme Court on Monday. The ballot language for the issue on the November ballot, approved along party lines, emphasized how the proposed constitutional amendment would repeal prior anti-gerrymandering language approved by voters in 2015 and 2018. But backers say that language didn't work. A divided Ohio Supreme Court rejected multiple congressional and state legislative maps as gerrymandering that unfairly favored Republicans. Last year, seven statewide and legislative leaders unanimously approved statehouse maps even as Democrats criticized the process. The constitutional amendment issue on the ballot this fall would replace politicians with a 15-member citizen commission to draw congressional and state legislative districts. Retired judges would help select the panel of five Republicans, five Democrats and five independents who could not have close political ties. Among the issues raised in the lawsuit, the ballot campaign contends that: the proposed amendment doesnt encourage gerrymandering, which would make the GOP-approved ballot language inaccurate. the public could express their opinions to the proposed citizen commission. the GOP-approved language includes misleading and biased language that further serves to sway voters against the amendment. The Ohio Constitution requires that ballot language not mislead, deceive or defraud the voters. If it does, the Ohio Supreme Court can invalidate it. "This Courts intervention is needed to ensure that Ohio voters are provided with the truthful and impartial ballot title and ballot language required by law so that they can exercise their right to determine for themselves whether to amend the Ohio Constitution, according to the lawsuit. Last year, the group backing Ohio's abortion rights amendment called ballot language approved by Republicans on the Ohio Ballot Board "propaganda." The Ohio Supreme Court ordered the board to tweak a portion of that language but most remained. Even so, Ohio voters approved the measure 57-43%. Challenge to Issue 1 ballot language by Jessie Balmert on Scribd This embedded content is not available in your region. Jessie Balmert 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 Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio redistricting group sues over ballot language (KRON) A San Francisco resident was arrested after stealing more than a dozen packs of raw meat in a Target, according to the Colma Police Department. The meat theft occurred around 12:53 p.m. on Sunday. Colma PD responded to the Target in the 5000 block of Junipero Serra Boulevard for the report of a theft. Responding officers learned that a suspect had taken multiple items and fled the store. The officers subsequently detained a man who matched the suspect. The suspect was identified as 30-year-old San Francisco resident Devin Spikener. Ghost gun found in stolen vehicle after police chase: CHP According to the polices investigation, Spikener stole from the establishment twice in one day. At 12:31 p.m., Spikener shoplifted approximately $231.34 worth of merchandise. Authorities say he evaded the loss prevention officers when they confronted him. He returned less than 30 minutes later to steal approximately $167.52 worth of merchandise. Image provided by the Colma Police Department In the picture provided by Colma PD, the suspect stole more than a dozen packs of meats, including T-bone steaks. Spikener also stole bananas, wine and iced coffee, according to the photo provided. Spikener was notified that he was not permitted to go back for a year due to a trespass notification. Colma PD said Spikener had a $25,000 felony warrant and three $500 misdemeanor warrants for his arrest from a neighboring agency. Spikener was arrested and booked into the San Mateo County Jail for petty theft, trespassing and his warrants. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. SUVA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- School rolls in Fiji have significantly decreased, prompting discussions about broader implications for schools in the Pacific island country. The student population in many village schools is less than 30, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported on Monday. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said the rural-urban drift is contributing to the declining school roll. He stressed that there are a lot of implications and side effects in terms of the whole set-up of a family moving to Suva, capital of Fiji. The minister urged the islanders to reconsider moving to urban areas and to make better use of educational facilities available locally, as teachers can also produce greater results and output in terms of their teaching outcome. Radrodro said the government's efforts to curb rural-urban migration are seen as crucial to maintaining the viability of schools in remote areas, which will ensure that children in those areas have access to quality education without the need to relocate. Suspect in deadly Charlotte shooting arrested in NY, CMPD says Police in New York arrested a man accused of shooting and killing someone in northwest Charlotte back in March. PREVIOUS STORIES: According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, 31-year-old Darien Lamont Morrison was found on March 17 shot multiple times along Bradford Drive. Police said he died at the scene. A police report says the shooting happened outside of a bar but its not clear what led to the gunfire. On Monday, CMPD said they had identified and charged a suspect. 37-year-old Terrance Gerod McBride was arrested Saturday in New York, New York. Hes been charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. McBride is awaiting extradition. No further information has been released. (WATCH BELOW: 2 dead in separate Charlotte shootings, police say) Participants in a demonstration by Kurds and left-wing groups wave the flag of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The German Federal Prosecutor's Office has had a suspected member of the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) arrested at Frankfurt Airport. Lukas Schulze/dpa The German Federal Prosecutor's Office has had a suspected member of the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) arrested at Frankfurt Airport. The man has been imprisoned in Italy since mid-June based on a European arrest warrant and was subsequently transferred to Germany, the office in the city of Karlsruhe said on Monday. He is accused of being a member of a foreign terrorist organization. From January 2014 to July 2015, the Turkish national is alleged to have been active full-time in the PKK, the Federal Prosecutor's Office said, which described him as "a sector leader." For instance, he allegedly assisted in organizing propaganda events and meetings in Germany, issued instructions to subordinates, and monitored their execution. According to the statements from the highest German prosecuting authority, the man was arrested on Friday upon his arrival at Frankfurt Airport by federal police officers. On Saturday, he was brought before the investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice, who issued the arrest warrant. He is now in pre-trial detention. The Federal Prosecutor's Office classifies the PKK as a foreign terrorist organization responsible for numerous attacks and bombings in Turkey. Since 1993, the PKK has been subject to a ban on activities in Germany. Sen. Chandler Swope, seen here in the Senate Judiciary on March 7, 2023, withdrew his challenge to the Mingo County primary on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography) A Southern West Virginia senator has dropped his challenge of Mingo Countys primary election results, but said hes concerned over irregularities with the voting process there it uncovered. Sen. Chandler Swope, R-Mercer, withdrew this challenge Monday with the assurance that the West Virginia Secretary of States Office will train poll workers and county officials there to address irregularities found during a review of election documents. During the course of his review of the poll books, ballot stubs, and other election documents, Senator Swope found that there were numerous irregularities in the Mingo County election that resulted in an impossible number of Republican votes being cast, attorneys for Swope wrote in the filing. Swope lost the Republican nomination to challenger Craig Hart. Districtwide, Hart won 4,847 votes amounting to about 40%, while Swope had 4,384 votes, or approximately 37%. A third candidate, former Del. Eric Porterfield had 2,633 or 22% of the votes. In Mingo County, Hart won 75% or 2,152 votes, while Swope captured 364 and Porterfield had 344, according to the Secretary of States Office. Swopes June challenge contended that the vote totals reported by Mingo County were incorrect and that some registered Democrats voted in the Republican primary, which is not allowed. The filing Monday says that, in precinct 75, for example, poll books show that 93 registered Republicans voted in the primary and another 58 independent voters got a Republican ballot, which should have equaled 151. However, Mingo County reported 187 Republican ballots submitted. Fifty nine registered Democrats voted, but Mingo reported only 31 Democratic ballots submitted, the filing says. Precinct 75 was the most error-filled, but it was not the only one with irregularities, the filing says. Senator Swope stands by his contention that the irregularities in these precincts should lead them to be excluded entirely, the court filing says. However, he recognizes that the legal burden to exclude entire precincts from the vote is extremely high. More than winning the election, Senator Swope wants to ensure these irregularities are corrected and that Mingo Countys primary elections are free from any confusion or controversy in the future. The lessons learned from this election should be used to better train poll workers and officials, not just in Mingo County, but throughout the state. In the same filing, the West Virginia Secretary of States Office pointed to a lack of compliance with state election laws, and said it will focus on reeducation efforts for poll workers and county officials. In the matter at hand, a review of the election records indicates a lack of compliance with the election laws that pertain to proper receipt and procedure for facilitating voting at the precinct level in a primary election, the Secretary of States Office said. This lack of compliance existed in several precincts throughout Mingo County. Errors in a small number of precincts on a statewide scale is understandable. However when numerous voters were able to cast a ballot for a political party with which they were not affiliated, such is against the law and falls below the election administration standards this office expects of county elections. The office said it will do more to highlight training and guidance for poll workers and officials. A statewide training conference planned for fall 2025 will include training for processing affiliated voters in the primary election, the office said. In a statement filed before the Mingo commission, Hart said he echoed Swopes concerns about irregularities, but noted there were not 463, the margin of victory for the election. He contended they were the result of good faith misunderstandings, not intentional fraud. Mr. Hart joins Senator Swopes desire to have the lessons learned from this election contest implemented in poll worker training in Mingo County and throughout the state, attorneys for Hart wrote. Mr. Hart believes that the problems disclosed in Mingo County also occurred in other counties in this senate district and across the state, but time did not permit a full investigation. He added that he applauds the Secretary of State Offices commitment to training and said if hes elected hell work to review the state code for improvements that can be done to limit them in the future. A message for Mingo County Commission president Tom Taylor was not immediately returned Monday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Andrew Harnik/Getty Images If I told you a few months ago that by August, Vice President Kamala Harris would be the Democrats nominee for President, surging in the polls, drawing in more than $300 million in donations, garnering crowds of 10,000, 12,000 and 15,000 people in key battleground states, and taking TikTok by storm, you likely would not have believed me. Days after President Biden announced he would bow out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed his Vice President, Harris earned enough support to cement her position as the Democratic nominee. Now, she is on track to make history for the fourth time in her career. I have spent many hours with Vice President Harris. We first worked together when I was a senior advisor on the Biden campaign when she joined the ticket in 2020, then through the transition as her spokesperson, and finally at the White House as her senior advisor and chief spokesperson. In my experience, Vice President Harris is someone who understands the gravity of the moments she has repeatedly found herself in, but she is not enamored by their spectacle. She does not relish in the ability to make history; rather, she focuses on what work needs to be done and how she should go about doing it. She approaches politics and governing as an aspirational pragmatist. Take for example her first remarks as Vice President in 2020. Harris spoke of American Aspiration, saying, Even in dark times We not only dream. We do. We not only see what has been, we see what can be. we shoot for the moon, and then we plant our flag on it. We are bold, fearless, and ambitious. We are undaunted in our belief that we shall overcome, that we will rise up. She went on to say, A great experiment takes great determination the will to do the work and then the wisdom to keep refining, keep tinkering, keep perfecting. These words accurately describe the current moment in which America finds itself. If Vice President Harris wins in November, it will be because she rallied the masses behind a positive vision for the future where the peoples issues are addressed and they went out to vote for that vision. How can she do that in such a short time? There are two important tasks. First, she needs to reintroduce herself. Once Harris became the presumptive nominee, her campaign moved quickly to share key parts of life story and work. She introduced herself as a former prosecutor that took on criminals, sexual predators and fraudsters. Her campaign released an ad where they talked about her being a child of immigrants and working at McDonalds to pay her way. Addressing the United Auto Workers at a recent rally, she spoke extensively about her record of walking picket lines and advocating to protect workers rights. She and her campaign did not wait for someone to ask who she was as the nominee, she proactively told us. That image-shaping is important because of the amount of misinformation and disinformation that exists about her record. Most people are unaware of the work that a vice president does daily. Now that the vice president is at the top of the ticket, everyone is about to find out. Secondly, Vice President Harris will need to make good use of one of her superpowers ensuring voters know that she sees them and that the work she does speaks directly to them. During her first week in office, VP Harris had a number of things she wanted to accomplish to set the tone for her engagement going forward. So, her first call was to the head of the World Health Organization as we were still in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. One of her first virtual events was with small business owners she met on the campaign trail because she wanted them to know getting them the relief they discussed was a priority for the President and her. She got the vaccine on camera to let people know they had nothing to be afraid of. When it came to policy, while I worked for her she always wanted us to cut the fluff and be straightforward. She wanted numbers that people could identify with and when we did not do that, she would find the numbers herself. One time, while preparing for a press conference in France, the specific numbers on how much the price of gas had increased in America were missing from VP Harris briefing materials. When we arrived at that section during her prep, she proactively told us all what they were because shed looked them up that morning. Did the French press care about the price of gas in America? No, but the Americans reading or watching the coverage of her press conference did, and she cared about that. The kind of policy the Harris-Walz campaign puts forward matters. Like their support for expanding the child tax credit, ending federal taxes on tipped wages or addressing the housing crisis all policies that address the economic squeeze younger folks across the country are feeling. People want to be inspired, but they do not want that inspiration to ignore their reality. After all, dont we all just exist in the context anyway? On July 19, 1984 Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to be named Vice President for a major party. She said during her acceptance speech, Change is in the air, just as surely as when John Kennedy beckoned America to a new frontier; when Sally Ride rocketed into space and when Rev. Jesse Jackson ran for the office of president of the United States. Forty years later, Vice President Harris is accepting the democratic nomination for President with the wind at her back. It again feels like change is in the air. Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more U.S. government coverage? Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi was considering an attack against Russia's Bryansk Oblast as an alternative to the Kursk incursion, The Economist reported on Aug. 18, citing military sources. Kyiv launched the unprecedented cross-border incursion on Aug. 6, saying it had captured over 1,000 square kilometers and dozens of Russian settlements since then. According to Ukrainian soldiers and people close to Syrskyi interviewed by The Economist, the commander-in-chief shared his plans only with a select few military and security officials and discussed them with President Volodymyr Zelensky in one-on-one meetings to maintain maximum operational secrecy. Syrskyi was reportedly considering several scenarios for hitting Russia's weak spots. The Economist wrote that an attack against Bryansk Oblastlying west of Kursk Oblast, north of Ukraine's Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts, and east of the Belarusian borderwas also considered. A combined strike against Kursk and Bryansk oblasts were also under discussion, the outlet wrote without revealing further details. The main goal of the operation was to strengthen Kyiv's position in potential negotiations and draw away Russian troops from Donbas, The Economist wrote. This is consistent with multiple statements by Ukrainian officials. Zelensky also said that Ukraine aims to create a "buffer zone" on Russian territory, while the Foreign Ministry noted that the operation is designed to halt Russian cross-border strikes. According to The Economist's sources, the Western partners were not informed about the plans in advance to avoid them being leaked or disrupted. In spite of this, the partners did not protest against the offensive after it was launched, even praising its accomplishments. The meticulous planning, smart tactics, and secrecy helped Ukraine achieve quick tactical success in the first few days, but Ukrainian soldiers are saying the situation is becoming more tense as Russia is pulling in more experienced troops. The latter part of the statement is supported by multiple media reports and statements by officials, who said that Russia is rerouting troops from Ukrainian front lines or other Russian regions. While the number of Russian attacks in the Donbas region has decreased, Russia continues to push toward Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in the region, the Ukrainian military reported. Read also: Thousands flee as Russian troops take one Donetsk Oblast village after another Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Union employees at AT&T Southeast are on strike in Mississippi and other major cities after failed labor contract negotiations for workers in the Southeast region. As the Communications Workers of Americas unfair labor practice strike against AT&T enters its fourth day, union officials are warning the public about safety concerns, according to a press release from CWA. AT&T has been sending undertrained managers and contractors to perform highly technical work, said Richard Honeycutt, Vice President of CWA District 3 in the Southeast. Our members have seen them at work in their communities and documented unsafe practices, including failure to wear proper safety equipment, failure to secure ladders and other equipment putting the worker and nearby vehicles and pedestrians at risk, and failure to mark work areas with safety cones. We are encouraging members of the public to use extra caution when encountering these worksites. Local AT&T employees are gathering in downtown Meridian to protest current working conditions.https://t.co/nLmeDBFPEN WTOK-TV (@WTOKTV) August 19, 2024 The trained, experienced CWA members who are on strike do critical work installing, maintaining, and supporting AT&Ts residential and business wireline telecommunications network. Customers should be aware that these workers will not be available to respond to service calls during the strike and that replacement workers may not have the same level of expertise. Our members want to be on the job, providing the quality service that our customers deserve, Honeycutt said. AT&T needs to do the right thing and start negotiating with us in good faith. AT&T technicians, customer service representatives, and others who install, maintain, and support AT&Ts residential and business wireline telecommunications network in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee walked off the job at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, August 16, in response to AT&Ts failure to bargain in good faith. Negotiators have been at work bargaining a new contract since late June, but AT&T has not sent representatives to the bargaining table with the authority to make decisions. The unfair labor practice charges that CWA has filed with the National Labor Relations Board also address the companys refusal to bargain over mandatory subjects of bargaining and reneging on agreements made in bargaining. The current contract between CWA and AT&T Southeast expired on August 3. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: AT&T union workers on strike in Mississippi and Southeast SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) AT&T employees in Spartanburg County have joined workers across the southeast in a strike against the company. Last week, Communication Workers of America, a union representing more than 17,000 AT&T employees filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against AT&T, saying the company is not bargaining in good faith. According to employees at the strike in Spartanburg, the unions most recent contract with the company expired on August 3. Our union entered into negotiations in a good faith effort to reach a fair contract, but we have been met at the table by company representatives who were unable to explain their own bargaining proposals and did not seem to have the actual bargaining authority required by the legal obligation to bargain in good faith, said CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt. Our members want to be on the job, providing the quality service that our customers deserve. Its time for AT&T to start negotiating in good faith so that we can move forward towards a fair contract. Workers began striking and picketing their AT&T offices over the weekend. In Spartanburg County, workers gathered outside of the AT&T office on Belton Drive to hold signs and picket outside of the office. AT&T, meanwhile, has said it is the union said the unions claim is not grounded in fact. We have been engaged in substantive bargaining since day 1 and are eager to reach an agreement that benefits our hard-working employees, the company said. As evidence, we have reached 3 agreements this year covering more than 13,000 employees, including our most recent tentative agreement with District 9. We remain committed to working with District 3 in the same manner. The strike involves over 17,000 technicians, customer service representatives, and others who install, maintain, and support AT&Ts residential and business wireline telecommunications network in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. While workers are on strike, AT&T said it has measures in place to ensure customers do not lose services. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansans with a healthy fear of spiders may get more than they bargain for this fall as thousands of tarantulas hit the road. Autumn in Kansas brings with it the possibility of seeing the states biggest arachnid residents in greater numbers than usual. The large spiders might be scary, especially for those who suffer from arachnophobia, but their presence isnt unusual or something that should cause unnecessary worry. 27 News spoke with experts at Kansas State Universitys Department of Entomology to learn more about the tarantulas. Professor of Entomology Raymond Cloyd and K-State Insect Zoo Coordinator Kiffnie Holt both weighed in on the arachnids and the reason for their appearance at this time of the year. Cloyd said the tarantulas are long-lived and part of the natural ecosystem of the Sunflower State. Most people may go their whole lives without encountering one or even realizing they call Kansas home. Theyre very shy, Cloyd said. We reared one in our lab and it doesnt like to be disturbed. Black bear sightings are increasing in Kansas Holt, who began working with the tarantulas at the Insect Zoo in 2005, said she wasnt always a big fan of the tarantulas but has come to appreciate them. She takes care of the Insect Zoos tarantula population and helps educate people about their lives. They werent really on my list of favorite things until I was in charge of their lives, Holt said. The tarantulas are known by several names, like the Texas brown tarantula or Oklahoma brown tarantula, depending on where theyre found. However, Holt said previous studies have found each of these tarantulas belong to the same species of North American tarantula. Photo of an adult North American Tarantula at K-States Insect Zoo. (Photo Courtesy/Kiffnie Holt) Photo of a three-year-old brown tarantula. (Photo Courtesy/Kiffnie Holt) Photo of a three-year-old brown tarantula. (Photo Courtesy/Kiffnie Holt) The tarantulas are most commonly seen during the fall in Kansas when larger males are out searching for mates. These members of the species are near the end of their lives and are looking for females before they die, making these reclusive burrowing spiders more visible than they otherwise would be. Many seen during this time are around eight to 10 years old. These guys are just there, more active during the day towards the end of their lifespan and need to find a mate, Holt said. They take more risks and are out during the day and thats when we see them. Zombie deer disease complicates hunting season in Kansas Holt said the spiders are generally not seen in areas of northeast Kansas and are instead more common south of Wichita and west of Salina. Most appear towards the end of the day as the sun begins to go down but heat still remains on roads. While people can go road cruising to try and spot one of the spiders, Holt encourages people to leave the tarantulas alone and avoid taking any as pets so they can complete their life cycle. Theres been a couple reported cases [sightings] in the Wamego area, Holt said. They may come up here once in a while but are certainly not common in the northeast part of the state. The tarantulas are not dangerous though they can bite if backed into a corner and can flick hairy barbs at people or pets to frighten them off. Holts best advice is to observe the tarantulas and, if people do want them as a pet, to find a captive-born one to raise. Unfortunately, movies and TV have programmed people to think theyre all out to get us, Holt said. They definitely try to run away and avoid at first. You can visit the K-State Insect Zoo in Manhattan at 1500 Denison Avenue and check out some of the resident tarantulas and other insects. For more information on the zoo, click here. Dinosaur-like turtles will return to Kansas soon, what to know For more Kansas Outdoors, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. The post Taylor Swift Should Avoid Giving Donald Trump What He Wants with That Awful AI Endorsement appeared first on Consequence. On Sunday, Donald Trump re-Truthed reposted an extremely fake-looking picture of Taylor Swift, dressed as Uncle Sam and pointing a hand with only three or perhaps four sausage-sized fingers at the camera. Taylor Swift wants YOU to vote for Donald Trump, the text read, and while no endorsement was given either in real life or in the world of AI, the former President captioned the post with the words, I accept. A few Swift fans sprinted into action. Swifties lets get Taylors attention on this, one fan wrote, though Swift has not issued a statement as of the time of publication. If Swift responds, it will almost certainly become the biggest news story of the day. Even bigger, in all likelihood, than the start of the Democratic National Convention, which begins Monday in Chicago. This is what Trump wants. He wants to take attention away from Vice President Kamala Harris and the DNC. Harris currently leads Trump in just about every national polling average (though because of the Republican bias in the Electoral College, Democrats may need to win the popular vote by 2% or more to become President.) This happened in the weeks after the assassination attempt, and after the Republican National Convention, when Trump was probably experiencing his own convention bounce. If Harris gets a convention bounce after the DNC, the polls could get really ugly for Trump for a while, though these bounces typically dont last. Trump is in unfamiliar territory. Not being behind in the polls hes used to that. No, this is the first time since 2016 that he cant hijack a news cycle by saying or doing something outrageous. And hes growing increasingly desperate. In an appearance before the National Association of Black Journalists earlier this month, Trump began the Q&A by insulting one of the moderators, saying that he had never been asked a question in such a horrible manner. He also falsely suggested that Harris misled voters about her race. This is a strange strategy if youre trying to win over moderate Black voters, but it makes more sense as a literal cry for attention. And it only worked for about a day! Its true, Taylor Swift might be able to sue Trump into oblivion though its also true that no one has more experience at not paying his bills than Trump. The use of AI may even leave Trump liable under Tennessees ELVIS Act, though a repost on Truth Social where he only says I accept gives his lawyers a lot of wiggle room. But all of this is probably irrelevant to Trump. A glass of water can only be so full, and a spray tan in shoulder pads can only be sent to jail so many times. Trump has already been convicted of 34 felonies, and hes also been indicted for mishandling federal documents as well as election interference, both federally and in Georgia. If he doesnt win this election, hell probably spend the rest of his life in jail. Taylor Swift is welcome to sue or not sue, to vote or not vote, and to endorse or not endorse whomever she likes. But if she wanted to make this hard on Trump and she probably does, she fucking hates him she could respond in such a way that it doesnt give him the attention hes desperately seeking. A way that sets him up for the life of irrelevant obscurity he so richly deserves. Ignore him. Sue him. Signal the Swifties and make him wish hed never logged on. But whatever she decides, she should do it on a battlefield of her choosing. Not Trumps. Taylor Swift Should Avoid Giving Donald Trump What He Wants with That Awful AI Endorsement Wren Graves Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. JERUSALEM, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel's police and the Shin Bet internal security agency on Monday confirmed a bomb explosion in Tel Aviv Sunday night as a "terrorist attack" targeting a synagogue. The assailant, who was carrying the bomb on his body, was killed in the blast, and a passerby was wounded, according to a joint statement. "It can now be confirmed that this was a terror attack involving a powerful explosive device," the statement read. The suspect was identified as a Palestinian man from the Nablus region in the northern occupied West Bank. The explosion occurred near a synagogue, and Israeli security authorities believe the bomb detonated prematurely, with the suspect intending to explode it inside the synagogue. Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the incident. In a statement, the two militant groups said the attack was carried out using an eight-kilogram bomb. They warned that they would continue to carry out attacks in Israel as long as the "massacres, displacement of population, and assassinations" continue. The incident occurred as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken began his visit to Israel amid a new diplomatic push by Qatari, Egyptian, and American mediators to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in exchange for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Taylor Swift performing at Wembley Stadium in London in August 2024. - Credit: Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images Taylor Swift met with two survivors of the deadly Southport stabbing attack backstage at one of her recent shows in London, Rolling Stone can confirm. The two fans met with Swift and her mother, Andrea, and a TikTok user, Sami Foster, shared a few photos from the meet-and-greet on social media (the clip subsequently went viral). One of the young fans appeared to have a bandage around her arm, on which was written the Cardigan lyric, You drew stars around my scars. More from Rolling Stone The biggest thankyou to @Taylor Swift and her mum for making the most magical night possible for us all, Foster wrote on TikTok. The stabbing attack occurred late last month at a Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop for kids in Southport, England, whod just begun their summer vacation. Three girls died in the attack, and several more children, plus some adults, suffered serious injuries. The three girls who died were identified as Bebe King, 6; Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7; and Alice Aguiar, 9. Following the attack, a 17-year-old boy, identified as Axel Rudakubana, was arrested and charged with three counts of murder, as well as 10 counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of a weapon. The court identified Rudakubana after several false claims and rumors about the attackers identity had spread online, including that a Muslim immigrant had been arrested. The judge who made the decision to identify Rudakubana also cited the far-right rioting that occurred in Southport and other parts of the U.K. after the attack. After the attack, Swift shared a statement online expressing her horror at the incident. Im just completely in shock, she wrote. The loss of life and innocence and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders. These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families. Swift will wrap her final London run with two more shows tonight, Aug. 19, and tomorrow, Aug. 20. She has one more round of North American Eras Tour dates scheduled for October and November. Best of Rolling Stone Woman shot by officer after pursuit on Highway 51: TBI MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Munford Police Officer shot a woman after a pursuit when she allegedly refused to stop for an officer on Highway 51 near Covington early Monday, officials say. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating. TBI special agents say they responded to Highway 51 and Hope Street around 2:10 a.m. to investigate a reported officer-involved shooting. The investigation was requested by Mark Davidson, the 25th Judicial District Attorney General. According to reports, it started when Munford Police attempted a traffic stop and the driver refused to pull over. A police pursuit was initiated. The chase continued for 10 miles along Highway 51 into Covington, where stop sticks were deployed. After the driver stopped, TBI says a Munford officer approached the vehicle and shot the female driver. The woman was then taken to the hospital for treatment. There were no officers reported injured. TBI says this is still an active and ongoing investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. remarks on the 2024-25 budget, which includes a $1.25 billion increase in teacher pay, at a news conference hosted at a Hialeah charter school on June 10, 2024. (Screenshot via the governor's X livestream) Opening day teacher vacancies dropped by 13.3% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the Florida Department of Education. A news release from the department did not include the total number of vacancies, nor did officials respond to a request for the number. A year ago, the department reported 4,776 teacher vacancies. By reducing that number by 13.3%, it can be approximated that teacher vacancies in the Sunshine State stand near 4,140. Florida has raised teacher pay, supported teachers in the classroom and created new pathways for qualified individuals to enter the teaching profession, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said in a news release. The department reported 1.11 teacher vacancies per school, compared to 1.28 last August. The Florida Education Association reported that there were 5,007 instructional positions open in Florida to start the school year. The union said it gathered the data by counting advertised vacancies on school district websites. The department said it gathers its data directly from districts. Vacancy data is reported to the Department directly from school districts, contrary to other sources which have attempted to use inaccurate data to report inflated teacher vacancy data, the department news release states. The two organizations are nearly 900 vacancies off in their tallies, closer than their difference of more than 2,000 last year. The department said the FEA data last year was falsely reported. While the naysayers use the same tactics year after year to discredit Floridas success in Education, once again the numbers speak for themselves, Diaz said. I am proud that Floridas teacher vacancies continue to decline and I am confident that this is a direct result of the forward-thinking policies that Governor Ron DeSantis has championed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The FEA data included statewide support staff people like bus drivers, groundskeepers, custodians, non-specialized teacher aides, and health-related workers totaling 4,835 positions. It should not be lost on anyone, that right now, nearly 5,000 classrooms do not have a professionally trained teacher, impacting potentially over 100,000 students, FEA President Andrew Spar said in a Thursday news release announcing its organizations data. Additionally, we continue to hear from teachers around the state that classrooms are overflowing with students and teachers are scrambling to find more desks and chairs. Filling the vacancies The department credited increases in teacher pay included in the state budget and alternative pathways to becoming a teacher for veterans and classical schoolteachers (emphasizing the Western canon) and offering apprenticeships as reasons for the decrease in vacancies. According to the department, more than 260 veterans have used the temporary teaching certificate available for them. Data from the Florida Department of Education indicate that 466,233 certifications were held in the state during the 2022-2023 school year. The department says the greatest need is in classrooms serving students with disabilities teachers with Exceptional Student Education certificates. English, science, math, and English for speakers of other languages are the next most in-demand certifications. In 2022-2023, the most common certification held by Florida teachers was elementary education, followed by English for speakers of other languages, reading, special education, and pre-K. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge grant aims to fund innovative projects that provide students with educational opportunities and pathways to careers. It serves learners in the 11-22 age range. According to the Catalyze Challenges website, Birmingham is the first city to host a regional version of the challenge. Sidewalk Film Festival events start Aug. 19 A group of three teachers, including Arlinda Davis, Yuvraj Verma and Cassandra Young, alongside social worker Jackie Backay-Parks, have applied for the grant with a proposal for an astronomy program that, among other benefits, would allow participating students to travel to various states and learn about space science at different museums, space centers and planetariums. If they are awarded the grant, the program, called Alabama STEM Astronomers, would provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences for the students that it would serve. The two-week trip would be followed by monthly STEM exhibitions and continuous mentorship. According to Verma, the program would address the critical need for diverse career exploration opportunities, particularly for students in underserved communities. Applications for the grant closed on Aug. 16, and grantees will be notified in November. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. The Democratic National Convention will hold its first ever panel discussion on Palestinian human rights on Monday, the result of months of effort from activists advocating for an end to U.S. support for Israels deadly military onslaught in Gaza, which has killed more than 40,000 people. Panelists will include Layla Elabed, one of the founders of the Uncommitted Movement, which organized massive uncommitted votes during the Democratic primaries, as well as Hala Hajazi, a Democratic donor and fundraiser who has lost several family members to Israels ongoing military campaign. Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a Palestinian-American pediatric physician who has been working in Gaza throughout Israels assault, will speak, as well. The panel will also include Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, former U.S. Representative Andy Levin of Michigan, and Jim Zogby, the founder of the Arab American Institute. Elabed and her Uncommitted Movement co-chair Abbas Alawieh, who is also a DNC delegate, released an official statement from the group, thanking the DNC for working with them on the panel. This is an important step toward recognizing the rightful place of human rights advocates for Palestinian rights within the Democratic Party. With this panel and throughout our current engagement at the DNC, we will use our platform to announce the cries of the majority of Democratic voters who want an end to the unconditional flow of U.S. weapons that Netanyahu is using to kill Palestinian families, the statement said. The group reiterated a previous request that Dr. Haj-Hassan should be invited to speak during the convention itself. On Monday, for the first time in its history, the Democratic National Convention will hold a panel on Palestinian human rights. We thank the DNC for recognizing this pivotal issue and remain dedicated to pushing VP Harris to stop providing weapons for Israel's assault on Gaza. pic.twitter.com/4rgvlPMG9w Uncommitted National Movement (@uncommittedmvmt) August 18, 2024 Harriss campaign manager, Julie Chavez-Rodriguez, met privately with Alawieh in Detroit on Thursday, ahead of the convention. When Harris appeared in Detroit earlier this month, Alawieh and Elabed were invited to greet her, and they spoke candidly about the need for an arms embargo to Israel. While Harris indicated that she was open to meeting with them to discuss an arms embargo, her national security adviser has insisted that the vice president does not support an arms embargo, a position that is in line with the Biden administrations policy. This week, 30 delegates from the Uncommitted Movement, representing the more than 730,000 Democratic voters who voted uncommitted in the Democratic primaries, will attempt to engage with Democratic leaders at the DNC, pushing for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and arguing for a U.S. arms embargo to Israel. Elsewhere in Chicago, massive protests are planned for the week, as activists hope to reignite dialogue around the mass killing in Gaza, which has stretched on for nearly 11 months. The Democratic National Convention started off with a bang Sunday night, literally branding Trump Tower Chicago in lit-up phrases that Donald Trump isnt likely to be too happy about. Locals noticed projections on the side of the 96-floor glass scraper that included Trump-Vance: Out For Themselves, as well as Trump-Vance: Weird as Hell, Harris-Walz: Fighting for You, and Project 2025 HQ. Screenshot of a tweet DNC leadership took responsibility for the troll, confirming to Rolling Stone that the group had rented a room across from the massive hotel and set up a high powered projector in order to accomplish the prank. Hes a grifter and nothing we said wasnt the truth, Abhi Rahman, deputy communications director for the Democratic National Committee, told the Daily Beast. Tonight, everyone is seeing a preview of the contrast that will take center stage this week throughout the Democratic National Convention, Rahman said in a statement that heavily criticized Project 2025. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have proven records of delivering for working families, and now, theyre running to lead our country into a brighter future. Chicago The DNC projects Project 2025 HQ onto Trump Tower in downtown Chicago on the eve of the Democratic National Convention pic.twitter.com/1JrkyidP33 Alex Tabet (@AlexanderTabet) August 19, 2024 But Trump didnt seem to notice the prank by Monday morning, instead continuing to harp on calling Democrats a lot of socialists and communists. The Radical Left protesters in Chicago are going after the Democrat Party because the know they are weak and ready to break into a full blown party of Socialism or, if they really do their job, and with a little bit of luck, the Communist Party of the United States of America, Trump wrote on Truth Social. They are already very close and, having a Marxist trained and believing President whose father is a Marxist professor, Comrade Kamala Harris, stranger things have happened! November 5th, 2024, will be the most important day in the history of our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Originally appeared on E! Online Rescue crews are hoping for a miracle. Mike Lynch, a British tech magnate, and his daughter Hannah are said to be two of six passengers who are still missing after their super yacht Bayesian sank during a freak storm off the coast of Sicily early Aug. 19, according to NBC News. Lynch's yacht had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers on board, and six remain unaccounted for, including Lynch's daughter Hannah, whom the BBC believes to be 18-years-old. Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency told NBC that a tornado over the waterknown as a waterspoutstruck the area overnight, causing the catastrophe. "They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said, adding that a nearby yacht wasn't as badly damaged. Cocina confirmed and that they were able to save 15 survivors from the Bayesian, including Lynch's wife Angela Bacares. Eight of the 15 rescued were taken ashore and transferred to a local hospitalized, while the seven others were moved to a hotel. More from E! Online One body believed to belong to the yacht's cook was found near the wreck, but according to Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service, the remaining six individuals are believed to be inside the hull, which is resting at a depth of 50 meters off Porticello, near Palermo. According to Cocina, the crew and passengers hail from a variety of countries including Great Britain, Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain. Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images Local fisherman Fabio Cefalu said he saw a flare around 4:30 a.m., but by the time he arrived the super yacht had already sunk, leaving only cushions, wood and other items floating in the water. "But for the rest, we didn't find anyone," he explained, according to NBC, adding that he alerted the coast guard and stayed on site for over three hours. "I think they are inside, all the missing people." Per NBC, one survivor, identified as Charlotte Golunski, said she lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sophie at one point, but was able to get her back and hold the baby over the waves until a lifeboat was inflated and pulled them both to safety. Sofia's father James Emsley also survived. Lynchwho has been referred to as Britain's Bill Gateswas cleared of fraud and conspiracy charges in June related to Hewlett Packard's $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp, according to the Associated Press. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Tech Tycoon Mike Lynch and Daughter Among Missing After Luxury Yacht Sinks Off Sicilian Coast Dubbed the 'British Bill Gates,' Lynch, 59, was recently cleared of over a dozen fraud and conspiracy charges Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Mike Lynch Mike Lynch, a British tech entrepreneur, and his daughter Hannah are among the missing after a luxury superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily in the wake of a major storm earlier this week, local officials confirm to PEOPLE. Speaking with the BBC, Salvatore Cocina, the director general of Sicily's civil protection agency, said Hannah is believed to be 18. Lynchs wife, Angela Bacares, was among those rescued, local sources say. The Italian coast guard said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that Bayesian, a 56-meter yacht flying the U.K. flag, sank near Poritcello around 5 a.m., local time on Monday, Aug. 19, after the "violent storm." Fifteen people were subsequently saved (and eight were taken to area hospitals) while six including two Americans and four British citizens remain missing, the coast guard and local sources said. Lynch is one of the six people from the Bayesian who disappeared, local sources tell PEOPLE. The news was previously reported by the Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, among other outlets. Related: I Survived a Fatal Ferry Sinking in the Bahamas. Why Id Get on the Same Boat Tomorrow At the time of the sinking, the coast guard said there were 12 passengers on board as well as a crew of 10, per the AP. One person was found dead near the yacht. They were identified as a cook from the boat, according to local outlet Palermo Today and the BBC. Sicily's civil protection agency did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. The incident took place months after Lynch, the founder of the U.K.-based tech company Autonomy, was acquitted on all charges that alleged he inflated his company's earnings ahead of an $11 billion deal with Hewlett-Packard, per TechCrunch and the AP. Via a statement shared with the outlets at the time, Lynch said he was "looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In an interview with Britains Sunday Times published on July 27, Lynch, 59, who was described as Britains Bill Gates, said that had he been convicted, he might have died while serving his prison sentence because of his age and a major lung infection. I have various medical things that would have made it difficult to survive, Lynch, a father of two children, told the paper. Related: Family of 4 from Texas Missing After Boat Capsizes During Alaska Vacation According to Sky News, local newspaper Giornale di Sicilia reported that witnesses to Monday's incident said the yacht was anchored in front of the Porticello port when the storm hit. "That boat was all lit up," a man in Porticello told Giornale di Sicilia. "At about 4:30 in the morning it was gone. A beautiful boat where there had been a party. A normal day of vacation spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy. Related: Bodies of Children, 3 and 5 Years Old, Recovered, Dad Still Missing After Sailboat Capsizes in Wisconsin A spokesperson for Sicily's civil protection agency, Francesco Venuto, previously told the BBC that authorities believed the bodies of the missing must be in the yacht. "We've been searching all day with helicopters and boats, we've found nothing, said Venuto. That wouldn't make sense, in this conditions we should have found something by now. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. CHICAGO Authorities are searching for a teen who went under water while swimming at Rainbow Beach Sunday afternoon and did not resurface. Chicago police said a 16-year-old boy was last seen in the water at around 3:45 p.m. when he went under and did not resurface. Divers with the Chicago Fire Department searched for the teen, but did not find him. The search was later stopped due to inclement weather conditions. Area Two Detectives are investigating. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. NEW DELHI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 19 nursing students were ill after inhaling fumes from rat repellent sprayed inside their hostel building in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, police said Monday. The incident took place at the Adarsh Nursing College hostel. According to police, the students experienced breathing problems and nausea on Sunday night because of the rat repellent sprayed by the hostel management. The students were shifted to a hospital and three of them were critical and were shifted to the intensive care unit of the hospital, a senior police official told media, adding the remaining ones were stable. Police have registered a case against the hostel management and ordered an investigation into the incident. Officials said the hostel management had engaged a private person to spray rat poison on the premises to rid the building of rodents. However, soon after the poison was sprayed, its fumes quickly spread throughout the building, leading to the discomfort of students and warranting their immediate hospitalization. BUTLER COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) On Monday, two 14-year-old Augusta girls appeared before a judge in connection to the murder of a 93-year-old woman. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said the teens were arrested last Thursday on suspicion of first-degree murder in last years killing of Joanne Johnson of Augusta. The teens are being kept in separate juvenile detention centers. On Monday, the judge said the girls should remain in custody. Access road to El Dorado State Park is closing The county attorney told KSN News that the girls have not been charged yet. Their first appearance is scheduled for Aug. 29. Johnson was found dead inside her home at 1711 Robbins St. in Augusta on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023. At the time, authorities said Johnson was killed sometime between Saturday evening and Sunday evening. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says the case is still under investigation. It has not released a motive for Johnsons death. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Tennessee DCS workers can be held liable for role in taking kids from parents after traffic stop Attorney Courtney Teasley, at left, with Bianca Clayborne and one of Clayborne's children outside the Coffee County Justice Center on March 20, 2023. (Photo: John Partipilo) Attorney Courtney Teasley, at left, with Bianca Clayborne and one of Clayborne's children outside the Coffee County Justice Center on March 20, 2023. (Photo: John Partipilo) Three employees of the Department of Childrens Services can be held liable for their conduct after a traffic stop led to five small children being taken from their mother last year, a federal judge ruled. The courts decision comes in a civil lawsuit brought by Bianca Clayborne on behalf of herself and her five children, who were placed in a series of foster homes for nearly two months after the February 2023 stop. The children were 7, 5, 3, 2 and four months old at the time. Tennessee Highway Patrol officers initially pulled over Clayborne and her partner, Deonte Williams, for a slowpoke violation and driving with tinted windows as the family traveled Interstate 24 through Tennessee on their way to a family funeral in Illinois from their Georgia home. At the stop, officers smelled marijuana and conducted a search, finding fewer than five grams of marijuana, THP records show. The offense is a misdemeanor in Tennessee typically resulting in a citation and fine, not an arrest. Troopers, however, arrested Williams, gave Clayborne a citation and told her she was free to leave with the children. Hours after the traffic stop, as Clayborne waited to bond Williams out of jail, the children were taken from her side and ushered away in waiting vehicles. The escalation from misdemeanor traffic stop to the forced removal of the children from their mother raised questions about whether the family who is Black received unequal treatment while driving through a largely white and rural Tennessee community. Suit claims DCS, law enforcement terrorized family Clayborne filed suit earlier this year naming the three DCS employees, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers and Coffee County sheriffs deputies involved. These public officials illegally tore apart and terrorized (Bianca) Claybornes family. They acted outrageously and unlawfully. Their actions caused severe emotional trauma to Clayborne and each of her five children, the lawsuit said. DCS in its legal response asked for the workers to be dismissed from the suit, asserting they had immunity for acting in their official capacities. The court ruling earlier this month allows Claybornes attorneys to press forward with claims the DCS workers violated the familys Fourth Amendment Constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizures. The ruling also allows Claybornes legal claims of false arrest and false imprisonment under Tennessee law to go forward against the DCS workers. U.S. District Judge Clifton Corker dismissed Claybornes separate claims that the actions of DCS employees, in seeking an emergency court order to remove the children, violated her Constitutional guarantees to due process. The workers had sought an emergency court order giving them the authority to take the children in the hours after the traffic stop. They never told Clayborne about the emergency court hearing, nor gave her a chance to respond, even though the workers at the time were with Clayborne at the county justice center. Those actions are protected by absolute immunity for government officials acting in the capacity of legal advocates, the court ruled. A spokesperson for DCS declined to comment on pending litigation and an attorney for Clayborne and her children could not be reached last week. The family is represented by a trio of Nashville civil rights attorneys, including Tricia Herzfeld, Abby Rubenfeld and Anthony Orlandi. A good mother The case drew national attention last year after a Lookout story, relying on law enforcement reports, juvenile court filings and emails between DCS officials and the familys attorneys, detailed the events. The records showed that DCS was initially informed that both Clayborne and Williams had been arrested at the traffic stop a scenario that would require social workers to step in and care for the children. Bodycam video quoted in court filings described one trooper telling two DCS employees that Clayborne was a good mother the kids were not being neglected or abused and it would be best for everyone for Clayborne to stay with the children. The workers nevertheless pursued an emergency court order in a nearby courtroom giving them the power to take the children into state custody. They also approached Clayborne in the parking lot of the jail, where she had driven with the children to wait for Williams release. They asked Clayborne to leave the children in the car to go to a nearly restroom to produce a urine sample for a drug test. When Clayborne refused she said later she was afraid of what the workers would do if she left her children with them she tried to produce one in the car, lowering her pants and underwear while a social worker sat in the passenger seat beside her. When she couldnt urinate, the caseworker told her she had made matters worse. Coffee County officers then placed spike strips around the familys car, preventing them from leaving. Inside the criminal justice center, where Clayborne had gone inside with her children to post bail, law enforcement officers approached her, ordered her not to reach for her baby. They took all five children into a waiting vehicle as she wept. At the couples first juvenile court appearance days later, Clayborne and Williams were asked to submit to urine drug tests. Williams tests positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Clayborne, who denied she consumed marijuana, tested negative. The records showed they were then asked to submit to rapid hair follicle tests. The results came back positive for both of them: the test had detected methamphetamines, fentanyl and oxycodone. Williams and Clayborned denied using those substances. A Lookout investigation found that the rapid hair follicle test used on the parents was not court-admissible, according to the Coffee County Courts own administrator. An expert said the rapid machines can be unreliable and best practice calls for positive tests to be rerun in certified laboratories. DCS nevertheless introduced the tests in court as part of their petition seeking a ruling that the children had been severely abused. Attorneys for DCS also sought sanctions against the familys attorneys and criminal prosecution of the parents for speaking publicly about the case. The children were returned 55 days after they were separated from their parents. The children had initially been separated from one another in different foster homes before being reunited in the home of a family friend who agreed to become an emergency foster care provide. Williams pled guilty to one misdemeanor simple possession charge. Charges against Clayborne were dropped. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST Tennessee Three lawmakers set to speak Thursday at the Democratic National Convention Top Tennessee Democrats are in Chicago this week as the Democratic National Convention brings together party leaders from across the nation. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Three state Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson are slated to speak on the main stage on Thursday, shortly before scheduled remarks from Vice President Kamala Harris. Former Vice President Al Gore, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus and Vice Chair Rachel Campbell, and a large group of state lawmakers are all part of the delegation. Altogether, there are 72 delegates, five alternates, 10 standing committee members, and five staffers attending the convention, according to the Tennessee Democratic Party. Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, and Sen. Charlane Oliver, D-Nashville, shared their enthusiasm for the Harris-Walz ticket from Chicago on Monday. Kicked off the first official day of the @DemConvention with credential pick-up and our @tndp breakfast! So good to connect with so many great #Democrats! The mood is #joyful and folks are excited for #HarrisWalz! #HERstory #DemocraticNationalConvention #DemocraticConvention pic.twitter.com/sA0KlFBded Senator Raumesh Akbari (@SenAkbari) August 19, 2024 Landed in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention! I'm soooo pumped to witness history as we nominate @KamalaHarris + @GovTimWalz for the ticket. My petals and pink gon be popping all week. #HarrisWalz#DNC#ItsOurTime #ThePeoplesSenator pic.twitter.com/rZXovzl4hd Senator Charlane Oliver (@CharlaneOliver) August 19, 2024 Jones, Pearson and Johnson dubbed the Tennessee Three after Republicans sought to expel them following a gun control protest last year are expected to speak at the convention. Pearson, D-Memphis, is also a delegate and Johnson, D-Knoxville, is the party's U.S. Senate nominee in the November election. Jones, D-Nashville, told CNN the trio will speak on Thursday and will address gun violence in the country. "Last year we were expelled for fighting for common sense gun laws, and the next day Vice President Kamala Harris came to Tennessee, sat in solidarity with us in our fight for democracy, in our fight to protect kids, not guns. That's why I'm here," Jones said. Made it to Chicago for DNC 2024! Started tonight honoring civil rights legend, Rev. Jesse Jackson, who helped pave the way for this historic convention when he first ran for president in 1984. Our movement elders fought too hard for us to let Project 2025 drag us backwards! pic.twitter.com/S8YSX6SQ2s Rep. Justin Jones (@brotherjones_) August 19, 2024 Delegates from the Volunteer State will be located at stage left on the convention floor this week. Mayors of Tennessees four largest cities Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell, Memphis Mayor Paul Young, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly are hosting a reception for the delegation in Chicago on Monday evening. Tennessee Democrats were the first to pledge support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, following President Joe Bidens announcement that he would no longer seek the nomination. Melissa Brown contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: DNC 2024: Tennessee Three of Jones, Pearson, Johnson set to speak Thursday NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The state of Tennessee has changed driver license and photo identification card designs, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) announced Monday. The cards have a fresh design and improved security features, the department said in a release. They now prominently feature an image of the Tennessee Capitol building on top of the states Tri-Star flag. The new design also features waves and patterns printed in very fine lines that are not able to be scanned or easily reproduced, according to the department. Regular driver license (Source: TN Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security) Photo ID only license (Source: TN Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security) Per the release, the new cards are made with a sturdy poly-carbonate composition and incorporate cutting edge printing techniques. This includes elaborate overlapping of data and graphics and laser engraved elements that will show if the document has been altered or is fraudulent. A machine-readable barcode with applicable class, endorsements, and restrictions are printed on the back of the card. A mini ghost image repeated from the photograph is encoded elements for automated validation to help reduce identity theft. Man indicted for dating schemes in Clarksville The new Tennessee Driver Licenses incorporate the latest technology which makes them more difficult to counterfeit, alter, or duplicate, said TDOSHS Commissioner Jeff Long. These countermeasures help prevent theft and fraud and help keep your identity safe. Those with valid driver licenses in Tennessee do not need to replace their current ID with one of the new design, according to the department. Previously issued driver licenses are valid until their expiration date listed. Tennesseans only need to receive a new card if theirs is expired or they need to change their address or name. The new design will apply to all credentials issued by TDOSHS, including regular driver licenses, teen/graduated driver licenses, commercial driver licenses, motorcycle licenses, ID only licenses, REAL IDs and handgun carry permits. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com We are excited about the added flexibility and convenience the new self-service kiosks will provide for Tennesseans, said Commissioner Long. Citizens can complete many Driver Services transactions at one of these new kiosks which will help reduce wait times at Driver Services Centers. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Lanes of Interstate 80 are seen empty near Emigrant Gap as firefighters work to extinguish a fire sparked by a Tesla big-rig vehicle that crashed Monday. (Cal Fire Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit) A Tesla big rig crashed in Northern California on Monday and ignited the vehicle's battery, starting a fire that filled the air with toxic fumes and forced the closure of Interstate 80 in both directions, the California Highway Patrol said. The electric semitruck went off the interstate eastbound near Nyack Road in Placer County and crashed into trees on the right shoulder around 3:15 a.m. Monday, according to California Highway Patrol's incident information website. The driver walked away from the crash and was taken to the hospital. The Tesla's battery caught on fire, and toxic fumes were wafting down the nearby interstate, CHP Officer Jason Lyman said. The battery was smoldering at around 1,000 degrees, and firefighters had to wait for it to burn out, he said. The battery was still burning, he said, into the late afternoon hours while firefighters tried to cool it down enough for cleanup. By around 7:20 p.m., the cleanup was completed and the interstate was reopened to traffic in both directions. 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. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, speaks at the first general session at the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso on June 7, 2024. Credit: Justin Hamel for The Texas Tribune CHICAGO Texans will take a prominent role at the Democratic National Convention, speaking on issues ranging from abortion rights to the future of the party in the state. Two members of the Congressional delegation U.S. Reps. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and Veronica Escobar of El Paso have confirmed they will speak on the convention mainstage. Crockett will speak Monday, and Escobar will chair the convention proceedings Thursday. Amanda Zurawski, who sued Texas over its restrictive abortion laws, will also speak on the mainstage, as will youth activist Olivia Julianna. President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are also set to take the stage on Monday. Speaking at the convention mainstage is a considerable platform, particularly for budding political talents whom the party identifies as having bright futures. The convention this year is largely ceremonial as the party already voted to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency by a virtual vote earlier this month. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, the partys candidate for U.S. Senate, is not publicly listed as a speaker, but more speakers could be announced throughout the week. The DNC has largely kept the speaker line up quiet. Allred is scheduled to address the Texas delegation at breakfast on Thursday, during which Texas delegates can organize their talking points. His race is one of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committees top targets this cycle. Cruz last won reelection in 2018 by just 3 percentage points to former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke. Crockett, a freshman congresswoman, has broken out as a star communicator for Democrats, clashing with Republicans in committee meetings that have often turned into viral clips. Escobar is a national co-chair of Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign and held the same role when Biden was leading the ticket. Escobar represents a border district in El Paso and has been a leading Democratic voice on humanitarian border issues. The border is a leading issue among Texas voters and has been one of Democrats biggest weaknesses this cycle. Zurawski sued Texas after doctors refused to terminate her pregnancy despite a complication that was fatal to her fetus and risked her health. Since Zuwarskis lawsuit, in which the Texas Supreme Court ruled against her, she has been a surrogate for Democrats across the country. She spoke in counter programming to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee with Escobar on behalf of the then-Biden presidential campaign. Several Texans spoke at the mainstage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month, including Gov. Greg Abbott and Cruz. U.S. Reps. Ronny Jackson of Amarillo, Monica De La Cruz of McAllen and Wesley Hunt of Houston also all spoke. De La Cruz and Hunt are both freshmen and have had leading roles in Republican outreach to the Latino and Black voters. Texas will have a considerable presence off the DNC main stage as well. The state has 273 delegates, the third largest behind California and New York, and several elected officials will address the Texas delegation throughout the week. Delegates from each state meet over breakfast each morning and hear from speakers. U.S. Reps. Lizzie Fletcher of Houston, Marc Veasey of Fort Worth, Greg Casar of Austin and Allred will all speak at the delegation breakfasts. Veasey had a role in getting Harris at the top of the ticket. He was the second Texan to call for Biden to step down from the ticket last month following a poor debate performance that shook Democrats confidence in his candidacy. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett was the first Democrat in Congress to call on Biden to step down. He is planning to attend the convention but does not have any scheduling speaking slots. State Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Farmers Branch, will also speak at the breakfasts. Johnson is Democrats nominee for the congressional seat Allred is vacating to run for Senate. She faces Republican Darrell Day in November for the reliably Democratic safe seat. State Sen. Cesar Blanco will also address the Texas delegation. Former congressional candidate Gina Ortiz Jones is also listed as a speaker at the breakfasts. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg spoke at the Monday delegation breakfast. Nirenberg has traveled with the Harris campaign throughout the country as a campaign surrogate. We may not be one of the named battleground states yet. But we know what it means to battle every day in a red state, to fight for our schools, for our health care, for workers rights and for women to have basic autonomy, Nirenberg said. Escobar and Casar have speaking slots at various national caucus meetings on the sidelines of the convention. Escobar will address the Womens Caucus meeting on Tuesday. Casar will address the Youth Council on Tuesday and the Hispanic Caucus on Wednesday. The Texas Tribune answering reader questions about 2024 elections. To share your question or feedback with us, you can fill out this form. The full program is now LIVE for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations on topics covering education, the economy, Texas and national politics, criminal justice, the border, the 2024 elections and so much more. See the full program. Rose Marie Kosmetatos, left, and her husband, Antonios Pagourtzis, parents of accused Santa Fe High School shooter Dimitrios Pagourtzis, talk before the start of the civil trial against them Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in Galveston County Court No. 3 Judge Jack Ewing's courtroom at the Galveston County Courthouse in Galveston, Texas. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP, Pool) The parents of a former student accused of killing 10 people at a high school near Houston in 2018 do not bear financial responsibility for the shooting, a jury decided Monday. A lawsuit brought by victims and their families sought to hold Dimitrios Pagourtzis and his parents, Antonios Pagourtzis and Rose Marie Kosmetatos, accountable for the shooting at Santa Fe High School in 2018. During a three-week trial, attorneys for the families argued the parents failed to provide necessary support for their sons mental health and didnt do enough to prevent him from accessing their guns. Jurors instead put the responsibility with Dimitrios Pagourtzis and a firearms ammunition retailer in a verdict that awarded families more than $300 million total in damages, including for pain and mental anguish. Attorneys for the families said they were disappointed in the outcome. "Weve wouldve liked to have the parents share in their responsibility for this, said Clint McGuire, who represented several of the families. Authorities say Pagourtzis fatally shot eight students and two teachers. Pagourtzis, now 23, has been charged with capital murder, but the criminal case has been on hold since November 2019, when he was declared incompetent to stand trial. He is being held at a state mental health facility. In April, Jennifer and James Crumbley were sentenced to at least 10 years in prison by a Michigan judge after becoming the first parents convicted in a U.S. mass school shooting. Pagourtzis parents are not accused of any crime. The lawsuit was filed by relatives of seven of the people killed and four of the 13 who were wounded in the Santa Fe attack. The jury also assigned some responsibility to Lucky Gunner, a Tennessee-based online retailer that sold Dimitrios Pagourtzis more than 100 rounds of ammunition without verifying his age and reached a settlement with the families last year. The company had previously been a defendant in the lawsuit. Jake Felde, CEO of Lucky Gunner, said in a statement that the company isnt responsible for any of the damages awarded by the jury because it was dismissed from the lawsuit. Lucky Gunner wasnt a party to the trial, so it was easy for the jury to place some of the blame on us because we werent there to defend ourselves, Felde said. The attorney representing Pagourtzis told jurors that while his client did plan the shooting, he was never in control of his actions because of his severe mental illness. McGuire said the parents knew their son was depressed, receiving bad grades, isolating himself, and had taken weapons from their gun cabinet and safe. McGuire said Pagourtzis also wrote disturbing Facebook posts and ordered ammunition and other items online, such as a knife with a Nazi symbol and a T-shirt that said, Born To Kill. But Lori Laird, an attorney for Pagourtzis parents, told jurors that the couple hadnt seen any red flags, knew nothing of his online purchases and didnt know any of their weapons were missing. We need to protect our children. They need to feel safe when they go to school, Galveston County Court at Law Judge Jack Ewing said after the verdict was delivered. They need to feel safe at home. And that message will carry even outside of the walls and the doors of this courtroom. And hopefully it will follow into the ears of our legislators. Both parents testified during the trial. Antonios Pagourtzis is retired but worked for years in ship maintenance and repair. Kosmetatos works as an executive assistant at an academic health science center in Galveston. Kosmetatos told jurors that while her son became more introverted as he grew older, he was a bright and normal child with no significant issues. She acknowledged that he wasnt himself in the months leading up to the shooting but she had hoped it would pass. Antonios Pagourtzis testified that he wasnt aware that his son was feeling rejected and ostracized at school, or that he might have been depressed. The family stored firearms in a gun safe in the garage and a display cabinet in the living room. Dimitrios Pagourtzis used his mothers .38 caliber handgun and one of his fathers shotguns during the shooting. Whether he got the weapons from the safe or cabinet, and where he found the keys, were among points debated during the trial. You cant secure anything 100%, Antonios Pagourtzis said. Similar lawsuits have been filed following other mass shootings. In 2022, a jury awarded over $200 million to the mother of one of four people killed in a shooting at a Waffle House in Nashville, Tennessee. The lawsuit was filed against the shooter and his father, who was accused of returning a rifle to his son before the shooting despite the sons mental health issues. ___ Yamat reported from Las Vegas. Associated Press writer Juan A. Lozano in Houston contributed to this report. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Perhaps one of the most notorious incidents in the history of Texoma took place in downtown Wichita Falls more than a century ago when citizens took justice into their own hands after two men robbed a bank. Early construction in downtown Wichita Falls (Photo provided courtesy of the Wichita County Archives) The robbery occurred in a young and growing Wichita Falls just before the turn of the century in 1896, on a street corner where the city was born less than two decades prior. One of Wichita Falls most influential early residents, Joseph Kemp, was the president of City National Bank located on the corner of 7th and Ohio when it was robbed on February 25, 1896, by William Foster Crawford and Elmer The Kid Lewis. In her book How Did They Die? Murders in Northern Texas 1882-1927, Julie Coley, a Wichita Falls author and local historian, referred to the bank robbery at the City National Bank in downtown Wichita Falls as one of the most well-known bank robberies in North Texas history. Bank tellers premonition of his own death For months before the robbery, rumors began circulating that the City National Bank would be the target of a hold-up. Those rumors made their way to the ears of Frank Dorsey, the teller at the bank, and he didnt take them lightly. TEXOMA ARCHIVES: The scandalous story of the Worlds Littlest Skyscraper According to Coley, Dorsey spoke with Kemp about the rumors and a premonition he had weeks before the morning of February 25, 1896, saying, If the bank is robbed, I will be killed and I know it. Photograph of Dorsey at the teller window of the City National Bank (Photo provided courtesy Wichita County Archives) The circulating rumors of an impending hold-up at the City National Bank eventually reached local law enforcement, who requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Several Rangers were sent to Wichita Falls to investigate the rumors and guard the bank. This didnt help to ease Dorseys mind, however. According to Coley, Dorsey told his wife the night before the robbery that the premonition had grown even stronger, and he feared for his life. He told her that he was going to resign from his position as the banks teller the next day. Dorseys wife said it was just his imagination and told him he couldnt just quit his job. However, his feelings were so strong that on the morning of February 25, 1896, Dorsey went to Kemp and asked him if he could resign. Kemp ultimately talked Dorsey out of it and he returned to his job. Tragically, Dorseys premonition would be proven true when Crawford and Lewis entered the City National Bank that afternoon. The robbery on the afternoon of February 25, 1896 The plan to rob the bank was carried out by Crawford and Lewis, who became acquainted while they were working at the Burnett Ranch north of Wichita Falls, according to the Texas History Notebook. According to Coley, Crawford and Lewis were said to have been seen by residents of Wichita Falls on the morning of February 25, 1896, hitching their horses to a post behind the St. James Hotel on 7th Street, and many townspeople said they were standing and talking to each other. According to the Texas History Notebook, the Texas Rangers that were guarding the bank left that afternoon on a train bound for Fort Worth, giving Crawford and Lewis the opportunity to carry out their plan. Lewis is said to have entered the bank through the front door and Crawford came in through the side, making no attempt to hide their identity. Photograph of the City National Bank (Photo provided courtesy of the Wichita County Archives) Crawford first made contact with the banks bookkeeper, P.P. Langford. Crawford told Langford to put his hands up, and when he didnt comply, Crawford struck Langford on the head with his gun, causing the gun to discharge and fire a round into the ceiling. The gunshot led to Lewis firing his gun in response. As Langford attempted to flee, he was shot in the hip. Lewis then took the money out of the tellers drawer, put it into a sack, and threw it to Crawford. The original plan was to break into the vault and steal upwards of $250,000 in cash. Although the vault was open, most of the cash appeared to be in a locked safe. At some point during the robbery, Dorsey was fatally shot in the head. It was believed at the time that Lewis fired the fatal shot since he was next to Dorsey when taking the money, which ended up being about $410. The search and capture of Crawford and Lewis With the cash in hand, Lewis and Crawford fled the City National Bank. Wichita County Chief Deputy Frank Hardesty began firing as they fled. According to Coley, Crawford and Lewis returned fire, and a bullet struck Hardesty. However, the bullet went into the pocket watch in Hardestys vest, saving his life. Lewis and Crawford mounted their horses and began to ride out of town just as citizens realized what was happening. In response, over a hundred men began firing at the robbers as they attempted to escape. According to Coley, one of the townspeoples shots hit one of the horses, who died about a quarter of a mile outside of town. Lewis and Crawford then shared a horse until they forced a man to give up his horse a short while later. Crawford and Lewis traveled into the night, ending up about 16 miles north of Wichita Falls, near the Red River. A search party made up of local law enforcement and Texas Rangers eventually surrounded the two robbers in a thicket. Crawford and Lewis surrendered on the night of February 25, 1896, and turned over the money they stole from the bank. Covered in mud, the search party returned to town with the two fugitives to take them to jail. The mob takes justice into their own hands Upon their return to Wichita Falls, a crowd of about 200 people, many armed, had gathered outside the jail. Somehow, the Rangers managed to slip the prisoners into the jail in the early morning hours. One of the Texas Rangers informed the crowd in front of the jail that he intended to guard the prisoners and that they should all go home. The crowd left the jail but reassembled elsewhere, swearing they would seek revenge when the morning came. A well-respected district judge, Judge George Miller, pleaded with the group to let the law take its course. Despite his efforts, a crowd began to assemble after a rumor began to circulate that the prisoners were set to be moved to Fort Worth. At around 5 p.m., a crowd of around 2,000 people had gathered near the Denver Train Depot in downtown Wichita Falls. The Texas Rangers boarded the train without the prisoners and left town. Later that night, at around 8:45 p.m. the fire bell rang twice and two pistol shots were fired. Townspeople began flooding into the streets of downtown Wichita Falls, all headed down to the courthouse. Judge Miller once again pleaded his case with the residents of Wichita Falls, asking them not to take matters into their own hands. He said it was Dorseys widows wish to allow the law to bring justice for her husband, promising the townspeople it would go to trial within eight weeks. Despite further warnings from the men guarding the jail, when the lights went out, six men used a heavy piece of wood as a battering ram and broke down the back door of the jail. Artists drawing of the public execution of Crawford and Lewis (Image provided courtesy the Wichita County Archives) Within minutes, the front and back doors of the jail were opened and a crowd armed with rifles, pistols, and hammers rushed into the jail. They broke the locks on the cell doors, took Crawford and Lewis from their cell, and walked them out into the street. According to Coley, several members of the crowd were heard shouting, Burn them! Someone yelled to the crowd to get two 32-foot ropes. A platform of boxes was made at a light post near the City National Bank. It was reported that Lewis asked the mob not to hang Crawford, as he had nothing to do with Dorseys death. He claimed to have fatally shot Dorsey by accident. Those pleas fell on the mobs deaf ears. The two men were publicly executed by hanging. Lewis was hung first, then Crawford. Some of the townspeople who were instrumental in the hanging kept watch over the two mens bodies that night. The aftermath of the robbery and lynching The City National Bank closed its doors a few years after the robbery. The building was later sold and became the Hines Building. The pole Crawford and Leis were hung from was removed when the streets in downtown Wichita Falls were paved. Front side of the gravestone for William Crawford and Elmer Lewis (Photo provided courtesy the Wichita County Archives) Back side of the gravestone for William Crawford and Elmer Lewis (Photo provided courtesy the Wichita County Archives) Crawford and Lewis were buried together in a single box in Riverside Cemetery in Wichita Falls. In an interview with Coley in 2005, a man named Bobby Howard said his grandmother, Ida Belle Howard, would place flowers on the grave every Memorial Day until her death in 1953, a tradition that was carried on by her daughter, Bobby Howards aunt. When Coley asked Howard why his aunt placed the flowers on the grave of the robbers, she said it was because, somewhere, they both had mothers who loved them. A historical marker entitled The Wichita Falls Bank Robbery of 1896 was placed two blocks away from the former bank building in downtown Wichita Falls, on a building at the intersection of 8th Street and Scott Avenue. The text from the historical marker can be found in its entirety below: On the afternoon of February 25, 1896, two cowboys, Foster Crawford and Elmer Kid Lewis, robbed the City National Bank, then located at Ohio and 7th Street (2 blocks east). They killed cashier Frank Dorsey, took about $410 cash, and fled on horseback. A posse of citizens and Texas Rangers captured the pair that night, hiding in a thicket outside of town. The next day, after the Rangers departed, the anger of the townspeople turned to violence. On the night of February 26, a mob dragged the prisoners from the jail and lynched them in front of the bank building. This story was written thanks to hours of research by Wichita Falls author and local historian Julie Coley. Her published works can be purchased on Amazon or locally at Pickers Universe at 10th and Indiana or at Emmalees Shop at Jacksboro Highway and East Scott. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. (Bloomberg) -- Former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra appeared in a Bangkok court on Monday as it began scrutinizing evidence in a royal insult case against him, just days after his daughter became the Southeast Asian nations new prime minister. Most Read from Bloomberg Thaksin, accompanied by his lawyers, went into the court clad in a yellow shirt, a color that symbolizes loyalty to the monarchy. His court appearance came a day after he received a royal amnesty that ended his commuted one-year sentence in separate corruption cases, allowing him to walk free two weeks earlier than the end of his parole. The two-time former prime minister and the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai party, was indicted in June by prosecutors under the stringent lese majeste law that protects the royal family from criticism and a cyber crime law. Theres not much to it, Thaksin said in brief remarks to reporters when he arrived at the court. This case came about shortly after the coup so its about the coup-makers using the law to tighten power. The charges against Thaksin, 75, stemmed from an interview he gave in Seoul in 2015 in the wake of a coup that dislodged his sisters government a year earlier. Prosecutors deemed his comments to have breached Article 112 of Thailands penal code, which carries a maximum jail term of 15 years for each offense of defaming the monarchy. Thaksin is out on bail but has been barred from traveling outside the country without the courts permission. The former premier denied the charges on Monday and submitted a list of 14 witnesses to the court as well as other evidence, his lawyer Winyat Chatmontree said. The prosecution has enlisted 10 witnesses too, he said. The witnesses will be summoned for questioning over seven separate hearings in July next year, which Thaksin plans to attend Winyat said. On Monday, Thaksins legal team argued that the video of the interview in question had been edited to mislead viewers and the clip couldnt be verified in its full entirely. Political Deal Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksins youngest daughter, on Friday won the parliamentary vote to become Thailands new prime minister. Paetongtarn was picked for the premier post after the countrys Constitutional Court dismissed Srettha Thavisin in an ethics violation case, cutting his time in office to only less than a year. Thaksin returned to Thailand from a 15-year exile the same day Srettha became the prime minister last year events seen as part of a deal that the former leader cut with the royalist establishment to help pro-military and conservative parties stay in power after nearly a decade of military-backed rule under a former army chief. The truce brought an end to the conflict that had shaped Thai politics for the past two decades. But Sretthas dismissal and the lese majeste persecution against Thaksin have raised fresh questions if the agreement would really hold. (Updates with next hearing dates and lawyer comments from seventh paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A staff member at Thomson Federal Prison was taken to a hospital after exposure to narcotics about 8 p.m. Sunday. Our Quad Cities News has learned that the employee was given NARCAN and rushed to a hospital. The workers condition was not known at 11 p.m. Saturday. (bop.gov) Union leaders have been urging Congress to pass a bill that would aim to prevent fentanyl from getting into the prison system through the mail. Jon Zumkehr, president of Thompson Federal Prison AFGE Local 4070, says the union supports H. R. 5266, also known as the Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act. About fentanyl Fentanyl is a strong opioid used as a pain medication. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States, the CDC says. About NARCAN NARCAN Nasal Spray, which is available over the counter, is a treatment that quickly reverses the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency. We will continue to follow up on this story on Monday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Global hospitality giant Hilton is ramping up expansion efforts in China, aiming to tap into the vast and diverse travel demands of its largest overseas market. The U.S.-based company saw the milestone opening of its 700th hotel in Greater China last Friday, marking the fifth year of launching more than 100 hotels annually in the vibrant hospitality market. "We are opening one hotel in Greater China in less than three days," Qian Jin, president of Hilton Greater China and Mongolia, told Xinhua in an interview. The opening pace so far this year has been faster than that of previous years, Qian added. "This is a testament to our commitment to consolidating our presence in the Chinese market." Qian likened the fast clip of Hilton's development in China to the country's accelerating speed of bullet trains, and attributed the company's sprawling local network to confidence in "the vitality and resilience of China's travel market." Official data showed that in the first half of the year (H1), the number of domestic tourist trips in China reached 2.725 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 14.3 percent. Meanwhile, the total expenditure of domestic tourists amounted to 2.73 trillion yuan (about 382 billion U.S. dollars), up 19 percent over the same period in 2023. Moreover, the country welcomed over 14.6 million foreign visitors in H1, a remarkable 152.7 percent surge from the previous year, thanks to various measures facilitating inbound travel. Qian highlighted Hilton's longstanding relationship with China's tourism and hospitality industry, which has spanned more than three decades since the opening of their first Chinese mainland hotel in Shanghai in 1988. With a presence in more than 240 destinations across the country, Hilton's 10 distinct brands seek to cater to the diverse travel demands of customers in China. In H1, the company's expansion introduced Hilton brands to 25 new locations across Greater China. Conrad Chongqing, Hilton's 700th hotel, marks the debut of the luxury hotel brand Conrad in the western inland city. Inspired by the western Chinese city's mountainous terrain, the high-rise luxury hotel seeks to highlight the concept of "Oriental Floating City" which blends local nature and culture with contemporary design. "Chongqing's distinctive allure and cultural depth, combined with its role as a key hub in western China, make it an ideal location for this new Conrad property," said Qian. The Chongqing hotel further expanded the company's presence in west China. Given its unique cultural and tourism resources and improving infrastructure, Qian said that the country's vast western region boasts huge potential for expanding and upgrading hospitality facilities and services. To seize the emerging opportunities in the region, an operation team dedicated to Hilton's business development and management in west China has been set up, according to Qian. In addition to strategic adjustments in regional development, Hilton is also keeping up with the shifting hotel-stay preferences in China. "The popularity of specific lifestyle experiences is gaining traction," Qian observed. Qian also pointed out that the prevalence of digitalization in hotel services is another highlight of the Chinese hospitality market. "A strong digital service system will further sharpen our observation of customer preferences to make changes accordingly." While China's consumption is rebounding at a faster pace, domestic demand still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, according to Chinese officials. China remains a pivotal market for Hilton's strategic growth. At the 14th China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit in May, Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton, appreciated China's efforts to welcome back international travelers and expressed his confidence in the full return of China's travel industry. "We believe the future here is bright, and we're investing in that future." Qian reiterated the company's optimism over China's travel market in the long run. "Positive factors are outweighing downbeat ones," Qian noted. "It's not impossible that we can open one hotel in two days in China in the future." Youd think my parents would have told me we fled integration. Instead, they said: We moved because of the schools. My family runs four generations deep here in southeastern Michigan: Pontiac and Waterford, Ann Arbor and Detroit, Rose Township and White Lake. My great-grandparents were Ozark migrants and small-town laborers or their wives all of them flocking to industrial towns from Pontiac to Sault Sainte Marie. As I remember it, if my family ever talked about racism, it was to lament my grandparents continuing use of the N-word, and to congratulate ourselves on doing better. My parents made their own migration in 1981, when I was 4, trading a bungalow on a stretch of Rensselaer Street in Oak Park zoned into Ferndale schools for a Rose Township colonial zoned into Holly schools. My father tells me he doesn't remember thinking about the schools back then, as he moved his three pre-school children. He says he doesn't remember telling me, when I was a teenager that we moved because of the schools, that if we had stayed in Oak Park, he would have had to pay for private school. He never told me what that meant. It took four decades before I questioned what my father told me. It took a book contract for me to learn the truth for myself. It took this year's presidential election, as I watched white resentment morph into popular support for a racist presidential candidate for the second time in eight years, for me to understand how dangerous it has been to leave it all unsaid. A voting precinct map of Ferndale in 1957. What they didn't tell me Starting in 1968, the School District of the City of Ferndale began to receive letters from the Office for Civil Rights at the federal Department of Health, Education, and Welfare flagging concerns about segregation. The segregation in Ferndale was not de jure written into law by government the way it was in the American South. Instead, segregation of Ferndales schools and resources was considered de facto: enabled by private practices that government had, at the time, declined to correct. These practices showed up clearly at Ferndales Ulysses S. Grant Elementary. Although the district was only 9% Black, in 1968, every one of the 365 students at Grant was Black. The other 31 Black elementary students in Ferndale Schools that year attended school among the district's 3,866 white elementary students. The quality of education at Grant was so clearly inferior to that offered at the districts nine overwhelmingly white elementaries that Black parents petitioned the district to give Grant students the same kind of educational material offered in those school buildings. In 1973, the Free Press reported on the ongoing court battle over integration in Ferndale. That was six years before my parents moved to the district, and seven before I was born. Maybe thats why my parents never told me how, in 1969, the Ferndale School Boards attorney, Burton R. Shifman, did not object to the facts federal officials used in their first complaint about the segregation of Ferndales schools. He did not object to the poor education that Black students received. He objected, instead, to using the word segregated to describe an all-Black school in a majority-white district. Ferndale has never ... segregated its pupils by race, he wrote. The schools, Shifman wrote, had not caused the problem; it was solely the result of residential housing segregation. Why would the schools have to fix a problem they had not caused? Nobody taught me that, from 1968 to 1973, Ferndale fought its first battle to preserve segregation in its schools. Or how, in 1970, it lost in agency rulings. Or how it lost on appeal to the agency, and then on appeal to the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Or how it appealed those rulings again, to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and lost again, in 1973. Or how, later that year, the district made a fourth appeal, to the U.S. Supreme Court, which refused to even hear their case. Or how, after this final defeat, the district opted to forgo federal money rather than integrate Grant. In 1973, Ferndale became the first northern district to lose funding for refusing to integrate its schools. District documents suggest the schools sacrificed much of their vocational education as a result. Fighting integration In 1974, Ferndale officials added open enrollment to the district's schools. This allowed all families to send their children to any of the district's elementaries. No white families accepted the invite to send their children to Grants regular program, and its student body stayed entirely Black. A judge compared the district's policy one Southern schools used to preserve segregation: freedom of choice." In 1975, as my parents moved to Oak Park, Ferndale launched its first attempt to integrate Grant: a magnet program there that enrolled 200 students 31 Black, 169 white. Magnet students met on a separate floor and ate lunch at school, while Grants 230 other "traditional" students, all Black, went home for lunch. This kept the magnet students entirely segregated from students whose school they had joined. The Free Press reported on the ongoing integration struggle in 1975. The U.S. Department of Justice objected to this solution to integration and sued the district under a new law, the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974. Or that, when this case went to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Judge Cornelia Kennedy, a Nixon appointee, rejected the case on the grounds that the federal agency had not named a student as part of its case. Nobody explained that in April 1976, the DOJ added a district child to its case. Or that the governments attorney, Thomas Keeling, noted that no solution would be acceptable unless it in fact desegregate(s) the Grant school. The magnet program, he said, clearly does not do that. I was born six months later. Progress, at last In 1978, the year my younger sisters were born, the Sixth Circuit overturned Kennedys 1975 decision, saying it found no logic at all in her ruling. In the summer of 1980, Ferndale schools offered, finally, three earnest proposals for integrating its elementary schools. The first two plans bused Black children to white elementary schools, while white children stayed at schools within walking distance of their homes. The Eastern District where Judge Horace Gilmore sat in place of Kennedy rejected these first two plans. The Constitution will not tolerate a desegregation plan that places a five-to-one burden on black students as compared to white students, wrote Gilmore in the Detroit Free Press. Nobody told me that as I turned 4 that fall, the judge approved Ferndales third proposal, which spread busing across the district. The district agreed to stop running multiple elementary schools that taught all grades but, in the process, segregated the districts students and thus its spending on them by race. Instead, it planned to assign classes to buildings by grade. The Free Press reported on the start of Ferndale's busing program in 1980. Not without cost In January 1981, 12 years after the original complaint was filed, Ferndale integrated its elementary schools. Black students who'd been in kindergarten when the suit began were now seniors in high school. Journalists estimated that the district had given up $2 million in funding in its bid to prolong segregation. On June 12, 1981, the Detroit Free Press declared: Busing Gets an A: Integration Is a Success in Ferndale. If my parents had chosen to stay in their home, I would have started kindergarten in an integrated school. In 1981, the Free Press declared Ferndale's busing program a success. The next day, my family moved to Rose Township. Because of the schools. I didn't know that we were joining a surge of new residents that more than doubled the area's population from 1960 to 1980. Census records show that nearly all these new families were white, with the townships included in the district averaging 98.0% white in 1980. We came to Holly even though the local paper reported it was too poor to afford full-length school days, and the high school was in danger of losing accreditation. I wonder which places and schools my classmates' families had fled. I wonder what their parents told them then and what they tell them now. I wonder if my classmates admire, as I do, Ferndale Schools' addition of a historical marker acknowledging its history of segregation. I wonder if they sense, as I do, that being honest about this history is necessary, if not sufficient. I wonder if they see how easily our democracy could crumble under the weight of all the racist things white Americans have done and still do and so rarely admit to aloud. I wonder if they wish, like me, that our parents had told us the truth. Tracie McMillan is the author of "The White Bonus: Five Families and the Cash Value of Racism in America" and the New York Times bestseller "The American Way of Eating," which won the Books for a Better Life Award and the Hillman Prize for Book Journalism. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print. Author Tracie McMillan from Ferndale. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: My parents moved to a white town. They said it was for the schools. A hazardous waste landfill in Wayne County is preparing to take 6,000 cubic yards of soil and concrete and 4,000 gallons of groundwater contaminated with elevated radiation from a site in New York where the Manhattan Project developed the atomic bomb during and just after World War II. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working on remediation of the Niagara Falls Storage Site in Lewiston, New York, estimates that 25 semitrucks per week, into January 2025, will transport the elevated radioactive wastes along public roads and highways to the Wayne Disposal facility just off Interstate 94 in Van Buren Township. The New York waste removal, its trucking to Michigan and disposal in Wayne County comply with all local, state and federal regulations for the handling of such materials, said Avery Schneider, deputy chief of public affairs for the Army Corps' Buffalo District. The Niagara Falls Storage Site in Lewiston, New York, holds radioactive wastes associated with the Manhattan Project, the development of atomic bombs from the mid-1940s to early 1950s. "The first thing we look at in all of these projects is how we can do it safely from the employees on-site who are working around the material, excavating it and preparing it for removal, to the communities around the site, to the folks who are going to transport it out to Belleville, Michigan, to where it can be safely stored," he said. But that's a sore subject to many in southeast Michigan concerned about having among the nation's largest hazardous waste processing and landfilling facilities in their backyard. In February 2023, shipments to Wayne Disposal and other southeast Michigan facilities of hazardous waste from an East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment prompted a large outcry from the public, local officials and state and federal lawmakers. Government representatives demanded to know why locals were given no notice about the shipments in advance. Under pressure, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials stopped shipments of the Ohio train derailment wastes to Michigan. A backhoe is seen filling a dump truck at a disposal landfill, Wayne Disposal Inc. that is located in Belleville near the Willow Run Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. But on a daily basis, Wayne Disposal and nearby companion hazardous waste processing facility Michigan Disposal take in a variety of hazardous wastes, often from other states. More: How southeast Michigan became a dumping ground for America's most dangerous chemicals More: After East Palestine, more in Michigan wonder what hazards roll by on trains Michigan Rep. Reggie Miller, D-Van Buren Township, was informed by the Free Press of the upcoming shipments to Wayne Disposal of elevated radiation wastes from atomic bomb development in New York. "I was not aware of this, nor was I alerted. That's frustrating," she said. "I'm not happy about that, to say the very least." Miller said she's particularly concerned about the shipments as they roll on public roads. "That's always been my issue what happens if that semi overturns and it goes into water?" she said. "We have the largest lake in Wayne County (Belleville Lake) and that's always been a concern." The legacy of Manhattan Project residue During and after World War II, the Manhattan Engineering District contracted with processing facilities across the country to extract uranium from ore to create the uranium metal needed to develop atomic bombs. The unused ore material that remained after the extraction process, called residue, retained elevated radioactivity. Created in February 1944 on the idled grounds of the former Lake Ontario Ordnance Works, the Niagara Falls Storage Site in Lewiston, New York, became a primary storage location for wastes and byproducts associated with uranium ore refining being carried out in Tonawanda, New York, in support of the Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Engineer District became the Atomic Energy Commission in 1946, and shipments of radioactive waste continued to the Niagara site until 1952. A nationwide cleanup effort for former atomic weapon and energy sites was undertaken beginning in 1974, the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, or FUSRAP. The U.S. Department of Energy handed the program over to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1990s. The Niagara site, in a cleanup expected to last until 2038, will leave the property in a condition suitable for industrial use, Schneider said. The project is in its first phase, in which 6,000 cubic yards of soil and concrete will be excavated from the 191-acre site. A more concentrated, 10-acre area within the facility where higher-radiation waste is stored on-site will be dealt with later. Prep work for phase one excavation is underway now, Schneider said, with the actual digging starting "later this month and into September." A slide from an April 23 presentation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Lewiston, New York, area residents estimates 25 semi truckloads a week of elevated-radiation materials leaving the Niagara Falls Storage Site for a hazardous waste landfill in Wayne County, Michigan. Republic Services, the Arizona-based owners of Wayne Disposal, responded to Free Press inquiries with an emailed statement from Melissa Quillard, senior manager of external communications. "Environmental remediation projects require facilities that are equipped to manage the material responsibly," she stated. "Complex waste streams must go to the right site to ensure they are safely and compliantly managed, which means interstate shipments commonly occur." Quillard noted that the Wayne Disposal landfill "is highly engineered with multiple safety measures in place, including frequent inspections and systems tests to ensure everything is operating as it should." The elevated radiation materials coming from the Niagara Site "fall well within our permit guidelines," she stated. Higher radiation waste won't come to Michigan The Army Corps has committed that all materials shipped to Wayne Disposal from the Niagara site will be less than 50 picocuries per gram in radiation, said T.R. Wentworth II, manager of the Radiological Protection Section of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy's Materials Management Division. One picocurie is roughly equivalent to background levels of radioactivity naturally occurring in the environment. That's a stricter guideline than both federal and state environmental regulations would require, he said. "As a regulator, the state doesn't have any concerns for this (Niagara site) material from a health and safety standpoint," Wentworth said. A 2018 revision to Michigan environmental law placed additional monitoring requirements on landfills accepting wastes with elevated levels of radiation beyond natural ambient levels, known as Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material. No conventional landfills have chosen to amend their licenses to accept these wastes, Wentworth said, leaving hazardous waste landfills like Wayne Disposal remaining as the only facilities where such wastes currently go. The higher-radiation wastes at the Niagara site slated for removal in the next phase of the New York cleanup won't be going to Wayne Disposal, Wentworth said. "That would be in violation of their license," he said. Wayne Disposal has previously accepted FUSRAP cleanup site wastes from other sites in New York, Ohio, New Jersey and Missouri, Schneider said. Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Radioactive waste from atom bomb-making headed to Wayne Co. landfill KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced on Monday that three people at a resort in Cassville, Mo. have been diagnosed with Legionnaires disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionnaires disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Legionella. People can contract the disease by breathing in small water droplets containing the bacteria. Police identify three killed in multi-car crash at 35th, Norton in KC The DHSS said the cases involved guests who had been in contact with a water source at the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park, located at 23349 State Highway 112 in Cassville. Three individuals allegedly had no association with each other and were diagnosed within 14 days of their stay at the resort in July. After the three cases were confirmed, DHSS conducted a facility assessment and collected samples. The preliminary results revealed the Legionella bacteria in the water. As a result of these findings, DHSS said it is working alongside the Roaring River Lodge staff to make improvements in the facilitys water system to kill off the bacteria. Although the disease can be harmful for those who smoke cigarettes, have certain medical conditions and are 50 years or older, DHSS said most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. Here is a list of symptoms you can expect to see if you are exposed to the bacteria: Cough Shortness of breath Muscle aches Headache Fever Additional symptoms like confusion, nausea and diarrhea can also be experienced, DHSS said. All symptoms usually begin 2-10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer (approximately two weeks) in some cases. Fans react to new Chiefs pre-game tailgating, parking policy According to the CDC, In general, people do not spread Legionnaires disease to other people. However, Legionella can be found in man-made water sources like potable water used for showers, decorative fountains, hot tubs and cooling towers. If you have or are currently experiencing symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of staying, working or visiting Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, Mo., DHSS encourages you to seek medical attention right away. DHSS said to ask your doctor to conduct both a urine test and a respiratory culture. The organization also said that if you test positive, ask your doctor to report the illness to your local or state health department as soon as possible. DHSS will continue to work with the facility and take proactive measures to minimize future risks and develop a water management plan to ensure the protection of the health of guests and employees, DHSS said. Woman charged after father, son killed in Freeman, Mo. shooting For more information about Legionnaires disease and the Legionella bacteria, go to the CDC website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. (WROC) A community in Irondequoit is looking for help to make intersections safer, specifically at Hudson and Titus Avenue. One group is trying to spread the word about a petition for a pedestrian median. News 8 was staked out at the intersection all afternoon, witnessing cars speed down the streets. With quick turns and pedestrians looking with extra caution before crossing the street. Weve heard from many people about the unsafe nature of this intersection, Helping Irondequoit Plan for Progress Co-Chair Ann Burns told News 8 Sunday. Burns and her team said they have developed a three-step plan to make roads safer. The group has already started to make changes within the past week. It received funds to build a pedestrian sidewalk that connects the Irondequoit Plaza to Hudson Avenue. Step two would be a single refuge median placed where the current painted median is located on Titus Avenue, with rounded ends on the north and south sides for plows to still be able to move through. Weve talked with our county legislators and met with Town Supervisor Andre Evans, and we want the people to have a voice in this, to let everyone know, who are the decision makers, how important this project is, Burns said. Step Three: Burns said she hopes to replace the remaining 22 light poles in the area with higher LEDs so they will be brighter. And with the upcoming school year, Burns said its essential to make sure the students who walk to and from school can feel safe walking on these streets. Weve heard from bicyclists. Weve heard from walkers and people being able to walk in. Theres a lot of residential homes here, and they would like to be able to benefit all the businesses in the district, but they need to feel safe, Burns said. The community can help the cause by adding their name to a petition to support these proposed improvements. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Updated: Two dead, one injured in shooting outside Kentucky courthouse Two people were killed and another was injured Monday morning when a man opened fire in the parking lot of the Hardin County Justice Center, according to Elizabethtown police. The shooting was targeted and related to a domestic dispute, police said. One of the victims who died, 37-year-old Erica Riley, was the suspects girlfriend, and the other was her 71-year-old mother, Janet Riley. The third victim was also a relative of Rileys and is stable, police said. Court records show Riley was seeking a restraining order against the suspect, 46-year-old Christopher Elder, and the shooting happened just before a scheduled hearing in the case. Police in Western Kentucky tracked Elder down Monday afternoon. He shot himself after a car chase and is in critical condition, police said. In a news conference streamed by WAVE 3 news station on Facebook, Elizabethtown Police Chief Jeremy Thompson said the shooting happened just before 9 a.m. Police received multiple calls about a shooting at the courthouse in the 100 block of East Dixie Avenue, and when officers arrived they found three victims. The shooting happened by a dumpster in the back lot of the parking lot across the street from the courthouse. Thompson called it an ambush-style assault. Witnesses told the Herald-Leader that Elder was circling the area before the shots rang out. Several area schools went on soft lockdown and officials urged nearby residents to stay in their homes while Elder was at-large, but most of the orders were lifted by Monday afternoon. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also acknowledged the shooting in a post on X. Please join Britainy and me in praying for everyone affected by this senseless act of violence, Beshear wrote. Court documents: Suspect abused victim for months Riley filed for a restraining order against Elder on Aug. 8 and accused him of abusing her over the past 18 months. In one incident, she said, he hit her in the jaw and head multiple times, according to court documents. Though the case had a hearing scheduled for Monday, court documents show it was going to be rescheduled to next week. There was a hearing at the courthouse this morning stemming from previous incidents, and we believe it was isolated to the individuals that were involved, said Thompson, the Elizabethtown police chief. Elder has one previous domestic violence case on his record. In 2006 he was charged with fourth-degree assault domestic violence and second-degree unlawful imprisonment, according to court records. He pleaded guilty to the assault charge, and the unlawful imprisonment charge was dismissed. The victim of a triple shooting in Elizabethtown, Ky. was shot by the dumpster in the back lot of the parking lot of the Hardin County Justice Center. Police chase, standoff Thompson said detectives identified Elder as the suspect within minutes of the shooting. They determined he fled Hardin County, and he was eventually found by officers in Western Kentucky. A police chase ensued, and Elder pointed a rifle at officers multiple times during the chase, according to Hopkinsville police. The chase ended at Judges Chapel at Greenville and Judges Chapel roads, where negotiators attempted for about 90 minutes to talk Elder into putting the rifle down. Elder eventually shot himself in the head. He was flown to Vanderbilt Hospital in Tennessee, where police said he remains in critical condition. The shelter in place has been lifted. https://t.co/3uDpHC6AqZ KY State Police (@kystatepolice) August 19, 2024 Elizabethtown police have confirmed a shooting near the Hardin County Justice Center. Those in the area should follow guidance from law enforcement. Please join Britainy and me in praying for everyone affected by this senseless act of violence. ^AB Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) August 19, 2024 CHICAGO, Illinois Tim Walz promised a joyous Democratic National Convention in a lightning round of brief speeches Monday morningpointedly not mentioning Donald Trump or JD Vance. What were going to show America over the next three days is what democracy looks like, he said in his very first appearance at the event, a breakfast for delegates from Wisconsin. Its joyous, its inclusive. We understand what the alternative is. That doesnt motivate people. Its not just beating those guys. Its about setting a course for our future thats brighter for everyone. The tone appeared a pointed contrast to a weekend of all-in attacks by Donald Trump on the Democratic campaign and particularly on Kamala Harris, who the former president labeled a Communist, and said he was a better-looking person than in a combination of rally comments and a storm of posts on his Truth social. Walz had a more low-key audience than his previous rallies as the vice-presidential candidate when he addressed the Wisconsin Democratic delegates. Mini Racker/The Daily Beast Until two weeks ago, Walz would not have been the star of the convention, but thats exactly what he was when he kicked off the week at 8:15 a.m. on Monday morning. You know Minnesotans well in this room, the Minnesota governor said during a surprise appearance at the Wisconsin delegate breakfast. Its been an interesting 11 days or so. The audience reaction, however, was anything but quiet. The enthusiasm for Walz in the ballroom at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk marked a stark contrast to the polite applause earned by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who had been a much bigger name than Walz just weeks before. You know hes kicking me off the stage for a good reason, Schumer said when Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler hopped up to the lectern to interrupt his speech. Walz, who does not use a teleprompter, pulled out a sheet of paper for a small part of his speech, apparently using it to reference some eye-popping numbers the campaign has achieved since Kamala Harris became the presumptive nominee: 602,000 phone calls, 185,000 doors knocked. The Secret to a Perfect Kamala Harris Impression But there was one number he didnt need notes to remember to mention12,000, the number of people who showed up at his rally with Harris in Eau Claire early this month. He also joked about making his first-ever visit to a Sheetz on a bus tour of Western Pennsylvania the day before. They didnt realize how high the bar is with a Kwik Trip guy, Walz said. In the next breakfast he went to, for the Pennsylvania delegates, Walz got laughs and boos and shouts of Wawa when he delivered the same line. Unlike the megarallies the Democratic ticket has hosted so far, this gathering was low-key with no metal detectors. Walz was among friends. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers blew him a kiss when he took the stage, and later embraced him as the crowd chanted Tim! Wikler told the Daily Beast that calling the last 11 days "interesting" was one of Walzs signature Midwesternisms. When you say its been interesting, you mean this has been one of the most head-spinning, mind-blowing 11-day stretches in any human lifetime, Wikler said. When the intensity goes up, we bring our rhetoric down in the Midwest. During the short speech, Walz hit the points he has on the campaign trail, focusing on joy and hope, while emphasizing that hope alone is not a plan. Wikler told the Daily Beast that, while he didnt know for sure, his impression was that it was Walzs idea to show up. In fact, Wikler didnt know that the VP nominee would speak until he received a call from the governors team early Monday morning. For me, the first word was a phone call that came before I was awake, Wikler said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The Scene CHICAGO Fresh off his one-day bus tour around Pittsburgh, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz told Pennsylvania delegates about a life-changing experience: His visit to Sheetz. Wawa! Wawa! shouted one group of delegates, engaging in the light-hearted, statewide battle over which gas station/convenience store chain is superior. Heres my thing KwikTrip, in the Midwest, said Walz. I just came from the Wisconsin breakfast, and the blue wall is solid, people. Davids view Democrats kept the mood light on Monday at the Pennsylvania delegation breakfast, and its national stars delivered short speeches, describing a party that had escaped the doldrums when President Joe Biden ended his campaign. Walz, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer all mentioned something that Harris rarely says outright that she would be the first woman to hold the office if she wins. When Walz asked the crowd to imagine how theyd feel after electing a woman president, he was drowned out by cheers. There is turnout work to be done, said Whitmer. Josh and I and [Wisconsin Gov.] Tony [Evers] talk about a Blue Wall strategy, the three of us in our states, turning out voters. Outside the breakfast, Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro scoffed at a question about Donald Trump saying that hed been passed over for Walz because he was Jewish: He is the least credible person when it comes to standing up against hatred and bigotry. Inside the room, Shapiro told delegates not to worry about tight polling, citing recent victories in his own state: Every single time Donald Trump or one of his offspring have been on the ballot, whether its for school board or Senate or governor every single time theyve been on the ballot, they have lost. The president was mentioned briefly by each guest, and DNC chair Jaime Harrison pushed back when asked whether there was something bittersweet about preparing a convention for Biden and switching it over to nominate Harris. Were going to continue to tell the story of Joe Biden and how hes been transformational, all that hes accomplished, said Harrison. But were also going to tell the story of Kamala Harris and who she is. Notable Harris got some encouraging news in Focaldatas newest swing state polls this morning, which showed her with a small edge in five of seven battlegrounds. Tim Walz says he's 'a Kwik Trip guy' but the company has big ties to Trump CHICAGO Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz sought to endear himself to Wisconsin's convention delegation Monday by touting Wisconsin's famous convenience store chain Kwik Trip a company that happens to have strong ties to Republicans and his opponent in November. Walz, the presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee, referenced the whirlwind weeks since he became Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate during a talk to Wisconsin delegates at the Democratic National Convention. He referenced a recent visit to Sheetz, the Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain. "They didn't realize how high the bar is with a Kwik Trip guy," Walz said, referencing the La Crosse-headquartered gas station and convenience store chain. Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz requests help for a man who fainted at a campaign event Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at the Eau Claire Event District in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Kwik Trip is arguably the most popular gas station and convenience store chain in Wisconsin, and the comment was met with applause. But the organization also has strong ties to Republicans and former President Donald Trump. Donald Zietlow, long the chief executive officer for Kwik Trip who retired in 2023, has given more than $1 million in federal and state donations to Republican groups and candidates over the years. Among his hundreds of contributions are at least four for a total of $365,000 to Trump Victory, Trump's leadership PAC. In August 2016, Zietlow and his wife hosted a fundraiser for Trump in La Crosse. He has also given more than $370,000 to Wisconsin candidates and campaigns, with the vast majority of those dollars going to GOP groups and candidates, including $20,000 to Republican Party gubernatorial nominee Tim Michels in 2022 and $10,000 in to former conservative Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly last year. He previously donated $20,000 to Kelly for his 2019 campaign. Zietlow did support former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, giving his three donations totaling $450. More recently, Zietlow has given to a number of high-profile Wisconsin Republicans, including Sen. Ron Johnson, and the state's GOP congressmen. He just in June chipped in $6,600 to Republican Rep. Brian Steil's campaign. In the 2015-16 campaign cycle, Kwik Trip's political action fund gave a total of $75,000 to two conservative PACs $50,000 to Let America Work and $25,000 to the Congressional Leadership Fund, the main House Republican super PAC. The Kwik Trip PAC has been much more active at the state level. Since 2016, the PAC has given $103,000 to the state Republican Party and the two GOP legislative committees. By comparison, the Democratic Party and the two Democratic legislative committees have received $48,500, less than half the figure for Republicans. Zietlow spent 52 years with Kwik Trip, including two decades as its president and CEO. Scott Zietlow, the current CEO of Kwik Trip who succeeded his father, is less politically active, having last made a donation in 2016. There is no record of his giving to any state candidates or groups. The founders of Sheetz, the Pennsylvania convenience store chain, meanwhile, have also donated to candidates on both sides of the aisle. For instance, the Sheetz Inc PAC recently chipped in $1,000 each to U.S. Don Davis, a North Carolina Democrat, and Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance. It's biggest contributions went to Pennsylvania FoodPAC, which represents grocery and convenience stores in the Keystone State. Aside from the Kwik Trip comment, Walz on Monday praised Wisconsin Democrats' work over the past several weeks, noting they've signed up more than 42,000 people in the state to volunteer since Harris became the party's presidential nominee. He contrasted the Democratic ticket with Trump and said Democrats were "doing politics with a sense of dignity, with a sense of kindness, with a sense of joy." "Look, as I said, I am not waking up the day after this election and not thinking we left it all on the field," Walz said. "We are going to leave it all on the field." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tim Walz declares himself 'Kwik Trip guy' in talk with DNC delegation What time does the Democratic convention start? Here's how Arizonans can watch The 2024 Democratic National Convention was set to begin in Chicago on Monday, giving voters a closer look at the party's candidate and stances on issues. The past few months have been tumultuous for Democrats, spanning from President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27, to him deciding not to seek reelection and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. Aside from Harris and running mate Tim Walz, party heavyweights like former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were expected to speak. Here's what Arizonans need to know about how to watch the Democratic National Convention and who will be speaking. When is the 2024 DNC? The DNC is scheduled to run August 19-22 at the United Center in Chicago. When will Kamala Harris speak at 2024 DNC? Kamala Harris is expected to accept the Democratic Party's presidential nomination on Thursday night. Who is speaking at the DNC? An official speaker schedule hasn't been released yet, but here are a handful of confirmed names expected to hit the stage this week. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will headline the first night on Monday, which Harris is expected to attend following her bus tour through Pennsylvania. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also set to speak Monday after a welcome from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will deliver a welcome address ahead of speeches by second gentleman Doug Emhoff and former President Barack Obama on Tuesday evening. Former first lady Michelle Obama will also speak sometime this week, where she will highlight the importance of civic engagement and voting, according to the DNC. How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 3:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. Arizona time (6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern) on Monday and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Arizona time (7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern) the other days. USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When does DNC 2024 start The Democratic National Convention kicks off today in Chicago and all eyes are on Vice President Harris. MSNBC political analyst Victoria DeFrancesco Soto and Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University, join Jose Diaz-Balart to discuss what to expect. Plus, they preview how Harris can chip away at former President Trumps lead on issues like the economy and immigration. View comments BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council on Monday announced the appointment and removal of several officials. Xiong Jijun was appointed vice minister of industry and information technology. He Zhongyou was appointed political commissar of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and chairman of the China Xinjian Group. Weng Tiehui no longer serves as vice minister of education. 'Too Often We Just Blame the Victim': Prosecutor Explains Why Filing Charges in Matthew Perry's Death Is Important (Exclusive) This was not investigated and looked at because it was Matthew Perry, U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada tells PEOPLE Nick Rood/Young Hollywood/Getty, AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes Matthew Perry; U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada The bombshell announcement that five people including Matthew Perrys longtime assistant, a former movie director, two doctors and an alleged dealer prosecutors called the Ketamine Queen were charged after the actor's death made headlines around the world. For some, the Aug. 15 announcement by the Department of Justice invited the question: Were charges filed because this is a high-profile case involving a beloved star? The prosecutor in charge of the case says no. This was not investigated and looked at because it was Matthew Perry, E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, tells PEOPLE. It was investigated because we had a victim in our jurisdiction in Southern California who died from drugs provided to him by drug dealers. We don't do this just for celebrities. In the past two years we brought over 60 of these cases. This happens to be the one that involves a celebrity. For us, every life matters, he says. Related: Multiple People Charged in Connection with Matthew Perry's Death, Including Doctors and His Assistant On Oct. 28, 2023, the Friends star was found floating face-down in the hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home after an accidental drug overdose. Christopher Amitrano Matthew Perry's L.A. Home An autopsy released in December showed that Perry, 54, who shot to fame playing Chandler Bing on Friends, died from acute effects of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects, according to the DEA. Drowning, coronary artery disease and effects from buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, were contributing factors, the autopsy revealed. At the time of his death, Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, which can be used to treat depression and anxiety. The last time he underwent infusion therapy was more than a week before he died and the effects of the drug would have worn off by then, the medical examiner found. After Perry died, authorities launched an investigation into how the actor obtained the ketamine. On Thursday, Aug. 15, the Department of Justice announced that Jasveen Sangha, 41, allegedly known as The Ketamine Queen, and Dr. Salvador Plascencia, 42, a licensed physician were arrested and charged in connection with his death. Sangha allegedly sold the batch of ketamine that led to Perrys death, Estrada said at an Aug. 15 press conference. Related: All About the 5 People Charged in Matthew Perry's Death: What Are the Accusations and Possible Penalties? Plascencia allegedly told another patient in mid-2023 that Perry was spiraling out of control with his addiction and yet he continued to offer ketamine to him, Estrada said. In text messages to another defendant, Dr. Mark Chavez, who has already agreed to pleaded guilty in the case, Plasencia allegedly discussed how much to charge Perry for the ketamine, writing, I wonder how much this moron will pay. Also charged in connection with Perrys death were Kenneth Iwamasa, Perrys longtime assistant, and friend Erik Fleming, a former director. They have already pleaded guilty, according to the DOJ. Related: How Culpable Is Matthew Perry's Personal Assistant for Actor's Death? Legal Experts Weigh In Investigating and prosecuting death resulting from drug trafficking cases is important to help save lives, Estrada says. There's two main reasons we do these, he says. First, for the victims and their families and loved ones, it's so important for them to get vindication, some sort of closure. Too often these cases are ignored and ... too often we just blame the victim. We don't do that anymore. The second reason is to deter this from happening and to send a message that if you're a drug dealer and you kill someone by selling them drugs, you're going to have to pay for that. That deterrent message is incredibly important for us and it's to try to stop it, Estrada says. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. It took a long road for New Hampshire to begin collecting PFAS-laden firefighting foam The take-back program includes stops in all 10 counties throughout the month. (Courtesy of Revive Environmental) In September 2019, a clock started ticking: The Department of Environmental Services had less than two years under a new law to institute a take-back program for PFAS-laden firefighting foam. It wasnt such an easy task. Most challenging was the question of how to get rid of the stuff. PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are called forever chemicals because of their exceptionally strong chemical bonds that take hundreds or thousands of years to break down in the environment. The state weighed its options. Neither landfilling nor incineration were attractive ones. First, few places would accept aqueous film forming foams, or AFFF, the most common class of PFAS-laden firefighting foam. Incineration could risk not breaking down all the bonds or creating harmful byproducts. The department commissioner, Robert R. Scott, wrote in a 2020 memo to the governor and other top officials that it would be difficult to meet the July 1, 2021, deadline set out in the 2019 law. He asked for a two-year extension from the Legislature, which was granted. By that deadline, the state partnered with an environmental company that presented a new option. And this month, that take-back program envisioned years ago finally became a reality. Ten take-back events are scheduled throughout August, with one in each of the states counties. The department expects more than 100 participants, totaling a collection of more than 10,000 gallons of AFFF. Its possible because of a technology called the PFAS Annihilator, from Revive Environmental, that breaks down the powerful chemical bonds. The state has a $668,000 contract with the company, according to Amy Rousseau, the PFAS response administrator at DES. Theyve been waiting for a long time, Rousseau said of the fire departments, so were very excited to be able to assist them to get the PFAS out of their stations and off the streets. How it started Firefighting foam has been a significant source of PFAS groundwater contamination in New Hampshire and elsewhere, posing risks to firefighters and the general public. Not all firefighting foams have PFAS. Class A foams used on wood, brush, vegetation, and paper generally dont have those chemicals. Class B foams used on gasoline, oil, and jet fuel that are fluorinated have PFAS, while the fluorine-free ones dont, according to DES. AFFF is the most common fluorinated foam, according to DES, making it the key target for take-back efforts. There are thousands of gallons of this foam in the state, a 2020 DES review found. PFAS have been linked to serious health problems, including some cancers, weakened immune systems, developmental issues, and more. Senate Bill 257, which first went into effect September 2019, sought to stem contamination from firefighting foam in the state. It took a number of steps. Starting in 2020, Class B foam with intentionally added PFAS could not be used in training or testing, unless DES had evaluated a testing facility to ensure its containment and disposal measures would not result in a release of foam into the environment. Fire departments were also newly required to report uses of the foam to DES within 48 hours. The law also banned the sale of such foam in the state, except in cases where that foam is required by federal law. Chemical plants and places where flammable liquids would be stored or distributed were also exempt. DES was also given a number of directives. It would help state agencies, municipalities, and others avoid buying or using PFAS-containing foams. It was also required to survey municipalities across the state on how much of the foams they had and determine the cost of a take-back program. Those findings were reported to the governor and other officials in a December 2020 memo. Fifty-eight percent of municipalities, or 135 of the 234, responded to the DES survey. About a third of those had no AFFF. Those that did reported a total of about 8,375 gallons. Five nonmunicipal firefighting operations, such as Manchester-Boston Regional Airport Fire Department, also reported a total of 6,421 gallons of AFFF. The memo laid out how an incineration-focused take-back program would work, but Commissioner Scott raised a number of issues, including limited treatment, storage, and disposal facilities that would accept the foam and uncertainty about the efficacy. New data has raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of incineration in destroying PFAS compounds, Scott wrote, and the potential for formation of fluorinated byproducts as a result of incomplete combustion. These processes are not well understood. The extension was requested with those concerns in mind. Last year, New Hampshire became the first state to partner with Revive Environmental. Annihilation On the outside, the PFAS Annihilator looks much like a metal storage unit. The technology destroys PFAS powerful chemical bonds, and the resulting liquid is tested to ensure it is below contamination standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency before being released into the environment, said David Trueba, Revive Environmentals CEO. Revive Environmental treated 55 million gallons of PFAS impacted water last year, Trueba said. That doesnt all end up in the PFAS Annihilator, he said; technology strips down the water and concentrates the PFAS first. AFFF has different recipes, Trueba said. Some of them have been around for over 30 years, he said. People have been waiting that long to get rid of the PFAS. About 10,000 gallons have been registered for New Hampshires take-back events. Revive Environmental will need to process around 100 different varieties of AFFF, Trueba said. It does take some time to make sure that we do it right, he said. And so the first time that we process takes a little bit of time. Eligible operations have already started to turn in their AFFF, with events spread throughout the state and month. Contractor staff test and inspect the material thats brought in to ensure its eligible. Then, it gets shipped off to Columbus, Ohio, to get in line for annihilation. Among those participating is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. The transition to greener foam was an option that opened up when the Federal Aviation Administration first approved fluorine-free foam in January 2023. I challenged my team to see if theres a way that we could participate in that, said Ted Kitchens, director of the airport, and to do so in a way that also allows us to be effective in our firefighting capabilities in case there is an aircraft accident here at the airport. His team came to him with a plan, and he approved it. Kitchens said the airport was giving up 720 gallons of foam. Its not something the airport had to do, but Kitchens felt it was the right thing to do to be a good neighbor. He said this is the first take-back program in the nation that hes aware of to include airports. After years of effort at DES to establish the program, Rousseau said, those involved are excited to finally get it going. We hit some bumps along the way, and its been a very long road, she said. A roadside historical marker near Clear Lake describes the mass killing of Indigenous people, mostly women and children, by U.S. soldiers in 1850. The "Bloody Creek Massacre" and events that triggered it are now the focus of a debate over whether to change the name of nearby Kelseyville.` (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) For the record: 2:11 p.m. Aug. 19, 2024: A previous version of this post incorrectly identified Clayton Duncan as Duncan Clayton. The town of Kelseyville bills itself as one of Northern California's best-kept secrets an idyllic wine country community that overlooks the state's largest freshwater lake, as well as a 4,305-foot volcano that is blanketed in greenery. But a dispute has erupted over a proposal to change the town's name because of the history it evokes of violence against Indigenous people. Mountains rise over Konocti Vista Marina, just north of Kelseyville. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) It is said that the town takes its name from Andrew Kelsey, a notorious white settler who, with his business partner Charles Stone, brutalized Pomo villagers in the late 1840s murdering men on a whim, raping women and youths, trafficking children and enslaving and starving tribal members. "These guys were evil, evil men," says Clayton Duncan, an elder from the Robinson Rancheria Band of Eastern Pomo Indians. "They exerted complete control by inflicting terror on the people." Read more: A casino project sparks conflict over tribal sovereignty and control of sacred lands The Lake County Board of Supervisors has responded to calls from both tribal and non-Indigenous residents to change the town's name and by extension confront this dark history by placing a nonbinding advisory measure on the Nov. 5 ballot. It asks residents across the county to vote on whether Kelseyville should be renamed for the mountain that towers over the town, Konocti a Pomo word meaning "Mountain Woman" that celebrates both the volcano and the area's 14,000 years of Indigenous history. A vineyard sprawls along the banks of Clear Lake as Mt. Konocti rises in the background. Lake County residents will vote on changing the name of Kelseyville to Konocti. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Even if voters reject the measure, the board has indicated that it still might move forward with recommending the change to the U.S. Bureau of Geographic Names, which has authority over the naming process because Kelseyville is in an unincorporated part of Lake County and lacks its own government. Few of Kelseyville's 3,800 residents dispute that Kelsey was a cruel man who seemed to take pleasure in mistreating Indigenous people. He and one of his brothers, Ben Kelsey, were infamous in their own time too, according to a research paper by historian and archaeologist John Parker. The paper was presented to the Lake County Historical Society in 2021, and can be watched on YouTube. Fed up with the abuse, tribal members banded together and executed both Andrew Kelsey and Stone. Accounts of how the men were killed and what happened next vary, Parker found. What is clear, however, is that the killings set off a wave of retaliatory attacks orchestrated by Kelsey's brothers, armed vigilantes and the U.S. Army. The attacks culminated in the "Bloody Island Massacre" on May 15, 1850, when cavalry soldiers slaughtered hundreds of Indigenous villagers at Clear Lake. Attackers stormed a ceremonial gathering place on an island on the lake's north end called Bo-No-Po-Ti, hunting down women, children and elderly people with bayonets as they fled for cover in the marshes. Duncan's great-grandmother, Lucy Moore, was just 6 when U.S. soldiers and self-appointed avengers besieged her and other villagers. For 25 years, Duncan has led a springtime sunrise ceremony at the lake to commemorate the massacre, inviting those in attendance to offer forgiveness for what Andrew Kelsey and cohorts such as his brother and the U.S. cavalry did to his ancestors. He sees the violence as rooted in avarice, white supremacy and a profound hatred of Indigenous people that rang through in the proclamations of elected officials of the time, including California's first governor, Peter Hardeman Burnett, who publicly mused about the need to pursue a "war of extermination" against the state's tribes. "It was murder and theft that simple," Duncan said recently by phone. "We were in the way of their greed and in the way of all this land." Bo-No-Po-Ti, the scene of the Bloody Island Massacre, rises from a field. When the mass killing of Indigenous people occurred there on May 15, 1850, the site was surrounded by water and marshes. The area has since been drained. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) It's a sentiment echoed in the 2016 book "An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe." Author and UCLA historian Benjamin Madley wrote that those who committed atrocities such as the Bloody Island Massacre were part of a "killing machine" made up of state and federal authorities, volunteers and hired mercenaries. Like the Spanish and Mexican colonizers before them, American settlers believed that God had decreed their right to California's natural wealth, and that Indigenous people stood between them and boundless prosperity. The marshy site where the massacre took place is now dry land barely noticeable to visitors save for a roadside historical marker that describes the tragedy. But tribal leaders say that doing away with "Kelseyville" will give Indigenous residents a new way to seek healing from a historical trauma that lives on in their hearts and minds. Read more: California will help return tribal lands as part of the historic Klamath River restoration The effort to change the town's name started in 2020 as an outgrowth of meetings among concerned county residents who went on to form the group Citizens for Healing. Last year, committee co-founder Lorna Sides formally submitted the change request to the BGN, and touched off a fierce public debate. Sides, 72, says she was recently accosted by a pair of residents on the street who accused her of hurting the close-knit town. Sides, who is white and not affiliated with any tribe, says she only has one regret. "I'm just sorry it's become such a battle," she said. While some opponents say the change would be too costly to implement for the small community, and too burdensome for those whose livelihoods depend on the name recognition that comes with "Kelseyville," there are others who don't believe that changing the town's name is the proper salve for acts of dispossession that played out on a massive scale. A view of Clear Lake in July. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) Some locals and businesspeople formed the group Save Kelseyville to push back against Sides and others who say the change is needed to help atone for past wrongs. "Changing the name of Kelseyville will not change the past," the group wrote on its website. "This initiative has divided our community rather than offered any healing. The platform to discuss the past may disappear with the name. It is best to educate about history instead of trying to erase it." Kelseyville isn't the only town in the region that's grappling with its name. Farther west on the Pacific Coast, a group called Change Our Name Fort Bragg has waged a similar effort, arguing that the town's name honors a slave-holding Confederate general named Braxton Bragg and commemorates a military installation "that facilitated genocide, ethnic cleansing, and involuntary servitude of the indigenous people," according to the group's Facebook page. Given how the Kelseys tried to rob native people of their ancestral connection to their homeland farther inland, it's dismaying to see people in 2024 argue to keep the name Kelseyville, says Duncan's nephew, Lake County Supervisor Chair Eddie Crandell. He's also vice chair of the Robinson Rancheria Citizens Business Council. Read more: A California tribe was twice robbed of its land. A 77-acre purchase brings hope While the board has been criticized by some for ordering a countywide vote rather than confining the election to Kelseyville, and by others for not taking direct action to change the name, Crandell says it's only fair to allow voters throughout the county to participate given that descendants of those harmed by the Kelseys don't just live in Kelseyville. Crandell says he feels an obligation to his four children and his ancestors to support the change, which he hopes will foster a greater appreciation for some of the first peoples to inhabit Northern California. He says he was in his 30s when he began to learn about his Pomo culture, because much of that history had been whitewashed in school lessons. "[Opponents] say you can't change history and when does it stop? I have that same question," says Crandell, 47. "When does it stop that we're being ignored and not taught our true history?" A woman walks in the dry Adobe Creek in Kelseyville in December 2022. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Not all Indigenous residents of Lake County are of the same mind about the name change. Flaman McCloud Jr., chairman of the Big Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, said some are indifferent, or don't see the value of dwelling on the past. Others, McCloud says, are worried about antagonizing the town's majority-white population when Native Americans make up less than 2%. He too has felt apprehensive at times about speaking publicly on an issue that stirs up age-old racial tensions. "This county is rural cowboys and Indians," says McCloud, 45. "It's still that way. I'm concerned about what my kids are going to go through if it happens." "But if we don't do it," McCloud says, "we're still going to be looked at as second-class citizens." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. MAMARONECK Big changes are coming to the Mamaroneck Avenue intersection where a minibus crash in June took the lives of Molly Donovan and her 6-year-old son, Mikey. On the morning of June 20, the crosswalk at Mamaroneck Avenue and New Street a busy crossing for parents who park in a CVS parking lot and walk the few blocks to Mamaroneck Avenue School didn't merit a crossing guard. No one was posted there to get parents and kids safely across the busy four-lane street, a major cut-through for traffic from I-95 at all hours. That morning, Donovan and her son were struck and killed by a Royal Coach Lines minibus turning left onto Mamaroneck Avenue from New Street. No charges are pending against the 68-year-old driver as the village police department awaits the final report of Westchester County's accident reconstruction team, expected within a week. Red tape: Mamaroneck parents want traffic changes now after June minibus crash killed mom, son A new look at Mamaroneck's New Street When school resumes next month, things will be markedly different at New Street from that deadly day in June. Mamaroneck Avenue's shoulder at New Street and also at the school has already been painted with a wide stripe, a visual narrowing of the road that traffic experts suggest could slow traffic. The faded crosswalks at New Street and from Mamaroneck Avenue to the elementary school are scheduled to be repainted before school starts. There will be a crossing guard stationed at New Street and Mamaroneck Avenue for the new school year, one of four new guards the village police will add. The others are at Waverly, Grand, and Elliot, where they meet Mamaroneck Avenue. Police Chief Sandra DiRuzza said the plan is to add the new guards to the village's 19 crossing guards and then evaluate whether they are needed. But the biggest change at New Street, and only at New Street, will be a new traffic-light pattern. It will be the only intersection to get "a pedestrian-exclusive phase," when traffic in all directions stops as pedestrians cross. The shoulder of Mamaroneck Avenue at New Street has been freshly painted, at the site of a memorial to Molly Murphey Donovan and her son, Mikey, who were killed crossing the busy road on their way to Mamaroneck Avenue School on June 20. Danielle Robles, a mother of two students at Mamaroneck Avenue School and a member of the group Safe Streets Mamaroneck, didn't hide her disappointment at an Aug. 12 village board meeting when the changes were announced. "We asked for pedestrian-exclusive phases an intersection where, when the walk sign goes only pedestrians cross at eight intersections and we're getting it at one," Robles said during the public comment period. "We're getting it at the one intersection where two lives were lost." Safety measures after double-fatal accident At the meeting, Interim Village Manager Chuck Strome told trustees and Mayor Sharon Torres that, working with the county and police, progress had been made to increase pedestrian safety: trees have been trimmed clear of signs; road markings have been repainted and a schedule for repainting crosswalks is in place; and new speed-limit signs will be erected by month's end. Some of the changes will require action by the county, and further study, and won't be in place when school resumes in September, Strome said. That statement appeared to disappoint members of the audience, who want action before sending their kids back to Mamaroneck Avenue School, which is part of the Mamaroneck school district. Strome said the county will need to conduct a traffic study before considering reducing the speed limit to 25 mph from 30 mph. Trustee Lou Young echoed the opinions of parents, who were adamant that the speed limit on the busy street should be reduced. Young declared "There's no reason we shouldnt have a 25 mile-per-hour speed limit from Boston Post Road to the Thruway. The car is not king here." Village of Mamaroneck Police Chief Sandra DiRuzza speaks to the Mayor and village trustees Aug. 12, 2024 about improved traffic and pedestrian safety measures after a mother and her six-year old son were struck and killed in June by a mini-school bus on Mamaroneck Ave., near the Mamaroneck Avenue School. Dozens of residents attended the meeting of the village board of trustees asking for the improved safety measures before the start of the upcoming school year. 'Swept under the rug': Family in fatal Mamaroneck crosswalk crash calls for justice for mom, son who died Later in the meeting, the trustees allocated more than $86,000 for traffic cameras on Mamaroneck Avenue for police enforcement measures. The proposal had been written up last December and sent to the previous village manager in January, and then to the trustees in April to be added to the police budget for this year. Lt. Mark Gatta of the village police department said the cameras will be placed in various locations along Mamaroneck Avenue near the Mamaroneck Avenue School. He said the cameras are "mainly for investigative purposes and to check issues as they are occurring or just occurred (i.e., flooding, traffic concerns, etc.)." Only one of these new after-the-fact measures would potentially have prevented the crash that killed Donovan and her son: the pedestrian-exclusive phase for traffic lights would have kept the minibus driver in place on New Street, protecting the mother and her son from being put in the path of the vehicle. How was the posting of the new crossing guards chosen? DiRuzza said the village's traffic consultant, White Plains-based AKRF recommended the placement of the four new crossing guards, whose hiring will cost about $46,000 per year, Gatta said. Asked why the consultant chose those intersections, Gatta said: "Crossing guards are an optional supplement to marked crosswalks;" and "while not providing specific guidance on where crossing guards should be placed, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices states that they may be used to provide gaps in traffic at school crossings; and can also add conspicuity at the crossing where children, who are typically smaller in stature, might not be as visible." Mamaroneck looks to outsource crossing guard staffing There was another bit of news: The village police department is looking to get out of the crossing-guard business and hire an outside vendor to administer that program. Among the documents for trustees and the public to view at the Aug. 12 meeting was a request for proposals due on Aug. 16 for "qualified school crossing guard providers" to submit written proposals. Newly painted school signs are painted along Mamaroneck Avenue near the Mamaroneck Avenue School in mamaroneck, as pictured Aug. 16, 2024. Until now, the village police department has screened, hired, trained and scheduled its 19 crossing guards. That meant that if there were last-minute gaps in staffing, officers would be called on to fill them. In the days after the fatal crash at New Street, a police officer was on duty there, crossing parents and kids where there had been no crossing guard. Now, the village is looking to outsource that work. "The contractor shall consider, but is not required, to hire the existing school crossing guards," the document reads. "All crossing guards must be competent, reliable and interact well with children and parents. The contractor will be responsible for managing all guards, making work schedules and ensuring that all posted locations are covered." Young, the trustee, likes the change. He said Friday that only one firm submitted a proposal to take over oversight, and he expected the issue would be put before the trustees in September. He had not seen the proposal as of Friday. "I've got to see the numbers on it, but I think that it makes sense and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't do that," Young said. "We can't have police officers doing that kind of work." Young said it's hard to find crossing guards, who work a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the afternoon. Hiring a company to take on that task also means having someone responsible for filling gaps that otherwise would be filled by uniformed officers. "We've had some situations where we've had to take cops off the street and have them be crossing guards. That's a bad idea," he said. Young said spending money for something that has been handled by the police might seem extravagant, but it actually saves money and keeps officers doing what they're needed to do. Gatta, the police spokesman, said Friday that if the trustees approve the move to outsource the crossing guards, the funds would come from the existing budget and possibly reserve funds. Neither Gatta nor Strome responded on Friday to a request for information about the bidder or the cost of the bid. On Monday, Lt. P.J. Trujillo told the USA Today Network New York that the firm is Crossing Guards Services, with offices throughout the country. Their nearest office is in Stamford, Conn. On its website, www.crossingguardservices.com, the company says: "Crossing Guard Services takes care of all aspects of hiring, training, scheduling, payroll, insurance, and supervision so our clients can focus on their essential responsibilities." In an FAQ page on the site, the answer to the question "Will your service be more expensive than managing the program ourselves?" reads: "Its not always clear what the costs of crossing guard services are, and many municipalities may not be aware of all the different expenses involved beyond the wages of the guards themselves. To help clarify things, we offer a free assessment to determine what costs may be involved for your specific needs. Simply give us a call or send us an email, and well be happy to provide you with a detailed breakdown of the expenses associated with crossing guard services." Gatta said DiRuzza would seek board approval to hire the bidder in September or October. The RFP said services would begin 45 days after the contract was awarded. Gatta stressed that village police would continue to "oversee the program, but the company will administer the daily staffing and supervision of the guards." Who were the mother and son killed by school bus in Mamaroneck? Erin Donovan had one sister and one nephew: Molly and Mikey. In an interview last month, she bristled at the police characterization of the crash as a "tragic accident." "When we consider that pedestrians have the right of way, when we consider this was a busy intersection and this was the time that our babies were making their way to school, it is unthinkable to me that their deaths were reported as a 'tragic accident,'" she said. She remembered her nephew as having a spark, her sister as a community builder. Molly Murphey Donovan died days before her 44th birthday. Mikey was 6. "The two of them they were meant for each other," Donovan said. "They had a bond beyond mother and son; they were souls who found each other. And now they are gone." Mamaroneck bus crash report expected An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and village police are awaiting a report from Westchester County's accident reconstruction team. Lt. Mark Gatta, the village police spokesman, said that report which will synthesize his department's interviews and canvassing of witnesses, along with precise measurements taken by the county police team is expected the week of Aug. 19. "As far as the report, we were told two weeks from our last update which puts it at Aug. 21," Gatta wrote in response to a question from the USA Today Network New York. "Nothing else to report at this time." Gatta has said the driver of the minibus is cooperating with the investigation and will not be named until the review is complete. The 68-year-old man lives in Mount Vernon. Staff writer Asher Stockler contributed to this report. Peter D. Kramer is a 36-year staffer who writes long-form narratives on a variety of topics. He has written recently about an Orange County cold-case murder, about affordability and development, and breaking news. His story looking back on the Oak Street fire in Yonkers won a national Headliner Award for outstanding news specials/feature column. Reach him at pkramer@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Mamaroneck bringing safety changes to site of fatal school bus crash A tribute to Barbara Buck: From a town with no name to lasting influence in Des Moines Shortly before World War II in Germany, Barbara Buck was born in a town that had no name. It is now called Wallburg, still a tiny town, located south of Strasbourg and a stones throw from Switzerland and France. She lived in a farm house with her parents and six siblings. In the front were assorted livestock and in the back were the familys living quarters. Their toilet, such as it was, was located above the manure pit. Pretty efficient, if you ask me, but also it meant a permanent less-than-pleasing aroma in the living quarters. The outbreak of World War II stopped her formal education at the eighth grade. After the war ended, her family emigrated to the United States. That move required a United States sponsor and, by happenstance, the sponsor was a Mr. Treadway in Des Moines, Iowa. He told Barbara that an eighth-grade education would not be sufficient for her future, so she enrolled in the Des Moines public schools and graduated from high school. She went on to college and received her degree from (then) Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, with a double major. She then taught for a while In Des Moines. She was married to John Buck and together they had four daughters that she referred to as daughter #1, #2, #3, and #4 rarely by their given names. When she was pregnant with their first child, she had to quit teaching. At that time, women who were showing were routinely terminated from employment. At the age of 40, she pursued and received her masters degree in education administration from Drake University. She was active in the La Leche League and for forty years was a childbirth education instructor. Eventually, she ran for and was elected to the Board of Directors of the Des Moines Independent Community School District. She lost her bid for reelection but, not being a quitter, she ran again a year later and was reelected. I was privileged to serve on that board with her for both terms. At one point during her tenure, she and I served with board member Mark Smith on a district policy review committee. That committee was charged with the task of reviewing one-third of all district policies that might need updating, and recommending possible changes to the full board. Barbara had been to a conference of some kind that was recommending that LGBTQ nondiscrimination policies be considered in public schools. Barbara thought that sounded like a good idea for Des Moines. Mark agreed. You dont have to be all that smart to be an effective school board member; on a seven-member board, you have to be able to count to four. I was still a very closeted gay man, unknown to Barbara or Mark. I said that Id vote for it only if there were a fourth vote. Barbara immediately placed a call to board member Sue Luthens and told her what Id said. Sue replied, Tell Wilson hes going to be voting for it. I was committed. At that point, I met with the school superintendent to let him know what the committee would be recommending, that I had four votes, and that I wanted his recommendation for adoption. The superintendents recommendation gets two votes almost automatically, or at least predictably. He asked who were my four votes; I told him; and he said, OK, Ill recommend it. The nondiscrimination policy was adopted unanimously. Barbara Buck was a force to be reckoned with fearless and tenacious (a powerful combination). Her attitude was, whats right, is right. Period, drop mic. From a town with no name in pre-war Germany, she obtained a masters in the United States, was elected and reelected to the Des Moines school board, and was the impetus for an enlightened nondiscrimination policy that survives to this day. She died in November of 2023, and Barbara Buck should be an inspiration for all who know something about her lifetime of courage and achievement. Jonathan Wilson is an attorney practicing in Des Moines. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Barbara Buck had lasting influence in Des Moines Public Schools Trinidad and Tobago is set to alter its coat of arms, replacing Christopher Columbuss ships with steel drums in a move to distance itself from its colonial past. As part of a drive to remove colonial vestiges, three ships on its coat of arms representing the vessels Columbus used to traverse the Atlantic will be removed to make way for a steel drum, the national instrument. Trinidad and Tobago, a former British colony, became independent in 1962. Its governments shift comes amid growing calls from Caribbean nations for former colonial powers to atone for their involvement in slavery and imperialism. 'We have enough votes to get rid of the Columbus boats in the emblem,' says Keith Rowley - Sean Drakes/LatinContent via Getty Dr Keith Rowley, its prime minister, set out his plans at a party convention for the ruling Peoples National Movement, saying the redesigned coat of arms would be the first step in a process of decolonisation. He said: You see the three Columbus boats in the emblem, they will go. And we have enough votes in the parliament to do it. I can announce now that as soon as the legislative adjustment is made, that amendment should be made before the 24th of September. We are going to replace Columbuss three ships the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria with the steelpan. Columbus arrived in Trinidad in 1498 and gave the island the name Trinity. The explorer has been reassessed recently by proponents of decolonisation as a slave-owning oppressor who crushed indigenous peoples. Dr Rowley is also seeking to ditch the Kings privy council as its highest court of appeal, a legal arrangement that remains in place for several Commonwealth countries including Trinidad. The prime minister said he wanted to ensure that his people were no longer squatters on the steps of the privy council. The Santa Maria was the largest of the three small ships used by Christopher Columbus in his first expedition across the Atlantic in 1492 - The Print Collector/Getty/Hulton Archive The judicial committee of the privy council acts as the highest court of appeal for the Crown Dependencies, the British Overseas Territories and Commonwealth countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Countries including St Lucia have voted to get rid of this, with the island nation instead joining the Caribbean Court of Justice in 2023. The judicial committee told The Telegraph that nothing was stopping more nations from doing so as they could enact the legal change themselves. Any change would come amid a broader reckoning with colonial history, which has seen numerous nations campaign for the return of historical artefacts, including Ghana and Nigeria, or reparation for slavery, as with many Caribbean nations. Trinidad and Tobago is one of 14 member states within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which has sought reparations from Britain and other former colonial powers. It has recently pivoted to a plan to demand payments from businesses and institutions connected to slavery, as revealed by The Telegraph, and Grenada has officially requested reparations from the Bank of England. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Tropical Storm Ernesto strengthened into a hurricane again Sunday as it churns toward the northeastern Atlantic, bringing powerful swells to the U.S. East Coast in its wake. The National Hurricane Center said Sunday that Ernesto became a hurricane again after its maximum sustained winds were clocked at 75 mph, just barely meeting the Category 1 threshold. Ernesto is expected to intensify over the next 12 hours, and forecasters predicted it will continue to bring swells to portions of the Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast and Atlantic Canada. Life-threatening surf and rip conditions are likely to persist in the coming days, the hurricane center added. The storm was centered early Sunday evening about 520 miles south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is expected to pass southeastern Newfoundland late Monday and early Tuesday. Large breaking waves are expected in this region, with the possibility of coastal flooding, forecasters said. Ernestos upgrade to a hurricane came just hours after forecasters weakened it to a tropical storm late Saturday after it brought heavy rain and strong winds to Bermuda, The Associated Press (AP) reported. While Bermuda did not experience any injuries or major incidents, Ernesto slammed the northeastern Caribbean last week, prompting mass power and water outages in Puerto Rico. Earlier Sunday, the National Weather Service posted a coastal flood advisory, warning of a high risk for rip currents along the Atlantic coast through Monday evening. The warning went from Florida to the Boston area, while flash flood warnings were posted for parts of Connecticut and southeastern New York, the AP said. Flash flood watches and advisories were in effect for areas of Delaware, New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, the news wire added. The rough surf hit North Carolina over the weekend, and an unoccupied house on the Outer Banks collapsed into the water last Friday as a result, per the AP. In Hilton Head Island, S.C., two men drowned in separate incidents last Friday, but it was not clear whether rip currents played a role, local outlet The Island Packet reported. The Associated Press reported. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. JOLIET, Ill. Drivers in Joliet are facing some delays on Monday afternoon after a flatbed trailer crashed into a bridge over an interstate, causing debris to fall onto the road. According to Illinois State Police, the crash unfolded just after 2 p.m. in the northbound lanes of Interstate 55 at Black Road, near the DuPage River in Will County. WGN Traffic Map: Get the latest real time traffic updates Troopers said the truck tractor flatbed trailer combination unit crashed into the bridge at Black Road, causing debris from the bridge to fall into the northbound lanes of I-55. The falling debris led to a full closure of Black Road, but crews were able to reopen the westbound lanes by around 3:20 p.m. Because of the crash, traffic along I-55 is being rerouted to Route 52 and Route 59 as crews clean up the debris. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Joliet police said in a Facebook post that state authorities were headed to the scene to inspect the bridge. No injuries were reported and troopers said an investigation is now underway. Currently, it is unclear how long the remaining closure will last and authorities said they will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Donald Trumps late night social media spree over the upcoming Democratic National Convention and his lackluster Pennsylvania rally had Republican strategistsand Swiftiesthinking that the presidential nominee was melting down. Trump posted at least 25 times to his Truth Social account Sunday night. In numerous separate posts, he shared A.I. images of Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing the Democrats team of sharing a misleading video of Trumps crowd size at his rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the day before. Saturday was intended to be a campaign reset, but instead ended up reinforcing that Trump only knows how to personally belittle his political opponents. Jumping off script from what was supposed to be a speech on economic policy, Trump tapped back into some elementary-grade insults for the Democratic nominee, mocking her as Comrade Kamala and complaining that her team would use clips from the event that make it look like hes rambling, rambling. But that same old song and dance wasnt enough for his supporters, who began to leave the 8,000-person arena before Trump even finished speaking. The Trump rally in Pennsylvania was in a stadium that only holds 8k peoplethere are plenty of empty seats and plenty of people leaving. Turn the volume up, you can hear Donald speaking while people are leaving. pic.twitter.com/XvO758uQtM Brad Bo (@BradBeauregardJ) August 17, 2024 Seeing unadulterated images of his own crowd size was apparently enough to send Trump into a spiral, claiming over several posts on Truth Social that Harriss social media operation had inaccurately portrayed his turnout. We had to turn away lots of people yesterday in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, but Comrade Kamala Harris Social Media Operation showed empty seats, long before the Rally started, early in the afternoon when, in actuality, we had to turn away 11,500 people! Trump wrote. Comrade Kamala is a STONE COLD LOSER, she will FAIL and, if she doesnt, our Country will cease to exist as we know it, turning into a Communist, Crime Ridden Garbage Dump. November 5th will be the Most Important Date in the History of the U.S.A. Its as simple as that! That didnt sit well with political pundits and Republican strategists, who felt the hyperbolic claims and nose-wrinkling urgency made Trump look nervous. Looks like someone woke up on the gibbering barking panicked side of the bed today, wrote Lincoln Project senior advisor Jeff Timmer. But his waning rallies werent the only thing on Trumps mind during his extended social media binge. Bizarrely, Trump also seemed to be in the mood to provoke notoriously litigious pop star Taylor Swifts notoriously mob-minded fans, sharing an A.I.-generated image of Swift clad in red, white, and blue, posing like Uncle Sam before an American flag emblazoned with the text: Taylor wants YOU to vote for Donald Trump. I accept! Trump captioned the image. Another Swift-related post shared by the former president depicted a group of women marching in Swifties for Trump shirts. (The post was labeled satire by its creator.) Its a good thing that Swifties are so cool with people using her image in deep fakes and using AI to make it look like Taylor Swift is doing things shes not, posted Republican Representative Jack Kimble. Im sure none of them will be mad about this. Its not the first time this summer that Trump has obsessed over Swift. During a closed-door meeting between Trump and House Republicans in Junehis first visit to Capitol Hill since before the January 6 insurrectionTrump insisted on discussing the pop phenom, lamenting that she might endorse President Joe Biden while he was still in the race. Days before the meeting, Variety reported that Trump had spoken at length about Swift in a one-on-one interview, describing her as unusually beautiful. Swift has not yet endorsed any candidate in the 2024 election and has been notoriously close-lipped about her political beliefs throughout her career, even through the 2016 presidential election when she was rumored to be a closet Republican. That changed when she sided with Tennessee Democrats in the 2018 midterms against now-Senator Marsha Blackburn. In her 2020 Netflix documentary Miss Americana, Swift said that she didnt mind getting bad press for railing against Trump, whom she described as a homophobic racist. Statement of Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino regarding the early morning 3:24 am August 19, 2024 incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard ramming/damaging the PCG vessels BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engano while sailing within our Exclusive Economic Zone "The ramming incident earlier this morning involving the China Coast Guard and resulting in structural damage to two Philippine Coast Guard vessels within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), underscores the need to critically assess China's sincerity and good faith in its participation in the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) with the Philippines. Such acts of aggression are unacceptable and call for an immediate cessation of hostile actions. It is imperative that China respects the Philippines' sovereign rights and adheres to international maritime law." LONDON, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- One woman was killed and two other people were seriously injured in a stabbing incident in Manchester, the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday night, local police said on Monday. Greater Manchester Police said they got a report about the stabbing around 11:20 p.m. (2230 GMT) at a property on Barnard Road in the Gorton area near Longsight after receiving numerous calls from the neighborhood. The police later found that three people, a 17-year-old girl, a 43-year-old woman, and a 64-year-old man, were suffering serious stab wounds. The woman passed away from her injuries at the scene, while the two others remain in hospital for treatment. Their injuries were believed to be life-threatening, the police said in a statement. A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident, and some further investigation is underway, it added. Trumps nephew insists former president is showing signs of dementia like his grandfather Trumps nephew insists former president is showing signs of dementia like his grandfather Donald Trump is showing signs that correspond with his family history of dementia, according to Fred Trump III, the former presidents nephew. The warnings signs are evident, Fred Trump III said during an interview on The Dean Obeidallah show on Friday, accusing the former president of spewing craziness and failing to stick to the script during campaign appearances. I know what I saw in my grandfather. I know what I saw in Donalds older sister, my Aunt Maryanne, Fred Trump said. I just, I know the warning signs from both of my grandfathers, he added. Donalds cousin, John Walters had dementia. It runs in the family. Im not happy about it. Donald Trump is showing signs of his family history with dementia, his nephew says (AP) The Independent has contacted the Trump campaign for comment. Fred Trump III is the brother of psychologist and author Mary Trump, and the eldest son of Donald Trumps late older brother, Fred Trump Jr. He has emerged as another vocal critic of the former president from within his own family. In July, Fred Trump III endorsed his uncles rival for the White House, Kamala Harris. And in a memoir which came out the same month, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, the former presidents nephew accused Trump of musing aloud about whether people with disabilities would be better off dead instead of causing expenses for their caregivers. The comment came as a shock, Fred Trump writes, because his own son William was diagnosed as an infant with a rare seizure disorder that has caused significant cognitive and physical damage. Fred Trump (right) accused Donald Trump of making disparaging remarks about people with disabilities like his son, William. (Courtesy of Gallery Books) Donald Trump has said that he supported Fred Trump III, contributed to a fund to support William, and introduced the family to officials from the National Institutes of Health who might offer assistance. I helped him so much, more than anyone else in his life, and this is the thanks I get. I even set up [a] meeting with NIH and top doctors in the country talking about his son, who is disabled, Donald Trump said in a statement to The Washington Post, accusing fellow family critic Mary Trump of convincing Fred to write his book. The issue of age and mental ability has been central during the 2024 presidential race as numerous Democrats questioned whether Joe Biden had the mental fitness to win before he stepped down from his reelection campaign. Former President Donald Trump speaks in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Biden's border policy, flanked by members of law enforcement, as well as Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) and former Michigan U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers on April 2, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) Less than a month after white supremacists marched through Howell, and later chanted We love Hitler. We love Trump, the former president will visit the mid-Michigan community and hold an event on crime and safety. Tuesdays visit, which will take place at the Livingston County Sheriffs Office, was announced on Saturday by the Trump campaign. Trumps team actually reached out to me and said, Hey, the presidents going to be in town and would like to stop at your shop and do a press conference if youd have them, Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy told the Michigan Advance. A press conference thats going to be revolving around safety and criminal justice? That sounds right up my alley, being a law enforcement guy. So sure, come on over. Murphy, who is a supporter of the former president, said he didnt view Tuesdays event as being overtly political in nature. I know everybodys trying to make this a political thing, and I guess my response to that would simply be this is not a rally. It is simply a press conference, said Murphy. But in announcing the event, which takes place on the second day of the Democratic National Convention will not be open to the public, the Trump campaign used political talking points. Since [Vice President] Kamala Harris took office, Americans have watched crime, chaos, and tragedy erupt across the country. Michigan is feeling effects of Kamalas border crisis first-hand as unnecessary illegal immigrant crime rampages across the state, stated the release. Radical Michigan Democrats have created sanctuary cities to harbor illegal aliens, and theyre promoting policies [that] allow illegal immigrants who have been caught by law enforcement to receive rent assistance. That last mention mischaracterizes Gov. Gretchen Whitmers Newcomer Rental Subsidy program which provides up to a year of rental assistance for Refugees and other Newcomer population-eligible households, even though eligibility is based on having a legal immigration status. The visit was also immediately condemned by Harris Michigan spokesperson Alyssa Bradley. The racists and white supremacists who marched in Trumps name last month in Howell have all watched him praise Hitler, defend neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, and tell far-right extremists to stand back and stand by. Trumps actions have encouraged them, and Michiganders can expect more of the same when he comes to town, said Bradley. But voters here support leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris and [Minnesota Gov.] Tim Walz, who are focused on bringing us together, and well continue working to stop Trump and his far-right extremist allies who promote division, hate, and violence. On July 20, approximately a dozen masked white supremacists marched through downtown Howell chanting Heil Hitler and carrying signs with messages like White Lives Matter and End the War on White Children. Howell, which lies between Lansing and Detroit, has long had a reputation for extremist activity. It became known as a Ku Klux Klan (KKK) hotspot in the 1970s and 80s when infamous Michigan KKK Grand Dragon Robert Miles held hate rallies and cross burnings at his Cohoctah Township property north of Howell until his death in 1992. While the July demonstration in Howell came just hours before Trump spoke at a rally in Grand Rapids, Saturdays announcement that Trump was coming to Howell occurred on the same day that the same group of white supremacists demonstrated in nearby Brighton. White supremacist demonstrates in downtown Brighton, Aug. 17, 2024. Submitted photo White supremacists demonstrate in downtown Brighton, Aug. 17, 2024. Submitted photo White supremacists demonstrate in downtown Brighton, Aug. 17, 2024. Submitted photo The Washington Post quoted Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt as dismissing any connection between the decision to stop in Howell and the communitys reputation for extremist activity. President Trump will travel to Howell to deliver a strong message on law and order, making it clear that crime, violence, and hate of any form will have zero place in our country when he is back in the White House, Leavitt told the Post in an email. While Livingston County, in which both communities are located, has long been a GOP stronghold, Murphy said trying to connect last months march to Trumps visit is entirely unfair. It really kind of pisses me off. Well, not kind of. It does piss me off when we get labeled as this racist county, and then you get these numbnuts that come in and just continue to stir sh-t up, he said. When President Joe Biden visited the Operating Engineers Local 324 training center in Howell Township in 2021 to promote his infrastructure legislation, he was met by hundreds of protestors, many of whom angrily confronted a small group of Biden supporters. Murphy pointed to that visit as an example of his office providing support regardless of political affiliation. We did it when Biden was in town, he said. We wrote a big ass check for overtime for that when he was at the Operating Engineers. So its just part of the job. Its what we do, and frankly Im honored that hes coming here, and I would extend the same offer to Harris and her group. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Donald Trump delivered a strangely low-energy speech on Monday at a factory in York, Pennsylvania. While the crowd at Precision Custom Components started off cheering at the former presidents compliments about Pennsylvania and promises to bolster American manufacturing, any initial enthusiasm appeared to wane as Trump proceeded through his remarks in a monotone reading voice. Kamala puts America last, I put America first, Trump said, sounding completely dejected. He frowned as the crowd cheered. For once, the former president was actually able to stay more or less on topic (although his talking points were still devoid of facts or actual policy ideas). He just seemed to hate every second of it, and the crowd responded in kind. Trumps claim that caravans of immigrants coming to the U.S. for free healthcare was met only by the echoes of his own remarks. Laments over reckless spending on healthcare, complaints that the supposed electric vehicle mandate is absolutely so crazy, and promises to clean up a supposedly graffiti-covered Washington, D.C., were met with total silence. Even promises to liberate our workers with the largest regulatory cuts did not evoke a single clap. Trump is speaking to complete silence in York, Pennsylvania. He's literally getting zero reaction. pic.twitter.com/FkC3CCQrvn Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 19, 2024 While his dulled speaking style didnt prevent him from flying through topics, it did prevent him from getting any responses from the crowd for several minutes at a time. His awkward delivery made it unclear when the audience, or the people standing behind him, should clap, and pauses didnt come easily or often in the Republican nominees speech. In one particularly outrageous moment, Trump said, The unionthe United Auto Workers, I think the people in that union are going to vote for me overwhelmingly because Im going to bring car industry back. Just last week Trump said he would fire striking workers during a conversation with billionaire technocrat Elon Musk. The next day, the United Auto Workers filed federal labor charges against Trump and Musk, accusing them of illegal attempts to threaten and intimidate workers who stand up for themselves by engaging in protected concerted activity, such as strikes. Shawn Fain, the president of the UAW, is scheduled to speak Monday night at the Democratic National Convention. He doesnt have a clue, its sad, Trump said about Fain, blaming him for a decline in U.S. car manufacturing. As he started to compliment military industrial manufacturers, such as the factory where he stood, he took off on another tangent. What would happen if we had a war? We wont, with me. But you will have World War III, I believe, without me. But we wont havebut what would happen if we did? And lets say it was with China, but they give us all of our steel. So well have to call China for steel so we can fight a war with them. How stupid are these people? Trump rambled. Trump: "What would happen if we had a war? We won't, with me. But you will have World War 3 I believe without me. But we won't have. But what would happen if we did?" pic.twitter.com/TymFXbZO9t Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 19, 2024 Former President Trump attacked CNN commentator Van Jones on Sunday as a lowlife who never thanked him for helping pass a bipartisan bill in 2018 that reformed parts of the criminal justice system. Lightweight Political commentator Van Jones begged me, while in the Oval Office and with tears flowing from his eyes, to help get Criminal Justice Reform approved by the United States Senate, Trump wrote on Truth Social, apparently in response to Joness praise of Vice President Harriss economic agenda. I got it done, with Conservative help, and this lowlife, Jones, never once called to thank me, or the others that helped, for what we had done. Along with Opportunity Zones, the long term funding of HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, and much more, Ive done more for our black population than anyone other than, perhaps, Abraham Lincoln!!! Sorry, but thats the way it is!!! Trump continued. Trump, in his post, included a screenshot of reporting that quoted Jones, a Democratic strategist, saying thank goodness in response to Harriss plan for a federal ban on price gouging, among other proposals. The Hill has reached out to CNN for a response to Trumps criticism. Jones worked with the Trump administration and members of Congress in 2018 to pass the First Step Act, which sought to improve criminal justice outcomes and reduce the federal prison population. Jones has frequently touted his work with the Trump administration, crediting Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and then-adviser, with prioritizing criminal justice reform because of Kushners personal experience having his father go to federal prison. Jones has separately praised the Trump administration for increasing funding to historically Black colleges and universities. In an interview last year with Politico, Jones noted some people were afraid in 2018 that if we quote unquote, gave Trump a victory on this, it would help him get reelected. He nonetheless defended his work with the Trump administration. My view is: Youre not giving Trump a victory, youre giving 200,000 people who were locked up in federal prison a victory. And if the only way you can defeat Donald Trump is to make sure that for the next four, eight or more years, Black and brown people in federal prison stay miserable, we need a better strategy for defeating Donald Trump. Jones said last week that Trump is freaked out by the attention Harris has been getting recently and that the former president will keep falling as long as he continues to throw fits. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Donald Trump on August 14, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chandan Khanna / AFP) - Credit: AFP via Getty Images Its a twist befitting this incredibly stupid moment in American history: Just over a week after Donald Trump tried to claim that Kamala Harris was boosting her rally crowd sizes with AI-generated images, the former president appears to now have fallen victim to a set of AI-generated images purporting to show a budding movement of Taylor Swift fans backing his campaign. On Truth Social yesterday, Trump shared a collage of screen grabs and photos of the so-called Swifties for Trump movement. Admittedly, two of the images were legit, showing Trump supporter Jenna Piwowarczyk wearing a Swifties for Trump shirt at a recent rally in Wisconsin. More from Rolling Stone The others, though, sure looked AI-generated. Obviouly the one of Swift dressed as Uncle Sam with the caption, Taylor Wants You to Vote for Donald Trump, was fake. And another purported to show a bunch of young women marching in their matching Swifties for Trump shirts. That one appears to have been created by a pretty popular conservative meme account and is clearly labeled satire. Nevertheless, Trump seemed to take it all at face value, captioning the collage with a vigorous, I accept! This raises the incredibly hilarious and totally believable possibility that Trump thinks hes actually secured Swifts endorsement. (To be fair to Trump, him thinking that is honestly no less stupid than other people thinking last week that a photo Swift was soft launching an endorsement of Harris with an Eras Tour photo that happened to show a backup dancer wearing a suit costume.) But while AI may have tricked Trump, it does appear like some corners of the conservative web are trying to actually get Swifties for Trump off the ground though it all reeks of trying to make fetch happen desperation. Theres Piwowarczyk and her aforementioned Swifties for Trump shirt, as well as a video shared by conservative content creator Kandis Esposito (and posted on Truth Social by Trump), in which Esposito lays out the general narrative being pushed to make this movement seem more real than it probably is. (Certainly compared to the very real Swifties for Kamala movement.) I guess something with ISIS happened, theres al to of terrorism going on, and I guess she [Swift] had to shut down some shows because of that, Esposito said. And a lot of them are just saying, You know, if Trump was in office, this wouldve never, ever happened. Ostensibly, Esposito is alluding to the thwarted terror plot that led Swift to cancel her shows in Vienna, Austria. Which, by the way, is not in the United States, so even if Trump were in office, he probably wouldnt have been able to do anything about it and besides, Austrian authorities seemed to have handled the situation pretty well. Anyway, as the case has been for all of 2024, Taylor Swift has not endorsed anyone for president. She did endorse Joe Biden and Harris in 2020 and has spoken out against Trump. Best of Rolling Stone Trumps First Harris Campaign Attack Ad Has Some Embarrassingly Misleading Elements Donald Trump tied Vice President Kamala Harris to Americas border crisis in a campaign ad that showed a series of misleading images, including those from the former presidents first term, the Washington Post has revealed. A narrator for the Trump campaign ad, the first one attacking Harris after she joined the 2024 race last month, declared that Harris had failed Americans due to Biden administration policies on the southern border. The ad then heads to a slideshow of images showing people making border crossings. But at least three of the pictures, whichappearto have been taken from Getty Images, were snapped at the U.S.-Mexico border back in 2018 when Trump was in office, the Post noted. Another photo from the ad was taken in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2019. Under Harris, over 10 million illegally here, said the narrator as the images appeared in the ad. The Posts report was later flagged by Ian Sam, a Harris campaign spokesperson who recently left the Biden White House. Trump recently ran an ad attacking VP Harris that featured five images of people crossing the border Four of those five scenes actually occurred while Trump was presidenthttps://t.co/LOMqec7khJpic.twitter.com/l3fcg3zmxh Ian Sams (@IanSams) August 19, 2024 Details on the ad stem from a Washington Post investigation into misleading 2024 campaign ads, including the one from the GOP presidential nominee, which referred to Harris as Americas border czar (she never held such a title). Trump put out a misleading first campaign ad during the 2016 election cycle, as well, as an ad echoing his call to stop illegal immigration showed footage of migrants crossing the border from Morocco into the Spanish territory of Melilla, PolitiFact noted. Read more at The Washington Post. Related... NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 15: (L-R) Ramin Setoodeh, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Variety, presents the Truth Seekers Award to E. Jean Carroll during the Variety and Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount + at Second on August 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Variety via Getty Images) - Credit: Variety via Getty Images The 2024 Truth Seekers Summit, presented by Paramount+, took place last Thursday in New York City and was a significant event in the media industry. It focused on the art of documentary filmmaking and investigative journalism. Organized by Rolling Stone and Variety, the summit gathered an impressive roster of speakers, including notable journalists, documentarians, and public figures known for their commitment to uncovering the truth. NEW YORK, NEW YORK AUGUST 15: (L-R) Abby Phillip, Katy Tur, Tony Dokoupil, Yamiche Alcindor and Geoff Bennett speak onstage during the Variety and Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount + at Second on August 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Variety via Getty Images) With Election Day a few months away and a tense political cycle involving a candidate that brought the term fake news into the American lexicon, the Summit was fitting to kick off with the Politics in the Zeitgeist panel. Featuring political correspondents Abby Phillip (CNN), Yamiche Alcindor (NBC News), Katy Tur (MSNBC), Tony Dokoupil (CBS), and Geoff Bennett (PBS), the panel discussionled by Varietys co-editor-in-chief, Ramin Setoodehcentered on the frosty relationship between journalist and former President Donald Trump, who has a history of stretching the truth. He is very magnetic, hes very charming, and when he doesnt think he can charm you any longer, hell get very angry, and thats when he starts to attack, Tur said. He got clued in very early on that going after us, making us the enemy, was exactly what his crowd wanted. Phillip furthered Turs assessment of the 2024 Republican nominee. He tries to charm people in privatenot just with reporters, but with a lot of people around him, Phillip said. Covering him for the years that I did, my general rule of thumb about asking Trump questions is just go for it. Because you never know when hes going to just answer the question or answer the question with a degree of candor that might be truthful or damaging to him. More from Rolling Stone NEW YORK, NEW YORK AUGUST 15: (L-R) Brian Steinberg, Senior TV Editor, Variety and Susan Zirinsky speak onstage during the Variety and Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount + at Second on August 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Variety via Getty Images) Following that political gathering was a fireside chat with the President of See It Now Studios at CBS News, Susan Zirinsky, and she talked about her career, her upcoming documentary We Will Dance Again, which examines the October 7th Hamas terror attack (This is about truth. This documentary will be one of the records of history.), and creative limitations she faces. When asked if she has more freedom to create on streaming platforms as opposed to broadcast networks, Zirinsky emphatically replied, F**k yes. You are allowed to let the moment and moments of crisis play out in real time. NEW YORK, NEW YORK AUGUST 15: (L-R) Alex Gibney and Gus Wenner, CEO, Rolling Stone attend the Variety and Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount + at Second on August 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Variety via Getty Images) A keynote conversation with Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney was next at the Truth Seekers Summit. Sitting down with Rolling Stones CEO, Gus Wenner, the two chronicled his impressive film career and his new documentary, Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos. It seemed to me that there was something really important about doing the origin story of The Sopranos right now, said Gibney about the beloved and iconic mafia series. Because it seemed like when David was making The Sopranos, it wasnt something that any of the network TV executives wanted to hear about. But they found a way with this fledgling network, HBO, to once again engage that conversation between filmmakers and audiences. So, I thought thats a really good story. And it turned out that the details of the story were even better in terms of how it got made, who was cast, and all that. Gibney also hinted that fans would have to wait to see the documentary when there will be some possible closure about the controversial, cut-to-black ending to the series seventeen years ago. NEW YORK, NEW YORK AUGUST 15: (L-R) Brenna Ehrlich, Chief Research Editor, Rolling Stone, John Walsh and Callahan Walsh speak onstage during the Variety and Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount + at Second on August 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Variety via Getty Images) Trailblazers in Investigative Reporting followed when father and son duo, John and Callahan Walsh, sat with chief research editor for Rolling Stone, Brenna Ehrlich, discussed their passion for crime-fighting and the revival of Americas Most Wanted and introducing it to a new generation of viewers. It really has truly been an honor to be able to follow in my fathers footstepsgiant shoes to fill, Callahan Walsh expressed. But I watched my parents, both my mother and father, channel their emotions, their anger, over what happened to Adam, my brother who was kidnapped at six-years-old back in 1981. I watched them channel their emotions and anger over him to make sure Adam didnt die in vain. If Adams song is to continue, then we must do the singing. NEW YORK, NEW YORK AUGUST 15: (L-R) Aramide Tinubu, Amber Ruffin, Charlamagne Tha God, Alex Edelman and Lewis Black speak onstage during the Variety and Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount + at Second on August 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Variety via Getty Images) There was some levity added to the event as the Best MashupPolitics, Humor, Pop Culture panel took place, where radio host and personality Charlamagne tha God, Tony, Emmy and WGA Award-nominated writer and comedienne Amber Ruffin, The Daily Show correspondent Lewis Black, and award-winning comedian Alex Edelman talked about the state of comedy in a political space. With Varietys TV critic Aramide Tinubu moderating the conversation, each panelist shared their views on how to be funny in such a tense social climate. How do you satirize whats already satiric, Black asked the crowd. At the same time, Charlamagne suggested that smart people make things way more complicated than they have to be and that in terms of this years presidential election between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris, the American peoples vote should be based on the issues and not get caught up in the vibes. NEW YORK, NEW YORK AUGUST 15: Nancy Grace attends the Variety and Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount + at Second on August 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Variety via Getty Images) Nancy Grace was the subject of a revealing one-on-one fireside chat with Varietys executive editor, Tatiana Seigel. The host of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and founder and publisher of Crime Online chronicled her extensive history in true crime, a term that didnt sit well with Grace. I dont see true crime as a genre, Grace admitted before recounting a horrific event that placed her on her current path. I became a crime victim a long, long time ago when my fiance [Keith Griffin] was murdered shortly before our wedding. And I was studying to be a Shakespearian English professor, she admitted. Its hard for me to describe what that was like. For crime victims, or for people in there fighting, [true crime] is not a genre. Its real. These are real people that are going through real trauma. NEW YORK, NEW YORK AUGUST 15: (L-R) Christian Hansen, Amara Cofer, Geeta Gandbhir, Andrew Jarecki, Brian Knappenberger, and MutaAli Muhammad attend the Variety and Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount + at Second on August 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Variety via Getty Images) The Documentary panel followed, which featured filmmakers Rahman Ali Bugg (director, Exposing Parchman, Welcome to Rap City), Alex Stapleton (director, God Save Texas), Fisher Stevens (director, Beckham), Adam Bhala Lough (director, Telemarketers), and Lana Wilson (director, Look Into My Eyes). In discussing the motivations of a documentarian with moderator and Variety chief correspondent Daniel DAddario, Ali Bugg said the medium is personal work. I find it very hard to be objective once we find our meaning, while Wilson added to that sentiment, saying, You have to have this vision in your head youre running toward that is rich enough to sustain you for two or three years. It cant be simple. Lastly, before the Summit presented its Truth Seekers Award to E. Jean Carroll, the True Crime Masters Tell All panel took the stage. Filmmakers MutaAli Muhammad (MoviePass MovieCrash, Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn), Christian Hansen (executive producer, American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders), Amara Cofer (host and co-creator, Black Girl Gone), Brian Knappenberger (director, Trials of Gabriel Fernandez and Turning Point), Geeta Gandbhir (Born In Synanon, Emmy Award-winning Through Our Eyes: Apart), and Andrew Jarecki (executive producer/creator, The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst). In talking with Rolling Stones Culture Writer, CT Jones, the conversation delved into bringing their unique perspectives to their documentaries to life, with Jarecki poignantly stating that Nobody wants to die without telling their story.Most of the time, they want to tell their story, and if youre really going to listen, youre going to give it the time that it requires, they feel very relieved. Those in attendance and those who witnessed the event digitally left the 2024 Truth Seekers Summit very relieved. As a resounding success, the Summit offered a platform for meaningful dialogue and an exchange of ideas among some of the most respected voices in the industry. In its fourth year, the Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount+ continued to serve as a reminder of the power of media to inform, inspire, and provoke change. Best of Rolling Stone Transportation Security Administration officers caught a man with a loaded gun in his carry-on bag at Pittsburgh International Airports main security checkpoint. TSA said the gun was intercepted on Sunday, Aug. 18. A man from Commodore, Indiana County, had a .38 caliber firearm loaded with six bullets in his bag, which was also packed with a gun magazine that had six more bullets. When TSA officers detected the firearm, the checkpoint lane came to a halt until the police responded and removed the carry-on bag from the X-ray machine. We are seeing way too many guns show up at our checkpoints, said Karen Keys-Turner, TSAs Federal Security Director for the airport. If you own a firearm, do not bring it to a checkpoint. If you must travel with your gun, the proper way to do it is to make sure its unloaded, packed in a hard-sided locked case and taken to the airline check-in counter. The airline will ensure it is transported in the belly of the aircraft. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Civil penalties for bringing a weapon into a checkpoint can reach up to $15,000, depending on the specific weapon and the circumstances. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Multiple people injured during ride incident at western Pa. amusement park Child, 6, dies after being hit by car while riding bicycle in Homewood South Man accused of hitting person with belt during argument at Rivers Casino, assaulting state trooper VIDEO: 2 men charged in Ohio Township homicide behind bars for separate recent crime sprees DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Primary elections take place Tuesday for a slate of races ranging from Polk County School Board to the U.S. Senate. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can find their assigned voting site by checking their registration cards, consulting the Polk County Supervisor of Elections website (https://www.polkelections.com) or calling 863-534-5888. Polk County voters will receive ballots based on their party registration. Partisan primary elections are being held for races involving the Polk County Commission, Florida House of Representatives, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. School Board races are nonpartisan, meaning those elections are open to all voters. Elections will be held for three of the boards seven seats. Incumbent William Allen faces challenger Bernnie Brandt in District 1, while incumbent Sara Beth Wyatt contends with Rebekah Ricks in District 4. Travis Keyes and Marcus M.J. Wright Jr. are vying for the open seat in District 2. In the only judicial race on the ballot, Gregory Abaray is challenging Circuit Judge Catherine Combee for the Group 27 bench seat. Universal primary elections will take place for races in which all the candidates are registered with the same party. Those races include Polk County Commission District 5, a three-way battle among Republicans John Hall, Mike Scott and Ricky Shirah. The election for Polk County Property Appraiser is also open to all voters, as Republicans Neil Combee and Gow Fields contend for the position being vacated by Marsha Faux. The election for Public Defender for the 10th Judicial Circuit is also a universal primary. Blair Allen and Christopher Desroches, both Republicans, are running to succeed retiring Public Defender Rex Dimmig. Three Republicans are running for the Polk County Commission in District 1 Henry Coker, Jennifer Price and Becky Troutman. The winner will face Democrat Kay Klymko and write-in Republican candidate Judi New in Novembers general election. Two Republican primaries are being held for the Florida House. In District 48, six candidates are on the ballot: Jon Albert, Jerry Carter, Chad Davis, Debbie Owens, Amilee Stuckey and Benny Valentin. The winner will face Democrat John Hill in the general election. Four Republicans are running in District 49: Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, Heather McArthur, Shawn McDonough and Randy Wilkinson. Ashley Herrmann, the lone Democrat to qualify, will face the winner in November. Republican primaries will take place in three U.S. House races involving Polk County districts. Jose Castillo, Thomas Chalifoux and John Quinones are running in District 9, hoping to challenge incumbent Rep. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee. In District 11, incumbent Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, faces challenger John McCloy. Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Brandon, the incumbent in District 15, must contend with James Judge and Jennifer Barbosa. Incumbent U.S. Sen. Rick Scott faces Keith Gross and John S. Columbus in a Republican primary election. Republicans will also choose the State Committeeman and State Committeewoman from Polk County. The candidates are Ed Shoemaker and J.C. Martin in the former race and Dena DeCamp and Kat Gates-Skipper in the latter. Registered Democrats will vote in two primaries. Peter Braunston and Andrea Doria Kale are vying for the right to face incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, R-Lakeland, in District 18. 20 years later, memories of Hurricane Charley still summon fear and relief in Polk County Four Democrats are running for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Scott: Stanley Campbell, Rod Joseph, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Brian Rush. Voters who are registered with no party or a party other than Democrat or Republican will not be able to vote in partisan elections. Voters should bring valid photo signature ID to the polling site. July 22 was the deadline to register for voting in the primary election. As of July 22, Polk County had 443,954 registered voters, with 181,667 registered as Republicans and 134,120 as Democrats. Another 128,167 were registered with other parties or no party. Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Tuesday's election presents mix of races for Polk County voters MANILA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Volcanic smog from Taal Volcano, south of the Philippine capital, has shrouded parts of the Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna provinces, local governments said Monday. According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of Talisay town in Batangas, there is an "increased presence of volcanic smog in the area." "This is due to the ongoing degassing activity of Taal Volcano," the disaster-prevention office said in a social media post. The heavy smog, observed since Sunday night, has forced schools in several areas to suspend classes on Monday. Some local governments have also urged residents to wear face masks and stay inside if possible. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has placed Taal Volcano, 66 km south of Manila, under Alert Level 1, which means it is still in abnormal condition. The agency reminded the public that entry into Taal Volcano Island, boating on Taal Lake, or flying any aircraft close to the volcano are not allowed. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Though the first week of school is already in the books, many families still have kids in need of various school supplies. Turning Point of Grace Church on Beverly and Old Iowa Park Road might have a small congregation, but giving is a big part of their everyday mission. This week, along with their traditional Sunday service, Pastor Gary Riley and the rest of the church held a back-to-school bash to donate school supplies for those still in need of items after the first week of school. KFDX to host appreciation luncheon for surrounding first responders We even sell some into the Faith Mission, and different things because they have children too, Riley said. Most dont even go to our church. Its just anybody. I mean everybodys got kids, right? And some people just cant get it so we try to help in any way we can. After donating the supplies and finishing the service, everyone got together for burgers, hotdogs, and a game of kickball outside the church. The back-to-school bash is just one of the charity events Pastor Riley hopes to do as the year rolls on. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) Two Connecticut residents a male and a female were arrested in a robbery of the Bank of Utica on Saturday, August 17, according to Utica Police. Officers were called to the Bank of Utica on Genesee Street regarding the robbery investigation at approximately 9:30 Friday morning. It was reported to them that a male later identified as 60-year-old James Perkins of Hamden, Connecticut allegedly passed tellers a note telling them he had a weapon and demanded the cash in the drawer. Perkins was provided that money and fled the scene. The case was assigned to the Utica Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division. With the assistance of the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center and the New York/New Jersey Unit of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Perkins and another female accomplice 42-year-old Christy Roper of Hamden, Connecticut were detained by Utica Police at an unknown location in the city. A search warrant was issued on the location where Perkins and Roper were taken into custody. During the execution of the search warrant, the proceeds of the robbery were found, as well as a large quantity of narcotics. Both Perkins and Roper have been charged with: second-degree Robbery, a Class C Violent Felony, two counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class B Felony, and seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class A Misdemeanor. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. TechCrunch VP Kamala Harris is on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, FEMA has a page dedicated to fighting the rumors circulating on social media about the hurricanes, and now the White House is on Reddit. It's clear that the traditional means of disseminating news and information to the general U.S. population have changed. As a big Reddit fan, I'm so excited we launched a White House account on the platform today! On Tuesday, a White House official announced that the Biden-Harris administration has launched a White House account on Reddit, where it will release information about the work the federal government is doing. DELHI, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Two inmates are facing felony charges after a fight broke out at the Delaware County Jail earlier this month. On Monday, Sheriff Craig Dumond announced the arrest of two inmates on assault charges. On August 1, investigators with the Delaware County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigation Division received a complaint from the jail about a fight that occurred between the two inmates resulting in one of the two parties receiving injuries during the incident. Information provided to the Sheriffs Office at the time stated that the fight took place within a housing unit inside of the jail. Investigators say the inmates engaged in a verbal argument before the physical altercation. The investigation concluded on August 9. As a result, investigators arrested 22-year-old Dakota Munn and charged him with Assault in the Second Degree within a Correctional Facility, a Class D Felony, in violation of NYS Penal Law. Additionally, they also arrested 31-year-old Timothy Reiche was charged with one count Attempted Assault in the Second Degree within a Correctional Facility, a Class E Felony, in violation of NYS Penal Law. Mann and Reiche were both arraigned at the Delaware Centralized Arraignment Center before being remanded back to the custody of the jail on other unrelated charges. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. Two Kansas leaders want you to know they support free speech, despite police shredding it in Marion A protester holds a copy of the U.S. Constitution. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Senate President Ty Masterson have spoken up for free speech after the one-year anniversary of the Marion newspaper raid. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Its a free speech miracle. Or something close to one, at least. In the week after my scathing column about the lack of reaction from Kansas political leaders to the one-anniversary of the raid on the Marion County Record, I heard back from Republican Senate President Ty Masterson and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Both wanted to reassure Kansans of their commitment to the First Amendment. Count me relieved, although mildly irritated that it took a public shaming to reach this point. Masterson was first, telling me: I am a strong proponent of upholding our constitutional liberties, which includes freedom of the press. Our system cant function honestly without it. When government tries to interfere with the right to speak, worship, assemble, or report what government is doing, the result is never good. Kelly added her two cents, saying: The freedom of the press is a fundamental element of American democracy and local journalism is an invaluable part of Kansas communities. The media should be able to do their jobs without being unjustly attacked or targeted. Its important to note that I had contacted both Masterson and Kellys offices late Thursday, Aug. 8, for a column that appeared Sunday, Aug. 11. Thats not particularly short notice for public officials to comment on matters of public interest. Indeed, it was enough time for Kansas Bureau of Investigation director Toni Mattivis office to send over a worthwhile quote. But we should be glad that both Kelly and Masterson finally saw the light and stood up for our state and nations constitutions. At a minimum. You might wonder why Im once again writing about the Marion raid, with this being my third column in as many weeks. Let me explain. Our country and state have survived and thrived thanks to a complex interweaving of actors and institutions. Among them are elected leaders, law enforcement, and members of the news media. They have established certain norms of behavior. One of those norms is that newsrooms shouldnt be raided for gathering news. Another is that if journalists ask in good faith for public officials reactions to events, they will receive the courtesy of a response. Our institutions at the state and national levels have been sorely tested. The chilling harassment of the Marion County Record was certainly one of those tests. So is the special prosecutors weak-willed response to policing local law enforcement and the KBI in their report. Having public officials go on the record in defense of the First Amendment helps reassure Kansas that their leaders value the rights that we all enjoy. This is what distressed me so much earlier, when I only heard back from Mattivi, and it heartens me at least a smidge to hear from Masterson and Kelly. We should therefore also note the two people who have still not responded. Those would be House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. Hawkins has made no secret of his partisan brawler status, showing up at town halls to regurgitate untruths about Medicaid expansion. He also told Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, a Leawood Democrat, that her proposed resolution supporting a free press was anti-law enforcement and blocked it, according to Poskin. (In their recent Marion series, Kansas Reflector editor Sherman Smith and independent journalist Marisa Kabas pointed out the House easily passed resolutions supporting Israel, Taiwan and St. Patricks Day.) It should concern us all that a top Kansas legislative leader wont advocate for the First Amendment when given the opportunity. It also says much about Kobachs priorities. His office for more than a year has been sitting on a complaint from Smith about open records violations at Emporia State University. Although required by law to investigate, the AGs office hasnt provided an update in the case since December, despite a request just last week. Kobach is responsible for investigating Kansas Open Records Act complaints, but his offices delay in addressing that complaint and its lack of response to my question suggests that he simply doesnt care about a free press. No, instead, he apparently cares more about attacking transgender people and barring DACA recipients from receiving health insurance. Why worry about the boring old Constitution when you can stoke the fires of bigotry instead? The institutions that bind us together as Kansans and Americans may well be stretched by political rancor. They may well be frayed under the direction of leaders more interested in partisan warfare than sensible policy. But these bonds only break if we let them. Repairing and strengthening them? That takes all of us, rededicating ourselves to founding principles one step at a time. However reluctantly, Masterson and Kelly have shown the way. Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Two local volunteer fire departments were part of the 30 listed in the Commonwealth of Virginia to receive a grant by Columbia Gas of Virginia. Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department and several others from different areas of Virginia received grants that averaged out to around $1,500 each. We have a long-standing history of working hand-in-hand with local volunteer fire departments all across Virginia. They are a key partner when it comes to natural gas safety and emergency response, said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. Were proud to provide these grants to support their hard work, commitment and dedication and to continue to build stronger relationships with our first responders. These contributions were made possible by the NiSource Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic organization of Columbia Gass parent company. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. JOPLIN, Mo. The Joplin Police Department is searching for a suspect after a weekend shooting that left two victims wounded one in critical condition. JPDs Emergency Communications Center received the first report of gunfire just after 2:00 a.m. Sunday for a disturbance with a weapon at 830 S. Grand Avenue. Police responded and say it appeared to be a large party. Thats where they found one man with serious gunshot injuries. EMS transported him to a local hospital for further treatment. Hes considered to be in critical condition, JPD said Monday. The suspect reportedly fled before officers arrived. FOUR STATES CRIME Authorities say another call came in a half-hour later from 811 Massachusetts Ave. where they found another man with a gunshot wound. Police say it was later learned the second victim was wounded at 830 S. Grand Ave. also, and drove to the location on Massachusetts before calling 911. That victim was also taken to a hospital and remains in stable condition. No arrests have been made yet in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cpl. Josh Hanes at JPD at 147-623-3131. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Two suspects have been charged with murder amid the investigation into the death of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor. Two more individuals have been arrested in connection to the killing. The charges were announced by Los Angeles County prosecutors during a press conference Monday at the Los Angeles Hall of Justice, held by L.A. County District Attorney George Gascon and interim police chief Dominic Choi, per local outlets such as Fox LA and CBS News. More from Variety The suspects charged with murder are Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18-years-old. Barceleaus charge includes a special circumstance allegation of killing in the commission of a robbery; he faces a potential life sentence without parole. Both Barceleau and Estrada also face charges of attempted robbery and grand theft while armed with a firearm. Two other suspects remain in custody and face lesser counts. Leonel Gutierrez, 18, has been charged with attempted robbery and grand theft by embezzlement, both with allegations that he was armed. Frank Olano, 22, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to the murder, along with charges of receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Wactor was killed May 25 in downtown Los Angeles after walking in on a suspected catalytic converter theft attempt. Last week, the Los Angeles Times reported that at least three suspects were served search warrants and taken into custody in connection with the shooting. Suspects were allegedly identified after authorities examined fingerprints left on the car jack that was used to steal Wactors catalytic converter. Barceleau, Estrada and Gutierrez remain in custody in lieu of $2 million bail each, as does Olano who must post $1 million bail. Following Wactors death, his godmother, Michaelle Kinard, set up a GoFundMe page which earned more than $50,000 in 24 hours. The donation fund now sits at just over $144,000. On May 25, my dearest and best friends son was murdered. He was the victim of the most senseless crime, Kinard wrote on the GoFundMe page. Johnny Wactor, (known to many as Brando Corbin on General Hospital), was living his dream in L.A. Early Saturday morning, Johnny was leaving his evening job with a coworker when they came upon three guys attempting to steal his catalytic converter. He thought he was going to be towed and said Am I being towed? The person stood up with a mask on and said nothing and shot him. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. MOSCOW, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia will respond decisively if Poland attempts to intercept Russian missiles over Ukraine, a high-level Russian diplomat said on Monday. Any efforts by Poland to intercept Russia's long-range weapons over Ukraine would be met with a "concrete and adequate" response, said Oleg Tyapkin, director of the Third European Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, in an interview with Russia's RIA Novosti news agency. Tyapkin highlighted the risks associated with direct involvement by Western countries in the conflict on the side of Ukraine, a stance that Russian diplomacy has repeatedly underscored. Tyapkin also clarified that no negotiations on this matter are being held with any parties, adding that Russia's position is known to both Warsaw and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said earlier that Warsaw was considering the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles over Ukraine. The Kootenai River is home to burbot and white sturgeon, both of which have suffered significant population loss after the construction of Libby Dam in Montana in 1975. The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho has worked to restore those fish populations over the years. (Mia Maldonado | Idaho Capital Sun) Officials from the U.S. and Canada are taking steps to address concerns from Native American tribes and environmental groups in Idaho who have pushed for years to strengthen regulations on water contamination in the Kootenai River. The International Joint Commission, which is made up of U.S. and Canadian officials, is accepting public comment until Aug. 27. The commission is seeking data on mining contamination and ecosystem health studies in the Kootenai River. The commission oversees the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty, which states that neither country shall pollute water that flows across their boundary to the extent that it would harm the health and property of the other country. For more than a century, British Columbias Elk Valley has been home to five mountaintop removal coal mines. The coal mining industry plays a large role in the regions history and economy, but according to the Idaho Conservation League, excessive minerals produced during the mining process are making their way into the Elk River, which feeds into the Kootenai River that flows through Montana and Idaho. In particular, excessive selenium levels in the water basin threaten fish populations that the Kootenai Tribe has spent years trying to restore, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. The public comment period marks an initial step for U.S., Canadian, and tribal officials to tackle this issue. We have great hopes: Idaho environmental group says Idaho Conservation League North Idaho director, Jennifer Ekstrom, told the Sun that she is pleased to see the International Joint Commission address the coal mine pollution. The league has pushed the commission to take this issue on since 2019, she said. Ekstrom said selenium pollution stemming from British Columbia is reaching U.S. waterways beyond the Kootenai River in Idaho. A report by the U.S. Geological Survey indicates selenium may cause harm to aquatic life as it flows into the Columbia River and downriver into Washington state. We have great hopes for the International Joint Commissions work to ensure the coal mine pollution is addressed appropriately and that U.S. waters are protected, Ekstrom told the Sun. In March, governments from the U.S. and Canada requested the International Joint Commission take action by creating a study board to gather data about pollution in the watershed and its impacts to people and species. The study board must submit an interim report within one year, and a final report and recommendations by 2026. Additionally, the commission has organized a governance body consisting of representatives from British Columbia, Idaho, Montana and representatives from the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The governance body will review data from the study board and develop an action plan to reduce the impacts of water pollution. Another concern Ekstrom has is that Teck Resources, a coal mining company in Elk Valley, finalized its sale in July to Swiss-based company, Glencore, CBC Canada reported. Ekstrom said the conservation league is concerned about Glencore taking over coal operations because of its track record of polluting the areas where they mine, such as a Superfund site at their aluminum smelter in Montana, which consists of 200 acres of contaminated soil. We need assurances that the water pollution will be cleaned up and mitigated in perpetuity, she said. Submitting comments to International Joint Commission Public comment to the International Joint Commission can be sent by email, online or by mail. To send comments via email, send a PDF or Word document to elk@ijc.org. To send comments online, you must log in or register to the International Joint Commission website. To send comments via mail, send your mail to the U.S. address: Attn: Comments Elk-Kootenai/y Study Board Structure U.S. Section 1717 H St. NW, Suite 835 Washington, D.C. 20006 United States This story was originally produced by the Idaho Capital Sun which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. The U.N. on Monday said 280 aid workers were killed in 2023, the deadliest year on record. Workers from the Palestinian Red Crescent and UNRWA are seen here arriving to unload lorries carrying humanitarian aid after they entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt via the Rafah border crossing, on October 21, 2023. File Photo by Ismail Muhammad/UPI Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The United Nations said 280 humanitarian aid workers were killed around the world in 2023, setting a new record for the number of people dying while aiding those in need, officials said on World Humanitarian Day on Monday. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, said workers died in 33 countries, marking a 137% increase compared to 2022 when 118 aid workers were killed while giving help. "The normalization of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere," Joyce Msuya, the office's acting under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said in a statement. "Today, we reiterate our demand that people in power act to end violations against civilians and the impunity with which these heinous attacks are committed." According to the United Nations' Aid Worker Security Database, more than half of the 2023 deaths were recorded from October to December -- the first three months of the war between Israel and Hamas. The report also noted the violence in Sudan and South Sudan contributed to the high number of humanitarian aid workers dying. The continued civil war in Yemen where the recognized government are fighting against the Houthi rebels, was cited as well. OCHA also warned that 2024 could be even deadlier as 172 aid workers had already been killed as of Aug. 7. "On this World Humanitarian Day, aid workers and those supporting their efforts around the globe have organized events to stand in solidarity and spotlight the horrifying toll during armed conflicts, including on humanitarian staff," the OCHA said. U.S. Postal Service vehicle in Southern California, all its mail destroyed in fire Some Studio City residents waiting on mail that should have arrived early last week may be out of luck after fire ripped through a United States Postal Service vehicle, completely destroying it and all the undelivered mail it was carrying. The fire, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department, occurred Aug. 12 at around 5 p.m. in the 3600 block of Sunswept Drive, a neighborhood in the Studio City hills. Details are limited and its unclear exactly how the blaze started, but images of the incident posted to the Citizen App show heavy smoke coming from the vehicle, parked perilously close to a home, as firefighters doused it with water and foam. When the smoke cleared, all that remained of the USPS vehicle was twisted and scorched metal, a lone surviving headlight, side-view mirror and bumper giving away what the heap used to be. L.A. firefighters on the scene of a USPS vehicle that was destroyed by fire in Studio City on Aug. 12, 2024. (Citizen App) L.A. firefighters on the scene of a USPS vehicle that was destroyed by fire in Studio City on Aug. 12, 2024. (Citizen App) L.A. firefighters on the scene of a USPS vehicle that was destroyed by fire in Studio City on Aug. 12, 2024. (Citizen App) L.A. firefighters on the scene of a USPS vehicle that was destroyed by fire in Studio City on Aug. 12, 2024. (Citizen App) L.A. firefighters on the scene of a USPS vehicle that was destroyed by fire in Studio City on Aug. 12, 2024. (Citizen App) L.A. firefighters on the scene of a USPS vehicle that was destroyed by fire in Studio City on Aug. 12, 2024. (Citizen App) L.A. firefighters on the scene of a USPS vehicle that was destroyed by fire in Studio City on Aug. 12, 2024. (Citizen App) L.A. firefighters on the scene of a USPS vehicle that was destroyed by fire in Studio City on Aug. 12, 2024. (Citizen App) L.A. firefighters on the scene of a USPS vehicle that was destroyed by fire in Studio City on Aug. 12, 2024. (Citizen App) A letter to Studio City USPS customers who lost mail after a fire destroyed a mail carriers vehicle on Aug. 12, 2024. (Citizen App) At least one Studio City resident learned about the fire after receiving a letter from Vadim Morozov, a customer service manager at the postal service. This letter is to inform you that mail to be delivered on August 12th, 2024, has been irretrievably damaged when your Letter Carriers postal vehicle caught fire, the notice stated. The fire resulted in the total loss of mail and vehicle. The letter sent to those whose packages or other mail were destroyed in the blaze was also to serve as documentation that your package was destroyed. Violent extortionist targeting Koreatown karaoke bars gets 22 years in jail I cant promise that whoever you ordered your package from will reimburse you, or if they will send you a replacement, but it does give you proof that you didnt receive it, the letter noted. Fortunately, the postal carrier delivering mail out of the vehicle when it was engulfed in flames was uninjured, according to the notice. Fire officials did not provide any information on what may have started the blaze. Just how many pieces of mail went up in flames is unknown. KTLA has reached out to the United States Postal Service about the incident and is awaiting a reply. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Monday accused Iran of launching cyber operations against the campaigns of both U.S. presidential candidates and targeting the American public with influence operations aimed at fanning political discord. "We have observed increasingly aggressive Iranian activity during this election cycle," said a statement by the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which oversees the defense of government computer systems. The statement confirmed charges made earlier this month by the campaign of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump that Iran hacked one of its websites, triggering an FBI investigation. At that time, Trump said Iran was "only able to get publicly available information." Iran, the U.S. statement said, also has targeted the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, who is to officially accept the Democratic Party's presidential nomination at this week's convention. Iran's mission to the United Nations issued a statement calling the allegations "unsubstantiated and devoid of any standing. As we have previously announced, the Islamic Republic of Iran harbors neither the intention nor the motive to interfere with the U.S. presidential election." The U.S. statement said Iran has conducted influence operations targeting the American public in a bid to fan political divisions and "cyber operations targeting presidential campaigns." "This includes the recently reported activities to compromise former President Trump's campaign, which the IC (intelligence community) attributes to Iran," it continued. It said the intelligence community is confident Iranian operatives using social engineering and other means "sought access to individuals with direct access to the presidential campaigns of both parties," the statement said. Those activities included thefts and disclosures "intended to influence the U.S. election process," the statement added, without elaborating. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Lincoln Feast) UK government responds to Zelenskyy's comments on slowdown in support from London The UK government has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to Ukraine in response to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement about a slowdown in support from the UK. Source: Reuters, citing a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as reported by European Pravda Details: In a video address on 17 August, Zelenskyy stressed that the UK has demonstrated genuine leadership throughout the war in terms of arms, politics, and support for Ukrainian society. However, he noted that support had slowed down. A spokesperson for the UK prime minister noted in response that Keir Starmer remains "absolutely resolute in his support for Ukraine". "In terms of our support, again, it is unwavering," the spokesperson emphasised. They added that the UK government's stance on Ukraine's use of UK-supplied Storm Shadow long-range missiles has not changed. Background: According to media reports, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey have decided to be more open about Ukraine's use of UK-supplied weapons in its offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast. London was quick to acknowledge Ukraine's use of British Challenger 2 tanks in Kursk Oblast. On 15 August, the UK Defence Ministry confirmed that Ukrainian forces are permitted to use British weapons on Russian territory for self-defence, with the exception of striking deep inside Russia with Storm Shadow long-range missiles. Support UP or become our patron! UK Defence Intelligence believes Russia is blocking Signal, a secure messenger, to limit communication among people hostile to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's regime. Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 19 August on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda Details: On 9 August 2024, Russian media announced that Roskomnadzor, Russia's Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media, had restricted access to the encrypted messaging app Signal, effectively blocking its use nationwide. The official reasoning behind the decision is "to prevent the use of the messenger for extremist or terrorist purposes". Some commentators suggest that the ban is intended to prevent the spread of information about the Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast. However, the UK Defence Ministry considers this unlikely. Signal is widely used by independent Russian journalists and opposition activists to evade the Russian government's extensive electronic surveillance network, particularly the Federal Security Service's (FSB) System of Operational Investigative Measures. In this context, the restriction is likely meant to enhance the Russian authorities' capacity to monitor and limit the communications of private citizens opposed to the Putin regime. In addition, the Russian government is simultaneously banning independent media organisations, shutting down YouTube and the WhatsApp messaging service, i.e. implementing measures aimed at strengthening state control over access to media and information. Background: UK Defence Intelligence has recently described how Russia's Army 2024 arms exhibition has changed and analysed the situation with the drinking water shortage in Russia's Armed Forces. Support UP or become our patron! LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's support for Ukraine remains unwavering, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday, in response to comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy who said London's support was weakening. Zelenskiy said at the weekend that although Britain's leadership had saved thousands of lives since the start of the war with Russia, support had recently "slowed down". "The prime minister remains absolutely resolute in his support for Ukraine," the spokesperson said. "In terms of our support, again, it is unwavering." The spokesperson added there was no change to the government's position on the use of British supplied long-range Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine. (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper. Editing by Andrew MacAskill and William James) ROME (AP) British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five other people were missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early Monday, Italys civil protection and authorities said. Lynchs wife and 14 other people survived. Lynch, who was acquitted in June in a big U.S. fraud trial, was among six people who remain unaccounted for after their chartered sailboat sank off Porticello, when a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicilys civil protection agency. One body had been recovered, and police divers were trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello, near Palermo, where it had been anchored, rescue authorities said. Emergency services at the scene of the search for a missing boat, in Porticello Santa Flavia, Italy, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. British tech giant Mike Lynch, his lawyer and four other people are among those missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily, Italys civil protection and authorities said. Lynchs wife and 14 other people survived. (Alberto Lo Bianco /LaPresse via AP) It had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, the Italian coast guard said. A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight and struck the place precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, said Cocina, noting that another superyacht nearby wasnt as badly damaged and helped rescue some of the 15 survivors, who included Lynchs wife Angela Bacares. Carl Icahn, Icahn Enterprises to pay $2M in settlement with SEC The Bayesian was notable for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast one of the worlds tallest made of aluminum and which was lit up at night, just hours before it sank. Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week. One of the survivors, identified as Charlotte Emsley, said she momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoting the mother. The father, James Emsley, also survived, said Cocina. Eight of the 15 people rescued and taken ashore at Porticello were hospitalized while the others were taken to a hotel. One body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, said Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service. Rescue crews located the vessel and deep-water police divers were trying to access the hull, Cari said. The operations, which were visible from shore, involved helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue and civil protection service. Fisherman Francesco Cefalu said he had seen a flare from shore at around 4:30 a.m. and immediately set out to the site but by the time he got there, the Bayesian had already sunk, with only cushions, wood and other items from the superyacht floating in the water. But for the rest, we didnt find anyone, he said from the port hours later. He said that he immediately alerted the coast guard and stayed on site for three hours, but didnt find any survivors. I think they are inside, all the missing people. He said he had been up early to check the weather to see if he could go fishing, and surmised that a sudden waterspout had struck the yacht. It could be that the mast broke, or the anchor at the prow pulled it, I dont know, he said. Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries: In addition to Britain and the United States, passengers and crew were from Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain, he said. British authorities said they were providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families. Dutch foreign ministry spokesperson Casper Soetekouw said the lone Dutch citizen on board, a man, had been rescued and was not in a life-threatening condition. Lynch, once hailed as Britains king of technology, was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges related to Hewlett Packards $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp. FILE British tech magnate Mike Lynch walks into federal court in San Francisco, March 26, 2024, (AP Photo/Michael Liedtke, File) The not-guilty verdicts followed an 11-week criminal trial in San Francisco that delved into the history of HPs 2011 acquisition of Autonomy, a business software firm founded by Lynch. Sanders applauds Harriss strong, progressive economy agenda The fraud accusations represented a dramatic turn in the fortunes of an entrepreneur once described as the Bill Gates of Britain a title he seemed to live up to when he netted an $800 million from the Autonomy sale. The acquittal vindicated Lynch, who had vehemently denied wrongdoing and portrayed HP as a technological train wreck. Im looking forward to returning the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field, Lynch said in a statement released after the verdict. The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple and the master suite, plus crew accommodations, according to Charter World and Yacht Charters. The vessel, which previously was named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag, featured a sleek, minimalist interior of light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions and photos on the charter sites. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Ukraine blows up key bridges and says aim is to carve out a buffer zone inside Russia Ukraine appeared to have blown up a number of key bridges in the Kursk region over the weekend as its troops pressed on with a daring incursion into Russia that Kyiv now says was aimed at creating a buffer zone to stop attacks across the border. Ukraines air force reported Sunday that a second bridge was destroyed in the Kursk region, saying it deprives the enemy of its logistical capabilities and significantly affects the course of hostilities. Minus one more bridge, said the countrys air force chief, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, sharing a video of what appears to be a strike on one of the ends of the span. NBC News was able to geolocate the video to the village of Zvannoye on the Seim River in the Kursk region. That comes after Oleshchuk released a video Friday of an airstrike that cut a bridge in two. Acting Kursk Gov. Alexei Smirnov confirmed the bridge attack in a post on his Telegram channel. As a result of an attack from Ukraine, a road bridge across the Seim River in the Glushkovsky district was destroyed, the Russian lawmaker said Friday. Destroying the bridges over the Seim River could be a crucial step in disrupting supply lines to Russian forces trying to stop the Ukrainian advance in Kursk. A satellite image shows a bridge collapsed over the Seim River on Saturday near the town of Glushkovo. Another satellite image shows a different bridge over the Seim River that has been blown up in Zvannoe, Kursk, on Sunday. Kyiv says its forces are still advancing, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday on X that his forces had seized over 480 square miles of Russian territory in the surprise assault launched two weeks ago, which has shaken up the dynamics of the war and posed a new challenge to the Kremlin. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine also controls 92 settlements inside Russia. It appears to have taken Russia completely off guard after months focused on a push in Ukraines east and the rest of the 600-mile front line. Russia's defense ministry said its forces seized another settlement in the embattled Donetsk region Monday, where military observers have raised the alarm over Ukraine's position in key towns like Pokrovsk and Toretsk. Local authorities there launched the mandatory evacuation of families with children from Pokrovsk on Monday. Ukrainian officials had hinted at a number of motivations for the surprise offensive, including shifting Russian attention from the east, but Zelenskyy revealed Sunday what he said was the main goal of the operation in Kursk. It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions, Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressors territory our operation in the Kursk region. The comment was his first official explanation for the operation, after days of speculation by military analysts about what objectives Ukraine might be pursuing in its risky assault. The idea of creating a buffer zone was first voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin after Moscow launched its own offensive on Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region in May, meant to protect the very border regions Ukraine has since swept into. Instead, it now appears to be Zelenskyy who is pursuing a buffer zone to prevent Russian attacks on Ukrainian towns and villages across the border. Putin has vowed to squeeze out the Ukrainians but faced growing questions over his response to the crisis. He is visiting Azerbaijan for a two-day state visit to discuss strategic partnership and allied relations between the two countries, according to the Kremlin, in a likely effort to project an image of stability. For months before Ukraine's surprise offensive, the Kremlin had pushed for peace talks while it held the battlefield initiative. But on Monday, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov ruled out negotiations for the time being after what he called Kyiv's gamble in Kursk, state news agency Tass reported. Moscows foreign ministry on Sunday denied a Washington Post report that the Kursk attack had derailed indirect talks with Kyiv for a landmark deal to halt strikes on critical infrastructure. Ukrainian soldiers patrol the streets of Sudzha, a key town now under Kyiv's control in Russia's Kursk region. Zelenskyy, emboldened by the advances on Russian territory, also doled out criticism for his Western partners. There is a need for faster delivery of supplies from our partners, he said. We strongly ask for this. There are no vacations in war. Decisions are needed, as is timely logistics for the announced aid packages. I especially address this to the United States, the United Kingdom and France. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told NBC News the U.K.s support for Ukraine is unwavering, with further lethal aid accelerated for Kyiv. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com HANOI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports could reach a record high of 7 billion U.S. dollars this year given the context that the country has continuously reported double-digit export growth of those products, Vietnam News Agency reported Monday. The Southeast Asian country earned 3.83 billion dollars from exporting fruits and vegetables in the first seven months of this year, up 24.3 percent year on year, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. Among Vietnam's 10 biggest fruit and vegetable importers, nine markets recorded double-digit growth during the cited period. Dang Phuc Nguyen, the association's general secretary, said the export values of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables tend to increase. In addition to upholding its reputation in China, a traditional market, Vietnam has expanded exports to Northeast Asian countries. Northeast Asia is a strategic market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables. Export businesses not only benefit from tariffs but also can reduce transportation and logistics costs compared to markets such as the EU and the United States, Nguyen said. In the Northeast Asian region, China is Vietnam's largest fruit and vegetable export market with 12 products. Vietnam's Plant Protection Department is opening the market for citrus fruits, medicinal plants and frozen durian to China. Ukrainian forces are in control of 92 settlements and more than 1,250 square kilometers of Kursk Oblast in Russia as the incursion into the region continues, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 19. Kyiv's unprecedented operation is ongoing for two weeks, with the Ukrainian military capturing the town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast and allegedly destroyed all three bridges over the Seim River near the border. The Kyiv Independent could not verify Zelensky's claims about the number of seized Russian territory. Speaking at a meeting in the city of Dnipro, the president said that Ukraine continues to strengthen its positions, stabilize "certain areas" and continues to take Russian soldiers as POWs. "This operation has become our largest investment in the process of releasing Ukrainians from Russian captivity. We have already captured the largest number of Russian prisoners in one operation," he said, without elaborating. Ukraine declined to provide a full number of Russian captives taken during the Kursk incursion following the Kyiv Independent's request. Zelensky said that "hundreds" of Russian soldiers had been captured as of Aug. 13, while an undisclosed Ukrainian colonel told The Independent news outlet that the number may be as high as 2,000. The Russian border near Ukraine's Sumy Oblast has been "largely cleared" of the Russian soldiers, which Zelensky called one of the tactical goals of Kyiv's incursion. Read also: Ukraines buffer zone in Kursk Oblast heres what you need to know Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine has reportedly destroyed a third and last key bridge in an area of Russia's Kursk region, according to Russian military bloggers, inflicting a potentially significant blow on Moscow's struggling efforts to push back Ukraine's incursion there. Ukraine and Russia have not officially confirmed the bridge has been destroyed. The destruction of the third bridge over the Seym river at Karyzh would mean Russian troops on a broad stretch of the border beyond the river would now largely cut off, according to military analysts tracking the conflict. Russian troops would be unable to receive significant re-supply or reinforcements, as Ukrainian troops move from the east, increasingly encircling them. PHOTO: In this footage released by the Ukrainian armed forces on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, smoke billows in what is said to show the destruction of a key bridge in Russia's Kursk region. (Ukrainian Air Force via AP) The reports of the destruction of the third bridge come almost two weeks after Ukrainian troops began a ground incursion into Russia's Kursk region, marking the largest invasion of Russian territory since World War II. Hundreds of thousands of Russians have been ordered to evacuate the area, according to Russian outlets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday night hinted more clearly at the operation's goals, saying in his nightly address that Ukraine sought to create a "buffer zone on the aggressor's territory." Zelenskyy's reference to a "buffer zone" mirrored President Vladimir Putin's public justifications for Russia's own offensive into Ukraine's Kharkiv region earlier this summer, and indicated Kyiv hopes to hold Russian territory both to shield its own land and perhaps to trade in any future peace negotiations. Zelenskyy described Ukraine's "primary task" in its defensive operations was "to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions." PHOTO: Smoke billows from a bridge over the Seym river in the Glushkovo district, following a Ukrainian strike in the Kursk region, Russia, in this still image taken from a social media video released on August 16, 2024. (Ukraine's Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk via Reuters) The area that has been cut off by the destruction of the bridges is estimated to be several hundred square miles wide and may contain hundreds of Russian troops. Ukraine methodically took out the two other bridges in the last few days, according to its Air Force. MORE: Russian supply bridges destroyed by Ukraine amid Kursk incursion, Kyiv says Russian military bloggers reported that pontoon bridges were now being used to supply their forces in the area, claiming they would be sufficient, something many military analysts doubt. The targeting of the bridges suggests that after two weeks Ukraine is still continuing to try to broaden its incursion and appears intent on digging in to hold the territory it is seizing. One goal is to potentially trade such Russian territory in any future peace talks. Ukraine destroys 3rd key bridge, threatening to cut off Russian troops, amid incursion, Russian military bloggers say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Satellite image shows a collapsed bridge over the Seym river in the Glushkovo district of the Kursk region of Russia Ukraine has destroyed a third bridge across a strategically important river in Russias Kursk region, Moscow has claimed. The bridge, near the village of Karzyzh, was the final permanent structure crossing the river Seym, leaving Moscow with few options to bring supplies across the water. It comes after Mykola Oleshchuk, the head of Ukraines air force, published two videos showing air strikes on two other bridges across the river near the towns of Glushkovo and Zvannoe. Analysts have said the destruction of the bridges could help Kyiv consolidate its control on the roughly 1,100 suqare kilometres of territory it has captured during an unprecedented incursion into Russia. Click here to view this content. Russian military bloggers said the third and final bridge had been collapsed by Ukrainian forces. A photograph has been released, purporting to show a destroyed structure. Ukraine did not immediately claim responsibility for the apparent strike. Western analysts believe the only route Russia has to reinforce and resupply its forces south of the river is a temporary pontoon close to the destroyed bridge near Glushkovo. Kyiv continues its offensive operation in Kursk, almost two weeks after launching what has become the first foreign invasion of Russian soil since the Second World War. Click here to view this content. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, said the incursion would create a buffer zone to prevent cross-border attacks by Russia into Ukraines Sumy region. It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counter-offensive actions, he said in his nightly address on Sunday. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressors territory our operation in the Kursk region. It was the first time any of Kyivs political or military leadership had explicitly set out strategic goals for the operation in Kursk. Everything that inflicts losses on the Russian army, Russian state, their military-industrial complex, and their economy helps prevent the war from expanding and brings us closer to a just end to this aggression a just peace for Ukraine, added Mr Zelensky. Before Kyivs surprise cross-border raid, Russian forces had targeted Ukraines north-eastern Sumy region with missile, drone and artillery attacks on a daily basis. The more land captured by Ukraine, the more Moscows troops and aircraft are pushed back, in theory moving Sumy out of range. Ukraine has continued its offensive actions across its salient of control on Russian soil, according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Geolocated footage showed Russian forces striking a Ukrainian armoured vehicle in Martynovka, a village southeast of Ukrainian-controlled Sudzha. The ISW said the footage indicated that Ukrainian forces recently advanced into northern Martynovka. The Kyiv-based Centre for Defence Strategies said that Ukraines 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade had captured the village of Vnezapnoye and encircled Russian FSB border guards near Glushkovo. The think tank wrote that Ukrainian forces had taken control of Tolpyno and Kolychevka, cutting off the Russian garrison in Korenevo from the main enemy forces, in an overnight assessment of the fighting. They also captured Aleksandrovka and used it as a hub for deep raids towards Lgov and Rylsk, almost 30 miles into Russia. Mr Zelensky used the apparent successes to ramp up pressure on Ukraines Western allies for further military support, saying his troops are doing great on all fronts, but needed faster delivery of supplies. There are no holidays in war. Decisions are needed, as are timely logistics for the announced aid packages, he said. I especially address this to the United States, the United Kingdom and France. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Ukrainian air defense shot down all 11 of the Shahed-type attack drones that were launched by Russia overnight on Aug. 20, the Air Force reported. Russia reportedly launched the drones from Kursk Oblast, as well as Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia's Krasnodar Krai. Mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Air Force were involved in repelling the air attacks. The drones were shot down over Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Donetsk oblasts, the Air Force said. Throughout the night, the Air Force warned of the threat of drone attacks in multiple regions across the country. No damage or casualties were reported as a result of the downed drones. Throughout 2024, Russian attacks on critical infrastructure have increasingly targeted Ukrainian energy facilities. Ukraine began implementing rolling blackouts on May 15. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces reportedly destroy another key bridge in Kursk Oblast, strengthen positions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine may join NATO despite being partially occupied by Russia, Czech president says Ukraine's accession to NATO should not depend on full control over all the country's territory, including the parts occupied by Russia, Czech President Petr Pavel said in an interview with the Novinky news outlet published on Aug. 19. The July NATO summit in Washington ended with the launch of the Ukraine Compact, a security framework signed by 32 allies. The countries affirmed Kyiv's "irreversible" path toward membership, though Ukraine did not receive any definitive news about its future accession. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has repeatedly called on partners to issue a membership invitation to Kyiv, said that Ukraine will join NATO only after Russia's full-scale war ends. Pavel expects that Ukraine and Russia could conclude an agreement "in the coming years," which potentially could mean that some of Ukraine's territories may be under Russia's occupation, but the West should consider these territories only as "temporary occupied," the media outlet reported. Read also: Ukraines buffer zone in Kursk Oblast heres what you need to know In March, the Czech president said that Russia "has no right" to set conditions for peace in Ukraine. According to Pavel, instead of negotiations, the war would likely end with one side's clear military victory or both sides' eventual exhaustion. "I don't think that the full regaining of control over the entire territory is a necessary condition (for joining NATO)," Pavel said. "If there is a demarcation, even of some administrative border, we can accept this administrative border as a temporary one and accept Ukraine into NATO on the territory it will control at that time." As an example, Pavel cited Germany, which became a member of the alliance in 1955, although part of its territory was occupied by the Soviet Union until 1990. Therefore, I think there is a solution, both technical and legal, to allow Ukraine to join NATO without dragging NATO into a conflict with the Russian Federation, Pavel said. Zelensky said in December that the signals of Ukraine's accession to NATO in parts is "nonsense," adding that this may be risky for the country. Read also: A very big Russia problem NATO commander warns of post-Ukraine war threat to US and Europe Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine is taking out key bridges in Russia, isolating Russian soldiers on the wrong side of the river, analysts say Ukraine is taking out key bridges in Russia, isolating Russian soldiers on the wrong side of the river, analysts say Ukraine has reportedly taken out three bridges over the Seym River in Russia's Kursk region. This could cut off Russian forces from supplies and aid Ukraine's hold over the area, per analysts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to create a "buffer zone" to protect Ukraine. Ukraine has taken out strategic bridges in Russia's Kursk region to try to isolate Russian forces there and strengthen its defenses, according to military experts. Ukrainian forces have been on the offensive in the Kursk region since their surprise assault on August 6, grabbing around 386 miles of land in a matter of days and pushing further into Russian territory. Over the weekend, Ukraine reportedly struck two bridges one over the Seym River in Glushkovsky district and another over the Seym in the village of Svannoe, according to Russian officials. The Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk, shared footage that appeared to show the two strikes, but he didn't specify where they took place. Russian military bloggers also claimed on Monday that Ukraine hit a third bridge over the Seym in the village of Karyzh. A Russian news outlet also reported on the development. Business Insider couldn't independently verify the strike. According to military experts and open-source intelligence analysts, the destruction of the bridges could hamper Russia's logistic lines, cutting off Russian forces stationed south of the river from military supplies and helping Ukraine cement its hold over the region. Alex Kokcharov, a risk analyst with S&P Global Market Intelligence, said the destruction of the bridges has left Russian forces with only one makeshift pontoon bridge to resupply their units. He also said in an X post on Monday that the pontoon bridge is "within Ukraine's range of artillery fire," putting Russian soldiers who cross it at risk. Jimmy Rushton, an independent security analyst based in Kyiv, made a similar statement in a post on Saturday, after the second bridge was reportedly struck. He said the destruction of the bridges "severely" complicates Russian logistics and isolates Russian forces on the "wrong side of the river." John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said that Ukraine was taking out these bridges to try to widen its flanks in the Kursk region, strengthen its defenses, and use the river as a natural defensive barrier. "Russian forces trying to retake that territory would have to contend with constrained logistics," he told BI. In an address on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine was aiming to create a "buffer zone" in Kursk. Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Black Bird Group, a Finland-based open-source intelligence group, told BI that Ukraine is likely searching for potential directions in which its forces could continue their offensive in the Kursk region, and the Tetkino-Glushkovo axis could be one of them. "As there are very limited strategic goals to be achieved in Kursk, Ukrainians are likely looking for operational victories," he said. "A quick operation without unnecessary losses in Glushkovo could be one," he added. Kastehelmi said that destroying the bridges was part of the strategy to capture the area, but added that Russia was likely prepared for that scenario and would probably build more temporary bridges across the river to supply its troops. "The river isn't small, but it isn't extremely wide either, so making more temporary bridges shouldn't be too big of an issue," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider Key developments on Aug. 19: Ukraine in control of 92 settlements in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Zelensky claims Ukraine hits 3rd bridge in Kursk Oblast, Russia claims Pokrovsk residents have 2 weeks to evacuate as Russian forces advance, authorities say Denmark announces $115 million military aid package, says supplied equipment can be used in Kursk Oblast Germany delivers IRIS-T SLS air defense system, other aid to Ukraine Ukrainian forces are in control of 92 settlements and more than 1,250 square kilometers of Kursk Oblast in Russia as the incursion into the region continues, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 19. Kyiv's unprecedented operation is ongoing for two weeks, with the Ukrainian military capturing the town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast and allegedly destroyed all three bridges over the Seim River near the border. The Kyiv Independent could not verify Zelensky's claims about the number of seized Russian territory. Ukrainian forces hit the third bridge over the Seim River in Russia's Kursk Oblast, an official of the Russian Investigative Committee claimed in a video published on Aug. 19. If confirmed, this would be a successful strike against the last stationary bridge over the river in the Glushkovsky district, which lies near the border with Ukraine's Sumy Oblast. The Air Force declined to comment on the reports. Previously, Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschchuk said that two bridges in Kursk Oblast were destroyed by Ukraine, hindering Russia's ability to supply troops fighting off the cross-border incursion. The other two bridges were located near the village of Zvannoye and the town of Glushkovo. Speaking at a meeting in the city of Dnipro, the president said that Ukraine continues to strengthen its positions, stabilize "certain areas" and continues to take Russian soldiers as POWs. "This operation has become our largest investment in the process of releasing Ukrainians from Russian captivity. We have already captured the largest number of Russian prisoners in one operation," he said, without elaborating. Ukraine declined to provide a full number of Russian captives taken during the Kursk incursion following the Kyiv Independent's request. Zelensky said that "hundreds" of Russian soldiers had been captured as of Aug. 13, while an undisclosed Ukrainian colonel told The Independent news outlet that the number may be as high as 2,000. The Russian border near Ukraine's Sumy Oblast has been "largely cleared" of the Russian soldiers, which Zelensky called one of the tactical goals of Kyiv's incursion. Read also: Ukraines buffer zone in Kursk Oblast heres what you need to know Pokrovsk residents have 2 weeks to evacuate as Russian forces advance, authorities say Pokrovsk's residents have a week or two to evacuate as Russian forces are closing in on the Donetsk Oblast city, the administration head, Serhii Dobriak, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Aug. 19. Moscow began concentrating its efforts in the east, "throwing everything they have" in the Pokrovsk direction after Russia's Kharkiv Oblast offensive failed, Zelensky said in late July. Pokrovsk is an important logistical hub for the Ukrainian forces that supports their operations in Donetsk Oblast. Around 53,000 people remain in the city. "We had 13,700 children before the full-scale war (in Pokrovsk). Now, there are still 4,788 children in the community. That is, a third of them remain," Dobriak said. "I think we will reach the point this week that we make the evacuation of children mandatory," he added. The obligatory evacuation of children and their families from the Pokrovsk community was announced later the same day by Governor Vadym Filashkin. An average of 500-600 people leave the city every day, and 60% of the residents leave using their own means, according to Dobriak. "Yesterday (Aug. 18), 490 people left (Pokrovsk). Only 135 of them left by train. The rest left on their own, with their belongings. We can easily evacuate at least 1,000 people. We have the resources for that. If only they would leave," Dobriak said. On Aug. 15, Dobriak urged residents of Pokrovsk to evacuate as soon as possible because Russian troops were 10 kilometers from the outskirts of the city. As Russian forces concentrate more of their recourses on the offensive in Donetsk Oblast, the situation in the area remains "extremely challenging," Kyiv acknowledged. Russian forces have been but consistently gaining ground in Donetsk Oblast, and the front-line areas of Pokrovsk and Toretsk have borne the brunt of attacks in recent weeks. Read also: Thousands flee as Russian troops take one Donetsk Oblast village after another Denmark announces $115 million military aid package, says supplied equipment can be used in Kursk Oblast The Danish government announced a new $115 million military aid package for Ukraine on Aug. 19. The package is aimed at meeting both Ukraine's short-term and long-term defense needs. The funds will be used to purchase new military equipment from the Ukrainian defense industry and the country's international partners. "Today, we are taking another step with the 20th military aid package, which will provide Ukraine with much-needed military equipment that will make a difference against Russia's aggressive war," said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. For operational and security reasons, details of the aid package have not being disclosed. Rasmussen said on Aug. 19 that Denmark does not object to the use of Danish-supplied military equipment in Ukraines incursion into the Kursk Oblast of Russia. He emphasized that Denmark sees Ukraine's military operations inside Russia as a part of Ukraines defense strategy. "Self-defense can involve entering the aggressor's territory. If, as part of this, you target the infrastructure or military facilities of the attacking party, then this is fully in line with the rules of war," he said. Denmark has been one of Ukraine's most consistent allies since the start of Russias full-scale war. Earlier, Denmark became the first country to donate 18 Ukrainian-made Bohdana artillery pieces to Ukraine by directly purchasing them from the Ukrainian defense industry, addressing Kyiv's defense budget limitations. Read also: General Mick Ryan on Ukraines strategic calculus in Kursk Oblast Germany delivers IRIS-T SLS air defense system, other aid to Ukraine Germany has supplied a new IRIS-T SLS air defense system, 14,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition, 10 naval drones, and other equipment in its latest military aid delivery to Ukraine, the German government said on Aug. 19. This is the third IRIS-T SLS battery Germany has delivered to Ukraine. The SLS is a short-range variant with an operational range of 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). Berlin also said it had provided four medium-range IRIS-T SLM versions, which can fire missiles as far as 40 kilometers (25 miles). The latest shipment also includes 26 Vector reconnaissance drones with spare parts, six highly mobile engineering excavators, one Bergepanzer 2 armored repair and recovery vehicle with spare parts, materials for explosive ordnance disposal, 55,000 first aid kits, 700 MK 556 assault rifles, 10 HLR 338 high-precision rifles with ammunition, and 50 CR 308 rifles. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Germany has provided or committed to future years of military assistance worth approximately 28 billion euros ($31 billion). Initially a hesitant partner, Berlin became Ukraine's second-largest military donor after the U.S., although German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is still reluctant to supply some key capabilities, namely Taurus long-range missiles. Recent media reports said that the German Finance Ministry is not planning to approve additional aid to Ukraine as part of budgetary savings this year. Both Kyiv and Berlin refuted that Germany would be cutting military aid to Ukraine. Read also: Opinion: 6 ways Ukraines Kursk incursion is changing the tide of war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the Ukrainian defence forces control more than 1,250 square kilometres of Russian territory, or 92 settlements in Kursk Oblast. Source: Zelenskyy at a meeting of heads of Ukraine's foreign diplomatic missions Wartime Diplomacy: Resilience, Weapons, Victory on Monday Quote: "Ukrainian warriors continue the defensive operation in the designated areas of Kursk Oblast. As of today, our forces control over 1,250 square kilometres of the enemy's territory and 92 settlements. The strengthening of our positions, the stabilisation of designated areas, and the replenishment of the exchange fund for Ukraine are ongoing." Details: The president said the operation was the "largest investment" in the process of liberating Ukrainians from Russian captivity. "We have already captured the largest number of Russian prisoners in a single operation, and this is a significant result, this is one of our goals, and our actions continue," he said Zelenskyy noted that he could not speak openly about which units were involved in the operation in Kursk Oblast. "At present, the Russian border area opposite our Sumy Oblast has been mostly cleared of Russian military presence. And this is also one of our operation's goals, tactical goals," he added. Background: The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) observed that Ukrainian forces continued to advance along the entire line of contact in Russias Kursk Oblast on 18 August and have made some progress south-east of the town of Sudzha. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's 'buffer zone' in Kursk Oblast here's what you need to know Ukraine aims to establish a buffer zone in Russia's Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 18, as he outlined some of the strategic aims of the ongoing operation. "It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions," he said during his daily address. "This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressors territory our operation in the Kursk Oblast." Read also: Kursk incursion and Crimea strikes could ease pressure on Ukraines Donbas forces What is a buffer zone? In a military sense, a buffer zone is traditionally an area of land established between two opposing forces with the aim of reducing the chances of armed confrontation. They're often demilitarized and sometimes monitored by neutral international forces such as U.N. peacekeepers. One such example is the U.N.-controlled buffer zone in Cyprus which has divided Greek and Turkish Cypriots on the island since 1974. Another more infamous example is the Korean Demilitarized Zone (KDZ) separating North Korea from South Korea since 1953, one of the most heavily guarded and mined pieces of land on the planet. Ukrainian soldiers are seen near the Russian store "Magnit" on August 16, 2024 in Sudzha, Russia (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images) But any buffer zone in Kursk Oblast will likely look very different there's little chance of a third party such as the U.N. being drawn in to separate the Ukrainian and Russian armies, and the long-term situation on the Korean peninsula requires both sides to be relatively happy with where the border lies. And with no sign of Ukraine pulling out of Kursk Oblast, agreeing to a new border zone inside Russian territory and not trying to regain the territory lost to Kyiv's forces is an absolute non-starter for the Kremlin. Zelensky's words should be interpreted as Ukraine's supposed aim to create a strategic shifting of the front line, rather than a buffer zone in the traditional sense. "Its basically creating a situation for the Ukrainians to force the Russians to attack at a disadvantage on Russian territory," Phillips P. O'Brien, professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, tells the Kyiv Independent. Where will the buffer zone be? Right now it's impossible to say exactly where the buffer zone will be as that depends on where Ukraine's forces advance to, and those Russian troops have the power to push Ukrainian forces out of Russia. Kyiv claims to have seized 1,150 square kilometers of Russian territory and 82 settlements, including the town of Sudzha. What is clear are the steps Ukraine is taking to ensure Russia has as much difficulty as possible when it tries to counterattack, with reports on Aug. 19 claiming a third bridge over the Seim River had been damaged. If confirmed, this would be a successful strike against the last stationary bridge over the river in the Glushkovsky district, which lies at the border of Ukraine's Sumy Oblast, cutting a substantial part of Russian-controlled Kursk Oblast from the rest of Russia. "The buffer zone is a strategically really smart idea," O'Brien says. "You set up a strong defensive position on the Russian side of the border, making use of the geography to make it as difficult to attack as possible, thus the destruction of the bridges over the Seim River." O'Brien points out that Russia has already lost the railroad through the now Ukrainian-controlled town of Sudzha, meaning Russia's forces can only move by road which "makes them vulnerable." "Plus, the Russian army is slow and ponderous, doesnt coordinate actions well, and is feeding in forces unevenly," he adds. The incursion into Kursk should also stop some Russian cross-border strikes and relieve some pressure from civilians living in Ukraine's neighboring Sumy Oblast. "I would like to remind you that since the beginning of this summer, Ukraine's Sumy Oblast has been targeted with over 2,000 strikes using multiple launch rocket systems, mortars, drones, 255 guided bombs, and more than a hundred missiles, launched from Kursk Oblast," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi, said on Aug 13. It's worth noting that Russia tried and failed to do something similar earlier this year. Putin claimed on May 17 that the Kremlin's now stalled advance into Kharkiv Oblast was to create a buffer zone to prevent Ukrainian attacks in Russia's Belgorod Oblast. In the first half of May, Russia opened a new front in the north. The two-pronged offensive on Kharkiv Oblast unfolded on the back of some of the most difficult months for Ukrainian forces. But just two weeks after it started, Russias move on Ukraines second-largest city stopped moving, meeting fierce resistance from a number of hardened Ukrainian brigades and specialist units sent there from the eastern and southern fronts. What are the wider implications for the war? Ukraine's incursion undeniably dealt a huge blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "The Ukrainian incursion has again shown how hollow Russia is, mainly due to Putins misrule," John Foreman CBE, the U.K.'s former defense attache in Moscow from 2019 to 2022, tells the Kyiv Independent. Foreman says Putin's image as the "safeguard of Russia" as well as his whole rationale for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine have severely tarnished his reputation. "But it is a stretch to see this episode shifting the foundations of his rule," he adds. "He remains personally popular, the elites are still behind him, and there aren't any obvious successors." But just like knowing where the buffer zone will end up, it's impossible to say with any certainty right now how it will affect the wider war. During an interview on CBS' Face the Nation on Aug. 18, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly said that Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast could help Ukraine change the course of the war in the country's favor. Yet with Russia's forces still grinding away in Donetsk Oblast, and the city of Pokrovsk coming under increasing threat, it's too early to say if the gamble of effectively opening a new front in the war with Ukraine's already stretched resources has paid off. Read also: Thousands flee as Russian troops take one Donetsk Oblast village after another Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. JERUSALEM, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Monday that the push for a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage release deal has reached a "decisive moment," speaking ahead of a meeting with Israel's president during his Middle East trip. "This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire, and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," Blinken told reporters before meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. Later, Blinken entered a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is scheduled to meet with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The new deal proposal was presented to Israel over the weekend in a meeting in Doha by Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. mediators. On Sunday, Netanyahu blamed Hamas for refusing a deal, stating that Israel would not compromise on security issues. Hamas responded with a statement accusing Israel of backtracking on several issues agreed upon in a May deal proposal, including an Israeli demand to maintain forces inside Gaza even after a ceasefire had been achieved. Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief kept preparation of offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast secret as long as possible President Zelenskyy and Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi at the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk Oblast. Photo: Syrskyi on social media The Economist reports that the Armed Forces of Ukraine were preparing the operation in Kursk Oblast in Russia in secret from Ukraines Western allies. Source: The Economist with reference to a source close to Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Quote: "General Syrsky kept his plans under wraps, sharing them only with a tight group of generals and security officials. He spoke to the president on a one-on-one basis, without his staff. The armys intelligence did much of the reconnaissance, rather than leaving it to HUR, Ukraines military intelligence agency, which was included only at a late stage." Details: A source of the Economist states that Ukraines allies were also deliberately not informed about these plans as the West has disrupted two previous operations of Syrskyi Russia found out about one of them, and there was an order to cancel the other one (the article does not specify what operations these are). When the West was informed about the operation after the fact, it didnt object. Reportedly, during the preparation for the operation in Kursk Oblast, Ukraines military command considered several options: strike on Bryansk Oblast, strike on Kursk Oblast, a combined attack on two regions at the same time, or an even larger-scale one. The article states that the main goal of the operation was to drag Russian forces away from Donbas and create advantages for future negotiations. The soldiers themselves told the Economist that they had started to suspect something big was happening in early August, when they were suddenly issued with equipment: new helmets with integrated headphones and new assault rifles. They did training exercises on mock-ups later understood to represent Russian villages. Support UP or become our patron! The Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have shown footage of part of their combat operations in Kursk Oblast of the Russian Federation. Source: SOF on social media Details: The Russians are trying to take cover in industrial zones, at fortified positions and in civilian houses. In the posted video, soldiers from one of the SOF units demonstrate part of their work in detecting and defeating Russian forces. Quote: "Ambushes, assaults, directing artillery and capturing prisoners this is the daily work of Special Operations Forces operators on enemy territory." Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainians warned of cyber attacks with photos of PoWs from Kursk Oblast The CERT-UA government emergency computer response team has observed cyberattacks with hackers sending people email letters about prisoners of war from Kursk Oblast, Russia. Source: press service of State Special Communications Service of Ukraine Details: It should be noted that such mails include photos of claimed prisoners of war and links to the list_kursk.zip archive. The bundle contains a .CHM file called List of PoWs taken out. Kursk. When you open this file, the SPECTR spyware components are downloaded to your computer, along with FIRMACHAGENT, which is used to upload stolen data to the server. The attack was carried out by the organisation UAC-0020 (Vermin), which is affiliated with secret services in temporarily occupied Luhansk, Ukraines east. CERT-UA recommends that users take following steps to defend themselves against such cyber threats: To reduce the attack surface, restrict user account permissions by removing them from the Administrators/Administrators groups. Use proper policies (SRP/AppLocker) to prevent users from accessing.CHM and powershell.exe files. "If you suspect you have been a victim of a cyber attack, please contact CERT-UA immediately," the press service stated. Background: On the evening of 16 August, a major DDOS attack was launched on monobank, one of Ukraines largest banks. During the third consecutive day of cyber attacks, the financial institution received around 5.5 billion malicious requests. The attack eventually came to an end after three days. "In just three days, we received over 7.5 billion requests for our services. We never slowed down or stopped providing customer service," monobanks CEO Oleh Horokhovskyi remarked. Support UP or become our patron! Students walk on campus at the University of Maine Orono. (UMaine photo) The U.S. Education Department cant enforce its updated Title IX rules that bolster protections for LGBTQ+ students at Maines public universities, Bowdoin College, and a handful of schools. But Maines robust protections at the state level and universities expansive nondiscrimination policies have resulted in several layers of protections for gay, transgender and gender nonconforming students amid the national attacks on their rights. The University of Maine System and Bowdoin College along with three K-12 high schools were named among hundreds of others nationwide in a federal lawsuit challenging updates to Title IX. As a result of a Kansas court ruling last month, upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday, the updated rules that went into effect this August dont apply to schools and universities on that list. The final update to Title IX the 1972 law that bans sex discrimination in federally funded educational institutions strengthens protections from discrimination for LGBTQ+ students, pregnant students and victims of campus sexual assault. It has been controversial since it was proposed. Some LGBTQ+ advocates criticized the rule for not including protections for transgender athletes, which the Biden administration originally planned to include, but eventually put on hold. Meanwhile, the education department also faced criticism from Republican lawmakers for including protections from discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, resulting in the final rule being blocked in 26 states before it could be implemented. The Kansas lawsuit was filed by conservative groups such as Young Americas Foundation, Female Athletes United and Moms for Liberty, who sought to block the enforcement of the final rule in any school or college which is attended by a member, or members family. The University of Maine System and Bowdoin College will both follow the 2020 version of Title IX while their names remain on the injunction list, according to written statements sent to the Maine Morning Star. Both institutions will also safeguard the freedoms of LGBTQ+ students and other protected groups with their own policies and under state law while the education department remains unable to enforce the updated rules. In the meantime, whether claims of discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation can be filed and addressed under Title IX procedures, and how they can be adjudicated remain the predominant questions for Maines educational institutions, according to Jeffrey Nolan, a partner at the national law firm Holland and Knight. A school absolutely can prohibit discrimination and harassment on all of those bases, without any need to rely on federal law to do that, he said. The biggest issues are going to be procedural issues, not a question of whos covered, whos protected, or what types of discrimination are prohibited. The plaintiffs can also add more institutions to the list, if they gain members, according to the judges ruling. Rights of LGBTQ+ students remain protected on Maine campuses The Maine Human Rights Act also bans discrimination on the basis of sex and sexual orientation, which includes gender identity and expression. All educational institutions in the state are still required to operate under the law, and the Kansas ruling cant be applied to state laws. We want all members of our university community to know that their rights will continue to be protected despite this injunction, which only changes the process by which any alleged violation of those rights is investigated, said Samantha Warren, the spokesperson for the UMaine System, in an email. Even if the 2020 Title IX regulations did not include protections for certain students, our commitment to safeguarding all students will persist under our own existing policies and procedures and/or other relevant state and federal laws, Warren said. The university systems equal opportunity policy is more expansive than state law; it explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, and genetic information. Should the injunction be overturned or modified, the system is ready to implement the new Title IX regulations, Warren said. Bowdoins nondiscrimination policy similarly protects students from discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and genetic predisposition. Bowdoin is aware of the various legal challenges to these regulations, none of which prevent the Colleges ability to address complaints of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, or providing support to all parties involved in a process whether under this policy or other applicable policies, according to the Bowdoin Title IX policy. The colleges policy is currently under review, spokesperson Doug Cook said in an email. Meanwhile, Bowdoin is following the policy that was written in 2020 that protected all students then and does so now, he said. Loss of procedural freedom while the final Title IX rule remains blocked In states with strong protections against discrimination, such as Maine, the biggest difference between the 2020 Title IX rule and the 2024 update is the way Title IX hearings are conducted, according to Nolan. For schools at a place like Maine those will just have to wrestle with this procedural piece of whether they feel they want to follow the 2020 regulations, he said. While it makes sense that most universities mentioned in the injunction are following the 2020 version of the Title IX policy because thats what the department can hold them accountable for, an argument could be made that they could adopt some of the provisions of the 2024 regulations in their policies, Nolan said. In that case, they have a choice of which procedural rules to follow. The 2020 rules required an in-person setting mimicking a courtroom for Title IX hearings, including cross-examination of witnesses. The new rules allow hearings to be virtual, or adjudication to happen in separate meetings. There isnt a clear answer to which adjudication method is better, Nolan said. I think all of the processes can work just fine if theyre done well, he said. So many things go into determining whats the right adjudication model for a school. And under the 2024 regulations, you get to choose. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST UN says a record number of aid workers were killed in 2023 and this year may be even higher UNITED NATIONS (AP) A record number of aid workers were killed in conflicts around the world last year more than half after the Israel-Hamas war started on Oct. 7 -- and this year may become even deadlier, the United Nations said Monday. The 280 aid workers from 33 countries killed in 2023 was more than double the previous years figure of 118, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs known as OCHA said in a report on World Humanitarian Day. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted that honoring the humanitarians killed in the deadliest year on record is not enough. In Sudan & many other places, aid workers are attacked, killed, injured & abducted. We demand an end to impunity so that perpetrators face justice, the U.N. chief said. OCHA said this year may be on track for an even deadlier outcome, with 172 aid workers killed as of Aug. 7, according to a provisional account from the Aid Worker Security Database. More than 280 aid workers have been killed in the war in Gaza, now in its 11th month, mainly in airstrikes. The majority of them are Palestinians who worked for the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA, according to OCHA. It said that extreme levels of violence in Sudan and South Sudan also have contributed to the death toll both this year and last. The U.N.s acting humanitarian chief, Joyce Msuya, said in a statement that the normalization of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere. In a letter to the 193 U.N. member nations, 413 humanitarian organizations around the world said: The brutal hostilities we are seeing in multiple conflicts around the world have exposed a terrible truth: We are living in an era of impunity. The aid organizations appealed to all countries, the wider international community and all parties to conflicts to protect civilians and aid workers and hold perpetrators to account. World Humanitarian Day commemorates the Aug. 19, 2003, terrorist bombing of the U.N. offices at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad which killed 22 U.N. staff members including the top U.N. envoy to Iraq, Sergio Viera de Mello, a Brazilian diplomat. At a ceremony at U.N. headquarters Monday before the tattered U.N. flag retrieved from the hotel that day, dozens of current U.N. staff members and relatives of some of the victims stood in silent tribute to their memory as did many watching around the world. ___ Moulson reported from Berlin. A voter submits their ballot during primary election voting held at the Utah County Health and Justice Building in Provo on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News The Utah Legislature announced Monday it will hold a special session to determine if a constitutional amendment on initiatives will be on voters November ballot. Some Utah conservative groups want the amendment to address the aftermath of when ballot initiatives become law. They want to make it clear the Utah Legislature can change or veto ballot initiatives after they become law. Lawmakers will vote on the proposed constitutional amendment during a special session on Wednesday, according to a press release. The amendment would prevent foreign entities from contributing to ballot initiatives, strengthen the ability of the Legislature to amend and repeal legislation, and add 20 days to the time period to collect signatures for referenda. If two-thirds of lawmakers approve the amendment, voters will have the final say on whether to change the constitution in November. While the governor does not play an official role in signing or vetoing constitutional amendments, he is supportive of giving the people an opportunity to resolve this important constitutional issue, said Emma Williams, spokesperson for Gov. Spencer Cox. The Utah Supreme Courts new interpretation created uncertainty and ambiguity, said Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz. This amendment provides a path for Utahns to weigh in and make their voices heard. To be clear, the proposed amendment restores the over 100-year-old effect of citizen initiatives. The initiative process will remain unchanged, and Utahns will continue to have the ability to propose and run ballot initiatives. Additionally, it prohibits foreign entities from contributing to ballot propositions, adding safeguards against undue influence. Initiatives, proposals for new state laws, can get onto Utahns ballots if the sponsors of the initiative collect 134,298 signatures (with certain numbers required in at least 26 of 29 state senate districts). Then, Utah voters can vote up or down on the initiative. A July ruling from the Utah Supreme Court sparked a conversation on the initiative process. In a redistricting case, the Utah Supreme Court said when citizens pass initiatives, those initiatives are protected from unfettered legislative amendment, repeal or replacement. This ruling said there are limitations on the ability of the Utah Legislature to amend initiatives. What started out as a legal battle over who gets to determine Utahs districts now has spun off into a different conversation how should the initiative process work? A bigger conversation than redistricting The conversation started with a ruling on redistricting, but the ruling will have far-reaching effects. The Utah Supreme Courts ruling said the Utah Legislature can amend initiatives that turned into laws if they show a compelling government interest. Those who were critical of the ruling said this language creates uncertainty, and could lead to state laws that cant be amended even if they are causing harm. Why some want the constitutional amendment The basic answer: To preserve the principles of a constitutional republic and allow the Utah Legislature to amend or veto citizen-driven initiatives in the case they create bad situations. The explanation: Utah GOP chair Rob Axson is at the forefront of calling for a constitutional amendment to ensure the state legislature has the ability to amend or veto laws passed by citizen initiatives. He told the Deseret News he believes the ruling establishes an expectation that is so out of line with the principles of a constitutional republic that we need to make the correction. Axson said ballot initiatives are often funded by special interest groups and he foresees massive amounts of money coming into Utah from outside groups and individuals to impact policy. Without the ability to amend or veto these laws passed by initiatives, Axson said the deliberative process is removed and the Utah Legislature would not be able to act to change potentially bad policy. I think the core issue is that in a republic you are electing folks to represent you and they are most closely accountable to the voters while also being positioned to make necessary judgments and adjustments, said Axson. Why others do not want the constitutional amendment The basic answer: To prevent the Utah Legislature from vetoing laws passed by initiatives. The explanation: In an earlier interview with the Deseret News, House Minority Leader Angela Romero said she had not yet seen the text of the proposed amendment, but in the case the amendment would give the state legislature the power to veto citizen-driven initiatives, she said she was concerned. For truly a citizen legislature, we should be listening to the people of our state, Romero said. And I dont think a majority of people in Utah would want to do anything that jeopardizes their voice. Romero said she also had concerns with the way it could impact abortion laws. When abortion has been put on the ballot, even in red states, the people have spoken and they dont want the laws that are currently on the book, she said, adding she thinks legislators having the ability to override that is problematic. The bigger picture about initiatives The day the Utah Supreme Court ruling was released, Schultz and Adams said the decision about initiatives will have profound and lasting ripple consequences that could negative impact the states future. It mirrors how states like California are governed by big money and outside interest groups that run initiatives to alter the government and push their own agendas, said Schultz and Adams. California is known as a state where there are a number of initiatives on the ballot. In 2016, there were 17 statewide ballot initiatives the cost of printing the 224-page voter guide was $15 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. In 2020, the state saw $763.5 million in contributions to campaigns supporting or opposing ballot measures, per Ballotpedia. As of Sunday, there were 11 statewide initiatives in California that have qualified for the statewide ballot in 2024. Writing for Vox, Kelsey Piper said she does not think we should give up on ballot initiatives altogether, but as a California resident, she saw issues with the process, including voters having to make decisions on issues they do not have time to research. Piper said in California, the legislature cant do its job, because large sections of state law are untouchable. She also said if an initiative is not clearly worded, it can cause years of uncertainty. But others see initiatives as a way for the people of a state to challenge laws they do not want. DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) The United Methodist Churchs judicial court will take questions and attempt to clarify how Alabama churches wanting to depart from the denomination can do so. Dothan megachurch Harvest is among these churches disaffiliating from the UMC Alabama-West Florida Conference. Churches wanting answers must file briefs on the UMC Fall Docket by Wednesday, August 23. Reply briefs are due August 28, and reports show the church court plans to meet for deliberations in October in Los Angeles. Harvests fight began early last year when the megachurch split from the AWFC and feared the denomination would seize their property. The church then filed a lawsuit and protection order against the AWFC. The denomination has repeatedly requested that the case be dismissed, saying it needed to be handled internally and not in a court of law. However, the Supreme Court recently disagreed, saying that Harvests filing of its deed and organizational documents opened the door to handling any property dispute in the court system. The Judges also said the denomination had not provided enough evidence to support the dismissal request. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. The sun sets along the marsh side of the Mobile Bay area The sun sets over Mobile Bay in this undated photo. The Clotilda, the last ship known to have carried enslaved men and women into the United States, left Mobile in early 1860 and arrived later that year with 110 men and women in chains. (Mindy Flanigen/Getty Images) The Clotilda isnt the most important part of the Clotilda story. Thats not to say Alabama shouldnt do everything in its power to preserve the rotting remains of that ship, the last known to have brought enslaved people to the United States. Since the Alabama Historical Commission announced the discovery of the Clotilda in 2019, there has been talk about raising the ship off the banks of the Mobile River and putting it on display as a memorial to the 110 men and women kidnapped from Africa in 1860, forced onto the ship and sent into slavery in Alabama. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX But an assessment of the Clotilda published in May found erosion and sea life had damaged the remains. Stabilization of the wreck, physical protection through reburial, and security are immediate needs, the May report said. Following that analysis, the commission said earlier this month they would preserve the Clotilda where it rests. Saving whats left of the ship should be the priority. The Clotilda could provide insights to historians and archeologists for generations. The state can ensure those future experts have a site to work with. But as Jeremy Ellis, the president of the Clotilda Descendants Organization, reminded us, the focus should be on the men and women imprisoned on that ship. Until there is justice and accountability for this crime, any narrative or conversation regarding Clotilda and the site of Clotilda should be about the 110 survivors aboard Clotilda and the crime that was committed, he said. And this was a crime. And one with a peculiarly Alabama cast. Its important to remember that as our state leaders do all they can to obscure the past. Im opening up The Last Slave Ship by Ben Raines, who located the Clotilda in the Mobile River in 2018. (Disclosure: Raines and I worked together at the Press-Register from 2007 to 2011.) As Raines writes, the story began with Timothy Meaher, a slaveholder and steamboat captain who (according to later recollections) made a $1,000 bet that he could smuggle enslaved people into the United States. The international slave trade had been a federal offense since 1808, and a capital offense (piracy) since 1820. (The domestic slave trade remained legal through the Civil War.) On paper, at least, someone caught running a slave ship could go to the gallows. So it was a risk for Meaher. But he had an attitude all too familiar to modern Alabamians. As Raines writes, Meaher wanted to thumb his nose at the federal government in the most visible way possible, following a path of resistance to federal authority then being charted by several men Meaher admired. So the Clotilda sailed to Africa. Its crew kidnapped 110 people and made it back across the ocean. Raines says that historical records suggest that Timothy Meaher and his two brothers enslaved a total of 60 of the people. The captain of the Clotilda enslaved 16. Traders imprisoned the remaining people. The captors forced their victims to work on local plantations in terrible conditions, inflicting violence. Cudjo Lewis, one of the survivors, remembered sleeping on brick floors, or hauling wood and feeding it into the fires powering the Meaher familys steamboats. After emancipation, they built a new community and named it Africatown, on land they purchased from Meaher. They raised homes and schools, and chose their own local leaders. Africatown grew to about 12,000 people by the mid-20th century. But the community suffered as well. The state put Africatown residents into Alabamas deadly convict-lease system. Paper mills that were major employers rained ash on the town and exposed residents to chloroform, a toxic chemical. This is a familiar story in Alabama. Industrial pollution and regulatory indifference ravaged Black communities throughout Alabama. But dont forget the attitudes of the white men who committed this crime. A sort of glib lethality. The Clotildas kidnapping mission wasnt a secret. It was national news when the ship left Mobile. The white press not only reported its return but celebrated it. Whoever conducted the affair has our congratulations on his or their success, the Mobile Register wrote at the time. Meaher was arrested and brought before U.S. Circuit Court Judge William G. Jones. The judge had not only gutted federal enforcement of slave trading laws a year before but was a personal friend of Meahers. Jones let him go. Meaher burned the Clotilda after completing its journey, leaving its remains in the Mobile River for historians and archeologists to ponder. The rest of us should consider the lives of those who came ashore: what they built and what was stolen from them. And we should think about what it says about our state. This was an Alabama crime. One where a group of powerful people decided to upend the lives of the vulnerable, all to make a vicious political statement. Its a crime where the legal system made sure to spare the perpetrators from the slightest brushings of justice. Where the victims, and not the criminals, had to adjust to captivity. I wish I could say the state has moved on from such inequities. What happens to victimized communities today cant compare to the hell of slavery. But we still see powerful people in this state playing with the lives of the vulnerable, determined to make political statements, and ignoring the human beings under attack. And they do it in the shadow of all the crimes of Alabamas past, a long litany of innocent people forced to build their lives out of the wreckage the powerful create. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST CHICAGO (AP) In 1948, the Republican and Democratic parties did something unthinkable in todays climate of ferocious political animosity: They not only held their national conventions in the same city but also shared some of the props. Both gathered in Philadelphia, largely because its Municipal Auditorium had already been fitted with the wiring needed for then-groundbreaking live convention coverage on national television. To save money, Democrats asked Republicans to leave the American flags and bunting up to be reused at their event 17 days later. The GOP complied, though some items became faded and worn in the interval. Like party camaraderie, the more informal way conventions were staged has evaporated. Once bare-knuckled showdowns to hammer out presidential nominees, modern gatherings have evolved into carefully scripted, made-for-TV events meant to showcase party unity. Dems look to honor Biden, build momentum at night 1 of DNC High political drama is behind the Democrats when their convention opens Monday in Chicago, after President Joe Biden succumbed to mounting pressure from many in his own party and abandoned his reelection bid last month. There is still the potential for protests at the convention, but Democrats have coalesced with surprising speed and new energy around Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the partys ticket. Republicans displayed similarly strong unity in nominating former President Donald Trump during the GOP convention in Milwaukee last month. But even with conventions now choreographed down to tiny details, the unexpected can still happen. Heres a look at a few soaring scenes, floor fights, street battles and other memorable convention moments that were uplifting, outlandish or just plain awkward: Trumps triumphant return FILE Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, is introduced alongside Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, during the Republican National Convention, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File) Trump made a dramatic entrance on the first night of last months Republican convention, striding into the arena to wild cheers with a bandage over his right ear, just two days after surviving an attempted assassination. The moment led to speculation that the former president might emerge from the attack changed, ready to embrace a more optimistic outlook and perhaps stop leaning into the political divisions he has thrived on throughout his political career. During his convention speech three nights later with his ear still bandaged the former president seemed to be doing just that, at first. He said early on that he sought to launch a new era of safety, prosperity and freedom for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed. But, by the end, Trump had returned to predictions of doom and division, warning, Bad things are going to happen. Cruzs non-endorsement As the last candidate Donald Trump defeated during the 2016 GOP primary, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz amassed enough delegates to address the partys convention in Cleveland but balked at endorsing his ex-rival. Still smarting over Trump calling him Lyin Ted, mocking his wifes appearance and suggesting the senators Cuba-born father was involved in the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Cruz implored delegates to vote your conscience. It drew prolonged boos. Cruz reversed himself and endorsed Trump that fall, and today hes among his staunchest defenders. But at the time, the vitriol was high enough that Cruzs wife, Heidi, was led from the convention floor, just in case. Clint Eastwoods empty chair FILE Actor and director Clint Eastwood speaks to an empty chair while addressing delegates during the Republican National Convention, Aug. 30, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) A head-scratching moment came in 2012, when Clint Eastwood addressed the Republican gathering in Tampa, Florida, with an empty chair standing in for then-President Barack Obama. The actor and director spent 12 minutes conversing with the piece of furniture and even dodging barrages of imaginary obscenities from it. What do you mean shut up? Eastwood crowed. He also joked about then-Vice President Bidens reputation for gaffes launching criticisms that may have proven prescient, given the questions that arose following his disastrous debate performance in June. Of course, we all know Biden is the intellect of the Democratic party, Eastwood told the chair. Just kind of a grin, with a body behind it. Audacity of hope The year 2004 was otherwise terrible for Democrats, President George W. Bush won reelection and Republicans retained control of Congress. But one bright spot came from Obama, then a little-known Illinois state senator, electrifying his partys Boston convention. Obama dubbed himself a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too and summed up his political philosophy as being built around the audacity of hope. Gores extra-long kiss FILE Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore kisses his wife, Tipper Gore on the stage at the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 17, 2000, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ David J. Phillip, File) As he stepped onstage to deliver a speech accepting his partys 2000 presidential nomination in Los Angeles, Al Gore embraced his wife, Tipper, and gave her a full-mouthed kiss, hanging on much longer than usual for a display of passion in public. Heres whos speaking at the Democratic National Convention The crowd cheered, but the kiss eventually encompassed an uncomfortable three seconds of screen time. Gore had been battling criticisms that he was too stiff during public appearances, which may have explained how hard he leaned in. Regardless, the smooch was remembered more than Gores speech. He went on to narrowly lose that November to Bush. A decade later, the Gores separated after 40 years of marriage. Women on the ticket At the Democrats 1984 convention in San Francisco, presidential nominee Walter Mondale announced Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate, making her the first woman on a major presidential ticket. Ferraro declared, America is the land where dreams can come true for all of us, though she and Mondale went on to win just 13 electoral votes compared to President Ronald Reagans 525. Twenty years later, Sen. John McCain chose Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate, and her speech at the Republican convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, was a hit, mixing the then-Alaska governors compelling personal story with humor and political punch. It gave McCain a boost, but he still lost to Obama. At the 2016 Democratic convention in Philadelphia, Hillary Clinton became the first major-party female presidential nominee, declaring, When any barrier falls in America, for anyone, it clears the way for everyone. She eventually lost to Trump. Kamala Harris was the first woman on a winning ticket, accepting her role as Bidens running mate during a mostly virtual convention last cycle. Now, having replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee, shes seeking to become the nations first woman to serve as president. Opposing the incumbent In 1976, Reagan, then Californias governor, challenged President Gerald Ford from the right and touched off a bitter struggle at the GOPs convention in Kansas City. Ford narrowly prevailed with 1,187 votes to 1,070, but lost that November to Democrat Jimmy Carter. Four years later, at the Democratic convention in New York, Carter himself faced a floor challenge from Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, who badly trailed the president in delegates but tried to loosen rules on how they were pledged to vote. Tensions ran high and, though the change was defeated, Carter later lost to Reagan. Eagletons 18-day vice presidential candidacy The pressure on Biden to leave the race was without modern precedent at the top of a presidential ticket but not when it comes to a nominees running mate. Shortly after the 1972 Democratic convention in Miami, reports surfaced that Democratic presidential nominee George McGoverns vice presidential pick, Missouri Sen. Thomas Eagleton, had previously undergone electroshock therapy to treat depression. A divided convention had prompted McGovern to tap Eagleton on its final day, after he was turned down by several alternatives. Eagleton therefore didnt receive much vetting of his record, which might have surfaced the medical disclosures earlier. Eagleton resigned after 18 days on the ticket and was replaced by Sargent Shriver. Incumbent Republican President Richard Nixon went on to win 49 out of 50 states that November. Chaos in Chicago FILE Chicago Police attempt to disperse demonstrators outside the Conrad Hilton, Democratic National Convention headquarters, Aug. 29, 1968, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael Boyer, File) After President Lyndon B. Johnson opted not to seek reelection and Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated, Vice President Hubert Humphrey secured the 1968 Democratic nomination at the partys convention. But that was only after a raucous floor fight that ended with delegates defeating a peace platform seeking an end to the Vietnam war. Chicago prepares for demonstrations this week during the Democratic National Convention What happened at the convention was overshadowed by thousands of antiwar protesters who marched in the streets. Demonstrators were attacked by police, sparking such turmoil that the tear gas fired reached the 25th-floor suite where Humphrey was preparing for his appearance at a hotel five miles from the convention site. The Democratic convention returns to Chicago this week, and widespread demonstrations are being planned to oppose the Biden administrations support for Israel in its war with Hamas leaving some to wonder whether a 1968 redux could be coming. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. SOFIA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev on Monday refused to appoint the caretaker government proposed by the Prime Minister nominee Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva, and withdrew her nomination. After receiving Kozhareva's cabinet lineup, Radev said her proposal could not guarantee the calming of the political situation and the holding of fair elections. In particular, Radev expressed disagreement with Kozhareva's proposal that the current Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov would stay in the position. According to the local media reports, Radev asked Kozhareva to nominate another candidate to helm the Interior Ministry within four hours but she immediately refused to do so. In response, Radev said her engagement to form a government was over. However, the president said he would continue to try to convince potential candidates for caretaker prime minister to undertake the task. The current caretaker government led by Dimitar Glavchev would continue to serve until the formation of a new caretaker government. On Aug. 9, Radev nominated Kozhareva as the new caretaker prime minister, tasking her with proposing a caretaker government. Kozhareva, currently acting head of the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO), was selected from a very limited pool of eligible candidates defined by constitutional amendments passed in December 2023. These amendments stipulate that the caretaker prime minister must be chosen from among the speaker of the National Assembly, the governor or deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, the president or vice-president of the BNAO, or the Ombudsman or a deputy Ombudsman. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) An Upstate man was sentenced to over 20 years in prison for crimes related to a 2022 burglary at a Spartanburg County home. Spartanburg Countys 7th Circuit Court sentenced 53-year-old Herbert Bruce Gaddy of Clifton to 20 years in prison for first degree burglary, and five years for breaking into motor vehicle. The sentences are to be served concurrently. According to reports, just before midnight on May 6, 2022, Gaddy opened the door and walked into a home on Goldmine Road. The homeowner, who did not know Gaddy, called for her husband to get his shotgun, at which point Gaddy ran out of the home. Officers responded to the scene and began their investigation. Reports state that after officers left the house, the homeowners heard a vehicle leaving their driveway. The next morning, they realized one of their vehicles was missing and their ATV had been pushed to the end of the driveway. A few days later, the homeowners noticed another vehicle on the property had been broken into. Officers were able to identify Gaddy through a fingerprint found on one of the vehicles. Reports state Gaddy admitted he was high on drugs the night he entered the home. According to the county, at the time of the incident, Gaddy was on probation and out on bond for a receiving stolen goods charge. Gaddys criminal history includes convictions for four counts of forgery, breach of peace, three counts of possession of marijuana, assault and battery third degree, resisting arrest, receiving stolen good, three counts of grand larceny, possession of methamphetamines, shoplifting, possession of stolen vehicle and four counts of breaking into vehicle. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. The U.S. State Department on Monday approved the sale of up to 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters, logistics and support to South Korea in a deal worth $3.5 billion. South Korea would also buy up to 76 GE T700 engines, two installed in each helicopter, plus four more spares. And each helicopter would get its own AN/ASQ-170 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Along with the helicopters, South Korea also wants to buy hundreds of missiles to arm them including 456 Hellfire Missiles, 6 Captive Air Training Missiles and 152 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles. The primary vendors for the proposed sale to South Korea are Boeing and Lockheed Martin. South Korea previously purchased 36 AH-64E Apaches in 2013, an order that was completed in early 2017. The proposed sale, which still needs final approval from Congress, continues a bumper year for American foreign military sales, or FMS. The total each year has increased since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which officials across the U.S. government described as a kick start for other countries to increase defense spending. Last week, the State Department approved almost $19 billion in potential F-15 fighter jet sales to Israel. The sale of helicopters on Monday would bring Americas total FMS ledger above $100 billion this fiscal year around twice the total two years ago. To keep pace with demand, the different parts of Americas government that oversee such sales have tried to reform the process to make it faster. Officials in Congress, State and the Pentagon see that effort as a long-term project and are trying to implement recommendations released last year. Alongside the sale of helicopters themselves, the State Department also approved the Netherlands purchase of $305 million worth of training and equipment for the CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache. This week the U.S. and South Korean militaries began a series of military drills known as Ulchi Freedom Shield. The exercises are meant to help both countries prepare for a potential attack by North Korea, which has continued to develop its nuclear weapons program and threaten its southern neighbor. US condemns 'dangerous actions' by China against Philippine vessels Chinese Maritime Militia vessels are pictured near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department condemned "dangerous actions" by China on Monday against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. Chinese ships "employed reckless maneuvers, deliberately colliding with two Philippine Coast Guard ships, causing structural damage and jeopardizing the safety of the crew onboard," the department said in a statement. (Reporting by Eric Beech) Liquidia's inhaled drug fails to get traditional approval in US, shares fall FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen outside of FDA headquarters in White Oak, Maryland By Sneha S K and Sriparna Roy (Reuters) -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday delayed traditional approval for Liquidia Corp's inhaled drug for types of lung disorders, and allowed only tentative clearances, sending its shares plummeting nearly 40% before the bell. The company said it has to wait for the expiration of regulatory exclusivity to United Therapeutics' Tyvaso DPI in 2025 before its drug can receive a final approval for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). Liquidia said it will challenge the regulatory exclusivity granted to United's Tyvaso DPI two years ago that encompasses chronic use of essentially any dry-powder formulation of treprostinil in both PAH and PH-ILD. "This (is) a curveball scenario that we were not anticipating," said Needham analyst Serge Belanger. The health regulator's decision marks another setback to Liquidia's efforts to market its drug, yutrepia, which is also a dry powder formulation of treprostinil. Both Tyvaso DPI and yutrepia are delivered through a palm-sized device, making them more convenient than bulky nebulizers. Liquidia's yutrepia was granted tentative approval in 2021 to treat PAH, but the company could not market it due to a regulatory stay related to a patent infringement dispute with United Therapeutics for Tyvaso. The FDA on Monday once again granted tentative approval to yutrepia for PAH, as well as for PH-ILD, after the health regulator said it was still reviewing Liquidia's marketing application in January. "Today's news removes an overhang for at least the coming quarters as Tyvaso DPI remains the only option on the market," said TD Cowen analyst Joseph Thome. Shares of United Therapeutics rose 6.7% at $344.31 in premarket trading, while those of Liquidia were down 38.41% at $8.75. (Reporting by Sneha S K and Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Shinjini Ganguli) (Bloomberg) -- US intelligence agencies said they were confident that Iran was behind a recent hack of former President Donald Trumps presidential campaign, casting the intrusion as part of an increasingly aggressive effort by the Islamic Republic to disrupt the November election. Most Read from Bloomberg That effort has been directed at both presidential campaigns as Tehran sees American elections as consequential for its national security interests, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said in a joint statement on Monday. The agencies said those efforts involved influence operations targeting the American public and cyber operations targeting presidential campaigns. This includes the recently reported activities to compromise former President Trumps campaign, which the intelligence community attributes to Iran. The Trump campaign reiterated previous comments blaming Iran for the hack based on a report from Microsoft Corp. The Harris campaign said Monday it had been warned in July by the FBI that it was the target of foreign operatives. The campaign added that it was unaware of any security breaches. Irans mission to the United Nations has previously disputed the allegations, which came just weeks after US intelligence officials warned that foreign adversaries including Iran and Russia would seek to influence the 2024 election in ways that favor their interests. Earlier: Campaign Hacks Tied to Iran Draw FBI Probe of Election Risks Investigators believe that attackers tied to Iran succeeded in hacking Trumps campaign and gained access to internal documents. The intruders also tried to breach the campaigns of Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, before his departure from the race, but its unclear whether the attempted hacks on Democrats succeeded. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading an inquiry into the attempts on both campaigns. News of the probe emerged after a report from Microsoft described efforts by the Iranian government to access email accounts of presidential campaign staff members. Microsoft said the attacks were pulled off by a hacking cell dubbed Mint Sandstorm thats linked to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. US officials and cybersecurity experts believe the Tehran government is seeking to undermine Trumps candidacy after he antagonized Tehran during his first term in office. While president, Trump scrapped an international nuclear deal with Iran, imposed severe sanctions on the country and ordered the killing of Qassem Soleimani, a Guard Corps commander. Iran has emerged as an aggressive player in the election interference game, said Emily Harding, director of the Intelligence, National Security and Technology Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington and a former CIA analyst. This is the second presidential election in a row where theyve decided to meddle. In 2020, Iranian operatives operatives impersonated members of the right-wing Proud Boys group as part of a voter intimidation effort, according to the FBI, resulting in charges against two men. That same year, Iranian hackers breached a website that a municipal government in the US used to publish election results, though the attackers were caught before carrying out any nefarious activity, US officials said. Tehrans tactic this time to steal information and disclose it isnt new. Russia employed similar efforts in 2016, when a state-sponsored group obtained internal emails from Hillary Clintons staffers that were later published by WikiLeaks. Irans activity underscores the need for the online platforms and their users to bolster their resilience, the intelligence agencies said. That includes taking extra precautions such as strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, they said. --With assistance from Michael Shepard, Gregory Korte and Peter Martin. (Updates with Harding comment, in eleventh paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Yahoo Finance After China announced broad measures to rescue its economy, Chinese stocks surged, our Chart of the Week shows. It's not the first time the country has attempted to get out of the recent doldrums, but the market's reaction says this time might be different. The News The United States is piling pressure on Kenyas President William Ruto over reported extrajudicial killings and abductions by police during youth-led protests in the East African nation, a US senator told Semafor Africa. The US wants officers involved to be held accountable, a message US Senator Chris Murphy a member of the Senate Foreign Relations committee said he delivered to Ruto during his trip to the country last week. Sixty people were killed over the course of the demonstrations which started in June, according to the government-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). And more than 60 went missing and several more were injured. No officers have so far been prosecuted or sacked in relation to their alleged conduct during their protests, although probes are ongoing according to the countrys Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa). These crackdowns, when done violently and poorly around the world, end up leading to more instability, not more stability, in most cases, said Murphy, who is considered to be among the frontrunners to be secretary of state if Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris wins the upcoming US presidential election. Murphy said he raised the reported disappearances and abuses in meetings with Ruto and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. I think its really important for US leaders to convey those concerns and make it clear that our relationship cant be at its strongest level unless there is a real commitment from the Kenyan government to hold anyone that engages in abuse, particularly in the context of these protests, accountable. Know More The US sees Kenya as a key strategic partner in a continent where its influence and presence has been waning, particularly in Sahel and West African states. Chinese and Russian presence on the continent, and that of Gulf states, has also been growing. Kenyas protests and the police response have tainted Washingtons embrace of Ruto, which was capped by a rare state visit in May and Kenyas designation as a non-NATO ally. Kenyan members of parliament last week voiced frustration over the lack of action taken on police officers accused of engaging in illegal killings and abductions. They gave the Ipoa until the end of August to provide and publish in-depth details on its investigations into 50 deaths the body recorded during the protests. We have 61 deaths recorded from the Gen Z protests, said MP Gathoni Wamuchomba while questioning Ipoa officials.You havent been able to arrest or convict those responsible for the abductions, deaths, and violations of human rights. What has Ipoa done? Step Back Chris Murphy/X The protests in Kenya began in opposition to unpopular tax hikes proposals contained in the Finance Bill 2024. The bill was subsequently dropped on the back of public pressure, but protests continued with calls for Rutos resignation and the prosecution of police officers in killings. Ruto, who dismissed nearly his entire cabinet at the height of the protests, brought several senior members of the largest opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into his cabinet in July. Key ministries handed to the opposition party in what Ruto describes as a broad-based government were the National Treasury and Planning. Martins view The prosecution of police officers accused of engaging in illegal killings and abductions during the protests is necessary to build trust in the countrys justice system. A failure to punish wrongdoers would only fuel existing anger over corruption and taxation that has seen mostly Gen Z and millennial Kenyans take to the streets in recent months. Promises by the government to compensate victims of police brutality, so far unfulfilled, should also be met. This should be a particularly important concern for the government as the likely re-introduction of some proposed tax hikes from the finance bill could spark a new wave of demonstrations. Room for Disagreement Ruto has previously said he would ensure accountability in relation to police officers accused of extrajudicial killings during the protests. In July, he also called for the release of wrongly arrested peaceful protesters, saying it would accelerate an investigation into the elements he claims hijacked the demonstrations. This will enable the agencies to focus their resources, efforts and time on investigating and prosecuting serious criminal elements who took advantage of peaceful demonstrations to advance a dangerous agenda, he said. The View From Nigeria Rights organizations including Amnesty Nigeria have called for an investigation into the deaths of 23 protesters it says were killed across the country during demonstrations over the cost of living held earlier this month. Young protesters in Nigeria were reportedly inspired by their counterparts in Kenya. Our findings, so far, show that security personnel at the locations where lives were lost deliberately used tactics designed to kill while dealing with gatherings of people protesting hunger and deep poverty, Amnesty Nigeria wrote in a statement. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted a final, bridging proposal to finalize a cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip and put the onus on Hamas to bring the agreement to a close. In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel accepts the bridging proposal, that he supports it, Blinken said during a press conference from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Its now incumbent on Hamas to do the same. The U.S., along with mediators from Egypt and Qatar, is working to reach a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas by the end of the week, one that would seek to bring to an end more than 10 months of war that have wracked the Middle East, triggered by Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel. An estimated 40,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the subsequent war, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. But Hamas has generally rejected the statements coming out of the cease-fire talks over the past few weeks. The group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., said it had agreed to a cease-fire proposal laid out on July 2, but it accused Netanyahu of putting up new conditions that made it impossible for it to accept. Among Hamass demands are agreement on a permanent cease-fire and comprehensive withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip conditions that were not included in the cease-fire framework first proposed by President Biden on May 31. Blinken raised doubts about Hamass public statements and apparent rejections of where cease-fire talks currently stand. Weve seen public statements before that dont fully reflect where Hamas is, Blinken said. The critical next step is for Hamas to accept the bridging proposal that Prime Minister Netanyahu has now accepted, and then to engage with everyone else on making sure that we have clear understandings of how each party would actually implement the commitments that its undertaken in this agreement. The terms of the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas are generally laid out to begin with a six-week truce that would require Hamas to release hostages it kidnapped from Israel on Oct. 7 during its attack and for Israel to release Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. During this time, the U.S. and partners are expected to dramatically scale up delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Throughout the six-week truce, the U.S., Qatar and Egypt are expected to mediate more negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a permanent end to the war. Blinken said there is a real sense of urgency in Israel and across the region for the need to get the cease-fire deal across the finish line, as fighting has escalated across multiple fronts. Hamas took credit Sunday for a suicide-bombing in Tel Aviv that injured one person, and warned of bringing these operations to the forefront. This followed spiraling violence in the West Bank, with the Israeli government condemning attacks by extremist Israeli settlers on a Palestinian village, where one person was killed. Israel and Hezbollah and Lebanon continue to trade rocket fire over Lebanons southern border, as a broader Iranian attack against Israel looms in retaliation for the alleged Israeli assassination of a top Hamas political leader in Tehran on July 31. The U.S. has dispatched significant military resources to the Middle East to help defend Israel in case of an Iranian attack, with Blinken warning Monday against all parties from taking actions that would escalate conflict. Whats most crucial now is that everyone, he paused and stressed again, everyone, refrain from taking any actions that could fuel further conflict, escalate tensions and result in the spreading of violence and conflict. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TASHKENT, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan is taking measures to prevent the spread of mpox, local media reported on Monday, citing the country's Committee for Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health. To prevent the disease from entering Uzbekistan, the country is creating a reserve of medical supplies and necessary medications for hospitalization in infectious disease hospitals, as well as organizing medical monitoring of those who have had contact with infected individuals for 21 days, said the report. The country has intensified sanitary control at international airports, railway and road border crossings to prevent the disease from entering and spreading. Relevant training for specialist qualification has also been improved based on methodological guidelines on etiology, clinical presentation, epidemiology, and mpox prevention. In addition, a test and diagnostic reserve is being established for laboratory detection of the disease. Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, activating its highest level of global alert for mpox for the second time in two years. "This is something that should concern us all ... The potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. US Secretary of State to meet Netanyahu as ceasefire talks continue US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gives a press conference. Sina Schuldt/dpa US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, as intensive talks on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages continue. The United States, Egypt and Qatar have been acting as mediators in a series of indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The latest two-day round of talks in Qatar concluded on Friday without a major breakthrough, but negotiations are set to resume in Cairo this week. One unresolved issue remains the fate of the border between Gaza and Egypt. Netanyahu has insisted that the Israeli military must continue to control what Israel terms the Philadelphi corridor, a strip of land separating Gaza from Egypt. Hamas, on the other hand, has demanded Israel's full withdrawal from the area as a condition for peace, more than 10 months since the October 7 attacks sparked the conflict. US soldier sentenced to nearly four years in Russia's penal colony US soldier sentenced to nearly four years in Russia's penal colony (Reuters) -A Russian court rejected an appeal of a U.S. soldier who was sentenced in June to nearly four years in a penal colony after being found guilty of stealing $113 from his girlfriend and making threats to kill her, the court said on Monday. Gordon Black, a 34-year-old U.S. staff sergeant, was detained on May 2 in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok after an argument with his girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk, whom he had met while in South Korea. He pleaded not guilty to threatening to kill Vashchuk but admitted he was partially guilty of taking the money, though out of necessity. A panel of judges in the Primorsky Krai Court considered Black's appeal of the verdict from a Vladivostok district court but left it unchanged, the court said in statement in a social media post. Black's defence argued in its appeal that the original verdict was illegal and unfair, and asked for a new trial, Russia's RIA state news agency reported earlier. According to Black's defence lawyer, the verdict did not rely on case materials, ignored evidence confirming Black's innocence, and incorrectly interpreted his actions towards the victim, RIA reported. Black is among a a number of Americans held in Russia on a variety of charges. Last week, dual Russian-American citizen Ksenia Karelina was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Thursday after a Russian court found her guilty of treason for donating $51.07 to a charity supporting Ukraine. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Michael Perry and Lincoln Feast.) US and South Korea begin military drills aimed at strengthening their defense against North Korea A U.S. Army's M1A2 Abrams tank from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team fires during a live firing drill at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in Pocheon, South Korea, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) U.S. and South Korean troops kicked off a large-scale exercise Monday aimed at strengthening their combined defense capabilities against nuclear-armed North Korea, which again accused the allies of practicing an invasion. The annual summertime exercise comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula as the pace of both North Koreas weapons demonstrations and the U.S.-South Korea combined military exercises have intensified in a cycle of tit-for-tat. The exercise began hours after North Koreas Foreign Ministry issued a statement repeating the North's contention that such exercises are provocative war drills for aggression. It said the Norths nuclear ambitions are thus justified, adding that it is crucial to "constantly maintain the balance of power for preventing a war by stockpiling the greatest deterrence. The United States and South Korea described their joint drills as defensive in nature and have been expanding and upgrading their training in recent years to cope with the Norths evolving threats. The U.S. and South Korean militaries did not immediately react to the North Korean Foreign Ministry statement. The Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which continue for 11 days, through Aug. 29, include both computer-simulated war games and more than 40 kinds of field exercises, including live-fire drills. The allies said this years program is focused on enhancing their readiness against various North Korean threats, including missiles, GPS jamming and cyberattacks and will also reflect lessons learned from recent armed conflicts. About 19,000 South Korean military personnel will participate in the drills, which will be held concurrently with civil defense and evacuation drills from Monday through Thursday that will include programs based on North Korean nuclear attack scenarios. The U.S. military has not confirmed the number of American troops participating in the drills or said whether they will involve U.S. strategic assets. The United States in recent months has increased its regional deployment of long-range bombers, submarines and aircraft carrier strike groups to train with South Korean and Japanese forces. The drills could trigger a belligerent response from North Korea, which has been flaunting its growing weapons program and issuing verbal threats of nuclear conflicts against Washington and Seoul. Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un staged a huge ceremony in the countrys capital, Pyongyang, to mark the delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline military units and called for a ceaseless expansion of his militarys nuclear program. The event added to concerns about Kims weapons program as he demonstrates an intent to deploy battlefield nuclear weapons along the Norths border with South Korea and claims that his military could react with preemptive nuclear strikes if it perceives the leadership as under threat. Analysts say Kim may seek to dial up pressure in a U.S. election year as he advances his long-term goals of forcing Washington to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and negotiate economic and security concessions from a position of strength. During last years Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, North Korea conducted ballistic missile tests that it described as simulating scorched earth nuclear strikes on South Korean targets. The North in recent weeks has also flown thousands of balloons carrying trash toward the South in a psychological warfare campaign that has further deteriorated relations between the war-divided rivals. In this July 2020 photo, Xavier Chavarria, background right, poses for a photo with his wife Karen Chavarria, second left, and their children Karen Azriela Chavarria, left, and son Xavier Yahir Chavarria, in Jinotega, Nicaragua. (Courtesy Xavier Chavarria via AP) MIAMI (AP) As registration opened Monday for an estimated 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens to gain legal status without having to first leave the country, Karen and Xavier Chavarria had nothing to celebrate. Like many others, Karen left the United States voluntarily in her case, for Nicaragua as the price of living in the country illegally, planning to accumulate enough time away to be able reenter and reunite with her husband, Xavier, on a path to citizenship. Joe Biden's offer of a path to citizenship without having to first leave the country for up to 10 years is one of the biggest presidential orders to ease entry for immigrants since 2012, when the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program allowed temporary but renewable stays for hundreds of thousands of people who came to the United States as young children with their parents. To be eligible, spouses must have lived in the United States continuously for 10 years as of June 17, 2024, and been married by then. The Biden administration estimates 500,000 spouses could benefit, plus 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens. Without this process, hundreds of thousands of noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens are likely to instead remain in the United States without lawful status, causing these families to live in fear and with uncertainty about their futures, the Homeland Security Department said Monday in a document that details the policy. Forcing spouses to leave the country is disruptive to the familys economic and emotional wellbeing." Spouses who fall outside the prescribed dates and other eligibility criteria face an agonizing choice: leave the country voluntarily for years for the right to reenter or remain in the United States without legal status. Karen Chavarria returned to Nicaragua in 2017 and reported to a U.S. consulate for an interview as part of her petition to reunite with her husband in the United States. She crossed the border from Mexico in 2002 and applied for legal status after marrying Xavier, 57, who works a building maintenance job in New York and lives in Garfield, New Jersey. They have two children, both U.S. citizens. Xavier travels at least twice a year to see Karen, 41, and their 12-year-old son, who live in Jinotega, north of Nicaraguas capital city of Managua. Xavier said he can't live in Nicaragua because he can't find work there, lacks treatment options for diabetes and fears for his safety because his family has been in the political opposition there for years. Their 20-year-old daughter lives in the U.S. Karen has missed big moments, including her daughter's high school graduation and birthdays. The Biden administration's offer to spouses who chose to remain in the U.S. filled her with despair. "It is something that we have been fighting for and after so much struggle, to get here without giving ourselves any hope, she said while crying in a video interview from Nicaragua. It is unclear how many spouses left the U.S. voluntarily. But Eric Lee, an immigration attorney with offices in Michigan and California, said it is a massive number. Immigrants and advocacy groups have urged the White House to include them in the new policy. The only reason why so many are being punished is because they tried to step out of the shadow, they tried to follow the law, Lee said. Homeland Security did not respond to questions about whether people who left the country voluntarily will qualify, saying only that they "may be eligible for continued processing abroad. Groups favoring restrictions on immigration consider the policy overly generous. The Federation for American Immigration Reform said Monday that it is a disservice to those waiting to legally immigrate and that Biden is clearly in a hurry to enroll people before he leaves office, making it harder for a court to overturn their benefits once they are granted. The department said Monday that 64% of potential beneficiaries are from Mexico and 20% are from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. They become eligible to remain in the United States for three years under presidential authority known as parole for a $580 fee, which includes ability to apply for work authorization, a green card and, eventually, citizenship. People deemed national security or public safety threats and those convicted of what are considered serious crimes, including felonies for driving under the influence, are disqualified, as are those found to belong to a gang. Juan Enrique Sauceda 47, is biding time in Piedras Negras, Mexico, across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas. He was deported in 2019 while married to a U.S. citizen and applied to reenter. His wife and two children live in Houston. I want to return to the United States because I grew up there, I have my wife, my children, everything, Saucedo said. I dont fit in here. ___ Spagat reported from San Diego. Associated Press writer Rebecca Santana in Rocklin, California, contributed. ___ The headline has been rewritten to clarify that the policy puts people on path to citizenship but does not grant citizenship. A staff member at the federal prison in Thomson was taken to an area hospital after being exposed to narcotics last night. Jon Zumkehr, president of Local 4070, which represents staff at USP Thomson, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to explain why the worker was exposed. We had a staff member get exposed to drugs last night and was given an emergency dose, lifesaving dose, of Narcan, and they were immediately transferred to the hospital, by ambulance, Zumkehr said. This is an issue that weve been saying from day one here, that the drugs coming in the mail. Thats an issue that weve made Congress aware of. The problem began when the Federal Bureau of Prisons stopped screening incoming mail, he said. We actually had a program at the Federal Bureau of Prisons that scans all the mail coming in for drugs. But the Bureau of Prisons defunded that program, and this is why weve been fighting for the last three years to get this back on track. Theres a bill in Congress right now, HR5266, it scans 100% of mail coming in. This is important to us, because right now we dont scan the mail for drugs. This is why were having, across the Federal Bureau of Prisons, staff going to the hospital. We average at Thompson one inmate overdose a week here. This is the problem. Fortunately, the staff member will recover, said Zumkehr. We reached out to the staffer this morning, and theyre having minor effects, but theyre back home. They were treated and released at the hospital and theyre back home. The situation isnt unique to the Thomson facility; there have been fatal reactions to contaminated mail across the country. We had a federal law enforcement officer at USP Atwater lose his life this month because of drug saturated mail, Zumkehr said. We need Congress to fully fund this program and to do it now before another law enforcement officer lose their life. HR 5266 has been in the House Judiciary Committee since August 25, 2023. Its a bipartisan bill. (Mariannette) Miller Meeks, Iowa District 1, Representative (Eric) Sorensen, Illinois 17, both have signed on this bill, Zumkehr said. Theres 117 co-sponsors on this bill right now, and its sitting in the House Judiciary Committee. We need them to move on this and to pass it. Its a bipartisan bill. Theres no poison pills in this bill. It scans the mail 100% for drugs, and it sends the mail back to the institution. This is a simple fix, but it comes down to money, and the Congress does not want to fund it, just like our staffing. Congress does not want to fund our staffing. We currently, at Thompson, right now, have 115 vacant positions. Its the highest at a standalone prison in the Federal Bureau of Prisons because they defunded the pay of Thompson, and were fighting for Congress for funding for that. So I mean it, it all comes down to money. And weve said from day one, staff should not have a price tag on their life. Providing more protection for workers, like thick gloves, isnt going to solve the problem, Zumkehr said. Back in 2022, a staff member was moving the mail. It was raining outside. A piece of mail was laced with multiple different drugs, and the rain contaminated every piece of mail in there. The staff, you know, in the unit had that, and they got sent along with four other staff at the hospital. So it starts off in the mail room, but then, the drugs can get transferred to different pieces of the mail. Whats even more alarming is how the contaminated mail gets to prisons in the first place. This same piece of mail is going through the post office. Its able to contaminate other pieces of the mail, he said. There are people sending drugs through the mail into the prison. Its not just an isolated issue; its across the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and thats why were bringing this issue forward. We need people to talk about it and we need Congress to do their job. The prison did implement a change last week, but it has nothing to do with the mail. The other thing is we implemented, just last week, that staff will carry Narcan on them. Think about that. We have staff that have to carry Narcan on them, which were fully supportive of, because we have so many overdoses here at Thompson. Theres no way to tell what kind of drugs are in the mail, including extremely dangerous ones, Zumkehr said. Nobody has a clue what these are laced with. Weve had fentanyl in Thomson multiple times documented, tested positive for fentanyl inside of Thompson. Zumkehr is working hard to get the legislation passed. Ive actually personally emailed every member of the Senate and every member of the House who have not signed onto this bill last week, trying to get them on this bill. Its a common sense, bipartisan bill. There is no poison pill, except funding it. Thats what it comes down to, they dont want to fund this bill. They dont want to spend any money. And again, the same as our staffing. You know, we need to fund our staffing. We need to fund this mail bill. Its a common sense approach. We need to fund this bill and get this bill across the finish line so we can have a safe prison for the staff and the inmates. Don Williams, the father of Eric Williams, the corrections officer who died at USP Atwater, released a statement about his sons death. With this problem again on the rise, Congressman (Don) Bacon has introduced HR 5266, The Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail in Federal Prisons, with it being cosponsored by Congressman (Matt) Cartwright. SO WHERE IS IT? The bill was introduced. The bill was sent to the Judiciary Committee, the bill has gathered approximately 117 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle. But it just sits in committee. Stuck. Why? Because despite the efforts of the congressmen who got this bill introduced, the two political parties are fighting over money to fund it. My son died because Mission Critical reduced staff to save money, the statement continued. Now this officer is dead while they quibble over money. We need to let our voices be heard and join Congressmen Bacon and Cartwright and demand this bill be passed. This kind of tragic incident cannot happen again. It is unacceptable. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. USS Kingsville (LCS 36) to be commissioned in Texas before heading to San Diego SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The United States Navys newest and one of the last Littoral Combat Ships to be built, the future USS Kingsville (LCS 36), will be commissioned later this week in Corpus Christi, Texas. USS Kingsville was built in 2021 by shipbuilders Austal USA and christened at Austal USAs Mobile, Alabama shipyard on April 22, 2023. USS Pierre christened in Alabama Saturday before heading to homeport of San Diego Now, in August 2024, the U.S. Navy is getting ready to commission the future USS Kingsville, an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship, that will be homeported here in San Diego. An August 24 ceremony in Corpus Christi, Texas will officially put the Navy combat ship into commission. WASHINGTON (Feb. 4, 2019) A graphic illustration of the future Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Kingsville (LCS 36). The ship will be named in honor of the city of Kingsville, Texas, and is the first ship to bear the name. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul L. Archer/Released) The LCS 36 will be the 18th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship. After the USS Kingsville, the future USS Pierre (LCS 38) which was christened on May 18, 2024 in Mobile, Alabama is the last Independence-variant LCS before the planned closure of the LCS production line. The Navy says the USS Kingsville is named after the town of Kingsville, Texas, and the King Ranch. Katherine Kline, the ships sponsor, is a member of the sixth generation of the King Ranch family, who are descendants of steamboat Captain King, founder of the King Ranch in Kingsville in 1853. Kline performed the ceremonial bottle break over the bow of the USS Kingsville during the christening ceremony, and will be leading the Navy tradition of giving the order during the commissioning ceremony to man our ship and bring her to life. Austal USA and the U.S. Navy shared some history of the town of Kingsville and why the ship was named after it. Austal USA says the town originated from the need for a railroad service to connect Brownsville, Texas to St. Louis, Mo. It was founded in 1904, after Captain Kings wife, Henrietta, deeded 40,000 acres from the King Ranch to be available for the development of the Kingsville townsite. The Kingsville community remains vital to the agribusiness of south Texas and maintains a special relationship with Naval Air Station Kingsville. In 1942, Naval Air Station Kingsville began serving as an auxiliary field for Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, supporting Navy flight training, according to the Navy. Then, in 1968, the airfield evolved into one of three key centers for Navy jet training operations. US Navy ship takes on name of San Diego community The USS Kingsville Facebook page posted on Sunday the combat ship arrived in Corpus Christi in preparation of the commissioning ceremony on Saturday, August 24. The Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a high-speed, shallow draft multi-mission ship capable of operating independently or as part of a battle group, according to Austal USA. After building the last two LCS, as of this winter, Austal USA said it was constructing two Expeditionary Fast Transport ships, two Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ships, an Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium craft, and an unmanned surface vessel for the Navy, along with modules for both the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine programs and aircraft elevators for the Ford-class aircraft carrier fleet. Construction was also planned to begin this summer on the U.S. Coast Guards Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutters. The Independence variant ships are homeported in San Diego. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) More than a month after the Utah Supreme Court upheld Utahns rights to change laws through ballot initiatives, the Utah Republican Party along with dozens of other organizations are pleading with state leaders to amend the constitution and reverse the ruling. On Monday, Aug. 19, a special session was called and scheduled for Wednesday at 4:45 p.m. after the Utah Republican Party and other organizations signed a letter requesting state leaders meet and consider a constitutional amendment to stifle ballot initiatives. In July, the Utah Supreme Court made a unanimous ruling that a lawsuit challenging the Utah Legislatures 2021 redistricting boundaries can move forward in the lower courts. The lawsuit centers around a 2018 ballot initiative, known as Proposition 4, that formed an independent commission to create statewide district boundaries. Proposition 4 was passed by voters but later repealed and replaced by Utah lawmakers. In its ruling, the Utah Supreme Court found that lawmakers overstepped when they appealed the initiative. At the time of the ruling, Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz called the ruling one of the worst outcomes they had ever seen from the Utah Supreme Court. RELATED: Utah Supreme Court ruling means gerrymandering lawsuit can move forward Rather than reaching the self-evident answer, today the Court punted and made a new law about the initiative power, creating chaos and striking at the very heart of our republic, Adams and Schultz said in a joint statement in July. This ruling will have profound and last ripple consequences that could negatively impact the states future. By allowing initiatives to become immutable super laws, the Court has opened the door to potentially devastating consequences, the letter reads in part. Utah now faces the risk of becoming like California, where large sums of outside money influence laws that do not reflect the values of our citizens and undermine our cultural integrity. The conservative leaders argued the Courts ruling disrupts the balance of a representative republic by welcoming what they say is the chaos of direct democracy. Three struck by lightning while fishing on Bear River, one dead Should lawmakers approve of a constitutional amendment it would be presented to Utah voters during the November General Election. The amendment would then become official if Utah voters approve it at the polls. Meanwhile, the Utah Democratic Party filed a motion to participate in the pending Proposition 4 lawsuit as it moves forward in the lower court. The framers of our state constitution were clear: ultimate power lies with the voters, not the legislature, said Utah Democratic Party Executive Director Thom DeSirant. Republicans attempt to defy the will of the voters by repealing Proposition 4 and imposing lopsided congressional districts on Utahns is nothing more than a power grab, designed to squash opposition and cut themselves off from the democratic process. DeSirant continued by saying, Voters should pick their politicians, not the other way around. The Utah Republican Party said Utah will still have a voice to provide a check on lawmakers through a referendum process. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A Utah woman who pleaded guilty to hiring a hitman from the dark web to kill her ex-boyfriends new girlfriend was sentenced to 78 months in a federal prison. Krista Renae Stone, 23, of Salt Lake City was sentenced on Monday morning after she pleaded guilty to the murder-for-hire scheme. In addition to her prison term, Stone was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to court documents and statements made during the change of plea, Stone used the dark web in March of 2023 with the intent to kill her ex-boyfriends new girlfriend. In return for the murder, Stone admitted to agreeing to pay the hitman $5,000 in Bitcoin for the services. Stone included a detailed description of the victim, including a photograph, their location, and how she wanted the murder to be committed. Gross misrepresentations: LDS Church speaks on portrayals in Hollywood Ms. Stones murder-for-hire plot was a brazen attempt against another persons life that caused extreme emotional harm. Without law enforcement discovering the website Ms. Stone was using and the extensive investigation by law enforcement, the outcome would be far more devastating, said Trina A. Higgins, the U.S. Attorney of the District of Utah. The website Stone used is reportedly not run by law enforcement and is currently under investigation. Murder for hire turns the sanctity of life into a transaction, making our communities vulnerable to further acts of violence, said Christopher Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations. HSI luckily prevented this plot from being carried out, and our agents are committed to preventing crimes that would commodify human life. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A Mahoning Valley natives feature-length documentary will soon play in a local theater. John Jurko II is from Yankee Lake, but hes been far from home in Africa shooting his documentary RHINO MAN. The film took several years to make and follows the lives of rangers protecting wildlife. Since about 2008, its been a pretty intense rhino poaching crisis there, Jurko said. That crisis is about more than just the rhinos and poachers. Its also about the people and their efforts to protect wildlife. The film connects the audience to these rangers, showing their lives, families, passions and the dangers of their jobs. Its really an emotional film. Coming into it from a film-making standpoint not so much the conservation side I really wanted to focus on the human side of that story, Jurko said. Jurko said while making the film he became close friends with the rangers. The documentary mostly follows ranger Anton Mzimba, who was killed by rhino poaching syndicates at his home near the films completion. It was a pretty devastating experience as a friend, Jurko said. As a filmmaker, [its] just kind of a crazy journey of figuring out how to work that into the film and do it in a way that is respectful to him had his family and his legacy. RHINO MAN has been in over 20 film festival, has won five awards and received two nominations. Jurko now lives in Atlanta, but hes excited to bring the film home for his friends and family. Its been a wild journey, and I feel like we have something pretty special in this story. This is my first film I feel extremely proud of as a director, he said. The documentary will premiere at 7 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the Cinemark Tinseltown in Boardman with a question and answer session following the film. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. By any measure Venezuela should be one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America. Its huge oil reserves were sufficient to guarantee wealth for its population on a continent where poverty is endemic. Yet Venezuela is poor, corrupt and strife-ridden. Its President Nicolas Maduro has driven his country deeper into the mire into which it was immured by his mentor Hugo Chavez. In elections last month, the electoral commission said Maduro had been returned to office by a narrow margin, though without releasing details of the results. Few believe this to have been the case and international observers say the process lacked transparency. Neighbouring countries, including Brazil and Colombia, have called for another poll. Thousands have taken to the streets to protest in the name of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. She was banned from taking part in the election and is currently in hiding. The opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez is also at an unidentified location and says he won the contest. The protestors have been growing in number in recent weeks but face a fearsome crackdown by police and army forces loyal to the current regime. It should never be forgotten that this appalling state of affairs is the direct result of the socialisation of Venezuela, underpinned by years of feckless mismanagement and rampant corruption exacerbated by falling oil prices. Astonishingly, Left-wingers in the Labour party including the former leader and now independent MP Jeremy Corbyn saw Venezuela as a model of a utopian future, only one not implemented especially well. For Venezuelas people the search for a socialist nirvana has become a nightmare. The rigged elections which have returned President Maduro to office twice already are just the democratic figleaf of an autocrat. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. PHNOM PENH, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Monday launched a mobile payment system to enable tourists to scan and pay at 3.3 million retail shops across the Southeast Asian country. Speaking at the launching ceremony in the northwestern cultural province of Siem Reap, Chea Serey, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, said the app will facilitate international tourists' payments, contributing to boosting the tourism sector. The app will contribute to promoting tourism sector in Cambodia by providing an electronic means of payment enabling international tourists visiting Cambodia to make payment for goods and services efficiently and conveniently, said the chief of Cambodia's central bank. International tourists simply need to download the Bakong Tourists App and install the app on their mobile phones upon arrival in Cambodia, then register to create an account using an email. "International tourists can top up their accounts through business partners and make payment transactions by scanning the KHQR Code with approximately 3.3 million retail merchants within Cambodia," she added. Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy, in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate sector. The kingdom received 3.16 million international tourists in the first half of 2024, up nearly 23 percent over the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Five largest sources of international tourist arrivals to Cambodia are Thailand, Vietnam, China, Laos and the United States. Venezuelan leader Maria Corina Machado and other senior members of the opposition could soon face legal charges for the deaths that happened during the wave of violence over the past few weeks, the attorney general for the Nicolas Maduro regime, Tarek William Saab, said. Speaking In an interview with the newspaper Ultimas Noticias, Saab said the actions of Machado and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez are the latest link in a chain of attacks launched against Venezuela from the United States that began during the administration of former President Donald Trump. Saab said investigations carried out by the Venezuelan prosecutors office into the events that followed the July 28 elections are advanced and noted that the protests against the Maduro regime were planned by the extreme right group headed by Machado. At any moment, any of them could be charged and held responsible as the intellectual authors of all these events, Saab answeredc. when asked if Machado is in the process of being charged with homicide. In op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal weeks ago Machado said she was in hiding and feared for her life and her freedom. Saab is among dozens of Venezuelan officials sanctioned by the United States for a list of offenses that go from human rights violations and the destruction of the Venezuelan democracy to corruption and drug trafficking. Human rights organizations as well as international groups have accused Saab of being one of the key people in the regimes efforts to use the Venezuelan justice system as an instrument of political persecution. Twenty-five people have died and dozens of others have been injured in the aftermath of the regimes violent crackdown on protests that were triggered when the government-controlled National Electorate Council announced that Maduro had won reelection with almost 52% of the vote. The regime has announced that it has arrested 2,000 people and Maduro has said that they would soon be taken to Tocuyito and Tocoron, two of Venezuelas worst prisons. Calling the electoral councils announcement another attempt by the regime to remain in power through fraud, the opposition has declared that Gonzalez was the real winner of the election. It has published the official vote tallies, known as actas, gathered in more than 80% of the countrys voting stations, showing the opposition candidate defeated Maduro by a margin of more than 2-1. Doubts about the electoral councils results have also spread to the international community, leading a number of governments to repeatedly ask Maduro to produce the actas proving his victory. To date, the regime has failed to do so. Machado: Opposition would offer Maduro incentives to negotiate transition to democracy Saab made the statements about the opposition leadership shortly after a report released by the group Peace and Reconciliation Foundation of Colombia that said that there were 82 violent acts that left 129 victims during the elections and that more than 91% of them were perpetrated by some the regimes security forces. The majority of victims were members of the main opposition parties, but among those affected were also 26 citizens as well as 10 journalists. Miami Herald staff writer Ana Claudia Chacin contributed with this story. The Democratic National Convention is underway in Chicago and Vermonts delegation is there preparing to cast their votes, including one of the youngest voting delegates in the country. The convention is a high-stakes moment for Democrats as the party finalizes the mid-campaign handoff from Biden to Harris. President Joe Biden is expected to deliver a keynote address Monday, as the convention looks back at the administrations achievements before turning the attention to Vice President Harris as the partys future. One of Vermonts delegates, Addie Lentzner, a Middlebury student entering her second year, is among the youngest delegates in the county. In a statement, Lentzer said shes excited to support Harris. I fully support her nomination, and I look forward to following her lead to put Trumps Project 2025 in the trash bin, making these next few months and next four years empowering and transformative for America, said Lentzer. Harris officially won the Democratic presidential nomination in an online vote nearly two weeks ago, making Mondays votes largely ceremonial. Vermonts delegation includes household names such as Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, Congresswoman Becca Balint, and former Gov. Howard Dean, among others. The Latest: Preparations underway for night 1 of the DNC in Chicago In an interview for What Matters This Week, David Glidden, chair of the Vermont Democratic Party, says hes noticed a new spark of energy among Vermont democrats surrounding the Harris-Walz ticket. I think were seeing Kamala breakthrough in a way that President Joe Biden wasnt, but I also think were seeing Kamala and Walzs policies really break through, said Glidden, I know Im getting texts and emails every day from Vermonters who are excited for what Harris stands for, and really excited to see her be the next president. Senator Bernie Sanders is scheduled to deliver an address on Tuesday night at 9:30 (EST). The speech is expected to focus on progressive economic policies, issues facing the working class, and the importance of getting big money out of politics. Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman is in attendance as well. Former President Donald Trump has called the validity of the DNCs process into question. Over the past few weeks, hes made claims that the convention is rigged because Biden dropped out after many states already held their primaries. Trump is on the campaign trail this week in North Carolina. He and Senator JD Vance are expected to deliver remarks on national security. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. UPDATE: A statement has been provided by Live Nation Entertainment Montpelier, VT. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark has joined the U.S. Department of Justice and other state partners on the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation-Ticketmaster. Attorney General Clarks office has been investigating Live Nation-Ticketmasters practices since May, and believes that the company has formed an illegal monopoly. Clark alleges the company has engaged in conduct that ensured its dominance in the live concert and ticketing markets at the expense of Vermont consumers, workers, and businesses. Their conduct makes live music less accessible for fans, artists, and the industry that supports them, and that is a shame. The amended complaint says that Live Nation-Ticketmaster exercises its power to deprive US music fans by forcing them to use outdated technology while paying far more than fans in other countries. The lawsuit also alleges that Live Nation has maintained its anti-competitive monopoly by placing venues into restrictive agreements, then threatening that venues will lose access to Live Nation tours and artists if they sign with a rival company. Officials want Live Nation to divest from Ticketmaster, award financial compensation to consumers, and prohibit them from engaging in any anticompetitive practices. Individuals can read the amended complaint for more information, or fill out a Live Nation-Ticketmaster complaint form. In a new statement, Live Nation Entertainment said There is nothing new in the Amended Complaint the lawsuit still wont solve the issues fans care about relating to ticket prices, service fees, and access to in-demand shows. We look forward to sharing more facts as the case progresses. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. Three abandoned buildings will one day become a theater. But the journey to get there is weird and complex at best. The cost for this? Its over $22 million of government money. The goal? For the LLCs to get at least $4.9 million in state and federal tax credits. Wheres all that money coming from? A nonprofit called Myrtle Beach Downtown Redevelopment Corporation with a web of private LLCs that are muddled in mixed definitions and transparency. When asked simple questions about the structure, politicians, nonprofit experts, and state employees in Columbia seem perplexed. These experts and leaders say theyve never heard of something like this before. Policy analyst Sam Aarons from the South Carolina Policy Council said that just because it seems like the city can structure the project like this doesnt mean they necessarily should. The whole thing is very odd, he said. I would say this whole structure is very confusing at a minimum, intentionally vague at worst. A new downtown Myrtle Beach theater will be paid for by taxpayers and worked on by taxpayer-funded employees volunteering their time to a city-owned nonprofit. The lease agreement for the new theater carves out 150 minimum use days for CCU for plays and other performances and 100 other days available for third-party use via CCU. The city will have 30 use days a year based on the lease. Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune said on Tuesday that the theater is a core part of revitalizing downtown, which will benefit everyone once its completed. Records show that the university isnt contributing to the theaters construction costs but will instead sublease it from the city after it is built. Weeks prior, in a wood-paneled conference room on the second floor of Myrtle Beachs City Hall, the citys Chief Financial Officer, Michelle Shumpert, and spokeswoman Meredith Denari explained all of these financial logistics. At that meeting, Shumpert said this is how municipalities can use a tool to obtain the tax credits. The tool is necessary because governments cant apply for and receive these tax credits, Shumpert said in a sit down with city officials Tuesday. However, by using nonprofits and LLCs as part of that tool, taxpayers could be left in the dark about whats truly going on with their government and leaders. In that case, what kind of government operation is really at play in Myrtle Beach? What is a shadow government? Its a theory that believes that the political power lies not with publicly-elected officials, but with private citizens or organizations who are the ones actually making the decisions in the government, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. The term became widespread after the 19th century book, The English Constitution, by journalist Walter Bagehot was published. In it, he talked about the duality of the British government, suggesting that one part of the government was for popular consumption, and the other was hidden, and meant for getting things done in the world. In the case of Myrtle Beach, the city is not simply working with an outside nonprofit; the city created the nonprofit decades ago, and high-ranking city employees, including Chief Financial Officer Michelle Shumpert and Assistant City Manager Brian Tucker, and City Manager Jonathan Fox Simons, comprise the majority of the board of directors. Shumpert previously said she manages the nonprofit. She is already on the city payroll. Shumpert said the work she does for the DRC is as a volunteer and is not paid for by the City of Myrtle Beach. In a research paper by American academic and Tufts University professor, Michael Glennon hundreds of years after Bagehots book was published, Glennon explored the same tropes. A review of his work said he, takes our political system to task, arguing that the people running our government are not our visible elected officials but high-leveland unaccountablebureaucrats nestled atop government agencies. The nonprofit that Shumpert allegedly volunteers for alongside Tucker is the owner of the first LLC, who then owns the second LLC. So within this complex financial map for the new theater in Myrtle Beach, all roads lead back to high-ranking city employees. In a sit down with Shumpert, Simons, Denari, Mayor Brenda Bethune, assistant city attorney Amy Neuschafer and city council member Bill McClure they vehemently guaranteed government transparency. A day later, on Wednesday, Denari sent this statement via email in response to a request from The Sun News for a city statement on their transparency: The City of Myrtle Beach has been transparent about downtown revitalization, specifically the theatres financing structure. All City Council and Downtown Redevelopment Corporation (DRC) meeting schedules, agendas and documents have been publicly available on the citys website and in the Friday Fax since the week prior to the meeting. The public meetings and publicly available documents include the City Council and DRC meetings where the theatre, its financing structure and tax credits were publicly explained and discussed. The Sun News has been in receipt of and had access to these documents as has the rest of the public. For full transparency, The Sun News should inform readers that all of this information has been available to them and the public. The most recent theatre discussion meetings occurred on the dates of February 12, 2019, September 8, 2020, September 22, 2020, December 8, 2020, February 27, 2024, May 28, 2024 and June 4, 2024. The Sun News reporter, Elizabeth Brewer, also was invited to sit down with Chief Financial Officer Michelle Shumpert and myself to ask questions and learn about the theatres financing structure in a meeting Brewer recorded. The city cannot be blamed for a lack of transparency when The Sun News has not absorbed or researched the information publicly available for years and given to them, when asked, by the city. There was agreement among the six individuals that everything with the DRC, including board meetings, financing documents and all records are completely open to the public. Transparency and ethics issues with the theaters finances? The way that this project is structured is unlike anything South Carolina policy analyst Sam Aarons said hes ever seen before. But new isnt always a good thing. After reviewing a city-produced and shared flow chart, he said the whole structure looked weird and confusing. That seems to be a common trend with these local governments and state government kind of groups, they talk about economic development, and its really just a nice way to say were going to spend a lot of money, Aarons said. I would say that money is probably not deserving to be spent in that manner, or at least if it is, the public should be informed of how their moneys being spent, and should be able to at a minimum hear how theyre going to spend it. An organization chart describing the structure on a PowerPoint slide presented to the City Council on their May 28, 2024 meeting. For Aarons, the citys financing of this theater and the flow chart trying to explain it raise red flags with government transparency. I think that all of the variables of the city establishing nonprofits and LLCs, the LLCs utilizing these tax credits in conjunction with none of these nonprofits filing 990s [and] Coastal [Carolina Universitys] non-contribution when they seem to be like the direct beneficiary of the entire thing. All of that is definitely a very big red flag, he said noting that its unclear who really benefits from all of these financial gymnastics. Like somebodys directly benefiting from it, and I just dont quite know who, Aarons said after studying the flow chart. New Myrtle Beach City Council member Bill McClure ran his campaign on keeping the city out of the real estate business. The city should not be in the real estate business, he told a reporter in October 2023. Let businesses do the developing. He suggested that all questions about the detailed financing structure of the theater project should go to the citys CFO. I ended up voting opposed to the project on the second reading of the ordinance, he said about the theater via email to The Sun News on Friday. Over the phone later that day, he said he was the only council member to vote against the theater project. He said that the estimate of the total project, including everything, is closer to $31 million. McClure said he took that number and divided it by the number of square feet that the theater and two storefronts next to it would be, and he thought that total was really high. It is an exorbitant number. I just could not stomach it, he said on the phone. Love to see downtown in that area be redeveloped, but Im just certain that the benefit that the taxpayers would get out of it is going to be negligible. So I voted against it. As for the financing structure of the deal, McClure said as far as he knows, its legal. So its complicated, its legal, but again, open it up for everybody to look at it. They may not understand it, but Im in favor of total transparency, he said. And I think the city has been fairly transparent about it. Maybe they could have done more, but, you know, hindsight is always 2020. People dont want to talk about the tax credits for the theater With all the calls and emails sent asking for more information on this project, the majority of people said no comment, or they didnt know anything about it. South Carolina state Sen. Luke Rankin and House Rep. Thomas Case Brittain did not return The Sun Newss request for comment on the theaters financing. Rankins fellow state Senator, Stephen Goldfinch, said he didnt want to comment on something he didnt knowthe theaters financing structure. Im not familiar with the structure, or the theater, or how they structured any of that, he said. So I really cant comment on that, because I just dont know. All three elected officials pushed in their respective legislatures for Myrtle Beach to receive approximately $10 million in state earmarks. All $10 million was pitched as going towards the downtown revitalization plan, which Goldfinch said was much needed, and called the current state of the area an absolute disaster for the last 20 to 30 years. So I mean, Ive totally bought into the idea that Mayor Bethune has about changing downtown, and she doesnt want it to remain what it is, she wants to change it, he said. She doesnt want those issues that are downtown to be her legacy. He said that theater talks werent specifically included in preliminary discussions about what the $5 million from the senates earmarks would be spent on, and thats not how those discussions go. But Im not sure there was ever a specific mention of any theater or anything like that, Goldfinch said. We dont break them out like that and fund or not fund based on buildings within a downtown redevelopment project. Politicians werent the only ones who didnt want to discuss the theater. The organization Together SC is the only statewide membership organization focused on bringing together South Carolinas leaders and partners to strengthen the states entire nonprofit community, their website states. Spokeswoman for Together SC, Brooke Robertson, refused to speak to The Sun News about the DRC and their financial structuring with the tax credits for the new theater. We would like to provide no comment at this time, she said via email. The Sun News also raised questions about the legality of this financing structure and brought them to the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office. A spokesman for the office, Robert Kittle, said they were unable to answer them and that they were out of their offices jurisdiction. As a matter of policy, the AGs office only gives opinions and not official legal advice on whether something is legal or not, he explained. Is the City of Myrtle Beach following the law with its nonprofit records? The most straightforward question of this project, which no one outside the City of Myrtle Beach seems to be able to answer, is whether this is all legal. At the South Carolina Secretary of States Office, their public information director and general counsel, Shannon Wiley, said this structure isnt something shes seen before. Based on records Wiley combed through, she said that the nonprofit that owns the LLCs, the Downtown Redevelopment Corporation, hasnt filed a 990 tax form with their office since 2009. Wiley said that technically, theyre not required to if their expenses are less than $50,000 annually. A 990 is a tax form thats utilized by tax exempt organizations, or nonprofits by the United States Internal Revenue Service. Theyre public documents that are accessible by anyone, and an important way for the public to ensure that nonprofits are not engaging in fraud. Bylaws of registered nonprofits are also not required to be submitted to the Secretary of States Office in South Carolina, but, Wiley said sometimes entities will send them in anyways along with their articles of incorporation. Records show that the DRC wasnt one of them. She also said that the DRC wasnt listed as a charity with the Secretary of States Office. Accessing the bylaws as a matter of public record is a tricky question, Wiley explained. If its a nonprofit and they receive public money, they could conceivably be subject to the Freedom of Information Act, but that would have to be determined by a court, she said. I dont know if the Myrtle Beach Downtown Redevelopment Corporation has gotten public money or not, but if not, then that would not be public record. When asked by The Sun News for a copy of their bylaws, after being told by board member Jenny Halstead they were public, assistant city manager and other DRC board member Brian Tucker funneled the request to the citys new FOIA paralegal, Agatha Puleo. Ive requested. I am treating this as a FOIA just to make sure we dont lose track of your request, Tucker wrote in his email. Those documents were sent to The Sun News at 4:12 p.m. on Tuesday from Puleo. Puleo is not listed as a board member for the Downtown Redevelopment Corporation and is paid for by city funds. Federal laws in the United States state that private nonprofits are not required to release their meeting minutes. Some states have Sunshine Laws, which are public transparency statutes, but they usually only impact public entities and not private nonprofits. In Florida, if a private organization is created by a public municipality or group, they would probably be required to adhere to the Sunshine Laws. In South Carolina, Wiley said such laws pertaining to nonprofits currently dont exist, and havent been brought up during legislative sessions in Columbia yet. Editors Note: This article has been updated to reflect the city leaders responses following a meeting they called with the Sun News on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Updated 3:50 p.m. Aug. 20, 2024) The story was updated to reflect when the city provided the FOIA documents and the headline was also updated at that time to reflect that on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Updated 5:31 p.m. Aug. 20, 2024) The story was updated with the City of Myrtle Beachs statement on their transparency and updated the headline on Aug. 21, 2024. (Updated 2:17 p.m. Aug. 21, 2024). This story was updated to provide the usage number for CCU and clarified the tool could lead to transparency issues. (Updated 3:52 p.m. Aug, 21, 2024). An Air Force veteran turned social media influencer has been jailed along with his brother in Dubai for violating the United Arab Emirates draconian laws on alcohol. Joseph and Joshua Lopez say theyd been invited to two separate parties, one of which took place on a yacht, during a night out earlier in June. According to Detained in Dubai, a group committed to helping those who find themselves on the wrong side of the UAEs strict legal system, the pair claim they were given laced drinks before being handed a massive tab of several thousand dollars for platters of food they hadnt ordered. Following their arrest, the organization says its reached out to a number of Ohio representativesincluding Donald Trumps running mate, Senator JD Vancein hopes a diplomatic intervention might see the brothers returned safely to the U.S. How the Real Housewives of Dubai Are Rescuing Bravo From Darkness Its clear they were targeted by scammers who were wanting to rob them, Radha Stirling, Detained in Dubais CEO, wrote in a statement. They were given one drink aboard the yacht and the next thing they remember is being taken away by plain-clothed police officers in an unmarked vehicle. They were under the impression they were being abducted, she added. The police did not test their blood for the presence of any drugs or sedatives despite the boys request for them to do so. After leaving US military service last year, Joseph became something of a social media star after competing in the Mister USA beauty pageant as Mister Louisiana, and traveling to the Middle Eastern country in hopes of generating new online content with his brother. UAE-DUBAI/CITYSHOTS 2024 Dubai, whose construction boom has given it some of the worlds most famous buildings including the Burj al-Arab, has strict anti-alcohol laws and, say critics, a notoriously one-sided justice system. Abdel Hadi Ramahi/Reuters Theyd previously been released on bond, with a travel ban put in place to prevent them from heading back home. Having been sentenced last week, theyre now due to serve one month in prison, though they still face a raft of further charges including assault of a police officer and damage to government property. The brothers will attend court again on August 20, and if convicted may well face a far lengthier stint in what Detained in Dubai describes as some of the worlds most notorious prisons. The group has used the brothers case to slam the UAE for its treatment of Western tourists even as Dubai seeks to market itself as a safe destination for luxury travelers. The government doesnt seem to acknowledge crimes in the statistics they provide to the media or tourists, Stirling said. Its a myth that Dubai is crime-free. They just dont acknowledge it as its bad for business. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Thomas Mills (Courtesy photo) It seemed almost unimaginable less than a month ago, but as they head into their national convention this week, U.S. Democrats are riding a wave of voter enthusiasm for presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Indeed, polls in key swing states that showed Republican nominee Donald Trump leading just weeks ago have now flipped. So why have things shifted so quickly and dramatically? Will it last? And does it mean that Trump is now vulnerable in North Carolina? These are just some of the questions that veteran North Carolina political consultant and observer Thomas Millis discussed with NC Newsline during an extended recent conversation. In Part One of our chat Mills explained, among other things, why he believes that Harriss rise is, ultimately, a reflection of what American voters particularly younger voters want. In Part Two of our chat, we continued our discussion of national politics, while also turning our attention to some high-profile North Carolina races. Read more of Mills analysis at the substack PoliticsNC. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden step off of Marine One, the new model Sikorsky VH-92A, upon arrival at Soldier Field Landing zone in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024. President Biden is delivering the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention opening night. The U.S. Marine Corps has, for the first time, flown the U.S. President aboard one of its VH-92A Patriot presidential helicopters, having finally received approval for regular use in the Marine One presidential airlift role. The milestone means that the longstanding concerns about the helicopters critical secure communications suite have been addressed. The historic flight also comes on the same day that the Marines announced they had received their 23rd and final example of the Patriot, delivered by Lockheed Martin. NEW MARINE ONE: President Biden, in transit to the Democrat National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, boards the new Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot at O'Hare International Airport. pic.twitter.com/BLTdi10mFk Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) August 19, 2024 The first scheduled Marine One sortie for the VH-92 took place this afternoon, with President Joe Biden embarking in the helicopter at OHare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, before making the flight to Chicagos Soldier Field, ahead of an appearance at the Democrat National Convention taking place in the city. The new Marine One lands at Soldier Field pic.twitter.com/6fDW2H31r8 Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) August 19, 2024 The HMX-1 Sikorsky VH-92 has been used for the first time as Marine One in Chicago today pic.twitter.com/TVXjbVU157 Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) August 19, 2024 Also today, the Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) and the Marine Corps announced that the delivery of the final VH-92 took place this month, completing the program of record. The total inventory of 23 VH-92A aircraft comprises 21 operational and two test aircraft. According to the U.S. Navy, This quantity allows for aircraft to be ready to support the executive lift mission, undergo various levels of maintenance, lifecycle upgrades, and provide assets for pilot/aircrew training. This exceptional team has successfully completed the program of record for the VH-92A within budget and schedule, said Brig. Gen. David Walsh, program executive officer for air anti-submarine warfare, assault, and special mission programs, in a media release. This helicopter not only embodies the hard work and dedication of those responsible for building and delivering the aircraft, but it will remain a recognizable patriotic asset known around the globe for safety, security, and reliability. Presidential Helicopters Program Office and the #MarineCorps accepted delivery of final VH-92A Patriot helicopter in August for total of 23 aircraft. The Patriot is amid a transition plan from the legacy VH-3D and VH-60N aircraft. #NavalAviation : https://t.co/z5m4ELz6iGpic.twitter.com/XstpnlAazd NAVAIR (@NAVAIRNews) August 19, 2024 The VH-92 fleet is operated by Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) but until now that unit hadnt been able to use the type as a primary helicopter lift platform to shuttle the President, their family, and closest advisors around at home and abroad. In the meantime, Marine One missions (the callsign is only formally used when the President is on board) had been undertaken using HMX-1s fleet of older white top presidential helicopters, namely 10 VH-3D and six VH-60N aircraft, which the VH-92 is intended to replace. As of today, the Navy says, HMX-1 has nine VH-92s assigned. A VH-92A Patriot sits on the tarmac at Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, on June 12, 2024. Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS The path to getting the VH-92 approved for the Marine One mission has been a long one. Under the VXX competition to replace the older presidential helicopters, Sikorskys VH-92 initially lost out to the Lockheed Martin VH-71 Kestrel, a derivative of the Leonardo AW101. But as development costs skyrocketed, the competition was relaunched in 2010, and by mid-2013, all other candidates had left the competition, leaving Sikorsky victorious. A pair of VH-92As fly in formation. Blend Qatipi In May 2014, it was announced that the VH-92 had won the VXX competition, with Sikorsky receiving a $1.2-billion development contract the same month. As of 2018, the Marine Corps expected that the VH-92 would have fully replaced its VH-3Ds and VH-60Ns before the end of 2022. In 2019, the service was predicting that VH-92s would be operating in some capacity by 2020. The Marines eventually declared initial operational capability with the VH-92 in April 2022, after which problems involving the types Mission Communication System (MCS), something you can read more about here, prevented it from actually flying in the presidential airlift role. As of May 2022, The War Zone reported that the timeline for fixing the MCS was still to be determined, while the Navy began to raise questions about funding the fixed needed. Clearly, the VH-92s secure communications systems are vital to its ability to undertake the Marine One mission. Without it, the President and their top advisors didnt have the required communications for the National Command Authority, which ensures that U.S. nuclear deterrent capabilities can be called upon, for example. Alongside this, there have been issues with the helicopters engine exhaust scorching the White House lawn. While its still unclear if the required modifications to the exhaust system have been made, operating from grass isnt relevant for deployments elsewhere, such as operating out of OHare. Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) runs test flights of the new VH-92A over the south lawn of the White House in 2018. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Hunter Helis Now that the VH-92 is formally approved for the presidential airlift role, the helicopter will become a more common sight around the globe, as well. Normally, any Presidential trip will be supported by at least two helicopters from HMX-1, being transported to their destination using U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III airlifters. Oftentimes, while the motorcade may be in use, the aircraft remain hangared but ready to fly to whisk the President away to a more secure locale outside of the immediate area. Related to this, VH-92s before now have been flying for some contingency operations and have even moved with the President, without taking him on board until now. As you can read about here, for example, in early 2023, a single VH-92 was deployed to Las Vegas in a standby capacity ahead of President Bidens visit there. It landed at Nellis this afternoon Colin Clark (@CCFOC1) March 12, 2023 While its been a long time coming, todays mission finally demonstrates that the VH-92 is ready to take on the presidential airlift role and that full replacement of the veteran VH-3D and the somewhat less antiquated VH-60N is now very much becoming a reality. UPDATE: 8/20/2024 The U.S. Marine Corps has provided the following statement about the VH-92As milestone flight: Monday night in Chicago for the first time the President rode in the new Marine One helicopter, the VH-92A Patriot. After a transition period, the VH-92A Patriot will eventually replace the VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk helicopter. The iconic white top paint scheme of previous Marine One aircraft is represented in the new VH-92A, paying homage to the distinguished legacy of Marine One helicopters dating back to the famed colors pioneered in the late 1950s. The Presidents current Marine One helicopter, the VH-3D, entered service in 1978. The VH-60 began service as a Presidential helicopter in 1987. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com In January 2021, Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States. She's set to make history again at the Democratic National Convention, as the first Black woman and the first South Asian woman to be a major political party's nominee for president. Harris, born October 20, 1964, is the older daughter of Donald J. Harris, an economist from Jamaica, and Shyamala Gopalan, a breast cancer researcher from India. She has one sister, Maya Harris, and a niece, Meena Harris. In 2014, Harris married California lawyer Doug Emhoff, who has two children from his previous marriage, Cole and Ella. (More on Kamala Harris's family tree here.) And a note on her name: Kamala is pronounced "comma-la," and it means lotus flower. As she writes in her memoir, The Truths We Hold, "A lotus flower grows underwater, its flower rising above the surface while its roots are planted firmly in the river bottom." Here, take a look back at Kamala Harris's life in photosand see where her roots are: 1964 A baby Kamala Harris is fed by her mom, Shyamala Gopalan Harris. "At twenty-five years old, Mommy had a college degree, a PhD, and me," Harris writes in her memoir. Kamala Harris/Instagram 1965 Here, Kamala's dad, Donald Harris, carries her. "Proud daddy on his way to a doctorate in economics at Berkeley," she notes in her memoir. Courtesy Kamala Harris Undated These two snaps show a baby Kamala with her mom. Courtesy Kamala Harris 1966 "Visiting my uncle Freddy in Harlem," Harris writes. "Harlem was always a magical place for me." Here, a baby Kamala eats a snow cone. Kamala Harris/Instagram 1967 Harris's younger sister, Maya Harris, was born in January 1967. These photos show the sisters together a few months after Maya arrived. Kamala Harris/Instagram 1968 The Harris sisters on Christmas in 1968. "Sisters waiting for Santa Claus," Kamala captions the photo in her memoir. Courtesy Kamala Harris 1970 "Mommy, Maya, and me outside of our apartment on Milvia Street after my parents separated," Harris writes about this photo. "From then on, we were known as Shyamala and the girls." Courtesy Kamala Harris 1972 Kamala, center, poses for a photo with her mom (standing behind her), her sister (bottom left), and her grandparents, P. V. Gopalan and Rajam Gopalan. Courtesy Kamala Harris Undated Kamala holds hands with her younger sister. Courtesy Kamala Harris 1980s While an undergraduate at Howard University, Harris joined Alpha Kappa Alpha, a sorority for African American women. Howard "is where I ran my first ever race for elected office," Harris posted on Instagram with this photo of her. "Its where I joined my beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alphaand Im so excited to be celebrating our 113th Founders Day today! And along the way, Howard taught me that while you will often find that you're the only one in the room who looks like you, or who has had the experiences youve had, you must remember: you are never alone. Your entire Bison family will be in that room with you, cheering you on, as you speak up and speak out. Were with you every step of the way." Courtesy Kamala Harris 1986 A young Kamala Harris graduates from Howard in 1986. "Howard is an institution with an extraordinary legacy, one that has endured and thrived since its founding, two years after the civil wrote," she wrote in her memoir. "It endured when the doors of higher education were largely closed to black students. It endured when segregation and discrimination were the law of the land. It endured when few recognized the potential and capacity of young black men and women to be leaders." Courtesy Kamala Harris 1989 After Howard, Harris attended University of California Hastings College of Law. Here she is at graduation with her mom, center, and her first grade teacher, Mrs. Wilson, left. Courtesy Kamala Harris 1998 In 1998, her sister, Maya, married Tony West. Here are the sisters at the wedding. Kamala Harris/Instagram 2003 Harris pictured running for District Attorney in San Francisco. She was elected in 2004. Read More: Kamala Harris Is the Latest Product of San Francisco's Long-Running Political Machine San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images - Getty Images 2007 "I loved having my mother with me at community events," Harris writes in her memoir. Here are the two women at a Chinese New Year parade. Courtesy Kamala Harris 2009 Harris, then District Attorney for San Francisco, stands for a portrait. Per her official White House bio, as DA, "she was a national leader in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights, officiating the first same-sex wedding after Proposition 8 was overturned. She also established the offices environmental justice unit and created a ground-breaking program to provide first-time drug offenders with the opportunity to earn a high school degree and find employment, which the U.S. Department of Justice designated as a national model of innovation for law enforcement." San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images - Getty Images 2010 From left to right, Tony West, Kamala, Maya Harris, Meena Harris, and Tony's parents Frank and Peggy look up poll results in the Attorney General election. Harris won. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images - Getty Images 2011 In 2011, Harris was sworn as California Attorney General. As AG, her bio notes, "she oversaw the largest state justice department in the country. She took on those who were preying on the American people, winning a $20 billion settlement for Californians whose homes had been foreclosed on and a $1.1 billion settlement for students and veterans who were taken advantage of by a for-profit education company. She also defended the Affordable Care Act in court and enforced environmental laws." HUM Images - Getty Images 2012 Harris at the California Democrats State Convention in San Diego. Her pearl necklace became a signature style. Sandy Huffaker - Getty Images 2012 In 2012, Harris spoke at the Democratic National Convention. "The American dream belongs to all of us," she said, "and if we can work together and stand together and vote together on November 6 for President Barack Obama, thats a dream we will put within reach of all our people." Ralf-Finn Hestoft - Getty Images 2014 In 2014, Harris married Doug Emhoff, a lawyer. Here they are that fall, at the LACMA Art + Film Gala. Rich Polk - Getty Images 2017 In 2016, she ran for the Senate, and won, becoming the second Black woman and the first Indian American to serve in the Senate. Here, she is sworn in by then-Vice President Joe Biden. Aaron P. Bernstein - Getty Images 2017 As a senator, she was on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she made waves as she questioned two Supreme Court nominees. Bill Clark - Getty Images 2017 Despite her busy career, she continued to make time for her familyhere's Kamala, Doug, Cole, and Doug's ex-wife Kerstin at Cole's college graduation. Kamala Harris/Instagram 2019 In 2019, she declared her candidacy for president at a rally in Oakland, California. Her campaign slogan was "For the People." Mason Trinca - Getty Images At her kickoff rally, Harris holds her niece Amara as she stands next to her husband. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images - Getty Images 2019 Harris has long been a supporter of LGBTQ+ rightshere she is at a pride parade in 2019. Justin Sullivan - Getty Images 2020 After she dropped out of the presidential race, Joe Biden selected her as his running mate. She became the first Black woman and first Indian woman on a major party presidential ticket. Win McNamee - Getty Images 2021 In January 2021, Justice Sonia Sotomayor swore in Vice President Kamala Harris during the Presidential Inauguration. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images - Getty Images 2023 Vice President Harris and Emhoff en route to a state dinner celebrating India. Kamala Harris/Instagram 2024 In one of the more famous images from her vice presidency, Harris arrives at the Edmund Pettus Bridge for an event to commemorate the 59th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" in Selma, Alabama. SAUL LOEB - Getty Images 2024 In July 2024, President Joe Biden made the announcement he would be withdrawing from the presidential race, and endorsing Harris to replace him on the ticket. "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President," he wrote. "And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this." Andrew Harnik - Getty Images 2024 Harris quickly became the Democrat's presumptive nominee, securing enough delegates ahead of the Democratic National Convention. Andrew Harnik - Getty Images You Might Also Like Victim stabbed without warning by suspect with improvised knife in Myton, police say MYTON, Utah (ABC4) One man is facing a felony charge of attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a victim four times with an improvised knife over the weekend, according to court documents. The victim told deputies with the Duchesne County Sheriff that the suspect, identified as Casey Lynn Malin, 34, had stabbed him multiple times in the neck, back, and hands. According to court documents, the victim said the attack was without warning on Thursday night, Aug. 15. The attack allegedly only stopped after the victim was able to get a knife and defend himself. After the attack, the victim reportedly blacked out and woke up the next morning just after 5 a.m. Malin was allegedly still at the residence, messing with the improvised knife. That was when the victim contacted law enforcement. 19-year-old with machete and gun killed in Riverton shooting Upon arrival, deputies attempted to make contact with Malin but he allegedly attempted to flee the area by getting into a white pickup truck. Deputies were able to safely apprehend Malin before he was able to escape. Deputies allegedly found a pocket knife and a filed down piece of metal on Malin. The victim allegedly recognized the piece of metal as the weapon that was used in the stabbing. Deputies also allegedly found a gun in the drivers side door of the white pickup truck but Malin denied that it was his. After a preliminary investigation, deputies determined the truck and the gun were allegedly stolen and did not belong to Malin. Malin was also allegedly trying to steal items from the victims residence. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Some of the victims lost limbs, Rhode Island man sentenced after 8 motorcyclists injured in Northfield crash NORTHFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A Rhode Island man was sentenced to prison in connection with severely injuring eight people on motorcycles in Northfield. According to the Northwestern District Attorneys Office, in May 2022 at around 1 p.m. Sunday 34-year-old Ryan OFarrell of Westerly, Rhode Island was driving an SUV pulling a trailer carrying a motorcycle south on Routes 5 & 10 in Northfield when he allegedly crossed over a solid yellow double center lane. Man driving with no lights on crashes into McDonalds in Springfield OFarrells struck five motorcycles with his vehicle, that were part of a motorcycle club riding up north from Connecticut. The crash caused serious injuries to eight people who were either operating or passengers on the motorcycles. Two children, ages 11 and 13, were inside the SUV and also taken to the hospital but were uninjured. As part of his guilty plea, OFarrell admitted that at the time of the crash, he was under the influence of suboxone. He pleaded guilty to the following charges: Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs Negligent operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs resulting in serious bodily injury (5 counts) Endangerment of a child under 14 by operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs (2 counts) Negligent operation of a motor vehicle Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury (5 counts) Assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (2 counts) Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle Based on OFarrells prior criminal record and driving history, ADA Thomas recommended a sentence of 12-15 years in state prison. The defendants prior punishments, which include fines, probation, and incarceration, did nothing to deter his actions on May 29, 2022, Thomas wrote. Some of the victims lost limbs, livelihood, and are now confronted with very different futures than they would have enjoyed before that day. These futures, thrust upon them by OFarrell, are days and nights of acute pain, economic uncertainty, and emotional trauma, Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Matthew Thomas stated in a sentencing memorandum. While we realize that no outcome in court can undo the tremendous harm caused by the defendant, we hope todays guilty plea and sentence bring some measure of justice and closure to the victims in this case, said ADA Thomas. On Monday, OFarrell was sentenced in Franklin Superior Court to 9-12 years in state prison. Latest Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. MOSCOW, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova co-chaired the 25th session of the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation in Moscow on Monday, pledging to further boost people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation. Shen, also the Chinese chairman of the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation, said that people-to-people exchanges constitute an important part of China-Russia relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly attended the opening ceremony of the China-Russia Years of Culture and the special concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia in May this year, fully reflecting their high regard for China-Russia people-to-people exchanges, she said. Under the strategic guidance of both leaders, China and Russia have continuously enriched the content of humanitarian cooperation, with more comprehensive cooperation plans, more robust communication mechanisms, more prominent leading brands, and deeper people-to-people exchanges, she said, adding that such endeavors have yielded a series of new achievements and made positive contributions to consolidating the social and public opinion foundation for the friendly relations between China and Russia through generations. Shen noted that the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China stressed the expansion of international cooperation of people-to-people exchanges, which will inject new impetus into China-Russia humanities cooperation. Both sides should take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as a new starting point, earnestly implement the important consensus of both heads of state, promote the implementation of relevant humanitarian cooperation plans, jointly make successful key activities such as the China-Russia Years of Culture, and co-write a new chapter of high-quality development in humanitarian cooperation, she said. For her part, Golikova, the Russian chairman of the committee, highly praised the fruitful results achieved in Russia-China humanitarian cooperation and expressed her willingness to continue deepening and expanding practical cooperation in the field of humanities with China to enhance the in-depth development of bilateral relations. During the session, they witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in relevant fields and jointly met the press. The Views Ana Navarro Shares Excitement Over Hosting Night Two Of DNC Recalling Fleeing Communism As A Little Girl Ana Navarro is celebrating she is one of the hosts of the Democratic National Convention starting on Monday, August 19, from the United Center in Chicago. The View and CNN political commentator has strongly supported the Democratic Party over the last decade, expressing her support for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. More from Deadline In a video she posted on Instagram, Navarro revealed she would be the host of Night 2 of the DNC, the same night former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are set to speak. I cant tell you how much it means to me, Navarro said in the video about being a host at the DNC. Im a little refugee girl who fled communism, who fled Nicaragua at the age of eight, found freedom, found opportunity, found a home in America, and for me to have the chance to stand on that stage and help my girl, Kamala, make history and become the Democratic nominee, its just such a mind-blowing moment. RELATED: Democratic National Convention: What To Expect During A Week Of Political Stars, Protests And Kamala Harris Big Moment Navarro had identified as a Republican for many years but stopped supporting them when Donald Trump completely transformed the political party. Other hosts for the DNC include Tony Goldwin (Night 1), Mindy Kaling (Night 3), and Kerry Washington on Night 4 when Kamala Harris officially accepts the nomination. RELATED: How To Watch The Democratic National Convention & What The News Networks Have Planned Watch Navarros video below. RELATED: The Views Ana Navarro Disgusted By Democrat Divas On CNN Wanting Joe Biden To Step Down: Why Dont You Call The F***ing White House? Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A view of the UN peacekeepers' base, near which an artillery mine fired by Israel fell in the village of Kherbeh, South Lebanon. Vasily Krestyaninov/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Violence continued between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah militia on Monday, with two Hezbollah fighters and one Israeli soldier killed in attacks. The Lebanese Health Ministry said two people had been killed in an Israeli attack on Houla and later Hezbollah said two of its fighters had been killed there. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on its Telegram channel that it had "struck Hezbollah terrorists in the area of Houla in southern Lebanon." It also hit a launcher and military structures in the areas of Ayta ash Shab and Hanine, the IDF said. It did not comment on casualties. Hezbollah usually does not elaborate on when, where and how its members die, but said later in a statement said the dead were two of its fighters. An Israeli soldier was killed and several others injured, one of them seriously, in a drone attack mounted on Monday from Lebanon across Israel's northern border, an IDF spokesman said. The 45-year-old soldier was a member of the IDF's Desert Reconnaissance Battalion. According to the spokesman, five drones armed with explosives were launched from bases operated by Hezbollah. Israel's Iron Dome defence system intercepted three of them, but two managed to get through. Hezbollah claimed several attacks on Israeli troops and military positions in northern Israel, including a drone strike on a base and an attack on Israeli soldiers. The militia said they were trying to "infiltrate" the Lebanese border. Since the war in the Gaza Strip began more than 10 months ago, there have been daily military confrontations between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and other groups in the border area between the countries. There were casualties on both sides, most of them members of Hezbollah. RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) Attorney General Jason Miyares has joined a 21-state coalition demanding answers from popular online retailer Temu. On Thursday, the attorneys general sent a letter to the president of Temu outlining their concerns regarding the companys alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), data collection, sharing practices and possible violations of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). Last year, the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party revealed disturbing information about Temus failure to comply with American laws prohibiting the use of forced labor by Uyghurs. Virginians deserve to know if their personal data is being funneled to a foreign government and if theyre purchasing items manufactured on the backs of exploitative Uyghur slave labor, Miyares said. We wont stand by while any company, especially one with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, deceives our citizens. The attorneys general are asking Temu to answer to following questions within the next 30 days: Does Temu or PDD Holdings collect U.S. consumer data? If so, please explain the type of data collected from U.S. consumers, including but not limited to data regarding consumer preferences, biometric data, political leanings, health data, race, religion, or sex. Please explain the rationale for the different types of data collected and the manner in which you notify consumers of the type of data collected. How is U.S. consumer data retained and stored? Please provide documentation of Temus or PDD Holdings cybersecurity and data retention and storage policies for U.S. consumer data. What security measures are in place to prevent unauthorized third parties from accessing U.S. consumer data acquired or retained by Temu? Has the CCP, or any of its officials, members, or affiliates, required or requested that Temu or PDD Holdings turn over any data collected on U.S. citizens? If so, please state how many directives or requests you received and explain what data was requested and whether any (or all) data was turned over to the CCP. What consumer data does Temu or PDD Holdings retain when an individual consumer requests their data be deleted, or their account deactivated? Does Temu or PDD Holdings sell U.S. consumer data? If so, who does Temu or PDD Holdings sell that consumer data to, and are any measures employed to safeguard the identities of U.S. consumers? What percentage of profits are attributable to retail sales, and what percentage of profits are attributable to data sold to third parties? Various reports indicate that several former CCP members are on PDD Holdings executive leadership team. Do these members have access to any U.S. consumer data possessed or acquired by Temu? If so, please explain the nature of the members access to that data. How does Temu certify that the products sold on its platform are not produced by slave labor? Please identify all measures Temu has taken in the past and any measures currently being employed, including but not limited to any internal or external audits, or any rules and guidelines imposed on third party vendors or suppliers. How does Temu warrant to consumers that products sold on its platform do not involve the use of slave labor? CNN reports that Temus sister app (Pinduoduo), also owned by PDD Holdings, was removed from Google Play in 2023 after experts discovered malware that could be used to spy on users. Did the same app developer create the Temu app? Please explain in detail all measures Temu has taken in the past and any measures currently being employed to ensure the app is free of malware or any other programs that would allow Temu or anyone else to spy on U.S. users. What steps do Temu or PDD Holdings take to notify consumers that products sold on its platforms are subject to safety recalls? What steps do Temu or PDD Holdings take to warrant to consumers the safety of products sold on its platforms? To read the letter click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Watch the Digital Desk conversation with the Virginia Education Association in the video player. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) In July, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an Executive Order establishing cell phone free education to Virginias K-12 public schools. The Governor called this a mental health and safety initiative. Gov. Youngkin signs order to establish cell phone-free education On Friday, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released their draft guidance. The final guidance will be issued on Sept. 16. Feedback is encouraged on the VDOE website by Sept. 15. According to the VDOE, school divisions will adopt the policies and procedures in the 2025 school year. Virginia Education Association (VEA) President Carol Bauer spoke at the Digital Desk about the policies. Watch the conversation in the video player on this page. According to the VEA, they are the largest union of teachers and school support professionals in Virginia. In July, the VEA announced a need for a nuanced perspective when it comes to communication. We recognize as educators that cell phones are a problem and something needs to be done, so the fact that the governor is really thinking about the need to make a difference in the classrooms is a good thing, said Bauer. But, we really need to make sure we have a perspective and a policy that doesnt make the teachers, the educators the phone police. The VEA is looking at how the policies for cell phone free education are going to be implemented. Bauer said cell phone free policies have existed in the past, but have been left in to the teachers. You spend a lot of time trying to police the students, said Bauer. There have been noticeable changes with students behavior since COVID, potentially impacting the time they spend on their devices. Weve seen a lot of students with anxiety and they look to their phones for comfort, said Bauer. They look to connect with their peers, but they look to connect with their parents, they look to connect with other people. And, its a constant connection that theyre looking for. Weve seen quite a bit of that since COVID. For educators, theyve seen more of a problem having students put away their phones than pre-COVID. It can be distracting for the students as teachers have to monitor usage throughout a class or throughout the full school day. Trying to monitor whats actually happening is difficult, especially in a classroom of 25 to 30 students, said Bauer. The draft guidance talks about cell phone policies from bell-to-bell from the start of the school day until the end. As the question remains who will be monitoring the cell phone usage in class, who will monitor usage at other times throughout the day. When you talk about lunch time, if you want lunch monitors to do that, and if youre looking in the hallways, and if youre looking at different situations, said Bauer. If the policy is bell-to-bell, there are a number of people that will be in charge of the monitoring. The problem comes in is how it is enforced, said Bauer. If in fact you are asking teachers to do the enforcing policy, that is another burden youre placing on the teachers. Really were looking for administration to have a policy that theres a place to park the cell phones in a locker or maybe theres a place to park it in an administrative office. Or, some other way to actually put the cell phone away so that it is not up to the teachers. Watch the full Digital Desk segment to hear more from the Virginia Education Association. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Victims in fatal pedestrian crash in Weyers Cave identified as 83- and 72-year-old Staunton women WEYERS CAVE Virginia State Police have identified the two pedestrians killed in a crash Saturday night on Route 11. A 2003 Dodge Caravan was heading northbound on Route 11 when police said the driver was unable to avoid striking two pedestrians who were crossing the highway approximately a half mile north of Weyers Cave Road in Augusta County. Police say Opal C. Nelson, 83, and Carolyn M. Childress, 72, both of Staunton, died at the scene. According to the police, neither was wearing reflective clothing. The driver of the Caravan, Danielle N. Bennington, 39, of Mount Crawford, and a passenger, Joshua P. Compton, 37, both suffered minor injuries, police said. Both were wearing seat belts. The crash remains under investigation. Following the crash, Virginia State Police also arrested Kristopher E. Nelson, 41, of Staunton. According to police, he refused to leave the scene and has been charged with disorderly conduct, misdemeanor obstruction, and two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer. More: Letter carriers win with food drive, fishing returns: THE DIGEST More: Take a look at who from Virginia will head to the Democratic National Convention on Monday Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Victims in Weyers Cave double fatal pedestrian crash identified ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) Virginia State Police (VSP) have launched an investigation into the suspicious death of a man in Alexandria. On Thursday, Aug. 8, around 8:30 p.m., troopers responded to a medical emergency call involving a BMW on I-395 North. Police said the call stated the car was stopped on the right shoulder at mile marker 4, near Seminary Road. When troopers arrived, medics were treating a person in the vehicle and a 66-year-old man, from Reston. 1 killed, 7 others injured in East Baltimore mass shooting The man was taken to the hospital, where he died. VSP said an autopsy by staff at the Office of the Medical Examiner revealed that he died from a severe injury. The victims name has not been released at this time. Investigators ask anyone with video or knowledge about this incident to call VSPs Fairfax Division at 703-750-8798 or by emailing questions@vsp.virginia.gov. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Will your vote count? Trump supporters are already working against 2024 election results. Donald Trump, to the chagrin of many campaign advisers, just cannot stop lying about how the 2020 presidential election was "rigged" in favor of Joe Biden. Trump, in rallies and interviews with right-wing hosts, proclaims his need for support in November to be "too big to rig" the election's results. But what happens if state and local election officials, who back Trump and buy into his baseless claims of widespread voter fraud, decide to mess with the results after Election Day on Nov. 5? There is now a constellation of good government groups watching for just that, preparing for the potential of partisan activists in official roles attempting to stall or stop the certification of elections if the results show Trump a loser yet again. They could be looking at an actual effort to rig the election, based on how some local officials acted in 2022 and 2023. It bears watching. The threat looms. A look at elected officials who worked against the 2020 election results Former President Donald Trump campaigns for reelection in Bozeman, Mont., on Aug. 9, 2024. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a nonprofit known as CREW, released a report last week that examined the actions of "35 rogue election officials" in eight states who have attempted to disrupt or deny local election certifications since 2020. In American elections, local officials tally the ballots and certify the results in reports to state officials. In presidential elections, the states send the certifications to the Electoral College. Then, electors meet in each state to cast votes for the winner before the U.S. Congress certifies the results. The riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, an insurrection spurred on by Trump's refusal to admit defeat, was an effort to stop Congress from voting on that certification. RFK Jr. will take Trump voters: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign is imploding. He can still be an electoral problem for Trump. This November, stalling certification at the local level can have a "cascading effect," Noah Bookbinder, CREW's executive director, told me. He said states are on tight deadlines, and using the courts to force state and local officials to do their jobs can be time-consuming. Bookbinder said election officials attempting to invalidate certifications since 2020 have only one reason to have done that as "a kind of dress rehearsal for this fall." He sees those officials as following through on Trump's "stop the steal playbook" from 2020, which he still uses to push election lies this year. For now, Bookbinder said, he has only seen "a coordinated national effort" to impact certification in just one of seven swing states that could decide the election Georgia. Republicans have been working to soften Georgia for election disruption Voting in Georgia's election primary on May 21, 2024. Georgia's State Election Board on Aug. 6 voted narrowly along party lines, with Republicans winning approval for a new rule that injects the phrase "reasonable inquiry" into the process for local election officials to certify results. Pretty vague, right? One official's reasonable inquiry could be another official's nefarious disruption. Trump was certainly pleased, shouting out by name the board members who supported the change during an Aug. 3 rally in Atlanta where he ranted and raved about Georgia officials who blocked his 2020 attempt to overturn the election in that state. The America First Policy Institute, a warehouse of former Trump administration advisers hoping to be future Trump administration advisers, filed a lawsuit in May in support of a Fulton County election official's efforts to vote against certifying the primary election that month. Fulton County is Georgia's most populous county. Trump still faces criminal charges there for his attempt to overturn the 2020 election in that state. "Our best analysis is the folks who are pushing this tactic have really honed in on Georgia as a place to use kind of as a laboratory this fall," Bookbinder said. "So there, we're seeing some real signs of national organization." A nationwide effort with a focus on battleground states Georgia may be the most organized state in this kind of effort. But it is hardly alone. Protect Democracy, a nonpartisan, anti-authoritarianism group, has tracked 34 instances since 2020 of state or local election officials attempting to delay or deny election certifications in nine states. Six of those states Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania are considered electoral battlegrounds that could help determine the election's result in November. Truth Social is failing: Trump throws Truth Social under the bus in panicked embrace of X and Elon Musk Ben Ginsberg, a Republican attorney who served as national council for presidential campaigns in 2000 and 2004 for George W. Bush and in 2008 and 2012 for Mitt Romney, said recent attempts to block election certifications look like a test run for November, but without a coordinated strategy in place to plan that. Coordinated or not, the issue "is now on a lot of radar screens, as it wasn't before," Ginsberg told me. He said voters need to pay more attention to the potential for election officials to "abuse" the process. "If anyone tries to abuse the certification process, people should be worried about their votes not being counted accurately," Ginsberg said. "If somebody tries to overturn the results of an election by holding up a certification, that disenfranchises all voters across the board." Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. Trump's lies erode voter confidence in elections among Republicans A Pew Research Center survey last month found that 61% of Americans are very or somewhat confident that November's election will be conducted fairly and accurately, a level of opinion that hasn't changed much since 2020. But that survey shows a deep partisan divide on the issue, with only 47% of Republicans believing that, compared with 77% of Democrats. That's not an accident. Trump started casting spurious shade on election results eight years ago, months before his 2016 victory. He never stopped. He can't stop. His fragile ego is too threatened by the concept of losing to ever accept it as a mathematical fact. Trump did it again Wednesday during a news conference, allegedly about the economy, where he rambled on with lies about the 2020 election while again complaining that his various civil and criminal legal entanglements are a form of election interference. That's a long con from a swindler already held accountable for running a real estate business rife with fraud. The only way to defeat this sort of scam trying to dispute election certification is to recognize it for what it is and publicly call it out. Some of Trump's most faithful supporters will still be easy marks for this. It falls to the rest of us to reject it. Follow USA TODAY elections columnist Chris Brennan on X, formerly known as Twitter: @ByChrisBrennan You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's election lies include renewed effort to disrupt 2024 results COLUMBUS, Ohio Montana Sen. Jon Tester is headed to a party this week. It's just going to be Pearl Jam's instead of Vice President Kamala Harris's. Tester joins vulnerable Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jacky Rosen of Nevada in skipping the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to focus on their must-win races instead, their campaigns confirmed. At least a couple House Democrats facing similar political headwinds back home are skipping a trip to the Windy City too. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown is campaigning in the Buckeye State instead of attending the DNC. Brown and Tester face tough reelection bids in states that former President Donald Trump won easily in both 2016 and 2020. Voters in Rosen's Nevada went for President Joe Biden in 2020 but remains a highly competitive swing state. Senate Democrats hold a narrow 51-49 majority and have little margin for error this fall. Polls show Brown, who is running for his fourth term, has an edge over Republican businessman Bernie Moreno and Rosen is leading Army veteran Sam Brown. But it's a toss-up between Tester and his GOP challenger Tim Sheehy. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana. For candidates in tight races, "I don't necessarily know if there's much benefit to going," said Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Several Republicans skipped the Milwaukee convention last month. "Particularly if you're trying to keep the party at arm's length, why would you go to the convention?" Brown and Tester called on Biden to drop out of the race days before the sitting president ended his reelection campaign. Brown and Rosen have endorsed Harris' campaign. Tester has yet to do so. So Tester is forgoing the DNC for a Wednesday fundraiser with Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament, a Montana native, according to the Montana Free Press. The band plays a concert the next day at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula. Tester plans to spend his August farming and meeting face-to-face with Montanans, according to his campaign. Brown has a packed schedule of campaign stops in the Buckeye State. "We've been planning to be in Ohio for months and Sherrod is looking forward to hearing from Ohioans in Youngstown, Toledo, Cleveland, Chillicothe and Sandusky this week to discuss his record fighting for the dignity of work," Brown spokesperson Eliza Green told USA TODAY. Rosen, who has skipped previous Democratic conventions, recently rallied voters for Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Las Vegas. Sen. Rosen supports the Harris-Walz ticket and was glad to join them on the campaign trail in Las Vegas," a Rosen spokesperson said. "She is also focused on her own reelection and will be talking with Nevada voters during the week of the convention. From left: U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, U.S. Rep Dina Titus, Sen. Jacky Rosen, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz take a bow at the end of a presidential campaign rally in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2024. Colorado Rep. Yadira Caraveo and Maine Rep. Jared Golden will campaign in their districts rather than attend the DNC, their campaigns confirmed. "Who I vote for is no ones business but my own," Golden wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I want the people of Maines Second District to understand this: I dont care if you plan to vote for Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, or none of the above." In the hours after Biden dropped out of the race, Democrats faced the threat of a historic open convention. But Harris quickly locked up support and won the nomination via a virtual roll call vote earlier this month. "It could have been the most impactful convention in 60 years had Harris not immediately turned around and grabbed the nomination," Kondik said. "But as it is, it's just a big show for the party." Jessie Balmert 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 Cincinnati Enquirer: These vulnerable Democratic lawmakers are skipping the DNC in Chicago Just before midnight, Paul Harell drove to a strangers home near a riverside town in Maryland. He found the basement door unlocked and, taking a paring knife from the kitchen, entered the bedroom. A 74-year-old woman awoke with Harells hands constricting her throat and the weight of his body on top of her. It was a crime that echoed how Harell had raped women and girls decades earlier on Washingtons Whidbey Island. And one that Washington spent years, and millions of dollars, to prevent. It was not an anomaly. One in 4 people the state has committed and released from the nations first program to rehabilitate so-called sexually violent predators have been arrested for new crimes, a Seattle Times investigation found. One in 7 like Harell reoffended in a serious manner; half involved sexual violence. Washington justifies detaining and treating people at the Special Commitment Center as necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, or safety. The Department of Social and Health Services, which runs the center on McNeil Island, 3 miles into Puget Sound, does not track the people it releases nor whether they commit new crimes. The agency does not track whether its legally mandated treatment program improves public safety. It is not required to. Unlike other behavioral health treatment programs run by the state, the Special Commitment Center has no regular independent audits or enforceable state or federal standards for the quality or efficacy of its care. DSHS per-person cost for the program currently averages $440,000, making it one of the states most expensive forms of institutionalization. But the agency has not examined whether its 34-year experiment in civil commitment is helping the people in its custody or the public. This lack of scrutiny by DSHS and lawmakers has allowed the state the convenience of saying the money and time it spends treating residents works, without the responsibility of looking at what happens off the island. Yet Washington continues to send a small number of people to McNeil Island each year while rapidly releasing many more, according to a Seattle Times data analysis. Today, more people the state once labeled sexually violent predators live off the island than remain on it. DSHS and the Attorney Generals Office stated in 2019 that Harell had been successfully treated for his history of sexual violence and agreed to his release despite concerns by a corrections officer that his compliance with supervision appeared to be deteriorating in the months prior, including lying to his therapist, records obtained from the Department of Corrections and Island County Superior Court show. But when Harell moved back to Maryland where hed grown up, Washington did not watch as he continued to decline, at times sleeping in his car with a colostomy bag attached to his body. It did not know if he had an address to register as a sex offender, or when he got a job with a cleaning company, which allowed him into the home of the 74-year-old woman. And it did not track when he returned two days later with the intent, a Maryland jury later found, to commit a new crime. Serious sex offenses, rising releases To understand what happens after people are let go and whether Washington is fulfilling its promise to protect public safety, The Times built a database using state and national court records and police reports to identify new crimes committed after people are released. DSHS does not have this information. It wasnt until 2018 that the Special Commitment Center even had a data department. The state and county Superior Court judges and juries who oversee special commitment cases have released 179 people from DSHS oversight since the program began, according to DSHS records. Most of those releases occurred in the past decade. Of those who were released and reoffended, more than half 27 out of 50 involved serious crimes, some reminiscent of the types of sexual violence that originally landed them on McNeil Island, including assault, rape, possessing child sexual abuse materials, attempting to solicit a minor for sex and sexual abuse of a child. The rest involved lower-level crimes, including drug possession and failing to register as a sex offender offenses that can be related to mental health issues, substance abuse disorders and homelessness. For nearly three-quarters of those released, The Times found no record of an arrest for a new crime. (The Times did not include minor traffic incidents as new crimes.) However, for about a dozen people, the news organization was not able to find any record of them. A handful died soon after release. Many have gone on to live without incident holding jobs, joining religious communities and, according to interviews with former residents and their attorneys, finding better treatment off the island than on, for substance abuse, mental health issues and sexual disorders. One former resident of the island now advocates for criminal justice reform in Olympia. DSHS acknowledges that releasing people directly into the community without oversight is a more dangerous option than supervised release. Critics note that Washington state government is liability-averse and by not tracking releases, the state has distanced itself from the financial responsibility and potential impacts to public safety. DSHS, defense attorneys and prosecutors often recommend that people are first released conditionally, either into state-run transition facilities or into supervised housing known as less restrictive alternatives group homes where they continue state-funded treatment under strict conditions, like wearing a GPS monitor and avoiding contact with minors. But Department of Corrections records show even supervised releases have been fraught with problems. Since 2016, there have been at least 725 violations twice as many as the number of people released conditionally during that time resulting in roughly a dozen court-ordered returns to the island annually. Violations range from minor incidents to evading supervision, resident abuse and harm to staff. The public and lawmakers have been more focused in recent years on supervised releases, in part because they now require public notice. Neighborhoods with these group homes have seen heated protests. Last spring, not long after protests in Enumclaw and Tenino, Keith Devos, the CEO of the Special Commitment Center, stood on the Steilacoom dock about to board a ferry to McNeil Island and pointed to a faded yellow line painted on the concrete. When theyre here, Devos said, looking toward the distant island, were treating them. But the reality is, many can and will be released. And then once theyre on this side he pointed beyond the yellow line, toward the historic town of Steilacoom, where American and Washington state flags hang from every lamppost, we dont have oversight of them anymore. They can live anywhere they want. A new public safety experiment Boats cannot dock on McNeil Island. Tourists cannot visit, even to glimpse great blue herons, harbor seals and beaches etched by salt marshes and sea grass. Besides staff and prescreened visitors, the only way to board the state-run ferry to the island is through the civil commitment process. At the islands edge stands a former federal and state prison, now hollow and abandoned. Beyond it, past rolling green hills and boarded-up homes, the Special Commitment Center is a small campus of low, barracklike buildings, contained inside rows of spiraling razor wire. Today, 131 people remain within total confinement on the island, down from a peak of 285 in 2011. Residents live in spare, individual rooms with possessions that must be approved by the state. Inspirational posters and hand-drawn pictures haphazardly hang on white brick walls. Civil commitment, or involuntary commitment, has long been used by governments to temporarily detain people in a hospital or institution because of their risk to harm themselves or others. Most psychiatric holds are intended to span days or weeks, with regular court review. If not, the state gets sued for violating peoples civil liberties. But two heinous sex crimes in the late 1980s forced an expansion of civil commitment in Washington. A young woman was murdered by a man on work release from prison. Months later, another man, who had a history of serious mental illness and serial sexual violence, raped and mutilated a boy in the South Tacoma woods. State lawmakers passed the Community Protection Act of 1990 to hold people after their prison sentence if there was reason to believe they might reoffend in a sexually predatory manner, making Washington the first state to indefinitely institutionalize people on the basis of sexual violence. The law relies on a specific risk equation: Do a persons criminal history and underlying personality disorder or mental abnormality (a broad legal term used by Washington state and not recognized by the American Psychological Association) mean they are 50% or more likely to commit new predatory acts if not detained? DSHS website states the law was created to protect public safety and to provide care, control and custody for the civilly committed residents. The law also established one of the first statewide sex offender registries; a federal registry was created four years later. More than a dozen states followed Washingtons lead, creating civil commitment programs and sex offender registries. Experts say the law had the unintended consequence of giving the public the perception that the worst offenders were far away on an island, and that it obscured the reality that most people who commit sex crimes live in or have returned to their communities. Nearly 3,300 people are incarcerated for sex crimes in Washington state, and an additional 3,500 people are on parole from prison for such crimes, the vast majority male, according to the departments data. More than 20,000 people are required to register as sex offenders in Washington, according to a recent state policy report. But the people sent to McNeil Island about 515 in nearly 35 years make up less than 3% of those currently required to register. Earl Shriner, the man who mutilated the Tacoma boy, never went to the Special Commitment Center. He is serving a 131-year sentence for rape and attempted murder. At the time the special commitment law was created, release was an afterthought. The only way people were freed was through showing they had changed, either through success in treatment or physiologically because of stroke, dementia or advanced age. But the belief among lawmakers and law enforcement in the late 1980s and early 90s was that most people with such sexual deviancies were untreatable and few would ever leave. The Legislature left open the possibility that [a person] could document that they were cured, said Phil Talmadge, a former senator involved in creating the law. Community release, he said, was expected to be a rare event. But not releasing people, courts soon ruled, made the law unconstitutional. A challenge, then rapid rise in releases The first lawsuits began almost immediately. Richard Turay, the sixth person admitted to the Special Commitment Center, sued in 1994, alleging the lack of mental health treatment violated his constitutional rights. A jury agreed. The special commitment law skirted the line of double jeopardy: potentially punishing people for the same crime after their criminal sentence. Without treatment that could lead to rehabilitation and release, there is a belief by residents that their confinement amounts to a life sentence, the federal judge in Seattle found in the Turay case. Ultimately, courts ruled that the possibility of release, combined with sex offender treatment, is what allows the Special Commitment Center to legally operate. So for over a decade, the state was placed under a federal injunction while it worked to comply with the requirement to both provide adequate mental health care and release people. The injunction was lifted in 2007 with DSHS assurances that residents would have a way to transition into the community. If the department violated that, it knew it could be sued again. DSHS opened two state-run transition facilities where people could be sent before returning to the community. For years, the people committed to McNeil Island rarely left. Then the state and courts slowly began releasing residents, first at a trickle, then at a rapid clip. Only one person was unconditionally released in 2007. By 2012, Washington was quietly releasing more residents into the community, with and without supervision, than were admitted. The state set a record last year, releasing 68 people, with and without conditions. Releases became more common in part because new research found Washington and other states had been inflating the degree of dangerousness of people who commit repeated sexual offenses, particularly after age 60. As a result, forensic evaluators in Washington determined that some people previously considered high risk were less likely to commit new crimes and thus were eligible for release. However, advocates for sexual assault survivors say that because crimes are underreported, the rate of repeated sex crimes will also be underreported. Less than 1% of all sexual assault cases result in a felony conviction, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Shannon Reid, a criminology professor who reviewed The Times analysis, affirmed the news organizations recidivism methodology but said crime statistics have gaps. More than half of all crimes are never reported, and police can be more likely to surveil people with a known criminal history, she said. Whenever you are dealing with justice-involved individuals, you are only going to be getting a snapshot of what is going on, said Reid, who teaches criminal justice and criminology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. DSHS officials say the agency has not made any policy changes that have influenced the rapid rate of releases and that its the courts, not the state, that ultimately determine when someone is released. We do what the court asks us to do, said Sjan Talbot, deputy assistant secretary for DSHS Behavioral Health Administration. But half a dozen court officials statewide who handle special commitment cases said in interviews that their role has limits. Judges are often generalists and depend on the information they are given by the state, the prosecution and the defense, said Supreme Court Justice G. Helen Whitener, who oversaw sexually violent predator cases on Pierce County Superior Court and represented committed residents as a defense attorney. By the time [a person] gets to the court for that release, it really favors heavily for the individual to be released, Whitener said. And the pressure to provide people a path to freedom has only continued. Disability Rights Washington sued in 2017, accusing the state of virtually warehousing vulnerable residents with cognitive disabilities, allowing them to languish in solitary confinement with no access to treatment they could understand or any way to be released. This again placed the state at risk of violating residents constitutional and civil rights. Almost a decade later, the state is still under a settlement agreement with the advocacy group to improve care for people with cognitive disabilities on the island. Costs soar, population drops Amid ongoing concerns over disability rights and releases, the states special commitment program has been hemorrhaging money even as it cares for fewer and fewer people. Since 2014, the Special Commitment Center programs budget has increased by more than 115% while the number of people civilly committed has fallen by more than 35%. The average per-person cost has tripled in the same period. State budget documents and legislative policy reports show ongoing concerns over the rising costs and proposals to study moving more people off the island, explicitly older residents and those with developmental disabilities and psychiatric conditions, or relocate the whole facility. DSHS said its budget has grown because of increasing wages, older residents medical needs and the expense of operating the aging island facility. Overseeing people in transitional housing in less-restrictive alternative placements in the community has also become much more expensive, said Devos, the CEO of the Special Commitment Center. When a resident is released, however, the cost to DSHS is zero. Talbot, DSHS deputy assistant secretary, maintains that the money spent by the state directly correlates to public safety. We have to spend the money because we have to provide the necessary services to try to help people become successful, Talbot said in an interview at the agencys office in Steilacoom. Over the past several years, the Sex Offender Policy Board, which advises the governor and the Legislature, recommended a review of the entire special commitment system and noted the states aversion to releases because of increased liability. The board has heard of more and more cases where state agencies avoid making decisions or offering opinions to change conditions of supervision, especially for registered sex offenders in community placement, the board wrote in a 2016 report, recommending an examination of how liability concerns have interfered with state agencies employing effective case management and stewardship of state resources. When a state agency takes on more oversight, liability increases for the state substantially, the board noted. Talmadge, the former senator and now an appellate attorney, said the law only establishes liability when a special relationship can be established between the state and the perpetrator or victim. The battle for lawyers is does the state owe people a duty? he said. No sex offender treatment for 1 in 5 residents Despite years of sex offender treatment in Washington, Harell is now serving a life sentence in Maryland for attempted rape, burglary and other charges after the 2021 attack. Even as Harell cut the blade into the womans neck and chest, she was able to press a medical alert button, court records show, causing him to flee. He was arrested the next day. The quality and amount of DSHS sex offender treatment has been criticized for years by residents, defense attorneys and advocates. Treatment at McNeil Island is intended, according to DSHS, to provide individuals with coping skills and tools through group and individual therapy to prevent them from reoffending. Yet even though mental health services must be offered to keep the program on the right side of the law, DSHS offers few other psychiatric services outside of sex offender treatment and only an hour of individual therapy a month. Clinician vacancies and frequent turnover have also created instability in therapeutic care. Last year, most residents received a weekly average of 5.25 hours of treatment, up from just 2.25 hours in 2022. Residents with cognitive disabilities received less than three hours a week. One in 5 McNeil Island residents receive no treatment at all because DSHS cant mandate they take it. Calvin Malone never underwent treatment at the Special Commitment Center. But after seven years on McNeil Island, he was released. One day I was labeled as a sexually violent predator with the potential of being there for life, and the next day, I wasnt, he said. It was miraculous. I never took a day of treatment. Malone, who was convicted of child rape and other sex crimes in the late 1980s and early 1990s, said he declined treatment on McNeil Island because he had more comprehensive sex offender treatment while in a Washington prison and any information disclosed during treatment on the island can be used against residents in court. I recognized there was something wrong with me on Day 1 of entering Walla Walla, he said. I needed to do something. It was a gradual transformation. It was like a peeling of the onion skin to get to the center of the issue of my dysfunction, and that required a lot of examination. But the help he had in that process came from people who reached out to him from the community and his Buddhist practice, he said. It had nothing to do with what DOC or DSHS offered me. He has had no new arrests since his 2019 release. We were all detained at the same place under the same circumstance, said Malone, 73, who has spoken at state legislative hearings on prison reform. But some [people] were released and we all looked at each other and said, How did he get out? Because we know each other and the behaviors that are hidden or not. Sometimes we are baffled by the decisions that are made. Devos said numerous factors go into determining whether he supports someones petition to be released from the island, including a forensic evaluation, which every resident undergoes annually, and his clinical judgment review, which can contradict the forensic evaluation. Devos acknowledged that 14 to 20 hours of treatment per week is considered best practice and that the state could do more to expand what it offers. A survey of 17 of 21 state and federal commitment programs similar to the Special Commitment Center found that in 2018 most offered at least six hours of sex offender treatment weekly and an additional 12 to 16 hours of therapies each month, according to the Sex Offender Civil Commitment Programs Network. Texas offers six hours of sex offender treatment weekly and 10 hours of therapeutic work, plus weekly Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups. Neither of those groups is offered on McNeil Island. Data methodology To understand what happened to the 179 people who have been released from civil commitment for sex crimes, The Seattle Times reviewed records obtained from DSHS, the Department of Corrections, Washington and national court and police records to build a database of charges and/or convictions after each person was released. The data spans people released since the programs inception, some of whom have been free for over a decade, others just a few months. Devos says the facilitys treatment is rigorous because the agency is charged with protecting public safety. We have a huge stake, not only in their success within our program, but when it comes to public safety, our families are impacted, right? he said. I go to restaurants, my kids go to restaurants. And so do the residents who are unconditionally released. Unlike other state-run psychiatric facilities, the Special Commitment Center does not have to meet state or federal treatment standards, in part because it does not take Medicaid or Medicare funding. Other facilities undergo regular inspections and can be fined or lose federal funding entirely, as occurred in 2018 at Western State Hospital. The only routine oversight report on the McNeil Island program is conducted by the Inspection of Care team, three out-of-state experts hired and paid by DSHS. It was their 2023 report that identified the facilitys average weekly treatment hours. The team has long suggested the state improve its treatment program, but there is no requirement DSHS follow the teams guidance. Nor can it levy fines against the agency. I just want to let U know Im 13 Institutional life was regulated in shades of gray, but when Malone was released from McNeil Island, the outside world overwhelmed him. The smell of popcorn, womens perfume and Starbucks coffee induced panic. Bright colors glared from every surface, blended with the blare of sounds from electronics that hadnt existed when he entered prison. For some, Malone said, abrupt freedom has the potential to result in new tragedy. Harell was released just months before Malone and had been committed for a year longer. ----------------------------------------------- Additional information about this reporting This reporting was informed by hundreds of pages of psychological records, court files, victim testimony and interviews with people who have been subject to or convicted of violent sex crimes. What is evident from these records, and the stories they inform, is that sexual violence not only inflicts trauma but is sometimes borne from it. Many survivors of sexual assault do not report the crimes or ever give voice to them in a way that can be formally documented. Still, the enduring harm of sexual violence ripples through communities. Jennifer Ritchie, chair of the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Offices Sexually Violent Predator unit, said civil commitment provides an additional opportunity to offer treatment, and when people are conditionally released with supervision to group homes, there is more ongoing oversight as they transition into the community. I say this every time I unconditionally release someone, Ritchie said: Mr. Johnson, I hope I never see you again. Because if I see you, that means theres a problem with community safety, that means you either hurt someone else or hurt yourself. I hope to never see you ever again. But I do tell the court well be watching. Ritchie added that her office sees new police reports or arrests when they occur, but ultimately, When this person is unconditionally released, they are the only one that can hold themselves accountable. Mathew Jagger had been unconditionally released from McNeil Island for six years when a protective order was filed against him in Snohomish County in 2017. It alleged he coerced a 32-year-old woman with developmental disabilities into sex. The woman believed Jagger was wrongfully convicted of past crimes, including a child rape conviction that led to his commitment to McNeil Island, and had been encouraged by Jagger, who was homeless, to sleep with him outside, the protective order states. The case was ultimately dismissed and the woman died, unhoused, two years later in King County. Not long after, Jagger was arrested in Lynnwood for exchanging sexually explicit messages with an undercover police officer he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The officer, pretending to be Sara, wrote on a messaging app: I just want to let U know Im 13 but still want to hang out with u I just want make sure your good wit that. Yes I am hun, Jagger responded with an emoji, according to the prosecutors affidavit. He later asked Sara when her mom would be out of town and if she would have sex with him in the back of his van, before agreeing to meet in a parking lot in Lynnwood. Jagger is currently in prison in Aberdeen, appealing his conviction. Wake County to take fight against opioid addiction and overdoses to the streets Lindsey Humphreys has been recovering from opioid addiction for the last five years, she said. Shes known people in Wake County who have died from opioids because they didnt have access to naloxone, a life-saving drug that reverses the effects of opioid overdose. I decided to be part of the solution and just started to distribute this, she said. I have been doing it for the last couple of years in the memory of some of my friends who passed. Humphreys is the executive director of Illuminate NC, an organization that helps distribute naloxone in Wake and Vance counties. Illuminate distributes about 300 naloxone units a month, she said. Now the group will also receive money from Wake County to set up 10 streetside naloxone dispensers using repurposed newspaper boxes. Opioid settlement money Illuminate is one of 13 organizations that will partner with Wake County this year to fight opioid addiction. With about $3.5 million in opioid settlement money, the county plans to work with the groups to expand naloxone distribution, youth intervention, housing support and other services, opioid settlement manager Alyssa Kitlas told the Wake County Board of Commissioners last week. These partnerships are the first of two funding waves the county plans to roll out over the next few months, she said. The county will receive a total of $65.6 million from legal settlements with manufacturers and distributors for their role in the opioid epidemic. Wake County agreed to the settlement in November 2021 and received more than $4.7 million in 2023. The money will continue to flow through 2039. Too many neighbors, family members, friends Opioid overdose deaths in Wake County have steadily increased since 2000, according to data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. In 2022, 241 people died of opioid overdose in Wake County. Those are too many neighbors, family members, friends that were losing to the overdose crisis, Kitlas said. This is also really important because the timing particularly for these settlement funds is just so critical to really bringing down those numbers. In April, the county commissioners agreed to spend $7.5 million this fiscal year to combat the problem. Since then, the county has provided buprenorphine, a painkiller and treatment for opioid addiction, at low or no cost to underinsured residents. The county has also expanded treatment to people incarcerated in Wake Countys detention centers. Now theyre going inside the facility, Sheriff Willie Rowe told the commissioners. And its working very well. Kitlas said about 35 people a day currently get medication-assisted treatment in the detention centers. Wake County public schools will also benefit from the settlement money, Kitlas added. The school system plans to have naloxone kits available in every building this fall. Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose. The funding for the 13 community organizations also comes from the $7.5 million 2025 spending plan. In total, the county received 39 applications for the funding. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- An executive meeting of the State Council, presided over by Premier Li Qiang on Monday, reviewed and approved four documents, discussed policy measures to support the high-quality development of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and approved five nuclear power projects. Among the approved documents was the 2024 edition of a set of special administrative measures -- a negative list -- for foreign investment access. According to the negative list, China will relax restrictions on foreign investment further by completely abolishing entry barriers in the manufacturing sector, while accelerating the opening up of sectors such as telecommunication, education and health care services. Another document approved at the meeting was a set of guidelines on promoting the high-quality development of services trade through high-level opening up. The meeting stressed that accelerating the development of services trade is essential to expanding high-level opening up and fostering new foreign trade drivers. Efforts should be made to promote innovative development in key services trade areas, as well as the integration of services trade and goods trade, according to the meeting. It also highlighted the importance of efforts to create new services trade growth drivers, and to support the international development of professional services such as finance, consultation, design and certification. The meeting discussed measures with a focus on strengthening policy coordination in areas of taxation, finance, science and technology, industry and human resources, in order to foster innovative SMEs that use specialized, sophisticated technologies to produce novel or unique products. Efforts must also be made to make those SMEs smarter, and more digitalized and eco-friendly in a bid to enhance their core competitiveness, according to the meeting. Noting that safety is the lifeline of nuclear power development, the meeting stressed the need to strengthen safety regulations to ensure the utmost safety of nuclear power and promote the long-term healthy development of the industry. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) New Mexico Horse Rescue at Walkin N Circles Ranch is a nonprofit horse rescue that rehabilitates and finds homes for abandoned, abused and neglected horses. Walkin N Circles is currently caring for about 50 horses. Food truck owners upset with City of Albuquerque over major permit fee increase Starting August 31, the Riding for Rescues Fundraiser will begin. Bud Kingston will make a 400-mile journey on horseback across New Mexico to raise money for horses. Kingston will begin his journey at the Arizona/New Mexico border and travel long Highway 60 to the New Mexico/Texas border. Walkin N Circles is accepting any corporate or individual sponsors and donors. All funds raised will go toward supporting the rescued horses at the ranch. On September 7, in Mountainair there will be donor meal at the JP Helms Rodeo Arena. For more information on the organization and on the fundraisers, click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A plan to build a new Walmart Supercenter has been submitted in Lebanon, according to planning department documents submitted to the city. The location for the new Walmart would be on a little more than 33 acres on the northeast corner of State Route 109 and Wilson Farms Boulevard just south of Interstate 40. The main supercenter building would be a little more than 172,000 square feet. A fueling station is also part of the development plan, according to Lebanon's planning department. A Walmart logo. If approved, the future Walmart would be between a Mt. Juliet Walmart on Pleasant Grove Road just north of I-40 and the Walmart in Lebanon on South Cumberland Street, north of I-40. The area along Highway 109 in Lebanon has seen considerable residential growth in recent years. "Highway 109 has become an important commercial corridor for Lebanon," the city's mayor Rick Bell said. "The addition of Walmart would continue that trend. "It is important for our citizens who live in that area and it is important for the continuing growth of our sales tax base. Highway 109 is also a regional route that has the opportunity to bring sales tax dollars from people from other cities." Sam's Club has also submitted a plan to build a new store on Willard Hagan Drive along South Hartmann Drive in Lebanon. Sam's Club, a membership retail store, is a division of Walmart. Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Walmart submits plans for a new supercenter. Here's where its going FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) As part of a global display of solidarity, the local Venezuelan community and allies gathered in Fresno Saturday to protest the recent election results in Venezuela. The peaceful protest that took place near River Park called for a strong desire to see Venezuela free from dictatorship and repression. Were here peacefully protesting because we want Venezuela to be free. The 28th of July there was fraud committed on the elections and we are tired of misery being repressed of a government that is a dictatorship where our human rights are not listened. We want freedom for Venezuela, said protestor Anyelieth Rodriguez. This protest in Fresno was part of a greater global whole after opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called for demonstrators to raise their voices for freedom and demand the Venezuelan Supreme Electoral Council release all the official records from the July 28 election and to officially declare Edmundo Gonzalez the winner. They also demand the resignation of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. I know what it is like to suffer: Salvadorans helping Venezuelans in Fresno Aura Gonzalez, an organizer for the group Venezolanos Central Valley, which helps Venezuelan immigrants get accustomed to the U.S., says the demonstration in Fresno was intended to bring awareness internationally toward a 25-year repressive regime. In Venezuela, we hold elections under very disadvantaged circumstances because the Maduro regime holds all the power in my country so civil rights and civil liberties and freedom of press in my country dont exist, Gonzalez said. And while many in the valley who are not Venezuelan may not think twice about this election, Gonzalez says this issue eventually affects the states. If election outcomes are perceived as fraudulent or referred it can lead to an increase in rent and instability in Venezuela, potentially exacerbating the immigration crisis. So Venezuelans living in the valley may face high uncertainty about their families back home, increased pressure on local resources and support systems, Gonzalez explained. Earlier this year a group of Venezuelan asylum seekers unexpectedly arrived in Fresno from out of state. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer responded by saying they needed to be sent back to El Paso to undergo the official legal processes but also provided them with support. Dyer says Venezuelans in Fresno need to be transported back to El Paso What we are doing in the City of Fresno is somewhat of a triage, and that is to make sure that they have their health needs met, to make sure that they have food, some temporary shelter and services provided to them, Mayor Dyer said in a February press conference. Gonzalez says it has been 15 years since she has seen her family and adds this is a reality for many asylum seekers who trek through dangerous routes and leave behind their whole lives to escape the regime. We want our democracy back. We want to come back home. We want to hug again our family our relatives that we left there and we want everyone to have simple things that every human being deserves, Gonzalez said. Human rights is food, water, a decent [job], a good healthcare system because Venezuela right now we have a crisis, unfortunately. And we want peace and liberty that is a human right that every human being deserves. And while ways to show support can range from donating to nonprofits and organizations, using social media, or supporting legislation, one of the best ways to help is to stay informed about the crisis through trusted sources, Gonzalez says. Please get well informed about what is happening in [Venezuela] because sometimes people can misunderstand the system that is right now in the presidency in my country and make comparisons that doesnt align with what exactly is happening, Gonzalez said. Sometimes it can be very sensitive for many Venezuelans when people come without the proper knowledge. Aura Gonzalez is calling for any and all Venezuelans in the valley to reach out to the group Venezolanos Central Valley CA on Facebook for support. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Warren man sentenced to a year in prison for role in 22 overdose death of woman YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A Warren man who pleaded guilty to his role in the 2022 overdose death of a woman was sentenced today to a year in prison. Judge Anthony Donofrio handed down the sentence in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to Anthony Harris, 40, who pleaded guilty last week to a charge of attempted reckless homicide, a fourth-degree felony. The sentence is running concurrently with a three-year sentence Harris received in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court for a drug charge there. Harris was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter in the Mahoning County case, a first-degree felony, but the charge was amended in exchange for his plea. A co-defendant, Alan Hunt III, was also charged with the womans death, but he died before his case could be heard. They were charged with supplying the drugs that led to the Feb. 14, 2022, overdose death of a 32-year-old woman. The victim was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center after she was found passed out at about 3:10 p.m. Feb. 12, 2022 on the floor of a home in the 1200 block of West County Line Road in Austintown. A coroners report said the woman was revived in the hospital but died two days later. Her death was ruled accidental by the coroners office. The cause of death was listed as organ failure due to fentanyl toxicity. The womans mother spoke and told the judge her daughter now has two sons who will grow up without her. The mother also said she lost another daughter to cancer and she had to make the decision to take her daughter off of life support after she overdosed. Her daughter also planned to go back to college before she died, her mother said. She called her daughter a beautiful, loving person and after losing two daughters, she believes the grief has affected her physically. After so many times, grief does something to your body, she told Judge Donofrio. If you dont have faith it will kill your spirit. Harris attorney, Tom Zena, had filed a motion to dismiss the charges against his client, saying that prosecutors had no evidence he discussed drug deliveries with Hunt. He dropped his motion after his client agreed to plead guilty before it was ruled on. Zena did not comment, other than to give his condolences to the victims family. Harris declined to speak before he was sentenced. The sentence was agreed upon by the attorneys in the case and upheld by Judge Donofrio. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Quick Answer: Watch the 2024 Democratic National Convention with a live TV streaming service like DirecTV Stream, fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling. More from Rolling Stone get free trial at directv stream Were now halfway through the Democratic National Convention. Delegates from across the nation have arrived in Chicago, where Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will formally accept the partys nomination for president and vice president in the 2024 presidential race. It will be one of the first major events for the Harris ticket since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed the VP. Harris is the first Black woman and first Indian American in the countrys history to become a major partys presidential nominee. Monday nights main event was President Joe Biden, who delivered a forceful defense of his term in office in a speech that capped his over 50-year career in politics. Other speakers included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Tuesdays speakers included Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Wednesdays speeches will include Tim Walz, who is set to accept the partys nomination for Vice President. Former President Bill Clinton and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will also speak. The main program will run from about 6:30 PM ET to 11 PM ET. If youve cut the cord on traditional cable and youre looking to watch the Democratic National Convention, read on. Below is a brief guide on how to livestream the DNC online, including a couple of options that let you watch the DNC for free. How to Watch the Democratic National Convention 2024 The Democratic National Convention will be covered by most major outlets including ABC, CBS, CNN, C-SPAN, Fox, NBC, MSNBC, PBS, and more. The best way to watch the DNC without cable is to get a live TV streaming service with all the major news networks. Four of our favorite cable streaming options for watching the DNC are DirecTV Stream, fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling. The convention will also be streamed on the DNCs website. DirecTV Stream, fubo, and Hulu + Live TV are the most comprehensive options with dozens of major channels each. Plus, all three services offer free trials that you can use to watch the Democratic National Convention for free. If you want to keep any of the services after their free trials, theyll run about $80 a month for the most affordable packages (DirecTV Stream, however, is offering a deal right now that cuts $30 off each of your first three monthly bills). get free trial at directv stream Sling is a more affordable cable streaming option, with packages starting at just $40 a month. However, coverage isnt as broad as the others, and it doesnt offer a free trial. When Is the Democratic National Convention? 2024 Schedule, Dates The 2024 Democratic National Convention is taking place Monday, Aug. 19 through Thursday, Aug. 22 with different speeches and events planned each day. Democratic National Convention 2024 Location, Speakers The Democratic National Convention is taking place in Chicago, Illinois. Most of the event will take place at the United Center, and some activities will be held at the McCormick Place Convention Center. In addition to 5,000 delegates and alternates, the multi-day event will host speeches from major Democratic figures. President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama delivered remarks, and former President Bill Clinton and vice presidential nominee Tim Walz are speaking tonight. Best of Rolling Stone Photographer Claudia Zuno scales a tall ladder to capture images of local politicians and party members on the DNC stage as preparations continue for the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) It isn't the convention that Democrats had been planning for but it will commence Monday with a sense of enthusiasm that for months had eluded the party. About five weeks after President Biden announced he would not seek reelection, the Democratic Party will convene for four days in Chicago to anoint Vice President Kamala Harris as its standard-bearer and presidential nominee. It will do so as Harris surges in polls that show her outpacing Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in some battleground states. The Democratic National Convention can be watched on most major television networks, including FoxNews, and several streaming platforms, including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. Read more: Column: The big question as Democratic convention opens: Can Harris keep her momentum alive? It also will be available on websites for the Democratic Party and C-SPAN, among other options, such as YouTube. The timing of the programming will vary from outlet to outlet, but generally most will air from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time. Biden will address the convention on Monday evening, though the timing of his appearance has not yet been announced. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who has long known Harris, will speak Monday about 4:20 p.m. (Earlier Monday, organizers said Bass was expected to speak at 3:45 p.m.) Also scheduled to speak sometime Monday is Rep. Robert Garcia of Long Beach. He also has had a longtime relationship with Harris, who swore him in when he was elected mayor of Long Beach in 2014. Harris, 59, who officially won the nomination in an online vote earlier this month, will use the event at the United Center to reintroduce herself to the public and make her case for the presidency. The gathering, which will also include the adoption of the party platform, is expected to draw protesters angry over the Biden administration's support for Israel in its war against Hamas. Former presidents Obama and Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are scheduled to speak during the first few days of the convention. But delegates, who number in the thousands, will have to wait until Thursday to hear Harris formally accept the party's nomination and deliver remarks. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who will accept the party's vice presidential nomination, will speak Wednesday. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Jonathan Malaya (left), the Philippines national security council assistant director general, Antonio Carpio (centre), a former Supreme Court justice and Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesman, talk to reporters about the incident - Jam Sta Rosa/AFP Click here to view this content. The Philippines and China have accused each other of dangerous provocation after a collision between two coast guard vessels in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The ramming incident, which happened near the Sabina Shoal in the early hours of Monday, is the latest flare-up in a months-long stand-off between the nations over contested areas of one of the worlds most critical waterways. Beijing launched the first salvo in the blame game, publishing grainy footage of the maritime crash and accusing the Philippine vessel of ignoring repeated warnings before it deliberately collided with the Chinese ship in an unprofessional and dangerous manner. Manila immediately countered Chinas version of facts with its own report that two of its vessels, the BRP Bagacay and the BRP Cape Engano, had faced unlawful and aggressive manoeuvres from Chinese ships while en route to supply Filipino personnel on two nearby islands. The Chinese action had caused structural damage to both Philippine ships, including a five-inch hole on the deck of the Cape Engano, said Jonathan Malaya, a spokesman for the national security council and Manilas South China Sea task force. Damage can be seen where the BRP Bagacay was hit - Philippine coast guard Manila said two of its vessels, the BRP Bagacay and the BRP Cape Engano, had faced 'unlawful and aggressive manoeuvres' - Philippine coast guard/AFP The Philippines coast guard released photographs of the aftermath of the confrontation, which it said was the biggest structural damage it had experienced at the hands of the Chinese coast guard to date. The clash is likely to set back recent efforts to quell ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing which has laid vast claims to the South China Sea despite not having the legal basis to do so. Sabina Shoal, which lies 86 miles west of the Philippine island of Palawan, is a maritime feature of the Spratlys archipelago, which is also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. The islands lie more than 808 miles from Chinas Hainan. Following the collision, Gan Yu, the China coast guard spokesman, said the Filipino vessels had illegally intruded into Chinese waters and violated the temporary arrangements between China and the Philippines. In July, the two countries said they had reached a provisional agreement over resupply missions to Filipino sailors stationed on another flashpoint, the nearby Second Thomas Shoal. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including both shoals, rejecting a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that expansive Chinese claims had no basis under international law. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. STOW, Ohio (WJW) A 25-year-year old woman was remembered Sunday night just days after being killed by an apparent stranger at a fast-food drive-thru. The event, a candlelight vigil for Megan Keleman, was held on the front lawn of Stow City Hall on Darrow Road at 7 p.m., some of which can be watched in the video player above. Didnt have to happen: Neighbors speak out after 7-year-old boy on skateboard killed in Cleveland hit-and-run Cole Tawney of Kents Riverwood Chapel, who was Kelemans pastor, and other area clergy offered words and prayers for the hundreds gathered. Being present with one another in the midst of suffering is really, really, important, Tawney told the crowd. Tawney is set to deliver her funeral service on Thursday. He said this vigil is so important to uplift those grieving. The presence of being with one another is really important and so thats why the Mayor saw it to be important, to gather the community, he said. So, we want to come alongside of the community in the family and start walking down this journey of grief. Stow Mayor John Pribonic said we may never know why the senseless act of violence happened, but its more important right now to support her loved ones. I know we cant make sense of the senseless tragedy, but we can let her see us walking down from heaven and how much we love, and we miss her, Pribonic said. During the event, a rainbow could be seen high above where everyone had gathered: Last Wednesday, Keleman was at the Taco Bell on Graham Road waiting in the drive-thru line when a 53-year-old Cuyahoga Falls man who police said appeared to be in crisis fatally shot her in the neck, then turned the gun on himself. CSU pays tribute to Megan Keleman, alum killed in suspected murder-suicide in Stow Keleman was a recent graduate of Cleveland State University, finishing her Master of Business Administration in May, the university confirmed. WJW photo WJW photo WJW photo Click here to learn more on the GoFundMe for the Megan Keleman scholarship fund. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. Kamala Harris is set to receive the official presidential nomination this week at the Democratic National Convention, which will take place from Aug. 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois. The event will be held at the United Center and will gather the Democratic Party delegates and leaders to officially nominate Harris, in addition to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for Vice President. More from Variety The convention is gearing up to be a star-studded affair, with Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, Ana Navarro and Tony Goldwyn serving as hosts. Each host will serve as the master of ceremonies for one of the four nights of the convention, opening the evening with remarks and reappearing periodically to help guide the event along. Meanwhile, Julia Louis-Dreyfus will host a daytime panel on the third day of the convention highlighting U.S. women governors. The DNC will broadcast live across ABC, CNN, CBS News, CSPAN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, Newsnation and PBS, among other channels. However, the best way for cable-cutters to tune into the events is through a live TV streamer such as DirecTV, Sling TV, Fubo TV and Hulu + Live TV, which all currently offer free trials. Select coverage will also be available to stream on Peacock (NBC coverage) and Max (CNN coverage). STREAM DNC ON DIRECTV Free Trial The main programming at the 2024 Democratic National Convention will take place each evening from around 6:15 p.m. ET to 11 p.m. ET. Mornings typically begin with delegate breakfasts that start as early as 7:00 a.m. ET, followed by various meetings and events throughout the day before the main primetime sessions begin. Like years past, there is also expected to be an impressive lineup of musical performances at this years DNC. So far, confirmed performers include John Legend, Billie Eilish and Jennifer Hudson, with more bold-faced names likely to make surprise appearances throughout the week and officially endorse the Harris-Walz ticket on stage. In addition to formal coverage, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and The Daily Show will travel to Chicago this week to cover the DNC. On the docket: A Kamala Harris biofilm created by The Daily Show team and a guest list on The Late Show that includes Hillary Clinton and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Stream the 2024 Democratic National Convention live online below: STREAM DNC ON DIRECTV Free Trial Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Aug. 19 (UPI) -- A Florida man hunting for pythons in the Big Cypress National Preserve captured video when he spotted a snake hitching a ride on the back of a swimming alligator. Bobby Ruiz was participating in the Florida Python Challenge, an annual event aimed at controlling the population of invasive Burmese pythons, and captured video when he came across the snake and alligator practicing the buddy system. "This is the most Florida thing you will ever see," Ruiz says in the video. Ruiz said the snake in the video was not a Burmese python, so he let it be. The Florida Python Challenge is held each year to curb the Burmese python population in seven wilderness areas, including Big Cyprus National Preserve. The top hunter each year receives a $10,000 prize. The European Georgia coalition has officially joined the Unity - National Movement, as confirmed during the National Movement's congress.Gigi Tsereteli, a member of European Georgia, emphasized that this is not about parties merging, but rather forming a coalition. "It's not a party joining a party; it's a coalition. This is what our society is demanding. Without this kind of unity, it will be very difficult to achieve victory and change in October," Tsereteli said.Additionally, the National Movement announced the creation of a national committee, which will be led by Koba Nakopia. His candidacy was approved at a session of the Political Council.These developments come after changes in European Georgia, including the departure of Giga Bokeria as chairman on August 1 and the founding of a new party, Federalists, on August 15.The Republican Party and the Activists for the Future organization have officially joined the Coalition for Change, which includes the Ahali, Girchi, and Droa parties.Khatuna Samnidze, leader of the Republican Party, highlighted the importance of a coalition government for Georgia's future. "There will be peace, prosperity, and progress in the country when we change this government on October 26 and ensure a coalition government. Since its foundation, the Republican Party has emphasized multipartyism as a priority for the country. Now, we face the reality that the country should be governed through multi party coalitions, based on dialogue and consensus. I stand with people with whom we can discuss, argue, agree, and manage the country together, ensuring that the people are the main focus," said Samnidze.Oktai Kazumov, representing the Activists for the Future organization, emphasized the importance of diversity in Georgia. "In the future, every citizen of Georgia, regardless of their ethnic and religious background, should contribute to the creation of Georgian culture. They should strive and create to represent our country as it is today," Kazumov stated. MOGADISHU, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The UN top relief official in Somalia on Monday called on all parties to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in the country's conflict areas. George Conway, the deputy special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, said the country has recorded 124 incidents affecting humanitarian access in 2024, with 12 aid workers injured and 13 incidents of physical assault, harassment, and intimidation. In 2023, four aid workers were killed in Somalia as cases of interference were reported during aid delivery. "I pay particular tribute to Somali aid workers who, despite immense challenges, have demonstrated their commitment to serve those in most need of assistance and protection," Conway said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, to mark World Humanitarian Day (WHD). He said the theme of this year's WHD, #ActForHumanity, urges the world to do a better job of protecting civilians and humanitarian workers, especially in conflict zones. According to the UN, Somalia is experiencing one of the world's most serious humanitarian crises, with millions of people exposed to incredible suffering due to recurring and intensifying climate shocks, protracted conflicts, disease outbreaks, and economic turmoils. These conditions have led to widespread food shortages and water scarcity, displacement, and proliferation of diseases, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). It said the need for lifesaving humanitarian assistance and resilience building remains high, despite the number of people in need of assistance has decreased to 6.9 million from 8.3 million in 2023. The OCHA said that aid worker security is a major concern because humanitarian personnel are frequently subjected to violence, both directly and indirectly. President Biden is slated to deliver the keynote address Monday evening on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Biden, who is the first sitting U.S. president in nearly half a century to drop his bid for reelection, is scheduled to speak at 10:50 p.m. EDT. The speech will mark the beginning of the end of a 53-year career that included four decades in the Senate, eight years as vice president and four years in the White House as commander in chief. First lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Partys 2016 nominee, are also expected at the convention on Monday evening, as are United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.). Watch the video above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Drivers on their way to work in West Virginia ended up delayed by an unusual traffic hazard -- a kangaroo on the loose. Noah Manns snapped photos of the kangaroo that slowed traffic on Mud Fork Road in Verdunville, Logan County, during his Friday morning commute. "I was driving to work, and we had five cars in front of us that stopped in the middle of the road," Manns told WVVA-TV. "I was trying to look around and see what the holdup was, and when I was able to get into view, I saw a kangaroo hopping up the road." He posted his photos of the marsupial to Facebook. "Of all things, what is a full grown kangaroo doing running around the streets?" he wrote. Manns said he contacted a friend who was able to speak to the owners of the kangaroo, who have owned the pet since it was a baby. The kangaroo was safely returned home. Beth Southern, communications director for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, said kangaroos are legal to keep as pets in the state. CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) A sweet day turned sour for two Virginia siblings whose money jar was stolen while they were selling lemonade, and it was caught on video. In surveillance video, a car slowly approaches the two children in Chesapeake, after which a man gets out. Rebecca Caldwell, a 10-year-old, told Nexstars WAVY that as she started to pour the man lemonade, he quickly grabbed the jar with their money and ran off. We already got $40. It seemed pretty good, and then the guy came, Rebecca said. He acted really nice. He was just saying, like, Nice, yall are doing a lemonade stand. And then he was getting pretty close, but my back was turned, so I didnt really realize. Rebecca and her younger brother Josh Caldwell can be seen on the video running inside to tell their mom they had been robbed. I just wanted to find out who would do that, because theyre just innocent kids out here, you know, having lemonade stands, said their mother, Annetta Caldwell. The two have held lemonade stands and bake sales outside their house in the past and thought this time would be no different. It was like a hot summer day, so I thought it would be nice for people to have lemonade, said Rebecca. House on North Carolinas Outer Banks collapses into ocean Their dad, Ryan Caldwell, said its become a lesson about forgiveness rather than loss. I dont think its really even about the money, he said. They just like doing it and being out here and seeing people. We dont want that stolen away from them, you know, we want the fun, the innocence, to remain. So thats probably the worst part the stolen innocence involved. The Caldwells realize they may not get the $40 back, but they do want to find a solution or even get a chance to speak to the thief. I dont know if we should talk to him, part of me wants some answers, said Annetta Caldwell. Rebecca also said forgiveness is key. We want him to become a Christian and have a good life, but we would say not go to jail, more community service, stuff like that, she said. The parents said they filed a police report. When police arrived, they talked to Rebecca and Josh. WAVY reached out to Chesapeake police for confirmation but did not immediately hear back. Theyve had a lot of follow-up with us, Ryan Caldwell said. Theyve been communicating well and stuff. So theyre, theyre very interested in helping and seeing this resolve. Rebecca and Josh are not letting a thief stop them from selling more lemonade. They plan to hold another lemonade stand on Saturday, Aug. 24. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. How to watch and stream the 2024 Democratic National Convention The Democratic National Convention is gearing up to arrive in Chicago next week. The convention will take place over four days, and while you might not be able to attend in-person, there are still ways to watch the DNC across multiple networks and streaming services. Here's what to know. What is the Democratic National Convention? The DNC is a weeklong event where Democratic delegates from each state will officially select the party's nominees for president and vice president. Traditionally, delegates vote at the convention for the nominee, but the DNC organizers held a virtual vote this year to confirm Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee ahead of the convention. When is the DNC? The DNC starts on Monday, Aug. 19, and will run through Aug. 22. What time does the DNC start? Each day of the convention includes a full schedule of events for delegates, but the main programming of the DNC takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. each night of the convention. Where is the DNC? The DNC will occur in Chicago. Evening events for the DNC will be at the United Center, at 1901 W. Madison St. Official daytime business, meetings and briefings will be at the McCormick Place, at 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive. How to watch the DNC: Network channels will air the DNC and the convention will also be streamed on the DNC YouTube channel. Streaming of evening programming will air from the United Center from 6:30 p.m. to 11p.m. ET on Monday and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday through Thursday. The official streaming of the DNC will be available at DemConvention.com, where you can also find the convention schedule. The convention will also host vertical streams across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Here's a list of platforms airing the DNC, according its website: Computer, tablet, mobile device: TV Device Apps (search for "Democratic National Convention" or "2024 DNC"): AppleTV RokuTV FireTV TV Providers: Comcast Xfinity X1 Comcast Xfinity Flex DIRECTV via Satellite DIRECTV satellite-free and DIRECTV STREAM U-verse TV Can I go to the DNC? Event programming isn't open to the public. Only delegates, politicians, media and volunteers and those with credentials will be granted access to the venues. RELATED: Who is paying for the 2024 DNC in Chicago? RELATED: Kamala Harris plans DNC week rally in Milwaukee at site of Republican National Convention This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What time does the DNC start? How to watch, stream the DNC 2024 Second Spotting A huge school of bizarre-looking sharks in Australia has been caught on video sleeping on the ocean floor in a "carpet" formation and it's not the first time researchers have caught them there, either. Named Port Jackson sharks after the part of Australia where they were first discovered, thousands of these blunt ridge-nosed predators were found, according to a press release from the University of Tasmania, blanketing the floor of a marine park as they slumbered. "There were thousands of sharks," explained UTAS researcher Jacquomo Monk, "tightly packed like a carpet spread across the seafloor." According to the statement, this incredible footage was captured by a camera-equipped autonomous aquatic robot operated remotely from a government research ship floating above. Incredibly, scientists from the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies said they spotted the sharks schooling in this peculiar manner in almost the exact same area they'd seen them do it before, six years prior. While it's clearly an amazing thing to witness, Monk noted that marine scientists don't really know why sharks tend to "aggregate" this way and that's not the only unknown in this situation, either. In Aggregate Known as an "aggregation site," these shark schooling cluster spots are fairly commonly observed in the world of marine research, despite no one knowing exactly why marine life tends to do it. While the Port Jackson sharks had been seen in that same spot before, the team realized this time around that "the Beagle gathering appears to be only for females," as Monk said. This makes a certain amount of sense given that this species tends to segregate by sex except when mating, but there are still more questions than answers. "We dont know exactly why the females are here," Monk said in the press release. "Perhaps they are feasting on the local delicacy doughboy scallops before the long trip north to lay their eggs." While scientists will need to do plenty more research to get to the bottom of this phenomenon, there is one thing that seems pretty certain: "seeing them again does tell us that the area is important to them," Monk concluded. More on sharks: Leg Washes Ashore After Shark Attack, Surgeons Hope to Reattach The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has completed its investigation into an elk hunters claims that a Millard County Sheriffs deputy stole a bull out from under him during an Aug. 17 hunt. Investigators determined that the deputy, Mike Blad, did not commit any crimes and he harvested the bull legally, according to DWR public information officer Faith Heaton Jolley. Jolley says a conservation officer looked at video evidence of the hunt, which took place in Beaver County and involved three different bowhunters who all shot the same bull. The video showed that the accusing hunter, Mayson Smith, shot the elk first, but it was not a lethal shot, Jolley explains. After another hunter put a second arrow in the bull, Blad (the third hunter) was able to shoot the elk three more times and kill it. He then tagged the bull and claimed it for himself. The officer concluded that the third hunter had not committed any crimes in shooting and harvesting the elk, Jolley says. Aug. 19. 2024 A Utah elk hunter says he has dropped his complaint against a Millard County Sheriffs deputy who he had accused of shooting a bull out from under him during a hunt Saturday. The hunter, Mayson Smith, had made his complaint public in a Facebook post on Saturday evening. On Sunday, however, another hunter shared a YouTube video that showed part of the hunt in question and seemed to undercut some of Smiths claims. Smith has since removed his accusatory Facebook post. He also told Outdoor Life on Monday that he and Millard County Sheriffs deputy Mike Blad have both resolved their issues and that they decided to just move on. The Millard County Sheriffs Office did not respond immediately to a request for comment, but it acknowledged the complaint on Sunday and said the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources would be leading an independent investigation into the matter. A DWR spokesperson confirmed with OL that an investigation is still underway. I shot this bull today with [an] over the counter archery tag. I bedded it down after I shot and was giving it time to pass, Smith wrote in his initial Facebook post on Aug. 17, according to Gephardt Daily. Smith went on to claim that he bumped into another hunter while waiting for the elk he shot to die, and that by the time he went to find that elk, it had already been killed, tagged, and claimed by the other hunting party. Smith said that Blad, one of the hunters in the party, told him, I put it out of its misery and now its my bull. These claims spread quickly online. And while many social media users were quick to side with Smith initially, some changed their tune after a third party shared their view of the hunt in the YouTube video: What really happened on 8/17. Pretty stupid to see this stuff go viral without all the information, the videos creator and narrator, whose identity is unknown, says in the video. Thats the lousy thing about social media. One side always gets to tell the story and its not always the truth. The video shows Smith shooting the bull in the front leg. It shows how the bull ran a good distance with Smiths arrow protruding from its leg and then bedded down in a draw, where the videos creator put a stalk on the bull and shot it with another arrow. The narrator says this was roughly five hours after Smiths initial shot. As Im moving in, I realize this six-point is bedded right below me. We know hes only hit in the leg, and I can see his antler tips, the narrator explains. So, Im like, well, Ill just shoot him and well figure it out. The video then explains, but does not show, how the bull ran further down the draw where Millard County Sheriffs deputy Mike Blad shot the elk twice more and killed it. After some discussion, the narrator explains, Blad had decided to tag the bull himself. Me and Mike sat there and talked about it for 10 minutes and I decided that Mike should take the bull he wouldve given it to me if I would have wanted it, [but] thats what we decided, the narrator says. We looked at where Mayson [Smith] had hit this bull and immediately determined [it] wasnt a fatal shot. We decided that theres no reason the only person who didnt put a fatal shot on the bull should be the one that tags him. The video also mentions, but doesnt show, the dispute that took place when Smith showed up to find the bull hed shot had already been tagged. The narrator says in the video that Blad tagged the bull legally, and he states (incorrectly) that in Utah, whoever kills the animal is the one who has first choice to tag it. There is no mention of such a rule in the Utah big-game hunting regulations book, however. A DWR spokesperson also confirmed that there is no state law around this, and that its overall an ethical issue. Read Next: Former Utah Wildlife Commissioner Under Investigation for Baiting Mule Deer on Outfitted Ranch This brings up a larger discussion because, as with many hunting scenarios, there are laws and then there are ethics. And while the video was clearly made with the intention of exonerating Blad, it also brings up a host of ethical questions about how each hunter handled his decision making. Some commenters have thanked the videos creator for sharing the real story, while others have called him a scavenger and questioned why he would go after a bull that he watched (and filmed) another hunter shoot. These critics have asked why he didnt include in the video any footage with Blad or show the different arrow wounds on the harvested bull. Meanwhile, at least one commenter who claims to have experienced a similar tagging dispute is staying on the fence until they have all the answers. Very similar thing happened to me I was happy the bear didnt suffer and the other guy kept the bear, @nickl2465 writes in the videos comment section. Only thing Im in question about here, was the other guy willing to go down and finish the bull off? It does sound like in his post he was intending to attempt recovery. Im torn here. This story, originally published on Aug. 19, 2024 at 6:27 p.m. EST, was updated on Aug. 21, 2024 to include an updated statement from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources regarding the results of its investigation. Alphabet-owned Waymo unveiled its sixth-generation Driver system on Monday with a more efficient sensor setup. Despite having a reduced camera and LiDAR sensor count from the current platform, the self-driving rides new setup allegedly maintains safety levels. Once it's ready for public rides, it will coexist with the current-gen lineup. CNBC reports that the new system is built into Geely Zeekr electric vehicles. Waymo first said it would work with the Chinese EV maker in late 2021. The new platforms rides are boxier than the current-gen lineup, built on Jaguar I-PACE SUVs. The Zeekr-built sixth-gen fleet is reportedly better for accessibility, including a lower step, higher ceiling and more legroom with roughly the same overall footprint as the Jaguar-based lineup. The sixth-gen Waymo Driver reduced its camera count from 29 to 13 and its LiDAR sensors from five to four. Alphabet says they work together with overlapping fields of view and safety-focused redundancies that let it perform better in various weather conditions. The company claims the new platforms field of view extends up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) in daytime and nighttime and a range of weather conditions. Three-pane image, showing the latest Waymo Driver EV in three conditions: (Waymo) Waymo says the new system has a modular aspect, allowing it to swap out various sensing components to match the specific conditions of each operating environment, like more stringent sensor cleaning for vehicles in colder cities. CNBC clarified that the cleaning system includes wipers that can clear most dirt and moisture. The company says the sixth-gen Driver performs reliably even in extreme heat, fog, rain and hail, thanks to regular road trips to newer cities. That makes sense, given that its currently approved cities are all in relatively clear and dry climates. (CNBC reports that Waymo tested it in Detroit, Buffalo and NYC.) Currently, Waymo only operates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Austin. After launching in 2018, the companys fleet serves around 50,000 paid autonomous trips weekly. Waymo says the new generation already has thousands of miles of real-world driving experience (and millions more in simulations). The company expects it to be ready for consumers sooner than previous models about half the time thanks to learning from the systems shared knowledge from its previous generations. HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WDTN) A Huber Heights school was evacuated for roughly 30 minutes after a burning smell was reported. In a message to families, the Huber Heights City School District reported a smell of burning plastic prompted the evacuation of everyone inside of Weisenborn Junior High School Monday before noon. Significant damage caused at local water pumping station First responders from multiple jurisdictions arrived at the school to scour the building and find the cause of the reported smell. Students and staff were safe throughout the incident and responded in the appropriate way to this incident, said the school district. Just prior to 12:30 p.m., firefighters deemed the building safe for students and faculty to return. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. This combo photo shows Song Lijun (L) doing a ward round on Aug. 16, 2024, and Wang Li making a ward round on Aug. 15, 2024, in Fukang Road branch of Tianjin First Central Hospital in north China's Tianjin. Both born in the 1980s, Song Lijun and his wife Wang Li work as doctors in Tianjin First Central Hospital after graduation. The couple rarely meet in the hospital as they have been occupied in different shifts. Sometimes, to support the treatment to critically ill patients, either of them would rush back to the hospital without hesitation, even in the off-duty days. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Wang Li performs a surgery on a patient at the Fukang Road branch of Tianjin First Central Hospital in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 15, 2024. Both born in the 1980s, Song Lijun and his wife Wang Li work as doctors in Tianjin First Central Hospital after graduation. The couple rarely meet in the hospital as they have been occupied in different shifts. Sometimes, to support the treatment to critically ill patients, either of them would rush back to the hospital without hesitation, even in the off-duty days. (Xinhua/Li Ran) This combo photo shows Song Lijun (L) treating a patient on Aug. 18, 2024, and Wang Li providing outpatient service on Aug. 16, 2024, in Shuixi branch of Tianjin First Central Hospital in north China's Tianjin. Both born in the 1980s, Song Lijun and his wife Wang Li work as doctors in Tianjin First Central Hospital after graduation. The couple rarely meet in the hospital as they have been occupied in different shifts. Sometimes, to support the treatment to critically ill patients, either of them would rush back to the hospital without hesitation, even in the off-duty days. (Xinhua/Li Ran) This combo photo shows Song Lijun (top) treating a patient on Aug. 18, 2024, and Wang Li providing outpatient service on Aug. 16, 2024, in Shuixi branch of Tianjin First Central Hospital in north China's Tianjin. Both born in the 1980s, Song Lijun and his wife Wang Li work as doctors in Tianjin First Central Hospital after graduation. The couple rarely meet in the hospital as they have been occupied in different shifts. Sometimes, to support the treatment to critically ill patients, either of them would rush back to the hospital without hesitation, even in the off-duty days. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Wang Li prepares for a surgery at the Fukang Road branch of Tianjin First Central Hospital in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 15, 2024. Both born in the 1980s, Song Lijun and his wife Wang Li work as doctors in Tianjin First Central Hospital after graduation. The couple rarely meet in the hospital as they have been occupied in different shifts. Sometimes, to support the treatment to critically ill patients, either of them would rush back to the hospital without hesitation, even in the off-duty days. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Wang Li performs a surgery on a patient at the Fukang Road branch of Tianjin First Central Hospital in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 15, 2024. Both born in the 1980s, Song Lijun and his wife Wang Li work as doctors in Tianjin First Central Hospital after graduation. The couple rarely meet in the hospital as they have been occupied in different shifts. Sometimes, to support the treatment to critically ill patients, either of them would rush back to the hospital without hesitation, even in the off-duty days. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Wang Li disinfects a patient at the Fukang Road branch of Tianjin First Central Hospital in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 15, 2024. Both born in the 1980s, Song Lijun and his wife Wang Li work as doctors in Tianjin First Central Hospital after graduation. The couple rarely meet in the hospital as they have been occupied in different shifts. Sometimes, to support the treatment to critically ill patients, either of them would rush back to the hospital without hesitation, even in the off-duty days. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Song Lijun (R) performs a gastroscope inspection on a patient at the Fukang Road branch of Tianjin First Central Hospital in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 16, 2024. Both born in the 1980s, Song Lijun and his wife Wang Li work as doctors in Tianjin First Central Hospital after graduation. The couple rarely meet in the hospital as they have been occupied in different shifts. Sometimes, to support the treatment to critically ill patients, either of them would rush back to the hospital without hesitation, even in the off-duty days. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Song Lijun (L) and Wang Li (C) play Chinese chess with their son at a park in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 18, 2024. Both born in the 1980s, Song Lijun and his wife Wang Li work as doctors in Tianjin First Central Hospital after graduation. The couple rarely meet in the hospital as they have been occupied in different shifts. Sometimes, to support the treatment to critically ill patients, either of them would rush back to the hospital without hesitation, even in the off-duty days. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Song Lijun (L) talks with a medical student at the Fukang Road branch of Tianjin First Central Hospital in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 16, 2024. Both born in the 1980s, Song Lijun and his wife Wang Li work as doctors in Tianjin First Central Hospital after graduation. The couple rarely meet in the hospital as they have been occupied in different shifts. Sometimes, to support the treatment to critically ill patients, either of them would rush back to the hospital without hesitation, even in the off-duty days. (Xinhua/Li Ran) NEW YORK (PIX11) Did you know that 80% of all New York City restaurants fail within the first five years of operation? Well, theres a restaurant on Theater Row in Hells Kitchen that clearly keeps defying the odds. More Local News The owner of the 46-year-old West Bank Cafe announced last month that it would be closing on Aug. 24. But now it looks like that is not going to happen. Thanks for all the support and love, Steve Olsen, the West Bank Cafe owner, told PIX11 News. Its unparalleled to anything I thought I could imagine. Thank you. Olsen said he couldnt believe the outpouring of love and support from longtime customers and the theater community to keep West Bank Cafe open. The longtime mainstay of the theater district only partially recouped losses from the pandemic. But now, with close to $100,000 raised on a GoFundMe page and an upcoming gala, theres renewed hope that West Bank Cafe and its downstairs performance space can stay open for decades to come. I think the future looks bright, Tom DAngora, the Broadway producer who successfully created a telethon to save the West Bank Cafe during the pandemic, told PIX11 News. The community has really rallied around to help. We already met one-tenth of our goal after a soft rollout. The West Bank Cafe opened in 1978, the first restaurant with a lounge space downstairs to open on West 42nd Street. The Laurie Beechman Theater has hosted many famous performers, such as comedians Joan Rivers and Lewis Black, as well as those just starting. I grew up here, Kathryn Rosseter, an actress, told PIX11 News. When I was not working out there, I could come here and try out new material. In the Hells Kitchen neighborhood, some customers, like members of the Mannarino family, have been coming for almost half a century. My father had his 70th, 80th, and 90th birthdays here, Tony Mannarino, a longtime customer, told PIX11 News. Any way we can help Steve, we will. A gala is planned for Sept. 23. If youd like to help West Bank Cafe, go here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. What's next for Topeka's Amber Peery after convictions in deaths of 3 Topeka Girl Scouts? Topekan Amber Peery may or may not go to prison after being convicted Thursday of felonies linked to the highway crash deaths of three Girl Scouts. Jurors found Peery, 34, guilty of three felony counts of involuntary manslaughter, two felony counts of aggravated battery and one count each of failure to maintain a single lane and making a U-turn on an interstate highway. Two uniformed Shawnee County Sheriff's deputies were among the 21 people who watched from the gallery as Thursday's verdict was announced. A bond Peery had posted in the case last year was then revoked. Amber Peery, 34, was being held Friday in the Shawnee County Jail awaiting sentencing for crimes that include three counts of involuntary manslaughter. Deputies took Peery in handcuffs from the Shawnee County Courthouse to the Shawnee County Jail, where she was booked in at 6:10 p.m. Thursday. Jail records showed she was being held without bond Friday afternoon. Shawnee County District Judge Jessica Heinen scheduled Peery's sentencing for Oct. 3. What rules are considered in determining Amber Peery's sentence? District judges imposing sentences in Kansas are guided by the Kansas sentencing grid, which lays out presumptive terms in months for crimes committed on or after July 1, 1993. Based on the severity of the crime and the defendant's prior criminal history, the grid sets minimum, standard and maximum sentencing ranges for drug and nondrug crimes. Court records say Peery's involuntary manslaughter convictions and one of her two aggravated battery convictions are Level 5 felonies. The victims involved include one of Peery's daughters who died in the crash and another who was seriously injured. Peery's other aggravated battery conviction involving a victim who suffered less serious injuries than were incurred by the victim of her first aggravated battery conviction is a Level 8 felony. Topekan Amber Peery may or may not go to prison after being convicted Thursday of felonies linked to the highway crash deaths of three Girl Scouts. For most crimes, the sentencing grid makes it clear whether probation or prison is recommended. But for people with no felony convictions, which appears to be the case with Peery, penalties for all Level 5 felonies fall within a "border box," says a copy of the grid posted on the website of the Kansas Sentencing Commission. That means a judge, without going outside the guidelines, may either sentence that person to prison or place her on probation. Recommended prison or probation sentences vary from 31 to 38 months for people with no prior felony convictions who are convicted of Level 5 felonies, the sentencing grid shows. Probation is recommended for all defendants convicted of Level 8 felonies except for those who have two or more prior felony convictions, it says. What other sentencing laws might affect Peery's case? Peery was convicted Thursday of four different Level 5 felonies. Kansas law gives judges the option in cases involving multiple convictions to impose sentences that will run either consecutively or at the same time. Judges may also depart from the guidelines entirely by imposing sentences that are more or less severe than what the guidelines recommend. Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Amber Peery convicted in 3 Topeka Girl Scout deaths. What's next? VANCOUVER, Wash. (KOIN) The Interstate Bridge, linking Oregon and Washington, is actually two bridges that are nearly identical that carry traffic in opposite directions. The first span was built in 1917 107 years ago as a way to relieve pressure on the robust ferry system that once dominated river traffic in downtown Portland. Today, more than 130,000 vehicles travel the I-5 Bridge every day, a transportation lifeline between Vancouver and Portland. But its outdated, prone to congestion and would not be able to withstand a major earthquake. The first span of the Interstate Bridge was built in 1917 107 years ago as a way to relieve pressure on the robust ferry system that once dominated river traffic in downtown Portland (File) US Senate Transportation Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) was among those celebrating the $1.5 billion grant to replace the bridge through the Biden administrations infrastructure law. The states of Washington and Oregon have each pledged $1 billion toward a new bridge, bringing the replacement bridge to about half of its estimated $6 billion to $8 billion. Im telling you, take a picture now because its not going to be here much longer, Cantwell said recently. Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Public Briefing on August 20 This project is already further along than the last attempt to build a new interstate bridge. Plans for the so-called Columbia River Crossing collapsed in 2013 after nearly 8 years of planning and $200 million in spending. The project died when the Washington State Senate failed to approve its share of the funding. But the need for a new bridge never went away. Mayor Anne McEnerny Ogle lamented that fact in 2018 when she took office. All we want is to get started, she said. It now looks as if the Vancouver mayor will get her wish. A rendering of what the new Interstate Bridge might look like, 2024 (Interstate Bridge Replacement Program) The new Interstate Bridge will be a critical connector to Vancouvers fast-growing waterfront development, which is already a regional attraction. There are still design and review processed to complete and the bridge could take several years to build. Construction could begin in 2026. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is one of two Democrats seeking the partys nomination for Rhode Islands U.S. Senate seat up this year. Whitehouse is seeking a fourth term and faces a challenge from Democrat Michael Costa. See his responses to a survey sent by 12 News to each of the candidates below. VOTER GUIDE: Key deadlines and other important information Why do you want to represent Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate? Im asking voters to send me back to the Senate because Im in the middle of some really big fights that have high stakes for Rhode Islanders. Im leading the fight to clean up the mess at the Supreme Court, which is delivering for the billionaires who paid to capture it while taking away the freedom of women to make their own life decisions and the freedom of kids to be safe in their own schools. Ive gone toe-to-toe with Big Oil to prevent climate change from completely transforming the map of Rhode Island and to stop price gouging at the gas pump. Ive taken on the pharmaceutical companies by capping out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors and freeing up Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices so that people on fixed incomes dont have to worry so much. Im working to protect Social Security and Medicare from any kind of rollback, and I have a bill to protect those programs as far as the eye can see by having the very highest earners chip in their fair share. And Im doing everything in my power to defend democracy from the unique threat posed by Donald Trump. Its an honor to fight on behalf of the Ocean State, and I work hard every single day to deliver results that will make a difference for Rhode Islanders. What previous experience of yours do you think has prepared you to serve as a U.S. Senator? My father was a World War II Marine and he later was in the Foreign Service. My siblings and I grew up overseas, as my fathers postings kept us moving from country to country in Asia and Africa. From those early years, I learned firsthand the power of Americas example in the world and the importance of service to community and country. Before I was elected to the Senate, I served as Rhode Islands Attorney General and as U.S. Attorney. I was also part of Governor Bruce Sundluns administration, where I worked on solving the banking crisis and the workers compensation collapse, and reforming state government ethics. Thats where I learned that its possible to solve big, complex issues if you are persistent. WHERE THEY STAND: Learn more about local candidates What do you think is the biggest issue facing Rhode Island in the next two years? The number one issue is growing the middle class. There are a lot of elements to that: preventing Social Security and Medicare from getting kneecapped by Republicans in Congress; making housing affordable; continuing our job-creating investments in infrastructure; fixing the tax code so it doesnt favor billionaires over regular people; protecting families from financial calamities caused by climate change; building on our progress lowering health care costs and improving the quality of care; strengthening schools and dealing with the student debt problem. We have to do all of those things at once, and thats our Democratic agenda. What do you think is a hidden gem in Rhode Island? Swan Point Cemetery in winter at dusk. Where can voters go to find more information about your campaign? Voters who want to learn more about my record or sign up to volunteer can visit whitehouseforsenate.com. Our campaign has seen a great burst of grassroots enthusiasm since the Harris-Walz ticket was announced and we hope to keep up that momentum through Election Day. LATEST HEADLINES: Your Local Election Headquarters Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Wherever you have drugs, you have guns: why is there an epidemic of violence in the Caribbean? The last thing Raquel Rodriguez remembers of that afternoon is that she was playing with her neighbours baby outside her home in the Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) neighbourhood of Barataria. Then came a piercingly loud explosion. The noise was very, very close. It was very loud. So I stood there, frozen, with my left hand on my temple. And then I started to wonder what was going on. Then I realised that my eyes were turning dark. Then it went totally blank, she recalls. She had been hit by a stray bullet that penetrated her left temple and tore its way diagonally to her right cheekbone. After falling to the ground, Rodriguez could still hear her family and neighbours screaming as they rushed her to the hospital. She survived the attack in September 2022, and her swift recovery which she credits to divine intervention surprised health workers. But although the mother of three has regained her speech and mobility, both eyes were ruptured, leaving her completely blind. Now an aspiring broadcaster, she is determined to stay resilient while she learns braille and finishes a degree she had started before the shooting. But Rodriguez says the incident has been tough on her family, and she yearns for the opportunity to migrate. Rodriguez is one of thousands who have been caught in a recent wave of violent crime across the Caribbean, with statisticians describing the region as one of the most violent in the Americas. At the extreme end of the scale of this trend, which has been branded by leaders an alarming epidemic, is a rampant gang war that has plunged Haiti into bloody anarchy. Armed factions have controlled most of the countrys capital since the former president, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in July 2021, and about 2,500 people were killed or injured in the first quarter of 2024. The first detachment of an international taskforce to confront the gangs arrived in Port-au-Prince in June, but so far has had little impact on the violence. But the effects of the rising crime rates are felt right across the region. T&T has seen bloody weekends of murders, drug busts and robberies. Last week, Jamaica declared a 14-day state of emergency in the southern Clarendon parish and announced plans to tighten firearms legislation after gunmen fired indiscriminately on people at a birthday party, killing eight, including a boy, aged seven. When 21 Caribbean leaders met at their recent Caribbean Community (Caricom) summit, the crimewave dominated their conversations, Grenadas prime minister, Dickon Mitchell, told reporters. In a joint statement, the countries expressed deep concerns about levels of crime and violence in the region, fuelled in part by firearms and ammunition trafficking, transnational criminal networks, and a deterioration of social structures. The statement also refers to their previous declaration last year referencing pledges to numerous collaborative measures, including tackling money laundering and banning assault weapons, except for security forces and sporting competitions. They also promised to strengthen education and youth-empowerment strategies, which will be welcomed by anti-crime charities who say more heavy-handed measures are not the answer and are calling for greater investment in preventive strategies, such as drug-addiction treatment and skills-building programmes. As governments and organisations work to identify and address the root causes of escalating crime levels, academics in the region have examined the legacy of colonisation and the culture of violence embedded by transatlantic slavery. Dr Wendell Wallace, a professor at the University of the West Indies, said there was a conflation of many factors behind the alarming crime statistics in a region beset by climate and other vulnerabilities. Economic challenges, weak border control, the drug trade, an influx of guns from the US and the breakdown of family values were top of his list. Our economies are small and, in some instances, smaller than the budgets held by transnational organised [crime] groups. That in itself makes it very easy to corrupt state officials as well as infiltrate the region. Then, most of the Caribbean islands are situated in the middle of the north-south drug trade, so we are on the transshipment points for drugs and, wherever you have drugs, you have guns. And with that, you have that constant fight for turf, he said. Related: Guns and weapons trafficked from US fueling Haiti gang violence He added that gangs and organised crime groups take advantage of socioeconomic gaps, providing jobs, fraternity and their own brand of communal justice. He warned that more and more legislation and hardline approaches, such as states of emergency, are not effective as long-term solutions. The best approach, he said, was a judicious mix of the hard side of policing and the softer side of policing. Wallace also proposed the creation of national youth services. Data shows that people involved in criminality, as well as most of the victims, are between the ages of 15 and 35. So, if they are not employed in a productive capacity, let us get them into a national youth service that provides a higher level of skills training. We should involve the banking sector to make access to loans easier for startup businesses. Garth St Clair said that countries in the region need to do more to address the problem of addiction. It is an issue he knows intimately: as a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, he was introduced to cocaine by a senior corporal as an aid to help him prepare for exams, and soon found his consumption had got out of control. I left home after stealing everything from my mothers house, went on the streets and ended up in prison, he said. After leaving prison, St Clair decided to turn his life around, teaming up with communications expert Natasha Nunez, to raise awareness of the dangers of drug and human trafficking through the Eye on Dependency radio programme and their award-winning film Trafficked, which he and Nunez have screened in T&T and Jamaica and are hoping to take to other Caribbean countries. Eye on Dependency is among a growing number of charities, police clubs and grassroots organisations using arts-based programmes, counselling, mentorship, conflict resolution, skill and confidence building, and other community approaches to rescue young people from the clutches of gangs and drug dealers. Many are now supported by their governments or international organisations. At the regional level, Caricoms programme manager of crime and security, Sherwin Toyne-Stephenson, said the organisation was working on an action plan to support governments in their effort to confront the full range of root causes, such as keeping children in education, rehabilitating offenders and dealing with mental health issues. Offering an example, he added: Were conducting a study on the use of non-custodial sentencing for minor non-violent crime. People whove been incarcerated for small amounts of narcotic substances, marijuana in particular, would have a sentence. It becomes a challenge for them to move forward because, when they try to get gainful employment, having a criminal record really pushes them in the other direction. Nunez said that, while governments in the region were happy to spend on law enforcement and border protection, more funding was needed to support initiatives such as more drug-treatment centres. The deficiency on our part in the Caribbean is that we are very heavy on law enforcement, but not enough attention is paid to prevention and treatment, she said. Its Monday morning and Im in the kitchen, barking out sarcastic rejoinders to the guy calling into LBC about Labours new misogyny strategy. This is not unusual. Radio call-ins, like quiz shows, basically only exist so that we can loudly berate strangers whilst folding laundry or waiting for the kettle to boil. Only heres the thing: this particular callers views were pretty much my views. Ive made the points hes making about the problems of policing misogyny in this column. We dont want things that are normal in society to be demonised, he said. We dont want chivalry to be re-branded toxic masculinity or banter to become a crime. And obviously I still believe those things, but yesterday something about the way the same views were being expressed by caller after caller depressed me. It was the knee-jerk aspect: the fact that this has become a default position for many of us particularly men, who feel put upon and tarred with the same brush as monsters when it comes to discussing misogyny. So when a headline informs us that the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has ordered a review looking at tackling extreme misogyny in the same way as far-Right and Islamist extremism, the first place we now go is this is too strong this may jeopardise free speech. Suddenly were no longer talking about violence against women and girls but immersed in vehement discussions about how nobodys allowed to wolf-whistle or call a woman baby cakes anymore. And what has any of that got to do with the two to three women murdered a week in the UK (because they are women), the one in 12 women who will be victims of a violent crime this year, and the 37 per cent increase in crimes against women over the past four years? In defence of anyone (myself included) who now instinctively feels an eyeroll coming on at the mere mention of misogyny, this is a classic boy who cried wolf scenario. If you let people use the wrong words, if you promote victimhood and prize lived experience and my truth over the actual truth, then a word like misogyny loses its value. It loses the power to shock. Interesting that even with the Government sticking an extreme in front of it, and even with it stressing how many young men are now being radicalised online by misogynistic influencers such as Andrew Tate, there has been an immediate backlash to the plans. How can anyone have a problem with Labours mission to halve cases of violence against women and girls within a decade? I cant imagine they do. But likening it to extremism was always going to push the wrong buttons for some: the ones who have become cynical after reading too many news pieces about boys being expelled from schools for making silly jokes; the ones constantly being assured by commentators that those jokes are the beginning of the journey into incel culture. Most importantly, the ones who can no longer trust that schools, companies and the government will react in an intelligent, measured, common-sensical fashion when it comes to anything that could be branded misogynistic. I understand that thinking. Ive become cynical. But I dont want that to be my default position, my very first instinct, and when it comes to violence against women and girls and the growing threat of more to come, Im not sure there is such a thing as too strong a reaction. I believe that men like Tate are poisonous (but that he only exists because weve actively promoted a crisis of masculinity). I believe that the Plymouth shooter, Jake Davison who shot and killed five people, including his mother and a three-year-old girl in 2021 was a product of precisely the form of extreme misogyny our Home Secretary is referring to, and I believe that anyone who has a violent hatred for 51 per cent of the country can be described as an extremist. As for whether the Government is able to focus on deactivating individuals like Davison before they commit acts of violence and not get mired in woke nonsense, I dont know. As Ann Widdecombe, Reforms home affairs spokesman, reminded everyone yesterday: If you commit violence against women and girls, thats already a crime. So unless the Government actually carries out any actual reforms, all this is semantics: the literal breaking down of words and phrases put out to make the country feel that, on this point, Labour means business. If it does, it can start by enforcing the existing laws first. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The White Florida Woman Who Shot And Killed AJ Owens, Her Neighbor And A Black Mother Of 4, Found Guilty Of Manslaughter The White Florida Woman Who Shot And Killed AJ Owens, Her Neighbor And A Black Mother Of 4, Found Guilty Of Manslaughter | Photo: Pixabay Susan Lorincz, the Florida woman who shot and killed her neighbor Ajike AJ Owens in June 2023, has been convicted of manslaughter. On Aug. 16, a jury of six people convicted the 59-year-old white woman, who had admitted to killing her 35-year-old Black neighbor after a dispute about Owens kids playing in Lorinczs yard. According to WESH, prosecutors said Lorincz went to Owens house after the dispute and shot her through the locked front door. While the defense said Lorincz feared for her life, prosecutors added that Owens was unarmed and she didnt threaten her neighbor. We are united in our grief, but we are also united in our hope for a better tomorrow, the Owens family said in a statement on Aug. 15, per WESH. BREAKING: Susan Lorincz has been found guilty of first-degree felony manslaughter with a firearm for the fatal shooting of her neighbor Ajike Owens through a locked front door last year. Lorincz faces up to 30 years in prison. pic.twitter.com/lIpK7YiAER Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) August 16, 2024 Lorinczs defense team used Floridas Stand Your Ground law as they made their case in court. The jury, however, concluded that the Stand Your Ground law which allows people to use deadly force when they feel threatened doesnt apply in this case. We still believe that stand your ground is a discriminatory law that disproportionately impacts people of color, attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Owens family, told reporters, per WESH. We are grateful that in this case. The jury did not accept this law as justification for an unjustifiable killing. "The kids are hurting." Pamela Dias, the mother of #AJOwens, says defendant #SusanLorincz was known as the "Karen of the neighborhood" and would always harass the children before fatally shooting Owens through a locked door.#CourtTV FL v. #SusanLorincz pic.twitter.com/63zK9esoSe Court TV (@CourtTV) August 14, 2024 As Blavity reported, police arrested Lorincz in June 2023 and charged her with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault. The family criticized officials then for taking too long to bring the charges. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods released a statement on Facebook, saying the shooting was not a Stand Your Ground case. Now many of you were struggling to understand why there was not an immediate arrest, the sheriff said on Facebook. The laws here in the state of Florida are clear. Now I may not like them. I may not agree with them. But however, those laws I will follow. According to Blavity, Lorincz and Owens were feuding for years before the traffic dispute. Owens mother, Pamela Dias, said Lorincz had used racial slurs to insult the 35-year-old woman. My daughter, my grandchildrens mother, was shot and killed with her 9-year-old son standing next to her. She had no weapon, she posed no imminent threat to anyone, Dias said at a news conference after the shooting. What Im asking is for justice. Justice for my daughter. White House: Officials to hold Gaza talks in Cairo this week Israeli soldiers rest on top of their tank near the Israel-Gaza border ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) - Senior officials will convene for Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Cairo before week's end, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday, adding that U.S. President Joe Biden was talking with regional leaders to finalize a deal. (Reporting by Steve Holland; additional reporting by Katharine Jackson and Eric Beech; writing by Susan Heavey) A World Food Programme (WFP) truck backs up to load food items from a recently landed UN helicopter, in Yida camp, South Sudan Sept. 14, 2012. World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 19 honors humanitarian aid workers all over the world. | Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 19 honors humanitarian aid workers all over the world. This day commemorates the anniversary of the bombing on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating Aug. 19 as World Humanitarian Day. This years theme is #ActforHumanity and is calling attention to the aid workers who are being killed with impunity, says the U.N. Last year was the deadliest on record for humanitarian aid workers, with 280 workers killed in 33 countries. That was more than double the 118 workers killed in 2022. Additionally, 78 aid workers were kidnapped and almost 200 were wounded worldwide. 2024 is on track to be worse. So far this year, more than 170 humanitarians have been killed and at least another 150 have been injured or abducted. Pope Francis has invited everyone to pray for humanitarian workers, especially for those who have died or been injured while helping people affected by wars and disasters. Humanitarians, he posted on X, show that we can be fratelli tutti, or all brothers, by taking care of others. Let us #PrayTogether for #HumanitarianWorkers, especially for those who have died or been injured while helping people affected by wars and disasters. Humanitarians show that we can be "fratelli tutti" by taking care of others. Pope Francis (@Pontifex) August 19, 2024 In 2023, the overwhelming majority of humanitarian staff killed or injured were national humanitarian workers: a whopping 96% were national staff working to help alleviate suffering in their home countries. More than half of last years fatalities, 163, were killed in Gaza during the first three months of the conflict. The next two countries were South Sudan and Sudan, with 34 and 25 deaths respectively. Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, notes that Humanitarians who are mostly national staff working in their own countries are even closer to the people they serve. They are finding new ways to venture deeper into disaster-stricken regions, and closer to the front lines of conflict, driven by a single purpose: to save and protect lives. Joyce Msuya, U.N. Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, called for action. The normalization of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere, she said. Humanitarian organizations worldwide have also written to U.N. Member States calling for greater efforts to protect all aid workers, their premises and assets, as stipulated in U.N. Security Council resolution 2730 (2024), adopted in May. Perpetrators must also be held to account, they added, noting that those who commit violations of international humanitarian law cannot go unpunished. We will continue to stay and deliver in humanitarian crises around the world but the situation requires us to take a united stand to call for the protection of our staff, volunteers and the civilians we serve, the letter said. Multiple humanitarian workers shared their experiences with the United Nations for World Humanitarian Day. One worker in Gaza, Louise Wateridge, said that she has colleagues that take their children to work with them because they would rather die together than die separately. Leni Kinzli, who is head of communications with the World Food Program in Sudan, said Ive been an aid worker now for six years and being an aid worker in Sudan means basically never giving up. Its an incredibly difficult situation to be working in ... (but) this is what I signed up for. She also shared an experience she had with a woman in her mid-30s who had made a 500-mile trek to safety and who was sobbing in Kinzlis arms. Having the space to allow people to share the difficulties that theyve been through and giving them the empathy and compassion they deserve after such horrific experiences; thats what being a humanitarian is all about. Why dont more politicians retire? A medical anthropologist explains how the US could benefit from a mandatory retirement age President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are hardly the only examples of politicians who work well into their golden years. Members of the baby-boom generation Americans born between 1946 and 1964 are the most numerous in the House, and in the Senate they outnumber lawmakers from all other generations combined. All told, two-thirds of U.S. senators and nearly half of House lawmakers are eligible for full retirement benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System. And yet they keep working. So do the four Supreme Court justices who are over 65. Theyre not alone. When given the choice, many Americans seem to prefer to work more rather than less. This is true in their weekly and annual work hours as well as the period of their life they spend working. About 1 in 5 Americans over 65 are working, even though theyve passed the point where they are eligible for full retirement benefits and Social Security payments. The share of older adults in the workforce is rising, although its not clear how many of them are still punching a clock because they want to and how many cant afford to stop because of holes in the U.S. safety net. As a historian and anthropologist of medicine in the U.S., I have spent years researching the ways that American adults have generally chosen to earn higher wages rather than reduce their work hours. I believe that Bidens decision to retire after years of public service offers an opportunity to consider what is at stake as a society when so many people over the age of 65 keep working, especially in prominent roles. Retirement conventions in other countries Maybe not for politicians, but in many occupations it now takes fewer hours of work to achieve the same labor output as a century ago, thanks to advances in manufacturing and computing. Yet, hardly anyone is reducing their workloads despite these increases in efficiency. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a government agency, most full-time U.S. employees log about 40 hours of work each week. Many Europeans work shorter hours, take longer vacations and get more generous retirement benefits from their governments than their U.S. counterparts. Not coincidentally, support of retirement at the age of 65 or earlier has broad support in the European Union. In the U.S., later retirement is partly due to policy changes. For Americans born in 1960 or later, the federal retirement age has edged up to 67 from 65. That includes the tail end of those born during the baby boom, who will turn 65 between 2025 and 2028. Retirees eligible for Social Security benefits can collect a lower level of them at 62 and get rewarded with higher levels of Social Security benefits if they work until they turn 70. As economist Dora Costa recounts in her book The Evolution of Retirement, the convention of a set retirement age arose in the early 20th century as a result of actuarial data on life expectancy and the establishment of pensions and social security systems. Aging and health To be sure, everyone ages differently, and there are benefits for society when older people remain on the job after their 65th birthday, including institutional memory and workplace experience. There are recurrent debates about the benefits of working through ones later life. In some cases, research supports the benefits some people derive from working after 65. But research also supports the importance of having hobbies and their health-promoting effects. What is clear is that remaining active later in life is the most important thing in staying healthy in old age. But there are several drawbacks, too, related to the health issues associated with aging. For example, routine illnesses can have outsized effects on aging bodies, and recovery from injuries and sickness can take longer when youre over 65 than it does for younger adults. That can mean long stretches where an employee cant do their job. Cognitive abilities may barely decline for some people, while others experience the dramatic changes associated with age-related dementia. Unfortunately, figuring out who really should retire if they dont volunteer to do so is tough because cognitive tests are not always reliable. They often assess the capacities needed to take the test rather than underlying capacities. For example, aural tests inadvertently assess hearing comprehension by attempting to measure the ability to remember a sequence of words. Many tests functionally test someones personality rather than their cognitive capacities. People with certain personality types can mask their cognitive changes. Moreover, bias in assessing cognitive changes is often based in the assessors experience of their interactions with the testee. Except in cases where someone is obviously experiencing clear-cut changes in their cognitive capacity and ability to interact with others, arguing that somebody must retire is often rooted in ableist assumptions. Social Security concerns Basing the need for someone to retire on their perceived capacity to do the job brings unnecessary bias to this decision. In my view, setting a mandatory retirement age would provide a neutral mechanism to ensure that retirement from public service happens more smoothly than has been the case with Biden. Many older Americans who keep working past 65 do so because they cant afford to retire. The cost of living, including the costs associated with longevity, have outstripped the support provided by Social Security benefits. The poverty rate among adults over 65 is much higher than it is in Europe. But nearly all U.S. politicians and civil servants are free to stop working when they turn 65 or soon after. They have the benefit of the Federal Employees Retirement System and the federal employees Thrift Savings Plan, which some economist argue could serve as a model for everyone else. Despite their ability to step back from their careers with few financial concerns, many of these leaders and workers remain on the job long after they could step down. If the U.S. were to adopt a mandatory retirement age for all federal employees, it would spare at least those Americans from the difficult conversations about mental capacity many of us eventually face as we age. In the meantime, Bidens decision to retire offers a chance to collectively consider when Americans should retire. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Matthew J. Wolf-Meyer, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Read more: Matthew J. Wolf-Meyer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Hu Zijing prepares for an acupuncture training on moxibustion at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing speaks during an acupuncture training on moxibustion at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing prepares for an acupuncture training on moxibustion at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Students practice moxibustion during an acupuncture training at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing speaks during an acupuncture training on moxibustion at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing demonstrates moxibustion techniques during an acupuncture training at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing speaks during an acupuncture training on moxibustion at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing demonstrates moxibustion techniques during an acupuncture training at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing speaks during an acupuncture training on moxibustion at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing demonstrates moxibustion techniques during an acupuncture training at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing demonstrates moxibustion techniques during an acupuncture training at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing speaks during an acupuncture training on moxibustion at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Students practice moxibustion during an acupuncture training at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing demonstrates moxibustion techniques during an acupuncture training at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Hu Zijing speaks during an acupuncture training on moxibustion at University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 29, 2024. In the Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg, sophomore students had a moxibustion training course. During the training, they learned about the functions of moxibustion and practiced various techniques using moxa cones and moxa sticks under the guide from Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer and researcher in the department. Hu is responsible for the teaching of acupuncture programs at the university. He has been striving to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in South Africa over a decade. The acupuncture course was formally introduced in the university in February 2020. Over the years, Hu has trained nearly 400 students. Among them, 25 graduates have become registered acupuncturists in South Africa. "I hope TCM courses in higher education can be introduced into more public universities in South Africa, cultivating more local experts," said Hu. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Why Donald Trump's Slick Remarks About Kamala's Looks Won't Gain Him The Black Support He's Hoping To Get Republican Presidential Candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump gives a speech during a campaign rally at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania, United States on August 17, 2024. - Photo: Brendan Gutenschwager (Getty Images) Donald Trump has made it a political strategy to personally attack Vice President Kamala Harris. On Saturday (August 17), his gross antics were once again on full display when the former president held a campaign rally in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. In typical Trump fashionhe couldnt help but mock his Democratic opponents looks. However, he needs to stop commenting on Black women period. His attacks on Harris have always been rooted in both racism and sexism. In addition, its a distraction from the fact that Trump is losing steam as Harris now leads in more battleground states. Black folks know that Trumps remarks arent just racist, but theyre just plain wrong. Trump: Im much better looking than Kamala (Whos gonna tell him) pic.twitter.com/7nE3QpxUUC Full Horror Movie Reactions YT (@ashtonaustintv) August 18, 2024 At the Pennsylvania rally, the former president talked for almost two hours and insulted Harris tentative economic policy before insulting her appearance. Yesterday, Kamala laid out her so-called economic plan. She says shes going to lower the cost of food and housing starting on day one. But day one for Kamala was three and a half years ago, Trump said according to ABC News. Trump then complained about the backlash he allegedly received after he called Harris beautiful on the cover of Time Magazine last week in an interview with Elon Musk. Dont ever call a woman beautiful, because thatll be the end of your political career, please, Trump stated at the rally. He followed it up by taking a personal swipe at Harris. Donald Trump says that he is better looking than Kamala Harris. https://t.co/ol94zSxVCx pic.twitter.com/LSjRB9bAZl gregorie (@mistergeezy) August 17, 2024 But I say that I am much better looking. Im a better-looking person than Kamala. They said, No, her biggest advantage is that shes a beautiful woman. Im going, huh? I never thought of that. Im better looking than she is. Trumps attack on Harris is far from new. At the National Association of Black Journalists annual conference in Chicago last month, he stated Harris Blackness seemingly came out of nowhere. I did not know she was Black until a couple of years ago when she happened to turn Black, Trump infamously said at the event. And now she wants to be known as Black. Is she Indian, or is she Black? Furthermore, other conservative politicians like Rep. Tim Burchett, (R-Tenn.), have called Harris a DEI vice president and questioned her intelligence. JD Vance has called her a childless cat lady on several occasions and others have even demonized her dating past. Unfortunately for Trump, Harris quest for the White House will continue regardless of all of the name-calling. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Why its important to prosecute celebrity drug deaths and the message it sends, according to legal experts The recent announcement of charges against five people in connection with actor Matthew Perrys 2023 ketamine-related death marks the latest example of authorities holding drug dealers and enablers accountable in high-profile, celebrity deaths. Investigators said those charged include two doctors, Perrys live-in personal assistant and Jasveen Sangha, whom authorities call the Ketamine Queen of North Hollywood. Sangha has pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine. CNN has reached out to her attorney for comment. The charges in the case came after investigators uncovered an underground network of drug sellers and suppliers they allege are responsible for distributing the potentially deadly ketamine that killed Perry, who died October 28, 2023, CNN previously reported. The case is in some ways similar to the charges brought following the September 2018 drug-related death of rapper Mac Miller, 26, after his accidental overdose on fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol. Two men were sentenced to prison time in connection with Millers death. Ryan Reavis, one of the people authorities said supplied the drugs to Miller two days before his overdose, was sentenced in April 2022 to more than 10 years after pleading guilty to a federal count of fentanyl distribution, CNN affiliate KCAL reported. Stephen Walter, who also pleaded guilty to one count of fentanyl distribution, was sentenced in May 2022 to just under 18 years in prison by a federal California judge, NPR reported. And before Miller came the drug-related death of Prince, the platinum-selling recording artist who died at 57 in April 2016 after being found unresponsive in an elevator at his home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. There were no criminal charges filed in the death of Prince, whose full name was Prince Rogers Nelson, as authorities said they found no evidence of who supplied him with the counterfeit fentanyl-laced Vicodin pills that killed him or how he obtained them. Minnesota doctor Michael Schulenberg paid $30,000 to settle civil allegations he wrote a one-time prescription for Percocet to Princes friend, knowing Prince, who had a history of opiate addiction, would take them, CNN previously reported. Schulenberg did not admit liability as part of the settlement, and affirmed he did not prescribe opiates to any patient with the intention that they be given to Prince, his attorney told CNN at the time. Following Michael Jacksons death in 2009, his doctor, Conrad Murray, served two years of a four-year sentence handed down in 2011 for involuntary manslaughter after a jury found his negligence led to the singers overdose on propofol, a surgical anesthetic. Legal experts said the emphasis on higher-profile cases and related prosecutions can play a crucial role in deterring illegal drug activities. The emphasis on high-profile cases largely stems from the visibility they bring to the issue, helping to shed light on the broader implications of the drug crisis, Andrew Pickett, a lead trial attorney based in Melbourne, Florida, told CNN. They serve as a warning to both practitioners operating on the fringes of legality and those facilitating substance abuse, Pickett said. Are cases involving ordinary people prosecuted similarly? The case involving those accused in the death of Perry, who starred for a decade on Friends from 1994 to 2004, has undoubtedly received widespread attention due to the actors fame. But legal experts said such charges are not uncommon in cases of noncelebrities who have died in similar situations. We dont hear about them as often and as loudly because theyre typically involving people no one knows, Tre Lovell, an entertainment attorney based in Los Angeles, told CNN. Mac Miller performs at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival on October 28, 2017, in Los Angeles. - Rich Fury/Getty Images In this case, they had an opportunity to not only set an example but do so in a way that garnered enormous attention given Perrys celebrity status, Lovell said. One of those lesser-known cases happened in January in the Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody, where a 44-year-old drug dealer was charged with felony murder in connection with the overdose death of a 34-year-old man last year, according to the Dunwoody Police Department. Lower-profile drug cases are often prosecuted with a similar seriousness to those involving famous people who have died, according to Pickett. High-profile cases may receive more media attention, but it does not necessarily reflect the priorities of prosecutors, said Bill Powers, a lawyer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Prosecutors pursue cases involving drug-related deaths regardless of the victims fame, Powers told CNN in a statement. The law is designed to be applied equally to all citizens. But Ben Michael, an attorney with Michael and Associates in Los Angeles, said the publicity that comes with higher-profile drug-related deaths could be a driving force behind authorities pursuing these cases. If a police department believes they can ride the wave of public attention from a celebritys death and use it to cast a positive light on their department, theyre likely going to do it, Michael told CNN. This results in more funding, which is the main reason that departments pursue celebrity cases with more fervor than noncelebrity cases, he said. Michael added: That being said, the majority of police departments across the country are doing what they can to put as many drug dealers behind bars as possible. Why its important to prosecute celebrity drug deaths There has been a recent trend of increased focus on holding dealers and suppliers accountable for overdose deaths, with some jurisdictions pursuing murder charges in certain overdose cases, Powers noted. The case surrounding Perrys death brought to light the dangers of the recreational use of ketamine, a controlled substance, said Lauren Johnson-Norris, a criminal defense attorney based in Irvine, California. Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009, after suffering cardiac arrest. - Francis Sylvain/AFP/Getty Images Perry was vulnerable as an addict, and these doctors illegally sold him drugs instead of helping him. That makes them no better than a street-level dealer and arguably worse because they violated their oath to do no harm, Johnson-Norris told CNN about the allegations. We hold doctors to the highest standards, and this case sends a message that abuse of their medical privileges will not be tolerated, she said, adding drug dealers may not be deterred in the same way. Many have far less to lose, they dont face the same stigma a doctor would if they get caught, Johnson-Norris said. While the dealer in this case could receive a life sentence, no one knows if these charges will deter other dealers from selling ketamine, she continued. Prosecutors are tough in these cases because they hope it will, but the statistics around deterrence historically dont back that up. Pickett said the hope is, much like Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act statutes have influenced organized crime, such cases will lead to greater accountability of those involved in the drug trade. Pursuing these cases diligently underscores the importance of holding all parties responsible, irrespective of the victims status, Pickett said. CNNs Scott Glover, John Miller, Lisa Respers France, Holly Yan, Jay Croft, Eric Levenson and Hollie Silverman contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Reality Check is a Fresno Bee series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email tips@fresnobee.com. Fresno city leaders say theyre moving the street vendor portion of a popular downtown art event from Thursdays to Wednesdays because theres more police patrol scheduled then a move criticized by police union leadership. ArtHop began in the mid-1990s as a way for local artists to showcase their work to the public. In recent years, the event has grown to become a monthly street fair that attracts an estimated 15,000 attendees. Last month, city officials announced theyd split ArtHop into two events: The regular Thursday event would no longer include street vendors without permits. Thursday night would be reserved for indoor art galleries, as was originally intended. A new street fair-type event with the street vendors would be held on Wednesdays, when there are more police patrols on duty for crowd control. One reason for the change, the city has argued, is that there are more police officers scheduled to work on Wednesdays already. More safety at ArtHop is crucial in light of safety threats, city officials have said. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said there was a gang-related shooting at a June ArtHop event in which 40 rounds were fired. Last year, there was a fatal stabbing downtown following an ArtHop event. Critics of the citys overhaul of the beloved event have asked why the city couldnt just change the days police officers work. Im just curious as to why youre saying that the police is mostly available on Wednesdays, asked one woman in the audience at a July 31 meeting hosted by Dyer and Councilmember Miguel Arias. If you really are in charge of the schedule of the police I mean, you should be, youre the city I think that you could change the day from Wednesday to Thursday easily. Dyer and Arias said the reason they cant change the schedule is because any such changes have to be negotiated with the police union. The citys contract with FPOA expired in June and negotiations are ongoing. Believe me, Ive tried to get this schedule changed for many, many years, Dyer said at the event. If I could flip a switch and say yes we have all the police on Thursday, believe me (we) wouldnt even be here today, he added. Another reason is cost: The city could, in theory, pay for the policing on Thursday nights through a contract policing agreement, but Dyer said the city doesnt want to incur that expense when there are already more police available on Wednesdays. City spokesperson Sontaya Rose told The Bee in July that the existing 4/10 schedule was negotiated into the Fresno Police Officers Associations Memorandum of Understanding contract with the City of Fresno several decades ago. Under this schedule, officers work four 10-hour days followed by three consecutive days off. As a result, any changes to this schedule must be made through contract negotiations, she said. Fresno Police Officers Association President Brandon Wiemiller said in a statement to The Bee that the current patrol schedule known as a platoon schedule was implemented when Dyer was chief. His tenure was from July 2001 to October 2019. Our current patrol has been in place for a decade, Wiemiller said. Using the patrol schedule as a scapegoat for whatever they are trying to do to ArtHop is completely disingenuous. Prior to his eventual resignation, former Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama said his big goal for the upcoming year was to make major changes to the patrol schedule to spread patrol officers across the week to improve call response times. Balderramas proposed plan would also reduce the need to rely on overtime expenditures during peak crime activity when officers are called in for backup, which would ultimately affect officers take-home pay. Its not immediately clear whether there will be any changes to the patrol schedule in the upcoming police union contract under negotiation. Several sources told The Bee a major schedule change is likely off the table in light of Balderramas departure. Every police chief, including Jerry Dyer, has sought to change the police department labor contract to end the over-staffing on the lowest day of the week (on Wednesday) that we have crime in the city, Arias told The Bee. And they have all failed because the union has refused to give that provision up. Sometimes, nobodys happy in a compromise City leaders cant unilaterally change the police patrol schedule. Any change in working conditions falls under meet and confer, Wiemiller said. The patrol schedule is codified in the contract, meaning it can only be changed as a result of a new contract. In general, schedule changes for patrol can be a tense area of contract negotiations, said Diane Goldstein, a retired lieutenant of the Redondo Beach Police Department and executive director of Law Enforcement Action Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing drug policy and criminal justice solutions. The meet and confer process during labor negotiations, or when law enforcement leaders are trying to change the system, can, in fact, be very contentious, she said. The union is representing the line where policy is being dictated from the top down and it can create a lot of conflict. Its never perfect, it can be really ugly, she said. During the meet and confer process, Goldstein said, its expected that officers may ask for things like raises or better medical and retirement benefits in exchange for a schedule change. Sometimes, nobodys happy in a compromise, she added. The sweet spot, Goldstein said, is when a department can create a schedule that meets calls for service coverage needs while also offering an appropriate labor contract that retains and attracts officers. Really the question would be: What is the city willing to give up for better coverage for calls for service? City declines to release patrol information The Bee submitted a Public Records Act Request with the city of Fresno on July 8 for the current patrol schedule and assignments and other records related to Balderramas proposed changes. On Aug. 2, the city declined to release any of the related documents, saying doing so would unreasonably jeopardize public safety or compromise the safety of the officers if made public, and the public interest served in not disclosing the requested information clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure. The city also denied The Bees request for records related to the proposed patrol schedule changes, saying it was not required to disclose a local agencys deliberative processes, impressions, evaluations, opinions, recommendations, meeting minutes, research, work products, theories, or strategy. Balderrama said in June the proposed changes would put more cops on the street on any given day; allow for more time off; increase officer safety and shorten police call response times. Wichita Falls City Council members to consider naming an acting city manager Tuesday Tuesday will mark the beginning of a changing of the guard in Wichita Falls City government. City Council members will consider a separation agreement with City Manager Darron Leiker. Leiker announced his resignation after serving the city for 23 years, including 19 in the top job. The public meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Seminar Room of the MPEC at 1000 Fifth Street. The announcement of Leiker's resignation came three days after an hours-long closed-door meeting on Aug. 6 as the council considered his contract renewal. Wichita Falls city councilors will move Tuesday to find an acting city manager to replace Darron Leiker. Also, on Tuesday the council will consider a resolution to appoint an acting city manager. Mayor Tim Short will execute a personal services agreement with the person chosen for the post. Short said on Sunday councilors will meet in executive session at Tuesday's meeting to consider whether to hire a consulting firm to help in the search for a new city permanent manager and to appoint an acting manager. The last time Wichita Falls had a city manager opening was in 2005 when Leiker was appointed. He had been an assistant city manager since 2002 and became acting city manager upon the resignation of longtime city manager Jim Berzina. Leiker will leave a job that paid about $254,550 annually in addition to benefits, according to figures from the Texas Municipal Leage. More: Leiker resigns as WF city manager In addition to moving toward finding a new city manager, councilors will appoint new members to several boards. Wichita Falls city councilors will meet Tuesday to consider a replacement and separation agreement for City Manager Darron Leiker. Two of those boards influence how the citys money is spent. The Economic Development Corporation (4A Board) is responsible for recommending expenditures that enhance industrial and economic development. Leiker will come off that board as will members Phyllis Cowling and Brent Hillery, whose terms expire in September. Applicants for the panel include several people who already have leadership roles or have held them in the recent past. They include Midwestern State University President Stacia Haynie, former mayor Stephen Santellana, former WFISD trustee Robert Payton, former City Councilor Rick Hatcher and Sales Tax Corporation Chair Tony Fidelie. Other hopefuls are Samuel Pak, Adam Arruda, John Deason, Stephen Gustafson and Blake Haney. The Sales Tax Corporation (4B Board) recommends expenditures on quality-of-life investments. Leiker, former Mayor Glenn Barham and Michael Mills have terms that expire.. Those applying to get on are Santellana, Pak, Arruda, Deason, Haney, Stephen Garner, Sydney Gills and Michael Grassi. More: Wichita Falls City Council to mull property tax rate hike Tuesday Councilors will also make appointments to the Housing Authority Board, the Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, the Library Advisory Board, the Tax Increment Finance District Reinvestment Zone No. 3, the Water Resources Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Additionally on Tuesday, councilors will hold a public hearing on the citys 2025 budget. The panel faces pressure from the citys police association, which claims low pay hampers recruitment and retention and threatens public safety. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: WF Councilors to consider naming an acting city manager Tuesday NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Hot air will once again be the big story for most today with mostly rain-free conditions as well. Despite a few hit-or-miss light showers quickly moving to the northeast in the Four Corners this morning, virtually all of the rain that formed yesterday afternoon has ceased. While some moisture is still trapped aloft, skies are nonetheless mostly clear from clouds as the atmosphere has significantly dried out at the surface across the east-central part of New Mexico, courtesy of a high pressure system overhead. Forecast Continues Below Morning temperatures are still relatively close to normal in the northern mountain communities with a few areas starting off in the high 30s, but mostly in the 40s, 50s, and low 60s, while valley locations are mostly ranging from the 50s to the 70s. As temperatures across the region rise from the morning school commute into the upper 70s, 80s, 90s, and above 100 degrees for some areas by the afternoon, lingering moisture in the air in northwestern areas, along with plenty of daytime heating, will lead to a few areas receiving rainfall across the viewing area. The northern and western areas of the region have the best chance of rain for today with flash flooding as a slight possibility in the early-to-mid afternoon hours. Hit-and-miss weak thunderstorms will pick up speed to the northeast in the Northern Mountains and the Gila National Forest later this afternoon. Todays storms have the possibility for some very localized heavy doses of rain, small hail, strong winds, and frequent lightning strikes. Most will still remain rain-free for the short term with more stagnant air building in New Mexico with moisture only hugging the western and northern mountainous terrain ahead with dry air from the east really winning on out with more sunshine, as well as even more record heat for some. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Wildlife rescues rise week after hurricane slams Texas: 'There were so many coming in' In July, Hurricane Beryl slammed Texas, causing millions of people to lose power, but that didn't stop local residents and organizations from rallying to save injured and distressed wildlife. The nonprofit Houston Landing reported that the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) had accepted nearly 1,800 animals within a week after the storm, eclipsing the usual intake of 40 to 50 creatures per day. Wildlife care specialist Jessica Urzua told the nonprofit that SPCA was inundated with calls and drop-offs after the storm caused widespread habitat destruction, knocking hundreds of baby birds from their nests and separating young animals from their mothers. Most of the creatures brought in were egrets and Mississippi kites, along with some baby squirrels and opossums. "It was exhausting, but I thought we all handled it as well as we could," Urzua said. "We ended up having to send animals to some of our partners in the area, which was really helpful. There were so many coming in." This isn't the first time Houston residents have come together to help wildlife after extreme weather events. In 2017, after Hurricane Harvey, volunteers worked to rescue Mexican free-tail bats that were at risk of drowning, according to CBS News. Southern Wildlife Rehab owner Michelle Camara explained that the bats eat as many as 6,000 bugs per night. "Take that away, you're going to be in big trouble," she said. Another side effect of extreme weather is the increased risk of human-animal conflict. Urbanization is one factor that has degraded the habitats of many creatures, and the destruction from storms can further stress ecosystems under duress. "When you see flooding and high winds, that forces wildlife out of their home ranges," TPWD urban wildlife specialist Addison Gaines told Houston Landing. "We've been getting calls this summer of alligators showing up in odd places, like in retention ponds and lakes. Could be Beryl or it could be other storms we've had." As temperatures have risen globally, intense storms have become more frequent. Unfortunately for Texas, it has been one of the states hit the hardest. In 2023, nearly 60% of the record number of billion-dollar disasters impacted the Lone Star State, according to NOAA data cited by the Texas Farm Bureau. While deciding whether to rescue animals can be a complex topic, taking action when appropriate does make a difference even if it's just picking up a phone. In Minnesota, for example, a call led to the rescue of four baby woodpeckers. Gaines noted the importance of reaching out to professional rescuers before interacting with injured wildlife but highlighted the role humans can have in helping to heal the planet. "Wildlife has, indeed, historically managed to go on without human intervention," Gaines told Houston Landing. "But also the environmental landscape has been so significantly altered by human activity. So, responsible intervention sometimes can be necessary and beneficial." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Vice President Kamala Harris denounced political leaders who focus on tearing people down rather than uplifting them. Over the last several years, theres been this kind of perversion that has taken place, I think, which is to suggest that the measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you beat down when what we know is the real and true measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you lift up, Harris said during a campaign rally in Rochester, Pennsylvania, on Sunday. Thats what strength looks like. Anybody whos about beating down other people is a coward, Harris said to a crowd that met her remarks with applause. Harris opponent, former President Donald Trump, is notorious for making sexist, racist and otherwise inflammatory remarks. However, Harris who was joined by her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff; her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz; and Walzs wife, Gwen Walz, at the rally did not reference Trump or any other politicians by name and instead focused on her own campaign. This campaign for us is really born out of love of country, Harris continued. We love our country, and we know our country is going to be as strong as our willingness to fight for it, and to fight for what we stand for. Harris began her presidential bid when Biden dropped out of the race last month. She broke a fundraising record with more than $80 million in donations in the first 24 hours of her presidential campaign. She announced Walz as her running mate on Aug. 6 and is expected to accept the Democratic nomination at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week. Related... Gina Chase, 53, was part of a group that ventures on solo journeys into the Colorado woods, authorities said San Miguel County Sheriff/Facebook A photo of Gina Chase shared by the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office A 53-year-old Canadian woman was found alive and uninjured after she disappeared for four days in the southwestern Colorado backcountry, authorities said Gina Chase, who fasted and went without a cellphone during a spiritual group hike, was found in the targeted search area on Aug. 17 The organization that runs the hikes said in a statement that it was overjoyed by the wonderful news about Chase being found alive A woman who went missing for four days while hiking solo in the Colorado backcountry has been found alive, authorities said. Gina Chase, 53, of Victoria, Canada, was located in the targeted search area on Saturday, Aug. 17, the San Miguel County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. Authorities noted that she was uninjured but medically evaluated. Authorities earlier reported that Chase was last seen on Aug. 14 around 11 a.m. by the Lone Cone trailhead outside of Norwood. They added that Chase was part of an organized group that went on solo journeys into the woods from the trailhead. Related: Body of 23-Year-Old Missing Hiker Found on Mills Glacier, Colo., 4 Days After Going Missing Ms. Chase was part of a group of campers who, by design, set off alone into the backcountry without their cellphones and then [fasted] maximize a spiritual experience with nature. the sheriff's office said. "The 'Animas Valley Institute,' which operates out of Durango, runs the program." Authorities added that the campers had a buddy system to make sure each camper returned to the campsite. A buddy of Chase arrived on Aug. 15 and discovered that Chase had not checked in. The buddy reported this to the camp guides, who then searched for Chase at the campsite. They determined that Chase may not have slept at the campsite the night before. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Chases "daypack, which carried an emergency blanket, a whistle, a power bar, and some water, also disappeared, said authorities. Unable to find her, the camp guides contacted the sheriffs office on August 15 around 2 p.m. Search efforts by the sheriffs office and other agencies were conducted later that day as well as on Aug. 16 and 17. Obviously this is the outcome we were all hoping for and we couldnt be happier for Ms. Chase and her family, said San Miguel County Sheriff Bill Masters in the news update following the discovery of the missing hiker. The ultimate success of this mission is a real testament to our responders tenacity, perseverance, and dedication. Related: Missing Hiker, 48, Found Alive After 2 Weeks in Kentuckys Red River Gorge: It Is Truly a Miracle Masters also advised that people should never venture into the backcountry by themselves. You should always bring technology for communications, he said. Furthermore you should not starve yourself even if a guide service suggests the opposite of these basic safety rules. Nature does not care about your safety and will kill you especially if are not properly prepared. The Animas Valley Institute of Durango oversees the program that Chase and the group were part of, said the sheriffs office. Based in Durango, Colo., the organization, per its website, offers a rich assortment of journeys into the mysteries of nature and psyche, including Soulcraft intensives, contemporary vision fasts, and training programs for nature-based soul guides. The organization added that it provides multi-day, experiential explorations into wild landscapes and into the wilds of soul with the goal of discovering the meaning and destiny at the heart of each life. Related: Missing Calif. Hiker Spent 2 Days Alone in the Wilderness with Dog. Then Biologists Heard His Call for Help PEOPLE has reached out to the Animas Valley Institute for comment. In a Facebook post on Monday, Aug. 19, the organization said it was overjoyed by the wonderful news about Chase being found alive. The Institute is immensely grateful to the team of professionals and volunteers who led the search, Animas wrote. Their commitment and dedication have been exemplary. The safety of our participants remains our highest priority. We have been in direct contact with the participants family during this immensely difficult time and remain committed to supporting them over the coming days and weeks, the organization added. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Woman arrested in death, injuries of Lake County deputies indicted by grand jury A grand jury indicted Julie Ann Sulpizio for principal to murder in the first degree of a law enforcement officer. On Monday, A Lake County grand jury found that there was sufficient evidence to charge Julie Ann Sulpizio for her role in the August 2 ambush that claimed the life of Master Deputy Bradley Link and injured Deputies Stefano Gargano and Harold Howell. Read: Former US Rep George Santos pleads guilty to wire fraud and identity theft in his federal case According to a news release, the grand jury returned a true bill of indictment for the following charges: PRINCIPAL TO MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER PREMEDITATED PRINCIPAL TO ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (3 counts) CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE PREMEDITATED BATTERY ON A LAW ENFORCEMENT OR OTHER OFFICER BATTERY (3 counts). Read: Supermoon to rise Monday: What you need to know A grand jury is required in Florida for all cases in which the death penalty could be sought - principal to murder in the first degree of a law enforcement officer is one such charge. The State Attorneys Office has 45 days to make that decision. Sulpizio remains in custody with no bond. Read: Walmart slashes prices on 7,200 items Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BAGHDAD, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Two Iraqis were killed and 17 others injured, including Iranian Shiite pilgrims, in a car accident in Baghdad on Sunday, a traffic police officer said. The collision occurred when a bus carrying pilgrims struck a car on a major road in the Dora neighborhood in southern Baghdad, according to Major Saad Hussein of the Iraqi traffic police. The incident took place as thousands of Iranian pilgrims travel to the holy city of Karbala to observe Arbaeen, which marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 A.D. The pilgrims usually visit the Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra, among other holy places in Iraq, as part of their tour to Karbala. Two similar accidents on Friday killed two people and injured 71, mostly Iranian pilgrims. A woman is dead after her SUV crashed and flipped multiple times in Mercer County. Around 6:31 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, a Mercer County Deputy drove up on a single-vehicle crash in the area of State Route 49 and Koch Rd in Liberty Township. The investigation revealed that an SUV driven by 33-year-old Jamie Teufel of Hamilton was driving southbound on SR 49 near Kock Rd. >> Longtime talk show host, former WHIO anchor Phil Donahue dies at 88 Teufel traveled left of center and off the side of the roadway for an unknown reason, then traveled through a ditch for several feet before striking a culvert. The SUV went airborne and continued southbound before striking a driveway entrance. The SUV flipped multiple times before coming to rest on the passenger side of the vehicle. >> Woman sees car insurance rate increase after company adds people without permission Teufel was flown to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana by Lutheran Air. She succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The crash remains under investigation. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A woman was arrested over the weekend after reports state she hit a vehicle and attempted to leave the scene, was nearly three times over the legal limit for alcohol and later assaulted an officer. Read next: Giant Eagle announces sale of all GetGo stores Nicole Williams, 43, appeared in Youngstown Municipal Court Monday afternoon on numerous traffic charges as well as felony assault on a police officer. The charges stem from a weekend incident where a person reported Williams hit her car around 10 p.m. Saturday at Donation Avenue and McGuffey Road and tried leaving the scene. When police spoke to Williams, reports state she was slurring and couldnt stand straight. Reports state Williams denied she was involved in the crash, claiming she was parked in the area because she had witnessed the accident. Officers arrested Williams on charges of OVI and transported her to YPD where she tested for a blood alcohol content level of 0.216, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08. Reports state Williams repeatedly asked officers why she was getting a citation for OVI and continued to state she did not hit any cars. When asked to sign the citations, reports state Williams continued to refuse, so officers went to handcuff her. As an officer attempted to handcuff Williams, she resisted and began kicking and hitting an officer. Williams is set to return to court Aug. 26. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Woman sentenced to 11 years in prison after arguing she was legally allowed to kill a man because he sexually trafficked her A Milwaukee woman who argued she was immune from prosecution because the man she fatally shot was sexually trafficking her was sentenced Monday to 11 years in prison, according to Kenosha County Court documents. Chrystul Kizer who earlier this year pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in the case will also serve five years parole, Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley told CNN in an email Monday. The 11 years is minus 570 days because she has served those awaiting trial, said Graveley. Kizer shot Randall Volar, 34, at his Kenosha, Wisconsin, home in 2018 when she was 17 years old, Kenosha County Court prosecutors said. Kizer shot Volar in the head, burned his house down and stole his BMW, The Associated Press reported. She initially was charged with multiple counts, including first-degree intentional homicide, arson, car theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kizer, who is Black, argued she was trafficked by Volar, who was White, beginning when she was 16. Wisconsins Supreme Court ruled in 2022 a state law absolving trafficking victims of criminal liability for offenses committed as a direct result of being trafficked extends to first-degree intentional homicide. The court ruled Kizers legal team should have the opportunity to present evidence at trial that the crimes she was charged with were a direct result of the violence she experienced, according to a statement from the Chicago Community Bond Fund. The ruling allowed Kizer to argue she was justified in the killing. But it also said Kizer must first provide evidence for a trial judge her decision to kill Volar was connected to being trafficked before she could invoke immunity, the AP reported. Kizer maintains Volars death was the result of self-defense, the bond fund said, but in May this year she pleaded guilty to a reduced count of reckless homicide, court documents state. Kizer, 17 at the time, put a gun in her bookbag in June 2018 and traveled from Milwaukee to Volars home in Kenosha after telling her boyfriend she was going to shoot him because she was tired of him touching her, the AP reported, citing court documents. CNN reached out to Kizers attorneys for comment. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com MEMPHIS, Tenn. An altercation led to a woman being shot while driving in South Memphis early Monday morning, police say. According to reports, officers responded to the shooting on Texas Street and Ashby Avenue around 2:30 a.m. A woman told police that before the shooting, she was following a dark-colored Infinity coupe because the passenger in her car had been involved in a physical fight with the people inside the Infinity earlier that night. See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. She says the Infinity stopped near the intersection of Texas and Ashby and began firing shots at her car, causing her to crash into a utility pole. Police say the woman was shot in the leg and taken to the hospital in non-critical condition. Three others were also in the car during the incident, but they were uninjured. The suspects fled the scene before police arrived. If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Pennsylvania woman is suing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts after she was allegedly pushed over during a stampede at the resorts Magic Kingdom park in Florida, leaving her with permanent injuries. The woman, Debra OSteen, said the park was packed and extremely busy when the incident occurred. According to the lawsuit, OSteen was walking on Main Street, just north of Caseys Corner restaurant, when a crowd rushed her and knocked her over in a stampede due to an event starting soon. Teen struck by lightning in St. Petersburg dies The woman claimed she was left with permanent injuries and has since suffered from mental anguish, loss of wages, and loss of ability to lead and enjoy a normal life, as well as enduring medical expenses, the lawsuit stated. According to the plaintiff, it was Disneys responsibility to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition and warn of any dangerous conditions about which it knew or should have known about. OSteen said Disney not only breached its non-delegable duty by failing to correct a dangerous condition via crowd control, but also failed to warn her of any dangerous conditions. The woman, who was at the park as a business invitee, is suing the company for $50,000, according to the lawsuit. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. You Won't Believe the Full Story Behind This NYC Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing His Twin Sister A family has now lost both a son and daughter after Naomi Hagley was allegedly gunned down by her twin brother, Jonathan D. Hagley. But you wont believe what Jonathan had going on at the time of the shooting. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 15 at his familys home. According to police, Jonathan, 26, shot Hagley three times following a dispute. Last week, Hagley was charged with murder, possession of a weapon, and obstruction of justice after he was arrested while fleeing from a New Jersey crime scene, according to the Prosecutors Office. After discharging his weapon, Jonathan allegedly took off but was caught on a neighboring security camera running away from the scene, according to ABC 7. He was later arrested by police. Naomi was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. This is far from Jonathans first criminal shooting: Harlem Police originally responded to a scene on Jan. 15, where a 37-year-old bystander was shot in his spine while caught in the broad day shootout, per the New York Post. Jonathan was also injured at the scene. The following month, Jonathan and another suspect were arrested and charged with intention to murder, assault with serious injury, criminal possession and use of a firearm, reckless endangerment and more, according to Patch.com Its unclear what sparked the alleged fatal exchange between the siblings, but their father told police the deadly shots came from Hagleys gun. Police were able to locate the weapon, which was dumped blocks from the crime scene. Jonathans alleged pistol reportedly had its serial numbers scratched out, according to CBS. The 26-year-old was out on bond for the Harlem shootout when he allegedly killed his sister. Previously in 2018, Jonathanserved a seven year sentence in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault, burglary and weapons charges for an attempted robbery. According to the New York Post, Jonathan also racked up assault charges while awaiting trial for previously stabbing a fellow inmate. Hagley currents sits in the Bergen County Jails psychiatric ward until he is scheduled for court. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A worker was hospitalized following a small gas explosion at a building in Lynn on Monday morning, officials said. The worker, whose name hasnt been released, was injured in a flash fire at 626 Lynnway around 8:30 a.m., according to Lynn Fire Chief Dan Sullivan. This embedded content is not available in your region. Sullivan said the worker suffered minor burns while he was cutting a pipe that likely had some gas trapped inside. National Grid responded to the scene and the gas was shut off to the building. The building didnt suffer any structural damage. There were no additional details available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Kamala Harris' emergence as the Democratic Party's standard-bearer has been met with barrage of claims by former President Donald Trump and his allies that the vice president seized the party nomination in an undemocratic coup and is preparing to rig the election against him. The accusations, barely mentioned at the Republican National Convention in July, are reaching an ever more fevered pitch as Harris pulls ahead of Trump in election polling, with the former president labeling any inconvenience or obstacle for him as an example of election interference. This was an overthrow of a president. This was an overthrow, Trump declared at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, referring to President Joe Biden giving way to Harris on the ticket. They deposed a president," he continued. "It was a coup of a president. This was a coup. In the headier months for Trump when he was leading an apparently tired, stumbling Biden in the polls, the former president crowed that his victory was fait accompli and that the only way Democrats could win was if they cheated. Now that Harris is surging, Trump is saying that's exactly what is happening. Trump's attempts to cast doubt on election integrity are an echo of his 2020 strategy, where claims that the election was stolen from him by Democratic cheating culminated in an attempted insurrection by his own supporters on January 6, 2021. If he loses again in 2024, those efforts may once again rile his far-right supporters into violence or be weaponized into more a more concrete campaign to overturn the election results, according to national security experts who spoke to the Washington Post. This is Donald Trumps playbook: Theres a deep state, theyre all out to get me, said Elizabeth Neumann, a senior official in Trump's Department of Homeland Security. Even here as hes going to have to face a stronger, harder candidate to defeat his default is, Well, this couldnt possibly be legal. This is a coup. This is wrong, even though there are no facts to back that up. While some of the rhetoric is just for show, Neumann added, Trump and his allies are also laying the groundwork for the next version of Stop the Steal. Theyre latching on to this, that what the Democrats just did, thats a coup, former Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill., told the outlet. This is what I hear all day. That was the attack on democracy. Thats what theyre going to do to push back on the legitimate charge that Trump tried to overthrow an election four years ago. I come from MAGA world. Its working. They believe it. Since his first election experience in the 2016 Iowa Caucuses, Trump has used a litany of excuses to explain his losses, including claims that millions of people voted illegally and Democrats mailed in torrents of fraudulent mail-in ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Trump is falsely accusing the Harris of unlawfully deposing Biden (even though primary voters chose delegates who are free to pledge to another nominee) and using AI images to inflate her crowd sizes, calling for her disqualification on those grounds. Trump is refusing to commit to accepting the outcome of the election should he lose. "If everything's honest, I'll gladly accept the results, I don't change on that," Trump told the Milwauee Journal Sentinel. "If it's not, you have to fight for the right of the country." Not long after the murder and dismemberment in a Saudi embassy of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended the G20 in Argentina. The only leader to show him any bro-love was Vladimir Putin, who high-fived him with a co-conspiratorial rictus grin. Compare and contrast with the pre-agreed, barely-there fist bump proffered by Joe Biden on his visit to Riyadh. The semiotics of the diplomatic greeting say a lot about how the world relates to the riddle in the sand that is the new Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom: The Worlds Most Powerful Prince (BBC Two) is a two-part deep-dive charting the rise and rise of MBS from minor royal pup in a geronto-theocracy to absolute monarch-in-waiting and oil squillionaire. He bought Newcastle United and a painting of Christ by Leonardo da Vinci. He imported Comic Con and WWE. He endorsed such alien concepts as women drivers and friendship with Israel. All Saudis had to give in return was unquestioning fealty. For some the price was too high. One old university friend describes the cheerful WhatsApp sent to his father by MBS threatening legal action or other measures that would be harmful to you. The crown prince forebore to add in a bone-saw emoji. Enlightenment comes not only from exiles, with their grim reports of chicanery and worse, but seen-it-all Western diplomats steeped in realpolitik and, for balance, a couple of apologists. One such is Professor Bernard Haykel, an academic billed as MBSs friend and financial adviser. The repression of dissidents is very bad, he allows, though caveating that this is a regime that has very rarely killed people. But what about Khashoggi? As far as hes concerned this is a closed case, Haykel snaps, and its being used perpetually as a cudgel against him and against his country. Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggis fiance, drips sarcasm. That people talk about you as a killer, it must be really difficult for him. This is a fascinating psychological profile of an erratic, ruthless, egotistical moderniser. The only moment MBS deigns to look embarrassed and awkward is when he gets love-bombed in the White House by Donald Trump. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. MOSCOW/KIEV, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian forces are shifting their position to a different location in Russia's Kursk region, preparing for a fresh offensive, a Russian officer said on Monday. The Russian military maintains its grip on the situation, reported Tass, citing Apty Alaudinov, deputy head of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry. Most of the Ukrainian troops that attempted to move forward were neutralized, along with some of their weaponry, he was quoted as saying, adding that the remaining units are moving to a new area, presumably to launch an attack from a different angle. Meanwhile, the Russian Black Sea Fleet's marines claimed they have captured a sabotage and a group of 19 Ukrainian servicemen near the village of Olgovka in the Kursk Region, Russian security authorities told media on Monday. One of the main goals of the Ukrainian operation in Russia's Kursk region is to create a buffer zone on the territory of Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday night. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said on Sunday that the air force had struck a second key bridge in the Kursk region. On Friday, Ukraine announced it had destroyed a bridge in the town of Glushkovo. Mayor John Giles, the Republican mayor of Mesa, Ariz., and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, right, and Mayor Corey Woods, the Democratic mayor of Tempe, Ariz., acknowledge the crowds applause as they walk on stage at the campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. For many conservative people of faith, the 2024 presidential election is a moral and political conundrum. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News The 2016 election was the hardest election, for me, of my life, Gov. Spencer Cox said. He couldnt manage to vote that year for either Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, or his own partys choice, Donald Trump. He ended up writing in someone else. By 2020, Cox came around: he acknowledged the Trump administration was doing some really good things and said he would support Trumps reelection effort. His style of politics is not the Utah Republican style of politics, Cox said in a gubernatorial primary debate that year. We just have to understand that and accept that. But by November, he couldnt bring himself to vote for Trump. He, again, wrote in someone elses name. Over the four subsequent years, Cox built a national profile as a Republican governor openly skeptical of Trumps grip on the GOP. After Trumps refusal to concede the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 riot that followed, Cox called on him to resign, saying it would be good for the nation. He rejected the anti-Trump label, instead saying he loved some of the things Trump did, but had serious issues with others. I try to treat everyone with dignity and respect, Cox explained. That became his mantra: when he was elected chair of the National Governors Association in 2023, he announced Disagree Better as his initiative, and spent the next year leading events geared toward building cross-aisle camaraderie. The national profiles began to roll in. TIME Magazine said he showed its possible to be a socially conscious Republican. Politico called him the new face of Trump skepticism on the right. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Cox announced that he would, in fact, be supporting Trump. It shocked many Utah Republicans not in the slightest because Cox, just a week earlier, said he would write in a candidate again during a CNN appearance. The number of WTF texts Ive gotten from folks in Utah (and outside who have followed Cox) is astonishing, one Utah political operative told me, minutes after Coxs announcement. We are all going to blow our ACLs bending our knees so violently, another said. Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at his monthly news conference in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 19, 2024. For many conservative people of faith, the 2024 presidential election is a moral and political conundrum. | Trent Nelson But to people close to Coxs thinking, the governors about-face was not an act of submission or a craven political calculation. (Coxs spokesperson declined an interview request for this story.) If it was, they reasoned, he wouldve done so long before. In March, after Cox warned that the GOP would make a huge mistake by nominating Trump and openly expressed hope that Nikki Haley would win the nomination, Trump allies encouraged Cox to get on board. Trumps going to be the nominee, Don Peay, a friend of the Trump family, remembers telling Cox. Get behind him so Utah has a choice. Peay, who oversaw Trumps 2016 campaign in Utah, had himself gone through a reconversion, souring on Trumps reelection chances early in the 2024 primary before coming back around. But Cox demurred. I dont want to appear to be pandering to win a primary, Cox said, per Peays recollection. Trump, as Peay predicted, romped his way through the primary. Cox won his primary, too, despite attacks for his perceived disloyalty to the Republican nominee. He then reaffirmed his intention to not make an endorsement in the presidential race, which seemed to be barreling toward a low-enthusiasm Biden-Trump rematch. Then, in the hours after the attempted assassination on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, Cox wrote a letter to Trump, hinting at his own change of heart. Your life was spared, Cox wrote. Now, because of that miracle, you have the opportunity to do something that no other person on earth can do right now: unify and save our country. Cox sent the letter that night to Peay, who passed it along to Keith Mark, founder and CEO of Hunter Nation. Mark, surprised, called it a mighty change of heart. The next morning, hours before the Republican National Convention opened in Milwaukee, Mark and Donald Trump Jr. appeared together at an event for delegates sponsored by Hunter Nation and the National Rifle Association. Mark pulled Trump Jr. aside and showed him the letter. Later that day, Trump Jr. showed the letter to his father. Trump was pleased. I do not recognize my party The dilemma that Cox faced for eight years is shared by thousands of religious conservatives in the West. While most Republicans in this camp support Trump in his third run for the presidency, questions about Trumps character and fitness for office are enough to keep many lifelong Republicans from enthusiastically supporting him. But they do not necessarily find the alternative, Vice President Kamala Harris, to be palatable, either: shes a progressive Democrat with whom they share little in common on policy. To some in this group, its a choice between an awful person or awful policies, as Sen. Mitt Romney said about the 2020 race between Trump and President Joe Biden. For John Giles, the Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona, backing Harris is the obvious choice. Like Cox, hes a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; like Cox, hes a lifelong Republican who has faced backlash from his own party. But recently, Giles has become a vocal supporter of Harris. He penned an op-ed in the Arizona Republic announcing his support. He appeared at a press conference launching the Republicans for Harris initiative. And when Harris visited Arizona last week, Giles was one of the rallys introductory speakers. I do not recognize my party, Giles told the crowd. The Republican Party has been taken over by extremists that are committed to forcing people in the center of the political spectrum out of the party. Mesa, once rated the most conservative large city in America, has a population of more than 500,000, twice that of Salt Lake City. It is the fifth-largest city in the U.S. led by a Republican. Giles political stances, then, are not always popular. He took heat for calling Trump an idiot in 2017, and for encouraging then-Sen. Jeff Flake to run for president against him. In the 2022 midterms, when Giles endorsed a pair of Democrats, Sen. Mark Kelly and Gov. Katie Hobbs, he was formally censured by his party. Giles shrugged. We need to prioritize the good of our state and our nation over partisan politics, he said then. Mayor John Giles, the Republican mayor of Mesa, Ariz., and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is swarmed by attendees of the campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. For many conservative people of faith, the 2024 presidential election is a moral and political conundrum. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Now, Giles is making a larger gamble. But his conclusion came from the same internal battle Cox and other conservatives have faced during the Trump era. A lot of Republicans were grumpy about Trump during his first campaign, Giles told me hours before last weeks Harris rally. He didnt support Trump in 2016 or 2020, he said, but he didnt publicly oppose him, either. But then, you know, when you had the election denialism and what happened on January 6, a lot of these things were just way over the top, he continued. And I think people like me at that point said, Hello, are you seeing whats happening? Its shocking that people have such a short memory. To conservative voters who are repulsed by Trump, the choice is clear, Giles said. A lot of folks either wont vote for Trump, or theyre tempted to hold their nose and vote for Trump, because they dont see a real alternative. They think the Democratic candidate is just too progressive for them to, in good conscience, vote Democrat, Giles said. I think they need to realize that if youve come to the decision to the realization that Donald Trump is not a legitimate candidate and that hell do damage to our country, you have to vote for Vice President Harris. Giles doesnt deny that he and Harris have differences on policy opinions. She had the reputation, when she was a senator from California, for being very progressive, and I think thats probably fair, Giles said. But I think she has evolved in the last four years as vice president. Youve seen the Biden administration do some very centrist things. He pointed to the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the CHIPS and Science Act as examples. Those are things that have had huge economic impacts here, he said. In city government, we focus in between the 20 yard lines, on solving problems. In Arizona, where the Trump campaign launched its Latter-day Saints for Trump initiative in 2020, Giles is now the face of the pro-Harris movement. But others were involved long before: Dan Barker, a retired judge and fellow Latter-day Saint, launched the Arizona Republicans Who Believe in Treating Others with Respect PAC in 2020 to pull together moderates, independents and conservatives in support of Biden. He is doing the same this year for Harris. And Yasser Sanchez, a Mesa immigration attorney, has paid for billboards saying ADIOS TRUMP to dot Arizonas freeways. I hear from a lot of Latino members or people that are investigating the church who say, Im confused, because members of your church are very kind, and so I dont, we dont understand how theyre supporting Trump, Sanchez said. (The First Presidency has repeatedly emphasized the churchs political neutrality, while encouraging members to be engaged, informed voters.) To Giles, Coxs decision was surprising. Ive watched Governor Cox with admiration from Arizona, Giles said. He was so struck by Coxs Disagree Better movement that he launched a copycat initiative with the Democratic mayor of Tempe. I cant comment on why he chose to write the letter that he did to Trump, Giles added. I do know that for about five minutes I had the same hope. Giles said he watched Trumps convention speech and heard a different tone from Trump. But that was very short lived, he added. And I dont know if it was literally the next day or within 48 hours, certainly (Trump) was worse than ever. Giles announced his endorsement of Harris less than three weeks later. Will religious voters decide the election? Republicans had opportunities to choose another candidate. Two years ago, it appeared Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was the GOPs heir-apparent. In Utah, he enjoyed widespread support: in late 2022, 86 elected officials across the state asked him to run for president, and by spring of 2023, most Republican county chairs across the state liked him over Trump. But DeSantis campaign flamed out shortly after the Iowa caucuses. Nikki Haley, the former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor, was Trumps final hurdle to the nomination. For a moment, Haley showed promise. Instead of bowing out when Trump trained his attacks on her, like a dozen other GOP candidates did, she doubled down. She pitched voters on a post-Trump Republican Party, a return to family and faith. She is smart and erudite, said David H. Leroy, who co-chaired Haleys campaign in Idaho. I thought she was a candidate that had none of the personal or political baggage that President Trump continues to accumulate. But when Haley ended her campaign after Super Tuesday, Leroy a former Idaho lieutenant governor and an official in the George H.W. Bush administration had no issue shifting his support to Trump. I indicated to myself, as a longstanding Republican, that I would be supporting the ticket and the presumptive nominee ... as conventional Republicans were compelled to do, he said. Haley herself followed suit, endorsing Trump and accepting a primetime speaking slot at last months Republican National Convention. To Leroy, the continuation of the Biden-Harris administrations policies by way of a Harris victory constitute an existential threat to the country. If we do not significantly change the direction of policies of this country, Im very fearful my children and grandchildren will live in a country where it is impossible to achieve the standard of living, and the standard of security, which Ive enjoyed during my lifetime, he said. The biggest barrier to that? By Leroys estimation, its the focus on moral character and persona instead of policy. I prefer to keep religion and national government generally separated, Leroy said. We tend to place too much emphasis on, or frame too many issues in, a moral context that offends many moderates. ... The intersection of religion and politics has not been always friendly to the Republican Party, in my opinion. If the 2024 election were focused on pocketbook issues, Leroy said, it would be a runaway election for the Republicans. But when you mix in Mr. Trumps persona and the imprecision with which he communicates to the public, its eminently possible that this election could be lost on issues that are more related to personality than to the core problems and solutions for the country. Leroys hypothesis has some backing. In 2020, conservative suburban women many of whom said they liked Trumps policies but not his character were a key bloc that secured Bidens victory. Many of them, in Arizona particularly, were Latter-day Saints. This current election cycle, there are enough Latter-day Saints in Arizona and nearby Nevada to conceivably sway the election in both battleground states. But Latter-day Saints seem to be increasingly dissatisfied with their options. They feel like they dont have a home right now in American politics, said David Campbell, director of the Notre Dame Democracy Initiative. That wont stop many religious conservatives from supporting Trump. Many of these voters, including conservative Latter-day Saints, credit Trump for securing a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, which has ruled in historic abortion and religious liberty cases. President Trump and his family are God-believing people, said Layne Bangerter, an EPA official during the Trump administration. They live strictly by The Golden Rule. President Trump and his family are many things but foremost, Americans, and Capitalists with an emphasis on preserving and enhancing Individual Rights and Religious Liberties. Bangerters view is shared by Republicans at large: according to a Deseret News/HarrisX poll of U.S. voters, most Republicans view Trump as a person of faith. The cost of an endorsement What will Cox gain from his endorsement of Trump? Not much, said Peay, who facilitated the letter delivery to Trump. If Cox wanted a boost in the primary, he wouldve done it months ago; if he wanted a spot in a second Trump administration, he wouldve done it years ago. Im 100% convinced that Cox did it because he felt it was the right thing to do, Peay said. The crux of Coxs message that Trump has an opportunity to unite the country seems reliant on Trumps willingness to turn down the temperature, as Cox wrote. But Cox offered his full endorsement, without qualifiers: when asked in his July press conference if he was endorsing and will vote for Trump, Cox obliged. Yes, and thats part of supporting. Ill do anything I can to help. My commitment to him is I would help him try to lower the temperature in this country. In the subsequent weeks, after Biden dropped out of the race, the election delved into something akin to a lunchroom foodfight. Democrats focused particularly on Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance by calling him (and others) weird. Vance has complained that the tactic resembles a schoolyard bully, and retaliated by calling Harris wacky and weird. As to whether Trump fulfilled his side of Coxs mandate he seems perturbed by the very idea. They say something happened to me when I got shot. I became nice, Trump said at a rally a week after the Republican convention. If you dont mind, Im not going to be nice. Later, at a fundraiser in New York, Trump fumed that the media had portrayed him as softer. Im not nicer, Trump said, according to the New York Times. And as Harris has emerged atop the Democratic ticket, Trump and his allies have resorted to attacks based on her race and gender. As far as the personal attacks, Im very angry at her because of what shes done to the country, Trump said in a press conference this week. I think Im entitled to personal attacks. I dont have a lot of respect for her. I dont have a lot of respect for her intelligence, and I think shell be a terrible president. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during an event on combating antisemitism at Trump National Golf Club, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, in Bedminster, N.J. For many conservative people of faith, the 2024 presidential election is a moral and political conundrum. | Julia Nikhinson That hasnt stopped most conservative religious lawmakers in the West from circling the wagons around Trump. Romney is one of the lone exceptions: In Utah, Romney is the only member of the congressional delegation who has said he will not vote for Trump. I know for some people, character is not the No. 1 issue, Romney said in May. It is for me. Utahs senior senator, Mike Lee, alongside Reps. Celeste Maloy, Blake Moore and Burgess Owens, have all formally endorsed Trump. Rep. John Curtis who won the GOP primary to replace Romney has said hell vote for him, too, while leaving the door open for disagreement. I found, last time I served with President Trump, a comfortable place to support him when he was doing what I would call promoting Utahs values, Curtis told the Deseret News. And I was also OK standing up when I felt like he was going against Utah values. But only Cox tethered his support to a plea for civility: a hope, perhaps naive, that Trump will change course. Some might say cynically (Coxs endorsement) is born of political necessity; I think it comes from his unquenchable idealism, said one person who has worked closely with Cox in recent years. In the letter, Cox predicted an historic margin of victory if Trump softens his tone and preaches unity. The inverse could be true, too: if Trump continues on his current path, Trump could be destined to a repeat of 2020, where many conservative voters who would otherwise vote for the Republican hold back. Im very concerned that the Trump persona can, if not properly channeled toward the issues, once again snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, Leroy said. Zelenskyy asks ambassadors to work on extension of authorisation for strikes on Russian territory President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Ukrainian diplomats to work with Western powers to extend the permission to use long-range weapons they have transferred to Ukraine to strike Russian territory. Source: Zelenskyy said during an annual meeting with heads of foreign diplomatic missions in the city of Dnipro on Monday, 19 August, European Pravda reports Details: Zelenskyy said that if the West had not imposed restrictions on the use of weapons on Russian territory, "we would not need to physically enter Kursk Oblast to protect our Ukrainian citizens in the border communities and eliminate Russias potential for aggression." Quote: "Russian military bases, and Russian military airfields, Russian logistics and other military facilities, whose existence allows Putin to evade the peace efforts, are legitimate targets for our Defense Forces." Details: The president added that Ukraine needs enough range to defend itself against Russian missiles and guided bombs, as well as the deployment of Russian troops and pressure on key areas of the line of contact. "Now, this [range ed.] is a key defence decision that should support our warriors. And it primarily concerns the work of our Diplomats, you, and other Ukrainian representatives in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and in those countries that can either make the decision themselves or influence partners to resolve the issue of long-range capabilities," Zelenskyy said. In his opinion, the Russian authorities' reaction to the events in Kursk proves that "there is no single rational reason to deny us true power, true long-range capabilities." Background: Last month, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was gradually changing the West's position on strikes on military targets in Russia's rear and was already receiving "positive signals" to expand the permission to use the weapons provided by Western allies. Recently, it became known that Washington is effectively blocking Britain's authorisation for Kyiv to use Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory, amid the Biden administration's concerns about escalation. Support UP or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine continues to make strides in Russia's Rostov Oblast, with Ukrainian forces capturing more Russian troops on the morning of 19 August. Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram, following a report from Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Quote from Zelenskyy: "The commander-in-chief also reported new details of the operation in Kursk Oblast. We are achieving our goals. This morning, the prisoner-of-war exchange pool has been replenished for our nation." Details: Furthermore, Syrskyi reported on the battlefield situation, in particular, on heavy fighting on the Pokrovsk front and the defence of Toretsk. "I am grateful for every achievement in crushing the invaders. We are working to ensure the supply of weapons and secure the necessary decisive actions from our partners for our [operations] on the front," Zelenskyy stressed. Additionally, the president mentioned that he and Syrskyi had discussed "certain aspects of our missile programme." Read also: Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi's raid: how the Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast is progressing and what to expect next Background: The operation in Kursk Oblast commenced on 6 August. On 10 August, on the fifth day of the Ukrainian offensive into Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine had pushed the war onto the aggressor's soil. On 13 August, Syrskyi informed Zelenskyy that Ukrainian soldiers were in control of 74 settlements in Russia's Kursk Oblast. On the afternoon of 15 August, Syrskyi stated that since the beginning of the day, Ukrainian troops had advanced up to one and a half kilometres in some areas of Kursk Oblast and were already in control of 82 Russian settlements. On 15 August, Ukrainska Pravda sources in Ukraine's Security Service reported that Ukrainian special forces had captured 102 Russian soldiers in Kursk Oblast. Ukraine's Air Assault Forces shared footage of the first hours of the operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast. The video showed mine clearance, the breaching of the border, the destruction of Russian defence lines, air and artillery operations and the capturing of prisoners of war. Later, the 80th Air Assault Brigade of Ukraines Armed Forces shared footage from the early hours of the military operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian troops breached the defence line, destroyed a border checkpoint and captured over 50 Russian soldiers. Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy: Russia uses Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as ground for strikes on Nikopol and equipment storage video Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia is using the territory of the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) as a launching ground for strikes on Nikopol and other hromadas, storing military equipment and ammunition on the plant's premises [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.]. Source: Zelenskyy on Facebook Quote: "Russia is blackmailing the world with the threat of a catastrophe at the ZNPP, using the station's territory as a launching ground for strikes on Nikopol and nearby hromadas, and storing military equipment and ammunition on the plant's premises. Only the return of the plant to Ukrainian control will ensure full compliance with all safety standards and normalise the situation around the ZNPP." Details: The president said Ukraine has ensured the highest level of safety at its nuclear facilities for decades. This will continue, but it requires an end to Russia's presence at the ZNPP. The Russians have controlled Europe's largest nuclear power plant, the ZNPP, for more than two years: "And the Russian presence consistently poses a fundamental threat to the radiation safety of our country, all of Europe, and the world." Background: On the evening of 11 August, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Russians had started a fire on the territory of the ZNPP and urged the IAEA and the international community to respond to the incident. No changes to radiation levels near the ZNPP have been documented. Yevhen Yevtushenko, Head of Nikopol District Military Administration, had previously reported that the ZNPP was operating as usual, and the Russians had likely set fire to a large quantity of car tyres in the cooling tower. Cooling tower number one is located about a kilometre from the plant's power units. The Russian occupiers have blamed Ukraine for allegedly attacking the city of Enerhodar and claim that background radiation around the ZNPP is normal. The Russians denied IAEA experts access to the interior of the cooling tower at ZNPP, where the fire had broken out. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commented on news that Denmark is preparing another military aid package for Ukraine. Source: European Pravda; Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) Details: Zelenskyy thanked the Danish government and the people of Denmark for their 20th aid package. Quote from Zelenskyy: "I appreciate the implementation of our agreements, as well as Denmark's growing financial support for Ukraine's defence industry. Denmark's contribution to funding weapons production in Ukraine will have reached US$215 million. I thank Denmark its people, parliament, and government for their consistent leadership, which strengthens both countries and the whole of Europe." Background: On 19 August, it was reported that Denmark was preparing to allocate US$115 million to purchase weapons for Ukraine. The Danish foreign minister also said that Copenhagen has no objections to Ukraine using Danish weapons in hostilities on Russian territory. Support UP or become our patron! Pro-Palestine demonstrators face off with multiple police agencies at a UC Irvine encampment last spring. UC President Michael Drake has issued a directive banning encampments as the fall term opens. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) University of California President Michael V. Drake on Monday directed chancellors of all 10 campuses to strictly enforce rules against encampments, protests that block pathways and masking that shields identities amid sharp calls to stop policy violations during demonstrations such as those over the Israel-Hamas war that roiled universities in the spring. As students begin returning to school this week, Drake also sent a letter to the UC community affirming that the right to protest, exercise free speech and voice diverse viewpoints was fundamental to the mission of the university the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, he noted. He said the "vast majority" of campus protests are peaceful and nonviolent, but "some of the activities we saw over the past year were not" and needed to be addressed. "Clear communication and consistent application of policies and laws are key to achieving the delicate but essential balance between free speech rights and the need to protect the safety of our community and maintain critical University operations," he wrote. He told chancellors that rights to free speech and academic freedom must not "place community members in reasonable fear for their personal safety or infringe on their civil rights." Also Monday, California State University Chancellor Mildred A. Garcia and 23 CSU campus leaders issued a systemwide statement about protests. The university said campuses "must maintain an environment where its work can be conducted without disruption." The letter linked to a CSU website that listed banned activities, including "camping, overnight demonstrations, or overnight loitering" and "unauthorized temporary or permanent structures, walls, barriers, barricades, furniture, or other objects." The policy states, in part, that illegal activity includes "vandalism, property damage, trespass, occupation of a building or facility, refusal to disperse in violation of the law" and promoting or inciting violence or harm." "Institutions of higher education have a special obligation to encourage and support the free expression of ideas, values, and opinions, even where they may be unpopular or controversial, Garcia wrote. Drake's letters responded to rising criticism from some regents, faculty, campus security, legislators and others that the protests had gotten out of control and UC needed to consistently enforce campus rules around them. The top-down presidential directive, which allows for few if any exceptions, is unusual in a system that values the independent decision-making of its campus chancellors. Drake said, however, that he consulted widely over the summer with regents, campus leaders, faculty, students and others in shaping UC's approach on protests going forward. Some Palestinian supporters expressed outrage Monday, accusing UC of shutting down constitutionally protected speech in hostile actions aimed at silencing their voices. But those backing Israel said UC had finally acted as it should have months ago to protect the campus community. Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out Oct. 7, many college campuses across the nation have exploded in the largest student demonstrations since the Vietnam War. Supporters of Israel held marches and rallies to condemn Hamas militants for their bloody attack that killed about 1,200 in southern Israel and took about 250 Israelis and foreign nationals hostage. Backers of Palestinians countered with their own protests, encampments, graffiti and building takeovers to voice their outrage over Israel's sustained military assault on Gaza, which has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. They have called for UC to divest from companies that do business with Israel. Controversy over how college leaders have handled the protests triggered a congressional hearing and the resignations of the presidents of three Ivy League institutions: Harvard, Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania. At UC, chancellors were authorized to handle the protests as they saw fit and all of them allowed pro-Palestinian supporters to put up encampments beginning in April. Read more: UC regents: Protests yes, encampments no. Campus rules must be consistently enforced Initially, the UC encampments were peaceful gathering spots for teach-ins, art projects and other pro-Palestinian solidarity activities. But they began attracting counterprotesters and, at UCLA, a violent melee. Complaints rose as Jewish students and others said the tents were impeding university operations and access to pathways and buildings. At UCLA, San Diego, Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara, chancellors eventually called in law enforcement to take down the encampments in controversial operations that sparked intense criticism. Faculty at UCLAand UC San Diego conducted no confidence votes of their chancellors both unsuccessful. At UC Irvine, campus police called for outside backup after protesters took over a lecture hall, then law enforcement dismantled the encampment. A different outcome played out at Riverside, Berkeley, Davis, Merced and San Francisco, where protesters ultimately left their encampments peacefully. Meanwhile, the cost of protest management spiraled to $29 million across the system, with most of that spent on outside law enforcement and security officers along with graffiti cleanup, property repairs, waste removal and pest control. Lawmakers, unhappy with UC's handling of protests, have directed Drake to develop a systemwide framework to provide consistent enforcement of rules and are withholding $25 million in state funding until he delivers a report on his efforts by Oct. 1. They also have directed CSU to take similar steps, although no state funding is directly involved. The push for systemwide enforcement of rules, especially the ban on encampments, began last spring during a Board of Regents meeting where Regent Jay Sures made a motion to direct Drake to order consistent enforcement of rules. But it failed infuriating him, he said amid questions among other board members about the need for a directive. Sures said state legislators, especially the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, helped push UC to act by tying stricter protest management to the state funding. Sures, vice chairman of United Talent Agency and an outspoken supporter of Israel, also led successful efforts to ban criticism of Israel and other opinion on the landing pages of UC websites while allowing it on other pages marked as commentary. He said UC took too long to act, but he was satisfied for now. Regent Rich Leib, who served as board chair during the last year of protests, said regents are now "in complete agreement" with UC's approach and applauded Drake for his "clear direction." James Steintrager, UC Academic Senate chair, said it was a "good thing" to clarify and broadly communicate campus protest rules. But he said he and other faculty are concerned about whether enforcement of bans on masking could put students at risk for doxxing. He also questioned whether requirements to show ID could lead to profiling certain groups. "Implementation is really the key here," he said. Student and faculty supporters of Palestinians blasted the UC president. Saree Makdisi, a UCLA professor of English and comparative literature, blamed UC for created a "crisis" over protests by failing to prevent violent outsiders from attacking a peaceful encampment at the Westwood campus, calling in riot police on student demonstrators and refusing to respond to campus supporters of Palestinians. Makdisi said UC was "running roughshod over the proud tradition of teaching, learning and critique that gave the UC system its global reputation, putting it at risk." Sean Malloy, a UC Merced associate professor of history and critical race and ethnic studies, likened UC's crackdown to then Gov. Ronald Reagan's harsh suppression of student demonstrators during the Vietnam War. "Make no mistake, despite all the talk of content-neutral and existing regulations, this announcement was done to please those who would rather the UC remain silent about Israel committing genocide in Palestine," Malloy said. Students say the stepped-up enforcement of rules won't deter them from protesting when they return to campus this fall. "We will continue to pressure the university to divest and end their complicity and profit from the genocide that's happening in Gaza in whatever way that looks in the fall," said Mona, a UCLA undergraduate student and part of the spring encampment who did not use her last name because of safety concerns. Nailah, a member of the UC Irvine Divest Coalition, said Drake's directive wouldn't make students safer but was a "clear violation of student rights and abilities to speak up on campus." Sarah Bacon, who joined the UC Santa Barbara encampment, questioned whether UC would take such action if the protests were not directed at a target other than Israel. Several campus members said UC officials allowed without incident tent encampments during the Occupy movement in 2011 and building takeovers during the 2022 UC academic workers strike, for instance. "What's new is all the communication on this and the enforcement of policy that is directed explicitly against pro-Palestinian protesters," Bacon said. "If this was a different cause, would the reaction be the same? That is what's concerning to me," Bacon said. Under the state legislation, the UC must notify all students by the beginning of fall term about rules around free speech activities, student codes of conduct, nondiscrimination policies, campus processes to resolve alleged violations and potential consequences, among other requirements. The state report must also include UC efforts to consistently enforce policies and laws that protect safety and access to educational opportunities and campus spaces and buildings. Drake's letter to chancellors instructs them to provide on a web page or document existing policies that apply to protests and demonstrations before fall term begins this month at UC Berkeley and UC Merced and in September for the others. The information will specifically notify campus members about bans on camping or encampments, erecting unauthorized structures, restrictions on free movement, refusal to reveal one's identity when asked to do so by university staff and some masking. State law bars wearing face coverings to conceal identity to avoid recognition while committing a crime, which will be incorporated into all campus rules. UC policy also bars masks worn to intimidate others. But masking to protect health, or worn during peaceful rallies and authorized protest gatherings, will be allowed, a UC official said. UC Berkeley unveiled its new website on free speech policies and protest rules on Monday. Read more: UC unveils steep price tag for handling campus protests: $29 million, most for policing If policies are violated during protests, Drake said chancellors should continue to use UC's progression of actions known as "tiered responses." People must first be informed about a violation and given a chance to change their behavior. If they don't, a warning of consequences is next. After that, UC police or the campus fire marshal will assess the situation and issue a notice of an unlawful assembly if warranted. Those who refuse to change their conduct may be cited for breaking university rules or cited, detained or arrested by police. The letter to chancellors, however, said those guidelines are "not a rigid prescription that will capture all situations" and doesn't dictate a specific time frame. That leaves chancellors some discretion over how far and fast to crack down on violations. Drake said all UC members cited for violations must go through the campus disciplinary process rejecting appeals for amnesty by some protesters and their allies. Disciplinary measures for students include warnings, probation, restitution, suspension or dismissal. Staff and faculty are subject to written censure, demotion, suspension without pay and dismissal, among other sanctions. "Our ultimate goal is for all of our community members to feel supported in their ability to express themselves and to pursue their studies, research, patient care and other work on our campuses," Drake wrote to the UC community. "We also want our community members to understand whats expected of them, including a clear understanding of the principles, policies and laws that govern our behavior on campus." 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Jonas Daehnert/Toms Guide Now that the Pixel 9 lineup has finally debuted, all eyes are turning toward Apple in anticipation of its upcoming iPhone 16. Before that officially happens, though, Apple could certainly learn a few things from the Pixel 9 launch to make its iPhone 16 even better. Its really important for the Cupertino-based company to take note of Google's new releases because the Pixel 9 lineup give us a glimpse into what not to do, which well explain in a little more detail below. More importantly, its going to be an opportunity for the next iPhone to over-deliver on whats needed to become the best phones released this year. With all of the leaks of late, its painting a clear picture of what to expect. While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have their own peculiar qualities, there's also a lot of interest around iOS 18 and how Apple Intelligence could amplify the iPhone experience. Heres everything the iPhone 16 could learn from the Pixel 9. Dont raise prices iPhone 15 colors This ones a no-brainer decision, especially given how last years iPhone 15 Pro Max cost $100 more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max that preceded it. Google did the unthinkable by raising prices for all of its Pixel 9 models, including the base one that now cost $100 more at $799 for the Pixel 9. Meanwhile, the true successor to the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, also gets a $100 price hike to make it the most expensive Pixel ever at $1,099. So far, there hasnt been any indication that Apple would increase prices for the iPhone 16, but anything could happen. For the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it would be wise to keep the price the same in light of last year's iPhone 15 Pro Max hike. Give iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max the same telephoto camera iPhone 15 Pro Max shown in hand One of the iPhone 15 Pro Max's standout features is how it benefits from having a better telephoto camera over the iPhone 15 Pro, thanks to a 5x optical zoom. (The Pro tops out at a 3x zoom.) But Google did something better with it new phones the Pixel 9 Pro features the same telephoto camera as the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro XL in the form of a 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. iPhone 16 Pro camera rumors sound promising in this regard, as multiple sources claim that the same tetraprism telephoto lens that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro Max will find its way to the iPhone 16 Pro this year. That would give the regular iPhone 16 Pro the same 5x optical zoom range as the more expensive Pro Max. Thats unless the rumor about the iPhone 16 Pro Max getting a 6x zoom turns out to be true. Same A18 chip in all models iPhone 15 Pro Max shown in hand This one could be too far-fetched, given what Apple has done recently to differentiate its Pro iPhones from the non-Pro ones. This years standard iPhone 16 models are tipped to inherit the A17 Pro chip, but another rumor hints to the possibility of an A18 chip, with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max getting a more powerful A18 Pro chipset. Google has kept to a format of giving all of its new Pixels the same chip, with the Tensor G4 calling the shots on all the Pixel 9 models. Its almost unlikely for the iPhone 16 to run the same processor as the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, but it would certainly be an unexpected treat if it were to happen. Faster charging iPhone 15 Pro charging AirPods. Apple's iPhones may be some of the most feature-rich handsets, but they've never been speedy with their charging abilities. In fact, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are hilariously behind other premium phones due to their 20W wired charging. To Googles credit, it increased the Pixel 9 Pro XLs charging to 37W which is up from the 30W speed of the Pixel 8 Pro. A similar boost for the iPhone is long overdue. Upgrade iPhone 16 refresh rate Apple iPhone 15 review playing Super Mario Bros trailer. Apples the sole holdout among the big players in the flagship phone space by choosing to keep a 60Hz refresh rate for its standard iPhones. In contrast, Google has been enormously generous with its Pixels in this area. In fact, the lowly Pixel 9 has a dynamic refresh rate of 60Hz to 120Hz which makes its 6.3-inch Actua display more pleasing to look at with gaming and watching videos. Its unlikely that the iPhone 16 will ditch the locked-in 60Hz refresh rate, but Apple could end up enticing more users to upgrade if it ever made that change. Bring Apple Intelligence features to the entire lineup Gif animation of new Siri with Apple Intelligence animation. At WWDC 2024, Apple explicitly shared what devices will support Apple Intelligence features. Even though the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are officially on that list, anything else is still up in the air. Presumably, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max would get them, but its unclear for the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Google isnt shy about its new AI features, as the entire Pixel 9 lineup nearly gets access to the same stuff like Add Me, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Screenshots. The only thing that the Pixel 9 doesnt get are a few video related features and the free year-long subscription to Gemini Advanced, which are reserved for the Pro models. Apple could take a similar approach with its iPhone 16 lineup, by giving all the new iPhones access to Apple Intelligence. But keep a few exclusive features to Pro models iPhone 15 Pro shown in hand That said, there should be some incentive to pick the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro models. Apple could reveal exclusive Apple Intelligence features for them, which would help to differentiate and give more value to these models over the standard iPhone 16 ones. Google certainly does this for the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, which have their own set of AI-assisted features with Video Boost, Night Sight Video, and Super Res Zoom Video. Were not saying that Apple needs to focus on just isolating AI features with recording video, but itd be nice if the Pro models do end up getting just a bit more. More from Tom's Guide Cases for those accused in Rosenda Strong's murder making their way through court An Israeli combat vehicle patrols near the Moshav Ya'ara where a Hezbollah drone attack happened, in the Western Galilee of Israel, on Aug. 19, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua) JERUSALEM, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military announced on Monday that a soldier was killed in a drone attack launched from Lebanon by Hezbollah, targeting northern Israel. Chief Warrant Officer Mahmood Amaria, 45, "fell during combat," the military said in a statement. Amaria was a resident of the Bedouin village of Ibtin in northern Israel and served in the Bedouin Trackers Unit within the 300th Brigade of the Border Defense Corps. Another officer from the same brigade was severely injured in the attack and was rushed to a hospital, the military said. Three other soldiers sustained light injuries. In the incident, five drones entered Israel's Western Galilee from Lebanon. Three were intercepted by the Iron Dome aerial defense system, while the remaining two exploded in separate locations, according to the army. Hezbollah also fired rockets into northern Israel. Overnight and early Monday morning, the Israeli military conducted strikes in southern Lebanon, reportedly killing at least two people, according to Israeli media. The violence was the latest in ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border, which began on Oct. 7, 2023. An ambulance is seen near the Moshav Ya'ara where a Hezbollah drone attack happened, in the Western Galilee of Israel, on Aug. 19, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua) Photo taken on Aug. 19, 2024 shows the entrance to Moshav Ya'ara where a Hezbollah drone attack happened, in the Western Galilee of Israel. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua) An ambulance is seen near the Moshav Ya'ara where a Hezbollah drone attack happened, in the Western Galilee of Israel, on Aug. 19, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua) Photo taken on Aug. 19, 2024 shows the entrance to Moshav Ya'ara where a Hezbollah drone attack happened, in the Western Galilee of Israel. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua) An Israeli combat vehicle patrols near the Moshav Ya'ara where a Hezbollah drone attack happened, in the Western Galilee of Israel, on Aug. 19, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua) Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Aug. 19, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 Palestinians were killed and some others injured in Israeli airstrikes on central and southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said on Monday. An Israeli fighter jet targeted a house south of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip with a missile, destroying it, according to Palestinian security sources. Medical sources told Xinhua that the airstrike killed three people, while several others were injured and transported to Al-Aqsa Hospital in the city. In the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, four people were killed in an Israeli raid targeting a house, according to medical sources. In addition, four Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Abasan town, east of Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip, according to local sources and eyewitnesses. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the killing of journalist Ibrahim Mohareb by Israeli forces in the Hamed area, west of Khan Younis, on Sunday. The syndicate's statement described the targeting of Mohareb and a group of journalists with him while performing their duties as a "crime within the framework of Israel's systematic targeting of journalists," noting that the Israeli attacks have claimed more than 12 percent of Gaza's journalists. With Mohareb's death, the number of journalists killed in Gaza has risen to 169 since the ongoing war began on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Gaza-based media office. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for a Hamas' rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage. In the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 40 people and wounded 134 others, bringing the total death toll to 40,139 and injuries to 92,743 since the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in October 2023, the Gaza-based health authorities said in a press statement. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Aug. 19, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Aug. 19, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Legal language is written in a complicated, confusing way. Is this intentional? Gibson Lab at MIT reveals the secrets behind this are "spell-bindingly" archaic. Find out why! Laws are written in a convoluted style, in what is known as legalese. The way legal documents are written can be confusing for lawyers and the public. Improvements can be made so that non-lawyers can access this secret language too. Legal documents have a reputation of being difficult to understand, but this is not just for the public, it is the case for law students and professional lawyers themselves. Cognitive scientists from MIT think theyve cracked open the answer. Just like magic spells use cryptic rhymes and archaic terms, convoluted language styles in legal writing are used to convey authority. People seem to understand that theres an implicit rule that this is how laws should sound, and they write them that way, says Edward Gibson, an MIT professor and senior author of their study, which will be published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The lead author is Eric Martinez PhD, who also worked with lecturer Francis Mollica on the study who is based at the University of Melbourne. In 2022, the three researchers analysed legal contracts together, totalling about 3.5 million words, to compare them with other forms of writing like newspapers and academic papers, and even movie scripts. Breaking the spell of Legalese Compared to other writing formats, legal documents have particularly long definitions in the middle of sentences, which is called center-embedding. This actually makes text much more difficult to understand because of this structure. This style of writing is called Legalese. Legalese somehow has developed this tendency to put structures inside other structures, in a way which is not typical of human languages, Gibson says. Gibson's team published another study in 2023 showing that legalese also makes documentation even more difficult for lawyers to ascertain the correct meaning from. Lawyers, like many of us, prefer plain English versions of documents, perceiving them as being just as authoritative as traditional legal documents. Why is this the norm? This raises the question of whether legalese has become outdated in a way. One possibility leading to this style of writing is the way documents are added to over time, creating quite compartmentalised paragraphs, with the centre-embedded clauses. However, the team's recent study this year illuminates that this style of writing is more a kind of magic spell to set them apart from other forms of writing. Whether it is intentional or not for each legal writer, it has certainly been the norm for a long time. In English culture, if you want to write something thats a magic spell, people know that the way to do that is you put a lot of old-fashioned rhymes in there. We think maybe centre-embedding is signalling legalese in the same way, Gibson says. New study breaks the spell The magic spell hypothesis seems most likely based on their recent study which involved about 200 non-lawyers in the USA to write texts. What happened? When writing laws, they did a lot of centre-embedding regardless of whether or not they had to edit it or write it from scratch. And in that narrative text, they did not use centre-embedding in either case, Martinez explained. Like the rhymes of spells, legalese is written in a way that commands a kind of authority or power. This shows it may be more a mindset and perception of how laws are written than a secret code intentionally adopted by professional law writers. What now? The researchers at Gibsons lab will next look into British Laws that influenced the earliest American laws to see if the same structures are found. They even want to go as far back in history as 1750 BC to the very first set of laws known on record, called the Hammurabi Code. There may be just a stylistic way of writing from back then, and if it was seen as successful, people would use that style in other languages, Gibson says. I would guess that its an accidental property of how the laws were written the first time, but we dont know that yet. Understanding why law writing is so convoluted the way it is could lead to overturning this convention, leading to better clarified, accessible laws in society. Gibson is optimistic that the way legal language is made can be improved. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 06:38:12 AM Today Generally sunny. Near record high temperatures. High 107F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight A mostly clear sky. Low 71F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Tomorrow A mainly sunny sky. Near record high temperatures. High 106F. Winds light and variable. BEIRUT, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon filed a complaint to the UN Security Council on Monday regarding Israeli warplanes breaking the sound barrier over Lebanese territories, including the capital Beirut. The official Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that the Lebanese mission in New York filed the complaint to the UN Security Council, condemning these actions as "a flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and airspace, and of Security Council Resolution 1701." Resolution 1701, issued by the UN Security Council in August 2006, calls for a cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the establishment of a demilitarized zone. According to NNA, Israeli warplanes on Monday broke the sound barrier in two waves over Beirut and its suburbs, the Keserwan and Chouf regions in Mount Lebanon, and the Sidon and Jezzine regions in southern Lebanon. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. Since the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israel conflict in October 2023, Israel frequently sends warplanes to break the sound barrier over Lebanese airspace, causing loud noises similar to explosions, according to local media reports. Celebrate Hungary's national feast day in style on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024, with a special event that combines a relaxing Sunset Prosecco Cruise and a spectacular Fireworks Viewing Party. Every year, Hungary commemorates Saint Stephen, the first king to unite the tribes of Hungary, with a day filled with festivities, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display. Start your evening onboard the Zsofia Event Ship, perfectly positioned on the Danube River for the best views of the fireworks. Our event offers two amazing experiences: a 90-minute Sunset Prosecco Cruise and an exclusive Fireworks Viewing Party. The evening kicks off at 18:00 as doors open, and unlimited Prosecco and beer start flowing. The boat departs at 18:30, taking you on a leisurely cruise along the Danube River. Enjoy the sunset as you sip on your drink, capturing stunning photos of the UNESCO World Heritage sites along the riverbanks, including the Buda Castle, Parliament Building, and Chain Bridge. By 20:00, the cruise ends, and doors open for those with Fireworks Viewing Party tickets. The real magic begins at 21:00 with the spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Budapest sky, celebrating Saint Stephen's Day with unlimited Prosecco and beer until 22:00, you can relax and enjoy the show from one of the best vantage points on the river. This event is family-friendly, making it perfect for groups of all ages to enjoy a memorable evening together. Whether you choose the full Sunset Prosecco Cruise and Fireworks Viewing Party package or just the Fireworks Viewing Party, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Itinerary: 18:00 - Doors open, unlimited drinking time starts. 18:30 - Boat Departs 20:00 - Cruise Ends - Doors open for Fireworks Ticket Holders 21:00 - Planned start of the fireworks display 22:00 - Event Ends, Drinking package ends. Tickets: Sunset Prosecco Cruise + Fireworks Viewing Party (including Unlimited Prosecco 18:00 - 22:00): 75.00 per person Fireworks Viewing Party Only (including Unlimited Prosecco 20:00 - 22:00): 45.00 per person Venue: Zsofia Rendezvenyhajo 1052 Budapest, Petofi ter, pier number 9. (close to Erzsebet Bridge) Telefon: 06 70 313 7775 More & tickets: ultimatebudapest.com Citroen Basalt Full Price List & Features: Citroen recently launched the Basalt in India, initially revealing only the price of its base variant at an introductory price of Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Now, the automaker has disclosed the variant-wise pricing of the Basalt. It is available in three trims You, Plus, and Max spread across six variants: You, Plus, Turbo Plus, Turbo Plus AT, Turbo Max, and Turbo Max AT. The base You variant is priced at Rs 7,99,000. The Plus (NA), Turbo Plus MT, and Turbo Plus AT variants are available at Rs 9,99,000, Rs 11,49,000, and Rs 12,79,000, respectively. Here are the variant-wise prices of Citroen Basalt: -- Citroen Basalt 1.2L NA You Variant: Rs 7.99 lakh -- Citroen Basalt 1.2L NA Plus Variant: Rs 9.99 lakh -- Citroen Basalt 1.2L Turbo Plus Variant: Rs 11.49 lakh -- Citroen Basalt 1.2L Turbo Plus AT Variant: Rs 12.79 lakh -- Citroen Basalt 1.2L Turbo Max Variant: Rs 12.28 lakh -- Citroen Basalt 1.2L Turbo Max AT Variant: Rs 13.62 lakh These are the introductory prices, applicable to bookings made before 31st October 2024. The company will start deliveries for the Basalt in the first week of September. The coupe SUV comes with a standard warranty for 2 years or 40,000 km, along with 24/7 roadside assistance. It offers five monotone and two dual-tone color options: Polar White, Platinum Grey, Steel Grey, Garnet Red, Cosmo Blue, Polar White with a Platinum Grey roof, and Garnet Red with a Pearl Nera Black roof. Engine Options It comes with two engine options: a 1.2L naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine and a 1.2L turbo petrol engine, producing 82bhp/115Nm and 110bhp/190Nm-205Nm, respectively. The NA unit comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the turbo-petrol unit can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It lacks some important features, such as cruise control, a sunroof, and an auto-dimming IRVM. However, it does offer a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, rear AC vents, semi-leatherette seats, and 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Its safety pack includes six airbags, electronic stability control, a rear parking camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. It offers adjustable thigh support for the rear seat passengers, first in the segment. Is It A Nexon Killer? It will compete with the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and others in the sub-4 meter and compact SUV segment. However, its important to note that the Basalt lacks several features that most of the competition offers. New Delhi: The Hindenburg report published over a week ago, alleged that Madhabi Buch, the current chairperson of Sebi, and her husband had stakes in both obscure offshore funds used in the Adani money siphoning scandal, a claim outrightly rejected by Sebi, its Chief and the Adani group. Following the release of the Hindenburg on August 10, Buchs and SEBI had released their response via a press release, their only response till date, rebutting all the claims made by the US-based short seller. Added to that, the silence from Sebi's board of directors, Indian market regulator's credibility has taken a nosedive. Wion website, citing Reports, said that Madhabi held two meetings with Gautam Adani while the investigation was underway. "In April earlier this year, media reports claimed that investigation against 12 offshore companies that invested in Adani stocks would be settled. A couple of months later, a showcause notice was issued to Hindenburg over its report, which suggests that something had transpired behind the scenes," it added. After launching a broadside against the chief of market regulator SEBI, alleging that she and her husband had stakes in obscure offshore funds used in the "Adani money siphoning scandal", US short-seller Hindenburg Research said Buch has now publicly confirmed her investment in an obscure Bermuda/Mauritius fund structure. Demand For Joint Parliamentary Committee Probe The opposition has also stepped up its attack on the government on the Hindenburg-Sebi issue. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the charges against Madhabi Puri Buch flowing the series of allegations levelled against the Sebi chief by Hindenburg report. The ruling BJP has however dismissed the claims calling it a "sham" aimed at undermining the Indian economy. Former finance ministry secretary EAS Sarma, in an exclusive chat with WION said that there should be a probe by an independent judicial panel that will examine the alleged links between Adani group and Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. "The Sebi chairman, or any member, if they make any disclosure, that should be to the ministry of finance...and cabinet committee on appointments which appoints them. She cannot give a clean chit to herself," Sarma told WION. "This is a matter that requires further enquiry". Srinagar: Restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as well as implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the erstwhile assembly in 2000 are among the National Conference's 12 guarantees announced in its manifesto for the upcoming polls. In June 2000, the National Conference government under Farooq Abdullah passed a resolution in the Assembly seeking to restore the pre-1953 constitutional position in the state. It was, however, rejected by the Union Cabinet headed by then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. The Narendra Modi government abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, in 2019 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Releasing the manifesto at a press conference here, NC Vice President Omar Abdullah said the party is making only those promises it can deliver. He described the manifesto as the NC's vision document and a roadmap for governance. The manifesto makes 12 broad promises, including striving for the full implementation of the Autonomy Resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2000. "We strive to restore (Articles) 370-35A, and statehood as prior to August 5, 2019," the NC poll document said. In the interim period, "we will endeavour to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019", it said. The manifesto promises that the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, in its first list of business after elections, will pass a resolution against the Centre's decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status. Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be announced on October 4. Last December, the Supreme Court directed the poll panel to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30. New Delhi: The Uttarakhand police arrested five people in connection with the alleged gang rape of a teenage girl in a state government bus after a bus arrived from Delhi, officials said. Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh stated that among those arrested were the driver and conductor of the government bus. He also said that the incident, which took place on August 12 at the local bus stand, was reported to the police on Saturday evening. The police acted swiftly, using CCTV camera footage to identify the roadway bus and arrested the five individuals accused, including the driver and conductor, he said, PTI reported. The accused have been identified as Dharmendra Kumar (32) and Rajpal (57), both residents of Buggawala in Uttarakhand's Haridwar; Devendra (52), a resident of Bhagwanpur in Haridwar; Rajesh Kumar Sonkar (38), a resident of Patel Nagar here; and Ravi Kumar (34), a resident of Nawabganj in Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh. He further informed that Dharmendra Kumar is the driver of the bus used in the incident and Devendra is the conductor, while, Ravi Kumar and Rajpal are drivers of other buses and Sonkar is a cashier of the Uttarakhand Roadways posted at the bus stand. The police officer stated that the bus involved in the incident had been impounded and a forensic team was gathering evidence from inside. Police said the incident came to light after the Dehradun Child Welfare Committee (CWC) was informed about a girl, aged 16-17, sitting alone on a bench at platform number 12 of the Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT) here late at night on August 12, PTI reported. The Dehradun CWC sent the victim to Bal Niketan, a government girls' home, for her safety. At the time of counselling in Bal Niketan, she informed the authorities about the alleged rape, after which CWC member Pratibha Joshi filed a police complaint on Saturday evening. Based on the complaint, a case was registered under section 70 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Patel Nagar police station. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Ukraine on August 23, according to a Monday announcement by the foreign ministry. Modis trip to Kyiv comes as part of a broader itinerary that includes a visit to Poland, possibly scheduled between August 21 and 23, reported PTI. Modi will make his first visit to Ukraine since the outbreak of its conflict with Russia. This trip comes about a month after his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Ahead of the visit, India shared its willingness to to contribute in finding a peaceful solution to the war-torn country. As per Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Tanmaya Lals statement cited by PTI, the country has always been advocating diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine will be a key topic of discussion during Prime Minister Modi's visit, according to Lal. India maintains independent relations with both Russia and Ukraine, Lal added in response to inquiries. Modi will first travel to Poland before proceeding to Ukraine. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his upcoming visit to Kyiv on August 23, India has clarified its stance on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This visit, marking the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since its independence in 1991, comes amid rising international attention on India's potential role in the conflict. However, Indian officials have firmly ruled out the possibility of mediating between the two nations, according to sources familiar with the situation. Indias Stand On Mediation Despite requests from Ukraine for a more active role in peace negotiations, India has decided against taking on a direct mediatory role. Instead, India has offered to act as a conduit for passing messages between the warring sides. This approach aligns with Indias longstanding position of promoting dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to resolve the conflict. Strategic Relations with Russia Indias reluctance to assume a mediatory role stems in part from its strategic relationship with Russia. Russia is a key supplier of military hardware to India, providing nearly 60% of the arsenal for India's armed forces. Additionally, Russia has become one of India's top crude oil suppliers, especially after Western sanctions were imposed following the invasion of Ukraine. This complex relationship influences India's diplomatic approach to the conflict. While India is not stepping into a mediatory role, it has played a significant part in facilitating communication on critical issues between Russia and Ukraine. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has previously acknowledged Indias involvement in passing messages on matters such as the Black Sea grain deal and the safety concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. In various interactions, Jaishankar highlighted how India has used its close ties with Russia to convey important messages, contributing to efforts aimed at resolving specific issues. Japanese Foreign Minister, Kamikawa Yoko arrived in India on Monday, to participate in the India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meeting. Confirming her arrival, the Ministry of External Affairs said that substantive discussions covering various spheres of the "India-Japan multifaceted partnership" lie ahead. "Welcome to India! FM @Kamikawa_Yoko of Japan arrives in New Delhi for the Third India-Japan 2+2 Foreign & Defence Ministers' meeting to be held tomorrow. Substantive discussions covering various spheres of India-Japan multifaceted partnership lie ahead," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated. Earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs informed that the third round of India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting will be held on August 20. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent the Indian side and hold meetings with Japanese Defence Minister Minorou Kihara and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa. "The third round of the India-Japan 2+ 2 Foreign-Defence ministers meeting will be held on the 20th of August, 2024, in Delhi," Randhir Jaiswal said at the weekly press briefing on Friday." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and EAM S Jaishankar will be attending from the Indian side," he added. The first and second rounds of the India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meetings were held in 2019 in New Delhi and in 2022 in Tokyo. MEA further emphasised that India-Japan relations are at a very high level and the 2+2 meet will give a major boost to all aspects of the relationship. "2+2 dialogue with Japan is very important for us and this is the third one that is happening. India-Japan relation is at a very high level. Getting the foreign ministers and defence ministers of both countries on the same platform will give a major boost to all aspects of our relationship," Jaiswal further said. Amid nationwide protests by resident doctors, sparked by the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital, the Union Health Ministry has sanctioned a 25% increase in security at all central government hospitals. This decision aims to enhance safety protocols and ensure a more secure environment for healthcare workers across the country. Enhanced Security Measures As part of the new security measures, the ministry has also approved the deployment of marshals at hospitals on a need basis. Each hospital will conduct its own security assessment to determine the specific requirements for additional personnel. Officials emphasized that while these security enhancements are crucial, turning hospitals into heavily guarded facilities is not the goal. Hospitals must balance accessibility with safety, as they are public facilities. The protests have reignited calls for a central law to protect healthcare workers from violence, a demand that has gained momentum following the RG Kar incident. However, government sources have noted that the Kolkata case was not a typical example of patient-doctor violence, which is usually the focus of such legislation. They pointed out that 26 states and Union territories, including West Bengal, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala, already have laws in place making violence against healthcare personnel a cognizable and non-bailable offense. According to officials, enacting a central law specifically in response to the RG Kar incident might not significantly change the existing legal framework, given that the crime in question was not related to patient-doctor violence. The Health Ministry has engaged in discussions with various Resident Doctors' Associations to explain this perspective, stressing that the current state laws already provide substantial protection for healthcare workers. Formation of a Review Committee To address the broader concerns of hospital security and working conditions for resident doctors, the ministry has announced the formation of a committee led by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). This committee will review various aspects of hospital operations, including security protocols, duty rooms, working hours, and canteen services, with the goal of improving the overall working environment for healthcare professionals. Appeal to End Strikes Amid the ongoing protests, the government has urged doctors to call off their strikes, citing the adverse impact on patient care. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention to expedite the enactment of a central law to combat violence against healthcare workers and to designate hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security measures. TEHRAN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday criticized some Western states for their media and arms support for Israel against the people of Gaza. In a phone call, the two sides discussed bilateral ties as well as the ongoing developments in the region, especially the negotiations on the achievement of a ceasefire in Gaza, while slamming certain Western states' policies towards Gazans, according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian president's office. The Iranian president and Malaysian premier said those Western countries' media and arms support for Israel were in contradiction with their claims of defending human rights and making efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, which would only lead to the continuation of Israel's "crimes against the oppressed and defenseless" people of Gaza. They also highlighted the need for greater unity among and coordinated action by Muslim states to counter Israel in Gaza, stressing that the holding of a summit of the heads of state of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation would be an effective action in line with those ends. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip had risen to 40,139, the Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Monday. New Delhi: The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) at the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has announced that they will continue their strike as their demands remain unaddressed. The Doctors group are protesting against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. RDAAIIMS added that the emergency services and ICUs will continue to function. RDAAIIMS shared a post on the microblogging site X saying that they will provide elective OPD services outside the Nirman Bhawan, which houses the health ministry, as part of their protest. The OPD will begin on Monday from 11 am onwards. Resident doctors will be available for providing elective OPD services of around 36 specialities, including medicine, surgery, obs&gynae, paediatrics, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and others to patients outside Nirman Bhawan, said in a statement. We want to highlight the lack of security of healthcare professionals nationwide. We are urging the government to accept our plea for an urgent central ordinance for safety and security of healthcare workers and institutes, the statement read. "We request authorities to allow for the same and provide necessary arrangements for elective out patient services outside Nirman Bhavan," it added. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has initiated suo motu proceedings regarding the rape and murder of a doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will hear the case on August 20. On August 9, The body of the post-graduate trainee doctor was found in the hospitals seminar room. A CRPF inspector was killed in an exchange of fire in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district on Monday, PTI reported citing officials. The terrorists opened fired at a patrol vehicle carrying a CRPF personnel along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the local police. The incident occurred around 3:30 pm in the remote Dudu area of Basantgarh, the officials said. According to officials, an inspector of the 187th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter and later succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. The terrorists reportedly fled the area under heavy retaliation from the joint patrolling team. In response, additional forces have been deployed to the location, and a search operation is underway to locate and neutralize the militants. With the announcement of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir after a decade, political activity in the Union Territory has intensified. Leaders are switching parties, and various free facilities are being announced to attract voters. To counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress has extended an invitation to all like-minded parties for an alliance, while the National Conference (NC) has promised free electricity, water, and education. Recent developments include notable political shifts: senior leader Taj Mohiuddin has rejoined the Congress from Ghulam Nabi Azad's Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP). Additionally, former ministers and leaders have left the DPAP to join the BJP. In response to the evolving political landscape, the Congress has made changes within its Jammu and Kashmir unit. The new president addressed party supporters shortly after arriving in Kashmir, announcing the Congresss readiness to form alliances with any party sharing a similar ideology. Discussions are ongoing with the National Conference regarding a pre-poll alliance. Tareq Karra, the new President of Congress Jammu and Kashmir, stated, We are open to alliances with individuals or parties that share our ideology. The NC has reached out to our leadership in Delhi for a pre-poll alliance. We aim to defeat divisive forces and the BJP, and we are confident of success. In parallel, Omar Abdullah, Vice-President of the National Conference, unveiled the partys manifesto in Srinagar. The manifesto emphasizes the restoration of Article 370 and 35A and the reestablishment of statehood. Abdullah stated that the party would approach the Supreme Court if there were delays in restoring statehood. Abdullah, a former Chief Minister, remarked, Our manifesto reflects the opinions of the people. It advocates for the restoration of our political and legal status through Article 370 and 35A, and seeks the return of statehood. We also pledge to repeal new laws that jeopardize land ownership and to pardon all political prisoners. We will continue our fight for these changes. The manifesto also includes commitments to support India-Pakistan dialogue and the restoration of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) initiated by former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. Additionally, the NC promises free education up to the university level and 200 units of free electricity per household. Abdullah added, We will address rising electricity costs and water scarcity. We will provide 200 units of free electricity and free education for Jammu and Kashmirs students up to the university level. We also support India-Pakistan talks and the CBMs established by Vajpayee and Singh. The forthcoming assembly elections are expected to be highly competitive, marking the first elections since the abrogation of Article 370. Political analysts suggest that the National Conference is likely to perform well in Kashmir, while the BJP is expected to dominate in Jammu, based on previous Lok Sabha election results. Despite Omar Abdullahs loss to Engineer Rashid in the Lok Sabha elections, the impact is anticipated to be minimal as Rashid's campaign promises were not fulfilled. Regional parties are expected to operate independently, as pre-poll alliances with the BJP could pose challenges. Senior journalist Rahid Rahil commented, Election periods see frequent party changes as candidates seek favorable positions. The National Conference is likely to have an edge in Kashmir, while the BJP will fare better in Jammu. Regional parties might form alliances, but Azads influence in Kashmir is expected to be limited. It is also unlikely that the NC will align with the PDP. Following the release of the NC manifesto, meetings were held between the PDP and BJP to strategize on policy offerings and candidate selections. New Delhi: Amid the protests over the rape-murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital, BJP MP Arun Govil said that many things are happening in Kolkata and whatever is happening there should not happen. Speaking to reporters, Arun Govil says, "So many things are happening in Kolkata right now. Whatever is happening there right now shouldn't happen...it has become a very weird atmosphere..." When asked about Mamata Banerjee's statement on 'Ram-Bam', he said, "Mamata Banerjee is a free woman in a free country so she can speak anything of her choice" Earlier, Banerjee alleged that the Left was in connivance with the Ram (the Bharatiya Janata party) to create unrest in West Bengal. "Left and Ram want to create unrest in Bengal and they both have come together to do this," She said while referring to the vandalism at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. Meanwhile, doctors and locals from Mumbai on Monday held a protest at Azad Maidan amid the ongoing protest over the rape-murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital. One of the protesting doctors urged the government to ensure that every organisation has a safety audit. "We request the government that every organisation should have safety audit...What is the point if we are not safe even after more than 70 years of independence?. Doctors always first think of the patients and not their safety. The workplace has to be safe for us," Dr Prerna Gomes from Jaslok Hospital told ANI. Earlier on Sunday, West Bengal Governor's office alerted medical colleges in the State to beef up security and ensure that women doctors and paramedics are provided with adequate protection. "Today Raj Bhavan contacted Medical Colleges in the State and alerted them to beef up security and ensure that women doctors and paramedics are provided adequate protection," Raj Bhavan Media Cell said in a post on X. Earlier, the CBI team investigating the case conducted 3D laser mapping of the emergency ward at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the case. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, will hear the case on August 20. On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, sparking nationwide strikes and protests by the medical community. New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan 2024, just as everyone in the country is happily celebrating the day with their siblings - our Bollywood celebs too spent it the way it should be. From Sara Ali Khan, and Bhumi Pednekar To Sanjay Dutt, and Salman Khan among others - all shared posts on Rakhi celebrations. Akshay Kumar took to Instagram to wish his followers while Bhumi Pednekar and Tamannaah Bhatia shared heartfelt messages for their sisters. Sanjay Dutt also took to his Instagram to wish his sisters and expressed gratitude. Take a look here on who posted what on social media: The festival of Raksha Bandhan, is celebrated across the country as a mark of love, trust and promise between a brother and his sister. Every brother pledges to protect his sister and promises to be by her side forever. The sacred bond which exists between the siblings is beyond explanation. Mumbai: The trailer of Vijay Varma-starrer series 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' is now out for the audience. Vijay is seen as a pilot in the film. As per the makers, the "six-episode series thrusts you into the nerve-wracking reality faced by passengers and crew trapped at 30,000 feet. With every moment steeped in tension, the series follows a relentless team in India racing against time, deciphering the hijackers' ominous demands, and fighting against the odds to ensure the safe return of everyone on board." IC-814 was hijacked by five terrorists on December 24, 1999, 40 minutes after it took off from Kathmandu. The aircraft carrying about 180 passengers remained hostage for seven days and flew from Kathmandu to Amritsar and then to Lahore. It was re-fuelled in Lahore and left for Dubai. From Dubai, it went to Taliban-controlled Kandahar, where all the passengers were released on December 31, 2000. It is adapted from the book "Flight Into Fear" by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury. On what audience can expect from the show, Monika Shergill, Vice President - Content, Netflix India said, "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a gripping tale that chronicles one of the longest hijackings in Indian history, offering a real account of a colossal international crisis. Directed by the master filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, known for his gritty and realistic cinema, the series doesn't just recount the events; it immerses you in the emotional whirlwind of a nation gripped by fear, hope, and desperation. The powerful storytelling, combined with stunning visual effects and heart-stopping performances by a stellar cast, makes this a must-watch." Arvind Swami, Dia Mirza, Pooja Gor, Patralekhaa, Amrita Puri, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Anupam Tripathi, Kanwaljeet Singh, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sushant Singh, Aditya Srivastava, Rajeev Thakur and Yashpal Sharma are also a part of the show. 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' will be out on Netflix on August 29. New Delhi: Actress Rhea Chakraborty's podcast Chapter 2, delves into how shes embracing new beginnings and leaving her past behind, offering a candid look at her personal growth and professional reinvention. The first episode of the podcast featured a dynamic conversation between her and Sushmita Sen, and was met with lots of appreciation and love by the fans for how natural it felt. For the upcoming second episode, Rhea engages in a compelling discussion with Bollywood icon Aamir Khan. Known for his authentic and engaging conversations, Aamir's presence is sure to add depth and interest to the episode, enhancing its exploration of personal growth and inspiring insights. Rhea posted a trailer for the episode on her social media handle, captioning it as, l'm thrilled to welcome Aamir Khan, a true star and a genuine friend. Stay tuned for a deep dive about his experience with stardom, parenthood, grief, and more. #Chapter2, episode out on Friday, 23rd August. Rhea Chakraborty started her podcast journey on the occasion of her birthday. Chapter 2 signifies new beginnings, starting afresh and moving on in life. The podcast aims at bringing insightful content on a platter for her fans. Her podcast garnered immense praise for unfiltered conversation that is candid and absolutely relatable. The first episode with Sushmita Sen went viral and netizens grasped quite a few inspirational thoughts from the same. New Delhi: Israeli police are investigating an explosion in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening that resulted in one fatality, ANI reported, citing CNN. Another person was injured from shrapnel to the lower body and was subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment. District Commander Peretz Amar said that the deceased is believed to have been carrying the explosive material. The police have not yet revealed the identity of the victim who died in the explosion. Peretz Amar also noted that it is "too early to say" if the incident in Tel Aviv was a terrorist attack. The police received several calls reporting the loud explosion on HaLehi Street in Tel Aviv, CNN reported. While speaking with reporters at the scene, Peretz Amar confirmed that the explosion was caused by a bomb, The Times of Israel reported. He emphasized that identifying the deceased is essential for understanding the motive behind the incident. He also stated that the injured person might be able to assist in the investigation, according to The Times of Israel. Amar said, "It is difficult to identify the body." He added, "We know that he is not an innocent civilian, but someone who was carrying an explosive device." Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused of being involved in a plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in the United States, has spoken out for the first time since his detention in Prague last year. In an interview with The Sunday Guardian, Gupta claimed that he is innocent and has been framed in a politically motivated case. Gupta was arrested in Prague last year by the FBI and later extradited to New York, is currently facing intense conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Brooklyn. Gupta alleged that the case against him is fabricated and meant to affect the elections in India. He described the prison conditions as a "slaughterhouse" and claimed that he has been subjected to torture and intimidation by officials. "I am an innocent man who has been wrongly framed," Gupta said. "There is no actual case against me. All of it is fabricated and politically motivated. It was only meant to affect the elections in India." While speaking to The Sunday Guardian, he claimed that the US authorities are targeting him to exploit divisions within the Sikh community and influence political scenarios both in the US and India. Gupta denied any involvement in illegal activities and claimed that he has never met any Indian government officials or intelligence agents. He also denied any criminal cases filed against him in India or elsewhere. "I have always been a businessman," Gupta said. "I have been involved in various small businesses. I have worked in mining, silica sand, non-ferrous metal import, brass handicrafts, and marble export. I have never been involved in any illegal or unlawful activities." Gupta claimed that he has been treated poorly by officials in the US and has not received any legal support. He also alleged that he has been kept in solitary confinement and has been subjected to physical and mental torture. "The treatment from the officials is such that they expect me to agree with whatever they say," Gupta said. "They have a hundred ways to make anyone comply through force, intimidation, and dirty tactics." Gupta's family has not received any support from the Indian government, and he has been left to face the ordeal alone. "I am more concerned about my family than myself," Gupta said. "I am worried about how they are managing over there. Our savings have been spent on the legal fees that I had to incur in Czech and the US. I am still waiting for a response on my request for a public defender to represent me." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jerusalem, on Aug. 19, 2024. (Haim Zach-GPO/Handout via Xinhua) JERUSALEM, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel has accepted a new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During a press conference in Tel Aviv, Blinken said that Netanyahu "confirmed that Israel approves" the new U.S.-backed bridging proposal. The proposal was presented to Israel and Hamas by Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. mediators over the weekend. Blinken urged Hamas to approve the bridging proposal, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the suffering in Gaza, where more than 40,000 have been killed in Israeli assaults, and the need to release the hostages still held by Hamas. Blinken visited Israel amid ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, before heading to Egypt and Qatar, key mediators in the negotiations. Netanyahu released a video statement during Blinken's press conference, referring to his meeting with Blinken as "good and important," but did not explicitly voice support for the bridging proposal. The prime minister said the United States "showed understanding to our vital security needs amid joint efforts to release our hostages." Hamas had previously dismissed the bridging proposal, claiming it was too aligned with Israel's demands, particularly concerning Israel's insistence on maintaining military forces within the Palestinian enclave, and accused Israel of introducing new demands. At the invitation of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, from August 20 to 23, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council will travel to Russia to chair the 29th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government and visit Russia and Belarus. CCTV: You just announced Premier Li Qiangs upcoming visit to Russia and Belarus. Could you share with us the background, the program and Chinas expectation of the visit? Mao Ning: This year marks the 75th anniversary of the China-Russia diplomatic ties and is the first year of the China-Russia Years of Culture. Under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, the China-Russia relations have overcome external disturbances and maintained sound and stable growth. The regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government is an important mechanism for delivering on the common understandings between the two presidents and promoting practical cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges in a coordinated way. The meeting has been held annually since its launch in 1996. During the visit to Russia, Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will co-chair the 29th regular meeting of the mechanism and have in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations, practical cooperation and important issues of mutual interest. China and Belarus are all-weather comprehensive strategic partners. In recent years, under the personal guidance and with the commitment of both presidents, the China-Belarus relations have maintained a sound momentum of growth. Our political mutual trust has been consolidated and Belt and Road cooperation has borne fruitful results. During the visit to Belarus, Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko will hold talks together to have in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. ARD German Television: Since the revised Counterespionage Law of the Peoples Republic of China came into force in July 2023, the German pharmaceutical sector has feared that the GMP (good manufacturing practice) inspectors who come to China could be punished. How do you think about it? On these concerns, what kind of guarantee can China give to the medical sector in Germany? Mao Ning: China is firmly committed to promoting high-standard opening up and providing Chinese and foreign companies with a world-class pro-business environment that is market-oriented and law-based. Chinas Counterespionage Law targets the very few spying activities that are harmful to Chinas national security, not normal business and investment activities. As long as businesses operate lawfully and their personnel abide by the law, theres no need for concern. Reuters: According to China Coast Guard, the Philippine Coast Guard vessels deliberately collided with the Chinese Coast Guard vessel. What measures will the Foreign Ministry take? How will the incident impact the stability in the South China Sea? Mao Ning: On August 19, two Philippine coast guard vessels, without permission from the Chinese government, intruded into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao of Chinas Nansha Qundao and, in disregard of China Coast Guards dissuasion and warning, acted dangerously by deliberately ramming the China Coast Guard vessel that was carrying out law enforcement operation. The responsibility of causing the collision fully lies with the Philippines. China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with domestic and international law. Its maneuvers at the scene were professional, restrained and appropriate. I would like to stress that Xianbin Jiao is part of Chinas Nansha Qundao. It has always been Chinas territory and uninhabited. The Philippines sent coast guard vessels to intrude into waters of Xianbin Jiao in an attempt to send supplies to the Philippine coast guard vessel anchoring in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao and seek long-term presence there. The Philippines move seriously infringes on Chinas sovereignty, violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and threatens the peace and stability in the South China Sea. China firmly opposes it and will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold the sanctity of the DOC. Bloomberg: Just on that point, would you say that despite an interim pact between the two countries last month, the new collision suggests that the maritime conflict between the two countries remains elevated? Mao Ning: China is committed to handling maritime disputes with the Philippines properly through dialogue and consultation. We hope the Philippines will honor its commitment, earnestly observe the understandings and arrangement reached with China, refrain from taking actions that may complicate the situation, and work with China to get the situation at sea under control. Xinhua News Agency: We noted that in recent years China and Viet Nam forged closer connectivity. In the first seven months of this year, the monthly cargo volume carried by China-Viet Nam fast clearance freight train set new record three times, reaching a historical high of 1,922 TEUs. General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President To Lam started his visit to China yesterday. Will the two sides talk about further enhancing connectivity cooperation? Mao Ning: The China-Viet Nam freight train service, launched in November 2017, opened a new logistics channel between China and Viet Nam. In recent years, the China-Viet Nam freight train service has significantly shortened transportation time with higher border clearance efficiency. It is serving better as a key transportation route in the region and carrying more categories of goods across borders, becoming a fast lane for economic and trade exchanges. China and Viet Nam are both socialist countries and neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President To Lam is on a state visit to China. Leaders of the two parties and two countries will have in-depth exchange of views on cooperation in various areas. We believe this visit will further advance connectivity cooperation between the two countries, promote more solid progress in the building of the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future and deliver more benefit to the peoples of the two countries. Reuters: Two German military vessels plan to transit through the Taiwan Strait next month. Whats the Ministrys comment? Mao Ning: The Taiwan question is Chinas internal affair. The key to keeping the Taiwan Strait peaceful and stable lies in firmly opposing Taiwan independence. China opposes attempts to undermine Chinas territorial sovereignty and security in the name of freedom of navigation. CAIRO, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Egypt has reiterated its demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza borders, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV channel reported Monday, citing a high-ranking security source. Egypt renewed the request while denying media reports saying that Egypt had agreed to allow Israel to maintain its forces in the Philadelphi Corridor, according to the report. Egypt, along with Qatar and the United States, is leading mediation efforts to reach a truce and a hostage-prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas, with the goal of achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. In the latest round of ceasefire talks held in Cairo on Monday, Israel's demand to maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor remained a key point of contention. NEW YORK, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- General Motors (GM) is cutting more than a 1,000 employees globally in its software and services division, a partial reversal of a hiring binge in recent years, The Wall Street Journal on Monday quoted a person familiar with the matter as saying. The cuts include roughly 600 people who are based around the company's Detroit-area headquarters, while a total number of layoffs couldn't be learned, according to the report. GM has hired thousands of salaried workers in software and other tech realms in recent years. Traditional automakers are aiming to develop smarter vehicles that can be updated much like smartphones, it said. "The reduction comes about two months after GM appointed a pair of former Apple executives to lead its division focused on the digital aspects of its business, such as connected vehicles, infotainment and advanced driver-assistance systems," it noted. In June, GM promoted two former Apple executives, Baris Cetinok and Dave Richardson, to run its software and services business. Both men were hired last year under Mike Abbott, another former Apple executive who stepped down as GM's software chief in March, citing health reasons. The job cuts came after Cetinok and Richardson did a review of the automaker's software division and decided to streamline its operations, the person with knowledge of the cuts was quoted as saying. GM and other legacy automakers have raced in recent years to catch up to competitors such as Tesla and China-based electric-vehicle startups with software that can add features or improve the vehicle's operation via wireless updates, according to the report. Car companies are pursuing revenue growth by persuading car owners to sign up for vehicle updates and services, such as hands-free driving and other features that automate some functions in certain situations, it added. UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday demanded the "immediate and unconditional" release of the UN personnel and others detained by Yemen's Houthi group. Guterres remained deeply concerned about the well-being of the UN personnel, members of civil society, national and international non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions and private sector entities that have been detained by the Houthis for more than two months, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN chief, in a statement. He said the secretary-general "demands their immediate and unconditional release." Dujarric noted that the secretary-general also strongly condemned the recent forced entry by the Houthis into the premises of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sanaa. He added that the Houthis handed the office back to the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Yemen on Monday. Guterres reiterated that those detained must be treated with full respect for their human rights, and that they must be able to contact their families and legal representatives, the statement said. It warned that the humanitarian situation in Yemen is dire, with over 18 million people suffering from food insecurity, epidemics, displacement, damaged infrastructure and critical economic conditions. The United Nations is working tirelessly to address the impact of the situation on the people of Yemen, but the safety of the UN personnel must be assured, the statement said, adding that the world body and its partners "should never be targeted, arrested or detained while carrying out their mandates." BRUSSELS, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Bart De Wever, leader of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) party, met with Belgium's King Philippe on Monday to review his progress in forming a new federal government, with their next meeting set for Thursday evening, according to a statement from the Royal Palace. De Wever has been tasked by the King on July 10 to establish a coalition government. His efforts are focused on bringing together five key political parties: his own Flemish nationalist N-VA, the Flemish Christian Democrats (CD&V), the socialist Vooruit party, the French-speaking MR (Reformist Movement), and the centrist Les Engages. De Wever's mandate was initially extended until Aug. 19, following a report he presented to King Philippe in late July. On Sunday evening, the leaders of potential coalition partners, along with their chief negotiators, gathered to discuss the latest version of De Wever's policy agenda, which includes his future government's proposed socio-economic reforms. The formation of a government in Belgium is often a lengthy process, complicated by the nation's economic, social, and administrative divisions across its three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital, as the country is equally split into three linguistic communities: Dutch, French, and German, each with their own governments. Belgium holds the world record for the longest government formation period, having gone 541 days without one between 2010 and 2011. The discussions are expected to continue in the coming days as De Wever seeks to finalize the coalition agreement. RAMALLAH, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Authority has informed Israel of President Mahmoud Abbas's decision to visit the Gaza Strip with members of the Palestinian leadership, a Palestinian source said on Monday. The source, who preferred anonymity, told Xinhua that Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary general of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, had sent a message to Israel and international parties regarding Abbas's decision. "President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine will visit the Gaza Strip with several Palestinian leadership members. The visit aims to assert Palestinian sovereignty over Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, observe the dire conditions, and call for an immediate end to the war and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza," the message wrote. The source added that the Palestinian side has also informed the U.S. administration of Abbas's visit and his accompanying delegation, requesting its support and participation if possible. The Palestinian Authority will reach out to the UN Secretary-General, the European Union, and members of the UN Security Council to inform them of this step, said the source. The source did not specify the exact time of the visit, noting that consultations with various parties regarding its implementation, including entry into Gaza via the Rafah border crossing, are still ongoing. Israel's Walla news site reported that the Palestinian Authority had submitted an official request to Israel on Sunday to allow Abbas to visit Gaza soon, citing sources familiar with the matter. On Thursday, Abbas announced his intention to visit the Gaza Strip and invited world leaders to join him and ensure his safe arrival. NAIROBI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- More than 200 scientists from across the globe started a four-day meeting in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, on Monday to discuss new ways to promote trade in certified seeds. The conference, under the theme of "Seed Quality Assurance and Technological Advances for Climate Adaptation toward Sustainable Food and Nutritional Security", is the first of its kind held in Kenya, which provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences, achievements, challenges, and opportunities that can be leveraged to boost the commercialization of high-quality seeds. Andrew Karanja, cabinet secretary of Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said that access to quality seeds and inputs is a critical determinant of agricultural productivity. "Seed certification is a robust process that plays a pivotal role in promoting crop productivity, maintaining genetic integrity, and fostering market confidence," Karanja said. He noted that Kenya and other African countries have invested heavily in seed production facilities and services over the last two decades, adding that the agricultural sector has a significant bearing on food security, economic growth, and social stability. Karanja called for revision of existing regulatory and supportive frameworks, fostering competitive seed markets with minimal barriers and facilitating responsible trade in high-quality agricultural products. He urged African governments to develop strategies that enhance the availability of quality seeds capable of withstanding extreme weather events linked to climate change. Theophilus Mutui, managing director of Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, the organizer of the ongoing meeting, said that Kenya's internationally accredited seed, plant health, and analytical laboratories have empowered farmers to monitor the quality of agricultural inputs and diagnose plant pests and diseases, providing reliable results to facilitate farmers' access to climate-resilient and high-yielding quality seeds. "The provision of the certification label as a mark of quality allows farmers to recognize as well as verify the authenticity of the seed to curb counterfeit seed in the Kenyan market," Mutui said. GAZA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua)-- At least 15 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting two gatherings in Gaza City and Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said on Monday. Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that Israeli aircraft struck a gathering of Palestinians in the Al-Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City. Medical sources said that the airstrike killed nine people and left several others injured. All the injured were transferred to the hospital. In addition, six people were killed in an Israeli strike on a gathering of Palestinians near an internet distribution point west of Khan Younis, according to medical sources. Meanwhile, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported on Monday that at least 289 relief workers, including 207 UNRWA staff members, have been killed in the Gaza Strip, along with 885 health workers. Many of the deceased lost their lives while providing humanitarian assistance or medical care to the injured and sick, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote on social media platform X. He also mentioned that over 160 journalists and media workers have been killed while covering the humanitarian impact of the conflict and ongoing violations of international humanitarian law. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage. JERUSALEM, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described his three-hour meeting on Monday with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who arrived in Israel to push for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, as "positive." In a statement, Netanyahu said the meeting was "held in a good atmosphere," adding that he "reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, on which he strongly insists." Egyptian sources reported that the talks on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza resumed in Cairo on Monday morning, but no progress was achieved. During the talks, Israel demanded to maintain control over the border region between Egypt and Gaza, while Hamas insisted on a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire. Netanyahu told Blinken that the Israeli delegation would return for further talks in Cairo later this week after the team left the Egyptian capital just a few hours after Monday's talks began. Officials with the delegation told Israel's state-owned Kan TV news that the early departure was due to the government's "too limited" mandate for discussing concessions, adding that it needed to be expanded to reach an agreement. MOSCOW, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that there cannot be any talks with Ukraine after its attack on Russia's border Kursk region, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday. "The president made it very clear that following the attacks on the Kursk region, any talks are impossible", Lavrov said in an interview with local media. Meanwhile, he refuted some allegations that the two countries made contacts mediated by the third party, claiming them as pure rumors. The top Russian diplomat also indicated that the entire process within the frames of the conference on Ukraine in Switzerland is unacceptable for Russia because "it is about promoting the Zelensky formula as an ultimatum." UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday demanded an end to attacks on humanitarians and all civilians, appealing for "an end to impunity, so that perpetrators face justice." "Wherever there is human suffering, humanitarian aid workers are striving to alleviate hardship and pain," Guterres said in his message on World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on Aug. 19. "On World Humanitarian Day, we once again salute their courage, their determination, and their service to humanity," said the UN chief. Humanitarian operations coordinated by the United Nations provided life-saving aid to more than 140 million people last year. Aid workers, mostly national staff serving their own communities, persevered despite brutal violence. They continued their efforts to overcome all obstacles to supporting people in need -- in the face of severe funding shortages, according to Guterres. The year of 2023 was the deadliest on record for humanitarian personnel. In Gaza, Sudan, and many other places, humanitarian workers were attacked, killed, injured, and abducted, alongside the civilians they support. The UN chief warned that disinformation campaigns spread lies that cost lives, and international humanitarian law "is being ignored and trampled." "A climate of impunity means perpetrators do not fear justice. This is a failure of humanity, responsibility, and leadership," Guterres noted. "On World Humanitarian Day, we demand an end to attacks on humanitarians and on all civilians," stated the UN chief, who also demanded governments put pressure on all parties to conflict to protect civilians, an end to arms transfers to armies and groups that violate international law, and "an end to impunity, so that perpetrators face justice." Celebrating humanitarians is not enough, said Guterres, calling on the international community to "do more to protect and safeguard our common humanity." In 2023, the number of aid workers killed more than doubled in two years: from 118 in 2022 to 261 in 2023, and 78 aid workers were kidnapped and 196 wounded worldwide, according to figures released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Ulviyya Shahin From January to July 2024, Azerbaijan's export profile has undergone notable changes, reflecting broader economic trends and shifts in global demand. According to customs declarations, Azerbaijan exported 14.696 million tons of crude oil and crude oil products derived from bituminous rocks during this period. The total value of these crude oil exports amounted to $9.226 billion, marking a decrease of 2.32% compared to the same period in 2023. The volume of crude oil exported also saw a reduction, falling by 5.44% year-over-year. Despite the decline in both volume and value, crude oil and related products continue to be a dominant force in Azerbaijan's export economy, constituting 57.31% of the country's total export value. In terms of overall trade, Azerbaijan engaged in transactions worth $26.892 billion from January to July 2024. Of this, exports totaled $16.099 billion, while imports reached $10.793 billion. This trade activity reveals a significant contraction in exports, down by 22.5% compared to the previous year, which contrasts with a 12.9% increase in imports over the same period. The reduction in crude oil export volume and value highlights potential challenges in Azerbaijan's key export sector. Factors such as fluctuating global oil prices, changing demand patterns, or increased competition from other oil-exporting nations could be influencing these trends. The decrease in export value, despite a relatively modest drop in volume, suggests that global oil prices may be playing a significant role in revenue generation. On the broader trade front, the sharp decline in exports, coupled with rising imports, points to a widening trade imbalance. This shift may reflect changes in domestic consumption patterns or increased demand for foreign goods. The 22.5% drop in exports is notable and could impact Azerbaijan's trade balance and overall economic stability if the trend continues. Looking ahead, Azerbaijan may need to address several economic and strategic challenges. Diversifying export markets, enhancing oil production efficiency, and exploring alternative revenue sources could be critical in mitigating the effects of decreased crude oil revenues. Additionally, improving trade policies and exploring new international partnerships may help balance the trade deficit and bolster economic resilience. Overall, while crude oil remains a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's economy, the current trends underscore the need for adaptive strategies to sustain economic growth and trade stability in an evolving global landscape. AMMAN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's state-owned Aqaba Development Corporation signed an agreement on Monday with an international consortium to develop the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Aqaba, at a total cost of 125 million U.S. dollars. The agreement, signed by Hussein Safadi, CEO of the Aqaba Development Corporation, and representatives of the consortium, includes the construction of an onshore regasification unit and upgrading the existing LNG terminal, the state-run Petra news agency reported. According to Safadi, the new facilities would be capable of converting up to 700 million cubic feet of liquefied natural gas per day from its stored liquid state into compressed natural gas, and the project is expected to be completed within 22 months. The project is not only critical for enhancing the terminal system in Aqaba but also for ensuring the security of Jordan's energy supply, Safadi said. BAKU, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- During the Russian leader's two-day state visit to Azerbaijan, President Vladimir Putin and his counterpart Ilham Aliyev signed a joint statement at the Azerbaijani leader's residence, "Zagulba," on Monday, further solidifying the relationship between the two nations. In addition to the joint statement, 6 other documents were signed between the two countries' state agencies. These included 3 inter-governmental agreements on cooperation in food safety, plant quarantine and protection, healthcare, medical education, and science. Three memoranda of understanding were also inked, covering labor inspection, climate change, and cooperation between the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency. "These documents, particularly the joint declaration of the presidents, reaffirm the friendly and allied nature of our relations," said President Aliyev in a press statement following the talks with Putin. After the negotiations, Aliyev introduced Putin to the "White City" urban development project, aimed at revitalizing the eastern part of Baku. The presidents also visited the Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral in Baku. BEIRUT, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Two Hezbollah members were killed on Monday in an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. The sources, who spoke anonymously, said the two were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a motorcycle traveling in the village of Houla in southern Lebanon, and the bodies have been taken to a hospital in the city of Nabatieh. According to the sources, Israeli artillery bombed the outskirts of the villages of Kfarchouba, Rachaya al-Foukhar, and Kfarhamam, east of southern Lebanon, with about 20 shells, causing material damage, according to military sources. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. The situation escalated further after Israel's attack on Dahie in Beirut's southern suburbs, killing a Hezbollah senior military commander, Fouad Shokor, and seven civilians. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah threatened a definite and painful response to the Israeli raid at the appropriate time and place. NEW YORK, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. Representative George Santos, who was expelled from Congress last year, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on Monday. The guilty plea came just weeks before the New York Republican was set to stand trial on 23 federal felony counts, including allegations of fraud related to COVID-19 unemployment benefits, misusing campaign funds and lying about his personal finances on House disclosure reports. "I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct," Santos said at a Long Island courtroom in New York. The former congressman's sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 7, 2025. Santos, 36, faces more than six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines and owes at least 370,000 U.S. dollars in restitution, according to The Associated Press. In December 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 311-114 to expel Santos from Congress over his lies, scandals and alleged campaign finance crimes. NAIROBI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Greater Horn of Africa region could experience depressed rainfall in the October-December season amid the likelihood of a La Nina weather phenomenon, according to the latest prediction from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, released Monday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. Based on data from nine global prediction models, there is a higher likelihood of drier conditions in many parts of a region that is benefiting from enhanced rainfall between April and July, according to officials and experts. Workneh Gebeyehu, executive secretary of IGAD, said rainfall patterns in the region have become erratic due to climate change, necessitating anticipatory actions, including the cultivation of fast-maturing crops. According to the official, governments in the region should ramp up investments in climate resilience projects such as water harvesting and storage, early warning, and climate-smart agriculture to shield local communities from shocks including droughts, floods and wildfires. The October-December rains contribute about 40 percent of annual rainfall in the Horn of Africa region, besides their crucial role in sustaining subsistence farming and pastoralism, noted Gebeyehu. He disclosed that currently, 56.5 million people in the region are staring at acute food insecurity that requires humanitarian intervention, while 11 million children under the age of five are malnourished. Gebeyehu suggested that for the Horn of Africa region to overcome shocks during the anticipated suppressed October-December rains, governments and humanitarian actors should come up with contingency plans, including stocking enough food rations, clean water and pasture. John Elungata, head of administration at Kenya's State Department of Environment and Climate Change, noted that early preparedness will be key to helping the region cope with anticipated below-average rains, calling for investments in community-based resilience projects to minimize disruption of livelihoods in the event of a depressed October-December rainfall season. Michael Aiyabei, regional manager at Red Cross Kenya, said that extreme weather events linked to climate change have become the norm in the region hence the need for key stakeholders to prioritize mitigation and adaptation measures targeting vulnerable members of society. ALGIERS/BEIRUT, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the immediate shipment of fuel oil to Lebanon, which is facing a severe power shortage, the state-run Algerian Radio reported Sunday. The decision was communicated by Algeria's Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, according to the report. Larbaoui assured Mikati that the shipment reflects Algeria's commitment to supporting Lebanon "in these challenging times," powering Lebanon's electricity generation stations and helping restore its power grid, said the report. Also on Sunday, Mikati's office issued a statement, which said the Lebanese prime minister thanked Algeria for the shipment decision as well as for "Algeria's continued support for Lebanon in all fields." Lebanon's power grid has suffered a complete shutdown after its last functioning power plant ran out of fuel, disrupting vital infrastructure across the country, including airports, seaports, water pumps, sewage systems and prisons. The crisis is further exacerbated by Lebanon's severe economic and financial crisis since 2019 that has made the country incapable of financing fuel imports, as well as by delays in newly-agreed Iraqi fuel shipments due to what Lebanese Energy Minister Walid Fayyad called "logistical reasons." The scarcity of supplies has left most of Lebanon's residents reliant on private generators and solar panels for electricity. MAPUTO, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Monday announced the reinforcement of surveillance measures in all health units across the country in response to a measles outbreak. During the inauguration of a water supply system in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Nyusi addressed the ongoing public health crisis, highlighting the severity of the measles outbreak and the potential emergence of mpox. The measles outbreak, which began on July 9, has predominantly affected Cabo Delgado with 170 cases reported there and eight in Niassa, leading to a total of 18 deaths, 17 of which occurred in Cabo Delgado. "All deaths were recorded outside health units, which highlights the need to reinforce awareness about the importance of vaccination and early care," said the president. To combat the spread of measles, the Mozambican government, through the Ministry of Health, is implementing several measures, including training technical staff on case management and reinforcing routine vaccinations. "Measles is a disease that can be prevented through vaccination. If you want to help our children, vaccinate them," Nyusi urged during his speech, which was broadcast on state radio and television. "A blocking vaccination has already been carried out in the district of Chiure, and a vaccination campaign for children under 15 years old is planned for September." In addition to the measles outbreak, Mozambique faces the threat of mpox, which has already been reported in South Africa and has affected the continent since November 2022. Earlier, the World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, a designation echoed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. In response to this threat, Nyusi stated that the Ministry of Health is updating its readiness and response plan, strengthening laboratory capacity for testing suspected cases, and revising therapeutic protocols. Nyusi concluded by calling on the population to remain vigilant and committed to public health, emphasizing that "this may be another challenge in the field of public health, but together we can overcome it." KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim began a three-day official visit to India on Monday, according to a foreign ministry statement. In his first visit to India since taking office in November 2022, Anwar was expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review bilateral cooperation and explore initiatives to further strengthen Malaysia-India relations, said the statement issued late on Sunday. "They will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern," it said. YANGON, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have seized 29,500 kg of controlled chemicals ammonium nitrate in Myanmar's eastern Shan State, a statement from the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) said on Monday. Acting on a tipoff, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Loilem town in Shan State on Aug. 17 and confiscated 29,500 kg of controlled chemicals, the CCDAC said. The seized chemicals had a street value of 590 million kyats (about 280,000 U.S. dollars) and a suspect was arrested. The suspect was charged with drug trafficking under the Southeast Asian country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations were underway. ISLAMABAD, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and seven others injured on Monday in a collision between a bus and a trailer in Ghotki district of Pakistan's southern Sindh province, the rescue service reported. According to the reports, the accident took place in the wee hours on Sukkur-Multan motorway near Malook Wali area of the district when a speedy passenger bus hit the trailer, resulting in casualties. Upon receiving the information, the rescue workers reached the site and shifted the victims to a local hospital, the reports said, adding that the rescue operation faced immense difficulties due to rain. The deceased included women and children, while four of the injured were in critical condition, said the motorway police. Chinese premier, Fijian PM stress enhancing cooperation during talks Xinhua) 07:59, August 19, 2024 Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka on Sunday in Beijing, calling on the two sides to push bilateral cooperation to a higher level. Noting that Fiji is the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic ties with China, Li said that China has always regarded Fiji as one of its most important cooperation partners in the South Pacific region. China always firmly supports the Fijian people in pursuing the development path they have independently chosen, and stands ready to work with Fiji to deliver on the common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, Li said. He added that China will continue to be true friends with Fiji -- friends who trust and support each other -- and strengthen exchanges at all levels, push forward the sound, steady development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, and bring more benefits to the two peoples. Li said the two countries should further leverage their complementary advantages and deepen cooperation on infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, light industry, education, tourism, and poverty reduction under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China will import more products from Fiji, and supports Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji, he noted. Li said China supports Pacific island countries in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and will strengthen communication and cooperation with Fiji and other island countries in actively implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and in jointly championing an equal, orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization. Rabuka said that Fiji always regards China as a reliable partner, firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports the Belt and Road Initiative and other important initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China on the economy and trade, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and connectivity to open up new, broad prospects for bilateral partnership. After the talks, Li and Rabuka witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents on trade and infrastructure construction. Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) In Azerbaijan, the construction products manufacturer Marmar Construction OJSC achieved a net profit of 12.75 million manats in 2023, Azernews reports. In comparison, the company's net profit in 2022 was 2.6 million manats, meaning it earned five times more in the last year. According to the company's audit report, Marmar Construction earned 84.99 million manats in revenue last year, more than 2.5 times the 33.31 million manats reported in 2022. The cost of the company's sales was 61.73 million manats, resulting in a total profit of 23.26 million manats. Following last year's net profit, the undistributed profit on the company's balance sheet increased to 12.65 million manats. The company has a charter capital of 1.5 million manats and net assets amounting to 14.15 million manats. Last year, the company distributed 1 million manats as dividends to its shareholders. It should be noted that Marmar Construction OJSC was founded as an LLC in 2017, became a closed joint-stock company in 2023, and transitioned to an open joint-stock company in 2024. Hurzat Akhundova Adil gizi owns 100% of the company's 1.5 million manats worth of shares. As of the end of 2023, the company employed 375 people. People select goods at a shop on a Russian style street in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yue) HARBIN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- For eight-year-old Timur and his family, crossing the border from Russia to Heihe, a city in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, to savor Chinese delicacies is a simple and frequent pleasure, thanks to streamlined cross-border travel policies. Located on the China-Russian border, Heihe faces Blagoveshchensk City across the Heilongjiang River. Since the resumption of visa-free group tours between China and Russia in September 2023, Heihe has seen a surge in cross-border tourism, boosting the local economy. For many people in Blagoveshchensk, a trip to Heihe's morning market has become a routine part of their daily life. "I come to Heihe very often because the food here is cheap and fresh," said Nastya from Raichikhinsk in Russia, as she and her family shopped for snacks and local produce at the morning market to take back to their relatives. Apart from the morning market, a renovated night market has also become a vibrant and bustling hub. With bilingual signboards in Chinese and Russian, many vendors are fluent in Russian, making it easy for international visitors to navigate. "I don't speak Chinese, but we communicate without any barriers here," said a Russian tourist surnamed Oleg. A young couple from Blagoveshchensk noted that they often visit the night market for snacks and clothing and appreciate the convenience of the ferry service back home. In addition to enjoying delicious food and vibrant nightlife, visitors from across the border also explore other aspects of their "cross-border weekend" in Heihe, including medical services. On the Russian social media platform VKontakte, dental hospitals and clinics in Heihe have become popular search terms, with many Russian users sharing their experiences online. "We had about 200 outpatient visits and around 50 emergency visits from foreign patients this year," said a local hospital official, adding that exchanges between Russian and local doctors have increased. Liu Xuesong, director of the Heihe Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, said that a growing number of Russian patients seek traditional Chinese medicine treatments including acupuncture and massage therapy. The hospital's international department has offered treatments to 422 such patients with various traditional Chinese therapies. Data from the Heihe border inspection station shows that as of Aug. 12, the Heihe Port had recorded over 440,000 entries and exits, a 160 percent year-on-year increase compared to the previous year. In late July, the average daily border crossings exceeded 4,000, up 90 percent from the yearly average. "With improved transportation, favorable policies and diverse tourism options, we are expecting a continuous boom of cross-border tourism," said Hao Shuai, an assistant researcher at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences. People visit a morning market in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yue) TIRANA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Albania welcomed 6.3 million foreign tourists in the first seven months of 2024, an increase of 1.2 million compared to the same period in 2023, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Sunday. In his Facebook post, Rama attributed the increase primarily to the country's enhanced image, improved infrastructure, and the expansion of service offerings. However, he expressed concerns about cities like Vlore and Saranda, where excessive price hikes led to a lower increase in business turnover compared to the national average. Emphasizing this situation as a lesson that market operators should learn from, he stated that, starting next season, businesses will be required to display prices at the entrance of every establishment. According to the prime minister's post, the number of Chinese tourists recorded the fastest growth, up by 118.6 percent from a year ago, with 13 thousand Chinese visiting the country in the first seven months. Description Nature or Science - Where does our food come from? Learn the most important key to the nutritional value in our food. Gary shows you the significant differences between the various food categories. What to choose? Find out the meaning of many certifications to look for on food product labels (including a very special symbol) and how to decode produce stickers. Understand how our food choices affect people, animals, and Planet Earth. Q&A included. Lecturer Gary Feldman was an innovator in the nutritional supplement retail field with a first-of-its-kind catalog of all vegetarian name-brand supplements and cruelty-free personal care products and did extensive research for ustomers. There is no registreation required; it is first come, first seated. For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org The Indian market has shown impressive resilience, with the Information Technology sector gaining 4.0% while the overall market remained flat last week and up 44% over the past year. In this thriving environment where earnings are forecast to grow by 17% annually, identifying undervalued stocks can offer significant opportunities for investors seeking value amidst robust growth projections. Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In India Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) Godfrey Phillips India (BSE:500163) 4533.25 8904.96 49.1% Everest Kanto Cylinder (NSEI:EKC) 169.18 305.83 44.7% Krsnaa Diagnostics (NSEI:KRSNAA) 658.20 1165.33 43.5% Yatharth Hospital & Trauma Care Services (NSEI:YATHARTH) 459.80 792.08 42% IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals (BSE:524164) 391.70 762.32 48.6% Updater Services (NSEI:UDS) 320.00 622.14 48.6% RITES (NSEI:RITES) 655.45 1044.17 37.2% Prataap Snacks (NSEI:DIAMONDYD) 894.40 1509.79 40.8% Patel Engineering (BSE:531120) 54.69 90.82 39.8% Tarsons Products (NSEI:TARSONS) 423.15 700.49 39.6% Click here to see the full list of 30 stocks from our Undervalued Indian Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener. Here's a peek at a few of the choices from the screener. Overview: Blue Jet Healthcare Limited manufactures and sells pharmaceutical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for use in pharmaceutical and healthcare products, with a market cap of 79.90 billion. Operations: The company's revenue segment includes the manufacturing of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, generating 6.95 billion. Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 15.6% Blue Jet Healthcare is trading at 460.6, 15.6% below its estimated fair value of 545.78, indicating potential undervaluation based on cash flows. Despite recent earnings declineswith Q1 2024 net income at INR 377.77 million compared to INR 441.21 million a year agothe companys revenue and earnings are forecasted to grow significantly faster than the Indian market, at rates of 25.1% and 25.6% per year respectively, driven by strategic expansions in production capacity. NSEI:BLUEJET Discounted Cash Flow as at Aug 2024 Overview: Updater Services Limited operates an integrated business services platform in India and has a market cap of 21.42 billion. Operations: Updater Services Limited generates revenue primarily from two segments: Business Support Services, contributing 8.67 billion, and Integrated Facility Management Services, which brings in 16.99 billion. Story continues Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 48.6% Updater Services Limited is trading at 320, 48.6% below its estimated fair value of 622.14, suggesting significant undervaluation based on cash flows. Despite recent regulatory challenges, the companys earnings are forecasted to grow 36.1% annually over the next three years, outpacing the Indian market's expected growth of 16.9%. Recent Q1 results show a strong performance with net income rising to INR 253.62 million from INR 129.06 million a year ago. NSEI:UDS Discounted Cash Flow as at Aug 2024 Overview: Yatharth Hospital & Trauma Care Services Limited owns and operates super-specialty hospitals in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, with a market cap of 39.47 billion. Operations: The company's revenue primarily comes from hospital services, amounting to 7.46 billion. Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 42% Yatharth Hospital & Trauma Care Services is trading at 459.8, significantly below its estimated fair value of 792.08, indicating substantial undervaluation based on cash flows. Recent Q1 earnings show strong performance with net income rising to INR 303.84 million from INR 190.36 million a year ago. Forecasts suggest annual revenue growth of 21.7% and earnings growth of 23%, outpacing the Indian market's expected growth rates, making it an attractive option for investors seeking undervalued stocks based on cash flows in India. NSEI:YATHARTH Discounted Cash Flow as at Aug 2024 Seize The Opportunity Gain an insight into the universe of 30 Undervalued Indian Stocks Based On Cash Flows by clicking here. Shareholder in one or more of these companies? Ensure you're never caught off-guard by adding your portfolio in Simply Wall St for timely alerts on significant stock developments. Invest smarter with the free Simply Wall St app providing detailed insights into every stock market around the globe. Interested In Other Possibilities? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NSEI:BLUEJET NSEI:UDS and NSEI:YATHARTH. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Scott Halleran / Getty Images The future of Social Security is a hot-button issue, and the closer we get to the election, the hotter it gets. With former President Donald Trump potentially returning to office, many Americans including the wealthy are wondering how his policies might reshape the program. Find Out: 8 States To Move to If You Dont Want To Pay Taxes on Social Security For You: 7 Reasons You Shouldnt Retire Before Speaking To a Financial Advisor GOBankingRates spoke with financial experts to get their opinions on the issue. Anthony Termini, an expert contributor at Annuity.org, set the stage for the discussion. Social Security is expected to run out of money in 2033. At that time, income from payroll tax deductions will cover only 79% of benefits, he said. This backdrop of financial instability for the program frames the potential changes a Trump administration might implement. Here are three Social Security changes that could impact the wealthy if Trump is elected. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Elimination of FICA Withholding Perhaps the most dramatic change Trump might pursue is the elimination of FICA withholding. Termini explained, Back then [in his 2020 campaign], he pledged to eliminate FICA withholding the federal payroll taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare. If he were elected, I would expect him to make good on that promise. This change could have significant implications for wealthy Americans. Termini said, Trumps position means that all Americans including the wealthiest would pocket an additional $12,897.90 annually if FICA taxes are eliminated. However, this short-term gain could lead to long-term pain. Termini warned, Without that funding, it is difficult for me to see how Social Security could survive. Read Next: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes How Would That Impact You If You Are Retired? Potential Reduction in Benefits While Trump has vowed to protect Social Security, some of his statements suggest potential cuts. Aaron Cirksena, founder & CEO of MDRN Capital, pointed out, Trump has discussed cutting entitlements in order to address the concern of waste and fraud. This could mean reducing benefits. For wealthy Americans, this could mean a significant loss of income in retirement. Termini explained, For those entitled to the maximum benefit which is generally available only to the highest wage earners the income loss would be as high as $54,660 a year. The timing of that loss would be dependent on how rapidly the trust fund balance is drawn down. Story continues No Change to Full Retirement Age For current and soon-to-be retirees, Trump has indicated he wont propose changes to the full retirement age. Termini noted, His campaign website echoes that and adds that he wont propose changes to (i.e., raising) full retirement age (now between 65 and 67 years). This could be particularly beneficial for wealthy individuals who have the means to retire early or at full retirement age, as they wont need to adjust their retirement plans to account for a later eligibility date. The Dichotomy of Trumps Position Termini highlighted an interesting contradiction in Trumps stance on Social Security, saying, From the stump he boasts vociferously that he will protect Social Security. His campaign website echoes that Thats all the information we have from him and the campaign on the subject. This apparent contradiction between promising to protect Social Security while also proposing changes that could fundamentally alter its funding structure creates uncertainty about the programs future under a potential Trump administration. Impact on Wealthy Americans These changes could have a mixed impact on the wealthy. On one hand, the elimination of FICA taxes would provide an immediate boost to their take-home pay. On the other hand, the potential reduction or loss of Social Security benefits could lessen their retirement income. Of course, the very wealthy would likely not have to rely on Social Security, so the existence of the program itself might not be that important to them. The other thing thats important to note is that any major reforms would require congressional approval. So, whether or not anything changes will largely depend on the makeup of Congress following the 2024 election. Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. For more coverage on this topic, check out 3 Social Security Changes That Could Impact the Wealthy If Harris Is Elected. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Social Security Changes That Could Affect the Wealthy If Trump Is Elected fizkes / iStock.com Credit card rewards might come to mind when you think of getting a bank bonus. However, getting a cash reward for opening a new checking account is more common than ever. Like credit card rewards, youll likely have to complete certain steps, like depositing a specific amount, to receive a bonus. Discover More: Im a Bank Teller: 4 Reasons You Should Withdraw Your Savings Right Now Check Out: 7 Reasons You Must Speak To a Financial Advisor To Boost Your Savings in 2024 For many, these steps are worth it to earn extra cash. The Wall Street Journal reported, The average cash bonus offer for checking accounts rose to $400 in 2024. That means customers can strategically use bank rewards to boost their savings and meet other financial goals. It also means banks are spending significantly to acquire and keep new customers. Mike Santomassimo, Wells Fargo CFO, told the Wall Street Journal that the bank has successfully used promotionto retain and acquire new balances in consumer and small business banking. Given the range of bank bonuses currently available, many other banks are doing the same. If you do earn bank rewards, here are some ways you can use them. Protect Your Wealth: The shrewdest ways to safeguard your money. Ways To Use Bank Rewards To Boost Savings Customers can use bank rewards to boost their savings. Much like credit cards, consumers can even open more than one bank account to earn multiple bonuses and rewards. Creating an Emergency Fund If you dont have an emergency fund but know you need one, getting a bank bonus can help you jump-start your savings. Depending on the terms, some bank bonuses offer up to $400 or more, which is a great starter emergency fund. You can even leave your initial deposit plus the bonus in that bank account to keep it separate from your other spending. This is one way to protect and build your emergency fund for when you might need it in the future. Planning Travel If you want to take a trip in the future but dont have a lot of excess cash, bank bonuses can help to supplement your vacation fund. To use bank bonuses for travel, sit down and decide how much you want to budget for a trip in the future. For example, research banks offer bonuses if you want to take a $1,000 weekend trip. Decide whether or not you need to open one account or more than one account to reach your goal. Sometimes, using a bank bonus to help pay for a plane flight or a night in a hotel can make a trip possible. Read More: How Can You Withdraw Money From a Bank Account? 3 Ways To Know Holiday Spending According to findings from LendingTree, 34% of Americans went into debt during the 2023 holiday season by an average of $1,028. If you want to prepare better for holiday spending, checking account bonuses can help you reach those savings goals. Story continues The holidays are one of the most expensive times of the year, especially for families with young children. Going overboard with gifts, travel, and holiday experiences can be easy. For many families who can meet bank requirements to earn a spending bonus, the extra cash can help avoid going into the new year with debt. Frequently Asked Questions Are Bank Bonuses Taxable Income? Yes, most banks will send you a 1099-T form so you can report your bonus on your taxes. For that reason, its a good idea to set aside a percentage of your bonus to account for potential tax obligations in the future. How Long Does it Take to Receive a Bank Bonus? Bank bonuses and the terms to get one will vary by bank. Read the fine print of the bank terms to understand the requirements to get the bonus, how long it takes to receive a bonus, and whether or not youre required to keep the account open for a set period of time. What Happens if I Dont Receive a Bank Bonus? If you think you should have received a bank bonus but didnt, contact your bank right away. Your bank can research the issue to see why you didnt receive it. Again, before opening a bank account, make sure you understand the specific requirements for receiving the bonus. Can I Earn More Than One Bank Bonus at a Time? Yes, you can earn more than one bank bonus at a time if you apply at different banks. However, its important to be strategic. Some banks will check ChexSystems, which is like your credit history but for bank accounts. ChexSystems can alert banks as to whether or not youve left accounts in good standing. Additionally, it can also show banks how many accounts youve opened recently. Some banks might prefer customers who havent opened several accounts recently, but it varies by institution. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Ways To Use Bank Rewards Programs To Boost Your Savings peeterv / Getty Images/iStockphoto If youre longing for a long weekend away but dont want to dip into your retirement fund to pay for it, GOBankingRates has your back. We talked to travel professionals about where to go when you want to see the beautiful West Coast, but youre on a budget. From river towns to giant lakes, there are quite a few places you can spend a beautiful long weekend in. Explore More: 3 Places To Travel That Are Like Hawaii but Way Cheaper Check Out: 6 Money Moves You Must Make If You Want To Be Like the Wealthy Here are five long weekend vacations on the West Coast for less than $500. Pgiam / Getty Images Guerneville, California: Redwood Relaxation Station Imagine kicking back in a town where natures skyscrapers aka redwoods tower over you. Welcome to Guerneville, the ultimate chill spot for nature lovers on a budget! Ronee Uyeshiro, founder of The Hotel Shortlist, gives this place two thumbs up for a laid-back weekend. Heres whats on the menu: Giant redwoods thatll make you feel like a hobbit in a good way! Paddling adventures on the Russian River Main street meandering with a must-stop at Nimble & Finns for ice cream inside the Guerneville Bank Club For a stay thats more chic summer camp than boring hotel, Uyeshiro recommended Dawn Ranch. And heres a hot tip: The Lodge serves up a breakfast thatll rock your world especially that life-changing medialuna. Try This: 8 Tips To Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy Be Aware: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That Are a Waste of Money Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. vernonwiley / Getty Images/iStockphoto Lake Tahoe: Natures Playground on the Cali-Nevada Border Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Lake Tahoe has something for literally everyone depending on time of year, you can swim, hike, ski and stare at the stars. Plus, its close to Reno and Truckee, so theres good eats, fun casinos and even more beautiful nature nearby. Jess Rodley from Andorra Escapes gave us the lowdown: Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or kayaking Hiking trails galore, with Emerald Bay as the crown jewel Budget-friendly hotels starting around $140 a night, often with stunning lake views Pro tip from Rodley: May and September are the sweet spots for smaller crowds and nice weather. Stay near the Heavenly Gondola, and youre set for both beach days and mountain adventures. Discover More: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024 Scott Johnson / Flickr.com Bodega Bay: Where Coastal Bliss Meets Budget-Friendly If your ideal vacation involves more peace and quiet than party all night, Bodega Bay is calling your name. This coastal haven is where stress goes to die. Story continues Rodleys insider scoop: Beaches so peaceful you might hear yourself think Fresh seafood thatll make you consider a pescatarian lifestyle Nearby Point Reyes National Seashore for hikes and wildlife spotting For maximum penny-pinching power, check out spots like Doran Beach or Bodega Head. Youll find cozy digs that wont make your wallet cry, especially during off-peak seasons. Pgiam / Getty Images/iStockphoto Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea Want to feel like youre living in a postcard? Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea have got you covered. These neighboring towns are the dynamic duo of Central California coast. Rodleys must-do list: Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row for history buffs and marine life lovers Charming Carmel cottages, art galleries and boutique shops Scenic 17-Mile Drive just try not to drool over the mansions Hiking in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Whale watching and fresh seafood feasts Wine enthusiasts, rejoice! Carmel Valleys got enough tasting rooms to keep you busy and happy. To keep things wallet-friendly, book in advance or stay just outside the main tourist zones. And although both locations scream money, make sure to check Airbnb and deal sites like Kayak for year-round deals. Luxe living isnt just for the wealthy, after all! DaveAlan / Getty Images Portland, Oregon: Where Quirky Meets Nature (And Your Budget) Portland is always a blast to visit. Its like someone took all the best parts of a city, sprinkled in some food trucks and craft beer, and surrounded it with stunning nature. Whats not to love? Rodleys Portland picks: Food truck adventures thatll make your taste buds dance Powells City of Books aka heaven for bookworms Washington Park for urban nature vibes Columbia River Gorge for waterfall hikes thatll flood your Instagram feed The cherry on top? You can score a cozy room for around $100 a night in many neighborhoods. And with Portlands top-notch public transport, you wont need to blow your budget on getting around. Photo Disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only. As a result, some of the photos might not reflect the locations listed in this article. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Long Weekend Vacations on the West Coast for Less Than $500 Laman Ismayilova Every year on August 19, the photographers around the globe come together to celebrate World Photography Day, which commemorates the invention of the daguerreotype in 1837 by Nicephorus Knipex and Louis Daguerre, Azernews reports. Scientist Louis Daguerre was the first to discover this practical method of photography. After his name, this way of taking pictures is called daguerreotype photography. On August 19, 1839, the first French government declared August 19 as World Photography Day, which encourages photographers to share their work and connect with others within the field. Activities may include exhibitions, online contests, or social media campaigns where individuals demonstrate their images under designated themes, thus fostering a global appreciation for the art of photography. Azerbaijan has a rich and dynamic history of photography, dating back to the late 19th century. Baku Photography House A landmark development in promoting photography in Azerbaijan was the establishment of the Azerbaijan Photography House. Baku Photography House opened in 2019 in the old Zanjerli Bina mansion with the support of the Baku Photography House. It includes four exhibition halls. Expositions are devoted to documentary, national and world photographic art. In addition to the regular photographic exhibitions, Baku Photography House holds photography courses, creative evenings, lectures, master classes and photo tours. Gilavar Photo Club Founded in 2017, the Gilavar Photo Club aims to discover and support talented photographers. 2023 marked the fifth anniversary of the photo club that promotes photography art in the country and beyond its borders. The club's participants are actively engaged in local and international photo contests. Since 2017, the photo club has been a member of the International Association of Art Photographers. In 2020, the Gilavar Photo Club became Azerbaijan's official representative at the association. By Max A. Cherney (Reuters) -AMD said on Monday it plans to acquire server maker ZT Systems for $4.9 billion as the company seeks to expand its portfolio of artificial intelligence chips and hardware and battle Nvidia. AMD plans to pay for 75% of the ZT Systems acquisition with cash and the remainder in stock. The company had $5.34 billion in cash and short-term investments as of the second quarter. The computing requirements for AI have dictated that tech companies string together thousands of chips in clusters to achieve the necessary amount of data crunching horsepower. Stringing together the vast numbers of chips has meant the makeup of whole server systems has become increasingly important, which is why AMD is acquiring ZT Systems. "AI systems are our number one strategic priority," AMD CEO Lisa Su said in an interview with Reuters. The addition of ZT Systems engineers will allow AMD to more quickly test and roll out its latest AI graphics processing units (GPUs) at the scale cloud computing giants such as Microsoft require, Su said. "The main way (ZT Systems) is additive to the company is we sell more GPUs," Su said. AMD's shares rose more than 2%, while Nvidia rose 1.4%. "No doubt this gives them much stronger lock-in with their data center customers, and because of that,(the acquisition) is a net positive for their long-term revenue strategy," said Creative Strategies CEO Ben Bajarin. AMD plans to break off its server manufacturing business and sell it once the deal closes, as it has no plans to compete with companies such as Super Micro Computer, Su said. AMD has not yet held talks with potential buyers. ZT Systems Chief Executive Frank Zhang will join AMD and report to AMD's data center chief, Forrest Norrod. The closely-held ZT Systems has roughly 2,500 employees and AMD said it plans to retain about 1,000 of them, which will result in about $150 million in annualized operating expenses. Currently ZT Systems generates annual revenue of roughly $10 billion, most of which is derived from its manufacturing unit. Executives expect the deal to close in the first half of 2025 and expect an additional 12 to 18 months to sell the manufacturing business. AMD said it expects the deal to contribute to its adjusted financial performance by 2025-end. CFO Jean Hu said the minor dilution from the deal in the first year after closing in 2025 would be offset by greater sales of graphics processor units, creating a break-even effect for the deal. In 2026, the acquisition will accelerate revenue growth, Hu added. Story continues "The sale of the (ZT Systems) manufacturing business will have no impact onto AMD in the long run," said Kinngai Chan, a managing director at Summit Insights. Chan added the deal could help expand its business catering to cloud customers. "Having more engineers helps," he said. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said at the company's developer conference in March that the one-time chip designer now creates and sells entire data centers, or the individual components needed to build one. This year analysts expect the company to generate $105.9 billion from its data center segment, which includes chips and other AI hardware. Su said last month the company expects to collect roughly $4.5 billion worth of AI chip revenue this year. The company's customers include Microsoft and Meta Platforms. (Reporting by Max A. Cherney in San Francisco and Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Chris Reese and Tasim Zahid) Flood waters inundate a neighborhood in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Last year, more people moved into than out of the most fire- and flood-prone areas of the US. A surge in migration to the Sunbelt has helped exacerbate this trend. While transplants are attracted by cheaper real estate, they may face higher costs in the long term. Texas and Florida are holding onto their appeal as destinations for transplants. But many movers are trading lower taxes and more affordable homes for a higher exposure to flooding and wildfires. Tens of thousands more people moved into than out of the most flood- and fire-prone areas of the US last year, driven by migration to Texas and Florida, according to a new report from the real estate company Redfin. US counties with the highest risk of wildfires saw 63,365 more people move in than out in 2023, Redfin found. This shift was driven mostly by population gains in Texas counties. Counties with a high risk of flooding gained 16,144 new residents last year, driven largely by population increases in Florida, the report found. At the same time, counties least at risk of fires and flooding saw their populations shrink last year. Redfin found that a net 38,401 people moved out of low-fire-risk counties, while 6,892 moved out of low-flood-risk counties. This trend isn't new. In a 2021 report, Redfin found that the 50 countries most at risk of extreme heat saw their populations expand by almost 5% between 2016 and 2020. That shift was accelerated by pandemic-era patterns of people fleeing big cities, as Business Insider reported last year. The number of people who moved into the most flood- and fire-prone counties in the US more than doubled in 2021 and 2022, Redfin reported last year. A lower cost of living in the short term but higher risks long-term Many movers prioritize housing affordability and other cost-of-living concerns over climate and environmental issues. A surge of people have moved from more expensive coastal cities to lower-cost locales, particularly in the Sunbelt, farther from large metros and closer to natural amenities. These locations are often more vulnerable to natural disasters. "It's human nature to focus on current benefits, like waterfront views or a low cost of living, over costs that could rack up in the long run, like property damage or a decrease in property value," Daryl Fairweather, Redfin's chief economist, said last year. "It's also human nature to discount risks that are tough to measure, like climate change." But migration into flood- and fire-prone areas appears to be slowing somewhat. The number of people who've moved to the most flood-prone counties in the US has fallen significantly since 2022, Redfin found. The Houston metro area, which is particularly susceptible to storms and flooding, has also lost population, even as its real estate prices are lower than surrounding areas. Shorter moves within states also suggest Americans are becoming more sensitive to climate risks, according to First Street Foundation, a nonprofit that measures climate risks. Story continues The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is likely influencing movers. Those events are also helping send home insurance premiums through the roof and even leading some insurers to pull out of entire regions. In California, for example, two major insurers State Farm and Allstate announced they would stop accepting new clients in the state. Most Americans don't want to move into riskier areas. The vast majority of house hunters 57% say living in "an area where homes are at low risk of a natural or climate disaster such as fire, flood, poor air quality" is a "must have," while 28% say they'd be willing to live in an area at higher risk of natural or climate disasters if it meant finding an affordable home, according to a recent Redfin survey. Lower-income Americans tend to live in areas more vulnerable to extreme weather. In many cities, lower-income and predominantly Black neighborhoods are in areas with less tree cover, higher temperatures, and a greater risk of flooding. Black residents of Southeastern states are more likely to live in places impacted by excessive heat, flooding, and hurricanes, an analysis from McKinsey found in 2023 . A Brookings Institution report last year recommended several ways that policymakers can encourage Americans to seek climate safety. The researchers argued that Congress and the Federal Housing Finance Agency should work with mortgage lenders and property insurers to factor climate risk into their rates, charging homeowners more based on how much risk they're taking on. Often, homebuyers don't know what kinds of climate risks their property faces, so state and local governments could develop rules about what information needs to be disclosed to a potential homebuyer and then impose higher taxes on riskier property. "Higher fees in risky areas serve two purposes: they encourage price-sensitive households to choose safer locations, and they also provide local governments with more revenue to upgrade the climate resilience of infrastructure," Jenny Schuetz and Julia Gill of Brookings wrote. Zoning and other land-use regulations, Schuetz and Gill argued, should be reformed to encourage more dense development in safer places and less sprawl into particularly climate-impacted areas. The researchers recommended that local policymakers think more carefully about where to invest in infrastructure including roads, schools, and water and sewage capacity in climate-impacted areas to either discourage or encourage people to move to certain areas. Read the original article on Business Insider Balfour Beatty (LON:BBY) First Half 2024 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: UK3.89b (up 1.9% from 1H 2023). Net income: UK96.0m (up 52% from 1H 2023). Profit margin: 2.5% (up from 1.7% in 1H 2023). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue. EPS: UK0.18 (up from UK0.11 in 1H 2023). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Balfour Beatty Earnings Insights Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 7.4% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 4.6% growth forecast for the Construction industry in the United Kingdom. Performance of the British Construction industry. The company's shares are up 1.1% from a week ago. Risk Analysis What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Balfour Beatty you should know about. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. DENVER, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Birdon America, Inc. announced today that its contract to provide Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs) to the Netherlands Army is progressing on schedule, with six Birdon BEBs in the final stages of assembly with delivery scheduled for the end of September. Awarded in 2023 to General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), the contract is for three sets of Wide Gap Crossing systems, composed of the Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB), Bridge Adapter Pallets (BAP), and Birdon BEBs. This is the first of three delivery tranches that will be completed in 2024-2025. First Sea Trial of Bridge Erection Boat (BEB) Hull 007 "We're proud to supply the BEB as an essential force multiplier for the Netherlands Army," said BEB Program Manager Jim Ducker. "These vessels play a pivotal role in enabling vitally important wet gap crossings, and this first delivery indicates contract completion is progressing in a timely manner." In addition to first tranche delivery, the full Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package including technical manuals and training programs is nearing completion. Birdon will use this package to conduct training for the Netherlands Armed Forces to safely and effectively operate the BEBs. The training is set to take place in the Netherlands in the first quarter of 2025. In preparation for the upcoming delivery, Birdon hosted a meeting in July with personnel from the Netherlands Army's Contract and Program team and the GDELS Program Management team to verify the progress of boats currently in production and finalize the quality inspection and delivery process. During the meeting, Birdon also performed a sea trial on the first boat hull number 007. Birdon has established a successful track record designing and manufacturing BEBs for the Australian, Brazilian, and U.S. Armies. Globally, Birdon has delivered 462 BEBs, the bulk of which have been manufactured in its production facility in northeast Denver. The Netherlands BEBs, which are being manufactured in Denver, will feature increased capabilities to improve operations and further ruggedize the BEB including an icebreaker bow, new quick release launch capability, electric winch, and reduced maintenance and downtime upgrades for maximal operational availability. In its primary mission mode, the BEB provides propulsion, thrust, and stabilization to support worldwide tactical float bridging and rafting operations. It is specifically designed to provide high thrust and operate in high particulate matter environments including in fresh, brackish, and seawater. All functions of the BEB can be performed by a two-person crew. The unique and flexible design of the BEB means it can integrate with most customer-specific transport systems. Birdon has also developed a next-generation control system capable of remote and autonomous operations. The Netherlands BEBs will include updated systems that enable ease of integration for developing technologies. Story continues Established in 1977, Birdon is an experienced defense prime contractor providing specialized maritime solutions. Birdon is an established and trusted partner of the Australian Defense Force, Brazilian Army, and the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Birdon is successfully delivering on major projects for the Australian Navy, Australian Army, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Navy. Contact: Sandra Armstrong, 251-699-1458 Birdon Logo (PRNewsfoto/Birdon Group) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/birdon-set-to-deliver-first-tranche-of-bridge-erection-boats-bebs-to-the-netherlands-army-302225545.html SOURCE Birdon Group Nothing, a British startup seeking to challenge Apples smartphone dominance, is hauling its employees back to the office full-time in the quest for growth. In a lengthy email disparaging remote work, which had been a tenet of Nothing CEO Carl Peis workplace policy since its creation four years ago, Pei explained why his 450 employees needed to come to the office five days a week. Remote work is not compatible with a high ambition level plus high speed, Pei said in an email to staff, which he shared on LinkedIn. Pei gave three reasons for the strict return-to-office mandate. First, he said, the logistics of developing a smartphone, where design, engineering, and manufacturing departments collaborate, werent conducive to remote working. He added that creativity and innovation worked better in person, allowing the company to do more with fewer resources. Third, Pei said Nothings ambitions to scale to become a generation-defining company wouldnt be achievable with remote work. According to Pei's email, the new mandate will take effect in two months, and he intends to hold a town hall in London to answer employees questions. In his email, the Nothing CEO also suggested that employees who could not commit to five days in the office look for other employment. We know its not the right type of setup for everybody, and thats okay. We should look for a mutual fit. You should find an environment where you thrive, and we need to find people who want to go the full mile with us in the decades ahead. A representative for Nothing didnt immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment. Nothings pivot Peis move reflects a growing trend in the tech sector of bosses opting to force their employees back into the office in search of growth as the market tightens. Nothings competitor, Apple, has a strict three-days-per-week in-office mandate. Last year, tech newsletter Platformer reported that Apple was disciplining employees who didnt follow the rule, identified through badge tapping. Some departments reportedly threatened their employees with termination if they didnt make it in three days a week. Meanwhile, tech giant Nvidia has skipped the return-to-office craze, indicating it is satisfied with a remote-work setup at a time when its market valuation has soared to more than $3 trillion. Founded at the height of the pandemic in 2020, Nothing was effectively remote when the company started operations before switching to hybrid in its main London office and other locations. Peis company had early solid success, securing $96 million in funding last year and selling 2.7 million units for nearly a billion dollars in revenue since its launch. Story continues Its unclear what most employees contracts said when they signed for the group in the COVID era. Many workers who signed for other companies during the pandemic have had their contracts guarantee they wont be required to be in the office. Its also unknown how many of Nothings 450 employees live close to the office. Many professional workers bought homes outside London during the pandemic. Opponents of a return to full-time in-office work argue it disadvantages working mothers, who are more likely to sacrifice their careers to carry out childcare responsibilities. Remote work has helped increase flexibility for this cohort. Pei said there would be flexibility with the policy, though only for employees to leave the office to engage in face-to-face meetings. Some may be worried about flexibility, but this is no different from pre-COVID. This is a company for grownups, so if you need to be out of office to deal with some issues, we trust you to make the right decision. In fact, some roles like sales and PR need to be out of the office meeting with customers and press regularly. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com (Reuters) - U.S. freight forwarder C.H. Robinson said on Monday it was diverting some of its U.S. customers' ocean cargo away from Canadian ports as the threat of a rail strike looms. It said roughly 80% of its customers who had switched are now exporting through Los Angeles/Long Beach ports and the rest through Seattle/Tacoma ports. Canadian railroads, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, are bracing for a possible work stoppage by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Union. "Now that a strike notice has been declared, some of our Canadian export customers are starting to ship time-sensitive goods to the ports by truck to avoid containers being stuck at rail terminals during a strike," C.H. Robinson's Canada VP Scott Shannon said in a statement to Reuters. C.H. Robinson is lining up extra trucking capacity on both sides of the border, as volumes are expected to shift to highways following the disruption. A strike, which could come as early as August 22, brings a level of uncertainty for shippers in both U.S. and Canada, forcing them to think about over-the-road options. (Reporting by Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Sriraj Kalluvila) Key Insights TIME dotCom Berhad's estimated fair value is RM4.88 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity With RM4.89 share price, TIME dotCom Berhad appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value Analyst price target for TIMECOM is RM5.75, which is 18% above our fair value estimate How far off is TIME dotCom Berhad (KLSE:TIMECOM) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example! We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for TIME dotCom Berhad What's The Estimated Valuation? We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM389.9m RM449.0m RM452.8m RM460.3m RM470.6m RM482.9m RM497.0m RM512.3m RM528.9m RM546.5m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 0.85% Est @ 1.66% Est @ 2.23% Est @ 2.62% Est @ 2.90% Est @ 3.10% Est @ 3.23% Est @ 3.33% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 8.0% RM361 RM385 RM359 RM338 RM320 RM304 RM290 RM277 RM264 RM253 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM3.2b The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.6%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 8.0%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034 (1 + g) (r g) = RM547m (1 + 3.6%) (8.0% 3.6%) = RM13b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM13b ( 1 + 8.0%)10= RM5.9b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is RM9.0b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM4.9, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf The Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at TIME dotCom Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for TIME dotCom Berhad Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Threat Dividends are not covered by cash flow. Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Next Steps: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For TIME dotCom Berhad, there are three relevant factors you should look at: Risks: We feel that you should assess the 2 warning signs for TIME dotCom Berhad we've flagged before making an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does TIMECOM's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the KLSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. By David Ljunggren and Promit Mukherjee OTTAWA (Reuters) -Canada's labor minister will meet with the country's two main railway companies and the Teamsters union in Montreal on Tuesday and Calgary on Wednesday to try to avert a crippling rail transport stoppage. Unless labour agreements are reached, both Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City will shut all freight rail services in Canada at the same time early on Thursday for the first time in history. Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon's office said on Monday evening he will urge the companies and union "to fulfill their responsibility to Canadians, reach agreements at the bargaining table, and prevent a full work stoppage." Canada - the world's second-largest country by territory - relies heavily on CN and CP to ship food grains, fertilizers and other commodities, along with manufactured goods such as chemicals and automobiles. The country's main business lobby group said it estimates losses would hit C$1 billion ($733 million) a day in case the rail stoppages proceed. Federal mediators are working with the companies and the union, but those involved in the discussion say little progress has been made. The union says CN Rail and CPKC want to dilute safety provisions, a charge the companies deny. MacKinnon has the power to force the union and railway companies into binding arbitration, but has so far said he wants them to sort out their differences at the negotiating table. In a statement on Monday, the left-leaning New Democratic Party called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to not intervene in the labour disputes. Trudeau's government is being kept in power by the New Democratic Party, which has traditionally enjoyed strong union support. Labour talks started early this year, but progress has been slow, with both the union and the companies accusing each other of bad faith. CN Rail and CPKC have already stopped accepting shipments of hazardous goods and have begun phased shutdowns of operations in Canada. Maersk said on Monday it would stop accepting some Canada-bound shipments. Separately, U.S. freight forwarder C.H. Robinson, said on Monday it was diverting some of its U.S. customers' ocean cargo away from Canadian ports as the threat of a rail strike looms. "Both railroads simultaneously being out of commission would paralyze the ports and put instant pressure on trucking," the company said. Canada is a major agricultural producer, and farmers will start bringing in their harvests in August and September. Story continues Quorum Corp, which monitors grain handling and transportation, said daily volumes in early September would increase to 138,000 metric tons with a value of around C$75 million. "After a period of time, sales will be lost and the value of Canada's grain will decrease ... the largest concern is a further degradation of Canada's reliability as a supplier, which is already suffering due to past labor disruptions," Quorum President Mark Hemmes said in an emailed statement. Refrigerated containers with meat and some highly perishable produce are of particular concern because delays would likely mean spoilage. Shippers of such items have already begun holding back containers, said Peter Friedmann, an executive director at the Agriculture Transportation Coalition. In a statement, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade warned a full work stoppage would drive up prices and exacerbate an affordability crisis in the country. "Every facet of daily life would be impacted as our national economy grinds to a halt," it said. ($1 = 1.3641 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by David Ljunggren and Promit Mukherjee in Ottawa; Additional reporting by Karl Plume in Chicago; Abhijith Ganapavaram and Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru; Anna Paperny in Toronto and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Editing by Franklin Paul, Paul Simao, Jonathan Oatis and Lincoln Feast.) The China-aided Luang Prabang Hospital in northern Laos has officially opened its doors following a handover ceremony, Global Times reported. The event was attended by key officials, including Lao Health Minister Bounfeng Phoummalaysith and Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong. The renovation and expansion project of the hospital encompassed the addition of new surgical and cardiovascular buildings, accommodation for Chinese experts and essential infrastructure such as sewage treatment plants and fire-fighting pools. Works also included setting up pump rooms and necessary equipment to enhance the hospital's medical treatment capabilities. The news publication quoted Bounfeng as saying in his speech that the Luang Prabang Hospital reflects China's support for the livelihood of the Lao people. He added: Laos is willing to learn from China's experience in comprehensively deepening reform and to further strengthen cooperation with China in the field of medical and health care. Commenting on the opening, Hong said that China is willing to share its experience in medical and health reform with Laos, and jointly implement important measures for building a China-Laos community. China will also offer technical assistance to enhance medical treatment capabilities to transform the Luang Prabang Hospital into a central hospital for northern Laos. The latest development comes after Peking University Peoples Hospital commenced construction of a new branch in Hebeis Xiongan New Area, China. According to the Xiongan New Area management committee, the new branch in the Rongdong area covers 7.64ha. It is planned to have a 1,000-bed capacity. "China-aided Luang Prabang Hospital opens in Laos" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. China's recent engagement with its neighbours could point to a "more comprehensive" diplomatic strategy as countries in the region draw closer to the Quad powers, according to observers. The latest example was the first "2+2" dialogue between China and Indonesia last week, involving senior officials from their foreign and defence ministries. China's foreign ministry said the talks in Jakarta reflected the "high-level and strategic nature" of the two countries' relations and marked "a new level of strategic mutual trust" between them. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. China's delegation at the talks was led by foreign vice-minister Sun Weidong and Zhang Baoqun, deputy director of the Central Military Commission's Office for International Military Cooperation. Abdul Kadir Jailani, director general for Asia-Pacific and African affairs at Indonesia's foreign ministry, and Oktaheroe Ramsi, the secretary directorate general for defence strategy, headed the Indonesian side. Senior foreign and defence officials from China and Indonesia hold their first 2+2 dialogue in Jakarta on August 13. Photo: China Ministry of Foreign Affairs alt=Senior foreign and defence officials from China and Indonesia hold their first 2+2 dialogue in Jakarta on August 13. Photo: China Ministry of Foreign Affairs> China held a similar dialogue with South Korea in June. Beijing said the two countries had agreed to build mutual trust and push for cooperation through mechanisms including a 2+2 diplomatic and security dialogue. It was the first meeting held under an upgraded dialogue mechanism at the vice-ministerial level that was set up in 2020. China's Sun and his South Korean counterpart Kim Hong-kyun attended the June talks. While the 2+2 dialogue mechanism is not new - major powers like the United States use this format with key allies including Japan and the Philippines - China has typically only used it informally. Dylan Loh, assistant professor of foreign policy at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, said the recent meetings did not indicate a big shift in China's diplomatic strategy. He said they represented "more of an evolution and also a recognition that defence and foreign policy are more intertwined than ever before". According to David Arase, resident professor of international politics with the Hopkins-Nanjing Centre, China's 2+2 meetings with Indonesia and South Korea marked a "more comprehensive strategy of diplomatic and strategic engagement" with its neighbours. Story continues "China wants to better leverage its rising military power to bring the politico-military orientation of key neighbours like South Korea and Indonesia in line with a China-centred regional order," he said. Arase said engaging with countries in this format meant that discussions would focus not only on bilateral cooperation but also on the countries' strategic perceptions and relations with third parties. "China will then better grasp its partner's overall geopolitical thinking and the direction of current strategic relations with others such as the Quad powers," he said, referring to the partnership between Australia, India, Japan and the US. "This is a good move for China." But he said for China's "smaller and weaker" neighbours - with which it has sovereignty disputes - it was debatable what could be gained from 2+2 dialogue. These talks would only "add leverage to China's coercive diplomacy and push more effectively for concessions to Chinese demands", he added. It's the "perfect time" for China to try to reverse the policy thinking of neighbours like South Korea, one analyst said. Photo: AFP alt=It's the "perfect time" for China to try to reverse the policy thinking of neighbours like South Korea, one analyst said. Photo: AFP> Loh said the 2+2 format could in theory be used to establish or signal strategic relationships between countries but that did not appear to be the case for China's recent talks with South Korea and Indonesia. "If we see more 2+2s in the region, we can make such an assessment," he said, adding that Beijing was likely to be learning from and experimenting with the format. "If they find it worthwhile, there is a possibility of expanding it and institutionalising it elsewhere." Zha Daojiong, a professor of international studies at Peking University, said last week's talks would have been driven by Jakarta's interests and it was "first and foremost a demonstration of agency on the part of the Indonesian government". "The timing of the dialogue is indicative - [that is] before the transition of presidential power to Prabowo Subianto in October," he said. "Continuity in both overall policy orientation and familiarity among high-ranking officials is important in bilateral diplomacy." Zha said security issues involving the South China Sea were a high priority for the US and Japan, but for China and Indonesia there was a "much longer list of tasks that demand attention". "In a sense, the 2+2 mechanism works to signal a commitment to not letting maritime issues define the overall relationship," he said. "[It] should not derail cooperation in other fields." Indonesia is not a claimant in the South China Sea but its exclusive economic zone in the North Natuna Sea falls within China's so-called nine-dash line, on which Beijing bases its claim to around 90 per cent of the disputed waters. According to Arase from the Hopkins-Nanjing Centre, China's recent 2+2 meetings also reflected "the leap of a muscle-bound [military] onto the world stage to strategically reshape Asia into a rejuvenated Sinocentric order after over a decade of Xi Jinping's leadership". Arase noted that the development came as smaller Asian neighbours - which Beijing sees as "strategically malleable economic supplicants" - have pushed back by upgrading their strategic engagement with Quad powers. One example is the Philippines, which has drawn closer to countries such as the US and Japan amid heightened tensions with China in the South China Sea. Vietnam has also pledged deeper ties with Japan and Australia. "China needs something like the 2+2 formula to turn this situation around and get its plans back on track," he said. "South Korea and Indonesia are moving closer to alignment with the Quad but their moves are tentative and uncertain - the perfect time for China to penetrate and reverse their policy thinking with the 2+2 formula." This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Fatima Latifova According to the joint plan signed between the Ministries of Defense of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the joint tactical-special exercise "Alt?n K?ran - 2024" ("Golden Eagle - 2024") is being conducted at the "Koktal" training ground located in the city of Zharkent in Kazakhstan's Almaty region, Azernews reports. It was noted that a group of military personnel from the Azerbaijani Army has traveled to Kazakhstan to participate in the exercise. The joint tactical-special exercise "Alt?n K?ran - 2024" will continue until August 24. By Promit Mukherjee OTTAWA (Reuters) -Canada's freight rail network could come to a grinding halt this week, inflicting a huge economic toll after the country's two largest railroad operators on Sunday issued lockout notices to the Teamsters union that represents nearly 10,000 workers. Failing last-minute deals, both Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) plan to lock out workers from the early hours of Thursday. It marks the first time that the country has faced a simultaneous labor stoppage at the railroad firms as they normally negotiate their labor agreements in alternate years. The stoppages could cripple the shipment of food grains, beans, potash, coal and timber which form a large part of Canada's exports, while also impacting shipments ranging from petroleum products to chemicals and cars. In addition to billions of dollars of economic damage, the stoppages could disrupt rail trade across the North American continent. "Unless there is an immediate and definite resolution to the labour conflict, CN will have no choice but to continue the phased and progressive shutdown of its network which would culminate in a lockout," CN said in a statement. "Despite negotiations over the weekend, no meaningful progress has occurred, and the parties remain very far apart," it said. The Teamsters union argues CN wants to implement a forced relocation provision which would see workers ordered to move across Canada for months at a time to fill labor shortages. CN says it has made four offers this year on wages, rest, and labor availability while remaining fully compliant with government-mandated rules overseeing duty and rest periods. The dispute with CPKC centers on safety issues with the union arguing the firm wants "to gut the collective agreement of all safety-critical fatigue provisions", meaning crews will be forced to stay awake longer, boosting the risk of accidents. CPKC says its offer maintains the status quo for all work rules, "fully complies with new regulatory requirements for rest and does not in any way compromise safety." The Teamsters, which represents yard workers, rail traffic controllers, locomotive engineers and conductors, earlier on Sunday issued a 72-hour strike notice to CPKC ahead of the company's lockout notice. It also said in a separate statement to members that the lockout notice issued by CN should be treated "as if we were on strike." "We're serving strike notice to defend the rights and safety of our members," Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference said in the statement. Story continues Both CN and CPKC have said their networks outside of Canada will continue to operate but the stoppages could have ripple effects. The two Canadian rail operators' networks connect with several key U.S. rail and shipping hubs such as Chicago, New Orleans, Minneapolis and Memphis. CPKC's network also extends further south connecting with ports on both the east and west coasts of Mexico. The federal Liberal government has so far dismissed pleas from business groups to intervene, saying it wants the companies and the unions to sort out their differences via negotiations. (Reporting by Promit Mukherjee; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Edwina Gibbs) Vaccinations against Covid-19 and influenza protect pregnant women by lowering their risk of experiencing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy weakens the immune system of the mother, thus making them a vulnerable group that is susceptible to experiencing more severe effects from Covid-19 or influenza infection. In the UK, vaccinations against Covid-19 and influenza during pregnancy are highly recommended and included in routine immunisation. The current epidemiology of Covid-19 and influenza vaccine uptake in pregnant women in England and Wales is unknown at a population-based level, as are the disparities in vaccine uptake between subgroups of pregnant women with differing baseline characteristics. Gu and colleagues have undertaken an epidemiological assessment to address this gap in the literature, published in npj Vaccines (2024), with the goal of informing vaccine interventions in the UK and ultimately improving the uptake rate. Data on vaccine uptake in pregnant women in England was obtained from the Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre and the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank for Wales for the period of September 2020 to March 2022. Of the 178,690 pregnant women eligible for the influenza vaccine, only 41.8% had at least one dose; of the 133,300 eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine, 40.2% had at least one dose. Among the 133,140 pregnant women eligible for both vaccines, only 20.5% received both vaccines. Influenza vaccine uptake was highest during September and December of each year. Similar patterns of disparity across baseline characteristics were seen across the influenza and Covid-19 cohorts. Pregnant women of Black ethnicity had a 52% lower rate of receiving the Covid-19 vaccine and a 39% lower rate of receiving the influenza vaccine compared to those in the White ethnic group or those in the Asian ethnic groups. Those of mixed and other ethnicities also had a lower vaccine uptake rate compared to White or Asian ethnic groups, though higher than pregnant women of Black ethnicity. Socioeconomic status played a large and statistically significant role in vaccine uptake; vaccine uptake decreased with increased deprivation levels. Pregnant women from the most deprived areas were 56% less likely to receive a Covid-19 vaccine and 42% less likely to receive an influenza vaccine than pregnant women in the most affluent group. Pregnant women living in urban regions were more likely to receive either vaccine than those living in rural regions. Some inconsistencies between the two vaccine cohorts were witnessed. Story continues Pregnant women 40-49 years had the highest vaccine uptake in the Covid-19 cohort but the lowest chance of receiving the influenza vaccine; pregnant women 18-24 years had the lowest vaccine uptake in both cohorts. Women with comorbidities had a higher chance of receiving the influenza vaccine compared to those with no comorbidities. However, this was not observed in the Covid-19 cohort. Continually encouraging the public to keep receiving the Covid-19 vaccination is important in kerbing the spread of infection and minimising adverse side effects in pregnant women. Leading data and analytics company GlobalData's epidemiologists estimate that by the end of 2024, 52% of men and women of all ages in the UK will have had their second Covid-19 booster vaccine, and that number is expected to increase only marginally to 53% by the end of 2026. Thus, there is significant room to improve vaccination rates. A meaningful conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that vaccine interventions should focus on vaccine promotion and education in the groups with the lowest odds of receiving either or both of the vaccines. Ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and rurality are influencing factors that affect the uptake of Covid-19 and influenza vaccines similarly. "England and Wales: Disparity in pregnant womens Covid-19 and influenza vaccine uptake" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. By Miho Uranaka, Takaya Yamaguchi TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's national and Tokyo governments are seeking a 700 billion yen ($4.7 billion) valuation for Tokyo Metro as they prepare to list the subway operator as early as October-end, three sources said, in what would be the nation's biggest IPO in roughly six years. The two governments, which own 100% of Tokyo Metro, plan to arrange a meeting of brokerages within a week for a briefing on the IPO and expect to receive approval for the listing from the Tokyo Stock Exchange as soon as mid-September, the sources said. With half the company to be sold, the initial public offering (IPO) could raise 350 billion yen at that valuation, which would exceed the size of Kokusai Electric's IPO last year and become the largest since SoftBank Group listed its wireless unit in 2018. The Tokyo government said the timing of the sale is being discussed with the national government and is not decided. The finance ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Tokyo Metro said it would not comment on progress on the listing. Japan Exchange Group, which operates the Tokyo Stock Exchange, said it cannot comment on specific companies. The IPO follows the listing of other railway operators, including Kyushu Railway (JR Kyushu) in 2016. Tokyo Metro runs 195 kilometres (120 miles) of lines carrying 6.5 million passengers daily. Tokyo Metro's history dates back to 1920 with the establishment of the Tokyo Underground Railway Company. Seven years later, it opened Japan's first subway line, between the Asakusa and Ueno districts of Tokyo. The company, whose business includes real estate and retail, reported net profit jumped by two-thirds to 46 billion yen in the financial year ended March 2024 as economic activity rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic. The central government, which owns 53.4% of Tokyo Metro, plans to use the funds raised to repay reconstruction bonds issued following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The Tokyo government holds the remaining 46.6% of the subway operator. Nomura, Mizuho and Goldman Sachs are the joint global coordinators for the listing. ($1 = 148.9800 yen) (Reporting by Miho Uranaka and Takaya Yamaguchi; Writing by Sam Nussey; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Christopher Cushing) We recently published a list of 7 Best Debt Free Dividend Stocks To Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV) stands against the other debt free dividend stocks. Debt financing isnt always a bad thing; its effect depends on how companies use it. When managed well, it can generate significant cash flow and boost shareholder returns. However, if misused, debt can harm a companys overall financial health. Though investor sentiment this year is being boosted by expected interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, which is also contributing to this years stock market rally, companies in the US still carry excessively high levels of debt on their balance sheets. According to a report by S&P Global Ratings, corporate debt defaults surged last year and could pose challenges again in 2024 as companies with limited cash struggle with high interest rates. In 2023, 153 companies failed to meet their debt payment obligations, a significant increase from 85 in the previous year, representing an 80% rise. This marked the highest default rate in seven years, excluding the spike related to COVID-19 in 2020. While many U.S. companies have strong balance sheets, a significant portion of the defaults came from low-rated companies with negative cash flows, heavy debt burdens, and weak liquidity. Analysts refer to these heavily indebted companies as zombies, as they struggle to survive, barely managing to pay the interest on their loans, and are often one setback away from failure. An Associated Press analysis revealed that the number of such companies has surged to nearly 7,000 publicly traded firms worldwide, including 2,000 in the United States. These companies have been affected by years of accumulating cheap debt, followed by persistent inflation that has driven borrowing costs to their highest levels in a decade. Moreover, zombie debt was frequently not used for expansion, hiring, or investing in technology, but rather for repurchasing their own stock. Read Also: 10 Highest Paying Monthly Dividend Stocks Financial experts indicate that US companies had an opportunity to reduce their debt obligations following then-President Donald Trumps 2017 tax overhaul, which lowered corporate tax rates and facilitated the repatriation of overseas profits. However, most of this financial benefit was used for stock buybacks rather than addressing debt. As a result, the situation has deteriorated to the point where the government is projected to spend $870 billion this year just on interest payments on its debt, an increase of one-third from the previous year and more than the defense budget. Story continues Even with the tax overhaul, debt wasnt going to disappear on its own. According to the Federal Reserve, corporate America held a $13.7 trillion debt load in 2023. Company debt has increased by 18.3% since 2020, as businesses capitalized on the Feds interest rate cuts during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal, US companies will need to renegotiate approximately $1.87 trillion in corporate debt over the next few years, facing higher interest rates. This will largely depend on their sales forecasts for the coming months and years, as companies will negotiate to secure the most favorable interest rates possible. Debt is generally not seen as a favorable option for supporting dividends. This was particularly evident during the 2020 pandemic when many private companies resorted to dividend recapitalizationtaking on new debt to fund dividend payments. This practice remains common among private equity-backed firms after the pandemic as well. In the first half of 2024, dividend recapitalizations have surged, with about $30.2 billion in leveraged loans issued to cover these payments, matching the amount seen in 2021, which was the highest in at least a decade, according to PitchBook LCD data. That said, corporate balance sheets are currently strong, with companies worldwide distributing record dividends to shareholders. In this article, we will discuss some of the best debt free dividend stocks that pay dividends. We also measured hedge fund sentiment around each stock according to Insider Monkeys database of 912 funds as of Q2 2024. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here). Is FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV) Best Debt Free Dividend Stock To Buy? An individual using a laptop to access the fintech platform to manage their finances. FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV) Dividend Yield as of August 16: 4.16% Market Cap as of August 16: $1.48 billion Enterprise Value as of August 16: $296.8 million A Chinese fintech platform, FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV) ranks fourth on our list of the best debt-free stocks that pay dividends. The company offers a wide range of related services, including credit risk assessment, loan transactions, and fraud detection. The stock is up over 18% since the start of 2024, benefitting from a steady increase in registered users across both Chinese and international markets. In the first quarter of 2024, it reported a substantial 49.7% growth in international registered users, reaching 26.8 million. The international markets continued to thrive, with transaction volume reaching RMB2.21 billion ($305.06 million), reflecting a 40.8% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the outstanding loan balance rose to RMB1.27 billion ($175.3 million), showing a 33.7% year-over-year growth. These figures underscore the companys success in capitalizing on opportunities in various countries. Demonstrating its commitment to providing ongoing value to shareholders, FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV) invested $27.2 million in share buybacks during the first quarter of 2024. Since 2018, the company has returned a total of $632.2 million to shareholders through its capital return program, highlighting its consistent dedication to shareholder value. FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV), one of the best debt-free stocks, currently offers an annual dividend of $0.237 per share, having raised it by 10.2% this year. This marked the companys fourth consecutive year of dividend growth. The stocks dividend yield on August 16 came in at 4.16%. FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV) was a part of 8 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2024, compared with 11 in the previous quarter, as per Insider Monkeys database. The stakes held by these hedge funds have a collective worth of over $22 million. Among these hedge funds, GLG Partners was the companys leading stakeholder in Q2. Overall FINV ranks 4th on our list of the best debt free dividend stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of FINV as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than FINV but that trades at less than 7 times its earnings and yields nearly 10%, check out our report about the dirt cheap dividend stock. READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) was one of the biggest victims of a recent tech sell-off, with its share price down 42% over the last month. Fears of a recession caused doubt among tech investors, triggering a dip for dozens of companies' stocks. Market uncertainty combined with weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings from Intel triggered a significant decline in its shares. Usually, such a dramatic sell-off would produce a bargain stock price. However, the chart below shows Intel's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio remains considerably higher than its two biggest chip competitors, Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD). INTC PE Ratio (Forward) Chart This chart shows that not only does Intel have the highest forward P/E among these companies, but its figure for the metric is also well above its average since 2022. Meanwhile, AMD's and Nvidia's forward P/Es are relatively close to their averages, making them a bargain compared to Intel. Moreover, recent earnings suggest Intel's position in the budding artificial intelligence (AI) market is less secure than its rivals. In the second quarter of 2024, the company missed earnings-per-share estimates by $0.08 and revenue by $150 million. Recent challenges have seen Intel's quarterly free cash flow dip nearly 5,000% over the last year to a negative $3 billion. Meanwhile, Nvidia and AMD have arguably more established roles in AI and have delivered promising financial growth thanks to the expanding industry. So, forget Intel and consider these better AI stocks after a sell-off. 1. Nvidia Nvidia's stock dipped about 10% over the last 30 days amid a pullback in tech. The worst declines had its share price down 25% between July 10 and Aug. 5. However, a recovery appears to be underway, suggesting investing sooner rather than later might be best. The company's share price is up 18% over the last week alone, adding more than $420 billion in market value. The surge aligns with Nvidia's recent growth trajectory and its potent role in AI. Nvidia accounts for an estimated 70% to 95% of AI accelerators thanks to the success of its graphics processing units (GPUs). These chips are crucial for building and running AI models because they are capable of completing multiple tasks at once. As a result, GPUs can handle the heavy workloads involved in developing large language models like OpenAI's ChatGPT and other AI networks. The company's powerful role in AI has made it the go-to chip supplier for countless organizations. Some of its biggest customers include tech giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Alphabet. Meanwhile, the company supplies its chips for consumer-focused products like Tesla's self-driving technology and Nintendo's Switch console. Story continues Additionally, Nvidia recently partnered with California in an initiative backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to train its residents on AI technology. CEO Jensen Huang said the collaboration will promote job creation and "train 100,000 students, college faculty, developers, and data scientists to harness this technology." Nvidia will post its Q2 of fiscal 2025 earnings on Aug. 28. Quarterly revenue and operating income are up 44% and 63%, respectively, in the last 12 months, with the company consistently beating expectations. The coming earnings release will likely follow recent trends, making Nvidia's stock a compelling buy after a sell-off and a better option than Intel. 2. Advanced Micro Devices After a market downturn, AMD's share price is down 22% in the last month. However, consistent financial growth and an expanding position in AI make its stock too good to ignore. The chipmaker reported its Q2 2024 earnings at the end of last month, with revenue rising 9% year over year and beating Wall Street forecasts by $120 million. AMD delivered a massive win in its AI-focused data center segment, which saw revenue increase by a record 115% year over year and operating income rise more than 400%. AMD made promising headway in AI in Q2 2024, as increased AI GPU sales led to impressive financial growth. Meanwhile, the quarter also saw the company hit its highest server central processing unit (CPU) market share in decades. Mercury Research shows AMD's server share increased by 5.6 points since 2023, achieving a 24.1% share. Growth in server CPUs shows the company gaining on Intel's position in the market. Intel has dominated CPUs for years, with AMD gradually chipping away at its market share. Yet, AMD has managed to make the business far more lucrative. As Tom's Hardware pointed out, "While Intel earned $3.0 billion selling 75.9% of data center CPUs (in terms of units), AMD earned $2.8 billion selling 24.1% of server CPUs (in terms of units)." The disparity is staggering and only strengthens the bullish argument for AMD's stock. AMD's quarterly free cash flow has risen 81% year to date to $439 million, while Intel's has dipped to a negative $3 billion. The figures suggest AMD is more financially stable, with more cash reserves to keep expanding its business. Alongside a better-valued stock, AMD is a no-brainer AI stock right now. Should you invest $1,000 in Nvidia right now? Before you buy stock in Nvidia, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Nvidia wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $763,374!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of August 12, 2024 Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Dani Cook has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends Intel and Nintendo and recommends the following options: long January 2025 $45 calls on Intel, long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, short August 2024 $35 calls on Intel, and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Forget Intel: 2 Better Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks to Buy After a Sell-Off was originally published by The Motley Fool After nearly two decades of the EUs rail market liberalisation, the intention to ramp up competitiveness and revolutionise a sustainable high-profit rail network is well understood, although different countries have chosen different paths, leading to different results. The liberalisation of the railway system has progressed intensely since the introduction of the EUs ambitious and large-scale fourth railway package for the commercial long-distance rail market in 2016. Eliminating the exclusive rights of existing operators has been a core objective of the legislation movement from the outset. The first railway package, introduced in 2001, made public tendering a standard process. For the first time, railway companies were given the chance to enter this market under a free competition model that respects the principles of transparency and non-discrimination. This opened up opportunities in the European railway market for any European rail operator, public or private, from any country. Laure El Mhadder, electronics sales director, Milexia France Alain Gorrec, integration advisor, Milexia France Competition between incumbents and new players in the railway market has created greater capacity and inspired new technology innovation, all benefitting travellers. Healthy competition is only a good thing, especially when it aims to drive down the price for travellers, improve transport services, and reduce the transport sector's carbon footprint. However, in a highly complex and evolving railway industry, gaining and maintaining a competitive edge is challenging. And for new entrants and incumbents wanting to claim new railway contracts, where do they start, and what are the important considerations for managing the tender, procurement and project maintenance processes involved? Leading by example: the French railway market The French railway market is dominated by SNCF, which operates the majority of the country's rail services. The company is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the rail network, as well as the provision of passenger and freight services. The railway market in France has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by the need for modernisation and improved efficiency of passenger services and experiences. It faces several challenges, including aging infrastructure and pressing environmental concerns, relating to carbon emissions and noise pollution. As such, the French government has adopted an aggressive and meaningful strategy with 100bn investment over 16 years to expand and upgrade the countrys rail infrastructure, with key objectives of improving daily travel and reducing carbon emissions. Story continues Underpinning this transformation in the French railway market is the call for a tender structuring process now that passenger rail transport is open to new entrants on lines formerly reserved for national operators. For example, Italian rail operator Trenitalia has operated Frecciarossa trains on the ParisLyon line since autumn 2021, and Spanish rail operator Renfe has served the ParisMarseille corridor since 2024. France has seen a significant increase in the number of private rail operators, offering a range of services from high-speed trains to regional commuter services. Companies such as Ouigo, a subsidiary of SNCF, have disrupted the traditional rail market by offering low-cost, high-quality services that appeal to a wider range of passengers. However, for the many tender successes, there have been failures too. The open-access rail co-operative Railcoop had been hoping to rejuvenate the Bordeaux to Lyon route, but failed to ever launch the passenger service and went into liquidation. Whilst it is not clear what exactly went wrong, it should be a stark reminder that the tender application is just one element of the process. Strategy, planning, and maintenance to optimise any supply chain service infrastructure is an ongoing challenge. Tender stages The opportunity for private companies to contribute to the development of the countrys railway infrastructure is a highly lucrative one for companies of all sizes and specialities if they get it right for the long haul. Entering a highly competitive new market presents uncertainties and risks with strict compliance procedures that need to be adhered to. On top of this, an aggressive price strategy coupled with a low carbon footprint should always be a top priority for any tender application. It is of utmost importance to understand the railway tendering process and develop a structured approach for securing and maintaining contracts in the evolving rail industry. A strategic four-step process to gain a footing in the competitive French railway market is recommended. This four-step process can be outlined by referring to a case study of the renovation of TGV Atlantique trains on the SNCF Hellemmes-Lille maintenance site, which involved the supply of electronic component kits to upgrade the electronic boards on 1st generation TGVs. Stage one: the qualification phase The tendering of rail services subject to Public Service Orders (PSOs) is a long and complex process and sets limited timescales for bids, meaning bidders have limited time to prepare their offers. The parameter of the tender must be properly defined and qualified from the outset. New entries should identify the robustness of their value proposition against the perimeters of the tender, including operating costs, maintenance costs, and rolling stock availability. Ensuring that rolling stock is available to enter the market in the timeframe set by the tender requires an agile business model to be in place to adapt to changing market conditions and demands. Any tender application must demonstrate a commitment to safety, quality, decarbonisation, and sustainability, showcasing relevant certifications and innovative practices and must be backed with hard evidence. For the TGV Atlantique trains project tender, this involved the identification of current component references from the operator and defined schematics. It also required an in-depth meeting with the operator to finalise the list of requested components and their technical equivalents according to the life phase of the component, the obsolescence of certain components, and their need on each type of train of the different types of TGV, Standard, and Duplex. Stage two: project tenders offer To drive the contract forward, new entrants into the railway market should consider assigning or outsourcing a skilled bid team experts in rail engineering with strong technical skills, project management, and financial expertise. These experts can advise how to best utilise existing in-house solutions and optimal procurement needs and standards, in line with a roadmap for new product development. For the TGV Atlantique tender, this involved the identification of sources of supply for all components to be included in the supply kit. The establishment of a complete pyramid structure of kit nomenclature corresponding to the renovation of a board by train type was also required. Stage three: supply chain management The winning organisations are those that can develop a forward-thinking approach for every part of the supply chain, from rolling stock procurement and demand planning to parts delivery and maintenance. It is important to show agility for production delivery in line with defined timelines. For the TGV Atlantique trains tender project this involved presenting the methodology for the supply chain implementation plan and process to the operator, as well as establishing a three-year supply schedule. Stage four: ongoing installation and maintenance Effective planning, coordination, and execution are essential for ensuring the timely completion of projects while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. It is about being meticulous with the coordination of the lifetime of a project and building strategies aligned to KPIs. This includes planning and scheduling site installations, implementing safety protocols, and regulations for compliance, managing resources, and organising logistics. For the TGV Atlantique trains tender project, this involved the implementation and monitoring of the renovation operation and the proper identification of the components necessary for each application, all while meeting the operator's technical requirements. It also required the complete traceability of the source, origin, and quality of the components supplied; with first-class productivity and industrial performance through the implementation of a structured process. Ready-to-use named-out kits were made available for the trains undergoing maintenance, in line with the schedule requested by the operator. Economic performance indicators and reporting were also carried out for the operator. Realising the opportunities From railway liberalisation While there is a huge opportunity for new entrants to make their mark and profit from the railway liberalisation movement, it is not easy. Winning the tender is just the beginning. Navigating opportunities from EU-Rail liberalisation must be guided by specialised expertise for the definition, realisation, monitoring, and maintenance of any project. Only then can new entrants into the market truly make an impact and help railways become socially and economically sustainable. "Getting onboard rail market liberalisation " was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Giant Eagle is selling its GetGo business to the owner of Circle K. Giant Eagle announced Monday that it's selling its GetGo convenience store business to the owner of Circle K, but both parties say the grocery store chain's myPerks loyalty program will continue. The transaction between Giant Eagle and purchaser Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., based in Laval, Quebec, Canada, is expected to close in 2025, according to a news release from Couche-Tard. Through myPerks, customers will still be able to earn perks and redeem for up to free fuel and free groceries," Giant Eagle CEO Bill Artman said in a prepared video statement. A fact sheet provided by Giant Eagle said the myPerks program will expand. Artman said the deal "also gives us the ability to invest into our supermarket business and our pharmacy business. Were going to do that through a better value proposition, lower prices. Were going to build new stores, and were going to remodel stores and really invest back into our communities. Couche-Tard also announced on Monday that it had sent a bid to Japan's Seven & i Holdings, which operates 7-Eleven. The New York Times reports that Couche-Tard plans to acquire all outstanding shares from Seven & i and that the Japanese firm has a market value of above $38 million. Giant Eagle, based in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, employs about 3,500 people and operates roughly 270 GetGo convenience retail and fueling locations across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana, according to the release. GetGo's various models include standalone kiosks, open-concept stores and made-to-order foods. Artman said the deal "gives us an opportunity to lean into our team members. We have excellent team members who work hard everyday to provide a great guest experience. Its our job to set them up for success. Giant Eagle is selling all its GetGo stations, including this one in Stow. The deal is subject to Federal Trade Commission approval and closing conditions, according to the fact sheet from Giant Eagle. A Giant Eagle spokeswoman said the business is unable to provide additional comment aside from what it shared in its fact sheet and video and what Couche-Tard provided in its release. The Beacon Journal was unable to immediately reach Couche-Tard for comment on Monday. The Couche-Tard press release states that neither party is disclosing the transaction's financial terms. "As we learn more about the GetGo business, it is clear that it has built a strong and passionate customer base with high quality stores staffed by talented and engaged teams working to deliver a great experience," Couche-Tard President and CEO Brian Hannasch said in a prepared statement. "We have deep respect for its management and people as well as its outstanding food and loyalty programs. We look forward to growing together as we learn from and continue GetGo's innovative approaches to serving its local customers and communities." Story continues Giant Eagle operates more than 470 Giant Eagle, Market District and GetGo locations, according to Forbes. Couche-Tard's operations include more than 6,700 stores in 31 countries and territories, per the release. Circle K has more than 6,700 U.S. locations, according to its website. Patrick Williams covers growth and development for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at pwilliams@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @pwilliamsOH. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Giant Eagle selling GetGo to Circle K owner goldman sachs Goldman Sachs Group Inc., in the midst building out its $34.6 billion ETF business, hired J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.'s Alvaro Quiros as a fixed income exchange-traded fund portfolio manager. Based in London, Quiros will be responsible for managing Goldman's range of fixed income ETFs and building on the firms expertise in areas such as active fixed income and sustainability, the company said. He'll focus on ETFs issued outside of the U.S. Previously, Quiros spent six years at J.P. Morgan, including a period in fixed income ETF portfolio management roles. Goldman Sachs has been adding new leadership and funds to its ETF business, expanding its franchise as rival investment banks, high-profile investors and other financial services firms seek to enter the rapidly growing field. ETFs are widely expected to hit $10 trillion in assets next year, after just barely 30 years since the first was issued, thanks in part to the investment vehicles successfully snatching market share from mutual funds Goldman, which manages 44 U.S.-issued funds, last month installed Byron Lake as chief transformation officer for Goldmans Client Solutions Group after Lake helped J.P. Morgan develop its ETF business into the sixth-largest in the U.S. New York-based J.P. Morgan has with 62 U.S. funds with assets of $160.2 billion, nearly five times those of Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs' ETF Launches Lake replaced outgoing ETF head Mike Crinieri at Goldman. The leadership reshuffle also saw Goldman's Europe/Middle East/Asia ETF head Peter Thompson retire in May. Goldman has launched a handful of ETFs over the past year, including four muni bond funds at the end of July, and started a so-called accelerator aimed at helping other firms get their exchange-traded funds to market. Last week, J.P. Morgan promoted Travis Spence to global head of ETFs with immediate effect. "Lots of exciting work ahead to expand our fixed income ETF business!," Quiros wrote on his LinkedIn page. Before working at J.P. Morgan, Quiros began his career with two years as an analyst at DWS covering ETF and index investing. This article was first published on etf.com sister publication ETF Stream. Permalink | Copyright 2024 etf.com. All rights reserved Since the courts deemed Google a monopoly earlier this month, the tech sector has been trying to figure out whats next. But as the huge company hyperventilates over the landmark decision and the possibility of a Ma Bell-type breakup, many of the marketers that feed the tech titans online advertising coffers are maintaining a relative calm. Its not exactly a shrug but for many, its kind of close. More from WWD Google has such incredible market share across search, even if the ruling, once it gets through the [appeals] courts, comes down, that market share is not going anywhere, anytime fast, said Calla Murphy, senior vice president of digital strategy and integrated marketing at Belardi Wong, a direct-to-consumer agency that works with premium fashion, home decor and other brands, including AllBirds, Anthropologie, Birkenstock, Crocs, Vera Bradley, Mansur Graviel and others. Really, at the end of the day, as long as consumers continue to use Google to search, advertisers will spend there, she said. Murphy doesnt expect any serious changes in the short or even medium term. But the issue does put a finer point on her longstanding advice to clients that they should develop search engine-specific strategies and that includes everyone from Bing and ChatGPT to Amazon, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, Reddit and anywhere else people begin their searches these days. Google is the bulk to spend in search, but brands need [channel] strategy. It cannot be the exact same Google strategy ported over, she added. They need to have a Reddit strategy, etc., and that was pre-ruling. Such approaches could help inoculate brands, at least somewhat, against whatever turbulence awaits Google. Tyler Nalbach of SEO Align, a firm that conducts search engine optimization for fashion e-commerce brands, sees no reason to panic right now either. Search engines have been massive for fashion e-commerce over the last 10 years, [but] I personally dont think were going to see that change much, even after the antitrust ruling case with Google, he said. He pointed out that Google is an extremely well-known brand in its own right, and people will continue using it, even if its not the default search engine in Apples Safari browser. There isnt another search engine that will swoop in and become more relevant than Google because of this, he continued. AI search engines are a bigger threat to Googles long term success than this antitrust ruling. Story continues This is why the company and others have invested so deeply in artificial intelligence, bringing it into search results and embedding the tech into its ad platform. The caveat, however, is that Googles time in court isnt over yet. In September, it faces another antitrust trial, this time specifically alleging anticompetitive conduct in advertising technology. Apparently those proceedings, which start Sept. 9 in the Eastern District of Virginia, could make for a more seismic event for brands. That one will be interesting because its hard to say how their advertising platform will be affected, said Nalbach. Performance Max [Googles AI-driven] campaigns have picked up so much with very minimal user work involved, but have been creating amazing ROIs. If those ad types are impacted, it may require fashion brands to rework the way theyre doing their search engine advertising. That could change quite a bit for brands, especially if they rely heavily on ads. For Google, major upheaval may already be in the works, ranging from the possible end of its Apple contract which set its search engine as the default in iOS to newer reports that the Department of Justice is weighing whether to split up the company. Those decisions could span anything from spinning off Android and Chrome into their own businesses to the sale of the AdWords online ad system itself. For now, however, the impact looks rather minimal to many marketers. But not to all of them. As it is, Tom Jauncey, chief executive officer and self-described head nerd of U.K.-based digital marketing agency Nautilus Marketing, believes the latest ruling will have huge repercussions on fashion brands and retailers. First and foremost, this might just open up a whole area of competition by breaking Googles stronghold over online advertising and search visibility, he said. In addition, this can then translate to reduced pricing points for ad space, therefore making it more competitive and further availing much better opportunities to the smaller brands. But with Googles next legal battle, the real action is yet to come, Jauncey said. It is the difference between a general health check and a targeted medical procedure the ad case is much more specific, he added. This could indeed cause significant alterations in how all of us do business, not only within the U.S. but worldwide. Its kind of like what the GDPR [the E.U.s General Data Protection Regulation] did with rules on data privacy worldwide. Best of WWD The board of Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (SGX:J36) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.60 per share on the 16th of October. Based on this payment, the dividend yield on the company's stock will be 6.1%, which is an attractive boost to shareholder returns. See our latest analysis for Jardine Matheson Holdings Jardine Matheson Holdings' Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions Impressive dividend yields are good, but this doesn't matter much if the payments can't be sustained. Prior to this announcement, the company was paying out 814% of what it was earning, however the dividend was quite comfortably covered by free cash flows at a cash payout ratio of only 20%. Healthy cash flows are always a positive sign, especially when they quite easily cover the dividend. Analysts expect a massive rise in earnings per share in the next year. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 41%, which would make us comfortable with the dividend's sustainability, despite the levels currently being elevated. Jardine Matheson Holdings Has A Solid Track Record Even over a long history of paying dividends, the company's distributions have been remarkably stable. The annual payment during the last 10 years was $1.37 in 2014, and the most recent fiscal year payment was $2.25. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 5.1% over that duration. The dividend has been growing very nicely for a number of years, and has given its shareholders some nice income in their portfolios. Dividend Growth Potential Is Shaky Investors could be attracted to the stock based on the quality of its payment history. Let's not jump to conclusions as things might not be as good as they appear on the surface. Jardine Matheson Holdings' EPS has fallen by approximately 49% per year during the past five years. Dividend payments are likely to come under some pressure unless EPS can pull out of the nosedive it is in. Over the next year, however, earnings are actually predicted to rise, but we would still be cautious until a track record of earnings growth can be built. Our Thoughts On Jardine Matheson Holdings' Dividend Overall, it's nice to see a consistent dividend payment, but we think that longer term, the current level of payment might be unsustainable. The company is generating plenty of cash, but we still think the dividend is a bit high for comfort. This company is not in the top tier of income providing stocks. Investors generally tend to favour companies with a consistent, stable dividend policy as opposed to those operating an irregular one. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. As an example, we've identified 4 warning signs for Jardine Matheson Holdings that you should be aware of before investing. Is Jardine Matheson Holdings not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a limited-format meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Azernews reports. Addressing the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said: - Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, I sincerely welcome you once again to Azerbaijan. You are welcome! Our meetings are of regular nature. We have already met twice this year, and we continue our communication today within the framework of your state visit. As a matter of fact, we started yesterday with a thorough exchange of views on important issues related to both the bilateral agenda and regional security. Today, we will continue our discussions in both limited and expanded formats. I would like to emphasize that we are very pleased with the level of interaction between our countries. The Declaration on Allied Cooperation signed between us in February 2022 is being successfully implemented. In both the political and economic spheres, we are observing very positive momentum and good performance indicators. Of course, we cooperate in the energy and transportation sectors. We attach special importance to humanitarian cooperation and also collaborate in many other areas. This is why we will review the agenda in detail again today. I am sure that this visit will be both pleasant for you and beneficial for our relations. You are welcome again. President Vladimir Putin said: - Thank you very much, Mr. Ilham Heydarovich! First of all, thank you for the invitation. This visit was agreed between you and I long ago, and I am very happy to be visiting Baku and once again admire this city, the development of which you and, I know this firsthand, your wife have been paying great attention to. It is quite visible. The city is developing, it is developing successfully, turning into, I would say, an oasis in the region, of course. Our relations are developing on the basis of the declaration you and I signed back in early 2022. It is being successfully implemented, and a good impetus for the development of our bilateral relations was provided during your visit to Moscow in April this year. Our trade and economic relations are developing successfully. I agree with you, you told me at our previous meeting in Russia that a little over four billion dollars is a good figure, but it does not fully reflect the potential of our capabilities. Indeed, we can talk not only about energy here but also about industrial cooperation, transportation, logistics, and light industry. We have many areas for joint collaboration. More than four billion dollars of direct investment in the Azerbaijani economy is also a positive indicator. More than 1,270 enterprises with Russian capital are operating in Azerbaijan, and this number is certainly not the limit. Regarding humanitarian ties, we attach great importance to them and are grateful to you for the attention you have paid to the development of the Russian language. There are 300 schools with the Russian language, branches of our leading higher educational institutions operate in Azerbaijan. Thousands of young people from Azerbaijan study in leading universities of the Russian Federation, and we are ready to expand this interaction. An intergovernmental commission is also in operation. Just recently 10 days ago, I believe a regular meeting of the intergovernmental commission was held here in Baku. It is operating successfully. By the way, I am aware that the Days of Russian Culture were held in Azerbaijan in June this year. Thank you very much for organizing this work. Of course, we already touched upon this topic yesterday and will continue it today it concerns the settlement of the situation in the South Caucasus. It is clear and well known that Russia is also facing crises, including and first of all, of course, in the Ukrainian direction. But Russia's historical involvement in the situation in the South Caucasus, even over the past few years, makes it necessary for us to participate in these developments of course, to the extent that it is required by the parties, there is no doubt about that. If we can do something to achieve the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, to bring the matter to the delimitation and demarcation of the border, to unblock, as we have discussed many times, the relevant areas in logistics and economy - we would be very happy about that. Of course, after my visit to Azerbaijan, I will contact Prime Minister Pashinyan and tell him about the results of our negotiations. I know that Azerbaijan aims to complete all procedures related to the full settlement. I am well aware of that. We will talk about that. In general, I would like to thank you again for the invitation. I am sure it will be a very useful discussion and, as I can tell by the situation in the city, quite favorable. We love Baku. It is a beautiful city and, most importantly, it is developing in a way that many other major population centers would envy. President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much. (Bloomberg) -- Kim Dotcom, the internet entrepreneur facing extradition from New Zealand, vowed to continue his legal battle after the government confirmed he should face trial in the US. Most Read from Bloomberg I love New Zealand. Im not leaving, Dotcom posted on X after the news was reported late last week. He told his followers not to worry because he had a plan, without providing any details. One of his legal advisers, Ira Rothken, later said the team was working on a judicial review of the extradition order. After more than 12 years of injustice the fight for justice continues, Rothken said in a post on X. The U.S. has sought the extradition over Dotcoms now defunct file-sharing website Megaupload.com, which is alleged to have been the vehicle for the biggest copyright infringement in U.S. history. Prosecutors allege that Megaupload, which once accounted for 4% of all internet traffic, generated more than $175 million in criminal proceeds from the exchange of pirated films, music and files. Dotcom and his co-accused have always maintained their innocence. After assessing the case, New Zealand Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith signed the extradition order last week. No extradition date was set. I considered all of the information carefully, and have decided that Mr Dotcom should be surrendered to the US to face trial, Goldsmith said in a statement. As is common practice, I have allowed Mr Dotcom a short period of time to consider and take advice on my decision. In January 2012, armed police carried out a dawn raid on the flamboyant German millionaires Auckland mansion, acting on information from the FBI. That set in train 12 years of legal skirmishes which included Dotcom agreeing a confidential settlement from the police after he sought damages for unreasonable use of force during the raid. In 2022, two of his co-defendants struck a deal with prosecutors to avoid extradition and potentially testify against Dotcom. Mathias Ortmann and Bram van der Kolk subsequently pleaded guilty in a New Zealand court and were sent to prison. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Company Logo Dublin, Aug. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Smart Metering in Latin America - 2nd Edition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Smart metering is widely regarded as a cornerstone for future smart grids and is currently being deployed all over the developed world, with a growing number of largescale initiatives now also being launched in developing countries. With more than 215 million electricity customers, Latin America constitutes a large market with significant potential, as well as a significantly lower penetration rate of smart meters in comparison to regions such as East Asia, Europe and North America. The annual demand for electricity meters in Latin America ranges from 20 to 30 million units, out of which Brazil and Mexico together account for over 65 percent. With the exception of Costa Rica and Uruguay, Latin America has not yet seen the implementation of nationwide smart metering projects. However, a number of utilities in the region are scaling-up their smart metering initiatives and in some cases in the midst of large-scale rollouts. The rollout of smart electricity meters in Costa Rica progresses steadily and the country reached a milestone during 2022 when the smart meter penetration rate surpassed 50 percent. The largest DSO group in Costa Rica Grupo ICE announced that it aims to reach 100 percent smart meter coverage by 2035. In Uruguay, the nationwide rollout by the state-owned utility is in its end-phase and the country is expected to become the first Latin American country to reach full smart metering coverage in 2024. Brazil is a highly interesting market for smart metering solution vendors with its 95 million electricity users and low penetration rate of smart meters - 5.6 percent in 2023. Utilities in the country are increasingly investing in the technology and the country is forecasted to account for nearly 50 percent of the shipped Smart electricity meter adoption in Latin America poised to surge by 2029 smart electricity meters in Latin America during the forecast period. The penetration rate of smart electricity meters in Mexico is forecasted to increase from around 8.5 percent in 2023 to nearly 22.0 percent in 2029. Overall, high non-technical electricity losses due to the prevalence of energy theft throughout Latin America will continue to be a major driver for smart metering investments. In recent years, Chinese meter vendors have achieved increasing success in the Latin American market. A key contributing factor is their ability to offer competitive pricing, a crucial aspect for the price-sensitive utilities operating in the region. The installed base of smart electricity meters in Latin America - defined as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay - will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20.5 percent from 14 million in 2023 to 42.9 million in 2029 Highlights from the Report In-depth market profiles of Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay 360-degree overview of next-generation PLC, RF and cellular technologies for smart grid communications Profiles of the key players in the smart metering industry in Latin America New forecasts for smart electricity meters until 2029 Analysis of the latest market and industry developments in each of the countries Case studies of smart metering projects by the leading energy groups Questions Answered in the Report How are the national energy policies driving the adoption of smart metering? What is the current deployment status of major utilities across Latin America? How are market-liberalising reforms changing the energy utility sector in Latin America? Which are the leading smart metering solution providers in Latin America? What is the outlook for the first wave of smart metering rollouts in Latin America? Which communications technologies are being used for smart metering in Latin America? Which are the main electricity and gas utilities in each country? Key Topics Covered: 1 Smart Metering Solutions 1.1 Introduction to smart grids 1.2 Smart metering 1.3 Project strategies 1.3.1 System design and sourcing 1.3.2 Rollout and integration 1.3.3 Implementation and operation 1.3.4 Communication with customers 1.4 Regulatory issues 1.4.1 Models for the introduction of smart meters 1.4.2 Standardisation 1.4.3 Individual rights issues 2 IoT Networks and Communications Technologies 2.1 IoT network technologies 2.1.1 Network architectures 2.1.2 Unlicensed and licensed frequency bands 2.2 PLC technology and standards 2.2.1 International standards organisations 2.2.2 G3-PLC 2.2.3 PRIME 2.2.4 Meters & More 2.3 3GPP cellular and LPWA technologies 2.3.1 2G/3G/4G/5G cellular technologies and IoT 2.3.2 NB-IoT and LTE-M 2.3.3 The role of cellular networks in smart meter communications 2.3.4 LoRa and LoRaWAN 2.3.5 Sigfox 2.4 IEEE 802.15.4-based RF 2.4.1 IEEE 802.15.4 2.4.2 Wi-SUN 2.4.3 Proprietary IP6 connectiity stacks based on 802.15.4 3 Smart Metering Industry Players 3.1 Meter vendors Itron Landis+Gyr Aclara (Hubbell) Elgama Elektronika (Linyang Energy) Gridspertise Hexing Electrical Holley Technology Honeywell (Elster) Iskraemeco Kaifa Technology Networked Energy Serices Sagemcom Sanxing Electric (Nansen) Wasion WEG Group ZI 3.2 Communications solution proiders 4RF Corinex Tantalus Systems Trilliant 3.3 Software solution proiders Fluentgrid Harris Utilities Indra Neoris SAP Siemens 3.4 System integrators and communications service providers Accenture America Moil Atia Solucoes CAS Tecnologia Cisco IBM NTT Telefonica Telecom Italia (TIM) Tropico 4 Market Profiles 4.1 Regional summary 4.2 Argentina 4.3 Bolivia 4.4 Brazil 4.5 Chile 4.6 Colombia 4.7 Costa Rica 4.8 Ecuador 4.9 El Salador 4.10 Guatemala 4.11 Honduras 4.12 Mexico 4.13 Panama 4.14 Paraguay 4.15 Peru 4.16 Uruguay 5 Market Analysis 5.1 Smart electricity metering 5.2 Market forecasts 5.3 Industry analysis and technology trends 5.4 Smart gas metering 6 Case Studies 6.1 Copel 6.2 Grupo ICE 6.3 Light 6.4 UTE For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p4jge4 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. CONTACT: CONTACT: 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 Layer Group has completed the acquisition of InDoor Floor & Wall Sweden, a company based in Kristinehamn, for an undisclosed amount. InDoor Floor & Wall Sweden specialises in tile installation and flooring services, new construction, renovation, and insurance-related repairs. The move is part of Layer Group's expansion in the Dalarna and Varmland regions of Sweden. The acquisition is expected to generate synergies with existing companies such as Krafft Maleri, Willens Maleri, and Farg & Co, which operate in the surrounding areas of Orebro, Arvika, and Eda. InDoor Floor & Wall Sweden's profitability and entrepreneurial spirit are claimed to be in line with Layer Group's acquisition strategy. The deal also offers InDoor Floor & Wall Sweden access to a wider network of entrepreneurs within the group. Layer Group CEO John Strand said: We are very pleased to welcome InDoor Floor & Wall Sweden to the Layer Group family. They have an interesting customer portfolio and services that complement our nearby operations. For us, its important that their established brand continues, but now they have the opportunity to grow under our umbrella, just like our other companies. The support from Layer Group is anticipated to provide InDoor Floor & Wall Sweden with the necessary resources to advance to the next stage of its development. InDoor Floor & Wall Sweden founder Conny Lundstedt said: It feels great to be included in a large group like Layer, and we look forward to collaborating with other companies in the group. We are convinced that it also increases security for our employees. Last month, Layer Group's company Mastarna Vision acquired Granlunds Maleri, expanding its operations in the Sundsvall region of the country. "Layer Group acquires InDoor Floor & Wall Sweden " was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Key Insights Using the Dividend Discount Model, Reject Shop fair value estimate is AU$3.99 With AU$3.49 share price, Reject Shop appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value The AU$4.82 analyst price target for TRS is 21% more than our estimate of fair value In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of The Reject Shop Limited (ASX:TRS) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Reject Shop What's The Estimated Valuation? We have to calculate the value of Reject Shop slightly differently to other stocks because it is a multiline retail company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. Unless a company pays out the majority of its FCF as a dividend, this method will typically underestimate the value of the stock. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.4%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.7%. Relative to the current share price of AU$3.5, the company appears about fair value at a 13% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate) = AU$0.2 / (6.7% 2.4%) = AU$4.0 dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Reject Shop as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.7%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.047. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Story continues SWOT Analysis for Reject Shop Strength Currently debt free. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Multiline Retail market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the Australian market. Next Steps: Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Reject Shop, there are three important aspects you should explore: Risks: As an example, we've found 3 warning signs for Reject Shop that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does TRS's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Mark Cuban Says He Drove Cars That Cost $200 With Holes In The Floorboard And Lived Off Mac And Cheese Because He Wanted To Retire Early Before he was a billionaire and a standout on ABCs Shark Tank, Mark Cuban's way of getting around was anything but glamorous. Known as the former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, you might not peg him for a frugal guy like how Warren Buffett is famously cautious with his spending. But it turns out, Cuban was pretty good at pinching pennies too. Don't Miss: In an interview with Money.com, Cuban opened up about his surprisingly frugal habits back in the day and shared some insights on building wealth from scratch. I didnt have a car that cost more than $200 until I was 25, I think, he said. It was crazy. But that was my decision. I was determined to save money. His choice of cars a Fiat X1/9 with a hole in the floorboard and a 1966 Buick LeSabre were far from glamorous. During the interview, fellow entrepreneur Sara Blakely joked that these rides were hardly chick magnets. Trending: Founder of Personal Capital and ex-CEO of PayPal re-engineers traditional banking with this new high-yield account start saving better today. But here's the twist: Cubans decision to drive these beat-up cars was more than just about saving a few bucks. It was part of a bigger plan, inspired by the book Cashing in on the American dream: How to Retire at 35 by Paul Terhorst. The book pitches a radical idea: save up $1 million, keep your expenses low like a student, and you could retire early. I believed heavily in that book. It was a big motivator for me, Cuban explained. I did things like having five roommates and living off macaroni and cheese, and I was very, very frugal. Trending: A billion-dollar investment strategy with minimums as low as $10 you can become part of the next big real estate boom today. This isn't just another one of those millionaire tells you to cut back on the lattes stories. Cubans goal was never just about stacking cash. He was chasing the freedom to live on his terms. I wanted enough money to travel, have fun, and party like a rock star but still live like a student. That was my motivation, he shared. Cuban explains, "I was determined to be able to retire." Even at a young age, retirement was the goal. He also shared his thoughts on managing finances, emphasizing the importance of living within one's means and avoiding debt. "I learned very quickly that debt was not my friend," Cuban noted. Story continues Trending: Will the surge continue or decline on real estate prices? People are finding out about risk-free real estate investing that lets you cash out whenever you want. He also stressed the benefits of saving money and investing wisely. "Putting some into a low-cost mutual fund like an SPX fund and living as inexpensively as you possibly can will pay off dividends," Cuban advised. Cuban believes that individuals can begin to build their net worth by investing in the market. "You can start to make good things happen," he said, adding that while it's not always easy, especially for those with families, the key lies in finding the discipline to save. "If you can find that discipline, then you can save," he concluded. Mark Cuban's story shows that financial discipline and planning are key. While you don't have to live off macaroni and cheese or drive a clunker, building a solid financial future might require sacrifices. If you're serious about achieving financial freedom, a financial advisor can help you create a plan that fits your goals. Read Next: This billion-dollar fund has invested in the next big real estate boom, here's how you can join for $10. Warren Buffett flipped his neighbor's $67,000 life savings into a $50 million fortune How much is that worth today? "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Mark Cuban Says He Drove Cars That Cost $200 With Holes In The Floorboard And Lived Off Mac And Cheese Because He Wanted To Retire Early originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Often, companies with high, sustainable cash flow are generous dividend payers. That's indisputably the case with telecom sector incumbent Verizon (NYSE: VZ), which has a massive base of regular customers providing a thick and steady stream of greenbacks. With this pile, Verizon pays a high-yield dividend that has attracted more than a few investors to the stock. Let's pick the payout apart. Say hello to a high-yield dividend Verizon dispenses its payout once every quarter. The current disbursement is just under $0.67 per share, for a yield of 6.6%. The company has a habit of raising it once per year, albeit incrementally. Its recent annual bumps have all been barely over $0.01 per share, and those raises tend to occur late in the year. Because of that, we don't yet have a fix on what Verizon's total shareholder payout will be for the entirety of 2024. Management likely will declare yet another one of those tiny dividend raises. If we're generous and assume a per-share hike approaching $0.02 (which would kick in with the two remaining payouts between now and the end of the year), Verizon's total annual dividend per share would add up to roughly $2.72 per share. Is it sustainable? It's admirable that management's been able to keep the payout on the rise, no matter how incrementally. This is because it operates in a tough business. Competition is heavy, customer churn is always a threat, and those nationwide networks are expensive to build, operate, and maintain. That's why Verizon, like other big telecoms, is deeply in debt. Although long-term borrowings have come down in recent years, they still totaled nearly $158 billion at the end of 2023. That wasn't quite double the company's equity, but it wasn't far away, either. Regardless, Verizon's dividend feels sustainable. Free cash flow approached $19 billion for all of 2023, while dividend payouts sat a little above $11 billion. This high-yield dividend has that magic combination of being both safe and attractive. This alone makes its issuer worthy of consideration as a buy. Should you invest $1,000 in Verizon Communications right now? Before you buy stock in Verizon Communications, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Verizon Communications wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $763,374!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. Story continues See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of August 12, 2024 Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. How Much Will Verizon Pay Out in Dividends This Year? was originally published by The Motley Fool New Jerseys nine casinos are not seeing a desired summer rebound, according to the latest figures released by state regulators. Although revenue surged from online gambling and online and mobile sports betting in July, the numbers were far more lackluster at the in-person casinos, which are all based in the South Jersey seaside gambling resort town of Atlantic City. While many were hopeful that the summer of 2024 for Atlantic City casinos would see a rebound in drive-in visitors after last years trend of people taking their 'dream vacation' and flying to destinations, the July in-person gaming numbers suggest that is not the case, said Jane Bokunewicz, director of Stockton Universitys Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism, which studies New Jerseys casino market. Story continues below photo gallery. Bokunewicz pointed to recent air travel figures put out by the federal Transportation Security Administration: 32 million air travelers between the end of June and July 4 weekend. Those suggest that more people are choosing fly-to destinations for their vacations compared to drive-to destinations or even staycations, she said. This would be a reversal or more likely a rebound of recent trends that have favored drive-to destinations as the result of some travelers post-pandemic reluctance to fly, Bokunewicz said. Casino gambling numbers broken down Added Bill Pascrell III, a casino industry lobbyist, "Post-pandemic, many people in the region have built up aspirations to go on extended vacations abroad and out of the area." Other factors like beach replenishment from storm erosion, as well as the cancellation of the 2024 airshow typically scheduled for July also kept visitors away from the seaside gambling mecca. Online gambling revenue in July was over $195 million or a 26% increase from last year said the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, which regulates the casinos. Revenue from sports betting was $80 million last month, or a 31.2% increase from July last year. On the other hand, the casinos made $272 million last month at their brick and mortar operations in Atlantic City, which was down 6.1% from last year. All told, New Jersey's nine casinos and their online gambling operations brought in $548 million this past July, or an 8.2% year-over-year increase. While casinos saw their highest revenue numbers in a over decade, that was almost exclusively thanks to internet gambling, said James Plousis, chair of the Casino Control Commission, another state regulatory body. Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City is open for the first time since closing due to the Covid-19 crisis on Thursday, July 2, 2020. Plousis, Pascrell and Corey Sharp, a writer for the gambling trade publication PlayNJ.com, all noted that July had fewer weekend days this year eight versus the nine in August. Story continues The casinos have not fully recovered their in-person visitation, Jeffrey Vasser, head of the states Division of Travel and Tourism, which markets New Jersey to other regions around the nation and the world as a vacation destination, said in an interview earlier this year. Meanwhile, business travel has struggled to return to its pre-pandemic levels, said Vasser and Joshua Friedlander, vice president of research at the U.S. Travel Association. That poses a problem for a municipality that with its ample conference, convention and hotel space depends on business travel, especially during the colder months after tourists return home. People are still doing some of their meetings virtually, Vasser said. They may still do their big meeting in person, but some of the regional meetings theyre doing virtually. Losing out to regional competition State officials in New York are offering three casino licenses in the New York City area. Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City and of the Casino Association of New Jersey, a trade group, referred to such a prospect as a threat to the South Jersey gambling city. Meanwhile James Allen, chief executive officer at Hard Rock International which has a hotel casino in Atlantic City previously estimated that between 20% and 30% of Atlantic Citys visitors come from North Jersey and the New York area, according to PlayNJ. New Jersey already faces competition from several casinos close to its borders: Empire Casino in Yonkers, just north of New York City; Resorts World in Queens; several casinos in Philadelphia, and another in Delaware. And several efforts are underway to build out new casinos in the New York City metropolitan area. "I don't think Atlantic City is the destination location it used to be in the past. It seems to be less likely that people will want to spend a day or weekend in Atlantic City for the beach and gambling in the summer," said Sharp of PlayNJ. Jeff Gural, owner of the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, wants to revisit the idea for a casino in the racetracks backyard, with a price tag as high as $2 billion. I cant imagine that people in northern New Jersey are going to be happy driving over the George Washington Bridge and paying $18 in tolls and sitting in traffic in order to get to the casino, he told NorthJersey.com in April. Daniel Munoz covers business, consumer affairs, labor and the economy for NorthJersey.com and The Record. Email: munozd@northjersey.com; Twitter:@danielmunoz100 and Facebook This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Atlantic City casinos not seeing summer tourism rebound Sara, who is heavily medicated and often delirious, is gifting items to friends. (Photo subjects are models.) - Getty Images/iStockphoto Dear Quentin, I am a health-care and durable power of attorney for a longtime family friend, Sara, 86, who is now in hospice. I am also the trustee of her trust and will be the executor of her estate. Sara suffered a traumatic head injury a couple of months ago, after which time a male friend convinced her to sell her car (worth $20,000) for $500. Saras attending physician has since issued a letter stating that she suffers from a permanent and progressive medical condition, which renders her incapable of making health, financial or legal decisions or managing her personal or financial affairs so all such decisions are left up to me as her power of attorney. Most Read from MarketWatch In the meantime, all of her friends are visiting her in the nursing home and asking Sara for her personal possessions. Sara, who is heavily medicated and often delirious, is gifting items to friends (some of these gifts dont even exist or arent in her possession). My concern is that she may start gifting people large sums of money. Even though I have the letter from the doctor, I dont want the headache of her friends surfacing after her death with claims of gifts that they say she made to them (perhaps with a phone recording as proof) to get the estate to settle with them. I envision a huge legal headache as most attorneys prefer to settle disputes rather than engage in a court fight. Theres no way I want to give in to any of these vultures surrounding Sara in her time of decline. For context, Sara is an only child, never married and has no living relatives. I am unsure if the physician letter will make any/all gift claims mute if her friends claim Sara bestowed them a monetary gift in a moment of lucidity. Friend of Sara Related: My elderly cousins nursing home coerced her into changing her will and selling her house. She was worth millions. Can they get away with this? Story continues The nursing home should also be protecting her. She is there to get help. - MarketWatch illustration Dear Friend, The clue is in the title. Its called a power-of-attorney document because it gives you the power to act on your friends behalf, but you do need to act. Contact Saras bank with the POA document, and alert them to the fact that bad actors are attempting to coerce your friend into making withdrawals. Also, alert the nursing home to these friends who are keen to get their hands on her belongings. You have responsibilities and obligations as POA. You must, per Timothy Knox Attorneys at Law in Bryn Mawr, Pa., attempt to preserve the principals estate plan, to the extent actually known by the agent, if preserving the plan is consistent with the principals best interest based on all relevant factors, including the the value and nature of the principals property. The agent must act in accordance with the principals reasonable expectations to the extent actually known by the agent, and otherwise in the principals best interests, act in good faith, and act only within the scope of authority granted in the power of attorney, the law firm adds. Keep in mind: The law varies by state, and you can be legally liable if you fail in your duties. As a power of attorney, you must act within the confines of the document, but you also have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of your friend. As executor, you will be responsible for initiating probate, administering and taking account of her assets and liabilities (from real estate to bank accounts), and carrying out Saras wishes in accordance with her will. Contract law, duress and legal capacity There may be a reason why Saras friend capped the car price at $500. Contract law varies by state, but in New York one person must make an offer and accept it, and exchange goods or services. If the value of the contract is more than $500, the contract must be in writing. If it is not in writing, it may not be enforceable, according to this guide from the New York City Bar. Whats more, the New York City Bar says that a contract can be voided if one party signed under duress, undue influence and/or if it was unconscionable or grossly unfair; both parties must have the legal ability called capacity to agree to the terms of the contract. If you were not legally able to agree to the contract, you might argue that you lacked capacity, it adds. Another reason for voiding a contract is fraudulent inducement. Parties must truly intend to agree to each essential term of a contract, the NYC Bar says. If the other party deceived you regarding an essential term of the contract, you can argue that you never intended to enter into the contract because you would not have agreed to it had you known the true facts. Dont worry about dealing with these petty pantomime villains. If they approach you with a note or a voicemail or some other promise Sara made, you can tell them that none of this has any legal standing. They will merely be outing themselves as people who have tried and failed to take advantage of an extremely ill woman who deserved better friends than this. You are the gatekeeper. Speak to Sara and tell her that she must stop promising gifts to people and, if she is put under pressure by any friend, to call you immediately. The nursing home should also be protecting her. She is there to get help she is not supposed to be a sitting duck for scam artists, thieves and fortune hunters. Its time to exercise your power. Make your presence known. More columns from Quentin Fottrell: She screamed and raged at me: I have power of attorney for my mothers $3 million estate but my sister feels sidelined. How do I get her off my back? My son gets zero: Im leaving $1 million to my daughter. My son said hell convince my ex-wife to leave everything to him. Should I split my assets 50/50? Im having panic attacks: My ex-husband emptied our joint bank accounts, hacked into my email and stole my life savings. Do I have any recourse? Most Read from MarketWatch By Arathy Somasekhar HOUSTON (Reuters) -A looming labor dispute at Canada's two main railroads is unlikely to significantly reduce oil exports to the United States due to excess capacity on Trans Mountain and other pipelines, people close to the matter said. North American shippers such as fertilizer supplier Nutrien and U.S. logistics firm C.H. Robinson are bracing for simultaneous stoppages at the Canadian operations of Canadian National Railway or CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) that could cost the nation's economy billions of dollars. CN said last week it was putting in place an embargo on any new reservations for movement of hazardous materials, security-sensitive cargoes or refrigerated containers originating in Canada, starting on Thursday. CPKC said that it had begun to halt any new shipments of hazardous chemicals or dangerous goods. A strike or lockout could start on Thursday. But oil exports may be largely unscathed. U.S. rail imports of Canadian crude have fallen sharply in recent years, averaging around 55,000 barrels per day in May, U.S. Energy Information Administration data showed, the lowest since the pandemic price crash in 2020. The U.S. imports about 4.2 million bpd from Canada, mostly by pipeline. "Anybody receiving crude by rail right now is figuring out what alternatives they have, whether it's an alternative grade that can be substituted on the pipeline, or if a buyer is willing to take something else," said Elliot Apland at MarbleRock Advisors, which helps negotiate rail supply-chain contracts. Prices of Western Canadian Select crude typically fall during export logjams. However, Trans Mountain's expansion in May and available capacity on other pipes should limit deep discounting, industry experts and analysts said. "Crude-by-rail is not as essential to the Canadian market as it was prior to the Trans Mountain expansion," said Jeremy Irwin, a senior oil markets analyst at consultancy Energy Aspects. Trans Mountain's expansion nearly tripled the flow of crude from landlocked Alberta to the Pacific coast, to 890,000 bpd. Maintenance at U.S. Midwest refineries, which buy and process Canadian crude, will also free pipeline space for additional barrels, Irwin added. WCS for September delivery in Hardisty, Alberta, settled on Friday at $12.25 a barrel below U.S. West Texas intermediate crude, according to brokerage CalRock, compared to an average $18.65 discount in 2023. The relatively small discount indicates little market concern about moving Canadian crude. Story continues "We're closely monitoring the situation and putting plans in place to mitigate any impacts if a strike or lockout were to happen," a spokesperson at producer Cenovus Energy said. ConocoPhillips Canada said it ships refined product on CPKC and other rail carriers, but has flexibility to manage a sustained strike. The company does not expect any impact to its Surmont oil-sands production. REFINED PRODUCTS Canadian propane relies mainly on rail to reach domestic and export markets. Any stoppage could significantly reduce deliveries for fuel and chemical manufacturing. AltaGas' Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal in British Columbia has stocked up on propane, Energy Aspects' Irwin noted. Some companies that use generators for electricity on job sites have been stockpiling diesel, Irwin said, adding that a rail stoppage longer than two weeks could strand some diesel at Alberta refineries. Those refineries include Imperial Oil's Strathcona, Suncor Energy's Edmonton, Shell's Scotford Complex, North West Redwater's Sturgeon refinery and Cenovus' Lloydminster refinery. Canada's gasoline markets tend to be localized and production stays in the region. Many major gasoline markets are connected directly to refineries by pipelines, while railways and trucks also distribute gasoline in other regions. "Everyone is trying to get the inventories to a point where they could free rail logistics for 14 days and still be OK, said a senior industry executive who declined to be identified. (Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar in Houston; Editing by Liz Hampton, Rod Nickel and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) The state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Azerbaijan holds exceptional significance for bilateral relations, Azernews reports, citing President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he said during an expanded meeting with President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Today, we have already exchanged views and expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between our countriesrelations between friends, neighbors, and allies. We observe positive dynamics in all areas. The composition of our delegations is also very illustrative and speaks for itself. In other words, there are indeed many topics for discussion and cooperation, and the scope of our mutual activities is expanding year by year. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in all areas, and I am confident that your visit will be another important step in bringing our countries and peoples closer together, the head of state pointed out. By Shariq Khan and David French (Reuters) - APA Corp is exploring the sale of oil and gas drilling properties spread across parts of the Permian basin of Texas and New Mexico, in a deal that could be valued at about $1 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. APA, which owns the properties through its Apache subsidiary, is working with investment bankers at RBC Richardson Barr and Truist Securities on the sale process, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the discussions are confidential. APA's move to offload the drilling sites comes as the Houston-based company looks to revamp its operations to focus on its shale operations, while attempting to reduce its $6.7-billion debt pile in part through asset sales. The drilling assets are in different sub-sections of the Permian Basin, namely the Northwest Shelf, the Northern Shelf, and the Central Basin Platform in New Mexico and Texas. The sites produce more than 22,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day combined, of which roughly 60% is oil, the sources said. An Apache spokesperson said the company actively manages its portfolio, but declined to comment on any specific transactions. "You've seen us do multiple deals recently, including the Callon acquisition this year, and targeted divestments of non-core properties," said Patrick Cassidy, director of corporate communications for Apache. RBC and Truist declined comment. The U.S. oil and gas industry is in the midst of a dealmaking boom, as large energy producers have splurged on acquisitions to gain scale and snap up prime drilling sites. APA has said it wants to pay down the $2 billion of debt that it assumed as part of its acquisition of Callon Petroleum within the next three years. Earlier this year, APA sold some non-core assets in the Permian and Eagle Ford basins for nearly $700 million. (Reporting by Shariq Khan and David French in New York; Editing by Rod Nickel) Palantir's Alex Karp Defends Military Partnerships, Stands Firm on Pro-Western Stance: Report Palantir Technologies Inc (NYSE:PLTR) chief Alex Karp is in no mood to play the apology card or be politically correct for its military, police, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement services despite facing massive flak and protests. If you have a reputation for talking about what the pope says when you meet him, Mr. Karp explained, youll never meet the pope again, TechCrunch cites from a New York Times interview. Karp acknowledged the companys consistent pro-Western view despite polarising views regarding the appeasement of Iran, Russia, and China. Karp refused to apologize for defending the U.S. government on the border or offering its product to Ukraine or Israel. Per the interview, he has no qualms about protecting the Special Ops and bringing the people home. Karp stood out for supporting President Joe Biden despite being criticized for handling the border and his overreliance on Hollywood elites, the New York Times reports. Interestingly, Karp is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. Karp also maintained his pro-artificial intelligence stance, indispensable to preventing AI abuse. In August, Palantir reported second-quarter revenue of $678.13 million, up 27% year-over-year, topping the analyst consensus of $652.1 million. Commercial revenue grew 33% year-over-year. Government revenue climbed 23% year-over-year. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed Palantir as the Messi of AI, while Cathie Woods Ark Invest expanded exposure to the stock. Palantir Technologies stock has surged over 121% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (NYSE:VO) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSE:VTI). Price Action: PLTR stock was trading higher by 1.50% to $32.56 premarket at the last check on Monday. Photo by Spyro the Dragon on Shutterstock "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Palantir's Alex Karp Defends Military Partnerships, Stands Firm on Pro-Western Stance: Report originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. The Chinese coastguard accused its Philippine counterpart of "unprofessional and dangerous" behaviour after a "deliberate" collision in the South China Sea early on Monday morning, near the disputed Sabina Shoal. "We solemnly warn the Philippine side to immediately cease its infringement and provocation, or else the [Philippines] will bear all the consequences," spokesman Gan Yu said. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) also claimed the Philippines flew a spy drone in the waters near Sabina Shoal. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. A 15-second video clip posted on the PLA's Weibo account on Monday showed a person on a Philippine Coast Guard vessel operating a drone that the PLA said was to "carry out photographic reconnaissance against the Chinese side". The footage is understood to have been filmed by the China Coast Guard on Monday morning. Meanwhile, the Philippines accused the Chinese coastguard of "dangerous and illegal manoeuvres" that led to "collisions, causing structural damage", including a counterclaim of ramming at Second Thomas Shoal later that morning. Statements released on Monday by both maritime protection services agreed that an incident occurred at 3.24am after two Philippine vessels entered the waters off Sabina Shoal - known as Xianbin Reef in China and Escoda Shoal by the Philippines. According to the China Coast Guard, which also released two short videos of the incident, one of the Philippine vessels ignored repeated warnings and rammed Chinese vessel 21551. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the Philippines' National Security Council, said vessel 4411 was subjected to "aggressive manoeuvres" while navigating about 23 nautical miles southeast of Sabina Shoal. "This resulted in a collision with the starboard beam of the vessel, creating a hole on the deck with an approximate diameter of five inches (12.7cm)," he said. In a second incident, Philippine vessel 4410 "was rammed twice on both her port and starboard sides" by a Chinese ship, "leading to minor structural damage", according to Malaya. The Chinese coastguard issued a separate statement on Monday morning that said vessel 4410 approached Second Thomas Shoal - also subject of competing claims between the two countries - at about 6am. Story continues Chinese coastguards took control measures against the Philippine vessel in accordance with the law, the statement said. The Chinese coastguard accused the Philippine side of "repeatedly provoking trouble" and "violating" a temporary agreement reached last month over the delivery of supplies to a Philippines-controlled ship grounded at Second Thomas Shoal. Gan said the Chinese coastguard would continue to carry out law enforcement activities for the "protection of rights and interests in the waters under China's jurisdiction", and "resolutely safeguard the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests". Sabina Shoal - an uninhabited atoll in the disputed Spratly Islands that is also claimed by Vietnam - has emerged as a new flashpoint between China and the Philippines in recent months. It serves as the meeting point for Philippine vessels on resupply missions to troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a second world war vessel deliberately grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's territorial claims. A stand-off between the two sides' coastguards began at Sabina Shoal in April, with the arrival of one of the Philippines' most advanced coastguard ships, the BRP Teresa Magbanua. According to Manila, the vessel was responding to reports that China was carrying out land reclamation works. Beijing rejected that accusation and said the Philippines was trying to establish a permanent outpost there, which in turn was denied. On Thursday, the Beijing-based South China Sea Probing Initiative, suggested the Philippines was sending a new coastguard vessel to replace the BRP Teresa Magbanua, and predicted a "forceful response" from China. The Philippines coastguard says its vessel MRRV-4110 the BRP Bagacay was damaged in a collision with one of its Chinese counterparts in the South China Sea on Monday. Photo: AP alt=The Philippines coastguard says its vessel MRRV-4110 the BRP Bagacay was damaged in a collision with one of its Chinese counterparts in the South China Sea on Monday. Photo: AP> In response to the report, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that China was "closely monitoring" developments and would "take resolute and strong measures". In a statement posted to social media platform X on Sunday, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said the shoal was part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. "Our Philippine Coast Guard vessels have the right to operate within the lagoon of Escoda Shoal for as long as necessary, without requiring permission from any other country," he said. On Monday, Tarriela posted pictures on X of the damage to vessel 4410, including "a hole measuring 2.5ft in length and 3ft in width" on the port side, and a 1ft dent and damage to 13 stanchion posts on the starboard quarter. The Philippines coastguard says its ship BRP Cape Engano (MRRV-4411) was damaged in a collision with a Chinese vessel near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea on Monday. Photo: AFP alt=The Philippines coastguard says its ship BRP Cape Engano (MRRV-4411) was damaged in a collision with a Chinese vessel near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea on Monday. Photo: AFP> In his statement, Malaya said the two Philippine vessels were "delivering essential supplies" to personnel stationed on Flat Island and Nanshan Island - both part of the disputed Spratly Islands - when they encountered their Chinese counterparts. Malaya also reaffirmed Manila's commitment that the resupply missions to both islands would continue. "The Philippine Coast Guard stands firm in its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain while addressing any threats to our national interests," he said. "The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea urges restraint and adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws to prevent further escalations and ensure the safety of all vessels operating in the region," Malaya added. Flat Island and Nanshan Island - the second smallest and eighth largest natural islands in the Spratlys, respectively - are controlled by Manila and claimed by China, the Philippines and Vietnam. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Ukraines energy ministry and power grid operator Ukrenergo has announced further power cuts today (19 August) due to a power generation shortage, citing Russian attacks on Ukraines energy system and increased consumption due to record hot weather. Russian air strikes on the countrys energy infrastructure have resulted in blackouts in seven regions so far this year, requiring the capital city Kyiv to begin importing electricity from the European Union (EU). Regular heatwaves of more than 30C since last month have compounded matters, alongside repairs to several key nuclear power units. The Ukrainian Energy Ministry has urged consumers to conserve energy and minimise the use of power-intensive electrical appliances to stabilise the countrys power grid and preserve energy for critical infrastructure such as hospitals. Ukrenergo stated that the power cuts will be in effect from 5pm to 9pm Kyiv time. In July, the EU approved a grant of 100m ($110m) to Ukrenergo under the Ukraine Investment Framework (UIF) to enhance the countrys electricity transmission network. Commenting on the grant, Ukraine's deputy energy minister Roman Andarak stated: Russia cannot win on the battlefield, so theyre destroying our energy infrastructure. Among our priorities are not only the restoration of lines and substations but also the construction of new infrastructure of the transmission system using modern and energy-efficient technologies. The Swedish Government also provided an energy package to Ukraine in May amounting to Skr650m ($62m) as part of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. According to Ukrainian officials, the country has lost almost half of its power production capacity because of Russias attacks on energy facilities. Recent diversification efforts include Ukrainian oil producer Ukrnaftas announcement of 16 tenders to purchase gas generator sets totalling 76.4MW in capacity and state-owned nuclear company Energoatoms deal with French energy giant EDF. "Power shortages in Ukraine continue as heatwaves and Russian attacks intensify" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. From Dec. 31, 2023 to Aug. 13, 2024, shares of Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) cratered by 20%. A combination of declining sales and waning customer loyalty had investors souring on the luxury coffee maker. But on Aug. 14, everything changed at Starbucks. The losses experienced throughout 2024 were essentially wiped as the stock rocketed as high as 26%. So, what happened? Let's dig into everything that's going on at Starbucks right now. There are a lot of moving pieces, but investors have many reasons to believe that the turnaround Starbucks needs has arrived. What just happened at Starbucks? Over the last several weeks, financial journals have been reporting that multiple activist investors have acquired meaningful ownership stakes in Starbucks. Activist investors try to identify value opportunities at businesses that are struggling. In the case of Starbucks, Elliott Management and Starboard Value both took sizable positions in Starbucks and have quietly been working with the coffee chain's board of directors behind the scenes -- and now investors know why. Image source: Getty Images. Why did Starbucks hire Brian Niccol? The first major change coming to Starbucks isn't a new drink or snack. Instead, Starbucks parted ways with its CEO Laxman Narasimhan and replaced him with Chipotle Mexican Grill's CEO, Brian Niccol. Brian Niccol is a legend in the food industry. He first made a name for himself during his tenure at Taco Bell, which is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands. Niccol really led a renaissance type of movement at Taco Bell. Initially hired to lead marketing efforts, Niccol was instrumental in building a strong social media presence for Taco Bell. This required a hefty investment in technology in order to gain deeper insights into Taco Bell's core customer demographics. These moves helped write a new chapter for Taco Bell, underscored by a series of new and innovative menu offerings to help drive renewed interest in the brand. Given his success at Taco Bell, it's not entirely surprising to see why another Mexican-cuisine restaurant chain hired Niccol as its CEO. In March of 2018, Niccol took the reins at Chipotle. During his tenure at Chipotle, Niccol doubled down on his roots at the intersection of technology and marketing. He helped launch Chipotle's loyalty program in 2019, and nearly four years later, it boasts an estimated 40 million members. Niccol has mastered the art of building brand equity through fierce customer loyalty. And while that's all well and good, the effect this has on a business shouldn't be underappreciated. By gaining deeper knowledge of customer preferences, Chipotle has been able to augment its menu with new items. The net result of driving renewed interest in the brand is repeat business. Story continues As customers return to Chipotle, the company's same-store sales rise in tandem, which plays a big role in expansion efforts. Moreover, an increase in repeat buyers also translates into stronger unit economics. As the average customer became more profitable for Chipotle, the company experienced a noticeable shift in profit margins and cash flow. CMG Gross Profit Margin (Quarterly) Chart It's no wonder Chipotle stock has returned well over 700% during Niccol's time as CEO. Is Starbucks stock a good buy right now? I'll admit right off the bat that just a couple of weeks ago, I put forth the idea that Starbucks stock was going to be a clunker for the next several years. In all honesty, I just didn't think activist investing was the answer to Starbucks' problems. The consumer discretionary market is highly competitive, and the current state of the economy doesn't suggest that people are eager to part ways with their hard-earned money for a pricey cup of coffee every day. I'm now reversing course, and it's entirely due to Brian Niccol. His resume speaks for itself, and his track record at multiple restaurant chains shouldn't be seen as an anomaly at this point. While I'm partial to a pumpkin spiced latte, I think adding Niccol to the menu will end up being the best decision Starbucks has made. To me, Niccol is like the Swiss Army knife of CEOs. He understands marketing, technology infrastructure, data analytics, and financial health. My long-run prediction is that Niccol will completely rejuvenate the Starbucks brand -- and, in turn, reignite the company's loyalty program. Should he successfully execute on that vision, Starbucks could be looking at some meaningful turnaround in its key performance indicators and operational growth metrics. My one word of caution when it comes to investing in Starbucks stock is that right now, it is experiencing outsized momentum on the CEO transition news. Niccol will formally start at Starbucks on Sept. 9, which means any changes he implements likely won't show up in earnings reports until later this year or even next year. This gives investors ample time to assess how Niccol is introducing change at Starbucks, and really understand what he's doing to win back customer loyalty. Should you invest $1,000 in Starbucks right now? Before you buy stock in Starbucks, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Starbucks wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $763,374!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of August 12, 2024 Adam Spatacco has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill and Starbucks. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: short September 2024 $52 puts on Chipotle Mexican Grill. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Prediction: Hiring Brian Niccol as Its New CEO Will Be the Best Decision Starbucks Ever Made was originally published by The Motley Fool Reem Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE has announced plans to launch its new Reem Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, a facility dedicated to providing comprehensive services, Zawya reported. The introduction of the new centre is a significant development for Reem Hospital, as it expands its array of specialty services to now include more than 35 different disciplines. It will provide a broad spectrum of services, such as advanced diagnostics, tailored treatment plans, and ongoing patient monitoring with wearable technology for diabetes and other endocrine disorders. Reem Hospital CEO Clancey Po said: We remain steadfast in our commitment to combating Type 2 diabetes by promoting preventive solutions through a comprehensive community outreach programme. This includes workshops, health screenings, and educational initiatives for schools and organisations, all aimed at encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits. Utilising the latest technological advancements and evidence-based medical practices, the centre plans to establish a benchmark in diabetes and endocrinology care. Dr Mohammed Al Khatib, a renowned endocrinologist in Abu Dhabi, will lead the centre, working in conjunction with consultant endocrinologist and thyroidologist Dr Aly Khalil and specialist endocrinologist Dr Wehbi Omar Enzawi. Reem Hospital chairman Zaid Al Siksek said: Our commitment to excellence in healthcare drives every decision we make at Reem Hospital. The launch of the Reem Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, led by esteemed specialists like Dr Al Khatib, reflects our dedication to providing the highest standard of care to our patients. We are proud to offer a centre that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our community. The multidisciplinary team, with a collective experience of more than 65 years, is expected to enhance patient care and clinical outcomes. "Reem Hospital in UAE to open new centre for diabetes and endocrinology services" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Investors were disappointed with the weak earnings posted by Savills plc (LON:SVS ). Despite the soft profit numbers, our analysis has optimistic about the overall quality of the income statement. View our latest analysis for Savills A Closer Look At Savills' Earnings In high finance, the key ratio used to measure how well a company converts reported profits into free cash flow (FCF) is the accrual ratio (from cashflow). To get the accrual ratio we first subtract FCF from profit for a period, and then divide that number by the average operating assets for the period. You could think of the accrual ratio from cashflow as the 'non-FCF profit ratio'. Therefore, it's actually considered a good thing when a company has a negative accrual ratio, but a bad thing if its accrual ratio is positive. That is not intended to imply we should worry about a positive accrual ratio, but it's worth noting where the accrual ratio is rather high. Notably, there is some academic evidence that suggests that a high accrual ratio is a bad sign for near-term profits, generally speaking. Savills has an accrual ratio of -0.12 for the year to June 2024. That indicates that its free cash flow was a fair bit more than its statutory profit. To wit, it produced free cash flow of UK129m during the period, dwarfing its reported profit of UK44.3m. Savills' free cash flow improved over the last year, which is generally good to see. However, that's not all there is to consider. The accrual ratio is reflecting the impact of unusual items on statutory profit, at least in part. That might leave you wondering what analysts are forecasting in terms of future profitability. Luckily, you can click here to see an interactive graph depicting future profitability, based on their estimates. How Do Unusual Items Influence Profit? Savills' profit was reduced by unusual items worth UK29m in the last twelve months, and this helped it produce high cash conversion, as reflected by its unusual items. In a scenario where those unusual items included non-cash charges, we'd expect to see a strong accrual ratio, which is exactly what has happened in this case. While deductions due to unusual items are disappointing in the first instance, there is a silver lining. When we analysed the vast majority of listed companies worldwide, we found that significant unusual items are often not repeated. And that's hardly a surprise given these line items are considered unusual. In the twelve months to June 2024, Savills had a big unusual items expense. As a result, we can surmise that the unusual items made its statutory profit significantly weaker than it would otherwise be. Story continues Our Take On Savills' Profit Performance Considering both Savills' accrual ratio and its unusual items, we think its statutory earnings are unlikely to exaggerate the company's underlying earnings power. Looking at all these factors, we'd say that Savills' underlying earnings power is at least as good as the statutory numbers would make it seem. If you want to do dive deeper into Savills, you'd also look into what risks it is currently facing. At Simply Wall St, we found 2 warning signs for Savills and we think they deserve your attention. Our examination of Savills has focussed on certain factors that can make its earnings look better than they are. And it has passed with flying colours. But there is always more to discover if you are capable of focussing your mind on minutiae. Some people consider a high return on equity to be a good sign of a quality business. So you may wish to see this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks with high insider ownership. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. The South Carolina Treasurers Office returned $38 million in the past year to people who in large measure didnt even know they were owed money. The money comes from businesses that cannot locate the people they owe. In all, some 73,000 payments were made to individuals, businesses and other organizations, said Karen Ingram, communications director for the South Carolina Treasurers Office. And despite the payouts, money in the Unclaimed Property Program continues to grow. Last year, the amount was $850 million. Now its approaching $1 billion, Ingram said. She said she is not able to provide information about who received the funds without their permission, but over the years a few people have revealed their windfall. The city of Columbia received a check in 2022 for $28,099, Richland School District 2 received $46,726, Friends of the Pickens County Library were sent $30,249 and Merritt Custom Homes got $26,357. In 2020, the Edgar T. Cato Foundation received $462,000. Cato was associated with his familys clothing store chain Cato Fashions, and the money came from proceeds from stocks that Cato purchased. Cato died at 86 in 2011. The law establishing the Unclaimed Property Program passed in 1971, but funds in the account go back to the 1940s. Checking to see if youre owed money is as simple as putting your name into a search field on the Treasurers Office website. The sums are in some cases just a few dollars, while a few learned they were owed a million dollars, Ingram said. None wanted to be named. South Carolina law requires the Treasurers Office to issue checks within 90 days, but some cases are less complicated and funds can be released in a few days. The funds are invested along with other state funds. Recipients get the original amount turned over to the state by businesses and others. Over the last 7 days, the South Korean market has risen 4.1%, driven by gains of 8.2% in the Information Technology sector, and is up 5.1% over the last 12 months with earnings forecast to grow by 28% annually. In this favorable environment, dividend stocks like Shinhan Financial Group present a compelling option for investors seeking both income and potential growth. Top 10 Dividend Stocks In South Korea Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Kia (KOSE:A000270) 5.43% NH Investment & Securities (KOSE:A005940) 5.87% Hyundai Steel (KOSE:A004020) 3.87% LOTTE Fine Chemical (KOSE:A004000) 4.47% Industrial Bank of Korea (KOSE:A024110) 7.08% KT (KOSE:A030200) 5.23% Kyung Nong (KOSE:A002100) 6.91% HANYANG ENGLtd (KOSDAQ:A045100) 3.32% Cheil Worldwide (KOSE:A030000) 6.41% Korea Cast Iron Pipe Ind (KOSE:A000970) 6.04% Click here to see the full list of 73 stocks from our Top KRX Dividend Stocks screener. We'll examine a selection from our screener results. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. offers a range of financial products and services both in South Korea and internationally, with a market cap of 28.96 trillion. Operations: Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. generates revenue primarily through its banking segment (8.95 billion), credit card services (2.07 billion), and securities operations (818.57 million). Dividend Yield: 3.7% Shinhan Financial Group's dividend payments have been volatile over the past decade, but recent actions suggest a commitment to shareholder returns. The company announced a quarterly cash dividend of KRW 273.36 billion (KRW 540 per share) and completed a share buyback worth KRW 150 billion in June 2024. With a payout ratio of 37.9%, dividends are well covered by earnings and forecasted to remain sustainable, though the yield is slightly below top-tier levels in South Korea. KOSE:A055550 Dividend History as at Aug 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Dongsung Chemical Co., Ltd. manufactures and sells chemical products in South Korea and internationally, with a market cap of 210.02 billion. Operations: Dongsung Chemical Co., Ltd. generates revenue from several segments including the Bio Sector (33.85 billion), Chemical Sector (1.06 trillion), and Heavy Equipment Division (95.20 billion). Story continues Dividend Yield: 4.6% DONGSUNG CHEMICAL's dividend payments have been unreliable and volatile over the past 5 years, with no growth since inception. However, the dividends are well-covered by earnings (27.8% payout ratio) and cash flows (8.8% cash payout ratio). The dividend yield of 4.64% places it in the top 25% of South Korean dividend payers, while its price-to-earnings ratio of 6x suggests good value compared to the market average of 11.8x. KOSE:A102260 Dividend History as at Aug 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: KB Financial Group Inc. offers a variety of banking and financial services to consumers and corporations across multiple countries, including South Korea, with a market cap of 32.99 trillion. Operations: KB Financial Group Inc.'s revenue segments include 4.53 trillion from Corporate Finance, 4.06 trillion from Household Finance, 1.64 trillion from Securities, 1.21 trillion from Non-Life Insurance, 1.10 trillion from the Credit Card Sector, and 0.67 trillion from Other Banking activities and Life Insurance combined. Dividend Yield: 3.5% KB Financial Group's dividend yield of 3.52% is slightly below the top quartile in South Korea, but its low payout ratio of 32.7% ensures dividends are well-covered by earnings. Despite a history of volatility, recent buybacks totaling KRW 319.99 billion and a declared quarterly dividend of KRW 791 per share indicate strong shareholder returns and commitment to increasing corporate value. Earnings are projected to grow annually by 10.26%, supporting future dividend sustainability. KOSE:A105560 Dividend History as at Aug 2024 Seize The Opportunity Gain an insight into the universe of 73 Top KRX Dividend Stocks by clicking here. Are any of these part of your asset mix? Tap into the analytical power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to get a 360-degree view on how they're shaping up. Maximize your investment potential with Simply Wall St, the comprehensive app that offers global market insights for free. Ready For A Different Approach? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include KOSE:A055550 KOSE:A102260 and KOSE:A105560. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Shares of Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) soared nearly 25% after the coffee chain announced that it was replacing its CEO with Brian Niccol, the current CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG). Niccol will officially begin his new job on Sept. 9. While this move certainly has had a positive effect on the stock in the near term, let's look at why it should be good for investors over the long term as well. Turnaround needed It's no secret that Starbucks had been struggling under (now former) CEO Laxman Narasimhan. Its same-store sales in the U.S. had turned negative, and there were both customer and worker complaints over stores not being fully staffed and long wait times. Meanwhile, its second-largest market, China, has been under pressure from increased competition and a general lackluster consumer environment in the country. The company's stock price and struggles drew in activist investment shop Elliott Management, which had been having active discussions with the company's board on how to help fix its issues. Meanwhile, former CEO and largest shareholder Howard Schultz no longer seemed on the same page as Narasimhan, whom he picked as his successor. Schultz said that Starbucks needed to focus on coffee and improve its customer experience. Narasimhan, meanwhile, had been busy touting the company's non-coffee drinks, such as boba and a new energy drink, while looking toward technological improvements to speed up wait times. Thus, it perhaps should not be surprising that Narasimhan has been replaced. Image source: Getty Images. In steps Niccol What is surprising, however, is that Starbucks was able to wrangle Niccol away from Chipotle. Niccol had been CEO of Chipotle since 2018 and helped turn the company around following the food borne illness issues the restaurant experienced before he came on board. Since then, he has helped lead Chipotle to continued strong same-store results year in and year out. Now Niccol's tenure with Chipotle hasn't all been smooth, as the company has recently come under fire from customers for inconsistent portion sizes. Last quarter, the company said this came from about 10% of its locations underserving customers and that these stores would be retrained. However, the restaurant chain also warned that this would lead to some near-term margin pressure moving forward. Niccol will also be facing some very different issues than the ones he had to deal with at Chipotle. For one, part of Chipotle's success and high margins stem from its small menu with a limited number of ingredients that workers make orders from in assembly-line fashion. Starbucks, on the other hand, is known for making a large range of drinks, many of which are customized, and its customer experience. It's a completely different atmosphere. Story continues Chipotle also does not have a large international presence like Starbucks, as it is currently a mostly U.S.-based chain. Prior to Chipotle, Niccol was the CEO of Taco Bell, owned by Yum Brands (NYSE: YUM). While this is also a predominantly U.S. brand, there were around 300 locations in 26 countries outside the U.S. when Niccol was at the helm. However, since the first Chinese Taco Bell opened in 2017 under Yum's spin-off Yum China (NYSE: YUMC), shortly before Niccol left, the new CEO likely has very little experience dealing with the Chinese market. However, he would have been around when Yum spun off Yum China. Spinning off Starbucks' China operations has been floated around by Elliott. Don't be surprised if Niccol and the board decide to take a similar step sometime next year. Is it time to buy the time? Starbucks needed a change at the top, and Niccol is a great get. He has a lot of restaurant experience and helped successfully turn around a great brand that, at the time, was dealing with a reputation hit after a series of food poisoning incidents. While Niccol was not at the helm when Chipotle revamped its mobile app late in 2017, he did help oversee the huge success the company saw with mobile ordering and continued to improve upon it with a focus on personalization to keep more casual customers engaged. He helped implement a number of automation initiatives to help create efficiencies and speed up orders, something Starbucks has begun rolling out. He also invested in technology to help deal with staffing and restaurant traffic. These are all problems Starbucks is currently looking to fix. Following the spike in its share price, Starbucks trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 23 based on next year's analyst earnings estimates. That's still below where the stock has generally traded over the past few years. SBUX PE Ratio (Forward 1y) Chart While it's not a guarantee that Niccol will come in and be Starbucks' savior, he does have a strong track record in areas where the company needs to improve. With the stock still trading at a reasonable valuation, it does not look too late for investors to buy the stock for the long term. Should you invest $1,000 in Starbucks right now? Before you buy stock in Starbucks, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Starbucks wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $763,374!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of August 12, 2024 Geoffrey Seiler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill and Starbucks. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: short September 2024 $52 puts on Chipotle Mexican Grill. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Starbucks Stock Surges After Naming New CEO. Will This Move Pay Off in the Long Term for Investors? was originally published by The Motley Fool President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyevs expanded meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has begun, Azernews reports. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held an expanded meeting with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. Addressing the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said: - Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich! Dear members of the delegation! I sincerely welcome you once again to Azerbaijan. Yesterday and today, we have reviewed the bilateral agenda. We discussed several important issues of our cooperation and will now continue our work in an expanded format. First of all, I would like to welcome to Azerbaijan you again. This is not your first visit to Azerbaijan, but it is your first state visit, and this visit is of exceptional importance for our bilateral relations. We have already exchanged views and expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between our countries relations between friends, neighbors, and allies. We are witnessing positive momentum in all areas. The composition of our delegations is also very illustrative and speaks for itself. In other words, there are indeed quite a few topics for discussion of cooperation, and the scope of our mutual activities is expanding year by year. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in all areas, and I am confident that your visit will be another important step in bringing our countries and peoples even closer together. You are welcome again. President Vladimir Putin said: - Thank you very much for the invitation. As you have already noted, we have a very large delegation and this is the case from both sides. The Government of the Russian Federation is here almost in full. We have already mentioned and recalled that just recently, 10 days ago, a meeting of the intergovernmental commission was held, and it noted the development of our relations in fact, it didnt just note it but indicated that we are fully implementing our agreements, which were spelled out in the relevant declaration of 2022 and are in accordance with the agreements reached during your visit in April of this year. Working in such a broad composition makes it possible to lay out steps for the near future. We have now managed, although it is called in a limited format, to go over a number of absolutely priority issues. We still have to sign the relevant documents, and our colleagues had the opportunity - both yesterday evening, just as we did, in an informal setting and today during the day to communicate with each other and outline steps for the near future. So, thank you very much. President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. SUMEDANG, Indonesia, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Docquity, a leading health tech company established in 2015, is proud to announce its expansion into the B2G sector with the launch of the Puskesmas AI platform in partnership with Sumedang Regency, West Java. This initiative builds on the success of Docquity's social platform, which connects doctors across specialties throughout the Asia Pacific region, including Indonesia. Endorsed by the Mayor of Sumedang and the General Secretary of West Java Province, the platform has quickly become a valuable assistant to healthcare professionals involved in the pilot. The primary objective of this program is to enhance the capabilities of Puskesmas by utilizing Generative AI supported by credible data and insights from the existing Docquity Platform. The initiative focuses on critical health issues prioritized by the Sumedang Regency for the sake of improving the health of the people of Sumedang. Puskesmas AI, developed by Docquity, utilizes GenAI Technology compliant with Indonesian and European data protection regulations. This platform will assist HCPs in enhancing their knowledge and provide responses based on credible data from the Ministry of Health, scientific journals, WHO, and other local Sumedang Government credible sources. The Puskesmas AI platform aims to provide comprehensive support to HCPs, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes. Key features of the Puskesmas AI platform include: Generative AI Technology: Advanced AI capabilities that provide real-time answers to healthcare professionals based on the latest and most reliable data. Data Compliance : Adherence to Indonesian and European data protection regulations, ensuring the privacy and security of patient information. Comprehensive Knowledge Base : Access to a wide range of medical data, including information from the Ministry of Health, scientific journals, WHO, and local Sumedang Government sources. User-Friendly Interface: Designed to be intuitive and easy to use, allowing HCPs to quickly access the information they need. The program has received strong support and testimonials from several key figures, highlighting its potential impact on healthcare in Sumedang and beyond. Mayor of Sumedang 2018-2023, Dr. Dony Ahmad Munir, expressed his support: "We are excited to collaborate with Docquity to enhance our healthcare services. The Puskesmas AI platform will be instrumental in improving the knowledge and capabilities of our healthcare professionals, ultimately benefiting the health of our community. By addressing critical health issues such as Tuberculosis, Stunting, and Hypertension, we can make significant strides in improving public health in Sumedang." Story continues The Puskesmas AI platform (with local name TehAI) is expected to have a significant impact on healthcare in Sumedang. By providing HCPs with access to advanced AI technology and credible data, the platform will enhance their ability to diagnose and treat patients effectively. This will lead to improved patient outcomes and a healthier community overall. General Secretary of West Java Province, Dr. Herman Suryatman, highlighted the broader impact: "Having previously worked in Sumedang, I am thrilled to see this innovative program being implemented here. The success of this initiative will pave the way for its replication across other regencies in West Java, improving healthcare outcomes throughout the province. By providing HCPs with access to credible data and advanced AI technology, we can create a more effective and efficient healthcare system." In particular, the focus on Tuberculosis, Stunting, and Hypertension aligns with government programs aimed at addressing these critical health issues. By providing HCPs with the tools and knowledge they need to address these conditions, the Puskesmas AI platform will play a key role in supporting these government initiatives. A nurse from Puskesmas Sumedang, who has benefited from the program, shared her experience: "The Puskesmas AI platform TehAI has significantly enhanced our ability to address critical health issues. The access to credible data and insights has empowered us to provide better care to our patients, accelerating the government's initiatives for Tuberculosis, Stunting, and Hypertension. TehAI has become an invaluable tool in our daily operations, helping us to make more informed decisions and improve patient outcomes." Amit Vithal, Co-Founder of Docquity, shared his enthusiasm: "This partnership with Sumedang Regency is a significant step for Docquity as we expand into the B2G sector. By leveraging Generative AI, we can provide valuable insights and data to support healthcare professionals in addressing critical health issues like Tuberculosis, Stunting, and Hypertension. Our goal is to empower HCPs with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes." The success of the Puskesmas AI platform in Sumedang is just the beginning. Docquity and the Sumedang Government are now activating an Adherence Program to monitor patient journeys. This program will enable Docquity and HCPs to establish a baseline, improve patient success rates, ensure patients adhere to their medication schedules, attend doctor appointments, and engage in prescribed exercises as advised by healthcare professionals. About Docquity Docquity is Southeast Asia's largest trusted community of verified healthcare professionals. Our vision is to connect healthcare professionals to build healthier lives around the world at scale. Docquity helps healthcare professionals learn, connect, and grow, and partners with companies to reach and educate healthcare professionals as well as provide insights into them. About Sumedang Sumedang is a regency in West Java, Indonesia, known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. The regency has been making significant strides in improving public health and education, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The partnership with Docquity marks a significant step forward in leveraging advanced technology to address critical health issues and improve healthcare services. Sumedang is committed to adopting innovative solutions and collaborating with leading organizations to achieve its goals of better health outcomes and sustainable development for its community. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sumedang-regency-and-docquity-launch-ai-driven-health-platform-to-tackle-tuberculosis-stunting-and-hypertension-302224940.html SOURCE Docquity As the European markets continue to show resilience, Germany's DAX index has notably climbed 3.38%, reflecting growing investor optimism amid potential interest rate cuts. Against this backdrop of economic stability and positive market sentiment, identifying stocks with strong fundamentals becomes increasingly crucial. In this article, we will explore three undiscovered German stocks that exhibit robust financial health and promising growth prospects. Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In Germany Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Paul Hartmann NA 1.12% -17.65% EnviTec Biogas 37.96% 19.34% 51.22% FRoSTA 8.18% 4.36% 16.00% Muhlbauer Holding NA 10.49% -12.73% Sudwestdeutsche Salzwerke 1.59% 4.58% 25.01% HOMAG Group NA -31.14% 23.43% Baader Bank 91.28% 12.42% -8.00% BAVARIA Industries Group 3.19% 0.18% 28.18% Wilson 64.79% 30.09% 68.29% BAUER 78.29% 2.30% -38.28% Click here to see the full list of 45 stocks from our German Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener. Let's review some notable picks from our screened stocks. Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: Eckert & Ziegler SE manufactures and sells isotope technology components worldwide, with a market cap of 906.78 million. Operations: Eckert & Ziegler SE generates revenue primarily from two segments: Medical (132.80 million) and Isotope Products (150.97 million). Earnings for Eckert & Ziegler grew by 31.6% over the past year, outpacing the Medical Equipment industry's 12.4%. The companys interest payments are well covered by EBIT at 20.2x, and its debt to equity ratio has reduced from 14.7% to 9.5% over five years. With a price-to-earnings ratio of 24x below the industry average of 25.5x, EUZ shows high-quality earnings and robust financial health, suggesting strong future prospects in medical equipment innovation. XTRA:EUZ Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Aug 2024 Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: KSB SE & Co. KGaA, with a market cap of 1.12 billion, manufactures and supplies pumps, valves, and related services worldwide through its subsidiaries. Operations: KSB SE & Co. KGaA generates revenue primarily from three segments: Pumps (1.52 billion), Fittings (370.94 million), and KSB Supremeserv (978.20 million). KSB SE KGaA, a promising player in the machinery sector, has shown notable performance with earnings growth of 16.8% over the past year, surpassing the industry average of 4.7%. The companys debt to equity ratio impressively decreased from 9.2 to 2.1 over five years. Despite a significant one-off loss of 102.5M impacting recent financials, KSB is trading at an attractive valuation77.4% below its estimated fair valueindicating potential upside for investors seeking undervalued opportunities in Germany's market. Story continues XTRA:KSB Debt to Equity as at Aug 2024 Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: MBB SE, with a market cap of 604.79 million, focuses on acquiring and managing medium-sized companies in the technology and engineering sectors both in Germany and internationally. Operations: MBB SE generates revenue through its subsidiaries in the technology and engineering sectors. The company reported a market cap of 604.79 million. MBB SE, a small-cap industrials player, reported strong earnings for Q2 2024 with sales hitting 261.53 million, up from 226.35 million last year. Net income surged to 7.47 million compared to 1.77 million previously, and basic earnings per share rose to 1.40 from 0.31 a year ago. The company has reduced its debt-to-equity ratio from 14.5% to 5.9% over five years and is trading at 46% below estimated fair value while planning potential acquisitions this year. XTRA:MBB Debt to Equity as at Aug 2024 Where To Now? Unlock our comprehensive list of 45 German Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals by clicking here. Hold shares in these firms? Setup your portfolio in Simply Wall St to seamlessly track your investments and receive personalized updates on your portfolio's performance. Take control of your financial future using Simply Wall St, offering free, in-depth knowledge of international markets to every investor. Ready To Venture Into Other Investment Styles? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include XTRA:EUZ XTRA:KSB and XTRA:MBB. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com I told my boss that I plan to retire soon now hes harassing me. How much retirement notice should you give? When resigning from a job, the general rule of thumb and a surefire way to end things on good terms is to provide your employer with the standard two-week notice. But if youre ready for retirement, it can be a little more challenging to pinpoint the right time to let your company know. Its a bit of a balancing act: telling them too late can tarnish your reputation, while telling them too early could backfire in other ways. Don't miss Cost-of-living in America is still out of control use these 3 'real assets' to protect your wealth today, no matter what the US Fed does or says Dont leave your family unprotected find life insurance coverage up to $2 million with no medical exam or blood test These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America's net worth ladder in 2024 and you can complete each step within minutes. Here's how The online world is rife with stories of the backlash some people faced when announcing they were ready to retire. Lets say you gave your employer a generous six-month notice only now youre facing verbal harassment and an influx of grunt work. You may even find yourself in a situation where you're being pushed out of your job ahead of your planned retirement date. It all comes down to timing. The question is, just how much notice should you give? The case for giving more retirement notice According to some resources, three to six months advance retirement notice is considered the standard although itd be wise to revisit your company policy before making a final decision. Between 2024 and 2030, an estimated 30.4 million Americans will turn 65. Although theres no hard and fast rule stating that you have to retire at that age, its a relatively common number and one where Medicare kicks in, too. But regardless of your planned retirement age, giving notice well ahead of time can benefit you as much as it can your employer. For your employer, it gives them time to manage the transition, hire a replacement, and enlist your help in training the new hire. As for yourself, advance notice gives you plenty of time to mentally prepare for leaving the workforce and get your personal finances in order. Giving ample notice also improves your chances of leaving your job on good terms which is important in case you end up needing to take on part-time work in retirement. A 2024 Resume Builder survey of Americans aged 62 to 85 found that 12% were likely to go back to work in the next year. Given that U.S. adults aged 65 to 74 only have a median retirement savings balance of $200,000, according to the Federal Reserve's latest numbers, its easy to see how a need for some additional income might drive that decision. Story continues You may also decide to return to work in some capacity to alleviate boredom, even if youre financially comfortable. Therefore, giving ample notice say, six months worth allows you to depart from your employer on excellent terms. Read more: Car insurance rates have spiked in the US to a stunning $2,150/year but you can be smarter than that. Here's how you can save yourself as much as $820 annually in minutes (it's 100% free) The case for giving less retirement notice Data from the Society for Human Resource Management found that 26% of U.S. workers aged 50 and older say theyve been the target of age-related remarks in the workplace in the last six months. Meanwhile, 11% of HR professionals agreed that older employees are not always treated as fairly as their younger counterparts. The more time you spend in that limbo period between announcing your retirement and actually retiring, the more you might subject yourself to unkind or unfair treatment from colleagues. Theres also the risk of being pushed into retirement sooner than you wanted once youve made the announcement. If you give your employer two weeks notice and are terminated on the spot, youre out a two-week paycheck. But if you give six months notice and the same thing happens, youre potentially out a lot more money. This could leave you shy of meeting your retirement savings goal. According to data from a 24-year study by ProPublica and the Urban Institute, 56% of Americans over the age of 50 who held down stable jobs were fired by their employers and 13% of that cohort said their job loss was due to unexpected retirement. Another consideration: if youre not yet eligible for Medicare, leaving the workforce before age 65 could also leave you without employer health insurance for a period of time. Its a judgment call Timing your retirement notice is a tricky matter and there are multiple factors at play. Before reaching your decision consider: Your position within your company: If its upper-level, you may feel responsible for giving extra notice given your institutional knowledge. Your relationship with your manager: If its a great one, you may feel comfortable giving extra notice. Your financial situation: If you can afford to retire on the spot, if needed, theres less risk in announcing your plans ahead of schedule. Remember, too, that just because youve announced your retirement does not mean that you have to tolerate poor workplace treatment. Consider contacting an employment lawyer or an HR representative if sharing your retirement plans turns you into a victim of workplace harrassment. What to read next Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now use $100 to cash in on prime real estate without the headache of being a landlord. Here's how Car insurance premiums in America are through the roof and only getting worse. But 5 minutes could have you paying as little as $29/month You didnt want to risk it: 80-year-old woman from South Carolina is looking for the safest place for her familys $250,000 savings. Here's Dave Ramsey's response This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. The German market has shown resilience, with the DAX climbing 3.38% amid hopes for interest rate cuts in September. As investors seek stability and income, dividend stocks offer a compelling option in this environment. When considering dividend stocks, it's essential to look for companies with strong financial health and consistent payout histories, especially as markets respond to economic shifts. Top 10 Dividend Stocks In Germany Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Allianz (XTRA:ALV) 5.17% Deutsche Post (XTRA:DHL) 4.90% All for One Group (XTRA:A1OS) 3.05% MLP (XTRA:MLP) 5.17% OVB Holding (XTRA:O4B) 4.74% Mercedes-Benz Group (XTRA:MBG) 8.82% Sudzucker (XTRA:SZU) 7.49% Uzin Utz (XTRA:UZU) 3.31% MVV Energie (XTRA:MVV1) 3.66% FRoSTA (DB:NLM) 3.33% Click here to see the full list of 30 stocks from our Top German Dividend Stocks screener. We're going to check out a few of the best picks from our screener tool. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: K+S Aktiengesellschaft, with a market cap of 2.01 billion, operates globally as a supplier of mineral products for the agricultural, industrial, consumer, and community sectors through its subsidiaries. Operations: K+S generates 3.72 billion in revenue from its Operating Unit Europe+. Dividend Yield: 6.2% K+S Aktiengesellschaft reported a net loss of 6.1 million for Q2 2024, an improvement from the 45.3 million loss a year ago. Despite sales growth to 873.8 million, net income for H1 2024 fell sharply to 12.6 million from 218.2 million in H1 2023, raising concerns about dividend sustainability given its high payout ratio and volatile history over the past decade, despite being among the top dividend payers in Germany with a yield of 6.22%. XTRA:SDF Dividend History as at Aug 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: SAF-Holland SE manufactures and supplies chassis-related assemblies and components for trailers, trucks, semi-trailers, and buses with a market cap of 824.36 million. Operations: SAF-Holland SE generates revenue from three primary regions: 863.53 million from the Americas, 276.09 million from Asia/Pacific (APAC)/China/India, and 942.98 million from Europe, The Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Dividend Yield: 4.7% SAF-Holland reported Q2 2024 net income of 24.04 million, up from 17.58 million a year ago, despite a decline in sales to 507.09 million from 555.67 million. The company forecasts full-year sales around 2 billion but expects lower H2 sales compared to H1. While SAF-Holland's dividend yield (4.68%) is slightly below the top 25% in Germany, its payouts are well-covered by earnings and cash flows, though historically volatile with an unstable track record over the past decade. Story continues XTRA:SFQ Dividend History as at Aug 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Sudzucker AG, with a market cap of 2.45 billion, produces and sells sugar products across Germany, the rest of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. Operations: Sudzucker AG's revenue segments include 1.58 billion from Fruit, 4.59 billion from Sugar, 1.12 billion from Starch, 1.16 billion from CropEnergies, and 2.40 billion from Special Products (excluding Starch). Dividend Yield: 7.5% Sudzucker's recent Q1 2024 earnings report showed a decline in net income to 83 million from 171 million a year ago, with basic earnings per share dropping to 0.36. Despite this, the company has maintained strong dividend metrics, offering a yield of 7.49%, which is among the top 25% in Germany. Dividends are well-covered by both earnings (39.4% payout ratio) and cash flows (23.4% cash payout ratio), although their historical volatility raises concerns about long-term reliability and stability. XTRA:SZU Dividend History as at Aug 2024 Summing It All Up Delve into our full catalog of 30 Top German Dividend Stocks here. Are these companies part of your investment strategy? Use Simply Wall St to consolidate your holdings into a portfolio and gain insights with our comprehensive analysis tools. Simply Wall St is a revolutionary app designed for long-term stock investors, it's free and covers every market in the world. Ready For A Different Approach? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include XTRA:SDF XTRA:SFQ and XTRA:SZU. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com By David Shepardson YORK, Pennsylvania (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Monday that if elected he would consider ending a $7,500 tax credit for electric-vehicle purchases and that he would be open to naming Tesla CEO Elon Musk to a cabinet or advisory role. "Tax credits and tax incentives are not generally a very good thing," Trump told Reuters in an interview after a campaign event in York, Pennsylvania, when asked about the EV credit. Asked if he would consider naming Musk to an advisory role or cabinet job, Trump said he would. "He's a very smart guy. I certainly would, if he would do it, I certainly would. He's a brilliant guy," Trump said. Musk last month publicly endorsed Trump in the U.S. presidential race. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. If elected, Trump could take steps to reverse Treasury Department rules that have made it easier for automakers to take advantage of the $7,500 credit or could ask the U.S. Congress to repeal it entirely. While president, Trump sought to repeal the EV tax credit which was later expanded by President Joe Biden in 2022. "I'm not making any final decisions on it," Trump said of the EV tax credit. "I'm a big fan of electric cars, but I'm a fan of gasoline-propelled cars, and also hybrids and whatever else happens to come along." He added that he would rescind the Biden administration rules that will prod automakers to build more EVs and plug-in hybrids to meet stricter emissions standards and said he sees a "much smaller market" for EVs because of cost and battery range issues. Trump also said on Monday he would take steps to discourage exports of vehicles produced by the Detroit Three automakers and others from Mexico for U.S consumers by imposing new tariffs and would prevent Chinese automakers from building new plants in Mexico for U.S. market vehicles. He made similar threats during his presidency. "If you put tariffs on those cars, they're going to make it here" Trump said. "It's very simple. It's not complicated. If you tell Mexico, 'look, you're stealing our car industry,' which they're doing now." But Trump is open to Chinese and other automakers building vehicles in the United States. "We're going to give incentives, and if China and other countries want to come here and sell the cars, they're going to build plants here, and they're going to hire our workers," Trump said. "We will make our own cars. I want to make our own cars." Story continues Separately, Trump harshly criticized Alphabet's Google but declined to say if he thought the technology company should be broken up after a judge ruled this month that Google was an illegal monopoly. "They're almost like the Wild West," Trump said of Google, without elaborating on what penalty it should face. "They're going to have to pay a great price." Trump has previously said he would prevent short video app TikTok from being banned despite a law approved in April that sets a deadline of Jan. 19, 2025, for Chinese owner ByteDance to divest TikTok's U.S. assets. Asked if he could accept continued Chinese ownership of TikTok, Trump did not directly answer but said ByteDance might sell. "It's very hard to ban something like that, because you're talking about free speech," Trump said. "You're talking about a lot of different things go into that equation, but TikTok has treated me very well." (Reporting by David Shepardson in York, Pennsylvania; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Palantir Technologies Inc (NYSE:PLTR) CEO Alex Karp linked the rise of former President Donald Trump to the actions of Silicon Valley. What Happened: Karp, in a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, suggested that the rise of Trump was a direct result of the "excesses" of Silicon Valley. He specifically pointed to the detachment of tech moguls from the average American and their support for policies that exempt them from bearing the costs. He said, "I don't believe you would have a Trump phenomenon without the excesses of Silicon Valley." Trending Now: Dont miss out on the next NVIDIA you can invest in the future of AI for only $10 . **This is a paid advertisement. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fundrise Innovation Fund before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus. Read them carefully before investing. With returns as high as 300%, its no wonder this asset is the investment choice of many billionaires. Uncover the secret. Karp, who initially supported President Joe Biden before switching to Vice President Kamala Harris, also criticized the tech industry's lack of accountability and the divisive content on their platforms. Palantir, a company founded by Karp and Peter Thiel in 2003, provides data-mining and analytics software to government and law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Defense, the FBI, and the CIA. The company also supplies artificial intelligence models to military forces, including those of Israel and Ukraine. Read More: Why It Matters: The timing of Karp's comments is significant as Palantir has been in the spotlight recently. The company's stock surged after reporting strong second-quarter earnings and announcing a new partnership with Microsoft Corp. This collaboration aims to enhance data analytics and AI services for the U.S. Defense and Intelligence Community. Story continues Additionally, the broader context of Silicon Valley's political influence is underscored by Mark Cubans recent remarks. Cuban criticized the tech industry's desire to position Trump as a CEO-like figure for the country. The political landscape is further complicated by venture capitalist David Sacks, who hosted a high-profile fundraiser for Trump. Sacks, who has supported various political figures, believes the recent legal challenges against Trump will only bolster his support. 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Benzinga Readers: Earn a 1% return boost on your first EquityMultiple investment when you sign up here (accredited investors only). Don't miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of high-yield investments while rates are high. Check out Benzinga's favorite high-yield offerings. This article Trump's Rise Linked To Silicon Valley's 'Excesses,' Says Palantir CEO Alex Karp: 'I Don't Believe You Would Have A Trump Phenomenon Without' originally appeared on Benzinga.com The UAW says union locals representing tens of thousands of workers are prepared to file grievances over Stellantis' failure to keep its product commitments in Belvidere, Illinois, and is threatening the possibility of a national strike against the owner of Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat. The grievance states that the company has informed the union "it will not launch the Belvidere Consolidated Mopar Mega Hub in 2024, it will not begin stamping operations for the Belvidere Mega Hub in 2025 and it will not begin production of a midsize truck in Belvidere in 2027," according to a news release. That, the union said, would equate to a violation of last year's collective bargaining agreement between the union and the company. The UAW struck Stellantis as well as Ford Motor Co. and General Motors during contract talks last year. The union noted that it won the right to strike over product and investment commitments as well as a deal to reopen the idled Belvidere Assembly Plant in its agreement with Stellantis. The status of Belvidere had been a major issue during the talks, and an agreement to restart the plant was seen as a major union victory. UAW President Shawn Fain speaks to union members during a Facebook and YouTube live meeting last June, ahead of the union's strike against Stellantis. The union said it's prepared to strike if necessary because the company is not living up to its commitments stemming from last year's collective bargaining agreement. This company made a commitment to autoworkers at Stellantis in our union contract, and we intend to enforce that contract to the full extent," UAW President Shawn Fain said in the release. On behalf of autoworkers everywhere, were standing up against a company that wants to go back on its commitments and drive a race to the bottom at the expense of the American worker. Fain narrated a video posted last week on social media that blasted the company for "putting the brakes" on the Belvidere reopening and pointed to CEO Carlos Tavares as the problem at the automaker, which has seen a significant sales slide since last year as well as a drop in profits. The Free Press has asked company representatives for comment on both the video and the grievances, which, the union said, could be filed by UAW Local 12 (Toledo Assembly in Ohio); Local 140 (Warren Truck); Local 1700 (Sterling Heights AssemblyI); Local 7 (Detroit Assembly Complex Jefferson); Local 51 (Detroit Assembly Complex Mack); Local 685 (Kokomo Transmission in Indiana); and Local 1166 (Kokomo Casting), among others. "Aside from the impact on Belvidere, this glaring violation of the contract imperils all of the other investment commitments the company has made, and also impacts Stellantis members nationally, as they will not have those jobs for transfer opportunities in the event of layoffs," the union said in its release, noting that after the issue follows the grievance procedure, a strike could be authorized. Story continues Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: UAW says Stellantis isn't keeping commitments so strike is possible By David Shepardson (Reuters) -The United Auto Workers union said on Monday some local units representing workers at Stellantis are preparing to file grievances and could launch a nationwide strike, accusing the automaker of not honoring production commitments. The UAW said the locals represent tens of thousands of workers and the dispute is over agreements the union said Stellantis made in 2023 as part of a new labor agreement. Chrysler-parent Stellantis agreed to build a new $3.2 billion battery plant and invest $1.5 billion in a new mid-size truck factory in Belvidere, Illinois and add 5,000 total U.S. jobs by 2028 as part of a new contract deal, the UAW said in November 2023. Stellantis did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The UAW said the automaker would not launch the Illinois investments on the previously agreed timetable, without specifying the dates. Last month, the U.S. Energy Department said it planned to award Stellantis $334.8 million to convert the shuttered Belvidere Assembly plant to build EVs and $250 million to convert its Indiana Transmission Plant in Kokomo to produce EV components. The UAW said since 2023 "the company has gone back on its product commitments at Belvidere, and has been unreceptive in talks with the union to stay on track." The UAW added "this glaring violation of the contract imperils all of the other investment commitments the company has made." UAW President Shawn Fain referred to the issue during a prime-time address at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night."Let me be clear: Stellantis must keep the promises they made to America and our union contract. And the UAW will take whatever action necessary at Stellantis or any other corporation to stand up and hold corporate America accountable," he said. Earlier this month, Stellantis said it was laying off as many as 2,450 factory workers from its Warren Truck assembly plant outside of Detroit as the automaker ends production of the Ram 1500 Classic truck. Stellantis said last month it was offering a new round of voluntary buyouts to its U.S. salaried workers, the latest in a series of cost-cutting measures CEO Carlos Tavares is implementing at the company's American operations. (Reporting by David Shepardson in York, Pennsylvania, Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru, Doina Chiacu in Chicago; Editing by Shailesh Kuber, Aurora Ellis and Shri Navaratnam) By Azernews Fatima Latifova The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Azerbaijan today is a significant event in terms of further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and deepening cooperation on regional issues. This visit also indicates that the Russia-Azerbaijan relationship is entering a new phase amid the changing geopolitical landscape in the region. It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan's policy aimed at reinforcing peace, security, and cooperation in the region is particularly notable in the context of its relations with Russia. Azerbaijans independent policy and balanced foreign relations strategy are aimed at enhancing regional stability and cooperation. Baku prioritizes ensuring peace and security in the South Caucasus and developing mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring countries. Azerbaijan's relations with Russia are also part of this strategy. As one of the major and influential countries in the region, Russia is an important partner for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan-Russia relations are based on the principles of independence, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. There is a high level of friendship and dialogue between the two countries, which creates favorable conditions for the development of economic ties. Thanks to Ilham Aliyev's skilled diplomacy and the established relations with Russia, Azerbaijan has restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Azerbaijan's independent policy has ensured that it does not become a battleground between the West and Russia. Although the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused turmoil among world countries, Azerbaijan has managed to maintain close relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has the potential to mediate between these two countries. It is important to note that Azerbaijan is recognized as a dialogue platform that could play a potential role in the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Todays visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Baku can be seen as a result of Azerbaijan's balanced policy. Azerbaijan proved to be one of the major power structures in the region with its victory in the Garabagh conflict in 2020. Compared to other countries, Azerbaijan, as a younger nation, quickly attracting attention in the region and the world guarantees that official Baku will achieve even greater successes in the future. The relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are of special importance to the Russian leadership today. Alongside political and economic ties, social relations are also manifesting in the dynamic of development. For instance, during his visit, President Putin expressed his special gratitude for Azerbaijan's attention to the development of the Russian language. President Putin thanked the Azerbaijani President for the Russian Culture Days event held in Azerbaijan this June and commended the Azerbaijani leadership. It should be noted that President Putin is expected to become acquainted with Azerbaijans White City project during his visit today. The White City project, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, symbolizes Azerbaijan's modernization and reconstruction strategy. The project represents the transformation of a previously polluted and underdeveloped area into a modern, ecologically clean, and urban center. Ilham Aliyevs aim with this project is not only to change the external appearance of Baku but also to modernize the way of thinking and living of Azerbaijani society. As a significant step aimed at positioning Azerbaijan as an internationally recognized brand, the project takes into account historical, economic, and ecological factors to ensure the countrys future development. The White City project represents Ilham Aliyevs vision for Azerbaijan and demonstrates how this vision is being implemented in the form of Baku. This reconstruction, starting from a polluted area, is one of the important steps Azerbaijan is taking toward becoming a modern and developed country. President Putins interest in this project also proves that the White City is a part of Bakus successful management system. It is also worth noting that countries such as Japan, Italy, and Turkey, in addition to Russia, are showing serious interest in the projects implemented in Azerbaijan. The ongoing reconstruction and restoration work in the liberated Garabagh, particularly using methods that could contribute to green energy, attracts the interest of world states and elevates Azerbaijan's position on the international stage. The COP29 event to be held in the country in November this year already reflects Azerbaijans status as a trusted partner among world countries and its potential to support green energy. Recall that Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will host the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) for the first time in the region from November 1122, 2024. The decision was made at the plenary session of COP28 on December 11. Azerbaijan successfully participated in the COP28 held in Abu Dhabi last year. Azerbaijan will take the opportunity to bring heads of state and governments, civil society organisations, business, and international institutions together in the South Caucasus to discuss climate change, measures to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and focus on long-term climate strategies and goals. It is worth noting that Azerbaijan confirmed its commitment to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 35 percent by 2030 and increase this target by 40 percent by 2050. Fulfilling the commitments under the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 and actively working in this regard are priority issues for the government of Azerbaijan. The Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been held annually since 1995. The event aims to assess the progress made in combating climate change around the world. Warren Buffett wanted to use his vast fortune for good, but concluded he would not make a great philanthropist. So back in 2006, the Oracle of Omaha decided he would hand over the task of giving away his billions to Microsoft founder Bill Gateshis longtime friend and one of the few people in the world richer (at the time) than him. Gates and his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, had transformed global philanthropy by creating what is now the Gates Foundation, an organization credited with saving millions of lives and working with governments and international agencies to shape global health policy. Last year, it gave away almost $8.3 billion, more than any other nonprofit. Its recent staggering achievements wouldnt have been possible without the approximately $43 billion Buffett has contributed, including a $4 billion gift in June. Lately, though, reports say the Berkshire Hathaway chairman has grown apart from Gates and soured on the organizations managementraising questions about the future of Americas largest private foundation. As a result of the apparent rift, the 94-year-old Buffett has tapered off his donations and recently told The Wall Street Journal the Gates Foundation has no money coming after my death. This development comes two years after Gates credited Buffett in a blog post for contributing almost half of the organizations resources to date. It is a big pivot they have to deal with, said Amir Pasic, dean of Indiana Universitys Lilly School of Philanthropy, which is a grantee of the Gates Foundation. He believes, however, that the foundation has time to adjust. Warren Buffett has been exceedingly generous to the Gates Foundation through more than 18 years of contributions and advice, a Gates Foundation spokesperson said in a statement to Fortune. He has played an invaluable role in championing and shaping the foundations work to create a world where every person can live a healthy, productive life. Berkshire Hathaway did not respond to requests for comment. Buffett loses confidence Already one of the worlds richest foundations, Gates' organization received a game-changing infusion in 2006 when Buffett committed to donating Berkshire "Class B" shares throughout his life. The contributions came with three conditions, including that the value of his annual contributions had to be given away within the year, in addition to the 5% of net assets foundations must give away by law. He also required either Gates or French Gates to remain an active participant in the foundation, and his funds had to be counted as charitable dollars instead of gifts, which are taxed differently. Story continues Perhaps just as important as the money, noted Pasic, is that Buffetts donations brought an enormous boost in credibility. It was a resounding endorsement from someone revered for building a fortune by investing in well-run enterprises. Pasic added the Gates Foundation quickly became more prominent than even longtime philanthropic endeavors established by the likes of Ford, Carnegie and Rockefeller. The Ford Foundation, currently the largest of those three, manages almost $17 billion in assets, according to its latest financial statements. For the Gates Foundation, that number is $77 billion. That size and influence has invited criticism, as has Gates' leadership style at the Foundationwhich some have likened to a king holding court. Nonetheless, Buffett and Gates shared arguably the most important friendship in American business and philanthropy, but a recent report from the New York Times suggested their relationship has deteriorated in recent years. Buffett said his goals were 100% in sync with those of the foundation when he left its board in 2021, shortly after French Gates announced she was divorcing her husband. Since then, however, Buffett has come to view the Gates foundation as bloated with inflated operating costs, sources told the Times. According to the report, Buffett thought the foundation had become complacent and too risk-averse in its giving, and he was also upset by reports of Gates behaving in a rude and condescending fashion. French Gates left the foundation in June, leaving Gates as its sole chairman. What future for the Gates Foundation? Several experts in nonprofit accounting and governance told Fortune it was difficult to assess the validity of Buffetts criticisms based on publicly available financial statements and tax forms. Common metrics for assessing bloat regarding administrative expenses and grant-making efficiency, they said, met or beat common benchmarks. I dont think we can understand what [Buffett] knows as an insider, said Karen Kitching, a professor at Georgetowns McDonough School of Business. Gates Foundation staffers are well-paid, receive generous benefits and travel frequently to conferences and events, noted Jesse Lecy, a professor in data science and nonprofit studies at Arizona State University. These practices might be interpreted by some as bloat, but it could also be interpreted as investments in a highly competent and professional staff, he wrote in an email to Fortune. It's also difficult, he said, for an organization distributing billions to make smaller, riskier grants to promising foundations and initiatives. Nonetheless, Kitching noted, the Gates Foundations tax forms reveal many grants of less than $1 million. Last year, the financial statements of the foundation's trust, which manages the organization's endowment, showed that just over 300 million of the 500 million split-adjusted Berkshire shares Buffett initially pledged had been received. With those shares trading above the $444 mark as of Friday's close, that leaves more than $80 billion on the table, most of which the Gates Foundation will not see. This will translate into a major adjustment for the foundation, Pasic acknowledged. However, he noted Gates, who has a net worth of $130 billion, could likely make up much of the difference. He and French Gates have contributed $59.5 billion to the Foundation through 2023, according to the organization. Also, unlike foundations set up to exist in perpetuity, the Gates Foundation will spend out its resources 20 years after the death of its co-founders, CEO Mark Suzman told Fortune in January. Buffett, meanwhile, holds roughly $130 billion of Berkshire stock. When he dies, his remaining fortune will pass to his three children, whose future foundation will immediately become one of the largest in the world. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce announced the recognition of three local business leaders who will be inducted into the 2024 Watertown Community Hall of Fame on Oct. 11. At 11:30 a.m., Oct. 11, at 2nd Street Station in Watertown, the 2024 inductees will be Bob Faehn, Merlin Jeitz and Don Schweiger. According to the Chamber, all three men contributed to the success and vitality of Watertown. Bob Faehn is being inducted into Watertown's Hall of Fame in October. Bob Faehn Bob Faehn's illustrious career in local radio and state public service profoundly impacted the Watertown community and South Dakota. Beginning in 1984 at KSDR Radio in Watertown, Faehn's talent and leadership quickly propelled him to the roles of station manager and later owner. His crowning achievement in broadcasting was the founding of KXLG Radio in 2009, a station that flourished under his vision and dedication, becoming a trusted voice and a vital part of the community. Faehn's commitment to local media extended beyond his stations, as he served on the South Dakota Broadcasters Association Board of Directors, championing the growth and integrity of the broadcasting industry. More: Wendy's opens in Watertown In parallel with his broadcasting career, Faehn's dedication to public service was equally impressive. As a South Dakota State Representative, he made significant legislative contributions, including the landmark bill that eliminated smoking in bars and restaurants, reflecting his commitment to public health. His leadership was further recognized when he was elected House Majority Leader, where he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents. Faehn's service on numerous boards and committees, including the South Dakota State Board of Technical Education and the Watertown Community Foundation, underscored his unwavering dedication to his community and state. His dual legacy in broadcasting and public service left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations to value community involvement and public commitment. Merlin Jeitz becomes Watertown Hall of Fame inductee. Merlin Jeitz Jeitz was co-founder, and eventually sole owner, of Cook's Inc., which he first took ownership of in 1959 at age 23 in Watertown. Cook's was in business for 45 years, which Jeitz expanded into locations in eight states throughout the Midwest. Merlin received numerous business accolades with Cook's, though many would argue that he was equally accomplished in his involvement on the local and state levels outside of his business. Jeitz was very instrumental in the establishment of Lake Area Technical College, the Airport Industrial Park, Pheasant Ridge Industrial Park and several other organizations while serving on a multitude of boards and organizations on the local and state level. Story continues Jeitz's dedication and involvement earned him a position on the Governor's Board of Economic Development under Governor Bill Janklow. He was a 25-year member of the Watertown Development Company, and twice president; a founding member of the Watertown Education Foundation; past-president of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Watertown Area United Way board of directors, which included time as president; former director of the Greater South Dakota Association; past chairman of the Watertown Swim Club while being the driving force in the construction of the first indoor pool adjacent to Watertown High School, and the list goes on and on. Having been born and raised in Estelline, Jeitz has lived his entire life in the Watertown community, and he resides in Watertown with his wife, Sharon, of 69 years. Since selling Cook's in 2004, Jeitz has been a realtor and is associated with Watertown Real Estate with his daughter and granddaughter, which has continued to keep him hands-on in the Watertown community. Don Schweiger Schweiger was a lifelong resident of Watertown who made a significant difference in the community. Schweiger's impact was felt in various aspects of our town. He was a successful businessman, managing Schweiger's Incorporated from 1945 until he sold the business in 1989. Following that, he started Transmed, a mobile medical service, which he later sold in 2001.Schweiger's dedication to the community extended far beyond his professional endeavors. He served as the director of the Farmers and Merchants Bank and was actively involved in organizations such as the Watertown Development Association, Holy Name Catholic Church Board, St. Ann's Hospital Board, Mount Marty College Board in Yankton, State Business and Industry Political Action Committee, United Way, Super 8 Development Corporation and the Minnesota West Technical School Board in Canby, Minnesota.Schweiger was a proud member of the South Dakota State Chamber of Commerce, the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watertown Business Association. He also held leadership roles as the exalted ruler of the Watertown Elks Lodge 838 and served as the Holy Name Boy Scout Troop 209 leader. Notably, Schweiger played a pivotal role in the development of the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown in the early 1970s and remained a dedicated board member until his passing in 2005.Tickets for the Watertown Hall of Fame Induction may be purchased online at WatertownSD.com or in person at the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 1 East Kemp in Downtown Watertown or by calling the Chamber office 605-886-5814. This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Three business leaders to be recognized by Watertown Community Hall of Fame Trouble on the high seas is causing shipping rates to soar, which in turn is helping Zim Integrated Shipping Services (NYSE: ZIM) deliver for investors. The container shipping company's shares jumped sharply at the open Monday and were up by about 22% as of 10:56 a.m. ET after the company released quarterly results that easily topped expectations. A favorable current Zim incurs high fixed costs to buy and maintain ships, but it operates in a cyclical business -- it can experience huge swings in revenue based on the health of the global economy and demand for capacity inside those ships. Geopolitical events have worked in Zim's favor in 2024. Attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on cargo ships in the Red Sea's shipping lanes have caused shipping rates to rocket higher. Zim had capacity available and is benefiting from its ability to hike its prices. Zim earned $3.08 per share on revenue of $1.93 billion in the second quarter, topping Wall Street's consensus estimates of $1.79 per share on sales of $1.8 billion. CEO Eli Glickman credited Zim's decision to increase its spot market exposure for the beat. "This has enabled us to capture significant upside in a rate environment that has been elevated for longer than anticipated," Glickman said. "We expect our results in the second half of 2024 to be better than in the first half of the year, driven by continued supply pressure from the Red Sea crisis, combined with current favorable demand trends." Is Zim a buy? The company raised its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $2.6 billion to $3 billion from its prior forecast range of $1.5 billion to $1.55 billion, an indication of how bullish Glickman is about the remainder of the year. Container ships take years to build, so it isn't easy for shippers to quickly add capacity when rates are high. This gives companies that already have excess capacity available (like Zim) a clear advantage. Zim's stock could go higher from here, but investors need to remember that with cyclicality comes volatility. The last time that shipping rates softened -- the period from 2022 until 2024 -- Zim's shares lost more than 90% of their value. The company is stronger now than it was then, but it won't enjoy smooth sailing forever. Should you invest $1,000 in Zim Integrated Shipping Services right now? Before you buy stock in Zim Integrated Shipping Services, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Zim Integrated Shipping Services wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Story continues Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $763,374!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of August 12, 2024 Lou Whiteman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Zim Integrated Shipping Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Zim Integrated Shipping Is Up Today was originally published by The Motley Fool CHANGSHA, China, Aug. 19, 2024 /CNW/ -- In honor of World Humanitarian Day on August 19, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion", 01157.HK), a global leader in advanced equipment manufacturing, is stepping up its efforts to support humanitarian causes worldwide, supporting global humanitarian work and contributing to human welfare through the power of technology. Zoomlion's support team works through the night to assist with landslide disaster relief efforts in Zixing City, Hunan Province, China Humanitarians work tirelessly to save lives and provide essential resources in disaster zones, guided by principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. Sharing this commitment, Zoomlion actively participates in global humanitarian relief missions with concrete actions, especially in aiding disaster-stricken regions, promoting international cooperation, and making financial and technical donations. From June 28 to August 3, Zoomlion deployed its emergency rescue team of 19 members and three high-volume emergency drainage rescue vehicles to support flood relief operations in Hunan, China. The team worked around the clock to speed up the drainage and relief progress, buying time at all costs. Throughout the 37-day period, Zoomlion's emergency drainage rescue vehicles operated nearly 800 hours at full load with zero failure and drained 2.084 million cubic meters of water in total, helping residents return home sooner. Globally, Zoomlion also supports disaster relief missions with professional equipment and rescue teams. In the 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake, Zoomlion deployed 23 units of equipment and a professional rescue team that successfully saved more than 30 people. Toward the end of 2023, its subsidiary in Turkey visited elementary schools in Hatay Province and provided stationery, winter coats and boots to students affected by the earthquake. Zoomlion also donated agricultural equipment to the Dominican Republic Ministry of Agriculture to promote sustainable agricultural development and sent technicians to provide training and support for local operators and maintenance staff. Over the past two decades, Zoomlion has donated 34 million yuan (approximately US$4.68 million) to support nearly 10,000 students in difficult financial situations through the charitable program "Love Changes Destiny." Internally, Zoomlion has set up a special relief fund that has supported a total of 10,727 employees with over 42.6 million yuan (approximately US$5.95 million) worth of financial assistance distributed. Zoomlion's global humanitarian initiatives demonstrate the company's commitment to contributing to human welfare through the power of science and technology. Corporate social responsibility lies not only in business success but also in how Zoomlion leverages its technology and resources to help those in need. Story continues Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zoomlion-marks-world-humanitarian-day-by-empowering-disaster-relief-with-technology-and-humanitarian-aid-302225070.html SOURCE Zoomlion Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2024/19/c5507.html A ceremony took place on August 19 in Baku to exchange the documents signed between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation, with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin in attendance, Azernews reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin adopted a Joint Declaration of the heads of state. The "Memorandum of Understanding between Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Management Company of the Russian Direct Investment Fund joint-stock company was exchanged by Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mikayil Jabbarov, and the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev. The "Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change and Low Carbon Development between Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation" was exchanged by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mukhtar Babayev, and Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Maksim Reshetnikov. The "Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation on Labor Inspection Issues between the State Labor Inspection Service under Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Federal Service for Labor and Employment of the Russian Federation" was exchanged by Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sahil Babayev, and Head of the Federal Service for Labor and Employment of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Ivankov. The "Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Food Safety between Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing of the Russian Federation" was exchanged by Chairman of the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Goshgar Tahmazli, and Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing of the Russian Federation, Anna Popova. The "Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Quarantine and Plant Protection between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Russian Federation" was exchanged by the Chairman of the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Goshgar Tahmazli, and the Head of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision of the Russian Federation, Sergei Dankvert. The "Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Healthcare, Medical Education, and Medical Science between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Russian Federation" was exchanged by Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Teymur Musayev, and Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Murashko. U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert and Trisha Calverese on Tuesday clashed in their only debate so far in the race for Colorados 4th Congressional District. An El Paso County resident has tested positive for West Nile Virus, the first human case in the county this year, local public health officials announced Monday. People and animals become infected with the virus when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitos contract the virus when they feed on infected birds. In Colorado, most human cases of West Nile Virus are reported in August and September, El Paso County health officials said in a news release. Health officials expect mosquito activity will likely increase in El Paso County over the coming weeks thanks to recent heavy rainfall, they said. Mosquitos breed in standing water. Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus do not show symptoms. One in five infected people will experience flu-like symptoms, usually beginning two to 14 days after exposure to the virus, officials said in the release. People who are 60 years old or older, and those with certain medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, have a greater risk of serious illness, El Paso County health officials said. Fewer than one in 100 infected people will experience serious, potentially deadly neurologic illness. Last month, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported the first person in the state to be hospitalized with neurological symptoms for the 2024 season was infected in Arapahoe County. State data last updated Aug. 14 shows 13 people across Colorado have been affected by West Nile Virus so far this year. Featured Local Savings Last year, El Paso County reported 51 human cases of the virus. El Paso County Public Health urges people to take the following steps to protect themselves against infection: Use an EPA-registered insect repellent like DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Avoid being outdoors or limit time outside when mosquitos are most active, typically around dusk and dawn. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn. Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside. Frequently drain standing water from areas around the house, like in bird baths, portable pools, tires, planters, pet water dishes and childrens swimming pools. Mosquitos can lay eggs and grow in standing water. Treat standing water in ponds, ditches, clogged rain gutters, flowerpots, plant saucers, puddles and buckets with larvicide doughnuts that use a naturally-occurring type of bacteria to control mosquitos. These larvicides can be purchased at hardware stores. Just under a dozen smoke-shop owners around Colorado Springs have awoken to a nightmare this year finding out their storefronts have been destroyed and thousands of dollars of merchandise snatched. Even months after the initial news, insurance delays, repeat incidents and a general sense of frustration with the lack of accountability for the offenders continue to plague the store owners that have found themselves victims of a smash-and-grab. Smash-and-grabs are burglaries where criminals break a window or door of a vehicle, home or business through various means, stealing assorted items or merchandise and fleeing the scene quickly. From Jan. 1 to July 31, thieves in Colorado Springs have committed 24 smash-and-grab burglaries, with a significant number of the victims being smoke shops, followed by gun stores, and the majority of perpetrators being juveniles, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department. While some stores have been able to open back up and have installed even more security measures, others are struggling and forced to set up a GoFundMe to help pay for the extensive damage, or sometimes even just closing doors. Mobolade and city speak up As a business entrepreneur himself, Mayor Yemi Mobolade addressed the rising cases of smash-and-grabs. The impact of theft and vandalism can be absolutely crippling to a small business, and I want to assure our business owners and residents that we are taking these incidents very seriously, stated Mobolade in an email. There are several reasons for this uptick in juvenile crime, and while our police department does its best to hold these young people accountable when they break the law, this is a community problem and fixing it is going to require community solutions. The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce also weighed in, stating that improving public safety within the city is crucial. The citys 2024 Strategic Doing Framework plan has prioritized public safety programs as well as working alongside local law enforcement to make the city safer for residents and businesses. As one of the five strategic priorities, the main objective is to enhance public safety by increasing community support, funding, innovative programming and staffing to the citys first responders, according to the citys website. Crime is bad for business and does not help our efforts as we make the case for the region as a great place to live and do business, Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, president and CEO of Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, stated in an email to The Gazette. Improving community safety is crucial. In Mobolades email to The Gazette, he described how his administration is handling the increase in smash-and-grab incidents within Colorado Springs. Specifically, he said his administration is committed to legislative reform that will make it easier to hold repeat juvenile offenders accountable. He said city staff is actively working to identify upstream, preventive solutions that stop this activity before it even starts. Some of that prevention includes building and strengthening partnerships with community-led efforts that prevent juvenile delinquency, protecting business investments and building safer neighborhoods. Here are the stories of a few of the small business owners impacted by smash and grabs: RPRZNT RPRZNT Smoke Shop is one of the Colorado Springs summer victims of a smash-and-grab. Owner Tyler Pomeroy woke up in the early hours of May 29 to an alert from his stores security system, informing him there was a break-in. The store had only been open four months. Pomeroy and his wife were fortunate enough to be able to partially reopen the store a few days after the incident. However, $5,000 worth of merchandise was taken and over $26,000 in damages were reported. Pomeroy said he had hired full-time armed security guards, as well as installing concrete barriers in front of his store. Pomeroy blames the increase in smash-and-grabs targeting vape shops on the 2019 law that changed the legal age to purchase such from 18 to 21. Its just a huge factor in these break-ins, Pomeroy said. Its not these high-profile criminals that are doing this. Pomeroy also blames car manufacturer Kia, saying the vehicles are easy to steal and many have been involved in smash-and-grabs. Were going to hold Kia responsible, because theyre not taking any measures to protect the business, the consumer or the people that are suffering because of this, Pomeroy said about joining the lawsuit against the car manufacturer. Its almost like its an accessory now; this is exactly what their company has become. Pomeroy started a GoFundMe page to aid in any costs expected due to this incident. Insurance does not typically cover the total for high risk liabilities, so it is up to the owners to at least partially rebuild, he said. Featured Local Savings Several months after the incident at his store, Pomeroy is still frustrated. With how many occurrences have happened, I just dont think that anyone is really looking into the deeper root cause of why this is happening. Galaxy Glass Smoke Shop Galaxy Glass on Academy Boulevard is another smoke shop smashed into by a stolen Kia. Owner Nate Williams was awakened at 3 a.m. on March 29 to police officers knocking at his front door. Once the officers informed Williams of the break in, his first thought was no way as he had put up wire and bars across his store windows as a preventive measure. He had felt prepared for most kinds of thefts, but obviously not a smash and grab. Williams also suspects juveniles. With some merchandise in his store being valued up to $1,000, only one product was stolen: vaping devices. I was a delinquent, but I was never like that, you know? We never did crazy stuff like that, Williams said. I almost think that its more of a status thing. After causing more than $200,000 in damages to his building, more than $1,000 worth of vaping devices were stolen. Williams also said that changing the age limit to purchase vaping devices is the reason for the spike in smash and grabs. I feel like our specific industry is under attack by these group of individuals, just because the law has changed, Williams said. Williams was able to stay open by moving a few doors down in the strip he operates out of for three months before returning to his original location. However, business has been slow since the February robbery. I imagine its gonna take some time before people realize were back and actually looking better, since we had to redo the floors and patch the holes in the walls and repaint, Williams said. He said after five months his insurance company agreed to pay the full amount he reported. Williams has now expanded, opening up a new location that was also previously the victim of a smash-and-grab. Other stores such as Session Supply, which was hit in the early hours of July 17 by a group of seven individuals, according to video footage, are deciding to close. Owner Dutch Knudson said he will most likely turn the location into another type of shop that is less of a target for children to hit. I was one of the first ones, but when you look at the more recent ones, within three or four months, theyre a lot more structured. Theres a lot more people involved, a lot more criminals coming in the building, and then theyre actually coming for a lot more product, Williams said. Then on top of that, its turned into more of a vandalism thing, too. Master Vapors Some stores work hard to rebuild, only to have the same exact thing happen yet again. Master Vapors off North Circle Drive was one of several victims in a string of juvenile robberies in February 2023, according to owner Keith Pettersen. In the 2023 incident, a group of minors broke the windows of the store and gained access. In and out in only a few minutes, the group caused $2,000 worth of damages and took $6,000 worth of disposable vaping devices. This is like a double edged sword backwards for me as a business owner; they (the minors) arent going to serve jail time and they dont have the means to make restitution, and youre not holding the parents financially responsible, Pettersen said. Its just another case of the business owner loses all the way around. Pettersen has worked in the vapor industry since 2013 and owns several locations throughout Colorado and four other states. We operate shops in five states, and Colorado is by far the worst market for us as business owners when it comes to theft and break ins, Pettersen said. Since the 2023 break-in, Pettersen went through the effort of installing bars across all the windows in an attempt to deter thieves. However, almost exactly one year later on February 27, the store was broken into again, in a similar fashion with similar motives. I used to feel almost violated the first time that we got broken into and now when the phone wakes me up at 2 in the morning, my first comment on the phone now, which store? Pettersen said. Editors Note: Between the time Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet spoke with The Gazette and publication of this story, the Colorado Springs Police Department identified a fatal stabbing victim on Aug. 7 as UCCS professor Haleh Abghari. Sobanet issued a statement mourning her loss and offering campus resources to students and staff. Jennifer Sobanet was faced with challenges no chancellor should ever have to face just mere weeks into her new position. Her first semester included multiple student deaths on campus and difficult budget decisions as she was finding her footing as the University of Colorado Colorado Springs new leader. Despite the circumstances, Sobanet says the resiliency by the campus and community she witnessed will help guide her vision for the university in the years ahead. Its just an honor to be a part of the Mountain Lion family and to come together and create the UCCS of the future, she told The Gazette. Its the most exciting work that I could be doing right now. Sobanet was appointed as the universitys next chancellor last December following a brief interim basis when her predecessor Venkat Reddy announced that he would vacate the position and return to the College of Business as a professor this fall. Sobanet had worked in higher education throughout the state since 2004 with stints including the Colorado Community College System and the states Department of Higher Education. She held various administrative positions at the University of Colorado Denver for seven years before coming to Colorado Springs as interim chancellor in July 2023. She said the transition process with Reddy has been super-smooth as she settled into the new role. So, I have felt very welcomed and embraced by this community and this campus and that makes it way easier to learn, Sobanet said. Among her tasks going forward include revisiting the schools 2030 strategic plan that literally went live the day that the university was closing down to go remote (in the pandemic year 2020) and adjusting it to the changing landscape of higher education since then, and determining where UCCS fits. Were going to spend time digging into that, she said. So, then we can start to make the decisions around How do we re-align our resources, our time, our energy, our people, our finances? How do we realign that towards the vision of Who is the UCCS of the future? Safety and security On Feb. 16, UCCS student Samuel Knopp, 24, and his houseguest Celie Montgomery, 26, were both shot and killed in a campus dorm two months into Sobanets start as chancellor. The man suspected of the murders, Nicholas Jordan, was also enrolled at UCCS at the time. The murders led to conversations about campus gun and safety policies and the overall state of safety on the campus. Sobanet has noted the campus community and local communitys resilience following the double-homicide while adding that this will play a continuing role in shaping the campus going forward. One week following the shooting, students began an online petition advocating for increased security measures like more secure classroom buildings and increased security cameras throughout campus. Sobanet said the campus completed a yearslong initiative to install additional cameras and has added more police staff over the summer. Students and community members have also expressed concerns about communication and transparency following the February shooting. To increase communication regarding threats and safety, Sobanet said that additional features were added to their UCCS Safe App so that students can now report suspicious activity via video to dispatch in addition to requesting escorts across campus when they feel unsafe. The university has also invested in new apps and software to increase student connectedness and additions to existing mental health support systems. Remaining tasks for the university include filling multiple leadership positions following a series of resignations over the summer. UCCS Police Chief DeWayne McCarver left the university in July to be closer with family in Alabama while the director of housing operations and emergency management program director also left in the same month. Heading into the new year, Deputy Chief Clay Garner will act as the interim chief while the other positions remain vacant. Featured Local Savings He knows everybody on campus, hes been here for almost two decades, I think, knows everyone at CSPD and at the sheriffs office, Sobanet said of Garner. So, I dont worry about the transition because we have a great interim chief. UCCS Director of Housing Operation Ralph Griese also retired over the summer, with the position currently listed as vacant on the university website. A job opening for the schools emergency management program coordinator was posted on the Universitys website on Aug. 12. Arthur J. Simental previously held the position before also leaving in July. Sobanet acknowledged students frustrations about the universitys communication in the hours and days following the shooting. But she points out that she was limited in what could be shared given the process and nature of an on-going police investigation. The only way and best way that I honor the lives that were lost is to ensure that justice is served, she said. And I will never cross that line of providing information. Even though I wish I could because, in that moment, it might make someone feel better, I wont. Because what I want in the end is justice for Sam Knopp and Celie Montgomery. Incoming changes Sobanet was also tasked with how to navigate an incoming deficit of $4 million ahead of the current fiscal year. Tough decisions included an increase to student tuition by the CU Board of Regents while UCCS made the call to consolidate some departments in order to balance increasing expenses and declining revenue. Sobanet explained that many investments in ongoing activities in recent years were expected to grow along with the campus. Instead, both activity revenue and overall campus growth were stunted by the COVID-19 pandemic and slowing enrollment. So, what we ended up with was investments that we were making with growth that didnt come, she said. She added that the administration will be working to identify and reevaluate additional areas and investments throughout the semester that may stay, or get consolidated. Students will also see an increase to their activity fees, starting this year, following discussions on spending from the student government body and their use of those funds. With the increase will come expanded programming for the UCCS Student Government Association and student clubs. A campus concert later this month with rapper Waka Flocka Flame is an early example of this increased investment in student activities, along with the continuation of existing successful programs like the annual campus Friendsgiving event. Also coming this year is the expansion of programming and labs offered at the Anshutz Engineering Center that opened its doors in April. Over the summer, technology and equipment were brought in to house the universitys aerospace and engineering program along with classes for electrical and computer engineering, computer science and game design. The types of labs that we have in this building are incredibly sophisticated and its because our community has asked for us to be able to have degrees that satisfy the needs in the workplace, she said. A large amount of the centers equipment comes from donations by various community partners which Sobanet also hopes to grow going forward. Recent partnerships and collaborations have included Pikes Peak State College, U.S. Space Force and Colorado Springs School District 11. Along with the schools academic programs, pathways, certificates and research, Sobanet said she sees its potential for collaboration as the Pikes Peak region continues to thrive as one of the schools most promising developments, despite recent challenges. I feel like there is opportunity for us that maybe wasnt even there before the global pandemic and its because weve all come together around wanting to make this region be something very, very special, she said. By Akbar Hasanov, Day.az Today, the whole world of cinema will be plunged into mourning. The great French theater and film actor, screenwriter, film director and producer Alain Delon said goodbye to this sinful world and went into eternity. He was 88 years old. According to Le Figaro, Delon died in the French capital Paris. "Alain Delon died so many times on screen that it must have seemed like the last take. God, who is a bad screenwriter, said: "Cut! ". Delon did not get up," the article says. It's a beautiful journalistic turn, but in reality, over the past 20 years, in almost every interview, Alain Delon told the press and the public that he was very tired of life, of a world in which some completely unbearable things were happening, and of himself - from diseases, loneliness, memories. He has repeatedly shared with the press that euthanasia is an ideal option for him to end his days. At the end of January 2024, the court limited Alain Delon's legal capacity - since then, a third-party specialist has been dealing with medical issues, his large expenses and the topic of selling or transferring property. This is how the glory of the world passes. "Everything is in the past, everything is over," Delon said from the stage of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, when he received the honorary Palme d'Or in 2019. By the way, this award found a hero too late, it became a farewell greeting to the only real movie star of the second half of the twentieth century, as Jean-Pierre Melville called Delon, who shot him in "Samurai", "Red Circle" and "Policeman". Yes, he was the idol of hundreds of millions of movie fans in various countries of the world. He left, leaving us all a great legacy in the form of his roles in the films "In the Bright Sun", "Rocco and his Brothers" (1960), "Leopard" (1963), as well as "Black Tulip". Alain Delon was divinely, dazzlingly beautiful. And he was the personification of another, very beautiful, admired by everyone, including the brilliant actors of cinema, France. That France is no longer there. Today, Delon's physical demise has only once again established this indisputable fact. Earlier, in September 2021, France said goodbye to another film legend, Jean-Paul Belmondo, who died at the age of 88. Screens broadcasting the funeral were then placed all over Paris. The ceremony itself took place in the courtyard of the Invalides House, where Napoleon is buried. The coffin, covered with the national flag, was carried by the guards. At this time, the orchestra was playing a well-recognized melody by composer Enio Morricone from the film "The Professional", to which the hero Belmondo tragically died in the tape. By the way, this cult film demonstrated the real underside of French politics. Yes, the "Professional" appealed to the real events on the basis of which the novel was written, namely, the friendship of the French government during the time of President Giscard D'Estaing with the Central African dictator Bokassa. Indeed, French presidents, for all their game of democrats, very often entered into the most shameful deals with African dictators. It is worth remembering, for example, the same Nicolas Sarkozy, whom the Gaddafi family accused of taking bribes for their presidential campaign. But still, they are all far from Emmanuel Macron, who has become the personification of a completely different France. The one that no longer attracts, does not admire, does not arouse respect for itself. Macron's France has become a symbol of failures. The recent Summer Olympics in Paris is just one high-profile fiasco personally of the current President of France and the entire Fifth Republic. But there were a lot of other failures. So the British newspaper The Telegraph, in an article titled "France's pension system is collapsing," told about another Macron fiasco. We have all seen the failure of the official Paris foreign policy on the example of the erroneous, absolutely immoral bet of Macron's France on the occupying country, that is, on Armenia. This was most clearly manifested during the 44-day war, when Monsieur Emmanuel slandered Azerbaijan, trying to stop the restoration of the territorial integrity of our country. Nothing good came of it. And the shameful decision of the French Senate to recognize the "independence" of the Armenian project called "Artsakh" has remained a useless piece of paper. But that is exactly the price of all Macron's policies. It is erroneous, false, and built on the support of those who deserve condemnation, not those who have achieved the triumph of justice. We saw all the squalor of this policy even after the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was restored as a result of a one-day anti-terrorist operation in the Karabakh economic region. Macron's France tried to condemn our country for this! She is now financing and arming Armenia, clearly inspiring it to a new war with our country. Yes, the current French president has become a classic "anti-Midas". If the Phrygian king touched any thing, turning it into gold, then everything that Macro touches turns into a failure, a fiasco. And this is not only his personal tragedy. This is the tragedy of France, which has finally lost its luster and self-respect. And the death of the great Alain Delon was just another reminder that there was once another France. By Alimat Aliyeva The collision of the boats of the Maritime Police of the People's Republic of China and the Philippines occurred off the Xianbin Reef (Sabina) in the South China Sea, Azernews reports. "The Philippine vessel number 4410 ignored the repeated serious warnings of the PRC, in an unprofessional and dangerous manner deliberately rammed the Chinese boat number 21551, which carried out regular law enforcement activities," the statement said. It is clarified that the emergency occurred on Monday at 03:24 Beijing time (23:24 Sunday Baku time) in the waters where two Philippine vessels "illegally invaded". According to Gan Yu, Beijing places all responsibility for the incident on the Philippine side. "The Chinese Coast Guard has taken control measures in accordance with the law," the statement said. Beijing has been arguing with several countries for several decades over the territorial affiliation of individual islands in the South China Sea, where significant hydrocarbon reserves have been discovered offshore. First of all, we are talking about the Paracel Islands (Xisha), the Nansha Archipelago (Spratly) and the Huangyan Reef (Scarborough) - these issues concern Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. Dear readers, Friday, Aug. 16, was a day; one for the books. I can't believe I even got the paper out! I should back up. A week prior, we had learned that the Online News Association, which honors excellence in digital journalism nationwide, had named the Albany Democrat-Herald (and by extension, the Corvallis Gazette-Times, it's the same newsroom), a finalist for our limited series podcast on homelessness, "A Place to Sleep." You may remember the 10-story, seven-part print series we called "Unsheltered in the mid-valley." But it also was accompanied by a podcast, our first foray into that kind of storytelling. It encompassed some of the stories you read but also included trips to Grants Pass and Portland, and a segment on what it's like health-wise to regularly sleep outside. It allowed you to directly hear from people with these lived experiences, who were more than gracious to share what it's like to be subject to state and city policies designed to both give them a place to sleep and also keep them on the move. Many of their stories were quite devastating: the two young men brain-damaged from incidents in their youth; a woman whose dead and undressed body left out in public for two hours for all to see; the Oregon State University graduate who couldn't make ends meet. So, when the Online News Association the preeminent industry organization that has championed the new era of journalism since 1999 named our podcast a finalist, up against two NPR podcasts, I was channeling the Hollywood starlet who had just landed her first Oscar nomination: It was truly an honor to be in their company. A Place to Sleep Reporters stayed the night at eight designated sites throughout the mid-Willamette Valley to learn more about how the systems in place are or are not working for unhoused locals. I also cried for 1 hours because I'm a little (read: a lot) emotional. I was just so happy for the staff. The reporters worked so hard, spending nights at the designated camping sites, taking turns to make sure we also filled the newspaper with news. Before a single story in the series saw the light of day in either format we had worked for months. I then spent the week between being named a finalist and the awards ceremony listening to our colleagues. I can't call them competition; they're on another level. And these podcasts are good. One offers the perspective of a Black cheer team whose gym was just blocks away from the Buffalo supermarket a racist targeted for a mass shooting in 2022. The other explores the country's history with guns, and the government's role in their proliferation. I went to sleep each night that week feeling content. It really is an honor just to be nominated. And then Friday happened. The ceremony was via Zoom. They gave the judges' comments first: "The judges said the podcast seemed like a perfect example about how a small but ambitious newsroom could step up ..." And then we gasped, and I mostly didn't hear the rest although I remember catching a reference that also described another nominee, so I repeated the mantra in my head: It really is an honor ... Then the host said, "And the winner is, 'A Place to Sleep,' Albany Democrat-Herald." The woman jumping around in the video attached to the online version of this column is I, because, like I said, I'm a little emotional. As an aside, the guy into whose arms I jumped at the end is my fellow. No need to contact HR! He's also the composer of the podcast's theme music. But more than anything, I want to use this space to lift up the reporters. Do you know how lucky we are to have them? What kind of people they are? Here are some of their reactions: Cody Mann, reporter, via Facebook: It came out way better than I could have imagined. I work with some real pros here. Shayla Escudero, associate producer, (herself a national finalist for best local journalist under 35) via LinkedIn: Today our small newsroom won a national award against some amazing, talented submissions. I'm so happy to work with a team that values collaborative storytelling. I'm thinking about all the people we met while working on this podcast who briefly let us into their lives. People who offered me a jacket when they saw I was cold even though I wasn't the one living outside. People who let us see them on some of the worst days of their lives. People who leaned on each other when there was no other support. Alex Powers, producer, via Facebook: We spent weeks in the places cities designated for overnight rest, where elected bodies often are completely removed from their most vulnerable neighbors' experiences. Thank you for talking to us, followed by a list of names. You trusted us to be in your space. The incredible team holding me up, followed by a list of names. These are your local journalists. We know the state of the industry isn't bright. From a colleague at Willamette Week who's assessed the damage: More than a quarter of Oregons small-town newspapers have closed. Fully 68% of our states incorporated cities now lack a local news source. But you, dear readers, are not among them. We (that's you and me specifically) are very blessed. Related stories: SCARVILLE -- A man from Albert Lea, Minnesota, was killed in a one-vehicle accident near Scarville on Sunday. Mark Claassen, 63, was traveling south on 200th Avenue near 485th Street at 10:41 a.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his Chevy Silverado to leave the roadway and roll over several times, according to a report from the Iowa State Patrol. Claassen was ejected from the vehicle, the report stated. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, the Lake Mills Police and Fire departments, the Scarville Fire Department, Forest City Ambulance, and Dick's Towing assisted the Iowa State Patrol at the scene. The accident remains under investigation. Re: The uniqueness of the Japanese character is the result of two seeming [ #permalink 1 Kudos Beyond Western model: how Chinese modernization is contributing to the world Xinhua) 08:03, August 19, 2024 An aerial drone photo taken on April 8, 2024 shows an industrial park of plantations with crops and vegetables planted in turn in Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) China's modernization is not just about achieving economic success; it's about redefining what modernization means in the 21st century. As the world grapples with complex global challenges, China's experience offers valuable lessons that could guide humanity toward a more equitable and sustainable future. BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese modernization is reshaping the global landscape by offering an alternative development path that emphasizes cooperation, sustainability, and cultural continuity, an expert said. As China continues to prosper, its model presents new opportunities and inspirations for the global community, said Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University, in a recent interview with Xinhua. By fostering the rise of the Global South and promoting a more inclusive approach to modernization, China is contributing to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. REFORM, INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY Unlike the Western model, which has often been criticized for its exploitative practices, China's approach emphasizes mutual benefits and shared progress, Wang said. Over the past four decades, China has lifted nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty, accounting for almost three-quarters of the global reduction in poverty. This success, recognized by the United Nations Development Programme, provides a compelling model for other developing countries fighting to address poverty on a large scale. As China continues to break new ground in technology, it offers alternative models of development that do not rely on Western paradigms. The World Economic Forum noted that China's innovations are reshaping global standards, particularly in areas such as telecommunications and renewable energy. China's commitment to environmental sustainability is exemplified by its strides in renewable energy. The Global Energy Monitor reported that China is set to double its solar and wind capacity to 1,200 gigawatts by 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 target. "China is a major player in global manufacturing with a full industrial chain," said Wang. China's investments in smart grids and green technology not only enhance its own development but also contribute to global efforts to combat climate change, he added. This aerial photo taken on June 14, 2023 shows a night view of the Grand Canal in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) NEW MODEL FOR GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS China's modernization strategy is inherently linked to its vision of global cooperation, Wang noted. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China International Import Expo (CIIE), as well as China's role in the global value chain, all exemplify China's approach to fostering global development through infrastructure and connectivity projects. China's active participation in the global value chain also contributes greatly to global economic development. By exporting manufactured goods and technologies, China is helping to elevate industrial capabilities in developing countries. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization recognizes China's role in enhancing global industrial standards and driving economic growth worldwide. This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2023 shows a city view of Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua) BEYOND WESTERN NARRATIVE China's modernization offers an alternative to the Western-centric view of development, Wang said. By prioritizing inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural continuity, China is changing the notion that modernization must follow the Western trajectory. China's approach to modernization reflects its unique governance model and offers a different perspective on how societies can achieve progress. At the heart of China's modernization is a people-centered philosophy, which prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. This approach echoes ancient Chinese wisdom. "As an old Chinese saying goes, the country is the people, and the people are the country," said Wang. China's modernization is not just about achieving economic success; it's also about redefining what modernization means in the 21st century. As the world is addressing complex global challenges, China's experience offers valuable lessons that could guide humanity toward a more equitable and sustainable future. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) By Alimat Aliyeva South Korea and the United States are launching the annual major joint military exercises Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS), Azernews reports. The maneuvers are designed to strengthen joint defense readiness and the ability to withstand "threats from the DPRK." The UFS exercises will take place on August 19-29. Their program includes the training of soldiers based on computer modeling, the practical application of civil defense skills. The exercises are based on scenarios of a fullscale war using various means, including land, sea, air, cyber and space. The organizers are confident that such training will further strengthen the potential and readiness of South Korea and the United States to respond to any provocations and defend themselves against nuclear weapons. As a pioneer of DHI hair restoration in India, he brings unparalleled expertise and artistry to each patient's transformation. The meticulous attention to the angle, depth, and direction of implantation he puts into the process ensures strikingly natural results that blend seamlessly. Moreover, his holistic approach creates personalized lifetime plans that account for future hair loss and optimize available donor hair. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team, he prioritizes patient comfort and safety, drawing from global exposure for innovation and focusing on individual aesthetics to instill confidence in his patients.Dr Viral explains, "At our CPLSS Clinic in Mumbai, we provide state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technologies, with a focus on patient safety, comfort, and personalized care. Our ultramodern centers are equipped to handle any emergencies. As the head of the department, I lead a skilled team to deliver exceptional, natural-looking results that dramatically enhance our patients' lives. We strive to be at the forefront of cosmetic and plastic surgery. Especially in each of the cases, we carefully assess each patient's suitability for hair transplantation. The ideal candidate is over 25, in good health, with stabilized hair loss. The procedure begins with a detailed consultation to understand the patient's goals. On the day of surgery, we harvest follicles from the donor area and meticulously implant them in the recipient sites to match the natural hair growth pattern. Post-surgery, patients can expect some redness and scabbing, subsiding within two weeks. Most patients resume work and normal activities after a few days, with new hair growth visible in 3-6 months".There are various non-surgical hair restoration solutions offered by CPLSS Clinic in Mumbai, including PRP Therapy, LLLT, Mesotherapy, Medications,GFC Hair Treatment, and Exosome Therapy. It also customizes treatments for natural-looking results with minimal downtime, aiming to restore hair density and confidence without surgery; and utilizes cutting-edge techniques such as Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) for precise and natural-looking results.Vishaka Goyal, Co-Founder of Clinicspots, a doctor discovery portal, highlights Dr Viral Desai's dynamic approach to performing hair transplant procedures to treat hair loss. He is an astute plastic surgeon with commendable expertise in hair transplantation. Having successfully treated celebrities and actors, Dr Viral Desai ensures that his patients receive the most suitable treatment for their hair issues with exceptional results.Dr Viral's proficiency in the hair transplant field has brought him several awards & recognitions too such as `Icon of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in India' and `Hair Restoration Service Provider Company of the Year' by Global Healthcare Excellence Awards,`Excellence in Franchising & Business Development' by Franchise India, `Best Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon in India' by R. K. HIV AIDS Research and Care Foundation, `India's Most Promising Hair Transplant Surgeon' by Pharma Leader Group, `Jury's Choice Awards for the Best Cosmetic Surgeon' by National Healthcare Achievers, `Indian of the Year (Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery)' by Indian Affairs Group, Mumbai, `Ranked No.1 in National Ranking for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery' by Times of India Group, `Iconic Plastic Surgery & Hair Restoration Clinic in Mumbai' by Midday, and `Honorary Award for Contribution to Hair Transplant' by IMCAS World Congress, Paris.Moreover, he has had several renowned names as his clients, including Prabhjot Singh (Indian National Hockey Team), Govinda (Actor), J D Majethia (Actor, Director & Producer), and others.Dr Viral is committed to staying at the forefront of hair trans-plantation research and advancements to improve patient outcomes. Respectively, he even attends conferences and participates in continuing medical education programs to keep his knowledge and skills up-to-date. By dedicating time to ongoing education and research, he ensures that his patients benefit from the most advanced, safe, and effective hair transplant techniques available, tailored to their unique needs and goals. A window opened earlier this week offering Montanans more than half a billion in federal dollars to expand the states high-speed internet access. Montanas Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, maintained by the states Department of Administration, began accepting applications this month and will continue to do so through October 15. Combined with federal funds, the state has committed nearly $1 billion to bolster broadband connectivity in one of the most sparsely populated states in the U.S. These are areas that are really difficult for these (telecommunications) companies to reach without some government capital to get things started, said Misty Ann Giles, director of the Department of Administration. Theyre very expensive and theres not a lot of return, because theyre not connecting 1,000 homes. Theyre maybe connecting four homes, she said, likening the states BEAD program to the Rural Electrification Act enacted during the Great Depression and federal water construction projects approved by Congress in the 1960s and '70s. Federal investment jumpstarted those projects, Giles said, and then let the private sector take over. In November 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The bill committed an historic amount of federal support for lagging infrastructure nationwide. Sen. Jon Tester was among the 10 lawmakers who negotiated the bill. Those funds went to national and state programs, the heads of which had to determine how to commit them. In Montana, well over $1 billion has been invested in rehabbing highways and bridges through the BIL. The infrastructure bill also contained funding specifically aimed at expanding broadband internet access. In total, Montana was allocated nearly $629 million for that purpose, along with roughly $309 million in broadband projects approved by Gov. Greg Gianforte in December 2022. The task of determining where and how to invest in Montanas broadband infrastructure fell on the ConnectMT Broadband Office, established in May 2021 and overseen by the Department of Administration. Officials within the department published several volumes documenting the digital divide in Montana. Those findings were sent to the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration as part of the state getting approved for federal funding via the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. Goals outlined by Montanas BEAD program included increasing the access Montanans have to broadband internet, particularly those living in the more rural parts of the state, and the rate at which households subscribed to broadband internet. No single demographic stood out among the households without broadband access, Giles said. Montanas BEAD program identified nearly 87,500 locations that could benefit from broadband access. Its not the '90s, Giles said. Everything you do is online. From paying your taxes, to if you need access to telehealth. Students are starting to access the internet more for classwork. While applications for BEAD funding are mostly geared toward telecommunications providers, Giles said, city, county and tribal governments can also apply. If approved, those who submitted the applications have within four years to complete their projects. CONCORD At 10:35 a.m. the Concord Fire Department responded to a fire at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant at 7801 Gateway Lane in Concord. Firefighters arrived within three minutes to find smoke showing from the roof. The restaurant was open, but no one was injured as firefighters quickly cleared the building. The fire was brought under control by 10:51 a.m., according to a press release from the Concord Fire Department The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Texas Roadhouse corporate officials are coming to the scene to assess the damage. It appears the fire was confined to the hood. Structural damage appears to be minor. Texas Roadhouse said the company hopes to reopen the restaurant quickly. Health inspectors were called, and the restaurant is expected to be closed until further notice. In total, three Engines, three Ladders, one Safety, and two Battalion Chiefs responded with 25 firefighters. Concord Fire was assisted by the Harrisburg Fire Department and Cabarrus County EMS. Preliminary findings indicate that worldwide telecom equipment revenues across the six telecom programsbroadband access, microwave and optical transport, mobile core network (MCN), radio access network (RAN), and SP router and switchdeclined 16% year-over-year in 2Q24, recording a fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit contractions, according to market research firm DellOro Group. DellOro Group described the contractions as the slump that shaped the second half of 2023, extending into the first half of 2024. The firm said that the abysmal results are attributed to excess inventory, weaker demand in China, challenging 5G comparisons, and elevated uncertainty. Regional output deceleration was broad-based in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting slower revenue growth on a year-over-year basis in all regions, including North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific, and CALA (Caribbean and Latin America). {loadposition kenn} Varied momentum in activity in the first half was particularly significant in Chinathe total telecom equipment market in China stumbled in the second quarter, declining 17% year-over-year. The downward pressure was not confined to a specific technology, and initial readings show that all six telecom programs declined in the second quarter. In addition to the wireless programs (RAN and MCN), which are still impacted by slower 5G deployments, spending on SP Routers fell by a third in 2Q24. Supplier rankings were mostly unchanged. The top seven suppliers in 1H24 accounted for 80% of the worldwide telecom equipment market and included Huawei, Nokia, Ericsson, ZTE, Cisco, Ciena, and Samsung. Huawei and ZTE combined gained nearly three percentage points of share between 2023 and 1H24. Supplier positions differ slightly when we exclude the Chinese market. Even with the ongoing efforts by the US government to curb Huaweis rise, Huawei is still well positioned in the broader telecom equipment market, excluding China, which is up roughly two percentage points relative to 2019 levels. Even with the second half expected to account for 54% of full-year revenues, market conditions are expected to remain challenging in 2024. DellOro Groups team forecasts global telecom equipment revenues to contract by eight to 10% in 2024, down from the 4% decline in 2023. CHICAGO As the most solidly Democratic state in the otherwise politically swingy Upper Midwest, Illinois has come to embody what U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth describes as "the rebar in the Blue Wall." But that wasn't always the case, as Gov. JB Pritzker was quick to remind the state's delegates Monday when they met for breakfast on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The four-day event will serve as an opportunity for party leaders to rally and make the case to America for their nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, as she seeks to defeat former President Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 election. Republicans held their convention last month in Milwaukee. "It seems crazy, but it's true that when I serve out just the end of this second term, I will be the longest-serving Democratic governor in the history of Illinois," Pritzker told Illinois delegates on Monday, adding that the state has had more years under Republican leadership in the past 50 years than not. Pritzker, a billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune who was first elected in 2018, hinted that a third term may be in his future at least if he's given the OK by First Lady MK Pritzker. "Not suggesting that I want to try to beat Jim Thompson's 14-year record," Pritzker said, referring to Illinois' longest-tenured Republican governor, who served from 1977 to 1991. "My wife's not here. I don't want anybody talking to her about this, but she is my term limit. So if all of you want to talk to her, convince her one way or another, by the way, you're welcome to do that." With 2026 on the horizon, Pritzker's next move has been on the minds of many Illinois political observers in recent weeks. In addition to the next gubernatorial election, that year could see a potentially competitive U.S. Senate race if longtime Democratic incumbent Dick Durbin decides to retire. Pritzker has gone to lengths to increase his national profile in recent years and many believe he harbors future presidential ambitions. He was also among a half-dozen candidates who sat for vice presidential vetting interviews before Harris eventually chose another Midwestern governor, Minnesota's Tim Walz, to be her running mate. If Harris wins, Pritzker could be in line to receive a Cabinet post in her administration, though he told reporters earlier this month that it was "not something I've contemplated." Pritzker also said he had not yet given thought to a possible reelection campaign when asked at an event in Springfield earlier this month. But Illinois elected officials and delegates, including Duckworth and House Speaker Chris Welch, D-Hillside, said they hope the governor sticks around and runs for another term. "I think it means stability; I think it means continued progress," Welch said of a prospective third Pritzker term. "We will continue to move Illinois forward," Welch said. "The governor has said those comments to me several times before, so Ive had an opportunity to kind of lobby his wife a few times and say, Hey, Id love for him to go for a third term. "And I think I got a smile and a wink and an OK that he can do that. And so Im certainly hoping that he continues to be our governor." Duckworth said she would "urge him to run again," calling him "a real partner" while crediting him for shoring up the state's finances and making it "a bastion for reproductive healthcare." With Democratic supermajorities in the legislature, Pritzker has been able to muscle through major progressive initiatives such as raising the minimum wage, legalizing recreational marijuana, ending cash bail and enacting an ambitious climate agenda aiming to get the state to 100% renewable energy generation by 2050. If Pritzker gives it a third go-round, he would be a heavy favorite, likely facing no serious opposition in the Democratic primary and, in the general election, a candidate from an Illinois Republican Party at its weakest point in a generation. He would also have essentially unlimited financial resources at his disposal. Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea said that Pritzker's record is a strong one to stand on if he decides to run again. "I think when we lay JB Pritzker's record for working families out on the table, it would be pretty persuasive to say, 'go again,'" Drea said. Pritzker was one of more than a half-dozen speakers who addressed the more than 175 Illinois Democratic delegates to the convention. He also made speaking appearances at the Florida and Pennsylvania delegation breakfasts on Monday. As host-state governor, Pritzker will feature prominently over the next week. He is expected to make about a dozen or so appearances before other state delegations, said spokeswoman Christina Amestoy. On Monday, he along with Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin greeted President Joe Biden when he arrived in Chicago ahead of his Monday speech to convention delegates. Pritzker is expected to address delegates on Tuesday. Later that evening, the governor and his wife, MK, will host a private event at The Salt Shed featuring John Legend. On Wednesday, Pritzker will headline a panel discussion organized by Think Big America, a group he created to support abortion rights in states where the issue is on the ballot. Among the surprise speakers at the Illinois breakfast on Monday was Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz, who shared anecdotes about teaching at a school in Nebraska with her now-husband, Democratic vice presidential nominee . Surprise speaker this morning: Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz. pic.twitter.com/ogtDmKsdKT Brenden Moore (@brendenmoore13) August 19, 2024 "We pitch in and we help each other out," Gwen Walz said. "And one of the things I love most about Tim is that he believes in his very core so strongly that every child deserves a chance to get ahead. And as I've watched Vice President Harris and gotten to know her even better bus tours in Pennsylvania will do that for you I know she shares that also." U.S. Sen. Cory Booker also addressed Illinois Democrats, incorporating some "dad jokes" as he referenced controversial past remarks of Trump's running mate, JD Vance. During a 2021 interview, the U.S. senator from Ohio described Harris and some other prominent Democrats without biological children as "childless cat ladies" with "no direct stake" in America. "Now, I happen to be part of those childless cat people in America," Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, told the Illinois delegates on Monday. "I see some others in this room. You all are cat-tastic. You all are claw-esome. These dad jokes are purrrfect." On a more solemn note, Booker recalled a past interaction with Harris following the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. He said that Harris urged him and Sen. Rafael Warnock to write a letter to a young Black girl in their lives to mark the historic nature of the event. He then urged delegates to "write" their own letters through action. "The letter that we write that is most profound is a letter we write with the actions that we take every single day," Booker said. "And so I want to tell you, Illinois, that all of us have to decide. "What letter are we going to write for these next consequential 80 days in American history?" Photos: Protesters march, Harris lands in Chicago before DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Election 2024 DNC Vice President Kamala Harris and other party leaders arrived in Chicago on Sunday for the Democratic National Convention, while protesters held the first of multiple demonstrations planned during the event. When Devin Petrzilka went into labor with her first baby, she didnt expect to leave the hospital traumatized. The baby had passed stool while still in her uterus, which led her doctors to give her Pitocin, a drug that aids labor by strengthening contractions. But what followed was a miserable, traumatic labor that left her wishing her first birthing experience had been much, much different. When she was pregnant with her second child, she had more of a plan, and knew exactly what she didnt want: Pitocin. But when labor began, her doctors told her she would likely need the drug again because she wasnt contracting regularly enough. Which was devastating for me, she said. That was a big deal to me, that I wanted to avoid Pitocin at all costs. Her labor ended up progressing quickly enough that she was able to avoid the medicine, but regardless, she left the hospital with severe postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, which she largely attributes to her lack of birth satisfaction for a second time in a row. So with our third, I knew I wanted something different, said Petrzilka, who lives in Hickman. I wanted someone that would respect me as a woman and my baby and that is what I found at the Birth Center. There, she felt comfortable, heard and empowered. Her birth plan had been followed precisely, and she was constantly reassured that she was capable of pushing through the pain. It felt more women-focused, too, like she mattered just as much as her baby, Petrzilka said. Her experience at CHI Healths Lincoln Birth Center, where women have access to certified nurse midwives, was exactly what she had been searching for following her first two deliveries. She returned for her fourth, too, and would have planned to go back if she ever found herself pregnant again. But, now, she wouldnt be able to, and neither will any woman in Nebraska. In late July, CHI Health announced plans to no longer allow women to give birth at the Birth Center, which has been open since 2017, after reportedly seeing a decrease in the number of women who weren't eligible for delivery outside of the hospital. The final day of deliveries at the center will be Aug. 31. The health system said in a statement in July that a big reason the center is closing to births is because a high percentage of women who wish to deliver there are forced to give birth at CHI Health St. Elizabeth instead due to the high-risk nature of their pregnancies. CHI Health said it had its highest-ever number of births at the center in 2023. However, only one in five women who were under the care of a midwife or 19% were actually able to deliver there. So far this year, only 14% of women were able to give birth at the center. The health system did not provide exact numbers of births. Women can continue to receive prenatal and postpartum care at the Birth Center, and midwife deliveries will still be available at St. Elizabeth. Women will also still have access to water births and other low-intervention options at the hospital. "We know moms want access to the birth experience they desire. We are providing that in a different location at St. Elizabeth," the health system said in a statement. "We continue to be committed to providing compassionate care to moms and babies in our community. " But some women say it isnt enough. Since the decision was announced, hundreds of women in Southeast Nebraska have been lobbying against the decision by taking to social media and signing a Change.org petition to reinstate birthing options at the center. As of Friday afternoon, more than 900 people, including people who had previously given birth at the center, certified nurse midwives and others who just wanted to share their support, had signed the digital petition. When Petrzilka heard the news, she was instantly upset, she said. Honestly, I was pretty disgusted. That was my gut reaction, because it was like how are we going backwards? It's 2024, and we're going backwards, she said. So I was disgusted. I was shocked. I was sad, especially for the moms that are seven eight months pregnant, and now have had to change everything about their birth plan. In Nebraska, its illegal for certified nurse midwives to attend at-home births, which is part of why the Birth Center was such an important facet of the community for mothers, Petrzilka said. The center allowed women to access the more holistic approach midwives take to labor and delivery without having to give birth at home without a certified medical provider or have a traditional hospital birth. Birth is life changing, she said, and the Birth Center was something of a safe haven for her after her first two traumatic deliveries. Having an empowering experience while giving birth helped her heal some of the trauma she faced. To have places that are also focused on the person that is giving birth, and to be able to have that be an amazing experience, sets a mom up so much better than traumatic experiences, she said. For Chantel Hovermale of Lincoln, the center allowed her to have a peaceful and relaxing delivery after previously giving birth to two babies at the hospital. There were no harsh lights or beeping monitors, which eased her longtime fear of hospitals, she said. At the center, women had the opportunity to personalize their delivery experiences. They could do water births, lay in real beds, dim the lights or turn on music. It feels more like home, Hovermale said. Alison Tvrdy, who gave birth to one of her four children at the Birth Center, said she felt really sad about CHIs decision, not only because it meant many mothers who planned to give birth there soon would be forced to change their plans last minute, but because it meant mothers would no longer have this as an option. Having the opportunity to give birth at the center allowed mothers more power over their bodies and birth stories, and without it, women are losing some of their right to choose what they feel is the best delivery option for themselves, Tvrdy said. I think that women for so long have been stripped of their autonomy, especially when it comes to their body and reproductive rights, she said. And I think just that little bit of grace that we were getting by being able to have a baby outside of the hospital, that was a big step for us. And now it's like we're taking this giant step back, and it kind of makes you wonder how many more steps back we're going to take. Top Journal Star photos for August 2024 So, about that casino revenue ... At the public hearing on the mayors proposed biennial budget, Jane Kinsey whos been a vigilant observer and often a critic of city government at least since the development of Pinnacle Bank Arena criticized the citys proposed use of casino revenue. She said the citys plans to use the revenue for affordable housing, park and playground improvements, the development of South Haymarket Park and to support early childhood education wasnt in keeping with the Legislatures promise that the money be used to lower property taxes. Thats not entirely true, but how that money is being used isn't exactly how the drafters of the legislation intended it to be used. Seventy percent of casino revenue goes to the states property tax relief fund. Another 2.5% goes to the state general fund and 2.5% to the states Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund. The remaining 25% is split between the city and county governments where a casino is located. City officials said in an email that those dollars arent restricted and are available for a wide variety of community needs. Thats true. But Lynne McNally, chief executive officer of the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, who helped draft the legislation, said the original intent of directing money to cities and counties was to cover increased costs a casino might generate for services such as transportation, police and fire. Cities and counties are often upset by unfunded mandates coming from the Legislature, she said, and they didnt want to be responsible for one. Its not binding because we didnt spell it out in statute, but our intention was to pay for firefighters, additional bus lines, things like that, she said. We had not intended it to go to a park in some other neighborhood. The council ultimately has authority to spend it any way they want. In Lincoln, she said, casino officials were hoping to see an additional bus line to the casino in the proposed budget so anyone could work for the casino, even if they dont have a car. She said she intended to speak to the council, but at this point, hasn't had the time because of the opening of the casino in Omaha and the Nebraska Legislature's special session. In Grand Island, casino taxes revenues went into the general fund to help keep the tax levy flat, said City Administrator Laura McAloon. Lancaster County last year directed about $1.2 million of casino taxes into federal road projects to help meet federal matching requirements, said Budget Officer Dennis Meyer. This year, the County Board decided to split the money between infrastructure improvements and to help with early childhood education grants. Meyer said earmarking money for specific programs was a good way to help explain to taxpayers how casino revenues are being spent, and roads infrastructure is such a huge need. He said the money helped to generate additional match dollars so more available federal dollars would come to Lancaster Countys road projects. At this point, the money generated for cities and counties is not really enough to move the needle on property tax relief, but once casinos are fully operational it could, he said. Mayor's former chief of staff Jennifer Williams, who was the mayors chief of staff for her first term, is working for her old boss again. Williams, who left the mayors office in May 2023, now works for the lobbying and consulting firm American Communications Group. The city contracts with the company for state lobbying and project management and has two current contracts with it, one with Williams, city officials said in an email. Williams, who resigned as chief of staff in 2023, will get $80,000 for a years work. Her experience in building and development includes working for a private real estate company called Tetrad Property Group and her work on the development of Pinnacle Bank Arena, city officials said. The contract with Williams began in May to work on the citys downtown corridors project, including the music district, public safety improvements, library service enhancements and other projects that go beyond day-to-day services, according to an email from city officials. Library bond issue Speaking of library service enhancements, it looks like city officials are considering a $75 million bond issue for library services in 2026. The citys capital improvement program, which lists all the capital projects the city is planning and those to be budgeted for in the next two years, includes $75 million in general obligation bonds in 2026. The projects listed that year include a downtown central library ($70 million), library branch improvements ($15 million) and near-term library improvements ($250,000 in both 2025 and 2026). Funding sources for those projects include the general obligation bonds, $10 million in other financing and $250,000 in general revenues. Discussions about building a new central library downtown have been going on for well over a decade, long before Ryan Wieber replaced longtime library director Pat Leach. In 2021, the city hired consultants to survey residents and come up with a design and cost estimates and came up with a preferred location where Pershing Auditorium stood for 66 years. But because of the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, Leach decided to push back plans to float a bond issue until at least the 2025-26 fiscal year. Then Wieber took the job and started the conversation again, but he wanted to look at the needs of the entire system. He worked with the same consultants to restart a process that involved surveying residents and considering improvements to branch locations. In February, the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries launched an online poll to test the waters for a $70 million bond issue to update and expand the Anderson branch in northeast Lincoln, Gere branch in southeast Lincoln and replace Bennett Martin Library downtown as well as improve services systemwide. It also polled residents on how they felt about a $90 million bond that would include a new neighborhood branch in southeast Lincoln. It seems theyve settled on $75 million, though Wieber stressed its in the CIP as part of the planning process. I would say we dont know where the funds are coming from at this point, but we want to make sure its part of the planning, he said. Theres nothing specific I can say, but its significant to say its in the second year of the CIP, which will allow us the ability to do more community engagement and identify the best solution for our downtown and branch locations. The city has other funding issues on the horizon that could involve asking for voters' support: The citys quarter-cent sales tax to provide more funding for street improvements ends in September 2025. Study of Youth Services Center The Lancaster County Board is planning to do a study of the Youth Services Center to see what space, structural or mechanical needs might need to be addressed. The board will vote in the coming weeks on a $73,675 contract with Sinclair Hille to do the study on space needs as well as any needed mechanical or structural upgrades to the 23-year-old building. The county built the center, 1200 Radcliff St., in 2001 to hold young people facing or convicted of criminal charges in juvenile or adult court after outgrowing the space they had been using. Several years ago the county moved the emergency management center to a portion of the building and in 2019, the county began leasing space to the state to house some young people after state facilities in Geneva and Kearney closed. County Commissioner Christa Yoakum said the number of young people the county is housing there is up a little, but the issue is more about how the space is used. For instance, she said, the way young people are classified means some young people cant be housed together. Young people in different gangs, for instance, cant be housed together, or those facing more serious charges may need to be separated from others. The number of young people facing charges in adult court also has increased, and they are staying for longer periods. Theres also a big reception area that could be used for other purposes. The study also will look at the condition of the building and its mechanical systems, as well as compliance with codes and ADA requirements. Top Journal Star photos for August 2024 The world may look different for K-12 students returning to Nebraska classrooms this month because of a new state law. The law, passed earlier this year, bans public schools from using Mercator projection maps, a common type of world map that distorts the sizes of continents and countries. The law allows exceptions for previously purchased materials and for lessons involving multiple types of maps. State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha proposed the legislation, arguing that Mercator projection maps, widely used in schools, have given generations of students a misleading understanding of the world. The maps make areas closer to the North and South poles appear larger in comparison to areas closer to the Equator. As a result, Alaska appears to be the same size as Australia, which is actually more than four times larger. Great Britain appears to be the same size as Madagascar, which is twice as big. And Greenland looks roughly the same size as Africa, which is 14 times larger and is big enough to fit the United States, Mexico, Europe, China and India combined. When you look at these maps, we are truly giving a false impression of what the world looks like, Wayne said at the public hearing on his bill. And I think, at a basic level, we should at least be honest with kids about what the world looks like. Rex Cammack, a cartographer who chairs the Geography/Geology Department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said all maps have flaws because they are two-dimensional representations of a three-dimensional world. He compared the job of a mapmaker to a person trying to flatten out an orange peel. There are various ways of attempting mapmaking but none can avoid all distortions. Each type of map, or projection, involves trade-offs of angles, areas, directions, shapes and distances. The statutes well intended, Cammack said. Understanding how we present our world to ourselves is complex. The map is the language by which we start to explain the differences in our world. The Mercator projection, named after Gerardus Mercator, the 16th-century Flemish cartographer who created it, does well at showing shapes and directions. It was developed and became widely used to help sailors navigate the world. Google Maps still uses it because it works well for navigating city streets and other small areas. But the projection makes the world appear like a rectangle, with the North and South Poles stretching the same length across the paper as the Equator. That makes northern countries larger than those in the tropics and subtropics. Coupled with the common practice of putting western Europe at the center of world maps, the projection reinforced political and social views that diminished the importance of countries and peoples in Asia, Africa and South America, Wayne said. Cammack said map projections have been used for propaganda purposes, such as making the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics appear bigger and more fearsome. People pick these projections to strengthen a point, usually, he said, adding: We need to teach people more about how to understand maps and understand place. As alternatives to the Mercator projection, Nebraskas new law requires schools to use the Gall-Peters projection map, the AuthaGraph projection map or another equal-area projection map. Close Gall-Peters projection The Gall-Peters projection was created by James Gall and Arno Peters in 1855. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gall%E2%80%93Peters_projection_SW.jpg AuthaGraph projection The Hammer retroazimuthal projection was created by Hajime Narukawa in 1999. Date of map: November 12, 2021 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Projection_AuthaGraph.png Mercator projection The Mercator projection was created by Gerardus Mercator in 1569. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercator_projection_SW.jpg Robinson projection The Robinson projection was created by Arthur H. Robinson in 1963. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robinson_projection_SW.jpg Armadillo projection The Armadillo projection was created by Erwin Raisz in 1943. Date of map: September 27, 2014 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Armadillo_projection_SW.JPG Strebe 1995 projection The Strebe 1995 projection was created by cartographer Daniel Strebe in 1995. Date of map: July 3, 2015 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Strebe_1995_11E_SW.jpg Equirectangular projection The equirectangular projection was created by Marinus of Tyre c. 120. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Equirectangular_projection_SW.jpg GaussKruger projection The GaussKruger projection was created by Carl Friedrich Gauss and Johann Heinrich Louis Kruger in 1822. Date of map: February 4, 2018 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ellipsoidal_transverse_Mercator_projection_SW.jpg Hierarchical Equal Area isoLatitude Pixelisation projection The HEALPix projection was created by Krzysztof M. Gorski in 1997. Date of map: December 18, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HEALPix_projection_SW.svg Take a look at several different map projections Gall-Peters projection The Gall-Peters projection was created by James Gall and Arno Peters in 1855. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gall%E2%80%93Peters_projection_SW.jpg AuthaGraph projection The Hammer retroazimuthal projection was created by Hajime Narukawa in 1999. Date of map: November 12, 2021 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Projection_AuthaGraph.png Mercator projection The Mercator projection was created by Gerardus Mercator in 1569. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercator_projection_SW.jpg Robinson projection The Robinson projection was created by Arthur H. Robinson in 1963. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robinson_projection_SW.jpg Armadillo projection The Armadillo projection was created by Erwin Raisz in 1943. Date of map: September 27, 2014 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Armadillo_projection_SW.JPG Strebe 1995 projection The Strebe 1995 projection was created by cartographer Daniel Strebe in 1995. Date of map: July 3, 2015 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Strebe_1995_11E_SW.jpg Equirectangular projection The equirectangular projection was created by Marinus of Tyre c. 120. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Equirectangular_projection_SW.jpg GaussKruger projection The GaussKruger projection was created by Carl Friedrich Gauss and Johann Heinrich Louis Kruger in 1822. Date of map: February 4, 2018 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ellipsoidal_transverse_Mercator_projection_SW.jpg Hierarchical Equal Area isoLatitude Pixelisation projection The HEALPix projection was created by Krzysztof M. Gorski in 1997. Date of map: December 18, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HEALPix_projection_SW.svg All do a better job of showing the comparative size of countries and continents, although the Gall-Peters projection distorts the shape of areas, while the AuthaGraph version distorts distance and direction. Cammack said he prefers the Equal Earth projection, which shows accurate sizes and minimizes distortions of shape and distance. At the hearing, Charles Riesdel, a Beatrice Public Schools board member, objected to the proposal in part because of the flaws inherent in all maps and in part because of concerns about the Legislature directing curriculum. State mandates such as this do not respect Nebraskas philosophy of local control, he said. Please leave it to the teacher to decide which map is most appropriate for their particular purpose. Jack Moles, executive director for the Nebraska Rural and Community Schools Association, said superintendents at member schools have similar concerns about legislative overreach in areas typically left to local boards and the state Department of Education. At the same time, superintendents told him the law would not change the way maps are used in their districts. They said their teachers already talk to students about the ways in which flat maps distort sizes, distances and shapes of different areas and that some use online projections that help show and explain the distortions. The law does not require districts to get rid of or replace books and materials bought before the law took effect. Nor does it change state standards, which call for high school students to be able to evaluate geographical information sources, such as the strengths and weaknesses of various maps. Omaha Public Schools replaced and upgraded older materials at all grade levels using federal COVID-19 relief funds, according to spokeswoman Bridget Blevins. She said the new material does not include Mercator maps and staff were to inventory and remove any existing material that did not comply with the law. In Lincoln Public Schools, spokeswoman Mindy Burbach said the district has recommended teachers use the Gall-Peters Map in conjunction with the Mercator Map, which may still appear in textbooks printed and purchased prior to July. "Both the teachers and district departments understand and are committed to the fact that moving forward, we will purchase the Gall-Peters Map instead of the Mercator Map," Burbach said in an email. "We will continue to support our teachers to make sure that the new guidelines are implemented effectively." State education officials have provided guidance for schools about implementing the new law, along with links to downloadable maps and to a map tutorial created by the GIS Research & Map Collection at Ball State University Libraries in Indiana. Lincoln Journal Star reporter Jenna Ebbers contributed to this story. Close Gall-Peters projection The Gall-Peters projection was created by James Gall and Arno Peters in 1855. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gall%E2%80%93Peters_projection_SW.jpg AuthaGraph projection The Hammer retroazimuthal projection was created by Hajime Narukawa in 1999. Date of map: November 12, 2021 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Projection_AuthaGraph.png Mercator projection The Mercator projection was created by Gerardus Mercator in 1569. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercator_projection_SW.jpg Robinson projection The Robinson projection was created by Arthur H. Robinson in 1963. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robinson_projection_SW.jpg Armadillo projection The Armadillo projection was created by Erwin Raisz in 1943. Date of map: September 27, 2014 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Armadillo_projection_SW.JPG Strebe 1995 projection The Strebe 1995 projection was created by cartographer Daniel Strebe in 1995. Date of map: July 3, 2015 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Strebe_1995_11E_SW.jpg Equirectangular projection The equirectangular projection was created by Marinus of Tyre c. 120. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Equirectangular_projection_SW.jpg GaussKruger projection The GaussKruger projection was created by Carl Friedrich Gauss and Johann Heinrich Louis Kruger in 1822. Date of map: February 4, 2018 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ellipsoidal_transverse_Mercator_projection_SW.jpg Hierarchical Equal Area isoLatitude Pixelisation projection The HEALPix projection was created by Krzysztof M. Gorski in 1997. Date of map: December 18, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HEALPix_projection_SW.svg Take a look at several different map projections Gall-Peters projection The Gall-Peters projection was created by James Gall and Arno Peters in 1855. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gall%E2%80%93Peters_projection_SW.jpg AuthaGraph projection The Hammer retroazimuthal projection was created by Hajime Narukawa in 1999. Date of map: November 12, 2021 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Projection_AuthaGraph.png Mercator projection The Mercator projection was created by Gerardus Mercator in 1569. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercator_projection_SW.jpg Robinson projection The Robinson projection was created by Arthur H. Robinson in 1963. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robinson_projection_SW.jpg Armadillo projection The Armadillo projection was created by Erwin Raisz in 1943. Date of map: September 27, 2014 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Armadillo_projection_SW.JPG Strebe 1995 projection The Strebe 1995 projection was created by cartographer Daniel Strebe in 1995. Date of map: July 3, 2015 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Strebe_1995_11E_SW.jpg Equirectangular projection The equirectangular projection was created by Marinus of Tyre c. 120. Date of map: August 15, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Equirectangular_projection_SW.jpg GaussKruger projection The GaussKruger projection was created by Carl Friedrich Gauss and Johann Heinrich Louis Kruger in 1822. Date of map: February 4, 2018 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ellipsoidal_transverse_Mercator_projection_SW.jpg Hierarchical Equal Area isoLatitude Pixelisation projection The HEALPix projection was created by Krzysztof M. Gorski in 1997. Date of map: December 18, 2011 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HEALPix_projection_SW.svg EVENTS Pub Quiz @ Cunninghams Journal, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Tuesday at Cunninghams Journal at 15 W. 23rd St. Presented by Kearney Public Library. The theme is Thats All. A Meryl Streep Movies Quiz. Teams will answer 30 trivia questions. The team with the most correct answers will win a prize. Devices and notes are not allowed to help answer questions. Register by emailing James at JTidei@KearneyGov.org. Blue Gold Welcome, 5-8 p.m. Friday Aug. 23 at UNK Campus Green. The event celebrates the beginning of the school year for the University of Nebraska at Kearney. More than 100 student groups and organizations will provide information about the events at UNK during 2024-25 school years. Includes a picnic dinner. Free admission. Nebraska State Fair, Aug. 23 through Sept. 2 at the Nebraska State Fairground at 700 E. Stolley Park Rd., Grand Island. 308-382-4515; Visit StateFair.org for a schedule and more information. . Loper Lot Party, 4-9 p.m. Aug. 28 at Hilltop Mall parking lot at 5022 Second Ave. The event will feature food trucks, games, a DJ and a drone show. Presented by UNKs Student and Family Transitions. Free admission. For details call Kelly Tuttle Krahling at 308-865-1603 or visit UNK.edu. Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale? with comedian Kelly Swanson, presented as part of the Tassel Performance Season, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at The Tassel Performing Arts Center at 1324 Tilden St., Holdrege. 308-995-2717; TheTassel.org. Grandparents Day, presented by Kearney Park & Recreation, 1-3 p.m. Sept. 8 beginning at the Harmon Park Activity Center at 3100 Fifth Ave. $8 per participant. Crafts and activities will be geared for children ages 4-12 but all ages are welcome. Register by Aug. 29. Visit CityOfKearney.org for details and registration. Memoir Writing Workshop with author and poet Bruce Whitacre, noon Sept. 10 at Kearney Public Library at 2020 First Ave. 308-233-3282; KearneyLib.org. $10 fee includes lunch. Register in advance. Poetry Reading with Bruce Whitacre, 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Kearney Public Library at 2020 First Ave. 308-233-3282; KearneyLib.org. The writer is a former Kearney resident. CONCERTS Casting Crowns with special guest, Anne Wilson, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25 Heartland Events Center at 700 E. Stolley Park Rd., Grand Island. 308-382-4515; HeartlandEventsCenter.com. The concert is part of Nebraska State Fair. The concert is sold out. The Gatlin Brothers with Lorrie Morgan, 2 p.m. Aug. 26 Heartland Events Center at 700 E. Stolley Park Rd., Grand Island. 308-382-4515; HeartlandEventsCenter.com. The concert is part of Nebraska State Fair. Tickets are $21. Little River Band, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27 Heartland Events Center at 700 E. Stolley Park Rd., Grand Island. 308-382-4515; HeartlandEventsCenter.com. The concert is part of Nebraska State Fair. Tickets are $25-$50. Riley Green, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28 Heartland Events Center at 700 E. Stolley Park Rd., Grand Island. 308-382-4515; HeartlandEventsCenter.com. The concert is part of Nebraska State Fair. Tickets are $47-$67. Los Huracanes Del Norte, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 Heartland Events Center at 700 E. Stolley Park Rd., Grand Island. 308-382-4515; HeartlandEventsCenter.com. The concert is part of Nebraska State Fair. Turnpike Troubadours, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 TD Landing at 700 E. Stolley Park Rd., Grand Island. 308-382-4515; HeartlandEventsCenter.com. The concert is part of Nebraska State Fair. The band is touring for the first time in three years. Tickets are $75-$90. Yung Gravy with Tayler Holder, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 Heartland Events Center at 700 E. Stolley Park Rd., Grand Island. 308-382-4515; HeartlandEventsCenter.com. The concert is part of Nebraska State Fair. Tickets are $46-$67. Jack Botts, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at The Lark at 809 W. Second St., Hastings. 402-469-5446; TheLarkDowntown.com. Admission is $35. Botts will perform his latest song, Hand-Me-Down Heart. The Phil Collins Experience, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Minden Opera House at 322 E. Fifth St., Minden. 308-832-0588; MindenOperaHouse.com. Tickets are $35. The performance features Terry Adams Jr. and a 12-piece band. To list an item, please email to: Rick@YardLightMedia.com When officials announced earlier this month that the state had approved $9 million to replace the deteriorating Capitol Square building that houses the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, the owners of the building said the state left out one important detail: The building isnt for sale. The propertys four owners maintain the state lost its option to purchase the building after it was late in making a rent payment last fall. Instead, the owners say, they are moving ahead with plans to replace the building themselves with a 12-story, 97-apartment building after the states lease expires in late 2025. If the state wishes to keep the Veterans Museum where it is today, they say, it can make use of the first few floors. The museum can either lease or purchase the box that will house the museum, with the museum occupying the first three floors with their own separate entrance, Greg Rice, CEO of Executive Management Inc., the company that manages the property, said in a statement last week. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs wants to demolish the existing structure at 22 and 30 W. Mifflin St. and build a striking new museum at the site. A preliminary five-story, $140 million design released more than a year ago would allow the museum to feature much more than the 3% of its collection on display today. The Department of Veterans Affairs has leased space in the building for more than three decades. In 2005, the Department of Administration entered into a lease amendment with the then-owner on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs that gave the state the option to buy the building, according to filings with the State Building Commission, which voted Aug. 7 to approve the acquisition. Under the terms of that amendment, which the DOA shared with the Wisconsin State Journal, the state has the right to buy the building at least six months before the end of the lease, as long as it is not in default. The amendment also outlines a process for determining a fair purchase price, including up to three appraisals. The states appraisal came in at $9.1 million. But the property owners Madison Real Estate Properties, Madison East Shopping Center LLP, 30 West Mifflin LLC and Mainsail Development LLC maintain that the option to purchase became void when the state was late on rent in November and December of last year and the owners declared the state in default. According to letters that the DOA sent to the property owners, the state didnt pay its November rent on time because the check request had not been fully processed by its internal payment system. The state mailed the check on Nov. 7. It sent Decembers rent at the same time as a showing of good faith, Sanjay Olson, an agency administrator, said in one of the letters. One day later, on Nov. 8, the DOA received a notice to terminate from the property owners that declared the state was in default on the lease and ordered the state to vacate the premises. The state received its November and December rent checks back from the property owners, uncashed, on Nov. 21. In a letter dated Nov. 29, Olson told the property owners that the state was resending both checks prior to the Dec. 1 deadline for Decembers rent. That payment was ultimately accepted. Terrence Wall, who is president and CEO of development firm T. Wall Enterprises and who owns a stake in the Veterans Museum property through his company 30 West Mifflin LLC, said the checks were returned because the owners had already declared the state in default on the lease. The property owners are now waiting for the lease to expire before they proceed with redevelopment, Wall said. The owners have no intention of selling the property, and certainly not for $9 million, and have expressly communicated that to the State and the Department of Veterans Affairs, they said in their statement. The states announcement that it had authorized the purchase of the building was premature and an attempt to take the property without appropriate compensation, they said. The state contends it paid the overdue rent promptly enough that the lease cannot be legally terminated. The fact that you chose to return those payments does not change the fact that these leases are currently in good standing, Olson said in the Nov. 29 letter. We plan to move forward with exercising the purchase option for the future construction of a new Wisconsin Veterans Museum, DOA spokesperson Tatyana Warrick said in an email to the State Journal last week. The agency disputes any claims by the lessor that suggest there has been any default of the lease agreements, Warrick said, and we further believe the lessor has no legal basis to terminate these leases at this time. A new study provides evidence that Mars contains a large ocean deep beneath its surface. The finding is based on data collected by the InSight Lander, a robotic explorer operated by the American space agency NASA. InSight, which landed in 2018, was designed to capture data from within the planets interior. The lander ended its operations on Mars in late 2022. For the current study, researchers used seismic data collected by InSight. The team examined the data to study Martian quake activity. Seismic activity on Mars happens in the form of marsquakes. NASA says InSight had recorded more than 1,300 marsquakes. The device InSight uses to measure ground movements is called a seismometer. NASA specially designed the lander and its instruments to be extremely sensitive for the Martian environment. The seismic data suggests liquid water exists deep beneath the ground where InSight operated from. Since water is considered necessary to support life, scientists say the presence of it on Mars leaves open the possibility that some form of life might exist, or existed there in the past. Numerous past studies have also provided evidence that liquid water could exist on Mars. Scientists have already uncovered evidence that about 3 billion years ago, the surface of Mars likely had an active system of lakes, rivers and oceans Mars is believed to have lost its surface water as its atmosphere thinned. This likely turned the planet into the dry, dusty world it is today. Scientists have theorized that much of the ancient water escaped out into space or remained buried under the surface. Water below Martian crust Vashan Wright is an assistant professor of Geophysics at the University of California San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He helped lead the research. Wright told The Associated Press the data suggests liquid water sits between 11 to 20 kilometers down in the Martian crust. He added that the water likely moved down from the surface billions of years ago when water is believed to have flowed freely on Mars. The researchers combined computer models with the seismic data collected by InSight to reach their findings. They said the data showed the water is likely contained in a deep layer of igneous rock beneath the Martian surface. Igneous rock is formed from magma, a very hot liquid rock that has cooled. Wright and his team recently reported their results in a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In a statement to Reuters news agency, Wright said, "On Earth what we know is where it is wet enough and there are enough sources of energy, there is microbial life very deep in Earths subsurface." He added that the data suggests "the ingredients for life as we know it may exist in the Martian subsurface. The researchers said the InSight lander operated around the planets Elysium Planitia area, near the equator. They believe the area is representative of the rest of Mars. The study suggests enough water exists below the surface to form a planet-wide ocean about 1 to 2 kilometers deep. Better understanding of Martian water cycles There is currently no way to confirm the studys suggested existence of liquid water because it sits so far beneath the Martian surface. Such a confirmation would require large drills and other specialized equipment. But Wright said in a statement that for now, researchers can use the newly examined data to gain a better understanding of Martian water cycles. This can help scientists improve their knowledge about the planets climate as well as the development of the Martian surface and interior. Wright noted the latest findings could also help guide researchers in where to look for further evidence of possible life forms on Mars. "Im inspired and I hope the public is also inspired," Wright said about the study results. "Humans can work together to put instruments on a planet and try to understand whats going on there." Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters, UC Berkeley News and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Quiz - New Study Suggests Mars Has Large Underground Ocean Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _____________________________________________ Words in This Story interior n. the inside part of something seismic adj. relating to or caused by an earthquake crust n. a hard, dry layer of the surface of something layer n. an amount of something covering a surface ingredient n. a part of something that makes it successful drill v. to use a tool or machine to make holes in a hard substance cycle n. a series of events that happen in a particular order and are often repeated inspire v. to make someone feel that they want to do something and can do it From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. After 13 years of marriage, Bethany Meola admits that she and her husband can get caught up in their busy lives. They are raising three children and they both have careers. So, they make sure to take time every day for a six-second kiss. The six-second kiss is a daily exercise suggested by couples therapists John and Julie Gottman. It is as simple as it sounds. They say taking time each day for a six-second kiss can help connect you physically and emotionally with your partner. Its kind of a funny thing to put on the to-do list, Meola said. She first learned of the exercise while studying for a masters degree that centered on marriage and family. It made a difference, Meola said. Its long enough to kind of ground you and say, Heres this other person that I love, that Ive committed to. Why does six seconds matter? Married in 1987, Julie and John Gottman co-founded the Gottman Institute to teach couples therapy. John Gottman also wrote The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work and other books. John Gottman told the Associated Press that six seconds is not just a number. It comes from studying more than 3,000 couples over 30 years. The Gottmans found that a six-second kiss is enough to help release oxytocin. Oxytocin is a natural substance that is produced by the body. The substance is widely believed to help a mother connect with her newborn baby. The Gottmans say it also builds trust in a relationship by calming down the fear center of the brain. They also used research by neuro-economist Paul Zak. Zak suggests that a 20-second hug creates the same results. For the 20-second hug or the six-second kiss, its one that really feels different. It feels like youve come home, John Gottman said. Julie Gottman said a long kiss works best for couples who are committed to each other and who trust each other. Couples who are working through personal or marital issues might not be ready for it. How to start But how do you start this type of exercise? Couples have to decide to take time out of their day to put their relationship first. One partner might open the discussion by saying they believe the exercise could bring them closer and it is worth a try. The experts suggest creating a ritual. For example, set aside the same time every day when both are about to leave for work or just before bedtime. Creating a ritual prevents a relationship from becoming one in which the only thing a couple does together is add things "to their very long list of tasks, John Gottman said. We want to really nurture the romance. Rituals also create a shared sense of purpose, Julie Gottman said. However, she reminds people to enjoy it. Do not think of it as something you are supposed to do. And to the couples who say they cannot find the time? She is direct and honest. You really dont have six seconds? You know, were not talking six hours here. Were talking six seconds," she said with a laugh. And thats the Health & Lifestyle report. Im Anna Matteo. Albert Stumm reported this story for The Associated Press. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. _____________________________________________ Words in This Story couple n. two persons married, engaged, or otherwise romantically paired therapist n. an individual specializing in the therapeutic medical treatment of impairment, injury, disease, or disorder committed adj. having made a pledge or commitment to someone (such as a romantic partner) or something (such as a cause) ritual n. an established form for a ceremony task n. a usually assigned piece of work often to be finished within a certain time nurture v. to further the development of romance n. a relationship between two people who are in love with each other The United States Navy has recently deployed new long-range air-to-air missiles in the Indo-Pacific area. The move could take away China's lead in the area, experts say. The AIM-174B is the longest-range air-to-air missile the U.S. has ever fielded. Its deployment was officially acknowledged in July. The AIM-174B can fly several times farther than the next-best U.S. missile, the AIM-120. The AIM-174B does not require new production lines to manufacture and it works with the aircraft of at least one ally, Australia. Missiles can attack long-distance targets The AIM-174B, which can attack aerial targets as far away as 400 kilometers, has a longer range than China's PL-15 missile. The greater range permits U.S. jets to keep threats farther from aircraft carriers. The missile can also safely strike "high-value" targets, such as command-and-control planes, from a greater distance. Chieh Chung is a researcher at the Association of Strategic Foresight, a Taipei-based research group. Chung said, "The United States can ensure the safety of their important assets, such as carrier groups, and launch long-range strikes on PLA targets. PLA stands for People's Liberation Army, Chinas military force. The existing long-range missile for U.S. aircraft, the AIM-120, has a top range of about 150 km. Such a range requires the launching aircraft to fly deeper into disputed territory. As a result, aircraft carriers are at greater risk of anti-ship attacks. Any kind of conflict in the area means the U.S. Navy would have to operate within a few hundred kilometers of its Chinese adversary. Supporting Taiwan in an invasion would pull the Navy in even closer. The AIM-174B changes that situation. A senior U.S. defense technical expert told Reuters, "The big thing is that it lets the United States push in a little bit further" into the South China Sea during a conflict. The expert who declined to be named added, "And it's going to potentially change Chinese behavior because it's going to hold large, slow... aircraft at greater risk." The AIM-174B uses Raytheon's SM-6 missile design. Raytheon declined to comment on how many AIM-174Bs would be produced or if existing SM-6s would be converted. The new AIM-174Bs have been shown on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft, which are operated by both American and Australian militaries. Australia's defense ministry said it "works closely with the U.S. to understand capability options available for Australian consideration." The U.S. Navy said the missile was "operationally deployed." But it declined to comment on whether the AIM-174B would be supplied to allies, whether the AIM-174B would be put onto other aircraft, and how many AIM-174Bs it wanted each year. Im John Russell. Gerry Doyle reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. _______________________________________________ Words in This Story range -- n. the space included or covered; the distance between possible extremes asset n. something useful in an effort to defeat an enemy; a piece of military equipment potentially adv. In a possible state or condition convert v. to change from one form or function to another option -- n. something that may be chosen, such as an alternative course of action Salad with chicken and broccoli is perfect for breakfast. It is nutritious and healthy, so it gives strength during an active day and adds vigor to the body. ADVERTISIMENT And also this dish can be prepared throughout the year, because it does not matter what kind of vegetables you use: fresh or frozen. That's exactly what food blogger Liza Glinska says, who provided a detailed recipe for this incredible salad on her Instagram. Ingredients Chicken fillet - 250 gr Broccoli - 250 gr Hard cheese - 100 g Cherry tomatoes - 100 g Vegetable oil - 20-30 ml Lemon juice - 5-7 ml Preparation method 1. Cut chicken fillet into small pieces add 10 ml of aromatic oil "Oleina" with herbs basil, oregano, rosemary. Salt and fry, you can use boiled chicken. ADVERTISIMENT 2. Cut broccoli into florets, toss in boiling salted water for a few minutes. 3. Transfer to cold water to preserve the rich color of the broccoli. 4. Grate the cottage cheese on a large grater, chop the cherries. 5. Mix all ingredients, salt to taste, season with vegetable oil and splash with lemon juice. As conflict casts a shadow across the Middle East, people are getting rich in Dubai. The desert sheikdoms economy is buzzing with tourism and construction as it positions itself as a safe haven in a region thats resting on a knifes edge following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. Dubai is in a very unique position. We happen to be the net beneficiary of crisis in the region, for good or bad, Zhann Jochinke, the chief operating officer of real estate consultancy Property Monitor, told The Associated Press. Dubai has a long history of indirectly benefiting from crises in the region. When the ultra-wealthy worry about turmoil, the city offers stability, low taxes and a friendly visa system. The current turmoil has situated Dubai to capitalize once again, as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic and Russias invasion of Ukraine. Demand is running red hot in Dubais real estate market, catapulting glitzy properties to record-breaking valuations. Not even historic flooding in April could dampen the bull market. State-backed Emaar Properties, whose name is splashed across Dubais skyline, announced that its development business made $8.1 billion in sales through the first half of the year, up from $5.2 billion over the same time period last year. Across the city, valuations for Dubais upscale villas have set a new record, increasing around 38% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to last year, according to real estate consultancy ValuStrat. The average price for a villa the local term for any freestanding home exceeded $2.7 million for the first time in a decade. Rises in premium apartments are close behind with locations in Palm Jumeirah, a man-made archipelago jutting out into the Persian Sea, already surpassing 2014 peaks. Tariq Shah, the head of sales at Pat & Co., a brokerage firm that deals in high-end properties, said the demand from his clientele seeking to buy has risen exponentially. The demand for luxury is way above the expectation, Shah told the AP. Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport the worlds busiest for international travel saw a record 44.9 million travelers in the first half of this year. Dubai plans to move operations to a nearly $35 billion new airport in the next decade. We are heading for a forecast number for the balance of the year of 91.8 million passengers through DXB, which is again another record for us, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths told the AP. Some 9.3 million tourists visited the global hub through the first half of the year, beating pre-pandemic heights, according to research from the Dubai government-owned bank Emirates NBD. The city states population has grown from 3.2 million in 2018 to nearly 3.7 million in 2024, with an additional 1.1 million who temporarily live in the city or commute there for work each day. The hereditary monarchy seeks to increase Dubais population to 5.8 million by 2040. But some analysts are asking just how long the record-breaking upswing can last. Some warned that an oversupply of housing could eventually slow the market if demand does not keep pace. From 2025 and 2026, there will be a vast new supply of new units that started construction back in 2021, Tatjana Lescova, an analyst at S&P Global, told the AP. It is by that time that essentially we think the new supply will not be fully absorbed by the market, and this could create the cyclical slowdown. Developers have already completed over 6,000 housing units through the first half of the year, and are expected to finish building another 20,000 by the end of the year, according to the state-run WAM news agency. They are big numbers, but theyre being absorbed, said Property Monitors Jochinke. People are buying them. MICHAEL WAKIN, DUBAI, MDT/AP * Beyond the pale Community advisor urges govt to address public pool regulations and overzealous enforcement * Art | Leong Kit Man opens Gongbi paintings exhibition * Real estate faces challenges amidst a 63% sales surge * In the face of the growing global outbreak, the SSM classified Mpox as a mandatory reportable disease and secured vaccines * Caritas: New nursing home for Ilha Verde amid shortage of caregivers * As the Middle East frets about conflict, Dubai booms with an influx of anxious wealth DOWNLOAD PDF Monday, August 19, 2024 edition no. 4548 Caritas Macau announced on the weekend a new nursing home for around 185 elderly residents will open in Ilha Verde this December. The charity is preparing to hire over 100 staff in two phases to operate the new facility. According to Paul Pun, secretary general of Caritas Macau, the new nursing home will be located beside the organizations service center that offers training programs for caregivers, as cited in a TDM report. Pun believes this proximity will strengthen the training process. We will soon have a new elder home next door. So this new home would be able to do some supporting work with this training program, Pun said. And because this is a service center and just leave the elder home, we can strengthen the training process. Not just teaching with videos and talks, but hopefully we have some sharing from the elderly next door for them to know what would be better, he added. The official said the new nursing home has already appointed a director. He made these comments while speaking at the graduation ceremony for Caritas caregiver training program, where about 12 caregivers received certificates for successfully completing the course. The new nursing home will care for 185 elderly residents, while also serving as a practical training site near Caritas center. Trainees can interact with residents and gain hands-on experience, strengthening skills beyond the classroom. This allows trainees to provide high-quality compassionate care for seniors. A previous Times report noted elderly care facilities and local families caring for seniors are facing significant difficulties due to a shortage of local caregivers. Pun told the Times that 24-hour support for the elderly, particularly those who are bedridden and frail, is one of the most sought-after services offered by Caritas, which operates several dozens of social service programs. However, the institution acknowledges its ongoing struggle to provide for and accommodate families requesting assistance due to a severe lack of manpower. Fresh data from the government shows the elderly dependency ratio for the local population rose by 1.7 percentage points to 24.8%, equivalent to about four adults supporting one older adult. In 2023, the elderly population exceeded the young population for the first time, being 106.1%. Victoria Chan Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of the divisive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailands prime minister after receiving a royal letter of endorsement yesterday, two days after she was chosen by Parliament following a court order that removed her predecessor. She replaces another leader from the same Pheu Thai Party, at the head of a coalition that includes military parties associated with the coup that deposed the partys last government. Paetongtarn is the third Shinawatra to hold the job, after her billionaire father and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra. Both were removed from office and forced into exile in coups, although Thaksin returned to Thailand last year as Pheu Thai formed a government. She received the letter of appointment in a ceremony at the partys headquarters in Bangkok, attended by senior members of parties in the governing coalition and her father, who has no formal role but is widely seen de facto leader of Pheu Thai. The father and daughter held hands as they walked in with beaming smiles. Both wore white civil servants uniforms, which are used for royal and state ceremonies. Paetongtarn thanked the king, the Thai people and lawmakers, saying she will perform her duties with an open mind, and will make every square inch of Thailand a space that allows Thai people to dare to dream, dare to create and dare to dictate their own future. Paetongtarn became Prime Minister days after the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, after less than a year in office. The court found him guilty of a serious ethical breach for appointing a Cabinet minister who had been jailed for contempt of court after an alleged attempt to bribe a judge. Paetongtarn is also Thailands second female prime minister after her aunt, and the countrys youngest leader at 37. Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Paetongtarn said she is determined to push forward key policies such as economic stimulus, improvement for universal healthcare and promoting cultural soft power on the global stage. She did not initially mention Sretthas signature proposal for a digital cash handout of 10,000 baht (about $275) to 50 million citizens to spend at local businesses in order to boost the economy. The project has been criticized as an ineffective way to contribute to sustainable economic growth, and has faced several hurdles that include its sources of funding. When pressed by reporters, Paetongtarn said she still has an intention to push forward a major economic stimulus for Thailand, but she will need to continue to listen to opinions. She also said she will ask for her father for advice when she needs, but insisted that she would make her own decisions. I am my own person. I have my own things and my own goals that I have to achieve in the future, but of course all the comments from him (have) value to me, she said. Pheu Thai is the latest in a string of populist parties affiliated with Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup, which triggered nearly two decades of deep political divisions that pitted a mostly poor, rural majority in the north that supported Thaksin against royalists, the military and their urban backers. MDT/AP China expressed its very dramatic alarm over a mid-range missile system that the U.S. military recently deployed to the Philippines, and warned it could destabilize the region. But Manilas top diplomat said Friday he reassured his Chinese counterpart that the weaponry was only in the country temporarily. Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, expressed Chinas concern over the U.S. mid-range missile deployment to the Philippines during their talks last month in Laos on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings with Asian and Western countries. We discussed it and, well, they made it very dramatic, Manalo said in response to questions during a news conference with foreign correspondents in Manila. I said you shouldnt be worried. Pressed to specify what Chinas specific concerns were, Manalo said Wang warned the presence of the U.S. missile system could be destabilizing, but the Philippine foreign affairs chief said he disagreed. Theyre not destabilizing and the missile system was only in the Philippines temporarily, Manalo said he told Wang. The U.S. Army said in April it transported the mid-range missile system, a land-based weapon that can fire the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, from the U.S. to the northern Philippines as part of combat exercises with Philippine troops. The missile system, however, was not fired during the joint combat exercises of the longtime treaty allies and the Philippine military has said the missile system may be transported out of the country next month. China has strongly opposed increased U.S. military deployments to the region, including to the Philippines, and warned these could endanger regional stability and peace. The U.S. and the Philippines have repeatedly condemned Chinas increasingly assertive actions to fortify its territorial claims in the South China Sea, where hostilities have particularly flared since last year between Chinese and Philippine coast guard forces and accompanying vessels. In addition to China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the busy waterways, a key global and security route. MDT/AP The doorbell to Martinho de Almada Pimentels house is hard to find, and he likes it that way. Its a long rope that, when pulled, rings a literal bell on the roof that lets him know someone is outside the mountainside mansion that his great-grandfather built in 1914 as a monument to privacy. Theres precious little of that for Pimentel during this summer of overtourism. Travelers idling in standstill traffic outside the sunwashed walls of Casa do Cipreste, Sintra sometimes spot the bell and pull the string because its funny, he says. With the windows open, he can smell the car exhaust and hear the tuk-tuk of outsized scooters named for the sound they make. And he can sense the frustration of 5,000 visitors a day who are forced to queue around the house on the crawl up single-lane switchbacks to Pena Palace, the onetime retreat of King Ferdinand II. Now Im more isolated than during COVID, the soft-spoken Pimentel, who lives alone, said during an interview this month on the veranda. Now I try to (not) go out. What I feel is: angry. This is a story of what it means to be visited in 2024, the first year in which global tourism is expected to set records since the coronavirus pandemic brought much of life on Earth to a halt. Wandering is surging, rather than leveling off, driven by lingering revenge travel, digital nomad campaigns and so-called golden visasblamed in part for skyrocketing housing prices. Anyone paying attention during this summer of overtourism is familiar with the escalating consequences around the world: traffic jams in paradise. Reports of hospitality workers living in tents. And anti-tourism protests intended to shame visitors as they dine or, as in Barcelona in July, douse them with water pistols. The demonstrations are an example of locals using the power of their numbers and social media to issue destination leaders an ultimatum: Manage this issue better or well scare away the tourists who could spend their $11.1 trillion a year elsewhere. Housing prices, traffic and water management are on all of the checklists. Cue the violins, you might grouse, for people like Pimentel who are well-off enough to live in places worth visiting. But its more than a problem for rich people. Not to be able to get an ambulance or to not be able to get my groceries is a rich people problem? said Matthew Bedell, another resident of Sintra, which has no pharmacy or grocery store in the center of the UNESCO-designated district. Those dont feel like rich people problems to me. What is overtourism, anyway? The phrase itself generally describes the tipping point at which visitors and their cash stop benefitting residents and instead cause harm by degrading historic sites, overwhelming infrastructure and making life markedly more difficult for those who live there. Its a hashtag that gives a name to the protests and hostility that youve seen all summer. But look a little deeper and youll find knottier issues for locals and their leaders, none more universal than housing prices driven up by short-term rentals like Airbnb, from Spain to South Africa. Some locales are encouraging quality tourism, generally defined as more consideration by visitors toward residents and less drunken behavior, disruptive selfie-taking and other questionable choices. Overtourism is arguably a social phenomenon, too, according to an analysis for the World Trade Organization written by Joseph Martin Cheer of Western Sydney University and Marina Novelli of the University of Nottingham. In China and India, for example, they wrote, crowded places are more socially accepted. This suggests that cultural expectations of personal space and expectations of exclusivity differ. The summer of 2023 was defined by the chaos of the journey itself airports and airlines overwhelmed, passports a nightmare for travelers from the US. Yet by the end of the year, signs abounded that the COVID-19 rush of revenge travel was accelerating. In January, the United Nations tourism agency predicted that worldwide tourism would exceed the records set in 2019 by 2%. By the end of March, the agency reported, more than 285 million tourists had travelled internationally, about 20% more than the first quarter of 2023. Europe remained the most-visited destination. The World Travel & Tourism Council projected in April that 142 of 185 countries it analyzed would set records for tourism, set to generate $11.1 trillion globally and account for 330 million jobs. Aside from the money, theres been trouble in paradise this year, with Spain playing a starring role in everything from water management problems to skyrocketing housing prices and drunken tourist drama. Protests erupted across the country as early as March, when graffiti in Malaga reportedly urged tourists to go f home. Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Spains Canary Islands against visitors and construction that was overwhelming water services and jacking up housing prices. In Barcelona, protesters shamed and squirted water at people presumed to be visitors as they dined al fresco in touristy Las Ramblas. In Japan, where tourist arrivals fueled by the weak yen were expected to set a new record in 2024, Kyoto banned tourists from certain alleys. The government set limits on people climbing Mount Fuji. And in Fujikawaguchiko, a town that offers some of the best views of the mountains perfect cone, leaders erected a large black screen in a parking lot to deter tourists from overcrowding the site. The tourists apparently struck back by cutting holes in the screen at eye level. Air travel, meanwhile, only got more miserable, the U.S. government reported in July. UNESCO has warned of potential damage to protected areas. And Fodors No List 2024 urged people to reconsider visiting suffering hotspots, including sites in Greece and Vietnam, as well as areas with water management problems in California, India and Thailand. Not-yet-hot spots looked to capitalize on de-touristing drives such as Amsterdams Stay Away campaign aimed at partying young men. The Welcome to MonGOlia camapaign, for example, beckoned from the land of Genghis Khan. Visits to that country by foreign tourists jumped 25% the first seven months of 2024 over last year. Tourism is surging and shifting so quickly, in fact, that some experts say the very term overtourism is outdated. Michael ORegan, a lecturer on tourism and events at Glasgow Caledonian University, argues that overtourism has become a buzzword that doesnt reflect the fact that the experience depends largely on the success or failure of crowd management. Its true that many of the demonstrations arent aimed at the tourists themselves, but at the leaders who allow the locals who should benefit to become the ones who pay. Theres been backlash against the business models on which modern tourism has been built and the lack of response by politicians, he said in an interview. Tourism came back quicker than we expected, he allows, but tourists arent the problem. Theres a global fight for tourists. We cant ignore that. So what happens when we get too many tourists? Destinations need to do more research. Of visitors vs being visited Virpi Makela can describe exactly what happens in her corner of Sintra. Incoming guests at Casa do Valle, her hillside bed-and-breakfast near the village center, call Makela in anguish because they cannot figure out how to find her property amid Sintras disorganized traffic rules that seem to change without notice. Theres a pillar in the middle of the road that goes up and down and you cant go forward because you ruin your car. So you have to somehow come down but you cant turn around, so you have to back down the road, says Makela, a resident of Portugal for 36 years. And then people get so frustrated they come to our road, which also has a sign that says `authorized vehicles only. And they block everything. Nobody disputes the idea that the tourism boom in Portugal needs better management. The WTTC predicted in April that the countrys tourism sector will grow this year by 24% over 2019 levels, create 126,000 more jobs since then and account for about 20% of the national economy. Housing prices already were pushing an increasing number of people out of the property market, driven upward in part by a growing influx of foreign investors and tourists seeking short-term rentals. To respond, Lisbon announced plans to halve the number of tuk-tuks allowed to ferry tourists though the city and built more parking spaces for them after residents complained that they are blocking traffic. A 40-minute train ride to the west, Sintras municipality has invested in more parking lots outside town and youth housing at lower prices near the center, the mayors office said. More than 3 million people every year visit the mountains and castles of Sintra, long one of Portugals wealthiest regions for its cool microclimate and scenery. Sintra City Hall also said via email that fewer tickets are now sold to the nearby historic sites. Pena Palace, for example, began this year to permit less than half the 12,000 tickets per day sold there in the past. Its not enough, say residents, who have organized into QSintra, an association thats challenging City Hall to put residents first with better communication, to start. They also want to know the governments plan for managing guests at a new hotel being constructed to increase the number of overnight stays, and more limits on the number of cars and visitors allowed. Were not against tourists, reads the groups manifesto. Were against the pandemonium that (local leaders) cannot resolve. LAURIE KELLMAN, SINTRA (Associated Press reporters Helena Alves in Lisbon and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.) Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is bullish on having reliable and affordable connections in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and other parts of the globe once the Konektadong Pinoy Act is enacted into law. Leading business groups, industry leaders, and government agencies in the Philippines are rallying behind Cayetanos push to fast-track the Konektadong Pinoy Act. - Advertisement - The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), and others, support the measure- Senate Bill 2699- as a step toward improving the countrys internet services and boosting economic growth. Philexport president and chief executive officer Dr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said once passed into law, Konektadong Pinoy will provide a reliable and secure internet that will help exporters access modern technologies and participate in international trade. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has also voiced strong support and emphasized the importance of a human rights-based approach to digital transformation. Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, sponsored the bill on August 5, 2024. He has urged fellow legislators to prioritize the measure, emphasizing that the country cannot afford to lag behind in internet accessibility. Senate President Francis Escudero also highlighted it as one of six key bills for passage, citing its significance for national development. Cayetano has linked the bill to the countrys push for effective e-governance and stated that improved internet connectivity is essential for streamlining government services and reducing corruption. The use of present technology affords the government the opportunity to bring itself and its services closer to the people, he said. We therefore must modernize our digital infrastructure to ensure that all Filipinos have access to, and the use of, affordable, quality, and up-to-date information and communication technologies, he added. Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, who has been linked to illegal POGO operations, has left the country for Malaysia before proceeding to Singapore to meet up with her family, Senator Risa Hontiveros said. The senator said based on the information she received from the National Bureau of Investigation, Guo entered Malaysia at 12:17:13 (military time) on July 18, 2024. - Advertisement - This means that she left the Philippines on July 17, said Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality which has been conducting hearings into illegal POGO operations in the country. The senator said another source informed her that from Malaysia, Guo went to Singapore where she met her mother, Lin Wen Yi, and father, Guo JianZhong. The couple flew in from China on July 28, 2024, Hontiveros said. There was such a reunion there together with Guos brother, Wesley Guo, and Cassandra Ong, she said. But according to Department of Justice spokesman Mico Clavano, Mayor Guo is still in the country. There has been no report to us of an attempted departure from the Bureau of Immigration. In fact, she filed a motion for her case in the DOJ last Friday to which she attached a counter affidavit, which was sworn before a Philippine notary public on August 14, 2024. And there have been reported sightings after July 18, 2024, Clavano said. Guos lawyer also maintained she is still in the Philippines. Tinawagan ko siyasabi ko nakalabas ka na ba ng Pilipinas? Sabi niya, hindi. Kasi sabi ko gusto ko malaman kung nandito ka pa para yung legal strategy ko maayos ko, lawyer Stephen David said. David said he told Guo that they have other options if she really has left the country. Kung wala ka na sa Pilipinas, kung yan ang decision mo, mayroon naman tayong options, sabi ko sa kanya. Kung nakalabas ka, di punta tayo sa bansa na may political asylum at dun tayo gumawa ng dokumento para makalaban tayo, he added. David earlier said Guo assured him she remains in the central Philippines. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission said they are verifying reports Guo left for Indonesia through Denpasar. As far as our BI records are concerned she is still in the country. (But) we are coordinating with our local partners to check on this info. In the meantime, we are awaiting the official information from our Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts, PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said. Clavano added: We are currently awaiting official verification from NBI if the documents attributed to them are authentic. We will continue to gather information from both the Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation. This is a case of national significance. Thus, if it is indeed true that Alice Guo has left the country, a thorough investigation is needed to hold those responsible accountable. This is not a light matter, he added. Hontiveros said she was baffled as to how Guo slipped out of the country, adding that the dismissed mayor could not have possibly left the country without help from government officials. Who allowed this travesty to happen? Who did this? What if there is a need to investigate the enforcement? What if they dropped the ball? What if they should be held accountable? Hontiveros said. If we dont do something about this as an institution, as a country it would appear that we allowed ourselves to be repeatedly slapped by this foreigner who played with our laws, policies and processes, she added. Editors Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Hontiveros: Embattled Mayor Alice Guo has left the Philippines COLOMBO, Sri Lanka Sri Lankas government has defended a top diplomat ordered by an Australian court to pay over $360,000 in back wages to her former housekeeper held in Canberra under slavery-type conditions. Colombos foreign ministry in Colombo said Himalee Arunatilaka, currently Sri Lankas permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, including the International Labor Organization, had followed government-approved rates in paying low wages. - Advertisement - Arunatilaka had previously been Colombos Deputy High Commissioner in Canberra for three years, up until 2018. The Federal Court of Australia on Thursday found Arunatilaka had breached the Fair Work Act and was not entitled to diplomatic immunity. Australian media reports said the court ordered Arunatilaka to pay more than Aus$540,000 in back wages and interest to Priyanka Danaratna. She worked seven days a week for three years, and she had two days off in that entire time and she did that because she burned her hand while preparing some food, her lawyer David Hillard was quoted as saying. She was not given unpaid breaks, not paid overtime or penalty rates, and not paid regularly or issued payslips. Its an example of how modern slavery works, he said. The court was told that Danaratna was paid a total of Aus$11,212 for three years of work, while the national minimum wage for a 38-hour week was Aus$656.90. After running away from the diplomatic compound, Danaratna had sought refuge with the Salvation Army. However, Sri Lankas foreign ministry said wages paid to the maid were at rates approved by Colombo. The allowance approved by the ministry as the salary of the employee has been paid to her, the ministry statement said. The ministry is satisfied that the said salary was paid to the domestic assistant by the employer as mutually agreed. The statement came over the weekend after criticism on social media and calls for the government to respond to the Australian court. The Philippine Navys Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL) reported on Monday the conclusion of the two-week US Indo-Pacific Command Pacific Partnership in the Bicol Region. Lieutenant Kim Lopez from the NFSL Public Affairs Office told Manila Standard that Manila hosted the event that aimed at enhancing regional resilience, interoperability, and security. - Advertisement - It was participated by a total of 250 personnel from the Philippines and US military as well as contingents from South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The activities included subject matter expert exchanges, multilateral engineering and health engagements, and cooperative efforts tailored to each partners specific needs. The Philippine Navy provided personnel for USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) training in coordination with the 505SRG of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). They also supplied equipment to a Sea Bees Construction Team for the ENCAP (Engineering Civic Action Program) project, which involved repairing the NAVFORSOL Child Development Center. Additionally, the Navy assisted the Legazpi City, Albay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) in setting up the training site for the USAR activities. The Navy provided a vessel for multilateral exercises, including Passing Exercise, Photo Exercise, and Communication Exercise. Lastly, the Navy band was supplied for the HNOE (Humanitarian and Non-Combat Operations Exercise) activities. The conflict opposing Morocco to Algeria and its Polisario proxies is over, the United States Institute of Peace said in an analysis, following French support for Moroccos sovereignty and its autonomy plan for the territory. The other parties, Algeria and the Polisario, should come to the negotiations table on the basis of the autonomy option which Morocco offered in 2007, Thomas M. Hill, Director of North Africa program at USIP wrote. He cited the growing momentum in favor of Moroccos sovereignty over the territory with the spillover effect triggered by the US recognition in 2020, followed by a wave of support from African and Arab states. The French support for Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara territory was a game changer that speeds up the final resolution of the conflict, the author of the analysis said. The de facto control that Morocco now enjoys will become the permanent status, he said. International momentum is entirely on Moroccos side. In the not-so-distant future, the conflict over the Western Sahara territory will be effectively finished, with only a handful of states continuing to argue for Sahrawi independence, he added. Continuing to deny this reality only ensures a less-favorable final settlement, he said. For Algiers, which has blocked negotiations on the autonomy plan, perpetuating the Western Sahara conflict is a means to irritate its rival, Morocco, he noted. On the occasion of the anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, commemorated by Morocco on August 20, King Mohammed VI has granted pardon to 4,831 people who were convicted, prosecuted, or wanted in cases related to cannabis cultivation, as well as to other 685 inmates, the Ministry of Justice announced in a statement this Monday. The Ministry of Justice, which unveiled the list of the beneficiaries of the royal pardon, who are either detained or serving a suspended sentence, said the 4,831 persons convicted or prosecuted in cases related to cannabis cultivation had met the required conditions to benefit from the free pardon. Beyond its humanitarian aspects, this royal Solicitude will allow the beneficiaries of this pardon to integrate into the new strategy undertaken by the concerned provinces, following the establishment of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities, and in the structuring impact of its activity on economic and social levels through the industrialization, processing, export of cannabis, and the import of its products for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial purposes, as well as its contribution to the development of alternative crops and non-agricultural activities, the statement said. The list of the beneficiaries of the royal pardon includes 685 inmates who were granted pardon over their remaining jail terms, convicts who had their prison terms reduced, and prisoners who saw their sentences commuted from life imprisonment to fixed jail terms. Some convicts benefited from pardon over their imprisonment terms but their fines were maintained. Other convicts saw their fines canceled, while others benefited from both a pardon over their prison terms and fines. The King usually grants free pardon to inmates and convicts on religious and national holidays. 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 new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers from a drop of saliva in about 15 minutes and can be administered at home. Credit: Trey Pittman Heart failure is a leading cause of death worldwide and is especially fatal for people who don't have access to medical facilities. So, a team of researchers aims to bring heart failure screening from the lab to the home. Their point-of-care electrochemical biosensor prototype, which resembles a see-through lateral flow test for COVID-19, can measure levels of two biomarkers for heart failure in as little as 15 minutes from just a drop of saliva. Trey Pittman, a graduate student at Colorado State University, will present his team's research at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). "Our device would be ideal for people who are at high risk for heart failure but have limited access to a hospital or a centralized lab," says Pittman. "Working on this project to address health disparities in rural and low-resource areas really hits home for me because I'm from Mississippi, which has one of the highest mortality rates from heart failure in the United States," he shares. Heart failure refers to weakened heart muscle that cannot pump enough oxygenated blood through the body. The current gold standard for heart failure screening is a blood test administered twice per year by a health care professional that measures levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a protein that indicates the heart is working too hard. However, new developments in point-of-care devices may level the proverbial health care playing field with simple, at-home saliva tests. Such a test for heart failure screening could be administered by an individual to check on the health condition every few weeks instead of every six months, suggests Pittman. So far, widespread use of portable saliva tests for heart health has been limited by complicated manufacturing techniques and lack of relevant data beyond the presence or absence of a single biomarker. Credit: American Chemical Society Pittman and colleagues took on these challenges and have promising results to share about an intuitive, low-cost biosensor prototype, which they call an electrochemical capillary-driven immunoassay (eCaDI). Charles Henry's group at Colorado State University combined two of their previous innovations to create the handheld testing platform: a saliva microfluidic device and a biosensor for biomarker proteins Galectin-3 and S100A7. Collaborator Chamindie Punyadeera's group at Griffith University in Australia, quantified levels of Galectin-3 and S100A7 in saliva that correlated to heart failure outcomes. The heart failure eCaDI comprises five layerslike a club sandwich: Three layers of clear, flexible plastic held together with alternating layers of double-sided adhesive. The top layer of plastic has tiny, drilled holes for loading the saliva sample. The middle plastic layer has laser-cut channels with squares of blotting paper at the end that draw saliva from the loading site through the channels. Wedged between the outer plastic layers are glass fiber reagent pads containing compounds that react with the saliva and measure Galectin-3 and S100A7 when an electrical current is applied to the device. The bottom layer of plastic has carbon ink electrodes screen printed on its surface. Two electrodes, powered by tiny, wired clamps from an external source called a potentiostat, drive the chemical reaction that happens on the reagent pads. "The devices are very easy to assemble," says Pittman. "In about 20 to 30 minutes, we can make five of them." The eCaDI is single use, and the researchers estimate that each one costs about $3. The potentiostat, a small reusable power source, sells for about $20. In demonstrations, the researchers spiked standardized human saliva samples with levels of the two biomarkers that would indicate heart failure. Their results showed that the eCaDI accurately detected the amounts of Galectin-3 and S100A7 in the saliva. "These demos are a first step towards a robust and non-invasive electrochemical sensor for heart failure biomarkers," says Pittman. In their next step, the team will test eCaDIs at Griffith University in human subject research trials with healthy individuals and those with heart failure. "This work may provide a starting point for new saliva testing platforms for other diseases," Pittman shares. "It's a technology that I think could end up helping a lot of peopleespecially the underservedlive longer, healthier lives." More information: Development of a microfluidic electrochemical biosensor for heart failure biomarkers in saliva, ACS Fall 2024. 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 This summer has seen a large COVID waveone which is showing the potential to be bigger than the 2023 winter wave was. The current wave has largely been driven by the so-called FLiRT variants, which have acquired greater immune evasion and the ability to enter our cells. The rise in COVID cases across the UK has also been accompanied by a spike in hospitalizations. COVID is not seasonal, as this current wave is stark evidence of. This is why vulnerable people are given spring boosters. Nonetheless, most respiratory infections (COVID included) are at high levels during the colder months. Having access to a COVID booster in the autumn is of great importance, as it protects those who are most vulnerable from severe COVID infections. The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) have just published their recommendations for the autumn vaccine campaign. Unfortunately, the recommendations they've made mean even fewer people will have access to vaccines for free on the NHS this autumn. And, the vaccines that will be made available may not be as effective against the current variants as newer formulations would be. This could leave more patients at risk of potentially serious infection. The JCVI use a number of considerations in costing their recommendations for vaccine campaigns (although they have not fully released details of their costing model). What is clear is that the main concern is the cost of buying and delivering vaccines to prevent severe disease and deaths. This year sees even fewer people able to access the vaccine for free on the NHS. The boosters will be offered to those over the age of 65, residents in old-age care homes and people who are at greater risk of catching COVID due to a compromised immune system. The JCVI haven't advised offering the vaccine to frontline health and social care workers, staff in care homes and unpaid caregivers or household contacts of immunosuppressed people. Fortunately, the government has agreed to maintain the vaccine this year for frontline health workers. Reduced vaccine coverage leaves those with regular, close access to vulnerable people unable to reduce their own risk of catching or spreading COVID. Although it's possible to purchase vaccines from many pharmacies, this is not cheapwith doses costing as much as 100. Many people may not have the resources to pay for one. Vaccines don't just lower the risk of severe infection. They may also lower the risk of developing long COVID after an infection by up to 52%. Recent data shows that the risk of developing long COVID from an infection has not disappeared. The most recent Office for National Statistics data also shows new cases of long COVID are still being reported in the UK. Although fewer new cases are emerging, it's still a significant number. Despite the benefit of vaccination on reducing long COVID risk, the JCVI say there's not enough evidence showing boosters reduce the risk of the condition. This is why they did not factor the risk of long COVID into their cost-benefit analysis. The autumn vaccine campaign will also provide eligible patients with left-over vaccines from the Autumn 2023 campaign instead of purchasing new vaccines. Although using pre-procured doses means less money will be spent on the autumn booster program, research shows older formulations of vaccines are less effective against variants which emerged after they were developed (such as the JN.1 variant). Modeling suggests they'll be up to a third less protective against severe disease. Indeed, the European Medicines Agency, in line with World Health Organization advice, have recommended boosters be updated to target the JN.1 variants. Several manufacturers have begun preparing updated formulas for mRNA and protein-based vaccines. The US's Food and Drug Administration noted the upsurge in FLiRT variants and requested a modification to vaccines in order to target this variant as well. But even with vaccine modifications being made to target this variant it may still be too late, given FLiRT variants are starting to dominate. Recent data suggests the virus is even evolving away from the FLiRT variants with even more evasive features. The fact we're in a position where we're using vaccines that may be less effective against current variants is enormously frustrating. Ideally, we would be looking to develop or acquire more durable vaccines that confer longer-lasting immunitysuch as nasal vaccines or multi-variant universal vaccines that may be more resilient against the ever-evolving virus. These could potentially have been developed in the UK's vaccine manufacturing production center. However, this center was sold to a private US company in 2022. This leaves us lagging well behind other countries, such as the US, India and China, which are continuing to invest in developing the next generation of vaccines. Vaccines, of course, aren't the only tool we have. We can reduce the impact of infection by widening access to anti-viral COVID drugs (such as Paxlovid). Access to Paxlovid was to be expanded to cover many vulnerable groups who aren't eligible for the vaccine (such as people who are obese or have diabetes). But the reality is there aren't enough supplies and funding to cover the 15 million people that could become eligibleso these plans cannot yet be implemented. Patients currently eligible to access the drug have described difficulty getting hold of this valuable treatment. Public health measures such as wearing masks and improving ventilation in buildings could also help lower the risk of infection. But again, no money is being invested into making these measures more accessible. COVID is not just another cold. It still has the potential to cause serious diseaseand this threat is not going away anytime soon. Ignoring it isn't an option, which is why ensuring people still have access to the latest, most effective vaccines is so important. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: UVA researchers are studying drugs that may help the body repair damage after heart attacks, and have identified some that show promise. Credit: John DiJulio, University Communications, University of Virginia UVA Health scientists seeking drugs that can trigger the regeneration of heart tissue after a heart attack say their efforts show promise and may lead to future treatment options. The team, led by researcher Jeff Saucerman, had previously developed a method to identify drugs that might make new cardiomyocytes, the heart cells responsible for pumping blood. In their recent follow-up work, the researchers analyzed five of the 30 compounds they initially identified to determine how the compounds regenerate cardiomyocytes, which could help replace damaged heart tissue. The scientists say they gained new understanding of how the compounds work in heart cells, which will be invaluable in developing drugs to treat or reverse heart damage and heart failure. The potentially fatal condition affects more than 5 million Americans. "Once you lose cardiomyocytes after a heart attack and form a scar, there's usually no going back," said Saucerman, of the University of Virginia's Department of Biomedical Engineering, a joint program of the School of Medicine and School of Engineering and Applied Science. "These compounds are promising in their potential of producing new cardiomyocytes to repopulate the heart." Irreversible heart damage? Heart failure occurs when the heart loses the ability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, fluid buildup in the lungs and other symptoms that rob patients of their quality of life. It is irreversible and often fatal. Heart failure can be triggered by heart attacks and other conditions that damage the heart tissue. Doctors currently have no way to repair this damage because the body stops making cardiomyocytes shortly after birth. Saucerman and his team are eager to find drugs that can restart that natural production line. Working with scientists from pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, the UVA researchers combined a traditional approachlooking at live cells with microscopeswith advanced image-processing algorithms. This approach allowed them to identify 30 compounds that triggered cardiomyocyte production in culture dishes. While promising, the scientists needed a better understanding of the effects the drugs would havehow, precisely, they might stimulate cardiomyocyte production. So, the UVA team selected five different compounds that acted on different cellular targets and set out to find answers. The scientists were uncertain about how the compounds worked because they targeted proteins unrelated to previous studies on cardiomyocyte production. To take a broader view, the researchers looked at the expression of all of the genes in the genome as well as a large set of proteins. Using machine learning, they connected the data into a network to explain the cascade of effects the compounds would cause. They found the drugs acted in similar ways to promote cardiomyocyte production and did so without toxicitya promising sign. The new insights bring the scientists closer to translating their lab work into new treatments. "Based on these results, we're now assembling the data into a large-scale computational model of cardiomyocyte production, as well as testing selected compounds in animal models," said Saucerman, who is also a part of UVA's Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center. "Normally, our ability to produce new cardiomyocytes is lost shortly after birth. One day, I hope new drugs can restore this regenerative capacity to treat heart attacks." The research was supported by AstraZeneca. 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: Village in Fiji. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Like many Pacific states that rely on tourism, Fiji had a hard time during the main pandemic years. But as tourism recovers, another crisis threatens the island nation's stabilityone fueled by rising methamphetamine addiction. Driven by foreign drug cartels using Fiji as a staging post for operations in New Zealand and Australia, the drug has also spread into local communities. In turn, it has fueled a surge in HIV infections and put extra burdens on stretched health and justice sectors. Known locally as "ice," methamphetamine (meth) is highly addictive, widely available and increasingly linked to risky behavior. Needle sharing, "chemsex" (using drugs to heighten sexual experiences) and a practice known as "bluetoothing"withdrawing blood after a drug hit and injecting it into a second personhave all been implicated in declining health indicators. With children as young as nine being treated for addiction, and with crime statistics and reported HIV and AIDS cases climbing dramatically, police have called for a state of emergency to tackle the interrelated problems. But the police themselves have been accused of corruption in relation to meth dealing. Drugs, health and crime HIV cases are expected to double this year, with young people and marginalized communities disproportionately affected. The intersection of meth use and HIV is particularly troubling. Methamphetamine weakens the immune system, making users more susceptible to infections. Compounding the problem, the stigma and discrimination associated with both meth use and HIV mean many are reluctant to seek help or undergo testing. Exacerbating the twin crises is the dire state of Fiji's health facilities after years of neglect. Hospitals and clinics have been underfunded, lack modern equipment, and are short-staffed due to an exodus of health professionals. These deficiencies have serious implications for patient care. And they limit the health system's ability to respond to rising demand for a complex array of services. Health care infrastructure is particularly lacking for drug rehabilitation, psychiatric care, and management of the non-communicable diseases that cause an estimated 80% of premature deaths in Fiji. A national crisis The interplay between methamphetamine use, HIV and ill-equipped health facilities creates a vicious cycle that perpetuates and exacerbates each individual issue. Meth use increases crime, addiction and the risk of HIV transmission, particularly among young people. In turn, this places more strain on the already struggling health care system, as well as police and legal resources. Overall, the situation is leading to a further decline in Fiji's national development outcomes. Addressing these multiple threats will require a holistic and coordinated response. With the involvement of the United Nations' AIDS program, UNAIDS, there are plans to develop such strategies with government, civil society, regional and international partners. And in April this year, a Pacific Regional Transnational Crime Disruption Strategy was launched. Interpol's Project Blue Pacific is supported by the Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Police and the UK National Crime Agency. New Zealand also helped fund the establishment in July of a Fijian Counter Narcotics Bureau. No quick or easy fix But while such partnerships are vital for combating the supply of meth and other drugs, they fall short of connecting transnational drug crime with the domestic problems it causes. New Zealand has pledged ongoing funding support for health infrastructure improvements. The Fiji government's budgetary priorities will also have to include upgrading medical facilities and equipment, and expanding training for health care professionals. Developing and implementing comprehensive prevention and treatment programs for meth addiction and HIV are equally crucial. These should include widespread education campaigns, harm reduction strategies (such as needle exchange programs), and accessible testing and treatment services. Empowering local communities to participate will lead to more sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions. Reducing the stigma and discrimination around meth use and HIV will be crucial. Finally, collaboration with regional and global health organizations will provide much-needed technical and financial support. Other Pacific nations will be looking to Fiji to take a lead and prevent the crisis spreading. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain For Roderick Givens, a radiation oncologist, the expansion of Medicaid isn't just a policy issue. He practices medicine in a rural area in the Mississippi Delta and he sees daily how Medicaid coverage could help his uninsured patients. "I can't tell you the number of patients who I see who come in with advanced disease, who have full-time jobs," Givens said. "They haven't seen a physician in years. They can't afford it. They don't have coverage." This spring, the Mississippi Legislature considered but ultimately failed to expand Medicaid, which would have extended coverage to around 200,000 low-income residents. Mississippi is one of 10 states that haven't expanded Medicaid, the state and federal health insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities. Seven of those states are in the South. But as more conservative-leaning states like North Carolina adopt it, the drumbeat of support, as one Southern state lawmaker put it, grows louder. Advocates for expanding Medicaid say opposition is largely being driven by political polarization, rather than cost concerns. Givens, who is also chair of the board of trustees for the Mississippi State Medical Association, which supports Medicaid expansion, said the federal government would pay for the vast majority of it and that most Mississippians support it. "Why does that not translate when it comes to policy?" Givens asked. "It's called the stupidity of politics. Period." Givens pointed to Arkansas as a potential model for Mississippi because the state has similar demographics and expansion has been in place there for a decade. "Look at what has worked for them and what needs to be tweaked," he said. "For me, that's just common sense." In states that have not expanded Medicaid, hundreds of thousands of people fall into the "coverage gap," meaning they earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but are not eligible for subsidies to help pay for private insurance. Those in the coverage gap also can't afford premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses on employer-sponsored insurance even if they are eligible. The coverage gap is not an issue in states that have expanded Medicaid. In those states, a single person making up to 138% of the poverty level, or about $20,000 a year, can get on Medicaid. Someone making more than that can get subsidies for private health insurance. For the first time in Mississippi, both the state Senate and House of Representatives proposed expanding Medicaid during the legislative session that ended in May. In the end, the efforts fizzled at the last minute. Had the proposed bills succeeded, some 74,000 Mississippians who are stuck in the coverage gap would have gained access to Medicaid. The House speaker, Jason White, a Republican who supports expansion, acknowledged the political hurdles. "It's President Obama's signature piece of legislation. It's known as Obamacare," White said. "So, there are a lot of political dynamics centered around it that probably never allowed it to get off the ground." White said this year was different because of increased support from the business community. "I kidded some of my fellow Republicans. I said, 'Come for the savings, if you will, and then you can stay for the salvation and the good things that it does to improve people's lives,'" White said. "If you can't get there because it's the right or compassionate thing to do to help these individuals, get there because it makes sense from a business standpoint." In neighboring Alabama, politics also thwarted attempts to provide more health care this year. Although the state legislature didn't vote on any direct expansion bills, there was an attempt to include expansion language in a bill about casino gamblingspecifically, a provision to allocate some gambling profits to rural health systems. Ultimately, the Alabama bill was stripped down, and the funding for rural health was removed. If Alabama expanded Medicaid, at least 174,000 more people would be covered, according to KFF. But the connection to Obamacare remains a stumbling block in Alabama's Republican-dominated state legislature. "Just the partisan nature of this is definitely a problem," said Regina Wagner, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Alabama. Wagner said that most Alabama voters support expansion and that other states have adopted the programs after mounting public pressure. "A lot of rural voters are Republicans. And so your own constituents are being hit by this and you're not addressing it," she said. "If the pressure gets high enough and sentiment shifts, maybe that's going to be enough to push them." The main disagreement in the Mississippi Legislature revolved around work requirementsrecipients would have to show they were working part-time or in school. White said many of his Republican colleagues view extending health coverage through Medicaid as "some form of welfare, some form of giveaway, some form of expanding government." Opponents of Medicaid expansion in Alabama are also concerned about potential impacts on the workforce of what they call free health care. "If you open up this federal subsidized program for hundreds of thousands of people, then it could actually hurt that labor participation rate, give them another reason not to go to work, to stay at home," said Justin Bogie, senior director of fiscal policy at the Alabama Policy Institute, a research group that says it is committed to limited government. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, would have to issue a waiver to allow an expansion plan with a work requirementsomething the Biden administration hasn't done for any state. This spring, Mississippi came close to a compromise bill that included a work requirement, something that needs a CMS waiver. Had the bill passed and CMS denied the waiver, expansion still would not have taken effect, and the state would have had to apply for the waiver from CMS every year, hoping for approval under a futurepotentially more conservativepresidential administration. That's what happened in Georgia. In 2020, the Trump administration approved a waiver for a work requirement as part of a limited expansion effort. CMS later rescinded the waiver under the Biden administration, leading to a lawsuit. A federal judge ruled in favor of Georgia, reinstating the work requirement provisions. However, only about 2,300 people are enrolledwhich is fewer than half of 1% of the more than 430,000 uninsured Georgia adults who could gain access if Medicaid were fully expanded, according to KFF. The state's alternative expansion plan has cost taxpayers at least $26 million, according to KFF, with nearly all of it going to administrative and consulting fees, not medical care for low-income residents. As public support for expansion continues to grow in holdout states, North Carolina, the most recent Southern state to pass Medicaid expansion, may offer a glimpse of the future. Since its adoption last year, more than 600,000 people have become eligible. "But it still took a long time," said Robin Rudowitz, a vice president and director of the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. "It took the governor who continually supported expansion, and the legislature finally came to endorse and pass the expansion." Rudowitz said the fiscal incentives under the American Rescue Plan Act played a role in moving the needle in North Carolina and could help ignite debate in other holdout states. But ultimately, she said, the reasons the Affordable Care Act was established continue to be the strongest motivators. "Without expansion, there are more people who are uninsured. Hospitals and other providers are not able to get reimbursement because individuals are uninsured," Rudowitz said. "Those are the underlying issues that existed pre-ACA and continue to exist, particularly in states that haven't adopted expansion." 2024 KFF Health News. 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain This southeast Minnesota city could soon be at the forefront of efforts to use genetically modified pig organs for human transplants. United Therapeutics Corp. said it will invest about $100 million into a specialized research farm in Stewartville's Schumann Business Park. The facility, set to begin operations in 2027, will be the second of its kind for United Therapeutics, the biotechnology company responsible for engineering organs for the first-ever pig-to-human heart and kidney transplants. United plans to build the research site on 32 acres of land about 10 miles south of downtown Rochester. The Maryland-based company paid $4.5 million for the property. The 70,000-square-foot facility will model one already up and running in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, said Dewey Steadman, head of investor relations at United. To prevent exposure to pathogens, all pigs will be born and harvested within the tightly controlled facility, which is equipped with biosecurity measures regulating every aspect of their lives. "Every item that crosses the barrier into the pig area is filtered or sterilized to kill pathogensthis includes air, water, feed, bedding, tools and environmental enrichment toys," Steadman said. The practice of animal-to-human transplants, known as xenotransplantation, has taken on new life in recent years thanks to advancements in gene-editing and immunosuppressive drugs. While data outside of the lab remains limited, there is hope among scientists that xenotransplant organs could soon play a pivotal role in solving the shortage of organs available for transplant. In the U.S., there are now more than 100,000 people awaiting an organ, with about 90% of them in need of a kidney. "There is a real expectation that this will have a role in how we treat patients," said Dr. Andrew Adams, chief of the Division of Transplantation at the University of Minnesota Medical School, who is not associated with United Therapeutics. "The question is timing and how much more development it needs before it's ready to be used in patients." The idea of xenotransplantation has been around for decades, but attempts at it have proved mostly unsuccessful. That began to change in the past five or six years, said Adams, with the emergence of better tools for cloning and gene editingnone more important than the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, a revolutionary development that earned two researchers the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2020. Using the CRIPSR-Cas9 "genetic scissors," scientists are now able to remove certain pig genes from the organ while adding human genes to improve the organ's functionality in the human body. The technology, coupled with new immunosuppressive drugs, has helped solve issues with early rejection after a xenotransplantation. In 2022, the University of Maryland conducted the first successful xeno-heart transplantation using an organ from Revivicor, a company owned by United. The patient, on life support and ineligible for a human transplant, died six weeks later. Still, the experimental procedure was hailed as a milestone and provided evidence that a gene-edited pig heart can function in the human body. The first successful pig-to-human kidney transplant was performed earlier this year. "The focus now is getting some consistency with good outcomes in the early post-transplant period, and then seeing if we can push the success rate for longer transplant survival for xenotransplants beyond what's been observed so far," Adams said. The announcement of the Minnesota facility comes as United seeks FDA clearance to begin clinical trials to prove the safety and effectiveness of pig-to-human organ transplants. Human studies would initially focus on modified kidneys. In selecting the Stewartville site to support its ongoing research, Steadman said a number of factors stood out: the region's skilled health care, biotech and agricultural workforce; proximity to Rochester International Airport; and the presence of Mayo Clinic. While Mayo is not directly tied to the project, United and Mayo have a history of collaboration. In 2019, the two organizations partnered to build a 75,000-square-foot discovery and innovation center on Mayo's Jacksonville, Fla., campus aimed at addressing the shortage of lungs available for transplant. In 2022, United CEO Dr. Martine Rothblatt was appointed to serve on Mayo's Board of Trustees. Mayo also has ties to Miromatrix, a University of Minnesota startup acquired by United in 2023 for $91 million. Miromatrix's work focuses on engineering organs for transplant by adding human cells to pig kidneys and livers. In 2021, researchers with Miromatrix and Mayo collaborated to successfully transplant bioengineered livers into pigs. Mayo declined to comment, referring questions to United. Once up and running, United plans to have up to 200 pigs on site and employ about 20 people. Staff will all be required to shower and be fully covered in sterilized clothes before entering the facility. They will be regularly screened for any pathogens that could be transmitted to the pigs, Steadman said. United's hope is that human studies could begin as early as next year, with the Stewartville facility eventually playing a major role in supporting the research. Adams, the U professor, said he sees the potential for xenotransplantation to become a more common practice in the next five to 10 years, providing options for patients who are running out of time as they await a human transplant. Still, he cautioned, more research and data are needed to prove pig organs can be the answer to shortages in organ donations. "There is a lot of excitement," Adams said. "But based on what we know today, there is still a little more work that needs to be done before this is a therapy that is ready for prime time." 2024 StarTribune. 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: Mosquitoes and birds infect each other with West Nile virus, and occasionally infected mosquitoes transmit the disease to humans or horses. Credit: Centers for Disease Control, CC BY West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the continental U.S., with an average of 2,464 reported cases per year. Every August, West Nile season ramps up, primarily in parts of the Southern and Western United States. The Conversation U.S. asked neurologist and medical epidemiologist Daniel Pastula to explain what researchers know about West Nile and how to protect yourself from contracting the disease. What is West Nile virus? West Nile is a virus that was first identified in the West Nile region of Uganda in 1937 and subsequently caused outbreaks throughout Africa, the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe. It arrived in the New York City area in late 1999, probably from an infected bird or mosquito. The virus has since spread and become endemic throughout the continental United States and other parts of North America. How is West Nile virus transmitted? West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. West Nile virus exists in a transmission cycle between various birds such as crows, robins and blue jays and primarily several Culex species of mosquitoes, which are very common across the U.S. The mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds with high levels of virus. Then the infected mosquitoes pass the virus to other birds by feeding on them. Sometimes, an infected mosquito will bite a human, horse or other mammal, transmitting the virus to them. However, these animals do not develop a high enough viral level in their blood to keep the cycle going. In other words, they are "dead-end" hosts. Rarely, West Nile virus is transmitted in other ways, including through accidental laboratory exposures, blood transfusion or organ transplantation. Very rarely, it may be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery or through breastfeeding. When and where does it show up, and is it seasonal? In the continental U.S., most human cases of West Nile virus disease occur from July through September, or until the first hard freeze or snowfall. This is commonly called "West Nile season." By this time of year, mosquitoes have had enough time to emerge, feed on infected birds and become infected themselves. In more southern areas such as Arizona, Florida and Texas, mosquito transmission may occur earlier than July and later than September. For example, mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus were reported in Texas as early as May 2024. While human cases of West Nile virus disease have occurred in the 48 continental states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the majority of cases over the past two decades have been in the Great Plains, Southern and Southwestern United States. This likely has to do with the types of mosquitoes, birds, bird migration patterns, temperature, rainfall and irrigation practices in these areas. How dangerous is West Nile? Approximately 80% of people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or very mild ones. But about 20% of the time, people infected with West Nile virus can develop a sudden flu-like illness with symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, rash and fatigue within two to 14 days after being bitten by a West Nile-carrying mosquito. Most people recover from this "West Nile fever," but the fatigue may last weeks to months. In about 1% of cases, however, the virus can invade the covering of the brain, causing what is called meningitis; the brain itself, resulting in encephalitis; or the spinal cord, causing a polio-like syndrome. When the virus invades the nervous system like this, it is called "West Nile neuroinvasive disease." Approximately 10% of West Nile neuroinvasive disease cases are fatal, particularly in cases where the brain and spinal cord are directly infected. Many survivors are left with a permanent neurological disability such as weakness, movement disorders or cognitive issues to varying degrees. The risk of West Nile neuroinvasive disease is higher in people who are 60 or older, those who are immunocompromised and those with conditions such as cancer, diabetes or kidney failure. The symptoms of West Nile virus are usually mild, but in some cases it causes serious illness. Are there any treatments or vaccines? While a variety of treatments have been investigated, there are currently no proven antiviral treatments for West Nile virus disease. Treatment remains largely focused on addressing symptoms. Some patients may require over-the-counter medications for fever and headaches, fluids for dehydration, anti-nausea medications for nausea or vomiting, and rest. Some may require hospitalization and treatment for severe dehydration, organ dysfunction, seizures or brain swelling. There are currently no West Nile vaccines licensed for use in humans, though some vaccine candidates and ideas are being studied. How can you help prevent it? Generally speaking, if you prevent mosquito bites, you prevent West Nile virus infection. There are several things you can do to prevent mosquito bites: First of all, use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent on exposed skin when you are outside in an area with mosquitoes. These are safe and effective when used as directed. You can also wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when feasible. It is much harderor even impossible, depending on the fabricfor mosquitoes to bite through clothing. You can also treat your clothing with permethrin, an insecticide, which further repels mosquitoes. When possible, avoid being outside between dusk and dawn. This is when the West Nile-carrying mosquitoes are most active. It's also a good idea to get rid of any unneeded standing water in places such as birdbaths or kiddie pools around your property, as mosquitoes like to breed in standing water. When indoors, be sure that any unscreened windows are closed to keep mosquitoes outside. These simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of getting severely ill. In addition to these precautions for individuals, robust public health and vector control programs help to monitor and control the spread of West Nile virus by warning area residents of the presence of the virus and reducing infected mosquito populations when necessary. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. When shopping on Temu, the allure of low prices and great deals can sometimes overshadow the risks. However, the growing popularity of this online marketplace has also made it a prime target for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. Here are some scams to be aware of. 1. Fake Promo Codes Scammers exploit Temus referral rewards system by creating misleading TikTok videos that urge viewers to "enter code" (meaning a referral code) without providing context. Advertisement These videos, often featuring enticing images like cash or luxury items, are designed to trick people into using the creators referral code when downloading Temu, which earns the scammer more points and rewards. The people behind this scam are typically regular TikTok users looking to make money through deceptive means, not to gain followers or fame. 2. Free Gift Card or Free Merch Be cautious of Temu gift scams where individuals claim to offer free merchandise or gift cards. These scammers often trick you into revealing personal information or making payments to claim these fake gifts. While Temu does offer legitimate free gifts in exchange for referring others to the site, the retailer doesn't typically give away gift cards. When claiming free gifts on Temu, be extra careful with your information and avoid sharing details with unverified sources. 3. Customer Service Impersonators Be cautious of scammers posing as Temu customer service representatives to access your account or personal details. This tactic is commonly used by scammers targeting banks and other retailers, where they impersonate customer service to steal sensitive information. Legitimate customer service will never ask for personal details through unsolicited messages or calls. Always interact with customer support through official channels, and if you suspect someone is misrepresenting their identity, use people search tools to verify who you're dealing with. This vigilance helps protect your information from potential fraud. 4. Counterfeit Products Some products on Temu, especially those promoted by TikTok users, may be counterfeit. This issue is common on sites that permit third-party sales, where some items may have significantly lower quality and fail to meet the advertised descriptions, leading to customer dissatisfaction and potential safety hazards. For example, in 2023, Temu was found to be selling counterfeit Air Jordans for under $50, with listings including multiple fake versions of the popular Nike shoe, which typically retails for over $100. To avoid this bait-and-switch, stick to well-known sellers with positive feedback, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as they often indicate fake or low-quality items. 5. Identity Theft In 2023, experts began raising concerns about the TEMU shopping app, which collects extensive personal information from users, including social media and banking data. Tom Johnson of the Better Business Bureau told NBC Chicago: "According to cyber security experts, if they infiltrate your phone and operating system, they can get to other apps and applications youre using. Theyre concerned they can even get your contacts too and get that information. So people have to be really careful because your information is a gold mine. And if it ever falls into the wrong hands, that makes it so easy for identity theft." However, Temu has been working with the BBB to address consumer complaints. For the latest information and resources on safe online shopping, users are encouraged to check the BBB Business Profile on Temu, which offers updated insights into the companys efforts to resolve these issues. 6. Storefront Cloning Like Amazon, Temu hosts products from third-party sellers, which are individuals or companies selling their goods through these platforms. However, some Amazon sellers who have dedicated "storefronts" showcasing their brands have accused Temu sellers of "cloning" their storefronts and duplicating their products without permission. Consumers should take several precautions to avoid falling victim to storefront cloning scams on platforms like Temu, Amazon and other online retailers. First, verify the seller's authenticity by checking reviews, ratings and the seller's history on the platform. Look for inconsistencies in product descriptions or unusually low prices, which can be red flags. Additionally, consider purchasing directly from well-known or official brand websites when possible, and use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection. A man who reported a financial crime in July ended up facing charges on Monday. Erik Eugene Katner, 51, of Asheville, was charged with forgery of deeds or wills on Aug. 12, according to a news release from the Burke County Sheriffs Office. The sheriffs office said Katner filed a report of an alleged financial crime on July 11. When detectives started investigating the crime, they determined the reporting party had falsified documents, according to the release. Katner was convicted of multiple counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, cheats or services in 2007, according to records from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. Katner was issued a $5,000 secured bond. Hes due to appear in court Sept. 12. Mental illness is manageable, and suicide is preventable. These are two beliefs Jeffery Morris holds close to him, and with his recently released book, he hopes to not only pass these beliefs onto others but also give them the tools they may need to help themselves or someone they care about through their own mental health journey. Recently, Morris released his book, Just Live, as a guide for those looking for insights and additional resources on mental health and suicide. The book is being released ahead of Suicide Prevention Month, which is recognized every September. It feels really good to get this book out there, Morris said. Hopefully well be able to help some people with it. Born in Southern Illinois, Morris has spent much of his life in the Midwest, briefly living in Muscatine from 2012 to 2018 before eventually returning to St. Louis for his retirement from being an educator. Having dealt with severe depression and suicide ideation, Morris has made it his mission over the past 13 years to become a mental health advocate and teach others how to identify and support those who may be experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts. Mental illness is very manageable, but it can be hard and frustrating at times, Morris said. I want to help others who are going through what Ive been through and to educate people about the facts and myths related to suicide prevention. There is hope that anyone can live a happy life with a mental illness. Beyond his prime belief that suicide is preventable, two other points that Morris highlights in his book are that there is a significant amount of misinformation about why people attempt suicide, and that the most effective way to prevent suicide is for people close to the individuals to recognize the warning signs and know the steps to get them help. Some people say that once a person decides theyre going to attempt suicide, you cant stop them. This is false, suicide is preventable, he said. People also may think that suicidal people are selfish and weak. This is also false, as many suicidal people may think theyre actually being un-selfish by not being a burden on people anymore. To further support these points, Morriss book includes research from his own dissertation on the subject as well as including insight from suicide prevention experts Dr. Thomas Joiner and Dr. Paul Quinnett, alongside practical advice and personal anecdotes from Morriss own mental health journey. Overall, Morris said he hoped that educators, counselors and parents throughout the Midwest and beyond can use his book to help students and others who are depressed within their communities. The main reason I wrote this book was to try and help people like me when I was younger and struggling with depression, to help them maybe learn from things that Ive done well and done not so well in managing my mental health, he said. I also know that in a lot of rural areas, there arent many resources as far as things that counselors can give to parents. So, I hope that this book can be that reference for them. Another goal for Morris is that his story helps give hope to those who are struggling or who may be dealing with a decent diagnosis. Having a mental illness isnt a death sentence," he said. "Its very manageable and you can still live a happy and healthy life. Just Live can be purchased on Amazon.com as well as on publisher Words Matter's website at wordsmatterpublishing.com. Kenyas aviation union has decided to postpone the industrial strike that was initially set for today, Monday, August 19. The delay will allow time to discuss the proposed deal with Indias Adani Airports Holdings with the government. Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) Secretary General Moss Ndiema announced that the union members had agreed to a two-week delay after the government extended an invitation to negotiate. On Wednesday, we were invited by CS Labour Alfred Mutua for discussions, and after lengthy deliberations, we were asked to postpone our strike actions to allow dialogue to take place. We also received an invitation from Transport CS David Chirchir for a meeting scheduled for Tuesday next week. After holding a delegates meeting today, we have agreed to delay our strike action for two weeks, Ndiema said. The unions main concern revolves around the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Adani Airport Holdings Limited. Ndiema expressed strong opposition to the deal, warning that it would negatively impact the employment terms of the 1,000 union members working at the airport. As the workers union, there is nobody who has informed us about Adani. We only see it on media. The issue of Adani began way back in March. We have information flying on social media. We have reports that once Adani takes over JKIA, those at JKIA will lose employment. They will then have to reapply for new employment through Adani Airport Holdings. Those who manage to be employed by Adani will be replaced in new inferior terms. We cannot allow that, Ndiema emphasized. The proposed deal, valued at Kes.246 billion, involves the Gautam Adani-owned Indian firm upgrading JKIA as part of a 30-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract. This upgrade includes the construction of a second runway and a new passenger terminal. Additionally, the firm will be responsible for renovating and refurbishing the airport, as well as developing and operating JKIA, which is Kenyas largest aviation facility and the busiest airport in East Africa. The government has defended the deal, arguing that JKIA is currently operating beyond its capacity of 7.5 million passengers annually and urgently needs modernization. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir, while appearing before Parliament for vetting a few weeks ago, argued that the deal with Adani Airports Holdings is essential for the countrys growth. However, KAWU has dismissed the governments rationale, insisting that the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is fully capable of handling the airports refurbishment. Is there a justification for KAA to go through a Public-Private Partnership when it has the resources? KAA is one of the few profit-making parastatals and has its own funds. Why should KAA opt for a PPP when it has the money to invest in the airports modernization? Now, Adani claims they are coming to refurbish and manage the airport. Are we saying KAA cannot handle this? We are also hearing that Adani plans to use the JKIA title deed to secure a loan from the Middle East. What prevents KAA from securing a loan if needed? Why involve a third party to obtain the loan? Ndiema questioned. Former Public Service CS Moses Kuria has countered Nandi Governor Stephen Sangs assertion that his generation will be the last to lead Kenya. During a burial ceremony in Nandi County over the weekend, Governor Sang, who spoke before Kuria, suggested that the younger Generation Z would soon take over the countrys leadership. Kuria, however, firmly disagreed, declaring that the current political class remains committed to leading Kenya effectively under President William Rutos guidance. Let me tell you, we are not going anywhere. I promise you that our generation will not let Kenya down, Kuria asserted. He further expressed confidence that, under President Ruto, his generation would lead Kenya to new heights. Under William Ruto, our generation will lead Kenya effectively, reaching a level where we can offer buy one, get one free, Kuria stated, urging young people to remain patient as progress unfolds. So vijana mkuwe watulivu tusonge hapo mbele (So Gen Z, be calm so we can move forward), he said. Despite his dismissal from the Cabinet, Kuria pledged unwavering support for President Ruto. He emphasized that the Presidents decision to prioritize the country over individual interests was crucial. I want to assure you that our President chose the country. I offer my full support to our President because without a country, we have no government, Kuria explained. He stressed the importance of understanding the Presidents choice to form a new, broader-based team, which includes members of the Opposition. Kuria expressed optimism that this new team might achieve impressive results and propel the country forward. Maybe they have miracles and the cost of fuel will go down, so lets let the people who have come in government and see how they will perform, he said. Kuria concluded by highlighting the value of stepping back and allowing others to demonstrate their potential. Sometimes you may think you know better but its good to stand aside and see what others can do because this country belongs to all of us and we must help each other, he added. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced that the county will open seven new kitchens this week, significantly expanding the school feeding program. This initiative aims to provide nutritious meals to students throughout the city, bringing the total number of operational kitchens to 17. These new kitchens will serve over 310,000 students when schools reopen, furthering the countys efforts to ensure that no child in Nairobi goes to school hungry. At a church service held at AIC Pipeline in Nairobi, Governor Sakaja highlighted the importance of collaborative governance. He noted that working with leaders from various political parties has been crucial for fostering inclusivity and addressing the diverse needs of Nairobi residents. Our success in Nairobi stems from a united government that includes opposition leaders, who hold the majority of MCAs, he said, praising President William Ruto for involving leaders from across the political spectrum in the national government. Governor Sakaja reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his promises to Nairobians. We are dedicated to fulfilling our pledges, and initiatives like the school feeding program are just the beginning, he stated. The Dishi na County Programme started in June 2023 with the groundbreaking of 10 central kitchens, and the first meal was served on August 28, 2023. The second phase, which began in January 2024, introduced 10 more kitchens, enabling the program to provide hot, nutritious meals to 184,000 children in 106 public schools. The Ministry of Health has issued a warning to the public against sharing photos of suspected Monkeypox (Mpox) cases. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni explained that this precaution is crucial to prevent the spread of misinformation about the disease and to safeguard patient privacy. The Ministry urges everyone to avoid sharing photos of suspected cases to prevent misinformation and to respect patient privacy, Muthoni said. She emphasized the need for public cooperation as the Ministry implements health measures to monitor Mpox across the country. The Ministry is actively conducting contact tracing, screening, and enhanced surveillance at all entry points to curb the diseases spread. The Ministry informs the public that, during this period of intensified Mpox public health measures, we urge travelers to cooperate and adapt to the current arrangements. These measures are designed to protect you and others from this disease, Muthoni urged. Since the first Mpox outbreak was reported in Taita Taveta on July 31, 2024, officials have screened 302,436 individuals. Although no new suspected cases emerged among visitors, the Ministry reported five new suspected cases within the country during the same period. Over this time, we have detected five new suspected Mpox cases, bringing the total to twenty-nine suspected cases, the Health Ministry stated. Of these, twenty-three have tested negative for Mpox, while six cases are still awaiting confirmation from the reference laboratory. One case being closely monitored was reported from Vineyard Hospital in Kiambu County, where the patient was isolated and receiving treatment. On Sunday, President William Ruto presided over the 42nd graduation ceremony at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, where 1,267 graduands received various degrees. During the event held on the university grounds in Chesumei Constituency, President Ruto was honored with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in Leadership. The Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society through their work or service. This degree is typically awarded to distinguished individuals outside the university, such as keynote speakers at major events like graduations, or to faculty members and alumni who have achieved notable accomplishments in the eyes of the institution or the wider community. In his address, President Ruto praised Baraton for being the first university in Kenya to offer a nursing degree, noting that its graduates include some of the countrys most respected healthcare workers. I congratulate Baraton University for being the pioneer in offering a degree in nursing. This institution has been pivotal in developing our human capital, Ruto stated. Additionally, President Ruto announced a Kes.60 million grant from his government to support the construction of new facilities at the university. The request for a government grant to complete the facility here has been noted. I am instructing the Ministry of Education to allocate Ksh60 million for its development, Ruto directed. He also congratulated the new graduates, urging them to use their acquired knowledge and skills to contribute to the nations progress. During the ceremony, the university installed Prof. Jackson Msafiri Mamba as the new Vice Chancellor, succeeding Prof. Philip Maiyo, who had led the university for a decade. President Ruto welcomed Prof. Mamba, expressing confidence in his ability to lead Baraton through a period of transformation. President William Ruto has assured that no student will miss out on scholarships under the new funding model, which will provide 95% scholarships to learners from vulnerable families. Speaking at the University of Eastern Africa, Baratons 42nd graduation ceremony in Nandi County on Sunday, Ruto announced the governments decision to increase scholarship coverage from 80% to 95%. Ruto emphasized that this model is a deliberate effort by his administration to support children from vulnerable families, recognizing their need for affirmative action. He pointed out that unlike previous programs, this new model focuses on students rather than universities, ensuring that every student benefits. Im convinced that we need a funding model centered on students, not universitiesa model that ensures no student is left out and acknowledges the need for affirmative action for children from vulnerable families. We are raising scholarships from 80% to 95%. This is the right approach, Ruto said. The President acknowledged that his administrations decision might face opposition but reassured parents that they would come to appreciate the model over time. The new funding model supports learners in both public universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETs) through a combination of loans and scholarships. Ruto also lauded the significant growth in technical institutions, stating, Today, we have expanded the TVET ecosystem to 700,000 students. We are making tremendous progress. The New University Funding Model Bands: Scientific surveys valuable in safeguarding ecology on "roof of the world" Xinhua) 08:07, August 19, 2024 LHASA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's ongoing second scientific expedition and research project on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau has produced a series of high-standard original findings, providing scientific support for the ecological security of the plateau, according to the expedition's top researcher. To date, the scientific research has yielded significant progress, including results of studies on the changes and impacts of the plateau's water and glacier resources, carbon sink functions and potential, ecosystems, and biodiversity changes, said Yao Tandong, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the leader of the scientific expedition, at a press conference held in Lhasa on Sunday. The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, known as the "roof of the world" and Asia's "water tower," is China's most crucial ecological security barrier and a strategic resource reserve, playing a vital role in water, ecological, climate and environmental security globally. Since the scientific expedition was launched in August 2017, teams comprising more than 7,000 researchers have continuously conducted comprehensive surveys across 19 key areas. A drone photo taken on June 8, 2024 shows a black-necked crane searching for food at a wetland in Xainza County of Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) CHANGES IN WATER RESOURCES The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is becoming warmer, wetter and greener, according to Yao. "The glaciers and snow cover on the plateau are decreasing, while the vegetation is greening," he said. "Such changes could lead to significant shifts in the Asian monsoon circulation, potentially increasing the frequency of extreme weather events in China." In recent years, the warming climate and increased humidity have led to significant imbalances on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, which have primarily manifested in the rapid reduction of solid water bodies such as glaciers and snow, alongside a widespread increase in liquid water bodies like lakes and rivers, resulting in a solid-liquid phase imbalance, Yao explained. This scientific expedition and research project has revealed that the current total surface water storage of Asia's "water tower" exceeds 10 trillion cubic meters -- roughly equivalent to the total runoff of the Yellow River over 200 years. Climate models predict that by the end of the 21st century, some regions could lose more than half of their glacier mass, with lake water levels potentially rising by over 10 meters, according to the conference. While this phenomenon could enhance the overall water supply capacity, the risks of glacier collapses and glacial lake outburst floods are projected to be more than three times higher than current levels. Yao also emphasized that the future water resources downstream of Asia's "water tower" require regionally differentiated strategies and comprehensive international coordination. "It is essential to strengthen the construction of early warning systems for glacial collapses and glacial lake outbursts, and to implement more effective measures for sustainable water resource management." Tibetan antelopes are pictured on Qiangtang grassland, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, May 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) ECOSYSTEM, BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT The expedition team has established a classification system for the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau ecosystem based on the integration of remote-sensing technology and ground surveys, contributing greatly to the analysis of changes in the ecosystem and biodiversity of the plateau. Researchers have completed a 1:500,000 grassland vegetation map, a 1:500,000 soil map of the plateau, and a distribution map of the alpine tree line spanning 2,400 kilometers across the Himalayas. "These maps reveal the spatial pattern and dynamic changes of the ecosystem, and improve our assessment of ecosystem quality and its service functions," said Ouyang Zhiyun, a researcher at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences under CAS. The maps also support the formulation of biodiversity conservation strategies and the overall layout planning for national parks on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. The expedition team has also conducted extensive field investigations in vulnerable and critical areas on the plateau, leading to a series of new discoveries in biodiversity. It has published its findings of over 3,000 new species, including 205 new animal species, 388 new plant species and 2,593 new microbial species. The local government in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region has designated over 600,000 square kilometers of its land as ecological conservation red lines, accounting for more than 50 percent of the region's total land area. Xizang has 47 nature reserves of various types and levels, covering a total area of 412,200 square kilometers. Its area of ecologically functional land, including forests, grasslands, wetlands and water bodies, has increased to 1.08 million square kilometers. This photo taken on May 12, 2022 shows floating airship "Jimu No.1" type III in Zhaxizom Township of Tingri County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) CARBON SINK FUNCTION The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau ecosystem absorbs approximately 120 to 140 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, accounting for 10 to 16 percent of China's total ecosystem carbon sink, according to findings released at the conference. Given that the plateau currently emits 55 million tonnes of CO2 annually, its carbon surplus exceeds 65 million tonnes per year, Yao said. Yao noted that the plateau's 1.4 million square kilometers of permafrost holds around 37 billion tonnes of organic carbon, accounting for over 60 percent of the plateau's total soil carbon stock. "However, the potential thawing of deep permafrost due to future climate warming could pose a risk to its carbon sequestration capacity," he said. The Global Observation-based System for Monitoring Greenhouse Gas (GONGGA) system, developed independently by the scientific research survey team, is an essential tool for estimating natural carbon sinks. It integrates atmospheric transport modeling, CO2 concentration observations and CO2 emission inventories to accurately assess the carbon sink capacity of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau ecosystem. This system not only supports China's "dual carbon" goals with important scientific data, but also provides valuable Chinese data and methodologies for international carbon accounting and assessment. "Going forward, the carbon sink function of the plateau can be enhanced by improving the quality of grassland and forest ecosystems," Yao said. An aerial drone photo taken on July 11, 2024 shows a drilling platform on Nam Co, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION From early June this year, a joint scientific expedition team consisting of researchers from the CAS Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research (ITP), along with scientists and drilling experts from Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, has conducted scientific investigations at Namtso Lake. The team will carry out long core drilling in the lake to provide new scientific evidence for the study of climate and environmental changes on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau over the past million years. According to Zhu Liping, leader of the joint scientific expedition team and a researcher at ITP, the drilling of the lake sediment core in Namtso Lake is the highest-altitude drilling project under the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program. Rolf Kipfer, a professor of environmental physics and aquatic science from Switzerland, is focusing on studying the formation of sediments and their relationship to the lake during this scientific expedition. "I will analyze the physical structure of the lake and its water quality," Kipfer said, adding that this cooperation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In 2009, Yao teamed up with Lonnie Thompson, a foreign academician at CAS, and Volker Mosbrugger, an academician at the German National Academy of Sciences, to launch the Third Pole Environment International Program. With the aim of strengthening collaboration with international organizations, this initiative has helped enhance the international impact of the second Qinghai-Xizang Plateau scientific expedition and research project, and propel related research to the forefront of global scientific endeavors. (Reporting by Zhang Dan, Shen Feng, Quan Xiaoshu, Lin Jianyang, Bai Shaobo and Liu Zhoupeng) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Kirkuk, Iraq to Use Turkmen, Assyrian in Official Documents New Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha has issued a directive for the province's administrative units to include the usage of the Turkmen and Syriac languages in all official documents. "We direct the use of the Turkmen and Syriac languages, in addition to Arabic and Kurdish, in the format of official documents issued by your departments..." Taha said in a statement posted on Monday on the governorate's Facebook page. The decision was a "confirmation of the (brotherhood) identity of Kirkuk and the diversity of its esteemed components," according to the statement, and it applies to all province's governmental, administrative, and departmental offices and units. According to the Iraqi constitution, Arabic and Kurdish are the country's two official languages; however, Iraqis have the right to educate their children in their mother tongue such as Turkmen, Syriac, and Armenian. Syriac is used mainly by the country's Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac populations who are predominantly Christian. The directive was one of Taha's first since taking his oath of office on Wednesday, a day after receiving the presidential decree from Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid approving his appointment as governor of the disputed and multiethnic province. He said on Wednesday that his primary objective as governor is to turn the province into an exemplary model for peaceful coexistence. Taha replaced Rakan al-Jabouri, who had served as acting governor of Kirkuk since the ousting of Kurdish Peshmerga forces in October 2017 when the Iraqi federal government returned to power in the oil-rich province. In February 2023, the Iraqi government sent a letter to Jabouri dictating that official letters should be issued in the Kurdish and Arabic languages. The ruling also stated that the languages of Kurds, Turkmens, and Assyrians alongside Arabic should be on billboards of public institutions, and teachers should be recruited for Kurdish, Turkmen, and Assyrian schools. The federal decree also ordered all Iraqi provinces' offices of residency, passport, and citizenship to ensure that the Kurdish keyboard is installed on all computers so all identification cards are issued in both the Kurdish and Arabic languages. Adani Group released the composite result and Credit Compendium of Adani Group of companies for Q1 FY25. The Results Compendium provides a comprehensive overview of the financial performance of the Adani Portfolio, while the Credit Compendium offers in-depth insights into the portfolio's robust credit strength. According to the results, the strong performance for the quarter was led by Adani Enterprises' emerging businesses, including solar and wind manufacturing. In a press release, the company stated that it has emerged as India's largest player in the fully integrated green hydrogen chain, as well as in the airports and roads sectors. The company added that AEL's infrastructure businesses' steadily rising contribution is playing a significant role in this growth, with EBITDA expanding by 69.98 per cent YoY. These fast-growing businesses now contribute 13.3 per cent to the portfolio-level EBITDA, up from 7.2 per cent a year ago. The overall EBITDA of Adani Group companies surged by 32.87 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to reach Rs 22,570 crore, resulting in a trailing twelve-month (TTM) EBITDA of Rs 79,180 crore, marking a 45.13 per cent increase over the corresponding TTM of the previous year. The Adani Group highlighted that its 'Core Infrastructure' platform comprises AEL's (Adani Enterprises) Infrastructure businesses, Utility (Adani Green Energy, Adani Power, Adani Energy Solutions, and Adani Total Gas), and Transport (Adani Ports & SEZ) businesses. The Solar module manufacturing business of the group saw module sales rise by 125 per cent YoY in the quarter. Furthermore, the operationalization of photovoltaic cell lines lowered costs, resulting in higher profitability. The airport business also continues to see strong growth from rising passenger movement, increasing consumer offerings, and the addition of routes, airlines, and flights across seven operational airports. Adani Enterprises' performance indicates that in airports, the annual passenger movement across 7 airports crossed 90 million for the first time. During the quarter, eight new routes, six new airlines, and 13 new flights were added across all seven airports. Additionally, 25 new brands were introduced at Lucknow airport after the inauguration of Terminal 3. The road business achieved its highest-ever 730 lane-km construction during this quarter. In the Adani Green Energy segment, construction work for a 500 MW hydro pump storage has commenced, with a 31 per cent YoY capacity addition during the quarter. Another 250 MW wind capacity was operationalized in July at Khavda, bringing the total capacity to 11.2 GW. Adani Energy Solutions stated that the Khavda-Bhuj Transmission Line (KBTL) is fully commissioned, enabling 3 GW green power evacuation from Khavda. The 1,765 ckm Warora Kurnool Transmission Line (WKTL) was also fully commissioned, strengthening the national grid by ensuring seamless power flow between the western and southern regions. Adani Ports & SEZ reported that Vizhinjam port, India's first transhipment port equipped with South Asia's most advanced container-handling technology, was formally commissioned in July and will become operational in November. In the Cements segment, the promoters infused Rs 15,000 crore in two tranches in Ambuja Cements in March and April, fully subscribing to the warrant program and infusing a total of Rs 20,000 crore since the acquisition in September 2022. The company also acquired Penna Cement, increasing the total capacity to 89 MTPA. (ANI) SMPL New Delhi [India], August 19: HEARTFULNESS TRI LATERAL MOTOBIKE EXPEDITION is thrilled to announce the appointment of Digant Sharma as the Director of Finance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the highly anticipated Buddhist Circuit Expedition. Sharma's leadership in financial management and his deep commitment to social responsibility are set to play a crucial role in the success of this ambitious expedition, which will see the collaboration of the armed forces (Army, Navy and Air Force ) of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Digant Sharma: Steering Financial Excellence and Social Impact With extensive experience in financial planning, budgeting, and strategic development, Sharma will oversee the financial operations and CSR initiatives of the Buddhist Circuit Expedition. His responsibilities will be central to ensuring the expedition not only achieves its objectives but also leaves a lasting positive impact on the communities and environments it touches. Key Responsibilities of Digant Sharma In his role as Director of Finance and CSR, Sharma will be responsible for: 1. Financial Management: Ensuring the financial integrity of the expedition through meticulous planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring that all resources are used effectively and transparently. 2. Strategic Planning: Crafting and implementing financial strategies that align with the expedition's goals, enabling the project to meet its objectives while maintaining financial stability. 3. CSR Initiatives: Leading the social responsibility efforts of the expedition, Sharma will spearhead projects that benefit local communities along the Buddhist Circuit, ensuring that the expedition contributes to social development and ethical practices. 4. Sustainability: A key focus of Sharma's role will be on sustainability, ensuring that all operations are environmentally and socially responsible, in harmony with the teachings of Buddha and the expedition's values. 5. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including investors, local communities, and government bodies, Sharma will foster partnerships that support the expedition's mission and vision. The Buddhist Circuit: A Journey of Spiritual and Cultural Significance The Buddhist Circuit is a sacred pilgrimage route that includes several sites deeply connected to the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. These sites, located primarily in India and Nepal, hold immense spiritual and historical significance. The core of the Buddhist Circuit includes: * Lumbini, Nepal: The birthplace of Buddha, home to the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and other significant landmarks. * Bodh Gaya, India: The site where Buddha attained enlightenment, featuring the Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Bodhi Tree. * Sarnath, India: The location of Buddha's first sermon, with important sites such as the Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum. * Kushinagar, India: The place of Buddha's Parinirvana, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa. The extended circuit also includes sites like Rajgir, Nalanda, Sravasti, and Vaishali, each adding to the rich cultural and spiritual tapestry associated with Buddhism. A Multi-Faceted Expedition with a Global Vision The Buddhist Circuit Expedition is not only a journey retracing the steps of the Buddha but also an initiative with broad global objectives. Under Sharma's stewardship, the expedition will aim to: - Promote Peace and Harmony: Encouraging mutual understanding and respect among participating nations. - Foster Cultural Exchange: Facilitating the exchange of diverse cultures and traditions as the expedition travels through South Asia. - Empower Youth: Engaging young people in meaningful activities that promote cultural tolerance and positive development. - Boost Tourism: Highlighting the unique cultural and natural wonders of the Buddhist Circuit, thereby supporting local economies. - Strengthen Interconnectedness: Emphasizing the shared goals and values of South Asian nations, despite their diverse histories. - Support Community Outreach: Engaging with local communities to raise awareness and build social cohesion. - Promote Environmental Awareness: Advocating for sustainability and conservation efforts to protect natural resources. - Encourage Health and Well-Being: Promoting holistic health practices, including mindfulness and physical fitness. Positive Remarks from the Leadership Rahul Patil, Founder and Co-Convener of the expedition, expressed his excitement about Sharma's appointment, saying, "Digant Sharma's extensive experience and commitment to social responsibility will be pivotal in ensuring the success of this expedition. His leadership in finance and CSR aligns perfectly with our mission to promote peace and cultural exchange." Piyal Darshana Guruge, Convener, added, "We are thrilled to have Sharma on board. His expertise will undoubtedly help us achieve our financial goals while making a significant positive impact on the communities along the Buddhist Circuit." Nawaraj Iamsal, Co-Convener, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "Sharma's appointment strengthens our team, ensuring that our expedition is both financially sound and socially responsible." Dr Prateek Kanakia (Member Council of Management, WTC, Mumbai Chairman of The Green Billions Ltd.), Advisor to the expedition, praised the decision, noting, "With Sharma's leadership, we are confident that the Buddhist Circuit Expedition will be a model of sustainability, community engagement, and financial excellence." Looking Ahead As Digant Sharma takes on this pivotal role, HEARTFULNESS TRI LATERAL MOTOBIKE EXPEDITION is poised to make a meaningful and lasting impact through the Buddhist Circuit Expedition. His leadership will ensure that this journey not only honors the spiritual heritage of the Buddha but also contributes to global peace, sustainability, and social responsibility. For more information, please contact: Name - Digant Sharma Designation - Director - Finance and CSR Email - im@digantsharma.com Mobile - +91-9769999960 , +91-9920808363 Website - https://heartfulnessride.com/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman chaired a meeting on Monday to review the performance of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) on their financial parameters, deposit mobilisation, digital payments and cyber security framework, in addition to access to credit under financial inclusion and other emerging issues. During the meeting it was noted that during 2023-24, the PSBs performed well across all financial parameters as evidenced by improved asset quality with Net NPAs (NNPAs) declining to 0.76 per cent, sound capital adequacy of the banks at 15.55 per cent, Net Interest Margin (NIM) of the banks at 3.22 per cent, and highest ever net aggregate profit of Rs. 1.45 lakh crore with the dividend of Rs 27,830 crore to the shareholders. Improvements over various parameters have also enhanced the ability of PSBs to raise capital from the markets. During deliberations on the deposit mobilisation, the Union Finance Minister stated that while the credit growth has picked up, the mobilisation of deposits could further be improved to fund the credit growth sustainably and asked banks to make concerted efforts to garner deposits by conducting special drives. Sitharaman also advised PSBs to have better relationships with their customers for efficient customer service delivery. The Union Finance Minister also urged Banks to ensure that employees reach out to connect with their customers, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. On August 10, Sitharaman had asked the banks to focus on their core business and come up with innovative products to increase deposits. Sitharaman also urged the PSBs to explore collaboration to leverage the respective strengths by sharing best practices in emerging areas and equip themselves to keep pace with changes in banking sector. The issues related to digital payments and cyber security framework were also deliberated in the meeting. The Union Finance Minister advised that issues of cyber security should be seen from a systemic perspective and emphasised that a collaborative approach between banks, Government, regulators and security agencies is needed to put in place necessary mitigants against cyber-risks. The Union Finance Minister also urged that every aspect of the IT system should be reviewed periodically and thoroughly from the cyber security angle to ensure that the security of the bank systems is not breached or compromised. Sitharaman noted that the Government, through various schemes, has always endeavoured to facilitate credit access to citizens at the bottom of the pyramid to support their livelihood and improve lives. She further asked the banks to expeditiously implement the recent Budget announcements, including, a new credit assessment model for MSMEs based on digital footprints and cash-flows. Banks were also instructed by the Union Finance Minister to focus on further increasing credit flow to eligible beneficiaries under various Union Government initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Yojana. The Union Finance Minister further advised the banks to ensure compliance with the Reserve Bank of India's guidelines on the handover of security documents after closure of the loans and directed that there should not be any delay in handing over the documents to the customer. The meeting was also attended by Vivek Joshi, Secretary; M. Nagaraju, Secretary-Designate, Department of Financial Services; Heads of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) besides senior officials of Department of Financial Services (DFS). (ANI) It seems like Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is currently at that stage in his life where he does not want to actively work in the film business. On Sunday, actor Rhea Chakraborty unveiled a teaser of the upcoming episode of her podcast 'Chapter 2'. The promo shows Aamir Khan in a candid conversation with Rhea. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-z9t4-KjyY/ From talking about his stardom to discussing films in detail, Aamir can be seen pouring his heart out on several subjects while speaking with Rhea. The promo begins with Rhea showering praise on the superstar for his good looks. Aamir Khan says, "Hrithik is handsome, Salman is handsome, Shah Rukh is really handsome but me..." Rhea quips in and says, "You are also handsome. I think the whole country will agree with me for once (pun intended)." In the clip, Aamir also revealed that he wanted to disassociate himself from films. "Mujhe filmo se hatna hai," Aamir said. In response, Rhea said, "Jooth"Aamir replied, "Nahi main sach bol raha hu." At one point, Aamir even got emotional. He can be seen shedding tears and taking a pause before saying something. He can be heard saying, "From there my chapter 2 began..." In 2022, post the failure of his film 'Laal Singh Chaddha', Aamir announced a break from acting. Speaking at an event in Delhi, Aamir mentioned that he was supposed to shoot for one of the films after 'Laal Singh Chaddha' but instead he decided to take a break. "When I am doing a film as an actor, I get so lost that nothing else happens in my life. I was supposed to do a film after 'Laal Singh Chaddha' called 'Champions'. It's a wonderful script, a beautiful story, and it's a very heartwarming and lovely film. But I feel that I want to take a break and be with my family, my mom, and my kids," he said. Sharing the teaser of the episode featuring Aamir, Rhea on her Instagram wrote, "I'm thrilled to welcome Aamir Khan, a true star and a genuine friend. Stay tuned for a deep dive about his experience with stardom, parenthood, grief, and more." The full episode will be out on August 23. (ANI) The adorable image shows Sunny's sister tying rakhi on his wrist. "Happy Raksha Bandhan Dear sisters (a couple of red heart emojis)," he captioned the Instagram post. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-1fw_SJSaZ/?hl=en In no time, fans chimed in the comment section and showered love on this cute throwback image of Sunny with his sister. "How adorable," a social media user commented. "Cute image," another netizen wrote. Sunny is the elder son of veteran star Dharmendra and his first wife Prakash Kaur. From his first marriage with Prakash Kaur, Dharmendra also has three more children - Bobby, Vijeeta and Ajeeta. He and Hema Malini share two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol. Meanwhile, on the work front, Sunny Deol recently wrapped up his shooting for the upcoming film 'Lahore 1947'. The film is directed by the renowned Rajkumar Santoshi. Leading the cast will be Sunny Deol and Preity G Zinta, who will play pivotal roles in this highly anticipated film. The film was officially announced last October, garnering attention for its star-studded cast and promising storyline. Veteran actor Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal will also be seen in the film. Interestingly, Sunny will also be seen sharing screen space with his son Karan Deol in 'Lahore 1947'. Sunny has also teamed up with director Gopichand Malineni for his next film. The update was unveiled by Sunny Deol himself recently on social media, where he shared a concept poster of the film. He is also set to come up with 'Border 2'. (ANI) Actor Aparshakti Khurana, who is basking in the success of 'Stree 2', is now all set to come up with his new film 'Berlin'. Directed by Atul Sabharwal, 'Berlin' also features, Ishwak Singh, Rahul Bose, Anupriya Goenka, and Kabir Bedi. The film will be out on ZEE5 soon. As per the information shared by the team of ZEE5, 'Berlin' "takes viewers into the icy winters of 1990's in Delhi, where a silent storm of espionage is brewing." "The story revolves around three main characters whose lives are about to collide in unexpected ways. Ishwak Singh will be seen in an unusual yet challenging role - a deaf-mute young man accused of being a foreign spy. Aparshakti Khurana, stepping out of his comfort zone, will be seen as a sign language expert tasked with unlocking the secrets hidden in silence. Anupriya Goenka adds fuel to the fire as an enigmatic agent, her true loyalties shrouded in mystery." Rahul Bose will be seen as an intelligence officer, "fighting not just external threats but also the shadows within his agency." On what the audience can expect from the film, Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer at ZEE5, expressed, "We are excited to introduce 'Berlin' to our platform, aligning with our strategy of curating quality content that resonates with diverse audience segments. This movie is an addition to ZEE5's extensive library, reflecting our ongoing commitment to delivering compelling narratives that push the boundaries of storytelling. 'Berlin,' with its stellar cast, complex plot and a first-of-its-kind narrative with the backdrop of 1990s Delhi, has garnered critical acclaim at international film festivals. We are confident it will set a new benchmark in the espionage genre for the Indian streaming market." Filmmaker Atul Sabharwal also opened up about directing 'Berlin'. ", "With 'Berlin', we've created a spy thriller that is sure to keep the audiences on the edge of their couches. The on-screen chemistry between Aparshakti and Ishwak is nothing short of electric - it's a treat that I believe viewers will thoroughly enjoy. Having the opportunity to collaborate with such versatile stars, alongside our visionary producers and the platform giant ZEE5, is any filmmaker's dream. We've poured our hearts and souls into this project, and I'm optimistic it will strike a chord with viewers. The entire team is excited and eagerly looking forward to the premiere. 'Berlin' is our labour of love that we can't wait to share with the world," he said. Berlin has had its screening at several film festivals in the past. (ANI) The trailer of Vijay Varma-starrer series 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' is now out for the audience. Vijay is seen as a pilot in the film. As per the makers, the "six-episode series thrusts you into the nerve-wracking reality faced by passengers and crew trapped at 30,000 feet. With every moment steeped in tension, the series follows a relentless team in India racing against time, deciphering the hijackers' ominous demands, and fighting against the odds to ensure the safe return of everyone on board." IC-814 was hijacked by five terrorists on December 24, 1999, 40 minutes after it took off from Kathmandu. The aircraft carrying about 180 passengers remained hostage for seven days and flew from Kathmandu to Amritsar and then to Lahore. It was re-fuelled in Lahore and left for Dubai. From Dubai, it went to Taliban-controlled Kandahar, where all the passengers were released on December 31, 2000. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-1tt0FStI-/ It is adapted from the book "Flight Into Fear" by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury. On what audience can expect from the show, Monika Shergill, Vice President - Content, Netflix India said, "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is agripping tale that chronicles one of the longest hijackings in Indian history, offering a real account of a colossal international crisis. Directed by the master filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, known for his gritty and realistic cinema, the series doesn't just recount the events; it immerses you in the emotional whirlwind of a nation gripped by fear, hope, and desperation. The powerful storytelling, combined with stunningvisual effects and heart-stopping performances by a stellar cast, makes this a must-watch." Arvind Swami, Dia Mirza, Pooja Gor, Patralekhaa, Amrita Puri, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Anupam Tripathi, Kanwaljeet Singh, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sushant Singh, Aditya Srivastava, Rajeev Thakur and Yashpal Sharma are also a part of the show. 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' will be out on Netflix on August 29. (ANI) Following the statements made by the parents of the deceased doctor in the Kolkata RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-death case, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shehzad Poonawalla has called for the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, asserting that she should step down if she has any morality left. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Poonawalla said, "After the statement from the parents of the deceased doctor in the Kolkata case, if Mamata Banerjee has any morality left, she should resign. The parents' statement makes it clear that Mamata Banerjee's government is not interested in protecting daughters or seeking justice for them; their priority is to protect the rapists, destroy evidence, suppress those who speak the truth, and conceal the facts." He further questioned the West Bengal government, asking what secrets they were trying to hide, stating that "the parents were misled from the very first day." Earlier on Sunday, the mother of the deceased doctor criticised the West Bengal CM, claiming that the police did not perform their duties properly and that the CM was attempting to suppress the protests. Speaking to ANI, she said, "First, we received a call from the hospital saying that our daughter was sick, but the call was disconnected. When I called back to ask what had happened, they told me to come to the hospital. Later, a caller who identified himself as an Assistant Superintendent informed us that our daughter had committed suicide. She went to duty on Thursday, and we received this call on Friday at 10:53 am. When we arrived at the hospital, we were not allowed to see her until 3 o'clock. Her pants were open, and there was only one piece of cloth on her body. Her hand was broken, and blood was coming from her eyes and mouth. Just by looking at her, it seemed that someone had murdered her." Targeting CM Mamata Banerjee, she added, "The CM promised that the culprit would be arrested as soon as possible, but nothing has happened so far. Only one person has been arrested, but I am certain many more are involved in this incident. I believe the entire department is responsible for this. The police did not do their job at all. I feel that the Chief Minister is trying to stop the protests; today she imposed Section 144 here so that people cannot protest." Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the rape and murder of a doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra is set to hear the case on August 20. The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found in the RG Kar Hospital's seminar room on August 9, triggering nationwide strikes demanding severe punishment for the accused. The Kolkata Police later arrested a civic volunteer in connection with the case. The Calcutta High Court, expressing dissatisfaction with the Kolkata Police, has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation. (ANI) With political tensions escalating following the announcement of assembly poll dates in Haryana, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the party of derailing the state's development and placing Haryana at the top of the country in terms of unemployment, drug addiction, crime, and corruption. Addressing Congress' "Haryana Mange Hisaab" rally at Ambala Cantonment on Sunday, the Rohtak MP targeted the current Haryana government and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, asserting that the BJP had made numerous announcements but had failed to implement any of them. Hooda further criticised the BJP, claiming that "these announcements are either false and cannot be implemented, or the party never intended to implement these schemes." Discussing preparations for the upcoming state elections, Hooda said, "In the last few days, I have visited about 50 assembly constituencies, and the overwhelming sentiment is clear: the BJP government is on its way out, and the Congress government is coming in." Commenting on the law and order situation in Haryana, Hooda pointed out that, according to a report released by the Government of India, Haryana currently has the highest crime rate in the country. Earlier, on Saturday, Congress MP Randeep Surjewala accused the BJP-led Haryana government of deceiving the state's people ahead of the assembly polls in October. "The 10-year tenure of atrocities under the Bharatiya Janata Party has come to an end. In the last 10 years, no class has been spared from being cheated by the BJP," Surjewala stated. "The people of Haryana are going to initiate the end of the Bharatiya Janata Party on October 1," he added. The Assembly elections in Haryana will be held in a single phase on October 1, with polling in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir taking place in three phases from September 18 to October 1. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 4. (ANI) Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy extended warm greetings to women on the occasion of the Rakhi festival in Hyderabad on Sunday. Reddy wished the people present at the festival, which is a symbol of a strong bond between brother and sister, and hoped for it to be celebrated with great joy. Addressing the occasion, Reddy said that the "people's government has been implementing several innovative schemes aiming to empower the women community and also promote them as millionaires." He further stated that the state government has already implemented free bus travel, cooking gas cylinders at Rs 500, and a free power supply of up to 200 units as part of Six Guarantees. He said that his government would also provide the required support to the women's self-help societies, and the "government will take appropriate measures for the protection and safety of women." "The government will not compromise in the welfare and empowerment of women," Reddy said, assuring that his government is accessible to the women's community and running the people's government successfully with the blessings of women. Earlier, Reddy took part in the Congress Legislative Party meeting at Hotel Sheraton in Hyderabad, where Abhishek Manu Singhvi was introduced as the Rajya Sabha candidate of Congress to the MLAs and Congress party leaders. Earlier, on August 14, the Congress nominated Abhishek Manu Singhvi as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypoll in Telangana. Reddy also participated in "Abhinandana Sabha," an event organised by Kshatriya Seva Samiti in Hyderabad. Addressing the gathering, CM Reddy said that the Kshatriya community has played a vital role in the development of Hyderabad in all sectors and the community has been excelling in all fields because of their hard work and perseverance. (ANI) On the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan, devotees across India thronged Shiva temples to offer prayers and seek blessings. In Gujarat, the historic Somnath Temple in Bilimora witnessed long queues of worshippers, including both Hindus and Muslims, who came together to seek blessings. The temple, which dates back over 1,600 years, is renowned for housing a 'Swayambhu' (self-manifested) Shivling, making it a significant religious site, especially during Shravan. Devotees from far and wide travel to participate in the rituals and fairs held here, adding to the temple's spiritual vibrancy. In Madhya Pradesh, the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain also saw a large congregation of devotees. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the temple holds immense religious importance, drawing worshippers from across the country, particularly during Shravan, when the temple becomes a hub of religious activity. Shravan, a month dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered one of the holiest in Hinduism. It is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva during this month receive abundant blessings. The month also features a day dedicated to Shivratri, known as Shravan Shivratri, which holds the same spiritual significance as the yearly Maha Shivratri. This sacred period, typically falling between July and August, is marked by worship, fasting, and pilgrimages devoted to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Shravan is especially significant as it commemorates the month when Lord Shiva consumed the poison from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), thereby saving the universe from its toxic effects. Devotees observe fasts and perform rituals throughout this month to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. The cooling rains of Sawan are often seen as a symbol of Shiva's compassion and benevolence, adding to the spiritual atmosphere. Across India, similar scenes were witnessed at major temples. In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, devotees performed the 'Mangla Aarti' at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, marking the final Monday of Sawan. Similarly, prayers were offered at the Gauri Shankar Temple in Delhi and the Mankameshwar temple in Prayagraj, as worshippers gathered to pay homage to Lord Shiva on this auspicious day. (ANI) Following the unforeseen demise of Rakesh Pal, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, along with all ranks of the Indian Army, expressed their deepest condolences on Sunday. In a social media post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army stated, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest condolences on the untimely demise of Rakesh Pal, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai today. The Indian Army offers prayers for the departed soul and stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief." Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Chief Rakesh Pal passed away in Chennai on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was taken to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in the city after feeling unwell. Despite receiving immediate treatment, he could not be saved. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin paid their last respects to the ICG Chief in Chennai. Expressing grief over the demise of the ICG Chief on X, Rajnath Singh wrote, "Pal was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the ICG was making significant strides in strengthening India's maritime security. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family." "Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai today. He was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the ICG was making significant strides in strengthening India's maritime security," the Defence Minister wrote. DG Rakesh Pal was appointed as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard in July last year. He was an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy and joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989. He underwent professional specialization in Gunnery and Weapons Systems at the Indian Naval School Dronacharya, Kochi, and completed an Electro-Optics Fire Control Solution course in the United Kingdom. DG Rakesh Pal was awarded the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 for his distinguished service. (ANI) Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao alleged that Chhattisgarh Congress MLA Devendra Yadav was not cooperating with the investing agencies prompting his arrest in connection with the June 10 Baloda Bazar case. Arun Sao, on Sunday, said, "You (Devendra Yadav) will carry the constitution on one hand and not cooperate with the investing agencies on the other side. This shows his intention. Police have taken action as per the law and order". Chhattisgarh Police arrested Congress MLA Devendra Yadav on Sunday in connection with the Baloda Bazar case. He was arrested in connection with the violent clashes and arson at the Baloda Bazar collectorate on June 10. He is accused of inciting the Scheduled Caste Satnami community, during which large-scale violence erupted. Deputy Chief Minister said that the police have taken action as per the evidence collected from the spot. "We have seen and felt how the incident happened in Baloda Bazar, the way the car was torched to fire. Police have taken the action as per the evidence collected by the police on the spot," he said. "Whoever will disturb the peace in Chhattisgarh, the law will take its course of action," the deputy CM said. "No one is bigger than law in Chhattisgarh" he added. Arun Sao alleged that Congress' Devendra did not trust the law and he believes he is above the law. "After the Baloda Bazar incident, the police sent repeated notices to Devendra. He did not want to cooperate with the law and did not trust the law. After yesterday, it was evident that he believes he is above the law, and you do not want to cooperate with the investing agency. what do you want to prove by gathering supporters" said Arun Sao. Earlier former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel called it "vendetta politics" and demanded a CBI inquiry to it. Baghel claimed that the arrest was made without proof and was a failure of the state government. "20 sections have been imposed against Devendra Yadav. It is an incident of June 10 and after 67 days he has been arrested. They have no proof. The arrest has been made with the motive of taking revenge. CBI inquiry should be done. The police & government did not take any action. This is a failure of Vishnu Deo Sai's government...," said former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel. Meanwhile, another Congress leader TS Singhdeo said that Yadav did not give a speech and was not present on the stage because he is not from the community. "I got to know about this. As per my knowledge, people of the Satnami community called a public meeting which was attended by a lot of people. MLAs were also invited there, in which Devendra Yadav also came to the meeting. As the event was of the Satnami community, he did not give a speech and was not present on the stage because he is not from the community...Almost 160-200 people have been arrested in this case...The BJP president himself went there with the people of the community to get permission for the meeting. But no action has been taken on him...," said Congress leader TS Singhdeo. (ANI) A group of students also tied Rakhi to CM Manik Saha on the occasion. Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar celebrated Raksha Bandhan by tying a Rakhi around a tree in Patna. Women also tied Rakhi to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Raksha Bandhan. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity. "Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolizing the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in the relationships of all of you and happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life," PM Modi posted on X. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and prayed for a strong relationship between brothers and sisters. "Many congratulations and best wishes to all the countrymen on the festival of Rakshabandhan, the festival of unbreakable love and affection between brother and sister. May this Rakhi always keep your sacred relationship strong," the Congress leader posted on X and shared a picture with sister Priyanka Gandhi. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also extended her wishes to the countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists and in return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. Raksha Bandhan is deeply rooted in Indian culture and has been celebrated for centuries, with instances of sisters tying Rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection mentioned in Hindu religious texts. (ANI) Devotees offered prayers at Lord Shiva temple, Boring Road in Patna, on the occasion of Sawan Purnima and the last Monday of Sawan month. Devotees have been flocking to temples across the country on the last Monday of Sawan. A large number of devotees visited the Achleshwar Mahadev temple in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. They worshipped Lord Shiva by offering bel leaves, milk, and garlands, and participated in special puja and abhishek organised on the occasion. Today is also the festival of Raksha Bandhan, and devotees prayed to the Lord for the eternal bond between brothers and sisters. Many offered Rakhi to the Lord Shiva, praying for continued happiness and prosperity. Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain also saw a large number of devotees. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the temple is of great religious significance and attracts worshippers from across the country, especially during Shravan, when it becomes a focal point of religious activity. In Jharkhand's Deoghar, devotees visited Baba Baidyanath Dham to pray to Lord Shiva. Baba Baidyanath Dham, another Jyotirlinga, is regarded as one of the most sacred places of Lord Shiva. Devotees from various regions travelled to this holy temple to offer their prayers. In Gujarat, long queues of worshippers were seen at the historic Somnath Temple in Bilimora. This temple, over 1,600 years old, is famous for housing a 'Swayambhu' (self-manifested) Shivling, making it an important religious site, particularly during Shravan. Devotees could be seen coming from distant places and participating in the rituals and fairs on Monday, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, devotees offered prayers at the Nageshwarnath temple. Today marks the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan (or Sawan), a time when it is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva receive abundant blessings. Shravan, usually falling between July and August, is a period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Shravan is the month when Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), saving the universe from its toxic effects. During this period, devotees fast and offer prayers, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The rains of Shravan are seen as a symbol of Lord Shiva's compassion and benevolence. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the school girls tying rakhis on his wrist in the national capital on Monday. In the video, school girls were seen tying the 'Rakhi' to PM Modi, on the festival of 'Raksha Bandhan'. Earlier today, PM Modi greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity. "Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolizing the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in the relationships of all of you and happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life," PM Modi posted on X. President Droupadi Murmu also extended greetings on the festival that celebrates the bond between siblings. President Murmu said the festival instills a feeling of affection and respect towards all sisters and daughters. In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu said, "On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen. This festival, based on the feeling of love and mutual trust between brothers and sisters, instills a feeling of affection and respect towards all sisters and daughters." She also urged the citizens to take a pledge to ensure the safety and respect of women in society. "I would like that on this festival day, all the countrymen to take a pledge to ensure the safety and respect of women in our society," the post further reads. Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, will be celebrated on Monday (today). It is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists. In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. Raksha Bandhan is a festival deeply rooted in Indian Culture and has been celebrated for centuries. Incidents of sisters tying rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection are mentioned in Hindu religious texts. (ANI) DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday expressed gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for honouring former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi on his birth centenary. "Yesterday Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asked to visit the Karunanidhi memorial. He came to Hall and asked everyone to stand and give a standing ovation. I didn't sleep yesterday due to overwhelming happiness. Rajnath Singh spoke greatly about our leader Karunanidhi in such a way that even our DMK men would not," CM Stalin said. "Rajnath Singh was not forced by anyone to speak great about Karunanidhi and no one pushed Rajnath Singh to speak great about Karunanidhi. What union Minister Rajnath Singh spoke yesterday was from the bottom of his heart." CM Stalin further added. On Sunday, Union Minister Rajnath Singh along with M K Stalin visited Karunnidhi's memorial at Marina Beach in Chennai. Rajnath Singh also unveiled the coin honouring Karunanidhi at a ceremony in Chennai. CM Stalin further criticised AIADMK leader Edapadi Palani Sami for raising questions about the Hindi letters on the coin, saying the coin release programme was a central government programme. "Edapadi Palani Sami criticised the Hindi letters in the coin released yesterday. He should know about politics, else or even about political affairs, or current affairs etc or atleast even should have a brain. Yesterday's Coin release programme was a central Governemnt programme where the Union government is permitted to release the coin." Stalin said. CM Stalin also clarified the absence of Rahul Gandhi in the event. "Edapadi Palani Sami had asked why Rahul Gandhi was not called for yesterday's centenary celebration of Karunanidhi, He should know that this is not organised by DMK but it's a union government programme. That he doesn't have this simple knowledge is worrisome." Stalin said. On Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed M Karunanidhi as one of the most revered leaders of the country, a titan of Indian politics, an able administrator, an advocate for social justice, and a cultural stalwart. "It is a great honour and deep respect to celebrate the birth centenary of one of the most revered leaders of our country, Kalaignar M Karunanidhi. I pay my homage to the Kalaingar on his special occasion, a man whose influence was far extended than the borders of Tamil Nadu and Karunanidhi was a titan of Indian politics. A cultural stalwart and relentless advocate of the social justice." Rajnath Singh said. M Karunanidhi was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for over two decades. DMK leader served five terms between 1969 to 2011. (ANI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday paid tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his 116th birth anniversary and said that he was the architect of modern Tripura and that his progressive ideas, reforms, and contributions to education, infrastructure, and culture continue to inspire and shape the state's destiny. Taking to the social media platform Facebook, the Chief Minister wrote, "Tribute to a visionary leader! Remembering Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, the architect of modern Tripura, on his birth anniversary. His progressive ideas, reforms, and contributions to education, infrastructure, and culture continue to inspire and shape the state's destiny. May his legacy live on forever! #MaharajaBirBikram." Meanwhile, a two-day celebration of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur's 116th birth anniversary has been organised in the town of Khumulwng in the West Tripura district. The event commenced on Sunday and was jointly organised by the INTACH Tripura Chapter and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). The event included a discussion panel and an exhibition showcasing the life and contributions of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, a king of Tripura also popularly known as the "Architect of Modern Tripura". Chief Minister Professor Manik Saha, who attended as the chief guest, addressed the gathering at the Nuyai Auditorium in Khumulwng and highlighted that the previous government distanced the royal family from the public, and their welfare-oriented initiatives were never given due recognition. "Since coming to power in 2018, the current government has taken significant steps to honour Maharaja Bir Bikram's legacy, including renaming the Agartala airport after him and declaring his birthday a public holiday," said CM Saha. He also mentioned the installation of a full-length statue of Maharaja Bir Bikram at the Agartala airport, reflecting the government's respect for the royal family. (ANI) After the Election Commission of India held back on the announcement of the assembly polls schedules for Jharkhand and Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday slammed BJP for "postponing elections to break Hemant Soren party." Sanjay Raut's attack on BJP comes amid speculations of Jharkhand Former CM Chamapi Soren leaving Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). "Elections are postponed in Maharashtra and Jharkhand because they (BJP) want to remove Hemant Soren from the CM post, break his party and bring instability in Jharkhand. Elections are postponed because they want time for this." Raut said. "They (BJP) are afraid of losing in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. They are going to be swept in Maharashtra." Raut said.Sanjay Raut further alleged BJP of "pressurising" the Election Commission to postpone the election in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. "The Election Commission is working against the Consitution and is under pressure," Raut said. On Sunday, Champai Soren said that he was "insulted" during his tenure, he also added that till the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly polls, "all options are open for him". He also listed out, in a post on X, various instances when he was not allowed to call a meeting of the legislative party and was asked to resign suddenly which prompted him "to look for an alternative path". "I have been trying to get the rights of the tribals, natives, poor, labourers, students and people of backward classes of the state. Whether I held any post or not, I was always available to the public, raising the issues of those people who had dreamt of a better future with the state of Jharkhand," he said. "Meanwhile, on January 31, after an unprecedented turn of events, the India Alliance chose me to serve the state as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand. From the first day of my tenure to the last day (July 3), I discharged my duties towards the state with full devotion and dedication. During this period, we took many decisions in the public interest and, as always, were always available for everyone. The people of the state will evaluate the decisions we took keeping in mind the elders, women, youth, students and every section of the society and every person of the state," he added. About the speculation of Soren joining the NDA alliance, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said, "BJP was trying for a long time. Now people will understand why Jharkhand & Maharashtra's elections are not being held with J&K and Haryana. BJP wanted to play this when Champai Soren was the CM. But they were unsuccessful then and will be unsuccessful even now." Jharkhand Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh denied the speculation of Champai Soren leaving the party. "All of these are rumours and speculation. He said that he was on a personal visit to Delhi to meet his daughter. He is a dedicated leader of JMM and the alliance. The alliance has always respected him. He is not going leave this respect, his party and go somewhere else. This government will complete its tenure and we will form the government in the future also. The BJP is nervous because of the welfare schemes brought by us." Mahto Kamlesh said. The Election Commission has announced the dates in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. The polling in the UT will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, as per the Election Commission of India. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. The polling in Haryana will be held in a single phase in October and the result will be announced on October 4. (ANI) In a notable ruling, the Saket District Court has granted an accused individual permission to travel to the United Kingdom to visit his wife for procreation, underscoring the recognition of procreation as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Special Judge, NDPS Court, affirmed that while incarceration limits personal liberty for the safety and order of the state, it does not wholly negate an individual's fundamental rights, including the right to parenthood. The court's decision was based on a plea by the accused, represented by Advocates Aditi Drall and Ravi Drall, who argued that visiting his wife for procreation fell within his fundamental right to life and personal liberty. While taking to the media, Lawyers said the court has considered various factors, including the proof of marriage, the wife's residency and employment status, and the specific circumstances of the case, before granting permission. The court required the accused to post a bond of Rs 5 lakh as a condition for travel, balancing the right to procreation with security considerations. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and said that the state has the best chief minister in the country. While addressing an event on Sunday, the Deputy CM said that the "double-engine" government in the state is doing the best work in the country. "People know and believe that our double-engine government is doing the best work in the country since Independence. Is there any other leader like PM (Narendra) Modi in the world, and is there any other CM like Yogi Adityanath in the country?" Keshav Prasad said. "When our PM Modi is the most influential leader in the world and when our CM is the best in the country, the best work is being done," he added. Maurya's statement comes days after the opposition speculated sign of dissent in the BJP after the Lok Sabha elections. Earlier in July, in a post on X, the office of the Deputy CM quoted Maurya as saying, "The organization is bigger than the government, the pain of the workers is my pain. No one is bigger than the organization, the workers are the pride." The post followed a meeting of the UP Deputy CM with BJP party President JP Nadda in Delhi on Tuesday. Nadda also held a separate meeting with the Uttar Pradesh BJP Chief Bhupender Chaudhary. Maurya is currently serving his second term as the Deputy CM of the state. In 2017 he was the state BJP president when the BJP formed the majority government under CM Yogi Adityanth with 312 seats in the Assembly. In the 2022 elections, Maurya lost the Assembly election but continued in his position as Deputy CM along with Brijesh Pathak, he was later elected to the Legislative Council. The BJP won 33 seats in the Lok Sabha polls 2024, down from 62 it had won out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 general elections. (ANI) Citing National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday called for an investigation followed by a discussion into the "rising" graph of crime against women in the last ten years. His reaction came amid nationwide protests against the murder and alleged sexual assault of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in the West Bengal city of Kolkata on August 9. The rape and murder of a female trainee doctor has sent shock waves across the country. "The NCRB data on crime against women in the last ten years (suggests that) the graph is rising. There should be an investigation into its reasons--a discussion," the Congress leader told ANI. He also expressed concern over the alleged cases of sexual assault of a woman resident doctor at the Sion Hospital in Mumbai by a drunk patient on August 18 and of a woman on a bus in Dehradun earlier in the year. "We hope that all the accused will be arrested very soon," he said. On the murdered Kolkata doctor's parents' statement, Pawan Khera said, "It is a valid question as to how vandalisation took place in the hospital?... Answers to these questions must be given." On Sunday, the mother of the deceased doctor said that the police did not do a good job at all and the WB Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was trying to stop the protests. She told ANI that the hospital officials first told her that her daughter had committed suicide. "First we got a call from the hospital that your daughter is sick, then the call was disconnected. After that when I called and asked what happened, they told me to come to the hospital. When we called again, the (caller) identified himself as Assistant Super and said your daughter has committed suicide. She went to duty on Thursday, we got this call on Friday at 10:53 am. When we reached there, we were not allowed to see her, we were allowed to see her at 3 o'clock. Her pants were open, there was only one piece of cloth on her body. Her hand was broken, and blood was coming out of her eyes, and mouth. Just by looking at her, it seemed that someone had murdered her," she said. "One person has been arrested. I am sure many more are involved in this incident. I think the entire department is responsible for the incident... The police did not do a good job at all. I feel that the Chief Minister is trying to stop the protest, today she imposed Section 144 here so that people cannot protest," she added. Doctors have held protests in various states including Kolkata, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation from the state police following an order from the Calcutta High Court. On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, sparking nationwide strikes and protests by the medical community. On August 14, the protest site and the hospital campus at RG Kar were vandalized by a mob, prompting security personnel to disperse the crowd. To maintain law and order, Kolkata police have imposed Section 163 of the BNSS around RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for seven days, effective from August 18. (ANI) Following sanction by Karnataka governor to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case, Congress leader KC Venugopal alleged that it was an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) to destabilise the state government. Venugopal said, "It is a clear conspiracy by BJP and JD(S) to destabilise the Siddaramaiah govt, which is the most popular government in Karnataka. The government is addressing the concerns of the common people." "Their target is clear (BJP-JDS) to tarnish the image of Siddaramaiah. congress party is standing with Siddaramaiah. Congress will fight with this issue legally and politically," he said. He further stated this move as unfortunate adding "What is happening in Karnataka is unfortunate." Earlier today, Karnataka BJP leaders held a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over his alleged connection with MUDA land scam case. "Today we are demanding the resignation of CM Siddaramaiah. He has looted the poor people that's why we are protesting against him and the entire Congress government...This government is ATM for the Congress high command," Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R Ashok said. BJP leader CT Ravi said that the BJP is protesting against the Karnataka government and against Siddaramaiah. "There are allegations of corruption against CM Siddaramaiah. MUDA scam has happened everyone knows about it...The Governor has given an order according to the Constitution of India. We are here to remind Congress about what they said when they were in opposition. The position of Governor is a constitutional position. So, protesting against his order is wrong," Ravi said. Earlier today, the Karnataka Chief Minister moved High Court challenging the order issued by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to prosecute him in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case. Siddaramaiah filed a writ petition requesting for cancellation of permission given to the prosecution. Justice Hemant Chandangoudar's single-judge bench is scheduled to hear the plea today. "Despite all the factual matters being brought to the notice of the Governor, he has proceeded to grant sanction on 16.08.2024, which was communicated to the Chief Secretary on 17.08.2024. The Petitioner submits that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India. The Governor's decision is legally unsustainable, procedurally flawed, and motivated by extraneous considerations, and thus the Petitioner has preferred this Writ Petition seeking to quash the impugned order dated 16.08.2024 amongst other reliefs," he said in a writ. "Stay the operation of the impugned order dated 16.08.2024 passed the Governor of Karnataka, and forwarded by respondent no. 2 to the Petitioner on 17.08.2024 bearing No. GS 40 ADM 2024, granting prior approval and sanction against the petitioner, a copy of which is herein produced as ANNEXURE A.B. Pass such other orders as this Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case, in the interest of justice and equity," it added. Congress leader Ramesh Babu wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, requesting her immediate intervention to direct the withdrawal of the prosecution sanction against the Chief Minister. "With the utmost respect and deep concern, submit this memorandum to draw your immediate attention to a grave injustice and a politically motivated act of Karnataka Governor Sri Thawar Chand Gehlot that threatens the very essence of our democracy and the constitutional values upon which our great nation is built," he stated in the letter. "The Governor of Karnataka, in a move that is unconstitutional, has granted sanction for the prosecution of our Honorable Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah. This action, taken on the day following the Independence Day celebrations, is not just a direct attack on the elected government of Karnataka, but a calculated conspiracy to destabilize a government that has been mandated by the people of Karnataka," he added. Karnataka Congress workers held a protest after the state Governor granted permission to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah in an alleged MUDA scam. The MUDA scam surfaced after social activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a complaint against Siddaramaiah and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from MUDA. (ANI) On this occasion, women and children tied Rakhis and offered sweets to the personnel. Earlier in the day, women in Soni Village along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir also tied Rakhis to Indian Army personnel. Women called the soldiers their brothers and showed gratitude towards them for protecting the borders. In return, the soldiers pledge to protect and safeguard the residents from any harm. Seerat Bano, a local woman, said, "We sisters have tied Rakhi to our brother for protecting us across the borders." Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie Rakhi around their brother's wrists. In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. Nazir Ahmad, another local villager highlighted the significance of the Raksha Bandhan and described it as a festival of peace and harmony. "This festival gives the message of peace and brotherhood. We live on the border and we stand by our Indian army who protect us. This festival represents the same brotherhood," he said. Rakhi symbolizes a sense of protection. On Raksha Bandhan, the brothers promise to protect their sisters from harm of any kind. This year Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated on August 19. Raksha Bandhan is a festival deeply rooted in Indian Culture and has been celebrated for centuries. Incidents of sisters tying rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection are mentioned in Hindu religious texts. (ANI) Doing so, the chief minister emphasised the importance of protecting the environment and celebrated the 'Bihar Vraksh Suraksha Diwas." In a post on social media platform 'X', the Bihar CM said that Raksha Bandhan is a festival of love and affection and shared his wishes with people. "Raksha Bandhan is a festival of love and affection between brothers and sisters. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to the people of the state and the country on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan." Nitish Kumar posted on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the school girls tying rakhis on his wrist in the national capital on Monday. In the video, school girls were seen tying the 'Rakhi' to PM Modi, on the festival of 'Raksha Bandhan'. PM also greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity. "Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolizing the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in the relationships of all of you and happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life," PM Modi posted on X. Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie Rakhi around their brothers' wrists. In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. Raksha Bandhan is a festival deeply rooted in Indian Culture and has been celebrated for centuries. Instances of sisters tying rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection are mentioned in Hindu religious texts. (ANI) Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the school girls tying rakhis on his wrist in the national capital on Monday. Earlier today, PM Modi greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity. "Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolizing the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in the relationships of all of you and happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life," PM Modi posted on X. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Raksha Bandhan with Usha Rana from Rashtriya Sainik Sansthan and students from Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School at his residence. President Droupadi Murmu also extended greetings on the festival that celebrates the bond between siblings. In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu said, "On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen. This festival, based on the feeling of love and mutual trust between brothers and sisters, instils a feeling of affection and respect towards all sisters and daughters." Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, will be celebrated on Monday (today). It is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists. In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. Raksha Bandhan is a festival deeply rooted in Indian Culture and has been celebrated for centuries. Incidents of sisters tying rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection are mentioned in Hindu religious texts. (ANI) Amid MUDA 'scam' allegations, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has criticized Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka for his comments comparing the current situation with former CM BS Yediyurappa's resignation in 2011. Siddaramaiah accused Ashoka of "demonstrating ignorance" by referencing Yediyurappa's resignation, which followed an investigation report on illegal mining, not merely the Governor's sanction for prosecution. LoP R Ashoka had demanded CM Siddaramaiah's resignation, comparing the situation to when BS Yediyurappa faced a similar investigation in 2011, based on a private complaint during his tenure. "R. Ashok, the leader of the opposition, has once again demonstrated his ignorance by saying, "Did not BS Yeddyurappa resign as Chief Minister when Governor Hansaraja Bharadwaja gave permission for the prosecution? Why is Siddaramaiah not resigning now? R Ashoka BJP, check the facts and talk before making such a bigoted statement. On 21 January 2011, Governor Hansaraja Bharadwaja gave permission for prosecution in connection with the Rachenahalli denotification scam. There was also strong evidence of 1600 pages of documents produced by the petitioner against him. However, BSYBJP did not resign as Chief Minister. It was Ashok, it was you who questioned why Yediyurappa should resign," CM Siddaramaiah posted on X. He further clarified that Yediyurappa resigned after the Lokayukta submitted a report on illegal mining, not merely because of the Governor's prosecution sanction. "BS Yeddyurappa resigned as Chief Minister on August 4, 2011. That was after the Lokayukta headed by N Santosh Hegde submitted the investigation report on illegal mining to the state government and the governor. The Lokayukta's inquiry report said that the state exchequer has lost Rs 16,500 crore due to illegal mining. R Ashoka, remember all the past, then you may remember what you all conspired against BSYBJP," CM Siddaramaiah said. "The Lokayukta headed by Justice Santosh Hegde, who investigated the Rachenahalli de-notification scam, which had been given permission for the prosecution by Governor Hansaraja Bharadwaja, had proved all the allegations and filed a charge sheet. Didn't Lokayukta Santosh Hegde himself confirm that the Governor's prosecution decision was fair? Governor Hansaraja Bharadwaja had given permission to investigate not one, not two, but fifteen denotification scams. For more information. Read Santosh Hegde's investigation report on illegal mining," he added. The Chief Minister said that the BJP Karnataka leaders shedding tears today for Governor Thawarchand Gehlot seem to have forgotten all the 2011 disparagement of the then Governor Hansaraja Bhardwaja. "The BJP leaders who are questioning the peaceful protest by our party workers have also forgotten that they had called a Karnataka Bandh in 2011 against the Governor's move," he said. On sanction by the Karnataka Governor to prosecute the Karnataka CM, Congress leader KC Venugopal called it a "conspiracy" and said that Congress will fight the issue "legally and politically." "It is a clear conspiracy by BJP and JD(S) to destabilise the Siddaramaiah government. They want to tarnish his image. Congress will fight with this issue legally and politically," Venugopal said. Earlier in the day, CM Siddaramaiah moved High Court challenging the order issued by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to prosecute him in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. CM Siddaramaiah filed a writ petition requesting for cancellation of permission given to the prosecution. Justice Hemant Chandangoudar's single-judge bench is scheduled to hear the plea at 2:30 pm today (Monday). "Despite all the factual matters being brought to the notice of the Governor, he has proceeded to grant sanction on 16.08.2024, which was communicated to the Chief Secretary on 17.08.2024. The Petitioner submits that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India. The Governor's decision is legally unsustainable, procedurally flawed, and motivated by extraneous considerations, and thus the Petitioner has preferred this Writ Petition seeking to quash the impugned order dated 16.08.2024 amongst other reliefs," he said in a writ. "Stay the operation of the impugned order dated 16.08.2024 passed the Governor of Karnataka, and forwarded by respondent no. 2 to the Petitioner on 17.08.2024 bearing No. GS 40 ADM 2024, granting prior approval and sanction against the petitioner, a copy of which is herein produced as ANNEXURE A.B. Pass such other orders as this Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case, in the interest of justice and equity," it added. Congress leader Ramesh Babu wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, requesting her immediate intervention to direct the withdrawal of the prosecution sanction against the Chief Minister. Karnataka Congress workers held a protest after the state Governor granted permission to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah in an alleged MUDA scam. On the other hand, the BJP held a protest demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister over his alleged connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case. Former Karnataka CM and BJP leader DV Sadananda Gowda said, "We have been doing it (protesting) for the last several days. The Governor has permitted prosecution. It is high time for the CM to step down." The MUDA scam surfaced after social activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a complaint against Siddaramaiah and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from MUDA. (ANI) Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat on Monday said that the credibility of the Mamata Banerjee government is zero in the rape and murder case of a junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata. "Mamata Banerjee wants to save herself and wants to hide the role of the accused in the case. If you hear the statements of TMC MPs, they are giving the wrong statements as if they are the doctors themselves and they are not talking anything really about the case. All of this proves that the credibility of the Mamata Banerjee government is zero in this case." Brinda Karat said. Speaking with ANI, Karat further commented on the summon of TMC MP Sukhendu Shekar Ray by Kolkata police. "The Rajya Sabha MP (Sukhendu Shekar Ray) tried to play a sensitive role in this case, and immediately the police summoned him as well." Earlier on Sunday, TMC MP Sukhendu Shekar had Ray raised questions about Kolkata Police's probe into the case. In a post on X, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray wrote, "CBI must act fairly. Custodial interrogation of the ex-principal and Police Commissioner is a must to know who and why floated the suicide story. Why wall of the hall was demolished, who patronised Roy (Sanjay Roy) to be so powerful, Why sniffer dog used after 3 days? 100s of such questions. Make them speak." Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari also criticised the state government for not ensuring the safety of women. "It is a matter of shame that the state government issues a notification saying that there is no safety for women at night. While bills are passed to reserve seats for women in Parliament and the Assembly, there is talk of women's empowerment, there is talk of promoting women. At the same time, the state government's special Alapan Bandopadhyay says that it is not right for women to do duty at night. The biggest irony is that there is no safety for women at night in the state. Further, he will also say that women should not go out of the house even during the day." Adhikari said. Earlier on Monday, West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose said that Bengal has failed its women. "Bengal is not a place safe for women. Bengal has failed its women. Not the society but the present government has failed its women folk. Bengal should be brought back to its pristine glory where women had a respectable place in society. Women now are scared of 'Gundas' this has been created by the government that is insensitive to this issue," Governor Bose said. On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, sparking nationwide strikes and protests by the medical community. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday attended 'Raksha Bandhan' celebration programme in Gandhinagar on Monday. Several women tied 'Rakhi' to Patel on this occasion. Taking to X, Patel shared, "Today, on the auspicious day of Rakshabandhan, sisters from different sections of the state wished me by tying Rakshasutra in large numbers. I am grateful to all the sisters for their love. I pray to God for the auspiciousness and happiness of all the sisters." He extended his wishes to the people of the state on the holy festival of the selfless love between brothers and sisters. "Our festivals are a reflection of our culture. One rakhi means all emotions are contained. The bond of Rakhi is the bond of mutual promises. The bond of Rakhi is the bond of never-failing affection. I am praying for the happy and auspicious lives of all the sisters," he said. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the school girls tying rakhis on his wrist in the national capital. The Prime Minister greeted people on the occasion and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity. "Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolising the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in the relationships of all of you and happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life," PM Modi posted on X. President Droupadi Murmu also extended greetings on the festival that celebrates the bond between siblings. President Murmu said the festival instills a feeling of affection and respect towards all sisters and daughters. In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu said, "On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen. This festival, based on the feeling of love and mutual trust between brothers and sisters, instills a feeling of affection and respect towards all sisters and daughters." She also urged the citizens to take a pledge to ensure the safety and respect of women in society. "I would like that on this festival day, all the countrymen to take a pledge to ensure the safety and respect of women in our society," the post further reads. Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, will be celebrated on Monday (today). It is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists. In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. Raksha Bandhan is a festival deeply rooted in Indian Culture and has been celebrated for centuries. Instances of sisters tying rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection are mentioned in Hindu religious texts. (ANI) Advocates of the Calcutta High Court on Monday held a protest march seeking justice for the junior lady doctor who was raped and murdered. The advocates were seen holding banners demanding justice for the victim. Taking part in the protest march, advocate Mousami Choudhry said "We want justice. We demand that the accused must be arrested as soon as possible and get the punishment" Another advocate of Calcutta High Court Navneet Mishra said "We demand that the accused should be apprehended and punished as soon as possible. Our request to the administrator is to arrest the accused. The investigation is underway and the accused will be arrested soon." "The fastness of the trial depends on the court; CBI is investing in the case. CBI must investigate through all angles and present it before the court" said advocate Narendra. On Sunday, a torchlight protest was held in Siliguri in North Bengal under the banner of "Loud and Clear" to condemn the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a hospital in Kolkata earlier this month. The 'Mashal Julush' protest rally led by a women's voluntary organisation was held to denounce the incident that took place at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Speaking to ANI, a woman protestor said, "We want stringent punishment for the culprits. Women should get security. We are not from any political organisation. We have full faith in the system. We just want justice. "Another protestor, Chumki Shah said, "I also have a daughter. She is not safe. We have to decide to ensure her safety. We want justice."A protester Prapti Shah said, "This should stop. Doctors give us life. Nobody should have taken a doctor's life like that. No girl can say that she has not been badly touched. This needs to stop. How much more can we tolerate?" The investigation into the case is progressing, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) employing advanced techniques such as 3D laser mapping of the emergency ward where the crime took place. Additionally, the CBI has conducted psychological evaluations of the primary suspect. Sources confirm that a psychologist from the CBI team arrived in Kolkata on Saturday to support the ongoing investigation. The Supreme Court of India has also taken note of the case, with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud leading a bench that will hear the matter on August 20. On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, which has led to nationwide strikes and civil societies and doctors across States protested against the incident and demanded severe punishment to the accused persons and sought safety and security for themselves. (ANI) Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took a swipe at UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday for applauding CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi and said that some "deputy" is appreciating the double engine government even after the "gift" of double defeat. "Some 'deputy' is applauding double engine government even after the 'gift' of double defeat. If the honourable was doing the right thing, then what would be the need for two 'deputy chief ministers'? This means either he is not doing the right thing or the other two are useless, and incompetent, and their work is to just praise the master," Akhilesh posted on X in Hindi. "If the deputies are really useful, then they should have been there in the Delhi division too, but they are not there! Will the Deputy answer this or will they remain silent?" he added. In what appeared to be a rejoinder to Akhilesh's statement, KP Maurya later posted, "Lalu and Mulayam families who once boasted of uprooting Congress have themselves become crutches for Congress today. Both these families who boasted of doing politics for the backward classes have become followers of the so-called Gandhi family which sucked the blood of the backward classes for decades." Akhilesh's statement came after Keshav Maurya praised CM Yogi on Sunday and said that the state has the best chief minister in the country. While addressing an event on Sunday, the Deputy CM said that the "double-engine" government in the state is doing the best work in the country. "People know and believe that our double-engine government is doing the best work in the country since Independence. Is there any other leader like PM (Narendra) Modi in the world, and is there any other CM like Yogi Adityanath in the country?" Keshav Prasad said. "When our PM Modi is the most influential leader in the world and when our CM is the best in the country, the best work is being done," he added. Earlier in July, in a post on X, the office of the Deputy CM quoted Maurya as saying, "The organization is bigger than the government, the pain of the workers is my pain. No one is bigger than the organization, the workers are the pride." The post was interpreted by the opposition as a sign of dissent within the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh. Maurya is currently serving his second term as the Deputy CM of the state. In 2017 he was the state BJP president when the BJP formed the majority government under CM Yogi Adityanth with 312 seats in the Assembly. In the 2022 elections, Maurya lost the Assembly election but continued in his position as Deputy CM along with Brijesh Pathak, he was later elected to the Legislative Council. The BJP won 33 seats in the Lok Sabha polls 2024, down from 62 it had won out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 general elections. (ANI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday approached the Karnataka High Court challenging Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's recent sanction to prosecute him in connection with the alleged MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority) 'scam'. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Karnataka CM stated that the Petitioner Siddaramaiah, in his petition, has said that the order of sanction granted by Governor of Karnataka is tainted and is part of a concerted effort to destabilise the duly elected government in Karnataka for political reasons. Earlier today, the Karnataka Chief Minister said that he is "fully confident" that the Court will grant him relief. "I haven't done anything wrong, in the writ petition, an injunction to the prosecution is sought as an interim relief. Eminent lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi will argue the writ petition. My conscience is clear, I have done nothing wrong. I have been a minister for 40 years and there is not a single black spot in my political life during this period. I am engaged in the service of people with their blessings. My political life is like an open book. The people of the state also know that I have not done anything wrong. I am fully confident of getting relief in the court," Karnataka CM said.Responding to BJP's protest demanding his resignation, CM Siddaramaiah claimed that BJP, JDS and the central government have conspired against him using the Raj Bhavan."BJP, JDS and the central government have conspired against me using the Raj Bhavan. They have resorted to such an act to smear me with malice. BJP is protesting with malicious intent and we will face this politically. We will take the legal and political fight against this conspiracy. Such political struggles have been carried out continuously and I will fight with more spirit," he added.Amid growing clamour among the opposition for Siddaramaiah's resignation, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said, "There is a conspiracy to misuse the Governor's office to destabilize Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka. There is no question of the CM resigning and our entire party and the government is behind him," he said, addressing a press conference in Vidhana Soudha, along with his Cabinet colleagues. Earlier, a complaint was filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested three people in the alleged rape case of a nurse by a doctor of a private hospital in Moradabad district, officials said on Monday. Moradabad Rural SP Sandeep Kumar Meena said that a complaint about the incident was received on August 18. "On August 18, a complaint was received in the Thakurdwara police station area, the complainant said that his daughter was raped by the doctor of the clinic in which his daughter worked... Three people have been identified based on the complaint. Doctor of the clinic Shahnawaz, another accused Junaid and a woman named Mehnawaz. A case has been registered against them under sections 61/2, 64, 351/2 and 127/2 of the BNS and SC/ST Act. All the three accused have been arrested. The medical of the victim is complete and the hospital has been seized," SP Meena said. This comes amid a nationwide protest of doctors after a female PG-trainee doctor was assaulted and murdered in West Bengal's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. A group of resident doctors from Northern Railway Central Hospital staged a protest outside Nirman Bhawan in Delhi on Monday, demanding justice for a trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. Similarly, in Mumbai, doctors staged a protest at Azad Maidan, urging the government to ensure that every organisation has a safety audit. "We request the government to ensure that every organization has a safety audit. What is the point of our independence if we are not safe? Doctors always first think of the patients and not their safety. The workplace must be secure for us," Dr Prerna Gomes from Jaslok Hospital told ANI. 71 Padma awardee doctors on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep concern and anguish over the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. They have requested his immediate intervention to address the issue and combat violence against healthcare professionals. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, will hear the case on August 20. Notably, after the Calcutta High Court order, the Central Bureau of Investigation is looking into the incident that happened on August 9. (ANI) Ahead of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, to be held from September 18, the National Conference on Monday launched its Manifesto that promised 12 guarantees to the people of the Union Territory. The party's Vice President Omar Abdullah launched the manifesto that includes some huge promises like- restoration of Article 370, 35-A and statehood, redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. The first guarantee of the NC's manifesto envisage the restoration of political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party would strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood prior to August 5, 2019. "It also mentioned that in the interim period, the party will endeavour to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. The party has also said that in the first assembly session, they will bring a resolution against the Centre's decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status," the manifesto said. The second guarantee includes several promises including- the release of political prisoners, return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, simplified job verification process, ease of passport verification, and end to unjust terminations and unnecessary harassment to people on highways will be stopped. The third guarantee will be a comprehensive job package for youth. Speaking on it, Omar Abdullah said, "We all know the unemployment condition in J&K. After August 5, 2019, there was talk of reducing unemployment but it only increased. There was fraud in the recruitment process and the youths did not get the job...We are making comprehensive promises to the youths and going to address the unemployment issue." The party has promised to give free electricity upto 200 units. Omar said, "We will also address the issue of water and electricity and will give electricity free upto 200 units. Some will promise more but that's not beneficial because they are not going to be in power in the future." He further added, "Regarding social welfare, we are making a special guarantee to the people. Under this, women belonging to the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) will be given Rs 5000 per month to support them. For the benefit of the common people, we will provide 12 gas cylinders after the elections to the EWS. The widow pensions will also be increased." The party has also promised to bring a comprehensive plan to solve the drug issue in the Union Territory. "Regarding drugs, we have consistently stated that a comprehensive programme needs to be created to address this issue. In the war against drugs, we are making a guarantee to the people," Omar said. "Agriculture and horticulture have historically been our key industries, along with tourism. To strengthen these sectors, the National Conference is including a programme in its manifesto. People complain that apples are no longer sold outside Jammu and Kashmir because apples are being imported at lower duties. We will work to protect our farmers in this regard," he added. The Jammu-Kashmir National Conference has also mentioned establishing a medical trust that will help people fight against serious diseases like cancer. "When people are diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, it becomes difficult for them to get treatment. To address this, a medical trust will be established to provide insurance coverage for such serious illnesses, making treatment more accessible," Omar said. "In the education sector, if you look at Kashmir, education used to be free, but it has gradually been phased out. In its manifesto, the National Conference has promised to reinstate free education up to the university level," he added. The polling in the UT will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, as per the Election Commission of India. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The PDP-BJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to the then-Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti. In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024. (ANI) The Karnataka High Court on Monday asked the trial court concerned not to take any precipitative action against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah based on the Governor's sanction in MUDA 'scam', till the next date of hearing before the High Court. A bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna posted the plea for hearing on August 29 which was filed by Siddaramaiah challenging the sanction for his prosecution by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam. While hearing Chief Minister's plea, the High Court said trial shall not take any precipitative action based on the Governor's sanction against Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case, as the High Court is hearing the matter. The High Court said proceedings before trial court shall be deferred till the next date of hearing before the High Court. In its order, the bench stated, "It was argued that the proceedings before the trial court are up for orders on whether a sanction should be granted to prosecute the Chief Minister. Any order permitting action to proceed further against the Chief Minister, would frustrate the proceedings before this court. Since the proceedings are pending before this court, the trial court shall defer its proceedings till the next date of hearing. There shall be no precipitative action qua these complaints." Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Siddaramaiah, argued that Governor didn't give a single reason on merits why the sanction ought to be given for prosecution of Chief Minister. Singhvi said that the Governor is bound by a Cabinet decision in such cases, however, he issued sanction in a short two-page order without considering the merits of the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Karnataka Governor submitted that in such cases there only needs to be an apprehension or suspicion of reasonable bias by the Cabinet in favour of the minister against whom sanction is sought. Earlier, a complaint was filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. (ANI) After the demise of General Sundararajan Padmanabhan (Retired), the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army General Upendra Dwivedi, along with all ranks of the Indian Army, offered their tribute and expressed their deepest condolences to the bereaved family on Monday. The official statement reads, "The Indian Army deeply mourns the passing of General Sundararajan Padmanabhan (Retired), who served as the 20th Chief of The Army Staff. The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the Indian Army offer their tribute and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The nation will remember General Padmanabhan for his unwavering dedication and contributions to national security. May his soul rest in peace." General Padmanabhan passed away last night in Chennai after a prolonged illness at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of exemplary leadership and dedication to the nation. Born on December 5, 1940, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; General Padmanabhan was a distinguished alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery on December 13, 1959, marking the beginning of an illustrious career spanning over four decades. Throughout his service, General Padmanabhan held numerous key command, staff, and instructional appointments. He commanded the Gazala Field Regiment, two infantry brigades and an artillery brigade. As a Major General, he commanded an Infantry Division in the Western Sector and as a Lieutenant General, he led a Corps in Kashmir Valley, where he played a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations. On September 1, 1996, General Padmanabhan took over as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command and later, the Southern Command. He assumed the office of the Chief of Army Staff on October 1, 2000. Known affectionately as "Paddy" among his peers, General Padmanabhan's legacy is marked by his commitment to the welfare of soldiers, modernisation of the Indian Army and strategic vision. He was also an Honorary ADC to the President of India. General Padmanabhan led the Indian Army during the crucial period of 'Operation PARAKRAM'. He retired on December 31, 2002, after 43 years of exemplary service. His death is a great loss to the Nation and the Indian Army. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday launched no-hold-barred attacks on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and alleged that TMC supremo has destroyed the "crucial evidence" in the sexual assault and murder of a woman trainee PG doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, holding a press conference here today termed Mamata as the "destroyer". He said, "Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also holds portfolios of the Home Ministry and Health Ministry. Today all the people, women are angry and the public demands Mamata's resignation. Mamata has become a destroyer." "We want justice and the Chief Minister of West Bengal should resign. By her misdeeds, West Bengal CM has destroyed the dignity of a woman, a doctor who was serving society. She is the destroyer of the rule of law and evidence in this heinous crime which is vital to ensure that the accused get the punishment that they deserve. As per the new criminal law, Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the death penalty is the punishment prescribed. Why is Mamata hell-bent to destroy the evidence which is crucial in the case?" Bhatia said. The BJP spokesperson also pointed out that CM Mamata Banerjee rewarded former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital instead of taking action against him for the murder and rape of the tranee doctor. "He who earlier was the principal of that hospital, it was his responsibility to protect all the doctors there, no action was taken but he was rewarded. Mamata destroys the identity of a woman and the provisions of the Constitution which she had sworn to follow," Bhatia added. On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, which has led to nationwide strikes and civil societies and doctors across States protested against the incident and demanded severe punishment to the accused persons and sought safety and security for themselves. The Kolkata Police arrested a civic volunteer the next day in this connection. Calcutta High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation, after expressing a lack of satisfaction with the Kolkata Police. The investigation into the case is progressing, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) employing advanced techniques such as 3D laser mapping of the emergency ward where the crime took place. Additionally, the CBI has conducted psychological evaluations of the primary suspect. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has also taken note of the case, with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud leading a bench that will hear the matter on August 20. (ANI) Following the sudden demise of Rakesh Pal, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Indian Air Force personnel extended their heartfelt condolences on Monday. "Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Air Staff and all Air Warriors of #IAF express their deepest condolences on the infelicitous passing away of Shri Rakesh Pal, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai. The #IAF offers prayers for the departed soul and stands in strong support of the bereaved family during this difficult time. @IndiaCoastGuard," the Indian Air Force wrote in an official post on X. The Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, along with all ranks of the Indian Army, also expressed their deepest condolences on Sunday. In a social media post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army stated, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest condolences on the untimely demise of Rakesh Pal, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai today. The Indian Army offers prayers for the departed soul and stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief."Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Chief Rakesh Pal passed away in Chennai on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest.He was taken to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in the city after feeling unwell. Despite receiving immediate treatment, he could not be saved.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin paid their last respects to the ICG Chief in Chennai.Expressing grief over the demise of the ICG Chief on X, Rajnath Singh wrote, "Pal was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the ICG was making significant strides in strengthening India's maritime security. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.""Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai today. He was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the ICG was making significant strides in strengthening India's maritime security," the Defence Minister wrote. DG Rakesh Pal was appointed as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard in July last year. He was an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy and joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989. He underwent professional specialisation in gunnery and weapons systems at the Indian Naval School Dronacharya, Kochi, and completed an Electro-Optics Fire Control Solution course in the United Kingdom. DG Rakesh Pal was awarded the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 for his distinguished service. (ANI) During his visit, the Minister toured the plant and conducted a comprehensive review meeting to assess the company's current operations and prospects. Following the plant tour, Kumaraswamy held a meeting with the unions and other employees of HMT Kalamassery. The discussions focused on the challenges faced by the unit, potential solutions, and strategies for enhancing productivity and employee welfare. He expressed his commitment to the revival and growth of HMT, emphasizing the importance of the company's role in the heavy industries sector. He assured the employees of his support and highlighted the government's initiatives aimed at strengthening the industrial sector in India. The Union Minister also posted on X about his visit and said, "I visited and inspected The Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) factory in Kalamassery, Kerala. During the visit, I toured various departments to personally observe the factory's operations. Additionally, I discussed with top officials about establishing a production facility aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives." (ANI) The Himachal Pradesh government has directed its officials to take a pledge to promote national integration and communal harmony among people of all religions, languages and regions on the occasion of the 80th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on August 20. According to an official notice from the Chief Secretary to the government of Himachal Pradesh, "I am directed to say that the birth anniversary of late Rajiv Gandhi will be celebrated as 'Sadbhavana Diwas' on August 20. The theme of Sadbhavana is to promote national integration and communal harmony among people of all religions, languages and regions." "The idea behind the observance of "Sadbhavana Diwas" is to eschew violence and to promote goodwill among the people. All employees shall be administered the "Sadbhavana Pledge" at 11 am on Tuesday in offices," it said. "I take this solemn pledge that I will work for the emotional oneness and harmony of all the people of India, regardless of caste, region, religion or language. I further pledge that I shall resolve all differences among us through dialogue and constitutional means without resorting to violence," read the 'Sadbhavana Pledge.' Rajiv Gandhi took over the charge of the Congress in 1984, following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40. Born on August 20, 1944, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, on May 21, 1991. (ANI) AAP leader and Delhi minister Atishi celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan and called this year's Rakhi special as she celebrated it with former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia. In a post of X, she shared photographs and wrote, "A thread of Rakhi binds relationships. This year the festival of Raksha Bandhan was even more special because I celebrated it with my elder brother Manish ji. Some glimpses of the happiness of this festival of Rakshabandhan..." Ahead of this, Manish Sisodia on Monday also shared an emotional post with a glimpse of Raksha Bandhan celebration and recalled last year's Rakshabandhan saying that he was a little saddened that time as he could not celebrate this festival with his family but this year with the blessings of millions of sisters, he is out of jail just before Rakhi. In photographs shared by Sisodia on X, AAP leader and Delhi minister Atishi was also seen tying Rakhi to him. "Last year I celebrated Rakshabandhan alone in jail. I was a little saddened that I could not celebrate this festival with my family. But this year, with the blessings of millions of sisters, I got released just before Raksha Bandhan so that I could celebrate it with my family," said Sisodia. "Heartfelt thanks for the prayers of all the sisters and a very Happy Rakshabandhan to all of you," Sisodia added in the post. Earlier, Manish Sisodia has said that the people of Delhi are praying for Delhi CM and Satyendar Jain to come out of the jail. "The people of Delhi are loving me, respecting me and saying that when I was in jail for 17 months, they missed me a lot...Now people are praying that Kejriwal comes out as soon as possible, Satyendar Jain comes out as soon as possible..." said Sisodia. "Arvind Kejriwal is famous in the whole country for building schools. He is the only CM who made the electricity bill zero for the people. He started free treatment in government hospitals...He made travel in DTC buses free for women. He has been CM for 10 years and he did what BJP CMs were not able to do in their tenure of 10 years...That's why they (BJP) have put him in jail...I have complete faith that Arvind Kejriwal will be out of jail soon," he added. (ANI) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal celebrated the pious festival of Raksha Bandhan with the female staff members in the office of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways on Monday. The female staff of the ministry tied Rakhis to the wrist of the Union Minister on the festive occasion. As per the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, "Besides the officials of the ministry, other employees from Sagarmala Development Company Limited, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and young professionals working with the ministry also tied Rakhi to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The Union Minister expressed his happiness to be sharing this beautiful bond of brother and sister and the celebration as one family. One of the employees who tied Sonowal the Rakhi said that this is a wonderful gesture and could be extended to all departments as well. Another employee said that it was a blessed moment as she could find a brother in the minister to tie the Rakhi since her own brother is abroad. Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his gratitude to everyone and extended his best wishes to everyone on Raksha Bandhan. Sonowal said that this further strengthens the bond within the Ministry to become and act as one family. Earlier in the day, taking to his social media handle on X, the Union Minister posted greetings for the festival, "Wishing everyone a joyous Raksha Bandhan! May the auspicious occasion strengthen the everlasting bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters." Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity."Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolising the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness to the relationships of all of you and happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life," PM Modi posted on X. President Droupadi Murmu also extended greetings on the festival that celebrates the bond between siblings. In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu said, "On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen. This festival, based on the feeling of love and mutual trust between brothers and sisters, instills a feeling of affection and respect towards all sisters and daughters." Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, is celebrated today as a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters.On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists. In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. Raksha Bandhan is a festival deeply rooted in Indian culture and has been celebrated for centuries. Incidents of sisters tying rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection are mentioned in Hindu religious texts. (ANI) During the ceremony, Tibetan Settlement Officer Lodo Tsangpo, chairman of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, representing the Periyar community, M Vyankatesh, Shashank Singh and Jigme Kunjom, Secretary of Women's Association, were also present. Additionally, RSS officials Ramesh Pasari and Ulhas Itankar were also present. Earlier today, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met his Madhya Pradesh counterpart Mohan Yadav during his visit to Ujjain on Monday. After the worship, he reached Circuit House where CM Yadav met him and welcomed him into the city. "Today, I came here to offer prayers at Mahakal temple in Ujjain and luckily CM Mohan Yadav was also in the city, therefore we had a courtesy meeting with him here," Sai told reporters. Meanwhile, CM Yadav told reporters, "I am happy that the glory of our Baba Mahakal may increase and different guests come and attend the 'Mahakal Sawari'. Today in that sequence, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh has come here to offer prayers to Baba Mahakal. I welcome him to the city. Chhattisgarh has a close relationship with Madhya Pradesh, it is an old part of Madhya Pradesh. May Baba Mahakal's blessings remain on everyone and his glory keep increasing." Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival deeply rooted in Indian culture and has been celebrated for centuries, symbolising the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection and, in return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. (ANI) Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Monday that on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the party is forming a 'Samajwadi Sabla-Suraksha Vahini' which will take "women's empowerment" to the masses and make them the part of "inclusive development" by bringing positive change in the society towards them. In a letter posted on 'X', the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that 'Samajwadi Sabla Suraksha Vahini' will be dedicated to the "aadhi-aabadi" (half the population) and will work for their "poori azadi" (complete freedom). He said that the Samajwadi Party's initiative will not just be a "four-day" concern regarding women's issues and matters, it will not just go through the formalities, but after taking lessons from the past will shake up the 'present' because change happens not just with shear words but with "solid efforts." . "In the present context, it will take the new concept of 'women protection' to the masses and will bring a radical change in social thinking by bringing a positive change in the outlook towards women through sensitive efforts and dissemination of ideas of equality. It will make women a part of inclusive development," the letter signed by Akhilesh said. "It will also take 'long-term concrete steps', it will also make the paths because change will not come with few statements, but with good efforts done with true feelings," the SP Chief said. ''Samajwadi Sabla Suraksha Vahini' will do the very important work of increasing the self-confidence of women and ensuring their all-round empowerment through various programs on topics like 'economic empowerment and women safety'. The feeling of security becomes the basis for the continuity of her education, her skill and capability, her activeness and self-reliance and for living a respectable life in the family and society. The more secure a woman is, the more active she will be and the more her economic contribution will increase and along with that her family and social respect and contribution to the development of the country and the world," the letter said. Notably, the SP leader's announcement comes amid a nationwide doctors' protest against the brutal rape and murder of a female doctor at West Bengal's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The Kolkata Police has arrested a civic volunteer in this connection. (ANI) On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, which commemorates the unforgettable bond between brothers and sisters, school students on Monday tied 'Rakhi' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and interacted with him. The major highlight of the event was when students tied 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' theme-based rakhis to him and also discussed about their potential contribution to PM Modi's vision of Vikshit Bharat. A student emphasising PM Modi's Vikshit Bharat vision asked how they can contribute to it, on which PM Modi said one should be healthy, hygienic, focus on studies and be generous with others. Meanwhile, students also sang Rakhi-based songs for PM Modi and joyously hugged him. Furthermore, PM Modi also congratulated the students and extended his wishes to the public on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Interacting with a student who tied 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' rakhi, PM asked applauded her creativity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Monday morning and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity. "Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolizing the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in the relationships of all of you and happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life," PM Modi posted on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity. "Heartiest greetings to all the countrymen on the festival of 'Raksha Bandhan'. On this festival of unbreakable love and affection between brothers and sisters, I pray for everyone's happiness and prosperity," Shah posted on X. Union Health Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda greeted people and prayed that the Raksha Bandhan fills everyone's life with happiness and good fortune. "I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all my countrymen on the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan, the unbreakable love and trust between brother and sister. I pray to God that this festival of our sacred culture may fill everyone's life with happiness, good fortune and prosperity," Nadda posted on X. Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, will be celebrated on Monday (today). It is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists. In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. Raksha Bandhan is a festival deeply rooted in Indian Culture and has been celebrated for centuries. Incidents of sisters tying rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection are mentioned in Hindu religious texts. (ANI) Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the government's move towards lateral entry and said Congress had taken similar decisions. He said former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who joined as Economic Advisor in the Finance Ministry in 1971, joined the government through lateral entry and was later appointed as Finance Secretary. "Rahul Gandhi is also the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha. He holds a constitutional post but is not paying attention to these things. He alleges that RSS people are recruited through lateral entry. We want to say that Dr Manmohan Singh is also an example of lateral entry. In 1976, how did you appoint him Financial Secretary? Your Planning Commission's vice-chairman was also on a lateral entry. You will find hundreds of such examples...you started lateral entry," he said. Meghwal accused Congress of trying to mislead the people from SC, ST and OBC communities on the issue of reservation. He said that the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, which was formed in 2005 when Congress-led UPA government was in power, had suggested recruiting experts to fill the gaps in roles that require specialised knowledge. Meghwal alleged that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was against the implementation of the Mandal Commission report. "Now suddenly they (Congress) have a love for OBC and they are misleading SC/ST OBC students," Meghwal added. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government over the move for lateral entry of individuals on a few posts. "Lateral entry is an attack on Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis. BJP's distorted version of Ram Rajya seeks to destroy the Constitution and snatch reservations from Bahujans." Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X. UPSC recently invited applications for 45 mid-level posts including joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries through lateral entry. Several opposition parties have opposed the decision. (ANI) In a joint operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police arrested an arms supplier, identified as Dharminder Kumar, who is wanted in the murder case of Nangal-based Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Bagga. Dharminder Kumar alias Kunal, a resident of Ludhiana, Punjab, had procured weapons from Madhya Pradesh that were used in the assassination of Vikas Prabhakar alias Vikas Bagga, the President of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Nangal Unit. Vikas Bagga was shot dead by unidentified assailants at his confectionery shop in Nangal, Punjab on April 13, 2024. The case was initially registered at Police Station Nangal, District Rupnagar, Punjab, and later transferred to the NIA in May, 2024 due to its severity. Based on specific input from a source, the team of the Special Cell, South Western Range tracked Dharminder Kumar alias Kunal in the Ludhiana area of Punjab and the input was shared with the NIA. Accordingly, a joint team of Special Cell under the supervision of Manoj C IPS, DCP Special Cell and NIA under the supervision of SP NIA, Chandigarh, apprehended Dharminder Kumar alias Kunal from Sherpur Kalan, Ludhiana, Punjab. Upon interrogation, he confessed to his involvement in the crime. The accused, Dharminder Kumar, has previously been involved in the supply of illegal arms from Madhya Pradesh and has had two cases under the Arms Act registered against him in Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. He revealed that in April 2024, after being released from jail, he came into contact through social media with a person based in a Middle Eastern country who instructed him to arrange weapons. He then procured the weapons from Madhya Pradesh and supplied them to the assailants. He has been arrested by the NIA under sections 302/34/120B IPC, 25/27 Arms Act and 16(1)(a)/17/18 and the 20 UA(P) Act, 1967. Earlier in April this year, the Punjab Police arrested two people who were part of a terror module backed by Pakistan-based terrorists in connection with the murder case of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Bagga. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav had said that the Rupnagar police and State Special Operation Cell, in a major breakthrough, solved the murder case in less than three days. The accused, identified as Mandeep Kumar alias Mangi and Surinder Kumar alias Rikka, were arrested in the case. Police teams also recovered two .32-bore pistols--including one used in the crime--along with 16 live cartridges and 1 empty cartridge, besides, impounding the scooter used in the crime, DGP Gaurav Yadav added. He further said that both the shooters were in contact with foreign-based handlers via encrypted apps, and the latter had shared the location and photo of the target with them, besides, arranging funds and weapons to execute this killing. In this regard, an FIR was registered on April 13 under sections 302 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Nangal Police Station. (ANI) Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of Defence, Sanjay Seth, paid last respects to Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Rakesh Pal, at Brar Square, in Delhi, on Monday. The mortal remains of Indian Coast Guard chief Rakesh Pal, who passed away in Chennai on August 18 after suffering a cardiac arrest, were brought to Delhi. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan also paid last respects to ICG chief Rakesh Pal at Brar Square, in the national capital. Indian Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal passed away in Chennai on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was taken to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in the city after feeling unwell. Despite receiving immediate treatment, he could not be saved. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin paid their last respects to the ICG Chief in Chennai. Expressing grief over the demise of the ICG Chief on X, Rajnath Singh wrote, "Pal was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the ICG was making significant strides in strengthening India's maritime security. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family." "Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, DG, Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai today. He was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the ICG was making significant strides in strengthening India's maritime security," the Defence Minister wrote. The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, along with all ranks of the Indian Army, expressed their deepest condolences on Sunday. In a social media post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army stated, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest condolences on the untimely demise of Rakesh Pal, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, in Chennai today. The Indian Army offers prayers for the departed soul and stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief." DG Rakesh Pal was appointed as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard in July last year. He was an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy and joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989. He underwent professional specialisation in gunnery and weapons systems at the Indian Naval School in Dronacharya, Kochi, and completed an Electro-Optics Fire Control Solution course in the United Kingdom. DG Rakesh Pal was awarded the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 for his distinguished service. (ANI) Founder of Param Shakti Peeth and Vatsalyagram, Sadhvi Rithambara, tied rakhi to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Raksha Bandhan on Monday in Delhi. The Union Education Minister also celebrated the festival with sisters of Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School, Vatsalyagram. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also celebrated the festive occasion with President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan earlier in the day. "Shri@jayantrldand I accompanied students from across the country to the Rashtrapati Bhawan to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with Hon'ble President Droupadi Murmu. Grateful to Rashtrapati ji for blessing and guiding our students and making this Raksha Bandhan a special one for our young friends," posted Dharmendra Pradhan on X. Sadhvi Rithambara also tied rakhi to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Monday in Delhi. Meanwhile, in Kolkata, people from the transgender community tied rakhi to West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on the auspicious occasion. Earlier today, Rajnath Singh also celebrated Raksha Bandhan with Usha Rana from Rashtriya Sainik Sansthan and students from Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School at his residence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity. "Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolising the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness to the relationships of all of you and happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life," PM Modi posted on X. President Droupadi Murmu also extended greetings on the festival that celebrates the bond between siblings.In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu said, "On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen. This festival, based on the feeling of love and mutual trust between brothers and sisters, instills a feeling of affection and respect towards all sisters and daughters." Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters.On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists. In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. Raksha Bandhan is a festival deeply rooted in Indian culture and has been celebrated for centuries. Incidents of sisters tying rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection are mentioned in Hindu religious texts. (ANI) The Indian Army organised events at Rupai, Phillobari, Dirak, Makum and Laipuli Army camps in Tinsukia district of Assam and Bordumsa Army camp in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, celebrating the Raksha Bandhan, a symbol of bonding among brothers and sisters, with the locals. The event was attended by girls from various schools, members of Akhil Bhartiya Marwadi Mahila Sammelan, Marwadi Mahila Pragati Sanstha, representatives of Brahmakumaris Ishyariya College and soldiers of the Indian Army. During the ceremony, the ladies tied Rakhis on the wrists of the soldiers symbolising a bond of mutual respect and recognition for their duty. The celebration of Rakshabandhan with the Indian Army is a testament to the deep bond between the citizens and soldiers, highlighting the unwavering trust and respect that exists within the nation. This event served as a reminder of the unity and strength that characterise the Defence Forces of India and the communities they protect. Earlier today, celebrating the festival of Raksha Bandhan, women tied Rakhi to Indian army personnel in Soni Village along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Women called the soldiers their brothers and showed gratitude towards them for protecting the borders. In return, the soldiers pledge to protect and safeguard the residents from any harm. Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie Rakhi around their brother's wrists. In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters. Border Security Force (BSF) jawans posted at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab's Amritsar, celebrated the festival with women and children. On this occasion, women and children tied Rakhis and offered sweets to the personnel. (ANI) Odisha Police on Monday unearthed a SIM box racket in Cuttack, a senior police official said. The discovery came after raids in Cuttack, which were prompted by information from Raju Mandal, who was arrested the previous day. Speaking to ANI, Odisha Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda said, "During the investigation, our police team located the second SIM box in Cuttack, where we found five operational SIM boxes and a total of 236 SIMs in use. Raju Mandal had rented that house from December onwards and was paying Rs 8,000 in rent. Ashdur Jamman had also visited the location to set up the SIM boxes." Meanwhile, the Odisha Police Commissioner also informed that during investigation another SIM box had been set up in Ranchi, Jharkhand. He also added that the Odisha police will send a team there to locate the third SIM box. "Our investigation has revealed that they have also set up another SIM box in Ranchi, Jharkhand. We will be sending our team to Ranchi, and with the help of local police, we will try to locate the third SIM box location," Panda told ANI. "Generally, these SIM boxes are used to mask international calls as local calls. They are typically used by crime syndicates for cybercrime, terrorism, money laundering, and drug trading. However, the exact nature of their use will only be known after we analyze the technical details, including call records," Panda added. Odisha Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda also mentioned that the main accused in the case, a Bangladeshi national identified as Ashdur Jamman, will be pursued through Interpol. "So far, only Raju Mandal has been arrested. Ashdur Jamman resides in Bangladesh, and we will attempt to apprehend him through Interpol," the Commissioner said. On August 18, Odisha Police announced that they had dismantled a SIM box racket operating in Bhubaneswar with the arrest of one person. The arrested individual was identified as Raju Mondal, a resident of West Bengal, who has been "taken into five days of remand," the Odisha Police Commissioner said on Sunday. "Our special squad, under the supervision of DCP Bhubaneswar, found a SIM box racket operating in Bhubaneswar. One person from West Bengal, Raju Mondal, has been arrested. He had rented a house on the periphery of Bhubaneswar, and from that house, we seized five operational SIM boxes and two standby SIM boxes. There were 255 active SIMs operating on those five SIM boxes," Odisha Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda told ANI. Panda explained that a Bangladeshi national had set up the racket and Raju Mondal was responsible for its smooth functioning. He added that Mondal received payments through a Hawala channel at regular intervals. "From the initial interrogation of Raju Mondal, he has stated that he was operating under the instruction of a Bangladeshi national. The Bangladeshi national had come to Bhubaneswar around 7-8 months ago, rented the house, and set up the SIM boxes there. After that, he returned to Bangladesh, but under his instruction, Raju Mondal maintained the SIM boxes, power supply, internet connections, replacement of SIMs, and other related tasks. He was being paid through a Hawala channel at regular intervals," the Odisha Police Commissioner said on Sunday. Odisha Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda said "According to Raju Mondal's interrogation, these SIM boxes were used to divert calls from Pakistan, China, and Middle Eastern countries to India, disguised as local calls." (ANI) A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Inspector who was injured during an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, succumbed to the injuries. The deceased inspector has been identified as Kuldeep Singh who lost his life in the operation. "A joint patrol party of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police came under heavy fire from terrorists in the Cheel, Dudu area of Udhampur District today. CRPF Inspector Kuldeep Singh lost his life in the operation," said police officials. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the area. CRPF posted on X, "On 19 August, in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, brave Inspector Kuldeep Kumar of 187 Battalion CRPF sacrificed his life on the altar of duty while fighting the terrorists. CRPF salutes our brave soldier's indomitable courage, valour and devotion to the motherland. We always stand with the family of our brave man." Earlier in the day it was reported that an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces on Monday in Dudu village of the Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, Jammu and Kashmir is going to witness the elections after a gap of 10 years, as the last assembly election was held in 2014. The polling in the UT will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, as per the Election Commission of India. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. There are a total of 90 assembly constituencies, of which 74 are general, nine are ST, and seven are SC. Earlier on August 14, one terrorist was killed by security forces during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Doda district. "One terrorist has been neutralised in the ongoing operation. One AK 47 has been recovered in addition to the M4 rifle. Intermittent exchange of firing continues as the operations are ongoing," White Knight Corps said. Additional Director General of Police Anand Jain visited Doda as the Indian Army and J-K Police continued their search operation in the area.An Indian Army captain also lost his life while leading a search operation during the encounter. (ANI) With the Congress and some other opposition parties targeting the government over the UPSC's move to invite applications for 45 mid-level posts through lateral entry, sources said that several technocrats, economists and other specialists had joined the government during the rule of Congress at the Centre and they include former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former Planning Commission member NK Singh. Government sources said others who joined the government during the Congress rule include Sam Pitroda, Manmohan Singh, V Krishnamurthy, Bimal Jalan, Kaushik Basu, Arvind Virmani, Raghuram Rajan, Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Nandan Nilekani. According to sources, technocrat and entrepreneur Sam Pitroda was brought into the Indian government during the 1980s under Rajiv Gandhi's administration. He is known for his pivotal role in India's telecom revolution and served as the Chairman of the National Knowledge Commission and advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations. Manmohan Singh entered the government as a lateral entry in 1971 when he was appointed as an economic advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Trade. He later became the Finance Minister in 1991, playing a key role in India's economic liberalization. He served as Prime Minister during two terms of Congress-led UPA government. Sources said V Krishnamurthy, a technocrat, played a critical role in India's industrial policy, was brought into government and played roles such as the Chairman of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and later Maruti Udyog. He also served as the Chairman of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council. Bimal Jalan, an economist with a background in international institutions such as the IMF and World Bank, Jalan, served as the Chief Economic Advisor and later as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1997-2003). Kaushik Basu, a prominent academic economist, was appointed as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government in 2009. He had a significant career in academia before his appointment and later went on to serve as the Chief Economist at the World Bank. NK Singh, formerly a member of IAS, moved into roles such as the Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office and later served in key economic roles including as a member of the Planning Commission. The sources said he was a lateral entry in the sense that he transitioned into advisory roles in finance and public policy after his time in the civil services. Raghuram Rajan served as Reserve Bank of India Governor from 2013 to 2016. He was appointed CEA to Finance Ministry in 2012. Rajan had served as the Chief Economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was brought into the government to help steer economic policy during a challenging period. Arvind Virmani, an economist, served as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India from 2007 to 2009 and had previously worked in academia and international economic institutions before entering the government. Montek Singh Ahluwalia was brought into government roles from academia and international organizations. He served as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission from 2004 to 2014. Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, was appointed as the head of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in 2009. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the government's move towards lateral entry and said Congress had taken similar decisions. Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi have launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government over the move for lateral entry of individuals on a few posts. "Lateral entry is an attack on Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis. BJP's distorted version of Ram Rajya seeks to destroy the Constitution and snatch reservations from Bahujans." Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X. UPSC recently invited applications for 45 mid-level posts including joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries through lateral entry. Several opposition parties have opposed the decision. (ANI) Telangana Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy has praised the agricultural loan waiver scheme implemented by the Telangana government under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, and Agriculture Minister Nageshwar Rao. He described it as a historic move, unprecedented in the history of independent India, where such a significant amount of debt has been forgiven, sending a strong message to the entire nation. Addressing a press conference at Jal Soudha along with Minister Jupally Krishan Rao, MLC T Jeevan Reddy and others on Monday, Uttam Kumar Reddy detailed the government's efforts, noting that loans up to Rs 1 lakh were waived on July 18, followed by loans up to Rs 1.5 lakh on July 30, and finally, loans up to Rs 2 lakh by August 15. He acknowledged that some farmers might not have got their loans waived, probably due to information about Aadhar cards/ration cards/passbooks not being complete or some minor errors in bank data, stated an official release by the Congress party. Uttam Kumar Reddy further stated that the Telangana government fulfilled its promise by waiving loans up to Rs 2 lakh by August 15. He addressed concerns that some farmers might not have had their loans waived due to issues with Aadhaar cards, ration cards, or bank passbooks, reassuring them that these issues would be resolved, and their loans would be forgiven. He urged farmers not to worry, as the government is committed to correcting the wrong decisions made by the previous administration, the release stated. He mentioned that the Aadhaar numbers of 1.2 lakh farmers were found to be incorrect, with some providing 11 or 13 digits instead of the standard 12 digits. Each mandal's Agriculture Officer has been instructed to collect and upload the details of farmers not included in the loan waiver scheme, and their loans will also be waived. Additionally, 1.61 lakh farmers had discrepancies between their Aadhaar and bank account names, which are being corrected to include them in the scheme. Uttam Kumar Reddy also pointed out that 4.83 lakh farmers do not have ration cards, and Agriculture Officers have been directed to visit their homes to collect details. Once verified, their loans will be waived. Furthermore, loans exceeding Rs 2 lakh, such as a farmer owing Rs 2.15 lakh, will see the government pay off Rs 2 lakh if the farmer pays the remaining Rs 15,000. Minister Uttam stated that the Congress government has waived Rs 18,000 crore in agricultural loans within 7-8 months, compared to the BRS government's much smaller loan waivers over several years, which primarily covered interest payments rather than the principal amounts. He criticized the BRS government's failure to waive any loans during its first five years and its negligible efforts during its second term. He also noted that the Congress government has established a grievance cell to address farmers' complaints and ensure that all eligible loans are waived as promised. Uttam Kumar Reddy criticised BRS party for spreading misinformation and attempting to mislead farmers regarding the loan waiver. He highlighted that despite participating in several parliamentary debates over the past five years concerning agriculture and farmers, the BJP government at the center has failed to take any substantial steps to address farmers' issues. He pointed out that while the Manmohan Singh government had previously waived agricultural loans on a large scale, the BJP has not even broached the subject, let alone taken action. He noted that despite the BJP's repeated promises over the past decade to double farmers' incomes, no concrete measures have been implemented. In contrast, the Congress government in Telangana has made a bold and revolutionary decision to waive agricultural loans, a move that Uttam Kumar Reddy believes should be celebrated rather than criticised by opposition parties, the release added. He advised farmers to disregard the opposition's false propaganda, assuring them that all eligible farmers' loans would be waived. Uttam Kumar Reddy criticised the BRS government for not providing crop insurance during its ten-year tenure, despite numerous instances of crop damage due to unseasonal rains. He pointed out that the BRS government did not pay any compensation to farmers during this period. In contrast, the Congress government has introduced a crop insurance scheme and will provide an RS 500 bonus on fine paddy this season. He added that the Congress government has already compensated farmers for crops damaged by unseasonal rains and hailstorms. (ANI) A midnight candle march was organised late Monday night at Shimla's Ridge in Himachal Pradesh to protest the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The event, organised by the Shimla Collectives--a diverse group dedicated to environmental conservation and social justice--aimed to spotlight the urgent need for improved women's safety in public spaces. The protesters demanded a "martyr status" for victims and capital punishment for the rape culprits. The demonstration which witnessed active participation from residents, served as both a symbolic gesture and a call to action. It highlighted the collective grief and outrage felt over the crime, which has been described as a significant stain on social morality. By gathering past midnight, participants sought to reclaim public spaces for women and demand justice for the victim, emphasising the necessity for women to navigate their communities without fear. Tikender Singh Panwar, the organiser and former Deputy Mayor of Shimla City, emphasised the importance of unity in confronting such issues. "All of us must unite and raise our voices on this extremely important issue," Panwar stated. "There are three aspects to it one to reclaim the space and make an ideological shift to provide space to women which it used to have earlier and now they feel unsafe and we have decided to do this midnight peace protest to provide a space, second is to announce the doctor as martyr which we lost in Kolkata as she was serving the society and thirdly to provide doctors with the Protect Act which is yet to be implemented. We have gathered here to protest in front of the Statue of Indira Gandhi to recall those letters written by Jawahar Lal. Nehru from Jail to Indira ji where he had imagined India and where we are heading today. We all need to change our minds," Tikender Panwar said. The counsellor of the Mall Road area Umang Banga said that women and young girls need a space and they should be respected. "We are here to protest peacefully and want to show our solidarity with the woman doctor we lost in Kolkata. But it is about all women, today it was Rakhi day in India and for women in India, this is a very important festival. I would request everyone elders, young brothers and boys just to respect all women as they respect their sisters. It is just a message to change the minds of people. We all need to come together," Banga said while speaking to ANI. Saina Malhotra, one of the protestors, urged for a change of mindset regarding women's safety and freedom. "As you know this protest is a peace protest and peace itself is a message to provide a peaceful atmosphere to women in the country. We call ourselves a free nation, are we a free country? Do you see anyone roaming here in the streets? Ask any girl the answer will be no, so it means they don't feel free to be here so what kind of freedom is this? We will have to provide space and freedom to all women so we need to change our mindset. Today it was Rakhi festival but to tie a Rakhi means to provide protection, are we protecting every woman? It is an awakening we hope that mindset will change soon," she said. Lalita Ahuja, a social worker expressed shock at the Kolkatta rape and murder case she wants to show solidarity with the victim and wants capital punishment for the rape culprits in India. "This was a heinous crime and women wanted freedom and safety in India. I think justice will be delivered only after capital punishment is given to the rapist. Once you hang two people four such will teach a lesson and will never think about such a crime. Numerous rapes are happening in India each day but most of them are not reported, you have seen what has happened in Dehradun. In Himachal, one case has come up where a woman is alleging a public representative of assault. So we are trying to send a message to people across India through this midnight protest. The doctor's incident was unfortunate, she should be given the status of martyr," Laita Ahuja said. The women professionals from the medical fraternity also participated in the midnight protest. "There was an awakening 12 years ago during the Nirbhaya but why only after the crime, the mindset needs to be changed. If we say to give her the status of a martyr, it will not help first we need to change the ideology and mindset and respect women only after we can say something. We are not feeling safe, we are working for 36 hours continuously but you are just blaming what we wear or how we work. Women are neither safe at work nor on the streets. Here this initiative by Shimla Collectives for us and justice and solidarity for the victim is a welcome step as they have come up with a message to change the mindset and provide a space to women," Dr Swati Sharma, who participated in the protests said. The postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The rape and murder of the trainee doctor have sparked widespread outrage and protests across various cities, with calls for justice and punishment for the accused. (ANI) Israeli police are investigating an explosion that killed one person in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening, CNN reported. Another person was injured after being hit in the lower body by shrapnel and was taken to the hospital for treatment. District Commander Peretz Amar stated that the deceased is believed to have been carrying the explosive material. The police have not yet identified the individual who died in the explosion. Peretz Amar mentioned that it is "too early to say" whether the incident in Tel Aviv was a terrorist attack. The police received several calls reporting the loud explosion on HaLehi Street in Tel Aviv, CNN reported. Speaking to reporters at the scene, Peretz Amar confirmed that the explosion was caused by a bomb, The Times of Israel reported. He noted that identifying the deceased is crucial to understanding the motive. He also stated that the injured person might be able to assist in the investigation, according to The Times of Israel. Amar said, "It is difficult to identify the body." He added, "We know that he is not an innocent civilian, but someone who was carrying an explosive device." "Was this a criminal act or a [terrorist] attack? The identity of the deceased is key to determining this," he said, adding that the possibility of an attempted attack is heightened by the findings at the site of the incident. (ANI) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday to push for a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, The Times of Israel reported. It is Blinken's ninth visit to Tel Aviv since the war between Israel and Hamas started in October. During his visit, Blinken is set to meet Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the White House indicates that a deal is ready to be closed. Mid-level Israeli negotiators held talks in Cairo on Sunday after holding discussions for two days in Qatar, sparking optimism among the mediating nations. Working groups continue to stay in Doha. Shortly before Blinken arrived in Israel, Netanyahu said that he was sticking to his demands, calling for more pressure on an inflexible Hamas, potentially trying to lower expectations as Washington has expressed optimism, according to The Times of Israel report. "I want to emphasize," Netanyahu said at the weekly cabinet meeting, "we are conducting negotiations ["give-and-take" in Hebrew], and not give-and-give. There are areas where we can show flexibility, and there are areas where we can't show flexibility -- and we are standing firm on them. We know quite well how to distinguish between the two." During the cabinet meeting, he said, "Alongside the great efforts we are making to return our abductees." He said, "We stand firm on the principles we have established, which are essential to Israel's security." Netanyahu said that the principles are "consistent with the May 27 outline, which received American support." However, he is reported to have since made demands that have not been included in that proposal. On May 31, US President Joe Biden publicly presented Israel's proposal, which was shared with the White House. The framework for the deal included three stages, with the first six-week period seeing a pause in Israel's ground operations and withdrawal of soldiers in exchange for the release of 33 hostages in the categories of women, children, elderly and injured, and Israel releasing 990 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas, as well as some analysts and Israeli protesters, have accused Netanyahu of hamstringing the deal to protect his ruling coalition. Speaking to reporters after talks in Doha last week, a US official said the Israeli team sent to Qatar was now "clearly empowered," in an apparent nod to Netanyahu, who has been accused of not giving enough leeway to his negotiators to secure a deal. In his remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu said that Hamas was refusing to close a deal. He said, "It did not even send a representative to the talks in Doha. The pressure should be directed at Hamas and [its leader, Yahya Sinwar, not at the Israeli government." He said, "Strong military pressure, and strong diplomatic pressure, is the way to achieve the release of our hostages." The stakes around a hostage deal and ceasefire have further increased after the killing of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah's military chief, Fuad Shukr, and as the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip deepened with a feared polio outbreak, The Times of Israel reported. Iran has indicated that it is holding off on launching an attack on Israel while the ceasefire talks are underway. However, Iran will launch a direct attack if the talks fail or it perceives Israel is dragging out negotiations. The war in Gaza started after Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people and kidnapping 251. It is believed that 111 of those hostages remain in Gaza, including the bodies of 39 confirmed dead by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Earlier in November, Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce and four hostages were released before that. Israeli troops rescued seven hostages alive and the bodies of 24 hostages have also been recovered, including three mistakenly killed by the military as they attempted to escape their captors, The Times of Israel reported. Hamas is also holding two Israeli civilians who entered the Gaza Strip in 2014 and 2015 and the bodies of two IDF soldiers who were killed in 2014. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has said that more than 40,000 people in the Gaza Strip have been killed or are presumed dead since the war began in October. (ANI) In recent days, numerous retirees have once again taken to the streets of Kabul to protest the continued non-payment of their pensions, demanding the immediate release of their retirement benefits. These retirees are experiencing severe economic difficulties and are urgently appealing to the interim government to address their pressing financial needs, reported TOLO News. One retiree, Ali Ahmad, voiced his distress, saying, "We are living in poverty and misery. I've even seen some retirees having to beg for their survival." His comments reflect the dire situation many retirees are facing. Another retiree, Abdul Wasi, shared a particularly troubling situation: "I've packed up my belongings because the landlord says I haven't paid rent for three years, and despite this, no action has been taken. On top of that, I am responsible for three orphans." This highlights not only the financial strain but also the additional personal burdens these retirees are carrying, TOLO News reported. Other retirees have issued warnings that without their pension payments, their living conditions will continue to worsen significantly. Zarifa, another retiree, made a heartfelt appeal: "We urge the Islamic Emirate to pay us our pensions, as we are dealing with serious issues. We have pressing rent obligations and sick individuals at home. Currently, our belongings are left outside in the open." Abdul Khaliq, another retiree, emphasized his integrity by stating, "I have never engaged in dishonesty or taken anything for myself. Even when someone suggested that I flee to America, I refused. Those who have betrayed their country have left, leaving those of us who stayed in a state of poverty," reported TOLO News. To date, the Islamic Emirate has not issued a statement addressing these concerns. Earlier, the administrative deputy to the Prime Minister said that the leader of the Islamic Emirate has addressed the retirees' concerns, and a resolution is to be implemented through a specific mechanism designed to resolve the issue. (ANI) Zimbabwe Vice President Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga, arrived in New Delhi on Monday morning to attend the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave. The participation of Chiwenga in the conclave, held here in the national capital, highlights the strong ties between India and Zimbabwe. Sharing a post on X, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, wrote, "VP C.G.D.N. Chiwenga of Zimbabwe arrives to a warm welcome in New Delhi for the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave." "His participation in the Conclave highlights the strong ties between India and Zimbabwe and reinforces our commitment to a stronger and collaborative relationship with Africa," the MEA post further added. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1825358313112191293 India and Zimbabwe held their third Foreign Office Consultations in Harare and reviewed bilateral relations on August 6. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in development partnerships, trade and economic relations, digital technology, agriculture, health, defence, consular and cultural issues, among others. Notably, the 19th edition of the CII India-Africa Business Conclave will aim to serve as an instrument for Africa's growth and the role of the India-Africa partnership in regional and global value chain integration. India remains the fastest-growing large economy, supported by favourable demographics (consistent labour supply), improving institutional strength, and enhanced governance. Currently, India is the 5th largest economy with an estimated GDP of USD 3.7 trillion for FY24, despite the pandemic and the macroeconomic imbalances and financial sector issues inherited in previous years, according to the Finance Ministry's January 2024 economic review. Previously in June, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said that Africa is undergoing rapid changes today, and it is on its way from being the cradle of human civilisation to becoming the land of the future, adding that India looks at it as a 'natural partner' with trust and mutual respect. In his address at the Africa Day celebrations in the national capital, Jaishankar noted that India-Africa relations are "deep-rooted," emphasising that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has redefined India's engagements in Africa. "Africa, we all know, is today undergoing very rapid changes. These span the range from being the cradle of human civilisation to becoming the land of the future. It is a continent with the youngest demographies, one with vast natural resources, expanding capabilities, growing markets and most of all, rising ambitions," Jaishankar had said. "India, the most populous country in the world and currently the fifth largest economy, looks at Africa as a natural partner. Anchored in trust and mutual respect, it is focused now on value addition within Africa, with production, research, localisation and local employment," he added. (ANI) Sindh's Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered an investigation into child marriages in the Dadu district, following recent media coverage highlighting the issue, reported Dawn News. He has instructed Hyderabad's commissioner to compile a detailed report on the marriages of 45 underage girls in Khan Muhammad Mallah village. These marriages have been taking place since the last monsoon, with a notable 15 occurring in May and June of this year. The parents of these girls have explained that they hastened their daughters' marriages, often in exchange for money, as a means to "save them from poverty." This desperate measure reflects broader socio-economic challenges faced by many families in the region. The Chief Minister has mandated the formation of a committee to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the situation in the village. He has requested a thorough report covering the social, economic, and legal conditions of the girls involved, aiming to address the issue holistically. , Dawn News reported. "What is the current condition of the married girls? Submit a report covering every aspect so that the issue can be resolved," the Chief Minister directed the commissioner, according to the official statement. Additionally, he asked the commissioner to include recommendations in the inquiry and to detail whether the married girls were from families affected by recent floods, as well as the amount of aid they had received. Child marriages are a persistent issue in parts of Pakistan, which has the sixth-highest number of girls married before the age of 18 globally, according to government data published in December, reported by Dawn. The legal marriage age ranges from 16 to 18 in different regions, but enforcement is often lax. UNICEF has reported "significant strides" in reducing child marriage, yet extreme weather events, such as the 2022 floods, have exacerbated the problem. "We would expect to see an 18 per cent increase in the prevalence of child marriage, equivalent to erasing five years of progress," it stated in a report assessing the impact of the floods. (ANI) The international community has largely reacted with concern to China's assertive policies towards Taiwan. Many nations view China's military threats and aggressive rhetoric as destabilizing for regional and global security. Sharing a post on X recently, the former President of the East Turkistan Government in Exile, Ghulam Osman Yaghma, argued that China's growing assertiveness towards Taiwan is driven by the US reluctance to confront Beijing directly, compounded by the Western focus on other conflicts. China leverages the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to advance its strategic goals, particularly as Central Asia and Russia become increasingly entangled in its framework. "Is There a Way to Halt China's Advancements on Taiwan? China is increasingly assertive regarding Taiwan, exerting pressure at levels previously unseen. This growing aggression stems from a calculated understanding: the United States is deeply reluctant to engage in a direct conflict with China," he wrote on X. "This emboldens Beijing, especially in the current global context where Western powers are focused on the Russia-Ukraine war, and the potential of the conflict in Gaza escalating to a larger conflict in the Middle East. These dynamics undoubtedly present China with a unique window of opportunity to make aggressive moves on the Taiwan issue," he added. Yaghma further suggested that to counter Beijing's ambitions, the US could exploit China's vulnerability in East Turkistan by negotiating with Mongolia to establish a military base near the region. Such a move would not only pressure China to reassess its Taiwan strategy but also bolster Mongolia's security against Chinese and Russian influences. This approach would help the US achieve several strategic goals simultaneously, including easing pressure on Taiwan, strengthening Mongolia, and containing China and Russia. https://x.com/YaghmaGhulam/status/1825255434804212151 A Canadian Uyghur politician, Ghulam Osman Yaghma was born in Artush, Xinjiang. After completing high school, he was denied access to higher education by the Chinese government because of his previous involvement in establishing an independence organization aimed at freeing East Turkistan from Chinese control. He later worked as an instructor of modern Uyghur language, literature, and aesthetics. Ghulam Osman Yaghma's statement emerged against the backdrop of escalating tensions between China and Taiwan. As China intensified its pressure on Taiwan, Yaghma's remarks highlighted the growing risks and strategic dynamics influencing the region. Recently, Taiwan issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid trips to China, Hong Kong, and Macao due to Beijing's threats against supporters of Taiwan's independence. Liang Wen-chieh, spokesperson for Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, issued this warning amid heightened tensions with China. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has refused to engage with Taiwan's government since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. The advisory aims to alert Taiwanese travellers to the risks posed by China's new regulations targeting independence supporters. Although travel is not banned, citizens are advised to avoid expressing political views or engaging in activities that could lead to detention or prosecution by Chinese authorities. Previously, Taiwan had condemned Beijing's threats of severe penalties, including the death penalty, for those advocating Taiwan's independence. Beijing's notice specified that leaders of independence efforts causing significant harm to the state and its people could face the death penalty, while other prominent advocates might receive prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life. Taipei has denounced the new Chinese guidelines, asserting that Beijing has no legal authority over Taiwan and dismissing the regulations as non-binding on Taiwanese citizens. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) criticized the guidelines as "regrettable" and provocative, harmful to relations between Taiwanese and mainland Chinese people. The MAC also advised Taiwanese living in China or planning to visit to be cautious and vigilant. China's intensified measures against supporters of Taiwan's independence are driven by its long-standing claim over Taiwan, despite the island's self-governance since 1949. Rising tensions have been exacerbated by Taiwan's international engagements and Beijing's attempts to diplomatically isolate the island. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views advocacy for Taiwan's independence as a direct threat to its sovereignty, resulting in punitive actions such as legal threats and economic coercion. (ANI) United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken who is in Tel Aviv, in a fresh push for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire, called on Israel President Issac Herzog on Monday. At the start of his meeting with Blinken, the Israeli President was cited by the Times of Israel as blaming Hamas for failure to reach a hostage deal stating that "people have to understand it starts with a refusal of Hamas to move forward." According to the Israeli publication, Herzog thanked US President Joe Biden for "showing and projecting power" in the region amidst threats by Iran. He also thanked the US, Egypt and Qatar for acting as mediators on a ceasefire proposal and expressed hope "that we can move forward in the negotiations". "There is no greater humanitarian objective, and there's no greater humanitarian cause than bringing back our hostages home as they should have returned long ago," Herzog said as cited by the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, Blinken has said that is "a decisive moment" in the war. "This is a decisive moment -- probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," Blinken said. According to Washington Post which cited dipolmats speaking on condition of anonymity, key sticking points in the proposed ceasefire have been Israel's insistence on maintaining a military presence along the Philadelphi Corridor between Egypt and Gaza and the establishment of checkpoints to inspect Palestinians seeking to return to their homes in northern Gaza. There are also unresolved issues related to the roster of Palestinian detainees Israel will agree to release, the US publication said. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said that Blinken during his Israel visit will push hard for a conclusion of the deal, which "would achieve a cease-fire in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages, ensure humanitarian assistance is distributed throughout Gaza, and create the conditions for broader regional stability." This visit marks Blinken's ninth visit to Tel Aviv since the war between Israel and Hamas started. The US Secretary of State is set to meet other Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the White House indicates that a deal is ready to be closed. Mid-level Israeli negotiators held talks in Cairo on Sunday after holding discussions for two days in Qatar, sparking optimism among the mediating nations. Working groups continue to stay in Doha. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the same day that Blinken arrived in Israel, seven members of the same family were killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza. (ANI) Amid China's ongoing demographic crisis, the new 'pro-birth agenda' set up by the Communist Party does not go along well with the country's women, who have faced the horrors of Beijing's 'one-child rule' previously. Beijing has been launching nationwide programs to promote a "pro-birth culture" since the country's three-child policy was implemented in 2021. This is because China's population is shrinking at an alarming rate. The slogans and posters that originally cautioned against having more than one kid have been replaced with ones that promote having more babies. A flurry of policy incentives, including cash giveaways, real estate subsidies, and the extension of maternity leave, have been implemented by local governments. However, nothing seems to work, as the women in China, now, are not interested in having children. One such case, which highlights the negative impacts of child policies in China, is that of Fang. Since her pre-school days, she was officially registered as the daughter of her eldest uncle. This happened, as her parents tried to conceal their second pregnancy, in order to avoid harsh penalties, including the loss of a job. At that time, China's controversial rule of 'one-child' was in enforcement from 1980-2015. "I really had no idea which parents I was supposed to name," Fang told CNN years later, using a pseudonym for privacy reasons. Since then, to avert an impending demographic crisis, Beijing has gradually raised the birth quotas from one to two children, then to three in 2021. The one-child policy is no longer in effect, but the scars from the past continue to linger. A new generation of women, like Fang, is reluctant to become parents because they were traumatised by the hardships of their parents and by the sacrifices they made as one-child citizens. This makes Beijing's present pro-birth campaign difficult to support. Yao, who is 25 years old and the eldest of three siblings, requested that CNN only use her last name out of concern for her privacy. She had a similar upbringing that was ruined by the policy. During the single-child policy's reign, she was born in a remote village in northern Shandong, one of the 19 provinces that permitted rural couples to have a second child--as long as the first child was female. According to a prestigious Chinese academic research released last year, this variation of the "one-and-a-half child policy," which was implemented in 1984, implied that girls were only "half" as valuable as boys, reinforcing the traditional Chinese preference for sons, CNN reported. Yao's mother became pregnant with her third child, a forbidden one, and quickly left the village with Yao's sister, leaving Yao in the care of her grandparents. Yao's first sibling was a girl, who was permitted by the rules. Yao claimed that in order to prevent a possible forced abortion, her mother was compelled to conceal her pregnancy. She attempted to formally register the "extra baby" as her son after he arrived, but she had to pay a hefty charge of 50,000 yuan (about USD7,000), reported CNN. Probably the most horrifying aspect of China's one-child "social engineering" is forced abortion and sterilisation, which has permanently altered the physical and emotional health of hundreds of millions of Chinese women. Furthermore, financial concerns frequently take centre stage in online debates in China regarding birth choices. However, some users have also poked fun at the nation's one-child policy by posting old invoices for over-quota birth fines on Xiaohongshu, China's equivalent of Instagram. (ANI) The Naval ship is commanded by Captain MR Harish. The ongoing visit by INS Tabar to Esbjerg, Denmark aims to enhance the existing bonds between both nations and navies. During the stay in Esbjerg harbour, the ship's crew will participate in various bilateral professional interactions with the Danish Armed Forces, including cultural exchange, the Ministry of Defence said in an official release. The Indian Navy remains committed to fostering partnerships with navies across the world. The diplomatic relations between India and Denmark, are based on historical links, common democratic traditions and a shared desire for regional, as well as international peace and stability. The bilateral relations were elevated to the level of "Green Strategic Partnership" during the Virtual Summit held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen on September 28, 2020, the Ministry of Defence release said. INS Tabar is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors and is among the earliest stealth frigates of the Indian Navy. The ship is part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet which is based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command. (ANI) Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory wishes, Thailand's newly sworn-in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that she is looking forward to strengthening Thailand-India ties further. Sharing a post on X, Shinawatra wrote, "Thank you PM @narendramodi for your warm congratulatory message. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our bilateral relations, especially in the areas of trade and investment, culture, people-to-people contact, and tourism, in particular, to increase air travel between both countries." "I am confident that we can build upon our existing ties and explore untapped potentials to create even greater opportunities for our two countries, peoples and beyond," she added. https://x.com/ingshin/status/1825403391646036256 On Sunday, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn formally endorsed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country's next prime minister. Prime Minister Modi extended congratulations to Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her election as the Prime Minister of Thailand and expressed his best wishes for a successful tenure on August 18.Further, he looked forward to working with the new Thai leader to strengthen bilateral ties between both nations. "Congratulations @ingshin on your election as the Prime Minister of Thailand. Best wishes for a very successful tenure," PM Modi said on X. "Look forward to working with you to further strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Thailand, which are based on the strong foundations of civilisational, cultural and people to people connect," he added. Shinawatra's appointment follows a series of twists and turns in Thai politics over the past week, during which the Constitutional Court ousted Srettha Thavisin, her predecessor from the same Pheu Thai party. With the king's approval, Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to move forward with assembling a Cabinet, a process expected to unfold in the coming weeks. Recently, the Thai Parliament voted to make Paetongtarn Shinawatra the next as well as the youngest-ever prime minister of Thailand, Al Jazeera reported. Known by her nickname Ung Ing, Paetongtarn is the youngest child of billionaire tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra and is the third member of the family after her father and aunt to hold the nation's top job. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday welcomed his counterpart from Nepal, Arzu Rana Deuba on her first visit to India as the Foreign Minister. Sharing a picture along with her, Jaishankar wrote on X, "Welcome @Arzuranadeuba of Nepal on her first visit to India as Foreign Minister." "Looking forward to our talks," he added. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1825425366871126023 Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a five-day official visit to India on the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Ministry of External Affairs said that the visit continues the tradition of regular high-level India-Nepal bilateral exchanges. In a post on X, the MEA Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Warm welcome to FM @Arzuranadeuba of Nepal as she arrives in New Delhi on an official visit. The visit continues the tradition of regular high-level India-Nepal bilateral exchanges and is a testament to the unique & close. As per a statement by Nepal's Foreign Ministry, Nepali Foreign Minister will be holding meetings with Jaishankar and will "discuss matters of mutual interest for strengthening Nepal-India relations and promoting cooperation." "As part of the regular exchange of high-level visits between Nepal and India, this visit will further consolidate the age-old, deep and multifaceted bilateral relations," the release stated.An official from the secretariat of Arzu Rana Deuba confirmed to ANI that she will also be tying "Rakshabandhan" to Vijay Chauthaiwale. "The Foreign Minister was set to go India for medical checkup later next week. During the visit of the Indian Foreign Secretary earlier this week, an invitation for the formal visit of the foreign minister came along. As it coincides with Rakshyabandhan she will also be tying Rakshyabandhan with Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale," an official from the Foreign Minister's secretariat confirmed ANI. (ANI) Israeli police and Shin Bet, Israel's domestic security agency have declared Tel Aviv's explosion on Sunday evening as "terror attack". The blast occurred on HaLehi Street, sending shockwaves through the city, which has been on high alert due to escalating tensions in the region, reported CNN. The explosion killed one person and injured another. The blast occurred on HaLehi Street, sending shockwaves through the city, which has been on high alert due to escalating tensions in the region. "This was a terror attack involving the explosion of a powerful explosive," the Israel Police Spokesperson's Unit and the Shin Bet Spokesperson's Unit said in a joint statement Monday. The deceased, whose identity has not been disclosed, is believed to have been carrying the explosive material. According to District Commander Peretz Amar, the explosive was likely hidden in a backpack, making it unclear whether the individual intended to use the device or if it detonated prematurely. The injured person, a passerby on an electric scooter, was taken to the hospital with shrapnel wounds to the lower body. "As a result of the explosion, a passerby was moderately injured (according to medical sources) and was transported to receive medical treatment," it added. This incident has heightened fears across Tel Aviv, a city already grappling with the aftermath of recent violence in the region. The explosion adds to the ongoing strain of rocket attacks from Gaza and clashes in the West Bank, which have left both civilians and security personnel on edge. In just the past week, there have been several attacks in Israel, including a car bombing in Jerusalem that injured multiple people and a fatal hammer attack on an Israeli security guard in the West Bank, as per the report by CNN. Authorities are exploring all possible motives behind this explosion, including whether it is linked to the broader regional conflict. Amar emphasised that it is "too early to say" if the blast was a terrorist attack, but the timing and location have raised significant concerns. The explosion coincides with a period of intense security scrutiny in Israel, especially with ongoing military operations in Gaza and increased violence in the West Bank. The Israeli government has responded by deploying additional security forces across major cities, particularly in Tel Aviv, where public events have been limited and large gatherings closely monitored. This latest incident further complicates the situation, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel for high-level talks aimed at de-escalating the conflict. The blast in Tel Aviv could impact these diplomatic efforts, making an already volatile situation even more precarious, CNN reported. Police reported receiving numerous calls about the loud explosion, which was heard across several neighbourhoods. In response, security measures have been ramped up in the area, with investigators working tirelessly to determine the full circumstances surrounding the blast. As tensions continue to rise, the Israeli public remains on high alert, bracing for the possibility of further incidents. (ANI) Hundreds of devotees gathered on the embankment of the Bagmati River beside Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu to change 'Janai' and tie 'Rakshyabandhan' on the wrists of devotees to mark the festival of Janai Purnima on Monday. The festival of Janai Purnima is observed annually on Shrawan Shukla Purnima. This year, it coincides with the Janaipurnima and Rishi Tarpani festivals. Celebrated nationwide, these events feature the wearing of the Janai (sacred thread) and Raakhi (Rakshabandhan). Hundreds of adherents of Vedic Sanatan Dharma thronged the Bagmati embankment taking dips and tying the Rakshasutra (sacred thread) with the guidance of their Guru. Brahmin priests, adhering to the Vedic traditions, performed chants and penance, and worshipped while tying the Rakshasutra on the right wrist of the devotee. It is a widely held belief that wearing the Janai and Rakshasutra, with proper chants and blessings by priests protects devotees from negative influences. "We used to take dips in the river and water resources in the past but now these days the river is not clean so that is out of option; instead I took bath in home itself and wore a new 'Janai' which is changed once in a year. I also tied a Rakshyabandhan on the wrist, there has been a new trend of tying Rakhi but we tie Rakshyabandhan on our hand," Janardan Dhakal, a devotee told ANI. Commonly called 'Janai Purnima' or 'Rishi Tarpani' the tagadharis or those who wear the 'Janai' (the sacred thread) around their bodies from the left shoulder to right change the sacred thread today after having a haircut and a bath. 'Janai' is a sacred thread that is believed to have emerged from the Yagya, a sacrificial rite or performance of duty. As per the scriptures, a person who wears this sacred thread is full of energy and this thread has two parts and each part contains three threads: Bramha, Bishnu and Lord Shiva. These threads are also regarded as the symbols of knowledge, meditation and power. On the other side is nature who also are considered the female companions of male. Saraswati of Bramha, Laxmi of Bishnu and and Parbati of Shiva. Those who don't wear Janai reach nearby religious sites and receive the 'Raksha Bandhan' thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet. The yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmin priests as a symbol of protection from fear and disease. It is believed that those wearing "Rakshya Bandhan" would be protected as well as extend the lifespan of the people as well as bring on peace in the life. This sacred thread is made through the combination of 27 different types of threads. In astrology, there are 27 constellations, which hold the name of every human being. This thread is tied around the wrists following the folklore about King Bali. According to beliefs, Bali earned more virtue which threatened the throne of King Indra. After Bramha tied thread around the wrist, the ritual is followed in remembrance of Lord Bali. Religious fairs are held at Gosainkunda, an alpine area in Rasuwa District, and at Dansanghu, Triveni in Jumla District to observe the festival with offerings to Lord Shiva. On the side of Pashupatinath Temple, the Bhagwat Sanyash Ashram Gurukul, near the Ram Temple morning held a mass bathing ceremony and performed the rituals. The occasion is also observed as 'Kwanti Purnima' by the Newar community. Kwanti, a soup prepared from nine different beans, is a special delicacy added to the Nepali menu today. In the Tarai region, there is a tradition in which sisters tie an attractive 'Rakhi' around the wrist of their brothers wishing them long lives and prosperity. Along with this, the Buddhists observe this day in commemoration of Lord Gautam Buddha's victory over the evil power of lust. This episode is well-described in the Buddhist scripture 'Lalitbistar'. A special fair is also organised at Swayambhunath in Kathmandu on this day. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with his Nepali counterpart, Arzu Rana Deuba, on Monday and discussed multifaceted cooperation in trade, energy, and infrastructure development between the two countries. The EAM noted that Nepal will be exporting around 1000 MW of electricity to India and stressed India's 'Neighbourhood First' to take New Delhi-Kathmandu ties further. Taking to social media platform X, Jaishankar stated, "Pleased to welcome FM @Arzuranadeuba of Nepal on her first official visit abroad. Discussed the multifaceted India-Nepal cooperation including in energy, trade, connectivity, and infrastructure development." "Glad to note that Nepal will be exporting close to 1000 MW of electricity to India, a new milestone. Our Neighbourhood First policy and unique people-to-people & cultural connect propels our relationship forward," he added. Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a five-day official visit to India on the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Ministry of External Affairs said that the visit continues the tradition of regular high-level India-Nepal bilateral exchanges. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1825460826574053751 Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba also termed her meeting with Jaishankar 'productive' and affirmed confidence that her visit will further strengthen the centuries-old bond between India and Nepal. "Had a productive meeting with @DrSJaishankar in New Delhi. We discussed bilateral interests, various aspects of Nepal-India relations, and the exchange of mutual cooperation. I am confident this visit will further strengthen the centuries-old bond between Nepal and India," she stated on X. https://x.com/Arzuranadeuba/status/1825446127539216487 Meanwhile, Nepal is set to export an additional 251 MW of power to India, sourced from 12 hydropower projects in Nepal, following approval by India's designated authority for cross-border trade. Following the approval, Nepal for the first time, would be exporting power to Bihar through a medium-term power sales agreement, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced in a release. "This takes the total allowed quantum from 690 MW from 16 projects to 941 MW from 28 projects. Even before this 251 MW approval, Nepal had already become a net exporter of electricity and a net revenue generator in the last fiscal year, selling NPR 16.93 billion worth of electricity," the release stated. (ANI) The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) has condemned the alleged abduction, torture, and shooting of its national activists by Pakistani state agencies, particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The incident reportedly took place in Kotri, Sindh on August 14, 2024. According to the statement from JSFM Chairman Sohail Abro and other officials, three nephews of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) Central Cultural Secretary Abdul Fattah Channa--Zahid Channa, Ghulam Muhammad Channa, and Sajjad Channa--were abducted by the ISI from their homes. Following the abduction, protests were organised by JSQM, Sindh Sabha, and Sindh Sujagi Forum, demanding the release of the missing individuals. However, when the relatives attempted to file a complaint with the local police, their efforts were reportedly dismissed. The situation escalated when, after several days, four of the abducted individuals were allegedly shot by police and state agencies and admitted to Civil Hospital Hyderabad, with two still missing. These activists later released a video statement asserting that they had been tortured by ISI officers and falsely accused of being foreign agents involved in sabotage on August 14. After failing to find evidence, the activists claim they were handed over to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Police in Hyderabad, who then shot them and lodged a false FIR against them, the JSFM press statement read. The JSFM has strongly condemned these actions, calling them a brutal violation of human rights by the Pakistani state. The press release emphasises that Sindhi people observe August 14 as a day of protest, marking what they consider the forcible merger of Sindh into Pakistan in 1947. This year's protests involved hoisting black flags and wearing black armbands to express their rejection of Pakistan. Sohail Abro has called on international human rights organisations, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, to take immediate notice of these alleged human rights violations and to conduct an investigation. The JSFM urges the international community to bring these incidents to light and hold the Pakistani state accountable for its actions. (ANI) The first volume of a compilation of key articles and documents since the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress has been published by the Central Party Literature Press. The book includes 75 articles and documents during the period between the 20th CPC National Congress convened in October 2022 and the closing of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress in March 2024, with 19 pieces being published for the first time. The book will serve as important learning material for Party members studying the policies and guidelines of the CPC Central Committee, as well as the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which was held in mid-July. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has raised concerns over the ongoing police encounters in Sindh, Pakistan against activists raising voices against state repression. The HRCP, in a statement, claimed that four such encounters have been reported in the last several days. During these incidents, several suspects sustained severe injuries, as they were shot before being formally detained by the security agencies. https://x.com/HRCP87/status/1825504920335687727?t=pQ_B-Wda6IyAXHU5uM30rw&s=08 "Sindh police recorded over 3,000 police encounters in just one year in the province in 2023. This practice violates the right to due process as well as the state's legal obligations under the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act 2022 and the Convention Against Torture, to which Pakistan is a state party," the HRCP claimed. The HRCP demanded that the culprits of these encounters be brought to justice, and strict measures must be implemented to prevent the use of unlawful and unwarranted force by the police on the Sindhi community in Pakistan. In a previous incident, the Sindh police reportedly tried to cover a fake encounter with a civilian in the Hyderabad city of Pakistan's Sindh province. Earlier, the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) condemned the alleged abduction, torture, and shooting of its national activists by Pakistani state agencies, particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The incident reportedly took place in Kotri, Sindh on August 14, 2024. According to the statement from JSFM Chairman Sohail Abro and other officials, three nephews of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) Central Cultural Secretary Abdul Fattah Channa--Zahid Channa, Ghulam Muhammad Channa, and Sajjad Channa--were abducted by the ISI from their homes. A Dawn News report from May this year reported that two media personnel, a reporter and a cameraman belonging to a private TV channel, were detained by the police to stop the individuals from taking an interview with some persons who were wounded in police firing and being treated at the Liaquat University Hospital. That report mentioned that an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was preventing them from recording statements of the injured victims, eventually being escorted to the office of the hospital's additional medical superintendent (AMS) where they were detained. The report stated that reporter, Imtiaz Khoso, and cameraman, Niaz Mallah, had obtained permission from the Assistant Medical Superintendent, Dr Ashfaq, to record statements of the people wounded in the incident in what was claimed to be an 'encounter' by the Hyderabad police. The suspects were under treatment at the hospital's orthopedic ward in police custody. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Ukraine on August 23 on the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday. This will be the first by an Indian PM to the war-hit country since the two nations established diplomatic ties around 30 years ago. Reiterating India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict that began on February 24, 2022, the MEA said that only dialogue and diplomacy can lead to a lasting resolution of the conflict. "PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on Friday, August 23, on the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy," MEA Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal said at the special briefing on Monday. "This is also a landmark and a historic visit since this will be the first time an Indian PM will be visiting Ukraine in more than 30 years since we established our diplomatic relations. This visit will build upon the recent high-level interactions between the leaders," he added. The MEA emphasised that India has "substantive and independent ties" with Russia and Ukraine and these partnerships with the two nations "stand on their own." Notably, PM Modi also visited Russia last month, which was his first official trip to a nation after assuming office for the third term. MEA Secretary said India is ready to provide all possible support and contribution for finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. "India has maintained a very clear and consistent position that only diplomacy and dialogue can resolve this conflict, which can lead to enduring peace...lasting peace can only be achieved by options that are acceptable to both the parties. On our part, India continues to engage with all stakeholders. Prime Minister Modi has had conversations with leaders of both Russia and Ukraine...India is ready to provide all possible support and contribution to find peaceful solution to this complex issue," MEA Secretary Tanmaya Lal said. "India has substantive and independent ties with both Russia and Ukraine and these partnerships, they stand on their own. This is not a zero-sum game. The PM had also travelled to Russia. Many ideas were discussed. The PM has also met President Zelenskyy on a couple of occasions in the last one year or so and they will now be meeting again in Ukraine...these are independent ties. The ongoing conflict will form part of the discussions," he added. Being asked about India's humanitarian support to war-hit Ukraine since the start of the conflict, the MEA informed that 16 packages and 135 tons of material have been delivered so far. "16 packages have so far been delivered (to Ukraine) ranging from medicines to power generators and medical equipment. I think 135 tons of material has been supplied so far and further initiatives are being explored," the MEA Secy further said. The official website of Ukraine President also confirmed PM Modi's visit on National Flag Day of Ukraine, August 23. Both sides will discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation and multiple agreements will also be signed between India and Ukraine. "On August 23, the National Flag Day of Ukraine, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Ukraine. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine in the history of our bilateral relations," the presidential office said in a statement. "During the visit, in particular, the talks with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be held to discuss issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It is also expected that a number of documents between Ukraine and India will be signed," it added. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia on June 8 describing it as a "devastating blow to peace efforts." Zelenskyy took to social media platform X to post that PM Modi was meeting Putin on the same day 37 people, including three children, were killed in an alleged Russian strike at the largest children's hospital in Ukraine's capital city, Kyiv. Prior to that, PM Modi and President Zelenskyy met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy in June. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making official visits to Poland and Ukraine from August 21-23, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday. The visit by Prime Minister Modi will be the first visit by an Indian PM to Poland in 45 years. The visit comes as New Delhi and Warsaw mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024. "PM Narendra Modi will be undertaking an official visit to Poland this week on 21st and 22nd August on the invitation of PM Donald Tusk. This is a landmark visit as the PM of Indian is visiting Poland after 45 years. This visit takes place as we also mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations," MEA Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal said at the special briefing on Monday. "This historic visit in a landmark year for India and Polish relations will provide an opportunity to our leaders to review the bilateral relationship and offer guidance on enhancing this relationship in diverse areas and also discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest," he added. The MEA further recalled the age-old ties between India and Poland highlighting how Poland assisted India in evacuating its students from Ukraine after conflict broke out in 2022. It also spoke about the episode from the 1940s when over 6000 Polish women and children were given refuge in princely states: Jamnagar and Kolhapur. "Indian community in Poland estimated at around 25,000. This includes around 5,000 students. The government and people of Poland had offered valuable assistance during 'Operation Ganga' for the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine. More than 4,000 Indian students were evacuated via Poland in 2022. One of the unique bonds between our countries relates to the time in the 1940s during World War 2 when more than 6,000 Polish women and children found refuge in two princely states in India - Jamnagar and Kolhapur," Tanmaya Lal said. The MEA Secretary informed that PM Modi, during his visit will hold meetings with the Polish counterpart, President and will also interact with the India community there. He will also be accorded ceremonial welcome at Warsaw. "There are long-standing cultural ties between India and Poland, there is respect for Indian culture and ethos including Yoga and Ayurveda. In Warsaw, Prime Minister Modi will be accorded a ceremonial welcome. In addition to talks with PM Donald Tusk, PM Modi will also call on President Andrzej Duda. Prime Minister Modi will interact with Indian community, business leaders, and prominent endologists," he further said. Being asked about agreements in defence cooperation between the two nations, the MEA said, "The defence cooperation goes back a long time. We have an agreement on defence cooperation that was signed in 2003. This provides for consultations and a joint working format. India recently reopened the defence wing at the embassy in Warsaw." Following the visit to Poland, PM Modi will head to Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This will be first visit by Indian PM to Ukraine after the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992. " Prime Minister's engagements in Kyiv will touch a range of aspects of bilateral ties including political, trade, economic, investments, education, cultural, people-to-people exchanges, humanitarian assistance and others. Prime Minister will also interact with Indian community, including students during the visit. PM's landmark visit to Ukraine will help further consolidation and expansion of bilateral ties," the MEA stated in a release. India and Poland share long-standing friendly relations, marked by high-level political contacts and vibrant economic engagement. The bilateral relations are wide-ranging and mutually beneficial. Poland is India's key economic partner in Central Europe. India and Poland established diplomatic relations in 1954, leading to the opening of the Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957 and the Polish Embassy in in New Delhi in 1954. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Poland. (ANI) Confirming her arrival, the Ministry of External Affairs said that substantive discussions covering various spheres of the "India-Japan multifaceted partnership" lie ahead. "Welcome to India! FM @Kamikawa_Yoko of Japan arrives in New Delhi for the Third India-Japan 2+2 Foreign & Defence Ministers' meeting to be held tomorrow. Substantive discussions covering various spheres of India-Japan multifaceted partnership lie ahead," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1825486810656510174 Earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs informed that the third round of India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting will be held on August 20. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent the Indian side and hold meetings with Japanese Defence Minister Minorou Kihara and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa. "The third round of the India-Japan 2+ 2 Foreign-Defence ministers meeting will be held on the 20th of August, 2024, in Delhi," Randhir Jaiswal said at the weekly press briefing on Friday." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and EAM S Jaishankar will be attending from the Indian side," he added. The first and second rounds of the India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meetings were held in 2019 in New Delhi and in 2022 in Tokyo. MEA further emphasised that India-Japan relations are at a very high level and the 2+2 meet will give a major boost to all aspects of the relationship. "2+2 dialogue with Japan is very important for us and this is the third one that is happening. India-Japan relation is at a very high level. Getting the foreign ministers and defence ministers of both countries on the same platform will give a major boost to all aspects of our relationship," Jaiswal further said. (ANI) The Baloch National Movement (BNM) condemned the killing of Abdul Khaliq, allegedly by the Pakistan army. They described Khaliq as a dedicated political activist engaged in social and political work while recognising his fight for 'freedom'. "Shaheed Master Abdul Khaliq, a devoted member of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), was actively engaged in social and political activities under the party's guidance. A peaceful and nationalist political activist, he was killed by the Pakistan army," BNM press release stated. The party highlighted his role as a committed supporter of the Baloch Liberation Movement and his efforts to assist fellow freedom fighters. Khaliq consistently stood at the forefront, aiding his comrades in the liberation struggle. The Baloch National Movement honoured Khaliq by stating, "The Baloch National Movement salutes Shaheed Abdul Khaliq for his unwavering dedication to the freedom struggle and proudly honours him as a martyr of the Baloch freedom movement." BNM added that Master Abdul Khaliq, the son of Dost Mohammad and a resident of Cheeri Malar, Awaran, was officially inducted into the BNM in 2018 according to its constitution. "A dedicated advocate for the Baloch freedom movement, he played a prominent role in supporting his fellow activists in their quest for liberation. On August 13, 2024, while working in his fields in Malar, he was intentionally targeted and killed by the Pakistan army," it stated. The Baloch National Movement is a Baloch nationalist political group that undertakes a range of activities to advance Baloch nationalism and advocate for the rights and autonomy of the Baloch people. Since its forcible annexation of Balochistan in 1948, the Pak Army has consistently employed military force to suppress the Baloch people's struggle for independence. This oppressive occupation has led to decades of human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and widespread violence against civilians. The group was headed by Ghulam Mohammed Baloch, who served as its president until his assassination in April 2009. BNM organises rallies, protests, and demonstrations to raise awareness about Baloch issues and press for political change, aiming to galvanise public support and exert political pressure. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Japan's Defence and Foreign Ministers ahead of the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meeting and took stock of progress in the defence and security ties between the two nations. PM Modi "reaffirmed" the role of India-Japan partnership in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. "Delighted to meet Japanese Foreign Minister @Kamikawa_Yoko and Defense Minister @kihara_minoru ahead of the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting. Took stock of the progress made in India-Japan defence and security ties. Reaffirmed the role India-Japan partnership plays in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond," PM Modi stated in a post on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1825560926403104830 The India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence ministerial meet will be held on August 20. The MEA has said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent the Indian side and hold meetings with Japanese Defence Minister Minorou Kihara and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa. "The third round of the India-Japan 2+ 2 Foreign-Defence ministers meeting will be held on the 20th of August, 2024, in Delhi," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal Randhir Jaiswal said at the weekly press briefing on Friday. "Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and EAM S Jaishankar will be attending from the Indian side," he added. The first and second rounds of the India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meetings were held in 2019 in New Delhi and in 2022 in Tokyo. MEA further emphasised that India-Japan relations are at a very high level and the 2+2 meet will give a major boost to all aspects of the relationship. "2+2 dialogue with Japan is very important for us and this is the third one that is happening. India-Japan relation is at a very high level. Getting the foreign ministers and defence ministers of both countries on the same platform will give a major boost to all aspects of our relationship," Jaiswal further said. (ANI) The French Embassy in India has issued a clarification regarding "misleading and false information" about Campus France branch offices in India, emphasising that such allegations negatively impact the reputation of a widely recognised university. The French Embassy in India stated, "The French higher education system is diverse, offering a wide range of academic and professional programmes. Its institutions include public universities, which provide various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across numerous fields; Grandes Ecoles, prestigious institutions offering specialised training in areas such as engineering, business, and public administration; and specialised schools (Ecoles Specialisees), which focus on specific sectors such as art, architecture, and hospitality." The embassy added, "Additionally, some private higher education institutions in France, often registered as companies, are recognised as training centres by the Education Code and civil authorities. These institutions may issue their own certificates and diplomas, which do not have government recognition. While these certificates are accepted in the labour market, they do not carry the academic value that comes with State recognition." The French Embassy in India highlighted that Campus France is the public agency of the French government responsible for promoting international mobility. It noted that there are 200 Campus France centres and branches in 134 countries worldwide. The embassy further clarified, "As in any other country where its offices are established, Campus France India, which reports directly to the French embassy in India, is tasked with promoting France as a premier destination for higher education and facilitating student mobility. The office is responsible for providing information to Indian students and researchers about the French higher education system and the visa application procedures." The French Embassy in India also stated that Campus France India operates impartially and is not affiliated with any specific educational institution, whether public or private. Part of its mission includes offering free counselling sessions to students who wish to study in France and providing general guidance on choosing the right institution before applying. The embassy advised prospective students to thoroughly understand the credentials of the institutions they are considering for their studies, particularly when entering into contractual agreements with private higher education institutions. It urged students to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of their applications. The embassy stated that reliable and trustworthy information about various courses offered by French universities is available online in the catalogue on the "Etudes en France" platform and the Campus France website. The embassy added, "If there is any uncertainty regarding the reliability of an institution, Campus France India's counsellors are available to assist. It is also worth noting that the 'Bienvenue en France' label guarantees the quality of the French higher education institutions to which it is awarded." The French Embassy in India clarified that higher education institutions in France generally do not require the full tuition fee to be paid before students arrive on campus after obtaining a student visa. It noted that students typically need to pay only a fraction of the tuition fees to secure the registration process during the application. The embassy advised prospective students to ensure they are fully informed of all the terms and conditions of their application before making any payment to a school. It stressed that Campus France India is available to advise students in case of any doubt, particularly when reliable and independent information is needed. The French Embassy in India expressed the French authorities' commitment to maintaining the high quality of France's higher education, which enjoys global recognition, and "firmly rejects" any institution that may tarnish this reputation through deceptive or abusive commercial practices targeting students, whether national or international. The embassy noted that fraud control authorities are systematically alerted and official letters are dispatched to the institutions involved if such practices are uncovered. It added, "For students in dispute with institutions based in France, Campus France India can provide support and counselling on the administrative and legal procedures but cannot be a legal party to the dispute." The French Embassy in India stated that French authorities are engaged in promoting and facilitating student mobility and youth exchanges between France and India. It added that several unprecedented mechanisms have been established to achieve the ambitious goal set by French President Emmanuel Macron during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in July 2023, which is to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030. The embassy highlighted that these initiatives include a five-year Schengen visa scheme for Indians who have pursued studies in France for at least one semester and who hold a Master's degree or higher from a recognised university in India, France, or a third country, as well as the introduction of international classes. Earlier in 2023, Prime Minister Modi visited France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He was the Guest of Honour at France's National Day celebration, observed annually on 14 July. Notably, India and France marked the 25th anniversary of their Strategic Partnership in 2023. (ANI) Secretary East, Ministry of External Affairs Jaideep Mazumdar held a meeting with the Permanent Secretary for Law and Second Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Luke Goh in Delhi on Monday. The two sides held discussions on bilateral, regional and important international issues of mutual interest. Taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Secy (East) @JaideepMazumder met Permanent Secretary for Law and Second Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Luke Goh in New Delhi today. Discussions covered bilateral, regional and important international issues of mutual interest." Earlier in July, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with his Singapore counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan and thanked Singapore for steering ASEAN-India ties in the past three years as Country Coordinator. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting in Vientiane, Laos. "Great conversation with dear friend FM @VivianBala of Singapore. Thank Singapore for steering ASEAN-India relations in the last three years as Country Coordinator. We spoke about creating a new agenda for our bilateral ties. Also appreciated his thoughts on the current geopolitical situation," Jaishankar posted on X. On June 27, Singapore's High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong delivered a resounding endorsement of India's future prospects following President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint session of Parliament, stating that this is "indeed India's century!" He also expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations between India and Singapore. In a social media post on X, Simon Wong stated, "Attended Hon'ble President Droupadi Murmu address to both Houses of Parliament this AM w fellow HOMs. This is indeed India's Century! Singapore looks fwd to taking our excellent bilat rlns to even great heights. Jai Hind!" Simon Wong, along with his delegation, attended the session and shared moments captured inside the Parliament premises, including a selfie with his fellow diplomats. President Murmu addressed the joint sitting of Parliament, marking her first presidential address after the formation of the third National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Notably, the ties between India and Singapore have a history rooted in strong commercial, cultural, and people-to-people links across a millennium, according to the Indian High Commission in Singapore. The relations between the two nations are based on shared values and approaches, economic opportunities, and a convergence of interests on key issues. (ANI) Liberia's Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung on Monday arrived in Delhi to attend the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Liberia Vice President's visit to India will further bolster bilateral ties. Taking to X, Jaiswal stated, "Warm welcome to VP Jeremiah Kpan Koung of Liberia as he arrives in New Delhi for the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave. An opportunity to further bolster India-Liberia partnership." Notably, ties between India and Liberia have been warm and friendly. Liberia has supported India's candidature at the various United Nations fora. Indian government opened a resident Mission in Liberia's capital Monrovia in May 2021, according to the Indian Embassy in Liberia. The 19th CII India - Africa Business Conclave will be held in New Delhi from August 20-22. Notably, the 19th edition of the CII India-Africa Business Conclave will aim to serve as an instrument for Africa's growth and the role of the India-Africa partnership in regional and global value chain integration. India remains the fastest-growing large economy, supported by favourable demographics (consistent labour supply), improving institutional strength, and enhanced governance. Currently, India is the 5th largest economy with an estimated GDP of USD 3.7 trillion for FY24, despite the pandemic and the macroeconomic imbalances and financial sector issues inherited in previous years, according to the Finance Ministry's January 2024 economic review. Earlier in June, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said that Africa is undergoing rapid changes today, and it is on its way from being the cradle of human civilisation to becoming the land of the future, adding that India looks at it as a 'natural partner' with trust and mutual respect. In his address at the Africa Day celebrations in the national capital, Jaishankar noted that India-Africa relations are "deep-rooted," emphasising that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has redefined India's engagements in Africa. "Africa, we all know, is today undergoing very rapid changes. These span the range from being the cradle of human civilisation to becoming the land of the future. It is a continent with the youngest demographies, one with vast natural resources, expanding capabilities, growing markets and most of all, rising ambitions," Jaishankar had said. "India, the most populous country in the world and currently the fifth largest economy, looks at Africa as a natural partner. Anchored in trust and mutual respect, it is focused now on value addition within Africa, with production, research, localisation and local employment," he added. (ANI) 4 flight attendants plead guilty to smuggling drug money out of US after prosecutors say they used crewmember lanes to get through security 4 flight attendants plead guilty to smuggling drug money out of US after prosecutors say they used crewmember lanes to get through security Four flight attendants have pleaded guilty to smuggling drug money out of the US. They exploited their "Known Crewmember" status to get through airport security. Prosecutors previously said they transported about $8 million in cash to the Dominican Republic. Four flight attendants have pleaded guilty to smuggling drug money out of the US, according to a press release from the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. Sarah Valerio Pujols, 42, Charlie Hernandez, 42, Emmanuel Torres, 34, and Jarol Fabio, 35, who were employed by different international airlines, were arrested in May on various charges, including the operation of an unlicensed money transmission business. They are said to have received a fee in exchange for transporting cash proceeds from narcotics sales to the Dominican Republic on commercial flights authorities said they transported about $8 million in total. Prosecutors said the flight attendants took advantage of their "Known Crewmember" statuses to get through a special security lane at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and other airports with less scrutiny than regular passengers. Each of them has now pleaded guilty to one count of operating an unlicensed money transmission business, which has a maximum prison sentence of five years, per the press release. As part of the guilty pleas, they "each agreed to forfeit property involved in their commission of the offense," it adds. US Attorney Damian Williams said: "These four flight attendants abused their privileges as flight attendants to move money for drug traffickers." "My Office is committed to staunching the illicit flow of narcotics proceeds in all of its forms. These guilty pleas show that the sky is not the limit when it comes to law enforcement's reach," he added. The smuggling operation began in around 2014, indictment documents previously seen by Business Insider said. It was eventually brought to a stop after Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department launched a number of sting operations working with cooperating witnesses. Two of the attendants were Delta employees, the airline previously confirmed to NBC News. In a statement provided to Business Insider, a Delta spokesperson said: "Delta has cooperated fully with law enforcement in this investigation and will continue to do so." It's unclear which companies the other two defendants worked for. Read the original article on Business Insider Chinese authorities have intensified efforts to prevent the import of the mpox virus as global cases continue to rise. Effective from Aug. 15 for six months, arrivals in China from countries and regions with confirmed mpox infections must declare their condition to customs if they have been exposed to mpox or exhibit symptoms such as fever, headache, back pain, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, or rashes. For such individuals, customs officers will implement medical measures and conduct sampling and mpox testing, according to China's General Administration of Customs. Vehicles, containers, cargo and other items from countries and regions with reported mpox cases will be sanitized if they are contaminated or potentially contaminated. The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration and the National Health Commission have urged their local branches to strengthen collaboration and information sharing with customs and other relevant authorities to promptly detect and handle mpox cases. The mpox virus is transmitted mainly through close physical contact, particularly during sexual activity, while daily contact poses a lower risk, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who have been exposed to mpox or experience symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, said Li Tongzeng, an infectious disease specialist at Beijing Youan Hospital. Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, activating its highest level of global alert for mpox for the second time in two years. "This is something that should concern us all ... The potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. When does DNC start? How to watch the Democratic National Convention The Democratic National Convention is here with Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz expected to accept the nominations to lead the Democratic ticket. The two will face former President Donald Trump and his vice president selection, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, in the November election after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July. Here's what we know about the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Staying in Delaware: Delaware's president may be out, but Kamala Harris' campaign HQ will remain in Wilmington 'Thank you, Boss': Friends, former staff pen letter to President Biden in News Journal ad When does DNC start? The DNC will be held from Monday, Aug. 19 through Thursday, Aug 22. Where is the DNC 2024? The 2024 DNC will be held at the United Center in Chicago. What time does the DNC start? Each day of the convention includes a full schedule of events for delegates, but the main programming of the DNC takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. each night of the convention. How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC The DNC will livestream events across multiple online platforms. USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday. Each television network will handle coverage slightly differently. DNC speaker schedule President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak during the opening night of the convention. The first night will pay tribute to the 81-year-old Democratic president. Here are others schedule to speak at the DNC: Monday: First Lady Jill Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Tuesday: Former President Barack Obama, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Wednesday: Walz, former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Thursday: Harris accepts the convention's nomination for president NBC News reported that President Jimmy Carter's grandson Jason Carter will speak on behalf of his grandfather. The DNC speaker schedule is subject to change and a full list of speakers will be released at a later time. When was the last time the DNC was held in Chicago? This is the first time the convention will be held there since 1996, when former President Bill Clinton was nominated for his second term. Before that, the last time it was held there was in 1968 when there were protests stemming from the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War. This will be the 12th time the DNC has been held in Chicago. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, pictured in an undated photo. Where was the last DNC held? The last DNC was held virtually in Wilmington, Delaware, where Biden officially accepted the Democratic nomination for president. What happens at the DNC? Delegates for the Democratic Party will travel to the DNC to officially nominate the Democratic presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2024 election. Delegates from each state and U.S. territory will vote based on their primary election results. Why Joe Biden dropped out of the election? On July 21, Biden announced he would no longer accept the Democratic party's nomination. Calls for Biden to step down due the appearance of decline health began in late June following his debate performance against Trump, where he stumbled over words and corrected himself with numbers. Biden's team initially attributed his raspy voice to a cold, but also blamed jet lag from recent travels overseas for his poor performance on stage. Joe Biden endorses Harris During his announcement, Biden endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee in a statement on X. When is the presidential election? The 2024 presidential election will be Tuesday, Nov. 5. Gabe Hauari contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: DNC 2024: When does it start, how to watch Here's which 2 Wisconsin spots made the list of 100 most breathtaking views in America Just weeks after the Milwaukee skyline was recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world, the skyline is now ranked as the 50th most breathtaking view in America. Mixbook's list of the 100 most breathtaking views in the U.S., published for World Photography Day on Monday, recognizes two locations in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee skyline as seen from Lakeshore State Park is joined by Devil's Lake from East Bluff, which sits at 67th place in the list. The downtown Milwaukee skyline is seen including the US Bank building, the Northwestern Mutual building, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the under construction 44-story Couture high-rise apartment project (far left) in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. The photobook company conducted an online survey of 3,000 Americans to establish this list. Historically, Milwaukee has not been known for its skyline. But that has changed recently. In June, Architectural Digest recognized the Milwaukee skyline as the 15th most beautiful skyline in the world, on a list of 17 global skylines and just 4 U.S. skylines. Other U.S. cities on the list are New York City, Chicago and Seattle. "If it's not Chicago, the Midwest is often overlooked. But as Milwaukee so effortlessly demonstrates, this is a mistake," the Architectural Digest article reads. Number 1: Devil's Lake State Park attracts about 2.4 million visitors annually. The busiest month is July, when its not unusual to have more than 467,000 people move through the park. The top of the breathtaking views list is dominated by the west coast. Denali from Wonder Lake in Alaska sits at number one, with the Na Pali Coast from Kalalau Lookout in Hawaii at number two. The list also recognizes Mendenhall Glacier from Nugget Falls Trail (AK), Big Sky from Lone Mountain Summit (MT) and Bryce Canyon from Sunrise Point (UT). This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Two Wisconsin spots make list of 100 most breathtaking views in U.S. The mail ballot processing area at the Rhode Island Board of Elections in Cranston. (Jocelyn Jackson/Rhode Island Current) Its a big week for Rhode Island elections, with upcoming deadlines for mail ballot applications and the start of early voting ahead of the states Sept. 10 primary. Rhode Island registered voters have until 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, to apply for a mail ballot for the states Sept. 10 primary. The next day, Aug. 21, early, in-person voting will begin at designated locations across the state, continuing through Sept. 9 Applications can be filled out online through the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division website. Paper applications are also available, which must be returned in person to a local board of canvassers or sent by mail with a postmark no later than Aug. 20. As of Monday morning, more than 12,000 mail ballot applications had been accepted by the state, with 10,000 of those applicants already sent a mail ballot, said Faith Chybowski, a spokesperson for the Department of State. The upcoming state primaries mark the second, regular election cycle in which Rhode Island voters can ask for a mail ballot without having to give a reason, and have designated, early-in person voting, based on legislation approved in 2022. Mail ballots and early, in-person voting have become increasingly popular and more accessible ways for voters nationwide and in Rhode Island to participate in elections. Nearly a quarter of voters who participated in the states 2022 primaries cast ballots early, in person or by mail. The primary ballots will include contested state legislative seats as well as municipal races for mayor, school committee and city and town council members. The general election on Nov. 5 will also include the presidential contest. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Authorities are investigating after a fatal shooting. It happened on Sunday. Albuquerque Police Department said there was a fatal shooting in the 900 block of Alvarado Drive SE. Around 1 p.m., officers were contacted about suspicious activity. They found multiple victims with gunshot wounds. Deming shooting injures three, police say Homicide detectives are starting an investigation into the matter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. WORCESTER Approximately 1,300 first-year students, looking simultaneously nervous and excited, gathered in the pounding rain to take their first steps into higher education. Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Class of 2028 was welcomed to the school Monday, taking part in the annual tradition of crossing the Earle Bridge which spans West Street on the campus. "This is one of my favorite traditions on campus. I really hold the traditions and the community of WPI really highly," Michaela Cluett, a senior from Charlton who serves as the president of WPI's Student Government Association, said. Members of the WPI Student Alumni Society cheer during the traditional Earle Bridge Crossing for incoming first-year students on Monday. They will cross the bridge again in four years to receive their diplomas on Commencement Day. The tradition sees first-year students line up across the Earle Bridge, named after WPI's sixth president, Rear Admiral Ralph Earle, who oversaw the expansion of WPI's campus that resulted in the creation of Alden Memorial and Higgins Laboratory from 1925 to 1939. One by one students cross the bridge while they are greeted by school staff and faculty, cheered on by upperclassmen and volunteers who go all out in trying to sell the community spirit of the university to the new students. Incoming first-year students cross Earle Bridge while high-fiving university leadership, faculty and upperclassmen on Monday. "I remember my experience three years ago and I was definitely a little nervous, but it has quickly become my favorite tradition and I always make sure to come back to it and make it a big deal," said Cluett, whose red shirt had become a dark maroon after spending the morning cheering in the rain. "We want to make them feel welcome on campus. They might be feeling unsure right now, but we want to welcome them with open arms into our community." The students were looking forward to getting their college careers underway. "I'm really excited to be here. I came to WPI because I lived nearby, and thought it had a great co-op program with mentorship opportunities," said Dylan Zickus, a computer science major from Marlborough. Aidan Flaherty, from Warwick, Rhode Island, said that his college choice came down to WPI and its rival, Rensselaer Polytechnic University. WPI upperclassmen cheer and offer high-fives during the traditional Earle Bridge Crossing for incoming first-year students on Monday. They will cross the bridge again in four years to receive their diplomas on Commencement Day. "I chose WPI because I just enjoyed the campus-feel more," said Flaherty, an electrical and computer engineering major. "It came down to WPI and RPI, and I ended up liking the campus a lot more, plus the project-based learning environment." For WPI President Grace Wang, the heavy rain just added to the memories for the students and hammered home that sense of college spirit. "Last year we had a beautiful blue sky. This year we ended up with the rain, but that has just made it even more festive as we walk through and see our wonderful students," Wang said. "It's very important the whole community is here to welcome our new students, to let them know they are part of the community and part of this tremendous tradition. We share the same culture, the same belief and the same drive." This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Weathering the storm, WPI newbies take first steps in campus tradition May 11, 2023; Washington, D.C, USA -- Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) at the Senate Appropriations - Subcommittee on Defense hearing to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2024 for the Department of Defense with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and General Mark A. Milley, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff on May 11, 2023 in Washington, D.C. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY COLUMBUS, Ohio Montana Sen. Jon Tester is headed to a party this week. It's just going to be Pearl Jam's instead of Vice President Kamala Harris's. Tester joins vulnerable Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jacky Rosen of Nevada in skipping the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to focus on their must-win races instead, their campaigns confirmed. At least a couple House Democrats facing similar political headwinds back home are skipping a trip to the Windy City too. Brown and Tester face tough reelection bids in states that former President Donald Trump won easily in both 2016 and 2020. Voters in Rosen's Nevada went for President Joe Biden in 2020 but remains a highly competitive swing state. Senate Democrats hold a narrow 51-49 majority and have little margin for error this fall. Polls show Brown, who is running for his fourth term, has an edge over Republican businessman Bernie Moreno and Rosen is leading Army veteran Sam Brown. But it's a toss-up between Tester and his GOP challenger Tim Sheehy. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown is campaigning in the Buckeye State instead of attending the DNC. For candidates in tight races, "I don't necessarily know if there's much benefit to going," said Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Several Republicans skipped the Milwaukee convention last month. "Particularly if you're trying to keep the party at arm's length, why would you go to the convention?" Brown and Tester called on Biden to drop out of the race days before the sitting president ended his reelection campaign. Brown and Rosen have endorsed Harris' campaign. Tester has yet to do so. So Tester is forgoing the DNC for a Wednesday fundraiser with Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament, a Montana native, according to the Montana Free Press. The band plays a concert the next day at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula. Tester plans to spend his August farming and meeting face-to-face with Montanans, according to his campaign. Brown has a packed schedule of campaign stops in the Buckeye State. "We've been planning to be in Ohio for months and Sherrod is looking forward to hearing from Ohioans in Youngstown, Toledo, Cleveland, Chillicothe and Sandusky this week to discuss his record fighting for the dignity of work," Brown spokesperson Eliza Green told USA TODAY. Rosen, who has skipped previous Democratic conventions, recently rallied voters for Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Las Vegas. Sen. Rosen supports the Harris-Walz ticket and was glad to join them on the campaign trail in Las Vegas," a Rosen spokesperson said. "She is also focused on her own reelection and will be talking with Nevada voters during the week of the convention. From left: U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, U.S. Rep Dina Titus, Sen. Jacky Rosen, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz take a bow at the end of a presidential campaign rally in Las Vegas on Aug. 10, 2024. Colorado Rep. Yadira Caraveo and Maine Rep. Jared Golden will campaign in their districts rather than attend the DNC, their campaigns confirmed. "Who I vote for is no ones business but my own," Golden wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I want the people of Maines Second District to understand this: I dont care if you plan to vote for Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, or none of the above." In the hours after Biden dropped out of the race, Democrats faced the threat of a historic open convention. But Harris quickly locked up support and won the nomination via a virtual roll call vote earlier this month. "It could have been the most impactful convention in 60 years had Harris not immediately turned around and grabbed the nomination," Kondik said. "But as it is, it's just a big show for the party." Jessie Balmert 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 Cincinnati Enquirer: These vulnerable Democratic lawmakers are skipping the DNC in Chicago McSHERRYSTOWN, Pa. (WHTM) A man wanted in connection with two armed robberies at midday in McSherrystown was arrested, but not after police said he held up two more stores, stole a bike and a car, and attempted to carjack someone else. York County Regional Police said the man was arrested in York Township around 6 p.m., six hours after two attempted robberies in McSherrystown. Charges are pending against the man, a 31-year-old from Maryland. DCNR firefighting crew returns from western wildfires McSherrystown Police first sought the man in connection with two attempted robberies in the borough around noon at the Turkey Hill and UniMart on Main Street. A stolen grey Toyota was used in the crimes, McSherrystown Police said. York County Regional Police said that sedan was spotted by police officers from Hanover Borough and Penn Township, who briefly gave chase before terminating the pursuits. Around 2 p.m., York County Regional Police said he stopped at the Dunkin Donuts in Spring Grove borough, went behind the county, and tried to steal money. From there, he went to the Rutters a few minutes later and swiped $505 from the registers there, police alleged. Just outside West York Borough, police spotted the sedan and officers from York County Regional, West York, West Manchester, and York City gave chase. The man abandoned the car in York and fled on foot, escaping twice. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest He stole a dirt bike and a Mazda3 hatchback in York in the getaway, police said. Officers were then called to a reported carjacking at the Lions Pride restaurant and he was caught shortly after, around 6 p.m., behind the M&T Bank in York Township. He had $493 on him as well as other evidence police said had been observed in the crime. The Mazda3 is still missing, and charges are pending against the man. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Project 2025, the conservative agenda designed for a possible second Trump administration, calls for the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute the top election official in Pennsylvania over the 2020 election as part of a dramatic overhaul of federal law enforcement. Its an unprecedented threat to a specific statewide officeholder Pennsylvanias Democratic election chief in a crucial swing state where Donald Trump and his allies aggressively tried to overturn Joe Bidens victory in 2020, and a state Trump needs to win in November to regain the presidency. While the policy blueprint doesn't specifically name its proposed Pennsylvania target, only one person held the appointed position of secretary of the commonwealth in 2020: Kathy Boockvar. Boockvar told USA TODAY her department "absolutely" did nothing wrong, and accused the authors of Project 2025 of taking that disinformation and conspiracy theories and elevating it to a point where its being used to try to dismantle our institutions of the United States of America. More: What is Project 2025? Inside the conservative plan Trump claims to have 'no idea' about. Trump has tried to separate himself from Project 2025 amid a heavy backlash against many of its more radical policy prescriptions involving expanding executive power, ending civil service protections for federal workers, and fighting what the document calls "woke culture warriors." Most of the project's authors served in the Trump administration or are otherwise tied to Trump. Among its hard right recommendations, the plan would curtail federal civil rights enforcement and redirect the Justice Department to investigate alleged fraud in state-level voter registrations. The document says those changes would make it easier for the federal government to prosecute Pennsylvania's top election official for the guidance that office gave counties in 2020 over ways voters could cast ballots after an elections office rejected their mail-in ballot. "It is well past time to stop arguing over the audited, verified results of the 2020 election," Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania's current elections chief, said in a statement. More: Some Project 2025 contributors have trail of racist writings, activity A proposed agenda for Trump The Heritage Foundation, which created Project 2025, did not respond to a request for comment. The groups president, Kevin Roberts, wrote in the beginning of the 900-page book that its policies are the best effort of the conservative movement and the next conservative presidents last opportunity to save our republic. The foundation is a leading conservative think tank that has influenced the administrations of multiple Republican presidents, dating back at least to Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. In 2018, the organization touted Trumps embrace of the groups previous Mandate for Leadership, the same phrase used in the title of Project 2025. At least 31 of the project's 38 authors and editors are tied to Trump or his first administration. They include former White House assistant special counsel Steven Groves, who is listed as an editor, and Gene Hamilton, a former Trump Justice Department official. Democrats have savaged Trump over the effort, and the former president has tried to distance himself from it, prompting the projects director to step down in July. Danielle Alvarez, senior advisor to Trumps campaign, said in a statement that Democrats are lying and fear-mongering when they allege that these are Trump-endorsed policies. "President Trump's 20 promises to the forgotten men and women and RNC Platform are the only policies endorsed by President Trump for a second term, Alvarez said. More: Biden slams Trump after he tries to distance himself from Project 2025 'Radical culture change' proposed at DOJ Justice Department employees have historically prided themselves on staying free of political interference, but Project 2025 calls on the next White House to break with tradition and intervene directly, including by removing civil service protections from longtime nonpartisan prosecutors. Project 2025 calls DOJ a bloated bureaucracy with a critical core of personnel who are infatuated with the perpetuation of a radical liberal agenda," and goes further to say the Civil Rights Division, which focuses on discrimination-related issues, should be "reorganized" and have some of its duties "reassigned" to the Criminal Division. "Its signaling that there would be a de-emphasis on enforcing the anti-discrimination components of (the law) because youre taking away the cases away from the people whose focus is on anti-discrimination," said Jon Greenbaum, who was a Justice Department voting rights lawyer in the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School who worked for the department during Barack Obamas presidency, called it a radical culture change, and one in which DOJ is truly weaponized." Prosecuting voter registration fraud Project 2025 says DOJ has been unwilling to go after voter registration fraud because it was too politically costly. Experts described potential scenarios in which Trump loyalists would be pressured to open criminal investigations or prosecutions of his political enemies. In December 2020, in the waning days of his presidency, Trump tried to install loyalists atop the department who planned to send a letter to Georgia officials saying it was investigating "various irregularities" in the election. Critics warned to expect more federal interventions in a second Trump administration. You can see a scenario where the Department of Justice is weaponized to go after baseless voter fraud, Greenbaum said. Republican bystanders mock an activist protesting Project 2025, a set of conservative policy proposals, as she demonstrates along the perimeter of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., July 17, 2024. He also pointed to Trump's efforts to replace then-Attorney General Bill Barr at the height of his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. "At the end of the Trump administration, President Trump tried to do that with the Department of Justice, and there was resistance to it," he said. Even without Justice Department interference, Trump and his allies' baseless allegations of fraud have been blamed for political violence, including threats against election workers and Democratic electors. The hallmark of autocratic regimes is the use of the Department of Justice or their equivalent, the use of the criminal justice system, to prosecute enemies, Levitt said. Conservative storm over provisional ballots Project 2025 says the DOJ should have looked into the appropriateness or lawfulness of state election guidance, pointing to guidance Pennsylvania gave local election officals on how to use provisional ballots. Provisional ballots are designed to allow people to vote in the event a poll worker cant immediately determine if they are registered. Since federal law started requiring states to offer provisional ballots more than 20 years ago, elections offices started using them to help people vote who have other issues at the polls, including a lack of sufficient identification. Pennsylvania's 2020 guidance described several sets of circumstances that elections offices could use to provide someone with a provisional ballot, including if the voter "did not successfully vote an absentee or mail-in ballot" or their ballot "was rejected by the county board of elections and the voter believes they are eligible to vote." (Election officials then confirm whether the person was eligible to vote whether that ballot should be counted.) Project 2025 alleged that this guidance was illegal, accusing the Pennsylvancia election chief of trying to "circumvent state law," and concluded that moving prosecuting authority to DOJ's Criminal Division was the only way for "the rule of law to be appropriately enforced." Levitt, from Loyola Marymount, said he was quite taken aback by the proposal. The law that Project 2025 proposes using is rooted in prosecution of extremists like the Ku Klux Klan for using violence and intimidation against Black voters. Boockvar, the former election chief, emphasized that her office's guidance to county boards was both legal and optional. The Pennsylvania Department of State said in a statement: The plans outlined in Project 2025 are a clear attempt to disenfranchise Pennsylvania voters. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Project 2025 targets Pennsylvania's election chief under KKK law Summer heat and storms have been a double whammy the past several days. Another round of heat and thunder hit Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas today. Waves of thunderstorms came with strong winds and hail in the Bentonville, AR, area southeast through Little Rock. We didnt see the rain in Springfield, but we endured another 90 day. It looks like that will be the last for a while as the pattern shifts back into an early fall mode. Before we fully dry out, weve got one more shot at showers overnight into Monday morning. Kids heading off to their first day of school may also need an umbrella with showers skirting through Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. There could even be some thunder. The rain doesnt look overly heavy though with most areas that see rain picking up under a quarter of an inch. The rain will end with sunshine taking over by noon. The rest of the day looks bright and mild with highs in the low to mid 80s. Drier air will continue to flow in on east to northeast winds for the next several days. This will further cool and dry out the air with lows falling back into the upper 50s and low 60s throughout the week. Afternoon highs will be in the low to mid-80s through Thursday. A shift in the pattern will bring some heat back to the area as we end the week with highs back in the upper 80s Friday. The summer ridge will reassert itself over the weekend, setting up camp over the region. This will make for a hot and quiet weekend forecast with highs back in the 90s. Download our KOLR 10 weather app Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Mother & daughter devote efforts to gynecology for decades in SW China Xinhua) 08:09, August 19, 2024 Xie Shuxiang hugs the statue of her mother Yue Yicheng at West China Women's and Children's Hospital in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) CHENGDU, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Yue Yicheng was a pioneer of obstetrics and gynecology in China. She had been engaged in the medical treatment, teaching, scientific research and management of obstetrics and gynecology for six decades when she was alive. Her daughter Xie Shuxiang was deeply influenced by Yue's career and determined to follow her steps since childhood. After graduation, Xie Shuxiang has also been working in obstetrics and gynecology, and has made great achievements in the field of reproductive endocrinology. "We were not only mother and daughter, but also colleagues who had worked together for 30 years. We learned and made progress together," Xie Shuxiang said. Xie Shuxiang (2nd R) communicates with a patient at a ward of the Affiliate Reproductive Hospital of Sichuan Genitalia Hygiene Research Center in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) Xie Shuxiang (R) communicates with a patient at the Affiliate Reproductive Hospital of Sichuan Genitalia Hygiene Research Center in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) This photo taken on July 31, 2024 shows the works of Yue Yicheng. Yue Yicheng was a pioneer of obstetrics and gynecology in China. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) This file photo taken in the 1970s shows Xie Shuxiang (L) communicating with a patient. (Xinhua) Xie Shuxiang (2nd L) communicates with young medical staff at West China Women's and Children's Hospital in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) This file photo taken in the 1970s shows Yue Yicheng (3rd L) working at a ward. (Xinhua) This file photo taken in the 1970s shows Xie Shuxiang (L) conducting a surgery under the guidance of her mother Yue Yicheng. (Xinhua) This file photo taken in the 1980s shows Yue Yicheng (1st R) communicating with patients. (Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Ministry of State Security warned on Sunday against the illegal collection of sensitive data from classified sites using wind measurement towers and related facilities. On its WeChat account, the ministry said that in recent years, certain companies with backgrounds linked to foreign espionage and intelligence agencies have covertly infiltrated the vicinity of classified sites in China under the guise of constructing wind measurement towers, using them to illegally collect sensitive data and then transmitting the information abroad. Wind measurement towers are often equipped with monitoring devices such as anemometers, wind vanes, thermometers and barometers that are used to monitor the atmosphere and make meteorological observations. In one case, residents of a coastal city reported to national security agencies that a company had illicitly erected a wind measurement tower near a classified facility. After a prompt technical inspection, investigators found that in addition to collecting meteorological data, the tower's equipment also had the capability to analyze and transmit related data. They concluded that if the data was leaked abroad, it could pose risks to national security. In another case, following a report from workers at a research base, national security officers inspected a wind measurement tower near the base, revealing that the tower had not been legally registered, had complex data transmission routes and exhibited clear security risks. The tower was dismantled in accordance with the law. To safeguard meteorological data security, the China Meteorological Administration, the Ministry of State Security and the National Administration of State Secrets Protection jointly issued the Regulations on Foreign-related Meteorological Detection and Data Management in 2022. The regulations stipulate that foreign-related meteorological detection stations are not allowed to be located near national defense and military facilities, areas not open to the public, key construction zones and other areas involving national security. Violations of national security and confidentiality laws, regulations, rules and relevant provisions in foreign-related meteorological detection and data management activities will be dealt with by national security and confidentiality departments. People found to have committed related crimes will be held liable. On Oct 31, the Ministry of State Security's WeChat account said national security agencies, in conjunction with meteorological and confidentiality departments, conducted a special campaign last year on rectifying foreign-related meteorological detection activities nationwide. They investigated more than 10 foreign meteorological equipment agents and inspected more than 3,000 foreign-related meteorological sites. The authorities also discovered hundreds of illegal foreign-related meteorological detection sites were transmitting meteorological data abroad in real-time. The sites were distributed across more than 20 Chinese provinces. Some of the illegal sites even received direct funding from foreign governments, with some observation points established near sensitive locations such as military units and defense companies, it said. Switzerland offers $60K cash prize for ideas to rid its iconic Alpine lakes of military ammunition Switzerland is offering a cash prize for solutions to remove munitions from its lakes. The ammo was dumped in lakes between 1918 and 1964 as the Swiss military believed it to be safe. Any salvage operation is expected to cost billions, the BBC reported. Tourists heading to some of Switzerland's most iconic lakes may be surprised to learn that thousands of metric tons of ammunition lie beneath those picture-perfect waters. And the Swiss government is now offering a reward for the best ideas to get it out. The Federal Office for Defence Procurement, known as Armasuisse, is offering a joint cash prize of 50,000 Swiss francs, or about $57,000, for the three best entries to a new idea competition aimed at devising a method to remove the munitions. According to a press release, military ammunition including outdated or surplus munitions, "problem ammunition," or rejected batches was dumped in lakes across the country between 1918 and 1964 as it was believed to be a safe method of disposal at the time. Most of the ammo is submerged between 150 and 220 meters deep in Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and Lake Lucerne, the press release says. Lake Neuchatel also has around 4,500 metric tons of munitions in its waters due to years of bombing practice by the Swiss Air Force. The department is now turning to academics and industry workers as it looks at how to carry out "environmentally friendly and safe recovery of deep lake ammunition" which carries a risk of explosion and could also lead to pollution in the lakes. The competition opened earlier this month, and entries can be submitted until February 6, 2025, with winners announced in April of that year. The winning ideas will not be implemented immediately; rather, they'll serve as a basis for further research, Armasuisse said. Any salvage operation is expected to cost billions, the BBC reported. Read the original article on Business Insider A 17-year-old boy was shot in the legs during an "unsanctioned car meet" early Sunday in Ogletown, Delaware State Police said. The teen survived the gunplay, which came two days shy of the anniversary of another unsanctioned car meet shooting. Last year's incident, in the Red Lion area, claimed the life of 17-year-old Aaizeem Korden-Brown and injured a 21-year-old man. Korden-Brown's Aug. 20, 2023, shooting remains unsolved. More: Police identify teen boy shot dead during unauthorized car meet near Red Lion early Sunday Shortly after Korden-Brown's shooting, officials began cracking down on the unsanctioned car meets which are fueled by social media: automotive flash-mobs planned in secret and manifested via texts and direct messages. Several people were cited and five cars were impounded during a Labor Day Weekend car meet at Riveredge Industrial Park last year as a result of the crackdown. THE BACK STORY: Wild car meetups claimed a life in Delaware. The crackdown is coming, but on whom? Police continue to investigate Korden-Brown's killing and ask that anyone with information regarding the incident contact detectives at (302) 741-2729. Sunday's car meet shooting The 17-year-old boy was at an unsanctioned car meet where a large crowd was gathered on Tyler Way early Sunday, police said. At some point during the event, police said the teen got into an argument with a man, who threatened to shoot him. A short time later, police said a second man approached the teen and shot him. After the shooting, the two men fled in a silver sedan in an unknown direction. Troopers responded to the scene about 1:20 a.m. where they found the teen suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his legs. The teen was taken to an area hospital, where he was treated and released. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact detectives at (302) 365-8411 or by calling 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com. Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Unsanctioned car meet in Delaware's Ogletown Sunday leaves teen shot INDIANAPOLIS Saad Dine Riha, a truck driver, was meeting his wife at a rest stop on the northwest side of Indianapolis Friday evening when he was shot and killed. Riha, 32, was driving a semi trailer and had stopped by Indianapolis where his in-laws live, according to Imam Ahmed Alamine, director of the Indianapolis Muslim Community Association. Alamine said Riha's wife had cooked him food and they were sitting inside her car to eat when Riha got a call from his father. He stepped outside to take the call and while on the phone, he was shot. Riha's wife got out of the car after hearing the shots and found him dead. Indianapolis police officers arrived after reports of a person shot on the 6800 block of Shore Terrace just after 8:30 p.m. What led to the shooting and possible suspects have not been released yet. Community in shock Alamine said he did not know Riha personally, but after the shooting, he met and talked with Riha's friends and family. He said Riha, who was originally from Mauritania, was well known in Indy's Mauritanian community. Alamine visited Riha's in-laws, whom he said the community had come to support "in masses." Many of those gathered in mourning told him that Riha had lent them money or connected them with resources in the area. "He touched almost every one of them in an individual way," Alamine said. "... He was the backbone for a lot of foreigners who come here, the refugees." In addition to his in-laws, Riha has a brother in Indianapolis. Alamine said Riha and his wife have a two-month-old daughter as well. The rest of his family is in Mauritania. "The community is in shock," Alamine said. "They don't know what to do at this point. Everybody's asking these questions, and I'm trying to do my best to answer these questions, but it's still... it's a shock. It's a shock." Responding to gun violence After preparing prayers and making sure Riha's burial goes smoothly, Alamine said his next steps will be to have serious conversations in the community and with city officials to help prevent gun violence. "I just want to take this opportunity to encourage the Muslim community to be more involved civically and make sure we have our say and our voice when it comes to gun violence," Alamine said. Alamine said Riha's death affects not only his close friends and family, but the wider Muslim community as well. He urged the community to cooperate with law enforcement to protect their safety, especially if they witness a crime. Funeral prayers for Riha were held at Masjid Al-Fajr, a mosque on the northwest side of Indy, on Monday. He will be buried in Mauritania. "To the entire Indianapolis community, please make sure that you do the right thing, because this is a family member who was lost," Alamine said. "Some of his family members are refugees or came here for a better life. Now, not only did they not get the better life, but they lost a life." Yasmeen Saadi is a Pulliam Fellow, primarily covering breaking news and crime. You can email her at YSaadi@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Truck driver shot and killed in northwest Indy Tech Titan Just Cleared of Fraud Is Missing After Luxury Superyacht Hit by Tornado British tech mogul Mike Lynch and his daughter are among six people missing after a majestic luxury superyacht was sunk by a tornado off the coast of Sicily early Monday. Two Americans and two other Brits also remain unaccounted for after the 184-foot sailing vessel Bayesian sank to the depths around 5 a.m. just off the coast of Palermo. Fifteen passengers and crewincluding a 1-year-old girlwere rescued, according to local media reports, while the body of one man has been recovered. Lynch, 59, disappeared in the incident but his wife, Angela Bacares, has been rescued. She told La Repubblica that she sustained abrasions to her feet during the chaos and was now unable to walk. Mike Lynch photographed leaving a London courthouse in 2019. Henry Nicholls/Reuters The Daily Mail reported that Lynchs 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, remained unaccounted for by early Monday evening, as well as at least one of the elder Lynchs attorneys. Its unclear if his second daughter was on board or not. In June, a San Francisco jury found Lynch not guilty on 15 fraud charges brought over the sale of his Autonomy company to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011. Once described in the U.K. as Britains Bill Gates, Lynch thanked jurors at the end of his decade-long legal battle to clear his name. I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field, he said after his acquittal. A lawyer aboard the Bayesians ill fated trip was the 36-year-old Ayla Ronald, the The Telegraph reported. Her father, Lin Ronald, told the paper that the trip was to celebrate Lynchs acquittal. The Bayesian, a 56-meter-long sailboat, was photographed (left) off the coast of Palermo just hours before sinking. Baia Santa Nicolicchia/Fabio La Bianca The reality that those missing are likely dead began setting in for the tragedys survivors by Monday afternoon, Italian officials said. We have given the survivors this information, but they are talking and crying all the time because they have realized that there is little hope of finding their friends alive, the doctor Domenico Cipolla told Reuters from a hospital housing victims. Bayesian was built by the Perini Navi shipyard in Italy in 2008 and refitted in 2020. The vessel boasted the tallest aluminum mast in the world, reaching over 240 feet, according to Boat International. The nautical news site reported that the iconic vessel was one of the 50 largest sailing yachts on Earth. Divers were dispatched to the sinking site of the Bayesian. Six people, including two Americans, remained unaccounted for by Monday evening. Reuters via handout Divers reached the wreck of the British-flagged yacht over 160 feet below the surface. They found the body of a man alongside the vessel and more bodies were visible through the ships portholes, according to the Corriere della Sera newspaper. The man whose remains were recovered was the ships chef, La Repubblica reports, citing local fire officials. The Mail reported that the worker is believed to be a Canadian national. The 1-year-old English girl who survived the disaster was taken to a hospital but was unscathed. I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark, her mother, identified as Charlotte Golunski, told La Repubblica. In the water I couldnt keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others. Charlotte Golunski detailed to an Italian newspaper how she saved her one-year-old baby from drowning. Facebook Golunski required stitches to an injury on her chest, while her husband also reportedly suffered minor injuries. The passengers on board the boat were mainly from the U.K., though others hailed from Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Ireland, according to the ANSA news agency. Some witnesses told the agency the ship was anchored in front of the port of Porticello when the tornado hit. Karsten Borner, the captain of another boat in the area when the storm hit, said hed fired up his vessels engine in order to keep control and avoid hitting the Bayesian. We managed to keep the ship in position and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone, he said, Reuters reported. The other vessel went flat on the water, and then down, he added. Borner said his crew then found several survivors on a life raft, three of whom were seriously hurt. They were helped onto his vessel before the coast guard arrived to collect them. The sinking took place just off the coast of Sicily in Italys south. Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast The Bayesian is owned by a company called Revtom Limited, according to shipspotting.com. Bacares, Lynchs wife, is the only shareholder in the business, according to Reuters. Lynchs Ph.D. at Cambridge University and the software with which he amassed his fortune were both based on Bayesian theory, according to the news agency. A beautiful boat where there had been a party. A normal holiday spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy, one witness told ANSA. The local BAIA Santa Nicolicchia restaurant shared on Facebook a picture purportedly showing the Bayesian at around 10 p.m. on Sunday night. The account also posted security camera footage from the early hours showing violent winds causing damage outside the restaurant. https://www.facebook.com/reel/418162521274823 Italys fire and rescue service separately shared footage of the recovery operation with helicopters and boats operating in the area of the sinking. I was at home when the tornado hit, local fisherman Pietro Asciutto told Ansa. I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very large. I saw it sink suddenly. One witnessthe captain of a trawlersaid he was about to go out on a fishing trip in the early hours but stayed in the harbor after seeing lightning over the water. At about 4:15 a.m. we saw a flare in the sea, Fabio Cefalu said, according to the BBC. We waited for this waterspout to pass. A tornadic waterspout is a tornado that either forms over water or moves from land to water, according to the NOAAs National Ocean Service. By the time he got out to sea, Cefalu said, all he found were cushions and other flotsam from the deck of the sunken vessel. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. TOKYO, Aug 19 (News On Japan) - Japanese summer festivals, or "matsuri," are a beloved tradition, attracting many who revel in the joy of Bon Odori, indulge in street food, and try their hand at classic festival games. How are foreign visitors enjoying these summer festivities? One highlight is the Hachioji Festival, where over 800,000 people gather annually to experience traditional Japanese culture. The festival features a parade of massive floats accompanied by music and lively chants. Among the crowd, many foreign visitors could be seen, capturing the vibrant scenes on their cameras. A French family, visiting for the first time, was particularly enchanted by the Lion Dance, remarking how lively and engaging it was. The father, camera in hand, couldn't resist filming as his daughters joined in the Bon Odori, trying to mimic the movements. "It's fun but exhausting!" they said, drenched in sweat after the energetic dance. Bon Odori masters, both local and foreign, were a common sight, impressing onlookers with their skill. A woman from Libya, participating for the first time, noted how different the dance was from the familiar belly dance of her homeland, yet found it equally enjoyable. Visitors from Luxembourg expressed their fondness for traditional Japanese music, purchasing CDs as souvenirs to bring a piece of the festival atmosphere back home. They were captivated by the unique sounds of the instruments, which added to the special experience of the festival. The festival's food stalls were also a big hit, offering a variety of local delicacies. A group of interns from overseas tried their hand at Bon Odori after enjoying tsukiji-style skewers and tamagoyaki. "Its fun but tiring," they admitted, as they struggled to keep up with the intricate dance steps. Among the many games available, goldfish scooping proved to be a favorite, with one visitor expertly catching eight goldfish. Another popular attraction was the shooting gallery, where a young boy from Germany, visiting Japan for the first time, tried his luck. Though he missed the target, he walked away thrilled with a toy knife as his prize. Japanese summer festivals, with their lively dances, delicious food, and engaging games, are leaving a lasting impression on foreign visitors, offering a unique glimpse into Japan's rich cultural traditions. Source: TBS Aug 19 (NHK) - Japanese retail giant Seven & i Holdings says that it received a takeover offer from Canadian convenience-store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard. Seven & i unveiled on Monday the proposal from the Canadian firm, whose business also includes gas station operations. The Japanese retailer says it formed a special committee "comprised solely of independent outside directors" to review the proposal. The firm says it intends to conduct "a prompt, careful and comprehensive review of the proposal" along with "other alternatives for enhancing corporate value" and then will make a response to the Canadian company. Seven & i adds, at the moment it has not decided whether to accept or reject the proposal, or if it will enter into discussions with the Canadian firm. Observers say, if the Canadian company ends up buying the entire Seven & i Holdings group, the purchase would likely require at least 5 trillion yen, or about 33.9 billion dollars. Seven & i Holdings is in the process of restructuring. The group is considering listing shares in its supermarket business and focusing on its main convenience store operations. KOBE, Aug 20 (News On Japan) - Kobe City announced on Monday that it will fully subsidize the commuter pass costs for students attending high schools within the city starting next month. The program targets students who reside in Kobe City and attend high schools or technical colleges within the city. Both public and private school students are eligible, and there are no income restrictions. Starting next month, the city will cover the full cost of commuter passes for buses, trains, and other transportation methods. Kobe City has historically had higher transportation costs compared to other designated cities due to its wide commuting areas, and partial subsidies were previously provided for costs exceeding a certain amount. A Kobe City resident commented, "When my daughter becomes a high school student, this will be helpful. If commuting within Kobe City is free, it would be a relief." This initiative comes as Kobe City faces increasing outflows of young families, influenced by Osaka Prefectures free high school education program. A city official stated, "Through this subsidy program, we aim to reduce the financial burden on families with children." Applications will be accepted starting in January next year, with the possibility of receiving retroactive subsidies. Source: YOMIURI By Udeze Ekene The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has responded to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalus threat that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over the state in 2027 election. Governor Otti said it would have been better if Kalu did not state threat. He described the statement as sad. The Labour Party governor advised the Bende federal constituency representative to wait until 2027. Naija News reported that Benjamin Kalu in a video, on Monday, said he had already told Governor Otti in private that he would not be the governor of the state if he remains in the Labour Party. Kalu said he owes President Bola Tinubu and the APC. He added that Ndi Abia also owe the President for appointing him to the number six position in the country and for the South East Development Commission (SEDC). Kau stated that while Otti has been delivering good governance he cannot allow Labour Party to be in charge of the state in 2027 election. He said he has to pay the debt he owes the President and the APC. In reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otti, Ukoha Njoku, said Ndi Abia will teach the Deputy Speaker in 2027 election. On his X handle, Njoku wrote, This would have been funny if not that it is sad. However, it must be said that the ultimate deciders of this theory becoming reality or remaining a bad dream, will be the good people of Abia State. Until then, anyone can say anything. May God keep us alive to be witnesses. By Femi Akinyemi Ceasefire talks last chance for peace, Russia must pay for Ukraine's reconstruction, At US-Africa Leaders, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has said now is probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. Blinken made his comments during a meeting with Israeli President, Isaac Herzog on Monday during his ninth trip to the region since the war began in October. The US has expressed optimism about a deal since talks resumed in Doha last week, but Hamas says suggestions of progress are an illusion, with differences said to include whether Israeli troops will be required to withdraw fully from Gaza, as Hamas insists. Blinken is expected to maintain pressure on Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu when they meet later on Monday. Were working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line, or, for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places, and to greater intensity. This is my ninth visit since October 7, to Israel, to the Middle East, and this is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security, Blinken said during his meeting with Herzog. The current negotiations are based on a modified proposal presented by the US, aimed at bridging long-standing gaps between Israel and Hamas. The Americans hope they can get the deal over the finish line perhaps as soon as this time next week. But that level of optimism is not shared by the Israeli leadership or Hamas. In a statement on Sunday, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of putting obstacles in the way of an agreement and setting new conditions and demands with the aim of prolonging the war. It added it holds him fully responsible for thwarting mediators efforts and obstructing an agreement. More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territorys Hamas-run health ministry. A ceasefire deal agreed in November saw Hamas release 105 of the hostages in return for a week-long ceasefire and the freeing of some 240 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden said we are closer than we have ever been to a deal. But previous optimism expressed during months of on-off talks has proven unfounded. Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Sunday that complex negotiations were taking place to secure the return of hostages, but some principles needed to be upheld for Israels security. As China celebrates its seventh Doctors' Day, the country's top health authority has announced and honored 10 model medical personnel this year. The 10 doctors are exemplary personnel who have made contributions to medical sci-tech innovation, the development of traditional Chinese medicine, and health improvement among women and children, among other areas. They were announced recently by the National Health Commission and the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. Also honored were elderly nursing care personnel across the country, who devoted themselves to safeguarding the health and well-being of elderly patients. Inaugurated in 2018, China's Doctors' Day is celebrated on Aug. 19 every year to honor doctors in the country and their contributions. Video recordings of government business, even when made on a personal device, should be considered public records under an advisory opinion issued this week by an Iowa state board. The Iowa Public Information Board, which oversees the application of the states government transparency laws, approved the advisory opinion at a Thursday meeting, stating a recording of government business should be subject to state open records laws, even if the recording was made on a personal device like a cellphone. Open records law also applies to any corresponding transcription of such a recording, the boards advisory ruling states. The ruling was requested by the Benton County Attorneys Office after an office employee made a recording during a meeting between county officials. Clear precedent exists to establish that any medium, as used to define a public record, includes personal recording devices. The use of a personal cellphone to record and maintain a public record does not alleviate responsibility to provide a public record upon request, the Iowa Public Information Boards advisory opinion reads. The recording is a public record that belongs to the county. It is a violation of Iowa Code Chapter 22 to refuse to disclose a public record unless it falls within an exception. The board said any transcription of a recording of government business also should be considered a public record subject to open records laws. According to the board, the Benton County Auditors Office employee who recorded the video claimed the recording contained confidential information. The boards opinion states the recording and transcript should nonetheless be considered public records with any confidential portion redacted. Even if the recording contains confidential information that was not included in the transcription, this factor does not support confidentiality, the boards opinion states. The recording could be provided as a public record with redaction of any confidential portions. WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. governments top disaster relief official said Sunday that false claims and conspiracy theories about the federal response to Hurricane Helene spread most prominently by Donald Trump are demoralizing aid workers and creating fear in people who need recovery a The Democratic Republic of the Congo is between a rock and a hard place. The country has to deal with an insurgency in its east where a virus is rapidly spreading outside of the countrys borders. As the World Health Organization declares the new Mpox strain found in the DRC a global emergency, infighting worsens in the countrys east with 16 villages killed between pro-government fighters and M23 rebels. The DRC, the UN and Western countries accuse Rwanda of supporting rebel groups, including M23, in a bid to control the regions vast mineral resources, an allegation Kigali denies. The deaths were reported in the Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province where the new strain of Mpox outbreak was located. DRC has reported some 16,000 Mpox cases with South Kivu alone reporting an average 350 cases daily, according to local media. However, the real scale of contagion is far greater than officially reported figures. The infighting complicated efforts to monitor and counter the spread of the virus amid a large number of displaced persons transmitting the virus. There are at least 7.3 million displaced persons in the DRC, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Medics were dissuaded from treating patients which further contributed to the outbreak of the virus to other parts of DRC and neighboring states. In a Goma hospital in eastern DRC, hospitals are already crumbling with medics unable to treat the high number of infected people. Since the advent of the Tebboune/Chengriha duo, Algeria had only a sole diplomatic success: vassalizing Tunisia and molding it into its own image of an autocracy with a one-man show election. Tunisias strong man kais Saied has reduced Tunisia into a vassal state acting on orders from Algiers. His regime has even allowed Algerian agents to arrest refugee Slimane Bohafs, a Kabyle independence leader, in 2021. Saied bowed to Algerian dictates to the extent of breaking decades of Tunisian neutrality on the Sahara issue by receiving the separatists chief Brahim Ghali in a state reception, triggering diplomatic frost with Rabat. Tunisian populism echoed Algerian conspiracy theories in pinning many self-inflicted economic woes on Israel and the invisible foreign hand. As both Algeria and Tunisia brace for presidential elections in October and September respectively, authoritarian similarities are blatant. Both Tebboune and Saied disqualified their most credible political opponents using the judiciary to pave the way for their elections. They restricted civil liberties and the freedom of the press sending independent journalists to jail. In both Tunisia and Algeria, the incumbent presidents are poised to return to power as they are running against very low- profile candidates of their choosing! However, assuming free elections, the turnout is expected to be lackluster. While president Saied has come to power on the back of a democratic process he managed to sap, Tebboune has already experienced low turnout nearing zero in the breakaway Kabylie region. Since the death of Mandela, South Africas ruling party, the ANC, has failed to deliver on its promises at home, opting instead to gear attention to foreign issues, such as the Sahara issue opposing Morocco to Algerias Polisario proxies. After the end of apartheid, the ANC as an ideological movement sought to perpetuate its struggle through false analogy. A vivid example is the ANCs support for separatism in the Sahara territory. By backing the Polisario, an Algerian proxy militia, the ANC desperately seeks to perpetuate itself as an anti-apartheid movement, in a position that is detached from reality on the ground. The genuine apartheid in North Africa is the one practiced by Algeria against the Sahraouis held in the Tindouf camps under the yoke of the Polisario militias. The Sahraouis in these camps are denied registration as genuine refugees enjoying the right to freely choose their asylum or return to their motherland. They are also denied basic rights by their host state, Algeria, which treats them as captives. The media is awash with stories of Sahraouis being shot at as they tried to flee the camps. Yet the ANC leaders insist on denying this reality, by indulging instead in empty slogans, while accusing Morocco without whatsoever evidence of being an apartheid state. For decades, South Africa under the ANC has topped world rankings in terms of criminality, inequalities and unemployment. The ANC also failed to develop South Africas infrastructure, a factor that ditched the countrys growth leading to recurrent power blackouts with severe impact on the industrial fabric. The distraction tactic is no longer effective. Voices are questing the ideological anachronism of South Africa regarding the Sahara issue. As Morocco strengthens its foothold on the continent following its triumphal return to the African Union in 2017, South Africa and a group of failed states rehashing Algerias separatist rhetoric are in a lamentable position as they see global heavyweights- including but not only the US, Spain and France- backing Moroccos sovereignty on the Sahara territory. South African Think Thank Institute for Security Studies, ISS, has pointed to the inroads made by Morocco in securing global support for its sovereignty over the territory and how it has made the political process to settle the dispute an exclusivity of the UN. The ISS analysis came as the United States Peace Institute published a detailed analysis announcing the conflict over the territory is coming to an end under Moroccan sovereignty and that Algeria and its Polisario proxies have better come to the negotiations table on the basis of the autonomy plan. As the ANC fails to deliver on its promises at home, its use of ideological anachronism abroad is faltering, mainly due to its false analogy and weak political alliances with rentier states such as Algeria, whose voice is also increasingly inaudible at the international stage. Alternatively, South Africa should have reconnected with Mandelas legacy and his strong ties with Moroccan leaders to build a strong economic and political alliance that could serve as a trigger for the continents peace, development, and prosperity. Equatorial Guinea has a new Prime Minister. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema appointed Central Bank Director Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua on August 17, according to a decree issued almost three weeks after the resignation of the previous government, which he had deemed ineffective. A young banker to manage the government, thats the choice of the president of Equatorial Guinea with this appointment. Its a new challenge for Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua, who has just turned 48 and has been Director of the National Bank of Equatorial Guinea since 2012. This native of the continent learned his trade abroad, where he spent part of his life. He joined his sister in Spain when he was just six years old. While working to pay for his studies, he earned two bachelors degrees in business and economics, followed by a masters in financial management. He was then recruited privately by the Santander bank. He returned to Equatorial Guinea for the first time in 2012, at the request of the then Minister of Finance, to audit the central bank. At the end of his mission, he was offered to head the institution. As Prime Minister, he will succeed Manuela Roka Botey, who was the countrys first female Prime Minister. She resigned just 18 months after her appointment, having come under heavy criticism from the President. The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) said on Sunday August 18 that it had suspended all operations in the country, after one of its employees was kidnapped by unidentified individuals. The Central Bank of Libya condemns the kidnapping of the Director of the Information Technology Department, Musab Musallam, by an unknown person in front of his house on Sunday morning, as well as the threats of kidnapping made against certain civil servants, the bank said in a statement. The bank added that it rejected what it described as mafia methods that threaten the safety of its employees and the continued operation of the banking sector in the country. Although the Bank of Libya did not state the context of the kidnapping, it follows a statement by the countrys House of Representatives, which rejected attempts by a number of people to control the Central Bank of Libya over the past two days. The statement added that these attempts had begun with incitement to storm the banks headquarters, followed by the search for justification to remove its governor, Siddiq al-Kabir, by force and threats. Last week, Siddiq al-Kabir held a meeting with US Special Envoy to Libya Richard Norland and briefed him on the latest developments regarding the Central Bank and the increasing threats to its security and the safety of its employees and systems. Following the meeting, Norland wrote on the X account of the US embassy that Libya may lose access to global financial markets if attempts are made to unseat the leadership of the CBL by coercion. The emergence of yet another set of confrontations between armed groups in recent days highlights the ongoing risks posed by the political stalemate in Libya. Threats to the security of the CBL staff and operations are unacceptable. Like Libyas other sovereign institutions, the CBLs integrity must be protected, Norland stated. The National Council of the INSAF party elected at its extraordinary session held in Nouakchott on Friday Sid Ahmed Ould Mohamed to the post of party president, succeeding Mohamed Malainine Ould Eyih. The new party president said that the trust placed in him by the party and the choice he had been honored with were in line with the dynamic the country was experiencing. Today, we realize that we are practicing politics within a large party covering the whole country and pursuing a policy based on equity, he said. He pledged to pursue the reforms needed for the next stage, and to build a modern party that interacts with its political environment, that makes the news and is dynamic in its course, a party that lives up to the expectations of the majority who have chosen it as their mode of governance, who are confident in its ability to provide profound solutions to development issues. Sid Ahmed Ould Mohamed affirmed that the INSAF party will provide political support and assistance to the government of the President of the Republic, led by Moctar Ould Diay, a member of the partys Executive Board, to implement the Presidents program aimed at building a state of law and strong institutions with effective and modern governance, building a strong economy, empowering young people, fighting corruption, and promoting and supporting social inclusion. He stressed that he had taken over the presidency of the party in a very complex international situation, where wars and unrest are multiplying and differences and divergences of views between the poles are interacting, declaring the partys support for all just causes in the world, foremost among which is the cause of Palestine. China's central authorities have allocated 115 million yuan (about 16.1 million U.S. dollars) to assist five regions in dealing with the flood disasters. The funds from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management will be distributed to Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia, which have suffered from rainstorms and floods since August. The funds will mainly be utilized for the search and transfer of affected people, handling of risky facilities, and identification of potential secondary disasters. On the occasion of the anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, commemorated by Morocco on August 20, King Mohammed VI has granted pardon to 5,516 individuals, including 4,831 people who were convicted, prosecuted, or wanted in cases related to cannabis cultivation, the Ministry of Justice announced in a statement. The Ministry of Justice, which unveiled the list of the beneficiaries of the royal pardon, who are either detained or serving a suspended sentence, said the persons convicted or prosecuted in cases related to cannabis cultivation had met the required conditions to benefit from the free pardon. Beyond its humanitarian aspects, this royal Solicitude will allow the beneficiaries of this pardon to integrate into the new strategy undertaken by the concerned provinces, following the establishment of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities, and in the structuring impact of its activity on economic and social levels through the industrialization, processing, export of cannabis, and the import of its products for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial purposes, as well as its contribution to the development of alternative crops and non-agricultural activities, the statement said. The list of the beneficiaries of the royal pardon includes inmates who were granted pardon over their remaining jail terms, convicts who had their prison terms reduced, and prisoners who saw their sentences commuted from life imprisonment to fixed jail terms. Some convicts benefited from pardon over their imprisonment terms but their fines were maintained. Other convicts saw their fines canceled, while others benefited from both a pardon over their prison terms and fines. The King usually grants free pardon to inmates and convicts on religious and national holidays. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Images Just one month ago, the 2024 Democratic National Convention was expected to be a tense and dreary affair, with the party gathering to renominate President Joe Biden despite fears that he could not beat Donald Trump again. But by the time the DNC kicked off in Chicago on Monday, everything had changed; Democrats had a new nominee, Kamala Harris, and a new sense of hope thanks to polls that show her pulling ahead of her Republican rival. Night one of the DNC capped off this summers wild transition at the top of the ticket, with Biden delivering a fiery and emotional speech making the case for his VP. Heres our running account of all the highlights from Monday night, in reverse chronological order, including Harriss surprise speech, Hillary Clintons rapturous reception, and Joes poignant send-off. This is a developing story. The Poor Peoples Army leads a march for Palestine under the banner of Bodies Outside Of Unjust Laws in Chicago on the night before the start of the Democratic convention. Photo: Mark Peterson/Redux for New York Magazine As Democrats and reporters converge on Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, so too are thousands of demonstrators. Many will have a straightforward demand for the presidential ticket: a ceasefire and a U.S. arms embargo for Israel. By embracing such demands, Kamala Harris would have to break not only with the foreign-policy Establishment but with the Biden administration, which last week announced that it had approved $20 billion in arms sales to Israel, a figure that included scores of fighter jets, CBS News reported. The Biden administration may not be concerned by the humanitarian implications of their decision; Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, cannot afford such cowardice. The same week the U.S. sent billions in bombs and jets to Israel, a different story broke in Gaza. Mohammed Abu al-Qumsan told reporters that while hed gone to collect birth certificates for his newborn twins, an Israeli airstrike destroyed his home killing his wife and the twins. I didnt even have the time to celebrate them, he said to the BBC. In a separate interview with CNN, he said that he had moved his then-pregnant wife to an apartment in another area of Gaza to protect his growing family from Israeli attacks. His efforts proved useless in the face of a relentless and genocidal assault on Gaza (more on that below), which has killed tens of thousands of people, according to the Palestinian health ministry, a figure that includes around 16,400 children. While another grieving father mourns, the assault continues, decimating the Gazan medical system. Israeli restrictions on aid mean that little help can enter the strip, and UNICEF has warned that there are around 17,000 separated or unaccompanied children who are trying to stay alive in Gaza now. Every day the situation in Gaza degrades, and every day the American political class looks away, with few exceptions. The Biden administrations relationship with Israel goes beyond mere complicity in genocide; under Bidens leadership, America has become an active participant in horror. The situation is only getting worse. On Friday, days after the killing of Mohammed Abu al-Qumsans twin children, the Gaza Health Ministry reported a confirmed case of polio. The contagious disease could spread widely if there is no ceasefire; the United Nations wants to coordinate two mass-vaccination campaigns to protect Palestinians in Gaza from additional risk. Harris may not want to break with Biden publicly now, but from a moral perspective he has left her little choice. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday, ostensibly to push for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that would include the release of the remaining hostages. But nothing Blinken does now can rectify the injustice that Israel has already inflicted on Gaza with direct support from the U.S. And while a ceasefire might allow the U.N. to conduct desperately needed polio-vaccination campaigns, it doesnt resolve the issue at root: the Biden administrations no-strings-attached policy of aiding Israel. Call it conditioning aid to Israel, if diplomacy is in order, or call it an arms embargo; either way, such a policy would go much further toward preventing future brutality in Gaza. Faced with the killing of Mohammed Abu al-Qumsans twins, or the killing of 6-year-old Hind Rajab, or the killings of so many others whose names that those of us who are strangers to them might never know, we cannot sustain the fiction that the IDF is the most moral army in the world, bent merely on the protection of the Israeli people. In June, Aryeh Neier, the co-founder of Human Rights Watch, argued in the New York Review of Books that Israel is perpetrating a genocide in Gaza in part through its obstruction of humanitarian aid. Israel isnt just killing Palestinian civilians; its starving them and locking others in prison camps plagued by reports of serious abuse. Dead and orphaned children are becoming commonplace, and safety is difficult if not impossible to find, as Israel repeatedly bombs civilians and blames the death toll on Hamas. Now that polio has reportedly appeared in Gaza, the crisis has become even more urgent. People are dying terrible and preventable deaths, and more are set to join them. In the months since October 7, Gaza has become the defining moral issue of the moment a test that most of our political leaders are failing. Gaza, of course, is not the only pressing issue facing Harris and her running mate. By framing it as the defining issue of our time, I dont mean to dismiss the impact of abortion restrictions across the country, or the threat a second Trump administration poses to our multiracial democracy. But whats happening in Gaza today is a moral outrage and an ongoing genocide, and our reaction to it will shape who we are as a nation. As Israel kills and allegedly tortures Palestinians, as it breaks up or even eliminates entire families, the U.S. can either continue to look away or do something meaningful to stop the violence. Harris cannot unilaterally end the Israeli war, even if she becomes president, but she can end U.S. support for it, and she should. Over the weekend, the Uncommitted movement scored an important victory by securing the DNCs first-ever panel on Palestinian human rights. Yet more must be done, and demonstrators havent asked much of the aspiring president. An arms embargo is a relatively moderate demand given the scale of the suffering in Gaza. This weeks crowds and the voters they potentially represent ask Harris to acknowledge, simply, that matters cannot continue as they are. Something has to give before Israel destroys Gaza and its people in their entirety. There will be pressure on Harris to dismiss the protests; to brand everyone with a sign antisemitic; to move on as if a genocide isnt happening. I hope she doesnt listen. Not only would it be electorally damaging for her to continue on Bidens course, it would be a moral failure of the highest degree. If Harris wants to be president, she has to earn the privilege. She can start by pledging an end to U.S. support for mass murder. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly, read the federal district-court ruling earlier this month. Specifically, it monopolizes general search services and general search text ads. This advantage has allowed it to earn monopoly profits Googles net income was about $74 billion in 2023 primarily from search. This sort of thing is pretty rare in the industry. In the 1970s, it was AT&T, and it was about phones. In the 1990s, it was Microsoft, and it was about PCs. In 2024, from a pool of likely candidates cell phones? E-commerce? its search. Google is planning to appeal the ruling, of course. In the meantime, an emboldened DOJ is considering what comes next. There are significant but narrow possibilities, like barring Google from paying companies like Apple to be made the default search provider on iPhones and other devices, or requiring the company to share or license search data. Then theres the big one, according to Bloomberg: A bid to break up Alphabet Inc.s Google is one of the options being considered by the Justice Department after a landmark court ruling found that the company monopolized the online search market, according to people with knowledge of the deliberations. This is what the government did with AT&T and couldnt quite pull off in the case of Microsoft. Breaking up a national telecom company was complicated but fairly intuitive youre basically drawing a map. The plan to break up Microsoft was to separate its operating-system business from everything else, including Office, which, again, is pretty easy to grasp. Microsofts main products were interconnected but plausibly separate and profitable ventures that sold related but different things. Google is a bit weirder. Its best known for products that it gives away for free and it makes most of its money selling ads to businesses that want to reach those free users. The enormous income it generates from ads sold against its search engine subsidized investments in (and purchases of) a huge range of other products. Some of these brands, including YouTube and Maps, share a basic free-to-use ad-supported business model with Search. Others, like Google Cloud, are different sorts of businesses entirely and exist to sell services to enterprise clients. Chrome, the most popular web browser in the world, makes money for Google by funneling people into Search. Android, the most popular smartphone operating system in the world, makes money for Google through its Play app store, where it takes a cut of app and digital-service sales, but also, again, by sending users to products like Search. Much of the Google empire, with its dozens of distinct products and brands, is supported and held together by a massive digital-advertising operation. How do you pull something like that apart? The leading possibilities, according to Bloomberg, are separating Android (Google was separately and successfully sued in California court over its app-store policies) and spinning off Chrome. Cleaving off Chrome and prohibiting Google from paying to be the default search engine in third-party browsers would be interesting. Chromes biggest independent competitor, Firefox, is developed by the Mozilla Foundation, which draws most of its income from such an arrangement with Google. Edge, Microsofts web browser, is now based on Chromium, the same open-source browser project on which Chrome is built, and which is funded and maintained primarily by Google. Apples browser, Safari, might stand to benefit from a chaotic collapse in the browser ecosystem, except that part of its value to its parent company and, again, core to the antitrust case is that Google pays it $20 billion a year to be the default search engine. Similarly, Android is free software based on an open-source project primarily maintained and funded by Google and used by almost every major smartphone manufacturer in the world except Apple. Detach it from Google and unlink it from Google Search, and the project would need an entirely new business model. The last option the chaotic dark horse is ordering the separation of Googles ad business from everything else. Some critics take Googles tangled business as evidence that a breakup would be overkill, needlessly destructive, or counterproductive. They might have a point. But it cuts the other way, too the fact that separating and spinning off Chrome could plausibly lead to the collapse of the entire browser marketplace as we know it is a pretty strong argument for Googles superlative power and influence. Likewise, the practical case against breaking out Chrome doubles as an argument that the continued existence of the most-used smartphone operating system on the planet is contingent on Googles advertising business, and that the companys massive secondary platforms are effectively just features of Search. Googles users think of its many products, some of which are dominant in their markets, as distinct and important. Isnt it strange that most of them couldnt stand alone as businesses or that they havent at least had to try? Whether Google gets broken up or more gently regulated is also a matter of electoral politics, albeit a strange one. On one hand, the Justice Department, as led by Biden appointee Merrick Garland, has been pursuing this case aggressively for years and prevailed; on the other, the Departments initial lawsuit against Google was filed in October 2020 with the public support of Trump appointee William Barr, who publicly embraced his presidents personal vendettas against Google, which didnt have much to do with search monopoly at all. The plan to break up Microsoft didnt survive the transition from the Clinton to the Bush administration, but tech antitrust has since been repoliticized in ideologically complicated ways. Some big Democratic donors with connections to the tech industry are pressing the Harris campaign to take a softer stance on antitrust issues. An appeal could take years, leaving Googles fate even if remedies are decided by the end of 2024 up to the Supreme Court of, say, 2027. In the meantime, Google has a chance to challenge or prove the premise of the courts ruling in less desirable ways: by either buying its way to further dominance in the era of AI or by spending and flailing so wildly in the face of new threats to its search business that we find out it wasnt as dominant as it seemed. A week and a half ago, anti-Israel demonstrators began chanting during a Kamala Harris rally outside Detroit. Harris stared down the protesters and told them she was speaking. The crowd cheered wildly, but the scene disturbed some progressive observers. Ms. Harris managed to quickly dismiss them when they interrupted her rally speech in Detroit, but she will not be able to so easily dismiss the shocking reality against which they are protesting. Failing to adequately address protesters valid outrage could cause Democrats newfound party unity to quickly unravel, wrote Farah Stockman in a New York Times op-ed. A similar view was expressed by Masha Gessen, also in the Times, who suggested the protesters cannot stand to live in a world in which Joe Bidens vice president, who has not voiced any disagreement with the administrations Middle East policies, wins the presidency. Its not that they want Trump to win; its that the level of political cynicism they are being asked to adopt feels unbearable. While both columns suggested the most sympathetic possible motives for the outburst, neither identified the protesters actual beliefs. But the demonstrators do have a publicly articulated worldview. The Detroit action was organized by Students Allied for Freedom and Equality, the University of Michigan chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. SAFE, like other branches of SJP, takes an eliminationist posture toward Israel. It has employed violent rhetoric preceding Israels operation in Gaza. A SAFE rally in January 2023 featured calls of intifada revolution, smashing the Zionist entity, claims that Israelis water their invasive species with Palestinian blood, and so on. SAFE celebrated the October 7 attacks. In March, its president wrote on social media, Until my last breath, I will utter death to every single individual who supports the Zionist state. Death and more. Death and worse. The group sent masked protesters to the home of a Jewish regent in the middle of the night and vandalized his law office. Would progressives have taken a cooler view of the demonstrators had they possessed a clearer view of their objectives? Some might. But others would not. Progressives tend to take a romantic view of left-wing protest. Protesters occupy a special category of political actor, freed of any responsibility or agency and judged only as a counterweight against the worst excesses of whatever they oppose. They represent an idealistic impulse and revulsion at the status quo, and since the status quo is unjust, their behavior, by definition, cannot be. All that matters is that their actions are directionally correct. To the extent progressives feel any discomfort with the goals or methods of protesters, they tend to rationalize them by invoking noble protests from past eras. Gessens column lingers on the history of AIDS activists from several decades ago, the nobility of which she employs to justify the protests against Harris without needing to justify its specific ideology. No, not every individual demonstrator supports every position taken by the group they are joining. But progressives generally take a much less forgiving view of protests on the political right we usually judge them by their most extreme manifestations. If you recall the tea-party protests, liberals generally equated the most offensive or racist signs and statements at rallies with the general thrust of the cause, rather than trying to imagine a sympathetic purpose. (Conservatives, of course, did the opposite, ignoring the offensive bits to project their desired motive onto protests that turned out not to care about their professed goal of reducing the budget deficit.) And the groups organizing the protests exert significant control over their messaging, which is why you never see a sign or a chant at an encampment denouncing Hamas along with Israel or calling for a two-state solution. This practice of lionizing and glossing over protesters actual beliefs insulates their ideas from correction. It is difficult to steer the protesters away from extreme rhetoric and counterproductive tactics if you are abiding a norm of treating them as beyond critique. Every complaint about the protests can simply be turned back on Israel or the U.S. and it is certainly true that Israeli policy toward the Palestinians bears considerable responsibility for encouraging extremist opposition. (Before October 7, in fact, the Netanyahu government deliberately cultivated Hamas as a counterweight to more moderate Palestinian factions.) It is this very dynamic that has enabled the pro-Palestine movement to simultaneously gain widespread influence on the left without curbing any of its bloodthirsty impulses. The bill for this indulgence is coming due in Chicago. The long-anticipated protests against the Democratic Party have prompted angst over the impact on the election and the chance that Donald Trump will benefit. A generally sympathetic news story in the Washington Post expresses the case against the demonstrations in practical terms: Some Democrats have argued that Harris has distinguished herself from Biden and does not bear the same level of responsibility. They have also said scenes of large demonstrations could hurt the partys ability to project unity and defeat Donald Trump in November. A critique not raised in the story, perhaps because it has been largely absent from progressive discourse, is whether the protesters are morally admirable at all. This is an entirely different question from whether one believes the Palestinians deserve sympathy or that American policy toward Israel needs revision. On both points, I believe the answer is yes. I also believe that Israels government and its American supporters bear a significant amount of blame for the radicalization of the Palestinian movement. Even aside from the devastation in Gaza, Israel has abandoned the two-state solution and is permitting Jewish terrorists to brutalize Palestinians in the West Bank. American supporters of Israel have habitually smeared critics of Israel, even the mildest and friendliest ones, as antisemitic. It is a cliche that watering down charges of bigotry through overuse makes it easier for actual bigotry to spread, but I believe this is precisely what has happened. It is possible to imagine a world where pro-Palestinian protesters were aiming for a just future where Israel and Palestine could coexist. But that is not the world we inhabit. And it does no good to pretend it is. The Chicago protests are being led by Hatem Abudayyeh, the national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. On October 7, Abudayyeh made an official statement for USPCN celebrating the slaughter of Israeli civilians: Palestinians have an internationally-recognized right to resist illegal military occupation, and todays attacks from the Palestinian Resistance should be understood as a legitimate response to unending violence from Israels extreme right-wing, racist, white supremacist, zionist government and settler movement now we have no choice but to defend ourselves, because the Israeli military and racist settlers have been attacking and killing with impunity, and must and will be stopped! We will win our liberation and Return! And while this rhetoric may be shocking, every major anti-Israel activist group has adopted a similar position. Students for Justice in Palestine called the October 7 attacks a historic win for the Palestinian resistance against the facade of an impenetrable settler colony. The Palestinian Youth Movement saluted the active decolonization of Palestinian land and stated We have a right to resist on our own land. Within Our Lifetime declared, Zionism is a settler-colonial white supremacist ideology built on the genocide and dispossession of the Palestinian people, and therefore, We defend the right of Palestinians as colonized people to resist the zionist occupation by any means necessary. Jewish Voice for Peace declined to condemn the attack, instead blaming it on Israel: The bloodshed of today and the past 75 years traces back directly to U.S. complicity in the oppression and horror caused by Israels military occupation. The common thread running through these statements, other than unbounded eagerness to shed Israeli blood, is a worldview suggested by the recurring terms settler and colonist. All these groups adhere to a left-wing western doctrine that is the subject of an excellent new book, On Settler Colonialism, by Adam Kirsch. Settler colonialism is a theory of societies established by western settlers. The fact that certain countries (the U.S., Canada, and Australia) were established by settlers who displaced or killed off the native population is not novel. Settler colonialism is a way of centering this fact as an ongoing genocide that continues to define every aspect of its life, even after centuries, as Kirsch puts it. Settler, in this view, is not the descriptions of the actions of an individual but a heritable identity. Settler-colonialist theory has grown explosively in the West, where it has inspired hundreds of books, thousands of papers, and numerous college courses. As applied to the Anglosphere, it poses a critique that is radical but entirely confined to theory. Settler colonialism delegitimizes its targets without offering a workable program for replacing them there is no pathway to restoring the western hemisphere to the political arrangements that stood before Columbuss arrival. And so the programmatic aspect of settler-colonialist theory is confined to land acknowledgments and other quasi-religious rhetoric. The inclusion of Israel as a settler-colonialist state is the move that transforms the theory into something more threatening. It is a curious connection, as Kirsch notes. While Israels founding did displace many Palestinians, it did not precipitate their virtual eradication. (The Palestinian population, despite undeniable oppression, has grown dramatically since 1947.) More importantly, the Jewish population in Israel has a long-standing connection to the land it inhabits and no other place to return. The only humane solution to the predicament is a negotiated agreement between Jews and Palestinians. Settler colonialism, instead, denies Jewish Israelis any right to live in the region, rendering any act of the Israeli state illegitimate and any action to dismantle it permissible. Settler-colonialism theorists believe certain people have an authentic, permanent relationship to the land. Their rhetoric, as Kirsch points out, echoes the romantic nationalism of the old German right. Palestinian Indigenous sovereignty is in and of the land. It is grounded in an embodied connection to Palestine and articulated in Palestinians ways of being, knowing, and resisting on and for this land, writes Jamal Nabulsi of University of Queensland. Palestinians have a culture indivisible from their surroundings, a language of freedom concordant to the beauty of the land, in the words of the scholar Steven Salaita. Compare this with the blood-and-soil nationalism of Nazi ideologists such as Richard Walther Darre The German soul, with all its warmness, is rooted in its native landscape and has, in a sense, always grown out of it Whoever takes the natural landscape away from the German soul, kills it and you will have difficulty detecting any difference. Indeed, if you switched Palestinian with German, it would be hard to tell one theorist from the other. An important corollary of settler-colonialist thought is that, because they lack a naturalistic connection to any soil, the Jews must be rendered a permanently rootless subaltern class. This has an echo of the Nazi conception of the Jew as alien, and at times its rhetoric has the same overtones. Salaita, again, on the Zionists: In their ruthless schema, land is neither pleasure nor sustenance. It is a commodity There is no real notion of the commons in Zionism. Public space is deeply personal, demarcated and apportioned based on a crude obsession with genetics Having been anointed Jewish, the land ceases to be dynamic. This is blood-and-soil nationalism for the left. Inevitably, the activism and pedagogy inspired by settler-colonialist theory has frequently slipped over into outright antisemitism. A Stanford lecturer told Jewish students to identify themselves, then ordered them to stand in a corner of the classroom, because this is what Israel does to Palestinians. At Columbia, one professor allegedly asked a student with a Jewish name before an exam to explain their views on Israelis actions in Gaza, while another complained that the mainstream media is owned by Jews. At CUNY, the activist group Not in Our Name instructed its members and followers to undermine a Hillel survey on campus antisemitism, including by answering a question about encountering prejudice against Jews in the negative even if they had experienced it. Numerous other cases like this could be added. These sorts of incidents may not represent the typical experience of Jewish students, but they are a predictable result of the climate of opinion fostered by the leading pro-Palestinian activist groups. Their rejection of coexistence between Palestinians and Jews in the Middle East has extended to their vision of domestic politics in the U.S. The protesters central goal has been to turn Zionism which they define, de minimus, as the belief that Israel has a right to exist in any form into an unacceptable opinion. Their demand that universities boycott Israel is designed to advance this strategy by lending official support to their view that Israel is a unique source of evil in the world. For years, Jews in progressive spaces have long agonized over demands they face to denounce Israel or Zionism as the entry price for their participation. Divestment is a lever intended to spread that cultural norm more broadly through universities and other cultural institutions. The protest method of seizing campus common space and declaring it off limits to Zionists is a model for their strategic goal. That persistent demand, more than the sporadic outbursts of overt antisemitic harassment, is the chilling threat that makes Jews fear for their future in the U.S. And it is on this point that the anti-Israel protesters are unwilling to give ground. They will not stop creating fear and discomfort for Zionists because they simply dont believe in liberal ground rules that would permit people with different beliefs about the Middle East to go about their lives in peace. Even if they lack the power to murder Zionists, they retain the power to make them deeply uncomfortable. It is why they consistently surround their targets with taunts and vandalize their homes. That is why encampments have so consistently seized common spaces and barred Zionists from entering them it is their vision of the campus they wish to create. The same dynamic played out in June, when WOL protested an art exhibit dedicated to the victims of October 7. Protesters unfurled a Long Live October 7th banner and filmed a scene in the subway afterward where they crowded into a car and instructed Zionists identify themselves and get out. Equally revealing was their response to condemnation, which came even from pro-Palestinian Democrats including Jamaal Bowman and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Students for Justice in Palestine denounced the smears of their allies. Attempts to divide or undermine any sector of our movement, especially from the left, are unacceptable , the group announced, and we will not tolerate attacks on our movements political and moral character. Any complaint about violence or antisemitism by a member of the movement inherently divides it and raises questions about its political and moral character. To reject out of hand any such possibility is to repudiate the very idea it must abide any standards of behavior in the tactics it uses against its targets. The movement could not be any more clear on this point. Its members will not stop harassing and intimidating Jewish people. Nor will they adopt any standard of behavior. When they say they believe they are part of the Palestinian liberation movement, and that the movement is entitled to use any means necessary, that is exactly what they mean. What Democrats and progressives need to decide is whether to treat these groups as noble idealists broadly on the right side of history or as the fanatic adherents of an illiberal and unjust program. In the Middle East, that program calls for endless war until the Jews have been expurgated from a soil on which they unnaturally reside. In the West, it means imposing social norms that make most Jews feel alien and unwelcome. To advance justice for Palestinians and Jews does not require placating, forming alliances with, or ceding leverage to followers of this hateful program. The morally just response is to meet this ideology the way liberals meet other forms of hate: by calling it what it is. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Images Taylor Swift never trusts a narcissist but they love her. This may explain why Donald Trump still seems desperate to win Swift over, though she has made it pretty clear that she strongly dislikes him and his policies. Also, Swift has a legion of devoted fans, and with Trumps poll numbers slipping now that Kamala Harris is the Democratic presidential nominee, a Swift endorsement must look more enticing than ever. Swift has yet to weigh in on the 2024 presidential race, but it appears that Trump was duped into thinking hed gotten her coveted endorsement. On Sunday he posted a collage of four images to Truth Social with the caption I accept! While that phrasing seems to suggest Trump thought he was accepting the pop stars endorsement, its possible he meant he was embracing the support of her fans. But that is also fake news. Are there people who are fans of both Trump and Swift? Sure. But unlike the Swifties4Kamala coalition which has well over 100,000 followers across various social-media channels there is no large, organized movement of Swifties going MAGA. This should have been obvious to Trump from the images he posted. The news report with a headline about SWIFTIES TURNING TO TRUMP after a failed terror plot forced the cancellation of her Vienna shows is not real; the headline is clearly labeled satire. The other three images which are all screenshots from the pro-Trump X account @akafacehots arent quite what they they seem either. The image of Swift dressed as Uncle Sam is A.I. generated, and she has never urged anyone to vote for Trump. The photo of the woman in a red shirt also appears to be an A.I. creation, and the caption SwiftiesForTrump continue to break the internet! Kamalas campaign is in shambles over it! is false. Only the photo in the upper right, showing a woman wearing a homemade white Swifties for Trump shirt, is real. Jenna Piwowarczyk, 19, confirmed to the Independent that shes a Trump-loving Swiftie. She shared another photo of herself wearing the shirt while meeting Trump at a June rally in Racine, Wisconsin, in June with the outlet. Piwowarczyk said that when Trump saw her Swift shirt, he commented she is great. A few hours after posting the largely fake photo collage, Trump shared a video in which a woman claims that Swifties are rallying for Trump en masse. She claims that following the foiled concert attack, A lot of them are just saying, you know, if Trump was in office this wouldve never, ever happened. She would be safe. There wouldnt be terrorism or wars going on. Because we had world peace before and hell do it again. Trumps Truth Social post has no attribution. It was originally posted by conservative content creator Kandis Esposito on TikTok: Without even getting into Espositos dubious claims about Trumps ability to stop all terrorism, there is no evidence that massive numbers of Swifties suddenly embraced the Republican candidate this month. Trump really shouldnt trust any Swift-endorsement news unless he sees it posted by her official X account. Thats the one where Swift endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020 and called Trump out for stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism. I spoke to @vmagazine about why Ill be voting for Joe Biden for president. So apt that its come out on the night of the VP debate. Gonna be watching and supporting @KamalaHarris by yelling at the tv a lot. And I also have custom cookies @inezandvinoodh pic.twitter.com/DByvIgKocr Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) October 7, 2020 After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? When the looting starts the shooting starts??? We will vote you out in November. @realdonaldtrump Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 29, 2020 Material: Recycled plastic | Size: 14.75 x 10.75 x 0.375 | Weight: 1 pound | Care: Dishwasher-safe While I will always have a soft spot for a beautifully made, traditional wooden board, I love Material Kitchens reBoards (I own the large and small sizes). I find myself reaching for them most often, particularly when preparing meat, since they stand up well to chopping and are so easy to sanitize. Theyre sturdy like a wooden board, but I can lift them easily to transport chopped veggies to a saute pan. I also dont have to remember to oil them regularly. All that, plus a reasonable price point gives these boards an edge over the others on this list, which is why I made it my best overall pick. This board received resounding praise from several chefs and culinary experts, who like its durable surface, light weight, and easy maintenance. Sustainably made using recycled plastic and renewable sugarcane, these boards come in a variety of vivid colors too a bonus for anyone who values aesthetics in the kitchen, or likes to color code their boards to prevent cross-contamination. Food stylist Judy Kim has been a die-hard reBoard fan for four years; she has seven in rotation some at home and some in the case she totes around to kitchens all across New York City for work, slicing produce and other ingredients for styling. The texture of it is probably the most important feature, she says. Some other plastic ones are so sleek and so smooth, you can feel your knife slip sometimes, even just a little bit. The textured surface of the reBoard also helps it stay in place while in use, but for extra security, do what pros like Sarah Simms, co-founder of Los Angeles-based Lady and Larder, do and add a towel underneath for extra grip. But if that is a concern they do sell a grippy model with corner grips on the board, she says. Simms calls this board her favorite workhorse board and agrees that its incredibly easy to clean and easy on knives. The 25-year-old who was shot and killed by a Opelika police officer in an altercation at Century Park Apartments has been identified as Tias Dequan Cobb of Auburn, Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton said. Cobb was pronounced dead on scene at 3:08 a.m. Sunday, Sexton said. His body will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences Montgomery Medical Facility for postmortem exam, the coroner said. The Opelika Police Department said they responded at approximately 3:07 a.m. Sunday to a suspicious incident at Century Park Apartments at 1801 Century Blvd. Authorities said the responding officer encountered a "subject armed with a firearm," and there was an altercation that resulted in the officer discharging their weapon and striking the man. OPD said medical assistance was immediately rendered but Cobb died on the scene. Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey said the officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is Healey said is the standard across the country. Healey declined to reveal the officer's name but he said the officer was not a rookie and that "he is well past his training." The Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigations was called in to investigate the incident, according to Opelika police. Authorities said all evidence and videos have been turned over to SBI for their investigation. Once the investigation is complete, the results will be turned over to the Lee County District Attorneys Office and the findings will be presented to a Lee County Grand Jury. OPD said any further inquiries about the investigation should be directed to SBI or the Lee County District Attorneys Office. Wild Reply Thread Link And her daughter was just on the masked singer so all in all an incredible week for the Norwegian monarchy Reply Thread Link What was her costume? Reply Parent Thread Link She was a 'dandy' apparently Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Reptile Princess Reply Parent Thread Link extra-terrestrial shaman healer Reply Parent Thread Expand Link What a fucking idiot Edit: sorry, I didnt mean to reply to your comment Edited at 2022-11-09 02:22 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Im a hybrid species of reptilian and Andromeda, and I also hold the energies of the ancient spirits from the old world. There have been lies told about our species that I want to address. We are a cluster of beings, that means that weve come here to create structures that help people to come into liberation. Reptilians are here to shake up the system in a big way. Anything that is held in structure that actually limits or holds human beings from seeing liberation we shake. We come as interrupters to interrupt frequency. https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celebrity-shaman-reveals-hes-a-reptilian-andromeda-hybrid-sent-to-interrupt-our-frequencies/951869 Okay! FYI when he says there were lies spread about his species, I believe he is referring to antisemitic conspiracy theories peddled by David Icke. \_()_/ Edited at 2022-11-09 12:40 pm (UTC) I think we're burying the lede here because he is actually an extraterrestrial:Okay!FYI when he says there were lies spread about his species, I believe he is referring to antisemitic conspiracy theories peddled by David Icke. \_()_/ Reply Thread Link Living for this convergence of a royal with a lunatic/reptile to fully embody the reptilian elite conspiracy theory. What are the chances. Reply Parent Thread Link Who knew qanon was right all along Reply Parent Thread Link I legit spat out my drink ahahah Reply Parent Thread Link https://norway.postsen.com/news/29257/Durek-Verrett-claims-medallion-helped-against-corona-disease-%E2%80%93-sells-it-on-its-own-website-%E2%80%93-VG.html On Tuesday, it became known that Durek Verrett was infected with corona after visiting Norway. In a video he himself posted on Instagram, he said he refused to receive medical treatment. In an Instagram story posted on Thursday, he elaborates on this: He left the hospital and refused to take chemicals. Instead, he chose to quarantine at home and heal with his SO, writes Verrett. SO stands for Spirit Optimizer, and is a collection of Verretts handmade medallions. On his website, he describes SO as advanced spiritual technology for spirit-hacking and optimization. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Disappointed in Yahoo! News, how could they do this to me. Reply Parent Thread Link an American who describes himself as a shaman and a healer When I read this description, I assumed she had found herself one of those guys who starts off going to yoga with his girlfriend, becomes a massage therapist which leads him to friendships with some steel sculpture artists who bring him to Burning Man and the next thing you know he's moved to Bali and is taking breath activation workshops with the other ex-pats. I did not think it would get to the reptilian alien phase. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The minute I saw reptile I thought of David Icke. Blech. Of course, the minute I saw 'American shaman,' I thought of that dude from January 6th, so this whole thing was a fun associational game. Reply Parent Thread Link OBSESSED that he is trying to reclaim reptilian honor from David Icke. This is the best fucking news today, I love it/him so much. Reply Parent Thread Link reading that made me feel like maybe this wake-n-bake was a little too intense this fine morning lol Reply Parent Thread Link Well, she got tired of all the "product of incest" jokes and decided to jump planetary species. Reply Parent Thread Link Oh this definitely involves David Icke's theory. No way he came up with this unique bullshit on his own. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Dude is challenging for L. Ron Hubbard's crown. Beware Miscavige. Reply Parent Thread Link The post alone had me thinking this was wild but then the comments take it even further wowww. Thanks for the new rabbit hole I must go down immediately! Reply Thread Link Yeah, same. The post alone had me click but the comments.... Reply Parent Thread Link Princess Martha Louise of Norway has relinquished royal duties to pursue life with spiritual healer fiance, Durek Verrett https://t.co/2SstFyT5sZ pic.twitter.com/f4wbPUY9Zx Tatler (@Tatlermagazine) November 8, 2022 you should have used this pic bc that necklace looks like exactly what a princess who gives up her title to marry an American shaman would wear you should have used this pic bc that necklace looks like exactly what a princess who gives up her title to marry an American shaman would wear Reply Thread Link Or given to her by angels. Reply Parent Thread Link amethyst is a frequency amplifier, don't you know Reply Parent Thread Link Obtuse, acute or right? Reply Parent Thread Link Or yuor devil Reply Parent Thread Link lmaooo love seeing these americans causing chaos in royal houses they both sound nutty tho Reply Thread Link If you think you're a ~royal you have to be insane. the idea that your bloodline is connected to god in some way is just... Reply Parent Thread Link martha louise was already nutty as hell before she even married her first husband lmao. she opened up a school and claimed she could communicate with angels. Reply Parent Thread Link Imagine their family if she was the Crown Princess, instead of her younger brother Reply Thread Link she wouldn't have been allowed to meet him Reply Parent Thread Link its funny because when they decided to change the law to equal succession, there was a discussion on whether it should start with haralds kids and be retroactive or if they should just wait for the next generation. thankfully they waited because haakon is normal and lowkey compared to his crazy ass sister. but also like funhouse said, odds are that she wouldve never been allowed to pursue this relationship if she was the crown princess. Reply Parent Thread Link ngl i would watch a reality show about this shit Reply Thread Link tbh, same. This guy she is marrying has to run a cult. Reply Parent Thread Link definitely lmao. os anjos que mandaram! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I thought the American shaman healer was bad enough but it somehow gets so much worse Reply Thread Link When my partner read me this story last night, I really thought the Princess was in her early 20s, not fifty-fucking-one years old. Reply Thread Link Would very much like to know how her children feel about this. Reply Parent Thread Link i feel really bad for them, having to deal with this mess. and their father committed suicide just a few years ago :( Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i love messy royal gossip Reply Thread Link Martha has always been cray cray she is actually the older sibling but the succession laws only changed in 1990. Reply Thread Link thank god they chose to keep Haakon as the heir and have the new laws start with his kids. Although maybe Martha would have turned out more...normal if she had been the heir. It could have been wild though. Reply Parent Thread Link The resumption of oil exports signifies a shift in Niger's geopolitical landscape, with implications for Western allies and China's investment approach in Africa. The reopening of the Niger-Benin pipeline, operated by China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), is crucial for Niger to repay a $400 million oil-for-cash loan from China. Niger has restarted oil exports following a resolution with Benin over a border dispute that had halted crude shipments since June. Niger has resumed oil exports after it reached an agreement with neighboring Benin following a recent border dispute. Niger stopped crude shipments in June after the West African nation closed a pipeline operated by China National Petroleum Corp. that links the Agadem oil field to the Seme Kpodji terminal in Benin. "We've reached an agreement. Loading of crude started this morning," Benin Energy Minister Samou Adambi told reporters on Monday, with Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine's office confirming the resumption of shipments. Niger relies on the 1,950 km-long Niger-Benin Export Pipeline, built by CNPC as part of a $4.6 billion in the country's petroleum industry, to repay a $400 million oil-for-cash loan from the Chinese company. Niger plans to use revenue generated by oil shipments to repay the loan. The landmark 110,000 b/d Niger-Benin pipeline will increase Niger's crude production five-fold and make the country a significant exporter. Prior to the construction of the pipeline, landlocked Niger produced just 20,000 b/d of crude from its Agadem Rift Basin, which it primarily used domestically due to a lack of an export route. Savannah Energy Plc (OTCPK:SVNNF), the only Western company operating in Niger, plans to bring a 1,500 b/d oil project onstream before ramping up to 5,000 b/d. CNPC was on the verge of overhauling Niger's oil sector when President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by his presidential guard in 2023, triggering a raft of sanctions by regional economic body ECOWAS as well as condemnation from Western governments. Military ruler Abdourahamane Tchiani replaced Bazoum as the country's leader. Niger was a longstanding Western ally under Bazoum and was considered a bulwark against the spread of extremism across the Sahel, including emerging oil producers like Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana. In contrast, Tchiani is decidedly anti-western and quickly cut ties with former colonial power France in favor of Russia. Over the past decade, China has increasingly abandoned its so-called "Angola model" wherein it provided oil-backed loans to African countries to finance the building of roads, hydroelectric dams, railways, etc. China has, instead, been turning to Gulf countries and Russia with more reliable production infrastructure. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, held talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Vietnamese president, on Monday in Beijing. Xi welcomed Lam's state visit to China and once again congratulated him on election as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee. China is the destination for Lam's first overseas visit after taking office as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee. Xi said this fully reflects the great importance Lam attaches to the relations between the two parties and the two countries, as well as the high level and strategic nature of China-Vietnam relations. Xi expressed the willingness to establish good working relations and personal friendship with Lam to jointly guide the substantial development in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Amid changes in the world, the times and history, China and Vietnam have maintained rapid economic development and long-term social stability, demonstrating the superiority of the socialist system and the vitality of the socialist cause, Xi said, noting that China takes Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, and supports Vietnam in upholding the leadership of the CPV, taking the socialist path suited to its national conditions, and further advancing the cause of reform, opening up and socialist modernization. Xi underscored that at the critical stage of national development and revitalization, China and Vietnam should, under the direction of the vision of building a community with a shared future, consolidate the development pattern featuring higher political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, stronger public support, closer multilateral coordination and cooperation, and better management and resolution of differences. China is ready to maintain close strategic communication and high-level exchanges with Vietnam, firmly adhere to mutual support, actively explore ways to expand synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, accelerate the "hard connectivity" of railway, expressway and port infrastructure, enhance the "soft connectivity" of smart customs, and jointly build a secure and stable industrial and supply chain, Xi said. He called on the two sides to take the opportunity of celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic ties next year to jointly hold a series of activities such as the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges to consolidate the popular support of the two countries. He also called for joint efforts to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other basic norms governing international relations, promote an equal and orderly multi-polar world and economic globalization that benefits all, uphold international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries, and work to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Xi briefed Lam on the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, stressing that China's further deepening of reform in an all-round way and advancing of high-level opening-up will create new impetus and new opportunities for the development of Vietnam and other countries. China is willing to deepen the exchange of experience in party and state governance with Vietnam, jointly upgrade the modernization of the national governance system and capacity, and march toward modernization together, he said. China's gasoline exports in July fell over 35% compared to last year, further highlighting the weakening demand. Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the bearish sentiment from China's economic data prevailed. Crude oil prices started this week with a dip after a series of economic reports from China released towards the end of last week suggested weakening oil demand. These included new home prices, which were down palpably, industrial output, which appeared to be slowing, and unemployment figures inching higher. The reports pushed the benchmarks to a weekly loss despite expectations of a gain and the loss extended into this week. On the bullish side, the situation in the Middle East remains a leading factor as does the escalation between Russia and the Ukraine after the latter made an incursion into Russian territory. Persistent concerns about slow demand in China led to a sell-off, Nissan Securities analyst Hiroyuki Kikukawa told Reuters. Still, tensions in the Middle East and the escalation of the Russian-Ukraine war, which pose supply risks, are underpinning the market, Kikukawa added. Near-term volatility is likely to remain elevated as markets remain on alert for a potential Iran response, Standard Chartered investment strategist Han Zhong Liang told Bloomberg. He added that the longevity of the geopolitical risk premium hinges on whether there is a realized impact to the demand-supply balance. U.S. Secretary of State yesterday arrived in Israel to seek a ceasefire agreement between Tel Aviv and Hamas but the latter, according to Reuters, demonstrated it had doubts about the success of Anthony Blinkens mission, accusing Israel of undermining mediation efforts. Despite the geopolitical premium chances are that pressure on oil prices will increase, after Chinas customs administration reported gasoline exports in July had declined by over 35% due to weaker profit margins in the refining sector. China exported5.77 million barrels daily of gasoline last month, for a total of 790,000 tons. Thats down from 1.22 million tons a year earlier and also down from the 930,000 tons in gasoline exports booked for June, the customs data showed. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com As tensions rise over a potential labor dispute at Canada's two major railroads, Canadian oil exports to the United States are expected to remain largely unaffected due to the excess pipeline capacity available, notably from the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project. This pipeline, recently expanded, has significantly boosted Canada's ability to export crude oil, providing a crucial buffer against any disruptions that might arise from the looming rail strikes. The Trans Mountain Expansion, which nearly tripled the pipeline's capacity to 890,000 barrels per day (bpd), is now a critical artery for transporting Canadian crude from Alberta to the Pacific Coast. With this additional capacity, the reliance on rail for oil exports has diminished considerably. Rail shipments of Canadian crude to the U.S. have dropped sharply in recent years, according to EIA data, and now average around 55,000 bpda fraction of the 4.2 million bpd total that the U.S. imports from Canada, mostly by pipeline. The potential strike at Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) could disrupt a range of industries, from agriculture to manufacturing, with significant economic repercussions. However, the oil sector, which once depended heavily on rail to move its product, is better positioned to weather the storm thanks to the expanded pipeline infrastructure. This is a stark contrast to the situation a few years ago when Canada's oil producers faced severe bottlenecks due to insufficient pipeline capacity. Back then, rail was a critical lifeline, especially during periods when pipeline space was at a premium, and crude-by-rail shipments surged to keep up with the growing production from Alberta's oil sands. Related: WTI Sheds Nearly 3% as China Demand Dulls The recent expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline has alleviated many of these pressures. With the pipeline now operational at its expanded capacity, Canadian crude can flow more freely to both domestic and export markets, reducing the impact of any potential rail disruptions. Additionally, other pipelines, such as Enbridge's Line 3 replacement, have also come online, further easing the transportation constraints that once plagued the industry. This increased pipeline capacity is not just a logistical advantage; it also has economic implications. Historically, when export routes were congested, Canadian crude, particularly Western Canadian Select (WCS), traded at a steep discount to the U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI). However, with the expanded takeaway capacity, this discount has narrowed, providing Canadian producers with better pricing for their oil. The looming rail dispute underscores the importance of diversified transportation options for Canada's oil industry. While rail remains a vital component of the supply chain for other products, the oil sector's reduced reliance on it for crude exports is a testament to the strategic value of pipeline investments like TMX. Furthermore, the ongoing maintenance at several U.S. Midwest refineries, which are key buyers of Canadian crude, is expected to free up additional pipeline space, ensuring that Canadian oil can continue to flow south without significant disruptions. This, coupled with the excess pipeline capacity, means that any impact on oil exports from a potential rail strike would likely be minimal. The situation also highlights the broader strategic shift in Canada's energy infrastructure. With major projects like TMX now complete, Canada is better equipped to handle fluctuations in transportation availability, whether due to labor disputes, regulatory challenges, or other disruptions. This newfound resilience is critical as the country looks to expand its oil production in the coming years, with companies like Canadian Natural Resources and Cenovus Energy planning to increase output in anticipation of growing global demand. While the potential rail strikes in Canada pose significant risks to various sectors, the oil industry appears well-prepared. The expanded pipeline capacity, particularly from the Trans Mountain project, offers a vital safety net, ensuring that Canadian crude continues to reach its key markets, minimizing the impact of any potential rail disruptions. As the global energy landscape evolves, Canada's investments in pipeline infrastructure will continue to play a crucial role in securing its position as a major oil exporter. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Recent data from Bitcoin Magazine Pro shows a significant trend among Bitcoin holders: nearly 75% of all circulating Bitcoin has remained dormant for over six months. This strong HODLing behavior reflects a steadfast belief in Bitcoin's long-term value, despite market fluctuations. Bitcoin Magazine Pro X The "HODL Waves" chart, a tool that visualizes the age of Bitcoins based on when they last moved, illustrates how various groups of holders react to market conditions. The dominance of older coins (those held for 6 months or more) suggests that long-term investors are increasingly holding onto their Bitcoin, possibly anticipating future price increases. This trend of HODLing is significant because it indicates a reduced supply of Bitcoin available for trading, which could lead to increased price stability or even potential price appreciation as demand grows. The data also highlights the contrast between short-term traders and long-term investors, with the latter groupoften considered 'smart money'likely to hold their positions during periods of market volatility. For new Bitcoin investors, this trend emphasizes the potential benefits of adopting a long-term investment strategy. Consistently buying and holding Bitcoin over time, rather than attempting to time the market, aligns with the behavior of those who have historically seen the most significant gains holding Bitcoin. By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Curious about the latest trends shaping global commodity markets? Dive into our latest Global Energy Alert report, where we explore China's potential gasoline demand peak and its impact on the oil industry. Discover why escalating tensions in the Middle East havent shaken freight rates, and uncover the drivers behind the resurgence of U.S. uranium production. Plus, learn why China is imposing export controls on antimony, a crucial element in photovoltaic solar cells and ammunition. This complimentary report is part of our weekly Global Energy Alert subscription. Subscribers receive first-hand access to geopolitical insights, commodity news, and vetted stock picks from our expert analysts and traders. Don't miss outstart your risk-free 30-day trial of Global Energy Alert today and see if the service is right for you. Chinese Gasoline Prices Foreshadow Demand Peaking Soon - Chinas gasoline consumption might become the next challenge for the countrys embattled oil industry as strong summer driving activity has failed to trigger the usual seasonal spike in the price of the transportation fuel. - According to Bloomberg, gasoline receipts at the countrys two main retailers, PetroChina and Sinopec, have dropped more than 5% since the start of July as rapidly expanding hybrid and electric cars curbed the upside for gasoline consumption. - Higher train utilization rates have also become a challenge for gasoline as the rail network carried 6% more passengers this summer as it did last year, with overwhelmingly EV-configured ride-hailing firms like Didi rubbing salt into the wounds of gasoline-focused refiners. - The International Energy Agency has cut Chinas oil demand growth from 410,000 b/d in last months report to a mere 300,000 b/d in 2024, citing a slowdown in construction and manufacturing. Freight Rates Shrug Off Escalation in Middle Eastern Tensions - Escalating tensions across the Middle East, with some industry watchers still awaiting an Iranian response to the Tehran assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, have failed to lift freight markets from their slumber. - The Cape of Good Hope has by now become the default route for shippers seeking to deliver Asian goods to Europe and vice versa, prompting a change in how goods are delivered with Middle Eastern diesel now shipper aboard supergiant VLCC tankers. - Clean freight rates from the Gulf to Europe have dipped to their lowest this year, slightly above the 5-year average at $53 per metric tonne, as relatively ample stocks of middle distillates and gasoline lowered buying interest from European buyers. - Since the first Houthi attack in mid-October 2023, the Yemeni militias have attacked a total of 116 tankers, with the highest activity seen in June when a total of 54 attacks were carried out on commercial and military vessels. The Worlds Most Indebted Oil Firms Outsources Upstream Revival to Oilfield Services Firms - Mexicos national oil company Pemex has struck a deal with oilfield services company CME Oil and Gas to revive its Bacab and Lum fields, part of the giant Ku-Maloob-Zaap cluster that has been in terminal decline for years. - Even though Pemex has been notoriously bad with paying back debts to suppliers (last reported at $5.6 billion in October 2023), its recent initiative to revive shallow-water drilling would cost it some $1.65 billion over the next 15 years. - Pemexs crude and condensate production dipped to 1.745 million b/d in the most recent output data published by CNH, with crude-only production being the lowest in 40 years at 1.475 million b/d. - Pemex has posted a Q2 loss of $14 billion, compared to a slight profit from a year earlier, marking the steepest quarterly loss since the first quarter of 2020, despite Brent averaging $84.94 per barrel in the March-June period. Can the US Get Its Uranium Industry Back on Track? - US uranium production is set to start growing again after years of decline and underinvestment, with output in Q1 2024 already surpassing all domestic production last year at 82,000 lb. - The 2023 production of US uranium represented only 0.4% of the radioactive fuel requirements of the country, prompting operators to buy 51.6 million pounds of U3O8 at a weighted-average price of $43.80/lb. - There are currently 54 nuclear power plants operating in the United States, with the most recent one being commissioned this year in Georgia (Vogtle), however, uranium production was often overlooked due to a decade of low prices. - With uranium prices trending above the $80/lb threshold throughout this year, leading uranium miner Energy Fuels has started production from three mines across the US in Arizona and Utah, potentially bringing two mines in Colorado and Wyoming online next year. Chinas Antimony Export Controls Roil the Metal Markets - China has placed antimony, a metal widely used in photovoltaic solar cells and ammunition (infrared missiles and night vision goggles), on its export restriction list, creating an environment conducive to a continuous price rally. - Beijing accounts for almost half of global antimony production and has been the largest producer globally with last years output coming in at 83,000 metric tonnes, with the export restrictions tightening antimony markets by an estimated 10,000 mt. - Antimony prices have been soaring since the beginning of this year, doubling since January to $22,000 per metric tonne in recent trading sessions, however, the restrictions (effective from September 15) will most probably push prices even higher to $30,000/mt. - Western importers of Chinese-produced antimony have been preparing for such a scenario, with Europe seeking to source more from Tajikistan and Vietnam, whilst US buyers have been focusing on higher supplies from India. Surge in Singapore Industrial Metals Doesnt Bode Well for Western Countries - Singapores metal stockpiles have been booming lately, with the past 12 months seeing a massive inflow of refined zinc and lead as traders pre-position their industrial metals awaiting the return of normal Chinese demand. - Combined inventories in the London Metal Exchanges Singapore-registered warehouses grew more than tenfold since May 2023 to an all-time high of 430,000 metric tonnes in recent weeks. - Partly the Singapore metal build-up has stemmed from the proliferation of rent-sharing agreements with the warehouses themselves, when half of the storage costs are shared by the storer to attract traders. - Excessive storing by Trafigura and Glencore in Singapore could trigger regional discrepancies in zinc and lead prices as a significant portion of metal supply has been placed in the Asian markets, limiting supply in the Atlantic Basin. US Solar Producers Demand Retroactive Tariffs on Southeast Asian Imports - Merely a couple of days after US President Joe Biden doubled the volume of solar cells that American buyers are allowed to buy tariff-free, the countrys solar panel producers have asked the Commerce Department to consider imposing retroactive duties on them. - Solar panel imports from Vietnam and Thailand have been surging lately, rising 39% and 17% respectively in Q2 compared to the first quarter, with US solar panel producers alleging theyve been benefiting from Chinese subsidies. - Four Southeast Asian countries (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia) collectively accounted for 80% of US imports last year, with Vietnam a country denominated a non-market economy by Washington taking the largest chunk out of the four. - Vietnams estimated spread between domestic and export prices of solar panels stood at 270%, more than triple Thailands assumed dumping margins, making retroactive tariffs very likely. Thats it for this weeks Numbers Report. Thanks for reading, and well see you next week. The EU could potentially survive winter without Russian gas, but would need to significantly reduce demand and overcome regulatory challenges. Over the past two years, Europe has rapidly distanced itself from Russias energy commodities in protest to Russias war in Ukraine. The European Union first placed an embargo on the import of crude oil from Russia in December 2022, followed by an embargo on oil products (including petrol and diesel) in February 2023. Meanwhile, Russian natural gas imports have fallen from about 450 million cubic meters per day (mcm/d) at the end of 2021 to about 150 mcm/d currently. The remaining gas flows are roughly split between LNG, pipeline flows through Ukraine and other pipeline routes (primarily flows via Turkey into Bulgaria as well as a small flow via Belarus into Lithuania). Europe has now emerged from two winter seasons with plenty of gas despite dramatically cutting Russian imports. Europes gas stores were nearly 60% full by the end of the winter season in April 2024, a record for the close of the winter season. At first glance, that feat appears impressive. However, it belies the fact that the continent has made little progress in cutting any more Russian supplies in nearly two years despite calls from some nations to completely do away with Russian energy commodities even as the war in Ukraine shows no signs of slowing down. Indeed, energy commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have reported that there has been zero progress in reducing imports since flows through the Nord Stream pipeline system ceased. On the contrary, Europes gas imports from Russia have climbed ~50% since Q1-2023. Ukraines recent military push into Russias Kursk oblast has raised market concerns over flows through Ukraine; however, StanChart considered these fears overblown. Back in 2019, Russia and Ukraine signed a five-year pipeline transit agreement to supply natural gas to Europe. However, Kyiv has signaled it will not renew the pact when it expires on December 31, 2024, while EU energy chief Kadri Simson has indicated that the EU executive has "no interest" in pushing to revive the agreement. Ukraine gas amounts to 5% of total EU gas imports with Aura Sabadus, a senior analyst at the ICIS market intelligence firm, telling Politico that Austria, Hungary and Slovakia are likely to be the hardest hit when the imports are cut off. StanChart, however, says theres enough capacity elsewhere to replace gas flows via Ukraine. The commodity analysts have pointed out that non-Russian LNG flows into the EU have declined by ~140 mcm/d since April, enough, if restored, to replace Russian LNG almost three times over. According tothe analysts, removing the last Russian molecules from the EU is more a matter of political will, something some European nations seem to lack. StanCharts sentiments are largely corroborated by findings by Bruegel, a Belgium-based economic thinktank, but with some important caveats. Bruegel has taken an indepth look at how the EU would fare if the flow of Russian gas to Europe were to be disrupted. The main conclusion is that the EU could not only go through the next winter without Russian gas, but it could also do so without having to experience economic catastrophe. However, for this to happen, Europe would have to overcome severe technical and regulatory challenges and also slash its annual demand for natural gas by 10-15% as no amount of non-Russian imports would be enough to sufficiently refill storages ahead of the next winter. First Sanctions On Russian Gas Back in June, the EU approved sanctions on Russian gas, the first time it has done so ever since Russia invaded Ukraine. According to the Belgian EU presidency, the EU will hit Russia with unprecedented sanctions against its lucrative gas sectora move that could potentially drain hundreds of millions from Moscows war chest. The decision came after Germany and Hungary stalled a deal for weeks--though over different parts of the package. As you might suspect, the penalties wont hit the majority of Russias liquid natural gas (LNG) exports to the EU; instead, the proposed sanctions would prevent EU countries from re-exporting Russian LNG after receiving it and also ban EU involvement in upcoming LNG projects in Russia. The sanctions will also prohibit the use of EU ports, finance and services to re-export Russian LNG, essentially meaning that Russia would have to overhaul its LNG export model. Currently, Russia supplies LNG to Asia through Europe, with Belgium, Spain and France being major hubs. If they can't transship in Europe, they might have to take their ice-class tankers on longer journeys, Laura Page, a gas expert at the Kpler data analytics firm, has told Politico, adding that Russia may not be able to get out as many loadings from Yamal because their vessels cant get back as quickly. Norway and the U.S. have replaced Russia as Europes biggest gas supplier: Last year, Norway supplied 87.8 bcm (billion cubic meters) of gas to Europe, good for 30.3% of total imports while the U.S. supplied 56.2 bcm, accounting for 19.4% of total. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The big rally in Europes natural gas prices that kicked off in July appears to have run out of steam thanks to high inventory levels and easing supply jitters. Dutch front-month futures, Europes gas benchmark, were quoted at 39.70 per megawatt-hour on Monday at 0815 hrs ET, largely unchanged over the past 10 days but considerably higher than the price a month ago at 30.10 per megawatt-hour. The threat to supply pushed prices to the highest since December earlier in August, helping divert more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe. Transit through pipelines crossing Ukraine is expected to remain normal despite an ongoing military incursion into Russian territory near a key gas intake point. Europes gas stores were nearly 60% full by the end of the winter season in April 2024, a record for the close of the winter season. The gas price rally in the United States has been more subdued, with Henry Hub prices trading at $2.23/MMBtu from $2.01/MMBtu a month ago. Last month, the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicted that U.S. natural gas prices will rally strongly in the second half of the current year thanks to production cuts. According to the EIA, the Henry Hub natural gas spot price will average almost $2.90 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) in 2H24, up from $2.10/MMBtu in 1H24, good for a nearly 40% increase. According to the EIA, natural gas prices fell in early 2024 after a powerful El Nino fueled the nations warmest winter on record, cutting demand for natural gas for space heating. Consequently, gas producers responded to the low prices by curtailing some production, with the EIA predicting that dry production of U.S. natural gas in 2H24 will remain near 104 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) compared with a record of more than 106 Bcf/d in December 2023. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A separate investigation has revealed a surge in Serbian exports to Kyrgyzstan, with discrepancies in trade data indicating possible re-exportation of sanctioned goods to Russia. Despite official denials, concerns persist about Georgia's role in facilitating the flow of sanctioned goods to Russia through loopholes and lax enforcement. Investigative journalists in Georgia have uncovered suspicious patterns in the trade of dual-use goods, suggesting potential violations of sanctions against Russia. Recent investigations into trade involving Georgia and Kyrgyzstan reveal indicators of sanctions-busting behavior involving Russia. In Georgia, the investigative outlet iFact published findings of suspicious patterns in an article titled How Georgia Facilitates Russias Military Supply Chain. To compile their report, journalists posed as individuals interested in shipping so-called dual-use goods to Russia from Georgia. In conversations with couriers, they found that there were few barriers to sending such goods to Russia as drones and computer processors, items which can serve both a civilian and a military purpose. The investigative journalists, who backed up their investigation by analyzing trade data, acknowledged that there are inspection protocols in place to prevent illicit goods from crossing the Georgia-Russia border. However, the report added that actual enforcement and thoroughness of these checks can vary, as seen in our findings. And couriers can potentially circumvent Georgian restrictions by sending goods to Azerbaijan, Armenia, and countries in Central Asia before shipping them to Russia. Georgian government officials havent yet directly commented on the August 1 report. The attention of the ruling Georgia Dream party in recent weeks has been more focused on doing damage control over an August 9 OCCRP investigation into the property holdings of Honorary Chairman Bidzina Ivanishvilis family in Russia. Georgias Revenue Service disputed the report, saying in a statement that this is not the first time that the union of investigative journalists has leveled false accusations against the agency, claiming that sanctioned goods are entering Georgias territory uncontrollably and subsequently being exported to the Russian Federation. In the past, Georgian Dream leaders have denied allegations that Georgia is a facilitator for shipping sanctioned goods to Russia, citing a lack of conclusive evidence. We are absolutely transparent, said former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in June 2023. I declare with full responsibility not a single fact has been presented to us that Georgia helped anyone avoid any sanctions. Georgia has not joined Western nations in sanctioning Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, saying that such a move would be disastrous for the economy. But leaders often claim that the country isnt being used for circumventing sanctions imposed by Western nations. Its not only the government that says concerns about sanctions-evasion are overblown. Shortly after iFacts report, the Swiss Institute of Global Affairs published an analysis of Georgias trade data that drew different conclusions. [Scrutinizing] trade data and other detailed information indicates that often cited increases in bilateral and transit trade from/through Georgia to Russia can be explained with harmless developments and that, if some sanctions circumvention should happen, it would be on a negligibly small level, the institute said. Even so, the organization acknowledged that dual-use goods do appear on the list of Georgian exports to Russia namely some mechanical and electronic components. iFact claimed in its report that the flow of such goods indicates legal loopholes and logistical routes are being exploited to benefit Russias war effort. At the very least, if the government sincerely claims to enforce sanctions and does not want to become a violator country, the best way would be to publish a separate list of high-priority battlefield items and issue additional restrictions on their export, Maximilian Hess, a sanctions expert at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, told iFact. Practically, this means requiring exporters to clarify the final destination of the cargo. This is necessary to avoid the prohibited goods from reaching Russia through Georgia, he added. Meanwhile, a report published by RFE/RL raised questions about Kyrgyzstans role as a potential sanctions-buster involving goods moving between Serbia and potentially Russia. The RFE/RL investigation found that Serbias trade with Kyrgyzstan has skyrocketed since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. It also revealed a massive discrepancy in trade data compiled by Serbian and Kyrgyz state agencies, suggesting that a large volume of goods shipped by Serbia to Kyrgyzstan is re-exported to a third country. Among the products delivered from Serbia to Kyrgyzstan, there are goods included in the sanctions list of the European Union and the United States, or, in other words, which Russia can use in the military industry, according to the RFE/RL report. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Algeria will start supplying fuel for Lebanons power plants immediately, the North African countrys radio said, as quoted by Reuters. The Reuters report noted Lebanon has been suffering electricity shortages since the 1990s but last week Electricite de Liban, the state power utility, said it had run out of fuel supplies. This led to a complete blackout in the country, including vital infrastructure such as airports, sewage systems, and water pumps. Algerian news outlet Al24News reported that Lebanons last power plant was forced to shut down last weekend after it ran out of fuel. Instructed by the Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui had a telephone conversation today with the Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, to inform him of the decision taken by President Tebboune to support Lebanon in these difficult circumstances by immediately providing quantities of fuel oil to operate the power plants and restore electricity to the country, Algerias Prime Ministers office said in Sunday. According to media reports on the news, Lebanons power plants run on fuel oil, which the country cannot afford to import in the volumes it needs because of its chronic financial and economic crisis. There has also been a delay in a fuel import deal with Iraq, Chinas Xinhua reported, citing logistical reasons as expressed by Lebanons Energy Minister Walid Fayyad. Algeria is better known for its natural gas reserves, which are considerable. It has both conventional gas reserves, and it is also estimated to have the thirdlargest shale gas reserves in the world after China and Argentina. However, it also produces oil and is a member of OPEC. Its average daily output is some 1.4 million barrels but the countrys government wants to boost that, to which end it earlier this year announced oil and gas investment plans of $50 billion for the next four years. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Colombias president has signed a decree banning the exports of coal to Israel in a bid to push Tel Aviv to end the war in Gaza. According to a Bloomberg report, the decree was signed last week. Colombia is the biggest supplier of coal to Israel. It is also the sixth-largest seaborne coal exporter in the world and the second-largest in South America. Last year, Colombia exported 56.4 million tons of the commodity. The ban on coal exports to Israel was first announced in June, with President Gustavo Petro saying on X We are going to suspend coal exports to Israel until the genocide stops, per the Financial Times. The countrys trade ministry said the ban will enter into effect five days after the publication of the decree in the state gazette but it would not affect already contracted coal volumes. In the first eight months of 2023, Colombian coal exports to Israel totaled $320 million, the FT also reported in June, adding that per official data government income from these exports stood at $165 million. In May this year, however, Colombia broke its diplomatic relations with Israel amid the war with Hamas. The ban on exports of coal followed this move, echoing a similar move by Turkey, which in May stopped all trade with Israel demanding an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Back in June when the ban was announced, Colombias mining industry association warned that the ban would hurt the countrys economy and discourage foreign investment. This decision would not comply with international commitments by Colombia that should be respected and puts at risk the confidence of markets and foreign investment, the association, ACM, said in a statement. Hydrocarbons make up more than half of Colombias export income but President Petro has pledged a reversal of policies to turn the country into an energy transition champion. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Sara Wagenknecht, founder of Germany's ultra-left party BSW, has announced plans to lift the embargo on Russian oil if her party participates in the Brandenburg state government. Wagenknecht argues that resuming the supply of Russian oil to the Schwedt refinery would be more efficient and economical than the current situation, where the refinery operates at reduced capacity. In 2021, before the war in Ukraine, the PCK Schwedt refinery operated at 98.8% capacity. However, due to the embargo on Russian oil imposed in early 2023, the refinery's capacity dropped to 76.2% in the first half of 2024. Wagenknecht has referred to the current embargo as a "stupid policy" that harms both Brandenburg and Germany as a whole. Wagenknecht's proposal to lift the embargo is part of her broader political agenda, which includes opposition to arms supplies to Ukraine and advocating for immediate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. With upcoming state elections in Brandenburg, Saxony, and Thuringia in September 2024, Wagenknecht's stance is gaining attention. Polls suggest that Alternative for Germany (AfD) leads in Brandenburg with 24% of the vote, while Wagenknecht's BSW, participating for the first time, is polling at 17%. Wagenknecht's plans have sparked debate, as the federal government initially sought oil supplies from other sources following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite these efforts, pre-war production levels at Schwedt have not been restored, leading to continued uncertainty for the region's energy sector. In July, German state secretary Michael Kellner said that the refinery, which was running at 80% capacity at the time, had no incentive to go any higher due to market conditions. The PKC Schwest Refinery is one of Germany's largest refineries and provides oil to Berlin as well as Poland and other European Companies. Rosneft Deutschland GmbH holds a 37.5% stake. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka on Sunday in Beijing, calling on the two sides to push bilateral cooperation to a higher level. Noting that Fiji is the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic ties with China, Li said that China has always regarded Fiji as one of its most important cooperation partners in the South Pacific region. China always firmly supports the Fijian people in pursuing the development path they have independently chosen, and stands ready to work with Fiji to deliver on the common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, Li said. He added that China will continue to be true friends with Fiji -- friends who trust and support each other -- and strengthen exchanges at all levels, push forward the sound, steady development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, and bring more benefits to the two peoples. Li said the two countries should further leverage their complementary advantages and deepen cooperation on infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, light industry, education, tourism, and poverty reduction under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China will import more products from Fiji, and supports Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji, he noted. Li said China supports Pacific island countries in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and will strengthen communication and cooperation with Fiji and other island countries in actively implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and in jointly championing an equal, orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization. Rabuka said that Fiji always regards China as a reliable partner, firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports the Belt and Road Initiative and other important initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China on the economy and trade, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and connectivity to open up new, broad prospects for bilateral partnership. After the talks, Li and Rabuka witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents on trade and infrastructure construction. After the kidnapping of one of its employees and a rival government attempt to oust its head, the Libyan Central Bank on Monday said it had resumed operations, as a battle intensifies to control the financial institution that handles the countrys oil revenues. Libyas Presidential Council, controlled by rival government forces in Tripoli, are jockeying with the rival government in the eastcontrolled by strongman General Khalifa Haftarto insert their own central bank governor. Tripoli has attempted to force eastern-aligned Central Bank governor Al-Siddiq Al-Kabir out and replace him with Mohamed Shukri. On Sunday, the Central Bank said it would shut down all operations following the kidnapping earlier in the day of a senior bank official, vowing to keep the doors closed until the kidnapping victim, the head of the banks IT department, was safely returned, stating that "the bank rejects the mob-like methods that are practiced by some parties outside of the law. On Monday, operations resumed after the kidnapped employee was returned on Sunday evening, according to Libyan media reports. Over the past week, armed forces have been gathering outside the Central Bank headquarters, creating concern that the country could slip back into a state of civil war as eastern and western factions scramble for control over oil. Al-Kabir has had strained relations with both governments; however, Libyan media indicate that the Tripoli-based prime minister and head of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdul Hamid Al-Dbeibah, is strongly opposed to Al-Kabir and is attempting to remove him by force. The ongoing conflict that has led to the creation of two rival governments in Libya has centered around oil revenues, controlled by the western government in Tripoli, and oil production and exports, which are nominally controlled by forces in the east who have the potential to disrupt output, as they have in the past. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed that the United States issued the order for the 2022 attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines. On 26 September 2022, a series of underwater explosions occurred on 3 of 4 pipes of the Nord Stream 1 (NS1) and Nord Stream 2 (NS2) natural gas pipelines. Both pipelines were built by the Russian majority state-owned gas company, Gazprom, to transport natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. Lavrov made the comments when speaking to reporters during a visit to Azerbaijan on Monday, echoing Moscow's long-stated claims that the West was involved. "It is clear that to carry out such a terrorist attack, there was a command from the very top, as they say. The very top for the West is, of course, Washington," Lavrov told Izvestia newspaper in a video interview published on its Telegram channel. According to Lavrov, "attempts to blame everything on a group of drunken officers," were not serious. Back then, the Wall Street Journal reported that Ukraine's top military commander at the time, Valery Zaluzhny, oversaw the plan to blow up the pipelines. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky approved of the plan but tried to have it aborted after Washington warned him against it. Europe's imports of Russian gas have declined from about 450 million cubic meters per day (mcm/d) at the end of 2021 to about 150 mcm/d currently. However, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have reported that the continent has made little progress in cutting any more Russian supplies in nearly two years despite calls from some nations to completely do away with Russian energy commodities even as the war in Ukraine shows no signs of slowing down. According to StanChart, there has been zero progress in reducing imports since flows through the Nord Stream pipeline system ceased. On the contrary, Europe's gas imports from Russia have climbed ~50% since Q1-2023. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A raging fire continued on Monday at a Russian oil depot in the southern Rostov region, a day after Ukraine launched a drone attack on the facility, with local media reporting that at least 40 firefighters have been injured so far while attempting to put the fire out. Early on Sunday, Ukraine targeted Russias Kavkaz oil and petroleum storage facility in Rostov, prompting an air defense response that led to a fire at the facility, which is located around 150 miles from the border with Ukraine. According to The Kyiv Independent, citing Rostov officials, Russian air defense units thwarted the drone attack but their efforts caused debris to strike the facility, setting it on fire. Energy installations have been key targets in the conflict by both sides. Ukrainian officials have claimed responsibility for the attack, noting that oil and petroleum products, which were supplied to the Russian occupation army were stored here. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency. This latest Ukrainian attack comes amid an ongoing ground force incursion by Ukraine into Russias Kursk territory, where Ukraine is attempting to establish a buffer zone and to cut off a key Russian military supply chain. While there are multiple fronts in the Russia-Ukraine war, Kyivs surprise ground incursion launched on August 6 has been sustained and represents a potential escalation of the conflict beyond its organic borders. While there has been no dramatic pushback from Russia since Ukraines brazen ground incursion, the development could be seen as crossing a red line due to the fact that Western countries are arming Kyiv for these operations. In the meantime, the Kremlin warned Poland on Monday that it will respond decisively to any attempts to intercept Russian missiles over Ukraine, which would be considered direct involvement by a Western country. The warning came in response to the Polish foreign ministers statement earlier in the day that Warsaw was contemplating shooting Russian missiles down over Ukraine. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Via Metal Miner The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) continued to drop, with a 5.14% decline from July to August. The price of aluminum continued to deflate before finding a bottom at the close of July. Overall, aluminum prices witnessed a 9.07% decline throughout the month, followed by a modest 2.26% rise during the first half of August. High Chinese Aluminum Supply Offers Bearish Risk Aluminum prices appeared to stabilize during August, although risks remain to the downside. For instance, global inventory levels remain relatively well-stocked. While LME stocks continued to slide in recent months, their overall volume remains near multi-year highs. Meanwhile, market contango, with LME futures continuing to carry a historically wide premium over spot prices, suggests the spot market shows no supply constraints. In fact, the delta between the two price points has trended higher during the first half of Q3, at roughly $55/mt. (To learn how to grapple with changes in the price of aluminum read our free resource The Art of Timing Your Metal Buy). In Q2, the average was just $44/mt. For reference, futures carry an average $22/mt premium over primary cash, and have since 2012. Source: MetalMiner Insights, Chart & Correlation Analysis Tool Despite the ramp-up in protectionist measures in the West, Chinese overcapacity continued to shape the global supply landscape. According to the International Aluminum Institute, primary aluminum production in China has continued to rise from previous years. H1 2024 saw a more than 5% increase from H1 2023. Chinas 2024 Output Resilient, But Global Supply Remains Unscathed While Chinas dry season saw a slight pullback in output earlier in the year, monthly volumes continued to surpass previous years totals. That said, production in Chinas hydro-rich Yunnan province remains sensitive to weather patterns. However, as 2024 avoided a drought, output cuts proved relatively modest and too limited to curtail global supply substantially. Source: MetalMiner Insights China Exports Deflation as Economy Disappoints Amid the Wests turn to protectionism, Chinas lingering economic weakness continues to push much of its aluminum supply to the global marketplace. U.S. tariffs thus far have done little to stem import volumes from China, which witnessed a pickup during H1 2024. China remains Americas third largest metal supplier, only surpassed by the UAE and Canada. China has few options other than to lean on the export market. While it continues to build out renewable energy infrastructure and EVs at a strong pace, the ongoing decline of its property sector continues to limit demand for downstream products that require aluminum. Meanwhile, Chinese consumers continue to demonstrate a tepid purchasing appetite amid economic uncertainty. Therefore, to maintain its GDP growth, China must seek demand elsewhere. This has translated to record volumes of cargo shipments from China to the U.S. and Europe. Although some believe the unraveling of U.S. rate hikes could free China to substantially increase stimulus measures, that appears unlikely. Many analysts also speculated that the conclusion of Chinas Third Plenum in July would also spur stimulus, only to find themselves disappointed by what proved to be a modest and inconsequential rate hike that has done little to change the economic outlook. Canada Eyes Tariffs Amid Protection Fight Chinas impact on the global aluminum market extends far beyond the U.S., as its comparatively lower prices remain a competitive advantage. For instance, Canadas aluminum and steel industry has started to put increasing pressure on the government to follow the U.S. and Mexico in their ramp-up of tariffs. Industry leaders noted an existential threat should Canada not put roadblocks on Chinese supply. As the leading aluminum supplier to the U.S., what happens in Canada invariably impacts the domestic market. This has led to calls for Canada to impose a 25% tariff on both steel and aluminum products melted and poured in China. Increased tariffs, especially from Canada, could help mitigate the impact of overcapacity in China on Western markets. However, it is worth noting that China will likely look for ongoing loopholes to maintain export demand. These monthly aluminum macroeconomic market indicators are all covered monthly in MetalMiners free Monthly Metals Index report. Investment Funds Drop Long Bets, Pick Up Short Chinas role continues to leave a bearish aftertaste for markets like aluminum. Even considering the recent rise in prices, the unraveling of Q2s speculative rally recently pushed prices back within their 2023 sideways range as markets continue to reassess demand forecasts. While a strong uptick in long positions from investment funds spurred last quarters rally, their positioning today sharply contrasts with where they stood only a few months ago. Not only have funds dropped almost all of their long bets accumulated over recent months, but they also started to pile on short bets, enough to almost eliminate the net long bias that materialized in mid-March. Investment fund positioning remains a consequential component when it comes to the price of aluminum and its direction. This is mainly due to their outsized positions relative to those of other investors. The shift in their current sentiment suggests they have given up expectations of a rebound in the short term, making it difficult for aluminum prices to increase meaningfully from where they stand today. By Nichole Bastin More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The discovery last fall of a kitten in Omaha with a strain of rabies not usually found west of the Appalachian Mountains triggered a massive, multi-pronged effort to make sure whats known as raccoon rabies didnt establish itself in the Midwest. Health and wildlife officials trapped, vaccinated and released racoons within a several-mile radius of where the kitten had been found by would-be adopters in the Cathedral neighborhood. They distributed thousands of packets of rabies vaccine for raccoons to nibble. And they tested dead animals found as roadkill. With no new cases identified, the Douglas County Health Department on Monday announced the successful conclusion of the rabies containment effort. As of Aug. 15, a total of 619 dead wild animals and feral cats had tested negative between the enhanced testing and routine rabies surveillance, said Justin Frederick, the health departments deputy director. The effort was launched out of concern that the raccoon rabies variant, if not caught, could become established in Nebraskas abundant raccoon population. Evidence from the eastern United States indicated it would spread quickly here because local raccoons had not been exposed before. And because raccoons frequent backyards and parks, that could lead to a large number of exposures among pets and the people with whom they share homes requiring a series of costly vaccinations to ward off an infection thats nearly always fatal. If this raccoon strain had become established, the costs of containment and treatment could have run into the tens of millions of dollars, Frederick said. Indeed, modeling at the time indicated that the variant, if it had been present and spread, could have reached five states in five years and resulted in up to 12,000 additional human exposures, costing upwards of $105 million in post-exposure prophylaxis, he said. Ten people among two families and two veterinary clinics were determined to have been exposed to the kitten, which died, and received the vaccinations, known as post-exposure prophylaxis. No one was able to trace where the unfortunate kitten came from or how it became infected. The response was led by the Douglas County Health Department, supported by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CDC and the Nebraska Humane Society. Some remaining USDA funding for enhanced rabies surveillance is being used to test high-risk, strange-acting wildlife not involved in human exposures. That funding is expected to be available through at least the end of the year. Although the formal initiative has concluded, Frederick assured residents that local officials will remain vigilant. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2024 The woman who led the Kiewit Luminarium into its existence has stepped down from her job as chief executive officer of the Omaha science museum. Silva Raker started her job in August of 2021 after serving as senior business director of global collaborations for the Exploratorium in San Francisco. The Luminarium opened its doors in April of 2023. In her three years as the Luminariums inaugural CEO, Silva brought extensive experience, vision, and energy to help develop and launch an exceptional science center in Omaha for the greater region, the museum said in a statement on Monday. We are grateful for all that has been accomplished under Silvas leadership, and wish her the best. Linda Brandl, retired vice president of Marketing and Sales Operations at Union Pacific, has stepped into the interim CEO role while the Kiewit Luminarium board of directors conducts a formal search for this full-time leadership role. We are very proud that Omaha offers one of the finest venues in the country focused on engaging and exciting children and adults about science, technology, engineering, and math, the museums statement said. The future is very bright. The Luminariums staff remains committed to ensuring Kiewit Luminarium is a place where everyone can play, learn, discover, and consider something new. The Luminarium, built by donors at a cost of $107 million, has become part of the wider, $450 million riverfront makeover, including the adjacent Lewis & Clark Landing. It offers 125 hands-on, interactive gee-whiz exhibits, each exploring concepts of natural and social sciences, biology, engineering and math. Rakers role at the Luminarium began in 2018 as part of a consulting team when the Omaha project was still in the study phase. In November 2020, Omaha Discovery Trust announced that construction of the 82,000-square-foot facility was officially underway. Raker told The World-Herald in a 2023 interview she had to consider many factors as she contemplated joining the Kiewit Luminarium as CEO and its first official employee. Among the considerations was relocating to the Midwest and the responsibility of leading a new venture. My job, as I see it, is to really put together a team and set up relationships in the community that make this a really vibrant and sustainable not only organization, but kind of an idea of what this place can be, she said. Im obviously going to spend a tremendous amount of time just learning and meeting people. Photos and video: Indigenous game night at the Kiewit Luminarium A Nebraska State Patrol investigators sense of smell led to the arrest last week of a Nevada homicide suspect in downtown Omaha. The incident occurred Thursday morning, a spokesman for the State Patrol said, when an investigator went to a downtown business. The investigator detected the odor of marijuana and observed a man in possession of marijuana in plain view. The man attempted to flee when he was approached. The man tried to throw a small package of pills while fleeing the investigator, but the investigator was able to quickly apprehend the man, the spokesperson said. The man was positively identified as Samario Williams, 34, of Nevada. Williams had an active warrant in connection with a homicide investigation in Las Vegas, Nevada. Investigators determined that the package contained 270 suspected fentanyl pills. Williams was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, flight to avoid arrest, obstructing a peace officer and the warrant. An Omaha man who conducted an active shooter drill at Catholic Charities in 2022 terrorizing employees who were not informed that the shooter was an actor was found guilty this week of multiple felonies in connection with the drill. BLOOMINGTON With a new school year on the horizon, most high school students are getting the last bit of summer freedom in before the semester starts. But hundreds of area marching band students are hard at work refining their skills and memorizing music in these last few weeks. High school bands across Central Illinois are wrapping up their band camps and preparing for a season filled with Friday night football games, parades and competitions. Bloomington Marching Raiders Max Chernick, band director for the Bloomington Marching Raiders, said the band includes about 140 students who will perform music like "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia and "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper in their show titled "Patchwork," which will follow a theme of assembling different scraps into one beautiful quilt. "We have giant spools of thread on the field, about 5 feet tall, that our soloist will perform from the top of. We'll have 8-foot scraps of fabric that will move around the field as the fabric gets torn apart and ... our uniforms are patchwork quilts of different patterns in red, which will be a new color for us," Chernick said. "They have really been adding a lot of themselves to the performance and it's been fun to see it come together with the drill and the choreography." Chernick said the band has learned all of its music already and is two-thirds of the way through learning the drill formations on the field, with choreography to be added later. "We have a lot of new staff this year, including a new assistant director of bands, and we want kids to understand that 'different' doesn't mean 'better' or 'worse,' it just means different, and we're still going to be our very best regardless of the changes," Chernick said. The freshmen are the first group of students that did not have a fifth grade band experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have adapted well to marching, Chernick said, and the upperclassmen have been supportive in making sure they are all brought into the fold. "We're able to put leadership positions in here and teach these kids about life," said Jarrett DeFields, the new assistant band director at BHS, and also a 2015 graduate of the school. "Band is kind of like life, and marching band is not always the most fun thing that kids like to do, but I tell them all the time that they're going to remember all these memories for years to come." Lindsey Carstens, a senior drum major for BHS, said she likes the show's concept of individualism, and how it captures every instrument's section and intertwines them together through movement to show them as one big team. Carstens said her goal this year is to keep the band's visual performance at a high level, and she also hopes for everyone to form friendships with each other, as she has over the last four years. "We've all gone through our waves, our bumps and sharp turns, and we're still here, we all come to band and we work hard every time," Carstens said. "These are my people. I don't know what I would do without some of the people in this band." Normal Marching Band Ryan Budzinski, co-director of the Normal Marching Band, said this year's band, made up of about 150 students from both Normal Community and Normal West high schools, is playing classics such as "Singin' in the Rain" and "What a Wonderful World," as well as a piece called "A Road, A Path" written by composer Roy Magnuson, a professor at Illinois State University. Their show, titled "Seed to Bloom," will use plant imagery to describe how humans grow throughout their lifetimes. The show is set in a garden, with props like hedges and masonry, and the students dressed in bodysuits that will resemble plants and change during the show. "Being able to portray something on a football field that is meaningful to someone, something that's memorable and something that has an impact on the audience when you're a performing artist, your biggest hope is that your art reaches other people," said Budzinski, who is band director at Normal West. Co-director Paul Carter said the band has learned the first two movements of the show, with the remaining two hopefully learned by the end of the month. "If every student is trying to be better than they were individually yesterday, and if we as an ensemble are trying to be better every day, then we're going to continue to move in the direction we're looking for, with the excellence but also with the artistry of what we do, and try to make them into better performers," said Carter, who is band director at Normal Community. Normal West senior and clarinet section leader Drew Jackson said he likes the artistic approach to this year's show, with everyone focusing on movement and visuals. More importantly, though, everyone is having fun and making sure they take something out of this experience, he said. "Our sense of community being two different high schools and showing how we can come together and create a show like this that hasn't been seen before is exciting," Jackson said. "We just keep going forward, and we want to keep striving for more, but I don't know what that more is yet." Normal Community senior and color guard captain Jenny Sanchez Cruz said the show's theme has been reflective of how they have developed as a band this season. She added that she and the other upper classmen have been making sure to enjoy and create as many memories as possible this year. "I feel like marching band as a whole, especially my color guard section, they're like my second family. It's like we're all united and so close," Sanchez Cruz said. "It just creates a lot of new skills that can help you in life, and it's just an amazing experience." In a few months, the band will be heading overseas for the London New Year's Day Parade & Festival, but for now, they are still deep in the parade planning process before they can ring in 2025. U High Marching Pioneers Jason Landes, director of the University High School Marching Band, said this year's show, titled "Stronger Together," will have the band starting in one large group before being divided through obstacles until they are brought back together at the end. The music is an original composition called "Boundaries" by Gary Gilroy that has been adapted musically and visually for the show's theme. The color guard will be integrated into the band for this show, allowing for more group visuals. With about 65 students in band this year, Landes said they will have two movements finished with music by the end of this week, after working on marching fundamentals all summer. They'll learn the third and final movement later on. "It's always fun when you do have the award success at the end of competitions, but really, the bottom line for me and I hope our students is just how you feel when you walk off that field at the end of every performance," Landes said. "Whether it's a football game or it is a competition, whenever we have that performance, we want it to be our best one, and better than the last." Landes said they will continue to work on musical elements like projection and tone to grow as musicians throughout the season, but they'll also be working on visual elements and body control when marching on the field. "When you've got all the activities going on in school, marching bands are such a huge part of that school spirit," Landes said. "That's one of the things that we want to continue to work on in all the programs that we have here, is just that school spirit and pride in our school." Senior drum major Lydia Wilcox said a big goal for her is to have a clean, well-polished look for the band, while also having fun and seeing their hard work pay off with how the show resonates with audiences. Wilcox said everyone has done an amazing job lifting each other up and being respectful with each other, especially with the new class of freshman, to create a sense of community that they will hopefully foster for years to come. "I choose band because I feel like it's a very important and rare community within a school environment where people feel like they can be at home and be their authentic selves," Wilcox said. "It's a very important environment within a high school to have a safe space for everyone." Eureka Hornets Marching Band Todd Stalter, director of bands at Eureka High School, said this year's show is titled "P.U.S.H." after the acronym for "persist until something happens." The underlying theme, he said, is that in order to effect change, people have to go beyond what they may be comfortable with. "We like to think that our work ethic is something that really adds to what we do, and it's essential to our success, and that idea of persisting is something that we try to do," Stalter said. The music has been curated by Marching Monk, which creates compositions and designs for marching bands across the country, and features unique and emotional high points through the show, Stalter said. With around 80 students, the band has been able to get a grasp on the first two movements of the show, which Stalter said is faster than he expected, and he's proud to see that. This year is also special, since it will be Stalter's last marching band season before his retirement. Stalter was hired at EHS in 1991, and from 2000 to 2023, has led the marching band program to 15 state class championships at the Illinois State Marching Band Championships at ISU. "Even though it is my last year, I'm excited to attack it just like any other year that we do, and I'm trying to make it so that it's not about me, because it really is about the students," Stalter said. "There's time to focus on me later. This is for them, so I'm going to work just as hard or harder to make sure that the focus stays on them." Senior clarinet section leader Ciarra Abel said this year's music is more technical than anything they have done before, and since it was first introduced to students, the concept of persistence has been resonating with each of them. "My real goal for the band would be for everyone to take the message of the show to heart," Abel said. "If all of us persist, and if all of us push ourselves as far as we can go, we can do some really great things." Blake Andrews, senior snare drum and drumline section leader, said he likes the show's theme this year, adding that he felt that last year's drumline was not where he wanted it to be. So, during the offseason, they practiced every Tuesday and Thursday morning just to get better. "The whole offseason we were hoping for a harder show, and we persisted until something happened, and now we have a really cool show with some of the hardest music," Andrews said. Andrews said that he, just like anyone else, wants to win the state championship again, but since it is Stalter's last year, he really wants to be the best drumline at Eureka. "I was horrible, and a lot of those offseason practices were kind of, for me, to keep me consistent," Andrews said. "I just want to say that it doesn't matter if you're talented or not, if you work hard enough, you'll beat talent." The archive collections of the McLean County Museum of History offer innumerable stories, from the commonplace to the extraordinary, and life-affirming to gut-wrenching. In the William Brigham Collection one will find papers relating to a siege and massacre of 500 or more Meskwaki (once commonly known as the Fox people) perpetrated by the French and their native allies. The encounter turned a stretch of prairie in eastern McLean County into a charnel house. Occurring in the late summer of 1730 decades before American independence it stands as the first recorded event in the history of what would become McLean County. More than a century later, during the American settlement period, pioneer Jacob Smith staked a claim to the siege site and surrounding land. It was 1844, and Smith was wholly and understandably unaware of what had occurred there 114 years earlier. Even so, there was ample evidence of a past disturbance of one sort or another, as the area was pockmarked with pits and earthen works. William Brigham, a county educator who doubled as a local historian and amateur archaeologist, helped piece together the mystery of this haunted landscape, located southeast of present-day Arrowsmith. In his collection of papers housed in the nonprofit history museums archives, one can trace through notes, reports, correspondence, published papers and newspaper articles the history of investigating (often clumsily!) and interpreting (energetically, if not professionally!) this notable archaeological site. In the spring of 1897, a party of prominent Bloomington residents with an interest in Native American history and archaeology visited the Meskwaki siege site, though at this time it was known simply as the Arrowsmith battlefield. The troop of amateur archaeologists and curious onlookers included John H. Burnham, Frank W. Aldrich and George Perrin Davis. At the time, what were described as zig-zagging breastworks and rifle pits (some circular and measuring 10 feet across) were still visible. During their visit, the party of weekend warrior archaeologists proceeded to excavate four or five pits. Over time, a trove of artifacts was recovered from the area, including knife blades, copper ornaments, sections of gun barrels, gun flints, pieces of iron, hundreds of bullets, and even a razor blade bearing the name Pierre Meman. John Burnham gave the site the name Etnataek, which he maintained was an Algonquin word for where the fight, battle or clubbing took place. What, then, occurred here? Back in 1730, some 900 Meskwaki, including hundreds of women and children, fled their homeland in what is today Wisconsin. They headed south to seek the protection of the Seneca, an Iroquois people aligned with the British. Why make this perilous journey? For nearly three decades, the French had waged war against the Meskwaki, and desperate to escape the increasing prospect of annihilation, the Meskwaki concluded it was best to find a new home. As the Meskwaki headed south, they found themselves clashing with the Illinois, an Indian confederacy with warmer relations toward the French than with their fellow indigenous neighbors to the north. During their flight southward, the Meskwaki decided to halt and build defensive works, hoping to wait out their enemies. They selected a spot near the headwaters of the Sangamon River in eastern McLean County, using the river and a grove of trees as natural defenses. They also erected sod-covered huts and connecting trenches. Word was sent by the Illinois to French posts and other native peoples, and soon enough the Meskwaki found themselves surrounded by a cordon of French soldiers and their many Indian allies the Illinois (including Kaskaskia and Peoria) being joined by contingents of Kickapoo, Mascouten, Miami, Piankeshaw, Pottawatomi, Sac, and Wea. Indeed, the force arrayed against the Meskwaki would grow to some 1,400 men. As the siege continued through August, hunger drove the Meskwaki to eat their leather goods and clothing. On the night of Sept. 8-9, they used a thunderstorm as cover to flee what was fast becoming a tribal tomb. The French, alerted to the breakout by the cries of Meskwaki children, waited until mornings light to commence the slaughter. And slaughter it was. Some 300 Meskawki warriors and 200 women and children were killed. Another 100 warriors were taken prisoner, with many or most of those fated to prolonged torture and death. The 400 or more women and children still alive were taken captive and dispersed to various native allies of the French. The story of the Meskwaki siege and massacre is a fittingly Euro-American one, for the story of the conquest and colonization of the Americas is written in blood. This episode also speaks to the complexities of Euro-American and tribal relations, with indigenous peoples pitted against each other even as they played colonial powers off one another, all the while seeking a share of ever-dwindling resources amid a world of demographic and cultural collapse. The mystery of the Arrowsmith battlefield fascinated William Brigham. Born in 1874 on a farm east of Bloomington, as a boy he became enamored of Native American projectile points (arrowheads) and Indian legends and lore. He went on to serve as McLean Countys elected superintendent of schools for 16 years before retiring in 1943. As an adult, Brigham pursued an interest in local history, geology and archaeology, publishing papers on the Arrowsmith battlefield and the Grand Village of the Kickapoo northeast of LeRoy. He also compiled an invaluable history of McLean County schools. During Brighams day, the location of the Meskwaki siege and massacre remained contested, with some historians maintaining it occurred near Starved Rock in LaSalle County, while others placed it farther northeast, in Kendall County. In June 1932, Brigham and others visited the Smith family farm site. This new group undertook excavation work and recovered some items. Two years later, the McLean County Academy of Sciences organized another amateur albeit more systematic archaeological expedition. Brigham would go on to publish his findings, concluding the Arrowsmith battlefield was indeed the location of the 1730 Meskwaki siege. In 1951, he oversaw the erection of an Etnataek memorial boulder marking the nearby location of the site. Yet it took the work of Parkland College Professor Lenville J. Stelle to settle the matter for good. His initial archaeological excavations occurred in 1988 through 1991, marking the first time the site received the full attention of professionals in the field. Stelle based his conclusions that the old Smith farm was indeed the site of the 1730 siege on multiple lines of evidence, including not only the wealth of uncovered artifacts, but also three written accounts and four maps produced by the French not long after the siege. Museum Librarian Bill Kemp will give an illustrated program on the Meskwaki siege and massacre at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the McLean County Farm Bureau building, 2242 Westgate Drive in Bloomington. The program, free and open to the public, is sponsored by Barn Keepers, a local nonprofit group dedicated to barn preservation and education. The Barn Keepers' annual barn tour will be Saturday, Sept. 14. Tour participants will have the opportunity to get a look at William Brighams curious Etnateak marker. Editor's note: An earlier version of this story had the incorrect location of Bill Kemp's Sept. 12 presentation. This version has been corrected. Director-General Of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Mr Edwin W. Harris Jr. says media remains a veritable channel of increasing awareness among the populace. According to Mr. Harris Jr., GIABA has been working and building partnerships with different media groups and individual journalists to bring to public awareness the negative consequences of money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF). He said this at the opening ceremony of Regional Training on Investigative Reporting on Economic and Financial Crimes for Journalists organized by GIABA from 12th to 14th August in Benin, Cotonou. He indicated that this training is another effort to establish and sustain further partnerships with media practitioners across the region and urged the media to become ambassadors of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). Since 2009, GIABA has engaged the media through sensitization programs to facilitate their understanding of AML/CFT issues. A significant outcome of the programme is forming a Regional Network of Journalists involved in reporting economic and financial crimes. The network is a platform for information sharing and dissemination on the essence of implementing robust AML/CFT measures by GIABA member States. He also established that GIABA is a specialized institution of ECOWAS as well as a FATF-style Regional Body (FSRB) for West Africa. Established in 2000 by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, GIABA has the mandate to protect the economies of member States from laundering of proceeds of crimes and to combat terrorism financing (TF) and Proliferation Financing (PF). To this end, GIABA works to ensure that member States comply with acceptable International Standards on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT). As an FSRB, GIABA undertakes mutual evaluations, a peer review mechanism, for assessing the level of technical compliance and effectiveness of member States AML/CFT systems with International Standards. GIABA also conducts valuable research and typology exercises to identify the various Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing trends and methods to strengthen preventive and enforcement efforts. He shared with the media some of the components of GIABAs core mandate. This includes: Ensuring the implementation of AML/CFT standards, in compliance with acceptable International Standards and practices, including the FATF 40 Recommendations; Promoting the implementation of AML/CFT measures by member States, while taking into account regional peculiarities and environment; Acting as a forum where members can discuss regional issues and share their experience; Organising self and mutual evaluations to measure the effectiveness of the measures taken as well as their technical compliance with acceptable International Standards; Conducting researches on trends and methods with far-reaching outcomes and recommendations to address the menace of ML/TF Coordinating and supporting member States in the implementation of AML/CFT systems and legislations regarding the proceeds of crime through mutual legal assistance; and Assisting member States in establishing and sustaining Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs). You will agree with me that this is an onerous task. However, I am glad to confidently say that GIABA has risen to the challenge through various high-impact capacity-building programmes, technical assistance to various institutions of member States, sustained partnership with the international community, and far-reaching advocacies and sensitization programmes to a wide range of stakeholders, he added. The workshop therefore served the participants: To bring together a broad section of the media from across the region under one group to identify and track down money laundering and terrorism financing within and outside the country. Equip the journalists with the right tool to cover, report, and investigate money laundering and other financial crimes in the best way that would help to stem the tide in the region. Equip journalists with the necessary knowledge to educate others in their respective organizations, region, cities, and towns. He urged the participant to relax, concentrate and take up the task ahead by taking the action points from the training and pledge to contribute their quota as the Fourth Estate of the Realm in building a better society. Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The second phase of #BringBackGNBank national tour has commenced in the northern part of Ghana with a call still on the ruling government to reinstate the licence of the bank. The first part of the tour which started on Sunday 26th May2024, covered six regions including Eastern, Western, Central, Volta, Greater Accra and Ashanti. The team led by the chairman of Groupe Nduom, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom intends to visit all the 300 branches of the bank in all the sixteen regions to acquaint themselves with the state of the properties of the bank and also interact with Ghanaians, particularly, market women and men who were predominantly customers of the bank. The tour which will cover Wa, Bolgatanga ,Walewale, Karaga, Tamale and Sunyani, Dr Nduom in an interview with Today Newspaper said, the #BringBackGNBank campaign is a national journey for local economic development. The renowned entrepreneur and businessman, as part of the tour will engage Ghanaians live on Suhupielli FM at 5:00 P.M and 8;00 P.M on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. According to him, the campaign is a repeat of a national tour held in 2018/19 when the central bank withdrew the licences of some indigenous Ghanaian banks including GN Bank/Savings. Readers will recall the message to Ghanaians during that period was to support indigenous banks and financial institutions in order to ensure Ghanaians had control over the economy. It was to demonstrate to the people that it was indigenous financial institutions, especially banks that had invested deep into the regions outside of regional capitals to bring safe and secure services. GN Bank with 300 branches became the bank with the widest retail footprint. Back then, the tour was to show people how the spread of banking to their doorsteps was a sure way to promote economic development everywhere in the country. When the indigenous banks were collapsed in 2018 and 2019, according to financial watchers, the local economy suffered, and micro to medium businesses especially so because it was those indigenous banks that supported them. Not surprisingly, the vacuum created by collapsing indigenous Ghanaian banks, Dr Nduom noted, had still not been filled. He further noted that, the space created cannot be filled by any foreign owned banks or the so-called High Street banks. This national tour, according to the Groupe Nduom chairman, is to reiterate the commitment of the banks shareholders to the revival of the bank and their resolve to bring safe banking to the peoples doorstep everywhere in the country. He added: It is to explain the circumstances that led to the withdrawal of the banks licence and explain how the shareholders are working to return to the field. It is the Groupe Nduoms belief that by telling its story of support to the people, and the role the company can play to revive the local economy, the current government administration or the next one will listen to the people; and make sure that GN Bank comes back to serve its critical and useful role; with products and services in more than 300 locations countrywide, he said. According to him, GN Bank did nothing wrong for its licence to be revoked by the central bank. To this end, he further called on the ruling government to, as matter of urgency pay monies owed to Groupe Nduom companies. He explained that if the government had paid the monies owedto GN Bank, and other Groupe Nduom companies, the bank wouldnt have been declared insolvent. We are calling on the current Akufo-Addo Administration to lift the embargo on payments to Groupe Nduom companies and the contractors whose contracts they had pre-financed. That debt has ballooned to over 7.1 billion Ghana cedis and is still climbing, he said. This current national journey is to find out if the people want GN Bank back to serve them; and if the demand for its unique mobile and digital support banking services still exist, Dr. Nduom said. While the focus is on banking and GN Bank, Dr. Nduom said, he will use this journey to tell the story of Groupe Nduomsunique and unmatched delivery of a diversified portfolio of goods and services made in Ghana production of rice, television, refrigerators, food containers, building materials, set top boxes, insurance, pension, hospitality, media all across the country; a true and committed stakeholder in the Ghanaian economy. Source: Today Newspaper 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 Eunice Asantewaa Ankomah, a Corporate Communications Strategist, has been recognized with the Industry Spotlight Award in Corporate Communications at this year's National Communications Awards. The award acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry by setting high standards in strategic communication, public relations, and media engagement. With over 10 years of experience in the communications industry, Eunice has built a distinguished career as a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner (MCIPR) and Certified Digital Finance Practitioner (CDFP). Her expertise lies in leading initiatives that drive consensus, enhance visibility, and boost customer engagement for brands, particularly within the financial technology sector. Eunice has been at the forefront of significant advancements in Ghanas digital financial services, playing a key role in the development and implementation of communication and go-to-market strategies for transformative digital payment initiatives such as Ghana's Universal QR Code, Mobile Money Interoperability, GhanaPay Mobile Money and the country's Instant Payment Solution. These projects have not only contributed to the nation's financial inclusion goals but have also driven digital transformation on a broader scale. Eunice oversees the development and execution of both internal and external communication strategies for GhIPSS. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to create impactful campaigns that resonate with the general banking public, simplifying complex financial technology concepts for easier comprehension and adoption. Beyond her corporate achievements, Eunice is passionate about digital financial literacy. She is an active writer, sharing insights on digital financial services through her Fintech PR Newsletter on LinkedIn. As a columnist for Ghanaweb, News Ghana, Business & Financial Times (BFT), and other news platforms, she provides valuable education on digital financial services. Eunice is also a co-founder of Global Women in Digital Finance and a co-convener of the Women in Digital Finance Forum, initiatives that aim to empower and support women in the digital finance sector. In addition to her writing and advocacy work, Eunice serves as the Financial Coordinator for Women in PR Ghana and the Deputy Secretary for Digital Finance Practitioners Ghana. She also volunteers as the Communications Team Lead at the African Foundation for Premature and Newborn Care (AFPNC), where she advocates for the interests of preterm and newborn infants and their families across Africa. Eunice holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Communications and Media Studies, a degree in English, and a Certification in Digital Finance and Inclusive Instant Payment. As a Gender Changemaker, she continues to break barriers and inspire others in her field. The Industry Spotlight Award is a well-deserved honor for Eunice Asantewaa Ankomah, whose commitment to excellence and innovation continues to shape the future of Ghanas digital finance landscape. Source: Abena Amoasiwaa Amoah Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Police Service, through its proactive media monitoring, has noted a publication alleging the training of some militiamen at Kwahu in the Eastern Region, for the 2024 general elections. We wish to state that our investigation has found no evidence of such training in the area. The Police have commenced an investigation to identify those behind the false publication to come and answer for their actions in line with the due process of the law. We wish to caution the public against the publication and dissemination of fake news. A statement from the police said. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Telecel Ghana, a leading telecommunications company, celebrated the Homowo Festival with donations and a community-focused HealthFest initiative, offering free health screening to residents of Bukom in Accra. These events exemplify Telecel Ghanas commitment to empowering communities and fostering well-being. The HealthFest initiative, led by the Telecel Ghana Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing healthcare access for underserved communities across Ghana. The event featured a wide range of services, including free health screenings, consultations, and the distribution of medication for conditions such as Malaria, Hepatitis B, Diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of the Telecel Ghana Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications emphasized the importance of this initiative. She said "we are excited to partner with the Ga Traditional Council for this particular HealthFest. The initiative is more than just a medical outreach; its about empowering communities to live healthier lives. By bringing these services directly to the heart of the Homowo Festival, were making healthcare accessible and fostering a stronger, healthier community." The event at Bukom Park received an overwhelming response, with about 400 community members benefiting from medical screenings and more than 1,300 NHIS registrations. This initiative held bi-monthly in various regions, targets communities with limited healthcare access, reinforcing the Foundations commitment to improving health outcomes nationwide. Beyond healthcare services, Telecel Ghanas donations demonstrated the companys unwavering dedication to supporting local communities during the Homowo Festival. This contribution not only addressed immediate needs but also highlighted the organizations holistic approach to community engagement. Richmond Sedor, Executive Head for Accra West at Telecel Ghana, expressed pride in the companys ongoing efforts: "At Telecel Ghana, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond providing telecommunications services. We are committed to being an active partner in the communities we serve." Lydia Agyei-Tutu, Regional PRO for the National Health Insurance Authority, also praised Telecel Ghana stating, "We are grateful to Telecel Ghana Foundation for this wonderful initiative. The turnout at Bukom Park shows the crucial role that HealthFest is playing in promoting health and wellness across Ghana. Their additional support during the Homowo Festival further highlights their commitment to the well-being of our communities." Telecel Ghana continues to be a beacon of positive change, blending healthcare innovation with community-driven efforts through its Foundation. The success of the free health screening and community support initiatives at the Homowo Festival exemplifies the organizations ongoing mission to uplift the lives of Ghanaians, one community at a time. 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 A 72-year-old Ohio man has been taken into custody twenty years after he was charged in a 2004 shooting death, and allegedly fled the country. Antonio Riano, 72, has been on Ohio's "Most Wanted" list for 20 years now, since the 2004 shooting death of Benjamin Becarra, 25. Riano's story was told on TV's America's Most Wanted in 2005 but he continued to evade law enforcement for nearly two more decades, even as he worked as one of them. On August 1, 2024, Riano was finally arrested and taken in after US Marshals reported finding him working as a police officer in his hometown of Zapotitlan Palmas, State of Oaxaca, Mexico. Riano was wanted for homicide by the Butler County Sheriff's Office after the December 2004 shooting, but allegedly fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution. According to the US Marshals Service, the sheriff's office partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs, who then worked with law enforcement in Mexico to arrest and extradite Riano. He is now being held Butler County Jail without bond pending additional court proceedings. "The United States Marshal Service, through our violent fugitive task forces, assists our state and local law enforcement partners to apprehend the areas most dangerous fugitives," said US Marshal Michael D. Black in the statement. "This arrest is the result of the ongoing sharing of information between the agencies and the determination of the investigators who refused to give up on this case." Dubbed "The Devil" as his story was featured on AMW, Riano's trail went cold after US Marshals attempted to capture him with a 2006 warrant. They'd tracked him to his mother's house in Mexico, but by the time Marshals arrived, Riano was no longer there. The cold case picked up heat in January 2024 when the Butler County Prosecutor's Office received its reapplication for the provisional warrant. At that time, Chief Investigator Paul Newton and his team used social media, including Facebook, to track Riano down. While purportedly working as a police officer in Mexico, according to the US Marshals' release, Riano had left behind a wife and three kids in Hamilton, Ohio. Newton said Riano "has been the most challenging just in the simple fact that he really dug in then and went underground." After the 2006 attempt failed, Newton said Riano moved again. "We really didnt see any evidence of him until 2023," he said. "I think he thought he was home free." Now that he's captured, Riano is facing two counts of murder and felony assault charges for the December 19, 2004 shooting of Becarra outside the Roadhouse Bar. Police say they found the gun used in the shooting in a hidden compartment under the kitchen floor of Riano's apartment in Hamilton with bullets beside it. Riano reportedly tried to step in to help a bartender after Becarra was asked to leave the premises since he'd been part of a fight there a few weeks back. As Riano and Becarra allegedly began to argue, the bartender purportedly asked them to take the dispute outside. Shortly after, gunshots were heard and Becarra was found lying face down on the sidewalk. Surveillance footage at the time showed Riano leaving the scene, but authorities were unable to locate him. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has assured of adequate security for the upcoming voter exhibition that commences on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. According to him, there will be enough security presence at all the polling stations where the exhibition will be held. In terms of the voter register exhibition that we are working on starting from tomorrow. We want to give the assurance that across the 38,622 polling stations, we are deploying at all the places, and we have a rapid response team to go and also manage any situation with a de-escalation mindset. So that at the end of the day, with the seven to eight days of exercise that we are going to have, it will be successful, it will be peaceful, and it will add something positive to all the positives we have achieved as a country for ourselves and the African continent, the IGP stated during a working visit to the premises of the Electoral Commission on Monday. He also called on all stakeholders to use due process in reporting any concerns that may come during the exercise. We also want to use this to urge all the stakeholders, especially the political parties, that all the issues, all the concerns that they may have in the course of this part of the process, they should ensure that we use due process of engagement within the law to handle every situation. We don't want to see any situation where anybody will attempt to take the law into his or her own hands. If that happens, we will work within the law to deal with the situation, and we ask the good people of this country to support us in this regard because we will not allow any individual or group of individuals to do anything that affects the sanctity of the peace, security, law, and order of this country. Dr. Dampare also stated that Ghana is the only place that Ghanaians have because that's where we belong, and therefore we'll stop at nothing to protect the peace, security, law and order that we are having in this country. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/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 "You'll be remembered for your unprecedented achievements" Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has told President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Speaking at a manifesto launch of the party in the Western Region on Sunday, August 18, Dr. Bawumia said the ruling government promised change and "significant progress" has been made. We promised change and we have made significant progress. Mr. President, I can assure you that history will be kind to you, and you will be remembered for your unprecedented achievements, he said. Meanwhile, Bawumia has reiterated his commitment to fulfilling all promises made to Ghanaians. He said, his government will focus on delivering bold solutions for businesses and jobs, and as part of that, he promised business-friendly policies, including a friendly tax regime, as well as direct incentives to support the growth of businesses. Among these incentives are: 1. incentivise Ghanaian start-ups in selected, strategic sectors with Investment Tax Credits (ITC) for the first three (3) years of their operations. 2. Flat Rate for all importers; bringing predictability and stability on prices of imported goods. 3. harmonise port charges to align with charges in competing regional ports, particularly Togo. Duties at our ports will be same or lower. 4. use Governments purchasing power to stimulate industrial expansion and business growth, which will help create jobs, by rolling out a Buy Ghana First policy under which all goods and services procured by the public sector will first be filled by goods and services produced locally. 5. Implement a shift in electricity tariffs structure to a regime in which commercial rates are either equal to, or lower than residential rates, never higher, to power industries and businesses. 6. establish an SME Bank to meet the special financing needs of small and medium businesses, which employ over 80% of Ghanaians. 7. reform the licensing regime for the small-scale mining sector, reduce the minerals export tax to 1% to discourage gold smuggling, and establish a Minerals Development Bank to finance viable local mineral projects, small scale miners, as well as Ghanaian mining and mining services firms. 8. complete the digitalisation of land titling and registration to allow owners of landed properties to use their properties as collateral to raise capital for business growth and expansion. 9. Special Economic Zones (Free Zones) will also be created in collaboration with the private sector at Ghanas major border towns such as Aflao, Paga, Elubo, Sankasi and Tatale to enhance economic activity, increase exports, reduce smuggling and create jobs. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has responded to assertions made by John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer, concerning the creation of Daakye Plc and the management of bond proceeds. During a Youth Forum in Ho on August 13, Mr. Mahama claimed that the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (alias NAPO), who is a former Education Minister, has questions to answer about the management of the Daakye Bond. He pledged to reverse the collateralisation and capping of GETFund, suggesting that these actions had reduced the Fund's effectiveness. This person who is the running mate for Dr Bawumia was the Minister of Education and he brought a bond to Parliament called the Daakye Bond. It has led to the collateralisation of the GETFund so this year, total receipt from the GETFund should amount to about 7 billion cedis. About 4 billion of that was taken in the Daakye bond by NAPO and his Ministry of Education." Tell me what was that money used for? The project that they said they were coming to fast-track and finish is still standing there unfinished so how did they apply that money? And so people have questions to answer, he said. Response In a statement released on August 15, 2024, GETFund clarified that its receivables have not been collateralized but securitized to raise necessary funds for critical activities. The Fund underlined that it continues to have access to its mandatory receivables and has been using the funds responsibly for the public's benefit. The statement signed by the Head of Public Relations at GETFund, Isaac Asiedu-Odei, further explained that the securitization and bond issuance were essential to support the government's Free SHS/SHTS/TVET Programme, which resulted in increased enrolment and pressure on school infrastructure. The bond, issued through Daakye Plc, generated 2.6 billion cedis between 2020 and 2022, which funded 3,001 projects. These projects included both ongoing and new initiatives, vehicle and furniture supplies, and the settlement of contractor debts. Source: graphiconline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia, has unveiled plans to enhance Ghanas public infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on aviation. During the partys manifesto launch in Takoradi on Sunday, August 18, Bawumia outlined his vision to initiate the construction of the long-awaited Cape Coast Airport and a new airport in the Upper East Region ahead of the December 2024 elections. He stated that the Cape Coast Airport project is ready to move forward, thanks to secured funding from a US$2 billion facility provided by the South Korean government. He emphasized that this airport will significantly boost tourism and trade in the Central Region by improving connectivity and reducing travel times for both domestic and international visitors. The Cape Coast Airport has been a priority for us, and with the funding in place from the Korean facility, we are ready to break ground and begin construction, Bawumia stated, noting the airports potential to further elevate Cape Coast as a key tourist destination, rich in historical and cultural heritage. In addition to the Cape Coast Airport, Bawumia announced plans to collaborate with the private sector to develop an airport in the Upper East Region. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to unlock economic opportunities in northern Ghana, enhance regional integration, and improve transportation access. We want to ensure that every region of Ghana has access to world-class infrastructure. The Upper East Airport will play a pivotal role in boosting trade, tourism, and investment in the northern sector of the country, Bawumia asserted. He assured that both airports would be constructed to the highest standards of quality and efficiency and designed to meet the future demands of air travel in Ghana. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Cape Coast is set to have its own International Airport following a revelation made by the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, that $2 billion has been secured for the project. According to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Cape Coast Airport will see the light of day if he is voted for, as President in the upcoming December 7 presidential and Parliamentary elections. During his address at the partys launch of their manifesto on the campus of Ghana Secondary Technical School in Takopradi, Dr. Bawumia assured an enthusiastic and boisterous audience that, his government will see to the full completion and commissioning of the Cape Coast Airport. While some Ghanaians have opposing views about the necessity of an airport in Cape Coast, considering the numerous tourist attractions enroute to the beautiful coastal region, the Vice President assets that the Airport will ensure a smoother transit for businesses and other important engagements to and fro the region. Dr. Bawumia announced that a $2 billion fund has been secured from Korean investors to commence the development of the facility as soon as possible. Dr. Bawumia underscored the importance of expanding public infrastructure, outlining his governments vision to transform Ghanas aviation sector. Acknowledging the countrys lack of maintenance culture, Dr. Bawumia pledged to facilitate the establishment of a private-sector-led Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Tamale Airport, positioning it as an aviation cargo, horticultural cargo, and logistics hub. In addition to the Cape Coast Airport development, Dr. Bawumia promised to build a new airport in the Upper East Region, further demonstrating his commitment to enhancing Ghanas aviation infrastructure and promoting economic growth across the length and breadth of the country. He said, [I will] facilitate the establishment, by the private sector, of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Tamale Airport, to develop it into an aviation cargo, horticultural cargo, and logistics hub, commence the development of the Cape Coast Airport, for which funding has been secured under the Korean $2 billion facility, in collaboration with the private sector, build an airport in the Upper East Region. Source: Kobina Darlington/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 Actor Kofi Adu, popularly known as Agya Koo has urged Ghanaians to vote for the New Patriotic Partys (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Agya Koo believes that President Akufo-Addo and his government have done a great job in providing for the nation through various developmental projects and urged the youth not to be swayed by empty promises. "Looking at how President Akufo-Addo and his government have provided for the nation, especially with developmental projects, we should be grateful. I urge the youth not to be deceived by sweet talk. For the future of Ghana and our children, I plead with you to vote for the NPP" he stated at the NPP campaign launch in Takoradi on Saturday, August 18. The NPP has launched its Manifesto ahead of the December 7 elections. The manifesto represents the vision of the party's flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. 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 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 disputed election could accelerate a collapse of Venezuela's research capacity which has already seen half of the country's scientists leave, academics fear. For over 10 years, the oil-rich country has been in economic turmoil under the authoritarian rule of dictator Nicolas Maduro, who claimed victory in elections held last month (July), despite opposition records confirming Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner. "As the country's conditions deteriorate, even the most reluctant researchers are seriously considering leaving," said physicist Ismardo Bonalde, a researcher at the Center for Physics of the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research and former president of the Academy of Physical, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, in an interview with SciDev.Net. Jaime Requena, a member of the Academy of Physical, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, said just over 1,000 researchers remained in the country from the 6,831 active researchers there in 2009, according to statistics from the Researcher Promotion Program. "In a study I'm about to publish, I found that the number is just 1,243 researchers who are still working and publishing in the country," Requena told SciDev.Net. He is one of the researchers focused on tracking how many scientists remain in Venezuela and how many are still publishing regularly. In his study, "The State of Science and Technology in Venezuela" (in Spanish), 2,869 Venezuelan researchers were found to have left the country by the end of 2020. Currently, more than 3,000 researchers have migrated, representing nearly half of the Venezuelan scientific community. However, this information, gathered through tracking publications in scientific databases like Biblios or Web of Science, contrasts with official statistics. For example, the National Observatory of Science, Technology, and Innovation (ONCTI, in Spanish) claims that there are currently 24,000 Venezuelan researchers. The difference is not just a matter of scale but also of criteria. In 2011, ONCTI changed its standards for qualifying researchers, allowing any publication to be counted as scientific research, even if it wasn't published in peer-reviewed journals or recognized in the scientific community. Two and a half decades The migration of Venezuelan researchers is driven by a complex set of causes that extend beyond the various episodes of political crisis that Venezuela has experienced since the presidential inauguration of the late Hugo Chavez Frias in 1999 and the inauguration of his right-hand man Nicolas Maduro in 2013. "Most importantly, they were stripped of academic freedom and the ability to think critically, which prevented them from using their full capabilities to address the issues that mattered most to them," explained Requena. Restriction on scientific work was, in fact, the primary reason for 42% of researchers surveyed in the study "Migration of Venezuelan Researchers: Impacts and Public Policy Implications." According to the study, 30% said family reasons caused them to leave, 19% cited economic factors, and 18% cited emotional stress. The migration of researchers is one of the key reasons that Venezuela's scientific production has fallen behind countries such as Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and even Cuba, which also faces political and economic challenges, according to the study Knowledge Production in Venezuela 19702022. "That's 25 years of setback," said Bonalde, co-author with Barbara Montanes of an analysis on the number of papers published by Venezuelan authors in Web of Science. "Since 2009, we have seen a decline in scientific production in Venezuela. We're talking about a 60% drop, which takes us back to the levels of scientific production we had in 1997 and 1998." Retaining scientific researchers and revitalizing knowledge production and patents will not be straightforward for Venezuela, even if opposition political forces succeed in assuming the presidency. The government plan of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado includes a reform of the Organic Law of on Science, Technology, and Innovation, aimed at providing greater incentives for scientific researchers. It also highlights the importance of a special public policy to facilitate the return of Venezuelan migrants. Bonalde and Requena both agree that rebuilding the minimum conditions necessary for the development of Venezuelan science must involve not only greater recognition for researchers and a larger budget for their projects, but also a plan that integrates the business sector in driving Venezuelan research and innovation. More information: Requena, J.,The State of Science and Technology in Venezuela, acfiman.org/wp-content/uploads II-N1-P7-18.2022.pdf 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: Pictured are two shells of amoebozoa testate amoebae, a diverse lineage of heterotrophic microeukaryotes. The left shell is a cryogenian fossil specimen, estimated to have lived approximately 700 million years ago, while the right shell is a specimen of a modern group of amoebozoan testate amoebae. Credit: Luana Morais and Joao Alcino With a new understanding of past life on the planet through fossils, a Mississippi State biological sciences faculty member is helping researchers better predict Earth's future. In a new paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Donald L. Hall Professor of Biology Matthew Brown unearths a specific area of under-studied fossils: microbial eukaryotesmore specifically, testate amoebae from 750 million years ago. His novel research on testates will continue to help researchers understand Earth's evolution, thereby allowing better predictions of what the planet may look like millions of years from now. "Using fossils, we can estimate the divergence times and evolutionary paths leading to today's testate amoebae found across the globe," Brown said. "Testates are particularly significant for understanding the history of early Earth and the history of life. They represent some of the earliest confirmed heterotrophic eukaryotes. "From the data we collected, scientists can now examine the evolutionary history of these intriguing amoebae like never before through bioinformatic approaches called molecular clocks," he continued. "In evolution, genes and the proteins they encode evolve in a somewhat clock-like manner, making evolutionary changes somewhat predictable and model-able." Matthew Brown. Credit: Logan Kirkland Brown and his co-senior author Professor Daniel Lahr at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, collaborated with Brazilian paleontologist Luana Morais; Alfredo Porfirio-Sousa, a visiting scholar from the University of Sao Paulo; Alexander Tice, a previous postdoctoral student in Brown's lab who is a faculty member at Texas Tech University; and Quentin Blandenier, another past postdoctoral student of Brown. Today, Porfirio-Sousa and Blandenier are recognized as testate amoebae experts in the research community. Brown also credits Nicholas Fry, Tristan Henderson and Felicity Kleitz-Singleton, all Ph.D. students in his lab, with assistance on his project. More information: Alfredo L. Porfirio-Sousa et al, Amoebozoan testate amoebae illuminate the diversity of heterotrophs and the complexity of ecosystems throughout geological time, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319628121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 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 public debate is raging in Ghana as the country launches its first genetically modified crop for commercial cultivation. The Savanna Agricultural Research Instituteone of the 13 research institutes of Ghana's Council for Scientific and Industrial Researchsaid last month (July) that it had launched a pod borer-resistant cowpea for commercial cultivation in the country. The Maruca vitrata pest, otherwise called the bean pod borer, has ravaged farms in the country, causing farmers in northern Ghana to live in fear of what will happen when harvest time comes. Last year, farmer Hakeem Osman lost a third of the beans he was hoping to harvest on a farm which sprawls across some 15 acres in Ghana's north east region, after an attack by the bean pod borer. "I lost money. Big money," he told SciDev.Net. New strain Jerry Nboyine, a senior research scientist at the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute, led a team spearheading the development of the genetically modified (GMO) cowpea. This work was to help farmers like Hakeem, who rely on traditional methods of pest control to save their yields. "A single maruca larvae or a caterpillar can destroy at least four flowers before it moves into the adult stage," Nboyine said. "After screening over 15,000 cowpeas from different locations in Africa and Asia, we couldn't identify any single one that possessed such property of being able to overcome damage by this particular insect," the researcher told SciDev.Net. "The only option is now to go for genetic modification." Taking a cue from the Bt corn hybrids developed in the late 1980s, Nboyine and his team introduced the Cry1A gene into existing cowpeas in Ghana. "We started off with a gene known as the Cry1A gene. That particular gene was used to transform a particular cowpea variety," he said. With this new pod borer resistant cowpea, farmers like Hakeem are expected to double their average yield, getting more than 20 bags per hectare, instead of the current less than 10, and spraying only two times, instead of the current eight. The researchers did a number of tests on the new variety and concluded that it was safe. "The result showed that it was as safe as any conventional cowpea," Nboyine said. Human rights GMOs, however, are controversial in Ghana. In May this year, Ghana's Human Rights Court threw out a lawsuit challenging the introduction of this GMO seed into the country, putting to an end a nine-year bruising court battle between the country's National Biosafety Authority and civil society groups. "As a civil society organization, we've been cautious to look at what the hurry is for Ghana to go into GMO, when these basic factors wouldn't improve Ghana's well-being as far as food production," says Edwin Kweku Andoh Baffour, who works with Food Sovereignty Ghana, one of the organizations in the suit. "What is the point of investing this money, especially when you are making irreversible changes to the biodiversity in our nation?" asks Baffour. Baffour also raised concerns about the safety of GMOs, questioning the absence of long-term studies on their health impacts. Sulemana Issifu, Ph.D. Researcher, Agronomy in the Tropics and Subtropics, Hans Ruthenberg Institute, raised concerns about the impact of the GM crop on other organisms. "As I continue to study the data, I become increasingly worried," Issifu told SciDev.Net. But the news of a pest-resistant GMO cowpea variety excites farmers like Hakeem. "If there's a new variety that can resist pests, it would be very beneficial to us because when we see that one, we won't waste money on the chemicals. It will also help us save money," Hakeem told SciDev.Net. With the court case now out of the way, the researchers are looking to immediately commercialize the seeds, as cowpea is a major staple in Ghana. 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: Illustration of the Light Sail 2 craft with its solar sails deployed. Credit: Josh Spradling/The Planetary Society Solar storms captured the imagination of much of the American public earlier this year when auroras were visible well south of their typical northern areas. As the sun ramps into another solar cycle, those storms will become more and more common, and the dangers they present to Earth's infrastructure will continue to increase. Currently, most of our early warning systems only give us a few minutes warning about a potentially destructive impending geomagnetic storm event. So a team of researchers from Sapienza University in Rome and the Italian Space Agency proposed a plan to sail a series of detectors to a point out in space where they could give us an early warning. And they want those detectors to stay on station without rockets. The mission, known as Helianthus, the official name for a sunflower, was initially described at the 6th International Symposium on Space Sailing in June 2023. In a presentation, the Italian scientists explained the mission objective as providing different alarm levels for geomagnetic storms. But more importantly, the mission design would give humanity 100 minutes of warning for fast-moving solar storms, and a large solar sail would entirely control the mission. Current warning times for solar storms are only a few minutes at best, as the detectors watching for them are located in Low Earth Orbit. To provide much earlier warning times, Helianthus would place a series of specially designed detectors at a point known as sub-L1 in the sun/Earth system. While it's unclear what exactly "sub-L1" means in this context, a typical sun/Earth Lagrange point is about 1.5 million km toward the sunabout four times as far away as the moon is from Earth. Fraser has a soft spot for solar sails, as he describes here. Getting there using a solar sail is the hardest part of the Helianthus mission. Most solar sails use photons to push themselves outward in the solar system since the source of those photons is the sun, which is, by definition, the inner part of the solar system. So, getting to a point closer to the sun than the Earth and then staying there seems counterintuitive. How they will do so is the subject of one of a series of papers from the research team behind the project. Others describe the instrumentation, such as a lightweight coronograph and an X-ray spectrometer, and even structural components, such as the booms used to deploy the solar sails and the membranes those sails would be made of. Some of the most interesting research described in these papers shows how Helianthus would hold station at a sub-L1 point while still having its solar sail fully deployed. Instead of using rockets for station-keeping, the mission plans to use a series of electrochromic or liquid-crystal actuators to make approximately four station-keeping maneuvers a year. Solar sails have been a concept of awhileFraser explains what they do. Driving the development of most of these systems and methodologies is an interest from the Italian Space Agency to improve workforce development in these areas. As stated in one of the papers, they intend to achieve "challenging national development" regarding solar-sail propulsion. And the geomagnetic storm tracker isn't their only use-casethe same researchers also planned out an Earth-Mars transfer orbit that uses the same solar propulsion technology. For now, it's unclear whether Helianthus has the financial backing to make it to the finish line for actual deployment. While some prototypes of the lightweight instrumentation have been built, there is still a lot of engineering work to do before any such solar-sail mission sees the light of day. If it is to do so, the Italian Space Agency must show how committed they are to that idea. More information: ASI Project Helianthus: Solar-Photon Sailcraft for Geostorm Early Warning: www.citytech.cuny.edu/isss2023 _June_6_Vulpetti.pdf This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain In 2019, the American tech trading company Bitwise presented to the SEC that an astounding 95% of cryptocurrency exchanges were fake. This claim may be credited to a type of market manipulation called "wash trading," which involves inflating trading volumes by buying and selling with oneself. Jiasun Li, associate professor of finance at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University, recently published a paper in Management Science tracing the history of wash trading all the way back to bitcoin's beginnings. The paper was co-authored by Arash Aloosh of NEOMA Business School in France. The researchers analyzed internal trading data from Mt Gox, known as one of the first major bitcoin exchanges. The Japan-based exchange's turbulent four-year tenure was plagued by cyberattacks and other technical trouble; Li and Aloosh's dataset was among the materials leaked by hackers following the exchange's collapse in 2014. "The reason why we got the data is because it went down and also went down along with a lot of people's bitcoins," Li says. Many traders were left infuriated by their loss. For the purposes of this research, the turning point in Mt Gox's story came in 2011, when a cyberattack took the exchange down for a week. "We observed wash trading popping up after that event," Li says. Although we cannot be certain about the reasons behind this timing, the researchers speculate that insiders at the exchange resorted to wash trading in an attempt to juice the numbers and revive Mt Gox's flagging prospects. Li and Aloosh discovered that, within this period, there were more than 115,000 wash traded transactions involving almost 3,000 distinct trader IDs. In the paper, the authors consistently remind readers that what they found is a "lower bound" of wash trading specific to their sample; it may not account for all wash trades. The vast majority of wash trades were straightforward "self-self" trades, i.e. transactions where the buyer and seller have the same Mt Gox ID. But the researchers used two additional approaches for uncovering more hidden wash trades: "volume-match based" and "insider based." The former captures circular patterns of trading activity, in which groups of traders conspired to end up in the same position as when they began trading among themselves. The latter targets various subsets of trader IDs suspected of being connected to exchange insiders. All told, the researchers estimated that 2.1% of transactions in their dataset were wash trades. This is the first paper to find direct evidence of wash trading on cryptocurrency exchanges. The 2.1% figure, of course, falls far short of Bitwise's claim and other more recent estimates of wash trade across the sector. That could be due to the decade or so that has passed since Mt Gox closed. "The drawback of our paper is that we have to stick with a sample that is very old," Li says. If researchers were to analyze wash trading in current markets, he is uncertain what they would find. "If they don't detect wash trading, it doesn't necessarily mean that there is no wash trading." This is because over time, bad actors will find new ways to evade detection. "Probably only the exchange will know" the extent of wash trading, or regulators with the authority to access relevant information. When asked about the most effective way to prevent wash trading, Li said, "look at exchanges in traditional markets," such as stock or futures exchanges who have strict procedures ensuring unique trader identification. For instance, in U.S. stock exchanges, in order to open a brokerage account, you must provide your unique KYC information. Alternatively, exchanges may also adopt cryptography-based solutions that ensure unique identity yet preserve user privacy. More information: Arash Aloosh et al, Direct Evidence of Bitcoin Wash Trading, Management Science (2024). DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2021.01448 Jiasun Li Journal information: Management Science 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: Three human skulls from the Hohlenstein-Stadel cave in Southern Germany, dated to about 8,500 years ago, likely belonging to a family: a man (left), a woman (right), and a child (middle). Credit: Osteological Collection, University of Tubingen A large-scale study of fossil human teeth from Ice Age Europe shows that climate change significantly influenced the demography of prehistoric humans. Using the largest dataset of human fossils from Ice Age Europe to date, an international research team shows how prehistoric huntergatherers coped with climate change in the period between 47,000 and 7,000 years ago. Population sizes declined sharply during the coldest period, and in the West, Ice Age Europeans even faced extinction, according to the study published August 16 in the journal Science Advances. Lead investigator Dr. Hannes Rathmann from the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment at the University of Tubingen (Germany) developed a new method for analyzing the fossils based on a machine learning algorithm, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Tubingen, University of Ferrara (Italy) and New York University. About 45,000 years ago, the first modern humans migrated to Europe during the last Ice Age, marking the beginning of the so-called Upper Paleolithic. These early groups continuously populated the European continenteven during the so-called Last Glacial Maximum about 25,000 years ago, when glaciers covered large parts of northern and central Europe. "Archaeologists have long debated the influence of climatic changes and the associated new environmental conditions on the demography of huntergatherers at that time. Due to the limited number of fossils available and their often poor molecular preservation for ancient DNA analysis, it has been very difficult to draw conclusions about the impact of climatic factors on migration, population growth, decline, and extinction," explains Dr. Rathmann, the study's first author. Together with a research team from Italy, the U.S., and Germany, Rathmann therefore chose a new approach to clarify this question: Instead of analyzing the few scattered prehistoric individuals for which ancient DNA is available, the team examined their teeth. "Teeth are the hardest tissue in the human body and are therefore the most common fossil skeletal elements found by archaeologists. "This has allowed us to collect an unprecedented dataset that is significantly larger than previous skeletal and genetic datasets. Our newly compiled collection includes dental data of 450 prehistoric humans from all over Europe, covering the period between 47,000 and 7,000 years ago," explains Dr. Rathmann. The researchers focused on "morphological" tooth traitssmall variations within the dentition, such as the number and shape of crown cusps, ridge and groove patterns on the chewing surface, or the presence or absence of wisdom teeth. "These traits are heritable, which means we can use them to trace genetic relationships among Ice Age humans without requiring well-preserved ancient DNA," explains Dr. Rathmann. As these features can be observed with the naked eye, the team also examined hundreds of published photographs of fossils. "Examining historical photographs for dental traits was particularly exciting, as it allowed us to include important fossils that unfortunately no longer exist, such as those lost or destroyed during World War II," says Dr. Rathmann. The study's results show that from about 47,000 to 28,000 years agoduring the Middle Pleniglacialpopulations in Western and Eastern Europe were genetically well connected. "This finding is consistent with our previous knowledge from archaeological studies, which identified widespread similarities in stone tools, hunting weapons, and portable art from the different regions," explains co-author Dr. Judith Beier from the DFG Center for Advanced Studies Words, Bones, Genes, Tools at the University of Tubingen. During this period, Europe was largely characterized by open steppe landscapes that could support large herds of mammalsthe main source of food for huntergatherers. These conditions likely favored the interlinking of populations. In the subsequent period, the Late Pleniglacial between 28,000 and 14,700 years ago, the researchers found no genetic connections between Western and Eastern Europe. In addition, the analyses show that both regions experienced a significant reduction in population size, which led to a loss of genetic diversity. "This drastic demographic change was probably caused by massive climate changes: Temperatures during this period dropped to the lowest values of the entire Upper Paleolithic and culminated in the Last Glacial Maximum, a time when ice sheets reached their greatest extent and covered most of northern and central Europe," explains Dr. Rathmann. "The deteriorating climate caused a shift in vegetation from steppe to a predominantly tundra landscape, which affected the habitats of prey animals and, consequently, the hunter-gatherers who depended on them." Dr. Beier adds, "Our results support the long-held theory that populations were not only driven southward by advancing ice sheets but also separated into largely isolated refugia with more favorable environmental conditions." Another remarkable finding of the study is the discovery that populations in Western Europe went extinct at the transition from the Middle to the Late Pleniglacial and were replaced by a new population that migrated from Eastern Europe. After the Late Pleniglacial, temperatures steadily rose again, glaciers retreated, and steppe and forest vegetation returned, allowing for the first recolonization of previously abandoned areas. The research team observed that during this period, the previously isolated and greatly reduced populations in Western and Eastern Europe began to grow again in numbers and migration between the regions resumed. "Our new methodwhich is based on a machine learning algorithm we call Pheno-ABChas enabled us for the first time to reconstruct complex prehistoric demographic events using morphological data. As far as we know, this has never been achieved before," says the co-first author Dr. Maria Teresa Vizzari from the University of Ferrara, who played a key role in developing the algorithm. The new analytical tool makes it possible to identify the most likely demographic scenario among many that were tested. According to the researchers, the Pheno-ABC method could revolutionize the analysis of fossil skeletal morphology in the future. "Our study provides important insights into the demographic history of Ice Age Europeans and highlights the profound impact of climate and environmental changes on the lives of prehistoric humans. We should urgently learn from our past if we want to address the complex environmental problems of the future," states Dr. Rathmann. More information: Hannes Rathmann et al, Human population dynamics in Upper Paleolithic Europe inferred from fossil dental phenotypes, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn8129 Journal information: Science Advances A worker works at an intelligent digital workshop of a fastener manufacturing company in Yongnian district of Handan, north China's Hebei province, Aug. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] China's contribution to the world has two distinct phases. In the past, China contributed to the world by inventing paper, after which books, kites and paper money were possible. It pioneered iron and bronze production allowing the creation of seed drills, row planting, movable type, the compass, mechanical clocks and earthquake detectors. Gunpowder changed the military balance of power, while tea, porcelain and traditional Chinese medicine altered how people lived. Intellectually, a variety of influences, including Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism, influenced the way people thought. The opening up policy of the late 1970s was embraced because China needed to learn if it was going to rejuvenate the country, and signaled the second phase of the country's major contributions to the world. Between the late 1970s and 2000, China was a student, its best and the brightest venturing abroad to seek knowledge and understand the modern world. Between 2000 and 2010, China transitioned from student to partner, contributing through joint research and development programs to the understanding of particle physics with scientists like the Nobel laureate Tsung-Dao Lee and the "First Lady of Physics" Wu Chien-Shiung. Since 2010, China, while still learning, has become an innovator and teacher. It now leads the world in research publications recognized as high quality, and produces many more engineers than the United States. By all measures, research spending in China is soaring. In March 2023, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) stated that China is leading in 37 of 44 critical or emerging technologies. China has accomplished this by creating research institutions, investing in research and development, and relying on the hard work and competitive forces that have taken it to the forefront of applied technology in consumer driven markets like cellphones and appliances. It has also established economic and technological development zones, industry clusters and joint ventures that quickly move innovations from the mind to the consumer. In medicine, China's researchers and doctors moved from learning to mastering and teaching microsurgery, developing carbon ion therapy, implantable left ventricular assists, implantable sacral nerve stimulation, endoscopic single-site surgery systems, and the rapid genome sequencing and development of multiple COVID-19 vaccines. In communications, the inexpensive cellphones powering the economies of developing nations; 5G and 6G, cloud computing, electronic mobile payments systems, IOT and sensors, continue to change the way the world accesses, uses, orders and pays for information. In engineering, the rapid and cost-effective transformation of China and other countries through infrastructure projects that link and empower people and countries, has created opportunities allowing developing nations to outgrow the developed nations that once controlled them. On a human scale, China's scientific advancements have been and continue to be shared through various government programs, like eradicating extreme poverty and expanding the safety net in terms of health and pensions. The systems that support these projects have been developed over years, involving social credit score systems that identify those who engage in fraud and rewards those who do not. Unfortunately, China's advancement is seen by the United States as a threat to its dominance and hegemony a dominance long maintained by hoarding scientific and technological developments, while seeking often exorbitant rents. In 2018, the Trump administration rolled out its "China Initiative," signaling the end of an era of open learning and cooperation not only between the U.S. and China, but the entire world. The Biden administration has continued along the same trajectory, with failed prosecutions of Chinese scientists, and restrictions on finance, technology, companies and individuals, repeating daily the mantra of the China security threat. Since 2018, joint publications have dropped in overall numbers worldwide, Chinese academics are less willing to come to the U.S., and Chinese researchers in the U.S. are increasingly likely to return home. In 2023, the number of joint research papers between American and Chinese scientists dropped for the first time in three decades. At a time when science is sorely needed to solve climate, energy and health issues, the U.S. is shutting the door to China and the rest of the world. On the question of whether you should control or share knowledge, on one side are politicians who know little about science and believe it should be controlled, while on the other side, is the vast majority of scientists who understand that it needs to be shared. In 2014, Francis Collins, president of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), speaking at Fudan University in Shanghai, said, "Science has no borders because knowledge belongs to all humankind." China has now graduated and will continue to learn and share, contributing to a world of shared values and progress the only question is will it be met with more resistance or embraced? As one door on the U.S. side closes, China's door continues to open wider. Einar Tangen is a senior fellow at Taihe Institute. He is also a political and economic affairs commentator, author and columnist. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. 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: Illustration of regular dentition and tooth ablation patterns recorded in ancient and contemporary populations in Taiwan. Black teeth indicate removal. Credit: Archaeological Research in Asia (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ara.2024.100543 A recent study published by archaeologist Yue Zhang and her colleagues in Archaeological Research in Asia has provided detailed insights into the practice of tooth ablation in Taiwan from the Neolithic through to the modern era. Tooth ablation is the practice of removing otherwise healthy teeth. In ancient Taiwan, this manifested in the form of removing some of the upper front teeth, usually incisors (I) and/or canines (C). The tradition is associated with the first Austronesian (AN) communities, who subsequently spread across the Asia-Pacific region. However, until recently, a comprehensive archaeological and ethnographic overview of the practice has been lacking, leading to a significant knowledge gap in terms of how the practice developed, why it persisted, and the social and cultural norms that surrounded it. The practice was first observed in Taiwan about 4800 BP during the Neolithic (48002400BP). It coincided with the transformation of local huntergatherer societies into more sedentary societies. These settled societies introduced a new pottery horizon, domesticated plants (rice and millet), animals and the earliest known instance of tooth ablation. The most common patterns of tooth ablation recorded were 2I2C1 and 2I2 (where 2 indicates bilateral removal and the superscript indicates the upper tooth and position). The skeletal remains indicated that tooth ablation was practiced equally between the sexes. From its origins along the coast, the practice of tooth ablation, burial, and agricultural norms spread and proliferated, even into surrounding Asian-Pacific regions. "The development of the tooth ablation custom in ancient Taiwan aligns with the broader understanding of its Neolithic culture. The consistent pattern of tooth ablation (2I2C1) observed in Taiwan's early Austronesian population is also comparable to patterns found in Austronesian-related cultures across Island Southeast Asia. Therefore, the 2I2C1 ablation could reasonably be considered a characteristic of ancient Austronesians," Zhang said. However, during the late Neolithic, a new trend emerged, whereby males stopped practicing tooth ablation as frequently. By 1900BP, during the Iron Age, the practice of tooth ablation had become almost exclusively female. The reasons for this change are enigmatic. However, Zhang provided a possible explanation for the change, saying, "The decline of tooth ablation among males might reflect broader cultural and social changes. As the Neolithic material and culture were fully adapted and evolved to more local expressions in this phase, tooth ablation might have been reinterpreted differently." While archaeology can provide some insights, others are gleaned from ethnographic accounts. Some of the earliest documents that discuss tooth ablation come from the Chinese Three Kingdoms period (220CE), others from the 17th century Dutch journals. However, the most comprehensive ethnographic accounts were collected during the Japanese Rule period (18951945CE), during which aborigines' surveys were conducted (19011909). After this, armed suppression during the 1910s eradicated many local traditions, including tooth ablation, although some communities still practiced it until the mid-20th century. These ethnographic accounts detail some of the reasons behind tooth ablation. The reasons were varied and could be different from one group to another. One of the motivations for tooth ablation was for aesthetic reasons. Practitioners believed normal dentition similar to dogs, pigs and monkeys was unattractive and instead sought to have teeth more akin to mice. Other motivations included memorial reasons; tooth ablations were seen as a test of courage or a way to memorialize an ancestor's bravery. Some saw it as a right of passage into adulthood, while others believed it to be a group identifier. Finally, some motivations for tooth ablation were practical, such as facilitating the ingestion of medicine by individuals who suffered from lock-jaw (due to tetanus). Although other practical reasons may not have been as useful as believed. "Local testimonies (from Bunun) suggest that tooth ablation can improve pronunciation. However, the scholar who recorded these testimonies expressed doubt as well, noting that people without tooth ablation also have good pronunciation. From a functional perspective, removing the front teeth could affect eating, as these teeth help in cutting food, although the (usually) remaining central incisors might compensate somewhat." Not only the motivation but also the method and age at which tooth ablation was practiced varied. Broadly speaking, northern regions of Taiwan preferred to hammer out the tooth by striking it with a metal, wood, or stone tool. Meanwhile, southern regions preferred to pull out the teeth, usually facilitated by one or two wooden or bamboo sticks attached to some thread bundled tightly around the tooth. Once extracted, the cavity would be filled with salt or ash from a Miscanthus floridulus sedge to stop the bleeding and prevent inflammation. These methods of extraction, sans anesthesia, were endured by children as young as 6 or 8 and adults as old as 20. Interestingly, modern ethnographic accounts also revealed that tooth ablation, unlike during the late Neolithic and Iron Age, was not as female-centric. According to Zhang, "Modern ethnographic records suggest that both sexes practiced tooth ablation, although detailed frequency for each sex was not noted." While the research by Zhang and colleagues is comprehensive, more research is planned. "Since our study primarily relies on available skeletal evidence from the Neolithic Age, a crucial period for the ancient Austronesian-related populations migrated to vast areas. "Current findings are sparse and sometimes geographically concentrated due to the conservation conditions and local archaeological work. More skeletal samples are needed to better understand the origins and evolution of tooth ablation, as well as how this practice was carried by Austronesians as they explored and settled new regions." Furthermore, Zhang adds, "The conflict in gender distribution observed in archaeological and historical records versus modern ethnographic accounts raises intriguing questions for further research as well." More information: Yue Zhang et al, Ritual tooth ablation in ancient Taiwan and the Austronesian expansion, Archaeological Research in Asia (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ara.2024.100543 Journal information: Archaeological Research in Asia, 2024 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: Credit: CC0 Public Domain The Mars-bound twin spacecraft for NASA's ESCAPADE mission were packed up in California to be shipped out to Florida this week ahead of what would be the first ever launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral. ESCAPADE stands for Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers, and the mission's purpose is to orbit Mars and observe plasma and magnetic fields around the planet to help understand what processes strip atoms from Mars' magnetosphere and upper atmosphere. That could help explain why Mars' atmosphere is so thin, and how it may have evolved over time. The two small satellites, dubbed Blue and Gold, were built by Rocket Lab in California for NASA and the University of California Berkeley's Space Science Laboratory. They will soon arrive at Kennedy Space Center where they will head to a cleanroom for post-transport inspections and tests. Eventually, they will be encapsulated for launch on New Glenn from Blue Origin's pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 36, something Blue Origin officials state will happen before the end of the year. Rocket Lab is most known for its small launch vehicle activity, second to only SpaceX in recent years for number of launches, mostly from New Zealand from whence its founder and CEO Peter Beck hails. Rocket Lab notably successfully launched the CAPSTONE mission for NASA to prove future spacecraft such as Artemis mission Orion capsules could enter a unique type of orbit around the moon. "We've already been to the moon for NASA, so we're excited to build on that and send Rocket Lab technology deeper into the solar system, this time to the Red Planet," said Beck in a press release. "Our Space Systems team has built a beautiful and highly capable pair of spacecraft to help NASA and the University of California Berkeley further humanity's understanding of Mars." It won the design subcontract for the two satellites, using the company's Photon spacecraft, in 2021 as part of NASA's Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration (SIMPLEx) program with NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The pair have an 11-month trip to Mars after launch and will enter elliptical orbits for the one-year planetary science mission. Rocket Lab performed assembly, integration and testing at its Spacecraft Production Complex and headquarters in Long Beach, California. Rob Lillis, ESCAPADE's principal investigator and Associate Director for Planetary Science at the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory praised the efforts by Rocket Lab over the last three years to keep the mission on target for its launch window opportunity. "The successful delivery of the spacecraft to Kennedy Space Center marks a significant milestone and the culmination of over three years of dedicated teamwork from individuals across the project, especially our partners at Rocket Lab," he said. "Interplanetary spacecraft must be much more resilient than earth satellites, and developing not one, but two of these probes almost from scratch was no small feat." To get to Mars, though, it needs Jeff Bezos' new heavy lift rocket to work on its first try after NASA awarded Blue Origin the launch task order worth $20 million. Its launch window begins in September and runs into October. The ESCAPADE website has Sept. 29 as a placeholder launch date. NASA is also relying on Blue Origin and New Glenn for one of the Artemis program's two lunar human landing systems, Blue Moon. And Blue Origin has a heavy manifest for commercial customers, including several flights for Bezos' Amazon and its Project Kuiper satellites. Construction on the rockets continues at the Blue Origin factory next door to Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex on Merritt Island and teams recently tested out recovery operations at Port Canaveral for when its first-stage boosters return after launch. The company has large enough facilities at Cape Canaveral to process three New Glenn rockets at once. Blue Origin took over the lease for LC-36 in 2015, investing about $1 billion in the pad site alone. It was previously used for government launches from 19622005, including lunar lander Surveyor 1 in 1967 and some of the Mariner probes. When launches finally do occur, the first-stage booster will land about 620 miles downrange in the Atlantic on a landing platform similar to SpaceX launch and landings of its Falcon 9 rockets. After landing, they will make their way back to Port Canaveral for unloading and reuse with the boosters designed to fly up to 25 times. 2024 Orlando Sentinel. 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain After the World Health Organization this week warned that a fast-spreading strain of mpox poses a global threat, Denmark has a potential solution and underscores its capacity to outshine traditional powerhouses in the U.S. and the U.K. From treatments for diabetes to depression, the Nordic nation of 6 million people has punched above its weight with its prowess in pharmaceuticals, and Bavarian Nordic A/S's mpox vaccinethe only regulator-approved inoculation for the deadly virusserves as the latest milestone. What might seem like a sudden sensation has been decades in the making, and much of it comes from a cluster effect created by Novo Nordisk A/S. The maker of blockbuster diabetes treatment Ozempic and weight-loss substance Wegovy has fed a talent pool and spawned new peers on its way to becoming Europe's most valuable company in September last year. "A lot of people want to repeat what's happening here, but it's not that easy," said Christian Grondahl, a Danish biotech entrepreneur who has previously founded and sold two startups. "You need a lot of ingredients to replicate the success." The roots of the development go back more than 100 years, when the first Danish pharma companies were founded. Novo Nordisk was established in 1923, following the likes of depression-pill maker H Lundbeck A/S. The long tradition was then fueled by a combination of public-sector collaboration, strong universities such as the Technical University of Denmark and easy access to financing. Bavarian Nordic, Genmab A/S and Zealand Pharma A/Swhich is also working on a weight-loss drugwere all founded in the 1990s. Ownership structures that prioritize long-term strategies over short-term profits further underpin the steady development. Both Novo and Lundbeck are controlled by foundations, a model that helps keep them in Danish hands. The rise of Novo though has turbocharged the entire sector in recent years. "When you move around Danish biotech, you always meet people who have worked at Novo," Grondahl said. "It has turned into a snowball effect." As the world's largest insulin maker, the homegrown giant has long been a stalwart for Danes, but it became a global phenomenon after discovering the weight-loss benefits of a diabetes treatment based on the body's natural GLP-1 hormone. Production of Ozempic and Wegovy has since become so important that Novo has helped account for about half of the Danish economy's growth in 2023. Bolstered by the company's expansion, the government almost doubled its estimate for this year's growth to 2.7%outpacing most other European Union economies. Economists have even coined the term "Novonomics" to describe just how influential the drugmaker has become. But Denmark's exposure to the hit-or-miss nature of pharmaceuticals is not without risks. Novo's $600 billion market capitalization is bigger than the entire Danish economy, and while its drugs have won over the rich and famous, trends can quickly change. The country's sensitivity became evident when Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen earlier this year said she was a "huge fan" of Novo's treatments. It was a rare public show of support and came as the company faces mounting criticism in the U.S. over pricing. Despite the growing weight of pharma, the mpox crisis shows how deep Denmark's offering has become. Bavarian's inoculation developed after the 9/11 attacks, when the U.S. decided to stock up on vaccines for smallpox as part of its anti-terrorism program. Bavarian beat out U.K.-based Acambis Plc for the contract. Although unheralded at the time, the deal proved decisive in 2018, when the U.K. registered its first case of mpoxa smallpox variant that causes painful rashes and can lead to death. Bavarian's Jynneos vaccine was approved for mpox in the U.S. in 2019 and in Europe in 2022. Last year, Jynneos sales nearly tripled to roughly 5 billion kroner ($740 million), accounting for 71% of Bavarian's annual revenue. That potential could increase after the WHO's warning. Bavarian said on Friday that it wants to extend formal approval of its mpox vaccine to include adolescentssparking another rally in the shares, which have gained more than half this year. "We have inventory and we have the capabilities," Bavarian Chief Executive Officer Paul Chaplin told Bloomberg earlier this week, assuring that the company can provide 10 million doses by the end of 2025. "What we're missing are the orders." On Saturday, the company said it was working with the WHO to provide broad access to its mpox vaccine and was in talks with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on expanding manufacturing capacity in the continent. Aside from Bavarian's jump, investors have been flocking to the Danish drug sector. Novo has gained a third so far this year, and Gubra A/Sa smaller company developing an obesity drughas seen its value surge nearly fivefold. Zealand Pharma has more than doubled in value and is emblematic of how Denmark's drug sector is basking in Novo's halo. A recent $1 billion capital increase was significantly oversubscribed in just three hours, despite Zealand being relatively unknown in Denmark, much less Wall Street. Although its weight-loss treatment is still in trial stages, interest is being propelled by the country's track record and speculation that Zealand could attract takeover interest from a major drug company in search of a weight-loss asset. Zealand's market value has jumped to 66 billion kroner from 10 billion kroner in early 2023. The gains have secured it a spot in Denmark's benchmark OMX25 index, which now includes four drugmakers and five other medical-related companies. Zealand CEO Adam Steensberg, a former Novo employee, pegged Denmark's pharma status to a steady stream of talent from universities and doctoral programs at Novo and Lundbeck, as well as the government's willingness to fund long-term projects. He noted that a parallel development has also been evident in green energy, where Denmark likewise is a world leader. "In Denmark, we are willing to invest not just in problems the world is facing right now, but also in problems we know will come at a later stage," Steensberg said in an interview. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. 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: The long-term data come from, among other places, Lake Arendsee in Saxony-Anhalt, where IGB operates an own monitoring station. Credit: Sylvia Jordan/IGB Using long-term monitoring data from 46 German lakes, researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in cooperation with the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research in Magdeburg have shown that surface temperatures of lakes have risen faster than air temperatures over the last 30 years. Oxygen concentrations in the deep water have decreased. Modeling suggests that this trend will continue. The good news is that the lack of oxygen in the hypolimnion would be alleviated if the nutrient loads from urban and agricultural discharges could be reduced. The study is published in the journal Ambio. As lakes warm, their oxygen content decreases. This is partly due to the oxygen solubility in water, which is lower at higher temperatures. In addition, warmer temperatures cause thermal stratification with a warmer surface layer on top of colder water. If this stratification persists for a long time in summer, oxygen can be depleted by organisms in the deep zone, but can not be replenished due to a lack of mixing. The resulting low oxygen concentrations can be problematic for all forms of higher life. The research team used long-term data spanning over at least 30 years and hydrodynamic models to investigate how water temperature, lake stratification and oxygen concentrations in the deep layer of 46 German lakes change in response to climate warming. Analysis of long-term data shows that the average annual surface temperature of all lakes has risen by 0.5 degrees Celsius per decade (C/decade) between 1990 and 2020. This means that German lakes have warmed more strongly than the air over the same period, with an increase of 0.43 C/decade. Water temperature in the deep water has remained almost constant. Between 1990 and 2020, oxygen concentrations were below 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in 51% of summer measurements and 62% of autumn measurements. This concentration is considered to be a critical threshold for the survival of many freshwater organisms. "The occurrence of low-oxygen conditions has increased in parallel with warmer temperatures, especially in autumn. This is due to the more stable thermal stratification," explained IGB researcher Robert Schwefel, lead author of the study. Climate change: Longer thermal stratification, not increasing temperatures, is the main driver of deoxygenation The researchers used hydrodynamic lake models to simulate future temperature and oxygen trends up to the year 2099 based on different emission scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Simulations were performed on 12 lakes for which high-resolution measurement data was available for model calibration. Under the pessimistic emissions scenario RCP 8.5, which assumes a continuous increase in greenhouse gases until the end of the century, the surface temperature of the lakes would continue to rise by 0.3C/decade until 2099. In the intermediate scenario, RCP 4.5, the increase is only 0.18C/decade. For the optimistic RCP 2.6 scenario, in which the increase in air temperature is limited to about 2C above pre-industrial levels, only a minimal increase of 0.04C/decade is predicted. Consistent with observations over the last thirty years, the temperature at depth would rise much less. "The increasing temperature difference between the surface and the deep layer increases the temperature stratification," explained IGB researcher Michael Hupfer, who led the project. The model calculations show that under the pessimistic emissions scenario, summer stratification would be extended by up to 38 days by the end of the century compared to the period from 2006 to 2016 (by 22 days for RCP 4.5 and 13 days for RCP 2.6). The increasing stratification increases the risk of oxygen depletion in the deep layer: Using a simplified oxygen model, the team showed that oxygen concentrations in the deep layer would decrease by 0.7 to 1.9 mg/L in response to the extended stratification period (RCP 4.5 by 0.6 mg/L, or RCP 2.6 by 0.2 mg/L). "This means that larger areas of the hypolimnion would remain hypoxic or even anoxic, especially in autumn. This would heavily impact fish habitats and the chemical conditions in the lake sediments," said IGB researcher Robert Schwefel. Reduced nutrient loads could mitigate negative effects To mitigate the effects of climate change, other stressors can be reduced, such as nutrient loads like nitrates and phosphates from urban and agricultural discharges. These act as fertilizers in water bodies and stimulate biological processes such as algae growth. In turn, oxygen consumption in the deep waters increases as more oxygen is depleted during subsequent decomposition processes. In their study, the team also modeled the combined effect of climate change and reduced nutrient inputs on the oxygen balance. The good news: Even in the most pessimistic emissions scenario, a reduction in nutrients by one trophic state level would lead to increased oxygen concentrations, which would mitigate the effects of warming. In the most pessimistic climate scenario, RCP 8.5, oxygen concentrations in the deep water increased when oxygen consumption in the deep water was assumed to be typical for conditions with reduced nutrient inputs. "Our results indicate that the negative effects of climate change on the oxygen balance of lakes can be effectively mitigated by increased efforts to limit nutrient inputs," said Hupfer. More information: Robert Schwefel et al, Temperatures and hypolimnetic oxygen in German lakes: Observations, future trends and adaptation potential, Ambio (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s13280-024-02046-z Journal information: AMBIO Provided by Leibniz-Institut fur Gewasserokologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB) 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: ESAs Arctic Weather Satellite and sat-2 satellite lifted off on a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, on 16 August 2024 at 20:56 CEST (11:56 local time). Credit: SpaceX sat-2, ESA's groundbreaking cubesat designed to revolutionize Earth observation with artificial intelligence, has launched. The cubesat embarked on its journey into space on 16 August at 20:56 CEST (11:56 local time) on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, U.S., integrated by Exolaunch as part of the Transporter-11 rideshare mission, which also included ESA's Arctic Weather Satellite. At 21:50 CEST, sat-2 deployed from the launch vehicle and at 23:47 CEST the Svalbard ground station in Norway received the important signal indicating that sat-2 is now safely in orbit. sat-2 will push the boundaries of Earth observation, demonstrating how AI technologies can be used to advance how we observe Earth from space. The miniature satellite is equipped with a state-of-the-art multispectral camera and a powerful AI computer that analyzes and processes imagery while in orbit. This will prove critical for disaster response efforts, maritime monitoring, environmental protection and more. ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programs, Simonetta Cheli, commented, "We are thrilled today to launch sat-2, which will demonstrate the transformative power of artificial intelligence in Earth observation. This mission heralds a new era of actionable insights from space, promising smarter and more efficient ways of monitoring our planet." Nicola Melega, ESA's sat-2 Technical Officer, added, "The sat-2 mission shows how advanced AI technology can transform our ability to monitor and respond to changes on Earth, making space data more actionable and impactful than ever before." A new era of artificial intelligence AI has significantly enhanced the way our planet is monitored and understood. AI capabilities allow for satellite data to be processed quickly and accuratelytransforming vast amounts of raw data into actionable insights for scientists, businesses and policymakers. While most AI processing occurs on the ground after the data has been downloaded, ESA's sat-2 satellite will do this in real-time. Instead of downlinking large amounts of raw data, including those obscured by clouds, the onboard apps can process these images directly, ensuring that only the most essential information is sent back to Earth. This innovation gives tangible benefits, enhances data transmission and accelerates decision making. Orbiting Earth at an altitude of 510 km, the satellite's multispectral camera images Earth in seven different bands in the visible to near-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The 6U Cubesat platform, designed and developed by OpenCosmos, runs AI apps that can be easily installed and operated remotely from Earth. These apps can provide actionable data for environmental protection and set a new standard in space-based AI technology. At launch, sat-2 runs the following apps on board: Cloud detection. Unlike traditional satellites that downlink all captured images, including those obscured by clouds, sat-2 processes these images directly in orbit, ensuring that only clear, usable images are sent back to Earth. Developed by KP Labs, this application can also classify clouds and provide insights into cloud distribution. This gives users more flexibility when it is time to decide whether an image is usable or not. Unlike traditional satellites that downlink all captured images, including those obscured by clouds, sat-2 processes these images directly in orbit, ensuring that only clear, usable images are sent back to Earth. Developed by KP Labs, this application can also classify clouds and provide insights into cloud distribution. This gives users more flexibility when it is time to decide whether an image is usable or not. Street map generation. The Sat2Map application, developed by CGI, converts satellite imagery into street maps. This capability is particularly beneficial for emergency response teams, enabling them to identify accessible roads during disasters such as floods or earthquakes. When the satellite orbits over the affected area and acquires images, the images are passed to the onboard processer that will identify streets and generate a corresponding map. Initially, this application will be demonstrated over Southeast Asia, showcasing its potential to aid in crisis management. The Sat2Map application, developed by CGI, converts satellite imagery into street maps. This capability is particularly beneficial for emergency response teams, enabling them to identify accessible roads during disasters such as floods or earthquakes. When the satellite orbits over the affected area and acquires images, the images are passed to the onboard processer that will identify streets and generate a corresponding map. Initially, this application will be demonstrated over Southeast Asia, showcasing its potential to aid in crisis management. Maritime vessel detection. The maritime vessel detection application, developed by CEiiA, utilizes machine learning techniques to automatically detect and classify vessels in specified regions, facilitating the monitoring of activities like illegal fishing. This application underscores the satellite's role in supporting maritime security and environmental conservation efforts. The maritime vessel detection application, developed by CEiiA, utilizes machine learning techniques to automatically detect and classify vessels in specified regions, facilitating the monitoring of activities like illegal fishing. This application underscores the satellite's role in supporting maritime security and environmental conservation efforts. On-board image compression and reconstruction. Developed by GEO-K, this application is responsible for compressing images on board. By significantly reducing file sizes, this application increases the volume and speed of data downloads. After being downlinked to the ground, the images are reconstructed using a dedicated decoder. The first demonstrations of this technology will occur over Europe, focusing on the detection of buildings. To further expand the satellite's capabilities, two additional apps will be uploaded now that the satellite is in orbit. These are: Marine anomaly detection. Developed by IRT Saint Exupery Technical Research, this application uses a machine learning algorithm to spot anomalies in marine ecosystemsidentifying threats to the marine ecosystem such as oil spills, harmful algae blooms and heavy sediment discharges in real-time. Developed by IRT Saint Exupery Technical Research, this application uses a machine learning algorithm to spot anomalies in marine ecosystemsidentifying threats to the marine ecosystem such as oil spills, harmful algae blooms and heavy sediment discharges in real-time. Wildfire detection.The wildfire detection system, developed by Thales Alenia Space, uses machine learning to provide critical real-time information to response teams. The tool provides a classification report that helps firefighters locate wildfires, track fire spread and identify potential hazards. sat-2 is a collaborative effort, with Open Cosmos as the prime contractor, supported by an industrial consortium including CGI, Simera, Ubotica, CEiiA, GEO-K and KP-Labs. 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: The overview of GADP setup. (a)The schematic diagram of the experimental setup; (b) The usage scenario of GADP during the experiment and container diagram for three ASW volumes; (c) The structure diagram and cutaway view of the reactor chamber; (d) The 3D structure diagram and discharge principle of the electrodes in the reactor chamber. Credit: SIBET Atmospheric pressure plasma technology has demonstrated vast potential in microbial inactivation due to its unique advantages, including no chemical residue, environmental friendliness, high treatment efficiency, low energy consumption and ease of use. Researchers at the Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology (SIBET) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have proposed a strategy to sterilize mariculture utilizing gliding arc discharge plasma (GADP). They independently developed an air GADP device that can work in seawater with different concentrations of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP). VP is the most prevalent pathogen in intensive mariculture worldwide, posing a significant threat to both the aquaculture industry and public health safety. Currently, antibiotics are the primary means of prevention and control of VP infections in mariculture. However, extensive and overuse of antibiotics inevitably leads to issues such as antibiotic residues in seafood and bacterial resistance. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) diagnostics indicate that the GADP is rich in reactive species such as hydroxyl radicals, excited state oxygen atoms, singlet oxygen, and nitric oxide. In their new study, the SIBET researchers conducted a dose-effect study on the inactivation of VP in varying volumes of artificial seawater using GADP. Results showed that the GADP treatment achieved complete inactivation of VP in a 5000 mL volume within 20 minutes. Results of the study titled "The effectiveness of gliding arc discharge plasma in sterilizing artificial seawater contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus" have been published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. The inactivation effect of GADP against VP in 50 mL, 500 mL and 5000 mL of ASW, the concentrations of VP (a)1.010 3 CFU/mL; (b) 5.010 3 CFU/mL; (c) 1010 3 CFU/mL. Credit: SIBET The potential sterilization mechanisms of GADP in artificial seawater. Credit: SIBET Moreover, the data of the pH, salinity, temperature, and nitrate content measurements before and after treatment indicate that the GADP has no significant impact on the key water quality parameters of artificial seawater. The researchers studied the potential sterilization mechanisms of GADP in artificial seawater by examining hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, oxidation-reduction potential, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and cell membrane permeability. This work provides a viable solution for infection with the halophilic pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus and demonstrates the potential of GADP in seawater sterilization. More information: Meng-Ru Du et al, The effectiveness of gliding arc discharge plasma in sterilizing artificial seawater contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Journal of Hazardous Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135015 Journal information: Journal of Hazardous Materials This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Nigeria has a high rate of heavy drinking among young people. One study found that 55.8% of teenagers between 15 and 19 years old had engaged in binge drinking in the past month. The World Health Organization has shown that strictly limiting alcohol advertising and reducing alcohol availability are among the most effective measures to prevent heavy alcohol consumption. But Nigeria has few regulatory measures to govern brand advertising of alcohol. I am a medical and public health sociologist with many years' experience of studying alcohol marketing and its effects on young males and females. In a chapter from my recent book Reconfiguring Drinking Cultures, Gender, and Transgressive Selves, based on three years of research, I looked at how the alcohol industry in Nigeria practices reckless branding. Alcohol companies and their marketers have gone to extremes. They openly advertise their drinks as aphrodisiacs and sex-enhancers. The various arms of government and regulatory agencies need to regulate alcohol branding through policies that are comprehensive and effectively implemented. 'Being an elder' Historical accounts in Nigeria have shown that young people were culturally restrained from drinking palm wine in many traditional communities because "alcohol consumption was a sign of being an elder." Young people were considered too immature to handle alcohol and were expected to focus on self-development. Even among adult men who usually consumed alcohol, drunken behavior was rare and often stigmatized. For example, among the Onitsha indigenous community in south-east Nigeria, those who became regularly drunk were regarded as a nuisance. People avoided intoxication so as not to drag their names in the mud. Things are very different today. Alcohol can be bought and consumed 24 hours a day. The country does not have regulations stipulating opening and closing hours for bars and pubs. There are no laws or policies that prevent drinking outlets from selling alcohol to intoxicated patrons. No matter how drunk a patron is, sellers will continue to serve them alcohol as long as they can pay. This lax oversight has empowered the industry to get away with advertising that is overtly sexist and in extreme instances encourages sexual violence against women. Alcohol and sex Some brand names and descriptions on labels represent the male sexual organ as a weapon and the female sexual organ as a territory to be conquered and kept under control. "Copulation" and "bend over" are translations of drinks with highly sexualized branding targeted at young drinkers. The drink Action Bitters is targeted at the "class of consumers who desire it for its quality restorative and aphrodisiac values." Another drink, Ko Duro Soke, means "let it stand straight," referring to a man's sex organ. Male domination and sexual violence are also endorsed with names such as Fapataya (tear the panties) and Dadubule (force her to lie down). Pakurumo (bend over) represents using submissive sexual positions to keep control over women. Young drinkers are certainly making a connection between alcohol and sex. A 2020 study among secondary school students revealed that 33.6% of them had consumed sachet alcoholic bitters before their last sexual encounter. Alcoholic bitters are packed in plastic sachets and small bottles, making them cheap, available and easily accessible to buyers, including minors. Some of the adolescent participants in my own research confirmed that using alcoholic bitters for sex enhancement was common among young Nigerians. I interviewed 72 young people, both male and female. One of the male participants remarked: "It is obvious almost everybody uses alcohol for sex." Another added, "There are some kinds of gin like Action Bitters, One Corner Bitters and Orijin Bitters all those bitters are good for sex." Young women shared similar views, although most of them attributed these to alcohol consumption among men. Some of them blamed producers and marketers for spreading information on how alcoholic bitters enhanced sex: "It (herbal alcoholic bitters) is good for sex; the product has a lot of adverts that if you use the product, you will get a lot of strength and you will last long in bed." Another young respondent said, "They say that if you go to bed and meet your sexual partner, you will perform well. So, because of the Action Bitters' adverts, my friends would take it excessively just to have sex." Drinking games Another form of irresponsible marketing is drinking games in public. Open trucks blast out loud music to promote sales by drawing people's attention to their brands. Young brand promoters walk beside the truck, inviting bystanders to take part in competitions such as who can drink the fastest. The winner is rewarded with more alcohol, money or both. Previous studies in Nigeria and other countries have shown that drinking games can result in public drunkenness and alcohol overdose. How to stop irresponsible branding As a country that currently does not have any policies to control alcohol sales, consumption and branding, Nigeria urgently needs to take action, guided by international best practices. Government has made little effort to deal with the problem of heavy drinking. One glaring example was the response by legislators after Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration announced that alcoholic beverages sold in sachets or bottles of less than 200ml would be banned. The Federal House of Representatives, Nigeria's lower chamber of the national assembly, asked that the ban be suspended "pending investigation." To date, the suspension of the ban has not been reversed. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Researchers are using big data and smart technologies to improve conditions for bees and guide beekeepers. With an electronic "ping," Professor Dirk de Graaf gets an alert on his smartphone. It's a message from a beehive that's in trouble. De Graaf, a professor of biomedical physiology and insect physiology and head of the Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology at the University of Ghent, Belgium, has spent the last five years developing a data collection system for beehives that he hopes can greatly improve survival rates. Smart hives As part of a Europe-wide research initiative, the B-GOOD project, de Graaf and a team of researchers from 13 European countries joined forces between mid-2019 and November last year to explore how new technologies could help support both the health of bees and the sustainability of beekeeping. The researchers have created a monitoring system that can identify problems in a hive and give tailored advice to the beekeeper on how to intervene. This system is a potentially crucial ally for beekeepers, of which there were an estimated 615 000 in the EU in 2021. They developed a digital comba thin circuit board equipped with various sensors around which bees build their combs. Several of these in each hive can then transmit data to researchers, providing real-time monitoring. The next step was to work out how best to interpret the data. "The challenge was to figure out which parameters contribute most to the health status of a colony," said de Graaf. Over three seasons, the team monitored close to 400 colonies, spread across the 13 participating countries, allowing them to build algorithms to help interpret the data gathered by the digital combs. "It turns out that weight is a good indicator of whether a colony will survive in the winter," said de Graaf. "Using our technology, we can now identify colonies that need intervention. This is then communicated to the beekeepers via tailored alerts with specific instructions." Tech-savvy beekeeping Bees are a keystone species, essential for pollinating wild plants and many cultivated food crops, including chocolate, coffee, tomatoes and blueberries. It is estimated that around four in five crop and wild-flowering plant species in Europe depend, at least to some extent, on insect pollination. Yet, the numbers of wild pollinators in Europe, and the world, are declining rapidly due to the combined impact of climate change, habitat loss and widespread pesticide use. According to the European Red List, the populations of around one in three bee, butterfly and hoverfly species are threatened. For de Graaf, the effects of pesticides are particularly detrimental. "Very often the bees don't die immediately when they are exposed to pesticides, but they develop memory issues and eventually fail to return to their hive," said de Graaf. Automatic hive data collection is already being used by some beekeepers, mostly younger ones who are tech-savvy. Now the aim is to promote the use of these tools throughout the beekeeping community, which will allow larger scale data gathering. To this end, the researchers are working closely with the EU Bee Partnership, an EU-wide bee health and data management platform created in 2017. "More beekeepers relying on this would be a complete game changer; it would help us to look at bee health from a different angle," said de Graaf. The technology developed may also be able to help beekeepers plan future hives. The B-GOOD team has used the data to create virtual landscapes that predict how a hive will respond to certain environmental conditions. "This works a bit like a flight simulator, but for beekeepers," de Graaf said. Ongoing funding from the EU will allow the B-GOOD researchers to continue their valuable work through the BETTER-B research initiative which will continue until May 2027. Inside view Professor Thomas Schmickl, professor of zoology at the University of Graz, Austria, has also spent the past five years exploring the use of cutting-edge technology to support honey bee health as part of another research initiative called HIVEOPOLIS which ran from 2019 to March this year. Schmickl is the founder of the Artificial Life Lab (ALL) at the University of Graz, an international, interdisciplinary research laboratory that conducts research in the areas of swarm-intelligence, self-organization, swarm-robotics and biologically inspired algorithms. Much of the work done at ALL is based on taking inspiration from nature to inform advances in robotics. In HIVEOPOLIS, researchers are turning this around and looking instead at how advances in robotics could help support nature. Schmickl calls this concept ecosystem hacking. "Honey bees are extremely powerful. If you support them, you support the environment around them," said Schmickl. "Pollination can only be maintained with the help of bees." He points out that less pollination by insects, farmers' yields will go down, causing food prices to rise. This, in turn, puts pressure on farmers to adopt intensive environmentally damaging farming methods that lead to a further decline in insect populations. It's a vicious cycle. Like the B-GOOD team, the HIVEOPOLIS researchers have developed a digital honeycomb equipped with sensors. By measuring temperatures at different points in the beehive, the researchers can effectively map what is happening inside. For example, this allows beekeepers to identify where the brood is located in a hive, the so-called brood nest. Beekeepers can then open the hive without disturbing the sensitive brood nest area. Keeping warm But HIVEOPOLIS's digital combs are not just sensors; they can be activated to heat up certain parts of a beehive, which Schmickl says could make a major difference to survival rates. "A lot of honey bee colonies die in the winter," he said. "They need honey to survive, but sometimes these stores are out of reach, so bees die from cold trying to reach them." By helping to keep the bees warm during the winter, beekeepers can increase the survival rate of the colonies. "This is the first time we can change the temperature from inside the comb, directly sending the command over the internet. No one has ever done that before," he said. Initially, it was unclear how the bees would react to the technology. Experiments have confirmed, however, that not only have colonies reacted positively, but swarm intelligence responds to the temperature changes by reducing the bees' own heat production, helping them save energy. Dancing bees Inspired by the work of the Austrian researcher, Karl von Frisch, the HIVEOPOLIS team also investigated the potential to communicate with bees in a particularly original way. In 1973, von Frisch was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in deciphering the honey bees' waggle dancea dance used by the bees to communicate the location of food sources. He postulated that the angle to the beehive, the formation of the dance and the speed of the waggle movement all combined to indicate the direction and distance of the food source. This type of communication through movement seems to be unique in the insect world and is a source of fascination for researchers. Dr. Tim Landgraf, a professor of artificial and collective intelligence at the Freie Universitat Berlin in Germany, one of the partners in HIVEOPOLIS, further expanded on earlier work of his. This involved the development of a robotic dancing bee, RoboBee, and provided the first indications that bees may be willing to follow a digital partner's lead. In HIVEOPOLIS, Landgraf's research lab has created a system to observe real honey bee dances and translate them onto a map in order to analyze them more closely. Ultimately, the HIVEOPOLIS team believes that such a robot could potentially guide honey bees towards safe foraging sites and away from dangerous areas, such as sites contaminated either by pesticides or disease.But first they want to understand the dance better. Schmickl said that he hopes to see beekeepers make good use of the work carried out: "We have the prototypes, now it is up to the free market to make use of these technologies on a larger scale." This article was originally published in Horizon the EU Research and Innovation Magazine. 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: Spider (Araneus ventricosus) with two ensnared male fireflies (Abscondita terminalis), one of which has a luminescent lantern (right). Credit: Xinhua Fu Fireflies rely on flashing signals to communicate to other fireflies using light-emitting lanterns on their abdomens. In fireflies of the species Abscondita terminalis, males make multi-pulse flashes with two lanterns to attract females, while females make single-pulse flashes with their one lantern to attract males. Now researchers reporting in the journal Current Biology on August 19 have evidence that an orb-weaving spider (Araneus ventricosus) manipulates the flashing signals of male fireflies ensnared in its web such that they mimic the typical flashes of a female firefly, thereby luring other males to serve as their next meal. "Drawing from extensive field observations, we propose that Araneus ventricosus practices deceptive interspecific communication by first ensnaring firefly males in its web and then predisposing the entrapped male fireflies to broadcast bioluminescent signals that deviate from female-attracting signals typically made by A. terminalis males and instead mimic the male-attracting signals typically made by females," the researchers wrote. "The outcome is that the entrapped male fireflies broadcast false signals that lure more male fireflies into the web." The discovery came after the first author of the new study, Xinhua Fu, from Huazhong Agricultural University, China, noticed several male fireflies ensnared in the webs of orb-weaving spiders while in the field. Strangely, he rarely, if ever, saw a female firefly in a web. Subsequent trips also revealed a similarly skewed pattern. This led Fu to suspect that the spiders might be attracting males to their webs by somehow manipulating their flashing behavior. To test this hypothesis, behavioral ecologists Daiqin Li and Shichang Zhang from Hubei University, along with Fu, conducted field experiments that allowed them to observe both the spider's behavior and the fireflies' signals. Their studies showed that the spider's web more often captured male fireflies when the spider was present in comparison to when the spider was absent from the web. With further analysis, they found that the signals made by male fireflies in webs with spiders looked a lot more like the signals of free females. More specifically, the ensnared males used single-pulse signals using only one of their lanterns, not both. These ensnared male fireflies rarely lured other males when they were alone in the web. The findings suggested that the males weren't altering their flashes as a distress signal. The researchers propose that the spiders alter the firefly's signal. "While the eyes of orb-web spiders typically support limited spatial acuity, they rely more on temporal acuity rather than spatial acuity for discriminating flash signals," Li said. "Upon detecting the bioluminescent signals of ensnared male fireflies, the spider deploys a specialized prey-handling procedure involving repeated wrap-bite attacks." The findings show that animals can use indirect yet dynamic signaling to target an exceptionally specific category of prey in nature. The researchers further suggest there may be many more undescribed examples in nature yet to be found in which predators may use mimicry to manipulate the behavior of their prey, based on communicative signals that may include sound, pheromones, or other means. They note that more study is needed to find out if the spider's venom or the bite itself leads to changes in the ensnared males' flashing pattern. 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 Employees stuck in a job they want to leave are not positively impacted by organizational support once an employer has been perceived to have broken their trust, new research has found. Stuck employees are people who would like to leave their current jobs but cannot because of a lack of job alternatives, family responsibilities or other barriers. Recent research has found that over half of the global workforce falls into this group. These reluctant stayers are more likely to engage in counterproductive behavior at work to 'retaliate' against perceived organizational injustice. This could include trying to look busy or wasting time, deliberately disobeying supervisor instructions, damaging equipment, and speaking poorly about the company to others. Now, new research from The Pennsylvania State University (U.S.) and the Centre for Responsible Business at the University of Birmingham (UK) has found that if an employer is perceived to break trust with their workers, supportive policies at work do not reduce retaliation intentions of stuck employees. The study has been published in the Journal of Business and Psychology. Solon Magrizos, Associate Professor of Marketing at Birmingham Business School, said, "A company being seen to care about well-being reflects the perception that an employer should look out for their employees' best interests and safety at work. Our study has found that after an employer makes a decision that compromises employee safety, general positive organizational support perceptions can reduce retaliation intentions, but not among stuck employees." The researchers surveyed 327 working adults in the United States and asked them to scale their intention to leave their current job, how easy it would be to leave and the perceived organizational support at work. They were then assigned to view one of three conditions that manipulated employer behavior, using the context of COVID-19 measures: A decision that protects employee safetyThe governor had just removed state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions and the participant imagined that their current employer decided to retain the current COVID-19 protective measures. A decision that lowers employee safetyThe governor had just removed state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions and the participant imagined that their current employer decided to remove the current COVID-19 restrictions in the interest of reducing business disruption. A control business decision in which the decision was not in the hands of the CEOThe governor mandated that all existing COVID-19 restrictions stay in place and the employer complied with these restrictions. The respondents then completed scales assessing perceived organizational support and retaliation intentions. The results showed that while general perceived organizational support offered by the employer buffered employees' negative reactions to the decisions that reduced their safety, it did not do so for stuck employees. Caroline Moraes, Professor of Marketing at Birmingham Business School and Co-Director of the Centre for Responsible Business, said, "Stuck employees had stronger reactions and retaliatory intentions compared to other employees. Being seen as a highly supportive workplace protected the employer against retaliatory intentions only from employees able to leave their jobs easily or those who did not want to leave. This is caused by stuck employees having a more transactional relationship with their employer, so they feel that their social exchange with their employer has been violated more strongly." The study argues that this social exchange norm violation increases stuck employees' motivation for negative reciprocity in order to restore balance in their relationship with their employer, even when perceptions of general organizational support are high. The results also suggest that general organizational support perceptions can actually increase retaliation intentions among those who would like to leave but cannot do so. But this does not mean employers should not be supportive. Professor Moraes and Dr. Magrizos concluded, "Sometimes organizations have to make difficult decisions, and it is important to note that stuck employees represent a large group, so the potential for greater retaliation should be taken into account. "But communicating clearly and honestly about why decisions are being made, developing better relationships with employees by enabling self and career development opportunities, and providing ways for employees to raise concerns that are subsequently heard and addressed can help. Understanding these stuck employees is key to improving negative feelings at work." More information: Jean M. Phillips et al, Examining Retaliation Intentions Among Stuck Employees, Journal of Business and Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s10869-024-09971-6 Journal information: Journal of Business and Psychology Flash Russia fired ballistic and cruise missiles at the Ukrainian capital early on Sunday with neither casualties nor damage reported, the Kiev City Military Administration said in a statement. At about 5 a.m. local time (0200 GMT), ballistic missiles were launched at Kiev, but they were intercepted on the city's outskirts, the statement said. "This is already the third ballistic strike on the capital in August, with an exact interval of six days between each attack," it said. Two hours later, the Russian forces fired cruise missiles against Kiev from the southern direction, but the missiles were destroyed by the air defense, the city military administration said. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Multi-wavelength images of the SNR HB9, the H II region G159.2+3.3, and the surrounding area. Credit: Li et al., 2024. Chinese astronomers have performed multi-wavelength observations of a galactic supernova remnant known as HB9. Results of the observational campaign, published August 9 on the preprint server arXiv, shed more light on the remnant's properties and its possible physical connection with a nearby region of ionized atomic hydrogen (H II region). Supernova remnants (SNRs) are diffuse, expanding structures resulting from a supernova explosion. They contain ejected material expanding from the explosion and other interstellar material that has been swept up by the passage of the shockwave from the exploded star. Studies of supernova remnants are important for astronomers, as they play a key role in the evolution of galaxies, dispersing the heavy elements made in the supernova explosion and providing the energy needed for heating up the interstellar medium. SNRs are also believed to be responsible for the acceleration of galactic cosmic rays. Observations show that young stars form in giant molecular clouds, ionizing the surrounding gas and form H II regions. Afterward, when the stars explode, they leave SNRs in these regions. However, the physical connection between SNRs and surrounding H II regions has not been comprehensively studied yet. HB9 is a relatively young (about 6,600 years old), large galactic SNR located some 2,000 light years away, with a small H II region G159.2+3.3 apparently projected nearby. HB9 showcases a shell-type radio morphology and its angular size is estimated to be approximately 2 degrees in diameter. When it comes to G159.2+3.3, it appears brighter, more compact than HB9 and is located about 2 degrees north from the southern edge of the SNR's shell. Now, a team of astronomers led by Jiang-Tao Li of the Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing, China, has employed the McGraw-Hill 1.3m telescope at the Michigan-Dartmouth-MIT (MDM) observatory, to inspect the possible physical connection between HB9 and G159.2+3.3. The observations found that HB9 is bright in gamma-rays but its morphology is not clearly associated with the surrounding molecular clouds. However, a weak apparent connection of this remnant to the infrared bright enclosing shell of G159.2+3.3 has been identified in gamma-rays. The obtained data show that the multi-wavelength morphology of G159.2+3.3 is typical for galactic H II regions. This suggests that the Balmer line and radio emissions in the interior are thermal in origin, while the infrared bright shell consists of dust heated by the ultraviolet photons from young stars. The study found that the radial velocity of the southeast shell of HB9 is within the range of -30 and +50 km/s. This, according to the astronomers, indicates possible SNR shock heating of the gas. Furthermore, the researchers calculated a median electron density for the southeast shell of HB9, which turned out to be at a level of 100 cm-3. What is noteworthy, a smaller median value, of about 50 cm-3, was obtained for the brighter G159.2+3.3. This, according to the authors of the paper, could mean that the distance of G159.2+3.3 is indeed larger than that of HB9, so the two objects are not physically connected to each other. "Our density estimate suggests that G159.2+3.3, although appearing brighter and more compact, is likely located at a much larger distance than HB9, so the two objects have no physical connections, unless the shock compressed gas in HB9 has a significantly lower filling factor," the scientists concluded. More information: Jiang-Tao Li et al, Optical observations of the Galactic SNR HB9 and H II region G159.2+3.3, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2408.05016 Journal information: arXiv 2024 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: A map showing the journey of the two pygmy blue whales tracked by the research team. Credit: Edy Setyawan An epic journey spanning thousands of kilometers from Indonesia deep into sub-Antarctic waters by two Australian pygmy blue whales has been tracked by researchers for the first time, confirming a long-held hypothesis about the travel habits of the sub-species. Lead researcher and James Cook University Earth and Environmental Sciences Lecturer Dr. Putu Mustika and her team tracked two adult whales from the Savu Sea off the coast of the Indonesian city of Kupang into sub-Antarctic waters, starting in November 2021. After 59 days, one whale was last tracked 500 km northeast of the Kerguelen Plateau, about 2000 km north of Antarctica. "Our paper presents the first confirmation that this pygmy blue whale population travels beyond the southern waters of Australia towards the Kerguelen Plateau region," she said. "We can't say for certain that the whale actually reached the Kerguelen Plateau, but that is the direction it was traveling in when the transmitter stopped." A second pygmy blue whale was tracked for 193 days, making a 13,600 km round trip passing through the Savu Sea, Western Australia's North West Cape, Shark Bay and just south of the Great Australian Bight between the Subtropical Front and the Subantarctic Front. The findings, published August 15 in Marine Mammal Science, shed new light on previous recorded journeys of the Australian population of pygmy blue whales, which showed the mammals limiting their migratory patterns between the waters of the Savu, Timor and Banda seas, the eastern Indian Ocean and the Great Australian Bight. While acoustic data published by another group of researchers in 2010 and 2013 recorded what were believed to be the calls of pygmy blue whales off the Crozet Islands and New Amsterdam Island in the sub-Antarctic zone, the new data represents the first time two whales have been physically confirmed in the areathrough the use of satellite trackers. Dr. Mustika said she suspected the whales were most likely looking for food in the sub-Antarctic zone, given humpback whales from Western Australia are known to do the same. "An increasing number of studies have continued to highlight the marine connectivity between Indonesia and Australia given several marine megafauna, including the pygmy blue whale, are using the waters of both countries during their migrations," Dr. Mustika said. "For Indonesia, these pygmy blue whales travel through a busy marine transportation lane west of Kupang, which necessitates conservation strategies such as regular monitoring and 'go-slow' zones. "For Australia, these animals travel through offshore gas mining locations in Western Australia, and discussions between the government and the mining industry are required to protect this species from any adverse impacts." Dr. Mustika said she hoped to track more blue pygmy whales in the future to gain a better understanding of how far into the sub-Antarctic zone they potentially travel. The study involved researchers from JCU, Reef Check Indonesia, Cetacean Sirenian Indonesia, Elasmobranch Institute Indonesia, Muhammadiyah University Kupang, and the National Marine Conservation Area Agency. More information: Putu Liza Kusuma Mustika et al, The first record of the southbound movements of satellitetagged pygmy blue whales (B. m. brevicauda) from Savu Sea (Indonesia) to the subantarctic waters, Marine Mammal Science (2024). DOI: 10.1111/mms.13167 Journal information: Marine Mammal Science , Scientific Reports 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 The "Right to Disconnect" legislation set to take effect across Australia on August 26, 2024, marks a significant shift in how we approach work-life balance and digital connectivity. This new law, aimed at protecting employees from unreasonable out-of-hours contact, has sparked discussions about its potential impacts on both individual well-being and organizational productivity. As Australia joins a growing list of countries, like France, Belgium and Italy, implementing similar measures, it's crucial to examine the implications of this legislative change. Understanding the right to disconnect and its nuances One of the primary goals of this legislation is to address the growing concerns about employee burnout and mental health issues associated with an "always-on" work culture. The constant pressure to remain available and responsive to work matters, even during personal time, has been linked to increased stress levels, poor sleep quality, and decreased overall well-being. By providing a legal framework for disconnection, the new law aims to promote better work-life balance and protect employees' mental health. The legislation outlines factors to consider when determining whether contact outside working hours is reasonable. These include the nature and urgency of the reason for contact, the method of contact (e.g., a phone call versus an email), whether the employee is compensated for working outside of their ordinary hours, the level of the employee's responsibility within the organization, and the employee's personal circumstances Potential benefits and challenges Proponents of the law argue that it will lead to more rested, focused, and productive employees. For example, when workers have uninterrupted personal time to recharge and engage in non-work activities in the evening, they are likely to return to work more energized and efficient the next day. This could potentially result in higher quality work output and increased job satisfaction, benefitting both employees and employers in the long run. Moreover, the legislation may encourage organizations to reassess their work processes and communication practices. Companies might be prompted to implement more efficient systems for task management and information sharing during working hours, reducing the need for after-hours communication. This could lead to improved organizational efficiency and a culture that values focused work over constant availability. However, the implementation of the "Right to Disconnect" is not without challenges. In a globalized business environment, many Australian companies operate across different time zones or collaborate with international partners. The legislation will require these organizations to carefully navigate the balance between global business needs and employee rights. It may necessitate the development of new protocols for urgent communications and the establishment of clear guidelines on what constitutes a genuine work emergency. Critics are concerned about its consequences for business flexibility and competitiveness, where strict enforcement of disconnection could hinder innovation and responsiveness, particularly in industries that thrive on rapid communication and dynamic problem-solving. There are also questions about how the law will apply to employees with flexible working arrangements or those in roles that require some level of out-of-hours availability. Impact on work-life balance Hyperconnectivity, fueled by digital technologies, has blurred the lines between work and personal life, contributing to a sense of constant availability and negatively impacting employee well-being. The implementation of the law is expected to have a positive impact on work-life balance by enabling individuals to fully disconnect from work during their personal time and foster a healthy separation between their professional and personal lives. This can lead to reduced stress levels, improved mental health, and enhanced overall well-being. Employees will also have more time to spend with their families, pursue hobbies, and engage in activities that promote their physical and mental health. Furthermore, the law encourages a shift towards a more results-oriented work culture, where employees are evaluated based on their outputs and achievements rather than their constant availability. This can lead to increased focus and productivity during working hours, as employees escape the pressure to respond to work-related communications around-the-clock. Implementation and adaptation The success of the "Right to Disconnect" legislation will largely depend on how it is interpreted and implemented by both employers and employees. Organizations will need to develop clear policies that outline expectations for after-hours communication while ensuring that critical business functions are not compromised. This may involve redefining roles, adjusting workflows, and possibly increasing staffing in certain areas to ensure coverage without infringing on individual rights to disconnect. For employees, the legislation presents an opportunity to reassess their own habits and boundaries around work. While the law provides protection, it also requires individuals to take responsibility for managing their own connectivity and setting healthy limits. This might involve adjusting notification settings on devices, communicating clearly with colleagues about availability, and learning to prioritize tasks effectively during working hours. Importantly, the law empowers employees with connectivity agency, enabling them to make informed choices about their digital engagement outside of work hours, fostering a sense of control over their work-life balance. Long-term impact on work-life balance, productivity and innovation The impact on organizational productivity is likely to be multifaceted. Initially, there may be a period of adjustment as companies and employees adapt to the new norms. Some short-term disruptions to workflows and communication patterns are to be expected. However, the "Right to Disconnect" has the potential to foster a more sustainable and productive work environment in the long-term. By reducing the risk of burnout and promoting better work-life balance, the legislation could lead to lower employee turnover rates and associated costs. It may also enhance employer branding, making organizations more attractive to potential hires who value work-life balance. This could give Australian companies an edge in the global talent market, particularly as similar laws become more common internationally. The "Right to Disconnect" also presents an opportunity for organizations to innovate in their approach to work. It may accelerate the adoption of asynchronous communication tools and project management systems that allow for efficient collaboration without constant real-time interaction. This shift could lead to more thoughtful, deliberate communication and decision-making processes, potentially improving the quality of work output. Redefining work in the digital age As Australia implements this legislation, it will be crucial to monitor its effects and remain open to adjustments as needed. The law's success will depend on finding the right balance between protecting employee well-being and maintaining business agility. It will require ongoing dialogue between employers, employees, and policymakers to ensure that the intended goals are achieved without unduly burdening businesses or stifling economic growth. The "Right to Disconnect" legislation represents a significant step towards redefining the relationship between work and personal life in the digital age. While challenges in implementation are to be expected, the potential benefits for employee well-being and sustainable productivity are substantial. As workplaces adapt to this new framework, Australia has the opportunity to lead the way in creating a more balanced, healthy, and productive work culture. 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: Inside a Stevenson screen at a University of Reading weather station, 1952. Credit: University of Reading A small, white box with horizontal slats is a familiar sight at weather stations around the UK, and around the world. This louvered housing for thermometers measuring air temperature was invented in the 1860s by Thomas Stevenson, a lighthouse engineer and father of the author Robert Louis Stevenson. What is now widely known as a Stevenson screen was originally described by its creator as simply a "box for holding thermometers." In fact, the Stevenson screen was a masterful innovation. Its simple and easily replicable design allowed the outside air to flow around thermometers while protecting them from direct sunlight and rain which would otherwise affect the reading. The Stevenson screen made life easier for meteorologists too, since there was no need to periodically remove a shade or do much beyond reading the thermometers themselves. It became widely adopted and, in its various modern forms, is probably the most recognizable device for monitoring the weather. During a recent heat wave in Britain, the thermometers these boxes contain would have dutifully recorded very high temperatures. But, after 160 years of service, is it time for the Stevenson screen to retire? In a new study, my meteorologist colleague Stephen Burt and I compared temperatures measured following the traditional approach with those obtained using a modern system. Some small, but revealing discrepancies, emerged, particularly in calm winds overnight and on clear winter days. Despite this, the Stevenson screen remained remarkably effective at providing accurate and continuous measurements more than 150 years on. The Aitken effect One limitation of the Stevenson screen was highlighted by the Scottish meteorologist John Aitken as early as 1884. The screen, he argued, would not work well on calm and sunny days because it lacked natural ventilation. An aspirated thermometer (left) next to a Stevenson screen. Credit: University of Reading No solution to this problem has been widely implemented, but the latest generation of thermometer screens include electric fans to force the air through. These are known as aspirated thermometers. In the US and Canada, networks of aspirated thermometers are emerging that look very different to Stevenson screenssome are cylindrical, some mounted on masts. Aspirated thermometers are rare in the UK, but more are likely to appear in the future. Before making the switch though, meteorologists have to be sure that they do more or less the same job. Major changes to the methods of measuring air temperature have to be made carefully and slowly to keep a consistent record of the climate. Running a modern aspirated thermometer alongside a Stevenson screen is one way to identify differences in their measurements. We did this for three years at the Reading University Atmospheric Observatory, using an automatic system which generated over 1.5 million temperature records. We were especially interested in comparing how the two methods captured daily maximum and minimum temperatures. Looking at these extremes at any one site provides a way of identifying local climate change. Overall, there were remarkably few discrepancies, and those that did appear were small: in only 1% of cases were the differences greater than 1C. We estimated that across Europe about 4% of maximum temperatures will be affected in this way, and about 12% of recorded minimum temperatures. This is relatively minor, and will not affect the important conclusion that globally, air temperatures are increasing. We found these differences did not just happen on sunny days, however, as they were evident at night too. Calm or light winds at night allow the Stevenson screen to cool, making the minimum temperature it records lower than that of the aspirated thermometer. Conversely, daily maximum temperatures are mostly recorded when the wind is high, yet some maximum temperatures in the Stevenson screen still exceeded those from the aspirated thermometer. These were mostly when the sun was low on the horizon during the winter, occasionally producing an anomalously warm daily maximum temperature. Aitken's insight has been largely neglected, but he was ahead of his time. The aspirated thermometer, as increasingly recommended by the World Meteorological Organization, overcomes the limitations of the Stevenson screen in light or no wind. But for a device that is more than a century-and-a-half old, the Stevenson screen is still remarkably effective. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. VENTNOR City officials are looking to help the Ventnor Plaza shopping center install a new traffic light at its newly named Osprey Place entrance, next to Dollar General. The city recently approved a resolution to apply for an $875,000 local aid infrastructure grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the improvement. The county is requiring them to install a traffic signal at the newly created Osprey Place road, Commissioner Lance Landgraf said about the existing road that was renamed in July. Part of that is a significant improvement of about $875,000. So when Mr. Greco mentioned that to me, I said we could apply for a grant to help with that. The grant makes for a public-private partnership between the city and Ventnor Plaza owner Mark Greco, Landgraf said. Greco and his partners bought the 15.3-acre shopping center in June 2022. Since then, hes made a number of improvements to the plaza, such as repairing infrastructure and bringing new businesses to the property that was more than 40% vacant when he bought it. Ventnor Plaza Starbucks opening Aug. 15 The new Starbucks at Ventnor Plaza is expected to open Aug. 15, said Mark Greco, the owner of the shopping center. Some of those new businesses include Ivy Nails, Greens and Grains, and Fratellis Pizza. A Starbucks was expected to open soon as well. Work on the plazas entrances has started and was expected to improve access to the shopping center. A traffic light at Osprey Place would make that Wellington Avenue intersection much safer, said Landgraf, a professional city planner. The intersection is the first entrance to the shopping center for commuters traveling from the Black Horse Pike in Atlantic City. The traffic light also would help NJ Transit buses navigate through the center, since it just added a stop to its route at the post office there, Landgraf said. The city is seeking letters of support from NJ Transit and the U.S. Postal Service for the grant application, Landgraf said. The plaza really has become a great welcoming entrance to the city, Mayor Tim Kriebel said. Its been nice to see that first impression really turn into a welcoming center there. PHOTOS Ventnor Plaza construction Flash Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks at the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye in Ankara, Turkiye, on Aug. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Preparations are taking place for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's planned visit to the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian officials have reached out to countries worldwide for support, according to a statement published by Palestinian official news Agency WAFA on Sunday. The visit aims to demonstrate solidarity with Gaza's residents, assert that the State of Palestine and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) are the legitimate authorities over all Palestinian territories, and promote national unity, said the statement. The statement noted that "the Palestinian leadership" is engaging with the UN agencies, UN Security Council members, Arab and Islamic countries, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the EU, the African Union, and other global powers to ensure the initiative's success and garner support. Israel has also been informed, it added. In a speech delivered at a Turkish parliamentary assembly, Abbas said he decided to travel to Gaza with all members of the Palestinian leadership, emphasizing his commitment to stand with the Palestinian people, WAFA reported. The pedestrian struck by a bus in Bettendorf last week died of his injuries, Bettendorf police announced Monday. John Hayes, 81, of Davenport, was hit by a bus Aug. 14 and died of his injuries Aug. 15 at the University of Iowa Medical Center, according to a news release. The driver of the school bus was Diana Santiago, 41, of East Moline, police said in the release. No charges have been filed as the investigation is underway. Hayes was walking south on Devils Glen Road and crossing Tanglefoot Lane in a crosswalk, according to a previous news release from Bettendorf police. A bus with Durham School Services contracted by the Pleasant Valley School District took a left turn to go east on Tanglefoot Lane and struck Hayes, the police said. There were no students on the bus and the driver remained on scene.